True information of the beginning and cause of all our troubles how they have been hatched, and how prevented. Wherein vvee may see the manifold contrivances and attempts of forraigne and home-bred enemies, against the Parliament, kingdome, and purity of religion. And how all their endeavours whether by force or fraud, never prospered. A work worthy to be kept in record, and to bee communicated to posterity.

True information of the beginning and cause of all our troubles how they have been hatched, and how prevented. Wherein vvee may see the manifold contrivances and attempts of forraigne and home-bred enemies, against the Parliament, kingdome, and purity of religion. And how all their endeavours whether by force or fraud, never prospered. A work worthy to be kept in record, and to bee communicated to posterity.

Table of contents

Title page

True Information of the beginning and cauſe of all our troubles, how they have bin hatched and how prevented.

1 Parliament

2 Parliament.

3 Parliament.

4 Parliament.

5. Parliament, Anno 1640. Novemb. 3.

July 1641.

Anno 1641. Octob. 23.

Anno 1642.

Anno 1643.

1645.

1645.

1646.

1646.

1647.

§

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TRUE INFORMATION OF THE Beginning and Cauſe of all our troubles: how they have been hatched, and how prevented.

WHEREIN VVe may ſee the manifold contrivances and attempts of forraigne and home-bred Enemies, againſt the Parliament, Kingdome, and purity of RELIGION. AND How all their Endeavours whether by Force or fraud, never proſpered.

A Work Worthy to be kept in Record, and to bee communicated to POSTERITY.

The people that will not underſtand, ſhall fall.

LONDON, Printed in the Yeare 1648.

True Information of the beginning and cauſe of all our troubles, how they have bin hatched and how prevented.

[Page]

1 Parliament

1. IN the firſt yeare of King Charles his Reign, a Parliament being called at Oxford, two ſubſidies were granted, no grievances removed, but the ſaid Parliament ſoone diſſolved.

2 The ſad effects which the diſſolution of this Parliament produced, were the loſſe of Rochell, by the unhappy helpe of Englands Ships.

3 The diverſion of a moſt facile and hopefull warre from the Weſt-Indies, to a moſt expencive and ſucceſſeleſſe attempt on Cales.

4 The bloody and unbleſſed attempt on the Iſle of Ree, and thereby a precipitate breach of peace with France, to our great loſſe.

5 A peace concluded with Spaine, without conſent of Parliament, contrary to a promiſe formerly made to the Kingdome, by King James, a little before his death; whereby the Cauſe of the Palatinate was altogether moſt ſhamefully deſerted by us.

6 The Kingdome ſuddenly billetted with Souldiers, and a concomitant project ſet on foot for Germane Horfes to force men, by feare, to fall before arbitrary and tyrannicall taxations, continually to be laid upon them.

2 Parliament.

7 The diſſolution of a ſecond Parliament at Weſtminſter, in the ſecond yeare after a declarative grant of no leſſe then five Subſidies, and the ſad iſſues that flowed to the Kingdome thereupon.

8 As firſt, the violent exacting from the people of that mighty ſumme of the five Subſidies, or a ſumme equall to it by a Commiſſion for a Royall-Loan, as it was called.

9 Many worthy Gentlemen impriſoned and vexed, that refuſed to pay it.

10 Great ſummes of money extorted from Subjects by Privy Seals and Exciſes

11 The moſt hopefull Petition of Right, blaſted in the very bloſſome of it.

3 Parliament.

12 A third Parliament called, and quickly broken in the fourteenth yeare of the King, and therein Parliamentary priviledges extreamly violated by after illuſage of ſome of the beſt and worthieſt Members thereof, who were clapt up cloſe priſoners, denied all ordinary and extraordinary comforts of life, and preſervation of health, which might have proved perpetuall to them, had not a fourth Parliament (which afterward happened) neceſſitated their releife and releaſe.

[Page] 13 And this third Parliament thus diſſolved, O the miſerable effects that followed thereon alſo.

14 Scandalous and opprobrious Declarations publiſhed to aſperſe and beſmeare the proceedings of the laſt Parliament, and ſome of the beſt Members thereof; yea, Proclamations ſet out to thoſe effects, thereby extreamly to diſ-hearten the Subjects, yea, and plainly forbidding them once to name a Parliament, or to deſire them any more.

15 VVhence, immediately guſhed out (this damme of Parliaments thus being broken down) the violent inundations (even to a deluge of miſeries) of mighty ſummes of money, got by that ſtrange and ſtraining project of Knight-hood; yet, under a faire colour and pretence of Law for it, and for all the reſt that followed.

16 As, the moſt burthenſom Book of Rates; the moſt heavy and unheard of (till then) taxation of Ship money; the enlargement of Forreſts, contrary to Magna Charta; the injurious taxation of Coat and Conduct money; the forcible taking away of the Trained-Bands Armes; the deſperate deſigne of ingroſing Gunpowder into their hands and keeping it faſt from the Subject in the Tower of London, not to be had thence but at moſt exceſſive rates.

17 The deſtruction of the Forreſt of Dean, that moſt famous Magazine, and Timber-ſtore-houſe of the whole Kingdome, which was ſold to Papiſts.

18 The monſtrous Monopolies of Sope, Salt, Wine, Leather, and Sea-coal; yea, almoſt of all things in the Kingdome of moſt neceſſary and common uſe.

19 Reſtraint of Subjects Liberties in their Trades and Habitations; for refuſall of which foreſaid heavy preſſures, many were vext with long and languiſhing ſuites, ſome fined and confined to priſons, to the loſſe of health in many, of life in ſome; Some having their houſes broke open, their goods ſeized on, their ſtudies or cloſets ſearched for writings, bookes, and papers, to undoe them; Some interrupted alſo in their Sea-Voyages, and their ſhips taken from them, in an hoſtile manner, by projectors, as by pirates, or common enemies.

20 The cruſhing cruelties of the Star-Chamber-Court, and Councill Table, in thoſe dayes, chiefly, for the fomenting and increaſing of moſt exorbitant taxations, preſſures and unjuſt ſuit, againſt the Subject.

21 Thus farre for the miſeries of the Common-Wealth; now alſo for the Churches danger, and diſtreſſe, the amazing miſeries of the Subjects Conſciences alſo, by the intolerable burden of Popiſh Ceremonies, Romiſh Innovations and ſuch like other outrages of the Arch Prelate of Canterbury, and his Prelaticall Agents and Inſtruments, over the whole Kingdome, in matters of religion, divine worſhip, and ſpirituall caſes of Conſcience.

22 The moſt palpable and abominable Romiſh Ceremonies uſed at the Kings Coronation, and inſolent and impious, falſe and deſtructive additions in the Oath adminiſtred to the King, at his ſaid firſt Inauguration to the Crowne, by that moſt arrogant Arch-Biſhop.

23 And the manifold other impious impoſitions in matters of religion, divine worſhip and ſpirituall caſes of Conſcience; for refuſing and oppoſing of which, how was the honeſt-hearted and tender-conſcienced ſubject, grievouſly oppreſſed by fines, impriſonments, ſtigmatizings, mutilations, whippings, pillories, gagges, confinements and baniſhments; yea, and that, into perpetuall cloſe impriſonments [Page] in the moſt deſolate, remote, and (as they hoped and intended) remorſleſſe parts of the Kingdome.

24 The putting downe, yea, utterly ruinating of that moſt famous aud honourable worke, that ever this Kingdom ſaw, in a private way, for the advancement of Gods glory in the propagation of the Goſpel, I mean, the Feoffees for buying in of Impropriations; Noy, the (then) Atturney-Generall, openly in Court, accuſing that bleſſed worke to bee a worſe plot againſt the Church (he meant the Prelaticall-Church ſure,) than the Papiſts Powder-plot

25 The advancing (for the moſt part) none, to Ecclefiaſticall Dignities and Livings but Arminians; yea, Popiſh hearted Pontificians; Suſpending, and ſilencing with deprivations, degradations, and excommunications, almoſt all the moſt pious, painful and Orthodox-learned Paſtours over the Kingdom, whom they could catch in their ſnares, and all this under a pretence of peace, unity and conformity; in which foreſaid caſes, the High-Commiſſion (like the Spaniſh-Inquiſition) with its moſt pregmaticall pranks, was all along, moſt intolerable and abominable.

26 Printing-preſſes, ſet open for the Printing and publiſhing of all ſorts of Popiſh and Arminian tenets; but, ſhut up and reſtrained from Printing, ſound and Orthodox Doctrines.

27 Nay, not onely thus lamentably▪moleſted us at home in England; but attempted the like on our brethren in Scotland, indeavouring to impoſe upon their conſciences alſo, a New Liturgie, and a booke of Canons, upon the firſt introducing whereof into their Church, they not induring them, threw ſtones and ſtooles at the Arch-Biſhop of St. Andrews head, and beat him out of the Church, crying out a Pape, a Pape, and ſo rid themſelves of them.

28 Upon which refuſall of theirs, O what foule calumnies and ſcoffes were immediatly caſt upon them, and they called and counted rebels and traytors; yea, ſo proclaimed in all Churches in England.

29 An Army was alſo raiſed to oppreſſe and ſuppreſſe them, for thus reſiſting the Arch-prelates moſt injurious impoſitions on them.

A mighty and tumultuous riſing of Apprentices and young men, in Southwarke and Lambeth ſide, with clubs and other weapons eſpecially at the Arch-biſhops houſe, which put him into ſuch a fright, as made him flye to Croyden, to convey himſelfe to ſome more private and remote place, and although Pharoahs Magiſians were ſo honeſt, that at the fight of the duſt of the earth turned into lice, they cryed out it was the finger of God, but he grew more and more outragious, and cauſed one to be hanged and quartered, and his head ſet on London-Bridge.

30 Our Brethren of Scotland likewiſe raiſing an Army in their own juſt defence, and by force of armes, inforcing their owne peace.

31 A firſt pacification being then made by the King, and ſome of his Nobility, and ratified under hand and Seal twixt them and the Scots; yet was it ſhortly after ſhamefully violated, and broken quite off by the Arch-prelate of Canterbury, and the Earle of Straford, and burnt by the hangman at the Exchange.

4 Parliament.

32 A fourth Parliament was thereupon ſhortly after called again, by thoſe complotters meanes, but to a very ill intent, and another Parliament ſummoned alſo at the ſame time by the Earle of Straford in Ireland, both of them onely to levy and [Page] procure monies to raiſe another Army and wage a new War againſt the Scots.

33 The Ships, and goods of our Brethren of Scotland, were, in all parts and ports of this Kingdome, and of Ireland, alſo ſurpriſed and ſeized on for the King; their Commiſſioners denyed audience to make their juſt defence to the King, and the whole Kingdome of Scotland and England too, hereupon much diſtracted and diſtempered with leavying of monies, and impriſoning all among us that refuſed the ſame.

