A Brief Ʋiew of the late troubles and confusions in England, begun and oc­casioned by a prevailing faction in the Long Parlia­ment.

ANNO 1640. Novem. 3. began the Parliament, 1640. called the Long Parlia­ment, (we may truly term it the Black, or the Bloody Parliament) that involved the three Nations in blood, and destroyed [Page 2]the King, the Parliament it self, and three Kingdoms.

The King in the beginning of this Parliament, had for the security of the Subjects in their Persons, Liberties, and Estates, passed many and several Acts of grace, (to the no small dimi­nution of his Royal Prerogative) more than all his Predecessors Kings of En­gland, from the Conquest downward, had ever done; and all this to remove from them all jealousies and fears.

After this in May, 1641. 1641. he gives way at the great and pressing importu­nity of the House of Commons, to the Condemnation and Execution of the Earle of Strafford, a loyal Subject, and a most able and accomplish'd coun­sellour, as any Prince in Christendome ever had. The King was very hardly moved to yield either to his attaindor or execution, as not being satisfied in conscience, of any guilt or crime in him, deserving such punishment; but [Page 3]yield at length he did (though with much reluctancy) to satisfie the im­portunity or the people, and indeed at the request of the Earle himself; who desired Jonah-like, to be cast over­board, thereby to appease the violent rage of a tempestuous people. The truth is, this Nobleman, as also the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury (afterwards Anno 1644.) were meerly sacrificed to the malice and revenge of the Scots.

In August following, the King goes into Scotland, to compose differences there, between himself and his Sub­jects of that Kingdom: which done, he returns again to London, and is there received with exceeding joy and tri­umph of the people, in or about the be­ginning of December.

The House of Commons to wel­come his Majesty home, instead of gi­ving him thanks for the many gracious Acts he had lately passed, they present him with a Remonstrance, Dec. 15. [Page 4]laying open all the miscarriages and misfortunes of his whole Government, from the beginning of his Raign, even to that present; and this they publish, contrary to his express desire, to the whole Kingdom; whereby they gave occasion to the people, to conceive jea­lousies and suspicions of a malignant party about the King, still carrying on their own designs, both against Religi­on, and the Laws of the Land.

After the publishing of this Remon­strance, fears and jealousies encrease a­mong the people; the vulgar rabble in and about London, frequently flock down to Westminster, with Petitions and clamours, against the Bishops and Popish Lords, and disaffected Mem­bers (as they termed them) in the House of Commons, and no redress could be had against them, though the House of Lords and the King him­self had moved the House of Commons to declare against them. The truth is, they were favored and countenanced [Page 5]under hand, by some Members of that House.

The King to avoid the danger of these tumults, withdraws from White­hall to Windsor; from thence after­wards to Newmarket, and so by Cam­bridge into the Northern parts; and thence to York.

The Parliament soon after his re­moval from Whitehall, petition Him, at Newmarket, and elsewhere, for the Militia, to have it put into such hands as the two Houses shall think fit; but he denyes them: telling them that the Law hath setled it in Him; that to di­vest Himself of the power of the Sword, is to bereave Himself of pow­er to protect his people, and support the Laws. This Petition was much insisted on by the Parliament under pretence of feares and jealousies; but the King absolutely and p [...]rempto­rily denyes it.

The King by several journeys comes [Page 6]to York, in the beginning of the year 1642, and there he settles His Court. Soon after his coming [...]to those parts, he was denyed enterance into Hull by Sir John Hotham, when he offer'd to go into the Town but with twenty persons attending Him; The King thereupon fearing, lest the same armed force that kept Him out of Hull, might surprize His Person at York, he enter­taines a guard of the Gentry of that County. This by the house of Com­mons is Voted a levying of War a­gainst the Parliament, though they themselves had long before, three times as many of the Trainedbands of the Ci­ty, to guard the houses dayly.

Many Petitions, Answers, and De­clarations, passed between the King and Parliament, during his Majesties being at York, wherein it is evident to all understanding men, that the King had the better cause, and was more a­ble to maintain it by the pen, and by reasons and arguments, than the Par­liament [Page 7]was; for the truth is, his Decla­rations, and Answers to their Messages, Petitions, and Propositions were un­answerable.

But words and writings not being sufficient to compose these differences, they proceed from words to blows: About July, they Vote that the King is seduced by evill and Malignant Counsellers, and thereupon they Vote an Army to be raised under the Com­mand of Robert Earle of Essex; the pretence is for King and Parliament, against these Malignant Counsellers; but they accuse or name none in particular.

The same year, Aug. 24. the King sets up his Standard at Nottingham, commanding all men who were bound to assist him by vertue of their Tenures, to repair unto him. [...]643 But at Notting­ham there being no great appearance (though Essex his Army was at that time listed, and formed ready to march) his Majesty marches with those few Forces he had to Leicester, Worcester, [Page 8]Shrewsbury, and so upon the borders of Wales, gathering an Army; Essex all this time marching after him, and pur­suing him.

After some little conflict at Wor­cester, wherein the Kings Forces under the conduct of Prince Rupert, & Maurice had the better, the two Armies meet at Edge-hill near Keynton in Warwick­shire, where the first Signal Battel was fought between them, with great losse and slaughter on either side: The Kings standard being taken, yet reco­vered again; his General the Earl of Lindsey slain; but the King had the better, keeping the field all night; and Essex Retreating with his broken For­ces to Warwick-Castle, and from thence soon after with a few horses to London: This Battel was fought on Sunday Octob. 23. and the Guns were heard all that afternoon to Thetford in Nor­folk.

The King presently after enters Ox­ford, and fortifies it, and marches to [Page 9] Reading and Windsor, and so towards London; The Citizens arming and sending forth all the power they could make against him. At Branford he encountred them about Novem. 12. and beat the party that opposed; but fearing least he should be surrounded with their numerous Army of Citizens, he Retreated back to Windsor, and. Forti­fying Reading, he marches back to Ox­ford; but about the latter end of the year Reading is besieged by the Par­liaments Forces, and the Governour Sir Arthur Ashton being unhappily wounded with a brick falling from a Chimney beaten down by a Canon­shot, the Garison is yeilded upon composition by Colonel Fielding.

Anno 1643. The Kings Forces prevail in the West, 1643 under the Com­mand of Sir Ralph Hopton, Sir Richard Grenvile and others, beating out the Earl of Stamford who commanded there for the Parliament. The Earl of [Page 10] Newcastle for the King growes very strong in the North, beats the Lord Fairfax in several Encounters, and takes in all places of strength, except Hull, into which the Lord Fairfax had fled. The Queen lands at Brid­lington with arms and ammunition out of Holland; she marches by Not­tingham, and so to Oxford: The King the mean time takes Bristol; thence he removes & summons Gloucester, which refusing to yield, he sets down before it. The terror of Newcastles Army affrights Norfolk, and the Associated Counties, in so much as many of the Parliament side are preparing to flie beyond sea for their security. But the King setting down before Gloucester, and Newcastle before Hull, wasted their Armies, and trifled away their time; whereas had they joyned and march­ed directly up to London, all had lain prostrate at their feet. The King lay so long before Gloucester, that Es­sex had raised a great Army for the [Page 11]relief thereof, which Army appoach­ing, the King arose and marched off; Essex relieves the City, and pursues him; they encounter at Newbury, where the King was worsted, and lost many gallant men. Newcastle in the mean time lay before Hull, till the Earl of Manchester, besieges and takes Lyn in Norfolk, untill Lincoln and many other places were reduced to the Parliament, with much loss to the Kings party.

The same year the Parliament treats with the Scots for their assistance against the King, and the better to engage them, they impose the Cove­nant (framed in Scotland) upon the whole Nation, for putting down of Bishops, changing the whole Frame of Church Government in England, and Ireland with Doctrine, Disci­pline, and worship to that or Scotland; the Scots accordingly come in with an Army of 20000. or thereabouts, in winter they besiege Newcastle upon [Page 12] Tyne, and at length take it. Mean time the Forces of the Association be­siege Newark upon Trent a Garison of the Kings, and much straiten it; Sir John Meldrum, Sir Miles Hobart, and Sir John Palgrave commanding the forces against it. But in their march, towards the latter end of the year, when they every day expected the sur­rendring of the Town, Prince Rupert comes suddenly upon them with a par­ty of Horse (his body of foot being three or four miles behind) assaults and surprises the Besiegers, disarms them all, and so relieves the Town. Many of the Souldiers, and some Commanders were plundered and stript, contrary to Articles, for which the Kings party were afterward served in the like kind.

Anno 1644. The Earl of Essex, 1644. and Sir William Waller were sent forth with two Armies, to pursue and take the King. The King fortifies Oxford, [Page 13]and lodging the rest of his Artillery in Dennington Castle, with a light Army he takes the field; Essex goes towards the West then mostly in the Kings pos­session; Waller understanding which way the King was marched, pursued him. At Cropdie Bridge in Oxford­shire, a place of advantage, he sets up­on the Kings Forces, but is himself beaten and routed; this was about the latter end of June.

Waller being thus defeated, the King follows Essex into the West, drives him by degrees as far as Lestithrell in Corn­well, and there coops him up. Essex takes the Sea in a Boate, and leaves this Army to capitulate for themselves. The Horse under the Command of Sir VVilliam Balfore, break through the Kings Quarters, and get away; the Foot commanded by Skippon capitu­late for their lives, leaving their Arms, Ordnance, and Ammunition upon the place, Septemb. 4. and taking an Oath not to serve any more against the [Page 14]King, which nevertheless many of them presently after broke. The King after this hard service, marches back with his Army leasurely, and at New­bury, is assaulted by the broken Troops of Essex his Army, assisted by Man­chester and Cromwell, commanding the Forces of the Association. A sore fight there was in the night, with much loss to both parties: The King gains the Town, and the next day, or the day after, takes his Ordnance, and Ammunition from Dennington Castle in the sight of the Enemy, without op­position, and so marches with them to Oxford. This Sommers service lost the credit of Essex, Manchester, and VValler, they were never imployed after.

But in the mean time, while Essex and VValler were thus imployed against the King, the Scots with the assistance of the Associated Counties, and other of the Parliaments Forces, had so far prevailed against the Earl of Newcastle [Page 15]and his Army, as they had besieged him in York for many months: Prince Rupert with a great Army out of Lan­cashire and the parts adj [...]cent, to his re­lief: Upon the Prince his approach, the Be [...]egers rise in disorder, and are ready to break and run. The Prince thought it not enough to relieve the City, but would also beat the besiegers, and setting upon them, July 14. they Rally and beat him; a great slaugh­ter there was, not lesse than seven thousand slain of both parts, but most (they say) of the Princes party. The Earle of Newcastle, in discontent at the Prince his rashness, quits the place and all his Command, and with some others of note, leaves the Kingdom. York soon after is again besieged, and Sir Thomas Glenham undertakes the de­fence of the place, but at length was forced to yield upon honourable terms.

Anno 1645. 1645. The beginning of the [Page 16]year the Parliament new moulds their Army. By a self-denying Ordinance (as they termed it) they cast out Essex, Manchester, and VValler, and all others that were Parliament Members, both Lords and Commons, only Oli­ver Cromwell one of the Burgesses for Cambridge is dispensed with. Sir Thomas Fairfax is made Captain Ge­neral, Cromwell his Lieutenant Gene­ral; Skippon also hath a great command amongst them, and many of Cromwels kindred and Relations have great im­ployment and commands in this new modelled Army, most of Essex his Officers being laid aside.

In May the King marches out of Ox­ford with a very good Army, and takes. Leicester by assault, about the latter end of the moneth, having then also a very considerable Army in the VVest, about 15000. (as was reported) un­der the command of Goring, who at that time besieged Taunton.

