47 For the advancing of which designe the Earle of Straford then prisoner in the Tower attempted an escape with Sir William Belfore then Leiutenant of the Tower promising and assuring him twenty thousand pound and the marriage of his daughter to Sir Williams Son if he would but consent unto and assist his escape but Sir William hated such bribes and so the neck of all that plot was broken 48 Then they attempted by foule and false scandals on the Parliament to intice the Army of the Scots then still in the North to a newtrality and to sit still whiles our English Army acted the farther designes hatched and hammered still in their heads and hearts but this plot prevailed not neither Anno 1641. Octob. 23. 49 About this time that inhumane bloody rebellion and monstrous massacring of almost 200000 innocent English Protestants men women and children brake out in Ireland namely about October 23. 1641. These accursed Rebels having had their principal encouragements and Commissions to authorize them in that horrid and hideous rebellion from the Court of England and of purpose to have made England the chiefe seat of the war and all the papists prelates and malignants utmost wrath and rage 50 For the still effecting of this designe the malignant party in private much prevailing still the designe now went on chiefly against the City of London for which purpose the Leivtenant of the Tower Sir William Belfore was for his loyalty displaced by the King from his Leivtenantship and popish Lord Cottington made Constable of the Tower but his dangerous designes being soone discovered he was as soone displaced and Collonell Lunsford was made Leivtenant of the Tower But he also by the Parliaments petition and importunity to the King was displaced and Sir John Byron a desperate malignant who afterward proved the most bloody Lord Byron in Cheshire was made Leivtenant of the Tower in Lunsfords stead but he also on many just jealousies being petitioned against was at length with much adoe removed and put out thence and Sir John Coyners by the power of the parliament was put in his place To the KINGS most excellent Majesty and the LORDS and PEERS now assembled in PARLIAMENT The humble Petition and Protestation of all the Bishops and prelates now called by His Majesties Writs to attend the Parliament and present about London and Westminster for that Service THat whereas the Petitioners are called up by severall and respective Writs and under great penalties to attend the Parliament and have a clear and indubitable right to vote in Bils and other matters whatsoever debatable in Parliament by the ancient customes Laws and Statutes of this Realm and ought to be protected by your Majesty quietly to attend and prosecute that great Service They humbly remonstrate and protest before God your Majesty and the Noble Lords and Peeres now assembled in Parliament that as they have an indubitate right to sit and Vote in the House of Lords so are they if they may be protected from force and violence most ready and willing to performe their duties accordingly And that they doe abhominate all actions or opinions tending to popery and the maintainance thereof as also all propension and inclination to any malignant party or any other side or party whatsoever to the which their own reasons and conscience shall not move them to adhere But whereas they have beene at severall times violently menaced affronted and assaulted by multitudes of people in their comming to perform their services in that honourable House and lately chased away and put in danger of their lives and can finde no redresse or protection upon sundry complaints made to both Houses in these particulars They likewise humbly protest before your maiesty and the Noble House of peers that saving unto themselves all their rights and interests of sitting and voting in that House at other times they dare not sit or vote in the House of peers untill your Maiesty shall further secure them from all affronts indignities and dangers in the premises Lastly whereas their feares are not built upon phantasies and conceits but upon such grounds and objects as may well terrifie men of good resolutions and much constancy They doe in all duty and humility protest before your majesty and the peers of that most honourable House of parliament against all Laws Orders Votes resolutions and determinations as in themselves null and of none effect which in their absence since the 27. of this instant month of December 1641 have already passed as likewise against all such as shall hereafter passe in that most Honourable House during the time of this their forced and violent absence from the said most The High Commission-Court and Starr-Chamber voted down and pluralities non residencies damned by Parliament Honourable House not denying but if their absenting of themselves were wilfull and voluntary that most Honourable House might proceed in all their premises their absence or this protestation notwithstanding And humbly beseeching your most Excellent maiesty to command the Clerke of that House of peers to enter this their petition and protestation among their Records They will ever pray to God to blesse c. Jo. Eborac Tho. Duresme Rob. Co Lich. Jos. Norw. Jo. Asa. Guli Ba. Wells Gco. Heref. Rob. Oxon. Ma. Ely Golfr Glouc. Jo. Peterburg Morris Landaff 52 The Bishops also had a pestilent plot about this time to subvert and overthrow the Parliament by indeavouring to get the King to protest against their proceedings in it But twelve of them were thereupon presently impeached of high treason and ten of them imprisoned in the Towre of London and afterward they were all disabled from ever sitting againe in the Parliament Bishops Voted downe root and branch Nullo contradicente 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 forth with confine themselves to their owne houses and not to go forth without speciall licence as they would answer it at their perills to the Parliament Another Ordinance was sent to the Lord Major by which the Trained Bands were authorised to apprehend many of the prime and richest malignants disaffected affected persons in the City whereof were fourâ— Alderman put in safe custody in Crosby house and some in Gressam Colledge 53. About which time a Letter was sent to Mr. John Pym 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 himselfe being guarded with about 500. armed ruffianly desperate Cavaliers
