THAT we are fallen into an Age wherein almost all sorts of Men amongst us are still setled upon their Lees, there's none of us all so happy as to be ignorant thereof; and how that the Judgments and Sentiments of Men (and more espe­cially in this latter Age of the World) are most strangely degenerated, biassed, enslaved, and almost overwhelmed with pride, vain­glory, hypocrisie, self-interest (that great Diana and Goddess of this World), ambition, passion, prejudice, partiality, faction, rebellion, the espousing of a party, Et cum multis aliis, &c. And yet that which is most wonderful, and matter of astonishment, is this, viz. That all these Par­ties, in general, or particular, do declare and pretend, That as to their several Transactions in the World, wherein they are concerned, and in opposition to the rest of their Neighbours, is purely to manifest their great and fervent Zeal to the Honour and Glory of Almighty God, and to promote (as much as in them lyes) a most firm; exact, and uniform Obedience (not omitting at all times their specious pretences of their steady and untainted Loyalty to their Prince) both in Church and State.

But how these Gentlemen, and specious Pretenders before mentioned; will come off at the long run (for as we usually say, Finis coronat opns) without a scratch't face, and a blot in their scutcheons, when-as their se­veral Transactions shall be impartially examined and searched to the bot­tom, is a kind of a pretty question to be started; and indeed it would be a very ingenious and pleasant divertisement to any person that would make it his business to study the point, and thoroughly and impartially to make an experiment thereof.

This small Treatise (Courteous Readers) peradventure may give you some small satisfaction, in relation to the premises; and it is more than probable, that others hereafter of a more learned and more ingenious ca­pacity, may take example by this small and well-intended piece to en­large thereupon, and farther to explain what I have here succinctly inti­mated only for my own, and for some others (which I shall forbear to name) present and seasonable satisfaction, as to those grand Debates, Coun­cels and Transactions which are now in the midst of us upon the wheel, (and here I must beg, that the Lord of his infinite Grace and Mercy would [Page 2]be pleased to send us at length a good issue upon them all) both in Church and State.

This I thought requisite to cite by way of Introduction, and now will take leave to conduct you somewhat closer and nearer to our matter in hand, Et honoi soit que mal y pense); and herein we shall proceed in manner and form as followeth.

That we are fallen at present, not only into a degenerate, rebellious, ambitious and stubborn Age; but in particular, into a very curious, cri­tical, and obnoxious time in that age, viz. Anno Domini 1680, and 1681, wherein (as by experience is manifestly true) a man is almost made (though not in the edg of the Law, but in the edg of some others who would be Law-makers) a Capital offender for some words placing or speaking, which peradventure may be very good, orthodox and loyal in themselves, until they come to be scanned, weighed, and interpreted by others in a quite different and contrary sense. (I know, Courteous Rea­ders, you are most of you, at least the best of you, able, and I hope wil­ling to joyn issue with me herein, as Attestators to the truth hereof).

But whether there be a fatality in these present years, as there was a­bout 40 years since, which are by-past and gone, and all things buried (or at least ought to be forgotten) in an Act of Oblivion as to the Transacti­ons of those (as we do usually call them) rebellious times; or whether this critical time doth portend good things to his Majesty of Great Bri­tein's (whom God of his infinite mercy long preserve for our peace and quietness sake) affairs and concerns as to his present Government in par­ticular; or whether of any good consequence to the Subjects of his Three Kingdoms in general; or whether this year the Lyon and the Lamb shall not lye down together (according to an ancient Prophecy); or whether His Majesties just Prerogative, and his Subjects Priviledges shall go hand in hand together, I am not able to determine (although some pretend to give a shrewd guess thereunto as to future contingencies), yet I will hope the best, as being fully perswaded and convinced, that the God and Father of our blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who is the Author of Peace, and Lover of Concord; and of the Souls of them who are willing under their Magistrates (whether Heathen or Christian) to live quiet and peaceable lives in all godliness and honesty, will be pleased at length to bring forth peace, tranquillity, and order, out of all our disor­ders, animosities and present confusions. And herein let every true and Loyal-hearted Subject and English man say, Amen.

But, however, this I am sure of (as being able to attest that truth in particular), viz. That humble Petitions and Addresses to His Majesty of Great Britain, this year Anno Domini 1681, is A-la-mode, and the very newest fashion (and in my slender judgment and apprehension, is a very comely, decent, and commendable fashion) since the Dissolution of the late Parliament at Oxford, and His Majesties late Declaration to all his Loving Subjects, and Ordered to be read (by the Reverend Clergy of the Land) in all Churches and Chappels; since which time Addresses and Humble Petitions have swarm'd in a main, from all Points of the compass ( viz. from Cities, Burroughs, Towns-Corporate, Lieutenancies, Trained-Bands, &c.) as if they were resolved to storm VVhitehall, VVind­sor-Castle, Hampton-Court, and His Majesty Himself (God of Heaven pre­serve [Page 3]Him), with no other weapons than steady and untainted Loyalty, and with all dutiful and humble Allegiance unto His Majesties Govern­ment, as it is now by Law established both in Church and State: And for the which the Lord High Chancellor of England, in the Person of His Majesty, hath given them all his true and hearty Thanks for their so numerous and seasonable appearing at this present conjuncture, in oppo­sition to some others, who, it seems, have not the good-hap with the rest of their Neighbours (sure it was by the malevolent aspect and influence of some auspicious male-contented Planets), to form and word their Hum­ble Addresses and Petitions according to the pattern in the Mount; and of these Loyal persons that had been of the forlorn hope, and had marched in the front of the battel, and being weighed in the ballance of the San­ctuary (I do not, neither dare I say, in the ballance of the Scriptures and right reason), they were found too light, and for the which they have a mark and a stamp put upon them by way of distinction (I had almost said like unto that, Revel. 13.15, 16, 17.) whereby they are branded and stigmatized as factious and disloyal Subjects (Sed affirmatis est pro­bare), and are therefore registred and recorded to be conveyed down by the Pens Militant to future posterity, as persons disloyal and disaffected to the present Government, and to all those Noble Emoluments and Pri­viledges which our Forefathers never yet saw, nor did enjoy (as some of the Addresses do most happily and emphatically word it) in so plentiful a measure, as under the present Reign of His most Sacred Majesty (whom God long preserve). The which I must needs say is a very hard case to those poor Petitioners, and many of them good Gentlemen, able Citizens, and Persons of Quality, who peradventure did all mean well, though their luck was bad; and therefore all the comfort that I can give them in this particular (in regard Solamen miseriis is a very acceptable compa­nion), is only this, That they would be pleased to consider, That if their hearts and hands went together, and had no base, nor rebellious, nor fa­ctious design therein whatsoever; and that they were conscious to them­selves, that they did their King and Country good service in their late Humble Addresses and Petitions (although misconstrued and misinter­preted); That our blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, when he was up­on Earth (although the best person that ever breathed in the common air), yet he could not escape reflections and hard censures from his Coun­treymen the Jews, upon the like account: For some of them said (and but a few, God knows, in comparison of the whole Nation) that he was a good man, when others of a more dissolute and loose conversation said, Nay, but he was a Mountebank, and an Impostor, and deceived the peo­ple; therefore what shall we say to all things, but only ‘Monstrum horrendum, &c.’

But to proceed, and come yet a little nearer unto the matter in hand, according to the Contents of the Title-page, viz. most faithfully and im­partially to examine and compare together the Principles, Practices and Transactions of the English Nation (but more especially by their Repre­sentatives Assembled in Parliament) Anno Domini 1640, and 1641. and Anno Domini 1680, and 1681. (The compleat and exact distance of time [Page 4]the Children of Israel, the peculiar People of God, were wandring, re­belling and provoking his Divine Majesty in the Wilderness, before they were actually possessed of the land of Canaan): And wherein persons and things do now look and represent themselves almost with the very same face (nay I had almost said with a Ten-times more ominous, ill-featured, and dismal aspect than formerly). But yet notwithstanding I can by no means apprehend the same dreadful fate and consequence will ensue now, as did de facto in those preceding years ( viz. a Nation wading and wal­lowing over head and ears in hot Christian blood, and sheathing the naked sword in each others bowels, and appealing to Law of Arms to decide the grand Controversie in those days, which so unfortunately hapned be­tween the Commons of England Assembled in Parliament, and his late Majesty of deplorable Memory, the chief Magistrate thereof), although the true Phanatick, Tory and Tantivy-men of the Age, both in Press and Pulpit, do endeavour Might and Main (and leave no stone unturn'd in order thereunto) to possess our Governours, and those that sit at the Helm, with this vain, frivolous, and (I hope) ridiculous belief. But, bles­sed be God, there are yet some few Wise men among us, who are of the contrary perswasion, and can penetrate as far into a Millstone as them­selves, and who understand their black designs and meanings herein well enough (and how that they would willingly, and with all their hearts and souls be warming themselves at such a fire): And there is a just and righ­teous God above, who will at the last (as he hath in some good measure done already) countermine, bring to light, destroy and confound all their Plots and Sham-plots of this and the like nature whatsoever, and will make them to be rendred in his own good time, the very off-scum, scorn, con­tempt and derision of our English Israel, and shall be handled and trans­lated down to future posterity as the firebrands and principal fomentors of all our animosities and unhappy divisions.

And here to come to a right understanding of those precedent Trans­actions, we must make a Digression, and by a retrograde step take a transient view of the many Precursors of our late unhappy Troubles and Revolutions, and which were engendring and fomenting in the Body Politique from the time of the Death of King James, until the beginning of those years, wherein by reason of a Long, long, long Interval of Par­liements (or rather as some would have it, a long interregnum of two vi­tal parts of the Constitution it self) our English Monarchy (although the best and well-temper'd Government, when the exercise of the vital parts thereof be not obstructed in its due circulation, this day in the Chri­stian World) received for some time among us its Mortal wound.

And herein, as I would not for my right hand vindicate or justifie any Illegal, Unwarrantable, or any Tyrannical Proceedings of any particular Number, or numbers of men whatsoever, and who were actually con­cern'd in those late, most dismal, and most deplorable revolutions; so, on the other side, I would not altogether condemn all them who were then in the Vogue of the people, the esteemed Patriots of their Lives, Liberties, and Properties, and the grand Assertors of the Kings Majesties most Legal and Just Prerogatives both in Church and State; and those that are yet inter vivos of them, do most solemnly protest and declare, That in process of time, Persons and Transactions were stretched forth [Page 5]to preternatural Dimensions, and Diametrically opposite to the primary intentions and inclinations of the House of Commons themselves; and His present Majesty that now Reigneth (whom God long preserve in the midst of us) was pleased from Breda most graciously to observe, viz. That through mistakes and misunderstandings, many inconveniencies were produced, which were not intended. And that the Long Parliament, so called (although there hath been a much longer since) had no design in the least measure in their primary thoughts and intentions to shake off the Monarchy (although there are some particular men at this present conjuncture of time in the Pulpit that make them to be all King Ahab's, and that Naboth's Vineyard and Inheritance was their principal design, al­though slily couched under the specious and godly pretence of Liberty and Property; wherein I think they are true Tory-men indeed, and very uncharitable in the highest measure), but only to prune and pare off some Luxuriant and overgrown branches ( viz. Court Parasites, evil Coun­cels, who were great Favorites, corrupt Judges, and such-like Sycophants) which had well-nigh sucked (like so many idle Drones) the very sap from the root of our most Noble, Magnificent, thrice happy, and never enough to be admired Triple-Constitution.

And in order to the accomplishment of the aforementioned premises, I have consulted several Authors for my best satisfaction, that are now extant, as to the Transactions of those times, wherein, I must confess, I do find them at a very great distance and opposition one to another, and very various in their several sentiments and apprehensions, according to their particular inclinations as to the merit of the cause on either side; wherein, by the way (although with all due submission to the more grave, acurate and discerning Judgments of the Learned) I do humbly conceive, some of these have erred too much on the right, and others too much on the left hand; but yet as to matter of fact, as to what was really done and transacted in those days, they do in the main generally all agree. And among the rest I have perused one piece in particular, which in my slender apprehension hath avoided both extremes (and as we do usually say, In Medio consistet Virtus), and hath passed Scilla and Charibdis with­out any danger of too much reflecting upon either side: Him I have made choice of in particular, as one of the ablest Pilates to steer my course through the Channel (whereby to avoid those many Rocks and Quick­sands which a man may suddenly run upon, if he have not the Conduct of an experienced guide), and so God send the good Ship of Vox Veri­tas unto her desired harbour; A Ship, though but small in bulk, yet pretty handsomely and tight built for Publick service, and I hope will be able stoutly to defend His Majesties particular Person and Go­vernment, by King, Lords and Commons, against all bold Assassinates, against all crafty Incendiaries, against all cursed Achitophels, against all absolute Monarchical Tories and Tantivies, against all Blood-thirsty and Hellish Papists whatsoever, who would not only pervert, but utterly destroy the present best established Government this day in the Christian World, by stretching of it forth beyond its legal and due bounds, pro­viso's, restrictions and limitations. And from such notorious and malicious persons in grain, let every good and loyal Subject, and every true En­glish-man insert it in his Quoditian Litany and private Devotion, Libera nos Domine.

[Page 6] The Title of that particular piece I have even now mentioned is, viz. The Reign of King Charles: By H. L. Esquire.

London, Printed by F. L. and J .G. for Henry Seile, Senior and Junior, over-against St. Dunstans Church in Fleetstreet; and Edward Dod at the Gun in Ivy-Lane, Anno Domini 1656.

And that the said person was not biassed, you may perceive by the Date thereof: It was in the time when the late Tyrant Oliver Cromwell had assumed the seat of chief Magistrate; and at that time of day to have dipped his Pen in gall, might have been very grateful and complesant to that grand Usurper, who having such a puissant and dreadful Army of well-disciplin'd, victorious and well-paid Janizaries at his Command, made the Lyon so impudently bold, as to call our grand Charter of England, Magna Charta, Magna F.—And in a small space of time after that, it pleased God to snatch him away from us in a high tempestuous wind, as an example to all future Tyrants who shall offer to attempt the like bold­ness upon our fundamental Laws, Liberties and Properties.

And that you may be the better satisfied as to the impartiality of this ingenious and fair Historian (what he was, or is, if as yet inter vivos, I cannot tell), Pray do but peruse his Preface to the said History, and you will find in his Verbis, in his own Apology, viz.

What Oblique Descants will come to Traverse upon this honest Narra­tive, I already prejudicate. The fate of those who write of Times within ken, Time's better for the History, than for the Historian.