After the taking of Leicester, the [Page 17]King was requested by Sir Marmaduke Langdale, and the Northern Gentlemen to march Northward for the Relief of Pomfret Castle then straitned by the enemy: But receiving intelligence that Fairfax intended to besiege Oxford, he marches against him, hoping if he could defeat their new model'd Army, all other places and forces would easily be reduced. At Naseby in Northamptonshire the two Armies meet on Saturday, June 14. where at the first encounter the King had much the better, his Right Wing of horsemen Defeating and Routing the Left Wing of the Parliaments Ar­my, wounding Skippon, and taking Ireton ( Cromwels son in law) priso­ner. But the Left Wing of the Kings Army, consisting most of Northern Horsemen (and they discontented) at the first Encounter were broken, turn'd head and ran; the King did what possibly could be, riding up and down the field to stay their flight, [Page 18]and Rally them, but all would not do; and the Right Wing of Horse were so farre engaged in the pursuit, as they could not timely and orderly Retreat to succour the Foot. The Horse being thus routed and defeated, the Foot were not able to stand; but after some little resistance and slaugh­ter, yielded themselves prisoners, four or five thousand of them. The Kings Coach, and in it his Cabinet, with Letters and Papers taken; all Arms, Artillery, Bagge and Baggage lost; the King himself hardly escaping to Leicester, and from thence that night to Ashby de la Zouch.

This was the fatal battel of Nase­by: for after this, the Kings affairs ne­ver prospered, but Town after Town was taken, and in all encounters the Kings party was worsted, all the VVest parts by degrees taken in that Sommer, and the Queen and Prince forced to flie beyond sea.

Anno 1646. Oxford the Kings chiefest Garrison was besieged, 1646. and much straitned. About Ascention time, the King in a disguise got out of the Ci­ty, came as far as Downham in Norfolk, and from thence went to the Scots Camp, lying [...]n siege before Newark, and to them his native Subjects he yields himself, hoping by their means to make some better terms with the Parliament. They used him civilly and respectively, gave notice to the Parliament of his yielding himself to them (having made use of his Au­thority for the present surrendring of of Newark) and from thence carry­ed him to N [...]wcastle, a Garrison then in their possession, where he remained all that year, and from thence gave Order to several other Garrisons, as yet holding out for him, to surrender to the Parliaments Forces upon ho­nourable terms.

At Newcastle he remained all that summer, and afterwards upon Treaty [Page 20]between the Parliament and Scots Commissioners, the Parliament pay­ing them 200000. l. in hand, and se­curing as much more to be paid. And promising (as the Scots affirm) to treat the King honourably, and not to do any violence to his Person; they deliver the King up to the Parliament, and quitting Newcastle, and the rest of the Garrisons they held in England, they departed with their Army into Scotland.

The King from Newcastle was re­moved to Holdenby, 1647. a house of his own in Northamptonshire; there he is kept an honourable Prisoner, attended by some Commissioners of Parliament, and a slender Guard of souldiers; none of his own servants are permitted to wait upon him, nor any of his Chap­lains or Ministers of his Opinion, though he earnestly desired it in a Message to the Parliament; but they force upon him Presbyterian Ministers, [Page 21]of the Parliaments Opinion and ap­pointment: These would not suffer him to celebrate the Feast of Easter, as being against their Directory of late established.

This summer the Wars being fi­nished, all Garrisons surrendred, and the Kings Forces utterly subdued, and forced to compound for their estates, taking an Oath never to bear Arms against the Parliament, they take a resolution to disband the Army, sending some part of it into Ireland, against the Papists still in Arms there, and only to keep 5000 Horse and Foot in England, to pre­serve the peace of the Kingdome, against any risings that might hap­pen.

The souldiers fearing the Wars would cease, and their trade decay, began to Mutinie; first they pick quarrels against the Parliament, and at once impeach eleven of the Mem­bers of the House of Commons, all [Page 22]rigid Presbyterians, as enemies to the Army, and desire they may be seclu­ded the House: They Act now, not as Souidiers, but as Commonors and Freemen of the Nation, pretending to stand for the Native Rights and Li­berties of the people. And to carry on their designes the better, the com­mon Souldiers, who began the work, chuse their Agitators, (as they ter­med them) two or more out of every Regiment, to represent their grievan­ces to the General and chief Officers of the Army: And in conclusion they peremptorily refuse to disband, or to send or go any of them into Ireland, till all their grievances were redressed, and their desires satisfied: But all this (ye must know) was underhand countenanced (if not contrived) by Cromwel and some principal Officers of his Faction.

And because the Parliament had made themselves sufficiently odious, by keeping the King under so strict [Page 23]guards, denying him the attendance of his Chaplains, and the use of the Common prayer book, and tendering such harsh Propositions to him, both in relation to himself and his party, that had already suffered so much for his sake; The Souldiers to ingratiate themselves to the people, pretended much for the King, and for his resti­tution to his Throne and Government, upon fairer termes by much than the Parliament would afford him. And suddenly by a party Commanded by one Cornet Joyce, they seize upon the King at Holdenby, June 4. in the night, and bring him into the Armies quarters, then about Newmarket or Cambridge. The General would not suffer him to pass through Cambridge, lest the Schollers, more than ordinari­ly addicted to him, should make any disturbance, but brought him a more private way to his own house at New­market. There he rested somewhile, and the Gentry and people of all sorts [Page 24] equitable dealing (as supposing their cases had been ours) and a spirit of common love and justice, diffusing it self to the good and preservation of all, will make up the most glorious conquest over their hearts (if God in mercy see it good) to make them and the whole people of the Land lasting friends. These are their very words in that Declarati­on; and I have noted them the rather, to see how quite contrary to these spe­cious professions, their after-Actings within a short while, were.

The Army removes to several quar­ters, and the King along with them. They treat him honorably, in respect of what the Parliament had done: they allow him the attendance of his Chap­lains, and the use of the Common Prayer, denyed him by the Parlia­ment; some Noblemen and Gentle­men of his party, are permitted to come to him. The General obtaines of the Parliament, that he may see his children, then under the custody [Page 25]from several parts, had access to him, and many came and were cured of the Kings Evil by him. The Souldiers were highly magnified by the people, for their civility and specious pretences to the King.

From Newmarket the Army remo­ved to Saint Albans, and the King with them, his Majesty being lodged at Hatfield house, there they preten­ded great matters for him, and Crom­wel (especially) in private gave him great hopes of his Restitution. From thence June 23. they publish a Re­monstrance of their good intentions towards the Kingdom, and to the King especially: Amongst other passages in that Declaration, this is one, They profess they do not see how there can be any peace to the Kingdom firm and la­sting, without a due consideration of, and provision for the rights, quiet, and im­munity of his Majesties Royal Family, and his late partakers: and herein (say they) we think, that tender and [Page 26]of the Earl of Northumberland, upo [...] promise of the General, that they shall return again. Proposals are made to him by the Army, far more moderate than the Propositions lately tendred to him at Newcastle. All things are carried by the Army, as if they really meant his Restitution, upon very rea­sonable terms. And most certain i [...] is, that Cromwell gave his Majesty ve­ry faithful promises of restoring him upon more moderate terms than ei­ther the Parliament or Army pro­posed.

But ye must know, while these things were in agitation, about the la­ter end of July, there fell a great dif­ference between the Parliament and Army, insomuch as the Army were jealous that the Parliament and City would have brought the King to Lon­don, upon his own terms. The occasion was thus:

The Militia of the City of London, had been settled by an Ordinance o [...] [Page 27] May 4. 1647. in the hands of such of the City, as the Lord Mayor, Alder­men, and Common Council, had no­minated and approved: The Army about the 20 of July, require of the Parliament, that Ordinance may be repealed, and the Militia of the City settled in other hands, such as the Ar­my might confide in; and according­ly in a thin house, the Militia was changed, without any Objections a­gainst the persons formerly intrusted, or acquainting the Mayor or Common Council with it, to hear what they could alledge in their own behalf. The City startled at this sudden and unex­pect change of their Militia, calling a Common Council, they resolve to petition the Parliament for restoring their Militia, as formerly settled, in a full house, and accordingly July 26. the Sheriffs, and some Common Council men, present their Petition; which Petition the same day within a few hours after, was seconded by an­other [Page 28]of the Apprentices, to the same effect, and wherein they claimed that the ordering of the Cities Militia, was the Birth-right of the City, belong­ing to them by several Charters con­firmed by Parliament, and about one thousand Apprentices, (yet without any armes) came down with this Pe­tition.

The House of Lords upon presen­ting these Petitions, were pleased to grant their desires, revoking the Or­dinance of the 23 of July, and revi­ving that of the fourth of May. The debate stuck longer in the House of Commons, but about three of the clock in the Afternoon, they passed it; The Apprentices staying in and a­bout Westminster-hall and the Parlia­ment door, till the Vote was passed; and then all or the most part withdrew and went to their homes.

The Apprentices being departed, some disorderly persons instigated thereunto (as was probably thought) [Page 29]by divers Sectaries and Adherents to the Army, to make the business more odious, and to give the Army occa­sion to quarrel with the City, flock'd again to the Parliament door; and the Speaker having adjourned the House, the chaire, and there kept both him they compelled him again to return to the Members in the House, till they had passed a Vote, that the King should come to London to treat.

The Mayor and Common Council still assembled, hearing of this disor­der, sent down the Sheriffs immediate­ly with such strength as they could for the present get, and pacified the tu­mult, sending the Speaker safe to his house; and published Edicts to pre­vent the like. This tumult happened July 26. being Monday.

The House met again next day, be­ing Tuesday, sate again, and Acted qui­etly; and because the Fast was the next day after, they adjourned the House till the Friday following, the [Page 30]Lords having formerly adjourned to that day.

On the Thursday following, the day before they were to meet upon the adjournment, the Speaker with about fourty of the Members, secretly with­drew to the Army then at Windsor, complaining of an horrid force put up­on the House. The rest of the Mem­bers, at least 140, meeting on the Fri­day morning according to adjourn­ment, finding neither Speaker, nor Mace, and understanding upon inqui­ry, whither he was gone, they chose a New Speaker, and get another Mace, and set againe; and the like did the Lords, whose Speaker also was fled upon the same account: both (as it was conceived) either inveigled, or threa­tened by the Army, that they might have the better pretence of quarrel a­gainst the City and Parliament. I have related this passage the more particu­larly, that it may be compared with the force afterward put upon the Par­liament, [Page 31]by the Army themselves, upon the King Tryal.

These things thus passed at London between the Parliament and City, high­ly incensed the Army, who now take upon them, to be Supream Umpires o­ver the Nation; they entertain and countenance the fugitive Speakers and Members, and they and the Council of the Army, set together in consul­tation, engaging to support one ano­ther in this quarrel against the members (as they termed them) at Westminister, and the City.

Mean time the Parliament call in the eleven impeached Members, seclu­ded hitherto upon the Armies accusa­tion; they revive the Committee of Safety, they give power to the City by several Orders and Ordinances, to list and raise Forces to appoint Offi­cers and Commanders, to issue out Armes and Ammunition, for the de­fence of the Parliament and City, a­gainst all that should invade them. [Page 32] Mass [...]y, Pointze, Birch, and other re­formadoes that had formerly done great service for the Parliament when Essex was General, are now imployed as chief Commanders for the City. The Army on the contrary drawing to­gether all their Forces, and endeavou­ring to raise the Trained bands in the adjacent Counties, prepare and intend to invade and subdue that Rebellious City.

