IT having pleased the Lord, by the manifold Mercies and Deliverances which he has wrought in and for these Na­tions of late years, and the blessings wherewith he has blest the endevors of the good people thereof, in making them successfull against his and their Enemies, to crown us with this, as not the least Token of his favor and good will to us. That there is a free and uninterupted passage of the Gospel running through the midst of us, and Liberty for all to hold forth and profess with sobriety, their light and knowledge therin, according as the Lord in his rich Grace and wisdom has dispensed to every man, and with the same freedom to practice and exercise the Faith of the Gospel, and to lead quiet and peaceable Lives in all Godliness and Honesty, without any interuption from the Powers God has set over this Commonwealth, nay with all just and due encourage­ment thereto, & protection in so doing by the same; a mercy that is the Price of much blood, and till of late years denied to this Nation, as at this day it continues to be to most of the Nations round about us, and which all that fear God among us ought duly to consider and be thankfull for in this Day, wherein God has so graciously visited and redeemed his people; His Highness, as he reckons it a Duty incumbent upon him, and shall take all possible care to preserve & con­tinue this freedom and liberty to all persons in this Com­monwealth fearing God though of differing Judgments, by protecting them in the sober & quiet exercise and profession of Religion, and the sincere worship of God, against all such who shall, by imposing upon the Consciences of their Brethren, or offering violence to their persons, or any other way seek to hinder them therein; So likewise doth hee hold himself equally obliged to take care, That on no pretence whatsoever, such freedom given should be extended by any beyond those bounds which the Royall Law of Love and Christian moderation have set us in our walking one toward another; or that thereby occasion should be taken by any [Page 5142] to abuse this liberty to the disturbance or disquiet of any of their Brethren in the same free exercise of their Faith and Worship, which himself enjoys of his own. And his High­ness cannot but sadly lament the wofull distemper that is faln upon the Spirits of many professing Religion and the fear of God in these days, who instead of a suitable Return to the Lord our God for this liberty, and all our other mer­cies, and appearing in an answerable carriage by a spirit of tenderness and forbearance one towards another, and Pro­voking one another to Love and good works, are found in a spirit of bitterness towards their Brethren, biting and de­vouring, hatefull and bating one another; and whilst they pretend the liberty which Christ has purchased for his peo­ple, do openly and avowedly, by rude and unchristian pra­ctises, disturb both the publick and private meetings for preaching the Word, and other Religious exercises, & vilifie oppose, and interrupt the publick Preachers in their Mini­stry, whereby the liberty of the Gospell, the Profession of Religion, and the name of God is much dishonoured and and abused, and the spirits of all good men much grieved: His Highness therfore having had many informations from divers parts of this Commonwealth of such practises by di­vers men lately risen up under the names of Quakers, Ran­ters, and others, who do daily both reproach and disturb the assemblies & congregations of Christians in their publick & private meetings, and interrupt the Preachers in dispensing the Word, & others in their worship, contrary to just liber­ty, and to the disturbance of the publick peace, Doth hold himself obliged by his Trust to declare his dislike of al such practises, as being contrary to the just freedom and liberties of the People, which by the Laws and Government of this Commonwealth they ought to be protected in; And doth hereby strictly require and command al persons whatsoever that they forbear henceforth all such irregular and disor­derly practises. And if in contempt hereof any persons shal presume to offend as aforesaid, we shall esteem them as di­sturbers of the civil Peace, and shall expect and do require [Page 5143] all Officers & Ministers of Justice to proceed against them accordingly.

Given at Whitehall February 15. 1654.

From Deale February 16.

Those ships that were riding in the Downs, are all gone, and this week are come in from the Southward about 20 sail of Merchant-men; viz. from Legorne, Genoa, Alicant, Malaga, Cadiz, St Lucar, and Lisbon, &c.

A list of the Ships arived this week in the Porr of London. From Bordeaux 2. with Prunes, vinegar, rosin, &c.