For while they render truth more resplendent, they usually bring the Relator under a cloud, whence the bane of all faithful Tradition, that an Historian is rarely found, until the truth be lost: And what is History without its Idium? Truth, but a meer Romance: And if so, what Pen will undertake the History of a King? Kings in their Functions so nearly resemble the Divine Nature, as God himself hath stiled them Gods. And as in many respects they represent it, so also in that of Cyprian, though not in his sense, De Deo etiam periculosum est dicere verum. Though as man they are within the incidence of frailty (for as that Emperor said, Imperium non tollit affectus, Soveraignty doth not proscribe humane affe­ctions), yet their failings have been in former times accounted like their Persons, so sacred, that to touch them, though never so tenderly, hath been esteemed Petty-Treason: But in King Charles (the grand concern­ment of these Annals) the danger is counter-changed, and to exhibit in him any thing of merit and importance less than a Nero or Domitian, many will not endure. And these two extremes make my passage through this History, like that of Jonathans to the Philistins, a sharp Rock on the one side, and a sharp Rock on the other side. Which consideration hath moved me to decline many things, otherwise remarkable, and not commonly known, and to content my self with saving truths; nor should I have adventured a modest Vindication of this King in some particulars, (not reflecting upon the fatal proceedings against him) had not the inge­nuity of some eminently disaffected to him led me the way.

But if in relation to these perils I have been studious to bear my self erect, yet in other concernments some will censure me for too strong a Biass.

[Page 7] Some will say, peradventure, I seem no friend to the Clergy; and lest my silence should make this an Accusation, which is but a meer Calumny, I answer, Churchmen I honour (no man more), and this I do for their Sacred Orders sake: But if their Order be Sacred, it doth not (I wish it did) make all such who are initiated in that Order; too many of that holy profession are, ever were, and will be Sacred in another, and worse sense.

The unsanctified lives of some officiating at the Sacred Altar, have been the complaint of all ages. Read we not (to their shame) of the sons of Eli, whose impiety made them abhor the Offerings of the Lord? Doth not Chrysostome tell us of some of his Contemporaries, who, had Canonical Discipline, been punctually observed, should not have been permitted so much as to step over the threshold of Gods house, were notwithstanding advanced to the highest grison of Church-Dignities?

And if this Narrative presents some Ecclesiasticks blame-worthy, the in­ference is fallacious, that therefore our times are worse than former, or that the accrimination overspreadeth all: No, what St. Augustine said of some Enormitans in his time, is no less true of ours; That though our Church had cause to grieve for the blemishes of some, yet might she glory in the Ornaments of more.

And so much shall serve for my present purpose as to the former part of this Authors Preface, Et si constrista­mur de aliqui­bus. Purga­mentis tamen consolamur de pluribus Orna­mentis. Aug. Epist. 137. wherein he doth endeavour to satisfie his Rea­ders, that he will carry an even hand between either side, and steer his course aright; and so far I shall endeavour (as much as in me lyes) to write after his Copy: But yet where persons are blame-worthy, I shall not be Meal-mouth'd, but let them know their failings and embecilli­ties, until they give me better satisfaction than I have at present concern­ing their Reformation.

And now to transcribe some of this Authors Narrative, concerning the Reign of King Charles the First; so wise, so vertuous, so temperate, so chaste, so learned, and so religious a Prince, and a strong assertor of the Doctrine and Discipline of the Church of England against the Old Gentle­man at Rome, and all his adherents; yet that this Prince after his Death by the Pens-Militant, instead of inserting this Parenthesis concerning him, (as they have done of many Princes after their decease) of Ever blessed Memory, should be constrained to counterchange their Dialect, and say of Ever unfortunate and deplorable Memory; I must confess is so profound a mystery unto me, that I am not able to search and penetrate into the depth thereof, and therefore must leave this (I could wish I were not able to say so much by experience) most unfortunate Prince (though of Ever blessed Memory in some sense) unto the searcher of all hearts (and before whom all things are naked, bare and open), who worketh, and wisely disposeth of all things both in Heaven and in Earth, according to the in­fallible and most unerring Councel and Dictates of his own Will.

But to proceed in my intended design, to Transcribe from my Author some of the particular and most material Transactions as to matter of fact in those days (and should I have transcribed the whole, it would have been a new Edition of the said Narrative, and would have swelled this small piece (which was intended for no other in my primary cogitations) unto a very large Bulk, the which you may please to peruse in manner and form as followeth, viz.

[Page 8] King James surrendred his Soul to God (and his Three Kingdoms to his Son) at Theobalds, Anno Domini, March the 27th, 1625.

And now it will not be amiss (saith the ingenious Historian) nor vary from the usual ceremony ordained to the body of extinct Princes, if I here represent in brief the pourtraicture of this Famous Monarch, which I will do freely, sincerely, and with a spirit which equally disdains to li­bel or flatter him.

In the stile of the Court, His Character. he went for Great Britains Solomon; nor is it any excursion beyond the Precincts of verity, to say, that neither Bri­tain, nor any other Kingdom whatsoever could ever since Solomon's days glory in a King (for recondite learning and abstruse knowledge), so near a match to Solomon as he: And though he was a Universal Scholar, yet did he make other Sciences (their most proper imployment), but drudges and servitors to Divinity, wherein he became so transcendently eminent, as he notoriously foil'd the greatest Clerks of the Roman See: Nor did his Theological abilities more advantage the Cause of Religion abroad, than at home, they keeping the new-fangled Clergy aloof, and at a di­stance, as not daring to infuse into so solid a judgment their upstart and erroneous fancies, no nor disquiet the Churches peace with Heterodox opinions (by which it appears this Author and King James were both Calvinists, as to their particular Sentiments in matters of Religion); A stout adversary he was to the Arminians and Semi-Pelagians, whom he called as Prosper before him (and so doth the whole tribe of them ever since) the Enemies of Gods grace.

And as slender a friend he was to the Presbytery (here he intends in matters Ecclesiastical, as to the form of Church-government and imposed Constitutions), of whose Tyrannical and Antimonarchical principles he had from his cradle smart experience; He was an excellent Speaker, the Scheme of his Oratory being more stately than Pedantick, and the Ex­pressions argued him both a King and Scholar: In his apparel and civil garb he seemed naturally to affect a Majestick carelesness, which was so hectick and habitual in him, as even in Religious exercises (where the ex­ternal demeanor is a grand part of that sacred homage) he was somewhat too incurious and irreverent: He was indulgent a little to his Palat, and had a smack of the Epicure: In pecuniary dispensations to his Favourites he was most excessive liberal, yea though the exigence of his own wants pleaded retention: Nor was Solomon himself more a Solomon, according to the true notion of the word, which imports a man of rest, than he, selecting for his Motto, Beati Pacifici, or the seventh Beatitude, as most agreeable to his genius and natural constitution; He was studious of peace somewhat over-much for a King; in pursuit whereof, Virtue flew to a les­sening, and (in the opinion of many) out of sight, he incurring thereby the note of Pusillanimity, very suspicious from his managing the Cause of the Palatinate; for had not the thought of War been terrible unto him, would he so long have endured his Son-in-law, exterminated from his Patrimony, while the Austrian Faction (to his great dishonour) cajol'd, and kept him in delusory chat with specious fallacies? Would he in those feveral Negotiations of Carlisle, Bristow, Belfast and Weston, have spent so vast sums, the moity whereof, had they been disposed in Military-levies and preparations, would have Modell'd an Army able (when Hidleburgh, [Page 9]Manhrein and Frankindale defended themselves) to have totally dissipated all the forces of the Usurpers, to have Master'd the imperious Eagle, en­forcing her to forego her Quary, and reinstate the Paulsgrave? Would he so tediously have courted the Alliance of Spain, to the very great re­gret of his Subjects, whom his Predecessor had so often baffled, and whom England ever found a worse friend than enemy? What stronger Evidence can be given in of a wonderful defect of courage?

As this faint-heartedness lost him the reputation and respects of his Peo­ple, so his heavy pressures upon them, and undue Levies by Privy-Seals, and the like, alienated their affections, especially considering how those Moneys were misemployed, indeed rather thrown away, partly in the two dishonourable Treaties of Spain and Germany, and the consequential En­tertainments, and partly in Largesses upon his Minion Buckingham. Be­tween this disaffection and contempt in his People, there was generated a general disposition to turbulent and boisterous darings, and expostulations even against his darling Prerogative. And though those dismal calamities which after befel his Son, were ampliated doubtless by a superfetation of causes, yet was their first and main existency derivative from those re­cited grounds: Let Court-Pens extol the calmness of his Halcion Reign with all the artifice of Rhetorick: Let them conclude the Parable, and tell us, God gave King James also as he did Solomon, rest from all his ene­mies round about; yet can they never truly deny, but that admired seve­rity had its set in a cloud, and that he left to his Successor a Crown of Thorns, as being engaged to contend with two puissant Enemies: First the mighty Monarch of the West, the King of Spain. Secondly the more invincible of the two, an empty purse; For that King who hath this Enemy to encounter, shall never archieve any thing of glorious pro­duction.

The death of this Famous Monarch caused no other interregnum, than of joy, his Son Charles being immediately by Sir Edward Zouch (then Knight Marshal) proclaimed at the Court-gate, King of Great Britain, France and Ireland. His first Act of Regality was to dispatch Aviso's of his Fathers decease to Foreign Princes and States, his Correspondents, with whom he was in Amity. Next, he took into care the becoming Obse­quies of the Royal Corps, which removed from Theobalds to Denmark-house in London, April the 23d, was thence, the 7th of May, conveyed to Westminster, and there inhum'd with the greatest Solemnities, and most stately Ritualities could be devised.

Though grief had taken up the principal Lodgings of King Charles his heart, yet did it not quite turn love out of doors: but he had still an eye to France, and held himself concern'd to let his Agents know he was mind­ful of the stock he had going there; and to rear a firm assurance of his se­rious intentions, He sent over Letters of Procuration for the Duke of Che­vereux to espouse the Lady Henrietta Maria; only he added this especial precaution, That those Letters should not be resigned up until May the 8th, when the Celebrities of his Fathers Funeral would be over; for he would not that grief and joy (things incompatible) should justle. But these instructions (for what cause I know not) were not in all points precisely observed: for on May the 11th, as others; and the first, as we compute, six days before King James his Obsequies, the Espousals were [Page 10]solemnized in the Church of Nostredame in Paris, the Queen being given by her two Brothers, the King and Monsieur; the Nuptials past, the Royal Bride prepared for England; and to wait upon her with the greater splendor, his Majesty dispatcheth over the Duke of Buckingham, with the Earl of Montgomery, and other Persons of Quality. May the 24th they arrived at Paris, and June the 2d the Queen (after the iteration of most affectionate adieux reciprocated and interchanged between the King and her self), set forward for Amiens; where being attended with a most Princely retinue, she was under the restraint of a Magnificent Entertainment till the 16 of that Month; thence she dis-lodged for Bul­loigne, where she was to Embarque for England (the Contagion then be­ing much at Calais); there she found ready to receive her 21 tall Ships sent from her dearest, with a gallant Convoy of the Dutchess of Buck­ingham, and other Ladies of Honour and Eminence to serve her.

June the 22d she set Sail for England, and Landed safe at Dover, after a turbulent and tempestuous passage. His Majesty lay that night at Can­terbury, and next morning with joy incredible greeted his Royal Consort, and conducted her to Canterbury, where the Marriage was finally com­pleated; the Duke of Chevereux, his Majesties former Representative, consigning up his precious charge to the King, &c.

I have heard some who undertake to mate all events with their pro­per causes, passionately ascribe Englands Calamities to those Internuptials, and fetch that ireful stroke of Divine vengeance upon his late Majesty, from his Marrying a Lady of mis-belief.

Grant I do, that both England's and his Majesties Sufferings may (in some sort) be reductive to the casualty of that Match; but that there was any intrinsick noxiousness in it, either as French or Popish, I am not yet convinced.

The same time, while His Majesty was thus busied in his Amorous Ne­gotiation abroad, he plyed as well his Interest at home; and while he Wooed his Royal Mistriss there, he made Love to his People here, by Summoning a Parliament; that League being not more important to him as Man, than this as King; for as Man is without a female Consort, so is a King without his Supreme Council, an half-form'd steril thing; the natural Extracts of the one, procreated without a Wife, are not more spurious than the Laws, the politick Descendents of the other, without was commenced at VVestminster, June the 18th. At first interview it ap­peared under the scheme and fashion of a Money-Wedding, and, in truth, the publick affairs did then implore no less. Upon the opening the Parliament, the King imparted his mind to the Lords and Com­mons to this effect.

The Speech being ended, the King Vailed his Crown, a thing rare in any of his Predecessors.

Though denied it could not be, but this Speech was elemented of very rational materials, and ponderous arguments; yet it did not cause such a precipitation of resolution, but that the Parliament did descend to the consideration thereof by degrees.

That which retarded the Debate, was this: They had in store by them two Petitions; one for Religion, the other against Grievances; to which having been moulded in King James his time, and preferr'd to him at the close of the last Sessions of the last Parliament, they (as yet) never re­ceived answer. They said it was the ancient, and as they conceived, a [Page 12]most prudential practice, to present Petitions at the Commencement of Parliaments; or so long before their Dissolutions, as the King might have time to return a deliberate Answer; That the same course they were re­solved strictly to pursue, and give priority of dispatch to those Petitions, before any other business whatsoever; which accordingly they did.

To the several Heads against Grievances, His Majesty gave a distinct and satisfactory answer, and promised largely upon the Petition for Re­ligion; and the better to draw on Supplies, he did audit unto them the several Disbursements, both relating to the Army and Navy, that so all jealousies of mis-employment might be removed; which produced so good effects, as that the Laity gave him freely, and without condition, two Subsidies from Protestants, and four from Papists, as a mulct from the House upon their Recusancy, and the Clergy three.

This was upon July the 8th; and the next day the King signified, That he took notice of the slender appearance in the House, by reason of con­tagion; and that therefore having a tender regard to their healths, he declared his intention of Adjournig them upon Monday next, being the 11th of that Month, which accordingly was performed to the 1st of August; and Oxford named for the place, which gave disgust to some Members of the House.

In this Sessions of Parliament was Mr. Montague questioned for Pub­lishing certain Books prejudicial to the Protestant Cause; for which he was ordered to be brought to the Bar; to whom the Speaker declared the pleasure of the House, That they would refer his Censure to the next Meeting; and in the interim, in respect of his notorious contempt, he should stand committed to the Serjeants Ward, entring Bail for his then appearance.

But Mr. Mountague had, by the cunning artifice of his Court-friends, crept into the Kings service undiscern'd; and the King signified to the Parliament two days after, That he thought his Servants (whereof Mountague was one) might have as much Protection as the Servant of an ordinary Burgess; nevertheless his Bond of 2000 l. whereupon he was Bailed, continued uncancell'd.

