King Richard III Revived
The source for this document is https://quod.lib.umich.edu/e/eebo/A91202.0001.001
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
KING Richard the Third REVIVED. Containing A Memorable Petition and Declaration contrived by himself and his Instruments, whiles Protector, in the name of the three Estates of England, to importune and persuade him to accept of the Kingship, and Crown of England, by their joint Election, (as if he were unwilling to undertake, or accept, though he most ambitiously aspired after them, by the bloody murders of K. Henry 6. Edward 5. and sundry others) before his Coronation; presented afterwards to, and confirmed by the three Estates and himself, in his first Parliament, to give him a colorable Title both by Inheritance, and their Election to the Crown. Transcribed out of the Parliament Roll of 1. R. 3. (printed in Speeds History of Great Britain: where his other Additionall Policies to engage the City of London, Lawyers, Divines and People, to elect, and make him their King, are at large recorded.)
Eccles. 3. 15.
1 Sam. 12. 17, 19.
LONDON, Printed for William Leak, at the Crown in Fleetstreet, betwixt the two Temple-Gates. 1657.
In Rotulo Parliamenti tenti apud Westm. die Veneris vicessimo tertio die Januarii, Anno regni Regis Richardi Tertii primo, inter alia continentur ut sequitur.
Memorand. quod quaedam Billa exhibita fuit coram Domino Rege in Parliamento praedicto in haec verba.
WHereas late heretofore, that is to say, before the Consecration, Coronation, and Inthronization of our Sovereign Lord King Richard the Third, a roll of Parchment containing in writing certain Articles of the tenor underwriten, on the behalf, and in the name of the three Estates of this Realm of England, that is to say, of the Lord's Spiritual, and Temporal, and of the Commons by name, and divers Lord's Spiritual and Temporal, and other Nobles and notable persons of the Commons in great multitude, was presented & actually delivered unto our said Sovereign Lord, the intent and effect expressed at large in the same roll, to the which roll, and to the Considerations, and instant petition comprised in the same, our said Sovereign Lord for the public weal, and tranquility of this Land being duly assented.
Now for as much as neither the said three Estates, neither the said persons, which in their name presented, and delivered as it is aforesaid the said Roll unto our said Sovereign Lord the King, were assembled in form of Parliament, by reason whereof divers doubts, questions, and ambiguities been moved and engendered in the minds of divers persons, as it is said.
Therefore, to the perpetual memory of the truth, and declaration of the same, be it ordained, provided, and established in this present Parliament, that the Tenor of the said Roll, with all the Contents of the same, presented as is abovesaid, and delivered to our abovesaid Sovereign Lord the King, in the name, and in the behalf of the said three Estates out of Parliament; Now by the said three Estates assembled in this present Parliament, and by authority of the same, be ratified, enrolled, recorded, approved, and authorized to the removing of the occasions of doubts, and ambiguities, and to all other lawful effects that shall now thereof ensue, so that all things said, affirmed, specified, desired, and remembered in the said Roll, and in the tenor of the same, underwritten in the name of the said three Estates to the effect expressed in the said Roll, be of the like effect, virtue, and force, as if all the same things had been so said, affirmed, specified, and remembered in full Parliament, and by authority of the same accepted, and approved, the Tenor of the said Roll of Parchment whereof above is made mention, followeth, and is such.
To the high and mighty Prince, Richard Duke of Gloucester.
PLeaseth it your Noble Grace to understand the considerations, election, and Petition underwritten of us the Lord's Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons of this Realm of England, and thereunto agreeable, to give your assent to the Common, and public weal of this land, and to the comfort, and gladness of all the people of the same.
First we consider, how that heretofore in time passed this land for many years stood in great prosperity, honor, and tranquility, which was caused for so much as the Kings reigning, used and followed the advice, and counsel of certain Lord's Spiritual and Temporal, and other persons of approved sagenesse, prudence, policy, and experience, dreading God, and having tender zeal, and affection to indifferent administration of Justice, and to the Common, and public weal of the land: Then our Lord God was dread, loved, and honored; Then within the land was peace and tranquility, and among the neighbors Concord and Charity; Then the malice of outward enemies was mightily resisted, and repressed, and the land honourably defended with many great and glorious victories; Then the intercourse of Merchants was largely used and exercised; by which things above remembered, the land was greatly enriched, so that as well the Merchants as the Artificers, and other poor people; laboring for their living in divers Occupations, had competent gain, to the satisfaction of them, and their households, living without miserable and intolerable poverty. But afterwards, when as such had the rule and governance of this land, delighting in adulation, and flattery, and led by sensuality and concupiscence, followed the counsel of persons insolent, vicious, and of inordinate avarice, despising the Counsel of persons good, virtuous, and prudent, such as above be remembered; the prosperity of this land decreased daily, so that our felicity was turned into misery, and our prosperity into adversity, and the order of policy, and the Laws of God and man confounded, whereby it is likely this Realm to fall into great misery, and desolation, (which God defend) without due provision of convenable remedy be had in this behalf in all godly haste.
