Parliaments in calling together a company of men pag. 23. such as knew the Lord for they allowed not themselves in the choice of one Person in whom they had not this good hope that there was faith in Christ and love unto all his Saints and People and which had made observations of his marvelous Dispensations and might be trusted with this Cause And therefore as being brought into their hands by Gods owning blessing and calling out a Millitary Power And comming together through difficulties through strivings pag. 25. through blood The work hitherto on foot This precious cause sealed too by the blood of thousands of Saints prosecuted with the Millions of Treasure of this Nation And the sole Power and Government of these Nations was committed and given up into their hands by the Generall and Officers of this Army which was declared by an Instrument in Parchment under Seal who professed the Eminent hand and Call of God in bringing them together pag. 18. That they were called to that Work by as wonderfull providences as ever past upon the sons of men in so short a time That they were called by God to Rule with him pag. 19. and called to be faithfull with the Saints who had been Instrumentall in their Call That God hereby did manifest that day to be a day of the Power of Jesus Christ pag. 22 Psal 110.3 having through so much Blood and tryals as have been upon these Nations made this one of the great Issues thereof to have a People called together to the supream Authory upon an Avowed account That they were as like the forming of God as ever People were pag. 22. That they were called with a high-Call That their power might be a way and doore to usher in things that God hath promised pag. 24. and prophesied of and to set the hearts of his People to wait for and expect not vainly looking on that prophesie in Daniel pag. 25. THE KINGDOME SHALL NOT BE DELIVERED TO OTHER PEOPLE i. e. then Saints That therefore they own their Call as marvellous pag. 24. and of God and being unprojected unthought of by them and those then called Accordingly the whole number being 140 all save two accepted their Call So that now as the Lord whose paths are wonderfull and unsearchable had put the Forces into the hands of Saints and made them Over-comers and so instrumentall herein He also by his great Providences which look so directly like the exalting of his Son and Interest The giving the Power unto Saints and the breaking worldly Constitutions and Powers Now gave the Millitary and so the Civil power of these Nations at Sea and Land into the hands of Saints upon this avowed accounted for our Lord Jesus Christ his People and the good of these poore Nations Wherefore both scripture and providence doth call the Saints to the work of the Kingdom of our Lord and the power of the Nations So then hitherto there was great cause to say EBENEZAR III. This Assembly comming together according to the Call and Providence of God after much seeking the Lord by prayer They Voted and afterwards Declared themselves the Parliament and supream Authority of this Common-Wealth Afterwards according to their Trust proceeding to redresse those great Evils and grievances which lay as Burthens upon the neck of Gods people and the Nations As the abolishing the Court of Chancery pag. 13. the regulation of the Law of which the General complained to them in his Speech as much groaned under But now sworn to Rule according to that pattern The taking away the Power of Patrons to make Presentations And to remove that Antichristian way of Ministers maintenance by Tythes c. Upon the passing whereof The contrary party notwithstanding that which had been Declared before the Lord and to the Nations consulted the dissolution of that Power Whereupon without either Debate Vote Order Act or Ordinance of that Assembly they pretended to Resigne their Power to the Generall Who had for some time designed the setting up of himself and his party and had now for that purpose prepared in a readinesse his Instrument of Government now bound upon the neck of this People for whom God had thus appeared Therefore A Collonell with a Leivt Collonel and their Souldiers came to the House the faithfull party sitting whilest the other party was scarcely got to Whitehall and forcebly broke and Dissolved them turning them out of doores And onely for proceeding in those things for neglect whereof the Old Parliament was pretended to be Dissolved IV. That those Members of the House pretending to Resigne their power by subscribing an Instrument at White-hall there prepared for that purpose comming to the House carly in the morning and from thence going away before many of the members came together without any consent or hearing of their fellows then in the House wat onely in a private or single capacity when out of the House And their Act at White hall onely a personall Act. So that the Right which Oliver Cromwell pretends to the Government of these Nations upon this account is invalid without face of Authority or power And the necessity he pretended thereunto a Designed and created necessity V. That hereupon the said O. C. contrary to the dispensations of Gods glorious providences which these Nations were under his own professed and avowed Principles The frequent Declarations of the Army Against Absolute Power in the persons of any as rendring that state where it is no better than Tyranny and the people subjected to it no better than Vassals and for free Councels and Parliaments His own Engagements Covenant Promises and Oath The Trust committed to him The known Lawes of the Nation made against Lordship and Monarehy after the very wonderfull out goings and appearances of God and still in force against the law of God The tennor of Scriptures the exaltation of the Lord Jesus upon the Throne of these Nations The Interest and Rights of the Saints the priviledges of the people and the good of the Creation Hath exalted and lifted up himself and his own interest Vpon the glorious Victories and marvellous deliverances no otherwise wrought then by the Lord Arm for these in slaved Nations upon that blood of Saints and others which hath been poured out so plentifully so freely in the late Wars for the purchase of those things we are once more robbed of upon the Millions of Treasure expended in the late Wars The free-will Offerings of Saints and the good people of these Nations Vpon the very inheritance the Rights the Mercies of the People And those fruits of Righteousnesse and truth which all hoped to reape from the blood of their Friends and Brethren their Treasure and these tedious wars but now robbed and spoiled of them VI. Afterwards greatly to the aggravation of his horrible sin wherein he hath justified the wicked and condemned the Generation of the just he put a stop to
