YOu have in The mystery of the two Juntoes, The Preamble. PRES­BYTERIAN and INDEPENDENT, presen­ted to your view these two Factions, (as it were in a Cock-pit pecking at one another) which ri­sing originally from the two Houses and Synod have so much disturbed and dislocated in every joynt both Church and Common-wealth. I must now set before you Independency Triumphant, rouzing it self upon its Legs, clap­ping its Wings, and Crowing in the midst of the Pit, with its ene­my under its feet: though not yet well resolved what use it can or may make of its victory.

But before I go any farther,1. What Inde­pendency is. it is fit I tell you what Indepen­dency is:

It is Genus generalissimum of all Errours, Heresies, Blasphemies and Schismes. A generall name and Title under which they are all united, as Sampson's Foxes were by the Tailes; and though they have severall opinions and fancies (which make their verti­ginous heads turne different waies) yet profit and preferment (be­ing their tailes) their last and ultimate end by which they are go­verned (like a Ship by his Rudder) and wherein they mutually correspond. The rest of your differences being but circumstan­tiall are easily playster'd over with the untempered morter of Hy­pocrisie by their Rabbies of the Assembly, and their Grandees of the two Houses and Army, in whom they have an implicite faith.

As Mahomet's Alchoran was a Gallemaufry of Jew and Chri­stian; so are they a Composition of Jew, Christian, and Turk. Independency is compounded of Iudaisme. With the Jew they arrogate to be the peculiar people of God, [Page 2] the Godly, the Saints, who onely have right unto the creatures, and should possesse the good things of this world, all others being Usurpers: A Tenent so destructive to all humane society and ci­vill government, that by virtue thereof they may and doe by fraud, or force, Tax, eate up with Free-quarter, cousen, and Plun­der the whole Kingdome, and account it but robbing the Aegyp­tians: To this purpose they overthrow all the Judicatories, Laws, and Liberties of the Land, and set up Arbitrary Committees, and weather-cock Ordinances in their room, made and unmade by their own over-powering Faction in Parliament at pleasure, with the help and terrour of their Janisaries, attending at their dores.

Christianisme.With the Christians some of them (but not all) acknowledge the Scripture, but so far onely as they will serve their turns, to Pharisee themselves, and Publican all the world besides; men filled with spirituall pride, meer Enthusiastiques, of a speculative and high-flying Religion, too high for Earth, and too low for Heaven: whereas a true and fruitfull Religion like Jacob's lad­der, Stat pede in terris, caput inter nubila condit; must have one end upon earth as well as the other in Heaven. He that acknowled­geth the duties of the first Table to God, and neglecteth the du­ties of the second Table to man, is an Hypocrite both against God and man.

Turcisme.With the Turke they subject all things, even Religion, Laws, and Liberties (so much cried up by them heretofore) to the power of the sword, ever since by undermining practises and lies they have jugled the States sword into the Independent scabbard.

2. The E. of Essex and Si [...] Will: Waller under­mined to let in the Indepen­dents.The Earle of Essex Generall of all the Parliaments Forces (a man though popular and honest, yet stubbornly stout, fitter for A­ction then Counsell, and apter to get a Victory then improve it) must be laid by, and his Forces reduced. The like for Sir William Waller and his Forces, that Commanders of Independent Princi­ples and interests with Souldiers sutable to them, might by degrees be brought into their room to reap the harvest of those crops which they had sowen.

This was the ground-work of the Independent designe, to Mo­nopolize the power of the Sword into their own hands.

This could not be better effected then by dashing the Earle of Essex and Sir William Waller one against another: for which [Page 3] purpose that hot-headed Schismatique Sir A. Haslerigge was im­ployed with Sir W. Waller and some others (whose Ashes I will spare) with the E. of Essex to break them one upon another. This was at last effected by taking advantage of their severall misfor­tunes; the one at Listithyell in Cornwall, the other at the Devises in Wiltsh. where Hasterigge (a man too ignorant to command, and too insolent to obey) not staying for the Foot who lay round about the Devises in a storming posture, charged up a steep hill with his Horse only against the Lord Wilmot's Party, one Di­vision so far before another, that the second Division could not relieve the first, thereby freeing Sir Ralph Hopton from an assured overthrow, and bestowing an unexpected Victory on the L. Wil­mot: he received a wound in his flight, the smart whereof is still so powerfully imprinted in his memory, that he abhors fighting e­ver since; witnesse his praying and crying out of Gun-shot at the Battle of Cheriton, when he should have fought; and his com­plaint openly made in the House of Commons of the Earle of Stanford for Bastonadoing him. Which rashnesse of his (if it de­serve not a worse name) was so far from being discountenanced, that he received not long after a gift of 6500l. from the House, and is lately made Governour of Newcastle and 3000l. given him to repaire the Works there. I shall not need the spirit of prophe­sie to foresee that the tenth part of the said 3000l. will not be be­stowed upon those Works. Thus was he favoured by his party in the House who were thought to look upon this action as an ac­ceptable service.

In farther progresse of this designe Manchester (a Lord,3. The E. of Man­chester under­mined. and therefore not to be confided in) was undermined and accused by his Lieutenant Generall Cromwell of high Crimes, whom he a­gain recriminated with a Charge of as high a nature; and when all men were high in expectation of the event, it grew to be a drawn battle between them; whereby all men concluded them both guilty: Manchester was discarded.

Out of the ashes of these three arose that Phoenix (forsooth) a new modell'd Army under the Command of Sir Thomas Fair­fax, a Gentleman of an irrationall and brutish valour, fitter to follow another mans counsell then his owne, and obnoxious to Cromwell and the Independent faction (upon whose bottome he [Page 4] stands) for his preferment, it being no dishonour to him to be­come the property to a powerfull Faction.

4. The Victories of the new Mo­dell how at­chieved.It pleased God to bestow many Victories upon this Army over the Kings Forces; then strong in bulk, but weakned by Factions, want of Pay and other distractions (whereby many of their Com­manders not confiding in one another, began to provide for their future safety and subsistence) but above all, they had generally lost the peoples affections. To these their Victories, the constant pay, and supplies, and all other helps and encouragements from a concurring State, which their working and restlesse Faction care­fully accommodated them withall (far beyond what any other Army had formerly) did much conduce, in so much as they clea­red the field, and took in all the enemies Garrisons with so much facility, that to many men they seemed rather Cauponantes bel­lum quàm belligerantes, to Conquer with silver then with steel.

5. Artifices to make Cromwell and his new Modell po­pular.Thus this Faction having got a Generall fit for their turne, and a Lieutenant Generall wholly theirs in Judgment and interest, were diligent to make him famous and popular, by casting upon him the honour of other mens Atchievements and valour. The News-books taught to speak no language but Cromwell and his Party; and were mute in such actions as he and they could claim no share in: for which purpose the Presses were narrowly wat­ched. When any great exploit was half atchieved, and the diffi­culties overcome, Cromwell was sent to finish it, and take the glo­ry to himself, all other men must be eclipsed that Cromwell (the Knight of the Sun and Don Quixote of the Independents) and his Party may shine the brighter.

6. The new Mo­dell new-mo­delled by de­grees to put the Sword into the hands of Schis­maticks.And that Cromwell's Army might be sutable to himself, and their Designes carried on without interruption or observation of such as are not of their Principles, all the Sectaries of England are invited to be Reserves to this Army; and all pretences of scandals and crimes laid hold of at their owne Councels of War to casheer and disband the Presbyterian party, that Independents might be let into their rooms, though such as (for the most part) never drew Sword before: so that this Army (which boasteth it self for the Deliverer, nay the Conquerour of two Kingdoms) is no more the same that fought at Nazeby, then Sir Francis Drake's Ship that brought him home can be called the same Ship that car­ried [Page 5] him forth about the earth, having been so often repaired, and thereby suffered so many substractions and additions, that hardly any part of the old Vessell remained. It was therefore no­minally and formally, not really and materially the same.

The said Mystery of the two Junto's farther tells you, that the In­dependent Junto bottomed all their hopes and interests upon kee­ping up this Army; whereby to give the Law to King, Kingdom, Parliament, and City, and to establish that Chimaera called Liber­ty of Conscience. That this was Cromwell's ambition formerly, the Earle of Manchester's aforesaid Charge against Cromwell (though let fall without prosecution, lest so great a mystery should be dis­covered) makes it probable, and his later practises (upon which I now fall) makes it infallible.

The Houses long since (for ease of the people) in a full and free Parliament ordained the disbanding of this Army,7. The Army Voted to be Disbanded through Crom­well's craft. onely 5000 Horse 1000 Dragoons, and some few Fire-locks to be continued in pay for safety of this Kingdome, and some of them to be sent for Ireland: for which purpose they borrowed 200000l. of the City, (being the same summe which disbanded the Scots) and for the rest of their Arrears they were to have Debenters and secu­rity, without all exceptions: such tearms of advantage as no o­ther disbanded Souldiers have had the like; neither are these like to attain to again; so that they have brought the Souldiers into a losse, as well as into a labyrinth: their continuing in Armes with­out, nay against lawfull authority, being a manifest act of Treason and Rebellion; and so it is looked upon by the whole Kingdome; nor can the Parliaments subsequent Ordinances, (which all men know to be extorted by force, as hereafter shall appear) help them.

To the passing of this Ordinance Cromwell's Protestations in the House with his hand upon his brest, In the presence of Almighty God before whom he stood, that he knew the Army would disband and lay downe their Armes at their dore, whensoever they should command them, conduced much: This was malitiously done of Cromwell to set the Army at a greater distance with the Presby­terian Party, and bring them and the Independents Party neerer together; he knew the Army abominated nothing more then Dis­banding and returning to their old Trades: and wduld hate the Authors thereof.

8. Agitators rai­sed by Cromwel. 9. The beginning of the project to purge the Houses. 10. The Army put into mutiny a­gainst the Par­liament, where­by Cromwell monopolizeth the Army.And at the same time when he made these protests in the House, he had his Agitators (Spirits of his and his Son Ireton's conjuring up in the Army, though since conjured downe by them without re­quitall) to animate them against the major part of the House (un­der the notion of Royallists, a Malignant party, and enemies to the Army) to ingage them against Disbanding and going for Ire­land, and to make a Trayterous Comment upon the said Ordi­nance, to demand an Act of indemnity, and relie upon the advice of Judge Jenkins for the validity of it, and to insist upon many other high demands, some private, as Souldiers; some publick, as States-men.

11. Cromwell's Fa­mily in the Army. Cromwell having thus by mutinying the Army against the Par­liament, made them his owne, and monopolized them, as he did formerly his Brew-house at Ely (which he might easily do, having before-hand filled most of the chief Offices in the Army with his owne kindred, allyes, and friends: of whose numerous family, Lieut. Col. Lilburne gives you a list in one of his Books) he now flies to the Army, doubting (his practises discovered) he might be imprisoned:12. Cromwell and Ireton usurp Offices in the Army. where he and Ireton assuming Offices to themselves, acted without Commission; having not only been ousted by the self-denying Ordinance (if it be of any power against the godly) but also their severall Commissions being then expired: and Sir Thomas Fairfax having no authority to make generall Offi­cers, as appears by his Commission, (if he make any account of it) and therefore Sprigg, alias Nathaniel Fines, in his Legend or Romance of this Army, called Anglia rediviva, sets down two Letters sent from Sir Thomas Fairfax to the Speaker William Lenthall, one to desire Cromwell's continuance in the Army: an­other of thanks for so long forbearing him from the House: see Ang. Red. p. 10, 11, 29. which needed not, had he been an Officer of the Army.

And now both of them bare-faced, and openly joyne with the Army at Newmarket, in trayterous Engagements, Declarations, Remonstrances, and Manifesto's; and Petitions penn'd by Crom­well himself, were sent to some Counties to be subscribed against supposed Obstructers of Justice, and Invaders of the Peoples Li­berties in Parliament, and the Army at Newmarket and Triplo heath prompted to cry Justice, Justice, against them; and high [Page 7] and treasonable demands, destructive to the fundamentall Privi­ledges of Parliament were publickly insisted upon; many of which for quietnesse sake, and out of compassion to bleeding Ireland were granted: yet these restlesse spirits (hurried on to farther designes) made one impudent demand beget another; and when by Letters and otherwise they had promised, that if their then present demands were granted, they would there stop and ac­quiesce, yet when they seemed to have done, they had not done, but deluded and evaded all hopes of peace by mis-apprehensions and mis-constructions of the Parliaments concessions; making the mis-interpretation of one grant, the generation of another demand, so that almost ever since the Parliament hath nothing else to do but encounter this Hydra, and roll this stone.

Having thus debauched the Army,13. Securing Ox­ford, and plun­dring the King from Holdenby. he plotted in his own Cham­ber the securing the Garrisons, Magazine, and Traine of Artille­ry at Oxford, and surprizing the Kings Person at Holdenby: which by his instrument Coronet Joyce, with a commanded Party of Horse he effected: though afterwards (having recourse to his u­suall familiarity with Almighty God) he used his name to protest his ignorance and innocence in that businesse both to the King and Parliament; adding an execration upon his Wife and Children to his Protestation; yet Joyce is so free from punishment, that he is since preferred, and his Arrears paid by their meanes. And though both Houses required the Army to send his Royall Person to Richmond, to be there left in the hands of the Parliaments Commissioners, whereby both Kingdoms might freely make Ad­dresses to Him; (for they had formerly excluded and abused the Scots Commissioners, contrary to the Law of Nations, and Votes of both Houses; and yet then granted free accesse to the most desperate persons of the Kings Party) yet they could obtaine no better answer from these rebellious Saints, Manifesto of the Army, 27. June 1647. then That they desired no place might be proposed for His Majesties residence neerer London, then where they would allow the Quarters of the Army to be. This was according to their old threats of marching up to London, fre­quently used, when any thing went contrary to their desires. They knew what dangerous and troublesome guests we should find them here.

How much is this Army degenerated since Cromwell and his [Page 8] demure white-livered Son-in-law Ireton poysoned their manners with new Principles? Anglia Rediviva, p. 247. tells us that about Woodstock private overtures were made by some from Court for receiving His Majesty, who was minded to cast himself upon the Army: but such was their faithfulnesse in that poynt, that con­ceiving it derogatory to the honour and power of Parliament, (for His Majesty to wave that highest Court, and addresse Him­self to any others) and therefore inconsistent with their trust and duty, being Servants of the State, they certified the Parliament thereof, and understanding it to be against their sense also, they absolutely refused to be tampered with. Oh, how faithfull then! how perfidious and Cromwellized are they now! let their fre­quent tampering with the King and His Party, to the amazement of the Kingdome, and the abusing of the King testifie. Read Put­ney Projects written by a considerable Officer of the Army, and a friend to Cromwell, though not to his false practises.

14. Their project to keep the Parliament in wardship. 15. Purging the Houses again. 16. Accusing the 11 Members.Having thus gotten the King (the first and most visible legall authority of England) into their possession; their next designe is to get the Parliament (the second legall authority of England) into their power.

This could not be effected but by purging the two Houses of Presbyterian Members (especially the most active, and such as had laboured their Disbanding) that an Independent Parliament and Army might govern the Kingdome: In order to which designe they sent to the House of Commons in the name of Sir Thomas Fairfax and the Army, a generall and confused Charge of High Treasons and other mis-demeanors against eleven Members, for things done (for the most part in the House) and many of the principall, such as the House had long before examined and ac­quitted them of, and such as the whole Kingdome knows Crom­well and Ireton to be apparently guilty of: as, Trucking with the King, &c.