Over this, among other things more special, we consider how that the time of the reign of Edw: 4th. late deceased, after the ungracious pretended marriage (as all England hath cause to say) made betwixt the said King Edward and Elizabeth, sometimes Wife to Sir John Gray Knight, late naming herself, and many years heretofore Queen of England, the order of politique rule was perverted, the Laws of God, and of God's Church, &c. also the Laws of Nature, and of England, and also the laudable customs and liberties of the same, wherein every Englishman is inheritor, is broken, subverted, and contemned, against all Reason and Justice: so that the Land was ruled by self-will, and pleasure, fear and dread, all manner of Equity and Law laid apart and despised, whereof ensued many inconveniencies and mischiefs, as Murders, Extortions, and Oppressions, namely of poor, and impotent people, so that no man was sure of his life, land, or livelihood, ne of his wife, daughter, or servant, every good maiden, and woman, standing in fear to be ravished, and deflowered. And besides this, what discorts, inward battles, effusion of Christian men's bloods, and namely, by the destrnction of the Nobles blood of this land was had, and committed within the same, it is evident, and notorious through all this Realm, unto the great sorrow, and heaviness of all true English men. And here also we consider, how that the said pretended Marriage betwixt the above-named King Edward, and Elizabeth Gray, was made of great presumption, without the knowing and assent of the Lord's of this land, and also by Sorcery and Witchcraft committed by the said Elizabeth, and her Mother Iaquet Duchess of Bedford, as the common opinion of the people, and the public voice, and fame is throughout all this land, and hereafter if the cause shall require, shall be proved sufficiently in time and place convenient. And here also we consider, how that the said pretended Marriage was made privily, and secretly, without edition of banes, in a private Chamber, a profane place, and not openly in the face of the Church, after the Law of God's Church, but contrary thereunto, and the laudable custom of the Church of England; and how also at the time of contract of the same pretended Marriage, and before and long time after the said King Edward was and stood married, and troth-plight to one Dame Elinor Butler, daughter to the Earl of Shrewsbury, with whom the said King Edward had made a Precontract of Matrimony, long time before he made the said pretended Marriage with the said Elizabeth Gray, in manner, and form aforesaid. Which premisses being true, as in very truth they be true, it appeareth, and followeth evidently, that the said King Edward during his life, and the said Elizabeth, lived together sinfully, and damnably in adultery, against the Law of God and of his Church; and therefore no marvel that the Sovereign Lord, and head of the land being of such ungodly disposition, and provoking the ire, and indignation of our Lord God, such heinous mischief, and Inconveniences as are above remembered were used, and committed in the Realm amongst the Subjects. Also it appeareth evidently, and followeth, that all the issue, and children of the said King Edward be Bastards, and unable to inherit, or claim anything by inheritance by the Law, and custom of England.
Moreover, we consider how that afterwards by the three Estates of this Realm assembled in Parliament, holden at Westminster, Anno 17. of the reign of the said King Edward the 4th, he then being in possession of the Crown, and royal Estate, by Act made in the same Parliament, George Duke of Clarence, brother to the King Edward now deceased, was convicted, and attainted of High Treason, as in the said Act is contained more at large; because, and by reason whereof, all the issue of the said George was, and is disabled, and barred of all right and claim that in any case they might have, or challenge by inheritance, to the Crown and Dignity royal of this Realm, by the ancient Laws and Customs of this same Realm.
Over this, we consider, that you be the undoubted heir of Richard Duke of York, very inheritor of the said Crown, and dignity royal, and as in right King of England by way of Inheritance; And that at this time the premises duly considered, there is none other person living but you only, that may claim the said Crown and Dignity royal, by way of Inheritance, and how that you be born within this Land, by reason whereof, as we deem in our minds, you be more naturally inclined to the prosperity and common weal of the same, And all the three Estates of the Land have, and may have more certain knowledge of your birth, and filliation aforesaid. We consider also the great wit, prudence, Justice, Princely courage, and the memorable and laudable acts in divers battles, which as we by experience know you heretofore have done, for the defense, & salvation of this Realm, and also the great nobleness and excellency of your birth, and blood, as of him that is descended of the three most royal houses of Christendom, that is to say, England, France, and Spain, Wherefore these premises duly by us considered, we desiring effectually the peace, tranquility, and weal public of this Land, and the reduction of the same to the ancient honorable estate, and prosperity; And having in your great prudent Justice, Princely courage, and excellent virtue, singular confidence; have chosen in all that in us is, and by that our Writing choose you high and mighty Prince our King, and Sovereign Lord, &c. to whom we know of certain it appertaineth of Inheritance so to be chosen. And hereupon we humbly desire, pray, and require your most Noble grace, that according this election of us the three estates of your Land, as by inheritance; you will accept, and take upon you the said Crown and royal dignity, with all things thereunto annexed, and appertaining, as to you of right belonging, as well by inheritance as by lawful election; and in case you so do, we promise to assist and serve your Highness, as true, and faithful Subjects and Liegemen, and to live and die with you in this matter, and in every other just quarrel; for certainly we be determined rather to adventure, and commit us to the peril of our lives, and jeopardy of death, than to live in such thralldom and bondage as we have done long time heretofore, oppressed and injured by Extortions, and new Impositions, against the Law of God, and Man, and the liberties, and old policy, and Laws of this Land, wherein every Englishman is Inherited. Our Lord God, King of all Kings, by whose infinite goodness, and eternal providence, all things been principally governed in this world, lighten your Soul, and grant you grace to do as well in this matter as in all other, that which may be according to his will and pleasure, and to the common and public weal of this Land: So that after great clouds, troubles, storms, and tempests, the Sun of Justice and of Grace may shine upon us, to the joy and comfort of all true-hearted Englishmen.