The City thus prepared for defence, were nevertheless, for preventing the effusion of blood, willing to have ac­corded with the Army upon any rea­sonable terms; and to that purpose sent several messages to the Army; but all would not do, no terms of reconci­liation or peace would be granted, un­less they would submit themselves, and the Parliament, wholly to the power of the Army; which upon the point they did; for in conclusion they agree and yield, To desert both Houses of Parliament and the impeached Mem­bers: [Page 33]To recall their Declaration late­ly published, Relinquish their Militia, deliver up all their Forts and line of Communication to the Army, as al­so the Tower of London, with all Armes and Ammunition therein; to disband all their Forces, and turn all their new-made Commanders and Re­formadoes out of the line, to demolish all their works, and to suffer the Ar­my to march without opposition through the City.

These imperious conditions of the Army, were calmly submitted to by the tame-spirited Citizens: And thereupon, the Army brings in the fu­gitive Speakers and Members, and seat them again in their authority; Fair­fax receives the solemn thanks of the House, the common souldiers two months pay for their good service and valour, and a day of Thanksgiving is appointed, to be solemnly kept for this great deliverance: and Fairfax made General of all Forces, both in [Page 34] England and Wales, and Constable of the Tower of London: All this was done, Aug. 6. 1647.

Soon after the General, Lieute­nant General, and the whole Army, with their train of Artillery, march in triumph through the City of Lon­don; And from that day forward, both City, Parliament, and whole King­dom, are subject to the Army.

Not long after the restitution of these fugitive Members, all Votes, Or­ders, and Ordinances of Parliament, made in their absence, are declared null and void: The eleven impeach­ed Members of the House of Com­mons, have leave granted them to go beyond Sea, and they must think they are favourably dealt with: Seven Lords that sate in the upper House, in the absence of the fugitive Members, viz. The Earls of Suffolk, Lincoln, and Midlesex; the Lords Berkly, Wil­loughby, Hunsdon, and Maynard, are impeached of high Treason, and com­mitted [Page 35]to the black Rod, for levying of War against the King, Parliament, and Kingdom. The Lord Mayor, Al­dermen, and divers Citizens, are like­wise impeached of the same crime, and committed to the Tower; divers mem­bers also of the Commons House, are under accusation and examination, as countenancers and abettors of the late tumult. But all these impeachments and accusations, in time vanished, and came to nothing; only the Army Fa­ction was by this means strengthened and encouraged, and the other party as much quell'd and discouraged; so that thenceforward all Votes propoun­ded, were passed or not, according to the temper and disposition of the Ar­my. The Parliament became wholly subservient to the Armies designs, as will plainly appeare in the ensuing Story.

Meantime the King continues still under the power of the Army, re­moves and passes from place to place [Page 36]as they remove their Quarters: But now having made the Parliament wholly for their turn, he is removed nearer London, to Hampton Court: there he had much freedom, and abundance of people continually resorted to him. At Hampton Court he receives Propo­sitions from the Parliament, Septem. 7. the same in effect that were tendred to him at Newcastle, in July the year before. The King in answer, desires that the Parliament would take into consideration the Proposals of the Army, of August 1. 1647. as more moderate, and more conducing to satisfie all interests in the Na­tion.

Things thus standing, and the King remaining still at Hampton Court, a Faction of Seditious people called Le­vellers, sprung up in the City and Ar­my; some of the chiefest whereof were Lilburn, Overton, VVyldman, and others, people of a turbulent and hea­dy [Page 37]temper. These frame a writing, called the Agreement of the people, tending to the alteration of the whole frame of Government of the Nation. They stile the House of Commons in their Petitions, the Supreme power of the Nation; they bitterly declaim and raile against the House of Lords in se­veral Pamphlets. These at first re­ceive some check from the House of Commons; and one of them (a soul­dier) is by the Council of War, con­demned and shot to death at VVare: but yet they increase more and more, and grow more in [...]o [...]nt every day, being (as is w [...] probably thought) counte­nan [...] underhand by some in the Par­liament, and by some great Officers in the Army, to promo [...] their own ambi­tio [...]s [...]e [...]gns. At length about No­vemb. 9. or 10. Cromwell sends word to the King by Colonel VVhaley who had the Guard or him, that those kind of people were grown ve­ry numerous in the Army, that [Page 38]he feared they had some malicious de­sign against his Majesties person, and he doubted it would not be in the power of the Officers of the Army to protect him, and therefore advised him, by timely withdrawing himself in private, to provide for his own secu­rity; A Letter of Advertisement also from an unknown person in London to the same purpose, was sent and deli­vered to his Majesty, intimating his danger, and wishing his Majesty were at his or any Loyal Subjects House in London: Whereupon the next day in the Evening, Novemb. 11. his Maje­sty with a Servant or two only, con­veyed himself secretly from Hamp­ton Court, into the Isle of Wight.

In that Island commanded one Co­lonel Hamond, as Governour there for the Parliament; a kinsman he was of Dr. Hamonds, that famous Divine, and (I think) the Kings Chaplain; insomuch as the King might expect some more then ordinary civility from [Page 39]him. Hamond presently gives notice to the Parliament of his Majesties co­ming thither, and upon order from the Parliament, takes him into custody at Curesbrook Castle.

The King also upon his departure from Hampton Court, had left upon the Table a Letter or Message to the two Houses of Parliament, signifying the cause of his withdrawing himself, and also his readiness to concurre with them in all things just and reasonable, for the settling of a safe and well-grounded Peace. And had further soon after his arrival in the Isle of Wight sent another Message or De­claration to them, wherein he offers, First, Concerning Religion to establish the Presbyterian Government for three years, and then afterwards to establish Church-Government in such a manner as shall be concluded upon by the [...]ssembly of Divines, with the addition of twenty Divines to be nominated by his Majesty. Secondly, For the Militia he offers a [Page 40]them wholly by Land and Sea, during his whole Raign, so as after that, it ma [...] return intirely to the Crown. Thirdly, For the arrears of the Army, he will un­dertake, if he may have the benefit of Se­questrations from March last, and com­positions to be made before the conclusion of the Peace, and the Assistance of the Clergy, and the arreares of the Rents of his own revenew, that were yet behinde; to pay 400 thousand pound within eigh­teen months; and if that will not do, then to make sale of forrest Lands for raising the rest. Fourthly, He gives them power to dispose of the great Offices [...]f State, as also to nominate and appoint his Privy Counsellours during his raign. Fifthly, For the Court of Wards, if it cannot be regulated without being a grie­vance to his Subjects, he is willing to a­bolish it, for a valuable compensation. Sixthly, He offers to recall and null all Proclamations and Declarations against the Parliament, and all Indictments a­gainst any person for adhering to them, [Page 41]or acting by their authority; and to pass an Act of general pardon and Oblivion to all his Subjects whatsoever.

Those and some other things he of­fers by that Message of Novemb. 17. and for all other things, he desires they may be debated and composed in a personal Treaty, between himself and the two Houses of Parliament at Lon­don: Which personal Treaty the Scots Commissioners soon after desired to be assented to, and held forth his Majesties offers to be very just and rea­sonable.

But to this Message of his Majesty the two Houses return answer, by sen­ding him four Bills to sign and confirm under the great Seal of England. 1. To settle the Militia by sea and land, both in England and Ireland, in the two Houses of Parliament for ever; with power to raise what Forces they please; as also what moneys they thought good, up­on the Subjects, for support thereof, there­by divesting the Court wholly of the pow­er [Page 42]of the Militia. 2. To justifie the pro­ceedings of the Parliament in the late War, and to make void all Oaths, De­clarations, Proclamations, and other pro­ceedings against the Parliament. 3. A­gainst all Peeres lately made or to be made without consent of both Houses of Parlia­ment. 4. For the adjournment of the Parliament from place to place, as the two houses should think fit. These Bills be­ing assented to, and confirmed by his Ma­jesty, they will yield to treat with him concerning the rest of the propositions i [...] the Isle of Wight. Which proposi­tions I must further tell you, were such as the Scotch Commissioners declared their dissent upon them, before they were sent.

The King apprehending these four Bills especially in the way they were penn'd, not only destructive to Mo­narchy, but to the peoples libertie, refuses to confirm them; yet in a mes­sage or writing to the Houses, gave his reasons against them.

Whereupon the House of Com­mons presently Vote to make no more addresses to him, but to settle the Kingdom without him: and further by the same Vote, they make it high Treason, for any person whatsoever, to send any Message or Letter to him, or to receive any from him, without consent of both Houses of Parliament. This was about the beginning of Ja­nuary.

The House of Lords would not be drawn suddenly to pass these Votes; divers argued strongly against them; and the House was equally divided a­bout the question; but within three or four dayes after, the Army sending solemn thanks to the House of Com­mons for their passing these Votes, and drawing down some of their Forces to garison Whi [...]e [...]all and the Mewes, it turned the Scale in the House of Lords, and they also passed those Votes.

Soon after the passing of these votes of Non-address, discontents grew high in all parts of the Kingdom; And the common people especially in the parts about London, were wonderfully op­pressed, and even eaten up with Free­quarter. The Commissioners of Scot­land withdrew and went home, and with the assistance of Duke Hamilton, formerly imprisoned by the King, and lately set free by the Parliament, cal­led a Parliament in Scotland, wherein they resolve ( Maugre the Kirk) to raise an Army for the delivery of the King.

The beginning of this year 1648, 1648. was full of discontents. The Welch­men were the first that appear in Arms under the Command of Poyer Ponel, and Laugherne, formerly for the Parlia­ment, holding out Pembroak Castle a­gainst the Parliament, and defeating a party of 2500 that were sent against them. The Lord Inchequen, that was [Page 45]President of Munster in Ireland, de­clares against the Parliament, and joyns with the Marquess of Ormond for the Kings interest; for which the Parlia­ment imprison his son, a child of eight or nine years of age, that was Borded and went to School at Thistleworth near London. Petitions came from ma­ny Counties of England, and from the City of London, requiring a Revo­cation of those Votes for Non-address, and desiring a Personal Treaty with the King, and his future settlement.

These Petitions being slighted, and many Surrey Gentlemen wounded by the Souldiers, at the Parliament door, and in Westminster-hall, and some slain outright for presenting their Petition, the Kingdom grew into a general flame. Tumults arose in many pla­ces, as at Norwich, April 24. where the Committee-House was by accident blown up, that part of the City ex­ceedingly shatte ed, and above 100. people slain. At Bury in Suffolk, where [Page 46]the Town was held out some dayes by the meaner sort of people, against the Troopers. In Huntingtonshire, Bed­fordshire, and other places, so that the Troopers were posted from place to place to subdue tumults; and as fast as they subdued them in one place, they brake out in another.

The Kentishmen rise up in armes, to the number of ten thousand, and pos­sess themselves of some strong Ca­stles; They in Essex also, under the command of Sir Charles Lucas and o­thers, second them, and seize upon the Committee for the County at Chelmesford. Pomfret Castle is taken by stratagem, and a great party of the Kings possess it, and command the whole Country round about. Many (if not most part) of the Navy re­volt, and setting Raynsborough their late made Admiral on shore in a Cock­boat, they go to the Prince; with whom also joyned the Lord Willough­by of Parham and others, so as the [Page 47] Prince had a matter of thirty or forty ships, one and other under his com­mand at Sea. The Scots under D. [...]amilton, invade the North, by the way of Carlisle, with an Army of fif­teen thousand, besides a party of En­glish (about 3000) under the com­mand of Sir Marmaduke Langdale.

All this time the Parliament are consulting about Propositions to be sent to the King, as also of the place and manner of a personal treaty with him, which was desired by the Lon­doners and most of the Kingdom to be had at London. Thus the time was spun on, and the Summer well-nigh spent, before they could agree upon termes for a personal treaty; and at length it was resolved to be in the Isle of Wight.

