Relation of Passages and Speeches in the Star Chamber
The source for this document is https://quod.lib.umich.edu/e/eebo/A05581.0001.001
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 BRIEFE RELATION OF Certain special and most material passages, and speeches in the Star-Chamber, Occasioned And delivered the 14 th . day of June, 1637. At the Censure of those three famous and worthy Gentlemen, D r . Bastwicke, M r . Burton, and M r . Prynne. EVEN SO As it hath been truly and faithfully gathered from their own mouths, by one present at the said Censure.
PRINTED In the year of God, 1638.
TO THE READER.
CHristian Reader, I present you here the Relation of such a Censure (and the Execution thereof) as I dare say, all circumstances laid together, cannot be paralled in any age of man throughout the Christian World, and I think I may take in even the World of Pagans and Heathens to it. Which, though it be not drawn up in so eloquent a strain, as it was delivered & deserved, nor all the Heavenly words and eloquent speeches recorded, which were uttered by these Three Worthies of the Lord, both in the presence of the Lord's themselves at their Censure, and also at the place of Execution: Yet I earnestly beseech you in the bowels of Jesus Christ, that you do not in the least manner under-valu the glory and dignity, either of the Persons, or the cause, but rather lay the blame upon the rudeness and mean capacity of the Composer, who is an unfeigned Well-wisher to them. Fare well.
A Brief Relation, OF Certain special & most material passages and Speeches in the Star-chamber, on the 14th. day of June, in the year 1637. At the Censure of those three worthy Gentlemen, D r . Bastwick, M r . Burton, and M r . Prynne.
B Etweene eight and nine a clock in the morning (the 14. of June) the Lord's being set in their places in the said Court of Star-chamber, and casting their eyes upon the Prisoners, then at the Bar, S r . John Finch (chief Justice of the Common Pleas) began to speak after this manner:
I had thought M. Prynne had had no ears, but me thinks he hath ears, which caused many of the Lord's to take the stricter view of him; and for their better satisfaction, the Usher of the Court was commanded to turn up his hair, & show his ears: Upon the sight whereof the Lord's were displeased they had been formerly no more cut off; and cast out some disgraceful words of him.
To which M. Prynne replied;
My Lord's, there is never a one of your Honors, but would be sorry to have your ears as mine are.
The Lord Keeper replied again;
In good faith, he is some what saucy.
I hope (said M. Prynne) your Honors will not be offended, I pray God give you ears to hear.
The business of the day (said the Lord Keeper) is to proceed on the Prisoners at the Barr.
M. Prynne then humbly desired the Court to give him leave to make a motion or two, which being granted, he moves,
First, that their Honors would be pleased to accept of a cross Bill against the Prelates, signed with their own hands, being that which stands with the Justice of the Court, which he humbly craved, and so tendered it.
As for your cross Bill, it is not the business of the day; Hereafter if the Court shall see just cause, and that it savors not of Libelling, we may accept of it; for my part I have not seen it, but have heard somewhat of it.
I hope your Honors will not refuse it, being it is on his Majesty's behalf; we are his Majesty's Subjects, and therefore require the Justice of the Court.
But this is not the business of the day.
Why then, My Lord's, I have a second motion, which I humbly pray your Honors to grant; which is, That your Lordships will be pleased to dismiss the Prelates, here now sitting, from having any voice in the censure of this cause, (being generally known to be Adversaries) as being no way agreeable with equity or reason that they, who are our Adversaries, should be our Judges: Therefore we humbly crave, they may be expunged out of the Court.
In good faith, it's a sweet motion, isit not? Herein you are become Libellous. And if you should thus Libell all the Lord's and Reverend Judges, as you do the most Reverēd Prelates, by this your Plea, you would have none to pass sentence upon you for you Libelling, because they are parties.
Under correction (My Lord) this doth not hold: Your Honor need not put that for a certainty, which is an uncertainty; we have nothing to say to any of your Honors, but only to the Prelates.
Well, proceed to the business of the day; Read the Information.
Which was read, being very large; and these five Books annexed thereunto (viz.) a Book of D. Bastwicks, written in Latin.
The second, a little Book, entitled, News from Ipswich. The third intitled, A Divine Tragedy, Recording God's fearful judgments on Sabbath-breakers. The fourth, M r . Burtons Book, entitled, An Apology of an Appeale to the Kings most Excellent Majesty, with two Sermons for God and the King, preached on the fifth of November last. The fifth and last, D r . Bastwickes Litany.
The Kings Counsel (being five) took each of them a several Book, and descanted there at the Barre upon them, according to their pleasure.
Mr. Attorney began first with D. Bastwickes Latin Book, picking out here & there particular conclusions, that best served for his own ends, (so did all the other Counsel out of the former other Books) to the great abuse of the Authors, as themselves there immediately complained, entreating them to read the foregoing grounds, upon which the said conclusions depended, without which they could not understand the true meaning of them.
Next unto the Attorney, Serjeant Whitfeild falls upon Reverend M. Burtons Book, who vented much bitterness against that unreprooveable Book (as all that read it with an honest and orthodox heart may clearly perceive) swearing: In good faith, My Lord's, there is never a page in this Book, but deserves a heavier and deeper Censure then this Court can lay upon him.
Next followed A. B. who in like manner descanted upon the News from Ipswich, charging it to be full of pernicious lies, and especially vindicating the honor of Matthew Wren, Bishop of Norwich, as being a learned, pious, and Reverend Father of the Church.