Albeit that the right, title, and estate which our Sovereign Lord King Richard the Third hath to, and in the Crown and Royal dignity of this Realm of England, with all things thereunto within the same Realm, and without it annexed and appertaining, been just and lawful, as grounded upon the Laws of God & Nature, and also upon the ancient Laws and laudable Customs of this said Realm; And also taken, and reputed by all such persons, as been learned in the abovesaid Laws and Custom;
Yet nevertheless, for as much as it is considered, that the most part of the people is not sufficiently learned in the abovesaid Laws and Customs, whereby the truth & right in this behalf of likelihood may be hid, and not clearly known to all the people, and thereupon put in doubt, and question. And over this, how that the Court of Parliament is of such authority, and the people of this Land of such a nature and disposition as experience teacheth, that manifestation and declaration of any truth or right, made by the three Estates of this Realm assembled in Parliament, and by authority of the same, maketh before all other things, most faith, and certain quieting of men's minds, and removeth the occasion of doubts, and seditious language.
Therefore, at the request, and by the assent of the Three Estates of this Realm, that is to say, the Lord's Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons of this Land assembled in this present Parliament, and by authority of the same, be it pronounced, decreed, and declared, that our said Sovereign Lord the King was, and is the very undoubted King of this Realm of England, with all things thereunto within the same Realm, and without it, united, annexed, and appertaining, as well by right of consanguinity and inheritance, as by lawful election, consecration and Coronation.
And over this, that at the request, and by the assent and authority abovesaid, be it ordained, enacted, and established, * that the said Crown, and royal dignity of this Realm, and the Inheritance of the same, and all other things thereunto within this Realm, or without it, united and annexed, and now appertaining, rest and bide in the person of our said Sovereign Lord the King, during his life, and after his decease in his heirs of his body begotten, and in especial at the request, and by assent, and the authority aforesaid, be it ordained, enacted, established, pronounced, decreed and declared, that the high and excellent Prince Edward, Son of our said Sovereign Lord the King, be heir apparent of the same our Sovereign Lord the King, to succeed to him in the abovesaid Crown and royal dignity, with all things (as is aforesaid) thereunto united, annexed, and appertaining, to have them after the decease of our said Sovereign Lord the King, to him, and to the heits of his body lawfully begotten.
Quae quidem B • lla Communibus Regni Angliae in dicto Parliamento existentibus transportata fuit, cui quidem Billae idem Communes assensum suum praebuerunt sub hiis verbis: A ceste Bille les Communs sont assentes; quibus quidem Billa & assensu coram Domino Rege in Parliamento pradicto, lectis, auditis, & plene intellectis, & de assensu Dominorum Spiritualium & Temporalium in dicto Parliamento similiter existentium, et Communitatis praedictae; nec non authoritate ejusdem Parliamenti pronunciatum, decretum, & declaratum existit, omnia, et singula in Billa praedicta contenta fore vera et indubia, ac idem Dominas Rex, de assensu dictorum trium Statuum Regni, et authoritate praedicta, omnia & singula praemissa in billa praedicta contenta concedit, et ea pro vero et indubio pronunciat, decernit, et declarat.
Eccles. 1. 9, 10, 11 The thing which hath been, it is that which shall be: and that which is done, is that which shall be done; and there is no new thing under the Sun. Is there anything whereof it may be said, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us. There is no remembrance of former things, neither shall there be any remembrance of things that are to come, with those that shall come after.
Yet it is both solid Piety, Policy, Prudence, in such an age as this, for all considerate, conscientious Englishmen, advisedly to remember, read, consider the Tragical ends, as well as the successful Beginnings, Proceedings of this King Richard, and his activest Instruments, to gain and settle the Kingship on him by such Politick Stratagems.