34 This Parliament alſo refuſing to comply with the King, Canterbury and Straford, in this Epiſcopal war againſt the Scots, was ſoon diſſolved & broken up by them and thereupon they returned to their former wayes of waſte and confuſion, and the very next day after the diſſolution thereof ſome eminent members of both Houſes, had their Chambers, and Studies, yea, their Cabinets and very pockets of their wearing cloathes (betimes in the morning before they were out of their beds) ſearched for letters and writings, and ſome of them alſo impriſoned, and a falſe and moſt ſcandalous declaration was publiſhed againſt the Houſe of Commons in the Kings name.

35 A forced Loan of money was attempted in the City of London, to be made a preſident (if it prevailed there) for the whole Kingdom, but ſome Aldermen refuſing, were ſorely threatned and impriſoned.

36 In which interim, the Clergies Convocation continuing (notwithſtanding the diſſolution of the Parliament) new conſcience-oppreſſing Canons were forged, and a ſtrange Oath, with a monſtrous &c. in it, was framed for the eſtabliſhing of the Biſhops Hierarchy, with ſevere puniſhments on the refuſers to take it.

37 In this Convocation ſore taxations were alſo impoſed upon the whole Clergie, even no leſſe than ſix Subſidies, beſides a bountifull contribution to forward that intended war againſt our brethren of Scotland.

38 For the advancing of which ſaid ſummes for this war, the Popiſh pontifician party, and their ſcandalous prieſts were moſt free and forward; yea, and a ſolemn prayer was compoſed, and impoſed by the Biſhops on their Miniſters every where to be uſed and read in all Churches againſt the Scots, as rebels and traytors.

39 The papiſts alſo in a high meaſure enjoyed even almoſt a totall toleration; and a Popes Nuncio ſuffered amongſt us to act and govern all Romiſh affaires, yea, a kind of a private popiſh-parliament kept in the Kingdom, and popiſh juriſdictions, erected among them.

40. Commiſſions were alſo (ſecretly) iſſued out for ſome great and eminent papiſts, for martiall Commands, for levying of Souldiers, and ſtrengthening their party with Armes and Ammunition of all ſorts, and in great plenty.

41. His Majeſties treaſure was by theſe meanes ſo extreamly exhauſted, and his revenues ſo anticipated, that he was inforced to compell (as it were) his own Servants, Judges, and Officers of all ſorts, to lend him great ſummes of money, and priſons filled with refuſers of theſe and the other illegall payments; yea, many High-Sheriffes ſummoned into the Star-chamber, and to the Councel-Board, and ſome of them impriſoned for not being quicke enough in levying of Ship money, and ſuch like intolerable taxations.

42. In ſumme, the whole Kingdome was now brought into a lamentable and languiſhing condition of being moſt miſerably bought and ſold to any that could [Page] give and contribute moſt of might and malice againſt us, and no hope of humane help, but dolour, deſperation and deſtruction, to be the portion of all.

43. In which interim, our Brethren of Scotland being entered into our Kingdom, for their owne juſt defence, the King had advanced his Royall-Standard at Yorke, where the creame of the Kingdome, Nobles, and Gentry, being aſſembled, and a Treaty betwixt the prime of both Armies had at Rippon, for a faire and peaceable accommodation, the King was, at laſt, inforced to take his Nobles counſel, and in

The Arch-Prelate of St Andrewes in Scotland reading the new Service-booke in his pontificalibus aſsaulted by men & Women, with Crickets ſtooles Stickes and Stones.

The riſing of Prentiſes and Sea-men on Southwark ſide to aſsault the Arch-biſhops of Canterburys Houſe at Lambeth▪

[Page] the firſt place, a ceſſation of Armes agreed on; and then this fifth preſent Parliament, (the Parliament of Parliaments,) was neceſſitouſly reſolved on▪ to begin, November 3▪ 1640.

5. Parliament, Anno 1640. Novemb. 3.

44. But, behold, a deſperate plot and deſigne was herein alſo, immediately ſet on foot, to ſpoyle or poyſon it in the very Embrio and conſtitution of it, in the firſt choyce of the Members thereof, by Letters from the King, Queen, malignant and Popiſh Earles, Lords, Knights, and Gentry, poſted into all parts of the Kingdome, to make a ſtrong party for them; But, by admirable divine providence, this their plot was counterplotted, and wonderfully fruſtrated, and the Parliament moſt hopefully congregated and ſetled.

45. Shortly after, a very formidable Spaniſh-Fleet, or Armado, appeared on our Engliſh narrow Seas, in ſight of Dover, and was comming in (as was, on very ſtrong grounds, more than probably conjectured) as a third party, to help to deſtroy us; the Spaniards hoping, that by this time, we and the Scots were together by the eares, but they were by Gods mercy, beaten off from us by our Neighbours of Holland. And we fighting againſt them, we fought againſt our friends.

The Souldiers in their paſſage to Yorke, turn Reformers, pul down Popiſh pictures, breake downe rayles, turne altars into tables, and thoſe Popiſh Commanders, that were to command them, they forced to eat fleſh on Fridayes, thruſting it downe their throats, and ſome they ſlew.

46. In the time of ours and the Scots Armies reſiding in the North, which was in June 1641. the popiſh and malignant Lords and Prelates, fearing the effects of this preſent Parliament, complotted together to diſaffect that our Engliſh Army againſt the Parliament, and endeavoured to bring it out of the North, Southward, and ſo to London, to compell the parliament to ſuch limits and rules as they thought fit.

July 1641.

At the beginning of the parliament there was a diligent inquiſition after oppreſſions, and oppreſſors, and firſt upon the petition of Miſtris Bastwick, and Miſtris Burton, two widowed wives, and a petition exhibited in the behalfe of Mr. pryn, Dr. Laighton, Mr. Smart, Mr. Walker, Mr. Foxley, Mr. Lilborn, and many others, ſet at liberty, ſome being baniſhed, and all cloſe priſoners, others faſt fettered in irons, and their wives debarred from comming to them.

We the Knights, Citizens, and Burgeſſes of the Commons Houſe in parliament, finding, to the great griefe of our hearts, that the deſignes of the prieſts and Ieſuits, and other adherents to the See of Rome, have of late beene more boldly and frequently put in practiſe than formerly, to the undermining and danger of the ruine of the true Reformed proteſtant Religion, in his Majeſties Dominions eſtabliſhed: And finding alſo that they have been, and having juſt cauſe to ſuſpect that there are ſtill, even during this ſitting in parliament, endeavours to ſubvert the fundamentall Laws of England and Ireland, and to introduce the exerciſe of an Arbitrary and Tyrannicall government, by moſt pernicious and wîcked councels, practiſes, plots, and conſpiracies: And that the long intermiſſion, and unhappy breach of parliaments, hath occaſioned many illegall Taxations, whereupon the Subject [Page] hath beene proſecuted and grieved: And that divers Innovations and Superſtitions have beene brought into the Church; multitudes driven out of his Majeſties Dominions, jealouſies raiſed and fomented betwixt the King and his people, a popiſh Army levyed in Ireland, and two Armies brought into the bowells of this Kingdome, to the hazzard of his Majeſties Royall perſon, the conſumption of the Revenues of the Crowne, and Treaſure of this Kingdome: And laſtly, finding great cauſe of jealouſie, that endeavours have beene, and are uſed to bring the Engliſh

The Souldiers in their paſsage to York turn unto reformers pull down Popiſh pictures, break down rayles▪ turn altars into Tables▪

the Engliſh and Scotts Armies at firſt ready to fight, lovingly embrace each other & part kinde freinds▪

[Page] Army into a miſ-underſtanding of this Parliament, thereby to incline that Army with force to bring to paſſe thoſe wicked Counſels, Have therefore thought good to joyne our ſelves in a Declaration of our united affections and reſolutions, and to make this enſuing Proteſtation.

The Proteſtation.

I A. B. Doe in the preſence of Almighty God, Promiſe, Vow, and Proteſt, to maintaine and defend, as far as lawfully I may, with my life, power, and eſtate, the true Reformed Proteſtant Religion, expreſſed in the Doctrine of the Church of England, againſt all Popery and Popiſh Innovations within this Realme, contrary to the ſame Doctrine, and according to the duty of my Allegiance, his Majeſties royall Perſon, Honour, and Eſtate; as alſo the power and priviledges of Parliament; the lawfull rights and liberties of the Subject, and every perſon that maketh this Proteſtation, in whatſoever he ſhall doe, in the lawfull purſuance of the ſame. And to my power, and as farre as lawfully I may, I will oppoſe, and by all good wayes and meanes endeavour to bring to condigne puniſhment, all ſuch as ſhall either by force, practice, councels, plots, conſpiracies or otherwiſe, doe any thing to the contrary of any thing in this preſent Proteſtation contained. And further, that I ſhall in all juſt and honourable wayes endeavour to preſerve the union and peace between the three Kingdomes of England, Scotland, and Ireland; and neither for hope, feare, nor other reſpect, ſhall relinquiſh this Promiſe, Vow, and Proteſtation.

The Earle of Straffords Speech on the Scaffold. May 12. 1641.

MY Lord Primate of Ireland, (and my Lords, and the reſt of theſe Gentlemen) it is a very great comfort to me, to have your Lordſhip by me this day, in regard I have been knowne to you a long time, I ſhould be glad to obtaine ſo much ſilence, as to be heard a few words, but I doubt I ſhall not; my Lord, I come hither by the good will and pleaſure of Almighty God, to pay the laſt debt I owe to ſinne, which is death, and by the bleſſing of that God to riſe againe through the merits of Chriſt Jeſus to eternall glory; I wiſh I had beene private, that I might have been heard; My Lord, if I might be ſo much beholding to you, that I might uſe a few words, I ſhould take it for a very great courteſie; My Lord, I come hither to ſubmit to that judgement which hath paſt againſt me, I doe it with a very quiet and contented minde, I doe freely forgive all the world, a forgiveneſſe that is not ſpoken from teeth outward (as they ſay) but from the heart; I ſpeake it in the preſence of Almighty God, before whom I ſtand, that there is not ſo much as a diſpleaſing thought in me, ariſing to any creature; I thank God, I may ſay truely, and my Conſcience beares me witneſſe, that in all my ſervices ſince I have had the honour to ſerve his Majeſty in any imployment, I never had any thing in my heart, but the joynt and individuall proſperity of King and people; if it have beene my hap to be miſconſtrued, it is the common portion of us all while we are in this life, the righteous judgement is hereafter, here we are ſubject to errour, and apt to be miſ judged one of another; there is one thing I deſire to cleare my ſelfe of, and I am very confident, I ſpeake it with ſo much clearneſſe, that I hope I ſhall have your Chriſtian charity in the beliefe of it; I did alwayes ever thinke the Parliaments of England, were the happieſt Conſtitutions that any Kingdome or any Nation lived under, and under God the meanes of making King and people happy, ſo [Page] far have I beene from being againſt Parliaments; for my death, I here acquit all the world, and pray God heartily to forgive them; and in particular, My Lord Primate, I am very glad that his Majeſty is pleaſed to conceive me not meriting ſo ſevere, and heavy a puniſhment as the utmoſt execution of this ſentence; I am very glad, and infinitely rejoyce in this mercy of his, and beſeech God to turne it to him, and that he may finde mercy when he hath moſt need of it; I wiſh this Kingdome all the proſperity and happineſſe in the world; I did it living, and now dying it is my wiſh, I doe now profeſſe it from my heart, and doe moſt humbly recommend it unto every man here, and wiſh every man to lay his hand upon his heart, and conſider ſeriouſly whether the beginning of the happineſſe of a people ſhould bee written in letters of blood; I feare you are in a wrong way, and I deſire Almighty God that not one drop of my blood may riſe up in judgement againſt you.