One chief Article insisted upon in the Charge was, That by their power in the House they caused the Ordinance for Disbanding this Army to passe. Here you see where the shooe wrings them. This Charge was not subscribed by any Informer that ingaged to make it good, or else to suffer punishment, and make the House and the Parties accused reparations: as by the Stat. 25 Edw. 3. c. 4. [Page 9] 27 Ed. 3. c. 18. 38 Ed. 3. c. 9. 17 R. 2. c. 6. 15 H. 6. c. 4. but especi­ally by 31 H. 6. c. 1. concerning Jack Cade (which comes nearest this case) ought to be: And they professed in the 2, 3, 4. Article of their Charge, That they were disobliged and discouraged from any farther engagement in the Parliaments service or Irelands preserva­tion; and demanded the House should forthwith suspend the impea­ched Members from any longer sitting and acting. Whereupon the House after full debate in a full and free Parliament, Resolved June 25. 1647. That by the Lawes of the Land no Judgement could be given for their suspension upon that generall Charge, be­fore particulars produced and proofes made.17. Threates to march up to London. 18. London solicited to sit Newters. Yet the Army (which had now learned onely to acquiesce in their owne pru­dence and justice) insolently threatned to march up to Westmin­ster against the Parliament, in case the said 11. Members were not suspended: and courted the City of London to sit newters, and let them work their will with the Parliament.

The 11. Impeached Members therefore modestly withdrew to free the House from such danger as they might incur by protect­ing them, as in Justice and Honour they were bound to doe. After this, the Army sent in their particular Charge: and Libellously published it in Print by their own Authority. To which the 11 Members sent in, and published their Answer: Upon which there had been no Prosecution, because they pretend first to set­tle the Kingdome, but if they stay till these fellowes have either authority, will, or skill to settle the Kingdome, they shall not need to make ready for their Tryall till Doomes day. Here you have a whole Army for Accusers, and the chief Officers of the Army (being Members of the House) not onely accusers, but parties, witnesses, and Judges, and carrying the rules of Court, and Lawes by which they judge, in their Scaberds. And the Charge or Im­peachment, such (as all men know) mutatis mutandis are more sutable to Cromwells and Iretons Actions, then the Accused par­ties. If the proceedings in the Kings name against the five Mem­bers mentioned in The exact Collection, pag. 38. were Voted a Traiterous designe against King and Parliament; and the arresting any of them upon the Kings Warrant, an Act of publick enmity against the Common-wealth: How much more Treasonable were these proceedings; and the Armies March towards London to en­force [Page 10] them; and their arresting Anthony Nicholls, having the Speakers Passe, and leave of the House; Colonell Burch, being upon service of the Parliament going for Ireland; and Sir Sa­muel Luke, resting quiet in his owne House?

19. The first occa­sion of quarrell against the City. 20. Courting and cheating the Country and all other inte­rests to lull t [...]em asleep, till the Grandees had wrought their will upon City & Houses. 21 Petitions to the Army, and for the Army.Whilst these things were acting, Cromwell finding he could not have his will upon the Parliament, but that he must make the City of London (who had denyed the newtrality) his Enemies, cast about how to cheat the Country people of their affections; (for to have both City and Country his Enemies in the posture his Army was then in, was dangerous) he therefore by many Printed books and papers, spread all England over by his Agi­tators, and by some journey-men Priests, (who's Pulpits are the best Juglers Boxes to deceive the simple) Absolon-like, wooeth them to make loud complaints of the pressures and grievances of the People: to neglect the King and the Parliament, and make Addresses to the Army as their only Saviours, the Arbitrators of Peace, restorers of our Laws, Liberties and Properties, setlers of Religion, preservers of all just interests: pretending to settle the King in his just Rights and Prerogatives; to uphold the Pri­viledges of Parliament, establish Religion, to reforme, and bring to accompt all Committees, Sequestrators, and all others that had defiled their fingers with publique money, or goods; To free the people from that all-devouring Excise and other Taxes; To re­dresse undue elections of Members; To relieve Ireland: Things impossible to be performed by an Army, and now totally for­gotten, so that they have only accepted of their own private de­mands as Souldiers; That the Parliament should own them for their Army; Establish pay for them; put the whole Militia of this Kingdome and Ireland, both by Sea and Land into their Hands; and Vote against all opposite forces. But they are now become the only protectors of all corrupt Committee-men, Se­questrators, Accomptants to the State, and all other facinorous persons, who comply with them to keep up this Army, for their own security against publick Justice.

Having thus courted and cheated all the publike and just In­terests of the Kingdome, they deceived the people so far as to make them Issachar-like patiently to bear the burden of free quar­ter, and to make addresses to the Army for themselves, by Petiti­ons [Page 11] to which they gave plausible answers, That this, and This was the sense of the Army: as if the sense of the Army had been the supream Law of the Land, and to make addresses to the Parlia­ment for the Army not to be disbanded (for which purpose their Agitators carried Petitions ready penn'd to be subscribed in most Counties.)

The people being thus lulled asleep,22 A quarrell a­gainst the City invented. they now cast about how to make benefit of a joynt quarrell both against the Parliament and City, (since they could not separate them) or at least against the Presbyterian party in both; They had withdrawn their quar­ters (in a seeming obedience to Parliaments commands) 30 miles from London, (of which they often brag in their Papers) and pre­sumed the suspension of the 11 Members, had strook such an aw­fulnesse into the Houses, that most of the Presbyterian Members would either absent themselves (as too many indeed did) or turn renegadoes from their own principles to them: but found them­selves notwithstanding opposed, and their desires retarded (beyond their expectation) by the remainder of that Party. They must therefore finde out a quarrell to march against the City, and give the Houses another Purge stronger then the for­mer.

The Army being principled,23 The Army de­mand the City Militia to be changed into other hands. and put into a posture sutable to Cromwells desire, and the Country charmed into a dull sleep, now was his time to pick a quarrell with the City, that what he could not obtain by fair means, he might effect by foule; To make them desert and divide from the Parliament; And leave it to be modelled according to the discretion of the Souldiery. He could not think it agreeable to policy, that this City which had slaine his Compeere and fellow Prince Wat Tyler (the Idoll of the Commons in Rich. 2. time) and routed his followers (four times as many in number as his Army) should be trusted with their own Militia: The City being now far greater, more populous and powerfull then in his dayes. In a full and free Parliament upon mature debate, both Houses by Ordinance dated 4 May 1647. had established the Militia of the City of London for a year, in the hands of such Citizens as by their Authority & approbation were nominated by the Lord Major, Aldermen, and Common-Coun­cell; and though the Army had recruited it self without Autho­rity, [Page 12] and had got themselves invested with the whole power of all the Land forces of the Kingdome in pay of the Parliament; so that there was nothing left that could be formidable to them but their own crimes; and that it was expected they should goe roundly to work upon those publick remedies they had so often held forth to the people in their popular printed Papers: yet the Army (contrary to what they promised to the City in their Let­ter 10. June, and their Declaration, or Representation 14. June 1647. That they would not goe beyond their desires at that time expressed, and for other particulars would acquiesce in the justice and wisdome of the Parliament (behold their modesty!) by a Letter and Remonstrance from Sir Thomas Fairfax and the Ar­my,See the Letter and Remon­strance from Sir Tho. Fair­fax and the Ar­my, pag 8, 9. with unresistible boldnesse demand the Militia of the City of London to be returned into other hands, without acquainting the City or their Commissioners (then resident in the Army to keep a good correspondency with them) therewith. Upon which letter alone the House of Commons (being very thin, & many Members driven away by menaces) upon July 22. Voted the repealing the said Vote of 4 May, and a new Ordinance for reviving the old Militia, presently passed and transmitted to the Lords the same day about seven of the clock at night, and there presently passed without debate; though moved by some to be put off untill the City (whose safety and priviledges it highly concerned) were heard what they could say to it.

Observe that neither by the said paper from the Army; nor by any man in the two Houses, any thing was objected against any of the new Militia.

And indeed, formerly the Parliament never made choice of, enlarged or changed the City Militia, but they were still pleased first to communicate the same to the Common Councell. A re­spect justly shewed to that City which had been such good friends to them. But of late, since the Parliament have shifted their old Principles and Interests, they have learned to lay by their old friends. The pretence for this hasty passing the Ordinance, was to prevent the Armies so much threatned March to London, if the Houses refused to passe it; and the Cities opposition, if not passed before their notice of it. But the reall designe was to strike a dis­content and jealousie into the City, thereby to force them to [Page 16] some act of self-defence, which might give a colour to the Army to march up against them, and their friends in the Houses.

The unexpected news of this changing their Militia, 24. The City trou­bled at the change of their Militia. caused the City (June 24. being Saturday) to meet in Common Coun­cell, where, (for some reasons already expressed) and because the repealing this Ordinance upon no other grounds then the Armies imperious desires, might justly be suspected, to shake all other Ordinances, for security of mony, sale of Bishops lands,I appeal to Co­lonel Harvy whether this did not fright him. by ma­king them repealable at the Armies pleasure; they resolved to petition the Houses upon munday morning following, being 26. July, which they did by the Sheriffs, and some Common Coun­cell men:25. The City peti­tion the Hou­ses for their Militia again. 26. The Tumult of Apprentices, 26. July. But so it hapned that about one thousand Apprentices wholly unarmed came down two or three howers after with an­other Petition of their own to the Houses: Therein claiming, that to order the City Militia was the Cities Birth-right belonging to them by Charters, confirmed in Parliaments, for defence whereof they had adventured their lives as far as the Army. And desired the Militia might be put again into the same hands in which it was put with the Cities consent by Ordinance, May 4.

Upon reading these Petitions the Lords were pleased to revoke the Ordinance of July 23. and revive that of May the 4. by a new Ordinance of July 26. which they presently sent downe to the Commons for their consents, where some of the Apprentices (pre­suming they might have as great an Influence upon the House to obtain their due, as the Army in pay of the Parl: had to obtain more then their due) in a childish heat were over-clamorous to have the Ordinance passed, refusing to let some Members passe out of the House, or come forth into the Lobby when they were to divide upon the question about it, (so ignorant were they of the customs of the House) which at last passed in the Affirmative about three of the clock afternoon: and then most of the Apprentices de­parted quietly into the City. After which,27. The Tumult of Apprentices ceased, but arti­ficially conti­nued by Secta­ries. some disorderly per­sons (very few of them Apprentices) were drawn together and in­stigated by divers Sectaries and friends of the Army who ming­led with them (amongst whom, one Highland was observed to be all that day very active; who afterwards (26. Sept.) delivered a Petition to the House against those Members that sate, and was an Informer and Witness examined about the said Tumult) ga­thered [Page 14] about the Commons dore and grew very outragious, com­pelling the Speaker to return to the Chaire after he had adjour­ned the House: and there kept the Members in untill they had passed a Vote, That the King should come to London to Treat.

This was cunningly and premeditately contrived, to encrease the scandall upon the City; yet when the Common Councell of London heard of this disorder as they were then sitting: they pre­sently sent down the Sheriffs to their rescue with such strength as they could get ready (their Militia being then unsetled by the contradicting Ordinances of the Parliament) who at last pacified the Tumult, and sent the Speaker safe home; which was as much as they could do in this intervall of their Militia, being the Hou­ses own Act.

The Lords adjourned untill the next Friday; the Commons but untill the next day. Tuesday morning the Commons sate againe quietly, and after some debate adjourned untill Friday next, be­cause the Lords had done so.

28. The Speaker of the Commons complained of a report, that he meant to flie to the Army: yet ran away to the Army.The next day being Wednesday, the monthly Fast, the Speaker and Members met in Westminster Church: where the Speaker complained (in some passion) to Sir Ralph Ashton and other Members of a scandalous report, raised on him in the City, as if he intended to desert the House, and flie to the Army, saying, he scorned to do such a base, unjust, dishonourable act; but would rather die in his House and Chaire: which being spoken in a time and place of so much reverence and devotion, makes many think his secret retreat to the Army (the very next day) proceeded not so much from his own judgment, as from some strong threats from Cromwell and Ireton (who were the chief contrivers of this despe­rate plot to divide the City and Houses, and bring up the Army to enthrall them both) That if he did not comply with their desires, they would cause the Army to impeach him for cousening the State of many vast sums of mony.

And truly, I remember I have seen an intercepted Letter, sent about the time of his flight, from the Army to William Lenthall Speaker,29. The City pro­claim against Tumults. without any name subscribed to it, only the two last lines were of John Rushworth's hand; earnestly importuning him to retire to the Army, with his friends.

On Thursday morning early, the newly renewed Militia of [Page 15] London, made publike protestation throughout the City and Sub­urbs, and set up printed Tickets at Westminster: That if any per­sons should disturb either of the two Houses, or their Members, the Guards should apprehend them, and if resistance were made, kill them: yet notwithstanding, the Speaker and his party (carrying the cau­ses of their fear in their own consciences) in the evening of that day secretly stole away to Windsor to the Head quarters.

Upon Friday morning at least 140.30. The Houses appeare, the Speakers being at the Army. of the Members assembled in the House (they that fled being about 40.) whither the Serge­ant coming without his mace, being asked where the Speaker was? answered, he knew not well; that he had not seen him that morning, and was told he went a little way out of Town last night; but said, he expected his return to the House this morning: after that, being more strictly questioned about the Speaker, he withdrew himself, and would not be found, till the House (after four howrs expe­ctation; and sending some of their Members to the Speakers house, who brought word from his servants, 31. New Speakers chosen. that they conceived he was gone to the Army) had chosen a new Speaker, Mr. Henry Pel­ham, and a new Sergeant, who procured another mace. The like (mutatis mutandis) was done by the Lords, to prevent disconti­nuance and fayler of the Parliament for want of Speakers to ad­journe and continue it; and take away all scruples.

As for the Petition and Engagement of the City (so much aggra­vated by the Independent party) it was directed to the Lord Ma­jor, Aldermen, and Common Councell from divers Citizens, 32. Petition and engagement of the City. Com­manders and Souldiers, and was occasioned by some intelligence they had, that the Army would demand an alteration of the City Militia, in order to a designe they had against the City. It was only intended to the Common Hall, but never presented, as the Soul­diers Petition was to their Generall, which being taken notice of by the Parliament as it was in agitation, was so much resented by the Souldiery as to put themselves into the posture they are now in (as Lieut. Col. Lilburne sayes in one of his Books) to act no longer by their Commissions, but by the principles of nature and self-de­fence. Nor did the said engagement contain any thing but reso­lutions of self-defence in relation to the City: so that we cannot see what the Army had to declare their sense upon it in their Let­ter, 23. July. and so put a prejudice upon it in the Houses. I have [Page 13] insisted the more particularly upon this Grand Imposture as being the anvile upon which they hammered most of their subsequent designes, violencies and illegall accusations.

33. Votes passed after new Spea­kers chosen.The new Speakers chosen; the two Houses proceeded to vote and act, as a Parliament. And first, the House of Commons voted in, the eleven impeached Members; next they revive and set up again the Committee of Safety by Ordinance of both Houses enabling them to joyne with the Committee of the restored City Militia: giving power by severall Ordinances to them, to List and Raise Forces, appoint Commanders and Officers, Issue forth Armes and Am­munition for defence of both Houses and the City against all that should invade them: Which votes and preparations for their safe defence (warranted by the same law of nature as the Armies papers affirm) were not passed, nor put in execution untill the Ar­my (every day recruited contrary to the Houses Orders) were drawing towards London, and had with much scorn disobeyed the Votes and Letter of both Houses, prohibiting them to come within thirty miles of London.

34. Members em­gagement with the Army.The Army, to countenance their Rebellion, draw the two Speakers and fugitive Members to sit in consultation and passe Votes promiscuously with the Councell of War in the nature of a Parliament, and to signe an Engagement (dat. 4. August.) to live and die with Sir Tho: Fairfax and the Army under his command; affirming therein that generally throughout their sense agreeth with the Declaration of Sir Tho: Fairfax, and his Councell of War: shewing the grounds of their present advance towards the City of London. In which Declaration the Councell of the Army take upon them, To be supream Judges over the Parliament: Telling you who of the two Houses they hold for persons in whom the pub­like trust of the Kingdome remaineth, and by whose advice they mean to govern themselves in managing the weighty affairs of the Kingdome: They declare against the late choice of a new Speaker by some Gentlemen at Westminster; and that as things now stand there is no free nor legall Parliament sitting, being through the violence (29. July) suspended. That the Orders and Votes, &c. passed 26 July last, and all such as shall passe in this Assembly of some few Lords and Gentlemen at Westminster are void and null, and ought not to be submitted unto.

