Duke Hamilton and a few dis-affected persons who were not likely to send any of the honest Godly party to Treat whereby the Treaty would be carried on to the disadvantage and ruine of the Godly and of the Church our only friends there And Mr. Ashurst related That the major part of the past Parliament of Scotland over-powred the minor part by an Army and so got the Engagement and other Acts and the Committee of Estates passed against which the Assembly of the Kirk consisting of 400 persons declared with one Voice I know not what he meant by saying the major part in Scotland over-powred the minor when I consider that major pars obtinet rationem totius the major part is virtually the Parliament to which the minor part must submit although here in England the lesser part of the Parliament engaging and conspiring with an Army whom themselves in a full and free Parliament had formerly declared Enemies to the State overpowred the greater part contrary to reason and practice This question seemed to agree with the sense of the Independents reasonably well because it leaves it onely to the pleasure of the King to Treat dis-junctively with the Scots upon the sole Interest of Scotland as men no ways concerned in the settlement of Peace in England whereby it is tacitely inferred that the Treaties Covenant and Union between the two Kingdoms is dissolved so the question aforesaid was put with this addition That if the King shall be pleased to invite the Scots to send some Persons Authorized c. the Parliament will give them safe conduct The fifth Vote of the Lords was That Newport in the Island of Wight should be the place of Treaty to which the Commons concurred With these debates ended this Week the 19 day of August About this time came forth a Book entituled 133. A pestilent Book called The necessity of the absolute power of Kings c. The necessity of the absolute power of all Kings and in particular of the King of England concerning which I am to admonish the Reader that it is conceived to be a Cockatrice hatched by the Antimonarchical Faction to envenome the people against the KING and PRINCE The next Week begins with Monday 21 August of whose proceedings I can give you only an imperfect scambling relation and so shall surcease all farther endeavours in this kind because I have already delivered enough for your Instruction if God have not appointed you to be led blindfold into the pit digged for your destruction but principally because my good Genius that furnished me with Intelligence hath now retired himself from acting without hope to praying with faith for his Country being tired out with hearing and seeing so much sinne and folly as now raigns at Westminster and I love not much to take news upon trust from the vulgar Peripateticks of the Hall 134. Mr. Martyns levelling practises and principles The chief things of note were More Complaints of Henry Martyn who now declares himself for a Community of Wealth as well as of Women and protests against King Lords Gentry Lawyers and Clergy nay against the Parliament it self in whose bosome this Viper hath been fostered and against all Magistrates like a second Wat Tyler all Pen and Inkhorn-men must down His Levelling Doctrine is conteined in a Pamphlet called Englands Troubler Troubled wherein All Rich men whatsoever are declared Enemies to the Mean men of England and in effect War denounced against them 135. Skippon's Listings Next the Ordinance for transferring over to the Militia of London Skippon's power of listing men in London was passed in the House of Commons with this Coloquintida in it That Skippon should name and appoint Commanders and Officers for the Forces listed to be approved of by the Militia of London 136. Cromwel's laureat letters 20 Aug. 1648 A Letter from Oliver Cromwel was read in the House of Commons relating his easie victory over Duke Hamilton and Major Gen. Bayly which puts me in mind of Ovid's Victory over Corinna of whom he saith Victa est nou aegrè proditione sua and conteining an admonition not to hate Gods people who are as the apple of his eye and for whom even Kings shall be reproved and exhorting the Speaker to whom it was written to fullfill the end of his Magistracy that all that will live peaceably and quietly viz. in Vassalage to Oliver and his Faction and neglect Religion Laws and Liberties may have countenance from him God blesse all honest men from the light of Oliver's countenance lest in an ignis fatuus mislead them from the duties of their Oaths of Allegiance Supremacy Potestation and Covenant and they that are implacable may speedily be destroyed out of the Land 137. Martial Law in London To prepare the way to whose destruction it was Ordered That an Ordinance be penned and brought into the House of Commons to try all such by Martial Law in the City of London as shall be found to plot design or contrive any thing to endanger the Parliament or City And yet London is no Garrison now as it was when Tomkims and Challoner were tried not is there any Enemy considerable in the Field whereby the known Laws of the Land may not passe currently through the Kingdom but our known Laws are not written in blood nor are they so flexible as to make all Traytors the Faction pleaseth to call such Yet as cruel as these Caco fuegos of the Faction are to some 138. Rolf's Bayl again pressed they have mercy enough for Rolf whose Bayl was again exceedingly pressed and that his two Prosecutors Osburn and Dowcet should be under restraint in his stead whom they have forejudged out of the King's Letter to the Houses not to be able to prove their information whereas it may be discretion in the King not to encrease his danger by acknowledging it Saturday 26. August 139. The KINGS Letter to the States of Scotland taken from Haly-burton The King's Letter to the Committee of States in Scotland c. in Answer to their Letter sent to Him by Haly-burton which Letter was taken from Haly-burton although a publique Minister of State and allowed by Parliament to carry their Letter to the King was read in the House of Commons I hear in general that it was excellently well penned and a very just honest and peaceable Letter Yet it was Voted neither to be sent to the Lords nor to be restored to Haly-burton but damned to close imprisonment in a Box under Seal lest the people should know how truly zealous his Majesty is to settle Peace in the Land a mystery their understandings must not be trusted withall Prolegomena Promises Protestations and Covenants made by this Parliament in behalf of the King and People AFter a repetition of many good Acts and Concessions obtained by this Parliament of the King for the ease of the People Remonstrance 15. December 1642. Exact Collect. p. 15. they
submit to the power of the Sword the hilt and handle whereof they hold They turn out the Lieutenant of the Tower without cause shewn The consequences of these two actions were that immediately the City decayed in Trade above 200000 l. a week and no more bullion came to the Mint They displace all our Governours though placed by Ordinance of Parliament and put in men of their own party for this encroching faction will have all in their own hands they alter and divide the Militia of London setting up paâ—ticular Militia's at Westminster Southwark and the Hamblets of the Tower that being so divided they may be the weaker Demolish the Lines of Communication that the City and Parliament may lie open to Invasion when they please and fright many more Members from the Houses with threats and fear of false impeachments The 11. impeached Members having leave by order of the House and license of the Speaker some to go beyond Sea and Anthony Nichols to go into his own Country to settle his Affairs Some of them as Sir William Waller and M. Den Hollis were attacht upon the Sea Nichols arrested upon the way into Cornwall by the Army and despightfully used And when the General was inclined to free him Cromwel whose malice is known to be as unquenchable as his Nose told him he was a Traitor to the Army You see now upon whom they meant to fix the peoples allegiance for where no allegiance is due there can be no Treason and to what purpose they have since by their 4 Votes first debated between the Independent Grandees of the Houses and Army laid aside the King and as much as in them is taken off our Allegiance from him Col. Birch formerly imployed for Ireland by the Parliament was imprisoned and his men mutinied against him by the Army and Sir Sam. Luke resting quietly in his own house was there seized upon and carried Prisoner into the Army All these Acts of terror were but so many scarecrowes set up to fright more Presbyterians from the Houses and make the Army masters of their Votes 38. Proceedings of both Houses under the power of the Army I must in the next place fall upon the Proceeding in both Houses acted under the power and influence of this all-inslaving all-devouring Army and their engaged party to attain the knowledge whereof I have used my utmost industry and interest with many my near friends and kinsmen sitting within those Walls heretofore when Kings 39. Ordinance to Nul and Void all Acts passed in absence of the 2 runagado Speakers not Brewers and Draymen were in power the walls of publick Liberty The Lords that sate in absence of the two Speakers all but the Earl of Pembrook whose easie disposition made him fit for all companies found it their safest course to forbear the House leaving it to be possessed by those few Lords that went to and engaged with the Army which ingaged Lords sent to the Commons for their concurrence to an Ordinance To make all Acts Orders and Ordinances passed from the 26 July when the tumult was upon the Houses to the 6 of August following being the day of the fugitive Members return Void and Null ab initio This was five or six several days severally and fully debated as often put to the question and carried in the Negative every time Yet the Lords still renewed the same message to them beating back their Votes into their throats and would not acquiesce but upon every denial put them again to roll the same stone contrary to the privileges of the Commons The chief Arguments used by the engaged party were all grounded upon the Common places of fear and necessity 40. Menaces used by the engaged party in the House Mr. Solicitor threatning if they did not concur the Lords were resolved to vindicate the Honour of their House and sit no more they must have recourse to the power of the Sword The longest Sword take all That they were all engaged to live and die with the Army They should have a sad time of it Haslerigge used the like language farther saying Some heads must flie off and he feared the Parliament of England would not save the Kingdom of England they must look another way for safety They could not satisfie the Army but by declaring all void ab initio and the Lords were so far engaged that no middle way would serve To this was answered That this was an appeal from the Parliament to the Army And when these and many more threats of as high nature were complained of as destructive to the liberty and beings of Parliaments the Speaker would take no notice of it Sir Henry Vane junior Sir John Evelin junior Prideaux Gourdon Mildmay Thomas Scot Cornelius Holland and many more used the like threats Upon the last Negative being the fifth or sixth the Speaker perceiving greater enforcements must be used pulled a Letter out of his pocket 41. A threatning Remonstrance from the Army to the House From the General and General Council of the Army for that was now their stile pretending he then received it But it was conceived he received it over night with directions to conceal it if the question had passed the affirmative It was accompanied with a Remonstrance full of villanous language and threats against those Members that sate while the two Speakers were with the Army calling them pretended Members charging them in general with Treason Treachery and breach of Trust and protested if they shall presume to stir before they have cleared themselveâ— that they did not give their assents to such and such Votes they should sit at their peril and he would take them as prisoners of War and try them at a Council of War What King of England ever offered so great a violence to the fundamental Privileges of Parliament as to deny them the Liberty of Voting I and No freely Certainly the little finger of a Jack Cade or a Wat Tyler is far heavier than the loynes of any King Many Members were amazed at this Letter and it was moved That the Speaker should command all the Members to meet at the House the next day and should declare That they should be secured from danger And that it might be ordered That no more but the ordinary Guards should attend the house But these two motions were violently opposed with vollies of threats by the aforesaid Parties and others And after more than two hours debate the Speaker refused to put any question upon them or any of them and so adjourned to the next morning leaving the Presbyterian Members to meet at their Peril The next day being Friday the 20. August there was a very thin Assembly in the House of Commons the House having with so much violence denyed protection to their Members the day before made most of the Presbyterian party absent Some went over to the Independent party others sate mute At last a Committee was appointed presently
should hear of it and beget a slavish fear in the whole Kingdom to submit to the laying aside of the KING and his Negative Voice and the establishing of a tyrannical Oligarchy in the Grandees of the two Houses and Army for finding the whole Kingdom to hate them with a perfect hatred they have no hope to govern by Love but by Fear which according to the Turkish rule is more predominant and constant passion And certainly had not Goring's passing over at Greenwich into Essex compelled Fairfax to follow immediately after with his Army they had been used with much extremity insomuch that Weaver a Member fuller of zeal than wisdom though wise enough for his own profit as most Saints and knaves are moved in the House That all Kent might be sequestred because they had rebelled and all Essex because they would rebell And truly this is as good a way as Cromwel's selling his Welch Prisoners for 12 d. a head to be transported into barbarous Plantations whereby to expell the Canaanites and make new plantations in old England for the Godly the seed of the Faithfull for this faction like the Divell cry all is mine 91. Banbury-Castle obtruded upon the State 27. May A friend of my Lord Say's moved in the House of Commons That Banbury-Castle might be demolished to prevent any surprise thereof by Malignants saying it had already cost the State 200000 l. to reduce it and had undone the Country which was unable to pay for it it belonged to a Noble Godly person the L. Say and it was not fit to demolish it without his consent and recompence it was therefore desired the State should bear the charge his Lordship being willing to sell it for 2000 l. To which was answered That other well-affected Gentlemen had their Houses destroyed for service of the State without recompence not so well provided to bear the loss as my Lord Say as Mr. Charles Doyly two handsome habitable Houses Mr. Vachell some Houses in Reading and others well deserving of the State though not of themselves This Castle was unhabitable a rude heap of stones a publick nusance to the Country It cost his Lordship but 500 l. and now to obtrude it upon the State at 2000 l. price in so great a scarcity and want of mony the Kingdom graoning under Taxes was not reasonable So Divine providence not saying Amen to it this Cheat failed like the untimely birth of a Woman 92 The Impeached Lords Members and Aldermen About the beginning of June a debate hapned in the House of Commons about the four imprisoned Aldermen occasioned by a Petition from the City and concerning the impeached Lords and Commons Mr. Gewen spake modestly in their behalf saying That what they did was done by virtue of an Ordinance of Parliament made this very Sessions of Parliament and without any intent to raise a new war but only to defend the City against the menaces of the Army marching up against them and the Parliament But Mr. Gourdon a man hot enough for his zeal to set a Kingdom on fire Answered He thought they intended a new War and were encouraged thereto by the Gentleman that spake last when he said to them at their Common Council Vp and be doing Mr. Walker perceiving Mr. Gewen to be causlesly reflected upon replied that since this debate upon the City Petition tended towards a closing up of all differences it was unfit men that spake their consciences freely and modestly should be upbraided with Repetitions tending to dis-union and desired men might not be permitted to vent their malice under colour of shewing their zeal when presently Tho. Scot the Brewers Clerk he that hath a Tally of every mans faults but his own hanging at his Girdle by virtue of his Office being Deputy-Inquisitor or Hangman to Miles Corbet in the clandestine Committee of examinations replyed upon Mr. Walker That the Gent. that spake last was not so well-affected but that the close Committee of examinations would find cause to take an order with him shortly Mr. Walker offered to answer him and demanded the Justice of the House but could not be heard those that spake in behalf of the Aldermen were often affronted and threatned with the displeasure of the Army which they alleged would be apt to fall into distempers if we discharged them Notwithstanding these menaces it was Voted that the House would not prosecute their Impeachments against the said four Aldermen Sir John Maynard and the seven Lords and that they would proceed no faother upon their Order for impeaching Mr. Hollis Sir William Waller c. Two or three dayes after a motion was set on foot That the Order whereby the said Members were disabled from being of the House might be revoked many zealots argued fiercely and threatned against it amongst many arguments for them a President was insisted upon That Master Henry Martin was by Order disabled from being a Member yet was afterwards readmitted upon his old Election and desired these Gentlemen might find equall justice The House having freed them à Culpa could not in equity but free them à poena and put them in the remainder of all that belonged to them But Sir Peter Wentworth answered That Mr. Martins case and theirs differed Mr. Martin was expelled for words spoken against the King such as every mans Conscience told him were true but because he spoke those words unseasonably when the King was in good strength and the words whether true or false were in strictnesse of Law Treason the House especially the lukewaâ—n men considering the doubtfull events of War disabled and committed him lest the whole House might be drawn in compass of High Treason for conniving at them which was a prudential Act contrary to justice and contrary to the sense of the Godly and honest party of the House But afterwards the King growing weaker and the Parliament stronger the House restored Master Martin and thought fit to set every mans tongue at liberty to speak truth even against the King himself and now every day words of a higher nature are spoken against him by the well-affected Godly in the House After many threats used by Wentworth Ven Harvy Scot Gourdon Weaver c. The said disabling Order was repealed 93. Members added to the Committee of Safety at Darby house About the same time the Lords sent a Message to the Commons that they had named six Lords to be added to the Committee of safety and desired the House to adde twelve Commons to them This had five or six times been brought down from the Lords before and received so many denials but the Lords would not acquiesce the Message came down about one of the Clock the House being thin many argued against it saying that there were seven Lords and fourteen Commons of that Committee already enough if not too many to dispatch businesse with secrecy and expedition that to adde six Lords more to them was in effect to make
the Independent Faction whose interest it is to keep themselves rich and all men else poor argued the case meerly upon point of profit and conveniency and neglected the right and jus of the businesse They alleged That men of desperate resolutions would not reward the losse of their own lives so as they might preserve their Wives and Children That the State as they pleased to stile it would lose much by such an example they could not therefore approve of the lenity of the Lords and Commons used in Walls case many had been Sequestred after death and so arguing à facto ad jus alleged that in case of Monopolies satisfaction had been awarded out of dead mens Estates But they forgot that out of Sequestrations no satisfaction is given to the parties wronged the Committees and Sequestrators imbezelling the profits of them to increase their own gains not bestowing them to repair injured mens losses and so the equity upon which this President is founded faileth in case of Sequestrations Thus you see these greedy Canibal Saints like the hungry dogs that ate Jesabel will devour carrion or any thing that will make them fat and full yet they declared They were willing this Sequestration should be bestowed upon Master Copley as a Gratuity not as a Right for fear of the example Observe that if Master Copley had waived his Title by Composition and accepted this Wardship as a Gift they would presently have published it in their News books and Gilbert Mabbot should have proclaimed to all the world that Presbyterians and Independents might be thought alike guilty of impoverishing the Kingdom for the Faction labours nothing more than to have Companions in their sins and shames At last it was passed That Mr. Copley should have the Wardship restored to him but great care taken it should not be drawn into example hereafter that a man may not be Sequestred for Delinquency after his death Cavete vobis mortui atque sepulti dead mens graves are not secure from these Lycanthropi these Lou-garons 129. The Messengers to the King Report their Message in the House of Commons Monday 14. August Master Bulkeley in the name of himself and his fellow-Commissioner Sir I. Hippesly sent to the King to acquaint him with the Vote of the two Houses That they desired a Treaty with the King upon the Propositions of Hampton-Court in what place of the Island of Wight He should think fit and that the Treaty shall be with Honour Freedom and Safety to His Majesty Reported to the House of Commons all the circumstances and emergencies of their imployment the Kings Letter of Answer being carried to the Lords by the Earl of Middlesex and therefore not delivered to the Commons for the present which with much candor were related as followeth That the KING bad them welcom saying they came about a welcom businesse PEACE which no man desired with more earnestnesse than Himself and if there did not ensue a Peace the fault should not lie at his dore and that He feared no obstructions from any but those who gained by the War He farther said that His Majesty desired immediatly after the delivery of the Votes to speak a word with them in private which they modestly excused for want of Commission That about two days after his Majesty seeing the said Commissioners of the Parliament standing in the Presence Chamber first beckoned the Earl of Middlesex to him and had some short discourse singly with him and then with Sir John Hippesly and Master Bulkeley one after another These three Gentlemen afterwards comparing their notes found the Kings discourse to every of them to be all to one effect viz. Expressing His desires of a good peace and importuning them to do all good Offices conducing thereto He farther related that when they took leave of His Majesty He delivered His Answer in writng to them unsealed telling them He doubted not their fidelity though ill use had been made of His last Answer which he sent open it having been debated in private and a prejudice put upon it before it was presented to the Houses This free and unpartial Report shewing how earnest his Majesty is for Peace did the King so much Right that the Antimonarchical Faction looked upon it as done to their wrong and Herbert Morley presently spit out his Venom to this purpose Mr. Speaker These Gentlemen have delivered all to you but what they should deliver that is the Kings Answer which they have suffered first to be carried to the Lords they might have delivered you at least a Copy thereof it should seem Morley had forgot that the House proceeds not upon Copies My motion is that since these Gentlemen have exceeded their Commission by conferring privatly with the King the House may do well either to question them therefore or give them an Act of Oblivion for their good service This was cried upon a long time by the whole kennell of the Faction and at last put off till the next day when the Lords sending down the Kings Letter the House should have the whole businesse before them The next day being Tuesday 15. August 130. The aforesaid Messengers again the Kings aforesaid Letter of Answer with divers Votes thereupon were sent down from the Lords to the House of Commons when presently the Beagles of the Faction spent their mouths freely against the said Commissioners again for lending the KING the civility of an eare in private as abovesaid After a long debate at last this Objection stopped the Mouths of Malice it self That if these Gentlemen had reported an aversnesse in the King to Peace and aggravated His Words as other Messengers had formerly done whereof the King seem'd to complain it would have proved a welcome discovery and have been rewarded with Thanks instead of an Act of Oblivion So with much adoe Thanks were given to the said Gentlemen with approbation of their proceedings The same day the Militia of London were called into the House of Commons 131. The Militia of London Concerning private Listing by Skippon and the Militia of the City where Alderman Gybs in the name of the Common-Council and Militia not by Petition but in a set Speech delivered the fears and jealousies of the City even of the gravest wisest and best affected occasioned by Skippon's underhand Listing of Schismaticks Antimonarchists his setting up thereby a power against a power to the endangering of a civil War within the Bowels of the City weakning of the Trained Bands deboshing Servants from their Masters Children from their Parents That under colour of Skippon's private Listings other private Listings were carried on by Malignants the Magistrates of the City not being able to question either and distingush one from the other That fear was a violent passion and was now grown so universal that the Common Council knew not how to give satisfaction therein the Citizens usually clamouring that if the Houses did not give them leave to look to
