Against abuses committed on Sundays The King to make Leases of Lands parcel of his Dutchy of Cornwall For ease of obtaining Licences of Alienation and in the Pleadings of Pardon in the Exchequer or else where For restraining Misbehaviour in Inns and Alehouses That this Session shall not determine by his Majesties royal assent to these Acts. Then passed a Bill in the Lower House of Tonnage and Poundage but because it was limited to one year whereas former Grants to his Majesties Predecessors were for Life It was foundred in the Upper House The Reason of this Restraint was thus In a Parliament the 18. of King Iames the Kings learned Councill culled out of that Act reasons for pretermitted Customes and other Impositions which were accounted Grievances to the Subject and an Imoderate charge upon those Customes and therefore their Design was to reduce them to the rate settled long since tempore Mariae but they wanted time enough to mold it now The next Assembly met the first day of August at Oxford The Divinity School for the Commons and the Gallery above for the Lords Hence is observed a pretty Note To give up the Divinity-School to the Commons and that Chair to their Speaker put them into an usurpation of Determinations of Divinity and henceforward no Parliaments without a Committee of Religion of Lay-Persons not onely to mannage controversies of Divinity but to ruine the old and to establish a New And because the Kings designes required Expedition He summons both Houses to Christ-Church Hall where he urged to them his Necessities for setting forth his Fleet. But his desires found no other consideration than for a formal Petition against Recusants and the causes of their increase with the Remedies Most Gracious Soveraâ—gn IT being infallibly true that nothing can more establish your Throne and assure the peace and prosperity of your People then the unity and sincerity of Religion We your Majesties most humble and loyal Subjects and Commons in this present Parliament assembled observing that of late there is an apparent mischievous encrease of Papists within your Dominions hold our selves bound in conscience and duty to present the same unto your sacred Majesty together with the dangerous consequences and what we conceive to be the most principal causes and what may be the remedies thereof 1. Their desperate ends being the subversion both of Church and State and the restlessness of their Spirits to attain those ends The Doctrine of their Teachers and Leaders perswading them that therein they shall do God good Service 2. Their evident and strict dependance upon such Foreign Princes as no way affect the good of your Majesty and this State 3. An opening a way of Popularity to the ambition of any who shall adventure to make himself head of so great a party The principal causes of the increase of Papists 1. The want of due execution of the Laws against Iesuits seminary Priests and Papists Recusants occasioned partly by Connivance of the State partly by many abuses of Officers 2. The interposing of foreign Princes by their Ambassadours and Agents in favour of them 3. Their great Concourse to the City and their frequent conventicles and conferences there 4. The Education of their children in Houses and Seminaries of their Religion in foreign parts which of late have been greatly multiplied and enlarged for the entertainment of the English 5. That in many places of this your Realm your people are not sufficiently instructed in the knowledge of true Religion 6. The licentious publishing of Popish and seditious Books 7. The imployment of men ill affected in Religion in places of Government who countenance the Popish party The Remedies be these 1. That there be great Care taken in the choise and admitting School-Masters and that the Ordinaries make diligent inquiries of their demeanours and proceed to the removing of such as shall be faulty 2. That the antient Discipline of the University be restored being the famous Nursery of literature 3. That for the propagation of the Gospel such able Ministers as have been formerly silenced may by fair entreaty of the Bishops be reduced to the service of the Church and that Non-residency Pluralities and Commendums may be moderated 4. That a straight provision may be made against transporting of English children to Popish Seminaries beyond Seas and for recalling such as are there already 5. That no Popish Recusant be permitted to come within the Court unless upon special occasion agreeable to the Statute 3â— Iacobi 6. That all Jesuits Priests and others having taken Orders from the See of Rome may be banished by Proclamation and in case of disobedience may be proceeded against according to the Laws of the Land 7. That none by any authority derived from the See of Rome be permitted to confer Orders or exercise any Ecclesiastical function within your Majesties Dominions 8. That all former Grants of Recusants lands made to the use and interest of such Recusants may by the advice of your Majesties Council be voided 9. That all Recusants may be excommunicated and not absolved but upon conformity 10. That all Recusants be removed from places of authority and government 11. That all Recusants be disarmed according to the provision of the Law 12. That they may be all confined to remain at their Country habitations and not to travel above five miles from thence 13. That none of your Majesties natural born Subjects be suffered to repair to the hearing of Masses or other superstitious service at the Chappels or houses of foreign Ambassadours or elsewhere 14. That all such insolencies as any Popishly affected have lately committed to the dishonour of our Religion be exemplarily punished 15. That the penalâ—y of 12. d. every Sunday for default of coming to Divine Service in the Church without lawful excuse may be put in Execution Lastly that your Majesty would be pleased to order that the like courses may be taken in Ireland for the establishing of true Religion there The Kings Answer was so satisfactory and sodain to each particular being heretofore branched to his Father and the remedies resolved upon them and now so reasonably required as that the King took him from hence to speak for himself and to put them to it to supply his very urgent Necessities to set forth his Navy It found affection in some earnest to give and to satisfie the present occasion with expedition Others having no heart to deny nor willing to contribute but cunningly to gain convenient time as to prejudice the Design which was to be sodain and there were these the most averse that quarreled not the Expedition for it was secret and so ought to be but old Sir Robert Mansel a quarrelous person for his interest in the Glass house then in dispence must be set up a Man of great Experience and sound Judgement but where in the Narrow Seas And he by Guess had declared against the Design and tendered some overtures
Bankrupts in the County for gaging of Red Herrings for making of Iron for sealing Bone-lace for gaging Butter-cask for Kelp and Sea-weed sealing Linnen-cloath gathering of Rags Several Offices viz. of Factory for Scotish Merchants for searching and sâ—aling of foreign Hops for sealing of Buttons all Grants of Fines and Forfeitures before Judgment however granted all Patents for new Inventions not put in practice Of several Incorporations making Hat-bands Gut-strings Combs Tobacco pipes Butchers and Horners All these aforesaid to be called by Quo Warranto or Scire facias which brought the Attorney General sufficient gain to his Place These were intolerable the Devices of Projectors for the needy Courtier and Agents also for the best of their Lordships And almost not any of these but Hamilton and his Scots had a hand therein The eight and twentieth of May brought the King to Barwick in gaze of the Enemy and proved an Interview of each Army not sighting at all The English Army compleat for such a considerable number the most of Gallantry that ever attended any King of England in their Scotish Expeditions nor were the Men we are assured less irefull now than in those days when we most hated a Scot and yet we are told the King never meant to fight but rather by terrour to scare them into reason of obedience Nay I have heard that the King said so at Oxford Garrison taking occasion to speak of the Earl of Holland's infidelity that the Army was not in earnest which made him chuse such Commanders in chief But in his March by the way he gave leave for the Scots to apply themselves for mercy by Capitulation of the Earls of Roxborough and Traquair and these to meet him at York where the first of them was committed for tampering with some English Lords and correspondence with the Covenanters telling our Lords that the Scots ruine would enable the King to command what the English might be unwilling to obey mitigates the displeasure of some and the courage of others which being discovered and throughly observed Traquair was also confined at New-castle but both of them soon released and so sent home after they had done their secret business betraying the King to their own Companions And ere they parted they took caution how to keep intelligence with some of the English It is well observed how suddenly the expected courage of the English Lords was cooled which occasioned the Scots to advance and the Earl of Holland with his Horse Brigade but onely observing their motion he either in fear or fraud says one retired in pestilent danger to be over-ridden with the Scots Galloway nags the Foot also did no more but run and yet not ashamed of what was done the English hasten to the Overtures tending to Pacification managed it seems of purpose by such of the English made Commissioners as the King might have been assured they never had a minde or meaning to fight And who were those the Earls of Pembrook Salisbury Holland and Barkshire Secretary Vane and his Brother Secrerary Cook And the Scots were the Earls of Rothes Dumfirlmin Lord Lowdon Dowglas Sheriff of Tividale Henderson and Iohnston two fiery Ministers and the 17. of Iune conclude upon a Pacification signed by both parties But because there followed much alteration and difference concerning the Articles signed unto by the English and those which the Commissioners presented unto their people which devised conditions never dreamed of And which an Historian professes he never could learn what they were Being delivered he sayes into the hands of the English Nobility But to undeceive him from the Scots deceit I shall discover those mystical conditions which I have as also the rest of the whole matter from the Kings own Declaration To all his loving Subjects and to be sincere in the result of all I shall justly insert the Scots answer to all After the King had been sometime in his Camp near Berwick and the Scots encamped with their Army at Dunslow in view the beginning of Iune wherein the Scots and English that underhand favoured the Covenanters perswaded the King not to enter Scotland by way of Invasion lest it should irritate them the more but to encamp upon English ground to win them fairly to obedience and by a patched peace to elude the King to dismisse his forces Even as the Duke of Norfolk served Iames the fifth King of Scotland to his ruine they falling down at the Kings feet did most humbly supplicate to appoint some of this Kingdom to hear their humble desires the One was That the Acts of the late Assembly at Glasgow might be ratified in the ensuing Parliament professing It is their grief that the King should have been provoked to wrath against them his most humble and loving subjects and that it shall be their delight upon his gracious assurance of the preservation of their Religion and Laws to give ensample to others of all civil and temporal obedience which can be required or expected from loving subjects Because the King would not surprize them he gave them time to come prepared in writing Which was OUr desires are onely the enjoying of our Religion and Liberties according to the Ecclesiastical and Civil Lawes of the Kingdom To clear by sufficent grounds that the particulars which we humbly crave are such and shall not insist to crave any point which is not so warranted and that we humbly offer all Civil and Temporal obedience to your Majesty which can be required or expected of loyal Subjects Signed LOWDON To which was answered THat if their desires were onely the enjoying of their Religion and Liberties according to the Ecclesiastical and Civil Lawes the King does not onely agree to the same but shall alwayes protect them therein And if they shall not insist upon any thing but that which is so warranted he will most willingly and readily condescend unto it so that in the mean time they pay unto him that civil and temporal obedience which can be justly required and expected from loyal Subjects This being the ground of the Agreement which was after concluded and hudled up into Articles the seventeenth of Iune 1639. And the Kings Declaration of that date conformable thereto were these THat though We cannot condescend to ratifie and approve the Act of the pretended General Assembly at Glasgow for many grave and weighty considerations which have happened both before and since much importing the security and honour of that true Monarchical Government lineally descended upon us yet We are pleased to confirm and make good what ever Our Hamilton Commissioner hath granted And that all matters Ecclesiastical shall be determined by the Assemblies of the Kirk and matters Civil by the Parliament and other inferiour Iudicatories established by Law which Assembly shall be kept once a year or as shall be agreed upon by the General Assembly and our Commissioner for the time being That a free and General Assembly
be kept at Edinburgh the sixth of August next where we intend God willing to be personally present and thereafter a Parliament the twentieth of August and there an Act of Oblivion to be passed And that upon their disarming and disbanding of their forces dissolving and discharging all their pretended Tables and Conventicles and restoring to the King all his Castles forts and Ammunition as also his Royal honours and to every one of his good Subjects their Liberties Lands Houses goods and means whatsoever taken and detained since the late pretended General Assembly the King will presently thereafter recal his Fleet and retire his Forces and cause restitution of their Ships and goods since the aforesaid time And since hereby it appears His Majesty intends not any alteration of Religion or Laws He expects their dutiful obedience And he takes God to witnesse that whatever calamities shall ensue by his necessitated suppressing of the Insolent disobedience is not occasioned by him but by their own procurement The Articles of Pacification were these the seventeenth of Iune 1639. 1. The forces of Scotland to be disbanded and dissolved within twenty four hours after the agreement of the Kings Declaration 2. The Kings Castles for Ammunition and Royal Honours to be delivered after the said Publication so soon as he should send to receive them 3. His Ships to depart presently after the delivery of the Castles and in the mean time no interruption of Trade 4. All persons goods and Ships detained by the King since the first of November to be restored 5. No Meetings Treatings Consultations or Convocations of any of the Scots but such as are warranted by Act of Parliament 6. All Fortifications to desist and to be remitted to the Kings pleasure 7. To restore to every one their Liberties Lands houses goods and means whatever taken and retained from them by whatsoever means since the first of November last The eighteenth of Iune the Declaration was signed by the King and these Articles by the Scots with this submission IN Obedience to his Majesties Royal Commands Wee shall upon Thursday next the twentieth of June dismisse our Forces and Immediately thereafter deliver His Majesties Castles c. And shall ever in all things carry our selves like humble and loyal subjects Signed Rothes Dumfirmlin Lowdon Dowglas Henderson Iohnston Now to show how the Scots performed these Articles Observe 1. That at the Scots very publishing of these Articles of Pacification though so infinitely advantagious to them they meet them with their Protestation scandalous and dishonourable to the King 2. They published a scandalous paper Intituled Some conditions of His Majesties Treaty with His subjects of Scotland before the English Nobility are set down here for remembrance So untrue and seditious as was burned by the Hangman They kept in body diverse forces and in pay all their Officers The fortification at Lieth kept up intire as at first They did after the time limitted and expired continue their unlawful meetings upon matters of State Ecclesiastical and Civil contrary to the Laws and Acts of Parliament They enforce subscription of the subject to the late pretended Assembly at Glasgow contrary to the Kings Proclamation They brand all such persons as took arms for the King with the aspersion of Incendiaries and Traytors to God and their Countrey They protest that all the members of the Colledge of Justice and all other the subjects were nor to attend the Session and would null all their Acts as ineffectual 3. They come to a Parliament wherein they deny the most essential and inherent Prerogatives of the Crown striving to alter the constitutions of Parliament and frame of Government as appears by their first Act which was that nothing done or to be done in Parliament should be valid except the form of electing the Articles heretofore observed were altered contrary to former Parliaments and the power of the Articles which have been ever since King David Bruce more then 300. years for the Lords of the Articles prepare all business bring them to the Parliament as appears the fourth Parliament of King Iames the sixth cap. 218. and indeed for eschewing impertinent confusion all Propositions and Motions are to be delivered to the Clerk Register and by him presented to the Lords of Articles which now they will not endure They urge to confound the third Estate in Parliament of Bishops formerly called the first Estate which King Iames the sixth and all his Predicessours before and since the Reformation were careful to preserve as appears anno 1560. when all church Jurisdiction in the persons of Bishops is alleadged to be dissolved And in anno 1587. when all Temporalities of Benefices were annexed to the Crown the Clergy retained still their Vote in Parliament and represented the third Estate see the first Parliament of Iames the sixth 1587 1597. 1609. Nay by a special Act the eighth Parliament of King Iames the 6. It is declared treason to impugne the three Estates to procure the Innovation of the power and authority of the same 3. Estates or any of them and so these men are thereby now guilty of Treason And to the Act of Oblivion they seek to justifie themselves and all their former proceedings and urge an act of Iustification to be recorded in Parliament which in truth is contrary to the nature of an Act of Oblivion as appears in that Act of Oblivion 1563. And whereas by their Article of Pacification they were to restore to the subject Liberty Lands goods c. the binding part of the Act never intended it seems to restore Bishops and Ministers c. They urge that all Scots assistant to the King shall be made equal if not more lyable to the defraying of their pretended charge in the late Expedition so that in this point the King must not onely justifie his subjects Rebellion but contribute his consent to pay their wages Then consider their demands of the King in this Parliament 1. That the Coyn be not medled with but by advice of Parliament 2. No stranger to command or to inhabit in any Castles of the Kings but by their advice 3. No Honour to be granted to any stranger but such as have a competency of Land rent in Scotland 4. No Commissioner of Iusticiary or Lievtenancy but for a limited time They protest against the Precedency of the Lord Treasurer and Lord Privy Seal as not warranted by a positive Law And though these demands answer themselves in the Negative see what may be said to them 1. For the Coyn Certainly it is a prerogative peculiar to the Crown and in any other person High Treason as in all Kingdoms in the world 2. No doubt they malign at the English strangers In good sooth the English did resent the dishonour to have a poor Scot created an Earl of England without a foot of land or a groat in his purse to perk above an English Viscount at home in England 3. It
Band made by King Iames the sixth 1580. obliging those mutually to assist one another at the Kings command but this Band of theirs made without the Kings consent and excepting him is a cunning Combination against and to abuse the People as if by it they were tied by Oath to joyn in Arms or Rebellion No Covenant in the whole World that ever had left out the Head or had not a Negative voice except in cases of Rebellion as this is Then they were told of their treasonable actions Their provisions of Arms. Their levying Taxes of ten Marks per centum every Mark a Hangmans wages in England thirteen pence half penny publishing seditious Papers burned by the Hangman refusing the Lord Estrich sent by the King to be Governour of Edinburgh Castle committing Outrages upon the Garrisons there Raised Fortifications against the Castle and Inchgarvy imprisoned the Lord Southeck and others for their fidelity to the King delivered up the power of Government of several Towns to a Committee which is High Treason and then to fill up the measure to the brim the King produces their own Letter to the French Kirk to call in forreign aid So then the Covenant the Articles of Perth the scandalous Paper burnt and this Letter is to be particularly expressed and somewhat to be said concerning them This Covenant was accompanied with a Supplication or Imprecation upon Record and witness to posterity against them That we the General Assembly acknowledg that there resteth nothing for crowning of his Majesties incomparable goodness towards us but that the Members of this Church and Kingdom be joyned in one and the same Confession and Covenant with God with the Kings Majesty and amongst our selves and do even declare before God and the World that we never had nor have any thought of withdrawing our selves from that humble and dutifull subjection and obedience to his Majesty and his Government which by the descent and under the Reign of an hundred and sevâ—â— Kings is most chearfully acknowledged by us and our Predecessors That we never had nor have any intention or desire to attempt any thing that may tend to the dishonour of God or diminution of the Kings greatness and authority but on the contrary acknowledg all our quietnes stability and happiness to depend upon the safety of his Majesties person and maintenance of his greatness and Royal authority as Gods Vicegerent set over us for the maintenance of Religion and Ministration of Iustice. We have solemnly sworn and do swear not onely our mutual concurrence and assistance for the cause of Religion and to the utmost of our power with our means and life to stand to the defence of our Dread Sovereign his Person and Authority in the preservation and defence of the said true Religion Liberties and Laws of this Church and Kingdom but also in every cause which may concern his Majesties honour shall according to the Laws of this Kingdom and the duty of good Subjects concurre with our Friends and Followers in quiet manner or in Arms as we shal be required of his Majesty his Council or any having his authority and therefore being most desirous to clear our selves of all imputation of this kinde and following the laudable example of our Predecessors 1589. do most humbly supplicate your gracious Majesty and the Lords of his Majesties most honourable Privy Council to injoyn by Act of Council that this Confession and Covenant which as a testimony of our fidelity to God and loyalty to our King we have inscribed be subscribed by all his Majesties Subjects of what kinde and quality soever The thirtieth of August 1639. How they have faithfully observed this National Profession let the World judg and how they have grounded their Covenant which follows God will judg of their Oath It was presented to his Majesties Commissioners by this assembly That besides many other the true and real causes of so many evils which hath troubled this Kirk and Kingdome might appear First the pressing of this Kirk by Prelates with a Service-book or Common-prayer without direction or warrant from the Kirk and contayning besides the Popish frame thereof divers Popish Errors and Ceremonies and the seed of manifold gross superstitions and Idolatry with a Book of Canons without warrant or direction from the general Assembly establishing a Tyranical power over the Kirk in the persons of Bishops and overthrowing the whole discipline and Government of the Kirk by Assemblies with a Book of consecration and ordination without warrant or authority civil or Ecclesiastical apointing Offices in the house of God which are not warranted by the word of God and repugnant to the discipline and acts of our Kirk and with the High-commission erected without the consent of this Kirk subverting the Iurisdiction and ordinary Iudicatories of this Kirk and giving to persons meerely Ecclesiastical the power of both swords and to persons meerly civil the power of the Keyes and Kirk-censâ—res A second cause was the Articles of Perth viz. The observation of festival daies kneeling at the Communion confirmation administration of the Sacraments in private places which were brought in by a Null Assembly and are contrary to the confession of faith as it was meant and subscribed anno 1580. and divers times since and to the order and constitution of this Kirk Thirdly the change of the Government of this Kirk from the assemblies of the Kirk to the persons of some Kirkmen usurping priority and power over their brethren by the way and under the name of Episcopal Government against the confession of faith 1580. against the order set down in the Book of Policy and against the intention and constitution of this Kirk from the beginning Fourthly The civil places power of Kirkmen their sitting in Session Councell and Exchequer their riding sitting voycing in Parliament and their sitting on the Bench as Iustices of peace which according to the constitutions of this Kirk are Incompatible with their spiritual function lift them up above their brethren in worldly pomp and do tend to the hindrance of the Ministry Fiftly their keeping and authorizing corrupt assemblies in Linlithgow 1606. and 1608. at Glascow 1610. at Aberdine 1616. at Saint Andrews 1617. at Perth 1618. Which are null and unlawful as being called and constitute quite contrary to the order and constitution of this Kirk received and practized ever since the reformation of Religion and withal labouring to introduce novations in this Kirk against the order and Religion established A sixt cause is the want of lawfull and free assemblies rightly constitute of Pastors Doctors and Elders yearly and oftener pro ne nata according to the liberty of this Kirk expressed in the Book of Policie and acknowledged in the act of Parliament 1592. After which the whole assembly with one heart and voyce did declare that these and such other proceedings from the neglect and breach of the Nationall
made our enemies to number this Letter amongst the number of our pretended faults committed after the Parliament whereas it was written in May 1639. before our marching to the borders and therefore ought to have been buried in the Pacification and was occasionally made known to some English of quality in the Kings Camp and the want of subscription hath made our adversaries to Indorse it Au Roy But we affirm that it was neither sealed folded nor indorsed by us nor to our knowledge Examples have been of Letters old and of late to other Princes even to the Pope himself which are not hid from the world It sufficeth that we have justified the Lord Lowdon for putting his hand to such a Letter the guiltinesse or Innocency herein not being personal or proper to him but National and common to us all But had it been his fault being before his Commission and imployment to England he ought to have returned and to have been unclothed of his Commission and a private Man ere he had been questioned The dignity and safety of Nations Kingdoms Estates and Republiques are much interessed in their Commissioners and Legates dignity whether from Prince or Republique is the ground and law of Nations the effects bring Religion to God Piety towards our Countrey propulsation of injury keeping of Faith and Legates to be inviolable If any Person hath committed any offence at home against King Countrey or Subject the fundamental Liberties and Independency of Scotland and practise of all times before 1603. require that it be tried and judged at home in a loyal way by the ordinary Judicatories of the Land and therefore to intreat for his Liberty and safety who is to us as our selves and now imprisoned against all equity law or conscience Thus much the Scots plead not in excuse you see but in justification of these three particulars so far objected against them And now let us examine the condition of the seven Articles themselves As for the three first on the Kings part It was no great matter whether he would perform or no the Scots had been their own Carvers and had threatned to assemble of themselves and if need were could make it as useful as a Parliament But to disband such an Army upon any conditions was the first president from any Prince It hath been the policy of all Potentates to strike into a power without jealousie of their own subjects even when they are at the best and safest terms with their Soveraigns lest he should divert his forces upon them But it is truly observed He had ground and cause enough from abroad and at home also without seeking for reasons His two Invasions upon his potent Neighbours provoking the Spaniard at the Isle of Gades and the French at the Isle of Rhe. And therefore though it is a Maxim for an Army once raised to keep it self by free quarter rapine and Robbery if not otherwise maintained yet no such fear nor occasion now the Gentry were up and wilde for performing some gallantry of honour and went not far to fetch it nor to fear the purchasing from a despised petty enemy Nor was the King bound to disband but to recall his forces by Land or Sea from the coasts of that Kingdom until they had first performed their Articles which they were intended nor were the English willing to quit any of the charge and expence their Equipage being already paid for and fit for performance to the purpose intended But contrary to their expectations were dismissed without any caresse for all their love and loyalty which fell short to him ever after when his following troubles had most cause and occasion to command them For at the Publication of the Kings Declaration in Scotland the Covenanters were provided and did affront it with a Protestation To maintain their late General Assembly at Glasgow to be a free and perfect Assembly of their Kirk and all their proceedings there to stand in effect Especially their sentences of Deprivation and Excommucation of the sometimes pretended Bishops Their solemn Covenant and Declaration whereby the Office of Bishop is totally abjured That no Members of the Colledge of Justice shall attend the Session or Term upon avoyding and null of all their Acts and Sentences Nay what more did they not do to their not performing any one Article of Pacification Keeping up their Fortifications at Lieth their Officers in pay their continual unwarrantable consultations and in stead of restauration to the Kings wel-affected subjects what had been ravaged from them they secured some of their persons with a strickt eye upon them all I know not what their Insolencies were not incouraged to do even from our own party for that Libel which by the Title some conditions of his Majesties Treaty with his subjects of Scotland are here set down for Remembrance Indeed Pembrook Salisbury Holland and Brakshire renounced them or any such consent of his Majesty while theâ— were Commissioners and indeed they were burnt in Smithfield by the Hangman and Secretary Coke one of the Commissioners was turn'd out of office therefore and not unlikely to be guilty of that and too much contriving with those Covenanters then and alwayes after And however not true yet their Ministers made their pulpits speak it to be the virtual part of the Pacification and therefore the King to be no longer trusted And all those passages even whilst the Kings was present who therefore not to be longer affronted to his face and uncertain whom to trust there and such a sudden contracted kindenesâ—e being between two late enemies that wise men mistrusted â—oul effects and so did the King who hasted home to consult with his Junto at White hall in Iuly and the Scots Covenanters busie to frame a Protestation against the time of the intended Proclamation for their General Assembly and it was thus VVE Noblemen Barons Burgesses c. Acknolwledging his Maiesties high favour in calling again a free and Generall Assembly and Parliament c. And fearing to admit any thing which might import the violation of the Oath of God which ties us to maintain the late Assembly at Glasgow c. where the Enemies to Religion his Majesties honour and our peace the office of Arch Bishops and Bishops who are now cited by his Majesties Iurisdiction to assist in the next Assembly is abjured and they themselves for their Usurpations and Innovations were more solemnly Excommunicated Therefore lest this Indiction should import the least prejudice to the said full lawfull and National Assembly c. Wee therefore Declare 1. To maintain the late Assembly at Glasgow as most lawfull free and General c. ratifying all the Acts sentences and constitutions censures and proceedings especially the sentence of deprivation and excommunication of the pretended Arch Bishop and Bishops of this Kingdom 2. To adhere to our solemn Covenant with God whereby the Office of Bishops who yet usurp the Title is declared
are contained in our late printed Declarations which were sent to your Lordship which summarily we here repeat That the late Acts of Parliament may be published in his Majesties Name with the States of Parliament That Edenburgh Castle and other Strengths of Scotland may as to their first foundation be fortified and used for our defence and security That our Countreymen in England and Ireland may not be pressed with Oaths and Subscription warranted by your Law and contrary to their National Oath and Covenant That the common Incendiaries the Authours of Combustions in his Majesties Dominions may receive their Censure That our Ships and Goods with all the Dammage thereof may be restored That the wrongs losses and charges which all the time we have sustained may be repaired That the Declarations made against us as Traitours may be recalled That by the advice and consent of the States of England to be convened in Parliament the Garrisons may be removed from the Borders and any Impediment that may stop free Trade and settle Peace for our Religion and Liberties against all Fears of Molestation and the undoing of us from year to year or as our Adversaries shall take the advantage And that the meeting of the Peers the four and twentieth of this instant will be too long ere the Parliament will be convened the onely means of settling Peace the sooner they come the more shall we be enabled to obey his Majesties Prohibition of our advancing with our Army Nothing but invincible necessity hath brought us out of our Countrey to this place and no other thing shall draw us beyond the Limits appointed by his Majesty wherein we hope your Lordship will labour for our Kings honour and the good of our Countrey Leaguer at New-castle Septemb. 8. 1640. Your Lordships loving and humble Servants and Friends c. Those English Lords that meant not to fight either for necessity or honour fearing that their next Meeting might prevent a Parliament had this while devised their Petition to the King in effect for a Parliament the great aim on all sides answerable to the Scots desire before they set out from home which they published at the head of their Army in a Pamphlet called The Intentions of their Army viz. Not to lay down Arms till the Reformed Religion were settled in both Nations upon sure grounds the Causers and Abetters of their present Troubles be brought to publick justice and that in Parliament And these Abetters were the Papists Prelates and their Adherents in general but more particular the Arch-bishop of Canterbury and the Lieutenant of Ireland And therefore to answer them comes out a correspondent Petition from a Compound of six Earls one Viscount and four Barons being a Descant on the Scots Plain-song And to back these Petitions are poasted from London and other places presently after The Lords Petition was thus Most gracious Sovereign The zeal of that duty and service which we ow to your Sacred Majesty and our earnest affection to the good and welfare of this your Realm of England have moved us in all humility to beseek your Royal Majesty to give us leave to offer to your Princely wisdom the apprehension which we and others your faithfull Subjects have conceived of the great Distempers and Dangers now threatning the Church and State and your Royal Person and of the fittest means by which they may be removed and prevented The Evils and Dangers whereof your Majesty may be pleased to take notice are these 1. That your Majesties Sacred Person is exposed to Hazzard and Danger in the present Expedition against the Scotish Army and by occafion of this War your Majesties Revenue is much wasted your Subjects burthened with Coat and Conduct-money billeting of Souldiers and other Military charges and divers Rapines and Disorders committed in several parts of this your Realm by the Souldiers raised for that Service and your whole Kingdom become full of Fears and Discontents 2. The sundry Innovations in matters of Religion the Oath and Canons lately imposed upon the Clergy and other your Majesties Subjects 3. The great increase of Popery and the imploying of Popish Recusants and others ill-affected to the Religion by Laws established in Places of power and tâ—ust especially in commanding of Men and Arms both in the Field and sundry Counties of this your Realm whereas by Law they are not permitted to have any Arms in their own Houses 4. The great Mischiefs which may fall upon this Kingdom if the intentions which have been credibly reported of bringing in Irish and foreign Forces should take effect 5. The urging of Ship money and prosecution of some Sheriffs in the Star-chamber for not levying of it 6. The heavy charge upon Merchandise to the discouragement of Trade the multitude of Monopolies and other Patents whereby the Commodities and Manufactures of the Kingdom are much burthened to the great and universal grievance of your people 7. The great grief of your Subjects by long intermission of Parliaments and the late and former dissolving of such as have been called without the happy effects which otherwise they might have produced For remedy whereof and prevention of the dangers that may arise to your Royal Person and to the whole State they do in all humility and faithfulness beseek your most Excellent Majesty that you would be pleased to summon a Parliament within some convenient time whereby the causes of these and other great grievances which your people lie under may be taken away and the Authors and Counsellors of them may be there brought to such legal trial and condign punishment as the nature of their several offences shall require And that the present War may be composed by your Majesties wisdom without blood in such manner as may conduce to the Honour and safety of your Majesties Person the comfort of your people and the uniting of both your Realms against the common Enemy of the Reformed Religion And your Majesties petitioners shall ever pray c. Concluded the 28. of August 1640 Francis Bedford Roberâ— Essex Mulgrave Say Seal Edward Howard The Earl of Bristow William Hartford Warwick Bulling brook Mandevil Brook Paget The Kings Answer was BEfore the receipt of your Petition his Majesty well foresaw the danger that threatens himself and Crown and therefore resolved to summon all the Peers to his presence upon the 24 of this September and with them to consult what in this case is fittest to be done for his honour and safety of the Kingdom where they with the rest may offer any thing that may conduce to these ends And so accordingly the Lord Keeper had command and did issue out Writs of summons for their appearance at York the 24. of September And to meet them there comes To the Kings most Excellent Majesty The Humble Petition of your Majesties Loyal Subjects the Citizens of London Most Gracious Soveraign BEing moved by the Duty and Obedience which by Religion and Laws your Petitioners owe unto
Parliament or grant them access to his Person Fifthly that their Ships and Goods and all Dammages thereof may be restored It is agreed Ian. 7. 1640. That all Ships taken and staid should be reciprocally restored on both sides And that the Scotish Commissioners having informed that about eighty Ships of Scotland are yet staid in the Ports and are like to suffer much loss if they shall not be delivered into some hands who may have care of them It is agreed that Warrants shall be presently granted for delivery of all their Ships And that four thousand pounds be presently advanced for Caulking Sails Cordage and other necessaries for helping the presenâ— setting forth of the said Ships Sixthly they desire from the justice and the kindness of the Kingdom of England Reparation concerning the Losses which the Kingdom of Scotland hath sustained and the vast Charges they have been put unto by occasion of the late Troubles That this House thinks fit that a friendly assistance and relief shall be given towards supply of the Losses of the Scots and that the Parliament did declare that they did conceive that the Sum of three hundred thousand pounds is a fit proportion for the friendly assistance and relief formerly thought fit to be given towards supply of the Losses and Necessities of their Brethren of Scotland and that the House would in due time take into consideration the manner how and the time when the same shall be raised Seventhly that as his Majesty hath approved the Acts of the late Parliament wherein all such Declarations Proclamations Books Libells and Pamphlets that have been made written and published against his loyal and dutifull Subjects of Scotland are recalled and ordered to be suppressed So his Majesty may be pleased to give order that the same may be suppressed recalled and forbidden in England and Ireland and that the loyalty integrity and faithfulness of his Majesties Subjects of Scotland towards his Majesties royal Person and Government may at the closing of this Treaty of Peace and at the time of publick Thanks-giving for the same be made known in all places and all Parish-churches of his Majesties Dominions It is agreed upon the 10. of February 1640. That all Declarations Proclamations Acts Books Libells and Pamphlets that have been made and published against the loyalty and dutifulness of his Majesties Subjects of Scotland shall be recalled suppressed and forbidden in England and Ireland And that this be reciprocal in Scotland if any such have been made or published there in prejudice of his Majesties honour And this upon diligent enquiry to be done by the Authority of Parliament next â—itting in Scotland of which the Commissioners of Scotland do promise to have an especial care And we do also agree that when it shall please Almighty God to grant an happy close of this Treaty of Peace the Loyalty of his Majesties Subjects of Scotland shall be made known at the time of publick Thanks-giving in all places and particularly in the Parish Churches of his Majesties Dominions That all Monuments Tokens and shews of Hostility upon the Borders of the two Kingdoms may be taken away That not onely the Garrisons of Barwick and Carlile may be removed but that the Works may be â—lighted and the places dismantled To the eighth Demand it is said that being offered the twelfth of this Moneth there was no Answer But there waâ—â—his Answer Die Lunae 8. Martii 1640. This house of Commons concur with their Lordships that when a peace shall be established all things reciprocally be reduced into the Termes they were before the Treaty And do agree with their Lordships that the Scotish Commissioners shall set down all their particular heads and demands at once together that so their eight Articles which they propound for establishing a peace may with all speed be concluded that being done this house shall willingly concur with their Lordships to settle all things for their just satisfaction Then comes the Scots remayning heads to the Eight Demands 1. Our desires concerning Unity in Religion and Conformity of Church Government as a special means for preserving of peace between these Kingdomes 2. That some Scotish-men of respect and intrusted by their Nation may be in place about the King Queen and the Prince 3. That none be in place about his Majesty and the Prince but such as profess the Reformed Religion 4. Concerning the manner of chusing the Councel and Sessions in Scotland 5. Naturalization declaring the capacity and mutuality of the Subjects of both Kingdomes 6. Concerning Customes in the Kings dominions and Foreign Nations 7. Concerning freedome of trade and intercourses 8. Concerning Manufactory and assessations by Sea and Land 9. Concerning Equality and course of coyn in his Majesties dominions 10. Concerning Fishing 11. An Act of Oblivion of all by gone deeds betwixt the Kingdomes of Scotland England and Ireland since the beginning of the late troubles 12. An act of Parliament for the ratifying this Treaty and Articles and establishing the means of a firm and perfect peace 13. That none of his Majesties dominions shall take Arms or invade others without consent of the Parliament of that Kingdome and after declared Peace no stopping of Trade or taking of ships or any Acts of hostility the contemners to be punished as Enemies to the State 14. That neither Scotland nor England ingage in a foreign war without mutual â—â—nsent and to assist each other against all foreign Invasions 15. Concerning the remanding of offenders or debtors in both Kingdomes 16. Concerning exacting deâ—rees and sentences 17. In either Nation authentike extracts without production of the principal warrant about the late borders and middle Marshes and that this peace may be inviolably observed Trials may be taken in the triennial Parliament of both Kingdomes of all wrongs to be done by either nation to other that the differences may be removed and some commissioners to be appointed of both Kingdomes for the conserving of peace in the Intervall of Parliaments And being required to bring in a full Accompt of their charges in writing according to their sixt Article they enlarge it unto five hundred and fourteen thousand one hundred twenty and eight pounds nine shillings c. abating only the odde pence A monstrous sum Besides what losses their Nation Nobility and Gentry have sustained which they amount unto Two hundred and twenty one thousand pounds and the neglect of their fortunes at Two hundred and twenty thousand pounds Besides the Eight hundred and fifty pounds a Moneth Contributions of the Northern Counties and besides the exhaustable Insolencies also upon them by the Scots Army All which because it may seem an impudent Account impossible to be made out upon any pretences See it in their own particulars which was set out in print if it had been possible to have made them odious to the suffering English Subjects The Scots Great Account BEsides the particular charges
at last The King in the head of his Army between Stafford and Wellington after the reading of his Orders military himself tells them Gentlemen I shall be very severe in punishing every person offending without distinction He cannot suspect their courage and resolution their conscience and loyaltie having brought them hither for their Religion their King and the Laws of the Land against their Enemies none but Traitors most of them Brownists Anabaptists and Atheists such as desire to destroy both Church and State and who have already condemned you to ruine for being loyal to him And makes this Protestation I do promise in the presence of Almightie God and as I hope for his blessing and protection that I will to the utmost of my power defend and maintain the true Reformed Protestant Religion established in the Church of England and by the grace of God in the same will live and die I desire to govern by the known Laws of the Land and that the Liberty and Propriety of the Subject may be by them preserved with the same care as mine own just Rights And if it please God by his blessing upon this Armie raised for my necessarie Defence to preserve me from this Rebellion I do solemnly and faithfully promise in the sight of God to maintain the just Privilege and Freedom of Parliament and to govern by the known Laws of the Land to my utmost power and particularly to observe inviolably the Laws consented unto by me this Parliament In the mean while if this time of War and the great necessitie and straits I am now driven unto beget any violation of these I hope it shall be imputed by God and Man to the Authours of this War and not to me who have so earnestly laboured for the peace of this Kingdom When I willingly fail in these particulars I will expect no Aid or Relief from any man or protection from Heaven But in this resolution I hope for the chearful assistance of all good men and am confident of Gods blessing Septemb. 19. And that the several Armies might not over-start each other the Parl. declares That all their Foot and Horse in London and all parts in England shall within eight and fourty hours march to their General the Earl of Essex for defence of the King and Kingdom the Privilege of Parliament and Liberty of the Subjects and such Regiments as are not four hundred and Troops not fourty shall be cashiered and disposed to recruit others excepting the Regiments of Colonel Essex and Ballard being in the States service Sept. 23. And order that Delinquents houses shall be preserved as houses of the Common-wealth for publick service or Prisons And because the Earl of Essex may be assured upon what Basis he is called to be their General they sent to him the Parliaments Petition to the King to be presented by him which tells his Majesty That his loyal Subjects the Lords and Commons in Parliament can not without tenderness of compassion behold the pressing calamities of England and Ireland by the practices of a prevailing partie with his Majestie to alter true Religion the ancient Government of this Kingdom introducing superstition in the Church and confusion in the State exciting incouraging and fostering the Rebellion in Ireland and as there so here begin the like Massacre by drawing on a War against the Parliament leading his Person against them as if by conquest to establish an unlimited power over the people seeking to bring over the Rebells of Ireland to joyn with them and all these evil Counsellours are defended and protected by him against the justice of Parliament who have for their just defence of Religion the King Crown and Dignitie of the Laws Liberties and power of Parliament taken up Arms and authorized the Earl of Essex their Captain General against these Rebells and Traitors And pray the King to with-draw his person and leave them to be supprest by this power and to return to his Parliament and that they will receive him with honour yield him obedience secure his person and establish him and his people with all the blessings of a glorious and happie Reign I cannot finde that this Petition was presented but I am assured that the General Essex twice sent to the King for a safe Conduct for those who should be imployed therein and it was refused they say to be received that humble and dutifull Petition as they stiled it 'T is strange for the King had never refused any Message or Petition from either or both Houses not onely with safety but candoâ—r when their Errand hath been full of reproach and scorn as the King says and the bringers bold arrogant seditious in their demeanour and therefore there needed to have been no more scruple in this But it was thus that the King being at Shrewsbury the Earl of Dorset receives a Letter from the Earl of Essex intimating that he had a Petition from both Houses to that purpose asking a safe Conduct for those that should be sent To whom the King answered That as he had never refused to receive any so he should be ready to give a fitting Reception and Answer to this and the Bringers of it should have safe Conduct excepting onely such persons as he had particularly accused of high Treason A fortnight after comes a second Letter to Dorset declaring That the Kings former Answer was voted a Breach of Privilege This second Answer differing but little from the former insisting That the Address should not be made by any whom he had accused of high Treason amongst whom the Earl of Essex was one but that his Ear should be ever open to hear any Petition from his Parliament Indeed the Petition was framed more fit to be delivered after a Battel and full Conquest of the King than in the Head of his Army thirty thousand men when it might seem somewhat in his power whether he would be deposed or no. For we finde the King in Wales caressing the Inhabitants of Denbigh and Flintshire Septemb. 27. And tells them That he is willing to take all occasions to visit all his good Subjects and hath cause to reckon them for their loyaltie expressed in their late Levies sent to him at their own charges against such a Malignant partie whose Designs are to destroy him his Crown Laws and Government of Church and State raising Tumults at London to drive from thence him and the greatest part of the Members of Parliament He is robbed of his Towns Forts Castles Goods Navie Revenue and at this time a powerfull Armie marching against him and among a thousand Scandals they have cast upon him the impious Rebellion in Ireland which he abhors and hath endeavoured by all possible ways and means to suppress but is obstructed by them And refers the naming of these Contrivers and their particular actions to his Declaration of the twelfth of August being supprest by them as all other his Protestations and
Kings partie are Masters of the Field with Garisons round about plentifully supplied from the King but the Parliaments partie in great want are likely to disband within ten days And this is the Relation from the Lord Fairfax Decemb. 10. 1642. The Counties of Norfolk Suffolk Essex Cambridg the Isle of Elie Hertford and City of Norwich are authorized to associate and their General the Earl of Essex gives Commission to the Lord Grey of Wark to command in cheif as Major General over those Counties with Instructions to govern accordingly The most part of the Earl of Newcastle's Forces lie upon the County towards Halifax and the clothing Towns imposing Taxes upon the Inhabitants according to their qualities from one thousand pounds to one hundred pounds proportionable who found a Light-horse at an hundred pounds every one who found Musket or Pâ—ke at fourty shillings And about the fifteenth of December lands Colonel Goring for the King with more Arms some Pieces of Ordnance and some Money and fourscore old Commanders with the Queens Standard and to joyn with the Earl of Newcastle And in this Moneth of December the Kings Forces prospered Westward Marlborough and Tadcaster taken with a great Defeat of their Enemy Winchester and Chichester won by the Parliament The noble Lord Aubignie Brother to the Duke of Richmond died and was buried at Oxford And now it was thought time for the City to speak for themselves they well know what an odium lodged upon their disloyalty and therefore they petition the King how they are deeply pierced with Gangrene-wounds of his Majesties fear to hazzard his person in returning home to his Citie they abhor all thoughts of Disloyaltie making good their late Solemn Protestationâ— and sacred Oath with the last drop of their dearest bloud to defend and maintain the true Reformed Protestant Religion and your Majesties royal person honour and estate and do hereby engage themselves their estates and all they have to defend your Majestie with as much love loyaltie and dutie as ever Citizens expressed towards their Sovereign They are answered That his Majestie can distinguish some good Subjects in the Citie from the bad not all guiltie but what confidence can the King have there where the Laws of the Land are notoriously despised and the whole Government of the Citie submitted to the arbitrarie power of a few desperate persons of no reputation and names them Pennington their pretended Mayor the principal Authour of these Calamities which threaton ruine to that heretofore famous Citie Ven Foulk and Manwaring all of them notoriously guiltie of Schism and high Treason in oppressing robbing and imprisoning his good Subjects because they will not rebell against his Majestie nor assist those that do not that he condemns all for some that are guiltie and yet he offers his gracious pardon to all except such as are excepted if they shall yet return to their dutie if not he sums up the miserie that will necessarily fall upon every such person as shall continue acting and assisting the Rebellion This Answer full and home to the Cities conscience startled many into reluctancy when it was therefore thought fit by the Parliament to visit their Common Council and to caress them with a Committee of some Members lest this Answer should work too much with reluctancy And are told by Mr. Pym and others That this Answer reflects with wounding Aspersions upon persons of very eminent Authoritie of very great fidelitie amongst them that the Parliament owns them and their actions and will live and die in their defence and evermore concluding that their protection is the Armie and that it is hoped they will enlarge their Contributions for the maintenance of this Armie wherein as they have been liberal in former necessities so now they will exceed for safetie of themselves At the end of every period which Mr. Pym made in his Speech the applause was so great and so loud that he was silenced not without jugling and so concludes Worthy Citizens turning to the Rabble you see what the Parliament will do for your Lord Mayor and you 〈◊〉 your affections to do for the Parliament and State To which they replied We will live and die with them live and die with them All which says their printed Paper we may sum up in that Triumph of that Man of God In the thing wherein they dealt proudly God was above them There were some humble Desires and Propositions presented to the King at Oxford February 1. by four Lords and eight Members of the Commons but with so wilde and ranting a Preamble and the Desires so peremptory no less than fourteen viz. To disband his Armie and to return home to his Parliament Leave Delinquents to Trial Papists to be disarmed Bill for abolishing the Church-governours and Government and to pass such other Bills as shall be devised for a new Reformation Recusants to abjure Papacie To remove malignant Counsellours To settle the Mâ—litia as the Parliament please To prefer to the great Offices and Places of Iudicature such of the Parliament as they name and to take in all such as have been put out of Commissions of the peace A Bill to vindicate the Lord Kimbolton and the five Members To enter Alliance with his Proâ—estant Neighbours for Recoverie of the Palatinate To grant a general pardon with Exception of the Earl of Newcastle the Lord Digby and others To restore such of the Parliaments Members to their Offices and Places and to satisfie for their Losses c. The King answers with amazement If he had not given up all the faculties of his soul to an earnest endeavour of â—eace and Reconciliation or if he would suffer himself by any proâ—â—â—â—tion to be drawn to a sharpness of language at a time of Overtures of Accommodation he could not otherwise but resent their heavie charges upon him in the preamble and not suffer Reproaches which they cast upon him but his Majestie will forbear bitterness or the heat of his own sufferings throughout that if it be possible the memory thereof may be lost to the world And how unparliamentarie it is by Arms to require new Laws And he is pleased that a speedie time may be agreed upon for a Meeting and to debate those Propositions of theirs and these of his viz. That his own Revenues Magazines Towns Ships and Forts be restored That what hath been done contrary to Law and the Kings right may be renounced and recalled That all illegal power claimed or acted by Orders of Parliament be disclaimed The King will readily consent to the execution of all Laws made or to be made concerning Popery and Reformation so he desires a Bill for preserving the Book of Common Prayer and against Sectaries That all persons to be excepted against in the Treatie may be tried per pares with the cessation of Arms and for a free Trade But nothing followed till the third of March. In the North parts from
that Thirdly although somewhat may seem to be urged out of Scripture for the Scots Government with some shew of probability yet far from such evidence as may convince a mans conscience to swear it is agreeable to Gods word Next the Doctor excepted against that passage I shall endeavour the extirpationâ— of Prelacy in the Church of England c. I saith he dare not swear to that First In regard that I believe Episcopacy is an Apostolical Institution Secondly That the Church never so flourished as within five hundred years after Christ when it was governed by Bishops Thirdly That our English Episcopacy is justified by the prime Divines of the Reformed Churches beyond the Seas Fourthly That our English Bishops now and ever since the Reformation have disclaimed all Papal dependency Fifthly That the four General Councils confirmed in England by Act of Parliament 1 Eliz. assert Episcopacie And sixthly vvhich all men need to consider the Ministers of the Church of England ordained according to a Form confirmed by Act of Parliament at their Ordination take an Oath that they will reverendly obey their Ordinary and other chief Ministers of the Church and them to whom Government and charge is committed over them This Oath I and all Clergie men have taken and if we shall swear the Extirpation of Prelacie we shall swear to forswear our selves Lastly he excepted against that passage I will defend the Rights and Privileges of Parliament and defend his Majesties Person and Authoritie in defence of the true Religion and Liberties of the Kingdom Here said he the Members are put before the Head the Parliaments Privileges before the Kings Prerogative and the restraint of defending the King onely in such and such cases seems to implie something which I fear may be drawn to an ill consequence The Doctor urged that the intent of this Covenant vvas to bring in the Scots and to continue this horrid War the taking up Arms against the King being a thing supposed vvhich must not be contradicted In the end of the Letter the Doctor subscribed tvvo Greek Letters for his Name Delta and Phi the phi vvritten within the Delta which troubled the Parliament to interpret till Sir Walter Earl told them that Phi Delta stood for Fidelity yet because Delta stood above Phi it signified Malignancy and so the Doctor was punished accordingly for being afterwards convened before the Committee where the Counsellour at Law Mr. White the others Kinsman was Chairman not much better at Bar than able to dispute Arguments with that excellent School Divine but Mr. White went another way to work down-right conclusion to the Doctors last words who said I am of this minde and unalterable herein To whom the Chairman said If you will not be of another you must suffer The Doctor modestly made Reply Sir I must give you an Answer out of St. Chrysostome upon the like Censure Nec mihi ignominiosum est pati quod passus est Christus Nec tibi gloriosum est facere quod fecit Iudas And so he was sent back to their Gaol when not long after the learned Synod at Westminster were put upon a piece of work somewhat difficult for them and therefore writ a courteous Letter to him beseeching his pains and sufficiency in that excellent Comment upon Paul's Epistles which at their instance and for their honour he admirably performed in Prison yet for that service to them and his excellent merit of our Church these men of Westminster never moved Tongue Pen or Hands to help him out of Prison there he sacrificed the remain of his days and died a Martyr upon that score of the Scots Covenant Sir Robert Harloe moved in the House that the Popes Bull to the Irish might forthwith be printed For said he it will draw on the Covenant A pretty Spectacle said another to see a Bull draw a Covenant The Covenant Money Money War War Liberty and Liberty Rebellion for such were the Links of this Chain the City making this Order for the speedy raising of Money for the sudden advancing of the Scotish Armie And together with the pretence of Religion and Liberty there is now added a more eminent Danger assuring the Citizens That unless they sent in Money not onely these Islands will be ruined but the true Religion will be destroyed in all Protestant Churches c. And therefore the Ministers and Lecturers are to stir up their Congregations thereunto and to subscribe their Sums of Money c. for which they shall have the Publick Faith of both Kingdoms of England and Scotland together with such other Securitie as shall give content to all true lovers of their Religion and Countrey These ways hastened on the Scots Army whilest they cunningly lingred for their Salary a good Sum of Money And to let you see what that was take the particles of this Speech Our Brethren of Scotland says one are now moving to relieve us out of captivitie That the Cities great Honours and Privileges were conferred by Parliament and not by the King That the Cities chiefest glorie had ever been to cleave to the Common-wealth when Kings were seduced c. That the Scots coming would regain Newcastle whereby they might set a Rate upon Coals and raise great Sumâ— of Money c. That the Scots did not value Money as the end of their coming because we owed to them above two hundred thousand pounds And so be that they might have but this one hundred thousand pounds the Sum proposed they would demand no more but will assist us with twenty thousand Horse and Foot to free us from that popish plundering Armie c. But the King to undeceive his people not to swear to be forsworn publishes his Proclamation against the Covenant That whereas there is a Printed Paper intituled A Solemn League and Covenant for Reformation and Defence of Religion the Honour and happiness of the King and the Peace and Safety of the three Kingdoms of England Scotland and Ireland pretended to be ordered by the Commons in Parliament on the one and twentieth Day of September last to be printed and published which Covenant though it seems to make specious expressions of Pietie and Religion is in truth nothing else but a traiterous and seditious Combination against him and against the established Religion and Laws of this Kingdom in pursuance of a traiterous Design and Endeavour to bring in foreign Forces to invade this Kingdom His Majestie doth therefore straitly charge and command all his loving Subjects of what degree or qualitie soever upon their Allegeance that they presume not to take the said seditious and traiterous Covenant most straitly forbidding all his Subjects to tender the said Covenant as they will answer the contrary at their extremest peril Aâ—d this Proclamation came to the hands of the new Mayor of London Mr. Wollaston who succeeded Isaac Pennington and was sworn by Baron Trevor on Munday the last of October 1643. And yet that one of
the Savoy who succeeded Mr. White in the Mastership or Ministry there did preach to his Auditory That they ought to contribute and pray and do all they were able to bring in their Brethren of Scotland for the setling of Gods cause I say saith he this is Gods â—ause and if ever God had a cause this is it and if this be not Gods cause then God is no God for me but c. Such Blasphemy followed as I forbear to insert This Speech was then frequently reported nay imprinted and to this hour pretends to be justified by divers of his Parishioners and others and if the party be innocent he might do well to vindicate himself from such Aspersion in hope of which I forbear to name him Yet Sir George Chidleigh of the West and earnest sometime he had been for the Parliament ingeniously acknowledges his opinion of the Cause in a purposed Declaration written by himself to satisfie his Friends That Petitions of Right are commendable and Remonstrances may be lawfull but Arms though defensive are ever doubtfull My Lot saith he fell to be cast on the Parliament side by a strong opinion of the goodness of their Cause which to my judgment then appeared to be so Religion and the Subjects Libertie seemed to me to be in danger but the Destruction of Kingdoms cannot be the way to save it nor can the loss of Christian Subjects nor the Subjects loss of their Estates by Plunder or Assesment concur with pietie nor yet with proprietie as for Religion which is the chief his Majestie whom God long preserve hath given us unquestionable Securitie I have cast my self at my Sovereign's feet and implored his gracious pardon I will contend no more in word or deed And this my Resolution with the undisputable grounds thereof I thought good to declare to my Friends and Countreymen that they may understand my sitting to proceed from no compulsion The Earl of Holland having been of the Parliaments cause and in Arms against the King from the first beginning was conscious it seems of the Cause and therefore without taking leave accompanied onely with the Earl of Bedford was come to the King at Oxford where he had but slender Reception for the present although he put himself in a posture of Arms with the King in the Field but that not prevailing after nine Weeks he as privately returns back again to London the sixth of November and in some hope to be readmitted into the House of Lords he made the best means he could by his Friends but without the favour of admittance then by weak counsel advised he publishes in print his Reasons of stepping aside to the King and the best Arguments he could for his Return to the Parliament again with whom he professes to live and die By which the Parliament were sure to have him devoted to their service if they should accept of his proffer which being retarded and he not constant to himself to attend the time he most unfortunately engaged afterwards against the Parliament was taken Prisoner arreigned and this Apology of his the greatest Evidence to conclude him guilty and suffered death as hereafter in its due place The King had sent to the Marquess of Ormond Lieutenant General of his Majesties Forces in Ireland for the present Transportation of a part of his Army into England Novemb. 13. every Officer and Souldier taking Oath to maintain and defend the Protestant Religion the King and his just power against the Forces under Conduct of the Earl of Essex and all other Forces against the King These Irish Forces coming under command of Sir Michael Ernley an experienced Souldier in the Low Countreys And being landed in Wales were saluted by Letters from the Parliament Commanders there left either party might be mistaken in the publick Quarrel telling them That we apprehend and are assured your Voyage into Ireland was to fight against Popish Rebells and for the Protestant Religion and we imagine you are not fully informed of the cause to be engaged against us and if you be the same you were when you went over we doubt not but to procure satisfaction from the Parliament for your faithfull Service there with like Preferment here Wrexam Novemb. 18. 1643. Your affectionate and faithfull Friends c. To which the five Colonels from Ireland return this Answer Gentlemen We were not engaged in the Service in Ireland otherwise than by the Kings command The Service we have done none â—ares extenuate And although we are very sensible how unworthily we have been deserted by your pretended Parliament yet we are not returned hither without his Majesties special Commission and Authoritie If you have the like from the King for the Arms you carry we shall willingly treat with you otherwise we shall bear our selves like Souldiers and loyal Subjects Hawerden Novemb. 20. 1643. Michael Ernley c. Postscript That Officer of your Armie which came into our Quarters without safe Conduct we detain till his Majesties pleasure be further known And these English from Ireland not long after take in Hawerden Castle near Chester being soon yielded up to them by the greater number of Souldiers within which lately came out of Ireland and enforced to the Parliaments Service surrender to their old Comrades At this time was the Cessation of Arms with the Rebells in Ireland concluded by the Kings command for one whole year from the fifteenth of September 1643. at twelve a clock And because it was then and since charged home upon the Kings account and the effects of evil counsel we shall endeavour to lay down some Motives and Grounds inducing to the Cessation and the Articles themselves with the opinion of sundry of the Noblemen and Officers of the Kings Army there It was I confess the greatest Argument with which the peoples affections have been infected by the subtilty of the Contrivers of the Civil War of England The Kings neglect of his poor Protestant Subjects in Ireland Though we may remember his several Messages and Importunities to the Parliament in that business his Offer to engage his Person in that War his consenting to all Propositions for raising of Men and Money till it was evident that under colour of those Men and Money to quench that Rebellion were both imploied in kindling and maintaining the unnatural War at home nay the King grants his Commission to such as the Parliament named for managing the Irish affairs according to their own Instructions but none of them performed So then afterwards about November last 1642. the King had been advertised by the Privy Council in Ireland and by several Petitions and Remonstrances of all the principal Commanders and Officers of his Army there of the miserable condition of his Forces in want of Money Victuals and Ammunition Apparel and what not of either of which they were not like to be supplied from the Parliament of England that undertook for all The very Men
of his own with pretence of greater advantage and alwaies of less expence then any other Undertakers And to mate it the more the Lord Chichester an Irish Commander approved thereof to the Council of War But it was soon replyed by the Solicitor General that the Duke Lord Admiral had been consulted who though of abilities to judge yet his Modesty and Wisdom had communicated Mansels Project to the Council who utterly disliked thereof and had approved of the Design in hand Being convinced in this yet the vote of the House was not to Supply but rather to Remonstrate their Reasons wherein they ranted so high and desperate upon the Duke that it was apparent they meant to divest him of his Offices Admiralty and all Nay they left not there but were canvasing his Comings in his great Revenues of Crown-demeans which they would revoke and resume back to the Kings wants And in fine to bring him an Accomptant for his Receipts and Expences of publique Revenue intrusted unto him for the State It is handsomely observed the Commons Inconstancie herein Breves Amores Populi who but lately the very last Parliament cired up the Duke for the ornament and honour of the whole Nation that it was then almost put to the question What shall be done to Him whom the Houses will honour Now to be popular hatred Their design was saies he to take the Great Seal from the Bishop of Lincoln who cunningly to divert the Judgement proposed Buckingham as the properer person to furnish them with matter as the fitter game of which the Duke had inckling which lost the other the favour for ever And yet in Ianuary next we find the Bishop his Letter to the Duke boldly and if not with impudence so soon to caress him for a Courtesie To Crown the King for thus he writes Being come hither in the duty of my place to do my best Service for the preparation to the Coronation and to wait upon his Majesty for his Royal pleasure and direction herein I do most humbly beseech your grace c. 7. Ianuary 1625. Which the Duke denied for another did it But this was too high for the Duke to hold out The Remonstrance penned so bitter with aspersions on the Kings Judgement in his choice and to grace him more then all others as that to prevent the Dukes ruine and not to retard the publique affairs of his Naval Design the King in much regret resolved to give end to their Sitting And of this Arrand comes the Usher of the Black Rod from the Upper house who finds the Commoâ—s resolved into a Grand Committee and the Solicitor in the Chair whom they forced there until a Protestation was framed which Mr. Glanvile declared viz. First To give his Majesty thanks for his Gracious Answer to their Petition for Religion For his care of their healths in giving them leave to depart this dangerous sickness With a dutiful Declaration of their affection and loyalty and their purpose to supply his Majesty in a Parliamentary way in fitting and convenient time After this the Speaker re-assumes the Chair and admits the Usher and his Message for Dissolution of the Parliament And now the King must do his work himselâ— and minding that he first dismist the train and burthen of the French Madams and other that waited on the Queen hither These were shipped away from Dover who carried the tidings of the Kings evil success with his Parliament and subjects to his great regret and grief And therefore we may spare him from the censure of an otium for summer pastime for he was very sad But the danger of infection spread to Oxford forced his Progress and this speedy resolution of his affairs For the Fleet to put to Sea and to conserve strickt Amity with our Neighbours France Denmark and the United Provinces The last having been here by their Ambassadours in September To supplicate a League offensive and defensive against the Common Enemy the House of Austria and to pray his Majesties assistance in soliciting other States in this general Confederation of equal expence to all and for the present the States should bear a fourth part of the Fleets charge To see these performed and to put it to present issue with the best grace and honour to so high a Design Ambassadours were resolved upon to confirm the Association beyond Seas and presently the Fleet went forth The Duke and the Earl of Holland in Commission for the Embassie lay a long time at Harwich for a Wind to waft them over in two Men of War which met with ill weather upon the very Coast of Holland a furious storm off from Sea forced them upon the Shore â—t a foot sounding to sinck all when no other hope was left to help but splicing two main long Cables at a Ketch Anchor and so Veer out the storm which had the Anchor not held but come home They had all been lost but landed safe at Brill and so to the Hague where Ambassadours of other Princes were to meet impowred for so great a Compliance as the necessities of the Design required But there they found them all to flag The Dane not able the French not willing stopt the Carreer of a further Journey into France where preparations were gone before to entertain our Ambassadours there But the French were cunning not to engage expences with the English Fleet which was now at sea upon the Design for Cadiz and all that was done by this meeting they concluded in a League For restoring the Liberties of Germany wherein was included the particular reflection the Cause of the Palatinate and restitution of the Kings Sister the Queen of Bohemia and no sooner were they returned home but were received with unwelcome report of the Fleets Miscarriage under their General Edward Cecil Viscount Wimbleton This Gentleman was second Son to Thomas Cecil Earl of Exeter of a comely person and long experienced in Martial affairs in the School of the United Provinces where he waited long for little preferment alwaies kept under by the Eminencie and merit of the family and Honour of Veres untill King Iames gave him his great rise from a Colonel to be General of the English in the Mis-effects of the Palatinate war wherein he was suspected by that ill successe his own complaint He suffered disgrace by his Enemies about the imployment of the Palatinate from which time twenty seven years since he was importunate to be called home for imployment here His indulgent caressing the Duke with letters from the Low-Countreys who truly before wisht him not much kindnesse yet in the end gave him warning to this Expedition and Commission to waft hither such Officers and Souldiers English as he should elect out of Companies ten Captains and thirty officers but he got none at all for he was much offended that Sr. Horace Vere was made a Baron before him and then to please him he got Precedency with a Vice-Count
semblance of hardship or Invasion upon the Subjects Liberties which the very Papists in this the better Partners seemed more really to resent and offered in lieu of some favour to them in the penal Lawes not Toleration to contribute very largely to the safeguard of the Narrow Seas which put the State into present condition rather to collect their Arrears of Thirds due to the King by Law It appeared not for private gain but extream necessity of State which involved all and therefore with possible endevours the Naval Forces were to be compleated for the summer But let us passe over to Ireland to see what they do there It was Michaelmas Term in Ireland when the Papists there offered Propositions to maintain five hundred Foot for a more Toleration of Religion but the Protestants to pertake in some measure of the charge To that end a great concourse of the Nation of both professions appeared before the Lord Deputy Fawkland in the Castle of Dublin but the Primate and Bishops in their Assembly prevented their further proceedings subscribing to a Protestation as their judgement concerning Toleration of Popery That the Religion of the Papists is Superstitious and Idolatrous their Faith and Doctrine erronious and hereticall their Church in respect of both Apostaticall To give them therefore a Toleration or to consent that they may freely exercise their Religion and professe their Faitb and Doctrine is a grievoâ—s sin and that in two respects For first It is to make our selves accessary not only to their superstitious Idolatries Heresies and in a word to all the abominates of Poperty but also which is a consequent of the former to the perdition of the seduced people which perish in the Deluge of the Catholique Apostacy 2. To grant them Toleration in respect of any money to be given or Contribution to be made by them is to set Religion to sale and with it the souls of people whom Christ our Saviour hath redeemed with his most precious blood And as it is a great sinne so also a matter of most dangerous consequence the consideration whereof we commend to the wise and judicious Beseeching the zealous God of Truth to make them who are in Authority zealous of Gods Glory and of the advancement of true Religion zealous resolute and couragious against all Popery Superstition and Idolatry Amen Ja Armachanus Auth Medensis Ro Dunensis c. Richard Cork Cloyne Rosses Tho Kilmore Ardagh Mich. Waterford Lismore Mal Casohellen Tho Hernes Laughlin Geo Deceus Andr Alachadeus Theo Dromore Franc Lymrick Conferred and agreed upon 6 Nov. 1626. And this their judgement in April 23 after 1627. Dr. Downham Bishop of Derry at the next Assembly and before the Lord Deputy Falkland and his Council took occasion to publish in the midst of his Sermon His preamble herein was That many amongst us for gain and outward respects are ready to consent to a Toleration of false Religion and are guilty of putting to sale their own and others souls and so unwilling to deliver his own private opinion onely but the judgements of the Arch-Bishop and Bishops which he thinks good to publish to them to cleer themselves from consenting To which the people gave their vote Amen But then he went on Not hereby said he to hinder the Kings service for we desire that not onely the sole Army of 5500 may be maintained but also a far greater Army besides the trained Souldiers onely he wished that the King would reserve to himself the most of those peculiar Graces of late offered and granted to the dishonour of God and the King the prejudice and Impeachment of true Religion and what is wanting might be supplied by the County to which he exhorted all good Christians and faithfull subjects The Text the Bishop took was Luke 1. 25. 23 24 25. verses speaking against mens subordinating Religion and the keeping a good Conscience for worldly respects and to set their souls to sale for gain of earthly things The L. Primate preached the next day before the same Auditory and took his Text 1 Ioh. 5. 15. Love not the World nor the things that are in the World when he made the like application as the Bishop did rebuking such who for ready gain like Iudas sold Christ for 30 pieces of silver or as Balaam following the wages of unrighteousnesse c. foretelling as he had often the judgement for these our Inclinations to such permissions and Tolerations and spake as Ieremiah did to Baruch of Gods being about to pluck up what he had planted and to break down what he had built and his bidding him not to seek great things for himself he applied to these times Indeed the judgement of the Bishops prevailed much with the Protestants that the Proposals sank by degrees and therefore induced the Lord Deputy to desire the Primate as the fittest person of the Assembly and a Privy Councellor and so concerned to promote the Kings affairs to summe up the state of the Business and to move them to an Absolute Grant of some competency to the Kings Necessities without any such former Conditions which was so done with much prudence and to this effect his Speech followeth My Lords THe refusal of those Gentlemen to contribute supply to the Army for defence of this Nation minds me of the Philosophers observation That such as have respect to a few things are easily misled Their minds so intent to ease themselves of a petit burthen without regard to the desolation of a heavy war which an Army may prevent forgetting the lamentable effects of our late Civil War by famine rapine and what not and now again the storm is foreseen which if not prevented our state may prove irrecoverable The Dangers are from abroad and from home Abroad we being now at odds with two potent Princes France and Spain to whom heretofore our dis-affected persons have offered this Kingdom to their Conquest In the daies of Henry the eight the Earl of Desmond did it to the French King the Instrument in the Court of Paris yet extant expresses so much and the Pope afterwards transferred the Title of Ireland to Charles 5. and so afresh confirmed to his Son Philip in the time of Queen Elizabeth with a resolution to settle this Crown upon the Spanish Infanta These Donatives though of no value yet they serve for a colour to a potent Pretender powerfully to supply what is defective And of late even when our Match was on foot with Spain a Book was countenanced there the Author a Spaniard Philip O Sullevan wherein he concludes the only way to establish that Monarchy first to set upon Ireland the Conquest of Scotland then of England and after of the Low Countries will easily follow Nor is the fear more from abroad then the like danger at Home Domestick Rebellion but lest I be mistaken now as your Lordships have been lately I must distinguish the Inhabitants Some
the Gentry in reference to their Shires these consulted of Propositions for the gâ—nâ—ral Table consisting of Commissioners elected out of the other four Tables which should be put in practice by a blinde Jesuitical zeal of obedience a neâ— form of Government in a Kingdom evermore Monarchical to this day and so they then would call it And the first Dung from this General Table oâ— Sâ—able rather of these unruly Horses was their Covenant and seditious Band pretended to preserve their Religion in renewing their ancient Confession of their Faith and security of the Kings person but aiming really at the destruction of both Concerning this their Confession of Faith 1. First It is observed against the vulgar Errour That the Ministers have been alwayes the Instrumental party subservient to the prevalent faction of the Nobility in all these late troubles as in all former since the first alteration of Religion And when Hamilton and Argyles power vanished it is manifest that the Ministers authority likewise took end having the rise and fall together 2. That the Confession of Faith in anno 1580. upon which the late Covenanters grounded and derived their Covenant in anno 1638. was onely a Negative Confession containing an abjuration of all points of erroneous doctrine of the Romish Church which a Iew Pagan Turk or any except a Romane Papist might have taken being consonant to the Oath of Abjuration here in England imposed upon suspected Recâ—sants 1643. and lately renewed by the Lord Protector though upon different ends And that it was no Covenant containing any Band of mutual defence without and against the Kings consent as this did but onely a Band for the maintenance of the true Religion and the Kings person with the Kings warrant and the Councels and the General Assemblies approbation anno 1590. as their own words bear in the frontispice of this their Covenant 1638. All which it wanted and consequently was a clear illegal combination of subjects against the King their undoubted lawful Supreme Magistrate which is High-Treason by the laws of all kindes of Government And that all strangers to the Scots History may the better apprehend what the Negative Confession was It will not be amisse to set down briefly the reason that moved King Iames to impose the same upon his Scotish Subjects It being inserted in the large Declaration page 57 58 59 concluding in these words To whom with the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost c. The rest therein after mentioned is forced in by the New Covenanters The occasion of that Confession King Iames the sixth having no kinred left in Scotland of his Fathers side except the Earl of Lenox an aged decreped Man without hopes of issue sent to France for Esâ—re Lord Aubigny near in blood that was to Lenox And being a young Gentleman of a comely personage and sweet disposition he was made first Gentleman of the Bedchamber then Earl of Lenox to preserve the house delapsed by right to the King and then Lord High Chamberlain Duke of Lenox and Privy Councellour with very great affection to boot whom a strong part of the Nobility oppose and set on some bâ—utefeu Ministers to pulpet him a Papist and to be sent into Scotland by the House of Guises in France to pervert the King and subvert the Protestant Religion and got Interest with Queen Elizabeth to side with them The King commends him to Mr. David Lindsay Minister of Leeth who understood French and was by him converted making his publique Recantation in St. Giles Church afterwards the Cathedral of Edinburgh and constantly came to the duties of the Church But this they said was done by dispensation from the Pope so that the King commanded his Chaplain Mr. Craig to draw up that Negative Confession subscribing it first himself then the Duke and after them his whole Houshold All this would not satisfie the Nobles nor their factious Ministers but they seized the King at Ruthen Castle and enforced him to banish the Duke who died shortly after a true Protestant at Paris 3. That the Interpretation which the New Covenanters without any lawful warrant of publique authority put upon the Negative Confession by making it abjure Episcopacy and the five Articles of Perth Assembly anno 1618. was contrary to the former practice of their own Kirk ever since either of them was determined See Grand Declaration page 364. which proves by Acts of Parliament that the Bishops had still votes in Parliament according to former times 4. That the Negative Confession was an un-hand som way for a King to take to suppresse a few Mutinous Ministers appears clearly by common reason and King Iames his own dissallowing of it afterwards in his conference at Hampton Court anno 1603. But his first Ordination thereof was onely pro tempore morte Mandatoris expirat Mandatum unlesse it had been renewed by the present King it could not be loyal 5. King Charles by his Coronation Oath 1633. is sworn to maintain the Church as then it was And all Ministers upon their Admission did take Oath of obedience to their Ordinary Bishops and to the five Articles of Perth by Acts of Parliament so commanded for so many years past at least these should have been removed by Acts of Parliaments before they could be renounced without perjury 6. Whether the Limitation contained in the third Article of the Solemn League and Covenant viz. To preserve and defend his Majesties Person and Authority in the third place and conditionally in the defence of the true Religion and Liberties of the Kingdoms not exprest nor known in the large extent as newly interpreted doth not fetter the subjects Allegiance and open a back door for them to rebel against the King if they imagine he doth oppose it which they conceive to be the true Religion and Liberties though never so falfe and how this can stand with the three and twentieth Article of the large Confession of Faith authorized in both Kingdoms 1645. by acts of Synods Holding forth That Infidelity or difference in Religion doth not make void the just Authority of the Magistrate or free the people from their due Obedience to him this being so how can the Covenanters give answer hereunto But the Title to this New device was thus The Confession of Faith subscribed at first by the Kings Majesty and his Houshold in the year of God 1580. thereafter by persons of all ranks 1581. By Ordinance of the Lords of secret Counsel and Acts of General Assemblies subscribed again by all sorts of persons 1590. By a new Ordinance of Councel at the desire of the General Assembly with a general Band for maintenance of the true Religion and the Kings person and now subscribed in the year of God 1638. by us Noblemen Barons Gentlemen Burgesses Ministers and Commons under subscribing To which the Royall Narration makes these Questions By what authority they durst exact an Oath without him or his
Laws and Lives of others are assailed That none presume to call his Son and heir King nor to be mentioned in prayer Monarchy is attached the power of the Parliamentary Lords is abrogate the Major of London denuded the Council of the City changed and their own creatures introduced the Law against schismaticks repealed the Preachers are defrauded and threatned Countesses committed Noblemen executed the Nation stiled a Common-wealth but the power contracted in a few who erect an Oligarchy for themselves and are envied of the Democracies and take Arms encouraging the Oligarchies Enjoyn submission to the Government appoint Thanksgiving daies to God for their success and thereby are Invited to the City feast whom they requite with the Kings New Park and sell his householdstuff houses lands and all and yet not satisfied they burthen the people with Taxes and invade Ireland and conquer it and after Scotland This in brief the story follows And now the Parliament Assembled Mr. Iohn Glunvile speaker as was resolved this day the thirteenth day of April Entring their first business of the Earl of Strafford good services in Ireland who was led in to the house of Lords by two of their own as presenting him the more eminent for what he had done in Ireland speedily effectually Obtaining of the Irish the grant of four Subsidies for maintenance of Ten thousand foot and fifteen hundred Horse which might be a pattern in preparation for the English supplies And an accompt was given to the Lords of the Scots letter sent to the French King for it being Examined by the Lord Cotington Secretary Windebanck and the Atturney General Loudon conâ—essed the hand writing to be his prepared in a readiness before the late pacification at Barwick but no use was ever made thereof but supposed Nevertheless Loudon stood committed till further evidence might condemn or clear him The Parliament not very forward to fall upon the necessary business of supplies To quicken them the King by message represents to the house of Commons many particular Insolencies intolerable with which the Scots had heated him And that for their assistance answerable to the present occasion so much concerning him and the honour of this Nation he would acquit his claim of ship-moneys besides due satisfaction to all their demands This offer discovered to them the Kings extremities and how they pricked which would serve their turn in demanding the more of him And therefore they expect to be assured in these particulars which they well know would spend so much time in arguing that the Kings necessity might undo him and yet they would not be otherwise relenting For clearing the Properties of the Subject For establishing true Religion For priviledge of Parliament These were the grounds of former differences so often discussed whether the Kings supply or the Subjects sufferings should be first considered and now it took up sundry debates and several conferences of both Houses ere the Lords could Master it among themselves for the King the Commons were resolved the next to yield to him from their own intents first But coming to the Question how much might serve the present Expectation Secretary Vane told them by Command from the King Twelve subsidies would serve the turn and so it might for he had such authority to demand so much being double the Kings desire which Vane with indirect intention was known willingly to mistake and it took the effect firing them into so much fury and their compliance so desperate as that the Iunto advise the King to break up their sitting and so the fiâ—t of May after two and twenty daies they were dissolved Nor need we lodge the advice upon a Iunto to councell the King herein It was the common consent of the Privy Council openly concluded debate there needed none the frequent discourse of the publique observators fore saw so much and the Parliament found the Kings necessities so enforcing by which means they were resolved to draw advantage to themselves though prejudice to him For to think as is supposed that the Luxuriance of the Kings perogative being detrected or any other Spontaneous concessions could have calmed their animosities is much mistaken for it is truely observed that the house of Commons meant that morning to vote against the war with Scotland and to blast that design to which they were so much indisposed however hazardous to the Kings honour and the necessities of his affairs which was conceaved now at the point of time to resent and to prevent by renewing the present intention and so the Arch Bishop is to be cleared as the main adviser for both he and the Earl of Strafford in the next Parliament by their answers were forced to defend themselves from that occasion But though the Parliament break up yet the Convocation of Bishops sat still from their first meeting by writ the twentieth of February last and might no doubt do so with Commission April 15. after to act propose deliberate and conclude such Canons and Constitutions as they conceived conduceable to the peace of the Church During the session of that Parliament necessarily to be now revised by a new Commission to continue the Convocation for the conclusion of such matters then in treaty amongst them though it became a doubt whether they might not sit in Convocation still the Writ which called them having no limitation but during the Kings pleasure which was not as yet otherwise signified and the difference of the Writ and the Commission was by Commissioners considered and thus subcribed That the convocation called by the Kings Writ was not to dissolve but by the Kings Writ notwithstanding the dissolution of the Parliament The tenth of May Finch Manchester Littleton Banks Heath Sheffield and so was the old Convocation armed with a new Commission but not well armed against Lilburns Libels or the Riot of Rakehels upon Lambeth house which followed and the King was fain to set a guard about Westminster Abby during their whole time of sitting In much distresse besides well observed and in danger of the Kings displeasure if they rose of the peoples fury if they sat to be beaten up by Tumults while at work and beaten down by the next Parliament for doing the work and obnoxious to the last of evil tongues for all their good intents and to their pens too upon the main score not so much of the Bishops doing not well as of being Bishops to do any things such was the fate of the Prelates now to be under censure of the Presbyters with such prejudice to either as the contest of endeavouring to satisfie the world made the wound upon either side more wide especially if you take in for good Arguments the common fame of every Libeller As for the main It must not be supposed that the question began but now to be maintained for the Divine Right on which Bishops were founded Many writ for their defence in Queen Elizabeths time Dr.
