expected faiâ—hâ—ull whether they might have commanded their â—ommanders at the sight of Boâ—ty who knew Opportunity makes a Theefe However God be thanked for so reall a Remonstance to the contâ—aâ—y as neither we nor you could promie 6. That that gave you entrance into the 〈◊〉 was the good affection of the Citizens who would not engage against you who are now put into the scale with neâ—teâ—s and malignants who opposed you most 7. In â—idged proceedings you imiâ—â—te the Malignant not the Godly party of the Presbyterians who were much grieved at that suddain outing of your and our Independent friends 8. Consider you are now upon the Pinacle of temptation A man is never tryed till he hath power to do good or hurt to be mercifull or oppressive the eyes of the whole Christian world is upon you Suppose ye were naked and those ye now look upon as enemies were armed Thiâ—k upon that good old rule What ever ye would men should doe to you doe ye to them for this is Law and Prophets 9. Hereby ye exasperate the spirits of Neuters and Malignants who would be glad of opportunity to bee avenged both upon you and the Presbyterian Godly and who onely wait a turn of the wheele now by dealing unworthyly with the Godly party although different in Judgement you give but occasion of more violence if opportunity serve unlesse God be the more mercifull the breach will be then more wide then ever 10. This causes men to say You seek your selves not the publique when men of Gallantry and Fidelity otherwise without exceptions are neglected because not of opinions with you in all things and putting into place of Honour and Trust men of sinister and unworthy principles some of them who to my knowledge never lent Ten groats freely to the publique either hazarded life or fortune in the Kingdoms cause or could till very late give you a good word while many neglected have pleaded your Cause before God and man when you were at greater distance and lesse strength and let me tell you in such generall negotiations you were better spare ten knaves then deal unworthily with one honest man It is true the City of late have kept their purses whatsoever is said to the contrary not being so able as formerly the well-affected in it having had divers occasions of weakning yet peradventure some others have too unworthily dealt this way doubtlesse Nabal dealt as unworthily with David and it never repented him to spare the Churls blood 11. Give the Presbyterians their due although they neglected your and their Independant friends yet they loved them better then to send them by Troops as it were into prison therefore take heed while ye plead against persecution and tyranny you your selves act not that part 12. Did your Master the Parliament forgive you ten thousand talents when ye refused to disband seized the Kings person changed the Militia demanded the impeached members with a menace and will you pull your poore brother by the throat for an â—undred pence for one act yea so disputable they acting by Command you contrary Gentlemen I must deal plainly with you I cannot I may not I dare not to speak Souldier-like I will not flatter and I am consident I speak to those that regard more the reproof of a friend then the flattery of a foe 13. This makes Religion ridiculous in that there is no forbearing one another not a wise man amongst us to moderate but we must jar before the uncircumcised that would gladly see us both ruined for shame let not this be told in Gath or published in Askelon Let not the daughters of the Philistims rejoyce in our divisions What shall wee now at last that have been joyning against the Common enemys become the devils Pack horses to drive on the designe of him and his God forbid What say they is this your harmlesse Army Is this your Reformation Have we not a Church and State well setled Is this the fruits of your Fastings and Prayers these are your brethren the Saints Marry God send us a King upon any termes This is the Language of your and our enemies at home and abroad and I verily beleeve our divisions adds more to the strength of Antichrists Kingdom then all his Champions and I do as verily beleeve that he hath a competent number both in City and Army viz. Jesuits that are the fomenters of this mischief God grant the Parliament be clear of them 14. Consider how wide a dore our domestick dissentions sets open to a Forreign Adversary Certainly but that God unexpected and undeservedly on our parts hath engaged them one against another we had heard more of them ere this 15. Take notice the hand of God is upon us he 's pleading with us by his Judgments the sword hath devoured much flesh and still threats his pestilential arrows are flying about us striking on the right and lesc hand and although the season promise better then a famine yet price of bread corn c. is sach as that the poor are not a little pincht I Gods controversie