A Sight of the Transactions of these Latter Years
The source for this document is https://quod.lib.umich.edu/e/eebo/A95898.0001.001
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
A Sight of y e Trans-actions of these latter years Emblemized with engraven plats which men may read without spectacles.
Are to be sold, by Thomas Ienner in his shop at the old Exhange
TIME
Isaiah▪ 54. • .
TRUTH
I will mention the Loving kindnesses of the Lord, and the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord hath bestoued on us, and the great goodness towards the house of Israel which he hath bestowed on them according to his 〈◊〉 ▪ and according to the multitude of his Louing kindnesses.
〈…〉
To the READER.
T Hou hast here (friendly Reader) a resolution to that riddle, which hath so puzzelled and amazed the whole Kingdom, between the main parties thereof, Parliamentarians and Royalists; namely, who hath been the cause, or what hath been the main spur or spring, of all the late and lamentable destractions and distresses of the three Kingdoms, England, Scotland, and Ireland, these five or six years past; even the very same efficient and instrumental cause that was of Israel's sore plague and punishment, 2 Sam. 24. Israel had sinned and provoked the Lord to anger, and God suffered Satan to provoke their King to sin grievously against God. So, England had grievously sinned, and God's wrath was thereby kindled, and therefore God suffered their King, and his prelatical, papistical, and malignant Subjects, soundly to whip and scourge, England, even to the fetching of blood out of its • oynes and sides; And here's I say, the riddle clearly resolved; All this Truth being in this little Emblematicall Treatise lively set forth, and illustrated with neat and pertinent pictures and figures, for the better affecting of the sight and sense of the Readers thereof, and especially for the full making out of the truth of what is therein delivered; viz, That the King, and his unhappy and unholy atheistical instruments, have been the main moving cause (next, I say, to our sins) of all the mischieves and miseries which we have all felt and found in this distressed Kingdom, only, or mainly, I say, for the driving on of that cruel and accursed design of bringing in an Arbitrary-Government upon this Free-born Nation, to the utter ruin and overthrow of their most precious Religion, and Liberties; as thou shalt easily and clearly see and discover, in this following Treatise and Relation.
A Sight of the Trans-actions of these latter years, Emblemized with Ingraven Plates, which men may Read without Spectacles.
1 Parliament.
1. IN the first year of King Charles his Reign, a Parliament being called at Oxford, two subsidies were granted, no grievances removed, but the said Parliament soon dissolved.
2. The sad effects which the dissolution of this Parliament produced, were the loss of Rochell, by the unhappy help of England's Ships.
3. The diversion of a most facile and hopeful war from the West-Indies, to a most expensive and successelesse attempt on Cales.
4. The bloody and unblessed attempt on the Isle of Ree, and thereby a precipitate breach of peace with France, to our great loss.
5. A peace concluded with Spain, without consent of a Parliament, contrary to a promise formerly made to the Kingdom by King James, a little before his death; whereby the Cause of the Palatinate was altogether most shamefully deserted by us.
6. The Kingdom suddenly billetted with Soldiers, and a concomitant project set on foot for Germane Horses to enforce men, by fear, to fall before arbitrary and tyrannical taxations, continually to be laid upon them.
2. Parliament.
7. The dissolution of a second Parliament at Westminster, in the second year after a declarative grant of no less than five Subsidies, and the said issues that flowed on the Kingdom thereupon.
8. As first, the violent exacting from the people of that mighty sum of the five Subsidies, or a sum, equal to it by a Commission for a Royal-Loan, as it was called.
9. Many worthy Gentlemen imprisoned and vexed, that refused to pay it.
10. Great sums of money extorted from Subjects by Privy Seals and Excises.
11. The most hopeful Petition of Right, blasted in the very blossom of it.
3 Parliament.
12. A third Parliament called, and quickly broken in the fourteenth year of the King, and therein Parliamentary privileges extremely violated by after ill-usage of some of the best and worthiest Members thereof, who were clapt up close prisoners, denied all ordinary and extraordinary comforts of life, and preservation of health, which might have proved perpetual to them, had not a fourth Parliament (which afterward happened) necessitated their relief and release.
13. And this third Parliament thus dissolved, O the miserable effects that followed thereon also.
14. Scandalous and opprobrious Declarations published to asperse and besmear the proceedings of this last Parliament, and some of the best Members thereof; yea, Proclamations set out to those effects, thereby extremely to dis-hearten the Subjects, yea, and plainly forbidding them once to name a Parliament, or to desire them anymore.
15. Whence, immediately gushed out (this damme of Parliaments thus being broken down) the violent inundations (even to a deluge of miseries) of mighty sums of money, got by that strange and straining project of Knight-hood; yet, under a fair color and pretence of Law for it, and for all the rest that followed.
16. As, the most burdensome Book of Rates; the most heavy and unheard of (till then) taxation of Ship-money; the enlargement of Forrests, contrary to Magna Charta; the injurious exaction of Coat and Conduct money; the forcible taking away of the Train'd-Bands Arms; the desperate design of engrosing Gunpowder into their hands, and keeping it fast from the Subject in the Tower of London, not to be had thence, but at most excessive rates.
17. The destruction of the Forest of Dean, that most famous Magazine, and Timber-storehouse of the whole Kingdom, which was sold to Papists.
18. The monstrous Monopolies of Sope, Salt, Wine, Leather, and Seacoal▪ yea almost of all things in the Kingdom of most necessary and common use.
19. Restraint of Subjects Liberties in their Trades and Habitations; for refusal of which foresaid heavy pressures, many were vext with long and languishing suites, some fined and confined to prisons, to the loss of health in many, of life in some; Some having their houses broke open, their goods seized on, their studies or closets searched for writings, books and papers to undo them; Some interrupted also in their Sea-Voyages, and their ships taken from them, in an hostile manner, by projectors, as by pirates, or common Enemies.
20. The crushing cruelties of the Star Chamber-Court, and Council Table, in those days, chiefly, for the fomenting and increasing of most exorbitant taxations, pressures, and unjust suites against the Subject.
21. Thus far for the miseries of the Common-wealth; now also for the Churches danger, and distress. The amazing miseries of the Subjects Consciences also, by the intolerable burden of Popish Ceremonies, Romish Innovations, and such like other outrages of the Arch-Prelate of Canterbury, and his Prelatical Agents and instruments, over the whole Kingdom, in matters of religion, Divine worship, and spiritual cases of Conscience.
22. The most palpable and abominable Romish Ceremonies used at the Kings Coronation, and insolent and impious, false and destructive additions in the Oath administered to the King, at his said first Inauguration to the Crown, by that most arrogant Arch-Bishop.