your Sacred Majesty they humbly present unto your Princely and pious consideration the several and pressing grievances viz. 1. The great and unusual Impositions upon Merchandize exported and imported 2. The urging and levying of Ship mony notwithstanding which both Merchants their goods and Ships have been destroyed by Turks and Pyrates 3. The multitude of Monopolies Patents and Warrants whereby trade is decayed 4. The Innovations in matters of Religion the Oath and Canons newly imposed by the late Convocation whereby your petitioners are in danger to be deprived of their Ministery 5. The concourse of Papists and their habitation in London and the suburbs whereby they have more means and opportuâ—ities of plotting and executing their designes against the Religion established 6. The sudden calling and sudden dissolution of Parliaments without addressing of the subjects grievances 7. The imprisonment of divers Citizens for not paying Ship-mony and other impositions and the prosecution of others in the Star-Chamber for non conformity to commands in Patents and Monopolies whereby trade is restrained 8. The great dangers your Sacred Person is exposed unto in the present war and the various fears that have seized your petitioners and their families by reason thereof which grievances and fears have oâ—casioned so great a stop and destruction of Trade as neither to receive and pay as formerly and tends to the utter ruine of the Inhabitants of this City the decay of Navigation and clothing and other Manufactories of this Kingdom your petitioners humbly conceiving the said grievances to be contrary to the Laws of this Realm and finding by experience that they are not redressed by the ordinary Courts of Iustice do therefore beseech your Majesty to cause a Parliament to be summoned with all convenient speed whereby they may be relieved in the premisses The Scots proceeding hand in hand with some of the English petition also for the same in effect to call a Parliament for setling a peace between the two Nations and they had the like Answer which behoved the English to hasten for the Scots took liberty to ravage New-Castle seizing four great English Ships laden with Corn ere the masters knew who they were rifling houses and ranting every where laying a Tax of three hâ—ndred and â—ifty pounds per diem upon the Bishop of Durham and three hundred pounds upon Northumberland upon pain of plundering The day come the 24. the King salutes them thus My Lords UPon suddain Invasions where the Dangers are near and instant it hath been the custome of my Predecessors to Assemble the great Council of the Peers c. by their advice and asistants to give a timely remedie to such rules as could not admit a delay so long as must of necessity be allowed for the assembling a the Parliament This being our condition at this time and an Army of Rebells lodged within the Kingdome I thought it most fit to conform my self to the practise of my predecessors in like cases that with your advice and assistants we might joyntly proceed to the chastizement of their Insolencies and securing of our good Subjects In the first place I must let you know that I desire nothing more then to be rightly understood of my People and to that end I have of my self resolved to call a Parliament having already given order to my Lord Keeper to issue the writs instantly so that the Parliament may be assembled by the third of November next whither if my Subjects brings the like good affections that I do it shall not faile on my part to make it a happy meeting In the mean time there are two points to be considered wherein I shall desire your advice which indeed is the chief cause of your meeting first what answer to give to the petition of the Rebells and in what manner to treat with them of which that you may give a sure Iudgment I have ordered that your Lordships shall be clearly and truly informed of the State of the whole business and upon what reasons and advices that my Privy-council unanimously gave me were grounded Secondly how my Army shall be kept on foot and maintained untill your Supplies of a Parliament may be had for so long at the Scots Army remains in England I think no man will Councel me to disband mine for that would be an unspeakable loss to all this part of the Kingdome by subverting them to the greedy appetite of the Rebells besides the unspeakable dishonour that would thereby fall upon this Nation And after several meetings and debates a Messenger Mr. Bellows was sent from the King and Lords to the Scots Army to give them notice on Tuesday next that sixteen of the English Lords shall meet with as many Scots Lords at York to treat of the differences The English Lords were these Earls Bedford Essex Barkshire Holland Herford Bristow Salisbury Warwick Barons Mandevil Savile Howard Brook Paget Dunsmore Paulet Wharton But the Scots refuse the place York as not secure for their Commissioners so long as the Lieutenant of Ireland commanded there in chief who had proclaimed them Traytors in Ireland before the King had done so in England threatning to destroy their memory against whom they had matter of high complaint And so the place was named at Rippon The Scots Commissioners take exception at the Earl of Traquairs presence being no Commissioner on either side but was admitted as a person indifferent to satisfie the English concerning the former affaires in Scotland if questions should be debated The English proposed a Cessation of Arms but the Scots as they would obey his Majesties Commands not to advance so they could not return till they had the effects of their Arrand and therefore desired the way and means of subsistence in their Quarters and so the second of October they present their demands First How their Army should be maintained untill the Treaty be ended and the Peace secured Secondly if more Commissioners be required then for their safe convoy Thirdly Safe convoy for all Letters from them and the Parliament and to them Fourthly That there may be free commerce of both Kingdoms and that the Common trade of New-Castle be not hindred especially for victuals Their first Article is otherwise than their Pamphlet before expressed for there you shall have them profess to take up nothing of the people without ready mony And that failing to give Bills and Bands of debt for true payment but finding good correspondence and weak resistance they did not only spoile and plunder but enforced this first Article Indeed they were cryed up as the sons of Enoch and the English as Grashoppers though the Earl of Strafford then General desired the King that he might give them battel and as his Letters speak to the Arch Bishop of Canterbury he durst undertake upon the Perill of his head to beat them home again although now he held it not councelable as the case then stood And certainly it was generally
valor for a wise man to set himself against the breaking in of a Sea which to resist at present threatens imminent danger but to withâ—draw gives it space to spend its fury and gaines a fitter time to repair the breach Certainly a Gallant man had rather fight to great disadvantages for number and place in the field in an orderly waie then skuffle with an undisciplined rabble Som suspected and affirmed that I meditated a War when I went from White-hall onelie to redeem My Person and Conscience from violence God knows I did not then think of a War Nor will any prudent man conceive that I would by so many former and some after-Acts have so much weakned My self If I had purposed to engage in a War which to decline by all means I denied My self in so manie particulars T is evident I had then no Army to flie unto for protection or vindication Who can blame Me or any other for with-drawing our selves from the daily baitings of the Tumults not knowing whether their furie and discontent might not flie so high as to worrie and tear those in pieces whom as yet they but plaied with in their paws God who is My sole Iudge is My Witness in Heaven that I never bad anie thoughts of going from my House at White-hall If I could have had but anie reasonable fair Quarter I was resolved to bear much and did so but I did not think My self bound to prostitute the Majesty of My place and Person the safetie of My Wife and Children to those who are prone to insult most when they have objects and opportunitie most capable of their rudeness and petulancie But this business of the Tumults whereof some have given already an account to God others yet living know themselves desperately guilty Time and the guilt of many hath so smothered up and buried that I think it best to leave it as it is onely I believe the just Avenger of all disorders will in time make those men and that City see their sin in the glass of their punishment T is more then an even-laie that they may one daie see themselves punished by that waie they offended Had this Parliament as it was in its first election and Constitution sate full and free the Members of both Houses being left to their freedom of Voteing as in all reason honor and Religion they should have been I doubt not but things would have been so carried as would have given no less content to all good men then they wished or expected For I was resolved to hear reason in all things and to consent to it so far as I could comprehend it but as Swine are to Gardens and orderly Plantations so are Tumults to Parliaments and Plebeian concourses to publique Councils turning all into disorders and sordid confusions I am prone somtimes to think That had I called this Parliament to any other place in England as I might opportunely enough have don the said consequences in all likelihood with Gods blessing might have been prevented A Parliament would have been welcom in any place no place afforded such confluence of various and vitious humors as that where it was unhappily convened But we must leave all to God who orders our disorders and magnifies his wisdome most when our follies and miseries are most discovered And with these Mutinies comes the Intimation of some practises in the North to distract the English Army the occasions you shall hear of hereafter But it gave â—ewel to the fiery faction and to the Parliament to fall into debate about a general National Protestation To maintain and defend with my life power and estate the true reformed Protestant Religion expressed in the doctrine of the Church of England against all popery and popish Innovations within this Realm contrary to the same doctrine his Majesties person Honour and estate The power of Parliament the lawful rights and Liberties of the subject and every person that maketh this protestation whatsoever he shall do in the lawfull pursuance of the same the third of May. This being too general in these words The true Reformed Protestant Religion c. They were explained by an ordinance to be only The publique doctrine professed in the Church of England so far as it is opposite to Popery and Popish Innovations and not to the maintaining any form of worship discipline or Government nor any Rites or Ceremonies of the Church of England the fifth of May And so it was taken by the Commons House the next day by the Lords and ordered to be taken by all the people of England Hereby it appears that they meant to question the discipline of the Church which they did They had no better way to qualifie the Kings discontent than to raise him some mony for the satisfying of high accounts which the Kingdom stood charged withall two Armies now on foot craving their pay And therefore a cunning Knight of Lancashire offered to procure his Majesty 650000. l. until such time as the subsidies should be raised with this declaration Provided that the King would pass a Bill not to adjourn the Parliament nor Prorogue it nor disolve it without the consent of both Houses to indure until the Greivances of this Kingdom were redressed And so complaints arising like Hidra's head never to have thereby any end yet to colour it they fell upon a great debate thereof but instantly order was given to draw up a Bill in pursuance of it And the Lords another way busie to lay a side the Bill of the Earls Attainder because it brought in the King as a Judge and so fell upon the several Articles of his Accusation resolving to send them to the Commons the next day with their Resolution when aâ—mongst forty five Lords twenty six of them voted him guilty of High Treason upon the fifteenth Article for Levying monies in Ireland by force in a warlike manner And upon the nineteenth for Imposing an Oath upon the subjects in Ireland which was for distinction of the Scots Covenanters as you have heard heretofore And so both these Bills of an everlasting Parliament and of the Attainder being compleated a conference was had of both Houses the next day after and some Lords dispatched to the King to request his answer who tells them That on Munday Following he would satisfie them I conceive it convenient in more particular to clear two mistakes of our Authors concerning The Articles of Ireland and the death of the Earl of Strafford reflecting upon the late most Reverend Prelate the Arch Bishop of Armagh Primate of all Ireland whilest he was living and worse pursued since his decease somewhat too sharp also on Dr. Barnard Herein I take leave in cool blood to interpose those Animadversions being intrusted therein by Command of the deceased Prelate Under whose hand writing and others also much of the matter is made evident to rectifie misunderstandings Intentionally thereby to end disputes The Historian takes
so many forward to engage against me who had made great Professions of singular pietie For this gave to vulgar mindes so bad a reflection upon me and my Cause as if it had been impossible to adhere to me and not withall part from God to think or speak well of me and not to blaspheme him so many were perswaded that these two were utterly inconsistent to be at once Loyal to me and truly Religious toward God Not but that I had I thank God many with me which were both Learned and Religious much above that ordinrie size and that vulgar proportion wherein some men glorie so much who were so well satisfied in the cause of my Sufferings that they chose rather to suffer with me than forsake me Nor is it strange that so Religious Preâ—ensions as were used against me should be to many well-minded men a great tempâ—ation to oppose me especially being urged by such popular Preachers as think it no sin to lie for God and what they please to call Gods cause cursing all that will not curse with them looking so much at and crying up the goodness of the end propounded that they consider not the lawfulness of the means used nor the depth of the mischief chiefly plotted and intended The weakness of these mens judgments must be made up by their clamours and activitie It was a great part of some mens Religion to scandalize me and mine they thought theirs could not be true if they cried not down mine as false I thank God I have had more trial of his grace as to the constancie of my Religion in the Protestant Profession of the Church of England both abroad and at home than ever they are like to have Nor do I know any Exception I am so liable to in their opinion as too great a fixedness in that Religion whose judicious and solid Grounds both from Scripture and Antiquitie will not give my Conscience leave to approve or consent to those many dangerous and divided Innovations which the bold Ignorance of some men would needs obtrude upon me and my People Contrarie to those wel-tried Foundations both of Truth and Order which men of far greater Learning and clearer Zeal have settled in the Confession and Constitution of this Church in England which many former Parliaments in the most calm and unpassionate times have oft confirmed in which I shall ever by Gods help persevere as believing it hath most of Primitive Truth and Order Nor did my using the assistance of some Papists which were my Subjects any way fight against my Religion as some men would needs interpret it especially those who least of all men cared whom they imploied or what they said and did so they might prevail 'T is strange that so wise men as they would be esteemed should not conceive That Differences of perswasion in matters of Religion may easily fall out where there is the sameness of Dutie Allegiance and Subjection The first they own as men and Christians to God The second they ow to me in common as their King Different Professions in point of Religion cannot any more than in civil Trades take away the communitte of Relations either to Parents or to Princes And where is there such an Oglio or Medley of various Religions in the World again as those men entertain in their service who finde most fault with me without any scruple as to the diversitie of their Sects and Opinions It was indeed a foul and indelible shame for such as would be counted Protestants to enforce me a declared Protestant their Lord and King to a necessarie use of Papists or any other who did but their Dutie to help me to defend my self Nor did I more than is lawfull for any King in such Exigents to use the aid of any his Subjects I am sorrie the Papists should have a greater sense of their Allegiance than many Protestant Professours who seem to have learned and to practise the worst Principles of the worst Papists Indeed it had been a verie impertinent and unseasonable scruple in me and verie pleasing no doubt to mine Enemies to have been then disputing the Points of different Beliefs in my Subjects when I was disputed with by Swords points and when I needed the help of my Subjects as men no less than their praiers as Christians The noise of my Evil Counsellours was another usefull Devise for those who were impatient any mens counsel but their own should be followed in Church and State who were so eager in giving me better counsel that they would not give me leave to take it with freedom as a Man or Honour as a King making their counsels more like a Drench that must be poured down than a Draught which might be fairly and leisurely drunk if I liked it I will not justifie beyond humane Errours and Frailties my self or my Counsellours they might be subject to some Miscarriages yet such as were far more reparable by second and better thoughts than those enormous Extravagancies wherewith some men have now wildered and almost quite lost both Church and State The event of things at last will make it evident to my Subjects that had I followed the worst counsels that my worst Counsellours ever had the boldness to offer to me or my self any inclination to use I could not so soon have brought both Church and State in three flourishing Kingdoms to such a Chaos of Confusions and Hell of Miseries as some have done out of which they cannot or will not in the midst of their many great Advantages redeem either me or my Subjects No men were more willing to complain than I was to redress what I saw in Reason was either done or advised amiss and this I thought I had done even beyond the expectation of moderate men who were sorrie to see me prone even to injure my self out of a zeal to relieve my Subjects But other mens insatiable Desire of Revenge upon me my Court and my Clergie hath wholly beguiled both Church and State of the benefit of all my either Retractations or Concessions and withall hath deprived all those now so zealous Persecutours both of the comfort and reward of their former pretended Persecutions wherein they so much gloried among the vulgar and which indeed a truly humble Christian will so highly prize as rather not to be relieved than be revenged so as to be bereaved of that Crown of Christian Patience which attends humble and injured Sufferers Another Artifice used to with-draw my Peoples Affections from me to their Designs was the noise and ostentation of Libertie which men are not more prone to desire than unapt to bear in the popular sense which is to do what every man liketh best If the divinest Libertie be to will what men should and to do what they so will according to Reason Laws and Religion I envie not my Subjects that Libertie which is all I desire to enjoy my self so far am I from the desire of
whereof six only were hanged Many treacherous designs of the Town Papists failed many Protestants fled to sea and although Docter Barnard their chief Minister had the conveniency offered him to be gon he would not desert his Congregation thin as they were telling them as St. Ambrose said to Iustina Non prodam lupis gregem mihi commissum hic â—ccide si libet At this time comes a competent strength of one hundred horse and ten hundred foot under command of Sir Henry Tichburn appointed Governour of the Town the fourth of November which the Catholiques resented coldly upon whom the Protestants had just suspition and therefore wearied succours were faine to stand Guard that Night And now it was time to name the Brat and call it a through Rebellion which till now was favoured with the interpretation of an Act of discontented Gentlemen Not long after the State added three companies of foot so beside the Town Arms they were compleat 1500. foot and 160. horse Not many nights after there was dropt in the street a faire Declaration of the Catholiques of Ireland framed upon presumption that the design contrived had been effected and by the way at each corner seems to have been fixed and this the most authentick that came to light Whereas we the Roman Catholiques of the Kingdom of Ireland have been continually loving and faithfull Subjects to his sacred Majesty and notwithstanding the several and heavy oppressions suffered by the subordinate Governments to the ruine of our lives honours and estates yet having some liberty of our Religion from his Majesty out of the affluence of his Princely love to us we weighing not corporal loss in respect of the great immunity of the soule are instantly resolved to infix our selves in an immutable and pure allegiance for ever to his royal Majesâ—y and successors Now it is That the Parliament of England maligning and envying any graces received from his Majesty by our Nation and knowing none desired of us as that of Religion and likewise perceiving his Majesty to be inclined to give us the liberty of the same drew his Majesties Prerogative out of his hand thereby largely pretending the general good of his Majesties Kingdoms But we the sad Catholicks and loyal Subjects to his Majesty do probably finde as well by some Acts to pass by them the said Parliament touching our Religion in which the Catholicks of England and Scotland did suffer as also by threat to send over the Scotish Army with the Sword and Bible in hand against us That their whole and studied Plots both was and is not onely to extinguish Religion by which we onely live happily but also likewise to supplant us and raze the name of Catholicks and Irish out of the whole Kingdom And seeing this surmise so dangerous tending absolutely to the overthrow of the liberty of our consciences and Countrey and also our gracious Kings power forced from him in which and in whose prudent care of us our sole quiet and comfort consisted and without which the fear of our present Ruines did prescribe opinion and premonish us to save our selves We therefore as well to regain his Majesties said Prerogative being onely due to him and his Successours and being the essence and life of Monarchy hoping thereby to continue a strong and invincible unity between his royal and ever happy love to us and our faithfull Duty and Loyalty to his incomparable Majesty have taken Arms and possessed our selves of the best and strongest Forts of this Kingdom to enable us to serve his Majesty and to defend us from the tyrannous resolution of our Enemies This in our consciences as we wish the peace of the same to our selves and our posterity is the pretence and true cause of our raising Arms by which we are resolved to perfect the advancement of truth and safety of our King and Countrey Thus much we thought fit in general to publish to the world to set forth our innocent and just cause the particulars whereof shall be speedily declared God save the King Upon the fifth of November the Lords and Council of Ireland sent their second Dispatch from Dublin unto the King in Scotland and several Letters also into England to the Parliament and Council and to the Earl of Leicester elect Lord Lieutenant setting down the particular Narrative of the Rebellion and so take together the success of both Dispatches The first Letters arrived at London the last of October and that Even were delivered and the next Morning the Upper House sent them down to the House of Commons by the Lord Keeper Privy Seal High Chamberlain Admiral Marshal Chamberlain the Earls of Bath Dorset Leicester Holland Berks Bristoll Lord Mandevil Say Goring Wilmot who had Chairs to sit while the Letters were read and so departed The House instantly resolved into a Committee and order That fifty thousand pounds be forthwith provided That the Lords be moved that Members of both Houses may declare to the City of London the present necessity to borrow fifty thousand pounds to be secured by Act of Parliament That a Committee of both Houses consider of the affairs of Ireland That Owen O Conally the Discoverer shall have five hundred pounds presently and two hundred pounds per annum Pension till provision of Land of Inheritance of a greater value That the persons of all Papists of quality in England be secured That no persons except Merchants shall pass to Ireland without Certificate from the said Committee To all which the Lords consented Then the House of Commons vote twenty thousand pounds for present supply A convenient number of Ships for guarding the Sea-coasts of Ireland That six thousand Foot and two thousand Horse be forthwith raised for Ireland and Officers to be appointed over them That Magazines of Victual be forthwith sent to Westchester to be sent to Dublin as occasion shall require That the Magazines now at Carlile be forthwith sent over to Knockfergus in Ireland That the Kings Council consider of a Pacification for Rewards to such as shall do service in Ireland and for a Pardon to such Rebells as shall submit within a time and of a Sum of Money for Rewards to bring in the Heads of the principal Rebells That Letters of Thanks be returned to the Lords Justices there That the Committee do consider how and in what manner to make use of Scotland here And a Bill to be prepared for pressing of Souldiers for Ireland An Ordinance passed for the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland to raise three thousand five hundred Foot and six hundred Horse and not to press our dear Brethren of Scotland any further than for one thousand Foot to pass from Scotland to the North of Ireland And Arms to be delivered out by the Master of the Ordnance out of the store for Ireland for eight thousand Foot and a thousand Horse Thus much was discoursed upon the first Letters And now upon the second Dispatch the Parliament voted two
against their House and Privileges and the Vindication also of divers Members thereof in this Declaration Whereupon we declare that if any person shall arrest either of them or any Member of Parliament by any Warrant from the King onely is guilty of the Breach of the Privileges of Parliament And whereas by several Examinations taken the seventh of this instant January before the Committee in London it did appear that many Souldiers and Papists to the number of five hundred armed came with his Majesty on Tuesday last the fourth of this present to the House c. We do declare that it was a traiterous Design against the King and Parliament And whereas they the said Members did with approbation of the House absent themselves since which time a printed Paper in the form of a Proclamation dated the sixth of this instant issued out for their apprehending and Imprisonment We do declare that the said Paper is false scandalous and illegal and that notwithstanding they may and ought to attend the service of the House And we do declare that the publishing of several Articles of High Treason against them was a high Breach of the Privileges of Parliament a Scandal to his Majesty and Dishonour to the said Members which cannot be sufficiently vindicated unless his Majesty discover the Names of such persons who advised him thereto that they may receive condign punishment This House declaring that all such persons c. are declared publick Enemies to the State c. During these passages a tumultuous Number of common persons came to Westminster out of the City offering violence upon the persons of sundry Bishops going and coming out of the House of Peers which extremely deterred them from their future attendance there whereupon they petition the King and protest That whereas the Pâ—titioners were called up by Writ to attend in Parliament and have a clear and indubitable Right to vote in Bills and other matters debated and ought to be protected They protest before God that they are most willing to do their Duties there accordingly That they abominate all Actions or Opinions tending to Popery all Propensions or Inclinations to any Malignant party or any other partie to which their Consciences sâ—all not move them to adhere That they have been many times menaced affronted and assaulted by Multitudes of people in their coming to do their service to the Parliament and lastly chased away in danger of their Lives without any redress of their Complaints to both Houses c. They do therefore in all Duty and Humility protest before your Majesty and the Peers in Parliament against all Laws Orders Votes Resolutions and Determinations as in themselves null and of none effect which in their absence since the seven and twentieth of December have already passed as likewise against such as shall hereafter pass in that most honourable House during the time of this their forced and violent absence c. and humbly beseech his Majesty to command the Clerk of that House of Peers to enter this their Petition and Protestation Signed John Ebor. Thomas Duresm Robert Covent Lich. Jos Norwich John Asaphan Gul. Ba. Wells Geo Hereford Rob Oxon. Mat Ely Godfr Glouâ— Jo Peterburgh Mar Landaff This fell out as many would have it a leading case to their confusion wherefore the Lords on the thirtieth of December desire a Conference touching matters of high and dangerous consequence where the Lord Keeper told them That this Petition and Protestation of the twelve Bishops is extending to the deep entrenching upon the Fundamental Privileges and being of Parliaments And therefore it was resolved hereupon to accuse them of high Treason and Master Glyn sent of the Arrand to the Lords and to sequester them from Parliament and to be put in safe custody to make good their Answer to the Commons charge and so they were instantly by the Black Rod to be apprehended and were all by eight a clock at night brought on their Knees to the Lords Bar and ten of them committed to the Tower and two of them in regard of their age and the worthy parts of one of them the learned Bishop of Durham were committed to the Black Rod. Then the House of Commons pretending hazzard to their persons upon the late Assault of the King and his Retinue they sent a Message to the King for a Guard To present to his Majesty the just Fears of Designs and Practises to destroy them by a Malignant party in the Face and at the Doors of the Parliament and at your Majesties own Gates c. They humbly desire therefore to have a Guard out of the City of London commanded by the Earl of Essex Chamberlain of your Majesties Houshold And to this end they humbly desire a gracious and speedy Answer because theirs and the Kingdoms safety depends upon it and will not admit of any Delay The King gives Answer That with great grief of heart after their twelve Moneths sitting wherein they have obtained those things for their security and happiness as no Age can equal they should now be disturbed with Ielousies Distrusts and Fears protesting before God that had he any knowledg or belief of the least Design in any of violence against them he would pursue them to condign punishment with the same severity as the greatest Attempt upon his Crown Engaging solemnly the Word of a King that their security from violence shall ever be his care as the Preservation of Himself and Children And if this general Assurance shall not suffice He shall command such a Guard to wait upon them as he shall be responsible for to God who hath encharged him with the Protection of his Subjects There the City taking heart and hands with the House of Commons summon a Common Council where they debate the Jealousies and Fears possessing them and draw up a Petition To the Kings most Excellent Majesty Wherein they represent their Dangers and Distractions by the bloudy Rebellion in Ireland fomented and acted by Papists and of their Designs foreign and at home tending to the ruine of the Protestant Religion The putting out of persons of honour from being Constable of the Tower and the preparations there made the fortifying of White-hall the late Discovery of divers Fire works in the hands of a Papist His Majesties late manner in the House of Commons The effects of which just Fears overthrow the Trade of this City to the utter ruine of the Protestant Religion and the Lives and Liberties of the Subject And pray that by the Parliaments advice the Protestants in Ireland may be relieved the Tower be put in the hands of persons of trust a Guard appointed for the safety of the Parliament and that the late five Members may not be restrained nor proceeded against but by the Privileges of Parliament The King wondring at the wisdom of the City to be lead into the conceit of Fears and Jealousies upon such slender devised Grounds having
Proofs and therefore to avoid more Mistakes that it be resolved whether his Majestie be bound in respect of Privileges to proceed by Impeachment in Parliament or be at libertie to proffer an Inditement at the Common Law or to have his choice in either thereupon he will speedily give Direction to proceed to the business Jan. 24. The Attourney General in fear to be grinded between these Disputes and finding his the hardest bargain supplicates the King for his Authority to take him off which he did by his Letter to the Lord Keeper from Roiston the fourth of March. Certifying That the third of January last he did deliver to the Attourney General certain Articles of Accusation ingrossed in Paper the Câ—pie being inclosed and commanded him to acquaint the house of Peers That divers great and treasonable Designs against Us and the State had come to the Kings knowledg of which he was commanded to accuse those six Persons of high Treason by delivering the Paper to them and to desire to have it read and that a Committee of Lords might examine such Witnesses as the King would produce and they to be under a command of secrecie and for the King to add or alter if there be cause And declares the Attourney General clear as to his Answer And had he refused the Kings command herein he would have questioned him for Breach of Oath Dutie and Trust to which he was obliged This as to the truth and the Attourneys defence but being weary of the business and finding no relief to be expected nor leave to proceed in his way against them he adds a clause to the Letter But having declared that we finde cause wholly to desist from proceeding against the Persons accused we have commanded our Attourney General to proceed no further there nor to produce nor discover any Proof concerning the same And so this Breach between the King and Parliament was stitched up but the Seam not well sewed the Rent grew the wider and either party more nicely concerning Prerogative and Privileges And because this Action of the Kings was often taken up as a Breach of Privilege unpardonable we may examine the Kings Reasons from his own Relation in his Eikon Basilike cap. 3. My going to the House of Commons says the King to demand Iustice upon the five Members was an act which mine Enemies loaded with all the obloquies and exasperations they could I filled indifferent men with great Iealousies and Fears yea and manie of my Friends resented it as a motion rising rather from Passion than from Reason and not guided with such Discretion as the touchiness of those Times required But these men knew not the just Motives and pregnant Grounds with which I thought my self so furnished that there needed nothing to such Evidence as I could have produced against those I charged save onely a free and legal Trial which was all I desired Nor had I anie temptation of Displeasure or Revenge against those mens Persons further than I had discovered those as I thought unlawfull correspondencies they had used and engagements they had made to embroil my Kingdoms of all which I missed but little to have produced Writings under some mens own hands who were the chief Contrivers of the following Innovations Providence would not have it so yet I wanted not such Probabilitie as were sufficient to raise Iealousies in anie Kings heart who is not wholly stupid and neglective of the publick Peace which to preserve by calling in question half a Dozen men in a fair and legal way which God knows was all my Design could have amounted to no worse effect had it succeeded than either to do me and my Kingdoms right in case they had been found guiltie or else to have cleared their Innocencie and removed my suspition which as they were not raised out of any malice so neither were they in Reason to be smothered What Flames of Discontent this spark though I sought by all speedie and possible means to quench it soon kindled all the World is witness The aspersion which some men cast upon that Action as if I had designed by force to assault the House of Commons and invade their Privilege is so false that as God best knows I had no such intent so none that attended could justly gather from anie thing I then said or did the least intimation of anie such thoughts That I went attended with some Gentlemen as it was no unwonted thing for the Majestie and safetie of a King so to be attended especially in discontented times so were my Followers at that time short of mine ordinarie Guard and no waie proportionable to hazzard a tumultuarie Conflict Nor were they more scared at my coming than I was unassured of not having some Affronts cast upon me if I had none with me to preserve a reverence to me for many people had at that time learned to think those hard thoughts which they have since abundantly vented against me both by Words and Deeds The Sum of that Business was this Those men and their Adherents were then looked upon by the affrighted Vulgar as greater Protectours of their Laws and Liberties than my self and worthier of their protection I leave them to God and their own Consciences who if guiltie of evil machinations no present impunitie or popular vindications of them will be subterfuge sufficient to rescue them from those exact Tribunals To which in the obstructions of Iustice among men we must religiously appeal as being an Argument to us Christians of that after-unavoidable Iudgment which shall rejudg what among men is but corruptly decided or not at all I endeavoured to have prevented if God had seen sit those future Commotions which I fore-saw would in all likelihood follow some mens activitie if not restrained and so now hath done to the undoing of many thousands the more is the pitie But to over-aw the freedom of the Houses or to weaken their just Authoritie by anie violent impressions upon them was not at all my Design I thought I had so much Iustice and Reason on my side as should not have needed so rough assistance and I was resolved rather to bear the Repulse with patience than to use such hazzardous Extremities The King evermore very sensible of the necessity of State proposeth unto them to consider of all those particulars necessary for his Majesties just Right and regal Authority and for settling of his Revenue And as for the settlement of their Privileges free enjoyment of their Estates the liberties of their persons the security of Religion and the settling of Ceremonies in the Church as may take away all just offence which when they shall have digested it shall then appear what his Majesty shall do protesting his innocency from intending any Design to cause their Fears or Jealousies and how ready he will be to exceed the greatest Examples of the most indulgent Princes to their People and calls Heaven and Earth God and Man to
witness that he shall not fail on his part Ian. 20. It is true that the misery of Ireland cried out for Relief and as often the King enforced the consideration offering Propositions very probable which the Parliament always declined But the Scots having a fair Interest there in their British Plantations and a Committee being a foot to that purpose the Scots seeming very forward to do somewhat and to involve their Propositions together with their general Proposals of the Treaty of Peace make these Offers to transport two thousand and five hundred Scots into Ireland meaning thereby to hasten the end of theâ—r Treaty But upon these Articles That Provisions of Victuals be presently sent to Carrickfergus to be sold to the Scots Souldiers answerable to their Pay They to have the command of that Castle and Town to remain there or to enlarge their own Quarters into the Countrey That Match Pouder and Ball be sent from hence but what Arms Ammunition or Artillery shall go from Scotland with their Forces the same shall be supplied into Scotland out of England That a part of the brotherly Assistance thirty thousand pounds be advanced to them presently which though in proportion came but to seven thousand and five hundred pounds yet they crave ten thousand pounds for their encouragement That their Pay which was condiscended to commence from the eight of December last may be advanced to the eighth of February next when they hoped to march To have Ships of Convoy And that all this may be done without prejudice to their Treatie Jan. 24. The two Houses having swallowed these Propositions the Kings consent was desired but excepts very sparingly against the third Article as somewhat prejudicial to the Crown of England and desires conference with the Scots Commissioners there which being long disputed and the strength of the Kings Argument implying too great a trust for Auxiliary Forces in them To which they reply that they hoped that his Majesty being their native would not shew less trust in them than in the Neighbour Nation seeing his two Houses had consented yet although the Reason bore little force as the Kings condition now stood yet to take away all Delays of Dispute he condiscended And the Scots Commissioners following the King out of Scotland interpose Mediation between the King and Parliament in several private Addresses and in some Propositions in writing so effectually to the Parliaments purpose and their Designing that Mr. Pym is sent specially to give them Thanks on Saturday the twenty second of Ianuary My Lords We are commanded to present to you their affectionate Thanks for your wise Counsels and faithfull advice given to his Sacred Majestie for the appeasing and removing of the present Distraction and Distempers of this State My Lords The House of Commons are very sensible and do tenderly and affectionately consider that this your dutifull and faithfull advice is a large testimonie of your fidelitie to the King affection to this State and of wisdom for honour securitie and peace of his Majesâ—ie and both Kingdoms and not onely very acceptable to this House but likewise of great advantage to both Nations They clearly perceive you rightly understand the causes of our Distempers and your carefull endeavours to complie with them in the quieting and removing of the same that the brotherly Communion lately confirmed by both Parliaments of England and Scotland binde them both to maintain the peace and liberties of one another being highly concerned equally therein as the assured means of the safetie and preservation of both and being so united the Disturbance of the one must needs disquiet and distemper the peace of the other as hath been often acknowledged by them both They are likewise sensible that those waies which you advise are the onely means to settle peace and unitie in this Kingdom viz. First to endeavour a right understanding between his Majestie and his People by which he may truly see the real causes of these Disturbances and their Authours who are his faithfull and loyal Subjects his faithfull and dutifull Counsellours and who not by which means the brotherly affection betwixt the two Nations shall be confirmed to the glorie of God and peace of the Church and State of both Kingdoms their unitie advanced and all mistakes and jealousies betwixt his Majestie and this Kingdom removed and the establishment of the affairs settled in perpetual peace and tranquillitie the Liberties and Privileges of his Subjects freely enjoyed under his royal Scepter which is the most assured Foundation of his Majesties honour and greatness of the securitie of his royal Person Crown and Dignitie Secondly the removal and prevention of all such plots and practises entertained by the Papists Prelates and their Adherents whose aim in all these Troubles hath been to prevent all further Reformation and to subvert the puritie and truth of Religion their constant endeavours have been to stir up Division betwixt his Majestie and his People by their questioning the Authoritie of Parliaments and the lawfull Liberties of the Subjects and really weakening his Majesties power and authoritie royal upon pretence of defending the same which mischievous Counsels Conspiracies and Attempts have produced these Distempers in his Majesties Kingdoms of England and Ireland Thirdly that his Majestie would be pleased to have recourse onely to the faithfull advise of his Parliament and to depend thereupon as the happie means to establish the prosperitie and quiet of this Kingdom and in his royal wisdom to consider and prevent these Apprehensions of fear which may possess the hearts of his Majesties Subjects in his other Kingdoms if they shall conceive the Authoritie of Parliaments and the Rights and Liberties of the Subjects to be here called in question My Lords these your faithfull and loyal Propositions is the greatest Demonstration of your affections faithfully united and devâ—tâ—d to the securitie of his Majestie and your heartie Wishes and Desires of the peace and prosperitie as well of his Majesties Kingdom of England as Scotland and Ireland these Propositions have been the onely endeavours and intentions of his Majesties high Court of Parliament to effect and make manifest to all men and in any other means whatsoever that shall by you be conceived necessary to the composing and settling of these present Distractions they declare themselves desirous to have the same communicated unto them and they shall be right joyfull and thankfull therefore and will willingly and chearfully joyn with you in the same The House of Commons having an itching desire of power had moved the Upper House to joyn with them for obtaining the command of the Tower and mannagement of the Militia and being refused therein yet they will not be beaten off but singly of themselves petition the King for them both and other principal Forts of the Kingdom and pray for his gracious and speedy Answer Ian. 26. That his Majestie having preferred to the Lieutenancie of the Tower a person
the Kings Answers unsatisfactory And that the Kingdom be put into a posture of Defence in such a way as is agreed upon by Parliament and a Committee to prepare a publick Declaration from these two Heads 1. The just causes of the Fears and Iealousies given to the Parliament and to clear them from any Iealousies conceived against them 2. To consider of all matters arising from his Majesties Message and what is fit to be done A man would wonder upon what grounds they should arm by Sea and Land specially so hastily resolved as the next day March 2. Advertisements they say of extraordinary preparations by the neighbouring Princes both by Land and Sea the intentions whereof are so represented as to raise a just apprehension of sudden Danger to the King and his Kingdoms unless the wisdom of Parliament prevent it And therefore the Earl of Northumberland Admiral of England is commanded with all speed to order the Rigging of the Kings Ships and fit them immediately for the Sea And to frighten us into fear all Masters and Owners of Ships are perswaded to do the like for the emergent occasions of publick Defence In order to these the Beacons were new made up Sea-marks set up such riding posting with Pacquets whispering and Tales telling as put the people in fear of they knew not what wise men onely told the Truth discovering the Enemy wholly at home I have been as brief as may be in the business of this year and yet to satisfie the curious I cannot omit all the occasions of this miserable Eruption which follows presuming yet that this Declaration designed may be spared the recording for certainly no new matter can be invented and what hither to hath been the cause the Reader has leave to judg But not to amuse your imaginations it self must satisfie the Declaration was born to Roiston by the Earls of Pembroke and Holland He who read it to the King this Lord being raised and created to become his most secret Counsellour the most intimate in affection the first of his Bed-chamber his constant companion in all his sports and recreations even in that place and to this hour At the sight of him the Kings countenance me thought mixed into compassion and disdain as who should as Caesar did Et tu mi fili But on he went to this effect March 9. The manifold Attempts to provoke your Majesties late Armie and the Scots Armie and to raise a Faction in London and other parts the Actours having their dependence countenance and encouragement from the Court witness Jermin's Treason who was transported beyond Sea by your Majesties Warrant and that dangerous Petition delivered to Captain Leg by your Majesties own Hand with a Direction signed C. R. The false and scandalous Accusation against the Lord Kimbolton and the five Members Plotting and designing a Guard about your person labouring to infuse into the people an ill opinion of the Parliament as if to raise Arms for a Civil War in which Combustion Ireland would be lost That the Lord Digby was sent to Sir John Pennington to be landed beyond Sea to vent his traiterous conceptions for the King to retire to some place of strength offering to correspond by cyphers with the Queen as if to procure some forreign Forces to assist your Majestie answerable to your remove with the Prince as in a readiness for the acting of it Manifold Advertisements which they have from Rome Venice Paris and other parts expecting the effects of the Kings Design to alter Religion and ruine the Parliament That the Popes Nuntio hath solicited the Kings of France and Spain to lend his Majesty four thousand Men a plece to help to maintain his Royalty against the Parliament And this foreign Force the most pernicious and malignant Design of all the rest so they hope it is from his thoughts Because no man will easily believe you will give up your People and Kingdom to be spoiled by strangers if you did not likewise intend to change both your own profession in Religion and the publick profession of the Kingdom that so you might be more assured of these foreign States of the Popish Religion for the future support and defence They â—eseech his Majesty to consider how fair a way he hath to happiness honour greatness plenty security if he would but joyn with his Parliament and people in defence of the Religion and Kingdom This is all they expect from him and for which they shall return their Lives Fortunes and utmost Endeavours to support him and Sovereignty And for the present have but onely this to desire To turn away his wicked Counsellours and put his trust in Parliament At the reading of that part which mentioned Master Iermin's transportation by his Majesties Warrant the King interrupted him and said That 's false And at the business of Captain Leg he told him 'T is a Lie And at the end of all he said He was confident the Parliament had worse information than he had Councils What have I denied you The Militia said Holland That 's no Bill The other replied It was necessary Which I have not denied but in the manner His Lordship would perswade the King to come near the Parliament Have you given me cause said the King This Declaration is not the way to it and in all Aristotle's Rhetoricks there is no such Argument of perswasion Pembroke that he might say something said it over again The Parliament prays him to come to them The King told him Words were not sufficient What would you have Sir said he The King replied To whip a Boy in Westminster School that could not tell that by my Answer Then the Lord asked him to grant the Militia for a time Not an hour this was never asked of any King with which I will not trust my Wife and Children But his Majesties Answer to all was this That to their Fears and Iealousies he would take time to satisfie all the World hoping that God would in his good time discover the secrets and bottoms of all Plots and Treasons to set him upright with his people For his Fears and Doubts are not trivial while so many scandalous Pamphlets seditious Sermons sundry Tumults publick are uninquired into and unpunished He must confess his Fears calling God to witness they are the greater for the Religion for his people and for their Laws than for his own Rights or safetie of himself and yet he tells them none of these are free from Danger What would you have said he Have I violated your Laws Have I denied any one Bill What have ye done for me Have my people been transported with Fears and Apprehensions I have I offer a free pardon as your selves can devise There is a Iudgment from Heaven upon this Nation if these Distractions continue God so deal with me and mine as all my thoughts and intentions are right for the maintenance of the true Protestant profession the observation and preservation of
without the Kings consent were to introduce an Arbitrary Government to which he will never permit The King therefore having by his Proclamation the seven and twentieth of May last prohibited all persons upon their Allegeance to Muster Levy or summon without his consent by warrant or writ from his great seal And that antiently by Statute 5 H. 4. and by subsequent Records his Predecessors have exercised the power of the Militia by Commissions of Array therefore He thinks fit so to do Authorizing you or any three or more of you to Array and Train his people whereof you the Earl of Huntington and in youâ— absence William Earl of Devon or Henry Hastings Esq to be one That for the present you cause to be mustered all the ancient Trained Bands and Freehold Bands of the County and over them to appoint Colonels Captains and Officers Issue warrants for Assembling the people for discharge of that service of all which He expects a plenary accompt The Commission was directed to the Earls of Huntington and Devon Henry Hastings his son Henry Berkley George Villierâ— Thomas Burton Baronets Henry Skipwith Iohn Shepington and Richard Halford Knights and Baronets Wolston Dixey Richard Roberts Iohn Bole Thomas Harlop Erasmus De la fountain and William Iones Knights Henry Hastings George Ashley and Iohn Hate Esqs and to the Sheriff of Leicester-Shire to the same effect as aforesaid the twelfth of Ianuary 18 Car. per ipsum Regem Willis The Parliament ponder hereupon and after serious debate for it much concerned They resolved upon the Question That this Commission was against Law the liberty and property of the Subject And that the Actors therein shall be esteemed disturbers of the Peace and betrayers of the Subjects Lâ—bertie The twentieth of January The King goes on Summons his Lords and his Privy Council attending him at York and declares That He will not require any obedience from them but by the Law of the Land Nor that they yield to any Commands not legally imposed by any other That he will defend them and all others from such Commands and from Votes and Orders of Parliament and defend the true protestant Religion the Lawful liberty of the subject and the just priviledges of the three Estates of Parliament and according as he performs so he expects further Obedience That He will not â—ngage them in any war against the Parliament except for necessary defence against such as invade him or them On which they ingage to him their duty Allegeance in the like answer subscribed by all present which we shall record to posterity for their Loyalty then and of some of their defection after Lord Keeper Littleton Duke of Richmond Marquess Harford The Earls of Lindsey Cumberland Huntington Bath Southampton Dorset Salisbury Northampton Devonshire Cambridge Bristol Westmerland Barkshire Monmouth Rivers Newcastle Dover Carnarvan Newport The Lords of Mowbray and Matravers Willoughby of Ersby Richard Howard of Charlton Newark Paget Chandos Fawconbridge Pawlet Lovâ—lace Savile Coventry Mohun Duâ—smore Saymour Grey of Ruthen Capel Falkland Master controller Secretary Nicholas the Chancellor of the Exchequer Chief Justice Banks The King sends his Letters to the Lord Mayor Aldermen and Sheriffs of London Commanding them not to levy Arms nor raise mony upon pretâ—nce of a Guard to the Parliament But if they shall lend money towards the relief of Ireland as he hath don however the mony be disposed or towards the paiment of his Scots Subjects he shall esteem it an acceptable service if otherwise he shall take it as contempt to him and his authority and shall be compelled â—o question their Chartâ— therein And publishes a General Declaration That having these last seven Moneths met with so many several encounters of strange and unusual Declarations of Parliament He is not amazed with any new Prodigy of that kind and their last of the six and twentieth of May gave warning that they having spent their stock of reproachful language upon Him He was to expect they should now break out into disloyal actions for by that they divested Him of his Authority and assumed it to themselves and now they put forth the fruits of that supream power by their propositions for raising forces under pretence of preserving peace for defence of the King deceiving the People as if the danger were great and he consulted therein Sums up the Parliaments ridiculous devised fears and Jelousies Protests his former and still unshaken Resolutions for Peace for Religion for the Laws and for the Subjects Liberties Advising them not to contribute their power and assistance to ruine Him and themselves satisfies them in all the causeless and groundless scandalous Rumors and Reputations raised against his person and Honour And so excites all his loving Subjects according to their Oaths of Allegeance and Supremacy their Vow and Protestation to contribute their best assistance for the opposing and suppressing of the Trayteâ—ous attempts of such persons as would destroy his Person Honour and Estate and engage the Kingdom in a Civil war He declaring that whoever shall bring into him Money or Ammunition Horse or Arms for his or the publique defence shall receive 8. 1. per cent consideration and shall receive good assurance of the principal and interest upon his Forest Lands Parks and Houses better he saith than the security of the onely name Publique faith All the said Lords subsigning to a Profession disavowing any Preparations or Intentions of war against the Parliament but only endeavouring the firm and constant Parliament of Religion and Laws of peace and prosperity of this Kingdom And by publique Proclamation forbids all Levies of forces without his express pleasure and all contributions or assistance to any such Levies These statutes in force impowring the King and no other to raâ—se Arms as 7 Edw. 1. The statute of Northampton 2 Edw. 3. That in the 11 of Rich. 2. He being under age the Duke of Glocester and other Lords upon pretence for the King raised forces and subdued their adversaries they procured a special Act of pardon for it In the Reign of H. 8. the Earl of Shrewsbury to suppress a suddain Rebellion did without the Kings warrant raise Arms and Mastered the Traytors yet was forced to obtain his Pardon By the Statute 25 of Edw. 3. It is Treason to Levy war against the King in his Realm It was the case of the Earl of Essex upon pretence of but removing some ill Councellors about Queen Elizabeth and adjudged Treason It is the present excuse of the Irish Rebels for defence of the Kings authority and of his Kingdome Wat Tyler Iack Cade and Kit the Tayler wanted not such publique pretences which were perhaps just causes of complaints though not of raising Men. Then to the Parliaments distinction betwixt the Kings person and his authority and so his person at York but his Authority in Parliament See Cook 7 Rep. Coloins case The Oath of allegeance by the Common
raised by the Kings Commission here for that purpose were imployed in the Army of General Essex These things were known in Ireland and the effects foreseen which encouraged the Rebells there in some hopes of Peace by the Protestants necessities if not it might be possible for some Pacification or Cessation To that end the Irish frame a short Petition to the King presented to the Lords Justices and Council there in the Name of the Roman Catholicks for to be heard to speak for themselves In the beginning of December after the Irish Committee petition the King at Oxford of the miserie and necessitie of that gasping Kingdom unless timely Relief were not his loyal Subjects must yield their fortunes a prey their lives a sacrifice and their Religion a scorn to the merciless Rebells Upon which Commissioners meet on both sides but so unsatisfactory that the Kings Lieutenant General there being troubled with the cavils and proceedings of the Rebells marched out in Feb. with two thousand five hundred Foot and five hundred Horse to force Victual from them for his Army not having received any Relief from England in four Moneths before so that in March 16. following the Lords Justices and Council signifie That the State and Army there were in terrible want and that unless Money Munition Arms Cloaths were speedily sent thither utter destruction and loss of that Kingdom must follow Instead of Redress the very Ships as were to transport thither Cloaths and Victuals from charitable people were seized and taken by the Earl of Warwick and endeavours here to draw the Scots Forces from thence into this Kingdom to assist the Parliament Whereupon the Marquess Ormond the Kings Lieutenant General there had the 31. of Iuly last Commission to agree of a Cessation for a year which was concluded at Singinston the fifteenth of September at twelve a clock for a year and confirmed by Proclamation of the Lords Justices and Council at Dublin the nineteenth of September 1643. Donough Viscount Muskery Dillon Plunket Talbot Barnwell and others were for the Catholick Subjects as they styled themselves The Articles are ordinarily the same as usual free Trade and Prisoners of War released And as a Gift to the King they ingage for thirty thousand eight hundred pounds to be paid as a Present to the Kings use at several Payments before May-day Then to justifie the necessity of the Cessation for the good of the Kingdom we finde an Instrument setting down the misery of the Nation and want in the Army It had been proposed to very many persons of Honour and others in the Army who framed a Writing importing all the former particulars and there conclude They for these causes do conceive it necessary for his Majesties Honour and Service that the said Marquess Ormond assent to a Cessation of Arms for one whole Year on the Articles and Conditions drawn up and to be perfected by virtue of his Majesties Commission for the preservation of this Kingdom of Ireland witness our Hands this fifteenth of Sept. 1643. Clanricard and St. Albans Roscomon Dungarven Brahazon Inchequin Lucas Ware Erule Hunks Paulet Eustace Povey Gifford Percival Warren Cook c. Upon the Rebellion and Troubles in Ireland and upon the Cessation of Arms there the King hath expressed himself with that clearness as to the satisfying of all malicious Aspersions which some men have endeavoured to charge upon him where he saith That the Commotions in Ireland were so sudden and so violent that it was hard at first either to discern the Rise or applie a Remedie to that precipitant Rebellion Indeed that Sea of Bloud which hath there been cruelly and barbarously shed is enough to drown any man in eternal both infamie and miserie whom God shall finde the malicious Authour or Instigatour of its Effusion It fell out as a most unhappie Advantage to some mens malice against me that when they had impudence enough to lay any thing to my charge this bloudie opportunitie should be offered them with which I must be aspersed although there was nothing which could be more abhorred to me being so full of sin against God disloyaltie to my self and destructive to my Subjects Some men took it very ill not to be believed when they affirmed that what the Irish Rebells did was done with my privitie at least if 〈◊〉 by my Commission But these knew too well that it is no news for some of my Subjects to fight not onely without my Commission but against my Command and Person too yet all the while to pretend they fight by my Authoritie and for my safetie I would to God the Irish had nothing to allege for their imitation agâ—â—st those whose blame must needs be the greater by how much Protestant-principles are more against all Rebellion against Princes than those of Papists Nor will the goodness of mens intentions excuse the Scandal and Contagion of their Examples But who ever fail of their Dutie toward me I must bear the blame this Honour mine Enemies have always done me to think moderate Injuries not proportionate to me nor competent Trials either of my patience under them or my pardon of them Therefore with exquisite malice they have mixed the Gall and Vineger of falsitie and contempt with the Cup of my Affliction charging me not onely with untruths but such as wherein I have the greatest share of Loss and Dishonour by what is committed whereby in all Policie Reason and Religion having least cause to give the least consent and most grounds of utter detestation I might be represented by them to the world the more inhumane and barbarous Like some Cyclopick Monster whom nothing will serve to eat and drink but the flesh and bloud of mine own Subjects in whose common welfare mine interest lies as much as some mens doth in their perturbations who think they cannot do well but in evil times nor so cunningly as in laying the Odium of those sad Events on others wherewith themselves are most pleased and whereof they have been not the least occasion And certainly 't is thought by many wise men that the preposterous Rigour and unreasonable Severitie which some men carried before them in England was not the least Incentive that kindled and blew up into those horrid Flames the Sparks of Discontent which wanted not pre-disposed fewel for Rebellion in Ireland where Despair being added to their former Discontents and the Fears of utter Extirpation to their wonted Oppressions it was easie to provoke to an open Rebellion a People prone enough to break out to all exorbitant violence both by some Principles of their Religion and the natural Desires of Libertie both to exempt themselves from their present Restraints and to prevent those after-rigours wherewith they saw themselves apparently threatned by the covetous zeal and uncharitable furie of some men who think it a great Argument of the Truth of their Religion to endure to no other but their own God knows as I can with Truth
Pietie and Iustice therein And offered to joyn in any course for the good of that Kingdom These being the Particulars it will be considerable how far these Propositions trench upon the Kings rights without any considerable compensation First In that of Religion The Parliaments Commissioners proposed the taking away his whole Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction his Donations and Temporalities of Bishopricks His first Fruits and Tenths of Bishops Deans and Chapters instead whereof the Parliaments Commissioners did not offer to constitute the least dependance of the Clergie upon the King And for this considerable a part of his Revenue they proposed only the Bishops Lands to be setled on him reserving a power even in those Lands as the Parliament shall think fit whereas all the Lands both of Bishops Deans and Chapters if those Corporations must be dissolved doe undoubtedly belong to the King in his own Right And for the Militia as it is proposed The King is so totally divested of the Regal power of the Sword that he shall be no more able either to assist his Neighbour Allies though men were willing to engage therein or to defend his own Dominions from Rebellion or invasion and consequently the whole power of Peace or War the undoubted right of the Crown is taken from him And so for Ireland The power of nominating his Deputy or Officers there of managing or the least medling in that War or making Peace is thereby taken from the King Nay it was proposed to bereave him of the power of a Father Education or Mariage of his own Children and of a Master in the rewarding of his own Servants And it was observed to the Parliaments Commissioners That after a War of neer four years for which the defence of Religion Property of Subjects and Priviledges of Parliament were made the Cause should be treated and concluded in 20. daies the time limited by the Parliament Nor indeed in all the Treaty there hath not been offered to be treated concerning the breach of any Law or of the property of the Subject or priviledge of Parliament but only Propositions for altering a Government established by Law and for the making of new laws by which almost all the old are or may be cancelled and there was nothing insisted on of the Kings Commissioners which was not Law or denied that the other Commissioners have demanded as due by Law And for conclusion of all which we conserve for the last place the Kings Commissioners being agast at the others sudden Declaration of no more time to Treat besought them to interpose with the Parliament that this Treaty may be revived and the whole matters not treated on may be considered and that depending the Treaty to the end they may not Treat in blood there may be a Cessation of Arms and the miserable people may have some earnest of a blessed peace And because they cannot give a present Resolution they are desired to represent all to the two Houses and that the King may have their speedy Answer So then in all the fore-recited passages it may easily be observed First the Parliaments Indisposition and Aversion from Treating Secondly their Impotency and Qualification of their Commissioners to Treat Thirdly their Expostulations and Demands in the Treaty And lastly their Obduration against all Enlargement Prorogation or Reviving of the Treaty The King complaines of what is come to pass the fruitless end of this Treaty that his Commissioners offered full measured Reasons and the other Commissioners have stuck rigidly to their demands the same with their former propositions which had been too much though they had taken him Prisoner and transmitted the command of Ireland from the Crown of England to the Scots which shewes that Reformation of the Church is not the chief end of the Scotish Rebellion But it being in him presumption and no piety so to trust to a good cause as not to use all lawfull means to maintain it Therefore he gives power to the Queen in France to promise that he will take away all the penal laws against the Roman Catholicks in England as soon as he shall be able to do it so be he may have assistance the visible necessity of his affairs so much depending on it the ill effect of the Treaty enforcing And professes in these words I look saies the King upon the way of Treaties as a retiring from fighting like Beasts to arguing like men whose strength should be more in their understandings then in their limbs And though I could seldome get opportunities to Treat yet I never wanted either desire or disposition to it having greater confidence of My Reason then my Sword I was so wholly resolved to yield to the first that I thought neither my self nor others should need to use the second if once we rightly understood each other Nor did I ever think it a diminution of me to prevent them with expresses of my desires and even importunities to Treat It being an office not onely of humanitie rather to use Reason then Force but also of Christianitie to seek peace and ensue it As I was very unwillingly compell'd to defend my self with Arms so I very willingly embraced any thing tending to peace The events of all VVar by the Sword being very dubious and of a Civil VVar uncomfortable the end hardly recompensing and late repairing the mischief of the means Nor did any success I had ever enhance with me the price of Peace as earnestly desired by me as any man though I was like to pay dearer for it then any man All that I sought to reserve was mine Honour and my Conscience the one I could not part with as a King the other as a Christian. The Treaty at Uxbridge gave the fairest hopes of an happy composure had others applied themselves to it with the same moderation as I did I am confident the War had then ended I was willing to condescend as far as Reason Honour and Conscience would give me leave nor were the remaining differences so essential to my peoples happiness or of such consequence as in the least kinde to have hindered my Subjects either security or prosperity for they better enjoyed both many years before ever those demands were made some of which to deny I think the greatest Iustice to my self and favour to my Subjects I see Iealousies are not so easily allaied as they are raised Some men are more afraid to retreat from violent Engagements then to Engage what is wanting in equity must be made up in pertinacie Such as had little to enjoy in peace or to lose in war studied to render the very Name of Peace odious and suspected In Church-affairs where I had least liberty of prudence having so many strict ties of Conscience upon me yet I was willing to condescend â—o far to the setling of them as might have given fair satisfaction to all men whom Faction Covetousness or Superstition had not engaged more then any true zeal charity or love of
their journey to Westminster during their stay there and to return when they shall think fit whom his Majesty intends to send to the Lords and Commons assembled in the Parliament of England at Westminster and the Commissioners of the Parliament of Scotland furnished with such propositions as his Majesty is confident will be the Foundation of a happy peace Oxford Decemb. 5. 1645. For the Speaker of the House of Peers pro tempore To which the Parliament return Answer signed by the two Speakers and the Scotish Commissioners in effect thus That they were sensible of the sad condition of the three Kingdomes occasioned by his Majesties separation from them and that they will use all means possible for procuring of a safe and well grounded peace for the setling of his just and legal prerogative their undoubted priviledges and the Subjects liberties That had his Majesties intentions been the same with his pretences and expressions a happy peace had been setled long since That they cannot agree to his desires for coming of the Lords and Gentlemen with their attendants and followers into their Quarters in regard the design may be of dangerous consequence But that to shew their earnest endeavours and intentions for peace they were before his Majesties Letters sent in debate of propositions for peace which they are ready to draw up and finish with all expedition to be signed by way of Bill by his Majesty Decemb. 10. But although they had ordered Tuesdayes and Saturdayes express for debate of the Propositions yet they are not finished therefore the King remindes them with a Message in pursuance of the former thus C. R. His Majesty cannot but extreamly wonder that after so many expressions on your part of a deep and seeming sense of the miseries of this afflicted Kingdom and of the dangers incident to his Person during the continuance of this unnatural VVars your many great and so often repeated Protestations that the raising of these Arms hath been only for the necessary defence of Gods true Religion his Majesties honour safety and prosperity the peace comfort and security of his people you should delay a safe Conduct to the persons mentioned in his Majesties Message of the fifth of this instant December which are to be sent unto you with propositions for a well-grounded peace A thing so far from having been deâ—ied at any time by his Majesty whensoever you have desired the same that he believes it hath been seldom if ever practised among the most avowed and professed enemies much lesse from Subjects to their King But his Majesty is resolved that no discouragements whatsoever shall make him fail of his part in doing his utmost endeavours to put an end to these Calamities which if not in time prevented must prove the ruin of this unhappy Nation And therefore doth once again desire that a safe Conduct be forthwith sent for those persons expressed in his former Message and doth therefore conjure you as you will answer to Almighty God in that day when He shall make Inquisition for all the blood that hath and may be yet spilt in this unnatural War as you tender the preservation and establishment of the true Religion by all the bonds of Duty and Allegiance to your King or compassion to your bleeding and unhappy Country and of charity to your selves that you dispose your hearts to a true sense and imploy all your faculties in a more serious endeavour together with his Majesty to set a speedy end to these wasting Divisions and then he shall not doubt but that God will again give the blessing of peace to this distracted Kingdom Oxford the 15. of December 1645. For the Speaker of the House of Peers pro tempore All this would not do the King in some trouble finding their neglect stirs them up another way offering a personal Treaty to prevent the Inconveniencies of Misunderstandings and the distance of place for amendments therefore he offers to come home to them and Treat December 26. C. R. Notwithstanding the strange and unexpected delayes which can be precedented by no former times to his Majesties two former Messages his Majesty will lay aside all expostulations as rather serving to lose time then to contribut any remedy to the evils which for the present doe afflict this distracted Kingdom therefore without further preamble his Majesty thinks it most necessary to send these Propositions this way which he intended to doe by the persons mentioned in his former Messages though he well knows the great disadvantage which overtures of this kind have by the want of being accompanied by well instructed Messengers His Majesty conceiving that the former Treaties have hitherto proved ineffectual chiefly for want of power in those persons that Treated as likewise because those from whom their power was derived not possibly having the particular informations of every several debate could not give so clear a judgement as was requisite in so important a businesse If therefore his Majesty may have the engagement of the two Houses of Parliament at Westminster the Commissioners of the Parliament of Scotland the Major Aldermen Common-Councel and Militia of London of the chief Commanders in Sir Thomas Fairfax his Army as also those in the Scots Army for his Majesties free and safe coming to and abode in London or Westminster with such of his servants now attending him and their followers not exceeding in all the number of three hundred for the space of fourty dayes and after the said time for his free and safe repair to any of his Garisons of Oxford Worcester or Newark which his Majesty shall nominate at any time before his going from London or Westminster his Majesty propounds to have a personal Treaty with the two Houses of Parliament at Westminster and the Commissioners of the Parliament of Scotland upon all matters which may conduce to the restoring of peace and happiness to these miserable distracted Kingdoms And to begin with the three Heads which were Treated on at Uxbridg And for the better clearing of his Majesties earnest and sincere intentions of putting an end to these unnatural distractions knowing that point of security may prove the greatest obstacle to this most blessed work his Majesty therefore declares that he is willing to commit the great trust of the Militia of this Kingdom for such time and with such powers as are exprest in the Paper delivered by his Majesties Commissioners at Uxbridg the sixth of February last to these persons following viz. the Lord Privy Seal the Duke of Richmond the Marquesse of Hertford the Marquess of Dorchester the Earl of Dorset Lord Chamberlain the Earl of Northumberland the Earl of Essex Earl of Southampton Earl of Pembroke Earl of Salisbury Earl of Manchester Earl of Warwick Earl of Denbigh Earl of Chichester Lord Say Lord Seymour Lord Lucas Lord Lexington M. Denzil Hollis M. Perpoint M. Hen. Bellasis M. Rich. Spencer Sir Thomas Fairfax M. John Ashburnham Sir Gervas â—lifton Sir Hen.