on foot and shall we provoke him by our unnatural conteâ—tions I look upon the jarrings of the godly as a spiritual and heavie Judgment Surely our hearts are divided from God therefore he divides us Let us not be in ensible of his hand and take heed of biting one another least we be devoured one of another 16. Violence and Oppression are grand causes of Civil commotions and insurrections believe it the whole Kingdom is in â—ardly disturbed Oppression makes a wise man mad Our studiet erefore should be to ease not burthen if fire break out it s not easily quenched 17. Shall Pagans Papists Heathens and Tuâ—ks agree and shall Christians be the onely men of contention Let us not give occasion to blaspheme Are the arch enemies of God and Kingdom overcome and shall we now breatne out threats and slaughters one against another Remember the Apostle saith If any man lust to be contentious the Churches of Christ have no such custom 18. Consider you have a harâ— task to undergo I believe in the accomplishment whereof you Iâ—ave need enough of the assistance of ali the well-affected in the Kingdom work which would have been carryed on with les difficulty while the affections of the Kingdom were warmer toward the Parliament and you also then now 19. Hereb you sad the hearts of many faithful Instruments of Church and Sâ—aâ—e and discourage divers of those you employ 〈…〉 with ife a â—minister much matter of mirth to a lmalignants to see â—uch now sligâ—ted by you who were ever envied by them for their activity and sidelity 20. Fear of violencâ— both from within and without caused the Ciâ—y to endevour a capacity of desence noâ— this being over sufficient satisfaction to Saints is vindication of their own innocencie not revenge Have ye done all for God Trust all with God 21. Forget not Wâ—at the Citie hath done for
The Samaritans Box Newly opened Powring his Oyl into the wounds of a distresled Kingdome And communicating wholsom advice to all Estates especially to his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax the Honourable Councel of War together with the Agitators of the ARMY Wherein is laid down 1. The particular causes of all our calamities 2. Divers Considerations tending to Moderation 3. Rules to prevent growth of Evils 4. Assured means to procure Peace and put an end to all our Troubles By WILLIAM LEVITT I speak it to your shame is there not a wise man among you no not one that can Judge between his brethren but a brother goeth to law with a brother that under Insidels 1 Cor. 6. 5. 6. The Prophet is a Fool and the spirituall man is mad for the multitude of thine Iniquity therefore the hatred is great Hos 9. 7. Let your Moderation bee knowne to all men the Lord is at hand James 3. 17. Beati Pacifici Matth. 5. 9. LONDON Printed by James and Joseph Moxon at the signe of the Sugar loaf in Houâ—s-ditch 1647. Gentlemen and loving Friends THat due and Dear respect I ow to you all together with that Obligation lies upon me in regard of God and my Native Countrey enforces this undertaking and indeed such is my interest in and affection to you so far as God hath made you Instrumentall to clear the Kingdom of those Catterpillers that threatned consumption both of Church and State that I desire death rather then detract the least iota of your noble deservings such having been the foot-steps of God with you that no power could stand before the aw and Majesty where with your Army was clad witnesse those many matchlesse Victories and Successes obtained by Gods blessing upon your un-defatigable and undaunted resolutions so that generations to come may blesse God for you and from whom under God the well-affected receive their present protection Notwithstanding such are the various occurrences of Church and State that all the vast expence of Treasure and Blood and all your unparalleld pains to deliver this poore Kingdom from oppression and Tyranny is like to be utterly lost if God unexpectedly strike nor in iâ— sâ—â—nders by may say or see any thing I dare not have the least thought of any ill Intent in your meanest Instrument yet our divisions and distractions are so great their consequences so destructive that your faithfullest â—â—â—ends fear overthrow of all Time was when our externalls only were corrupted the disease not half so dangerous but now our very Vitalls are infected and we become more destructively incurable The difference is not now between the Malignant and well-affected but the envyous man hath sowed Taâ—es among the â—ainâ—s who under God are the life and being of a Nation Nay and these unhappy jâ—rrs in a time when all expected Peace Thiâ— hath been the stratagem of Satan from the first rise of our unhappy commotions to set the Godly together by the ears he well knowing the designe would not stand with his honour neither could he so easily effect to divide his own they being wiser in their