ENgland was first so called by Egbert a Saxon King, who began his Reign in 818.

Ethelbert another Saxon King began his Reign in 858.

Alfred another Saxon King first di­vided England into Shires, in the year 888.

Organs were brought into ge­neral use in Churches, about the year 828, and much improved by Bernard a Venetian, and an incom­parble Musician.

Herbert de Bosh [...] was a Manubus unto Tho. Becket, at whose Mar­tyring he was present, and had the discretion to make no resistance; he wrote the story of his Master's death. Going over into Italy he was by Pope Alex. 3. made Archbi­shop of Beneventum, and in Decemb. 1178. created Cardinal.

St. Agelnoth the Good, Archbish. of Cant. is said to have given at Rome 100 Talents of Silver, and one of Gold, for the Arm of St. Augustine. B: of Hippo. He expended much in repairing his Cathedral lately de­stroyed by the Danes, assisted there­in by the bounty of King Canutus. He dyed 1038.

Walt Episc. Carliel no great Clerk, being made Lord Treasurer of Eng­land, he avowed his Accounts even when justly charged with a 100 l. Debt to the Exchequer; upon which he resigned his Bishoprick and became a Fryer at Oxford, where he dyed 1248. Where note that some [Page 3] persons will descend from a higher to lower degree, to obtain pardon for sin.

Edward Son to Edgar K. of Eng­land, was in his Infancy whipt by Elfrida his Mother-in-Law with wax Candles, so that afterward he could never indure the sight of any such Candles; when he was King, Elfrida managed for the most part all the Affairs of State, and afterwards caused this Edward to be stab'd at Corse Castle, whither he had come to visit her; An. 978. intending by that murther to make way for her Son Ethelred to the Kingdom. He was buried at Shaftsbury, which was formerly called St. Edwards.

Matthew Gournay, Born at Stoke under Hambden, Somer. where his family hath flourished since the Conquest, and there built both a Castle and a College. He was the honour of his House in the Reign of Edw. 3d. He fought at the Siege of Algiers and Benemazin against [Page 4] the Saracens, at Ingen, Poictiers, Sluee, Cressy, against the French, and at Nazaran under the Black Prince in Spain. His Armour was be­held by martial men with much civil veneration, with whom his faithful Buckler was a relique of e­steem. He dyed in peace, aged 90. odd years, an. 1378.

Steph. Langton, born in England, bred in Paris, was one of the great­est Scholars of the Christian world in his age. He was consecrated Car­dinal of St. Chrysogone, then by the Pope intruded Archbishop of Cant. in defiance of King John; he wrote co [...]ments on all the old, and some of the new Testament. He first di­vided the Bible into Chapters, which Robert Stephens a Frenchman subdi­vided into Verses. Langton divided also the Kingdom of England, re­ducing King John to sad extremities. He dyed, and was buried at Can­terbury, an. 1220.

Stephen de Fulborn was made Bi­shop of Waterford, and Lord Trea­surer of Ireland, and after Archbi­shop of Tuam and (twice) Lord Chief Justice of that Kingdom. He dyed an. 1288. and was buried in Trinity Church in Dublin.

St. Dunstan, born in, and Abbot of, Glassenbury, was Bishop of Lon­don and Worcester, and Archbishop of Canterbury, and for promoting of Monkery was reputed a Saint. His skill in Smithery was so great, that the Goldsmiths in London are incor­porated by the name of the Compa­ny of St. Dunstans. He dyed Anno 988. He was the strictest of the Clergy, against the marriages of Priests in his life time.

Sewald, bred in Oxford, was Scho­lar to St. Edward, who was wont to say to him, Sewald, Sewald, thou wilt have many afflictions and dye a Martyr: Nor did he miss much of his mark therein, though he met with peace and plenty at first when Arch­bishop, [Page 6] but afterwards opposing the Pope, who intruded one Jordan an Italian to be Dean of York, he was for his contempt Excommunica­ted. Note that at the same time there were 300: benefices possessed by Italians, who did not only teach in the Church, but misteach by their la­scivious and debauched conversations. Let us now return to Sewald, who never returned into the Popes favour, but dyed of grief in the state of Ex­communication, An. 1258. yet was he reputed a Saint in vulgar estima­tion.

Eleanor, Eldest Daughter to King Ed. I. and Queen Eleanor born at Windsor, afterwards was married by Proxy (a naked sword interposing between her and his body) to Al­phons. King of Arragon, who dyed before the consummation of mar­riage. The Princess was afterwards married to H. 3. Earl of Berry in France, from whom the Dukes of Anjou and Kings of Sicil are descend­ed, She dyed An. 1298.

Edward III. Son to Ed. II. and Queen Isabel born at Windsor, a pious and fortunate Prince, was Passive in deposing of his Father, practi­sed on in his minority by his Mo­ther and Mortimer. His French Vi­ctories speak both of his Wisdom and Valour: and though the con­quests by H. 5. were thicker, his were broader (in France and Scot­land) though both in length a like, as lost by by their immediate Suc­cessors. He was the first English King that coyned Gold. He first stamped the Rorse Nobles, having on one side Jesus autem transiens per medium illorum ibat, and on the Re­verse his own Image, with a Sword and Sheild sitting in a Ship waving on the Sea. He had a numerous and happy Issue by Philippa his Queen, after whose death being al­most 70 years old he cast his asse­ctions on Alice Pierce his Paramour to his dishonour, it being true what Epictetus returned to Adrian the Em­peror [Page 8] asking of him what love was. In puero, pudor; in virgine, Rubor; in Foemina furorin Juvene, Ardor; in sene Risus. In a Boy Bashfulness, in a Maid Blushing, in a Woman Fury, in a young Man Fire, in an Old Man Folly. However this King had few equals, none superiours for Wisdom, Clemency and Courage. He dyed An. Dom. 1378.

Wulstan of Brandsford, was Prior of Worcester, and built a most beauti­full Hall in his Convent. Hence he was preferred Bishop of Worcester, 1338. He was verus pontisex in the Grammatical notation thereof, building a fair Bridge at Brandsford over the River Teme, and dyed not long after.

Jo. Eversden was breda Monk in Bury Abby, whereof he was Cellerer or Caterer: but mounting himself above this mean imploy; he buried himself in Poetry, Law, and History, whereof he wrote a fair Volume from the beginning of the World. [Page 9] Being a Monk he was not fond of Fryers: And observeth that when the Franciscans first entred Bury, a few years before his death, there hapened a hideous Hurricane, lev [...]l­ling Trees, Towers; yet went they out with a clam, at the time of the dissolution. He dyed 1338.

Anno 1378. Note that in this year (in the Reign of Richard II.) the Sussexians of Rye and Winchel-sea, imbarked for Normandy, and afterwards entred by night into a Towncalled Peter's Port, took all such Prisoners who were able to pay ran­som, and safely returned home with their spoils; amongst which were some Bells the French had formerly taken from the Towns in this Coun­ty, which they lately invaded. It was a worthy advice which William Earl of Arundel gave to his Son Hen­ry Fitz-Allen, never to trust his Neighbours the French, which I would commend to the inhabitants of this [Page 10] County, and indeed now and for­ever to all England.

John Stratford, of Stratford, War­wickshire, being born there, was pre­ferred by the Pope to the Bishopr. of Winchest. whereupon falling into the displeasure of Richard II. for a time, he took it in so ill part, that he for­sook that King whilst in his extre­mity: this cost him the displeasure of the Queen Mother and Edw. III. till at last converted by his constancy, they turned their frowns into smiles upon him. When he was Archbishop of Cant. he furnished the King with great sums of money at his first set­ing forth for France: But when the King sent to him again for another supply, instead of Coyn, the Bishop sent him Counsel, whereat the King returning into England, was so high­ly offended, that the Bishop was for­ced to pass his publick purgation in Parlia. by which he was restored to the reputation of his Innocence. He [Page 11] built and bountifully endowed a Beautiful Colledge in Stratford. He dyed Anno 1348. having been a man of great charity, meekness and moderation. Ralph Straford his Kinsman was Bishop of London, and there being a grievous Pestilence there, this Bishop bought a piece of Land for the burial of the Dead, lying near Smithfield called No mans Land.

Eustathius de Fauconbridge, was chosen Bishop of London An. 6. Hen. III. He was chosen Chief Justice, then Chancellor of the Exchequer, and afterwards Treasurer of England, and twice Ambassador to the King of France: He dyed October 31. 1228. and was buried in the Pres­bytery.

Maurice Chamnee, bred a Fryer in the Charter-House. He only escaped when 18 of his Order lost their lives, (by him written) for refusing the Oath of supremacy. 'Tis said he warped to the will of H. 8. to pre­serve his Covent from destruction. [Page 12] He dyed beyond the Seas about 1580.

Sir Amias Preston, of an ancient Family at Cricket in Somerset. An. 88. seized on the Admiral of the Gali­asses, wherein the Governour with most of his men were burnt or killed. He took the Town of Puerto Sancto, and the Isle of Cochi; surprized the Fort and Town of Coro, sacked the City of St. Jago, put to Ransom the Town of Cumana, and entred Jamaica (all in the West Indies) and returned home safely. He sent a challenge to Sir Walter Raleigh the Privy Counsellor, which was by him refused, having a Wife and Children and a fair Estate, and Sir Amias be­ing a private and single Person, though of good quality; because Sir Walter condemned those for ill humours, where the Hangman gives the Garland. These two Knights were reconciled afterwards, and Sir Amias dyed about the beginning of King James.

Rob. de Leic, a Frank in Oxford; was one that brought Preaching in­to fashion in that Age: He wrote of the Hebrew and Roman Chronological Computation. He died at Lichfield, 1348.

Sir John Philpot, (whose Family hath long resided in Ʋpton-Court in Kent,) was bred a Grocer in Lon­don, whereof he was Mayor 1378. He set forth a Fleet in the Reign of [...]. 2. at his own cost, to repress the Insolence of one John Mercer, a Scot, who was taken with all his Ships, and rich Plunder therein. Two Years af­ter he conveyed an English Army in­to Britain, in Ships of his own hiring, and with his own Money released more than 1000 Arms there, which the Soldiers had formerly engaged for their Victuals. The Nobility ac­cused him for acting without a Com­mission; yea, pro tantorum sumptuum pr [...]mio veniam vix obtinuit. That is, He searcely obtained his Pardon by a great charge, and by r [...]ward and gifts.

Sir Hugh Calvely, born at Calvely in Cheshire, of whom 'tis said, He could feed as much as two, and fight as much as ten men: his strong Appe­tite would digest any thing but an injury; so that killing a Man is re­ported the cause of quitting his Coun­try, and going for France; where he became such an excellent Soldier, that he converted the most difficult Atchievements into easie performan­ces, by martial Valour. He was one of 30 English in France, who in a Duel encountered as many Britains. He revenged the Blood of the Eng­lish, who whilst his hands were tied behind him, were slain before his Face, An. ult. E. 3. 'Twas he that after an unfortunate Voyage of the English Nobility, An. 1. R. 2. took Barkbulloign, and 25 other French. Ships, besides the Castle of Mark lately lost, and by him recovered; and the next Year he spoiled Estaples, with the Plunder of which he in­riched the Calicians. He married the [Page 15] Queen of Arragon, whose Arms are quartered on his Tomb. He died 1388.

John Booth, Bachelor of Law, was consecrated Bishop of Exeter, An. 6. Ed. 4. He built the Bishops Chair, or Seat, in its Cathedral, which hath not his equal in England; but the sofest Cushion belonging to it was taken away, when Bishop Ve­scy alienated the Lands thereof. When the Bishop had finished this Chair, he could not quietly sit down there­in, such were the troubles arising from the Wars between York and Lancast. therefore retiring to his pri­vate Habitation at Horsley in Hamp­shire, He died 1478. and was buri­ed in St. Clement Danes in London. There was an elder Brother, Sir Rog. Booth, of Barton in Lincolnshire, Fa­ther of Margaret, Wife of Ralph Nevil third Earl of Westmoreland.

Theorithoid, a holy Nun at Barkin in Essex, after her death was repu­ted a Saint. She died 678. This Nun­nery [Page 16] was valued 1000 l. yearly rent, at the dissolution in Henry 8.

Sim of Gaunt, born in London, was preferred Bishop of Salisbury by Ed. 1. He gave the first leave to the Ci­tizens thereof to fortifie that place with a Ditch and Walls, 1298. And no less was his care of the Church, than of the City, making good Sta­tutes; whereby it was ordered even unto our Age.

Henry, eldest Son to King John, born at Winchester An. 1208. was a pious, but poor King: He was at first postponed to King Lewis of France; afterwards imbroiled with the Ba­rons Wars, and imprisoned; yet at last he obtained a comfortable old Age, by the means of his Son Prince Edward. He would be governed by those he knew wiser than himself: the main cause of his peaceable death, and pompous burial in the Abbey of Westminster, of his own foundation.

Philip de Repton became D. D. in Oxford, a great Asserter of the Do­ctrine of Wickliff, but he recanted and became a Persecutor; wherefore he was termed (by those he mole­sted) Rampington. He was made Ab­bot of Leicester, Chancellor of Ox­ford, Bishop of Lincoln, An. 1408. and was created by Pope Gregory 12. Card. of St. Nerius, &c. though he had solemnly sworn he would make no more Cardinals 'till the Schism in Rome were ended. He resigned his Bishoprick, after 12 Years possession.

Will. White, a Wicklevite, and the first married Priest since the Pope's solemn prohibition thereof; was con­stant to his calling, and was as a Par­tridge daily on the Wing, removing from place to place: he was seized, condemned, and burnt at Norwich 1428. As for Marian Martyrs, those in this Shire suffered, either by the cruelty of Griffin Bishop of Rochester, or Thornton Suffragan of Dover.

