Commonwealth as now established without a King or House of Lords And this Ingagement was generally taken by such as were then counted well-affected Object Though it cannot be denyed but this was a most eminent Shaking yet how is it proved that in the Change of the English-Monarchy to a Commonwealth a Scripture-Prophesie was fulfill'd and particularly Heb. 12.26 27 Answ If it be granted it was a SHAKING and an eminent one too it will easily be proved being in England a Scripture-Prophesie was fulfill'd and particularly Heb. 12. For the Scripture-Prophesies of the last times concern the Churches and people of God and where these are there may we expect will come to pass what things are foretold in the word of God there are many changes and alterations of States and Policies in the world at this time of which nothing in Scripture is foretold nevertheless where Gods people are and Jesus Christ is truly worshipped there cannot be any such shaking I speak according to that light I have in the things of God but in order to the fulfilling of some Prophesie What thou seest write in a Book and send unto the seven Churches in Asia Rev. 1.11 2. If England be one of the ten Kingdoms in Dan. 7.7 and Rev. 17.12 as it is generally held yea the first that constituted it self a free and absolute State when the Romane Empire was broken to peeces then I think it may certainly be concluded that the Holy Ghost in Heb. 12. hath reference to the shaking of which we speak my reason is this What was revealed to Daniel John and Paul was by one Spirit and concerned one thing as to the shaking of the ten Kingdoms 3. That the first shaking was by a VOICE I think there is very much in it as I have hinted before Truly more VOICE then PROMISE My meaning is that many people in their rising against Monarchy and Episcopacy were carried forth beyond their own principles A VOICE there was that is God mightily appear'd in them and by them but no Promise that is they had no Scripture-light for what they did but only followed Providence opportunity victory self-interest Reader mistake me not I do not say there was not Scripture-ground for putting down Monarchy and Episcopacie I beleeve there was but this I say many who had a great hand therein did it not upon that account for there are many at this day and some I know who were as active and forward as any in the thing and gave their Vote against the King the Bishops and House of Lords yet now none more earnest for a King and House of Lords then they yea and for Episcopacie too if it fall in with their Interest 4. Whereas it was Gods voice that shook the first Earth I hope none will be offended neither Independent Presbyterian or Baptiz'd if we say such as account themselves the Lords Embassadours Angels of Churches the Ministers of Jesus Christ c. are the persons by whom the Lord chiefly speaks and his VOICE as John was in the Wilderness This being so by whose voice then was the Earth shaken I answer By no voice so effectually as that voice which came out of the Temple Oh! how did this VOICE ring thorow the Nation calling upon the good people every where in their Sermons and Writings to come forth and help the Lord against the mighty never did this VOICE cease but was still crying in the ears of the Parliament and Army SHAKE SHAKE SHAKE till they had shaken King and Bishops out of the three Nations It is very requisite as we have mentioned the Voice from the Temple so to give some instances how shaking it was to have the late King cut off I will begin with Mr. Burroughs because I suppose what he wrote was the VOICE of all his Independent Brethren in that particular Thus he tels us You must observe That every one is subject to the Higher Powers Mark it is not to man first but it is to the Power Let every soul be subject to the Higher Power where-ever this Power lieth It is not to the will of man that hath Power but it is to the Power of the man Now the Power the Authority is that THAT A MAN HATH IN A LEGAL WAY Again in another place There is saith he no Authority we are subject to now but according to the Laws and Constitutions of the Country where we live When things are brought into a Law and be according to the Agreements and Covenants of the place and Country wherein we live c. then the power of God is in it But we must enquire whether it be a Power On Hos Chap. 1. Lect. 6. p. 157. and Lect. 4. pag. 111. and Lect. 3. pag. 65. Mr. Bridge his Voice shall be next in his answer to Doctor Fern thus Did not Athaliah remain as a conqueress six yeers and who knows not that she was lawfully thrust from the Throne again by a stronger hand then her own Meer conquest being nothing else but an unjust usurpation And if the Conquerer rule the whole Kingdom keep them under by conquest only WHY MAY NOT THE SUBJECT RISE AND TAKE UP ARMS TO DELIVER THEMSELVES FROM THAT SLAVERY Mr. Bridge against Dr. Fern Sect. 4. pag. 42. But one thing is remarkable what searching Books there was and citing the opinion of men Truly I think there was scarce a learned man whether Papist or Protestant if he had written against Usurpers Tyrants violalating the Laws Rights and Liberties of the People but he was brought forth by those who defended the Parliaments cause against the King To omit many how often is Alstedius quoted for saying A Tyr an t without Title who is an Invader every private person may and ought to remove for he is not a King but a private man who doth invade the Country as an Enemy Alsted Cas Con. cap. 16. Reg. 8. p. 341. So Chamier All Citizens or free Subjects have a right or warrant to rise up against Tyrants who by open force possess the Kingdom Tom. 2. Lib. 15. cap. 12. Sect. 19. Again Dr. Willet Where the Kingdom is usurped without any right as by Athaliah or where the land is oppressed by Invaders as in the time of the Macchabees in these Cases there is less question to be made of resistance by the general consent of the States On Rom. 13. pag. 592. Neither is King James left out The publick Laws saith he make it lawful and free for any private person to enterprise against an usurper of the Kingdom Every man saith Tertullian is a Soldier enrolled to bear arms against all Traytors and publick Enemies In his Remonstr pag. 216. I shall not name any more cited by them Touching this Temple-Voice wherein Mr. John Goodwin was louder then most of his fellows there are 5 things to be seen in their writing when they stood with the Parliament against the King as their State Principles 1. That an Usurper hath no
taken from him his Priest and Idols then to ask him What he ail'd We cannot take it little better then a scoff when they râ—b'd the people of their goods and freedom and opprest them several ways by an Arbitrary power then to twit them in the teeth with complaining Just like a child who having scratcht his mother then cries as if the wrong had been done to him Thus having scratcht and torn the Mother Commonwealth yea upon the matter murdered her They cry out against the people as being pettish and froward know not what they would have c. whereas it is only themselves that have done the evil But if this Parliament shall sit to judge between the Mother and the Child we are sure the Mother will be quitted and the Child shall have his due payment not only for scratching but for crying too But 5. And indeed this is a main Cause that is to shew that in taking off heavy yokes and executing justice upon oppressours whereby righteousness may be exalted in the Nation here a Scripture-Prophesie will be fulfilled I have not mentioned the Laws and Statutes of the Land because this by others is alreadie done Mr. Pryn in a Book printed this yeer 1658. and to which he sets his name affirms quoting many Acts of Parliament for it That the persons now in power are theeves and robbers yea usurpers and have set up a new usurped power and have committed the highest Treason and act against all Law both of God and the land And for that Parliament which they say gave them power and Authority He saith It was but a pretended Parliament and a mock-Parliament and by the Acts of lawful Parliaments they were all Traytors This is publick and known to the Judges and Lawyers of the Nation and what may we think but by their silence they give consent See his Book Demophilos Appendix Now howsoever the Parliament having Law and equity on their side have ground sufficient to be up and doing yet it cannot be but some encouragement unto them likewise if they understand it is such a work as the word of God in a special manner calls them to it Doubtless it is an honour to be call'd unto such a service but if it be done faithfully not like Jehn for self-ends but as of sincerity but as of God in the sight of God not only shall their memory be blest but the Lord will remember them for good and reward their work and labour of love I shall say little more Righteousness saith Solomon exalteth a Nation Prov. 14.34 Again The Throne is established by Righteousness Prov. 16.12 Note it is not Ahitophels counsel nor Machiavels Head-piece will do it I say further It is not raising mony and increasing heavier burdens or setling things this way or that way will do it without Righteousness Of a truth God looks for righteousness and judgment from us Isa 5.7 To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord then sacrifice Prov. 21.3 This is better then fasting or praying better then a morning Sermon at the Abby or praying before the House sits It is so good that if justice and judgment be not exâ—cuted the Lord abhors all sacrifices see Isa 1.15 16. When Joshua and the rest of the Congregation knew who was the TROUBLER had they only acknowledged that great wickedness and mourned for it and done no more the Lord would have withdrawn himself still from them Josh 7.12 So when it was told David The three years famine was for Saul and his bloody house because he slew the Gibeonites 2 Sam. 21.1 2 c. Had there been no more then confessing the sin and asking pardon the Lord would not have been entreated for the Land So it may be said of our present condition should there be a publick confession made of our late Apostacie Covenant breaking Treason Oppression c. before God Angels and men and solemn days appointed by the Parliament to mourn for it nevertheless except the accursed thing be destroyed from amongst us it may be questioned whether God will be with us any more Faithful are the wounds of a friend but the kisses of an Enemy are deceitful Prov. 27.6 A Two-fold Shaking OF THE EARTH OR An Exposition on Heb. 12.26 27 c. IT is a common received opinion that Alexander the Great was encouraged in his Persian Wars by the light and information which he had from Jaddus the High-Priest of the Jews who opened unto him the Vision of the Ram and He-Goat in which Daniel had foretold the overthrow of the Medes by the King of Grecia Dan. 8. I know it comes many times to pass howsoever men in their actions fullfil the purpose and design of God yet think not so neither do it to that intent Isa 10.7 Notwithstanding the Lord who is good to all rewards them sometimes largely for the work-sake And so much appears in the Prophet Son of man Nebuchad-rezzar King of Babylon caused his Army to serve a great service against Tyrus every head was made bald and every shoulder was peeled yet had he no wages nor his Army for Tyrus for the service he had served against it Therefore thus saith the Lord God Behold I will give the land of Egypt unto Nebuchad-rezzar King of Babylon he shall take her multitude and take her spoyl and take her prey and it shall be the wages of his Army I have given him the land of Egypt for his labour wherewith he served against it because they wrought for me saith the Lord God Ezek. 29.18 19 20. Now had he and his Army done that service conscientiously and in obedience unto Gods appointment and therein singly have sought the glory of God and not their own profit and interest would they not much more have pleased him and done a more acceptable service and received a better and far greater reward Hence this may be gathered As there are great things to be done in the last days by the Representatives of the People and by such as shall have the Power of Nations in their hands especially when it is to execute the vengeance of the Lord and the vengeance of his Temple upon any part of Babylon that they have some understanding in the Prophesies of the last days whereby they may know what their work is and that they are call'd of God to it and when and how to move in it For so not only shall they be encouraged to take it in hand but have assurance of good success and a full reward for their service Object But we have not now men of Prophetical spirits to open unto us the dark Prophesies of the Scriptures concerning the last Times Answ 1. Let this be granted yet I humbly conceive a man may take liberty and that very warrantably to declare his opinion of the darkest and difficultest places of Scripture in a sober and modest way and for this he hath a Cloud of witnesses But 2. It will be