privitie or directions of his Majestie or the Lord Lieutenant or any of his Majesties Council there But true it is that for the necessarie preservation of his Majesties Protestant Subjects in Ireland whose case was daily represented unto him to be so desperate his Majestie had given Commission to the Lord Lieutenant to treat and conclude such a Peace there as might be for the safetie of that Crown the preservation of the Protestant Religion and no way derogatorie to his own Honour and publick Professions But to the end that his Majesties real Intentions in this business of Ireland may be the more clearly understood and to give more ample satisfaction to both Houses of Parliament and the Commissioners of the Parliament of Scotland especially concerning his Majesties not being engaged in any Peace or Agreement there he doth desire if the two Houses shall admit of his Majesties Repair to London for a personal Treatie as was formerly proposed that speedy notice be given thereof to his Majestie and a Pass or safe Conduct with a Blank sent for a Messenger to be immediately dispatcht into Ireland to prevent any accident that may happen to hinder his Majesties Resolution of leaving the managing of the business of Ireland wholly to the two Houses and to make no Peace there but with their consent which in case it shall please God to bless his Endeavours in the Treatie with success his Majestie doth hereby engage himself to do And for a further explanation of his Majesties Intentions in his former Messages he doth now declare that if his personal Repair to London as aforesaid shall be admitted and a Peace thereon shall ensue he will then leave the nomination of the persons to be intrusted with the Militia wholly to his two Houses with such power and limitations as are expressed in the Paper delivered by his Majesties Commissioners at Uxbridg the sixth of February 1644. for the term of seven years as hath been desired to be given immediately after the conclusion of the Peace the disbanding of all Forces on both sides and the dismantling of the Garisons erected since these present Troubles so as at the expiration of the time before mentioned the power of the Militia shall intirely revert and remain as before And for their further securitie his Majestie the Peace succeeding will be content that pro hac vice the two Houses shall nominate the Admiral Officers of State and Iudges to hold their Places during life or quam diu se bene gesserint which shall be best liked to be accountable to none but the King and the two Houses of Parliament As for matter of Religion his Majestie doth further declare That by the libertie offered in his Message of the fifteenth present for the â—ase of their consciences who will not communicate in the Service already established by Act of Parliament in this Kingdom he intends that all other Protestants behaving themselves peaceably in and towards the Civil Government shall have the free exercise of their Religion according to their own way And for the total removing of all Fears and Iealousies his Majestie is willing to agree that upon the conclusion of Peace there shall be a general Act of Oblivion and free Pardon past by Act of Parliament in both his Kingdoms respectively And lest it should be imagined that in the making these Propositions his Majesties Kingdom of Scotland and his Subjects there have been forgotten and neglected his Majestie declares That what is here mentioned touching the Militia and the naming of Officers of State and Iudges shall likewise extend to his Kingdom of Scotland And now his Majestie having so fully and clearly expressed his Intentions and Desires of making a happy and well-grounded Peace if any person shall decline that happiness by opposing of so apparent a way of attaining it he will sufficiently demonstrate to all the World his Intention and Design can be no other than the total Subversion and Change of the ancient and happy Government of this Kingdom under which the English Nation hath so long flourished Given at our Court at Oxon the twenty fourth of January 1645. To the Speaker of the House of Peers c. This did not satisfie for upon the reading of this Declaration or Message in the House of Commons they produce other Letters and Papers taken at the Defeat of the Lord Ashley amongst which they finde Letters of the Arch-bishop of Yorkâ—o â—o the Lord Ashley and the Lord Digby's Letter from Ireland to the Archbishop concerning this business out of which and Glamorgan's own to the King hereafter they concluded much matter To the Right Honourable the Lord Ashley Most Noble Lord Your Lordships Letter of the twelfth of January I received late at night the nine and twentieth I have communicated to the Lord Byron the Marquess of Ormond his Letter of the twelfth of December and by this time not sooner the Lord Byron's Answer is at Dublin which I sent by his Lordships Chaplain it implied some Fears of holding out Chester thus long c. Colonel Butler tells me even now that the men and the shipping are still ready in Ireland though retarded hitherto by reason of this Distraction which sithence Tuesday last is so composed that the Earl of Glamorgan is out upon Bail of six or eight Noblemen whereof the Marq. of Clenricard is one c. from the Lord Lieutenant I have received no Answer in writing as yet though mine to him were many since the first of January nor from the Lord Digby any more to the purpose than this inclosed There is no relying on these Irish Forces for this Service though if they come they shall be carefully transported to such Rendezvouz as I shall hear is most â—itting for the passage of your Lordships Armie and to that end your Lordship shall be punctually informed of their landing and condition Conway Jan. 25. 1645. Your Lordships c. John Eborac The Lord Digby's Letter inclosed May it please your Grace I give you many thanks for your obliging Letter by Mr. Moor I have likewise sent yours to the Marquess of Ormond and I am glad to finde there that you do nott ake the Allarm at my Lord Glamorgan's Commitment so hot as upon it to despair of the Relief of Chester which though it hath been somewhat retarded by it yet I make little question now but it will go on speedily and effectually and of this I desire you to certifie my Lord Byron Dublin Jan. 21. 1645. Your Graces c. G. Digby And then to discipher the Mystery this of the Earl of Glamorgan's to the King was read also in the House For his Sacred Majestie May it please your Majestie I am now at Waterford providing Shipping immediately to transport six thousand Foot and four thousand more are by May next to follow I hope these will yet come opportunely to the Relief of Chester What hath been the occasions of so long Delay and
their hands yet their Expences necessarily were infinite besides their Gifts and Rewards very high and bountifull to some and to themselves not to be summ'd to an imaginable Account for now also and besides former Gifts a Remembrance must be of the Sufferings of the five Members so long passed that some of their persons are laid asleep yet the charity of the House of Commons was herein visible even to their Children Mr. Denzil Hollis hath five thousand pounds for his Sufferings 3 Car. Mr. Selden 5000. 1. To the younger children of Sir Iohn Elyot 5000. 1. and to his eldest Son his fine in the Court of Wards to be remitted and Mr. William Strodes poor kindred 5000. 1. He had a God-son who was forgotten To Mr. Benjamin Valentine 5000. 1. for Mr. Walter Long 5000. 1. to Sir Miles Hubbart 5000. 1. to Sir Peter Hamands successors his eldest Son a Member 5000. 1. to Mr. Io. Hamdens children for his opposing Ship-money 5000. 1. and ten thousand pounds to Mr. Vassel for the loss of his Trade and Damages about the Customes And Alderman Chambers demand of 22000. 1. towards his suffering was only committed But why were others mixed with the five Members truly to draw on consent one for another and so they did doe to the undoing of the Nation had they not been taken off from doing at all any more as hereafter shall appear But two dales after came in further considerations of many more the Earl of Northumberland for his Audit of sufferings 30000. 1. he had in part but 10000. 1. But the Parliament had vast sums coming in certain for the Excise although some obstructions hapned in the Levying and the Mutinies caused thereby The total charged upon the Excise of this Kingdom in course was cast up and reported to the House amounting to three hundred and ninety thousand pounds and upwards besides interest for the same and the interest of the 200000. 1. for the Scots first payment Of what consequence then must be the credit of Excise and the benefit of the Towns and Cities that farmed the Excise And thereupon not long after the Parliament Order Ian. 20. That all Towns Cities and Counties that have Excise granted them without limitation shall have it continued no longer then 15. March next and such as have any Moitie or parcel thereof no longer then 25. March The King hears of these Passages and conceived that he being herein so concerned he might put in his spoke and to keep his old pace puts the Parliament in mind of his former Messages and now again desires a personal Treaty at or near London upâ—n the faith of the two Houses C. R. His Majesties thoughts being alwaies sincerely bent to the peace of his Kingdoms was and will be ever desirous to take all waies which might the most clearly make appear the candour of his intentions to his people And to this end could finde no better way than to propose a personal free debate with his two Houses of Parliament upon all the present differences Yet finding very much against his expectations that this offer was laid aside his Majestie bent all his thoughts to make his intentions fully known by a particular Answer to the Propositions delivered to him in the name of both Kingdoms the 24. of July last But the more he endeavoured it he more plainly saw that any answer he could make would be subject to misinformations and misconstructions which upon his own Paraphrases and explanations he is most confident will give so good satisfaction as would doubtless cause a happy and lasting peace Lest therefore that good intentions may produce ill effects his Majesty again proposeth and desires again to come to London or any of his houses thereabouts upon the publick Faith and security of his two Houses of Parliament and the Scotish Commissioners that he shall be there with Honour Freedom and safety Where by his personal presence he may not only raise a mutual confidence betwixt him and his people but also have those doubts cleared and those difficulties explained to him without which he cannot but with the aforesaid mischievous inconveniences give a particular answer to the Propositions and with which he doubts not but so to manifest his real intentions for the setling of Religion the just Priviledges of Parliament with the freedom and property of the Subject that it shall not be in the power of wicked and malicious men to hinder the establishing of that firm peace which all honest men desire Assureing them as he will make no other demands but such as he believes confidently to be just and much conducing to the Tranquillity of the people So he will be most willing to condescend to them in whatsoever shall be really for their good and happiness Not doubting likewise but you will also have a due regard to maintain the just power of the Crown according to your many protestations and professions For certainly except King and people have reciprocal care each of other neither can be happy To conclude 't is your King who desires to be heard the which if refused to a Subject by a King he would be thought a Tyrant for it and for that end which all men profess to desire Wherefore his Majestie conjures you as you desire to shew your selves really what you profess even as you are good Christians and Subjects that you will accept this his offer which he is confident God will so bless that it will be the readiest means by which these Kingdoms may again become a comfort to their friends and a terror to their enemies Newcastle 20. Decemb. 1646. But in stead of an Answer hereto the Houses were busie to Order the disposal of the Kings person for the Scots had their hire and were taking their leave That they were ready to depart and to march away desiring to know what service the Parliament would command them to the Estates of Scotland leaving the King to shift for himself And accordingly the Parliament Voted his remove to Holmby with respect to the safety and preservation of his Majesties pâ—rson and in preservation and defence of the true Religion but then a great debate followed whether the words according to the Covenant should be added and it past affirmatively And that after his coming thither and attended there by such as they shall appoint and that the Scots are gone out of the Kingdom then the Parliament will joyn with our Brethren of Scotland to perswade the King to pass the Propositions and if he refuse that then the Houses will do nothing that may break the union of the two Kingdoms but to preserve the same A Rumour there was of the Kings intentions to escape disguised from Newcastle Indeed there was a Hubbub raised of such a design and the Guards doubled that night and letters sent to General Leven to be more careful of the Kings Person who returns Answer of his double diligence therein and hath thanks
the old Speakers and many Members were fled to their Protection And the eleven Members that had leave to travel were now got into this new Parliament and Massie Sir William Waller and Colonel General Poins the City Favourites were Listing Reformadoes and others Souldiers And out comes the City Declaration 31. Iuly in effect That his Majesty was surprised at Holmby and though the Act was disavowed by the General Yet the Armie desire that his person may be Resident with them Improving their interest throughout the Kingdom That the City have indeavoured by Remonstrance and Petitions to satisfie all unbiassed men of their zeal to Peace by establishing the True Religion restoring his Majestie and maintaining Priviledge of Parliament easing the charge of the Kingdom securing the peoples Liberty and relieving of Ireland Endeavouring to hold good correspondency between the Army and City That the Priviledges of Parliament have been violated by the Armies causing the eleven Members to withdraw whilst the City Militia is demanded contrary to the Establishment by Ordinance of Parliament and is subject to no other Cognizance then of the King and Parliament That there is nothing in the world that we desire more then that his Majestie be left free in such an honourable condition and capacitie as his person may appear to be at libertie to receive and treat upon Propositions to be presented to him from the Parliaments of both Kingdoms for whilst his Royal person is invironed by an Army and remains under the power thereof He cannot give that free assent to Propositions as is requisite or if he doe we nor our Posterity have no hope to enjoy the same without alteration And therefore we are resolved to apply our selves to the Parliament and hope that all good Subjects touched with the sence of Duty and Allegiance which by the Law of God and man they owe to the King will unanimously joyn with us therein The matter of difference thus truly stated between us and the Army to wit That we would not submit the Militia of the City to be ruled at the pleasure of an Army after it had been so orderly setled into the hands of such as were intrusted with it for a year when there was a full and free Parliament So we finde it more then time that the whole Kingdom be possessed with the true state thereof and upon whom the guilt of a new War which God forbid must justly lodge and accordingly we expect a blessing from God in our just defence And conclude their desires summmond up to be The settlement of Religion by re-establishing his Majesty in his just Rights and Authority by upholding all lawful priviledges of a free Parliament by maintaining the Fundamental Laws by restoring the Subjects Libertie and propertie by freeing this long oppressed Kingdom of all Taxes enforceed Free Quarter of the Army which hath had no visible Enemy to encounter and from this resolution we shall never recede for any earthly consideration or advantage what soever And although the Parliament had by Ordinance of 19. Iuly given the General power over all the Land Forces under the pay of the Parliament they declare it shall not extend over the Trained Bands and Garisons And both Houses Order that this Declaration be Printed and published by the Militia of the City by sound of Trumpet and that the Sheriffs of the several Counties of this Kingdom and Wales do publish the same in their respective Limits accordingly The Army comes on this night at Wickam to morrow to be at Colebrook and the King now at Latimer The last of Iuly he was two dayes after at Stoke Abby near Windsor In this confusion the City differ among themselves at the sitting of their Common Councel at Guildhall the Trained Bands of Southwark came in a Muâ—inous manner and would not be commanded out of their Borough but there to stand upon their own Guard Then were presented Petitions of thousands well-affected one against another that matters might be composed but what way they cared not nor could they tell And therefore their new Leaders Massey Waller and Poins were displeased with the multitude at Guildhall fell to words and blows divers wounded and some slain and the Aldermen in Councel fearing the people were fain to sit all day and that night and only concluded to write to the General And Petitions are set on work on either side as their constitutions led them some against the Parliament others against the Army others made it their sport to see this confusion in Church and State and like true Bautofees kindled this fire into a flame Men they say that have wasted their Estates in the Kingdoms extremity Some complain for liberty of Conscience are now to a new tone and tune for their Faith are Imprisoned though nothing can be found worthy of death or of durance only for differing in the outside controversies though blameless in Conversation and Office So that in truth it was apparent to the people that after such a vast expense of Blood and Treasure the exchange was of men in Places but not of Manners old burthens with new names new men with old Corruptions Then in places of new Election for Members they first made the choice and then give the Voice complaining against the Parliamentary proceedings and pray the Army not to lay down their power till the Kingdom with its Ruler be committed to the care and chaâ—ge of such persons as may secure us from fear of future oppression The City send 6. Aldermen and 12. Commons with a Letter to the General and complain That the City is suspected though innocent from Acting against the Army and therefore these their Members they send to be added to their Committee now attending the Councel of the Army and pray the General to forbear the mischief of a new War No sooner come but they were presented with the Armies Remonstrance and Proposals And on Hownslow Heath they Rendezvouz twenty thousand Men Horse and Foot with a great Train of Artillery to astonish the City and therefore such of the Parliament as trusted to the Souldiers were there present the Earls of Northumberland Salisbury Kent the Lords Wark Howard Wharton Say and Moulgrave and others fourteen in all the Speaker Mr. Lenthal of the Commons and above a hundred more of their Members The City stand in a maze unresolved and inconstant the Army in the mean time send a Brigade under Command of Rainsborough and Hewson over Kingstone Bridge and all night March to Southwark being called thither in opposition to the City Massey was busie and knowing his own case desperate sent out his Scouts and are met with and taken prisoners some of the Train-men would needs march out and were worsted and lost their Colours for the General was now near Brainford And therefore the City meet him with humble Messages That finding that his desires of Marching so near is to settle the Members of the Lords and
are divided to so high a rivalrie as sets them more at defiance against each other then against their first Antagonist Time will dissipate all Factions when once the rough horns of private mens covetous and ambitious designs shall discover themselves which were at first wrapt up and hidden under the soft and smooth pretensions of Religion Reformation and Liberty as the wolf is not less cruel so he will be more justly hated when he shall appear no better then a Woolf under sheeps cloathing But as for the seduced Train of the Vulgar who in their simplicity follow those disguises my charge and Counsel to you is that as you need no palliations for any designs as other men so you study really to exceed in true and constant demonstrations of goodness piety and vertue towards the people even all those men that make the greatest noise and ostentations of Religion so you shall neither fear any detection as they do who have but the face and mask of goodness nor shall you frustrate the just expectations of your people who cannot in Reason promise themselves so much good from any Subjects Novelties as from the virtuous constancy of their King When these mountains of congealed Factions shall by the sun-shine of Gods mercy and the splendor of your virtues be thawed and dissipated and the abused Vulgar shall have learned that none are greater oppressors of their Estates Liberties and Consciences then those men that entitle themselves the Patrons and Vindicators of them only to usurp power over them Let then no passion betray you to any study of revenge upon those whose own sin and folly will sufficiently punish them in due time But as soon as the forked Arrow of Factious Emulations is drawn out use all Princely Arts and Clemency to heal the Wounds that the smart of the cure may not equal the anguish of the hurt I have offered Acts of Indemnity and Oblivion to so great a Latitude as may include all that can but suspect themselves to be any way obnoxious to the Laws and which might serve to exclude all future jealousies and insecurities I would have you alwaies propense to the same way when ever it shall be desired and accepted let it be granted not only as an Act of State Policy and necessity but of Christian charity and choise It is all I have now left me a power to forgive those that have deprived me of all and I thank God I have a heart to do it and joy as much in this grace which God hath given me as in all my former enjoyments for this is a greater argument of Gods love to me then any prosperity can be Be confident as I am that the most of all sides who have don amiss have done so not out of malice but misinformation or misapprehension of things None will be more Loyal and faithfull to me and you then those Subjects who sensible of their Errors and our Injuries will feel in their own souls most vehement motives to repentance and earnest desires to make some reparations for their former defects As your quality sets you beyond any Duel with any Subject so the nobleness of your minde must raise you above the meditating any revenge or executing your anger upon the many The more conscious you shall be to your own merits upon your people the more prone you will be to expect all Love and Loyalty from them and to inflict no punishment upon them for former miscarriages you will have more inward complacency in pardoning one then in punishing a thousand This I write to you not despairing of God's mercy and my Subjects affections towards you both which I hope you will study to deserve yet we cannot merit of God but by his own mercy If God shall see fit to restore me and you after me to those enjoyments which the Laws have assigned to us and no Subjects without an high degree of guilt and sin can devest us of then may I have better opportunity when I shall be so happy to see you in peace to let you more fully understand the things that belong to Gods glory your own honour and the Kingdoms peace But if you never see my face again and God will have me buried in such a barbarous imprisonment and obscurity which the perfecting some mens designs requires wherein few hearts that love me are permitted to exchange a word or a look with me I do require and entreat you as your Father and your KING that you never suffer your heart to receive the least check against or disaffection from the true Religion established in the Church of England I tell you I have tryed it and after much search and many disputes have concluded it to be the best in the world not only in the Community as Christian but also in the special notion as reformed keeping the middle way between the pomp of superstitios Tyranny and the meanness of fantastick Anarchy Not but that the draught being excellent as to the main both for Doctrine and Government in the Church of England some lines as in very good figures may haply need some sweetning or polishing which might here have easily been done by a safe and gentle hand if some mens precipitancy had not violently demanded such rude Alterations as would have quite destroyed all the beauty and proportions of the whole The scandal of the late troubles which some may object and urge to you against the Protestant Religion established in England is easily answered to them or your own thoughts in this that scarce any one who hath been a beginner or an active prosecutor of this late War against the Church the Laws and me either was or is a true Lover Embracer or practiser of the Protestant Religion established in England which neither gives such Rules nor ever before set such Examples 'T is true some heretofore had the boldness to present threatning Petitions to their Princes and Parliaments which others of the same Faction but of worse spirits have now put in execution but let not counterfeit and disorderly zeal abate your value and esteem of true Piety both of them are to be known by their Fruits the sweetness of the Vine and Fig-tree is not to be despised though the Brambles and Thorns should pretend to bear Figs and Grapes thereby to rule over the Trees Nor would I have you to entertain any aversation or dislike of Parliaments which in their right constitution with Freedom and Honour will never injure or diminish your greatness but will rather be as interchangings of Love Loyalty and confidence between a Prince and his people Nor would the events of this black Parliament have been other then such however much biassed by Factions in the Elections if it had been preserved from the insolencies of popular dictates and tumultuary impressions the sad effects of which will no doubt make all Parliaments after this more cautious to preserve that freedom and honour which belongs to such Assemblies
when once they have fully shaken off this yoke of vulgar incroachment since the publick interest consists in the mutual and common good both of Prince and people Nothing can be more happy for all then in fair grave and honourable waies to contribute their Counsels in Common enacting all things by publick consent without Tyranny or Tumults We must not starve our selves because some have surfeited of wholsome food And if neither I nor you be ever restored to our Right but God in his severest Iustice will punish my Subjects with continuance in their sin and suffer them to be deluded with the prosperity of their wickedness I hope God will give me and you that grace which will teach and enable us to want as well as to wear a Crown which is not worth taking up or enjoying upon sordid dishonourable and irreligious terms Keep you to true principles of piety vertue and honour you shall never want a Kingdom A principal point of your honour will consist in your deferring 〈◊〉 respect love and protection to your Mother my Wife who hath many waies deserved well of me and chiefly in this that having been a means to bless me with so many hopeful Children all which with their Mother I recommend to your love and care shee hath been content with incomparable magnanimity and patience to suffer both for and with me and you My prayer to God Almighty is whatever becomes of me who am I thank God wrapt up and fortified in my own Innocency and his Grace that he would be pleased to make you an Anchor or Harbour rather to these tossed and weather-beaten Kingdoms a Repairer by your wisdom justice piety valour of what the folly and wickedness of some men have so far ruined as to leave nothing entire in Church or State to the Crown the Nobility the Clergie or the Commons either as to Laws Liberties Estates Order Honour Conscience or Lives When they have destroyed me for I know not how far God may permit the malice and cruelty of my enemies to proceed and such apprehensions some mens words and actions have already given me as I doubt not but my bloud will cry aloud for vengence to heaven So I beseech God not to pour out his wrath upon the generality of the people who have either deserted me or engaged against me through the Artifice and hypocrisie of their Leaders whose inward horrour will be their first tormentor nor will they escape exemplary judgments For those that loved me I pray God they may have no miss of me when I am gon so much I wish and hope that all good Subjects may be satisfied with the blessings of your presence and virtues For those that repent of any defects in their duty toward me as I freely forgive them in the word of a Christian King so I believe you will finde them truly zealous to repay with interest that Loyalty and Love to you which was due to me In sum what good I intended do you perform when God shall give you power much good I have offered more I purposed to Church and State if times had been capable of it The deception will soon vanish and the vizards will fall off apace This Mask of Religion on the face of Rebellion for so it now plainly appears since my restraint and cruel usage that they fought not for me as was pretended will not long serve to hide some mens deformities Happy times I hope attend you wherein your Subjects by their miseries will have learned That Religion to their God and Loyalty to their King cannot be parted without both their sin and their infelicity I pray God bless you and establish your Kingdoms in righteousness your soul in true Religion and your Honour in the Love of God and your people And if God will have disloyalty perfected by my destruction let my memory ever with my name live in you as of your Father that loves you and once a KING of three flourishing Kingdoms whom God thought fit to honour not only with the Scepter and Government of them but also with the suffering many indignities and an untimely death for them while I studied to preserve the Rights of the Church the power of the Laws the honour of my Crown the priviledge of Parliaments the Liberties of my people and my own Conscience which I thank God is dearer to me than a thousand Kingdoms I know God can I hope he will restore me to my Rights I cannot dispair either of his mercy or my peoples love and pitty At worst I trust I shall but go before you to a better Kingdom which God hath prepared for me and me for it through my Saviour Iesus Christ to whose mercy I commend you and all mine Farewell till we meet if not on earth yet in heaven The world was busied with Epitaphs upon his death and there were those who have been passionately disposed to parallel his sufferings with the holy Jesus but we forbear to censure them or to say so much Only we may aver that he was a King whose Reign and Death makes as full and perfect a Story of goodness and glory as earth would suffer and whose Christian virtues deserve as faithful a Register as Earth can keep but Reader not to overwhelm thee in a deluge of sorrow as I am drowned in tears I conclude The End Those wonderfull mutations in Church and State which followed hereupon even to this day we may God willing adventure to sum up hereafter in a succeeding continued History whilst these by favour finde acceptance A Table of the chief Occurrences in the preceding HISTORY A. A Rch-bishop Abbot sequestred fol. 104 dies 194 The King Marches to Aino 586 Aldern Fight 876 Sir Giles Allington his incest 160 his case and sentence 161 French Ambassadour affronted 661 Amiens described 2 Sir Robert Amstroder sent Ambassador to the Emperour 143 and again the second time 162 Bishop Andrews dies 72 Princess Anne born 218 Arguile defeated 795 Bishop of Armagh his Speech 68. His direction to the Parliament touching the Leiturgie and Episcopal Government 363. He confirms Dr. Reynalds original of it 366 367. His Propositions in Church Government 423 Design of the Army discovered 409. New Modelling of it 770. They mutiny for money 926. They Petition the Parliament 979 are discontent 984 draw towards London 986. Their Representative 987. They come to Southwark 1000. March in state to Westminster and through London 1001. Their desires 1008. Their Agitators send Letters to the General 1011 which he answers 1013. They demand their Arrears and are voted payment 1098 Their large Remonstrance 1099 and Declaration 1100. They come to White-Hall ibid. Their Representative stiled the Agreement of the people 1107 Arras lost 371 Earl of Arundel committed 30 sent Ambassador to the new Emperour of Ger. 212. and aboard the Spaniards 280 Arundel Castle surrendred to Waller 662 Ashburnham sent into England 89 Lord Ashley defeated 885 Ast Ferry Fight 733 Lord
fit for a Kings use because submitting to the regret of the peoples hate and had no doubt abilities to have ballanced affairs to the better had not his Assassination left things loose in the very time that he endeavoured to fasten them These grievances such as they were murmured into common knowledge made the Multitude most averse to supply the Kings necessities and his Instruments of Invention seeking thereby their own ends to advance the Prâ—sbyterian Faction by a discontented bussle put the King upon the most regretful wayes that proved his ruine Of Scotland But to heighten these Differences the Scots are called home from foreign parts and flocking to the English Court upon large expence their former begging trade almost out of use began confederacie with the English Puritan and Presbyter crying out upon the Queen and Popery some advantages they finde ready fitted to hand the busie Arch-bishop who must in this time of high discontent press a full conformity of their Kirk in Scotland with the English Discipline which occasioned the Commons and cunning Lords of both Nations to combine watching such a conjuncture of time and state that should force the King in to the Parliamentary way which they effected mightily insisting upon their Priviledges enlarged by former favour of Soveraigns specially of Queen Eliâ—â—beth whose interest lay couched in the Mad-headed Multitude lately become loose by sundry Laws which gave them equality with the Peerage and now cry out for liberty And so we shall enter upon some Observations in reference to their first Actors on their own Stage It is observable that upon the change of Soveraignty a Mutability and alteration of men and manners to follow The former Councellors and Favourites of State to decline yielding or overpowred with the Factions and Complots of such as seek to set up themselves with others ruine as in England so in Scotland The Earl of Niddisdale married into the Kindred of the Duke of Buckingham took to Faction the Earl of Mentith of the Ancient Noble Family of Grahames their Spirit was preserved in him but the Estate decayed in them all only Sir Iames Grahame I remember of some credit heretofore with King Iames applyed his policy then in spite to Somerset for the Induction of the Favourite Villiers buoy'd up by the Scots upon his score who had interest with that Duke ever after his noble 〈◊〉 and perfect character never ingratefull Another was Sir William Alexander of Menstrie and but Master of Requests for Scots Affairs yet great enough to bear up with any the most ambitious who with pâ—rsons some Bishops of their own and others of such like humours advised a general Revocation of things passed heretofore partly in minority of Princes in prejudice to the Crown a course most usual just and reasonable with the Kings Predecessors and yet now become grievous for great men to part with Grounded no doubt and that Legally upon former Revocations after dissolution of the Popish Religion and so annexed to the Crown but it was at this time done with all moderation and in effect for ease to the Gentry and the Ministery who of all proved most ingrate Another Symptome of discontent proceeded from men of the Noblest extraction Lords of the Erection or Laicks or as in England Impropriators who usually abused their gathering in of their Tithes against whom Petitions were frequent from almost all the Ministers and Gentry and their Farmers for their oppression in matters of Tithes none having power to carry away his nine parts or any part untill the Proprietary have set out his tenth part The Ministers likewise received no Tithes or but a poor pittance or stipend and so in dependence of such Patrons upon all occasions of Faction good or bad A necessary considered in point of State also That all those Ministers and others that pay Tithes the greatest part of the people should depend on the Nobility or Laick persons upon which reasons for reformation there issued out Commissions to sundry the Prime of Estates and Degrees the very offenders not omitted and called Commissioners of Surrenders of Superiority and Tithes the effect accordingly rendred a due and equal amendment of evill manners and freedom from that bondage and so acknowledged from all Nor were the Patrons displeased in point of profit as it was ordered only they were curbed of their usurpation in their Powers and Superiority over the people and therefore to deceive them it was bruited abroad as a design of the Bishops and struck at the Liberty of Religion Other complaints were fram'd against the Dependants and Favourites of the Lords of Session obstructing the equality of Justice Three of the chiefest Earls Hadington Lidsdale and Southeck led the way of surrendring their Patents from King Iames ad vitaâ— vel culpam and all others Patents were reformed durante beneplâ—citâ— Regis Yet see the ingenuity and grace of the King the last two Earls continued Privy Councellors And Hadington removed from the place of Secretary was rewarded with the custody of the Privy-seal of more honour but less gain And which angered them all Sir William Alexander made a Lord and soon after Secretary of State yet still to stop the mouth of malice Hadington had half the benefit of the signet Mentith made President of the Council a new Office in that Nation which formerly resided in 〈◊〉 Chancellour and afterwards created Earl of Stratherne These Mutations gave the first motions of discontent and proceed to Mutiny for Niddesdale comes thither with Commission of Grievance framed at Court to be setled in form of the English Star-chamber intentionally to raise fines from offenders for the Kings use which Niddesdale meant to beg to pay his debts A design effectually ruinous only to great men notorious oppressors But the Earls of Kinnoul Chancellor Marr Treasurer and old Hadington Privy-seal having continual intelligence out of the Kings Bed-chamber the most Scotch-men his own servants therein from first and last fatal Informers of all his secrets so moved their Faction and Friends armed with Scots Pistols and Whinyards their Mode in mutiny opposed Niddesdale to his teeth the very day of delivery of the Commission to be confirmed by the Council and old Hadington with his Hanger a man now of the Gown in the head of the Rout Niddesdale was fairly enforced to steal away by a back Postern and posted to England with his Commission in his Cloak-bag This the first fatal opposition to Soveraignty and Justice and the first foil which was never removed to the last of the Kings life Alexander also made an Earl unable to execute his Office of Secretary was contented to have assistance of another the manner of England Sir Archibald Attchison a Judge in Ireland his intimate friend but of such an unquiet Spirit as from his first Accession gave fuel to all those after Seditions Upon the surrenders of Superiority and Tythes Sir Iohn Stewart of Traham amongst others was deputed by the Gentry
third appointed this form To be chosen by six Princes of Germany Three Ecclesiastical Arch-Bishops Moguntia Colen and Trevine Three Temporal the Duke of Saxonie the Count Palatine of the Rhene and the Marquesse of Brandenburgh and when those six voyces should happen equally divided that then the Duke of Bohemia before it was a Kingdom should determine the Election this was approved by all the Germain Princes and other Christian Princes and Estates of this world And the manner and conditions are these After his Election he is called onely Caesar and the King of the Romanes and not Emperour till he be Crowned and takes his Oath presently after his Election To defend the Catholick Religion and Pope of Rome To minister Iustice to keep the Lawes of the Empire c. and so is anointed and with some prayers upon him a drawn sword put in his hand a Ring on his finger a scepter in his other hand and three Bishops set the Crown Emperiall upon his Head Then all the Princes take Oath to him In Polonie after the same manner In Spain of late the Kings are not Crowned but have another admission equal and performed by the Arch-Bishop of Toledo Primate of Spain In France they have some alterations from their ancient manner by Lewis le Ieune who ordained the 12. Peers of France Six Ecclesiastical and six Temporal The Arch-Bishop and Duke of Rhemes anointeth and Crowneth the King The Bishop and Duke of Lava bears the Glasse of sacred Oyl The Bishop and Duke of Lanques the Cross. The Bishop and Earl of Beauvais the Mantle Royal. The Bishop and Earl of Koyon the Girdle The Bishop and Earl of Chaalons the Ring The Duke of Burgundy Dean of the Order holds the Crown The Earl of Gasconie and Guiennie the first Banner quartered The Duke of Normandy the second Banner quartered The Earl of Tholosa the Golden spurs The Earl of Campain the Banner Royal or Standard of War The Earl of Flanders the sword Royall And this day the King is severally apparelled three times First as a Priest Secondly a King and Warriour Thirdly as a Iudge He takes his Oath by the Arch-Bishop of Rhemes to the Church and to the people c. and so vested with the Mantle Girdle Ring Ointment and Crown with declaration what each signified And though this Ceremonie of sacring and Anointing Kings be more ancient than the Christian Kingdom of France yet is it the most ancient for particular Majestique manner and most of the Neighbour Kingdoms have affinity from her especially in England being the very same in effect The sacredness of the Hebrew Kings depended much upon their being anointed Anointing added a divine Majesty to their Kings and made them sacred and allied unto God exercising power and authority over things divine the virtue of the sacred Ointment being communicated to them formerly compounded by Moses of Aromatick ingredients and was yet for Initiation and Consecration till Iosiah hid it under ground in the Temple in the same secret place where the Ark of the Covenant Aarons rod Urim and Thummim and the Manna were laid up in preservation against the overthrow of the Temple by the Assyrians as had been prophecied and so lost to posterity in time of their Babylonish Captivity And therefore the King resolves on the day 2. February which is censured For a vanity though serious and the wisest Monarchs are very idle in it as not conferring one dram of solid grandure to the Throne and yet he acknowledgeth that as the King enters recognizance and stipulateth with the people to govern by Law so they acclaim him their King And is all this but vanity Though the Scriptures also exemplifies it in the Iews their first King Saul after the manner of all Nations and after him David Solomon Iehoash The Highâ— Priest anointing him with solemnities as you may see of Gods own appointing and the Ceremony to our Saviour when the Iews crowned him was no doubt in imitation of other Kings and may be a pattern for Christians But the day come which began his solemnitie conveyed him by water from White-Hall to Westminster not in usual state through the streets from the Tower the onely reason the dregs of the Infection not clearing the danger of such concourse of people which is put upon his frugality to save money And though it belonged to the Dean of Westminster Bishop of Lincoln to officiate some chief parts of the Celebrity yet he being under a deserved displeasure and in October last put out of his office of Lord Keeper of the Great Seal of England and intrusted unto Sr. Thomas Coventry who sat in Chancery two Terms before much of his duty was conferred upon Dr. Laud Bishop of St. Davids not of Bath and Wells till September after And then concerning the alteration of the Prayer The very Committee for managing the particulars of the Coronation resumed then those ancient particulars of the Prayer till Henry the sixth's time Ut obtineat gratiam huic populo c. like Aaron in the Tabernacle Elisha in the waters Zacharias in the Temple Sit Petrus in Clave Paulus in dogmate and were suitors to the King not to suffer the Dean to that duty and had this answer Who was not worthy to keep the seal lesse deserving to Minister now to his Soveraign Nor was he admitted to the next Parliament nor had summons by Writ so no Proxy to appoint a suffrage though it is said and evilly mentioned by an Historian That the Dukes Mother intruded who loved the Bishop if fame belies her not better then was fitting But this scandal I have answered sufficiently See the Life and Death of King Iames. And his own letters will discover the truth dated the seventh of Ianuary 1625. to the Duke and signed Iohn Lincoln so then he was not Chanceller and saies that he is come to do service for the preparation to the Coronation c. and craves of the Duke to receive a creature of your own struck dead with displeasure and by him to be brought to kiss the Kings hands And another Letter to the King complains that he hath not received his Writ of summons unto the Parliament that he might make his Proxie c. Nor can he go into the County as he had done long since but in expectation of this Writ and that in his absence in this Parliament no use may be made of the Kings Name to wound the reputation of a poor Bishop Cabala 107 108. and so our other Historians are mistaken in this And the manner of his Delivery of the Seal was thus Sir Iohn Suckling was sent from the King to demand it but charily he locked it up in a Cabinet and sent it and the Key by the Knight inclosed in a Letter to the King and so was outed of the Seal but kept his Bishoprick of Lincoln and the Deanary of Westminster which indeed he had for his life and after
Barons and Bishops alwaies standing bareheaded Then every Bishop came to the King to bring their Benediction upon him and he in King Edwards Robes with the Crown upon his Head rose from his Chair and bowed to every Bishop apart Then was girt about him King Edwards Sword which himself after wards took off and offered it up at the Communion Table with two Swords more in relation to Scotland and Ireland or to some antient Principalities with his Predecessors enjoyed in France The Duke of Buckingham as Master of the Horse put on his Spurs and thus compleatly crowned his Majesty offered first Gold then Silver and afterwards Bread and Wine which was to be used at the holy Communion Then the King was conducted by the Nobility to the Throne upon the square Basis of five Descents the Quire singing Te Deum where he received the Oath of Homage from the Duke of Buckingham as Lord High Constable for that day and the Duke swore all the Nobility to be Homagers to his Majesty at the Kings knee Then the Earls and Barons laid their hands on the Crown upon the Kings head protesting to spend their bloods to maintain it to him and his lawful Heirs The Bishops kneeled down but took no oath the King kissing each of them Then the King took a Scrowl of Parchment out of his Bosom and gave it to the Lord Keeper Coventry who read it to the Commons four several times East West North and South the effect His Majesties pardon to all that would take it under his Broad-Seal From the Throne to the Communion Table where the Arch-bishop kneeling at the North side read prayers and the Quire sung the Nicene Creed the Bishops Landaff and Norwich read the Epistle and Gospels The Bishops of Durham and Saint Davids in rich copes with his Majesty received the Communion the Bread from the Archbishop the Wine from Bishop Saint Davids The King received last of all whilest Gloria Patri was sung and some prayers by the Arch-bishop conclude the solemnity After the King had disrobed himself in King Edwards Chapel he came forth in a short Robe of Red Velvet girt unto him lined with Ermins and a Crown of his own upon his head set with very pretious stones And thus the Train going to the Barges at the water-side they returned to White-hall about three a clock afternoon This being as yet the last solemnity of this King Charles I could say no less to preserve it to memory to shew what that State had been till it be so again And now the King calls a Parliament which met the sixth of February Sir Henage Finch Recorder of London chosen Speaker of the Commons House So soon are they summoned after their last Dissolution It was the Kings design then to take this short time of recess to cool the heat of some fiery Spirits and now for him to give all possible satisfaction to their former pressures of Grievances which had been lately fully cleared unto them in pursuance of their pretended devout care for settling of Religion But still the house of Commons scrutiny and by a Committee strictly examine what abuses had interferred the execution of his Majesties Grace therein And the Lords betake themselves to a Grievance of their own Order The old ones had a former complaint five years since to King Iames against such New Lords of foreign Titles of Honour that claimed thereby precedency of Inferior titles at home and were then quelled in that quarrel as being in the pleasure of the Prince to effuse the beames of Honour and to collate what he please upon whom and how he please But now another dress and much more boldly To the Kings most Excellent Majesty In all humility SHeweth unto your most Excellent Majesty your ever Loyal Subjects the Lords Spiritual and Temporal now in Parliament assembled That whereas the Peers and Nobility of this your Kingdome of England have heretofore in civility yielded as to strangers precedency according to their several degrees unto such Nobles of Scotland and Ireland as being in titles above them have resorted hither Now divers of the nâ—tâ—ral born Subjects of this Kingdom resident here with their Families and having their chief Estates among us do by reason of some late created Dignities in those Kingdomes of Scotland and Ireland claim Precedency of the Peers of this Realm which tends both to the dis-service of your Majeâ—â—â— and these Realms and to the great disparagemont of the English Nobility as by these reasons may appear 1. It is a novelty without precedent That men should inherit Honors where they possess nothing else 2. It is injurious to those Countreys from whence their Titles are derived that any should have Vote in Parliament where they have not a foot of Land 3. It is a grievance to the Countrey where they inhabit that men possessing very large Fortunes and Estates should by reason of foreign Titles be exempted from those services of Trust and Charge which through their default become greater pressures upon others who bear the burthen 4. It is a shame to Nobility that persons dignified with the Titles of Barons Viscounts c. should be obnoxious and exposed to arrest they being in the view of the Law no more then meer Plebeians We therefore humbly beseech your Majesty that you will be pleased according to the example of the best Princes and Times upon consideration of these inconveniences represented to your Majesty by the nearest Body of Honour to your Majesty that some course may be taken and an Order timely settled therein by your Princely Wisdom so as the inconvenience to your Majesty may be prevented and the prejudice and disparagement of the Peers and Nobility of this Kingdom may be redressed To which the King for the present Promised to take order therein And the next News was the commitment of the Earl of Arundel to the Tower and this the cause The King having a Design to reconcile an antient fewd of two families by contracting them into a Marriage between the Lord of Lorn son and heir to the Earl of Arguile and bred up in England a Protestant for that purpose and the Eldest Daughter of the late Duke of Lenox which though well known to the Earl of Arundel he very boldly marries his eldest Son the Lord Matravers unto her and excuses it to be the private contrivance of the two Mothers but he is committed to the Tower and being in time of Parliament the Peers Petition the King That no Peer is to be imprisoned without Order of the Upper House unless for Treason Felony or Denial of the security for the peace which retrived their old dispute Priviledge and lasted the debate of a Months time In which space Mr. Pym Chairman to the Câ—mmittee of Religion reports the Inquisition of their discovery A Letter to the Lord Maior of York for Reprieve of some Iesuits Priests and other Recusants which Letter was compared
remember my Father moved by your counsel and won by your perswasions brake the Treaties in these perswasions I was your instrument towards him and I was glad to be instrumental in any thing which might please the whole body of the Realm nor was there any then in greater favour with you then this man whom you now so traduce And now whâ—n you finde me so sure intangled in war as I have no honourable and safe retreat you make my necessity your priviledge and set what rate you please upon your supplies a practise not very obliging towards Kings Mr. Coke told you it was better to dye by a foreign enemy then to be destroyed at home Indeed I think it is more honourable for a King to be invaded and almost destroyed by a foreign enemy then to be despised at home This was sharp and sowre yet the Câ—mmons kept close to their custom and reply with a Remonstrance That with extream joy and comfort they acknowledge the favour of his Majesties most gracious expressions of affection to his people and this present Parliament That concerning Mr. Coke true it is he let fall some few words which might admit an ill construction and that the House was displeased therewith as they declared by a general check and though Mr. Coke's explanation of his minde more cleerly did somewhat abate the offence of the House yet were they resolved to take it into further consideration and so have done the effect whereof had appeared ere this had they not been interrupted by this his Majesties message and the like interruption â—efel them also in the businesse of Doctor Turner As concerning the examination of the Letters of his Secretary of State as also of his Majesties own and searching the Signet Office and other Records they had done nothing therein not warranted by the precedents of former Parliaments upon the like occasions That concerning the Duke they did humbly beseech his Majesty to be informed that it hath been the constant and undoubted usage of Parliaments to question and complain of any person of what degree soever and what they should do in relation to him they little doubted but it should redound to the honour of the Crown and safety of the Kingdom Lastly As to the matter of supply That if addition may be made of other things importing his service then in consultation amâ—ngst them they were resolved so to supply him as might evidence the truth of their intentions might make him safe at home and formidable abroad The King tired with pro and con Petitions Answers Speeches Remonstrances was resolved to reply to them in brief That he would have them in the first place to consult matters of the greatest moment and that they should have time enough for other things hereafter But their designes were otherwise and the Important business to them was an Inquisition against the Duke and Incourâ—gement to the Parliament to any Informations The Earl of Bristow being excluded the House petitions them to prefer his Accusation which was soon admitted whom the Duke necessarily incounters and begins the charge against him But it is some Scandal to vertue to say that many good men were passing jocund at the contest Indeed the Lower Members might make it their mirth to finde the Upper Ones so malitious and imprudent to persecute each other being a presage of ruine by degrees and time to them all when as the policy of the Commons would not suffer one of theirs to be questioned till themselves considered of their Crimes which kept them close together Imboldned thus to preserve themselves to the last But the Duke ptocures the King by his Attorny Generall to summon Bristow to the Lords Bar as a grand Delinquent and to his face accuses him of High-Treason To which he Answers That he was a fâ—ee man and a Peer unattainted and had somewhat to say of high consequence Being bid to proceed Then saith he I accuse that man the Duke of Buckingham of High Treason and will prove it And forthwith produceth twelve Articles of his Charge May the second 1 That the Duke did secretly conspire with the Conde of Gondamâ—r Ambassador of Spain before the said Ambassadors last return into Spain 1622. to carry his Majesty then Prince into Spain to the end he might be enforced and instanced in the Romish Religion and thereby have perverted the Prince and subverted the true Religion established in England 2. That Mr. Porter was made acquainted therewith and sent into Spain and such message framed at his return as might serve for a ground to set on foot the conspiracy which was done accordingly and thereby both King and Prince highly abused 3. The Duke at his arrival in Spain nourished the Spanish Ministers not onely in the beleef of his own being Popishly given by absenting himself from all exercises of our Religion then constantly used in the Earl of Bristows house and conforming himself to please the Spainard by kneeling to and adoring their Sacraments but gave them hope also of the Princes conversion which caused them to propound worse conditions for Religion then had been formerly setled and signed by the Earl of Bristow and Sr. Walter Aston 4. That the Duke did many times in the presence of the Earl of Bristow move his Majesty at the instance of the Conde of Gondamar to write a letter to the Pope which the Earl utterly disswaded and that although during the Earls abode in England he hindred the writing any such letter yet the Duke after the Earls return procured it wrot 5. That the Pope being informed of the Dukes inclination in point of Religion sent him a particular Bull in parchment therein perswading him to pervert his Majesty 6. That the Duke in Spain did abuse the King of Spain and his Ministers so as they would not admit of a Reconciliation with him whereupon seeing the match would be to his disadvantage he endeavoured to break it not for any service to this Kingdom nor dislike of it in it sâ—lf nor for that he found as since he hath pretended thâ—t the Spaniard did not really intend it but out of his particular end and indignation 7. That he intending to cross the match made use of Letters of his Majesty then private to his own ends and not to what they were intended as also concealed many things of great importance from his late Majesty thereby overthrowing his Majesties purposes and advancing his own ends 8. That for the foresaid ends he hath abused both Houses of Parliament by a sinister relation of the carriage of affairs as shall be made appear in every particular of that relation 9 That he imployed his power with the King of Spain for the procurement of favours and offices which he bestowed upon unworthy persons for the recompence and hire of his lust which is a great infamy and dishonour to our Nation that a Duke a privy Counsellor and Ambassador eminent in his Majesties favour and
my Religion The Earl replying desired the Prince to pardon him if he had offended him saying It was but out of his desire to serve him Whereas it had been the duty of a faithful servant to God and his Master to have disswaded the Prince from it had he found him staggering in his Religion Eighthly That he afterward having Conference with the Prince about the Romish Religion trayterously endeavoured to perswade him to turn Romish Catholique using an Argument to that end That the State of England never did nor could possibly do any great thing but when obedient to the Pope of Rome Ninthly That during the time aforesaid the Prince advising with the Earl about a new Offer by the King of Spain That the Prince Palatine should marry the Emperours Daughter â—e brought up in his Court and so should be restored to the Palatinate The Earl said It was a reasonable Proposition And when the danger of changing his Religion was objected the Earl replyed That without some such great Act the peace of Christendom could never be procured Tenthly That the Prince departing from Spain and leaving the Powers of Disposorios with the said Earl to be delivered upon the return of his Dispensation from Rome the Prince fearing lest after the Dispensation the Infanta might be put into a Monastery wrote a Letter back to the Earl commanding him not to make use of those Powers untill he could give him assurance that a Monastery should not rob him of his Wife which Letter the Earl receiving returned an answer disswading that Direction Shortly after which the Prince sent another Letter discharging him of his former Command But his late Majesty by the same Messenger sent him a more express Direction Not to deliver the Disposorios until a full conclusion had concerning the Palatinate adding this expression That he would never joy to marry his Son and to leave his onely Daughter weeping In which Dispatch though there was some mistake yet in the next following it was corrected and the Earl tied to his former Restrictions which he promised punctually to observe Neverthelesse contrary to his Duty and Allegiance he after set a day for the Disposorios without any assurance or so much as treating of those things to which he was restrained and that so short a day that if extraordinary diligence with good successe in the Journey had not concurred the Princes hands might have been bound up and yet he never sure of a Wife nor the Prince Palatine of Restitution Lastly That in an high an contemptuous manner he hath preferred a scandalous Petition to this Honourable House to the dishonour of the late King and his now Majesty especially one Article of that Petition wherein he gives his now Majesty the Lye by denying and offering to falsifie what his Majesty had affirmed There needs no strain of partiality to implead the difference of these charges assuredly if the Earls charge against the Duke could have served the turn It might have spared the Commons Impeachment the other comming far short of the designe which was to do it to the purpose And therefore This weighty Cause was managed by six Members Mr. Glanvil Mr. Herbert Ma. Selden Mr. Pim Mr. Wans ford Mr. Sherland to them was added Sr. Dudly Diggs as Prolocutor and Sr. Iohn Elliot brought up the Rear And so though the matter of the Prologue may be spared being made up with Elegancy yet rather then it shall be lost you may please to read it at this length My Lords THere are so many things of great importance to be said in very little time this day that I conceive it will not be unacceptable to your Lordships if setting by all Rhetorical affectations I onely in plain Country language humbly pray your Lordships favour to include many excuses necessary to my manifold infirmities in this one word I am commanded by the Knights Citizens and Burgesses of the Commons house to present unto your Lordships their most affectionate thanks for your ready condescending to this Conference which out of confidence in your great wisdoms and approved Justice for the service of his Majesty and the welfare of this Realm they desired upâ—â— this occasion The House of Commons by a fatal and universal concurrence of complaints from all the Sea-bordering parts of this Kingdom did find a great and griâ—vous interruption and stop of Trade and Traffique The base Pirats of Sally ignominiously infesting our Coasts taking our ships and goods and leading away the Subjects of this Kingdom into barbarous Captivity while to our shame and hinderance of Commerce our enemies did as it were besiege our Ports and block up our best Rivers mouths 〈◊〉 Friends on flight pretences made embargoes of our Merchants goods and every Nation upon the least occasion was ready to contemn and slight us So great was the apparent diminution of the ancient honour of this Crown and once strong reputation of our Nation Wherewith the Commons were more troubled calling to remembrance how formerly in France in Spain in Holland and every where by Sea and Land the Valours of this Kingdom had been better valued and even in latter times within remembrance when we had no Alliance with France none in Denmark none in Germany no Friend in Italy Scotland to say no more ununited Ireland not setled in peace and much less security at home when Spain was as ambitious as it is now under a King Philip the second they called their wisest the House of Austria as great and potent and both strengthened with a malitious League in France of persons ill-affected when the Low-countreys had no being yet by constant counsels and old English wayes even then that Spanish pride was cool'd that greatness of the house of Austria so formidable to us now was well resisted and to the United Provinces of the Low countreys such a beginning growth and strength was given as gave us honour over all the Christian World The Commons therefore wondring at the Evils which they suffered debating of the causes of them found they were many drawn like one Line to one Circumference of decay of Trade and strength of Honour and of Reputation in this kingdom which as in one Centre met in one great man the Cause of all whom I am here to name the Duke of Buckingham Here Sir Dudly Diggs made a stand as wondring to see the Duke present Yet he took the Roll and read the Preamble to the charge with the Dukes long Titles and then went on My Lords This lofty Title of this mighty Man me thinks doth raise my spirits to speak with a Paulo majora canamus and let it not displease your Lordships if for foundation I compare the beautiful Structure and fair composition of this Monarchy wherein we live to the great work of God the World it self in which the solid body of incorporated Earth and Sea as I conceive in regard of our Husbandry Manufactures and Commerce by Land and Sea may
well resemble us the Commons And as it is encompassed with Air and Fire and Spheres Celestial of Planets and a Firmament of fixed Stars All which receive their heat light and life from one great glorious Sun even like the King our Soveraign So that Firmament of fixed Stars I take to be your Lordships Those Planets the great Officers of the Kingdom That pure Element of Fire the most religious zealous and pious Clergy And the reverend Iudges Magistrates and Ministers of Law and Justice the Air wherein we breath All which encompasse round with cherishing comfort this Body of the Commons who truly labour for them all and though they be the Foot-stool and the lowest yet may well be said to be the setled Centre of the State Now my good Lords if that glorious Sun by his powerful Beams of Grace and Favour shall draw from the Bowels of this Earth an Exhalation that shall take fire and burn and shine out like a Star it needs not be marvelled at if the poor Commons gaze and wonder at the Comet and when they feel the Effects impuâ—e all to the corruptible matter of it But if such an imperfect mixture appear like that in the last Age in the Chair of Cassiopeia among the fixed Stars themselves where Aristotle and the old Philosophers conceived there was no place for such corruption then as the learned Mathematicians were troubled to observe the irregular motions the prodigious magnitude and the ominous Prognosticks of that Meteor so the Commons when they see such a Blazing-Star in course so exorbitant in the Affairs of this Common-wealth cannot but look up upon it and for want of Perspectives commend the nearer Examination to your Lordships who may behold it at a neerer distance Such a prodigious Comet the Commons take this Duke of Buckingham to be against whom and his irregular wayes there are by learned Gentlemen legal Articles of Charge to be delivered to your Lordships which I am generally first commanded to lay open First the Offices of this Kingdom that are the eyes the ears and the hands of this Common-wealth these have been engrossed bought and sold and many of the greatest of them holden even in this Dukes own hands which severally gave in former Ages sufficient content to greatest Favourites and were work enough for the wisest Counsellors by means whereof what strange abuses what infinite neglects have followed The Seas have been unguarded Trade disturbed Merchants oppressed their ships and even one of the Royal-Navy by cunning practice delivered over into foreign hands and contrary to our good Kings intention imployed to the prejudice almost to the ruine of friends of our own Religion Next Honours those most precious Jewels of the Crown a Treasure inestimable wherewith your Noble Ancestours my Lords were well rewarded for eminent and publique service in the Common-wealth at home for brave exployts abroad when covered all with dust and blood they sweat in service for the honour of this Crown What back-wayes what by-wayes have been by this Duke found out is too well known to your Lordships whereas anciently it was the honour of England as among the Romanes the way to the Temple of Honour was through the Temple of Virtue But I am commanded to presse this no further then to let your Lordships know one instance may perhaps be given of some one Lord compelled to purchase Honour Thirdly as dâ—vers of the Dukes poor kindred have been raised to great Honours which have been and are likely to be more chargeable and burthensom to the Crown so the Lands and Revenues and the Treasuries of his Maiesty have been intercepted and exhausted by this Duke and his friends and strangely mis-imployed with strange confusion of the Accompts and overthrow of the well established ancient Orders of his Majesties exchequer The last of the Charges which are prepared will be an injury offered to the person of the late King of blessed memory who is with God of which as your Lordships may have heard heretofore you shall anon have further information Now upon this occasion I am commanded by the Commons to take care of the Honour of the King our Soveraign that lives long may he live to our comfort and the good of the Christian world and also of his blessed Father who is dead on whom to the grief of the Commons and their great distaste the Lord Duke did they conceive unworthily cast some ill ordure of his own fowl wayes Whereas Servants were anciently wont to bear as in truth they ought their masters faults and not cast their own on them undeservedly It is well known the King who is with God had the same power and the same wisdom before he knew this Duke yea and the same affections too through which as a good and gracious Master he advanced and raised some Stars of your Lordships Firmament in whose hands this exorbitancy of Will this transcendency of Power such placing and dis-placing of Officers such irregular running into all by-courses of the Planets such sole and single managing of the great Affairs of State was never heard of And therefore onely to the Lord Duke and his procurement by mis-informations these faults complained of by the Commons are to be imputed And for our most gracious Soveraign that lives whose name hath been used and may perhaps now be for the Dukes justification The Commons know well that among his Majesties most royall virtues his Piety unto his Father hath made him a pious Nourisher of his Affections ever to thâ—s Lord Duke on whom out of that consideration his Majesty hath wrought a kinde of wonder making Favour hereditary But the abuse thereof must be the Lord Dukes own And if there have been any Commands such as were or may be pretended his mis-informations have procured them whereas the Laws of England teach us that Kings cannot Command ill or unlawful things when ever they speak though by their Letters-Patents or their Seals if the thing be evil these Letters-Patents are void and whatsoever ill event succeeds the Executioners of such Commands must ever answer for them Thus my Lords in performance of my duty my weaknesse hath been troublesome unto your Lordships It is now high time humbly to intreat your pardon and give way to a learned Gentleman to begin a more particular charge The Prologue ended Sr. Dudly sat down and the Impeachment was read so large as that for method we adjoyne it to the Dukes Answer which came in some dayes after In which time the Commons sent a Message to the Lords how mightily it did mis-become the honor of their House to permit a man so deeply impeached to sit in Councel with them whilest Sr. Dudly Diggs and Sr. Iohn Elliot the Van and the Rear of the Commons were beckened out to speak with two Gentlemen who proved to be two Messengers of the Kings Chamber having his Warrant to take them prisoners to the Tower where they lay till the Iudges resolved
Ships richly laden in their usual course of Trade the Duke moved the Lords then assembled in Parliament to know whether he should make stay of those Ships for the Service of the State which motion being approved by the Lords the Duke accordingly did stay those ships and after procured a joynt Action to be entred in the Court of Admiralty in the name of the late King and himself as Lord Admirall against 15000 lib. pretended to be Pyratically taken by some Captains of the said Merchants ships and in the hands of the said Captains and accordingly an Attachment was served upon the said Merchants Whereupon the said Merchants being urged to bring in the 15000 lib. or to go to Prison made new suit to the Duke for the release of their ships who pretending that the Parliament must be moved therein the Merchants much perplexed and considering that they should lose much by unlading their ships and the losse of their voyage resolved to tender to the said Duke ten thousand pounds for his unjust demand who by colour of his Office extorted and exacted from them the said ten thousand pounds and upon receipt thereof and not before released the said ships That the motion in Parliament about the stay of the East-India ships was onely upon apprehension that they might be serviceable for the defence of the Realm That the Action entred in the Court of Admiralty against the East-India Company was not after as is suggested but divers moneths before that motion in Parliament yea before the Parliament began That the composition mentioned in this Article was not moved by the Duke but made by the late King and that the Company without any menaces or compulsion agreed to the Composition as willing to give so much rather then to abide the hazzard of the suit That of the said sum all but two hundred pounds was imployed by his late Majesties Officers for the benefit of the Navie And lastly that those ships were not discharged upon payment of the said sum of ten thousand pounds but upon an accommodation allowed that they should prepare other ships for his Majesties service whilest they went on their Voyage which accordingly they did VII Reply 7. That the Duke being great Admirall of England did by colour of the said Office procure one of the principall ships of the Navy-Royal called the Vant-guard and six other Merchants ships of great burthen to be conveyed over with all their Ordnance Ammunition and apparel into the Kingdom of France and did compell the said Masters and Owners of the said ships to deliver the said ships into the possession and command of the French King and his Ministers without either sufficient security for their redelivery or necessary caution in that behalf contrary to the duty of his Office and to the apparent weakening of the Navall strength of this Kingdom That those Ships were lent to the French King without his privity that when he knew thereof he did what appertained to his Office That he did not by menace nor any undue practice by himself or any other deliver those ships into the hands of the French that what errour hath since happened was not in the intention any way injurious to the State nor prejudicial to the interest of any private man VIII Reply 8. That the Duke knowing the said ships were intended to be imployed against the Rochellers and the Protestants else-where did compel them as aforesaid to be delivered unto the said French King and his Ministers to the end that they might be imployed against those of the Reformed Religion as accordingly they were to the prejudice of the said Religion contrary to the intention of our Soveraigne Lord the King and to his former promise at Oxford and to the great scandal of our Nation That understanding a discovery that those ships should be imployed against Rochel he endevoured to divert the course of such imployment and whereas it is alledged that he promised at Oxford that those ships should not be so imployed he under favour saith he was mis-understood for he onely said that the event would shew it being confident in the promises of the French King and that he would have really performed what was agreed upon IX Reply 9. That he hath enforced some who were rich though unwilling to purchase honours as the Lord Roberts Baron of Trure who was by menaces wrought to pay the summe of Ten thousand pounds to the said Duke and to his use for his said Barony He denyeth any such compulsion of the Lord Roberts to buy his honour and that he can prove that as the said Lord did then obtain it by the solicitations of others so was he willing formerly to have given a great sum for it X. Reply 10. That in the 18. year of the late King he did procure of the late King the Office of High Treasurer of England to the Viscount Mandevil now Earl of Manchester for which Office he received of the said Viâ—count to his own use the sum of 20000 l. of money and also did procure in the 20. year of the late King the Office of Master of the Wards and Liveries for Sir Lionel Cranfield afterward Earl of Middlesex and as a reward for the said procurement he had to his own use of the said Sir Lionel Cranfield the sum of 6000 l. contrary to the dignity of his late Majesty That he had not nor did receive any penny of the said sums to his own use that the Lord Mandevil was made Lord Treasurer by his late Majesty without any Contract for it and though his Majesty did after borrow of the said Lord 20000. pounds yet was it upon proviso of repayment for which the Duke at first past his word and after entred him security by Land which stood ingaged untill his late Majesty during the Dukes being in Spain gave the Lord satisfaction by Land in Fee-farm of a considerable value whereupon the Dukes security was returned back And that the 6000 l. disbursed by the Earl of Middlesex was bestowed upon Sir Henry Mildmay by his late Majesty without the Dukes privity who had and enjoyed it all entire XI Reply 11. That he hath procured divers Honours for his kindred and Allies to the prejudice of the antient Nobility and disabling the Crown from rewarding extraordinary virtues in future times That he believeth he were rather worthily to be condemned in the opinion of all generous minds if being in such favour with his Majesty he had minded only his own advancement and had neglected those whom the Law of Nature had obliged him to hold most dear XII Reply 12. That he procured and obtained of the late King divers Mannors parcels of the Revenues of the Crown to an exceeding greâ—â— value and hath received and â—o his own use disbursed great sums of money that did properly belong unto the late King and the better to colour his doings hath obtained severall privie Seals from
and so quit the place for we think it a hatefull thing that any mans leaâ—ing the Bishoprick should almost undoe the Successor And if any man shall presume to break this Order we will refuse him at our Royall assent and keep him at the place which he hath so abused Ninthly Lastly we command you to give us an Accompt every year the second of Ianuary of the performance of this our Command Dorchester Our Naval forces now Compleat the Duke of Buckingham is resolved to satisfy their expectation who heretofore complained of his great neglect being Admiral of England in committing the late Expeditions at Sea to other Commanders and stay behind himself He is now therefore made General also of six thousand Horse and foot in ten ships royall ad ninety Merchant-men and set sail from Portsmouth the 27. of Iune and his MANIFESTO came out the one and twentieth of Iuly following as it was there published in France declaring The emergent causes of his Majesties present Arming What part the Kings of Great Britain have alwaies taken in the affairs of the reformed Churches of France and with what care and zeal they have laboured for them is manifest to all and the Examples of it are also as ordinary as the occasions have been The now King my most honored Lord and Master comes nothing short of his Predecessors therein if his good and laudable Designs for their Good had not bin perverted to their Ruin by those who had the most interest for their accomplishment What advantages hath he refused VVhat parties hath he not sought unto that by his alliance with France he might work more profitably and powerfully the restitution of those Churches into their antient liberty and splendour And what could be best hoped by so strick an alliance and from so many reiterated promises by the mouth of a great Prince but effects truly royall and sorting with his Greatness But so far fails it therein that his Majesty in so many promises and so strait obligations of Friendship hath found means to obtain Liberty and surety for the Churches and to restore peace to France by the reconciliation of those whose breath utters nothing else but all manner of obedience to their King under the liberty of the Edicts that contrarywise they have prevailed by the interest he had in those of the Religion to deceive them and by this means not only to unty him from them but also to make him if not odious to them at the lest suspected in perverting the means which he had ordained for good to a quite contrary end VVitness the English Ships not designed for the extirpation of these of the Religion but to the Contrary express promise was made That they should not be used against them which notwithstanding were brought before Rochel and were imployed against them in the last Sea-fight what then may be suspected from so puissant a King as the King my Master so openly eluded but thorough feeling equal and proportioned to the Injuries received But his Patience hath gone beyond Patience and as long as he had hope that he could benefit the Churches by any other means he had no recourse by way of Arms so far that having been made an Instrument and Worker of the late Peace upon Conditions disadvantagious enough and which would never have been accepted without his Majesty's Intervention who interposed his credit and interest to the Churches to receive them even with threatnings to the end to shelter the honour of the most Christian King under assurance of his part not onely for the accomplishment but also for the bettering the said conditions for which he sends caution to the Churches But what hath been the issue of all this but only an abuse of his goodness and that which his Majesty thought a Soverain remedy For all their forces hath it not brought almost the last blow to the ruin of the Churches It wanted but little by continuing the Fort before Rochel the demolishing whereof was promised by the violence of the Souldiers and Garrisons of the said Fort and Isles as well upon the Inhabitants of the said Town as strangers In lieu whereas they should wholly have retired they have daily been augmented and other Forts built and by the stay of Commissioners in the said Town beyond their Term agreed on to the end to make broils and by the means of the Division which they made to open the gates to the Neighbouring Troops and by other withstandings and infractions of Peace Little I say failed it that the said Town and in it all the Churches had not drawn their last breath And in the mean while his Majesty hath yet continued and not opposed so many Injuries so many faith-breakings but by Plaints and Treatings until he had received certain advise confirmed by intercepted Letters of the great Preparation that the most Christian King made to showr upon Rochel And then what could his Majesty do less but to vindicate his Honor by a quick arming against those who had made him a Party in their Deceit and to give Testimony of his Integritie and zeal which he hath alwayes had for the re-establishing of the Churches which shall be dear and precious to him above any other thing This was not published until the first assault of the Castle of Saint Martins in the Isle of Rhe about the 21. of Iuly following And because I have laboured the Truth of this Expedition from the calumnies of our Adversaries I shall name them now to direct the Reader in the examination and crave the patience to excuse the length of the story in some measure to vindicate our Honour The first is Anonymus and the Title Ladiscente des Anglois somewhat ingenious The French Mercury or Vulgar Fragmentarian herein despicable the brand of Malice and Immodesty The third was Isnardus the Parisian Advocate whose contumelies even the best of them were censured culpable as being published after a perfect Peace was established by the polite Polititian Cardinal Richlieu And the last of them was Monetus a Iesuit more close and wary yet blasting the beauties of our best Martialists But because this Action of the English might not lodge upon mistakes of our too hasty quarrelling without just cause I shall enter the Reader by remembring former passages and state the cause as it now stood between Us and France King Iames succeeding Q. Eliz. his Neighbors and Him courted each other into friendship and confederacy so that no plot or frame of domination invaded each other by jealousie or envy and so soon as Henry 4. was murthered how often and sundry waies did King Iames assist Lewis the 13. his Son and Successor quieting his Civil Wars and after such a League entred into with the Emperour as neither affinity with the Palsgrave utility with aiding the Spaniard or Religion by assisting the Hugonotes could in him any way dissolve and so became Arbiter and Umpire of Europe Yet cause we had
Statutes were verbatim recited the substance of the Petition was this 1. THey do pray your most excellent Majesty that no man hereafter be compelled to make or yeeld any Gift Loan Benevolence Tax or such like charge without common consent by Act of Parliament and that none be called to make answer or to take such oath or to give attendance or be confin'd or otherwise be molested or disquieted concerning the same or for refusal thereof 2. And that no freeman be taken and imprisoned or be disseised of his free-hold or liberty or his â—ree customs or be out-lawed or exiled but by the lawfull judgement of his Peer or by the law of the Land 3. And that your Majesty would be pleased to remove the Souldiers and Mariners now Billitted in divers Counties and that your people may not be so burthened in time to come 4. That the late Commissions for proceeding by Martiall-Law may be revoked and annulled and that hereafter no Commission of like nature may issue forth to any person or persons whatsoever to be executed lest by colour of them any of your Majesties subjects be destroyed and put to death contrary to law and the franchises of the land All which they most humbly pray of your most excellent Majesty as their rights and liberties according to the Laws and Statutes of this Realm and that your Majesty would also vouchsafe to declare that all awards doings or proceedings to the prejudice of your People shall not be drawn hereafter into consequence and example And now indeed their Lordships Eyes were opened and fearing the eminent mischief to the King and in him to themselves as having more interest in Prerogative then the Commons their first existence present subsistence and yet not altogether to leave the publique without remedy they annexed to the Petition this addition of Salvo We present this our humble Petition to your Majesty not onely with care to preserve our own Liberties but with regard to leave intire that Soverain Power wherewith your Majesty is trusted for the Protection safety and happinesse of your People But the Commons refused this and procured a Conference and Mr. Noy is sent with reasons and resolutions of the Lower-House which signified little but at a second meeting managed by Sr. Henry Martin and Serjeant Glâ—nvile the Lords did comply and so presented without that saving To which the King took a little leasure ere he returned them this for answer THe King willeth that right be done according to the laws and Customs of the Realm and that the Statutes be put in due execution that his Subjects may have no cause to complain of any wrong or oppressions contrary to their just Right and Liberties to the preservation whereof he holds himself in conscience as well obliged as of his Prerogative Certainly the sense was as the very Essence the matter being the Main aud was excepted against as too firm but not full enough without their own formalities of the old Model for which they agreed to Petition but were surprized with this Item from the King My Answer was made with so good deliberation and approved by the judgement of so many wise men that I wonder it hath not satisfied you to the full but to avoid all ambiguities and to clear my just meaning I am willing to please you even in Words as well as Substance Read your Petition and receive an Answer I am sure will please you Which was Le droict soit faict comme iâ— est desire This I am sure is full yet no more than in my first you may see now how ready I shew my self to satisfie your demands so that having done my part if this Parliament have not a happy conclusion the sin is yours I am free Hereto the Houses shout with mighty acclamations of joy testified also with the usuall consent of the publique Bonefires and Bellsâ—inging â—inging over all the Cities and the Upper-House finding this a fit time of reciprocal contexture the King glad to see them satisfied with little aâ—doe procured his Majesties Grace to extend even to those Lords in former disfavour To Abbot Arch-Bishop of Canterbury William Bishop of Lincoln the Earl of Essex Lincoln Warwick Bristow and him that was alwayes out the Lord Say This did the King do the fifth Presage from the King vailing his Crown to the Parliament which doth so astonish the Historian that he breaks out into Ravishment That this session that Gallant Standard of Common Liberties the Petition of Right was granted That never did Arbitrary Power since Monarchy first founded so submittere fasces so vail its Scepter Never did the Prerogative descend so much from Perch to Popular Lure as by that Concession a Concession able to give satisfaction even to supererogation for what was amisse in all the Kings by-past Government But what did they do having now thus sentenced all Illegalities they fell to Execution of Commission of Loan and Excise and cancelled them in the Kings presence And now thus secured they yet ride on ripping up all manner of Grievances and Grievers in a large Remonstrance 1. THe danger of Innovation and alteration in Religion This occasioned by 1. The great esteem and favours many professors of the Romish Religion receive at Court 2. Their publique resort to Masâ—e at Denmark house contrary to his Majesties answer to the Parliaments Petition at Oxford 3. The Letters for stay of proceedings against them Lastly the daily growth of the Arminian faction favoured and protected by Nele Bishop of Winchester and Laud Bishop of Bathe and Wells whilest the Orthodox parts are silenced or discountenanced 2. The danger of Innovation and alteration in Government occasioned by the Billetting of Souldiers by the Commission for procuring one thousand German Horse and Riders as for the defence of the Kingdom by a standing Commission granted to the Duke to be General at land in times of peace 3. Disasters of our Designes as the expedition to the Isle of Rhe and that lately to Rochel wherein the English have purchased their dishonour with the waste of a million of treasure 4. The want of Ammunition occasioned by the late selling away of thirty six Last of Powder 5. The decay of Trade by the losse of three hundred ships taken by the Dunkyrkers and Pirates within these three last years 6. The not guarding the narrow Seas whereby his Majesty hath almost lost the Regality Of all which evils and dangers the principall Cause is the Duke of Buckingham his excessive power and abuse of that power And therefore they humbly submit it to his Majesties wisdom whether it can be safe for himself or his Kingdom that so great power both by Sea and Land as rests in him should be trusted in the hands of any one Subject whatsoever This and the Bill of Subsidies went cheek by joll and were presented to the King in the Banquetting house at White-Hall which being read out with some regret in
the Kings looks He told them plainly He expected not such a Romance to answer his gracious consent to their Petition of Right But for their just Grievances they would deserve his consideration And so suddenly rose up and stepping down short from the degrees of steps raised under the Cloth of State the Duke stayed him by the hand which now is supposed to be given him to kisse in spight of the Parliament or otherwise rather but his low Congie to his Majesties hand which in Court-complement was too much But in truth I saw that passe and that other Lords near the King offering as much as the Duke did which I well know was then devised to lodge upon him against whom their inbred dislike increased to all exceptions even of Circumstance or Shadow But how suddenly the Commons House incroach upon the Lords Liberties excluding the words the Lords spiritual and Temporal in the very Grant of the Bill of Subsidies which they resented with very high Indignation though the Commons were known to be cunning enough to palliate the designe if discovered with an excuse of bare mis-omission yet the most of them stood it out pretending ever more in such cases That heretofere some Acts had so passed which they knew well enough how to avoid the proving But if their good Lordships would return the Bill their names should be inserted as if they were not able to put themselves in as the others were cunning to leave them out During these disputes and the Kings necessities in purse was the main cause of his consenting so much to raise the Parliaments and lessen his own Power One Doctor Manwaring observing the Clench meant to mend all by marring it with his two false Assertions The one to be preached before the King That the Kings Royal Command imposing without common consent of Parliament Taxes and Loans doth so farre binde the conscience of the Subjects of this Kingdom that they cannot refuse the payment without peril of damnation The other he preached at his Parish Church That the Authority of Parliament is not necessary for the raising Aydes and Subsidies To these he was questioned by a Committee and in reason justly sentenced 1. Imprisonment during the pleasure of the Parliament 2. Fined one thousand pounds to the King 3. To make such submission as shall be set down in writing at the Lords Bar and Bar of Commons 4. To be suspended three years from the exercise of the Ministry 5. Never to preach at Court hereafter 6. Never to have Ecclesiastical dignity or Secular Office 7. To move his Majesty for calling in of his Book and to be burnt And truly I remember the Kings answer to all He that will preach other then he can prove let him suffer I give them no thanks to give me my due and so as being a Parliament businesse he was left by the King and Church to their Sentence But why this case must be marked out for a sixth Presage from the Kings vailing his Crown to the Parliament by suffering the House of Comâ—mons to set up sayes he a Committee for Religion to question Manwaring and Sibthorp and others for Doctrinal matters more proper to be censured in the High-Commission or Convocation to which Courts the cognizance do belong and not unto a Consistory of Lay-Elders which perhaps wise men but never the greatest Clerks We may consent to his opinion in the Main for matters of Divinity and Orthodox points But that the Preacher is Iure Divino not to be censured but by themselves smells of the Presbyter or Papâ—st both alike their Tenets and so to ingrosse all into their General Assembly which was wont to be above Privy-Counsel Parliament and King But the King bent his busie time to frame an Answer to their late Remonstrance so tart that the Commons resolved to double upon him against Tonnage and Poundage which he would not indure bnt prorogued the Parliament unto the twentieth of October delivering his minde to them before his Assent to their Bills My Lords and Gentlemen IT may seem strange that I come so suddenly to end this Session therefore before I give my assent to the Bils I will tell you the cause though I must avow I ow an account of my actions to none but God alone It is known to every one that a while ago the House of Commons gave me a Remonstrance how acceptable every man may judge and for the merit of it I will not call that in question for I am sure no wise man can justifie it Now since I am certainly informed that a second Remonstrance is preparing for me to take away my profit of Tunnage and Poundage one of the chief maintenances of the Crown by alleadging that I have given away my right thereof by my Answer to your Petition This is so prejudicial to me as I am forced to end this Session some few hours before I meant it being willing not to receive any more Remonstrances to which I must give an harsh answer And since I see that even the House of Commons begins already to make false constructions of what I granted in your Petition lest it be worse interpreted in the Country I will now make a Declaration concerning the true intent thereof The Profession of both Houses in the time of hammering this Petition was no waies to trench upon my Prerogative saying They had neither intention nor power to hurt it Therefore it must needs be conceived that I have granted no new but onely confirm the ancient Libertie of my Subjects Yet to shew the clearness of my intentions that I neither repent nor mean to recede from any thing I promised you I do here declare That those things which have been done whereby men had cause to suspect the Liberty of the Subject to be trencht upon which indeed was the true and first ground of the Petition shall not hereafter be drawn into example for your prejudice and in time to come in the word of a King you shall not have the like cause to complain But as for Tonnage and Poundage it is a thing I cannot want and was never intended by you to ask never meant I am sure by me to grant To conclude I command you all that are here to take notice of what I have spoken at this time to be the true intent and meaning of what I granted you in your Petition But especially you my Lords the Judges for to you onely under me belongs the interpretation of the Laws for none of the Houses of Parliament joynt or separate what new doctrine soever may be raised have any power either to make or declare a Law without my consent This Session were enacted these Laws and first of all For further Reformation of Divers abuses committed on the Lords day commonly called Sunday 2. To restrain the passing or sending any to be Popishly bred beyond Seas 3. For the better suppressing unlicensed Ale-House Keepers 4. For
