Canterburys Doom
The source for this document is https://quod.lib.umich.edu/e/eebo/A56144.0001.001
Project Note
This is licensed under Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND. This license allows reusers to copy and distribute the material in any medium or format in unadapted form only, for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.
The source of this document is the Early English Books Online (EEBO-TCP) website. Those books were transcribed in a character for character manner and can be very cumbersome to read since there was no standard spelling during that time. Many spelling variations such as "unlesse", "vnlesse", and "vnles" regularly appear.
This project was conceived to clean up those books as much as possible and make them more accessible to the interested reader, leading to the creation of a massive list of variant spellings and their corrections. This was used to clean up the text, but is of course only as complete as the list itself. Because of the nature of the original transcription, some words have missing characters or places where the original language (e.g., Greek) was not transcribed. This effort does not change that. Be aware that the original transcription can also be faulty and in some cases entire sentences may be missing.
Although this is no substitute for a properly compared, proofed, and scholarly edition, I believe that the result is a document which is far more accessible, particularly for searching for terms using standard spelling. The document has been cleaned and presented in what I hope is a pleasing and useful format for the vast majority of Christian brothers and sisters who just want access to read these spiritually nourishing works.
However, a word of warning: The Puritans were a very diverse group of people and their age was characterized with godliness, but also much upheaval, disputation and strife. They disagreed on many doctrines and some of these works contain less orthodox or Scriptural views than others. The reader is strongly advised to read with discernment, particularly if it is unknown whether author is trustworthy.
This project took a huge amount of time and skill to bring to fruition. I would particularly like to thank David Jonescue for the initial list of Puritans he found on EEBO and the concept behind this project as well as the continuous, unceasing efforts toward seeing this complete. Without his labor, this would not be available. Alex Sarrouf was invaluable in providing the initial list of over 7,000 spelling variations he had identified and corrected, as well as continuing to review more than 16,000 additions to that list for any typos.
Logan West
(with David Jonescue and Alex Sarrouf)
www.puritansearch.org
C anterburies Doome. OR TH E FIRST PART OF A COMPLEAT HISTORY OF The Commitment, Charge, Trial, Condemnation, Execution of WILLIAM LAVD Late Arch-Bishop of CANTERBURY. Containing the several Orders, Articles, Proceedings in PARLIAMENT against him, from his first Accusation therein, till his Trial: Together with the Various Evidences and Proofs produced against him at the LORD'S Bar, in justification of the first branch of the COMMONS Charge against him; to wit, His Trayterous Endeavors to Alter and Subvert God's True Religion, by Law established among us; to introduce and set up Popish Superstition and Idolatry in lieu thereof, by insensible Degrees; and to Reconcile the Church of England to the Church of Rome, by sundry Jesuitical Pollices, Practises: with his several Answers to those Evidences, Proofs, and the COMMONS Reply thereunto. Wherein this Arch-Prelates manifold Trayterous Artifices to Usher in Popery by Degrees, are clearly detected, and the Ecclesiastical History of our Church-affairs, during his Pontifical Domination, faithfully presented to the public View of the World. By WILLIAM PRYNNE, of Lincolns Inn, Esquire; Specially deputed to this public Service, by the House of Commons Order; Dated 4 Martii. 1644.
PSAL. 7. 14, 15, 16.
PSAL. 9. 16.
LONDON, Printed by John Macock, for Michael Spark senior, at the sign of the Blue Bible in Green Arbour. 1646.
Die Martis 4▪ Martii. 1644.
ORdered by the Commons Assembled in Parliament, that Master Prynne be desired to Print and publish all the Proceedings concerning the Archbishop of Canterburies Trial, with the approbation of the Committee that managed the Evidence at the said Trial. And Master Prynne hath power to View and send for Writings, Papers, Orders, and Records, and to take Copies thereof as he sees cause.
H. Elsynge Cler. Parl. D. Com.
TO The Right Honorable, the Lord's and Commons In PARLIAMENT Assembled.
Y OUR HONOURS earnest desires expressed in the premised Order, inevitably engaging me to compile and publish to the World, A complete History of the famous Trial, of the late decapitated Archbishop of Canterbury; I have, without other motives, in Obedience thereunto (with as much Expedition as my many other distracting Occasions, and the Vastnesse of the Work would permit) finished the First Part thereof; (which I here humbly tender to Your Honorable Patronage and Acceptance) comprising, The several Orders, Articles, and Parliamentary Proceedings against him, from his Original Impeachment till his Trial; together with, the Commons Various Evidence; his several Answers to it; and their Replies upon them, in maintenance of the First General Branch of their Charge of High Treason against him: to wit; His Trayterous Endeavors to alter, & subvert God's true Religion by Law established among us; to introduce Popish Superstition and Idolatry in lieu thereof; and to reconcile the Church of England to the Church of Rome, by sundry Jesuitical Stratagems: The guilt of which black Execrable Charge (wherein he most of all protested, and endeavored to clear his pretended Innocency, both during his Trial at the Bar, and at his Death on the Scaffold, as that which did most nearly concern him in his function as an Arch-Prelate, and in his Religion as a Protestant,) was so abundantly evidenced, so firmly fixed upon his White Rochet by a various multiplicity of unavoidable proofs, impregnable Demonstrations, (which all his Sophistry, Oratory, Subtilty, Protestations, could no ways enervate or evade,) that it will stick fast upon him for Eternity, maugre all his own verbal Apologies, during his life, or the Malignant Panegyrics, the scandalous Relations of any Anti-parliamentall, or Prelatical Sycophants since his death: Who in open affront of Your most memorable Exemplary Justice, upon this Arch-Traitor, (the very Sourse and Compendium of all our late miseries) have proclaimed him to Posterity, in their late lying Legends of his death, A most Glorious Martyr, (as the Papists did his most Trayterous Predecessor, Becket) and already canonized him for A SAINT: perchance, because beheaded on Saint Williams day, the Popish Archbishop of Bourges in France; as great a disturber in his time, of that Kingdoms public peace, and course of Justice; yea, as grand an Incendiary of the bloody Wars against the Albigenses & French Protestants, as this Archbishop was of our Kingdoms tranquility, its public Justice; and stirrer up of the War against the Scots; yet for all this enrolled in the Red Calender of Romish Saints.
There have lately come unto my hands two Oxford Pamphlets; the one entitled: A true Relation of the Death of the most Reverend Father in God, William Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, upon Tower hill, January, 10. 1644. (First Printed at Oxford, and since at Bristol, Anno 1644.) Which begins thus:
On Friday, Jan. 10. THE REBELS MARTYRED the most Reverend Father in God, William Lord Archbishop of Canterbury upon Tower hill, after they had kept him prisoner above four years: And then relating his speech and Prayer on the Scaffold, it concludes in these words: Thus died the KINGS, and the CHURCHES MARTYR; a man of such Integrity, Learning, Devotion, and Courage, as had he lived in the Primitive times, they would have given him another name: whom though the cheated multitude were taught to misconceive, (for these honored him) yet impartial posterity will know how to value him, when they hear the Rebels sentenced him the very same hour that they voted down the Liturgy of the Church of England; whose innocence cries to heaven for Vengeance, upon the heads of these destroyers, who pile MURTHER upon Murder to fortify their Covenant, that upon this generation may come all the RIGHTEOUS BLOOD, from him whose blood was first shed, to the pulling down this great Pillar of our Church; which if you consider, is THE MOST GROUNDLES, MALITIOUS, SOLEMNE STUDIED MURTHER THAT EVER WAS COMMITTED IN THIS WRETCHED ISLAND.
The later Pamphlet Imprinted at Oxford, of the same Subject, dated as the former, (inscribed; A brief Relation of the Death, and Sufferings of the most Reverend and Renouned Prelate, the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, with a more perfect Copy of his Speech and other passages • n the Scaffold, than hath been hitherto Imprinted;) thus blazons this Archtraytors Innocency, merits, sufferings. He that had so long lived a Confesser (a Popish Confessor if he please to the Duke of Buckingham and others) could not but think it release of misery to be made a MARTYR. He ascended the Scaffold with so brave a courage, such a cheerful countenance, as if he had mounted rather to behold a Triumph than to be made a Sacrifice, and came not there to die, but to be translated; and to say truth, it was no Scaffold but a Throne; a Throne whereon he was shortly to receive a Crown, even the most glorious Crown of MARTYRDOME: After which he stiles him, A glorious Martyr; his blood, Innocent blood; yea, thou extols his Innocency, and Canonizeth him for a Saint in a Poetical Elegy, especially in these ensuing lines.
And not only these Anonymous Pamphleters, but King Charles himself, who not long before had given him an ample Pardon, as a Traitor, under his great Seal of England, forgetting what he had done herein, doth in his own Letter to the Queen, dated Jan. 14. 1644. cry up this headless Arch-bishop for a Martyr; yea, deems his blood so meritorious, so Innocent; that being totally the Parliaments, he believes it no presumption, hereafter to hope that God's hand of Justice, (for the Parliaments just effusion of his blood) must be (thence-forth) heavier upon them and lighter upon him and his Anti-parliamentary Partie, looking now upon their cause having passed by their faults. If his blood so lately shed by the axe of Justice be already become so meritorious, as to balance the scales of God's Justice in this manner; we may justly fear it will in few years more grow into as great esteem at Court, as Thomas of Beckets his Trayterly predecessors blood, did in former times among the Prelatical Popish party; who attributed more efficacy to it then to Christ's, and therefore presumed most blasphemously to pray to Christ himself to save them, by his own, but this Arch-Traitors blood, in this distick.
But as the manifold glorious Victories, miraculous Successes of the Parliaments Forces since his Execution, have experimentally frustrated this his Majesty's groundless Hope and Presumption, that God's hand of Justice would be heavier upon the Parliaments Party, but lighter upon him and his, by reason of his crying blood, it being never lifted up so extraordinarily, so visibly for the Parliament before, nor falling so heavily upon the King and his Partizans; as since his beheading, and the Kings overconfident relying on the Merits of the Blood of such a Traytot for success in his wars against the Parliament; So, I presume, the setting forth of this History of his Trial, will soon Un-Martyr, Un-Saint, Uncrown this Arch-Imposter, by presenting him in his Proper Colours, stripped of all Disguises, and render him so desperately criminal, so transcendently Trayterous in all respects, especially in point of undermining the Protestant Religion, wherein himself and his Parasites have endeavored most of all to vindicate his Innocency, that all Generations will unaminously pronounce him, the Archest Enemy to, the most active universal Underminer of the Protestant Religion established among us, that ever breathed in English air; and readily acknowledge, that no Ecclesiastical Annalls ever recorded his Paralell, for multiplicity of desperate cunning Jesuitical Stratagems secretly to subvert that Orthodox Reformed Religion which himself pretended to profess; nay, propagate and patronize.
It is far below the Magnanimity of my Spirit in the least measure maliciously to blast the Fame, or revengefully to triumph over, to trample upon the Ashes of a Vanquished Enemy, whom I never dreaded, or slandered all his life, forgave and pitied both before and at his death; the Memory of whose Capital crimes should have expired with his breath, and been eternally buried in oblivion with his Corps, by me, had not Your Honors superior Commânds necessitated me to revive, record them to Posterity since his death (as well as to give them in evidence at his Trial,) for Vindication of Your untainted Justice, and the Common Good, to deter all others in future Ages from the like Trayterous Practises. If any therefore deem my Expressions, concerning him or his actions, over-lavish, malicious, or revengeful, let them impartially compare them with his Criminall Offences here recorded, (which they hardly equalize, or fall far short of) and then if they warrant not the harshest Epithites, the blackest Characters here bestowed on him, let me eternally bear the blame and shame: but if they be scarce proportionate to his Treasons, his grand Misdemeanors, (which must be blazoned and set forth in language suitable to their transcendent Hainousnesse, not minced, not extenuated by over-diminutive expressions) I hope none will or can be so injurious, as to charge me with Calumny, much less Scurrility or Revenge, who never yet particularly demanded, received the least farthing Recompence from him or any of his, for all the barbarous Cruelties, Oppressions, Imprisonments great Losses, Dammages I sustained, eight years space together, only for discovering, opposing, countermining (to the utmost of my skill and power) all Popish Plots, Innovations, Proceedings of this Arch-Prelate and his confederates to undermine our Religion, re-establish Popery among us by degrees, and set up an arbitrary Papal power, the better to effect the same: the only real cause of all my former sufferings.
Yet three things there are, I foresee may possibly be objected against me by his complices, which need some Answer to prevent their causeless Calumnies.
The first is, That in this History of his Trial, I have at large inserted some particular papers, passages, (especially in the Catalogue of the Arminian, Popish Errors, vented in, and of the clauses against them purged out of late new Printed Books) which were not actually, or at least fully read at the Lord's Bar; Therefore I am guilty of partiality and unfaithfulness in relating the Evidence given in against him at the Bar, by these additions to it.
To which I answer. First, that all the Evidence, Passages here at large recited (with many more) were prepared and ready by me at the Bar; yea the effect of every Paper, passage here recorded, was in general terms opened, pressed at the trial, though not all fully read and particularly urged for want of time: which I have here more largely inserted for clearing the truth, and satisfying the Reader, the most material passages being only read at large, the rest of like nature but briefly referred to in general to avoid prolixity, and husband time.
Secondly, that I have largely recorded none of these Passages here by way of New Additionall Evidence, requiring answer, but only for illustration or corroboration of the old, fully given in and read.
Thirdly, the Catalogue of new licensed Popish Doctrines, and of the Purgations of Passages against Popery, Arminianism, arbytrary government, Prophanesse, &c. wherein most of the new Additions, not fully read, are inserted, make but one entire charge, not divers; and had but one general Answer, defense given to them by the Arch-bishop; to wit, that they were not licensed nor purged out by himself, but only by his and the Bishop of London's Chaplains, who must answer for them, and that they concerned not him: therefore these Additions making no new charge, and receiving all the self same Answer & defense, no indifferent persons can justly tax me with partiality or injustice for inserting them into this History, for the fuller discovery of his Popish intentions in this kind, (which want of time prevented us to display so fully at the Bar, as was desired, where we had each particular ready in writing proved upon oath) it being not only excusable, but justifiable, yea necessary in a History of this nature, which so much concerns Religion and the public.
The second thing, which perchance will be alleged against me, is; That I have not so fully, so punctually related the Arch-bishops several Answers and Replyes to all the particulars of his charge as he uttered them viva voice at the Bar in his particular and general Defences (who spake as much for himself as the wit of man could invent, in so bad a cause) and that I have made some few Additions to the Commons sudden Replications to his Answers.
To this I answer: First, that I used all possible diligence, both by friendly entreaty and the power of Authory, to procure the Archbishops own Notes of his Answers and Defences to the Commons charge, or authentic Copies of them, from Mr. Dell his Secretary and others; that so I might Print them verbatim to avoid all calumnies; but I could obtain neither from them; M Dell protesting, that neither he, nor any other to his knowledge, had the originals nor any coppyes of them; and that he believed, his Lord did burn all the Notes of his answers and defense before his death, of purpose to prevent their publication after it. So that if I have casually omitted or mistaken any part of his Answers or Defense, himself or his own creatures must bear the blame, not I; who have as faithfully, as exactly as I could supplied this defect of his own Papers, out of the Notes of others and mind own fragill memory, relating all his Answers, Defences, as near as possible in his own terms, and pressing them fully for his best advantage, without the least willful omission or diminution of any one particular of moment.
Secondly, For the Commons subitane Replyes to his Answers, I have rehearsed them as near as I could in their own terms; and made no Additions thereunto, but only of some Authors testimonies concerning the unlawfulness of Images, Crucifixes, Altars, the placing and railing in Altars and Lord's Ta • l • s altarwise against the Eastwall, & the consecration of Churches and Chapels; wherein the Archbishop much abused his Auditory with empty flashes and confident pretences of antiquity, which Mr Serjeant Wilde at large refuted by the Testimony of Fathers & other orthodox Writers, and Mr Nicholus too, as far as the shortness of time permitted; to the substance of whose replies in these particulars I have added very little, but only for learning sake and the fuller clearing of the truth.
If any shall further object, that J have related his Charge entirely together in one continued Discourse, but his Answers & the Commons Replies thereto in fractions; not in one continued Discourse, as they were delivered each day severally at the Bar, and summed up at last in the Lord's and Commons House.
I answer, it is truth: and I did it for these Reasons. First, to avoid Prolixity, & tedious Repetitions of the self-samethings: For had I recited his several Answers, Defences & the Commons Replies to them as they were made at the Bar each day by themselves; and then repeated his general Answers, Defences in the Lord's and Commons House, and Mr Brownes Reply thereto distinctly by themselves, I should have repeated the self-samethings, with very little variation, three or four times over to no purpose; whereas now I have contracted the sum of all his Answers, Defences to each particular Charg & Proof with the Comons Replies thereto into one, to eschew Prolixity and Tautologies: 2ly, I did it to prevent confusion; and for clearer Discovery of the truth, the pertinency of the evidence given in against him in each Particular: For had I contracted all his Answers, Defences into one, and represented them in one entire continued Discourse by themselves; and then have subjoined the Commons Replies unto them entirely together, the Reader could never have clearly discovered the frivilousnes, falseness, or impertinency of his several Answers to each particular charge, or the strength of the Commons Replies thereto; nor yet so well have observed, to what particulars he gave answer, to what not; whereas now by this Perspicuous Method I have followed, in reciting his Particular Answers and Defense distinctly to each Branch of his Charge and the Evidence brought to prove it, and then annexing the Commons Replies thereunto; the Readers may with ease and delight (by comparing the Charge, Proofes, Answers, Defense and Replies together) most clearly discover the truth, weight of each Charge and Proof; the weakness, falseness, defects, and insufficiency of all his Answers; the satisfactorines of the Commons Replies, and his undoubted Guiltinesse of all the particulars charged on him. Thirdly, the Archbishop alleged sundry things in his particular Answers and Defences each day, which he omitted in his general Defences in both Houses; and added some things in his General Defences, which he omitted in his particular; by reason whereof I was necessitated to collect all his scattered Answers, Defences to each particular Charge into one, for his better advantage, and the Commons Replies thereto. Which being thus compacted together, without interposition of any heterogenius matter in their proper places, for the premised reasons necessitating me to this method; no rational man can justly tax me for it, as being no ways injurious to the Archbishops cause, nor tending to his disadvantage.
These Objections from the Arch-bishops Prelatical party being removed, there are two things more, wherein Your Honors and the World may justly demand some satisfaction, to exempt me from all causeless censures.
First, you may justly inquire the Reasons; why this History of the Arch-bishops Trial, hath stuck so long in my hands before its publication, seeing it was expected many months since?
Secondly, why it comes forth by parcels only, not complete and entire, after so long an expectation of the whole trial and proceedings?
To the former demand, I answer: First, that this task was by special Order, originally imposed upon those Members of the Commons House, that managed the Evidence, not on me: who totally declining it, some four Moneths after the Trial and above 2 Moneths after the Execution, this work was delegated by the Commons unto me; at which time most of the Papers, Notes, Books, Evidences, used at his trial, were laid aside and dispersed into several men's hands: whereby much time was spent before I could recollect and marshall them into Order, to digest this History out of them. Secondly, since the assignment of this task unto my care, I have been almost every day taken up with public employments for the State, at the Committee of Accounts, and elsewhere, besides the daily avocations of my particular calling (my only support since our unhappy Wars) so as I have had few vacant hours to compile it, but those I have borrowed from my natural rest, whiles others have been sleeping. Thirdly, I have since this undertaking, been necessitated to write & publish sundry other Impressions (uncapable of delay) in defense of the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Parliaments, Civil Magistrates; and concerning Ecclesiastical Censures and Church-Government, against Independents, Anabaptists, others; yea to Vindicate the Parliaments just Proceedings, with mine own Innocency, against the seditious Anti-parliamentary Libels, of that notorious impudent Libeller and Lyat, L. Col. Lilburn, who still persevers in his trespasses, to the dishonor and scandal of public justice. All which considered, I suppose Your Honors and others will easily believe, I wanted no diligence, but leisure only for the speedier accomplishment of this work: wherein notwithstanding I have not been negligent, witness my publication of the Breviate of the Archbishops life, and of A necessary Introduction of his Trial, (amounting to a large Volume) sufficient to assoil me from the least imputation of idleness or negligence in this very subject. Fourthly, Add hereunto the voluminousnesse of this First Part of the Archbishops Trial only, with the variety of the matter, charges therein contained; the trouble I had in digesting, the Labor in compiling, writing, reveiwing, fitting it for and Correcting, Revising it at the Press, with the coldness of this last winters Vacation, when neither pen, nor Press could work, for sundry weeks together: and compare this with the former reasons (and the Printers slackness which hath delayed it very much) and then I doubt not but your Honors and all others will rather wonder, how I could possibly complete this Voluminous Part so speedily, then question or quarrel with me, why it comes forth so slowly? it being work enough to have swallowed up all my time since the Order, had I had no other employments to divert me.
