london_n liberty_n in_o chain_n discover_v and_o publish_v by_o lieutenant_n golonell_n john_n lilburn_n prisoner_n in_o the_o tower_n of_o london_n octob._n 1646._o jer_n 22.15.16.17_o shall_v thou_o reign_v because_o thou_o close_a thyself_o in_o cedar_n do_v not_o thy_o father_n eat_v and_o drink_v and_o do_v judgement_n and_o justice_n and_o then_o it_o be_v well_o with_o he_o he_o judge_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o needy_a than_o it_o be_v well_o with_o he_o be_v not_o this_o to_o know_v i_o say_v the_o lord_n but_o thy_o eye_n and_o thy_o heart_n be_v not_o but_o for_o thy_o covetousness_n and_o for_o to_o shed_v innocent_a blood_n and_o for_o oppression_n and_o violence_n to_o do_v it_o therefore_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n concern_v jehoiakim_n the_o son_n of_o josiah_n king_n of_o judah_n they_o shall_v not_o lament_v for_o he_o say_v ah_o my_o brother_n or_o ah_o my_o sister_n they_o shall_v not_o lament_v for_o he_o ah_o lord_n or_o ah_o his_o glory_n it_o be_v to_o be_v obsebserve_v that_o the_o illegal_a election_n of_o great_a minister_n and_o officer_n for_o the_o administration_n and_o execution_n of_o justice_n and_o where_o the_o people_n have_v be_v and_o be_v deprive_v of_o this_o their_o just_a right_n and_o liberty_n there_o have_v ever_o all_o â—_z and_o practice_n of_o injustice_n and_o oppression_n abound_v freedom_n and_o liberty_n be_v the_o only_a jewel_n in_o esteem_n with_o the_o commonalty_n as_o a_o thing_n most_o precious_a unto_o they_o and_o merit_v that_o man_n shall_v expose_v themselves_o to_o all_o danger_n for_o the_o preservation_n and_o defence_n thereof_o against_o all_o tyranny_n and_o oppression_n of_o what_o nature_n and_o condition_n soever_o for_o prevention_n therefore_o of_o these_o mischief_n and_o misery_n which_o through_o evil_a government_n of_o magistrate_n by_o their_o injustice_n and_o other_o oppressive_a practice_n do_v usual_o fall_v upon_o kingdom_n and_o city_n and_o for_o that_o all_o lawful_a power_n reside_v in_o the_o people_n for_o who_o good_a welfare_n and_o happiness_n all_o government_n and_o just_a policy_n be_v ordain_v and_o forasmuch_o as_o that_o government_n which_o be_v violent_a and_o force_v not_o respect_v the_o good_a of_o the_o common_a people_n but_o only_o the_o will_n of_o the_o commander_n may_v be_v proper_o call_v tyranny_n the_o people_n have_v in_o all_o well_o order_v and_o constitute_v comon-wealth_n reserve_v to_o themselves_o the_o right_n and_o free_a election_n of_o the_o great_a minister_n and_o officer_n of_o state_n now_o although_o the_o tyranny_n whereby_o a_o city_n or_o state_n oppress_v her_o people_n may_v for_o the_o present_a seem_v to_o be_v more_o moderate_a than_o that_o of_o one_o man_n yet_o in_o many_o thing_n it_o be_v more_o intolerable_a and_o it_o will_v clear_o appear_v that_o the_o misery_n wherewith_o a_o tyrant_n load_v his_o people_n can_v be_v so_o heavy_a as_o the_o burden_n impose_v by_o a_o cruel_a city_n therefore_o all_o free_a city_n lest_o their_o government_n shall_v become_v a_o tyranny_n and_o their_o governor_n through_o ambition_n and_o misgovernment_n take_v liberty_n to_o oppress_v and_o enslave_v the_o people_n to_o their_o lust_n and_o will_n have_v in_o their_o first_o constitution_n provide_v that_o all_o their_o officer_n and_o magistrate_n shall_v be_v elective_a by_o vote_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o free_a people_n of_o each_o city_n and_o no_o long_o to_o continue_v then_o a_o year_n as_o the_o annual_a consul_n in_o rome_n by_o which_o moderation_n of_o government_n the_o people_n have_v still_o preserve_v their_o ancient_a liberty_n enjoy_v peace_n honour_n and_o accord_v and_o have_v thereby_o avoid_v those_o calamity_n incident_a to_o people_n subject_v to_o the_o law_n and_o arbitrary_a dominion_n of_o their_o insult_a lord_n and_o magistrate_n or_o master_n of_o all_o which_o this_o honourable_a city_n and_o metropolis_n of_o this_o kingdom_n upon_o the_o first_o erect_v of_o this_o island_n into_o a_o monarchy_n or_o kingdom_n by_o that_o valiant_a wise_a and_o victorious_a prince_n alfrede_n who_o first_o free_v the_o land_n from_o under_o the_o danish_a yoke_n and_o slavery_n under_o which_o it_o have_v a_o long_a time_n groan_v do_v with_o the_o approbation_n of_o their_o king_n and_o state_n then_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n for_o their_o well-being_n and_o more_o peaceable_a good_a government_n agree_v and_o by_o a_o perpetual_a law_n ordain_v that_o all_o their_o governor_n and_o magistrate_n shall_v be_v annual_a and_o elective_a by_o the_o free_a vote_n of_o the_o free_a man_n of_o the_o city_n then_o and_o yet_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o baron_n and_o burgess_n of_o london_n as_o appear_v by_o their_o general_a charter_n of_o confirmation_n of_o their_o liberty_n by_o several_a prince_n before_o and_o since_o the_o conquest_n although_o in_o process_n of_o time_n their_o title_n and_o name_n of_o their_o office_n be_v change_v yet_o the_o power_n and_o right_n of_o election_n still_o remain_v and_o aught_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o body_n of_o commonalty_n and_o not_o in_o any_o particular_a or_o select_a person_n of_o any_o company_n or_o brotherhood_n whatsoever_o and_o for_o illustration_n and_o more_o clear_a manifestation_n hereof_o i_o need_v none_o other_o evidence_n or_o proof_n than_o the_o charter_n of_o king_n john_n grant_v to_o the_o citizen_n before_o the_o incorporation_n of_o any_o company_n the_o first_o company_n that_o be_v incorporate_a about_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 1327._o being_n more_o than_o a_o hundred_o year_n after_o the_o date_n and_o grant_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a charter_n which_o have_v be_v since_o by_o sundry_a king_n and_o parliament_n confirm_v their_o charter_n i_o have_v here_o set_v down_o at_o large_a which_o compare_v with_o the_o protestation_n will_v make_v good_a your_o right_n and_o justify_v your_o claim_n to_o vote_n in_o elect_v the_o major_n of_o this_o city_n the_o charter_n iohannes_n dei_fw-la gratia_fw-la rex_fw-la angliae_fw-la dom._n hiberniae_fw-la dux_n norman_n aquitania_n &_o come_v anjou_n archiepisc_n episcop_n abbatis_fw-la com._n baron_n justice_n vic._n prapositis_fw-la &_o omnibus_fw-la ballivis_n fidelib_a suic_fw-la salutem_fw-la sciatis_fw-la nos_fw-la concessisse_fw-la &_o praesenti_fw-la charta_fw-la nostra_fw-la confirmassa_fw-la baronibus_fw-la nostris_fw-la de_fw-la london_n quod_fw-la eligant_fw-la sibi_fw-la majorem_fw-la de_fw-la seipsis_fw-la singulis_fw-la annis_fw-la qui_fw-la nobis_fw-la sit_fw-la fidelis_fw-la discreâ—us_fw-la &_o idoneus_fw-la ad_fw-la regimen_fw-la civitatis_fw-la ita_fw-la quod_fw-la cum_fw-la electus_fw-la fuerit_fw-la nobis_fw-la vel_fw-la justice_n nostro_fw-la si_fw-la praesentes_fw-la non_fw-la fuerimus_fw-la praesentetur_fw-la &_o nobis_fw-la juret_fw-la fidelitatem_fw-la &_o quod_fw-la liceat_fw-la eye_n ipsum_fw-la in_o sine_fw-la anni_fw-la amovere_fw-la &_o alium_fw-la substituere_fw-la si_fw-la voluerunt_fw-la vel_fw-la eundem_fw-la retinere_fw-la ita_fw-la tamen_fw-la quod_fw-la nobis_fw-la ostendatur_fw-la idem_fw-la vel_fw-la justice_n nostr_n si_fw-la praesentes_fw-la non_fw-la fuerimus_fw-la concessimus_fw-la etiam_fw-la eisdem_fw-la baronibus_fw-la nostris_fw-la &_o hac_fw-la charta_fw-la nostra_fw-la confirmavimus_fw-la quod_fw-la habeant_fw-la bene_fw-la &_o in_o pace_n quiet_a &_o integre_n omnes_fw-la libertates_fw-la svas_fw-la quibus_fw-la hactenus_fw-la usi_fw-la sunt_fw-la tam_fw-la in_o civitate_fw-la quam_fw-la extra_fw-la tam_fw-la in_o terris_fw-la quam_fw-la aquis_fw-la &_o omnibus_fw-la aliis_fw-la locis_fw-la salva_n nobis_fw-la chamblengeria_n nostra_fw-la quare_fw-la volumus_fw-la &_o firmiter_fw-la praecipimus_fw-la quod_fw-la praedicti_fw-la barones_n nostri_fw-la civitatis_fw-la nostrae_fw-la london_n eligant_fw-la sibi_fw-la majorem_fw-la singulis_fw-la annis_n de_fw-la seipsis_fw-la praedicto_fw-la