William Gray, Son to the Ld. Gray of Codnor, was as honourable. He first studied in Baliol Coll. in Oxford, then at Ferrara in Italy, where he was an Auditor of Guarinus of Vero­na. He was made by H. 6. Pro [...]u­rator in the Court of Rome, and was freely elected to the Bishoprick of Ely by Edw. 4. He was Lord Trea­surer, the last Clergy▪Man that ever was preferred to that Office, until Bishop Juxton in our days enjoyed it. He died 1478. and lies buried in the Church of Ely.

Will. Caxton of Caxton, a diligent and learned Man, bred beyond the Sea, and lived 30 Years in the Court of Mary Dutchess of Burgundy, Sister to K. Edw. 4. He continued Poly­chronicon unto the end of that King with good Judgment and Fidelity: He collected and printed all Chaucers Works, and on many accounts de­served well of Posterity, and died 1488.

Stephen Brown, Grocer, was born at Newcastle, afterwards Knighted, and made Lord Mayor of London, 1438. In which Year happened a great Famine, caused much by un­seasonableness of Weather, (but more by some huckstering Husbandmen, who may be properly called Knaves in Grain.) Sir Stephen sent some Ships to Dantzick, whose seasonable re­turn with Rye, suddenly sunk Grain to reasonable rates, whereby many a languishing Life was preserved. He was one of the first Merchants, who in want of Corn shewed the Londo­ners the way to the Barn-Door. I mean into Spruceland.

Edw. Fox, born in Duresly in Glou­cestershire, was Almoner to King H. 8. he first brought Dr. Cranmer to the knowledge of the King: He was af­terwards Bishop of Hereford, and was the principal Pillar of the Reforma­tion, as to the managerie of the po­litick part thereof: Of the many Books he wrote, that De differentia [Page 20] utrius (que) potestatis was his master­piece. He was imployed on several Embassies into France and Germany, and died Anno 1538.

Mary Groy, the youngest Daugh­ter of Henry Duke of Suffolk, frigh­ted with the infelicity of her two el­der Sisters forgot her honour to re­member her safety, and married one whom she could love, and none need fear, Martin Kayes of Kent, Esq; Serjeant-Porter, and died without Is­sue, 20. Ap. 1578.

James Goldwel, born at great Chart in Kent, was Dean of Salisbury, Secr. to Edw. 4. and at last Bishop of Nor­wich: He repaired the Church of great Chart, and founded a Chapel on the South-side thereof: he died 1598.

His Brother Thomas, by Qu. Mary, was preferred Bishop of St. Davids; and in the Reign of Q. Elizabeth he went to Rome, where he procured Indulgences to such as should go in Pilgrimage to St. Winifreds Well in his Diocess.

Robert Brassy, born at Bunbury, (i. e. Boniface-bury) in Cheshire; bred D. D. in King's Colledge in Cambridge, whereof he was Provost: being lear­ned and stout, he publickly prote­sted against the Visitors in Q. Mary's Reign, as to his own College, there­by taking off the edg of these perse­cuting Commissioners. When ma­ny Doctors of Cambridge were re­solved to sell their Right in Sturbridg-Fair for a trifle to the Towns-men, he dashed their designs; which manly opposition prevented the Vice-Chan­cellor's holding the Stirrup to the Mayor. He died Ann. Dom. 1558. and lies buried on the South-side of the Chapel.

Thomas Stuckley was a younger Brother; of an ancient and worship­ful Family, near Illfracomb, in De­von, one of good parts, and great ambition, having spent his Patrimo­ny, and undertaking the Plantation of Florida, he blushed not to tell Queen Elizabeth, That he preferred [Page 22] rather to be Soveraign of a Mole-hill, than the highest Subject to the greatest King in Christendom; and that he was assured he should be a Prince before his Death. I hope (said the Queen) I shall hear from you when you are sta­ted in your Principality. I will write unto you (quoth Stuckley.) In what Language? (said the Queen.) He returned, In the Stile of Princes, To our dear Sister. His fair project be­ing blasted for lack of Money, he went into Ireland, where missing the preferment he expected, he went o­ver with treacherous intent into Ita­ly: There he wrought himself with ineredible dexterity into the very bo­som of Pope Pius 5. vaunting that with 3000 Soldiers he could beat all the English out of Ireland. The Pope loading him with the Titles of Baron of Ross, Visc. Murrough, Earl of Wex­ford, Marq. of Lemster, furnished him with 800 Soldiers, paid by the King of Spain for the Irish Expedi­tion. But Stuckley chose rather to [Page 23] accompany Sebastian King of Portugal, with 2 Moorish Kings into Africa: where behaving himself valiantly with his 800 Men, in the Battel of Alcaser, he was slain, An. 1578. In vain he had given good counsel to these furious Kings to refresh their faint Soldiers before the Fight; for rushing on after their first Landing, they buried themselves together in the same ruin.

Agnes Prest lived at Northcot in Cornwall, and was indicted before W. Stanford Judge of the Assize an. 2. 3. P. and Mary, her own Husband and Children being her greatest per­secutors, from whom she fled be­cause they would force her to Mass: but being presented to the Bishop of Exeter, she was condemned for [Page 24] denying the Sacr [...]ment of the Altar, after which she refused money from all well affected people, saying, she was going to that City where money had no mastery; she was burnt with­out the Walls of Exeter in Sothonhay, Nov. 558. ag. 54.

Tho. Leaver, B. D. in Cambridge, fled in the Marian days, and became Pastor of the English Exiles at Ar­row in Switz. He wrote a book en­titled The right Path way to Christ: He dyed after his return into Eng­land 1558.

Hen. Stafford, Baron of Stafford, was Son to Ed. Duke of Bucking­ham, beheaded under Hen. 8. the Barony descended unforfeited to this Henry, placed here not as a trans but a cis reformation man, for tran­slating the book of Dr. Fox Bishop of Hereford, (favourer of Luther) into English, of the differences of power Ecclesiastical and Secular: He dyed 1558. some months before the beginning of Queen Elizabeth.

Peter Petow, of an ancient Family, flourishing for a long time at Che­sterton, was a Franciscan, afterwards Cardinal, being created by Pope Paul III. who also made him Legat a la­tere, and Bishop of Salisbury. Queen Mary, in favour to Cardinal Poole, prohibited this Legat's entrance into her Court. He died in France 1558.

Thomas Savage, born at Mackles­field in Cheshire; his Father (a Knight) bred in Cambridge, a Doctor of Law. Hence he was preferred Bishop of Rochester, and at last Arch-bishop of York. A greater Courtier than Clerk, dextrous in managing secular Affairs, a mighty Hunts-man. He was the first who was privately installed by his Vicar: He maintained a nu­merous Family, and built much at S [...]roby, and Cawood, in Yorks. He died 1508. his Body being buried at York, his Heart at Macklesfield, in a Chapel of his own Erection.

Godfrey Gouldsbrough, born in Cam­bridge, bred in Trinity-College, and [Page 26] afterwards Fellow thereof: at last was consecrated Bishop of Glouce­ster, 1598. one of the second sett of Protestant Bishops, after those in the Marian days; and before those who come within our Memory. He gave 100 Marks to Trinity College, and died some Months after.

Sir Will. Drury, descended of a worshipful Family, long flourishing, at Hantstead in Suffolk; answered his name (Drury in Sax. Pearle,) in the preciousness of his disposition, clear and hard, valiant and innocent. His Youth he spent in the French Wars, his middle in Scotland, and his old Age in Ireland: He was Knight-Marshal of Berwick; at which time the French had possessed themselves of the Castle of Edenburgh, in the minority of King James. Queen Eli­zabeth imployed this Sir William, with 1500 Men to besiege the Castle. Which service he worthily perfor­med, in reducing it in few days to the right owner thereof. He was ap­pointed [Page 27] Lord President of Munster; where he executed impartial Justice, in spite of the Owners thereof. En­tring Kerry with a competent train of 140 Men, with which he forced his return through 700 Men, belong­ing to the Earl of Desmond, who claimed Kerry as a Palatinate pecu­liarly to himself. In the last Year of his Life he was made Lord-Deputy of Ireland, dying at Waterford, 1598.

Tho. Cavendish, Esq; of Trimley, Suffolk, intending Foreign Discove­ries, on his own cost victualled and furnished three Ships, (the least of Fleets,) viz. The Desire, Admiral, 120 Tuns; the Content, Vice-Admi­ral, 40, and the Hugh-Gallant, Reer-Admiral, 40 Tuns; all three man'd with 123 Men; and setting to Sea from Plimouth, July 21. 1586. en­tred the mouth of the Magellan-Straits, 7 January following, where they suffered much hunger. Mr. Ca­vendish named a Town there Port-Famine: The Spaniards intending to [Page 28] fortifie the Straits, and engross the passage, were smitten with such a Mortality, that scarce 5 of 500 did survive. On Feb. 28. they entred the South-Sea, and frequently land­ed as they saw occasion. Many were their conflicts with the Natives, more with the Spaniards, coming off gain­ers in most, and savers in all Encoun­ters, that in Quinterno excepted, A­pril 1. 1587. where they lost 12 men of account, the cause that they af­terwards sunk the Reer-Admiral for want of men to manage her. Of the many Prizes he took, the St. Anne was the most considerable, being the Spanish Admiral of the South-Sea, of 700 Tun, and 190 Men; there were 122000 Pezos (each worth 8 Shill.) of Gold, with other rich La­ding, as Silks and Musk. Mr. Ca­vendish landed the Spaniards, and left them plentiful Provisions, surround­ing the East-Indies, and returning for England, landed at Plimouth, Sept. 9. 1588. In his next Voyage he was [Page 29] severed from his Company near Port Desire, by him so called formerly in the Magellan-straits, and never seen or heard of afterwards.

Queen Mary, eldest Daughter to K. Henry VIII. and Q. Katherine of Spain, was born at Greenwich, Feb. 18. 1518. She derived a great Spi­rit from her Father, and her Devo­tion from her Mother. She attained to the Crown by complying with the Gentry of Norfolk and Suffolk, pro­mising them to continue Religion, as Established by King Edw. VI. After the breach of which Promise, she never prospered; losing successively the hearts of her Subjects, the hopes of a Child, the company (not to say affection) of her Husband, the City of Calais, her Mirth, her Health, and her Life, which ended November 17. 1558. Cardinal Poole died the same day.

Note, That in this Queens short Reign, being but 5 Years & 4 Months, many were made Martyrs for the [Page 30] Truth of the Gospel; the Romish Superstition so much prevailing and tyrannizing, that 408, or more, suf­fered Fire and Faggot; whereof 44 of note were in the County of Essex. This was carried on chiefly by Bi­shop Bonner, who was a Bastard­son of one Savage a Priest, (brother to Sir John Savage, Knight of the Garter, Privy-Counsellor to H. VII.) His Mother Concubine to this Priest, was sent out of Cheshire to cover her shame, and laid down her burden at Elmley in Worcestershire, where this bouncing Babe Bonner was born; he caused the death of twice as many Martyrs as all the Bishops in England besides; after 10 Years Imprison­ment in the Marshalsea he died, and was buried in St. George's Church-Yard in Southwark. But enough of this Herostratus, who burned so ma­ny living Temples of the Holy Ghost. Let them which would be more fully informed of Queen Mary, and Bon­ner, read Fox's Works lately re­printed [Page 31] in Folio, with new Copper Cutts.

Q. Eliz. 1558. The second Daughter to K. H. 8. born at Greenwich, who coming to the Crown at Q. Mary's death upon the 17th Novemb. (still a vulgar error, accounted for Queen Eliz. birth day) who was born in Septemb. She was Heir to the Learn­ing, Bounty, Courage, and Success of her Father, besides Goodness wherein she was daughter to her Mother. Her learning appears in her two Latine Speeches to the University, and a third a l [...]ttle better than extempore to the Poland Embassador. Her bounty was founded on merit. Her cou­rage was undaunted, never making her self so cheap to her Favourites but that she valued her own authori­ty. A prime Officer (with a white staffe) was commanded by the Queen to con­fer a place then void, on one of her servants whom she commended un­to him. Pleaseth your Highness, Madam (saith the Lord) the disposal thereof [Page 32] belongeth to me by vertue of this white Staff conferred on me. True, said the Q. yet I never gave you your Office so absolutely, but I still reserved my self of the Quorum; but of the Qua­rum, Madam (returned the Lord) presuming on the favour of her Highness. Hereat the Q. in some passion, snatching the staff out of his hand, you shall acknowledge me, said she, of the Quorum quarum quorum, before you have it again. The Lord waited staffless almost a day before the same was reconferred. Her success was admirable, keeping the K. of Spain at Arms end all her Reign, by her Policy and Prosperi­ty. She was much beloved by all her people, in so much that since it hath been said, that Q. Eliz. might do that lawfully, which K. James might not. Her popularity having sugared ma­ny things, her Subjects thanking her for those Taxes, which they re­fused to pay to her Successor. You shall find more of her valour and [Page 33] Noble Actions in 1588.. She dyed at Richmond.

William Winter, Knight and Vice-Admiral of England, assaulted the Fort of French, in the Island of Inchkeeih in Edenburgh Frith: He (with Sir Tho. Smith) demanded the restitution of Calais; he conducted a great Treasure of the Genoa Mer­chants safely into the Netherlands in despite of the French opposing him 1568. He (with Rob. Beale) was sent into Zealand to demand resti­tution of some English Ships. He did signal service when the Spanish Fleet was fallen towards the coast of Zea­land, 1588. Lidney House in Glou­cester, the seat of the Family, had produced many more Mariners hap­py in Sea Voyages.