generations then the children of light I have adventured his prevention either by an endeavour of reâ—uniting the dissenting parties viz. â—he Presbyterian and Independant or at least a moderation of that violence which is too too apparant in each when prevalent And although I may meet not only with misapprehensions but harsh Censures for my pains and peradventure accounted a Self-seeker although impartially considered there 's little cause I am in this as in all other my publique undertakings armed against both good and evill reports and would willingly have shunned that occasion had not the Ordinance of Parliament forced me to be more publique then otherwise I would I thank my God I never was sinister or do I at all plead for imployment I am not so low wintered to seek an Office I abhorre the thoughts being better able to passe by personall injuries then to see general despite cast upon the well-affected who for some circumstantiall difference are generally cast out of places of Honour and Trust or shamefully neglected in whose behalf I have taken upon mee this thanklesse task In prosecution whereof I shall lay down 1. The particular procuring Causes of all our Calamities 2. Divers Considerations tending to moderation 3. Rules to prevent growth of distempers 4. Certain approved means to put an end to all our Troubles Only let me premise that I detest to speak one word in behalf ofany man of publique dis-affection or justifie the illegal proceedings of any of what Judgment soever utterly disclaiming that giddy ingagement although divers honest men were drawn in to it and condemâ—ing that unparalled peece of violence offered the Parliament so dishonourably permitted neither the Actors enquired after or the actions declared against I mean when the Votes were forced by which the second Militia sat the second time neither do I in the least own the declining and neglect of our Independant friends who had both in Militia and Command sufficiently declared their fidelity But as I said in behalf of such as have been found faithfull and are either by mis-representation or only for that they are Presbyterian dishonourably intreated being willing to own a Godly man of either Judgement 1. For the Causes of our Calamities 1. The originall and â—oot of all our maladies as they proceed from God is sin both Nationall and personall as pride prophanenesse Idolatry uncleannesse fullnesse of bread Contempt of the poor oppression violence light esteem of the Gospel formality unthankfullnesse unsuitable walking with God in the midst of manifold mercies and deliverances for these things the land mourn 2. Carnall Confidence too much trusting in an arm of flesh one Idolizing a King another a Parliament a third an Army a fourth a Synod in reference to Church settlement peradventure a fifth a Common Councell God now lets us see all is vain He infatuates our Councels shakes our foundations so that our Prophets are as in the dayes of Hosea turned Fooles the spirituall man is mad all our Champions from whom we expected deliverance become rotten reeds all telling us there is no trust in secundary causes God hath been God will be our Reformer our Deliverer He it is must speak Peace and he only must settle the affairs of Church and State that his Name may have more praise 3. Idolizing our own opinions though never so monstrous every one hugging his own Apes because they are his and hence is it not only the Godly Learned but the ballance of the Sanctuary are so much sleighted 4. Corrupt men in places of Honour and Trust seeking themselves not the publique 5. Ingratitude and more then ordinary incivility and dishonour offered those that under God have delivered us from our common enemies not taking care either for their payment or making sufficient provision for Indempnity or Tender Consciences before endeavours of disbanding 6. Jealousies mis-understandings and
you and the Kingdom A man will ever be tender of a friend and make best constiuctions of his actions Suppose that with Diogenes it hath once in its sise gone backward me thinks that ever forwardness and freeness that hath been found it it should cover one fault 22. Herein you seem to prâ—fer shaddows before substance Is there any man slighted that is Independent though never so erroneous and unsound in his opinion while men though never so Oâ—thodox if dissering in that punctillo are neglected so that it seems a less matter to be an Anabaptist Antinomian Anti Scripturian Anti Sabatharian an Anti-God or an Anti Christ then a Semi-Anti Independent 23. This mightily corrobocats and consirms all the Roman Catholick crew nay the prophane wretches in the world are encouraged hence to abominate our Religion and the very name of it while they are unanimous though never so Idolauous and prophane and we thus extremely fill'd with contentions and divisions 24. Consider harsh dealing from friends