To the second demand, I must return this Answer: First, that I published this History thus in parcels, for want of time to complete and print it all together in due season. Secondly, that the long expectation of this Trial, and men's calling for it every day, induced me to satisfy their longing appetites, with these First-fruits of it, concerning Religion; (the thing most looked, most inquired after, both at home and abroad) till the full crop be ripened for the harvest, which will require some warmer months to concoct it, ere it can attain to maturity. Thirdly, The great Charge of the Stationer in Printing this first Part, (the voluminousnesse and price whereof hath, I fear, out-swelled most Chapments purses in these Indegent times) with the serious consideration of the incertainty of my life and future opportunity, in these days of War and mortality, to finish the remainder of this Work (which God willing I intend to complete and publish with all convenient speed) have induced me, rather to gratify your Honors and the World with these First fruits for the present, then to hazard the depriving you of it, or the whole History, if deferred till all were completed.
Having answered these demands, I shall now crave liberty and your Noble Patience to raise some profitable Observations from the Subject matter of this History, not unworthy your Honors saddest thoughts.
If you consider the mean obscure Parentage of this Arch-Prelate, his grand Preferments, the great mischiefs he did in Church, State, and his Execution after all; it may suggest these profitable contemplations to your minds.
First, That God by his power and all-disposing providence can raise up Persons of the lowest place or Parentage, to the highest Pinnacles of worldly Honor: according to that in the 1 Sam. 2. 8. and Psal. 118. 7, 8. He raiseth up the Poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the Beggar from the dunghill, to set them among the Princes, and make them inherit the Throne of glory.
2. That God can make the most vile and despicable persons in the world, grand Pests or Punishments to whole Kingdoms, Nations, when he pleaseth; Dan. 11. 21, 22. 1 Kings 11. 26. c. 12. 2. &c. c. 13. & 14. (even as he made Frogs, Lice, Caterpillars (the vilest creatures) a very sore plague to King Pharaoh and the whole Kingdom of Egypt, Exod. c. 7. 8. and 9.
3. That persons suddenly advanced from the lowest degree of men, to the highest pitch of honor, prove commonly the most insolent, violent, domineering, imperious, tyrannical, and mischievous of all such preferments, being unable to weld or manage the greatness of their fortune. See Mat. 24. 48. to the end, 2 Chro. 10. 8. to 16. Eccles. 10. 1. 6, 7. Psal. 73. 6. to 13. Job. 21. 7. to 20.
Fourthly, That grand preferments without great grace to manage, improve them to God's glory, and the common good, are greater judgments than blessings, and for the most part, the immediate occasions of men's greatest ruin by their evil Councils, or ill managing of their greatness to the public prejudice, Ps. 73. 3. to 21. Job 21. 7. &c. Psal. 37. 1. 2. Ester c. 3. to 8.
Fifthly, That mischievous Counselors and wicked Instruments in Church, State; though never so great in power or Favor with their Princes for a season, seldom escape condign exemplary punishment at the last: and that no greatness whatsoever is able finally to protect mischevous Grandees, from the hand of public justice: Ester 7. 1 Kings 2. 28. to 35.
Let all great ones then seriously consider this, and remember Canterbury, lest they die and fall like him.
If we again observe his Preferments, Actions, Proceedings and miserable end as a Clergy man, we may raise these profitable observations from this History of his Trial, which all Prelates, Clergy men may do well to consider, is oft as they think of Canterbury.
First, that when Clergy men cast aside or neglect their callings, and turn mere Statesmen, they commonly prove the very worst and most oppressive Persons of all others. Matth. 5. 13. 2. Thess. 2. 3.
Secondly, That one over potent Prelate backed with a Kings Royal power and favor, is able to unsetleReligion where it is best established, and embroyle, ruin the most flourishing Churches, Kingdoms in few years space. 2 Thess. 2. 4. 9, 10, 11, 12. Revel. 13. 2. to 18.
Thirdly, That there are no such desperate underminers, persecutors, suppressors of God's true Religion, Saints, people, as over potent wicked Prelates: And that dissembling Potent Protestant Prelates, Clergymen are greater Enemies to the Protestant Religion for the most part, then professed Papists: 2 Thess. 2. 4. 9, 10, 11, 12. Revel. 13. Matth. 24. 5. 11. 24. Acts 20. 22. 30. John 6. 70, 71.
Fourthly, That the foulest Practises, Conspiracies against the Protestant Religion may be and usually are guilded over with the most specious pretences for its Advancement. And therefore it concerns us always to weigh and judge of men by their Actions, not their Protestations: Matth. 7. 15. Rev. 13. 2. to 18.
Fifthly, That the most hopeful designs, the most successful Plots, Proceedings against the true Religion and Saints of God, do always prove abortive in conclusion; and that the prevailing contrivances, successes of many years travel in this kind are usually, by a divine over-ruling providence, oft times, like so many Cobwebs, swept down, dashed in pieces, and wholly disappointed in a moment, when they are nearest accomplishment in all human probability Ps. 73. 18, 19, 20. Psal. 21. 11, 12. Gen. 11. 3. &c. Exod. 14. 19 to 31. Isaiah. 8. 9. 10.
Sixthly, That God in his infinite wisdom and justice can turn all the Plots, Coutrivances of wicked men to ruin his truth, Church, people, to be the proper immediate instruments of their contrivers ruin. (He taketh the wise in their own craftiness, &c. Job. 5. 12, 13, 14.) and to the advancement of his Gospel, Cause, people, as he did in the cases of Joseph, and Mordecai.
Seventhly, That great Ecclesiastical or temporal Preferments and Court Favors, seldom make men better but worser then before: Deut. 6. 10, 11, 12. c. 8. 10. 19. 2 Chron. 26. 16. c. 31. 25, 26.
Eighthly, That those who are Superstitious or Presumptuous in their life time, are seldom penitent, but for the most part obstinate, senseless or desperate at their deaths; and have commonly a greater care to support their cracked credits, by justifying or denying their evil actions, then to save their souls, by confessing or bewailing their guilt.
This was the condition of this Arch-Prelate who lived to survive and behold the downfall of all his Popish Plots, Innovations, Superstitions, Canons, the High Commission and Prelacy it self, the grand Idols he endeavored to set up and perpetuate among us; Yet all the Superstitions, Idolatries, Romish Errors, Tyrannous oppressions he had maintained, practiced in his life, he most obstinately justified, without the least remorse, or acknowledgment of guilt, of error, both at his Trial and Death. Yea though he were so conscious to himself of all the crimes wherewith he was charged, that he procured a Pardon from Oxford under the Kings own hand and great Seal, soon after the beginning of his Trial (which made him so bold, so peremptory at the Barr;) yet lest it should imply or argue a guiltiness in him, he chose rather to conceal this Pardon, and stand upon his plenary justification, till after his condemnation, then produce or plead it; not sending it to your Honors till he was ordered to be hanged at Tyburne: upon which occasion he acquainted both Houses with it, to deprecate and exchange that punishment for a more Honorable kind of execution on the Scaffold at Tower hill, where his head was chopped off, instead of a Hanging at Tyburne. And although all ingenious men would have imagined, that the blood of the many Souls he had starved, seduced, destroyed all his time by suppressing preaching, suspending, silencing, censuring, banishing godly Ministers, Lecturers without any real Cause, pressing the Book of Sports, introducing Popish, Arminian Soul-destroying Errors, Superstitions, Innovations, Prophanations; with the blood of the bodies of divers thousands shed in England, Scotland, Ireland, by our unhappy Warrs (originally occasioned and stirred up by him) might have been prevalent enough to relent his Adamantine heart, and draw forth tears of repentance, of compunction from his eyes and soul, yet such was his desperate Obstinacy & Impenitency on the scaffold, that he never so much as confessed or bewailed at his death these bloody crimes, nor any of those Trayterous Offences for which he was justly condemned; but with a brow of brass and heart of stone, impudently justified his Innocency, nay Crimes to the utmost, without demanding Pardon of them from God or Man, though he took this ensuing Pardon from the King (a sufficient evidence of his guilt) which I have Verbatim transcribed out of the Original passed under the Great Seal at Oxford.
CHARLES R.
CAROLVS dei gratia Angliae, Scotiae, Franciae & Hiberniae Rex fidei Defensor, &c. Omnibus ad quos praesentes Literae pervenerint salutem. Sciatis quod Nos pietate moti, de gratia Nostra specially ac ex certa scientia & mero motu Nostris, Pardonavimus, remisimus & relaxavimus, ac per praesentes Nobis, Haeredibus & Successoribus Nostris pardonamus, remittimus & relaxamus Willielmo Laud, Clerico, Archiepiscopo Cantuariensi, seu quocunque alio nomine, cognomine, titulo, cognition sive additione nominis, artis, loci, vel locorum praefatus Williamus Laud censetur, vocetur, nuncupetur, sive cognoscatur, aut nuper aut ante hac censebatur, nuncupabatur, sive cognitus fuit, Omnes & omnimodas PRODITIONES, tam majores quam minores, & crimina lesae Majestatis quaecunque; & omnes & omnimodas Misprisiones et concelamenta Proditionum quarumcunque, per praefatum Willielmum Laud solum, vel cum aliquo alio, sive aliquibus aliis, qualicunque aut vbicunque, aut in aliquo modo vel in tempore factus, perpetratas vel commissas, nec non omnes & omnimodas Felonias quascunque, tam per vel contra Communem Legem Regni Nostri, quam per vel contra quaecunque Statuta, Actus, Ordinationes sive Provisiones ejusdem Regni Nostri, et accessaria quarumcunque Feloniarum, & fugam & fugas superinde factas, nec non omnes & omnimodias Subvertiones & enervationes Legum, et omnes & omnimodas Conspirationes, Confederationes, Consilia, Auisamenta, Offensas & alia malefacta quecunque per praefatum Willielmum Laud solum, vel cum aliquo alio, sive aliquibus aliis in Subuertione aut enervatione Legum, aut assumendo Regalem Potestatem aut Authoritatē aliqualiter aut vbicunque; aut in aliquo modo aut tempore habita, facta, da • a, commissa aut perpetrata: nec non omnes & omnimodas Offensas, Crimina, Transgressiones & alia malefacta quaecunque de Praemunire, aut communiter vocata aut cognita per nomen de Praemunire, aut pro quo vel pro quibus judicium, executio, paena aut foristactura in casu de Praemunire, sive per aliquod Statutum de Provisoribus factum & editum, reddenda, exequenda, infligenda aut incurrenda sunt aut essent, aut fuerint per praefatum Willielmum Laud solum, vel cum aliquo alio sive aliquibus aliis, vbicunque aut in aliquo modo aut tempore perpetrata, facta aut commissa, et accessaria praedictarum Offensarum, Criminum, Transgressionum et Malefactorum, & eorum alicujus & aliquorum; Nec non omnes & omnimodas Confederationes, Conspirationes illicitas, Convocationes & Assemblationes illicitas, verborum prolationes, misprisiones, Jurisdictionum usurpationes & exercitia illicita, legum fractiones, illicitas Juramentorum impositiones, & ministrationes, contemptus, negligentias, legum violationes, mala & illicita Consilia & aduisamenta, & omnes alias offensas, crimina, malefacta & transgressiones quaecunque per quodcunque nomen aut per quaecunque nomina idem vel eadem appellata, vocata & nuncupata sunt, essent aut fuerint per praefatum Willielmum Laud solum, vel cum aliquo alio aut cum aliquibus aliis, qualicunque aut vbicunque, aut in aliquo modo aut in aliquo tempore habita, facta, perpetrata aut commissa; et omnia et singula eadem aut eorum aliquod vel aliqua tangentia vel concernentia, licet idem Wilhelmus Laud, de, aut pro praemissis, aut eorum aliquo vel aliquibus in Curia nostra Parliamenti, aut in aliqua alia Curia, sive aliquibus Curiis, aut coram aliquo judice vel persona, aut aliquibus judicibus aut personis, aut in aliquo modo aut aliqua via quibuscunque impetitus, judicatus, rectatus, appellatus, adjudicatus, condemnatus, vtlagatus, convictus vel attinctus existet aut non existet, aut impetiri, judicari, rectari, appellari, adjudicari, condemnari, vtlagari, convinci, aut attingi contigerit in futuro. Et omnes & singulas utlagarias in aut versus praefatum Willielmum Laud ration vel occatione praemissorum vel eorum alicujus & aliquorum promulgatas aut promulgandas; Ac etiam omnia & singula judicia, executiones, paenas mortis, paenas corporales, imprisonamenta, paenalitates, forisfacturas, infamias, irregularitates, defectus seu inhabilitates quaecunque in aut versus praefatum Willielmum Laud ration vel occatione praemissorum aut eorum aliquorum vel alicujus reddita, facta, habita, adjudicata, aut imposita, aut imposterum reddenda, fienda, habenda, adjudicanda, imponenda aut exequenda; Nec non omnes et omnimodas sectas, querelas, impetitiones & demandas quascunque quae Nos versus praefatum Willielmum Laud pro praemissis, sive aliquo praemissorum habemus, habuimus, seu in futuro habere poterimus, aut Haeredes vel Successores Nostri versus ipsum pro praemissis vel aliquo praemissorum habere possint in futuro; Ac Sectam pacis Nostrae, quae ad Nos versus praefatum Willielmum Laud spectat vel pertinet, sive pertinere poterit, ration praemissorum sive eorum alicujus vel aliquorum, Et firmam Pacem eidem Willielmo Laud inde concedimus per praesentes. Pardonamus etiam, remittimus & relaxamus per praesentes pro Nobis Heredibus & Successoribus nostris praefato Willielmo Laud, omnia et singula deperdita & forisfacturas quorumcunque bonorum et catallorum, terrarum, possessionum tenementorum & hereditamentorum suorum Nobis occasion praemissorum aut eorum alicujus qualicunque forisfacta, sive deperdita, in quorumcunque sive cujuscunque manibus aut possessionibus jam existent aut existere debent. Et eadem bona, catalla, terras, possessiones tenementa, et hereditamenta praefato Willielmo Laud damus & restituimus per praesentes pro Nobis, Haeredibus et Successoribus Nostris; Habendum, tenendum, gaudendum & possidendum eidem Willielmo de dono Nostro absque Compoto, sive aliquo alio inde Nobis, Haeredibus sive Successoribus Nostris reddendo, solvendo, vel faciendo. Nolentes, quod idem Wilhelmus Laud per Nos, Justiciarios, Escheatores, Vicecomites aut alios Ballivos, seu Ministros nostros ration vel occatione praemissorum sive eorum alicujus molestetur, vexetur, perturbetur, in aliquo seu gravetur. Et ulterius de vberiori gratia Nostra, ac ex certa scientia & mero motu Nostris volumus, et per praesentes pro Nobis, Haeredibus & Successoribus Nostris, concedimus, quod hae Literae nostrae Patentes, ac omnia & singula in eisdem contenta, bonae, firmae, validae et in Lege effectuales stabunt et existent, et abhinc nullo modo vacuae devenerint: Et quod allocabuntur omnibus Curiis Nostris, et alibi infra Regnum Nostrum Angliae, absque aliquo brevi seu vlteriori mandato seu warranto, licet idem Wilhelmus Laud bonam & sufficientem securitatem de se been gerendo, juxta formam & effectum cujusdam Actus in Parliamento Domini Edwardi tertii quondam Regis Angliae, Progenitoris Nostri, anno Regni sui decimo tertio editi, non invenerit; dicto Actu de Anno decimo tertio regni dicti Edwardi tertii in aliquo Nonobstante. Et Non obstante Statutis in annis secundo, quarto, decimoquarto & Vicesimo septimo dicti Regis Edwardi tertii, & Statuto in anno decimo tertio Regis Ricardi secundi Praedecessoris Nostri edito, aut aliquo alio Statuto, Actu, provisione aut restrictione in contrarium praemissorum, aut eorum alicui quouismodo Nonobstante. In cujus rei testimonium has literas Nostras fieri fecimus Patentes. Teste meipso APUD OXON, duodecimo die Aprilis, Anno Regni Nostri decimo nono.
By this Arch-Prelates embracing and the Kings granting of this large Universal Pardon, of all Treasons &c. himself his Prelatical Partie, together with his Majesty and his Adherents of all sorts, are eternally concluded to plead his Innocency, proclaim him a Martyr, or Canonize him for a meritorious Saint, as they have done. Yea, his Majesty's Royal care and serious endeavor to rescue such an Arch Traitor as He (impeached of High Treason and other grand Crimes by two whole Kingdoms) from the hands of common Justice, and the Supremest Judicatory in Parliament, by this Regal Charter of Pardon, when as he could not effect it by his Army Royal and force of Arms, discovers both His own unhappiness and our Kingdoms too in this, that he hath hitherto affected not only Treason, but Traitors to our Church and State, more then his faithfulest Parliament, or most loyal Subjects: which dangerous Error, I pray God his Majesty after all his various miscarriages, disappointments, losses, by such mischevous persons, may now at last discern, reject, and never henceforth favourany such Traitors, ill Counselors, Prelates, or Archbishops more, whose extirpation root and branch, your Honors have already voted. And that no doubt upon just reasons, since the very best and learnedest in all the whole pack of Prelates, even the Primate of Armagh, Bishop Usher, (of whom most men have hitherto had a very honorable opinion, though a great servant and Instrument of Canterburies in Ireland, as appears by sundry original Letters to him under his hand) hath extremely degenerated in his Christian zeal for the Protestant Religion, even in his own bleeding Country since he turned Royalist and Cavalier; as appears by this testimony under the hand-writing of that valiant Noble Knight Sir Charles Coote; which for Poor dying Ireland's sake ( to corroborate the late admirable discoveries from thence by the Popish Archbishop of Tuams Papers and others, surprised by this Sir Charles) I dare not conceal.
I SIR Charles Coote do hereby testify, that being at Oxford the last Summer as one of the Agents for the Protestants of Ireland, and finding the Irish Popish Agents then to be very prevalent there, and the Archbishop of Armagh to be often present at the Debates concerning the business of Ireland, and conceiving him to have some power with his Majesty, I addressed myself to the said Archbishop, and besought him, that he would interpose his power with his Majesty in the behalf of the Protestants; for if the Irish Agents obtained their desires, the Protestants in Ireland were destroyed and Popery would be introduced: to which the Arch-Bishop replied; That was the intention, which he knew better then I did, and said, WE MUST SUBMIT: Dated this 14. of April. 1645.
CHARLES COOTE.
A very strange speech of a Saint-seeming Protestant Arch-Prelate. What? must we submit to the destruction of the Protestants in Ireland, and the introduction of Popery there, and not once oppose it? and will such an Arch-Prelate as he refuse to use his utmost interest in the Kings favor to withstand it, when desired? If this be the Doctrine of the zealous Lord Primate of Ireland, that we must submit to the introducing of Popery there, (the projected design of the Primate and Metropolitan of all England and Ireland too, the better to accomplish it in England, as we have here and elsewhere manifested) the God of heaven forever deliver us from such an hypocritical false Archiepiscopall generation of Vipers, whose heads and hopes of succession in both Kingdoms, we trust Your Honors have forever cut off in the decapitation of this Archbishop of Canterbury, the very worst of all his Trayterous Predecessors, their crimes being all concentred in him; whose famous Trial, Judgment, Execution, shall eternize Your memorable Justice to posterity, and deter all other ambitious pragmatical Clergy men, from treading in his fatal foot-steps: the sign of the Arch-bishops head, when seriously beheld, being as good, a Memento for wicked Prelates, Counselors, to scare them from his traiterous practices, as the sight of a corrupt Judges skin in Herodotus, nailed to the Tribunal, was to his successors, to deter them from bribery and injustice.