23. And the manifold other impious impositions in matters of religion, divine worship, and spiritual cases of Conscience; for refusing and opposing of which, how was the honest-hearted and tender-conscienced subject, grievously oppressed by fines, imprisonments, stigmatizings, mutilations, whippings, pillories, gagges, consinements and banishments; yea, and that, into perpetual close imprisonments in the most desolate, remote, and (as they hoped and intended) remorslesse parts of the Kingdom.
24. The putting down, yea, utterly ruinating of that most famous and honorable work, that ever this Kingdom saw, in a private way, for the advancement of God's glory in the propagation of the Gospel, I mean, the Feoff • es for buying in of Impropriations; Noy, the (then) Attorney-General, openly in Court, accusing that blessed work to be a worse plot against the Church (he meant the Prelatical Church sure,) than the Papists Powder plot.
25. The advancing (for the most part) none, to Ecclesiastical Dignities and Livings, but Arminians; yea, Popish-hearted Pontificians; Suspending and silencing with deprivations, degradations, and excommunications, almost all the most pious, painful and Orthodox-learned Pastors over the kingdom, whom they could catch in their snares, and all this under a pretence of peace, unity and conformity; in which foresaid cases, the High-Commission (like the Spanish -Inquisition) with its most pragmatical pranks, was, all along, most intolerable and abominable.
26. Printing-Presses, set open for the printing and publishing of all sorts of Popish and Arminian tenets; but, shut up and restrained from Printing, sound and Orthodox Doctrines.
27. Nay, not only thus lamentably molesting us at home in England; but attempting the like on our Brethren of Scotland, indevouring to impose upon their consciences also, a New Liturgye, and a book of Canons, upon the first introducing whereof into their Church, they not enduring them, threw stones and stools at the Arch-Bishop of St Andrew's head, and beat him out of the Church, crying out, a Pape, a Pape, and so rid themselves of them.
28. Upon which refusal of theirs, O what foul calumnies and scoffs were immediately cast upon them, and they called and counted rebels and Traitors; yea, so proclaimed in all Churches in England.
29. An Army was also raised to oppress and suppress them, for thus resisting the Arch-prelates most injurious impositions on them.
A mighty and tumultuous rising of Apprentices and young men in Southwarke and Lambeth side, with clubs and other weapons especially at the A • ch-bishops house, which put him into such a fright, as made him fly to Croyden, to convey himself to some more private and remote place, and although Pharaoh's magisians were so honest, that at the sight of the dust of the earth turned into lice, they cried out it was the finger of God, but he grew more and more outrageous, and caused one to be hanged and quartered, and his head set on London -Bridge.
30. Our Brethren of Scotland likewise raising an Army in their own just defense, and by force of arms, enforcing their own peace.
31. A first pacification being then made by the King, and some of his Nobility, and ratified under hand and Seal twixt them and the Scots; yet was it shortly after shamefully violated, and broken quite off by the Arch-prelate of Canterbury, and the Earl of Straford.
4. Parliament.
32. A fourth Parliament was thereupon shortly after called again, by those complotters means, but to a very ill intent, and another Parliament summoned also at the same time by the Earl of Straford in Ireland, both of them only to levy and procure monies to raise another Army, and wage a new War against the Scots;
33. The Ships and goods of our Brethren of Scotland, were, in all parts and ports of this kingdom, and of Ireland, also surprised and seized on for the King; their Commissioners denied audience to make their just defense to the King, and the whole kingdom of Scotland and England too, hereupon much distracted and distempered with leavying of monies, and imprisoning all among us that refused the same.
34. This Parliament also refusing to comply with the King, Cant, and Straf • rd in this Episcopal war against the Scots, was soon dissolved and broken up by them and thereupon they returned to their former ways of waste and confusion, and the very next day after the dissolution thereof some eminent members of both Houses, had their Chambers, and studies, yea their cabinets and very pockets of their wearing clothes (betimes in the morning before they were out of their beds) searched for letters and writings, and some of them also imprisoned, and a false and most scandalous declaration was published against the House of Commons in the Kings name.
35. A forced Loan of money was attempted in the City of London, to be made a president (if it prevailed there) for the whole kingdom, but some Aldermen refusing, were fo • ely threatened and imprisoned.
36. In which interim, the Clergies Convocation continuing (notwithstanding the dissolution of the Parliament) new conscience oppressing Canons were forged, and a strange Oath, with a monstrous &c▪ in it, was framed for the establishing of the Bishops Hierarchy, with severe punishments on the refusers to take it.
37. In this Convocation • ore taxations were also imposed upon the whole Clergy, even no less than six Subsidies, besides a bountiful contribution to forward that intended war against our brethren of Scotland.
The Arch-Prelate of S t Andrew's in Scotland reading the new Service-book in his pontificalibus assaulted by men & Women, with Crickets stools Sticks and Stones.
The rising of Prentises and Sea-men on Southwark side to assault the Arch-bishops of Canterburys House at Lambeth.
38. For the advancing of which said sums for this war, the popish pontifician party, and their scandalous priests were most free and forward; yea, and a solemn prayer was composed and imposed by the Bishops on their Ministers every where to be used and read in all Churches against the Scots, as rebels and traitors.
39. The papists also in a high measure enjoyed even almost a total toleration; and a Popes Nuncio suffered among us to act and govern all Romish affairs, yea a kind of a private popish-parliament kept in the kingdom, and popish jurisdictions erected among them.
40. Commissions were also (secretly) issued out for some great and eminent papists, for martial Commands, for levying of Soldiers, and strengthening their party with Arms and Ammunition of all sorts, and in great plenty.
41. His Majesty's treasure was by these means so extremely exhausted and his revenues so anticipated, that he was enforced to compel (as it were) his own Servants, Judges, and Officers of all sorts, to lend him great sums of money, a • d prisons filled with refusers of these and the other illegal payments; yea, many High-Sheriffs summoned into the Star-chamber, and to the Council-Board, and some of them imprisoned for not being quick enough in levying Ship-money, and such like intolerable taxations.
42. In sum, the whole kingdom was now brought into a lamentable and languishing condition of being most miserably bought and sold to any that could give and contribute most of might and malice against us, and no hope of human help, but dolour, desperation and destruction, to be the portion of all.
43. In which interim, our Brethren of Scotland being entered into our kingdom, for their own just defense, the King had advanced his Royal-Standard at York, where the cream of the kingdom, Nobles, and Gentry, being assembled, and a treaty twixt the prime of both Armies had at Rippon, for a fair and peaceable accommodation, the King was, at last, enforced to take his Nobles Counsel, and in the first place, a cessation of Arms agreed on; and then this fifth present Parliament, (the Parliament of Parliaments,) was necessitously resolved on to begin, November 3. 1640.