goes harsh goes neerest the heart What thou my familiar friend that sate at my Table that are my bread with whom I took sweet counsel with whom I ven uredlife and fortune may this Citie well say especially the well affected in it Truly should Cavaliers and Maâ—ignants oppose the godly it were no wonder for wolves to â—â—vour sheep is natural but it would astonish a man to see one sheep shouldering and devouring another I am sure our shepherd will not well like it 25. Let the Cities former service prevail so far with you as to bâ—â—ish he thâ—ughtâ— of billerting upon iâ— iâ—s very fit the souâ—dier should have his pay but I hope the Parliamâ—nt both can and have made better proviâ—ion then billet of Ordinances are not obeyed where men are able let them suffer distress for want of which many dis affected laugh at such whose freeness and obedience to the State hath dis inabled them to do as formerly while others malignantly disposed are much in arrear with whom speedy and strict course should be taken but the houses and shops of Citizens are fit to entertain better guests then common souldiers 26. Lastly although not the least consideration Poor bleeding dying Ireland which lies gasping for our help while we lie câ—uslesly contending one with another Wo be to them that are cause of that â—ad retard of their relief I believe if God call him once to account who ever it be it were better that a milstone were hang'd about his neck and he cast into the Sea then to bean Instrument of shedding so much Christian blood weâ—l is it while we in effect say it shall be destroyed the Lord saith no in the absence of humane help I will save and deliver it Friends I pray God grant when he makes Inquisition that Irelands blood be not charged upon Englands account for all we do is to talk of their relief we say to the hunger starved be ye warmed and be ye filled and to the naked be ye clothed and to the wounded be ye healed but who administers help Surely we are all Priests and Levites 3. Remedies to prevent growth of future evils 1. Take heed of too much listning to whispering Informers who do more hurt in private then ever they 'l do good to publique especially give them no ear when they strike at men of publike Trust fidelity and spirit 2. In placing or displacing consult not with men of self-ish and peevish spirits although otherwise godly he is fittest to advise withal that loves a godly man let him be Presbyterian or Independent 3. Let not a single report serve in point of publike concernment 4. Judge no man by a particular word or action that generally hath appeared faithful 5. Make best constructions of the words and actions of any godly man of what opinion soever in circumstantialis 6. Condemn no man till called to answer his chaâ—ge nor gâ—ve much heâ—d to one that gapes for preferment 7. If the Parliament would acquiesce in their own Judgement and determinations it would prevent much discontent they being the proper Trustees and Representative Body of the Kingdom and not the Army and then would likewise the Kingdom acquiesce in them 8. Avoid all things that may breed dis-union and listen to any thing that may promote peace or tending to a Religious accomodation 9. If they would be more caresul to keep their credit in paiment of the publique faith then solicitous to reward themselves tâ—ere would be less heart-risings against them Take heed of cutting too large thongs neither slay the poor mans Ewe-Lamb 4. Means to put an end to all our Troubles 1. Let us break off our sins by righteousnesse and our iniquities by shewing mercy for they are cause of all our troubles Corrupt Councellours and States-men have slain their thousands but our sins their ten thousands 2. Let every one of us in particular seek the Lord call upon him and wrestle with him by prayer for setling Peace and Truth and let both Presbyterian and Independent joyntly and solemnly seek the Lord in publique for his direction and blessing that however our opinions differ our affections may bee one for God like a wise Father if he see his children altogether by the ears will never leave lashing till hee make them agree 3. Let the difference be publickly debated by men of moderate spirits able and Godly that the Kingdom may receive satisfaction 4. Every one deny himself Let all Estates King Parliament Army and City too smite upon the thigh all confesting their mis-treadings for so long as each stands upon his own Justification there can be no true Peace 1. For the King None can deny that his doings have been destructive the sad stories whereof may be yet read in lines of Blood 2. The Army However happily owned by the Parliament since their refusing to disband c. although the most renowned in the Chriâ—â—ian world I beleeve no age can produce so many sumpâ—omeâ— and trophiâ—s of Honour in so short a time as they yet this cannot be reckoned lesse then a