If I have done any acceptable service for Your Honorable Assembly and the Church of God, in pubilshing these first Fruits of my Obedience to Your just Desires, the favorable Acceptance of what I have already composed with much difficulty and less exactness then I desired, will be an encouragement to me (if God send life and leisure) to present Your Honors in due season with the remainder of this History. In the mean time I shall become a daily Orator to the Throne of Grace, to make and continue Your Honorable Houses and Committees, a mountain of holiness, an habitation of Justice; to execute the Justice of the Lord, to do Justice to the afflicted and needy, in ridding them out of the hands of the wicked; and to distribute equal speedy judgment to all oppressed ones who complain unto, and on all Delinquents justly convicted before Your Honors, without any respect of persons, or bias of interest or affections, according to the old inflexible rules of Law and Justice; that so no person whatsoever may have any occasion to take up the Prophets complaint against You, (as some have causelessly done) That Judgment is turned away backward, justice standeth a far off, and equity cannot enter, there is no judgment in their goings. We looked for judgment but behold oppression; for righteousness but behold a cry: Moreover we saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there: It was full of Judgment, righteousness lodged in it heretofore, but now murderers and oppressers: Is there no Balm in Gilead? is there no Physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of our people recovered? But that all such falls clamours being wholly silenced by Your care and justice, our whole Nation may unanimously trumpet forth these worthy praises of your Houses, Committees, that Justice and Judgment are the Habitation of Your Throne (as they are of God's) and that, like good King David, you all do execute justice and judgment to all the people; judging them with just judgment, without wresting, perverting justice or respect of persons, and that which is altogether just do you follow, Which will be Your Honors brightest Crown of glory, our Kingdoms greatest security, our people's most desirable Felicity; yea, is and shall be the Vote, the Prayer of
Your Honors most devoted Servant, WILLIAM PRYNNE.
Lincolns Inn, April 20, 1646.
To the Christian Reader.
C Hristian Reader, that experimental Observation of the natural Historian, Quo majus est animal, tanto diutius formatur in utero, &c. Singulos gignunt Elephanti, Acanthis (auis minima) duodenas. Ocyssime pariunt qui plurimos gignunt: may be a satisfactory Apology for the Slownesse, the Singlenesse of this long-expected Birth: Elephants are much longer forming, ripening in the Wombe, then Mice: and Cathedral Histories, as well as Churches, require more time to finish them, then Pettie Relations. We read John 2. 20. that the later Temple of Jerusalem was 46. years in building yet this large folio Edifice hath been compiled, completed within the compass of so many Weekes, notwithstanding my many other daily interruptions, Avocations, public and private; in so much that none can justly tax me with Sloathfulnesse or Negligence in this public Service; the toylesomnesse whereof hath deterred all others from undertaking it, and devolved it wholly upon me; who in regard of my few Vacant Minutes for such a vast Undertaking, must humbly crave thy pardon for all Defects, Errataes, Oversights either in the penning or printing.
In this part of the Archbishops Trial, thou mayest clearly discern, not only his Popish Spirit, together with his Activity, and Jesuitical Practises to undermine our established Religion, introduce Popery among us by degrees, and reduce us back to our ancient Vassallage to Rome; but likewise read over a true Ecclesiastical History of our Church during all the time of his domination: and from the result of all; I shall desire thee, like the industrious sagacious Be, which extracts honey out of poisonous Herbs, to collect some profitable Meditations for thy spiritual advantage: Some whereof I have already hinted in the Epistle Dedicatory, and shall here but lightly touch.
First, here thou mayest see, that of the Psalmist so experimentally verified, that thou mayest take up his very words Ps. 37. 35, 36, 38. I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree: Yet he passed away and loe he was not; yea I sought him but he could not be found. The transgressors shall be destroyed together, the end of the wicked shall be cut off. And though for a time, they are not in trouble neither are they plagued like other men; Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain, violence covereth them as a garment &c. Yet if thou observe their ends, thou must needs conclude with the same Psalmist Ps. 73. 18. 19 20, Surely thou didst set them in slippery places, thou castedst them down into destruction: How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment? they are utterly consumed with Terrors: As a dream when one awaketh, so O Lord, when thou awakest thou shalt despise their image. That of Zophar being really verified in this Arch Prelate Job. 20. 5. to 10. The triumphing of the Wicked is short, and the joy of an hypocrite but for a moment: Though his excellency mount unto the Heavens, and his head reach unto the clouds; Yet he shall perish forever like his own dung; they which have seen him shall say, Where is he? He shall fly away as a dream and shall not be found; The eye which saw him shall see him no more, neither shall his place anymore behold him.
Secondly, hence thou mayest learn the truth of Solomon's Observation, Prov. 21. 30. There is no wisdom, nor understanding, nor counsel against the Lord. Certainly all such wisdom, counsel as this employed against God, his Ordinances, Gospel, people, though never so accurately managed, so politically contrived, so powerfully backed, so successfully advanced for a time will in conclusion be brought to naught, and made of none effect, Ps. 33. 10. Acts 5. 38. Isaiah 19. 11, 12, 13. c. 8, 9. 10. Job 9. 4. Whereas the counsel cause, and Church of God, maugre all opposition, shall stand forever, and cannot be overthrown. Ps. 33. 11. Acts 5. 39. Isaiah 46. 10.
Thirdly, Let all God's people learn from hence, never to fear the force, threats or power of the greatest Persecutors breathing, since they are but mortal men, who shall themselves be trodden down and brought to Judgment in God's due time: During my many years heavy pressures under this Arch-Prelates Tyranny, my spirit was exceedingly elevated even to a magnanimous contempt, and holy slighting of all his overswaying power, menaces, proceedings, as most despicable, with the consideration of these two Scriptures, which were ever fresh in my thoughts. Isaiah. 51. 12. 13. I, even I am he that comforteth you, who art thou that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, or of the son of man that shall be made as grass? And forgettest the Lord thy maker, who stretched forth the Heavens, and laid the foundations of the Earth: and hast feared continually every day, because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy; and where is the fury of the oppressor? And Ps. 92. 7 8, 9. When the wicked spring as the grass, and all the Workers of iniquity do flourish: it is, that they shall be destroyed forever. But thou O Lord art most high for evermore: For loe thine enemies, O Lord, loe thine enemies shall perish: and all the Workers of iniquity shall be scattered. Certainly he who believes these sacred Texts and meditates seriously on them, will never dread the potency, t • ra • ny, or menaces of any mortal, in a good cause or quarrel.
Fourthly, Meditate from hence, the vanity, instability and danger of greatness without goodness: the impotency of the greatest human power, honor, favor, to exempt or secure evil Counselors, or public Malefactors from the sword of Justice; The unhappy fatal ends of Wicked Royal Favorites, who by humouring their Princes in unjust oppressive courses, usually in the conclusion, do but destroy themselves, and prejudice their Princes most of any, as this Arch-Prelate hath done: The certain ruin of all bloody Persecutors of God's people: together with the infinite wisdom and power of Almighty God, who can wisely order, overrule the mischievous Plots, & malicious contrivances of his most desperate Enemies to advance his own Honor, Cause, Gospel, People; to effect the quite contrary to what they intended, and to bring about his own ends and their downfalls.
Many such cordial meditations, and sweet contemplations will this History afford thee for thy comfort, thy encouragement in thy constant Christian profession in times of greatest danger and hottest persecution. The good Lord so sanctify it and them to thy Soul, that this Archbishop, who by his Life and Doctrine wrought so much mischief and sorrow to our Church for a season, but no present good at all; may bring much consolation, Edification to it, and thee, by this his Trial and Death:
A COMPLEAT HISTORY OF The Commitment, Charge, Trial, Condemnation and Execution of WJLLJAM LAUD, late Arch-Bishop of CANTERBVRT.
V VIlliam Laud borne in Reading of obscure Parents, having through flattery and other sinister means, by several gradations insinuated himself into high favor at Court, and climbed up to divers Ecclesiastical promotions in our Church, till at last he mounted to the very Pinacle of his ambition, the Archbishopric of Canterbury (whereby he became Primate and Metropolitan of all England.) and to a Patriarch-ship or kind of universal Papacy over all his Majesty's Realms, (who steerd their Ecclesiastical affairs by his Compass adoring him as their only Oraele) and having likewise out of his insatiable ambition pragmatically intruded himself into all kind of secular Negociations (inconsistent with his spiritual function) so far as to sway all State, as well as Church-affairs, according to the pleasure of his own exorbitant will; hereupon (unable to manage so great an Authority with that moderation as beseemed a Person of his profession he became so intollerably insolent, violent, extravagant in all his proceedings in Church and Republic, that no Pope nor Prelate whatsoever, advanced from the lowest fortune to the hight of honor, more really verified, that Adagie of Claudian the Poet (no not William Longchampe Bishop of Eli, to whom Roger, Houeden, our Historian, particularly applied these lines of his long since.)
In so much as that Caracter which Gulielmus Nubrigensis gives us of our proud Prelate Longchamp and his tyrannical oppressive deportment in Church, in State, (by reason of his Ecclesiastical and temporal united jurisdictions) in the Raign of King Richard the first, seems purposely recorded to paint out the Cariage of this Arch-Prelate during all the years of his domineering Authority in the Rain of Charles the first. Ille sublato omni • obstaculo, quo minus ambularet, in magnis & mirabilibus supra se, fratus DVPLCIS id est APOSTOLIC A SIMVL ET 〈◊〉 A POTEST ATE, CLERO • AR • TER E • POPVLO • ARROGANT • 〈…〉 , Et •• cut •• quodam • criptune est, 〈…〉 pro dextera; sic et ill, ad faciliorum molicionum suarum efficatiam, utra{que} potestate utebatur pro altera. Ad 〈…〉 vel exer cendos potentes Laicos si quid forte ex seculari potentia minus poterat, Apostolic • id ipsum potestatis censura supplebat. Si autem ex Clero forte quispiam voluntati ejus obsisteret, hunc procul dubio frustra pro se secundum Canones 〈…〉 oppressund p • centia, 〈◊〉 . Non •• at qu • se absconderet à calore ejus, cum et secularis in eo virgam, vel gladium Apostolicae potestatis timeret; & ecclesiasticus nulla se, 〈◊〉 vel authoritate 〈…〉 regiam tueri valeat. Denique ipsum ill tempore in Anglia, ET PLVSQVAM REGEM experti sunt LAICI, & PLVS QV AM SV M • VM PONTIFICE MCLE • ICI; utrique vero, TYR ANNVM INTOLERABILEM: Quippe DVPLICIS OCCASIONE POTEST 〈…〉 ANNVM, solis complicibus et cooperatoribus suis innoxius, ceteris indifferenter, non tantum pecuniarum ambitu, verum etiam dominandi voluptate 〈…〉 Regius erat, &c. This Archbishop, having 〈…〉 into his hands, as Primat & Metropolitan of 〈…〉 , but likewise all temporal jurisdiction as a Privy Counselor, an Assistant in the Star-Chamber, a Commissioner for the Treasury, for all kinds of Monopolies, projects to raise monies without a Parliament, and as the chief Royal Favorite at Court, & having most preferments, officers, Judges (and by consequence most Courts of Justice, Civil, or Ecclesiastical, at his devotion, did extremely • e • , persecute and trample upon both the Laity & Clergy that opposed any of his Innovations or Projects at his pleasure, and those whom he could not conquer by his Episcopal, he would be sure to overtop and crush by his temporal Authority; So as the Laity upon all occasions found him more then a King, and the Clergy more then a Pope, both of them (except his own Creatures and Confederates only) an into •• eiable, yea double Tyrant by reason of his duplicated 〈…〉 by thousands of Godly Christians and Ministers were enforced to 〈…〉 in avoid his ••• ry, and hundreds in the Star-Chamber, High Commission, and Council-Chamber oppressed, close imprisoned, fined, banished, pillored, stigmatized, spoiled of their ears, freeholds, callings, liberties, deprived, degraded and quite undone by his oppreson, he being commonly more excessive, extravagant, violent, in his public Censures, and Speeches, then any other whatsoever; having quite forgotten these Divine qualifications which the Apostle requireth in an EVANGELICALL BISHOP; A Bishop must be blameless, as the Steward of God; not self-willed, not soon angry, no striker, not a brawler, not lifted up with pride; but, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate, gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in m •• kenesse instructing those that oppose themselves; And utterly abhorred that memorable precept of our most mild Savior, as Apocryphan, or unmeer for his imitation: Luke 6. 36. Be you therefore merciful, as your heavenly Father is merciful.
This ambitious Phaeton having thus mounted himself aloft in Phebus Chariot did drive it on with such fury and violence, for sundry years that at last he set all our Churches and Realms in a flaming fire, which could not be quenched by any other means but by wresting the reins of Government out of his usurping hand, through the power and justice of our present Parliament (which he held fast for sundry years in despite of all former Parliamentary or popular oppositions) and precipitating him from his Chariot, with a break-neck blow, by that Axe of public Justice, which lately severed his head from his shoulders, in the view of thousands: with which spectacle of justice Phebus himself was so well pleased that his clouded rays immediately brake out most gloriously upon the place of execution, and his radiant smiles expressed his well-pleasednes with this laudable Act of his execution, for the several high Treasons and capital Crimes not only objected, but proved against him at his Trial; the History whereof and all proceedings relating thereunto, I shall here represent unto the world with as much brevity and sincerity as possible; not in the self same manner and method (according to the order of the Articles) as the Commons proceeded against him at the bar, being more 〈…〉 intricare; but in that more methodical way, as the first Breviate of the proofs against him was contrived, and his evidence repeated and summed up at last both in the Lord's and Commons House by Master Samuel Brown, under those distinct general heads, to which all his charge and the proofs thereof were reduced.
I shall begin ab ovo, with the very first proceedings against him in Parliament, next proceed in order to his Trial then to his Judgment and Execution.
On the 16. of Decem. 1640. Upon the condemnation of the New Canons in the House of Commons, as being against the Kings Prerogative, the fundamental Laws of the Realm, the liberty and property of the Subject and containing diverse things tending to sedition, and of dangerous consequence; The Arch-bishop of Canterbury was there accused to be the Author of, the chief Actor in them & impeached likewise of High Treason: whereupon a special Committee was appointed to inquire into all his actions, and prepare a charge against him; which I find thus expressed in the Commons Journal.
16. December 1640.
THis Committee is to prepare the several Votes concerning the New-Canons and to make them ready for this House to present the same to the Lord's, and to consider and examine who were the promoters of these new Canons, and who the principle Actors, and what execution hath been made upon them and by whom; and to consider how far the Lord Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, hath been an Actor in all the proceedings of them, and further to examine how far he hath been an Actor in the great design of the subvertion of the Laws of the Realm, and of the Religion, and to prepare and draw up a charge against him and such others as shall appear offenders in these particulars, and have power to send for parties, witnesses, Papers, Books, Records, and to do any other act, which they in their judgments shall think fit to conduce to the business, and are to meet at four a Clock this afternoon in the Star-Chamber.
The very same morning in the Lord's House, He was accused by the Scottish Commissioners for an Incendiary between both Kingdoms who promised to draw up and exhibit a complaint in writing against him the next morning, which they accordingly performed. Whereupon at a Conference of both Houses the Scots charge against him (hereafter registered) was the same morning read by the Lord Paget, and after that reported to the Commons House.
On Friday the 18. of the same December, the Arch-Bishop was impeached in the house of Commons of high Treason, and Voted by the whole house to be a Traitor, thus entered in their Iournall.
18. December 1640.
REsolved upon the Question, that a Message shall be sent from this House to the Lord's to accuse William Land Arch-Bishop of Canterbury of High-Treason in name of this House, and of all the Commons of England, and to desire, that he may be forthwith sequestered from Parliament and be committed, and that within some convenient time, this House will resort to their Lordships with particular acsations and Articles against him.
Mr. Hollis is appointed to go up to the Lord's with this Message:
Upon this his accusation, diverse notable Speeches were made against him in the Commons House; among others, one by Master Grymstone, published soon after in print, which I shall here subjoin.
Master Grymstones Speech IN PARLIAMENT, Upon the Accusation and Impeachment of William Laud, Archbishop of Canterbury, of High TREASON.
Mr. Speaker;
T Here hath been presented to the House, a most faithful and exact Report of the conference we had with the Lord's Yesterday, together with the opinion of the Committees, that were employed in that service.
That they conceived it fit, the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury should he sequestered.
I must second the motion, and with the favor of the House, I shall be hold to offer my reasons, why I conceive it most necessary, we should proceed a little further, than the desire of above sequestration. Master Speaker, long introductions are not suitable to weighty businesses, we are fallen upon the great man, the Archbishop of Canterbury; Look upon him as he is in his Highness, and he is the stye of all pestilent filth, that hath infected the State, and Government of the Church and Common Wealth: look upon him in his dependanties, and he is the man, the only man that hath raised and advanced all those (that together with himself) have been the Authors and causers of all the rains, miseries and calemities, we now groan under.
Who is it but he only, that hath brought the Earl of Strafford to all his great place and employments, a fit instrument and spirit to act and execute all his blouay designs in these Kingdoms?
Who is it but he only that brought in Secretary Windebanke into the place of Secretary and trust, the very Broker and Pander to the Whore of Babylon?
Who is it, Master Speaker, but he only that hath advanced all Popish Bishops? I shall name some of them, Bishop Manwaring, the Bishop of Bath and Wells, the Bishop of Oxford, and Bishop Wren, the least of all, but the most unclean one.
These are men that should have sed Christ's Flock, but they are the Wolves that devoured them; the Sheep should have fed upon the Mountains, but the Mountains have eaten up the Sheep. It was the happiness of the Church, when the zeal of God's House did eat up the Bishops, glorious and brave Martyrs, that went to the flaks, in defense of the Protestant Religion; but the zeal of these Bishops hath been to eat up and persecute the Church.
Who is it Master Speaker, but the great Archbishop of Canterbury, that hath set at the Helme to guide and steer them to all the managing of their Projects that have been sit on foot in this Kingdom these ten years last past, and rather than he would stand out, he hath most unworthily trucked and chaffered in the meanest of them? As for instance, that of Tobacco, wherein thousands of poor people have been stripped and turned out of their Trades, for which they have served as Apprentises; we all know he was the Compounder, and contractor with them for the Licences, putting them to pay Fines, and Fee-Farm rents to use their Trades.
Certainly, Master Speaker, he might have spent his time better (and more for his Grace, in the Pulpit; then thus sharking and raking in the Tobacco shoppe.
Mr. Speaker, we all know what he hath been charged withal here in this House, Crimes of a dangerous consequence, and of transcendent nature, no less than the subversion of the Government of this Kingdom, and the alteration of the Protestant Religion, and this not upon bare information only, but much of it comes before us already, upon clear and manifest proofs, and there is scarce any business, Grievance, or Complaint, come before us in this place, wherein we do not find him intermingled and as it were twisted into it, like a busy and angry Waspe, his sting is in the tail of everything.
We have this day heard the report of the Conference yesterday; and in it the Accusations which the Scottish Nation hath charged him with all: And we do all know he is guilty of the same (if not more) in this Kingdom.
Mr. Speaker, he hath been, and is the common enemy to all goodness and good men, and it is not safe, that such a Viper shall be near to his Majesty's person, to distill his poison into his sacred ears, nor is it safe for the Common-wealth that he should sit in so eminent place of government being thus accused; We know what we did in the Earl of Straffords case. This man is the corrupt Fountain that hath infected all the streams, and till the Fountain be purged, we cannot expect to have any clear Channels. I shall be bold therefore to offer my opinion, and if I err, it is the error of my Judgment, and not my want of zeal and affection to the public good.
I conceive it most necessary and fit, that we should now take up a Resolution to do somewhat, to strike whilst the Iron is hot; And go up to the Lord's in the name of this House, and in the, name of the Commons of England, and to accuse him of high Treason, and to desire their Lordships his person may be sequestered, and that in convenient time we may bring up the Charge.