will not be mockt by them but one day stop their mouth with a witness For conclusion If the Lord were pleased to kill us he would not have shewed us all these things Judg. 13.23 We may be confident never would he have drawn out so many heart-groans from his people much less so much bloud from them even heart-blood willingly sacrificed in the high places of the field for the good old Cause had he not intended to crown it with glory and honour in the end 5. And here is a fit place to remind the Reader as the Lord eminently appeared with us in the time of the long Parliament so on the contrary since this OTHER THING came up how visibly and sensibly hath he shewed his signal displeasure against us for our base backsliding laying a curse as it were upon all publick affairs almost as he did on the fig-tree that nothing should prosper which they took in hand I shall not speak of that Golgotha in Hispaniola the field of English skulls and blood nor the many millions of Treasure wasted meerly to satisfie the lusts and will of some men nor what shame and dishonour the Nation lies under being some yeers past a terrour to all Enemies about us Let us come to consider the present condition of the Nation Ask the Souldiers what their Arrears are Then enquire among the Seamen how many months pay is due to them and while you are there cast an eye upon the Navy and see in what a pickle that is and whether there be any provision to set out a Fleet either offensive or defenfive Add unto all this the extream poverty of the people as having neither trade nor mony It is probable there will be in the next sitting some that were Members of the Long Parliament these men do know in what a rising and flourishing condition the Commonwealth was when they were dissolv'd But how are they like to find it now as a poor sheep full of worms the worms are fat and lusty but the sheep lean languishing and ready to perish So they shall see now and not a few persons that are grown fat and full by devouring the flesh of the Commonwealth I mean her Laws Liberties Rights and Priviledges but for the Commonwealth so maugre and lean as it cannot be long liv'd if the Lord raise not up some good shepherds to look after it A man that hath spent much time and labour and been at great cost in a work and no sooner hath done it to his liking but should see it presently broken before his eyes would not this extreamly grieve him such as sate in the Long Parliament and stood faithful to the good Cause do well know before Monarchy was shaken and a Common-wealth established they had hard work and it cost the Nation not a little blood and treasure for such men therefore to see all that they did broken to peeces before their eyes methinks it should much affect them What else they should do I leave it to themselves or rather to divine Providence For God standeth in the congregation of the mighty he judgeth among the Gods Psa 82.1 Saul a little before his end fell into such streights as he knew not what to do I know who have formerly pretended necessity when there was none but now it s fallen upon them to the full for had it not been NECESSITY this Assembly had never been call'd what the issue will be a little time will shew The Scripture saith The wicked is snared in the work of his own hand Psal 9.16 It is very observable that the Lord meets with oppressours and deceitful men one of these two ways that is either they shall take the better way for his people or the worse way for themselves When Herod charged the Wise men to bring him word where the yong child was Mat. 2. here he shewed himself not a subtle serpent not wise in his generation for to have had his bloody design done indeed he should have gone himself or sent some of his guard to have done it But in this way God blinded him and kept it from him that he might take a better way for Christ's preservation So Jezebel had she sent some of her Priests with Souldiers to Elias when she sent only a messenger to tell him what she would do by to morrow that had been a sure way to have dispatched him presently but God would not suffer her to take that way she must chuse another way and a better way for the Prophets life Again Tyrants many times chuse the worse way for themselves thus it was with Pharaoh at the Red Sea he had two ways to chuse either to return the way he came which indeed was the better way or to go forward and follow Israel into the great waters but he will into the Sea now in this he appeared more blind and hardned then before for he might well think the Lord had not made a way thorow the Sea for him but rather had laid a snare for him and his Host I am now waiting to see what will be the carriage of such men who have betrayed their country they have methinks like Pharaoh two ways the one is to RETURN or PUBLICK REPENTANCE that is make a free and ingenuous confession of their former treason oppression Covenant-breaking c. and to give up all their pretended Authority and Power into the hands of the Peoples Representatives Doubtless of the two ways this is the better the other is Pharaoh-like to go forward though they cannot but think that this Great Assembly like the Red-Sea will save the Rights Liberties and good Laws of the Nation and drown Arbitrary Power oppression treason c. If the Power and Majesty of English Parliaments which have been be seriously heeded it would not seem altogether improper to liken them at least some which have been the best and most glorious to the Red-Sea For many proud Pharaohs with their Hosts have been swallowed up in Englands Parliaments Had not I seen so many unworthy Addresses I should not have thought there had been so much base English blood in the Nation men of such mercenary low servile and slavish Spirits so far from following the steps of their Ancestours in standing up for the Freedom and just Liberties of their Country as they have attempted to maintain a private interest against the power of the people and Priviledges of Parliament But it is well that there is a Publick Attestation against them of many thousands Religious and well disposed people who say We testifie and declare against the late flattering Addresses which have been contrived and carried on by interested persons as tending to the preventing the Assembling of a Parliament as also anticipating if not concluding their sence and judgment when assembled And having in them a tendencie to the dividing of the people and consequently raysing a new war if God do not wonderfully prevent Attestat Novemb. 20. 1658. Before I end
there is one thing I desirously desire the Reader to observe especially if he be a Member of this Parliament in all their late Addresses we do not find that a Parliament is so much as nam'd or once desired Hence it may appear who were the contrivers and promoters of them and for what end they came forth not to have any oppression or heavy burdens taken off not that the Peoples Rights and Liberties might be restored the several grievances in the Nation might be look'd into and remedied not that corrupt men lately crept into places might be removed and better chosen No such things were aymed at for had they not intended to keep up the grievous corruptions in the Nation they would not have discovered as they did by their silence such a slighting and disregarding of Parliaments Having given many Reasons that this Earth-Power will be shaken The next thing is to shew how in this shaking a Scripture-Prophesie is fulfill'd and particularly Heb. 12.27 Here I must re-mind the Reader of what was said before That Scripture-Prophesies do especially concern the Church and people of God and it is for them to heed and observe how the Lord in his Providential Dispensations brings them to pass whether it be in beginning proceeding or ending Our first Argument is thus Whatsoever Earth-shaking coms not within the verge of the Text Heb. 12. yet that Earth-government doth namely which shall not only be first shaken but also whereby a way is made and prepared for the Lord to proceed to the shaking of Earth-Powers in other Nations But such is this Earth-power or present Government Ergo. I shall only endeavor to prove that part of the Argument which is questionable that is how this shaking asserted will be the first and make way for the rest foretold Heb. 12. 1. If the Lord begin a work and something stop it his manner is to remove that stop and there to take up the work again and proceed thus it was in the building of the second Temple after there was some good progress made in the work Ezr. 3. by Artaxerxes command the people ceased Ez. 4.23 24. But the Lord whose counsel shall stand took off by Darius that stop and so they went forward with the building Ezr. 6. I have shewed before that Gods work began concerning the overcoming of the ten Kings and preparing the way for the glorious and visible Kingdom of Jesus Christ when the Old Parliament ras'd down Kingly-Government and constituted a Commonwealth that there was a stop made it is true and we know who were the occasion of it Truly so wonderfully did the Lord of Hosts go forth then with our Parliament and Army as among the Heathen they began to say The Lord hath done great things for them Psa 126.2 Not only were the Nations awakened about us and began to consider whether the day of the Lamb and his great power were not come but likewise the Enemies amongst us began to give Glory to God and would often confess that God was with us and against them What shall I say ah these things cannot be remembred without great thoughts of heart by all that are truly godly That blessed cause of truth and righteousness did so prosper both at home and abroad that had there not been an unhappy stop put to it through the hypocrisie and falshood of some men it would have been ere this time in other Nations conquering and to conquer yea probably before now more of the ten Horns had been cut off For we were as a Beacon upon a hill all people looking on to see what would be the event of this Act this strange Act in England This puts me in mind of the Philistims when they were smitten with Emerods they take counsel to know whether the God of Israel had done it or no having therefore put the Ark of the Lord upon a new cart and sent it away thus they speak one to another If it go up by the way of his own coast to Bethshemesh then he hath done us that great evil But if not then we shall know it was not his hand that smote us it was a thing that happened to us 1 Sam. 6.9 Whilst the nations abroad and the Enemies at home were musing about the great cause we had in hand what it should mean If it had gone directly forward as the kine took the strait way to the way of Bethshemesh and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left v. 12. in all likelihood there would have remained by this time no more doubtings concerning the work but they would have been fully satisfied as the Philistims were that it was the Lords doing but when they saw the work went not the strait way but there was a grievous turning aside no less then building again the things which were destroyed and destroying what was built this took them quite off and so blinded them as now they can see nothing of God in the thing but cry out It was a Chance neither was the Lord more with the Parliament then with the King but all is now It was the Fortune of War Thus have the Apostates by casting the Lords work behind their back and setting up their own interest occasioned many thousands far and neer not only to speak evil of the Good Cause it self but to deprive the Lord of his due Glory and praise for that honour vvhich men vvould have given to the Lord and it was even upon their hearts and in their mouths to do it is now by this turning aside denyed him and given to Idol-Fortune Besides vvhat dread and fear vvas there somwhile since upon the hearts of Cavaleers no other then a kind of convincement that to vote or fight against our good Cause vvas to vote and fight against God but since this late Revolt brake forth that fear I beleeve is over So that now if there be a door open for them in Parliament or Army they will as readily vote and fight against the interest of Christ and his people as ever they did before O wretched Apostacy 2. The Lord vvill begin to shake the Earth the second time vvhere he sees it is first ripe As a husbandman that hath much corn to reap cuts it not down all at once but vvhere the ripest is there he begins Now among the Regions of the Earth that Field is neerest the sickle vvhere Religion Conscience and the vvorship of God are made cloaks for fin and wickedness SIN may be confidered as single or double if it have Religious hypocrisie mixt with it it is a double sin and so ripens the sinner and hastens his judgment the sooner Had the Scribes and Pharisees which devoured widows houses under a shew of long prayer Luk. 20.47 pickt these poor womens pockets or cut their purses their sin and condemnation had not been so great as to cheat them in the vvay they did It is said of Herod He sent and Beheaded John in
