Thus farre for the miseries of the Common-wealth now also for the Churches danger and distresse The amazing miseries of the Subjects Consciences also by the intolerable burthen of Popish Ceremonies Romish Innovations and such like other outrages of the Arch-Prelate of Canterbury and his Prelaticall Agents and instruments over the whole Kingdome in matters of religion Divine worship and spirituall cases of Conscience 22. The most palpable and abominable Romish Ceremonies used at the Kings Coronation and insolent and impious false and destructive additions in the Oath administred to the King at his said first Inauguration to the Crown by that most arrogant Arch-Bishop 23. And the manifold other impious impositions in matters of religion divine worship and spirituall cases of Conscience for refusing and opposing of which how was the honest-hearted and tender-conscienced subject grievously oppressed by fines imprisonments stigmatizings mutilations whippings pillories gagges consinements and banishments yea and that into perpetuall close imprisonments in the most desolate remote and as they hoped and intended remorslesse parts of the Kingdome 24. The putting down yea utterly ruinating of that most famous and honourable work that ever this Kingdom saw in a private way for the advancement of Gods glory in the propagation of the Gospel I mean the Feoffâ—es for buying in of Impropriations Noy the then Atturney-Generall openly in Court accusing that blessed work to be a worse plot against the Church he meant the Prelaticall Church sure than the Papists Powder plot 25. The advancing for the most part none to Ecclesiasticall Dignities and Livings but Arminians yea Popish-hearted Pontificians Suspending and silencing with deprivations degradations and excommunications almost all the most pious painfull and Orthodox-learned Pastours over the kingdom whom they could catch in their snares and all this under a pretence of peace unity and conformity in which foresaid cases the High-Commission like the Spanish-Inquisition with its most pragmaticall pranks was all along most intolerable and abominable 26. Printing-Presses set open for the printing and publishing of all sorts of Popish and Arminian tenets but shut up and restrained from Printing sound and Orthodox Doctrines 27. Nay not onely thus lamentably molesting us at home in England but attempting the like on our Brethren of Scotland indevouring to impose upon their consciences also a New Liturgye and a book of Canons upon the first introducing whereof into their Church they not induring them threw stones and stooles at the Arch-Bishop of St Andrews head and beat him out of the Church crying out a Pape a Pape and so rid themselves of them 28. Upon which refusall of theirs O what foule calumnies and scoffes were immediately cast upon them and they called and counted rebels and Traytors yea so proclaimed in all Churches in England 29. An Army was also raised to oppresse and suppresse them for thus resisting the Arch-prelates most injurious impositions on them A mighty and tumultuous rising of Apprentices and young men in Southwarke and Lambeth side with clubs and other weapons especially at the Aâ—ch-bishops house which put him into such a fright as made him fly to Croyden to convey himself to some more private and remote place and although Pharoahs magisians were so honest that at the sight of the dust of the earth turned into lice they cryed out it was the finger of God but he grew more and more outragious and caused one to be hanged and quartered and his head set on London-Bridge 30. Our Brethren of Scotland likewise raising an Army in their own just defence and by force of armes inforcing their own peace 31. A first pacification being then made by the King and some of his Nobility and ratified under hand and Seal twixt them and the Scots yet was it shortly after shamefully violated and broken quite off by the Arch-prelate of Canterbury and the Earle of Straford 4. Parliament 32. A fourth Parliament was thereupon shortly after called again by those complotters meanes but to a very ill intent and another Parliament summoned also at the same time by the Earle of Straford in Ireland both of them onely to levy and procure monies to raise another Army and wage a new Warre against the Scots 33. The Ships and goods of our Brethren of Scotland were in all parts and ports of this kingdom and of Ireland also surprised and seized on for the King their Commissioners denyed audience to make their just defence to the King and the whole kingdome of Scotland and England too hereupon much distracted and distempered with leavying of monies and imprisoning all among us that refused the same 34. This Parliament also refusing to comply with the King Cant and Strafâ—rd in this Episcopall warre against the Scots was soon dissolved and broken up by them and thereupon they returned to their former wayes of waste and confusion and the very next day after the dissolution thereof some eminent members of both Houses had their Chambers and studies yea their cabinets and very pockets of their wearing cloathes betimes in the morning before they were out of their beds searched for letters and writings and some of them also