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 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, 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) 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 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 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 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 8d. per diem. 7200 Horſe at 2s. 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 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 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 2s. per diem to each Trouper, and 8d. 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 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 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 3s. a day, ſome of them 5s. for a Trooper, and 1s. a day, and 1s. 6d. 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 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 (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: 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 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 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 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 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 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 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, 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 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 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 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 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 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 (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 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 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 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 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 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 Sr H. Mildmay did the eyes of the County of Eſſex. Wherefore to find a playſter 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 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 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.