5 Parliament, Anno 1640. Novemb. 3.
44. But, behold, a desperate plot and design was herein also, immediately, set on f • ot, to • poyle or poison it in the very Embryo and constitution of it, in the first choice of the Members thereof, by Letters from the King, Queen, malignant and popish Earls, Lord's, Knights, and Gentry, posted into all parts of the kingdom, to make a str • ng party for them; But, by admirable divine providence, this their plot was • ounterplotted, and wonderfully frustrated, and the Parliament most 〈…〉 and 〈◊〉 .
45. Shortly after, a very formidable Spanish -Fleet, or Armad • , appeared on our English ••• row Seas, in fight of Dover, and was coming in (as was, on very st • ong grounds, more than probably conjectured) as a third party, to help to destroy 〈…〉 Spani • rds hoping▪ that by this time, we and the Scots were together by the • ar • ▪ but they were by God's mercy, beaten of • from us by our Neighbors of Holland. And so in fighting against them, we fought against our friends.
The Soldiers in their passage to York turn reformers, pull dow • popish pictures, break down rayles, turn alters into tables, and those popish Commanders, that were to command them, they forced to eat flesh on Fridays, thrusting it down their throats, and some they slew.
46 In the time of ours and the Scots Armies residing in the North, which was in June 1641. the Popish and malignant Lord's and Prelates, fearing the effects of this present Parliament, complotted together to disaffect that our English Army against the Parliament, and endeavored to bring it out of the North, Southward, and so to London, to compel the Parliament to such limits and rules at they thought fit.
The Soldiers in their passage to York turn unto reformers pull down Popish pictures, break down rayles, turn altars into Tables▪
the English and Scotts Armies at first ready to fight, lovingly embrace each other, & part kind friends,
July 1641.
At the beginning of the Parliament there was a diligent inquisition after oppressions, and oppress • rs, and first upon the petition of Mistress Bastwick and Mistress Bur • on, two widdowed wives, and a petition exhibited in the behalf of Mr. Prynne, Dr. Laighton, Mr. Smar • , Mr. Walker, Mr. Foxley, Mr. Lilborn, and many others, set at liberty, some being banished, and all close prisoners, others fast fettered in irons, and their wives debarred from coming to them.
The Protestation.
We the Knights, Citizens, and Burgesses of the Commons House in Parliament, finding, to the great grief of our hearts, that the designs of the Priests and Jesuits, and other adherents to the See of Rome, have of l • te been more boldly and frequently put in practice than formerly, to the undermining and danger of the ruin of the t • ue reformed Protest • nt religion, in his M • jesti • s Dominions established: And finding also that there have been, and having just cause to susp ••• that there still 〈◊〉 , even during this sitting in parliament, endeavors to subvert the fundamental Laws of England and Ireland, and to introduce the exercise of an Arbitrary and Tyrannicall Government, by most pernicious and wicked Councils, practices, plo •• , and conspiracies: And that the long intermission, and unhappy breach of Parliaments, hath occasioned many illegal Taxations, whereupon the Subject hath been prosecuted and grieved▪ And that divers • nnovations and Superstition • have been brought into the Church; multitudes driven • ut of his Majesty's Dominions, jealousies raised and f •• ented betwixt the King and his people a popish Army levied in Ireland, and two▪ • rmies brought into the bowels of this Kingdom, to the hazard of his Majesty's royal person, the consump • ion of the Revenues of the Crown, and Treasure of this Kingdom: And lastly, finding great cause of jealousy, that endeavors have been, and a • cused to bring the English Army into a misunderstanding of this Parliament, thereby to incline that Army, with force to bring to pass those wicked Councils, Have therefore thought good to join ourselves in a Declaration of our united affections and resolutions, and to make this ensuing Protestation.
• A. B. do • in the presence of Almighty God, promise, Vow, and protest, to maintain and defend, as far as lawfully I may, with my life, power, and esta • e, the true reformed protestant Religion, ••• ressed in the Doctrine of the Church of England, against all popery▪ and popish Innovations within this Realm, contrary to the same • octrine, and 〈…〉 duty of my Allegiance, his Majesty's royal Pe • son, Ho • our, 〈…〉 also the power and privileges of Parliament▪ 〈…〉 the Subject, and every person that maketh this Protestation, • n 〈◊〉 he shall do, in the lawful 〈◊〉 of the sa •• . 〈◊〉 to my power, and 〈…〉 as lawfully I 〈◊〉 , I will 〈◊〉 , and by all good way •• 〈…〉 to bring 〈…〉 punishment, all such as shall either by 〈◊〉 ▪ practice, Councils, pio •• , conspiracies or otherwise, do anything to the contrary of anything in this present protestation contained. And further, that I shall 〈◊〉 all just and Honorable ways endeavor to preserve the 〈◊〉 and peace between the three Kingdoms of England, Scotland and Ireland; and neither for hope, fear, nor other respect, shall relinquish this promise, Vow, and protestation.
The Earl of Straffords Speech on the Scaffold.
MY Lord Primate of Ireland, (and my Lord's, and the rest of these Gentlemen) it is a very great comfort to me, to have your Lordship by me this day, in regard I have been known to you a long time, I should be very glad to obtain so much silence, as to be heard a few words, but I doubt I shall not; my Lord, I come
The Ministers and people solemnly take the Protestation in all Churches over the Kingdom,
M r. Burton, D r . Bastwick & M r : Prinne▪ triumphantly from perpetual captivity▪ those 3 famous Wittnesses of Truth, return home to London, attended with thousands of horse and foot,
(My Lord) I profess myself a true and obedient Son to the Church of England, to that Church wherein I was born, and wherein I was bred; prosperity and happiness, be ever to it: and whereas it hath been said that I have inclined to popery, if it be an objection worth answering, let me say truly, that from the time since I was one and twenty years of age, till this hour, now going upon 49. I never had thought in my heart, to doubt of the truth of my religion in England: and never any had the boldness to suggest to me the contrary, to the best of my remembrance; and so being reconciled to the mercies of Christ Jesus my Savior, into whole bosom I hope shortly to be gathered, to those eternal happiness that shall never have end. I desire heartily the forgiveness of every man, both for any rash or unadvised word, or deed, and desire your prayers: And so my Lord's farewell, farewell all the things of this world: Lord strengthen my faith, give me confidence and assurance in the merits of Christ Jesus. I desire you that you would be s • lent and join in prayers with me; and I tr • st in God that we shall all meet, and live eternally in heaven, there to receive the accomplishment of all happiness, where every tear shall be wiped from our eyes, and every sad thought from our hearts: And so God bless this kingdom, and Jesus have mercy upon my Soul. Amen.
47. For the advancing of which design, the Earl of Straford, then prisoner in the Tower, attempted an escape, with Sir William Belfore, then Lieutenant of the Tower, promising and assuring him twenty thousand pound, and the marriage of
The Earl of Strafford for treasonable practices beheaded on the Tower-hill▪
S r . Francis Windebank, S r . John Finch, the Lord Digbie, Iermin etc: fly for their lives beyond sea,
48. Then, they attempted by foul and false scandals on the Parliament, to entice the Army of the Scots, (then, still in the North) to a newtral • ty, and to sit still whiles our English army acted the farther designs hatched and hammered still in their heads and hearts, but this plot prevailed not neither.
