A MOST CHOICE Historical Compendium Fitted for the use of all Ingenious and Inquisitive Persons WHO Are curious to know what wonderfull Events have come to pass for almost 1000 Years under the Figure 8 from 818. to 1688. Inclusive Wherein is briefly Comprised The Life and Death Rise and Fall of Kings Queens Noblemen Clergymen Warriors and several famous Poets With many other Curious Remarks and Observations not here mention'd Written in a Plain method by A. M. Gent. London Printed for John Weld at the Crown near Temple-Bar in Fleet street 1692. TO THE READER THE best and must infallible Guide we have upon Earth The Holy Writ informs us that the wife and Omnipotent Creator of the World was pleased to set out six days to finish that vast piece of work and blessed the Seventh day and hallowed it Yet afterward when the wickedness of Mankind increased to that heighth as to provoke the same Creator to destroy his works again by a Flood He commanded Noah to build an Ark for the preservation of all manner of Beasts Fowle and Fish c. Noah had also a precept to enter the House of Safety and to take along with him his Family which in all amounted but to eight persons Out of which number the whole earth was repopulated and replenished to the incredulous number of Millions of Persons already known and found out to this day and finding many memorable passages happening under that number in many places abroad especially in our own Kingdom of England and that also in very late years the last being 1688. I shall here present to thy unbyassed Judgment many Heroick actions done by our own Countrymen both at Home and Abroad The Rise and Fall the Birth and Death the conferring of Honour and Preferment and also the Degrading of many persons both Divines Lawyers Warriers and Seamen Lords Knights Gentlemen and Private men some of a low degree and some famous Poets born and bred in the English Climate and all these begun or ended under the figure of eight and no other As for example England was first so called by Egbert a Saxon King in 818. Ethelbert another Saxon King began his Reign 858. And many more English Kings and Queens so likewise Sir Hugh Calveley Sir Walter Raleigh and many other persons very remarkable in their Lives and Fortunes continuing on the same to this wonder-working year 1688. as thou mayst see in this Treatise fully explain'd Here is also presented to thy veiw the Spanish Armadoe consisting of what Ships and other preparations in 1588. the Murder of King Charles the first The Death of Vsurping Oliver The death of Sir Edmundbury Godfrey The Popish Plot. The publishing of a Birth of the Prince of Wales The landing of the Prince of Orange The departure of King James and his Q. c. out of the Kingdom of England and also an account of other matters included in the aforesaid years very profitable both for present and future Generations and in these later years being matter of fact and truly stated and demonstrated may be a good Copy to write after learning there by to carry our selves steadily and wisely in our several stations both in times of War and Peace Prosperity and Adversity Now if any one should ask thee why I took no other figure to end in tell him it would have swelled the Book to a greater Price intending this only portable for the Pocket and for such as are not willing to go to a higher rate and if that answer is not sufficient let them take the other eight remaining figures and use to their best advantage and pleasure if this Tract finds good acceptance it may be an encouragement for a second adventure after the same way and method for the future However at present I will no longer detain thee in the Porch but open a passage into a fair Field full of variety and pleasure desiring thee to reap the same by perusal of these my pains and willing endeavours Vale. A CHOICE And most useful COMPENDIUM ENgland was first so called by Egbert a Saxon King who began his Reign in 818. Ethelbert another Saxon King began his Reign in 858. Alfred another Saxon King first divided England into Shires in the year 888. Organs were brought into general use in Churches about the year 828 and much improved by Bernard a Venetian and an incomparble Musician Herbert de Boshâ—â— was a Manubus unto Tho. Becket at whose Martyring he was present and had the discretion to make no resistance he wrote the story of his Master's death Going over into Italy he was by Pope Alex. 3. made Archbishop of Beneventum and in Decemb. 1178. created Cardinal St. Agelnoth the Good Archbish of Cant. is said to have given at Rome 100 Talents of Silver and one of Gold for the Arm of St. Augustine B of Hippo. He expended much in repairing his Cathedral lately destroyed by the Danes assisted therein by the bounty of King Canutus He dyed 1038. Walt Episc Carliel no great Clerk being made Lord Treasurer of England he avowed his Accounts even when justly charged with a 100 l. Debt to the Exchequer upon which he resigned his Bishoprick and became a Fryer at Oxford where he dyed 1248. Where note that some persons will descend from a higher to lower degree to obtain pardon for sin Edward Son to Edgar K. of England was in his Infancy whipt by Elfrida his Mother-in-Law with wax Candles so that afterward he could never indure the sight of any such Candles when he was King Elfrida managed for the most part all the Affairs of State and afterwards caused this Edward to be stab'd at Corse Castle whither he had come to visit her An. 978. intending by that murther to make way for her Son Ethelred to the Kingdom He was buried at Shaftsbury which was formerly called St. Edwards Matthew Gournay Born at Stoke under Hambden Somer where his family hath flourished since the Conquest and there built both a Castle and a College He was the honour of his House in the Reign of Edw. 3 d. He fought at the Siege of Algiers and Benemazin against the Saracens at Ingen Poictiers Sluee Cressy against the French and at Nazaran under the Black Prince in Spain His Armour was beheld by martial men with much civil veneration with whom his faithful Buckler was a relique of esteem He dyed in peace aged 90. odd years an 1378. Steph. Langton born in England bred in Paris was one of the greatest Scholars of the Christian world in his age He was consecrated Cardinal of St. Chrysogone then by the Pope intruded Archbishop of Cant. in defiance of King John he wrote coâ—ments on all the old and some of the new Testament He first divided the Bible into Chapters which Robert Stephens a Frenchman subdivided into Verses Langton divided also the Kingdom of England reducing King John to sad extremities He dyed and was buried at Canterbury an 1220. Stephen de Fulborn