imprisoned and a false and most scandalous declaration was published against the House of Commons in the Kings name 35. A forced Loan of money was attempted in the City of London to be made a president if it prevailed there for the whole kingdom but some Aldermen refusing were foâ—ely threatned and imprisoned 36. In which interim the Clergies Convocation continuing notwithstanding the dissolution of the Parliament new conscience oppressing Canons were forged and a strange Oath with a monstrous c in it was framed for the establishing of the Bishops Hierarchy with severe punishments on the refusers to take it 37. In this Convocation â—ore taxations were also imposed upon the whole Clergie even no lesse than six Subsidies besides a bountifull contribution to forward that intended warre against our brethren of Scotland The Arch-Prelate of St Andrewes in Scotland reading the new Service-booke in his pontificalibus assaulted by men Women with Crickets stooles Stickes and Stones The rising of Prentises and Sea-men on Southwark side to assault the Arch-bishops of Canterburys House at Lambeth 38. For the advancing of which said summes for this warre the popish pontifician party and their scandalous priests were most free and forward yea and a solemn prayer was composed and imposed by the Bishops on their Ministers every where to be used and read in all Churches against the Scots as rebels and traytors 39. The papists also in a high measure enjoyed even almost a totall toleration and a Popes Nuncio suffered among us to act and govern all Romish affaires yea a kinde of a private popish-parliament kept in the kingdom and popish jurisdictions erected among them 40. Commissions were also secretly issued out for some great and eminent papists for martiall Commands for levying of Souldiers and strengthening their party with Armes and Ammunition of all sorts and in
great plenty 41. His Majesties treasure was by these meanes so extreamly exhausted and his revenues so anticipated that he was inforced to compell as it were his own Servants Judges and Officers of all sorts to lend him great summes of money aâ—d prisons filled with refusers of these and the other illegall payments yea many High-Sheriffes summoned into the Starre-chamber and to the Councill-Board and some of them imprisoned for not being quick enough in levying Ship-money and such like intolerable taxations 42. In summe the whole kingdome was now brought into a lamentable and languishing condition of being most miserably bought and sold to any that could give and contribute most of might and malice against us and no hope of humane help but dolour desperation and destruction to be the portion of all 43. In which interim our Brethren of Scotland being entred into our kingdome for their own just defence the King had advanced his Royall-Standard at York where the creame of the kingdome Nobles and Gentry being assembled and a treaty twixt the prime of both Armies had at Rippon for a faire and peaceable accommodation the King was at last inforced to take his Nobles Counsell and in the first place a cessation of Armes agreed on and then this fifth present Parliament the Parliament of Parliaments was necessitously resolved on to begin November 3. 1640. 5 Parliament Anno 1640. Novemb. 3. 44. But behold a desperate plot and design was herein also immediately set on fâ—ot to â—poyle or poyson it in the very Embrio and constitution of it in the first choyce of the Members thereof by Letters from the King Queen malignant and popish Earles Lords Knights and Gentry posted into all parts of the kingdome to make a strâ—ng party for them But by admirable divine providence this their plot was â—ounterplotted and wonderfully frustrated and the Parliament most 〈…〉 and 〈◊〉 45. Shortly after a very formidable Spanish-Fleet or Armadâ— appeared on our Englishâ—â—â—row Seas in fight of Dover and was comming in as was on very stâ—ong grounds more than probably conjectured as a third party to help to destroy 〈…〉 Spaniâ—rds hoping that by this time we and the Scots were together by the â—arâ— but they were by Gods mercy beaten ofâ— from us by our Neighbours of Holland And so in fighting against them we fought against our friends The Souldiers in their passage to York turn reformers pull dowâ— popish pictures break down rayles turn alters into tables and those popish Commanders that were to command them they forced to eat flesh on Fridayes thrusting it down their throats and some they slew 46 In the time of ours and the Scots Armies residing in the North which was in June 1641. the Popish and malignant Lords and Prelates fearing the effects of this present Parliament complotted together to disaffect that our English Army against the Parliament and indevoured to bring it out of the North Southward and so to London to compell the Parliament to such limits and rules at they thought fit The Souldiers in their passage to York turn unto reformers pull down Popish pictures break down rayles turn altars into Tables the English and Scotts Armies at first ready to fight lovingly embrace each other part kinde freinds July 1641. At the beginning of the Parliament there was a diligent inquisition after oppressions and oppressâ—rs and