modo_fw-la &_o quod_fw-la omnes_fw-la praedictas_fw-la libertates_fw-la etc._n etc._n be_v &_o in_o pace_n habeant_fw-la sicut_fw-la predict_v etc._n etc._n testibus_fw-la etc._n etc._n anno_fw-la regni_fw-la decimo_fw-la sexto_fw-la john_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n king_n of_o england_n lord_n of_o ireland_n duke_n of_o normandy_n aquitain_n and_o earl_n of_o anjeou_fw-mi to_o his_o arch-bishop_n bishop_n abbot_n earl_n baron_n justice_n sheriff_n steward_n and_o all_o his_o bailiff_n and_o faithful_a subject_n greeting_n know_v you_o rhat_o we_o have_v grant_v and_o by_o this_o present_a charter_n have_v confirm_v to_o our_o baron_n of_o london_n that_o they_o may_v choose_v to_o themselves_o every_o year_n a_o maâ—oâ—_n of_o themselves_o who_o be_v faithful_a to_o we_o be_v discreet_a and_o fit_a for_o government_n of_o the_o city_n so_o that_o when_o he_o shall_v be_v choose_v he_o be_v present_v to_o we_o or_o to_o our_o justice_n if_o we_o be_v not_o present_a and_o swear_v to_o we_o fidelity_n and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a for_o they_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o year_n to_o remove_v he_o and_z and_o appoint_v another_o or_o retain_v he_o if_o they_o please_v yet_o so_o as_o the_o same_o be_v show_v to_o we_o or_o to_o our_o justice_n if_o we_o be_v not_o present_a moreover_n we_o have_v grant_v
to_o voluntary_a slavery_n if_o you_o neglect_v this_o opportunity_n and_o advantage_n offer_v you_o for_o the_o regain_n of_o your_o liberty_n and_o recovery_n of_o your_o birthright_n the_o law_n the_o loss_n will_v be_v irrepayable_a irrecoverable_a bring_v with_o it_o certain_a ruin_n &_o unavoidable_a vassalage_n upon_o you_o and_o your_o whole_a city_n yea_o though_o i_o be_o not_o a_o citizen_n yet_o no_o stranger_n nor_o foreigner_n but_o a_o freeman_n of_o england_n who_o have_v free_o hazard_v all_o for_o the_o recovery_n of_o the_o common_a liberty_n and_o my_o country_n freedom_n and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a grief_n unto_o i_o yea_o it_o lie_v more_o heavy_a upon_o i_o than_o all_o other_o my_o trouble_n undergo_v to_o see_v our_o nationall_n and_o fundamental_a law_n right_n and_o privilege_n thus_o tread_v under_o foot_n even_o by_o those_o by_o who_o endeavour_n we_o expect_v a_o restauration_n of_o the_o same_o oh_o the_o unexpressable_a misery_n and_o besotted_a condition_n possess_v this_o nation_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o regardless_o of_o ourselves_o and_o posterity_n as_o thus_o in_o and_o by_o cowardly_a silence_n to_o betray_v ourselves_o and_o to_o beget_v child_n to_o live_v and_o remain_v by_o our_o mean_n bondman_n and_o bondwoman_n yea_o slave_n look_v but_o upon_o your_o industrious_a neighbour-nation_n the_o netherlands_o how_o for_o a_o long_a time_n under_o fair_a and_o colourable_a pretence_n as_o conformity_n and_o religion_n they_o be_v spoil_v of_o their_o life_n liberty_n and_o estate_n but_o at_o the_o length_n they_o discover_v the_o cunning_a and_o crafty_a deal_n and_o devise_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o their_o clergy_n who_o the_o spaniard_n promote_v and_o use_v as_o his_o instrument_n by_o who_o he_o intend_v to_o bring_v those_o country_n under_o the_o power_n of_o his_o sovereignty_n and_o cruel_a will_n these_o your_o neighbour_n be_v constrain_v to_o knit_v themselves_o together_o by_o bond_n and_o oath_n to_o stand_v up_o for_o their_o common_a liberty_n and_o country_n safety_n lean_v every_o man_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n according_a to_o that_o common_a principle_n religio_fw-la suadenda_fw-la non_fw-la cogenda_fw-la religion_n may_v be_v persuade_v not_o force_v &_o the_o good_a success_n they_o have_v have_v therein_o and_o tranquillity_n and_o security_n they_o thereby_o enjoy_v may_v be_v great_a encouragement_n to_o we_o not_o to_o despair_v of_o the_o recovery_n of_o our_o native_a and_o just_a freedom_n and_o by_o the_o like_a mean_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o these_o our_o trouble_n &_o unnatural_a oppression_n if_o we_o will_v but_o tread_v in_o the_o same_o step_n each_o one_o labour_v in_o his_o place_n to_o preserve_v the_o common_a liberty_n and_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n which_o make_v we_o indeed_o true_a freeman_n without_o seek_v or_o endeavour_v to_o lord_n it_o thus_o as_o now_o we_o do_v one_o over_o another_o faith_n your_o brethren_n together_o with_o you_o and_o all_o the_o commons_o of_o england_n have_v a_o equal_a interest_n and_o property_n in_o the_o law_n be_v all_o of_o we_o freeborn_a englishman_n therefore_o look_v about_o you_o and_o be_v no_o long_o delude_v to_o be_v by_o a_o mere_a shadow_n of_o greatness_n and_o flattery_n fool_v into_o slavery_n but_o according_a to_o your_o protestation_n endeavour_v to_o preserve_v or_o rather_o recover_v your_o lose_a liberty_n which_o under_o conformity_n and_o other_o specious_a pretence_n and_o gloss_n you_o have_v be_v long_o deprive_v of_o till_o when_o expect_v not_o any_o justice_n or_o right_o to_o be_v do_v unto_o you_o for_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o those_o that_o have_v reduce_v you_o to_o this_o slavery_n to_o degenerate_v so_o far_o from_o themselves_o as_o to_o maintain_v or_o give_v you_o any_o assistance_n or_o countenance_n in_o stand_v for_o liberty_n until_o they_o lie_v down_o their_o office_n and_o function_n which_o they_o all_o this_o time_n have_v unjust_o usurp_v and_o intrude_v themselves_o into_o i_o will_v forbear_v to_o insist_v further_o upon_o this_o matter_n for_o the_o present_a be_v ready_a and_o willing_a if_o any_o shall_v presume_v to_o question_v the_o citizen_n just_a right_n in_o the_o election_n of_o their_o major_n upon_o the_o peril_n of_o my_o head_n and_o forfeiture_n of_o my_o life_n if_o i_o be_v call_v thereunto_o and_o may_v have_v a_o just_a and_o equal_a hear_n to_o prove_v and_o maintain_v that_o it_o be_v the_o just_a and_o due_a right_n and_o liberty_n for_o any_o free_a citixen_n and_o baron_n to_o give_v his_o vote_n in_o the_o election_n of_o the_o major_n and_o sheriff_n and_o other_o the_o public_a officer_n the_o same_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o nation_n and_o agreeable_a as_o well_o with_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o city_n as_o by_o the_o charter_n and_o act_n of_o parliament_n yet_o unrepealed_a be_v confirm_v but_o one_o thing_n i_o can_v pass_v by_o which_o may_v cause_v some_o scruple_n which_o be_v thiâ—_n by_o the_o word_n baron_n of_o london_n mention_v in_o king_n john_n his_o charter_n whether_o all_o or_o but_o some_o special_a citizen_n of_o note_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v to_o be_v the_o elector_n of_o the_o major_a and_o sheriff_n of_o london_n that_o all_o and_o every_o citizen_n be_v there_o mean_v and_o employ_v the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o charter_n itself_o clear_o manifest_a for_o the_o liberty_n there_o grant_v by_o the_o charter_n be_v to_o they_o all_o as_o baron_n and_o not_o otherwise_o nor_o to_o any_o other_o particular_a person_n of_o any_o society_n yet_o the_o same_o may_v be_v far_o clear_v thus_o in_o that_o before_o the_o conquest_n all_o freeholders_n of_o this_o kingdom_n as_o well_o as_o in_o scotland_n be_v yet_o to_o this_o day_n be_v call_v baron_n and_o therefore_o say_v lamb._n fol_z 128._o and_o 136._o courtbaron_n be_v so_o call_v because_o among_o the_o law_n of_o king_n edward_n the_o confessor_n it_o be_v say_v thus_o barones_n vero_fw-la qui_fw-la svam_fw-la habent_fw-la curiam_fw-la de_fw-la suis_fw-la hominibus_fw-la etc._n etc._n baron_n be_v those_o who_o have_v their_o court_n for_o their_o tenant_n or_o man_n and_o this_o jurisdiction_n have_v every_o freeholder_n according_a to_o mirror_n c._n 1._o sect._n 3._o &_o chesoun_n free_a tenant_n use_v jurisdiction_n ordinary_a every_o freeholder_n have_v this_o ordinary_a jurisdiction_n and_o the_o name_n baron_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o