After the House had this day voted the Arch Bishop a Traitor, Mr. Hollis the same day was sent up to the Lord's to accuse him of High Treason, which he did immediately, in the general, without any particular charge, assuring the Lord's, that in convenient time there should be a particular charge exhibited against him by the Commons to make good the accusation: Wherefore he desired the Lord's, that the Arch Bishop might be sequestered from the House and committed; hereupon he was forthwith committed to the Gentleman Usher, but yet permitted to go in his company to Lambeth for some books to read in, and such Papers as pertained to his defense against the Scotts charge; And what papers of greatest consequence he then conveyed away thence, burned, or defaced, is worthy inquiry.
Master Hollis his report from the Lord's I find thus entered in the Commons Iournall.
18. December 1640.
Master Hollis reported, that according to the command of this House, he had delivered to their Lordships the Message; that my Lord Keeper said, Their Lordships had considered of the Message, and accordingly they had sequestered the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury from Parliament, and had committed him in safe custody to the Gentleman Usher of their House.
The Lord's Order for his commitment is thus entered in their Journal.
18. December 1640.
It is this day Ordered, that the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury (being accused of high Treason by the house of Commons in their own names, and in the name of the whole Kingdom of England) be committed to the safe custody of the Gentleman Usher attending this high Court, and that he be sequestered from the said House, until his Grace shall clear himself of the Accusations that shall be laid against him by the said House.
This proud imperious Arch-Prelate, who had close-imprisoned others for sundry years in remote Castles in foreign Islands, merely for opposing his Tyranny and Innovations, excluding not only their Friends, but Wives, Children from the least access unto their Prisons, or the Isles wherein they were exiled, for their comfort or relief; was yet so impatient of restraint himself, that immediately after his Commitment to Master Maxwels house at Chearing, Cross, though he had convenient lodgings, more liberty by far then he demerited, and all his friends free access to visit him, yet he became an humble suitor to the House of Peers (even in the wet cold winter season, when a warm lodging in most men's judgment was more wholesome for him, then cold moist walks, that he might have liberty to go abroad with his Keeper to take the Air, which liberty himself would never indulge to any Prisoner committed by him, for the least offense, especially under the Notion of a Puritan: O strange impatience, worthy admiration that he who had close Imprisoned many Godly Christians, Ministers, mobscure holes and Dungeons, without the least pity or indulgence, divers years; even for well doing, or petty offenses against himself, should not be able to endure a few weeks imprisonment, (when charged with high Treason it self, against the King and Kingdom,) without Petitioning for liberty to take the Air. A request so unseasonable, that no wise Man in his condition would have demanded it, and the Parliament in Justice or Honor could not condescend to it. But this suit of his being deemed unseasonable, was rejected.
And here behold the common Genius of Tyrannicall domineering spirits, none so inexorable, merciless, insensible of others unjust oppressions as they in the ruffe of their prosperity, none more degenerous, pusilanimous, querulous, impatient, or sordidly base then they in the storms of adversity. Let this Arch-Prelates sudden down-fall from the Pinnacle of Honor, Power, into a restrained despicable condition, and his impatience under it, be a future admonition to all Lording Prelates, and Tyr • nizing Grandees, to carry themselves with all moderation in their places, and to learn this good lesson from an heathen Poet, which most men in the hight of their felicity are over-apt to forget.
What occurrences happened between the Archbishops restraint and his commitment to the Tower, you may read in his Diary, and in the • roviat of his life.
On the 22. of February 1640. the House of Commons Ordered, that tomorrow morning, the Report concerning the Articles against the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, be first read if it be ready.
On February 23. they further Ordered Mr. Pym to make the report of the Articles against the Archbishop of Cant. the next morning.
February 24. Mr. Pym presented from the Committee appointed for that purpose the Articles against the Archbishop of Canterbury, The Title to the Articles, the Articles themselves, and the conclusion to them were all severally twice read, and all severally voted, and past upon the question, and afterwards by resolution upon the Question, it was ordered that these Articles so read and voted should be engrossed.
February 26. The Articles against the Archbishop of Canterbury which were formerly ordered to be engrossed, were now read, and it was resolved upon the question, that the Articles thus engrossed and read should be sent up to the Lord's in maintenance of the Charge against the Archbishop of Canterbury, whereby he stands charged of high Treason, Mr. Pymme, Mr. Hampden, and Mr. Maynard, went up with the Articles according to the former Order.
Upon the reading of these Articles the Lord's made this Order for his the Archbishops commitment to the Tower.
26. February 1640.
ORdered by the Lord's in Parliament, that the Lord Archbishop of Cant. his Grace, shall stand committed to the Tower of London. But the pleasure of this house is, that he continue still in the safe custody of the Gentleman Usher of this House till M • nday the first of March 1640 and then that the Letutenant receive his Grace into his safe Custody, until the pleasure of this House he further known, and in the mean time Mr. Maxwell is to be responsible for him, and not to permit him to go abroad, and that the Archbishop os Canterbury, and the Earl of Strafford shall not come together.
Mr. Pym returns and acquaints the House, that according to his Abilities he had performed their commands, and it was ordered, that thanks should be given him for the good service he had therein done this House.
Thus the Commons Iournall relates the times and manner of these proceedings and Articles against Canterbury, unanimously voted by all when both Houses were fullest, with the concurring suffrages of all those Members who have since deserted the Parliament, and repaired, to Oxford, some of whom made bitter Invectives against him, whose mouths must be forever stopped, by their own suffrages in full Parliament, from uttering anything in lustification of this Arch-Traitor, or in derogation of the Judgment & execution passed against him upon the several Articles of his Impeachment, which I shall here Present you with altogether, beginning with the Original Articles of the House of Commons, (carried up by Master Pym and others, whose speech at their delivery I have here annexed to them as they were printed by order of the house long since, next adjoining the Scottish Commissioners Charge against him, and then the Commons Additionall Articles.
ARTICLES OF The COMMONS Assembled in PARLIAMENT: In maintenance of their Accusation against WJLLJAM LAUD, Arch-Bishop of CANTERBVRY: whereby he stands Charged with High Treason, Presented and carried up to the LORD'S, by Mr. John Pym, Febr. 26. 1640.
Mr. Pym coming to the Lord's bar to present the Articles, spake as followeth,
My LORD'S;
I Am commanded by the Knights, Citizens, and Burgesses now assembled for the Commons in Parliament; to deliver to your Lordships these Articles, in maintenance of their Charge against the Archbishop of Canterbury. Their desire is, that first your Lordships would be pleased to hear the Articles read, and then I shall endeavor to present to you the sense of the Commons, concerning the nature of the Charge, and the order of their proceedings.
FIRST;
T Hat he hath traitorously endeavored to subvert the Fundamental Laws, and government of this Kingdom of England, and instead thereof to introduce an Arbitrary, and tyrannical Government against law; and to that end, hath wickedly and traitorously advised His Majesty, that he might at his own will and pleasure, levy, and take money of his Subjects, without their consent in Parliament; and this he affirmed was warrantable by the Law of God.
2. He hath for the better accomplishment of that his traitorous design, advised and procured Sermons, and other discourses to be preached, printed, and published, in which the Authority of Parliaments, and the force of the Laws of this Kingdom, have been denied; and absolute and unlimited power over the persons and estates of His Majesty's subjects maintained and defended, not only in the King, but in himself, and other Bishops, against the Law: And he hath been a great protector, savourer, and promoter of the publishers of such false and pernicious opinions.
3. He hath by Letters, Messages, Threats, and promises, and by diverse other ways to Judges, and other Ministers of justice, interrupted and perverted, and at other times by means aforesaid, hath endeavored to interrupt, and pervert the course of Justice in His Majesty's Courts at Westminster, and other Courts, to the subversion of the Laws of this Kingdom, whereby sundry of His Majesty's Subjects have been stopped in their just suits, deprived of their lawful righte, and subjected to his tyrannical will to their ruin, and destruction.
4. That the said Archbishop hath traitorously and corruptly told ustice to those who have had causes depending before him, by color of his Ecclesiastical jurisdiction, as Archbishop, High Commissioner, Referree, or otherwise, and hath taken unlawful gifts, and bribes of His Majesty's Subjects, (and hath as much as in him lies) endeavored to corrupt the other Courts of justice, by advising and procuring His Majesty to sell places of Judicature, and other Offices contrary to the Laws and Statutes in that behalf.
5. He hath traitorously caused a book of Canons to be composed, and published without any lawful warrant, and authority in that behalf; in which pretended Canons, many matters are contained contrary to the Kings Prerogative, to the fundamental Laws, and Statutes of this Realm, to the right of Parliament, to the propriety, and liberty of the Subject, and matters tending to sedition, and of dangerous consequence, and to the establishment of a past, unlawful, and presumptuous power in himself, and his successors: many of which Canons, by the practice of the said Archbishop were surreptitiously passed in the late Convocation, without due consideration and debate: others by fear and compulsion were subscribed by the Prelates, and Clerks there assembled, which had never been voted, and passed in the Convocation as they ought to have been. And the said Archbishop hath contrived, and endeavored to assure and confirm the unlawful and exorbitant power, which he hath usurped and exercised over His Majesty's Subjects, by a wicked and ungodly oath in one of the said pretended Canons, enjoined to be taken by all the Clergy, and many of the Laity of this Kingdom.
6. He hath traitorously assumed to himself a papal and tyrannical power, both in Ecclesiastical, and Temporal matters, over his Majesty's Subjects in this Realm of England, and in other places, to the disherison of the Crown, dishonor of His Majesty, and derogation of his supreme authority in Ecclesiastical matters; And the said Archbishop claims the Kings Ecclesiastical jurisdiction, as incident to his Episcopal Office, and Archiepiscopall in this Kingdom and doth deny the same to be derived from the Crown of England, which he hath accordingly exercised, to the high contempt of his Royal Majesty, and to the destruction of divers of the Kings liege people, in their persons, and estates.
7. That he hath traitorously endeavored to alter and subvert God's true Religion, by Law established in this Realm, and instead thereof to set up Popish superstition, and Idolatry. And to that end, hath declared and maintained in Speeches, and printed books, diverse popish doctrines, and opinions contrary to the Articles of Religion established by Law. He hath urged and enjoined diverse popish, and superstitious Ceremonies without any warrant of Law, and hath cruelly persecuted those who have opposed the same, by corporal punishments, and Imprisonments; and most unjustly vexed others, who refused to conform thereunto, by Ecclesiastical censures of Excommunication, Suspension, Deprivation and Degradation, contrary to the Laws of this Kingdom.
8. That for the better advancing of his traitorous purpose and design, he did abuse the great power, and trust His Majesty reposed in him, and did intrude upon the places of diverse great Officers, and upon the right of other His Majesty's Subjects, whereby he did procure to himself the nomination of sundry persons to Ecclesiastical Dignities, Promotions, and benefices, belonging to His Majesty, and divers of the Nobility, Clergy, and others; and hath taken upon him the commendation of Chaplains to the King; by which means he hath preferred to His Majesty's service, and to other great promotions in the Church, such as have been Popishly affected, or otherwise unsound, and corrupt both in doctrine and manners.
9. He hath for the same traiterous, and wicked intent, chosen and employed, such men to be his own Domestical Chaplains, whom he knew to be notoriously disaffected to the reformed Religion, grossly addicted to popish superstition, and erroneous, and unsound both in judgment and practice, and to them or some of them hath he committed the Licensing of Books to be printed, by which means divers false and superstitious books have been published, to the great scandal of Religion, and to the seducing of many His Majesty's Subjects.
10. He hath traitorously and wickedly endeavored to reconcile the Church of England with the Church of Rome; and for the effecting thereof hath consorted, and confederated with diverse Popish Priests, and Jesuits; and hath kept secret intelligence with the Pope of Rome, and by himself his Agents and instruments, treated with such as have from thence received authority, and instruction, he hath permitted, and countenanced a Popish Hierarchy, or Ecclesiastical government to be established in this Kingdom: by all which traiterous and malicious practices this Church and Kingdom hath been exceedingly endangered, and like to fall under the Tyrannie of the Roman See.
11. He in his own person, and his Suffragans, Visitors, Surrogates, Chancellors and other Officers, by his command, have caused divers learned pious, and Orthodox Ministers of God's Word to be silenced, suspended, deprived, degraded, excommunicated, and otherwise grieved, without any just and lawful cause: and by diverse other means he hath hindered the preaching of God's Word, caused divers of His Majesty's loyal Subjects to forsake the Kingdom, and increased, and cherished Ignorance, and profaneness amongst the people, that so he might the better facilitate the way to the effecting of his own wicked and traitorous design, of altering, and corrupting the true religion here established.
12. He hath traitorously endeavored to cause division, and discord betwixt the Church of England, and other reformed Churches; and to that end hath suppressed, and abrogated the Privileges, and Jmmunities, which have been by His Majesty and his Royal Ancesters granted to the Dutch, and French Churches, in this kingdom: And divers other ways hath expressed his malice, and disaffection to these Churches, that so by such disunion, the Papists might have more advantage for the overthrow, and extirpation of both.
13. He hath maliciously and traitorously plotted, and endeavored to stir up war and enmity betwixt his Majesty's two Kingdoms of England and Scotland, and to that purpose hath labored to introduce into the Kingdom of Scotland divers Innovations both in Religion, and Government all or the most part of them tending to Popery, and superstition, to the great grievance, and discontent of his Majesty's Subjects of that Nation: and for their refusing to submit to such Innovations, he did traitorously advise his Majesty to subdue them by force of Arms, and by his own Authority and Power contrary to Law did procure sundry of his Majestyes, Subjects & enforced the Clergy of this Kingdom to contribute towards the maintenance of that war: And when his Majesty with much wisdom & Justice had made a Pacification betwixt the two Kingdoms, the said Archbishop did presumptuously censure that pacification, as dishonorable to his Majesty, and by his councils and endeavors, so incensed his Majesty against his said Subjects of Scotland, that he did thereupon (by advice of the said Archbishop) enter into an offensive war against them, to the great hazard of his Majesty's person, and his Subjects of both Kingdoms.
14. That to preserve himself from being questioned for these, and other his traiterous courses, he hath labored to subvert the rights of Parliament and the ancient course of Parliamentary proceeding, and by false and malicious slanders to incense his Majesty against Parliaments.
By which words, counsels and actions, he hath traitorously, and contrary to his allegiance labored to alienate the hearts of the Kings liege people from his Majesty, and to set a devision between them, and to ruin and destroy his Majesty's Kingdoms; for which they do impeach him of High Treason, against our Sovereign Lord the King, his Crown and Dignity.
The said Commons do further aver, that the said William Archbishop of Canterbury, during the times that the crimes aforementioned were done, and committed hath been a Bishop or Archbishop of this Realm of England, one of the Kings Commissioners for Ecclesiastical matters; and one of his Majesty's most honorable Privy Council, and hath taken an oath for his faithful discharge of the said Office of Counselor, and hath likewise taken an oath of supremacy and Allegeance.
And the said Commons by protestation, saving to themselves the liberty of exhibiting at any time hereafter, any other accusation or impeachment against the said Archbishop, and also of replying to the Answers, that the said Archbishop shall make unto the said Articles, or to any of them, and of offering further proof also of the Premises or any of them, or of any other impeachment, or accusation that shall be exhibited by them, as the cause shall, according to the course of Parliament require, do pray, that the said Archbishop may be put to answer to all and every the premises, and that such proceedings, examination, trial, and Judgment may be upon every of them had and used, as is agreeable to Law and Justice.
The Articles being read Mr. PYMME proceeded in his Specch as followeth.
My Lord's,
THere is an expression in the Scripture, which I will not presume either to understand, or to interpret; yet to a vulgar eye it seems to have an aspect something suitable to the Person and Cause before you: It is a description of the evil Spirits, wherein they are said to be spiritual wickednesses in high places. Crimes acted by the spiritual faculties of the Soul, the Will and the Understanding, exercised about spiritual matters, concerning God's Worship, and the Salvation of Man; seconded with power, authority learning, and many other advantages, do make the party who commits them, very suitable to that description, Spiritual wickednesses in high places.
These crimes (My Lord's) are various in their Nature, heinous in their quality, and universal in their extent. If you examine them Theologically, as they stand in opposition to the truth of God, they will be found to be against the rule of Faith, against the power of godliness, against the means of Salvation.
If you examine them Morally, as they stand in opposition to the light of Nature, to right reason, and the principles of human society, you will then perceive pride without any moderation: such a Pride as that is which exalts it self above all that is called God. Malice without any provocation; Malice against virtue, against innocence, against piety, injustice without any means of restitution, even such injustice as doth rob the present times of their possessions; the future, of their possibilities.
If they be examined (My Lord's) by Legal Rules in a Civil way, as they stand in opposition to the Public Good, and to the Laws of the Land; He will be found to be a Traitor against his Majesty's Crown, an Incendiary against the Peace of the State; he will be found to be the highest, the boldest, the most impudent Oppressor, that ever was; an Oppressor both of King and People.
This Charge (my Lord's) is distributed and conveyed into 14. several Articles, as you have heard; and those Articles are only general: It being the intention of the House of Commons (which they have commanded me to declare) to make them more certain and particular by preparatory Examinations to be taken with the help of your Lordships house, as in the Case of my Lord of Strafford.
I shall now run through them with a light touch, only marking in every of them some special point of venom, virulency and malignity.
1. The first Article (my Lord's) doth contain his endeavor to introduce into this Kingdom an Arbitrary power of Government, without any limitations or Rules of Law. This (my Lord's) is against the safety of the Kings Person, the honor of his Crown, and most destructive to his people.
Those Causes which are most perfect have not only a power to produce effects, but to conserve and cherish them. The Seminary virtue, and the Nutritive virtue in vegetables, do produce from the same principles. It was the defect of justice, the restraining of oppression and violence that first brought Government into the World, and set up Kings, the most excellent way of Government. And by the maintenance of justice all kinds of Government receive a sure foundation and establishment. It is this that hath in it an ability to preserve, and secure the Royal power of Kings, yea, to adorn and increase it.
2. In the second Article, your Lordships may observe, absolute and unlimited power, defended by Preaching, by Sermons, and other discourses, printed and published upon that subject. And truly (my Lord's) it seems to be a prodigious crime, that the truth of God, and his holy Law should be perverted to defend the lawlesnesse of men. That the holy and sacred function of the Ministry, which was ordained for instruction of men's souls in the ways of God, should be so abused, that the Ministers are become the Trumpets of Sedition, the promoters and defenders of violence and oppression.
3. In the third Article (my Lord's) you have the Judges, who under his Majesty are the dispersers and distributers of Justice, frequently corrupted by fear, and solicitation; you have the course of Justice in the execution of it, shamefully obstructed And if a willful Act of in justice in a Judge be so high a crime in the estimate of the Law, as to deserve death, under what burden of guilt doth this man lie, who hath been the cause of great numbers of such voluntary and willful acts of injustice?
4. In the fourth Article, he will be found in his own person to have sold justice in Causes depending before him. And by his wicked council endeavoring to make his Majesty a Merchant of the same commodity, only with this difference, that the King by taking money for places of judicature, should sell it in gross; whereas the Archbishop sold it by retaile.
5. In the fifth Article there appears a power usurped of making Canons, of laying obligations on the Subjects in the nature of Law, and this power abused to the making of such Canons as are in the matter of them very pernicious, being directly contrary to the prerogative of the King, and the liberty of the people. In the manner of pressing of them, may be found fraud and shuffling, in the conclusion violence and constraint; men being forced by terror and threatening to subscribe to all: which power thus wickedly gotten, they labor to establish by perjury, enjoining such an Oath for the maintenance of it, as can neither be taken nor kept with a good conscience.
6. In the sixth Article, you have the King robbed of his Supremacy: you have a Papal power exercised over his Majesty's Subjects in their consciences, and in their persons: You have Ecclesiastical jurisdiction claimed by an Incident right, which the Law declares to proceed from the Crown.
And herein your Lordships may observe that those who labor in civil matters to set up the King above the Laws of the Kingdom, do yet in Ecclesiastical matters endeavor to set up themselves above the King. This was first procured by the Arch-bishop to be extrajudicially declared by the Judges, and then to be published in a Proclamation. In doing whereof he hath made the Kings Throne but a footstool for his own and their pride.