In the fourth place, follows the Kings Solicitor, who acts his part upon the Divine Tragedy; To which part of it, concerning God's judgments on Sabbath-breakers, he had little to say, but only put it off with a scoff; saying, That they sat in the Seat of God, who judged those accidents which fell out upon persons suddenly stricken, to be the judgment of God for Sabbath breaking, or words to the like effect: but enlarged himself upon that passage, which reflected upon that late Reverend (as he termed him) and learned Professor of the Law, and his Majesty's faithful Servant M. William Noy, his Majesty's late Attorney, who (as he said) was most shamefully abused by a slander laid upon him; which was, That it should be reported, That God's judgment fell upon him for so eagerly prosecuting that innocent person M. Prynne; which judgment was this; That he, laughing at M. Prynne, while he was suffering upon the Pillory, was struck with an issue of blood in his privy part, which by all the art of man could never be stopped unto the day of his death, which was soon after. But the truth of this my Lord's (saith he) you shall find to be as probable as the rest; for we have here three or four Gentlemen of good credit and rank, to testify upon oath, that he had that issue long before, and thereupon made a show, as if he would call for them in before the Lord's, to witness the truth thereof, with these particular words, Make room for the Gentlemen to come in there, but no one witness was seen to appear: Which was pretty delusion, and worth all your observations that read it: and so concluded (as the rest) that this Book also deserved a heavy and deep Censure.
Lastly, follows M. Harbert, whose descant was upon Dr. Bastwickes Litany, picking out one or two passages therein, and so drawing thence his conclusion, that jointly with the rest, it deserved a heavy Censure.
The Kings Counsel having all spoken what they could, the Lord Keeper said to the Prisoners at the Barre:
You hear Gentlemen, wherewith you are charged; and now, least you should say, you cannot have liberty to speak for yourselves, the Court gives you leave to speak what you can, with these conditions:
First, That you speak within the bounds of modesty.
Secondly, That your speeches be not Libellous.
They all three answered:
They hoped so to order their speech as to be free from any immodest or libellous speaking.
Then speak a God's name, and show cause why the Court should not proceed in Censure (as taking the cause pro confesso) against you?
My Honorable good Lord's, such a day of the month, there came a Subpoena from your Honors, to enter my appearance in this Court; which being entered, took forth a copy of the Information, which being taken, I was to draw my Answer, which I endeavored to do, but being shut up close prisoner, I was deserted of all means, by which I should have done it; for I was no sooner served with the Subpoena, but I was shortly after shut up close prisoner, with suspension of Pen, Inke and Paper; which close imprisonment did eat up such a deal of my time, that I was hindered the bringing in of my Answer. You did assign me Counsel, 'tis true, but they neglected to come to me, and I could not come to them, being under lock and key. Then upon motion in Court, ye gave me liberty to go to them; but then presently after that motion (I know not for what cause, nor upon whose command) I was shut up again: and then I could not compel my Counsel to come to me, & my time was short, and I had neither Pen nor Ink, nor Servant to do anything for me, for my Servant was then also kept close prisoner under a Pursevants hands; This was to put impossibilities upon me. Then upon a second motion for Pen & Inke (which was granted me) I drew up some Instructions, & in a fortnight time sent 40. sheets to my Council; suddenly after I drew up 40. sheets more, and sent to them; My Lord, I did nothing but by the advise of my Counsel, by whom I was ruled in the drawing up of all my answer, and paid him twice for drawing it, and some of my Counsel would have set their hands to it. Here is my Answer, I tender it upon my oath, which your Lordships cannot deny with the Justice of the Court.
We can give you a President, that this Court hath proceeded & undertaken a cause pro confesso for not putting in an Answeare in six days; you have had a great deal of favor shown in affording you longer time, & therefore the Court is free from all calumny or aspersion, for rejecting your Answer, not signed with the Counsels hands.
But one word or two (my Lord's) I desire your Honors to hear me; I put a case in Law, that is often pleaded before your Lordships, One man is bound to bring in two witnesses, if both, or one of them fail, that he cannot bring thē in, doth the Law (my Lord's) make it the man's act? You assigned me two Counselors; one of them failed, I cannot compel him; Here now he is before you, let him speak, if I have not used all my endeavors to have had him signed it (which my other Coūsell would have done, if this would have set his hand to it with him) and to have put in long since.
My Lord, there was so long time spent ere I could do anything; after I was assigned his Council, that it was impossible his Answer could be drawn up in so short a time as was allotted; for after long expectation, seeing he came not to me, I went to him, where I found him shut up close prisoner, so that I could not have access to him: Whereupon I motioned to the Lieftenant of the Tower, to have free liberty of speech with him concerning his aunswear; which being granted me, I found him very willing & desirous to have it drawn up; whereupon I did move in the Court for Pen and Paper, which was granted, the which he no sooner had gotten, but he set himself to draw up Instructions, and in a short time, sent me 40 sheets; and soon after I received 40 more; but I found the Answer so long, of such a nature, that I durst not set my hand to it, for fear of giving your Honors distaste.
My Lord's, I did nothing, but according to the direction of my Counsel, only I spake mine own words, my answer was drawn up by his consent, it was his own act, and he did approve of it; and if he will be so base à Coward, to do that in private which he dares not acknowledge in public, I will not such a sin lie on my conscience, let it rest with him. Here is my Answer, which, though it be not signed with their hands, yet here I tender it upon my oath, which you cannot in Justice deny.
But M r . Prynne, the Court desires no such long Answer; Are you guilty or not guilty?
My good Lord, I am to Answer in a defensive way, Is here any one, that can witness anything against me? Let him come in. The Law of God standeth thus; that a man is not to be condemned, but under the mouth of two or three witnesses. Here is no witness comes in against me, my Lord, neither is there in all the Information one clause that doth particularly fall on me, but only in general, there is no Book laid to my charge. And shall I be condemned for a particular act, when no accusation of any particular act can be brought against me? This were most unjust and wicked. Here I tender my answer to the Information upon my oath; My Lord, you did impose impossibilities upon me, I could do no more then I was able.
Well, hold your peace: your answer comes too late. Speak you Dr. Bastwick.
