Former Ages never Heard of AND After Ages will Admire Or a Brief Review of the most Materiall PARLIAMENTARY TRANSACTIONS Beginning Nov 3. 1640. WHEREIN The Remarkeable Passages both of their Civil and Martial Affaires are continued unto this present Year Published as a Breviary leading all along successively as they fell out in their severall years So that if any man will be informed of any remarkeable Passage he may turne to the year and so see in some measure in what Moneth thereof it was accomplished For Information of such as are altogether ignorant of the rise and progresse of these Times A Work worthy to be kept in Record and communicated to Posterity Who is wise and he shall understand these things prudent and he shall know them for the wayes of the Lord are right and the just shall walk in them but the transgressors shall fall therein Hosea 14. 9. LONDON Printed by M. S. for Tho Jenner at the South-Entrance of the Royal EXCHANGE 1654. The Chronology IN the first year of King Charls his Reign a Parliament being called at Oxford two Subsidies were granted no grievances removed but the said Parliament soon dissolved The sad effects which the dissolution of this Parliament produced were the losse of Rochel by the unhappy help of Englands ships The diversion of a most facile and hopeful war from the West Indies to a most expensive and succeslesse attempt on Cales The attempt on the Isle of Ree and thereby a precipitate breach of peace with France to our great losse A peace concluded with Spain without consent of Parliament contrary to a promise formerly made to the Kingdome by King James a little before his death whereby the cause of the Palatinate was altogether most shamefully deserted by us The Kingdome suddenly billetted with Souldiers and a concomitant project set on foot for Germane Horses to force men by fear to fall before arbitrary and tyrannical Taxations continually to be laid upon them 2d Parliament The dissolution of a second Parliament at Westminster in the second year after a declarative grant of no lesse then five Subsidies and the sad issues that flowed to the Kingdom thereupon As first the violent exacting from the people that mighty sum of the five Subsidies or a sum equal to it by a Commission for a Royal Loan Many worthy Gentlemen imprisoned and vexed that refused to pay it Great sums extorted by Privy Seals and Excises and the most hopeful Petition of Right blasted 3d A third Parliament called and quickly broken in the fourteenth year of the King the best Members clapt up close Prisoners denied all ordinary and extraordinary comforts of life and so that Parliament was dissolved Opprobrious Declarations published to asperse the proceedings of the last Parliament yea Proclamations set out to those effects thereby extreamly to dishearten the Subjects yea and plainly forbidding them once to name a Parliament or to desire them any more Whence immediately gushed out the violent inundations of mighty sums of money got by that strange project of Knight hood yet under a colour of Law The most burthensome Book of Rates the unheard of Taxation of Ship-money the enlargement of Forrests contrary to Magna Charta the injurious Taxation of Coat and Conduct money the forcible taking away of the Trained Bands Arms ingrossing Gunpowder into their hands in the Tower of London The destruction of the Forrest of Dean which was sold to Papists whence we had all our timber for Shipping Monopolies of Sope Salt Wine Leather and Sea Coal yea almost of all things in the Kingdome of most necessary and common use Restraint in trades and habitations for reâ—â—sall of which foresaid heavy pressures many were vext with long and languishing suiâ—s some fined and confined to Prisons to the losse of health in many of life in some some having their Houses broken open their Goods leized 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 The crushing cruelties of the Star-Chamber Court and Councel Table where the Recorder of Salisbury was greatly fined for demolishing the Picture of the first person in the Trinity in their great Cathedrall Thus far for the miseries of the Common-wealth Popish Ceremonies Romish innovations and such like outrages of the Arch Prelate of Canterbury and his Prelaticall Agents and Instruments over the whole Kingdome in matters of Religion Divine worship and spiritual cases of conscience Additions in the Oath administred to the King at his first inauguration to the Crown by the Arch-Bishop Fines Imprisonments stigmatizings mutilations whippings pillories gagges confinements and banishments yea and that into perpetual close imprisonments in the most desolate remote and as they hoped and intended remotest parts of the Kingdome Mr. Burton Mr. Bastwicke Mr. Prin. The ruinating of the â—â—eoffees for buying in of Impropriations and the advancing to Ecclesiasticall livings Arminians silencing with deprivations degradations and excommunications almost all the most pious Pastors over the Land whom they could catch in their snares and all this under a pretence of peace unity and conformity Printing Presses set open for the Printing and publishing of all Popish and Arminian Tenets but shut up and restrained from printing sound Doctrines Nay not only thus lamentably molested in England but attempted the like in Scotland indeavouring to impose upon them a New Liturgy and a Book of Canons They refusing of them were called and counted Rebels and Traytors yea so proclaimed in all Churches in England and an Army was also raised to oppresse and suppresse them A mighty and tumultuous rising of Apprentices and young men in Southwark and Lambeth side with Clubs and other weapons especially at the Arch Bishops house which put him in such a fright as made him flye to Croyden to convey himselfe to some more private and remote place And although Pharoahs Magicians were so honest that at the sight of the dust of the earth turned into lice they cryed out It was the finger of God but he grew more and more outragious and caused one to be hanged and quartered and his head set on London-Bridge who said at his execution he came there by accident and he must dye The Arch-Prelate of St Andrewes in Scotland reading the new Service-booke in his pontificalibus assaulted by men Women with Crickets stooles Stickes and Stones The rising of Prentises and Sea-men on Southwark side to assault the Arch-bishop of Canterbury's House at Lambeth 4 Parliament 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 Strafford in Ireland both of them only to levy and procure moneys to raise another Army and wage a new War against the Scots The Ships and Goods of Scotland were in all parts and Ports of this Land and of Ireland also surprized and seized on
they cannot desire their own security without hazzard to his Excellency c. Concerning the abuse to divers well affected to the Army by imprisonment to the ruine of their estates and losse of their lives And for their candid intentions and endeavours declared no lesse then troublers and enemies to the state and Kingdome resolving rather to dye like men then to be enflaved and hanged like dogs c. A Letter from his Excellency to the Earl of Manchester concerning the Votes of both Houses as also his grief of heart for the distractions between the Parliam and the Army defiring that all things may be determined in love c. June 1647. The King taken from Holmby and carried along with the Army the House ordered that the King should reside at Richmond but the next day from the General and Councel of Officers was brought an Impeachment against eleven Members A particular Charge against the 11 Members impeached by the Army 1 THat Mr. Denzil Hollis being one of the special Commission for the Parl. to present Propositions to the King at Oxford made private addresses to the Kings party then in Arms against the Parl. and did secretly plot and advise them against the Parl. c. 2 That the said Mr. Denzil Hollis and Sir Phillip Stapleton during the late war when the Earl of Lindsey went from the Tower to Oxford sent severall Messages to the Earl of Dorset c. 3 That the said Mr. Hollis Sir Phillip Stapleton Sir Will. Lewis Sir John Clotworthy Sir Wil Waller Sir John Maynard Maj. Gen. Massie Mr. Glyn Mr. Long Col. Edward Harley and Anthony Nicholas in the months of March April May and Iune last in prosecution of their evill designes met in divers places with persons disaffected to the State for holding correspondency wth the Queen of England now in France and incouraged her party there 4 And indeavoured to bring in Forraign Forces and Listed divers Commanders and Souldiers there to raise and levy a new War 5 and affronted divers Petitioners that came in a peaceable manner boysterously assaulting them c. 6 Imprisoned some Members of the Army to dis-oblige them from the Parl. The solemn Engagement of the Citizens Commanders Officers and Souldiers c. This was the Treasonable Ingagement WE do solemnly Engage our selves and Vow unto Almighty God That we will to the utmost of our power cordially endeavour that his Majesty may speedily come to his Houses of Parliament with honour safety and freedome and that without the nearer approach of the Army there to confirm such things as he hath granted the twelfth of May last in answer to the Propositions of both Kingdomes and that with a personall Treaty with his two Houses of Parl. and the Commissioners of Scotland such things as are yet in difference may be speedily setled and a firme and lasting peace established The Army marching towards the City Orders were given to the trained Bands to go to the Workes The Auxilaries are raised to defend the City A Proclamation by beat of drum for all that are able to beare Armes and are not listed to come to receive them The House of Commons and the Lords likewise met according to the order of adjournment July 30. but nether of the Speakers At length they proceeded to a new election and Voted Master Pelham a Counsellour and Member of the Commons House Speaker pro tempore The Lords made choice of the Lord Grey to be Speaker of their House pro tempore The Sargeant at Arms being absent with the Mace when the Commons chose their Speaker had the City Mace and chose Master Norfolk Sergeant at Arms After which proceeding to debate the greate affairs touching the City and Kingdom they voted as followes 1 That the King come to London 2 That the Militia of the City shall have full power to raise what Forces they shall think fit to the same 3 That they may make choyce of a Commander in chief to be approved of by the House and