the work which God had been carrying on with such blessings such Victories in the wars against the Dutch at sea Concluding a peace with that Nation upon very Low Unsafe and dishonourable Tearms Whereby the Blood spilt in that war and the Treasure spent seems to be altogether lost as to the good of the Nation and the guilt thereof lies at his door VII That the said O. C. hath Apostatized from his professions and avowed principles Hath left the Cause and Work the Lord so eminently owned him in whilst he yet seemed to walk with him hath contracted the guilt of Bloodshed unto himself hath thereby justified the Tyrants and Persecutors in all Ages which have hunted the true Seed That his persecution of Gods witnessing people his establishing and upholding the corrupt interests of the Clergy and Lawyers in these Nations his Oppressing the people by Taxing them to maintain a constant standing Army to uphold his Interest and Lordship over them from which there is not hopes of Deliverance for as in the 29. Article of his Government if there shall not be cause to keep up so great a defence at Land and Sea but there be an abatement the money saved thereby is to remain in banck for publick service as it s Termed doth exceed considering the hand from whence it comes the Rage Oppression and Treason of the late King for which he was brought to Justice That he is guilty of high-Treason in the account of God and Man in the erecting of his Government binding his Iron-Yoak upon the neck of the poor captive daughter of Zion See Speech to l. Parliament p. 22. whi st she had thought Summer had been come from the voice of the Turtle heard in our Land and upon the people of these Nations And of Tyranny and Cruelty in the excrcise thereof Whilst as himself said One of the great issues from the Blood and Tryals of late upon these Nations See Instrument of Government was to have a people called to the Supream Authority upon an avowed account But he without Call from God or man hath imposed a yoak hath continued our burthens swearing to Govern according to the Lawes which are so corrupt so degenerate and but thensome maintaining the Prerogative and unlimitted power of LORDSHIP and against which we have contested That he is a Truce-breaker and a False-Swearer And hath justified Amaleck that smote and oppressed Israel in their coming out of Egypt Exod. 17.8 14 15 16. Deut. 25.17 18 19. and against whom God will have war to all Generations So that he hath sinned against the Lord Jesus Christ against his people the dispensations of his power The cries of the Souls under the Altar the blood of all Saints and the Martyrs of Jesus hath transgressed in the acoursed thing hath dealt treacherously with the people of these Nations hath not judged the cause of the Fatherless nor the right of the Needy Jer. 5.28 30. but hath overpassed the deeds of the Wicked so that a wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the Land And we may say as of the sin of Gibeah There was no such deed don Judges 19.30 nor seen from the day that the children of Israel came up out of the Land of Egypt unto this day VIII That since this grievons Apostacy we have been retired into the clefts of the Rock Cam. 2.14 Isa 9.6 Jer. 30.5 6. and secret places of the Stairs The Lords people have been in pain as for the bringing forth of the man childe every mans hands has been on his loyns as a woman in Travel and all faces are turned into paleness because the voice of Trembling of Fear not of Peace The Testimony hath also been continued by the Lords people against this wickdnesse ever since the visible turning aside both in private and publick to which the Lord hath also given his Witnesse and Seal by his very marvellous appearances against them from time to time in blasting their Designes Mich. 5.9 Zech. 2.9 Zeph. 3.8 as in that of Hispaniola for his works we are not to forget whereby He has shaken his hand against them and seems to be arisen to the Prey We are therefore perswaded that no surther Addresses ought to be made unto him Prov 29.1 For he that being often reproved hardeneth his neck to do yet more weckedly shall sud denly be destroyed and that without Remedy But that as Samuel Saul Apostatizing and breaking the Commandement of the Lord in not destroying the sinners the Amalekites and fighting against them until they should be consumed 1 Saem 15.18 19 20 24 25 35. but flying upon the spoyle and doing evill in the sight of the Lord and yet withall justifying himself in his evill as going in the way of the Lord for which he was left of God rejected the Kingdome and his name blotted out though afterwards he said I have sinned and acknowledged his evill in transgressing the commandment of the Lord withall praying for pardon of his sin and desiring to worship the Lord for sook Saul in his Apostacie and came no more at him till the day of his death and tooke an horn of oyle and anoynted David a man more righteous with whose seed the Lord hath made an everlasting Covenant 1 Sam. 16.1 2 Sam. 23.5 Psal 89.3 4 34 to 38. Prov. 8.20 ordered in all things and sure A Government more pure more just wherein is promised The wisdome the spirit of God to lead in the way of Righteousnesse in the midst of the paths of judgement So the people of God preserved yet faithfull and unsported from the defilement and pollutions of this Apostacy through the grace of God seeing God had given his people victory over their enemies and by his Providence had given the power of these Nations into the hands of Saints as had also the General and his Officers who now we contend against May in the Name and Authority of the Lord of hosts for our Lord King Jesus Christ his Saints and People for his Cause now buried in this Apostacy for the people of these Nations RISE VP unto the PREY unto the work as JOSHVA and ZEROBBABEL did with all the Remnant of the people whose hearts God had stirred up in their work May rise up against the evill doers Hag. 1.14 Ps 94.16 See Decla Iune 14. 