My Honorable Lord's, Mee thinks you look like an Assembly of God's, and sit in the place of God; ye are called the Sons of God: And since I have compared you to God's, give me leave a little to parallel the one with the other, to see whither the comparison between God and you doth hold in this noble and righteous cause. This was the car • iage of Almighty God in the cause of Sodom, Before he would pronounce sentence, or execute judgment, he would first come down, and see whether the crime was altogether according to the cry that was come up. And with whom doth the Lord consult, when he came down? With his Servant Abraham, and he gives the reason; for I know (saith he) that Abraham will command his children & household after him, that they shall keep the way of the Lord to do Justice & Judgment. My good Lord's, thus stands the case between your Honors and us this day; there is a great cry come up into your ears against us from the Kings Attorney; be now pleased to descend and see if the crime be according to the cry, and consult with God (not the Prelates being the adversary part, and; as it is apparent to all the World do proudly set themselves against the ways of God, and from whom none can expect Justice or Judgment) and with righteous men, will be impartial on either side, before you proceed to censure: which censure you cannot pass on us without great unjustice before you hear our Answers read: Here is my Answer, which I here tender upon my oath; My good Lord's; give us leave to speak in our own defense; we are not conscious to ourselves, of anything we have done that deserves a Censure this day in this Honorable Court, but that we have ever labored to maintain the Honor, Dignity, & Prerogative Royal of our Sovereign Lord the King, let my Lord the King live forever. Had I a thousands lives, I should think them all too little to spend for the maintenance of his Majesty's Royal Prerogative: My good Lord's, can you proceed to Censure before you know my cause? I dare undertake, that scarce any one of your Lordships have read my Books; And can you then Censure me for what you know not, and before I have made my defense? O my Noble Lord's! is this righteous judgment? This were against the Law of God and Man, to condemn a Man, before you know his crime. The Governor before whom S. Paul was carried (who was a very Heathen) would first hear his cause before he would pass any Censure upon him; And doth it beseem so Noble and Christian Assembly to condemn me, before my Answer be perused, and my cause known? Men, Brethren, and Fathers, into what an age are we fallen? I desire your Honors to lay aside your Censure for this day & inquire into my cause, hear my Answer read; which, if you refuse to do I here profess, I will clothe it in Roman Buffe, and send it abroad unto the view of all the world, to clear mine innocence, and show your great injustice in this cause.
But this is not the business of the day; Why brought you not in your Answer in due time?
My Lord, a long time since I tendered it to your Honor, I failed not in any one particular: And if my Counsel be so base and cowardly, that they dare not sign it for fear of the Prelates (as I can make it appear) therefore have I no Answer? My Lord, here is my Answer, which, though my Counsel out of a base spirit, dare not set their hands unto, yet I tender it upon my oath.
But M. D. you should have been brief; you tendered in too large an Answer, which (as I heard) is as Libellous as your Books.
No, my Lord, it is not Libellous, though large, I have none to answer for me but myself, and being left to myself, I must plead my conscience in answer to every circumstance of the Information.
What say you M. D. Are you guilty, or not guilty? Answer yea or no, you needed not to have troubled your self so much about so large an Answer.
I know, none of your Honors have read my Book; And can you with the Justice of the court, condemn me before you know what is written in my books?
What say you to that was read to you even now?
My Lord, he that read it did so murder the sense of it, that had I not known, what I had written, I could not tell what to have made of it.
What say you to the other sentence read to you?
That was none of mine, I will not father that which was none of my own.
Did not you send that book, as now it is, to a Noble man's house, together with a Letter directed to him?
Yea my Lord, I did so, but withal you may see in my Epistle set before the book, I did at first disclaim what was not mine; I sent my Book over by a Dutch Merchant, who it was that wrote the addition I do not know, but my Epistle set to my Book, made manifest what was mine, and what was not; and I cannot justly suffer for what was none of mine.
My Lord, you hear by his own speech, the cause is taken pro confesso.
Yea, you say true my Lord.
My noble Lord of Arundell, I know you are a noble Prince in Israel, & a great Peer of this Realm; There are some honorable Lord's in this Court, that have been forced out as combatants in a single duel, it is between the Prelates and us, at this time as between two that have appointed the field. The one being a coward goes to the Magistrate, & by virtue of his Authority disarmes the other of his weapons, & gives him a Bullrush, and then challenges him to fight. If this be not base cowardice, I know not what belongs to a Soldier. This is the case between the Prelates and us, they take away our weapons (our Answers) by virtue of your Authority, by which we should defend ourselves, and yet they bid us fight. My Lord, doth not his savor of a base cowardly spirit? I know, my Lord, there is a Decree gone forth, for my Sentence was passed long since, to cut of our ears.
Who shall know our Censure, before the Court pass it? Do you prophesy of yourselves?
My Lord, I am able to prove it, and that from the mouth of the Prelates own Servants, that in August last it was decreed, that D. Bastwicke should loose his ears. O my Noble Lord's? is this righteous judgment? I may say, as the Apostle once said, What, whipp a Roman? I have been a Soldier, able to lead an Army into the field, to fight valiantly for the honor of their Prince; Now I am a Physician, able to cure Nobles, Kings, Princes, and Emperors: And to curtolize a Romans ears, like a Curr, O my honorable Lord's! is it not too base an act for so noble an assembly, and for so righteous and honorable a cause? The cause my Lord's is great, it concerns the glory of God, the honor of our King, whose Prerogative we labor to maintain and to set up in a high manner, in which your Honors Liberties are engaged: And doth not such a cause deserve your Lordships consideration, before you proceed to Censure? Your Honors may be pleased to consider, that in the last cause heard and censured in this Court, between S t . James Bagge, & the Lord Moon, wherein your Lordships took a great deal of pains, with a great deal of patience, to hear the Bills on both sides, with all the Answers & Depositions largely laid open before you; which cause when you had fully heard, some of your Honors now sitting in Court, said, You could not in conscience proceed to Censure, till you had taken some time to recollect yourselves. If in a cause of that nature, you could spend so much time, and afterwards recollect yourselves before you would pass Censure: How much more should it move your Honors, to take some time in a cause wherein the glory of God, the Prerogative of his Majesty your Honors dignity, and the Subjects Liberty is so largely engaged? My good Lord's, it may fall out to be any of your Lordships cases to stand as Delinquents at this Barre, as we now do: It is not unknown to your Honors, the next cause that is to succeed ours, is touching a person that sometimes hath been in greatest power in this Court: And if the mutations and revolutions of persons and times be such, then I do most humbly beseech your Honors to look on us, as it may befall yourselves. But if all this will not prevail with your Honors, to peruse my Books; and hear my Answer read, which here I tender upon the word and oath of a Soldier, a Gentleman, a Scholar, and a Physician: I will clothe them (as I said before) in Roman Buffe, and disperse them throughout the Christian world, that future generations may see the innocence of this cause, and your Honors unjust proceedings in it; all which I will do, though it cost me my life.