such Commander to present other Officers to be approved of by the Militia The Common councel made choice of Major Gen. Massey to Command in chief all the City Forces Ordered by the Militia that all Reformadoes and other Officers should the next day at two of the clock be listed in St. Iameses fields where was a great appearance Order given for slaying of Horses in the City and many listed Most of the eleven Members sat in the House and in the afternoon Maj. Gen. Massey Sir William Waller and Col. Gen. Poyntz were at listing the Reformadoes Declaration of the Lord Major Aldermen and Common Councel A brief of which that his Majesty was surprized at Holmby and no place for his Majesties residence allowed by the Army nearer then their Quarters therefore to settle peace and establish true Religion ease the Kingdomes burdens establish his Majesties just rights maintain the Parl. priviledges and relieving Ireland they professe the main of their enterprise c. At which time Col. Gen. Poyntzs and other Officers of the new List attending for their Orders upon the Militia came into Guild-hall-yard and most cruelly hackt and hew'd many of the aforesaid Petitioners divers whereof were mortally wounded whereof some since dyed Lord Say Lord Magresie and others with many of the House of Commons came to the Head quarters desiring the Generals protection Six Aldermen and twelve Common-councel men sent with a letter to the Gen declaring their unwillingnesse to a new War A letter from Southwarke relating their withstanding the design of raising a new War desiring protection Massey sends Scouts but neer Brainford thirty chased by ten and took four of Massies Col. Rainsborough Col. Hewson Col. Pride and Col Thistlwet marched into Southwarke the Fort yielded without opposition The Memberr forced away returne the Houses being sat with their old Speakers Thomas Lord Fairfax made High Constable of the Tower He marches through the City from 11 untill 8 at night A Letter from Liev Gen Cromwel that his Majesty had withdrawn himselfe at 9 the last night His Majesties last Letter Hampton-Court Nov. 11. 1645. LIberty being that which in all times hath been but especially now is the condition the aime and desire of all men common reason shews that Kings lesse then any should endure captivity yet I call God to witnes with what patience I have endur'd a tedious restraint which so long as I had any hopes that this sort of my suffering might conduce to the peace of these three Kingdomes or the hindring of more effusion of blood I did willingly undergo but now finding by too certain proofs that this my continued patience would not only turn to my personall ruine but likewise be of much more prejudice to the furtherance of the publick good I thought I was bound as well by naturall as politicall Obligations to seek my safety by retiring my selfe for some time from publick view both of my friends and enemies and I appeal
to the answers which the said Charls Stuart shall make to the premisses or any Charge that shall be so exhibited doth for the said Treasons and Crimes on the behalfe of the said people of Engl impeach the said Charls Stuart as a Tyrant Traytor Murtherer and a publick and implacable enemy to the Common-wealth of England and pray That the said Charls Stuart King of England may be put to answer all and every the premisses that such Proceedings Examinations Tryals Sentence and Judgement may be thereupon had as shall be agreeable to Justice The Kings Speech made upon the Scaffold at White-Hall Jan. 30. 1648. I Shall be very little heard of any body here I shall therefore speak a word unto you here indeed I could hold my peace very well if I did not think that holding my peace would make som men think that I did submit to the guilt as well as to the punishment but I think it is my duty to God first and to my Countrey for to clear my self both as an honest man and a good Christian I shall begin first with my innocency in troth I think it not very needfull for me to insist long upon this for all the world knowes I never did begin a War with the two Houses of Parliament and I call God to witnesse to whom I must shortly make an account that I never did intend for to incroach upon their priviledges they began upon me it was the Militia they began upon they confest that the Militia was mine but they thought it fit for to have it from me and to be short if any body will look to the dates of Commissions both theirs and mine and likewise to the Declarations will see cleerly that they began these unhappy troubles not I so that as for the guilt of these enormous Crimes that are laid against me I hope in God that God will clear me of it I will not I am in charity God forbid that I should lay it upon the two Houses of Parl. there is no necessity of either I hope they are free of this guilt for I doe beleeve that ill instruments between them and me ha's been the cause of all this bloodshed so that by way of speaking as I find my selfe clear of this I hope and pray God that they may too yet for all this God forbid that I should be so ill a Christian as not to say that Gods judgements are just upon me many times he does pay justice by an unjust sentence that is ordinary I will onely say this That an unjust Sentence that I suffered to take effect is punished now by an unjust Sentence upon me that is so far I have said to shew you that I am an innocent man Now for to shew you that I am a good Christian I hope there is a good man pointing to Dr Juckson that will bear me witnesse that I have forgiven all the world and those in particular that have been the chief causers of my death who they are God knowes I doe not desire to know I pray God forgive them But this is not all my charity must goe further I wish that they may repent for indeed they have committed a great sin in that particular I pray God with Saint Stephen that this be not laid to their charge nay not onely so but that they may take the right way to the peace of the Kingdome So Sirs I doe wish with all my soule and I doe hope there is some here will carry it further that they may endeavour the peace of the Kingdome Now Sirs I must shew you how you are out of the way and will put you in a way first you are out of the way for certainly all the way you ever have had yet as I could find by any thing is in the way of Conquest certainly this is in an ill way for Conquest Sir in my opinion is never just except there be a good just Cause either for matter of wrong or just Title and then if you goe beyond it that makes it unjust at the end that was just at first But if it be onely matter of Conquest then it is a great Robbery as a Pirate said to Alexander That He was the great Robber he was but a petty Robber and so Sirs I doe think the way you are in is much out of the way Now Sir for to put you in the way believe it you will never doe right nor God will never prosper you untill you give God his due the King his due that is my Successors and the people their due I am as much for them as any of you You must give God his due by regulating rightly his Church according to his Scriptures which is now out of order for to set you in a way particularly now I cannot but onely this a Nationall Synod freely called freely debating among themselves must settle this when that every Opinion is freely and cleerly heard For the King indeed I will not the Lawes of the Land will cleerly instruct you for that therefore because it concernes my owne particular I only give you a touch of it For the people and truly I desire their liberty and freedome as much as any body whomsoever but I must tell you that their Liberty and their Freedome consists in having of Government those Lawes by which their life and their goods may be most their owne It is not for having share in Government Sir that is nothing pertaining to them a Subject and a Soveraign are clean different things and therefore until they doe that I mean that you doe put the people in that Liberty as I say certainly they will never enjoy themselves Sirs it was for this that now I am come here If I would have given way to an Arbitrary way for to have all Lawes changed according to the power of the Sword I needed not to have come here and therefore I tell you and I pray God it be not laid to your charge That I am the Martyr of the people In troth Sirs I shall not trouble you much longer for I will onely say this to you that in truth I could have desired some little time longer because that I would have put this that I have said in a little more order and a little better digested then I have done and therefore I hope you will excuse Me I have delivered my conscience I pray God that you do take those courses that are best for the good of the kingdom and your own Salvation The Biship of London minding him to say somthing concerning his Religion King I thank you very heartily my Lord for that I had almost forgotten it In troth Sirs my Conscience in Religion I think is very well known to all the world and therefore I declare before you all That I die a Christian according to the profession of the Church of England as I found it left me by my Father and this honest man I thinke will witnesse it