law_n have_v relation_n to_o freeholders_n say_v sir_n edward_n cook_n 1._o part_n institut_fw-la fol._n 58._o and_o in_o very_o ancient_a charter_n and_o record_n say_v he_o the_o baron_n of_o london_n and_o the_o baron_n of_o the_o cinque-port_n do_v signify_v the_o freeman_n of_o london_n and_o the_o freeman_n of_o the_o cinque-port_n cook_n ibid._n all_o which_o i_o desire_v may_v be_v take_v into_o due_a consideration_n which_o as_o i_o write_v the_o protestation_n so_o this_o i_o have_v publish_v for_o the_o good_a of_o this_o famous_a city_n and_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o all_o the_o baron_n thereof_o and_o if_o you_o will_v own_v this_o your_o right_n and_o not_o suffer_v yourselves_o to_o be_v bring_v into_o voluntary_a servitude_n i_o shall_v be_v encourage_v to_o make_v a_o far_a discovery_n of_o the_o privilege_n and_o just_a right_n now_o unjust_o detain_v and_o hold_v from_o you_o by_o the_o contriver_n of_o the_o citizen_n protestation_n here_o follow_v the_o copy_n of_o the_o protestation_n make_v by_o the_o citizen_n of_o london_n the_o 29._o of_o septemb_n 1646._o the_o right_a and_o claim_v of_o the_o freeman_n citizen_n and_o commonalty_n of_o the_o famous_a and_o most_o ancient_a city_n of_o london_n for_o their_o vote_n in_o the_o election_n of_o their_o great_a and_o high_a officer_n the_o lord_n major_n etc._n etc._n with_o their_o protestation_n against_o the_o election_n of_o such_o who_o shall_v be_v elect_v major_n as_o illegal_a and_o destructive_a to_o the_o liberty_n and_o privilege_n of_o this_o city_n if_o in_o case_n the_o commonalty_n and_o freeman_n thereof_o or_o any_o of_o they_o be_v deny_v and_o not_o admit_v to_o have_v their_o vote_n in_o the_o election_n whereas_o this_o city_n have_v have_v and_o enjoy_v before_o and_o since_o the_o conquest_n many_o great_a and_o notable_a franchise_n custom_n and_o privilege_n often_o and_o sundry_a time_n confirm_v as_o well_o by_o the_o law_n and_o statute_n make_v in_o the_o several_a parliament_n as_o by_o the_o several_a charter_n of_o the_o king_n and_o queen_n of_o this_o realm_n appear_v among_o which_o it_o have_v be_v a_o ancient_a and_o laudable_a custom_n time_n out_o of_o mind_n for_o all_o and_o every_o the_o freeman_n and_o citizen_n of_o london_n in_o the_o annual_a election_n of_o the_o major_n thereof_o to_o have_v their_o vote_n as_o former_o they_o have_v gate_n porte_fw-fr
to_o our_o say_a baron_n and_o by_o this_o our_o charter_n have_v confirm_v that_o they_o may_v well_o and_o in_o peace_n quiet_o and_o full_o have_v and_o enjoy_v all_o the_o liberty_n which_o hitherto_o they_o have_v use_v as_o well_o in_o the_o city_n as_o without_o in_o the_o land_n as_o in_o the_o water_n and_o in_o all_o other_o place_n save_v to_o we_o our_o chamberiege_n wherefore_o we_o will_v and_o firm_o command_v that_o our_o say_a baron_n of_o our_o city_n of_o london_n may_v yearly_o elect_v a_o major_n of_o themselves_o after_o the_o aforesaid_a manner_n and_o have_v and_o enjoy_v well_o and_o in_o peace_n whole_o and_o full_o all_o their_o say_a liberty_n with_o all_o thing_n appertain_v to_o the_o same_o aforesaid_a witness_v etc._n etc._n in_o the_o 16._o year_n of_o our_o reign_n wherein_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v observe_v 1._o that_o all_o the_o freeman_n of_o london_n be_v all_o and_o every_o of_o they_o baron_n be_v so_o entitle_v and_o ordain_v by_o the_o king_n grant_v or_o charter_n 2._o that_o every_o of_o they_o have_v his_o free_a vote_n in_o the_o election_n of_o their_o major_n 3._o that_o they_o have_v liberty_n to_o choose_v any_o baron_n or_o burgess_n from_o among_o themselves_o without_o restriction_n or_o reference_n to_o any_o particular_a person_n or_o person_n or_o to_o any_o other_o fraternity_n of_o alderman_n common-council_n man_n or_o any_o other_o particular_a gown_n or_o livery-man_n only_o so_o as_o he_o be_v faithful_a discreet_a and_o such_o as_o they_o judge_v fit_a to_o govern_v 4._o that_o no_o major_n may_v continue_v in_o office_n above_o one_o year_n without_o a_o new_a election_n 5._o that_o alderman_n be_v likewise_o eligible_a by_o the_o commonalty_n and_o but_o to_o continue_v for_o the_o year_n patent_n 22._o edw._n 2._o no_o 2._o cook_n 2._o part_v institution_n fol._n 253._o 6._o sheriff_n be_v only_o eligible_a by_o the_o baron_n or_o burgess_n of_o the_o city_n as_o appear_v by_o by_o the_o charter_n of_o henry_n the_o 3._o make_v in_o the_o 11._o year_n of_o his_o reign_n confirm_v after_o by_o henry_n the_o 5._o charta_fw-la de_fw-la 2._o hen._n 5._o part._n 2._o no._n 11._o but_o of_o late_a year_n the_o alderman_n and_o common-council_n of_o this_o city_n by_o their_o power_n and_o policy_n have_v invade_v your_o right_n and_o just_a privilege_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o land_n &_o the_o ancient_a custom_n of_o the_o city_n most_o injurious_o have_v betray_v the_o trust_n repose_v in_o they_o spoil_v you_o of_o your_o liberty_n take_v upon_o they_o of_o themselves_o with_o some_o select_a company_n without_o the_o free_a vote_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o baron_n or_o free_a burgess_n the_o commonalty_n of_o this_o city_n the_o sole_a power_n &_o government_n of_o the_o city_n change_v and_o alter_v your_o law_n and_o custom_n at_o their_o pleasure_n and_o choose_v of_o major_n and_o sheriff_n such_o and_o who_o they_o please_v hinder_v and_o prohibit_v all_o other_o who_o ever_o have_v the_o like_a equal_a right_n and_o interest_n with_o they_o to_o have_v their_o vote_n in_o the_o choice_n and_o election_n of_o the_o major_a and_o sheriff_n whence_o have_v ensue_v many_o calamity_n and_o misery_n even_o to_o the_o endanger_n of_o the_o utter_a overthrow_n and_o desolation_n of_o this_o most_o famous_a and_o honourable_a city_n of_o europe_n be_v whole_o disfranchise_v of_o those_o liberty_n and_o immunity_n which_o even_o the_o mean_a burrough_n or_o corporation_n in_o england_n now_o enjoy_v hence_o by_o their_o craft_n and_o policy_n have_v so_o many_o monopoly_n and_o patent_n under_o pretext_n of_o public_a good_a be_v bring_v in_o and_o set_v up_o to_o the_o ruine_n of_o thousand_o and_o great_a decay_n of_o trade_n &_o traffic_n bring_v in_o and_o countenance_v of_o arbitrary_a law_n and_o unlimited_a power_n and_o government_n and_o whereby_o tyranny_n injustice_n and_o oppression_n have_v without_o control_v be_v exercise_v and_o practise_v by_o these_o your_o late_a governor_n and_o ruler_n as_o well_o as_o by_o those_o your_o former_a governor_n and_o magistrate_n not_o by_o the_o commonalty_n be_v not_o the_o land-money_n ship-money_n and_o many_o other_o illegal_a tax_n and_o imposition_n with_o rigour_n and_o force_n exact_v of_o you_o citizen_n by_o these_o your_o illegal_a governor_n be_v not_o many_o of_o you_o free_a baron_n of_o this_o city_n for_o refuse_v to_o pay_v those_o exaction_n and_o to_o part_v with_o your_o estate_n by_o such_o illegal_a tyrannous_a course_n imprison_v by_o these_o your_o governor_n thus_o illegal_o force_v upon_o you_o without_o your_o own_o free_a election_n be_v not_o the_o cruel_a edict_n and_o bloody_a tyrannous_a decree_n of_o the_o star-chamber_n high_a commission_n and_o council-table_n withal_o readiness_n in_o a_o compulsive_a torrent_n execute_v nay_o to_o reckon_v up_o in_o particular_a the_o several_a cruelty_n exaction_n oppression_n insolence_n violence_n and_o the_o illegal_a practice_n and_o proceed_n of_o these_o your_o magistrate_n and_o their_o subordinate_a minister_n will_v require_v a_o particular_a tractate_n which_o i_o rather_o desire_n may_v be_v bury_v in_o oblivion_n by_o a_o timely_a restauration_n of_o you_o to_o your_o ancient_a and_o just_a freedom_n in_o elect_v your_o own_o officer_n but_o if_o still_o you_o be_v deny_v justice_n and_o may_v not_o enjoy_v your_o due_a and_o accustom_a privilege_n i_o shall_v be_v occasion_v to_o remonstrate_v at_o large_a and_o in_o particular_a set_v forth_o your_o several_a heavy_a burden_n harsh_a deal_n great_a grievance_n