first upon the petition of Mistris Bastwick and Mistris Burâ—on two widdowed wives and a petition exhibited in the behalf of Mr. Prynn Dr. Laighton Mr. Smarâ— Mr. Walker Mr. Foxley Mr. Lilborn and many others set at liberty some being banished and all close prisoners others fast fettered in irons and their wives debarred from comming to them The Protestation We the Knights Citizens and Burgesses of the Commons House in Parliament finding to the great griefe of our hearts that the designes of the Priests and Jesuites and other adherents to the See of Rome have of lâ—te been more boldly and frequently put in practise than formerly to the undermining and danger of the ruine of the tâ—ue reformed Protestâ—nt religion in his Mâ—jestiâ—s Dominions established And finding also that there have been and having just cause to suspâ—â—â— that there still 〈◊〉 even during this sitting in parliament indevours to subvert the fundamentall Laws of England and Ireland and to introduce the exercise of an Arbitrary and Tyrannicall Government by most pernicious and wicked Councels practises ploâ—â— and conspiracies And that the long intermission and unhappy breach of Parliaments hath occasioned many illegall Taxations whereupon the Subject hath been prosecuted and grieved And that divers â—nnovations and Superstitionâ— have been brought into the Church multitudes driven â—ut of his Majesties Dominions jealousies raised and fâ—â—ented betwixt the King and his people a popish Army levyed in Ireland and two â—rmies brought into the bowels of this Kingdome to the hazzard of his Majesties royall person the consumpâ—ion of the Revenues of the Crown and Treasure of this Kingdom And lastly finding great cause of jealousie that indevours have been and aâ—cused to bring the English Army into a misunderstanding of this Parliament thereby to incline that Army with force to bring to passe those wicked Councels Have therefore thought good to joyn our selves in a Declaration of our united affections and resolutions and to make this ensuing Protestation â—A B. doâ— in the presence of Almighty God promise Vow and protest to maintain and defend as far as lawfully I may with my life power and estaâ—e the true reformed protestant Religion â—â—â—ressed in the Doctrine of the Church of England against all popery and popish Innovations within this Realm contrary to the same â—octrine and 〈…〉 duty of my Allegiance his Majesties royall Peâ—son Hoâ—our 〈…〉 also the power and priviledges of Parliament 〈…〉 the Subject and every person that maketh this Protestation â—n 〈◊〉 he shall doe in the lawfull 〈◊〉 of the saâ—◠〈◊〉 to my power and 〈…〉 as lawfully I 〈◊〉 I will 〈◊〉 and by all good wayâ—◠〈…〉 to bring 〈…〉 punishment all such as shall either by 〈◊〉 practise Councels pioâ—â— conspiracies or otherwise do any thing to the contrary of any thing in this present protestation contained And further that I shall 〈◊〉 all just and Honourable wayes indevour to preserve the 〈◊〉 and peace between the three Kingdoms of England Scotland and Ireland and neither for hope fear nor other respect shall relinquish this promise Vow and protestation The Earl of Straffords Speech on the Scaffold The Ministers and people solemnly take the Protestation in all Churches over the Kingdome Mr. Burton Dr. Bastwick Mr: Prinne triumphantly from perpetuall captivity those 3 famous Wittnesses of Truth return home to London attended with thousands of horse and foot My Lord I professe my self a true and obedient Son to the Church of England to that Church wherein I was born and wherein I was bred prosperity and happinesse be ever to it and whereas it hath been said that I
A Sight of ye Trans-actions of these latter yeares Emblemized with engrauen plats which men may read with out spectacles Are to be sould by Thomas Ienner in his shop at the old Exhange TIME In a litle wrath I hid my face froÌ„ the for a moment but with everlasting kindnâ—es will i haue mercy on thee saith the Lord thy redeemer Isaiah 54. â— TRVTH I will mention the Loving kindnesses of the Lord and the praises of the Lord according to all that the Lord hath bestoued on us and the great goodnesse towards the house of Israell which hee hath bestowed on them according to his 〈◊〉 and according to the multitude of his Louing kindnesses And the fifth Angel poured out his viall upon the seat of the 〈◊〉 and his kingdom was full of darknesse and they gnawed their tongues for pain and blasphemed the God of 〈◊〉 〈…〉 To the READER THou hast here friendly Reader a resolution to that riddle which hath so puzzelled and amazed the whole Kingdome betweene the main parties thereof Parliamentarians and Royalists namely who hath been the cause or what hath been the main spur or spring of all the late and lamentable destractions and distresses of the three Kingdomes England Scotland and Ireland these five or six years past even the very same efficient and instrumentall cause that was of Israels sore plague and punishment 2 Sam. 24. Israel had sinned and provoked the Lord to anger and God suffered Satan to provoke their King to sin grievously against God So England had grievously sinned and Gods wrath was thereby kindled and therefore God suffered their King and his