1647. and stand up against the workers of iniquity And according to his own principles the principles of the Parliament and Army the Parliament Declared it no resisting of Magistracy to side with just principles The safery of the people being above Law as in the large Petition 11. Sept. 1648. especially an unjust and wicked Law And so the Army Remonst Albans 16 Novemb. 1648. if any Arbitrary power be attempted to be exercised over a people the people are not bound thereby but free And if a Person trusted with a limmitted power to rule according to Law shall
be found fit for or faithfull in to their worthy service and that great trust reposed in them by Christ his Followers People and Subjects But that at the end of twelve Moneths to be accounted from the first day of their call and Assembling together the said Power in course fall into the Body at every one of the said Periods of time 18. That upon the last day of the said Tearm successively or sooner if it shall be determened the LORDS-FREEMEN i.e. Those that have a right with Christ in and according to the New-Covenant For whom the Sun maketh free are free indeed And the servant abideth not in the house for ever but the Son abideth ever John 8.35.36 shall be assembled together and shall then make their new-Election of Members with respect to the Qualifications aforesaid to serve in the Supream Trust either of those with others formerly chosen if excelling others in their measure of Spirit and light from the holy one Or else of others not formerly called when found meet for so high a service And so successively and constantly from time to time That those so chosen The power remaining with the old Magistrate upon the day of Election who are to take care that the people be duly Assembled as aforesaid Or in case of fails herein the people knowing their concernment do of course come together for the said Elections be duly admitted to succeed in the Government the next day after their choice or otherwise So the Law shall go forth of Zion and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem 19. That it be not in the power of the Supream Cowncel to violate take away give up or enervate any of the Foundations of Common-Right and Freedome which are or shall be agreed upon save in case of a further convincing light And such alterations may be according to Law and the good of the people 20. That no person of what Ranck Degree or Qualitie soever be priviledged from Law and subjection but all to own obedience to the righteous rule of the head of this Government That so the Magistrates and Governors with other Inferiour officers tasting of subjection aswel as of Rule Government no particular or private interests of Lordship Power and advantage contrary to that of Publick and common good be any wayes upheld and maintained 21. That in this blessed interest of our Lord Jesus men as they are men Shall be Blessed Preserved and Protected in their peaceable enjoyment of their Estates Psal 72.2 9 11 17 Liberties and Priviledges under him Insomuch that they that dwell in the wildernesse shall bow before him yea all Kings shall fall down before him all Nations shall serve him yea they shall call him blessed So that when the Lords Judgements are in the earth Isa 26.9 the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousnesse First as under the Law of this Common-Wealth they shall be freed from violence and oppression and all Tyrannical and Antichristian yoaks upon the outward man He shall break in pieces the Oppressor And 1. That no man be committed or detâ—yned in Prisons without the cause be legally expressed and known Libertie is therefore to be proclaimed to all those that suffer wrongfully upon the will and pleasure of any man 2. That there be no impressing or inforceing of men for Souldiers neither shall it be in the power of the Councel to constrain men or impresse them to serve in Forreign wars either by Sea or Land 3. That there be no longer continuance of that wicked and unlawfull oppression of Excise neither of Customes upon the native Inhabitants 4. That there be no Assesments or Taxes levied upon and compelled from the People in times of peace neither in time of War but by their common consent and according to our law But that the War once raised be principally carried on at the charge of those that are the occasioners thereof The Beast and false Prophet the wicked bloody Antichristian Magistracy Ministry Lawyers c. That have eaten out the bowels of the poore whose gain shall be consecrated to the Lord Mich. 4.13 Rev. 11.18 and their substance to the Lord of the whole earth And the Lord shall destroy them that destroy the earth 5. That all Oppressions and grievâ—nces in the tenures of lands Copyhold and Customary Heriots Fines Amerciaments Perquesites and profits of Courts customs services c. in these or any other respect be abrogated and clean removed 6. That there be no place found for TITHES being judged as Antichristian and altogether inconsistent with the Gospel spirit And that the glorious Gospel of the Kingdome be freely held forth and preached to all And to that end that Ministers be sent forth of the Church according to the Primitive Institution and Rule of the Gospel who are to be maintained as the Gospel will warrant either the labour of their hands or the free-contributions of Saints and Churches That grace may abound Thus saith the Lord God Ezek. 34.10 behold I am against the Shepherds and I will require my Flock at their hands