ffected in the kingdom, who will be
as much troubled in their persons and estates by that party, as by the
common enemy. It is known what threatenings the country is filled with,
which vent that inveterate malice and hatred to all the well affected in
the kingdom, which they have kept within their breast of a long time and
now they find opportunity of outing it. It is as clear as daylight, that
the most part of all the secluded persons look upon these that opposed
them in the Engagement, and shut them out of places of trust, and capacity
of employment, as enemies, and as great enemies as the secretaries. And
that we may know what to expect when they have full power in their hands
they have already so lifted up their head, that no godly man can promise
himself security in many places, and especially the faithful gentlemen and
people of the West,(366) who have given more proof of their faithfulness
to the cause and kingdom against the common enemy, than any others in the
land, yet are they daily suffering violence from these preservators of the
kingdom, while they are sufferers under the feet of the enemy. When they
have no common enemy, whom, I beseech you, will they prey upon, seeing
they do it already while they have an enemy?

But it is replied, That none of the least suspicion are allowed to be in
such trust and power, as may be prejudicial to religion, and that an oath
is to be taken of all, which is to be conceived as particular, binding,
and strict as possible.

_Answer 1_. What a manifest receding is it from former principles, that it
is now conceived, that all places of trust, excepting some few of eminent
note, may be filled with secluded and debarred persons, without the
prejudice of religion! It is certain that most part of the officers,
nominated by the parliament and shires, are not only such, of whom there
is just ground of suspicion, but such as have been enemies by actual
opposition to the cause of God, or known underminers thereof. Can it be
said in good earnest, that none, of whom is any suspicion, shall have such
trust as may be prejudicial? Sure we are, there are many just grounds of
suspicion and jealousy of general persons,(367) who have chief trust in
our armies and this the public judicatories are not ignorant of. 2. Oaths
and covenants are but like green cords about Samson to bind these men.
Would we have them yet once again perjured? Then may we tender an oath to
them. Put power in their hand,