In the mean time, while the Parlia­ment thus deferre the Treaty, Cromwel is first sent into Wales, to subdue them; where he found work enough for most part of the Summer: Fairfax is sent [Page 48]against the Kentishmen, where though he were worsted at Rochester Bridge, and lost many men, yet at Maidston he had the better, got the Town, and dispersed them. Presently after five thousand of the Kentishmen, under the command of the Lord Goring Earl of Norwich, being denied passage through London, transport themselves over the Thames, and so into Essex, where after some skirmish about Bow­bridge, with some of the Parliament Forces, they march to Rumford, and so to Chelmesford, and joyn with the Essexmen at that time there Rendez­vouz'd. Fairfax pursues them with all expedition; they march to Colche­ster, but were scarce set down in the Town, before Fairfax with his Ar­my was at their heels. A sore fight there was in the Suburbs, June 13. the next day after their coming into the Town, a thousand men and more slain upon the place, most of them of Fairfax his party. Had they of Col­chester [Page 49]pursued that dayes victory, it is probably thought, they might easily have destroyed Fairfax his Army. The Kings Party fortifie the Town, hoping the Gentry of Suffolk and Norfolk will come in to their assistance: Fairfax on the contrary, by degrees begirts the Town, forcing all the Country thereabout both Essex and Suffolk to as­sist him against it.

During the siege of Colchester, the Duke of Buckingham with Lord Fran­cis his brother, the Earl of Holland, and the Earl of Peterborough, appear in Armes with five or six hundred Horse at Bamsted Downe in Surrey or thereabouts; where they would soon have increased, had they not been sud­denly surprized by a party of the Army out of London; the Lord Francis was slain, and the rest scattered; Bucking­ham escaped, but Holland was soon af­ter taken at St. Neots in Huntingtonshire, cowardly yielding himself without re­sistance.

The Scots mean time lingered and came on slowly, insomuch as Cromwel having subdued them in Wales, he marches immediately from thence into Lancashire, and at Wiggon and Preston defeats them, taking Duke Hamilton prisoner, basely yielding himself in his Chamber, Aug. 18, 19. From thence he pursues his victory into Scot­land, even to the City of Edenburgh, where he is highly applauded and mag­nified by Argile and the Churchmen, who were alwayes against this engage­ment of Hamilton.

Colchester after this, pressed with a long siege, and pinched with hunger, at last yields to Fairfax upon very hard termes, Aug. 28. where the ve­ry same day that they entred the Town, they caused Sir Charles Lucas and Sir George Lisle (too gallant men as ever England bred) to be shot to death in the Castle Yard: All the rest of the Nobility and Gentlemen of quality, were carried away Priso­ners.

The Treaty with the King is at length begun: a fixed number of days are at first appointed; that expired, a fortnight more is added, so that upon the finishing of the treaty, a little be­fore all was concluded, Cromwel re­turnes with his victorious Army out of Scotland. The Army fearing the Par­liament would agree with the King, and re-establish him in his Throne (though the conditions were extream hard on his side) they first publish that shame­less vile Remonstrance at Saint Al­bans, Novemb. 16. 1648. wherein they declare their resolutions to que­stion the King for his life, as the Ca­pital Enemy, or grand Delinquent, to bring him to trial. They prefix a time for the appearing of the Prince now beyond Sea, to answer for his crimes; and in case he refuse to come in and submit to a tryal, to banish his person as a Rebel and Traytor, and confiscate his estate.

This Remonstrance was sent to the House of Commons, with a Letter signed by Fairfax the General, (whom Cromwel abused and made his Stale in all this action) to take it speedily into consideration, as a matter admitting no delay: But the Commons laying it aside, and making the more speed to conclude with the King upon the Treaty, voting his concessions satis­factory, so far as to be ground of peace; Suddenly on Tuesday, December. 5. A Party of the Army seize upon the Members of the House, whom they conceive to be opposite to their de­sign; They imprison many, and se­clude and deterre more, in all to the number of above two hundred, leaving about sixty or seventy (if that) in the House, and those either Army men, or devoted vassals to Cromwel and his faction; these vote the Kings concessi­ons not satisfactory, and thereupon break off the Treaty.

The Army then presently seize upon the King in the Isle of Wight, they remove him in the night from Caresbrow Castle to Hurst Castle in Hampshire, an unwhole­som place, standing two or three mile into the sea, upon a very narrow neck of Land: there they closely imprison him, and soon after obtain a Vote in their new modell'd House of Com­mons, to bring him to trial. The Lords refusing to consent, they pro­ceed without them, and draw up an impeachment against his Majesty, by the advice of one Dorisley, an outlandish Doctor of Law, and that many years before, had been History-Reader in Cambridge, preferred thither by the Lord Brooks, to read that Lecture by him first founded, but soon after si­lenced and put out by the Vice-chan­cellor and Head of the University, for seditious Doctrine by him there deli­vered, against Monarchy.

For the Kings Trial, they a [...] ­point seventy or eighty Persons the most of them Army-men (all o [...] them his mortal enemies) to be hi [...] Judges: the Judges of the Land and most eminent Lawyers refusing to joyn with them, or assist them, they appoint one Bradshaw a poor petty-fog­ging Lawyer, but of an audacious, im­pudent forehead, to be President of their high Court of Justice, so they call it, (more properly their Court of high injustice.) The King is brought from Hurst Castle to Windsor, about Christmas, where they would not al­low him a Minister to keep the Festi­val with him. From thence they bring him to White-Hall and Saint James about the tenth of January by water. And there afterwards, being brought four several times before their pretended Court of Justice, where he every time refusing to answer, and disclaiming their authority, offering to give his reasons, but they refusing [Page 55]to hear him, at last Saturday January 27. he is condemned to the block, and his head cut off on a Scaffold erected before his Palace gate at White-Hall, on Tuesday following, January 30. to the unexpressable grief and sorrow of all true English People. And thus perished the best, the wisest and the most Religious King that ever England had.

The House of Lords that had base­ly complyed with the Commons, and supported them from the beginning hitherto against their King, because they would not go along with them in this last most wicked act, are kickt off by a Vote. The very same day that they voted the abolition of Regal Government, February 7. 1648. they voted down the House of Peers, as useless, inconvenient, and an hinde­rance to the proceedings of Parlia­ment, a just reward for so ignoble, de­generous spirits.

And because great Personages, li [...] great Trees in a Forrest, seldom [...] alone, to compleat the Tragedie, wit, in a few weeks after, they impea [...] Duke Hamilton General of the Sco [...] ­tish Army, and the Earl of Hollan [...] as also the Lord Capel, and Lord G [...] ­ring taken in Colchester, and som [...] others. None of these feared to b [...] questioned for their lives till now, fo [...] they yielding, had quarter given them. But an high Court of Justice mus [...] not be set up for the King alone; They mean to go the same way to work with others: the Law taking no hold of them, they'l make a Law that shall; and therefore the like Court is erected again, for the trial of these Lords and others; though the same President sate not, yet others did, that had the same power.

All that were accused, were con­demned, but Goring being a Gentle­man of no great fortune, and never be­fore engaged against them, found [Page 57]mercy at their hands; Capels great estate drove on his ruine. Hamilton and Holland are observed to have suf­fered deservedly, because they had played on both parts, sometimes for the King, and otherwhiles against him, as affairs changed: The poor spiritness of the rest is observed, in cowardly submitting to their pre­tended authority; only the stout Lord Capel (so Lilburn cals him) would not in the least buckle to acknowledge them a lawful judicatory, but after the example of his Royal Master, denied their Anthority, and when he came to suffer (which he and the other did, March 9.) he took his death with a most resolute and undaunted courage, not only to the admiration of all men, but even to the very terror of his ene­mies; they that neither loved him nor his cause, yet highly commended him for his courage and magnanimity, and as much despised Hamilton for his timerous baseness, using all means [Page 58]possible to save his life; but all wou [...] not do; much confidence he repos [...] in Hugh Peters, that Clergy Mountebank, who at last betrayd him, as himself had formerly betrayed the King.

After the King was thus put to death, and the Government changed into a Commonwealth, a new Sea [...] and new Coyn being made, this Piece of the Parliament that put the King to death, governed the Nation till April 20. 1653. what time they wert thrown out forcibly by Cromwel, (be­ing then their General) and his Army Officers, to the great content and re­joycing of the People.

But in the mean time presentiy af­ter the death of the King, the Scots proclaimed the Prince, King of Scot­land, by the Name of Charls the se­cond.

Ireland was almost all revolted soon after the death of the King; 1649. only the [Page 59]City of Dublin held out for the Parlia­ment: But Cromwel going over thither about September 1649. in less then a years time reduces that whole King­dom to the obedience of the Parlia­ment, driving the Natives for the most part out, and cooping up the rest in the Western parts of the King­dom.

Scotland having (as is said before) proclaimed the Prince King; they re­ceived him into that Kingdom and crowned him at Scone the first of Ja­nuary 1649. 1650. whereupon the Parliament having reduced Ireland, they resolve to send an Army into Scotland about June 1650. Fairfax upon this layes down his Commission, and Cromw ll is made Captain Gene­ral in his stead; He marches into Scotland with a great Army, where he lay a long time before he could en­gage the Scots to fight; insomuch as the English were in great distress for provisions, and had been famished or [Page 60]forced to return long before, had they not encamped near the sea, and had the sea free and open to them. At length the Scots set upon them at Dun­bar, but were defeated and routed; at least 10000. of them slain and taken upon the place; all of the Presbyteri­an party, and such as had formerly en­gaged in England for the Parliament against the King: An hundred Ensigns at least are taken, brought up to Lon­don, and hung up in triumph in West­minster Hall: and which is remarkable, great numbers of those Souldiers, that at their coming into England in 1643. had heathenishly prophaned the Cathedral Church of Durham, were now brought prisoners, and lodged i [...] the very same Church, shut up to­gether, and fed like swine, with root [...] and other trash, so that with hunger and cold, and stench, lying there a long time, most of them perished; som [...] of them acknowledging the just han [...] of God for their sacrilegious proph [...] ­ness [Page 61]committed in that place: this is a certain truth, reported by credible persons living near and in that City: And thus our Brethren the Scots were in part payd for their brotherly as­sistance.

But Cromwel hath not yet done with them; he stayes still after the battel of Dunbar, and pursues his victory: he presently takes Leith and Eden­burgh, and afterward that strong and impregnable Castle, called by the Scots the Maiden Castle, because never before conquered: Nor can I say it was now conquered by Cromwell: He took it not by [...]ssault, nor yet by hunger, but as is credibly reported, surrendred by the treachery or cowardize of the Lord [...] that commanded there in chief.

This Cast e being taken, Cromwel enlarges his conquest all over the South of Scotland, from Leith and Dunbar on the East, to Glasco and Ayre in the West, without any great [Page 62]resistance. But the City and Castle of Sterling held out for the King, to­gether with the Fife, (the fertilest part of the Kingdom) and all the North of Scotland, from Endinburgh Frith Northward: the Scots being now grown so wise, after their beating at Dunbar▪ as to take and call in to their assistance all the Kings party, both Scots and English, whom formerly they rejected under the notion of Malignants and Cavaleers, putting the Earl of Mon­tross most barbarously to death, who landed in Scotland a little before the Kings coming thither, and whom if they had entertained, might possibly by the blessing of God, have pre­vented their being beaten at Dunbar, being a man of extraordinary expe­rience, conduct and courage in war, exceedingly beloved of all the Roy­allists in Scotland, and one that had formerly with an handful of men, done incomparable service for the King. But the Presbyterian Scots were as bit­ter [Page 63]against the Kings party, as they were against Cromwell and his army, and would have the glory wholly to themselves and their Covenant, in re­storing the King: that thereby they might the better advance their Cove­nant, and carry on their pretended work of reformation both in Scotland and England.