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 endangered for you Repent Traitor Anno 1643. 72. A notable plot against the City of London imediately upon the Cities preferring a petition to the King by the hands of two Aldermen and foure Commoners of the said City in reply to which petition the King sending as his messenger one Captaine Hâ—rn 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 designe of the malignant-Citizens against the Parliament and the then Lord Major of London and the Government of their City the major 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 contrived at Oxford by a Letter sent to all the Freemen Iourneymen and Apprentices of the said City to assemble at their severall Hills 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 commands against the City but this Letter was crost in the necke and nicke of it and voted to be evill and scandalous 74. A plot also to betray Bristol into the Royalists hands by one Yeomans and Bowcher and divers other their associates but discovered two principall conspirators were by Martiall Law condemned and hanged 75. Cheapside-crosse Charing crosse and all other Crosses in and about London utterly demolished and pulled downe and that abominable and blasphemous booke of tolerating sports and pastimes on the Lords dayes voted to be burnt and shortly after accordingly burnt together with many Crucifixes and popish trinckets and trumperies in the very same place where Cheapside-crosse stood and at the Exchange 76. Mr. Pryn 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 cloaths a just requitall of his dealing with Mr. Pryn and others found the originall Scotch Service booke with the Arch-bishops owne hand-writings in it the cause of all the Scots wars 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 M. Challenor and others and this plot termed by King Charles in his Letter to the Queen one of his Fine Designes But Waller one of the prime complotters was by the sentence of the Parliament fined 10000 l. in his estate and sent out of the Kingdome into perpetuall banishment and Tompkins and Challenor hanged in London 78. The breaking of Sir John Hothams rotten heart and infidelity to the Parliament in his attempted plot 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 Captaine Hotham his son and Sir Edward Roades and began to be suspected by Sir John Hothams deserting of the noble Lord Fairfax by an intercepted letter of the Queens to the King and divers other sumptomes of it but especially by Captaine Moyers letter to Mr. Ripley and Mr. Ripley's faithfull acquainting the Major 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 Roades for which treachery Sir John Hotham and Captaine Hotham his Son was also apprehended and both of them beheaded at the Tower of London The 2 of May 1643. the Crosse in Cheapeside was pulled downe a Troope of Horse 2 Companies of foote wayted to garde it at the fall of the tope Crosse dromÌ„es beat truÌ„pets blew multitudes of Capes wayre throwne in the Ayre a greate Shoute of People with ioy the 2 of May the Almanake sayeth was the 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 Boncke of Sports upon the Lords day was burut by the Hangman in the place where the Crosse stoode at Exchange Die Mercurij May 10. 1643 By vertue of an Order of the House of Commons and agreeable to a Bill passed by both Houses of parliament for suppressing of divers innovations in Churches and Chappels this Committee doth require you and every of you to take away and demolish every Alter or Table of Stone within your Church or Chappell and to remove the Communion Table from the East end of the said Church or Chappell and to place the same in some other convenient place of the body of the said Church or Chappell and to remove and take away all Tapers Candlesticks and Basons from the Communion Table and to take away and demolish all crucifixes crosses and all Images and pictures of any one or more persons of the Trinity or of the Virgin Mary and this Committee doth further require you to demolish all crucifixes crosses Images or pictures of any one or more persons of the Trinity or of the Virgin Mary upon the outside of your said Church or Chappell or any open place within your parish Whereof you are to give an account to this Committee before the 20 day of this moneth To the Church-Wardens of the parish of c. and every of them 79 A desperate plot for the betraying of the City and Towne of Lincolne by the two Purfries two Captains of Hull who let in 60 Cavaliers by night in disguised habits and who issuing out about 12 of the clocke that night to act their designe where a plain fellow of the Town discharging a peece of Canon upon them slew 10 of them at one shot the rest slaine and taken by the cenâ—inels and Souâ—â—ers of the Towne and so by Gods mercy the City preserved 80 The Queen wrote a dangerous letter to the King to come with all his force to surprize London but by Gods over power wisdome and good providence the King refusing that councell resolved to take Gloucester first which he fiercely assaulted but was as bravely repulsed and by Gods blessing on Major Generâ—l Massies fidelity timely aide comming to relieve the Towne it was admirably freed and by the Lord Generalls Army and the City of London Regiamenâ—â— delivered 81 A desperate rebellion raised by the Kentish malignants but by Gods mercy timely suppressed about Tunbridge by the valour of Collonell Brown and the wel-affected Gentry of the County of Kent 82 A Ship bound from Denmark to the King of about 300 tun richly laden with armes and ammunition another Ship