three Nations who knows but this Earth-quake will raze the foundation of our new Nobility reach the Tryers Lawyers Sessers Addressers Excise-men Custome-house-men Corporations c. in a word all the devouring vermine in the Land such as have taken away mens goods contrary to Law Isa 33.1 2. To shew when the Lord will raise up instruments against this Apostacie they shall prevail notwithstanding all Ahitophels and Machiavels in spight of Hell and all powers of darkness It is an Earth-quake Stand now with thine inchantments and with the multitude of thy sorceries wherein thou hast laboured from thy youth if so be thou shalt be able to profit if so be thou mayest prevail Let now the Astrologers the Star-gazers the Monthly-Prognosticators stand up aad save thee from these things that shall come upon thee Isa 47.12 13. 3. It may denote the cause of the shaking that this State-Apostacie is removed it is that oppression and tyranny may cease and all people have their rights Now howsoever this be a good work and ought to be done yet it riseth no higher then Earth and therefore fitly called an Earth-quake 4. That the infamous memory of this last Apostacie and the happy downfall of it may continue to all future Generations Such desolations and ruines as formerly were made by Earth-quakes we find them recorded in Histories both Divine and Humane Amos 1.1 Zech. 14.5 to the end that such things might not be forgotten It is true many National Earth-quakes hath this Island suffered viz. by the Romans Saxons Danes Normans c. Besides several Earth-quakes among our selves by Parliaments and Civil Wars Nevertheless I am very confident that the memory of none of them will so long last as the rembrance of this present Apostacie and that SEASONABLE GOOD-EARTH-QUAKE which not only shaked it but swallowed it up My Reason is because the honour of Gods great Name the Cause of Religion and the interest of Christ and his people have more suffered by this present Apostacie in four or five yeers then ever they suffered under the Romans Saxons Danes Normans put them all together and all their time too Some report the prints of Pharaohs Charriot-wheels did remain in the sand of the shore at the Red-Sea and was to be seen many hundred yeers after I shall not stand to the truth of that but this is a truth and I shall abide by it That the print of this Apostacie is so deep in Church and Common-wealth made by self-seeking covetousness hypocrisie Covenant-breaking treachery c. that it will remain to be seen many ages hereafter 5. To shew that the Apostacie was such a BURDEN as the Earth could no longer bear it but must needs quake under it and so shake it out The land is defiled therefore do I visit the iniquity thereof upon it and the land it self vomiteth out her inhabitants Lev. 18.25 The earth is utterly broken down the Earth is clean dissolved the Earth is removed exceedingly The Earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard and shall be removed like a cottage The transgression of it shall be heavy upon it and it shall fall and not rise again Isa 24.19 20. 6. To answer an ancient Type in the old Testament For in the Rebellion of Korah Dathan and Abiram was clearly shadowed out the last Apostacie Amongst many other parallels which might be noted take these few 1. That Rebellion was made a little after the Lord had given a wonderful deliverance to his Church and when they should have passed over Jordan to the Promised Land 2. The occasion of it was ambition and love of pre-eminence in some persons not contented with that form of Government which the Lord a little before had appointed 3. Howsoever the Action was wicked no less then high Treason yet the chief Authors of it are said to be famous in the Congregation and men of renown 4. That this Apostacie might the more effectually be carried on the Liberty and Freedom of the people was pretended and that Moses and Aaron had taken too much upon them 5. Howsoever few at first had a hand in this Rebellion by the Hebrew Text it seems to be only Korah yet thorow the hypocrisie and falshood of these few many afterwards were ensnared 6. The Earth opened her mouth and swallowed them up An Earth-quake indeed yet a just reward for such Rebellion and Treason Reader The Sentence is left to thee only be honest did not this Apostacie rise assoon as the Lord had delivered us out of the hands of our Enemies and when in duty and Conscience we should have gone forward in his work And was it not through the base pride of some men to have all power in their own hands that the Government of the Nation was changed from a Commonwealth which the Lord had own'd and blest to a THING which we cannot tell what it is Again though by three Acts of Parliament it was made Treason to promote any person to be King or Chief Magistrate of England or Ireland without consent of Parliament Yet this was done But by whom Men famous in the Congregation and of great renown And that they might the more prevail in their Rebellion was not Liberty promised and taking off the grievances of the People Is not this very true likewise that this State-Apostacie was first set on foot by a few some say seven or eight but more probably it was but one yet afterwards Multitudes multitudes fell into the sin and snare In conclusion then wherein agrees not the Anti-type with the Type but that the Earth-quake is not executed upon the later Rebellion Consider of it take advice and speak your minds Judg. 19.30 Quest It is said in the Text The tenth part of the City fell and in the Earth-quake were slain of men seven thousand c. What is meant by it Answ 1. As there are two Apostacies foretold in Scripture so I find two Cities mentioned in the Revelation First the GREAT CITY signifying the whole Dominion and jurisdiction of the Papal Beast that is all States and Policies Civil and Religious under the See of Rome and acknowledging the Pope Head of the Church And note when ever this Kingdom or State is meant by the word City it is always exprest 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 That great City Rev. 11.8 18.8 and 16.19 and 17.18 and 18.10 16 18 19. and 21.10 By which we are to understand the first Apostacie As for the second Apostacie is called a City likewise but the word GREAT is left out and there is great Reason for it For 1. This later Apostacie shall not be so large as the former in spreading it self over all peoples and Nations and Tongues All the world wondred after the first Beast Neither 2. shall the later Apostacie have that honour and homage done to it as had the former For the Kings of the Earth shall give their Kingdoms unto the first Beast Rev. 17.17 3. The first Apostacie is
to continue 1260 years but the later not above three yeers and an half till the Lord doth begin to strike it with a Consumption So that the word GREAT seems to be left out here to distinguish between the two Cities or two Apostacies and this in the Text is to be understood of the later State-Apostacie Moreover we have some light here how to understand that place Rev. 11.8 where it is said of the witnesses their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great City it is well observed by many that the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. a broad or spatious place doth not signifie any place Market-place or broad place within the walls of the great City but it is without the great City as no part of the building Hence we may conclude two things 1. The two Witnesses are not slain in their Testimony by any Civil Powers that hold the Pope Head of the Church neither lie their dead bodies in any Country formally subject to the See of Rome For their slaying and lying dead must be without the walls of the great City Indeed the blood of the Martyrs will be charged upon the first Apostacie but the slaying of the witnesses upon the second Apostacie Therefore let Church-Members and Church-Officers and other Professors of Religion look to it For to speak soberly and in the fear of God this is my opinion and I think grounded upon Scripture and practice The blood of the witnesses will be required at their hands for never had the bottomless Beast murdred so blessed a Cause and so glorious a Testimony for Christ and his Kingdom as was in this Nation had they stood faithful to the good old Cause 2. Though the Power by which the witnesses are slain is not from the great City yet it is for it that is it doth more strengthen and support the great whore then any State or Government properly the whores Where lies now the stop that the Lords work goes not forward to remove oppressions and heavie burdens and to establish righteousness among men Not in Rome Spain Germany France the stop is neerer home remove this Apostacie and you shall soon see the good Cause reviv'd again and the hearts of all good people reviv'd with it 2. Whereas it is said The tenth part of the City fell and the remnant gave glory to God this cannot be meant of the great City for that sinks every whit like a great milstone to the bottom of the Sea Besides I do not read of any giving glory to God in the great City when her plagues are upon her But contrary it is expresly said they repented not to give glory to God but blasphemed the God of Heaven because of their pains and their sores Rev. 16.9 11. Now the Reason is because the Lord will bring his people out of the great City Babylon as he did Lot from Sodom before he burns her to ashes I will not say among that huge heap of chaff there will be no corn yet I think if any of Gods elect shall perish as to the outward man in that common destruction they will be very few yea in those few no repenting and giving glory to God visibly will appear Rev. 18.4 Jer. 51.6 But the Case here is otherwise for howsoever the whole Apostacie will fall yet in the Earth-quake all will not be slain that are found in the Apostacie When Absalom made that unnatural Rebellion against his father it is said two hundred followed him in the simplicitie of their hearts and knew not any thing 2 Sam. 15.11 that is they were ignorant of the wicked plot he had in hand namely under pretence of devotion and conscience to destroy his own father and make himself king or Chief Magistrate No doubt many two hundreds thousands I may say through the dissimulation and lying of their Leaders and Teachers have fallen in with the Apostacie simply and ignorantly knew nothing of their design that is how under a cloke of Religion and the safety of the godly party the mother Commonwealth was to be murthered and an Absalom-like interest to be set up Therefore by the Remnant here I understand these ignorant and simple ones not the OLD SERPENT the seducers and ringleaders who thought they had done their Country and themselves good service when they sought to destroy the lives and Liberties of the people 3. Whereas it is said In the Earthquake was slain of men 7000. the Greek hath names of men meaning men of note renown famous Gen. 6.4 contrary hereto is men without Name Job 30.8 alluding to the Rebellion of Korah c. Num. 16.2 two things seem to be held forth 1. This Earth-quake that is the Representatives of the people shall be men of courage and of publick spirits such as shall have Lion-like hearts fear no mans face nor respect any mans person but will cut down Cedars assoon as shrubs if there be cause for it Indeed no people in the world formerly have been more honoured then the English for men of resolution and of high and noble spirits in standing up for their freedom and Rights against intrusion and usurpation of all sorts and sizes But How is the faithful City become an harlot it was full of judgment righteousness lodged in it but now murderers Thy silver is become dross thy wine mixt with water Thy Princes are rebellious and companions of theeves every one loveth gifts and follow after reward they judge not the fatherless neither doth the cause of the widdow come unto them Isa 1.21 22 23. Oh! that it should be said ICHABOD The glory is departed from England For have not men of late shewed themselves to be of low base and servile spirits in preferring their own particular interest before the publick good of the Nation And in stead of contending for our Birth-right which but a little before was recovered with the Blood and Treasure of the Nation to give it up or rather sold it Esau-like for a mess of Pottage But God will raise up a better Generation of men and why may not we hope it is now who will recover the Glory of the English nation again by exalting truth and righteousness among us 2. By names of men is not meant the old names of note renown and famous in the days of the King and Bishops for they concern not the later Apostacie but the new names that is Lords Knights Esquires c. of the last edition Those who were poor the other day and have made their families great by hypocrisie and lies and betraying their Country must expect to fall by this Earth-quake For the number seven thousand it is probable before the Earth-quake be done not fewer will be shaken for it must go round the Nation and follow the Apostacie from end to end And I hope the appearance of it will be suddenly we are waiting for it and praying for it So come Lord Jesus Amen Amen Reasons Why it may be