• Rouen 2. with Wines, vinegar, cider, canvas; &c.
• Roterdam 1: with hops, flax, towe, pitch and tarr, &c
• St Lucar 1. with Orenges and limons
• Bilboa 1: with Iron and wools
• Malaga 3: with Wine and fruit
• Cadiz 1: with Wine, fruit, tobacco, &c.
• Caen 2: with canvas, paper, &c,
• Porptoport 1: with Oyl, sumach, argel, wine, &c.
• Morlaiz 1: with Dowlas, lockrams, paper, &c.
• Zirickzee 1. with Pan-tiles
• Bruges 2. with hops, flax, Iron, &c.
• Nantes 1, with Spirits, vinegar, prunes, salt, &c.

Foom Brussels February 21. stilo novo.

We are here still taken up with Playes and Bauls, which once ended, we shall then take into consideration the state of Warr which is to bee made against the next Campagne, which wilbe no lest prosecuted then the last was by the one and the other party. In the mean, whilst the time is spent here in divertisements, there are commotions enow in Ger­many, where the Emperor, Electors and Princes of the Em­pire do arm amain, and make great Levies both of hors and foot, without declaring to what intent and purpose; leaving the world in doubt of their design; which causes many con­jectures to be made upon that subject.

Charls Stuart is still at Cullen; the passages will now begin to be open, we may then chance to hear of his remo­ving his quarters.

From Paris, February 20. stilo novo.

The whole Court have been a hunting at Bois de Vincennes [Page 5144] except the Queen, who pretends much to devotion by visi­ting the nests of Nunns and Friers. on Wednesday last, she had a hunting Fit too, and went to hunt at St. German en laye and Chantilly. here is a Report that the whole Court intends, within a few daies, to go to Fontain-bleau, and from thence to the waters of Bourbon, where the Cardinal Mazarin intends to take these waters, by the advise of phy­sitians, for the conservation of his health. From thence, it is said, the Court intends to remove to Lyon.

Here has been a duell this week between 6 of the Pages of the Kings great Stable, three against three, wherein 3. were slaine, and the other 3 escaped; which being Known to the King, he is highly incensed at it.

The Marquis of Castelnau and of Mompouillan, who com­mand the French Cavalrie, are now in a good posture, and intend to march abroad and brave the enemies, & put releef into Quesnoy, with these 10. Companies of the French Guards that were sent hence to St. Quintin. In the mean time the Marquis of Morolles, Governer of Danvilliers, hath taken Marville in the Province of Luxemburgh, where he hath lodged the Lorrainers that are in the service of France and hath enlarged his Quarter to bring in Contribution.

Here is much talk, as if the Peace were concluded betwixt France and England. The K. intends to appear in per­son in his Army in Picardy. Here is news come that Mon­sieur de Lyonne, Ambassador for his Majesty in Rome, did boldly declare to the Cardinals, before they entred into the Conclave; That in case they shall chuse a Pope that is affe­cted to Spain, and of that faction, then the King his master did not doubt but he should use some means or other to re­duce them to reason. Count Harcourt who is at Phi­lipsbourg in Alsatia, has sent to the King to let him and his Council know, That unless they take order to send him the Mony which they promised, he could no longer be respon­sible for that place, nor for the inconveniences that might follow. Its certi fied by letters from the Hague in Hol­land, that the Spaniards make great preparations, by making their levies in Germany; & that 900000 livres are brought [Page 5145] out of Spain to Antwerp for the carrying on of the Warr.

The ambassage of the Marquis of Leyda, whom the K. of Spain intended to have sent into England, is now at a stand, and tis not known whether it shall go on.

From Paris February 26. farther, That the great worthy of France, the Du. of Guise, came Post into Paris on Tues­day last, laden with Italian Trophies, and French ribbands. They relate likewise the great anxiety of the Cardinall, in behalf of his Niece, wife to the Prince of Conti, who dan­cing at Montpelier, in the time of the Carnevall, got a slip and hurt her self; but the Letters say, he needs not bee so much troubled, because he can never want Nieces to furnish the Princes of the Blood of France, so long as Italy can afford him handsome young Women to train up for the purpose.

From Dublin February 4.