Mr. D. I thought you would be angry.
No my Lord, you are mis-taken, I am not angry nor passionate; all that I do press, is, that you would be pleased to peruse my Answer.
Well, hold your peace. Mr. Burton, what say you?
My goods Lord's, your Honors (it should seem) do determine to Censure us, and take our cause pro confesso, although we have labored to give your Honors satisfaction in all things: My Lord's, what you have to say against my Book, I confess I did write it, yet did I not anything out of intent of Commotion or Sedition: I delivered nothing, but what my Text led me too, being chosen to suite with the day, namely, the fifth of November; the word were these, &c.
M. Burton, I pray stand not naming Texts of Scripture now, we do not send for you to preach; but to answer to those things that are objected against you.
My Lord, I have drawn up my Answer to my great pains and charges, which Answer was signed with my Counsels hands, and received into the Court, according to the rule and Order thereof. And I did not think to have been called this day to a Censure, but have had a legal proceeding by way of Bill and Answer.
Your Answer was impertinent.
My Answer (after it was entered into the Court) was referred to the Judges, but by what means I do not know, whither it be impertinent, and what cause your Lordships had to cast it out, I know not. But after it was approved of; and received, it was cast out as an impertinent Answer.
The Judges did you a good turn to make it impertinent, for it was as Libellous as your Book, so that your Answer deserved a Censure alone.
What say you Mr. Button, are you guilty, or not?
My Lord, I desire you not only to peruse my Book, here and there, but every passage of it.
Mr. Burton, time is short, are you guilty, or not guilty? What say you to that which was read? Doth it become a Minister to deliver himself in such a railing and scandalous way?
In my judgment, and as I can prove it, it was neither railing not scandalous; I conceive that a Minister hath a larger liberty then always to go in a mild strain: being the Pastor of my people, whom I had in charge, and was to instruct, I supposed it was my duty to inform them of those innovations that are crept into the Church, as likewise of the danger and ill consequence of them: As for my answer, ye blotted out what ye would, and then the rest which made best for your own ends, you would have to stand; And now for your own turns and renounce the rest, were to desert my cause, which before I will do, or desert my conscience, I will rather desert my body, and deliver it up to your Lordships, to do with it what you will.
This is a • lace where you should crave mercy and favor, Mr. Burton, and not stand upon such terms as you do.
There wherein I have offended through human frailty, I crave of God & Man pardon: And I pray God, that in your Sentence, you may so Censure us, that you may not sin against the Lord.
Thus the prisoners desiring to speak a little more for themselves, were commanded to silence. And so the Lord proceeded to Censure.
The Lord Cottingtons Censure.
I Condemne these three men to loose their ears in the Pallaceyard at Westminster; To be fined five thousands pounds a man to his Majesty: And to perpetual prisonment in three remote places of the Kingdom, namely, the Castles of Carnaruan, Cornwall, and Lancaster.
The Lord Finch added to this Censure.
MR. Prynne to be stigmatized in the Cheekes with two Letters (S & L) for a Seditious Libeller. To which all the Lord agreed. And so the Lord Keeper concluded the Censure.
THE Execution of the Lord's Censure in Star-Chamber upon D. Bastwijcke, M. Prynne, and M. Burton, in the Pallaceyard at Westminster, the 30 th . day of June last 1637. at the spectation whereof the number of people was so great (the place being very large) that it caused admiration in all that beheld them; who came with tender affections to behold those three renowned Soldiers and Servants of Jesus Christ, who came with most undaunted and magnanimous courage thereunto, having their way strawed with sweet herbs from the house out of which they came to the Pillary, with all the honor that could be done unto them.
Dr. Bastwijcke and Mr. Burton first meeting, they did close one in the others arms three times, with as much expressions of love as might be, rejoicing that they met at such a place, upon such an occasion, & that God had so highly honored them, as to call them forth to suffer for his glorious Truth.
Then immediately after, M. Prynne came, the D. and he saluting each other, as M. Burton and he did before. The D. then went up first on the Scaffold, and his wife immediately following, came up to him, and like a loving Spouse saluted each care with a kiss, and then his mouth; whose tender love, boldness, and cheerefullnes so wrought upon the people's affections, that they gave marvelous great shout for joy, to behold it. Her Husband desired her not to be in the least manner dismayed at his sufferings: And so for a while they parted, she using these words: Farewell my Deerest, be of good comfort, I am nothing dismayed. And then the D. began to speak these words.