was made Bishop of Waterford and Lord Treasurer of Ireland and after Archbishop of Tuam and twice Lord Chief Justice of that Kingdom He dyed an 1288. and was buried in Trinity Church in Dublin St. Dunstan born in and Abbot of Glassenbury was Bishop of London and Worcester and Archbishop of Canterbury and for promoting of Monkery was reputed a Saint His skill in Smithery was so great that the Goldsmiths in London are incorporated by the name of the Company of St. Dunstans He dyed Anno 988. He was the strictest of the Clergy against the marriages of Priests in his life time Sewald bred in Oxford was Scholar to St. Edward who was wont to say to him Sewald Sewald thou wilt have many afflictions and dye a Martyr Nor did he miss much of his mark therein though he met with peace and plenty at first when Archbishop but afterwards opposing the Pope who intruded one Jordan an Italian to be Dean of York he was for his contempt Excommunicated Note that at the same time there were 300 benefices possessed by Italians who did not only teach in the Church but misteach by their lascivious and debauched conversations Let us now return to Sewald who never returned into the Popes favour but dyed of grief in the state of Excommunication An. 1258. yet was he reputed a Saint in vulgar estimation Eleanor Eldest Daughter to King Ed. I. and Queen Eleanor born at Windsor afterwards was married by Proxy a naked sword interposing between her and his body to Alphons King of Arragon who dyed before the consummation of marriage The Princess was afterwards married to H. 3. Earl of Berry in France from whom the Dukes of Anjou and Kings of Sicil are descended She dyed An. 1298. Edward III. Son to Ed. II. and Queen Isabel born at Windsor a pious and fortunate Prince was Passive in deposing of his Father practised on in his minority by his Mother and Mortimer His French Victories speak both of his Wisdom and Valour and though the conquests by H. 5. were thicker his were broader in France and Scotland though both in length a like as lost by by their immediate Successors He was the first English King that coyned Gold He first stamped the Rorse Nobles having on one side Jesus autem transiens per medium illorum ibat and on the Reverse his own Image with a Sword and Sheild sitting in a Ship waving on the Sea He had a numerous and happy Issue by Philippa his Queen after whose death being almost 70 years old he cast his assections on Alice Pierce his Paramour to his dishonour it being true what Epictetus returned to Adrian the Emperor asking of him what love was In puero pudor in virgine Rubor in Foemina furorin Juvene Ardor in sene Risus In a Boy Bashfulness in a Maid Blushing in a Woman Fury in a young Man Fire in an Old Man Folly However this King had few equals none superiours for Wisdom Clemency and Courage He dyed An. Dom. 1378. Wulstan of Brandsford was Prior of Worcester and built a most beautifull Hall in his Convent Hence he was preferred Bishop of Worcester 1338. He was verus pontisex in the Grammatical notation thereof building a fair Bridge at Brandsford over the River Teme and dyed not long after Jo. Eversden was breda Monk in Bury Abby whereof he was Cellerer or Caterer but mounting himself above this mean imploy he buried himself in Poetry Law and History whereof he wrote a fair Volume from the beginning of the World Being a Monk he was not fond of Fryers And observeth that when the Franciscans first entred Bury a few years before his death there hapened a hideous Hurricane levâ—lling Trees Towers yet went they out with a clam at the time of the dissolution He dyed 1338. Anno 1378. Note that in this year in the Reign of Richard II. the Sussexians of Rye and Winchel-sea imbarked for Normandy and afterwards entred by night into a Towncalled Peter's Port took all such Prisoners who were able to pay ransom and safely returned home with their spoils amongst which were some Bells the French had formerly taken from the Towns in this County which they lately invaded It was a worthy advice which William Earl of Arundel gave to his Son Henry Fitz-Allen never to trust his Neighbours the French which I would commend to the inhabitants of this County and indeed now and forever to all England John Stratford of Stratford Warwickshire being born there was preferred by the Pope to the Bishopr of Winchest whereupon falling into the displeasure of Richard II. for a time he took it in so ill part that he forsook that King whilst in his extremity this cost him the displeasure of the Queen Mother and Edw. III. till at last converted by his constancy they turned their frowns into smiles upon him When he was Archbishop of Cant. he furnished the King with great sums of money at his first seting forth for France But when the King sent to him again for another supply instead of Coyn the Bishop sent him Counsel whereat the King returning into England was so highly offended that the Bishop was forced to pass his publick purgation in Parlia by which he was restored to the reputation of his Innocence He built and bountifully endowed a Beautiful Colledge in Stratford He dyed Anno 1348. having been a man of great charity meekness and moderation Ralph Straford his Kinsman was Bishop of London and there being a grievous Pestilence there this Bishop bought a piece of Land for the burial of the Dead lying near Smithfield called No mans Land Eustathius de Fauconbridge was chosen Bishop of London An. 6. Hen. III. He was chosen Chief Justice then Chancellor of the Exchequer and afterwards Treasurer of England and twice Ambassador to the King of France He dyed October 31. 1228. and was buried in the Presbytery Maurice Chamnee bred a Fryer in the Charter-House He only escaped when 18 of his Order lost their lives by him written for refusing the Oath of supremacy 'T is said he warped to the will of H. 8. to preserve his Covent from destruction He dyed beyond the Seas about 1580. Sir Amias Preston of an ancient Family at Cricket in Somerset An. 88. seized on the Admiral of the Galiasses wherein the Governour with most of his men were burnt or killed He took the Town of Puerto Sancto and the Isle of Cochi surprized the Fort and Town of Coro sacked the City of St. Jago put to Ransom the Town of Cumana and entred Jamaica all in the West Indies and returned home safely He sent a challenge to Sir Walter Raleigh the Privy Counsellor which was by him refused having a Wife and Children and a fair Estate and Sir Amias being a private and single Person though of good quality because Sir Walter condemned those for ill humours where the Hangman gives the Garland These two Knights were reconciled afterwards and Sir Amias dyed about the
returning for England landed at Plimouth Sept. 9. 1588. In his next Voyage he was severed from his Company near Port Desire by him so called formerly in the Magellan-straits and never seen or heard of afterwards Queen Mary eldest Daughter to K. Henry VIII and Q. Katherine of Spain was born at Greenwich Feb. 18. 1518. She derived a great Spirit from her Father and her Devotion from her Mother She attained to the Crown by complying with the Gentry of Norfolk and Suffolk promising them to continue Religion as Established by King Edw. VI. After the breach of which Promise she never prospered losing successively the hearts of her Subjects the hopes of a Child the company not to say affection of her Husband the City of Calais her Mirth her Health and her Life which ended November 17. 1558. Cardinal Poole died the same day Note That in this Queens short Reign being but 5 Years 4 Months many were made Martyrs for the Truth of the Gospel the Romish Superstition so much prevailing and tyrannizing that 408 or more suffered Fire and Faggot whereof 44 of note were in the County of Essex This was carried on chiefly by Bishop Bonner who was a Bastard-son of one Savage a Priest brother to Sir John Savage Knight of the Garter Privy-Counsellor to H. VII His Mother Concubine to this Priest was sent out of Cheshire to cover her shame and laid down her burden at Elmley in Worcestershire where this bouncing Babe Bonner was born he caused the death of twice as many Martyrs as all the Bishops in England besides after 10 Years Imprisonment in the Marshalsea he died and was buried in St. George's Church-Yard in Southwark But enough of this Herostratus who burned so many living Temples of the Holy Ghost Let them which would be more fully informed of Queen Mary and Bonner read Fox's Works lately reprinted in Folio with new Copper Cutts Q. Eliz. 1558. The second Daughter to K. H. 8. born at Greenwich who coming to the Crown at Q. Mary's death upon the 17th Novemb. still a vulgar error accounted for Queen Eliz. birth day who was born in Septemb. She was Heir to the Learning Bounty Courage and Success of her Father besides Goodness wherein she was daughter to her Mother Her learning appears in her two Latine Speeches to