about the thirtieth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand six hundred forty and two at Beverley in the County of York and upon or about the thirtieth day of July in the year aforesaid in the County of the City of York and upon or about the twenty fourth day of August in the same year at the County of the Town of Nottingham when and where he set up his Standard of War and also on or about the twenty third day of October in the same year at Edgehill and Keinton-field in the County of Warwick and upon or about the thirtieth day of November in the same year at Brainford in the County of Middlesex and upon or about the thirtieth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand six hundred fourty and three at Cavesham-bridge neer Reading in the County of Berks and upon or about the thirtieth day of October in the year last mentioned at or neer the City of Gloucester And upon or about the thirtieth day of November in the year last mentioned at Newbury in the County of Berks And upon or about the one and thirtieth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand six hundred forty and four at Cropredy-bridge in the County of Oxon And upon or about the thirtieth day of September in the year last mentioned at Bodmin and other places neer adjacent in the County of Cornwall And upon or about the thirtieth day of November in the year last mentioned at Newbury aforesaid And upon or about the eighth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand six hundred forty and five at the Towne of Leicester And also upon the fourteenth day of the same moneth in the same year at Naseby-field in the County of Northampton At which several times and places or most of them and at many other places in this Land at several other times within the years aforementioned And in the year of our Lord one thousand six hundred forty and six He the said Charles Stuart hath caused and procured many thousands of the free-people of the Nation to be slaine and by Divisions Parties and Insurrections within this Land by invasions from forraigne parts endeavoured and procured by Him and by many other evill waies and meanes He the said Charles Stuart hath not only maintained and carried on the said Warre both by Land and Sea during the years before mentioned but also hath renewed or caused to be renewed the said Warre against the Parliament and good people of this Nation in this present yeare one thousand six hundred forty and eight in the Counties of Kent Essex Surrey Sussex Middlesex and many other Counties and places in England and Wales and also by Sea And particularly He the said Charles Stuart hath for that purpose given Commissions to his Sonne the Prince and others whereby besides multitudes of other Persons many such as were by the Parliament intrusted and employed for the safety of the Nation being by Him or his Agents corrupted to the betraying of their Trust and revolting from the Parliament have had entertainement and commission for the continuing and renewing of Warre and Hostility against the said Parliament and People as aforesaid By which cruell and unnaturall Warres by Him the said Charles Stuart levyed continued and renewed as aforesaid much Innocent bloud of the Free-people of this Nation hath been spilt many Families have been undone the Publique Treasury wasted and exhausted Trade obstructed and miserably decayed vast expence and damage to the Nation incurred and many parts of the Land spoyled some of them even to desolation And for further prosecution of His said evill Designes He the said Charles Stuart doth still continue his Commissions to the said Prince and other Rebels and Revolters both English and Forraigners and to the Earle of Ormond and to the Irish Rebels and Revolters associated with him from whom further Invasions upon this Land are threatned upon the procurement and on the behalf of the said Charles Stuart All which wicked Designes Warrs and evill practises of Him the said Charles Stuart have been and are carried on for the advancing and upholding of the Personall Interest of Will and Power and pretended prerogative to Himself and his Family against the publique Interest Common Right Liberty Justice and Peace of the people of this Nation by and for whom He was entrusted as aforesaid By all which it appeareth that He the said Charles Stuart hath been and is the Occasioner Author and Contriver of the said unnaturall cruell and bloudy Warrs and therein guilty of all the treasons murthers rapines burnings spoiles desolations damage and mischief to this Nation acted or committed in the said Warrs or occasioned therby And the said John Cook by Protestation saving on the behalfe of the people of England the liberty of Exhibiting at any time hereafter any other Charge against the said Charles Stuart and also of replying to the Answers which the said Charles Stuart shall make to the premises or any of them or any other Charge that shall be so exhibited doth for the said treasons and crimes on the behalf of the said people of England Impeach the said Charles Stuart as a Tyrant Traytor Murtherer and a publique and implacable Enemy to the Common-wealth of England And pray that the said Charles Stuart King of England may be put to answer all and every the premises That such Proceedings Examinations Tryals Sentence and Judgment may be thereupon had or shall be agreeable to Justice The King smiled often during the reading of the Charge especially at these words Tyrant Traytor Murderer and publique Enemy of the Commonwealth President Sir you have now heard your Charge you finde that in the close of it it is prayed to the Court in behalfe of the Commons of England that you answer to your Charge which the Court expects King I would know by what power I am called hither I was not long ago in the Isle of Wight how I came there is a longer story then I think fit at this time for me to speak But there I entred into a Treaty with both Houses of Parliament with as much faith as is possible to be had of any People in the World I Treated there with a number of Honourable Lords and Gentlemen and treated honestly and uprightly I cannot say but that they did very nobly with Me We were upon a Conclusion of the Treaty Now I would know by what lawful Authority there are many unlawfull Authorities Thieves and Robbers on the High-way I was brought from thence and carried from place to place and I know not what and when I know by what lawfull Authority I shall Answer Remember I am your King your lawfull King and what sinns you bring upon your own heads and the judgment of God upon this Land think well upon it think well upon it I say before you go on from one sinne to a greater therefore let me know by what
he supposed would be a full and a free Parliament upon whose resolves as himself so he doubted not but the whole Nation would acquiesce he told them the house was open for them to enter and prayed for their good success The secluded members being thus admitted How they begin and wherein proceed fall immediately to work where they were abruptly forced to break of in December 1648. Confirming their Vote made then by another now that the concessions of the late King were a sufficient ground to proceed on for setling the peace of the Kingdom hereby not only vindicating themselves but as it were at once disanulling all that had been done as dissonant thereto during the whole time of their recess This began to infuse a new spirit of life into the Kingdom in whom at this springing season of the year began a new to bud and peep out the bloomes of a too long frost-nipped loyalty so that one now might have seen what twenty years before could never shew countenances that lately were dejected through the cruell tyranny of their Aegipitian task masters now gather cheerfull looks and like fresh blown roses yield a fragant savour The Parliament thus sitting freely vote his Excellency Lord Generall of all the forces in England Scotland and Ireland by vertue of which Commission he disarmes all the Phanatick party both in City and Country the Parliament in the mean time providing to secure the Nation by two seasonable Acts the one of Assessment and the other of the Militia the last impowering and arming Gentlemen and Men of worth and power to stand up for their Liberties and Priviledges and put the Country into a posture of defence against all encroaching pretenders whatsoever and the former enabling them to raise moneyes which are the sineues of war for maintaining of the forces so raised to assert their and our rights Thus setling the ancient Government of the City and vacating the Phanatick power in the Country they commend the establishment of the Nation to a full and free Parliament to be called the 25th of Aprill 1660. Issuing out writs to that purpose in the name of the keepers of the Liberty of England by authority of Parliament and setling a Councell of State of most discreet and moderate men to whom the affairs of the three Nations in the intervall and untill the meeting of the Parliament on the aforesaid 25th of Aprill was committed who with much discretion managed their power to the satisfaction of all sober minded men and so saving to the house of Lords their rights notwithstanding the Commons were in this Juncture of time put upon necessity to act without them commending the Souldiery once more to his Excellency upon the sixteenth day of March in the year of our Lord 1659. a day worthy to be remembred they dissolved themselves Lorg P. legally ended and so at last put a legall period to that fatall long-Parliament which could not be dissolved by any but by it self And thus we see Independency laid in the dust and ready to give up the ghost and indeed not long after we shall see fully to expire the Prodromi of whose miserable end might be these and the like The Councel of State in this intervall of power The intervall with very great caution and wariness manage their affairs turning neither to the right hand nor to the left but keeping a direct course as knowing in medio ibunt tutissimi they set out a Proclamation against all disturbers of the peace under what pretence or name soever sparing none that in a time of such hopes durst either move a hand or tongue to work a disturbance taking care also that the order of the last Parliament touching elections should be duly and punctually observed as considering that the peace or ruine of the Nation would lye in their hands Elections for a new Parl. His Excellency the Lord Generall in this interregnum accepts of severall invitations and treatments in the City by several of the worthy companies yet still having an eye to the main he keeps close to his Officers who were not yet fully resolved and often confers with them in a more familiar manner than ordinary whereby he so wrought on them that at last he brought them to declare that they would acquiesce in the resolves of the approaching Parliament and indeed this was a shrewd forerunner of the fall of Independency as I said before whose only hope was builded on the averseness of these men to lawfull power which when they saw frustrated they might well depair yet endeavour once more to endeavour a confusion which being observed by the Councell and that a discontented Spirit possessed some of the old Officers and Grandees according to the power given them to that purpose they send for all suspected persons confining them unless they subscribed an engagement to demean themselves quietly and peaceably under the present Government and acquiesce submissively in the determination of the Parliament next ensuing which reasonable engagment Lambert and some others refusing were carefully confined to several prisons by which means the peace was wonderfully preserved but notwitstanding all this care such were the restless endeavours of that divellish faction that whether by the neglect or treachery of his keepers is not yet known Lambert gets out of prison cuningly who being a man of loose principles and desperate fortunes so encouraged the Phanatick party and stirred up their drooping Spirits that they began to threaten great matters and for perfecting their wicked design begin to gather to an head near Edg-hill which they hoped would prove to them an auspicious Omen for the beginning of a Second war but Heaven would no longer wink at such intollerable villanies for the sins of these Amorites were fully ripe for judgment so that they were discovered and quickly nipped in the bud Lambert and his accomplices being so eagerly pursued by Col. R. Ingoldsby that they were suddenly forc'd to scatter and shift for themselves by flight Taken and sent to the Tower neither was that so swift or secure but that Lambert was taken prisoner by the said Col. Ingoldsby and sent prisoner up to London at which time passing by Hide park on the twenty fourth of Ayril he saw all the City Regiments both of horse and foot Trayned Band and Auxiliaries complered armed and trayned and ready to hazard their Lives and Fortunes against all seditious and factious Traitors to their King and Country The news of this first appearance of armed loyalty being spred abroad into the Countreys The first loyal muster did so animate and encourage the old oppressed that casting off their fetters and fears together they begin to appear in their wonted guise and because they were by the Phanaticks traduced as men of blood and full of revenge not to be satisfied but with the utter ruine of their adversaries thereupon to undeceive the vulgar who might possibly have been misled by such
the Duke of Buckingham and the Lord Generall bareheaded and then his Majesty rid between his two brothers the Duke of York on the right hand and the Duke of Glocester on the other after whom followed his Excellencies Life-guard and then the Regiments of the Army all completely accoutred with back breast and Pot. In this order they came to Saint Georges fields in a part of which towards Newington was a Tent erected in which the Lord Mayor King rides through the Citie and Aldermen in their most solemne Formalities with their Officers Servants Livery-men and Lackeyes innumerable waited to which place when his Majesty came the Lord Mayor presented him on his knees with all the Insignia of the City viz. Sword Mace Charter c. Which he immediately returned with promise of Confirmation and conferred the Honour of Knighthood on the Lord Mayor in the place whereafter a short refreshment three hundred in Velvet Coats and Chains representing the several Companies passing on before the Lord Mayor bearing the Sword before the King they proceeded in an excellent order and equipage into and through the City which was all hung with Tapistry and the Streets lined on the one side with Livery men on the other side with the Trained Bands both taking and giving great satisfaction until at last even tyred with the tedious pleasure of his Welcome Journey he came to the Gate of his Pallace of Whitehall which struck such an impression of greif into his sacred heart by the Remembrance of his Fathers horrid Murther there as had almost burst forth if not stopt or recalled by the Joy he received from the acclamations of the people and the thought that he was peaceably returned after so many years unto His own House The King being come in went presently to the Banqueting House where the Houses of Parliament attended for him to whom the two Speakers severally made an incomparable Speech wherein with great eloquence they set forth the many years misery under which the Nation laboured then repeated the Kingdomes Joyes at present for their hoped happinesse in the future by his Majesties Restauration and so commended to his Princely care his three Kingdomes and people with their Laws and priviledges whereto the King in a Majestick style made this short but full return That he was so disordered by his Journey and the Acclamations of the people still in his Ears which yet pleased him as they were demonstrations of Affection and Loyalty that he could not express himself so full as he wished yet promised them that looking first to Heaven with a Thank-ful heart for his Restoration he would have a careful Eye of especial grace and favour towards his Three Kingdomes protesting that he would as well be a Defendor of their Laws liberties properties as of their faith Having thus received and taken several Congratulations and Entertaiments and dismissed his Noble Honourable Worshipful and Reverend Guard of the Nobility Gentry Citizens and Ministry he retired to Supper and afterwards having devoutly offered the Sacrifice of Prayer and Praise to the most high for his safe return he went to his Repose and Bed The first Beam that darted from our Royal Sun infused such a sense of piety into the peoples Affection that it even made them break into an Excess of Joy it was that happy Omen of a vertuous Government the admirable Proclamation against debauchednesse wherein such is his Majesties zeal he takes no notice of his Enemies but our sin which had so long occasioned his exile not sparing therein those who pretended to be his friends yet by their prophanenesse disserved him A happy Prince and happy people sure where the Extremity of Justice endevoureth to take nothing from the Subject but a Liberty to offend which so highly pleased the people that their Joyes rather increased then diminished according to that of the Poet. Littora cum plausu clamor superasque Deorum Implevere Domos gaudent generumque salutant Auxiliumque Domus servatoremque fatentur The Shores ring with applause the Heavens abound With grateful Clamours which therein resound All men salute him Father Prince and King That home again their banish'd peace doth bring Which is further also expressed by the Poet in these words Largis satiantur odoribus ignes Sertaque dependent tectis ubique lyraeque Tibiaque cantus animi felicia laeti Argumenta sonant reseratis aurea valvis Atria tota patent pulchroque instructa paratu Proceres ineunt convivia Regis The Bonfires light the Skie Garlands adorn The Streets and Houses Nothing is forborn That might express full joy while to his Court The King by Nobles follow'd doth resort And in their Feasts Gods wondrous Acts report So restless were the Nights of our pious King that he began to account all time spent in vain and amisse wherein he did not do or offer some good to his Kingdome to this purpose on the first of June the very next day but one after his Arrival accompanied with his two Brothers and Sir Edward Hide Lord Chancellour of England with many other honourable persons went by water to the House of Lords where having seated himself in his Royal seat the Black Rod was sent to the Commons to inform them of his being there They immediately adjourned and with their Speaker waited his Majesties pleasure who in a short speech acquainted them with the Occasion and Cause of his present sending for them viz. To pass those Bills which he understood were prepared for him the said Bills being therefore read according to ancient form by the Clerk of the Crown were passed by his Majesty First The Bill constituting the present Convention to be a Parliament Secondly For authorizing the Act of Parliament for 70000. l. per mens for 3 moneths Thirdly For Continuance of Easter Term and all proceedings at Law which done the Lord Chancellor Hide in a pithy Speech told both Houses with how much readinesse his Majesty had passed these Acts and how willing they should at all times hereafter find him to pass any other that might tend to the advantage and benefit of the people desiring in his Majesties behalf the Bill of Oblivion to be speeded that the people might see and know his Majesties extraordinary gracious care to ease and free them from their doubts and fears and that he had not forgotten his gracious Declaration made at Breda but that he would in all points make good the same Things being brought to that happy issue the King wholly intends to settle the Kingdome and because that in the multitude of Counsellors there is both peace and safety he nominates and elects to himself a Privy Councel whereof were The Duke of York The Duke of Glocester The Duke of Somerset The Duke of Albemarle The Marquiss of Ormond The Earl of Manchester The Earl of Oxford The Earl of Northampton Lord Seymour Lord Say Lord Howard Sir Atho Ashly Cooper Sir William Morris Mr. Hollis Mr.