and cause them to cease from seeding the Flock neither shall the shepheards seed themselves any more For I will deliver my flock from their mouth that they may not be meat for them But that respect be had unto those who with their own particular estaâ—es have purchased Tithes Gleabe-lands c. And that they may have satisfaction according to that which shall be made appear to have been paid for them Secondly Man shall be blessed in this Interest as in that state of Restitution of all things Acts 3.21 In that he shall be restored by God unto right reason and wisdome And that beast like and brutish nature and principles from whence has proceeded alâ— Murders Thefts Rebellion Violence Oppression Ravenning and Devouring his fellow creatures One creature destroying another whence it is the Earth is defiled and corrupted bringing forth Thorns Briers Thistles weeds c. All vermine that increaseth not by generation abounds c. And the whole world lyeth in wickednesse Therâ—fore the Creation groaneth and travelleth to be delivered from the yoak and bondage of corruption Rom. 8.21 22. he has retained ever since the fall of man shall be in a great measure done away In so much that when the glory of the Lord shall be revealed the old Serpent shall not only be bound But all flesh shall see it together For the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it A figure of this we have in Nebuchad-nezzar he was driven from men and did eat grasse as Oxen Isa 40.5 Dan. 4.33 34. and his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hairs were grown as Eagles feathers and his nails like Birds claws And at the end of the dayes I Nebuchadnezzar lift up mine eys to heaven AND MINE VNDERSTANDING RETVRNED UNTO ME and I blessed the most high and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever whose Dominion is an
A STANDARD SET UP Whereunto the true Seed and Saints of the most High may be gathered together into one out of their several Forms For the Lambe against the Beast and False Prophet in this good and honourable Cause OR THE PRINCIPLES DECLARATION Of the REMNANT who have waited for the blessed Appearance and Hope Shewing how Saints as Saints men as men and the Creation shall have their blessings herein as in the Deliverance of the True Church out of Babylon and all Confusion as in the most Righteous and Free-Common-Wealth-State As in the Restitution of all things Subscribed W. Medley Scribe Gen. 49.9 WHO SHALL ROVSE HIM VP Deut. 33.27 The eternall God is thy Refuge and underneath are the everlasting Arms and he shall thrust out the Enemy from before thee and shall say Destroy them Isai 60.22 A little-one shall become a thousand and a small one a strong Nation I the Lord will hasten it in his time Isai 62.10 Lift up a STANDARD for the People Rev. 19.2 For True and Righteous are his Judgements for he hath judged the great Whore which did corrupt the Earth with her Fornication and hath avenged the Blood of his Servants at her hands Printed in the Year 1657. I. VVHilst the Lords own People in these Three Nations were in a very Low Condition and state of Persecution continually hunted by Cruel Adversaries through the Treasonable Practices Oppression and Tyranny of the late King and the Cruelty Rage and bloody Persecuting Spirit of the Bishops and Prelates insomuch that the Land was filled with Blood See large Petition to Parliament 11. Sept. 1648. And the people of these Nations inslaved to the Lust and pleasure of the King The freedome of the People being directly Opposite to the Prerogative of Kings in their Estates and Liberties Robbed and Spoiled of their Common-Rights and Priviledges and their Representatives deprived of their law-making-Law-making-Power and subjected to the Negative-voice of a single Person and Dissolved at Will and Pleasure so that a perfect Yook of Bondage was upon the Bodies and Consciences of men The Lord by his wise Providence raised up an Instrument to worke Deliverance and Salvation from the hands of this Common-Enemy in which should we note the wonderful passages of Providences from time to time would be marvellous Afterwards i. e. about the midest of the War The Instrument became more refined See Speech to l. Parliament p. 2 3. The Lord winnowing the Forces of this Nation and putting them into the hands of men of other Principles than those engaged at first Soe crossing the designes of men and causing his own to take place which he carried on in all the late warres yea to this day So the thoughts of his heart take place in all Generations he raised up a poor and contemptible company neither vers'd in Millitary affairs nor having much natural Propensity no them and this through owning a Principle of Godlinesse of Religion This Army Declared They were not meer mercinary men Declarat June 14. 1647. hired to serve an Arbitrary power of State But took up Arms in Judgement and Conscience for the defence of the peoples just Rights and Priviledges and to vindicate the power of the Nation in Parliaments against all Arbitrary Power Violence and Oppression Declarat in Scotl. Anno. 1650. and all particular parties and interests And being perswaded in their consciences that the King and his Monarchy was one of the 10. hornes of the Beast spoken of Rev. 17 c. And being witnesses to so much of the innocent Blood of the Saints he had shed in supporting the Beast and considering the loud cries of the Soules of the Saints under the Altar they were extraordinarily carried forth to desire justice upon the King that mâ—n of blood Withall desiring to let those of Scotland know That they were not Souldiers of fortune nor meerly the Servants of men having not only PROCLAYMED Jesus Christ King of Saints to be their King by profession but desired to submit to him upon his own Tearms and to admit him to the EXERCISE of his ROYAL-AVTHORITY in their hearts and to follow him whithersoever he went c. And the work with this Army was generally owned and acknowledged as the Cause of God Which so soon as it came to be owned The state of Affairs put upon that foot of Account the Lord blessed