concerned in it may take the occasion of it of humble repentance to God Almighty for it I do here professe to you that truly I did give my Vote to that Bill of the E. of Strafford I doubt not but God Almighty hath washed that away with a more precious blood and that is with the blood of his own Son and my dear Saviour Jesus Christ and I hope he will wash it away from all those that are gâ—ilty of it Truly this I may say I had not the least part nor the least degree of malice in the doing of it but I must confesse again to Gods glory and the accusation of mine own frailty and the trailty of my nature that truly it was an unworthy Cowardize not to resist so great a torrent as carried that businesse at that time And truly this I think I am most guilty of of not courage enough in it but malice I had none but whatsoever it was God I am sure hath pardoned it hath given me the assurance of it that Christ Jesus his blood hath washed it away and truly I doe from my soule wish that all men that have any stain by it may seriously repent and receive a remission and pardon from God for it And now Gentlemen we have had an occasion by this intimation to remember his Majesty our King that last was and I cannot speak of him nor think of it but truly I must needs say that in my opinion that have had time to consider all the Images of all the greatest and vertuousest Princes in the world and truly in my opinion there was not a more vertuous and more sufficient Prince known in the world then our gracious King Charls that dyed last God Almighty preserve our King that now is his Son God send him more fortunate and longer dayes God almighty so assist him that he may exceed both the vertues and sufficiencies of his Father For certainly I that have been a Councellour to him and have lived long with him and in a time when discovery is easily enough made for he was young he was about thirteen fourteen fifteen or sixteen yeers of age those years I was with him truly I never saw greater hopes of vertue in any young person then in him great Judgment great Understanding great Apprehension much Honour in his Nature and truly a very perfect English-man in his Inclination and I pray God restore him to this Kingdome and unite the Kingdomes one unto another and send a happinesse both to you and to him that he may long live and Reign among you and that that Family may Reign till thy Kingdome come that is while all Temporall Power is consuminated I beseech God of his mercy give much happinesse to this your KING and to you that in it shall be his Subjects by the grace of Jesus Christ Truly I like my beginning so well that I will make my conclusion with it that is That God Almighty would confer of his infinite and inestimable grace and mercy to those that are the causers of my coming hither I pray God give them as much mercy as their owne hearts can wish and truly for my part I will not accuse any of them of malice truly I will not nay I will not think there was any malice in them what other ends there are I know not nor I will not examine but let it be what it will from my very soule I forgive them every one And so the Lord of Heaven blesse you all God Almighty be infinite in goodnesse and mercy to you and direct you in those wayes of obedience to his Commands to his Majesty that this Kingdome may be a happy and glorious Nation again that your King may be a happy King in so good and so obedient people God Almighty keep you all God Almighty preserve this Kingdome God Almighty preserve you all Then turning about and looking for the Executioner who was gone off the Scaffold said Which is the Gentleman Which is the man Answer was made he is coming he then said stay I must pull off my Doublet first and my Wastcoat And then the Executioner being come upon the Scaffold the Lord Capel said O friend prethee come hither Then the Executioner kneeling down the Lord Capel said I forgive thee from my soul and not only forgive thee but I shall pray to God to give thee all grace for a better life There is five pounds for thee and truly for my Cloaths and those things if there be any thing due to you for it you shall be very fully recompenced but I desire my body may not be stripped here and no body to take noâ—â—ce of my body but my own Servants Look you Friend this I shall desire of you that when I lye down you would give me a time for a particular short prayer Liev. Col. Beecher Make your owne signe my Lord Capel Stay a little which side doe you stand upon speaking to the Executioner stay I think I should lay my hands forward that way pointing fore right and answer being made yet he stood still a little while and then said God Almighty blesse all this people God Almighty stench this blood God Almighty stench stench this issue of blood this will not doe the businesse God Almighty find out another way to do it And then turning to one of his Servants said Baldwin I cannot see any thing that belongs to my wife but I must desire thee to beseech her to rest wholly upon Jesus Christ and be contented and fully satisfied And then speaking to his Servants he said God keep you and Gentlemen let me now doe a businesse quickly privately and pray let me have your Prayers at the moment of death that God would receive my soul Capel Pray at the moment of striking joyne your prayers but make no noise turning to his Servants that is inconvenient at this time Servant My Lord put on your Cap. Capel Should I what will that doe me good stay a little is it well as it is now And then turning to the Executioner he said Honest man I have forgiven thee therefore strike boldly from my soule I doe it Then a Gentleman speaking to him he said Nay prethee be contented be quiet good Mr be quiet Then turning to the Executioner he said Well you are ready when I am ready are you not And stretching out his handâ— he said then pray stand off Gentlemen then going to the front of the Scaffold he said to the people Gentlemen though I doubt not of it yet I think it convenient to ask it of you that you would all joyne in prayers with me that God would mercifully receive my soule and that for his alone mercies in Christ Jesus Execut. My Lord shall I put up your Haire Capel I I prethee doe and then as he stood lifting up his hands and eyes he said O God I doe with a perfect and a willing heart submit to thy will O God I doe
for the King their Commissioners denied audience to make their just Defence to the King and the whole Kingdome of Scotland and England too hereupon much distracted and distempered with levying of moneys and imprisoning all amongst us that refused the same This Parliament also refusing to comply with the King Canterbury and Strafford in this Episcopal War against the Scots was soon dissolved and broken up by them and thereupon they returned to their former wayes of wast 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 Cloaths betimes in the morning before they were out of their Beds searched for Letters and Writings and some of them imprisoned and a false and most scandalous Declaration was published against the House of Commons in the Kings Name A Forced Loan of money was attempted in the City of London to be made a president if it prevailed there for the whole Kingdome but some Aldermen refusing were sorely threatned and imprisoned In which interim the Clergies Convocation continuing notwithstanding the Dissolution of the Parliament New Conscience oppressing Canons were forged and a strange Oath with an c. in it was framed for the establishing of the Bishops Hierarchy with severe punishments on the refusers to take it The OATH That I A. B. doe Sweare that I doe approve the Doctrine and Discipline or Government established in the Church of England as containing all things necessary to Salvation And that I will not endeavour by my selfe or any other directly or indirectly to bring in any Popish Doctrine contrary to that which is so established Nor will I ever give my consent to alter the Government of this Church by Arch-Bishops Bishops Deans and Arch Deacons c. as it stands now established and as by right it ought to stand Nor yet ever to subject it to the usurpations and superstitions of the Sea of Rome And all these things I doe plainly and sincerely acknowledge and swear according to the plain and common sense and understanding of the same words without any equivocation or mentall evasion or secret reservation whatsoever And this I doe heartily willingly and truly upon the faith of a Christian So help me God in Jesus Christ In this Convocation sore Taxations were also imposed upon the whole Clergy even no lesse then six Subsidies besides a bountifull Contribution to forward that intended War against Scotland For the advancing of which said sums for this War the Popish 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 Traytors The Papists also in a high measure enjoyed even almost a total Toleration and a Popes Nuncio suffered amongst us to act and govern all Romish affairs yea a kind of private Popish Parliament kept in the Kingdome and Popish Jurisdictions erected among them Commissioners were also secretly issued out for some great and eminent Papists for Martial Commands for levying of Souldiers strengthning their party with Arms and Ammunition of all sorts and in great plenty His Majesties Treasure was by these means so extreamly exhausted and his Revenues so anticipated that he was forced to compell as it were his owne Servants Judges and Officers of all sorts to lend him great sums of money and Prisons filled with refusers of these and the other illegall payments yea many High-Sheriffs summoned in the Star-Chamber and to the Councel board and some of them imprisoned for not being quick enough in levying of Ship-money and such like intolerable Taxations In sum the whole Land 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 humane help but dolour desperation and destruction to be the portion of all In which interim the Scots being entred our Kingdome for their own defence the King had advanced his Royal-Standard at Yorke where the cream of the Kingdom Nobles and Gentry being assembled and a Treaty betwixt the prime of both Armies had at Rippon for a fair and peaceable accommodation the King was at last inforced to take his Nobles Councel and in the first place a cessation of Arms agreed on and then a fifth Parl. was necessitously resolved on to begin Nov 3. 1640. 5th Parliament Letters from the King Queen Popish Earls Lords Knights and Gentry post into all parts of the Kingdome to make a strong party for them Shortly after a very formidable Spanish Fleet or Armado appeared on our English narrow Seas in sight of Dover and was coming in as was on very strong grounds more then probably conjectured as a third party to help to destroy us the Spaniards hoping that by this time we and the Scots were together by the ears but they were by Gods mercy beaten off from us by our Neighbours of Holland and we fighting against them fought against our friends The Souldiers in their passage to York turn Reformers pull down Popish Pictures break down rails turn Altars into Tables those Popish Commanders that ware to command them they forced to eat flesh on Fridays thrusting it down their throats and some they slew In the time of ours and the Scots Armies residing in the North which was in June 1641. Malignant Lords endeavoured to bring it out of the North Southward and so to London to compell the Parl. to such limits and rules as they thought fit whereupon the Parl. entred upon this following Protestation Die Veneris 30 July 1641. WE the Knights Citizens and Burgesses of the Commons House in Parl. finding to the great grief of our hearts that the designs of the Priests Jesuites and other adherents to the Sea of Rome have of late been more boldly and frequently put in practice then formerly to the undermining and danger of the ruine of the true Reformed Protestant Religion in his Majesties Dominions established And finding also that they have been and having just cause to suspect that there are still even during this sitting in Parliament endeavours to subvert the fundamentall Lawes of England and Ireland and to introduce the exercise of an Arbitrary and Tyrannicall Government by most pernicious and wicked counsels practices plots and conspiracies And that the long intermission and unhappy breach of Parliam hath occasioned many illegall Taxations whereupon the subject hath been prosecuted and grieved And that divers Innovations and superstitions have been brought into the Church multitudes driven out of his Majesties Dominions jealousies raised and vvn betwixt the King and his people a Popish Army levyed in Ireland and two Armies brought into the bowels of his Kingdom to the hazzard of his Majesties Royal person the consumption of the Revenues of the Crown and Treasure of his Kingdome And lastly finding