Waller with the help of the City of Londons Regiments and the Royalists plots to hinder our brethren of Scotlands comming in to our helpe by letters and Embassadors sent from France and messengers from King Charles to inveagle them to help from us but all in vaine by Gods good providence and 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 85 The King granted a cessation of armes with the bloody rebels of Ireland and afterward justified it by a Declaration of his printed and published at Oxford but it was remarkeably 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 Kingdome 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 and Castle betrayed unto them the Officers therein being proffered above 10000 livre. to consent to it but prevented by Colonell Hutchinson who was the Governour thereof 88 A Generall plot against the Protestant Religion over all Christendome and the Danes and Hollanders 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 Denmark thereupon that he could do nothing 89 A desperate plot against the City of London under a pretence of petitioning for peace acted by Sir Basil Brook Colonell Read and one Mr. Ripley Vilet 2 Citizens of London and others but discovered and prevented 1645. 90 Two desperate plots for the betraying of Alsbury into the Royalists hands and another against Southampton but all three timely discovered also and prevented 91 One Mr. Edward Stanford a Papist plotted with Captain Backhouse a Capt. of Horse under Colonell Massie for the betraying of the city of Glocester into the Enemies hands and proffered 5000 livre. for a reward thereof 200 li whereof was paid in hand to the said captaine 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 this Kingdome on the Parl. side and other forces for defence of the city of London besides â—3 A plot to have betrayed our whole Army in Cornwall in the West but by Gods blessing most of the Souldiers lives were preserved though with the losse of our Artillery 95 Sir Alexander Carew Sir John Ho ham 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 mischiefe 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 the plot was frustrated the Towne 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 forsooke 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 againe by Gods blessing on Generall David Lesley and Montrosse discomfited 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 well-grounded peace and yet at that time the Earle 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. Die Sabbati 5. April 1645. Be it Ordained by the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled That all and every person of what degree or quality soever that hath lived or shall live within the Kings Quarters or been aiding assisting or adhering unto the forces raised against the Parliament and hath or shall come to inhabit or reside under the power and protection of the Parliament shall sweare upon the holy Evangelist in manner following The Negative Oath I A. B. Doe swear from my heart that I will not directly nor indirectly adhere unto or willingly assist the King in this Warre or in this Cause against the Parliament nor any Forces raised with the consent of the two Houses of Parliament in this Cause or Warre And I do likewise sweare that my comming and submitting my selfe under the power and protection of the Parliament is without any manner of designe whatsoever to the prejudice of the proceedings of the two Houses of this present Parliament and without the direction privity and advice of the King or any of his Councell or Officers other then what I have now made knowne So helpe me God and the Contents of this Book And it is further Ordained by the authority aforesaid that the Commissioners for keeping of the Great Seale of England for the time being shall have power and are hereby authorised to render and administer the said Oath unto any Peere or Wife or Widow of any Peere so comming to inhabit as abovesaid And it shall be lawfull to and for the Committee of the House of Commons for Examinations the Committee for the Militia in London and all Committees of Parliament in the severall Counties and Cities of the Kingdome to tender and administer the said Oath unto every person so comming to inhabit as abovesaid And if any person not being a Member of or Assistant unto either of the Houses of Parliament shall refuse or neglect to take the said Oath so duly tendered unto him or her as abovesaid the said Commissioners and Committees respectively shall and may commit the same person to some prison there to remaine without Baile or Mainprize untill he shall conforme thereunto Jo. Brown Cler. Parliamentorum 1646. The King escaped out of Oxford in a disguised manner with two onely in his company one of which was Mr. Ashburnham the King and the other Party going for the said Ashburnham's men The King carried a Cloak-bagge or Portmantle behind him like a serving man Ordered that it be declared and it is hereby declared by the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled that what person soever shall harbour or conceale or know of the harbouring or concealing of the Kings person and shall not reveale it immediately to the Speakers of both Houses shall bee proceeded against as a Traytor to the Common-wealth forfeit his whole estate and dye without mercy A Letter from the Commissioners of Scotland
or Souldiers violently rushed into the House of Commons accused five of their most eminent Members of Treason demanded their persons to be delivered up unto him intending to destroy all that resisted him therein but câ—ost by the happy absence of the Gentlemen this plot was attempted Januar. 4. 1641. Anno 1642. 55. After this one Binion a Silkman of London and the Kentish malignants wherein 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 himselfe in unjust discontent by the desperate counsell of 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 being at Yorke interdicts the Militia then set on foot by the Parliament for their iust safety and defence and endeavouring to remove the Terme from the City of London but in both is opposed by the Parliament and the messenger hanged At Ege-hill 16 peeces of CanÌ„on shot against 80 of E of Essex Liffegard not one man hurts those 80 brake in vpon 1600 of the Kings 4 of the ParliaÌ„ Reg ran away 16 troops of Horse so wee wayre 6000 they 18000 yet wee tooke the Standerd Cleste Sr Ed Varney Standerbearer in the head Slew the Lord Lindsey Generall of the Fielde The Queene when shee went ouer beyond Seas one of her Shipes where shee had a greate Tresury Sprung a Leake much was last and Spoyled and when shee returned for England she had a mighty Storme at Sea brake the Mast of van Trumpe-Ship and after 8 dayes boystrus turmoyle she was driueÌ„n backe againe there was broke and last â— Ships of Amunition and they that were driuen bake uere almost starved 59. The King set on foot a most illegall Commission of Array to clash against the parliaments Mili ia which occasioned much mischief and misery over the whole Kingdome 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 royalists Commissary Wilmot Ligby Jermine Crofts 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 Major 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. Proclamations and Declarations