and_o several_a encroachment_n upon_o your_o franchise_n how_o and_o by_o who_o your_o right_n and_o liberty_n have_v be_v invade_v and_o how_o you_o be_v enslave_v that_o be_v and_o be_v or_o at_o least_o of_o right_a aught_o to_o be_v free_a burgess_n and_o baron_n but_o now_o captivate_v to_o the_o law_n covetous_a lust_n and_o the_o arbitrarie_a unlimited_a power_n and_o dominion_n of_o your_o illegal_o imperious_a lord_v magistrate_n therefore_o for_o the_o present_a i_o will_v insist_v only_o upon_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o election_n of_o your_o now_o new_a lord_n major_n the_o narrative_a whereof_o will_v full_o discover_v how_o much_o the_o baron_n of_o this_o city_n suffer_v and_o that_o by_o their_o long_a forbearance_n or_o rather_o neglect_v to_o own_o and_o claim_v their_o just_a privilege_n and_o immunity_n if_o they_o stout_o stand_v not_o up_o and_o resolve_v to_o be_v no_o long_o rob_v and_o spoil_v of_o their_o birthright_n and_o inheritance_n they_o be_v and_o will_v be_v then_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v reduce_v into_o a_o condition_n worse_o than_o ever_o any_o of_o your_o progenitor_n be_v under_o the_o bastard_n norman_a bondage_n for_o indeed_o you_o citizen_n be_v but_o freeman_n in_o name_n as_o in_o truth_n this_o your_o give_v up_o yourselves_o to_o the_o power_n and_o government_n of_o man_n without_o your_o free_a and_o public_a choice_n and_o approbation_n demonstrate_v and_o therefore_o true_o you_o can_v be_v account_v none_o other_o then_o mere_a slave_n to_o your_o thus_o elect_a governor_n as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n be_v become_v unto_o lawyer_n attorney_n clerk_n solicitor_n and_o cruel_a jailer_n and_o such_o instrument_n of_o contention_n by_o who_o the_o peace_n and_o flourish_a state_n of_o this_o kingdom_n be_v quite_o devour_v and_o the_o people_n whole_o enslave_v to_o their_o will_n for_o truth_n hereof_o i_o appeal_v to_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o every_o county_n throughout_o this_o kingdom_n who_o estate_n purse_n and_o person_n have_v for_o these_o many_o score_n of_o year_n groan_v under_o the_o inhuman_a burden_n thereof_o all_o which_o be_v far_a demonstrate_v unto_o we_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o land_n by_o the_o still_o continue_v frequent_a unjust_a and_o illegal_a commitment_n of_o your_o fellow-citizen_n and_o all_o the_o free_a commoner_n of_o england_n to_o the_o several_a murthering-house_n style_v prison_n in_o this_o kingdom_n aboundnig_v in_o cruelty_n murder_n and_o oppression_n be_v most_o wicked_o and_o powerful_o countenance_v and_o support_v by_o their_o potent_a adherent_n i_o have_v show_v you_o how_o by_o right_n the_o mean_a baron_n of_o this_o city_n of_o london_n by_o their_o charter_n have_v as_o good_a right_n to_o have_v his_o vote_n in_o the_o election_n of_o the_o new_a major_n and_o other_o the_o subordinate_a officer_n as_o the_o lord_n major_n or_o any_o alderman_n for_o the_o time_n be_v with_o their_o golden_a chain_n notwithstanding_o this_o undoubted_a right_n be_v acknowledge_v yet_o be_v it_o deny_v to_o the_o people_n upon_o bare_a surmise_n and_o vain_a pretence_n of_o danger_n by_o tumult_n and_o disorder_n if_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v yield_v unto_o which_o in_o truth_n be_v but_o a_o poor_a allegation_n and_o frivolous_a excuse_n the_o vanity_n
grave_n signify_v the_o governor_n &_o safe_a keeper_n of_o the_o city_n or_o town_n gate_n in_o the_o election_n of_o their_o porte_fw-fr grave_n in_o who_o place_n and_o office_n the_o major_n succeed_v as_o appear_v by_o the_o charter_n of_o king_n john_n grant_v in_o the_o sixteenth_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n where_o he_o grant_v to_o the_o citizen_n liberty_n and_o authority_n to_o choose_v yearly_o a_o major_n out_o of_o themselves_o cook_n the_o 4._o part_n institut_fw-la fol._n 253._o print_a by_o authority_n of_o this_o present_a parliament_n which_o custom_n of_o election_n of_o major_n by_o majority_n of_o voice_n of_o the_o freeman_n and_o commoner_n of_o the_o city_n agree_v with_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o election_n of_o major_n in_o all_o other_o the_o city_n and_o burrough_n of_o this_o realm_n as_o coroner_n be_v and_o be_v choose_v in_o full_a county_n by_o the_o freeholders_n of_o each_o county_n inter_fw-la leges_fw-la edward_n sanct._n chap._n lambert_n folio_n 136._o artic._n super_fw-la charta_fw-la chap._n 8._o &_o 10_o etc._n etc._n the_o major_n be_v coroner_n within_o the_o city_n of_o london_n now_o forasmuch_o as_o we_o be_v freeman_n and_o commoner_n and_o burgess_n of_o this_o city_n and_o so_o have_v right_a and_o aught_o to_o have_v our_o vote_n in_o the_o election_n of_o the_o major_a do_v hereby_o claim_v and_o demand_v as_o our_o right_n custom_n and_o privilege_n to_o vote_n in_o the_o election_n of_o this_o present_a major_n to_o be_v choose_v and_o do_v likewise_o hereby_o signify_v that_o for_o the_o same_o end_n we_o be_v come_v hither_o to_o give_v our_o free_a vote_n in_o elect_v a_o major_n for_o the_o ensue_a year_n if_o we_o may_v free_o without_o molestation_n disturbance_n and_o interruption_n do_v the_o same_o according_a to_o the_o statute_n of_o westminster_n the_o 5._o chap._n the_o 9_o of_o edward_n the_o 2._o 14._o the_o word_n whereof_o be_v these_o and_o for_o that_o election_n ought_v to_o be_v free_a it_o be_v ordain_v upon_o pain_n of_o great_a forfeiture_n that_o no_o noble_a man_n or_o other_o by_o force_n of_o arm_n neither_o through_o malice_n or_o menacy_n shall_v hinder_v to_o make_v free_a election_n in_o county_n university_n city_n corporation_n and_o other_o place_n cook_n 2._o part_n instit_fw-la fol._n 169._o and_o forasmuch_o as_o all_o the_o due_a just_a and_o accustom_a privilege_n franchise_n liberty_n and_o immunity_n of_o this_o city_n be_v confirm_v by_o this_o present_a parliament_n the_o petition_n of_o right_n and_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la the_o great_a charter_n of_o liberty_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o city_n of_o london_n shall_v have_v and_o enjoy_v all_o its_o ancient_a liberty_n and_o custom_n mag._n chart._n chap._n 9_o and_o the_o 28._o of_o edw._n 1._o e._n 1._o and_o although_o it_o may_v seem_v by_o reason_n of_o some_o undue_a election_n of_o late_a year_n make_v through_o usurpation_n of_o some_o few_o who_o by_o power_n and_o menacy_n hinder_v the_o free_a election_n not_o suffer_v we_o the_o freeman_n and_o commoner_n to_o give_v our_o vote_n upon_o choose_v and_o elect_v the_o major_n to_o be_v a_o bar_n let_v or_o hindrance_n to_o this_o our_o present_a vote_v yet_o the_o same_o do_v nothing_o at_o all_o prejudice_n our_o right_n but_o rather_o aggravate_v the_o wrong_n do_v unto_o we_o for_o there_o be_v a_o beneficial_a statute_n yet_o unrepealed_a make_v for_o the_o strengthen_n and_o preservation_n of_o our_o liberty_n and_o right_n which_o no_o other_o corporation_n have_v that_o we_o know_v of_o whereby_o it_o be_v enact_v that_o the_o citizen_n of_o london_n shall_v enjoy_v all_o their_o whole_a liberty_n whatsoever_o with_o this_o clause_n licet_fw-la usi_fw-la vel_fw-la abusi_fw-la fuerunt_fw-la although_o they_o have_v not_o use_v or_o abuse_v the_o same_o and_o notwithstanding_o any_o statute_n to_o the_o contrary_a parl._n rot._n r._n 2._o n._n 37._o therefore_o if_o we_o may_v not_o be_v admit_v be_v freeman_n and_o citizen_n of_o london_n to_o enjoy_v our_o due_a and_o accustom_a privilege_n and_o liberty_n to_o have_v and_o give_v our_o free_a vote_n in_o the_o election_n of_o the_o major_n we_o be_v by_o parliament_n enjoin_v and_o by_o oath_n and_o protestation_n bind_v to_o our_o uttermost_a power_n to_o defend_v and_o preserve_v the_o lawful_a right_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n do_v declare_v and_o protest_v against_o all_o such_o who_o shall_v any-wise_a hinder_v we_o or_o any_o of_o we_o in_o a_o free_a way_n to_o vote_n in_o the_o elect_n of_o