the University and a third a lâ—ttle better than extempore to the Poland Embassador Her bounty was founded on merit Her courage was undaunted never making her self so cheap to her Favourites but that she valued her own authority A prime Officer with a white staffe was commanded by the Queen to confer a place then void on one of her servants whom she commended unto him Pleaseth your Highness Madam saith the Lord the disposal thereof belongeth to me by vertue of this white Staff conferred on me True said the Q. yet I never gave you your Office so absolutely but I still reserved my self of the Quorum but of the Quarum Madam returned the Lord presuming on the favour of her Highness Hereat the Q. in some passion snatching the staff out of his hand you shall acknowledge me said she of the Quorum quarum quorum before you have it again The Lord waited staffless almost a day before the same was reconferred Her success was admirable keeping the K. of Spain at Arms end all her Reign by her Policy and Prosperity She was much beloved by all her people in so much that since it hath been said that Q. Eliz. might do that lawfully which K. James might not Her popularity having sugared many things her Subjects thanking her for those Taxes which they refused to pay to her Successor You shall find more of her valour and Noble Actions in 1588. She dyed at Richmond William Winter Knight and Vice-Admiral of England assaulted the Fort of French in the Island of Inchkeeih in Edenburgh Frith He with Sir Tho. Smith demanded the restitution of Calais he conducted a great Treasure of the Genoa Merchants safely into the Netherlands in despite of the French opposing him 1568. He with Rob. Beale was sent into Zealand to demand restitution of some English Ships He did signal service when the Spanish Fleet was fallen towards the coast of Zealand 1588. Lidney House in Gloucester the seat of the Family had produced many more Mariners happy in Sea Voyages John Russel born at Kingston Russel Dors bred beyond the Sea was a man of great accomplishment and was recommended by Phil. King of Castile Father to Ch. 5. Emp. to Hen. 7. as a person of great abilities he could see more with his one eye than many others could with two King Hen. 8. made him a Controller of the Houshold and Privy Counsellor and an 1538. created Lord Russel and made him Keeper of the Privy Seal A good share of the golden showr of Abby Lands fell into his lap K. Ed. 6. who made him Earl of Bedford sent him down to suppress the Western commotion and relieve Exeter Which he performed with great wisdom valour and success and some few years after dyed and was buried at Cheineys in Buckinghamshire William Cecil our English Nestor for Wisdom and Vivacity born at Burn in Lincolns was Secretary and Treasurer above 30 years together He steered the Court at his pleasure and whilst the Earl of Leicester would endure no equal and Sussex no superior therein he by siding with neither served himself with both you may easily imagin how highly the wise Queen Eliz. valued so great a Minister of State coming once to visit him when sick and being much hightned with her head attire then in fashion the Lord's servant who conducted her through the Door may your Highness said he be pleased to stoop the Queen returned for your Masters sake I will stoop but not for the King of Spains All England in that Age was beholden to him for his bounty as well as the poor in Stamford for whom he erected a fair Bead-house acknowledged under God and the Q. their Prosperity the fruit of his prudence He dyed very aged 1598. Jane Cecil Wife to Sir Rich. Esq and Co-heir to the worshipful families of Ekinton and Walcot saw being near a 100 years of age the preserment of her Son Sir William Treasurer of England she Leaded and Paved the Friday Market-cross at Stamford besides 50 l. given to the Poor She dyed 1588. and was buryed in St. Martins in Stamford Barnaby Potter was born within the Barony of Kendal Westmerl 1578. and bred at Queens Coll. in Oxford whereof he became Provost he was chaplain in Ordinary to Prince Charles being accounted at Court the Penitential Preacher and by K. Ch. the I. was preferred Bishop of Carlisle He was commonly called the Puritanical Bishop and they said of him in the time of King James that Organs would blow him out of the Church which is not probable because he loved Vocal Musick and could bear his own part therein He was a constant Preacher and a hard Student
the Kings Tryal Jan. 20. he was brought before the High Court of Justice falsely so called 22. day the second time 23. the third time was brought before the said Court the 27. day sentenced to Death by that bold Traitor John Bradshaw the 30. day barbarously murdred at his own Palace door betwixt 1. and 2. a Clock So fell this Pious and Learned Prince who will never be too much lamented nor forgotten This sad Subject would make a Volume but that is not my intention there are several Tracts already written That alone of Dr. Nalson's of the Kings Judges under Phelp's own hand is sufficient and note when the King was murdered Sir Tho. Fairfax was General and Oliver Cromwel was Leiutenant General of the Army The latter over ruling overawing over fooling the former or else Dr. Hammond's Letter would have turned that violent Torrent which with him took no effect but was altogether slighted or unregarded but would have converted any unbjassed person from doing or suffering to be done such a bloody and unjust Act by so many impious Regicides Then the above named false and confused Society adjourned Hilary Term. Febr. 6. the Kings Office voted unnecessary and burdensome the 7. the King's body removed to Windsor and there interred under a small Marble Stone and so remains to this day without any show of Magnificence or Regal Monument where I hope his now dust will rest quietly But before I close up this fatal year let me produce one little wonder Note that in the Hundred of Râ—ckford Essex an Army of Mice shaved off all the Grass at the bare roots which withered to Dung was infectious to Cattle the March following numberless flocks of Owls from all parts flew thither and destroyed them and 68 years before this year happened the like accident in the Hundred of Dengy in Essex Jo. Richardson Born in Cheshire of a most worshipful and ancient Family bred in the University of Dublin where he was graduated Doctor in Divinity and was afterwards made Bishop of Ardagh in Ireland In the late Rebellion he came over into England a grave man and good Divine verifying the Rule Bonus Texturius Bonus Theologus for he carried a Concordance in his memory The larger Annotations especially on Ezekiel an elaborate work challenge him in a great measure for the Author Our Bishop who had been relieved had his bounty to bestow on others and by his will bequeathed a considerable Legacy to the College of Dublin He dyed an 1658. aged 74. Jo. Cleaveland Born at Hinkley Loic where his Father was Vicar was Fellow in St. John's College in Camb. and Advocate General in the Garrison of Newark a general Artist pure Latinist exquisite Orator and eminent Poet. His lofty fancy may seem to stride from the top of one Mountain to the top of another so making to it self a constant champain and Level of continued elevations He dyed an 1658. and was buried at College Hill Church Mr. Parson in his funeral Sermon forbore his praises seeing such who knew him not would sufpect them far above whilst such as were acquainted with him did know them much beneath his true desert In this year 58 Dunkirk was taken by the English but not long after by the English or by a few of the better sort of the English sold to the French King and surrendred into his hands and 't was such a Bargain for France as England has had reason and I am afraid ever will to lament and be much afflicted for the loss of it and a hard-task it will prove to reduce it to the Crown of England In this year also being in July Sir H. Slingsby and the Reverend and Pious Dr. Huit was beheaded under the Tyranny of Oliver Cromwel However he set up a High-Court of Justice called so then Dr. Huit was a very great and good Divine and though Oliver's Daughter very much besought her Father upon her knees for his life all was but in vain however it was believed that the Monster of mankind Oliver never enjoyed himself long after for he was much troubled with Gravel and a little after that was much tormented with the Stone in the Bladder and though Dr. Bowls set him on his head and his heels upwards to remove the stone and gave him some ease at present yet he being return'd to his natural posture and the Dr. into the Country with his Coach and Six which Oliver had bestowed on him for his fees and attendance the Stone pressed down again with that violence and force and caused that horrible pain and that pain a Feaver and the Feaver brought that which took the insolent Usurper from his Protectorship which happened Sept. 3. 