against the Parliaments proceedings were Printed and published and commanded to be read in all the Churches and Chappels over the whole Kingdome 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 Earle of Warwicke notwithstanding the Kings Letters and command to interdict him therein and to give way to penington being put in by the power of the parliament and possessed of the Ships kept and continued in the place and office for the parliaments service 64. Hull besieged by the Marquesse of Newcastle for the King and in that interim one Beckwich a knowne papist plotting to have betrayed it by firing it in foure severall places and then assaulting it yet Hull by Gods mighty providence was preserved and the King after much losse of men and money enforced to forsake it The Citizens of London voluntarily proffered their service to attend and guard the parliament by land to Westminster to secure them from danger By Water also the stout Shipmasters and marriners likewise made ready a great number of long-boats furnished with Ordnance muskets and other Sea-like warlike instruments their vessels also gallantly adorned with Flagges and Stremers together with martiall musicke Drums and Trumpets so as it was a rare sight and when they came to White hall and understood that the parliament Worthies were safely arrived the Trained Bands by Land and the valiant Sea-men by Water let flye 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 County on horsebacke with their protestations in their hats partly in behalfe 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 Berkshire Surrey and other Counties of the Kingdome came one after another 65. The Earle of Essex was ordained Lord Generall over all the parliaments Forces for the preservation of the Kingdome which he faithfully managed especially at Edge bill and Newbery and other places can abundantly witnesse 66. A plot to have blowne up all the Lord Generalis Magazine of powder and another at Beverley in Yorkshire to have slaine Sir John Hotham both intended by one David Alexander and hired thereunto but both timely prevented 67. Commissions granted to Popish Recusants to leavy men and armes against the Parliament but the Parliament 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 Catholicke Subjects but utterly rejecting the 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 for a while transacted by the Royalists in which interim that most bloody bickering at Brainford was committed by the Kings party a piece of villany carried 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 Kingdome in new High-Sheriffes for the better collecting of the 400000 li Subsidies intended to have been confirmed to the King in a former Parliament but that plot crost by providence and an Ordinance set on foot for the successefull association of Counties for mutuall defence one of another against regall injurious taxations and oppressions on them 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 have sent a Paper-messenger to you and if this does not touch your heart a
lamentably molested us at home in England but attempted the like on our brethren in Scotland indeavouring to impose upon their consciences also a New Liturgie and a booke 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 immediatly 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 Arch-bishops house which put him into such a fright as made him flye to Croyden to convey himselfe to some more private and remote place and although Pharoahs Magisians were so honest that at the fight 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 owne 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 and burnt by the hangman at the Exchange 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 War against the Scots 33 The Ships and goods of our Brethren of Scotland were in all parts and ports of this Kingdome 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 Canterbury and Straford in this Episcopal war against the Scots was soon dissolved 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 sorely 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 sore taxations were also imposed upon the whole Clergie even no lesse than six Subsidies besides a bountifull contribution to forward that intended war against our brethren of Scotland 38 For the advancing of which said summes for this war 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 amongst us to act and govern all Romish affaires yea a kind 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 and prisons filled with refusers of these and the other illegall payments yea many High-Sheriffes summoned into the Star-chamber and to the Councel-Board and some of them imprisoned for not being quicke enough in levying of 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 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 5. Parliament Anno 1640. Novemb. 3. 44. But behold a desperate plot and designe was herein also immediately set on foot to spoyle 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 strong party for them But by admirable divine providence this their plot was counterplotted and wonderfully frustrated and the Parliament most hopefully congregated and setled 45. Shortly after a very formidable Spanish-Fleet or Armado appeared on our English narrow Seas in sight of Dover and was comming in as was on very strong grounds more than probably conjectured as a third party to help to destroy us the Spaniards hoping that by this time we and the Scots were together by the eares but they were by Gods mercy beaten off from us by our Neighbours of Holland And we fighting against them we fought against our friends The Souldiers in their passage to Yorke turn Reformers pul down Popish pictures breake downe rayles turne altars into tables and those Popish Commanders that were to command them they forced to eat flesh on Fridayes thrusting it downe 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 endeavoured to bring it out of the North Southward and so to London to compell the parliament to such limits and rules as they thought fit July 1641. At the beginning of the parliament there was a diligent inquisition after oppressions and oppressors and first upon the petition of Mistris Bastwick and Mistris Burton two widowed wives and a petition exhibited in the behalfe of Mr. pryn Dr. Laighton Mr. Smart 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 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 