August the 1st the Parliament met again at Oxford; the Divinity-School was appointed for the House of Commons, and the Galleries above for the House of Lords.

The 4th of the same Month, both Houses were called together to Christ-Church-Hall by the King, where he laid open unto them his wants, for setting forth the Fleet; but the Parliament, before they would re­turn any Answer, presented him with a Petition against Recusants, to this effect.

The principal causes of the increase of Papists in those times, and the remedies proposed by the Parliament, I shall refer you to the Book it self for your farther satisfaction. To all the several branches thereof the King, August the 7th, gave such a plausible and satisfactory answer, as nothing could be desired more.

One good turn, requires another: And as the King had given the Par­liament ample content by this Answer, so he hoped they would be as cheerful in supplying him with Moneys, for which he earnestly impor­tun'd them, and more especially for his great Naval preparation; where­upon ensued a great Debate in the House; some were very prompt to give, without delay; some would give, but in convenient time, but not then; others would give, but they complained that the design was ma­naged by young and single Councel; that Sir Robert Mansell, a man of singular judgment and experience, had declared against the Plot, and had tender'd to the Council of War a project of much greater advantage, and less expence, which was approved by the Lord of Chichester; to the which the Solicitor replied in the Dukes behalf, That the Council of War (for the generality) much disliked the project of Sir Robert, and concluded upon what was then intended; but the greater part agreed not to give, and to make an humble Remonstrance, declaring the Causes and Reasons of their not giving.

Most of the Voters of this Remonstrance flew high, and impetuously prest in upon the Duke; some would divest him of his Offices, the Ad­miralty especially; others of his Revenue, by resuming what he possest of the Crown-demeans; others demanded an account of what publick Moneys he had been entrusted with. This being signified to the King, he soon prognosticated of what quality the Remonstrance would prove; therefore immediately in distaste, he determined to Dissolve the Parlia­ment.

[Page 14] The House of Commons were Resolved into a Grand Committee, when the Usher came from the Lords House with that Message; and be­fore they would permit the Solicitor then in the Chair, to leave his seat, they agreed upon a Protestation, which Mr. Glanvill stood up and de­clared to this effect.

• First, To give his Majesty Thanks for his Gracious Answer to our Petition for Religion.
• Next, For his care of our health, in giving us leave to depart this dan­gerous time.
• Lastly, A dutiful Declaration of our affections, and loyalty, and purpose to supply his Majesty in a Parliamentary-way, in a fitting and convenient time.

This being done, the Speaker took the Chair, and admitting the Usher, he declared his Message from the Lords concerning the Dissolution of the Parliament.

Now had the King an opportunity for his Summers past-time, but that his own progress might not impede that of his affairs, his Council were commanded to go along with him. By whose general advice, two things were most considerably resolved upon:

• First, That the Fleet should speedily be put to Sea.
• Secondly, That a more strict Amity should be enter'd into with the States of the United Provinces.

Several were the Descants of such as pretended to judicious censure, as fancy and affection swayed the ballance; some blamed the Parliament for not supplying the Kings necessities, whereby the Fleet put forth too late; some reflected finisterly upon the Duke, saying, It never was, nor never will be well with England, while the Sea is under the Command of an Admiral so young, and withal so unexperienc'd; others also made de­duction from this miscarriage of Gades Voyage, in reference to the King; that because Commencements do often forespeak the qualification of fu­ture contingencies in the series and row of succeeding affairs; they much feared this was but the earnest of some inauspiciousness which would attend the residue of his Reign: Nor, among the rest, was Captain Brett's conjecture vain, who told the Duke, That the Fleet was never like to speed better, wherein there went a long Bag without Money, Cook without Meat, and Love without Charity; for so were the three Cap­tains named; and a great default there was doubtless of sufficient pay, of wholesome meat, and unanimity.

The Michaelmas-Term was by reason of the infection at London, trans­lated to Reading; from whence the King, according to late Answer in Parliament, issued out in November a Commission to the Judges, to see the Laws against Recusants put in Execution.

This Commission was read in all the Courts of Judicature at Reading, and withal a Letter was directed to the Archbishop of Canterbury, en­joyning him to take special care within his Province, for the discovery of Jesuits, Seminary-Priests, and other Recusants, offenders against the Laws. It was, in truth, high time for severe Proceedings against them, they having contracted so much insolence, and presuming upon protection, by reason of the late Match; that at Winchester, and many other places, they fre­quently [Page 15]passed through the Churches in time of Divine Service, hooting and hallowing, not only to the disturbance of that duty, but to the scorn of our Religion; yea, and one Popish Lord, when the King was at Chap­pel, was heard to prate on purpose louder in a Gallery adjoyning, than the Chaplain prayed; whereat the King was so moved, that he sent this Message too him, viz. Either let him come and do as we do, or else I will make him prate farther off.

On February the 2d, this year, Anno Domini 1625, the King was Crowned at Westminster with the usual (though I cannot say Magnificent) Ceremonies and Solemnities.

The Coronation being past, the King prepareth for a Parliament now approaching; the last he thought was somewhat uncivil towards the Duke; and the Delinquents (as he thought) must be made examples: Upon this account the Lord-Keeper Williams, soon after the Dissolution of the late Parliament, fell, and his place was disposed of to Sir Thomas Co­ventry, &c.

On the 16th of this February, the Parliament met; the Commons be­gan their work, where they last broke off at Oxford, making Religion their first, and which was their superlative care; recollecting what a full and satisfactory Answer the King gave to their Petition against Recusants, and his Commission issued out in pursuance of that Answer, appointed a Committee for Religion, impowring them most strictly to examine what abuses of his Majesties Grace had occurred since that time, and who were the Authors and Abettors of the same.

The House of Commons being in expectation of some Discovery from their Committee, at length Mr. Prin made a report of a Letter written to the Lord Mayor of York, for reprieving some Jesuits, Priests, and o­ther Recusants. This Letter being under the Signet, a sub-Committee was ordered to search the Signet-Office, and compare it with the Ori­ginal.

These Proceedings inwardly much displeased the King, yet he smo­thered the indignity for a time, though he did after intimate the same unto them among his other regrets: And plying his more important af­fairs with a most steady temper, he sent a Message unto them by Sir Richard Weston, to this effect, viz.

That his Fleet is returned, and their Victuals spent; the Men must of ne­cessity be discharged, and their wages paid them, or else mutiny will follow, which may be of dangerous consequence.

That he hath in readiness about 40 Ships, to be set forth upon a second service, which want a present supply of moneys.

That the Armies, quartered on the Coasts, want Victuals and Cloaths; and they will Disband, if not furnished.

The Companies of Ireland lately sent, must speedily be provided for, else they may be subject to rebel.

Lastly, The season for providing healthful provision will be past, if this Month of March be suffered through negligence to elapse.

And therefore he desired to know without more ado what present supplies he must depend upon from them, that so accordingly he might shape his course.

[Page 16] Instead of a supply to his Message, Mr. Clement Coke (Son to Sir Ed­ward Coke) a Member of the House of Commons, let fly this reply: It is better to dye by a Foreign Enemy, than to be destroyed at home; and as if the Prerogative had not been sufficiently alarm'd by that expression, one Turner, a Doctor of Physick, re-assaults it in these six Queries:

• 1. Whether the King hath not lost the Regality of the Narrow Seas since the Duke became Admiral?
• 2. Whether his going in the last Fleet as Admiral, was not the cause of ill success?
• 3. Whether the Kings Revenue hath not been impaired through his immense liberality?
• 4. Whether he hath not ingrossed all Offices, and preferred his kindred to unfit places?
• 5. Whether he hath not made sale of places of Judicature?
• 6. Whether Recusants have not dependance upon his Mother and Fa­ther-in-law?

This was uncouth language to a Princes Ear; but who can expect that in so vast a Body and Mass of men, all parcels should take salt alike, and that no part should have rancidity in it? Yet perhaps this clamour and noise might be the rudeness of some few, newly admitted into that great School of Wisdom, the greater part continuing (it's possible) sincere and loyal; therefore the King sends Sir Richard Weston to them, requiring satisfaction: But the House was flower in the work, than was agreeable to his Majesties mind, so intent upon some severe Proceedings against them. Upon this he called the Lords and them together, and by the Lord-Keeper, his proper Speaker, thus conveys his displeasure to them; which being somewhat long, and afterwards the Kings Speech also to them, I shall refer you to the Book it self, Page 24, 25, 26.

The Commons nothing moved with those tart and vinacre expressions, kept close to their proper stations, and by way of Remonstrance re­plied: the which you may peruse Page the 27th of the same Author.

To the Remonstrance the King answered briefly, That he would have them, in the first place, consult about matters of the greatest importance, and that they should have time enough for other things afterwards.

But the Parliament accounted nothing of so great importance, as a vi­gorous proceeding against the Duke. In order to which, all encourage­ment is given by both Houses to any who would inform against him. The Earl of Bristol vigilantly listned for this call, and presently Petition­ing the House, he might be admitted to prefer an Accusation against him; His request is readily granted. The Duke alarm'd with this Petition, Plots amain (and high time) either to divert or encounter him: He perswades the King to send the Earl a Premonitary-Letter, framed as a Memorial, minding him of all the miscarriages relating to the Spanish Treaty, and a Breviate of what became of his future charge; and demanding withal his positive Answer, Whether he would sit still from being questioned for any Errors past in his Spanish Negotiations, and enjoy the benefit of the Par­don granted by the late Parliament; or waving the advantage thereof, put himself upon a Legal Tryal.

[Page 17] To this the Earl answered, That it became him not as a Subject to urge a Tryal against himself; but if His Majesty should call him to it, he would willingly submit, being confident his innocence would mediate for his fu­ture favour: As for the Pardon, he would not disclaim it, though he was confident he should not need it for any Crime of Disloyalty to His Majesty, or Treason against the State.

The King perceiving by this Reply the Earl resolved to persist, com­manded the Attorney-General to Summon the Earl to the Lords Bar as a Delinquent, May the 1st. Bristol appearing, the Attorney told the Peers, That he came thither to accuse the Earl of High-Treason; with that the Earl said, My Lords, I am a Freeman, and a Peer of the Realm, unat­tainted; I have somewhat to say of high consequence for his Majesties Service; I beseech your Lordships give me leave to speak: The Lords bidding him go on: Then, said he, I accuse that Man the Duke of Buck­ingham of High-Treason: the Articles of his Charge you may read Page 28. ut supra.

When the Earl had ended his Charge, up starts no upstart Lord, the Lord Spencer, Is this all (said he) you have to say against the Duke? The Earl replied, Yes my Lord, and I am sorry it is so much: Then quoth the Lord Spencer, if this be all, Ridiculus Mus; and so sat down again.

Upon this a Crotchet took the Lord Cromwell in the Crown, and out he goes to Mr. Richard Spencer, a younger Son of that Lord, and a great Zealot in the lower House against the Duke: Dick, said he, what is done in your House to day against the Duke? My Lord (said he) he is charged with no less than High-Treason: Tush Dick, quoth the Lord, High-Treason! if this be all, Ridiculus Mus.

This high and daring challenging by the Earl, prompted the Attorney to speed his Accusation against him; which having Modell'd into Ele­ven Articles, he brought in the next day, Vide page 28. ut supra.

The Commons having presented their Accusation, presently after sent a Message to the Lords, desiring that the Duke might be Committed; declaring, that it did mis-beseem their House to permit a man so deeply Impeacht to sit in Councel with them.

The Court-party, who had nimble Intelligencers, understood this de­sign from the very first result, and plotted to treat the Commons with uniform Proceedings; for at that very time Sir Dudley Diggs, and Sir John Elliot were sent for out of the House by two Messengers of the Cham­ber; who upon their coming forth, shewed them Warrants for their Commitment to the Tower; but it was resolved by the Judges, that by their restraint (no reason being given to the House for it) the whole House was arrested, and a Remonstrance was made to the King of their Priviledg; whereupon they were released.

The Commons having sped so well, the House of Peers began to claim their immunities; making an Order, that nothing should be transacted in their House, until the Earl of Arundel were restored; upon which in­stantly ensued the Earls Postlimination and re-admittance.

Popular disgust began now to break in upon the Duke, with such a running and sweeping-tide, as drew along with it, by way of Concomi­tancy, the Peerage; nor could his new Dependents and Allies keep the Bal­lance Horizontial, and even much less sway it; and because his fate must [Page 18]result from them, but not by weight, but tale; the old Trick of the Council of Trent was thought upon, and a new Summons of Persons former Confidents to the Duke (as the Lords, Mandevil, Grandison and Carlton) into the row of Nobles.

But this project would not take; for the House of Lords found an ancient Order, That no Lords created sedente Parliamento, shall have Voices during that Session, but only shall have priviledg of sitting among the rest; upon which their suffrage was excluded.

This gave the Duke a taste (a bitter one) of their inclinations; so that finding but small favour to trust to, he magnanimously stood upon his Justification. And having his defence to his contentment, June the 8th, 1626, he presented it to the Lords; who upon receipt thereof, sequestred him from sitting any more as a Peer of the House, until his Cause was determined; whereupon he went away much dejected.

The Dukes Defence, and the Commons Impeachment being long, I shall not here insert, but refer you to the Annals it self, from whom I do transcribe this small Narrative.

This weighty Cause was managed by six Gentlemen, viz. Mr. Glanvil, Mr. Selden, Mr. Pim, Mr. VVansford, Mr. Sherland, to whom was added Sir Dudley Diggs as Foreman and Prolocutor, and Sir John Elliot to bring up the rear.

Sir Dudley Diggs his Prologue, for the extraordinary Elegancy of the frame, and conciseness of his Metaphors, I shall crave leave to insert as it was delivered unto the Lords before the Gentlemen of the House of Com­mons did present the 13 Grievances, expresly this.

Here Sir Dudley Diggs made a stand, as wondring to see the Duke pre­sent; yet he took the Roll, and read the Preamble to the Charge, with the Duke's Titles, which I shall here, for the Readers Satisfaction, insert, and so proceed.

[Page 20] The Misdemeanors, Misprisions, Offences, Crimes, and other matters com­prized in the Articles following: And him the said Duke do Accuse and Im­peach of the said Misdemeanors, Misprisions, Offences and Crimes.

Sir Dudley Diggs his Prologue being ended, the Impeachment of the Commons it self was next read; the which, if you please, you may per­use Page 40. in the said Narrative before mentioned; with the Dukes Answer, Defence and Reply to every particular Article thereof.

