In the February following, the same writer states that one great evil which he found, and which he knew not how to remedy, was the want of able preachers; so that if some effectual course were not speedily taken, some of the people would become heathens. Brecon--the town where he was staying at the time--had no preacher near it, and the people were sinking into a state of careless contentment without any religion whatever. To this fact of continued spiritual destitution must be added another.[120] Wales lay torn in pieces by the political differences of religious people. The Fifth Monarchists, amongst whom Vavasour Powell played so conspicuous a part, were loud in their complaints of "wickedness in high places." They drew up a paper, signed by above 300 names, which was found in the pocket of one Chapman, imprisoned in the Tower of London. The Lieutenant forwarded the document to Secretary Thurloe, who has printed it in his huge collection.[121] It is a curious production, containing, first, an appeal to Cromwell to peruse and weigh it, and not harden his neck against the truth; and then a second part, called "a word for God," which forms the burden of the testimony introduced. After referring to particular duties in former days--such as witnessing against the Prayer Book, the cross in baptism, and the like--the authors proceeded to deliver their souls. _First_, they said that this nation resembled Israel after its deliverance from Egypt. _Secondly_, that the good old cause was laid aside and lost. _Thirdly_, that the Government had been unwarrantably changed. _Fourthly_, that as the fruit of this forbidden tree, many of the choice servants of God (rebellious Fifth Monarchy-men) were imprisoned without knowing their accusers. _Fifthly_, that heavy taxation continued. _Sixthly_, that under the Protectorate horrible impieties, injustice, and oppression continued to abound "from the head to the tail," witness (they remarked) the receiving of honours, profits, customs, benefits, tenths, and first fruits formerly paid to the Crown: _Seventhly_, that the expedition to Hispaniola had incurred the loss of much blood and treasure--and, _lastly_, that the existing Government was not of God's approbation. Here, beyond all question, a flag of revolt is seen in preparation, and no wonder Cromwell did what he could to prevent its being unfurled. Another paper appeared on the opposite side signed by double the number, including most if not all the Independents of Wales. [Sidenote: _Ireland._]