The Protestation I A. B. Doe in the presence of Almighty God Promise Vow and Protest to maintaine and defend as far as lawfully I may with my life power and estate the true Reformed Protestant Religion expressed in the Doctrine of the Church of England against all Popery and Popish Innovations within this Realme contrary to the same Doctrine and according to the duty of my Allegiance his Majesties royall Person Honour and Estate as also the power and priviledges of Parliament the lawfull rights and liberties of the Subject and every person that maketh this Protestation in whatsoever he shall doe in the lawfull pursuance of the same And to my power and as farre as lawfully I may I will oppose and by all good wayes and meanes endeavour to bring to condigne punishment all such as shall either by force practice councels plots conspiracies or otherwise doe any thing to the contrary of any thing in this present Protestation contained And further that I shall in all just and honourable wayes endeavour to preserve the union and peace between the three Kingdomes of England Scotland and Ireland and neither for hope feare nor other respect shall relinquish this Promise Vow and Protestation The Earle of Straffords Speech on the Scaffold May 12. 1641. MY Lord Primate of Ireland and my Lords and the rest of these Gentlemen it is a very great comfort to me to have your Lordship by me this day in regard I have been knowne to you a long time I should be glad to obtaine so much silence as to be heard a few words but I doubt I shall not my Lord I come hither by the good will and pleasure of Almighty God to pay the last debt I owe to sinne which is death and by the blessing of that God to rise againe through the merits of Christ Jesus to eternall glory I wish I had beene private that I might have been heard My Lord if I might be so much beholding to you that I might use a few words I should take it for a very great courtesie My Lord I come hither to submit to that judgement which hath past against me I doe it with a very quiet and contented minde I doe freely forgive all the world a forgivenesse that is not spoken from teeth outward as they say but from the heart I speake it in the presence of Almighty God before whom I stand that there is not so much as a displeasing thought in me arising to any creature I thank God I may say truely and my Conscience beares me witnesse that in all my services since I have had the honour to serve his Majesty in any imployment I never had any thing in my heart but the joynt and individuall prosperity of King and people if it have beene my hap to be misconstrued it is the common portion of us all while we are in this life the righteous judgement is hereafter here we are subject to errour and apt to be mis judged one of another there is one thing I desire to cleare my selfe of and I am very confident I speake it with so much clearnesse that I hope I shall have your Christian charity in the beliefe of it I did alwayes ever thinke the Parliaments of England were the happiest Constitutions that any Kingdome or any Nation lived under and under God the meanes of making King and people happy so far have I beene from being against Parliaments for my death I here acquit all the world and pray God heartily to forgive them and in particular My Lord Primate I am very glad that his Majesty is pleased to conceive me not meriting so severe and heavy a punishment as the utmost execution of this sentence I am very glad and infinitely rejoyce in this mercy of his and beseech God to turne it to him and that he may finde mercy when he hath most need of it I wish this Kingdome all the prosperity and happinesse in the world I did it living and now dying it is my wish I doe now professe it from my heart and doe most humbly recommend it unto every man here and wish every man to lay his hand upon his heart and consider seriously whether the beginning of the happinesse of a people should bee written in letters of blood I feare you are in a wrong way and I desire Almighty God that not one drop of my blood may rise up in judgement against you My Lord I professe my selfe a true and obedient Son to the Church of England to that Church wherein I was borne and wherein I was bred prosperity and happinesse , be ever to it and whereas it hath been said that I have inclined to popery if it be an objection worth answering let me say truly that from the time since I was one and twenty yeares of age till this houre now going upon 49. I never had thought in my heart to doubt of the truth of my religion in England and never any had the boldnesse to suggest to me the contrary to the best of my remembrance and so being reconciled to the mercies of Christ Jesus my Saviour into whose bosome I hope shortly to be gathered to those eternall happinesses that shall never have end I desire heartily the forgivenesse of every man both for any rash or unadvised word or deed and desire your prayers And so my Lords farewell farewell all the things of this world Lord strengthen my faith give me confidence and assurance in the merits of Christ Jesus I desire you that you would be The Earle of Strafford for treasonable practises beheaded on the Tower-hill be silent and joyn in prayers with me and I trust in God that we shall all meete and live eternally in heaven there to receive the accomplishment of all happinesse where every teare shall be wiped from our eyes and every sad thought from our hearts And so God blesse this Kingdome and Jesus have mercy upon my Soule Amen