1658. Now let me desire you to accept of the Company of his Son Richard for a Protector Though he staid but six Months at the Helm the Sea the Commonwealth of Engl. grew very boisterous and sick till Richard was spewed up and outed of his Protectorship And he wanting his Fathers Courage and Judgment was outed accordingly 't was said he had some kindness for King Ch. II. and was willing to shew it at that time and help to restore him but too many eyes were upon him and his own want of experience made all ineffectuall at that juncture of affairs and the Government was put into other hands as shall appear afterwards This short-ruling Protector did very little in his half years Reign only got together things necessary for his Fathers Pompous Funeral which was upon Novomber 23. 1658. This funeral cost so much that all the Tradesmen and others concerned in it were either forced to run away or hide themselves in some Alsatia ever after Anno 1668. In this year there were two Easter days the one being in April and the other on March 23. 1668. and the precedent year had no Easter A thing to be noted because 't is to be found very rarely either by looking forward or the days past This year also by instigation of the Parliament to the King an Order was made to send the Earl of Clarendon out of England He travelled to Montpelier in France where he stayed some years and then hearing the joyful news of his return with excess of joy gave up the ghost his body was brought into England and interred in H. 7. Chapel close by the Steps He was the first Lord Chancellor under Ch. II. James Duke of York was married to his Daughter Ann at the Kings return into England from whom are descended Mary Our Gracious Queen and Ann Princess of Denmark The first stone of the first pillar of the Royal Exchange was laid by K. Ch. II. in this year 1668. Anno 1678. In this year the Popish Plot was discovered and 18 persons were executed for the same the chief of them was Viscount Stafford beheaded at Towerhill Edw. Coleman Esq then Secretary to the Dutchess of York his House searcheâ— and Papers seized October the 1. day Wherein was
Perswasions of the Irish Priests closely and hourly made and applied to the Earl of Tyrconnel then Lord Deputy or at least Governour of Ireland he also hoping by his not submitting to gain great Honour and Preferment if not the whole Country for his own proper use and benefit but therein he â—ight easily perceive his errour for Iewis that aspiâ—ing Monarch had design'd it long before to be annexed to his Flower de luces but the poor Irish Harp would have caused but doleful Musick to the Hibernians yet a melodious tune to the wooden shoo'd French which would presently have bin dancing in that Country however the reasons before mentioned mâ—de Tyrconnel so obstinate that with what Forces and that little Courage he was possessed of to defend and preserve Ireland for his two Mâ—sters what the event was some few years will tell you however this light you shall have at present that things proved quite contrary after several Conflicts and Battels to his expectation But let us return into England and there behold how many potent Enemies the King had secured in several Prisons for the security of Their Majesties Persons and the Kingdoms Welfare Peace and Happiness viz. George Jefferies Baron of Wem and Lord High Chancellor of England the Earl of Peterborough the Earl of Salisbury the Lord Castlemain the Lord Preston the Earl of Feversham the Lord Chief Justice Wright Baron Jenner Sir Edward Hale formerly Governour of Dover and after Lieutenant of the Tower of London and let Miles Prance the Silver-Smith a timely Discoverer have the honour to be taken at Gravesend with a false Pass and there committed to Prison by the Secretary of War when he intended to pass the Seas There were many more persons of high and low rank taken into custody but by reason their Deliverances or Trials hereafter will make them more publick I shall at present omit them all except Dr. Obadiah Walker the Proselyte-maker at Oxford who was sent to the Tower of London but not amongst the Records to make search for the place of Purgatory but foretell his own fortune either by calculating his Nativity by the often Singing of his Ave Maria or numbring his Beads at their appointed Seasons whether by day or night but let Obadiah rest being accounted but one of the small There were also in this Juncture of time many persons secured in several Counties of England alwayâ— having an eye and great care of the Red Letter-men and of those hoâ— headed-persons that took places of Trust and Commissions from the late King James never regarding the Penal Laws and Test the Priests likewise were apprehended as soon as discovered yet not many for knowing their sins to be of a dark colour they would not abide the reckoning but went off with the next Oars Also about this time the King was vigilant over his Army that served under the late King James not suffering any of them at present to come for London especially in any great Parties but sent them into several Parts and Counties of England by degrees modelling of them a new first breaking the old Regiments both of Foot and Horse c. and then formed them into new Bodies so as to take away all suspicion of their disloyalty to their King which perhaps was unjustly cast upon them however by this honest Stratagem of War all the known Papists and those that appeared disaffected to the King and Government were quite cashiered and then the King was so well satisfied with the remaining part that they were sent to Whitehall and took their Guard-days in the same manner as they had formerly part of that Army which came out of Holland being of the Guards there were either all or in part removed from that Station By this time the Reader may be pondering with himself that there is an absolute necessity for great Sums of Money not only for defraying the charge of the Fleet that brought the King and his Army over into England but likewise the vast expence and charges which our English Fleet and Army had brought upon the Nation and these two Fleets and two Armies united and all to be paid by one Master would in a short space of time rise and multiply to an incredible account The Parliament taking this and other matters of the like nature being of great concern into their consideration after mature deliberation Voted several Sums for that purpose to be raised viz. by additional Excise of Ale Beer some small Branch of the said Revenue being ready to drop down was by a new Aâ—t reunited also a Land-Tax at 12 d. per Pound was Enacted by Parliament the Customs and