John Russel, born at Kingston Rus­sel, Dors. bred beyond the Sea, was a man of great accomplishment, and was recommended by Phil. King of Castile (Father to Ch. 5. Emp.) to Hen. 7. as a person of great abilities, [Page 34] he could see more with his one eye than many others could with two. King Hen. 8. made him a Controller of the Houshold, and Privy Coun­sellor, and an. 1538. created Lord Russel; and made him Keeper of the Privy Seal. A good share of the golden showr of Abby Lands fell into his lap. K. Ed. 6. (who made him Earl of Bedford) sent him down to suppress the Western commotion, and relieve Exeter: Which he per­formed with great wisdom, valour, and success, and some few years af­ter dyed, and was buried at Cheineys in Buckinghamshire.

William Cecil, our English Nestor for Wisdom and Vivacity, born at Burn in Lincolns. was Secretary and Treasurer above 30 years together. He steered the Court at his pleasure, and whilst the Earl of Leicester would endure no equal, and Sussex no superior, therein he by siding with neither served himself with both: you may easily imagin how high­ly [Page 35] the wise Queen Eliz. valued so great a Minister of State, coming once to visit him when sick, and be­ing much hightned with her head at­tire, (then in fashion) the Lord's ser­vant, who conducted her through the Door, may your Highness (said he) be pleased to stoop: the Queen returned, for your Masters sake I will stoop, but not for the King of Spains. All England in that Age was beholden to him for his bounty (as well as the poor in Stamford) for whom he erected a fair Bead-house, acknowledged under God and the Q. their Prosperity, the fruit of his prudence. He dyed very aged 1598.

Jane Cecil, Wife to Sir Rich. Esq; and Co-heir to the worshipful fami­lies of Ekinton and Walcot, saw (being near a 100 years of age) the preser­ment of her Son Sir William, Trea­surer of England; she Leaded and Paved the Friday Market-cross at Stamford, besides 50l. given to the Poor. She dyed 1588. and was bu­ryed [Page 36] in St. Martins in Stamford.

Barnaby Potter was born within the Barony of Kendal Westmerl. 1578. and bred at Queens Coll. in Oxford, whereof he became Provost: he was chaplain in Ordinary to Prince Charles, being accounted at Court the Peni­tential Preacher, and by K. Ch. the I. was preferred Bishop of Carlisle. He was commonly called the Puritani­cal Bishop, and they said of him in the time of King James, that Organs would blow him out of the Church: which is not probable, because he loved Vocal Musick, and could bear his own part therein. He was a constant Preacher, and a hard Student: He dyed in honour, being the last Bishop that dyed a Member of Parliament.

Roger Ascham, born at Kerby-wick, and bred in St. John's College in Cambridge, was Orator and Greek Professor of the University; and in an. 1. Mary wrote Letters to 40 odd several Princes, the meanest whereof was a Cardinal. Traveling into [Page 37] Germany, he was familiar with John Sturmius, after his return he was teacher to the Lady Eliz. to whom (after she was Queen) he became Secretary for her Latine Letters; he was an honest man, a good Archer, and much delighted with Cock­fighting. His Latine stile was facile and fluent, witness his Letters. His [...] is a Book good for Young Men, his Schoolmaster for Old, and his Epistles for all men. He dyed in Decemb. 1568. and was buried in St. Sepulchres in Lond.

Tho. Benham, Fellow of Magdalens coll. in Oxford, renounced Popery an. 1. Mariae, he assisted Hen. Bull one of the College, to wrest out of the hands of the Choristers, the censer when about to offer their superstitious Incense; flying into Germany he lived at Basil, Preacher to the English Exiles; towards the end of Queen Mary, he was secretly sent over to be Superintendant of the London Conventicle (the only true [Page 38] Church in the time of Persecution) where with all his caution he hardly escaped. In an. 2. of Queen Eliz. he was consecrated Bishop of Coven­try and Lichfield: He dyed in Febr. 1578.

Frances Sidney, Aunt to the re­nowed Sir Philip, she bestowed on the Abby Church of Westminster a Salary of 20 l. per annum for a Divi­nity Lecture, and founded Sidney Suss. coll. in Cambr. She was Relict of Tho. Ratcliff Earl of Sussex: She dyed childless 1588.

Sir Nich. Bacon Knight, born not far from St. Edm. Bury, of a very ancient family, and bred in Ben. college in Cambr. (in which he built a beautiful Chapel) after he had stu­died the Common Law, was made Attorny to the Court of Wards, when he was preferred Lord Keeper of the Great Seal. An. 1. Eliz. 1558. He married Ann second Daughter to Sir Ant. Cook of Giddy Hall in Essex, Governour to K. Edw. 6. Queen [Page 39] Elizabeth relied on him as her Oracle in Law, who that he might clear the point of her Succession, derived her right from a Statute which allowed the same, tho' there was a Statute which made the Q. illegitimate in the days of her Father remained unrepealed, the rather because Lawyers maintain, That a Crown once worn, cleareth all defects of the wearer thereof.

Armigel Waad, born of an ancient family in Yorkshire, was Clerk of the Counsel to Hen. 8. and Ed. 6. a man of great accomplishments, imployed in several Embassies, and the first Eng­lishman who discovered America: He had by two Wifes 20 children, whereof Sir Wil. Waad was the Eldest, a very able Gentleman, and Clerk of the Council to Q. Eliz. this Armigel dyed in June, an. 1568. and was buried at Hampstead in Middlesex.

Martin Forbisher Knight, born nigh Doncaster Yorkshire, was the first Englishman who first discovered the North way to China and Cathay, [Page 40] whence he brought great store of black soft Stone, supposing it to be silver Ore, but it proved useless. He was valiant and violent. He was Knighted for his signal service in an. 88. having (with 10 Ships) de­fended Brest Haven in Brittain a­gainst a far greater power of the Spaniards; he was shot in the side, his wound not being mortal in it self was rendred such by the un­skillfulness of his Chirurgion, who having taken out the bullet, left the Bombast behind, wherewith the sore festred, and the worthy Knight dyed.

Michael, Under-Sheriff to Sir An­thony Hungerford comit. Wilts. 1558. in the last of Queen Mary, was a right godly man. When the Writ, de Haereticis comburendis, for the Exe­cution of R. White and Jo. Hunt, was brought to him, instead of burning them, he burnt the Writ, and be­fore the same could be renewed, Dr. Geffery (the bloody Chancellour of [Page 41] Salisbury who procured it) and Q. Mary, were both dead.

Edm. Guest, Born at Asserton York­shire, was D. D. in Kings College in Cambridge. He was Almoner to Queen Eliz. by whom he was pre­ferred Bishop of Rochester, then of Salisbury; having written many books, he dyed 1578.

Henry Rowlands, bred in Oxford, was consecrated Bishop of Bangor 1598. he bought four new Bells for the Tower of St. Asaph, whereof the biggest cost 100 l. he also gave to Jesus College in Oxford, Means for the maintenance of two Fellows.

Katharine, Daughter of Sir Tho. Par, was born at Kendal Castle, which descended to her Father from the Brusses and Rosses of Werk: She was first married to John Nevil Lord Latimer, and afterwards to K. H. 8. She was a great favourer of the Gos­pel, and would earnestly argue for it. Once politick Gardiner had al­most got her into his clutches, had [Page 42] not Divine Providence delivered her: yet a Jesuit (who was neither Confessor nor Privy Counsellour to the King) tells us, that the King in­tended, if longer surviving, to be­head her for an Heretick. She was afterwards married to Sir Thomas Seymour Baron of Sudley and Lord Admiral; and dyed in childbed of a Daughter 1548.

Henry 8. Son of Hen. 7. born at Greenwich, was a Prince in whom great Vertues & no less Vices werein a manner equally contemperated; he was a man of an uncontroulable spi­rit, carrying a Mandamus in his Mouth, sufficiently seated, when he put his hand to his Hilt, he awed all to his obedience, which was great in a King, and necessary in a Father of his Country. In the Play of K. Hen. 8. there was a weak whining Boy that personated that King; one of his fellow Actors perceiving him to act more like a Mouse than Man, told him, if you speak not Hoh with a [Page 43] better Spirit; your Parliament will not grant you a penny of Money. He came to the Crown in 1508. Many were the acts and changes in his Reign. He dissolved as many Mo­nasteries and Religious Houses, as a­mounted yearly to 1865 12 l. besides the two Universities, and divers Mo­nasteries which were undervalued. And though the Pope stiled him De­fender of the Faith (by reason of a Book he writ against Martin Lu­ther) yet he rejected his Holiness, and made himself supreme without him. And Sir Tho. Moor and Bishop Fisher lost their Heads, because they refu­sed the Oath of Supremacy; and yet this King, as appears by the six Articles, enacted by Parliament against the Protestants (called the Cat with six Tailes) viz.

1. That after the words of confirma­tion or consecration the real and na­tural body and blood of Christ as he was conceived and Crucified was in the Sacrament, and no other sub­stance [Page 44] consisting in the form of Bread and Wine, besides the substance of Christ, God▪ and Man.

2. That Communion in both kinds, was not necessary unto Salvation, the Flesh only in the form of Bread suffi­cient.

3. That the Priests after they had received Orders might not marry by the Law of God.

4. That the Vows of Chastity ei­ther in Man or Woman, ought by Gods Laws to be observed.

5. That private Masses were neces­sary for the people, and agreeable to the Law of God.

6. That Auricular Confession was expedient to be retained and conti­nued in the Church of God.

Now I hope none will deny, that what mischief and confusions ensued, and caused by him as the Papists deeply condemn him for to this day, and tell us (our Religion came out of his—) That he lived and dyed as severe a Roman Catholick as any [Page 45] of them hath shewed themselves in this our Age.

And for his Wives he was dex­trous in changing, beheading one of them, and the very next day marrying another; but hear him on his death bed speaking thus:

They that will be more and better informed of this King's Reign, let them read his Life written by that excellent and learned Lord Herbert.

Sir Tho. Offley of Cheshire, bred a Merchant Taylor in London, whereof he became Lord Mayor; in his Mayoralty he began the custom of Night Bellmen. He was the Zacheus of London, for his high Charity, be­queathing the half of his Estate (be­ing [Page 46] 5000 pound) to the poor, though he had children of his own; yea he appointed that 200 l. (left to his Son Hen.) should be taken out of the other half, and imployed to charitable uses. Mr. Hugh Offley Lea­ther-Seller, Sheriff of London An. 1588. gave 600 pound to the City to put forth young men. Mr. Rob. Brother to Hugh gave 600 pound for 24 young men in Chester, whereof 12 were Apprentices. On the first of these I suppose these Rhimes were made:

Feasting himself moderately, that he might feed others by his bounty.

Miles Coverdaile of Yorkshire, be­came an Augustine Fryer, but after­wards quitting that profession, he went into Germany, he laboured greatly in translating the Bible, and writing other books. He was made D. D. at Tubing, and returning into [Page 47] England was made Bishop of Exeter, by K. Edw. 6. An. 1. Mary he was deposed, though saved from Mar­tyrdom, by the mediation of Fred. King of Denmark: being enlarged he went over into Germany, whence in the Reign of Queen Eliz. he re­turned into England, but not to Exeter. He was one of those that solemnly consecrated Matthew Parker Archbishop of Canterbury at Lambeth: He dyed 1588. and lies buried in St. Bartholomews behind the Exchange, London.

Sir Christ. Wray Knight, was born in the Parish of Bedal Yorkshire, which made his Daughter Frances Countess of Warwick scatter her benefactions thicker in that place: His Ancestors came out of Cornwal, where his name is right ancient; be­ing bred in the Law, he was by Q. Eliz. made Lord Chief Justice of the Kings Bench; he was moved with no fear but that of the Judge of the world; he was pro tempore Lord pri­vy [Page 48] Seal, and sat chief in the Court, when Secretary Davison was senten­ced in the Star Chamber, concurring with the rest of the Commissioners to lay a Fine on him. His benefa­ction to Magdalen college in Cambridge was both bountiful and seasonable. This worthy Judge dyed May 8th. 1588.

Rob. Crowley of Northamptonshire, bred in Oxford, confuted Miles Hogheard, who writ against the poor Protestants. He fled to Frankford in Queen Mary's days, and in the Reign of Queen Eliz. was made Vicar of St. Giles without Cripplegate London, where he lies buried, having dyed 1588.

Cock, was in 1588. a Cock of the Game, being the only man of note amongst the English, who fighting a Volunteer in his own Ship, lost his life, to save his Queen and Coun­try.

Sir John Howard, of Barkshire Kt. Son to Sir Rob. Howard, soon after was created a Baron by Edw. IV. and Duke of Norfolk by K. Rich. III. as Kinsman, and one of the Heirs of Anne, Dutchess of York and Norfolk, whose Mother was one of the Daugh­ters of Tho. Mowbray, D. of Norfolk. Soon after he lost his Life in Bosworth-Field, in the quarrel of him who had given him his Honour. From him descended the noble and numerous Family of the Howards, of whom 4 Earls, viz. Arundel, Nottingham, Suf­folk, and Barkshire; and 2 Barons, viz. Mowbray, and Escrick, sat in the last Parliament of K. Charles I. Verstegan, the great Antiquary, will have their Name to be Holdward, Keeper of a Castle, or Trust; and they have well answered unto their Name. Did not Tho. Howard, Earl of Surrey, well hold his ward by Land, when in the Reign of Henry VIII. he conquered the Scots in Flodden-Field, and took James the 4th. their King, Prisoner? And did [Page 50] not Charles Howard, afterwards Earl of Nottingham, hold his ward, by Sea, in 1558, when the Armado was de­feated.