7. You have (my Lord's) in the seventh Article, Religion undermined and subverted: you have Popery cherished and defended: you have this seconded with power and violence, by severe punishment upon those which have opposed this mischievous intention: and by the subtle and eager prosecution of these men, hath the power of Ecclesiastical Commissioners, of the Star-Chamber and Council Table been often made subservient to his wicked design.
My Lord's,
8. You may observe in the eighth Article, great care taken to get into his own hand the power of nominating to Ecclesiastical Livings and promotions: you have as much mischievous, as much wicked care taken in the disposing of these preferments, to the hindrance and corruption of Religion. And by this means (my Lord's) the Kings sacred Majesty, instead of Sermons, fit for spiritual instructours, hath often had invectives against his people, encouragement to injustice, or to the overthrow of the Laws. Such Chaplains have been brought into his service, as have as much as may be, labored to corrupt his own household and been eminent examples of corruption to others, which hath so far prevailed, as that it hath exceedingly tainted the Universities, and been generally dispersed to all the chief Cities, the greatest Towns and Auditories of the Kingdom. The grievous effects whereof is most manifest to the Commons House, there being diverse hundred complaints there depending in the House against scandalous Ministers, and yet (I believe) the hundred part of them is not yet brought in.
9. The ninth Article sets out the like care to have Chaplains of his own, that might be promoters of this wicked and traiterous design: Men of corrupt judgments, of corrupt practice, extremely addicted to superstition: and to such men's cares hath been committed the Licencing of Books to the Press; by means whereof many have been published that are full of falsehood, of scandals; such as have been more worthy to be burnt by the hand of the Hangman in Smithfield (as I think one of them was) than to be admitted to come into the hands of the Kings people.
10. In the tenth Article it will appear, how he having made these approaches to Popery, comes now to close and join more nearly with it; he confederates with Priests and Jesuits. He, by his instruments negotiates with the Pope at Rome, and hath correspondence with them that he authorized from Rome here. He hath permitted a Roman Hierachie to be set up in this Kingdom. And though he hath been so careful that a poor man could not go to the neighbor Parish to hear a Sermon, when he had none at home, could not have a Sermon repeated, nor prayer used in his own Family, but he was a fit subject for the High Commission Court; yet the other hath been done in all parts of the Realm and no notice taken of it, by any Ecclesiastical Judges or Courts.
My Lord's;
11. You may perceive preaching suppressed in the eleventh, divers godly and Orthodox Ministers oppressed in their persons and Estates; you have the Kings loyal subjects banished out of the Kingdom, not as Elimelecke to seek for bread in foreign Countries, by reason of the great scarcity which was in Israel; but travelling abroad for the bread of life, because they could not have it at home, by reason of the spiritual Famine of God's Word, caused by this man and his partakers. And by this means you have had the trade, the Manufactury, the industry of many thousands of his Majesty's subjects carried out of the Land.
It is a miserable abuse of the spiritual Keys to shut up the doors of heaven, and to open the gates of Hell, to let in profaneness, ignorance, superstition, and error. I shall need say no more: These things are evident, and abundantly known to all.
12. In the twelfth Article (my Lord's) you have a division endeavored between this and the foreign reformed Churches. The Church of Christ is one body, and the Members of Christ have a mutual relation, as members of the same body, Unity with God's true Church everywhere is not only the beauty, but the strength of Religion: of which beauty and strength he hath sought to deprive this Church by his manifold attempts to break this union. To which purpose he hath suppressed the privileges granted to the Dutch and French Churches. He hath denied them to be of the same Faith and Religion with us, and many other ways hath he declared his malice to those Churches.
13. In the thirteenth Article, as he hath sought to make an Ecclesiastical division or religious difference between us and foreign Nations, so he hath sought to make a Civil difference between us and his Majesty's subjects of the Kingdom of Scotland. And these he hath promoted by many innovations, there pressed, by himself and his own authority, when they were uncapable of such alterations, He advised his Majesty to use violence. He hath made private and public Collections towards the maintenance of the War, which he might justly call his own war. And with all impudent boldness, hath struck Tallies in the Exchequer for divers sums of money procured by himself, Pro defensione Regni; when by his Counsels the King was drawn to undertake not a Defensive, but an Offensive War.
14. He hath lastly, thought to secure himself and his party by seeking to undermine Parliaments, and thereby hath labored to bereave this Kingdom of the Legislative power, which can only be used in Parliaments: and that we should be left a Kingdom without that which indeed makes and constitutes a Kingdom; and is the only Means to preserve and restore it from distempers and decays. He hath hereby endeavored to bereave us of the highest Judicatory, such a Judicatory, as is necessary and essential to our government. Some Cases of Treason, and others concerning the Prerogative of the Crown, and liberty of the People. It is the supreme Judicatory to which all difficult Cases resort from other Courts. He hath fought to deprive the King of the Love and Counsel of his People, of that assistance which he might have from them, and likewise to deprive the People of that relief of grievances which they most humbly expect from his Majesty.
My Lord's,
The Parliament is the Cabinet wherein the chiefest Jewels both of the Crown and Kingdom are deposited. The great Prerogative of the King, and liberty of the People are most effectually exercised and maintained by Parliaments. Here (my Lord's) you cannot pass by this occasion of great thanks to God and His Majesty for passing the Bill, whereby the frequent course of Parliaments is established; which I assure myself, he will by experience find to be a strong foundation both of his honor, and of his Crown.
This is all (my Lord's) I have to say to the particulars of the Charge. The Commons desire your Lordships that they may have the same way of Examination that they had in the case of the Earl of Strafford: That is, to examine members of all kinds, of your Lordships House and their own, and others, as they shall see cause. And those examinations to be kept secret and private, that they may with more advantage be made use of when the matter comes to trial.
They have declared that they reserve to themselves the power of making Additionall Articles, by which they intend to reduce his Charge to be more particular and certain, in respect of the several times, occasion, and other circumstances of the offenses therein Charged. And that your Lordships would be pleased to put this cause in such a quick way of proceeding, that these great and dangerous crimes together with the offenders may be brought to a just judgment.
The Charge of the Scottish Commissioners against the Prelate of Canterbury.
NOvations in Religion, which are Universally acknowledged to be the main cause of commotions in Kingdoms and states, and are known to be the true cause of our present troubles, were many and great, beside the books of Ordination, and Homilies, 1. Some particular alterations in matters of Religion, pressed upon us without order and against Law, contrary to the form established in our Kirk. 2. A new book of Canons and Constitutions Ecclesiastical. 3. A Liturgy or book of Common-Prayer, which did also carry with them many dangerous errors in matters of Doctrine. Of all which we challenge the Prelate of Canterbury, as the prime cause on earth.
And first, that this Prelate was the Author and urger of some particular changes, which made great disturbance amongst us, we make manifest: 1. By fourteen letters subscribed, William Cant. in the space of two years, to one of our pretended Bishops, Bannatine, wherein he often enjoineth him and other pretended Bishops, to appear in the Chapel in their Whites, contrary to the custom of our Church, and to his promise made to the pretended Bishop of Edinburgh, at the Coronation, that none of them after that time, should be pressed to wear these garments, there, by moving him against his will to put them on for that time, wherein he directeth him to give order for saying the English Service in the Chapel twice a day, for his neglect, showing him that he was disappointed of the Bishopric of Edinburgh, promising him upon the greater care of these novations, advancement to a better Bishopric, taxing him for his boldness in preaching the sound Doctrine of the reformed Kirks, against Master Mitchell, who had taught the errors of Arminius in the point of the extent of the merit of Christ, bidding him send up a list of the names of Counselors and Senators of the College of Justice, who did not communicate in the Chapel in a form which was not received in our Church, commending him when he found him obsequious to these his commands, telling him that he had moved the King the second time for the punishment of such as had not received in the Chapel: and wherein he upbraideth him bitterly, that in his first Synod at Aberdein, he had only disputed against our Custom of Scotland, of fasting sometimes on the Lord's Day, and presumptuously censuring our Church, that in this we were opposite to Christianity it self; and that amongst us there were no Canons at all. More of this stuff may be seen in the Letters themselves.
Secondly, by two papers of memoirs and instructions from the pretended Bishop of Saint Androis, to the pretended Bishop of Ross, coming to this Prelate, for ordering the affairs of the Church and Kingdom of Scotland, as not only to obtain Warrants, to order the Exchequer, the Privy Counsel, the great Commission of Surrenders, the mater of Balmerino's process, as might please our Prelates, but warrants also for sitting of the High Commission Court once a week in Edinburgh, and to gain from the Noblemen, for the benefit of Prelates, and their adherents, the Abbacies of Kelso, Arbroith, St. Androis, and Lindors, and in the smallest matters to receive his Commands, as for taking down Galleries, and stone-walls, in the Kirks of Edinburgh and Saint Androis, for no other end but to make way for Altars, and adoration towards the East: which besides other evils made no small noise, and disturbance amongst the people deprived hereby of their ordinary accommodation for public worship.
The second Novation which troubled our peace, was a book of Canons, and constitutions Ecclesiastical, obtruded upon our Church, found by our General Assembly to be devised for establishing a tyrannical power, in the persons of our Prelates, over the Worship of God, over the Consciences, Liberties, and goods of the People, and for abolishing the whole discipline and government of our Church, by general and provincial Assemblies, Presbyteries, and Church Sessions, which was settled by Law, and in continual practice since the time of Reformation; that Canterbury was Master of this Work is manifest.
By a Book of Canons sent to him, written upon the one side only, with the other side blank, for corrections additions, and putting all in better Order at his pleasure, which accordingly was done, as may appear by interlinings, marginalls, and filling up of the blank page with directions sent to our Prelates; and that it was don by no other than Canterbury, is evident by his Magisterial way of prescribing, and by a new copy of these Canons all written with Saint Androis own hand, precisely to a Letter, according to the former castigations sent back for procuring the Kings warrant unto it, which accordingly was obtained, but with an addition of some other Canons, and a Paper of some other corrections: According to which the Book of Canons thus composed, was published in Print, the inspection of the Books, Instructions; and his Letters of joy, for the success of the work and of others Letters of the Prelate of London, and the Lord Sterling, to the same purpose, all which we are ready to exhibit, will put the mater out of all debate.
Besides this general, there be some things more special worthy to be adverted unto, for discovering his Spirit. 1. The fourth Canon of Cap. 8. Forasmuch as no Reformation in Doctrine or Discipline can be made perfect at once in any Church; therefore it shall, and may be lawful for the Church of Scotland at any time to make remonstrance to his Majesty, or his successors, &c. Because this Canon holdeth the door open to more Innovations, he writeth to the Prelate of Ross his privy Agent in all this Work, of his great gladness, that this Canon did stand behind the Curtain, and his great desire, that this Canon may be Printed fully, as one that was to be most useful. Secondly, The title prefixed to these Canons by our Prelates, Canons agreed upon to be proponed to the several Synods of the Church of Scotland, is thus changed by Canterbury; Canons and Constitutions Ecclesiastical, &c. ordained to be observed by the Clergy. He will not have Canons come from the Authority of Synods, but from the power of Prelates, or from the Kings Prerogative. Thirdly, the formidable Canon, Cap. 1. 3. threatening no less than Excommunication against all such persons, whosoever shall open their mouths against any of these Books, proceeded not from our Prelates, nor is to be found in the Copy sent from them, but is a thunder-bolt forged in Canterburies own fire. Our Prelates in divers places witness their dislike of Papists. A Minister shall be deposed, if he be found negligent to convert Papists, Chap. 18. 15. The adoration of the Bread is a superstition to be condemned, Cap. 6. 6. They call the absolute necessity of Baptism an error of Popery. Cap. 6. 2. But in Canterburies Edition, the name of Papists and Popery is not so much as mentioned. 5. Our Prelates have not the boldness to trouble us in their Canons, with Altars, Fonts, Chancels, reading of a long Liturgy before Sermon, &c. But Canterbury is punctual, and peremptory in all these. Although the words of the tenth Canon Chap. 3. be fair. yet the wicked intentions of Canterbury and Ross, may be seen in the point of justification of a sinner before God, by comparing the Canon as it came from the Prelates, and as it was returned from Canterbury, and Printed; our Prelates say thus: Jt is manifest, that the superstition of former ages, hath turned into a great profaneness, and that people are grown cold for the most part in doing any good, thinking there is no place to good works, because they are excluded from justification. Therefore shall all Minister, as their Text giveth occasion, urge the necessity of good works, as they would be saved, and remember that they are Via Regni, the way to the Kingdom of Heaven, though not causa regnandi, how be it they be not the cause of Salvation. Here Ross giveth his judgment, that he would have this Canon simply commanding good works, to be Preached, and no mention made, what place they have, or have not in justification. Upon this motion, so agreeable to Canterburies mind, the Canon is set down as it standeth, without the distinction of Via Regni, or causa Regnandi, or any word sounding that way, urging only the necessity of good works. 7. By comparing Canterbury 9. Cap. 18. As it was sent in writing from our Prelates, and as it is Printed at Canterburies command, may be also manifest, that he went about to establish Auricular confession, and Popish Absolution. 8. Our Prelates were not acquainted with Canons for afflicting of Arbritrary penalties: But in Canterburies Book wheresoever there is no penalty expressly set down, it is provided that it shall be arbitrary, as the ordinary shall think fittest By these and many other the like, it is apparent, that tyranicall power he went about to establish in the hands, of our Prelates, over the worship, and the souls and goods of men, overturning from the foundation, the whole order of our Church, what seeds of Popery he did sow in our Church, and how large an entry he did make for the grossest novations afterward, which hath been a main cause of all their combustion.
The third and great novation was the Book of Common Prayer, Administration of the Sacraments, and other parts of Divine service, brought in without warrant from our Church, to be universally received, as the only form of divine Service, under all highest pains both civil and Ecclesiastical; which is found by our national assembly, besides the Popish freme, and forms in divine worship, to contain many Popish errors, and ceremonies, and the seeds of manifold and gross superstitions, and Idolatries, and to be repugnant to the Doctrine, Discipline, and order of our reformation, to the confession of Faith, constitutions of general Assemblies, and Acts of Parliament, establishing the true Religion: that this also was Canterburies work we make manifest.
By the memories, and instruction sent unto him from our Prelates; wherein they gave a special account of the diligence they had used, to do all which herein they were enjoined, by the approbation of the Service Book sent to them; and of all the marginal correction, wherein it varieth from the English Book, showing their desire to have some few things changed in it, which notwithstanding was not granted: This we find written by Saint Androis own hand, and subscribed by him, and nine other of our Prelates.
By Canterburies own Letters, witnesses of his joy, when the Book was ready for the Press, of his prayers that God would speed the work, of the hope to see that service set up in Scotland, of his diligence to send for the Printer, and directing him to prepare a black letter, and to send it to his servants at Edinburgh, for Printing this book. Of his approbation of his proofs sent from the Press. Of his fear of delay, in bringing the work speedily to an end, for the great good, (not of that Church,) but of the Church. Of his encouraging Ross, who was entrusted with the Press, to go on in this piece of Service without fear of Enemies, All which may be seen in the Autographs; and by letters, sent from the Prelate of London, to Ross, wherein as he rejoiceth at the sight of the Scottish Canons; which although they should make some noise at the beginning, yet they would be more for the good of the Church, than the Canons of Edinburgh, for the good of the Kingdom. So concerning the Liturgy he showeth, that Ross had sent to him, to have an explanation from Canterbury, of some passage of the Service Book, and that the Press behooved to stand till the explanation come to Edinburgh, which therefore he had in hast, obtained from his Grace, and sent the dispatch away by Canterburies own conveyance.
But the Book it self, as it standeth interlined, margined, and patched up, is much more than all that is expressed in his Letters, and the changes and supplements themselves, taken from the Mass Book, and other Romish Ritualls by which he maketh it to vary from the Book of England, and are pregnant testimonies of his Popish spirit, and wicked intentions which he would have put in execution upon us, then can be denied. The large declaration professeth, that all the variation of our Book, from the Book of England, that ever the King understood, was in such things as the Scottish humor would better comply with, than with that which stood in the English service. These Popish innovasions therefore have been surreptitiously inserted by him without the Kings knowledge, and against his purpose. Our Scottish Prelates do petition that, something may be abated of the English ceremonies, as the Cross in Baptism, the Ring in marriage, and some other things. But Canterbury will not only have these kept, but a great many more, and worse superadded, which was nothing else, but the adding of fuel to the fire. To express and discover all, would require a whole book, we shall only touch some few in the matter of the Communion.
This Book inverteth the order of the Communion in the Book of England, as may be seen by the numbers, setting down the orders of this new Communion, 1. 5. 2. 6. 7. 3. 4. 8. 9. 10. 15. Of the divers secret reasons of this change, we mention one only; In joining the spiritual praise and thanksgiving, which is in the Book of England, pertinently after the Communion, with the Prayer of Consecration before the Communion, and that under the name of Memoriall, or Oblation, for no other end, but that the memorial and Sacrifice of Praise mentioned in it, may be understood according to the Popish meaning. Bellar. de Missa, lib. 2. cap. 21. Not of the spiritual sacrifice, but of the oblation of the body of the Lord.
It seemeth to be no great matter, that without warrant of the Book of England, the Presbyter going from the North-end of the Table, shall stand during the time of consecration, at such a part of the Table, where he may with the more ease and decency use both hands; yet being tried, it importeth much, as, that he must stand with his hinder parts to the People, representing (saith Durand) that which the Lord said of Moses, Thou shalt see my hinder parts. He must have the use of both his hands, not for anything he hath to do about the Bread and Wine, for that may be done at the North end of the Table, and be better seen of the people: but (as we are taught by the Rationalists) that he may by stretching forth his Arms, to represent the extension of Christ on the Cross, and that he may the more conveniently lift up the Bread and Wine above his head, to be seen and adored of the people: who in the Rubric of the general confession, a little before, are directed to kneel humbly on their knees, that the Priests elevation so magnified in the Mass, and the people's adoration may go together. That in this posture, speaking with a low voice, and muttering (for sometimes he is commanded to speak with a loud voice, and distinctly) he be not heard by the people, which is no less a mocking of God, and his people, then if the words were spoken in an unknown language. As there is no word of all this in the English Service; so doth the Book in King Edwards time give to every Presbyter his liberty of gesture, which yet gave such offense to Bucer, (the censurer of the Book and even in Cassanders own judgment, a man of great moderation in matters of this kind) that he calleth them, Nunquam satis execrandos Missa gestus, and would have them to be abhorred, because they confirm to the simple and superstitious ter impiam & exitialem Missae fiduciam.
The corporal presence of Christ's body in the Sacrament is also to be found here: for the words of the Mass-book serving to this purpose, which are sharply censured by Bucer, in King Edwards Liturgy, and are not to be found in the Book of England, are taken in here; Almighty God is in called, that of his Almighty Goodness he may vouchsafe so to bless and sanctify with his Word and Spirit, these gifts of Bread and Wine, that they may be unto us the body and blood of Christ.
The change here is made a work of God's Omnipotency: the words of the Mass, ut fiant nobis, are translated in King Edwards Book, That they be unto us, which are again turned into Latin by Alesius, Vt fiant nobis On the other part, the expressions of the Book of England, at the delivery of the Elements of feeding on Christ by faith, and of Eating and drinking in remembrance that Christ died for thee, are utterly deleared. Many evidences there be in this part of the Communion, of the bodily Presence of Christ, very agreeable to the Doctrines taught by his Sectaries, which this paper cannot contain. They teach us that Christ is received in the Sacrament, Corporaliter, both objective and subjective, Corpus Christi est objectum quod recipitur, & corpus nostrum subjectum quo recipitur.
The Book of England abolisheth all that may import the oblation of any unbloody Sacrifice, but here we have besides the preparatory oblation of the Elements, which is neither to be found in the Book of England now, nor in King Edwards Book of old the oblation of the body and blood of Christ, which Bellarmine calleth, Sacrificium Laudis, quia Deus per illud magnopere laudatur. This also agreeth well with their late doctrine. We are ready when it shall be judged convenient and we shall be desired, to discover much more matters of this kind as grounds laid for missa sicca, or the half Messe, the private Messe without the people of communicating in one kind, of the consumption by the Priest, and consummation of the Sacrifice, of receiving the Sacrament in the mouth, and not in the hand, &c.