facinorous persons who comply with them to keep up this Army for their own security against publick justice Having thus courted and cheated all the publick and just Interests of the Kingdom they deceived the people so far as to make them Issachar-like patiently to bear the burden of free-quarter and to make addresses to the Army for themselves by Petitions to which they gave plausible answers That this and this was the sense of the Army As if the sense of the Army had been the supreme Law of the Land and to make addresses to the Parliament for the Army not to be disbanded for which purpose their Agitators carried Petitions ready penned to be subscribed in most Counties The Peoâ—le being thus lulled asleep 22. A quarrel against the City invented they now cast about how to make benefit of a joynt quarrel both against the Parliament and City since they could not separate them or at least against the Presbyterian party in both they had withdrawn their quarters in a seeming obedience to Parliaments commands 30 miles from London of which they often brag in their Papers and presumed the suspension of the 11. Members had struck such an awfulness into the Houses that most of the Presbyterian Members would either absent themselves as too many indeed did or turn Renegadoes from their own principles to them but found themselves notwithstanding opposed and their desires retarded beyond their expectation by the remainder of that party 23. The Army demand the City Militia to be changed into other hands They must therefore find out a quarrel to march against the City and give the Houses another Purge stronger than the former The Army being principled and put into a posture sutable to Cromwels desire and the Country charmed into a dull sleep now was his time to pick a quarrel with the City that what he could not obtain by fair means he might obtain by foul to make them desert and divide from the Parliament and leave it to be modelled according to the discretion of the Souldiery He could not think it agreeable to policy that the City which had slaiâ— his Compeer and fellow Prince Wat Tyler the Idol of the Commons in Richard the seconds time and routed his followers four times as many in number as this Army should be trusted with their own Militia the City being now greater more populous and powerfull than in his days In a full and free Parliament upon mature debate both Houses by Ordinance dated 4 May 1647. had established the Militia of the City of London for a year in the hands of such Citizens as by their Authority and approbation were nominated by the Lord Mayor Aldermen and Common-Council and though the Army had recruted it self without Authority and had got themselves invested with the whole power of all the Land forces of the Kingdom in pay of the Parliam so that there was nothing left that could be formidable to them but their own crimes and that it was expected they should go roundly to work upon those publick remedies they had so often held forth to the people in their popular Printed Papers See the Letter and Remonstrance from Sir Tho. Fairfax and the Army p. 8. 9. Yet the Army contrary to what they promised to the City in their Letter 10. June and their Declaration or Representation 14 June 1647. That they would not go beyond their desires at that time expressed and for other particulars would acquiesce in the Justice and wisdom of the Parliament behold their modesty by a Letter and Remonstrance from Sir Thomas Fairfax and the Army with unresisted boldness demanded the Militia of the City of London to be returned into other hands without acquainting the City of their Commissioners then resident in the Army to keep a good correspondency with them therewith upon which Letter alone the House of Commons being very thin and many Members driven away by menaces upon July 22. Voted the repealing the said Vote of 4 May and a new Ordinance for reviving the old Militia presently passed and transmitted to the Lords the same day about seven of the clock at night and there presently passed without debate though moved by some to be put off until the City whose safety and privileges it highly concerned were heard what they could say to it Observe that neither by the said Paper from the Army nor by any man in the two Houses any thing was objected against any of the new Militia And indeed formerly the Parliament never made choice of enlarged or changed the City Militia but they were still pleased fiâ—st to communicate the same to the Common-Council a Resâ—ect justly shewed to that City which had been such good friends to them but of late since the Parliament have shifted their old Pâ—inciâ—les and Interests they have learned to lay by their old Friends The pretence for this hasty passing the Ordinance was to prevent the Armies so much theatned march to London if the Houses refused to pass it and the Cities opposition if not passed before their notice of it But the real design was to strike a discontent and jealousie into the City thereby to force them to some act of self-defence which might give a colour to the Army to march up against them and their friends in the Houses The unexpected news of this changing their Militia 24. The City troubled at the change of their Militia caused the City June 24. being Saturday to meet in Common-Council where for some reasons already expressed and because the repealing this Ordinance upon no other grounds than the Armies imperious desires might justly be suspected to shake all other Ordinances for security of Money sale of Bishops Lands I appeal to Colonel Harvy whether this did not fright him by making them repealable at the Armies pleasure they resolve to Petition the House upon Monday morning following being 26. July which they did by the Sheriffs and some Common-Council men But so it hapned that about one thousand Apprentices wholly unarmed 25. The City Petition the Houses for their Militia again came down two or three hours after with another Petition of their own to the Houses Therein complaining that to Order the Cities Militia was the Cities Birth-right belonging to them by Charters confirmed in Parliament for defence whereof they had adventured their lives as far as the Army And desired the Militia might be put again into the same hands in which it was put with the Parliaments and Cities consent by Ordinance May 4. 26. The tumult of Apprentices 26. July Upon reading these Petitions the Lords were pleased to revoke the Ordinance of July 23. and revive that of May 4. by a new Ordinance of July 26. which they presently sent down to the Commons for their consents where some of the Apprentices presuming they might have as good an influence upon the House to obtain their due as the Army in pay of the Parliament had to
obtain more than their due in a childish heat were over-clamorous to have the Ordinance passed refusing to let some Members pass out of the House or come forth into the Lobby when they were to divide upon the question about it so ignorant were they of the customes of the House which at last passed in the affirmative about three of the clock afternoon 27. The Tumult of Apprentices ceased but artificially continued by Sectaries and then most of the Apprentices departed quietly into the City After which some disorderly person very few of them Apprentices were drawn together and instigated by divers Sectaries and friends of the Army who mingled with them amongst whom one Highland was observed to be all that day very active who afterwards 26. Sept. delivered a Petition to the House against those Members that sate and was an Informer and Witness examined about the said Tumult gathered about the Commons door and grew very outragious compelling the Speaker to return to the Chair after he had adjourned the House and there kept the Members in until they had passed a Vote That the King should come to London to Treat This was cunningly and premeditately contrived to encrease the scandal upon the City yet when the Common-Council of London heard of this disorder as they were then sitting they presently sent down the Sheriffs to their rescue with such strength as they could get ready their Militia being then unsetled by the contradicting Ordinances of the Parliament who at last pacified the Tumult and sent the Speaker safe home which was as much as they could do in this interval of their Militia being the Houses own Act. 28. The Speaker of the Commons complained of a report that he meant to flie to the Army yet run away to the Army The Lords adjourned until the next Friday the Commons but until the next day Tuesday morning the Commons sate again quietly and after some debate adjourned until Friday next because the Lords had done so The next day being Wednesday the monthly Fast the Speaker and Members met in Westminster Church where the Speaker complained in some passion to Sir Ralph Ashton and other Members of a scandalous report raised on him in the City as if he intended to desert the House and fly to the Army saying he scorned to do such a base unjust dishonorable act but would rather die in his House and Chair which being spoken in a time and place of so much reverence and devotion makes many think his secret retreat to the Army the very next day proceeded not so much from his own judgment as from some strong threats from Cromwel and Ireton who were the chief contrivers of this desperate plot to divide the City and Houses and bring up the Army to enthrall them both That if he did not comply with their desires they would cause the Army to impeach him for cousening the State of many vast sums of money And truly I remember I have seen an intercepted Letter sent about the time of his flight from the Army to Will. Lenthal Speaker without any name subscribed to it only the two last lines were of John Rushworths hand earnestly importuning him to retire to the Army with his friends On Thursday morning early 29. The City proclaim against Tumults the newly renewed Militia of London made publick Proclamation throughout the City and Suburbs and set up printed Tickets at Westminster That if any person should distrub either of the two Houses or their Members the Guards should apprehend them and if resistance were made kill them yet notwithstanding the Speaker and his party carrying the causes of their fear in their own consciences in the evening of that day secretly stole away to Windsor to the Head-quarters Upon Friday morning at least 140 of the Members assembled in the House they that fled being about 40. 30. The Houses appear the Speakers being at the Army whither the Sergeant comming with his Mace being asked where the Speaker was answered He knew not well that he had not seen him that morning and was told he went a little way out of Town last night but said he expected his return to the House this morning after that being more strictly questioned about the Speaker he withdrew himself and would not be found till the House after four hours expectation and sending some of their Members to the Speakers house who brought word from his Servants that they conceived he was gone to the Army had chosen a new Speaker 31. New Speakers chosen Master Henry Pelham and a new Sergeant who procured another Mace The like mutatis mutandis was done by the Lords to prevent discontinuance and fayler of the Parliament for want of Speakers to adjourn and so to continue it 32. Petition and Engagement of the City and take away all scruples As for the Petition and Engagement of the City so much aggravated by the Independent party it was directed to the Lord Mayor Aldermen and Common-Council from divers Citizens Commanders and Souldiers and was occasioned by some intelligence they had that the Army would demand an alteration of the City Militia in order to a design they had against the City It was only intended to the Common Hall but never presented as the Souldiers Petition was to their General which being taken notice of by the Parliament as it was in agitation was so much resented by the Souldiery as to put themselves into the posture they are now in as Lieut. Col. Lilburn says in one of his books to act no longer by their Commission but by the principles of Nature and self-defence nor did the said Engagement contain any thing but resolutions of self-defence in relation to the City so that we cannot see what the Army had to do to declare their sence upon it in their Letter 23. July so put a prejudice upon it in the Houses I have insisted the more particularly upon this Grand Imposture as being the Anvill upon which they hammered most of their subsequent designs violent and illegal accusations 33. Votes passed after new Speakers chosen The new Speakers chosen the two Houses proceeded to Vote and Act as a Parliament And first The House of Commons Voted in the eleven impeached Members next They revive and set up again the Committee of safety by Ordinance of both Houses enabling them to joyn with the Committee of the restored City Militia giving power by several Ordinances to them to List and raise Forces appoint Commanders and Officers issue forth Arms and Ammunition for defence of both Houses and the City against all that should invade them Which Votes and preparations for their self-defence warranted by the same law of Nature as the Armies papers affirm were not passed nor put in execution untill the Army every day recruited contrary to the Houses Orders were drawing towards London and had with much scorn disobeyed the Votes and Letter of both Houses prohibiting them to come
excluding the two Houses and for a time indefinite * The Members of this Committee are now the E. of Northumberland Robert E. of Warwick the E. of Kent Ed. E. of Manchester Wil. L. Say and Seal Phil. L. Wharton Jo. L. Roberts Wil. Pierrepoint Sir Hen. Vane sen Sr. Gilbert G rrard Sr. Wil Armine Sr. Ar. Haslerig Sr. Hen Vane jun. Jo. Crew Rob. Wallope Oliver St. Johns Sol. O. Cromwel St. Brown Natha Fiennes Sr. Jo. Evelin jun. There were then added to this Committee Nathaniel Fiennes in place of Sir Phil. Stapleton Sir John Evelin junior in place of M. Recorder and the Earl of Kent instead of the Earl of Essex 22 Jan. following the Lords sent down a Message for a farther power to this Committee which was granted in these words Power to suppress Tumults and Insurrections in England c. and at Barwick and for that purpose the Committee to have power to give Orders and Directions to all the Militia and Forces of the Kingdom The addition of four Lords and eight Commoners likewise to this Committee was desired but denyed 68. Whitehall and the Mews Garrisoned Friday 14 January after a long debate it was ordered that Sir Lewis Dives Sir John Stowel and David Jenkins be tryed as Traytors at the Kings Bench the Grand Jury had found the Bill against Jenkins Mr. Solicitor c. appointed to manage this business * See Judge Jenkins's Remonstrance to the Lords and Commons of Parliament 21. Feb. 1647. but Jenkins is so great a Lawyer that the Solicitor durst not venture upon him the long sword being more powerfull in his mouth than the Law wherefore the Solicitor found an Errour in the indictment turned him back again upon the House to be impeached before the Lords to whose Jurisdiction he pleaded so the Solicitor put the affront from himself upon the Houses It was now twelve of the clock and many of the Independent party began to cry Rise rise The Presbyterians thinking all had been done many went to Dinner yet the Independents sate still and finding the House for their turn moved That a Letter might be forthwith sent to Sir Thomas Fairfax to send a convenient number of Foot to Garrison White-hall and a party of Horse to quarter in the Mews The Lords concurrence was not desired to this Vote but the Letters immediately drawn and sent Observe that before this Vote passed divers forces were upon their March towards the Town and came to White-hall Saturday following by eight of the Clock in the morning Saturday 15. Jan. The Army sent a Declaration to the House of Commons Thanking them for their 4. Votes against the King 69. The Armies Declaration thanking the Commons for their 4. Votes 70. The Lords pass the 4. Votes promising them to live and die with the Commons in defence of them against all Opponents Many of the Lords had argued very hotly against the said four Votes insomuch that it was 10. Lords to 10. but this engagement of the Army and the unexpected garrisoning of White-hall and the Mews turned the scales so that they passed the said 4. Votes only adding a short preamble little to the purpose holding forth some reasons for passing them to which the Commons when they came down assented When presently about twelve of the clock the House being thin Dennis Bond moved That whosoever should act against those 4. Votes or incite other to act against them should be imprisoned and sequestred Three or four days after the Lords had passed the said 4. Votes 71. The Army thanks the Lords the Army vouchsafed to spit thanks in their mouthes and make much of them These 4. Votes were generally sinisterly taken and filled mens minds with suspicion what form of Government the Grandees would set up now they had laid by the King and every mans mind presaged a new War which they conceived the Independent Grandees were willing to have to colour their keeping up this Army and raising money to maintain them and every man began to lay the project of a new war at their door notwithstanding by way of prevention they had Impeached divers Members and Citizens of London for endeavouring a new War when they did but raise men for their self-defence To shew the people therefore the reasons of these 4. Votes 72. The Declaration against the King the Independent Grandees appointed a Committee to search into the Kings conversation and errors of his Government and publish them in a Declaration to the World wherein they objected many high crimes against Him concerning His Fathers death the loss of Rochel and the Massacre and Rebellion in Ireland which upon debate in the House were very much moderated by the Presbyterians of which Declaration I will only say that they have set forth no new matter therein which they have not formerly published in parcels since which time they have taken and caused others to take the National Covenant whereby they vow to maintain the Kings Person Crown and Dignity in defence of Religion Laws and Liberties and therefore to reprint only the same things as arguments to lay by the King savours more of design than justice I will wade no farther in the censure of the said Declaration lest I imitate the Authors of it and as they by a feeble accusation have done the King much right so I by a weak defence should do him much wrong 73. Tho. Haslerig's Letter concerning the King The people were as ill satisfied with this Declaration as with the 4. Votes wherefore 24. Feb. Mr. Speaker with much seriousness presented to the House a Letter out of Leicester-shire from Thomas Haslerig brother to Sir Arthur which was read to this purpose That there was one Mr. Smalling a Committee-man of Leicester-shire who had been a Deputy examiner in the Star-Chamber and affirmed that above twenty years since there being a sute in Star-Chamber between the Earl of Bristol Complainant and the Duke of Buckingham Defendant concerning Physick presumptuously administred by the said Duke to King James the said Smalling took many Depositions therein and was farther proceeding in the Examinations until a Warrant signed by the King was brought him commanding him to surcease and to send him the Depositions already taken which Smalling did yet kept notes by him of the Principal passages doubting what farther proceedings might be hereafter in a business of such importance Sir Henry Mildmay moved that Smalling be sent for and examined upon Oath by the Committee that penned the said Declaration but upon motion of the Presbyterians he was Ordered to be examined at the Commons Bar. Smalling came produced the Warrant but no Notes so this Chimaera vanished What the said Committee would have made of this who knows God bless us all from clandestine examinations especially when they are taken by parties pre-ingaged 3. Caroli This business had been ventilated and examined against the Duke and no mention made of poysoning or killing
85. A device to put the Apprentices into a Tumult and found them averse from complying with him wherefore being a man of an early as well as an implacable malice he by the advice of the Committee of Derby-house cast about with the Schismatical Lord Mayor Warner he that raised the ridiculous Tumult at Christmas about Rosemary and Bayes a man that had been chosen Mayor by power of Parliament out of course to carry on the design of the faction and with the Lieutenant of the Tower how to put the City into some distemper of which they might take advantage The Citizens were well acquainted with their jugling tricks they had no hopes to work upon them wherefore they contrived how to put a provocation upon the silly Apprentice Boys and put them forth into some rash action of which they might make use to carry on their designes against the whole City wherefore upon Easter-day 1648. in the evening some few apprentices playing in Finnisbury fields some Souldiers were sent to drive them away which they did and imprisoned some of them for not readily obeying upon Sunday following 9. April divers Apprentices being at play according to custome in Moor-fields the Mayor sent Capt. Gale one of the new Captains of the Hamlets a Silk-Throster and a Tub-preacher and one that ran away at the fight at Newbury wash and hid himself in a Ditch as my L. Wharton at the Battle of Keynton hid himself in a Saw-pit thither to disturb them with about 50. or 60. of his Trained Band and no more that he might the better encourage the Boys to resist him who surlily asking them What they did there some of them answered they did no harm but only play and since all Holy dayes have been Voted down they had no other time of Recreation The Captain insolently commanded them to be gone they replyed he had no authority so to do and continued playing whereupon the Captain commanded his Musquetiers to shoot amongst them which they forbearing he took a Musquet himself and discharged amongst them when presently two or three schismatical Musquetiers of his Company following his example discharged upon them likewise and killed or as the Schismaticks say wounded only one of the Boyes whereat the Boys making a great out-cry more company gathered to them and so with stones brick-bats and sticks they dispersed the Trained Band and at last got their Colours and instantly in a childish jollity marched un-armed as they were towards the Mewes when presently a party of Horse ready prepared for this forelaid design met them charged and with ease routed them Cromwel himself animating the Troopers to shoot and spit them and to spare neither man woman nor child All Sunday night the Apprentices kept in a body in the City locked the City gates but set no guards upon them whereby you may see this business proceeded meerly from the rash and unpremeditated folly of Children not from the advice of Men howsoever the Independent faction in the House of Commons have since aggravated it to countenance their future cruelty and rapines upon the City Monday morning Sir Tho. Fairfax sent a strong party into the City who fell upon the Boyish rabble routed and killed many and shot poor Women great with Child sitting in their stalls one whereof the Child lived two hours in her belly after her brains were shot out a man likewise not knowing of their coming as he was drinking Milk at the corner of a street was shot as it were in sport as they rid they cryed Cuckolds keep your Houses cutting and wounding all they met Cromwel who followed in the Reer safe enoogh the Van having cleered the streets before him cryed out to them to Fire the City Oh Oliver what a barbarous John of Leyden art thou become Oh London how wretched a Munster wilt thou become at last they drove those silly unarmed wretches into Leaden-hall and took many of them Prisoners none of the Trained Bands nor Citizens appearing to help those poor Boys but leaving the Souldiers to get a bloody and boyish Triumph over them as they pleased they are now imprisoned in Cromwels shambles at White-hall This is the truth of the businesse notwithstanding the long-winded lying report made by Alderman Fouks at the Commons Bar a man that hath feather'd his nest well these miserable times and hath much publick money sticking to his fingers who when he gave in his accompt before the General Committee of Accounts refused to give it in upon Oath as other men did alleging Magna Charta that no man was bound to accuse himself It should seem he had something in his Conscience that would not endure the test of an Oath but he is one of the Godly and therefore the good things of this world belong unto him The House of Commons upon this occasion gave 1000 l. to the Souldiers for their valorous exploit and Voted 1000 Foot and 100 Horse to be kept in the Tower The Garrisons of Whitehall and the Mewes to be strengthened 3 Barges capable of 50 Musquetiers apiece to lie at Whitehall for the Souldiers to convey themselves to any landing place to disperse such watermen as shal assemble The City Chains to be taken away from their Posts and a Commission of Oyer and Terminer to issue forth to murder more of these Children legally The Mayor having kindled this fire in the City stole out at a window disguised and hid his foolish head in the Tower The House of Commons over-ruled by the Grandees Voted a day of thanksgiving for this delivery So bold are these Saints as to mock Gods holy name with impious devotions to colour their designs 86. The Lord Inchiquin The Lord Inchiquin president of Munster and General of the Army there had a long time been heaved at by the Indepeâ—dent faction The Lord Lisle who gaped after his imployment Sir John Temple Cromwell the Lord Broughill Sir Arthur and Sir Adam Loftus and others who by obstructing all supplies of Money Ammunition Victual Cloathes laboured to mutiny and disband his Army that they might send Schismaticks of their oâ—n party to Lord it there as they do here and keep Ireland as a Retreat for the Saints for the better effecting whereof they sent over many Emissaries whom they had commended to him to be officers in his Army When this would not do they Printed scandalous Articles against him and put infinite provocations upon him to incite him to do that which they falsly accused him to have done already But the many gallant-services he preformed since the publishing those Articles gave them the lie and confuted all their slanders at last under colour of sending a supply of forces to him they projected to surprise him and bring him away prisoner so that he hath suffered all the convulsions that trecherous friends and malicious enemies could put upon him And lately for the more close conveyance of the design the Houses sent three Commissioners towards Ireland to