Anno 1641. Octob. 23.
49. About this time, that most horrid and inhumane bloody rebellion and monstrous massacring of almost 200000 innocent English Protestants, men, women, and children, b • ache out in Ireland, namely, about October 23. 1641. (This also being a main branch of this most mischievous design against this Parliament, by God's wonderful power) and providence, so firmly fixed and settled, that they knew not how to ruinate it) those accursed Rebels having had their principal encouragements and Commissions to authorize them in that horrid and hideous rebellion from the Court of England, and of purpose to have made England the chief seat of the war, and of all the papists, prelates, and malignants utmost wrath and rage.
50. For the still effecting, and underhand working on, of this wicked design, the malignant party in private, much prevailing still; the design now went on, chiefly against the City of London, for which purpose, the Lieutenant of the Tower, Sir William Belf • re, was (for his loyalty) displaced by the King from his Leivtenantship, and popish Lord Cott •• g • on, made Constable of the Tower; but his dangerous designs being soon discovered, he was as soon displaced; and Colon • ll Lunsford, was made Lieutenant of the Tower; But, he also by the Parliaments petition and importunity to the King, was displaced; and Sir John Byron, a desperate malignant (who afterward proved the most bloody Lord • yr • n in 〈◊〉 ) was made Lieutenant of the Tower, in Lunsfords stead, but he also, on many just jealousies being petitioned against, was at length, with much ado removed and put out thence, and Sir John Conyers, by the power of the Parliament, was put in his place.
To the Kings most excellent Majesty, and the Lord's and Peers now assembled in Parliament.
The humble Petition and Protestation of all the Bishops and Prelates now 〈◊〉 by His Majesty's Writs to attend the Parliame • t, and present abou • London and Westminster for that Service.
THat whereas the Petitioners are called up by several and respective Writs, and under great penalties to attend the Parliament, and have a clear and indubitable right to vo • e in Bills, and other matters whatsoever debatable in parliament, by the ancient customs, Laws, and Statutes of this Realm, and ought to be protected by your Majesty, quietly to attend and prosecute that great Service. They humbly remonstrate and prot • st before God, your 〈◊〉 , and the Noble Lord's and Peers now assembled in Parliament, that as they have an indubita • e right to sit and Vote in the House of Lord's; so are they, if they may be protected from force and violence, most ready and willing to perform their duties accordingly. And that they do abominate all actions or opinions tending to Popery, and the maintenance thereof; as also all propension and inclination to any malignant party, or any other side or party whatsoever, to the which their own reasons and conscience shall not move them to adhere. But, whereas they have been at
The High Commission-Court and Starr-Chamber voted down, and pluralities & non residencies damned by Parliament.
The Queen-Mother sent away by Sea, and the Capuchine Friars & Priests expel'd from Somersett House▪ beyond Sea.
several times violently menaced, affronted and assaulted by multitudes of people, in their coming to perform their services in that honorable House, and lately chased away, and put in danger of their lives, and can find no redress or protection, upon sundry complaints made to both Houses in these particulars. They likewise humbly protest before your Majesty, and the Noble House of Peers, that saving unto themselves all their rights and interests of sitting and voting in that House at other times, they dare not sit or vote in the House of Peers, until your Majesty shall further secure them from all affronts, indignities and dangers in the premises. Lastly, whereas their fears are not built upon phantasies and conceits, but upon such grounds and objects as may well terrify men of good resolutions, and much constancy. They do in all duty and humility protest before your Majesty, and the Peers of that most honorable House of parliament, against all Laws, Orders, Votes, resolutions, and determinations, as in themselves null, and of none effect, which in their absence, since the 27 of this instant month of December 1641. have already passed; as likewise against all such as shall hereafter pass in that most honorable House, during the time of this their forced and violent absence from the said most honorable House; not denying, but if their absenting of themselves were willful and voluntary, that most honorable House might proceed in all their premises, their absence, or this protestation notwithstanding. And humbly beseeching your most excellent Majesty to command the Clerk of that House of Peers to enter this their petition and protestation among their Records.
Jo. Eborac. Tho. Duresme, Rob. Co. Li • h. Jos. Norw. Jo. Asa. Guli. Ba. & Wells Geo. Heref. Rob. Owon. Ma. Eli. Godfr. G lonc. Jo. Peterburg. Morris Landaff.
51. None of all these plots, yet, prevailing against the Parliament, neither in generals nor particulars, they yet, persist to plot and attempt against it; and about this time found occasions, craftily and causelessly (in secret) to foment many jealousies and jars, to dis-joint both Houses of Parliament, within themselves; thereby at least, to obstruct and retard their (then) most weighty, and great affairs in Church and State.
52. The Bishops also themselves had a pestilent plot about this time, to subvert and overthrow the Parliament, by endeavoring to get the King to protest against their proceedings in it; But twelve of them were thereupon presently impeached of high treason, and • en of them imprisoned in the Tower of London, and, afterward, they were all disabled from ever • itting again in the Parliament.
Bishops Voted down root and branch: Nullo contradiscente, insomuch that the Citizens of London the same night, made bonfires, and had ringing of bells. And for the better securing the City within, as well as without, the Parliament published an Ordinance, thereby enjoining all Popish Recusants, inhabiting in and about the City, all dis affected persons, and such as being able men, would not lend any money for the defense of the Commonwealth, should forthwith con • ine themselves to their own houses, and not to go 〈◊〉 without special license, as they would answer it at their 〈◊〉 , to the Parliament.
Another Ordinance was sent to the Lord mayor, by which the Trained Bands were authorised to apprehend many of the prime and richest malignants, dis • affected persons in the City, whereof were four Aldermen put in safe custody, in Crosby house, and some in Gressan College.
The Bishops imprisoned in the Tower of London for protesting against the Parliament,
Popish Recusants disarmed, for the great security of the kingdom,
53. About which time, a most wicked fellow sent to Mr. John Py •• (a most pious Patriot of his Country, and then a most eminent member of the House of Commons) a most reviling Letter, therein calling him traitor, and in the said Letter enclosed a plague-sore plaster, thinking thereby to have destroyed him, But, God mightily preserved him from the infection of it.
54. After this, the King himself (being guarded with about 500 armed, ruffi • nly desperate Cavaliers or Soldiers) violently rushed into the House of Commons, accused five of their most eminent and pious members of treason, demanded their persons to be delivered up unto him, intending to destroy all that resisted him therein; but this plot was blessedly crossed, by the happy absence of the Gentlemen; this plot was attempted, Jan. 4. 1641.