(My Lord) I profeſſe my ſelfe a true and obedient Son to the Church of England, to that Church wherein I was borne, and wherein I was bred; proſperity and happineſſe,, be ever to it: and whereas it hath been ſaid that I have inclined to popery, if it be an objection worth anſwering, let me ſay truly, that from the time ſince I was one and twenty yeares of age, till this houre, now going upon 49. I never had thought in my heart, to doubt of the truth of my religion in England; and never any had the boldneſſe to ſuggeſt to me the contrary, to the beſt of my remembrance; and ſo being reconciled to the mercies of Chriſt Jeſus my Saviour, into whoſe boſome I hope ſhortly to be gathered, to thoſe eternall happineſſes that ſhall never have end. I deſire heartily the forgiveneſſe of every man, both for any raſh or unadviſed word, or deed, and deſire your prayers: And ſo my Lords farewell, farewell all the things of this world: Lord ſtrengthen my faith, give me confidence and aſſurance in the merits of Chriſt Jeſus. I deſire you, that you would be

The Earle of Strafford for treaſonable practiſes beheaded on the Tower-hill▪

[Page] be ſilent and joyn in prayers with me; and I truſt in God that we ſhall all meete, and live eternally in heaven, there to receive the accompliſhment of all happineſſe, where every teare ſhall be wiped from our eyes, and every ſad thought from our hearts: And ſo God bleſſe this Kingdome, and Jeſus have mercy upon my Soule. Amen.

47 For the advancing of which deſigne, the Earle of Straford, then priſoner in the Tower, attempted an eſcape, with Sir William Belfore, then Leiutenant of the Tower, promiſing and aſſuring him twenty thouſand pound, and the marriage of his daughter to Sir Williams Son, if he would but conſent unto and aſſiſt his eſcape; but Sir William hated ſuch bribes, and ſo the neck of all that plot was broken.

48 Then, they attempted by foule and falſe ſcandals on the Parliament, to intice the Army of the Scots, (then, ſtill in the North) to a newtrality, and to ſit ſtill whiles our Engliſh Army acted the farther deſignes hatched and hammered ſtill in their heads and hearts but this plot prevailed not neither.

Anno 1641. Octob. 23.

49 About this time, that inhumane bloody rebellion and monſtrous maſſacring of almoſt 200000 innocent Engliſh Proteſtants, men, women and children, brake out in Ireland, namely, about October 23. 1641. Theſe accurſed Rebels having had their principal encouragements and Commiſſions to authorize them in that horrid and hideous rebellion from the Court of England, and of purpoſe to have made England the chiefe ſeat of the war, and all the papiſts, prelates, and malignants utmoſt wrath and rage.

50 For the ſtill effecting of this deſigne, the malignant party in private, much prevailing ſtill; the deſigne now went on, chiefly againſt the City of London, for which purpoſe, the Leivtenant of the Tower, Sir William Belfore, was (for his loyalty) diſplaced by the King from his Leivtenantſhip, and popiſh Lord Cottington, made Conſtable of the Tower; but his dangerous deſignes being ſoone diſcovered, he was as ſoone diſplaced; and Collonell Lunsford, was made Leivtenant of the Tower; But, he alſo by the Parliaments petition and importunity to the King, was diſplaced; and Sir John Byron, a deſperate malignant (who afterward proved the moſt bloody Lord Byron, in Cheſhire) was made Leivtenant of the Tower, in Lunsfords ſtead, but he alſo, on many juſt jealouſies being petitioned againſt, was at length, with much adoe removed and put out thence, and Sir John Coyners, by the power of the parliament, was put in his place.

To the KINGS moſt excellent Majeſty, and the LORDS and PEERS now aſſembled in PARLIAMENT. The humble Petition and Proteſtation of all the Biſhops and prelates now called by His Majeſties Writs to attend the Parliament, and preſent about London and Weſtminſter for that Service.

THat whereas the Petitioners are called up by ſeverall and reſpective Writs, and under great penalties to attend the Parliament, and have a clear and indubitable right to vote in Bils, and other matters whatſoever debatable in Parliament, by the ancient cuſtomes, Laws, and Statutes of this Realm, and ought [Page] to be protected by your Majeſty, quietly to attend and proſecute that great Service. They humbly remonſtrate and proteſt before God, your Majeſty, and the Noble Lords and Peeres now aſſembled in Parliament, that as they have an indubitate right to ſit and Vote in the Houſe of Lords; ſo are they, if they may be protected from force and violence, moſt ready and willing to performe their duties accordingly. And that they doe abhominate all actions or opinions tending to popery and the maintainance thereof; as alſo all propenſion and inclination to any malignant party, or any other ſide or party whatſoever, to the which their own reaſons, and conſcience ſhall not move them to adhere. But, whereas they have beene at ſeverall times violently menaced, affronted and aſſaulted by multitudes of people, in their comming to perform their ſervices in that honourable Houſe, and lately chaſed away, and put in danger of their lives, and can finde no redreſſe or protection, upon ſundry complaints made to both Houſes in theſe particulars. They likewiſe humbly proteſt before your maieſty, and the Noble Houſe of peers, that ſaving unto themſelves all their rights and intereſts of ſitting and voting in that Houſe at other times, they dare not ſit or vote in the Houſe of peers, untill your Maieſty ſhall further ſecure them from all affronts, indignities and dangers in the premiſes. Laſtly, whereas their feares are not built upon phantaſies and conceits, but upon ſuch grounds and objects as may well terrifie men of good reſolutions, and much conſtancy. They doe in all duty and humility proteſt before your majeſty, and the peers of that moſt honourable Houſe of parliament, againſt all Laws, Orders, Votes, reſolutions, and determinations, as in themſelves null, and of none effect, which in their abſence, ſince the 27. of this inſtant month of December 1641▪ have already paſſed; as likewiſe againſt all ſuch as ſhall hereafter paſſe in that moſt Honourable Houſe, during the time of this their forced and violent abſence from the ſaid moſt

The High Commiſsion-Court and Starr-Chamber voted down, and pluralities & non reſidencies damned by Parliament.

[Page] Honourable Houſe; not denying, but if their abſenting of themſelves were wilfull and voluntary, that moſt Honourable Houſe might proceed in all their premiſes, their abſence, or this proteſtation notwithſtanding. And humbly beſeeching your moſt Excellent maieſty to command the Clerke of that Houſe of peers to enter this their petition and proteſtation among their Records.

They will ever pray to God to bleſſe, &c. Jo. Eborac. Tho. Dureſme, Rob. Co Lich. Joſ. Norw. Jo. Aſa. Guli. Ba. & Wells. Gco. Heref. Rob. Oxon. Ma. Ely, Golfr. Glouc. Jo. Peterburg. Morris Landaff.

52 The Biſhops alſo had a peſtilent plot about this time, to ſubvert and overthrow the Parliament, by indeavouring to get the King to proteſt againſt their proceedings in it; But twelve of them were thereupon preſently impeached of high treaſon, and ten of them impriſoned in the Towre of London, and afterward, they were all diſabled from ever ſitting againe in the Parliament.

Biſhops Voted downe root and branch: Nullo contradicente, inſomuch that the Citizens of London the ſame night, made bonfires, and had ringing of bels. And for the better ſecuring the City within, as well as without, the Parliament publiſhed an Ordinance, thereby injoyning all Popiſh Recuſants, inhabiting in and about the City, all diſ affected perſons, and ſuch as being able men, would not lend any money for the defence of the Commonwealth, ſhould forth with confine themſelves to their owne houſes, and not to go forth without ſpeciall licence, as they would anſwer it at their perills, to the Parliament.

Another Ordinance was ſent to the Lord Major, by which the Trained Bands were authoriſed to apprehend many of the prime and richeſt malignants, diſ▪affected perſons in the City, whereof were four [...] Alderman put in ſafe cuſtody, in Crosby houſe and ſome in Greſſam Colledge.

53. About which time, a Letter was ſent to Mr. John Pym, (a moſt eminent Member of the Houſe of Commons) a moſt reviling Letter, therein calling him Traytor, and in the ſaid Letter incloſed a plague-ſore plaiſter, thinking thereby to have deſtroyed him; But, God mightily preſerved him from the infection of it.

54. After this, the King himſelfe (being guarded with about 500. armed, ruffianly deſperate Cavaliers or Souldiers) violently ruſhed into the Houſe of Commons, accuſed five of their moſt eminent Members of Treaſon, demanded their perſons to be delivered up unto him, intending to deſtroy all that reſiſted him therein, but c [...]oſt by the happy abſence of the Gentlemen; this plot was attempted, Januar. 4. 1641.

Anno 1642.

55. After this, one Binion, a Silkman of London, and the Kentiſh malignants, wherein Sir Edward Deering had a principall hand, framed dangerous and deſtructive petitions againſt the proceedings of the Parliament; but were both moſt juſtly rejected, and themſelves fined and impriſoned for them.

56. Immediately after this, things grew ſtill worſe and worſe among the malignants, the King himſelfe in unjuſt diſcontent (by the deſperate counſell of the young Lord Digby) forſakes the parliament, and getting the Prince to him, leaves London, and preſently poſts into the North, and there attempts to get Hull into his [Page] hands, but was happily prevented and bravely oppoſed by Sir John Hotham, then, in that time of his outward and ſeeming fidelity.