they say and so understand not what they speak truths against their wills and to give evidence to that they would not do Balaam did so and yet it was no act of Satan And though the Sibylls were as bad yet why the act of Satan that they foretold of Christ The Devil was not so ill affected to his own State as to foretell the ruine of it nor could teach men honesty which he knew not himself He might know that Christ was to come to be born of Judah of the House of David but to be born of the Virgin Mary Daughter of Anna Wife to Ioseph and his Name to be Iesus c. untill he saw the event he could not Those and many such are in Sibylls which makes some conclude them counterfeits postnatis forged by Christians In a word Arreptiti and Enthusiasts amongst Pagans those possessed of unclean spirits are distracted enraged carried haled distorted in body and minde The true Prophets spake words of knowledg and understanding used gestures of modesty sobriety and gravity It is against reason that by the Spirit of understanding a man should be divested of his former understanding that light should make a man blinde But certainly such were not those Dames the Lady Davies and Mistris Carew their words and writings always vain full of whimsies uncertain full of mysterious expressions they knew not what and so assuredly were from and by the Devil knowing by several designs of wicked men what the Event was likely to be but not certainly what to be But to our History The Duke being dead the Kings personal presence hastened all the Necessaries fitting for the Fleet and the great Expectation on whom that Honour would be conferred all men in amaze the Earl of Lindsey was assigned for the Command Certainly hâ— was a person of no likely presence but of some experience by his last Expedition thither and hereafter to the last of his life made good his faith with gallantry and courage So that on the eighth of September he set forth from Portsmouth and came to the Bar of the Haven with reasonable speed of winde and weather where he findes that the Duke Cardinal Richelieâ— had finished his monstrous Work with Boom and Barracado exceeding all the mighty Designs that ever were effected by narrative of any History yet none of these nor all the Enemies Land-works Forts or Strengths could deter this brave Man from dangerous Attempts having passed the Out-forts and Bulwarks even to the Mouth of the Bar untill a cross Winde returned them foul of each other And so it appeared impossible the Town viewing the sad effects without more dispâ—te called in their King with the greatest submission that Revolters could express and had mercy accordingly to the remain which Famine had left for otherways they lost none by the Sword the King entring with all mercifull mildness the eighteenth of October and found but four thousand the remain of twenty two thousand Souls The prodigious Works and Fortifications were instantly slighted and for the ignominy of the Inhabitants the very name Rochel was sacrificed to oblivion and a new Title given to that City Borgo Maria in honour of Queen Mother the Cardinals dear Patroness Thus ended that quarrel between King Lewis and his rebellious Rochellers for whose cause King Iames somewhat but King Charls much more endeavoured their relief first by Treaties and after by Forces the Grounds and Reasons I have endeavoured to assure from observation of the particular causes since their first difference and which reasonably the Duke of Buckingham's Manifesto seems to satisfie somewhat may be said to the Design in policy but for that score of Religion it is truly noted That not onely that very Sect but of that very Church for whose Protection King Charls was so solicitous and whose supportation he now so ardently endeavoured became afterwards none of the meanest sticklers and fomenters of his own and his Churches troubles A document to Kings to be wary whom they aid And so the Fleet returned safe home again The Parliament met the twentieth of Ianuary and convenient for complaints against the Customers for destraining the Merchants Goods for Tonnage and Poundage which the King meant to defend and therefore summoned them to his Banquetting-house at Whitehall and told them That the difference might soon be decided if his words and actions were considered for though he took â—ot those duties as belonging to his Prerogative nor had he declared to challenge them his right but onely desired them by gift of his People why had they not passed the Bill according to their promise to clear his former and future actions in this time of his great necessity which he now required them to make good and so give end to all Questions without delay But the religious Commons must reform God's cause before the King 's nor would they be prescribed their Consultations but resolved to remit the Bill of Tunnage and Poundage at pleasure And so they did appoint Committees one for Religion and the other for Civil affairs to represent the abuses in both The first Committee for the Commons of England to regulate Religion which one says the Courtiers called the Inquisition and well they might for such it was The Points were general Arminianism and Popery The Informations were many concerning the first grounded upon the ancient nine Articles resolved at Lambeth 1595. by the reverend Bishops and Deans on purpose to declare their sense of the nine and thirty Articles in those particulars and unto which the Archbishop of York and his Province did conform They did so indeed deliver their sense as Opinions not publick Doctrines as is truly observed and King Iames recommended them over to the Synod of Dort and there asserted by suffrage of those Doctours and were afterwards commended to the Convocation in Ireland to be inserted into the Articles of Religion 1615. And so they were But how The Observation tells us That our first Reformers were not regulated by Lutheran or Calvinian Doctrines but by the constant current of Antiquity and the way of Melancton most consonant thereto was approved by Bishop Hooper on the Decalogue and by Bishop Latimer in his Sermons but also by the Compiler of the Book of Articles and the Book of Homilies which are the publick Monuments of this Church in Points of Doctrine But the Calvinian entring the way there aroâ—e a difference in particular judgments of these Debates the matter controverted pro con by some confessors in Prison in the time of Queen Mary she dead and our exiled Divines returning from Geneva Basil and Frankford where Calvin's Dictates became Oracles brought with them his Opinions of Predestination Grace and Perseverance which they scattered over all the Church by whose authority and double diligence of the Presbyterian party to advance their holy Discipline it became universally received as the onely true Orthodox Doctrine and so maintained in the
by the Kings command expresly to leave the House and attempting to rise was by force held down by Master Hollis who swore he should sit still whilest they pleased but not prevailing Sir Peter Hayman moved Hollis to reade these Articles which the House protested First whosoever shall bring in Innovation of Religion or by favour seek to introduce Popery or Arminianism or other Opinions disagreeing from the true and orthodox Church shall be reputed a capital Enemy to this Kingdom and Common-wealth Secondly whosoever shall counsel or advise the taking or levying of the Subsidies of Tunnage and Poundage not being granted by Parliament or shall be an Actor or Instrument therein shall be likewise reputed a capital Enemy to the Common-wealth Thirdly if any man shall yield voluntarily or pay the same not being granted by Parliament he shall be reputed a Betraier of the Liberties of England and an Enemy to this Common-weath To each of these in order the House gave there a loud applause at every close which distempers reaching but to the Kings ear he sent for the Serjeant of the Mace but he was kept in and Sir Miles Hobart a Member locked the Door and kept the Key The King incensed at these insufferable Contempts sent Maxwel the Usher of the Black Rod to dissolve the Parliament but him and his Message they excluded which put the King into a forcible Posture the Captains with their Pensioners and Guard to break their entrance they fearing the effects suddenly slunk out of the House not daring to abide his anger who instantly came to the Lords and told them My Lords I never came here upon so unpleasant an occasion it being the Dissolution of a Parliament therefore men may have some cause to wonder why I should not rather chuse to do this by Commission it being a general Maxime of Kings to leave harsh commands to the Ministers themselves onely executing pleasing things Yet considering that Justice as well consists in reward and praise of virtue as punishing of vice I thought it necessary to come here to day to declare to you and all the World that it was meerly the undutifull and seditious carriage of the Lower House that hath made the Dissolution of this Parliament And you my Lords are so far from being causes of it that I take as much comfort in your dutifull demeanours as I am justly distasted with their Proceedings Yet to avoid mistakings let me tell you that it is so far from me to adjudg all that House guilty that I know there are many there as dutifull Subjects as any in the World it being but some few Vipers amongst them that did cast this mist of undutifulness over most of their eys yet to say truth there was a good number there that could not be infected with this contagion in so much that some did express their duties in speaking which was the general fault of the House the last day To conclude as these Vipers must look for their reward of punishment so you my Lords must justly expect from me that favour and protection that a good King oweth to his loving and dutifull Nobility And now my Lord Keeper do what I commanded you Who in the Kings name dissolved the Parliament But because Tunnage and Poundage was much disputed we shall shall say something to the first ground and occasion of them It is a fundamental truth essential to the constitution and government of this Kingdom and hereditary Privilege of the Subject that no Tax Tallage or other charge might be laid without consent in Parliament this was ratified by the contract of this Nation with the Conquerour upon his admittance and declared and confirmed in the Laws which he published and yet afterwardâ— broken by King Iohn and Henry 3. then confirmed by Magâ—â—â— Charta and other succeeding Laws but then attempted to be broken by the two succeeding Edwards when the Subject pursued those Breaches by the opportunity of frequent Parliaments and found relief procuring the right of the Subjects to be fortified by new Statutes And it may be observed that those â—ings in the very Acts whereby they did break the Law did really affirm the Subjects liberty and disclaimed that right of him a thing which hath been since challenged by successive Sovereigns the Merchant in those times usually giving consent to such Taxes but limited to a time to the ratification of the next following Parliament to be cancelled or confirmed But mostly these upon Merchandise were taken by Parliament six or twelve per pound for time and years as they saw cause for defence of the Sea sometimes also granted unto Noblemen or Merchants but for that use and afterwards they were granted to the King for life and so continued for divers Descents Between the time of Edward 3. and Queen Mary never any Prince some say demanded any Imposition but by Parliament Queen Mary indeed laid a charge upon Cloth by the equity of Tunnage and Poundage because the rate set upon Wool was much more than that upon Cloth and little Wool being transported unwrought she had reason to impose so much more as brought them to an equality but that there still continued a less charge upon Wool wrought into Cloth than upon Wool carded out unwrought untill King Iames his times when upon Nicholson's advice there was a further addition of charge which is that which we call the pretermitted Custome In Queen Elizabeths time some Impositions nay many increased the general prosperity of her Reign in the conjuncture of time and forrein affairs overshadowing and her power and will commanding without regret or complaint That of Currans was one for the Venetians having taxed a charge upon our English Cloth she raised that of the Currans with pretence to be even with them the sooner to take off the other And this came to be denied to King Iames by Bates a Merchant and a Sute in the Exchequer adjudged it for the King The three Judges then no more distinguished their several opinions The first that the King might impose upon forreign Commodities but not upon Natives to be transported or necessary to be imported for the use of the Kingdom The second Iudg was of opinion he might impose upon all forreign Merchandize whether superfluous or no but not upon native The third was absolute seeing the King had the custody of the Ports and Guard of the Seas and might shut up or open the Ports as he pleased 〈◊〉 had a Prerogative to impose upon all Merchandize exported or imâ—â—rted Afterwards King Iames laid charges upon all Commodities Outward and Inward not limited to time or occasion This Judgment and the right of imposing was a question in 7. and 12. Ian. and in 18. and 21. Ian. It was declined by the Commons House But in 1 Car. it was renewed by the Kings Propositions and then rather confirmed not abolished It was not sufficient for the King to break up the School of dissension
the Room foreâ—shortened and looking downwards as from the clouds the rarest postures that late ages can paralel being the portraictures of King Iames in several relations with all Imaginary similitude of Him tending towards Eternity for which he was well rewarded with the honour of Knighthood to boot Indeed the Artist had an indifferent esteem for his skill and by his wealth was wise enough to receive Informations on both parts in reference to Peace but never to be Plenepotentiary of either side for truly I cannot call him so much as Agent for any unlesse we admit him Ambo-dexter-Ambassadour for he was the means that a greater man Don Carlos Colonas came after to do the work And I have some knowledge in the particulars that the other was rather set on by us when with that conveniency we had him here It was in Iuly That an Arrest was made upon one Billingham sometimes a Captain at the Isle of Rhe and an attempt made to his Rescue by some Templers being acted in their Quarters of Priviledge to their Houses and to their cost they were wounded by the opposition of the Lord Major and his City Bands that were wilde to flourish out their Ensigns against any Gentlemen their Patrons This undertaking increased to a hot skirmish of above five hundred Of the Majors Militia four were killed and sundry others hurt above an hundred on both sides and so the Evening parted the This uprore so neer the Court caused the King to speed Justice with an extraordinary Session to be held in Guild-Hall London for Arraignment of several of the Malefactors seized vpon in the quarrel And by ill hap laid hold on Two who were accounted Principalls because more publique Captain Ashurst and Iohn Stamford the late Dukes servant for it was no medling with the Students And though Stanford came by but by chance in a Coach and onely drew his sword without any part in the fray These Two onely were found guilty by the City Jury and executed at Tyburn Stanford had his pardon before being in company when a Watchman was killed at a Tavern called Duke-Humphreys and his relations to his late Master made his crime the more remarkable now exceeding the bounds of Reason so without the bounds of Mercy There had been a Manuscript Book contrived long since by Sr. Robert Dudly at Florence 1613. that discontented Catholique who descended from the Dudlies Earls of Warwick and so he stiled himself It was a Rapsodie of severall Projects for increase of the Kings revenue and somewhat in prejudice of proceedings in Parliaments Sundry Copies thereof were disperst by such as meant not much honour to the King and therefore suspected to contrive the Book though pretended for his Majesties Instruction as the manner had been to force such feigned discoveries and fix them for the Kings designes and therefore the Earls of Bedford Somerset and Clare Sr. Robert Cotten Mr. Selden and Mr. Saint Iohn were committed and an Information entered in Star-chamber against them But Sr. David Fowles upon oath cleered the suspition and discovered the Authour and so it ended William Herbert Son of Henry Earl of Pembrook dies in April He was the third Earl from his Creation 3 Elizabeth Baron Herbert of Cardiff Lord Parr Ros of Kendal Marmion and Saint Quintin Lord Warden of the Stanneries Governour of Portsmouth Knight of the Garter Chancellour of the University of Oxford and lately Lord high Steward of the Kings Houshold but not of England He married Mary the Eldest daughter and co-heir of Gilbert Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury and dies without issue so that his honours descended to Philip Herbert his brother He supped the night before his death with the Countesse of Bedford at Bishops-gate upon the day of his birth fifty yeers since from thence he went home to Baynards Castle sitting up as usual very late for he was a hearty feeder and went to bed very well But not long after he fetcht a deep and deadly groan which startled his Lady that lay by and she not able to awake him called for company who found him speechlesse and so continued till eight in the morning and then died as a figure flinger had told him many years before We are told his Character in a high strain of Magnificence but we may give way to his good commendations in a reasonable measure A proper Person well set of graceful deportment his minde truly generous of the ancient stock and manner of Nobility His defects were in letters and Travel He had onely the breeding of England which gave him a conceited dislike of foraign men their manners and mode or of such English that professed much advantage thereby so that the Scots at Court and he were ever separate and therefore he was onely the old Courtier that kept close to the Commonalty and they to him and was therein trusted by his two Soveraigns as not over furnisht with abilities to be lesse then loyal which jealous Princes usually suffered In May 29 day the Queen was brought to Bed of a Son Surpassing joy there was of all true hearts and good subjects and in Iune the 27. baptized at Saint Iameses with princely Ceremonies and named Charles His Godfathers were the King of France and the Prince Elector represented by the Duke of Lenox and the Marquesse Hamilton the Godmother was the Queen Mother of France and her Person represented by the Duchesse of Richmond A man would stand amazed to believe that a sort of pretended sanctified subjects should not desire the King to have any issue I have my Author The Puritan-party that could not descern the cause of joy when the Queen was with childe God having better provided for us then we were aware in the hopeful Progeny of the Queen of Bohemia These men brought in the Reformed Religion Presbytery when it would be unâ—ertain what Religion the Kings children would follow And he observes to his own knowledge that when the most of the Parish gave publique signes of rejoycing with Bonefires Bell-ringing and mutual feasting onely the Presbyterian or Puritan party as he stiles them were shut up as on the day of general mourning And it may be remembred that afterwards as the Kings Issue increased the Common Prayer for the Kings onely Sister and her children was left out and in place thereof a Prayer compiled for preservation of the Kings Issue for though the Presbyterians hated the whole Book they would not stick to mention the one in their Prayer of the Pulpit and leave those other out of Gods blessing till by express command they were made to conform At his Birth there appeared a Star visible that very time of the Day when the King rode to Saint Paul's Church to give thanks to God for the Queens safe delivery of a Son upon which occasion these Verses were then presented Rex ubi Paulinas accessit gratus ad aras Immicuit medioâ— lucida stella
Reprobates and therefore believes our Churches regeneration is by infusion of Grace by sowing the good seed But to answer him in this Let all Christians religiously pray and live according to the grace of Restitution and humbly submit their judgements concerning the secresie of personal Election and so this man sins against the 17. Article 4 The Anabaptist His purenesse is a supposed birth without Original sin and his Tenet that Infants must not be baptized and this believer opposeth the 9. and 27. Articles 5. The Brownists purenesse is to serve God in Woods and Fields and his opinion is that Idolatry cannot be reformed without pulling down of Churches Christ indeed whipt the buyers and sellers out of the Temple though it was prophaned yet without any pulling down and this man is against the 35. Article 6. Loves familist serves God as well at his neighbours charge as at his own omnia sunt communia the things which they possesse are not their own but all are Common He teacheth that unlawful swearing is worse than murther and this is against the 39. Article 7. The Precisian will not swear before a Magistrate That unlawful swearing is a greater sin than murther God indeed is greater then man here is the compare but then the effect destructive is greater by murther God commands that the murtherer die blood for blood he deals not so severely with the swearer See the 39. Article 8 The Sabbatarian preaches down Holy dayes preaching that the Instrumental directing cause to keep holy the sabbath day he makes to be the keeping holy the sabbath But Gods holy Worship prayer is keeping holy the sabbath day for preaching the holy direction teacheth holy worship prayer to be the holy practise of that day to praise the Lord for our Redemption the sole principal end of preaching on the Lords day His preaching is a Sylva synonymorum Tautologies Iterations His praying much erroneous and this is against the 35. Article 9. The Anti-disciplinarian is above the Kings supremacy Imperious Imagination his highnesse is the Churches greatest Authority and he saith this is as good a rule to know the reformed true faith is the holy Writ He is a strict observer of the Law therefore he accounts it the best Religion His tenet is That Kings must be subject to the Puritan To the Puritans Presbyters Censure submit their Scepters throw down their Crowns lick up the dust of their feet This Mr. Rogers in his eleventh page of his Preface to the 39. Articles And T. Cartwright teacheth in his Reply page 1080. And here the Oaths of Supremacy and Allegiance are broken against the 21. Article His tenet that all Priests should be equal See Varellus and Vivetus sermons two Geneva Presbyters against the â—3 33. and 36. Articles and against the twentieth Article 10. The presuming Predestinatist hath an inspired knowledge to be saved by Gods absolute Election as sure as it were now in Heaven no life in him but Gods essential glory against the 17. Article and the 3. Article Thus was it then amongst us Reformed and since it hath increased ten times worse But the Papist is not clear from Crimes schismes and sins The contest between Iesuites Priests and Secular Priests have evermore their debates and now grounded upon this occasion Richard Smith titular Bishop of Calcedon his honour there in Greece but his profit from England over all the Romish Catholicques especially for ordaining of Priests and confirmations of persons Baptized But when he came hither we cannot finde till now we have caught him here Yet Pope Gregory the thirteenth delegated one William Bishop to Calcedon who died 1624. After him succeeded another by Mission of Urbane the eighth 1625. this Richard Smith to the same Title But why to a foreign Title and not at as easie a rate to English as in Ireland he had to all Sees there the reason is He had in Ireland a Counter-party of People for Number and Quality in every Diocesse and Parish not so in England where it had been ridiculous in the Granter and dangerous in the Accepter To oppose his power up starts Nicholas Smith a Regular in malice to his advancement and quarrelled also against Doctor Kelson President of the Colledge of Doway who had printed a Treatise of the dignity and necessity of Bishop and secular Clergy Nicholas Smith's Reasons were for the Regulars first such Bishops uselesse in England in times of persecution Either for Ordination which might be supplied by foreign Bishops Or Confirmation of children which any Priest might perform by Commission from the Pope Secondly Burthensom to the already pressures of the English Catholicques And Thirdly the Person of Calcedon not lawfully called Kelson undertakes Answers to all these and the Insolency of the Regulars seemed more secular And indeed the Irish Regular exceeded such in England maintaining That the superiours of Regulars were more worthy than Bishops which caused the Doctors of Sorborn in Paris to censure the Proposition and the Arch-Bishop of Paris to condemn Nicholas Smiths Book and other Tractates of that sense But Bishop Smith would take upon him to approve of such Regulars Priests as were to be constant Confessors which the Jesuites opposed as an usurpation upon them And being the better Polititians contrive a Declaration under the name of the most noble and eminent Catholiques against his pretended Authority which Declaration was offered to the Spanish Ambassadour Don Carlos de Coloma together with the Kings Proclamations to ferret his person He declined both his power and presence to seek safety in France The Bishop fled the dogs bark Knot vice provincial of the English Jesuites and Flood another of St. Omers undertake him and Kelson also but were censured and silenced though not their several factions unto this day But this bickering is lodged under the product of the peace with Spain as if to encourage the Catholiques to rant it in Ireland also towards a Toleration The Lords Justices at Dublin at Church in one Parish the Priests at Masse in another who were seized by the Arch-Bishop and Major and all the City Officers their Trinkets taken away Images hewen down the Priests and Fryers delivered up to the Souldiers and yet rescued by the people from whom a strong power enforced them and eight Popish Aldermen clapt in prison for being remisse to attend their Major upon which mis-behaviour and mutiny fifteen Houses were seized to the Kings use and the Fryers and Priests persecuted and Two of them to save publique Execution hang'd themselves in their hose-garters The Earl of Essex would needs try Mastery with a fresh Mistresse being over born by his first Wife as their story is truly told in the life of King Iames 18. years since He then but a stripling but ever since getting strength and being falsely fram'd for Martial Exploits in the Low-Conntries where he Disciplin'd himself but without any high renown or feats of Arms or any extraordinary
that by the words in the Bill No man can be charged a Traitor by one that is guilty in his own particular and so is not tied to be Defendant nor to answer such a Bill Secondly the incertainty and doubtfulness of the words in the Charge so that till the Court doth censure them to be treasonable the Defendant is not tied to answer Thirdly the Appellant refers the Combate till the last if he cannot in the mean time prove the Charge by any other ways then he offers to make it good by his Body So then the Defendant may forbear his Answer and decline the Combate And now my Lords said he I humbly shall acquaint you with the Defendants answer to me in private which was That though in Law he might yet in honour and innocency he would not decline the Combate but being his own consent his Advocate hath the less to say for him And so time was given for Rey's Replication till Friday after Reys Councel moved whereas Dr. Eden had excepted at some words in the charge he answered that whoever was accused of Treason was not to insist how polluted the answer was but how to approve and clear himself Then to refer the Combate to the last was well done ultimum refugium to expose his life for God the King and his Countrey This Speech being somewhat peremtory and directory to the Court he was told That the Court needed not his direction as to the Tryall of Combate their wisdoms would consider of that when it was time and so the Court adjourned both parties being admitted to have common Lawyers but to plead onely by Civilians This day come Rey appears as before But Ramsey in a new suit of Ash-colour cloth opened with scarlet colour the cloke scarlet cloth lined with ash coloured velvet and the whole suit and cloke overlaid with silver and Sky coloured lace The former proceedings were read by the Register and thereupon the Appellants Replication presented to the High Constable in effect That Ramsey in his answer had cunningly slipt over a part of the charge which was that the Lord Rey protested he was not ingaged in Wars for want of subsistence and therefore would not hazzard in any designe without sure knowledge upon which words depends much of the matter and main of that part of the Bill And so ripping up the several charges of the Bill the strength reasons and likelihood and the defendants defects in not clearing the chief points they went on with the Councel It was his part to inforce the charge against Ramsey to this effect He observed That the first day Ramsey denied all the charge whilest he stood upon positive resolution but afterwards his Councel brought him to particulars and taught him to Answer superficially first he knew nothing and yet now so much No doubt there was some stranger enterprize by the Marquesse Hamilton then to serve the King of Swede by Ramseys professing that Hamilton was a Protestant and bore Arms for Religion not caring with whom to grapple from hence observing That they intended somewhat to attempt of themselves Ramsey stiled the Marquesse his Master in discourse and in many of his Letters produced much of the discovery by Rey was to fish out of Ramsey the truth of his doubtful words How unlikely it was that Rey having two Regiments of old Souldiers Captain of the King of Swedes Dragoons in good pay for all should offer to serve Hamilton who was to be commanded by the King And that Ramsey might decline the Combate or forbear answering till the last was a strange opinion of Councel because combate was to be reserved till all other means of discovery fayled and therefore Rey his reasons were supplimental proofs and requesting Meldrams testimony but however he was now ready if the Court thinks fit to give the Combate presently And concluded with an example in case of Murther Two men fight in secret the one is slain the other flies and though without any witnesse of the fact his seeking to escape condemns him guilty So Ramsey having been accused of Treason above three Moneths by the Lord Rey and both confined Ramsey dispairing of his cause seeks his flight from Justice by sending to Rey a private challenger being a sufficient conviction in Law as by ancient Presidents in this Court viz. Kiteles after an Appeal seems a challenger to Scroop and was therefore adjudged guilty Doctor Duck Answered to all That first It was prudence for Ramsey to answer in general Negatively having been newly landed from Sea and might be excused till time and consideration to refresh his memory being not upon Oath And as yet the defendant need not answer perfectly till further time and favour to view the Exhibits in Court by copies which he desires And directly urged against the Lord Reys Replicâ—tion not to be allowed Because Rey referring himself now to Proofs might have saved the trouble of this Court of Honour and Chivalrie and hazzard of their Persons by Combate which intends the Trial without proofsâ— And that the Defendant having ingaged his sureties but to this day He humbly desires the time and place to be ordered for the sudden Combate according to the Law of Arms and custom of this Court Saying that the Duel foreseen must ensue upon the Appeal and Denial and therefore ought now to be granted Doctor Reeves moved for continuance of the Replication and consented to the Combate The Court admitted the Replication and ordered time till Wednesday for Exceptions thereto Doctor Duck offered some reasons to satisfie Rey and extremely to censure Ramsey where he was interrupted and told by the E. Marshall That the Court will save him the labour and councel till the Rejoynders be put in and then to be Ordered Doctor Eden shewed that the copies of the Letters Exhibited were not given out Nor shall sayes the Earl Marshal till the court have considered of the contents and so they were read The one was from Ramsey to Rey certifying him of passages in the Low-Countreys since their parting to put the Marquesse in minde of directing him how to dispose of the Ammunition and Arms in his custody subscribed  your servant Ramsey The other from the Lord Marquesse to the Lord Rey congratulating his love and affection expressing a great desire to meet him in Germany upon any terms he would propose And that Ramsey the Bearer was instructed for him to Treat with the King of Swede whom he desires to favour and assist which will oblige him his  friend and servant Hamilton Doctor Duck opened the whole matter and each particular Insisting That my Lord Reys evidence being for the King and he a person of Honour and Peer of Scotland his testimony was sufficient And moves that Mr. Meldram might be admitted for supply for though they were not joynt witnesses together of the words which made the charge yet for as much that they were
firm and sure Peace from all our Neighbours And accordingly produced the good effects in some measure But we are told that they did nothing neither of them meaning the other Fleet also which the Earl of Northumberland commanded the next year and onely the Earl of Lindsey and Essex for this year But pardon me my opinion they did more than expectation they secured the Seas you confess from Pyracies formerly molesting so then our Commodities were safely transported and the Merchandize of Christendom came home with ease to our profit And it was accounted the best security for the King of Spain to intrust his Treasure Bullion in our English Bottoms being coined here some hundred thousand pounds a year became good benefit to the Kings Mint and much thereof to the Merchant whose Commodities were exchanged thereby and the rest of the Money paid over by Exchange to the Spanish Army in Flanders It hath ever been the best ballance with England not to endure an over-bias of any our great Neighbours French or Spaniard And as our first interest with the Netherlands kept their Enemy aloof so now themselves forgetting their first Friends had contracted Confederacy with France the one to infest Dunkirk and other parts of Flanders by Land and the Hollanders by Sea thereby to bring him under who indeed was already bare enough not able to bring ten thousand men into the Field And so with other practices of the Dutch with the discontented Natives the French prevailed at Diest and Tillemont untill the monstrous insolencies of that Army French and Dutch together inflamed the very Natives so far to resent their own sufferings by the Souldier both out of the Countrey And to boot the English Fleet removed the Hollanders from before Dunkirk that neither of the Confederates nor thus combined could do other harm than to ravage the Countrey but left no Hold behinde them The Prince Electour wearied with long expectation of the Emperours Result upon former Overtures and Mediation of Neighbour States towards the restauration of his Patrimony the Palatinate was now come hither himself to solicit the Kings assistance and for the present and in order to the effect had reception with all the Caresses of Court-ceremonies and the Prince Charls dislodged from his Quarter at White-hall for this Kinsmans entertaiment And soon after arrived his third Brother Prince Rupert The 28. of December a Moneth after the Queen was delivered of her second Daughter and baptized Elizabeth the first of Ianuary after The effects of our Fleet and resolution concerning the Sea besides made the Hollander tack about to caress the English with the Ceremony of an Ambassy sent outwardly onely to congratulate the Queens happy delivery of a second Princess but to work the more into favour he came not empty-handed and meant to get more by the loss of a Present being a massie piece of Amber-greece two fair and almost transparent China Baâ—ons a rare Clock of excellent art and four very admirable pieces of Painting the Originals of Tintinet and Tisian those admired ancient Artizans It was the wisdom of the King sufficiently to consider to whom this Treasury might best be intrusted This while the Commissioners served the Time but not the Kings private turn It was too publick in many hands the disposing of that which more prudentially would do better in One ordering it single by himself to whom the King might communicate his In-comes and Expence and therefore this Spring in March he commits the Staff of that Office to Doctor William Iuxon Bishop of London who had Religion to be honest and no use of self-interest to be corrupt a single person needs not to be covetous Former Treasurers being bound to keep up their Titles to the dignity of their Place and their necessary expence to the fulness of their Family made them too bold with the Kings Money which he wanted A good Man this Bishop was before and after and so no doubt to the end It was no wonder then if the Kings insight in him should pick him out the most fit for that trust as well as before to make him a Bishop But our Historian was of greater insight but of less opinion of the Bishops Clerkship as none of the greatest Scholars implying a defect which he found out that deserves his censure The foreign affairs of the Sword were somewhat allaid in Germany by the Peace concluded at Prague in May this year and the Protestants reduced to their Profession as it was setled Anno 1627. and their Ecclesiastick Lands confirmed for forty years the Agreement at Pastavia after that time to be composed in an annual way But the zealous or rather the fiery parties of both sides not well pleased with whom Cardinal Richelieu designs undermined to bring all about back again to a quarrel which the Emperour wisely considering to make peace at home for a War abroad that may happen pursues the Agreement that such as were comprised should render up their Forces to the Emperour their Head or to be declared Enemies which caused many to submit by force for the present The Dukes of Mecklenbergh are re-invested onely the Swedes enjoy what Lands they had seized Duke Bernard therefore excluded retires to France and there juggled into an hatred of the Swedes for ever after In general the Swedes were displeased with the Peace which they had purchased so dear with their great Kings bloud and death of so many of their own which to appease the Electour Saxony profers them a hundred thousand Rix-dollers from the Protector for their Reward which they refuse and might having so many good Towns and Provinces that the whole Empire was not able to beat them out of Pomerania and so in fine they resolved to stand to it And the Chancellour Oxenstiern untill business might be quite fletched puts all which the Swedes held about Phelesbergh into the hands of the French for a huge sum of money and retires into Sweden to give councel from thence having sent before his Train and a hundred and fifty brave Horses for Breed into Pomerania all which fell into his Enemies hands and some Spoils sunk in the Sea a Vessel laden with invaluable Sacrilege of the Church Copes Organs Images Chalices the twelve Apostles of Wirtenbergh all shut up in the Belly of the Ship which was delivered without a Midwife within a League of the Coast of Sweden and all lost The Spoils of the Church produce misfortune But the Swedes are reproached for their avarice having been well paid Wages and Booty their Recompenses freed the Princes from ungraâ—efulness and that their Pretences were but Illusions and so were to be answered which made them turn to treat with the French Cardinal Richelieu the Instrument of all bloudy Scenes in Christendom was already watching so neaâ— as Lorain for any Mutations of Fortune and in a fury would needs besiege Collen whom the Hollanders refuse
the King countenance an Assembly where Episcopacy is abjured though the prophetical Government of the Church from Christ and his Apostles the onely support of the Crown and in lieu thereof an Estate erected in the Kingdom Independent from the King which rejects his Supremacy and power in Elections which holds he may be Excommunicated by their Assembly censured and deposed by their Parliament which maintains most treasonable tenets with a discipline which was never yet in a Monarchy without Rebellion 10. Shall the King go to Scotland to do against his Oath at his Coronation to doe against his royal word and promise in open and Printed Proclamations to grant that that in his Declaration he professeth to all the world he never will endure 11. Shall the King go to Scotland where he is not able by power or prayer so much as to do Justice to the oppressed to obtain peace for his own servants exiled as Traytours to their Countrey for adhering to the King to re-establish the Prelates in their places or any one Orthodox conform or Loyal Preacher or professor in any Church or Colledge of this his Native and ancient Kingdom 12. Shall the King countenance that Assembly which is onely free from Gods Laws and his own where all the members are inviolably tyed by Covenant Oath and Band in alteram partem contradiction where deliberation can have no place all parties coming with prejudice and predetermination of the businesse in question 13. And yet this Assembly thus free from all Law and authority so hardly obtained so highly honoured with his Majesties presence howsoever contrary to his conscience and honour shall be the most solemn Assembly that ever was in Scotland and that be a president for England and Ireland 14. Shall the King go to Scotland to break Laws make Laws take Laws at the pleasure of lawlesse Rebells to absolve the Traytours with what Justice to condemn the Innocent with what conscience and both with what honour this is no lesse then to lay royalty at the feet of rebellion 15. Shall the King go to Scotland to hear see and suffer the honour of his Royal Father with the integrity of whole Parliaments the equity of his Laws quarrelled and questioned by those whom his Clemency hath imboldened to all villany 16. Shall the King go to Scotland to encourage the Rebells to futher mischief to discourage all his Loyal Servants and to make it a time never to be faithful to a King hereafter this is as much as to Un-King himself with his own hands 17. Now all this and worse if worse can be shall infallibly fall out if His Majesty go to Scotland for having him in their power they shall either force his approbation of their will or use him as their prisoner for thus they served his Royal Father of happy memory 18. As they wish to be absolved from Treason and have all their Rebellious proceedings justified as fervently must they desire to have the King at home among them 19. And having the King in their power can any man think that so desperate Rebels who have gone on in all this businesse with so high a hand with such contempt of authority with such successe that they have eluded all his Majesties Councels contemned his forces frustrate his Intentions and interpreted all this as Gods blessing upon their good cause I say can any man imagine that having so fair an occasion they will be deficient to themselves and not rather attempt or do any thing to Crown all their knavery with the Kings approbation 20. Now for so Mighty a Monarch to involve himself without any necessity into such a labyrinth of misery as shall presently burst out either upon his Majesties condiscendence to the Rebels or upon his detention by them is me thinks to tempt God 21. At any rate though at the highest that can be authority must be vindicated and redeemed from contempt the life of government is reputation make sure this and the other prospers 22. What will neighbour Princes say and think of the managing of this matter wherein all the honour and eminency of Majesty consists what will not posterity abhorre in all these proceedings if Royal honour for want of Councel or courage shall become a prey to Rebellion 23. Rebellion never leaveth Authority without addition or diminution of dignity 24. Usurped Royalty was never laid down by perswasion from Royal clemency for in armis jus omne regni 25. O that there were found so much Loyalty wisdom and valour in the whole Monarchy as to suppresse the Rebells and put the King out of these straits 26. This is the sorest blow that ever our Religion received and the greatest advantage that ever our adversary had this doe all Protestants owe to the Reformation of Scotland that no Christian Prince shall hereafter trust our profession 27. The King cannot go to Scotland with honour untill the Covenant be abjured the Assembly of Glasgow renounced and all things re-established as they were before the Covenant THE VOTE And upon all It was unanimously Voted To force them to their Duty Whereupon soon after the King resolved to call a Parliament and that it was so called and appointed hereafter let no man Imagine but that besides his Councellours advice his own Inclination was most affected thereto as himself hereafter professeth After this comes four covenanting Commissioners from Scotland Dunfirmlin Loudon Sir W. Douglas Mr. Robert Berkley of Derreyn The King receives a handsom Petition with humble thanks in the general and to be heard in their further desires but absolutely refuse to appear before a Committee of the Council without the Kings own personal presence And to him Loudon makes a long Speech of the Independency of the Parliament of Scotland subject to no Iudicature A Profession of their Loyalty and Affection to the King A Iustification of their Assembly and Parliament agreeable to the Articles of Pacification the Laws and practice of the Kingdom And thereupon they desire that the King would ratifie and confirm their Proceedings and that their Parliament might proceed to determine of all the Articles or Bills brought to them to the establishing of Religion and Peace c. But the Council examining their Commission it was found short of impowring them in any consideration to oblige those that sent them onely they produced a Paper authorizing Dunfermlyn and Loudon therein but their Parliament now not sitting they could have no other and indeed to avoid their clamour it was accepted and they went on Deans answer First for a free Parliament It was answered Not to pass the bounds of the Ecclesiastick and civil Laws to fly at Monarchical Government to rob the Crown of the fairest flowers and to destroy all regal power Dean They assume that liberty by the Kings allowing of their Covenant to which his former Commissioner Hamilton had signed and other Subjects Answer That Covenant subscribed by him is the same Covenant and
to have been abjured 3. That if they return to this Kingdom they be used as accursed and delivered over to the Devil and out of Christs body as Ethniks and Publicanes 4. That all evil Councellours be accusable and censurable at the next Parliament conform to the Statute of 4. Jac. and that all persons in this Kingdom entertainer and maintainers of Excommunicated Prelates be proceeded against with Excommunication conform to the acts of this Kirk 5. That seeing this Session or Term is now appointed to sit in prejudice of the people who have been busie for the late defence of their Religion and this Nation and now retired to settle their own affairs and not having fourty dayes warning as legally it ought to be and now but twenty to come Wee Protest that all the Members of the Colledge of Iustice and all other subjects ought not to attend this Session that all their Acts which they shall doe shall be voyd 6. Lastly We Protest to have liberty to inlarge this our Protestation and Reasons and thereupon the Earle of Dalhouse for the Lords Sr. William Rosse for the Barons the Provost of Sterling for the Burroughs and Mr. Andro Ramsey for the Ministers take Instrument hereof Edinburgh 1. July 1639. They that would excuse this Insolent impetuosity of proceeding in the Covenanters so early after the accord and so fair do affirm that by the endeavours which was lately used by the Commissioner Marquesse Hamilton to disunite as they call it and corrupt the chief and most leading Covenanters as namely Argyle Rothes Lindsay Monrosse Lowdon Sr. William Dowglas Mr. Alexander Henderson and others by allurements of great offices And that Argyle offered his Daughter in Marriage with Rothes and Ten thousand pounds portion and to remain forthwith and for ever to Rothes in case Hamilton failed of performance But the Scots meet at their time appointed the sixth of August the General Assembly at Edinburgh continuing till the twenty fourth and there made good to themselves the first Article of the Kings reference to his Commissioners former promise which were in particular Abolishing Episcopacy the five Articles of Perth High Commission Liturgy and Book of Canons And the Marquesse Hamilton designed with new Commission from the King to assent thereto and to Act in other things But he cunningly cast that Imployment upon Traquair whose jugglings together proved false and treacherous to all succeeding affairs of their Soveraigne For after the Assembly the Parliament being prorogued to the twenty sixth of August they then sit And at the beginning debate the Interests to the Election of the Lords of Articles The King heretofore named eight Bishops and they eight Noblemen and these sixteen elected eight Commissioners for the Sherifdoms and eight others for the Burroughs and Corporations And these thirty two and no more had the names of Lords of the Articles and were a Committee to canvasse and correct all Bills before they go to Vote And so the King not to be prejudiced in his Nomination by the avoydance of Bishops the Parliament yeelded to his Commissioner to chuse eight Noblemen for the present bnt voted that hereafter every State should Elect their own Commissioners Thus far they were forward for businesse but then how and in what manner to supply the vacancy of Bishops Votes and how to constitute the Third Estate The Commissioner urged for the King fourteen Laiks of such as were called Abbots and Priors to represent the third Estate which after some alteration was settled and voted into small Barons that represent the Commonalty and then fell upon abrogating former Acts of Indictions of Courts of Exchequer Ward-lands and other things so peremptory to a kinde of Reforming all to a fresh new modeling of a Government of their own without reference to Regality the Commissioner had command from the King to Prorogue the Parliament until the second of Iune next against which they frame a Declaration to be of no effect without consent of Parliament and might sit still but in some shew of duty they for the present would make Remonstrance of their Propositions and proceedings and if by suggestions Informations and Imputations bad effects should follow the world should witnesse their constraint to take such courses as might best conserve the Kirk and Kingdom from eminent confusion And accordingly and as a consequence their Deputies the Earl of Dumfirmlin and the Lord Lowdon present their Remonstrance and the Commissioner Traquair came also to the King to give the account of all not before a select Committee of Councellours but the whole body of the Councel and to hear both parties with very fierce Reproofs Recriminations between them where the deputies their old impudent manner not at all qualifying any mistakes or oversights but absolutely insisting upon direct justification of all and every Act of both Assembly and Parliament in their transactions to the very not onely lessening of the Kings prerogative but over ruling if not destroying of all soveraign authority which nothing but power and force could reduce to moderation or reason and these passages made an end of the moneth September During these Scotish affairs about the middle of Iuly came over hither into England the Prince Elector who the last year had ill successe of his designe into Westphalia where he was beaten and his brother Rupert taken prisoner And now Duke Bernard a gallant Commander lately dead the Prince of Orange advised the Elector to procure assistance of his Uncle the King of England to get command of that Dukes Army And although our home affairs were in great necessity of support here yet the King upon his score encouraged him therein and withall dealt with the French Ambassadour Leiger here to procure his Master into a League of assistance with him Intimating so much to Cardinal Richlien the great manager of the French affairs and Councels and glad sayes one to serve his Majesty and Nephew Quite another way for though a Treaty therein was set on foot yet with no intent or policy in the Cardinal too much to further the effect and indeed but a by shift of our King for the present for how could Richlieu be righty perswaded to it being so lately hardly reconciled for the English account upon the Isle of Rhe and the relief of Rochel and from whence he took rise and resolution of revenge by plots and councels with the Scots in all their Rebellions against the King as you shall see hereafter And in truth even now whilst the Treaty the Palsgrave in November was treacherously advised even by the Cardinals designe to passe disguised through France to the Swedes army but discovered all the way first by our own Fleet at the Downs saluted with a voley of great Guns and so by the ship the like which landed him at Boullen for Paris and after to Lions where he was seized and denying himself arrested and as it was managed by the Elector very perfidious to the
a fitting occasion was never offered whereby he might insinuate himself into the Lord Arch-Bishop to whom free access was to be impetrated by the Earl and Countesâ—e of Arundell as also by Secretary Windebank all whose intercessions he neglected and did shunne as it were the Plague the company or familiarity of CON. He was also solicited by others of no mean rank well known to him and yet he continued immoveable Trial also was made of another Secretary Cook who impeded accesse to the detestable design an utter enemy he was to the Iesuites whose access to the King he obstructed He treated many of them as they deserved he searcht into their factions by which means every incitement breathing an attractive power to the Romish Catholiques was ineffectual with him for nothing was so dear to him as his own Innocence whence being rendred odious to the conspirators he was in perpetual hazzard of losing his Place which being laboured for three years was at length obtained But for all this the King had left him a knotty piece for the Lord Arch-Bishop by his constancy opposed himself as an immoveable Rock Con and his party finding the Lord Arch Bishop so impregnable and that they laboured in vain began to boyle with malice and to plot how the Lord Arch-Bishop together with the King should be taken Sentence also is passed against the King who was the main concernment in the plot because nothing is hoped from him which might seem to promote the Popish Religion but especially when he had once declared himselfe that he was of the minde that any good and pious man may be saved in his own Religion To Act the Treason undertaken the criminall execution at Westminster caused by some puritanical writing gave the first spark a thing so much exasperated and exaggerated by the Papists and Puritans that if it went unrevenged it would be thought a blemish to their Religion the flames of which fire the subsequent Liturgie encreased In this heat a certain Scottish Earle one Maxwell if I mistake not was dispatcht to the Scots by the Popish party with whom two other Scottish Earles were correspondents he was to excite the people to commotion He was to raise commotions to re-inforce the sense of every injury and to spur on the people to Rebellion whereby the great disturber of the Scottish liberty might be destroyed There by one labour sâ—ares are laid for the King for which purpose the affaire was so ordered that very many English should adhear to the Scots That the King should be inferiour to them in Armes whereby he might be inforced to crave ayd from the Papists which yet should be denied him unlesse he would descend to conditions by which he should permit a general toleration of the Romish Religion which was the thing the Papists did aim at And should he be difficultly brought to such terms there was a Remedy hoped for For the young Prince who from his Cradle was educated in advantage to the Romish perswasion growing on fast in his youthfull age the Kings Death was contrived by an Indian Nut stuffed with a most fierce Poyson kept in the Society which Con then shewed me in a boasting manner and prepared for him as there was another for his Father During the Scotch Troubles the Marquess of Hamilton was often imployed by the King as Commissioner to compose Disorders there and pacifie the discontented party but returned as often without fruit His Chaplain repaired at that time to us and had secret conference with Con of whom I demanded in jest Whether also the Iews agreed with the Samaritans To which Con answered I would to God all Ministers were like him you may conjecture of this as you please Things standing thus there came to London from Cardinal Richelieu Master Thomas Chamberlain his Chaplain and Almoner a Scot by Nation who was to assist the College of Confederacy to advance the business and to â—ttempt all ways of exasperating the first heat for thâ—s service a Bishoprick was promised him Four moneths space he co-habited with the Society nor was he permitted to depart untill matters succeeding as he wished he might return with good News Sir Toby Mathew a Jesuited Priest of the Order of Politicians the most vigilant of the chief Heads who never went to Bed but got a Nap of an Hour or two in a Chair Day and Night plotted Mischief A Man principally noxious and the very Plague both of King and Kingdom a Man most impudent hunting all Feasts called or not called never quiet always in action and perpetual motion intruding into the company of all his Betters pressing Discourses whereby to fish out mens inclinations whatsoever he sucketh from thence either of advantage or noxious to the Conspiracy he imparteth to the Popes Legate reserving the most secret intelligence for the Pope himself or the Cardinal Barbarino In short he associates himself with any not a word can be spoken but he lays hold of it and accommodates it to his turn In the interim all his Observations he reduceth into a Catalogue and every Summer carrieth it to the general Consistory of the Jesuits Politicks which privately meet in the Province of Wales where he is a welcome Guest There are Councils closely hammered which are fittest for the ruining of the Ecclesiastick and Politick state of both Kingdoms Captain Read a Scot dwelling in Long-Acre Street near the Angel-tavern a Secular Jesuit who for his detestable service performed in perverting of a certain Minister of the Church with secret inticements to the Popish Religion with all his Family taking his Daughter to Wife obtained as a Reward an Impost upon Butter paid by the Countrey people procured for him from the King by some chief men of the Society who never want a Spur whereby he may be constantly detained in his Office In his house the whole Plot is contrived where the Society which hath conspired against the King the Lord Arch-bishop and both Kingdoms convene but on the Day of the Posts Dispatch they meet in greater Numbers for then all their Informers assemble and confer their Notes together and that they may be the less suspected convey all their secrets by Toby Matthew or Read himself to the Popes Legate who transmits the Pacquet of Intelligence to Rome With the same Read are intrusted the Letters brought from Rome under forged Titles and Names and by him delivered to whom they belong for all their Names are known to him Upon the same occasion Letters are also brought over under the covert of Father Philip though he be ignorant of the Plot who distributeth them to the Conspiratours In that very House there is a publick Chappel wherein an Ordinary Jesuit consecrates and dwelleth In this Chappel Masses are daily said by the Jesuits and the Children of some of the Domesticks and some the Conspiratours are baptized They who meet there come often in Coaches or on Hors-back in Laymens
habit and with a great Train wherewith they are disguised from notice yet are Jesuits and Members of the Conspiracy All the Papists of England contribute to this Assembly lest any thing should be wanting to promote the Enterprise upon whose Treasury a Widow Owner of the Houses where now Secretary Windebank dwelleth and dead above three years since conferred forty thousand pounds and for the driving on of the business others contribute as they are able Besides the foresaid Houses there are also other close Conventicles kept but very distrustfull of themselves lest they should be discovered First every of them one not knowing of the other are directed to certain Inns and thence led by Spies to the place of meeting being otherwise ignorant of the place for fear of surprise The Countess of Arundel a strenuous she-champion of the Romish Faith bends all her powers for this Universal Reformation nothing is done secretly or openly at Court but she imparts it to the Legate with whom she meets thrice a day sometimes at Arundel's house now at Court or at Tart-Hall The Earl himself being called about three years since this year must go to Rome without doubt to consult there of matters pertinent to the Design At Greenwich at the Earls cost a feminine School is erected which is but a Monastery of Nuns for the young Girls therein are sent forth hither and thither into foreign Monasteries beyond the Seas Master Porter of the Kings Bed-chamber most addicted to the Popish Religion is an utter Enemy of the Kings revealing all his Secrets to the Legate by his Wife for he rarely meets with him himself In all his actions he is nothing inferiour to Toby Matthew it is unexpressible how diligently he intends this business His Sons are secretly principled in the Romish Belief but open Professours of the Reformed the Eldest is now to receive his Fathers Place under the future King A Cardinals Hat is provided for the other if the Plot takes Three years since Master Porter was to be sent away by the King to Morocco but was prohibited by the Society lest the business should suffer delay He is a Patron of the Jesuits providing Chappels for them to exercise their Religion in both at home and abroad Secretary Windebank a fierce Papist is the greatest Traitour to the King of all He not onely revealeth the Kings greatest Secrets but also communicates Counsels by which the Design may be best advanced He at least thrice every Week converseth with the Legate in the Nocturnal Conventicles and revealeth what is â—it to be known to which end he hireth an House near to the Popes Legate to whom he often resorts through the Garden-door for by this vicinity the Meeting is facilitated He is bribed with Gifts to be a Partner in the Conspiracy by whom he is sustained that he may more sedulously attend his Charge His son is sent expresly to Rome on purpose to insinuate himself into his holinesse Digby and Winter Knights Mr. Mountague who hath been at Rome the Lord Sterlin a Kinsman of the Earl of Arundel a Knight the Countesse of New-port the Dutchesse of Buckingham and many others who hath sworn to this Conspiracy are all most vigilant in the plot Some are enticed with hope of Court others of Political Offices others attended to the sixteen Cardinals caps vacant which are detained so to feed with vain hopes those who expect them The president of the said Society was the Lord Gage a Jesuited Priest dead some three years since He had a palace adorned with wanton pictures as pretending to profaneness but palliating thereby a Monastery wherein fourty Nunns were maintained concealed in so spacious a Palace It is situated in Queens street The Jesuits have bought all this street and have reduced it to a quadrangle where a Jesuiticall Colledge is tacitely built with this hope that it might be openly finisht assoon as the General Reformation was accomplisht The Popes Legate useth a threefold Character one common to all Nuncio's Another peculiar to himself and Cardinal Barbarino A third wherewith he covers some greater secrets to be imparted Whatsoever things he receiveth from the Society or spies he packeth up in one bundle with this addresse To Monsieur Stravio Archdeacon of Cambrai from whom they are sent to Rome These particulars considered it will be evident to all 1. That the Conspiracy against the King and Lord Archbishop is detected and the means threatning ruin to them both is demonstrated 2. The imminent Dangers to both Kingdoms is declared 3. The Rise and Progress of the Scotish Fire is related 4. Means are suggested whereby their Troubles may be appeased for after the Scots shall see by whom and to what intents their Spirits are provoked they will speedily look to themselves neither will they suffer the Forces of both Kingdoms to be subdued lest a middle party interpose which seek the ruine of both 5. With what Sword the Kings Throat is assaulted even when these Stirs shall be ended Con's Confession and visible Demonstration sheweth 6. The place of Assembly in Captain Read's House is named 7. The eight Days Dispatch by Read and the Legate is described 8. How the names of the Conspiratours may be known 9. Where this whole Congregation may be circumvented 10. Some of the principal unfaithfull ones of the Kings party are notified by name and many whose Names occur not yet their Habitations being known their Names may be easily extorted from Read If these things be warily proceeded in the strength of the whole business will be brought to light so the Arrow being foreseen the Danger shall be avoided which that it may prosperously succeed the Almighty Creatour grant The matter of this Information is conform to their old practices in all former Times and in some respects to be likely enough but truly far from any wise mans faith to give it too much credit in the particulars which is so notoriously mistaken as it marrs the story And for that Objection and Result thereon that the Arch-bishop of Canterbury had too much favoured the Romish Faction not their Faith is his own opinion the Information says quite contrary But his Observatour and others have shewed how and upon what account King Iames and King Charls too had Reasons and in what manner to connive at the Popish Faction in reference to the favours afforded the foreign Reformed Churches And so the great Ministers and Officers in State doing but their duty therein might be thought to favour their Faith See History complete Mary Queen of Scots and King Iames. And to ballance the Puritan Non-conformist the ancient usefull Ceremonies of the Primitive Church were fuller restored in this Arch-bishops Time than of late before but not so thereby for the Arch-bishop to be forthwith cried up by the Romanists for their Proselyte for they know that this Reformation did in Ceremonies rather undo them No Sir it was the Scots first and Presbytery
both in Church and State and at the heels of them others of particular persons such who had justly though deserved the lash of the Star-chamber Council-table High-commission Court And the next day these were charily delivered to Grand Committees and divers of them enlarged out of their several Prisons to make their Complaints and the principal were those of Pryn Bastwick and Burton as before remembred To the Grievances Master Pym's Speech was complete and full that of the Lord Digbyâ—s â—s rather witty but such as they were not to trouble you with many more to the same purpose I shall here insert November the eighth they would increase this Book to a Bulk Mr. Pym's Speech TO redress grievances will not hinder but further the Kings service To take away the weights as much advantages motions as to add wings His method was first Several heads of grievances Secondly hurtfull to the King as to the People Thirdly and the remedie equally good to both of them That the King can do no wrong the Law casts it upon the Ministers The influence of Heaven conveyeth vigour into the sublunary Creatures but the malignity of all Epidemical diseases proceed from the ill affected qualities of the Earth or aire His order was to mention three grievances First Against priviledg of Parliament Secondly prejudice of Religion Thirdly Liberty of the Subjects For the first The members are free from suits to have liberty of speech a legislative Iudiciary and Consiliary power being to the boly publique as the faculties of the soule to a Man The Priviledges have been broken First In restrayning the member from speaking Secondly In forbidding the speaker to put a quâ—â—tion both of these practized in the last Parliament Thirdly by Imprisoning divers Members for matters done in Parliament Fourthly By proceedings against them therefore in the inferiour Courts Fiftly Enjoyning their good behaviour and continuance in Prison even to the death In abrupt disolution of Parliament the great grievance like the execution of a man without being heard It recâ—ives a being by the summons and a civil death by dissolution not only thereby to die but to be made Intestabiles not to make their wills their acts c. The Second Incouragement to Popery First by suspension of all Laws against them that there can be no security from Papists but in their disability Their principles incompatible with any other Religion Laws will not restrain them Oaths will not the Pope dispenseth with both and his Command acts them against the Realm in spirituals and temporals ad spiritualia Henry the third and Henry the fourth of Fraâ—ce were no Protestants yet were murthered because they tolerated reformation Secondly Their places of trust and honour in the Common-wealth 3 Their free resort to London and to the Court to comunicate their Councils and designs diving into the secrets of State Fourthly That as they have a Congregation of Cardinals at Rome for adjorning the Popes authority in England so have they a Nuncio here to the execution thereof Innovations of Religion introduced First Maintenance of Popish Tenets in books Sermons and disputations Secondly practice of Popish Ceremonies and countenanced and enjoyned as Altars Images Curcifixes bowings He comparing these to the day bones in Ezekiel which first came together then sinews and flesh came upon them afterwards the skin covered them and then breath and life was put into them so first the form then the spirit and life of Popery Thirdly Preferment of persons Popishly affected Fourthly of discouragment of Protestants by over riged prosecutions of the scrupulous for things indifferent no vice made so great as Inconformity by punishing without Law for not reading the book sunday recreations for not removing the Communion Table otherwise not comming to the Railes to receive the Communion for preaching on the Lords day after noon for catechising otherwise than as in the short Catechisme in the Commonprayer-book Fiftly And last was the Incroahment of Ecclesiastical Iurisdiction particularly First In sining and Imprisoning without Law Secondly Challenging their Iurisdiction to be appropriate to their Order jure divâ—no Thirdly contriving and publishing new Articles of visitation in force as of Canons the boldness of Bishops and all their subordinate Officers and officiats The third part of Grievances In which descoverie He observed rather the order of time when they were acted than of the consequenâ—e but when he comes after to the cure then he will perswade to begin with the most Important and first Tunnage and Poundags and the late new book of Rates taken by prerogative without grant of Paâ—liament from whence these Inconveniences follow First Mens gâ—ods are seized their suits in Law stopped Secondly Misimployments of the sums of money imposed intended for the guard of the Sea are dispersed to other uses and a new tax raised for the samâ— purpose Thirdly The burthens excessive trade hindered home Commodities abased and foraign inhaunsed by which means the stock of the Kingdome diminished especially insupportable to the poor Planters in America by the Tax upon Tobacco The Fourth general grievance Composition for Knighhood which though it refers to a former custome yet upon the same grounds the King may renew it by new sine immoderate Multiplication of distress and Issues and enforced to compound with the Commissioners Inundation of Monopolie by the soap Patent undertaken by Papists full of mischief First By Impairing the goodness and Inhaunsing the price of of Salt Soap Beer Coles Secondly under colour of which Trade was restrained to a few hands Thirdly and many illegally Imprisoned The great and unparallel grievance of ship-mony being aggravated not suspected by the Iudgment which is not grounded upon Law Custome President or Authority It being improper for a case of necessity in abounding vanity of mischiefs as First The general extent to all persons all times and the subject left remediless Secondly the arbitrary proportion without limits Thirdly Imposed by writ and disposed by instructions Improper for the office of a Sheriffe in the Inland Countries and inconvenient for the Inhabitants without rule or sutable means for the levying or mannaging of it The Inlargment of forrest beyond the bounds of the Statutes the seven and twentieth and eight and twentieth Edward 1. which perambulations then were the cause after of that famous Charter Charta de foresta and now reviving these old questions new distempers may follow the particular obliquities he numbred thus First Surreptitious proceedings as in Essex yet that verdict was inforced in other Counties and a Iudgment upon the matter after three or four hundred years quiet possession of the subject enforced to compound for great sines The selling of nusances The King as a father of the Common-wealth is to take care of the publique Commodities and advantages of the Subjects as Rivers High-waies Common-sewers by ordinary writs ad quod damnum but now by a course extrajudicial by
allowing to the King onely Primus accubitus in coenis And why onely Stephen Was it not voted by Act of the Parliament at Oxford and concluded in several Articles That Edward 2. life was taken away by Bishop Thorlton The story is that this Man Adam de Orlton was Bishop of Hereford took a Text 2 Kings 4. Caput meum aegrotat My head my head aketh whereby he advised the cure of a sick head of the Kingdom to be cut off and therefore must be guilty of his Murder afterwards Indeed there was an enigmatical Verse fathered also upon him Edvardum occidere nolite timere bonum est which Verse the Bishop utterly denied Then comes he to Edward 3. that Iohn Arch-bishop of Canterbury incited the King and Parliament to a bloudy War with France And why John Was it not voted in Parliament where all the Peers were as hot upon it as he Indeed because the Clergie in those days spake better sense than an ignorant unlearned Lord many Historians father the ill success of former actions upon them Promotors of the Designs as if in re stulta sapientes and in malo publico facundi That in Parliament the Laity offered Richard 2. a Fifteenth if the Clergy would also give a Tenth and a half which William le â—ourtney Arch-bishop opposed as not to be taxed by the Laity and thereupon the Lords besought the King to deprive them of their Temporalities thereby says he to humble them to humble them and damn the Authours of Sacrilege and cruelty yet were they mercifull not to take away all Spiritualities also Then follows H. 4. an Usurper he says and that the Bish. of Carlile opposes him in a Speech and therein so reasonable was the cause just I cannot say that the Lords combined to depose him for there were living of the House of Clarence Title to precede his of Mortimer for whom five other Bishops went Ambassadours abroad to get assistance and those Bishops also scape not the censure of doing evil by justifying this others Right to the Crown and deposed him also but then it was so voted in Parliament and therefore not all the blame to be laid upon those Bishops that acted but their part and it is true that in a Parliament in that Kings Reign a Bill was exhibited against the Temporalities of the Clergie but not passed Parliamentum indoctorum says one and the Commons fitter to enter Common with their Cattle Henry 5. succeeds he says who was incited by Arch-bishop Chidley to revive his Title to France with the effusion of much bloud and ill success And was it not true that the King had good Title to France And the same cause had Edward 3. And as just was it against the domestick Title of Henry 4. and so in sum in either of the Bishops by their Council You say it was not the Office of Bishops to incense Wars either Domestick or Foreign But then Policy is pickt up for a Reason being you say to divert the King from reforming the Clergy That in the time of Henry 6. the Protectour Duke of Glocester accused Beaufort Cardinal of Winchester But then take all the story he was also Chancellour of England great Uncle to this King Son to John of Gaunt and his Brother Cardinal of York and the greatest Crime intended was because of his greatness which the Protectour durst not trust and therefore devised a Charge of which he was not guilty but acquitted by Parliament Edward 4. follows who was taken Prisoner he says by Arch-Bishop Nevil declaring him an Usurper and entailed the Crowns of England and France upon Henry and his Issue male and in default upon Clarence disabling King Edward's eldest Brother He was a party in the Plot if there were any but then take the Junto of the Authours it was the power of that great Warwick and others that did create and unmake Kings at pleasure the confusion of the right submitting to power whether right or wrong Edward 5. his Crown was by the Prelates placed on his murderous Uncle Richard 3. the Cardinal Archbishop taking the Brother Richard out of Sanctuary that so both of them might be taken away That Cardinal was a great Actour therein but the Duke of Bukingham did the business upon whose head the Cardinal would have set the Crown who had no right thereto Henry 7. he says was perswaded by the same Cardinal Morton and prevailed to the Crown He might assist therein what honest English man would not have done so But to say that the Cardinal was the main Instrument we shall want the force of all Arguments but Gods good Providence Henry 8. called the Bishops half Subjects to him Wolsey and Campeius refused to give Judgment for his Divorce Numbring up against them the Petitions Supplications and Complaints of godly Ministers Doctour Barns Latimer Tyndal Bean and others And were not some of these godly men Bishops also That the Statutes of 31 Henry 8. yet in force against them That in Anno 37. Letters Patents were granted to Lay-men to exercise all manner of Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction as the Kings Officers not the Bishops Let us never deduce Reason or Iustice from that Kings Actions more like an Atheist than a Christian either Ecclesiastical or Temporal besides the Mutation and Change of Religion then not affording any good President in either kinde But thus much as in excuse was in time of Popery He proceeds to others no less detestable he says nay more heinous since the Reformation but with this Proviso that in the Reigns of all the succeeding Sovereigns to this present he charging those reverend Bishops good men chief Pillars of the Church great Lights of Learning they doing those things as Bishops which he believes they would not have done as private Ministers to hold their Bishopricks to please great Lords Princes Kings and Emperours have not onely yielded but perswaded to introduce Idolatry to dis-inherit right Heirs to Kingdoms and force good Princes to Acts unnatural and unjust But he is not against Episcopacy or a Church-government but so much degenerate it is from the first substance Vox praeterea nihil yet would not have it demolished till a better Model be found out God-a-mercy for that And presently he charges Arch-bishop Cranmer and Bishop Ridley for perswading Edward 6. that the Lady Mary might be permitted Mass in her own Chapel more like Politicians than Divines though not prevailing with that pious Prince She was the right Heir apparent to her Brother and the onely right Issue to the Crown begotten no doubt in lawfull Matrimony bred up in Romish and the might of Charls the Emperour would and did in Reason and Policy afford her liberty of her Profession without any scandal upon those Bishops for their opinion therein her Mother had suffered too much injustice and it was no justice to have denied to her Daughter this desire After Edward 6. those two Bishops Cranmer and Ridley says he
contrary to the rights and power of all Monarchical Authority and also the duty allegeance and consciences of all loyal Subjects which with grief we take to heart as faithfull and loyal Subjects ought to do The Catholick Religion suppressed and put down in England and the Catholicks persecuted with all rigour even to death and the like have the Puâ—itans of this Kingdom threatned to have brought hither That there is a Law against Catholicks in this Countrey whereby the Kingdom hath been often impaired and ruined with persecutions by means whereof the Catholicks are made uâ—capable of any Office or Place of commodity or profit to the great and extraordinary decay of the Catholicks in their Estates Education and Learning That the Goverment of the Kingdom is wholly in the hands of strangers who in their beginning are generally poor of birth and means and very quickly become Noblemen and men of great Estates by oppression and ruinating the poor Natives That there hath been great threatnings of late of sending great Scotish Forces with the Bible in one hand and Sword in the other to force our consciences or end our lives besides our private report of a sudden surprisal and cutting the Catholicks throats intending which way we know not but it hath been both written and spoken by several Protestants and Puritans That the Catholicks are not allowed to have any Arms or Munition as the Protestants and Puritans were but stood like dâ—admen not able to defend themselves in such desperate Dangers All which being by them considered they saw no way but to attempt to seize upon Arms where they could get them to save their lives maintain the King and Queen their Religion and Countrey It is true that for the first Days horrid Rebellion and Butchery the Irish did forbear the Scots Plantation there knowing their good Natures to be such as to sit still and see the English destroyed so they might hope to escape and to have more room for Colonies of their own Nation it being more easie for the Irish to deal with one Nation than with both and they knew that the Scots had then in Scotland some formed Forces standing which in few hours might be transported and so to distract them before their intended progress into Rebellion To that end for a time they were spared with life but not with Gudes and Geer and so â—ad leave to return to Scotland a worse transmigration than into the other World Some pretence they make declaring in the sight of God and the World their Intentions and Resolutions to the last Man with their Lives Estates and Fortunes to endeavour the advancement and preservation of his Majesties service and Interest in that Kingdom and of all those whoever that prosecute his quarrel having no other Design or Intent but onely the free exercise of their Religion On the contrary it was wonderfull to observe what Irritations stirred up the English to revenge the Death of the Massacred and to defend the lives of those that survived A Mass of Money 300000. pounds sterling was soon raised in England but otherways disposed and great Contributions for pay of the Souldiers and Provisions and many thousands of English prepare for that War And yet so eminent was the divine wrath over England that even upon this very account our Incongruities and Feuds at home were inflamed which amongst others how intense soever yet soulder a peace for some interim Hereupon those that aimed at Innovations infused into mens mindes scruples and suspitions and though the King most intent to suppress the raging cruelty of that Rebellion by his personal hazzard to scourge their insolencies the Parliament would not consent that the War be mannaged by his Authority nor to trust the Souldiers with their Allegeance to the King nor any of them that had served him in the Scotish Expedition but such as themselves affected and he disgusted yet rather than the War should linger on those Differences he submitted to the joint authority of mannaging the same and so Patents and Commissions were signed by both King and Parliament leaving himself without power either to make peace or grant them pardon without the Parliaments consent And so by this concurrence of Affairs concerning the Rebells and mischievous Distractions in England ripening into a civil War the Parliament seize upon the collected sums of hundreds of thousand pounds for Ireland and two or three Regiments raised for that service they convert to the suppressing of the Kings War against them nay the very Benevolence begged for the relief of the perishing Evangelius they turn into pay for their Souldiery Though the Kings Souldiers having seized on some provisions sent by the Parliament towards Chester as but designed for Ireland the King upon complaint soon restored it for that service And although there appeared no evidence of truth it was rumored to the Kings dishonour that he had been Authour of that Rebellion which the King endeavours with greater validity of Reasons to retort upon the Faction of some Members of both Houses Notwithstanding these Traverses hindered not our Auxiliaries to defeat the Irish by fire devastations and slaughter of some hundreds of thousands of the Natives and to wilder that Kingdom far and near which happened alike pernicious to our selves when afterwards that the civil War in England was at the heighth victuals provision cloaths and pay failing our Souldiers in Ireland it is beyond the reach of expression how miserably our Countrey-men suffered there and the Parliaments help failing their daily Invocations for relief the Privy Counsellours of that Kingdom Commanders and Souldiers by peâ—itionary Letters to the King earnestly beg leave to depart and to be remanded any where else save against such an Enemy as Hunger The King either for necessity or prudence the Scots coming into the Parliament he being thereby reduced to an inequality of fight here at home makes a Cessation with the Irish for a year onely and so endeavours a peace to ensue leaving sufficient Garisons behinde the Souldiers return for the Kings assistance whose part began to totter But the Scots party in Ulster refuse to be bound by the Cessation and some English in Conaught and Ulster of a like conniving Faction But the Lord Inchequin Commander in chief of the Munster Forces comes over with some thousands to the Kings aid but not well resenting his entertainment withdraws himself into Ireland and gains all the Kings party of Cork and Munster to the Parliament and to a detestation of the Cessation they instantly sending him and the Scots Forces fresh aid of money and provisions Against whom appeared three several parties though conjoyned in enmity to the English the Popes Nuntio Owen Roe and the other under command of Preston and Taff the last more moderate endeavouring the compliance with the King to confirm the Peace yet were over-born by the Popes Bull against the Cessation and Peace and so deterred their Souldiers from their fidelity and Colours
long here retarded his service of Lieutenant of Ireland commissioned the Earl of Ormond Lieutenant General of the Forces there and presently after he received a confirmation of that charge from the King in Scotland together with the sum of twenty thousand pounds in Spanish pieces of Eight which passed there in Ireland for four pence more in each piece which the Merchants had for assuring the Money thither and all landed safe when upon the one and twentieth of November News came that the Rebells were in March and in sight of Tredagh which expected a present Siege to whom some small Relief was sent Novemb. 17. The Mill Mount in the Town of Tredagh the most defensive for the Guard of Meath side was fortified with four Guns The whole County of Louth scarce a Gentleman that was not a Papist excepted were drawn into this Conspiracy so that they were beset on that side of the Town Northward with five thousand or as their own List reported eight thousand The Infection spread over the Town One Stanley a Parliament Burgess there and created a Captain and many others nay the Sheriff of the County revolted Knight of the Shire also from us to Rebellion He with Stanley were used Commissioners from them to the Town upon pretended Treaties but to espy upon our Actions who were received not amiss as to protract time They pretended to Accommodation in respect of their Estates in the Town professing extraordinary affection to the Lord Moor advising him to retreat to his house Mellifont or any of their Castles where his Father lived secure during Tyrone's Rebellion and proffered him to be their General of all Meath and Louth and satisfaction forthwith to him and his Tenants for any Detriments this they did to draw from the Protestants such a noble and right faithfull Commander And so much cunning the Conspiratours used every where at the first that the State had sent aid into several Counties even unto such as proved Enemies which were understood by the Lord Moor and prevented in their way above more than a thousand Arms. The Lord Gormonston by petition procured five hundred Arms to his own house for securing of Meath which the Enemy waited to surprize but was discovered and the Arms brought to Tredagh by the Lord Mainman with a Fortnights pay for the Regiments which served them for twenty Weeks after The Parliament now drawing on the Lord Moor came to Dublin making most noble offers to raise six hundred men more Clothes and Pay till Supplies from England conditional that the four Companies in Tredagh not yet affixed to any Regiment might be added to his command there to make up a thousand by which Dundalk Aberdy and the whole County of Louth might have been secured but this not accepted yet the very offer being publick the Rebells thereat enraged took opportunity likewise of his absence and plundered his Estate to the purpose He was the onely Protestant Lord of the Pale except the Earl of Kildare and the Lord Hoath It was of a Sunday November 21. in the Morning that Mellifont three Miles off was beset and therefore two hundred Foot and a Troop of Horse was commanded out of Tredagh to aid the Forces there already when the Enemy marches down Tallihascot Hill with a thousand which gave a stop and the Men designed were staid in expectation of the Enemy to fall upon the Town which proved but to divert whilest fifteen hundred from several parts were drawing towards Mellifont The Forces there were but four and twenty Muskets and fifteen Horse some Servants and two Scouts abroad one of them cut off the other pursued to the Gates with a Note in writing from Mac Mahon directed to the Warders of the House to surrender upon Quarter and withall a Bullet for a Token The Quarter-master of the Troop boldly bid his Master do his worst they would never yield to Traitours The Enemy was lodged on the top of the hill their foot by marching over the Garden sides in multitudes whom those few from the house forced to retreat four or five times and ere long killed 140. and might have been made up to many hundreds had they not wanted powder having but six shot a peece cutting their bullets in halfes and to make even with their powder rammed in five or six together and did great execution Not a Man lost till all their powder was spent At their entrance the Serjeant did his best with his Halbert thrust some through others their braines broken out These at last yielded upon quarter whom yet they threw out of the window the horse unable to hold out opened the Gates made a desperate charge through the thickest and came safe to Drogheda The Enemy slew in all thirteen And one the next day being alive with fourty wounds they hacked him to death with their skeens An old Gentleman of eighty years they seized to shew them the house who brought them into the wine cellar and having well drunken they run him through and so to another blind Man they cut his throat so inraged they killed the dogs plundered and defaced the house to the loss of 2000. l. stripped the women and so departed so did another ruder rabble of the Tenants devastating all in one night And yet after all this the Lord Moor authorized by Parliament to treat with them they proffered to him all assurances of satisfaction on his part if he would turn to their side offered a Cessation till a Messenger might be â—ent to the King but all their pretences were feigned talking of the Kings prerogative That the Lord Deputy might be of their own Nation of their own pressures to have freedom of Religion which they alwaies confidently avouched confessing that their Priests and Fryars instigated them to this Rebellion as indeed was too true There was a rumour that O relies having taken Kebs Abracen and the Navan advanced from the County of Cavan towards Tredagh whereupon the State sent supplies thither but miscarried The two and twentieth of November 600. foot and 50. horse seâ— out of Dublin towards Tredagh marching but six miles that night to Swores and had advice to hasten thither the next day accordingly the Governour issued out with a sufficient force of foot and horse to meet them but in a Mutiny the other souldiers would go no further than Balradbury six miles more the next day somewhat on this side the bridge of Gillingstone in a great stubble field they were met with 2000. of the Enemy and in a fog were within Musket shot ere diâ—cried The Captain drew up the Rebels making a stand did so also And although his men seemed forward to fight yet commanded a Counter march in which compelled to take a ditch the Enemy misjudging it a flight began to shout which so afrighted them into confusion that they were charged and the most slain Two Captaines killed and the other three in all with one ensign escaped the 50.