them in all their undertakings Insomuch that after the Army was New-modelled and the war put upon an Offensive and purely Active Account with Execution upon the Adversary where ever he was found they never lost one Field-Battail in any of the three Nations II. The Lord having thus Owned and Blessed this Cause in the hands of this Army The King brought to Tryal and Justice Executed upon him as a Murderer a Traytor and an Oppressor and Common-Enemy of the Nation A Statute in Parliament made against his posterity and any other that should now pretend to be Chief-Magistrate and so declared of these Nations condemning them guilty of high Treason after these wonderful successes The great Deliverance and marvellous Solvation to use the words of the General wrought at Worcester by a signal hand were it weighed See Speech to l. Parliament p. 5. The Old Parliament notwithstanding God had used them Eminently in the wars against the King Dissolved as in the Judgements of the Saints and Churches Unfit for the further carrying on the Worke and Cause These poor Nations freed from their Yoaks and Bands in a great measure and in a very hopeful and blessed way to obtain a very thorough Reformation and perfect deliverance The Lord Jesus Christ unanimously owned in the Army and in many of the Churches of the Saints and in the several parts of the Nation as LORD and KING The Power therefore was now by the wonderfull providence of God given into the hands of this professing victorious overcoming Army And thereby an opportunity given into them to serve the Lord fully according as they had Declared Accordingly The Generall and Officers of the Army to manifest to the world their singlnesse of heart and integrity pag. 18. and that they did not grasp after the Power their selves to keep it in a Millitary hand no not for a day were incouraged as in the Dissolving the old Parliament The consent and affections of the Officers of the three Nations at land pag. 26. and their Brethren at Sea though no Artifice had been used to perswade their approbations to this work flowing into them from all parts beyond their expectations besides their approbations and consent unsought for to the other work And above all which is esteemable very many Papers from the Churches of God throughout the Nation wonderfully approving both what had been done in removing Obstacles pag. 17. and approving what herein was done To the Exercising an extraordinary way and course beyond and contrary to the ordinary way of Elections and constitutions of
abuse that power and fly to the way of force upon his trusting people he thereby forfeits all his Trust and Power and absolving the people from the bonds of Covenant and Peace betwixt him and them does set them free to take their best advantage and if he shall fall within their power to proceed in judgement against him even for that alone if there were no more may proceed against the said O. C. by like force means as against the late King and his party and afterwards against his Son those of Scotland to recover the name of God his righteous Cause the Redemption of Saints Se. Declar. of Generall Councel of War and rights of the people For as the Army said What remains to this poor Kingdome and all true hearted Englishmen but to joyne together as one man with their Councels Estates and Lives in this way as their last Refuge under God so say we to all Saints undefiled or to any others not guilty of this Apostacy that will help the Lord against the mighty IX That the Lords people may be gathered together into one united and come to a consistancie together for and in this work aswell against the enemies of our Lord in other Nations as in this Ps 60.1 3 4 5. The BANNER which God has given unto his poor scattered people unto whom he has shewen hard things who he has made to drink the wine of astonishment may be displayed and lift up because of the truth By a handful of Redeemed ones such as are the First fruits to God and to the Lamb That Christs beloved may be delivered That unto him as LORD and KING the gathering of the people may be Rev. 14.4 That the Saints may all come to this BANNER That those which have made a Covenant with the Lord by Sacrifice may be gathered together unto him in this work Ge. 49.10 That judgement being returned unto righteousnesse the standard set up and some beginning had all the Vpright in heart may follow Ps 50.5 Ps 94 15 Ps 149.7 To Execute Vengeance upon the heathen and punishment upon the People X. Now therefore that we might not now loose the price of Blood of Treasure of the Prayers and Tears of Saints for therein though the least in our Fathers house we claim an interest and share We shall in order to this blessed work and a beginning thereof so longed so prayed so hoped for state under some generall heads the Cause we plead for and the work we desire to prosecute wherein we are of one Faith and one hope And shall also to the end all stumbling blocks may be removed more particularly in our poor weak measure according to our present light and apprehension of things give our judgement in respect of POWER LAWS GOVERNOVRS EXERCISE of CHIEF MAGISTRACY ADMINISTRATION OF JVSTICE RIGHTS AND PRIVILEDGES yet notwithstanding this considering our imbecility and darknesse we premise that we are apt to think That when the spirit of discerning of judgment of truth bearing fruits of righteousnesse unto all Nations comes forth as the spirit and light of this kingdom our present apprehensions compared thereto are but as darknesse to light Therefore we professe in the sence of our own unworthinesse and want of that heavenly skill and understanding that we are waiting for a clearer light from the Son of righteousnesse in his arising upon his poor Spouse now in the clefts of the rock in the secret places of the stairs for the wisdome and revelation of that spirit the hidden misteries of that Word And to be going out and coming in Rev. 16.5 6 7 Ier. 50 28. Ps 58 10. Isa 34 8. Jer. 51 11. Is 35 4. Ps 149 7 8 9. Ps 45.5 Rev. 18.6 7. Mat. 23.35 Rev. 6 9 10. ch 18 20 24 c. 17.6 in the discerning