Our supplications were many against these Books, but Canterbury procured them to be answered with terrible Proclamations. We were constrained to use the remedy of Protestation; but for our Protestations, and other lawful means, which we used for our deliverance, Canterbury procured us to be declared Rebells and Traitors, in all Parish Kirks of England: when we were seeking to possess our Religion in peace, against these devices, and novations Canterbury kindleth war against us. In all these it is known that he was, although not the sole, yet the principal Agent and adviser.
When by the Pacification at Barwicke, both Kingdoms looked for Peace and quietness, he spared not openly in the hearing of many, often before the King, and privately at the Counsel Table, and the Privy Jointo, to speak of us as Rebells and Traitors, and to speak against the Pacification as dishonorable, and mere to be broken. Neither did his malignancy and bitterness ever suffer him to rest, till a new war was entered upon, and all things prepared for our destruction.
By him was it that our Covenant, approven by National Assemblies, subscribed by His Majesty's Commissioner, and by the Lord's of his Majesty's Counsel, and by them commanded to be subscribed by all the Subjects of the Kingdom, as a Testimony of our duty to God, and the King, by him was it still called ungodly, damnable, Treasonable; by him were Oaths invented, and pressed upon diverse of our poor Country men, upon the pain of imprisonment, and many miseries, which were unwarrantable by Law, and contrary to their National Oath.
When our Commissioners did appear to render the reasons of our demands, he spared not in the presence of the King, and Committee, to rail against our National Assembly, as not daring to appear before the World, and Kirks abroad; where himself and his actions were able to endure trial; and against our just and necessary defense, as the most malicious and Treasonable Contempt of Monarchical Government that any bygone age heard of: His hand also was at the Warrant for the restraint and imprisonment of Our Commissioners, sent from the Parliament, warranted by the King, and seeking the peace of the Kingdoms.
When we had by our Declarations, Remonstrances, and Representations, manifested the truth of our intentions, and lawfulness of our actions, to all the good Subjects of the Kingdom of England, when the late Parliament could not be moved to assist, or enter in War against us, maintaining our Religion, and Liberties, Canterbury did not only advise the breaking up of that high and honorable Court, to the great grief and hazard of the Kingdom, but (which is without example) did sit still in the Convocation, and make Canons and Constitutions against us, and our just and necessary defense; ordaining under all highest pains, that hereafter the Clergy shall preach four times in the year, such doctrine as is contrary not only to our proceedings, but to the doctrine and proceedings of other Reformed Kirks, to the judgment of all sound Divines, and Politics, and tending to the utter slavery and ruining of all Estates and Kingdoms, and to the dishonor of Kings and Monarchs. And as if this had not been sufficient, he procured, six Subsedies to be lifted of the Clergy, under pair of deprivation to all that should refuse. And which is yet worse, and above which Malice it self cannot ascend, by his means a Prayer is framed, Printed, and sent through all Paroches of England, to be said in all Churches in time of Divine Service, next after the Prayer for the Queen, and Royal Progeny, against our Nation by name of traiterous Subjects, having cast off all Obedience to Our Anointed Sovereign, and coming in all rebellious manner to invade England, that shame may cover our faces, as Enemies to God and the King.
Whosoever shall impartially examine what hath proceeded from himself, in these Books of Canons and common Prayer, what Doctrine hath been published and printed these years by-past in England, by his Disciples and Emissaries, what gross Popery in the most material points we have found, and are ready to show in the posthume writings of the Prelate at Edinburgh, and Dublane, his own creatures, his nearest familiars, and most willing instruments to advance his counsels, and projects, shall perceive, that his intentions were deep and large against all the reformed Kirks, and Reformation of Religion, which in his Majesty's dominions was panting, and by this time had rendered up the Ghost, if God had not in a wonderful way of mercy prevented us; And that if the Pope himself had been in his place, he could not have been more Popish, nor could he more zealously have negotiated for Rome, against the Reformed Kirks, to reduce them to the Heresies in doctrine; the Superstitions and Idolatty in worship, and the tyranny in Government, which are in that See, and for which the Reformed Kirks did separate from it, and come forth of Babel. From him certainly hath issued all this deluge, which almost hath overturned all. We are therefore confident that your Lordships will by your means deal effectually with the Parliament, that this great firebrand be presently removed from his Majesty's presence, and that he may be put to trial, and put to his deserved censure, according to the Laws of the Kingdom; which shall be good service to God, honor to the King and Parliament, terror to the wicked, and comfort to all good men, and to us in special who by his means principally, have been put to so many and grievous aflictions, wherein we had perished, if God had not been with us.
We do indeed confess that the Prelates of England have been of very different humors, some of them of a more moderate temper, some of them more, and some of them less inclinable to Popery: yet what known truth, and constant experience hath made undeniable, we must at this opportunity profess, that from the first time of Reformation of the Church of Scotland, not only after the coming of King James of happy memory into England, but before, the Prelates of England have been by all means incessantly working the overthrow of our discipline and Government. And it hath come to pass of late, that the Prelates of England having prevailed, and brought us to subjection in the point of Government, and finding their long waited for opportunity and a rare congruity of many spirits and powers, ready to co-operate for their ends, have made a strong assault upon the whole external worship, and doctrine of our Kirk. By which their doing they did not aim to make us conform to England, but to make Scotland first (whose weakness in resisting they had before experienced, in the Novations of Government, and of some points of worship) and thereafter England conform to Rome, even in these matters, wherein England had separated from Rome, ever since the time of Reformatior. An evil therefore which hath issued, not so much from the personal disposition of the Prelates themselves, as from the innate quality and nature of their Office, and Prelatical Hierarchy, which did bring forth the Pope in Ancient times, and never ceaseth till it bringeth forth popish Doctrine and worship, where it is once rooted, and the Principles thereof somented and constantly followed. And from that antipathy and inconsistency, of the two forms of Ecclesiastical Government, which they conceived, and not without cause, that one Island united also under one head, and Monarch, was not able to bear: the one being the same in all the parts and powers, which it was in times of Popery, and now is in the Roman Church: The other being the form of Government, received, maintained and practiced by all the Reformed Kirks wherein by their own testimonies, and confessions, the Kirks of Scotland had amongst them no small eminency. This also we represent to Your Lordships most serious consideration, that not only the fire-brands may be removed, but that the fire may be provided against, that there be no more combustion after this.
This charge of the Scots against the Arch-Bishop was usherd in with this Introduction, in the Scottish Treatie, which clearly manifests him to be excepted by name out of the Act of Pacification, and Oblivion; by the fourth clause thereof.
An Introduction to the accusation against Canterbury, and the Lieutenant. of IRELAND.
SEeing His Majesty hath been Gratiously pleased concerning out fourth demand to declare, that all his subjects shall be liable to the trial and sentence of the Parhament respective; And seeing the Incendiaries are of two sorts, either of the English or Scottish Nation, to be tried here or there, of the Scottish we shall speak afterward, And for the present we shall deliver to your Lordships, the grounds of our complaint against the Prelate of Canterbury, and the Lieutenant of Ireland, whom the Kingdom of Scotland have conceived and expressed to have been prime Incendiaries, that they may be fully presented to your Lordshipps, to the Kings Majesty and to the Parliament, without prejudice always unto us to add hereafter what we shall find necessary. And although we do not presently verefie every point therein, yet our present proofs of some principal points & our probable presumptions of the rest, which are annexed therewith, are sufficient ground, cum constat de incendio, to one Nation, to desire another to put them, per viam transitionis, to a trial, and to examine all the Counselors, and others here, who may be conceived to have been eye or ear witnesses, of any of the Councils, speeches or Actions liable to the Charge, and for saving unnecessary charges and travel to the subjects to direct Commissions and all other Warrants, requisite to such as his Majesty and the Parliament shall think fit, for examining all such persons, as may be apprehended to have knowledge of any of these Councils, Speeches or Actions, which are alleged to have been in Ireland, and that upon such Interrogatories as we shall give unto the Parliament, & shall be pleased to add for trial. All which we earnestly crave of his Majesty, and the Parliament, as we desire that his Majesty may be pleased to send Warrant to the Committee of at Esr: like, or to the Sheriffs of Shires for examining witness anent the oath pressed upon any of our Country men, and other wrongs contained in the complaint if they be not sufficiently proved here. 14. December. 1640.
After these Original Articles exhibited against the Archbishop, both by the Scottish Commissioners and House of Commons to the House of Peers, the Archbishop delaying to plead unto them; and the Parliament being taken up with many emergent weighty affairs for their own and the Kingdoms necessary preservation, by reason of the unnatural bloody Rebellion in Ireland, and Wars in England so reploted, and raised by the popish party, the proceedings against him were respited near two years space: And then the Commons intending to bring him to a speedy trial, exhibited these ensuing. Additionall Articles against him, not much different from the Original, except in some particulars.
Further Articles of Impeachment by the Commons assembled in Parliament against William Laud Archbishop of CANTERBVRY, of high Treason and divers high Crimes and Misdemeanours, as followeth.
1. THat the said Archbishop of Canterbury, to introduce an Arbitrary Government within this Realm, and to destroy Parliaments, in the third and fourth years of his Majesty's reign that now is, a Parliament being then called, and sitting at Westminster, traitorously and maliciously caused the said Parliament to be dissolved, to the great grievance of his Majesty's subjects, and prejudice of this Commonwealth: And soon after the dissolution thereof, gave divers Propositions under his hand, to George then Duke of Buckingham, casting therein many false aspersions upon the said Parliament, calling it a factious Parliament, and falsely affirming, that it had cast many scandals upon his Majesty, and had used him like a child in his minority, styling them Puritans, and commending the Papists for harmless and peaceable subjects.
2. That within the space of ten years last past, the said Archbishop hath treacherously endeavored to subvert the fundamental Laws of this Realm; and to that end hath in like manner endeavored, to advance the power of the Council Table, the Canons of the Church, and the Kings Prerogative, above the Laws and Statutes of the Realm. And for manifestation thereof, about six years last past, being then a Privy Counselor to his Majesty, and sitting at the Council Table, he said, that as long as he sat there, they should know, that an Order of that Board should be of equal force with a law or Act of Parliament. And at another time used these words, That he hoped ere long that the Canons of the Church, and the Kings Prerogative should be of as great power as an Act of Parliament. And at another time said, that those that would not yield to the Kings power, he would crush them to pieces.
3. That the said Archbishop, to advance the Canons of the Church, and power Ecclesiastical above the law of the Land, and to pervert and hinder the course of Justice, hath at divers times within the said time, by his letters, and other undue means and solicitations, used to Judges, opposed and stopped the granting of his Majesty's Writs of Prohibition, where the same ought to have been granted, for stay ef proceedings in the Ecclesiastical Court, whereby justice hath been delayed and hindered, and the Judges diverted from doing their duties.
4. That for the end and purpose aforesaid, about seven years last past, a Judgment being given in his Majesty's Court of Kings Bench against one Burley a Person, being a man of bad life and conversation, in an Information upon the Statute of 21. Hen. 8. for willful Non-residency the said Archbishop by solicitations and other undue means used to the Judges of that Court, caused Execution upon the satd Judgment to be stayed: and being moved therein, and made acquainted with the bad life and conversation of the said Person, he said, that he had spoken to the Judges for him, and that he would never suffer a Judgment to pass against any Clergy-man by nihil dicit.
5. That the said Archbishop, about eight years last past, being then also a privy Counselor to his Majesty, for the end and purpose aforesaid, caused Sir John Corbet of Stoak in the County of Salop Baronet, then a Justice of peace of the said County, to be committed to the Prison of the Fleet, where he continued Prisoner for the space of half a year, or more for no other cause, but for calling for the Petition of Right, & causing it to be read at the Sessions of the peace for that County, upon a just and necessary occasion. And during the time of his said imprisonment the said Archbishop, without any color of right, by a writing under the Seal of his Archbishopric, granted a way parcel of the Glebe land of the Church of Adderly in the said County, whereof the said Sir John Corbet was then patron, unto Robert Vscount Kilmurrey, without the consent of the said Sir John, or then the incumbent of the said Church, which said Viscount Kilmurrey built a Chapel upon the said parcel of Glebe land, to the great prejudice of the said Sir John Corbet, which hath caused great suits and dissensions between them. And whereas the said Sir John Corbet had a judgment against Sir James Stonehouse Knight, in an action of Waste, in his Majesty's Court of Common Pleas at Westminster, which was afterwards affirmed in a writ of Error in the Kings Bench, and Execution thereupon awarded: yet the said Sir John, by means of the said Archbishop could not have the effect thereof, but was committed to Prison by the said Archbishop and others at the Council Table, until he had submitted himself unto the order of the said Table, whereby he lost the benefit of the said Judgment and Execution.
6. That whereas divers gifts and dispositions of divers sums of money were heretofore made by divers charitable and well disposed persons, for the buying in of divers Impropriations for the maintenance of preaching the word of God in several Churches, the said Archbishop about eight years last past, willfully and maliciously caused the said gifts, feoffements and conveyances made to the uses aforefaid, to be overthrown in his Majesty's Court of Exchequer, contrary to Law, as things dangerous to the Church and State, under the specious pretence of buying in Appropriations: whereby that pious work was suppressed and trodden down, to the great dishonor of God, and scandal of Religion.
7. That the said Archbishop at several times, within these ten years last past, at Westminster and else where within this Realm, contrary to the known Laws of this Land, hath endeavored to advance Popery and Superstition within the Realm: And for that end and purpose hath wittingly and willingly received, harboured and relieved divers popish Priests and Jesuits, namely one called Sancta Clara, alias Damport, a dangerous Person, and Franciscan Friar, who having written a Popish and seditious Book, entitled Deus natura gratia, wherein the thirty nine Articles of the Church of England, established by Act of Parliament, were much traduced and scandalized: The said Archbishop had divers conferences with him, while he was in writing the said Book; and did also provide maintenance and entertainment for one Monsieur St. Giles a Popish Priest at Oxford, knowing him to be a Popish Priest.
8. That the said Archbishop, about four years last past, ut Westminster aforesaid said that there must be a blow given to the Church, such as hath not been yet given, before it could be brought to conformity; declaring thereby his intention to be, to shake and alter the true Protestant Religion established in the Church of England.
9. That in, or about the month of May, 1641. presently after the dissolution of the last Parliament, the said Archbishop for the ends and purposes aforesaid, caused a Synod or Convocation of the Clergy, to be held for the several Provinces of Canterbury and York; wherein were made and established by his means and procurement, diverse Canons and Constitutions Ecclesiastical; contrary to the Laws of this Realm, the Rights and Privileges of Parliament, the Liberty and propriety of the Subject, tending also to seditior, and of dangerous consequence: And amongst other things, the said Archbishop caused a most dangerous and illegal Oath to be therein made and contrived, the tenor whereof followeth in these words. That I A. B. do swear that I do approve the Doctrine and Discipline or Government established in the Church of England, as containing all things necessary to salvation; And that I will not endeavor by myself or any other, directly or indirectly to bring in any Popish Doctrine, contrary to that which is so established: Nor will I ever give my consent to alter the Government of this Church by Archbishops, Bishops, Deans, and Arch-Deacons, &c. as it stands now established, and as by right it ought to stand: Nor yet ever to subject it to the usurpations and superstitions of the Sea of Rome. And all these things I do plainly and sincerely acknowledge and swear, according to the plain and common sense, and understanding of the same words, without any equivocation, or mental evasion, or secret reservation whatsoever. And this I do heartily, willing and truly, upon the saith of a Christian: So help me God in Jesus Christ. Which Oath the said Archbishop himself did take, and caused diverse other Ministers of the Church to take the same, upon pain of suspension and deprivation of their livings, and other severe penalties: And did also cause Godfrey, then Bishop of Gloucester, to be committed to prison for refusing to subscribe to the said Canons, and to take the said Oath: and afterward, the said Bishop submitting himself to take the said Oath, he was set at liberty.
10. That a little before the calling of the last Parliament, Anro 1640. a Vote being then passed, and a resolution taken at the Council Table, by the advice of the said Archbishop, for assisting of the King in extraordinary ways, if the said Parliament should prove peevish, and refuse to supply His Majesty: the said Archbishop wickedly and maliciously advised His Majesty to dissolve the said Parliament, and accordingly the same was dissolved: And presently after, the said Archbishop told his Majesty, that now he was absolved from all rules of Government, and left free to use extraordinary ways for his supply.
For all which matters and things the said Commons assembled in Parliament, in the name of themselves, and of all the Commons of England do impeach the said Archbishop of Canterbury of high Treason, and other crimes and misdemeanors tending to the subversion of our Religion, Laws, and Liberties, and to the utter ruin of this Church and Common-Wealth.
And the said Commons, by Protestation saving to themselves the liberty of exhibiting at any time hereafter, any further, or other accusation or impeachment against the said Will. Laud Archbishop of Canterbury, and also of replying to the answer that he shall make unto the said Articles, or any of them: Or offering proof of the premisses, or any other impeachments or accusations that shall be exhibited by them, as the cause shall (according to the course of Parliaments) require; do pray that he, the said Will. Laud Archbishop of Canterbury, may be called to answer the said several crimes and misdemeanors, and receive such condign punishment as the same shall deserve: and that such further proceedings may be upon every of them had, and used against him as is agreeable to Law and Justice.
These additional Articles were sent up from the Commons to the Lord's House by Master Serjeant Wilde the 23. of October. 1643. Whereupon the Lord's made this ensuing Order.
Die Luna 23. Octob. 1643.
ORdered, &c. That the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury shall put in his Answer in writing into this House by the thirtieth day of this instant October, unto the particular Articles in maintenance of their former impeachment of High Treason and diverse High Crimes and misdemeanors brought up from the House of Commons against him and remaining now before the Lord's in Parliament.
The Arch-bishop being served with this Order the same day, the next morning sent this Petition (written with his own hand) to the Lord's.
To the Honorable the Lord's assembled in the High Court of PARLIAMENT.
The humble Petition of William Laud Archbishop of Canterbury.
THat he hath received your Lordships Order of October 23. 1643. with a Coppie of the Articles charged against him, and requiring him to make answer.
Most humbly prayeth that according to an Order of that Honorable House, he may have Council assigned him, and that Master Hearne, and Master Chute may be his Council, and have free liberty to come unto him, and that he may have some money out of his estate to fee his Council, and defray his other charges, he having been for this last whole year very burdensome to his friends. And further that he may have all his papers and books, most of which belong to his defense, which Master Prynne took from him by Order from the Lord's, delivered unto him, that he may be able to answer for himself. That also he may have time and means to send for his witnesses, which can hardly be done in the time limited. And that he may have his servants about him to send about his necessary occasions, And lastly, that he may have * longer time the Articles being large and many, And he shall ever pray, &c.
William Cant.
Which Petition being read in the Lord's House, October 24. 1643. thereupon this Order was framed.
Die Martis 24. October 1643.
VPon the reading of the Petition of the Lord Arch-Bishop of CANTERBURY, this day in the House. It is Ordered, &c. That time is given him until Monday the sixth of November next for the putting in his answer in writing into this House unto particular Articles brought up from the House of Commons in maintenance of their former impeachment of High Treason, and diverse high Crimes and misdemeanors against him. That Master Heron, and Master Chute are hereby assigned of Council for the drawing up of his Answer, who are to be permitted to have free access in and out to him. That this House doth hereby recommend to the Committee of Sequestrations, that the said Lord Arch-Bishop shall have such means aforded him out of his estate, as will enable him to pay his Council, and defray his other charges. That when his Lordship shall set down particularly what papers & writings are necessary for his defense that should be restored unto him, their Lordships will take it into consideration, That upon his Lordships nominating who shall be his Solicitor, the Lord's will return their answer. And for the witnesses when a day shall be appointed for his Lordships trial, this House will give such directions therein as shall be just.
* Die Sabbati 28. October 1643.
ORdered, &c. That Master Hales is hereby appointed to be of Council with the Lord Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, with his other Council already appointed for the drawing of his answer to the charge of the House of Commons against him, And that Master W. Dell, Master Richard Cobb, and Master George Smith, his Lordships servants, shall have liberty to attend the said Archbishops several affairs and be permitted to come in and out unto him as there shall be occasion.
After which October 31. he exhibited this Petition to the Lord's.
To the Right Honorable the Lord's Assembled in PARLIAMENT.