cannot doubt of his Subjects affections for he acknowledges the joyfull reception at his now entring into London He bringing as perfect affections to his People as ever Prince did or as good Subjects can possibly desire and is as far from repenting any good that he hath done this Session that he resolves to grant what else can be justly desired in point of Liberties or in maintenance of the true Religion Particularly he commends unto them the state of Ireland the prâ—paratâ—ons going on but slowly which is the cause that two Lords are arrived from 〈◊〉 who come instructâ—d from his Council there to aâ—swâ—r that demanâ— which both Houses made by Petition that met him at Bâ—rwick and which the Duke of Richmond did send back by the Kings command to his Scotish Council Therefore desires the Houses to appoint a Committee tâ— end the business with these two Lords Then because no Jealousie should aâ—ise concerning Religion he settles his Command for obedience to the Laws ordained for that purpose and Proclaimes the tenth of December That Divine service be performed in England and Wales according to the Laws and Statutes and that obedience be given by all people to the same And that all Ministers Ecclesiastâ—cal and Temporal do put the said Acts of Parliament in due execution against all contemners and disturbers of Divine service and that no Persons Vicars or Curates introduce any Rite or Ceremony other then these established by the Laws of this Land And two daies after he publishes his Proclamation That all the Members of both Houses repair to the Parliament at or before the twelfth of Januâ—ry next for continuance thereof c. And being come He salutes them thus the fourteenth of December Because thâ—y delaied the consideration of thâ— most iâ—portant business Ireland he reminds them that at his last presence He recommended to them the lamentable condition of the affaires of Ireland and the miserable condition of the Protestants there That he will not wast time to tell them the detestation he bears to Rebellion in General and of this in particular but knowing that Deeds and not Declarations must suppress this great insolencie therefore he offers his paines power and industry to contribute to this necessary work of reducing the Irâ—sh to obedience That for the Bill for pressing of Souldiers lodged with the Lords but if it come to him he promiseth to pass it And because some had started the question into a dispute concerning the â—â—unds of the Kings prerogative herein He offers to avoide such dâ—bate that the Bill shall pass with a Salvo Jure both for King and People and concludes Conjuring them by all that is or can be dear to them or him to hasten with speed the business of Ireland No sooner said but they Petitioned Him with what they had in readiness for priviledge of Parliaments being their Birth rights Declaring with all duty and reverence That the King ought not to take notice of any matter in agitation and debaâ—e in either Houses 〈◊〉 by their Information Nor ought not to propound any Condition Provision or limitation to any Bill or Act in debate or preparation or to manifest or declare his consent or discent approbation or dislike beforâ— it be presented in course Nor ought to be displeased with any debate of Parliament they being Iudges of their own errors and offences in debating matters depending That these priviledges have been broken of late in the speech of his Majesty on Thursday last the fourteenth of December particularly in mentioning the Bill for Impress offering also a Provisional clause by a Salvo Jure before it was presented and with all they take notice of his Majesties displeasure against such as moved a question concerning the same And they desire to know the names of such persons as reduced his Majesty to that Item that he may be punished as they his great Council shall advise his Majesty The King seeing them setled in this posture and to doe nothing till the Kings answer satisfactory to their Petition He with some regret withdrawes to Hampton Court hoping that his absence might take off the occasion of presenting him with such Exceptions But the next day they apoint a Committee to follow him thither having had time enough in their recess and the Kings being in Scotland to form matter enough to perplex him for now they speak plain all the whole frame of Government is out of tune which they Remonstrate as the State of the Kingdome which they accompany with a Petition But there fell out an Accident in Scotland whilst the King was there concerning the two Marquesses Hamilton and Arguile upon some information that their Persons were in danger they both withdrew from the Parliament of Scotland and for some daies removed out of Edenburgh the suggestions were examined in that Parliament where they had power enough yet nothing was apparent to their prejudice and the examinations upon the whole matter sent hither by the King to the Parliament in England such strange glosses and interpretations were made upon that accident reflecting upon the King and his honour as if at the same time there had been such a design to have been acted here as they had fancied there And a suddain resolution was taken here first by the Committee during the recess after by the Houses to have a Guarâ— for the defence of London and Westminster and both the Houses of Parliament which made some impression in the minds of the best Subjects in a time when they were newly freed from the fears of Two Armies to be now again awakened with the apprehension of dangers of which seeing no ground they were to expect no end But matters thus stated and all possible cunning used by a faction and their Emissaries the Ministers at this time when the clamour was raised of the unlawfulness that the Clergy should meddle in temporal affaires were their chief Agents imployed to derive their seditious directions to the people And were for a week together attending the doores of both Houses to be sent in their errands to inforce the most desperate feares in the minds of all men that could be imagined and to be sure that the memory of former bitterness might not slacken They therefore provide for the Kings Intertainment against his return to London a Remonstrance of the state of the Kingdome herein laying before the King all the mistakes all the misfortunes which had happened since his first coming to the Crown and before to that houre forgetting the blessed condition notwithstanding the unhappy mixture which all the Subjects had enjoyed by peace and plenty under this King to the envy of Christendome Objecting to the King therein the actions of some nay the thoughts of others and reproaching him with things which he after professes never entred into his Imaginations not to his knowledge into the thoughts of any other therein reviling the King to the people and complaining of
and plenty comparatively in respect of their Neighbours but even of those times which were justly accounted Fortunate Their Fears and Jealousies he supposes may be either for Religion or Liberty and their civil Interests the Fears for Religion to be invaded by the Romish party by any favour or inclination to them he professes that as he hath been bred up and practised the Religion now here established and as he believes he can maintain the same by unanswerable Reasons so he is ready if need be to seal with his bloud Having always been as much to the evidence of his care and duty herein as he could tell possibly how to express And for matters indifferent in reference to tender consciences he will comply with the advice in Parliament being to be pursued with temper and submission not with bold licence of scandalous Pamphlets and seditious Sermons against him and his Government a fit Prologue to Confusion upon the very profession of this Religion in England Concerning the civil Liberties and Interests of Subjects His Princely care of the Subjects this Parliament in passing Laws so large and ample that many sober men can wish for no better He understood well the Right and pretences of Right which he parted from in the Bill Triennial for continuance also of this Parliament Bill of Tunnage and Poundage taking away High Commission and Star Chamber Courts and in a word all Doubts secured by the Triennial Parliament but he had rather his grace and favours might be valued in the hearts of his people than in any mention of his own If these Resolutions be the effects of his present Councils as he takes God to witness they are no ill Design can follow why should he and they suffer under Misunderstandings If he hath or shall be mistaken in his Election of them the particular shall be no sooner discovered to him than he will leave them to justice But if any shall under colour of this endeavour to lessen his Reputation and Interest and to weaken his lawfull power and Authority with his good Subjects and to loosen the Bonds of Governments and so all Disorder and Confusion break in upon us he doubts not that God in his due time will discover them If his Intentions be thus clear and his part to be fully performed and that the peoples quiet depends upon themselves and as he will observe the Laws himself so he will maintain them against any opposition though with the hazzard of his own being And he hopes not onely their Loyalty and good affection will concur with him in preserving a good understanding between him and his people but at this time the bleeding condition of Ireland will invite them to unity for Relief of that unhappy Kingdom to which he hath lately offered to raise ten thousand English Voluntiers for that Service though it hath been most falsly whispered the want of alacrity in him which he acknowledges a high crime to Almighty God if he should be guilty thereof And conjures all his good Subjects of what degree soever by the Bonds of Love Duty Obedience to remove all Doubts and Fears and then if the sins of this Nation have not prepared an inevitable Iudgment for us all God will yet make him a glorious King over a free and happy People During this time the loose people of the City and the Mechanick sort of Prentices were encouraged by the Ministers Lecturers and other incendiaries in tumultary manner to come down to Westminster and by the way at Whitehal to be insolent in words and actions which caused the King to command the Major to call a common Council to receave his Majesties pleasure which was then brought by the Chancellor of the Duchy To signifie to them the late riotous assembly of people about his Palaces of Whitehal and Westminster and commands their care to prevent the like especially these ensuing holidaies or that by the late loyal affections of the City to him he cannot understand it of them to have any share therein but only the unruly people of the suburbs and as he is confident of their affections so he bids them be assured of his care and protection not to be disturbed by jealousies and fears Hereupon a double watch and guard kept the rabble in some Order And though the Houses kept Christmas at Westminster having much business and doing very little to the Kings desires He again sends a Message to the Lords House by the Lord Chamberlaine the eight and twentieth of December That being sensible of the miseries of Ireland and yet the succours so slow he will as he hath offered raise 10000. Voluntiers if the Commons will undertake to pay them And to express his detestation of that Rebellioâ— and the care that he hath of suppressing their Insolencies He publishes this Manifesto the first of Ianuary By the King Whereas divers lewd and wicked persons have of late risen in Rebellion in our Kingdome of Ireland in surprizing our Forts Garisons Arms and Munition disposessed many good subjects of the British Nations and Protestants of their Houses Lands and goods Massacred multitudes of them c. we do therefore declare our just indignation thereof and denounce them Rebells and Traitors with all such as adhere and abet them Commanding them immediately to lay down their Arms. Having authorized his Iustices of Ireland and other his Governour Governours General or Lieutenant General of his Army there to prosecute them with fire and sword and to be countenanced and supported by him and his powerful succours assisted by his good subjects of England and this his royal pleasure he commands his Iustices and other his Officers there to proclaim throughout the Kingdom of Ireland The King having intelligence of some high misdemeanours of suâ—dry of the Members of the Commons House and setting a narrow watch and spies upon their private meetings found that a Junto of them had designed a correspondence with the Scots and countenanced these late Tumults from the City He commanded Sir William Killegrew and Sir William Fleming by warrant to repair unto the Lodgings of several persons Members of the House of Commons to seale up their Trunks Studies and Chambers by name the Lord Kimbolton Iohn Pym Iohn Hambden Denzil Hollis Sir Arthur Hasserig and William Strode but whether that they had timely notice their persons were not to be met with but their Truncks and papers were seized and whilst a doing the House hears of it and instantly vote Die Lunae Ianuary 3. 1641. That if any person whatsoever shall come to the Lodgings of any Member of this House and then offer to seale the Truncks doores or papers of either of them or seize upon their persons such Members shall require the aid of the Constable to keep such persons in safe custody till This House do give further Order And that if any person whatsoever shall offer to arrest or detain the person of any Member without first
but three Days before at Guild-hall satisfied most of these Particulars yet he was pleased to return them an Answer That he cannot possibly express a greater sense of Ireland than he hath done and hopes by assistance of the Parliament may be effected to which he will contribute all his power And he hath removed a Servant of good trust and reputation from the charge of the Tower onely to satisfie the Cities Fears whose safety is as his own And for the fortifying of White-hall they must needs know of the Tumult there and at Westminster his own person endangered and if any Citizens were wounded it happened by their own corrupt Demeanours That his going to the House of Commons with his Attendance onely nor otherwise armed but as Gentlemen with Swords was to apprehend those five Members for Treason to which the Privileges of Parliament can extend nor to Felony nor Breach of the Peace against whom his Majesty intends lawfully to proceed with justice and favour And is confident that this his extraordinary way of satisfying a Petition of so unusual a nature will appear to be the greatest Instance of his clear Intentions to the Citie c. And because the proceedings against the five Members as they are numbered besides Kimbolton begat much Dispute and willing the King was to retrive his former Actings therein is now pleased by Mâ—ssage to both Houses to wave his former proceedings in reference to the Privileges of Parliament and all Doubts being thereby settled when the mindes of men are composed he will proceed thereupon in an unquestionable way and upon all occasions be carefull of their Privileges as of his Life or Crown But the House was hot upon it to dispatch the business to some issue and to that end the County of Bucks petition the King for Iohn Hambden their Knight of the Shire against whom and other Members in the manner of their Impeachment of Treason they conceive it to oppugn the Rights of Parliament being rather by the malice of their Enemies than their Deserts the Petitioners and others being through their sides wounded in their judgment and care by whose choice they were presented And pray that Master Hambden and the rest that ly under the burden or Accusation may enjoy their just Privilâ—ges But such increase and Numbers of ordinary people flocked tumultuously about White-hall and Westminster that the King Queen Prince and Duke of York were forced for security of their persons to retâ—re to Hampton Court being necessitated to consider of sufficient Forces about his Court as a Guard To whose aid came divers of the Gentry giving some cause of suspition to increase into a Number which the Parliament jealously considered And therefore now the King being in better leisure takes some time before he gives Answer to the Buckingham Petition concerning the five Members who were guarded to Westminster by Water with hundreds of Boats Barges Flags of Triumph by the Seamen and a Rabble of such other by Land braving and threatning as they passed by Whitehall Hereupon occasion is given to offer to the view of the World what were the Kings Reasons to retire from Westminster by his own Relation With what willingness says the King I with-drew from Westminster let them judg who unprovided of tackling and victual are forced to Sea by Storm yet better do so than venture splitting or sinking on a Lee-shore I staied at White-hall till I was driven away by shame more than fear to see the barbarous rudeness of those Tumults who resolved they would take the boldness to demand anie thing and not leave either my self or the Members of Parliament the libertie of our Reason and Conscience to denie them anie thing Nor was this intolerable oppression my case alone though chiefly mine for the Lords and Commons might be content to be over-voted by the major part of their Houses when they had used each their own freedom Whose agreeing Votes were not by anie Law or Reason conclusive to my Iudgment nor can they include or carrie with them my consent whom they represent not in anie kinde Nor am I further bound to agree with the Votes of both Houses than I see them agree with the will of God with my just Rights as a King and the general good of my People I see that as many men they are seldom of one minde and I may oft see that the major part of them are not in the right I had formerly declared to sober and moderate mindes how desirous I was to give all just content when I agreed to so many Bills which had been enough to secure and satisfie all If some mens Hydropick insatiableness had not learned to thirst the more by how much the more they drank whom no fountain of royal bountie was able to overcome so resolved they seemed either utterly to exhaust it or barbarously to obstruct it Sure it ceases to be Counsel when not Reason is used as to men to perswade but force and terrour as to beasts to drive and compell men to assent to whatever tumultuarie patrons shall project He deserves to be a slave without pitie or redemption that is content to have the rational Sovereigntie of his Soul and Libertie of his Will and Words so captivated Nor do I think my Kingdoms so considerable as to preserve them with the forfeiture of that freedom which cannot be denied me as a King because it belongs to me as a Man and a Christian owning the Dictates of none but God to be above me as obliging me to consent Better for me to die enjoying this Empire of my Soul which subjects me onely to God so far as by Reason or Religion he directs me than live with the Title of a King if it should carrie such a Vassallage with it as not to suffer me to use my Reason and Conscience in what I declare as a King to like or dislike So far am I from thinking the Majestie of the Crown of England to be bound by anie Coronation-Oath in a blinde and brutish formalitie to consent to whatever its subjects in Parliament shall require as some men will needs infer while denying me anie power of a Negative Voice as King they are not ashamed to seek to deprive me of the Libertie of using my Reason with a good Conscience which themselves and all the Commons of England enjoie proportionable to their influence on the Publick who would take it verie ill to be urged not to denie whatever my self as King or the House of Peers with me should not so much desire as enjoin them to pass I think my Oath fully discharged in that point by my Governing onely by such Laws as my People with the House of Peers have chosen and my self have consented to I shall never think my self conscienciously tied to go as oft against my Conscience as I should consent to such new Proposals which my Reason in Iustice Honour and Religion bids me
of a known Fortune and unquestionable Reputation wonders that he should be pressed to remove him without any particular Charge objected against him and therefore untill some just Exception be he is obliged to preserve his own work lest his favour and good opinion become a mis-fortune to his Servants As for his Forts and Castles of this Kingdom they shall alwaies remain in such hands as the Parliament may conâ—ide in which being the inseperable Flowers of the Crown vested in him derivative from his Ancestours by the Fuâ—damental Laws of the Kingdom he will reserve to himself and to bestow them as their Eminencie shall not be disproved by his Parliament For the Militia which by Law is subject to no command but his own when any particular course shall be digested by them for ordering the same inreference to his honour and safetie of the Kingdom He will then return to them a satisfactorie Answer therein And that he having granted to them more than ever any King hath done they will not ask more than ever any Subjects have desired And therefore conjures them by all the Acts of Dutie and Favour which they have received by their hopes of future happiness by their love of Religion and peace of the Kingdom in which that of Ireland cannot be forgotten That they will not be transported by unâ—â—cessarie Iealousies and Fears but that they will speedily pursue the proposed way by his former Messages to compose the Distractions of this Kingdom Nor was this satisfactory but that again they petition for the same and for his Majesties speedy and gracious Answer To which the King not over-hasty to resolve or rather not to alter from his former Resolutions therein The old way of Petitions are set on work from all Counties From the County of Suffâ—lk to the number of 1500. against the Votes of Popish Lords and Bishops in the House of Peers Ian. 31. and were answered approving their care and endeavour for the publick good with promise that the House of Commons will use their endeavour for their Desires Another Petition of 2000. Mechanicks Tradesmen about London to the same effect And were answered that the House of Commons were just now in consideration thereof The People were taught to reply that they doubted not the care of the Commons House but they were told that all their Distrust was in the House of Lords where the Popish Lords and Bâ—shops had the greatest power and there it stuck whose Names they desired to know and were so earnest that unwillingly they would withdraw whilest it was debated And afterwards had this Answer That the House of Commons had already endeavoured Relief from the Lords in their Requests and shall so continue till Redress be obtained And at the tail of these the City Dames accompanied a Petition to the like effects and were heartily treated for their care of the common good The second of February the House of Commons sent for Sir Edward Dearing one of their Members and examined him concerning his Book of all his Speeches this Parliament and some intended to be spoken in which some Particulars thereâ—n tended to the dishonour of that House and their Privileges for which he was excluded the House and his Book to be burnt at Westminster Cheapside and Smithfield and he committed to the Tower during pleasure The Committee met at Merchant-tailors Hall upon the Bill for raising four hundred thousand pounds for Ireland which was afterwaâ—ds effected but very little thereof sent to their succour A Message was sent from the Lords to the Commons that they had passed the Bill for disabling all persons in holy Orders to have any Place or Vote in Parliament or to exercise any temporal Jurisdiction which receiving some Amendments voted in the House of Commons the Bills were carried up by Sir Robert Harley to the Lords with high expressions of the Commons joy for the even Agreement and their Desire to the Lords to hasten the Bill for the King to pass But not to let him take breath for his second Answer hereto and being sensible that their five Members are lodged under the obloquy of Delinquency and under the Charge of high Treason both Houses once again petition that they may be informed within two Days what proof there is against them that they may be called to a legal Trial it being their undoubted Right that no Member of Parliament can be proceeded against without the consent of Parliament Febr. 2. And to these two Petitions presented both in a Day they receive this Answer That to the first of them when he shall know the extent of power which is extended to be established in those persons to be Commanders of the Forts and Militia and to what time limited no power shall be limited no power shall be executed by his Majestie alone without advice of Parliament so that they declare them such by Names whom he shall have just cause to refuse And to the other Petition That as he once conceived he had ground enough to accuse them so now he findes as good cause wholly to desert any prosecution of them And lest some of his Subjects may be involved in some unknowing and unwilling Errours he is ready to grant such a free and general pardon as his Parliament shall think convenient And now the Parliament considers the Kings Resolution in both those Petitions not to intrust the power of the Militia out of himself nor otherwise to clear Kimbolton and the five Members but inclusive by a general Pardon which they utterly refuse These two Demands of the Parliament necessarily depending each of the other the breach of Privileges giving them just cause of Fears and Jealousies to what excess the Kings will to do and power to execute might increase In these two therefore they as violently resolve to binde his hands and never left him till he was forced to take his leave of them which so daily follows But to prepare his affairs to his own intentions he resolves to send the Queen out of the Danger who was lately scared with a Report that the Parliament had an intent to accuse her of high Treason and that Articles were drawn up to that purpose which the Parliament excuse as a publick Scandal upon them To which she mildly makes answer That there was a general Report thereof but she never saw any Articles in writing and having no certain Authour for either she gave little credit thereto nor will she believe that they would lay any Aspersion upon her who hath ever been very unapt to mis-conster the Actions of any one person and much more the proceedings of Parliament and shall at all times wish an happy understanding between the King and his People In truth there had not been onely a Rumour abroad but a dangerous conceit that the Queen had so much power with the King as to mis-advise him and had she not resolved to be gone aside they did intend to drive her away
or to have made the Court too hot for her And therefore the King acquaints the Houses that he was pressed by the States Ambassadour to send the Princess Maria immediately into Holland to her late betrothed Husband the young Prince of Orange and upon the Queens earnest Desire to give her Majesty leave to accompany her And with her were conveyed all the King and Queens Jewels not leaving behinde any of those entailed to the Crown by his Predecessors with which and the Prince of Orange's assistance the King doubted not to raise his party considerable to oppose the Parliament But no doubt nothing could work more for the Parliaments advantage and although they were informed of the Purloin which might have been prevented and seized yet they suffered so much Treasure to be transported to be rid of all together We have time to consider to what miserable solitude the King was brought his dearest Consort the Queen and his eldest Daughter the Princess with the honour of her Court to be enforced to fly beyond Seas himself desolate enforced to withdraw from his Parliament his Privy Council from his usual residence at White-hall and from the strength and support of the City of London so wonderfully obliged to him for his grace and favour But all this appears by his own princely consideration which he expresseth thus Although I have much cause says the King to be troubled at my Wifes Departure from me and out of my Dominions yet not her absence so much as the Scandal of that necessitie which drives her away doth afflict me That she should be compelled by mine own Subjects and those pretending to be Protestants to with-draw for her safetie This being the first Example of any Protestant Subjects that have taken up Arms against their King a Protestant for I look upon this now done in England as another Act of the same Tragedie which was lately begun in Scotland the Brands of that Fire being ill quenched have kindled the like Flames here I fear such Motions so little to the adorning of the Protestant Profession may occasion a farther alienation of minde and Divorce of affections in her from that Religion which is the onely thing wherein we differ Which yet God can and I pray he would in time take away and not suffer these practises to be any obstruction to her judgment since it is the motion of those men for the most part who are yet to seek and settle their Religion for Doctrine Government and good manners and so not to be imputed to the true English Protestants who continue firm to their former settled Principles and Laws I am sorrie my Relation to so deserving a Ladie should be any occasion of her Danger and Affliction whose Merits would have served her for a protection among the savage Indians while their rudeness and barbaritie knows not so perfectly to hate all Virtues as some mens subtiltie doth among whom I yet think few are so malitious as to hate her for her self The fault is that she is my Wife All Iustice then as well as Affection commands me to studie her Securitie who is onely in Danger for my sake I am content to be tossed weather-beaten and shipwrackt so as she may be in a safe Harbour This comfort I shall enjoy by her safetie in the midst of my personal Dangers that I can perish but half if she be preserved in whose memorie and hopefull Posteritie I may yet survive the malice of mine Enemies although they should be satiated with my Bloud I must leave her and them to the Love and Loyaltie of my good Subjects and to his protection who is able to punish the Faults of Princes and no less severely to revenge the Injuries done to them by those who in all Dutie and Allegiance ought to have made good that safetie which the Laws chiefly provide for Princes But common civilitie is in vain expected from those that dispute their Loyaltie nor can it be safe for any Relation to a King to tarrie among them who are shaking hands with their Allegiance under pretence of laying faster hold on their Religion 'T is pitie so noble and peacefull a Soul should see much more suffer the rudeness of those who must make up their want of Iustice with inhumanitie and impudence Her sympathie with me in my afflictions will make her Virtues shine with greater lustre as Stars in the darkest Nights and assure the envious World that she loves me not my Fortunes Neither of us but can easily forgive since we do not much blame the unkindness of the Generalitie and Vulgar for we see God is pleased to trie both our patience by the most self-punishing sin the ingratitude of those who having eaten of our Bread and being enriched with our Bountie have scornfully lift up themselves against us and those of our own Houshold are become our Enemies I pray God lay not their sin to their charge who think to satisfie all obligations to Dutie by their Corban of Religion and can less endure to see than to sin against their Benefactours as well as their Sovereigns But even that policie of mine Enemies is so far venial as it was necessarie to their Designs by scandalous Articles and all irreverend Demeanour to seek to drive her out of my Kingdoms lest by the influence of her Example eminent for Love as a Wife and Loyaltie as a Subject she should have converted to or retained in their Love and Loyaltie all those whom they had a purpose to pervert The less I may be blest with her companie the more I will retire to God and mine own Heart whence no malice can banish her Mine Enemies may envie but they can never deprive me of the enjoyment of her Virtues while I enjoy my self It was mightily enforced then and the scandalous suspition continues to this Day That at the Kings late being in Scotland when the Irish Rebellion then brake out the Plot and contrivance was there hatched Not so horrid as it fell out to be a monstrous Massacre of all the Protestants but it was surmised that a Mutiny or shew of Insurrection there might be an occasion of raising Forces here for to subdue them and so to be made usefull in reducing the Parliament to Reason And to increase that opinion it hath been objected that how earnestly the King was fain to urge the Parliament for that Relief very often to reminde them of the Misery which they could not but deeply resent yet never was too hasty nor at all willing to intrust any power of Arms to the Kings dispose much less for him in person to be their General as he often offered To add to all it had been considered in Parliament how generally the Papists flocked over to Ireland and though the Houses had ordered a strict Examination for prevention thereof yet it was complained of by Master Pym at a Conference and printed by their Order That since the stop upon the Ports against
and to be published in all Churches c. May 5. And the Parliament finding no other way to encounter the King but by putting the people into a posture of War do require all persons in authority by virtue of their late Ordinance of the Militia to put the same in execution which by the Kings answer declares to be no legal power in any of the Houses and commands no Subject whatsoever to obey it And forthwith summons the Gentry of the County to York to whom he complains of all these illegal proceedings of the Parliament to the danger of his person and tells them his intent to have a Guard onely to secure his person in which he desires their assistance and the rather because the Members that came with the last Message to the King return not back but reside at York in whose presence all these passages were performed yet staid they here as a Committee to out-face the Kings actions keeping themselves in a double capacity as a Committee of Parliament and Free-holders of the County as they were all What Counsellours the King had at this time I finde not onely the Secretary Nicholas for as yet his affairs were but hatching at York the Parliament having spun out their business with humble and specious shews which amazed most men into some hopes of good effects those that could more narrowly pry into their actions and but Neuters were soon seized and presently questioned especially if he appeared a publick person of estate or interest Amongst whom Sir Thomas Gardner Recorder of London for six years last past was now impeached upon Articles drawn from Anno 1638. For advising the Mayor Sir Maurice Abbot and Common Council to pay the Tax of Ship-money and to levie the Loan-money for raising three thousand of the Trained Bands for the Kings service in his Expedition then against his good Subjects of Scotland That in 1639. he advised the Mayor Sir Henry Garraway and Common Council to impress Clothe and Conduct two hundred Citizens to serve in the said War against Scotland That he prevented the Citie Petition to the King against certain illegal Taxes and Levies That in May 1640. he perswaded them to lend to the King ten thousand pounds for that War against his good Subjects of Scotland And prevented sundry intendments of thousands of the Citie in December last to petition the House of Commons not to be diverted in their just way of proceedings That in January last he crossed the Order of the Commons House and the Citie election of the Committee for the Militia And advised two scandalous Petitions from the Citie to the King and to the Parliament viz. that the ordering of the Citie Arms was annexed to the Majoraltie and if otherwise conferred upon others it would reflect upon this Custome which every Free-man was bound to maintain And these were the high crimes for which they endeavour to hang him but he was carefull therein and got to the King May 5. Upon several Summons the County of York had meetings the Parliament Committee being there over-counselling the Free-holders in private prevailed with some of them by Protestation to oppose the Knights and Gentry who were willing to raise a Guard for the King And the Parliament declaring that it is against the Laws that any of his Subjects should attend him at his pleasure but such as are bound to it by special service and that such as do are disturbers of the peace and command the Sheriff to oppose any such with the power of the Countie and all people whatsoever to assist them herein May 17. In what miserable condition the people of the Kingdom were reduced unto no publick Officer knew how to command or Subject how or whom to obey so differing were their duties depending on several authorities thus distinct onely those for the King directly in love and duty for the other in fear or gain and so wrought upon gave the advantage on the Parliaments part whereas the the Kings assistance was purchased out of the fire of faithfull affections yet all ways and means of Prerogative were used as now for the King to adjourn the next Term to York which the Parliament vote illegal and order that the Lord Keeper Littleton issue out no Writs or seal any Proclamations to that end May 17. And now Designs being ripened into action the people are called upon and invited to a belief of the Parliaments just proceedings and the Kings mis-actions being guided by a malignant party summed up into a very large Declaration of the nineteenth of May ripping up all their former complaints and grievances from the first day of this Parliament to the date hereof in effect the very Exceptions and Repetitions formerly mentioned and controverted between the King and them even from the first dispute for the Militia the misprision of Kimbolton and the five Members Remembering the intended War against Scotland being a Design they say to alter Religion by thâ—se wicked Councils of the King from which God did deliver us never to be forgotten That the Rebellion in Ireland hath been countenanced by evil counsel about the King The Proclamation whereby they were declared Traitours was so long with-held as to the second of Ianuary though the Rebellion brake forth in October before and then but fourty Copies appointed to be printed nor any of them to be published without the Kings pleasure signified and so but a few onely could take notice thereof but the proceedings against the Scots were quick and sharp forthwith by Proclamations dispersed throughout all the Kingdom with publick Prayers and Execrations But to repeat the particulars they are but the same said over again The King calls it a Book and so for the bulk it may well be intituled and to answer each particular must needs be very tedious as himself professes His small malignant Iunto Council as the Parliament calls them to replie to their numbers of several Committees in these proceedings But the King being never weary of any of any pains to undeceive his people of these mischievous infusions daily instilled to corrupt their loyalty gives them answer the next day after the twentieth of May in effect what he had said as before recited in their due time and place The Parliaments complaints were always forced The Kings answers more ingenious and natural in the opinion of indifferent observers The Parliaments onely to amuze the people and to steal away their allegeance and duty to themselves and otherwise it had been but loss of time and business to answer or to reply And at length though penned on both sides with wit and art the wiser sort of the Subjects whom it most concerned were astonished at the reading of either But indeed as to the Kings connivence at or want of zeal against the Rebellion of Ireland so often hinted and now put home upon the Kings score He answers That he then being in Scotland immediately recommended the care of the business to the
Parliament here after he had â—itted Supplies thither from Scotland and after his return hither he observed such forms for that service as his Council in Ireland did advise they desiring the Proclamation no sooner nor so many by twenty to be by him signed which he did and printed them for haste and sent them over which divers of the Members of both Houses here well know who are the more to blame to suffer such an envious aspersion upon the King when themselves could satisfie the action And wishes that they could with aâ— good a conscience call God to witness that all their counsels and endeavours have been free from private aims personal respects or passions whatsoever as he hath done and does And was it not time for our Brethren of Scotland to put in their Sickle into our Harvest besides their being invited their late entertainment of Fidlers have in England set their wheel a going The King had written a Letter to his Scotish privy Council there of the State of his affairs here Declaring and clearing such imputations which the Parliament endeavoured to fix upon him and his mis-governing together with the indignities and intrenchments upon his person and honour which he is assured will be tender in their natural affection rather to be kindled than extinguished by his distress to which their Covenant bindes them by Oath and Subscription and clears the calumniation to be popishly affected to be guilty of the bloudshed in Ireland to bring in foreign Forces Wherein he calls God to witness he is falsly aspersed And who ever hereafter shall distrust this his Declaration the fault is in the malignitie of their rebellious humours and no ways deserved by him This so wrought upon the hearts of the Scots for that time that I know not how such a Petition was framed by the Nobility and people of the whole Nation and presented to the Council as more could not be required from the most faithfull and indulgent Subject humbly shewing in effect That to call in question the Kings royal zeal and resolution of preserving the Religion Laws and Liberties of these his Kingdoms is so undoubted as after so many reiterated asseverations emitted in his Declarations and Answers and so many evidences of his justice and wisdom cannot be conserved in any but an unchristian distrust And therefore justly challenges from them all due respect to his sacred Majestie by so many ties and titles so much professed and promised by them in their solemn Oath and national Covenant and Oath at his Coronation to defend and maintain the person greatness and authoritie of our dread Sovereign as by the Act of General Assemblie we have all sworn and signed and therefore are bound to represent to their Lordships their humble desires to be assured and known to his Majestie of their loyaltie and resolution And that some course may be taken to the view of the world that they intend the brotherly and blessed conjunction of both Nations happily united in loyaltie and subjection to our Sovereign tending nor intending as they attest God the Searcher of all hearts for any other end but performance of their humble dutie to their dread Sovereign to which they are bound by all ties of Nature Christianitie and Gratitude and to which they crave their Lordships to contribute their wisdoms and and speedie answer hereto May 20. A man would be amazed to finde other effects hereafter of this most serious Protestation which in a word came to this end they sold this their dread Sovereign Lord and King to the death and execution for a piece of money The Parliament hear of this and turn the Scale for eight days after the Scots Council do declare their earnest desires both to King and Parliament to joyn in a perfect union imbracing his Majesties expressions to them of his religious care of the Liberties and Laws of both Kingdomes And do in like manner with brotherly reciprocal affections acknowledg the care and zeal of the Parliament of England to keep a right undâ—rstanding betwixt the two Nations as both the Parliaments have avowed to each other And although they neither will nor should meddle with publick actions of any other Kingdom but as they are called yet since the Parliament of England have drawn the former practices of the Parliament of Scotland into example of Declaration they humbly desire the King to hearken to his greatest his best and most unparalleld Council And utterly disswade the King from any personal journey into Ireland and that a Mediation may be at home ere the wound be wider or the breach deeper To which end they have sent with this Message the E. Loudon Chancellour of Scotland who will give a more full declaration of their minde and desires which in fine came out to be A large Manifestation of their true and heartie affection to the Parliament of England protesting to do nothing contrary to them in their Privileges May 28. Nay after all this the old accustomed Rabble meet at Edinburgh and hearing of the late Letters from the King with the petitionary Answer and the late Message from the Council to the King by the Lord Loudon and finding the affairs of England likely to bring Grist to their Mill these Multitudes I say being as they style themselves The intire bodie of the Kingdom petition or rather threaten the Kings privy Council there not to meddle with any verbal or real ingagement for the King against the Parliament of England And so from that time forward we finde them covenanting to the destructive conclusion as hereafter follows Upon all these Scotish passages the Parliament of England do Protest That those sufferings expressed in those Papers betwixt his Majestie and the Parliament cannot be imputed to any actions of ours who endeavoured with all fidelitie the happiness of his Majestie labouring to take the blame from the King and to lay it on his evil Councils And as touching the Petition we with much contentment and thankfulness observe the faithfulness and good affection of our dear Brethren of Scotland to prevent all Iealousies so timely expressed to the Lords of the Council and we shall never cease to answer their great care with the like diligent endeavours to promote the honour wealth and happiness of that Nation and to preserve the unitie so strongly fortified by mutual interest and affections on both sides And desire the English Commissioners to assure the Scots Commissioners how heartily and joyfully we imbrace their kindness manifested in that Petition Hoping that this constant and inviolable amitie between us and them will prove very usefull for the advantage and securitie of both which it did for a time and ruine to both hereafter In what a miserable condition is the Kingdom when King and Parliament are so divided What not one wise man amongst them Yes truly the Earl of Bristol had a large sense thereof and in this strait he moves for
an Accommodation and states the case to the Lords The King offers says he to concur with the Parliament in the setling of our Liberties is willing to hearken unto all our Propositions and for establishing the Protestant Religion he moves us to it That the Rule of his Government shall be the Laws of the Kingdom and offers a more large and general Pardon than by any his Predecessours And truly my Lords this is all that ever was pretended unto by us We on the other side profess to make his Majestie a glorious King to endeavour to support his Dignitie and to pay unto him dutie and obedience which we by our Allegeance several Oaths and late Protestation ow unto him and to maintain all his just Regalities and Prerogatives which may be conceived is as much as his Majestie will expect from us What then is wanting to give to either mutual satisfaction The greatest difficultie may be how that which shall be agreed upon may be secured It is commonly the last point in Treaties betwixt Princes and of the greatest niceness much more between a King and his Subjects the chiefest difficultie of Accommodation for it is much easier to compose Differences arising from Reasons yea from wrongs than it is to satisfie Iealousies which arising out of diffidence and distrust grow and are varied upon every occasion nay already increased to that height and the mutual replies to those direct terms of opposition that if we make not a present stop it is to be feared speedily to pass beyond verbal contestation In some Answers it is spoken as in fear of a Civil War a word of horrour to such as have seen those unexpressible calamities witness Germany the most flourishing Countrey in Europe now reduced to monstrous miserie Of which we had lately a costly Example for in these unhappy troubles betwixt us and Scotland after there was a stop from acts of hostilitie a desire of peace and the Articles propounded yet the keeping of those Armies whilest the Treatie was on foot at Rippon and after at London cost this Kingdom no less than a million of pounds Then he proposes the way A select Committee of Parliament truly to state the matters in difference with the most probable ways of reconciling them Secondly to descend into the particulars which may be expected either in point of supporting the King or relieving his people And lastly how these conditions agreed upon may be secured Then he sums up the present unhappy estate which needs relief and remedy The deplorable estate of Ireland the Debts and Necessities of the Crown the Distractions likely to produce Confusion of Religion most dangerous and destructive to a State Besides those publick Calamities to consider the distracted condition of every one of us under the different commands of the King and of the Parliament no caution can promise any safetie inconsistent to obedience The Parliament command all persons to obey their Ordinance as the Fundamental Laws The King declares it to be contrary and commands us upon our Allegeance not to obey it and unto contrary commands Conformitie cannot be submitted but by Fasting and Prayer to reduce both parties to Reason But for what was done at York in reference to a Guard of Horse for the Kings person the Parliament vote as a preparation for War against the Parliament a Breach of the Trust reposed in him by his people contrary to his Oath and tending to the dissolution of his Government and all such as serve him there are Traitours to the Laws of the Kingdom 11 Rich. 2. 1 H. 4. Then comes out another larger Declaration or third Remonstrance of all the Kings mis-actions wherein for themselves they allege these following as infallible Positions 1. That they have an absolute power of declaring the Law and that whatsoever they declare to be so ought not to be questioned by the King or any Subject So then in consequence all right and safety of the King and his people must depend upon their pleasure 2. That no Presidents can be Limits to bound their proceedings Then may they do what they please 3. That a Parliament may dispose of any thing wherein the King or Subject hath a Right for the publick good That they without the King are this Parliament and Iudg of this publick good and that his consent is not necessary Then the Life and Liberties of the Subject and all the good Laws made for the security of them may be disposed of and repealed by the major part of both Houses at any time present and by any ways or means procured so to be and the King hath no power to protect the people 4. That no Member of either House ought to be troubled or meddled with for Treason Felonie or any other Crime without the cause first brought before the Parliament that they may judg of the Fact and their leave obtained to proceed 5. That the sovereign power resides in both Houses and that the King hath no Negative Voice Then the King must be subject to their commands 6. That the levying of Forces against the personal commands of the King though accompanied with his presence is not levying War against the King But the levying of War against his Laws and Authority which they have power onely to declare and signifie though not against his person is levying of War against the King 7. That Treason cannot be committed against his person otherwise than as he is intrusted with the Kingdom and discharging that trust and that they have a power to judg whether he have discharged this trust or no. 8. That they may dispose of the King when they will and are not to blame for so doing Certainly the Duke of Venice is of more power than such a Monarch But as large as that was it was not long ere the King returns his Answer to this Book and we may be excused for the length thereof which necessarily is required to their particulars And to which I must refer the Reader being on both parts as much and no more than the Reader may finde in the daily Transactions observed in this History heretofore set down and which hereafter follow But to this Answer of the King we meet with no Reply untill the second of November next following which the Authour styles A Treatise or rather a Tome and that he doubts not but he shall therein give ample satisfaction to the Reader By which we suspect it Apocrypha To which the King never vouchsafed any Rejoinder But the Parliament in reference to their power and authority ordain That all High Sheriffs Iustices c. within an hundred and fifty miles of the Citie of York to make stay of all Arms and Ammunition carrying to York and the persons so conveying to be apprehended c. Another also they ordain That all Sheriffs within the Kingdom of England and the Dominion of Wales shall by the power of the Counties suppress all Forces of Horse and
dare present their tenderness of his sufferings their own just grievances and the sense of the violation of the Laws if they did it was stifled in the birth and called Sedition and burnt by the Hang-man They have so restrained his Houshold sworn Servants seized upon his Money which his credit had gotten to buy him Bread so that in effect they have blocked him up in York They have filled the Peoples ears with Fears and Jealousies idle Tales false Allarms by which to prepare the peoples impressions the better to advance their Design when it should be ripe And now the King it seems must be ready to receive these humble desires Nor do they tell the King that these Propositions are all No these are yet but Preparatives Some of these disguised with mixtures of real honest things others specious and popular and some already granted by the King all which are cunningly twisted with those other things of their main Design Ambition and private Interest and so not easily to be discerned in their proper colours Not that the King fixes this Design upon all and both Houses many absent many dissenting but professes to all the World that the malignity of the Design dangerous and wicked hath proceeded from all subtil informations mischievous practises and evil counsels of ambitious spirits dis-affected to God Religion unity peace and prosperity of the people with a strong influence upon the very actions of both Houses And these Propositions coming to the King in the name of both Houses he takes the more notâ—ce of every of them and answers to this effect following which because he expresseth in the first person plural not usual heretofore I shall so represent it If the nineteen Propositions had been in a Tragedie unknown to us and our people they might have been believed as they profess to be in order to the ends proposed in the Petition to us and our people honour peace and happiness But being understood will rather appear a Mockerie and a scorn And we unworthie of our Trust or Descent from so many famous Ancestours if we abandon that power which enables us to protect our people and Laws and so assume others into it as to divest our selves of it as if we were already vanquished and a prisoner and the most unfortunate of our predecessours that have been reduced to by the most criminal of their Subjects And though the Bait laid to draw us to it the promises of a plentifull and unparallel'd Revenue were reduced from generals which signifie nothing to clear and certain propositions would but resemble Esau's Bargain to part with such Flowers of our Crown as are worth all the rest of the Garland which gives us cause to believe that the Contrivers of these had no intention of a good Accommodation but rather to widen that Division which is by their fault fallen upon us both It is asked That all the Lords and others of our Privy Council and such or all great Officers and Ministers of State either at home or beyond Sea to leave out no person or place that our dishonour may not be bounded at home should be put from our Privy Council and from these Offices and Imployments unless by them approved How faithfull soever we have found them or how innocent in offending the onely Rule for all men to walk by But to this part of the Demand we are willing that they shall take a larger Oath than you desire in your 11th Demand for maintaining the whole Law That they shall be persons of Trust and abilities without exception reasonable And to be left to the justice of the Law upon sufficient charge or proof against any of them And that we have given you the best pledg of the effects of our promise and the best securitie for their dutie a Triennial Parliament to make them warie how they provoke and us warie how we chuse such as may discredit our Election But that without any fault objected onely because some persons who have too great an influence on both Houses shall judg them not affected to that new Utopia of Religion and Government into which they endeavour to transform the Kingdom we will never consent to the displacing of any of merit and affection to us and the publick whom we have intrusted since we conceive it would take away from the affection of our service the care of us and the honour of our justice And we the more wonder that it should be asked of us since by your twelfth Demand your selves count it reasonable after the present turn be served that the Judges and Officers who are then placed may hold them Quam diu se bene gesserint But this Demand is but one Link of a good Chain or but the first Round of the Ladder by which our just ancient regal power is endeavoured to be fetched down to the ground not with the persons now chosen but with our chusing that you are displeased for they must be approved by both Houses And of the two if we would grant away either we would sooner be content that you should nominate and we approve lest by our Election we should hazzard whom we esteemed to the scorn of your refusal if they be not agreeable to the passion interest or humour of the major part of the House Not to speak of the great Factions and Divisions which this power would introduce in the Parliament between both Houses and in the several Counties for the choice of persons and between them that were so chosen Nor is the potion prescribed onely for once for the curing of some pressure or present disease but for a Diet to us and our posteritie It is demanded That our Counsellours all chief Officers of Law and State Commanders of Forts and Castles and all Peers hereafter made be approved of by them from time to time and rather than ever it should be left to the Crown to whom it doth and shall belong if any place fall void in intermission of Parliaments the major part of the approved Counsellours is to approve them And so we must not onely acquit our Right but for Councellours we are restrained in the number as in the persons and if they have this power it were not fit we should be trusted to chuse those which were to be trusted as much as we It is demanded That such matters as concern the publick and are proper for the high Court of Parliament may be debated resolved and transacted onely in Parliament and such as presume to do to the contrary shall be censured by Parliament and such other matters of State as are proper for debate with our Privy Council shall be concluded by such of our Nobility or rather herein your Nobilitie and others as shall be chosen for that place by approbation of Parliament and that not publick acts concerning the affairs of the Kingdom proper for our privie Council be esteemed valid or proceeding from royal Authority unless it be done
law bound to be faithful not to the King only as King but to his Person as King Charles When Hugh Spencer caused it to be written tempore Edw. that Homage and Allegeance was more by reason of his Crown viz. his Kingdome than of his Person and if He can not be reformed by sute of Law nor will redress the evil from the people It ought to be removed by force and that his Liege be bound to govern in ayd of Him and in default of him for this he was condemned by two Parliaments and banished for ever Then to assist the King the people are bound by the duty of their Allegeance to serve and assist him at all seasons when need requires 11 Hen. 7. Cap. 18. And therefore the charges all his loving Subjects from levying forces other then according to a late Act this sessions for the present defence of England and Ireland or contribute money thereto And Proclaimes the Lawfulness of his commissions of Array issued into the several Counties of England and dominion of Wales and of the use of them and their execution And we may expect the Parliaments answer to all And first to the Kings Paper as they call it sent to the Lord Mayor Alderâ—men and Sâ—eriffs of London the fourteenth of Iune They declaim against the Kings proceedings therein mentioned justâ—fie their intents promise a just use and right disposing of the great Loans of money for suppressing the Irish Rebellion conveyed this Paper to be suppressed and do assure themselves that neither the Kings commands nor his threats can deterre the well affected for the publique to do their Duty to the Parliament to contribute their money Horse and Plate for preserving what is most precious Religion Libert Safety the overthow of the Cities Charter and exposing their wives and children to rapine violence and villany and the wealth of this famous City to be a prey to desperate and necessitous persons in which the Parliament will evermore protect them To which the King replies and they again to his Commission of Array and he again to them in such particulars as becomes to be a great Book and now left to the Lawyers to dispute on both sides and to which we refer the reverend readers And now we enter upon the war on both sides and being thus distinguished into faction they also were distinct in terms whether by hap or so designed by themselves The one called the Royal the other the Parliament party untill after a while they were nick-named the Cavaliers and the Roundhead The first a Title of Hoâ—nour to the Gallantest persons throughout Christendome this other I know not from whence derived which reminds me of what I have read That a Prince being ingaged in a foreign expedition and to invite his Subjects to a general assistance with their persons and purses devised a nickname with this odium That he which refused to wait upon him was for ever to be called Truant or Truand from the French or the Greek Trouein consumere quoniam in desidia inertia et otio tempus conterit as we say Truants which fixed upon him and his posterities till the policy of state to avoid friends and factions suppressed that term upon pain of punishment It were not amiss to wish it so with us if that could make us friends But on they go amain and wondrous busie on both sides Matter enough for much History wherein hitherto I have adventured on the Readers patience not to be brief which makes this Book thus big The rather to acquaint you with the manner as well as the matter the several stiles of eithers Publications the one very natural the other more forced But now we come to blowes down right war we are necessitated not to be tedious And because the Transactions are of a double nature Civil and Martial we shall set them apart for the better apprehension of their several stories For Defâ—ciunt arma nisi sunt concilia domi we will therefore afford the affairs of State the first place and the effects of War to follow for Cedant arma togâ— with this advice that although I have with extreme curiosity and pains laboured the truth out of the best Records and Relations and therein ingenious just and true yet the effects of War have been so partially exprest by such as set them down as that therein by comparing their Narratives if I willingly recede from either and make choice of a better Text between them I hope to finde a reasonable excuse professing that I have no self-seeking no self-interest if I forbear the ranting reputation which hath been bestowed on either And although we cannot deny them their equal value yet we shall abate them the numbers of their slain and wish in truth they had been less for fear if you afford them the total sum which they set down it would have depopulated this Nation into women and children The varietie of Actions of this present Age and Government have been very remarkable that of the Militarie not the least worthie though the storie thereof be below the Stage and requires not an uncontroulable pass without a Preface The Event of which War all Christendom have or may expect with admiration and horrour An Historie not to be viewed by intricate parcels but in one intire bodie the rise and progress of things being proceedings perplexed with multiplicitie of interwoven discourses and uncertain Relations partially put together by either partie when three Kingdoms came to be ingaged as too soon it happened and no part in either stand free the labour then must needs be large to lodg things in a narrow room and to comprize the several parts with their just true and perfect measure into little so many divided Plots are not easily to be gathered into a greater harmonie and a more exact symmeâ—rie of parts The life of this Narrative being as well to declare the delinquencie of States as its accomplishment and pretended perfection A standing Monument it must be wherein nothing may be thrust upon the world more than the thing it self But withall we shall endeavour a true Rehearsal of such particulars and rare changes as are more deserving to grace the composure and affect the Reader with this Protestation for my self herein Neuter to carrie no Byass affection to any side thereby to deserve a check or suspition to be more true to a Faction or their ends lest I should transgress against the honour of this work which I undertake The great Ingagement of this people in this cause began when the Parliament declâ—red their Resolution of a War quickened by the same principles in the main which did actuate that supreme Court the very motions of a Parliament spirit in the people complying with every Act of theirs whose Remonstrances were received with all obsequious respect more than the Declarations of the King and both of them blown up into a flame This partie intending to maintain
Prerogative Sovereigntie and power in the King that other preteâ—ding to justifie privileges and Right of Parliament and Subjects freedom During the Kings preparations in the North the Parliamentarie attempted to put themselves in a posture of War which they called A Necessity of Defence And because the Ordinance of Militia was the first ground of Difference in shew between the King and them they desiring it which he would not intrust out of himself the Rent being thereby once made a greater necessitie impleaded the execution of that power Sundry Commissions issued out from either partie to divers Commissioners Lord Lieutenants of several Counties And by the Parliament many Companies were raised and called The Militia Bands a militarie pomp and appearance of braverie well affected to them and near at home The Commission of Aray for the King was commanded and commended to such other of his partie as were loyal to him but hazzarding it to the multitude found not in some places the like wished for effect especially far off in the mid-land Counties where the Lord Say had command for the Parliament and the Lord Chandos for the â—ing he was enforced to flie to Court and to leave his house and furniture at Sudeley Castle in Glocestershire to the furie of the people delighting in a coâ—tumelious revenge and rustick triumph of the ignoble communalâ—ie in whom not always the deep sense of their own interests doth purchase this extasie of passion but a very turning of the fancie sets them into an hurrie Their insolenâ—ies now appear intolerable by reason of their former usual restraint which they now usurping pretend freedom to do what they list and they were gained to the Parliament upon that blinde account which since hath proved to them the more slavish though for that present producing wondrous effects to that partie by self-ingagement of the common people which the Parliament knew how to promote and to execute thereafter to their own ends Most men did undoubtedly believe greater hopes of Libertie from the Parliament than from the King who called it Licentioâ—sness and this of the Kings Sovereigntie the Commons intituled to Tyrannie The Gentrie for the most part render themselves rather Subjects to Princes the better to rule over the Commons their vassals The Communaltâ—â— consisting chiefly of Yeomen Farmers petâ—y Freeholders and others men of manufacture bred up sparingly but living in plentie such as these always thwart the Gentrie by whom they subsist Persons of birth and breeding more jovial and more delicate neglecting a confined condition endeavour rather to hazzard what they have by aiming at the height of fortune unto which their noble Extraction wit and learning doth incite and stir them up This was not all the difference Religion diversly professed had a main interest The eternal Truth unchangeable bindes every soul to one Law perpetual and constant this therefore doth implead the necessitie of external privileges in the professour which though not to destroy the Kingdoms of the world nor to usurp a greater liberty than humane Laws will â—asily grant and hath in its nature an irreconcileable enmitie against arbitrarâ—e Government in such commands as they conceive not justly put upon them and out of which they are studious to free themselves when the felicitie of that time shall offer the means and as they thought it now a lawfull call by power of Parliament To their advantage there was raised a practical Ministerie captivating vulgar capacities to applie themselves more fitly to their own purposes for the present accounting all order and decencie in Church and State to be Innovations upon the Consciences and purses of the people and yet even the common natural Subject not thus deluded did come from the farthest parts to serve under their Sovereign by the light of loyaltie not to war against that Authoritie And yet after some strugling that the King had gotten a defensive Armie and his cause calling for some under-hand assistance of his neighbour Friends then the Parliament contract a League with the Scots pleasing them with the hopes of a through Scotish Presbyterian Reformation of Religion and to boot good entertainment for their beggarly Armie not without a solemn League by Oath and Covenant with them taken by both Nations they with Forces entred England won the prize got the King in their clutches and for a piece of money sold him to the Parliament to the death and execution of him and destruction of Church and State And so we return to our Historie Civil and Martial The King in a reasonable posture began to caress his people and first descends from York to the County of Nottingham and at Newark he summons the Gentlemen and Free-holders and tells them that their resolutions and affections to him and their Country for his defence and the Laws of the Land have been so notable that they have drawn him thither only to thank them that he goes to other places to confirm undeceive his Subjects but comes thither to encourage them That they have made the best judgment of happiness by relying on that Foundation which the experience of so many hundred years hath given proof viz. The assurance and securitie of the Law And let them be assured when Laws shall be altered by any other Authority than that by which they were made the Foundations are destroyed And though it seems at first but to take away his power it will quickly swallow all their interest He asketh nothing of them but to preserve their own affections to the Religion and Laws established he will justifie and protect those affections and will live and die with them in that quarrel The like caress he gives those of the County of Lincoln at Lincoln and intending to reduce his Town of Hull sends his Message to the Parliament with the Proclamation ensuing Iulie 11. That by his former Declarations and this his Proclamation they and all his good Subjects may see the just grounds of his present Journey towards Hull before he shall use force to reduce it to obedience and requires them that it may be forthwith delivered to him to which if they conform he will admit of their further Addresses from them and return such Propositions as may be for present peace and promises to them in the word of a King that nothing shall be wanting in him to redress the calamities threatening the Nation and expects their Answer at Beverley on Thursday next being the fifteenth of Iuly That the King having long complained of the affront done to his person by Sir Iohn Hotham when he went thither to view his Magazine at Hull which have been since carried away by Orders of Parliament and the Town kept and maintained against him and Votes and Orders in Parliament have justified the same that Hotham hath since fortified the Town drowned the Countrey thereabout and hath set out a Pinnace to Sea which hath seized and intercepted his Packet Pinnace with Letters of the Queen
to the King disarmed the wel-affected to the King in that Town And that the Earl of Warwick contrary to the Kings command under his hand being legally discharged of any conduct of his Majesties Ships hath taken upon him to dispossess the King of his Navy and imployed them against him and imprisoned divers of his Majesties loyal Officers and Subjects And therefore the King is resolved with Gods assistance to force Hotham and all other his Assistants in this his treasonable defence and invites all his good Subjects to assist him in this his resolution Dated at Beverley the eighth of Iuly Three daies after the Parliament Resolve That an Army shall be raised for defence of King and Parliament and of all such as obey the orders of both Houses That the Earl of Essex shall be the general and they to live and dy with him and that a petition should be sent to the King by the Earl of Holland Sir Iohn Holland and Sir William Stapleton to Beverley and that the Earl of Bedford be General of the Horse which so troubled the Earl of Holland who was refused upon voting that it was never digested Indeed the Parliament were wary not to intrust two Brothers with Land and Sea service together The effect of their petition was to pray the King to disband all his forces which are reckoned up to be about Hull and from Newcastle Tynmouth Lincoln and Lincoln-shire to recall his Commissioners of Array and to dismiss his guards and come to his People and Parliament and hearken to their advice and then what they will do for him The King might smile at this and therefore tells them They were never unhappy in their Petitions and supplications whilst they desired the preservation of Religion the Kings Honour and the peace of the Kingdome But after their martial designs and some proceedings and effects of their forces and after their votes and raising of an Army their Generals assigned and possessing his Navy to advise him to denude himself and wait upon them is pitiful councel to which he will not submit The Parliament provide for the sinews of war to that end they declare for Lone of Money upon publique faith of the Parliament upon which and the Ministers invitations the best part of their preachings turned into perswasions and prayers to the people for their contributions and assistance that it became incredible what a mass of money plate and Ammunition was presented even at the Parliaments feet from the golden cupbords of vessels to the Kitchen-maids silver bodkins and Thimble The King had some help from the diligent indeavours of the Queen beyond Seas and out of Holland upon the pawned Jewels and at home contributions of the Lords and Gentry Loyal to his service for what was publique he gives thanks To the Vice-chancellor and all other his Loyal Subjects of the university of Oxford for the free Loan of a very considerable sum of money in this his time of so great and eminent necessity shall never depart out of his royal memory Nor is it reasonable to deny them a memorable Record for ever which in duty to them I may not do Beverley 18. Iuly From thence the King removes to Leicester summons the appearance of the Gentlemen Free-holders and Inhabitants of that County telling them of the acceptable welcome he hath found in these Northern parts finding that the former errours of his good Subjects thereabout have proceeded by mistakes and misinformatioâ—s proceeding from the deceits used by Declarations and publications of the Parliament pretended for the peace of the Kingdom which rather would destroy it To prevent their mischief he needs not ask their assistance of Horse Men Money and Hearts worthy such a Cause in which he will live and die with them Iuly 20. The Earl of Stamford Lord Lieutenant of the County of Leiceister for the Parliament had removed the County Magazine from the Town to his own house at Bradgate over which he had set a Guard or Garison against the Kings command for which he and his Adherents are by name proclaimed Traitours which troubled the Parliament and discouraged their party untill they were vindicated by a publick Declaration that being for the service of the Parliament and the peace of the Kingdom it was an high Breach of Privilege in the King and that the said Earl and his Assistants are protected by them and all good Subjects The first of August brings the King back again to Yorkshire where he summons the Gentlemen of that County tells them the forward preparations of the Parliament to a War and desires their advice what Propositions they conceive for them to ask and he to grant in reference to their and his safety and for the present desires them to spare him some Arms out of their store which shall be redelivered when his provisions shall come thither and that his Son Prince Charls his Regiment for the Guard of his person under the command of the Earl of Cumberland may be compleated The Parliament declare for the raising of all power and force by Trained Bands and otherwise to lead against all Traitours and their Adherents that oppose the Parliament and them to slay and kill as Enemies to the State and peace of the Kingdom naming such of the Kings party that were his Lieutenants of Array of the Northern Counties viz. the Earl of Northampton the Lord Dunsmore Lord Willoughby of Eresby Son to the Earl of Lindsey Henry Hastings and others of the Counties of Lincoln Nottingham Leicester Warwick Oxfordshire And for the Western Counties the Marquess Hertford the Lord Paulet Lord Seymer Sir Iohn Stowel Sir Ralph Hopton and Iohn Digby and others in the County of Somerset And to oppose these and others the Parliament doth authorize the Earl of Essex the General as also these to be the Lieutenants of several Counties viz. the Lord Say of Oxon the Earl of Peterborough of Northampton Lord Wharton of Buckingham Earl of Stamford of Leicester Earl of Pembroke of Wiltshire and Hampshire Earl of Bedford of Somersetshire and Devon Lord Brook of Warwick Lord Cranborn of Dorsetshire Lord Willoughby of Parrham of Lincolnshire Denzil Hollis of the City and County of Bristol And thus ranked they are to kill and â—lay their Enemies August 8. And the King traceth them in these steps replies to theirs and will justifie the quarrel and for that purpose published his Proclamation against the Earl of Essex the General that he is Rebell and Traitour to the King and his Crown and all Colonels and Officers under him that shall not instantly lay down are guilty of high Treason And because of their two particular Designs to march Northward against the King and others Westward to seize and force the Garison and Fort of Portsmouth therefore he commands Colonel Goring his Captain Governour there to oppose the Rebells And commands his Cousin and Counsellour William Marquess Hertford his Lieutenant General of
favour and grace by many Acts they would devise their Reasons of fear That he meant never to observe them To others that were deterred to consider the effects of abusing so gracious a Sovereign they would perswade them That those about the King could work him to their wills Then they get all the Militia and power of the Kingdom into their hands garison Hull and Hotham their Governour there and the Tower of London brought under subjection of one of their own and so with continual vexations caused the King to withdraw his person and to secure the Queen to pass beyond the Seas and himself to retire towards the North. What hath happened since his coming to York is so notorious as with amazement to all parts of Christendom to see the wisdom courage affection and loyalty of the English Nation so far shrunk and confounded by malice cunning industry of persons contemptible in number inconsiderable in fortune and reputation united onely by guilt and conspiracy against the King Treason licensed in Pulpits persons ignorant in learning seditious in disposition scandalous in life unconformable to Laws are the onely men recommended to authority and poweâ— to impoison the mindes of the multitude The Kings goods money and what not seized from him and to make the scorn compleat he must be perswaded That all is done for his good Opinions and Resolutions imposed upon him by Votes and Declarations That the King intends to levie war and then Arms are taken up to destroy him All Actions of his for his advantage are straightway voted illegal All the great Officers of State coming to the King are pursued with Warrants to all Mayors Justices Sheriffs and others to apprehend them compelling the Countries to take Arms against the King His Ships are taken from him and the Earl of Warwick made Admiral in despite of the King And after all this Mr. Martin should say That the Kings Office is forfeitable and the happiness of the Kingdom does not depend on him or any of the regal Branches of that stock And Sir Henry Ludlow should say That the King was not worthy to be King of England and that he hath no Negative Voice that he is fairly dealt with that he is not deposed that if they did that there would be neither want of modestie or dutie in them They publish scandalous Declarations commit his great Officers for doing their duties Raise an Army and chuse the Earl of Essex General with power to kill and slay whom he list They convert the Money given by Act of Parliament for the Discharge of the Kingdoms Debts and for Relief of Ireland and all to serve their turn to war against the King Commit those Lords that are loyal degrade nine Lords at a clap for coming to the King Take Tunnage and Poundage without the Kings consent But can the Nobility Gentry Clergy and Commonalty of England sacrifice their Honour Interest Religion Liberty to the meer sound of a Parliament and Privilege Can their experience Reason and Understanding be captivated by words And then he sums up many of his graces favours freedoms to them and the people And yet into what a Sea of Bloud is the Rage and Fury of these men lanching out to wâ—est that from him which he is bound to defend How have the Laws of Hospitality civility been violated discourses whispers in conversation been examined and persons committed and so kept during pleasure His and the Queens Letters broken open read publickly and commented upon that Christendom abhors to correspond with us Crimes are pretended against some men and they removed for others to be preferred If Monopolies have been granted to the prejudice of the people the calamity will not be less if it be exercised by a good Lord by a Bill now then it was before by a Patent And yet the Earl of Warwick thinks fit to require the Letter Office to be confirmed to him for three Lives at the same time that it is complained of as a Monopoly and without the alteration of any circumstance for the ease of the Subject and this with so much greediness and authority that whilest it was complained of as a Monopoly he procured an Assignment to be made of it to him from the person complained of after he had by his interest stopped the proceedings of the Committee for five Moneths before the Assignment made to him upon pretence that he was concerned in it and desired to be heard And the King concludes all with this Protestation That his quarrel is not against the Parliament but against particular men who first made the wounds and will not suffer them to be cured whom he names and will be ready to prove them guiltie of high Treason And desires that the Lord Kimbolton Mr. Hollis Mr. Pym Mr. Hambden Sir Arthur Haselrig Mr. Strode Mr. Martin Sir Henry Ludlow Ald. Pennington and Capt. Ven may be delivered up to the hands of justice to be tried according to the Laws of the Land Against the Earl of Warwick the Earl of Essex Earl of Stamford Lord Brook Sir John Hotham Major General Skippon and those who shall henceforth exercise the Militia by virtue of the Ordinance he shall cause Indictments of high Treason upon the Statute of 25 Edw. 3. Let them submit to their Trial appointed by Law and plead their Ordinances if they shall be acquitted he hath done And that all his loving Subjects may know that nothing but the preservation of the true Protestant Religion invaded by Brownism Anabaptism and Libertinism the safetie of our person threatned and conspired against by Rebellion and Treason the Law of the Land and Libertie of the Subject oppressed and almost destroyed by an usurped unlimited arbitrarie power and the freedom privilege and dignitie of Parliament awed and insulted upon by force and Tumults could make us put off our long-loved Robe of peace and take up defensive Arms. He once more offers pardon to all those that will desire the same except the persons before named if not he must look upon these Actions as a Rebellion against him and the Law who endeavour to destroy him and his people August 12. 1642. The Parliament had passed an Act for raising of four hundred thousand pounds by Overtures of Adventurers and Contributions and Loans for Relief of Irelaâ—d and Money and Plate was thereafter very heartily brought in to the Parliament when upon the thirtieth of Iuly the vote That the Treasurers appointed to receive the money already come in upon Subscriptions for Ireland do forthwith furnish by way of Loan unto the Committee for defence of the Kingdom one hundred thousand pounds for the supplie of the publick necessitie and defence of this Kingdom upon the Publick Faith Of which the King remembers them and of the Act of Parliament That no part of that money shall be imployed to any other purpose than the reducing of those Rebells And therefore charges the House of Commons as they will answer the
