extream calamity, he was constrain'd to fly from _Saul_. _For every one
that was in distresse, and every one that was in debt, and every one that
was discontented, gathered themselves unto him, and he became Captain over
them._ And to this retinue, has your malice and persecution reduced this
excellent Prince; but he that preserv'd him in the Wood, _and delivered
David out of all his troubles_, shall likewise in his appointed time,
deliver him also out of these distresses.

I have now answered all your calumnies, and have but a word to add, that I
may yet incline you to accept of your best interest, and prevent that
dreadfull ruine which your obstinacy does threaten. Is it not as
perspicuous as the Sun, that it lies in your power to reform his Counsell,
introduce your selves, make what composition you can desire, have all the
security that mortall men can imagine, and the greatest Princes of Europe
to engage in the performance? This were becoming worthy men, and
honourable indeed; this ingenuous self-denyall: And it is no disgrace to
reforme a mistake, but to persist in it lyes the shame. The whole Nation
require it of you, and the lawes of God command it, you cannot, you must
not deferr it. For what can you pretend that will not then drop into your
bosomes? The humble man will have repose, the aspiring and ambitious,
honours: The Merchant will be secure, Trades immediately recover, Aliances
will be confirm'd, the Lawes reflourish, tender Consciences consider'd,
present purchasers satisfied; the Souldier payed, maintained and provided
for; and what's above all this, Christianity and Charity will revive again
amongst us, _Mercy and Truth will meet together; righteousness and peace
shall kiss each other_.

But let us now consider on the other side, the confusion, which must of
necessity light upon us if we persist in our rebellion and obstinacy; We
are already impoverisht, and consum'd with war and the miseries that