Behold here, not only a power without the Parliament Houses, judging of the very essence of a Parliament, and the validity of their resolutions, but usurping to themselves a Negative voice, which they deny to the King; and yet a Schismaticall faction in the two Houses complying with them, and betraying and prostituting the very being, honour, and all the fundamentall Rights and Privi­ledges of this and all future Parliaments, to an Army of Rebells who refuse to obey their Masters, and disband.

This engagement so over-leavened the Army, that their brutish Generall sent forth Warrants to raise the Trained Bands of some Counties, to March with him against the City and both Houses: Although Trained Bands are not under pay of the Parliament; and therefore not under Command of the Generall, by any Order or Ordinance. But, what will not a fool in Authority doe, when he is possessed by Knaves? Miserable man! His foolery hath so long waited upon Cromwells and Iretons knavery, that it is not safe for him now to see his folly, and throw by his Cap with a Bell and his Bable. The Earl of Essex dyed so opportunely, that many suspected his death was artificiall.

Yet the City were so desirous of Peace,35. The City send Commissioners to the Army, Fowkes, Gibs, and Eastweck, by which they are betrayed. that they sent Commissi­oners sundry times to the Army to mediate an Accord; who could obtaine no more equall tearmes of Agreement then that, They should yeild to desert both Houses and the impeached Members: Call in their Declaration newly Printed and Publi­shed: Relinquish their Militia: Deliver up all their Forces and Line of Communication to the Army; together with the Tower of London, and all the Magazines & Armes therein: Disband all their Forces: Turn all the Reformado's out of the Line: Withdraw all their Guards from the Houses: Receive such Guards of Horse and Foot within the Line, as the Army should appoint to Guard the Houses: Demolish their Workes: And suffer the whole Ar­my to March in Triumph through the City, as Conquerers of it and the Parliament, and (as they often give out) of the whole Kingdome: Tearmes which they might have had from the great Turk, had he sate downe before them and broken ground.

All which was suddainly and dishonourably yeilded to, and executed accordingly, by such an Army as was not able to fight [Page 18] with one half of the City, had they been united: But they are the Devills seedes-men, and have sowen the Cockle of Heresie and Schisme, so aboundantly in City and Country (especially amongst the more beggerly sort) that these men joyning Principles and In­terests with the Army, weaken the hands of all opponents. They often brag that they made a civill March, free from Plunder: I Answer, they neither durst, nor could doe otherwise: their Soul­diers being ill Armed, and so few, that they were not able to keep stands in the streets, and keep the Avenues while their fel­lowes dispersed to Plunder. Charles 8. with a far greater, and more Victorious hoast, durst not offer violence to the far lesse City of Florence when Signior Caponi put an affront upon him in the Town-house; Bidding him beat his Drums, and they would ring their Bells.

36. The fugitive Members re­turned.Upon the 6 of Aug. 1647. the Generall brought the fugitive Spea­kers and Members to the Houses with a strong Party, (who might have returned sooner without a Guard, had not their own crimes & designes hindred them) the two Palaces filled with armed guards, double files clean through Westminster-Hall, up the staires to the House of Commons, and so through the Courts of Request to the Lords House, and down staires againe into the old Palace. The Souldiers looking scornfully upon many Members that had sate in the absence of the Speaker, and threatning to cut some of their throats. And all things composed to so ridiculous a terrour, as if they would bespeak (without speaking) the absence of those Members that sate Placed the Speakers in the Chaires without Vote, out of which they had been justly Voted for deserting their calling; where the Generall was placed in a Chaire of State (enough to make a fool of any man that was not fit for it) and received speciall thanks for his service from both Speakers. And in the second place, a day of thanksgiving was appointed to God; (I think) for his patience in not striking these Atheisticall Saints with thunder and lightning for making him a stale to their pre­meditated villanies. Here Sir Thomas Fairfax with a breath (and before any man that was not privy to the designe could recover out of his amazement) was made Generalissimo of all the Forces and Forts of England and Wales; to dispose of them at his plea­sure: Constable of the Tower of London. The Common Souldi­ers [Page] Voted one monthes gratuity, besides their pay (the Commons being in good case to give gifts before they pay'd debts:) left to the discretion of the Generall to set what Guards he pleased up­on the two Houses. Whereby you may perceive in what unequall condition those Members that did not runne away with the Spea­ker, doe now sit; after so many reiterated threats of the Gene­rall against them in his printed Papers.

After this, the Generall, Lievtenant Generall, and the whole Army, 37. The Armies March in Tri­umph through the City: with other subse­quent Acts. with the Traine of Artillery, marched through London in so great pomp and triumph, as if they would have the people understand that the Authority of the Kingdome (in whose hands soever it remaines in these doubtfull times) must submit to the power of the sword, the hilt and handle whereof they hold. They turne out the Lieutenant of the Tower without cause shewne. The consequencies of these two actions were, that immediately the City decayed in Trade above 200000 l. a week; and no more Bullion came to the Mint.

They displace all other Governours, though placed by Ordi­nance of Parliament, and put in men of their owne party; for this incroaching faction will have all in their owne hands. They alter and divide the City of London, setting up particular Militia's at Westminster, Southwarke, and the Hamlets of the Tower, that being so divided they may be the weaker. Demolish the Lines of Com­munication; that the City and Parliament may lie open to Inva­sion when they please; and fright many more Members from the Houses with threats, and feare of false Impeachments.

The 11. Impeached Members having leave by Order of the House, and licence of the Speaker some to goe beyond Sea; and Anthony Nicholls to goe into his owne Country to settle his Af­faires: some of them (as Sir William Waller and M. Den: Hollis) were attached upon the Sea; Nicholls arrested upon the way into Cornewall by the Army, and despightfully used; and when the Generall was inclined to free him, Cromwell (whose malice is known to be as unquenchable as his nose) told him he was a Tray­tor to the Army. You see now upon whom they meane to fixe the peoples allegeance, (for where no Allegeance is, there can be no Treason) and to what purpose they have since by their 4. Votes (first debated between the Independent Grandees of the Houses and Army) laid aside the King.

Col: Dirch formerly imployed for Ireland by the Parliament, was imprisoned, and his men mutinyed against him by the Army: and Sir Sam: Luke resting quietly in his own house, was there sei­zed upon and carryed Prisoner into the Army.

All these acts of terror were but so many Scar-crowes set up to fright more Presbyterians from the Houses, and make the Army masters of their Votes.

38. Proceedings of both Houses under the po­wer of the Ar­my.I must in the next place fall upon the proceedings in both Houses, acted under the power and influence of this all-inslaving, all-devon­ring Army, and their engaged party. To attaine the knowledge whereof, I have used my utmost industry and interest with many my neere friends and kinsmen sitting within those walls, hereto­fore (when Kings, not Brewers and Draymen, were in power) the walls of publique liberty.

39. Ordinance to null and voide all Acts passed in absence of the two renega­do Speakers.The Lords that sate in absence of the two Speakers (all but the Earle of Pembroke, whose easie disposition made him fit for all companies) found it their safest course to forbeare the House, leaving it to be possessed by those few Lords that went to, and en­gaged with the Army: which engaged Lords sent to the Com­mons for their concurrence to an Ordinance, To make all Acts, Orders and Ordinances passed from the 26 July (when the tumult was upon the Houses) to the 6. of August following (being the day of the fugitive Members returne) void and null ab initio. This was five or six severall dayes severally and fully debated, as often put to the Question, and carryed in the Negative every time: yet the Lords still renewed the same Message to them, beating back their Votes into their throats, and would not acquiesce, but upon every denyall put them againe to roll the same stone, contrary to the priviledges of the Commons.

40. Menaces used by the engaged party in the House.The chief Arguments used by the engaged party were all groun­ded upon the Common places of feare and necessity: M. Solicitor threatning if they did not concur, the Lords were resolved to vindicate the Honour of their House, and sit no more: they must have recourse to the power of the sword; the longest sword take all. That they were all engaged to live and die with the Army. They should have a sad time of it. Hasterig used the like lan­guage; farther saying, Some heads must fly off; and he feared the Parliament of England would not save the Kingdome of Eng­land, [Page 21] they must look another way for safety. They could not sa­tisfie the Army but by declaring all void ab initio; and the Lords were so far engaged, that no middle way would serve. To this was answered, that this was an Appeal from the Parliament to the Army. And when these and many more threats of as high nature were complained of as destructive to the liberty and being of Par­liaments, the Speaker would take no notice of it. Sir Henry Vane junior, Sir John Evelin junior, Prydeaux, Gourdon, Mildmay, Tho: Scott, Cornel: Holland, and many more, used the like threats.

Upon the last negative (being the fift or sixth) the Speaker (per­ceiving greater enforcements must be used) pulled a Letter out of his pocket, from the Generall and Generall Councel of the Army,41. A threatning Remonstrance from the Army to the House. (for that was now their style) pretending he then received it; But it was conceived he received it over night, with directions to conceal it, if the Question had passed in the Affirmative. It was accompanyed with a Remonstrance full of villanous language and threats against those Members that sate while the two Speakers were with the Army: calling them pretended Members, Charging them (in generall) with Treason, Treachery, and breach of Trust: And protested if they shall presume to sit before they have clea­red themselves; that they did not give their assents to such and such Votes, they should sit at their perill, and he would take them as Prisoners of Warre, and try them at a Councell of Warre.

What King of England ever offered so great a violence to the fundamentall Priviledges of Parliament, as to deny them the Li­berty of Voting I and No freely? Certainly the little finger of a Jack Cade or a Wat Tyler, is far heavier then the loynes of any King.

Many Members were amazed at this Letter, and it was moved, That the Speaker should Command all the Members to meet at the House the next day, and should declare, That they should be secured from danger: And that it might be Ordered that no more but the ordinary Guardes should attend the House. But these two motions were violently opposed with vollies of threats by the aforesaid parties and others. And after more then two houres debate, the Speaker refused to put any question upon them, or any of them; and so adjourned to the next mor­ning, [Page 22] leaving the Presbyterian Members to meet at their Perill.

The next day being Friday, the 20 Aug. there was a very thin Assembly in the House of Commons; the House having with so much violence denyed protection to their Members the day before, made most of the Presbyterian party absent. Some went over to the Independent party: others fate mute. At last a Com­mittee was appointed presently to bring in an Ordinance of Accom­modation; which was suddainly done and passed, and is now Printed at the latter end of the said menacing Remonstrance of the Army: a Childe fit to waite upon such a Mother.

42. Debate in pas­sing the Ordi­nance of null and voide.Thus was this Ordinance of null and voyde gotten (which hath been the cause of so much danger and trouble to Multitudes of people) by the Lords reiterated breaches upon the Priviledges of the House of Commons. The engaged parties threats within doores: The Armies thundring Letters and Remonstrance: Their Guardes upon their doores, and a Regiment or two of Horse in Hide Parke, ready to make impressions upon the House, in case things had not gone to their mindes: diverse of whose Comman­ders walking in the Hall, enquired often how things went, prote­sting they would pull them forth by the Eares if they did not give speedy satisfaction.

Thus for the manner of passing that Ordinance; the matter of Argument used against it was (as far as I can hear) to the purpose following. It was alledged that the force upon Munday 26 July, ended that day, that the next day being Tuesday, the House met quietly and adjourned. That upon Friday following, the Houses fate quietly all day, and gave their Votes freely and so forward; the City having sufficiently provided for their security. That this tranfient force upon Munday, could have no influence on the Houses for the time to come. That the Supream power of no Nation can avoide their owne acts by pretended force. This would make the common People, the Jurors, and Judges to que­stion all acts done in Parliament, since one man can, and may judge of force as well as another. This were to being the Records of the House into dispute: Magna Charta was never gotten nor confirmed but by force; force was threefold: upon one or both Houses; or upon the King, in giving His Royall Assent; neither [Page 23] could plead it, the Parliament is presumed to consist of such men as dare lay downe their lives for their Country. When the King came with force to demand the 5 Members; when the City came downe crying for Justice against the Earl of Strafford; when the women came down crying for Peace; when the Reformado's came down in a much more dangerous Tumult then this of the unarmed Prentices; yet the Houses continued sitting and Acting, and none of their Acts were nullified. That to make their Acts, Orders and Ordinances voide ab initio, would draw many thou­sand men who had acted under them into danger of their lives and fortunes, who had no Authority to dispute the validity of our Votes: we must therefore give them power to dispute our acts hereafter upon matter of fact; for to tie men to unlimited and undisputable obedience to our Votes, and yet to punish them for obeying whensoever we shall please to declare our acts voide, ab initio, is contrary to all reason. If to act upon such Ordinances were criminall, it was more criminall in those that made them. And who shall be judges of those that made them? Not the Members that went to the Army; They are parties pre-ingaged to live and die with the Army; and have approved the Armies Declaration, calling those that sate, a few Lords and Gentlemen, and no Parliament: they have joyned with a power out of the Houses to give a Law to, and put an engagement upon both Houses; a president never heard of before, of most dangerous con­sequence, it takes away the liberty of giving I and No freely, being the very life of Parliaments: If all done under an actuall force be voide, it is questionable whether all hath been done this 4 or 5 years be not voide; and whether His Majesties Royall Assent to some good Bils passed this Parliament, may not be said to have been extorted by force: if the Kings Party prevaile, they will de­clare this Parliament voide, upon the ground your selves have laid. 1 Hen. 7. That King urged the Parliament to make voide ab initio, all Acts passed Rich. 3. which they refused upon this ground: That then they should make all that had Acted in obedience to them lyable to punishment, only they repealed those Acts.

The debate upon this Ordinance of null and voyde, held from Munday 9 of Aug. to the 20 Aug. (when it was passed) but not [Page 24] without some interloaping debates of something a different na-nature, yet all looking the same way: occasioned by Messages from the Lords: Namely, once upon a Message from them, The said Declaration, from Sir Thomas Fairfax and his Army,43. The Lords Message to the Commons to approve the Declaration of the Army. concerning their advance to London was read & debated in grosse, whether the Commons should concur with the Lords in approving it? But almost all but the engaged Party and their Pensioners distasted it, it was laid by without any question put, lest it should prove dangerous to put a Negative upon their Masters of the Ar­my. Yet many menaces (according to custome) were used by the engaged party to get it passed; Hasterig affirming that those Gentlemen that sate and voted for a Committee of safety, 44. The Commit­tee of safety. and the Kings comming to London, did drive on the designe of the City protestation and engagement. To which was Answered, That the Committee of safety was not then newly erected by those which sate, but the old Committee revived by that Vote, which had been long since erected in a full & free Parliament, when the Army first mutinyed and threatned to March to London: and for the same ends; Defence of Parliament and City. And for the Kings comming to London, it was Voted only to get Him out of the power of the Army; as formerly in a full and free Parliament he had been voted to Richmond for the same reason.

45. A Committee to examine the Tumult.Upon another Message from the Lords, the Commons con­curred in an Ordinance to erect a Committee of Examinations to inquire into, and examine the City Petition, engagement, and the force upon the Houses 26 July, and all endeavours to raise any forces,46. A Sub-com­mittee of Secre­cie selected to examine the Tumult. &c. This Committee consisted of 22 Commons besides Lords, almost all of them Members engaged with the Army: but because there were some three or four Presbyterians gotten in a­mongst them, to shut these Canaanites forth, that the Godly, the true seed of Israel might shuffle the Cardes according to their owne minde, the 13 Aug. after (upon another Message from the Lords) there was a Sub-committee of Secrecy, named out of this grand Committee of Examinations, to examine upon Oath. The persons were, the Earl of Denbigh and Mulgrave, Lord Gray of Wark, Lord Howard of Escrig, Sir Arthur Hasterig, Mr. Solicitor, Gourdon, Miles Corbet, Alderman Pennington, Allen, Edwards, Col: Ven, or any three of them. All persons engaged to live and [Page 25] die with the Army, and now appointed to make a clandestine scrutiny, and search into the lives and Actions of the Presbyterian party that sate in Parliament doing their duty, when the engaged party fled to the Army, and brought them up in hostile manner against them.