Cromwel and his Army lay long in Scotland, after Dunbar fight, 1651. and did little, not able to advance any further. At length towards the latter end of July, he gets over Edenburg Frith, and lands his Army or a considerable part of them in the Fife, with a great loss and defeat to the Scots, who re­sisted: The King soon after quits Ster­ling, and suddenly marches away in the beginning o [...] August, with an Ar­my of about eleven thousand horse and foot into England, by the way of Lancashire; and forcing his way at Warrington bridge, against a party that [Page 64]opposed, he comes by easie marches without resistance to Worcester ( Mas­sey being with him) hoping the Pres­byterians in those parts, and about Glocester, would generally have risen, and joyned with the Scots.

The Parliament upon the first in­telligence of his entrance into England, arm all that possibly they can against him, publishing a Proclamation against him and all his adherents as Rebels and Traitors, and forbidding all men up­on pain of high Treason to joyn with him, or to aid or assist him in the least. Cromwel also pursues him out of Scot­land, with as great a part of his Army as he could well spare; at Worcester all forces assembled against him, meet; there they fought, and the Kings par­ty in conclusion is beaten; the Scots (they say) many of them, refusing to fight at all. The King in a disguize very hardly escapes; yet it pleased God, that at last he got safely out of Eng­land, many of the Scottish Nobility, [Page 65]and some of the English, being taken prisoners, and kept long after in the Tower of London. This fight at Wor­cester happened Septemb. 3. 1651. a re­markable day for Cromwels Victories.

Scotland after this, is with little dif­ficulty, wholly reduced to the obedi­ence of the Parliament; and Garisons maintained in several places, even to the utmost Northern Coasts; and they who formerly would not be sub­ject to their King, are now inforced to submit to Cromwell and his Fa­ction.

Afterwards in Anno 1652. 1652. the Par­liament falls out with the Hollanders, many fierce and bloody battels were fought at Sea, with great loss on both sides; in one of which, Admiral Dean for the English, and in another, Van-Trump, for the Dutch, were slaine. The Hollanders have the worst in con­clusion, so that at last they sue for peace and obtain it.

But some while before this peace was concluded, 1653. Cromwell being now grown great with his Victories in Ire­land and Scotland, having subdued both these Kingdoms, upon the twentieth of April 1653. he sudden­ly and forcibly turns out the Parlia­ment, who had for four years, and as much as from January to April, since they put the King to death, with bloody cruelty and heavy oppression, governed the Nation.

The Parliament being thus turned out, Cromwel and his Army Officers take upon them the government of the Nation: They presently impose six Months Tax, and erect a new Council of State, ( Bradshaw who for­merly for his good service was Presi­dent, is now not so much as a Member of the Council.) Cromwel soon after cals a Convention, of about an hun­dred and twenty persons, pickt out by himself, out of the several Counties of the Nation, most of them inferiour [Page 67]persons, and of the Independent and Anabaptistical faction. These were summoned by particular Warrants or Tickets in paper, under his own hand only to meet at Westminster, and con­sult fort setling the Nation.

Being met according to their sum­mons, Iuly 4. [...]653▪ in the Commons House of Parliament, and having chosen them a Chairman or Speaker, Cromwel comes in amongst them, and puls a writing out of his pocket, there­by giving them the supream authority of the Nation: upon this they pre­sently vote themselves to be a Parlia­ment, and to requite his courtesie, they vote him to be a Member of their Parliament.

Thus being seated in Authority, they make an Act for six Months Tax, at the old rate of 120000 li. a Month; and another Act concerning marriages, appointing Justices of Peace to marry, and none other mar­riages to be valid or lawful: In the [Page 68]same Act, they ordain a Register to be kept in every Parish, in which is to be set down all births and burials, not so much as mentioning Baptism, as a thing in their opinion at least not ne­cessary: thus they lessen and diminish the use and authority of Ministers, whom they intended by degrees, to take wholly away.

In order whereunto, they had a de­sign to take a way Tithes; but the Ministers of London, being called to alledge what might be said in defence of them, by their Counsel learned in the Law, and by Arguments out of Scripture, they opposed so strongly, as that debate was laid aside for the present. But that failing, they had another device, namely by an Act, in one day, to have unbottomed all Ministers in England, and to have lockt up the Church doors, (as some affirmed) and then afterward, to have taken in whom they had thought good, which may probably be con­ceived, [Page 69]should have been only such as would have renounced their orders, if not their baptism.

Things being carried so high and in such a frantick manner, the more mo­derate among them weary of the work, and fearing they should rather bring things into further confusion, then settle any thing, they repair to Cromwel the General, desiring him to take again into his hands his Writing or conveyance of the supream power; whereupon he presently dissolves them: but some of the Anabaptists refusing to obey, and continuing still in the house at their prayers, he sent Souldiers who pulled them out, and lockt up the doors against them De­cemb. 12. 1653.

This Schismatical Convention, called by some the little horn, being thus timely and happily outed; Crom­wel upon the sixteenth day of the same month, having by advice of his Army-Officers and Council of State, fra­med [Page 70]an Instrument of Government, presently after printed and published, consisting of fourty two Articles (and therefore by some called his forty two string'd fidle, by others the Magna Charta) takes upon him the Government of the three Nati­ons, as Supream Magistrate, under the Title of Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scot­land and Ireland. And sending for the Commissioners of the great Seal, the Lord Maior and Aldermen of London, with the Judges of Law, and the chief Officers of his Army, (Pro­clamation thereof being made in Lon­don) he is solemnly installed in West­minster-hall, taking an oath to govern according to that Instrument and the Laws of the Land, though nothing could be more repugnant to the Laws then that Instrument was.

According to that Instrument, 1654. he cals a Parliament to begin Septemb. 3. [Page 71]1654. though it fell out that year to be Sunday, accounting the day auspici­ous, by reason of his two great victo­ries upon that day, at Dunbar and Worcester. This Parliament was not to be chosen according to the ancient manner, two in a County and two in a Corporation, but ten, eight, six, more or less in a County, according to the proportion of it, and the small decayed Corporations (as Thetford and Rising in Norfolk, and the like elsewhere) were wholly left out. There were also added to the Parliament, Thirty Members for Scotland, and as many for Ireland, chosen or nomina­ted from thence; so as it was a Par­liament of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland; where­of as before, he had made himself Pro­tector.

It is probable the Protector fore­saw that little or nothing would be done by this Parliament; and there­fore to make sure work, he and his [Page 72]Council, (besides this Ordinance fo [...] his stile and Title, for the issuing o [...] Writs, and for Law-proceedings, t [...] go according to that Stile and Title and some others of the like nature made in the beginning of his govern­ment immediately upon the Change) I say besides these, before the Con­vening of this Parliament a very few dayes, he publishes by Authority o [...] himself and his Council above twenty Ordinances (as some reckoned them,) which were observed as valid Laws; and amongst them, one remarkable one, for the Ejecting of Ignorant, scan­dalous and insufficient Ministers by any five, or more of the Commis­sioners therein named: and by which in a quarter of a years time, they ejected many Ministers (especially in Norfolk) out of their livings; scarce one of twenty that were accused or complained of, but were ejected; And this was done (I suppose) to gratifie the Anabaptistical and Inde­pendent [Page 73]party, who hitherto beheld Oliver with an evil eye, since he was Protector, looking (as they thought) too like a King.

The Parliament convened accord­ing to appointment at Westminster, Septemb. 3. they presently question the Protectors Authority, though he had at their first meeting, in a very large speech, presently after printed and published, magnified the same, as if he had been called to the Place, by the concurrent and universal consent of the whole Nation. It is true they consented, because they could do no otherwise, being forced thereunto by his armed power.

To silence and suppress this questi­on, within a few dayes after their sit­ting, he enjoyns a Recognition or acknowledgement of his power, by a particular subscription of every one of the Members, before they were ad­mitted to enter the House any more: and such as would not subscribe, were [Page 74]forcibly secluded by a guard of Sould­ [...]ers; but at last all or most of them sub­scribed.

No sooner were they set again, bu [...] they fall in hand with the Instrumen [...] of Government, examining it in eve­ry particular; and the Protector suf­fered them to go on without inter­ruption. They would have been con­tent to have made him Protector, but they would not allow of the Instru­ment of Government in all things.

Ye must know by the way, that one Article of the Government was that the Parliament called and con­vened, must sit five months (if them­selves think good) and during that time, the Protector had not power to dissolve them; but afterwards at any time he might: It was further ordain­ed, that whatsoever Acts they made and tendred to him, if he did not con­sent within thirty dayes, or satisfie them to the contrary, they were to be Laws valid and binding, without [Page 75]him. To conclude, they spent so long time in tuning the instrument, that just at the five moneths end (counting precisely twenty eight dayes to a moneth) the Protector calls them to­gether, tells them he thought they had been asleep, having not of a long time heard from them; That they had sate long and done nothing, and therefore tells them they may repaire every one to his several home. Thus they are dissolved with a kind of jeer, Ianuary 22. 1654.

But I must tell you, the Parliament would not tender him any Bill to passe, nor receive any Laws from him, till such time as they had regulated the Government of the Nation, and confirmed his authority upon him. The truth is, they thought him not to have power to enact Laws, till themselves had given it him: And therefore they would have nothing pass, till alto­gether were done and finished.

After the breaking up of this Par­liament, [Page 76]it was generally thought, w [...] should never have had any more in h [...] time. For the Protector betake himself to other Methods of govern­ment.

That y [...]ar 1655. 1655. he institutes h [...] Major General: He divides the who [...] Kingdom into seven Provinces o [...] Cantons; (three, four or five (mos [...] or fewer) Counties in a Province. And over every of these, he placeth [...] Major General with his Deputy, an [...] sufficient Authority, not only in Mili­tary affairs, but also in Ecclesiastic [...] and Civil; none came amiss to them [...] they would meddle in all, upon occasi [...] on or complaint: Especially i [...] Church-affairs, they take upon them the soveraign power; they put out silence and inhibit what Ministers the please, by vertue of the late Ordinanc [...] against scandalous Ministers, and othe [...] orders & private instructions to them from the Protector & his Council. They [Page 77]will not suffer any ejected Minister to teach a School either publickly or pri­vately; to pray, or preach, or to per­form any Ministerial duty in any Church or private Family; in a word, they would have starved them, if they could, denying all means of livelyhood to them and theirs.

And because divers ejected Mi­nisters, had during the sitting of this [...]ast Parliament, and soon after, com­menced suits in Law for the recovery of their Livings, and had gotten (some of them) damages against their Intru­ders, and had hopes of recovering the possession of their Livings: and some of them had already got into possession by Law: The Protector publisheth a Proclamation, thereby strictly com­manding them to quit their possessi­ons, and to release all judgements ob­ [...]ained, and further inhibiting all At­ [...]ournies, Lawyers and Advocates, to [...]ommence or prosecute any Suits [...]or, or to plead in the behalf of such [Page 78]Clients; And all Judges are likew [...] inhibited, to admit of any such Ac [...] ­ons or Pleas in any of their Courts. A [...] which, was apparently to deny the [...] the benefit of the Law, (which is t [...] highest Act of Arbitrary and Tyran [...] power that can be) and consequent [...] to condemn that Authority as illeg [...] by which they were first ejected.

Furthermore upon occasion of a risi [...] in the Spring, by some of the Kin [...] party in the West, he not only pr [...] ­ceeds against Col. Iohn Penruddock, a [...] divers other Gentlemen, by Capit [...] punishment; but he decimates all th [...] Cavaleers or Gentlemen of the la [...] Kings party, that had been in ar [...] for him, all over England; that is, [...] enjoyns them to pay yearly the ten [...] part of their whole Revenue, notwit [...] standing their former Compositio [...] made for their Estates, and their P [...] ­dons sued out as the Parliament [...] enjoyned, and also the late Act of O [...] ­livion, anno 1651. And this Deci [...] ­tion [Page 79]was put in execution by these Major Generals.