survey his Actions but as if it were purposely done when the Commissioners came as far on their way as Bristol about a dozen renegado Officers of his Army met the Commissioners and turned them back again The said Officers posted up to the Parliament before the Commissioners and the 13 April were called in to the Commons Bar where they made a relation to the House to this purpose That the Lord Inchiquin having made an expedition into the County of Kerry upon his return sent for these Officers into his presence Chamber and told them He intended to declare against the Army and Independent party in England who kept the King and Parliament under a force that he would stand for the Liberty of the King and Parliament and a free Conference to settle Peace and that he expected all his Officers should joyn with him in so honourable an undertaking but should take an Oath of secrecy before he discover'd himself farther to them They Answered They could make no such Oath before they knew whether they might with a safe conscience keep it saying they would be true to the Parliament My Lord Inchiquin replied So have I and will be delude me not with ambiguous words do you mean this pretended Parliament telling them farther he had good correspondence with all the Presbyterians in Scotland and England as well in the Parliament as out of it that he doubted not to go through with his undertaking and if the worst hapned to make good conditions for himself and his party That he would make peace with my Lord Taff and that he knew the Independents in England were upon Treaty with Owen Roe Oneal who was a man of their humour and loved to keep all in combustion They refused to joyn he dismissed them for England The same day Letters from Capt. John Growthen Vice-Admiral of the Irish Seas from a shipboard were read in the House much to the same purpose though not so large wherein he said He had already blocked up all my Lord Inchiquin's Havens Presently Allen the Goldsmith moved 87. Allen the Gold-smith moveth to put the House to the touch by some Covenant Declaration c. That since the Lord Inchiquin had discovered that he had a correspondency with the Presbyterians in the House before they dealt with their Enemies without doors they should try who were their Enemies within doores by putting all men to some Covenant Engagement or Protestation c. And Lieutenant General Cromwell said That being to debate this business to morrow whosoever with crosse Arguments shall spin out the debate and so retard our prceedings by my consent shall be noted with a Black Coal to which was answered That this tended to take away freedom of debate which was the life of Parliaments and of all Councils and was destructive to the very being of Parliaments It is not amisse to insert here by way of digression what I formerly omitted Sir Henry Mildmay long since moved That 150 rich Guard Coats of the King might be sold for 800 l. to find Fire and Candle for the Souldiers in White-hall The question put The Speaker gave judgement the Yeas had it Mr. Edward Stephens declared the Noes had it They were unwilling to divide upon such a question but Mr. Stephens persisted and Robert Reynolds said aloud notice shall be taken of him for putting such a dishonour upon the House Upon the Division the Noes carried it by nine voices Thereupon complaint was made against Reynolds for attempting against the liberty of Voting but no redress But to return from my digression the next day 14 of April it was moved that my Lord Inchiquin's Son a Child of 8 or 9 years old going to School at Thistleworth might be secured in the Tower and kept for a Hostage To which was Answered That no man could take an Hostage without consent an Hostage must be given upon the publick faith upon some stipulation and must be so received by mutual agreement you cannot punish the child for the Fathers fault yet he was voted to the Tower and sent My Lord Inchinquin's Commission as President of Munster and General of the Army Voted void and no man to obey him himself Voted a Traitor yet no man examined upon Oath against him nor any man sent to take information of the businesse into Ireland and his professed enemy the Lord Lisle is to go General into Munster in his room and the said fugitive Officers all rewarded as if they had brought acceptable news This day Reynolds revived Allens motion for putting the Members to the Test by some Covenant Protestation or Declaration subscribed That this is a free Parliament and that they would live and die with this Parliament and Army To which was answered 1. That by Ordinance of both Houses all men were enjoyned to take the National Covenant This Covenant is the true Touch-stone of the Parliament and so agreed upon by the wisdom of both Nations yet many sit here who refuse to obey this Ordinance I know no reason therefore why any man should obey you in any other Ordinance of this Nature let us keep the old Covenant before we take any new 2. It hath been moved in the House that the Oathes of Justices of the Peace and Sheriffs might be taken away I hope you will not abolish legal Oathes and impose illegal Oathes This House hath not so much Authority as to administer an Oath much more to impose one you must allow to others that liberty of Conscience which you demand for your selves 3. Major Gray told you my Lord Inchiquin said he had correspondency with all the Presbyterians in the House who had made their peace with the King But my Lord Inchiquin told him farther the Independents were upon Treaty with Owen Roe and Oneal let them clear themselves of that imputation first before they give a purgation unto others otherwise what you do will savour of force 4. The true Touch-stone to try every mans integrity is to examine who have inriched themselves by the calamities of the times and your service and who are impoverished 5. This is a new device to purge the House The Grandees of the House have cantonized the Kingdom between them 88. The Counties compelled to give thanks to the Houses for their Votes against the King every man in his Division protecting the Country Committees and receiving tribute from them in recompence of their protection and Prideaux the Post master being King of the West Saxons his Vice-roy or Lord Deputy for the County of Somerset is that running Col. John Pyne who being often inspired with Sack rules the Committee and County by inspirations Pyne and his Peers of the Committee to please his superiours set on foot a draught of a Petition to be handed by the Country Giving thanks to the Parliament for the four Votes against the King and promising to live and die with the Parliament and Army and desiring the County might be freed from
The King cannot plead Dures no man can imprison or hurt the King in his politick capacity as King though in his natural capacity as man he is as passive as other men To which was replyed That it had been frequently said in the House the King was a prisoner That there was no difference in Law between a restraint and an imprisonment whether legal or illegal A tortious restraint is called in Law a false Imprisonment That former Kings have avoided their own Acts by pleading Restraint or Imprisonment and Constraint as R. 2. H. 3. That the King may as well plead Imprisonment as the Parliament plead a Force which they have lately done That the Kings Restraint in Law is Arcta custodia God grant it be salva custodia we have lately had Information to the contrary The distinction between the Kings natural and politique capacity was Treason in the Spencers and so declared by 2 Acts of Parliament in the time of Edw. 2. and Edw. 3. See Calvins case in my Lord Cook they are unseparable by the Law Tho. Scot argued That the City was as obnoxious to the Kings anger as any part of the Kingdom and if the Treaty should be in London who shall secure us that the City will not make their Peace with the inraged King by delivering up our Heads to Him for a sacrifice as the men of Samaria did the heads of the 70 sons of Ahab It was farther moved That if the King came not to London but to one of his houses about 10 miles from London That He might be desired to give His Royal word to reside there untill the Conclusion of the Treaty Col. Harvy slighted this motion vilifying the Kings Royal word and saying There was no trust in Princes he alleged the Kings promises had been frequently broken as when he protested the safety and privileges of Parliament should be as precious to Him as the safety of His Wife and Children and within three or four dayes after came with armed Guards to force the House and other instances which have been too often remembred and shall be here omitted At last they fell upon a report that the Committee of Lords and Commons had Voted They would not insist upon the 3 Votes preparatory to a Treaty viz. Presbytery the Militia and recalling all Declar Procla c. This was long argued to and fro At last it was Voted That the King be desired to assent to the said 3 preparatory Propositions 99 My Lord Say's discourse about a Personal Treaty and sign them with his hand to be passed as acts of Parliament when the King shall come to Westminster My Lord of Warwick had moved in the Lords House about this time for a Personal Treaty and was seconded by the Earl of Northumberland but my Lord Say opposed it and prevailed against it afterwards my Lord Say in his way home visited the Duke of Richmond and amongst other discourse told the Duke He was sorry to find so great an indisposition to peace saying he had moved for a Personal Treaty but could not prevail this was done upon hopes the Duke would have writ so much to the Queen or Prince But the Earl of Holland coming that day to see the Duke and the Duke relating to the Earl what the Lord Say had told him the Earl of Holland discovered the truth to him and so spoiled the design you see the Devil doth not always own the endeavours of his servants The said 5 July the Speaker as soon as he sate in his Chair 100. The news of the D. of Buck. taking Arms. alarmed the house of Commons with the news of the Duke of Buckingham's and the Earl of Holland's drawing into an hostile posture relating they were 2000. that they intended to take Lambeth-house that the Bullets would presently be about their ears if they did not rise which put the zealots into such a rout that they presently cried Adjourn adjourn until Monday and had hardly so much patience as to hear any reasons to the contrary but this was but a counterfeit fear the design hid under it was to prevent the City from bringing in that day their Petition for a Personal Treaty and to leave the whole power of the House during the Adjournment to the Committee of Derby house to raise what Horse and Foot they pleased under colour of suppressing this Insurrection For when they found they could not prevail to Adjourn 101. Skippon authorized to raise 1000 Horse they moved for power to be given to Maj. Gen. Skippon to raise Horse whether to possess the Avenues and passages from the City to the Earl of Hollands Army or to keep the City under the terror of a Horse Guard is doubtfull And the same day Mr. Swynfin reported from the Committee of Safety That they offered to the Consideration of that House 102. A Report from Derby house that the Members should underwrite for maintaining of Horse that it was fit the House should have a Horse Guard and that every Member should underwrite how many Horse he will pay for 10 days This is refused by some Gentlemen upon these grounds 1. It bears the aspect of an Imposition or Tax set upon the House by their Committee 2. The Members have not suffered alike and therefore cannot do alike some have lost much and got nothing others have got much and lost nothing and it is not equal that Losers should bear equall burthens with Getters and contribute out of their Losses to maintain other mens Gains and preserve them in their rich Offices and Bishops Lands purchased for little or nothing Gentlemen are made Beggers and Beggers Gentlemen 3. It is a dividing motion tending to lay an imputation of Malignancy and dis-affection upon those that cannot as well as those that will not subscrâ—be and so gives a great advantage to the Gainers over the Losers which the Losers have no reason to submit to 4. A Personal Treaty being now in debate this motion makes many Members forbear the House who cannot grant and dare not deny It carries with it therefore something of design and terror and so takes away the liberty of Parliament which when so weighty a business is handling is ought to be If this Horse Guard be raised how shall we assure our selves they shall be Disbanded after ten days being once under Command It is therefore a subtile malicious tyrannous act for the Committee of Safety to put so tempting a motion upon the House and give men cause to suspect that something of Design and Danger lies hid under it 103. The device of a forged letter About this time a Letter without any name subscribed was left at Major General Brown's house in his absence consisting of two parts 1. A Preamble of great respect and love born to him by the Epistoler for his fair carriage to the King and good affection to peace and reconcilement with the King 2. An Admonition to look to
the Army and diverse other Symptomes of danger but especially Skippons secret Liâ—ting of Schismatiques in the City amongst the Congregations of Mr. Goodwin Mr. Patience and others with power given him to kill and slay his listing servants against their Masters and setting up a Power against a Power had provoked that dull beast the City to know their own strength to look into their Charter and the Customes of the City and to Counter-list in their own defence for which purpose they passed an Act of Common Council dated 27. July 1648. which was soon complained of in the House of Commons by Ven Harvey Pennington and other ill Birds of that Corporation who usually defile their own nests after many aggravations that after they had fought with the King for the Militia any power out of the Parliament should presume to exercise it a Committee was appointed to Treate with a Committee of the Common-Council to hear what they could say for themselves and by what authority they claimed the use of their own Militia The Committees met and amongst other things the said question was asked By what authority they listed men To which was answered That they did it by the Law of Self-defence warranted by the Law of God of nature and of the Land and by a farther Authority to question which would make lirtle for the advantage of the Parliament This mysterious Answer stopped the mouthes of the Parliament Committee If London should plead their Charter and usages other places might doe the like so this businesse was shut up in silence Note that many Sectaries of Westminster Southwark and the Hamlets have been invited and countenanced to petition the House of Commons against uniting their Militia's with London upon pretended cavils As that they desired to have equal number of Voices in the Militia with London But since London beareth 7. parts of 9. in the charge it is an unreasonable demand By Orders as is thought from Derby-house 115 The Governor of Dublyn seizeth and sendeth over Prisoners the Presbyterian Commanders Colonel Jones Governour of Dublyn hath seized upon most of the Presbyterian Commanders thereabouts and sent them Prisoners to Westchester as Sir Maurice Eustace Sir John Gyford Col. Willoughby Colonel Flower Major Stephens Major Capron c. to make room for Independent Officers in his Army that the Saints only may possesse the good things of this world but chiefly that his Army being Commanded by Antimonarchical Schismaticks may the better sympathize and unite with the Antimonarchical Papists in Owen Roe Oneal's Army against the Lord Inchiquin whereof the said Lord hath given some hint as I have aforesaid You see the predominant Principle is Antimonarchy which easily overswayes Religion on both sides 116. A Frigot of the Princes taken with many Letters and Commissions Sir Milles Levesey having casually taken a little Frigot of the Princes called the Chistopher manned with one Captain Green and 8. men took divers Commissions in her and a Letter of Mart granted to the said Captain to make prize of Rebels and Enemies Goods and a Paper of Instructions prohibiting Green to use any Hostility untill the Prince had published his Declaration and untill it were designed who were His Enemies other writings were then taken which were referred to a Committee of the House of Commons to peruse and report Mr. Lechmore reported from the said Committee That some of those writings were not fit to be published in the House hereby you see that the House is already divested of that Power and Authority which the People have Trusted only them with all is now usurped by confiding Sectary Committees so Mr. Lechmore reported That there was an Adjudication out of the Princes Admiralty held in the Isle of Jersey whereby a ship belonging to one Tucknell was adjudged against him upon this ground given in the Adjudication That Tucknell had taken that damnable Oath called The National Covenant I appeal to any man that doth not hastily beleeve all he hears whether it be probable the Prince in such a conjuncture of time when the Parliament it self says That the Prince invited the Scots to invade England and had declared for them would hazard the losing of the Scots by inserting such a clause in the Adjudication All is not Gold that glisters these Letters may be St. Martins ware counterfeit stuff 117. A design to seize on divers Presbyterian Aldermen Lords and Commons About this time it is reported by some that professe to know it there was a design for Skippon's new listed-men to seize upon Alderman Langham Alderman Bunce and some of the Lords and Members of the House of Commons in the night whereof notice being given some of the Members knowing that Treachery like the Basilisk dies if it be first seen to shew that it was discovered caused one of their Party in the House to move That Skippon might be Ordered not to seize on kill or slay any Member of either House An order passed the House of Commons for the Earl of Warwick to fight the Prince at Sea It was sent up to the Lords 118. An Ordinance for the Earl of Warwick to fight the Prince at Sea and passed that House too whereby it became an Ordinance Yet some of the Lords entred a protestation against it as the Earls of Lincoln Suffolk Lord North. 2. Of August The Zealots of the House of Commons fell again upon the businesse of Rolf 119. More endeavours of the Independents in favour of Rolf. at an unseasonable hour of the day and in a thin House They ordered a Conference with the Lords about him and that the Lords be desired to joyn with the Commons in Bayling of him and yet for Treason a man is not Baylable by Law I cannot hear that Mr. Osburn's time of staying with Freedom and Safety to prosecute Rolf is renewed by the Commons although it be expired you see the Iron-bound Saints of the Army are impregnable even against High Treason if this Puny Saint be so inviolable what hope have Major Huntington and John Lilbourn to be heard against Cromwell For if the man such freedom have What then must he that keeps the Knave Yet if Rolf had but bastinadoed Sir Henry Mildmay and that 's no great matter peradventure he had been prosecuted in earnest Thursday 3. August 120. A Letter from the Earl of Warwick for Martial Law at Sea a Letter from the Earl of Warwick was read in the House of Commons complaining of the Refractorinesse of the Sea-men and that he could not govern them without a Commission for Martial Law which was readily assented to as any thing that cries up Arbitrary power above the known Laws usually is But how this will agree with the discipline of the Sea and how they will fight being so yoaked I know not The same day a Letter passed the House of Commons 121. A Letter from the Parliament to the Assembly of the Kirk of
namely the Marquess of Argyle whose dealing with his Kindred Friends and Confederates mentioned in the following discourse will be a warning to all religious Protestants how they trust such an Apostate Covenanter whose ambition and avarice hath ruined the KING Church and State or three flourishing Kingdoms Although it may seem a paradox to many I dare boldly aver that Argile and his Faction in Scotland have been and are the chief Malignants Incendiaries and evil Instruments who have been the Ruiners of these three flourishing Kingdoms and the Authors of the blood shed in all of them as I hope by this following Discourse will be made appear to every impartial and unprejudicate Reader who hath or may have the certain knowledge of every particular when time shall serve This Argile's Father after the Marriage of his English Lady having turned Roman Catholique and this his only Son by his first Lady being carefully educated by the Earl of Morton by whose means he obtained the possession of his Fathers whole Estate for a small Pension and by His Majesties special favour for out-quitting his pretended Title of Justice General of the Kingdom of Scotland did obtain an Heritable Justiciary of Argile Lorn Kintyre and many of the Western Isles which power he did execute with that cruelty that he disgusted all the Islanders and Highlands of Scotland who were never so tyrannized over by any of their Kings till his Fathers death still fearing his return he kept himself somewhat moderate for the engaging for the Covenant or keeping company sometimes with those that were against it but his Father being dead finding himself idolized by those who had taken the managing of all affairs into their hands and that by his power and policy he could prevail with them in any thing to indear himself the more to that party he did seem exceeding zealous for the Covenant and pretending great fears from Ireland which the then Lord Deputy Strafford his Greatnesse and known aversenesse from the Covenant did make the more easily to be beleeved whereas the true cause of his fears was for the loss of Kintyre whereof he cosened his Brother long before his death Isla and divers considerable Isles which were and ought to be the possessions of the Mackdonalds and his indiscreet provoking of Strafford who in revenge of him did use very hardly all the Scots in Ireland who would not renounce the National Covenant of Scotland he dis-arming them did Arm and Train many Irish who after his Head was off shed so much bloud in Ireland and upon pretence of divers of the Mackdonalds Argile's own Tenants for the time were accessary to the Plot fearing his Judiciary power where he was both Judge and Party they were inforced to flie to Ireland till their peace should be made to prevent which he sent their Wives and Children after them took possession of all their moveables and placed other Tenants in their Room but being grieved that Culkettough and his Sons who had goodly Possessions were not gone with the rest he caused cite them before the Council as accessary to an Invasion to be made by Antrum and some of their friends which citation as legal men and not guilty in the least they did obey and after some dayes stay in Edinburgh taking their walk daily before Argile's door they did humbly intreat his Secretary to plead for them that they might have a speedy hearing since they were weary of their attendance which the Secretary acquanting the Lord Argile returned them this Answer That since they had testifyed their obedience by their appearance they might go home and he have themselves civilly not medling with their Rebellious friends as he was pleased to term them and be ready upon any new citation they should be excused for that time they did humbly thank his Lordship and his Secretary for this courtesie and did presently depart from Edinburgh towards their home whereof my Lord by his Spies upon them having notice did immediately convene the Council and whereas in many dayes before during their stay in Town they could not be heard that day they were first Called and upon their not Answering my Lord aggravating their Accusation by their departure occasioned by his own and his Secretaries contriving procures a Warrant to make them prisoners till they should be Tried and to seize upon their Estates which out of his zeal to the Covenant God knows he did carefully perform and made Culkettough and his two Sons Prisoners before they were half way at home which Alexander Macdonald afterwards Sir Alexander Macdonald being fled to Ireland having no valuable possession to look to at home did associate himself with the Irish in the beginning of their Rebellion but so soon as the Scots Army came over he did apply himself to them assuring them that he would do them faithfull service against the Irish Rebels if they would release his old Father and his two Brethren unjustly detained prisoners or bring them to Legal Trial whereof having assurance given him he brought with him two hundred gallant men of his friends and did more execution upon the Irish than half of the Scots Army their horse being not able to follow through Bogs and their Foot not so swift as the Irish and did in one morning bring in six or seven thousand Cowes to the Scots Camp the like booty they did never take at any one time before or since for which good service the General did of new ingage for his Father and Brethrens releasment but when the Committee of Estates had consented Argile did reverse all and frustrate the Generals promise which Alexander Macdonald perceiving said no more but well I will yet cause my faithful service procure my Fathers inlargement and did continue without pay or hope of pay saving a very spare allowance of quarters until Argile sent over and caused him to be discharged of all quarters to the grief of all the Scots Officers who did wel know what faithful service he had done and was able to do them so that meer necessity did inforce him to make his peace with the Irish by whose help he did come over into Scotland meerly to be revenged on Argile and to relieve his Father hoping the Estates of Scotland would not blame him for suing the performance of what their General had promised unto him intending no more til Montrosse out of his desire to be revenged on Argile did enforce Alexander Macdonald to joyn his Majesties Interest as Montrosse pretended with the said Macdonald hoping he would find as indeed he did a great many discontented persons to joyn with them all which or the most considerable were parties and persons wronged oppressed and ruined by Argile as chiefly besides the forementioned Islanders and these Highlands that were under his lash the Atholl men twice or thrice plundered by him Montrosse himself provoked by many wel-known injuries which no Noble heart could endure as the death of Mr. James Stewart who