William Howard, Son to Thomas D. of Howard, was by Queen Mary cre­ated Baron of Effingham, and made Lord-Admiral of England. He was one of the first favourers and further­ers of the discovery of Russia. He died 1548. whose Son

Charles succeeded his Father in the Admiralty; an hearty Gentleman, and cordial to his Soveraign, of a most proper Person, one reason why Queen Elizabeth reflected so much upon him. The first evidence he gave of his prowess, when the Empe­rors Sister, the spouse of Spain, with a Fleet of 130 Sail, passed the nar­row Seas, his Lordship, accompanied with 10 Ships only, environed their Fleet, and enforced them to stoop Gallant, and strike Sail. In 88. at the first news of the Spaniards approach, he towed at a Cable, with his own [Page 51] hands, to draw out the harbour-bound Ships into the Sen. He was Comman­der of the Sea Forces at the taking of Cadiz, and for his good service there, he was made Earl of Notting­ham. He resigned his Admiralty in the Reign of K. James, to the D. of Buckingham, and died not long af­ter.

D. of Medina Sidonia, Admiral of the Spanish Fleet, An. 88. beholding Mount Edgcomb in Cornwall, that be­longs to Sir Rich. Edgcomb, who at one time, for some good space, gave Entertainment to the English, Spanish, and Dutch Admirals, and many other Nobles at Mount Edgcomb, a square Structure, having a stately Hall af­fording a delicate sound, as one en­treth it, a Parlour and Dining-Room, giving a large prospect both of Sea and Land: It is near Plimouth; the Ground about it being stored with Wood, Timber, Fruit, Deer, and Conies, sufficient Pasture, Meadow and Arable Land, Marle, Stone, &c. [Page 52] and of an high situation. And this Medina was so much in love with it, was resolved to have it for his own possession in the partage of this Kingdom, which should have been in 88.

And here I think it very necessary before we proceed any further, to make a small description of this Spa­nish Invasion, called, The Invincible Armado; which put England into such a consternation, when it should have been invaded, in the Reign of Q. Eliz. 1588. viz. 150 Ships, some 1000 Tuns.

• 65 Galleoons.
• 25 Terras, 500 Tuns.
• 19 Pinnaces, some 100 Tuns.
• 20 Carvills.
• 10 Fulvas, 6 Oars a piece.
• 4 Galeasses.
• 4 Gallies.

In all, 57868 Tuns.

All these Preparations of the Spa­niards did not daunt, or diminish, but rather excite the courage of the Queen, who had also made ready a splendid Navy, well furnished with gallant Commanders, Sea-men, and Soldiers; and a Land-Army, where they lay encamped at Tilbury-Fort in Essex; there the Queen appeared a­mongst them on a white Palsrey, to their great incouragement. But when their Armado should have ingaged our Fleet, God Almighty took his own way, and raised such Storms and Winds, that their whole Forces were [Page 54] all scattered and destroyed without fighting, very few of them escaping to tell the news in Spain to their Lord and Master, and their surviving Friends.

Now let us proceed to give an ac­count of some memorable actions of noble Persons since that great delive­rance.

Tho. Stapleton, born at Henfield in Suss. of a very good Family; he was bred in New-College in Oxford, and became Canon of Chichester, which place he quitted An. 1 of Eliz. and having fled beyond the Seas, he be­came Catechist at Doway; which place he having discharged to his commen­dation, he was preferred King's Pro­fessor of Divinity in Lovain, and was 40 years together Undertaker-gene­ral against all Protestants. Dr. Whita­ker, professor in Cambridge, experi­mentally professed, That Bellarmine was the fairer, and Stapleton the shrew­der Adversary. He died, and was buried in St. Peters in Lovain, 1598.

Edm Spencer, born in London, bred in Cambridge, a great Poet, who imitated Chaucer: 'Tis said that he presented Q. Elizabeth with a Poem, with which she was so well pleased, that she commanded the Lord Trea­surer Cecil to give him 100l. and when he alleaged that Sum was too much, then give him (quoth the Q.) what is reason; but being delayed, he presented these Lines to the Queen.

Hereupon the Queen gave strict or­der for the present payment of 100l. He was afterwards Secretary to the Lord Gray, Deputy of Ireland. He was an excellent Linguist, Antiqua­ry, Philosopher, Mathematician; yet so poor (as being a Poet) that he was thought fami, non famae scribere. Returning into England, he was [Page 56] robb'd by the Rebels of that little he had; and dying for grief in great want, 1598. was honourably buried nigh Chaucer in Westminster, the ex­pence of his Funeral and Monument, was defrayed at the sole charge of Robert, first of that name, Earl of Essex.

Sir Walt. Raleigh, born at Budeley, Devonsh. of an ancient Family, but decayed in Estate, and he was the youngest Brother thereof, was bred in Ori [...]ll College in Oxford, and thence coming to Court, found some hopes of the Queens favour; this made him write in a glass Window, obvious to the Queens Eye, Fain would I climb, yet fear I to fall. Un­der which, her Majesty perceiving it, did write, If thy Heart fail thee, climb not at all. But his Introduction into Court, is said to have born an elder date, from the time he spread his plush Cloak for her Majesty to step upon over a wet place: Yet the wise Queen in rewarding him, made him [Page 57] to purchase by pain and peril, as well as Complement, what places were be­stowed on him. He seemed to be born to that only, which he went a­bout, so dextrous he was in all his undertakings, in Court, in Camp, by Sea, by Land, by Sword, by Pen; witness in the last, his History of the World. Of his detractors, he was wont to say, If any Man accuse to my face, I will answer him with my Mouth; but my Tail is good enough to an­swer to such who traduce me behind my back. Yet such a Traducer there was, that subtle Gondamour, the Span. Ambassador to K. James, that never left his sollicitations and intreagues with the King, till he procured his Decollation, which was done Ann. 1618. Thus died this learned and honourable Person, never to be for­gotten, so long as wise Men are li­ving.

John Bray, Tenant to Mr. Richard Carew, carried upon his back, Ann. 1608. at one time, six bushels of [Page 58] wheaten Meal, by the space, well near a butt length, and upon the wheaten Meal the Miller, a Lubber of above 24 years of Age. And

John Roman, the Cornish Milo, so used to Burdens in his Child-hood, that when a Man, he would bear the whole Carcase of an Oxe, and never tugged thereat.

Tho. Sackvill, Son and Heir to Sir Richard, (Chancellor, Sub-Treasu­rer of the Exchequer, and Privy-Counsellor to Q. Elizabeth,) by Wi­nifred his Wife, Daughter to Sir John Bruges, was bred in Oxford, where he became an excellent Poet, leaving both Latine and English Poems of his composing to posterity: Then he became Barrister, and afterwards in his Travels was for some time pri­soner at Rome; whence returning to the possession of a good Estate, he wasted the greatest part thereof; and afterwards being made (as is repor­ted) to dance attendance on an Al­derman of London, who had gained [Page 59] great Penny-worths by his former purchases of him, he was sensible of the incivility, and resolving to be no more beholding to wealthy Pri [...]le, he turned a thrifty improver of the remainder of his Estate. Others af­firm that Q. Elizabeth, (his Cousin-German once removed) diverted the torrent of his Profusion, by her fre­quent admonition; after which she made him Baron of Buckhurst in Suss. sent him Ambassador into France, then into the Low-Countries, made him Knight of the Garter, and Trea­surer of England. He was Chancel­lor of the University, where he en­tertained Q. Elizabeth with a sum­ptuous Feast. He was a person of so quick dispatch, that his Secretarys seldom pleased him. Thus having made amends to his House for his mis-spent time, both in increase of E­state and Honour, being created Earl of Dorset by K. James, He died in April, An. 1608.

Tho. Bilson, born in Winchester, was Bishop of Worcester, then of Win­chester; as Reverend and Learned a Prelate as England ever afforded, witness his Works of The perpetual Government of Christ's Church, and of Christ's descent into Hell. The new Translation of the Bible was by King James's command ultimately commit­ted to his, and Dr. Smith's (Bishop of Gloucester) perusal. He died An. 1618.

Robert Smith, born at Mercate-Harborough, Merchant-Taylor in Lon­don, Comptroller of the Chamber there, and one of the four Attornies of the Mayor's Court, gave 750 l. to purchase Lands for the maintai­nance of a Lecturer in the Town of his Nativity, &c. as appears by the Settlement. He died An. 1618.

Sir Tho. Coventry, born at Croon in Worcestershire, was eldest Son to Sir Thomas, Knight, one of the Justices of the Common-Pleas. He was bred in, and Treasurer of the Inner-Tem­ple [Page 61] 1618. being first Attorney-Gene­ral to K. James: He was afterwards made Lord-Keeper of the Great-Seal, and 1. of Charles I. by whom he was created, An. 4 Regis, Baron Coventry, of Alesborough in this County. He en­joyed the dignity of Lord-Keeper fifteen Years, if it was not more pro­per to say, that Dignity enjoyed him. The Patent whereby he was created Baron, makes mention of his most worthy Services to K. James, and K. Charles; he died before the Civil Wars; never Lord-Keeper made few­er Orders which were afterwards re­versed, his being firmly grounded on the consent of Parties.

In this year 1618, were executed at Tyburn 19 Pirats, and one Garnet a Jesuit.

And the destruction of the Spanish Army sent against the Venetians.

Martin's Fort relieved by the Mar­quess Schomberge.

Ebsham-Waters (now Epsom) found out in a dry Season, the Water first [Page 62] observed (in a Horse or Neats foot­ing) run through some Veins of Al­lume, and are abstersive and sanative, being outwardly and inwardly ta­ken.

Sir Jo. Doderidg, bred in Oxford, a general Scholar, was second Justice of the King's Bench; his Soul con­sisted of two Essentials, Ability and Integrity, holding the Scale of Justice with a steady hand. He is famous for the expression, That as old and in­firm as he was, he would go to Tyburn on Foot, to see such a Man hang'd, that should proffer Mony for a place of Ju­dicature; it being necessary that those who buy such Offices by whole-sale, should sell Justice by re-tale, to make themselves savers. He was common­ly called the sleeping Judge, because he would sit on the Bench with his Eyes shut, a posture of attention. He died, leaving no Issue, An. 1628. and was interred in our Lady's Chapel, in Exet [...]r.

Tobias Mathew, D. D. bred in Ox­ford, became Bishop of Durham, and at last of York: when placed there, he merrily said, He wanted nothing but Grace: he died An. 1628.

Tho. Taylor, born at York, and bred in Christ's College in Cambridge, en­tered into the Ministry at 27 years of Age, continuing in the same at Rea­ding and London 35 years; a pious and charitable man, and a painful Preacher: A little before his death he avowed, That we served such a Ma­ster who covereth many imperfections, and giveth much Wages for a little work. He died about 1628.

Note also, in this year 1628. Dr. Lamb was murdered in the City of London, for which the said City was fined 6000 l.

Nath. Shute, born at Gigleswick, Yorksh. and bred in Christ's College in Cambridge, was an excellent Schollar, and solid Preacher, (at St. Mildred-Poultrey in London,) though nothing of his is extant in Print, save a Sermon [Page 64] called Corona Charitatis: He was an uncomfortable Preacher in one sense, in that he left no hope of imitation for such as should succeed him. He di­ed An. 1638.

Note, There were four other Bro­thers to this Nath. viz. Josiah, Mini­ster of St. Mary Woollnoth, London, Robert in Linn, Thomas in Chester, and Timothy in Exeter, all famous for Learning, and laborious Preachers.

Sir Rich. Hutton, born at Perith, Cumberland, of a worshipful Family, and bred in Jesus College in Cambr. diverted from Divinity by the im­portunity chiefly of George, Earl of Cumberland, became Barrister in Grays-Inn; and 'twas observed, he seldom or never took Fees of Clergy-men af­terwards; being Recorder of York he was Knighted, and made Judge of the Common-Pleas, and continued, though his opinion was against Ship-Money, the King using to call him the honest Judge: he died, and was buri­ed at St. Dunstan's in the West, An. 1638.

Joseph Mede, born near Bishop-Stratford, Eslex, wrote de Sanctitate relativa: he was a learned Man, good Preacher, and charitable to the Poor. From that place of Scripture, Judges 3. 30. And the Land had rest eight Years, he observed that that was the longest time of Peace that the Church of God enjoyed: And seeing the same lease of Halcyon days was expi­red in England, since 1. Elizabeth, he did grievously suspect some strange concussion in Church and State, which came to pass accordingly. He was a Millenary, and was as much disho­noured by some furious Followers, as even Aristotle was by ignorant Preten­ders to his Philosophy. He died An. 1638. leaving near 3000 l. to Christs College in Cambridge, where he was bred.

Edm. Doubleday, Esq; a man of great Stature, Valor, Gravity and Activity, attended Sir Tho. Knevet, Novemb. 4. 1605. when he searched the Cellar beneath the Parliament-House, [Page 66] where they found Guy Faux, with his dark Lanthorn, in the dead of the Night, providing for the death of many next Morning. He was newly come out of the Devils Closet, (the inner Room where the Powder lay.) Faux beginning to bustle, Mr. Doubleday ordered him at his plea­sure, up with his Heels, and the [...] with the Traitor lay the Treason [...] along the Floor, by God's good [...] detected and defeated. Faux vow [...] that had he been taken in the inn [...] Room, he had blown up himself and all the Company therein. Mr. Double­day died An. 1618.

John Moile, born in, or near South-Molton, Devon. bred in France, where he became perfect in the Language, spent his youth in Military imploy­ments, and in his reduced Age, was made an Examiner in the Court of Tho. Lord Burgley, and President of the North: Afterwards, being Go­vernour to the Lord Ross, he went to Rome with him, where that Lord [Page 67] was courted, and Mr Moile imprisoned in the Inquisition; the Priests in vain hacking at the root of his constancy, he continued 30 years in Prison, and died 1638. at. 81.