prelaticall papisticall and malignant Subjects soundly to whip and scourge England even to the fetching of blood out of its â—oynes and sides And here 's I say the riddle clearly resolved All this Truth being in this little Emblematicall Treatise lively set forth and illustrated with neat and pertinent pictures and figures for the better affecting of the sight and sense of the Readers therof and especially for the full making out of the truth of what is therein delivered viz That the King and his unhappy and unholy atheisticall instruments have been the main moving cause next I say to our sins of all the mischieves and miseries which we have all felt and found in this distressed Kingdome onely or mainly I say for the driving on of that cruell and accursed designe of bringing in an Arbitrary-Government upon this Free-born Nation to the utter ruine and overthrow of their most precious Religion and Liberties as thou shalt easily and clearely see and discover in this following Treatise and Relation A Sight of the Trans-actions of these latter yeares Emblemized with Ingraven Plates which men may Read without Spectacles 1 Parliament 1. IN the first year of King Charles his Reign a Parliament being called at Oxford two subsidies were granted no grievances removed but the said Parliament soon dissolved 2. The sad effects which the dissolution of this Parliament produced were the losse of Rochell by the unhappy help of Englands Ships 3. The diversion of a most facile and hopefull warre from the West-Indies to a most expensive and successelesse attempt on Cales 4. The bloody and unblessed attempt on the Isle of Ree and thereby a precipitate breach of peace with France to our great losse 5. A peace concluded with Spain without consent of a Parliament contrary to a promise formerly made to the Kingdome by King James a little before his death whereby the Cause of the Palatinate was altogether most shamefully deserted by us 6. The Kingdom suddenly billetted with Souldiers and a concomitant project set on foot for Germane Horses to enforce men by fear to fall before arbitrary and tyrannicall taxations continually to be laid upon them 2. Parliament 7. The dissolution of a second Parliament at Westminster in the second year after a declarative grant of no lesse than five Subsidies and the said issues that flowed on the Kingdome thereupon 8. As first the violent exacting from the people of that mighty summe of the five Subsidies or a summe equall to it by a Commission for a Royall-Loan as it was called 9. Many worthy Gentlemen imprisoned and vexed that refused to pay it 10. Great summes of money extorted from Subjects by Privy Seals and Excises 11. The most hopefull Petition of Right blasted in the very blossome of it 3 Parliament 12. A third Parliament called and quickly broken in the fourteenth year of the King and therein Parliamentary priviledges extreamly violated by after ill-usage of some of the best and worthiest Members thereof who were clapt up close prisoners denied all ordinary and extraordinary comforts of life and preservation of health which might have proved perpetuall to them had not a fourth Parliament which afterward happened necessitated their relief and release 13. And this third Parliament thus dissolved O the miserable effects that followed thereon also 14. Scandalous and opprobrious Declarations published to asperse and besmear the proceedings of this last Parliament and some of the best Members thereof yea Proclamations set out to those effects thereby extreamely to dis-hearten the Subjects yea and plainly forbidding them once to name a Parliament or to desire them any more 15. Whence immediately gushed out this damme of Parliaments thus being broken down the violent inundations even to a deluge of miseries of mighty summes of money got by that strange and straining project of Knight-hood yet under a faire colour and pretence of Law for it and for all the rest that followed 16. As the most burthensom Book of Rates the most heavy and unheard of till then taxation of Ship-money the enlargement of Forrests contrary to Magna Charta the injurious exaction of Coat and Conduct money the forcible taking away of the Train'd-Bands Armes the desperate design of engrosing Gunpowder into their hands and keeping it fast from the Subject in the Tower of London not to be had thence but at most excessive rates 17. The destruction of the Forrest of Dean that most famous Magazine and Timber-store-house of the whole Kingdome which was sold to Papists 18. The monstrous Monopolies of Sope Salt Wine Leather and Seacoal yea almost of all things in the Kingdome of most necessary and common use 19. Restraint of Subjects Liberties in their Trades and Habitations for refusall of which foresaid heavy pressures many were vext with long and languishing suites some fined and confined to prisons to the losse of health in many of life in some Some having their houses broke open their goods seized on their studies or closets searched for writings books and papers to undoe them Some interrupted also in their Sea-Voyages and their ships taken from them in an hostile manner by projectors as by pirates or common Enemies 20. The crushing cruelties of the Star Chamber-Court and Council Table in those dayes chiefly for the fomenting and increasing of most exorbitant taxations pressures and unjust suites against the Subject 21.