Remonstrances he being deprived of his Printing Presses at London and the Universities And so reades to them his former Protestations and Orders Copies of them to the Sheriffs to publish being in Manuscript The next day being come to Shrewsbury he tells them as much and sends for a Mint to melt his Plate and offers his Land to sale or mortgage thereby to lessen the charge of the County to provide for his Army The Parliament having information that the King intends to march from Wales to London expecting a party here to joyn with him as he was invited what a noise and disquiet it wrought amongst the Citizens and all the Counties thereabout All the Trained Bands of the Associate Counties of Essex Hartford Middlesex and London are to rendezvouz and all to be ready at an hours warning And all passages into any parts of the Suburbs Islington Mile-end and Westminster be set up with Posts and Chains and Courts of Guard to stop the passage of Horse if any come in their way And with this Declaration the Parliament imprint a Discovery of a Plot by one David Alexander a pitifull poor Scot perswaded thereto by a Confident of the Kings one Sir Iohn Hinderson a Papist to kill Sir Iohn Hotham which he refused to do as being the work of a Butcher and not of a Souldier That the King should send for him twice at Beverley and appointed a sum of money to be given him That afterwards Henderson should propose to Alexander to fire the Magazine of the Parliaments Army and therefore to get imployment in the Train of Artillery but was discovered and examined The story is thus Alexander had a minde fit for desperate base Attempts but finding no preferment with the King he comes to London and joyns with one Sir Balthazar Gerbier of the same even condition and out of repute both with the King and Parliament for his doubling with either these Copesmates discoursing together Gerbier forthwith discovers to the Parliament this Tale of Alexander who being cheated into a hope of getting preferment by this story believed it himself and the truth by examinations appearing he was a while imprisoned and so let loose to practise with his Companion Gerbier Knave and Fool together Every day increasing the suspition and fear of the Kings marching from Wales to London the Parliament vote That such as will not contribute shall be secured and disarmed And so the Mayor of London is set on work to search and seize the Arms of several Citizens Iefferson Austin Bedle Batty Long and Lewis all Broadstreet Ward Bluâ—â— Wright Drake and Walter of other Wards and for their sufferings deserve to be remembered That the Fines Rents and Profits of Arch-bishops Bishops Deans and Chapters and other Delinquents shall be sequestred for the service of the Common-wealth That all the Kings Revenue arising out of Rents Fines in Courts or Composition for Wards be sequestred for the State And a Committee of Sequestration appointed Sir Iohn Byron with five hundred Horse having entered the Town of Worcester and at that time not the least part of the Kings Army marching in a Body but flasht through the County the Voluntiers of the County under the Lord Say raised themselves and by some of their own were lead towards Worcester expecting to meet Mr. Nathaniel Fines whom his Father had created a Colonel of Horse he had faced the Town and drawn off again ere the Foot came there and so they followed him who with Colonel Sandys returning fell upon the Town on the Welch side of Severn supposing their General the Earl of Essex at hand to assult the other side being deluded by a Spie who mistook him for Prince Rupert whose Horse rushed upon his Ambuscado when through the â—traitness of the passage over a Bridg and after in a Lane neither the Rear could come up nor the Van retreat where all were slain or routed Sandys and some others taken Prisoners the rest ran away far beyond the reach of a pursuit The consequences of this a good omen to the royal party being the first fruits of the War but the Parliaments Army with Essex marching thither the other Forces quit the Town not being considerable to erect any Garrison yet by their motion and quick dispatch gathered strength and at last repute of a party not easily to be vanquished whilest the Earl of Essex and his whole Army entered Worcester who continuing a Moneth sending forth parties the Lord Stamford to Hereford to prevent the Forces of South-Wales and the King at Shrewsbury with such an Army as was able to deal with and endanger his Enemy Both Armies begin to take up Winter-quarters Colonel Thomas Essex into Glocester with two Regiments of Foot as Governour but the Deputy Lieutenants had command of the Countrey and after four Weeks he was commanded to Bristol a Town of great concernment by Sea and Land and much distracted between both parties The best and basest in degree were for the King the middle men Citizens for the other and amongst them all those of the Religion intermixing distinguished call them what you please into two Factions Prelate for the King Presbyter for the Parliament but afterwards as either party could nick-name into Heresie and Schism but the general distinction of the Armies that of the Kings called Cavaliers and the Parliaments party Round-heads these flock together shut up the Gates but guarded that Fort and planted Ordnance where they expected the Forces from Glocester but Colonel Essex in his way had timely intelligence to march to another Gate which was set open to him in the night who entered with his two Regiments with others of the County and so surprized the Mutiniers and quashed their Disturbance without bloud Glocester was now protected by the Earl of Stamford with his Regiment of Foot and two Troops of Horse from Hereford but soon commanded into the West he left his Government to his Lieutenant Colonel Massey as his Deputy but afterwards had the sole power for two years and a half The Earl of Essex about Worcester sends from thence two Regiments and ten Troops and five small Pieces towards Kiddermaster and Bewdly and to joyn with the Lord Wharton and Sir Cholmley's Regiments to make a Brigade against the Cavaliers if they march that way who were designed for Wolverhampton and Coventry and so on towards London as was supposed and at Coventry and Warwick lay their Enemies Sir William Constable the Lord Peterborough and Colonel Brown with Forces and the third Brigade was in Worcester under Government now of Colonel Essex The Town of Yarmouth seised a Ship with an hundred and fourty Cavaliers and three hundred Barrels of Powder that came from Holland for to do service for the King The City of York is over-powred by the Cavaliers the Earl of Cumberland Sir Francis Wortley Sir Marmadâ—â— Langdale Sir Iohn Kay Mr. Francis Nevil Sir Thomas Glenham he is resolved to fight
with Mr. Hotham who was in ill case to continue but must be forced to retreat to Hull The Forces of the West in Cornwall for the King began to form into a Body near Pendennis Castle the Governour thereof Sir Nicholas Slaning a gallant Gentleman and assisted 〈…〉 others Sir Bevil Greenvile who possessed themselveâ—â—â—aunston the County Town of Cornwall but not long after Sir Ralph Hopton appears in chief command over the Cavaliers The Parliament had Plymouth the neighbour Port Town of Devonshire bordering Cornwall in the South and Sir George Chudly a Stickler for them for a time onely The Kings party increased in Mid-Wales and descending Southwards as he marches the Welch come to him from all parts of Hereford Monmouth mightily increasing by the power and industry of the Earl of Worcester their Brigades reaching to Oxford and round about where Prince Rupert commanded who took Powder and Match marching through Staffordshire to reprieve Manchester The Parliament party lay about Warwick Coventrie Worcester Buckingham and their Brigades round about even to Glocester Some Arms for the King are landed at Newcastle and ten thousand pounds in Money to raise Dragoons in Northumberland and to fall into Yorkshire which appeared for the King The King on his march from Wales descended Southward and now being near Stafford the Parliament order That the Citie of London be strongly guarded and Posts Bars and Chains be erected and set up in places and by-lanes of the Parishes of St. Margarets Westminster St. Martins in the Fields St. Clements Savoy Holborn St. Giles Covent-garden St. Johns Street â—lerkenwell Criplegate Shoreditch White-chapel Islington Mile-end Southwark Lambeth or any other places necessary at the charge of the Parish by equal Assesment Octob. 22. And the Parliament declare a solemn Protestation to all the world In the presence of Almightie God for the satisfaction of their Consciences and the Discharge of that great Trust which lies upon them That no private passion or respect no evil intention to his Majesties person no Design to the prejudice of his just Honour and Authoritie engaged them to raise Forces and take up Arms against the Authours of this War whereof the Kingdom is now inflamed And after they have by clearing themselves lodged the occasion upon the Contrivers Papists about the King for extirpation of the Protestant Religion wherein principally this Kingdom and Scotland are concerned as making the greatest Body of Reformation in Christendom they conclude For all which Reasons they are resolved to enter into a solemn Oath and Covenant with God to give up themselves lives and fortunes into his hands and defend this his cause with the hazzard of our lives against the Kings Armie according to a form agreed upon and to be subscribed and to associate and unite with all the well-affected of the Citie of London and other parts of his Majesties Dominions 〈…〉 expect their dear Brethren of Scotland that they will help and 〈◊〉 defence of this Cause which if the Popish partie prevail must needs involve Scotland in the like alteration of Religion and engage them also in a War against this Kingdom to defend their own Religion And this they do again they say protest before the everliving God to be the chief end of all their counsels and resolutions without any intention to injure his Majestie either in his person or just power Octob. 22. And the Battail of Edg-hill the next morning being Sunday After the Kings party had beat the Enemy at Worcester Fight the three and twentieth of September he joyns all his Brigades near hand and marches to meet General Essex hovering thereabout to watch the Kings Designs who lodged on Saturday night October 22. at Sir William Chancies six miles near Keinton and Essex at Keinton And early the next morning being Sunday the three and twentieth drew up into a Body near Keinton and ascending the top of Edg-hill with his Prospective Glass took view of Essex his Army in the Vale of the Red Horse about a Mile distant but before the King could draw into order he was saluted with three Pieces of Cannon from the other side with three Shouts of their Souldiers And being asked by his Officers what his Majesty meant to do To give him Battel said the King it is the first time I ever saw the Rebells in a Bodie God and good mens prayers to him assist the justice of my cause And instantly ordered the Fight by the return of two Shot of Cannon in answer to theirs about two of the clock after noon the Word was God and King Charls his greatest Body of Horse was on the right Wing and on the left some Horse and Dragoons The Parliaments Army was put into this order the Foot a good space behinde the Horse when the Charge began three Regiments of Horse on the right Wing the Generals Regiment commanded by Sir Philip Stapleton Sir Balfore's Regiment who was Lieutenant General of the Horse and the Lord Fielding's Regiment which stood behinde the other two as a Reserve Sir Iohn Meldrum had the Van with his Brigade Colonel Essex the middle the General 's Regiment the Lord Brook and Colonel Hollis had the Rear in the left Wing were twenty Troops commanded by Sir Iames Ramsey Commissary General And thus they stood The Earl of Lindsey Lord High Chamberlain of England was the Kings Captain General but the Fight was ordered by the Lord Ruthen since made Earl of Forth a Scotish man and the General lead on the main Body with a Pike in his hand it is said that General Essex lead on his Forces also but then it is confessed that he was advised to retire from Danger and so he escaped when the other was killed The Forlorn Hope was commanded by Major Baâ—stake and Captain Hamond both of them Officers in Sir Lewis Diveâ— Regiment of Foot and drawn down the Hill to the side of a Ditch lined with Musquetiers and both sides had no sooner fired but that the Kings Cannon followed and discharged six or seven Shot Prince Rupert General of the Horse commanding the right Wing routed their left Wing and followed them in chafe to Keinton Town and two Miles beyond killing all whom they overtook the Lord Ruthen ordered the left Wing of the Kings Horse with the Lord Wilmot both of them doing gallant service 't is true Prince Rupert presumed that he had left a sufficient Reserve of Horse behinde under command of the Earl of Carnarvan with some other Troops who seeing the Enemies Horse and Foot to run his spirit not accustomed to stand still followed too far and left their own Foot naked of Horse which Essex espying took the advantage and with his Horse fell upon the Foot including these Regiments the Lord Generals Colonel Fieldings and Colonel Bowels a Regiment raised by the Lord Paget and did much execution upon them this service being done by Colonel Hurry afterwards Major General for the Parliament The Lord General Lindsey
goodness of Almighty God Accusing that Malignant party to poison the hearts and corrupt the Allegeance of his Subjects by a false Imputation of his favouring Papists imploying them in his Army when he saith that numbers of Popish Commanders and others serve in the Army of the Earl of Essex being privately promised that if they would assist against the King all the Laws made in their prejudice should be repealed Another Scandal he mentioneth to be very senseless that the King should raise an Army against the Parliament to take away their priviledges when in truth it is raised to have some particular Members of this Parliament to be delivered up to Iustice. He being as tender of their priviledges and conform thereto which his Army never intends to violate That the Parliaments Army is raised to Murther and depose the King to alter the frame of Government and the established Laws of the Land That the greatest part of the Parliaments Members are driven away from their Houses by violence That the Book of Common Prayer is rejected and no countenance given but to Anabaptists Brownists and such Schismaticks That the contrivers hereof endeavour to raise an Implacable malice between the Gentry and the Commonalty of the Kingdome A common charge upon the King it had been and so continued to the end of his publique Actings That he favoured Papists and entertained them in his Army and so they were and might be in both subtilly and cunningly by practice on both sides conveyed thither under the masque and profession of Protestants which is a truth of no great wonder and yet in general those of Lancashire Recusants petition the King That being disarmed and so not able either to defend his Royal Person according to their duties nor to secure themselves and families they may be received into his gracious protection from violence being menaced by all kindes of people to whose malice they are subject and must submit And indeed great and heavy pressures were put upon them by both Armies notwithstanding Orders and Declarations to the contrary had been published by either Army And hereupon the King had given Warrant to Sir William Gerard Baronet Sir Cicil Trafford Knight Thomas Clifton Charls Townby Christopher Anderton and Io. Clumsfield c. Recusants in the County of Lancaster That although by Statutes all Recusants convict are to be disarmed to prevent danger in time of peace but now Armies being raised against the King and his Subjects are by them plundered and robbed and their Arms taken and used offensive against his Person His will and command therefore is and they are charged upon their Allegeance and as they tender the safetie of his Person and the peace of the Kingdom with all possible speed to provide Arms for themselves servants and Tenants during the time of open War raised against him and no longer to keep and use for his defence Yet the Parliament prepare Heads of an humble Address unto his Majesty for composing difference and â—â—â—ling a Peace but withall to prevent mis-constructions whereby their just defence may be hindered they do declare That their preparations of Forces for their defence shall be prosecuted with all violence And accordingly Letters are directed from the Lords To the Right Honourable the Lord Viscount Faulkland principal Secretarie to his Majestie or in his absence for Mr. Secretarie Nicholas or any of the Lords or Peers attending the King Grey of Wark My Lord I am commanded by the Lords the Peers and Commons assembled in Parliament to address by you their humble desires to his Majestie that he would â—e pleased to grant his safe Conduct to the Commiâ—tee of Lords and Commons to pass and repass to his Majestie that are directed to attend him with an humble Petition from his Parliament This being all I have in Commission I rest Your assured Friend and Servant Grey of Wark Speaker of the House of Peers pro tempore Westminster Nov. 3. 1642. Which is granted so as the said Committee consist not of persons either by name declared Traitors or otherwise in some of his Declarations or Proclamations excepted against by name as Traitors and so as they come not with more than thirty persons and give notice before hand upon signification they shall have safe conduct Your Lordships most humble Servant Edward Nicholas Reading Nov. 4. Hereupon these Names are sent Algernon Earl of Northumberland Philip Earl of Pembroke and Montgomerie and four Members of the Commons Mr. Perpoint the Lord Wainman Sir Iohn Evelin of Wilts and Sir Io. Hippislie being the Committee of both Houses and desire his Majesties Pass and Repass under his Royal Hand and Signet Nov. 5. The safe Conduct is inclosed for all but Sir Io Evelin who is excepted being proclamed Traitor at Oxford and that if the Houses will send any other person not so excepted in his place His Majesty commands all his Officers to suffer him to pass as if his Name had been particularly comprised herein Reading Nov. 6. To recruit the Parliaments Army it is declared That all Apprentices that will list themselves in their service for the publick cause shall be secured from indemnitie of their Masters during their service and their time included to go on towards their Freedom and all their respective Masters are to receive them again when they shall return This Liberty made Holy-day with the Prentices and they were listed thick and threefold and now spoiled for being Trades-men ever after But it is time to consider what out dear Brethren of Scotland intended to do in this Distraction and therefore they are put in minde by a fresh Declaration of the Parliament How and with what wisdom and publick affection our Brethren of Scotland did concur with the desires of this Kingdom in establishing a peace between both Nations and how lovingly they have since invited the Parliament into a nearer degree of union concerning Religion and Church-government wherefore as the Parliament did for them a year since in their Troubles so now the same obligation lies upon our Brethren by force of their Kingdom to assist us Telling them that Commissions are given by the King to divers Papists to compose an Armie in the North which is to joyn with foreign Forces to be transported hither for the destruction of this Parliament and of Religion and Liberties of the people That the Prelatical partie have raised another Armie which his Majestie doth conduct against the Parliament and Citie of London And hereupon this Parliament desire their Brethren of Scotland to raise Forces for securing their own Borders and to assist here against the Popish and Foreign Forces according to that Act agreed upon in the Parliaments of both Kingdoms for the comfort and relief not onely of our selves but of all the Reformed Churches beyond Seas Nov. 7. 1642. The King as quick sends his Message to the Lords of his Privy Council in Scotland stating the condition between him and the
so much the more bound in conscience to attend with the most judicious zeal and care by how much I esteem the Church above the State the glory of Christ above mine Own and the salvation of mens souls above the preservation of their bodies and Estates Nor may any man I think without sin and presumption forcibly endeavour to cast the Churches under My care and tuition into the moulds they have fancied and fashioned to their designs till they have first gained My consent and resolved both My own and other mens consciences by the strength of their reasons Other violent motions which are neither Manlie Christian nor Loyal shall never either shake or unsettle My Religion nor any mans else who knows what Religion means and how far it is removed from all Faction whose proper engine is Force the arbitrator of beasts not of reasonable men much lesse of humble Christians and loyal Subjects in matters of Religion But men are prone to have such high conceits of themselves that they care not what cost they lay out upon their opinions especially those that have some temptation of gain to recompense their losses and hazards Yet I was not more scandalized at the Scots Armies coming in against My will and their forfeiture of so many obligations of duty and gratitude to Mee then I wondered how those here could so much distrust Gods assistance who so much pretended Gods Cause to the People as if they had the certainty of some divine Revelation considering they were more then competently furnished with my Subjects Arms and Ammunition My Navy by Sea My Forts Castles and Cities by Land But I finde that men jealous of the Iustifiableness of their doings and designs before God never think they have humane strength enough to carry their work on seem it never so plausible to the people what cannot be justified in Law or Religion had need be fortified with power And yet such is the inconstancie that attends all minds engaged in violent motion that whom some of them one while earnestly invite to come into their assistance others of them soon after are weary of and with nauseating cast them out what one party thought to rivet to a settlednesse by the strength and influence of the Scots that the other rejects and conteâ—â—n's at once despising the Kirk-Government and Discipline of the Scots and frustrating the successe of so chargeable more then charitable assistance For sure the Church of England might have purchased at a far cheaper rate the truth and happinesse of Reformed Government and Discipline if it had been wanting though it had entertained the best Divines of Christendom for their advice in a full and free Synod which I was ever willing to and desirous of that matters being impartially setled might be more satisfactory to all and more durable But much of God's justice and man's folly will at length be discovered through all the films and pretensions of Religion in which Politicians wrap up their designs in vain do men hope to build their pietie on the ruines of Loyalty Nor can those confederations or designs be durable when Subjects make bankrupt of their Allegiance under pretence of setting up a quicker trade for Religion But as My best Subjects of Scotland never deserted Mee so I cannot think that the most are gon so far from Me in a Prodigality of their love and respects towards Me as to make Me to dispair of their return when besides the bonds of nature and Conscience which they have to Me all Reason and true Policie will teach them that their chiefest interest consist's in their fidelitie to the Crown not in their serviceablenesse to any party of the People to a neglect and betraying of My safety and Honour for their own advantages However the lesse cause I have to trust to men the more I shall apply My self to God But the entrance of the Scots startled the King of which the gallant Earl of Montrose had heretofore advised but the Traytor Hamilton hood-winkt the King from the truth and now discovers it by pretence of his private letters of intelligence from Scotland which follow'd the tail of the Army and not before To Montrose the King shews Hamilton's treachery and thus advises That the King should send some Souldiers out of Ireland which the Earl of Antrim engages to doe That the Earl of Newcastle General for the King in the North to assist Montrose with a party of Horse to enter Scotland and to deal with the King of Denmark for some Troops of Germane Horse and some Arms and these to meet in Argile by the first of April next but all failing yet their men shall find Montross at that time and afterwards doing wonders alone There was a Letter and the Scots Declaration sent to Sir Thomas Glenham Commander of the Kings Forces in the North from the Marquess of Argile and Sir William Armin the Parliaments Agent to hasten the Scots Army whence they labour to excuse the Scots for invading England the chief heads of their Letter we may find by Glenhams answer which is richly worth the reading My Lord I have this day February the first 1643. received yours together with one to the Gentlemen of the Countrey and having communicated with them we return you this Answer That without the sight of that Letter we could not have been induced by any flying rumours to believe that the Scotish Nation or the prevailing party for the present in that Nation would have attempted an invasion of England so contrary to the Laws of God of Nations of both Kingdoms and especially to the late Act of Pacification so opposite to their Alleagiance and gratitude to his Majesty to that neighbourly love they pretend to that discreet care which they should have of their own safety We could not otherwise have imagined that they who by his Majesties goodness enjoy a settlement of their Church and State according to their own desires should needlesly and ingratefully imbroyl themselves in a business that concerns them not forfeit their Rights disoblige his Majesty and hazard the loss of their present happiness No Order of any Committee or Committees whatsoever of Men or Angels can give them power to march into the bowels of another Kingdom to make offensive War against their natural Soveraign upon the empty pretence of Evil Councellours who could never yet be named And for the English Agents we cannot believe them to be any Commissioners lawfully authorized either by the Parliament or by the two Houses or yet by the House of Commons whence so many of the Members are expelled by partial Votes so many banished by seditious tumults so many voluntarily absent themselves out of Conscience where desperation or want of opportunity to depart or fear of certain Plunder are the chiefest Bonds which hold the little remnant together from dissipating where the venerable name of Parliament is made a stale to Countenance the pernitious Counsels and Acts of a
Close Committee For Subjects to make foreign Confederacies without their Soveraigns assent to invade the Territories of their undoubted King to go about by force to change the Laws and Religion established is grosse Treason without all contradiction and in this case it argues strongly who have been the Contrivers and Fomenters of all our Troubles No Covenant whatsoever or with whomsoever can justifie such proceedings or oblige a Subject to run such disloyal courses If any man out of Ignorance or Fear or Credulity have entred into such a Covenant it bindes him not except it be to Repentance Neitheâ— is there any such necessity as is pretended of your present posture your selves cannot allege that you are any way provoked by us neither are we conscious to our selves of the least intention to molest you Those ends which you propose are plausible indeed to them who do not understand them the blackest Designs did never want the same pretences If by the Protestant Religion you intend our Articles which are the publick Confession of our Church and our Book of Common Prayer established by Act of Parliament you need not trouble your selves we are ready to defend them with our Bloud If it be otherwise it is plain to all the World that it is not the Preservation but the Innovation of Religion which you seek however by you styled Reformation And what calling have you to refâ—rm us by the Sword We do not remember that ever the like indignity was offered by one Nation to another by a lesser to a greater That those men who have heretofore pleaded to vehemently for Liberty of Conscience against all Oaths and Subscriptions should now assume a power to themselves by Arms to impose a Law upon the Consciences of their fellow Subjects A vanquished Nation would scarce endure such Terms from their Conquerours But this we are sure of that this is the way to make the Protestant Religion odious to all Monarchs Christian and Pagan Your other two ends that is the honour and happiness of the King and the publick Peace and Liberty of his Dominions are so manifestly contrary to your practice that we need no other motives to withdraw you from such a course as tends so directly to make his Majesty contemptible at home and abroad and to fill all his Dominions with Rapine and Bloud In an Army all have not the same intentions We have seen the Articles agreed upon and those vast Sums and Conditions contained in them as if our Countreymen thought that England was indeed a Well that could never be drawn dry and whatsoever the intentions be we know right well what will be the consequents if it were otherwise no intention or consequent whatsoever can justifie an unlawfull action And therefore you do wisely to decline all disputation about it it is an easie thing to pretend the Cause of God as the Jews did the Temple of the Lord but this is far from those evident Demonstrations which you often mention never make Consider that there must be an account given to God of all the Bloud which shall be shed in this Quarrel The way to prevent it is not by such insinuations but to retire before the Sword be unsheathed or the Breach be made too wide you cannot think we are grown such tame Creatures to desert our Religion our Laws our Liberties our Estates upon command of Foreigners and to suffer our selves and our Posterity to be made Beggars and Slaves without opposition If any of ours shall joyn with you in this Action we cannot look upon them otherwise than as Traitours to their King Vipers to their native Countrey and such as have been Plotters or Fomenters of this Design from the beginning But if mis-information or fear hath drawn any of yours ignorantly or unwillingly into this Cause we desire them to withdraw themselve at last and not to make themselves Accessaries to that Deluge of Mischief which this second Voyage is like to bring upon both Kingdoms The Scots for a Moneth together have likewise spread abroad this slander That divers of the Nobility have lately deserted the King which the Lords of the Assembly of Parliament at Oxford took upon them to convince that in time to come there might not be left one Loop-hole of Excuse for this their Rebellion Directing their Letters To the Lords of the Privy Council and Conservatours of the Peace of the Kingdom of Scotland Our very good Lords If for no other reason yet that Posterity may know we have done our Duties and not sate still whilest our Brethren of Scotland were transported with a dangerous and fatal misunderstanding c. We have thought it necessary to tell you that when you are informed that the Earls of Arundel and Thanet and the Lords of Stafford Stanhop Coventry Goring and Craven are beyond Seas and the Earls of Chesterfield Westmerland and the Lord Montague of Boughton under restraint at London for their Loyalty and Duty to his Majesty and the Kingdom your Lordships will easily conclude how very few now make up the Peers at Westminster there being not above five and twenty Lords present or privy to these Councils And so they go on to give their Reasons why this Assembly at Oxford are dissenting and absent from Westminster being forced away by the Multitude of the meaner sort of the City Rabble of London and prosecuted by unparliamentary Debates and Votes without freedom or safety to their Lives And therefore we do protest against any Invitation made to the Scotish Nation to enter this Kingdom with an Army And we do conjure your Lordships by our common Allegeance under one gracious Sovereign by the amity and affection of both Nations by the Treaty of Pacification and by all obligation divine and humane which can preserve peace upon earth to prevent the effusion of so much Christian Bloud and the confusion and desolation which must follow this Invasion c. And therefore your Lordships may be assured we shall expose our lives and fortunes in the just and necessary defence of the Kingdom Engaging our Honours to be our selves most religious observers of the Act of Pacification and we hope to receive such an answer from you as may preserve the two Nations c. Your Lorships most affectionate humble servants And signed by all the Lords and Peers of the great Assembly at Oxford about sixty as before in the Roll aforesaid We will end this year with Prince Ruperts relief of that gallant Garison at Newark from the three weeks hot siege of Sir Iohn Meldrum for the Parliament wasting his Army from seven thousand to five thousand the manner was thus Prince Rupert being at West-Chester upon Tuesday night March 12. received his Majesties commands to march with all speed to the relief of Newark with four thousand Foot under five Regiments and four Colours and two thousand Horse and Dragooners Upon these Summons he made haste to Shrewsbury speeding away Major Legge General of the
Ordnance before to choose out so many commanded Musquetiers of the English of late come out of Ireland as might well be spared out of that Garison These were a thousand Musquetiers of Colonel Broughtons and Colonel Tilliers Regiments with a hundred and twenty of Colonel Sir Fulke Huncks All these sent down by the Severne met the Prince at Bridgenorth on Fryday Of Horse he took along his own Troop and Regiment with twenty of Major General Sir Hurrey's with these Forces he drew along three Field-pieces At Wolverhamton next day was his Army recruited by a hundred Horse and two hundred Foot of Colonel Levesons On Munday night he had notice at Ashby de la Zouch of two thousand two hundred Enemies under Sir Edward Hartop sent out by Meldruâ—â— to the pass and bridge over the Sore a mile from Loughborow in Leicester-shire Their purpose was either to intercept General Major George Porter or to prevent his joyning with my Lord Loughborow For thither with four Regiments of Horse and aâ— thousand commanded Musquetiers of my Lord of Newcastles men was Master Porter now come from about Newark to hinder the farther inroads into Leicestershire Dayly slight Skirmishes here passed For Meldrum not able to force the passaâ—â— and hearing of my Lord of Loughborow's drawing out they stole away Porter thus dis-ingaged was the next day together with my Lord Loughborow's forces conjoyned to the Prince's That night they all quartered in a Close by Bingham eight miles short of Newark About two of the clock the Moon then well up the drums beat and all marched Hitherto had the marches been so speedy as fame it self was prevented for by Meldrum's own Letter sent to the Lord Fairfax which was intercepted the night before they had no more but an uncredited rumor of Prince Rupert's coming On this dayes march Rupert had notice by his espyalls how the Enemies were busied all that morning in sending away their Cannons which proved no other then their drawing them off their Batteries into their chiefe work at the Spittle or Excester House a little more then musket shot from the Town for into that one Quarter had they that morning drawn all their Regiments and Amunition The Prince having intelligence of their amassing themselves into one Body which he supposed a preparation to march off suddenly advanc'd his Van of Horse upon the spur to overtake them the rest of his Horse had order to keep along with the Foot Cannon and Amunition Coming near the Beacon-hill a mile short of Newark he perceived some Horses of the enemies who upon his approach drew down the other side to their own Grosse The Prince thus easily gaining the hill increased his natural courage upon his apprehension besides of having many advantages upon a retreating enemy Whereupon Courage sayes he let 's charge them with the Horse we have and ingage them till our Reer and Foot be march'd up to us Trooping thus to the edge of the hill he perceived the most of the enemy in Battalia Horse and Foot near the Spittle all except four great Bodies of Horse who expected him at the very descent of the hill The Prince thus ordered his own few Forces first himself with his own Troop of Life-guards undertook to attack that Body on the left hand appointing my Lord Loughborow's Troop to second him and Colonel Gerard's Troop to be as a Reserve a little on my Lords right hand The Princes Regiment was cast out into five divisions two Troops to each division in the first and very right hand of all were Captain Gardiner and Captain Richardson then Captain Cobb and Captain Martin then the Lord Grandison and Sir Thomas Dallison next them the Troops of Sir Lewis Dives and the Lord Dillon Major Leggs and Lieutenant-Colonel O-Neales Troops being next unto the Life-guards this Regiment was seconded by Major General Porters Regiment the Field-word was King and Queen theirs Religion The fight began about nine a clock and after a while grew sturdy especially on Rupert's right wing the other doubling their files from three to six deep and charged two outmost Troops upon the Flanks so hard that Captain Martin came timely in to help to beat them off the Prince himself having pierced deep into the enemies and being observed for his valour was dangerously at once assaulted by three sturdy persons whereof one fell by Rupert's own sword a second being pistoll'd by Master Mortaigne one of his own Gentlemen the third now ready to lay hand on the Princes collar had it almost chopt off by Sir William Neale He thus dis-engaged with a shot only in his gauntlet with Sir Richard Crane and his own Troop charged quite thorow that Body pursuing them in rout home to their very Works at the Spittle presently after this his Regiment with their seconds likewise routed the three other Bodies four of the Troops charging even into the Work and bringing away a Captain Prisoner Loughborow also deported himself honourably some of his shrunk at the second charge himself rode back to rally and bring them up again Major-general Porter charged with much bravery though some of his also retired up the hill in disorder Colonel Charles Gerard did here like himself but by the fall of his horse was bruised shot in the arm and taken prisoner After a while both sides began to rallie and make ready for a second charge the Prince to make impression and they to receive it and though for a good while they disputed it toughly yet by fine force were they and all the rest driven quite out of the Field beyond their own Work Foot and Cannon at the Spittle divers of them hasting by a bridge of boats over that branch of the Trent into the Island four other Troops with as many Foot-companies hasted up to Muskham bridge upon the other side of the Island and main stream of the River about three quarters of a mile both from Newark and the Spittle here they stayed till towards evening when breaking the bridge behinde them and throwing one piece of Cannon into the Trent they then hastned to Nottingham In both these stiffe bouts the Prince took Five Cornets and Ninetie Prisoners whereof three Captaines some Gentlemen three Cornets besides other Officers and two Cannoniers And now as if an universal truce had been agreed upon there was some half an hours silence excepting that the enemies Cannonado's disturbed it For the Foot had not yet advanced and their Horse by this time had enough of it As for the Prince he now stayed for his Foot and Reer of Horse both left full two miles behinde when his Van began to double their march to overtake the enemy anon came up his Foot all that day commanded by Colonel Tilliar these resting themselves a while upon the hill the first division being part of those that came from Shrewsbury were led on by the Colonel these marcht down in the face of the enemy hooting at their Cannon these
not upon it 8. Psalm 114. 6. Yea I will pray yet against their wickedness for within a while I shall even pray in their miseries 9. Isai 63. 11. Israel remembered for He that is God remembered See Epist. Mund. East 10. Matth. 27. 9. Whom they bought of the children of Israel for whom the children of Israel valued See Gosp. last Lent 11. Luke 1. 28. Hail full of grace for freely beloved See Annunc 12. Luke 1. 48. The lowliness of his hand-maid for poor degree See Magnificat 13. 1 Cor. 9. 27. Should be a castaway for reprovable See Epist. Septuag 14. Gal. 4. 25. Agar in Arabia bordereth upon Ierusalem for answereth to Ierusalem that now is See Epist. 4. Lent 15. Phil. 2. 7. Christ was found in his apparel like a man for in shape as a man See Epist. last Sund. in Lent 16. Heb. 9. 25. The high Priest entred into the holy place with strange bloud for other bloud that is not his own See Wednesd before Easter 17. 1 Peter 3. 20. When the long-suffering of God was once looked for for The long-suffering of God abode or waited See Easter Eve XII Because it mis-applieth some places of the holy Scriptures to the countenancing of erroneous and doubtfull matters 1. Revel 14. 1. To those children whom Herod caused to be murdered whom the Collect calls Gods witnesses See Innocents 2. 1 Peter 3. 17. To the time that Christ abode in the grave See Easter Eve 3. Revel 12. 7. To Michael as a created Angel See Michael And then they protest before Almighty God That we acknowledg the Churches of England as they be established by publique Authority to be true visible Churches of Christ That we desire the continuance of our Ministery in them above all earthly things as that without which our life would be bitter and wearisom unto us That we dislike not a set Form of Prayer to be used in the Church and finally That whatsoever before written is not set down of any evil minde or with a purpose to deprave the Books of Common Prayer Ordination or Homilies but onely to shew some Reasons why we cannot subscribe to all things contained in the same What they protest now was otherwise concluded to confound it A brief Narrative of the Scots affaires from 1639. We may not conceal the valiant and admired Actions of the Kings affaires in Scotland under conduct of the most Noble Iames Marquesse of Montrose Earl of Kinkardin c. General Governour by Commission for his Majesty in that kingdom A Narrative wherein we may finde Montrose his judgement and ingenuity gallantry in person patience in travel evennesse of spirit in dangers quick in resolution his wisdom in counsels his excellent vertue in all things and to all men which his very enemies could not but afford him For while the Covenanters at the first in 1638. pretended preservation of Religion the honour and dignity of the King and good of the people He sided with them they all then engaging by solemn Attestation and Oaths never to move by force but by petition to their Soveraign In 1639. Montrose was their Minion to whom they spoke out that the Stuarts had governed too long and they would now be at liberty and would strike at the Head resolving to raise an Army and at Dundee the solemn Convention resolve to invade England but had it counsel six weeks before in which time they divulge in all the three Kingdoms their several Pamphlets Apologetical seting some gloss upon their intended expedition Montrose was absent whilst this was working and being returned and made acquainted with all was intrusted to command 2000. Foot and 500. Horse and his meer friends conducted 5000. more of this Army with intention on their parts to side with the King and at the River Tweed that separates both Nations Montrose was by lot to passe over first which he did on foot and his men followed by which and other his forwardness he shadowed his intentions of Loyalty and service to his Soveraign when opportunity should minister the occasion for now a pacification is concluded Another Scotish Army is raised and marching over Tine neer Newcastle the English Army come thither to oppose them retreated to York and gave way willingly for the Scots to possesse Newcastle and a cessation agreed upon and the Treaty began at London In this time the King at York receives private Letters from Montrose professing his duty and fidelity to the King nor did they contain any more but being stollen out of his pocket by the treacherous Scots of the Kings Bed-chamber and copied out were sent to the Covenanters The Army disbanded Montrose returned into Scotland joynes in League with some prime of the Nobility to defend the Kings Cause and so by a division which was his aim but betrayed to the Covenanters who joyning with the Parliament of England by solemn engagements designed Montrose his ruine They corrupt the Courtiers and understand that the King had writ Letters to Montrose quilted in the Messengers Sadle one Stuart servant to Traquair whom they seise at the borders of Scotland and rip out the Letters yet nothing therein but what became the best of Kings to write and the best of Subjects to obey Neverthelesse the Covenanters scattered abroad Tragicall Reports of Plots between the King and Montrose for the overthrow of Religion and ruine of the Kingdoms which their Mercenary Ministers made use of to winde and turn the mindes of the people the best way to promote their cause and Rebellion They seise Montrose on the suddain with Napier Lord of Marcheston and Sir Sterling Keer his kinsmen and friends into the Castle of Edenburgh The peace concluded and the King come into Scotland called a Parliament gives them their hearts desire but could not procure Montrosses tryal nor release till after the Kings departure towards the end of the year and Montrose retires to his own house The next year 1642. the Covenanters unmask on all sides the English raise Armes for a civil war the Scots are caressed who raise forces also to assist the Parliament of England and labour all possible means to win upon Montrose and offer him to be Lord General of their Army He holds off and privately with the Lord Ogleby comes with two Troops of Horse to the Queen newly landed out of Holland at Burlington in Yorkshire and discovering to her all the former passages and the danger of the King and that there was no other way of remedy but to resist force with force and to oppose their entrance into this evil But Hamilton now returnes out of Scotland sent thither by the King to appease the Scots with whom he traiterously combines and purposely comes to the Queen to deâ—â—oy Montrose his Counsels as rash and unadvised offering himself to pacifie the Scots and so returns home and Hamilton seems there active for the King as his chief Commissioner The Scotish Covenanters of themselves summon a
negotiate the introducing by His Uncle the King of Denmark a foreign power to settle His affairs and under that pretext have given large Commission and particular instructions to the Fleet to visit search and intercept all such Danish ships as they should meet and to fight with sink or destroy all such as should resist them not permitting the same or to take and detain them having any arms or ammunition on board according to which they have searched visited and detained divers to the great prejudice and interruption of the Norway trade driven commonly in this Kingdom in their own Bottoms And that they did prepare force against others whom they permitted not to water nor any other accommodation being bound for the West-Indies and put in by stresse of weather in the West of England That in pursuance of their great design of extirpating the Royal blood and Monarchy of England they have endeavoured likewise to lay a great blemish upon His Royal Family endeavouring to illegitimate all derived from His Sister at once to cut off the interests and pretensions of the whole Race which their most detestable and scandalous design they have pursued examining witnesses and conferring circumstances and times to colour their pretensions in so great a fault and which as his sacred Majesty of England in the true sense of honour of his Mother doth abhor and will punish so he expects his concurrence in vindicating a Sister of so happy memory and by whom so near an union and continued League of amity hath been produced between the Families and Kingdoms That the particulars in which His Majesty doth desire his assistance are in the loan and raising of Men Money Arms and Ships all or such of them as may consist best with the conveniences of his own affairs and of such iu the first place as may be most requisite and are wanting to his Majesty That to set His levies on foot and to put him in a posture to protect his Subjects in all places that adhere to him and receive their contribution a hundred thousand pounds will be necessary for him which his Majesty desires by way of loan And for the restitution of it besides his Kingly word and solemn engagement upon this treaty he is contented of such his Crown Iewels as are in his disposure to leave His Royal pledge if it shall be desired The particulars of arms that he desires are six thousand Musquets fifteen hundred Horse-arms and twenty pieces of Artillery mounted Assistance of men he desires only in Hâ—rsmen and to know in what time thâ—y may be ready and how many That the Holy Island or Newcastle are designed for the landing of the said Horse and Magazin of the said provisions for reception likewise and protection of such his ships as he shall think fit to imploy for the countenance and security of those his Subjects that shall trade upon these Costs and for ascertaining the correspondency and intelligence between the two Kingdoms in which the number is left to be proportioned as may best sort and agree with his own affairs And for which the Holy Island is conceived one of the aptest Harbours in all his Majesties Dominions being capable of any ships whatsoever in a very great proportion an excellent rode at the entrance a ready out-let and a strong Fort under his Majesties command That in lieu of this assistance contributed by the King of Denmark his Majesty will oblige himself and ratifie in expresse Articles to restore into the Magazins of Denmark a like proportion of Arms and amunition to repay and defray the charges of the money leâ—t and levies of Horse and as soon as his affairs shall be setled and himself in a condition to do it upon all occasions to contribute the assistance of his Fleet in maintaining his Right and title to the Customs of the Sound against all persons whatsoever and to ratifie the Treaty thâ—â— was last made by Sir Thomas Roe to enter into a League offensive and defensive against intestine Rebellions In pursuance of which Treaty while the Negotiations and Articles may be severally perfected his Majesty doth expect this first Supply of Moneys and Arms present affairs not admitting a Delay in the same That in case the King of Denmark will lend Money upon Iewels there is in Holland a great Collar of Rubies and another of Rubies and Rearl that may be sent to him or delivered to his Agent here who may have order to pay the Money here or any other Iewels That there have been in Discourses several Propositions of Accommodation made by them to the King to which the King hath at all times made more Advances on his part than in reason could have been expected from him and the Difficulties have still risen on theirs And that whereas his Majesty doth understand that a person is addressed to the King of Denmark from his Parliament to insinâ—ate misunderstandings abroad with his Majestie 's Allies as they have done at home among his People his Majesty expects that he be neither received nor permitted to remain within his Dominions to become an Intelligencer and Spy upon the Treaty and Negotiations between their Majesties but that he be dismist and sent away so soon as ever he shall arrive These Instructions intend to state the affairs between the King and his Parliament which how truly rendered the History before doth express in particular The Parliament observe from hence that the King solicites Denmark making not onely Papists the Parliaments Enemies for Religions sake but all Princes though Protestants for Monarchies sake rather than fail of aid from thence And concerning the Rumour of his Mothers Queen Ann's chastity it is most true they did therein examine Witnesses upon Interrogatories most abusive base even to an Impossibility which yet was rumoured whispering to the great dishonour if possible of the memory of that virtuous noble Lady whom all Historians crown with glory and honourable Fame and which scandal I have not hitherto touched in this History nor would till now I finde his Majesty so sensible thereof that he signifies so much in private to the King of Denmark her Brother But the Parliament publish it in print to the World with their Paraphrase not to palliate the Injury but to increase the Scandal Sir William Waller had lain long at London for compleating his new Levies into a pretty Army and now he marches Commander in chief and as it was gotten without the Gen. Essex his good will so is he left at liberty without dependence on his direction And when he set forth from London his Expedition was accompanied with Fasting and Prayers and five several Sermons in one Church one day evermore recommending him The Servant of the State now going out to fight the Lords Battles against the Enemies of God And lest he should want Pay the Citizens will pinch their Bellies for the Parliament had put them by Ordinance to afford him one Meal a VVeek
as many or if you shall finde that any way inconvenient to come in person that then your Lordship will appoint such or so many to meet with the like number from hence that may consider of all means possible to reconcile these unhappie Differences and misâ—understandings that have so long afflicted this Kingdom And for the securitie of your Lordship and those that shall come with and be imploied by your Lordship we do engage our Faith and Honour and do expect the same from your Lordship desiring withall your speedie Answer which must be a Guide to our Proceedings concluding that if this shall be refused we shall hold our selves justified before God and Men whatsoever shall be the Success so we rest From the Armie Aug. 8. 1644. Your Lordships humble Servants Maurice Thomas Wentworth Lindsey Lord Hopâ—on Nothampton Cleveland Thomas Blagge Joseph Bamfield Anthony Thelwel John Owen Thomas Stradling Robert Howard John Stocker Edward Porter Gilbert Armstrong Richard Nevil Thomas Pigot John Brown Ad. Scroop Amy Polard James Hamilton Richard Thornhill John Toping James Dundasse Giles Strangways R. Smith Ja. Cary Brainford Piercy Jacob Ashley Richard Cave Bernard Stuart Bernard Astley Theophilus Gilby William Leighton William Murrey Thomas Blackwell Thomas Bellingham Richard Page Bar. Jenkins Henry Miller Richard Fielding Thomas Weston Paul Smith G. Mouldsworth Phil. Honywood Thomas Culpeper William Leak Jo. Lunther Jo. Monk Cha. Fawlk Richard Samuel Arthur Slingsby George Goring Joseph Wagstaff Thomas Basset Charls Lloyd George Lisley William St. Leager Henry Lundsford Barth Pell Henry Shelley Thomas Paulet Thomas Kirton Anthony Brocher Devery Leigh David Stringer Ja. Mowbray Charls Compton Edward Not Alexander Standish Jo. Rideck Jo. Stuart Jo. Gambling Jo. Greenvile Arthur Henningham Ja. Haswith W. Maxwel And after his defeating Essex in Cornwall he writes from Tavestock To the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament C. R. It having pleased God in so eminent a manner lately to bless our Armies in these parts with success we do not so much joy in that blessing for any other consideration as for the hopes we have it may be a means to make others lay to heart as we do the miseries brought and continued upon our Kingdoms by this unnatural VVar and that it may open your ears and dispose your minde to imbrace those Offers of Peace and Reconciliation which have been so often and earnestly made unto you by us and from the constant and firm endeavours of which we are resolved never to desist in pursuance whereof we do upon this occasion conjure you to take into consideration our too long neglected Message of the fourth of July from Evesham which we again renew unto you and that you will speedily send such an Answer thereunto as may shew unto our poor Subjects some light of Deliverance from their present calamities by a happie Accommodation toward which we do here engage the word of a King to make good all these things which we have therein promised and really to endeavour a happie conclusion of this Treatie And so God direct you in the waies of Peace Given at our Court at Tavestock Sept. 8. 1644. These Messages were in his Marches the like he continues at his Return and setling at Oxford often times ere he could procure a Treaty as in dâ—e place here after in Ianuarie But as yet no endeavours of his could prevail and it hath been urged the jealousie of mutual confidence in eithers performance certainly the mystery was whether the King should trust to Essex and his Army or Essex to his and the difficulty might be how to advise in either It was said that Essex made some Overtures fair enough but how secure I shall not conclude Essex had it expresse in his Commission To take the King from his evil Counsel he urged therefore to be voluntarily trusted with the Kings person and the Kings Army to disband upon this assurance that then his Army being on foot he would not disband untill all things were performed to the general content and peace of the Kingdom So then the difficulty how to do what each party desired to be done kept on the War to the destruction of all Besides there was a providence or fate as we say therein which the Lord Digbie in a Letter calls His superstitious Observation concerning the hand of God in the cause of the Earl of Strafford 's death And the King from thence inferres in a Letter to the Queen That nothing can be more evident than that Strafford 's innocent bloud hath been one of the greatest causes of Gods just Iudgments upon this Nation by a furious Civil War Both sides hitherto being almost equally punished as being in a manner equally guilty but now this last crying blâ—ud being totally theirs I believe it is no presumption hereafter to hope that his hand of Justice must be heavier upon them and lighter upon us looking now upon our Cause having passed by our Fault The Estates of the Netherlands had sent their Ambassadours to the Parliament but not well instructed how to make their Address it took up some time for them to have new Instructions both for the Title of their Letters and Commissions from their Masters And so after these circumstances were setled they had Audience and being the first Address of note the Parliament referred it to a Committees direction which was upon the twelfth of Iulie the Master of the Ceremonies conducted them to both Houses apart and Chairs of State were set up for their repose one in the withdrawing Room by the House of Lords the other in the inner Chamber of the Court of VVards by the Commons where reposing a while they were brought to each House delivering their Embassie first in French and after in English in effect That the high and mightie States of the United Provinces had sent them to declare their earnest desire they had to interpose and mediate a Reconciliation of the Difference between the King and Parliament of England for which purpose they had already addressed themselves to his Majestie and were now come to declare it to the Parliament They further insisting upon the great effusion of Protestant bloud both in England and Ireland as a presaging inducement of their Desires to have a Peace accorded between the King and Parliament that so they might concur together for the Extirpation of Poperie and setling of the Protestant Religion in all the three Kingdoms and with the assistance of the States to defend it against all foreign powers The Ambassadours had received Letters from the Kings Court at Oxford intimating the Kings Successes in the North which the Parliament desired to correct and to evidence their Victories eight and fourty Colours of Horse and Foot were received from their Northern Commanders the Scots General the Lord Fairfax and his Son Sir Thomas and lay in their view in the House of Commons which was no otherwise resented than that they might as well have made the number
manner lately to blesse our Armies in these parts with successe we do not so much joy in that blessing for any other consideration as for the hopes we have that it may be a means to make others lay to heart as we do the miseries brought and continued upon our Kingdom by this unnatural War and that it may open your â—ars and dispose your mindes to imbrace those offers of Peace and Reconciliation which have been so often and so earnestly made unto you by us from the constant and fervent endeavours of which we are resolved never to desist In pursuance whereof we do upon this occasion conjure you to take into consideration our too long neglected message of the fourth of July from Evesham which we again renew unto you And that you will speedily send us such an Answer thereunâ—â— as maâ—â—ew unâ—â—our poor Subjects some light of a deliverance from their present calamities by a happy Accommodation toward which â—â—â—do here engage the word of a King to make good all those things which we have thereiâ— promised and really to endeavour a happy conclusiâ—â— of this Treaty And so God direct you in the wayes of Peace What welcome this gracious Message wrought with the Parliament is monstrous to imagine for no sooner received it but instantly there followed a Fast at St. Laurence Church for the happy proceedings of the Councel of War the Lecturer Obadia Sedgwick telling the people that God was angry with them for not cutting off Delinquents Fifteen several times men have been raised in London by telling them that this would finish the work still exhorting them to pursue the War to put an end to these troubles Notwithstanding the Scots Army send to the Parliament to send to the King some reasonable Propositions that the Church of England may be Uniform to the Kirk of Scotland That for their service in England and Ireland there is due to them upon account eight hundred thousand pounds whereof they must have one hundred thousand pounds presently which put the Parliament to consider who as one said at the beginning of their Assemblie did they knew not what and now they know not what to do And the County of Somerset presented the King with their Petition with what comfort they apprehend his Majesties pious inclination to and endeavours for setling peace and hoped that your Majesties gracious Message to that purpose to the Parliament would have produced the desired effect c. And desire leave to wait in person upon the King to the Parliament And in case they may not obtain so just a request they shall hold their lives best spent in assisting your Majesty to compasse that by the Sword which can not otherwise be effected The King signifies his Gracious acceptance of their Loyal affections in what they desire and withall for them to Petition the Parliament Assembled at Westminster for composing the way of peace Assuring them that he will insist only upon such things as are justifiable with the Laws of the Kingdom Upon which they write at Wells and publish this Declaration to the world VVhereas we lately conceived very great hopes that those many gracious Overtures from his Majesty to those at London especially that from Evesham and that from Tavestock might have given a rise to a happy Treaty and consequently put an end to those bleeding differences but have been fruitless and uneffectual c. Therefore they resolve to wait upon the King as one man towards London to propose or receive Propositions to restore the Kingdom to peace And call the Kingdom to witness whether this Petition which they now are going to deliver to the Parliament assembled at Westminster doe not become Loyal Subjects and Lovers of the Country VVherein they desire the two Houses to joyn hands with him and them in a happy Treaty that as they have all within the same Profession so they may meet in the real performance the maintenance of the Protestant Religion the safety of the Kings person and rights the liberty and property of the Subjects and just priviledges of Parliament The County of Wilts also taking notice of those in Somersetshire certifie that the Sherif of Wiltshire and the principal Lords and Gentlemen of that County declaring their approbation of the declaration and Petition to the Parliament assembled at Westminster and that they will joyn in the same course presently You see what means are made for a Treaty of Peace The Parliament Forces from Northampton bringing with them many Colliers and Miners from Bedworth who after sundry dayes exercise under ground to mine the Castle found such continual Springs of water that they could work no more This siege hath now continued eleven weeks from the 19. of Iuly when their Horse came to Broughton Warkwoth and other places to straighten the Castle and lay there till Aug. 27. On which day Mr. Iohn Fines came with Foot and Canon into Banbury and from that time both with Batterings Mines and storming attempted upon the Castle commanded by Sir William Compton brother to the Earl of Northampton to whom he sends Summons and had this Answer That they kept the Castle for his Majesty and as long 〈◊〉 one man was left alive in it willed him not to expect to have it delivered Whereupon Fines made several batteries on three sides of the Castle but to little purpose Then they began to mine but found much water then to drain the outmost Mote which in part they effect but with great losse Then September 16. Fines sends another Summons but Compton told the Trumpeter that he formerly Answered them and wondered they would send again Upon this the Assaylants goe on fiercely with Batteries and Stormes for a week together But were answered by often sallies and losse on both sides Then two dayes together the Besiegers shot and plyed their Granadoes abundantly and made a breach upon the West wall of the out Ward of the Castle the upper part neer thirty yards in length but the inside well lined with earth This gave them incouragement to Storm it and about nine a clock that morning 23. September they began to fall on their Foot not so hardy they invited their Troopers to lead them on twelve out of each Company with their best Officers The number of the Assaylants about six hundred came on with burthens on their backs which they cast into the Mote the better to passe the Mud and so fell on in five several places at once the greatest number where the breach was and on all the other parts they brought Scaling-ladders but could not reare one but were cut off with great and small shot those at the breach were so served also but at last all the Assaylants gave off Towards evening they send a Trumpet to desire burial of their dead conditional that those which vvere fallen vvithâ—n Pistol shot of the Castle should be stript by the Garrison vvhich vvas done much losse they had many slain and vvounded
Father and Son Vaughan Windebank Greenvile Hide Morley Cole Riddell Ware Strongways Culpeper Floyd Esquires Endimion Porter Henry Jermin Jo. Bodevile David Jenkins Sir George Strode Sir Alexander Carew With twice so many Earls Lords Bishops Knights and Gentlemen of Scotland All Papists that have are or shall be in Arms against either Parliaments or of the Rebellion in Ireland Then are excepted all those of the then Parliament of Oxford and all such of Scotland that have assisted the King there All such as have deserted either Parliaments of both Kingdoms The Estates of such unpardonable to pay publick Debts The tenth part of all other Delinquents within the joint Declaration Then follows other Acts which the Parliaments shall mannage For arming the Kingdoms setling the Admiralties to name Commissioners That all Honours and Titles given since the great Seal went to the King viz. May 21. 1642. or hereafter to be made shall be null Not to vote in Parliaments and so for Scotland since June 4. 1644. The Governours of Ireland and the great Officers of both Kingdoms be nominated by the Parliaments of both Kingdoms The like for Scotland The Kings Children to be governed and married The Prince Elector to be restored Peace and War 〈◊〉 of Oblivion Armies disbanded All these as the Parliaments of both Kingdoms shall order Thus much in general Now for the City of London Acts for them Their Charters Customs Liberties to be confirmed notwithstanding any Non-user Mis-user or Abuser The Militia of London and the Liberties The Tower of London to be in the Mayor and Common-Council The Citizens not to be drawn out of London to any service The Acts of the Mayor and Common Council heretofore and hereafter to confirm as if by Act of Parliaments And these being granted they will endeavour that the King shall live in splendour c. 'T is true that all the Kings party were impatient for Peace which obliged the King to shew his real Intentions being assured that if he could come to a fair Treaty the chief of the Parliaments party could not hinder the Peace first because themselves are weary of the War and next because of their Distractions Presbyterians against Independents in Religion and General against General in point of Command Upon these grounds the most probable means for the King to procure a Treaty was to be used and the noise was therefore published of the Kings return to London the best Rhetorick to please the Popular that thereupon a Treaty would be procured or if refused it would bring most prejudice to the Parliament and advantage to the King for although he offered fair Propositions yet they were mixed with such Conditions as might not easily be admitted and so the Kings offer did but amaze the people into a milder opinion of his proceedings These Propositions for the present were neglected as unlimited yet the King imagined that in a Treaty Commissioners might Argue them into Reason and so returns the Messengers that he will send to the Houses which he did forthwith by this Letter CHARLES REX The Propositions presented to his Majesty being very long which contain matters in themselves of gâ—â—at weight and importance as being in great part in alteration of the frame of Government both in Church and State And the Messengers who presented them declaring that they have no power to treat or consent to any alteration it cannot be expected that his Majesty shall return a Present Particular and Positive Answer But as he hath from his soul alwaies desired the setling of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 peace in this distracted Kingdom for that purpose hath from time to time tendred all possible Overtures in hope that all will work upon the hearts of all persons concerned That even this apprehension such as it is upon further thought and consideration may produce some good effect towards it to which his Majestie calls God to witness therein shall nothing be wanting on his part which is agreeable to Iustice Honour and Conscience and there shall all possible expedition be used in preparing his Majesties Answer yet â—e intends speedily to send by Messengers of his own and to that purpose that there may be no losse of time He desires safe conduct be speedily for the Duke of Richmond and the Earl of Southampton with their attendance to bring up his Majesties said Answer And his Majesty doth heartily wish that God may so deal with him and his as he endeavours all just and lawful waies to restore this poor Kingdom to a lasting and happy peace G. Digby Secretary Oxford 27. Novem. 1644. The Parliament excepts against this Letter as directed to No body the Parliament not so much as named therein And it was remembred that the Lord Digby by his Letters told them long since That the Foundation upon which the King did build all his designs was never to acknowledge this a Parliament and that if he receded from that Maxim the King would undoe himself and all those that have appeared for him Yet after long debate it was resolved that their General Essex do forthwith return a Letter to Prince Rupert who in the absence of the Lord Brainford appears the Kings Lieutenant General That if his Majesty shall send to the Parliament of England Assembled at Westmin and to the Commissioners of the Parliament of the Kingdom of Scotland they will with all readiness grant a safe conduct for the Duke of Richmond and the Earl of Southampton and treat with them according to his Majesties desire Which was so acknowledged by Prince Rupert in his Majesties Name and directed to the Earl of Essex and so they were received into Somerset House with this Order That no Member visit or speak or send any Message to either of them during their stay here And had audience of a Committee of twenty four Lords and twenty eight Commons and the Scotish Comissioners in the Painted Chamber which was in effect only That the King designed a Treaty and time speedily to be fixed and to be certified by those Messengers but they had Answer of both Houses that they would hasten and so required them to return back Upon the rumour of this intended Treaty and hereafter of a peace the King was assured that the Parliaments chief Articles would be to continue the Irish Wars Indeed this Article of Ireland was a tender point and the King resolved not only not to break the Cessation but to make peace with the Rebels to which end he had promised the Queen in France of some favours to the Catholicks of Ireland And expressely a little before the Treaty he writes to the Marquesse of Ormond That he is sorry to finde the sad condition of his particular fortune for which saies he I cannot finde so good and speedy remedy as the peace of Ireland and to redresse most necessary affairs here Wherefore I command you to dispatch it out of hand with this Addition to my former dispatch And for Poinings Act I
refer you to my other Letter and for matter of Religion I doe hereby promise them and command you to see it done that the Penal Statutes against Roman Catholicks shall not be put in execution the Peace being made and they remaining in their due obedience and further that when the Irish gives me that assistance which they have promised for this suppression of this Rebellion and I shall be restored to my Rights then I will consent to the Repeal of them by a Law but all those against Appeals to Rome and Premunire mustâ—â—and This being in Cipher he is commanded to impart to none but to Brown the Lord Muskery and Plunket and that with injunction of strict secresie and concludes his Letter again for his speedy dispatch of the Peace of Ireland and his necessary supply fromthence 15. Decemb. 1644. Oxford Then so soon as the Treaty was on foot the King writes again to Ormond Upon the great Rumours and expectations now of Peace I think it necessary to tell you That the Rebels here have agreed to Treat and most assuredly one of the first and chiefest Articles they will insist on will be to continue the Irish War Which is a point not popular for me to treat on of which you are to make a double use First to hasten with all possible diligence the Peace there the timely conclusion of which will take off that inconvenience which otherwise I may be subject unto by the refusal of that Article upon any other reason Secondly by dexterous conveying to the Irish the danger that may be of their total and perpetual exclusion from these Favours I intend them in case the Rebels here clap up a Peace with Me upon reasonable terms and only exclude them which possibly were not counselable for me to refuse if the Irish Peace should be the only difference betwixt us before it were perfected there These I hope are sufficient Grounds for you to perswade the Irish to dispach a Peace upon reasonable terms assuring them that when you have once fully engaged my Word in the conclusion of a Peace all the earth shall not make me break it But not doubting of a Peace I must again remember you to presse the Irish for their speedy assistance to me here and their friends in Scotland My intentions being to draw from thenâ—e into Wales the peace being once concluded as many as I can of my Armed Protestant Subjects and desire that the Irish would send as great a Body as they can to land about Cumberland which will put these Northern Counties in a brave condition Provide all the Shiping you may as well Dunkirk as Irish Bottoms and remember that after March it will be difficult to transport into England the Rebels being Masters of the Seas 7. Jan. Oxford But the Treaty assigned at Uxbridge and the day neer at hand the thirtieth of Ianuary the King gives these Memorials to Secretary Nicholas First For Religion and Church Government the King will not goe one jot further then is by you offered already Secondly And so for the Militia more then what you have allowed by me but even in that you must observe that I must have free Nomination of the full half as if the total number Scots and all be thirty I will name fifteen Yet if the Parliameâ—â— will be so unworthy as to admit of ten Scots to twenty English I am contented to name five Scots and ten English and so proportional to any number As for gaining of particular persons besides security promise them rewards for performed Services not sparing to ingage for Places so they be not of great Trust not to dispossesse honest men but as much profit as you will with this last you are only to acquaint Richmond Southampton Culpepper and Hide And the King gives directions to his Commissioners in writing thus First concerning Religion In this the Government of the Church as I suppose will be the chief Question wherein these two things are to be considered Conscience and Policy in the first I cannot yield to the change of the Government of Bishops not only as I concur with the most general opinion of Christians in all Ages as being the best but likewise I hold my self particularly bound by the Oath I took at my Coronation not to alter the Government of the Church from what I found it And as for the Churches Patrimony I cannot suffer any diminution or alienation of it it being without peradventure Sacrilege and likewise contrary to the former Oath But whatsoever shall be offered for rectifying of abuses if any hath crept in or yet for the ease of tender Consciences so that it endammage not the Foundation I am content to hear and will be ready to give a Gracious Answer For the second Policy as the Kings duty is to protect the Church so it is the Churches to assist the King in the maintenance of his just Authority wherefore my Predecessâ—â—s have been alwaies careful especially since the Reformation to keep the dependency of the Clergy intirely upon the Crown without which it will scarcely sit fast upon the Kings Head Therefore doe nothing to change or lessen this necessary dependence Concerning the Militia After Conscience this is certainly the fittest Subject for a Kings quarrel for without it the Kings Power is but a shadow and therefore upon no means to be quitted but to be maintained according to the Ancient Lawes of the Land Yet because to attain to this so much wished Peace by all good men It is in a manner necessary that sufficient and real security be given for performance of Agreement I permit you therefore either by leaving strong Towns or other Military Forces into their possession until Articles be performed to give such assurance for performance of Conditions as you shall judge necessary for to conclude a peace Provided alwaies that you take at least as great care by sufficient security that Conditions be performed to me And to make sure that the Peace once setled all things shall return into their Ancient Channels For Ireland I confess they have very specious popular Arguments to presse this Point the gaining no Article more conducing to their ends then this And I have as much reason both in Honour and Policy to take care how to answer this as any All the world knows the eminent inevitable necessity which caused me to make the Irish Cessation and there remain yet as strong Reasons for the concluding of that Peace wherefore you must consent to nothing to hinder me therein until a clear way be shown to me how my Protestant Subjects there may probably at least defend themselves and that I shall have no more need to defend my Conscience and Crown from the Injuries of this Rebellion The Protestation consented unto and taken by his Majesties Commissioners appointed to Treat I A. B. One of the Commissioners assigned by his Majesty for this present Treaty at Uxbridge doe protest and promise