57. The King being at Yorke, interdicts the Militia, then, ſet on foot, by the Parliament, for their iuſt ſafety and defence; and endeavouring to remove the Terme from the City of London, but in both is oppoſed by the Parliament, and the meſſenger hanged.

58. The Lords and Gentry of Ireland and of Scotland too, petition the King to

At Ege-hill 16 peeces of Can̄on ſhot againſt 80 of E: of Eſſex Liffegard & not one man hurts, & thoſe 80 brake in vpon 1600 of the Kings, 4 of the Parliā: Reg: ran away, & 16 troops of Horſe, ſo wee wayre 6000 & they 18000, yet wee tooke the Standerd & Cleſte Sr: Ed: Varney Standerbearer in the head & Slew the Lord Lindſey Generall of the Fielde.

The Queene when ſhee went ouer beyond Seas▪ one of her Shipes where ſhee had a greate Treſury Sprung a Leake & much was last and Spoyled, and when ſhee returned for England, ſhe had a mighty Storme at Sea; brake the Mast of van Trumpe-Ship and after 8 dayes boystrus turmoyle, she was driuēn backe againe, there was broke and laſt [...] Ships of Amunition and they that were driuen bake uere almost ſtarved▪

[Page] to returne to his parliament, yea and the Gentry and Commons of Yorkſhire do the like, butare all reiected.

59. The King ſet on foot a moſt illegall Commiſſion of Array, to claſh againſt the parliaments Mili ia, which occaſioned much miſchief and miſery over the whole Kingdome, but the parliaments Militia prevailed in moſt places and parts of the land.

60. Three letters were intercepted, diſcovering a moſt deſperate plot againſt the parliament by the royaliſts, Commiſſary Wilmot, Ligby, Jermine, Crofts, and others, which by Gods mercy failed them and came to nothing, but we in taking ſome of their ſhips were advantaged thereby.

61. Sir Richard Gurney, then Lord Major of the City of London, proving a deſperate malignant and Array man, was croſt in his deſires, and clapt up priſoner in the Tower of London, by the power of the Parliament.

62. Proclamations and Declarations againſt the Parliaments proceedings were Printed and publiſhed, and commanded to be read in all the Churches and Chappels over the whole Kingdome within the Kings power.

63. Sir John penington, a brave Sea-man, but a deſperate malignant, was conſtituted Admirall of the Seas, for the Kings ſervice, but diſplaced and diſpoſſeſſed thereof by the parliament; and the moſt noble and loyall Earle of Warwicke (notwithſtanding the Kings Letters and command to interdict him therein, and to give way to penington) being put in by the power of the parliament, and poſſeſſed of the Ships, kept and continued in the place and office for the parliaments ſervice.

64. Hull beſieged by the Marqueſſe of Newcaſtle for the King; and in that interim one Beckwich a knowne papiſt, plotting to have betrayed it, by firing it in foure ſeverall places, and then aſſaulting it; yet Hull, by Gods mighty providence was preſerved▪ and the King after much loſſe of men and money, enforced to forſake it.

The Citizens of London voluntarily proffered their ſervice to attend and guard the parliament by land to Weſtminſter, to ſecure them from danger.

By Water alſo the ſtout Shipmaſters and marriners, likewiſe made ready a great number of long-boats, furniſhed with Ordnance, muskets, and other Sea-like warlike inſtruments, their veſſels alſo gallantly adorned with Flagges and Stremers, together with martiall muſicke, Drums and Trumpets, ſo as it was a rare ſight, and when they came to White hall, and underſtood that the parliament Worthies were ſafely arrived, the Trained Bands by Land, and the valiant Sea-men by Water, let flye their thundering ſhot both ſmall and great, their Trumpets ſounding, and their Drums beating, in a triumphing and congratulating manner, a ſingular teſtimony of their cordiall affections.

The very ſame day, a numerous company of Buckinghamſhire men, both Gentlemen, Miniſters, and others of that County on horſebacke, with their proteſtations in their hats▪ partly in behalfe of their Knight of the Shire, but eſpecially to petition the parliament, for Reformation of evills in Church and State, and to aſſure their beſt ſervices and aſſiſtance to the parliament, on all juſt occaſions, and out of Eſſex, Hartford, Berkſhire, Surrey, and other Counties of the Kingdome came, one after another.

65. The Earle of Eſſex was ordained Lord Generall over all the parliaments [Page] Forces, for the preſervation of the Kingdome, which he faithfully managed, eſpecially at Edge bill and Newbery and other places, can abundantly witneſſe.

66. A plot to have blowne up all the Lord Generalis Magazine of powder, and another at Beverley in Yorkſhire, to have ſlaine Sir John Hotham, both intended by one David Alexander▪ and hired thereunto, but both timely prevented.

67. Commiſſions granted to Popiſh Recuſants to leavy men and armes againſt the Parliament; but the Parliament publiſhed a Declaration or Proteſtation to the whole world, of their juſt proceedings therein.

68. The King received the moſt bloody Iriſh Rebels petition, and permitted their perſons with great favour and allowance about him; calling, and counting them good Catholicke Subjects; but utterly rejecting the petition (exhibited by the Lord Generall) deſiring peace and reconciliation with him.

69. A Treaty of peace was really intended by the Parliament, but meerly pretended for a while, tranſacted by the Royaliſts; in which interim, that moſt bloody bickering at Brainford, was committed by the Kings party, a piece of villany carried on therein, but (though with much loſſe on both ſides, but eſpecially on theirs) by Gods great mercy the miſchiefe prevented, and the City of London mightily preſerved.

70. A dangerous plot againſt the Kingdome, in new High-Sheriffes, for the better collecting of the 400000 li. Subſidies, intended to have been confirmed to the King in a former Parliament; but, that plot croſt by providence, and an Ordinance ſet on foot for the ſucceſſefull aſſociation of Counties for mutuall defence one of another, againſt regall injurious taxations and oppreſſions on them.

71. A deſigne of the Royaliſts at Oxford and elſewhere, to proceed againſt the priſoners as Traitors, and ſo to put them to death; by which Dr. Baſtwick Captaine

a Letter ſent to Mr Pym,

Mr: Pym, doe not think that a guard of men can protect you if you perſist in your traiterous Courſes and wiked deſignes▪ I have ſent a Paper-meſsenger to you, and if this does not touch your heart, a dagger ſhall ſo ſoon as I am recouered of my plagueſore: In the meane time you may be forborn, becauſe no better man may be endangered for you Repent, Traitor

[Page] Lilburt, were to have beene tryed for their lives, but preſently by an Ordinance for execution of a Lex talionis, and ſo of executing the royall priſoners among us.

Anno 1643.

72. A notable plot againſt the City of London, imediately upon the Cities preferring a petition to the King, by the hands of two Aldermen, and foure Commoners of the ſaid City, in reply to which petition▪ the King ſending as his meſſenger, one Captaine H [...]rn to the City, and the whole body of the City aſſembling at a Common Hall, this Hern deſires Faire play above board of them; But the buſineſſe being found to be a notable deſigne of the malignant-Citizens againſt the Parliament and the (then) Lord Major of London, and the Government of their City, the major cry out in the hearing of Hern▪ they would live and dye with the parliament, and ſo ſent Hern away with a flea in his care.

73. Another plot contrived at Oxford, by a Letter ſent to all the Freemen▪ Iourneymen and Apprentices, of the ſaid City to aſſemble at their ſeverall Hills; and there the Maſters and Wardens of all Companies to read the Kings Letter to them, and to perſwade them to yeeld to all the Kings commands againſt the City; but this Letter was croft in the necke and nicke of it, and voted to be evill and ſcandalous.

74. A plot alſo to betray Briſtol into the Royaliſts hands by one Yeomans and Bowcher, and divers other their aſſociates; but diſcovered, two principall conſpirators were by Martiall Law condemned and hanged.

75. Cheapſide-croſſe, Charing croſſe, and all other Croſſes, in and about London utterly demoliſhed and pulled downe, and that abominable and blaſphemous booke of tolerating ſports and paſtimes on the Lords dayes, voted to be burnt, and ſhortly after accordingly burnt, together with many Crucifixes and popiſh trinckets and trumperies, in the very ſame place where Cheapſide-croſſe ſtood, and at the Exchange.

76. Mr. Pryn ſent by the Parliament to the Towre of London, to ſearch the Arch prelate of Canterburies chamber and ſtudy there, where he was priſoner, who accordingly ſearching his ſtudy, and his pockets of his wearing cloaths (a juſt requitall of his dealing with Mr. Pryn and others) found the originall Scotch Service booke, with the Arch-biſhops owne hand-writings in it, the cauſe of all the Scots wars; and his Diary, Devotions, and diſcoveries under his own hands of matters of high concernment.

77. The City of London to have been betrayed into the hands of the Royaliſts, under a pretence of a petition for peace, plotted by Mr. Waller, a Member of the Houſe of Commons, M. Tompkins, M. Challenor, and others; and this plot, termed by King Charles in his Letter to the Queen, one of his Fine Deſignes; But Waller one of the prime complotters, was by the ſentence of the Parliament fined 10000 l. in his eſtate, and ſent out of the Kingdome into perpetuall baniſhment, and Tompkins and Challenor hanged in London.

78. The breaking of Sir John Hothams rotten heart and infidelity to the Parliament, in his attempted plot for the betraying of that mighty ſtrong Town of Hull into the Queens hands, which treachery was plotted and contrived between Sir John the father, Captaine Hotham his ſon, and Sir Edward Roades, and began to be ſuſpected by Sir John Hothams deſerting of the noble Lord Fairfax, by an intercepted [Page] letter of the Queens to the King, and divers other ſumptomes of it, but eſpecially by Captaine Moyers letter to Mr. Ripley, and Mr. Ripley's faithfull acquainting the Major of Hull therewith, and their firſt ſeizing on the Block-houſes, Caſtles, and Commanders of them▪ and at length their apprehending of the perſons of Sir John Hotham, and Sir Edward Roades, for which treachery Sir John Hotham and Captaine Hotham his Son was alſo apprehended, and both of them beheaded at the Tower of London.

The 2 of May 1643. the Croſſe in Cheapeſide was pulled downe▪ a Troope of Horſe & 2 Companies of foote wayted to garde it & at the fall of the tope Croſſe drom̄es beat trū pets blew & multitudes of Capes wayre throwne in the Ayre & a greate Shoute of People with ioy, the 2 of May the Almanake ſayeth, was the invention of the Croſſe, & 6 day at night was the Leaden Popes burnt▪ in the place where it ſtood with ringinge of Bells, & a greate Acclamation & no hurt done in all these actions.

10 of May the Boncke of Sports upon the Lords day was burut by the Hangman in the place where the Croſſe ſtoode, & at Exchange.