least to obstruct and retard their then most weighty and great affaires in Church and State 52. The Bishops also themselves had a pestilent plot about this time to subvert and overthrow the Parliament by endevouring to get the King to protest against their proceedings in it But twelve of them were thereupon presently impeached of high treason and â—en of them imprisoned in the Towre of London and afterward they were all disabled from ever â—itting again in the Parliament Bishops Voted down root and branch Nullo contradiscente insomuch that the Citizens of London the same night made bonfires and had ringing of bels And for the better securing the City within as well as without the Parliament published an Ordinance thereby injoyning all Popish Recusants inhabiting in and about the City all disaffected persons and such as being able men would not lend any money for the defence of the Commonwealth should forthwith conâ—ine themselves to their own houses and not to goe 〈◊〉 without speciall licence as they would answer it at their 〈◊〉 to the Parliament Another Ordinance was sent to the Lord mayor by which the Trained Bands were authorised to apprehend many of the prime and richest malignants disâ—affected persons in the City whereof were foure Aldermen put in safe custody in Crosby house and some in Gressan Colledge The Bishops imprisoned in the Towre of London for protesting against the Parliament Popish Recusants disarmed for the greate security of the kingdome 53. About which time a most wicked fellow sent to Mr. John Pyâ—â— a most pious Patriot of his Country and then a most eminent member of the House of Commons a most reviling Letter therein calling him traytor and in the said Letter inclosed a plague-sore plaister thinking thereby to have destroyed him But God mightily preserved him from the infection of it 54. After this the King himself being guarded with about 500 armed ruffiâ—nly desperate Cavaliers or Souldiers violently rushed into the House of Commons accused five of their most eminent and pious members of treason demanded their persons to be delivered up unto him intending to destroy all that resisted him therein but this plot was blessedly crost by the happy absence of the Gentlemen this plot was attempted Jan. 4. 1641. Anno 1642. 55. After this one Binion a Silkman of London and the Kentish Malignants wherin Sir Edward Deering had a principall hand framed dangerous and destructive petitions against the proceedings of the Parliament but were both most justly rejected and themselves fined and imprisoned for them 56. Immediately after this things grew still worse and worse among the malignants the King himself in unjust discontent by the desperate and wicked counsell of that pernicious Cataline the young Lord Digby forsakes the Parliament and getting the Prince to him leaves London and presently posts into the North and there attempts to get Hull into his hands but was happily prevented and bravely opposed by Sir John Hotham then in that time of his outward and seeming fidelity 57. The King beingâ— at York interdicts the Militia then set on foot by the Parliament for their just safety and defence endevouring to remove the Term from the City of London but in both is opposed by the Parliament 58. The Lords and Gentry of Ireland and of Scotland too petition the King to return to his Parliament yea and the Gentry and Commons of Yorkeshire do the like but are all rejected 59. The King set on foot a most illegall Commission of Array to clash against the Parliaments Militia which occasioned much mischief and misery over the whole kingdom but the Parliaments Militia prevailed in most places and parts of the land 60. Three letters were intercepted discovering a most desperate plot against the Parliament by the Roâ—â—lists Commissary Wilmot Digbie Jermine â—rofts and others which by Gods mercy failed them and came to nothing but we in taking some of their ships were advantaged thereby 61. Sir Richard Gurney then Lord Mayâ—r of the City of London proving a desperate malignant and Array man was crost in his desires and clapt up prisoner in the Tower of London by the power of the Parliament 62. 〈…〉 and Declaâ—â—â—â—â—â— against the Parliaments proceedings were Printed and published and commanded to be read in al the Churches and Chappels over the whole kingdom within the Kings power 63. Sir John Penington a brave Sea-man but a desperate malignant was constituted Admirall of the Seas for the Kings service but displaced and dispossessed thereof by the Parliament and the most noble and loyall Earl of Warwick notwithstanding the Kings Letter and command to interdict him therein and to give way to Penington being put in by the power and authority of the Parliament and possessed of the Ships most happily and honourably kept and continued in the place and office for the Parliaments service a Letter sent to Mr Pym Mr. Pym doe not think that a guard of men can protect you if you persist in your traiterous Courses and wiked designes I haue sent a Paper-mâ—ssenger to you and if this does not