The prisoners plea, humbly offered in a remonstrance with a petition annexed, to the commons of England in Parliament assembled / by George Wither ; falsely charged to have composed a lybel against the said commons, and therefore now prisoner in Nemgate ; it combineth also many interjections not to be defined, as Wither, George, 1588-1667. 1661 Approx. 107 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 31 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2006-06 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A66771 Wing W3180 ESTC R12459 12931682 ocm 12931682 95695 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A66771) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 95695) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 993:22) The prisoners plea, humbly offered in a remonstrance with a petition annexed, to the commons of England in Parliament assembled / by George Wither ; falsely charged to have composed a lybel against the said commons, and therefore now prisoner in Nemgate ; it combineth also many interjections not to be defined, as Wither, George, 1588-1667. 62 p. [s.n.], London : 1661. Reproduction of original in Huntington Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. 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Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Wither, George, 1588-1667. Great Britain -- History -- Puritan Revolution, 1642-1660. 2005-07 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2005-08 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2006-01 Judith Siefring Sampled and proofread 2006-01 Judith Siefring Text and markup reviewed and edited 2006-04 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion THE Prisoners Plea : HUMBLY OFFERED IN A REMONSTRANCE ; With a Petition Annexed , To the Commons of England in Parliament Assembled ; By GEORGE WITHER : Falsely charged to have composed a Lybel against the said Commons , and therefore now Prisoner in Newgate . It containeth also , many Interjections not to be despised ; As also a Colateral Corolary , of publick Concernment ; and in particular touching The BLOOD-SHED , Whereinto God is now making Inquisition . 2 Cor. 12. 9 , 10. My strength is made perfect in weakness ; for when I am weak , I am strong . Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities , in reproaches , in necessities , in Persecutions , and in distresses for the sake of Christ , and a good Conscience . LONDON , Printed in the Year , 1661. A Coppy of the Letter to the Speaker of the House of Commons , wherewith the following Remonstrance was sent to the said Commons . SIR , I Was committed to Newgate , as a Lybeller against the House of Commons ; Therefore , to Vindicate my self from that Aspersion , and to intimate some other things pertinent to their Consideration , I humbly desire , you , to present thereto , the Remonstrance and Petition herewith sent ; which I neither hope nor desire should be totally read in the House to the interruption of Publick Affairs , but perused rather , by the Members thereof at their best leasure . I ought not to have been longer here detained , by the Warrant for my Commitment hither , then untill your next meeting after the Date thereof , but should have been transferred : into the Custody of your Sergeant at Arms , who it seems is not willing to be troubled with me ; And , indeed I cannot blame him , in regard I am so poor , that I am likely to be a burthen unto him without profit , as I may be perhaps , henceforth to him also , who is now my Jaylor . I was once your Clyent , and you my Patron ; but , you are now engaged to speak rather against me , then for me : yet , you may be P●●●●●●micus , which is much better then a false Friend : and will think per adventure , when you have perused my Remonstrance , that I am fitter for an Hospital , then for a Prison . I hear many say , you can speak well ; And I shall say so to , if you can find in your heart , a Motive , to speak a good word for me in season ; and it may perchance do you some honour ; for , Age , Poverty and decay of health have rendred me an object of Compassion , being at this time so utterly dispoiled of all ( yea and of more then all ) that I am likely here to perish , unless God ( as he hath hitherto done ) shall extraordinarily provide for me . If by reason of Publick Affairs , your House be not at leasure to take me into consideration , it would be one Act of Charity , to commit me to the custody of some Person ( such a thing having been heretofore done ) who is able to lodge and feed me at his own charge . If my parol might be taken for my appearance when it should be required , I would inviolably keep my word ; but , indeed I know not where you will certainly find me when I shall be delivered from hence ; for , so God help me , as I yet know not where I may then rest my head , within Walls and under a Roof , unless it be in a Church-porch , or some such place . Do , as God shall incline your heart ; for , this is really the present Condition of , Sir , your Friend and servant , Geo. Wither . The Prisoners PLEA FOR HIS VINDICATION : Humbly offered , To the Honourable Commons of England in Parliament Assembled , in a Remonstrance , with a Petition annexed ; by George Wither , Prisoner in Newgate , under pretence of Lybelling against the said Commons . Proverbs 18. 13. He that judgeth a matter before he hears it , it is shame and folly unto him . HONOURABLE , THough I am numbred among Malefactors , and some think me ( as Ahab did Elias ) to be one of those who troubles Israel ; I have honestly endeavoured to serve God and my Country , even in those actings , which are supposed Criminal ; and perhaps may have , yet , something to do , wherein I may be further serviceable in my Generation . Therefore , feeling my health impaired by being above six Months without hearing , shut up in a close Prison , deprived of those conveniencies and necessaries which my Age and condition require ; I think it my duty whilst I have some strength left , to use the best means I can , to preserve my Life for his sake who gave it ( though I have little cause to value the same for its own sake ) being confident whatever hardship shall attend it , that he will permit no more to be imposed on me , then he shall render conduceable to his Honour , and make me able to bear . Our late Epidemical distempers , have reduced me from a considerable Estate , to be much less worth then nothing , and if those blusterings had hitherto continued which ruffled about me , before , and when those Papers were seized , for which I am confined ; doubtless , the Flouds had ere this time overflowed my soul , or the stream ran so strong against me , that it had been impossible , I should have landed a Remonstrance within your threshold , with hope of acceptation ; and what may be now done I am uncertain ; nevertheless , you being again assembled , whom I am supposed to have Scandalized , ( and long time elapsed without Prosecution , since the limit of my confinement hither by Warrant ) I conceive your displeasure ( if you be displeased with me ) to be so moderate , that I am emboldened to offer my self to your remembrance , and to make my defence by this Addresse ; whereto , if you please to vouchsafe Audience , a few minutes with patience , it may peradventure , save you the expence of many dayes hereafter , with some other advantages to boote ; and though the length of it threatens tediousness , it may prove as well worth your hearing as most Causes , ten times longer in pleading , when Friends are made , and great Lawyers Feed . I shall be hopeful also that this will come the more seasonably to move your compassion , because it comes so soon after your late Commemoration of the greatest favour vouchsafed by God to the Humane Nature ; and in regard the deliverance of an Innocent out of Prison , may be as allowable at a Christian Feastival , as Liberty was to a Murtherer at the Jewish Passeover . I am , and have alwayes been ( however misrepresented ) so true a lover of the Publick Peace , that I was never designedly active in pulling down , or setting up any Supream Power , or delighted in defaming those who are in Authority ; nor purposely false to any , though I have been accidentally disservicable to some ( when the appearances of Supremacy were shared among them who were a medly of true Friends , and Traytors to God , King and People ; and when many of the late Dissenting Parties were in Profession and Action so fallacious in their words & deeds to each other , and to themselves ; as also so repugnant , that few knew in whom to confide ; and when wiser men then I , were guilty of many failings . For , knowing that all Power , exists by Gods Grace or Permission , I still submitted conscientiously to that which was most visible in being , not questioning how it was obtained , how justly or unjustly executed , or whether it favoured or disfavoured me in my own Particular ; but continued in Active or Passive Obedience thereto , whilst it could protect it self ; endeavouring such things onely , as according to my understanding , ought in my place to be done , and which might best conduce to preserve the Government , in Righteousness to Gods Glory and their welfare , for whose sakes Powers and Governments were first given and Ordained : for , ( how mean soever their Places and Faculties are ) all men are obliged to serve in their Generations , with such Talents as are bestowed upon them , though they shall be Maligned and Persecuted for their labour . In prosecuting this duty ( though performed with much negligence & vanity ) God hath now preserved me about 50. years in being a Remembrancer to my self and others , of such things ( after a Poetical mode ) as I conceived pertinent to our Publick or Private Welfares : And Poesie ( though brought into contempt , by being made a Bawd to Pride or Lust ; and for the most part rendred serviceable to the World , the Flesh and the Devil ) was generally priviledged to dare any thing tending to depresse Vice and advance Vertue , by plain or Enigmatical Expressions , according to this Sentence . — Poetis , Quid libet audendi semper fuit , esq Potestas . Which in effect may bear this Paraphrase . Vice , to reprove in whom soere , The Poets Priviledged were . Yea , Divines , Poets , and Philosophers , have been that great Counsel Table of the World , by whom Pietie , Morality , and the Priviledges of the humane Nature have been preserved from Barbarisme , in all Ages , though many of them , in the Times , and among the Nations with whom they lived , had not much respect , nor so much Civil Authority as a Petty Constable . I presumed on their Priviledges , and in order to the discharging of my Duty , lately designed a Poem , called Vox Vulgi , personating ( more Poetico ) the Counties , Cities and Burroughs of this Nation , reprehensorily expostolating a few particulars , relating to what was then rumored , touching the Deportment of some of their Trustees ; And I was thereto moved by the many murmurings , secretly whispered , or openly devulged by Common fame , to the begetting or fomenting of dangerous . Animosities , though perhaps false ; and to the infringing of our Common Peace , if true ; Those Rumors I endeavoured to expresse in such manner as they were spoken , and with such Inferences as were made upon them by others , or naturally resulted from them in my apprehension ; that , having fixed and made visible by words , those Notions which fluttered to and fro within me , I might the better see what they amounted unto ; and make use of them to such good purposes , as I found cause of . And , I confesse , I made those whom I personated acting a Reprehensory part , to speak as plainly , as boldly , and as