bound from Newcastle to Holland laden with Sea-coale but in the midst thereof was found between 3 or 4000 livre. hid in the coales sent to buy armes for the King a third great Ship called the Fellowship of at least 400 tun carrying 24 peeces of Ordnâ—nce all these â— ships taken by the parliaments ships and made prize of 83 The comming in of our brethren of Scotland with an army of at least 20000 horse and foot invited thereunto by the parl. in the bitter depth of winter when they marched up to the middle in snow and were forced to bring their Artillery over the Ice of the frozen river of Tyne and the Citizens of London lent the Parliament a 100000 li. for the Scots first pay to encourage their advance to helpe us against the Kings forces On Tuesday the 23 of May 1643. The House of Commons diving into the depth and searching to the root of the Kingdomes great and grievous distractions and deepe distempers and finding that all Papists in the Kingdome have for the most part been main and most eminent yea and most virulent actors and abetters of this present most unnaturall warre against the Parliament and that therefore they should be proceeded against as traytors to the State and Kingdome and thereupon also having just cause to search and see into the prime and principall head or leader of that perfideous faction fell necessirily 23 May 1643. Voted that the Queene Pawning the Iewells of the Crowne in Holland there with buying Armes to assist the Warr against the Parlamt her owne actuall performances with her popish army in the North was high Treason transmited to the Lords images Crucifixes papistorall bookes in Somerset and Jameses ware burnt and Caphuchin friers sent away May 1643 an ordinance for the makeing of Fortes Tronches and Bull workes about the Cittie Iuly-1-43 the Assembly of Diuines mett Dr. Jwiss Prolocutor 120 the totall May â—â— Challen or and Tomkins were hangd for seekeing to betray the Cittie into a long and serious debate touching the proceedings of the Queen in her late being in Holland and since her late coming back into the north of England not onely in her countenancing and incouraging her aiding and assisting the present civill war but in her actuall performance in the same to foment and advance it to the utmost ruine as much as in her was of our Religion and whole Realine for all which and many other such like misdemeanours it was debated and at last fully agreed that she was as liable to the censure of the Law as any Subject in the Kingdome whereupon it was put to the question whether the Queenes pawning the Jewels of the Crown in Holland and therewith buying Armes and Ammunition to be sent into England to assist the said war against the Parliament and her own actuall performances with her Popish Army in the North were not high Treason and it was resolved most unanimously by the whole House for the affirmative afterward it being also put to the question whether they should forthwith declare their intentions to proceed against her by impeachment of high Treason this also was immediatly resolved for the affirmative and Voted that Articles of impeachment should be speedily drawne up against her which Votes the House of Commons transmitted to the Lords for their assent The Bishop of Canterburies first prayer on the Scaffold 10 Jan. 1644. O Eternall God and mercifull Father looke downe upon me in mercy in the riches and fullnesse of all thy mercies look upon me but not till thou hast nailed my sins to the crosse of Christ looke upon me but not till thou hast bathed me in the blood of Christ not till I have hid my selfe in the wounds of Christ that so the punishment that is due to my sins may passe away and go over 〈◊〉 and since thou art pleased to try me to the uttermost I humbly beseech thâ—e give me now in this great instant full patience proportionable comfort a heart ready to dye for thine honour and the Kings happinesse and this Churches preservation and my zeale to these far from arrogancy be it spoken is all the sin hâ—mane fralty excepted and all incidents thereunto which is yet known of me in this particular for which I now come to suffer I say in this particular of Treason but otherwise my sins are many and great Lord pardon them all and those especially whatsoever they be which have drawn down this present judgement upon me and when thou hast given me strength to â—eare it then doe with me as seemes best in thine owne eyes and carry me through death that I may look upon it in what visage soever it shall appear to me and that there may be a stop of this issue of blood in this more then miserable Kingdome I shall desire that I may pray for the people too as well as for my selfe O Lord I beseech thee give grace of repentance to all people that have a thirst for blood but if they will not repent then scatter their devices so and such as are or shall be contrary to the glory of thy great name the truth and sincerity of Religion the establishment of the King and his posterity after him in their just rights and priviledges the honour and conservation of Parliaments â—â— their ancient and just power the preservation of this poore Church in her truth peace and patrimony and the settlement of this distracted and distressed people under the ancient laws and in their native liberties and when thou hast done all this in mercy for them O Lord fill their hearts with thankfullnesse and with religious dutifull obedience to thee and thy Commandements all their dayes So Amen Lord Jesus and I beseech thee receive my soul to mercy Our Father c. The Bishop of Canterburies last prayer on the Scaffold Lord I am comming as fast as I can I know I must passe through the shadow of death before I 〈◊〉 come to see thee but it is but umâ—ra mortis a meere shadow of death a little darknesse upon nature but thou by thy merits and passion hast broke through the jaws of death so Lord receive my soule and have mercy on me Sr. Alexander Carow Sr. Iohn Hotham Captin Hotham the Arch Bishop of Canterbury beheaded on Jowerhill for Treason against the Parliament 1645. The Great Seale broken before the Lords and Commons on Tusday the 11 August 1646 and blesse this Kingdome with peace and plenty and with brotherly love and charity that there may not be this effusion of Christian blood amongst them for Jesus Christ his sake 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 Surry Sussex Kent and the other associated Counties but disappointed by the Parliaments Victories at Aulton and Alsford fought by Sir Walliam