Authorities majesty and grace of that spirit 1. That the righteous judgement s and vengeance of the Lord may be executed according to that which is written upon the Beast and false Prophet the kings of the earth and their Armies and all the Inhabitants and powers of Babilon by the hands of the Saints unto whom God hath given that honour That she may be rewarded double according to her works That upon her may come all the righteous blood shed upon the Earth from the blood of Abel unto this day The blood of the soules under the Altar slain for the word of God and for the Testimony which they have held for our Lord and King in their Generations The blood of the Saints the holy Apostles the Prophers and Servants and Martyrs of Jesus who have been as sheep for the slaughter ch 19.2 to 6 Isa 26.21 Dan. 2.34 35 44 45. ch 7.26 27. Rom. 8.17 Joel 2.28 Psal 72.6 2 Sam. 23.4 5. Mich 5.7 Isa 28.6 ch 11.2 1 Kings 3 9 11. ch 4.29.30 31. Rom. 8.15 Zech. 12.10 Eph. 1.13 17. Rev. 19.10 Joh. 14.17 1 Pet. 4.14 Rev. 2 26 Reev 14 6 7. comp Mat. 24 14 Isa 52.7 Mich 4.2 Ps 68.13 Psa 102.14 Mal. 4.2 Isa 60.1 to 7. Zech. 8.20 21 22. Rev. 15.4 Isa 28.6 Zech. 9.13 Isa 45.5 ch 41.18 19. ch 44.3 Gal. 5.22.23 Their blood powred out like water in the bloody persecutions at Rome The Massacres of France The Murdering Inquisition of Spain And the blood shed at the stake in Smithfield That the stone cut out of the Mountain without hands may smite the Image upon its feet And that all earthly Governments and worldly constitutions may be broken and removed by the first administration of the Kingdome of Christ appointed unto him by the decree of the Father and is the inheritance of the Saints as joynt-heirs with him 2. That the Lord would poure out his blessed Spirit the gifts and graces thereof suitable to the Ministration we are under And that he would come down as rain upon the mown grasse By a spirit of Judgement and Councell of wisdome discerning and understanding To them that shall sit in Judgement By a spirit of adoption a spirit of grace the holy spirit of promise of wisdome and Revelation in the knowledge of Christ of Prophecy of Truth of Glory of Power upon his Messengers That the glad tidings of the EVERLASTING GOSPEL And the word of the Lord from Jerusalem may be borne to them that dwell on the Earth to every kindred tongue and people and Nation especially to those which shall be saved according to the purpose of his grace That have been so long among the Pots Rubbish obscured from the Healing beams of the Sun of righteousnesse That the glory of the Lord may be seen upon Zion That the Gentiles may come to her light and Kings to the brightnesse of her rising So that the abundance of the Sea shall be converted and the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto her And by a spirit of might The spirit of the Lyon of the tribe of Judah upon those that Turne
the bartail to the gate That the Arrowes of the Almighty may be sharp in the hearts of the Kings Enemies That rivers may be opened in high-places and Fountains in the midst of the Valleyes His spirit poured out upon his seed and his blessing upon his Off-spring 3. That the BRANCH of righteousnesse may grow up unto David to execute Judgement and righteousnesse in the Land upon the Throne of David Jer. 33.15 16. ch 23.5 Isa 9.6 7. ch 1.26 ch 60.17 ch 32.1 Deut. 17.15 ch 1.13 Jer. 3.15 Isa 10.27 Exod. 30.23 Isa 61 3. ch 60.18 Zech. 9.8 Psal 72.4.12 14. Amos 5.24 Isa 33.5 ch 32.16 Psal 94.15 Mat. 12.20 Psal 119.19 54. Heb. 11.13 John 10.4.5 Zeph. 3.9 Isa 11.13 Jer. 32.38 39. Cant. 6.9 Phil. 2.20 Psal 102.14 Eph. 2.20 21. Rev. 16.12 compa Isa 11.11 15 16. ch 27.12 13. Rom. 9.4 and upon his Kingdome To order it with judgement and with justice In whom there is mercy for Saints as Saints for men as men and for the whole Creation That we might have Judges as at first and Councellours as at the beginning That our Officers may be Peace and our Exacters righteousnesse And that we might have Pastors according to Gods heart to feed the Flock with knowledge and understanding And that all yoaks upon the inward and outward man may be destroyed because of the Anoynting the holy Spirit the Myrrhe of Liberty Oyl of joy poured out into the wounds of the persecuted and bleeding Flock and the groaning Creation That violence be no more heard in our Land wasting nor destruction within our borders But that we may call our Walls Salvation and our Gates Praise And that Judgement run down as waters and Righteousnesse as a mighty stream Dwelling in the Wildernesse and remaning in the in the fruitful Field 4. That Judgement may be returned unto Righteousnesse and brought forth unto victory That all the upright in heart may follow it that the Lambs of Christ Torne and scatered by Wolves and the rage cruelty of Antichrist now as Pilgrims and strangers in the Earth may be gathered out of their several formes and from their holes and corners at the voice of their great Shepheard and may serve the Lord with one consent and may all call upon his name My Dove my undefiled is but one That the whole building of the spiritual Temple for whom we naturally care As taking pleasure in her stones and favoring the dust thereof Upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets and Christ the chief-corner stone may grow up unto an holy Temple in the Lord. And that according to the many Prophecies and Promises in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments The way of the Kings of the East might be prepared The Jews and Isralites To whom pertaineth the Adoption and the Glory Isa 43 5 6. Ezek 36.24 ch 37.14.15 21. 34.12 13 14. Ier. 23 7 8. ch 32 37. Ier. 30 18. Isa 66 12. Dan. 2 35. Is 2.2 Coll. 1 15 16 18 o 1.1 2 3. Heb. 1.2 Rev. 19 13. 