Anno 1642.
55. After this, one Binion, a Silkman of London; and the Kentish Malignants, wherein Sir Edward Deering, had a principal hand, framed dangerous and destructive petitions against the proceedings of the Parliament; but were both most justly rejected, and themselves fined and imprisoned for them.
56. Immediately after this, things grew still, worse and worse among the malignants, the King himself in unjust discontent (by the desperate and wicked counsel of that pernicious Cataline, the young Lord Digby) forsakes the Parliament, and getting the Prince to him, leaves London and presently posts into the North, and there attempts to get Hull into his hands, but was happily prevented and bravely opposed by Sir John Hotham, then, in that time of his outward and seeming fidelity.
57. The King being • at York, interdicts the Militia, then, set on foot, by the Parliament, for their just safety and defense; endeavoring to remove the Term from the City of London, but in both is opposed by the Parliament.
58. The Lord's and Gentry of Ireland, and of Scotland too, petition the King, to return to his Parliament, yea and the Gentry and Commons of Yorkshire do the like, but are all rejected.
59. The King set on foot a most illegal Commission of Array, to clash against the Parliaments Militia, which occasioned much mischief and misery over the whole kingdom, but the Parliaments Militia prevailed in most places and parts of the land.
60. Three letters were intercepted, discovering a most desperate plot against the Parliament by the Ro •• lists, Commissary Wilmot, Digbie, Jermine, • rofts, and others, which by God's mercy failed them and came to nothing, but we in taking some of th • ir ships were advantaged thereby.
61. Sir Richard Gurney, then Lord May • r of the City of London, proving a desperate malignant and Array man, was crossed in his desires, and clapt up prisoner in the Tower of London, by the power of the Parliament.
62. 〈…〉 and Decla •••••• against the Parliaments proceedings were Printed and published and commanded to be read in all the Churches and Chapels over the whole kingdom, within the Kings power.
63. Sir John Penington, a brave Seaman, but a desperate malignant, was constituted Admiral of the Seas, for the Kings service, but displaced and dispossessed thereof by the Parliament; and the most noble and loyal Earl of Warwick (notwithstanding the Kings Letter and command to interdict him therein, and to give way to Penington) being put in by the power and authority of the Parliament, and possessed of the Ships, most happily and honourably kept and continued in the place and office for the Parliaments service.
64. Hull having been long besieged by that most mischievous and atheistical Marquess of Newcastle, for the King; and in that interim, one Beckwith a known Papist, plotting to have betrayed it, by firing it in four several places and then assaulting
a Letter sent to M r Pym, M r . Pym, do not think that a guard of men can protect you if you persist in your traitorous Courses and wicked designs, I have sent a Paper-m • ssenger to you, and if this does not touch your heart, a dagger shall so soon as I am recovered of my plague-sore. In the mean time you may be forborne▪ because no better man may be endan • gered for you▪ Repent, Traitor
Colonel Lunfford assaulting the Londonens at Westminster Hall, with a great rout of ruffinly Cavaleires
The Citizens • f London voluntarily prof • ered their service to attend and guard the Parliament by Lan to Westminster, to secure them from danger.
By Water also the stout Shipmasters and mariners, likewise made ready a great number of long • Boats, furnished with Ordnance, muskets, and other Sea-like warlike instruments, their vessels also gallantly adorned with flagges and S • r • mers, together with martial music, Drums and Trumpets, so as it was a rare sight, and when they came to White Hall, and understood that the Parliament Wor • hies were safely arrived, the Trained Bands by Land, and the valiament Seamen by Water, let fly their thundering shot both small and great, their Trumpets sounding, and their Drums beating, in a triumphing and congratulating manner, a singular testimony of their cordial affections.
The very same day, a numerous company of Buckinghamshire men, both Gentlemen, Ministers, and others of that Country on horseback, with their Protestations in their hats, partly in behalf of their Knight of the shire, but especially to petition the Parliament, for Reformation of evils in Church and State, and to assure their best services and assistance to the Parliament, on all just occasions, and out of Essex, Hartford, Barkeshire, Surrey, and other Counties of the Kingdom came, one after another.
65. The most noble and right honorable Earl of Essex was ordained Lord General over all the Parliaments Forces, for the preservation of the kingdom, which he famously and faithfully managed and marshalled, as especially Edge-hill and Newbery, and other places can abundantly witness.
66. A plot to have blown up all the Lord Generalls Magazine of powder; and another at Beverley in Yorkshire, to have slain Sir John Hotham both intended by one David Alexander, and hired thereunto, but both, by God's providence timely prevented.
67. Commissions granted to popish Recusants to levy men and arms against the Parliament; but the Parlia: published a Declaration or Protestation to the whole world, of their just proceedings therein.
68. The King received the most bloody Irish rebels petition, and permitted their persons with great favor and allowance about him; calling, and counting them good Catholic Subjects; but utterly rejecting the Parliaments petition, (exhibited by the Lord General) desiring peace and reconciliation with him.
69. A Treaty of peace was really intended by the Parliament, but merely pretended and fraudulently for a while, transacted by the Royalists; in which interim, that most bloody bickering at • rainf •• d, was most treacherously committed by the Kings party, and a most wicked piece of villainy c •• yed on therein, but (though with much loss on both sides, but especially on theirs) by God's great mercy the mischief prevented, and the City of London mightily preserved.
70. A dangerous plot against the kingdom, • n new High-Sheriffs, for the better collecting of the 400000 〈◊〉 . Subsidies, intended to have been confirmed to the King in a former Parliament; but, that plot 〈◊〉 by the Parliament providence, and an Ordinance of Parliament set on foot for the successful Association of Counties for mutual defense one of another, against regal injurious taxations and oppressions on them.
71. A wicked design of the Royalists at Oxford and elsewhere, to proceed against the Parliaments prisoners, as traitors, and so to put them to death; by which Dr. Bastwick, and Captain Lilburn, were to have been tried for their lives; but prevented by an Ordinance of Parliament for execution of a Le • Ta •• onis, and so of executing the Royal prisoners among us.
The City Trained Bands, and the brave Sea-men with Barges and Long-boates adorned with streamers drums & trumpets, and furnished with Ship-guns, & other Warrlike instruments, guard the Lord's & Commons safely to Parl: by land & Water.
The County of Buckingham Cometh to London the very same day of the Lord's & Com̄ons so guarded▪ with their Petition to the Parl: Carrying the Protestation on their slaves on horseback, and the Counties of Essex, Hertford, Barkshire, Surrey, & others▪ followed them▪ in like manner, shortly after.
Anno 1643.