out of the way the King the first and most visible legall Authority they will now put downe the Parliament the second visible Authority of England who are now the onely Bulwarke against the Tyranny of the Sword and then as Major White said at Putney long since there will be no visible Authority left in England but the power of the Sword which will introduce a new Parliament or rather fantastical new invented Representative destructive to Parliaments all of their owne Creatures as appeares by their next Proposition concerning succession of Parliaments 2. That nâ—ne shall be capable of Electing This is so explained by the Moderate one of the raling Pen-men of the Faction who hath a large share in the 500. or 600. a year allowed to these Pamphletires for divulging State-lies and slanders amongst the People who from Novemb. 14. to Novemb. 21. 1648. Number 19. defineth the People of England to be onely such as have not engaged for the King and such as shall sign to the Agreement of the People which is to be above Law and all the rest are to be Disfranchised or being Elected that have engaged against the publique Interest that is the Interest of them and their Party as appeares by their 5. Anarchical Principles in the beginning of this Paragraph nor any that oppose this Agreement By what Authority but the arbitrary sway of the Sword shall Freemen be Disfranchised and lose their Birth-rights for not changing the fundamentals of Parliaments Government and Law and yeilding them up to the lusts of an Army of Rebels that bragge they have Conquered the Kingdome and we are their Slaves 3. That Elections may be so distributed as to render the House of Commons a Representative of the whole People that is tagge and ragge and Canting Beggers who have nothing to give or lose as well as Free-holders so farewel Writs of Summons and all orderly legal formes if all men without any distinction may Elect and be Elected all will fall into confusion the Rabble will never agree all things will tend to Riots and Tumults so that the better and soberer fort will and must forbeare and leave all in the hands of the Rascallity and at last no Representative will be chosen or such an one as the People will be ashamed to owne and will desert them and leave them to be ordered at the pleasure of the Army 4. Prop. That our Kings hereafter may be Elective and disclaime a Negative Voice how frequent Civil Warres are in all Elective Kingdomes during the interregnum or space between the death of the old and choice of the new King how obnoxious to the Souldiery let the old Emperours of Rome those later of Germany the Kingdome of Poland and heretofore Bohemia and Hungary tell all Histories are full of examples yet if our elective Kings shall have neither the Militia nor a Negative Voice in Councels and the Crowne Revenues be otherwise disposed of as is inferred and their Heads exposed to the humours of the People or their Representative the Office will be so unworthy of any wise man that I do by these presents freely give my voice to the Lord Fairfax and so unfit for any honest Gentleman that I do hereby give my voice to Cromwell the perfidious Brewer catch who catch can let them agree amongst themselves I care not which of the two shall be set up for the new States Scar-Crow This Remonstrance was about a Week after seconded with a most insolent threatning Declaration composed altogether to terror it was occasioned as followeth About the latter end of November the Parliament was informed the Army was upon their march to London whereupon not without great opposition by the Armies Party in the House and with great caution it should be mannerly phrased for feare of angring his insolency a Letter was Voted to be sent the Generall forbidding his neerer approach In contempt whereof the Army immediatly printed the said Declaration accusing the Parliament of Breach of Trust Lightnesse Inconstancy Indiscretion saying They would appeale from them to the People that is still themselves you see they hold one and the same Rod over King and Parliament and threatning to advance presently to Westminster to doe what God should enable them unto The same night they came to Hyde-Parke-corner and kept Guards there Hereupon it was put to the Question That the Armies approach was prejudiciall to the freedome of Parliament but through the cowardice of some whose hearts now began to melt and the impudent restlesse bawling of those cheating Saints that comply with the Army to keep themselves from giving Accounts it passed in the Negative 19. The Kings Concessions debated and young S. Hen Vanes insolency Decemb. 2. The Kings Answer was debated and as a prologue to it young Sir Henry Vane a Whelpe of the Old Curre spake thus Mr. Speaker By this Debate we shall know who are our Friends and who are our Foes or to speak more plainly We shall discover who are the Kings Party in the House and who the Peoples To which was Answered That since this Gentlemen were so bold to deale thus by way of prevention in a threatning manner and had fore-judged and divided the House into two parts I hope it is as lawfull for me who am no Grandee nor no Gainer by our troubles to put you in minde of another Division of the House Sir you will find some desirous of peace and they are Losers by the Warre Others are against peace and those are Gainers by the Warre My humble motion is that the Gainers may contribute to the Losers that we may all stand upon equall feete for till then the Ballance of the Common-wealth will never stand right towards a settlement True jests bite sore He and his Syre oppose peace lest the Kings Revenue being restored they should lose a good Trade there the old Dogge is Chair-man of that Committee the young one is a principal Publican and Treasurer they get constantly above 6000 l. per annum between them besides private cheats by paying half Debts and taking Acquittances for the whole and then discounting for the whole buying in old sleeping Pensions for trifles that have not been payed in many yeares and paying themselves all Arreares Cornelius Holland is Servant to them both and hath gotten as much wealth as makes him sawcy enough to hire William Lilly and other Pamphletiers to derive his Pedigree from John Holland Duke of Exeter although it be knowne he was originally a Link-boy but he is now one of the New Lights an illuminated Brother Master Pryn moved the debate of the Kings Answer might be laid aside until it was a free Parliament not environed by the Army but said Mr. Rich. Norton Take heed what you say against the Army for they are resolved to have a free Parliament to Debate the Kings Answer if we refuse This day the General took possession of White-Hall for his Quarters 20. The Generall
but the designs projects of Jesuits Popish Priests and Recusants who bear chief sway in their Councels to destroy and subvert our Religion Laws Liberties Government Magistracy Ministry the present and all future Parl. the King his Posterity and our 3. Kingdoms yea the Generall Officers and Army themselves and that with speedy and inevitable certaintâ— to betray them all to our forreign Popish Enemies and give a just occasion to the Prince and Duke now in the Papists power to alter their Religion and engage them and all forreign Princes and Estates to exert all their power to suppresse and extirpate the Protestant Religion and Professors of it through all the world which these unchristian scandalous treacherous rebellious tyrannicall Jesuitical disloyall bloudy present Councels and exorbitances of this Army of Saints so much pretending to piety and justice have so deeply wounded scandalized and rendred detestable to all pious carnall morall men of all conditions All which I am and shall alwaies be ready to make good before God Angels Men and our whole three Kingdoms in a free and full Parliament upon all just occasions and seale the truth of it with the last drop of my dearest bloud In witnesse whereof I have hereunto subscribed my Name at the Signe of the Kings-head in the Strand Decemb. 26. 1648. William Pryn. 51. The Councell of War forbid all state and ceremony to the King From Dec. 25. to 1. January Num. 283. 27. Decemb. The Councel of VVarr who manage the businesse in relation to the King saith the Diurnal ordered That all state and ceremony should be forborne to the King and his Attendants lessened to mortifie him by degrees and work Him to their desires VVhen it was first moved in the House of Commons to proceed capitally against the King 52. Cromwels Sp. in the Ho. when it was first propounded to try the King Cromwell stood up and told them That if any man moved this upâ—n dâ—signe he should think him the greatest Traytour in the world but since providence and necessity had cast them upon it he should pray God to blesse their Councels though he were not provided on the suddaine to give them counsel this blessing of his proved a curse to the King 53. The Ordinance for electing Com Councel men confiâ—med 28. Decemb. was brought into and read in the House an Ordinance explaining the former Ordinance for electing Common-Councel-men which confirmed the former Ordinance It was referred back againe to the said Committee to consider of taking away the illegal as they please to miscall them Oaths of Allegiance Supremacy and other Oaths usually administred to Officers Free-men c. of the City The 28. Decemb. Tho. Scot brought in the Ordinance for Trial of the King it was read and recommitted three severall times 54. The Ordinance for Trial of His Majesty passed the Commons and the Commissioners Names inserted consisting of diverse Lords Commons Aldermen Citizens Country Gentlemen and Souldiers that the more persons of all sorts might be engaged in so damnable and treasonable a designe and because this Ordinance and the proceedings thereupon had no foundation in Divinity Law reason nor practice The Commons to give it a foundation and ground from the authority of their Votes declared as followeth Resolved c. Diurnall from 1. Ian. to the 8. of Ian. 1648. Numb 286. That the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament doe declare and adjudge That by the fundamental Laws of the Realme it is Treason in the King of England for the time to come to levie War against the Parliament and Kingdom of England So together with this declaratory Vote the said Ordinance was carried up to the Lords by that Renegado Lord Gray of Grooby Jan. 2. 1648. 55. And sent up to the Lords The Lords met that day farre more than ordinary 16. in number and promising to send an Answer by Messengers of their owne The first Question started by some Lords who had rather have had a thinner House was 56. And Debated Whether it should be presently debated which passed Affirmatively The first Debate was upon the said Declaratory Vote The Earle of Manchester told them The Parliament of England by the fundamentall Laws of England consisted of three Estates 1. King 2. Lords 3. Commons the King is the first and chief Estate He calls and dissolves Parliaments and confirmes all their Acts and without him there can be no Parliament therefore it is absurd to say The King can be a Traitour against the Parliament The Earle of Northumberland said The greatest part at least twenty to one of the people of England were not yet satisfied whether the King levied war first against the Houses or the Houses against Him 57. The Zealots of the H. of Com offended with the Lords for casting forth the Ordin for Triall of the King And if the King did levie Warr first against the Houses we have no Law to make it Treason in Him so to doe And for us to declare Treason by an Ordinance when the matter of fact is not yet proved nor any Law extant to judge it by is very unreasonable so the Lords cast off the Debate and cast out the Ordinance and adjourned for seven dayes Jan. 3. The Zealots of the Commons were very angry at the Lords and threatned to clap a Pad-lock on the Door of their House but at last they sent up some of their Members to examine the Lords Book and see what they have done who brought word back that their Lordships had passed 2. Votes 1. That they doe not concurre to the said Declaratory Vote 2. That they had rejected the Ordinance for Triall of the King 58. Votes passed by them therupon Hereupon the Commons resolved to rid their hands of King and Lords together and presently they voted That all Members of the House of Commons and others appointed by order of that House or Ordinances of both Houses of Parliament to act in any Ordinance wherin the Lords are joyned shall be impowred and enjoyned to sit and act and execute in the said several Committees of themselves notwithstanding the House of Peers joyne not with them therein Upon the debate many hot-brain'd men insisted upon it That the Lords who rejected the Ordinance should be themselves Impeached for favouring the grand Delinquent of England you see the King was likely to have much justice when his Judges must either condemne Him or be condemned others thought it more prudence to touch their Priviledges and let alone their Persons Die Iovis 4. Jan. 1648. The Commons passed these 3. Votes A question in Divinity voted in Parliament never agreed to by Divines This we find de factâ— in the subversion of our Religion Lawes Liberties and Properties though not de Jure You see that since both Houses ravished the Supremacy from the King and a petty faction from the Houses our Lawes are first shrunk into arbitrary Ordinances of
a force consulting in the House without their fellow Members advice or concurrence about speedie Deposing and executing CHARLES their lawfull Soveraign to please the Generall Officers and Counsell of the Army who have usurped to themselves the Supreme Authoritie both of King and Parliament or rather the Jesuits and Popish Priests among them 1. By the Common Law the Stat. 25. Edw. 3. Cok. 5. Inst 4. 1. Stamf. Pleas of the Crown l. 1. c. 1 2. and all other Acts concerning Treason It is High Treason for any man by overt act to compass the death of the King or his eldest Son though never executed and so adjudged by Parliament in the Earl of Arundels Case 21 Ric. 2. Plac. Coronae n. 4 6 7. 2. In the Oath of Allegiance which every man takes before he sits in Parliament you acknowledge him to be lawful and rightful King of this Realm and that the Pope neither of himself nor by any authority of the See of Rome or by any other means with any other hath any Power or Authority to depose the King c. Exact Collect. p. 16 19 21 59 66 83 102 103 118 123 125 141 142 143 173 180 195 219 259 281 307 380 312 360 376 457. A Collect c. p. 13 18 41 43 44 49 51 61 64 96 181 182 340 341 424 425 499 599 623 696 806 807 879. Appendix p. 15. 3. Your selves amongst other Members in above one hundred Remonstrances Declarations Petitions Ordinances c. in the name of the Parliament have professed You never intended the least hurt injury or violence to the Kings Person Crown Dignity or Posterity but intended to Him and His Posterity more Honour Happiness Glory and Greatness than ever any of His predecessors enjoyed That you would make good to the uttermost with your Lives and Fortunes the Faith and Allegiance you have alwaies born to him That all Contributions Loans should be imploied onely to maintain the Protestant Religion the Kings Authoritie Person Royal Dignitie Laws of the Land Peace of the Kingdome and Priviledges of Parliament That the Forces raised by the Parliament were for defence of the Kings Person and of both Houses That the Parliament will ever have a care to prevent any danger to his Person That they are resolved to expose their lives and fortunes for maintenance of the Kings Person Honour and Estate and the Power and Priviledges of Parliament when the King taxed the Houses for insinuating Exact Collect. p. 298 695 696 657 658 991. That if they should make the highest Presidents of other Parliaments their pattern that is depose the King there could be no cause to complain of them Both Houses by two Declarations protested against it saying That such thoughts never entred nor should enter into their loyal hearts Collect. of all Orders p. 8 13 41 43 44 49 51 61 64 96 99 623 696 879. Appendix p. 15. 4. By the Protestation They declare in the presence of God to defend the Kings Person and Estate and that their Armies under Essex and Fairfax were raised for that purpose inter alia 5. By the National Covenant They vowed to defend the Kings Person and Authoritie in preservation of true Religion and Liberties of the Kingdom and that they will all the daies of their lives continue in this Covenant against all opposition 6. You monopolize the Supreme power into your own hands robbing both King Lords and the rest of your fellow Members thereof whom you are content should be violently shut out by your Army who have leavied War against the Parliament to dissolve it till the removall of which force and restoring your Members with freedom and safety Also 15. E. 3. n. 5. 17 E. 3. n. 2 6. 18. E. 3 n 1. 2. 5. c. 1. R. 2. n. 1. 2. R. 2. n. 1. 3. R. 2. n. 1. 4. R. 2. n. 1. 5. R. 2. Parl. 1. n. 1. Parl. 2. n. 1. 8. H. 4. n. 28. you ought not to sit or Act in your Armies own doctrine in their Remonstrance Aug. 18. and by the Declaration and Ordinances of both Houses Aug. 20. 1647. Sec 21. R. 2. c. 12. 1. H. 4. c. 3. 31. H. 6. c. 1. 39. H. 6 c. 1. See the memorable Record 6. E. 3. Parl. apud Ebor. n. 1 2 dorso clauso 6. E. 3. m. 4. 6. E. apud Westm. Parl. 2. n. 1. 13. E. 3. Parl. 2. n. 4. many more Rolls where Parliaments when any considerable number of Members of either House were absent refused to sit though under no force till the House were full You have neither Law nor president for what you do Edw. 2. Rich. 2. were forced by Mortimer and H. 4. to resign their Crowns in a formall way one to his Son the other to his conquering Successor neither of them to the Parliament and at last Deposed by a subsequent Sentence of Parliament as unfit to Reign without any formall Triall * 72. The Armies party in the H approve the matter of the Co of Officers accusatory Ans against the secured Memb with out hearing them See Mr. Io Geerees Ans to that silly Sophister Io Goodwin called Might overcoming right Jan. 11. 1648. The House read the Answer of the Generall Counsell of the Army concerning the secured and secluded Members and as I have formerly said without hearing what the said Members could say for themselves approved the matter of it whereupon the secured and secluded Members 20. Jan. 1648. with much ado got printed their Vindication against the Aspersion cast upon them in The humble Answer of the Generall Counsell of the Officers of the Army concerning the securing secluding of the said Members The sum whereof is as followeth 73. The sec and secl Memb. Defence against the scandalous An of the C of W By the Preamble of this Answer and by the Proposals of the 6. Decemb. and the late Declaration and Remonstrance therein cited it appears this Design to break the House by force hath been long since plotted and contrived with action The Generall Councell of the Army in their said Answer say Is a course in it self irregular and not justifiable but by honest intentions and extraordinarie necessitie the weakness of which Answer we must examine but first must state the case b tween us They are an Army raised by Ordinance of Parliament of 15. Febr. 1644. for defence of King and Parliament the true Protestant Religion the Lawes and Liberties of the Kingdom and to be from time to time subject to such Orders and Directions as they shall receive from both Houses of Parliament and to this end they stand commissioned by them and receive pay from them to this day And besides this trust thus lying upon them they are under the obligation of a solemn Covenant sworn to God That they will in their place and callings with sincerity reality and constancy with their estates and lives preserve the Rights and Priviledges of
all the Parliaments Declarations and Remonstrances held forth to the world their Treaties and promises made to the Scots when they delivered the Kings Person into our hands against our promises made to the Hollanders and other Nations and against all the Professions Declarations Remonstrances and Proposals made by this Army when they made their Addresses to the King at New-market Hampton-Court and other places William Pryn. Clem Walker January 19. 1648. 75. The Coun of Officers order 2. Petitions for the Commons House against Tythes 2. against the Stat. for Banishing the Jews Aout this time the Generall Councell of Officers at White-Hall ordered That two Petitions or mandates rather should be drawn and presented to their House of Commons One against Payment of Tythes the other for Repealing the Act for Banishment of the Jews Hear you see they shake hands with the Jews and crucifie Christ in his Ministers as well as in his Anointed the King About this time Col Tichburn and some schismaticall Common-Councell-men 57. Col Tichburns Petition and complaint against the Lord Mayor and their Orders thereupon The like Petitions were invited from most Counties where a dozen Schismâ—ticks and two or three Cloaks represented a whole Country presented a Petition to the supreme Authority the Commons in Parliament demanding justice against all grand and capitall Actors in the late Warres against the Parliament from the highest to the lowest the Militia Navy and all Places of power to be in faithfull hands that is in their own Faction all others being displaced under the generall notion of disaffected to settle the Votes That the supreme Authority is in the Commons in Parliament assembled They complained That the Lord Mayor and some Aldermen denied to put their Petition to the Question at the Common Councell and departed the Court with the Sergeant and Town-Clerke That the Court afterwards passed it Nemine contradicente The Commons thanked the Petitioners for the tender of their assistance and Ordered That the Petition should be entered amongst the Acts of the Common Councell and owned them for a Common Councell notwithstanding the departure of the Lord Mayor c. And about four or five daies after the Commons Ordered * See a just and solemn Protest of the free Citâ—zens of London against the Ordinance 17. Decemb. 1647. disabling such as had any hand in the City Engagment to bear Office That any six of the Commons Councell upon eme gent occasions might send for the Lord Mayor to call a Common Councell themselves and any forty of them to have power to Act as a Common Councell without the Lord Mayor any thing in their Charter to the contrary notwithstanding Thus you see the Votes of this supreme thing the House of Commons are now become the onely Laws and Reason of all our actions 77 An Act passed for adjournment of part of Hillary Term and the Lords concurrence rejected The 16 Jan. 1648. was passed an Act of the Commons for adjournment of Hillary Term for fourty daies This was in order to the Kings Triall but the Commissioners of the Great Seal declared That they could not agree to seal Writs of Adjournment without the Lords concurrence the assent of one Lord being requisite their tame Lordships sent down to the Commons to offer their readiness to joyn therein But the Commons having formerly Voted The Supreme Power to be in themselves as the Peoples Representative and that the Commons in every Committee should be empowered to Act without the Lords The Question was put Whether the House would concurre with the Lords therein which passed in the Negative so the Lords were not owned Afterwards they ordered that the Commoners Commissioners for the Great Seal should issue forth Writs without the Lords 78. The Agreement of the People presented to the House of Commons by the Officers the Army Diurnall from Jan. 15. 10. 22. 1648. nu 286. 20. January Lieut. Generall Hammond with many Officers of the Army presented to the Commons from the Generall and Councell of the Army a thing like a Petition with The Agreement of the People annexed Mr. Speaker thanking them desired them to return the hearty thanks of the House to the Generall and all his Army for their gallant services to the Nation and desired the Petition and Agreement should be forthwith printed to shew the good affection between the Parliament and Army I cannot blame them to brag of this affection being the best string to their bowe About this time some wel-meaning man that durst think truth in private published his thoughts under the Title of Six serious Quaeries concerning the Kings Triall by the High Court of Justice .. 79. 6. Queries concerning the Kings Triall by the new High Court of Justice 1. Whether a King of three distinct Kingdoms can be condemned and executed by one Kingdom alone without the concurrent consent or against the judgement of the other two 2. Whether if the King be indicted or arraignd of high Treason he ought not to be tried by his Peers whether those who are now nominated to trie him or any others in the Kingd be his Peers 3. Whether if the King be triable in any Court for any Treason against the Kiâ—gdom He ought not to be tried onely in full Parliament in the most solemn and publike manner before all the Members of both Houses in as honourable a way as Strafford was in the beginning of this Parliament And whether He ought not to have liberty and time to make His full defence and the benefit of his learned Counsel in all matters of Law that may arise in or about his Trial or in demurring to the jurisdiction of this illegal new Court as Strafford and Canterbury had 4. Whether one eighth part only of the Members of the Commons House meeting in the House under the Armies force when all the rest of the Members are forcibly restrained secluded or scared away by the Armies violence and representing not above one eighth part of the Counties Cities Boroughs of the Kingdom without the consent and against the Vote of the majority of the Members excluded and chased away and of the House of Peers by any pretext of Authority Law or Justice can erect a New great Court of Justice to try the King in whom all the rest of the Members Peers and Kingdom being far the Major part have a greater interest then they Whether such an High Court can be erected without an Act of Parl. or at least an Ordin of both Houses and a Commission under the Great Seal of England And if not whether this can be properly called a Court of Justice and whether it be superiour or inferiour to those who erected it who either cannot or dare not try and condemn the King in the Com. House though they now stile it The Supreme Authority of the Kingdom and whether all who shall sit as Judges or act as Officers in it towards the