There are many that are this day Spectators of our standing here, as Delinquents, though not Delinquents, we bless God for it. I am not conscious to myself wherein I have committed the least trespass (to take this outward shame) either against my God, or my King. And I do the rather speak it, that you, that are now beholders, may take notice, how far innocence will preserve you in such a day as this is; for we come here in the strength of our God, who hath mightily supported us, and filled our hearts with greater comfort then our shame or contempt can be. The first occasion of my trouble was by the Prelates, for writing a Book against the Pope, and the Pope of Canterbury said I wrote against him: and therefore questioned me: But if the Presses were as open to us, as formerly they have been, we would shatter his Kingdom about his ears: But be ye not deterred by their power, neither be affrighted at our sufferings; Let none determine to turn from the ways of the Lord, but go on, fight courageously against Gog & Magog. I know there be many here who have set many days apart for our behalf, (let the Prelates take notice of it) and they have sent up strong prayers to heaven for us, we feel the strength and benefit of them at this time; I would have you to take notice of it; we have felt the strength & benefit of your prayers all along this cause. In a word, so far I am from base fear, or caring for anything that they can do, or cast upon me, that, had I as much blood as would swell the Theames, I would shedd it every drop in this cause, therefore be not any of you discouraged, be not daunted on their power, ever laboring to preserve Innocency, & keep peace within, go on in the strength of your God, and he will never fail you in such a day as this; As I said before, so I say again; Had I as many lives as I have heirs on my head, or drop of blood in my veins, I would give them up all for this cause; this plot of sending us to those remote places, was first consulted and agitated by the Jesuits, as I can make it plainly appear. O see, what times we are fallen into, that the Lord's must sit to act the Jesuits plots! For our own parts, we owe no malice to the persons of any of the Prelates, but would lay our necks under their feet to do them good as they are men, but against the usurpation of their power, as they are Bishops, we do profess ourselves enemies till dooms day.
Mr. Prynne shaking the Dr. by the hand, desired him that he might speak a word or two. With all my heart, said the Doctor.
Te cause (said Mr. Prynne) of my standing here, is, for not bringing in my Answer, for which my cause is taken pro confesso against me. What endeavors J used for the bringing in thereof, that, God and my own conscience, and my Counsel knows, whose cowardice stands upon Record to all ages. For rather then J will have my cause a leading cause, to deprive the subjects of that liberty which J seek to maintain, J rather expose my person to a leading example, to bear this punishment: And J beseech you all to take notice of their proceedings in this cause, when J was served with a Subpoena into this Court, J was shut up close prisoner, that J could have no access to Counsel, nor admitted pen, ink or paper to draw up my answer by my Jnstructions, for which J feed them twice (though to no purpose) yet when all was done, my Answer would not be accepted into the Court, though I tendered it upon my oath. I appeal to all the world, if this were a legal or just proceeding. Our accusation is in point of Libell (but supposedly) against the Prelates: to clear this now, I will give you a little light what the Law is in point of Libell (of which profession I have sometimes been, and still profess myself to have some knowledge in) you shall find in case of Libell, two statutes: The one, in the second of Queen Mary; The other, in the seventh of Queen Elizabeth. That in the second of Queen Mary, the extremity and heighth of it runs thus: That, if a Libeller doth go so far and so high as to Libel against King or Queen, by denomination, the high and extremity of the Law is, that they lay no greater fine on him then an hundred pounds, with a months imprisonment, And no corporal Punishment, except he do refuse to pay his fine; and then to inflict some punishment in liewe of that fine, at the months end. Neither was this Censure to be passed on him, except it were fully proved by two witnesses, who were to produce a certificat of their good demeanor for the credit of their report, or else confessed by the Libeller. You shall find in that Statute 7. Eliz. some further addition to the former of 2. Marie, and that only in point of fine & punishment, and it must still reach as high as the person of King or Queen. Here this statute doth set a fine of two hundred pounds; the other, but one: This sets three months emprisonment; the former but one: So that therein only they differ. But in this they both agree, namely, at the end of his imprisonment to pay his fine, and so to go free without any further question: But if he refuse to pay his fine, then the Court is to inflict some punishment on him correspondent to his fine. Now, see the disparity between those times of theirs, and ours. A libeller in Queen Mary's time, was fined but an hundred pounds, in Queen Elizabeth time two hundred; In Queen Mary's daeys but a months imprisonment; In Queen Elizabeth's three months; and not so great a fine, if they libelled not against King or Queen. Formerly the greatest fine was but two hundred pounds, though against King or Queen; Now five thousand pounds, though but against the Prelates, & that but supposedly, which cannot be proved: Formerly, but the months imprisonment; Now perpetual imprisonment: Then, upon paying the fine, no corporal punishment was to be inflicted; But now, infamous punishment, with the loss of blood, and all other circumstances that may aggravate it. See now what times we are fallen into, when that Libelling (if it were so) against Prelates only, shall fall higer, then if it touched Kings and Princes?
That which I have to speak of next, is this: The Prelates find themselves exceedingly agrieved and vexed against what we have written concerning the usurpation of their calling, where indeed we declare their calling not to be Iure divino. I make no doubt, but there are some Intelligencers or Abbertors within the hearing, whom I would have well know and take notice of what I now say. I here in this place make this offer to them: That, if I may be admitted a fair dispute, on fair terms, for my cause, that I will maintain, and do here make the challenge against all the Prelates in the Kings Dominions, and against all the Prelates in Christendom, (let them take in the Pope, and all to help them) that their calling is not Iure Divino. I will speak it again; I make the challenge, against all the Prelates in the Kings Dominions, and all Christendom to maintain, that their calling is not Iure Divino. If I make it not good, let me be hanged up at the Hall-Gate: Where upon the people gave a great shout.
The next thing that I am to speak of, is this: The Prelates find themselves exceedingly agrieved and vext against what I have written in point of Law, concerning their Writs and Proces, That the sending forth of Writs and Proces in their own name, is against all Law and Justice, and doth entrench on his Majesty's Prerogative Royal, and the Subjects Liberties. And here now I make a second challenge against all the Lawyers in the Kingdom in way of fair Dispute, That I will maintain, the Prelates sending forth of Writs and Proces in their own names, to be against all Law and Justice, and entrencheth on his Majesty's prerogative Royal, and subjects Liberty. Lest it should be forgotten, I speak it again, I here challenge all the whole Society of the Law upon a fair dispute, to maintain, that the sending forth of Writs and Proces in the Prelates own names, to be against all Law and Justice, and entrencheth on the Kings Prerogative Royal, & the Subjects Liberty. If I be not able to make it good, let me be put to the tormentingest death they can devise.