several other Duties belonging to the Crown were by the said Authority confirmed and settled upon the King and Queen The Affairs of the Kingdom now being in a hopeful way of Settlement as so small a time had bin allowed for so great a change and new modelling both of Persons and Offices the King and Parliament in all matters very well concurring the King was pleased amongst other of his favours and elemency to declare he would stand by and defend the Protestant Religion the Church of England as by Law established to his utmost power against all opposers whatsoever and withal care should be taken for the Non Con's and differing Opinions the Kings gracious pleasure being thus published made all his Subjects to be filled with joy admiration and liberality to that degree that the Citizens of London of their own accord proffered to lend the King what Money His Majesty pleased and almost in an instant great and vast Sums of Money were brought into Guildhall and that Citizen thought himself the most happy which was the first leader and brought the biggest Bags for which at present they were very willing to accept of the Kings word for their several securities The King by this time being the latter end of March having got into possession some money but that which equalized or rather exceeded it the affections of his People would have bin very happy together by his peaceable Reign over his Subjects here in England had not the Rebels in Scotland and Ireland by the fair promises of Rewards and Preferments of the late King James and Lewis the 14th of France biâ— instigated and hurried into Arms and bloody Wars against this King William so that both Scotland and Ireland wanted his assistance and being willing and ready the King resolved to reduce them both to his obedience but this Year being drawn to its period and my figure to be out of date because I will not leap into another but conclude my Eighty Eight a Year full of Wonders and Changes yet in hopes it will be the introducer of England's Glory and do verily believe that future Generations will call it happy because it restored Our Lives Religion Laws and Liberty and I desire it may make us all truly thankful to him who was the beginner and finisher of so great and
good a work By this time the Reader may give this account that any man of reason being 58 years of Age in this Year of Jubilee 1688. may demonstrate and make it plainly appear to others of younger dates that he has lived under Eight Governours and Governments viz. In the Reign of King Car. I. Car. II. James II. William and Mary and is truly called Monarchy then under the power and Tyranny of two persons Regalwise in respect they were single persons and had the power of Calling and Dissolving Parliaments making War and Peace to condemn or save guilty Malefactors Robbers and Rebels and indeed Oliver's power did much exceed that Authority which King Charles I. did take upon himself yet this Oliver and his short-Reign'd Successor Richard wanted the Crown the Royal Title of a King and were content to enjoy the Nomination of Protectors with this addition upon the Great Seal of England inscribed By Divine Providence c. He then was under the arbitrary will and disposal of Parliaments ends and pieces formerly called the Rump Parliament which in the last eight Years of King Charles I. were the sole Lords and Rulers of England raising War against their King and likewise great Funds of Money which was also raised by imposition of the first Excise of Ale and Beer in England and not only publick but every private House paid for all the Beer they brewed and consumed the Butchers in all places paid so much for a Cow or Heifer a Bull or Ox so much a Calf and also for Sheep and six pence in the pound for all Woollen Cloth that was made and fold and there was an imposition upon Salt and several other things in this Nation This Domus Communis for brevities sake Dom. Com. Voted down the House of Lords called the Upper House and Voted themselves the Supream Power of the Nation and this was performed by an intrinsick vertue and an occult quality latent in their unknown Prerogatives their Ordinances were more efficacious than our Acts are in these days A blind Order from a beggerly Committee would fetch up a Delinquent put him into Prison take his Estate and no Appeal to be made but at Goldsmiths or Haberdashers-Hall and there your composition was made upon such hard terms that the poor Cavalier was forced to sell part of his Estate to save the rest and this punishment was inflicted upon those that out of a Principle of Loyalty took up Arms in defence of their Prince and Country let us pass by the two Aping and counterfeit Kings Oliver and his Son and Successor Richard only tell you that the former would whip a Parliament out of the old House in a moment and because he would have an able Parliament he caused his own men as well Troopers as Officers to be chosen Members thereof Let us not forget Barebon's Parliament that zealous Leather-seller who was taking care by bringing his Bills into the House to extirpate the Family of the Stewarts Root and Branch How he came by the name of Praise-God-Barebones is uncertain but some of the Family has informed me that the Constable and Watchmen of St. Martins Ludgate were his Godfathers however I am in hopes that before he departed this life he repented of his bad actions and for the Act of Grace did truly Praise God or else Fare ill Barebones Then a Committee of Safety was appointed to regulate and govern this poor tossed Commonweal much distempered and so much out of Order that this new-formed Commissioned Company knew not how to behave themselves in their New Corporation only made some small offers of Reformation and of setling a firm peace to their simple and ignorant Admirers put out their new lights seeing they could proceed no farther every man dissolved his own individual body and retreated into the old Dom. Com. and there stayed till General Monk came out of Scotland for London and played a new Game with them and made the lawful King Charta Dominatrix to rule over all the rest These last four Milcellanies Hotchpotch Gallimawfâ—y Governments at least so called must be denominated Democracy being a fuâ—ious and confused Government of the uncertain and dissatisfied People of England this last Page had been omitted not falling under my figure but it gave clear demonstrations how to bring in 48 and 58. Their dark actions being discovered in these intervals I judged they might seasonably in this place be interposed And now Reader having brought thee according to my promise under the figure of 8 to the year 1688 I leave thee there and bid thee Meditate on what was acted therein and heartily wish that the remembrance of that 88 may admit no FINIS AN APPENDIX REginald Pole Born at Stoverton Castle in Staffordshire was second Son to Sir Richard Knight of the Garter and nearly related to King Henry 7. His Mother Margaret Countess of Salisbury was Niece to King Edward 4. and Daughter to George Duke of Clarence He was bred in Corpus Christi Colledge in Oxford preferred afterwards Dean of Exeter Henry the 8th allowing him a Pension sent him beyond the Seas He studied at Padua conversed much with the Patricians of Venice and in sine became a perfect Italian and could not be prevailed upon by the King or his friends to return to England whereupon his Pension was withdrawn living afterwards in a Venetian Monastery He attained great Credit for his Eloquence Learning and good Life It was not long before he was made Deacon Cardinal by the Title of St. Mary in Cosmedin by Pope Paul the 3d who sent him Ambassador to the Emperor and French King to incite them to War against K. Henry the 8. He afterwards retired to Viterbo in Italy where his House