The Humble Petition of William, Archbishop of Canterbury.
THat Your Petitioner having presented against him by the honorable House of Commons to Your Lordships an impeachment, Intituled, farther Articles of impeachment, by the Commons assembled in Parliament, of high Treason and divers high crimes and misdeamenours, to which by your Honorable Order of the twenty fourth of October, annexed, he is directed to put in his answer in writing by Monday the sixth of November, and hath thereby Council assigned him to draw up the same.
That Your Petitioners Council upon reading of the Articles, finding that as well in the frame as the conclusion thereof, the matters of Crime and misdemeanors, are so interwoven with references to the matters thereby charged as Treason, as they cannot take upon them to distinguish them, and conceiving it not to have been your Lordships intention by their assignments they should advise an answer to any part of the impeachment charged against your Petitioner as Treason; do forbear to advise your Petitioners answer to the said Articles without some declaration first had, which of the said Articles are intended to be a charge of high Treason, and which of them of Crimes and misdemeanors, without which your Petitioner, is like to be deprived of the assistance of Council granted by your Lordships Order.
Your Petitioner humbly beseecheth Your Lordships in this so heavy a charge upon him, from so great and Honorable a body in such a straight of time, that it may be declared, which of the said Articles are intended to be charges of Crimes and misdemeanors only in which Your Petitioner may have the assistance of His Council assigned him to advise him in his Answer thereunto; And that your Lordships will be further Honourably pleased to enlarge your Petitioner in the time allotted for his Answer,
And Your Petitioner shall pray, &c. William Cant.
Upon which Petition this Order was formed.
Die Martis 31. October.
Ordered, &c. That the Lord Arch-Bishop of Canterbury shall have time to put in his answer to the impeachment of the House of Commons until Monday the thirteenth of October next, And that this House doth forbear to declare any opinion concerning the several Articles of the said Impeachment, But leaves it to his Council, to do and advise, as his Council shall think most fitting.
Day being given him by this Order to put in his answer till the 13th. of Novenmber following, this Order was made in pursuance thereof.
Die Veueris 10. November. 1643.
Ordered that the Lieutenant of the Tower of London, or his Deputy shall bring in safety the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury before their Lordships on Monday the 13th. of this instant November, by ten of the Clock in the morning, to put in his Answer into the House to the impeachment of the House Commons remaining now before the Lord's in Parliament, and this to be a sufficient warrant, in that behalf.
On the 13. of November, the Archbishop appearing at the Lord's Barre in person, put in this following Answer to the Additionall Articles exhibited against him.
The humble Answer of William Archbishop of Cant. to the further Articles of Impeachment of high Treason and divers high Crimes and misdeameanours exhibited against him by the Honorable House of Commons, according to direction of an Order of this Honorable House of the 13. of October last.
All advantages of exception to the said Articles of Impeachment to this Defendant, saved and reserved, this Defendant humbly saith, that he is not guilty of all or any the matters by the said Impeachment charged, in such manner and form as the same are by the said Articles of impeachment charged.
Upon his motion the same day to the Lord's, this order was made in favor of him.
Die Lunae 13. Novemb. 1643.
Ordered by the Lord's in Parliament, that the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury his Council shall provide themselves to advise him in point of Law, in all the Articles of the whole Charge; And for the matter of Fact, when the Cause comes to be presented by the House of Commons, as there shall be need, their Lordships will give further directions in due time.
On the 1 • . of December, 1643. The House of Commons being desirous to bring the Archbishop to a speedy trial, made this ensuing Order.
11 December 1643.
Ordered, that the Committee for the Tyrall of the Archbishop of Canterbury do meet this afternoon at 2. of the Clock in the Starchamber, to prepare the evidence against the Archbishop of Cant. and to summon such witnesses as are need full, and prepare the business fit for Trial, and to acquaint the House when they are ready, and this they are to do with all the convenient speed they can, and have power to send for parties, witnesses, Papers, Records, &c. And the care thereof, is particularly committed unto Serjeant Wild. Here upon the Committee met sundry times to prepare their evidence.
3. January following, the Lord's intending to expedite the Archbishops Trial, according to the Commons desire, made this Order.
Die Mercurii, 3. Ian. 1643.
It is this day Ordered by the Lord's in Parliament, that this House will proceed against William Laud Archbishop of Canterbury upon the Impeachment brought up from the House of Commons for High Crimes and misdemeanors on Monday morning next it ten of the Clock, being the eight of this instant January, 1643 At which time the said Archbishop is to prepare himself for his defense.
Whereupon the Lord's the same day sent down this Message to the Commons, thus entered in their Iournall.
31 January 1642.
A Message sent from the Lord's by Sir Robert Rich, and Mr. Page; The Lord's commanded us to put you in mind, that the Archbishop of Canterbury hath put in his Plea to the Impeachment of this House sent up to the Lord's sometimes since, which they desire you to take into consideration, what is fit to be done in it.
5. January, The House of Commons desired the Lord's to appoint a Committee to examine some witnesses upon Oath against the Archbishop, in the presence of the Committee of the Commons; which being granted, the Commons made this Order.
5. Ian. 1643.
Ordered, that the Committee of this House formerly appointed for the business of the Archbishop of Cant. shall be the Committee in the presence of whom the witnesses in the case of the Bishop of Cant are to be examined upon Oath by the Committee of Lord's.
On the 6. of January the Archbishop preferred this Petition to the Lord's for the deferring of his Trial, to some longer time, written with Mr. Dells hand, and subscribed, with his own.
To the Right Honorable the Lord's Assembled in the high Court of Parliament.
The humble Petition of William Laud Arch-bishop of Cant. Prisoner in the T • wer.
THat your Petitioner having received your Lordships command by your honorable Order of the 3. of this instant January, annexed; to attend and Answer the Impeachment against your Petitioner, from the honorable House of Commons on Monday the eight of this instant January which is but five days distance, and at a time, when 2. of his, 3. Council assigned 〈◊〉 of Town and your Petitioner witnesses; residing in several remite places cannot be summoned in so short a time, nor willing happily to came up in their summons without warrant from your Lordships.
Your Petitioners most humble suit to your Lordships is that you will honourably vouchsafe him some more convenient time to send for his Council, and witnesses to testify in the matters of fact Charged against him, and withal to grant the Petitioner your honorable Order, to command the witnesses summoned to attend at the time by your Lordships to be appointed: which his humble request, your Petitioner had sooner presented to your Lordships, but that no sitting hath been (as your Petitioner is Informed) until this day, sithence your honorable order, in this behalf made known to him.
And your Petitioner shall pray, &c W. Cant.
Upon reading whereof; the Lord's made this Order in his favor, to out him of all excuses, and prevent all clamons of a surp • isall.
Sabbati. 6. Ian. 1643.
Whereas the House formerly appointed Monday being the 8th. of this instant January 1643. to proceed against William Laud Arch-bishop of Canterbury, upon the impeachments brought up against him from the House of Commons for High Treason, and high Crimes and misdemeanors; Upon reading the Petition of the said Archbishop, it is this day ordered by the Lord's in Parliament to the end the Council and Witnesses of the said Archbishop may have competent time to attend the hearing of the Cause, that this House will respite the proceedings against the said Archbishop upon the said impeachments until Tuesday the 16. of this instant January 1643. at ten of the Clock in the morning; at which time the said Archbishop is peremprorily appointed to provide his Witnesses, and prepare his defense unto the said impeachments.
In pursuance whereof this Order was afterwards made and entered.
Die Lune 15. Ian. 1643.
It is this day Ordered by the Lord's in Parliament, that the Lieutenant of the Tower of London or his Deputy shall bring in safety the Archbishop of Cant before their Lordships on Tuesday the 16. of this instant January by one of the Clock in the afternoon. At which time this house will proceed against the said Archbishop, upon the impeachments brought up from the House of Commons against him for might Treason, and high Crimes and misdeameanours, and this to be a sufficient Warrant in that behalf.
The next day the Archbishop being brought to the Lord's House at the time appointed; about 3. of the Clock that afternoon the Lord's sent down this Message to the House of Commons, thus entered in their Iournall.
16. January 1643.
A Message from the Lord's by Sir Robert Rich, and Mr. Page, to acquaint the House, that they are ready to hear the Charge upon the impeachment against the Bishop of Canterbury.
Upon this Message the Committee of the House of Commons appointed to manage the evidence against him, went up to the Lord's House, and then the Archbishop being brought to the Barre, after he had there kneeled a little space, was commanded to stand up: which ceremony ended, Mr, Maynard, one of the Committee, desired the Lord's: that the original & additional Articles of impeachment against the Archbishop might be read: Which being read accordingly by the Clerke, he then prayed, that the Archbishops several Answers, to these Articles might likewise be read; whereupon the Speaker of the Lord's House commanding them to be read, the Clerk read only his forementioned Answer to the Additionall Articles, but no answer at all to the Original, there being never any Answer put in unto them; the Archbishop having not in all the time of his restraint from the 26. of Feb. 1640. till that hour, so much as tendered or put in any Answer to his Original Articles (which was his own mere default) and never so much as once Petitioned in all that space to be brought to his Trial, notwithstanding his frequent complaints of his long Imprisonment, & the delay of his hearing, occasioned by his own neglect, and by his Petitioning for longer time when the Commons hastened his Trial.
Hereupon Mr. Maynard spake to the Lord's to this effect.
My Lord's, it new appears to your Lordships, how unwilling the Archbishop is (out of a consciousness of his own guilt) to come to his Trial, that in all this space from his first impeachment, he hath not so much as put in any Answer to the Original Articles, though he had long since Council assigned him for that purpose: My Lord's, this is none of the Commons fault, but his own; for your Lordships well know, that the Commons can take no notice what is done in the House of Peers in a Parliamentary way, but by a Messag from your Lordships, who after our Articls exhibited, were to cal upon the Archbishop for an answer to them; & your Lordships sending us several Messages heretofore that the Archbishop had put in his Answer to the Articls, & that you were ready to hear our Charge against him, and appointing this day for his Trial, the Commons thereupon conceived that he had formerly put in his Plea & answer, in due form to all 〈◊〉 Articles, but the contrary now appearing both to your Lordships and as it is impossible for us to proceed at this time in his trial, there being no issue Ioyned upon the Original Articles for want of an answer to them & to 〈◊〉 upon the Additionalls before my answer given, to the originals will be very preposterous • therefore • e humbly prey your Lordships to Order, that the Archbishop may forthwith put in his Answer •• th to the Original, and Additionall Articles by the advice of his Council, or otherwise, in such sort as he will stand to it; and then he shall without any delay join 〈◊〉 with him, proceed on in his Trial, and evidence against him when your Lordships shall appoint.
The Archbishop having little to reply hereunto, desire the Lord's, that he might advise with his Council, whether the Articles were certain and particular enough to be answered unto; and that if their Lordships should over-rule him to put in his Answer to them, he might have convenient time to do it.
Upon this all being commanded to withdraw, the Lord's after some short debate among themselves, and upon reading the Archbishops Petition to have Mr. Gor •• rd of Grayes-Inn assigned for his Council, to join with those formerly assigned him, made this ensuing Order.
Die Martis 16. Ian. 1643.
Upon the reading the Petition of William Archbishop of Cant. It is this day Ordered by the Lord's in Parliament, that Mr. Richard Gerrard of Grayes-Inn, be added to the former Council Assigned to the said Archbishop, to be likewise of his Council.
It is this day Ordered by the Lord's in Parliament, that William Arch-bishop of Cant. shall put in his Answer in writing into this House, to the first and further Articles of Impeachment brought up from the House of Commons against him by Monday morning next peremptorily, and that the same Council formerly Assigned him shall be of Council with him.
On the 19. of January, the Archbishop sent this Petition to the Lord's.
To the Right Honorable the Lord's assembled in PARLIAMENT.
The humble Petition of William, Archbishop of Cant; Prisoner in the T • wer.
THat whereas your Petitioner having formerly answered the particular Articles exhibited against him by the Honorable House of Commons, and now by your Lordships Order of the 16th. of this instant is commanded to put in his Answer to the first and further Articles of Impeachment brought up against him by Monday morning next, for doing whereof his former Council is assigned him.
That your Petitioner having advised with his Council concerning the first Articles, which were exhibited new almost three years sithence, finding upon perusal and debate of the same that the said former Articles are such, that no answer can be made thereunto, nor your Petitioner in my wise enabled to prepare for his defense to the same, as they now stand.
That for as much as the said Articles of Impeachment import no less than a Charge of High treason, and for as much as your Petitioner is by his Council 〈◊〉 that especially in Cases of life, the Defendant is allowed to offer to the Court where the same depends his exceptions by his Council before any Plea pleaded.
Your Petitioner most humbly beseecheth your Lordships, to appoint a day for the hearing of your Petitioners Council concerning the same
And your Petitioner shall pray, &c. W. CANT.
Die Sabbati 20. Ian. 1643.
It is this day Ordered by the Lord's in Parliament, that the Lieutenant of the Tower of London, or his Deputy shall bring in safety William Archbishop of Cant. before their Lordships on Monday the 22th. of this instant January by ten of the clock in the morning to put in his answer to the Articles of Impeachment brought up from the House of Commons against him according to the former Order of this House, of the 16. of this Instant January.
On the 22. of January the Archbishop personally appearing at the Lord's Barre according to the former Orders, did then put in this following Answer both to the Commons Original and Additionall Articles.
The Answer of the Archbishop of Cant. to the first and further Articles of the House of Commons dilivered in the 22th. January, 1643.
The humble Answer of William Archbishop of Cant. to the first and farther Articles of Impeachment, brought up by the Honorable House of Commons against him, and by Order of the right honorable the Lord's in Parliament of the 16. of this Instant directed to be put in.
As to the 13. Article of the said first Articles and the matters therein Charged, & allmatters or things in the same or any of the rest of the said Articles contained, which concern any Act of Hostility, whether between the King & his Subjects, or between Subject & Subject, or which may be conceived to arise upon the coming of any English Army against Scotland, or the coming of the Scottish Army into England or upon any Action, attempt, assistance, Council or devise having relation thereunto, and falling out by the occasion of the late troubles proceeding the late Conclusion of the Treaty, and return of the Scottish Army into Scotland, this Defendant saith, that it is enacted by an Act made during the sitting of this present Parliament, that the same, and whatsoever hath ensued thereupon, whether treuching upon the Laws, and Liberties of the Church and Kingdom, or upon his Majesty's Honor and Authority, in no time hereafter may be called in Question, or resented as a wrong, National or Personal, and that no mention be made thereof in time coming, neither in Judgment nor out of Judgment, but that it be held and reputed as though never such things had been thought or wrought, as by the said Act may more at large appear, with this that this Defendant doth aver, that he is none of the persons excepted by the said Act; or the said offenses charged upon this Defendant any of the offenses excepted by the said Act.
And as to all the rest of the said first and further Articles, this Defendant, saving to himself all advantages of exception to the said Articles, humbly saith, he is not Guilty of all or any the matters by the said Articles charged, in such manner and form us the same are by the said Articles charged against him.
W. Cant.
The same day I find this entry in the Commons Iournall; to wit, on the 22. Jan. 1643.
After this the House of Commons to expedite his Trial on the 22. February 1643.
The Commons and Lord's being all ready for his Trial, and having given him as much convenient time to prepare himself and his witnesses as he could desire, to prevent all clamours of the Prelatical and Canterburian party, began now to think of a peremptory day for his Trial; and thereupon I find this Order entered in the Commons Journal.
4. Marcii 1643.
A Message to be sent to the Lord's, to desire them to appoint a day for the Trial of the Bishop of Canterbury: Master Serjeant Wilde, went up to the Lord's to appoint a day for the Trial of the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury: Serjeant Wilde brings answer, that the Lord's have appointed tomorrow senight for the trial of the Archbishop of Canterbury.
For which purpose the Lord's made this following Order.
Die Lunae 4. Marcii 1644.
Ordered, that the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury shall appear before their Lordships on Tuesday the 12th of this instant March at nine of the Clock in the morning, At which time this House will proceed against the Arch-Bishop, upon the first and further Articles of Impeachment brought up from the house of Commons against him, for high Treason, and high Crimes and misdemeanors; whereof the said Arch-Bishop is hereby to take notice and provide himself accordingly.
After this the Arch-Bishop Petitioning the Commons House, that Sir Henry Midmay a Member thereof might be examined as a witness for him at his trial, this Order was thereupon conceived.
9. Marcii 1644.
The humble Petition of William Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, desiring that Sir Henry Mildmay may be examined as a witness, in his business, he being to come to his trial on Tuesday next, was this day read, And it is Ordered according to his Petition, that he shall be examined as a witness at the trial of the said Bishop accordingly. It was likewise then ordered that diverse Members of the House of Commons shall be examined as witnesses against him, And that the Lord's be moved by Serjeant Wilde, that some Members and Attendants of the Lord's House be examined at the Arch-Bishops Trial. And that it be referred to the Committee of Sequestrations, to consider of some convenient recompense, for such Clerks, Solicitors and others as have been or shall be employed in the transscribing of breviats and other services done by them to the Committee for the Bishop of Canterbury his trial.
On the 12. of March his Trial, according to the former Order, was entered upon, of which I shall give you this summary account.
Never was there in any age such a deliberate, solemn, patient, impartial hearing of any case in the High Court of Parliament (nor in any Court of Justice else in our own or any other Kingdom whatsoever) as there was of this Archbishops; The first day of his Trial began the twelfth of March, 1643. wherein the whole time was spent in reading the Articles of Impeachment, his answers to them, and introductory Speeches to the charge and evidence against him, made by Serjeant Wilde, and the Arch-bishop himself: The first part of the evidence upon the 1, 2, 3, 4. Original, and 2, 3, 4, 10. Additionall Articles, was managed by John Maynard Esquire, one of the Commons House, wherein four whole days (namely March 13. 16. 18. Anno 1643. and March 28. 1644.) were spent; the forenoons of them in the evidence and proofs, the after-noons in the Arch-bishops Answers, and Master Maynards replies unto them. The second part of the evidence, was prosecuted by Robert Nicholas Esquire, a Member of the House of Commons; which took up three whole days, viz. April 16. and May 4. 16. morning and evening in proof of the fifth and sixth Original, and ninth Additionall Articles; and in the Answers and replies upon them. The third part touching Religion, (contained in the 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Original, and 6, and 7, Additionall Articles) was carried on and managed by John Wilde Serjeant at Law, of the Commons House, for 4 whole days, (to wit, May 20, 27. June 6. 11.) and then by reason of Mr. Serjeants sickness and infirmity, pursued by Master Nicholas 5 entire days more, (viz. June 17. 20, 27. July 20, 24.) The fourth and last part of the evidence, (in proof of the 14 Original and 1 and 10 Additionall Articles) was given in by Master Nicholas, on the 29 of July, and concluded the same day. So as the very evidence itself (which was excellently well pressed by these learned Gentlemen) took up seventeen whole days, morning and evening: besides 12 days attendance more, whereon other pressing public affairs enforced the Lord's to adjorn the trial, when both the Committee of Commons were ready with their witnesses, and the Arch-bishop present with his Council, ready to receive his charge.
