to conceale it. However, by this wee see the Faith and Mercy of
the Saints, and by what a Tract of Blood and Ruine [ore gladij cruentandi]
they proceede to finish the blessed Reformation Promised.
Yet this they call the wonderfull going forth of the good hand of
God with them, and for them; and say that hereby they serve their
Generations; and discharge the high-Trust of their Places, as you may
read in that damnable Pamphlet stiled, A Declaration of the Parliament
of England, in vindication of their Proceedings, and discovering the dangerous
practises of severall Interests against the present Government and
Peace of the Common-wealth, together with the Resolutions of the Parliament
thereupon.-Wherein they endeavor to satisfie the People, in laying
before them what a happy Progresse they have made, in procuring
the blessings of pure-Religion, and just-Liberty, and how hopefull they
are to grow up to whatever remaines unperfected, if they would but
stand by them, and joyne with them in attaining the same, against those
(they call) hellish-Designes and cursed-Practises of the Cavalieres,
Presbyterians and Levellers.
And first for Religion, they say they cannot be unmindfull in what a
corrupted Condition they found it at the first sitting of the Parliament, and
how neere it come to the Patern of Rome. But they tell them not wherein
it was corrupted, nor name the particulars that allyed them so neere as
they tell of to the Roman-Church.) For recovery whereof (say they) how
Carefull and Zealous hath the Parliament beene to propagate and Advance
the Worke of Reformation in these Nations, propounding for their guide herein,
the word of God, and the best Reformed Churches? &c. - Very
Carefull and Zealous indeede! But what are the effects thereof? are
they other then Sacriledge, Prophanesse, Blasphemie, Haresie, and
Schisme? have they not rent the Church in peeces? Persecuted, Imprisoned,
Robb'd, Starved, Banished, or Butchered her Ministers, and
introduced a generall tolleration, even to Judaisme it Selfe, and all other
Sects that will but acknowledge them Patrists and submit to the
Tyranny they have established? And can the People then bee so stupid
as to think either the word of God, or the Reformed Churches guided
to this impietie and confusion? - But they adde further, That
for the advancing the Purity and Power of Religion, they have continued
those Lawes that were already in force for the good and furtherance of the
worke of Reformation, in Doctrine, Worship, and Discipline &c. - But
what Lawes are those they continue? are they any other then their
owne pernitious Ordnances (that are no Lawes) made on Purpose by
themselves, since 1640. to make way for all the miseries have ensued?