hoped that the present Parliament will begin the Earth-quake or Second Shaking of the Earth FRom the late experience we have had of some mens unfaithfulness and falshood and seriously weighing what a pitiful choice some have made this could not but altogether discourage me of Hope were not my eyes upon the Mighty Creator and so better bottom'd then to put confidence in man What my Reasons are I shall here set down and so leave it to the Readers judgment Whether from such grounds there may not be Hope of reviving the Good old Cause by this Parliament Reas 1. The Lord taking away that HEAD-STOP lately from us seems to speak much good in it to all Lovers of Righteousness in the Nation Arise and take the young child and his mother and go into the land of Israel for they are dead which sought the young childs life Mat. 2.20 What otherwise was the Lord voice in that Signal Providence but aâ— if he should say to the Representatives of the People Arise take the Mother Commonwealth and her young child i. e. her Rights Priviledges c. and go into London i. e. let things be setled and established as before for they are dead which sought to devour Mother and Child so that there is no fear in returning to the good old work and Cause again Thou brakest the heads of Leviathan in peeces gavest him to be meat to the people inhabiting the wilderness Psal 74.14 The meaning is Gods revenging hand upon Pharaoh was to nourish and strengthen Israel afterward as to beleeve the Lord would not have done that great thing for them had he not meant to bring them to the Promised Land Truly that Stroak to me hath been meat in the wilderness and I cannot but think as it was the Lords doing so it was done that the three Nations might the sooner enjoy their just Rights again It is the opinion of many that in Saul and David as to their Kingdoms is shadowed out two States to be in the last days when Saul was dead the great Block in Davids way it is said Abner the son of Ner Captain of Sauls host took Ishbosheth the son of Saul and made him King 2 Sam. 2.8 9. Note three things in this business 1. What Abner did herein was contrary to his light for he knew well enough that God had appointed anoother man to reign only his relation to the house of Saul for he was Sauls unkle and his own base interest made him do what he did against knowledge and conscience 2 Sam. 3.17 18. 2. It appears by the Text that this Ishbosheth which is by interpretation A MAN OF SHAME and his end proved so was a fellow of a low fearful and weak spirit not like his father Saul neither for valour nor policie meerly set to serve a Court-interest and that a company of corrupt men might serve themselves upon him as not liking David and his way for they knew David was a man more honest and conscientious then to suffer such locusts caterpillars to spoil devour the Commonwealth 2 Sam. 3.11 3. Not only in the end is this mock-King left of his RAISERS but hath his head taken off by two of his own Captains a just reward for him and for all such who will take upon them the power and Government of Nations against the manifest appointment of God What may be in the application time will shew In the mean time take notice if the time be come That the Kingdoms of this world are to be the Kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ Rev. 11.15 and that righteousness is to be exalted in the Nations then none of the House of Saul shall long reign but the House of David will grow stronger and stronger and carry it in spight of all opposition Reas 2. Methinks it cannot be but there is a wheel in the wheel and the Lords hand moving to the shaking the Earth the second time in that I see of late a spirit of prayer and supplication poured out upon many choice Christians whereby they are enabled to wrestle with the Lord in prayer day and night for the publick good of the Nation more earnestly then they did before I have observed for these four or five yeers that it hath not been upon the hearts of the faithful to expect any good from Parliaments and therefore most of their praying hath been and no doubt by the Holy Spirit led thereto that the Lord would blast them and break them to peeces that the stout-hearted might be spoiled and none of the men of might find their hands But I find it otherwise now for the Lord of late hath put it upon their hearts with much weight to be dayly groaning at the throne of Grace that all those who like good Nehemiah Come to seek the welfare of the children of Israel and to repair the breaches of the Commonwealth may through God do valiantly No doubt honest Hushai prospered the better when he sought to frustrate the wicked counsel of Ahitophel that he had Davids prayers for him and with him And David said O Lord I pray thee turn the counsel of Ahitophel to foolishness 2 Sam. 15.31 Let such know who are our Hushai's at this time and seek to break the designs of Ahitophels and all such as would keep up a corrupt interest against the publick good of the Commonwealth there are many tears and prayers poured out for them And I am confident they will experience the fruit and benefit of them all along upon their endeavours for the righteous Cause Reas 3. I have the more ground of hope considering some persons now sitting were not only Members of the long Parliament and sought to extirpate things that stood in the way of a thorow Reformation but have not since warped and deflected from their former righteous principles Now how can such good Patriots of their Countrey but remember the days of old and the wonderful works of the Lord how visibly and powerfully his presence was with them when they contested against the Court party and how he delivered them from the Lion and the Bear King and Bishops and so have it with much assurance upon their hearts that he will help them still whilst they open their mouth for the dumb and plead the cause of the poor and needy If a man see Beasts in his field devouring the corn which himself had sown he cannot suffer it but will drive them out It may be said in a good sence it was the old Parliament that sowed this Commonwealth with much good seed in order to the freedom safety and welfare of the Nation I hope therefore such men will stand up again in the good old way and seek to repair those grievous breaches which have been made since by a company of corrupt and deceitful men Should such a man as I flee Neh. 6.11 When Nehemiah upon his return to Jerusalem saw what great evil had been done in his absence
Henry Drummond â—lbury Park SURREY A two-fold Shaking Of the EARTH OR An Exposition on Heb. 12.26 27. Wherein is shewed The FIRST SHAKING OF THE EARTH seems to be meant the putting down of the late King and Bishops the later Shaking a change of the present Government And Reasons given for both ALSO How and in what manner this later Earth-Shaking may be according to SCRIPTURE-PROPHESIE Namely by that Earth-quake Rev. 11.13 which is likewise opened Lastly Here are many Reasons given why it may be HOPED that this PRESENT PARLIAMENT will prove to be that EARTH-QUAKE or at least begin the work whereby the GOOD OLD CAUSE will be revived the just Rights of the People restored and the Nation setled upon a lasting and durable Foundation of Truth and Righteousness BY JOHN CANNE Printed for L. Chapman at the Crown in Popes-head Ally 1659. To the Reader Reader THou must be a stranger in our Israel if thou hast not heard of a people call'd Commonwealths-men and Fifth-Monarchy-men and what grievous things are laid to their charge Now I care not who thou art that shalt read this brief Apology for them if thou be not like him who said He would not be convinc'd though he were convinced The great accusation raised up and spread all the Nation over against these men is That they allow not Magiâ—â—â—ates neither would they have the people be un-under Laws and Government I think I may confidently say The Devil who is the father of lyars never brought forth a greater untruth nor had less whereby to palliate and hide his falshood then in this particular For not only do these men approve of Laws Magistrates and Government but there are none in the Nation that do more desire pray for and press after uncorrupt Magistrates good Laws and a righteous Government then they But this is true and the Court-party knows it they are not for Tyrants neither to have an Arbitrary power exercised over the lives Liberties and Consciences of the people but would have the undoubted Rights and Priviledges of the Nation setled upon a lasting and durable foundation of truth and righteousness they would have no violence or oppression done to any man but all men as men enjoy their Birth-right yea and if it were possible to deliver the whole Creation from that bondage and groaning under which it lies into the glorious liberty of the children of God Rom. 8.20 21 22. If a man dislike the standing of weeds in a garden doth it follow he is against the sowing and planting it with herbs and flowers Reader open thine eyes and look up like a man here thou hast the Case truly stated these Commonwealths-men and Fifth-Monarchy-men are not well pleased that the English Garden or Commonwealth should be overspread with the vines of Sodom and the sowr grapes of Gomorrha Isa 1.10 That persons of corrupt interest should impose at their pleasure heavy yokes upon the necks of the free-men of England That the proud are called happy and they that work wickedness are set up That judgment is turned away backward and justice stands afar off That truth is fallen in the streets and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey That such weeds and trash should be in the GARDEN they do dislike it this is true they both speak against it and mourn for it But will any man of reason or sense therfore conclude they are against all Magistracie and Government but rather thus they would have these hurtful weeds pluckt up by the roots that righteous things might be planted in the room of them The next thing that I shall speak a little to is to give the Reader some Reasons of publishing this Treatise 1. After some seeking of God and searching the Scriptures this I humbly conceive that the Lord will begin to revive his Good Old Cause again by the Representatives of the people As he honoured and blest the long Parliament with a good progress in the work of Reformation so I think he will make yet further use of Parliaments for the publick good of the Nation I shall not be absolute what will be done at this time but I have great hope something will be done for the restoration of the Civil Liberties of the people A wise General will hearken to the advice of a mean Souldier I desire no more but what is here set down for publick good may be considered 2. It is a special work of Parliaments to consider the grievances of the people and to be most severe so Parliaments were wont to be against such men who through the greatness of their power and place take occasion to oppress and wrong people the more In this regard I have thought it my duty publickly to declare what injustice and hard measure we have had as to be banished imprisoned cast out of our callings and livelihood but never knew any Reason or Cause why they dealt so cruelly with us It is said of Herod And he sent and beheaded John in prison Mat. 14. after such a manner have our New masters used us sent their Souldiers to our houses pluckt us out of doors thrown us into prison but never told us for what nor brought us to any Tryal It is possible these things may meet with some Parliament-men if it do I shall humbly propound this Whether in point of Law and Conscience those publick oppressions whereof we complain should not be examined and if found true Whether such men be fit to have the chief rule of the Nation any longer Major General Overtons Case will speak loud enough to this Parliament what New Masters are lately started up 3. Howsoever hitherto the sons of Zeruiah have been too hard for us and not only so but of such imperious and high spirits as Pope-like no man might say to them Sir Why do you so There is some hope now a possibility at least that a Parliament may give them a check true it is there hath not been for some late yeers a door open for the oppressed to bring in their complaints against such persons as did them the most wrong So that the publick sore hath run'd still because there was not a coming upto the Cure But it 's hoped this will be a free Parliament out of which diâ—ributive Justice will flow to the great refreshing of the oppressed every where it is to no purpose to cleanse the pipes and leave the fountain dirty to sweep down the cobwebs and leave the spider to make more Never had the long Parliament wrought that Reformation in England and restored the Peoples Liberties in that measure they did had they not fallen upon the SPRING-HEAD and caught the SPIDERS 4. To wipe off that common scandal which by Apostates is cast upon us i. e. that it is only our frowardness and discontents that make us complain otherwise we have nothing against them nor any harm done us Micah thought it a very strange thing in the Danites when they had