Salkod, a branch of a worshipful Family, bred beyond the Seas, either Jesuit, or secular Priest, coming over into England to angle for Proselytes, his line broke, and he was cast in Pri­son, whence being brought to King James, by his Arguments, (with a Benefice bestowed on him in Somerset­shire,) he became a Protestant: he was not a little proud that the King was pleased to stile him the learned Salkod. See his true Character in the Book he writ of Angels. He died An. 1638.

Benj. Johnson, (whose Mother married a Brick-layer for her second Husband,) was bred in Westminster-School, then in St. John's College in Cambridge, (being also honorary Member of Christ's Church in Oxford,) where he continued but few Weeks [Page 68] for want of further Maintenance, be­ing fain to return to the trade of his Father-in-Law, he helped at the new Structure of Lincoln-Inn, when having a Trowel in his hand, he had a Book in his pocket; some Gentlemen after­wards manumised him, freely to fol­low his own ingenious Inclinations: his Wit was elaborate, wrought out by his own Industry; he would sit silent in learned Company, and [...]uck in (besides Wine) their several Hu­mors into his observation; he was paramount in the dramatique part of Poetry, and taught the Stage an ex­act conformity to the Laws of Co­medians; his Comedies were above the Vulgar, (which are only tickled with down-right obscenity,) and took not so well at the first stroke, as at the rebound, when beheld the se­cond time; yea, they will endure reading, and that with due commen­dation, so long as either Ingenuity or Learning are fashionable in our Na­tion: He died An. 1638, and was bu­ried [Page 69] in the Abby Church of Westmin­ster, under a small Stone, with this Inscription, O rare Ben. Johnson.

Sir Robert Car, Son to Thomas, Laird of Fumhurst in the South of Scotland, (who being active for Mary, Queen of Scots, was thereupon forced to fly to York,) was born in this City. 'Tis reported that his first making at Court, was by breaking his Leg at Tilting in London, whereby he came first into the cognizance of K. James, who reflected on him, whose Fa­ther had been a kind of Confessor for the cause of the Queen his Mo­ther; besides, the young Gentleman had a handsom Person, and a con­veniency of desert; Honours were crowded upon him, made Baron, Vi­scount, Earl of Somerset, Knight of the Garter, Warden of the Cinque-Ports, &c. He was a good natur'd Man, doing himself more hurt than any Man else; but yet much harm to others, viz. Sir Tho. Overbury lost the favour of this Earl, by dissuading [Page 70] him from keeping Company with a Lady, Wife of another Person of Honour, to whom afterwards he was married, her first Husband still liv­ing, Earl of Essex,) and had a Child by her, a Daughter, who was after­wards married to a Person of Ho­nour: but Sir Tho. Overbury, under a pretence for refusing to be sent Am­bassador to Russia, was sent to the Tower, and his strict restraint encou­raged his Enemies to practise his death, which was by Poison effected, for which divers were executed; the Earl had the sentence of death, which by K. James, contrary to his word; was never executed, but gave him a lease of so many years, as a pardon for his Life; though he was banished the Court, lived privately, even from the sight of his Wife, and in much sorrow and grief died, An. 1638.

In this year 1638. Lewis XIV. King of France was born, or rather per ig­notam & illicitam viam, by that po­litick and governing Cardinal sent [Page 71] into the World to be a Plague to all Christendom, a spoiler and robber of his own Country, a troubler of the Gallican-Clergy, a great opposer of his Infallible Holiness, a severe and cruel Tormenter of the Hugonots, first eating and plundering their Goods by his Booted Apostles, (his Dragoons,) and then unmercifully abusing their Bodies, by Wounds, Irons, Whippings, Prisons, Famine, and Death it self, but without buri­al; which by us is never denied to any Roman-Catholick. He governs all his Vassals and Slaves, (that should be his Subjects) by his will, rigour, and injustice; and when they have got any thing for their own Family, the King's Officers take it for their Master; and there is no remedy for this general contagion. But yet let me inform you of one piece of good nature that is rooted fast to him, tho' he resists the Pope, he loves the Turk, and much condemns the Emperor for fighting against him; and the [Page 72] French K. has many times lately, as­sured his Brother, the Turkish Em­peror, That he will divert all his Enemies, (that is, all Christian Prin­ces) from invading his Countrey by his own powerful Armies. And pray do not think much of these his strange and extravagant expressions; for he hopes as there is but one King of Heaven, so there will be but one on Earth, and that must be a French one.

There was also in this year 1638. a many little Devils (called the Co­venanters) in Scotland, gathered into a riotous Body, and chused David Leisley for their General, and sollici­ted France for aid; (and though it took little effect,) yet you may learn that the Scotch were always great lo­vers of the English: Their Covenant consisting of 666 words, (the mark of the Beast) was set on Foot, and every one, willing, or not, swallow­ed it down by the help of labouring Preachers, the Covenanters. All this [Page 73] was but a preparative for their com­ing into England, which they did the next year; and according to their Covenant to settle the King in his Throne in Peace and Honour, and make him a Glorious King, which (contrary to their Covenant) by Perjury, falsehood, and selling his Person was accomplished in an. 1648. next to be observed, being a year full of wonder and horrour: but before we give an account of that take notice there was four persons concerned in a Tumult in Moor­fields, pretending to reform by pul­ling down Baudy Houses on the Easter Holidays, who was sentenced and executed as Traytors, May 9. 1638. I wish the Mobile in these our days were well informed of this late acti­on. Now also in this year take in John Lilburn the Quaker, who was whipped at a Carts Tayle, in Febr. 1638.

Anno 1648. At Preston in Ander­ness, Duke Hamilton Aug. 7th. en­tred England with an Army. Most beheld him as one rather cun­ning than wise, yet rather wise than valiant: however he had Officers, what did [...]ken the geat of fighting, as wool as ony of oor Age. He would accept of no English assistance: Their Van and their Rear were many miles asunder, and they met the resistance of Major General Lam­bert, before they expected it. He at Preston, gave the Scotch Army such a blow as stunned it, though it reeled on some miles more South­ward into Staffordshire. Where at Ʋlcester the Duke was taken Prisoner and utterly defeated; and afterwards made a Prisoner in the Tower, and then condemned and executed with the Lord Capel, which is the next to be taken notice of.

Arthur Capel, Esq; of Hadham Hartf. was by Ch. I. Created Baron 1641. after the surrender of Oxford, [Page 75] he retired to his House, from whence he went to Colchester. His Loyalty to his Master was proof against all Batteries, and Sollicitations of his Enemies. He was sent Prisoner to the Tower by the Parliament (which was butindeed but a part of) the Dom. Com. He escaped from the Tower in Feb. but was retaken and sent back, and the next day an Act made for his Tryal, and being condemned, was behead­ed 1648. undaunted on the Scaffold. Hence one alluding to his Arms (a Lyon Rampant in a Field Gules betwixt three Crosses) made these following Lines.

He wrote a book of Meditation, wherein judicious Piety is discove­red, he was Grandfather to this pre­sent Earl of Essex.

The Earl of Holland was executed at the same time with this Noble Lord Capel: and Duke Hamilton March 9th an. 1648.

And now give me leave to bring in a Murder, without any former precedent, and I hope none will be so wicked and horrid as to think of the like fact for the future. Char. the I. our Lawful and good King was taken from his own House at Hol­denby in Northamptonshire, and carried to Childersley (by Cornet Joice) then to Roysten, Hatfield, Windsor, Hampton-Court, this was done in May and June. Then the King escaped to the Isle of Wight, but stay'd not long before he was brought back: and Jan. 4. an Ordinance was engrossed, and read for the Kings Tryal, Jan. 20. he was brought before the High Court of Justice (falsely so called) 22. day the second time, 23. the third time was brought before the said Court; the 27. day sentenced to Death by that bold Traitor John [Page 77] Bradshaw, the 30. day barbarously murdred at his own Palace door, betwixt 1. and 2. a Clock. So fell this Pious and Learned Prince, who will never be too much lamented, nor forgotten. This sad Subject would make a Volume, but that is not my intention; & there are several Tracts already written. That alone of Dr. Nalson's of the Kings Judges under Phelp's own hand is sufficient: and note when the King was mur­dered, Sir Tho. Fairfax was General, and Oliver Cromwel was Leiutenant General of the Army: The latter over ruling, overawing▪ & over fool­ing the former; or else Dr. Hammond's Letter would have turned that vio­lent Torrent, which with him took no effect, but was altogether slight­ed, or unregarded, but would have converted any unbjassed person from doing or suffering to be done such a bloody and unjust Act, by so many impious Regicides. Then the above named false and confused Society [Page 78] adjourned Hilary Term. Febr. 6. the Kings Office voted unnecessary and burdensome, the 7. the King's body removed to Windsor, and there interred under a small Marble Stone, and so remains to this day, without any show of Magnificence or Regal Monument, (where I hope his now dust will rest quietly.) But before I close up this fatal year, let me produce one little wonder. Note that in the Hundred of R [...]ckford Essex an Army of Mice shaved off all the Grass at the bare roots, which withered to Dung, was infectious to Cattle: the March following, numberless flocks of Owls from all parts flew thither, and destroyed them, and 68 years before this year, happened the like accident in the Hundred of Dengy in Essex.

Jo. Richardson, Born in Cheshire, of a most worshipful and ancient Family, bred in the University of Dublin, where he was graduated Doctor in Divinity▪ and was after­wards [Page 79] made Bishop of Ardagh in Ireland. In the late Rebellion he came over into England, a grave man and good Divine; verifying the Rule, Bonus Texturius, Bonus Theologus, for he carried a Concor­dance in his memory. The larger Annotations, especially on Ezekiel, an elaborate work, challenge him, in a great measure, for the Author. Our Bishop who had been relieved, had his bounty to bestow on others, and by his will bequeathed a considerable Legacy to the College of Dublin. He dyed an. 1658. aged 74.

Jo. Cleaveland, Born at Hinkley Loic. (where his Father was Vicar) was Fellow in St. John's College in Camb. and Advocate General in the Garrison of Newark, a general Ar­tist, pure Latinist, exquisite Orator, and eminent Poet. His lofty fancy may seem to stride from the top of one Mountain to the top of another, so making to it self a con­stant champain and Level of continu­ed [Page 80] elevations. He dyed an. 1658. and was buried at College Hill Church. Mr. Parson in his funeral Sermon forbore his praises, seeing such who knew him not would suf­pect them far above, whilst such as were acquainted with him, did know them much beneath his true desert.

In this year (58) Dunkirk was taken by the English, but not long after by the English, or by a few of the bet­ter sort of the English, sold to the French King, and surrendred into his hands, and 'twas such a Bargain for France, as England has had reason, and I am afraid ever will, to lament and be much afflicted for the loss of it; and a hard-task it will prove to reduce it to the Crown of Eng­land.

In this year also being in July, Sir H. Slingsby and the Reverend and Pi­ous Dr. Huit was beheaded under the Tyranny of Oliver Cromwel: How­ever he set up a High-Court of [Page 81] Justice (called so then.) Dr. Huit was a very great and good Divine, and though Oliver's Daughter ve­ry much besought her Father up­on her knees for his life (all was but in vain) however it was belie­ved, that the Monster of mankind Oliver never enjoyed himself long after, for he was much troubled with Gravel, and a little after that, was much tormented with the Stone in the Bladder, and though Dr. Bowls set him on his head and his heels upwards, to remove the stone, and gave him some ease at present; yet he being return'd to his natural po­sture, and the Dr. into the Country with his Coach and Six, which Oli­ver had bestowed on him for his fees and attendance, the Stone pressed down again with that violence and force, and caused that horrible pain, and that pain a Feaver, and the Fea­ver brought that which took the in­solent Usurper from his Protector­ship, which happened Sept. 3. 1658.

Now let me desire you to accept of the Company of his Son Richard for a Protector: Though he staid but six Months at the Helm, the Sea (the Commonwealth of Engl.) grew very boisterous and sick, till Richard was spewed up, and outed of his Prote­ctorship. And he wanting his Fa­thers Courage and Judgment, was outed accordingly; 'twas said, he had some kindness for King Ch. II. and was willing to shew it at that time, and help to restore him: but too many eyes were upon him, and his own want of experience, made all ineffectuall at that juncture of affairs; and the Government was put into other hands, as shall appear afterwards. This short-ru­ling Protector did very little in his half years Reign, only got together things necessary for his Fathers Pom­pous Funeral, which was upon No­vomber 23. 1658. This funeral cost so much, that all the Tradesmen and others concerned in it, were ei­ther [Page 83] forced to run away, or hide themselves in some Alsatia ever after.

Anno 1668. In this year there were two Easter days, the one being in April, and the other on March 23. 1668. and the precedent year had no Easter. A thing to be noted, because 'tis to be found very rarely, either by looking forward or the days past.

This year also by instigation of the Parliament to the King, an Or­der was made to send the Earl of Clarendon out of England. He tra­velled to Montpelier in France, where he stayed some years, and then hear­ing the joyful news of his return, with excess of joy gave up the ghost: his body was brought into England, and interred in H. 7. Chapel, close by the Steps. He was the first Lord Chancellor under Ch. II. James Duke of York was married to his Daughter Ann at the Kings return into England: from whom are de­scended Mary Our Gracious Queen, [Page 84] and Ann Princess of Denmark. The first stone of the first pillar of the Royal Exchange was laid by K. Ch. II. in this year 1668.