We praise the Lord, we fear none but God and the King: Had we respected our Liberties we had not stood here at this time: it was for the general good and Liberties of you all, that we have now thus far engaged our own Liberties in his cause. For did you know, how deeply they have entrenched on your Liberties in point of Popery; If you knew but into what times you are cast, it would make you look about you: and if you did but see what changes and revolutions of persons, causes and actions, have been made by one man, you would more narrowly look into your privileges, and see how far your Liberty did lawfully extend and so maintain it.
This is the second time that I have been brought to this place who hath been the Author of it, I think you all well know: For the first time, if I could have had leave given me, I could easily have cleared myself of that which was then laid to my charge: As also I could have done now, if I might have been permitted to speak. That book for which I suffered formerly, especially for some particular words therein written, which I quoted out of God's word, and ancient Fathers, for which notwithstanding, they passed Censure on me; that same book was twice licensed by public Authority, and the same words I then suffered for, they are again made use of, and applied in the same sense by Heylin in his book lately printed, and dedicated to the King, and no exceptions taken against them, but are very well taken.
Aye (said D. Bastwicke) and there is another Book of his licensed, wherein he rayles against us three at his pleasure; and against the Martyrs that suffered in Queen Mary's days, calling them Schismaticall Heretics, and there is another Book of Pocklingtons licensed; they be as full of lies as dog be full of fleas, but were the presses as open to us as they are to them, we would pay them, and their great Master that upholds them, and charge them with notorious Blasphemy.
Said Mr. Prynne, You all at this present see, there be no degrees of men exempted from suffering: Here is a Reverend Divine for the soul, a Physician for the Body, and a Lawyer for the Estate: I had thought they would have let alone their own Society, and not have meddled with any of them. And the next (for ought I know) may be a Bishop. You see they spare none of what society or calling soever, none are exemted that cross their own ends. Gentlemen, look to yourselves; If all the Martyrs that suffered in Queen Mary's days, are accounted and called Schismaticall heretics, and Factious Fellowes: What shall we look for? Yet so they are called in a Book lately come forth under Authority. And such Factious Fellowes are we, for discovering a Plot of Popery. Alas poor England! what will become of thee, if thou look not the sooner into thine own Privileges, and maintainest not thine own lawful Liberty? Christian people: I beseech you all, stand firm, and be zealous for the cause of God, and his true Religion, to the shedding of your dearest blood, otherwise you will bring yourselves, and all your posterities, into perpetual bondage and slavery.
Now, the Executioner being come, to sear him, and cut of his ears, M. Prynne spake these words to him: Come friend, Come, burn me, cu • me, I fear not. I have learned to fear the fire of hell, and not what man can do unto me: Come, sear me, sear me, I shall bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus: Which the bloody Executioner performed with Extraordinary Cruelty, Heating his Iron twice, to Burn One Cheeke: And cut one of his ears so close, that he cut off a piece of his Cheeke. At which exquisite torture He never moved with his body, or so much as changed his Countenance, but still looked up as well as he could towards Heaven, with a smiling countenance, even to the astonishment of all the beholders. And uttering (as soon as the Executioner had done) this Heavenly sentence: The more I am beaten down, the more am I lift up. And returning from the execution in a boat, made (as I hear) these two verses by the way, on the Two Charasters branded on his Cheekes.
Which one since thus Englished:
Mr. Burtons heavenly and most comfortable Speech, which he made at the time of his fuffering, both before and while he stood in the Pillary, which was something distant from the other double Pillary, wherein Dr. Bastwicke and Mr. Prynne stood.
THE night before his suffering, about eyght a clock, when he first had certain notice thereof, upon occasion of his Wives going to ask the Warden, whither her Husband should suffer the next day, immediately he felt his spirits to be raised to a far higher pitch of resolution and courage to undergo his sufferings, then formerly he did, so as he entreated the Lord to hold up his spirits at that height all the next day in his sufferings, that he might not flagg nor faint, least any dishonor might come to his Majesty or the cause: And the Lord heard him: For all the next day in his suffering (both before and after) his spirits were carried aloft as it were upon Eagles wings (as himself said) far above all apprehension of shame or pain.
The next morning (being the day of his sufferings) he was brought to Westminster, and with much cheerefullnes being brought into the Palace-yard unto a Chamber that looked into the Yard, where he viewed three Pillaries there set up: Me thinks (said he) I see Mount Calvery, where the three Crosses (one for Christ, and the other two for the two thieves) were pitched: And if Christ were numbered among thieves, shall a Christian (for Christ's cause) think much to be numbered among Rogues, such as we are condemned to be? Surely, if I be a Rogue, I am Christ's Rogue, and no man's. And a little after, looking out at the casement toward the Pillary, he said: I see no difference between looking out of this square window, and yonder round hole poyning towards the Pillary) he said: It is no matter of difference, to an honest man. And a little after that, looking some what wishly upon his Wife, to see how she did take it; she seemed to him to be something sad▪ to whom he thus spake: Wise, why art thou so sad? To whom she made answer; Sweet heart, I am not sad: No, said he? See thou be not, for I would not have thee to dishonor the day, by shedding one tear, or fetching one sigh: for behold therefore thy comfort, my triumphant Chariot on the which I must ride for the honor of my Lord & Master: And never was wedding day so welcome and joy full a day, as this day is; and so much the more, because I have such a noble Captain and Leader, who hath gone before me with such undauntednes of Spirit, that he saith of himself, I gave my back to the smiters, my cheeks to the nippers, they plucked off the hair, I hidd not my face, from shame and spitting, for the Lord God will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded, therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know I shall not be ashamed. At length being carried toward the Pillary, he met D. Bastwicke at the foot of the pillary; where they lovingly saluted and embraced each other; and parting a little from him, he returned (such was the ardency of his affection) and most affectionately embraced him the second time, being heartily sorry he missed Mr. Prynne, who was not yet come before he was gonne up to his Pillary, which stood alone next the Star-Chamber, and about half a stones cast from the other double Pillary, wherein the other two stood: so as all their faces looked Southward, the bright Sun all the while for the space of two hours shining upon them: Being ready to be put into the Pillary standing upon