was the Sanctuary of the Lutherans where he himself became a racking but no through-paced Protestant insomuch that being appointed one of the three Presidents of the Council of Trent he endeavoured to have Justification determined by Faith alone during his living at Viterbo he was taxed for getting a Bastard which Pasquil published in Verses affixed to his Pillar that Blade being made of all tongue and teeth would not stick to tell where the Pope trod his holy Sandals awry Yet he had some Relation to the Beast in the Apocalypse in that under the name of Pasquil there has been a Successive Corporation of Satyrists After the death of Paul 3. Pole was at Midnight in the Conclave chosen to succeed him the refusal whereof under the notion of a Deed of Darkness was by the Italians lookt upon as a piece of dulness in our Cardinal next day expecting a re-election he saw Julius the 3 d. his professed Enemy chosen in his place yet afterwards he became alterius Orbis Papa when made Archbishop of Canterbury by Queen Mary He was a person free from Passion His youthful Books are full of the flowers of Rhetorick whilst those of his old age are dry and dull He died a few hours
Chastity either in Man or Woman ought by Gods Laws to be observed 5. That private Masses were necessary for the people and agreeable to the Law of God 6. That Auricular Confession was expedient to be retained and continued in the Church of God Now I hope none will deny that what mischief and confusions ensued and caused by him as the Papists deeply condemn him for to this day and tell us our Religion came out of his That he lived and dyed as severe a Roman Catholick as any of them hath shewed themselves in this our Age. And for his Wives he was dextrous in changing beheading one of them and the very next day marrying another but hear him on his death bed speaking thus Three Kates two Nans and one dear Jane I wedded One Spanish one Dutch and four English Wives From two I was divorced two I beheaded One dyed in Childbirth and one me survived They that will be more and better informed of this King's Reign let them read his Life written by that excellent and learned Lord Herbert Sir Tho. Offley of Cheshire bred a Merchant Taylor in London whereof he became Lord Mayor in his Mayoralty he began the custom of Night Bellmen He was the Zacheus of London for his high Charity bequeathing the half of his Estate being 5000 pound to the poor though he had children of his own yea he appointed that 200 l. left to his Son Hen. should be taken out of the other half and imployed to charitable uses Mr. Hugh Offley Leather-Seller Sheriff of London An. 1588. gave 600 pound to the City to put forth young men Mr. Rob. Brother to Hugh gave 600 pound for 24 young men in Chester whereof 12 were Apprentices On the first of these I suppose these Rhimes were made Offley three dishes had of dayly Roast An Egg an Apple and the third a Toast Feasting himself moderately that he might feed others by his bounty Miles Coverdaile of Yorkshire became an Augustine Fryer but afterwards quitting that profession he went into Germany he laboured greatly in translating the Bible and writing other books He was made D. D. at Tubing and returning into England was made Bishop of Exeter by K. Edw. 6. An. 1. Mary he was deposed though saved from Martyrdom by the mediation of Fred. King of Denmark being enlarged he went over into Germany whence in the Reign of Queen Eliz. he returned into England but not to Exeter He was one of those that solemnly consecrated Matthew Parker Archbishop of Canterbury at Lambeth He dyed 1588. and lies buried in St. Bartholomews behind the Exchange London Sir Christ Wray Knight was born in the Parish of Bedal Yorkshire which made his Daughter Frances Countess of Warwick scatter her benefactions thicker in that place His Ancestors came out of Cornwal where his name is right ancient being bred in the Law he was by Q. Eliz. made Lord Chief Justice of the Kings Bench he was moved with no fear but that of the Judge of the world he was pro tempore Lord privy Seal and sat chief in the Court when Secretary Davison was sentenced in the Star Chamber concurring with the rest of the Commissioners to lay a Fine on him His benefaction to Magdalen college in Cambridge was both bountiful and seasonable This worthy Judge dyed May 8th 1588. Rob. Crowley of Northamptonshire bred in Oxford confuted Miles Hogheard who writ against the poor Protestants He fled to Frankford in Queen Mary's days and in the Reign of Queen Eliz. was made Vicar of St. Giles without Cripplegate London where he lies buried having dyed 1588. Cock was in 1588. a Cock of the Game being the only man of note amongst the English who fighting a Volunteer in his own Ship lost his life to save his Queen and Country Sir John Howard of Barkshire Kt. Son to Sir Rob. Howard soon after was created a Baron by Edw. IV. and Duke of Norfolk by K. Rich. III. as Kinsman and one of the Heirs of Anne Dutchess of York and Norfolk whose Mother was one of the Daughters of Tho. Mowbray D. of Norfolk Soon after he lost his Life in Bosworth-Field in the quarrel of him who had given him his Honour From him descended the noble and numerous Family of the Howards of whom 4 Earls viz. Arundel Nottingham Suffolk and Barkshire and 2 Barons viz. Mowbray and Escrick sat in the last Parliament of K. Charles I. Verstegan the great Antiquary will have their Name to be Holdward Keeper of a Castle or Trust and they have well answered unto their Name Did not Tho. Howard Earl of Surrey well hold his ward by Land when in the Reign of Henry VIII he conquered the Scots in Flodden-Field and took James the 4th their King Prisoner And did not Charles Howard afterwards Earl of Nottingham hold his ward by Sea in 1558 when the Armado was defeated William Howard Son to Thomas D. of Howard was by Queen Mary created Baron of Effingham and made Lord-Admiral of England He was one of the first favourers and furtherers of the discovery of Russia He died 1548. whose Son Charles succeeded his Father in the Admiralty an hearty Gentleman and cordial to his Soveraign of a most proper Person one reason why Queen Elizabeth reflected so much upon him The first evidence he gave of his prowess when the Emperors Sister the spouse of Spain with a Fleet of 130 Sail passed the narrow Seas his Lordship accompanied with 10 Ships only environed their Fleet and enforced them to stoop Gallant and strike Sail. In 88. at the first news of the Spaniards approach he towed at a Cable with his own hands to draw out the harbour-bound Ships into the Sen. He was Commander of the Sea Forces at the taking of Cadiz and for his good service there he was made Earl of Nottingham He resigned his Admiralty in the Reign of K. James to the D. of Buckingham and died not long after D. of Medina Sidonia Admiral of the Spanish Fleet An. 88. beholding Mount Edgcomb in Cornwall that belongs to Sir Rich. Edgcomb who at one time for some good space gave Entertainment to the English Spanish and Dutch Admirals and many other Nobles at Mount Edgcomb a square Structure having a stately Hall affording a delicate sound as one entreth it a Parlour and Dining-Room giving a large prospect both of Sea and Land It is near Plimouth the Ground about it being stored with Wood Timber Fruit Deer and Conies sufficient Pasture Meadow and Arable Land Marle Stone c. and of an high situation And this Medina was so much in love with it was resolved to have it for his own possession in the partage of this Kingdom which should have been in 88. And here I think it very necessary before we proceed any further to make a small description of this Spanish Invasion called The Invincible Armado which put England into such a consternation when it should have been invaded in the Reign of Q. Eliz.