Anno 1678. In this year the Po­pish Plot was discovered, and 18 per­sons were executed for the same: the chief of them was Viscount Stafford, beheaded at Towerhill. Edw. Coleman Esq; then Secretary to the Dutchess of York, his House searche [...], and Papers seized (October the 1. day▪) Wherein was found so much of moment and matter relating to the subversion of Religion and Govern­ment here established, and, as it ap­pears by his Tryal at large in Print, he was found guilty, and was drawn, hang▪d and quartered at Tyburn, a­vowing his innocence to the last: it may be, he expected a Pardon; for he was heard to say, There was no truth in Mortal Man; how­ever, his Master was not sorry for his Exit, tam cito.

Richard Langhorn Esq; a Coun­sellor, [Page 85] committed to Newgate upon the same account, and suffered after the same manner. Mr. Staly the Goldsmith in Covent Garden, for speaking some Treasonable words, suffered after the same manner. Ireland and Grove were also exe­cuted at Tyburn, and afterwards se­veral Priests, as Gavan, Whitebread, Oli­ver Plunket, and others executed. Also Harecourt, and Blundel. In Oct. Ld. Wil. Powis, Howard Viscount Stafford, Lord Arundel of Wardour, Lord Petre, John Lord Bellasis surrendred them­selves, are sent to the Tower of London, where Lord Petre dyed. Viscount Stafford was beheaded on Tower-hill, and after some years, the rest by the bold Lord Chief Justice Jefferies (when all other Judges r [...]fused) was bayled out Of whose cha­racter and carriage you may see more in 88. following.

In Septemb. in this year 1678. Titus Otes▪ swears to his information be­fore Sir Edmundbury Godfrey. On the [Page 86] 28th. Dr. Tong, Kirby, and T. Otes discover the Plot to the Privy Council: For Tong and Titus there were assigned very good lodgings in Whitehall, a strong Guard, so ma­ny dishes of Meat, and a very consi­derable Pension; however it was not pleasing enough to Otes, for in Ja­nuary after, he tells the Lords in plain terms, that if they will not help him to more money, he must be forced to help himself; he was a man of a haughty spirit and great considence; but his knowledge and honesty were best made known by his Narratives, and several exami­nations before the Lords and Com­mons; and at the Tryals and con­demnations of several persons who suffered death, as you read be­fore in this present year. And it was observed when he went before the House of Commons or any Com­mittee whatsoever, when he had pump'd himself dry, he would tell them, his memory would not serve [Page 87] him any longer at that time; and then at the next time of his appea­rance, he would descend to the bottom of the Plot, and bring new matter every time to be registred for the belief of future Ages. But after some few months, there came in somany new Discoverers (finding good acceptance) into the Plot-Of­fice, as did a little abate the reputa­tion of the old ones, viz. Dugdale, Bedloe, Bolron, Mawbry, Comins, Allen, Dangersield, Zeal, Boice, Prance, Jennings, Everard, Turbervile, young Tong, Smith; Irish Evidences, &c. These would meet by couples or sometimes more, and upon some questions, interrogatories and debates that would arise amongst them, things of small matter of moment would be made great; and impro­babilities made plain truths. Some pieces were made up and brought to perfection, and some laid by, be­ing they could not be hammered out according to their intentions. For [Page 88] the King and Council finding out some of their designs in going too high in their discoveries, thought it high time to turn the torrent of their swift and ambitious proceedings, and so by degrees they dwindled away. And now I must bring to your memory, the most sad and strange murder of Sir Edmundbu­ry Godfrey, a Gentleman of a very competent Estate, and in Commission for the Peace in Westminster and Mid­dlesex, was respected by the King, beloved by his Neighbours, for his Government in the Parish, and his many works of Charity largely and freely distributed to the poor and distressed, in St. Martins in the Feilds. Being wanting four days from his House in Harts-horn Lane, a great noise and rumour there was spread abroad, and great search made for him, but to no purpose, till Octber 21. 6. days after his ab­sence, one Broomwell a Baker, and another with him a Blacksmith, both [Page 89] of St. Giles in the Feilds, coming by accident into Primrose-hill, two miles distant from his own House, they found his body in a sitting posture in a small Ditch, and his own Sword run through it, his Hat and Gloves laid not far from him: the two persons abovesaid gave notice to the Neighbourhood, &c. No Actors in this Murder as yet could be discove­ed, The King. (Car. II.) was pleased to issue out a Proclamation promi­sing a pardon and 500l. to any that should come and make known this bloody fact; this reward of 500l. put some heat into Mr. Wrenn, who applies himself to Bedloe, and tells him one Miles Prance a Silversmith in Prince's Street was wanting, and he believed he was one of the Mur­derers of Sir Edmundb. Godfrey. These two agreed to divide the 500l. and Bedloe presently sets up for a disco­verer, and informs the Privy Council against Prance, who being taken and carried before the King and Council, [Page 90] owns himself guilty, and was com­mitted to Newgate. After a little time he denies it, and said he knew nothing of the murder. The King sends for Prance, and took him into his Closet, and told him, if he would tell him the truth, he would pardon him; if otherwise he should certain­ly be hang'd (these words▪ I had from Prance's own mouth) upon which saying of his Majesty, Prance upon his Knees told the King what he had at first confessed to the Coun­cil was true, that he was guilty with the rest, naming Robert Green, Henry Berry, Laurence Hill, that they murde­red him by the Watergate in Somer­set-House, carrying his body into Dr. Goden's Chamber for five days. Then they put his Body into a Chair, and Prance and another were the first that carried him away, they set him down in the Piazza's in Covent Gar­den, then two others took it up, be­ing two Priests, Kelly and Fitzge­rald, [Page 91] and carried it to the Sohoe, where they left the Chair amongst the buildings, and Green brought a Horse, whereupon his body was set, and Hill behind it, the two Priests on each side to guide it: thus they carried it to Primrose-hill, and left it upon that spot of ground, where it was found. Thus far this relation came out of Prance's Mouth to the writer hereof several times, and he would needs carry me one day to Primrose-hill to shew me the place where the body was left. Those that are not satisfied with this, let them read his first and second Narrative, which give more particulars, and more at large.

But let us look back to see what the Coroners Jury did; super visum corporis two judicious Chirugeons, Mr. Skelhorn and Mr. Cambridge gave in their Opinions, that Sir Edmund­bury Godfrey was murdered, his neck being broken, and beaten also upon [Page 92] his breast with some obtuse weapons, and upon this and some other par­ticulars the Jury brought in their verdict Murder, but the Murderers then was not discovered. Now let us return to Prance, and take notice of his first Confession, and the ef­fect of it. Green, Perry, and Hill were all apprehended, examined, and committed to Newgate, and at their Tryal, upon Prance's Oath and Evidence against them they were found guilty of the murder of Sir Edmundbury Godfrey, and upon Feb. 8. 1678. were executed, all living and dying Papists. Now observe in all this, his own Sword that was thrust through his Body, was never mentioned as the cause of his death, for if that Sword had been made a party by the Owner, it would have equalized the Romances of St. Den­nis and St. Winifrid. Now remem­ber also that Kelly and Fitzgerald the two Priests were at the murder; [Page 93] and they would have run Sir Edm. through with their own Sword, in Somerset-House, but the other Homi­cides would not suffer them; say­ing, the Blood would be a means to discover them. And the abovesaid Mr. Fitzgerald, soon after the mur­der, said, in the hearing of Mrs. James, then living in Katherine-Stree, That the PAPISTS had mur­dered Sir Edmondbury Godfrey, and that it would be their destruction. And when Mr. Edward Coleman heard of the same Murder, he struck his hand on his Breast, with these words, Then we are undone. And now to bring this relation to a period, I shall only add, That Prance always told me, for many years, That what he had so oft declared to me of that murder, was true; and that he would justifie it to the last drop of his blood. And here we must leave him, being now turned. Protestant, till 88, where you may find him a Papist again.

But to proceed, the House desired the King to give Bedloe the 500l. re­ward for his discovery, which Mr. Wrenn had, not long before, put in­to his head. Capt. Bedloe gets the Mony, but contrary to agreement of dividing it betwixt them, the Capt. would not give one crum of comfort to the Wrenn.

There were also, in this year, seve­ral Gentlemen, and others, impriso­ned in the Country, and some brought to London, to see the Tower; but be­ing they neither suffered death, nor were Fined, we shall pass them, and come to a year of more strangeness and wonder than this.

Anno. 1688. This year is ushe­red in with so much wonder, that if it be set down here for a real Histo­ry, not one of a Thousand will be­lieve it; however, it must be left to every ones own choice. Upon the great hopes of the Queen's concepti­on the King orders some of the Bi­shops [Page 95] to make an Order of Thanks­giving, in behalf of the King, the Q. and the Royal Family, upon oc­casion of the Queen's being with Child; which was performed accor­dingly throughout England.

Then followed, by the instigation of the Priests and Papists to the King, a Proclamation was procured for the reading a Declaration (for Liberty of Conscience) in all Churches and Chapels in England: This pro­ved very unhappy to the King, in disgusting his best Subjects, the Church of England; nay, almost the generality of the Non-Cons did not approve of it: The Romans did use their utmost endeavours to promote it, knowing thereby their Religion would be introduced, and extirpate all but their own: the Quakers and Anabaptists did run with the stream; and Will. Penn, the Quakers chief Illuminator, was a daily Sollicitor to the King, and Father Peters his Bro­ther [Page 96] Priest, for Liberty of Consci­ence.

The King, or at least the Priests, being not satisfied, brought the King to put forth a second Declaration to the same purpose: All the Clergy (except some few ignorant, and Po­pishly affected,) stoutly refused to read the said Declaration. The Bi­shops also had a Conference about it, and not finding it consentaneous to their Consciences, but on the con­trary, would open the door to let in all Heresies and Irreligion; and no­thing should have been settled in England, but Slavery, Popery, and Po­verty. The Archbishop of Canterbu­ry, being Dr. William Sancroft, Dr. Kenn, Bishop of Bath and Wells, Dr. Lloyd, Bishop of St. Asaph, Dr. White, Bishop of Peterborough, Dr. Lak [...], Bi­shop of Chichester, Sir John Trelauny, Bishop of Bristol, Dr. Turner, Bishop of Ely

These seven Bishops, on the 8th. of June, applied themselves to His Majesty, by way of an humble Ad­dress, to let him understand, They could not safely, and with a good Conscience, suffer the Clergy in their several Dioceses, to read the said Declaration. The King enraged at this, the said Bishops were all sent to the Tower, and there remained Priso­ners; their Crime being a pretended scandalous Petition to the King, To let him know they could not read the said Declaration, &c. And there they remained to the 15th. day of June, and then was called to the King's-Bench-Bar, and upon their own recognizance, upon 100 l. a piece was Bailed, to appear 14 days after; upon which day, being the 29th. of June, a Jury being sworn, the Indictment read, and argued on both sides by the learned Counsel for several hours, the Verdict was brought in Not Guilty, to the great encourage­ment [Page 98] and comfort of good Christi­ans, and for levelling the pride and insolence of the haughty Papists, and their adherents.

And now 19 days before this hap­py Verdict had delivered the Bishops from their Prisons; I suppose you expect to hear of another delivery, that is, what became of the Queen's Concept—: Now I must beg of you this favour, to remember, that if the Concept—was not believed, the Birth will be as little credited; how­ever, we had it by Tradition, as Pa­pists have most of their Religion, whether Articles of Faith, or mat­ter and form of Worship; and so are imposed upon easie Believers: But if you will be so careful to go to find out the Pope's Infallibility; the inerrability of the Roman Church; the Supremacy of St. Peter's Succes­sors; pardons for sin at a cheap rate; the exact time of blowing up the Fire of Purgatory; praying to Saints [Page 99] long since departed; but a moiety of the Sacrament to the lay People; worshipping of Images, cum multis aliis such-like improbable Follies; af­ter all your pains and enquiries, be forced to take all upon trust, and without any plain mathematical de­monstration, sit down with an im­plicit Faith, and believe, as the Church believes, not contradicting their re­port; for as there was a resolute par­ty did believe, and did also publish it abroad, after the murder of Sir Edmondbury Godfrey committed by others, he was his own selo de se, by sheathing his own Sword in his own Body; yet how far that was congru­ous to reason, let the discreet man give sentence.

Now, after this digression, you may understand, that there was upon the 10th. of June, Anno 1688. ( [...] day long before appointed, and very pre­cisely too, for that purpose,) a Man-child brought forth into the presence [Page 100] of many persons of great Quality, (but of the implicit Faith) Madam Wicks the Mid-wife, or Woman of Honour, being a knowing Artist, and well instructed in such affairs, gave to every one of her own perswasion a full and satisfactory account of the whole matter, from the very begin­ing to the end, That He was the true product of the—forementioned con­ception; and that God by the earnest intercession of the blessed Lady, had heard their Prayers, and granted their desires, in sending them a Son; and, indeed, they knew it was a Son, before the 10th. day of June, above-mentioned; now this tradition was handed about to the great, and in­deed all places in England, by Letters, and otherways: And yet, for all this specious and gilded information, if you would certainly know the truth of this great birth and state, you will be forced to take their tradition, and b [...]lieve it, as they believe it, be it true, [Page 101] or not true; yet, as I said before, eve­ry one is left to his own choice: For if this blind huddled business should have been acted more in the light, and in the presence of Her Royal Highness, the Princess Anne of Den­mark, and other persons of quality, of the Princess's Religion, it would have given full-satisfaction to all, the now unsettled, doubtful, wavering, and ever-disbelieving Persons of Eng­land, and settled a firm belief upon future Generations.