The unreasonablenesse of this way of proceeding was much urged;47. Debate upon the passing the Committee of Secret exami­nations. and farther alleaged that it was neither consonant to the Customes of the House, nor unto common reason, That a Sub-com­mittee should be chosen out of the Grand Committee of examinati­ons, with more power then the Grand Committee it self had, and excluding the rest of the Committee, under the pretence of secre­cie. Besides, it was against the priviledge of the House of Com­mons, that the Lords should nominate the Commons in that Sub-committee as well as their own Members. But the Independent Grandees would have it passe. Breach of Priviledge, and all other considerations are easily swallowed when they are subservient to their present designes.

The party engaged were resolved to be Examiners, Informers, 48. The manner of prosecution and proceeding upon the Tu­mult. and witnesses, as well as parties, (so active was their malice) and had so well packed the Cardes, that eight or nine Schismaticall Lords engaged likewise with them, and the Army should be judges of the Presbyterian party that sate in absence of the two Speakers, the better to give the two Houses a through Purge, and make them of the same complexion with the Army: without which they had no hopes to divide the power and profit of the Land be­tween themselves by 10000. l. 20000. l. in a morning shared amongst the godly; and to make the whole Kingdom to be Gibeo­nites, hewers of wood, and drawers of water to the faithfull.

In order to the playing of this game,49. Miles Corbet makes report of Examinations taken at the close Com­mittee. First, against the Committee of Safety. Miles Corbet (Interpre­ter to that State-puppet-play behinde the curtain, commonly called The close Committee of examinations) upon the 3. Septemb. stood up and began his Report from that Inquisition, saying, he would be­gin with the Committee of safety, wherein many Members were concerned; and it was necessary to purge the Houses first. But farther said, he would suppresse the Nantes of many of his Wit­nesses, because the Depositions he should report were but prepa­tory examinations, and it would be for service of the State to conceal their names.

He first produced many Warrants signed at the Committee of Safety by the Earles of Pembroke, Suffolke, Middlesex, Lincolne, Lord Willoughby of Parham, Maynard, Mr. Hollis, Sir Phil: Staple­ton, Sir William Waller, Mr. Long, Mr. Nicholls, Sir William Lewes, Mr. Baynton.

Next, Corbet reported he had a Witnesse who deposed that a Gentleman with a red head had signed many Warrants, supposed to be Mr. Edward Baynton: Against Ma­ster Baynton. at length after much wyer-drawing of the businesse, one Warrant was shewn to Mr. Baynton, which he confessed to be his hand. And presently Haslerigge moved that Mr. Baynton might forthwith Answer: against which was ob­jected, That since these were but preparatory examinations, not legall proofs, no man was bound to answer them: otherwise a man shall be put to as many severall answers as severall new mat­ters of Charge come in against him, and shall day by day be liable to new vexations, and never know when he hath cleered himself. But Corbet (who of an Examiner was now become the Kings So­licitor, or Advocate Criminall) moved to proceed to judgment against him: but first to ask him some preparatory questions. But it was answered, that it was illegall to squeese examinations out of a mans own mouth; neither was a man bound to answer, where his words may condemn, but not absolve hi [...]: for so much as depends upon the testimony of Witnesses against this Gentleman, you cannot proceed unlesse he be by, and have liberty to put crosse questions to the Witnesses. It is alleaged, Warrants were signed, and all done in relation to a new war. It is answered, it was done in order to self-defence (allowable by the Lawes.) Long before this occasion, when the Army first mutinied and threatned to march up to London, and use such extraordinary means against the Parliament and City as God had put into their hands, you then in a full and free Parliament appointed a Com­mittee of safety for your defence, who sate and acted. This Com­mittee was but the same revived, and upon the like or worse threats and menaces, as by the many printed Papers from the Ar­my will appear; you have no Testimony against this Gentleman by name, but only a Character of his haire: and for signing the Warrant confessed by himself he is acquitted by the Proviso of the Ordinance, 20. August last, which excepteth only such as acted [Page 27] upon the force, But when the Committee of safety was revived, the Parliament was freer from force then it is how. Mr. Baynton notwithstanding was adjudged to be suspended the House during pleasure of the House, which is as much as to say, So long as the Tyranny of this domineering Faction lasteth.

The 4.Against Ma­ster Walker. of Sept. Corbet reported he had a Witnesse (but named him not, because they were but preparatory examinations) who deposed that an elderly Gentleman of low stature, in a gray suit, with a little Stick in his hand, came forth of the House into the Lobby when the Tumult was at the Parliament dore, and whispered some of the Apprentices in the eare, and encouraged them, (supposed to be Mr. Walker.) Mr. Walker denied he spake then with any man in the Lobby, or saw any face that he knew there; and so neglected the businesse as a thing not considerable. But the next day Corbet moved that Mr. Walker might be orde­red to put on his gray Suite againe and appeare before the Close Committee, and the Witnesse, who saith he knoweth him againe if he see him. I heare Mr. Walker desired to know (seeing the Witnesse had not named him) by what authority the Examiners should take such a Deposition, and make application thereof to him: and seeing there were many Gentlemen in the House that day with whom that Character agreed as well as with himself, why the Reporter did not move that all to whom that Character was applyable might be put to that test as well as himselfe, but singled him out for a marke to shoot at: complaining he was not ignorant out of what Quiver this Arrow came: he had beene threatned with a Revenge by some of that Close Committee, and had other enemies amongst them, that could bite without bark­ing. He told them that yesterday Mr. Corbet Reported that the supposed old man whispered, &c. but desired those that were then in the House to call to mind that the noise was then so great in the Lobby that no whisper, nay the lowdest words he was able to speak could not be heard. Then Corbet changed his Tale, saying, the words were, What you doe, doe quickly: and were spoken aloud: and said, the Character agreed best with Mr. Walker, for that the Deponent said, the Gentleman was a Leane meager man.

Here Mr. Walker desired the House to take notice that the [Page 28] Reporter had twice varyed his Report. 1. In the words spoken, from a whisper to lowd speaking. 2. In the Character inlarged with the words leane and meager. Here is Hayle-shot provided, if one misse, the other must hit; Yet with this addition, there were divers in the House with whom the Character agreed as well as with himself. And by the incivility of his words, it should seem the Witnesse is a man of no breeding: wherefore he desired to hear his Name, that he might enquire of his credit and repute. If the Reporter thinks he may be practised, he doth not think him a man of honesty: and then he had more cause to suspect him. He farther complained, that to make Hue and Cry after him (as it were upon fresh suite) upon a character of his person and cloths five or six weeks after the supposed fact, (he never having absen­ted himselfe one day from the House) favoured too much of a party overswayed with malice and Revenge.

Your close Committee of examinations carry on businesses so in the darke (being parties ingaged with the Army, and not sworne to be true in their office) that no man can see how to defend him­self, or how he is dealt with, or when he is free from trouble and danger: It seems we are here called ex tempore to answer for our lives, ore tenus; And our Accusation beginneth with the exami­nation of our persons: to make us state a Charge against our selves, to betray our selves, and cut our own throats with our tongues, contrary to Magna Charta, the Petition of Right, and all those laws of God and man, which in the KING'S time, were in use. And no Witnesses are produced, nor so much as named: me­thinks therefore we are compelled to play at blind-man-bough for our lives, not seeing who strikes us. You have the most summary way of hanging one another that ever I saw; It is a kind of Star-Chamber proceeeding in matter of life and death; your secret examinations savour so much of the Spanish Inquisition, and of the Councel of troubles erected by the Duked' Alva in the Low-countries (called Concilium Sanguinis) that they can never agree with the laws and nature of our Nation: If our Kings shall imitate you hereafter, they will be the greatest Tyrants in the world. Forma­lities and priviledges of Court, derogating from the common rules of Law, and practice of the land, are but curtains drawn before oppression and tyranny to dazle mens eyes. Give me leave [Page 29] to tell you that I have served you faithfully from the beginning, and have taken as much paines, and run as many hazards as most men in your service, wherein I have lost my health and above 7000l. of my Estate, without one penny compensation, as other men have had, nor have I laid my hands upon any mans mony or goods, or had any gainfull imployment from you: I contented my self to serve my Country gratis: and with some little Honour I had gotten thereby; whereby, you have now Robbed me, by a Roaving accusation shot at Random at me. Had I cheated the State of 40000l. or 50000l. peradventure I might have beene thought a godly, confiding man, of right principles, and have had 10000l. given me for my paines. Sir, you have heard the voice of a Free-man (not of a Slave) that dares keep his first principles, Religion, Lawes, and just Liberties whosoever layes them aside; and protest against Tyranny and Oppression, where­soever he finds it, whether in the Government of one or many. You may murder me by the Sword of Justice, but you cannot hurt me: but deliver me from the evills to come. Nor shall I be unwilling to suffer a Goale-delivery of my soul from the prison of my body when I am called to it.

When Mr. Walker had done his defence, the debate followed, much to this purpose, That to order him to appear in his Gray suite before the close Committee and Witnesse was illegall, and against the Lawes and Liberties of the Subject.

1. It is to help another to accuse himself; which is all one as if he did accuse himself.

2. To bid a Witnesse look upon a man (after he is engaged to name some body) is to prompt him to go no farther then the party shewed.

3. A Witnesse ought not to be twice examined against a man. That is, to draw him on by degrees to swear home, and to mend in his second Deposition what fell short in his first.

4. If the Witnesse first depose to the matter, not naming the party, and five or six weeks after declare the Person, without oath, this is no Deposition, and if the Oath be renewed the Witnes is twice examined. So the businesse was laid by, and Corbet allowed to shew Mr. Wal­ker casually as he could meet with him to his witnesse, which was (in a manner) to draw dry foot after him with his bloud-hound.

I was the more curious in gathering the circumstances of this businesse out of the reports of many severall men, in regard of the rarenesse of the case, and the exquisitenesse of the malice with which it was prosecuted. And it seemed to me the more admi­rable, because I heare generally that Mr. Walker hath alwaies been opposite to all parties and factions, both Presbyterian and Inde­pendent, upon whom he looks as the common disturbers both of Church and Common-wealth, and enemies of peace. Nor could he ever be perswaded to be at any of their Junto's or secret mee­tings; and therefore it is not probable he should suddenly and in the open view of the House go forth and engage with a company of silly unarmed Apprentice Boyes. But I heare they cannot en­dure his severity, nor he their knavery. What will not the malice of a desperate Anabaptisticall faction attempt? they have long sported in the bloud and treasure of the land, as the Leviathan doth in the waters: and do now keep up a numerous Army to carry on those designes by force, which they can no longer make good by fraud. All England is become as Munster was, and our Grandees sutable to John of Leyden, and Knipperdolling.

Against Ma­ster Recorder Glyn.The next report Corbet made concerning Mr. Recorder Glyn. The chief things objected were, That he had frequented the Com­mon Councell, the Committees of the Militia, and safety, more then he was w [...]nt to doe: That he was silent and made no opposition: And that he gave thanks to the Apprentices when they delivered their Pe­tition to the City, offering their help for defence thereof against whom­soever.

The Recorder answered, the Charge was long, and his memory short: He desired time to examine his memory, concerning the cir­cumstances of time, place, persons, and other matters; and that he might examine witnesses for clearing his innocency. But his Prose­cutors (hoping to do more good upon him by way of surprise, then in a deliberate and legall way of proceeding) put him upon it to answer ex tempore. He confessed and avoided some things, but denied the most materiall. He denied he was more frequent at their meetings then ordinary. For his silence, he alleaged he was but the Cities servant and had no voice amongst them, but when his opinion was demanded: That he gave thanks to the Apprentices as a servant by command, yet had mixed some ad­monitions [Page 31] and Reprehensions in speech to them.

So the Recorder withdrew. And presently Hasterig (according to his custome) moved judgement might be given against him. To which was answered, that the Recorder denyed [...] principall parts of his Charge; and offered proofes by witnesses: you must give him that leave, or take all parts of his speech for granted; as well what makes for him, as against him. Two or three dayes more will make this businesse ripe for judgement: let him have one judgement for all. If you judge him now to be expelled the House, he is already forejudged, & that will be a leading case to a farther judgement: For who dares acquit where you have con­demned? A man ought to be but once judged upon one accusa­tion. The dishonour of expulsion is a punishment exceeding death. If you judge now upon one part of the Accusation, and hereafter upon another part of the Accusation, he will be twice condemned upon one Accusation. And shall never know when he hath satisfied the Law; an endlesse vexation.

Yet Hasterig moved he might receive judgement now, for what was already proved or confessed, to be expelled the House; (say­ing, the Lords went on without obstruction in their businesses, be­cause they had purged their House) and that he might be farther impeached hereafter upon farther hearing. So he was adjudged to be discharged the House, committed to the Tower, and further impeached hereafter.

Sir John Maynard the same day was called to Answer.Against Sir John Maynard. He de­sired a Copy of his Charge, with leave to Answer in writing by advice of Councell, as the 11 Members formerly did: To exa­mine witnesses on his part, and crosse examine their witnesses.

But these requests were denye [...], and he Commanded to answer ex tempore. He gave no particular Answer, but denyed all in ge­nerall: as Col: Pride (whom he cited for his President) had for­merly done at their Barre. He was adjudged to be discharged the House, committed to the Tower, and farther impeached. The like for Commissary Generall Copley whose case differed little.

The 8 of Sept. the Earl of Suffolke, Lincolne, Middlesex, Against the 7 Lords. the Lords Barkley, Willoughby, Hunsdon, and Maynard were impea­ched of High Treason, in the name of the Commons of England, [Page 32] for levying war against the King, Parliament, and Kingdom. The Earle of Pembroke (then sent to Hampton-Court with the Propo­sitions on purpose to avoid the storm) was omitted untill Wednes­day following, and so had the favour to be thought not worth remembring. Sir John Evelyn the younger sent up to the Lords with the Impeachment, and a desire they might be committed. They were committed to the Black Rodde. And so the engaged Lords had their House to themselves according to their desires.

50. Schismaticall Petitions.The 14. Sept. a Petition from divers Schismaticks in Essex came to the Houses, bearing this Title, To the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled, distinct from those Lords and Commons that sate in absence of the two Speakers.

16. Sept. a Petition from divers Sectaries of Oxfordsh: Bucks: Berkesh: was delivered the House against diverse Members sit­ting in the House, enemies to God and Godlinesse, enemies to the Kingdome, &c. Ʋsurpers of Parliamentary Authority, who endea­voured to bring in the King upon His owne Tearmes. They desired a free Parliament, and that (according to the desires of the Ar­my) those that sate when the Parliament was suspended in absence of the two Speakers, might be removed: there was a clause against Tythes, &c. in it. Such another Petition came but the day before from Southwarke.

These Petitions were all penned by the engaged party of the Houses and Army, and sent abroad by Agitators to get subscrip­tions.The ayme of these Petitions. The designe was to put the two parties in the House into heights one against another, to make the lesser party in the House (viz. the engaged party but 59) to expell the greater party being above 140. whereby the House might be low and base in the o­pinion of the people, and no Parliament, and so leave all to the power of the Sword. The Army daily recruiting, and thereby giving hopes to all loose people, that the Army should be their common Receptacle, as the Sea is the common Receptacle of all waters; because those who had no hope to be Members of Par­liament might become Members of this Army. Besides their plau­sible way of prompting the people to petition against Tythes, Enclosures, and Copy hold fines uncertain, was to encourage them to side with the Army against all the Nobility, Gentry, and Clergy of the hand, (from whom the Army did most fear an opposition) [Page 33] and to destroy Monarchy it self: since it is impossible for any Prince, to be a King only of Beggers, Tinkers, and Coblers.