great cause of jealousie that endeavours have been and are used to bring the English Army into a misunderstanding of this Parl. thereby to incline that Army with force to bring to passe those wicked Councels Have therefore thought good to joyne our selves in a Declaration of our united affections and resolutions and to make this ensuing Protestation The Protestation I A. B. Do in the presence of Almighty God Promise Vow and Protest to maintaine and defend as far as lawfully I may with my life power and state the true Reformed Protestant Religion expressed in the Doctrine of the Church of England against Popery and Popish Innovations within this Realme contrary to the same Doctrine and according to the duty of my Allegiance his Majesties Royall Person Honour and Estate as also the power and priviledges of Parliament the lawfull rights and liberties of the Subject and every person that maketh this Protestation in whatsoever he shall doe in the lawfull pursuance of the same And to my power and as far as lawfully I may I will oppose and by all good wayes and means endeavour to bring to condigne punishment all such as shall either by force practice counsels plots conspiracies or otherwise doe any thing to the contrary of any thing in this present Protestation contained And further that I shall in all just and honourable wayes endeavour to preserve the union and peace between the three Kingdomes of England Scotland and Ireland and neither for hope fear nor other respect shall relinquish this Promise Vow and Protestation At the beginning of the Parliament Nov. 3. 1640. there was a diligent inquisition after oppressions and oppressors and first upon the Petition of Mris Bastwicke and Mris Burton two widowed wives and a Petition exhibited in the behalfe of Mr Pryn Dr. Laighten Mr. Smart Mr. Walker Mr. Foxley Mr. Lilburn and many others set at liberty some being banisht and all close Prisoners others fast fettered in irons and their wives debar'd from coming to them Decemb. 1640. The Earl of Strafford and Laud Arch-bishop of Canterbury impeached of High Treason Wren Bishop of Norwich of Treason Windebank and Finch fled The Scots ships that were taken before the Parl. began restored and 4000. l. given to rig them 300000. l. towards their losses and all Books Libels and Proclamations against the Scots called in February A Bill signed for Trienniall Parl. â—ix Subsidies Poll money and a personall assesment of the whole Kingdome May a Bill signed that the Parl. should not be dissolved without their consent Lord Strafford beheaded the High Commission Court and Star Chamber put down the Parl. proceeded against Delinquent Judges about Ship-money The Earl of Strafford's Speech on the Scaffold May 12. 1641. MY Lord Primate of Ireland and my Lords 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 glad to obtain so much silence as to be heard a few words but doubt I shall not my Lord I come hither by the good will and pleasure of Almighty God to pay the last debt I owe to sin which is death and by the blessing of that God to rise again through the mercies of Christ Jesus to eternall glory I wish I had been private that I might have been heard my Lord if I might be so much beholding to you that I might use a few words I should take it for a very great courtesie my Lord I come hither to submit to that judgment which hath past against me I do it with a very quiet and contented mind I do freely forgive all the world a forgivenesse that is not spoken from the teeth outward as they say but from my heart I speak it in the presence of Almighty God before whom I stand that there is not so much as a displeasing thought in me arising to any creature I thank God I may say truly and my conscience bears me witnesse that in all my services since I have had the honour to serve his Majesty in any employment I never had any thing in my heart but the joynt and individuall prosperity of King and people if it hath been my hap to be misconstrued it is the common portion of us all while we are in this life the righteous judgment is hereafter here we are subject to error and apt to be The Earle of Strafford for treasonable practises beheaded on the Tower-hill mis-judged one of another There is one thing I desire to clear my selfe of and I am confident I speak it with so much clearnesse that I hope I shall have your Christian Charity in the belief of it I did alwayes think that the Parl. of England were the happiest constitutions that any Kingdome or any Nation lived under and under God the means of making King and people happy so far have I been from being against Parliaments For my death I here acquit all the world and pray God heartily to forgive them and in particular my Lord Primate I am very glad that his Majesty is pleased to conceive me not meriting so severe and heavy a punishment as the utmost execution of this sentence I am very glad and infinitely rejoyce in this mercy of his and beseech God to turn it to him and that he may find mercy when he hath most need of it I wish the Kingdome all the prosperity and happinesse in the world I did it living and now dying it is my wish I do now professe is from my heart and do most humbly recommend it to every man here and wish every man to lay his hand upon his heart and consider seriously whether the beginning of the happinesse of a people should be writ in Letters of blood I fear you are in a wrong way and I desire Almighty God that not one drop of my blood may rise up in judgment against you My Lord I professe my selfe a true and obedient Son to the Church of England to the Church wherein I was born and wherein I was bred prosperity and happinesse 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 twenty one years of age till this hour now going upon forty nine I never had thought in my heart to doubt of the truth of my Religion in England and never any had the boldnesse to suggest to me contrary to the best of my remembrance and so being reconciled to the mercies of Christ Jesus my Saviour into whose bosome I hope shortly to be gathered to that eternall happinesse that shall never have end I desire heartily the forgivenesse of every man both for any rash or unadvised word or deed and desire your prayers And so my Lord farewell farewell all the things of this word Lord strengthen my faith give me confidence and assurance in the merits
of Jesus Christ I desire you that you would be silent and joyn in prayers with me and I trust in God that we shall all meet and live eternally in Heaven there to receive the accomplishment of all happinesse where every tear shall be wiped from our eyes and every sad thought from our hearts And so God blesse this Kingdome and Jesus have mercy upon my Soul Amen August 1641. The King went to Scotland Octob. The Irish Rebellion began whereby above 100000 Protestants were murdered Novemb. Decemb. The King came from Scotland to London and was entertained with most pompous solemnity and after went to Hampton Court the Earl presented a Remonstrance wherein was expressed the Kingdomes grievances they desire a Guard Sir Wil. Belford was displaced and Cottington made Constable of the Tower but he was soon displaced and Col. Lunsford was made Lieutenant of the Tower but he also was displaced and Sir John Byron was made Liev. of the Tower in Lunsfords stead but he also with much ado removed and Sir John Conyers was put in his place To the Kings most Excellent Majesty and the Lords and Peers now Assembled in Parliament The Humble Petition and Protestation of all the Bishops and Prelats now called by his Majesties Writs to attend the Parliament and present about 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 Parl. and have a clear and indubitable right to Vote in Bils and other matters whatsoever debatable in Parl. by the ancient Customes Lawes 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 Protest before God your Majesty and the noble Lords and Peers now assembled in Parl. that as they have an indubitate right to Sit and Vote in the House of Lords so are they if they may be protected from force and violence most ready and willing to performe their duties accordingly And that they doe 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 owne reasons and conscience shall not move them to adhere But whereas they have been at severall times violently menaced affronted and assaulted by multitudes of people in their coming to perform their services in that honourable House and lately chased away and put in danger of their lives and can find no redresse or protection upon sundry complaints made to The High Commission-Court and Starr-Chamber voted down and pluralities non residencies damned by Parliament both Houses in these perticulars 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 untill your Majesty shall further secure them from all affronts indignities and dangers in the premisses Lastly whereas their fears are not built upon fantasies and conceits but upon such grounds and objects as may well terrifie men of good resolutions and much constancy They doe in all duty and humility protest before your Majesty and the Peers of that most Honourable House of Parl. against all Laws Orders Votes Resolutions and Determinations as in themselves null and of none effect which in their absence since the 27th of this instant Month of Decem. 