72. A notable plot against the City of London, immediately upon the Cities prefe •• ing a petition to the King, by the hands of two trusty Aldermen, and four Commoners of the said City, in reply to which petition, the King sending as his messenger, one Captain Hern to the City, and the whole body of the City assembling at a Common Hall, this Hern desires Faire-play above-board of them; But the business being found to be a notable design of the malignant-Citizens against the Parliament and the (then) Lord Mayor of London, and the Government of their City, the honest, and far major party, cry out in the hearing of Hern, they would live and die with the Parliament, and so sent Hern away with a flea in his care.
73. Another plot immediately after, contrivedat Oxford, by a Letter sent to all the Freemen, Journeymen and Apprentices, of the said City to assemble at their several Halls; and there the Masters and Wardens of all Companies to read the Kings Letter to them, and to persuade them to yield to all the Kings comemands against the Parliament and City; but this letter was nipped and crossed also in the neck and nick of it, and voted by the Parliament to be evil and scandalous.
74. A plot also to betray Bristol into the Royalists hands by one Yeomans and Bowch • r, and divers other their associates; but by God's mercy the plot being timely discovered, and the danger avoided, those two principal conspirators were by Martial Law condemned, and hanged, and so the plot utterly frustrated.
75. Cheapeside cross, Charing-cross, and all other crosses, in and about London, utterly demolished and pulled down, and that abominable and blasphemous book of tolerating sports and pastimes on the Lord's days, voted to be burnt, and shortly after accordingly burnt, together with many crucifixes and popish trinckets and trurnperies, in the very same place where Cheapeside-cross stood.
76. M. Prynne sent by the Parliament to the Tower of London, to search the Arch prelate of Canterburies▪ chamber and Study there, where he was prisoner, who accordingly searching his Study, and his pockets of his wearing clothes (a just requital of his dealing with Mr. Prynne and others) found the original Scotch Service-book, with the Arch • Bishops own hand-writings in it, the cause of all the Scots wars; and his Diary, Devotions, and discoveries under his own hands of matters of high concernment.
77. The City of London to have been betrayed into the hands of the Royalists, under a pretence of a petition for peace, plotted by Mr. Waller, a member of the House of Commons, M. Tompkins, Mr. Challenor, and others; and this wicked plot, te • med by King Charles in his letter to the Queen, one of his Fine Designes; But God manifested th •• to be wicked and accursed Designes; and Waller on • of the prime complotters, was by the sentence of the Parliament fined 10000 li. in his estate, and sent out of the kingdom into perpetual banishment, and Tompkins and Challenor hanged in London.
78. The breaking out of Sir John Hothams rotten-heart and infidelity to the Parliament, in his intended and 〈◊〉 pl • t▪ for the betraying of that mighty strong Town of Hull into the Queens hands, which treachery was plotted and contrived between Sir John the father, Captain Hotham his son, and Sir Edward Roades, and began to be suspected, by Sir John Hothams deserting of the most noble Lord Fairfax, by an intercepeed letter of the Queens to the King, and divers other sumptomes of it, but especially by Captain Moyers letter to Mr. Ripley, and Mr. Ripley's faithful acquainting the Mayor of Hull therewith, and their first seizing on the Block-houses, Castles, and Commanders of them, and at length their apprehending of the persons of Sir John Hotham, and Sir Edward Roads, for which treachery Sir John Hotham and Captain Hotham his Son was also apprehended, and both of the •• beheaded at the Tower of London.
The 2 of May▪ 1643. y e Cross in Cheapeside was pulled down▪ a Troope of Horse & 2 Companies of foot waited to garde it & at y e fall of y e tope Cross drum̄es beat truēpets blew & multitudes of Capes wayre thrown in y e Air▪ & a great Shoute of People with joy, y e 2 of May the Almanake saith, was y e invention of the Cross, & 6 day at night was the Leaden Popes burnt▪ in the place where it stood with ringinge of Bells, & a great Acclamation & no hurt done in all these actions.
10 of May the Boocke of Sportes upon the Lord's day was burnt by the Kingman in the place where the Cross s •• ode, & at exhange▪
Die Merturii; May 10. 1643.
By virtue of an Order of the House of Commons, and agreeable to a Bill passed by both Houses of Parliament, for suppressing of divers innovations in Churches and Chapels, this Committee doth require you, and every of you, to take away and demollish every Altar or Table of Stone within your Church or Chapel, and to remove the Communion Table from the East end of the said Church or Chapel, and to place the same in some other convenient place of the body of the said Church or Chapel, and to remove and take away all Tapers, Candlesticks, and Basons from the Communion Table, and to take away and demolish all crucifixes, Crosses, and all Images and Pictures of any one or more persons of the Trinity, or of the Virgin Mary, and this Committee doth further require you to demollish all crucifixes, Crosses, Images or Pictures of any one or more persons of the Trinity, or of the Virgin Mary, upon the outside of your said Church or Chapel, or in any open place within your Parish. Whereof you are to give an account to this Committee, before the 20 day of this present month.
79. A desperate plot for the betraying of the City or Town of Lincoln, by the two Purfries, two Captains of Hull, who let in 60 Cavaliers by night in disguised habits, and who issuing out about 12 of the clock that night, to act their design, where a plain fellow of the Town discharging a piece of Canon upon them, slew 10 of them at one shot the rest slain and taken by the centinels and Soldiers of the town, and so by God's mercy the City preserved.
80. The Queen wrote a dangerous letter to the King, to come with all his forces to surprise London; but by God's over-pouring wisdom and good providence, the King refusing that counsel resolved to take Gloucester first, which he fiercely assaulted, but was as bravely repulsed, and by God's blessing on Major General Mas • ies fidelity, and magnanimity of spirit, timely aide coming to relieve the Town, it was admirably freed, and by the Lord Generalls Army, and the City of London's Regiments, delivered.
81. A desperate rebellion raised by the Ke • tish malignants, but by God's mercy timely suppressed about Tunbridge, by the valor of Colonel Brown, and the well-affected Gentry of the County of Kent.
82. A Ship bound from Denmark to the King, of about 300 t • n, richly laden with arms and 〈◊〉 ; another Ship bound from Newcastle to Holland, laden with 〈…〉 , but in the midst thereof 〈…〉 between 3 and 4000 li. hid in the 〈…〉 to buy arms for the King; and a third great ship called the Fellowship, 〈…〉 least 400 tun, carrying 24 pieces of Ordnance, all these 3 ships taken by the Parliaments ships, and made prize of.
83. The coming in of our brethren of Scotland with an army of at least 20000 horse and foot, invited thereunto by the Parl: in the bitter depth of winter, when they marched up to the middle in snow, and were forced to bring their Artillery over the ice of the frozen river of Tyne, and the Citizens of London lent the Parliament a 100000 li. for the Scots first pay, to encourage their advance to help us against the Kings forces.
On Tuesday the 23 of May, 1643.