And in this Government, he much resembled the Turk: Himself like the Grand Signior, ruling by sole command, had his standing Army (as a guard for his Person) answerable to the Jani­zaries; and his Major Generals repre­senting the Bashaws in their several Provinces; And besides these, he had his Auxiliaries lately set up in every County; viz. certain Troops of horse, and Companies of foot, armed and ready upon all occasions, maintaining and finding their own horses and arms; for a constant yearly salary, the horsemen had 8 li. per annum, and the foot 3 li. and these were upon any occasion to be drawn forth, and march in a few hours warning.

Anno 1656. 1656▪ The Protector cals a­nother Parliament, according to the lade mode, ten in a County, &c. These convene at Westminster, Sept. [Page 80]17. Upon their first meeting, man [...] of the Members of several Counti [...] were excluded, because they had bee [...] somewhat busie and active in the Par­liament before. This exclusion [...] Members being noised abroad, man [...] that were not yet gone up, went not a [...] all, lest when they came there, the [...] should be excluded and sent hom [...] again. There were in all about se­venscore or more that absented them­selves, or were secluded the House b [...] order from the Council of State; an [...] yet not any reason alledged again [...] them. They represent the injury t [...] the House, but find no redress; th [...] House dare not offend the Protecto [...] by admitting their Fellow-Mem­bers.

This Parliament thus purged an [...] garbled, was for the Protectors turn [...] he gave them leave to sit almost tw [...] five moneths without dissolving or ad­journing▪

About the begining of the next spring, 1657. there is a project set on foot by some in the House for making the Pro­tector King: First a petition or remon­strance from many of the City desire­ing it, was presented by an Alderman of London to the Speaker, sealed up in a box. Afterwards a Bill is prefer­ed for it: the House are very forward in the business; only the Protectors pleasure is not known. They very hum­bly and solemnly petition his High­ness to accept of it; as an honor not only merited by himself, but much in­ducing to the settlement of the Na­tion. But he makes strange at it, gives them thanks for their good af­fection towards him and the publick; yet desires time to consider of it, before they press him to a resolution.

Mean time the Independents and Factious people fast and pray, to avert the judgment that is like to fall upon them, in having a King. Some great Commanders in the Army, and many [Page 82]of the common-souldiers express thei [...] dislike of it; amongst whom Lambert, the Leiutenant-General, is the cheif, conceiving it a barre to his ambitious hopes. It is more then probable, the Protector himself thirsted after it, and that the designe was first hammered in his own forge; for Thurloe his Se­cretary openly promoted it, and (as it was said) brought in the Bill. But when the Parliament made their se­cond address to him, he modestly de­nied it, yet he gave them thanks for their good affections to him.

This Parliament sat from the 17. of September, to the 26. of June. And then by an Act entituled The humble Petition and advice, they constitute him Protector, and give him power to no­minate his Successor, which was all one as to establish the Government in his Family: They erect another House of Parliament, in place of the Lords, for which they could invent no other name, but The Other House. It was [Page 83]to consist of a number of persons not exceeding seventy, nor less then four­ty, all chosen or nominated by the Pro­tector, and to be called particularly by Writs, as the House of Peers were wont to be: They also ordain some other qualifications for future elections of Parliament men; and appoint an Oath to be taken by the Protector, and by all successive Protectors: and also an­other Oath by all the Members, both of the one and Other House upon their enterance to sit in Parliament. Some other things they ordaine in that Pe­tition and advice, for setling the future Government. All which the Protect­or ratifies and confirms, by giving his solemn assent in those words, the Lord Protector doth consent.

Further in that Act, they limit him so far, as not to impose any Tax or pay­ment upon the People, without their consent in Parliament; and in lieu thereof, they give him 35000 li. a month by way of Tax for three years [Page 84]to come, from June 24. 1657. be­sides the Excise, Tunage and Pound­age, the Customs, all the Crown lands that were unsold, and all Forfeitures, Penalties, and other accidental Emo­luments that the Kings of England were wont to have; amounting in the whole to Thirteen Hundred Thousand Pounds per annum; for so much they promised to settle upon him forthwith, as a certaine standing Revenue, besides land Taxes. This done, he does not dissove, but only adjourn the Parlia­ment, to the 20. of January follow­ing.

But in the mean time soon after their adjournment, the Protector Cashiers Lambert his Leiuetenant-General, and Hacker Colonel of his life-guard, and some other Officers of his Army, who were conceived to be averse to the bu­siness of his Kingship; which gave men cause to conclude, that he stil [...] thirsted after the Kingly dignity, as in­deed it is more then probable he did.

And here let me tell you, there go­eth a story very credibly and confident­ly reported by some persons knowing and well-affected to the late Protect­or, That he, when he was a boy, and going to schoole at Huntington, where his father dwelt, dreamed one night thar he should be King, and Ruler o­ver all the Kingdom of England, but afterward he should be hanged. This dream he tells to his fellow school­boyes, and by that meanes it came to his Masters eare, who lashed him sound­ly for it. How near the former part of his dream was fulfilled, appears by this story; and how justly he deserved the latter part, I leave it to others to judge?

Against the meeting of the Par­liament by adjournment, he sends out his Writ, for summoning the Mem­bers of his other House. Some an­tient Peers of the Land he summoned, as the Earl of Warwick, the Earl of Manchester, the Lord Say; I cannot [Page 86]say, whether or no the Earl of Sali [...] bary was one, because he seldom want­ed a place in the House of Commons▪ Others, some of them, were Gentle­men of quality in several Counties and of good repute, but the most o [...] them were of his Army-men, or o [...] his alliance, that had married into his Family. Amongst his Army-men, there were Pride the Dray-man, Hew­son the Shoomaker, Barksted the bro­ken Thimble-maker, and others the like, all Colonels of his Army; and Lambert also to gratifie: him, is made one of his Peers; and Haselrig, that was a great stickler against him in all Parliaments, is another. There is a Catalogue extant of them all, and therefore it is needless to repeat them.

When the time came according to the Adjournment, January 20. the Nobility though called, disdained to appear: Many of the Gentry absented themselves, yet some of all sorts (ex­cept only the Nobility) enough to [Page 87]make a competent number, appeared. Some that were called to his other House, were elected for the House of Commons, and chose that place, ra­ther then the other House; Sir Arthur Haselrig (always an enemy to the King, and no friend to the Protector) was one of the number: The House of Commons would by no means digest that other House, nor own them; though some messages were sent to them, yet would they not vouchsafe them any answer.

Besides this, there was another bu­siness set on foot in the House of Commons, that touched the Pro­tector very nearly; and that was their tampering with the power of the Mi­litia: The People were to pay the Ar­my, and it was thought just by many, that the Parliament should have com­mand of them. And it was suspected, had they sate but a little longer, that the Army, or a considerable part of it, would have adhered to the Parliament. [Page 88]To prevent this mischief, that was [...] working, the Protector suddenly a [...] unexpectedly dissolves them, Febr. [...] with this word of comfort (neverthe­less) to his other House, My Lords, ye are Lords, and shall be Lords.

The Parliament thus again dissol­ved in discontent, things rested as formerly, though not without much murmuring and secret discontent, both in the Protector and People.

About the latter end of August, [...]658. or the beginning of September, the Pro­tector dyed; having lain somewhile in a very sad condition, with extream pain and torment in his bowels. Some strongly fancy, that be died on Tues­day, Aug. 30. what time was the most furious, violent wind, that ever hap­pened in the memory of man. And its very probable that he died that day or soon after: but it was given out, and commonly reported, that he dyed on Friday, Sept. 3.

His Funeral was a great while de­ferred, his body embalmed and kept above ground many moneths toge­ther, with mourners continually at­tending his corpse, and meat carried up and served on his Table, as if he had been the greatest Prince in Christendom, and afterwards he was interred with as great funeral solemni­ty, as ever any King of England was interred, and his Hearse or Statue set up after the manner of Kings, and a most most magnificent Monument erected for him.

It is worth the remembring, that about a year or two before his death, he made a new broad Seal, with the Arms of England, viz. a Saint Georges Cross, quartered with Saint Andrews Cross for Scotland, and the Harp for Ireland, and his own Coat in a little Escutcheon in the midst; his Helmet and Mantle, with a Crown imperial, and a Lion puissant for his Crest, and and the supporters a Lyon and a Dra­gon: [Page 90]the Motto underneath his Ar [...] Pax quaeritur Bello. And this inscrip [...] on about, Sigillum magnum Reipub [...] Anglioe, Scotiae & Hiberniae: On th [...] other side, himself on Horseba [...] richly trappered, as the King Seal [...] wont to be; and the Inscription abo [...] it, Oliverus Dei gratia, Reipublicae A [...] ­gliae, Scotiae & Hiberniae Protector.

And though he usually coined [...] money, yet I have seen some piec [...] of Silver, of an half crown bigne [...] with his Arms (as before) on the o [...] ­side, and his Picture crowned with ba [...] on the other side, and the former I [...] ­scription. In these respects so near [...] approached to the Royal dignity sure I am, he assumed more powe [...] and authority, then ever any King [...] England did.

The Protector before his death, h [...] according to the fore-mention [...] Humble Petition and Advice, a [...] ­pointed his eldest Son Richard Cr [...] ­wel, to succeed him in his place; an [...] [Page 91]accordingly immediately after his Fa­thers death, he was proclaimed in London, and soon after all over England.

The Independents, Anabaptists and other Sectaries, were not well pleased at it; they had rather have had Fleetwood in the place, who had married the late Protectors Daughter, Iretons Widow; for Richard had for­merly been reputed a kind of a good fellow and a Royallist, and never was in Arms against the King, as all the rest of his Fathers Family and Allies had been.

Richard soon after cals a Parliament to begin at Westminster. Jan. 27. n [...]t according to the Inst [...]ument of Go­vernment, but after the old way, two in a County, &c. Before the calling of the Parliament, and after, con­gratulatoty Addresses are made to Richard, from most Counties, Cities and Corporations of Note in Eng­land, extolling the merits of his he­roick Father, expressing their joy for [Page 92]the succession of such a Son, and pro­mising to adhere to him withall faith­fulness and loyalty. In some of thei [...] Addresses, they compare the Father to Moses, and the Son to Joshua, the Guiders and Conductors of Gods People out of Aegyptian thraldom, with other the like blasphemous ex­pressions. Richard receives these Ad­dresses with as much gravity, as they were tendered with humility; so that no man could imagine, but that he was most firmly fixed in his Throne; And Lilly the States mercenary Prog­nosticator, assures it, from his Astro­logical Predictions of that year.

At the opening of the Parliament Jan. 27. he makes a Speech to both his Houses, wherein he minds them of his just and lawful Title to the Go­vernment, not only by the wonderful Providence of God, but by the dispo­sition of the Laws: he tels them, h [...] had convened them together for im­portant affairs of State, for the ho­nour [Page 93]and safety of the Nation; wil­led them to take into consideration, the necessity of the Navy and Army, whom he commends for their patience and obedience, to the best Army in the world: some other things to this purpose he commended to them, and told them in conclusion, that they should find him ready and willing to concur with them in any thing for the good of the publick; and to de­ny them nothing that was just and fit; And that if this were not an happy Parliament, it should not be his fault. And all this (says the Book) was spoken with so gracious and Princely a deportment, as hath gained this opi­nion amongst the wisest Hearers, that he deservedly holds the place of Su­pream Magistrate in these Nati­ons.