But these interloping discourses omitted, let us again return to these prodigious Impeachments. Against the Lord Mayor, Aldermen and Citizens. The next in order comes in the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Citizens, with whom short work was made. Impeachments were sent up to the Lords against them, and they sent to the Tower, upon a bare report of the Inquisitor Generall Corbet, and the reading of some depositions, the Wit­nesses names for the most part concealed, and none of them so much as called to the Cōmons Bar to see what they could say for them­selves: Contrary to Magna Charta, 29. chap. and contrary to 28 Edw. 3. enacting, that no man shall be put out of his Land, &c. nor taken, nor Imprisoned, &c. nor put to death, &c. without being brought to answer by due processe of Law. That is according to the Stat. 42 Edw. 3. ch. 3. That no man be brought to answer without pre­sentment before Justices, or matter of Record, or by due process, or writ originall, according to the old Law of the Land: not according to new invented Articles of impeachment, but according to those Laws that were well known, and old in Edw. 3. time: see Stat. 37 Edw. 3. 1 Edw. 6. ch. 12. 6 Edw. 6. ch. 11. and the Stat. 25 Ed. 3. saith, no man shall be taken by Petition or sugestion made to the King, or his Councell, &c. and the House of Peers is no more but the Kings Councell, as anon I shall make evident.

It was moved by divers that these Gent:51. Arguments against im­peachments be­fore the Lords. might be Tried accor­ding to Law at the Kings Bench by a Jury of twelve men de vici­neto, their Peers and equalls to judge of matter of fact: alleaging that the Common Law was the Birthright of all the free people of England: which was one of the three Principles for which the Parl: so often declared in print that they fought, and for defence wher­of they had entred into a Covenant, with their hands lifted up to God: the other two principles were Religion and Liberties.

1. The Lords were not Peers to the Commoners: At the Com­mon Law they shall have sworn Judges for matter of Law, of whom they may aske questions in doubtfull poynts, nor can they be Judges in their own cases.

2. They have sworn Jurors of the neighbourhood for matters of fact, whom they may challenge.

3. The known Laws and Statutes for rules to judge by, which in [Page 34] case of Treason is the Stat. 25 Edw. 3. you cannot Vote nor declare a new Treason: And if you could, to do it ex post facto, is contrary to all rules of justice: The Apostle saith, Sin is a breach of a Comman­dement (or Law:) I had not known sin but by the Law: the Law therefore most go before the Sin.

4. At the Common Law, They have Witnesses openly and newly examined upon oath before the Accused's face, who may except against them, and cross examine them.

5. Even in Star Chamber and Chauncery (where only hearings are upon Testimonies) the Examiners are sworn Officers.

6. A man hath but one Tryall and Judgment, upon one accusa­tion: so that he knows when he hath satisfied the Law.

In this way of proceeding, all these necessary legalities are laid by: and these Gentlemen have not so much fair play for their Lives and Estates as Naboth had for his Vineyard: he had all the formalities of the law: yea, he had law it self: yet he had not ju­stice: because they were the sons of Belial that were set before him: what shall we conceive these Witnesses are that do not ap­pear? nay, whose very names are concealed? yet Naboth was murdered by the sword of Justice: for the honour of Parliaments give not the people cause to suspect, these Gentlemen shall be so too: non recurrendum ad extraordinaria, quando fieri potest per or­dinaria.

But all this was but to charme a deafe Adder: the nine or ten engaged Lords that then possessed the House, were thought to be fitter then a Jury of Middlesex to make work for the hang-man,52. Arguments proving the Lords to have no power of Iudicature over the Commons. and yet they have no Judicature over the Cōmons: as appears by the the president of Sir Simon de Berisforde, William Taylboys, and the City of Cambridge. Note that one president against the Ju­risdiction of a Court is more valued then a hundred for it: be­cause the Court cannot be supposed ignorant of the Law, and its own rights; but a particular man or client may: see Sir John Maynard's Royall quarrell, and his Laws subversion: Lieut. Col. Lilburne's whip for the present House of Lords: and Judge Jenkins Remonstrance to the Lords and Commons of the two Houses of Par­liament, dated 21. Febr. 1647. As for the cases of Weston, Gomenes and Hall, (cited by Mr. Pryn) they were for facts done beyond Sea, and before the Stat. 1 Hen. 4. ch. 14. whereof the Common [Page 35] Law could then have no conusance: & therefore an extraordinary way of proceeding before the Lords was requisite, and by the Kings speciall Authority it was done, without which, (I dare boldly affirme) the Lords have no Judicature at all:53. The House of Peers no Court of Iudicature at at all properly, and per se. which thus I make appear.

1. The King by delivering the Great Seale to the Lord Keeper, makes him Keeper of his Conscience for matter of equity. By his Brevia patentia to the Judges of the two Benches, and the Exche­quer, the King makes them administrators and Interpreters of his Lawes: But he never trusts any but himself with the power of pardoning and dispensing with the rigour of the Law in Crimi­nall cases: And though the Lord Keeper is Speaker of the Lords House of Court, yet he is no Member of the Lords House virtute officii: The Judges are not Members, but Assistants only: So that no man in the House of Peers, as he is simply a Peere, is trusted by the King either with dispensation of law, or equity.

2. When a Peer of Parliament, or any man else is tried before the Lords in Parliament criminally, he cannot be tried by his Peers only, because in acts of Judicature, there must be a Judge superior, who must have his inferiors ministeriall to him: There­fore in the Triall of the Earle of Strafford (as in all other Trialls upon life and death, in the Lords House) the King grants his Commission to a Lord High Steward to sit as Judge, and the rest of the Lords are but in the nature of Jurors. So that it is the Kings Commission that authoriseth and distinguisheth them.

3. When a Writ of Error issueth out of the Chauncery to the House of Peers, they derive their Authority meerly from that Writ.

For the three Reasons aforesaid, The House of Peers is no Court of Judicature at all without the Kings speciall Authority granted to them either by his Writ. or his Commission. And the Lords by their four Votes having denied all farther addresse or application to the King, have cut off from themselves that fountaine from which they derive all their power: And all Trialls by Commis­sion must be upon Bils, or Acts of Attainder, not by Articles of Im­peachment; a way never heard of before this Parliament, and in­vented to carry on the designes of a restlesse impetuous Faction: Had the Faction had but so much wit as to try those Gentlemen [Page 36] by Commission of Oyer and Terminer, before Sergeant Wild, he would have borrowed a point of law to hang a hundred of them for his own preferment.

Observe that almost all the cases cited by Mr. Pryn concerning the Peers Trialls of Commissioners were authorized by the King, upon the speciall instance of the House of Commons; As for the House of Commons they never pretended to any power of Ju­dicature, and have not so much authority as to administer an oath, which every Court of Pye-pouldres hath.

54. Bl [...]nke im­peachments dorment.But this way of triall before the pre-ingaged Lords, and upon Articles of Impeachment (which they keep by them of all sorts and sizes fit for every man, as in Birchin-lane they have suites rea­dy made to fit every body) was the apter meanes to bring those men to death whom they feared living: had not a doubt of the Scots comming in taught them more moderation, then their na­ture is usually acquainted with; and to fright away, or (at least) put to silence the rest of the Members with fear of having their names put into blank Impeachments. And that it might be so ap­prehended; Miles Corbet moved openly in the House of Com­mons that they should proceed with the Impeachments which were ready, nothing wanted but to fill up the Blanks, they might put in what names they pleased. This Inquisitor generall, this pro­logue to the Hang-man that looks more like a hang-man then the Hang-man himself, hath since gotten the rich office of Regi­ster of the Chauncery, as a reward for his double diligence: Oh, Sergeant Wilde and Mr. Steele despair not of a reward.

55. Establishment for the Army.Friday, 17. Sept. the advice of Sir Tho: Fairfax and his Coun­cell of War was read in the House of Commons, what standing Forces they thought fit to be kept up in England and Wales, and what Garrisons. Also what Forces to send for Ireland; namely, for Ireland, 6000 Foot, and 2400 Horse, out of the supernumerary loose forces, being no part of the Army; And for England, upon established pay, 18000 Foot at 8^d. per diem. 7200 Horse at 2^s. per diem each Trouper; 1000 Dragoones, and 200 Firelocks. Traine of Artillery, Armes and Ammunition, to be supplied. The Foot to be kept in Garrisons, yet so that 6000 may be readily drawn, into the field.

The Independent party argued, That the Army were unwilling [Page 37] to goe for Ireland, pretending their engagement to the contrary; if you divide or disband any part of your Army, they will suspect you have taken up your old resolutions against them, to disband the whole Army: It is now no time to discontent them, when the Kings Answer to your Propositions tends to divide you and your Army, and the people are generally disaf­fected to you.

The Presbyterian party argued, That the engagement of the Army ought to be no rule to the Councels of the Parliament; otherwise new Engagements every day may prescribe the Parlia­ment new Rules: we must look two wayes. 1. Upon the people unable to beare the burden. 2. Upon the Army. Let us keep some power in our owne Hands, and not descend so far below the dignity of a Parliament, as to put all into the hands of the Generall and his Councell of War. You have almost given away all already. The Army adviseth you to keep up more Garrisons, then upon mature deliberation this House formerly Voted: you have already many Garrisons manned with gallant and faithfull men, to whom you owe Arrears; to remove them, and place new Souldiers in their roomes, will neither please them, nor the pla­ces where they are quartered: who being acquainted with their old guests, will not willingly receive new in their roomes. These men have done you as good and faithfull service as any in the Ar­my; and were ready to obey you, and goe for Ireland, had they not been hindred by those who under pretence of an engagement to the contrary (which they mutinously entred into) will nei­ther obey you, nor goe for Ireland, nor suffer others to goe. Though you discharge these men without paying their Arrears, (which others of other principles will not endure) yet give them good words: If you will be served by none, but such as are of your new principles; yet consider your Army are not all alike principled, and peradventure the old principles may be as good as the new for publick, though not so fit for private designes and purposes. You have passed an Ordinance, That none that have borne Armes against the Parliament shall be imployed: if you disband all such, your Army will be very thin; many have entred into pay there in order to doe the King service, and bring the Parliament low. There is no reason you should keep up 1400 Horse more [Page 38] then you last voted to keep up, being but 5800 at which time 60000l. a Month was thought an establishment sufficient both for England and Ireland. But now the whole charge of England and Ireland will amount to 114000l. a month: which must be raised upon the people, either directly and openly by way of sessement; or indirectly and closely, partly by sessements, and partly by free-quarter, and other devices: nor will the pay of 2^s. per diem to each Trouper, and 8^d. to each Foot Souldier enable them to pay their quarters. If you mean to govern by the Sword, your Army is too little: if by the Laws and Justice of the Land, and love of the people, your Army is too great: you can never pay them: which will occasion mutinies in the Army, and ruine to the country. Thus disputed the Presbyterians, but to no purpose, it was carried against them.

Observe that when the War was at the highest, the monthly tax came but to 54000l. yet had we then the Earle of Essex's Ar­my, Sir William Waller's, my Lord of Denbigh's, Maj. Gen: Poynt's, Maj. Gen: Massey's, Maj. Gen: Laughorne's, Sir William Bruerton's, Sir Tho: Middletons Brigades, and other Forces in the field, be­sides Garrisons.

56. Monthly TaxesBut now this Army hath 60000l. a month, and 20000l. a month more pretended for Ireland; which running all through the fingers of the Committee of the Army.

57. Ireland why kept in a star­kept in a star­ving condi­tion.That Kingdome (which is purposely kept in a starving condi­tion to break the Lord Inchequin's Army, that Ireland may be a receptacle for the Saints against England spewes them forth) hath nothing but the envy of it, the sole benefit going to this Army: This 20000l. a month being a secret unknowne to the common Souldiers; The Grandees of the Army put it in their own purses.

Moreover, this Army hath still a kind of free-quarter, (under colour of lodging, fire and candle) for who sees not that these masterlesse guests upon that interest continued in our houses, doe and will become Masters of all the rest? and who dares ask mony for quarter of them, or accept it when it is colourably offered, without feare of farther harme? besides, the Army (whose re­quests are now become commands) demanded that they might have the levying of this Tax: and that their accounts might be audited at the Head quarters: And though the Officers of this [Page 39] Army (to catch the peoples affections) encouraged them often to petition the Houses against Free-quarter, pretending they would forbear it, after an establishment setled upon them; the use their party in the House made of these Petitions was to move for an Addition of 20000l. or 30000l. a month) and then they should pay their quarters, lodging, fire, and candle, nay stable-roome too excepted.

Here it is not amisse to insert a word or two of this villainous oppression, Free-quarter; 58. Free-quarter. whereby we are reduced to the con­dition of conquered Slaves, no man being master of his owne Family, but living like Bond-slaves in their own houses, under these Aegyptian Task-masters, who are Spyes and Intelligencers upon our words and deeds, so that every mans table is become a snare to him. In the third year of King CHARLES, The Lords and Commons in their Petition of Right (when not above 2000 or 3000 Souldiers were thinly quartered upon the people but for a month or two) complained thereof to His Majesty as a great Grievance contrary to the Laws and Customes of the Realme, and humbly prayed as their Right and Liberty, according to the Laws and Statutes of this Kingdom that he would remove them, and that his people might not be so burdened in time to come; which His Majesty gratiously granted. Yet now we are ten thou­sand times more oppressed with them, and if these quarterers of­fer violence or villainous usage to any man in his house or family, or commit murder or felony, they are protected against the laws and justice of the land,59. Martiall Law. and Triable only by a Councell of War at the Head quarters, where a man can neither obtain justice, nor seek it with safety. So that we live under the burden of a perpetuall Army of 30000 or 40000 men, exempt from all but martiall law, which frequently oppresseth, seldome righteth any man: witnesse Oliver Cromwell's taking of Thomson (being no Souldier) from the House of Commons dore with Souldiers, imprisoning and condemning him at a Councell of War, where he sate Judge in his owne cause, there being a quarrell between them: Yet it was held Treason in the Earle of Strafford to condemn the Lord of Valentia so, being a member of his Army, because it was in time of peace, as this was. Many other examples we have of the like nature, and of this Army, enough to perswade us that these vin­dicative [Page 40] Saints will not governe by the known Laws of the Land, (for which they have made us spend our money and bloud) but by Martiall Law and Committee Law, grounded upon Arbitra­ry Ordinances of Parliament, which themselves in the first part of exact Collections, pag. 727. confesse, are not Lawes without the Royall assent.

This Army hath been daily recruited without any Authority, farre beyond the said number or pay established; the supernu­meraries living upon free quarter. And when complaints have been made thereof in the House, the Army being quartered in severall Brigades, supernumeraries have been disbanded in one Brigade, and their Armes taken by their Officers: 60. Cheats put up­on the State. and shortly after they have been listed againe in another Brigade, and their Armes sold againe to the State, after a while to new Arme them. And of this sort were those Armes which being found in a Magazine in Town by some zelots, and rumoured to belong to the City for the Arming of Reformado's, were upon examination found to belong to Oliver Cromwell: so the businesse was buried in silence: for though the Kings over-sights must be tragically published to the world, yet the hainous crimes of the godly must lie hid under the maske of Religion.

61. Arreares secu­red, although the State owes them nothing.And though they have usually taken free-quarter in one place, and taken composition money for free-quarter in another place, some of them in two or three places at once 3^s. a day, some of them 5^s. for a Trooper, and 1^s. a day, and 1^s. 6^d. for a foot Soul­dier, whereby no Arreares are due to them, but they owe money to the State; yet they have compelled the Houses to settle upon them for pretended Arreares, 1. The moity of the Excise (that they may have the Souldiers help in leavying it. Although to flatter the People, the Army had formerly declared against the excise.) 2. The moity of Goldsmiths-Hall. 3. Remainder of Bi­shops Lands. 4. The customes of some Garrisons. 5. Forrest Lands.

This Army brags they are the Saviours (nay Conquerors) of the Kingdome. Let them say when they saved it, whether at the fight at Nazeby, or taking in of Oxford: and we will pay them according to the then List. And for all the Recruites taken in since the reducing of Oxford, it is fit they be disbanded without [Page 41] pay, having been taken in without, nay against Authority, to drive on wicked designes, and enthrall King, Parliament, City, and Kingdome.