the Scaffold, he spied Mr. Prynne new come to the Pillary, & Dr. Bastwicke in the Pillary, who then hasted of his band, & called for a Handkercher, saying: What, shall I be last? or shall I be ashamed of a Pillary for Christ's, who was not ashamed of a Cross for me? Then being put into the Pillary, • e said: Good people, I am brought hither to be a spectacle to the world, to Angels, and men. And howsoever I stand here to undergo the punishment of a Rogue, yet except to be a faithful servant to Christ, & a loyal Subject to the King, be the property of a rogue, I am no Rogue. But yet if to be Christ's faithful Servant, and the Kings loyal Subject, deserve the punishment of a Rogue, I glory in it, and I bless my God, my conscience is clear, & is not stained with the guilt of any such crime, as I have been charged with, though otherwise I confess myself to be a man subject to many frailties & human infirmities. Indeed, that Book intiteled, An Apology of an Appeale with sundry Epistles, and two Sermons, for God and the King, charged against me in the Information, I have, and do acknowledge (the misprinting excepted) to be mine, and will by God's grace never disclaim it whilst I have breath within me. After while, he having a Nosegay in his hand, a Be came and pitched on the Nosegay, & began to suck the flowers very savourly, which he beholding and well observing, said: Do ye not see this poor Be? She hath found out this very place to suck sweetness from Christ. The Be sucking all this while, and so took her flight. By and by, he took occasion from the shining of the Sun, to say: You see how the Sun shines upon us, but that shines as well upon the evil as the good, upon the just and unjust, but that the Son of righteousness (Jesus Christ, who hath healing under his wings) shines upon the souls and consciences of every true believer only, and no cloud can hide him from us, to make him ashamed of us, no not of our most shameful sufferings for his sake: And why should we be ashamed to suffer for his sake who hath suffered for us? All our sufferings be but fleabitings to that be endured, he endured the Cross, and despised the shame, and is set on the right hand of God: He is a most excellent pattern for us to look upon, that, treading his steps, and suffering with him, we may be glorified with him. And what can we suffer, wherein he hath not gone before us, even in the same kind? Was he not degraded, when they scornfully put on him a purple Robe, a Reede into his hand, a thorny Crown upon his head, saluting him with Hayle King of the Jews; and so disrobed him again? was not he deprived, when they smote the Shepherd, and the Sheep were scattered? Was not violence offered to his sacred person, when he was buffited, and scourged, his hands and his feet pierced, his head pricked with thorns, his side gored with a Spear, &c.? Was not the Cross more shameful, yea and more painful then a Pillary? Was not he stripped of all he had, when he was left stark naked upon the Cross, the Soldiers dividing his garments, and casting lots upon his vesture? And was he not confined to perpetual close imprisonment in man's imagination, when his body was laid in a Tomb, and the Tomb sealed, least he should break prison, or his Disciples steal him away? And yet did he not rise again, and thereby brought deliverance and victory to us all, so as we are more then Conquerors through him that loved us? Here then we have an excellent Pattern indeed. And all this he uttered (and whatsoever else he spake) with marvelous alacrity.
One said unto Mr. Burton, Christ will not be ashamed of you at the last day. He replied, He knew whom he had believed, and that Christ was able to keep that he had committed to him against that day. One asked him how he did? He said, never better, I bless God, who hath accounted me worthy thus to suffer. The Keeper, keeping of the people from pressing near the Pillary; he said, Let them come and spare not, that they may learn to suffer. This same Keeper, being weary, and sitting him down, asked Mr. Burton, if he were well, and bad him be of good comfort. To whom he replied, Are you well? If you be well, I am much more, and full of comfort, I bless God. Some asked him, if the Pillary were not uneasy for his neck and shoulders. He answered: How can Christ's yoke be uneasy? This is Christ's yoke, and he bears the heavier end of it, and I the lighter, & if mine were too heavy, he would bear that too. O good people! Christ is a good and sweet Master, & worth the suffering for! And if the world did but know his goodness, & had tasted of his sweetness, all would come and be his servants; and did they but know what a blessed thing it were to bear his yoke, O! who would not bear it?
The Keeper going about to ease the Pillarie, by putting a stone or a brick-batt between, Mr. Burton said, Trouble not your self, I am at very good ease, and feel no weariness at all. And espying a young man at the foot of the Pillary, and perceyving him to look pale on him: He said, Son, Son, what is the matter you look so pale? I have as much comfort as my heart can hold, and if I had need of more, I should have it. One asked him a while after, if he would drink some aqua vitae. To whom he replied, that he needed it not; for I have, said he, (laying his hand upon his breast) the true water of life, which, like a well doth spring up to eternal life. Pawsing a while, he said with a most cheereful, & grave countenance, I was never in such a Pulpit before, but little do ye know (speaking to them that stood about him) what fruits God is able to produce from this dry tree; They looking steadfastly upon him, he said, Mark my words, and remember them well, I say, Little do you know, what fruits God is able to produce from this dry tree: I say, remember it well, for this day will never be forgotten; and through these holes (pointing to the Pillary) God can bring light to his Church. The Keeper going about again to mend the Pillary, he said: Do not trouble yourself so much: But indeed we are the troublers of the world. By & by after, some of them offering him a cup of wine; He thanked them, telling them, he had the wine of consolation within him, & the joys of Christ in possession, which the world could not take away from him, neither could it give them unto him. Then he looked towards the other Pillary, and making a sign with his hand, cheerful called to Dr. Bastwicke, and Mr. Prynne, asking them, how they did? Who answered, Very well. A woman said unto him, Sir, every Christian is not worthy this Honor, which the Lord hath cast upon you this day. Alas (said he) who is worthy of the least mercy? But it is his gracious favor & free gift, to account us worthy in the behalf of Christ to suffer anything for his sake. Another woman said, There are many hundreds which by God's assistance wou • d willingly suffer, for the cause you suffer for this day. To whom he said, Christ exalts all of us that are ready to suffer afflictions for his Name with meekness & patience: But Christ's military discipline in the use of his spiritual warfare in point of suffering, is quite forgotten, and we have in a manner lost the power of religion, in not denying ourselves, and following Christ as well in sufferings as in doing. After a while Mr. Burton calling to one of his friends for a Handkercher, returned it again, saying: It is hot, but Christ bore the burden in the heat of the day; Let us always labor to approve ourselves to God in all things, and unto Christ, for therein stands our happiness, come of it what will in this world.