The Answer of the Duke to his Impeachment, was a kind of a new Grievance to his Adversaries; for it being contrived, and so inlaid with modesty and humility, it was like to have a powerful influence towards the conversion of many, who expected a Defence of another and more disdainful spirit. Again, it seemed to instate him in impunity; and the Commons having charged him as they thought, through and through, loth they were to fall short of Victory: And now having pursued him with such vehemency, thought themselves worsted, should he now at the last make a saving game of it; wherefore resolved they were to ply him with a speedy Reply: But while they were hammering of it, the King sent them a Letter, demanding, without farther delay, their speedy pro­ducing their Bill of Subsidy to be passed; to which, to prevent their Dissolution, they immediately conformed. But first they had drawn up a Declaration of the same make and mind with their former Impeach­ment, of the miserable estate of this Kingdom, and not without some high Contests it was allowed by the House before the Bill of Subsidy: Whereupon his Majesty was so exceedingly incensed, King Charles his Second Parliament Dissolved. as on the very next day, June the 5th, he Dissolved the Assembly, though the Lords sent four of their House unto him, beseeching him most earnestly, that he would permit them to sit but two days longer; but he answered, Not a Minute.

The same afternoon the Earl of Bristol, Arundel and Bristol con­fined. the Dukes grand Prosecutor, was committed to the Tower, and the Earl of Arundel confined to his own house. There came also forth from his Majesty a Proclamation, for Burning all the Copies of the Commons Declaration, made before the Parliaments Dissolution.

This Rupture of the Parliament, The King charged with Imprudence. being supposed to issue from the Kings great affection to the Duke, I find him charged with deep impru­dence, and high oversight, to hazard the Love of Millions for him only.

On Monday, before this doleful disaster, there happened a terrible and prodigious spectacle upon the Thames: The Water near Lambeth-Marsh began about Three of the Clock in the afternoon to be very tur­bulent; [Page 23]and after a while, arising like a Mist, it appeared in a Circular form about Ten yards Diameter, and about Ten foot elevated from the River. This Cataract, or Spout of Waters, was carried impetuously cross the River, and made a very furious Assault upon the Garden-Walls of York-house (where the Duke was then building his new Water-Stairs); at length, after a fierce attempt, it brake asunder, sending up a fuliginous and dusky smoak, like that issuing out of a Brewers Chimney, which ascended as high as was well discernable, and so vanisht; and at the very same instant there was in the City of London so dreadful a storm of Rain and Hail, with Thunder and Lightning, as a great part of the Church-Yard Wall of St. Andrews Church in Holbourn fell down; and divers Craves being thereby discovered, many Coffins tumbled into the middle of the Channel.

Not long after this there fell out a difference between England and France; and his Majesty, in process of time, being on every side on the losing hand, he was much distressed in mind, what course to take to dis­charge himself of those impendent Calamities; should he call a Parlia­ment, The King in great want. the time (whose every moment was precious unto him) would not permit to stay for their Convention; and when met, should they prove (as it was odds they would) as Dilatory and disgustful as the former, he were in a worse condition than before. In this perplexed difficulty, at length his Council agreed to set that great Engine, his Prerogative, at work: Many projects were hammered on that forge, but they came all to small effect.

First, they moved for a Contribution, by way of Benevolence; but this was soon dasht. Then a resolution was taken to advance the value of Coyn Two shillings in the pound; but this also was soon argued down by Sir Robert Cotton: But that which the Council stuck closest to, was the issuing of a Commission, Raiseth mo­ney by Loan. dated October the 13th, for raising almost Two hundred thousand younds by way of Loan; and the more to expe­dite and facilitate this Levy, the Commissioners were instructed to repre­sent to the Subject the deplorable estate of Rochel, then closely beleaguer'd by the Duke of Guise; and if not speedily relieved, would fall irrecove­rably into the hands of the Enemies of the Protestant Religion.

These were plausible insinuations: For Rochel, though scituated in ano­ther Countrey, yet was looked upon as in the same parallel Belief with us. And what will not men suffer for others of the same perswasion, especially when Fame reports them sufferers because of the same per­swasion?

But all would not smooth the asperity of this most Illegal Tax. Ro­chel, and all other Foreign Considerations must stand by, and aloof off, when homebred Liberty is disputed; so thought the almost Majority of the Kingdom, who opposed it to Durance. Many refuse. Upon this account of refusal, Prisoners, some of the Nobility, and most of the prime Gentry, were daily brought in by scores, I might almost say by Counties; so that the Coun­cil-Table had almost as much work to provide Prisons, as to supply the Kings necessities.

This year Learning lost two Luminaries of the greatest Magnitude that ever this Nation enjoyed, viz. Dr. Andrews, Bishop of VVinchester, and Sir Francis Bacon, Vicount St. Albans, Lord High Chancellor of Eng­land.

[Page 24] The Commission of Loan not answering in its product his Majesties ex­pectation, the Papists began now to plot their own advantage from the Kings wants; and under pretence of Loyalty, they of Ireland propounded to him, That upon consideration of a Toleration of their Religion, they would at their own charge furnish him with a constant Army of five thou­sand Foot and five hundred Horse. But this project to their great regret proved Dow-baked, the Protestants countermining them: For in the next Spring Doctor Downham, Bishop of London-Derry, Preaching before the Lord Deputy and the whole State, April 22. 1627. taking for his Text, Luke 1.74. That we being delivered from the hands of our Enemies, might serve him without fear. In the midst of his Sermon, he openly read this Protestation, subscribed by the Archbishops and all the Bishops of that Kingdom.

• 1. That the Religion of the Papists is Superstitious and Idolatrous.
• 2. Their Faith and Doctrine Erroneous and Heretical.
• 3. Their Church in respect of both, Apostatical.

To give them therefore a Toleration, is to make our selves accessary to their abominations, and to the perdition of their Souls.

But to sell them a Toleration, is to set Religion to sale, and with that their Souls, which Christ hath redeemed with his most precious blood.

The Bishop having ended this Protestation, added: And let all the Peo­ple say Amen, which they did so as the Church almost shook with the noise. The Deputy required of the Bishop a Copy of both his Sermon and Prote­station, who answered he would most willingly justifie it before his Maje­sty, and feared not to read it.

And now although moneys came in but slowly, yet was the Naval Force completed for expedition about Midsummer; whereof the Duke appeared Admiral; as ambitious of some meritorious service to earn a better gust, or to correct the universal odium against him.

June the 27th he set Sail from Portsmouth with about six thousand Horse and Foot; and July the eleventh he published a Manifesto, declaring the impulsive causes of his Majesties present Arming.

But the Duke had very ill success in this expedition; for the English were routed at the Isle of Rhe: The English routed at the Isle of Rhe. the sum of their loss were about fifty Offi­cers (but the greatest loss was that gallant man, Sir John Burroughs, who was slain by a Musquet Bullet from the Citadel, while he was viewing the English works;) of Common Soldiers few less than two thousand, Prisoners of Note thirty five, Colours taken forty four, hung up as Anthems at Pa­ris in the Church of Nostredame, our Honour lost. The Prisoners Lewis graciously dismist home, as an affectionate offertory to his Sister the Queen of England; which made up another Victory superadded to the former, and a conquest over us as well in the exercise of civilities, as in feat of Arms; only the Lord Montjoy was ransomed, for the which he offering to the French King a round sum; No my Lord, it is said the King replied, your Redemption shall be only two couple of Hounds from England: Some inter­preted this a slender value of that Lord, to be exchanged for a couple of Dogs; but it was only in the King a modest estimate of his courtesie.

[Page 25] The Rochellers being besieged by the French King, The Rochelers crave our Kings aid. in their distress hurrieth and serrieth over their Deputies to England to solicit our King for fresh supplies, before the prodigious work should be compleated; who (good Prince) affected with their Miseries, and desirous rather to protect them from being slaves, than to enable them to be Masters, con­descended to assure them of what assistance he could make.

But, alas! what could his assistance signifie, who was as necessitous as themselves? Did they want Men, Ammunition-Ships? So did he, seeing he wanted that which was all these, Money; and how, and where should that be had? His last borrowing Commissions, was a course so displeasing to the Subject, as would not admit of repetition, and it would prove an odd payment of that Loan arrears, to demand another: But the King was now the Subject of a greater Potentate than himself, Necessity; and this Necessity put him upon several projects: First he borroweth of the Common-Council of London, One hundred and twenty thousand pounds; for which, and other debts, he assures unto them Twenty-one thousand pounds per annum of his own Lands: and of the East-India Company Thirty thousand pounds; and yet he wants. Next, Privy-Seals are sent out by Hundreds, and a new way of Levy by Excise, resolved to be executed by Commission, Dated the 3d of February; and yet he wants: but the best and most taking project of all, was a Parliament; whereby he hoped not only to supply his necessities, but also to give some better repose to his troubled spirit; for he felt no inward contentment, whilst he the Head and the Body were at a distance, or like intersects and flies, tackt together by a Mathematical line, or imaginary thread; therefore he seriously resolved for his part to frame and dispose himself to such ob­liging complacency and compliance, as might re-consolidate, and make them knit again.

This Parliament was Summoned to meet on the 17th of March, 1627; King Charles his Third Parliament assembled, March 17, 1627. and the Writs being issued out, the Loan-Recusants appeared the only men in the Peoples affections; none thought worthy of a Patriots title, but he that was under restraint upon that account; so that the far grea­ter number of the Parliament was formed of them: And as their Suf­ferings had made them of Eminent remark for Noble Courage, so did they for External respects appear the gallantest Assembly that ever those Walls immured; they having Estates modestly estimated, able to buy the House of Peers (the King excepted), One hundred and eighteen, thrice over. Thus were all things strangely turned in a trice topside t'other way: they who lately were confin'd as Prisoners, are now not only free, but petty Lords and Masters, yea, and petty Kings.

Some few days before this Session, a notable discovery was made of a Colledge of Jesuits at Clerkenwell. The first Information was given by one Cross, a Messenger to Secretary Coke, who sent a Warrant to Ju­stice Long, dwelling near enjoyning, to take some Constables, and other aid with him, and forthwith to beset the house, and apprehend the Jesuits; entring at first door, they found at stairs-foot a Man and a Woman stand­ing, who told them, My Masters, take heed you go not up the stairs, for there are above many resolute and valiant Men, who are well provided with Swords and Pistols, and will lose their lives rather than yield; there­fore if you love your lives, be gone. The Constable took their counsel, [Page 26]and like cowardly Buzzards went their way, and told Secretary Coke the danger; whereupon the Secretary sent the Sheriff to attack them, who coming with a formidable Power, found all withdrawn and sneakt away; but after a long search, their place of security was found out, it being a Lobby behind a new Brick-wall, Wainscoated over; which being demo­lisht, they were presently unkennel'd, to the number of Ten. They found also divers Letters from the Pope to them, empowring them to erect this Colledge under the name of Domus Probationis (but it proved Re­probationis) Sancti Ignatii; and their Books of Accounts, whereby it ap­peared they had Five hundred pounds per annum contribution from their Benefactors, and had likewise purchased Four hundred and fifty pounds per annum; they had a Chappel, Library, and other Rooms of necessary accommodation, with Houshold-utensils and implements marked † S. What became of these Jesuits, will fall in afterward: and what would have become of the Secretary for his double diligence in their prosecu­tion, you should have heard, had not the Duke been cut off by an un­timely end to himself, but timely to the Popular Gust.

The Parliament being met, the King began thus to them:

[Page 27] The Parliament seemed at first exceeding prompt to close with the Kings desires, and as complyingly disposed as could be wished; but they had not forgot the many pressures, which made the subject groan; something they must do for them who sent, as well as for him who called them thi­ther; and to anticipate all manner of dispute in point of Precedence, be­tween the Subjects grievances, and the Kings supplies, they make an or­der that both should proceed pari passu, cheek by joul.

Upon full consideration of the Kings wants, The Parlia­ment grant liberally. they presently and cheer­fully agreed to give him five Subsidies, whereof Secretary Coke was the first Evangelist, and Porter of that good news to the King, who received it with wondrous joy, and asked the Secretary by how many Voices it was carried? Sir John replyed, but by one: At which perceiving the Kings countenance to change; Sir, said he, your Majesty hath the grea­ter cause to rejoyce; for the House was so unanimous therein, as that they made but one voice; whereupon the King wept, and bad the Secretary tell them, He would deny them nothing of their Liberties, which any of his Predecessors had granted.

The stream of affairs running thus smoothly, The Subjects Libetty under debate. without the least wrinkle of discontent on either side; the House of Commons first insisted upon the Personal Freedom of the People, and resolved for Law, That no Freeman ought to be imprisoned, either by the King or Council, without a legal Cause alledged. This opinion of the House was reported to the Lords, at a Conference by Sir Edward Coke, Sir Dudley Diggs, Mr. Sel­den, and Mr. Littleton; Sir Dudley Diggs citing Acts 25. vers. 27. It seemeth an unreasonable thing to send a Prisoner, and not withal to sig­nifie the Crimes laid against him.

This business stuck very much in the Lords House, The Lords nice in the business. who were willing that the Nails should be pared, not the hands tyed of the Prerogative; several and great Debates there were about it. The Attorney pleading eagerly (though impertinently) for the King; and the ancient Records were so direct for the People, and so strongly enforced, as the Attorney had no more to say, but only, I refer my self to the Judgment of the Lords; and when these Lords were to give Judgment concerning it, the Ducal, or Royal party (for they were both one) were so prevalent, as they who leaned the other way, durst not abide the Tryal by Vote; but calling the Lord-Keeper down, moulded the House into a Com­mittee, until the Lord Say made a motion, That they who stood for the Liberties (being effective about fifty) might make their Protesta­tion; and that to be upon Record: And that the other opposite party should also with Subscriptions of their Names, enter their Reasons, to remain also upon Record, that so Posterity might not be to seek who they were, who so ignobly betrayed the Freedom of our Nation; and that this done, they should proceed to a Vote: At which the Court-party were so daunted, as that they durst not mutter one syllable against it.

Personal Liberty being thus setled; next they fall upon Liberty of Goods, the unbilleting of Soldiers, and nulling of Martial-Law in times of Peace; and finding Magna Charta, and six other Statutes explanatory of it, to be expresly on their side, they Petitioned the King to grant [Page 28]them the benefit of them; whereupon he declared Himself, by the Lord-Keeper, unto them in his Verbis:

‘That He did hold the Statutes of Magna Charta, and the six other in­sisted upon for the Subjects Liberty, to be all in force; and assured them, that he would maintain all his Subjects in the just freedom of their Per­sons, and safety of Estates; and that he would govern according to the Laws and Statutes of the Realm; and that his People should find as much security in his Royal Word and Promise, as in any Laws they could make; so that hereafter they should have no cause to complain; and therefore he desired no doubt nor distrust might possess any man, but that they would proceed speedily and unanimously on with their business.’