enter into Argument and Dispute concerning the Authority of this Court before whom You appear as a Prisoner and are charged as a High Delinquent You may not Dispute the Authority of this Court nor will any Court give way unto it You are to submit to it c. King Vnder favour I do plead for the Liberty of the people of England more then you do and therfore If I should impose a beleefe upon any man without Reasons given it were unreasonable Bradsh Oh Brutish Asinine Kingdome to be Governed by an up-start Authority without use of Reason Sir I must interrupt You You may not be permitted You speak of Law and Reason and there is both against you Sir The Vote of the Commons of England assembled in Parliament is the reason of the Kingdome and they are those that have given You that Law according to which you should have Ruled and Raigned Sir It will be taken notice of that you stand in contempt of the Court and Your contempt will be recorded accordingly King I do not know how a King can be a Delinquent but by all Laws that ever I heard all men may put in Demurrers against any proceedings as Illegall and I do demand that if you deny that you deny Reason Bradsh Over-rule a Demurrer without Argument If a man may not Demurre to the Jurisdiction of any Court that Court may enlarge its bounds and become a Corporation of Tyrants Sir Neither You nor any Man are permitted to Dispute that Point You are concluded You may not demurr to the Jurisdiction of the Court if You do I must let you know that they over-rule Your demurrer they sit here by the Authority of the Commons of England and all Your Predecessours and You are responsible to them King I deny that shew Me one President Bradsh Sir You ought not to interrupt while the Court is speaking to you this point is not to be debated by you if you offer it by way of Demurrer to the Jurisdiction of the Court they have considered of their Jurisdiction they do affirme their own Jurisdiction King I say Sir by your favour That the Commons of England were never a Court of Judicature I would know how they came to be so Bradsh Sir you are not to be permitted to go on in that Speech and these discourses Then the Clerke of the Court read as followeth Charles Stuart King of England you have been accused in the behalfe of the people of England of High Treason and other high crimes the Court hath determined that you ought to answer the same King I will Answer the same so soone as I know by what Authority you do this Bradsh If this be all that you will say then Gentlemen you that brought the Prisoner hither take charge of Him back again King I do require that I may give My Reasons why I did not Answer and give Me time for that Bradsh Sir 'T is not for Prisoners to require King Prisoners Sir I am not an ordinary Prisoner Bradsh The Court have affirmed their Jurisdiction if You will not Answer We shall give order to Record your default King You never heard my Reasons yet Bradsh Sir Your Reasons are not to be heard against the highest Jurisdiction King Shew Me that Jurisdiction where Reason is not to be heard Reasons are not to be heard against a remaining faction of the Commons of England Bradsh Sir we shew it you here the Commons of England and the next time you are brought You will know more of the pleasures of Court and it may be their finall Determination King Shew Me where ever the House of Commons was a Court of Judicature of that kind Bradsh Sergeant take away the Prisoner King Well Sir Remember that the King is not suffered to give in His Reasons for the liberty and freedome of all His Subjects Bradsh Sir You are not to have liberty to use this language how great a Friend You have been to the Lawes and Liberties of the People let all England and the world judge King Sir under favour it was the Liberty Freedome and Laws of the Subject that ever I took defended My selfe with Armes I never took up Armes against the People but for the Laws Bradsh The command of the Court must be obeyed no Answer will be given to the Charge So the King was guarded forth to Sir Robert Cottons and the Court adjourned to the Painted-Chamber Tuesday twelve a Clock 82. The 3d. daies Trial of His Majesty Tuesday January 23. The Court sate againe seventy three Commissioners present The King brought into the Court sits downe Solicit Cook May it please your Lordship my Lord President This is now the third time that by the great grace and favour of the Court the Prisoner hath been brought to the Bar before any Issue joyned in this Case My Lord I did at the first Court exhibite a Charge against Him containing the highest Treason that ever was wrought on the Theater of England That a King of England trusted to keep the Law that had taken an Oath so to do that had Tribute payed Him for that end should be guilty of a wicked Designe to subvert and destroy our Lawes and introduce an Arbitrary and Tyrannicall Government in defiance of the Parliament and their Authority set up His Sandard for Warre against his Parliament and People and I did humbly pray in behalf of the People of England That he may speedily be required to make an Answer to the Charge but my Lord in stead of making any Answer He did then dispute the Authority of this High Court your Lordship was pleased to give Him a further day to put in His Answer which day being yesterday I did humbly move That He might be required to give a direct and positive Answer either by denying or confessing of it But my Lord He was then pleased to demur to the Jurisdiction of the Court which the Court did then over-rule and command Him to give a direct and positive Answer My Lord besides this great delay of Justice I shall now humbly move your Lordship for speedy Judgement against Him I might presse your Lordship upon the whole That according to the knowne rulâ—s of the Lawes of the Land that if a Prisoner shall stand contumacious in contempt and shall not put in an Issuable Plea guilty or not guilty of the charge given against him whereby he may come to a faire Triall that by an implicite confession it may be taken pro confesso as it hath been done to those who have deserved more favour than the Prisoner at the Bar hath done But besides my Lord I shall humbly presse your Lordship upon the whole fact You see the emnant â—f the House of Comm. had fâ—rejudged the King before they â—rected this new Court to sentence him and claime a Jurisdiction as well as a Sâ—preme Authority That the House of Commons the Supreme Authority and
this when that every opinion is freely and clearly heard 2. For the King the Lawes of the Land will freely instruct you and because it concernes My self I will only give you a touch of it 3. For the people and truly I desire their Liberty and Freedom as much as any man whatsoever I must tell you their Liberty and Freedom consists in having such a Government whereby their Lives and Goods may be most their own it lies not in having a Share in the Government that is nothing pertinent to them a Subject and a Soveraign are clean different things and therefore until you restore the People to such a Liberty they will never enjoy themselves Sirs it was for this I now come hither if I would have given way to an Arbitrary sway to have all Lawes changed according to the power of the Sword I needed not to have come here See Sect. 90. and therefore I tell you and I pray God it be not laid to your charge that I am the Martyr of the People c. The House had the Impudence to answer the Dutch Ambassadours that what they had done to the King was according to the Law of the Land They mean that their Lusts are the Laws of the Land for other Law they can shew none This was the effect of his Majesties Speech who shewed much Magnanimity and Christian patience during all the time of His Trial and Death notwithstanding many barbarous affronts put by way of tentation upon Him He had his Head severed from his Body at one stroak the Souldiers and Schismaticks giving a great shout presently Thus this noble Prince a Gentleman sanctified by many afflictions after He had escaped Pistoll Poyson and Pestilent ayre could not escape the more venemous tongues of Lawyers and Pettyfoggers Braâ—shaw Cooke Steele Aske and Dorislaus thus the Shepherd is smitten and the Sheep scattered THe said High Court of Justice with the downfall of King CHARLES the I. thereby and in Him of the Regall Government Religion Lawes and Liberties of this ancient Kingdom is Emblematically presented to the Readers view See the Figure before the Title page Presently after this dissolution of the King 94. Proclamations published against proclaiming the King the Commons sent abroad Proclamations into London and all England over reciting That whereas severall pretences might be made to this Crown and Title to the Kingly Office set on foot to the apparent hazard of the publique peace Be it enacted and ordained by this present Parliament and by the Authority of the same that no Person whatsoever do presume to proclaime declare publish or any waies to promote Charles Stuart Sonne of the said Charles commonly called Prince of Wales or any other Person to be King or Chief Magistrate of England or Ireland or of any Dominions belonging to them by colour of Inheritance Succession Election or any other claime whatsoever without the free consent of the people in Parliament first had and signified by a particular Act or Ordinance for that purpose any Law Stat Usage or custome to the contrary notwithstanding Who shall judgâ— when these Fellows will be thought free and when not and whosoever shall contrary to this Act Proclaim c. Shall be deemed and adjudged a Traytor and suffer accordingly 95. A Proclamation privately printed and scattered proclaiming CHARLS the second Notwithstanding which inhibition the 2. February 1648. was printed and scattered about London-streets this following Proclamation * A Proclamation proclaiming CHARLES Prince of Wales King of Great Britaine France and Ireland VVEE the Noblemen Judges Knights Lawyers Gentlemen Freeholders Merchants Citizens Yeomen Seamen and other freemen of England do according to our Allegiance and Covenant by these presents heartily joyfully and unanimously acknowledge and proclaim the Illustrious CHARLES Prince of Wales next heir of the blood Royall to his Father King CHARLES whose late wicked and trayterous murther we do from our souls abominate and all parties consenters thereunto to be by herditary Birthright and lawfull succession rightfull and undoubted King of Great Britaine France and Ireland and the Dominions thereunto belonging And that we will faithfully constantly and sincerely in our severall places and callings defend and maintaine his Royal Person Crown and Dignity with our Estates Lives and last drop of our Bloods against all Opposers thereof whom we do hereby declare to be Traytours and Enemies to his Majesty and his Kingdoms In testimony whereof we have caused these to be published and proclaimed throughout all Counties and Corporations of this Realm the first day of February in the first year of His Majesties Reign God save King CHARLES the Second The fag end of the House of Commons Febr. 1. 1648. 96. A Vâ—te that such Members aâ— had assented to the Vote 5. Dec shall sit no more others to enter their d sâ—eâ—â— and disappro all passed a thing they call an Act That such Members as had assented to the Vote 5. Decemb. 1648. That the Kings Concessions were a ground for the House to proceed to a settlement should not be re-admitted to sit as Members such as were then in the House and voted in the negative should first enter their dissent to the said Vote such as were abâ—ent should declare their disapprovall before they sit You see the cheating Godly are resolved to keep all to themselves This day their tame Lordships sent a Message to the House of Commons but they were too surly to call the Messengers in 97. The Lords send a Message to the Commons but the messenger not called in the substance of the Message was That their Lordships had appointed 7. of their House to joyn with a proportionable number of Commons to consider of a way how to settle this Nation Munday 5. Febr. 1648. 98. The house of Lords voted down The Commons debated whether they should continue the House of Lords as a Court Judicatory or Consultory onely And the day following they put this Question Whether this House shall take the advise of the House of Lords in the exercise of the Legislative power of the Kingdom in purâ—uance of the Votes of this House 4 Janu last This was carried in the Negative by many Voices in farther pursuance of which Vote they farther voted That the House of Peers in Parliament is useless and dangerous and ought to be abolished and that an Act be brought in for that purpose and voted down their Priviledge of being exempt from Arrests yet they graciously condescended they shall be capable of being elected knights of Shires and Burgesses if any will be so mad as to chuse them yet my Lord of Pembroke is as much overjoyed with gay Priviledge as if they had bestowed a new Cap with a Bell and a Bable upon him who will not now conclude that the Votes of this Legislative this supreme piece of the House of Commons is the onely Law and reason of the Land which leads all our Laws
they would not hear him so he went forth into the Church-yard the people following him where he related to them That he had a Vision and received a command from God to deliver his will unto them which he was to deliver and they to receive upon pain of damnation It consisted of 5 Lights 1. That the Sabbath was abolished as unnecessary Jewish and meerly ceremonial And here quoth he I should put out my first Light but the wind is so high I cannot light it 2. Tythes are abolished as Jewish and Ceremonial a great burden to the Saints of God and a discouragement of industry and tillage And here I should put out my second Light c. as aforesaid which was the burden of his song 3. Ministers are abolished as Antichristian and of no longer use now Christ himself descends into the hearts of his Saints and his Spirit enlightneth them with Revelations and inspirations And here I should have put out my third Light c. 4. Magistrates are abolished as useless now that Christ himself is in puritie of Spirit come amongst us and hath erected the Kingdom of the Saints upon earth besides they are Tyrants and Oppressors of the Liberty of the Saints and tie them to Laws and Ordinances meer humane inventions And here I should have put c. 5. Then putting his hand into his pocket and pulling out a little Bible he shewed it open to the People saying Here is a Book you have in great veneration consisting of two parts the Old and New Testament I must tell you it is abolished It containeth beggarly rudiments milk for Babes But now Christ is in Glory amongst us and imparts a fuller measure of his Spirit to his Saints then this can afford and therefore I am commanded to burn it before your faces so taking the Candle out of his Lanthorn he set fire of the leaves And then putting out the Candle cryed And here my fifth Light is extinguished Upon a Report from the Councell of State 143. The Earle of Warwick's Commission recalled and 3 Admirals appointed the Commons Voted void the Earle of Warwick's Commission for Admirall and appointed three Commissioners to have and execute the Admirals Place with 3 l. a day a piece a Commission for Martiall Law and Land Souldiers aboard to keep under the Seamen The three Admirals are Col. Edw Popham Col. Rob Blake and Col Deane Sunday after easter-Easter-day 144. Cromwell turned Preacher six Preachers militant at White-hall tried the patience of their Hearers one calling up another successively at last the Spirit of the Lord called up Oliver Cromwell who standing a good while with lifted up eyes as it were in a trance and his neck a little inclining to one side as if he had expected Mahomet's Dove to descend and murmure in his eare and sending forth abundantly the groans of the Spirit spent an hour in prayer and an hour and an half in a Sermon In his prayer he desired God to take off from him the Government of this mighty People of England as being too heavy for his shoulders to bear An audatious ambitious and hypocriticall imitation of Moses It is now reported of him that he pretendeth to Inspirations and that when any great or weighty matter is propounded he usually retireth for a quarter or half an hour and then returneth and delivereth out the Oracles of the Spirit surely the Spirit of John of Leyden will be doubled upon this Man 145. The last Retreat of the Faction by H. Martins report About this time the Palsgrave took his leave of the Parliament being much courted and complemented by them and his 8000 l. per annum with all Arrears confirmed to him since his departure Harry Martin in a jolly humour was heard to say If the worst hapned and that they should not he able to stand their ground in England yet the Palsgrave would afford them a place of retreat in the Palatinate the seeds of these Anarchicall Anabaptisticall humours upon the reducing of Munster spread themselves in England and now have a mind to return into Germany to kindle a fire there 146 Io. Lilburn's third Book called The Picture of the Councell of State About this time John Lilburn and his Company set forth a Book called The Picture of the Councell of State c. wherein they set forth the illegall and violent proceedings of the said Councell against them in seizing upon them with armed Bands of Souldiers and interrogating them against themselves c. where they have these words The Faction of a Traiterous Party of Officers of the Army hath twice rebelled against the Parliament and broke them in pieces and by force of Armes culled out whom they pleased and imprisoned divers of them and laied nothing to their charge and have left onely in a manner a few men besides 11 of themselves viz the Generall Cromwell Ireton Harrison Fleetwood Rich Ingolsby Hazelrigge Constable Fennick Walton and Allen Treasurer of their own Faction behind them that will like Spaniel dogs serve their lusts and wills yea some of the chiefest of them viz Ireton Harrison c. yea Mr. Holland himself styled them a Mock Parliament a Mock power at Windsor yea it is yet their expressions at London And if this be true that they are a Mock-power and a Mock Parliamâ—nt then Quare Whether in Law or Justice especially considering they have fallen from all their many glorious promises and have not done any one action that tends to the universall good of the people can those Gentlemen sitting at Westminster in the House called the House of Commons be any other than a factious company of Men trayteâ—ously combined together with Cromwell Ireton and Harrison to subdue the Laws Liberties and Freedoms of England for no one of them protests against the rest and to set up an absolute and perfect tyranny of the Sword will and pleasure and absolutely intend the destroying the Trade of the Nation and the absolute impoverishing the people thereof to sit them to be their Vassals and Slaves And again the three forementioned Men viz Cromwell Ireton and Harrison the Generall being but their stalking horse and a cypher and their trayterous Faction having by their wills and Swords got all the Swords of England under their command and the disposing of all the great Places in England by Sea and Land and also the pretended Law making power and the pretended Law executing power by making among themselves contrary to the Laws and Liberties of England all Judges Justices of Peace Sheriffs Bayliffs Committee-men c. to execute their wils and tyranny walking by no limits or bounds but their own wills and pleasures and trayterously assume unto themselves a power to leavy upon the people what money they please and dispose of it as they please yea even to buy knives to cut the peoples throats that pay the money to them and to give no account for it till Dooms-day in the