Thus the Parliament began, and great hopes there were of good agree­ment between the Protector and the People: and doubtless he for his part, [Page 94]would have given them leave to ha [...] setled the Nation as they though [...] good, both for Religion and Civi [...] Government. But still the othe [...] House, though called as formerly, an [...] many of them convened, would no [...] down with the Commons; they would not in the least own this new made House of Lords; sit they might, if they pleased, but little or nothing they had to do: for the Commons would never impart any thing to them, nor indeed have any inter course with them. A pitiful company of Peers they were, and accordingly re­garded.

But Richard and the House of Commons agreed very well; he was willing to leave all to them; And there being a very great number of young Lawyers in the House, that gaped for preferment, they were wil­ling to give him power enough: too much as many suspected.

Ye must know, that in all Parlia­ments [Page 95]since Olivers time, there was a faction of men in the House, called Common-wealths men, that were for a free State (as they called it) and against a single Person. These were such as had purchased the Lands of Bi­shops, Deans and Chapters, and those belonging to the late King, Queen, and Prince; And they feared, that these Lands might be at one time or other restored, unless the Govern­ment were again setled in the way of a Common-wealth: for a single Person they thought might possibly come to be a King. With these also concurred all such, both Parliament-men and Army­men, as were highly guilty of the Kings Trial and death. And all these together, had a great influence upon the Army. These generally were dis­affected to the Protector.

The Army also ( Richard having never been a Souldier) were very de­sirous to have a General of their own choice with power to place and dis­place [Page 96]what Army-Officers he thoug [...] fit. Fleetwood the Protectors Br [...] ­ther in-law, or Lambert aims at th [...] place; To effect their design, they with the Commonwealths men i [...] Parliament, as Haselrig, and Vane▪ Scot and Weaver, and others the like▪ make a Faction in the Army again [...] the Protector. The Commanders o [...] the Army that were of this Faction had frequent meetings at Fleetwood Lodging at Wallingford House [...] whereof Richard had notice, and migh [...] have supprest them in time, by som [...] chief Officers that were of his part who offered their assistance thereunto▪ but being loth to hazard the effusion o [...] blood, he let things rest, hoping (per­haps) they would not have proceeded a afterwards they did.

Fleetwood soon after advises him t [...] adjourn the Parliament, 1659. but he re [...] ­sing, they come to him, and force h [...] to send a Writ to dissolve it; Th [...] [Page 97]was about the latter end of April, 1659.

The Parliament thus suddenly dis­solved, the Souldiers were at a loss what to do; at last they resolve, after a solemn Fast had among themselves (as their manner was) to call in that piece or tail of the long Parliament, (that Cromwell and themselves had broke up and cast out six years before, April 20. 1653.) to return again to the exercise of their trust, as they termed it; expressing their Repen­tance for that action, and desiring to return again into the good old way. Lenthal the Speaker, and some others of that company, being then in and about the City, very gladly accept the motion; they thought long to be again in authority. They call toge­ther all their fellow-Members that they could get, and had much ado to make fourty, though they took two of them out of the Gaol, viz. the Lord Munson and Henry Martin, who [Page 98]were Prisoners there upon executio [...] Being thus got together upon Satur­day aftenoon, May 7. the Speaker with the rest, enter the House, and set again as a Parliament; publishing a Proclamation or Declaration, to let the People understand, how by the wonderful providence and mercy of God, they were again restored to the exercise of their trust, being (as they call themselves) Asserters of the Good old Cause, &c.

The Munday following, Mr. William Prin a Bencher of Lincolns Inn, and many more Members of the Long Parliament, that were secluded upon the Kings Tryal, December 1648, met together at Westminster, and went to the House-door, demanding admission to sit with the rest, but were denied entrance, and kept out with armed guards. Whereupon he writes a Book called his Narrative, wherein he declraes at large their manner of de­manding admission, and in what man­ner [Page 99]they were forcibly kept out, and very solidly pleads the Kings cause against their Commonwealth. And another Book he writes and pub­lishes at the same time, intituled, The good old Cause, wherein he manifest­ly proves, by twelve undeniable Ar­guments, that that which they termed the good old Cause, was far worse, more destructive both to Church and State, to Religion and the Common-wealth, then the Gunpowder Trea­son. And though he openly owned and avowed these Books, setting his name to them, yet they never returned the least answer to them, nor questioned the Author: But these Books thus seasonably pub­lished, gave a deadly blow to their good old Cause, though the ope­ration of it was not so presently discer­ned.

The Parliament (those few that were) being thus got in again, they presently depose the Protector, and [Page 100]alter the Government from a sin [...] person to a Common-wealth. Th [...] ­null all honouts conferred by th [...] late Protector, so that many are in a [...] instant unknighted, whom Oliver be­fore had honoured with that dignity Richard himself but the other da [...] Lord Protector of England, Scotlan [...] and Ireland, and his Highness at every word, is now in the language of th [...] Parliament but Richard Cromwel Esq for by that. Title they wrote to him to quit his Lodgings, and remove [...] from White-hall: and his Excellency Lord Henry Cromwell, Lord Lieute­nant of Ireland, is now no more the [...] Mr. Henry Cromwel; All Olivers ve­nerable House of Peers, have now i [...] an instant lost their Lordships, and an [...] the same that formerly they were; s [...] great a change is effected in an instant Only Fleetwood and Lambert are st [...] termed Lords in the Parliaments fir [...] Declaration, May 7. and there wa [...] cause for it; for the Parliament w [...] [Page 101]what they were by their means.

And now all mouths are open in an instant, against the late Protector Oli­ver, reproaching him as the worst of Tyrants and Usurpers, tearing his Hearse or Statue in pieces, defacing and pulling down his sumptuous Mo­nument, that was but a few weeks be­fore at a most vast charge, set up in Westminster.

The Parliament were more obliged to the Army, then they were to the people, for putting them again into Authority; for the people had had more then enough of them, for almost two seven years before. Oliver never did so much good for the Nation, nor had more thanks from the people, then when he and his Army had turn­ed these men out, as before is said, April 20. 1653. And therefore they thought it concerned them, rather to gratifie the Army, then to please the people. To this end, not long after their re-installment, they impose a [Page 102]Tax of twelve months, to be paid [...] manner altogether. That 35000 l [...] month which was not to be paid [...] the Act that imposed it, till Midsu [...] ­mer, 1660. and that quarterly, th [...] command to be paid in presently be­tween Lammas and Michaelmas, 1659▪ intending (as its probable) as soon a [...] that was paid in, to impose anothe [...] the like payment upon the people.

After this, about July, they pas [...] an Act for setling the Militia, and i [...] was sent down into the several Coun­ties, to be presently put in execution▪ but the Army (as it was thought) no [...] relishing this design, it was soon after laid aside.

This year about the beginning of August, there was a rising in Cheshire, Lancashire, and the parts adjoyning, under the command of Sir George Booth, Sir Thomas Midleton, and other Gentlemen in those parts; they de­clare for a free and full Parliament to be elected by the People. It was com­monly [Page 103]reported, the design was general, laid all over all England, and thus it was carried on chiefly by the Presby­terian Party. But Cheshire and the parts adjacent, were the fi [...]st that a­rose; in other places attempts were made, but they were suppressed.

Sir George Booth had taken West­chester both Town and Castle, and was reported to be very numerous. And therefore upon the first intelligence thereof, Lambert is sent out against him, with an Army of six or seven thousand men, and a train of Artille­ry; and forces from all quarters are appointed to draw to him, so that all meeting, he had a very great Army. Sir George Booth's party, seeing other Counties so slack, begin to faint and forsake him; Lambert marching to­wards them, is opposed by some forces at a narrow pass, but presently all are routed, and Sir George himself, and some others are taken and brought prisoners to London: this hapned about Aug. 20.

This design so strongly and uni­versally (as was reported) laid, and so soon defeated and disappointed the Parliament themselves, and all men thought them cock-sure. They begun to resolve to submit themselves to the yoke of their old Task-masters, seeing no other remedy; And the Parliament went on with their work, in setling the Nation in a Common-wealth way; intending after that was established, to proceed severely against Sir George Booth and his party. They began already to sequester his and other mens estates; for many they say were engaged in the plot, all over England: and the City of Westchester they quite dis-franchised.

But observe what followed. Lam­bert and the Army were so heightened at this success, and the Parliament (as they thought) so much obliged to them, for restoring them into their power, and preserving them in it, as they thought whatsoever they de­manded, [Page 105]would not have been denied them. Thereupon in their return to London, they take a resolution by una­nimous consent of the Officers and common Souldiers to require to have a General of their own Election, either Fleetwood or Lambert.

The Parliament having intelligence hereof, resolve the contrary; calling to mind, how six years before they had been served by Oliver, who then was their General: and therefore they thought it not fit any more to intrust so great a power in any one mans hand, least he should do as Oliver had done. And therefore they resolve and vote, to put the power of the Army into the hands of seven Commissio­ners, whereof about two or three (at most) were Army-men, and the rest Members of the Parliament.

This Vote of theirs highly dis­contented the Army, and Lambert e­specially; the business came to that height, as about the tenth or eleventh [Page 104]of October, their forces were draw out on either side at Westminste [...] Some Regiments for the Parliame [...] under the command of Haselrig, Mo [...] ­ly and others; and other Regiment for the Army, under command o [...] Lambert, Desborough, Berry and othe [...] Colonels, and ready they were t [...] charge one another. The Council o [...] State interposing, prevented blood shed, but could not appease or satisfi [...] the Army. At length the Army be­came Masters, and turned out the Par­liament, October 13. whom but a few months before, they had placed in au­thority.

But the Parliament did prudently and stoutly in one thing; when they saw whereto they must, that the Army would turn them out, a day or two before ( Octob. 11.) they made an Act presently after printed and pub­lished, That it should be high Trea­son in any, to impose, assess, collect, levy, or pay any Excise, Customs, [Page 107]Tunnage and Poundage, or any Taxe or Tallage whatsoever, from that 11th day of October, but what should be im­posed by the consent of the People themselves in Parliament.

This was a stumbling-block to the Army-men; it hindred them somewhat from the raising of money for the pre­sent; but had things succeeded accor­ding to their minde, they would soone have leapt over it, and raised what mo­nies they pleased.

The Parliament thus casheerd by the Army, the next thing they do is to provide places for themselves. Fleet-wood is made General, Lambert Lieu­tenant General, Desborough is made General of the horse. And they pro­vide a place for Monck also, who at pre­sent is Governour of Scotland; him they will make Major General of the foot. This for the Army.

For the government of the State they must take time to consider of that. But some things they lay for grounds [Page 108]and principles. 1. They'l free th [...] people of the burthen of Tythes (and in time perhaps of Ministers too) that hath been a designe all along since the Army gave Law to the Nation. 2. They will perhaps have a kinde of Parlia­ment, but not of the choyce of the peo­ple; for the people (say they) are grown generally so corrupt, as they are not fit to choose their own repre­sentatives; but must be left to the god­ly. In stead of an House of Lords they'l have a standing Senate of Army Officers and such like godly men, which shall have a Negative voice in all Par­liamentary consultations. These and some others, as I concluded out o [...] some of their books, were their de­signe.

But the truth is, though much con­sultation they had, and some progresse they made in framing a Government yet could they make no work of it, they could not agree of any. Only thus for the present exigence of affairs, the [Page 109]establish a Committee of Safety, con­sisting mostly of Army-Officers, and some Members of the late Parliament, that since the dissolution thereof, had sided with the Army, whereof Sir Hen­ry Vane was one.

But that which spoyled the sport, and gave check-mate to their new in­tended Government, was a businesse in Scotland. Monck (as I touched be­fore) was governour of that Nation, and had been so in all these changes, almost ever since Oliver took upon him the Protectors place. They had provided Monck a place among them, (so courteous they were) but they were not so prudent as to consult with him about breaking up the Parlia­ment.