The House of Commons diving into the depth and searching to the root of the kingdoms great and grievous distractions, and deep distempers, and finding that all Papists in the kingdom, have (for the most part) been main and most eminent;
23. May. 1643. Voted that y e Queen Pawning the Jewels of y e Crown in Holland & there with buying Arms to assist the Warr against y e Par • a •• & her own actual performances with her popish army in the North was high Treason & transmited to the Lord's▪ images. Crucifixes papist • call books in Somerset and • am ••• s • are burnt and Capuchin friers sent away
May: 1643. an ordinance for the making of Fortes, Trenches, and Bull works, about the City, July. 1: 43. the Assembly of Divines m • tt, D r . •• iss Prolocutor. 120: the total May. • 3. Challenor and Tomkins were hangd for seekeing to betray the City.
The Bishop of Canterburies first prayer on the Scaffold, 10 Janua. 1644.
O Eternal God and merciful Father, look down upon me in mercy, in the riches and fullness of all thy mercies, look upon me, but not till thou hast nailed my sins to the cross of Christ, look upon me; but not till thou hast hathed me in the blood of Christ, not till I have hid myself in the wounds of Christ, that so the punishment that is due to my sins may pass away and go over me and since thou art pleased to try me to the uttermost, I humbly beseech thee, give me now in this great instant, full patience, proportionable comfort, a heart ready to die for thine honor, and the Kings happiness, and this Churches preservation, and my zeal to these, far from arrogancy be it spoken, is all the sin, human frailty excepted, and all incidents thereunto, which is yet known of me in this particular, for which I now come to suffer, I say in this particular of Treason, but otherwise my sins are many and great, Lord pardon them all, and those especially whatsoever they b • which 〈…〉 this present judgment upon me, and when thou hast given me strength 〈…〉 it, then do with me as seems best in thine own eyes • nd ca •• y me through death, that I may look upon it in what visage soever it shall appear 〈…〉 and that there may be a step of this issue of blood in this more then miserable 〈…〉 ▪ I shall desire that I may pray for the people too, as well as for myself▪ 〈…〉 thee give grace of repentance to all people that h • ve a thirst for b •••• , but if they will not 〈…〉 it device • so, and such as are or shall be contrary to the glory of thy great 〈◊〉 , the truth and sincerity of Religion, the establishment of the King, and his posterity after him, in their just rights and privileges, the honor and conservation of Parliaments, in their ancient and just power, the preservation of this poor Church, in her truth, peace, and patrimony, and the settlement of this distracted, and distressed people, under the ancient laws, and in their native liberties, and when thou hast done all this in mercy for them, O Lord, fill their hearts with thankfulness, and with religious dutiful obedience to thee and thy Commandments all their days: So Amen, Lord Jesus, and I beseech thee receive my soul to mercy. Our Father, &c.
S r Alexander Caro •• . S r . John Hotham, Capt • n Hotham & the Arch Bishop of Canterbury, beheaded on To • erhill for Treason against y e Parliament 1645.
The Great Seal broken before the Lord's and Commons on Tusday the 11. August 1646
The Bishop of Canterburies last Prayer on the Scaffold.
Lord, I am coming as fast as I can, I know I must pass through the shadow of death, before I can come to see thee, but it is but um • ra mortis, a mere shadow of death, a little darkness upon nature, but thou by thy merits and passion hast broke through the jaws of death; so, Lord, receive my soul and have mercy upon me, and bless this kingdom with peace and plenty, and with brotherly love and charity, that there may not be this effusion of Christian blood amongst them, for Jesus Christ his sale, if it be thy will. And when he said, Lord receive my soul, which was his sign, the Executioner did his office.
84. A desperate plot of the Royalists to starve up the City of London, by breaking into Surrey, Sussex, Kent, and the other associated Counties, but disappointed by the Parliaments Victories at Ault • n and Als •• rd, fought by Sir Will: Waller, with the help of the City of London's regiments; and the Royalists plots to hinder our brethren of Scot •• coming in to our help, by letters and Ambassadors sent from France, and messengers from King Charles to inveigle them to keep from us; but all in vain by God's good providence and mercy to us.
85. The King gran •• d a cessation of arms with the bloody rebels of Ireland, and afterward justified it by a Declaration of his, printed and published at Oxford; but it was remarkably observed, that he never prospered in any of his great designs after that.
86. A Solemn League and Covenant taken by the Lord's and Commons in Parliament, and by the City of London, and all parts of the kingdom, in the Parliaments power, for a pure reformation of Religion and Church-Government, and a mutual defense betwixt us and our brethren of Scotland.
87. A notable plot by the Royalists to have Nottingham town & Castle, betrayed unto them, the Officers therein being proffered above 10000 li. to consent to it; but prevented by God's mercy in the fidelity of Colonel Hutchinsou, who was then the Governor thereof.
88. A General plot against the Protestant Religion over all Christendom, and the Danes and Holl • nde •• also, but God wrought a mighty overture therein by the sudden breaking out of the Danes plot against the Swedes, and their over-running almost all D • nmark thereupon.
89. A desperate plot against the City of London, under a pretence of petitioning for peace, acted by Sir 〈◊〉 Brook, Colonel Read, and one Mr. Riley, & Vilet, 2 Citizens of London 〈…〉 , but by God's providence discovered and prevented.
1645.
90. Two 〈…〉 the betraying of Milsbury into the Royalists hands; and another against 〈…〉 all then by God's mercy timely discovered also and prevented.
91. One Mr. Edward S •• nford, a Papist, plotted with Captain Backhouse a Capt. of Horse, under Colonel Mass • e▪ for the be • • aying of the City of Gloucester into the Enemies hands, and pr • ffered 5000 li. for a reward thereof, 200 li. whereof was paid in hand to the said Captain, but by God's providence the plot frustrated, and Gloucester safely preserved.
92. England's great wonder to God's glory, there being (about May 30. 1644.) six brave armies in the kingdom, on the Parliaments side, and other forces for defense of the City of London, besides.
93. A plot to have betrayed our whole Army in Cornwall in the West, but by God's blessing most of the Soldiers lives were preserved, though with the loss of our Artillery.
94. Sir Alexander Carew, Sir John Hotham, Captain Hotham, and the Arch-prelate of Canterbury beheaded on Tower-Hill for treason against the Parliament.
95. A peace only pretended by the royalists at Uxbridge, and a treacherous petition framed by the malignants of Buckingham shire, wherein one Sir John Lawrence of that County was a great stickler, but the mischief of both was frustrated.
96. A desperate assault on Melcomb-Regis, to have betrayed it into the royalists hands, wherein divers of the malignant Townsmen had a principal hand, and Colonel Goring, and Sir Lewis Dives, were agents therein, but by God's blessing the plot was frustrated, the Town and Forts recovered, and two ships with rich prize from Rhoan in France, were seized on to make amends for their trouble.
1645.