concerning His Majesties comming to the Scotch Army May 5. 1646. RIght Honourable The discharging of our selves of the duty wee owe to the Kingdome of England to you as Commissioners from the same moves us to acquaint you with the Kings comming in to our Army this morning which having overtaken us unexpectedly hath filled us with amazement and made us like men that dreame wee cannot thinke that hee could have beene so unadvised in his resolutions as to have cast himselfe upon us without a reall intention to give full satisfaction to both Kingdomes in all their just and reasonable demands in all those things that concerne Religion and Righteousnesse whatsoever be his disposition or resolution you may be assured that we shal never entertaine any thought nor correspondency with any purpose nor countenance any indeavours that may in any circumstance incroach upon our League and Covenant or weaken the union oâ— confidence betwixt the nations that union to our Kingdom was the matter of many prayers and as nothing was more joyful unto us then to have it set on foot so hitherto have we thought nothing too deare to maintaine it and we trust to walke with such faithfullnesse and truth in this particular that as we have the testimony of a good conscience within our selves so you and all the world shal see that we mind your interest with as much integrity and care as our owne being confident you will entertaine no other thoughts of us Signed May 5 1646. LOTHIAN His Majesties letter to the Parliament of England touching his good intention not to prolong the warre but to secure his person and labour the composing of the differences betwixt him and the Kingdomes The King Escapes out of Oxford in a disguised maner A Remonstrance exhibited in the name of the Lord Major Aldermen and Common-councell of the City of London to the High Court of Parliament Some particulars whereof are these following 1 That some strict and speedy course may be taken for the suppressing of all private and separate Congregations 2 That all Anabaptists Brownists Hereticks Schismaticks Blasphemers and all such Sectaries as conforme not to the publique discipline established or to bee established by the Parliament may fully be declared against and some effectuall course settled for proceeding against such persons 3 That as we are all Subjects of one Kingdome so all may be equally required to yeeld obedience to the Government either set or to be set forth 4 That no person disaffected to the Presbyterian Government set or to be set forth by the Parliament may be imployed in any place of publique trust His Majesty gave speedy order to several Officers for the surrender of the Towne Castles and Forts which then were in the hands of the Kings Commanders viz. Oxford Worcester Litchfeild and Wallingford A Petition delivered to his Excellency from the Officers and Souldiers in the Army touching their faithfullnesse in the Parliaments service doing Summer service in the Winter season c. Further presented severall designes of theirs 1. That an Ordinance of Indempnity with the Royall assent be desired 2. That satisfaction may be given to the Petitioners for their arrears both in their former service and in this Army before it be disbanded 3. That those who have voluntarily served the Parliament in this Kingdome may not be prest to serve in another Kingdome c. 4. That those who have lost lives limbs or estates may be provided for and relieved A letter from his Excellency to the severall officers of the Army for the advance of the Irish service and prevention of all hindrances c. 1647. The Apology in answer to his Excellencies letter relating their sense of a second storme now hanging over their heads by the malice of a secret enemy worse then the former now vanquished expressing their sorrow that they cannot desire their owne security without hazard to his Excellency c. A second Apology of all the private Souldiers in the Army to their Commission officers Concerning the abuse to divers wel-affected to the Army by imprisonment to the ruine of their estates and losse of their lives And for their candid intentions and endeavours declared no lesse then troublers and enemies to the State and Kingdome resolving rather to dye like men then to be enslaved and hanged like dogs c. Whereunto were annexed divers particulars agreeable to the former delivered in to his Excellency March 21. 1646. A Letter from his Excellency to the Earle of Manchester concerning the votes of both Houses as also his griefe of heart for the distractions betwixt the Parliament and Army desiring that all things may be determined in love c. A Letter from his Excellency to both Houses concerning the Kings being brought from Holdenby That some Souldiers secure the King from being secretly conveyed away That the Souldiers of Holdenby with the Kings consent brought him away from thence c. That his Majesty was unwilling to returne backe againe to Holdenby c. And that the removall of his Majesty from Holdenby was no designe knowledge or privity on his part c. A particular charge against the eleven Members impeached by the Army 1. That Mr. Denzil Hollis being one of the speciall Commissioners for the Parliament to present propositions to the King at Oxford made private addresses to the Kings party then in armes against the Parliament and did secretly plot and advise them against the Parliament c. 2. That the said Mr. Denzil Hollis and Sir Phillip Stapleton during the late war when the Earle of Lindsey went from the Tower to Oxford sent severall messages of intelligence to the Earle of Dorset c. 3. That the said Mr. Hollis Sir Phillip Stapleton Sir Wil. Lewis Sir John Clotworthy Sir Wil. Waller Sir Joh. Maynard Ma. Gen. Massie Mr. Glyn Mr. Long Col. Edward Harley and Anthony Nicholas in the months of March April May and June last in prosecution of their evill designs met in divers places with persons disaffected to the State for holding correspondency with the Queen of England now in France and incouraged her party there 4. And indeavoured to bring in forraigne forces and listed divers Commanders and Souldiers there to raise and leavy a new warre 5. And affronted divers Petitioners that came in a peaceable manner boysterously assaulting them c. 6. Imprisoned some Members of the Army and to dis-obliege the Army from the Parliament The solemn engagement of the Citizens Commanders officers and Souldiers c. The Sollomne Engagement of the Citizens Commanders and Souldiers A Pamphlet of Paul Bests burnt according to the order of Parliament The Army marching toward the City orders were given to the Traine-bands to goe to the workes The Auxiliaries are raised to defend the City A Proclamation by beat of the Drum for all that are able to beare Armes and are not listed to come to receive them The House of Commons and the Lords likewise met according to the