[Page]

§

Die Mercurij May 10. 1643,

By vertue of an Order of the Houſe of Commons, and agreeable to a Bill paſſed by both Houſes of parliament, for ſuppreſſing of divers innovations in Churches and Chappels, this Committee doth require you, and every of you▪ to take away and demoliſh every Alter or Table of Stone within your Church or Chappell and to remove the Communion Table from the Eaſt end of the ſaid Church or Chappell, and to place the ſame in ſome other convenient place of the body of the ſaid Church or Chappell, and to remove and take away all Tapers, Candleſticks, and Baſons from the Communion Table, and to take away and demoliſh all crucifixes, croſſes, and all Images and pictures of any one or more perſons of the Trinity, or of the Virgin Mary, and this Committee doth further require you to demoliſh all crucifixes, croſſes, Images or pictures of any one or more perſons of the Trinity, or of the Virgin Mary, upon the outſide of your ſaid Church or Chappell, or any open place within your pariſh▪ Whereof you are to give an account to this Committee, before the 20 day of this moneth.

To the Church-Wardens of the pariſh of, &c. and every of them.

79 A deſperate plot for the betraying of the City and Towne of Lincolne▪ by the two Purfries, two Captains of Hull, who let in 60 Cavaliers by night, in diſguiſed habits, and who iſſuing out about 12 of the clocke that night, to act their deſigne, where a plain fellow of the Town diſcharging a peece of Canon upon them, ſlew 10 of them at one ſhot, the reſt ſlaine and taken by the cen [...]inels and Sou [...]ers of the Towne, and ſo by Gods mercy the City preſerved.

80 The Queen wrote a dangerous letter to the King, to come with all his force to ſurprize London; but by Gods over power wiſdome and good providence, the King refuſing that councell reſolved to take Glouceſter firſt, which he fiercely aſſaulted, but was as bravely repulſed, and by Gods bleſsing on Major Gener [...]l Maſſies fidelity, timely aide comming to relieve the Towne, it was admirably freed, and by the Lord Generalls Army, and the City of London Regiamen [...] delivered.

81 A deſperate rebellion raiſed by the Kentiſh malignants, but by Gods mercy timely ſuppreſſed about Tunbridge, by the valour of Collonell Brown, and the welaffected Gentry of the County of Kent▪

82 A Ship bound from Denmark to the King, of about 300 tun, richly laden with armes and ammunition; another Ship bound from Newcaſtle to Holland, laden with Sea-coale, but in the midſt thereof was found between 3 or 4000 li. hid in the coales, ſent to buy armes for the King; a third great Ship called the Fellowship, of at leaſt 400 tun, carrying 24 peeces of Ordn [...]nce, all theſe [...] ſhips taken by the parliaments ſhips, and made prize of.

83 The comming in of our brethren of Scotland with an army of at leaſt 20000 horſe and foot, invited thereunto by the parl. in the bitter depth of winter, when they marched up to the middle in ſnow, and were forced to bring their Artillery over the Ice of the frozen river of Tyne, and the Citizens of London lent the Parliament a 100000 li. for the Scots firſt pay, to encourage their advance to helpe us againſt the Kings forces.

[Page]

§

On Tueſday the 23 of May, 1643.

The Houſe of Commons diving into the depth, and ſearching to the root of the Kingdomes great and grievous diſtractions, and deepe diſtempers, and finding that all Papiſts in the Kingdome, have (for the moſt part) been main and moſt eminent yea, and moſt virulent actors, and abetters, of this preſent moſt unnaturall warre againſt the Parliament, and that therefore they ſhould be proceeded againſt as traytors to the State and Kingdome, and thereupon alſo having juſt cauſe to ſearch and ſee into the prime and principall head or leader of that perfideous faction, fell neceſſirily

23 May. 1643. Voted that the Queene Pawning the Iewells of the Crowne in Holland & there with buying Armes to aſſiſt the Warr againſt the Parlamt & her owne actuall performances with her popiſh army in the North was high Treaſon & tranſmited to the Lords▪ images, Crucifixes papiſtorall bookes in Somerſet and Jameses ware burnt and Caphuchin friers ſent away

May 1643 an ordinance for the makeing of Fortes, Tronches, and Bull workes, about the Cittie, Iuly-1-43. the Aſſembly of Diuines mett Dr. Jwiſs Prolocutor. 120: the totall May [...] Challen or and Tomkins were hangd for ſeekeing to betray the Cittie.

[Page] into a long and ſerious debate, touching the proceedings of the Queen, in her late being in Holland, and ſince her late coming back into the north of England, not onely in her countenancing, and incouraging, her aiding, and aſſiſting the preſent civill war, but in her actuall performance in the ſame to foment and advance it to the utmoſt ruine (as much as in her was) of our Religion and whole Realine, for all which, and many other ſuch like miſdemeanours, it was debated, and at laſt fully agreed, that ſhe was as liable to the cenſure of the Law, as any Subject in the Kingdome, whereupon it was put to the queſtion, whether the Queenes pawning the Jewels of the Crown in Holland, and therewith buying Armes and Ammunition, to be ſent into England, to aſſiſt the ſaid war againſt the Parliament, and her own actuall performances, with her Popiſh Army in the North, were not high Treaſon, and it was reſolved moſt unanimouſly by the whole Houſe for the affirmative, afterward it being alſo put to the queſtion, whether they ſhould forthwith declare their intentions to proceed againſt her by impeachment of high Treaſon▪ this alſo was immediatly reſolved for the affirmative, and Voted that Articles of impeachment ſhould be ſpeedily drawne up againſt her, which Votes the Houſe of Commons tranſmitted to the Lords for their aſſent.

The Biſhop of Canterburies firſt prayer on the Scaffold, 10 Jan. 1644.

O Eternall God and mercifull Father, looke downe upon me in mercy, in the riches and fullneſſe of all thy mercies, look upon me, but not till thou haſt nailed my ſins to the croſſe of Chriſt, looke upon me, but not till thou haſt bathed me in the blood of Chriſt, not till I have hid my ſelfe in the wounds of Chriſt, that ſo the puniſhment that is due to my ſins may paſſe away and go over [...] and ſince thou art pleaſed to try me to the uttermoſt, I humbly beſeech th [...]e, give me now in this great inſtant, full patience proportionable comfort, a heart ready to dye for thine honour, and the Kings happineſſe, and this Churches preſervation, and my zeale to theſe, far from arrogancy be it ſpoken, is all the ſin, h [...]mane fralty, excepted, and all incidents thereunto, which is yet known of me in this particular, for which I now come to ſuffer, I ſay in this particular of Treaſon, but otherwiſe my ſins are many and great, Lord pardon them all, and thoſe eſpecially whatſoever they be which have drawn down this preſent judgement upon me, and when thou haſt given me ſtrength to [...]eare it, then doe with me as ſeemes beſt in thine owne eyes, and carry me through death, that I may look upon it in what viſage ſoever it ſhall appear to me; and that there may be a ſtop of this iſſue of blood in this more then miſerable Kingdome; I ſhall deſire, that I may pray for the people too, as well as for my ſelfe: O Lord, I beſeech thee give grace of repentance to all people that have a thirſt for blood, but if they will not repent, then ſcatter their devices ſo, and ſuch as are or ſhall be contrary to the glory of thy great name, the truth and ſincerity of Religion, the eſtabliſhment of the King, and his poſterity after him, in their juſt rights and priviledges, the honour and conſervation of Parliaments, [...] their ancient and juſt power, the preſervation of this poore Church, in her truth, peace and patrimony, and the ſettlement of this diſtracted and diſtreſſed people, under the ancient laws, and in their native liberties, and when thou haſt done all this in mercy for them, O Lord, fill their hearts with thankfullneſſe, and with religious dutifull obedience to thee and thy Commandements all their dayes: So Amen, Lord [Page] Jeſus, and I beſeech thee receive my ſoul to mercy. Our Father, &c.

The Biſhop of Canterburies laſt prayer on the Scaffold.

Lord I am comming as faſt as I can, I know I muſt paſſe through the ſhadow of death before I [...] come to ſee thee, but it is but um [...]ra mortis, a meere ſhadow of death, a little darkneſſe upon nature, but thou by thy merits and paſſion haſt broke through the jaws of death; ſo, Lord, receive my ſoule, and have mercy on me▪

Sr. Alexander Carow, Sr. Iohn Hotham, Captin Hotham & the Arch Biſhop of Canterbury, beheaded on Jowerhill for Treaſon againſt the Parliament 1645.

The Great Seale broken before the Lords and Commons on Tuſday the 11 Auguſt 1646

[Page] and bleſſe this Kingdome with peace and plenty, and with brotherly love and charity, that there may not be this effuſion of Chriſtian blood amongſt them, for Jeſus Chriſt his ſake, if it be thy will. And when he ſaid, Lord receive my ſoule, which was his ſign, the Executioner did his office.

84 A deſperate plot of the Royaliſts to ſtarve up the City of London, by breaking into Surry, Suſſex, Kent, and the other aſſociated Counties, but diſappointed by the Parliaments Victories at Aulton and Alſford, fought by Sir Walliam Waller, with the help of the City of Londons Regiments; and the Royaliſts plots to hinder our brethren of Scotlands comming in to our helpe, by letters and Embaſſadors ſent from France, and meſſengers from King Charles to inveagle them to help from us; but all in vaine by Gods good providence and [...] to [...].

85 The King granted a ceſſation of armes with the bloody rebels of Ireland, and afterward juſtified it by a Declaration of his, printed and publiſhed at Oxford▪ but it was remarkeably obſerved, that he never proſpered in any of his great deſigns after that.

86 A Solemn League and Covenant taken by the Lords and Commons in Parliament, and by the City of London, and all parts of the Kingdome, in the Parliaments power, for a pure reformation of Religion and Church Government, and a mutuall defence betwixt us and our brethren of Scotland.

87 A notable plot by the Royaliſts to have Nottingham Town and Caſtle, betrayed unto them, the Officers therein being proffered above 10000 li. to conſent to it; but prevented by Colonell Hutchinſon, who was the Governour thereof.

88 A Generall plot againſt the Proteſtant Religion over all Chriſtendome, and the Danes and Hollanders alſo, but God wrought a mighty overture therein by the ſudden breaking out of the Danes plot againſt the Swedes, and their over-running almoſt all Denmark thereupon, that he could do nothing.

89 A deſperate plot againſt the City of London, under a pretence of petitioning for peace, acted by Sir Baſil Brook, Colonell Read, and one Mr. Ripley, & Vilet, 2 Citizens of London, and others, but diſcovered and prevented.

1645.