24. Decemb. 1647.62. Four dethro­ning Bills pre­sented to the King at Caris­brook-Castle. The two Houses by their Commissioners presented to the King at Carisbrook-Castle four Bills to be passed as Acts of Parliament, and divers Propositions to be assented to. They are all printed, so is His Majesties Answer to them, where­fore I shall need to say the lesse of them, only a word or two, to two of the Bills:

1. The Act for raising, setling, 63. Act for the Militia. and maintaining Forces by Sea and Land, within the Kingdoms of England and Ireland, Wales, &c. (though it seems to be but for 20 years) devests the King, his Heirs, and Successours of the power of the Militia for ever, with­out hope of recovery but by repealing the said Act, which will never be in his nor their power: for, first, it saith, That neither the King, nor his Heires or Successours, nor any other shall exercise any power over the Militia by Land or Sea, but such as shall act by authority and approbation of the said Lords and Commons. That is, a Committee of State of twenty or thirty Grandees, to whom the two Houses shall transfer this trust, being over-awed by the Ar­my, (for the ground-work of this Committee was layed by these words, though the Committee be erected since.) And secondly, it prohibiteth the King, his Heires and Successours, &c. after the expiration of the said 20 years to exercise any of the said powers with­out the consent of the said Lords and Cōmons, and in all cases wherein the said Lords and Commons shall declare the safety of the Kingdome to be concerned after the said 20 years expired, and shall passe any Bills for raising, arming, &c. forces by land or sea, or concerning levy­ing of mony, &c. if the Royall assent to such Bills shall not be given by such a time, &c. then such Bills so passed by the Lords and Commons shall ha [...]e the force of Acts of Parliament without the Royall assent. Lo, [...]re a foundation laid to make an Ordinance of both Houses equall to an Act of Parliament, if this be granted in one case, it will be taken in another, and then these Subverters of our Reli­gion, Laws and Liberties will turne their usurpation into a legall Tyranny.

2. It gives an unlimited power to the two Houses to raise what forces, and what numbers for land and sea, and of what persons [Page 42] (without exceptions) they please, and to imploy them as they shall judge fit.

3. To raise what mony they please for maintaining them, and in what sort they think fit out of any mans estate.

64. Bill for ad­journment of the Parliament as well for place, as time.The Bill for adjournment of both Houses to any other place, &c. will enable the engaged Party of the two Houses and Army to adjourne the two Houses from time to time, to or near the Head quarters of the Army: where those Members that refuse to enter into the same Engagement, shall neither sit with accommodation nor safety, and so be shaken off at last: this is a new way of pur­ging the Houses. Besides, the Parliament following the motions of the Army, the King shall follow the Parliament, whereby the Army having both King and Parliament present with them, what­soever attempt shall be made against the Army shall be said to be against the safety and authority of the King and Parliament, and a legall Treason, triable by Indictment, not a constructive Trea­son only Triable before the Lords.

65. The King's Answer deba­ted.Monday 3. Jan. the Kings Answer to the said Bills and Propo­sitions was debated in the House of Commons. And first, Sir Tho­mas Wrothe (Jacke Pudding to Prideaux the Post-master) had his cue to go high, and feel the pulse of the House; who spake to this purpose, That Bedlem was appointed for mad men, and Tophet for Kings: That our Kings of late had carried themselves as if they were fit for no place but Bedlem: That his humble motion should consist of three parts:

1. To secure the King, and keep Him close in some inland Castle with sure Guards.

2. To draw up Articles of Impeachment against Him.

3. To lay Him by, and settle the Kingdome without Him. He cared not what form of Government they set up, so it were not by Kings and Devils.

Fretons Speech.Then Commissary Ireton (seeming to speak the sense [...] the Army under the notion of many thousand godly men who had ventured their lives to subdue their enemies) said after this man­ner, The King had denied safety and protection to his people by denying their four Bills: That subjection to him was but in lieu of his protection to his people; This being denied they might well deny any more subjection to him, and settle the Kingdom without him: [Page 43] That it was now expected after so long patience they should shew their resolution, and not desert those valiant men who had engaged for them beyond all possibility of retreat, and would never forsake the Parliament, unlesse the Parliament forsooke them first.

After some more debate when the House was ready for the question, Cromwell brought up the Reare:Cromwell's Speech. And giving an ample character of the valour, good affections, and godlinesse of the Army, argued: That it was now expected the Parliament should govern and defend the Kingdome by their own power and resolu­tions, and not teach the people any longer to expect safety and government from an obstinate man whose heart God had hardned. That those men who had defended the Parliament from so many dangers with the expence of their bloud, would defend them herein with fidelity and courage against all opposition. Teach them not by neglecting your owne and the Kingdoms safety (in which their owne is involved) to think themselves betrayed: and left hereafter to the rage and malice of an irreconcilable enemy whom they have subdued for your sake: and therefore are likely to find his future government of them insupportable, and fuller of revenge then justice: lest despair teach them to seek their safety by some other means then adhering to you, who will not stick to your selves. And how destructive such a resolution in them will be to you all, I tremble to think and leave you to judge.

Observe, he laid his hand upon his Sword at the latter end of his Speech; that Sword which being by his side could not keep him from trembling when Sir Philip Stapleton baffled him in the House of Commons.

This concluding Speech having something of menace in it was thought very prevalent with the House.66. The four Bills for no addres­ses nor applica­tions passed. The first of the foure Questions being put, That the two Houses should make no more ad­dresses nor applications to the King: The House of Commons was divided, 141. yeas, 91. noes, so it was carried in the affirmative. The other three Votes followed these votes with facility: see them in print.67. The Commit­tee of S [...]fety revived and enlarged.

The Members had been locked into the House of Commons from before nine of the clock in the morning to seven at night, and then the dores were unlocked, and what Members would, suf­fered [Page 44] to go forth, whereby many Presbyterians thinking the House had been upon rising departed; when presently (the House being grown thin) the Vote to revive the Committee of both Kingdoms called the Committee of Safety at Darby House, passed by Ordi­nance dated 3. Janu. 1647. in these words: Resolved, &c. That the powers formerly granted by both Houses to the Committee of both Kingdomes, (viz. England and Scotland) in relation to the two Kingdomes of England and Ireland, be now granted and vested in the Members of both Houses only that are of that Committee, with power to them alone, to put the same in execution. The originall Or­dinance that first erected this Committee, and to which this said Ordinance relates, beareth date 7. Feb. 1643. in which the En­glish Committees were appointed from time to time, to pro­pound to the Scottish Commissioners whatsoever they should re­ceive in charge from both Houses, and to make report to both Houses, to direct the managing of the War, and to keep good correspondency with forain States, and to receive directions from time to time from both Houses; and to continue for three moneths and no longer.The Members of this Com­mittee are now: The Earl of Northumber­land. Ro. Earl of Warwick. The E. of Kent. Edw: Earl of Manchester. Will. Lord Say & Se [...]. Phil. L. Wharton. John Lord Roberts. Will. Pierre. poynt. Sir Henry Vane sen. Sir Gilbert Gerrarde. Sir Will. Armine. Sir Arthur Hasterig. Sir Hen. Vanc, Iun. John Crew. Rob. Wallope. Oliver St. Johns Sol. Oliver Cromwell. Samu. Browne. Nath. Fiennes. Sir John Eveline, Iunior. But this Ordinance 3 Janu. 1647. vests the said powers in the Members thereof only, and alone: words exclu­ding the two Houses: and for a time indefinite. There were then added to this Committee, Nathaniel Fiennes, in place of Sir Phil. Stapleton; Sir John Evelin Junior, in place of Mr. Recorder; and the Earl of Kent, in stead of the Earl of Essex. 22. Janu. following, the Lords sent down a Message for a farther power to this Com­mittee; which was granted in these words: Power to suppresse Tumults and Insurrections in England, &c. and at Barwick, and for that purpose the Committee to have power to give orders and directions to all the Militia and forces of the Kingdome. The addition of four Lords and eight Commoners likewise to this Committee was desi­red, but denyed.

68. White-Hall and the Mewes Gar­risoned.Friday 14 Janu. after a long debate it was ordered that Sir Lewis Dives, Sir John Stowell, and David Jenkins, be tryed as Trai­tors at the Kings Bench: the Grand Jury had found the Bill a­gainst Jenkins. Master Solicitor, &c. appointed to manage the [Page 45] businesse, * but Jenkins is so great a Lawyer,See Iudge Jen­kins Remon­strance to the Lords and Commons of Par. 21. Feb. 1647. that the Solicitor durst not venture upon him, the long sword being more power­full in his mouth then the Law; wherefore the Solicitor found an Errour in the Indictment, turned him back againe upon the House to be impeached before the Lords, to whose Jurisdiction he pleaded: so the Solicitor put the affront from himself upon the Houses. It was now 12. of the clock, and many of the Indepen­dent party began to cry, Rise, rise; The Presbyterians thinking all had been done: many went to dinner, yet the Independents sate still: and finding the House for their turne, moved, That a Letter might be forthwith sent to Sir Tho: Fairfax, to send a conveni­ent number to Garrison White-Hall; and a party of Horse to quar­ter in the Mewes. The Lords concurrence was not desired to this Vote, but the Letters immediately drawn and sent.

Observe that before this Vote passed, diverse forces were upon their March towards the Towne, and came to White-Hall Saterday following by eight of the Clock in the morning.

Saterday, 15. Janu. 69. The Armies Declaration thanking the Commons for their 4 Votes. The Army sent a Declaration to the House of Commons, Thanking them for their 4 Votes against the King, and promising to live and die with the Commons, in defence of them against all opponents. Many of the Lords had argued very hotly against the said 4 Votes, insomuch that it was ten Lords to ten; but this engagement of the Army,70. The Lords passe the 4 Votes and the unexpected garrisoning of White-Hall and the Mewes, turned the scales: so that they passed the said 4 Votes, only adding a short preamble (little to the purpose) holding forth some reasons for passing them, to which the Commons, when they came down, assented. When presently (about 12. of the clock the House being thin) Dennis Bond moved, That whosoever should act against those 4 Votes, or incite others to act against them, should be impriso­ned and sequestred.

Three or four dayes after the Lords had passed the said 4 Votes, 71. The Army thanks the Lords. the Army vouchsafed to spit thanks in their mouthes, and make much of them. These 4 Votes were generally sinisterly taken, and filled mens mindes with suspicion, what forme of government the Grandees would set up, now they had laid by the King: and every mans minde presaged a new War; which they conceived the Independent Grandees were willing to have, to colour their [Page 46] keeping up this Army, and raising money to maintaine them: and every man began to lay the project of a new War at their door: notwithstanding (by way of prevention) they had impeached divers Members and Citizens of London, for endeavouring a new Warre when they did but raise men for their selfe-de­fence.

72. The Declarati­on against the King.To shew the people therefore, the reasons of these 4 Votes, the Independent Grandees appointed a Committee to search into the Kings Conversation, & errours of his Government, & publish them in a Declaration to the world: wherein they objected many high crimes against Him, concerning His Fathers death, the losse of Rochell, and the Massacre and Rebellion in Ireland: which upon debate in the House, were very much moderated by the Presby­terians: of which Declaration I will only say, That they have set forth no new matter therein, which they have not formerly pub­lished in parcells: since which time they have taken and caused others to take the Nationall Covenant; whereby they vow to maintaine the Kings Person, Crown and Dignity, in defence of Religion, Laws, and Liberties: and therefore to reprint only the same things as Arguments to lay by the King, savours more of de­signe, then justice. I will wade no farther in the censure of the said Declaration, lest I imitate the Authors of it: and as they by a feeble accusation have done the King much right, so I by a weak defence should doe him much wrong. The people were as ill satisfied with this Declaration as with the four Votes,73. Tho: Hasterig's Letter concer­ning the King. where­fore 24. Febr. Mr. Speaker, with much seriousnesse, presented to the House a Letter out of Leicester-shire from Thomas Hasterig, (brother to Sir Arthur) which was read to this purpose, That there was one Mr. Smalling a Committee-man of Leicester-shire, who had been a Deputy-examiner in the Star-chamber, and affir­med, that above twenty years since there being a suite in Star-chamber betweene the Earle of Bristoll complainant, and the Duke of Buckingham defendant, concerning Physick presumptu­ously administred by the said Duke to K. James, the said Smalling took many depositions therein, and was farther proceeding in the Examinations, untill a Warrant signed by the King was brought him, commanding him to surcease and to send him the Deposi­tions already taken; which Smalling did: yet kept notes by him [Page 47] of the principall passages, doubting what farther proceedings might be hereafter, in a businesse of such importance. Sir Henry Mildmay moved that Smalling be sent for and examined upon oath by the Committee that penned the said Declaration: but upon motion of the Presbyterians, he was ordered to be exami­ned at the Commons Bar. Smalling came, produced the War­rant, but no notes: so this Chimaera vanished. What the said Committee would have made of this, who knows? God blesse us all from clandestine examinations, especially when they are taken by parties preingaged. 3. Caroli this businesse had been ven­tilated and examined against the Duke, and no mention made of poysoning or killing K. James, It was then only called an Act of high presumption and dangerous consequence in the Duke: nor was there then the least reflection upon K. Charls; yet now because K. Charls dissolved that Parliament, the Independent party were willing to raise a suspition against him concerning his Fathers death: where­as the Accusation against the Duke of Buckingham 3 Caroli con­tained seven or eight Charges against him, the least whereof might occasion the dissolving of that Parliament.

These desperate courses (to dishonour the King and make him uncapable of Government, to ruine his Person, Crown,74. Why the Inde­pendents went so high against the King: To usurp the Regall power into themselves either in the Houses pur­ging: or in the Committee of safety at Derby house. and Dig­nity, and extirpate Monarchy root and branch) were taken in or­der to the usurping of the Kingly power into the Grandees of the Parliament and Army, and in case they could not purge the two Houses and make them wholly Independent, (which they now dispair of) then into the hands of the Committee, or Councell of State at Derby House, and Grandees of the Army. In order to which, they are now contriving to strengthen the said Com­mittee with more power and more Members, and to adjourn the Parliament and send downe the Presbyterian Members into the Country upon pretence of service, where if any Tumults happen (for which their extortions will give sufficient provocation) the said dissenting Members shall bear the blame; and have Blanck Impeachments given them to purge them out of the Houses, if not out of the world; or at least be sequestred: for now they have squeezed what they can out of the Kings party by Sequestrations, the next fuell to their covetousnesse is to sequester the Presbyeri­ans; and then to sequester one another: for they are already di­vided [Page 48] into pure Independents and mixed Independents, and have feuds amongst themselves, for this Faction; (insatiate with mony and bloud) are all beasts of prey, and when they want prey, will prey upon one another: nor shall the Houses meet above one Month or two in a Year to ratifie and approve what Derby house and the Junto of the Army shall dictate to them: and to give an Account to the domineering party how each Member hath car­ried himself in the Country: Thus in stead of one King, we shall have twenty or thirty Tyrants in chief, and as many subordinate Tyrants as they please to imploy under them, with the Iron yoak of an Army to hold us in subjection to their Arbitrary Govern­ment.

75. Why the Gran­dees doe still continue to truck with the King: notwith­standing the said 4 Votes.Notwithstanding the aforesaid four Votes and Resolutions, the Caball of Grandees still keep Ashburnham and Barkley in the Army, and have sent diverse turn-coat-Cavaleers, and Emissaries underhand disguised to the King, who pretending that by Bribes they have bought their admission to him, after some insinuations endevour with false and deceitfull newes and arguments to shake his constancy: and perswade him to passe the said 4. dethroning Bils; (for these usurpers of Soveraign Authority long to turne their Armed and violent Tyrannie into a legall Tyrannie) or (at least) to make him declare against the Scots comming in. In both which cases he will dishearten his friends, who endeavour to take the golden reines of Government out of the gripes of these Phaëtons, and restore them againe to his hand, un-king himself and his posterity for ever, be carryed up and down like a stalking horse to their designes, and be Crowned Ludibrio Coronae, with straw or thornes. For who can think that at the end of 20 yeares, these Usurpers will lay down what they have so unjustly contrary to all Laws, Divine and Humane, and contrary to their owne Declarations, Oaths and Covenants extorted? and who can or dare wrest those powers out of their hands, being once setled and grown customary in them: the peoples spirits broken with an habituall servitude; a numerous Army and Garrisons hove­ring over them; and all places of Judicature filled with corrupt Judges; who shall by constrained interpretations of the Law, force bloudy presidents out of them, against whosoever shall dare to be so good a Patriot as to oppose their Tyrannie? They [Page 49] that could make steel sharp enough to cut Captain Barlyes throat for attempting to rescue the King out of the hands of a rebellious Army that neither obeyes King nor Parliament, will find gold and silver enough to corrupt all the Judges, they mean to prefer and make them wyld and vilde enough for their purposes. But it is hoped he hath more of King, more of man in him then to lose his principles, and stumble againe at the same stone, dash againe upon the same rock, whatsoever Syrens sing upon it; knowing he hath a Son at liberty to revenge his wrongs, all the Princes of Christendome his Allyes, whose common cause is controverted in his sufferings, the greatest men of England and Scotland of his bloud, and the people generally (whose farthest designe was to preserve their Lawes and Liberties, and to defend the Parliament from being conquered by the Sword) looking with an angry aspect upon these Seducers, who by insensible degrees and many forgeries have engaged them farther then they intended, not to the defence of Religion, Laws, and Liberties, but to the setting up of Schisme, Committee law, and Martiall law, Impeachments before the Lords, and unlimited slavery.

And I am confident this Faction despaire of working upon the King, who like a rock in mediis tutissimus undis, whatsoever reports they give out to the contrary, having from the beginning made lies their refuge, which being wisely foreseen by the King, he sent a Message to both Houses, (by way of prevention) delivered in the painted Chamber by the Lord of Lauderdale one of the Scots Commissioners: consisting of three heads.

1. That He was taken from Holdenby against His will.

2. That they should maintain the Honour and Priviledges of Par­liament.

3. That they should believe no Message as coming from Him du­ring His Restraint in the Army, but should only credit what they re­ceived from His own mouth. These Grandees have cheated all the interests of the Kingdom, and have lately attempted the City a­gain, and had the repulse. But the King is their old customer, and hath been often cheated by them, and having Him in strict custo­dy, peradventure they may perswade Him it is for His Safety to be deceived once more: wherefore (notwithstanding their many endeavours to root up Monarchy, dethrone the King, and his Po­sterity, [Page 50] and usurp His power: in order to which, they have over­whelmed Him, and all His, with innumerable calamities and re­proaches) yet since the passing of the Declaration against the King, their desperate condition hath enforced them to make new addresses in private to Him: notwithstanding their four Votes inflicting the penalty of Treason upon the infringers. But Trea­son is as naturall to Cromwell as false-accusing, protesting and ly­ing: he is so superlative a Traytor, that the Laws can lay no hold of him. Lieut. Col. Lylborne, in a verball Charge delivered at the Commons Bar, accused him of many Treasonable acts, which the avoweth to make good: and in his Book, called, A Plea for a Ha­beas Corpus: But as if Cromwell were a Traytor cum privilegio, the House of Commons (being under his armed Guards) dares take no notice of it. But the Roman Tribune said to Scipio Afri­canus, in Livy, Qui jus aequum ferre non potest, in eum vim hand injustam fore, He that exalts himself above the law, ought not to be protected by the law.

To conclude, Cromwell hath lately had private conference at Farnham with Hammond.

The Earle of Southampton hath been courted to negotiate with the King, and offered the two Speakers hands for his warrant.

Capt. Titus taken into favour, and imployed that way.

These Grandees have brought themselves into a mist, and now wander from one foolish designe to another.

The Spaniard is said to forecast in his debates, what will happen forty years after. But these purblind Politicians doe not foresee the event of their Councels forty daies, nay howers beforehand; but it is a curse laid upon wicked men, to grope at noone day.

76. Debates in the House of Commons up­on the Scots Letters. 1. Concerning the said four Votes.About the 5. or 6. of Jan. 1647. the Scots Commissioners had written certaine Letters to the House of Commons; one whereof repeating the four Votes against the King; propounded to know, whether the Houses by their Votes, That no person whatsoever do pre­sume to make or receive any Application or addresse to, or from the King; would debar the Scots to make or receive any Addresses to or from him, and so put an incapacity upon Him to perform Acts of Go­vernment towards them. In the debate, the Independents called to mind a more antient Vote, whereby it was ordered, That the Scots might be admitted to the King. Against which, was alleaged. That [Page 51] these latter Votes being made generall, without exception, Repealed that former Vote. At last by an interpretative Vote, it was conclu­ded, That notwithstanding the said four latter Votes: the former Vote, That the Scots Commissioners might make Addresses to the King, was still in force. Observe that this was done four or five daies after the Scots Commissioners were on their way towards Scotland.

The second Letter was concerning 100000l. due by contract to the Scots from the Parliament, 2. Concerning 100000l. due to the Scots. whereof 50000l. was payable by as­signement to divers Scots Gentlemen who had advanced money to hasten the Scots Army to our Relief; whereof 10000l. was payable to the Earle of Argyle.

Sir Henry Mildmay made a long Speech in praise of Argyle, saying, That he and his party, and the Scottish Clergy were the onely men that upheld the English interest in Scotland, and were better friends to us then all Scotland besides: wherefore he moved that Argyle might be payed his 10000l. and the rest continued at Interest at 81. per cent. Presently the whole Independent gang, with much zeale and little discretion, ran that way, untill more moderate men stopping them in full cry, minded them what dishonour and danger they might bring their friends into by laying him open to suspition.

After this, it was Resolved to send four Cōmons, 77. Six Commis­sioners sent in­to Scotland. and two Lords into Scotland as Commissioners, with Instructions: to send all Independents, would not be acceptable; Two Presbyterians Com­moners therefore were sent, one whereof was sweetned with the guift of 1000l. and an Office before they would trust him: with them were sent Mr. Hearle and Mr. Marshall.

Marshall, when he saw Independency prevaile,78. M. Marshall. had secretly turned his coat the wrong side outward, and joyned interest with Mr. Nye. But before he declared himself, he was to do some ser­vice for his new party: Wherefore when the Army looked with a threatning posture upon the Parliament and City, before they marched through London, (the common Souldiers being in such discontent for want of pay that they were ready to mutiny and disband, and their Officers scarce daring to governe them) the first fruits of Marshall's service to his new friends was to per­swade the City to lend the Parliament 50000l. to pacifie the [Page 52] Souldiers: assuring them by Letters that the Army had nothing but good thoughts towards the City, onely the common Souldiers was trou­bled for want of pay: after the City had laid down the said 50000l. his next labour was, to perswade the Citizens to let the Army march through the City without opposition for avoiding of bloudshed and firing: and to let them possesse the Tower, and Line of Commu­nication. After these services, the Grandees of the Parliament and Army, finding him sutable to them, received him into an avowed favour; and then four Independents, and four Presbyterian Di­vines (conjoyning their interests) were sent to season the Army, and new tune them according to the more moderne designe: Marshall was one; where, after he had preached according to the Dictates of the Grandees of the two Houses and Army for divers weeks, Marshall was thought fit to attend the Commissio­ners into Scotland: He and Mr. Nye had been sent to Carisbrooke Castle formerly with those Commissioners that carried the four Bills to the King, and had 500l. a piece given them for their journey.

Scotland, a longer journey, promised a larger reward: it is good being a postilion of the Gospel at such rates.

The Sunday before he went, he preached at Margarets West­minster, and as much cried up Presbytery and the Covenant there, as he had before slighted them in the Army. This was a prepara­tion Sermon to make him acceptable to the Scots, that he might cajole them the easier. Before he went he sent his Agents from house to house at Westminster to beg mens good wills towards his journey. He was willing upon this pretence to get what he could from St. Margarets Parish, where he found the people to grow cold in their affections and contributions to him. Where­fore having made his bargain before he went, to leave S. Marga­rets, and officiate in the Abby, where he is to have 300l. per annum certain allowance, he would rob the Aegyptians at S. Margarets for a parting blow. This Priest married his owne Daughter with the Book of Common-prayer and a Ring, and gave for reason, That the Statute establishing that Liturgy was not yet repealed, and he was loath to have his Daughter whored, and turned back upon him for want of a Legall Mariage: yet he can declare against all use of it by others. He hath so long cursed Meroz and neutrality, that he [Page 53] hath brought Gods curse upon the land: and hath put Church and Common-wealth into a flame, but himself and his Brats have warmed their fingers at it: as monies are decried or enhaunced by the Kings authority, so is every mans Religion cried up or down by Marshall's authority and stamp.

About the 24.79. The Answer to the Scots De­claration. Feb. the Answer to the Scots Declaration began to be debated in parts: in which Debate the Covenant was much undervalued, and called an Almanack out of Date. Nath: Fiennes argued against it, That that clause in the Covenant, [To defend the Kings Person, Crown, and Dignity, &c.] was inconsistent with their four Votes, for making no Addresses to the King: To which was answered by some, That then they would relinquish the foure Votes and adhere to the Covenant.

About the beginning of March, 80. Mony shared amongst godly Members. was given to Col. Sydenham and Col. Bingham 1000l. apiece, as part of their Arrears: their Accounts not yet stated. To the Lord of Broghill 2000l. To Ma­ster Fenwicke 500l. for losses. To Mr. Millington 2000l. for los­ses. To Col. Ven 4000l. notwithstanding it was moved he might first account for Contribution-money, the Plunder of the Coun­try about Windsor, and the Kings Houshold-stuffe, Hangings, Lin­nen, and Bedding. Mr. Pury the Petty-bag Office, besides 1000l. formerly given him. To Pury's Son, the Clerke of the Peers place, and 100l. a yeare: all Independents.

The 7. of March, 81. Cromwell. an Ordinance passed the Commons to settle 2500l. a year land, out of the Marquesse of Worcester's Estate, up­on Lieutenant Generall Oliver Cromwell. I have heard some Gentlemen, that know the Mannor of Chepstow, and the rest of the Lands setled upon him, affirm, That in the particulars the said Lands are so favourably rated, that they are worth 5000l. or 6000l. a year: It is farther said those Lands are bravely wooded. You see though they have not made King Charles, a glorious King, 82. A Message from the Lords, desiring the Commons concurrence to the engagement of the Mem­bers with the Army. as they promised: yet they have setled a crowne Revenue upon Oliver, and have made him as great and glorious a king as ever John of Leyden was. Wonder not that they conspire to keep up this Army, as well to make good these Largesses, as to keep their guilty Heads upon their shoulders.

Thursday, 9. March, the Lords sent a Message to the House of Commons, To desire their concurrence to the Engagement of those [Page 54] Members that fled to the Army, The engage­ment approved by Threats. to live and die with the Army. It was Debated all day, untill seven of the clock at night; and at last the question put, That this House doth approve the subscription of the said Members to the said Ingagement. The House divided upon the question, yeas 100. noes 91. Observe 1. that Mr. Solici­tor, Hasterig, and many more, when they perceived difficulty in passing it, began to skirmish with their long sword againe. And many told them, they must give content without dores (meaning, to the Army) as well at within, or else all would go naught. 2. 44 Of those Members that engaged with the Army sate in the House, and voted in their owne case; many of them carrying themselves very high and insolently in their gestures and expressions. 3. Ma­ny Presbyterians left the House because it was late, and some (as it is thought) not daring to vote in the negative. 4. This en­gagement about six Months agoe had been sent to the Commons by the Lords once or twice, and was rejected; yet now was ob­truded upon them again by the Lords, who would not acquiesce; contrary to the Priviledges of the House of Commons. 5. This approbation thus surreptitiously gotten, is equall to a Pardon sued forth before conviction, which in law amounteth to a confession of the crime.83. The temper of the House tri­ed, had the en­gagement not been approved, a new Charge from the Army intended. 6. The Agitators tell you in Derby-house projects, p. 7. That this engagement was sent down to the Cōmons to try the tēper of the House, and if the House had not approved of the Engagement, the resolution of their secret Councel was to flie to their Arms, and make a new Charge against their principall Opposers; for they acknowledge amongst themselves, that they Rule by power only, and that the House of Commons is no longer theirs then they over-awe them, and that they fear the Criticall day will come which will discover the Parliament to be no longer theirs then while they have a force upon it.

As men ready to sinke, embrace every shadow of help, and catch hold of leaves, twigs, and bulrushes, to support them: so these desperate and purblind Projectors, having engaged them­selves in a way of Tyranny, out of which, they can find no issue; lay hold of frivolous inventions to peer up from time to time their ill laid designes, like the man in the parable that patched up his old Garment with new cloth, 84. A project to unite all In­terests. which breaking out again left the rent wider then it was before.

Their last project was to unite all interests in the Houses, City [Page 55] and Army: To which purpose Cromwell (the heaviest, basest and most ridiculous Tyrant that ever our noble Nation groaned un­der) made a Speech in the House of Commons: to which was answered, That the Members were chosen and trusted by the people to pursue on common interest, which was, the common good, the Safety and Liberty of the people: and whosoever had any peculiar interest eccentricke from that, was not fit to sit in that Assembly, and deserved to be called to a strict account by those that trusted him.

Observe that the extent of this project was to conjoyne these three interests for upholding the greatnesse of the Grandees, in the Parliament, City, and Army; for in all three the vulgar mul­titude, and the more modest and honest sort, are but in the same condition with other men: The Parliament bearing the Autho­rity, the Army the Sword, and the City the Purse.

The first shall be the Task-masters, and impose Tribute.

The second, the Sheriffs, or rather Free-booters, and leavy it by distresse.

And the third, the Brokers to receive it, and buy it off.

But it pleased God to bestow so much providence and integri­ty upon the City, that when upon Saterday, 8. April, 1648. Crom­well and his fellow Grandees offered this temptation (at a Com­mon Councell) to them;

The City grew wiser then our first Parents, and rejected the Serpent and his subtilties, in so much that Cromwell netled with the affront, called his Solicitor Glover to account by what autho­rity he had offered the restitution of their Tower and Militia, and the enlargment of their accused Aldermen: who answered, he did it by his authority & delivered him a Warrant to that purpose signed by Sir Tho: Fairfax. Oliver Cromwell, Mr. Solicitor, and young Sir Henry Vane: which Cromwell had the impudence to put in his pocket.

Cromwell had felt the pulse of the City long before by his A­gents Glover and Watkins, 85. A device to put the Apprenti­ces into a Tu­mult. and found them averse from comply­ing with him: wherefore (being a man of an early as well as an implacable malice) he (by advice of the Committee of Derby-house) cast about with the schismaticall Lord Mayor Warne [...], (he that raised the ridiculous Tumult at Christmas about Rosemary and Bayes: a man that had been chosen Mayor by power of Par­liament [Page 56] (out of course) to carry on the designe of the Faction) and with the Lieutenant of the Tower how to put the City into some distemper, of which they might take advantage. The Citi­zens were well acquainted with their jugling tricks, they had no hopes to work upon them: wherefore they contrived how to put a provocation upon the silly Apprentice Boyes, and put them forth into some rash action, of which they might make use to car­ry on their designes against the whole City: wherefore upon Ea­ster-day, 1647. in the evening some few Apprentices playing in Finnisbury fields, some Souldiers were sent to drive them away; which they did, and imprisoned some of them for not readily o­beying: Upon Sunday following, 9. April, divers Apprentices be­ing at play (according to custome) in Moore fields, the Mayor sent Captaine Gale (one of the new Captains of the Hamlets, a Silke-Throster and a Tub-preacher, and one that ran away at the Fight at Newbury-wash, and hid himself in a Ditch, as my L. Wharton at the Battle of Keynton hid himself in a Saw-pit) thither to disturbe them, with about 50. or 60. of his Trained Band and no more (that he might the better encourage the Boyes to resist him) who surlily asking them what they did there; some of them answered, they did no harm but only play, and since all Holydaies have been Vo­ted down they had no other time of recreation: The Captain inso­lently commanded them to be gone: they replied, he had no autho­rity so to doe, and continued playing: whereupon the Captaine commanded his Musquetiers to shoot amongst them; which they forbearing, he took a Musquet himself, and discharged amongst them, when presently two or three schismaticall Musquetiers of his Company following his example discharged upon them like­wise, and killed (or as the Schismaticks say, wounded onely) one of the Boyes: whereat the Boyes making a great out-cry, more company gathered to them, and so with stones, Brick-bats, and sticks they dispersed the Trained Bands: and at last, got their Colours, and instantly in a childish jollity marched (unarmed as they were) towards the Mewes, when presently a party of Horse (ready prepared for this fore-laid designe) met them, charged and with ease routed them, Cromwell himselfe animating the Troupers to shoot and spit them, and to spare neither man, woman, nor child. All Sonday night the Apprentices kept in a body in the [Page 57] City, locked the City gates, but set no Guards upon them; where­by you may see this businesse proceeded meerly from the rash and un-premeditated folly of Children, not from the advice of men: howsoever the Independent faction in the House of Cōmons have since aggravated it, to countenance their future cruelty and ra­pines upon the City: Monday morning Sir Tho: Fairfax sent a strong party into the City, who fel upon this boyish rabble, routed and killed many, and shot poor Women great with child, sitting in their stalls, one whereof the child lived two howers in her belly after her braines were shot out: a man likewise not knowing of their comming, as he was drinking milke at the corner of a street, was shot (as it were) in sport: as they rid, they cried, Cuckolds keep your houses, cutting and wounding all they met; Cromwell (who followed in the Reare safe enough, the Van having cleered the streets before him) crying out to them to fire the City. Oh Oliver! what a barbarous John of Leyden art thou become? Oh London! how wretched a Munster wilt thou become? at last they drove those silly unarmed wretches into Leaden hall, and took many of them Prisoners, none of the Trained Bands nor Citizens appearing to help these poor Boyes, but leaving the Soul­diers to get as bloudy and as boyish a Triumph over them, as they pleased, they are now imprisoned in Cromwell's shambles at White Hall. This is the truth of the businesse, notwithstanding the long-winded lying report made by Alderman Foukes, at the Commons Bar: a man that hath feathered his nest well these miserable times, and hath much publike money sticking to his fingers; who when he gave in his Accompt before the generall Committee of Accounts, refused to give it in upon Oath (as other men did) alleaging Magna Charta, that no man was bound to accuse himself: It should seem he had something in his Conscience that would not endure the Test of an Oath: But he is one of the Godly, and therefore the good things of this world belong unto him. The House of Commons (upon this occasion) gave 1000l. to the Souldiers for this valorous exploit, and voted 1000. Foot, and 100. Horse to be kept in the Tower. The Garrisons of White Hall and the Mewes to be strengthned: three Barges capable of 50. Musquetiers a piece to lie at White Hall for the Souldiers to convey them­selves to any landing place to disperse such Water-men as shall [Page 58] assemble: The City Chaines to be taken away from their posts, and a Commission of Oyer and Terminer to Issue forth to mur­der more of these Children legally. The Major having kindled this fire in the City, stole out at a window disgu [...]sed, and hid his foo­lish head in the Tower. The House of Commons (over-ruled by the Grandees) Voted a day of Thanks-giving for this Delivery. So bold are these Saints, as to mock Gods holy Name with impi­ous devotions to colour their designes.

86. The Lord In­chiquin.The Lord Inchiquin, president of Munster, and Generall of the Army there, had a long time been heaved at by the Independent faction. The Lord Lysle, (who gaped after his imployment) Sir John Temple, Cromwell, the Lord Broughill, Sir Arthur, and Sir Adam Loftus, and others: who by obstructing all supplies of Money, Ammunition, Victuall, Cloathes; laboured to mutiny and disband his Army, that they might send Schismaticks of their owne party to Lord it there, as they doe here, and keep Ireland as a Retreat for the Saints: for the better effecting whereof, they had sent over many emissaries, whom they had commended to him, to be officers in his Army. When this would not doe, they printed Scandalous Articles against him, & put infinite provocati­ons upon him to incite him to doe that which they falsly accused him to have done already: But the many gallant services he per­formed since the publishing those Articles, gave them the lie, and confuted all their slanders; at last (under colour of sending a supply of forces to him) they projected to surprize him, and bring him away prisoner: So that he hath suffered all the con­vulsions that treacherous friends, and malicious enemies could put upon him. And lately (for the more close conveiance of the designe) the Houses sent three Commissioners towards Ire­land; to survay his actions: but (as if it were purposely done) when the Commissioners came as far on their way as Bristoll, about a dozen renegado Officers of his Army met the Commis­sioners and turned them back againe. The said Officers posted up to the Parliament before the Commissioners, & the 13. Aprill were called in to the Commons Barre, where they made a relati­on to the House, to this purpose: That the Lord Inchiquin ha­ving made an expedition into the County of Kerry, upon his re­turne, sent for these Officers into his presence Chamber, and told [Page 59] them, He intended to declare against the Army and Independent party in England, who kept the King and Parliament under a force: That he would stand for the liberty of the King and Parliament, and a free conference to settle Peace; and that he expected all his Officers should joyne with him in so honourable an undertaking; but should take an Oath of secresie, before he discovered himselfe farther to them. They answered, They could take no such Oath before they knew whether they might with a safe Conscience keep it: saying, they would be true to the Parliament. My Lord Inchiquin replied; So have I, and will be; delude me not with ambiguous words. Doe you mean this pretended Parliament? telling them farther, he had good, correspondence with all the Presbyterians in Scotland and Eng­land, as well in the Parliament, as out of it; that he doubted not to goe through with his undertaking; and if the worst hapned, to make good conditions for himself and his party. That he would make peace with the Lord Taffe, and that he knew the Independents in England were upon treaty with Owen, Roc, Oneal, who was a man of their humour, and loved to keep all in a com­bustion. They refusing to joyne, he dismissed them for England. The same day Letters from Captaine John Crowther, Vice-admi­rall of the Irish Seas from a Ship-board, were read in the House, much to the same purpose, though not so large: wherein he said, he had already blocked up all my Lord Inchiquines Havens.

Presently Allen the Goldsmith moved,87. Allen the Gold­smith, moveth to put the House to the touch, by some Covenant De­claration. That since the Lord Inchiquine had discovered that he had a correspondency with the Presbyterians in the House, before they dealt with their Enemies without doores, they should try who were their enemies within doors, by putting all men to some Covenant, Engagement, or Pro­testation, &c. and Lieutenant Generall Cromwell said, That being to debate this businesse to morrow, whosoever with crosse Arguments shall spin out the debate, and so retard our procee­dings, (by my consent) shall be noted with a black coale: to which was Answered, That this tended to take away freedome of de­bate, which was the life of Parliaments and of all Councells: and was destructive to the very being of Parliaments. (It is not amisse to insert here by way of digression, what I formerly omitted) Sir Henry Mildmay long since moved, That 150. rich Guard-Coates of the Kings, might be sold for 800.l. to finde fire and [Page 60] candle for the Souldiers in White-Hall. The Question put: The Speaker gave judgement, the Yeas, had it. Master Edw. Stephens declared the Noes, had it. They were unwilling to divide upon such a Question: But M. Stephens persisted; and Robert Reynolds said aloud, notice shall be taken of him, for putting such a dishonour upon the House. Upon the Division, the Noes carried it by nine voices. Thereupon complaints was made against Reynolds, for attempting against the liberty of Voting, but no redresse. But to returne from my digression. The next day 14 of Aprill, it was moved, that my Lord Inchiquins son, a child of 8 or 9 years old, go­ing to Schoole at Thistleworth, might be secured in the Tower, and kept for an Hostage. To which was Answered, That no man could give an Hostage. An Hostage must be given upon the pub­lick faith, upon some stipulation, and must be so received, by mutuall agreement, you cannot punish the Child for the Fathers fault; yet he was Voted to the Tower, and sent. My Lord Inchi­quins Commission as president of Munster, and Generall of the Army, Voted voide, and no man to obey him, himselfe Voted a Traytor: Yet no man examined upon Oath against him, nor any man sent to take information of the businesse into Ireland, and his professed enemy the Lord Lisle is to goe Generall into Munster in his roome; and the said fugitive Officers all rewar­ded, as if they had brought acceptable newes. This day Reynolds revived Allens motion for putting the Members to the Test, by some Covenant, Protestation, or Declaration subscribed, That this is a free Parliament, and that they would live and die with this Parliament and Army: To which was Answered. 1. That by Ordinance of both Houses, all men were enjoyned to take the Nationall Covenant. This Covenant is the true Touch-stone of the Parliament, and so agreed upon by the wisdome of both Nations: Yet many sit here who refuse to obey this Ordinance: I know no reason therefore, why any man should obey you in any other Ordinance of this nature: let us keep the old Covenant before we take any new. 2. It hath been moved in this House, that the Oathes of Justices of the Peace and Sheriffes, might be ta­ken away: I hope you will not abolish legall Oathes, and impose illegall Oathes. This House hath not so much Authority, as to administer an Oath, much more to impose one: you must allow to [Page 61] others that liberty of Conscience which you demand for your selves. 3. Major Gray told you, my Lord Inchiquine said he had correspondency with all the Presbyterians in the House, who had made their peace with the King. But my Lord Inchiquine told him farther, the Independents were upon Treaty with Owen, Roc, Oneal, let them clear themselves of that imputation first, before they give a purgation unto others, otherwise what you doe, will savour of force. 4. The true Touch-stone to try every mans inte­grity is, To examine, who have inriched themselves by the cala­mities of the times and your service: and who are impoveri­shed. 5. This is a new device to Purge the House.

The Grandees of the House have cantonized the Kingdome be­tween,88. The Counties compelled to give thanks to the Houses for their Votes a­gainst the King. them every man in his division protecting the Country Committees, and receiving tribute from them in recompence of their protection; and Prideaux the Postmaster being king of the West Saxons, his Viceroy or Lord Deputy for the County of So­merset is that running Colonel John Pyne, who being often inspi­red with Sack, rules the Committee and County by inspiration. Pyne and his Peers of the Committee, to please his Superiours, set on foot a draught of a Petition to be handed by the Country: Giving thanks to the Parliament for their 4 Votes against the King, and promised to live and die with the Parliament and Army, and desi­red the County might be freed from Malignants, Neuters, and A­postates; which (in their interpretation) signifies Presbyterians and moderate men, who will not daunce about the flame when the Independents make a bonfire of the Common-wealth. The Ea­sterne Division of Somerset-shire rejected the Petition: in the Westerne Division Pyne and his Committee sending abroad their Sequestrators, with the Petition, (and threatning to take them for Malignants and sequester them that refused) got many sub­scriptions; but the Subscribers since better enformed of the dan­ger and mischief of those Votes, retracted what they had done by a counter. Petition, wherein they declared that their Subscrip­tion to the former Petition was contrary to their judgment and con­science, and extorted by terror of Sequestrators, and threats of being sequestred. This affront stung the Committee, and opened the eyes of the Country: as the like foolish attempt of S^r H. Mildmay did the eyes of the County of Essex. Wherefore to find a playster [Page 62] for this broken pate, Sergeant Wylde (he that hanged Capt. Burly) comming that Circuit, care was taken to have a selected Grand Jury of Schismaticks and Sequestrators blended together, who made a presentment subscribed by 19. of their hands, which Ser­geant Wylde preserved in his pocket; and upon Tuesday 18. April delivered with as much gravity as a set speech and set ruffe could furnish him withall in the House of Commons, and was read and hearkened unto by the thriving godly, with as much attention, as pricking up of ears, and turning up of eyes could demonstrate: the contents of this Presentment were the same with the aforesaid revoked Petition. Great care was taken to give thanks to the high Sheriffe and Grand Jury, who had so freely delivered the sense of that well-affected County: and as much care taken to improve this Talent and put it to interest throughout the King­dome. Colonel Purefoy is now at this worke in Warwick-shire. Sir Arthur Hasterig about Newcastle: others in other places. Pitifull Crutches to support a crippled reputation, which now halts and begs for relief worse then their owne maymed Souldi­ers do, and with as bad successe; they have juggled themselves out of credit, and would fain juggle themselves in again. Behold the wisdome of our Grandees, wise, religious, new-modelled Politici­ans, who have brought themselves and the whole Kingdome into these deplorable, contemptible straights; take notice of your Re­presentative you that are Represented, call them to a seasonable ac­count: But whither doth my zeale carry me? I shall anon stumble upon a new-fangled Treason to be declared against me.

89. Mens tongues tied up by an Ordinance.Friday, 21. April, an Ordinance was presented to the House, intituled, For suppressing all Tumults and Insurrections, (the Com­mittee of Safety at Darby house had before an ample power con­ferred upon them for that purpose; but guilty consciences though they be safe, are never secure; like Cain, they think that every man will slay them) it was passed after some amendments to this pur­pose, That any three Committee men shall have power to Imprison and Sequester all such as shall actually adhere to any that shall raise, or endeavour to raise Tumults and Insurrections, or shall speak or pub­lish any thing reproachfull to the Parliament, or their proceedings: Behold here an excise (amounting to the value of all you have) set upon every light word: A man made an offender for a word [Page 63] to the utter ruine of him and his posterity, under colour of defen­ding Lawes, Liberties, and Properties, you are cheated of them all, and reduced to meer and absolute slavery and beggery: you are not masters of your own carkasses, yet your mouths are buttoned up, you must not be allowed that silly comfort of venting your griefs by way of complaint: what Tyrant was ever so barbarous, so indiscreet as to do the like? It was moved that Offendors of this kind might be bound to the good Behaviour, and the offence proved openly at the Assizes or Sessions, before so destructive a punishment be inflicted. There are three principles in law, of which the Laws are very tender, and will not suffer them to be touched but upon great offences, cleer proofs, and exact forma­lities observed; life, liberty, and estate, by Magna Charta, the Pe­tition of Right, and many other Statutes; these principles are so sacred, that nothing but the Law can meddle with them, Nemo imprisonetur aut disseisietur nisi per legale judicium parium suorum, you have made the people shed their money and bloud abundant­ly, pretending defence of Religion, Laws, and Liberties, let them now at last (being a time of peace) enjoy what they have so dear­ly paid for; and delay them not with a pretended necessity of your owne making, you now make all that is, or can be neer and deer to them lyable to the passions of three Committee men to judge and execute according to their discretion without Law, or so much as a formality thereof: And yet both Houses of Parlia­ment have often heretofore offered to abolish those Committees as men whose wickednesse and folly they and the whole King­dome were ashamed of: The Grandees of the Parliament and Army when the Houses are called and full, have resolved to draw their Forces nearer about the Towne, and by that terrour to try the temper of the Houses; such Members as will not comply with them, they will with fresh Charges purge out of the Houses, and publish base and infamous scandalls against them, to which if they submit with silence, they betray their reputations for ever; and spare the credits of their jugling enemies. If they make any defence for their honours by way of apology, they shall be brought within the compasse of this devouring, enslaving Ordi­nance, as men that reproach the Parliament and their proceedings. Thus the same whip shall hang over the shoulders of the Presbyte­rian [Page 64] party (who wil not agree to King-deposing, Anarchy, & Schism) as it did formerly over the Kings party. And the Presbyterians shall be squeezed into the Independents coffers, as formerly the King's party were, so long as they had any thing to lose; for the whole earth is little enough for these Saints, who are never satis­fied with money and bloud, although they never looke towards Heaven but through the spectacles of this world. The old elogium and character of the English Nation was, that they were, Hilaris gens, cui libera mens, & libera lingua. But now (Country-men) your tongues are in the stocks, your bodies in every gaole, your souls in the darke, and estates in the mercy of those that have no mercy, and at the discretion of those that have no discretion: Farewell English Liberty.