WEe doe all know, but I be­seech you Sir let us consi­der, That we are in a war, That a war doth alwaies carry a sting of Gods anger in it, That a Civill war is the height of his fury.

The Romans, a wise People, no Christians were so sadly sensible of a [Page 4] Civill war as they; who did manage it, would never advertise the Senate of any successe whatsoever: And al­though they were exceedingly tran­sported with the glory of a triumph, yet their Lawes did not permit any man to enter the City in triumph, for the finishing of a Civill warre. One of the wisest of them said, Omnia sunt misera in bello Civili, sed nihil miserius ipsa Victoria; All things are miserable in a Civill war, but no­thing more miserable then a Victory it selfe. A Civill war is a two-edged Sword, it cuts and devoures on both sides; if it continne amongst us, wee may kill up on another till wee make our selves an easy and scornfull Prey to some ambitious Neighbour.

Now we probably fore-see, That [Page 5] there is likely to be a great alteration in the Affaires of Christendome, by the death of Cardinall Richelieu. The King of France had signed un­der his hand a Treaty of Peace with the King of Spaine: But the Car­dinall by his power and interest brake that Designe; it was his last worke. Now, Cardinall Mazarini is ad­mitted into his Imployments, an Ita­lian, a stranger, and therefore may prosecute other Ends; Besides, the King himselfe may relaps into a for­mer Opinion: So that if there should bee a Peace betweene France and Spaine, the French will have leisure and opportunity to assist here. And it hath beene twice the Fate of this Kingdome to be conquered by Aux­iliaries. Jt is frequent in Histories, [Page 6] That many other Nations have bin subdued by those whom they called in to helpe them. Jf we do not rid our selves of this Warre by the Spring, we shall see this Kingdome fill'd and infested by Forraigne Armies.

Sir, if the King and wee were now One, and should joyne in one way, we should finde worke more then enough to make up the torne, broken, shatterd Pieces that lye presently before us in two Kingdomes: What then shall we doe in greater Distractions, in greater Necessities, in greater Perplexities still growing upon us?

Jf but Ireland were lost, the Jrish would prove the most dangerous Ene­mies that ever this Kingdome had. They would soone grow rich, by the opportunity of their scituation for [Page 7] Trade, they would soon grow strong in Shipping, having so many good Harbours, and then confederated with other Enemies, what Mischiefe, what Ruine may they not bring upon us? But what may sooner come from thence J will not mention. No man is able to see thorow the miseries that neerly threaten us, even ready to fall upon us.

Wherefore (Master Speaker) let us as wise Men, as charitable Christians, as loving Subjects, send Propositions of Peace to the King. J do verily beleeve, that God will blesse us more in a Treaty, then in more Bloud. His will be done.