Speech by Lord Kimbolton Concerning Articles of High Treason
The source for this document is https://quod.lib.umich.edu/e/eebo2/A51745.0001.001
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 JVDICIOUS SPEECH MADE By the Right Honorable the Lord KIMBOLTON, in Parliament, January 3. 1641.
Concerning the Articles of high Treason exhibited against his Lordship, Sir Arthur Haslerig, M. Pym, M. Stroud, M. Hollis, and M. Hampden, by His Majesty.
Declaring
- 1. The Cause of their Accusation.
- 2. The Authors that procured it.
- 3. The effects likely to follow upon the same,
Printed at London for I. W. 1642.
A Judicious Speech, MADE By the Right Honorable the Lord Kimbolton in Parliament. Ian. 3. 1641. Concerning the Articles of high Treason, exhibited against his Lordship, Sir Arthur Haslerig, M. Pym, M. Stroud, M. Hollis, and M. Hampden, by His Majesty.
M. SPEAKER,
T Here hath already been so much spoken by the other Gentlemen, concerning this accusation of high treason, even sufficient, as I conceive, to clear us all that are impeached, that I know not what to say more touching the same: Only under favor give me leave, to speak what I conceive of the cause of the procuring of this accusation, the Authors that procured it, and of the effects which I perceive will follow upon the same.
M. Speaker, It is not long since this Honorable House accused of high Treason the twelve Bishops, for their illegal and traiterous attempt in their petition and protestation against the King and Parliament. These Gentlemen with myself and others, having the prosecution of that business, and other charges of great Crimes against them committed to our trust, did unanimously with one consent follow the same, bringing to a period our debates and disputes concerning their crimes, what we conceived they were guilty of upon their several charges, & what guilty of for framing & preferring their petition and protestation to his Majesty, that they were guilty of misprision of treason upon their former accusations, and guilty of high treason upon this their last design: And these our votes and and conclusions (grounded and warranted, not only by the Common laws of this land, but by divers Acts of Parliament, and presidents) we presented to the whole house for consideration and confirmation of the same by general vote, with whom we again agreed by our public votes, and thereupon they were impeached and committed; this I conceive provoked their malice against us, and was the principal cause of this their plot in drawing an Accusation against us for the same crime of treason, thereby to make us seem as vile as themselves, and to take away our votes at their trial. And thus I have joined together both the cause and Authors of this accusation.
The effects I conceive will be dangerous, and cause great trouble in these respects.
1 In turning the Current of the Parliaments proceedings against them upon us, by which devise they shall have further time to put in practice their plots, and bring to perfection their purposes against the Parliament.
2 That being busily employed concerning this business, in their disputes about breach of privilege of Parliament in illegal accusing the members thereof, in drawing a declaration to his Majesty concerning the same, in appeasing him, by showing the sincerity and integrity of the Parliament toward his Majesty and other things pertinent thereunto, this high Court may lay aside their procceding, and avert their purposes touching the Irish affairs, whereby the Rebellion there may increase; and foreign aide brought to them, to the utter losing of that kingdom.
3 Many fears and troubles will arise in the Citizens concerning this accusation, of desperate and devilish stratagems in agitation, as well against them as the Parliament by disconsolate & disaffected persons, to the safety and security thereof, causing their continual watching and guarding by their trained bands, which will be to them a great charge and molestation.
4 It will encourage ill affected and pernicious Cavaliers, and commanders about Court, to attempt any mischief against both houses of Parliament or particular members thereof upon the Least opportunity, that shall be offered them, thinking thereby they shall do the King good service, which otherwise they dare not adventure, to put in practice.
5 And lastly; It will provoke and stir up a dislike of these designs in the hearts of all his Majesty's subjects, and disaffection to his sacred person, cause great uproares, and tumults of the Citizens; yea, and I fear a general insurrection in the kingdom, if not suddenly prevented, which God forbid.
And thus Master Speaker, having nothing more to say concerning these Articles, I humbly crave of this Honorable house, that I may have expedition in my trial, upon the same; and that all things done by this wise Council may tend to the Honor and glory of Almighty God, the peace and safety of his sacred Majesty and all his kingdoms.