1 Cor. 1.24 Pro. 8.22 23 30 31. Mark 1.11 John 1 14. Rev. 1.5 Heb. 1.2 Eph. 4.8 Coll. 2.15 Heb. 1 4 8. Ps 45.6 Joh. 5.27 Rev 19.16 c. 17.14 Phil. 2.9 10. Isa 45 33. Matt. 28.18 Gen. 22.17 compa Gall. 3.16 Luke 1 32 33. Dan. 7.27 Ps 2.7 8. Isa 53.12 Rev. 11.15 Isa 9.6 7. and the Covenants and the giving of the Law and the service of God and the promises may be Redeemed from their long Captivities and gathered from the Isles of the Sea and from the four corners of the Earth and so all Israel may be saved and restored to the possession of their own Land And with the fulnesse of the Gentiles being addâ—d to them as a â—â—owing stream They may together become a great Mountain filling the whole Earth with their power and glory And may be established in top of the Mountains and exalted above the Hills 5. That as all things that are in Heaven and in Earth visible and invisible whether Thrones Dominions Principallities or Powers were created by our Lord Jesus As he is the Word the Power and the Wisdome of God and for him as He is the only begotten Son of God the first born from cry Creature the image of the invisible God the head of the Church the Beginning the first born of the Dead that in all things he might have the preheminence the head of Principallities and Powers That as he is by the wise purpose of the Father appointed heir of all things And having triumphed over Satan Hell Death and Sin And having spoiled Principallities and Powers hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than that of the Angels whose Throne is for ever and ever a Scepter of Righteousnesse is the Scepter of his Kingdome Vnto whom also is given Authority to execute jugement because he is the Son of man On whose Vesture and Thigh is a name written KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS Unto whom is given all power both in Heaven and in Earth And unto him is also promised The Gate of his Enemies The THRONE of his Father David The Kingdoms of this world A portion with the great and the spoyl with the strong Therefore That all the Kingdomes of this world should become the Kingdomes of our Lord Christ The Government put upon his shoulders who is called Wonderfull Councellor mighty God everlasting Father Prince of Peace 2 Kings 19 31. Isa 37 32. Eph. 6.10 Mic. 5.4 Psa 72.1 8. Zech. 9 10. Ps 72 9 11. Luke 19.27 1 Tim. 6.15 Jer. 23.6 ch 33.16 That his THRONE may be established with Judgement and Justice by the Zeal of the Lord of Hosts and the power of his might That he might be great unto the ends of the earth That the Lords righteous judgments might be given to the king and his righteousnesse unto the kings son That he may have his Dominion from sea to sea and from the river unto the ends of the Earth That they that dwell in the wildernesse may bow before him and his enemies may lick the dust And that all kings may fall down before him and all Nations may serve him who is the onely and blessed Potentate THE LORD OVR RIGHTEOVSNES 6. That the supream absolute LEGISLATIVE POWER and AVTHORITY to make Laws for the governing of the Nations and the good and well-being of man-kind Isa 9 6. c. 32.1 33.22 Jer. 10.7 Ps 2.7 8. Acts 2.30 c. 3.22 23 Iam. 4.12 Mat. 29.18 is originally and essentially in the Lord Jesus Christ by Right Conquest Gift Election and Inheritance who is the onely absolute single person whom the father hath loved decreed sworn to anointed and given all power unto in heaven and in earth 7. That the scriptures being given by inspiration of God with his holy spirit are the revealed Will and Rule of this LEGISLATOR to be constantly owned and submitted unto in â—imes of War and Peace
everlasting Dominion and his kingdome is from generation to generation So that man is loudly called upon to come in and with all chearfulnesse and readinesse to submit himself unto the Government and rule of thâ— Prince of the Kings of the Earth THE WISDOM OF WHOSE THRONE SHAL DECIDE ALL CONTROVERSIES And great will be the Peace of this Day when the Beast and the Fals-Prophet is taken in opposing the Lamb with their Armies and cast alive into a lake of Fire Rev. 19.19 20. THE DECLARATION AS in the sight of that glorious Majesty JEHOVAHNISSI THE LORD OUR PROTECTOR being assured by the grace of God That the kingdomes of this world are of right the Inheritance of our Lord Jesus And being by the workings of his holy spirit and the Power of his love through the quickening of the new-man exceedingly stirred up as called upon this Bottome and hope having for many moneths waited for the day of the power of Jesus Christ And for a willing people which might take pleasure in her stones and favour the dust thereof To follow the Lambe in the Dispensations of his Judgements Withall considering That the stones of the sanctuary are powred out in the head of every street and the precious sons of Zion comparable to fine gold are esteemed as earthen pitchers The blood and lives of Saints poured forth The dishonour of the Name and glory of God so deare unto us The stop of that work and cause so eminently owned by God and sealed unto by the blood of thousands of our dear brethren in the High places of the Field Our bowels are troubled and we have waited for his salvation all the day long And being also throughly convinced of the Apostacy Hypocrisie Murders and Treason of OLIVER CROMWELL THE HEAD OF THIS APOSTASIE and those that are with him We were encouraged though but a Worm yet not without hopes of being raised up to be Instrumentall to Thrash the Mountains According to our Faith and hope and call from the world from the Earth from among Men to publish our Principle to the World That our Brethren in holes and corners in the severall parts of the Nation in all the Churches of the Saints might hold up their heads because of Redemption that draweth nigh That all men might see their Interest and concern as involved as wrapped up as comprehended in the Interest and Cause we Pleade for the onely and blessed POTENTATE That a STANDARD might be set up and displayed for all Saints that hunger after the Truth That wait for Justice and Righteousnesse That it might dwell in the Wildernesse and remain in the fruitfull field For all men for every poor heart that desires to stand up for Equity for Liberty for Deliverance from yoaks and Bonds whether in the Army that hath kept a good Conscience that hath not shared in the Apostacy and and wickednesse That hath not said a Confederacy with those that say a Confederacy that have not sold themselves to work wickednesse Or any others that may say God speed And also to â—ppear publickly with Councel Estates Lives Liberties Families Relations and all most Dear to us in this way as a Sacrifice and Offering prepared for the Lord Jesus who hath Redeemed Justified and Sanctified us by his blood hath made us unto our God Kings and Priests that we may râ—ign with him on the earth and is made unto us of the Father Wisdome Righteousnesse Sanctification and Redemption And if he shall give us our Lives for a prey as those that will loose them shall save them though we are therein with trembling in this Evill and Adulterous generation We shall yet think it our duty having hear no continuing City but as wanderers as Pilgrims as strangers as having nothing yet possessing all things To give them up in the high places of the field as for his Navie his Kingdome so for his whole flock that all Saints weak as well as strong poor needy and foolish That have received the Adoption can cry ABA and are sealed with the Holy spirit of promise may together grow up unto an holy Temple in the Lord As naturally caring for the well-fare of all the Lambs of the whole household of God and with them for the Creation as all having a place in our hearts That all may be delivered into the glorious liberties of the Sons of God for whom and to whom we hope the grace of God given to us will help us to witnesse a good witnesse And we are herein the more bold in the zeal of the Lord of hosts in the Power of his might in the Authority and Majesty of the holy and blessed spirit as knowing That whether wâ— sleep or wake we shall live with him Whether we live or die we shall stand in our Lot in the blessed inheritance with the Saints in light at the end of the dayes If sown in corruption yet raised in incorruption If sown in dishonour yet raised in Glory If sown in weaknesse yet raised in Power If we shall not tast of death though the cup be alwayes sweet to us as we are in Christ and live the life of faith and as for him Waiting upon him in the way of his Judgements till our Lord shall appear yâ—t changed in a moment in the twinckling of an eye and made like unto his glorious body Then to us to die is gain and to live is gain so that tribulation nor distressâ— or persecution or Famine or nakednesse or perils or sword neither Death nor Life nor Angels nor Principalities nor Powers nor things present nor things to come nor height nor depth nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus Nay we are more then conquerours through him that loved us Wherefore in the Name of that dreadfull Majesty having born our Testimony and Witnesse against the Apostacy of this Army and their General so long so loud forwarning them of the Vengeance of the Lord and of his Temple and the judgements which God will execute upon Babylon and them as a part thereof and degenerated into that Mystery of Iniquity that Puddle of finne that bloody City Wee doe Invite and Call the Lords People That hath laid hold of this glorious Hope That are upon their Watch that keep their Garments of what Form Opinion or Judgement so ever Yea in the tender bowels of our Saviour we beseech you Brethren laying aside all particular Opinions and matters of difference as we have done ours To come in and be united with us in this Bottome this blessed Cause and Administrations of the Kingdome of the Sonne of man and the Saints wherein not onely the Father Son and Spirit are concerned withall the Angels And all Dead and Living Saints of this Faith of this hope That glorious company Noah Abraham Isaac Jacob David Job Daniel Peter Paul all the Patriarcks Prophets Apostles Martyrs Saints Men the Creation Heaven and Earth but also as that Rock the close Chambers The City of Refuge the hiding place in the Day of Indignation and Vengeance your Persons Lives Estates Families Wives and Children will be herein Blessed Preserved and Delivered For as in the womb of this cause there is the Man-childe so in the bowels thereof there is choise mercies for all for the inward and outward man health strength and peace in so much that even whilest we are at wars with the Draggon Beast and False-Prophet we shall be at peace among our selves Besides above all and in all having the Peace of God which passeth all understanding There is also under this BANNER in this Camp in this Cause preservation and protection for all civill and honest men who are also invited to eat the flesh of Kings Captaines and Mighty men So those that have simplicity and integrity in the Army we warn them of the vengance to come that they oppose not the Lamb that they do not yet like mercinary men hired to shed blood stay in this Prophane Apostate and Backsliding Army but that they submit unto the Lord Jesus and his BANNER and come and List themselves with us under his command who is coming forth conquering and to conquor And forasmuch as it is the day of the Lords vengance for the controversie of Zion and blood of Saints and his Portion and Inheritance And being perswaded that the Lord has now a controversie and war with the powers of Babilon in these Nations and withall those that are guilty of or engaged in this Apostacie whether in Church Army or Common-Wealth as wel as with OLIVER CROMWEL the head of this Apostacie We do now in the name and Authority of the LORD KING-JESVS call upon all the Lords people our Brethren Sisters and Friends with every one that professeth the name of God that are yet in Babilon in one respect or another either in Church Common-Wealth upholders and supporters of that state or Army to come out of her to come from amongst them least partaking of her sins you also partake of her plagues For the Lord commandeth now every where to Repentance Therefore hearken to the Gospel of the Kingdome and of repentance which saith fear God and give glory to him for the houre of his Judgement is come THE END ERRATA Page 8. line 24 read because of p. 14. l. 15. r. born of l. 17. r. born from p. 19. l. 6. r. Magistrates p. 22. l. 18. r. in