in the sight of Almighty God that I will not disclose nor reveale unto any Person or Persons whatsoever who is not a Commissioner any matter or thing that shall be spoken of during the Treaty by any one or more of his Majesties Commissioners in any private Debate amongst our selves concerning the said Treaty so as to name or describe directly or indirectly the person or persons that shall speak any such matter or thing unlesse by the consent of all the said Commissioners that shall be then living Memorandum That it is by all the said Commissioners agreed that this shall not binde where any ten of the Commissioners shall agree to certifie his Majesty the number of the Assenters or Dissenters upon any particular result in this Treaty not naming or describing the persons Upon the Kings former Message from Evesham Iuly 4. And his second Message from Tavestock Septem 8. and the consideration of the Parliaments late Propositions sent to the King at Oxford Novem. 23. which he Answered in the general the effect whereof produced an offer of the King for a Treaty so that at last it was assented unto and Commissioners appointed on all sides for the King and for the Parliament of England and the Parliament of Scotland to Treat at Uxbridge the 30. of Ianuary The day came and after eithers Commission was assented unto the Kings Commissioners complain against one Mr. Love who preached in Uxbridge to the people that very day Thursday Market day Telling them that the Kings Commissioners came with hearts full of bloud and that there is as great distance between this Treaty and Peace as between Heaven and Hell With divers other seditious passages against the King and his Treaty It was Answered that Mr. Love was none of their Train and that they would present this Complaint to the Parliament who will no doubt proceed in justice therein who was sent to the Parliament and slightly blamed but grew into so much favour with a Faction and therein very bold that we shall finde him hereafter a Traitor and sentenced to be hanged drawn and quartered but had the favour of the Ax. The observable end of many such in these times Commissioners pro Rege Duke of Richmond and Lenox Marquess of Hertford Earl of Southampton Earl of Kingston Earl of Chichester Lord Capel Lord Seamour Lord Hatton Lord Culpepper Sir Edward Nicholas Sir Edward Hide Sir Richard Lane Sir Thomas Grandure Sir Orlando Bridgeman Mr. Io. Ashburnham Mr. Ieffery Palmer Doctor Stuard Commissioners pro Parl. Earl of Northumberland Earl of Pembroke Montgomery Earl of Salisbury Earl of Denbigh Lord Wenman Mr. Hollis Mr. Pierpoint Sir Hen. Vane Iunior Mr. Crew Mr. Whitlock Mr. St. Iohns Mr. Prideaux Lord Loudon Sir Charles Ersken Scots Commissioners Mr. Doudas Mr. Brackley Mr. Henderson Then they proceed to their Order of Treaty 1. concerning Religion 2. Militia 3. Ireland But ere the Treaty began this Paper was delivered in to the Commissioners of Parliament from the other for reconciling all differences in the Matter of Religion and procuring a Peace we are willing 1. That freedom be left to all Persons of what opinion soever in Matters of Ceremony and that all the penalties of the Lawes and Customs which enjoyn these penalties be suspended 2. That the Bishops shall exercise no Act of Iurisdiction or Ordination without the consent and Councel of the Presbyters who shall be chosen by the Clergy of each Diocess out of the Learned'st and gravest Ministers of that Diocess 3. That the Bishop keep his constant Residence in his Diocess except when he shall be required by his Majesty to attend him on any occasion and that if he be not hindered by the Infirmity of old age or sickness he preach every Sunday in some Church within his Diocess 4. That the Ordination on Ministers shall be alwayes in the Publick and Solemn Manner and very strict rules observed concerning the sufficience and other qualifications of those men who shall be received into holy Orders And the Bishop shall not receive any into holy Orders without the Approbation and consent of the Presbyters or the Major part of them 5. That competent Maintenance be established by Parliament to such Vicarages as belong to Bishops Deans and Chapters out of the Impropriations according to their value of the several Parishes 6. That no Man shall be capable of two Parsonages or Vicarages with cure of Souls 7. That toward the setling of the Publick peace a hundred thousand pounds shall be raised by Parliament out of the estates of Bishops Deans and Chapters in such manner as the King and Parliament shall think fit without the Alienation of any of the said Lands 8. That the Iurisdiction in causes Testamentary Decimals and Matrimonials be setled in such a manner as shall seem most convenient by the King and Parliament And likewise that Acts to be passed for regulating of Visitations and against immoderate Fees in Ecclesiastical Courts and abuses by frivolous Excommunications and all other abuses in Ecclesiastical Iurisdictions as shall be agreed upon by King and Parliament And if the Parliaments Commissioners will insist upon any other things which they shall think necessary for Religion the Kings Commissioners shall very willingly apply themselves to the consideration thereof But no Answer was given thereto The Parliaments Commissioners paper concerning Religion That the Bill be passed for Abolishing and taking away of all Archbishops Bishops c. according to the third Proposition That the Ordinances concerning the calling and sitting of the Assembly of Divines be confirmed by Act of Parliament That the Directory for Publick Worship already passed both Houses and the Propositions concerning Church Government annexed and passed both Houses be Enacted as a part of Reformation of Religion and Vniformity according to the first Proposition That His Majesty take the Solemn League and Covenant and that the Covenants be enjoyned to be taken according to the second Proposition To this was annexed the following Paper That the ordinary way of dividing Christians into distinct Congregations and most expedient for edification is by the respective bounds of their dwellings That the Minister and the Church Officers in each Congregation shall joyn in the Government of the Church as shall be established by Parliament That many particular Congregations shall be under one Presbyterial Government That the Church be Governed by Congregational Classical and Synodical Assemblies to be established by Parliament That Synodical Assemblies shall consist both of Provincial and National Assemblies Which Papers suffered three dayes of the Treaty in dispute The next three dayes were ordered for the Militia and was afterwards resumed for other three dayes Propositions concerning the Militia 4 February We desire that the Subject of England may be Armed Trained and Disciplined as the Parliament shall think fit That the like for Scotland as the Parliament there shall think fit An Act for setling the Admiralty and forces at Sea and
monies thereto for maintenance may be as the Parliament shall think fit The like for Scotland An Act for setling all forces by Sea and Land in Commissioners to be named by Parliament and as both Kingdoms shall confide in and to Suppresse all powers and forces contrary hereto and to act as they shall be directed by Parliament So for the Kingdom of Scotland That the Militia of the City London and of the Parishes without London and the Liberties within the weekly Bills of Mortality be in the Lord Mayor Aldermen and Common-council That the Tower of London may be in the Government of the City and the Chief Officers those be nominated and removable by the Common-council That the Citizens or forces of London may not be drawn out of the City without their own consent and that the example in these distracted times may be no Precedent for the future The next three dayes began the 7. of February and the same was also taken up again Feb. 18. for other three dayes for Ireland That an Act of Parliament be passed to make void the Cessation of Ireland and all Treaties of the Rebells without Consent of Parliment and to settle the prosecution of the War of Ireland in the Parliament to be managed by the joynt advice of both Kingdoms and his Majesty to assist and to do no act to discountenance or molest them therein But the Kings Commissioners were so far from yeilding to this Proposition that they had intimation from the King how he was ingaged for Ireland having two dayes before in great earnest writ to hasten the Peace in Ireland in these words Ormond I cannot but mention the necessity of hastning the Irish Peace But in case against all expectation and reason Peace cannot be had you must not by any means fall into a new rupture with them but continue the Cessation c. for a year for which you shall promise them if you can have it no cheaper to joyn with them against the Scots and Inchequin for I hope by that time my condition may be such as the Irish may be glad to accept lesse or I be able to grant more 16 February 1644. Oxford By those Letters the mystery is opened why the King is so violent for Peace with the Irish but this was tenderly treated by the Kings Commissioners and well they might be willing to shadow these designs if they were acquainted with the bottom which few could fathom In general the Kings Commissioners had upon the matter of the Parliaments Propositions consented unto many particulars and alterations of great Importance and complain that the other have not abated one title of the most severe of their Propositions nor have offered any prospect towards Peace but by submitting totally to those Propositions which would dissolve the Frame of Government Ecclesiastical and Civil In the matter of Religion the Kings Commissioners offered all such alterations as they conceived might give satisfaction to any Objection that hath or can be made against that government with their reasons why they cannot consent to the Propositions but if consented unto could not be in Order to Reformation or publique Peace And though in the Parliaments Covenant enjoyned to be taken by the King and all his Subjects they undertake the Reformation in Government and in Doctrine too thereby laying an imputation of Religion it self yet the Parliaments Commissioners have not given the other the least Argument nor the least prejudice to the Doctrine of the Church of England Nor given any view in particular of what they would propose to be abolished And therefore the Kings Commissioners offered That if the Articles proposed by them did not give satisfaction that then so great an alteration as the total abolishment of a Government established by Law may for the imparlance of it and any reformation in Doctrine for the scandal of it be suspended till after the Disbanding of all Armies the King may be present with the Parliament and calling a National Synod may receive such advice both from the one and the other as may be necessary and as any Reformation thus calmly made must needs prove for the singular benefit so whether the contrary that is an alteration even to things though in themselves good can by the principles of Christian Religion be enforced upon the King or Kingdom In that of the Militia Though the Parliaments Commissioners did not deny that the apprehensions of danger are mutual and that the chief end of depositing the Militia into the hands of certain persons is for securitie against possible dangers Yet they did insist that those persons should be nominated by the Parliaments of England and Scotland and that the time of that great unheard of Trust shall be in such manner that though it seems limited for seven years yet in truth it shall not be otherwise exercised then as the King and Parliament shall agree and he may thereby be totallie divested of the Sword without which he cannot defend himself from Foreign or Domestick or protect his Subjects Add to all that Scotland professing distinct and different Laws shall yet have a great share in the Government of this Kingdom Instead of consenting to these Changes the Kings Commissioners proposed That the persons to be Trusted with the Militia may be Nominated between them or that an equal number the one half by the King the other by the Parliament and all those to take Oath for the due discharge of that Trust so their securitie being mutual neither can be supposed to violate the agreement the whole Kingdom being eye-witnesses of the failing And as it is reasonable that for this security the King parting with so much of his own power as makes him unable to break the Agreements so it is most necessary when the apprehension of all danger of that breach be over that then the Soverain power of the Militia should revert and be as it hath alwaies been in the Kings proper Charge And therefore the Kings Commissioners proposed that the Trust should be for three years a time sufficient to produce a right understanding of both sides and if any thing else material may be necessary to be done that the same may be considered after the Peace setled But in all that this Kingdom may depend of it self and not of Scotland as Scotland shall without advice of this Kingdom Concerning Ireland The Parliaments Commissioners proposed that the King Nul this Cessation made by Royal Authority The Lords Justices and Councels desires and for the preservation of the remain of the poor Protestants there from Famine and Sword And to put the whole War Militia and Government of Ireland into the hands of the Scots General by advice of a Ioint Committee of both Kingdoms wherein each to have a Negative voice To which the Kings Commissioners acquainted them with the just Grounds of the Kings proceedings in that businesse of Ireland which they conceived might satisfie all men of his
which some men use in their speeches and Expresses I wish my Subjects had yet a clearer sight into my most retired thoughts Where they might discover how they are divided between the love and care I have not more to preserve my own Rights then to procure their Peace and Happiness and that extream grief to see them both Deceived and Destroyed Nor can any mens malice be gratified further by my Letters then to see my constancy to my Wife the Laws and Religion Bees will gather Hony where the Spider sucks Poison That I endeavour to avoid the pressures of my Enemies by all fair and just correspondencies no man can blame who loves me or the Common-wealth since my Subjects can hardly be happy if I be miserable or enjoy their Peace and Liberty while I am oppressed The world may see how some mens design like Absolom's is by enormous actions to widen differences and to exasperate all sides to such distances as may make all reconciliation desperate Yet I thank God I cannot only with Patience bear this as other indignities but with Charity forgive them The integrity of my intentions is not jealous of any injury my expressions can do them for although the confidence of privacy may admit greater freedom in writing such Letters which may be liable to envious exceptions yet the Innocencie of my chief purposes cannot be so stained or mis-interpreted by them as not to let all men see that I wish nothing more then an happy composure of differences with Iustice and Honour not more to my own then my Peoples content who have any sparks of Love or Loyalty left in them who by those my Letters may be convinced that I can both minde and act mine own and my Kingdoms Affairs so as becoms a Prince which mine Enemies have alwayes been very loth should be believed of me as if I were wholly confined to the Dictates and Directions of others whom they please to brand with the names of Evil Counsellors It 's probable some men will now look upon me as my own Counsellor and having none else to quarrel with under that notion they will hereafter confine their anger to my self Although I know they are very unwilling I should enjoy that Liberty of my own Thoughts or follow that light of my own Conscience which they labour to bring into an absolute captivitie to themselves not allowing me to think their Counsels to other then good for me which have so long maintained a War against me The Victory they obtained that day when my Letters became their prize had been enough to have satiated the most ambitious thirst of Popular Glory among the Vulgar with whom prosperity gains the greatest esteem and applause as Adversitie exposeth to their greatest slighting and dis-respect As if good fortune were alwaies the shadow of Virtue and Iustice and did not oft'ner attend vitious and injurious actions as to this world But I see no secular advantages seem sufficient to that Cause which began with Tumults and depends chiefly upon the reputation with the Vulgar They think no Victories so effectual to their designs as those that most rout and wast my Credit with my People in whose hearts they seek by all meanes to smother and extinguish all sparks of Love Respect and Loialty to me that they may never kindle again so as to recover mine the Laws and the Kingdoms Liberties which some men seek to overthrow The taking away of my Credit is but a necessarie preparation to the taking away of my Life and my Kingdoms First I must seem neither fit to Live nor worthie to Reign by exquisite methods of cunning and cruelty I must be compelled first to follow the funerals of my Honour and then be destroied But I know Gods unerring and impartial Iustice can and will over-rule the most perverse wills and designs of men he is able and I hope will turn even the worst of mine Enemies thoughts and actions to my good Nor do I think that by the surprize of my Letters I have lost any more then so many Papers How much they have lost of that reputation for Civilitie and Humanitie which ought to be pai'd to all men and most becomes such as pretend to Religion besides that of Respect and Honour which they owe to their KING present and after-times will judg And I cannot think that their own Consciences are so stupid at not to inflict upon them some secret impressions of that shame and dishonour which attends all unworthy actions have they never so much of Publick flatterie and Popular countenance I am sure they can never expect the Divine Approbation of such indecent actions if they do but remember how God blessed the modest respect and filial tenderness which Noah's Sons bare to their Father nor did his open infirmitie justifie Cham's impudencie or exempt him from that curse of being Servant of Servants which curse must needs be on them who seek by dishonourable actions to please the Vulgar and confirm by Ignoble Acts their dependance upon the People Nor can their malitious intentions be ever either excusable or prosperous who thought by this means to expose me to the highest reproach and contempt of my People forgetting that Duty of modest concealment which they owed to the Father of their Country in case they had discovered any real uncomliness which I thank God they did not who can and I believe hath made me as he did David more respected in the hearts of many to whom they have thought by publishing my private Letters to have rendered me as a vile Person not fit to be trusted or considered under any notion of Majesty And concerning which Letters the King writes to Secretary Nicholas Though I could have wished the Parliaments paines had been spared in printing of them yet I will neither deny that those things are untrue which they have set out in my Name nor as a good Protestant or honest man blush for those Papers Indeed as a discreet man I will not justifie my self and yet I would fain know him who would be willing that the freedom of all his private Letters were publickly seen as mine have now been However so that one clause be rightly understood I care not much so the rest take their fortune It is concerning the Mungril Parliament The truth is that the Earl of Sussex his Factiousness at that time put me somewhat out of my patience which made me freely vent my displeasure against those of his party to my Wife and the intention of that phrase was that his faction did what they could to make it come to that by their raising and Fomenting base propositions This is clearly evidenced by my following Excuse to her for suffering those people to trouble her the occasion being to eschew those greater Inconveniences which they had and were more likely to cause here then there So much to his Secretary And in his Declaration concerning some of those Letters It is further
observe that your Majesty desires the engagement not only of the Parliament but of the Lord Mayor Aldermen Common Council and Militia of the City of London the Chief Commanders of Sir Fairfax's Army and those of the Scots Army which is against the Priviledges and honour of the Parliament those being joyned with them who are subject and subordinate to their Authority That which your Majesty against the freedom of the Parliaments enforces in both your Letters with many earnest expressions as if in no other way then that propounded by your Majesty the peace of the Kingdoms could be established Your Majesty may please to remember that in our last Letter we did declare that Propositions from both Kingdoms were speedily to be sent to your Majesty which we conceive to be the only way for the attaining a happy and well grounded peace and your Majesties Answer to those Propositions will be an effectual means in giving satisfaction and security to your Kingdoms will assure a firm Union between the two Kingdoms as much desired each for other as for themselves and setle Religion and secure the peace of the Kingdom of Scotland whereof neither is so much as mentioned in your Majesties Letter And in proceeding according to these just and necessary grounds for the putting an end to the bleeding Calamities of these Nations your Majesty may have the glory to be principal instument in so happy a work and we how ever mis-interpreted shall approve our selves to God and the VVorld to be real and sincere in seeking a safe and well grounded Peace January 14. But the King being earnest for their Answers sends another Messenger the 15. of Ianuary in pursuance of his former Messages of the 26. and 29. of December which met the Parliaments Trumpet with their Answer of the 13. Ianuary The Kings Message was thus Ian. 15. C. R. But that these are times wherein nothing is strange it were a thing much to be marvelled at what should cause this unparallel'd long detention of his Majesties Trumpet sent with his gracious Message of the twenty sixt of December last peace being the only subject of it and his Majesties personal Treaty the means proposed for it And it were almost as great a wonder that his Majesty should be so long from enquiring after it if the hourly expectation thereof had not in some measure satisfied his impatience But lest his Majesty by his long silence should condemn himself of carelesseness in that which so much concerns the good of all his people he thinks it high time to enquire after his said Trumpeter For since all men who pretend any goodness must desire peace and that all men know Treaties to be the best and most Christian way to procure it and there being as little question that his Majesties personal presence in it is the likelyest way to bring it to a happy issue he judges there must be some strange variety of accidents which causeth this most tedious delay wherefore his Majesty earnestly desires to have a speedy account of his former Message the Subject whereof is Peace and the means his personal presence at Westminster where the Government of the Church being setled as it was in the times of the happy and glorious Reigns of Queen Elizabeth and King James and full liberty for the ease of their Consciences who will not communicate in that service established by Law and likewise for the free and publick use of the Directory prescribed and by command of the two Houses of Parliament now practised in some parts of the City of London to such as shall desire to use the same and all forces being agreed to be disbanded his Majesty will then forthwith as he hath in his Message of the twenty ninth of December last already offered joyn with his two Houses of Parliament in setling some way for the payment of the Publick Debts to his Scots Subjects the City of London and others and his Majesty having proposed a fair way for the sâ—â—ling of the Militia which now by this long delay seems not to be thought sufficient security his Majesty to shew how really he will imploy himself at his coming to Westminster for making this a lasting peace and taking away all jealousies how groundless soever will endeavour upon debate with his two Houses so to dispose of it as likewise of the business of Ireland as may give to them and both Kingdoms just satisfaction not doubting also but to give good contentment to his two Houses of Parliament in the choise of the Lord Admiral the Officers of State and others if his two Houses by their ready inclinations to peace shall give him encouragements thereunto Thus his Majesty having taken occasion by his just impatience so to explain his intentions that no man can doubt of a happy issue to this succeding Treaty If now there shall be so much as a delay of the same he calls God and the World to witness who they are that not only hinder but reject this Kingdoms future happiness it being so much the stranger that his Majesties coming to Westminster which was the first and greatest pretence for taking up Arms should be so much as delayed much lesse not accepted or refused but his Majesty hopes that God will no longer suffer the malice of wicked men to hinder the peace of this too much afflicted Kingdom Given at the Court at Oxford the 15. of Ianuary 1645. For the Speaker of the House of Peers c. And now it begins to work in the hearts of the people muttering and murmurring the true state of these transactions and the Christian pious affection of the King to peace The Parliament therefore set all their Engines to satisfie the public And after the debate of the King 's last Letter they read Letters from their Commissioners in Ireland together with some other Letters and Papers taken in the Pockets of the Arch-bishop of Trane who was slain at the overthrow of the Rebells at Sligo in Ireland discovering all the transactions between the King and them with whom the Bishop was to Treat offering Toleration of Religion themselves to choose a Governour of their own and to be intrusted with several Castles and Forts for their Caution upon condition to send in to England ten thousand Irish to assist him against his Enemies And these Papers were forthwith printed and published together with those Letters taken in the Lord Digbie's Coach at Sherburn in Yorkshire and all to amuse the people for to satisfie them thereby they could not The King hears of this and digesting it as well as he could he Plies them again with a tarter Message dated 17. Ianuary thus C. R. His Majesty thinks not fit now to Answer those aspersions which are returned as arguments for his not admittance to Westminster for a personal Treaty because it would enforce a stile not suitable to his end it being the peace of those miserable Kingdoms yet thus much he cannot but say
give content to both in a happy peace Religion being the chiefest Point he advises them to take the Opinions of the Assembly of Divines at Westminster The Militia he will settle it as was offered at Uxbridge into the hands of such persons as the Parliament shall name for seven years and afterwards to be named by the King and Parliament and the like for Scotland and for Ireland He will doe what possibly he is able desiring such of their Propositions as are ready to be sent to him being resolved to comply with them in any thing He wishes both Kingdoms to be careful to maintain Him and his Honour and his just aâ—d lawful Rights He will take a course for satisfying of Publick Debts disband all Armies that so each hinderance being removed he may return to them with mutual comfort And in a Postscript To shew his real intentions to peace is willing that his Forces in and about Oxford be disbanded the Fortifications dismantled they receiving Honourable Conditions which being granted he will give the like order to all the rest of his Garisons Southwel 8. of May 1646. And two dayes after being come to Newcastle He writes his Letters to the States of the Kingdom of Scotland to the same effect And that the truth of these his intentions might be made known to all He desires a Proclamation might be there Printed and published together with this Letter that it is his Voluntary and Cordial resolution proceeding from the deep sence of the bleeding condition of his Kingdoms And that he intends to joyn with his Parliament in setling Religion in purity and the Subjects in safety so expecting their counsel and advice c. Newcastle May 10. 1646. And to satisfie all men He writes the same in effect to his City of London giving them the account of the former Letters from himself that his return to his Parliament might also be to their good likeing May 19. In the mean time came Letters from the Commissioners before Newark of the surrender of that Town and that the Scotish Army was drawn off and retreated about four miles and the King with them in their Army Then the House of Commons Vote for the demanding of his Majesties Person which took up a weeks time and not agreed For Letters were read That the Scotish Army and the King were marched further North towards their old Quarters and the King sodainly expected at Newcastle and a House there prepared for him But the Commons conclude They conceive it reasonable that in England his Majesty be disposed by none but the Parliament of England That the Scotish Armie in England is an Army of the Parliaments and in Pay to them and so theirs besides his Majestie is in open Hostility with the Parliament and hath Towns and Forces abroad against the Parliament and yet he is with the Scotish Army without the approbation of the Parliament c. That the King is or ought to be near his Parliament whereby they may have recourse to him for the better correspondencie between both and the obtaining the concurrence of his Majestie to such things as are most necessary for the Kingdom in the doing whereof it cannot but be of great prejudice and obstruction to have his Majesty some hundred of miles from his Parliament Likewise that by Covenant we are swâ—rn to preserve the Rights and Priviledges of Parliament but to detain the King from his Parliament is altogether inconsistent with the Covenant but the Lords take time to consider hereof The King at leasure also to consider his unhappy condition and now at Newcale the 13. of May in his Soliloquie complains of his misfortune and extremities which have forced him to seek relief any where specially of the Scots Although God hath given me three Kingdoms yet in these he hath not now left me any place where I may with safety and honour rest my head Shewing me that himself is the safest Refuge and the strongest Tower of defence in which I may put my trust In these extremities I look not to man so much as to God he will 〈◊〉 have it thus that I may wholly cast my self and my now distressed Affairs upon his mercie who hath both the hearts and hands of all men in his dispose What providence denies to force it may grant to prudence necessitie is now my Counsellor and commands me to studie my safetie by a disguised withdrawing from my chiefest strength and adventuring upon their Loyaltie who first began my troubles Haply God may make them a means honourably to compose them This my confidence of them may disarm and overcome them my rendering my person to them may engage their affections to me who have oft professed They fought not against me but for me I must now resolve the Riddle of their Loyaltie and give them opportunitie to let world see they mean not what they doe but what they say Yet must God be my chiefest Guard and my conscience both my Councellor and my Comforter though I put my Bodie into their hands yet I shall reserve my Soule to God and my self nor shall any necessities compel me to desert mine Honour or swerve from my judgement What they sought to take by force shall now be given them in such a waie of unusual confidence of them as may make them ashamed not to be really such as they ought and professed to be God sees it not enough to deprive me of all Militarie power to defend my self but 〈…〉 upon using their power who seem to fight against me yet oâ—ght in dutie to defend me So various are all humane afâ—airs and so necessitous may the state of Princes be that their greatest danger may be in their supposed safetie and their safetie in their supposed danger I must now leave those that have adhered to me and apply to those that have opposed me this method of Peace may be morâ— prosperous then that of War both to stop the effusion of blood and to close those wounds alreadie made and in it I am no less solicitous for my friends safetie then mine own chusing to venture my self upon further hazards rather then expose their resolute Loyaltie to all extremities It is some skill in plaie to know when a game is lost better fairlie to give over then to contest in vain I must now studie to re-inforce my judgement and fortifie my minde with Reason and Religion that I may not seem to offer up my Souls libertie or make my Conscience their Captive who ought at first to have used Arguments not Arms to have perswaded my consent to their new demands I thank God no success darkens or disguises Truth to me and I shall no less conform my words to my inward dictates now then if they had been as the words of a King ought to be among Loyal Subjects full of power Reason is the divinest power I shall never think my self weakned while I may make full and free use of
afore mentioned as also that which Ormond intimates to Monroe of the one and twentieth of May. Which Letters were the very same in print and published by Ormond at Dublin and brought over by Sir Robert King one of the Parliaments Commissioners in Ireland and were as yet laid under Deck for advantage against the King hereafter In this time the King caresses the Parliament with Messages as before for his personal Treaty at London And because he would give earnest of his serious Intentions he gives Warrant for surrendering all his Garisons C. R. Having resolved to comply with the designs of our Parliament in every thing that may be for the good of our Subjects and leave no means unattempted for removing of differences between us therefore we have thought the more to evidence the reality of our intention of setling a happy peace to require you upon honourable conditions to quit the Towns Castles and forts intrusted to you by us and to disband all the forces under your several Commands Given at Newcastle the tenth of June 1646. To our trusty and well beloved Sir Thomas Glenham Sir Thomas Tisley Colonel Washington Colonel Blague Governours of our Cities and Towns of Oxford Worcester Litchfield and Wallingford and to all other Commanders of any other Towns Castles or Forts within the Kingdom of England or Dominion of Wales The Scots now in some Jealousie how mightily the King complies with his Parliament and that they should not be able perhaps to effect their designs by force they now endeavour therefore by fraud and cunningly insinuate to the Parliament That their Conscience bears them witnesse of their constant endeavours to preserve the Union of both Kingdoms yet never more than since the Kings coming to their Army by effecting such Messages from his Majesty as might be a sure ground of peace to his people and happinesse to himself And although we have not as yet prevailed over his Principles deeply rooted into him as to obtain the utmost of our desires which we hope in short time to effect And we hope that accordingly the Parliament will be pleased to send their Propositions of peace to him upon whose Answer we shall clearly know how to proceed in the intended Pacification and to satisfie the Parliament in disbanding our Armies delivering up the Garisons possessed by us and retiring home for the good of both Kingdoms Newcastle June 10. Signed by Leven and all the Scots Commissioners and directed to the Parliament And herewith is presented to the Parliament the Copy of a paper delivered to the King from the Committee of Estates of Scotland concerning the Prince of Wales That the Prince goe not beyond Sea but to reside within the Kingdom of England with Honour and safety for preventing the danger to his Person Religion and Inconveniencies besides in this time of affairs Then was a Letter intercepted from the King to the Prince read in the Parliament thus Charles This is rather to tell you where I am and that I am well than at this time to direct you in any thing having writ fully to your Mother what I would have you to do whom I Command you to Obey in every thing except Religion concerning which I am confident she will not trouble you and see you goe no whither without her or my particular direction Let me hear often from you so God blesse you Your Loving Father C. REX Postscript If Jack Ashburnham come where you are command him to wait on you as he was wont untill I shall send for him If your Mother and you be together if she will he must wait on her Then was Hudson Examined who saith That the King was there in company coasted the Country from Oxford and came to Henley Brainford and Harrow on the Hill where he was almost perswaded to come to London from thence he went to St. Albans and then to Harborough in Leicestershire where he expected the French Agent with some Horse to meet him toconduct him to the Scots but the Agent failing of his promise to Hudson the King went to Stanford thence to Norfolk and at Downham he rested from Thursday till Munday till Hudson returned from the Agent upon whose return the King passed into the Army But how ever they handled Hudson he escaped out of prison at London 28. November after and is retaken again the midst of December in the North and his Examination sent up viz. That escaping out of Newgate he went to Ratcliffe disguised and there took Boat and landing without the Works went to Bow where his Man met him with Horses thence to Lyn so to Newcastle to Montril the French Agent who carried him to the King and had conference with him two hours who bad him return to his friends for a moneth by that time he should have occasion to dispose of him bad him beware of the Scots who would commit him and returning to Lincolnshire was taken prisoner again The King now in durance and out of all hope to be able to Manage his affairs in Ireland and for Ormond to proceed there according to former directions and being labored by the English and Scots at Newcastle not to Treat with the Rebells of Ireland any more The King writes to the Marquesse C. R. Right trusty c. Having a long time with much grief looked upon the sad Condition our Kingdom of Ireland hath been in these divers years through the â—iked and desperate Rebellion there and the bloody effects that have ensued thereupon for the setling whereof we would have wholly applied our selves if the difference betwixt us and our Subjects here had not diverted and withdrawn us And not having been able by force for that respect to reduce them we were necessitated for the present safety of our Protestant Subjects there to give you power and Authority to Treat with them upon such Pious Honourable and Safe grounds as the good of that our Kingdom did require But for many Reasons too long for a Letter We think fit to require you to proceed no further with the Rebells nor to engage us upon any conditions with them after sight hereof And having formerly found such real proofs of your ready Obedience to our commands we doubt not of your care in this wherein our service and the good of our Protestant Subjects in Ireland is so much concerned Newcastle June the eleventh 1646. But the affairs of Ireland not intermxing with others are purposely put together at the end of this year to which we refer the Reader The Commissioners of Scotland had oftentimes since the twentieth of Iune 1645. pressed the sending of the former Propositions presented at Oxford and debated at Uxbridg And the Parliament upon the sixth of August 1645. declared that Propositions shall speedily be sent with some alteration And upon the last of February following the Scots Commissioners received some new Propositions from the Houses And upon the sixteenth March they
deliver in their Answer observing that all the Omissions Additions or Alterations made in them are in those things which concern the joint interest and union of both Kingdoms Upon the twenty sixth of March the Parliament appointed a Committee to debate those differences which are chiefly as follow concerning Religion The Parliament in general desire the King to assent to what they have or shall agree concerning Reformation and Uniformity as the Kingdoms shall agree The Commissioners would know the particulars that after so long consult of the Assembly they may know what to assent unto But it was answered The Parliament had not resolved nor would the Commissioners consent Militia The Commissioners desire the same that was sent to Uâ—bridg but the Parliament will have the Militia of each Kingdom setled by it self the Commissioners would have such a conjunction at least as both may joyn together for the publick of both but the Parliament will not be limited and not onely the King but his posterity and the Crown excluded The Commissioners as they will not have it in the King alone so they hold it unsafe to alter the Fundamental Laws and the Crown utterly excluded but after some time the Militia may be in both King and Parliament according to the Declarations to be in King and Parliament together Ireland The Parliament say that the Transactions made at Edingburgh Novemb. 28. 1643. are no Treaties The Commissioners aver that it is a Treaty Articles drawn up which the Parliament confirm the ninth of March and eleventh of April 1643. calling it a Treaty and Scotland performs their part makes their Army stay and advance to the charge of an hundred thousand pounds Sterling at the desire of England being then so low and now the Parliament make question to perform to Scotland 1. That Peace and War 2. The Education of the Kings Children 3. Disbanding the Armies 4. The Act of Oblivion may not be made in either without consent of both Kingdoms But the Committee of Parliament declared They had no power to alter any thing though they were convinced in reason Whereupon the Commissioners gave in a Paper to the Parliament concerning the Propositions of Peace viz. To have Religion setled according to the Covenant That the Propositions formerly agreed upon by the two Kingdoms may be sent to the King That upon the eight and twentieth of February last they received some of the Propositions and were assured that they were all except such as concerned Delinquents and the City which were speedily to be delivered to us And now we desire these particulars considering that the Preface Title and Conclusion of the Propositions may be the same To the four first Propositions they agree in a manner To the fifth and sixth they desire to see what the Parliament have agreed upon concerning Religion and then they will give Answer To the 7 8 9 10 11 12. Propositions they agree To the thirteenth they say That the Treaty at Edinburgh November 28. 1643. which was comprehended in the twelfth Proposition agreed upon between both Kingdoms is excluded by these words in the thirteenth Proposition And whereunto they are obliged by the aforesaid Treaties for the Kingdoms were not obliged by any of the former Treaties to make a subsequent Treaty and therefore they desire the said Treaty of November 28. 1643. together with the Ordinances of the 9 of March and 11. of April ratifying the same may be expressed in the Proposition for which they offer the Reasons following which we refer to the time and place heretofore mentioned the eight and twentieth of Novemb. 1643. and for brevity we now omit To the fourteenth Proposition they desire that all the Articles concerning Religion in England may be extended to Ireland according to the Covenant To the fifteenth sixteenth seventeenth they agree The eighteenth Proposition they say doth differ from that which was formerly for the former Propositions did setle a power in Commissioners of both Kingdoms for resisting Invasions and suppressing all Forces in either Kingdoms to the disturbance of the Peace but this new Proposition rather argues a diffidence of that mutual confidence which was laid and grounded by the former Proposition And they conceive it necessary so to setle the Militia as the King although he were willing be not able to involve them again into a miserable War so they think it is not their intentions to divest the King his Posterity and Crown hereafter of all interest in the matter of the Militia for although they should be never so willing to follow the advise of their Parliaments yet they shall hereby be made incapable and not be admitted to joyn with their Parliaments for resisting their Enemies and protecting their Subjects and as may be collected from the Debate at Uxbridg may be interpreted to be a fundamental alteration of the Government contrary to the Resolution and Declarations of both Kingdoms and not agreeable to the Covenant may be made use of by the Adversary to bring the common cause into contempt both parts were provided for in the other Proposition not to be in the power of the King yet that the Commissioners to be impowered for the execution of the Militia were to have it from King and Parliament and the time to be limited for seven years and afterwards to be setled by the King and Parliament but by this new Proposition the whole power is to be setled in the Parliament for ever Nor in this new Proposition being a mutation and alteration from the former there is no mention of any mean to be used or course to be taken for conserving the peace between both Kingdoms and betwixt the King and either of them but all passed in silence And so they desire that the former Propositions may be sent as they were proposed at Uxbridg To the nineteenth twentieth twenty one they agree The Propositions concerning the Kings Children making Peace or War Disbanding the Armies Act of Oblivion In all these there is omitted these words by consent of both Kingdoms And upon the whole matter they advise to send onely for the present Propositions concerning Religion Militia and Ireland as they were proposed at Uxbridg If not but all then with the former amendments And there were dated March 16. 1646. Ten days after they gave in another Paper The Commissioners had waited a long time in silence for the setling of Church-government according to the Govenant not being willing to judg of the Model of Church-government in England to be uniform with Scotland by previous and particular Ordinances of Parliament being but parts of the Building but expected the last Ordinance to supply the defect of the former and by rearing up the whole Body give satisfaction to all And had caressed the Parliament with their humble thanks for removing the Book of Common Prayer and abolishing Episcopacy yet and yet again stil somewhat or rather the most was wanting of greatest consequence which now by the effects
without the House of Lords We the Commons c. remembering that in the beginning of this War divers Protestations Declarations Suggestions c. were spread abroad by the King whereby the sincere Intentions of the Parliament for the publick good were mis-represented and so no need of a present War which is otherwise apparant by discoverie of the Enemies secrets and Gods immediate Blessings and Successes upon the Parliaments affairs and which Mistakes for some time had blemished the justice of this cause that if the Enemie had prevailed how dangerous the consequence would have been is now apparant And now notwithstanding Gods blessing on all our Endeavours Forces and Armies c. there are still the same spirits though under Disguise putting false constructions upon what hath already passed the Parliament as upon the thing under present Debate begetting a belief That we now desire to swerve from our first grounds aims and principles in the undertaking this War to recede from the solemn League and Covenant and Treaties between us and Scotland and that we would prolong these uncomfortable Troubles and bleeding Distractions to alter the fundamental constitution and frame of this Kingdom to leave all Government of the Church loose and unsetled and our selves to exercise the same arbitrary power over the persons and estates of the Subjects which this present Parliament thought fit to abolish by taking away the Star-chamber High Commission and other arbitrary Courts and the exorbitant power of the Council Table All which c. though our former actions are the best Demonstrations of our faithfulness to the publick yet if mis-believed may involve us into new Imbroilments We do declare our Endeavours are to setle Religion according to the Covenant to maintain the fundamental Rights of the Kingdom the Liberties of the Subject to desire a well-grounded peace in the three Kingdoms c. In effect Concerning Church-government we having so fully declared for a Presbyterial Government having spent so much pains taken up so much time for setling of it passed most of the particulars brought to us from the Assemblie of Divines called onely by us to advise of such things as shall be required of them by the Parliament and having published several Ordinances for putting the same in execution because we cannot consent to the granting of an arbitrary and unlimited power and jurisdiction to near ten thousand Iudicatories to be erected within this Kingdom and this demanded in a way inconsistent with the Fundamentals of Government excluding the power of Parliaments in the exercise of that Iurisdiction nor have we yet resolved how a due regard may be had that tender consciences which differ not in any Fundamentals in Religion may be so provided for as may stand with the Word of God and the peace of the Kingdom And let it be observed that we have had the more reason not to part with the power out of our hands since all by-past Ages manifest that the Reformation and purity of Religion and the preservation and protection of the people hath been by Parliament and the exercise of this power our Endeavours being to setle the Reformation in these Kingdoms of England and Ireland in Doctrine Worship Discipline and Government according to the Word of God and the Example of the best Reformed Churches and according to our Covenant Concerning a peace which is the right end of a just VVar to that purpose both Houses of Parliament have framed several Propositions to be sent to the King such as they hold necessary for the present and future safety of this Kingdom some of which are transmitted to our Brethren of Scotland where they now remain whose consent we doubt not to obtain since the Parliament of England is and ought to be sole and proper Iudg for the good of this Kingdom wherein we are so far from altering the fundamental constitution and Government of this Kingdom by King Lords and Commons that we onely have desired that by the consent of the King such powers may be setled in the two Houses to prevent a second and more destructive VVar not judging it wise or safe for the pretended power of the Militia in the King to have any authoritie in the same for the future introducing an arbitrary Government over this Nation and protecting Delinquents by force from the justice of Parliaments the chiefest grounds of the Parliaments taking up Arms in this Cause We do declare we will not interrupt the ordinary course of Iustice nor intermeddle in cases of private interest And as the Parliament have already for the benefit of the people taken away the Court of Wards and Liveries and all Tenures in capite and by Knights Service so we will take special care for the peoples ease in Levies of Moneys and in reducing Garisons Lastly whereas both Nations have entered into a solemn League and Covenant and Treaties between us concluded which we shall and have duly performed that nothing be done to the prejudice of either of them presuming that the good people of England will not receive prejudicate opinions by any forced constructions of that Covenant which is only to be expounded by them by whose authority it was established in this Kingdom April 18. But in great regret the Parliament order that the Preface to the Pamphlet intituled The Scots Commissioners Papers and the stating of the Question about the Propositions of Peace was this day burnt by the Hangman April 21. At length of time the eleventh of Iuly the tedious Propositions are finished and sent to the King by the Committee Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery and the Earl of Suffolk Mr. Goodwin Sir Iohn Hippesley Mr. Robinson and Sir Walter Earl The Propositions in general are these 1. That his Majesty would pass an Act for the Nulling of all Oaths Declarations and Proclamations against the Parliament of England of Scotland their Ordinances or their Adherents 2. The King to swear and sign the Covenant and an Act for the three Kingdoms to swear unto 3. An Act to take away Bishops and their Dependents 4. To confirm by Act the Assembly of Divines at Westminster 5. To settle Religion as the Parliament shall agree 6. In unity and uniformity with Scotland as shall be agreed upon by both Parliaments 7. An Act to be confirmed against Papists 8. Their Childâ—en to be educated in the Protestant Religion 9. And for Levies against their Estates 10. Against saying of Mass in this Kingdom 11. And in Scotland if they think fit 12. For observation of the Lords Day against Pluralities Non-Residents and for Regulating the Universities 13. That the Militia of England Ireland and Wales by Sea and Land be in the hands of the Parliament for twenty years and the like for Scotland and to raise Moneys for the same and to suppress all Forces raised in that time without their authority against all foreign Invasion Provided that the City of London may enjoy their Privileges to raise and imploy their
for his labour Then the Scots select a Committee of their own Lowthian and others to move the King once more for all to take the Covenant and sign to the Propositions which they did endeavour but could not prevail For the Kings intention to escape was thus proved out of several Letters of the Kings to Hudson whilst he was out of prison by way of direction how to manage the design with great promises of reward to such as should assist therein Hudson sends a Copy of this Letter inclosed in one of his own to Major Gen. Langhorn a Commander in Wales and tels him what a great value the King had of his worth and desires his assistance with other his friends to restore his Majestie to his Rights This letter was sent to Mr. Gibb late of Lincolns Inn who sent it to Mr. Price in Wales who delivered it to Langhorn And had the King escaped it was conceited that he was to be received into a Holland Ship that had lain off at Sea near the Shields this two moneths to carry him God knows whither for none on earth could imagine But now the Scots are ready to deliver up their King and Soveraign to Commissioners appointed by the Parliament to receive him and to convey him to Holmby Viz. the Earls of Pembroke Denbigh and the L. Mountague Sir Iames Harrington Sir Io. Hollyland Siâ— Walter Earl Sir Io. Cook Mr. Crew and Major General Brown And the servants to attend the King in Ordinary were Voted to be Sir Thomas Herbert Mr. Maxwell Mr. Astley Mr. Harrington Mr. Patrick Marel Sir Foulk Grevil Mr. Middleton Serjeant at Arms and Doctor Wilson Physician Mr. Marshall and Mr. Caryll to attend them as Chaplains The Parliament of Edenburgh had some debate concerning the King and Queries put to the General Assembly of Ministers Queries If the King shall come to this Kingdom and that the Kingdom of England shall exclude him from the Government there for his leaving them without granting their Propositions whether or no it will be lawfull for this Kingdom to assist him for the recovery of the Government he not granting the Propositions concerning Religion and the Convenant and not giving a satisfactory Answer to the rest of the Propositions They answer The Quere presupposeth the Kings coming into this Kingdom which Case we humbly conceive should not be put into the Question and therefore we desire your Lordships to go about all means to prevent it as a matter of most dangerous consequence to Religion this Kirk and Kingdom and to the King himself and his Posterity But if the Question be stated simply in these terms If the King be excluded from Government in England for not granting the Propositions concerning Religion and the Covenant and for not giving a satisfactory Answer to the rest of the Propositions whether in that case it be lawfull for this Kingdom to assist him for the Recovery of the Government or if it be not lawfull Being put to it we cannot but answer In regard of the Ingagement of this Kingdom by Covenant and Treaty Negative Hereupon the Parliament of Scotland resolve 1. Resolved upon the Question That the Kingdom of Scotland shall be governed as it hath been these five last years all means being used that the King may take the Covenant and pass the Propositions 2. Resolved That the taking of the Scots Covenant and passing some of the Propositions doth not give warrant to assist him against England 3. Resolved That upon bare taking the National Covenant we may not receive him 4. Resolved That the clause in the Covenant for defence of the Kings person to be understood in defence and safety of the Kingdoms 5. Resolved That the King shall not excute any power in the Kingdom of Scotland untill such time that he hath granted the Propositions concerning Religion and the Covenant and given a satisfactory Answer to both Kingdoms in the rest of the Propositions presented to him by both Kingdoms at Newcastle 6. Resolved That if the King refuse to pass the Propositions he shall be disposed of according to the Covenant and Treaty 7. Resolved That the Union be firmly kept between the two Kingdoms according â—o the Covenant and Treaties And to shew you the consequence hereof see the joint consent of the Estate of Scotland together with the Army for delivering up of the King If the King have any thoughts of coming to this Kingdome Scotland at this time he not having subscribed the League and Covenant nor satisfied the lawfull desires of his loyal subjects in both Nations we fear the consequence will be very dangerous which we desire may be timely prevented Neither is it possible but that our receiving him in this present posture of affairs will confirm the suspition of the English Nation of our under dealing with him before his coming to our Armies and make them not without cause to think that we purpose to dispose of him without their consent Which is contrary to the profession of those that were in trust at the Kings first coming to the Scots Quarters and overthroweth all the Arguments that have been used by the Commissioners of our Parliament in their Papers concerning the disposing of his Majesties Person by the consent of both Kingdomes given in to the Parliament in England Nor do we see how we can vindicate such a practice from a direct breach of our engagement to them by Covenant and Treaty which were not onely to expose us to the hazard of a bloody war but to involve us in the guilt of perjury And what greater disservice could be done to the King and his posterity than to give way to a course that might prove prejudicial to their Interest in the Crown and Kingdome of England and conclude Our carriage now for many years past in the midst of many temptations hath put us beyond all suspition in the point of our Loyaltie Ianuary 14. If otherwise let the world judge And yet the King put some Queries to the Scots Commissioners at Newcastle Ianuary 14 It is a received opinion by many That Engagements Acts or Promises of a restrained person are neither valid nor obligatory How true or false this is I will not dispute but I am sure if I am not free I am not fit to answer your or any Propositions Wherefore you should first resolve me in what state I stand as in relation to freedome before I can give you any further answer the reason of this my answer the Governour can best resolve you But if you object the loss of time and urgency of it certainly in one respect it presses none so much as my self which makes me also think necessary that I be not to seek what to do when this Garison shall be surrendred up to demand of you in case I go into Scotland if I shall be there with Honour Freedom and Safety or how being ready to give you a farther and more particular answer how
before their Ministers whom though I respect them for that worth and piety which may be in them yet I cannot think so proper for any present Comforters or Physicians who have some of them at least had so great an influence in occasioning these calamities and inflicting these wounds upon me Nor are the soberest of them so apt for that Devotional compliance and conjuncture of hearts which I desire to bear in those holy Offices to be performed with me and for me since their judgments standing at a distance from or in jealousie of me or in opposition against me their Spirits cannot so harmoniously accord with mine or mine with theirs either in Praier or other Holy Duties as is meet and most comfortable whose golden Rule and bond of perfection consists in that of mutual love and Charity Some Remedies are worse then the Disease and some Comforters more miserable then Misery it self when like Job's friends nhey seek not to fortifie ones minde with patience but perswade a man by betraying his own innocency to dispair of Gods mercy and by justifying their injuries to strengthen the hands and harden the hearts of insolent Enemies I am so much a friend to all Church-men that have any thing in them beseeming that Sacred Function that I have hazarded my own Interest chiefly upon Conscience and Constancy to maintain their Rights whom the more I looked upon as Orphans and under the Sacrilegious eyes of many cruel and rapacious Reformers so I thought it my Duty the more to appear as a Father and a Patron for them and the Church Although I am very unhandsomly requited by some of them who may live to repent no lesse for my sufferings then their own ungrateful errors and that injurious contempt and meannesse which they have brought upon their Calling and Persons I pittie all of them I despise none onely I thought I might have leave to make choise of some for My special Attendants who were best approved in My judgment and most suitable to My affection For I held it better to seem undevout and to hear no mens praiers then to be forced or seem to comply with those Petitions to which the heart cannot consent nor the tongue say Amen without contradicting a mans own understanding or belying his own soul. In Devotions I love neither Prophane boldness nor Pious non-sense but such an humble and judicious gravitie as shews the Speaker to be at once considerate of Gods Majesty the Churches Honour and his own Vileness both knowing what things God allows him to ask and in what manner it becoms a Sinner to supplicate the divine Mercie for himself and others I am equally scandalized with all praiers that sound either imperiously or rudely or passionately as either wanting humility to God or charity to men or respect to the duty I confess I am better pleased as with studied and premeditated Sermons so with such publick Forms of Praier as sare fitted to the Churches and every Christians daily and common necessities because I am by them better assured what I may join My heart unto then I can be of any mans extemporary sufficiency which as I do not wholly exclude from Publick occasions so I allow its just libertie and use in private and devout retirements where neither the solemnity of the Duty nor the modest regard to others do require so great exactness as to the outward manner of performance Though the light of understanding and the fervency of affection I hold the main and most necessary requisites both in constant and occasional solitary and social Devotions So that I must needs seem to all equal minds with as much Reason to prefer the service of My own Chaplains before that of their Ministers as I do the Liturgie before their Directory In the one I have been alwaies educated aâ—d exercised in the other I am not yet Catechized nor acquainted And if I were yet should I not by that as by any certain Rule and Canon of Devotion be able to follow or finde out the indirect extravagancies of most of those men who highly cry up that as a peice of rare composure and use which is already as much despised and disused by many of them as the Common-praier somtimes was by those men a great part of whose pietie hung upon that popular pin of railing against and contemning the Government and Liturgie of this Church But I had rather be condemned to the wo of Vae soli then to that of Vae vobis Hypocritae by seeming to pray what I do not approve It may be I am esteemed by my Denyers sufficient of my self to discharge my Dutie to GOD as a PRIEST though not to men as a Prince Indeed I think both Offices Regal and Sacerdotal might well become the same Person as anciently they were under one name and the united rightes of Primogeniture Nor could I follow better precedents if I were able then those two eminent Kings David and Solomon not more famous for their Scepters and Crowns then one was for devout Psalms and Praiers the other for his divine Parables and Preaching whence the one merited and assumed the name of a Prophet the other of a Preacher Titles indeed of greater honour where rightly placed then any of those the Romane Emperours affected from the Nations they subdued It being infinitely more glorious to convert Souls to Gods Church by the Word then to Conquer men to a Subjection by the Sword Yet since the order of Gods Wisdom and Providence hath for the most part alwaies distinguished the gifts and offices of Kings and Priests of Princes and Preachers both in the Iewish and Christian Churches I am sorrie to finde my self reduced to the necessitie of being both or enjoying neither For such as seek to deprive me of my Kingly Power and Sovereigntie would no lesse enforce me to live many Months without all Praiers Sacraments and Sermons unlesse I become my own Chaplain As I ow the Clergie the protection of a Christian King so I desire to enjoy from them the benefit of their gifts and praiers which I look upon as more prevalent then my own or other mens by how much they flow from mindes more enlightned and affections lesse distracted then those which are encomb'red with Secular Affairs Besides I think a greater blessing and acceptablenesse attends those Duties which are rightly performed as proper to and within the limits of that Calling to which God and the Church have specially designed and Consecrated some men And however as to that Spiritual Government by which the devout Soul is subject to Christ and through his Merits daily offers it self and it's Services to God every private believer is a King and Priest invested with the honour of a Royal Priest hood yet as to Ecclesiastical Order and the outward Politie of the Church I think confusion in Religion will as certainly follow every mans turning Priest or Preacher as it will in the State where every one affects to
Lordships cannot be ignorant And further give me leave to adde if so unworthy a servant as I am and that which concerns my honour were at all worthy your consideration whether it would not much reflect on me in case these Gentlemen should be removed from hence The King and they have freely thrown themselves upon me for safety upon confidence as they please to say of my honour and honesty and the satisfaction they expect it would have given the Parliament the King being necessitated to remove c. Yet whatever is commanded by Authority of Parliament though never so contrary to my sense or honour shall never be disobeyed by my Lord Carisbroke Caste 19. Nov. 1647. Your Lordships servant Ro. Hamond The King was now at leisure to bethink himself what advantage a personal Treaty would be to him and being mindful of what he had lately writ to the Parliament concerning the same in his last Message to them from Carisbroke Castle He writes to them again 6. December for an Answer CHARLES REX Had his Majesty thought it possible that his two Houses could be imployed in things of greater concernment then the peace of this miserable distracted Kingdom He would have expected with more patience their leisure in acknowledging the receipt of his Message of the 16. of November last But since there is not in nature any consideration preceding to that of Peace his Majesties constant tenderness of the welfare of his Subjects hath such a prevalence with him that he cannot forbear the vehement prosecution of a personal Treaty which is only so much the more desired by his Majesty as it is superiour to all other means of Peace And truly when his Majesty considers the several complaints he daily hears from all parts of this Kingdom that Trade is so decayed all Commodities so dear and Taxes so unsupportable that even natural subsistence will instantly fail His Majestie to perform the trust reposed in him must use his utmost endeavours for Peace though he were to have no share in the benefit of it And hath not his Majesty done his part for it by divesting himself of so much Power and Authority as by his last Message he hath promised to doe upon the concluding of the whole Peace And hath he met with that acknowledgment from his two Houses which this great grace and favour justly deserves Surely the blame of this great retarding of Peace must fall somewhere else than on his Majesty To conclude if ye will but consider in how little time this necessary good work will be done if you the two Houses will wait on his Majesty with the same resolutions for Peace as he will meet you he no way doubts but that ye will willingly agree to this his Majesties earnest desire of a personal Treaty and speedily desire his presence amongst you where all things agreed on being digested into Acts till when it is most unreasonable for his Majesty or his two Houses to desire each of other the least concession this Kingdom may at last enjoy the blessing of a long wisht for peace Carisbook Castle Decemb. 6. 1647. For the Speaker of the House of Peers pro tempore to be communicated c. And accordingly the monstrous distractions of the State and Army wrought upon both to satisfie the King and peoples desires and therefore to oppose his demands they prepare four Bils as a pledge of trust to which if he assent it would draw on a Treaty touching the rest which they intended by Propositions to be compleated with speed The four Bills were these 1. That it be lawful for the future to order the Militia of the Kingdom without the Kings consent to raise what Armies they please All others under pain of Treason are prohibited to assemble to the number of thirty persons without the Authority of Parliament 2. That it be lawful for the Houses to sit to adjourn their sitting to what place they please to assemble at what time soever and at their own discretion 3. That all the Oaths Interdictions and Declarations sent forth in publick against either Houses be accounted and declared void 4. Whomsoever of the Nobility the King had dignified with Titles from the time himself departed and carried away the great Seal of the Kingdom the same be degraded of their Honours And these to be passed into Acts. The Bills and the Propositions in effect as before with some alterations were thought fitting to be sent together which were brought to the King by Commissioners but the Scotish Commissioners followed at their heeles and presented the day before the Scots came 29. of Decem. at Carisbrook Castle to which he said though they were long yet he would shortly give Answer The next day the Scots came and present a Paper of their dissent in these words That the new Propositions and the Bills therewith presented to your Majesty are so prejudicial to Religion the Crown and the Union and Interest of the Kingdoms and so far different from the former proceedings and engagements betwixt the Kingdoms as we cannot concur therein Therefore we do in the Name of the Kingdom of Scotland dissent from these Propositions and Bills now tendered to your Majesty Louderdale Erskin Kenners Barkey And Publish their Reasons in a Declaration First in the matters of Religion Next concerning the interest and power of the Crown which they are bound by Covenant Allegeance and Duty not to diminish which power principally consists in making and Enacting Laws and in protecting and defending his Subjects and the exercise of that power are the parts and duties of that function That the Scepter and Sword are the Badges of that power And concerning the Militia they conceive that in his Majesties Message from Carisbroke Castle he hath offered that which is very satisfactory but that the King his posterity and Crown should be thereof divested for ever how can he or his posterity protect either without that power Touching confirming of Titles of honour the King ought not to be deprived of that which hath been held and is a Flower of his Crown See the Kings own Arguments in his Declarations May 1642. and concerning Hull That they had desired a personal Treaty with the King in London November 5. and afterwards November 17. to all which they never received Answer and that some things were to be distinguished but the expresse conditions of their League and Covenant the duty of their Allegeance and the treaties between the Kingdoms are such strong obligations as all that Honour or Conscience must acknowledg to be inviolably observed That the sending of Propositions without a Treaty hath been essayed without successe That the new Propositions are lesse to the advantage to the Crown then the former therefore unlike to have better successe than formerly That the Parliament have ever acknowledged the removal of the Kings person from his Parliament to be the chief cause of all the War and that then his presence
must be the best and only remedy to remove our troubles That without a Treaty the Propositions may be esteemed Impositions That the King might have some just desires to move for the Crown and for himself and that every thing in the Propositions might not be of such importance as that the not granting it might hinder a peace That a personal Treaty is the best way to beget a mutual confidence between the King and Parliament And amongst other Protestations they aver That if Scotland had apprehended that the least injury or violence would have been committed against his person or Monarchical Government had they not received assurances from the Parliament to the contrary certainly all the threatnings and allurements in the world could never have perswaded them to have parted from the King and that it was their brotherly confidence in the Parliament fellow Subjects and the assurance that they had from both Houses that made them leave the King Then they complain of a vast deformity or multiformity of Heresies and sects endangering the ruin of Religion in this Kingdom But what ere the Scots have said in this Declaration the Parliament afterwards found out such Members at leisure that formed into a Committee for that purpose gave them a sound Answer But the King in the general Interest of all conceived them so unreasonable to be positively assented unto before a Treaty or dispute of some part or either of them as that he refused Giving his Reasons in a Letter or Message sealed up to the Commissioners for the Parliament to open But the Earl of Denbigh the cheif Commissioner desired the King that although they were intrusted only to bring the demands in writing and not to Treat yet they hope his Majesty would distinguish them from ordinary Commissioners and suffer them to see what was written professing that his Majesty should not receive disappointment or prejudice thereby The King Commands Ashburnham to read them aloud in these words C. R. The Necessity of complying with all engaged interests in these great distempers for a perfect settlement of peace his Majesty findes to be none of the least difficulties he hath met with since the time of his afflictions Which is too visible when at the same time that the two Houses of the English Parliament do present to his Majesty several Bills and Propositions for his consent the Commissioners for Scotland do openly protest against them So that were there nothing in the case but the consideration of that difference his Majesty cannot Imagine how to give such an Answer to what is now proposed as thereby to promise himself his great end A perfect Peace And when his Majesty further considers how impossible it is in the condition he now stands to fulfil the desires of the two Houses since the only ancient and known wayes of passing Laws are either by his Majesties personal assent in the House of Peers or by Commission under his great Seal of England He cannot but wonder at such failings in the manner of addresse which is now made unto him Unlesse his two Houses intend that his Majesty shall allow of a great Seal made without his Authority before there be any consideration had thereupon in a Treaty Which as it may hereafter hazard the security it self so for the present it seems very unreasonable to his Majesty And though his Majesty is willing to believe that the intentions of very many in both Houses in sending these Bills before a Treaty was only to obtain a trust from him and not to take any advantage by passing them to force other things from him which are either against his Conscience or Honour Yet his Majesty believes it clear to all understandings that these Bills contain as they are now penned not only the divesting himself of all Soveraignty and that without possibility of recovering it either to him or his Successors except by repeal of those Bills but also the making his Concessions guilty of the greatest pressures that can be made upon the Subject as in other particulars so by giving an arbitrary and unlimited power to the two Houses for ever to raise and levy Forces for Land or Sea service of what persons without distinction or quality and to what numbers they please And likewise for the payment of them to levy what monies in such sort and by such wayes and means and consequently upon the Estates of whatsoever persons they shall think fit and appoint which is utterly inconsistent with the Liberty and Property of the Subject and his Majesties trust in protecting them So that if the Major part of both Houses shall think it necessary to put the rest of the propositions into Bills his Majesty leaves all the World to judge how unsafe it would be for him to consent thereunto And if not what a strange condition after the passing of these four Bills his Majesty and all his Subjects would be cast into And here his Majesty thinks it not unfit to wish his two Houses to consider well the manner of their proceeding That when his Maiesty desires a personal Treaty with them for the setling of a Peace they in Answer propose the very subject matter of the most essential part thereof to be the first granted A thing which will be hardly credible to posterity Wherefore his Majesty declares That neither the desire of being freed from this tedious and Irksome condition of life his Majesty hath so long suffered nor the apprehension of what may befall him in case his two Houses shal not attend him a personal Treaty shall make him change his resolution of not consenting to any Act till the whole Peace be concluded yet then he intends not only to give just and reasonable satisfaction in the particulars presented to him but also to make good all other concessions mentioned in his Message of the twenty sixth of November last Which he thought would have produced better effects than what he findes in the Bills and Propositions now presented unto him And yet his Majesty cannot give over but now again earnestly presse for a personal Treaty so passionately is he affected with the advantages which peace will bring to his Majesty and all his Subjects of which he will not all dispair there being no other visible way to obtain a well grounded peace How ever his Majesty is very much at ease within himself for having fulfilled the Offices both of a Christian and of a King and will patiently wait the good pleasure of Almighty God to encline the hearts of his two Houses to consider their King and to compassionate their fellow Subjects miseries Carisbroke Castle Decem. 28. 1647. For the Speaker of the Lords House c. Herein the Commissioners found what pinched the Parliament and no sooner had the Parliaments Commissioners taken their leave and were gone towards Newport but Hamond turns out all the Kings Servants out of the Castle The confusion was so great that the King demands of
of Rochel doth fitly follow to shew how Malice when it is at the height is ordinarily accompanied for there are none but ignorant or forgetful men who know not that it was meerly the want of assistance from the two Houses of Parliament contrary to their pulick geneneral Engagement that lost Rochel and there is nothing more clear to any who hath known French Occurrences than that real assistance which the KING to the utmost of his power gave to those of the Religion at that time made the Cardinal of Richelieu an irreconcileable enemy to the King wherefore I cannot but say that it is a strange forgetfulness to charge the KING with that which was evidently other mens faults There as also other things that to any knowing man will rather seem jears than Accusations as the German Horse and Spanish Fleet in the year 1639. But my affection shall not so blinde me as to say that the KING never erred yet as when a just debt is paid Bonds ought to be cancelled so Grievances be they never so just being once redressed ought no more to be objected as Errors And it is no Paradox to affirm that truths this way told are no better than slanders and such are the Catalogue of Grievances here enumerated which when they are well examined every one of them will not be found such as here they are described to be Now as concerning those discourses which mention the beginnings of these troubles which are in two several places of this Declaration I will only say this That what the KING did upon those occasions was meerly to defend the Rights of his Crown which were and are evidently sought to be taken from him nor can I acknowledge all those Relations such as private Levies of men by Popish Agents Arming of Papists in the North calling in of Danish Forces and the like And as for the tale of calling up the Northern Army now renewed it is well known that the two Houses even at that time were not so partial to the KING as to have concealed a practice of that kinde if they could have got it sufficiently proved But if the Irish Rebellion can be justly charged upon the KING then I shall not blame any for believing all the rest of the Allegations against him And it is no litle wonder that so grave an assembly as the House of Commons should so slightly examine a business of that great Weight that the Scots great Seal did countenance the Irish rebellion when I know it can be proved by witnesseâ— without exception that for many moneths before until the now Lord Chancellour had the keeping of it there was nothing at all sealed by it Nor concerning this great point will I only say that the King is innocent and bid them prove which to most accusations is a sufficient Answer but I can prove that if the KING had been obeyed in the Irish affairs before he went last into Scotland there had been no Irish Rebellion and after it was begun it had in few moneths been suppressed if his directions had been observed for if the KING had been suffered to have performed his engagements to the Irish Agents and had disposed of the discontented Irish Army beyond Sea according to his contracts with the French and Spanish Ambassadours there is nothing more clear than that tâ—ere could have been no Rebellion in Ireland because they had wanted both pretence and means to have made one then when it was broken forth if those vigorous courses had been pursued which the KING proposed first to the Scots then to the English Parliament doubtless that Rebellion had been soon suppressed But what he proposed took so little effect that in many moneths after there was nothing sent into Ireland but what the KING himself sent assisted by the Duke of Richmond before he came from Scotland unto Sir Robert Steward which though it were little will be found to have done much service as may be seen by the said Sir Roberts voluntary Testimony given in writing to the Parliament Commissioners then attending the King at Stoak And certainly a greater evidence for constancy in Religion there cannot be than the KING shewed in his Irish Treaty for in the time that he most needed assistance it was in his power to have made that Kingdom declare unanimously for him and have had the whole Forces thereof imployed in his Service if he would have granted their demand in points of Religion they not insisting in any thing of Civil Government which his Majesty might not have granted without prejudice to Regall Authority and this can be clearly proved by the Marquess of Ormonds Treaties with the Irish not without very good evidence by some of the KINGS Letters to the QUEEN which were taken at Naseby that are concealed they too plainly discover the KINGS detestation of that Rebellion and his riged firmness to the Protestant profession Nor can I end this point without Remarking with wonder that men should have so ill memories as again to renew that old slander of the Kings giving Passes to divers Papists and persons of quality who headed the Rebels of which he so cleared himself that he demanded reparation for it but could not have it albeit no shew of proof could be produced for that allegation as is most plainly to be seen in the first book of the Collection of all Remonstrances Declarations c. fol. 69. 70. Thus having given a particular Answer to the most Material points in this Declaration the rest are frivolous and many of them groundless Yet one thing more I must observe that they not only endeavour to make Fables passe for currant coin but likewise seek to blinde mens judgements with false inferences upon some truths For Example It is true the King hath said in some of his Specches or Declarations that he oweth an account of his actions to none but God alone and that the Houses of Parliament joynt or separate have no power either to make or declare any Law But that this is a fit foundation for all Tyranny I must utterly deny indeed if it had been said that the King without the two Houses of Parliament could make or create Laws then there might be some strength in the Argument but before this Parliament it was never so much as pretended that either or both Houses without the King could make or declare any Law and certainly his Majesty is not the first King of England that hath not held himself accountable to any Earthly power besides it will be found that his Majesties position is most agreeable to all Divine and Humane Laws so far it is from being Destructive to a Kingdom or a foundation for Tyranny To conclude I appeal to God and the World whether it can be paralleld by example or warranted by Justice that any man should be yet denyed the sight of an accusation and so far from being permitted to Answer that if he have erred there is no way