digression 3. The City extreamly too blame In permitting it not countenancing that mischievous combination and ingagement that horrid ryot and violence upon the Parliament neither punished nor declared against As also in outing the Militia and their Commands their Independent brethren who had been faithfull and active in worst times 4. The Parliament 1. In sleighting such an Army who under God were their and the Kingdoms deliverers endeavouring their disbanding before sufficient provision either for Pay Indempnity or Tender Conscience 2. In pleading a Force some of them saying they were forced to Vote a shameful plea for any man intrusted with a Kingdom Coâ—science certainly cannot be compell'd were the sword at the brest a man ought rather lose his life then betray a Kingdom if a man could not sit without apparent hazâ—â—d of life he were better of the two protest and withdâ—aw but if there come liâ—e
or death he ought to spâ—ak his Consciâ—â—â—â— Now if all this would câ—use out a Committee of able godly 〈◊〉 considerable mâ—n confess all their failings and let their business be onely to accomodate using â—hose foregoing 〈◊〉 of Fasting Prayer Repenâ—ance c. I am consident a short and seasonable period would be put to all our Troubles 5. Let after all this provision be made if both parties agree not for the dissenting What though they cannot joyn with us in our Discipline cannot we allow our own Country-men as much priviledg as the Dutch and French had in the Bishops daies whose discipline ever differed from ours That which is of God will stand if not it will undoubtedly fall Lastly Short and seasonable advice to the suffering Party whether Presbyterian or Independent 1. Take heed of suffering as an evil doer and then be not at all troubled it is and hath been the portion of the most precious to be evilly entreated neither art thou alone 2. Be comforted in that God is the avenger of the oppressed neither do extremes last long 3. Be comforted that thou hast discharged a good Conscience while entrusted 4. Let this thy condition be so far from causing thee to take part with malignants which thy corrupt heart will be apt to that it cause thee to walk more closely and circumspectly with God and let patience have its perfect work 5. Be not perplexed for that providences are promiscuous or for that Gods dispensations are misterious in that notwithstanding all our expence of Treasure and Blood after so much wrastling with God in publique and private our hopes of Reformation is so much clouded but honour God in staying thy heart upon him in most unsetled times yea even in the dark who is able to bring light out of darknes life out of death nay heaven out of hell consider he that is faithful hath promised no crosse occurrences can alter his purpose He that preferred Joseph by the prison Led Israel to Canaan through the Sea Created all things of nothing can nay doubtlesse will after a while exercise of our Faith and Patience in the wildernesse of our unhappy divisions and distractions bring us to a blessed Land flowing with milk and hony of peace and truth Yet will he give us pure Ordinances perfect the work of Reformation yet will he set his Son upon his holy hill of Sion It is good to see Sions beauty in the very dust thereof Object If any shall object I have pleaded the Presbyterian cause more then the Independent Answ 1. I answer At this time there is more need the Presbyterian being most despicable 2. Time was not many years since when the Independents were as much despised when under God I was as instrumentall for their entertainment I desire to look upon the suffering party whichsoever desiring to heal and compose not to make wider the wound Thus having freely unboweld my self peradventure not without displeasure on all sides some will say I have spoken too much against the Army another that I have wronged the King others that I have wronged the City others I have abused the Parliament which is the least of my thoughts in any particular I honor them all only I love them all too well to flatter any and if every one will but enter into his own heart and smite upon his own thigh I know none will condemne me However if I have come neer the quick I hope all will consider that a faithfull Physitian takes more care to cure then please his Patient neither is he a good Chirurgeon that cannot cut and lance when need is the â—ore must bee thorowly searched lest skinned over again putrify Iâ— I have by this poor â—ling and stone struck our Gyant-like jâ—â—ings in the fore-head Iâ— by this clay and spâ—tlâ— God please to open our eyes and inâ—lâ—â—e our heares to a happy accomodation iâ— I have pleased my God and been â—aithfull to my Countâ—ey I passe not and if the physick be not so toothsom I am sure it is wholsome The Lord make it effectuall to the lâ—easing our unâ—appy diâ—â—erences FINIS Imprimatur JOHN DOVVNAME