The King, soon after great r [...]jo [...] ­cings, and illuminations for t [...]i [...] n [...]w Deodatus, perceiving, at a distance, a great storm arising in the East, ap­plies himself to raise several n [...]w For­c [...]s of Horse, Dragoons, and Foot; and sends to the Earl of Tyrconnel, then Governour of Ireland, for 4000 or more, of the Irish Foot, which was sent accordingly into England; very likely, and able, and war-like Men, and coming up to London, was very [Page 102] well approved of by all the King's Officers, but the Inhabitants had a prejudice against them, for the Irish had got an ill name, and was not well spoken of; (though to do them Ju­stice) in part of London, and in the City of Westminster, they carried themselves very civilly in their re­spective Quarters. Now it was ob­served by the Politicians of War, that these Irish, sent out of Ireland, from the adjacent parts of Londonderry, did so much comfort and encourage that City, as to make it hold out so long, and to that extremity; and if that 4000 so detached, had remained in Ireland, that City, in all probability and reason, had been either taken, or surrendred to the late King James; who in this Summer 88, had formed a Campaigne on Hounsloe-heath, Horse and Foot, to the number of betwixt 16, or 18000. where we must leave them at present, in their Tents, with their several pieces of Canon, and take [Page 103] notice how the King was equipping his Ships at Sea, to make a formida­ble Fleet, and made choice of the Lord Dartmouth, as a chief Officer to muster up his Seamen, for most of them had a great kindness for that Lord, who made it his business, and gathered up many Seamen, and af­ter a little time manned out several Ships to Sea; but in this time the poor Seamen, being as it were spiri­ted on board, and knew not what cause they were to fight for, they begun by degrees to consider, and at last take the boldness upon them to ask their Captains, upon what de­sign they were upon, and who they must encounter withal. The Captains gave them such dark and aenigmatical answers, as gave them no satis­faction: Upon which some of the Ships whole Crew came upon the Decks, and, as one man, told their several Officers, That they would not fight for the Papists, but always [Page 104] stand for, and maintain the Pr [...]te­stant Religion. Which unhappy news for King James, was carried to him by the Lord Dartmouth. The King was much discomposed with the hearing thereof, but made no great outward appearance about it at pre­sent.

The King's next design was to take off the Penal Laws, and Test, and for that purpose a Parliament was to be called to sit at Westminster; and many crafty Courtiers, being Papists, or so inclined, was, with suitable in­structions, sent down into the seve­ral Countys and Burroughs of Eng­land and Wales, to prepare such Mem­bers as would throw over-board the Test and Penal Laws at one sitting; but this took as little effect as the former, for the King hearing by his Agitators in the Country, how that they could not make a party there prevalent enough to throw down the two Bulwarks, it so was ordered, that [Page 105] the designed Parliament never me together.

Then the King's Council, where Father Peters was always of the Quo­rum, put the King himself to exa­mine those of his menial Servants, and those that held Offices under His Majesty, as the Great Seal, Privy Seal, Secretaries of State, Mr. Attorney, and Mr. Sollicitor-General, the Gentle­men of the Green Cloth, and all the Officers in White-Hall, the Commis­sioners of the Customs and Fire-hearths; these, and many others, were all to give an account of their opini­ons of the Penal Laws and Test, and then being Closeted by the King, they gave in their private verdict in that place; if they would not condescend to take away the two aforesaid Bars, their Offices and Preferments was ipso facto taken from them. By this [...]ly practice many Lords, and Gentlemen, and many other inferior Officers, w [...] cashiered, and many of the red [...] ­ter [Page 106] men substituted in their places: but in all this the King gained but little ground, for the number obli­ged, and the disobliged, were still e­qual.

Yet they would not let the King rest here, but they persuade him to closet all his Judges of Westminster, which accordingly he did, and found some of them according to his wish; the rest stoutly opposed, and was pre­sently displaced, and some mean Lawyers, and mean Persons, but Pa­pists, or popishly affected, mounted up into their seats, at the several Courts in Westminster Hall. By this project the King lost the hearts of his Subjects, for these new Judges were so mean in birth, some in breeding, some in learning, and all of them ignorant of the Law; so that by their illiterate practice the Law was quite buried. For Sir John Maynard, that old Serjeant of the Law, told King William, That if His Majesty had not [Page 107] come, as he had out-lived many good Lawyers, so he should have out-lived the Law it self: And the reason was plain, for these new erected Judges, did all agree in this maxime, That any penal, or statute Law, whatsoe­ver, and though made and confirm­ed by the three Estates, yet the King, by vertue of his Prerogative Royal, had power to dispence with it; and what is that dispensation, but by the arbitrary will and pleasure of the Prince, all Laws are abrogated, and all penalties thereof remitted. And the King taking these Judges opinion in this matter, for good Law, upon this false bottom, the King offered to admit, and many Zealots accepted places both Military and Civil, with­out taking the Oaths and Test, and e­very one under that circumstance is liable to pay 500l. And hereby all Corporations was new transformed, Papists made Mayors and Aldermen, Governours of the Forts and Castle [...], [Page 108] Captains at Sea, Colonels, and other Officers of Land-Forces. Obadiah Walker set up some few weak Prose­lytes at Oxford, in despite of Autho­rity; and, indeed, the Tempest did arise higher, for Magdalen College re­fusing to admit some persons by Mandamus from the King, contra­ry to Law, and the Statutes of their College, were ejected themselves, viz. Dr. Hough, Dr. Fairfax, &c. Magdalen College at Cambridge, had also part of the storm; for not ad­mitting by Mandamus, whereby Dr. Peachel, then Vice Chancell [...]r, was suspended, ex beneficio, during the King's pleasure, being then either President, or Master: Some Clergy were also preserred to [...]ishopricks, viz. Dr. Parker to be [...]ishop of Ox­ford, Dr. Wa [...]son, bishop of Bangor, Dr. Cartwright, Bishop of Chester, by the King's Dispensation, not taking the Oaths and Test. By these ex­amples you may plainly perceive, [Page 109] that the Law was perfectly buried. Not omitting the Reverend Henry Compton, Lord Bishop of London, who was by an arbitrary, and unjust sentence, suspended, ex officio, con­trary to the Canon and Civil Law; and Dr. Sharp, Dean of Norwich, and Vicar of St. Giles's in the Fields, was silenced from Preaching, with­out any form of Law; but indeed was willing to obey his Ordinarie, and so ceased pro tempore, in his Ministerial Function.

In this Year also, the Pope was pleased to send over into England his Nunci [...], Count Dada, a Venetian, a man of great Abilities, and a come­ly Person, being very graciously re­ceived by the King, and highly trea­ted by the Courtiers, well respected by the Ladies of the greatest quali­ties, and by the ignorant Bigots ad­mired and adored, and the more, by reason here had not been one resident among us for above a hundred years, [Page 110] before this time; for the Law is very severe both in receiving or treating any of that nomination: and if an act of Grace had not obliterated most Offences, that great Entertainment in the [...]ity of London, and several other miscarriages, by several persons of good note, had been deeply pu­nished. These are the most remark­able passages which happened in this part of the year, being the latter end of September, and part of October; and now see what follows after.

And for that purpose, pray recall to mind that I told you in some few precedent Pages, That the King per­ceived a great Storm arising in the East, and by this time it was got o­ver the Pampus and the English Seas, and upon the Downs, and so was driven on all along upon our Coasts by Dover, and Portsmouth, and other Ports, 'till it safely alighted, or indeed arrived at Torbay, not many Miles distant from the City of Exeter, upon [Page 111] the 5th. of November; and though it was esteemed, and called a storm by some few, yet it was a most joyful and golden Shower to most People of England; and as that day was for­merly noted under God's great Mercy and Goodness, to deliver us from de­struction intended, by that horrid Powder Plot: This day now will make England truly sensible, that by the same infinite goodness, we are made free from the slavery of Pope­ry, Arbitrary Government, and ma­ny other imminent Judgments, which would undoubtedly have fallen upon us.

And now let me tell you what this happy and joyful arrival was, and first it produced that Magnani­mous, Heroick, Noble, Ʋndaunted, Martial and Victorious William Nassau, Prince of Orange, and Stadtholder of Holland. The Forces that landed with him were as follow, viz.

Foot 10692. Horse 3660▪ In all 14352.

Ships, being Men of War, of the second and third rate, 65. Flyboats 500. Pinks 60. Fire-ships 10. In all 635.

This Fleet and Army, through the coldness of the late season of the year, their long Voyage by adverse Winds, upon the Sea, and perhaps the Prince's first intention to have landed in ano­ther part of the Kingdom, had sustai­ned some loss, and was much weari­ed and weakned, and many was sick, yet was forced to wade through the Water, to some considerable deep­ness, at their Landing. After which the Prince was pleased to march to Exeter, for his head Quarters, the whole Army being there, or very near it, and it being a large and plen­tiful City, sufficient Provisions was made for the Prince, and all his For­ces; the Prince stayed there some Days, expecting hourly, with great [Page 106] impatience what Nobility, Gentry Gentry and other Forces would re­sort to him, and join with his Army: after some few days, before his hopes was quite withered, there ap­peared in his Royal Presence, the Lord Colchester, the Lord Cornbury, &c. Colonel Godfrey and others; and by degrees several other Lords and Gentlemen, who carried along with them very good and effectual men, to augment the Army; and as the Prince advanced, his Army increased. This news came present­ly to King James from the first land­ing, who was daily and hourly pre­cisely informed of their several Movements and Advances toward what places. But the main design of the Prince was b [...]lieved by all for London, which sell out accor­dingly.

The King in the junctu [...]e of these affairs was in gr [...]at amasement; for some of his Army, nay some of his [Page 114] Life-Guard had deserted, and went over to the Prince; yet the King trusted to his Army, especially to the Irish, the rest being English, some Scotch and some few French, being all mustred together with several Trains of Artillery drawn out of the Tower; and in a Martial manner marched away on the Roads towards their Enemies: the Prince likewise doing the same in hopes to encounter with them after a little marching; but in his marching, the Prince was pleas­ed to put forth several Declarations, whereby the end and intentions of the Prince's coming into England with his Army was fairly and clear­ly discovered to the people, and with such satisfactory reasons there­in inserted, that all on a sudden the people desired his Royal presence, especially in London and Westminster, both being places convenient to turn the Tyde of Affairs, if there had been any occasion. Within six days the [Page 115] Kings Army was marched to Salis­bury, the chief Rendezvouz, the Princes Army being about 20 or 30 miles distant from them; and there happened betwixt several of their Parties and Forlorn-hopes some small encounters and skirmishes, but very few taken or slain of either side; the Kings Army or at least the main Body lay still at and about Sarum; the Princes Army drawing nearer to that place, insomuch that the King daily expected a Battle; but on a sudden the Scene was changed; for a Rumour only coming to the King, that the Prince's Army was ready at hand to fall upon his, the King forthwith without calling a Council of War, or any other consideration, left them in great hast and disorder, and returned to London: the Army being thus deserted by the King; whether for want of a good Cause, for the love they bore to the Pro­testant Religion, or their good will [Page 113] and opinion for the Prince of Orange. Besides, an Order given to the Earl of Feversham for their Disbanding, the great expected Battel was ended be­fore it begun, the Kings Army flying away, or at the best easily retreat­ing, when no enemy pursued after them; it seemeth they had read or at least heard of Mr. Hobbs's self-pre­servation.

This supposed terrible Army being removed, leaving the Roads very clear and quiet, for the Prince's Horse to march at their leisure, and come for London, which by easie Marches in few days was accompli­sh [...], to the great joy and rejoying of England. But before his Highness would arrive at White-hall, to pre­vent disorders by tumults or other­ways, which might have been raised by the Romanists and other disaffected persons residing, and busying them­selves in and about London and West­minster, he was pleased to send three or [Page 117] more Lords to the King, that he would be pleased to withdraw his person, and his Guards to Windsor, or any other place, where his Maje­sty should make choice of. And withall upon the word of a Prince his Majesty should be secured from all fear and danger. This mes­sage came to the King about 11. or 12. a Clock in the Night, which being delivered, the King presently prepared himself, and withdrew into Kent, with a party of his Guards to Rochester. This was his first leaving White-hall, December 10th, and go­ing to Feversham in Kent, was re­taken and brought back to London in great state, and rejoycing by his Subjects, and the Prince did appoint some of his own Guards, half Pro­testants and half Papists, which lat­ter went to Mass with him, and had liberty to go where he pleased; the Guard being charged by the Prince to that very purpose. The Priests [Page 118] thinking themselves in a snare, (which indeed did of right belong to them) made the King very uneasie, and perswaded him to go away a second time, which was done 18. Decemb. and going into Kent with his Guards which the King himself commanded, took shipping with a party with him, dismissing his Guards; whom by gratuities he requited, and so sailed into France without any distur­bance. Now let any indifferent and unbyassed person judge if the King was forced by any rough or unmannerly means or actions to leave his Kingdom, being upon 23. of December. His Queen with her new found out Relation went away from White-hall, upon Decemb. 9. accompanied with Count Dada, Fa­ther Peters and some Ladies of Ho­nour, and Gentlewomen to wait upon her person, with good store of Household-goods, Jewels and Treasure; and also landed safely in [Page 119] France, where the French King was pleased after his compliments passed, to provide for her according to her Royal quality.

The King going away, as I told you upon the 18. day. Upon the same day the Prince entred into St. James Palace: his whole Army marching with him increased by this time to above 20000, and being very much wearied by their long marches, and the winter Season, was all (except sufficient Guards) sent into winter Quarters, into the adjacent Coun­ties, but especially Southwark, West­minster and the Suburbs were filled with sufficient numbers of them.