After all the evidence answers and replies thereto fully given, the Arch-bishop had liberty granted to make a Recapitulation of his whole defense before the Lord's, which accordingly performed on the second of September 1644. To which Samuel Brown Esquire, a member of the House of Commons, replied, on the 11 of September, summing up the principal parts of the evidence given against him at the Lord's Bar. On the 11 of Octob. 1644. the Arch-Bishops Council were heard at the Lord's Bar, on this point of Law, to which they were formerly directed to speak; Whether in all or any of the Articles charged against him, there were any Treason contained? Which Mr. John Hern only argued as the mouth of the rest of his Council. Soon after the Commons having drawn an Ordnance of Attainder of high Treason against the Archbishop, upon the Evidence given in against him: on the second of Novemb. following the Arch-bishop (after its second reading) was brought to the Commons Bar, where Mr. Sam. Brown in his presence summed up the evidence given in against him before the Lord's: to which the Archbishop by order gave his answer Vivâ voice at the Commons Bar, Nov. 11th: whereunto Mr Brown replied, the 13th. of the same Novemb. after which the very same day the Ordinance for his attainder of High Treason passed the Commons House, without any dissenting voice but one, and that not upon the matter of his charge High Treason, of which all Voted him guilty, but manner of proceeding only. This Ordinance being transmitted to the House of Peers, because some of the Lord's were not present at all the evidence given in against him during his long Trial, thereupon Decemb. 4. 1644. they Ordered, That all Books, Writings, Docquets, and evidences concerning the Arch-bishop of Canterbury his trial before the Lord's in Parliament, should be brought in to the Clerk of the Parliament by 9 of the Clock in the morning, on Saturday next: which being done accordingly, the Lord's among themselves, seriously re-examined all the heads and principal parts of the evidence formerly urged against him at the Bar, debating, weighing, and then voting each particular as they went; after this most serious review, their Lordships upon most mature deliberation voted him guilty of all the Articles and matters of fact charged against him, and also that of High Treason to (notwithstanding the argument of the Archbishops Council) upon a conference with the House of Commons, which satisfied them in the point of Law. Whereupon they passed the Ordinance for his Attainder of high Treason; by virtue whereof he was soon after executed, whereof more fully in its due place. Thus you have the sum of the Lord's and Commons most deliberate, fair, moderate just, (though tedious) proceedings against this Arch-Traitor, (not to be presidented in any preceding Age, nor fit to be imitated for the future in regard of length and expense of time) against which calumny and malice it self can take no just exceptions on his behalf; the rather, because himself would have tried, condemned, executed above an hundred Paritans in half the time wherein he was but trying, without the least mercy or moderation, had they been brought before his Tribunal, for far more petty Treasons then those of which he was attainted and voted guilty, upon most full and pregnant evidence. Having given the world this brief account of the fairenes and deliberatenesse of his Trial so long delayed, partly by his own neglect in not pleading to his Articles of impeachment, and not once petitioning to be brought to Trial during all the time of his restrain; partly by his own forementioned Petitions to the Lord's for longer time, when the Commons pressed to expedite his hearing; partly by the death of Mr John Pym, and some other Members of the Commons House, who were trusted to prepare and manage the evidence against him, part whereof miscarried by their decease; but principally by reason of the great intervening urgent affairs, distractions, and bloody Wars in the Kingdoms of Ireland and England, occasioned by his Majesty's deserting the Parliament, and this Arch-Prelates plots to set up Popery; not through any neglect or default in the Lord's or Commons: We shall next endeavor to yield you a full, satisfactory, true account of the proceedings and evidence given in against him at his Trial, which will really render him the Archest Traitor, the most pestilent Malefactor in all kinds of Villany, Tyranny, Oppression, Mischiefe, that was ever arraigned, condemned in any Parliament; Pierce Gravestons, Archbishop Arundles, Cardinal Wolses, Empsons, Dudlies, and the Earl of Straffords Treasons, Conspiracies, Oppressions and grand Misdemeanours, laid together, being far inferior to his, both in he inousnesse, multiplicity, and variety, as shall be undeniably demonstrated to all the world, by substantial proofs.
On Thursday the 12. of March, 1643. (the day designed for the comencement of this great Trial) about three of the Clock in the afternoon, the Arch-bishop was brought Prisoner by the Lieutenant of the Tower of London, and Usher of the black Rod, to the Bar in the Lord's House: where, after he had kneeled down on his knees for a little space, the Lord Gray of Warke, then Speaker of that honorable House, commanded him to rise up; which done, the Committee of the House of Commons appointed to manage the evidence at his Trial demanded, that the several Articles of their Impeachment against him might be read: whereupon one of the Clerks of the Lord's House, read both the Original and Additionall Articles fore-mentioned; and after that his Answer, Plea, and Demurrer to them.
All which being read, the Archbishop then desired the Lord's, that the House of Commons might give in all their Charge and Evidence to all the Articles against him together, before he should be put to give his Answer to any particular Charge, because he was ancient, his memory very short, and the Articles General; and that he might answer all his Charge together, not each days Evidence by Peece-meal.
To which Master Maynard, in the behalf of the Commons, answered: 1. That if the Archbishops memory were so bad as he pretended, it would be far worse for him to charge it with answering many particulars and the whole evidence against him together, then to answer every particular Charge each day, as it should be given in against him whiles it was fresh in memory. 2ly. That it might and would be a great inconvenience to have witnesses cross-examined, upon other days then those, whereon they gave in their testimony against the Prisoner. 3ly. That the Lord's themselves would find it difficult to pass their judgments upon all the Charge together without hearing his punctual answer to every particular proof as it should be given in evidence, whiles it was fresh in their memories. 4ly. Because else all the witnesses, which were very many, must of necessity attend, and be kept in Town from the first to the last day of his Trial; which would be a very great Charge and inconvenience. 5ly. In the Earl of Straffords case, this very Parliament, he was put to answer every day, to the particular Evidence given against him on the same day; Upon w ch reasons the House of Peers ordered, that the Archbishop should make his particular Answer to every particular Charge on the same day it was given in against him.
Then the Archbishop desired, that the House of Commons would sever the Articles which were Treason, from those other Articles which were matters of crime, and Misdemeanour only, but not Treason; that so he might know which of them were Treason and which not.
To which Master Maynard answered, That this they might not do, because they were now only to try the matters of fact, not Law, and because all the Articles taken together, not each or any particular Article by itself made up the Treason, wherewith he was charged; to wit, his endeavors to subvert and destroy Religion, the fundamental Laws of the Land and government of the Realm, and to bring in Popery, and an arbitrary tyrannical Government against Law.
After which Master Serjeant Wilde (by way of Introduction to the Archbishops charge) with abundance of elegancy and zeal, related the Heads of his Offences to the House of Peers in these ensuing strains.
My LORD'S;
THis great cause of the Archbishop of Canterbury, after a long and painful tra • aise, is now come to the Birth: of which it may be truly said, as it was in a like case: R • pertum est hodierno die facinus, quod nec Poeta fingere, nec Histrio sonare, nec Mimus imitare potuerit.
For if all the oppressions, all the pernicious practices and machinations, which have been in each time to ruinate our Religion, Laws and Liberties were lost; I think here they might be found and drawn out again to the life. So that your Lordships who have been the great Assertors of our Liberties, and stood so fast to the rules and principles of your Noble Progenitors (which others have ignobly deserted) may after a long conflict with so many great and marchiesse difficulties, say now as a great Commander once did upon an extraordinary danger, Tandem par animo meo periculum video. Here is a cause proportionable to yourselves, apt and proper for the justice and power of this honorable Court.
Had they been faults of common frailty, error or incogitancy, which this man hath committed, we should gladly have stepped back, and cast a Cloake over them; but being so willful, so universal, so distructive to the Laws of God and man, so comprehensive of all the evils and miseries which now we suffer; the sin would lie upon our own heads, if we should not call for justice: which that it hath been so long uncalled for, (not deferred or delayed) I suppose no man will think strange who considers the present distractions, the death and dispersion of our witnesses, the loss of some of our Members who have been employed and taken pains in this business; the multitude of diversions which we have had, and have daily occasioned by the Acts and influences of this Meteor.
But the truth survives, and matter enough survives, so copious and so full of variety, that if all the particulars should be examined, for his three years imprisonment which he complains off there would be three years time of trial and hearing of the heavy charge that lies against him. A charge of High Treason: Treason in all and every part: Treason in the highest pitch and altitude: for what greater Treason can there be then to betray the whole Realm, and to subvert the very foundations, leaving nothing for posterity, but a curse upon him that shall go about to build again?
That which of it self is so heinous, is much more enhanced and aggravated by the quality of the person: A Church-man; a great Prelate; a man in great trust, place and Authority in Church and Common-wealth.
A man endued with so great gifts of nature, and so many of grace and favor from His Majesty, and for all these to be perverted to a contrary end, even to the destruction of the public, and the ruin of the Wombe that bare him, how deep a die, do these impose upon this foul crime?
How Church-men in all ages (as hath been often observed) should come to be: the Archest Seedsmen of mischief, and principal Actors in all the great distractions and alterations that have happened, is a destiny that may seem strange. But the reason is, (ex bono Thealogo, malus Medicus) their intermeddling with temporal things, and matters hererogeneall to their calling; wherein God is pleased to finite them with blindness, and to infatuate their Council; whereof a perfect pattern we have in this great Prelate; who by abusing his profession, and making the business of State the customary subject of all his endeavors, became the Author of all the illegal and Tyrannicall proceedings in the Star-Chamber, High Commission Court, and other Courts; of all the Innovations in Doctrine and Discipline, of the suppressing of godly Ministers and preaching; of the advancing of others who were the promoters of Popery and Arbitrary power, and indeed of all the concussions and distractions in Church and State, whereby Religion hath been jus • ed out, Laws and Parliaments trodden down with contempt.
For matter of Religion, surely those times were happy when by the magnanimity of Princes, and the wisdom and piety of our Predecessors, that Antichristian Yoke of Popery was shaken off.
And now after so many bloody Massacres in France, such fiery persecutions here in Queen Mary's days, so many treacherous conspiracies in time of Queen Elizabeth, that execrable and horrid Powder-Plot in the late time of King James, such streams and Rivers of blood in Germany and Ireland, and other parts of the Christian world ever since, by those restless and cruel fire-brands of all mischief, for any man now to go about to rebuild these walls of Jericho, and to reduce us to those rotten principells of Error and Darkness, how can it be expected better, then that the people should be even ready to stone him, as they did him that did but Act the part of Bellerophon in Rome? But to avoid this danger, he conveys in this poison in a guilded Pill, with baits and pretences of Reconciliation; a pleasing snare, Laqueus Diaboli ad miserorum animas ad infernum detrudendas.
A beade Roll of particulars might be recited, wherein this Reconcilement was to be wrought in points of Free-will, Merits, Justification, Universal grace, Purgatory, and in effect, all the rest.
To draw on these, there must be an introducing of Popish Ceremonies in all the particulars contained in the Mass-Books, and Pontificalls themselves: and to make way for these, the Book of Sports must be published and pressed beyond the Kings intention or Declaration, which was but a civil Command: but he subjoins Ecclesiastical penalties, even the sharpest; suspension, deprivation and the like, these executed on diverse good and godly men with a high hand; Thus a liberty proclaimed not to Captives, but to profane Caitifes; this day set a part by God, ab eterno, exposed and prostituted to all looseness and irreligion, and that by a Law: This Lamb taken out of his bosom.
Jehoshaphat sends Priests & Levites into all the Cities & Tribes to instruct them; This Prelate sends Declarations and Injunctions to corrupt them, and to extinguish the Lamp and light of Religion: in the former Acts he destroys the Protestant, in this Religion it self: In the one, he leaves Superstition; in the other, nothing but Atheism, and Profaneness: in the one he destroys Presbyteros, as did Dioclesian, in the other Presbyterium, as did the Apostate Julian; Yet to show his love to Religion, (the Popes only.) he holds correspondency with those of Rome, Cardinal Barbarino, Panzani, Con, Rosetti, the Popes Nuntioes, Sir Toby Matthews, Saint Clara, Saint Giles, the most dangerous and desperate Jesuits, and many others ejusdem farina. And by all these steps and rounds he makes a Ladder for himself to clime up to the Papal dignity, in example of Anselm, whom (though famous, for his Contumacy and Rebellion) yet he calls him, His worthy Predecessor, (as was Becket also,) and is contented to take upon him the Plenitude of power, the title of holiness, of Arch-Angel of this Church, the lineal Successor of Gregory the first (rather of Gregory the seventh;) and for all this was well worthy to have those two great offers made him, recorded in his own Memorialls, by these that had ability to perform it, viz. A Cardinals Capp; but such was his modesty to forbear it, because though Rome be a true visible Church in his opinion, yet something dwelt with him, that hindered it, for a time, to wit, I suppose, his dwelling here.
For his attempts against the Laws, the Subjects birth-right, and the rights of Parliaments, their chief support, and refuge, how little regard he had to them, how much he did despise and abhor them, making it his Ambition to prefer the contemners and abusers of them, and to set up his own Canons and Constitutions above them, imposing of unjust and unlawful Oaths, Exactions, Monopolies, all sorts of oppressions, stopping of Prohibitions & course of Justice, rescinding of Acts of Parliament, advancing of Proclamations, and all kind of Arbitrary power above the Laws of God or man, is fully expressed in the Articles, and will more fully appear in the evidence. To conclude, Naaman was a great man, but he was a Leaper. This man's Leaprosy hath so infectted all, as there remains no other cure but the sword of Justice; which we doubt not but your Lordship will so apply, that the Commonwealth shall yet live again and flourish.
When Serjeant Wilde, had concluded his speech, the Archbishop humbly desired the Lord's, that he might have liberty to speak a few words to wipe of that dirt which had injuriously been cast upon him, that so he might not depart thence so foul a person as he had been rendered to their Lordships by the Articles. Which liberty being granted, he made a long premeditated Oration, which he held written in his hand. A true extract whereof (communicated by him in writing to divers of his friends) you have here subjoined.
My Lord's;
MY being in this place in this condition, recalls to my memory that w ch I long since read in Seneca,
And whatsoever the world think of me (and they have been taught to think much more ill of me, then, I humbly thank Christ for it, I was ever acquainted with,) yet, my Lord's, this I find, Tormentum est, tis no less than a torment to me, to appear in this place
Nay my Lord's, give me leave to speak plain truth; No senrence that can justly pass upon me (and other I will never fear from your Lordships) can go so near me, as Causam dicere, to plead for myself upon this occasion, and in this place.
For as for the Sentence, be it what it shall, I thank God for it; I am for it at Saint Paul's ward (Acts 25. 11.) If I have committed anything worthy of death, I refuse not to die: For I thank God, I have so lived, as that I am neither afraid to die not ashamed to live. But seeing the Malignity which hath been raised against me by some men, I have carried my very life in my hands these divers years past, But yet, my Lord's, if there be none of these things whereof they accuse me, though I may not in this Case, and from this Barre appeal unto Caesar, yet to your Lordships Justice and Integrity, I both may, and do; not doubting, but that God of his goodness will preserve my innocence.
And as Job in the midst of his affliction said to his mistaken Friends, so shall I to my Accusers; God forbid I should justify you; till I die I will not remove my Integrity from me, I will hold it fast and not let it go, my heart shall not reproach me as long as I live, Job 22. 5.
My Lord's, the Charge against me is brought up in ten Articles, but, the main heads are two: An endeavor to subvert the Laws of the Land, and the Religion established; Six Articles, (the five, first and the last) concern the Laws, and the other 4. Religion.
For the Laws, first, I think I may safely say, I have been, to my understanding, as strict an observer of them all the days of my life, so far as they concern me as any man hath; and since I came into place, I have followed them, and been as much guided by them as any man that sat where I had the honor to sit. And of this I am sory I have lost the testimony of the Lord Keeper Coventry, and other Persons of Honor since dead.
And the Council which attended at the Council Board can witness, some of them here present, that in all references to the Board, or debates arising at the Board, I was for that part of the cause, where I found Law to be: and if the Council desired to have the cause left to the Law, well I might move in some cases, Charity or Conscience to them; but I left them to the Law, if thither they would go; And how such a carriage as this through the whole course of my life in private and public, can stand, with an intention to overthrow the Laws, I cannot yet see.
Nay more, I have ever been of opinion, That Laws bind the conscience, and have accordingly made conscience of observing them: and this doctrine I have constantly preached as occasion hath been offered me; and how is it possible, I should seek to overthrow those Laws which I held myself bound in conscience to keep and observe?
As for Religion I was borne and bred up in and under the Church of England as it stands established by Law; I have, by God's blessing, grown up in it to the years which are now upon me, and to the place of preferment which I now bear.
I have ever since I have understood ought in my profession, kept one constant tenor in this my profession, without variation or shifting from one opinion to another, for any worldly ends: And if my conscience would have suffered me to do so, I could easily have slid through all the difficulties which I have pressed upon me in this kind, But of all diseases I have ever held a Palsy in Religion most dangerous; well knowing and remembering, that disease often ends in a dead Palsy.
Ever since I came in place, I have labored nothing more then that the external public worship of God (so much slighted in divers parts of this Kingdom) might be preserved & that with as much decency & uniformity as might be: for I evidently saw, that the public neglect of God's service in the outward face of it, and the nasty lyeing of many places dedicated to that service, had almost cast a damp upon the true and inward worship of God, which while we live in the body needs exteriall helps, and all little enough to keep it in any vigor. And this I did to the uttermost of my knowledge, according both to Law and Canon, and with the consent and liking of the people; nor did any command issue out from me against the one, or without the other.
Further my Lord's, give me leave, I beseech you, to acquaint you with this also, that I have as little acquaintance with Recusants, as I believe, any man of my place of England hath, or ever had sithence the Reformation; and for my kindred, no one of them was ever a Recusant, but Sir William Web, grandchild to my Vnkle Sir William Web, sometimes Lord Major of London, and since which some of his Children I reduced back again to the Church of England.
On this, one thing more I humbly desire may be thought on, That I am fallen into a great deal of obloquy in matter of Religion, and that so far (as appears by the Articles against me) that I have indeavored to advance and bring in Popery: Perhaps my Lord's, I am not ignorant what party of men have raised these scandals upon me, nor for what end, nor perhapps by whom set on; but howsoever, I would fain have a good reason given me, if my conscience stood that way and that with my conscience I could subscribe to the Church of Rome, what should have kept me here before my imprisonment to endure the libelling, and the slander, and the base usage that hath been put upon me, and these to end in this question for my life? I say, I would know a good reason for this.
First, my Lord's, is it because of any pledges I have in the world to sway me against my conscience? No sure, for I have neither Wife nor Children to cry out upon me to stay with them; And if I had, I hope the calling of my conscience should be heard above them.
Is it because I was loath to leave the honor and profit of the place I was risen too? Surely no, for I desire your Lordships and all the world should know, I do much scorn the one and the other, in comparison of my conscience. Besides, it cannot be imagined by any man, but that if I should have gone over to them, I should not have wanted both honor and profit; and suppose not so great as this I have here, yet sure would my conscience have served myself of either, less with my conscience would have prevailed with me, more than greater against my conscience.
Is it, because I lived here at ease, and was loath to venture the loss of that? not so neither; for whatsoever the world may be pleased to think of me, I have led a very painful life, and such as I would have been content to change, had I well known how; and would my conscience have served me that way, I am sure I might have lived at far more ease, and either have avoided the barbarous Libelling and other bitter grievous scorns which have been put upon me, or at least been out of the hearing of them.
Not to trouble your Lordships too long, I am so innocent in the business of Religion, so free from all practice, or so much as thought of practice for any alteration unto Popery, or any blemishing the true Protestant Religion established in England, as I was when my mother first bore me into the world; And let nothing be spoken but truth, and I do here challenge whatsoever is between Heaven or Hell, that can be said against me in point of my Religion, in which I have ever hated dissimulation. And had I not hated it, perhaps I might have been better for worldly safety then now I am: but it can no way become a Christian Bishop to halt with God.
Lastly, if I had any purpose to blast the true Religion established in the Church of England, and to introduce Popery, sure I took a wrong way to it; for, my Lord's, I have staid more going to Rome and reduced more that were already gone, then, I believe any Bishop or Divine in this Kingdom hath done; and some of them, men of great abilities, and some persons of great place; and is this the way to introduce Popery? My Lord's, if I had blemished the true Protestant Religion, how could I have brought these men to it? And if I had promised to introduce Popery, I would never have reduced these men from it.
And that it may appear unto Your Lordships how many, and of what condition the persons are, which by God's blessing upon my labors, I have settled in the true Protestant Religion established in England: I shall briefly name some of them, though I cannot do it in order of time, as I converted them.
Henry Berkinstead of Trinity College Oxford, seduced by a Jesuit and brought to London. (The Lord's and others conceiving him to be Berchinhead the Author of all the Libellous Popish Oxford Aulicusses, against the Parliament, at the naming of him smiled: which the Archbishop perceiving, said, My Lord's I mean not Berchinhead the Author of Oxford Aulicus, but another.)
Two Daughters of Sir Richard Lechford, in Surry, sent towards a NVNNERIE.
Two Scholars of Saint Johns College Cambridge, Toppin and Ashton; who had got the French Ambassadors pass, and after this I allowed means to Toppin, and then procured him a fellowship in Saint