90 Two deſperate plots for the betraying of Alsbury into the Royaliſts hands; and another againſt Southampton, but all three timely diſcovered alſo, and prevented.

91 One Mr. Edward Stanford, a Papiſt, plotted with Captain Backhouſe a Capt. of Horſe, under Colonell Maſſie for the betraying of the city of Gloceſter into the Enemies hands, and proffered 5000 li. for a reward thereof, 200 li. whereof was paid in hand to the ſaid captaine, but by Gods providence the plot fruſtrated, and Glouceſter ſafely preſerved.

92 Englands great wonder to Gods glory, there being (about May 30 1644.) ſix brave armies in this Kingdome, on the Parl. ſide, and other forces for defence of the city of London, beſides.

[...]3 A plot to have betrayed our whole Army in Cornwall in the Weſt, but by Gods bleſſing moſt of the Souldiers lives were preſerved, though with the loſſe of our Artillery.

95 Sir Alexander Carew, Sir John Ho ham, captain Hotham and the Arch▪prelate of Canterbury beheaded on Tower-Hill for treaſon againſt the Parliament.

[Page] 95. A peace onely pretended by the Royaliſts at Uxbridge, and a treacherous petition framed by the malignants of Buckingham ſhire, wherein one Sir John Lawrence of that County was a great ſtickler, but the miſchiefe of both was fruſtrated.

96. A deſperate aſſault on Melcomb-Regis, to have betrayed it into the Royaliſts hands, wherein divers of the malignant Townſmen had a principall hand, and Colonell Goring and Sir Lewis Dives, were agents therein, but the plot was fruſtrated, the Towne and Forts recovered, and two ſhips with rich prize from Rhoan in France, were ſeized on to make amends for their trouble.

1645.

97. Divers Earles and Lords forſooke Oxford, and came in and ſubmitted themſelves to the Parliament.

98. A deſperate plot in the Weſt againſt the Parliament, by the Clubmen, but by Gods providence turned to the Enemies greateſt hurt in the iſſue.

99. A devilliſh ſudden plot upon Scotland, which was almoſt over-run by traiterous Montroſſe, but as ſuddenly recovered againe, by Gods bleſſing on Generall David Leſley, and Montroſſe diſcomfited and beaten away into the mountaines.

1646.

100. A Diſcovery of groſſe impiety in the Oxonians, pretending a deſired Treaty with the Parliament, for a well-grounded peace, and yet at that time the Earle of Glamorgan, had a Commiſſion to the ruine of all the Proteſtants in Ireland, and ſo conſequently of us in England alſo.

101. The Great Seale broken before the Lords and Commons, on Tueſday the 11. of Auguſt 1646.

§

Die Sabbati 5. April. 1645.

Be it Ordained by the Lords and Commons in Parliament aſſembled, That all and every perſon of what degree or quality ſoever, that hath lived or ſhall live within the Kings Quarters, or been aiding, aſſiſting, or adhering unto the forces raiſed againſt the Parliament, and hath or ſhall come to inhabit or reſide under the power and protection of the Parliament, ſhall ſweare upon the holy Evangeliſt in manner following.

The Negative Oath.

I A. B. Doe ſwear from my heart, that I will not directly nor indirectly adhere unto, or willingly aſſiſt the King in this Warre, or in this Cauſe againſt the Parliament, nor any Forces raiſed with the conſent of the two Houſes of Parliament, in this Cauſe or Warre. And I do likewiſe ſweare that my comming and ſubmitting my ſelfe under the power and protection of the Parliament, is without any manner of deſigne whatſoever, to the prejudice of the proceedings of the two Houſes of this preſent Parliament, and without the direction, privity, and advice of the King, or any of his Councell, or Officers, other then what I have now made knowne. So helpe me God, and the Contents of this Book.

And it is further Ordained by the authority aforeſaid, that the Commiſſioners for keeping of the Great Seale of England, for the time being, ſhall have power, and are hereby authoriſed to render and adminiſter the ſaid Oath unto any Peere, or Wife, or Widow of any Peere, ſo comming to inhabit as aboveſaid. And it ſhall be lawfull to and for the Committee of the Houſe of Commons for Examinations, the Committee for the Militia in London, and all Committees of Parliament in the ſeverall [Page] Counties and Cities of the Kingdome, to tender and adminiſter the ſaid Oath unto every perſon ſo comming to inhabit as aboveſaid. And if any perſon (not being a Member of, or Aſſiſtant unto either of the Houſes of Parliament) ſhall refuſe or neglect to take the ſaid Oath, ſo duly tendered unto him or her, as aboveſaid, the ſaid Commiſſioners and Committees reſpectively, ſhall, and may commit the ſame perſon to ſome priſon, there to remaine without Baile or Mainprize, untill he ſhall conforme thereunto.

Jo. Brown Cler. Parliamentorum.

1646.

The King eſcaped out of Oxford in a diſguiſed manner, with two onely in his company, one of which was Mr. Aſhburnham: the King and the other Party going for the ſaid Aſhburnham's men. The King carried a Cloak-bagge or Portmantle behind him like a ſerving man.

Ordered that it be declared, and it is hereby declared by the Lords and Commons in Parliament aſſembled, that what perſon ſoever ſhall harbour or conceale, or know of the harbouring or concealing of the Kings perſon, and ſhall not reveale it immediately to the Speakers of both Houſes, ſhall bee proceeded againſt as a Traytor to the Common-wealth, forfeit his whole eſtate, and dye without mercy.

A Letter from the Commiſſioners of Scotland, concerning His Majeſties comming to the Scotch. Army May 5. 1646.

RIght Honourable, The diſcharging of our ſelves of the duty wee owe to the Kingdome of England, to you as Commiſſioners from the ſame, moves us to acquaint you with the Kings comming in to our Army this morning, which having overtaken us unexpectedly, hath filled us with amazement, and made us like men that dreame; wee cannot thinke that hee could have beene ſo unadviſed in his reſolutions, as to have caſt himſelfe upon us, without a reall intention to give full ſatisfaction to both Kingdomes, in all their juſt and reaſonable demands, in all thoſe things that concerne Religion and Righteouſneſſe; whatſoever be his diſpoſition or reſolution, you may be aſſured, that we ſhal never entertaine any thought, nor correſpondency with any purpoſe, nor countenance any indeavours that may in any circumſtance incroach upon our League and Covenant, or weaken the union o [...] confidence betwixt the nations, that union to our Kingdom was the matter of many prayers, and as nothing was more joyful unto us then to have it ſet on foot, ſo hitherto have we thought nothing too deare to maintaine it, and we truſt to walke with ſuch faithfullneſſe and truth in this particular, that as we have the teſtimony of a good conſcience, within our ſelves, ſo you, and all the world ſhal ſee that we mind your intereſt with as much integrity and care as our owne, being confident you will entertaine no other thoughts of us.

Signed May 5, 1646. LOTHIAN

His Majeſties letter to the Parliament of England touching his good intention, not to prolong the warre, but to ſecure his perſon, and labour the compoſing of the differences betwixt him and the Kingdomes.

His Majeſties letter to the City of London, for ſatisfaction, and to aſſure the City low he is grieved with the diſtractions of his people, and that nothing on earth is

[Page]

The King Eſcapes out of Oxford in a disguiſed maner

more deſired by his Majeſty then, that, in Religion and Peace, with all the comfortable fruits thereof; as alſo to ſhew his full reſolutions to comply with his Parliaments in every thing for the ſettling of truth and peace, &c.

A Remonſtrance exhibited in the name of the Lord Major, Aldermen and Common-councell of the City of London, to the High Court of Parliament.

Some particulars whereof are theſe following.

1 That ſome ſtrict and ſpeedy courſe may be taken for the ſuppreſſing of all private and ſeparate Congregations.

2 That all Anabaptiſts, Browniſts, Hereticks, Schiſmaticks, Blaſphemers, and all ſuch Sectaries as conforme not, to the publique diſcipline eſtabliſhed, or to bee eſtabliſhed by the Parliament, may fully be declared againſt, and ſome effectuall courſe ſettled for proceeding againſt ſuch perſons.

3 That as we are all Subjects of one Kingdome, ſo all may be equally required to yeeld obedience to the Government either ſet, or to be ſet forth.

4 That no perſon diſaffected to the Presbyterian Government, ſet, or to be ſet forth by the Parliament, may be imployed in any place of publique truſt.

His Majeſty gave ſpeedy order to ſeveral Officers for the ſurrender of the Towne Caſtles, and Forts, which then were in the hands of the Kings Commanders, viz. Oxford, Worceſter, Litchfeild and Wallingford.

A Petition delivered to his Excellency from the Officers and Souldiers in the Army; touching their faithfullneſſe in the Parliaments ſervice doing Summer ſervice in the Winter ſeaſon, &c. Further preſented ſeverall deſignes of theirs.

[Page] 1. That an Ordinance of Indempnity with the Royall aſſent be deſired.

2. That ſatisfaction may be given to the Petitioners for their arrears, both in their former ſervice, and in this Army before it be disbanded.

3. That thoſe who have voluntarily ſerved the Parliament in this Kingdome may not be preſt to ſerve in another Kingdome, &c.

4. That thoſe who have loſt lives, limbs, or eſtates, may be provided for, and relieved.

A letter from his Excellency to the ſeverall officers of the Army for the advance of the Iriſh ſervice, and prevention of all hindrances, &c.

1647.

The Apology in anſwer to his Excellencies letter, relating their ſenſe of a ſecond ſtorme now hanging over their heads by the malice of a ſecret enemy, worſe then the former now vanquiſhed, expreſſing their ſorrow that they cannot deſire their owne ſecurity without hazard to his Excellency, &c.

A ſecond Apology of all the private Souldiers in the Army to their Commiſſion officers.

Concerning the abuſe to divers wel-affected to the Army by impriſonment, to the ruine of their eſtates, and loſſe of their lives.

And for their candid intentions and endeavours declared no leſſe then troublers and enemies to the State and Kingdome, reſolving rather to dye like men, then to be enſlaved and hanged like dogs, &c.

Whereunto were annexed divers particulars agreeable to the former, delivered in to his Excellency, March 21. 1646.

A Letter from his Excellency to the Earle of Mancheſter, concerning the votes of both Houſes, as alſo his griefe of heart for the diſtractions betwixt the Parliament and Army, deſiring that all things may be determined in love, &c.

A Letter from his Excellency to both Houſes concerning the Kings being brought from Holdenby.

That ſome Souldiers ſecure the King from being ſecretly conveyed away.

That the Souldiers of Holdenby, with the Kings conſent, brought him away from thence, &c.

That his Majeſty was unwilling to returne backe againe to Holdenby, &c. And that the removall of his Majeſty from Holdenby, was no deſigne, knowledge, or privity on his part, &c.