granted I think by all when there is some part of a Prophesie already fulfilled there is much light given to the knowledge of the rest I say by that PART which is fulfilled he that is wise and observes the ways and works of God may the better and easier understand what remains to be accomplished Though a brutish man knoweth not neither doth a fool understand this Psal 92.6 yet who is wise and he shall understand these things prudent and he shall know them Hos 14.9 So then this I would say Though a man profess not infallibility nevertheless from a due and serious observation of a Prophesie in part fulfilled it is probable being a person that fears God and in dayly communion with him what he apprehends by a diligent search concerning the rest will prove to be a Truth 3. Do not Star-Gazers and Monthly Prognosticators take large liberty at this time to publish to the world their predictions concerning the alteration and change of States and Policies as what Kingdom and Commonwealth shall rise or fall in such a Yeer or such a Moneth and what Desolations there will be by Pestilence and Famine by the sword and by fire and water in such Countreys Towns and Cities Notwithstanding it is well known and confident I am it is a Truth the first invention of Astrologie is by many learned men attributed to the Devil This is the judgment of Tertullian lib. de habitu muliebri and again de Idolatria and of Origen Hom. 13. in Num. and of Clemens Alexandrinus in Eclog. and Lactantius writeth as Coelius Rhodig hath observed Lib. 2. cap. 12. Astrologia Auspicia Auguria Oracula esse Daemonorum inventum And King James calls Astrologie the Devils School Daemonol lib. 1. cap. 3 4. I might add how their profession and practise hath been always condemned for Imposture Jugling Superstition and Vanity not onely by the Fathers as some call them but by Councils and divers learned later writers yea and more then all this plainly forbidden in the word of God Lev. 19.31 Deut. 18.10 11. Isa 47.11 12 c. If this be so that howsoever their profession be condemned by God and men yet there is freedom given them to publish their Astrological predictions of the alteration and change of States and Policies It will then be thought far more lawful for any of the Lords servants to have the like freedom to declare his judgment concerning the alteration and change of States and Policies taking his light and ground from the word of God For 1. Howsoever there is nothing written upon the Stars or Planets of the rise and fall of any Power or Government Civil or Religious yet in the holy Scripture it is Here we have the Fourth-Monarchy and the ten Kings the little Horn the Dragon the Bottomless Beast and the two other Beasts the former rising up out of the Sea the later coming up out of the earth not onely written at length and fairly to be read but the time exactly set down of their rise and how long they shall continue and the period and end of them Dan. 7.25 and 12.7 11 12. Rev. 11.2 3 9. and 12.6 14. and 13.5 Hab. 2.3 Psal 102.13 Dan. 8.14 2. Though men are forbidden to search the Planets and the Eclipses of the Sun and Moon for those things yet they are commanded and encouraged to search the Holy Scriptures even the Visions and Prophesies which concern the last days whereby to know the Time of the End Rev. 1.3 and 22.10 and 13.10 Dan. 12.9 10. Surely the Lord God will do nothing but he revealeth his secrets unto his servants the Prophets Amos 3.7 Thus Noah knew the time when the Flood would come before it came though the ungodly knew it not So Daniel knew the deliverance of Gods people a little before they were delivered not by gazing upon the Stars but by the light and direction which he had from the Word of God Jer. 9.1 2. But this shall serve for the manuduction to our discourse The Scripture which I shall first mention and speak a little to it according to that measure of Grace which I have received is Heb. 12.26 27. Whose voice then shook the earth but now he hath promised saying Yet once more I shake not the Earth only but also Heaven And this word Yet once more signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken as of things that are made that those things which cannot be shaken may remain But before I come to the opening and applying of this Scripture I think it necessary to set down a few things both to prevent objections and for the Readers better understanding the matter treated of 1. It must be minded that Scripture-Prophesies have several accomplishments that is they are sometimes fulfilled over and over as to times places persons and therefore it cannot be fairly concluded Because such a Prophesie hath been once fulfill'd therefore ' it cannot be fulfilled again I could instance several Prophesies which already have been fulfilled more then once and yet are to be fulfilled again To let pass many others when Moses blessed the twelve Tribes for Judah he prayed thus Hear Lord the voice of Judah and bring him unto his people let his hands be sufficient for him and be thou an help to him from his enemies Deut. 33.7 This Prophetical prayer of Moses sometimes in the whole and sometimes in part hath already at several times been fulfill'd and yet the Prophesie runs on for a further fulfilling Read and compare these Scriptures 2 Chr. 13.14 14.11 12 13 c. Rev. 5.5 Psal 2.6 7. and 72.15 2 Sam. 19.26 31. Dan. 7.13 14. 1 Tim. 6.15 Act. 3.20 21. 1 Sam. 22.35 40. Rev. 19.15 16. Psal 45.4 5. 110.5 6. So in that blessing which Jacob gave to the same Judah Gen. 49.8 9 10 c. what he there by the Spirit of God Prophesieth of hath been fullfilled and yet we are sure there is much in the Prophesie to be fulfilled For the Readers satisfaction I have thought good to mention these places 1 Chron. 5.2 Heb. 7.14 Hos 11.12 Judg. 1.1 2 3. 2 Sam. 17.10 22.41 Phil. 2.10 Rev. 5.5 Mat. 28.18 Luk. 1.32 Ephes 1.20 21. 1 King 4.25 1 Cor. 15.25 Isa 11.10 Rom. 15.12 Hag. 2.7 Mat. 12.21 Zech. 9.9 Joh. 12.14 15. Isa 63.1 2 3. Rev. 19.13 and 14.20 2. Whereas some think in applying Scripture-Prophesies to a particular State or Nation this is too straight and misseth the mind of the Spirit To this I answer If in applying a Prophesie to a particular Nation it be there confin'd then I grant there is a mistake if there be not a restriction in the Prophesie But though the Prophesie be general and have a large extent yet it is no straitning of the Prophesie to say that in respect of the rise and beginning of it it will not be universal but in such a Nation at first As light though it spread it self over
the two-shakings For howsoever the Lord doth both and in the first shaking there was great expectation and hope of much good by it yet through the hypocrisie and falshood of some men things proved altogether otherwise He looked for judgment but behold oppression for righteousness but behold a cry Isa 5.7 Now howsoever the Lord was pleased to suffer such corrupt men to carry on their wicked design and to set up themselves against his Son and Zion that the Scripture might be fulfilled yet after the second shaking it shall not be so but the work of Reformation begun shall go forward and prosper yea and in spight of all Apostates and Hypocrites under what profession and form soever truth and righteousness shall rise and flourish for ever Now indeed here lay the occasion of a former mistake generally among the Lords people we thought when the King and Bishops were taken away and the form of Government changed from Monarchy to a Commonwealth that we should presently have seen good days and that tyranny and persecution would have ceased but we did not consider the word here YET ONCE MORE i. e. there must be two shakings So that the good days or the days of the Son of man spoken of in Scripture do not belong to the first shaking neither may any that truly fear the Lord and keep the commandments of God and have the Testimo-of Jesus Christ expect any better time till after the second shaking when this yet once more is over then coms in the time that the Lord will not be wroth with his people any more violence shall be no more heard in the Land nor destruction within thy borders Thou shalt no more be termed forsaken neither shall thy land any more be termed desolate He will break all bonds and strangers shall no more serve themselves of thee Then the house of Israel shall go no more astray neither be polluted any more with their transgressions The Lord will no more make his people a reproach among the Heathen neither shall the wicked any more pass over thee but be utterly cut off Isa 54.9 60.18 62.4 Jer. 30.8 Ezek. 14.11 Joel 2.19 Nah. 1.15 precious Promises Oh how should we desire this ONCE MORE Come Lord Jesus come quickly 3. By Voice I understand the Instruments which the Lord hath raised up and brought together to shake the Earth and his powerful presence with them enabling them effectually to perform the good work he calls them to Methinks there is something here though it lie like gold close in the Earth very observable There are two shakings but the word VOICE is but once mentioned and joyned with the first the later brings a promise with it As if the Lord in this later shaking would be more ingaged for the interest of Christ and his people then he was before Though a man do something freely and of his own accord yet where he stands bound by promise there he takes the more care to have the thing done This may serve for our comfort and encouragement the Lord will not fail us in this second shaking He seems to give us more then we had before I say more ground and reason to hope that this present Apostacie in Church and State shall be shaken then we had formerly to beleeve the shaking of the King and Bishops But seeing our business at present lies not so much in explanation as application I shall therefore come now to set down what I humbly conceive may be from the forenamed Scripture rightly gathered Not restraining the Text to our present time or only to that which is here asserted for as I have said so I say again both this Prophesie and others may be fulfilled over and over But that which I take the Holy Ghost hath some respect to in this Prophesie foretels should come to pass is this The first shaking was when the Long Parliament voted down Kingly Government and pluckt up Monarchy root and branch and constituted a Commonwealth and enacted that the Supream Authority of the Nation should be in a Parliament without a King and House of Lords Add to this as proper to the same shaking the extirpation of the Government of the Church by Archbishops Bishops c. The shaking which is yet ONCE MORE is the utter abolishing of that THING which now stands Reader thou must bear with me for truly I know not what to call it except the LATE STATE-APOSTACIE neither that THING which is managed by the Tryers unless I should say it is one of the names of blasphemy which the great whore carries upon her forehead Rev. 17. as I am perswaded it is yet it hath no proper name But to proceed these two things call them what you will being as it were the two present States and Policies of the Nation the one Civil the other Religious these both will the Lord shake I say Overturn overturn overturn Reader let me request this of thee forbear thy censure till thou hast perused my Reasons for what hath been asserted I hope thou shalt see I am not like the Apostates of this age to give rayling for Reason 1. It is without dispute that among all Nations professing Religion there hath not been the liker State-shaking as was a while since in England For not only was he who was acknowledged by many LAWFUL PARLIAMENTS the Supream Magistrate brought as a Delinquent before a High Court of Justice but had sentence of Death pass'd upon him the which was soon after put in execution yea more to the end that Monarchy might for ever cease in the Nation and the very name of it forgotten there were four Acts of Parliament all standing yet in force for ought I know which make it high Treason for any man to take upon him the name of a King or Supream Magistrate without consent of Parliament The first Act saith thus Be it enacted and ordained that whosoever shall declare publish or any way promote any person to be King or Chief Magistrate of England or Ireland c. without consent of Parliament shall be judged and deemed a TRAYTOR to the Commonwealth and shall suffer pains of Death and such other punishments as belong to the Crimes of high Treason Act of Parl. January 30. 1648. The like Act was made March 17. 1648. and May 14. 1649. Again July 17. 1649. It was enacted That if any person shall maliciously or advisedly publish by writing printing or open declaring c. That the Commons in Parliament are not the Supreme Authority of this Nation or shall plot contrive or endeavor to stir up or raise force c. that every such offence shall be taken deemed and adjudged by the Authority of this Parliament to be high Treason But there is more yet there was an Ingagement which was drawn up and sent out by the Parliament for all the Nation to sign which went thus I do hereby declare and promise to be true and faithful to the