England although I dare say at least five hundred to one if they were free from the terrour of an Army would disavow these horrid Acts so little are the People pleased with these doings notwithstanding the new Title the Conventicle of Commons have gulled them withall Voting the People of England to be The Supreme Power and the Commons representing them in Parliament the Supreme Power of the Nation under them This was purposely so contrived to ingage the whole City and make them as desperately and impardonably guilty as themselves and certainly if this Tumult of the People amounting to a publick disclamour of the Act had not happened the whole City had been guilty by way of connivance as well as these Aldermen and the illegal Common Councel newly packed by the remaining Faction of Commons contrary to the Cities Charters to carry on these and such like Designs and intangle the whole City in their Crimes and Punishments * The Names of the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of the City of London that personally proclaimed the Act for abolishing Kingly Government Alderman Andrews Lord Mayor Alderman Pennington Ald. Wollaston Ald. Foulkes Ald. Kenrick Ald. Byde Ald. Edmonds Ald. Pack Alderman Bateman Ald. Atkins Ald. Viner Ald. Avery Ald. Wilson Ald. Dethick Ald. Foot The Pharisaical House of Commons voted an Act June 1. 171. A Thanks-giving Dinner in the City for the General c. for a day of Thanks-giving to set off K. Olivers Victory over the Levellers with the more lustre and to sing Hosanna to him for bringing the grand Delinquent to punishment The wise Lord Mayor and his Brethren in imitation invited the Parliament Councel of State the General and his Officers to a Thanks-giving Dinner upon that day The Commons appointed a Committee under pretence of drawing more money from Adventurers for the Relief of Ireland to ingage the City farther to them Cromwel had the Chair in that Committee the device was that the Common Councel should invite the Parliament Councel of State and Officers of the Army to Dinner and feast them as a Free-State and then move the Supplies for Ireland But if the Levellers had prevailed the Thanks-giving white-broth and custard had been bestowed upon those free-spirited Blades whom Oliver raised into a mutiny with one hand and by advantage of his Spies cast down with another for the glory of his own Name and that he might have occasion to purge the Army as he had done the Parliament of all free-born humours 172. The Councel of State sit in pomp at White-hall White-hall is now become the Palace of a Hydra of Tyrants instead of one King where our Hogens Mogens or Councel of State sit in as much state and splendour with their Rooms as richly hanged I wish they were so too and furnished if you will believe their licenced News-books as any Lords States in Europe yet many of these Mushromes of Majeâ—ty were but Mâ—chanicks Gold-smiths Brewers Weavers Clothiers Brewers Clerks c. whom scornful Fortune in a spiteful merriment brought upon the Stage and promoted to act the parts of Kings to shew that Men are but her Tennis-balls and when she is weary with laughing at their disguises will turn them into the Tyring Room out of their borrowed cases and shew us that our Lions are but her Asses The Kings poor Creditors and Servants may gape long enough like Camelions to see the aforesaid Ordinance executed for sale of the Kings Goods to pay their Debts they poor Souls are left to starve while these Saints Triumphant revel in their Masters Goods and Houses 173. A general survey to be taken of the whole Kingdome that every mans Estate both real and personal may be taxed Orders about this time were sent forth into London and the Counties adjacent for certain Committees to enquire upon Oath and certifie the improved value and revenue of every mans estate real and personal wherein good progress hath been made already the like is to go forth throughout the Kingdome That our forty mechanick Kings now sitting in White-hall and the self-created supreme Authority of the Nation may take an exact survey in imitation of William the Conquerors Book of Survey called Domes-day remaining in the Exchequer of their new conquered Kingdome and know what they are like to get by their villanies and how to load us with Taxes and Free-quarter and what the value of their Estates are when they have compleated their Design of Sequestring the Presbyterians as they have done the Royalists The faction in the House are this beginning of June 174. An Act enabling Committees to give Oaths 1649. sitting abrood upon an Act to inable Committees to give Oaths in some cases and yet the House of Commons never had nor pretended to have power to give Oathes themselves though every Court of Py-p wders hath because the House of Commons is no Court of Judicature but only the Grand Inquest of the Kingdome to present to the King the grievance and the necessities of the People by way of humble Petition as appears by the Law-books and Statutes and therefore the Commons can grant no more than they have themselves But now the remaining faction of the House have voted themselves to be the supreme Authority of the Nation and have a Sword to maintain it they and we must be what they please yet I must affirm that to take illegal Oaths is never justifiable before God nor Man and no less than damnable But it may be that by accustoming the People to take these new-imposed illegal Oaths they hope to make them the more easily swallow their intended new Oath of Allegiance to their new State and their own Damnation together hereafter All the Scrivenors about the Town are commanded by the Supreme thing to produce their Shop-books 175. Scrivenors commanded to shew shop-books that notice may be taken who are guilty of having money in their purses that the fattest and fullest may be culled out and sequestred for Delinquents now that their almighty Saint-ships have occasion to use it for defence of their Free-State if they would but search one anothers private pockets they would finde money enough The like attempt onely in the Kings time was cried out upon as a high piece of tyranny but nothing can be tyranny under a Free-State The Supreme Authority being so full a Representative-glass of the People that it takes our very substance into it self and leaves us onely the shadow whilst we wander up and down like our own Ghosts who having lived under the Monarchy of Good King CHARLES are now dead and descended like shades into the Kingdome of Pluto The 7. June 176. The aforesaid Thanksgiving solemnized 1649. the Thanks-giving spoken of Sect. 172. was solemnized in the City The Lord Mayor meeting the Speaker resigned to him as formerly was used to the King the Sword of State as had been ordered by the House the day before and received it again from
their Thanksgiving Devotions and Dinner to be celebrated together in and with the City upon Thursday ensuing the 7. of June and lest it should dishearten more secluded Members from comming to sit in the House with them again knowing that Tyrants are followed for their fortunes not for themselves wherefore upon Tuesday following being the 5. Jun Popham made another kinde of Report to the Plebeians of the Commons House who must not be trusted with the truth of State-mysteries but like Wood-cocks must be led in a mist That he had left Kingsale blocked up with ten Ships and the Seas secured in peace and quietness and the better to adorn the fable and suppress the truth from approaching the ears of the people the House that day 15. June passed an Order That for this remarkable additional mercy bestowed upon them in the prosperous success given to their Fleet at Sea upon Thursday next 7. June the day set apart for publick Thanksgiving the Ministers should praise God Lord since there audacious Saints are so thankful to thee for one beating bestow many more beatings upon there for they stand in need of all thy corrections The like attempt hath been upon Scilly with the like success Scout from June the 8. to 15. 1649. 179. Gifts given amongst the Faction since which time forty sail of Ships are pressed in the Thames to recruit the shattered Navy given forth to be a Winter Guard at Midsummer John Blackiston is packed away to the other world and the House upon 6. June voted to Wife and Children 3000 l. out of the Earle of Newcastle's and Lord Wytherington's Estates in compensation of the loss of his Pedlery Ware in his Shop at Newcastle he had formerly given to him 14000 l. you see the insatiate hunger of Gold and Silver survives in the very Ghost of a Saint after he is dead 500 l. more was given to Johns Brother an Estate out of the Rectory and Demesnes of Burford was setled upon the Speaker 400 l. per ann Lands are be setled upon the General out of the Duke of Buckinghams and his Brother the Lord Francis Villers Estates 400 l. per ann out of Claringdon Park upon the Earle of Pembroke 1000 l. was bestowed upon an eminent Member of Parliament for his many good Services 4868 l. to the Lord Lisle out of the Monthly Assesment for Ireland for his penny-worth of good service done there you see to what purpose we pay Taxes 2000 l. Land per an and 1000 l. Money given to Bradshaw the price of Bood And 400 l. more given to the Poor of the City to stop their mouths from cursing upon the thanksgiving-Thanksgiving-day out of the 2000 l. Fine set upon the Lord Mayor Reynoldson for not proclaiming the Act for abolishing Kingly Government this is according to the Spanish Proverb To steal a Sheep and give away the Trotters for Gods sake You see the Saints can finde Money to give Gifts though not to pay Debts although the Publick Faith lye at pawn for them A Committee is appointed to consider how to prefer Mr. Tho. Goodwin and Mr. Owen to he Heads of Colledges in Oxford as a Reward for asserting the late proceedings of Parliament upon the aforesaid Thanksgiving-day It is not fit such men should serve God for nothing in the times of S. Peter and S. Paul Godliness was great Gain but in the daies of our modern Saints Gain is great Godliness The thing that miscalls its self a Parliament 180. The Kxcise enlarged upon Salt hath set an Excise of 1 d. the Gallon upon all forraign salt imported which is in effect upon all the salt we use our home-made salt being inconsiderable you see our Cups our Spits our powdring-Tubs our washing-bowles our Kettles our Hats Dublets Breeches Stockings Shooes nothing we use eat drink or wear is free from being devoured by these sanctified Locusts of the Free-State who complained of the King for that petty inconsiderable Tax of Ship-mâ—ney which His Majesty spent in maintaining Guards of Ships upon our Seas so much to the Honour of our Nation that the King of Spain trusted all those vast summs of Bullion he sent to the Low-Câ—untries to be Coined in our Mint and above a third part yearly to be laid out here in English Cloth and Commodities which with the residue of the Spanish Treasure was afterwards wafted over into Flaunders in English Bottomes for which they were liberally payed whereby every mans estate was increased 10 l. in the hundred England infinitely abounded with Coin and Plate as appeares by those many vast summs that have been constantly extorted from the People since the beginning of these Wars more I dare say than all our Kings since the Conquest excluding William the Conqueror and Henry the Eighth ever raised upon the People and by those many vast summs our seeming Saints have sent into banks beyond Sea and buried in their private Coffers Reader let me admonish thee 181. A Vindication of the Levellers in some things and a further design to garble and enslave the Army That the Levellers for so they are mis-called onely for endeavouring to Level the exorbitant usurpations of the Councel of Officers and Councel of State are much abused by some Books lately printed and published in their names much differing from their declared Principles Tenets and Practices but forged in Cromwâ—ls and Irâ—tons shops to cast an odium upon them These State-wolves by such forgeries endeavour to make the Sheep forsake and betray the Dogs that faithfully guard them that they may with more security fleece them flay them and eat them hereafter Ireton Hâ—slerig and Postmaster-Attorney Prideaux by themselves and their Blood-hounds Spies and Intelligencers have been very diligent to draw dry-foot after Mr. Lilburne Walwine c. and suborn witnesses against them but not having yet quite extinguished all sparks of truth and honesty unless it be in their own breasts failed of their purposes Yet they go on to purge the Army as they have done the Parliament and Conventicle of State of all free-born humours in order to their destruction that the Army may consist of meer mercenary brutish spirits such as will so far neglect the duties of men and Christians as to execute all their tyrannous bloody illegal Commands with a blind obedience and implicite faith without asking a question for Conscience sake the better to enslave both the Kingdom and Common Souldiers In farther prosecution of this Design they have projected to levy seven new Regiments which by way of Gullery they call Presbyterian Regiments and shall be raised by Presbyterian Commanders but those Commanders shall only be imployed to countenance the work for a time and then for pretended offences be purged out of the Army if not out of this world by the Councel of Officers and more confiding men put in their rooms and then shall these new Officers and Regiments be used as Catch-poles and Hangmen contrary to the honour of Souldiers
goes on with the Relation of the said Treaty and Agreement but conceals what farther Transactions passed between Monke and O Neal upon the last recited Propositions Wherefore I shall be bold to continue the Story of a paper The Story of the father Transactions between O Neale and Monke continued and enlarged out of the Propositions printed at Cork entituled The Propositions of Owen Roe O Neal sent to Col. Monke and a Cessation for three Months concluded between them Together with a Letter thereupon sent by a Gentleman at Dundalk to his Friend at Cork Printed at Cork 1649. The last recited Propositions were sent to Monke 25. day of April 1649. who perused them and made some considerable Alterations in them as appears by Monks Letter of Answer thereupon to Owen O Neale dated from Dundalke 26. April 1649. as I finde it in the said paper printed at Cork in these words SIR I Have received yours of the 25. April and I have seen your Order given to Captain Hugh Mac Patricke Mac Mahon to Treat and conclude a peace with me in the behalf of your self and the Forces under your Command I have perused your Propositions and conceiving there are some particulars in them which at first view the Parliament of England may scruple to grant I have made a small alteration in some of them being well assured by it you will not receive the least disadvantage but it will rather prove a means to beget an increase of their good opinion towards you and your party which I believe your reality fidelity and action in their Service will sufficiently merit and in case you approve of them as I have revised and altered them I desire you to send them to me Signed and Sealed by you that I may present them to the Parliament of England to obtain their favourable Answer in return of them And in the mean time I desire that according to this inclosed paper three Months Cessation between us to be condescended unto and inviolably kept between our Forces during the same time Dundalk 26. April 1649. George Monke 1. Observations upon Monks letter 1. Col. Monke in his said Letter to O Neale 26. April answereth him 1. That he had perused his Propositions and conceiving there are some particulars which at first view the Parliament of England may scruple to grant c. A gentle phrase to nourish hopes in O Neale even of obtaining all his Demands if need be upon debate and deliberation though not at first view That he hath made a small alteration in some of them I confess very small being well assured he should not receive the least disadvantage by it c. From whom had Monke this Assurance unless from those Men by whose Authority and Directions private or publick he presumed to Treat with that Enemy he was Commissioned to fight with and whose Names he doth conceal That it yeilding to Mâ—nks amendments would rather prove a means to beget an increase of their the Parliaments good opinion of Owen Roe O Neale and his party c. It should seem then the Parliament had entertained a good opinion of O Neale and his party before hand for every thing must have a being before it can have an increase of being In case you approve of them the amended Articles I desire you to send them to be signed and sealed by you that I may present them to the Parliament of England to obtain their favourable Answer in return of them c. You see all Monke did was in reference to the Parliaments ratification and therefore reason tells us the Parliament was originally privy to the Treaty It is not likely Monke should Treat upon his own head and abruptly send the result of the Treaty to be confirmed by the Parliament without any warning foregoing to prepare them 2. Observations upon the Propositions amended See the said Paper printed at Corke especially Monks Letter O Neale sent his Letter and Propositions to Monke Dated 25. April 1649. Monke answered his Letter and corrected O Neales Proposition the day after being the 26. April And the last mentioned Propositions of Gen. Owen O Neal the Lords Gentry and Commons of the Confederate Catholiques of Vlster c. as well as the first mentioned Articles for three Months Cessation c. bear Date 8. May 1649. which I conceive to be the Date given them when they were ratified by the Parliament or Councel of State See the said Paper The true state of the Transactions c. Then follows A second Copie of Owen Roe Oneales Propositions as they were corrected by Col. Monck Paper printed at Cork and sont to Oneale to be subseribed And then sent by Monck to the Parliament to be granted as followeth verbatim 1. INprimis That such as shall joyn with General O-Neal in the Service of the Parliament of England in this Kingdome may have Liberty of Conscience for themselves and their issue 2. The said General O Neale desireth an Act of Oblivion be passed to extend to all and every of his Party for all things done since the beginning of the Year 1641. 3. They desire that General O Neale be provided for a competent Command in the Army befitting his worth place and qualitie 4. They desire that they may enjoy all those Lands that were in their possession at the beginning of this War for themselves and Heirs during their fidelity to the Interest of England 5. That all incapacity inhability distrust hitherto by Act of State or otherwise against the said Party be taken off 6. That on both sides all Jealousies hate and aversion be laid aside unity love and amity renewed and practised between both Parties 7. That Gen. O Neale may be restored and put in possession of his Ancestors Estate or some other Estate equivalent to it in regard of his merit and the good Service that he shall perform in the Parliament of Englands Service in the preservation of their Interest in this Kingdom 8. That the Army belonging to the Gen. O Neale and his Party be provided for in all points as the rest of the Army shall be 9. That the said Party be provided with and possessed of a convenient Sea-port in the Province of Ulster See the Date in The true state of Transactions c. It seems to be 8. May 1649. And I do upon receiving a Confirmation of those Desires undertake and promise in the behalf of my self and the whole Party under my Command faithfully firmly to adhere to the Parliament of Englands Service in this Kingdom and to maintain their Interest hereafter with the hazard of our Lives and Estates against all Opposers whatsoever Given under my Hand and Seal In the said Paper printed at Corke is also contained A Letter from a Gentleman in Dundalke dated May 20. 1649. which take kere verbatim that you may see what opinion Men there upon the place had of that business at Corke in Munster To my
and I pray God that all the mischiefs of the remaining Achitophel's Shimei's and Rabshakeh's may fall upon their own heads but peace happiness and prosperity may waite on our Solomon that he may be blessed and his throne be established before the Lord for ever To Conclude As your Loyalty in the worst oftentimes hath been signal if in nothing else yet in sufferings so dispise not to read this tractate wherein I dare presume you will find something which before you knew not the work ' its true is short but will not I hope want substance inest enim sua gratia parvis and to remember these things certainly cannot be irksome Saepe recordari medicamine melius omni to see and escape danger causeth not only admiration but pleasure which that you may receive with content by the perusall hereof is desired I shall only add one word in particular first to the Nobility You are Right Honourable Princes in the Congregation of our Israel Men of renown exemplarily both in your names and honours Be as eminent in service for your Prince as obliged to him for favours that it may be recorded of you as it is of Davids Worthies These are the mighty men which David had who strengthened themselves with him in his Kingdom according to the word of the Lord. 2. To the Gentry You are they whom Jethro counselled Moses to provide out of all the people to assist him and be mediatours between Prince and People approve your selves according to that counsel to be able men such as fear God men of truth and hating covetousness so shall the Lord give a blessing as he hath promised 3. To the Clergy God hath made you as a Beacon upon an hill that you might forewarn Israel of her sins ye are the salt of the Earth while you preach to others be not your selves cast away but in season and out of season labour labour to declare Christ not of contention and strife but sowe the word to effect that fruit may grow thereby And lastly to the Commons who are tumidum instabile vulgus I shall only wish that they will labour for peace and according to their Royal Princes dictate in his late Declaration concerning Ecclesiasticall affairs acquiesce in his condescentions concerning the differences which have so much disquieted the Sate by which endeavour all good Subjects will by Gods blessing enjoy as great a measure of felicity as this Nation hath ever done which is the earnest prayer of No. 2. 1660. Your c. T. M. THE HISTORY OF Independency The Fourth and Last part THE former parts of this Book having traced the prevalent and strong Factions of Presbyterian and Independent The Proeme through the several devious pathes wherein they marched and with what devillish cunning they did each endeavour to be greatest by surprising or at least undermining the other until at last they unriveted the very foundations of Government by the execrable murther of their undoubtedly lawful Soveraign a crime so abhorred that it is even inexpiable not to be purged with sacrifice for ever I say these things having received so lively a delineation in the former parts shall need no new recitalls I shall then begin at the end thereof which was when the sacred Reliques of betrayed Majesty specie justitiae received a fatal stroke from blood-thirsty hands neither able to protect it self or be a shadow and Asylum for rejected Truth and unspotted Loyalty Thus in an unsetled and confused posture stood poor England when the Sceptre departed from Israel and the Royal Lyon was not only robbed of his prey but his Life which Barbarism once committed what did the Independent Faction now grown chief ever after stick at Having tasted Royal Blood the Blood of Nobles seemed but a small thing to which end and to heighten and perfect their begun villanies they erect another High Court of Justice Lords H. H. C. tryed for the Tryal of James Earl of Cambridge Henry Earl of Holland George Lord Goring Arthur Lord Capell and Sir John Owen Knight whereof that Horsleech of Hell John Bradshaw was also President who with sixty two more as honest men as himself by a Warrant under the hands of Luke Robinson Nicholas Love and J. Sarland summoned for that purpose did accordingly appear upon Munday the fifth day of February 1648. for the putting in Execution an Act of Parliament as they called it for the erecting of an High Court of Justice for the trying and adjudging the Earls and Lords aforesaid with whom according to their fore-settled resolution making short work for they would admit of no plea of the five they presently condemned three to lose their heads on a scaffold in the Pallace-yard at Westminster Lords condemned on Friday the ninth day of March which day being come about ten of the clock that Morning Lieutenant Collonel Beecher came with his Order to the several Prisoners at S. James's requiring them to come away from whence they were immediately hurried in Sedans with a strong guard to Sir Thomas Cottons house at Westminster where they continued about two hours spending the whole time in holy devotion and religious exercises After which the Earl of Cambridge preparing first for the Scaffold after mutual embraces and some short parting expressions to and for his fellow-sufferers he took his leave and went along with the Officers attended on by Dr. Sibbalds whom he had chosen for his Comforter in his sad condition Being arrived at the Scaffold and seeing several Regiments both of horse and foot drawn up in the place after he had waited a little while with a fruitless hope and expectation of receiving some comfortable news from the Earl of Denbigh who was his Brother having sent for his Servant who being returned and having delivered his Message to the Earl of Cambridge privately he said So It is done now Hamiltons speech at his death and turning to the front of the Scaffold he spake to this effect That he desired not to speak much but being by providence brought to that place he declared to the Sheriff that the matter he suffered for as being a Traytor to the kingdom of England he was not guilty of having done what he did by the command of the Parliament of his own Countrey whom he durst not disobey they being satisfyed with tbe justnesse of their procedure and himself by the commands by them laid upon him and acknowledging that he had many wayes deserved a worldly punishment yet he hoped through Christ to obtain remission of his sins That he had from his Infancy professed the same Religion established by Law in the land That whereas he had been aspersed for evil intents towards the King all his actions being hypocritically disguised to advance his own self-interest hereto he protested his innocency professing he had reason to love the King as he was his King and had been his Master with other words to the same effect That as to the