A particular charge againſt the eleven Members impeached by the Army:

1. That Mr. Denzil Hollis being one of the ſpeciall Commiſſioners for the Parliament to preſent propoſitions to the King at Oxford, made private addreſſes to the Kings party then in armes againſt the Parliament, and did ſecretly plot and adviſe them againſt the Parliament, &c.

2. That the ſaid Mr. Denzil Hollis, and Sir Phillip Stapleton, during the late war, when the Earle of Lindſey went from the Tower to Oxford, ſent ſeverall meſſages of intelligence to the Earle of Dorſet, &c.

3. That the ſaid Mr. Hollis, Sir Phillip Stapleton, Sir Wil. Lewis, Sir John Clotworthy, Sir Wil. Waller, Sir Joh. Maynard, Ma. Gen. Masſie, Mr. Glyn, Mr. Long, Col. Edward Harley, and Anthony Nicholas, in the months of March, April, May, and June laſt; in proſecution of their evill deſigns, met in divers places with perſons [Page] diſaffected to the State, for holding correſpondency with the Queen of England now in France, and incouraged her party there. 4. And indeavoured to bring in forraigne forces, and liſted divers Commanders and Souldiers there to raiſe and leavy a new warre. 5. And affronted divers Petitioners that came in a peaceable manner, boyſterouſly aſſaulting them, &c. 6. Impriſoned ſome Members of the Army, and to diſ-obliege the Army from the Parliament.

The ſolemn engagement of the Citizens, Commanders, officers, and Souldiers, &c.

Whereas we have entered into a ſolemne League and Covenant, for Reformation, and defence of Religion, the honour and happineſſe of the King, and the peace and ſafety of the three Kingdoms, all which we doe imminently perceive not onely to be endangered; but ready to be deſtroyed. We doe therefore in purſuance of our ſaid Covenant, Oath of allegiance, oath of every Freeman of London and Weſtminſter, and Proteſtation, ſolemnly engage our ſelves, and vow unto Almighty God, That we will to the utmoſt of our power cordially endeavour, that his Majeſty may ſpeedily come to his two Houſes of Parliament, with honour, ſafety, and freedome, and that without the nearer approach of the Army, there to confirme ſuch things as he hath granted the 12. of May laſt: in anſwer to the Propoſitions of both Kingdomes, and that with a perſonall Treaty with his two Houſes of Parliament, and the Commiſſioners of Scotland, ſuch things as are yet in difference may be ſpeedily ſetled, and a firme and laſting peace eſtabliſhed; for the effecting hereof, we doe proteſt, and re-oblige our ſelves as in the preſence of God, with our lives and fortunes to endeavour what in us lyes to preſerve and defend his Majeſties royall perſon and authority, the priviledges of Parliament, and liberty of the Subject, in their full and conſtant freedome, the Cities of London and Weſtminſter, lines of

The Sollomne Engagement of the Citizens Commanders and Souldiers

[Page] Communication and pariſhes mentioned in the weekly Bils of mortality, and all others that ſhall adhere with us to the ſaid Covenant, and oath of Allegiance, Oath of every Freeman of London, and Weſtminſter, and proteſtation; nor ſhall we by any meanes admit, ſuffer, or endure any newtrality in this common cauſe of God, the King and Kingdome, as we doe expect the bleſſing of the Almighty God, whoſe helpe we crave, and wholly devolve our ſelves upon in this our undertaking.

A Pamphlet of Paul Beſts burnt according to the order of Parliament.

The Army marching toward the City, orders were given to the Traine-bands to goe to the workes.

The Auxiliaries are raiſed to defend the City.

A Proclamation by beat of the Drum for all that are able to beare Armes, and are not liſted to come to receive them.

The Houſe of Commons and the Lords likewiſe met according to the order of adjournment, July 30. but neither of the Speakers.

At length they proceeded to a new election and voted Mr. Pelham a Counſellour, and Member of the Commons Houſe Speaker pro tempore.

The Lords made choice of the Lord Grey to be Speaker of their Houſe pro tempore.

The Sergeant at Armes being abſent with the Mace when the Commons choſe their Speaker, had the City Mace, and choſe Mr. Norfolke Sergeant at Armes.

After which proceeding to debate the great affaires touching the City and Kingdome, they voted as followes:

1. That the King come to London.

2. That the Militia of the City ſhall have full power to raiſe what Forces they ſhall thinke fit to the ſame.

3. That they may make choice of a Commander in chiefe to be approved of by the Houſe, and ſuch Commanders to preſent other officers to be approved of by the Militia.

The Common-councell made choice of Major Generall Maſſie to command in chiefe all the City Forces.

Ordered by the Militia that all Reformadoes and other officers ſhould the next day at two of the clocke beli [...]ted in St. Jamſes fields.

And that the forces already liſted ſhould be put in a Regimentall way.

A great appearance in St. Jamſes fields of officers and Reformadoes that were liſted.

Order given for ſtaying of horſes in the City, and many liſted.

Moſt of the eleven Members ſate in the Houſe, and in the afternoone M. Gen. Maſſie, Sir William Waller, and Col. Gen. Poyntz, were at liſting the Reformadoes.

Command given that all ſhops be ſhut up by ſound of the Trumpet throughout the City.

The Declaration of the Lord Major, Aldermen, and Common-councell publiſhed.

A briefe of which, that his Majeſty was ſurpriſed at Holdenby, and no place for his Majeſties reſidence allowed by the Army nearer then their Quarters; therefore to ſettle peace, and eſtabliſh true Religion, eaſe the Kingdomes burden, eſtabliſh his Majeſties juſt rights, maintaine the Parliaments Priviledges, and relieve bleeding [Page] Ireland, they profeſſe the maine of their enterpriſe, &c.

A Petition in the names of many thouſands well-affected Citizens for ſome way of compoſure, &c.

At which time Col. Gen. Poyntz and other officers of the new liſt, attending for their orders upon the Militia, came into Guild-hall yard, and moſt cruelly hackt and hew'd many of the aforeſaid Petitioners, divers whereof were mortally wounded, whereof ſome ſince dyed.

The Earle of Warwicke and Earle of Mancheſter having quit the Houſes retired into Eſſex, and ſent word to the Generall they had caſt themſelves upon his protection.

The Lord Say, Lord Mogrene, and divers other Lords, with many of the Houſe of Commons, came to the Head quarters, deſiring the Generalls protection.

Six Aldermen, and twelve Common-councell men are ſent with a letter to the Generall from the City, wherein they declare their unwillingneſſe to a new War, deſiring his Excellency to receive the ſenſe they apprehend the Army hath taken againſt the City.

A letter preſented to the Generall from the inhabitants of Southwarke, relating their withſtanding the deſigne of raiſing a new War, deſiring ſome aid from his Excellency for their protection.

Generall Maſſie ſends out Scouts, but neare Brainford thirty of his men were chaſed by ten of his Excellencies, and tooke foure of Gen. Maſſies.

A letter from the City to the Generall, ſhewing their readineſſe to joyn with his Excellency, and according to his direction to receive thoſe honourable Members that were forc'd to retire by reaſon of the tumultuous affront, and willingly ſubmit to be determined by both Houſes as they ſhall thinke fit, having recalled their late Declaration againſt the Armies proceedings, &c.

About two of the clocke in the morning, Col. Rainsborough, Col. Huſon, Col. Pride, and Col. Thiſtel [...]el, with their ſeverall Regiments of Horſe and Foot marched into the Borrough of Southwarke; the great Fort was preſently yeelded up to them without oppoſition.

His Majeſty in a letter ſent to the Generall, acquits himſelfe of the great ſcandall of having a hand in the late tumult, teſtifying his diſlike thereof, accounting it a very diſhonourable way to be brought to London in a tumultuous way.

The Members that were forced away returne to ſit in Weſtminſter againe guarded by the ſouldiers.

The Houſes being ſat with their old Speakers.

The Houſe of Peers upon debate paſſed an Ordinance for making his Excellency Thomas Lord Fairfax, high Conſtable of the Tower of London.

The Houſe ordered a gratuity of a months pay to be given to all the Non-commiſſion officers and private Souldiers, for their great ſervice.

A Committee appointed to finde out the chiefe promoters of the late deſigne of the Tumult at Westminſter, and raiſing a new War.

His Excellency marches through the city with his Army, Horſe and Foot, and traine of Artillery, without the leaſt affront or prejudice to any; they were marching through the city from eleven of the clocke, untill eight at night.

By many thouſands young men and Apprentices of London, there was preſented [Page] a humble acknowledgement and congratulation to his Excellency for his many great ſervices to the Kingdome and City of London, reſolving to live and dye with his Excellency.

An Ordinance paſt both Houſes for declaring all Votes, Orders, and Ordinances, paſt both Houſes, ſince the forcing both Houſes July 26. untill the 6. of this preſent Auguſt 1647. to be null and void.

The Lords and Commons make a new Militia, conſiſting of 36. in number.

The line of Communication and workes about the City demoliſhed, and the Ordnance drawne off.

Upon information of the eleven late impeached Members who had been very active in the late deſigne, it was ordered that they appeare at Weſtminſter, 16. Octob.

A letter from Lieu. Gen. Crumwel to the Houſe of Commons acquainting Mr. Speaker, that his Majeſty had withdrawne himſelfe at 9. the laſt night, his Majeſty having left his cloake behinde him, and ſome letters in his withdrawing roome.

His Majeſties letter,

Hampton-Court, Novem. 11. 1647.