2 3 c. the which Apostacie to me is as clear to be now in this Nation as the Sun that shines at noon-day But of this more by and by 3. To make proof of the faith love and obedience of his little flock and in very deed as the Tryals and Temptatiâ—ns of the Lords witnesses have been these four or five yeers many ways very great So they have shewed much faithfulness to the Lord and to his Son and Zion that they have chosen bonds banishments close imprisonment and loss of trade and livelihood rather then with base time-servers and merce-mary flatters to betray the Liberties Laws and Rights of the Nation for filthy lucre sake If a maid that she might be such a mans wife should refuse a great estate and live very poorly with him would not this argue she married him for LOVE and nothing else How many are there to my know ledge would they have broken theâ— Vows Oaths and Ingagements anâ— joyned with others to build agaiâ— what before they had destroyed theâ— might have had what honour prefeâ—ment or place they would But theâ— would rather be imprisoned and baâ—nished and suffer with joy the spoiâ—ing of their goods then turn Judasseâ— for a few pence But what love anâ— affection have these persons in thiâ— shewed to the good old Cause and thâ— just Rights of their Country 4. That Hypocrites having gotteâ— by the present Apostacie fat pasture might the sooner fill up the measurâ— of their wickedness and so be prepare for the day of slaughter As the Lorâ— will have the harvest and vintage ripâ— before he cuts them down so there iâ— nothing will sooner ripen corrupt meâ— then greatness honour riches c. Swiâ— will not fatten faster by acorns then will aâ— hypocrite by Court-preferment Now Reader consider as the Lord had thesâ— and other such ends for which he suffered this root of bitterness to be among us so having had his END what is now to be expected but a sudden plucking of it up Then 2. What is it that hath occasioned prophane persons to blaspheme the holy name of God more then the late destroying of that good work of Reformation begun in the Nation What saith the Scoffer at it This man began to build but was not able to finish it Luk. 14.30 It is not man now but God the living God that is derided and laugh'd at he began to build c. he made a fair beginning saith the MOCKING-APOSTATE to have had a Commonwealth he seem'd as if he would have made a righteous Nation and the people no more under the lust and will of men But some were too hard for him and out-witted him and undid all that he had done before with the infinite expence of Blood and Treasure But know thou Atheist Jehovah is more jealous of his glory and great Name then to give it to another Though he have kept silence and thou thoughtest that he was altogether such an one as thy self yet know he will arise for his Name-sake For so is his promise I will sanctifie my great Name which was prophaned among the Gentiles which ye have prophaned in the midst of them Ezek. 36.23 But never will the name of God be recovered in this Nation to the stopping of the mouths of Apostateblasphemers until that blessed work of breaking Tyranny and Idolatry begun in the Long Parliament be on foot again I say once more as a truth which I hope the Lord will enable me if call'd to it to seal with my blood That the precious Name of God prophaned in this Nation by Apostate Professors will not be sanctified till the good old Cause be revived the Freedom and just Liberties of the people restored a Commonwealth setled upon right principles of truth and righteousness and those who have been the cause of the late horrible revolt brought forth to Justice 3. Such are the wounds in the Body of this Nation and the grievances and Breaches so many and great as I am perswaded all the State-Physitians I speak not of Mountebanks and Quacksalvers will perceive when they shall come to the Cause and Cure there is no healing of the whole without cutting a part off and what that part is they will soon see The Prophet Ezekiel speaking of the false Prophets of his time saith One built up a wall and lo others daubed it with untempered mortar Ezek. 13.10 He alludes unto a foolish builder who coming to a wall with his tools sees it is so rent and torn as it cannot stand but must be all pluckt down and a new wall rais'din the place of it nevertheless he only plaisters it over and so seeks to cover the fault but not to mend it Who should be builders if not the Representatives of the people And therefore if the wall before them which others built be so weak sandy and tottering that it must be shaken ought they not to beware of dawbing it with untempered mortar and the rather because the Lord wants not labourers but if one company of men prove unfaithful that is will be dawbing a rotten wall when they should cast it down he will DISSOLVE THEM with more shame and dishonour then any Protector could put upon them and call such to the State-work as shall be more faithful and well rewarded for it Say unto them which dawb with untempered mortar that it shall fall there shall be an overflowing showr and ye O great hail-stones shall fall and a stormy wind shall renit Lo when the wall is fallen shall it not be said unto you Where is the dawbing wherewith ye have dawbed it Thus will I accomplish my wrath upon the wall and upon them that have dawbed it with untempered mortar and will say unto you The wall is no more neither they that dawbed it Ezek. 13.11 12 15. 4. It may rationally satisfie all unbyassed persons that Gods actings and appearances were formerly such for the interest of Christ and his people as it cannot possibly be that he should leave it afterward What! was the King taken off his Posterity laid aside the Bishops and their Government put down for this end that there should rise up in their places a Generation of men more corrupt then they were Indeed if we will give credit to the blasphemous speeches published to the world by Apostates it should be so that is all the victories and deliverances which the Lord gave unto his people in the time of the Long Parliament was for them that is for their particular interest They blush not to tell us in print as may be gathered from their words plain enough that Gods helping us in our several streights was to keep up the Lawyers in their corruption Priests in their oppression the Magistrates in persecution the Tryers in their beastly invention and the old Malignant to take his revenge on honest men for their former good service to God and their Country But I shall leave these mockers to him that
prison Mat. 14.10 though this were a most cruel act in the Tyrant yet I think it vvas not half so bad as that in Jezebel vvho took away Naboths life and goods under pretence of Law Conscience Religion It vvas no marvel that Gods revenging hand vvas presently upon her for it for such a sin as that vvas made her soon ripe for cutting down Among other Reasons perswading me to think some terrible Earth-shaking is upon us truly this is one namely that never so much National wickedness vvas in any age as hath been of late committed in these three Nations under Religious pretences viz. fasting prayer vveeping talking high of God and his Son and Zion just as did the Pharisees all devouring of late times not of houses alone but of the lives and liberties of the people is ex parte altissimi for the most high God As Graserus describing the Little Horn saith he is one Qui impietati suae Dei nomen pretendit vvhich shall pretend the Name of God in all his impieties Add to this 1. The number of Sycophants and flatterers every vvhere especially Church-men vvho cry up the oppressours of the Nation as the only men for justice mercy piety c. 2. By how much the crying sins of the Nation are vvitnessed against the more do men rise and grow vvorse and vvorse in the practice of them Now vvhat do these things presage but that God is ready to lay the axe to the root of the tree Shall I not visit for these things saith the Lord and shall not my soul be avenged on such a Nation as this Jer. 5.9 3. It is usually Gods dealing with his people as I said before vvhen he draws out their hearts to an earnest seeking of him to grant them vvhat they ask Paul saith He was the Spirits prisoner Act. 20.22 The like is the case now of many pretious Saints Such a powerful-commanding impulse they find upon their Spirits that they cannot rest day nor night but must be sighing and groaning that the Lord vvould suddenly make this second shaking and remove unrighteous persons and things and make the Nation happy and glorious by establishing truth and justice in the midst of it I know these are reputed by the thriving party madmen giddy-heads fantasticks the greatest fools of the time But God ere long will put the Question out of question that is vvhether those vvho prayed against oppressours and to have Magistrates and Judges as at the first did well and therein pleased God or such as did flatter them and vvould have them still continue to the end they might serve themselves upon them And as the Spirit puts a holy force upon them to pray continually so they have many weighty encouragements not to faint For 1. It is generally beleeved by this Generation of Seekers That England will never be beautiful and lovely but rather her present blackness and deformity increase untill those be shaken who have made her most unlovely yea vile in the sight of the vvorld Neither 2. will there be any State-shaking in other Nations as to the cutting off of Tyrants and planting righteousness among them until some eminent vvork be done here first concerning a righteous setling of a good Commonwealth 3. It is their beleef That the Lord ere long vvill so honour a Government and Governours here established as they shall be very useful and instrumental to carry on his great vvork in the World that is destroy Babylon bring down the Enemies of Christ under his feet promote righteousness every vvhere yea and help the Lords Ancient people when their day shall come Lastly They are perswaded The Lord will not be turned from the fierceness of his anger and intreated for the Land until there be a publick check given to the late Apostacie by the Representatives of the people They hanged Haman c. Then was the Kings wrath pacified Esth 7.10 So they took up Jonah and cast him forth into the sea and the sea ceased from her raging Jon. 1.15 If vve see a man vvhet and sharpen a tool vve conclude he intends to do something vvith it as the Holy Ghost speaks of shaking the Earth yet once more Heb. 12. so I think the Lord is now preparing Instruments for it The vvork is such as it needs no fine tools rough tools vvill serve well enough especially being to be us'd by so strong powerful an hand when God shewed Zecharie the Horns he shewed him the Carpenters too Zech. 1.19 20. Elias in a little cloud saw abundance of rain Methinks in this National cloud I see both rain and hail Rain for the refreshing of the Earth after more then 3 years and an half drought What thinkst thou Reader would it not be a pleasant sight to see our Rights and Priviledges again to spring it is now towards the Spring and who knows but we may have a GOOD SPRING of it yea and a fruitful Summer too I mean such provision and care taken as to have no more such destroying winter as we have had of late by putting too much trust in the hands of deceitful men Again methinks I see in this cloud some hail and why not that Prophesie here to be fulfilled Judgment also will I lay to the line and righteousness to the plummet AND THE HAIL SHALL SWEEP AWAY THE REFUGE OF LIES and the waters shall overflow the hiding place Isa 28.17 But I shall refer the Reader to the REASONS which he shall find in the close of this Treatise wherefore I have great hope that the Nation will reap much good by this present Parliament Our 2. Argument is If this present Government be that State-Apostacie of which Paul speaks 2 Tim. 3.1 2 c. Then is the shaking of it intended in this Text. But the first is true Therefore the second This I shall take for granted for I am sure no understanding Christian will deny me it that the shaking of the two grand-Apostacies fore-told in Scripture are certainly meant in Heb. 12.27 And therefore leaving that part of the Argument which is vvithout dispute I shall endeavour to prove the other Part. 1. That there should be in Gospel-times two notorious Apostacies is evidently shewed in Scripture The first in the later days and this in Doctrine that is a departure from the faith 1 Tim. 4.1 2. 2 Thes 2.3 2 Pet. 2.1 2. Act. 20.30 The second Apostacie in the last days and this to be in practise that is a corrupt life or conversation 2 Tim. 3.1 c. 2 Pet. 3.3 4. 2. As the first Apostacie was a State or Kingdom and had a HEAD appointed to it and Laws made sutable to that Head and State Rev. 16.10 and 13.2 So the second Apostacie is to be a State a Body or Dominion Dan. 7.11 26. and to have a Head or Protector set over it and such Laws devis'd as may best fit the interest of the Head and Body and so much lies plainly in the Text