the_o say_a major_n as_o oppugnor_n and_o violator_n of_o the_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o destroyer_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o this_o ancient_a metropolitan_a city_n and_o shall_v by_o all_o lawful_a way_n and_o mean_n labour_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o condign_a punishment_n for_o such_o their_o offence_n and_o we_o do_v hereby_o declare_v and_o protest_v against_o the_o major_n so_o undue_o and_o illegal_o elect_v be_v choose_v without_o our_o free_a vote_n and_o consent_n who_o have_v right_a and_o be_v come_v hither_o to_o give_v in_o our_o free_a vote_n if_o we_o may_v have_v free_o peaceable_o and_o without_o let_v or_o trouble_v do_v the_o same_o always_o acknowledge_v our_o obedience_n and_o shall_v be_v ready_a with_o all_o alacrity_n and_o cheerfulness_n to_o manifest_v the_o same_o to_o our_o lawful_a magistracy_n due_o elect_v in_o all_o their_o just_a command_n london_n a_o postscript_n write_v by_o lieutenant_n colonel_n john_n lilburn_n prisoner_n in_o the_o tower_n of_o london_n octob._n 1646._o the_o omnipotent_a glorious_a and_o wise_a god_n create_v man_n for_o his_o own_o praise_n make_v he_o more_o glorious_a than_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o creature_n that_o he_o place_v upon_o earth_n create_v he_o in_o his_o own_o image_n which_o principal_o consist_v in_o his_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o make_v he_o lord_n over_o the_o earth_n and_o all_o the_o thing_n therein_o contain_v gen._n 26_o 27_o 28_o 29._o and_o chap._n 5.1_o and_o 9.6_o 1_o cor._n 11.7_o col._n 3.10_o but_o make_v he_o not_o lord_n or_o give_v he_o dominion_n over_o the_o individual_n of_o mankind_n no_o further_o then_o by_o free_a consent_n or_o agreement_n by_o give_v up_o their_o power_n each_z to_z other_o for_o their_o better_a be_v so_o that_o original_o he_o give_v no_o lordship_n nor_o sovereignty_n to_o any_o of_o adam_n posterity_n by_o will_n and_o prerogative_n to_o rule_v over_o his_o brethren-man_n but_o ingrave_v by_o nature_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n this_o golden_a and_o everlasting_a principle_n to_o do_v to_o another_o as_o the_o will_v have_v another_o to_o do_v to_o he_o but_o man_n by_o his_o transgression_n fall_v from_o his_o perfection_n of_o reason_n that_o image_n in_o which_o god_n create_v he_o col._n 3.10_o become_v tyrannical_a and_o beastly_a in_o his_o principle_n and_o action_n the_o effect_n of_o which_o we_o see_v in_o cain_n slay_v of_o abel_n for_o which_o he_o be_v accurse_v of_o god_n and_o all_o thing_n he_o go_v about_o gen._n 4.8_o 10_o 11_o 12._o but_o god_n take_v mercy_n of_o mankind_n in_o some_o measure_n and_o not_o execute_v the_o fullness_n of_o his_o wrath_n in_o the_o 9_o of_o gen._n to_o revenge_v that_o beastliness_n bloody_a revengeful_a and_o devour_a temper_n of_o spirit_n that_o by_o the_o fall_n have_v now_o enter_v into_o the_o spirit_n of_o all_o mankind_n institute_n a_o perpetual_a moral_a unchangeable_a and_o everlasting_a law_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o whosoever_o he_o be_v that_o will_v be_v so_o beastly_a bearish_a and_o wolvish_a as_o to_o fall_v upon_o his_o neighbour_n brother_n or_o friend_n and_o to_o do_v unto_o he_o that_o which_o he_o will_v not_o he_o shall_v do_v to_o he_o by_o take_v away_o his_o life_n and_o blood_n from_o he_o god_n ordain_v and_o express_o say_v he_o shall_v lose_v his_o life_n without_o mercy_n or_o compassion_n for_o so_o do_v vers_fw-la 5.6_o yea_o and_o afterward_o when_o he_o choose_v unto_o himself_o israel_n out_o of_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v his_o peculiar_a people_n levit._n 19.15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o ordain_v this_o for_o a_o stand_a law_n among_o they_o you_o shall_v do_v no_o unrighteousness_n in_o judgement_n thou_o shall_v not_o respect_v the_o person_n of_o the_o poor_a nor_o honour_v the_o person_n of_o the_o mighty_a but_o in_o righteousness_n shall_v thou_o judge_v thy_o neighbour_n thou_o shall_v not_o go_v up_o and_o down_o as_o a_o tale-bearer_n among_o thy_o people_n neither_o shall_v thou_o stand_v against_o the_o blood_n of_o thy_o neighbour_n i_o be_o the_o lord_n thou_o shall_v not_o hate_v thy_o brother_n in_o thy_o heart_n thou_o shall_v in_o any_o wise_a rebuke_n thy_o neighbour_n and_o not_o suffer_v
custom_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o grandee_n of_o london_n and_o therefore_o by_o prescription_n of_o time_n be_v become_v law_n thereto_o i_o answer_v course_n of_o time_n amend_v not_o that_o which_o be_v nought_o from_o the_o beginning_n and_o that_o which_o be_v not_o ground_v upon_o good_a right_n and_o find_v reason_n be_v not_o make_v good_a by_o continuance_n of_o time_n and_o therefore_o to_o give_v a_o definition_n of_o the_o law_n of_o england_n as_o it_o may_v be_v prove_v out_o of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o conscientious_a lawyer_n thereof_o it_o consist_v of_o the_o ancient_a constitution_n and_o modern_a act_n of_o parliament_n make_v by_o the_o state_n of_o the_o kingdom_n but_o of_o these_o only_a such_o as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o sound_a reason_n or_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o land_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o reason_n consist_v of_o lawful_a and_o reasonable_a custom_n receive_v and_o approve_v of_o by_o the_o people_n and_o of_o the_o old_a constitution_n and_o modern_a act_n of_o parliament_n make_v by_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n but_o such_o only_a as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n eternal_a and_o natural_a and_o not_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o whatsoever_o law_n usage_n and_o custom_n not_o thus_o qualify_v be_v not_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n nor_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v and_o obey_v by_o the_o people_n be_v contrary_a to_o their_o birthrights_a and_o freedom_n which_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o great_a charter_n of_o privilege_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v and_o therefore_o sir_n richard_n empson_n and_o edm._n dudley_n justice_n of_o peace_n be_v both_o hang_v in_o henry_n the_o eighths_n day_n for_o put_v in_o execution_n several_a illegal_a practice_n ground_v upon_o a_o unjust_a law_n make_v in_o the_o 11._o h._n 7._o chap._n 3.1_o which_o as_o honourable_a sir_n edw._n cook_n say_v be_v make_v against_o and_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o great_a charter_n 2._o part_n instit_fw-la fol._n 51._o and_o just_o it_o be_v they_o shall_v be_v thus_o deal_v with_o because_o it_o be_v honourable_a beneficial_a and_o profitable_a for_o the_o commonwealth_n that_o guilty_a person_n shall_v be_v punish_v lest_o by_o the_o omission_n of_o the_o punishment_n of_o one_o many_o man_n by_o that_o ill_a example_n may_v be_v encourage_v to_o commit_v more_o heinous_a offence_n and_o excellent_a to_o this_o purpose_n be_v that_o say_n of_o the_o parliament_n which_o i_o desire_v they_o may_v never_o forget_v book_n declare_v pag._n 39_o which_o be_v that_o they_o be_v very_o sensible_a that_o it_o equal_o import_v they_o as_o well_o to_o see_v justice_n do_v against_o they_o that_o be_v criminous_a as_o to_o defend_v the_o just_a right_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_n and_o parliament_n of_o england_n and_o therefore_o pag_n 656._o they_o call_v the_o execution_n of_o the_o law_n the_o very_a life_n and_o soul_n of_o the_o law_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v without_o which_o it_o be_v but_o in_o truth_n a_o dead_a letter_n and_o a_o senseless_a block_n but_o woe_n unto_o you_o prerogative_n patentee-citizen_n if_o the_o law_n shall_v be_v execute_v upon_o you_o i_o profess_v i_o will_v not_o give_v three_o penny_n for_o a_o hundred_o of_o your_o estate_n for_o all_o the_o greatness_n rhereof_o whatever_o become_v of_o some_o of_o your_o liberty_n or_o