The Army being thus provided with Quarters, the Prince was pleased to assemble a General Council consist­ing of Lords Spiritual and Tempo­ral, Gentlemen, and Lawyers, in which Assembly the Prince was de­sired to send out his several Precepts to all Counties, Cities and Borough-Towns, [Page 120] in England and Wales: these precepts was directed to the several Co­roners in their respective Counties (for at this time the Sheriffs of most Coun­ties were not setled) and as these Coroners, so the Mayors and Sheriffs of Cities and divers Corporations were required to give notice to all in their several Jurisdictions at cer­tain days prefixed, and at such places as they should judge convenient, and there to make choice of Able Persons, and Gentlemen of known integrity, to appear such a day at Westminster, in th [...] two Houses of Parliament, which accordingly was performed, and received the Nomi­nation of a Convention.

But b [...]fore this meeting, the Prince was pleased to send for over into England his Royal Consort Mary Prin­cess of Orange; this Convention af­ter some weeks, taking into conside­ration the distracted and unsetled condition of the Nation, wanting [Page 121] a Head, and power to restore the said Nation into its pristine Glory and Safety, by the advice of the best Lawyers and Statesmen, and by search of many former Precedents, wherein it did plainly appear, that in all reason, this Convention so gene­rally chosen by the consent of the Commons of England, might be sti­led the Parliament of England to all intents and purposes. And accor­dingly, under that denomination, all matters of State, and concerns of the Publick, were transacted.

And taking into their considerati­on the departure of King James out of the Kingdom, after many argu­ments Pro and Con. it was agreed, that by such departure out of the Kingdom, without any compulsion, but his own free accord, he had abso­lutely abdicated his Kingdom; and it was absolutely necessary, the Crown should be conferred on the next law­ful Heir, which was, without any fur­ther [Page 122] arguing, adjudged to be M [...]ry Princess of Orange.

Nevertheless the Parliament, wise­ly searching into the State of the Kingdom, into what great dangers it was relapsed, both by reason of open Enemies and seeming bosom-Friends at home, the Devilish In­treagues of that deadly hater of Chri­stians, and almost all Mankind, Lewis the French King; for preventing these mischievous designs now on Foot against England, Scotland and Ireland, it was Voted by Both Hou­ses of Parliament, Nemine contradi­cente, that the Prince of Orange should be invested in the Crown, with his Lady, and so made King and Queen of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, with all other Dominions thereunto belonging, and they were immediately Proclaimed at Whitehall-Gate, Temple-Bar, and the Royal Exchange, with the usual Solemnities, and with great signs [Page 123] of rejoycing and satisfaction to all sober People; and then Proclama­tions were sent down into all the Counties of England to the same purpose, which was performed with great joy and alacrity, as appeared by their many Bonsires, Ringing of Bells, and several other demonstrati­ons of gladness: they would take up several Sheets of Paper if they were to be fully mentioned in this small Treatise; and for the Coronation of this blessed Pair, it falls not un­der my figure. Yet I hope the Readers Patience will hold out till April 11th, in the next ensuing year, where in other Writings he may be sure to satisfie himself in the truth of the whole Proceedings.

Scotland knowing very well all the several transactions of England, and being well approved by them, take the same measures, and tread in the same steps, calling together the States of the Land, being the Nobility, Gentry, and other Degrees [Page 124] amongst them, and being assembled, were likewise named a Convention, and afterwards a Parliament, who presently addressed themselves to our King, and humbly beg'd his Protection, and Proclaimed William and Mary their King and Queen ac­cording to the Scottish Custom, and after a little time came to London, tend [...]ing their Crown by Commissi­oners to their Majesties, which was accepted very graciously.

Poor distressed Ireland however, the major (but in the genuine sence) the better part thereof, would have willingly and chearfully followed the former Examples of England and Scotland, but the Commands of the late King James, the crafty Projects of the French King, the fly Per­swasions of the Irish Priests closely and hourly made—and applied to the Earl of Tyrconnel, then Lord De­puty, or at least Governour of Ire­land, he also hoping by his not sub­mitting to gain great Honour and [Page 125] Preferment; if not the whole Coun­try for his own proper use and be­nefit; but therein he [...]ight easily perceive his errour, for Iewis that aspi [...]ing Monarch had design'd it long before to be annexed to his Flower de luces, but the poor Irish Harp would have caused but doleful Mu­sick to the Hibernians; yet a melo­dious tune to the wooden shoo'd French, which would presently have bin dan­cing in that Country; however the reasons before mentioned, m [...]de Tyrconnel▪ so obstinate, that with what Forces, and that little Courage he was possessed of, to defend and preserve Ireland for his two M [...]sters: what the event was, some few years will tell you, however this light you shall have at present, that things pro­ved quite contrary, after several Conflicts and Battels, to his expecta­tion.

But let us return into England, and there behold how many potent Ene­mies the King had secured in seve­ral [Page 126] Prisons for the security of Their Majesties Persons, and the Kingdoms Welfare, Peace and Happiness, viz. George Jefferies Baron of Wem, and Lord High Chancellor of England, the Earl of Peterborough, the Earl of Salisbury, the Lord Castlemain, the Lord Preston, the Earl of Feversham, the Lord Chief Justice Wright, Ba­ron Jenner, Sir Edward Hale, for­merly Governour of Dover, and after Lieutenant of the Tower of London; and let Miles Prance, the Silver-Smith, a timely Discoverer, have the honour to be taken at Gravesend, with a false Pass, and there committed to Prison by the Secretary of War, when he intend­ed to pass the Seas. There were many more persons of high and low rank taken into custody, but by reason their Deliverances or Tri­als hereafter will make them more publick, I shall at present omit them all, except Dr. Obadiah Walker, the Proselyte-maker at Oxford, who was [Page 127] sent to the Tower of London, but not amongst the Records to make search for the place of Purgatory; but foretell his own fortune, either by calculating his Nativity, by the often Singing of his Ave Maria, or numbring his Beads at their appoint­ed Seasons, whether by day or night▪ but let Obadiah rest, being accounted but one of the small—

There were also in this Juncture of time many persons secured in se­veral Counties of England, alway [...] having an eye and great care of the Red Letter-men, and of those ho [...] headed-persons that took places of Trust and Commissions from the late King James, never regarding the Penal Laws and Test; the Priests like­wise were apprehended as soon as discovered, yet not many, for know­ing their sins to be of a dark colour, they would not abide the reckoning, but went off with the next Oars.

Also about this time the King was vigilant over his Army that served [Page 128] under the late King James, not suffe­ring any of them at present to come for London, especially in any great Parties, but sent them into several Parts and Counties of England, by degrees modelling of them a new; first breaking the old Regiments both of Foot and Horse, &c. and then formed them into new Bodies, so as to take away all suspicion of their disloyalty to their King, which per­haps was unjustly cast upon them; however by this honest Stratagem of War, all the known Papists, and those that appeared disaffected to the King and Government, were quite cashiered; and then the King was so well satisfied with the remaining part, that they were sent to White­hall, and took their Guard-days in the same manner (as they had for­merly) part of that Army which came out of Holland, being of the Guards there, were either all, or in part, removed from that Station.

By this time the Reader may be pondering with himself, that there is an absolute necessity for great Sums of Money, not only for defraying the charge of the Fleet that brought the King and his Army over into England, but likewise the vast ex­pence and charges which our English Fleet and Army had brought upon the Nation; and these two Fleets and two Armies united, and all to be paid by one Master, would in a short space of time rise and multiply to an incredible account.

The Parliament taking this and o­ther matters of the like nature, being of great concern, into their conside­ration, after mature deliberation; Voted several Sums for that pur­pose to be raised, viz. by additio­nal Excise of Ale, Beer, some small Branch of the said Revenue, being ready to drop down, was by a new A [...]t reunited, also a Land-Tax at 12 d. per Pound was Enacted by Parliament; the Customs and se­veral [Page 130] other Duties belonging to the Crown, were by the said Authority, confirmed and settled upon the King and Queen.

The Affairs of the Kingdom now being in a hopeful way of Settle­ment, as so small a time had bin al­lowed for so great a change, and new modelling both of Persons and Offi­ces, the King and Parliament in all matters very well concurring; the King was pleased amongst other of his favours and elemency, to declare he would stand by, and defend the Protestant Religion, the Church of England as by Law established, to his utmost power against all opposers whatsoever; and withal care should be taken for the Non Con's, and dif­fering Opinions, the Kings gracious pleasure being thus published, made all his Subjects to be filled with joy, admiration and liberality to that de­gree, that the Citizens of London, of their own accord, proffered to lend the King what Money His Majesty [Page 131] pleased, and almost in an instant, great and vast Sums of Money were brought into Guildhall, and that Ci­tizen thought himself the most hap­py which was the first leader, and brought the biggest Bags; for which at present, they were very willing to accept of the Kings word for their several securities.

The King by this time, being the latter end of March, having got in­to possession some money, but that which equalized, or rather exceed­ed it, the affections of his People; would have bin very happy toge­ther by his peaceable Reign over his Subjects here in England, had not the Rebels in Scotland and Ireland by the fair promises of Rewards and Preferments of the late King James and Lewis the 14th of France, bi [...] instigated, and hurried into Arms and bloody Wars against this King William; so that both Scotland and Ireland wanted his assistance, and being willing and ready, the King re­solved [Page 132] to reduce them both to his obedience; but this Year being drawn to its period, and my figure to be out of date, because I will not leap into another, but conclude my Eighty Eight, a Year full of Won­ders and Changes, yet in hopes it will be the introducer of England's Glory, and do verily believe, that future Generations will call it hap­py, because it restored Our Lives, Religion, Laws and Liberty, and I desire it may make us all truly thankful to him who was the be­ginner and finisher of so great and good a work.

By this time the Reader may give this account, that any man of rea­son being 58 years of Age in this Year of Jubilee 1688. may demon­strate and make it plainly appear to others of younger dates, that he has lived under Eight Governours and Governments, viz. In the Reign of King Car. I. Car. II. James II. Wil­liam and Mary, and is truly called [Page 133] Monarchy, then under the power and Tyranny of two persons Regal­wise, in respect they were single per­sons, and had the power of Calling and Dissolving Parliaments, making War and Peace, to condemn or save guilty Malefactors, Robbers and Rebels; and indeed Oliver's power did much exceed that Authority which King Charles I. did take upon himself; yet this Oliver and his short-Reign'd Successor Richard, wanted the Crown, the Royal Title of a King, and were content to enjoy the Nomination of Protectors, with this addition upon the Great Seal of En­gland inscribed, By Divine Provi­dence, &c.

He then was under the arbitrary will and disposal of Parliaments, ends and pieces, formerly called the Rump Parliament, which in the last eight Years of King Charles I. were the sole Lords and Rulers of England, raising War against their King, and likewise great Funds of Money, which was [Page 134] also raised by imposition of the first Excise of Ale and Beer in England, and not only publick but every pri­vate House paid for all the Beer they brewed and consumed; the Butchers in all places paid so much for a Cow, or Heifer, a Bull or Ox; so much a Calf, and also for Sheep; and six pence in the pound for all Woollen Cloth that was made and fold; and there was an imposition upon Salt, and several other things in this Na­tion. This Domus Communis, for brevities sake Dom. Com. Voted down the House of Lords, called the Upper House, and Voted them­selves the Supream Power of the Nation, and this was performed by an intrinsick vertue, and an occult quality latent in their unknown Prerogatives, their Ordinances were more efficacious than our Acts are in these days.

A blind Order from a beggerly Committee would fetch up a Delin­quent, put him into Prison, take his [Page 135] Estate, and no Appeal to be made, but at Goldsmiths or Haberdashers-Hall, and there your composition was made upon such hard terms, that the poor Cavalier was forced to sell part of his Estate to save the rest, and this punishment was inflicted up­on those that out of a Principle of Loyalty took up Arms in defence of their Prince and Country; let us pass by the two Aping and counter­feit Kings, Oliver and his Son and Successor Richard; only tell you, that the former would whip a Par­liament out of the old House in a moment, and because he would have an able Parliament, he caused his own men, as well Troopers as Offi­cers, to be chosen Members there­of.

Let us not forget Barebon's Parlia­ment, that zealous Leather-seller, who was taking care by bringing his Bills into the House to extirpate the Fa­mily of the Stewarts, Root and Branch. How he came by the name of Praise-God-Barebones, [Page 136] is uncertain, but some of the Family has informed me, that the Constable and Watchmen of St. Martins Ludgate were his Godfa­thers: however I am in hopes, that before he departed this life he re­pented of his bad actions, and for the Act of Grace did truly Praise God, or else, Fare ill Barebones.

Then a Committee of Safety was appointed to regulate and govern this poor tossed Commonweal, much distempered, and so much out of Order, that this new-formed Com­missioned Company knew not how to behave themselves in their New Corporation, only made some small offers of Reformation, and of setling a firm peace to their simple and ig­norant Admirers; put out their new lights, seeing they could proceed no farther, every man dissolved his own individual body, and retreated into the old Dom. Com. and there stayed till General Monk came out of Scot­land for London, and played a new [Page 137] Game with them, and made the law­ful King, Charta Dominatrix, to rule over all the rest. These last four Milcellanies Hotchpotch Gallimawf [...]y Governments, at least so called, must be denominated Democracy, being a fu [...]ious and confused Government of the uncertain and dissatisfied People of England, this last Page had been omitted, not falling under my figure, but it gave clear demonstrations how to bring in 48 and 58. Their dark actions being discovered in these in­tervals, I judged they might seasona­bly in this place be interposed. And now Reader, having brought thee, according to my promise, under the figure of 8 to the year 1688, I leave thee there, and bid thee Meditate on what was acted therein, and heartily▪ wish that the remembrance of that 88, may admit no