Upon my late return from the view of the ruefull Deso­lations which the War and Pestilence hath made in divers parts of Ireland, I finde here is an erection of new Judges, to determine Estates and qualifications of Irish, transplan­table; Mr Santhy the only pretender to Law, the rest are Mr John Gay, Mr Robert Doyley, Mr Thomas Hooke, Mr Isaac Dobson, and Mr William Franckland; The Courts of Justice would be setled, were the Publique Scale come over, and Judges named in England. In the mean time, for present, the former administration is continued.

The company of Foot that mutinyed when they were to be shipped and transported for England (which by the way take notice of, how well the English like this Country, when once used to, and setled in it) were cashiered in the Market place. All things are working on here towards a settlement.

From Rome, January 25.

On the 17 instant, were celebrated the Funerals of the deceased Pope, Innocent the Tenth; and a Funeral Oration was made by the Count Ʋbaldini, Secretary to the Consistory.

Upon the 19, the Cardinals were shut up close, after the accustom­ed manner, and immediatly the leading Cardinals of every Faction began to labor hard about the Election of a Pope, every one striving [Page 5146] to make a holy Father that shall be at their own devotion. It is publickly known already, that the Cardinal Carassa hath had 2 [...] voi­ces, Cardinal Sacchetti 22, Cardinal Ghiguy 27. and Cardinal Barbari­ni 36. But that statue called Pasquin, (upon which the wits of Rome use to fasten their Libels called Pasquins or Pasquils) hath declared, that Fioranzola, or else Carpegno (two of the weakest Cardinals) to be Pope.

At another time, the learned Pasquin would have had Cardinal Cechini, or else Rappocioli to be chosen.

Of 69 Cardinals now living, there are 66 in the Conclave at this Election; the three who are absent, are, Cardinal Mazarin in France, the Cardinals Sandova and Borgia in Spain.

Here arived divers Gentlemen with store of money from Naples, to the Ambassador of Spain, for the private bribing of divers Cardinals, and to gain as many of them as they can, to be Creatures to that Crown, and serve the Spanish interest. In the mean time, to operate the more effectually upon the sacred Colledg of Cardinals, the Vice-Roy of Naples encroacheth day after day upon the Papal Dominions, for the frighting of some, and gaining others. Divers subtile insinu­ating Papers have been spred likewise, to set forth how convenient it is, to make choice of no man for Pope, but such a one as may be able and active in officiating the Papal Function; which reflects a little too much upon the eldest Cardinals.

On the other side, the French make a bustle, and that party make it their business to keep Cardinal De Medici from the Popedom; the Sieur De Lyonne, Ambassador of France, is said to have received one hundred thousand Pistols, to try practises upon the Conclave; and in case there be occasion of purchasing the voice of any one poor Cardinal, then to cooperate with the St. Esprit (as the French phrase speaks) for the creating of such a Pope, as will consider the interest of the Church, and of France, and the salvation of Souls, rather then the interest of Spain. It is conceived, the Cardinals will hardly agree about the Election of a Pope before Easter.

The late Pope, a little before his death, took a Ring off his fin­ger, of very great value, which he delivered to the Sieur Scotty-Major, to be by him presented to the succeeding Pope; which the Lady Olympia desiring to view, he refused her. The common peo­ple of this City, and others, are very much offended, that this Lady, and the Prince Pamphillo her son, and the rest of the Popes Kinred, shewed so little of charity, and honor, at his funeral, that they did not provide for him two Chests, one of Lead, and another of Cypress-wood, according to the usual manner of Popes, insomuch that for want thereof, his body was left in the lower Hall, in a nasty pickle, to the mercy of Rats and Mice, which gnawed part of his Nose and Face, through the negligence and drowsiness of those that watched it; which verifies the Prophesie delivered some time since by an Astrologer concerning this last Pope, Carebit propriâ Se­pulturâ, He shall want a convenient Burial.

Notwithstanding all diligence hath been used, in enquiring after the Authors of those bitter Pasquils, which proclaim most horrid things touching the deceased Pope, and most severe punishments are threatned against them, yet they proceed in revilings every day; so that Father Oliva, a Jesuit his Ghostly Father, to vindicate him, hath put forth a brief Relation of all that passed at the death of his Holi­ness, assuring the world, that before he died, he gave very eminent Testimonies of his Piety, and manifested an entire resignation to the Will of God, and a very great willingness to part with the world.