touch your heart a dagger shall so soon as I am recouered of my plague-sore In the meane time you may be forborn because no better man may be endanâ—gered for you Repent Traitor Colonell Lunfford assaulting the Londonens at Westminster Hall with a great rout of ruffinly Cavaleires The Citizens â—f London voluntarily profâ—ered their service to attend and guard the Parliament by Lan to Westminster to secure them from danger By Water also the stout Shipmasters and mariners likewise made ready a great number of longâ—Boats furnished with Ordnance muskets and other Sea-like warlike instruments their vessels also gallantly adorned with flagges and Sâ—râ—mers together with martiall musick Drums and Trumpets so as it was a rare sight and when they came to White Hall and understood that the Parliament Worâ—hies were safely arrived the Trained Bands by Land and the valiament Seamen by Water let fly their thundering shot both small and great their Trumpets sounding and their Drums beating in a triumphing and congratulating manner a singular testimony of their cordiall affections The very same day a numerous company of Buckinghamshire men both Gentlemen Ministers and others of that Country on horseback with their Protestations in their hats partly in behalf of their Knight of the shire but especially to petition the Parliament for Reformation of evills in Church and State and to assure their best services and assistance to the Parliament on all just occasions and out of Essex Hartford Barkeshire Surrey and other Counties of the Kingdom came one after another 65. The most noble and right honourable Earle of Essex was ordained Lord Generall over all the Parliaments Forces for the preservation of the kingdom which he famously and faithfully managed and marshalled as especially Edge-hill and Newbery and other places can abundantly witnesse 66. A plot to have blown up all the Lord Generalls Magazine of powder and another at Beverley
in Yorkeshire to have slain Sir John Hotham both intended by one David Alexander and hired thereunto but both by Gods providence timely prevented 67. Commissions granted to popish Recusants to levy men and armes against the Parliament but the Parlia published a Declaration or Protestation to the whole world of their just proceedings therein 68. The King received the most bloody Irish rebels petition and permitted their persons with great favour and allowance about him calling and counting them good Catholick Subjects but utterly rejecting the Parliaments petition exhibited by the Lord Generall desiring peace and reconciliation with him 69. A Treaty of peace was really intended by the Parliament but meerly pretended and fraudulently for a while transacted by the Royalists in which interim that most bloody bickering at â—rainfâ—â—d was most treacherously committed by the Kings party and a most wicked piece of villany câ—â—yed on therein but though with much losse on both sides but especially on theirs by Gods great mercy the mischiefe prevented and the City of London mightily preserved 70. A dangerous plot against the kingdom â—n new High-Sheriffes for the better collecting of the 400000 〈◊〉 Subsidies intended to have been confirmed to the King in a former Parliament but that plot 〈◊〉 by the Parliament providence and an Ordinance of Parliament set on foot for the successefull Association of Counties for mutuall defence one of another against regall injurious taxations and oppressions on them 71. A wicked design of the Royalists at Oxford and elsewhere to proceed against the Parliaments prisoners as traytors and so to put them to death by which Dr. Bastwick and Captain Lilburn were to have been tryed for their lives but prevented by an Ordinance of Parliament for execution of a Leâ— Taâ—â—onis and so of executing the Royall prisoners among us The Citie Trained Bands and the brave Sea-men with Barges and Long-boates adorn'd with streamers drums trumpets and furnisht with Ship-guns other Warrlike instruments guard the Lords Commons safely to Parl by land Water The Countie of Buckingham Cometh to London the very same day of the Lords ComÌ„ons so guarded with their Petition to the Parl Carrying the Protestation on their slaves on horseback and the Counties of Essex Hertford Barkshire Surrey others followed them in like maner shortly after Anno 1643. 72. A notable plot against the City of London immediately upon the Cities prefeâ—â—ing a petition to the King by the hands of two trusty Aldermen and foure Commoners of the said City in reply to which petition the King sending as his messenger one Captain Hern to the City and the whole body of the City assembling at a Common Hall this Hern desires Faire-play above-board of them But the businesse being found to be a notable design of the malignant-Citizens against the Parliament and the then Lord Mayor of London and the Government of their City the honest and farre major party cry out in the hearing of Hern they would live and dye with the Parliament and so sent Hern away with a flea in his care 73. Another plot immediately after contrivedat Oxford by a Letter sent to all the Freemen Journeymen and Apprentices of the said City to assemble at their severall Halls and there the