A Christian friend said to Mr. Burton, The Lord strengthen you. To whom he replied, I thank you, and I bless his name he strengthens. For though I am a poor sinful wretch, yet I bless God for my innocent conscience in any such crime as is laid against me; and were not my cause good, and my conscience sound, I could not enjoy so much unspeakable comfort in this my sufferings as I do: I bless my God. Mistress Burton sends commendation to him by a friend: He returned the like to her, saying, Commend my love to my wife, and tell her, I am heartily cheerful, and bidd her remember what I said to her in the morning, namely, That she should not blemish the glory of this day with one tear, or so much as one sigh. She returned answer, that she was glad to hear him so cheerful; and that she was more cheerful of this day, then of her wedding day. This Answer exceedingly rejoiced his heart, who thereupon blessed God for her, and said of her, She is but a young Soldier of Christ's, but she hath already endured many a sharp brunt, but the Lord will strengthen her unto the end: And he having on a pair of new gloves, shown them to his friends there about him, saying: My wife yesterday of her own accord bought me these wedding gloves, for this is my wedding day.
Many friends spake comfortable to Mr. Burton, and he again spake as comfortably to them, saying: I bless my God, that called me forth to suffer this day. One said to him, Sr. by this (Sermon) your suffering God may convert many unto him. He answered: God is able to do it indeed. And then he called again to Dr. Bastwicke and Mr. Prynne asking them how they did? Who answered as before. Some speaking to him concerning that suffering of shedding his blood: He answered, What is my blood to Christ's blood? Christ's blood is a purging blood, but mine is corrupted and polluted with sin. One friend asked another, standing near Mr. Burton, If there should be anything more done unto him▪ Mr. Burton overhearing him, answered: Why should there not be more done? For what God will have done, must be accompished. One desiring Mr. Burton to be of good cheer: To whom he thus replied: If you knew my cheer, you would be glad to be partaker with me; for I am not alone, neither hath God left me alone in all my sufferings, & close imprisonment, since first I was apprehended. The Halbertmen standing round about, one of them had an old rusty Halbert, the Iron whereof was tacked to the staff with an old crooked nail; which one observing, and saying, What an old rusty Halbert is that? M. Burton said, This seems to me to be one of those Halberts, which accompanied Judas, when he went to betray & apprehend his Master. The people observing Mr. Burtons cheerfulness, and courage in suffering, rejoiced, and blessed God for the same. Mr. Burton said again, I am persuaded that Christ my Advocate, is now pleading my cause at the Fathers right hand, and will judge my cause, (though none be found here to plead it) and will bring forth my righteousness as the light at noon day, & clear my innocence in due time. A friend asking M. Burton, if he would have been without this particular suffering? To whom he said, No: not for a world. Moreover, he said, that his conscience is the discharge of his Ministerial duty and function, in admonishing his people to beware of the creeping in of Popery & Superstition, exhorting them to stick close unto God & the King, in duties of obedience was that which first occasioned his sufferings, & said, as for this truth I have preached, I am ready to seal it with my blood, for this is my Crown both here and hereafter. I am jealous of God's honor, and the Lord keep us that we may do nothing that may dishonor him, either in doing or suffering, God can bring light out of darkness, and glory out of shame: And what shall I say more? I am like a Bottle which is so full of liquor, that it cannot run out freely; So I am so full of joy, that I am not able to express it.
In conclusion: some told him of the approach of the Executioner, and prayed God to strengthen him. He said, I trust he will, why should I fear to follow my Master Christ, who said: I gave my Back to the smiters, and my cheecke to the nippers, that plucked of my hair, I hid not my face from shame and spitting, for the Lord God will help me, therefore shall I not be confounded, I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.
When the Executioner had cut off one ear, which he had cut deep and close to the head, in an extraordinary manner: Yet this Champion of Christ never once moved or stirred for it, though he had cut the vein, so as the blood ran streaming down upon the Scaffold, which divers persons standing about the Pillary, seeing, dipped their Handkerchers in, as a thing most precious, the people giving a mournful shout, and crying for the Surgeon, whom the crowd and other impediments for a time kept off, so that he could not come to stop the blood; This Patient all the while held up his hands, and said, Be content, It is well, blessed be God. The other ear, being cut no less deep, he then was freed from the Pillary, and come down, where the Surgeon waiting for him, presently applied remedy for stopping the Blood after a large effusion thereof, yet for all this he fainted not in the least manner, though through expense of much blood he waxed pale. And one offering him a little wormwood water, he said: It needs not, yet through importunity he only tasted of it, and no more, saying, My master Christ was not so well used, for they gave him Gall and Veniger, and you give me strong water, to refresh me, blessed be God. His head being bound up, two Friends led him away to an house provided for him in Kings Street, where being set down, and bid to speak little, yet he said after a pause, This is too hot to hold long. Now, lest they in the room, or his wife should mis-take, and think he spake of himself concerning his pain, he said; I speak not this of my self: for that which I have suffered is nothing to that my Savior suffered for me, who had his hands & feet nailed to the Cross: And lying still a while, •• e took Mr. Prynne's sufferings much to heart, and asked the people how he did, for (said he) his sufferings have been great. He asked also how Dr. Bastwicke did, with much compassion and grief, that he (being the first that was executed) could not stay to see how they two fayred after him. His wife being brought to him, behaved herself very graciously towards him, saying: Wellcome Sweet heart, welcome home. He was often heard to repeat these words: