It was afterwards known by Letters out of Holland that the Dutch loft about 6000 Men in this engagement And now Reader having brought thee well-nigh to the period of my discourse and hitherto entertained thee with the relation of things meerly Civil and Military I shall according to my skill give thee some accompt of the state of Religion for these few years last past which was such and in so many shapes that no one form can be assigned thereto for in stead of an absolute conformity in matters of Religion there was a generall non-conformity Heresies being daily broached in every corner of the Land which continually sprung up like Hydra's heads one upon the neck of another by which means the minds of the people became unsetled and shaken in the Principles of Faith and Doctrine each particular faction tracing a different track to find the truth when as indeed there is but one way and one truth the numbers and names whereof if I should undertake to give you I might reckon ad infinitum viz. Independents Anabaptists and those of severall kinds some for Imposition of hands anointing with Oyl and washing of feet and some against them Brownists Millenaries Arminians Socinians Adamites Diggers Seekers Shakers Ranters Enthusiasts Arians Pelagians cum multis aliis of all which I shall say only thus much Let them grow together till the harvest lest in plucking up the tares you pull up the wheat also This Parliament having sate about as many weeks as the other had done years though in that time to give them their due they had made severall laudable Acts and of great utility and advantage to the people viz. An Act for taking off the Engagement for taking off Fines from Originall Writs and Declarations for clearing of Publike Debts and discovery of frauds and concealements due to the Commonwealth as also an Act for Relief of Creditors and poor Prisoners which of all others was of greater concernment to the Nation then any thing they could do Other Acts of lesse moment they made also which I shall forbear to mention Yet in other things of no small consequence there appeared such consusion in their Councels such contrariety in their opinions such a dissonaacy in their actings and disparity in their aims that they seemed to be a meer monster with many heads insomuch that it was not expected their power as then it stood would continue unto the time prefixt For on the 10. of Decemb. 1653. the Parliament having heard the Report of the Committee That they thought it sitting that Commissioners be sent into all the Counties and inabled to eject scandalous and unable Ministers and also be impowered to settle able Ministers in all void places That such as are or shall be approved for publike Preachers of the Gospel shall have and enjoy such maintenance as is already setled by Law That upon hearing and considering what â—ath been offered to the Committee touching propriety in Tithes of Incumbents Rectors Possessours of Donatives or appropriate Tithes It is the opinion of this Committee That the said persons have a Legal propriety in Tithes The Parliament I say having spent severall dayes in debate of this Report Decemb. 10. put the first of these Reports to the Question viz. Whether the House doth agree with the first Clause of this Report which was carryed in the Negative Monday Decemb. 12. somewhat early the House being sate a Gentleman stood up and moved That the sitting of this Parliament as then constituted would not be for the good of the Commonwealth and that therefore it was requisite to deliver up unto the Lord Generall Cromwell the Powers which they received from him This motion being seconded by several other Members the house rose the Speaker with many Members of the House departed and went to White-hall where they being the greater number of the Members sitting in Parliament did by a Writing under their hands The Parliament dissolved Decem. 12. 1653. resign unto his Excellency their said Powers and Mr. Speaker attended with the Members did present the same to his Excellency accordingly This was no sooner done but after serious consultation and debate about the emergent occasions of the Land the Lord Generall Cromwell was in the presence of all the Judges and Justices of the severall Courts at Westminster the Barons of the Exchequer the Keepers of the Liberties of England the Lord Major and Aldermen of the City of London with most of the chief Officers of the Army sworn Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England Scotland and Ireland and of all the Islands and Territories thereunto belonging several Articles by which he is to govern the People being then read to him to the performance whereof he took a solemne Oath in the presence of them all the summe whereof was That he should call a Parliament every three years That the first should be Sept. 3. 1654. That he should not dissolve it untill they had sate five moneths That whatsoever Bill they should passe if he should not sign it in twentie dayes that then it should passe without him That he should have a Councell of select Persons to assist him not under 13. nor above 21. That immediately after his death the Councell shall choose another Protector before they rise That no Protector for the future shall be Generall of the Army That the Protector shall have power to make Peace or Warre That with the consent of his Councell he may make Lawes which shal be binding till the next Session of Parliament These with many more particulars you may read at large in the Forme of Government Soon after this he was proclaimed Lord Protector in the Palace-yard at Westminster and by the Lord Major and Aldermen in their Scarlet Gowns at the Royall Exchange Not long after his Highnesse the Lord Protector was by the City invited to a Feast at Grocers-Hall the manner of whose reception was as followes He came from Westminster in a Chariot drawn with six Horses in gallant equipage before him rode his Life-Guard with most of his chief Officers and some of his Councell after them rode two Pages bareheaded in sumptuous apparell after them about twelve Lackeys with velvet Caps in gray Liveries with silk and silver Fringe then came his Highnesse as aforesaid in a Chariot clad in a dark coloured Suit and Cloak attended by many of the Nobility in their Coaches with six Horses At Temple-barre his Highness was met by the Lord Major and Aldermen where the Recorder of London saluted him with a pithy and excellent Speech His Highnesse then came out of his Chariot put on a riding Coat imbroidered with Gold Lace and mounted on horseback two or three of his horses of State being there led by which done the Lord Major took the City-Sword and carried it bareheaded from thence to Grocers-Hall all the way whereof the severall Companies in their Liveries sate on both fides the way in Rails set up on purpose with
enough to prevent all future overtures between the Scots and their declared King yet as if he had throughly learnt that lesson Qui nescit dissimulare â—â—seit regnare he took little notice â—hereof Next Montrose was executed Sir John â—â—rrey Coll. Spotswood and others that were the chief actors in that undertaâ—ing by which means they were rid of 〈◊〉 dangerous enemy On all this the English like cauteâ—ous statists had a watchfull eye and on every of those actings whether oâ—en or secret that might have any reflection upon them or their affairs and to the end they might the better sound the contrivances of their adversaries they endeavour to strengthen themselves by forrein Alliance and accordingly they sent Dr. Dorislaus Dr. Dorislaus murther at the Hague a wise and knowing man as publicke Agent into the united Provinces whereby to keep a right understanding and fair correspondency between the two Republicks where he had not long been ere he was slain by six assassinates that broke into his lodgings at the Hague in a disguised habit by which means they escaped unpunished notwithstanding the many endeavours at least pretendedly used for their apprehension The authorâ—â— of this Tragedy were afterwards known to be English Cavaliers discontented at their declining state and losse of their old Master one whereof was Coll. Spotswood afore mentioned who at his death confest he was an actor therein Thus stood the English affairs in reference to their enemies abroad while they were in somewhat worse plight at home for amidst the severall factions that sprung up during these late warres none was more desperate then that commonly known by the name of Levellers The Levellers mutiny who at once so wrought with the Souldiery that a considerable party of Horse withdrew themselves from the Army and gathered together such others of their party as they could conveniently thinking thereby to force their Lords and Masters to such things as their immature and unbridled apprehensions had dictated to them But by the care and industry of Gen. Fairfax Are supprest they are defeated at a place called Burford in Oxfordshire and of those that were taken some were made exemplary others were cashiered the Army and the rest upon their submission were taken into favour Not long after was brought to triall at the Guildhall London Lilburne tryed at Guildhall the grand Champion the chiefest and only Patriot of the action aforesaid viz. John Lilburne a man of a restless and yet invincible spirit that could never be deterr'd with threats or won with favours by a special Commission of Oyer and Terminer where was present most of the Judges and Justices of the severall Courts at Westminster the Lord Mayor Sheriffs and severall Aldermen of London with others of eminent quality The Indictment with many crimes of a treasonable nature as being the Author of such and such Books mentioned therein which Books were fraught with the most shamefull revilings scurrilous invectives and malicious outcries against the Governours and Government of this Nation that the heart of man could invent calling them Tyrants Traytors Conquering Usurpers and what not Now though nothing was more generally beleeved then that the Books aforesaid were of his own penning and publishing yet at his triall he made such an excellent Is cleared and released subtle and singular defence that the Jury brought him in Not guilty whereupon he had his release By this time the severall transactions that were between the Scots and their King had brought forth a Treaty at Breda in the Netherlands The treaty between the Scots and their King concluded a Town of speciall note belonging to the Prince of Orange at whose cost and charges it was both continued and concluded now that part of the Agreement that had the most especiall influence on us was that they should endeavour to the utmost of their power to reinstate him in his Fathers Throne invest him in his Power and Greatnesse and establish him in his just Rights and Dignities where we shall at present leave him to see how the affairs of his Adversaries the English succeeded The differences that lately broke out between the King of Portugall and this Nation were now widened by acts of open hostility for when the English perceived that neither intreaties nor threats would make him force Prince Rupert out of his Harbour and that the often applications and negotiations of the English Agent Mr. Charles Vane in order thereunto could availe nothing but on the contrary prepared what Ships of warre he had to joyn with Rupert and so to chase the English from his Coasts they seiz'd many of his Ships richly laden both inward and outward bound but the King doubting his strength desisted from falling upon the English Fleet and sell to seize the estates and secure the persons of the Merchants and Factors residing in Lisbon and other places under his Jurisdiction About this time likewise the English sent an Agent to the King of Spain viz. Mr. Anth. Ashcam M. Ashcam the English Agent murther'd at Madrid a most learned and excellently well accomplisht Gentleman who on the 5 th of June 1650. landed at Santa Maria where hearing of many threats against his person he procured a Guard that conducted him to Madrid where is kept the Court of the King of Spain The first night it was his hard fortune to lie at an Inne the next day while with his Interpreter Signior Riba he sate at dinner six divels in the shapes of men knockt at the door had easie accesse and being entred Mr. Ashcam rose to salute them whereupon the foremost stabbed him in the head and his Interpreter endeavouring to escape was stabbed in the belly both falling down dead in the place Whence the murtherers fled to the Venetian Ambassadors house but were denyed entrance whence they fled to the Sanctuary were pursued and carried to prison from thence by the Kings speciall command one of them only escaping Hereupon arose a great difference between the King and the Church about the violation of the holy Sanctuary and thereby infringing the Sacred Rights and Priviledges of the Church and demanded that the Assassinates should be delivered again into the Sanctuary On the other hand the Parliament of England by sundry Messages earnestly prest that Justice might be severely inflicted upon those execrable offenders that had perpetrated so horrid and vile an act upon their publick Minister And indeed it was a crime of so transcendent a nature that me thinks it should not enter into the heart of any considerate man to imagine of any expiation for them here however it may please God to deale with them hereafter The Church notwithstanding prevailed so farre as to interrupt the course of Justice for as much as their punishment has been hitherto fuspended though for any thing we hear they are yet in durance Neer this time arrived in England the Lord Gerard Scarph as Commissioner from the States Provinciall
they took their places again and having sate full five moneths and in that time done nothing of that main work which they were called together for which was by their unity to cement the hearts of the people of this Nation together but on the contrary by their severall divisions and animosities much like to Sampson's Foxes fastened together at the tails they feed the Common people with hopes that they should once more have a day of it which till their sitting they despaired of all which his Highnesse considering of on the 22 of Jan. actually dissolved them Dissolved Jan. 22. and ful time it was for before their dissolution to wit on the 10 of January 1655. a new conspiracy was detected against his Highnesse and the present Government the venom and contagion of which had spread it self into most parts of this Nation Sir Henry Littleton Sir John Packington A third Plot discovered with severall other were apprehended about it on the Lilburnian account was apprehended their grand stickler Major Wildman as he was dictating to another a Pamphlet bearing this title A Declaration setting forth the grounds and reasons of our taking Arms against Oliver Cromwell Nay so generall was this design that although very much of it was discovered yet their confidence was so great that they feared not but to carry it on without their friends already in prison about it and to that end upon the 13. of March divtrs persons came post from Salisbury giving an account of the rising of a party of Cavaliers in those parts who came into Salisbury on the Lords day at midnight about 200 in a body the assizes being there held by the Lord chief Justice Rolls and Judge Nicolas where having clapt guards to all the Innes of the Town their insolence transported them so farre as to take away the Judges commissions and having seised on all their horses left them and marcht away towards Poole being headed by one Wagstaffe Penruddock and Jones Captains in the late Kings Army and further to shew the condition of this frantick generation at the same time another party of them endeavoured the surprizall of the Town and Castle of Shrewsbury Shrewslury surprized but being timely discovered were prevented News was likewise brought of a fresh party risen in Mount Gomeryshire A party risen in Mountgomery-shire where they were encreased to the number of 800 acting both publickly and considently A messenger came also out of Nottingham-shire And in Nottingham-shire which brought information of a party of 500 Horse that were gotten together in the Forrest of Sherwood in that County having a Carriage laden with Arms with them and being consulting in a by Inne how to manage their businesse a sodain fear taking them they cryed out they were betrayed and so dispersed themselves Letters came likewise from Coll. And in Northumberland Lilburn out of the North certifying that in Northumberland there was another party up but they being betraid by their own fears and jealousies disperst again of themselves And for a finall conclusion of all these risings And in York-shire there was likewise an endeavour in York-shire to form a party many being met for that purpose upon Hesham Moor with an intent to seise York for Charles Stuart they had two Carts full of Armes and Ammunition with them and divers of the Gentry amongst whom was Sir Henry Slaigsby Sir Richard Malleverer but they likewise disperst perceiving no such appearance as they expected Sir Henry Slaigsby was taken Sir Richard Malleverer escaped The like successe of these unfortunate men you may expect in this following relation On the 16 of March 1655 came Letters from Captain Vnton Crook signifying the total defeat of the Cavaliers under the command of Wagstaffe Jones Penruddock and Groves for having persued them out of Wilt-shire into Devonshire Wagstaffe Penrudock routed he having only his own Troop fell into their quarters in a Town called South Molton where after four hours dispute with them he took some 60 prisoners and neer 140 Horse and Arms Wagstaffe escaped Jones Penruddock and Groves he took where having delivered them over to the high Sheriff of the County they were committed to Exon Gaol where having a short time reamained a commission of Oyer and Terminer Are tryed condemned and executed was issued forth for the triall of the Western Cavaliers at Salisbury where 30 were convicted and 14 condemned Penrudock and Groves were two of them for Treason in levying warre and on the 3 of May execution was done upon three of them by name Lacas Thorp and Kensey Lacas was beheaded the other two were hanged News came likewise from Exeter giving information that on the 9 of May execution was done there upon 14 of the condemned persons on the 9 of May Penruddock and Groves had so much favour shewed them as to be beheaded the greatest part of them were reprieved whereof Jones was one by order of his Highnesse Jones repreived And further for the securing of the peace of the Commonwealth it was ordered that divers persons prisoners in the Tower Divers Risers sent to Plantations who were in the last yeers conspiracy against his Highnesse person and most of those in the Gaols of the West who were in the late rebellious Insurrection should be sent away to forreign Plantations Now on the other hand Mr. Copleston knighted as a speciall remark of true valour on the 1 of June Mr. Copleston high Sheriffe of Devonshire was Knighted by his Highnesse for the good service he did in his Country at the time of the late Insurrection his Highnesse likewise gave him the Sword he Knighted him with as a further addition of honour May the 2. 1655. An Ambassador from Spain The Marquesse of Loyd extraordinary Ambassador from his Majesty of Spain arrived at Dover and so coming to Greenwitch was there attended by the Master of the Ceremonies and divers Gentlemen of his Highnesse from thence by water to Tower-wharf where he was met and conducted thence with a stately train of Coaches through the City to Westminster there to receive the usuall entertainment for three dayes after which his Excellency removed to Dorset house in Salisbury Court and on the 8 of May Hath Audience and takes his leave his Highnesse gave publike audience to the Lord Ambassador in the banqueting house and having had severall other audiences and nothing concluded on the 12 of June following he tooke his leave of his Highness where many complements passed between them at the interview The peace as you have heard before being lately concluded with the Dutch Pen's expedition and to the intent that the bulwarks of this Commonwealth should not consume away to no advantage it was therefore resolved for the equipring out of a Fleet which having been at last brought to perfection on the 27. of Decemb. 1654. they set sail from Portsmouth under the command of