1641. have already passed as likewise against all such as shall hereafter pass in that most Honourable House during the time of this their forced and violent absence from the said most Honourable House not denying but if their absenting of themselves were willfull and voluntary that most honourable House might proceed in all their premisses in their absence and this Protestation notwithstanding And humbly beseeching your most Excellent Majesty to command the Clerk of the House of Peers to enter this their Petition and Protestation among their Records They will ever pray to God to bless c. Jo Ebor. Th. Dures Rob. Co. Lich. Jo. Norw. Jo. Asa. Gul Ba. Wels. Geo. Heref. Rob. Ox. Ma. Ely Godf. Glouc. Jo Peterb Mor. Land Twelve Bishops were impeached of high Treason and ten imprisoned in the Tower and afterward all disabled from ever sitting in the Parl. they are Voted down root and branch Nulla contradicente The same night there were bonefires and ringing of Bels 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 defence of the Common-wealth should forthwith confine themselves to their own Houses and not to goe forth without speciall license An Ordinance to apprehend dis-affected persons in the City whereof were four Aldermen put in safe custody in Crosby House and some in Gressam Colledge A letter sent to Mr. Pym Mr. Pym Do not think that a guard of men can protect you if you persist in your trayterous courses and wicked designs I have sent a Paper-messenger to you and if this does not touch your heart a Dagger shal so soon as I am recovered of my plague-sore In the mean time you may be forborn because no better man may be endangered for you Repent Traytor Jan 1641. The Irish proclaimed Rebels the King demands five Members Lunsford assaulteth the Citizens at Westmin an Act to carry on the War in Ireland till it were reduced Febr King signs the Bill for taking away Bishops Votes March the Queen went to Holland one of her ships sprung a leak and much treasure lost and when she return'd there was a great storm Van Trump's Mast broke and after eight dayes turmoil driven back again broke and lost 3 ships The King went to Theobalds where a Petition from the Par. was presented desiring him to let the Militia abide neer Lon and not carry the Prince away he being at Newmarket the House presented a Declaration the King went to York sends a message to the Parl. that he would raise 2000 Foot and 200 Horse at Hull and go for Ireland Sir John Hotbam denies the King entrance in April May som Members leave their seats and go to the King at York Binion a Silk-man the Kentish Malignants and Sir Edw Deering frame petitions against the Parl. but rejected fined and imprisoned The King interdicts the Militia but the Messenger was hang'd at the Exchange The Lords and Gentry of Ireland and Scotland petition the King to return to his Parl. the Gentry of York shire do the like but rejected The K. set on foot a Commission of Array June The Great Seal carried to the K. The Earle of Warwick Adm. Money and Plate brought in for the Cause the King besieges Hull 500 men went from London to it Proclamations and Declarations against the Parliament read in all Churches and Chappels within the
glory of thy great name the truth and sincerity of Religion the establishment of the K. and his posterity after him in their just rights and priviledges the honour and conservation of parl. in their ancient and just power the preservation of this poor Church in her truth peace and patrimony and Sr Alexander Caron Sr. Iohn Hotham Captin Hotham the Arch Bishop of Canterbury beheaded on Tower-hill for Treason against ye Parliament 1645. the settlement of this distracted and distressed people under the ancient Lawes and in their native liberties and when thou hast done all this in mercy for them O Lord fill their hearts with thankfulnes and with religious dutifull obedience to thee and thy Commandements all their dayes So Amen Lord Jesus and I beseech thee to receive my soul to mercy Our Father c. His 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 umbra mortis a meer shadow of death a little darknesse upon nature but thou by thy merits and passion hast broke through the jaws of death so Lord receive my soul and have mercy on me and blesse this Kingdome with peace and plenty and with brotherly love and charity that there may not be this effusion of Christian blood among them for Jesus Christ his sake if it be thy will And when he said Lord receive my soul which was his signe the Executioner did his Office A design to starve the City by breaking into Surrey Sussex Kent but disappointed by Sir Wil Waller and the City Regiments Feb the King granted a cessition of arms with the bloody Rebels of Ireland March a Solemn League and Covenant taken by the Lords Commons city of London and all parts within the Parl. power Nottingham Town and Castle to have been betrayed but prevented by Col. Hutchinson A ship from Denmark of 300 Tuns laden for the most part with Round-heads being half pike-slaves with a knob at the end full of iron spikes sent to the King but that yeare the Swedes fell into Denmarke and took half his Countrey from him A plot against the City of London by Sir Basil Brooke Col. Read Mr. Ripley and Mr. Vilâ—â— two Citizens of London and others but prevented Our Army in Cornwall preserved with the losse of our Artillery A peace pretended at Vxbridge and a petition from Buckinghamshire wherein Sir Iohn Lawrence was a great stickler but frustrated Melcomb Regis to have been betrayed Col. Goring and Sir Lewis Dives were agents therein the Town and Forts recovered and two ships with rich prizes from Rhoan in France were seized on to make amends for their trouble The Service-Book Voted down Earles and Lords from Oxford submitted themselves to the Parl. Iune 1645. The famous Victory of Naisby over the Kings Forces 5000 prisoners taken a Jewel of 500. l. sent to Gen. Leven by the Parl. all the K. Commissioners taken at Shaftsbury Basing house taken and burnt August A plot in the west against the Parl. by the Clubmen A sudden plot upon Scotland by Montrosse but as suddenly recovered again by Gen David Lesley A Treaty with the Parl. for a well grounded peace and yet at that time the Earl of Glamorgan had a Commission to the ruine of all the protestants in Ireland and consequently in England also The Great Seal broken before the Lords and Commons on Tuesday the 11 of August 1646. The King Escapes out of Oxford in a disguised maner Ordered That whosoever conceals the Kings person shal be a Traytor A Letter concerning the Kings coming to the Scots Army May 5. 1646. RIght Honourable the discharging our selves of the duty we owe to the Kingdom of Engl to you as Commissioners from the same moves us to acquaint you with the Kings coming in to our Army this morning which having overtaken us unexpectedly hath filled us with amazement and made us like men that dream we cannot think that he could have been so unadvised in his resolutions as to have cast himself upon us without a real intention to give satisfaction to both Kingdoms in all their just and reasonable demands in all those things that concern Religion and righteosnesse whatsoever be his dispositions or resolutions you may be assured that we shall never entertain any thought or correspondency with any purpose or countenance any indeavours that may in any circumstance incroach upon our League and Covenant or weaken the union or confidence betwixt the Nations that union to our Kingdom was the matter of many prayers and as nothing was more joyfull unto us then to have it set on foot so hitherto have we thought nothing too dear to maintain it and we trust to walk with such faithfulnesse and truth in this particular that as we have the testimony of a good conscience within our selves so you and all the world shall see that we mind your interest with as much integrity and care as our own being confident you will entertain no other thought of us Signed May 5. 1646. LOTHIAN A Remonstrance exhibited in the name of the Lord Major Aldermen and Common-Councel of the City of London to the High Court of Parl. 1 That some strict and speedy course may be taken for the suppressing of all private and separate Congregations 2 That all Anabaptists Brownists Hereticks Schismaticks Blasphemers and all such Sectaries as conform not to the publick discipline established or to be established by the Parl. may fully be declared against and some effectuall course setled for proceeding against such persons 3 That as we are all Subjects of one Kingdome so all may be equally required to yield obedience to the Government either set or to be set forth 4 That no person disaffected to the Presbyterian Government set or to be set forth by the Parl. may be imployed in any place of publick trust The King gave speedy Order to severall Officers for the surrender of the Towns Castles and Forts which then were in the hands of the Kings Commanders viz Oxford Worcester Litchfield and Wallingford A Petition delivered to his Excellency from the Officers and Souldiers in the Army touching their faithfullnesse in the Parl. service doing Summer Service in the Winter season c. Further presented severall desires of theirs 1 That an Ordinance of indempnity with the Royal assent be desired 2 That satisfaction may be given to the petitioners for their arrears both in their former service and in this Army before it is disbanded 3 That those who have voluntarily served the Parl. may not be prest to serve in another Kingdome c. 4 That those who have lost their lives limbs or estates may be provided for and relieved The Apology in answer to his Excellencies Letter relating their sense of a second storm hanging over their heads by the malice of a secret enemy worse then the former now vanquished expressing their sorrow that