with him to refrain from weeping coming to the front of the Scaffold Lo. Capell his speech before his death he spoke to this purpose That he would pray for those that sent him thither and were the cause of his violent Death it being an effect of the Religion he professed being a Protestant with the profession whereof he was very much in love after the manner as it was established in England by the 39. Articles That he abhorred Papistry relying only on Christs merits That he was condemned to dye contrary to the Law that governs all the World that is by the Law of the Sword the Protection whereof he had for his Life yet among Englishmen he an Englishman acknowledged Peer condemned to dye contrary to all the laws of England That he dyed as to the cause he fought in for maintaining the fifth Commandement injoyned by God himself the Father of the Country the King as well as the natural Parent being to be obeyed thereby That he was guilty of Voting against the Earl of Strafford but he hoped God had washed off the guilt of his blood with the more precious blood of his Son That his late Majesty was the most vertuous and sufficient known Prince in the World God preserve the King that now is his Son God send him more fortunate and longer dayes God restore him to this Kingdom that that family may reign till thy Kingdom come that is while all Temporal power is consummated God give much happiness to this your King and to you that in it shall be his subjects That he did again forgive those that were the causers of his coming thither from his very soul so praying again for the King and his restoration and for the peace of the Kingdom he finished his speech L. C. his carriâ—ge Then turning about to the Executioner he pulled off his doublet when the Heads-man kneeling down Lord Capell said I forgive thee from my soul and shall pray for thee There is five pounds for thee and if any thing be due for my cloaths you shall be fully recompenced And when I ly down give me a short time for a prayer then again blessing the People very earnestly and desiring their prayers at the moment of death he said to the Executioner you are ready when I am ready are you not then as he stood putting up his hair with hands and eyes lift up he said O God I do with a perfect and a willing heart submit to thy will O God I do most willingly humble my self so kneeling down and fitting his neck to the block as he lay with both his hands stretched out he said When I lift up my Right hand then strike When after he had said a short prayer L. Capell beheaded he lifted up his right hand and the Executioner at one blow severed his head from his body which was taken up by his servants and put into a Coffin Having thus brought to pass their bloody purpose shortly after they acquitted the Lord Goring and Sir John Owen as to their lives but seized upon all they had according as they did upon most of the Estates of the Nobility and Gentry throughout England for such now was their unsatiable malice that they thought it not enough to ruine and destroy the heads of Families but The barbarousness of the faction with divellish rancor endeavour to blot out the name and memoriall of Posterity by such unheard of cruelties and barbarous actions as would make a Savage Scithian or Barbarian blush to think on so that we may say with Cicero in the like case Rem vides quomodo se habeat orbem terrarum Imperiis distributis ardere bello urbem sine legibus sine judiciis sine jure sine fide relictam direptioni incendiis Which indeed is the very present case Thus did they grow from bad to worse acting rather like butchers then Men each one of them proving to all about him a devouring wolfe whose insatiate gorge was never filled with his pray so that having in effect the mastery of them whom they called their Enemies like true thieves they fall out about parting the stakes The Army and Independent close the Presbyterian faction will brook no superior the Independent no equall upon these terms stands the Kingdom divided when the later grown now more powerfull by the additon of the Army whose guilt in the murther of the King had suggested to them that the only way to save and raise themselves was to confound and reduce all things else to an Anarchy In pursuance of which Principle they at last proceed against the very root of Monarchy and after many uncouth debates resolved that the Nation should be setled in the way of a free State Free-state appointed and Kingly government be utterly abolished Now was the stile in all proceedings at the law altered the seals changed and the Kings armes and statues in all places taken down that so their seared consciences might not at the sight thereof be terrified with the sad remembrance of their committed crimes And that no sparke or attendant of antient Majesty might be left remaining soon after they vote the house of Lords to be burdensome and useless Lords house voted useless and that the People might understand their meaning also on the 21th of February they proclaim at Westminster and send it to the City the next Day to the like purpose but the then Lord Mayor refusing to do it as being contrary to his honour conscience and Oath rather chose to suffer an unjust imprisonment which he did in the Tower Any honest Man would have thought this example would have put a stop to the attempt of any villain for the making that proclamation but so farr were they from being deterred that they rather grow more implacable and having found some hair brained and half decayed Cittizens out of them one is set up as a mock-Mayor who being a fellow fit for their turns after a short complement or two with the Juncto The Proclamation against Kingship he enters the Stage and Proclaims the abolishing of Kingship and the House of Lords Having thus brought their design to some kind of maturity they find another invention to be as a Shibboleth a mark of distinction between themselves and other men The engagement a mark of distinction and that was the engagement forsooth whereby every man should promise to be true and faithfull to the Common-wealth of England without a King or house of Lords and he that would not subscribe to this was forced either to fly or which was as bad to stay at home and have neither the benefit nor the protection of the law of the land nor any advantage either of his liberty or Estate Now might you have seen Vice regnand and nothing but Schisme and faction Countenanced now might you have beheld England sometime the Glory of the World now become its by words the name of
be sensible of the Divel where with they were possessed did frown upon them which so disanimated our Fanatick Enthusiasts ha a he very first blast they left the helm and like good boyes and well-taught having drawn up formally an instrument under their hands and Seals they repair to Cromwell and according as the design was laid together with the said instrument deliver and resign the Government to him and his Councill They resign to Cromwell who though at first he seemingly denyed yet immediately after with much solemnity he accepts thereof before the Mayor some Aldermen some Judges and the Officers of the Army Having thus far perâ—ected his devillish design and made all his own by modelling the Army under the command of his own Creatures setling the Government of Ireland upon his Son Harry and Scotland reduced to obey and submit to him It is now thought fit he should declare himself Cromwels first Parliament do nothing which to please and gull the people the better he does by abasing himself and calling as he termed it a Parliament to meet on the Third of September 1654. Which it did but the poor animalls not having well conned their lesson before-hand were suspected dull and turned a grazing to get more understanding the very first instant he might lay hold on to do it By which means once more all pretence of Government being utterly abolished he himself playes Rex and by an arbitrary power beyond without and against law doeth what he list Major Gen. set up by Mayor-Generals a name in England unknown oppressing the Country robbing the Gentry spoiling all and murdering many so that none durst say what doest thou A question was converted into a plot and to deny a tax merited decimation It was not enough to have suffered all former rapines imprisonment and plunderings fines and taxes but at last we must all be decimated We were tanquam Oves destined for slaughter and such was our misery there was none to redeem sad testimonies whereof were Gerard Grove and others about this time whose blood only could expiate a crime they never thought or were guilty off In this unlimited posture of arbitrary power did the the Kingdom stand when that Arch-Machiavilian Cromwell adding strength to the wings of his ambitious mind soared an Eagle-height and made all the circumference of his actions to center at the royall State thinking with a grasp of the Scepter to ennoble his name and family not minding either the danger of the passage or the slipperriness of the station when arrived at the top And indeed such was his fortune that he did ascend the throne in which it was for the future his restless endeavour to settle himself and his posterity and the better to cast a seeming gloss of legality upon his usurpation Cromwels second Parliament confirm him as Protector he summons another Parliament in the Year 1656. hoping thereby to work his ends unseen and so he did as to the vulgar eye for soon after their meeting and first triall of their temper he so moulds them to his own humour by a recognition that they are over-hastily delivered of a strange abortion by them called the petition and advice c. in which with much solemnity though damnable hypocrisie they desire him to be King but in more general terms to take upon him the government and be chief Magistate which he very gravely considering of diverse dayes returnes his denyall in part but withall insinuates in part his willingness to be setled Lord Protector at which newes his faction rejoycing with many Eulogies for his humility in refusing the Kingship he is by the said Parliament who adjourned for the same end solemnly installed Protector at Westminster by Widdrington who was the Speaker to that convention by Whitlock Lisle Warwick c. And upon their resisting he is petitioned to accept of almost two millions by the year for his support to maintain a crew of idle wenches his daughters whose pampered lusts were grown almost insatiable 2. To erect a new house of Lords of his own Creatures who being indebted to him for their raising durst do no other than by a slavish submission perform his tyrannous will 3. To name his successor that so he might entail his yoke of tyrannical Usurpation and slavish oppression on the Kigdom and severall other things which with much adoe after many perswasive intreaties and much unwillingness God knowes he accepts of No sooner is this done The said Parliament dissolved but the fox laughs in his sleeve to see how he has cheated the Parliament And therefore to make them know their rider after a few words of exhortation to them of the want of them in the Country and the necessity of their retiring thither for the peace of the Nation with a friendly nod he dismisseth them and sends them home Thus with much cunning and dissimulation having attained the perfection of his desires Cromwell seeks to strengthen himself knowing that such greatness must be upheld with allies and every noble coat of armes must have his supporters he strengthens himself at home by intermixing with noble blood marrying own of his Daughters to the Lord Faulconbridge and an other to the heir apparent of the Earldom of Warwick the later of which though in the prime of his youth finding the disagreement between Nâ—ble and Rebell blood was soon over-heated and by the suddenness of his death left his wife the widow of a loathed bed In the next place he seeks friendships and leagues abroad and intending to close with France He closeth with France he directly quarrels with the Spanyard and affronts him in severall places near about one time particularly he sends one part of the Fleet under the command of Pen to Hispaniola but with so little disadvantage that he was enforced to retreat thence with no small loss falling soon after on Jamaica with better success winning a part thereof though most inconsiderable the whole Island being not worth the tenth part of the blood and treasure it hath cost this Kingdom being no way at all serviceable either for the advance or security of trade in those parts Mazarine in France finding the benefit of these helps upon the very first motion strikes with him a league offensive and defensive Cromwell promising to assist the French with 7000. Men to maintain the war against the Flanders which at this time he sent they proving so helpfull by their valour that in a short time they gain Mardike Gravelin and Dunkirke Dunkirke gained the last of them according to articles being delivered up to the English in whose hand it yet remains In the interim while these things were transacting Cromwell suspicious of every blast of wind and fearfull of every motion contrives in himself to take off two or three of the most eminent of the Kings party in England to daunt the rest among whom he separates one layman Sir Henry Slingsby and one
lies if not answered did from their several and respective Counties as also in the Cities of London and Westminster declare The Gentry declare that they were far from any thoughts of revenge it belonging to God alone alluding to that text of Scripture Vengeance is mine I will repay saith the Lord but as for Justice they would acquiesce in the judgment of the approaching Parliament This being done and the whole Parliament at the appointed time The Parliament begins beginning first with their duty to God they follow that golden Pythagorean rule 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 giving him hearty thanks for that their freedome of meeting which when they had cordially done they fell in order to their Governour First They fear God then honour the King As the same Pythagoras goes on 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The very Heathen we see by the meer light of Nature could dictate that which our Grand Enthusiasts of Religion would not for these many years by the ignis fatuus of their new lighted notion walk after But the Parliament were better principled for after their devotions regularly paid to God they in the very next place own their duty to their Prince upon the first day of May a happy day to be remembred to posterity voting the Government to be by King Kingly government voted Lords and Commons a constitution so incomparably mixed that it may rather be admired then envied neither were they satisfied to rest there but on the Eighth day of the same May caused his Majesty to be proclaimed King of England King proclaimed Scotland France and Ireland which was performed with so much Solemnity and Joy as I presume England I dare say hardly any Kingdome in the World ever saw or were sensible of the like the shouts and acclamations of the pleased people rending the very skies as a token of their extraordinary Thankfulnesse to Heaven and at night by the multitude of their bonfires turning the Darknesse into a kind of lightsome day This hapy beginning thus owned by the general consent of all honest men made the Parliament resolute to prosecute their begun endeavours which the more orderly to do for order befitteth men best both as Subjects and Christians they immediately prepared Commissioners Commissioners sent to the King who were persons choyce for their integrity and wisedome like those heads of the children of Issachar which were men that had understanding of the times to know what Israel ought to do being intrusted to wait on his Majesty and to desire him to come to his Parliament and People with all convenient speed Before whose arrival his Majesty had withdrawn himself from Bruxels not upon any account as was by the ignorant and malicious insinuated but out of a design of safe guard to his own sacred Person as knowing those two principles of the Romanists si violandum est jus Regni causa violandum est and nulla fides servanda est haereticis might prove dangerous if not fatal to his interest as affairs then stood He well remembred Richard the first his case sirnamed Caeur-du-Lion and what his detention once cost England and therefore had no reason to cast himself into the like hazard Therefore having discharged all Accounts whatsosoever at Bruxels he as I said removes his Court to Breda As that first he might hold the more certain and quick intelligence with his friends in England where there hardly wanted any thing to complete his Restoration and the Kingdomes satisfaction but his Personal presence so in the second place he there knew himself safe being within the jurisdiction of his beloved sister the Princesse Royal Mary Princesse of Orange King at Breda whose tender love and zeal to him in his affliction deserves to be written in brasse and graven with the point of a Diamond During the time of his residence there to shew himself to be a second Solomon a Prince of Peace and not onely so but the most pious and merciful of Princes who was wise as a Serpent yet innocent as a Dove by the Honourable the Lord Viscount Mordant and Sir Richard Grenvile since by his Majesties special grace created Earl of Bath Gentleman of his Majesties Bedchamber He sent a most gracious Declaration with respective Letters to the Lords to the Commons to the City and to the Army Whetein His Majesties Declaration layes Independency dead His Majesty first offers a Pardon for all miscarriages and misdemeanors against his Father or himself to all persons such onely excepted as shall be excepted by the Parliament promising likewise securitie to all whose guilt might otherwise endanger them so as they laid hold on his Majesties Pardon within 40. dayes after the publication thereof 2. He refers the purchasers of Kings Queens and Bishops Lands to Justice to the Law and to the Parliament 3. He assures the Souldiery of their Arrears for past services although done against him and of incouragement and pay for the future under him This Declaration was received with no ordinary joy and solemnity the messenger Sr. Iohn Greenvil being rewarded with 500. pounds ro buy him a Jewell and upon reading thereof and a conference had with the Lords who had now reassumed their Native right by taking their places in the higher House they agree unanimously each in their several house That a Letter be sent in answer to his Majesties gracious Letter and Declaration superscribed To his most Excellent Majestie which were since more immediately drawn up and sent by Commissioners before prepared as is already mentioned sixe from each House who were in the name of both Houses 1. To give his Majesty most humble and hearty thanks for his gracious Letter and Declaration 2. To desire his Majesty to return to the exercise of his Regal Office and come to his Parliament and people with all speed possible And thirdly to that purpose to desire him to appoint a place for the Navy to attend him the Commissioners that went from the house of Peeres were these The Earl of Oxford Earl of VVarwick Earl of Middlesex Lord Brook Lord Berckley Commissioners names that went to the King Lord Visc Hereford Of the House of Commons were selected these following Lord Charleton Lord Bruce Lord Falkland Lord Mandevile Lord Herbert Lord Fairefax Sir George Booth Sir Iohn Holland Sir Antho. Ashly-Cooper Sir Horatio Townsend Sir Henry Cholmly Mr. Hollis The City of London having also received the like Letters and Declarations the Lord Mayor Aldermen and Common-Council appoint a loyal and humble answer to be returned wherein they give his Majesty thanks for his tender care grace and favour to their ancient and renowned City which was sent by these worthy Gentlemen For the City of London Alderman Adams Recorder VVilde Alderman Robinson Alderman Bateman Theophilus Biddolph Richard Ford Alderman Vincent Alderman Frederick Alderman VVale John Lewis Esquire William Bateman Esq Alderman Bludworth Major
Chamberlin Colonel Bromfield Sir James Bunce Bar. Alderman Langham Alderman Reinoldson Alderman Brown Sir Nicholas Crispe Alderman Tompson All these Letters were sent away but the first that arrived to his Majesties hand was from his Excellency the Lord General Monck who by the leave of the House sent the same by his brother in Law Sir Thomas Clergies who was as being the first beyond all expression welcome and after some long but not tedious conferences Knighted and at length dismissed with as much kindnesse as he was at first received with joy Commissioners how received by the King After whom arrived shortly all the forenamed Commissioners together with some of the Ministry and were received by his sacred Majesty his two illustrious brothers of York and Glocester and his sister of Orange with demonstrations of affections on both sides such as are not capable of a description by my rude pen for they were such as may be imagined onely not defined like the joyes of a condemned soul now at point to dy when suddenly and beyond expectation it is not onely snatcht out of the very jawes of death but mounted aloft into a seat of Honour how it is even overpressed with the overflux of such a sudden yet joyful change and stands extasied not knowing or at leâ—st not well discerning the realities of those violent emotions under the happinesse whereof it at present labours which surpassing joy grown over and they dismissed with abundance of satisfaction with all speed his Majesty according to the earnest request of his Parliament prepared for England his Royal brother the most illustrious Duke of York Lord high Admiral taking order for the Navy And in the way to the Sea-side his Majesty was honourably entertained by the States General at the Hague of whom having taken his leave and thanked them for their Treatment and Presents he proceeded in his journey During this time the Navy under the conduct of General Mountague was come to attend and wait on his Royal pleasure upon notice of which attended by the Princesse of Orange and her son and the Queen of Bohemia he comes aboard the Naseby Frigot The King comes aboard for England and lands at Dover by him then named the Charles and after a repast there parting with high satisfaction pleasure and content on both sides with his Royal and Princely attendants he lanched forth and quickly with a prosperous and safe gale of wind anuuente Coelo came within two leagues of Dover Monck meets him a place formerly not so infamous for receiving the Barons in their rebellious wars against the King and harbouring Lewis of France as now it was famous for its loyalty in the joyful reception of its lawful Soveraign when he was come thither he sends Post for the General being resolved not to set foot on English ground till he came thither who upon the first hearing of that happy news presently took Post to meet him having before taken care for Pallaces to entertain him and left order for several Regiments of Horse to attend him for his Majesties security Providing with valor against open enemies and with prudence against pretended and basely false friends which being performed according to Order His Excellency waites upon his Majesty at Dover He is no sooner come thirher but upon knowledge thereof the King Landed at whose Honored feet in the most humble posture of a Loyal Subject on his Knees Our Great General presents himself and was received and imbraced by his Majesty in the open armes of an endeared mercy with so much affection as might well manifest the great respect the King bore to his high deserts for to shew that his embrace was signal and far from a meer complement he went nearer and kissed him No endearment is ever thought too great where there is grounded Love neither rested he there but like a true friend and lover indeed takes a delight in his society for the more clear demonstration whereof to all the world he took him with his two Brothers the Dukes of York and Glocester into his Coach with him to Dover aforesaid KINGS journey to London and the manner of it where after a dutiful acknowledgment from the Magistrates there and solemn though short entertainment he rid to the City of Canterbury so famed for her Arch-bishops Sea his Majesty being in the middle between his two brothers and the Duke of Buckingham and the General riding bare before him In this Equipage with the whole Gentry and Nobility of England attending and thousands of the meaner ranke he arrived as I said at Canterbury being met by the Magâ—stracy in their richest habiliments of Honour and by the Ministry of the place who after a grave Speech and hearty Gratulation presented him with a rich Bible as He was Defender of the True Faith and afterwards with a Golden Boul full of Gold rendring it as a Tribute to him to whom Tribute was due From Canterbury where he rested all Sunday and gave thanks to God his Father and mighty Deliverer On Munday he came to Cobham-Hall in Kent a House belonging to the Duke of Richmond but without any stay there passed on the same night to Rochester from whence on Tuesday May the 29. the day of the week which was fatal for the murther of his Royal Father but happy to himself not onely for his Birth but also for giving the first hopes of his long wished and prayed for return by the Vote of the Parliament on Tuesday the 1. of May and his being proclaimed nemine contradicente on Tuesday the 8. of May. I say on that day attended by the Duke of Buckingham the Earle of North-hampton the Earle of Cleaveland the Earle of Norwich the Earle of Shrewesbury and many others with their several respective Troops of the choyce Nobles and Gentry of the Land and his Excellency with many Regiments of his best Horse the Lord Gerard with the choyce Life-guard and the whole Countrey flocking in cutting down Palmes and strowing the wayes with all sorts of Fragrant Flowers and decking the Lanes and Passage with the greatest variety of Country Pomps Garlands beset with Rings Ribands and the like the Air ecchoing all along and redoubling the perpetually iterated Hosanna's He came to London The Metropolis of his Kingdome whose preparations were no lesse sumptuous then joyful making a short stay onely at Black-heath a place many yeares since and more then once noted and remembred for the tumultuous assemblies of several Rebels but now much more famous for the united Congregation of the whole Kingdomes Loyalty from hence about n on order was given for a speedy march to London in which Major General Broun did lead the Van with a compleat Troop of Gentlemen all in cloth of Silver Doublets Alderman Robinson followed him with an other select company the severall Lords came after with their respective Troops then came the Life-Guard After the Marshals and Heralds with some antient Lords