and Hill were all apprehended examined and committed to Newgate and at their Tryal upon Prance's Oath and Evidence against them they were found guilty of the murder of Sir Edmundbury Godfrey and upon Feb. 8. 1678. were executed all living and dying Papists Now observe in all this his own Sword that was thrust through his Body was never mentioned as the cause of his death for if that Sword had been made a party by the Owner it would have equalized the Romances of St. Dennis and St. Winifrid Now remember also that Kelly and Fitzgerald the two Priests were at the murder and they would have run Sir Edm. through with their own Sword in Somerset-House but the other Homicides would not suffer them saying the Blood would be a means to discover them And the abovesaid Mr. Fitzgerald soon after the murder said in the hearing of Mrs. James then living in Katherine-Stree That the PAPISTS had murdered Sir Edmondbury Godfrey and that it would be their destruction And when Mr. Edward Coleman heard of the same Murder he struck his hand on his Breast with these words Then we are undone And now to bring this relation to a period I shall only add That Prance always told me for many years That what he had so oft declared to me of that murder was true and that he would justifie it to the last drop of his blood And here we must leave him being now turned Protestant till 88 where you may find him a Papist again But to proceed the House desired the King to give Bedloe the 500 l. reward for his discovery which Mr. Wrenn had not long before put into his head Capt. Bedloe gets the Mony but contrary to agreement of dividing it betwixt them the Capt. would not give one crum of comfort to the Wrenn There were also in this year several Gentlemen and others imprisoned in the Country and some brought to London to see the Tower but being they neither suffered death nor were Fined we shall pass them and come to a year of more strangeness and wonder than this Anno. 1688. This year is ushered in with so much wonder that if it be set down here for a real History not one of a Thousand will believe it however it must be left to every one 's own choice Upon the great hopes of the Queen's conception the King orders some of the Bishops to make an Order of Thanksgiving in behalf of the King the Q. and the Royal Family upon occasion of the Queen's being with Child which was performed accordingly throughout England Then followed by the instigation of the Priests and Papists to the King a Proclamation was procured for the reading a Declaration for Liberty of Conscience in all Churches and Chapels in England This proved very unhappy to the King in disgusting his best Subjects the Church of England nay almost the generality of the Non-Cons did not approve of it The Romans did use their utmost endeavours to promote it knowing thereby their Religion would be introduced and extirpate all but their own the Quakers and Anabaptists did run with the stream and Will. Penn the Quakers chief Illuminator was a daily Sollicitor to the King and Father Peters his Brother Priest for Liberty of Conscience The King or at least the Priests being not satisfied brought the King to put forth a second Declaration to the same purpose All the Clergy except some few ignorant and Popishly affected stoutly refused to read the said Declaration The Bishops also had a Conference about it and not finding it consentaneous to their Consciences but on the contrary would open the door to let in all Heresies and Irreligion and nothing should have been settled in England but Slavery Popery and Poverty The Archbishop of Canterbury being Dr. William Sancroft Dr. Kenn Bishop of Bath and Wells Dr. Lloyd Bishop of St. Asaph Dr. White Bishop of Peterborough Dr. Lakâ— Bishop of Chichester Sir John Trelauny Bishop of Bristol Dr. Turner Bishop of Ely These seven Bishops on the 8th of June applied themselves to His Majesty by way of an humble Address to let him understand They could not safely and with a good Conscience suffer the Clergy in their several Dioceses to read the said Declaration The King enraged at this the said Bishops were all sent to the Tower and there remained Prisoners their Crime being a pretended scandalous Petition to the King To let him know they could not read the said Declaration c. And there they remained to the 15th day of June and then was called to the King 's Bench-Bar and upon their own recognizance upon 100 l. a piece was Bailed to appear 14 days after upon which day being the 29th of June a Jury being sworn the Indictment read and argued on both sides by the learned Counsel for several hours the Verdict was brought in Not Guilty to the great encouragement and comfort of good Christians and for levelling the pride and insolence of the haughty Papists and their adherents And now 19 days before this happy Verdict had delivered the Bishops from their Prisons I suppose you expect to hear of another delivery that is what became of the Queen's Concept Now I must beg of you this favour to remember that if the Concept was not believed the Birth will be as little credited however we had it by Tradition as Papists have most of their Religion whether Articles of Faith or matter and form of Worship and so are imposed upon easie Believers But if you will be so careful to go to find out the Pope's Infallibility the inerrability of the Roman Church the Supremacy of St. Peter's Successors pardons for sin at a cheap rate the exact time of blowing up the Fire of Purgatory praying to Saints long since departed but a moiety of the Sacrament to the lay People worshipping of Images cum multis aliis such-like improbable Follies after all your pains and enquiries be forced to take all upon trust and without any plain mathematical demonstration sit down with an implicit Faith and believe as the Church believes not contradicting their report for as there was a resolute party did believe and did also publish it abroad after the murder of Sir Edmondbury Godfrey committed by others he was his own selo de se by sheathing his own Sword in his own Body yet how far that was congruous to reason let the discreet man give sentence Now after this digression you may understand that there was upon the 10th of June Anno 1688. â— day long before appointed and very precisely too for that purpose a Man-child brought forth into the presence of many persons of great Quality but of the implicit Faith Madam Wicks the Mid-wife or Woman of Honour being a knowing Artist and well instructed in such affairs gave to every one of her own perswasion a full and satisfactory account of the whole matter from the very begining to the end That He was the true product of the forementioned
conception and that God by the earnest intercession of the blessed Lady had heard their Prayers and granted their desires in sending them a Son and indeed they knew it was a Son before the 10th day of June above-mentioned now this tradition was handed about to the great and indeed all places in England by Letters and otherways And yet for all this specious and gilded information if you would certainly know the truth of this great birth and state you will be forced to take their tradition and bâ—lieve it as they believe it be it true or not true yet as I said before every one is left to his own choice For if this blind huddled business should have been acted more in the light and in the presence of Her Royal Highness the Princess Anne of Denmark and other persons of quality of the Princess's Religion it would have given full-satisfaction to all the now unsettled doubtful wavering and ever-disbelieving Persons of England and settled a firm belief upon future Generations The King soon after great râ—joâ—cings and illuminations for tâ—iâ— nâ—w Deodatus perceiving at a distance a great storm arising in the East applies himself to raise several nâ—w Forcâ—s of Horse Dragoons and Foot and sends to the Earl of Tyrconnel then Governour of Ireland for 4000 or more of the Irish Foot which was sent accordingly into England very likely and able and war-like Men and coming up to London was very well approved of by all the King's Officers but the Inhabitants had a prejudice against them for the Irish had got an ill name and was not well spoken of though to do them Justice in part of London and in the City of Westminster they carried themselves very civilly in their respective Quarters Now it was observed by the Politicians of War that these Irish sent out of Ireland from the adjacent parts of Londonderry did so much comfort and encourage that City as to make it hold out so long and to that extremity and if that 4000 so detached had remained in Ireland that City in all probability and reason had been either taken or surrendred to the late King James who in this Summer 88 had formed a Campaigne on Hounsloe-heath Horse and Foot to the number of betwixt 16 or 18000. where we must leave them at present in their Tents with their several pieces of Canon and take notice how the King was equipping his Ships at Sea to make a formidable Fleet and made choice of the Lord Dartmouth as a chief Officer to muster up his Seamen for most of them had a great kindness for that Lord who made it his business and gathered up many Seamen and after a little time manned out several Ships to Sea but in this time the poor Seamen being as it were spirited on board and knew not what cause they were to fight for they begun by degrees to consider and at last take the boldness upon them to ask their Captains upon what design they were upon and who they must encounter withal The Captains gave them such dark and aenigmatical answers as gave them no satisfaction Upon which some of the Ships whole Crew came upon the Decks and as one man told their several Officers That they would not fight for the Papists but always stand for and maintain the Prâ—testant Religion Which unhappy news for King James was carried to him by the Lord Dartmouth The King was much discomposed with the hearing thereof but made no great outward appearance about it at present The King 's next design was to take off the Penal Laws and Test and for that purpose a Parliament was to be called to sit at Westminster and many crafty