to all indifferent men to judge if I have not cause to free my selfe from the hands of those who change their principles with their condition and who are not ashamed openly to intend the destruction of the Nobility by taking away their Negative voyce and with whom the Levellers doctrine is rather countenanced then punished and as for their intentions to my person their changing and putting more strict Guards upon me with the discharging most of all the servants of mine who formerly they admitted to wait upon me do sufficiently declare nor would I have this my retirement mis-interpreted for I shall earnestly and uncessantly endeavour the setling of a safe well grounded peace where-ever I am or shall be and that as much as may be without the effusion of more Christian blood for which how many times have I prest to be heard and yet no ear given to me and can any reasonable man think according to the ordinary cours of affairs there can be a setled peace without it or that God will bles those that refuse to hear their own King surely no I must further add that besides what concerns my self unlesse all other chief interests have not only a hearing but likewise just satisfaction given to them to wit the Presbyterians Independents Army those who have adhered to me and even the Scots I say there cannot I speak not of miracles it being in my opinion a sinful presumption in such cases to expect or trust to them be a safe and lasting peace now as I cannot deny but that my personal security is the urgent cause of this my retirement so I take God to witnesse the publick peace is no lesse before mine eyes and I can find no better way to expresse this my profession I know not what a wiser man may do then by desiring and urging that al chief interests may be heard to the end each may have just satisfaction as for example the Army for the rest though necessary yet I suppose are not difficult to consent ought in my judgement to enjoy the liberty of their conscience and have an Act of Oblivion or Indempnity which should extend to the rest of all my subjects and that all their arrears should be speedily and duly paid which I will undertake to do so I may be heard and that I be not hindred from using such lawfull and honest means as I shall chuse To conclude let me be heard with freedome honoâ—r and safety and I shall instantly break through this cloud of Retirement and shall shew my self to be Pater Patriae C. R. A great tumult insurrection and mutiny in London breaking open divers Houses and Magazines of Arms and Ammunition seizing on the Dâ—â—ms Gates Chains and Watches of the Câ—â—y assaulted shot into the Lord Mayors House and killed one of his Guard c. May 16. 1648. Surrey Petitioners came to Westminster and made a great shout and cryed Hey for King Charls we will pull the Members out by the Ears disarmed two Sentinels knockt them down one Sentinell refusing to be disarmed the Petitioners got within his Arms one of them drew his sword and run him through and the Petitioners drew their swords and said Fall on for King Charls now or never but a party of 500 Foot did take some Of the Petitioners were slain four or five of the Souldiers two The old Lord Goring proclaimed Generall at the head of the Kentish Army upon the Hill neer Aluford consisting of 8000 besides those in Maidstone there were near 300 slain and about 2300 prisoners many of them taken in the Woods Hop-yards and fields also Gentlemen of good quality There were about 500 Horse 3000 Arms 9 Foot colours and 8 pieces of Canon with store of Ammunition taken their Word at the Engagement was King and Kent ours Truth They being routed marched over Rochester Bridge towards Black-Heath with about 3000 Horse and Foot most Cavaleers Prentises and Watermen and fled over the water into Essex by Woollidge and Greenwich The Duke of Buckingham Lord Francis Earl of Holland Lord Andrew Lord Cambden and others rose in Surrey and made Proclamation that they expected the Parl. would settle the Kingdome but because they have not they would fetch the King and live and dye with him to settle it July 11. 1648. Pembroke Castle surrendred 〈◊〉 Scots Army of 21000. Invaded England Duke â—ambletons Standard had Motto Date Cefari Foot Standard 〈◊〉 Covenant Religion King and Kingdomes Riseing in Kent Revolting of the Navie Redusing Colchester And Quelling the insurection in Pembroke Shire all in 1648 The Scots entring the Kingdome July 11. 1648. Maj. Gen. Lambert sent this Letter to Duke Hamilton MY LORD HAving received Information that some Forces of Horse and Foot are marched out of Scotland into this Kingdome under your Excellencies Command I have sent this Bearer unto you desiring to know the truth and intent thereof and whether they are come in opposition to the Forces in these parts raised by the Authority of the Parl. of England and now in prosecution of their Commands I desire your Lordships speedy answer and rest Your Excellencies humble Servant J. LAMBERT Duke Hamilton's Answer Noble Sir I Received yours of the 11 of this instant in answer whereunto I shall only say the information you received is true for according to the Commands of the Committee of Estates of the Parl. of Scotland there are Forces both of Horse and Foot come into this Kingdome under my conduct for prosecution of the ends mentioned in my Letter of the 6th to which I refer you intending to oppose any that are or shall be in Arms for the obstructing of those pious loyall and just ends and so remain HAMBLETON The Towne of Colchester delivered up Sir Charles Lucas and Sir George Lisle shot to death Liev Col Lilburn revolted at Newcastle declared for the King Sir Arthur Hasterigge storm'd the Castle Lilburns head was set upon a pole June 5. 1648. The Lord of Warwick went to Portsmouth to bring into obedience the mutinous Sea-men there was with the Lord of Warwick the Phoenix Mary Rese Robert Nonesuch Lilly Lyon Bonadventure Antilope Swift sure Hector and Fellowship A short Abridgment of the Engagement made by the Common Councell Commanders Souldiers and Commission Officers in London WE declare to engage as much as in us lies to defend the King and Parl from all violence and to the end we may be inabled to perform the same We humbly offer that the Forces in the line may be one Militia and no Forces may be raised but by Authority of the said Militia by consent of the Common Councell We desire no Forces in Arms might come within thirty miles of London during the Treaty and for those within what persons soever shall make any tumult shall be put to death Ordered That the Common Councell men and Commanders shall within their severall Precincts goe from house to house to receive concurrence to the said
that it may not in this manner be published to my disadvantage for truly I did not intend to have spoken thus when I came here There are Sirs terrible aspersions that have been laid upon my self truly such as I thank God I am very free from as if my actions intentions had not been such as they were pretended for but that notwithstanding what I pretended it was for the King there was nothing lesse intended then to serve him in it I was bred with him for many years I was his domestick servant and there was nothing declar'd by the Parl. that was not really intended by me and truly in it I ventured my life one way and now I lose it another way and that was one of the ends as to the King I speak only of that because the rest ha's many particulars and to clear my self from so horrid an aspersion as is laid upon me neither was there any other designe known to me by the incoming of that Army then what is really in the Declaration published His person I doe professe I had reason to love as he was my King and as he had been my Master It hath pleased God now to dispose of him so as it cannot be thought flâ—ttery to have said this or any end in me for the saying of it but to free my self from that Calumny which lay upon me I cannot gain by it yet Truth is that which we shall gain by for ever There hath been much spoken Sir of an invitation into this Kingdome it 's mentioned in that Declaration and truly to that I did and doe remit my self and I have been very much laboured for discoveries of these inviters 't is no time to dissemble how willing I was to have served this Nation in any thing that was in my power is known to very many honest pious and religious men and how ready I would have been to have done what I could to have served them if it had pleased them to have preserved my life in whose whose hands there was a power They have not thought it fit and so I am become unusefull in that which willingly I would have done As I said at first Sir so I say now concerning that point I wish the Kingdome happinesse I wish it peace and truly Sir I wish that this blood of mine may be the last that is drawn and howsoever I may perhaps have some reluctancy with my self as to the matter of my suffering for my Fact yet I freely forgive all Sir I carry no rancour along with me to my Grave his will be done that ha's created both Heaven and Earth and me a poor miserable sinfull Creature now speaking before him For me to speak Sir to you of State businesse and the Government of the Kingdom or my opinion in that or for any thing in that nature truly it is to no end it contributes nothing My owne inclination hath been to peace from the beginning and it is known to many that I never was an ill instrument betwixt the King and his people I never acted to the prejudice of the Parl. I bore no Arms I medled not with it I was not wanting by my prayers to God Almighty for the happinesse of the King and truly I shall pray still that God may so direct him as that may be done wch shall tend to his glory and the peace and happinesse of the Kingdome For my Religion that which I said was the established Religion and that which I have practiced in my own Kingdome where I was born and bred my Tenets they need not to be exprest they are known to all and I am not of a rigid opinion many godly men there are that may have scruples which doe not concerne me at all at no time they may differ in opinions and more now then at any time differing in opinion does not move me not any mans my owne is clear Sir the Lord forgive me my sins and I forgive freely all those that even I might as a worldly man have the greatest animosity against We are bidden to forgive Sir 't is a Command laid upon us and there mentioned Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespasse against us Then the Earl turning to the Executioner said Shall I put on another Cap Must this haire be turn'd up from my Neck There are three of my Servants to give satisfaction he also asked him which way he would have him lye The Executioner pointing to the front of the Scaffold the Earl replyed what my head this way After a little discourse in private with some of his Servants he kneeled downe by the side of the Scaffold and prayed a while to himselfe Then with a chearfull and smiling countenance embracing Dr. Sibbalds he said truly Sir I doe take you in mine arms and truly I blesse God for it I doe not fear I have an assurance that is grounded here laying his hand upon his heart now that gives me more true joy then ever I had I passe out of a miserable world to go into an eternall and glorious Kingdome and Sir though I have been a most sinfull creature yet Gods mercy I know is infinite and I bless my God for it I goe with so clear a conscience that I know not the man I have personally injured Then imbracing those his Servants which were there present said to each of them You have been very faithfull to me and the Lord blesse you And so turning himselfe to the Executioner he said I shall say a very short prayer unto my God while I lye downe there and when I stretch out my hand my right hand then Sir doe your duty and I doe freely forgive you and so I doe all the world Then the Earl of Cambridge said to the Executioner Must I lye all along he answered yes and 't please your Lordship Then he said when I stretch out my hands but I will fit my head first tell me if I be right and how you would have me lye and being told he must lye a little lower he said Well stay then till I give you the signe And so having laine a short space devoutly praying to himselfe he stretcht out his right hand whereupon the Executioner at one blow severed his head from his body which was received by two of his Servants then kneeling by him into a Crimson Taffety Scarfe and that with the body immediately put into a Coffin brought upon the Scaffold for that purpose and from thence conveyed to the House that was Sir John Hamilton's at the Mews The Speech of the Earl of Holland upon the Scaffold IT is to no purpose I think to speak any thing here which way must I speak and then being directed to the front of the Scaffold he leaning over the raile said I think it is fit to say something since God hath called me to this place The first thing which I must professe is what concerns my Religion and my breeding
