The Lord of Inchiquins Letter to Colonell Michaell Iones.

THE sight of some late past Letters eb­tweene his Excellency and you, have by their passages given me more then Comon reason to suspect, that a misunderstanding of our grounds is the greatest cause that foments an un­happy distance betweene us at the present, of how great a Consequence to all our security and felicities a vnion would bee, as it is obvious to the lowest apprehension, soe ought it not to be contemned by the highest: but to be the labor of us all to discend from those heights which may wy­den a breach, and lay hold on those things that most con­duce to peace; it has pleased God to make me one of his meanest Instruments to preserve him a remnant (hitherto of Protestants persevering in their first Principles) by my Sword which selfe same worke I am still intending, but should esteeme the happinesse greater if you would please to effect it now by my pen or word by how much I prize a Conquest over the minde more then the body and esteeme the retaineing of a friend more then the sub­duing [Page] of an Enemy. Sir it is not for Christians to de­scend to a Ʋ Ʋarre like Cocks into a pitt, and fight with­out knowing how the quarrell began, Blood must bee ac­counted for, and therefore is not on light Causes to be-spilt; besides the Sword has a mouth to devoure Iustice, but no eyes to see how to defend it: if you please therefore before it have exhausted any droppe from either party: to expostulate the matter your self, or by any other whom you will appoint, with a divine or two added to them (in a faire and handsome debate) I shall meete you with the like both in number and quality where it may please God to bestow such a blessing as we are not yet apprehensive of; and I Conjure you as you intend that really which you pretend verbally, (the establishment of the English in­trest and Protestant Religion) that you contemne not this nor any other meanes which shall be offered you for your just satisfaction. If you shall, the ill consequences that may attend it will inevitably fall upon you, and I shall with quiet to my Conscience have acquitted my selfe that I have in thus seeking performed the duty of a Christian & to you alsoe (if you please to follow it) the office of

Colonell Iones Answer to my Lord of Inchiquins Letter.

I recieved your Lordships of the 20th Instant by your Trumpet, which be­ing the same in substance with those (not long since) passing me with the Lord of Ormonde, And that your Lordships, con­taining nothing new, or more then what was in those others, I must therefore, without further an­swer (as to soe much,) referre your Lordship to what hath been then Answered and Replyed.

As for that Conference by your Lordship now Propounded and desired It cannot be, in prudence, admitted, especially in matters of this consequence, and in times when such debatings must needs bee Dangerous, as being subject to whatsoever con­structions, and misconstructions alsoe.

But soe well am I satisfied in the Iustice of my Cause (whereupon the Lords blessing hath dwelt Visibly, as still it doth) that I am fixed to my just Principles, whence by Letters or Discourses I am not to be removed. And I wish heartily your Lordship [Page] had done likewise.

Your Sword hath been (I confesse) prosperous but remember my (Lord) the cause in which you then appeared the same with this now by Vs here maintained against those bloody Rebells.

But Now, is your Lordship with them most unhappily joyned, to the admiration of those who knew your Lordships former professions, and your once and againe renewed engagements ( Now. in that your late Confederacy and Countenancing of them in their waies, are you become one of them in that guilt of Blood, where withall they, and the whole Land is defiled. And with them (deserting your first principles) doe you Now set your selfe a­gainst those of the Protestant Religion of which once you were, and whereunto you still professe your selfe a friend, and whereof they are mortall and professed Enemies.

Your Cause therefore being soe varied your Lordship cannot promise your selfe the same Pro­vidence as formerly: which we doe and may con­fidently expect, and the rather, our trust being in God alone; not in our own strength, whereas your powers and number is that you boast off, and in [Page] which you rest your selves principally.

All which I desire may be by your Lordship Se­riously and timely Considered, for regaining and preserving to your selfe a good Conscience, and for staying the effusion of more English and protestant blood, which if by your meanes spilt, it must lye heavy on you, and on your Posterity.

I conjure you therefore as you intend that really which you pretend verbally, the establishment, of the English interest, and Protestant Religion, that you contemne not this wholsome Councell now given you. If you shall, the ill Consequences that now attend it, will inevi­tably fall on you and I shall with quiet to my Conscience have acquited my selfe, that I have herein performed the duty of a Christian, and to you alsoe (if you please to follow it) the Office of (my Lord)