97. Divers Earls and Lord's forsook Oxford, and came in and submitted themselves to the Parliament.
98. A desperate plot in the West against the Parliament, by the Clubmen, but by God's providence turned to the Enemies greatest hurt in the issue.
99. A devilish sudden plot upon Scotland, which was almost over run, by traitorous Montrosse; but as suddenly recovered again, by God's blessing on General David Lesley, and Montrosse discomfitted and beaten away into the mountains.
1646.
100. A Discovery of gross impiety in the Oxonians, pretending a desired treaty with the Parliament, for a well-grounded peace, and yet at that time the Earl of Glamorgan, had a Commission to the ruin of all the protestants in Ireland, and so consequently of us in England also.
101. The great Seal broken before the Lord's and Commons, on Tuesday the 11, of August, 1646.
The Speech of the Lord Louthe • , Chancellor of Scotland, to the King at Newcastle, July, 1646.
YOur Majesty was pleased on Monday last to call the Lord's of Your Council and Committee, to acquaint them with the Propositions, and told them before you would deliver Your Answer, You would make the same known to them: The time assigned to the Commissioners stay is so short, and the consequence of your Majesty's Answer of so great importance, either for the perservation or ruin of Your Crown, and Kingdoms, as we could not be answerable to God, nor to that Trust reposed in us, unless we represent to your Majesty how necessary it is that your Majesty assent to the Propositions as the condition of affairs now standin so great extremity, and that the danger and loss of your refusal will be remediless, and bring on a sudden ruin and destruction.
I shall begin first with the last, which is the danger and shall next speak a word of the remedy.
The differences betwixt your Majesty and your Parliament (which no man knoweth better than your Majesty's self,) are grown to such a height, that after many, bloody battles, the Parliament having your Majesty, all the Forts, Garr •• o • s, and strong holds in their hands, having your Majesty's Revenue, Excise, Assessements, Sequestrations, and the Authority to raise all the men and money in the Kingdom, and having, after many victories and great successes, a strong Army on Foot, are now in such a posture for strength and power: they are in a capacity to do what they will, both in Church and State. And some are so afraid, and others so unwilling to submit themselves to your Majesty's Government, that they desire not you, nor any of your Race, longer to reign over them: But the people are so weary of the War, and great burdens they do groan under, are so loath to have Monarchical Government destroyed, that they are not attempt to cast it totally off, till once they send Propositions of Peace to your Majesty, least the people (without whose concurrence they are not able to carry on their design) should fall from them; but after so great War and trouble, that they may have a perfect security from opposition and Arbitrary power, they have resolved upon the Propositions, which are tendered to your Majesty, as that without which the Kingdom and your people cannot be in safety, and that there cannot be a firm peace upon any other terms.
Your Majesty's friends in the Houses, and the Commissioners from Scotland, (after much wrasling) did consent to the sending of those Propositions, or to be • ated the hunderers of peace, or other ways to send no Propositions at all.
And now Sir, if your Majesty (as God forbid) shall refuse to assent to the Propositions, You will lose all Your friends in the Houses, lose the City, and all the Country. And all England will join against you as one man; they will process and depose you, and set up another Government; they will charge us to deliver your Majesty to them, and to tender their Garrisons, and remove our Armies out of England, and upon your Majesty's refusal of the propositions, both Kingdoms will be constrained for their mutual safety, to agree and settle Religion and peace without You, which (to our unspeakable grief) will ruin your Majesty and your posterity, and if your Majesty refuse our faithful advice (who desire nothing on Earth more than the preservation of your Majesty's Royal Throne.) And if your Majesty lose England by your willfulness, You will not be permitted to come and reign in Scotland.
Sir, we have laid our hands upon our hearts, we have asked Counsel and direction from God, and have had our most serious thoughts upon the remedy, but can find no other to save your Crown and Kingdoms, than your Majesty's assenting to the propositions, and dare not say but they are higher in some things, (if it were in our power and option to remedy) than we approved of, but when we see no other means for curing the distempers of the Kingdoms, and closing the breach between your Majesty and your Parliament, our most humble and safe advise is, your Majesty will be graciously pleased to assent to them as the only way to establish your Throne; because your Majesty shall be thereby received again in your Parliament, with the applause and acclamations of your people, by your Royal presence all friends will be strengthened, and all Enemies, (who fear nothing so much as the granting the propositions) will be weakened; your Majesty will have a fit opportunity hereafter, to offer such propositions as You and your Parliament in wisdom shall think fit, for your Crown and Kingdom, the Armies will be disbanded, and your people finding the sweet fruit of a peaceable Government: you will gain their hearts and affections, and that will be your Majesty's strength and glory, and will recover all that you have lost in this time of tempest of trouble.
And if it please God to incline your Royal heart to this advise of your humble, and faithful servants, who next to the honor and service of God, esteem nothing more precious, than the safety of your person, and Crown: our actions shall make it appear, that we esteem no hazard too great for your Majesty's safety, and that we are willing to sacrifice our lives and fortunes for establishing your Throne and just Right.
Die Sabbathi 5. April. 1645.
Be it Ordained by the Lord's and Commons in Parliament assembled, That all and every person of what degree or quality soever, that hath lived or shall live within the Kings Quarters, or been aiding, assisting, or adhering unto the Forces raised against the Parliament, and hath or shall come to inhabit or reside under the power and protection of the Parliament, shall swear upon the holy Evangelist in manner following.
The Negative Oath.
I A. B. do swear from my heart, that I will not directly nor indirectly adhere unto, or willingly assist the King in this War, or in this Cause against the Parliament, nor any Forces raised without the consent of the two Houses of Parliament, in this Cause or War. And I do likewise swear that my coming and submitting myself under the power and protection of the Parliament, is without any manner of design whatsoever, to the prejudice of the proceedings of the two Houses of this present Parliament, and without the direction, privity, and advice of the King, or any of his Council, or Officers, other then what I have now made known. So help me God, and the Contents of this Book.
And it is further Ordained by the authority aforesaid, that the Commissioners for keeping of the Great Seal of England, for the time being, shall have power, and are hereby authorized to tender and administer the said Oath unto any Peer, or Wife, or Widow of any Peer, so coming to inhabit as abovesaid. And it shall be lawful to and for the Committee of the House of Commons for Examinations, the Committee for the Militia in London, and all Committees of Parliament in the several Counties and Cities of the Kingdom, to tender and administer the said Oath unto every other person so coming to inhabit as abovesaid. And if any person (not being a member of, or Assistant unto either of the Houses of Parliament) shall refuse or neglect to take the said Oath, so duly tendered unto him or her, as abovesaid, the said Commissioners and Committees respectively, shall, and may commit the same person to some prison, there to remain without Baile or Mainprize, until he shall conform thereunto.
Jo. Brown Cler. Parliamentorum.