and looking out for a Plank in the common Shipwrack, so
that the point is turn'd upon him; those who are out, would have ruin'd
us, and cou'd not; and those who are in, are endeavouring to save us if
they can.

My Adversary himself, now drawing to a conclusion, seems to be inclining
to good opinions: and as dying men, are much given to repentance, so
finding his cause at the last gasp, he unburthens his Conscience and
disclaims the principles of a Common-wealth, both for himself, and for
both Houses of Parliament, which is indeed to be over-officious: for one
of the Houses will not think they have need of such a Compurgator. But
he wisely fears no change of Government from any, but the Papists. Now I
am of a better heart, for I fear it neither from Papists nor
Presbyterians. Whether Democracy will agree with Jesuitical principles
in _England_ I am not certain; but I can easily prove to him, that no
Government but a Common-wealth is accommodated to the Systeme of
Church-worship invented by _John Calvin_.

The Declaration concludes, that the King is resolv'd to govern in all
things by the Laws: And here the Author of the Answer, is for frisking
out into a fit of Joy, which looks as aukward with his gravity, as ever
was King _David_'s dancing before the Ark. This similitude I hope has
pleas'd him; if it does not, _Esop_'s Ass stands ready Sadled at the
door. But a melancholick consideration has already pour'd cold water in
his Porredge, for all promises he says, _are either kept or broken_:
well-fare a good old Proverb. I could find in my heart to cap it with
another, _that the old Woman had never look'd for her Daughter in the
Oven, if she had not been there herself before_. But if the King should
keep his word, as all but his Enemies conclude he will, then we shall
see Annual Parliaments sit longer I hope; when they meddle only with
their proper business. They will lose their time no more, in cutting off
the Succession, altering the course of Nature, and directing the
providence of God, before they know it. We shall have no uniting of
Sects against the Church of _England_, nor of Counties against the next
Heir of the Crown. The King shall then be advis'd by his Parliament,
when both Houses concur in their advice. There shall be no more need of
Declarations about the dissolving of Parliaments, and no more need of
factious Fools to answer them; But the People shall be happy, the King
shall be supply'd the Alliances shall