life_n which_o many_o of_o you_o have_v hitherto_o preserve_v by_o bribe_n and_o other_o indirect_a course_n witness_v some_o of_o you_o in_o a_o joâ—nt_a fraternity_n like_o brethren_n in_o evil_a give_v above_o threescore_o thousand_o pound_n at_o once_o for_o a_o bribe_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o council-table_n to_o preserve_v you_o from_o law_n and_o justice_n and_o to_o destroy_v the_o law_n and_o to_o buy_v and_o rob_v your_o fellow-citizen_n as_o free_a as_o your_o seâ—ves_n of_o their_o liberty_n franchise_n trade_n and_o livelihood_n read_v the_o discourse_n for_o free_a trade_n only_o worse_a than_o highway_n man_n pick-pocket_n &_o housebreaker_n who_o now_o will_v fain_o transform_v yourselves_o into_o angel_n of_o light_n like_o your_o old_a wicked_a father_n &_o become_v godly_a presbyter_n that_o now-sprung-up_a sect_n and_o heresy_n in_o england_n who_o lordlinesse_n and_o pride_n be_v long_o since_o as_o heathenish_a and_o gentilism_n condemn_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o zealous_a covenanter_n which_o you_o make_v your_o stalk_a horse_n to_o disfranchize_v all_o honest_a and_o tender_a conscience_n man_n that_o can_v take_v that_o impossible_a to_o be_v keep_v and_o doublefaced_n covenant_n the_o great_a makebate_n and_o snare_n that_o ever_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o clergy_n his_o agent_n cast_v in_o among_o honest_a man_n in_o england_n in_o our_o age_n which_o i_o dare_v pawn_v my_o head_n and_o life_n so_o to_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v in_o a_o fair_a &_o public_a discourse_n against_o the_o great_a maintainer_n thereof_o in_o england_n but_o alas_o if_o it_o be_v ten_o time_n worse_o your_o weson_n be_v wide_a enough_o to_o swallow_v it_o down_o and_o your_o conscience_n large_a enough_o to_o digest_v it_o without_o the_o least_o danger_n of_o vomit_v but_o i_o hope_v the_o true_a faithful_a and_o just_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n will_v raise_v up_o heroical_a instrument_n to_o unveil_v and_o unmask_v you_o and_o bring_v about_o way_n &_o mean_n enough_o for_o all_o your_o juggle_n and_o machivel-like_a endeavour_n to_o divide_v the_o people_n affection_n each_o from_o other_o about_o those_o unhappy_a name_n of_o independent_o and_o presbyter_n to_o bring_v you_o to_o condign_a and_o just_o deserve_v punishment_n before_o you_o have_v full_o saddle_v and_o bridle_v they_o and_o make_v they_o fit_a to_o be_v rid_v by_o you_o as_o slave_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o further_a discovery_n of_o you_o i_o judge_v it_o not_o amiss_o here_o to_o insert_v that_o excellent_a petition_n of_o mr._n william_n sykes_n and_o thomas_n johnson_n deliver_v in_o write_v first_o to_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o and_o then_o in_o print_n to_o the_o member_n thereof_o which_o thus_o follow_v to_o the_o honourable_a the_o knight_n citizens_z and_o burgess_n of_o the_o commons_o house_n in_o parliament_n assemble_v the_o humble_a petition_n of_o william_n syek_v and_o thomas_n johnson_n merchant_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o themselves_o and_o all_o the_o freeman_n of_o england_n show_n that_o whereas_o divers_a merchant_n in_o the_o 21._o year_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o queen_n elizabeth_n under_o the_o great_a seal_n of_o england_n obtain_v a_o large_a and_o illegal_a charter_n of_o incorporation_n for_o they_o and_o their_o company_n to_o use_v the_o traffic_n and_o seat_n of_o merchandise_n out_o and_o from_o any_o of_o her_o then_o majesty_n dominion_n through_o the_o sound_n into_o divers_a realm_n kingdom_n dominion_n dukedom_n country_n city_n and_o town_n viz._n norway_n swethiâ—_n poland_n etc._n etc._n whereby_o none_o but_o themselves_o and_o such_o as_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_a and_o for_o such_o fine_n and_o composition_n as_o they_o shall_v impose_v shall_v take_v any_o benefit_n by_o the_o say_a charter_n disfranchise_v thereby_o all_o other_o the_o freeborn_a people_n of_o england_n who_o during_o the_o time_n of_o all_o these_o war_n have_v be_v in_o divers_a respect_n great_o charge_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o this_o present_a parliament_n the_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o their_o native_a country_n and_o therefore_o ought_v indifferent_o to_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o good_a law_n franchise_n and_o immunity_n by_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la establish_v which_o great_a charter_n have_v be_v ratify_v by_o 31._o session_n of_o parliament_n as_o also_o this_o present_a parliament_n be_v bind_v by_o protestation_n oath_n and_o covenant_n to_o maintain_v the_o same_o by_o reason_n whereof_o and_o other_o illegal_a monopoly_n they_o be_v debar_v from_o that_o free_a enlargement_n of_o common_a traffic_n which_o the_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n and_o ireland_n do_v enjoy_v the_o same_o be_v destructory_n to_o their_o laudable_a liberty_n and_o privilege_n the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o land_n to_o the_o manifest_a impoverish_n of_o all_o owner_n of_o ship_n master_n mariner_n clothier_n tucker_n spinster_n and_o multitude_n of_o poor_a people_n beside_o the_o decrease_n of_o custom_n the_o ruin_n and_o decay_v of_o navigation_n together_o with_o the_o abate_v the_o price_n of_o our_o wool_n cloth_n stuff_n and_o such_o like_a commodity_n arise_v and_o grow_v within_o this_o ralm_n and_o the_o inhaunce_n of_o all_o commodity_n import_v from_o those_o foreign_a part_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o merchant_n they_o be_v few_o in_o number_n and_o not_o of_o ability_n to_o keep_v the_o great_a store_n
sin_n upon_o he_o thou_o shall_v not_o avenge_v nor_o bear_v any_o grudge_n against_o the_o child_n of_o thy_o people_n but_o thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n and_o when_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n be_v come_v that_o christ_n the_o restorer_n and_o repairer_n of_o man_n loss_n and_o fall_n shall_v come_v and_o preach_v righteousness_n &_o justice_n to_o the_o world_n he_o say_v it_o be_v the_o law_n &_o the_o prophet_n that_o whatsoever_o we_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v to_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v do_v to_o they_o matth._n 7.12_o luke_n 6.31_o yea_o and_o further_o say_v that_o as_o it_o be_v the_o great_a commandment_n that_o we_o shall_v love_v our_o sovereign_a creator_n and_o preserver_n the_o lord_n our_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o all_o our_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o our_o mind_n so_o the_o second_o commandment_n which_o be_v like_a unto_o it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o and_o on_o these_o two_o say_v he_o hang_v all_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n so_o that_o by_o this_o it_o be_v clear_o evident_a that_o religion_n christianity_n or_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o destroy_v morality_n civility_n justice_n and_o right_a reason_n but_o rather_o restore_v it_o to_o its_o first_o perfection_n beauty_n splendour_n and_o glory_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v saint_n and_o believer_n ephes_n 4.17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23_o 24._o not_o to_o walk_v as_o other_o gentile_n do_v in_o the_o vanity_n of_o their_o mind_n have_v their_o understanding_n darken_v be_v alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n through_o the_o ignorance_n that_o be_v in_o they_o because_o of_o the_o blindness_n of_o their_o heart_n who_o be_v past_a feeling_n have_v give_v themselves_o over_o to_o lasciviousness_n to_o work_v all_o uncleanness_n with_o greediness_n but_o say_v the_o apostle_n to_o all_o that_o love_n christ_n you_o have_v not_o so_o learned_a christ_n if_o so_o be_v you_o have_v hear_v he_o and_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o he_o as_o the_o truth_n be_v