Courtiers being Papists or so inclined was with suitable instructions sent down into the several Countys and Burroughs of England and Wales to prepare such Members as would throw over-board the Test and Penal Laws at one sitting but this took as little effect as the former for the King hearing by his Agitators in the Country how that they could not make a party there prevalent enough to throw down the two Bulwarks it so was ordered that the designed Parliament never me together Then the King's Council where Father Peters was always of the Quorum put the King himself to examine those of his menial Servants and those that held Offices under His Majesty as the Great Seal Privy Seal Secretaries of State Mr. Attorney and Mr. Sollicitor-General the Gentlemen of the Green Cloth and all the Officers in White-Hall the Commissioners of the Customs and Fire-hearths these and many others were all to give an account of their opinions of the Penal Laws and Test and then being Closeted by the King they gave in their private verdict in that place if they would not condescend to take away the two aforesaid Bars their Offices and Preferments was ipso facto taken from them By this â—ly practice many Lords and Gentlemen and many other inferior Officers wâ—â— cashiered and many of the red â—â—â—ter men substituted in their places but in all this the King gained but little ground for the number obliged and the disobliged were still equal Yet they would not let the King rest here but they persuade him to closet all his Judges of Westminster which accordingly he did and found some of them according to his wish the rest stoutly opposed and was presently displaced and some mean Lawyers and mean Persons but Papists or popishly affected mounted up into their seats at the several Courts in Westminster Hall By this project the King lost the hearts of his Subjects for these new Judges were so mean in birth some in breeding some in learning and all of them ignorant of the Law so that by their illiterate practice the Law was quite buried For Sir John Maynard that old Serjeant of the Law told King William That if His Majesty had not come as he had out-lived many good Lawyers so he should have out-lived the Law it self And the reason was plain for these new erected Judges did all agree in this maxime That any penal or statute Law whatsoever and though made and confirmed by the three Estates yet the King by vertue of his Prerogative Royal had power to dispence with it and what is that dispensation but by the arbitrary will and pleasure of the Prince all Laws are abrogated and all penalties thereof remitted And the King taking these Judges opinion in this matter for good Law upon this false bottom the King offered to admit and many Zealots accepted places both Military and Civil without taking the Oaths and Test and every one under that circumstance is liable to pay 500 l. And hereby all Corporations was new transformed Papists made Mayors and Aldermen Governours of the Forts and Castleâ— Captains at Sea Colonels and other Officers of Land-Forces Obadiah Walker set up some few weak Proselytes at Oxford in despite of Authority and indeed the Tempest did arise higher for Magdalen College refusing to
the Roads very clear and quiet for the Prince's Horse to march at their leisure and come for London which by easie Marches in few days was accomplishâ—â— to the great joy and rejoying of England But before his Highness would arrive at White-hall to prevent disorders by tumults or otherways which might have been raised by the Romanists and other disaffected persons residing and busying themselves in and about London and Westminster he was pleased to send three or more Lords to the King that he would be pleased to withdraw his person and his Guards to Windsor or any other place where his Majesty should make choice of And withall upon the word of a Prince his Majesty should be secured from all fear and danger This message came to the King about 11. or 12. a Clock in the Night which being delivered the King presently prepared himself and withdrew into Kent with a party of his Guards to Rochester This was his first leaving White-hall December 10th and going to Feversham in Kent was retaken and brought back to London in great state and rejoycing by his Subjects and the Prince did appoint some of his own Guards half Protestants and half Papists which latter went to Mass with him and had liberty to go where he pleased the Guard being charged by the Prince to that very purpose The Priests thinking themselves in a snare which indeed did of right belong to them made the King very uneasie and perswaded him to go away a second time which was done 18. Decemb. and going into Kent with his Guards which the King himself commanded took shipping with a party with him dismissing his Guards whom by gratuities he requited and so sailed into France without any disturbance Now let any indifferent and unbyassed person judge if the King was forced by any rough or unmannerly means or actions to leave his Kingdom being upon 23. of December His Queen with her new found out Relation went away from White-hall upon Decemb. 9. accompanied with Count Dada Father Peters and some Ladies of Honour and Gentlewomen to wait upon her person with good store of Household-goods Jewels and Treasure and also landed safely in France where the French King was pleased after his compliments passed to provide for her according to her Royal quality The King going away as I told you upon the 18. day Upon the same day the Prince entred into St. James Palace his whole Army marching with him increased by this time to above 20000 and being very much wearied by their long marches and the winter Season was all except sufficient Guards sent into winter Quarters into the adjacent Counties but especially Southwark Westminster and the Suburbs were filled with sufficient numbers of them The Army being thus provided with Quarters the Prince was pleased to assemble a General Council consisting of Lords Spiritual and Temporal Gentlemen and Lawyers in which Assembly the Prince was desired to send out his several Precepts to all Counties Cities and Borough-Towns in England and Wales these precepts was directed to the several Coroners in their respective Counties for at this time the Sheriffs of most Counties were not setled and as these Coroners so the Mayors and Sheriffs of Cities and divers Corporations were required to give notice to all in their several Jurisdictions at certain days prefixed and at such places as they should judge convenient and there to make choice of Able Persons and Gentlemen of known integrity to appear such a day at Westminster in thâ— two Houses of Parliament which accordingly was performed and received the Nomination of a Convention But bâ—fore this meeting the Prince was pleased to send for over into England his Royal Consort Mary Princess of Orange this Convention after some weeks taking into consideration the distracted and unsetled condition of the Nation wanting a Head and power to restore the said Nation into its pristine Glory and Safety by the advice of the best Lawyers and Statesmen and by search of many former Precedents wherein it did plainly appear that in all reason this Convention so generally chosen by the consent of the Commons of England might be stiled the Parliament of England to all intents and purposes And accordingly under that denomination all matters of State and concerns of the Publick were transacted And taking into their consideration the departure of King James out of the Kingdom after many arguments Pro and Con. it was agreed that by such departure out of the Kingdom without any compulsion but his own free accord he had absolutely abdicated his Kingdom and it was absolutely necessary the Crown should be conferred on the next lawful Heir which was without any further arguing adjudged to be Mâ—ry Princess of Orange Nevertheless the Parliament wisely searching into the State of the Kingdom into what great dangers it was relapsed both by reason of open Enemies and seeming bosom-Friends at home the Devilish Intreagues of that deadly hater of Christians and almost all Mankind Lewis the French King for preventing these mischievous designs now on Foot against England Scotland and Ireland it was Voted by Both Houses of Parliament Nemine contradicente that the Prince of Orange should be invested in the Crown with his Lady and so made King and Queen of England Scotland France and Ireland with all other Dominions thereunto belonging and they were immediately Proclaimed at Whitehall-Gate Temple-Bar and the Royal Exchange with the usual Solemnities and with great signs of rejoycing and satisfaction to all sober People and then Proclamations were sent down into all the Counties of England to the same purpose which was performed with great joy and alacrity as appeared by their many Bonsires Ringing of Bells and several other demonstrations of gladness they would take up several Sheets of Paper if they were to be fully mentioned in this small Treatise and for the Coronation of this blessed Pair it falls not under my figure Yet I hope the Readers Patience will hold out till April 11th in the next ensuing year where in other Writings he may be sure to satisfie himself in the truth of the whole Proceedings Scotland knowing very well all the several transactions of England and being well approved by them take the same measures and tread in the same steps calling together the States of the Land being the Nobility Gentry and other Degrees amongst them and being assembled were likewise named a Convention and afterwards a Parliament who presently addressed themselves to our King and humbly beg'd his Protection and Proclaimed William and Mary their King and Queen according to the Scottish Custom and after a little time came to London tendâ—ing their Crown by Commissioners to their Majesties which was accepted very graciously Poor distressed Ireland however the major but in the genuine sence the better part thereof would have willingly and chearfully followed the former Examples of England and Scotland but the Commands of the late King James the crafty Projects of the French King the fly