Perillous days shall come intimating a power in the Apostacie to act wickedness by a Law in spight of all opposition so long as the Apostacie should continue for had it not been so it could not have been perillous days as the Text holds forth 3. The first Apostacie had its rise in the Church occasioned through the covetousness pride self-seeking Covenant-breaking c. of professors 2 Pet. 2.3 Act. 20.3 So the second present Apostacie had its rise in the Church and among eminent Professors of Religion and the Cause of it the very same mentioned before because they were lovers of themselves covetous proud c. 2 Tim. 3.1 2 3. observe then this Apostacie cannot be made by Jews Turks Papists c. It must rise in the Church and among Professors of Religion who have the right worship of God in form at least 4. As they gave to the Head of the first Apostacie all power and to do what he would being above all and to be obeyed of all and not subject to any Council power or Authority on Earth so the Head of the second Apocie was Dominus omnium temporalium Lord of every mans goods he might do what he would supra jus contra jus extra jus above Law against Law and without Law he was allowed to be above the people in their Representatives and to call Parliaments when he pleas'd and to break them as oft as he would 5. Upon the Head of the first Apocie is characterized the number of the Beast Rev. 13.18 VICARIUS DEI GENERALIS IN TERRIS which according to the numeral Letters is 666. The very same number is on the head of the second Apostacie DUX GENERALIS ET PROTECTOR that is 666. Here is wisdom Let him that hath understanding count the number of the Beast for it is the number of a man and his number is six hundred threescore and six Rev. 13.18 The English of the first is Gods General on Earth the other Captain General and Protector 6. It is a wonderful thing to consider when the Heathen Romane Emperors were subdued the Idols of the Gentiles thrown down Persecution taken off from the Church and liberty granted unto tender Consciences in the exercise of Religion that just then the Let should be taken out of the way 2 Thes 2.7 and the first Apostacie rise in the Christian Church Who would have thought when the Kings head was taken off and with it that form of Government When the Bishops were put down with Altars Crosses Service-Book Ceremonies and other Popish-Idols Persecution stopt and liberty given to tender Consciences I say who would have thought that Professors of Religion yea those who had the greatest share and advantage in such mercies would have brought forth instead of grapes the wild-grapes of the second Apostacie as if there had been no time for them till just then to have shewed their hypocrisie falshood pride covetousness treason c. But besides the parallel between the two State-Apostacies that we have the second Apostacie at this time among us appears thus First We see plainly though they left the power of godliness and became self-seekers covetous proud traytors covenant-breakers yet they held fast the form or outside of Religion as men that have sores and ulcers upon their bodies throw not away their clothes but keep them on for covering And here the Reader is to observe that this second Apostacie cannot rightly be applyed to any but to Professors of Religion for such as have neither power nor form of godliness cannot be charged with it they may be among the Apostates and helpers of the Apostaâ—ie but not proper members 2. It must be understood that the men in the Text said to be lovers of themselves covetuos proud c. did formerly seem otherwise and condemned these very vices and corruptions in others for else it could not have been an Apostacie or falling from righteous Principles to a scandalous and corrupt walking Now who more complained against the King and Bishop for their miscarriages whilst they stood then those men whose miscarriages since have been far worse in the very same particulars wherein the others were charged I need not give instances it is possible this Parliament may have occasion to remember the old Court and the new and the old Bishops and the new Bishops If they do there is hope then that the greatest grievances of the Nation will be removed and the Liberties of the people restored 3. In that way which Apostates seek to cover their Apostacie doth the Lord discover both it and them What is the way they take to have their Apostacie hid and not known it is by taking up a form of Godliness And how doth the Lord unmask them and make their Apostacie known by that form of Godliness which they have taken up And the truth is were these men more self-seeking covetous proud c. then they are yet this alone would not prove them to be the later Apostates unless with those vices and sins they had also a form of godliness that is did preach pray fast and made a great noise and shew of the outside of Religion 4. I know no better way for a man to have satisfaction in this thing then first to consider what the sins are set down in 2 Tim. 3.2 3 4 5. foretold should be in the later State-Apostacie and then to look about him and see whether they are not all and every one of them to be seen as visibly and plainly as was the leprosie in Gehazi's forehead If the Reader do desire more to inform himself in this matter I shall refer him to a Treatise intituled The time of the End at pag. 36 c. where all the Characters of the last Apostacie are fully opened Having spoken of the first and second shaking of the Earth I come now to deliver my thoughts concerning the manner of the second shaking for of the first I have spoken and by whom the work will be done And lastly my Reasons wherefore I think the time of this later shaking is nigh The Scripture which I shall a little treat of is in Rev. 11.13 And the same hour was there a great Earth-quake and the tenth part of the Citie fell and in the Earth-quake were slain of men seven thousand and the remnant were affrighted and gave glory to the God of Heaven I have thought sometimes that this Earth-quake and the powring out of the first vial had contemporized and been all one thing but seriously observing again the places it seems to me that this Earth-quake will be before any vial is powred out and shall be a fore-runner as John Baptist was to Christ that is prepare or make way for the Vials About the time of this Earth-quake in the same hour saith the Text the witnesses ascend up to Heaven in a Cloud If by the witnesses here we understand fifth-Monarchy-men and their work to be about the more pure and spiritual part of
the fifth Kingdom I conceive then these do remain in Heaven or the Temple Rev. 15.6 for I take it to be one thing until the Earth-quake be made by the Common-wealths-men as making way for the seven last plagues I desire I may not be mistaken in mentioning fifth Monarchy-men and Commonwealth-men distinct I do it not as if they were not one people and their work all one in respect of pulling down and building up but in reference to the manner and way how these things shall be done The Earthquake will be as I said before the vials for these Reasons 1. Howsoever there are many differences among the Lords people as what is Babylon and so to be destroyed yet in this they are all satisfied and do unanimously accord That all heavy burdens should be broken Tyrants new as well as old removed the just Liberties of the people restored Righteousness setled in the Nation and the good old Cause up again conquering and to conquer Now as the Lord in these things hath made his people of one mind so he will have them joyn together in the prosecution of them for things farther off as about the vials they shall likewise have light in them Rev. 18.1 and accord in the work when the time coms to put them in execution Nevertheless whereto we have already attained let us walk by the same rule let us mind the same thing Phil. 3.16 2. It seems to me that this Earthquake will be before the Vials because the Earth-quake is under the second wo Rev. 11.13 14. but all the vials as I conceive fall under the third wo which is the last therefore are said to be the seven last plagues Rev. 15.1 3. If the Scriptures be heeded which treat of the fifth Kingdom it will appear that the great work which the Lord will bring to pass for his Son and Zion in the last days will begin at righteousness among men that is to destroy oppression and Tyranny in every kind all corrupt Laws and wicked Orders and Customs and to have things so setled as every man may have his due and just Rights Righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins and faithfulness the girdle of his reins Isa 11.5 A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of thy Kingdom Heb. 1.6 There is a voice of many waters before the voice of a great thunder Rev. 14.2 Waters are below thunder above the work begins below at the waters let us therefore take heed that we miss not the proper work of the day in not beginning where we should 4. As God is a God of order not of confusion so I think the great work of the times will be carried on in a beautiful and comly order It is said The stone was cut out of the mountain Dan. 2.45 Observe it is CUT so that it is not without form it hath some comliness fashion and order in it I see no obstruction why all that is written concerning the execution of vengeance upon Babylon or what is to be done by Saints as Saints of publick concernment till Christ personally appear but may very well stand with good order For example Is it not possible that a Government may be rightly established and such Governours chosen as the tenderest conscience may safely act under it It is said The ten horns shall hate the whore and shall make her desolate and naked and shall eat her flesh and burn her with fire Rev. 17.16 I do understand this of a State or Government let it be part of the fifth Kingdom and the meaning to be this when the Lamb hath overcome any Nation there shall be that Government erected and such Governours set up who will proclaim open war against the great whore and raise up forces to reward her double for the blood she had shed and other abominable wickedness This being so it must needs follow that the Earth-quake will be before the vials for it is not to be imagined that the Representatives of a Nation if they are wise and sober will meddle with Babylon abroad untill they have made a good Reformation and things well setled at home 5. If God have a voice in humane affairs and to be hearkned to and followed then I conceive this Earth-quake will be next that is a purging out of the dross and filthiness amongst us that righteousness may dwell in the Land this indeed we may now expect for the harvest of the later Apostacie is ripe and the Lord seems to have prepared some sharp sickles for the cutting down of it But for any other publick work at present I do not see the like fitness either in things or persons I have spoken the more of this to the end that whilst we are looking at things further off we do not forget our duty and work in things neerer home I have read somewhere of an Admiral when he should have gone presently in with the rest of the fleet to fight the Enemy he turned aside and wheel'd about so far that he never came in to give a stroke If we take not heed our darling conceits will turn us aside and cause us to wheel off from the fight i. e. our present Generation-work If so whosoever the Lord shall honour in following him to the Battle and for his faithfulness in it we for our parts can expect nothing but shame and dishonour Quest What is meant by the Earthquake in the Text Answ The Representatives of the people assembled in Parliament by whom the later State-Apostacie shall be put down So I take it But 1. I do not restrain this Earthquake to our Nation I have shewed before that one Prophesie may be often fulfilled Thus for ought I see to the contrary the slaying of the witnesses and their rising may be done over and over one while in one Country and sometimes in another in respect of time persons and place But what people soever are left out of these Prophesies we are not For there is none of them which concern the Gentile Saints in the last times but they will have some accomplishment here yea many of them more eminently here then elsewhere especially at first But of this I have spoken before Neither 2. do I fix any time when this Earth-quake shall be For howsoever I have strong perswasions that the work will begin at the sitting of this present Parliament yet I am not so certain that the Lord will honour them in so noble and glorious a Cause for their poor country as I am confident he will do it by others if they neglect their duty For the needy shall not always be forgotten the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever Psal 9.18 Quest But why is the laying aside of the present State-Apostacie and bringing the Nation to a Common-wealth again set forth by an Earth-quake Answ 1. Because in all likelihood before it be over it will make a dreadful and terrible shaking Wo wo wo to the inhabitants of the