which hath been in a good Family that hath been ever faithfull to the true Protestant Religion in the which I have been bred in the which I have lived and in the which by Gods grace and mercy I shall dye I have not lived according to that Education I had in that Family where I was borne and bred I hope God will forgive me my sins since I conceive that it is very much his pleasure to bring me to this place for the sins that I have committed The cause that hath brought me hither I believe by many hath been much mistaken They have conceived that I have had ill designs to the State and to the Kingdome truly I look upon it as a judgement and a just judgement of God not but I have offended so much the State and the Kingdome and the Parliament as that I have had an extream vanity in serving them very extraordinarily For those actions that I have done I think it is knowne they have been ever faithfull to the publick and very particularly to Parliam my affections have been ever exprest truly and cleerly to them The dispositions of affaires now have put things in another posture then they were when I was ingaged with the Parl. I have never gone off from those principles that ever I have profest I have lived in them and by Gods grace will I dye in them There may be alterations and changes that may carry them further then I thought reasonable and there I left them But there hath been nothing that I have said or done or professed either by Covenant or Declaration which hath not been very constant and very clear upon the Principles that I ever have gone upon which was to serve the King the Parl. Religion I should have said in the first place the Common-wealth and to seeke the peace of the Kingdome That made me think it no improper time being prest out by accidents and circumstances to seek the peace of the Kingdom which I thought was proper since there was something then in agitation but nothing agreed on for sending Propositions to the King that was the furthest aime that I had and truly beyond that I had no intention none at all And God be praised although my blood comes to be shed here there was I think scarcely a drop of blood shed in that action that I was ingaged in For the present affaires as they are I cannot tell how to judge of them and truly they are in such a condition as I conceive no body can make a judgment of them and therefore I must make use of my prayers rather then of my opinion which are that God would blesse this Kingdome this Nation this State that he would settle it in a way agreeable to what this Kingdom hath been happily Governed under by a King by the Lords by the Commons a Government that I conceive it hath flourished much under and I pray God the change of it bring not rather a prejudice a disorder and a confusion then the contrary I look upon the Posterity of the King and truly my conscience directs me to it to desire that if God be pleased that these people may look upon them with that affection that they owe that they may be called in again and they may be not through blood nor through disorder admitted againe into that power and to that glory that God hath in their birth intended to them I shall pray with all my Soul for the happinesse of this State of this Nation that the blood which is here spilt may be even the last which may fall amongst us and truly I should lay down my life with as much cheerfulnesse as ever person did if I conceived that there would no more blood follow us for a State or affairs that are built upon blood is a foundation for the most part that doth not prosper After the blessing that I give to the Nation to the Kingdome and truly to the Parliament I doe wish with all my heart happinesse and a blessing to all those that have been authors in this business and truly that have been authors in this very work that bringeth us hither I doe not only forgive them but I pray heartily and really for them as God will forgive my sins so I desire God may forgive them I have a particular relation as I am Chancellor of Cambridge and truly I must here since it is the last of my prayers pray to God that that University may goe on in that happy way which it is in that God may make it a Nursery to plant those persons that may be distributed to the Kingdome that the Soules of the people may receive a great benefit and a great advantage by them and I hope God will reward them for their kindnesse and their affections that I have found from them Looking towards Mr. Bolton I have said what Religion I have been breed in what Religion I have been born in what Religion I have practiced I began with it and I must end with it I told you that my actions and my life have not been agreeable to my breeding I have told you likewise that the Family where I was bred hath been an exemplary Family I may say so I hope without vanity of much affection to Religion and of much faithfullnesse to this Kingdome and to this State I have endeavoured to doe those actions that have become an honest man and which became a good English-man and which became a good Christian I have been willing to oblige those that have been in trouble those that have been in persecution and truly I finde a great reward of it for I have found their prayers and their kindnesse now in this distresse and in this condition I am in and I think it a great reward and I pray God reward them for it I am a great sinner and I hope God will be pleased to hear my prayers to give me Faith to trust in him that as he hath called me to death at this place hee will make it but a passage to an eternall life through Jesus Christ which I trust to which I relye upon and which I expect by the mercy of God And so I pray God blesse you all and send that you may see this to be the last execution and the last blood that is likely to be spilt among you And then turning to the side raile he prayed for a good space of time God hath given me speaking to Mr. Bolton long time in this world he hath carried me through many great accidents of Fortune he hath at last brought me downe into a condition where I find my selfe brought to an end for a dis-affection to this State to this Parl. that as I said before I did believe no body in the world more unlikely to have expected to suffer for that Cause I look upon it as a great judgement of God for my sins And truly Sir since that the death is violent I am the
most willingly humble my selfe then kneeling down said I will try first how I can lye and laying his head over the block said Am I well now Execut. Yes And then as he lay with both his hands stretched out he said to the Executioner Here lye both my hands out when I lift up my hand thus then you may strike And then after he had said a short prayer he lifted up his right hand and the Executioner at one blow severed his head from his body which was taken up by his Servants and put with his Body into a Coffin as the former March 19. 1648. An Act for Abolishing the House of Peers THe Commons of England Assembled in Parl finding by too long experience that the House of Lords is uselesse and dangerous to the people of England to be continued have thought fit to Ordain and Enact and be it Ordained and Enacted by the present Parliam and by the Authority of the same That from henceforth the House of Lords in Par. shall be and is hereby wholly abolished and taken away and that the Lords shall not from henceforth meet or sit in the said House of Lords nor shall Sit Vote Advise Adjudge or Determine of any matter or thing whatsoever as a House of Lds in Parl. Neverthelesse it is hereby Declared That neither such Lords as have demeaned themselves with Honour Courage and Fidelity to the Common-wealth their Posterities who shall continue so shall not be excluded from the Publick Councels of the Nation but shall be admitted thereunto and have their free Vote in Parl if they shall be thereunto Elected as other persons of interest Elected and Qualified thereunto ought to have And be it further Ordained and Enacted by the Authority aforesaid That no Peer of this Land not being Elected Qualified and sitting in Parl. as aforesaid shall claim have or make use of any Priviledge of Parl. either in relation to his Person Quality or Estate any Law Vsage or Custome to the contrary notwithstanding Hen Scobel Cler Parl. On Thursday July 25. 