Magisterially , as I thought it became them ; because , fearful reprovers make fearless offenders . Therefore , I conceive that which I did , was neither a transgression against any Positive Law , intrenchment upon good manners , nor abuse of my Christian or natural Freedom . Having almost finished what I intended , I thought fit to offer it to the consideration of other men ; and before I would make it publick ( which whether I should have done or not , neither I my self , nor any other man certainly knowes ) I resolved ( that misconstruction might be prevented ) to offer those rumors which I had Collected , together with such probable results as might arise from them , to the private view and Censure of some discreet and Honourable Persons , who were favoured by the King , that , if to them they appeared considerable , their prudence might dispose of that composure as they thought fit : And the Earl of Clarenden , Lord Chancellor of England , ( though to me a stranger ) being reputed of so much Honour and Integrity , that the King judges him worthy to be intrusted with dispensing his Conscience in the chief Court of Equitie , I ( resolving to present it to him in writing as soon as finished ) had prepared an Epigram to his Lordship , which was inserted in the first draught of the said Poem , and seized by a Doctor ( whom I think they call Master of the Faculties ) of what Faculty I know not , except it be a Faculty of Plundring . For , without any Legal Warrant to me shown , he in a hostile , rather then in a Legal civil manner , ransacked my Chamber , Closset and Chests ; took away goods belonging to other men , as well as mine ; carried away by a Porter , a large Bagg-full of Books , written by several Authors , as also Papers , Letters , Bills , Evidences , Acquittances , with whatsoever else he pleased , which are all still detained , save a very few , to my damage and other mens ; some of them being of such consequence , for ought I know , that they might have undone me , if I had not been undone before : and though it cannot yet appear , others may thereby suffer great detriment hereafter . The last draught of the said Poem , having many Alterations and Additions , which made it differ from the former , I purposed to make both agree in expressing my whole mind , had it not been prevented by that seizure . I added likewise , a Post-script to the said Epigram , of about four or six lines ( as I remember ) whereby I signified to the said Earl , that forasmuch , as in confidence on his Nobleness , and Humanity , these Papers were to him privately communicated , I presumed and expected ( however they were by him relished ) that no use should he made of them to my disadvantage ( or words to that effect ) which evidently implies that I had no Lybellous intention . The said Doctor hath perhaps so much candor , that he will attest his seizure of the said Epigram , with the said Books , as also of his then taking special notice thereof ; but if not , I can make forth what I affirm as well by a probable Demonstration , as by other Testimony if need be ; though I was then in some things wanting to my self , by that sudden surprizal : For , I was so much distempered to see my honest intention , likely to be quite made void , by taking away every line of what I had composed , that I regarded not what might befall my Person thereby ; and should not have been so calmed as I now am , and then was within a few Minutes ; but that something assured my heart , the loss of those Papers in that manner , would produce more advantages both to me , and to what God hath determined , then if it had succeeded otherwise ; and I have in part already so found it . But for that mercy I owe nothing to the world ; for , notwithstanding my cautiousness to avoid giving just cause of offence , the said Poem being quite taken out of my hand , ( so that I could not produce it for my Vindication ) it hath been so misrepresented by Fragments , to his Majesties Privy Councill ( they not having leasure to peruse it all in so ragged a hand as mine ) that I was about six Months past committed to this Prison , as a Lybeller against this House of Commons : Before which Commitment , I heard a line or two , of the said Poem repeated in that injurious manner , to the Attorny General ( who seemed to me so prudent , not to regard the officiousness of the informer ) as made me perceive what was intended . For his objecting my words in that mode , without the qualifications preceding , or subsequent , made them appear like the Devils quoting of holy Scripture , or like his abusing the Sacred Text , who saith , cursed is he who doth the work of the Lord , and leaves out this Principal word , negligently . Thus do I seem to be dealt withall , contrary to my apparent meaning ; For , in the Title of that Poem , called a Lybel , wherein the Counties , Cities , and Burroughs , are personated , reprehending their Prevaricating Trustees onely , according to what was commonly famed ; there is a premised Salvo , preserving the honour of the Parliament , and of every faithful individual Member thereof , from those reproofs , and the said Salvo was not there verbally expressed onely , but likewise really intended ; and I effectually endeavoured throughout the whole Poem to excuse them from what was mistransacted by Surprize or otherwise , as also by so reproving those that were faulty , that no man might be personally defamed though guilty ; yea , so rather , that every individual offender privately applying those reproofs to himself , as he finds cause , might reform secretly what was amisse . The Parliament , or this House cannot be Scandalized by discovering of meer causual failings in that manner , or of such contingences as were not in their Power to prevent : nor is any man justly to be blamed , for modestly taking notice of them , with an intention , to seek redress for what may mishappen thereby . If there be no such Prevaricators among you , as it was defamed , no man among you , is then reproved or concerned in that Poem . If there be such , they keeping there own Counsel , and reforming there manners , may be as free from Scandal as they were before that Poem was written , though it should be devulged ; and I think it would add to your Honour , if published with your allowance ; for the best way for men to prevent disparagement by general reproofs , is to take no notice that they more concern them , then every other man ; and to approve of it as tending to the depressing of Vice , and the advance of Vertue . Scandals past by , are soon for got , And hid from them , who knew them not . They have exceeding crazie Credits , whose Reputation will be crackt with such touches ; and I am rationally perswaded , that they who are prudent , and sober , will be ashamed to take offence at so innocent a Prosopopeia , seeing , though there may be folly in it , wise men hear fools gladly , because they themselves are wise ; and none will be implacably displeased , but they whose imprudence will manifest , that their own Consciences do accnse them , for having been somewhat justly lyable to those reproofs . If we may not in genaral terms reprehend indiscreet and vitious actings , in such a mode , and with such Epithites as to them belong , I may well affirm Vices are more priviledged then Vertues , and that Morality is in hazzard to be brought to utter contempt . If we may not without loss of Liberty , be permitted within our own Private Closets , to set in order our fleeting thoughts , occasioned by what we see and hear , and put them into words , that we may thereby the better consider what they amount unto , doubtless , we have little Freedom left us ; and I for my part ( though I shall not whilst I live , desist from claiming the Priviledges due to the humane nature ) will bear the infringment of them with patience , and rest contented with an internal inlargement ; yea , though I know it is as injurious to a free English man , to suffer uncondemned , as it was to Paul being a free Roman ; and I had rather be one of their number who suffer in that kind , then one of those , who lives in fear of their words and thoughts , who intend them all good , and no harm , in Words , Deeds or Imagination . It was reputed a dangerous time , and a Symptome of sad consequences , both by the Jews and Romanes ( as their Histories testifie ) when men were made Capital offenders for words . How sad then are those times likely to be , wherein words well intended , yea , tending to the General Peace and welfare ( if rightly understood ) shall be judged Criminal ? and , when some who misjudged them , do know in their own Consciencies , that they express nothing but what is true , and fit to be offered to consideration ? I know it to be a Priviledge claimed by this House to judge of the Crimes charged upon any Member thereof : If therefore , I had intended a charge in particular , against any one , or more of them , I would have brought it hither , though I have learned , by dear bought experience , what hazzard I might have run . But , I having onely gathered together , what the wind had scattered , with a purpose rather to make a Lenitive then a Corosive , designed to present it to such hands , as I thought fittest to make application : For , perhaps ( considering of what Ingredients it consists ) if I should have presented it to your Speaker , or to any other of your Members , he or they , might as justly have been suspected my confederate , and an accessary Lybeller , as I now am to be a Principal one . It may be objected against what I have raised from Fame , that she is a Lyar ; I confess it true , as well in her good as evil reports ; and that in these times , Fame hath been very injurious both wayes : I am therefore so Jealous of all she blabs , especially of what concerns mens Reputations , that I give not credit to any rumor without well considering the Circumstances and Relators , before I receive it for truth ( unless a fit of that Levity surprizes me , whereto most men are over prone ) And as I am wary how far to believe it , so likewise I am careful to make use of the Truth , Falshood or Probability thereof , so far forth as I can , both to prevent my doing that injury to another , which I would not another should do to me , and to render it as publickly advantagious also as I may without Scandal to Individual Persons . Therefore , though Vox Populi , is said to be Vox Dei , and Common Fame in some cases , reputed equivolent to a Proof , my reprehensions are always in General Terms , or at least of so large an extent , that particular offendors , are not thereby made discoverable ; because , I have neither warrant or purpose , to bring men to publick shame or personal punishment ; but to prevent it rather by giving Delinquents occasion so to take notice of their own Prevarications in private , that they may escape both punishment and shame . If this were not my Principle , I might have mentioned many things in particular , not meanly reprovable , as well knowingly , as by Fame , whereof even Members of your House are guilty ; and which I might safely , and with a good Conscience , have charged upon them , if I had as plain proofs to evidence it to other men , as I have to ascertain it unto myself ; And , to affirm this , is neither blameable in me , nor Scandal to this House : For , it is no dishonour to any Society to have it affirmed , that some of them are corrupt or faulty . The soundest Flock may have some rotten Sheep ; There is no natural body without a blemish , nor any Politick Body , or Civil Constitution without defects . There was one Traytor among those 12. Apostles which were chosen by Christ himself ; and if there be one faithful one among 12. of those Prelates , who in these later Ages , ( as they are now Elected ) do claim to be their Successors , many good People are deceived . It were a Miracle if the People had not chosen some to sit here , who are not such as they ought to be . Though you have an Eloquent Tongue , an undistempered Brain , an intelligible common Sense , if you have therewith some Organs of the External Senses maimed , and other members defective , without your default ( which is not impossible ) how can you help it ? or why should the whole Body be therefore blamed ? I am not ignorant how tender I ought to be of your Honour ; and to let you know , how far I am from being a malitious prosecutor of any mans Personal Crimes : One to me allied ( who in that respect craved my advice and assistannce ) brought me a Paper containing the effect of Articles , by him intended to be exhibited against a Member of this House , with confidence and probabilities , of making unquestionable proof of the whole Charge ; which comprehended such unmanly , unchristian , impudent , and Barbarous misdemeanours in words and deeds , that the Crimes being proved ( as I think they might evidently have been ) you could not have waved his expulsion with preservation of your Honour : yet for some good reasons , I made a stop of that intended Prosecution , and in hope to reclaim him , immediately declared the whole matter to an Honourable Earl , who to my knowledge had power over him , desiring his endeavour to reform him by his Authority and advice ; for which Civility I had thanks returned , and heartily wish the Gentleman may be so truely reclaimed , that no further notice be taken of what is past , to his dishonour ; For , by my wilful default no man shall be Personally defamed , if reformation may be otherwise effected . There is , without question , in some degree , a just occasion of every Fame wholly , or in part , whether good or evil , true or false ; and a discreet taking notice thereof , might be a means of rectifying somewhat which is or may be misdone to private , or publick detriment ; If there were such misactings as Fame reports , no great offence can be justly taken by the repetition thereof in my Poem : For , a verbal mention of Prevarications , whether in general or particular terms , is the least punishment due to Transgressors . If reproofs be misapplyed to them who are not faulty , or Scandalously to them that are guilty , the misapplyer , not the Writer is the Lybeller . To prove that which is written to be a Lybel , all these following particulars must be concomitant : First , it must be written and devulged with a malicious intent , and the malice evidenced by some Circumstances . Secondly , it must be so published , that neither the Authors name is expressed , nor ought else , whereby it may be discovered if reputed Scandalous . Thirdly , it must either Scandalize the Persons by Name , or by such marks , as can make it applyable to no other man ; or if it Scandalize Societies , it must Scandalize them wholly ; for to say some of them , did such foolish or wicked actions , is no Scandal to them who never did them . I mention no offences , but such as are known to have been committed by some ; for , to write against that whereof I knew not any one to have been guilty , were to teach men new Sins by naming them , which perhaps never came into their thoughts . There are few things misdone by any one , but such as many know others to have committed , and if they make a Scandalous application , be it at their own peril ; for it concerns not me . To be debarr'd from a general reproving of such Enormities as are dayly found in Persons and Societies , would be a paliating of Transgressors , and an infringment of the Priviledges due to Justice , and the Moral Vertues ; and therefore when all the Circumstances afore mentioned concur in a reproof , to denominate it a Lybel , it must be intirely and openly produced also , to be judged of by those whom it may concern , and not by fragments : and then such onely are to pass Judgement thereupon , who are Competent Judges thereof , by being no parties ; and who have taken every part of it into consideration : For , it is a Prerogative due to God onely , who is Justice it self , to be judge in his own Cause ; and is I think , a Priviledge Usurped by none else , except Tyrants ; because I have observed , that , Just Kings and lawful Judicatories , presume to judge none in matters relating to themselves , but by standing Laws , justly constituted ; and their infringments , by the Common Law of this Nation , ought to be evidenced to the Consciences of twelve good and Lawful men , as well as to the Judges , before the party accused is Condemned to suffer . In this Mode , if I shall be found an offender , I will patiently submit unto the Verdict , be it right or wrong ; be sorry for my offence , if I have committed any ; and make what other satisfaction I can , as I will also do , by whomsoever I shall be convicted of a Crime , though I intended none . For , having been many wayes a transgressor to Godward , I will not repine though he shall deliver me into the hands of Men , even of those men who having been forgiven many Talents , shall take me by the throat , and cast me into Prison , who trespassed against them to the value of a few pence onely . Nevertheless , I think it will not misbecome me to say , that I have been somewhat over severely dealt withall , in being upon a slight view of my imperfect Papers unpublished , accused and committed , without hearing , to a destructive Imprisonment , for but mentioning the Drunkenness , Debaucheries , Follies , and other Exorbitancies of those , who have not been ashamed to act them , as well openly by day in the sight of the whole Country , as by night , to the occasioning of many disgraceful rumors , whereof I thought to have made some good use . And , but that I presumed on the candor of this House , and hoped that some Novices might have been improved for the better , since their Election by sitting a while there , as well as many have been heretofore made worse by sitting there over long , I had not brought this Remonstrance hither ; but rather appealed to the King or House of Lords , as my proper Judges in this Cause , in regard none of them are Parties . This Nation boasts of their great Charter , and of other petty ones : But , how enjoy we the Priviledges by them confirmed , when we are deprived of our Liberties unheard , upon misapprehensions , or the false accusation of beggarly and maliticious informers , to the inriching of Goalers and Messengers , by impoverishing honest and innocent men , as if Sheep and Lambs , were bred and kept for nothing else , but to be worried for Doggs meat ? how can humane Society be preserved , or of what value are Grants of Princes for themselves , their Heirs and Successors confirmed by Solemn Ingagements , Oaths , Hands & Seals ? and what trust is in them , if upon every slght Jealousie or Suggestion , they may be made void at the will and pleasure of those who are in Power , as often as they find the vacating of them will be their advantage ? The Priviledges which God and Nature gave me , I will exercise as long , and as far forth as I can , without asking any mans leave , and suffer patiently when I cannot shun it , without making any account of that which hath no certainty therein : For , how can I believe that they who will hinder me from enjoying what is given by Gods Charter , will let me long possesse what I have by their Grants ? When the World permits me to possesse Liberty , or any other natural benefit or accommodations , which are in her Power to give or take away , she permits it , but because , it is most for her present advantage , not out of love to Justice , or good will to me . And long experience hath taught me , that where Power is exercised without Law or Conscience , there fair Promises mingled with some Acts of Grace , are but baits to bring Wild Fowls to their decayes ; and sleight performances in hand , greatned by hopes raised from Complemental favours , and deeds confirmed with hand and Seal , are for the most part , but devices to keep Tame Fowls alwayes in readiness , as it were about the house , to supply such wants as may accedentally happen . It may be said of many now , as it was of Severus , of whom it is recorded , that he deceived every man who trusted him ; yet still found enough who were enduced to trust him : so , most men in these dayes , though they have been often deceived , and professe they believe they shall still be deceived , by those in whom they seem to confide , do nevertheless act , as if they believed otherwise ; the manie reason whereof is , because , they cozen themselves : And whereas Oppressions proceeded heretofore from the Pride , Avarice and Ambition of Princes , now they proceed from the Luxurie , Malice , greediness , and baseness of the People turned Courtiers ; who under colour of a feigned Loyalty , rob Kings of their honour , with a shew of increasing their Power and Wealth ; of which they likewise cheat them , and by degrees corrupt their manners , and root out of them the Royal Vertues to which they were naturally inclined . By such bosome Traytors , if his Majestres constancy and clemency had not been impregnable , his last Act of Grace and Indempnity , had ere this time ( if I am not deceived ) been made void ; as his Engagements on the behalf of Purchasers have been , by a device , which picks our bones after our flesh is torn away , instead of what he graciously intended . Of this I am experimentally sensible ; for , I am not onely deprived of my whole Purchases with their improvements at my cost , without the allowance of one Foot of Land , or a peny in money ; But the Prelate who now possesseth it , his Tennants , Officers , or their Agents , making riotous and forcible entries into my possessions in a Barbarous manner , took my rents due to me , with my Corn sown before he was Bishop there ; yea that Corn that was housed also , a year before his Admission ; as if it had been purposely done in contempt of the Kings Declaration and Ingagements to the contrary ; who , by what is observed in His Majesties struglings to moderate the violence of them who are inclined to Rigor ( and by what I have been informed of his generous respect to the Preservation of His Royal word ) it seems to add much thereby to his Personal Honour ; and evidences , that he hath more true humanity , and Christian Clemency , then two thirds of those , who have sought to honour and advantage him by their severity ; And if he ende●●our to strengthen those vertues by Gods assistance , ( who will never be wanting thereunto ) until they shall become habitual , they will cure all his Infirmities , and cover all his sins , though they were multitudes . I am as sensible as a man can be of what I do suffer ; I am as intelligible of what I may yet suffer , and know as well as most men , when any thing is illegally imposed on me : but am so prepared for what may befall , that I fear it not , nor will currishly bite the stones that are flung at me , because I know the flingers ; nor will trouble my self to rate every Dog that barks at me , nor complain frowardly of those that sets them on ; but , plead my innocency with a sober boldness ; declare truly my oppressions , and sustain them patiently , in hope they will be shorted , amended or ended : For , things grow ripe as well in dark nights , as in clear dayes , though few perceive it ; and , that which men despise proves other while , more pertinent to their welfare , then that which they best esteemed . Micab though , feared , hated and persecuted by Ahab , and the rest of the Princes of Israel , told them that which was true , when all their Court Prophets prophecied Lyes ; and he was more safe in Prison with bread and water of affliction , then they were by enjoying their Liberties , with plenty , and fortified with Armies to defend them from what he presaged : For , he is the Protector of all those , who stoutly and conscientiously discharge their duties ; who , hath said by way of threatning , Touch not mine Anointed ones , neither do harm to my Prophets . Every true Christian is one of his Prophets , and in that sence I may say without Arrogance , I believe my self to be one , though I am often so called in derision ; Or , I am in stead of one , at least , at this time to these Nations : and may say also , that I have been scurvily enough used , to be one of those to whom God vouchsafed an Anointing with that Spirit in a measure , somewhat more then ordinary : For , what may I expect to suffer when I shall be convicted of the Crime laid to my charge , who am uncondemned cast into this disgraceful Jayle , and left so neglected of the world , as if I were neither worthy to he acquitted or Condemned ? Here , I consume the last of my dayes in a poor lodging , without servant or other attendant , during the long Winter nights , forced in my present sickness , to arise in cold and darkness , without convenient accommodation , nigh half an score times within a few hours , to disburthen Nature ; I am put to more expence in one day , then all that amounts unto which I have in certain for subsistance during my life ; For my Friends being unwilling to hazzard my health in a Lodging among common Prisoners , are compelled to pay weekly , as much for a poor Chamber ( as would discharge a years rent for a house with a good Farm in the Country , yet cannot have it at that dear rate , unless they pay likewise weekly for one meal a day , besides extraordinary expences in other necessaries , so much as provided me competent meat and drink five weeks , one week with another , before I came hither ; which pittance did preserve me in good health without having any other addition , to the value of a penny ; and I would to God there were not many at this time more oppressed then I am in this kind . That expence was defrayed , also by Charity , which made me then so frugall , lest there might be a failing thereof , as there hath been lately of what was formerly sent in hither : perhaps , by reason my offence being agravated so much , that I being numbred and made a Companion of Thieves and Murtherers without any difference , it hath rendred some of my Friends afraid to visit me ; and for that , some other of them are so impoverished that they are disabled . I would have added no more , but considering , with what Malignancy some giddy Censurers have objected against me , the harshest passages in my Poem , without their Qualifications as aforesaid , I cannot but be sensible of that influence it may have upon those hearers , who shall never see the said Poem in its proper dress , and perfected as I intended . I will therefore make bold to put your Honours in mind , that I shall conceive my self much injured , if any Member of this House shall in his Publick Capacity , pass a Vote against me concerning that Book which is supposed a Lybel , until he shall first peruse , or hear it wholly read ; or , if he shall charge upon me as my Act , either of those imperfect draughts thereof , which were seized in my Chamber , until I deliver it forth compleated according to my purpose ; in regard , till then they are neither mine , nor ought so be reputed . I will once again also , put you in remembrance , that it is but the Common Fame , with some Inferences thereupon , which I would have expressed ; and which therefore , if offencive , ought to be charged upon the People , not upon me , who did but Eccho to what they spake . This being considered , and that I onely wrote in Private to a good end , what I had heard and partly knew ( yea , and what some of you likewise and many Thousands know to be true ) I cannot justly be termed a Lybeller , or that Poem a Lybel . Though he who seized my Papers ( and is or was , as I am informed the Master Newes Carpenter , that chips out unto us the Weekly Intelligences ) hath already deemed me ( as I hear also ) to the Gallowes , and intends to endeavour what he can to prefer me thither , by publishing my late Poem in fragments , with his Animadversions thereupon ; I shall have no cause to be displeased thereat , if I may have Liberty to answer him in Publick , and be allowed also a true Copy of the said Poem . Habitual vitiousness , hath so corrupted most men , and made them so slavish that they dare not speak of , or to , their own Idolized Creatures , but with Epethites and Attributes due to their Creator ; or with some abusive application of the holy Text ; nor hear things exprest as they truely are , or called by their proper names : and that makes my Poem so distastful to some Readers . This slavishness hath also partly occasioned , and justifies those whom you call Quakers ( who do it by a Spiritual impulse , and not out of a carnal affectation to singularity ) to neglect and condemn the Complements , Language , Dialect and manners of these times . Some of my Predantical Censures without your doors ( who know not what free Language is allowable to the Muses in reprehending Vice ) being more offended with honest words and wholsome Truths , though soberly ( if plainly and boldly ) spoken , then with wicked deeds ; seem to think it little less then Blasphemy , to affirm , their are or may be Fools , imprudent , rash , inconsiderate , or debauched Persons admitted into the House of Commons ; Nevertheless , you may perceive by what I have already expressed , that I know it to be possible , and why should I not believe it so to be ? when , was it otherwise ? what wise men among you have not so found it to their vexation and trouble ? or how , could you be a true Representative of the People , if there were not such among you ? considering , what for the most part , they are , how factious , how froward , how malicious , and how troublesome they have often been to themselves , and to your sober proceedings ? when I find Dawes and Doves together in one Dove-house , flying dayly in and out together , I may possibly forbear to speak of it ; but , if my Life should lie upon it , I cannot chuse but think and believe the Dawes are Dawes , whosoever sayes to the contrary , when they are such in Shape , Colour , Feathers , Voice , and Action ; nor do I think the Pigeons are not true Pigeons , because their are Dawes among them : I have been so used to a true Pace , that I cannot easily tread a shufling Amble , or fall into a false Gallop . But , I will harp no more on this string , for it is harsh in mine own ears ( God save them ) and you are wise enough to apprehend what is considerable without more words . Fools are afraid of their own shadowes , and had rather be flattered into destruction by false representations , then to be delivered by plain dealing . Truth will nevertheless prevail at last in despight of impostures , and falshood ; God , hath sent his Harbengers , and will come ere long to put an end to the Delusions and Confusions which our incredulity , prophaneness and Apostacies have occasioned to abound ; yea , even that great Mystery of Iniquity , which begins to sprout afresh , and which hath lately appeared in many Shapes , ripens every day so fast , that it will shortly be rotten ; and I believe ( as old as I am ) I should live to see the fall of it , if I might survive but till the Age whereto some in this Generation have artained : Gods will be done , for though I die before that time , I shall stand up in my Lot , to behold the effects of it . Come Lord Jesus , come quickly . I have now done with what I primarily intended by this Remonstrance , purposing at first to conclude with Petitioning somewhat for my self , relating to my present outward Condition ; But , as my case , and the times are , I neither know what will be most advantagious , nor what is likely to be granted : for considering how I stand misrepresented , many will be ready to speak against me , and not one plead for me , except those whom God shall extraordinarily incline thereunto ; and what respect they shall vouchsafe , lies yet hidden between God and them . I think I may truly professe , that I desire neither Prosperity , nor Adversity , no not the best things absolutely , at this present , as relating meerly to my self ; for as bad as it seems to fare with me , I dare not ask for any thing absolutely , but what I am warranted absolutely to pray for ; because I know not what God hath preordained as best for me , and most tending to his Glory ; and lest I may Petition my self out of the Frying Pan into the Fire : Incidet in Scillam , qui vult vitare Charibdim . Charibdis when I shun I am on Scilla run . That , which threatens the worst things , may produce the best ; that , which promiseth what seems most desirable , may be most harmful ; and , assuredly it will so prove , if I should absolutely desire it , especially , in these times of Probation , wherein all Persons and things , are coming to the Test . I am for my sins justly deprived of my whole Estate , and well nigh of all outward comforts and conveniences ( except such as God sends in upon a new score ) yet perhaps , I am not deprived of them for my sins onely , but partly that being thereby freed from those worldly intanglements , which made me too regardful of my Life , and Personal Intrests , I might by the loss of them , the more fearlesly discharge my duty to God and Men ; as most commonly they do with more courage , who have but their Lives to lose , then when they have also great livelihoods to hazzard ; and it may be , that they who rejoyce in their plentiful enjoyments of such things as I have lost , do possess them but to help ripen them into a sinful impenitency . It may be likewise , I having expressed such Principles , and Resolutions as the World thinks no man truely owns , it is necessary for the sake of many men , that I and some other should in this Hypocritical and Apostatizing Generation be proved by Sufferings , whether we are true Professors or Impostors ; And if I shall be Ambitious of any honour in this World , it will be to be Honoured with such a Probation ; all other Temporary Honours appearing to me in comparison thereof , less Honourable then that of the late Frince Le Grange ; which is not altogether so empty a vanity as it is reputed by some sober men ; because , possibly , that Scoene of Boy-games ( commonly called Christmas Gambolls ) was permitted ( though not so intended by the Actors ) to be a sign to this Generation , and to all who saw them , that the most substantial Titular Honours , Glories and Pleasures , of this World , will be very short , and when past away , leave them who affectionately embraced those Clouds , poorer and less honourable then they were before ; if not more miserable . All Subcoelestial things are vanity , and I am so far from doating on Temporary Honours , that I should little value that precious Jewell , a Good Name among men , if it conduced not more to the Honour of God , and the Consolation and Edifying of others in Vertue and Piety , than to my Personal advantage ; yea I had rather be a George on Foot , stiled simply George Wither , without any Attribute , having my share in the Honour of those , concerning whom it was said , To you it is given to believe and suffer ; then to be a George on horsback , honoured among those Grandees , usually Pictured riding as it were Tryumphantly on prancing Steeds , with Guilt Trap-sticks in their hands , and the Title of Excellency , or such like written under them . I have now little or no Portion in the World , but my Life , and if I should ask to be delivered out of this Jayle , my Ingagements may bring me next day into another : For , I have no subsistance but their Charity , whose faces , or names for the most part , I know not ; and should God cause them totally to withdraw it ( which I am confident he will not , untill he provides for me another way ) I shall soon be out of every mans Power : God hath been pleased here to prove me , as well by Sickness , as by Poverty and Imprisonment ; in so much , that one Twelve hours more of such Corporal tortures as I have sustained for some few dayes , would totally end all my sufferings ; and I am perswaded God ( whose mind I desire in all things to search out so far forth as lawfully I may ) hath lately given that sharp touch in my Flesh , to make me consider how much more dreadful it would be to fall into his hands , then into the hands of Men , who cannot possibly inflict a greater Torment ; and , that , if bodily pains may be so extream , how insufferable it would be if I should fall into the distempers of a wounded and despairing Conscience , by a wilful neglect of my Duty . But to prevent it , and furnish men with inducements to constancy in his service , he hath in that , as in all other straits , given me earnest both of his making issues out of all my Tryals and Temptations , and of preserving me safe and patient whilst they continue . When I had nor Goods , nor Lands , nor House left me wherein to rest my head , nor any certain place wherein my distressed Relations might have harbor ; yea , when the addition of Restraint to Poverty in this disgraceful Prison , had made my Children an object of scorn and contempt ; even then , Gods merciful Providence provided for them , to the wonderment and rejoycing of my Friends , by giving them in marriage , without Portions , to Persons of considerable Estates and good Reputation ; and made it the more considerable , in regard they whose natural affections and morral Compassion , he inclined thereunto , were never in their Judgements , or Interests united to that party with whom I was formerly ingaged : But he who makes men of one mind in a house , hath made nevertheless such a loving and conscientious harmony , in their manners and affections , relating to a Christian wel-being , that I hope it may be a sign of a more general composure of differences throughout the whole Nation ; and I heartily pray it may be so ; howsoever , by these and such Pledges and Evidences of Gods Love , my Faith in the mean time , may be preserved from failing , if I must pass through greater Tryals . Those are possible enough to happen in divers respects ; For , I hear that Stigmatizing , and the loss of my Ears is the least I seem to deserve in the opinions of some ; which though I repute it equal with the loss of my Life , I will neither make Petition nor Friends to avoid it , by any other means but this Apology ; For , I deserve no such punishments by Law , and if I undergo them without desert , it hath been the Lot of better men , and Gods Will be done , who will enable me to bear what he permits to befall me . Some , owning worse Principles then I do , have suffered no less hardship with much courage : I have known a man in my time , to lose his Ears , to be Stigmatized , Banished , brought home again by Thousands as it were in Triumph ; Chosen to be a Member of the Highest Council then being , and yet to have less honour in his Exaltation , then he had in his Sufferings ; Sic transit gloria mundi : Thus the Honours , Disgraces , Bubbles , and Troubles of this Life , pass and repass into that which is contrary to themselves ; and with me , all such things will so quickly come to an end , that I think them not worthy my care . It is possible , that I may shortly be cast into the Dungeon , ten times worse accommodated then at present , There , I may be visited also with bodily distempers , no less unsufferable then those I lately felt , and be left quite destitute of those supplies and means of easement , which were then vouchsafed ; for there is already a failing of that Contribution which I formerly had , and it may be much less , in regard it came not ( that I know of ) from the hands or Charity of the Lord Mayors , Sheriffes or Aldermen , within whose Common Prison I am confined ; nor from any Noble or very rich Persons ; But from them onely ( or for the most part ) whose Charity exceeded their Abilities , and from such ( if I am not mis-informed ) whose certain livelihoods are scarce sufficient to relieve their own wants and their necessities , of whom they seem to be more obliged to take care then of mine ; and as their Number and Estates decrease by Death or Oppressions ; so in probability must my relief diminish : But it may partly be obstructed by a worse means , in regard ( if I am not much deceived ) there be yet some counterfeit Professors of Piety , who having gained repute and profitable imployments heretofore , by their formal complying with such as are sincerely Religious , do for self ends privately asperse and disparage their Brethren who are in affliction , to the abating of that Charity , whereby they were comforted : this way , I probably suspect I may suffer by some , who insinuate that I have not dealt so candedly as I ought to have done with them ; whereas they abounding in their own sence , have not only been unreasonable in their demands and expectations , but palpably injurious also unto me and mine : But my Essential reputation depends on what is really in my self , not on other mens Tongues ; and these devourers of Widowes houses , under the colour of long Prayers , have alwayes been as much my Enemies and Traducers , as they who are openly prophane ; of which two sorts there are so many who make it their work to asperse me , upon the account of envy , malice , or self intrest , that I cannot long escape their Evil Tongues ; and perhaps I may now suffer in the opinion of this House , by the misrepresentations of such Persons , as I have done heretofore . But I being Experimentally acquainted with Gods dispensations as to giving , and taking away ; do find their may be as just cause at this time , of taking away as of giving ( least my corrupt Nature being prone enough thereto ) I might more depend upon my own strength , or upon Gods gifts , or upon those by whom he sends them , then upon him from whom they came . God Alsufficient by adding and withdrawing , keeps me both from dispair , and presumption . I find moreover , that not onely the seizure of my Papers , hath advanced my Primary intention , but that every hardship also which hath hapned thereupon to my Person , hath advantaged me ; For , I who was heretofore served with nigh twenty servants in houshold at once , can now serve many hard Masters , and my self too , with more contentment then in those dayes . I have by loosing , gained somewhat toward my support ; found somewhat which lay hid within me , to make a mends for what is defective without me , and can do many things for my self , which I never did heretofore ; mend my Cloaths , make my Bed , my Sea-coal Fires , & sweep my Chamber , as well as any servant in the Jayle , and make the doing of these things a pleasing recreation . I may possibly be detained in Prison until I must lie in a lowsie Bed , or upon the bare ground , but whilst I am here I shall still have the Walls and roofs of a Prison to defend me from the cold Air ; whereas , if I should Petition to be delivered hence , and obtain my request , without being some way provided for , I know not at this present any place wherein I can be certain to find so much shelter as I have here ; in regard , my son in whose Chamber at the Temple I had harbor , till I was from thence committed , was lately constrained to sell it to discharge a debt of mine , for which he stood ingaged ; and this being considered with many other things considerable , I know not what to ask of you for my self . Excuse this Verbosity ; For , old men ( especially when oppressed ) are full of words ; Losers also ( as our Proverb saith ) may be allowed to speak ; and though much of what I expresse may seem impertinent both to my Vindication , and to you , yet for many respects it will he pertinent to me , and to many more , when you have laid them aside ( or shall neglect them ) even to many of the Common People who are both your Servants and Masters . For , I have not scribled all this , and inlarged it with many Collateral Expressions , so much to Vindicate my self , as in hope my Experiments in this suffering , may be of comfortable use now or hereafter , to some of those whom you represent . And , in truth , my Apollogizing for my tediousness now I seriously heed it , is but a needless and impertinent mannerliness , according to the Common mode ; for , it cannot be justly expected , that to the interrupting of Publick affairs , a discourse of this length should be read in your House ; nor had I any such hope , though I directed it to the whole House , to intrest every individual Member thereof in my Cause , when his will and leasure shall thereto incline him ; well knowing , that were it longer , or shorter , it will be totally perused by some of you , out of a Conscientious regard of my sufferings ; by some others , out of curiosity ; by others , for their information touching those matters which may be thereby discovered relating to themselves , or the Publick ; and , perhaps , by more then a few with a desire to find out somewhat therein , which may give them occasion to add to my affliction . But , I may trespass against your patience more through my tediousness , in somewhat that I have yet to say , by occasion of that Publick Humiliation which is injoyned by his Majesties Proclamation ; the sincere Solemnization whereof , will be another incitement to Justice and Mercy , in regard that which is most Essential to such Duties , is Relieving the Oppressed , the Widow , the Fatherless , and letting the Prisoners go free , next unto those Offices which are to be performed immediatly to God. It hath suddenly Surprized me , and though it seem not to belong to my matter in hand , it will be of such concernment , that I cannot forbear in this place to insert it ; knowing , it pertinent to this Generation , and my work therein ; which being almost at an end , I will upon the said occasion , leave with you who are the Representative of this Nation , some hints and Cautions , fit to be taken into consideration by you and them , at this time , in respect of that said Publick Humiliation ; Therefore that my words may appear to be worthy of so much regard , at least , as those which were spoken to Baalam by his beast , I pray be pleased , though I seem a Phannatick , to take notice that above a hundred of my Presages and Preconjectures heretofore published , & tending to the Common welfare ( during the several changes of Governours and Governments , since I came to years of discretion ) have been evidently verified ; and some in particulars touching the prophanation and abuse of Publick Humiliations and Thansgivings ; and for which Impieties , and Hypocrisie , those Plagues were increased , from which we desired to be delivered , or other Judgements brought upon us . It was too evident that for the most part , there was more Policy then Piety , in the Celebration of Publick Fasts and Thanksgivings heretofore ; the first , being perhaps to delude People by a shew of Holiness , to make them the more willing to contribute supplies and assistance to their Designs ; and the latter to incourage their Friends , dishearten their Enemies , or to Magnifie their own Victories and Prevailings , rather then to glorifie God ; And the lean Calves of their Lips , which they then offered , were far inferiour to the Hecatombs and magnificent Sacrifices of the Gentiles in preceding Ages . Oliver Crumwell , about , or little before the beginning of his last year , commanded a day of Humiliation to be Solemnized , with a pretence to seek God for the removal of a great Mortality then raging , as he pretended ; within a Month after that , he injoyned a Publick Thanksgiving , with a pretence to glorifie God for his two most Signal Victories ; at which times , I prepared and made bold to present to his own hands , Hints , to remember him of such Cautions and Duties as I feared he might neglect , peradventure not without cause ; For , no effects followed answerable to those Pious pretendings ; and on the very day Twelve Month next following his day of Humiliation to take away Sickness ; he himself sickned to death ; and within a few weeks after that , even upon the same day Twelve Moneth also , which he set a part for a Publick Thanksgiving , he died of the aforesaid Sicknes ; which I take the more notice of , because , I find at the conclusion of the last Addresse , which I prepared for the said two Solemn dayes , these few lines ; Sir , I have now perform'd my true endeavour , If , nothing it prevails ; Farewell for ever : For , you , or I , or both , shall be ere long , Where , you can do no right , nor I take wrong . God give a better success to our Devotions , then in dayes past ; but I do yet see very small appearances thereof , for , the best Sign at present that God will at last deliver us from the Judgement now lying upon us , and avert those which we fear , is this ; that he removes them not before we truly repent : I hear we have the same Animossities , and the same Avengeful spirits amongst us : I hear , the cryes of the Widow , Fatherless and oppressed , are as loud and lamentable as ever ; That Prisons are still as full , not onely of miserable decayed Debtors , but , also crammed up as it were , to the destruction of many mens lives , or healths , with Persons who suffer meerly upon the groundless Jealousies , and pretended Suspitions of malicious informers ; and few take their Oppressions and starving condition into consideration . Poverty by Oppressions , and new Oppressions by Poverty , are become so Epedimical and Universal , that no History can shew us that there ever were in the same Land ( where no War did then rage ) so many thousands of the same Nation , made beggarly and miserable by each other ; even by their acquaintance , their former Familiars , their Neighbours , Brethren and Kinsmen ; or , where there was at so necessitous a time , so much Luxury , Pride and excessive bravery in apparrel . And the confederates of the man of Sin , do so endeavour also to root out their opposers , by whom the Peace of God should be preserved among us ; and have so increased Prophaness , Impiety , and Superstition , that , though many now think this Nation in a happy Estate , and near to a Glorious Establishment in their Mode ; the World seems unto me , rather nigh to such a Judgement as Noahs Flood ; or , these Nations , by their paralelling them in their sins , not to be far from somewhat resembling that which befell to Sodom and Gomorrah , unless God shall prevent it , for the sake of his Elect. Give me leave therefore ( who shall probably never hereafter be troublesome again in this kind ) to declare freely and fully what I believe God declares unto my heart , by bringing an Examplary Judgement of his to my remembrance , recorded in the 21. Chapter of the second Book of Samuel , which I am hopeful may opperate somewhat , being well considered , toward the asswaging of that blood-thirstiness , and toward purging away that blood-guiltiness , which lies yet upon us ; For , notwithstanding the blood already shed , I do perceive that not onely many men , who are no wayes in their particular Persons or Intrest , damnified by those who are questioned for shedding blood , have an unquenchable thirst after more blood ; but , that Women also , who are naturally tender hearted , are so inflamed with that thirst ( if we may know their distempers by their words ) as if the Death of others were half the Life of their Souls ; and as if they had never heard , who hath given it forth to be the Mark of Whorish Women , to hunt after the precious lives of men . I heard since this Text came into my thought , that you had a Sermon Preached before you , upon the same parsel of Scripture , on the late day of Humiliation ; but I have not yet seen it , nor heard what Application or Use he hath made thereof ; when you have heard me , try the Spirits by which we are guided ; for , I will declare my self impartially without respect of Persons , according to that Light within me , which beameth from the Light Eternal . In the dayes of David , there was a Famine three years throughout the Land ; whereupon , he enquiring of God the cause of that Plague , received answer , that it was for Saul and his bloody house , who had slain the Gibeonites , a remnant of the Amorites , unto whom the Children of Israel had sworn ; yet , ( as it is added in the Text ) Saul thought to slay them , out of a Zeal to the children of Israel and Judah . From this Record , and the Circumstances , I do undoubtedly collect , that Famine is a Judgement , proper to the avenging of unlawful Bloodshed ; and in reason it so appears to be ; For as Blood is the Life of men , so the Fruits of the Earth are the Life and preservation of humane Blood ; and therefore justly taken away from those , who are guilty of that Sin. A Famine is now begun among us , likely to increase and continue , unless we make our Attonement and Peace with God ; which the King taking into consideration , according to the Duty of his Place , strictly commanded all his People to seek unto Almighty God for pardon of our sins , by a General and unfeigned Humiliation ; wherein he Christianly Professed , that he and his whole Family should so joyn , that we might altogether as one man humble our selves in his presence , in hope our Devotions might be accepted ; and , I shall be glad if it hath been so performed , lest else , it so provoke God , that instead of removing and preventing a destructive Dearth , it bring upon us , all his three great Plagues at once , doubled ; even Wars , Pestilence , and Famines , both Spiritual and Temporal . Let us take heed of it ; And since Bloodshed is the principal crime , for which the Judgement already begun is feared will increase , and for the expiation whereof some satisfaction must be made , to witness the truth of our Repentance , ( though it be not in our Power to make satisfaction for the least Transgression ) let us all be so cautious to search into the whole matter , and to find out every Circumstance of our Duties ; that we add not Sin to Sin , Blood to Blood , and suppose we do well , when we have done more wickedly , by an hypocritical misapplication , or an ignorant search . Or , least in place of true Christian Oblations , we offer up the abominations of the Heathen , who sacrificed the Innocent Children of their Enemies , to appease the Ghosts of their slaughtered Princes ; or , do like them , who offered the Fruits of their Body to Molech , for the sins of their Souls ; Or , lest we think , as many have done , we do God or our Country good service , when we have oppressed , or slain , or banished , those who worship him not as we do ; even those , for whose sakes we are hitherto preserved , by him , in whose sight the Blood of the meanest of his Saints , is more precious then the Blood of the greatest King , who hath not aswell a Saintship as Kingship . For the Expiation therefore of our Blood-guiltiness , so far forth as it will be requirable to testifie the sincerity of our Contrition and Repentance , ( plenary satisfaction as I said before , not being in our Power ) we must effectually and speedily prosecute the means , which are but two in chief . The one is , the washing away of wilful Bloodshed , with the blood of malicious Murtherers , by Executing Justice . The other is by Mercy , in pardoning those who have shed Blood causually , ignorautly , and without any apparant malice ; And , this Justice and Mercy must be dispensed without partiality , rashness , malice , or by-respect to our selves , or to any other . That , we be not deceived in the Persons who are to be the Objects of this Justice and Mercy , we must be very wary least we incur the curse pronounced against them , who Justifie the wicked and condemn the Innocent ; so , in stead of being rendred acceptable , become abominable unto the Lord ; For , the World is so full of deceitful Juglings , that , she can make that which is Righteous and Holy , appear to be unrighteous and prophane : wrap up Suparlative Impietie in such a Mystery , that , it shall seem the Perfection of Holiness , make Traytors and Murtherers appear to be Saints and Martyrs , true Saints and Martyrs to be reputed Murtherers , and Traytors ; and bring them to the greatest outward shame and suffering . Therefore to prevent these Falacies , we must by the example of David , seek of God , to be rightly informed , not onely as touching the true Cause of the Plagues that are feared , or lie upon us , but also for the Principal Offenders ; for , if we seek but to men , to humane Lawes , and reason , and to what our own hearts will Dictate , there is so much falsehood in all these , being usually swayed by Self-Intrests , that we may easily be deceived . If inquiry had been made in Davids time , touching the Famine afore mentioned , of that part of the People , then of Sauls Faction , who were the Murtherers , for whose Bloodshed that Plague was inflicted ; they , probably would have answered , that it was for the bloodiness of Davids house , and of his confederates , who had Trayterously disinherited the true apparent Heir of the Kingdom , Anoynted and made King by Gods own appointment , with consent of all the People ; and that his Blood-guiltiness was manifest by a long Rebellious warfare against the house of Saul his Lawful Soveraign . If the same question should have been then asked of Davids Party , it is likely they would have said , that Saul and his partakers were the Murtherers by shedding blood in opposing him , to whom God had translated the Kingdom from Saul , for his disobedience , and conferred it on David by the same Anointing , by the same Prophet , who inaugurated Saul ; and in regard the Kingdom was also confirmed upon David , by consent of the same People . If the Priests in these dayes , had been consulted with all , they perhaps would have thought and said , that it had been , for the Blood of those Priests of the Lord , which were barbarously Butchered by Saul , rather then for the blood of the Gibeonites ; and , it may be they and many other ( who usually Judge according to common appearances ) would have thought that Famine had been inflicted for the blood of Abner , Ishbosheth , Amasa , Ammon , Uriah , and many other , as well as for the blood of the said Priests . But , the Judgement came not forth at that time for any of these ; It was not absolutely for shedding of meer Innocent blood ; nor for Blood Royal , or esteemed Sacred ; no not for the blood of a King , but for Blood shed by a King ; and for no such precious blood as the blood of Israelites , or Friends , or Free Subjects , but for the Blood of slaves , of whom little account was made ; and for breach of an Oath , and a Covenant to and with despised Persons , though contracted Illegally , yea , contrary to Gods expresse command , with a People whom they were to have destroyed ; and though , it had been fraudulently and surreptiously procured : which Exemplary Judgement , was executed and left upon record , to make it known to all Nations , and Generations , how abominable it is to God , when men violate the Lawes of Humane Society , though out of a pretended Zeal to the welfare of his own People ; and , that he will sooner dispence with an Oath and Covenant made ignorantly , contrary to his own expresse command , then with violation thereof , in such a case , when it is once made ; and , that , neither length of time , or Pious , or Politick pretences , can incline him to leave it unpunished . This hints unto us , that which will be very considerable at this present by you , and by all this Nation , as touching that Bloodshed into which God is making inquisition ; & concerning which we are to make inquity of God himself , by the Urim and Thummim of his Word ; as also , by impartially examining our own Consciences , lest the false Witnesses , which the World & self intrest may suborn , corrupt our Judgements : For , if we ask of our meer Courtiers , or Fawning Parasites ( who think there is more Divinity in the blood of Kings then of other men ) whose Bloodshed is at this time punishable by Famine , they ( as I conceive ) will tell us , that it is onely for the Blood of the late King , which I believe not , though there lies a blood-guiltiness for that , on very many . If we ask of the Prelates , they peradventure will add thereto the blood of the late Arch-Bishop of Canterbury , and the violence done to their Hyerachie . If we ask the rest of the Clergy , they wil cast in the blood of those Ministers of the Gospel , who have been slain by the Sword , are destroyed by Oppression : The Peers will say it is likewise for the Blood of some of the Nobility : If we put the Question to the Generality of the People , they will affirm , that it was for the blood of their Parents , Children , Brethren and fellow Subjects . If we demand the opinion of the Papists , they will answer , that it is for the blood of their Priests and Jesuites . If we Interrogate the Protestants , they unanimously cry out and say , that it is for the blood of those three hundred sixty and odd Thousands , who were in a most Treacherous and Barbarous manner Massacred in Ireland , by the Papists : If we think by our Laws and Parliaments , to be rightly informed , they ( not being infallible ) will leave us as doubtful as the rest ; For , Laws contradict each other ; one Parliament Enacts that for Law , which another makes Illegal ; and that to be Heresie and Treason , which we are enjoyned by another Parliament to embrace for Orthodox Truth and Loyalty ; Hocus Pocus ! so , that if we had no better Oracle to enquire at , then these aforementioned , we may add blood to blood , by punishing Innocents as Offenders , and Justifying Malifactors . In truth a Blood-guiltiness , more or less , in all these respects , lies upon some of all dissenting Parties throughout the whole Nation ; yea upon all without excepting one person , though they perceive it not ; and a greater blood-guiltiness then the blood-shed of all those put together will amount unto ; even a guiltiness of the precious Blood of Christ Jesus and his Saints , by oppressing them , not onely in depriving them of their Liberties and Estates ( whereby Life is to be preserved ) until they lose their lives more miserably then by a quick murther ; but , by Tyranizing over their Consciences also , to the destroying of their souls , if God prevent not . Unless therefore we will heed , and weigh this guilt , and sanctifie out formal Humiliations with more works of Justice and Mercy then heretofore , they will prove empty vanities , and Sacrifices without Salt or Oyl . And , when we have according to Davids Example , duely searched out the Sin for which God hath begun to punish us ( which probably is Bloodshed in chief ) the same blood-guiltiness will continue upon this Nation , until as far as in us lies , we shall proportionably apply what is justly deserved by the Principal , accessary and causual Transgressors ; putting difference between them according to the quality and degree of their offences ; seeing some of those who have been accused and condemned , may possibly be as far from being guilty of Bloodshed , or Treason , knowingly or intentionally , as they who went with Absalom in the simplicity of their hearts to a sacrifice , when he rebelled against his father ; and as guiltless of wilful Treason , as the Priest was , who gave the Shewbread to David and his Souldiers when pursued by Saul . Two men may be Active in the same work , grinding at the same Mill , fight in the same Cause , at one and the same Battle , and yet one of them be justly excused and received to mercy , the other as justly rejected . And when the matter is doubtful , we must labour to our utmost , to find out the certainty , inclining rather to compassion then to extream Rigor in such ambiguities ; else we do neither according to the mind of God , nor make our selves to be so capable of his mercy as we may . Solomon advised us not to be over just , that is , not to execute any Justice without mercy . The very mercies of the wicked are cruel , much more cruel then is their Justice . They who think they expresse much love and Loyalty to the King , or to do him the more honour , by how much the more blood they shed to avenge his Fathers Death , do more disadvantage and dishonour him thereby , then they who took away his Life , as it will be manifest at the last . The Indulgence of David to the People , who rebelled with his son Absalom , doth imply that a difference should be put between offenders according to the degree and nature of their offence , as did also the Cities of Refuge for man-slaughter ; The Jews , who were guilty of the blood of Jesus Christ , the King of Kings , ( as Paul was also by Persecuting the Saints ) were capable of Divine Mercy in regard they did it meerly through ignorance , and by being involved in the Epidemical Sin of the Nation at that time ; So , may many be at this present : And our King ( if I am not misinformed ) is so naturally inclined to extend compassion to such offenders , that probably the issue of Blood , had been here stopt long since , if he had not been urged to more severity then he is inclined unto . And , doubless , they who submitted unto His late Proclamation , ( which threatned that no mercy should be vouchsafed unto them , who thereupon surrendred not their Persons ) were not so mad , as to come in with a purpose to be hang'd , seeing they might as possibly have secured their lives by flight as others have yet done ; But , knowing their Consciences clear ( as I suppose ) from having had any malicious intention in those transactions wherein they were judged offenders ; they surrendred themselves into the Kings hands , with a belief that their Indempnity was sincerely intended by the said Proclamation , upon their submission ; seeing else , it had either signified nothing as to them , or , somwhat worse then nothing , to delude them with a false hope ; which to believe , were such a Derogation from the Kings honour , as I am not guilty of ; and I am perswaded he is so sensible how much it may concern him , that he will not destroy the hope which was begotten by his own voluntary Act of Clemency . I my self , ( as , it may be , some other were ) though ingaged heretofore with such as opposed the Royal Interest , was even then , as far from intending any thing maliciously against the Kings Person or Dignity , that I truly pittied his estate ; And so God prosper me , as I would gladly have contributed what was in my power toward his Restoration , or the setling of him in a safe and comfortable being , if I had then known how to have done it , without resisting God , or infringing that fidelity to which I conceived , I was then obliged ; For which respect , I do verily believe , I may now claim an interest in all his Majesties Publick Acts of Grace , notwithstanding my former Misprisions : And that according to his Royal Promises and Ingagements voluntarily made , I may justly expect , at least a competent subsistance for me and my Family , out of that estate , which I purchased and possessed , before his Restoration : For , he is not more safe in any mans professed Allegiance or Principles , then in mine ; who am probably perswaded in my heart to believe , that after he hath tryed the temper of his People , God will put into his heart a desire and resolution , to declare and prosecute somewhat , extraordinarily tending to his Glory , and to the frustrating of the fears , hopes and expectations of many thousands , who are now opposites in their Judgements and Affections : Nothing , but a malicious wickedness can supersede this Mercy . It is a more manly Principle to ruine men speedily and outright in fury , then by dissembling an intention of Mercy to linger out their Torments , and destroy them at the last ; of which cruelty , I conceive the Prelates to be less guilty at this time , then many other by whom we suffer ; For , they are , for the most part , so true to their Pride and Avarice , that they devour us as quickly as they can , without masking or hiding their Intentions . Let there be sincerity therefore , in executing Justice and extending Mercy ; and let us know and heed this to a maxime , which ought undoubtingly to be received ; to wit , that if any King , Supream Power , Prince , Commander in chief , or any other by them Authoritatively deputed to dispence their Mercy , or other Priviledges or Concessions of Grace , or of right due , shall , by his or their Declaration , Proclamation , Letter , Promise or Ingagement , make tender of them voluntarily to any real or suspected Delinquents , ( without any capitulation or conditions ) actually insisted on by the said Delinquents ( especially the said Granters receiving benefit afterwards thereby ) If these Delinquents accept thereof , submit , and put themselves into their Protection , without questoning the terms of expression , or the sincerity of the said Granters intentions ; Then , the said Concessions are to be construed to the utmost advantage of them , who so confided and submitted . And , if in such cases there shall be any secret Reserve or Intention in the said Granters , whereby they who so absolutely confided , shall be deprived of their hope ; or if there be any explicite or equivocal terme therein , whereby the Grace hoped for , may be vacated , by the future Judgement of the said Granters , or of other men , who are apparent Enemies , or doubtful Friends to the Granters ; it will be so evident an Injustice , so ignoble , and so Hypocritical a Prevarication , that , what Reason of State soever is pretended , it will be abominable to God and Men : The said Granters , will justly lose their honour both abroad and at home ; none will confide in their Grants , Promises or Ingagements for the future , and Divine Vengeance will also persue them . This may perhaps be distastful to them who rellish not such assertions ; But , he who truely fears God , and declares necessary Truths in season with a good Conscience , needs not fear men , how furious or powerful soever they be ; For , they will be afraid of him , if his Assertions be of God. Moreover , let us take notice , that we shall neither be freed from the Judgement threatned , nor clear from the guilt of bloodshed past , unless we prosecute every medium in our Power to prevent bloodshed to come , by taking away the occasions of malicious Animosities which foment discord , the Usher to Murthers and Rebellions : And this will never be effected in meer Morral or Carnal Men , but by executing of Justice between Man and Man without partiallity , and by permitting them to enjoy their Liberties and Livelihoods , according to Law , without Oppressions ; For , it being their Life-Blood , they will struggle for it , upon all advantages ( though it be by bloodshed ) let Divines , Preach what they will , and States-men threaten & impose , whatsoever Oaths and other manacles they can devise ; yea , though they lose Liberty , Estate , Life , Body and Soul to recover it ; Because they cannot be made so sensible of any thing , as of their Self-Interest and present wants ; So , that , if their distempers be not asswaged , by the means aforesaid , occasion of blood-guiltiness will still continue ; And as for them who being by regeneration made so conscientious of yielding Active or Passive Obedience , to the Commands of Authority , that , they will suffer any thing rather then resist to blood , though they lose all that whereby the mainteance of their life-blood consisteth ( and are exposed to greater sufferings , then by a speedy Murther ) they will make the Land lyable to greater blood-guiltiness , and more dreadful Judgements , then the former : Because , at last , it will provoke God for the sakes of those Patient Innocents , to arise from his Throne in Heaven and descend to be their avenger . This , I am warranted to declare ; therefore consider it ; Reason is reason , and Truth Truth , though spoken by Fools and Children ; The greatest Persons if they despise it , shall be despised ; and the wisest , if they slight it , are Fools . It is impossible to enjoy the Peace of GOD , or long to preserve the Civil Peace , without otherwhile giving an occasion of Bloodshed , when the Consciences of men are intrenched upon , by imposing that which is destructive to their Natural and Christian Freedom in things indifferent ; especially , when they perceive them to be imposed for superstitious ends onely , and to advance the covetuous designes and Interest of corrupt Persons in Societies : For , though they who are sincerely conscientious , will ( as I said before ) suffer any thing rather then give a just occasion of offence , or act ought whereby the Civil Peace may be violated ; yet , it is so abominable to meer Natural and Moral men , to see an unlawful Interest upheld and indulged , under pretences of promo●ing Pietie , or the Common Welfare , that they cannot well bear it , without such murmurings as may produce mischief at the last . Among other things considerable in that kinde , the Prohibition of meats on certain dayes and times , makes many very sensible , how impudently they have been fooled out of their Freedoms by Religious Impostors . For , though it be reasonable that the forbearing of Flesh , and the eating of Fish at sometimes should be enjoyned , for preserving the breed of Cattle , or such like respects ; and that neither the Fishing Trade may be neglected , nor that blessing of abundance of Fish , seem to be despised , wherewith God hath plentifully furnished these Ilands : yet , who can understand what prudence or Pietie it is , that , according to an Antichristian Principle ( which was introduced as it were in despight of what God hath declared in his Word ) those meats should be judged unlawful , on some dayes in a Religious respect , which being Sanctified by Prayer and Thanksgiving , may be eaten at all times without offence to God ? If there be no thing of Religion in such a Restraint , why should it be imposed as pertinent to Religion , and managed by Officers thereto pretending ? If the observation of a Lent , be not as truely a Turkish as a Christian Discipline , or Ceremony , Let us know by what Holy Text , it is commanded , equivolent to that Authority , whereby that , and such like Impositions , and interdicted , or at least reproved . And , if , indeed it be of Divine Institution , let it then be considered , what an abominable hypocrisie & abuse it is of that Discipline , that the Prelates , their Vicars or other Officers , or Doctor Dodipol , with such like Persons should make a sordid gain thereof to satisfie their Covetousness ? dispence with this Liberty to whomsoever they please for money ; even to those who desire it , meerly to satisfie their Luxurius Appetite ? taking that Freedom also to themselves , by licensing each other to eat Flesh , when prohibited ? If a poor-man be so sick , that he cannot eat Fish without hazzard of his life , or hath such an Antipathie thereunto that it alwayes indangers his health to eat it ; why should his life or health be put into the hands of such Persons who regard nothing so much as their Self-Interest ? what Religion or Charity is it to make this man pay money for it ? Is it not affliction enough that he hath such infirmities , unless he shall be inforced also to add unto his Poverty , by paying for that Liberty to some Shabby Fellow , which God bestowed freely upon him ? yea , to pay for it to one perhaps , who whilst he is Fasting , will consume in Feasting , that which he exacted ? were it not more Christian like ( if such a Restraint be civilly necessary ) that sober honest and faithful men , should take the money given for such Licenses to help relieve the sick and needy in necesitous times ? yea , if it be expedient for a publick benefit , that there should be a restraint from eating Flesh at some set times ( as I believe it may be , if ordered according to the true intention of our Lawes ) It seems neverthelels , unreasonable , that a corrupt Magistrate should raise a large profit , to himself and his Officers , by Licensing Butchers , Cooks and Powlterers , to the making that dearer to the People , which was over dear before . It were therefore more agreeable to common Justice , that the profit by Fees and Fines for such Licenses , if they be necessary , should be rather employed to ease publick Burthens ; or else to relieve the needy and oppressed : For , that Justice and Charity , might somewhat allay their distempers , who may perhaps be provoked beyond the Limit of their patience . This last Paragraph was by forgetfulness omitted in the Papers which I sent to the House of Commons . This I have cast in by the way , for a Supplement to my Remonstrance , and now you have in effect , the sum of what I have heretofore expressed publickly or in private , as pertinent to my Vindication ; and I will hereupon request nothing simply relating to myself : For , to say truth , I can ask nothing to any purpose , nor can you give or take away any thing which will not be as advantagious or disadvantagious to your selves , as to me , according as it shall be justly or unjustly given or taken away ; and , if my Flesh had as little sence , of those torments the world can inflict upon me , as my Soul hath at present , of those pleasures of hers , which I formerly enjoyed , she had nothing in her power , which would much delight or offend me . If you restore unto me the Freedom of my Person , and possession of my Estate , they may be lost again to morrow ; and , unless I might therewith enjoy the Liberty of my Mind according to the Law of Nature ; and of my Conscience , according to the Law of Grace , ( whereof I see no great likelihood at present ) I shall not greatly value either of those accommodations , or my Life ; but , as it relates to him who gave it . I have lived almost three quarters of a hundred years upon Earth , wherein I have observed the Works of God and men ; seen the Almighties Judgements disregarded , and his Grace turned into Wantonness ; many Changes , every one worse then the other ; and am now in Purgatory , next Wall to Hell , where I perceive those Fiery Tryals which melt and soften a few , do harden most men , into a froward impenitency ; the Gold and Silver is thereby purified ; the Wood , Hay , and Stubble consume ; and I shall shortly ascend from hence , thither , where ( though all things are already known ) I must give up that Testimony which I shall leave behind me , of this Generation ; wherein Apostacies , Hypocrisie , Prophaness , with all manner of Wickedness , and impieties ripen so fast : ( yea , wherein the Doctrine of Christ is so disparaged by the Professors thereof , who live contrary to the Life of Christ ) that if the Angels , thereto appointed , do not speedily thrust in their Sickles and gather the Wheat into Gods Garner , and hack up the Tares for the fire ; there will be few handfuls of good Corn left upon Earth , and little Faith found amongst men when Christ cometh . This Testimony is true , though expressed in much infirmity , after the manner of men ; therefore , I will conclude all with a Petition for those things onely , wherein Gods Glory , your Honour , and the Interests of many Thousands are comprehended , as well as mine : The said Petition is that which follows . The PETITION . I Humbly beseech your Honours , as you respect the many great and extraordinary Mercies of God lately vouchsafed to the King , to your selves , and to those whom you Represent : As you stand in awe of those Judgements , that are in part removed ; as you desire the total removal of those which yet lie upon us ; and the prevention of those that are feared ; as also , to behold the Face of God with Joy at the last Judgement : that , in all your future Consultations , Debates and Actings , you seek the preservation of a good Conscience , in preferring the Cause and Honour of God , before all Royal , Popular , or Personal Interests : That , in particular you would be careful his Divine Worship , may not be adulterated , or clogged with the Superstitious Traditions of Men , by your assent ; and that no Power , Person or Persons , by your neglect or means , be permitted to Usurp a seat in the Conscience , which is Gods Peculiar Throne upon Earth . That , you will so endeavour to Establish the Kings Throne in Righteousness , that Justice and Mercy , being the Supporters thereof , neither the Just Royal Perogative , nor the Lawful Liberties of the People ( by whom you are Intrusted ) may be infringed , or clash ; But , that , Right may be equally dispensed . That , you would be merciful as our Heavenly Father is merciful , extending Compassion ( which is the best Sacrifice ) to other men , according to that Mercy which you would willingly receive , if you were in their stead ; rather mitigating , then agravating their punishment , who have offended through Ignorance , Weakness , or Inconsiderateness , and not by Design or Malice . And , forasmuch , as the Priviledges you Claim , were not at first conferred for your own sakes , but for the sakes of the People whom you represent , and by whom you were chosen and intrusted ; That , you make no farther use of those Priviledges for your Personal advantages , then may consist with your Trust ; which is to be kept inviolable without respect of Persons , Fear , Favour , or Reward . These Petitions being by you approved and granted , so far forth as it may be in your Power , I shall have so large a share in them , that it will be needless for me , to Petition ought a part by my Self ; and I shall be fully contented with what God pleaseth to allow ; Praise him , and Pray for you unfeignedly , as in Duty I am bound ; who , by vouchsafing these requests , shall have a Joyful welcome home , by all your Counties , Cities , and Burroughs , when you are adjourned , prorogued , or dissolved ; And your Honour , shall be so transcendant , that no Tongue , Pen , Lybeller or Lybel , shall have Power to cast a blemish the reupon . Jamque Opus Exegi . My Life , and work ( for ought , that yet I know ) Is either quite , or almost ended now ; And my Quietus est , within a Grave Is , that , which best would please me , now to have : For , by their struggling , many years together , My Flesh and Spirit , have nigh tir'd each other . Lord , let the short-snuff , of my Life unspent Burn out , with clear flames , and a pleasing scent . Newgate , January the 27th . 1661. Geo. Wither . THE END .