and how many things through the pride and covetousness of some men were quite out of order it not only grieved him but stirr'd him up to endeavour a present Reformation And no doubt that which occasioned him to shew himself so zealously earnest in the work it was in that they had broken the good Government which he himself as a principal man had setled among them but a little before see Neh. 13. If there be a Nehemiah in this Parliament as I hope there are many men that will seek the welfare of England it is not an Apostate Eliashib or a Malignant Tobiah that they will fear nor the Rulers but will contend with them and never cease till the Commonwealth be freed from oppression and slavery setled upon a righteous foundation Reas 4. I am the more encouraged to HOPE that this Parliament will be successful in their undertakings and highly blest by Almighty God Because there are some Army Officers among them who have kept their integrity and have not betrayed the good old Cause for which they ingaged I know it will be matter of much grief unto such men that they must now in a little room be standing up for the publike interest of the Nation which could not be obtain'd till they had past thorow many places in blood Ah honest hearts they little thought when they left their families estates Relations and what else was dear unto them and carried their lives in their hands that they should afterwards sit at Westminster and hear the very same things pleaded for which they had before destroyed For what were the things for which they fought Was it not against Tyrannical and Arbitrary power against prosecution of Court-Principles by corrupt men Was it not to take off all oppressions from the necks of the freemen of England Was it not to remove the long usurped Authority of Lords Civil and Ecclesiastical over the Commons was it not that the supreme Authority should reside originally in the people according to the Law of God light of Nature and right Reason That all persons should own and stand by that Commonwealth-constitution as then established without King and House of Lords And that it should be Treason for any man to be Chief Magistrate of England and Ireland without consent of Parliament was it not against all Negative voices over the free-people of the Common-wealth and against the power of the Militia to be setled and kept in the hands of any single Person Let the enemies themselves be Judges whether these were not the main things contested for against the late King and for the recovery whereof the Nations Trustees in Parliament ingaged themselves and the good People thereof in a long expensive and bloody War which by the good hand of God assisting them ended in the total subduing of their adversaries and capacitating them to execute exemplary Justice upon the principal and his abettors Surely these old Souldiers knowing this to be true have not so far left their former valour and resolution as now to give all up unto men far more inconsiderable then the Royal party was If men should see a company of Boys over their heads throwing down stones upon them I know what they would do in such a case I shall leave the application to the Reader But I hear the Noble Lord Fairfax is chosen for a Parliament-man Surely it was not a personal grudge to the House of the Stuarts nor any particular discontent he had against the ancient Nobility and Gentry of the Nation that he cut them down in all places where he came but rather his love to truth and righteousness Howbeit his silence of late is much wondered at and his friends do now expect that he will appear like himself against the new Court party and our yesterday Nobility and Gentry so far as in point of honour and conscience he is bound and make it evident it was no personal spight against the King and his party that he fought them but love to his Country Reas 5. May not we HOPE now that iniquity shall stop her mouth The fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the Earth Gen. 9.2 Though there may be in some a will and de sire that the several burdens grievances of the people should not be taken off nor any thing done to settle and provide for the safety settlement and welfare of the Nation by common consent Nevertheless men of publick Spirits and righteous principles now speaking for the good old cause and declaring against the exercise of Arbitrary power over the lives Liberties and Estates of the people Now declaring against setting up a particular interest tending to the reviving of the Barons-wars by a successive contention between two distinct persons and families for the Soveraignty Now declaring against persons of a degenerate slavish and enslaving spirit encouraging and joyning with the old Malignant and acting and appearing again directly opposite to those good principles and things formerly established When these and such like things shall be spoken what may be expected then A fear and dread what will follow if there should be any contradiction and no marvel the burnt child fears the fire It is too well known how deeply some have suffered already for rash ingaging themselves for a Court-interest against the just rights of the people Job saith When he put on righteousness and brake the jaws of the wicked and pluckt the spoil out of their teeth delivered the poor that cried and caused the widdows heart to sing for joy The young men hid themselves and the aged stood up The Princes refrained talking and laid their hand on their mouth The nobles held their peace and their tongue cleaved to the roof of their mouth Job 29. There hath not been of late time such a time as this is for righteous Jobs especially in Parliament to plead for Justice For rationally no man can think as the case of the Nation stands that any person will have the forehead to speak whatsoever he think against the freedom safety and welfare of the Common-wealth which yet he must do if he speak for the present abuses and Court-corruptions for which the Parliament and Army engaged against the late King Fear not there shall not a man be able to stand before thee Josh 5.1 Reas 6. It is the hope of many and herein I am not without hope under that huge heap of chaff I mean the Army there is some good corn some fire among the abundance of ashes if so it will now appear that is such among them as still love the Good old cause speak high for righteous things and seem to mourn for the great Apostacie of the Army they will close with the present Parliament to have Arbitrary power put down the peoples Birth-rights restored and stand no longer with a corrupt interest against equity Law and conscience Before the Lord destroyed Sodom he brought Lot out of it who
knows but by this Parliament the Lord will deliver his chosen ones in the Army from his wrath he means to pour upon the rest it is no matter though they are few There is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few 1 Sam. 14.6 I know some can hardly beleeve that the Lord will so far honour them as to imploy them in his good old Cause again But let no mans eye be evil because God is good he is wiser then man and knows better then he what is to be done Considering therefore what an opportunity is now put into their hands by this Parliament there is hope that our Heavenly Father who is kind to the unkind is tendring mercy to them as he did to Lot Besides there are few in the Army of honest Principles but do very well know if the Parliament do not stand to effect good things for the Nation there will be little safety for them in the Army For the contest begins now between the two old Interests the Court or Commons Round-heads or Cavaleers no halting shortly between two opinions but either back again where we were into the House of Bondage or forward in a free Commonwealth for more Reformation Again It must needs be matter of grief to many Souldiers to consider what sad divisions and rents there are among the people of God about them many tender consciences not being satisfied to have spiritual communion with them because of their supporting an Arbitrary power They may say it is of their weakness in judgment let it be so yet they cannot be without deep sence of these divisions as I hope they are and therefore they will look upon this thing as a great Providence that they shall now come under the Government of the Parliament to serve their Country honestly and not the licentiousness of lawless persons any more And this will greatly tend to union and peace among Christians And whereas Parliaments of late have been overswayed by Sword-men yea often broken to peeces at their pleasure it is hoped now that these Army-men of whom I speak will prevent all such fear and danger by giving up themselves to the obedience of the Parliament and openly declare that they will stand with them to have the Good old Cause up again and the undoubted Rights and Liberties of these Nations fixt upon the right foundation of truth and righteousness Reas 7. When this Parliament shall understand the straits of the Nation and how many ways the well-affected to our freedom and just rights have suffered yea been undone in their persons and estates contrary to Law and Conscience and who have been the cause of all this as we hope they will hear the grievances of the people it is not to be doubted but there will be an Earth-quake with a witness Knowest thou not yet that Egypt is destroyed Exod. 10.7 as if they should say The land is wasted the people impoverished and that little which is left us will soon be taken from us if thou send not away this people Thus will be the cry of the Nation to the Parliament if they sit a little while and they will hear it with both ears Sirs Know ye not that England is destroyed our Merchants break dayly all trade fails us many families perish and that little which is left in the land the Court will devour if it be not dismist by your wisdom and care There is one thing and very probably this Parliament will remember and make use of it was the great pretence of some in breaking one Parliament after another that they did it for TRYAL And so this last Government was set up as judged the best and most expedient for publick good The Long Parliament was too slow and the little Parliament was too quick and therefore a new Instrument must be devis'd to save the Nation Now I hope there is no wrong done to the Tryers if this Parliament having found by proof and sad experience that of the three changes the last was the worst I say granting this if they should following the others example lay it aside and take up something else Nay more how can the Parliament as the peoples Trustees be faithful if they shall find that the better Government was laid aside and the worser set up almost to the undoing of the Nation and yet let it stand It is a Maxime in State Religious and Civil When corruptions and abuses do arise to reduce things to their first institution Thus Christ in refuting the Pharisees about plurality of wives mentioneth the first institution of marriage From the beginning it was not so Mat. 19.8 So Paul in seeking to redress the disorders in the Church at Corinth about the Lords Supper sets down the Institution 1 Cor. 11. and this I hope will be the practise of the Parliament in seeking to reform the many grievances of the Nation to bring things to the Original that is when the Government was changed from Monarchy to a Commonwealth Reas 8. I never had of late yeers more hope then now of a good accord among all the Godly of the House under what form or name soever that they will as one man stand up for righteous things Indeed matters of Religion in former Parliaments have greatly obstructed the settlement of the Nation A rock under water is perillous medling with Religion is the more dangerous because it is covered over with specious and fair pretences as if God would not bless Parliaments unless they begin at the House of God and here presently they are at a loss about this House of God what it is and where it is there being so many Lo here and lo there But I shall wave this discourse Whatsoever duty lies upon Parliaments concerning Religion I am sure as the affairs of the Nation now stand there is some other thing to be lookt after and if those who are religious mind it not it is possible the Cavaleer watching his opportunity will deprive both Presbyterians Independents Anabaptists c. of all their Birth-right and freedom here in England and where will they go next for liberty of Conscience There are as I said before but two great Interests in the Nation the Commonwealth and Cavaleer if the Cavaleer get it not there is no fear but all truly fearing God will enjoy much love and peace together Our Chronicles tell us Never had the Saxons and Danes conquered us had it not been for our own divisions If we lose our Commonwealth and with it our Liberties and Lives and the Cavaleers have it and from them Charls Stuart for they play the old game under a new dress I say should such a thing be which God forbid it must be by the subtilty of the Enemy causing division among good men whereby their hands are made weak but I hope better things and speak it for this end As men are godly so they should be wise Thus I have shewed the grounds of my HOPE what the actings and appearances of God will be for this Parliament a little time will shew I know few of them yet this I know never did the condition of England require men of large parts of wisdom integrity of publick and uninterested spirits more then now I wish therefore there be no Boys for Men no time-servers flatterers light careless and vain persons instead of honest faithful vigilant sober solid and wise hearted Their work is great in a manner to save poor England and to bring her off those rocks whereon she is ready to split into a safe Harbor With reverence therefore to the phrase Who is sufficient for these things FINIS