This Message begat a new Question, Whether or no his Majesty should be trusted upon his Royal Word? Some thought it needless, because of his Coronation-Oath, binding him to maintain the Laws of the Land: That Oath was as strong as any Royal Word could be. Others were of opinion, That should it be put to Vote, and carried in the Negative, it would be infinitely dishonourable unto him in Foreign parts, who would be ready to say, The People of England would not trust their King upon his Royal Promise.

At length, in the height of this Dispute, stands up Sir Edward Coke, and thus informed the House: We sit now in Parliament, and there­fore must take his Majesties Word no otherwise than in a Parliamentary-way; that is, The King sitting on his Throne in his Royal Robes, his Crown on his Head, his Scepter in his Hand in full Parliament, both Houses being present, all these Circumstances observed, and his Assent being entred upon a Record, make his Royal Word the Word of a King in Parliament, and not a word delivered in a Chamber, or at second hand by the mouth of a Secretary or Lord-Keeper; therefore his Motion was, That the House should (More Majorum) according to the custom of their Predecessors, draw a Petition (De Droict) of Right to His Ma­jesty; which being confirmed by both Houses, and assented unto by the King, would be as firm an Act as any.

This Judgment of so great a Father in the Law, The Petition of Right pre­sented by this Parliament. at this time ruled all the House, and accordingly a Petition was framed, and at a Conference presented unto the Lords, the substance whereof (after the recital of several Statutes relating to the Priviledge of the Subject) was reduced to four Heads.

The Petition being presented to his Majesty after two several An­swers thereunto (which did not please the Parliament), he did the third time give them this Answer (the Petition being read) thereunto.

Le droict soit faict comme il est desire. This I am sure is full, yet no more than I granted you in my first Answer: you see now how ready I have shewed my self to satisfie your Demands, so that I have done my part; wherefore if this Parliament have not an happy conclusion, the sin is yours, I am free.

The King having ended, the Houses testified their joy with a mighty shout, and presently the Bells rung, and Bonefires were kindled all the City over: Nor was the true cause so distinctly known; for many ap­prehended at first, that the King had delivered the Duke up to them to [Page 29]be sent to the Tower; on which misprision, some said the Scaffold on Tower-hill was instantly pulled down; the People said his Grace should have a new one.

It is said that the House of Lords made Suit to the King upon this happy accord, That he would be pleased to receive into Grace those Lords who were in former disfavour; which he readily yielded unto: And admitted the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, Bishop of Lincoln, the Earls of Essex, Warwick, Bristol, and the Lord Say to kiss his hand.

The Petition thus granted, the Commissions of Loan and Excise were instantly out-lawed, and at the entreaty of the House of Peers, cancell'd in the Kings presence.

Having thus secured the faults, they removed the faulty, and re­solved upon a large Remonstrance to the King, ripping up the Grie­vances themselves, and the Authors of them. This Remonstrance consisted of six Branches, in sum these.

• 1. The danger of Innovation and Alteration in Religion:
  The Parlia­ments Remon­strance.
  This occasioned by, 1. The great esteem and favour many Professors of the Romish Religion receive at Court. 2. Their publick resort to Mass at Denmark-house, contrary to his Majesties Answer to the Parliaments Petition at Oxford. 3. The Letters for stay of Pro­ceedings against them. Lastly, The daily growth of the Arminian-Faction, favoured and protected by Neal Bishop of Winchester, and Laud Bishop of Bath-and-Wells, whilest the Orthodox party are silenced, or discountenanced.
• 2. The danger of Innovation and Alteration in Government, oc­casioned by Billeting of Soldiers, by the Commission of procuring One thousand German-Horse, and Riders, for the defence of the Kingdom, by a standing-Commission granted to the Duke to be General at Land in times of Peace.
• 3. Disasters of our Designs, as the expedition to the Isle of Rhe, and that lately of Rochel, wherein the English have purchased their dishonour with the waste of a Million of Treasure.
• 4. The want of Ammunition, occasioned by the late selling away of 36 Last of Powder.
• 5. The decay of Trade, by the loss of Three hundred Ships taken by the Dunkirkers and Pirates within these three last years.
• 6. The not Guarding the Narrow Seas, whereby his Majesty hath al­most lost the Regality.

Of all which Evils and Dangers, the principal cause is the Duke of Buckingham, his excessive power, and abuse of that power; and therefore they humbly submit it to his Majesties Wisdom, whether it can be safe for Himself, or his Kingdom, that so great Power should be trusted in the hands of any one Subject whatsoever.

This Remonstrance being finished on Tuesday June the 17th, they pre­sented it as an Appendix, with a Bill of Subsidies, to the King in the Ban­queting-house; [Page 30]who having heard it out, He told them, That he little expected such a Remonstrance, after he had so Graciously passed the Petition of Right: As for their Grievances, he would consider of them, as they should deserve. Some say, that at his passing out, the King gave the Duke his hand to kiss, which others only suppose was no more than the Dukes low congy to his Majesties hand.

It is also reported, That the King being informed that Mr. Denzil Hollis had an hand in this Remonstrance, he replied in the words of Julius Caesar, Et tu Brute, I wonder at it; for we two were fellow-Revellers in a Masquerade.

Three days before this Dr. Manwaring was questioned for some Se­ditious passages in two Sermons preached, one before the King, and the other at his own Parochial Church; wherein he asserted, viz.

• 1. That the Kings Royal Command in imposing, without common consent in Parliament, Taxes and Loans, doth so far bind the Con­science of the Subjects of this Kingdom, that they cannot refuse the payment of them without peril of Eternal damnation.
• 2. That the Authority of Parliament is not necessary for the rai­sing of Aids and Subsidies.

These things being too evident to be denied, and too gross to ad­mit of qualification; his Sentence was,

• 1. Imprisonment during the pleasure of the House.
• 2. One thousand pound Fine to the King.
• 3. To make such submission and acknowledgment of his offence, as shall be set down by a Committee in Writing, both at the Bar of the Lords House, and at the House of Commons.
• 4. To be suspended for three years from the exercise of the Mi­nistry.
• 5. To be disabled from ever Preaching at Court hereafter.
• 6. To be disabled for ever from having any Ecclesiastical Dignity, or Secular Office.
• 7. That as his Book is worthy to be burnt, so his Majesty may be moved to Grant a Proclamation for the calling of it in; as also for the burning of it.

According to the third particular, of which Sentence two days after, he made his submission on his knees.

Whilest the Parliament was busie about this Doctor, the King was as busie about the late Remonstrance; to which he formed a formal Answer, traversing and denying all their charge; wherewith the Com­mons being somewhat irritated (for it was a smart one) fell down­right upon another Remonstrance against Tonnage and Poundage: But the King was unwilling to hear of any more Remonstrances of that nature, and therefore resolved to frustrate it by Proroguing of the Parliament unto October the 20th. And June the 26. 1628, being the last of this Session, his Majesty calling both Houses together, be­fore his Royal Assent to the Bills, delivered his mind unto them, as [Page 31]you may read Page the 84th of the aforesaid Narrative.

The Parliament being thus Prorogued, the Commons were exceed­ingly Male-content; for they desired only a Recess and Adjournment, whereby all matters then depending might be found in the same sta­tion and condition, as at their next meeting wherein they at present left them.

In this Month Dr. Lamb, a creature of the Dukes, Dr. Lamb his Exemplary Death. commended to him by Bishop Williams, suffer'd for the testimony of a lewd conver­sation. Having been at a Play-house, at his return some boys began to affront him, and call him the Dukes Devil; whereupon he hired some to guard him home; and taking in at a Cooks shop, where he supt, the people watcht his coming out; but he was so strongly guarded, as they durst not venture on him. Then he went to the Windmill-Tavern in Lothbury; and at length coming forth, the tu­mult being much increased, gave the onset, and assaulted him, so as he was forced to take refuge in the next house; but the enraged multitude threatned to pull down the house, unless Lamb were speedi­ly delivered unto them: The Master of the House was a Lawyer, and fearing some sad consequence of this uproar, discreetly sends for four Constables to guard him out; but the furious multitude flew at him in the midst of his Auxiliaries, struck him down; and mauled him so, as that they beat out one of his eyes, and left him half dead upon the place.

In this plight he was carried into the Counter in the Poultrey (no other house being willing to receive him), where the next morning he changed this life either for a better, or for a worse.

On August the 23d. following, the Duke of Buckingham (by one John Felton) was stabbed at Portsmouth, The Duke of Buchingham Murdered. who being at breakfast with Soubire and others of principal quality, this Felton (some­times a Lieutenant to a Foot-Company in the Regiment of Sir John Ramsey) who had but about a week before meditated the Act, but had not yet contrived the means, sneaks into the Chamber vigilantly to ob­serve every opportunity serviceable for his purpose; and finding the Duke ready to rise from the Table, he withdraws into an Entry through which the Duke was to pass, who coming by with Sir Thomas Fryer (to whom he declined his ear in the posture of attention) in the very in­stant of Sir Thomas his retiring from the Duke, Felton with a back blow stabbed him in the left side into the very heart, leaving the Knife, which was a Tenpenny Coutel, in his Body.

Some now thought, that though his Majesty disliked the mode of this great mans dispatch, yet with the thing he was well enough satisfied, as if Providence had thereby rid him of the Subject of his so great perplex­ity whom he could not preserve with safety, nor desert with ho­nour; but such as these were soon convinced of their error, when they observed how his Majesty did treat his relations with so intense respect.

But whatever satisfaction the King received thereby; certain it is, the Common man was well enough pleased thereat: For though Chri­stianity [Page 32]and the Law found the Act Murder, yet in vulgar sense it ra­ther past for an Executioner of a Malefactor, and an Administration of that Justice, dispenced from Heaven, which they thought was denied on Earth: And because all those storms, or publick miscarriages, gene­rated in the lower Region of the Parliament, had of late been termi­nated in him as their grand efficient; every man would now be wise, and forespeak fair weather and a sweet harmony between the King and his Subjects; but how truly, a few Months will discover.

November the 29th, Felton having been arraigned and found guilty at the Kings-Bench-Bar, suffered at Tyburn: His Confession was as sincere, and full of remorse as could be wished; the fact he much de­tested, and renounced his former error in conceiving it would be for his glory to sacrifice himself for his Countreys good. And whereas other Motives were suggested by report, he protested upon his Salva­tion, that he had no other inducement thereunto, than the Parliaments Remonstrance. His body was from thence transmitted to Portsmouth, and there hung in Chains.

January the 26th, The Parlia­ment meet. 1628, the Parliament meet again, who soon found they were like to have work enough; for Complaints came thronging in, especially against the Customers, for taking and distrain­ing Merchants Goods for Tonnage and Poundage; which the King taking notice of, called them to the Banqueting-house, and told them, viz.

The House of Commons said, That Religion is above Policy, God above the King; and that they intend to reform Religion, before they engage in any other consideration: Nor was it agreeable to the Li­berty of Consultation, to have their Transactions proscribed; so that they would at present lay aside the Bill of Tonnage and Poundage, till they thought convenient: and they were as good as their words. For the first thing they resolved upon, was the appointment of Com­mittees (which the Courtiers called an Inquisition), one for Reli­gion, another for Civil Affairs; and these to represent the abuses in both.

[Page 33] The Abuses then in the Church, and likewise in the State, as repre­sented to the Commons by their Committees, you may read at large, Page 97, 98, 99, 100, 101. in the said Narrative.

But the distempers continued so long, and with so quick and high a pulse, as the King having every day notice of them, He forthwith sent for the Serjeant of the Mace, but the House would not permit him to depart; but taking the key of the door from him, gave it to Sir Miles Hobart, a Member of the House, to keep: The King deeply incensed at these Exceedings of contempt, sent Maxwell, Usher of the Black Rod, to Dissolve the Parliament; but neither he nor his Message would be admitted: Whereupon the King, much enraged, sent for the Captain of the Pensioners, and the Guard, to force an entrance: But this passion that shut out the King, yet let so much reason in, as perswaded them it was good sleeping in a whole skin; and under­standing the Kings intentions, they suddenly voided the House.

Soon after this, the King came that very morning into the House of Lords, and making a short (though smart) Speech unto them, Com­manded the Lord-Keeper to Dissolve that Parliament.

The King having thus Dissolved this Parliament, The King sends forth a Declara­tion. or rather broke up School, those whom he now called Vipers, had not in the House of Commons spit up all their Malignity, but reserv'd some to disperse and dispose of in the Country, whereby an ill odour might be cast upon his Government, and the hearts of his People alienated from him. As an antidote therefore against that poyson, and to anticipate all mis­understanding, he speedeth out a Declaration, setting forth to all his Subjects the Motives perswading him to Dissolve the Parliament, and a breviate of all the Transactions in this and the former Session; with­al, minding them in the close of all, that the Duke of Buckingham was decried while he lived, as the solitary cause of all bad events in for­mer Parliaments; that he is dead, and yet the Distempers not in the least abated, which he takes as an argument that they were mistaken in the cause; and, that it was rather resident in some few Members of Parliament.

The King having, as he hoped, disabused his Subjects by his late Declaration; next intended to proceed severely against those who had offended him, and whose punishment he said he reserved to a due time upon this account; the 18th of this Month he sent for Ten of the late Members to appear at the Council-Table, viz. Mr. Hollis, Mr. Selden, Sir Miles Hobart, Sir John Elliot, Sir Peter Hayman, Mr. Stroud, Mr. Coriton, Mr. Valentine, Mr. Long, Mr. Kirton: These appearing, Mr. Hollis was interrogated, Wherefore (contrary to his former use) he did the morning the Parliament was Dissolved, place himself by the Chair, above divers of the Privy-Councellors?

[Page 34] He answered, That he had some other times as well as then, seated himself in that place; and as for his sitting above the Privy-Councellors, he took it to be his due in any place whatsoever (unless at the Council-Board); and for his part, he came into the House with as much zeal for his Majesties Service, as any one whatsoever; and yet nevertheless find­ing his Majesty was offended with him, he humbly desired that he might rather be the subject of his mercy, than of his power. To the which the Lord Treasurer answered, You mean rather of his Majesties Mercy than of his Justice.

Mr. Hollis replyed, I say of his Majesties Power, my Lord.

Sir John Elliot was next called in, who was questioned for words he spake in the lower House of Parliament, and for producing the late Re­monstrance.

To this he answered,

That whatsoever was said or done by him in that place, and at that time, was performed by him as a publick Man, and a Member of that House, and that he was and ever will be ready to give an account of his Sayings and Doings in that place, whenever he should be called unto it by that House; where (as he taketh it) he is only to be questioned; and in the mean time being now but a private man, he would not now trou­ble himself to remember what he said or did in that place, as a publick Man.

Sir Miles Hobart was also questioned for locking the Parliament House Door, and putting the Key in his Pocket; to which he pleaded the Command of the House.

The other Gentlemen were questioned for reproving the Speaker, and not permitting him to do that the King commanded him, who all alledged in defence the Priviledg of the House.

After this they were committed some to the Tower, and some to the Gatehouse, and some to the Fleet: And May the first, the Attorney sent a Process out against them to appear in the Star-Chamber, and to answer an information to be entred there against them; but they refu­sed as denying the Jurisdiction of that Court over offences done in Par­liament, which created the greatest and longest Controversie in Law that had been started in many years.

April the tenth, Anno Domini, 1630, dyed William Earl of Pembroke, Lord High Steward of England, of an Apoplexy.

He was the very Picture and vive Effigies of Nobility; His Character His Person ra­ther Majestick than Elegant; his presence whether quiet or in motion, [Page 35]full of stately gravity; his mind generous and purely heroick; often stout, but never disloyal; so vehement an opponent of the Spaniard, as when that Match fell under consideration, he would sometimes rowze even to the trepidation of King James, yet kept in favour still; for that King knew well enough that plain dealing was a Jewel in all men, so in a Privy Councellor was an ornamental duty; and the same true­heartedness commended him to King Charles, with whom he kept a most admirable Correspondence, and yet stood the firm confident of the Commonalty, and not by a sneaking cunning, but by an erect and generous prudence, such as rendred him unsuspected of Ambition on the one side, or of Faction on the other.

This universality of Affection made his loss most deplorable, but men are lost when all turns to forgotten-dust: That affection would not that he should be so nonpluss'd, but kept his noble Fame emergent and alose, and if this History shall bear it up, I shall esteem it not more his felicity than my own.

April the twenty fifth of this year, was Arraigned, Convicted, Anno 1631. Con­demned, and on May the fourteenth Executed upon Tower-Hill, Mervin Lord Audley, Earl of Castle-Haven, for Rape and Sodomy.

In England fell two great Favourites of different parties, Anno 1634. of the Com­monalties one, and of the Kings another: Of the Commonalties, Sir Edward Coke, who died about the latter end of this Summer; Sir Edward Coke depart­eth this life. full of days he died, most whereof he had spent in eminent place and honour. His abilities in the Common Law, whereof he passed for an Oracle, raised him first to the dignity of Attorney-General to Queen Elizabeth, Then of Lord Chief Justice of the Kings-Bench under King James: His advancement he lost the same way he got it, viz. by his Tongue, so rare it is for a man very eloquent, not to be over loquent; long lived he in that retirement, to which Court-Indignation had remitted him, yet was not his recess inglorious, for at improving a disgrace to the best advantage, he was so excellent; as King James said of him, he was like a Cat, throw her which way you will she will light upon her feet. And finding a Cloud at Court, he made sure of fair weather in the Country, applying himself so devoutly to popular Interests, as in succeeding Parliaments the Prerogative felt him as her ablest, so her most active Opponent; upon which account he was 1 Caroli made High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire, on purpose to exclude him the ensuing Par­liament; there being an especial Nolumus and clause in his Commission, prohibiting his Election; not withstanding which Elected he was in Norfolk, and those words of Restraint upon the debate of the Question in the House of Commons, Voted void.

On the Kings, the Great Lord Treasurer Sir Richard Weston, Sir Richard Weston Lord Treasurer of England dieth. Earl of Portland, this year and he almost expiring together, he ending this life March the thirteenth, a sad loss to the King, and the sadder because he [Page 36]thought it irreparable. The truth is, he was a Person very able for the Office, and the Exchequer was in the mending hand, while he en­joyed that place; for he had a most singular Artifice, both in improv­ing the incomes, and in a frugal moderation of his Masters expence. But the Kings forrow was not so extreme for him, but the Peoples joy was full as great; for there was now grown so sad an antipathy between his Majesty and his Subjects, that like those two Emperors, Antonine and Geta, they were always of contrary Senses and Minds, rarely agreeing in any one particular. The deportment whereby he so much disobliged the Commonalty, was his promoting Monopolies and other advantages of Regality.

The Archbishop and he were usually at great odds; this vacant place was at present entrusted to Commissioners, until the King should otherwise dispose thereof.

September the 29th, the Earl of Arundel brought up to London, out of Shropshire, one Robert Parr, as the wonder of our times for long life, he having attained to the age of near 160; and probably might have continued longer, had not so tedious a journey and over­violent agitation of his aged Body accellerated his end; so that it may be said, he sacrificed some years to others curiosity.

In Michaelmas-Term was canvassed and debated the grand Contro­versie between the King and Subject about Ship-Money; Anno 1635. The great De­bate about Ship-money. for the Ship-Writs having been issued out August the 11, to divers Counties, many Inhabitants, and among the rest Mr. Hambden of Buckingham-shire, assessed by the Sheriff, made default of payment; whereupon the King, equally hating to be either flattered into, or frighted from the be­lief of its Legality, wrote a Letter to the Judges, demanding their Opinions upon the case stated.

To which the Judges delivered their Opinions as followeth:

These Opinions being subscribed by all the Judges, and inrolled in all the Courts in Westminster-Hall, the King thought he had now warrant sufficient to proceed against all defaulters, and especially a­gainst Mr. Hambden; who being summoned by process, appeared and required Oyer of the Ship-Writs; which being read, he demurred in Law, and demanded the Opinion of all the Judges upon the Legal suf­ficiency of those Writs.

This great Case coming to be argued in the Exchequer, the Major part of the Judges delivered their Opinions in favour of the Writs, and accordingly gave Judgment against Mr. Hambden; yet did not the question altogether so repose; but Mr. Hambden observing some Judges, viz. Crook and Hatton of a contrary sense, held up the Con­test still, though all in vain; all his inquietude not gaining him the least acquittal, until an higher Power interposed.

About the beginning of January, this year, Anno 1639. Sir Thomas Co­ventry dyeth: dyed Sir Thomas Coven­try, Lord-Keeper of the Great Seal of England; a Dignity he had Fifteen years enjoyed; if it be not more proper to say, That Dig­nity had enjoyed him so long; this latter affording not one every way of more apt qualifications for the place: His front and presence be­spake a venerable regard, not inferior to that of any of his Ancestors: His train and suit of followers was disposed agreeably to shun both envy and contempt; not like that of the Viscount St. Albans, or the Bishop of Lincoln, whom he succeeded, ambitious and vain: His port [Page 38]was State, theirs Ostentation; they were indeed the more knowng men, but their Learning was extravagant to their Office; of what concerned his Place he knew well enough, and which is the main, act­ed according to his knowledg; for in the administration of Justice, he was so erect and so incorrupt, as captious malice stands mute in the blemish of his fame; a miracle the greater, when we consider that he was also a Privy Councellor: A Trust wherein he served his Master the King most faithfully, and the more faithfully, because of all those Councils which in those times did so much deceive his Majesty, (and I pray God there were fewer at this juncture of time than there is) he was an earnest disswader, and did much disaffect those Sticklers, who rather laboured to make the Prerogative tall and great, as knowing that such men loved the King better than Charles Stuart: so that al­though he was a Courtier, and had for his Master a passion most in­tense, yet had he also always, of passion, some reserve for the pub­lick welfare.

An Argument of a free, noble, and right principled mind; for what both Court and Country have always held as inconsistent, is in truth erroneous; and no man can be truly Loyal, who is not also a good Patriot, nor any a good Patriot, (the Ballance indispensably ought to be kept even) who is not truly Loyal.

To this worthy Gentleman succeeded Sir John Finch, formerly Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas.

The Heer Somerdick, An Embassa­dor from the States of Hol­land. Embassador from the States of Holland, in the Month of January had Audience of the King: He had with him Count William of Nassaw and the Rhine-Grave, with a very splendid train; his business was to give his Majesty satisfaction concerning the late At­tack made upon the Spaniards by the Dutch Fleet in the Downs, and the Embassy was sweetned by some overture of Marriage between the young Prince of Orange and the Kings Eldest Daughter.

On the Thirteenth of April, A Parliament fits in England after near 12 years inter­val, April 1640. A Parliament met and sate, and the Deputy of Ireland being not long before Created Earl of Strafford, and made Lord Lieutenant of that Kingdom, was lead into the upper House by two Noblemen, where he gave an account of his service in Ireland, where he had obtained the grant of four Subsidies for the maintenance of an Army.

Mr. John Glanvil was chosen Speaker of the House of Commons, and generally the choice of Members to that House was so good, that great probabilitles were given of a happy Union betwixt the King and the Parliament.

Some few days after, a Report was made to the Lords, by the Lord Cottington, (who with Windebank and the Attorney General, were sent [Page 39]by the King to the Lord Lowden, to examine him concerning a Letter before mentioned) that the Lord did acknowledge the Hand-Writing to be his, and that it was framed before the pacification at Berwick, and was never sent to the King, but only prepared in a readiness, should need require; and that it was supprest upon that pacificati­on; nevertheless it was thought fit he should continue in the same state, until clearer Evidence should be given either for or against him.

Soon after the King sent a message to the Lower House about Sup­plies, representing unto them the intolerable indignities and injuries wherewith the Scots had treated him; and withal declared unto them, that if they would assist him sutable to the exigency of his sad oc­casion, he would for ever quit his claim of Shipmoney, and into the bargain give them full content in all their just demands.

But they replied (as being somewhat deliberate in this affair of Money) that they expected first security from his Majesty in these three particulars, viz.

• 1. For the clearing the Subjects Property.
• 2. For the Establishment of Religion.
• 3. For the Priviledg of Parliament.

Many Conferences there was had between the Lords and Commons, as to this old Contest, which should precede: The Lords after a strong division among themselves, at length Voted for the King, and the Commons for the Subject. But it was not long before this unhappy differ­ence was unhappily decided: For Secretary Vane who was employed to de­clare the particulars of the Kings desires, required twelve Subsidies, whereas it was said his express order was for only six; some there are who suspect this mistake to have been not involuntary, but indu­strious in him as to his Majesties service; but leaving that undeter­mined, the House of Commons was raised by this Proposition, to such animosity, as the King advising with his Juncto, The Parlia­ment dissolv­ed, May the fifth, 1640. having sate a­bout 3 weeks. their complyance was represented to him so desperate, as that May the fifth he ordered the Dissolution of the Parliament.

Thus expired this short-liv'd, or rather thus ended this still-born Parliament, (although we have had a much shorter, Anno Domini 1680.) A Parliament, I know not whether more unfortunate in be­ginning so late, or ending so soon: A Parliament which had Power (and probably Will) enough to impede the torrent of the late Civil War; for the breaches between the King and People were grown so high, as one might already discern all the lineaments of an Insurrection in Embrio (but by my Authors good leave, the wisest head could not foresee contingent actions; for who could foretel but that his late Ma­jesty might have been advised by his Grand Council, and not by his [Page 40]Court Favourites) whose abortion nothing could cause but a happy u­nion in Parliament, a thing not very difficult, much less impossible at that time, had the King yielded to a detrenching some luxuriances of his Prerogative, to the reducing Episcopacy to its primitive institution, that is, to the frame by Divine Right (a Root which had not sap enough to maintain so spreading and flourishing a Top as was contended for) to a more frequent and sociable communication with the grand Representa­tive. In short, so much fluent and spontaneous concessions as being re­solved upon too late, were (in reference to his personal security) lost and thrown away in the ensuing Parliament, of the which we shall now very suddenly come to give a very succinct account as to their particular proceedings and transactions, and compare both these Parliaments to­gether with those that have been assembled of late, Anno Domini, 1680. and 1681. And after that shall draw towards a conclusion, as I pre­sume it will be high time, lest my Multum in Parvo & Vox Veritatis, should prove at the long run, Vox Contractitionis. But this only by the way.

And moreover the dissolution of this Parliament was ascribed (tho' perhaps wrongfully) to the advice of the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury; Archbishop Laud beset by the Rabble, in his House at Lambeth. so that on the ninth of May a Paper was posted upon the Old Exchange, by one John Lilburn, exciting the Apprentices to rise and rifle his House at Lambeth on Monday following; of which he having notice, made provision against them for his own defence; and many of them upon enquiry, having been actors therein, were apprehended and imprison'd in the White Lyon in Southwark, but within three days after some of their Complices got together, and came to the Prison and brake it open and set them free; yet nevertheless one of the chief Ringleaders was Taken, Arraigned, Condemned, and Drawn, Hanged, and Quartered, on the 21 of May.

This Convention was not more unhappily dissolved, The Convo­cation sitteth. than another was continued, that is, as a witty Gentleman said well, A new Synod made of an old Convocation; which by new Commissions from the King, were impowered to sit still, the Impulsives to it are very easily collected from what resulted from it, as you read more at large in the aforesaid Author, Pápe 189.

The Parliament being blown away without affording any thing in nature of a supply to the Kings wants: All the wheels of the Preroga­tive are put into motion, to carry on the War against Scotland: First, the City of London were invited to a Loan; then all Knights and Gen­tlemen, who held Lands in Capite of the King, were summoned to send Men, Horses, and Arms, agreeable to their abilities.

In September, the Lords Mandevil and Edward Howard, delivered to the King, at York, this Petition.

According to this Resolution, the Lord-Keeper had Directions from the King to issue out Writs of Summons for their appearing at York on the day prefixt, which he punctually pursued.

Soon after the presenting of this Petition from the Lords, came ano­ther from the Scots, the substance whereof was a Desire, That His Ma­jesty would call a Parliament, for setling a firm peace between the two Nations.

To this Petition the King replyed, with signification of what he had ordered before, in reference to himself and to the welfare of both King­doms.

And the Truth of it is, it was high time for an Accommodation to be effected; for Lesley now began to rant it in New-Castle and the parts adjacent, as Brennus did at Rome, with a Vae Victis: He imposed a Tax of 350 pounds per diem upon the Bishoprick of Durham; and 300 pounds upon Northumberland, upon pain of Plundering; and yet permitted Soul­diers to rifle Houses, break open Shops, and act what insolencies they pleased; seized upon four great English Ships laden with Corn, as law­ful prize, they not knowing in whose possession the Town was till they enter'd the Haven.

The first day of the Lords Assembling at York, it was resolved that a Parliament should be Summoned to convene at Westminster, November [Page 43]the Third. Then a Message was sent to the Scots, desiring a speedy Trea­ty at York. The Scots replied, They held that no place of security for their Commissioners, considering that the Lieutenant of Ireland, who commanded His Majesties Army, was one who had proclaimed them Traytors in Ireland, before the King had done the same in England, and who had threatned to destroy their Nation both Root and Branch, and against whom, as a chief Incendiary of the late Troubles, they intended to complain; whereupon it was concluded, that the Treaty should be held at Rippon, which accordingly took place.

The Parliament now approaching, whose Convening was attended by this Kingdom with so much longing, such impatience of desires, as every moment which retarded it, was interpreted as a kind of Grievance to the Subject; for we began now to think, that nothing could make us a happy People but a Parliament, and that no Parliament could make us miserable. This was the Sence of the greater part of this Nation; and if this Parliament succeeded not adequate to some Mens Vote, perhaps the miscarriage of their hopes may be somewhat imputed to this Sence; Over-ruling Providence delights oft to order the Operations of free and natural Agents, counter to Mans Expectations, to teach us the vanity of that Faith which is founded upon Causes subaltern.

And oh! that I could here but express to the life, the high Expectati­ons of the People from this Parliament, which came with such a terrible swing, after so long an Interval, and so many Dissolutions, that put the whole Nation into such a Consternation, as, I presume, the like President cannot be produced out of the Records of Antiquity, since William the Conqueror did first invade our English Territories.

But however (Courteous Readers) for your present Divertisement, I will here make a small Attempt, to express the present Thoughts and Expectations of that Parliament, which in process of time brake forth into a Civil War, (and I pray God I may never live to see the like again) the which I shall represent under the Emblem of a new, tight, and well­built Ship, which upon the Launching, was named, The Bon Resolution, (although some would have it called, The House of Commons, others, The Three Estates, and others, The Swiftsure) and was immediately employ'd in His Majesties Service, but being for some time wind-bound within the Harbor, ( viz. about 12 days) the Captain of the said Ship coming early out of his Cabin one morning, and finding the Wind tackt about, and blowing fair for his intended Voyage, being upon the Quarter-Deck, he knocks up his Seamen, and salutes them after this manner: viz.

[Page 45] Tuesday, Novemb. 3. being the day prefixt, and the Parliament as­sembled, His Majesty bespake them in these words:

The King having ended, the Lord Keeper, in pursuance of His Majesty's Commands, gave them a Summary Account and Relation of all Things [Page 46]relating to the Scottish Invasion, I dare not say Rebellion; for, that the King represented them under that Disgustful Character, was very ill re­sented by some considerable Peers; whereof His Majesty having notice, told the Parliament two days after, He must needs call them Rebels, so long as they have an Army that does invade England.

The remainder of this Week was spent partly in settling Committees for General Grievances, and partly in set Speeches, Rhetorically declaim­ing against, and dissecting them.

The remainder of the particular Transactions of this year of the Com­mons of England Assembled in Parliament, and of the year succeeding, 1641. I shall not here relate at large, but refer you to the Annals of King Charles the First, written by this ingenious Author (from whom I have borrowed and transcribed the major part of my precedent Relations) who ends at the Death of the Earl of Strafford, which was May the 12th, 1641. And after that, I must refer you for the remainder of that year unto Sir Richard Baker's Chronicle of the Kings of England, &c. But the particular heads of those Transactions, as to matter of fact, I shall be willing here to recite for your (Courteous Readers) present satisfa­ction in manner and form as followeth, viz.

• 1. Several Petitions against Grievances.
• 2. Priviledges of the Lords House Vindicated.
• 3. The Lieutenant of Ireland Impeached of high Treason.
• 4. The Northern Armies in want.
• 5. Bishop of Lincoln Enlarged.
• 6. Justice Howard assaulted by a Papist.
• 7. Prinn and Bastwick enter London in Triumph.
• 8. Secretary Windebanck flieth.
• 9. Votes against Ship-money.
• 10. The London Petition against Bishops.
• 11. The late Canons Damn'd.
• 12. The Lord-Keeper Finch defends his Innocency.
• 13. He is Voted Traitor upon four Considerations, and thereupon he flyeth beyond Sea.
• 14. The Kings Speech for Bishops.
• 15. One Goodman a Priest reprieved.
• 16. A Remonstrance against Goodman the Priest.
• 17. The Kings Answer to that Remonstrance.
• 18. The Scottish Commissioners Demands, and the Answer thereunto.
• 19. A Match propounded between the Lady Mary and the Prince of Orange.
• 20. The Kings Speech to the Lords concerning that Match.
• 21. Some Plots of the Papists.
• 22. The Earl Berkly Impeacht of High-Treason.
• 23. The King passeth a Bill for Trienial Parliaments, and his Speech concerning it.
• 24. The Bill of Subsidies passeth at the same time, and Bonefires and other tokens of joy were made that night in the City of London, by Or­der of Parliament.
• 25. William Laud, Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, accused of high Trea­son in fourteen Artieles.
• [Page 47] 26. The Lord Digbyes Speech for Episcopacy.
• 27. The Charge against the Earl of Strafford is given, and his Ans­wers thereunto, and Westminster-Hall is appointed for his Trial.
• 28. The Commons justifie their Charge by Law.
• 29. The Earl answereth by Councel.
• 30. The Commons Vote him guilty of High-treason.
• 31. The Commons Petition the King against Papists, and the King's Answer.
• 32. The Kings Speech to the Parliament in defence of the E of Strafford
• 33. The Prince of Orange Marryeth the Lady Mary.
• 34. A Tumult in Westminster crying for Justice against the Earl.
• 35. A Protestation framed by the Commons.
• 36. A Bill propounded for the continuation of the Parliament.
• 37. The Earl of Strafford Vored by the Lords House guilty of High Treason.
• 38. Two Bills tendered to the King, who is much perplext what An­swer to return.
• 39. The Earl himself, by Letter desires the King to pass the Bill.
• 40. Censures upon the Kings passing the Bill for the Parliaments con­tinuation.
• 41. The Kings Letter in behalf of the Earl to the House of Lords; and their answer thereunto.
• 42. The Earl brought to the Scaffold, and his last Speech before his Execution.
• 43. The Earls Character.
• Here I must refer you at large to Sir Richard Baker, p. 511. &c.
• 44. The Earls Children restored to their Honour and Estates.
• 45. The Earls of Hartford, Essex, Bedford, Warwick, Lord Say, with some others, made Privy-Councellors.
• 46. The Lord Treasurer and other great Officers resign up their places.
• 47. The Star-Chamber abolished, and the high Commission Court put down.
• 48. Ship-money relinquish'd by the King.
• 49. Five Judges for Ship-money Impeached of high Misdemenours, and Berkly accused of high Treason.
• 50. Several Laws passed by the King for regulating abuses and dis­claiming Priviledges.
• 51. The Treaty between the two Kingdoms confirmed.
• 52. The Earl of Holland made General of the English Army, and a Pole raised for the payment of them.
• 53. Both Armies are Disbanded, and the King takes a Journey into Scotland, and there confers honours upon several persons of that King­dom.
• 54. A Bloody Rebellion breaks forth in Ireland.
• 55. Owen O Conally, an Irish Protestant, discovers the Plot, prevents the seizure of Dublin Caestle.
• 56. The Earl of Leicester chosen Deputy of Ireland.
• 57. The Irish Rebellion occasioned by the insurrection in Scotland.
• 58. The King receives Intelligence of what hapned in Ireland, and [Page 48]sends Sir James Stuart with instructions thither, and moves the Parlia­ment of Scotland for Aid, which they Excuse.
• 59. The Irish pretend the Kings Commission for what they did, there­by to dishearten the English, and also feigned Letters that the Parlia­ment would compell them to Protestancy.
• 60. The Irish Rebells possess themselves of all strong places in Ʋlster.
• 61. They contrary to Articles of Surrender, Massacre the poor Eng­lish, but save the Scots.
• 62. The Parliament of England designs Money for Ireland.
• 63. Forces raised to go against the Rebells.
• 64. The Earl of Ormond made Lieutenant-General of the Forces there.
• 65. A Regiment sent to Ireland under Sir Simon Hartcourt.
• 66. The King returns out of Scotland, and the Parliament present a Remonstrance to him at Hampton-Court, as also a Petition with the Re­monstrance.
• 67. An Act published in Scotland against Levying Arms without the Kings Commission.
• 68. The King receives the Parliaments Petition, but desires them not to publish the Remonstrance.
• 69 The Remonstrance is Ordered to be published in all parts of the Kingdom, and the King answers the Petition, and Vindicates himself from the Aspersions of the Remonstrance.
• 70. The Commons pass a Bill for disabling all in Holy Orders to exercise temporal Jurisdiction.
• 71. The tumult upon the Lords slighting the Bill, comes to their House, and clamour againg the Bishops, and some of the Commons ju­stifie those tumults.
• 72. The Lords sends a Writ directed to the Sheriffs and Justices to suppress those tumults.
• 73. Whereupon the Constables and Justices are sent for by the Com­mons.
• 74. The Bishops Protestations against the actions of the Parliament, and they are charged with high Treason, and committed to the Tower, where they continued about four Months.
• 75. The Parliament Petition the King for a Guard.
• 76. The King denies the Petition, and chargeth Kimbolton and five Members more of the Commons with high Treason.
• 77. The Commons justifie the accused Members.
• 78. The King comes to the House to demand the Delivery of the five Members, and the Commons Vote this a breach of Priviledge.
• 79. The King removes to Hampton-Court, and sends a Message to the Parliament.
• 80. The Commons Petition the King for the Militia to be put into their hands.
• 81. The Queen accompanies the Princess Mary into Holland, and the King removes to York, and there issues out Commissions of Array. And so, Finis Coronat Opus, I have proceeded to the last day of 1641. For I find March 28. 1642. The King and Parliament differ about who shall be chief Commander at Sea; where I am willing to leave them, and dare not launch out any farther, as to the Merits of the Cause.

[Page 49] And now in the close of all, if you will please to give me leave faith­fully to examine and compare together the Transactions, Principles, and Practices of the Commons of England (in particular, as being Assembled in Parliament) Anno Domini 1640, and 1641, as also Anno Domini 1680, and 1681. (whose Transactions, Debates, and Speeches, are all so lately Printed, that I need not here insert the Particulars, but refer you unto the Debates themselves) And I do clearly find the same English Spirit, so far as 1641. (pray take notice I proceed no further in this Multum in Parvo) runs almost exactly Parallel with the present years of 80, and 81. And when you have perused and seriously considered them within your selves, I do presume (and am very apt to conjecture) that you who are of a so­ber mind, and wish from your Heart and Soul all Peace, Prosperity, and Happiness to your King and Country, That you will say with me, That although they are not enough to satisfie and silence an high Tory and bloody Papist, yet they are Arguments and Demonstrations strong e­nough in Conseience to convince any Atheist in his sober mind, of the Reality and good Intentions (against Popery and Slavery, many times slily introduced by some unworthy Sycophants, and corrupt Ministers of State) of the before-mentioned precedent Parliaments.

And although we live at present in an Age of Wonders, viz. of won­derful Signs, wonderful and most prodigious Comets and Blazing Stars, and wonderful Apparitions (for a particular whereof, viz. of such as have happened in the last year 1680 pray read Mr. Christopher Ness his late Book, the Title whereof is, Wonderful Signs for Wonderful Times) yet I say the major part of us do turn all these things into perfect Ridicule and Scorn, and are far from deterring us from the evil of our ways, but do still run on, ( Jehu-like) and persist in our accustomed Sins, and Dalilah-like Provoca­tions against God, and are all of us (the Lord of Heaven knows) in a ve­ry unprepared frame, temper, and disposition, to meet him (and to kiss the Rod) in the ways of his Judgments, when they shall come suddenly upon us, like an armed Man, and there shall be none to deliver us out of his avenging hand. Him that hath an Ear to hear, let him hear.

And among the many Wonders which we have already had, I have made bold here to insert one more, which for ought I know may sud­denly come to pass in the midst of us, (and pray pardon my plainness and well-meaning, and hearty wishes therein) the which you may please to peruse, in manner and form as followeth, viz.

And that you may see as unlikly a Wonder and Prediction may come to pass, I will relate unto you who have not already seen or heard of it, a strange and most wonderful Prediction, the most part whereof is al­ready come to pass, (and that within our Times and Remembrance) the which said most wonderful Prediction is of many hundred years standing, the which I did formerly take out of a Book, the Title whereof is Bri­tains Genius, Printed here in London about 1646. or 1647. long before His Majesties most wonderful Restoration, and some space of time be­fore His late Majesties most inauspicious and most astonishing Decola­tion. The contents of the said most wonderful and antient Prophecy out of the said Book, you may please to peruse as followeth., viz.

And here although I cannot Divine, heither dare I assume to my self so much boldness as to prescribe the way and means, in order to the ac­complishment of this most strange and wonderful Recited Prophecy, yet I am apt to Conjecture, and do perswade my self (if ever it shall come to pass) That it will be in a very Critical time of Common and Emi­nent Danger (peradventure the Dread of a Popish Successor, and the Dis­mal Consequence thereof) when some good Prince or other shall be so far graciously pleased to condescend to his grand Council, as to make three Kingdoms by his Royal Fiat, (aut Le Roy Le Veult) for the future Elect­ive, and so they may still introduce the Royal Blood and Legitimate Line ad Infinitum, that are truly Protestants.

And now Courage (most Noble Loyal and Curteous Readers) what say you if his present Majesty of Great Brittain should be this Person of Quality here intimated and described in this most wonderful and Anti­ent Prophecy (a Prediction I must needs Confess most proper for such wonderful times as we now live in) would you not all unanimously and with loud Acclamations throw up your Caps and Beavers into the Air, and cry, Vive le Roy, (or, Currat Lex & vivat Rex?) And if so, for my own part I should yet hope to see (if it shall please my Gracious God to lend me a little longer time of health and strength) many Halcyon and most happy days in the Land and Nation of my Nativity before I go away [Page 53]hence and shall be seen no more. And that an happy union and good cor­respondence between his present Majesty and his future Parliaments, without the least suspition or jealousie one of another, may yet come to pass in our days, I do most humbly beseech thy Divine Majesty, who are the Lord God Almighty, to grant for thy great names sake, and for thy Vicegerents sake, and for his Peoples sake (who are truly Loyal and obedient Subjects) in and through thy most dear and well beloved Son the Lord Jesus Christ, in whom thou art well pleased, and whom (by thy free grace, goodness and most stupendious mercy and compas­sion to thy poor creatures) is the Lord and giver of everlasting Life, to all those who shall most faithfully, and most sincerely, though but im­perfectly obey him. And now to him with thy eternal Majesty; who art King Immortal, Invisible, and only wise God, by the assistance of thy holy (and for ever blessed) Spirit of Grace, I do most humbly de­sire to render, give, and ascribe all honour, glory, laud and praise, might, Majesty, reverential fear, and all humble adoration, from this time forth and for evermore, Amen.

And now in the close of all, Whereas in my Title-Page I have there intimated how Magna Charta was most solemnly and most wonderfully (even to the astonishment of the Spectators) ratified, pronounced and proclaimed, and therefore must not now leave you in the dark, as to that particular; but refer you to the Packet of Advice from Rome, Num­ber 50. (the which, in my slender apprehension, deserves to be written in Letters of Gold upon the Walls of both Houses of Parliament) And for your present (and I hope pleasant) satisfaction I have here inferted and presented you with the same at large.

HAving presented the Reader with the most remarkable Transactions of Papal Tyranny in Foreign Parts down to the year 1254, 'tis time to look homewards, and observe Ecclesiastic Occurrences in England; our last Discourse of that kind terminating with the death of King John, to whom succeeded his Son Henry, the third of that name; for though by reason of the Fewds between John and his Barons, they had invited over Lewis the French King's Son, and many had to him sworn Allegiance; yet the Father being dead; and his faults buried with him; they did not think fit to yield up themselves to the French Man's Yoak, who already began to exercise an insufferable Tyranny wherever he had Power: And although the Pope had at first encourag'd the Barons in their Rebellion, yet when once he had hector'd King John into a Resignation of his Crown, he became his Patron, and forbad Lewis from intermedling with the Kingdom, as being then (forsooth!) part of S. Peter's Patrimony, and therefore excommunicated Lewis for the Invasion, which engag'd most of the Clergy to oppose him: And so Henry on the 28th of October, 1216. was Crown'd, being then in the 10th year of his Age; and Lewis being routed at Lincoln, was glad to come to a Treaty, quit his Pretensions, and most dishonourably retreat into France. Yet 'tis observable, that the Clergy were then such fast Friends to their Head the Pope, and so little regardful of the Descent in the Right Line, that they would not accept Henry for their King, without making him first do Homage to the Holy Chureh of Rome, and Pope Innocent, for his Kingdoms of England and [Page 54] Ireland, and swearing to pay the 1000 Marks per Annum which his Fa­ther had promised to that See. (Matth. Paris, fol. 278.)

And besides, to bring Grists to the Roman Mill, the Pope's Legate at that time in England, immediately on the Departure of Prince Lewis, sent his Inquisitors all over the Realm, and whomsoever they would dis­cover to have sided with him, Consensuetiam Levissimo, Though in the least degree, must atone the Crime with a large Sum; insomuch as the Bishop of Lincoln before he could be restored to his Bishoprick, was forc'd to pay 1000 Marks to the Pope's use, and 1000 to the Legate, (for the little Rogue would have suips in the prey with the great One) and many other Bishops, and Religious Men, were glad to empty their Pockets to him at the same rate. Matth. Paris, fol. 218.

In the year 1220. the Pope was pleased to make Hugh, formerly Bi­shop of Lineoln, a Saint; and since the manner of his Ʋn-Holiness's de­claring the same may be Divertive to the common English Reader, I shall give you the very words of his Letter (Translated) as I find it in Matth. Paris, fol. 298. ‘ Honorius, Servant of the Servants of God, to all out well-beloved Sons; the Faithful of Christ, that shall inspect these Presents, Greeting and Apostolick Benediction: The worthiness of Di­vine Piety does make famous his Holy Ones and Elect, placed in the Bliss of the Celestial Kingdom, by the shining forth of their Miracles still upon Earth, that the Devotion of the Faithful being thereby stir­red up, may with due Veneration implore their Aid and Suffrages; since therefore we are fully satisfied, that the Bounty of Heaven hath illustrated Hugh Bishop of Lincoln, as well in his Life, as after his Death, with a multitude of Famous Miracles: We have thought fit to Enroll him in the Catalogue of Saints, and admonish and exhort you all in the Lord, That you devoutly implore his Patronage and Intercession for you with Almighty God; farther Commanding, That the day of his De­cease be henceforwards every year devoutly Celebrated as a Holyday. Dated at Viterbium the 13th Calend of March, in the fourth year of our Popedom.’

But how much a Saint soever he was, we meet with another Bishop as very a Devil; for about this time a Quarrel happening between Ri­chard Bishop of Durham, and the Monks of the same Church; they com­plain'd of him to the Pope, who seem'd much concern'd at his many hor­rid Crimes, and presently sent over a Letter in these Terms— ‘ Honori­us Bishop, &c. to the Bishops of Salisbury, Ely, &c. Greeting and Apo­stolick Benediction: It is fit for us to be so be so delighted in the sweet Savour of a good opinion of our Brethren and Fellow-Labourers, as not to con­nive at Vices in those that are Pestilent, since it becomes not us for the Reverence of the Order to bear with Sinners, whose Guilt renders them as worthy of as many Deaths, as they transmit Examples of Perdition to those that are under them, who are too apt to imitate only the De­pravaties of their Superiours. Hence it is, that since things too far dis­sonant from Episcopal Honesty, have very often been suggested unto us concerning our Venerable Brother the Bishop of Durham, being mo­ved with such repeated Complaints, we cannot suffer the said Bishop to continue in his Enormities to the Destruction of many, for we are inform'd, That since he was advanced to the Office of a Bishop, he [Page 55]has been guilty of Blood, and Simony and Adultery, and Sacriledge, and Rapine, and Perjury, [A pretty parcel of Vertues for a Bishop, and some­what different from those 1 Tim. 3.] That he hath oppress'd Clerks and Orphans, obstructed the Testaments of the deceased; that he ob­serves not the Statutes of the General Council, nor ever prea­ches the Word of God to the People, ['Tis a wonder that small fault was mentioned] hath often sworn before many, that the Church of Dur­ham shall never have Peace as long as he lives: That a Monk com­plaining to him, that his Servants had drawn him out of a Church, and beat him till the Blood came: He answered, It had been well, if they had beat out his Brains, &c. We therefore, that we may not be guilty of the faults of others, if we should wink at such Offen­ces, since the Clamour thereof has ascended, so that we can dissemble it no longer; think it agreeable to our Office to go down and see whe­ther these things be so or no: Therefore by these our Apostolical Wri­tings, we Command you our Brethren to examine and enquire into the premises, and report the same to us under Seal, that we may Decree therein as God shall order. Dated at Viterb. &c.’

You see the Pope can Cant, and pretend great Zeal to correct the Cri­minal, but pray observe the end on't; These Bishops being met to ex­amine the Business, the Bishop of Durham presently Appeals to the Pope in Person, and then they could proceed no farther, but away both he and the Monks his Adversaries must trudge to Rome, whither he private­ly sent beforehand two of his Clerks with a good Sum of Money, which so sweeten'd the Pope, that he receiv'd him very kindly: Et post multas coram Papa Altercationes, Immoderatis profusis Expensis, &c. And after many Wranglings before the Pope, and vast Expences, both Bishop and Monks were sent back (as wise and honest as they were) to agree together as well as they could.

But that which was most memorable in this Kings Reign was an Act, which tho' respecting the temporal Good of the Kingdom, yet it being Transacted chiefly by the Clergy, and with Ecclesiastical Ceremonies, it may not be improper to insert it into this Work.

The Reader must note, That when K. Hen. III. was become 16 years old, the Pope took upon himself, for a small Spill, privately sent him by some corrupt Courtiers, to declare him of Age to Govern himself, and therefore all Castles were to be render'd up into the Kings hands. This prov'd the Rock of Offence, whilst some obey'd the Pope, and oppos'd those as Rebels that put more confidence in their Castles, than in the Kings good nature, or rather in that of his upstart Counsellors. Hence first sprang a Civil Broyl, thence want of Money, then a Parliament, wherein the Grand Charter of England's Liberties once more was ex­changed for a Sum of Money: For only upon condition of renewing the same, would the Estates allow Supplies; many Promises the King makes, and after that, Oaths; yet no performance, but pretends Wars in France, in Scotland, and against Infidels. But still his people finding them all but preten­ces, and ill success to attend all his Enterprizes, refuse to supply him for the Holy War: Then he seems penitent, and pours out new promises to observe Magna Charta, and Seals it with the most solemn Execration that is to be found in the Womb of Story, and so punctually Recorded, as if God would [Page 56]have all Generations to remember it as the Seal of the Covenant between the King of England and his people: It was done in Parliament, where the Lords Temporal and Spiritual, Clergy men, Knights, &c. all stan­ding with Tapers in their hands burning, the King himself also standing with a chearful Countenance, holding his open hand upon his Breast; the Archbishop of Canterbury pronounc'd this Curse, as it is verbatim Recorded by Matth. Paris, fol. 839.

By the Authority of God Omnipotent, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, and of the Glorious Mother of God the Virgin Mary, and of the blessed A­postles Peter and Paul, and of all other Apostles, and of the Holy Martyr and Archbishop Thomas, and of all the Martyrs, and of the Blessed Edward King of England, and of all Confessors and Virgins, and of all the Saints of God: We Excommunicate, and Anathematize, and Sequester from our our Holy Mother the Church, all those which henceforth knowingly and Mali­ciously shall deprive or spoil the Church of her Right; and all those that shall by any Art or Wit rashly violate diminish, or change secretly or openly in Deed, Word, or Council, by crossing in part or in whole, those Ecclesiastical Liberties, or ancient approved Customs of the Kingdom, especially the Liber­ties and free Customs which are contained in the Charters of the Common Li­berties of England, and the Forrests, granted by our Lord the King to the Archbishops, Bishops, Prelates, Earls, Barons, Knights, and Freeholders. And all those who have published, or being published have observed any Sta­tutes, Ordinances, or thing against them, or any thing therein contained, or which have brought in any Customs to the contrary, or observed them being brought in, and all Writers of such Ordinances, or Councils, or Executioners, and all such as shall presume to judge according to such Ordinances: All and eve­ry such persons as are, or at any time shall be, knowingly guilty of any such matters, shall ipso facto incur this Sentence; and such as are ignorantly guil­ty, shall incur the same, if being admonish'd, they within 15 days after amend not. For everlasting Memory whereof, we hereunto put our Seals.

Thus far the words of the Curse, nor was the manner of pronouncing it less dreadful; for immediately as soon as the Charters and this Sen­tence was read and sign'd, they then all throwing down their Tapers ex­tinguish'd and smoaking, said, So let all that go against this Curse be extinct and stink in Hell: And the King having all the while continued in the posture before mentioned, said, So God me help, I will observe all those things sincerely and faithfully, as I am a man, as I am a Christian, as I am a Knight, and as I am a King Crowned and Anointed.

Pare but away some few Superstitions, and search the History of all A­ges, you will not find a parallel hereunto, so seriously compos'd, so solemn­ly pronounc'd with an Amen from the Representative Body of the whole Kingdom, put in Writing, under Seal, preserv'd to Posterity, and (give me leave to add) vindicated by God himself in the Ruine of so many Opposers; for never has any Prince, Favourite, Councellor, or corrupt Judge, from that time to this, endeavour'd to act contrary to the Essenti­als of the said great Charter, but first or last it has crush'd them into Ru­ine, or great Calamity. Yet how little this King Henry regarded it, I shall acquaint you in the very words of the Historian— Soluto Concilio Rex Confestim pessimo usus Concilio omnia praedicta Cogitabat Infirmare, &c. The Grand Council (or Parliament) was no sooner broke up, but the King fol­lowing [Page 57]lewd and pernicious Council, contriv'd how to weaken and undo it; for 'twas told him, That he would not be King, or at least not Lord and Master of England, if all those Liberties should be observ'd, as John his Father had experienc'd, who rather chose to dye, than thus to be shackled and trampled on by his Subjects: And these Whisperers of the Devil ( Susurrones Satanae, so honest Matth. calls them) added— You need not value it if you do break your Vows, and incur this Curse, for the Pope for an hundred or two of Pounds will Absolve you. 'Tis well enough, that by signing the Confirmation of these Characters you have got a Tenth, which will amount to many thou­sand Marks; and if you will but give the Pope a little portion of it, he will Absolve you, even though the Curse be ratified by himself, for he that has Power to Bind can Loose.

Thus by the villany of ill Ministers, and the knavery of the Pope, this Prince was led into Deceit, Perjury, Injustice, and Tyranny, to his own con­tinual Trouble, and the unspeakable Damage of the Realm.

And if this honest and well intended Narrative, either in the whole or in part, shall be deemed necessary and convenient at this juncture of time, for the present and future satisfaction either of Prince or People, or shall contribute any thing towards a firm and solid Foundation and E­stablishment upon the true Basis of Universal Love, Charity, and good will, among the many contesting Parties at this day in the midst of us, (for sine procul dubio we shall never be happy till that time be accomplish­ed) I have my desire. The height of whose real ambition is, to render my self worthy of my Soveraign Lord the King and my Countries acception. And having now ventured to expose it unto publick view, I have in Cognito (by my honest and trusty post Pidgeon) conveighed it into the hands of a Loyal Subject and good Citizen, as I am informed, (and if my Information be not true, pray let me not therefore be Libeld) called by the name of honest Dick Janeway, for the Publication thereof.

And what though he be buffeted and baited, For I must confess I have not perused it. in every pittiful week­ly (I had almost said Quotidian) Pamphlet, like an Ʋrsa Major & Ʋrsa Minor, (This being the Title of a Book newly Printed, and newly come forth, which I presume doth face in opposition to mine, and peradven­ture it may serve by the way of Post Ponae, as a Responce thereunto) by a company of high-flown scurrilous Tories, Tantivies, and Towzers, who only bark where they cannot bite; yet I say, I do not look upon honest Dick, to be a worse Subject, a worse Citizen, or a worse Com­monwealths-man, for all that; for I do perswade my self (having some small and little acquaintance with them, although I could wish toto cor­de, I had less) their most venemous and malicious tongues are no slan­der (toto in toto et in quilibet parte) and blessed be God; that we do yet live (but how long the Lord of Heaven onely knows if these men should rule the roast,) under so mild limited and well tempered Government. Wherein as honest man and a Loyal Subject may be Protected, and De­fended from the furious and bold Attempts of these blood thirsty As­sassinates, who make it their business (journelament se vous asseure) not onely to Libell the present and best established Legislative Government this day under the Sun, ( viz. by King Lords and Commons) but also if by any probable or possible means they can, by their continual charging the [Page 58]most Loyal Subjects of His Present Majesty with Republican plots, and sham-plots, (Although by the overuling and good Providence of Al­mighty God, constantly found out and betrayed) on purpose to render them most odious to the Government and to bring us all at last (if they can) into a most miserable state of horror and confusion, and from such Loyal Subjects, Tantivy Abhorrours, and most Prophane and Dissolute Debauchee;, Isay, iterum atque iterum. Libera nos Domine. Amen.