Sanderson Shelden Hamond Oldsworth Turner Haywood Lawyers Sir Tho. Gardner Sir Orlando Bridgman Sir R. Holburn Mr. Ieffery Palmer Mr. Tho. Cook Mr. Io. Vaughan Clerks and Writers Sir Edward Walker Mr. Phil. Warwick Mr. Nich. Oudart Mr. Charles Whittane To make ready the House for Treating Peter Newton The Commissioners nominated to attend the Treaty for the Parliament were the Earls of Salisbury Pembroke Middlesex Northumberland and the Lord Say And of the Commons were the Lord Wainman Mr. Hollis lately re-admitted into the House Mr. Perpoint Sir Harry Vane Jun. Sir Harbotel Grimston Mr. Brown Mr. Crew Mr. â—lin lately re-admitted into the House Sir Io. Pots and Mr. Bulkley And the King desired a safe conduct for Commissioners to come out of Scotland to joyn in the Treaty with him viz. the Lord Carnagy Sir Alexander Gibson the Lord Clerk Register and Sir Iames Carmichel The two first were refused as having been in arms against the Parliament of England And that four Bishops might attend him Armagh Exeter Rochester and Worcester and for Doctor Ferne and Doctor Morley And for his Advocate Sir Thomas Reves and for Doctor Duck Civil Lawyers but none of these aforesaid the Kings friends were intromitted into the Scene or to speech but to stand behind the Hangings and in the Tâ—ring-room so that the Kings single solitary self opposed all the other party And Order is given to Colonel Hamond to free the King of his imprisonment to ride abroad where he pleaseth upon his engagement to return at night to Sir William Hodges House the place appointed to Treat where galloppiâ—g down a steep Hill 14 Septem and reining his Horse too hard the Bridle broke and he without a Curb ran with speed endangering the King whose excellent Horsemanship saved him from the terrible effects which amazed the beholders And it is remarkable that long before this Lilly had foretold in his Astrological Predictions pag 15. lin 31. And were his Majesty at liberty it shews or threatens danger to his person by inordinate Horsmanship or some fall from on high Friday the 15. of September the Commissioners of Parliament are come to the King and Saturday was kept a fast by him and all his Family and Friends assistant with the ancient service of the Book of Common Prayer and preaching with this particular Prayer for a blessing on the Treaty O Most merciful Father Lord God of Peace and truth we a people sorely afflicted by the scourge of an unnatural war do here earnestly beseâ—ch thee to command a blessing from Heaven upon this Treaty brought about by thy providence and the only visible remedy left for the establishment of an happy peace Soften the most obdurate hearts with a true Christian desire of saving those mens blood for whom Christ himself hath shed his O Lord let not the guilt of our sins cause this Treaty to break off but let the Truth of thy Spirit so clearly shine in our mindes that all private ends laid a side we may every one of us heartily and sincerely pursue the publick good and that thy people may be no longer so blindly miserable as not 〈◊〉 see at least in this their day the things that belong unto their peace Grant this gracious God for his sake who is our peace it self even Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen The King told the Commissioners that he was glad of their coming to treat with him for a Peace and desired God to perfect that good work professing that he was in charity with all men not willing to revenge upon any nor to delay the hopes of a blessed issue and concludes to begin the Treaty on Munday morning 9. a clock 18. Septemb. The Treaty begins and to make it more difficult to Peace Occasion is given to oppose four Demands or Bills to the Kings demands which as a pledge of trust should be granted before whereto if the King assent they promise to commence a Treaty to the rest 1. To order for the future the Militia without the Kings consent to raise what Arms they please and that all others upon the pain of Treason shall not assemble to the number of thirty persons without the Authority of Parliament 2. That the Houses may sit and adjourn and assemble to what place and at what time at their own discretion 3. All Oaths Interdictions and declarations against the Parliament to be declared void 4. Whomsoever the King had dignified with Titles from the time himself departed and conveyed away the great Seal of England be degraded of their honours And these must be first ratified and to command them to be passed into Laws Then they go on with the Preface the matter of the Treaty For as much as both Houses of Parliament have been necessitated to undertake a War for their just defence and for the prosecuting thereof have bound themselves in a Covenant be it enacted by the Kings command The Propositions were in number eleven 1. That all Declarations and Proclamations against the two Houses of Parliament or their Adherents and all Judgments and Indictments c. against them be declared Null 2. That a Satute be Enacted for abolishing of all Arch Bishops and Bishops out of the Churches of England and Ireland for the selling of their Lands and Revenues As also that the calling and sitting in Synod of the Divines be approved 〈◊〉 the Royal assent the Reformation of Religion for England and Ireland according to such Models as the Members of Parliament have or shall decree consultations first had with the said Divines In particular that the King grant his assent that the Act of both Houses formerly made concerning the Directory as concerning the publick Celebration of Gods worship throughout England and Ireland for the abolishing the Ancient Liturgie for the form of Church Government and Articles of Religion with the Catechisms the great and the less for the more Religious observation of the Lords day for supressing of Innovations in Churches and Chappels for the incouraging of the publick Preachers to their duties by a just reward for prohibiting of Pluralities of Benefices and non-residence to Clergy-men henceforth pass into Statutes or Laws That the King would set his hand to the National League and Covenant and suffer himself to be bound by the same that by publick Act it be enjoyned all the Subjects of both the Kingdoms of England and Scotland to be bound thereby under a penalty to be imposed at the pleasure of both Houses That it may belong to the Houses of Parliament to visit and reform the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge the Colledges also of Westminster Winchester and Eaton That it be provided by Statutes that Jesuites Priests and Papists disturb not the Common-wealth nor elude the Laws as also for the discriminating of them an Oath be administred to them wherein they shall abjure the Pope of Romes Supremacie Transubstantiation Purgatory Image-worship and other Superstitious errors of the Church of Rome That
an eclipse which oft happeneth as well in clear as cloudy daies But my now long and sharp adversity hath so reconciled in me those natural Antipathies between Life and Death which are in all men that I thank God the common terrors of it are dispelled and the special horror of it as to my particular much allaied for although my death at present may justly be represented to me with all those terrible aggravations which the policy of cruel and implacable enemies can put upon it affairs being drawn to the very dregs of malice yet I bless God I can look upon all those stings as unpoisonous though sharp since my Redeemer hath either pulled them out or given me the Antidote of his death against them which as to immaturity unjustice shame scorn and cruelty of exceeded whatever I can fear Indeed I never did finde so much the life of Religion the feast of a good conscience and the brazen wall of a judicious integritie and constancie as since I came to these closer conflicts with the thoughts of death I am not so old as to be weary of life nor I hope so bad as to be either afraid to dye or ashamed to live true I am so afflicted as might make me sometime even desire to dye if I did not consider That it is the greatest glory of a Christian's life to die daily in conquering by a lively faith and patient hopes of a better life those partial and quotidian deaths which kill vs as it were by piece-meals and make us over-live our Fates while we are deprived of health honour liberty power credit safety or estate and those other comforts of dearest relations which are â—s the life of our lives Though as a KING I think my self to live in nothing temporal so much as in the love and good will of my people for which as I have suffered many deaths so I hope I am not in that point as yet wholly dead notwithstanding my enemies have used all the poisâ—n of falsitie and violence of hostility to destroy first the love and Loyalty which is in my Subjects and then all that content of life in me which from these I chiefly enjoyed Indeed they have left me but little of life and only the husk and shell as it were which their further malice and cruelty can take from me having berâ—aved me of all those worldly comforts for which life it self seems desirable to men But O my Soul think not that life too long or tedious wherein God gives thee any opportunities if not to doe yet to suffer with such Christian patience and magnanimity in a good cause as are the greatest honour of our lives and best improvement of our deaths I know that in point of true Christian valour it argues pusillanimity to desire to die out of wearineâ—â—â— of life and a want of that Heroick greatness of spirit which bâ—comes a Christian in the patient and generous susteining those afflictions which as shadows necessarily attend us while we are in this body and which are lessened or enlarged as the Sun of our prosperity moves higher or lower whose total absence is best recompensed with the dew of Heaven The assaults of affliction may be terrible like Sampsons Lion but they yeeld much sweetness to those that dare to encounter and overcome them who know how to overlive the witherings of their Gourds without discontent or peevishness while they may yet converse with God That I must die as a man is certain that I may dye a King by the hands of mine own Subjects a violent sudden and barbarous death in the strength of my years in the mid'st of my Kingdoms my Friends and loving Subjects being helpless Spectators my Enemies insolent Revilers and triumphers over me living dying and dead is so probable in humane reason that hath God taught me not to hope otherwise as to mans cruelty however I despair not of God's infinite mercy I know my life is the object of the Devils and wicked mens malice but yet under Gods sole custody and disposal Whom I do not think to flatter for longer life by seeming prepared to die but I humbly desire to depend upon him and to submit to his will both in life and death in what order soever he is pleased to lay them out to me I confess it is not easie for me to contend with those many horrors of death wherewith God suffers me to be tempted which are equally horrid either in the suddeness of a barbarous Assination or in those greater formalities whereby my Enemies being more solemly cruel will it may be seek to add as those did who crucified Christ the mockerie of Justice to the cruelty of malice that I may be destroyed as with greater pomp and artifice so with less pitty it will be but a necessary policy to make my death appear as an Act of Justice done by Subjects upon their Soveraign who know that no Law of God or man invests them with any power of Judicature without me much less against me and who being sworn and bound by all that is sacred before God and man to endeavour my preservation must pretend Justice to cover their perjury Iâ— is indeed a sad fate for any man to have his Enemies to be acâ—â—â—ers parties and judges but most desperate when this is acted by the insolence of Subjects against their Sovereign wherein those who have had the chiefest hand and are most guilty of contriving the publick troubles must by shedding my blood seem to wash their own hands of that innocent blood whereof they are now most evidently guilty before 〈◊〉 and man and I believe in their own consciences too while they carried on unreasonable demands first by Tumults after by Armies Nothing makes mean spirits more cowardly cruel in managing their usurped power against their lawful Superiours then this the Guilt of their unjust usurpation notwithstanding those specious and popular pretensions of Justice against delinquents applied only to disguise at first the monstrousness of their designs who despaired indeed of possessing the power and profits of the Vineyard till the heir whose right it is be cast and slain With them my greatest fault must be that I would not either destroy my self with the Church and State by my word or not suffer them to do it unresisted by the Sword whose covetous ambition no Concessions of mine could ever yet either satisfie or abate Nor is it likely they will ever think that Kingdom of brambles which some men seek to erect at once weak sharp and fruitless either to God or man is like to thrive till watered with the Royal blood of those whose right the Kingdom is Well God's will be done I doubt not but my innocency will finde him both my Protector and my Advocate who is my only Judge whom I own as King of Kings not only for the Eminency of his power and Majesty above them but also for that singular care and protection which he
hath over them who knows them to be exposed to as many dangers being the greatest Patrons of Law Justice Order and Religion on earth as there be either men or Devils which love confusion Nor will he suffer those men long to prosper in their Babel who build it with the bones and cement it with the bloud of their Kings I am confident they will finde Avengers of my death among themselves the injuries I have susteined from them shall be first punished by them who agreed in nothing so much as in opposing me Their impatience to bear the loud cry of my bloud shall make them think no way better to expiate it then by shedding theirs who with them most thirsted after mine The sad confusions following my destruction are already presaged and confirmed to Me by those I have lived to see since my troubles in which God alone who only could hath many waies pleaded my cause not suffering them to go unpunished whose confederacie in sin was their only security who have cause to 〈◊〉 that God will both further divide and by mutual vengeance afâ—â—â—ward destroy them My greatest conquest of death is from the power and love of Christ who hath swallowed up death in the victory of his Resurrection and the glory of his Ascension My next comfort is that he gives me not only the honour to imitate his example in suffering for righteousness-sake though obscured by the â—oulest charges of Tyranny and Injustice but also that charity which is the noblest revenge upon and victory over my Destroyers by which I thank God I can both forgive them and pray for them that God would not impute my bloud to them further then to convince them what need they have of Christs bloud to wash their souls from the guilt of shedding mine At present the will of my enemies seems to be their only rule their power the measure and their success the exactor of what they please to call Justice while they flatter themselves with the Fancy of their own safety by my danger and the security of their lives and designs by my death forgetting that as the greatest temptations to sin are wrapped up in seeming prosperities so the severest vengeances of God are then most accomplished when men are suffered to complete their wicked purposes I bless God I pray not so much that this bitter cup of a violent death may pass from me as that of his wrath may pass from all those whose hands by deserting me are sprinkled or by acting and consenting to my death are embrewed with my bloud The will of God hath confined and concluded mine I shall have the pleasure of dying without any pleasure of desired vengeance This I think becomes a Christian toward his enemies and a King toward his Subjects They cannot deprive me of more then I am content to lose when God sees fit by their hands to take it from me whose mercy I believe will more then infinitely recompense what ever by mans injustice he is pleased to deprive me of The glory attending my death will far surpass all I could enjoy or conceive in life I shall not want the heavy and envied Crowns of this world when my God hath mercifully crowned and consummated his graces with glory and exchanged the shadows of my earthly Kingdoms among men for the substance of that heavenly Kingdom with himself For the censures of the world I know the sharp and necessary Tyranny of my destroyers will sufficiently confute the Calumnies of Tyranny against me I am perswaded I am happy in the judicious love of the ablest and best of my Subjects who doe not only pitty and pray for me but would be content even to dye with me or for me These know how to excuse my failings as a man and yet to retain and pay their duty to me as their King there being no Religious necessity binding any Subjects by pretending to punish infinitely to exceed the faults and errors of their Princes especially there where more then sufficient satisfaction hath been made to the publick the enjoynment of which private ambitions have hitherto frustrated Others I believe oâ—â—ofter tempers and less advantaged by my ruine do already feel sharp convictions and some remorse in their consciences where they cannot but see the proportions of their evil dealings against me in the measure of Gods retaliations upon them who cannot hope long to enjoy their own thumbs and toes having under pretence of pairing others nailes been so cruel as to cut off their chiefest strength The punishment of the more insolent and obstinate may be like that of Korah and his complices at once mutining against both Prince and Priest in such a method of divine justice as is not ordinary the earth of the lowest and meanest people opening upon them and swallowing them up in a just disdain of their ill-gotten and worse used Authority upon whose support and strength they chiefly depended for their building and establishing their designs against me the Church and State My chiefest comfort in death consists in my peace which I trust is made with God before whose exact Tribunal I shall not fear to appear as to the cause so long disputed by the Sword between me and my causeless enemies where I doubt not but his righteous judgment will confute their fallacy who from wordly success rather like Sophisters then sound Christians draw those popular conclusions for Gods approbation of their actions whose wise providence we know oft permits many events which his revealed word the only clear safe and fixed Rule of good actions and good consciences in no sort approves I am confident the Justice of my Cause and clearness of my conscience before God and towards my people will carry me as much above them in Gods decision as their successes have lifted them above me in the vulgar opinion who consider not that many times those undertakings of men are lifted up to Heaven in the prosperiry and applause of the world whose rise is from Hell as to the injuriousness and oppression of the design The prosperous windes which oft fill the sails of Pirats do not justifie their Piracie and rapine I look upon it with infinite more content and quiet of soul to have been worsted in my enforced contestation for and vindication of the Laws of the Land the freedom and honour of Parliaments the Rights of my Crown the just liberty of my Subjects and the true Christian Religion in its Doctrine Government and due encouragements then if I had with the greatest advantages of success over-born them all as some men have now evidently done what ever designs they at first pretended The prayers and patience of my friends and loving Subjects will contribute much to the sweetning of this bitter Cup which I doubt not but I shall more chearfully take and drink as from Gods hand if it must be so then they can give it to me whose hands are unjustly and barbarously lifted up against me And
as to the last event I may seem to owe more to my Enemies then my friends ' while those will put a period to the sins and sorrows attending this miserable life wherewith these desire I might still contend I shall be more then Conquerour through Christ enabling me for whom I have hitherto suffered as he is the Author of Truth Order and Peace for all which I have been forced to contend against Error Faction and Confusion If I must suffer a violent death with my Saviour it is but mortality crowned with Martyrdom where the debt of death which I owe for sin to nature shall be raised as a gift of faith and patience offered to God Which I humbly beseech him mercifully to accept and although death be the wages of my own sin as from God and the effect of others sins as men both against God and me yet as I hope my own sins are so remitted that they may be no ingredients to imbitter the cup of my death so I desire God to pardon their sins who are most guilty of my destruction The Trophies of my charity will be more glorious and durable over them then their ill-mannaged victories over me Though their sin be prosperous yet they had need to be penitent that they may be pardoned both which I pray God they may obtain that my temporal death unjustly inflicted by them may not be revenged by Gods just inflicting eternal death upon them for I look upon the temporal destruction of the greatest King as far less deprecable then the eternal damnation of the meanest Subject Nor do I wish other then the safe bringing of the ship to shore when they have cast me over-board though it be very strange that Mariners can finde no other means to appease the storm themselves have raised but by drowning their Pilot. I thank God my enemies cruelty cannot prevent my Preparation whose malice in this I shall defeat that they shall not have the satisfaction to have destroyed my soul with my body of whose salvation while some of them have themselves seemed and taught others to despair they have only discovered this that they do not much desire it Whose uncharitable and cruel restraints denying me even the assistance of any of my Chaplains hath rather enlarged then any way obstructed my access to the throne of Heaven And for his better preparation he is a suitor to the Governour that he might have two of his own Chaplains to preach and pray with him And that he might have liberty to write to his Queen in France and to the Prince of Wales to acquaint them with his sad condition but not granted For the General hath ordered that the King be brought up with a Guard Prisoner to Windsor Castle and came to Winchester Tuesday 21. December where the honourable Mayor and Aldermen met him at the Towns end and as in duty heretofore presented him with a Speech and then with their mace The Governour of the Guard told them that by the Act of No address to the King they were all Traytors which not a little troubled the well meaning Mayor The next night Friday to Farnham and after dinner at Bagshot calling for his Coach he was told it was gone before and indeed so designed then ready to mount an excellent horse he had been newly prickt with a nail stark lame the King was troubled which being perceived a Gentleman lent him a swift Gelding but being observed the Guards were commanded for Flankers till the King came off the Downs and so he came to Windsor Saturday night 23. Decemb. Colonel Thomlingson commanding the Guards when Colonel Harrison left him And here they refuse to afford his Majesty any Ceremony of State upon the knee and hardly the Cap his attendance taken away and he clapt up close And because William Prinne of Lincolns Inn Barrester puts himself in Print the first man that brings in his Charge whether to his eternal shame or otherwise we shall give you his title wherein we finde in this case as very often in other his Pamphlets more matter in the Title Page then all that follows in the Book besides He calls it Mr. Prinns Charge against the King shewing That the Kings Design Purpose Resolution his Endeavours Practice Conversation have alwayes been engaged byassed tended to settle establish confirm Popery Tyranny Slavery in among over his Dominions Subjects People and in order to that Design End Purpose he writ to the Pope of Rome stiling him His most Holy Father Catholique Majesty thrice honoured Lord and Father engaging himself to the said Pope to endeavour to settle the Popish Religion only in his Dominions And since his coming to the Crown hath extended extraordinary favours upon protection of notorious Papists Priests Iesuites against all prosecution of Laws enacted against them notwithstanding all his Protestations to the contrary hath raised up a most horrid unnatural and bloudy War arming his Roman Catholique Subjects to Massacre Plunder Torture Imprison Ruine his Loyal Faithful pious Protestant Subjects to burn sack spoil their Cities Towns Villages collected from the Books written By VVilliam Prinne of Lincols Inne Esq. Being but a very small taste from that main Ocean of that which he hath written concerning the King and his ill behaviour since his coming to the Crown As also with references unto clear satisfactory convincing Answers unto several Objections concerning resisting censuring suspending depriving Kings for their Tyranny yea capitally proceeding against them By the said Author Thus he belches up the Charge and his proofs are plain from himself the only Author and witness directing us by his Margin to the third part of the Sovereign power of Parliaments wherein he pretends to overthrow all Scripture proofs against killing Kings and Princes His proofs against the Kings person is cited out of Prynns Popish Royal Favourite Romes Master-piece To which we refer the Reader without censuring them as some have done to be a Rhapsodie of Nonsense But then also we not to be partial refer the Reader to the History of Him Bastwick and Burton their Crimes Charge Indictments Censure Sentence and Execution And to second Prinne there follows Petitions pretended from the well-affected of the County of Norfolk from several Garrisons and other such in complyance with the Armies Remonstrance and Declarations and therein praying for justice against the King And yet not long after the 10. of Ianuary Mr. Prinne Imprints a Memento for which he reâ—uses to answer the Commons Summons untill he be sent to in a Legal way and by a lawful and sufficient Authority for he was not long before turned out of being a Member and continued now a prisoner to the Army and ever since out of date or use This man an indefatigable Author of most vast pieces in the Parliaments defence should now with others be ill intreated by their own stipendaries in the inscrutable judgement of God The appearance in Parliament is yet thin for Oligarchy gets
That the Supream power of England is immediately invested only in the people and their Representatives and had Voted therefore that all Committees which before consisted of Lords and Commons should have power to Act though the Lords joyn not herein After much debate the Commons resolved that the House would not agree with their Lordships This day Friday 19. of Ian. the King was brought from Windsor to St. Iames's And the Argument of the people thus long a hammering was perfected by the Commonwealth of the Army at White-hall and presented to the House of Commons by Sir Hardress Waller and 16. Officers Nay more there came a Woman-witch out of Hartfordshire who justified the Armies proceedings by her Revelations from God which was well accepted of the Council as coming from an humble spirit and her advice taken as very seasonable The Commons House being possessed of this great power as great as they list to take erect a new Tribunal for Tryal of the King which is called the high Court of Iustice and so to gain reverence from the Name over which are appointed 150. Judges or Tryers that so in number they might represent the people who are impowered to Convent Hear Iudge and Execute Charls Stuart King of England Into this number are Elected Members of both Houses and others of neither men of several conditions and professions Nay if it were necessary to prove it it was reported for truth there was one man and No-man or rather of double Sex an Hermophrodite But amongst the number were six Earls of the upper House the Judges of the Kingdom Commanders of the Army Members of the Commons and no Members of the City of London of Lawyers nay of several Trades and Professions And all these supposed themselves to deserve much for this desperate enterprize and twenty of them made up the Quorum Little regard is had of the higher House unless of a few Lords whose Authority there was deemed sufficient for Acting Yet when the Vote of the Commons House against the King was carried up there were unwittingly 17. Lords and the major part refused to assent and did reject the Vote as not grounded upon Law Hereupon such Lords which were to be Tryers of the King are expunged the Roll. And afterwards the Judges of the Kingdom are put out as deeming That it was against the received Laws of England that the King should be brought to tryal But on they go and appoint Mr. Iohn Bradshaw lately made Serjeant at Law to be President of the Court and one Cook to be Sollicitor The Presbyterian Ministers now too late declaim against it many more of other Sects by their Sermons Conference Protestations and Remonstrances publish and beseech That against the dreadful tyes of so many Oaths against the publick and private faith backed by Declarations and promises against the Law of the Land against the more sacred Dictates of divine Scripturâ— and Religion nay against the good of the Common-wealth they would not distain their own hands and the Kingdom with the Kings blood The English Nobility offer themselves Pledges on the Kings behalf and universally the people murmur but in vain The 19. Ian. the Scotish Commissioners delivered some Papers and a Declaration from the Parliament of Scotland wherein they express a dislike of the present proceedings against the King and declare That the Kingdom of Scotland have an undoubted interest in the person of the King who was not delivered to the English Commissioners at Newcastle for the ruine of his person but for more speedy settlement of the peace of his Kingdoms That they extreamly dissent and declare against the Tryal of him in regard of the great miseries that are like to ensue upon the Kingdoms And crave leave to make their personal addresses to the King The like Papers and desires were presented to the Gâ—neral and these were publick But we have met with a Scotish Paper of privacie belike from the other Faction and it was intercepted by our English Army it was intituled Instructions sent to the Scotish Commissioners from the Parliament of Scotland To use in your amplification the same mentioned in your Letter that it seemed not to import by proofe of any violence used against the Parliament or any member thereof That you have address to such Lords and Commons as are our friends and not ill-affected to the honest party That your amplifications be so concise that they give no occasion of offence That nothing proceed from you justifying the Kings proceedings Nothing in approbation of the late engagement Nothing which may import a breach or give or be a ground of a new War That they would delay to meddle with the Kings person according to their several promises and Declarations at Newcastle and at Holmby If they procâ—ed and pronounce sentence against the King that you enter your dissent and protest that this Kingdom may be free of the miseries which unevitably will follow without offering in your reasons that Princes are exempted from Tryal and Iustice. That none in this Parliament had or hath had any hand in any the proceedings of the Army against the King and Members of Parliament If they proceed then to shew the calamities that will follow and how grievous it will be to this Kingdom considering his delivering up at Newcastle If the Papers called the Engagement of the people be passed and shall import any thing anent the Processing of the Prince the changing of the Fundamental Government of the Kingdom that you enter your dissent You shall alter these Instructions or mannage your trust therein by the advice of our friends there To prosecute your instructions anenâ— the Covenant and against the toleratio To shew that the Kings last Concessions are insatisfactory to ours in point of Religion But all these Scotish tricks on either side signified little not to frighten Resolutions for the Actors in England arm themselves with pretensions of Gods providence and impulsions of the holy Spirit some there were even in the Pulpit bids them Courage that the time was come that the Saints of the earth should binde Kings and their Nobles with chains of iron and not to doubt but that the Prophesie belongs to them And in the Pulpit another with bended knees tears and hands lift up in the name of the people of England earnestly beseeching they would execute justice against Charls and not suffer Benhadad their Enemy to go away in safety raging and railing against Monarchy one expounds the story of the Trees in chusing a King when the Vine and Olive refused that Office underwent the harsher government of the Bramble After sundry meetings of the 38. Commissioners in the Painted Chamber at Westminster they had prepared all things expedient for the Tryal and the high Court of Justice was framed at the upper end of Westminster Hall the place of the two Courts Chancery and Kings-Bench were ordered into one and all
afterwards recovering that inconvenience he was so constant to himself and over-weaning that his opinions became resolves In all his defects we may more reasonably fix the occasions rather upon others who had their influence from him then upon his own defect for the mis-choice of fit and able persons to be his best and dearest friends proved fatal to him to them and to us all The King left his Queen a miserable disconsolate Lady the Daughter of France and therefore while he suffered she was there supported with their three Sons Charls Prince of Wales Iames Duke of York and Henry Duke of Glocester Princes of high eminent and Heroick vertue 〈◊〉 Two daughters also the one Elizabeth the Relict Princess of Orange the other Mary an Infant all of them are banished Orphanes This Letter came to hand since the Kings death intrusted to the Bishop of London with his blessing to the Prince of Wales To the Prince of Wales Son if these Papers with some others wherein I have set down the private reflections of my conscience and my most impartial thoughts touching the chief passages which have been most remarkable or disputed in my late Troubles come to your hands to whom they are chiesly design'd they may be so far usefull to you as to state your judgment aright in what hath passed 〈◊〉 whereof a pious is the best use can be made and they may also give you some directions how to remedy the present distempers and prevent if God will the like for time to come It is some kind of deceiving and lessening the injury of my long restraint when I finde my leisure and solitude have produced something worthy of my self and usefull to you that neither you nor any other may hereafter measure my Cause by the success nor my judgment of things by my misfortunes which I count the greater by far because they have so far lighted upon you and some others whom I have most cause to love as well as my self and of whose unmerited sufferings I have a greater sense then of my own But this advantage of Wisdom you have above most Princes that you have begun and now spent some years of discretion in the experience of troubles and exercise of patience wherein Piety and all Vertues both Moral and Political are commonly better planted to a thriving as Trees set in Winter then in warmth and serenity of times or amidst those delights which usually attend Princes Courts in times of peace and plenty which are prone either to root up all Plants of true vertue and Honour or to be contented only with some leaves and withering formalities of them without any real fruits such as tend to the publick good for which Princes should alwaies remember they are born and by providence designed The evidence of which different education the holy Writ affords us in the contemplation of David and Rehoboam the one prepared by many afflictions for a flourishing Kingdom the other softned by the unparalleld prosperity of Solomons Court and so corrupted to the great diminution both for Peace Honour and Kingdom by those flatteries which are as unseparable from prosperous Princes as Flies are from fruit in Summer whom adversitie like cold weather drives away I had rather you should be Charls le Bon then le Grand good then great I hope God hath designed you to be both having so early put you into that exercise of his Graces and Giâ—â—â—estowed upon you which may best weed out all vitious inclinations and dispose you to those Princely indowments and employments which will most gain the love and intend the welfare of those over whom God shall place you With God I would have you begin and end who is King of Kings the Sovereign disposer of the Kingdoms of the World who pulleth down one and setteth up another The best Government and highest Soveraignty you can attain to is to be subject to him that the Scepter of his word and Spirit may rule in your heart The true glory of Princes consists in advancing Gods glory in the maintenance of true Religion and the Churches good also in the dispensation of civil power with Iustice and honour to the publick peace Piety will make you prosperous at least it will keep you from being miserable nor is he much a loser that loseth all yet saveth his own soul at last To which center of true happiness God I trust hath and will graciously direct all these black lines of affliction which he hath been pleased to draw on me and by which he hath I hope drawn me nearer to himself You have already tasted of that cup whereof I have liberally drunk which I look upon as Gods Physick having that in healthfulness which it wants in pleasure Above all I would have you as I hope you are already well-grounded and settled in your Religion the best profession of which I have ever esteemed that of the Church of England in which you have been educated yet I would have your own Iudgment and Reason now seal to that sacred bond which education hath written that it may be judiciously your own Religion and not other mens custom or tradition which you profess In this I charge you to persevere as coming nearest to Gods word for Doctrine and to the Primitive examples for government with some little amendment which I have otherwhere expressed and often offered though in vain Your fixation in matters of Religion will not be more necessary for your souls then your Kingdoms peace when God shall bring you to them For I have observed that the Devil of Rebellion doth commonly turn himself into an Angel of Reformation and the old Serpent can pretend new Lights when some mens Consciences accuse them for Sedition and Faction they stop its mouth with the name and noise of Religion when Piety pleads for peace and patience they cry out Zeal So that unless in this point you be well settled you shall never want temptations to destroy you and yours under pretension of Reforming matters of Religion for that seems even to the worst of men as the best and most auspicious beginning of their worst designs Where besides the novelty which is taken enough with the Vulgar every one hath an affectation by seeming forward to an outward Reformation of Religion to be thought zealous hoping to cover those irreligious deformities whereto they are conscious by a severity of censuring other mens opinions or actions Take heed of abetting any Factions or applying to any publick Discriminations in matters of Religion contrary to what is in your judgment and the Churches well settled your partial adhering as head to any one side gains you not so great advantages in some mens hearts who are prone to be of their Kings 's Religion as it loseth you in others who think themselves and their profession first despised then persecuted by you take such a course as may either with calmness and charity quite remove the seeming
differences and offences by impartiality or so order affairs in point of power that you shall not need to fear or flatter any faction For if ever you stand in need of them or must stand to their courtesie you are undone the Serpent will devour the Dove you may never expect less of Loyalty Iustice or Humanity then from those who engage into Religious Rebellion their interest is alwaies made Gods under the colours of piety ambitious policies march nor only with greatest security but applause as to the populacy you may hear from them Jacobs voice but you shall feel they have Esau's hands Nothing seemed less considerable then the Presbyterian Faction in England for many years so compliant they were to publick order nor indeed was their party great either in Church or State as to mens judgments but as soon as discontents drave men into sidings as ill humors fall to the disaffected part which cause's inflamations so did all at first who affected any Novelties adhere to that side as the most remarkable and specious note of difference then in point of Religion All the lesser Factions at first were officious servants to Presbytery their great Master till time and military success discovering to each their peculiar advantages invited them to part stakes and leaving the joint stock of uniform Religion they pretended each to drive for their party the trade of profits and preferments to the breaking and undoing not only of the Church and State but even of Presbytery it self which seemed and hoped at first to have ingrossed all Let nothing seem little or despicable to you in matters which concern Religion and the Churches peace so as to neglect a speedy reforming and effectual suppressing Errors and Schisms what seem at first but as a hand breadth by seditious Spirits as by strong windes are soon made to cover and darken the whole heaven When you have done justice to God your own Soul and his Church in the profession and preservation both of truth and unity in Religion the next main hinge on which your prosperity will depend and move is that of Civil Iustice wherein the setled Laws of these Kingdoms to which you are rightly Heir are the most excellent Rules you can govern by which by an admirable temperament give very much to Subjects industry liberty and happiness and yet reserve enough to the Majesty and Prerogative of any King who owns his people as Subjects not as Slaves whose subjection as it preserves their property peace and safety so it will never diminish your Rights nor their ingenious Liberties which consist in the injoyment of the fruits of their industry and the benefit of those Laws to which themselves have consented Never charge your head with such a Crown as shall by its heaviness oppress the whole body the weakness of whose parts cannot return any thing of strength honour or safety to the head but a necessary debilitation and ruine Your Prerogative is best shewed and exercised in remitting rather then exacting the rigor of the Laws there being nothing worse then Legal Tyranny In these two points the preservation of establisted Religion and Laws I may without vanity turn the reproach of my sufferings as to the worlds censure into the honour of a kinde of Martyrdom as to the testimony of my own conscience the troublers of my Kingdoms having nothing else to object against me but this that I prefer Religion and Laws established before those alterations they propounded And so inded I do and ever shall till I am convinced by better Arguments then what hitherto have been chiefly used towards me Tumults Armies and Prisons I cannot yet learn that Lesson nor I hope ever will you that it is safe for a King to gratifie any Faction with the perturbation of the Laws in which is wrapt up the Publick Interest and the good of the Community How God will deal with me as to the removal of these pressures and indignities which his Iustice by the very unjust hands of some of my Subjects hath been pleased to lay upon me I cannot tell nor am I much solicitous what wrong I suffer from men while I retein in my soul what I believe is right before God I have offered all for Reformation and safety that in Reason Honour and Conscience I can reserving only what I cannot consent unto without an irreparable injury to my own Soul the Church and my people and you also as the next and undoubted Heir of my Kingdoms To which if the divine Providence to whom no difficulties are insuperable shall in his due time after my decease bring you as I hope he will my counsel and charge to you is that you seriously consider the former real or objected miscarriages which might occasion my troubles that you may avoid them Never repose so much upon any man's single Counsel fidelitie and discretion in managing affairs of the first magnitude that is matters of Religion and Iustice as to create in your self or others a difâ—idence of your own judgment which is likely to be alwaies more constant and impartial to the interests of your Crown and Kingdom then any mans Next beware of exasperating any Factions by the crosness and asperity of some mens passions humours or private opinions imployed by you grounded only upon the differences in lesser matters which are but the Skirts and Suburbs of Religion Wherein a charitable connivence and Christian toleration often dissipates their strength whom rougher opposition fortifies and puts the despised and oppressed Party into such combinations as may most enable them to get a full revenge on those they count their persecutors who are commonly assisted by that vulgar commiseration which attends all that are said to suffer under the notion of Religion Provided the differences amount not to an insolent opposition of Laws and Government or Religion established as to the essentials of them Such motions and minings are intolerable Alwaies keep up solid Piety and those fundamental truths which mend both hearts and lives of men with impartial favor and justice Take heed that outward circumstances and formalities of Religion devour not all or the best encouragements of learning industry and piety but with an equal eye and impartial hand distribute favours and rewards to all men as you finde them for their real goodness both in abilities and fidelity worthy and capable of them This will be sure to gain you the hearts of the best and the most too who though they be not good themselves yet are glad to see the severer wayes of vertue at any time sweetned by temporal rewards I have you see conflicted with different and opposite Factions for so I must needs call and count all those that act not in any conformity to the Laws established in Church and State no sooner have they by force subdued what they counted their common enemie that is all those that adhered to the Laws and to me and are secured from that fear but they
time besieged and surrendred 890. The University refuses to be visited by the Parliament 1053. and except against their Order 1054 P. PRopositions for toleration of Papists in Ireland 66. protested against ibid. Papists pursued 219. pretended plots of Papists 360 Propositions presented to the King and his Answer to them 919 First Parliament sits 6 Grants the K. 2. Subsidies 11. Laws enacted that Session 13. adjourns to Oxford ibid. Petition against Recusants 14. are answered by the King 16. dissolved 17 Second Parliament called 28. the Lords Petition 29. are answered by the King 30. the Lord Keepers speech to them 31. and the Kings 33. the Commons reply 34. dissolved 58 Third Parliament called 106. the Kings speech to them 107. they grant him Subsidies 109. are prorogued 116. sit again 127. appoint a Committee of Religion ibid. the King and they differ 130. the Commons protest 131. the Parliament dissolved 132. some Members questioned after 135 A fourth Parliament called 304. dissolved 305 Long â—â—rliament resolved on upon an 〈◊〉 day 323. sit 326. vote Monopoâ—◠〈◊〉 of the House 336. borrow moneys of the City 337. vote against ship-money 338. Bill of Poll-money and for suppressing the High Commission Court and Star-Chamber passed 427. sit on a Sunday 430. disorders by their connivance 431. their Order concerning Ireland 447. the petition for Priviledge 463. another Petition and Remonstrance 465 466 c. Petition again for the Militia 489. for the five Members 495. and to settle the Militia 496 499. their Declaration to the King of his faults 501. they denude the King of all power and Allegiance 505. put themselves in a posture of War 513. their Protestation 517. their Declaration observed 519. their Votes upon the Kings preparations for war 538. their Declaration of defence 547. their advice to their deputy Lieutenants in the Northern Counties 561. they joyn with the Scots Kirk to reform all Christendom 565. Assure Payment on publique faith out of Delinquents Estates 556. exempt certain persons from pardon 568. their Declaration to the united Provinces 569. their directions to their General 575. They petition the King by their General Essex 578. Vote address to the King 588. their Declaration to the Scots 589. their Petition to the King and Answer to it 592. their Answer and the Kings Reply 594. their Petition to the King again 595. their desires presented to the King at Oxford are answered 599. their Ordinance to seize upon the Kings Revenues 659. their Propositions for peace and other Acts 752 753. their order to dispose of the King 899 901 924 the Propositions sent to him 916. both Speakers and some Members fly to the Army 996. Forced Acts of the Parliament made Null 1002. they send Propositions to the King 1009. their Declaration concerning their Votes of Non address to the King 1033. which is answered 1034. they vote concerning the King and Government 1061. and again for a Treaty 1083 1087. their Commissioners to treat 1088. their 4. demands 1089. and Propositions 1090. they tye their Commissioners to conditions 1093. the Commons vote for the Kings Tryal 1118. but the Lords dissent 1119. and Vote against it 1121 Patrick arraigned and executed 160 St. Pauls Church begins to be repaired 176 Earl of Pembroke dies 140. His successour made Chancellour of Oxford 1055 Pembroke besieged and surrendered 1060 Sir John Pennington made Commander of the Fleet 506 A wondrous Floud and Pestilence 209 Sir Pindar's bounty to the repair of St. Pauls 176 Polish wars with the Turk 178. cause of it 179. the state of Poland 181. Overtures of mariage of the King of Poland with the Lady Elizabeth 213 The Popes Letters to encourage the Rebellion in Ireland 605 Portsmouth beset 575 Col. Poyer revolts in Wales 1056. defeats the Parliaments Forces 1058. is defeated 1059 Of Presbyterial Government 948 c. Dr. Preston dies 119 Prin censured 218 219 returns from durance 338. his charge against the King 1116 Proeme from the year 1640. to the end of the History 299. and to the Irish Rebellion 421 The nineteen Propositions sent to the King 521 National Protestation 405 Viscountess Purbeck censured and escapes 105 A Puritan who 148 Mr. Pyms speech 330 Q. QUeen Mother of France comes into England 247. dies at Colen 428 Queen of England sent into Holland with the Princess of Orange 491. she returns from thence 601. meets the King at Edge-Hill 615. Entreth Oxford 626. journeys to the West where she ships for France 702. her Letter to the King 1118. and to Gen. Fairfax ibid. R. RAgland Castle besieged 893. surrendred upon Articles 896 Ramsey vide Rey. Diet at Ratisbone 211 Laws executed upon Recusants 335 Sir Charls Rich and Sir John Ratcliff their Gallantry 98 Trial of combate betwixt Rey and Ramsey 164. the manner of it ibid. c. Cardinal Richelieu dies 607 Expedition to the Isle of Rhe 75. cause of that war 79. English Land upon it and take St. Martins Town 80. the Castle described 81. besieged by the English 82. and relieved 83. English have recruits 88. the French designs frustrated and their ships destroyed 90. the French send to surrender are answered and relieved 91. the ill condition of the English 92. they rise from the siege but renew it upon hopes of supply 93. the French Forces increase there 94. encounter with the English but fly 95. English retiring Fight and assault St. Martins Castle ibid. the French receive recruits and Marshal 98 the English retire 98. yet encounter the French are defeated 99. make aboard their ships and consult 101. hoise sail 102. the expedition censured ibid. Treaty at Rippon how conclude 320 321 Rochellers false friends to the English at the Isle of Rhe 101. Rochel besieged by the French King 105. a third Fleet sent thither 120. the Town surrendred 127 Battel of Rocroy 691 Fight at Roundway Down 625 Sir Benjamin Ruddiers first Speech in Parliament 358. His second Speech 609 Prince Ruperts Fight near Tame 623 S. MInister of the Savoy his blasphemy 638 Scarborough Castle delivered to the Parliament 823 Scots Plot against the King 200. The Leiturgie imposed upon them 221. they mutiny against it ibid. 222. three Proclamations against them 223. a fourth to keep the peace 224. which is protested against by the Lords 225. the Scots insolent Petitions 224. they design a new Government by Tables 233. renew their confession of Faith 234. their title to it examined 236. their desires 251. their submission and Protestation 253. Proceedings in their Parliament 254. their Parliament prorogued 255. against which they protest 256. and send Deputies to the King ibid. four Commissioners from Scotland 261. their Treasons summ'd up ibid. Oath administred to the Scots against their Covenanters 265. their false Paper 267. their excuse touching it 271. their several mediations for assistance 274. their Commissioners return 284 Their Petition and Demands 314. moneys voted for them 343. their demands Answered 351 352 353 354. their
Stratherns descent and title to Sovereignty Raised to his ruine Dangerous to Sovereigns to prefer any Pretenders of Title The Scots design a new Government by Tables The Confession of Faith 1580. Negative confession what and when See Hist. 9. of Scots The Scots title to their new Confession of Faith examined Hamilton high Commissioner tâ— Scotland His Commission read in publiquâ— Covenanters demands Proclamation Hamilton posts to the King August 5. And returns Contracted into two Hamilton poasts to the King again And return to Scotland September 22. The Kings Declaration published For the general Assembly another Their Letter of thanks to the King Covenanters assume all authority A covenanting Female Imposturess Assembly dischâ—â—â—â—â— Against which the Covenanters protest Hamilton returns to England and the Scots begin to arm Iuly Eruption of Fire out of the Sea Queen Motlier of France comes hither The King prepares an Army Proclaims the occasion Hist p. 188. Obs. p. 151. English Army 1639. The Army marches to the North. Anno 1639. Obs. p. 157. The Scots and English in view The Armies Treat The Scots desires The Kings Declaration Artâ—cles of Pacification Scots submission Scots Protestation The proccedings in their Parliament in August Scotish Parliament prorogued Their Protestation The Scots deputies to the King Four Commissioners from Scotland Loudon his Speech Their Treasons summed up The Protestation of the Assembly and like of the Parliament Simeon and Levi. The Covenanters Declaration of grievances Observations thereupon It was ratified by Parliament most faise never ratified by Parliament never forbiden by any Act of Parliament These were confirmed by Parliaments and never repreaâ—ed but nâ—w most illegally called in question without King or Parliament Is this Assembly without the King of more validity six former Assemblies approved by the King and Parliament It Was no covenant but only a bare negative confession and abjuration of all points of Popery Nunquam de fide constare dum semper de fide disputamus Tertul Iâ— one Assemblie null what others 〈◊〉 act and constitute how shall the people be certain of their Religion Twenty years hence another Assembly was upon new alterations anul all which this hath done and there shall be never any certain Religion settled Oath administred to the Scots against their Covenant The Scots false Paper which was burnt This Paper was contradictory to the 7. Articles of Pacification Arnndel testifies Pembroke testifies Salisbury testifies All the Lords concurre The Kings report The Scots excuse concerning this Paper They pretend that verbal grants made the King contradict the signed Articles A pretty conceit The disagreeing of these Notes shew there was no truth in it This is like the rest as if they themselves had not dispersed them They were coÌ„mon and therfore one was burnt and others called in They acknowledge this letter by the French king They did mediate with Denmark Sweden and Holland for their assistance and offered to Denmark the isles of Orkney and had agents at every place for that effect Multitudo peccatorum tollit sensum poenâ—m peccati Formerly the Scots account themselves a free Republick They forget another duty to our King It is not against the law of nations for any King to imprison and execute his own subjects Considerations upon the 7. Articles Obs. 160. Protestation of the Covenanters the Preface Prince Elector comes over Hist. p. 163. fleets of Spain and Holland engage Arundel sent aboard the Spaniards What was the Spaniards Design Lord Keeper Coventry dies Sir Iohn Finch succeeds Reading at the Temple He is silenced and questioned Answer Scots Commissioners return Hist. p. 167. Hist. p. 167. The matter concluded at the Private Iunto The King resolves of a Parliament in England and anothâ—â— to be iâ—â—â—â—â—land Ob. p. 167. The Iunto subscribe to lend mony and so afterwards do all others herein mistaking those Obs. p. 170. Hist. p. 170. The grand Design In England he means The Earl and Countess had no such interest The King never thought so What execution doth he mean Of Nidsdale he means This was a false Parenthesis and injurious to the late King and his blessed memory and the rest of this Paragraph an idle conceit It was proved he never was there There were these men and pâ—aces but upon exâ—mination the matter but devised Unlikely Never taught any Religion Hist. p. 181. Obs. p. 171. Hist. of Qu. of Scots and K. Iames. 1640. Proeme Anno 1640. Parliament beigns the thirteenth of April Hist. p. 183. Parliament dissolved the 5. of May. Obs. p. 174. Convocation sit still Hist. p. 184. Bishops impose an Oath Hist. p. 185. Obs. p. 189. Hist. p. 186. Obs. p. 166. The entrance and original of all our Troubles Lambeth house beset by Puritans A Jovento of Council L. L. See L. L. of Ireland L. Admiral L. L. See L. L. of Ireland Lord Arch-bishop Lordâ— Archbishop of Canterbury L. Cottington L. L. See L. L. of Ireland London Derry in Ireland English Army ready Henry Duke of Glocester born Proclamation against the Rebells The King goes into Scotland At Newburn defeat New-castle deserted Hist. p. 189. Scots Petition Scots â—â—mands Anno 1640. Petition of the city of London The Kings speech to the Peers A meeting resolved Treaty at Rippon thus concluded Earl of Montross forsakes the Covenanters in private A Parliament resolâ—ved upon an ominous day Nov. 3. Obs. p. 208. The King in prudence calls this Parliament His excellent Book Eikon Basilike Eikon Basilike Chap. 1. of calling the Parliament Obs. p. 209. See Hist. Qu. of Scots and K. Iames in Folio Parliament sit The Kings Speech to the Lords Petitions against Grievances Pym 's Speech 1. Grievanceâ— of Religion in Popery Grievance 2 of Religion in Popary Innovations 3. Liberty of Persons and Estates Grievance 4. Compositions for Knighthood Sâ—ap Ship-money Inlargments of forrests Selling of Nusances Commissions for buildings Depopulations Military charges Muster-master his Wages Extrajudicials Monopolies countenanced by the Council-table Star-chambet The Kings Edicts and Proclamations Abuse of Preachers Intermission of Parliaments Lord Dighy's Speech Laws executed upon Recusants Monopolies voted out of the House Lords Pockets searched The Lieutenant of Ireland impeached of High-Treason Obs. p. 211. His condition examined Parliament borrow money of the City Bishop of Lincoln enlarged Hist. p. 217. Justice Howard killed by a Papist Prin and Burton return from durance Sir Francis Windbanck gets away Votes against Ship-money Ob. p. 218. London Petitioneth the late Canons denounced Obs. p. 220. Arch-bishop of Canterbury impeached See Obs. p. 216. and committed to custody Scots Covenanters charge against the Arch-bishop of Canterbury December 17. the Scots Charge against the L. Lieutenant of Ireland Money voted for the Scots Lord Keeper Finch his Speech to the Commons House Voted flyeth 〈…〉 〈◊〉 against Goodman the Priest The Kings Answer 〈…〉 The Scots affairs 1. Demand Answer 2. Demand Answer 3. Demand Answer 5. Demand Answer 6. Demand Answer 7. Demand Answer
for the Spaniard Cockram's Instructions to the King of Denmark Annâ— 1644. 〈…〉 Sir W. Waller 's Commission The Scots are caressed Fight at Braâ—dean Heath Essex's Army recruited Tax of weekly Meals Bewdley taken Fairfax in the North. Parliaments Army hastened The Parliament assembled at Oxford proroguâ—d Parliament at Westminster write to the Parliament in Scotland Anno 1643. The Queen journeys to the West and so to France The Kings Protestation aâ— the Sacrament of the Eucharist Swansey summoned Anno 1644. Siege at Latham House from Aâ—ril 17 raised May 27. The Lady Winter summoned to yield Her Answer Malmsbury taken The Kings design to march from Oxford Essex and Waller divide Forces Waller to catch the King Waller defeated at Copredy Bridge General Essex defeated in Cornwal Anno 1643. Anno 1644. The King returns to Oxford The Kings Letter to the Earl of Essex The Lords Letters to Essex Another from Tavestock Holland Ambassadours have audience for Peace York relieved by P. Rupert York surrendered to the Parliament Dennington Castle assaulted by the Parliaments Forces A second Attempt upon the Castle Church Reformation Princess Henretta Maria born at Exceter Iune 16. Ambassadours mediatours for Peace A Letter from beyond Seas to a member at Westminster The Kings Letter to the Parliament for a Peacâ— Upon the Victory against Essex's Army in Cornwal Banbury stormed by the Parliament and repulsed Earl of Northampton defeats the Besiegers Massey meets Myns design Grâ—y and Hammond fall out Myn de feated and slain Prince Rupert near Bristol Ast Ferry Fight Lieutenant Col. Kirle betrays Monmouth to Massey Military affairs in Monmouthshire Fight on the East side of Spine Earl of Cleveland commended Fight near Shaw Monmouth surprized and how Sir Iac. Astley at Cirencester Sentenced to death Captain Hotham arraigned Hothams Letter to the Earl of Newcastle Eikon Bas. cap. 8. p. 46. A new Government of the Church voted Eikon Bas. Cap. 16. Parliaments Propositions for Peace Directions to Ormond to make peace with the Rebels in Ireland Memorials for Secretary Nicholas at the Treaty Directions to the Kings Commissioners to treat Treaty at Uxbridge The Kings Commissioners offers concerning Religion Ireland Observations concerning the Treaty Anno 1644. Upon Uxbridg Treaty and other the Kings offers Eikon Bas. Chap. 18. Irish Rebels Macquire and Mac-Mahone Executed The design of new modelling the Army Newcastle siege Newcastle surrendred The siege of Basing House Basing relieved the 12 of Sept. The Besiegers rise from Basing Arch-Bishop of Canterbury arraigned Acts 6. 12. Acts 12. 3. Isa. 1. 15. Psal. 9. 12. Heb. 12. His Prayer at the Block Colonel Stephens surprizing was surprized The Cavaliers prevail Price Rupert in Wales with additional Forces Military affairs in Scotland Montrose spoils the Mâ—neses Dâ—feat at Aberdinc Fight at Favy Montrose in Arguile divastates all Arguile defeated A Design for the Duke of Lorain's assistance to the King The reason of the Danish War Anno 1645. General Fairfax his Commission Peace with the Swedes Shrewsbury betrayed to the Parliaments Forces Anno 1645. The Earls of Essex Manchester and Denbigh surrender their Commissions A Paper delivered to the Lord by the Earl of Essex together with his Commission Declaration in behalf of these Generals Grand Ordinance to disable Members from Offices and Commands Both Armies how disposed Blackington delivered to the Parliament Colonel Windebank shot to death Taunton besieged by the Kings Forces Taunton relieved for the present and again besieged State Ambassadours take leave Sir Iohn Winter recruited Lidbury fight A Protestation of Loyalty to the King Leicester taken by the King Naseby Fight Their Order The Kings Letters taken and divulged Upon his Majesties Letters taken and divulged Eikon Bas. ch 21. And his Declaration Leicester Surrendered upon Articles to the Parliament Prince Elector arrested for debt at the City feast Oxford straitned Carlisle surrendered Club-men are up Club-men treat with Fairfax His Answer Club-men's mis-rule Goring and Fairfax fight at Sutton Field Goring goes Westward Fairfax to Bridgwater Bridgwater bravely defended Bridgwater bravely defended at last surrendered Scarborough Castle delivered to the Parliament Bath rendered to Fairfax Siege of Hereford by the Scots raised by the King Summons Answers The King raises the Siege The Scots in discontent Sherburn taken by storm Club-men surprized by Cromwel Huntington taken by the King The King comes to Wales Fight at Bauton Heath Bristol besieged by Fairfax and Cromwel Cromwels Letter from Bristol to the Speaker He takes the Devizes And Winchester His Letter A Ranting Commander Basing taken by storm The wealth of Basing The Kings condition His Forces defeated at Sherburn in Yorkshire Digbie's Letters taken concerning Ireland The Kings Officers quarrâ—l Commanders quit their Commissions Belvoir surrendred to the Parliament Latham House rendred to the Parliament Hereford surprized for the Parliament Of treachery or Corruptions Qualifications concerning Delinquents Prince Charles desires conduct for two Lords to treat about a peace Fairfax's Answer The Princes Reply The Kings Letter to the Parliamentâ— for a conduct for persons to treat The Parliaments answer The Parliaments Answer to the Kings former Letters Anno. 1645. Fasting and Prayer at Oxford Irish Letters Intercepted The Kings Commission to the Barl of Glamorgan Message about Ireland and personal Treaty Arch-Bishop of York his letter to the Lord Ashley Digby's letter Glamorgans letter to the King out of Ireland Westchester besieged and surrendered Court of Wards and Liveries voted down Lilburn petitions for justice Dartmouth besieged and surrendred to the Parliament Exeter summoned Hopton defeated at Torrington Lamiston quitted Hopton agrees to disband Eikon Bas. pa. 17. 2. His expedition to Dundâ—e Aldern Battel Kilsithe famous Battel Foreign Affairs Prisoners of note Anno. 1646. The Prince of Wales invited to the Parliament The King at Oxâ—ord in distress Lord Ashley defeated totally The King desires to come to his Parliament He is answered negatively Cavaliers to depart the City Court Martial and their Articles Misery of the Cavalier The Brass Tomb of Windsor sold. Garisons surrendred Exeter surrendred Garisons rendred up to the Parliament Williams Arch-bishop of York turnned Souldier against the King Dudley Castle surrendred Oxford City besieged the second time Instructions to treat Oxford surrendred upon Articles Prince Elector visits his Brothers The Kings Seal of State broken The Duke of York brought to London Princess Henretta conveyed into France Sir Richard Onslow complains of Withers Newark siege and surrender of it First summons Second summons Banbury Castle surrendered and Carnarvan Ragland Castle besieged The King escapes out of Oxford And arrives at the Scots Army before Newark The Kings Letter to Ormond of his intention to go to the Scots Army Order to dispose of the King Levens Letter concerning the King The Kings Message to the Parliament from Southwel Votes to dispose of the King Eikon Bas. chap. 21. The Prince invited again to the Parliament The King enters into Newcastle The Scots Army voted to be gone
and losses of all sorts of persons and besides other extraordinary charges hereafter mentioned we do according to our knowledge present to your Lordships the publicke charges and burdens under which the whole Countries do lie as followeth in the schedule annexed to the account viz. The account of the several Regiments that were first employed amounts to the sum of 72293. pound 15. shillings English mony For Artillery and Amunition at the same time the sum of 13388. pound 6. shillings 8. pence The fortifying of the Castle at Edinburgh and Floring some fortifications made in Bruntill and Inchgrave Kintire and Arrane the works and fortification made at Leith so much of the Accounts as came in at Whitsontide extends to the sum of 5399. l. 3. s. 4. d. We do pay for three tearms Annual thereof betwixt Whitsunday and Martinmas at 8. l. per cent extends the sum of 10809. l. 14. s. Item The souldiers of Fortune being compleatly from the first of September in the Regiment their accounts above written to the last of December being four moneths the sum of 8333. l. 6. s. 8. d. Item The number of them being 〈◊〉 by their comming home from that time to the fourth of May the sum of 10833. 1. 6. s. 8. d. Item For the battery at the Castle of Edinburgh ranning trenches Earth Deale and Dung fortification of Leith for reparation of the work and satisfaction for grounds gardens and houses demolished for making the fortification and tronches about the Castle the sum of 7166. l. 13. s. 4. d. Item For General Major Monro his Regiment from the first of March to the last of November the sum of 15000. l. Summa lateris 143223. l. 15. s. 8. d. Item For two small Regiments kept in Edinburgh consisting of 1200. men being listed in the end of March and were kept to the beginning of October the sum of 10500. l. Item For the pay of 400. foot that lay at Minrosse from the beginning to the last August of and for leavy money of 4. s. 6. d. 〈◊〉 the sum of 1920. l. 13. s. 4. d. Item For 60. horse that lay there in troops four moneths the sum of 816. l. 6. s. 8. d. Item Lievtenant Colonel Homes Regiment from the first of Aprill to the last of November 70500. l. Item The Earl of Argiles expedition in this year 3333. l. 6. s. 8. d. Item The Factors counts of Amunition and Arms this year the sum of 25000. l. Item The foot Army consisting between 22000. and 24000. men with 2500. horse was three moneths and an halfe at 40000. l. a moneth do extend to the sum of 140000. l. Item The Army being a moneth and an halfe the sum of 60000. l. Item Levy monies advanced to the footemen to bring them to the Randevous to some 2. s. to some 3. s. to some 5. s. as they lay in distance from their Randevous which was at the least to every footman over head 3. s. 4. d. the sum of 3646. l. 13. s. 4. d. Item Leavy to 2500. horsemen at 6. s. 8. d. apeece the sum of 833. l. 6. s. 8. d. Item For entertaining of souldiers at the Castle of Dumberton and upon Clyde making fortification at both places the sum of 30343. l. 6. s. 8. d. Item The Earl of Marshall his Regiment the sum of 30333. l. 6. s. 8. d. Item My Lord Sincklars Regiment the sum of 10666. l. 13. s. 4. d. Summa lateris 266904. l. 13. s. 4. d. Item 65. ships given up in the list besides many others not yet come to our knowledge which with the loading and loss they had by want of trade by nine moneths rest the sum of 52700. The delivery of the ships will abate so much of this as the ships are presently worth Item About five hundred Scotch-ships were stopped from trading by the English ships six or seven moneths the native commodities ordinarily to be exported were sold the third penny down of their value the prejudice thereof exceedeth that which we desire but do onely here set the sum 50000. l. Item For fortification made at Tantalam and a watch kept there and at the Basse and Linton Bridge the sum of 7000. l. Item For two ships sunk at Clyde to stop the passing of the English some having come in before and were valued at 600. l. Summa lateris 104000. The Kingdome of Scotland hath sustained divers other great burthens of this nature As first the particular charges sustained by the Nobility Gentry Burroughs of our Kingdome by reason of the great troubles and Armies which shall be made appear to be above 100000. l. Item the neglect and over-sight of their particular fortunes can be no less then the 100000. l. aforesaid besides expeditions in the North that â—ost above 1000. l. The stop of Trade was of prejudice to Scotland above 50000. l. 18000. l. a moneth will not defray the charge of our Armies at New-Castle and in Scotland besides the 850. l. per diem which we receive from the Nothern parts and Counties There was furnished by the Several Shires of the Kingdome 2000. Baggots horses for carrying victuals to the Souldiers they sent out And about a thousand were bought for carrying the Commanders baggage of which above 1000. have been lost in England and have perished in the journey and of 500. horse and 100. oxen for the Common the half is also lost which loss will amount to above 6500. 1. Many of the 2500. troop horse cost at the several prices by the Shires and will lose of them partly by death and partly by decay above 5500. 1. Sum of the last 271500. l. So then their charges amount unto 514128. l. 9. s. their losses unto 271500. l. Besides their charity to us in other abatements Whereupon the English Commissioners in much amazement demanded of the Scotish Whether this be a positive Account or whether rather an intimation of the Charges there to induce the Kingdom of England to take your distressed estate into consideration and to afford you some friendly assistance the eighth of Ianuary 1640. They answer We could be no less willing to undergo the Loss if we had been ready to undergo the hazzard but because the burthen of the whole charge doth far exceed our strength we have as is more fully contained in our Papers presented to your Lordships our Charges and Losses Not intending to demand a total Reparation but in some measure â—ear the Remnant which we conceive your Lordships having considered our Reasons to be a matter not of our covetousness but of the justice and kindness of the Kingdom of England the ninth of January 1640. per Adam Blayr And some of the Commons House their Favourites conceived their Demands not unreasonable But Sir Benjamin Ruddier gave his opinion to this effect Ianuary 22. Mr Speaker The prudent Endeavours of our Commissioners with the Scots probably have drawn near to a blessed Peace The King being graciously
pleased to assent to their Acts of Parliament including the Articles of their Assembly their Religion Laws and Liberties ratified their grievances relieved for which we use to give the King Money The Scots Remonstrance professing that they would take nothing of the English but for Money or Security But we have defrayed them hitherto and are still provided to do longer That heretofore we established their Reformation and bore our own Charges and concerning mutual restitution of Ships and Goods which now our Commissioners have fairly accommodated already As for inferential and consequential Dammages such a Representment would not administer unacceptable matter of contestation We could truly allege that Northumberland New-castle and the Bishoprick will not recover their former Estate these twenty years that the Coal-mines of New-castle will not be set right for an hundred thousand pounds besides the price of Coals doth cost this City and other parts of this Kingdom above that value in loss And much more of this nature and dammage might be justly urged They say they do not make any former Demands but yet they make their Sum appear above four hundred and fourteen thousand pounds more than ever we gave the King A portentous apparition which shews it self in a very dry time the Kings Revenue totally exhausted the Kingdom generally impoverished and yet all this supply is to be drawn out of us onely without the least help from any his Majesties other Dominions an utter draining of this Nation unless England be Puteus inexhaustus yet I shall afford what is reasonable and honourable to a convenient considerable Sum of Money that they may go off with a handsome friendly Loss if they shall reject it we shall improve our Cause It was never thought any great wisdom overmuch to trust to a succesfull Sword A man that walks upon rising ground the further he goes the more spacious his prospect success enlarges mens desires extends their ambition breeds thoughts never dreamt on before But the Scots being truly touched with Religion according to their professions that onely is able to keep their words for Religion is stronger and wiser than Reason it self But we hope of a good conclusion of the effects of all these hitherto Inconveniences to the advance of Religion King and Kingdoms But for the present to satisfie the clamour of the Scots Master Speaker was ordered to write to the City of London to advance sixty thousand pounds upon security and Assignment out of the next Subsidies to be levied and to pay in the Money to the Chamber of London which was so humbly obeyed This being but one Loan for I finde several Acquittances for the like Sum of sixty thousand pounds mentioning therein For Supply of the Kings Army and providing for the Northern Counties And so belike were issued for Supply of both Armies The Dutch Ambassadour Lieger having made Overtures of a Marriage between William young Prince of Orange and the Kings eldest Daughter the Princess Mary which he very willingly inclined to accept yet though fit as his condition stood with the Parliament to acquaint them therewith And tells the House of Lords My Lords That freedom and confidence which I expressed at the beginning of this Parliament to have of your love and fidelity towards my Person and Estate hath made me at this time come hither to acquaint you with that Alliance and Confederacy which I intend to make with the Prince of Orange and the States which before this time I did not think expedient to do because that part which I do desire your advice and assistance upon was not ready to be treated on I will not trouble you with a long digression by shewing the steps of this Treaty but leave you to be satisfied in that by those who under me do manage that Affair Onely I shall shew you the Reasons which have induced me to it and in which I expect your assistance and counsel The Considerations that have induced me to it are these First the matter of Religion here needs no Dispensation no fear that my Daughters conscience may be any way perverted Secondly I do esteem that a strict Alliance and Confederacy with the States will be as usefull to this Kingdom as that with any of my Neighbours especially considering their Affinity Neighbourhood and way of their strength And lastly which I must never forget in these occasions the use I may make of this Alliance towards the establishing of my Sister and Nephews Now to shew you in what I desire your assistance you must know that the Articles of Marriage are in a manner concluded but not to be totally ratified untill that of Alliance be ended and agreed which before I demanded your assistance I did not think fit to enter upon And that I may not leave you too much at large how to begin that Council I present you here the Propositions which are offered by me to the States Ambassadours for that intent And so my Lords I shall onely desire you to make as much expedition in your Councils as so great a Business shall require and shall leave your Lordships to your own free debate This Proposition of Alliance both with the Prince and with the United Provinces was extremely and unanimously affected by all the People and was universally embraced without Fears or Jealousies upon our Liberties or Religion and soon concluded but what resulted think you from another party Papists Plots perpetually allarming for The very next Day four Members of the Commons House bore up the Message to the Lords of a monstrous Design of the Papists an Army of fifteen thousand in Lancashire and eight thousand in Ireland and I know not how many thousands in many places well armed and in pay raised by the Earl of Strafford the Earl of Worcester and others After-ages will think these Hyperboles for though there was no such Armies possibly by them nor no such Fears by others yet this Message was sent and carried from the Lower to the Higher House and gave the occasion to the multitude of People to frame Petitions sutable to Plots and Fears and Jealousies for the Parliaments purpose The thirteenth of February one of the Ship-money Judges so nick-named Sir Robert Berkley was by a motion of the Commons accused of High-treason and by Maxwell the Black Rod taken the next day from his Seat in the Kings Bench and kept Prisoner The Bill for the Triennial Parliament having passed both Houses was confirmed with the Kings royal assent February 16. and to let them see how sensible himself was of this his great grace he thought fit to put them in minde of their gratitude of fear of their failing My Lords And you the Knights Citizens and Burgesses of the House of Commons you may remember when both Houses were with me at the Banquetting-house at White-hall I did declare unto you two Rocks I wished you to shun this is one of them and of that consequence that