The advancement to the Popedom, lies between three Cardinals, by name Sachetti, Caraffa, and Bragadino.

Whitehal, February 14.

Discovery being made where divers written Papers of dangerous consequence were kept close, and also of divers Printed treasonous Papers, contrived on purpose, to promote designs of Insurrection; they were all seized by some Messengers of the Council, who at the same time, with the Papers, found a new Buff Coat, and a rich great Saddle, which they brought away with them. The same day, his Highness sent notice to Maj. Gen. Harrison, Mr. John Carew, Col. Rich, and one Mr. Courtney, to come and appear before him.

Feb. 15. The aforesaid persons neglecting to appear, they were this morning fetched in by Messengers, and about four a clock afternoon, they were admitted into his Highnesses presence, where some pains was taken to convince them of their discontents and disaffection to the Government; but in vain, for they appeared stiff in opinion, justifying themselves, and refusing to give assurance of their peace­able behavior under the Government. Whereupon, a Council be­ing called, and the matter taken into consideration they were com­mitted to the custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending the Council, in whose hands they remain till farther order.

London, Feb. 15. Order was taken in the City, for the raising of the six moneths Assessment, according to the order and declaration of his Highness and the Council, and warrants were issued out for the speedy collecting and paying it in to the Treasurers. The like is done for collecting it, by the Justices of the County of Middlesex.

Feb. 16. The persons nominated by his Highness to be a Commit­tee of Militia in the City of London, met together; and having read their Commission, immediately proceeded upon it, and made some progress in the business of raising forces, for security of the City, and defence of his Highness, and the Commonwealth in this time of danger.

Feb. 17. There was a meeting of the Lord Major, Aldermen, and Common Council, at Guildhil, to consider of the same Affair, which was entertained with great consent and alacrity, the City being very sensible of their own danger at this season, and of the care of his Highness touching their welfare, and the confidence he hath been pleased to repose in them: In consideration whereof, it was ordered [Page] by unanimous consent of Common Council, that a Committee of their own, should present themselves at Whitehal on Monday, and give his Highness humble and hearty thanks, in the name of the City.

Whitehal, Feb. 19. The Committee from the City had audience of his Highness, to whom they at large delivered the sence of the Common Council, letting him understand how ready they are to use all good ways and means, for the putting of his Highnesses Com­mission, in speedy execution: Adding moreover, that they so far re­sent the great pains and care of his Highness to preserve the Publick Peace, and in particular, his favorable respects toward the City, that they shall not onely with all cheerfulness observe his commands in the matter of the Militia, propounded to them, but do somewhat also of their own accord, in order to the service of his Highness and the Commonwealth, which may give a Testimony of their hum­ble and hearty thanks. The observation of this cordial-corres­pondence between his Highness, and the honorable City of London; as it is a matter of good example to other Parts of the Nation, upon the same grounds of prudence to minde the common safety, so it must needs be a disheartning and terror to all publick Enemies and Designers.

Progress is made still in discovery of the late conspiracy; of which more by the next.

From Dalkeith, Feb. 13. The Commissioners who came from Middleton, are now gone back without any agreement, when it was thought all had been accorded. There is no danger of what they can be able to do; some of those Gentlemens servants who were here, reported among the Soldiers in this Town, That their Masters were returning to places so poor, and destitute of all accommodati­on, that they would leave them before they should get to the High­lands.

From Leicester, February 17.

The Lord Grey of Groby is brought hither by a Party of horse to the Crane in this Town, where he is detained in custodie till further Order. But upon what occasion this is, you will best understand at London.

UPon Saturday the 17 instant, about eight of the clock in the Evening, was lost between Thredneedle-street, London, and Kings-street, Westminster, a Tauny-coloured Letter-case of Plush, wherein were several Papers: If any body hath found the same, let them bring it to Mr. Timothy Cruso, in Bishopsgate-street, London, Mer­chant, or to Mr. Jeremy Clarks, at the Golden Checquer in Kings-street, Westminster, Confectioner, or to the Cryer of London; and they shall be well rewarded.