Masters and Wardens of all Companies to read the Kings Letter to them and to perswade them to yeeld to all the Kings comemands against the Parliament and City but this letter was nipt and crost also in the neck and nick of it and voted by the Parliament to be evill and scandalous 74. A plot also to betray Bristol into the Royalists hands by one Yeomans and Bowchâ—r and divers other their associates but by Gods mercy the plot being timely discovered and the danger avoyded those two principall conspirators were by Martiall Law condemned and hanged and so the plot utterly frustrated 75. Cheapeside crosse Charing-crosse and all other crosses in and about London utterly demolished and pulled down and that abominable and blasphemous book of tolerating sports and pastimes on the Lords daies voted to be burnt and shortly after accordingly burnt together with many crucifixes and popish trinckets and trurnperies in the very same place where Cheapeside-crosse stood 76. M. Prynne sent by the Parliament to the Towre of London to search the Arch prelate of Canterburies chamber and Study there where he was prisoner who accordingly searching his Study and his pockets of his wearing cloathes a just requitall of his dealing with Mr. Prynne and others found the originall Scotch Service-book with the Archâ—Bishops owne hand-writings in it the cause of all the Scots warres and his Diary Devotions and discoveries under his own hands of matters of high concernment 77. The City of London to have been betrayed into the hands of the Royalists under a pretence of a petition for peace plotted by Mr. Waller a member of the House of Commons M. Tompkins Mr. Challenor and others and this wicked plot teâ—med by King Charles in his letter to the Queen one of his Fine Designes But God manifested thâ—â— to be wicked and accursed Designes and Waller onâ— of the prime complotters was by the sentence of the Parliament fined 10000 livre. in his estate and sent out of the kingdom into perpetuall banishment and Tompkins and Challenor hanged in London 78. The breaking out of Sir John Hothams rotten-heart and infidelity to the Parliament in his intended and 〈◊〉 plâ—t for the betraying of that mighty strong Town of Hull into the Queens hands which treachery was plotted and contrived between Sir John the father Captain Hotham his son and Sir Edward Roades and began to be suspected by Sir John Hothams deserting of the most noble Lord Fairfax by an intercepeed letter of the Queens to the King and divers other sumptomes of it but especially by Captain Moyers letter to Mr. Ripley and Mr. Ripley's faithfull acquainting the Mayor of Hull therewith and their first seizing on the Block-houses Castles and Commanders of them and at length their apprehending of the persons of Sir John Hotham and Sir Edward Roads for which treachery Sir John Hotham and Captain Hotham his Son was also apprehended and both of theâ—â— beheaded at the Tower of London The 2 of May 1643. ye Crosse in Cheapeside was pulled downe a Troope of Horse 2 Companies of foote wayted to garde it at ye fall of ye tope Crosse drumÌ„es beat truÌ„pets blew multitudes of Capes wayre throwne in ye Ayre a greate Shoute of People with ioy ye 2 of May the Almanake sayeth was ye invention of the Crosse 6 day at night was the Leaden Popes burnt in the place where it stood with ringinge of Bells a greate Acclamation no hurt done in all these actions 10 of May the Boocke of Sportes vpon the Lords day was burnt by the Kingman in the place where the Crosse sâ—â—ode at exhange Die Merturii May 10. 1643. By vertue of an Order of the House of
with brotherly love and charity that there may not be this effusion of Christian blood amongst them for Jesus Christ his sale if it be thy will And when he said Lord receive my soule which was his sign the Executioner did his office 84. A desperate plot of the Royalists to starve up the City of London by breaking into Surrey Sussex Kent and the other associated Counties but disappointed by the Parliaments Victories at Aultâ—n and Alsâ—â—rd fought by Sir Will Waller with the help of the City of Londons regiments and the Royalists plots to hinder our brethren of Scotâ—â— comming in to our help by letters and Embassadors sent from France and messengers from King Charles to inveagle them to keep from us but all in vain by Gods good providence and mercy to us 85. The King granâ—â—d a cessation of arms with the bloody rebels of Ireland and afterward justified it by a Declaration of his printed and published at Oxford but it was remarkably observed that he never prospered in any of his great designs after that 86. A Solemn League and Covenant taken by the Lords and Commons in Parliament and by the City of London and all parts of the kingdom in the Parliaments power for a pure reformation of Religion and Church-Government and a mutuall defence betwixt us and our brethren of Scotland 87. A notable plot by the Royalists to have Nottingham town Castle betrayed unto them the Officers therein being proffered above 10000 livre. to consent to it but prevented by Gods mercy in the fidelity of Colonell Hutchinson who was then the Governour thereof 88. A Generall plot against the Protestant Religion over all Christendom and the Danes and Hollâ—ndeâ—â— also but God wrought a mighty overture therein by the sudden breaking out of the Danes plot against the Swedes and their over-running almost all Dâ—nmark thereupon 89. A desperate plot against the City of London under a pretence of petitioning for peace acted by Sir 〈◊〉 Brook Colonell Read and one Mr. Riley Vilet 2 Citizens of London 〈…〉 but by Gods providence discovered and prevented 1645. 90. Two 〈…〉 the betraying of Milsbury into the Royalists hands and another against 〈…〉 all then by Gods mercy timely discovered also and prevented 91. One Mr. Edward Sâ—â—nford a Papist plotted with Captain Backhouse a Capt. of Horse under Colonell Massâ—e for the beâ—â—aying of the City of Gloucester into the Enemies hands and prâ—ffered 5000 livre. for a reward thereof 200 li whereof was paid in hand to the said Captain but by Gods providence the plot frustrated and Gloucester safely preserved 92. Englands great wonder to Gods glory there being about May 30. 1644. six brave armies in the kingdome on the Parliaments side and other forces for defence of the City of London besides 93. A plot to have betrayed our whole Army in Cornwall in the VVest but by Gods blessing most of the Souldiers lives were preserved though with the losse of our Artillery 94. Sir Alexander Carew Sir John Hotham Captain Hotham and the Arch-prelate of Canterbury beheaded on Tower-Hill for treason against the Parliament 95. A peace onely pretended by the royalists at Uxbridge and a treacherous petition framed by the malignants of Buckingham shire wherein one Sir John Lawrence of that County was a great stickler but the mischief of both was frustrated 96. A desperate assault on Melcomb-Regis to have betrayed it into the royalists hands wherein divers of the malignant Townsmen had a principall hand and Colonell Goring and Sir Lewis Dives were agents therein but by Gods blessing the plot was frustrated the Town and Forts recovered and two ships with rich prize from Rhoan in France were seized on to make amends for their trouble 1645. 97. Divers Earles and Lords forsook Oxford and came in and submitted themselves to the Parliament 98. A desperate plot in the West against the Parliament by the Clubmen but by Gods providence turned to the Enemies greatest hurt in the issue 99. A devillish sudden plot upon Scotland which was almost over run by traiterous Montrosse but as suddenly recovered again by Gods blessing on Generall David Lesley and Montrosse discomfitted and beaten away into the mountaines 1646. 100. A Discovery of grosse impiety in the Oxonians pretending a desired treaty with the Parliament for a wel-grounded peace and yet at that time the Earl of Glamorgan had a Commission to the ruine of all the protestants in Ireland and so consequently of us in England also 101. The great Seale broken before the Lords and Commons on Tuesday the 11 of August 1646. The Speech of the Lord Loutheâ— Chancellour of Scotland to the King at Newcastle July 1646. YOur Majesty was pleased on Monday last to call the Lords of Your Councell and Committee to acquaint them with the Propositions and told them before you would deliver Your Answer You would make the same known to them The time assigned to the Commissioners stay is so short and the consequence of your Majesties Answer of so great importance either for the perservation or ruine of Your Crowne and Kingdomes as we could not be answerable to God nor to that Trust reposed in us unlesse we represent to your Majesty how necessary it is that your Maiesty assent to the Propositions as the condition of affaires now standin so great extremity and that the danger and losse of your refusall will be remedilesse and bring on a suddaine ruine and destruction I shall begin first with the last which is the danger and shall next speake a word of the remedy The differences betwixt your Majesty and your Parliament which no man knoweth better than your Majesties selfe are growne to such a height that after many bloudy battels the Parliament having your Majesty all the Forts Garrâ—â—oâ—s and strong holds in their hands having your Majesties Revenue Excise Assessements Sequestrations and the Authority to raise all the men and money in the Kingdome and having after many victories and great successes a strong Army on Foot are now in such a posture for strength and power they are in a capacity to doe what they will both in Church and State And some are so afraid and others so unwilling to submit themselves to your Majesties Government that they desire not you nor any of your Race longer to reigne over them But the people are so wearie of the Warre and great burthens they doe groane under are so loath to have Monarchicall Government destroyed that they are not attempt to cast it totally off till once they send Propositions of Peace to your Majesty least the people without whose concurrence they are not able to carry on their design should fall from them but after so great Warre and trouble that they may have a perfect security from opposition and Arbitrary power they have resolved upon the Propositions which are tendred to your Majesty as that without which the Kingdome and your people cannot be in safety and that there cannot be a