1650. The General and Army Marched from Mordington to Coppersmith Col. Hackers Regiment being drawn up in the way his Excellency made a Speech to satisfie them concerning Capt. Ogles Troop being sent back into Northumberland in regard of his interest in that County that Cap. Greenwoods Troop appointed for Berwick should March with the Regiment in the stead thereof which gave great satisfaction Col. Bright's Regiment being drawn up Maj. Gen. Lambert appointed Collonel thereof coming to the head of the Regiment was received with great Acclamations A List of the Regiments of Horse and Foot Randezvouzed and Marched with the Lord Gen Cromwell into Scotland Eight Regiments of Horse THe Lord Generals in number 663 Maj. Gen. in number 663 Col. Fleetwoods in number 663 Col. Whalies in number 663 Col. Twisden in number 663 Col. Lilburn in number 663 Col. Hackers in number 663 Col. Okey in number 744 Consisting with Officers in all 5450 Ten Regiments of Foot THe Lord Generals in number 1307 Col. Pride 1307 Col. Bright 1307 Col. Maliveryr 1307 Col. Ch Fairfax 1307 Col. Cocks 1307 Col. Dunell 1307 Col. Sir Arthur Hasterigs 5 Companies 550 Col. Fenwicks 5 Companies 555 Consisting with Officers in all 10249 The Traine 690 The whole thus The Traine 690 The Horse 5450 The Foot 10249 The Totall 16354 A Letter from Liev Gen David Lesley to the Lord Gen Cromwell My Lord I Am Commanded by the Committee of Estates of this Kingdome and desired by the Commissioners of the Generall Assembly to send unto your Excellency this inclosed Declaration as that which containeth the State of the Quarrell wherein we are resolved by the Lords assistance to fight your Army when the Lord shall please to call us thereunto And as you have professed you will not conceal any of our Papers I doe desire that this Declaration may be made known to all the Officers of your Army And so I rest Bruchton 13 Aug. 1650. Your Excell most humble Servant DAVID LESLEY For his Excellency the Lord Generall Cromwell The Declaration of the Commissioners of the Generall Assembly of Scotland as followeth THe Commission of the Generall Assembly considering That there may be just ground of stumbling from the Kings Majesties refusing to subscribe and emit the Declaration offered unto him by the Committee of Estates and Commissioners of the Generall Assembly concerning his former carriage and resolutions for the future in reference to the Cause of God and the Enemies and Friends thereof Doth therefore Declare That this Kirk and Kingdome doe not owne nor espouse any Malignant Party or Quarrell or Interest but that they fight meerly upon their former Grounds and Principles and in defence of the Cause of God and of the Kingdome as they have done these twelve years past And therefore as they doe disclaime the sin and guilt of the King and of his House so they will not owne him nor his interest otherwise then with a subordination to God and so far as he ownes and prosecutes the Cause of God and disclaimes his and his Fathers opposition to the work of God and to the Coven and likewise all the Enemies thereof And that they will with convenient speed take into consideration the Papers lately sent unto then from Oliver Cromwel and vindicate themselves from all the faâ—shoods contained therein especially in these things wherein the Quarrell betwixt us and that party is mis-stated as if we owned the late Kings proceedings and were resolved to prosecute and maintaine his present Majesties interest before and without acknowledgement of the sins of his House and former wayes and satisfaction to Gods people in both Kingdomes West Kirk Aug. 13 1650. A. Ker. August 13. 1650. THe Committee of Estates having seen and considered a Declaration of the Commission of the Generall Assembly anent the stating of the Quarrell whereon the Army is to fight Doe approve the same and heartily concur therein Tho Henderson The Lord Generalls Answer to the former as followeth I Received yours of the thirteenth instant with the Paper you mentioned therein inclosed which I caused to be read in the presence of so many Officers as could well be gotten together to which your Trumpet can witnesse we returne you this Answer by which I hope in the Lord it will appear That we continue the same we have profest our selves to the honest people of Scotland wishing to them as to our own souls it being no part of our business to hinder any of them from worshiping God in that way they are satisfied in their Consciences by the Word of God they ought though different from us but shall therein be ready to perform what obligations lye upon us by the Covenant but that under the pretence of the Covenant mistaken and wrested from the most native intent and equity thereof a King should be taken in by you to be imposed upon us and this called The Cause of God and the Kingdome
and this done upon the satisfaction of Gods people in both Nations as is alleged together with a disowning of Malignants although he who is the head of them in whom all their hope of comfort lies be received who at this very instant hath a Popish paâ—ty fighting for and under him in Ireland hath Prince Rupert a man who hath had his hand deep in the blood of many innocent men of England now in the head of our Ships stoln from us upon a Malignant accompt hath the French and Irish ships daily making depradations upon our Coasts strong combinations by the Malignants in England to raise Arms in our bowels by vertue of his Commissions who having of late issued out very many to that purpose and how the interest you pretend you have received him upon and the Malignant interest in the ends and consequences entring in this man can be secured we cannot discern and how we should believe that whilst known and notorious Malignants fighting and plotting against us on the one hand and the declaring for him on the other should not be an espousing of a Malignant party quarrell or interest but be a meer fighting upon former Grounds and Principles and in defence of the Cause of God and of the Kingdome as hath been these twelve yeers last past as ye sâ—y for the security and satisfaction of Gods people in both Nations or the opposing of which should render us enemies to the godly with you we cannot well understand especially considering That all these Malignants take their confidence and encouragement from the late Transactions of your Kirk and State with your King for as we have already said so we tell you again it is but satisfying security to those that employ us and are concerned in that we seek which we conceive will not be by a few formall and feigned submissions from a person who could not tell otherwise how to accomplish his Malignant ends and therefore Councel'd to this complyance by them who assisted his Father and have hitherto acted him in his most evill Designes and are now again by them set on foot against wch how you will be able in the way you are in to secure us or your selves is forasmuch as concerns our selves our duty to looke after If the state of your quarrell be thus upon which as you say you resolve to fight our Army you will have opportunity to doe that els what means our abode here And if our hope be not in the Lord it will be ill with us We commit both you and our selves to him who knowes the heart and tries the Reins with whom are all our wayes who is able to doe for us and you above what we know which we desire may be in much mercy to this poor people and to the glory of his owne great Name And having performed your desire in making your papers so publick as is before exprest I desire you to doe the like by letting the State Kirk and Army have the knowledge hereof To which end I have sent you inclosed two Copies and rest From the Camp at Pencland Hills Aug. 14. 1650 Your humble Servant O CROMWEL The Victory at Gladsmore in Scotland July 30 31. 1650. M G. Montgomery slaine 200 Arms taken 80 Troopers 500 wounded 4 Colours 15 Troops routed 500 Font routed at Muscleburrough The Victory at Dunbar Aug. 30. 1650 4000 killed 10000 Prisoners 2000 Horse 290 Commission Officers 15000 Arms 200 Colours 32 pieces of Ordnance Of ours that ingaged 5000 Horse and Foot their word The Covenant ours The Lord of Hests Novemb. 1650. Insurrections in Norfolke for which 24 were condemned and 20 executed Col. Ker routed and taken and the Town of Ayre Decemb. 25. The strong Castle of Edenburgh delivered up 53 pieces of Ordnance whereof 15 Iron the 〈◊〉 Braste about 8000 Arms with store of Ammunition and Provision Nov. 22. A Squadron of Ships Commanded by Gen. Blague surprised a considerable part of the Portugal Brasit Fleet fraighted with Sugar and sent them to England and after pursued the revolted ships beyond Alligant where they took 7 of Prince Ruperts Fieet and pursued him to Thoulon one of the surthest Havens of France having but two ships left Jan. 30. 1650. A day of publick Thanksgiving in England Wales and Town of Berwick Jan. 1. 1650. The Scots King was Crowned at Schone he is General of the Army D. Hamilton Lieut. Gen. of the Scotch Army David Lesley M. G. Middleton L. G. of the Scotch Horse and Massey M. G. of the English Jan. 4. 1650. The King of Spaine sent his Ambassador for the â—â—knowledging of this State whose Authority and Soveraignty reades in this Parl. of the Commonwealth of England and to stablish a good friendship with it The Portugal sent his Agent also to the like effect March 6. 1650. Sir Henry Hide Beheaded at the Exchange for receiving and acting by vertue of a Commission from Charls Stuart the Second and King of Great Britaine France and Ireland as his Agent to the Great Turk with an intent to destroy the Trade of the Turky Company and the Parl. interest not onely in Constantinople but in Mitylene Anatolia Smyrna in which Conspiracies he was a Commissioner and likewise to seize upon our Merchants Goods for the use of the King of Scotland and procured audience of the Grand Visier and raised great fears and uproars among the Merchants A Speech made by K. Charles ye 2d at his Coronation i. January 1650 I will by gods assistance bestow my life for your defence wishing to live no longer then that I may see this Kingdome flourish in happiness The Oath I doe promise vow in ye presence of ye eternall god yt I will maintaine ye true Kirk of god religion right preaching administration of ye Sacraments now received preached within this Realme in purity And shall abolish gain-stand all false Religions sects contrary to ye same And shall rule ye people comiÌ„ted to my charge according to ye will of god and laudable laws constitutions of ye Realme causing justice equity to be ministred without partiality Browne Bushelt Beheaded under the Scaffold on Tower-hill Mar. 29. 1651. for delivering up Scarborough June 2. 1651. The surrender of Scilly Islands June 24. Insurrection in Cardiganshire 40 slaine 60 prisoners taken July 29. Burnt Island surrendred The Scotch King invaded England with 16000 Hors and Foot and a light Tran of Artillery and caused himselfe to be proclaimed K. of England Scotland and Ireland in Lancashire August 23. Charls the First erected his Standard at Nottingham and Charls the Second erected his Standard at Worcester Aug. 22. 1651. Sept 3. Old Lesley Crawford Linsey Ogleby with divers of quality besides 〈◊〉 taken that were making levies to raise the Siege at Dundee Aug. 2 165â— St Johnston surrendred Aug. 19. The Castle of Steâ—â—â— surrendred 〈◊〉 pieces of Ordnance 27 faire brasse pieces a great iron Gâ—â—â— 11 Leather Guns