order of adjournment July 30. but neither of the Speakers At length they proceeded to a new election and voted Mr. Pelham a Counsellour and Member of the Commons House Speaker pro tempore The Lords made choice of the Lord Grey to be Speaker of their House pro tempore The Sergeant at Armes being absent with the Mace when the Commons chose their Speaker had the City Mace and chose Mr. Norfolke Sergeant at Armes After which proceeding to debate the great affaires touching the City and Kingdome they voted as followes 1. That the King come to London 2. That the Militia of the City shall have full power to raise what Forces they shall thinke fit to the same 3. That they may make choice of a Commander in chiefe to be approved of by the House and such Commanders to present other officers to be approved of by the Militia The Common-councell made choice of Major Generall Massie to command in chiefe all the City Forces Ordered by the Militia that all Reformadoes and other officers should the next day at two of the clocke beliâ—ted in St. Jamses fields And that the forces already listed should be put in a Regimentall way A great appearance in St. Jamses fields of officers and Reformadoes that were listed Order given for staying of horses in the City and many listed Most of the eleven Members sate in the House and in the afternoone M. Gen. Massie Sir William Waller and Col. Gen. Poyntz were at listing the Reformadoes Command given that all shops be shut up by sound of the Trumpet throughout the City The Declaration of the Lord Major Aldermen and Common-councell published A briefe of which that his Majesty was surprised at Holdenby and no place for his Majesties residence allowed by the Army nearer then their Quarters therefore to settle peace and establish true Religion ease the Kingdomes burden establish his Majesties just rights maintaine the Parliaments Priviledges and relieve bleeding Ireland they professe the maine of their enterprise c. A Petition in the names of many thousands well-affected Citizens for some way of composure c. At which time Col. Gen. Poyntz and other officers of the new list attending for their orders upon the Militia came into Guild-hall yard and most cruelly hackt and hew'd many of the aforesaid Petitioners divers whereof were mortally wounded whereof some since dyed The Earle of Warwicke and Earle of Manchester having quit the Houses retired into Essex and sent word to the Generall they had cast themselves upon his protection The Lord Say Lord Mogrene and divers other Lords with many of the House of Commons came to the Head quarters desiring the Generalls protection Six Aldermen and twelve Common-councell men are sent with a letter to the Generall from the City wherein they declare their unwillingnesse to a new War desiring his Excellency to receive the sense they apprehend the Army hath taken against the City A letter presented to the Generall from the inhabitants of Southwarke relating their withstanding the designe of raising a new War desiring some aid from his Excellency for their protection Generall Massie sends out Scouts but neare Brainford thirty of his men were chased by ten of his Excellencies and tooke foure of Gen. Massies A letter from the City to the Generall shewing their readinesse to joyn with his Excellency and according to his direction to receive those honourable Members that were forc'd to retire by reason of the tumultuous affront and willingly submit to be determined by both Houses as they shall thinke fit having recalled their late Declaration against the Armies proceedings c. About two of the clocke in the morning Col. Rainsborough Col. Huson Col. Pride and Col. Thistelâ—el with their severall Regiments of Horse and Foot marched into the Borrough of Southwarke the great Fort was presently yeelded up to them without opposition His Majesty in a letter sent to the Generall acquits himselfe of the great scandall of having a hand in the late tumult testifying his dislike thereof accounting it a very dishonourable way to be brought to London in a tumultuous way The Members that were forced away returne to sit in Westminster againe guarded by the souldiers The Houses being sat with their old Speakers The House of Peers upon debate passed an Ordinance for making his Excellency Thomas Lord Fairfax high Constable of the Tower of London The House ordered a gratuity of a months pay to be given to all the Non-commission officers and private Souldiers for their great service A Committee appointed to finde out the chiefe promoters of the late designe of the Tumult at Westminster and raising a new War His Excellency marches through the city with his Army Horse and Foot and traine of Artillery without the least affront or prejudice to any they were marching through the city from eleven of the clocke untill eight at night By many thousands young men and Apprentices of London there was presented a humble acknowledgement and congratulation to his Excellency for his many great services to the Kingdome and City of London resolving to live and dye with his Excellency An Ordinance past both Houses for declaring all Votes Orders and Ordinances past both Houses since the forcing both Houses July 26. untill the 6. of this present August 1647. to be null and void The Lords and Commons make a new Militia consisting of 36. in number The line of Communication and workes about the City demolished and the Ordnance drawne off Upon information of the eleven late impeached Members who had been very active in the late designe it was ordered that they appeare at Westminster 16. Octob. A letter from Lieu. Gen. Crumwel to the House of Commons acquainting Mr. Speaker that his Majesty had withdrawne himselfe at 9. the last night his Majesty having left his cloake behinde him and some letters in his withdrawing roome His Majesties letter Hampton-Court Novem. 11. 1647. Liberty being that which in all times hath been but especially now is the condition the aime and desire of all men Common reason shews that Kings lesse then any should endure captivity yet I call God to witnesse with what patience I have endured a tedious restraint which so long as I had any hopes that this sort of my suffering might conduce to the peace of these three Kingdomes or the hindring of more effusion of blood I did willingly undergoe but now finding by two certaine proofes that this my continued patience would not onely turne to my personall ruine but likewise be of much more prejudice then furtherance to the publique good I thought I was bound as well by naturall as politicall obligations to feeke my safety by retyring my self for some time from publique view both of my friends and enemies and I appeale to all indifferent men to judge if I have not cause to free my selfe from the hands of those who change their principles with their condition and who are not ashamed openly to intend the destruction of