Liberty being that which in all times hath been, but eſpecially now is the condition, the aime and deſire of all men. Common reaſon ſhews that Kings leſſe then any ſhould endure captivity; yet I call God to witneſſe with what patience I have endured a tedious reſtraint, which ſo long as I had any hopes that this ſort of my ſuffering might conduce to the peace of theſe three Kingdomes, or the hindring of more effuſion of blood, I did willingly undergoe, but now finding by two certaine proofes, that this my continued patience would not onely turne to my perſonall ruine, but likewiſe be of much more prejudice then furtherance to the publique good, I thought I was bound as well by naturall as politicall obligations to feeke my ſafety by retyring my ſelf for ſome time from publique view both of my friends and enemies, and I appeale to all indifferent men to judge, if I have not cauſe to free my ſelfe from the hands of thoſe, who change their principles with their condition, and who are not aſhamed openly to intend the deſtruction of the Nobility, by taking away their negative voyce, and with whom the levellers doctrine is rather countenanced then puniſhed; and as for their intentions to my perſon, their changing and putting more ſtrict guards upon me, with the diſcharging moſt of all the ſervants of mine, who formerly they admitted to wait upon me, doe ſufficiently declare: nor would I have this my retirement miſ-interpreted, for I ſhall earneſtly and unceſſantly endeavour the ſettleing of a ſafe and well-grounded peace, where ever I am or ſhall be, and that (as much as may be) without the effuſion of more Chriſtian blood, for which how many times have I preſt to be heard, and yet no care given to me; and can any reaſonable man thinke (according to the ordinary courſe of affaires, there can be a ſettled peace without it, or that God will bleſſe thoſe that refuſe to heare their own King, ſurely no? I muſt further adde that (beſides what concernes my ſelfe) unleſſe all other chiefe intereſts have not onely a hearing, but likewiſe juſt ſatisfaction given to them (to wit, the Presbyterians, Independents Army, thoſe who have adhered to me, and even the Scots) I ſay there cannot (I ſpeake not of miracles, it being in my opinion a ſinfull preſumption in ſuch caſes to expect or truſt to them) be a ſafe and laſting peace: now as I cannot deny but that my perſonall ſecurity is the urgent cauſe of this my retirement, ſo I take God to witneſſe the publicke peace is no leſſe before mine eyes, and I can finde no [Page] better way to expreſſe this my profeſſion (I know not what a wiſer man may doe,) then by deſiring and urging that all chiefe intereſts may be heard, to the end each may have juſt ſatisfaction; as for example, the Army, (for the reſt, though neceſſary, yet I ſuppoſe are not difficult to conſent) ought (in my judgement) to enjoy the liberty of their conſciences, and have an act of oblivion or indempnity (which ſhould extend to the reſt of all my ſubjects) and that all their arrears ſhould be ſpeedily and duely paid, which I will undertake to do, ſo I may be heard, and that I be not hindred from uſing ſuch lawfull and honeſt means as I ſhall chooſe: To conclude, let me be heard with freedome, honour, and ſafety, and I ſhall inſtantly breake through this cloud of retirement, and ſhall ſhew my ſelfe to be pater patriae.

C. R.

The copy of the paper entituled by the mutinous Agents; An Agreement of the people &c. In briefe: Having by their labour and hazard got their enemies into their hands, they are reſolved to avoid danger of returning into a ſlaviſh condition, and the chargeable remedy of another war▪ &c. Doe declare,

1. That the people of England being very unequally diſtributed by Counties, &c. for the election of their deputies in Parliament ought more indifferently to be proportioned, &c.

2. From the inconvenience ariſing from the long continuance of the perſons now in authority, this Parliament be diſſolved, September the laſt 1648.

3. That the people of courſe do chooſe them a Parliament once it two years, &c.

4. That the power of this, and all future repreſentations of this Nation is inferiour onely to thoſe that chooſe them, &c.

5. That matters of Religion, and the wayes of Gods worſhip, are not at all intruſted to us by humane power, &c.

A great Tumult, Inſurection, and Muteny in London breaking open divers houſes, and Magazines of Armes and Ammunitian breaking open divers Houſes Seazing on the Drumes, Gates, Chaines, & Watches, of the Citty aſsaulted and Shot into the L: Mayors houſe and killed one of his guard etc.

[Page] 6. That impreſting any of us, and conſtraining us to ſerve in the war, is againſt our freedome, &c.

At this Common-councel, Mr Alderman Fowk, and Mr. Alderman Gibs, by the directions of the Committee of the Militia of London, did make a large Relation of the great Tumult, Inſurrection and mutiny, which happened in this City on the laſt Lords day, and on Munday laſt, by many evill diſpoſed perſons, which firſt began on the Lords day in the afternoon in the County of Middleſex, where they ſeized the Colours of one of the Trained Bands of the ſaid County, who were there imployed for the ſuppreſſing of ſuch perſons as did profane the Lords day; and being diſperſed by ſome of the Generalls forces, did gather together within the City of London and Liberties thereof, and in a Riotous manner did break open divers houſes and magazines of Arms and Ammunition, and took away Arms, Plate, Money and other things, and did ſeize upon the Drums of the Trained-Bands of this City, which were beating to raiſe their Companies, and armed themſelves, and beat up Drums, and put themſelves in a warlike poſture, and ſeized upon the Gates, Chaines, and Watches of this City, and then marched to the Lord Majors houſe, & there aſſaulted the Lord Major, Sheriffes, Committee of the Militia of London, and other Magiſtrates of the ſame; and did ſhoot into the Lord Majors houſe, beat backe his Guards, killed one of them, wounded divers others, and ſeized, and took away a piece of Ordnance from thence, with which they did afterwards ſlay and wound divers perſons, and committed many other Outrages: All which matters being largely debated, and many particulars inſiſted upon, both for the Diſcovery and Puniſhment of the ſaid miſdemeanours and outrages; and alſo for the preventing of the like for time to come, It was at the laſt concluded and agreed by this Common-councell as followeth:

Firſt, this Common-Councell doth generally conceive that this City was in great danger, by reaſon of the ſaid Outrages and Miſdemeanours, and that if the ſame had not ſo timely beene prevented and ſtayed, the whole City would have been expoſed to the fury and rage of the ſaid Malefactors, and this Common-councell doth Declare, That the ſame Miſdemeanor and Outrage was a horrid and deteſtable act, tending to the deſtruction of the City, and that they do diſavow the ſame, and with an utter deteſtation do Declare their diſlike thereof. And this Common-councell doe appoint the Committee of the Militia of London to make the ſame known to the Honourable Houſes of Parliament, and alſo to make an humble Requeſt unto them, That an Order may be iſſued forth from them to the ſeveral Miniſters of this City and the places adjacent, that they may be directed to give publique Thanks to Almighty God, the Author of this great and wonderfull deliverance from that imminent danger wherein this City and parts adjacent were involved. And further, the ſaid Committee are appointed by this Court, to apply themſelves to the Honourable Houſes of Parliament, for the obtaining of a ſpeciall Commiſſion of Oyer & Terminer, for the trying and puniſhing of the Malefactors that had a hand in this deteſtable action, according to the known Laws of this Land. And this Court with thankfull hearts do acknowledge the inſtruments under God, by which they obtained this Deliverance, to be by the Forces raiſed and continued by the Parliament, under the command of his Excellency the Lord Generall Fairfax; and to manifeſt the ſame, this Common-councell do alſo Order, That [Page] the ſaid Committee of the Militia, in the Name of the City, as a thing agreed upon by an unanimous conſent, ſhall return their hearty Thanks to his Excellency, for his ſpeedy and ſeaſonable Ayd, afforded unto the City in this their great ſtraight and danger. And this Court with a general conſent, do well approve of the Endeavours of the ſaid Committee of the Militia for London, for the raiſing of the Forces of the City, and in their procuring of the ſaid ayd and help from his Excellency in this Extremity, and what elſe they have done for the appeaſing and ſuppreſsing of the ſaid Tumul s. And this Court do give Thanks to the ſaid Committee of the Militia, for their care and pains by them taken upon this ſad occaſion: And they doe appoint Mr. Alderman Fowk to declare the ſame their Thanks to ſuch of the ſaid Committee as are not of this Court. And this Court doth alſo with all thankfulneſſe acknowledge the pains and care of the Right Honourable the Lord Major, and the Right Worſhipfull the Sheriffes of this City therein. And this Court doe generally declare, That it is the duty of every Citizen of this City, by himſelfe and all that doe belong unto him, or is under his command, to be ready upon all occaſions to be ayding and aſſiſting unto the Lord Major, and the reſt of the Magiſtrates of this City, for the ſuppreſſing of all tumults and diſorders within the ſame. And the ſeverall perſons now preſent at this Common councel, by the holding up of their hands have promiſed, That for the time to come they will uſe their utmoſt endeavour, and be ready upon all occaſions to doe the ſame. MICHEL

A riſing in Norwich, where they ſeiſed upon the Magazine, and thoſe that fired the ſame were deſtroyed, but thoſe that were cordiall friends to the Parliament, being underneath, the houſe fell part of it upon them, that part below them, and the powder, were all ſaved, one having his head ſeen, was digged out, after he was out, he told of others, untill all were digged out without loſſe of life or limbe.

Sir Marmaduke Langdale tooke Barwicke by vertue of a Commiſſion from the Prince. Sir Thomas Glenham, and Sir Phillip Muſgrave, tooke Carlile. Sir Gilbert Errington took Harbotle Caſtle in Northumberland for the King.

The Commiſsioners of the Parliament of England preſented a paper to the Parliament of Scotland to declare againſt thoſe in Barwicke and Carlile, but it was laid aſide, no anſwer to any other papers, the Commiſsioners of the Kirke of Scotland have declared againſt the Declaration of the Parliament of Scotland, the Parliament paſt another Declaration, and putting it to vote whether it ſhould be ſent at all to the Commiſsioners of the Kirke, it was reſolved in the negative: the Commiſsioners of War ſit daily to put the Kingdome into a poſture; nothing talked of but War, divers new colours preparing for ſeverall Regiments.

The routing of the Welch in Southwales under the command of Major General Laughorne being 8000. Horſe and Foot, took all their Ammunition and Armes. 25. Captaines, 32. Lieutenants, 27. Enſignes, 10. private Gentlemen. Souldiers in cuſtody 2000.

FINIS.

Information about this book

Title statement

True information of the beginning and cause of all our troubles how they have been hatched, and how prevented. Wherein vvee may see the manifold contrivances and attempts of forraigne and home-bred enemies, against the Parliament, kingdome, and purity of religion. And how all their endeavours whether by force or fraud, never prospered. A work worthy to be kept in record, and to bee communicated to posterity.

Vicars, John, 1579 or 80-1652.

Edition statement

1648

Publication

Publisher

Text Creation Partnership,

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Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) :

Date

2009-03 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).

ID [DLPS]

A64903

ID [STC]

Wing V331B

ID [STC]

ESTC R221903

ID [EEBO-CITATION]

99833148

ID [PROQUEST]

99833148

ID [VID]

37623

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Early English books online.

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(EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A64903)

Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 37623)

Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 2159:5)

Source

— True information of the beginning and cause of all our troubles how they have been hatched, and how prevented. Wherein vvee may see the manifold contrivances and attempts of forraigne and home-bred enemies, against the Parliament, kingdome, and purity of religion. And how all their endeavours whether by force or fraud, never prospered. A work worthy to be kept in record, and to bee communicated to posterity., Vicars, John, 1579 or 80-1652..

Extent

[2], 33, [1] p. : ill. (metalcut)

[s.n.],. London :: printed in the yeare 1648.. (By John Vicars.) (Title page is A2v; A1r is blank.) (Some print show-through.) (Reproduction of the original in the Henry E. Huntington Library and Art Gallery.)

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