before you which concerns Christ and these
kingdoms most, and above all, and which will be the chiefest mean to end
or continue these troubles. And that not only speaking _humaniter_, and
looking to the disposition of these kingdoms, but especially in regard
of the divine dispensation, which hath been so special and sensible in
the rise and continuance of these commotions, as I can neither be
persuaded that they were raised for, or will be calmed upon the
settlement of civil rights and privileges either of kings or princes,
whatsoever may seem to be our present success; but I am convinced they
have a higher rise from, and for the highest end, the settling of the
crown of Christ in these islands, to be propagated from island to
continent; and until king Jesus be set down on his throne, with his
sceptre in his hand, I do not expect God's peace, and so not solid peace
from men in these kingdoms. But establish that, and a durable peace will
be found to follow that sovereign truth. Sir, let us lay to heart what
is before us, a work which concerns God and man most of any thing in
agitation now under the sun, and for which we will one day be called to
a more strict account than for any other passage of our life. Let us
both tremble and rejoice when we reflect upon what is under debate, and
now in our hands.

I was glad to hear the parliament confess their willingness to receive
and observe whatsoever shall be shown from the word of God to be Christ
or his church, their rights or due; albeit I was sorry to see any, in
the delivery thereof, intermix any of their own personal asperity, any
aspersions upon this assembly, or reflections on another nation; so in
this day of law for Christ, wherein justice is offered, if he get not
right in not shewing his patent from his father, and his churches from
himself, it will be counted your fault.

Sir, all christians are bound to give a testimony to every truth when
called to it, but ye are the immediate servants of the Most High,
Christ's proctors and heralds, whose proper function it is to proclaim
his name, and preserve his offices, and assert his rights. Christ has
had many testimonies given to his prophetical and priestly offices by
the pleadings and sufferings of his saints, and in these latter days
seems to require the same unto his kingly office. A king loves a
testimony to his crown best of any, as that which is tenderest to him,
and confessors and martyrs for Christ's crown are