in_o jesus_n that_o you_o put_v off_o concern_v the_o former_a conversation_n the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v corrupt_a according_a to_o the_o deceitful_a lust_n and_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o your_o mind_n and_o that_o you_o put_v on_o that_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n and_o excellent_a to_o this_o purpose_n be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n col_n 3.7_o 8._o where_n speak_v of_o and_o to_o those_o that_o have_v put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n with_o his_o deed_n and_o have_v put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o say_v he_o be_v renew_v in_o knowledge_n after_o the_o image_n of_o he_o that_o create_v he_o and_o therefore_o the_o same_o apostle_n lay_v down_o his_o exhortation_n at_o large_a and_o declare_v it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o do_v good_a each_o unto_o other_o but_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o do_v good_a unto_o all_o the_o son_n of_o adam_n say_v gal._n 6.10_o as_o we_o have_v therefore_o opportunity_n let_v we_o do_v good_a unto_o all_o man_n especial_o unto_o they_o who_o be_v of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o great_a good_a that_o i_o know_v of_o that_o any_o man_n can_v do_v unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n beside_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n that_o be_v to_o be_v enjoy_v by_o he_o be_v rational_o to_o discover_v the_o privilege_n that_o be_v the_o right_a due_a and_o propriety_n of_o all_o the_o son_n of_o adam_n as_o man_n that_o so_o they_o may_v not_o live_v in_o beastliness_n by_o devour_v one_o another_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o also_o to_o stand_v for_o and_o maintain_v those_o right_n and_o privilege_n in_o any_o kingdom_n or_o nation_n wheresoever_o they_o be_v in_o any_o measure_n establish_v that_o so_o the_o trust_v make_v great_a and_o potent_a by_o a_o power_n confer_v upon_o they_o may_v not_o therewith_o as_o be_v too_o common_o see_v lord_n it_o domineer_v over_o and_o destroy_v by_o their_o prerogative-will_a and_o pleasure_n the_o betruster_n yea_o and_o also_o to_o maintain_v the_o liberty_n and_o privilege_n establish_v in_o a_o land_n by_o law_n against_o the_o encroach_a usurpation_n of_o some_o great_a and_o mighty_a nimrods_n of_o the_o world_n make_v so_o by_o way_n and_o mean_n more_o immediate_o and_o proper_o flow_v from_o the_o devil_n than_o god_n and_o by_o their_o false-assumed_n encroach_a power_n tyrantlike_o tread_v under_o their_o foot_n all_o just_a and_o innocent_a person_n and_o protect_v defend_v and_o countenance_n none_o but_o those_o that_o will_v comply_v applaud_v and_o assist_v they_o in_o their_o brutish_a wolvish_a and_o tyrantlike_o proceed_n which_o practice_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o very_a end_n of_o government_n and_o magistracy_n as_o be_v large_o declare_v by_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 13.3_o 4._o where_o he_o plain_o say_v ruler_n be_v not_o not_o nor_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v a_o terror_n to_o good_a work_n but_o to_o the_o evil_a will_v thou_o then_o not_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o power_n do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o thou_o shall_v have_v praise_n of_o the_o same_o for_o he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n to_o thou_o for_o good_a but_o if_o thou_o do_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a be_v afraid_a for_o he_o bear_v not_o the_o sword_n in_o vain_a for_o he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n a_o revenger_n to_o execute_v wrath_n upon_o he_o that_o do_v evil_a but_o not_o upon_o he_o that_o do_v good_a the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o in_o some_o measure_n in_o my_o own_o soul_n have_v be_v the_o true_a ground_n that_o conscientious_o make_v i_o out_o of_o duty_n to_o myself_o and_o neighbour_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n stand_v against_o and_o oppose_v myself_o against_o the_o bishop_n and_o with_o resolution_n so_o often_o since_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o many_o death_n hazard_v my_o life_n for_o my_o liberty_n and_o the_o law_n liberty_n and_o right_n of_o all_o the_o people_n of_o this_o land_n &_o which_o be_v the_o only_a principle_n that_o now_o carry_v i_o on_o in_o opposition_n against_o the_o lord_n unto_o who_o as_o so_o many_o man_n i_o have_v and_o must_v confess_v i_o be_o ten_o time_n more_o oblige_v for_o my_o own_o particular_a than_o to_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o itself_o have_v find_v at_o their_o hand_n several_a time_n cordial_a and_o speedy_a justice_n which_o i_o never_o enjoy_v from_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o in_o my_o life_n although_o i_o have_v wait_v upon_o they_o therefore_o these_o six_o year_n and_o follow_v they_o as_o close_o as_o any_o man_n i_o think_v in_o england_n and_o i_o dare_v safe_o say_v it_o without_o vain_a or_o lie_a boast_a for_o these_o nine_o or_o ten_o year_n together_o i_o have_v be_v as_o serviceable_a to_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n in_o my_o place_n and_o condition_n as_o any_o one_o man_n whatsoever_o that_o sit_v in_o that_o house_n though_o i_o have_v be_v as_o ungrateful_o deal_v with_o by_o they_o as_o ever_o man_n in_o england_n be_v yet_o i_o say_v when_o the_o lord_n force_v i_o to_o contest_v with_o they_o which_o i_o profess_v i_o be_v as_o unwilling_a to_o do_v as_o i_o be_v to_o run_v my_o head_n against_o the_o wall_n the_o which_o i_o tell_v unto_o one_o of_o themselves_o yet_o i_o say_v before_o i_o will_v have_v part_v with_o my_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o so_o have_v deface_v obliterated_a and_o annihilate_v as_o much_o as_o in_o i_o lay_v the_o image_n that_o god_n create_v i_o in_o and_o which_o christ_n by_o communicate_v of_o himself_o to_o i_o have_v restore_v confirm_v and_o enlarge_v and_o degenerate_v into_o the_o habit_n of_o a_o beast_n which_o all_o slave_n that_o live_v in_o the_o world_n without_o a_o rational_a and_o just_a law_n be_v in_o by_o part_v with_o and_o betray_v my_o native_a natural_a just_a liberty_n which_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o this_o land_n give_v i_o i_o will_v part_v with_o my_o very_a heartblood_n first_o yea_o and_o if_o i_o have_v a_o thousand_o life_n they_o shall_v all_o go_v before_o i_o will_v part_v with_o my_o just_a liberty_n either_o to_o they_o or_o any_o power_n on_o earth_n what_o ever_o it_o be_v that_o dare_v assume_v unto_o themselves_o so_o much_o tyranny_n and_o satanical_a pride_n as_o to_o go_v about_o it_o or_o endeavour_v it_o and_o it_o be_v this_o very_a principle_n that_o now_o engage_v to_o write_v this_o postscript_n to_o beget_v a_o contest_v with_o the_o prerogative-man_n of_o london_n england_n mighty_a nimrods_n who_o have_v enslave_v not_o only_o this_o city_n but_o
be_v strong_a instrument_n from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o do_v the_o same_o to_o the_o whole_a land_n and_o the_o present_a ground_n of_o my_o put_a pen_n to_o paper_n at_o present_a arise_v from_o this_o ensue_a the_o day_n the_o last_o lord_n major_n be_v elect_v it_o seem_v major_a wansie_n a_o watchmaker_n in_o cornhill_n a_o man_n that_o in_o these_o late_a war_n have_v free_o and_o gallant_o adventure_v his_o life_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o present_a parliament_n and_o england_n liberty_n and_o some_o other_o free_a citizen_n common_o by_o the_o prerogative-man_n of_o london_n distinguish_v by_o the_o name_n of_o cloakman_n intend_v to_o have_v claim_v their_o right_n to_o give_v their_o vote_n in_o the_o election_n of_o the_o lord_n major_n as_o by_o law_n and_o the_o charter_n of_o london_n every_o freeman_n thereof_o aught_o to_o do_v as_o also_o in_o both_o the_o sheriff_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o case_n the_o prerogative_n l._n major_n adam_n and_o the_o prerogative-alderman_n his_o brethren_n will_v not_o permit_v they_o they_o then_o intend_v to_o deliver_v in_o a_o protest_v in_o writing_n the_o copy_n of_o which_o protest_v within_o a_o day_n or_o two_o after_o i_o see_v and_o read_v and_o not_o before_o and_o understand_v how_o base_o major_a wansey_n be_v use_v by_o the_o marshal_n of_o london_n and_o of_o my_o lord_n major_n prerogative-mastive_n and_o how_o that_o contrary_a to_o law_n guild-hall_n gate_n be_v guard_v with_o arm_a man_n which_o render_v the_o election_n in_o no_o sense_n to_o be_v free_a as_o all_o election_n of_o all_o public_a officer_n ought_v to_o be_v and_o read_v the_o protest_v over_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o and_o the_o injustice_n offer_v to_o its_o well-willer_n it_o inflame_v my_o spirit_n with_o indignation_n and_o set_v my_o very_a soul_n as_o it_o be_v all_o on_o fire_n insomuch_o that_o i_o go_v immediate_o to_o old_a mr._n colet_fw-la the_o record-keeper_n of_o the_o tower_n and_o ask_v he_o if_o he_o have_v the_o original_a record_n of_o the_o charter_n of_o london_n and_o understand_v he_o have_v they_o out_o of_o my_o penury_n i_o bestow_v three_o or_o four_o pound_n for_o the_o copy_n of_o those_o that_o be_v most_o useful_a for_o i_o and_o also_o the_o copy_n of_o h._n 5._o prerogative_n and_o unbind_n proclamation_n by_o virtue_n and_o authority_n of_o which_o they_o have_v invade_v the_o right_n of_o all_o the_o free_a man_n of_o london_n in_o divers_a particular_n and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v annihilate_v divers_a of_o the_o ancient_a and_o just_a charter_n and_o legal_a privilege_n of_o this_o city_n confirm_v by_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la and_o make_v further_o inquiry_n of_o a_o man_n verse_v in_o antiquity_n i_o understand_v that_o there_o be_v a_o ancient_a book_n in_o print_n above_o 100_o year_n ago_o contain_v many_o of_o the_o liberty_n and_o franchise_n of_o london_n for_o which_o i_o send_v into_o duck-lane_n and_o with_o some_o industry_n find_v it_o out_o which_o be_v a_o most_o excellent_a book_n which_o with_o the_o record_n i_o send_v to_o a_o true_a friend_n of_o i_o to_o get_v he_o to_o translate_v the_o record_n into_o english_a and_o all_o the_o latin_a and_o french_a that_o be_v in_o that_o book_n who_o send_v unto_o i_o the_o foregoing_a discourse_n which_o in_o regard_n he_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o london_n he_o be_v unwilling_a to_o set_v his_o name_n to_o it_o and_o i_o read_v the_o discourse_n and_o like_v it_o very_o well_o judge_v myself_o bind_v in_o duty_n to_o myself_o and_o all_o my_o fellow-commoner_n the_o cloakman_n of_o london_n to_o publish_v it_o in_o print_n and_o in_o regard_n by_o god_n assistance_n i_o intend_v short_o to_o publish_v and_o print_v the_o record_n with_o a_o commentary_n in_o point_n of_o law_n upon_o they_o i_o judge_v it_o convenient_a hereby_o by_o way_n of_o postscript_n to_o give_v you_o the_o understanding_n thereof_o and_o also_o to_o give_v you_o the_o reason_n which_o move_v i_o to_o resolve_v to_o hazard_v no_o small_a adventure_n there_o upon_o which_o be_v these_o first_o because_o the_o prerogative-pattentee_a monopolise_v merchant_n adventurer_n have_v contrary_a to_o right_o law_n and_o justice_n rob_v i_o of_o my_o trade_n who_o illegal_a arbytrary_a destructive_a practice_n to_o the_o liberty_n freedom_n and_o prosperity_n of_o england_n i_o have_v in_o my_o answer_n to_o mr._n will._n pryn_n call_v innocence_n and_o truth_n justify_v punctual_o anatomize_v as_o there_o you_o may_v read_v from_o page_n 48._o to_o page_n 63._o now_o as_o paul_n say_v 1_o tim._n 5.8_o if_o any_o provide_v not_o for_o his_o own_o family_n and_o special_o for_o those_o of_o his_o own_o house_n he_o have_v deny_v the_o faith_n and_o be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n in_o which_o to_o i_o be_v employ_v that_o a_o man_n must_v not_o only_o be_v provident_a and_o industrious_a to_o keep_v and_o preserve_v what_o he_o have_v but_o also_o to_o maintain_v and_o defend_v his_o right_n liberty_n and_o propriety_n that_o they_o be_v not_o invade_v or_o take_v from_o he_o and_o this_o make_v honest_a naboth_n that_o he_o will_v not_o partwith_a his_o vineyard_n his_o inheritance_n to_o wicked_a king_n ahab_n although_o he_o offer_v he_o very_o good_a term_n for_o it_o 1_o king_n 21.1_o 2_o 3._o much_o less_o shall_v i_o part_v with_o my_o trade_n to_o any_o illegal_a monopoliser_n and_o every_o individual_a freeman_n of_o london_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n but_o also_o by_o the_o law_n of_o england_n as_o be_v not_o only_o prove_v by_o the_o forenamed_a discourse_n but_o also_o by_o another_o excellent_a treatise_n call_v discourse_v for_o free_a trade_n publish_v about_o two_o year_n ago_o by_o a_o merchant_n of_o london_n second_o the_o readiness_n of_o the_o prerogative-magistrate_n of_o london_n to_o execute_v any_o illegal_a command_n upon_o the_o freeman_n thereof_o and_o particular_o upon_o myself_o as_o for_o instance_n when_o i_o be_v prisoner_n in_o newgate_n illegal_o commit_v by_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n that_o have_v no_o jurisdiction_n over_o i_o in_o that_o case_n and_o when_o upon_o the_o 22._o of_o june_n last_o by_o their_o warrant_n they_o command_v i_o to_o dance_v attendance_n at_o their_o bar_n for_o what_o cause_n they_o do_v not_o express_v neither_o know_v i_o any_o law_n extant_a that_o authorize_v they_o so_o to_o do_v which_o action_n i_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o trample_a the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o all_o the_o free_a commons_o of_o england_n under_o their_o foot_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o prevention_n of_o further_a mischief_n i_o write_v this_o follow_a letter_n to_o mr._n woollaston_n the_o chief_a jailor_n of_o newgate_n under_o the_o sheriff_n of_o london_n sjr_n i_o this_o morning_n have_v see_v a_o warrant_n from_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n make_v yesterday_o to_o command_v you_o to_o bring_v i_o this_o day_n at_o ten_o a_o clock_n before_o they_o the_o warrant_n express_v no_o cause_n wherefore_o i_o shall_v dance_v attendance_n before_o they_o neither_o do_v i_o know_v any_o ground_n or_o reason_n wherefore_o i_o shall_v nor_o any_o law_n that_o compel_v i_o thereunto_o for_o their_o lordship_n sit_v by_o virtue_n of_o prerogative-pattent_n and_o not_o by_o election_n or_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o people_n have_v as_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la and_o other_o good_a law_n of_o the_o land_n tell_v i_o nothing_o to_o do_v to_o try_v i_o or_o any_o commoner_n whatsoever_o in_o any_o criminal_a case_n either_o for_o life_n limb_n liberty_n or_o estate_n but_o contrary_a hereunto_o as_o incrocher_n and_o usurper_n upon_o my_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n they_o late_o and_o illegal_o endeavour_v to_o try_v i_o a_o commoner_n at_o their_o bar_n for_o which_o i_o under_o my_o hand_n and_o seal_v protest_v to_o their_o face_n against_o they_o as_o violent_a and_o illegal_a incrocher_n upon_o the_o right_n and_o liberty_n of_o i_o and_o all_o the_o commons_o of_o england_n a_o copy_n of_o which_o etc._n etc._n i_o in_o print_n herewith_o &_o send_v you_o and_o at_o their_o bar_n i_o open_o appeal_v to_o my_o competent_a proper_a legal_a tryer_n and_o judge_n the_o commons_o of_o england_n assemble_v in_o parliament_n for_o which_o their_o lordship_n do_v illegal_o arbytrary_o and_o tyrannical_o commit_v i_o to_o prison_n into_o your_o custody_n unto_o who_o divers_a day_n ago_o i_o send_v my_o appeal_n etc._n etc._n which_o now_o remain_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o speaker_n if_o it_o be_v not_o already_o read_v in_o their_o house_n unto_o which_o i_o do_v and_o will_v stand_v and_o obey_v their_o command_n sir_n i_o be_o a_o freeman_n of_o england_n and_o therefore_o i_o be_o not_o to_o be_v use_v as_o a_o slave_n