And therefore upon the first intel­ligence of these things, Monck in Scot­land declares against their proceedings. The souldiers here (without expostu­lating) presently arme against him; insomuch as their forces are upon their [Page 110]march towards Scotland, from Nor­wich and the parts thereabout, upon the 29th of October the Parliament having been broken up but bare sixteen days before; Monck seeing them thus on the forehand with him, entertains them with a Treaty; Commissioners are appointed on both sides, and furnished with instructions; mean time Monck takes and fortifies Barwick upon Tweed. The newes comes that they are agre­ed, and that both parties have unani­mously declared against the interest of Charles Stuart, (so they commonly call the King) which caused much rejoy­cing amongst the Armies adherents; but this soone after proved to be false: Monck at the return of his Commissi­oners, is not satisfied in some particu­lars; Neverthelesse soone after, he desires another Treaty, which was held at Newcastle; during which time he calls a Convention of the Estates of Scotland, who (as it was reported) not only approved this his undertaking, but assisted him in it.

The Treaty at Newcastle, after some time spent therein, had no better suc­cesse than the former; They could not, or at least wise Monck would not agree. But Fleetwood notwithstand­ing gives intelligence to his adherents in Norfolk, that they were so farre a­greed, that if they should grant what Monck insisted upon, it would be no whit prejudicial to them.

While these things were thus act­ing, it pleased God there hapned a great frost, and after that so deep a snow, as the like hath not been known of many years, both for the greatnesse and continuance of it. Monck was all that time with his Army at Barwick and thereabouts, never advancing far­ther into England than Alnwick. Lam­bert and his Army having much impo­verished Yorkshire and those parts, what with Taxes and Free-quarter, were now about Newcastle, quarterred in a barren cold Countrey, and not able to march by reason of the hardnesse of the weather.

In the meane time I must tell you, from Lambers first advancing against Monck, the Londoners had been solici­ted by Fleetwood and the rest, to joyn with the Army; but they utterly re­fuse it, though they liked well enough the turning out of the Parliament. A­bout the beginning of December, the Apprentices and some others Petition the Lord Major and Court of Alder­men; the souldiers interpose; where­upon there is a great hurliburly in the City, and some blood is shed, a Cap­tain (they say) being slaine; but by the means of the Major, the tumult is appeased. Fleetwood upon this occa­sion, to curb the City, and prevent any risings hereafter, sends in a considera­ble part of his Army; they take and fortifie four houses in several parts of the City, whereof Gresham Colledge was one; these they strengthen with souldiers and Granadoes, and threat­en to fire the City in case the Citizens should stir.

VVhile these things were thus car­ried at London, Haselrig and some Ar­my Officers, that from the first had adhered to the Parliament, got into Portsmouth about December the third; and there joyning with some chief Of­ficers of the Navy, declare openly for the Parliament against the Army; And because the City of London would not joyne with them, (for they liked the Parliament as thus constituted, as ill as they did the Army) they with a consi­derable part of the Navy under the command of Lawson then Admiral, (who had a little before deserted the Army) block up the Thames; this was about a week before Christmas.

The City thus blockt up by Sea, and Garison'd with Fleetwoods souldi­ers by Land, were in a sad condition: but for all this they would neither de­clare for the Army nor Parliament, but still desired to have a free Parliament of the election of the People; to which the souldiers forced by necessity and [Page 114]want of money, at last consented; b [...] with such qualifications, as had the [...] been observed, would have rendere [...] the Parliament wholly subservient o [...] the Armies interest; And the Committee of Safety had by a Proclamation summoned the same to begin a [...] Westminster, Ianuary 24.

But the Parliament now common­ly called the Rump, (and so I shall here­after terme them) taking the oppor­tunity of this difference between the Citie and Army, made a shift to mee [...] together, (a competeur number o [...] them (about 40.) and to crowde again into the House, December 26. late in the Evening by Torch-light. But lest the Londoners should joyne with the Army, and oppose, they promise upon their first fitting, either to call in the Secluded Members by the 6th. of Jannuary; or else to issue out Writs for filling up the House by new Ele­ctions. To pacifie the Army, they passe a Vote of Indempnity to Fleet­wood, [Page 115]Lambert, and all rest of the Ar­my, both Officers and Souldiers, for what was past, in case hereafter they demeane themselves quietly; which Vote they are glad to accept of, not be­ing able farther to oppose.

But I must tell you, that before this, they had endeavoured what they might, in all the Counties, to raise money for the supply of the Army, but could not get any considerable sums. The Gentlemen in the Countrey, that had been laid horses by vertue of the late Act for the Militia (which was first set on foot by the Parliament on July last, but laid aside soone after for fear of offending the Army) these they now rate at 10 l. for every horse; yet rather than faile they would have taken fifty shillings. Some that were faint-hearted compounded at so low a rate, and paid; but many refused: And of them that compounded, the most part would never pay a penny. This was about the beginning of De­cember; [Page 116]and some money by this tri [...] they got, but not much. About th [...] same time also, they sent forth warran [...] for one moneths Tax, assessed fo [...] Drums and Colours, &c. by vertue o [...] the said Act, but this in many place [...] was never paid, and in most place [...] though rated, yet not paid. So tha [...] the want of money, was the maine thing that broke their designe; the souldiers about London, mutining and growing insolent against their Com­manders for want of pay: some of them falling to that party that adhered to the Parliament, and others offering their service and assistance to the City, whom they thought best able to enter­taine them; so that it came to that passe before the Rump got in, that Fleet­wood had little or no command of his souldiers in and about the City. And this gave another advantage to the Rump to croud in.

Being got in as before is noted, The Citizens of London are yet jealous, [Page 117]that they would not according to their promise, call in the secluded Members, nor fill up their House by new Electi­ons. And therefore they fortifie the City in several streets and places of accesse with chains and posts to pre­vent the sudden incursion of horses; For now they feared the Rump Parlia­ment, as much or more than formerly they did the Army: this was about the beginning of Ianuary.

And indeed within a few dayes af­ter they discovered their intentions; the Rump was so far from calling in the secluded Members, as they passed a Vote that never any of them should sit again: and in stead of filling up their House by a new election, they are about contriving an Oath of abju­ration, whereby to force men under a penalty to abjure the King and all the Royal Line or Family; but this Oath stuck long in debate, and at last would not passe amongst themselves.

But notwithstanding the Rump was [Page 116]thus got into possession, and likely [...] nough to hold it, Lamberts Army b [...] ing at the news of it quite broken a [...] dispersed, himself secretly departi [...] from them at Rippon, and posting [...] London to accept his Vote of Indem [...] nity. Monck advanceth with [...] Army, marching on slowly, and w [...] come to Newcastle about the sixth [...] Ianuary without the least opposition.

The Rump likes well of it, hopi [...] by his assistance to quell the City, wh [...] as yet stood at distance with them, an [...] had in a sort fortified themselves against them. The Londoners on th [...] contrary, entertaine hopes, that b [...] Moncks coming, the Parliament migh [...] be enforced, notwithstanding thei [...] former Vote, either to call in the Secluded Members, or else to fill up th [...] House with new elections, either o [...] which would have satisfied them, and one of which they resolved to insis [...] upon. All expectations on either side, are upon Monck, but no man [Page 119]knew certainly what his intentions were.

The Rump had from the first intel­ligence of Moncks advancing, after Lamberts Army was disbanded and broken, sent two of their Members ( Ro­binson and Scot) to wait upon him, or rather indeed as Spies to watch and observe him. The City of London had also sent their Sword-bearer as far as Newcastle, to congratulate his com­ing, and to tender the respects and af­fections of the City to him. He re­ceives him courteously, returns hearty thanks to the City, but nothing satis­factory of what they expected: so that hitherto, and long after he marched hooded in allusion to his name; no man could tell what to make of him, nor what his design, or the end of his com­ing was, but men guessed and hoped, according as their opinions and desires were: but the Rump both now, and long after, were as confidently assured of him, as of any man within their own walls.

Passing through Yorkshire he is [...] norably received by the Lord Fairfa [...] and the Northern Gentlemen, w [...] had not many dayes before contrib [...] ted much to the reducing of a part of Lamberts Officers and Souldier that had possessed themselves of York.

While Monck was there, divers o [...] the Yorkshire Gentlemen were very desirous to understand his intentions, an [...] to that purpose, requested Sir Henr [...] Cholmely one of their number, to go t [...] him and talk privately with him; whic [...] he did, & had conveniencie of discours [...] with him. At his return they were bi [...] with expectation, and demanded o [...] him what he thought of the General He told them he thought he was like the Peace of God; they asking why? he answers, because he passeth all under­standing. This I was credibly inform­ed of by a Yorkshire Minister, living in those parts.

Coming along all the way to Saint Albones, he receives several Addresses [Page 121]from all or most of the Counties of England, all importing their humble desires, that either the Secluded Mem­bers might be called in, or that the House may be filled up by new electi­ons, that so one way or other, they might have again a full and free Parli­ament; the want of which they ap­prehend to be the cause of all their late sufferings, and frequent changes of Go­vernment, to the oppression of the people, and high dishonor of the English Nation. He receives them all cour­teously, treats them civilly, but for an­swer tells them, That he was but a ser­vant to the Parliament, and that only in a Military capacity; that it became not him to interpose in Civil affairs; that the Parliament he doubted not, would do them right, and satisfie their just desires: That for the calling in of the Secluded Members, the Parliament had already given judgement in that point, and they ought to acquiesce there­in; But for the filling up the House, [Page 122]he told them it was now under deb [...] and doubted not but they should receive f [...] satisfaction therein; and therefore [...] exhorts them to attend with patien [...] the determinations of the House, an [...] not by any unseasonable importunit [...] to disturbe their Counsels, which migh [...] be a meanes to delay their satisfaction and the settlement of the Nation, whic [...] (said he) was now intended, and rea [...] to be effected.

From Devonshire also (though fa [...] remote out of his way) he receive [...] the like Address (one of the first tha [...] were tendred to him) wherein afte [...] complaint made of their greivances▪ they earnestly desire the calling in o [...] the secluded Members. But to them (be­ing his Countrymen, and some of them near allied to him) he returns by way of answer, a courteous Letter; where­in amongh other thing [...] he tels them, that the calling in of the secluded Members could not safely be yielded to, most of them being known to be [Page 123]Assertors of Monarchy; He gives them several Reasons, shewing, that as the case of affairs now stood, Mo­narchy was utterly inconsistent with this Nation: That a Republick or Free State was the only Govern­ment, wherein the several interests of the Nation, both Ecclesiastical and Civil might be best preserved: And therefore in the conclusion, he desires them that by their impatiencies they would not obstruct the Parliaments consultations, otherwise (saies he) our peace will be so much the longer a stranger to us, and we thereby made a prey to our selves and forreign ene­mies. This was from Leicester, Jan. 23. and soon after this Letter was printed and published by the Parlia­ment Intelligencer.

Thus giving fair and plausible an­swers to all such as addressed themselves unto him, he marches along and comes to Saint Albones about the latter end of January; where still Addresses are [Page 124]made to him out of Suffolk, Norfolk and other places, which receive the like answers that others did. But these Addresses (ye must know) were also tendred to the Parliament, though some that tendred them, were clap [...] by the heels for their pains (as the Berk-shire Gentlemen) and others threatned; whereas Water-men o [...] London, for a congratulatory Address made to them at the same time, re­ceived the solemn thanks of the House.

While he was at Saint Albones, some Aldermen and Common-Council men, are sent to him from the City o [...] London, to congratulate his coming and court him; but are returned as formerly, with thanks for their respects.

From Saint Albones he removes t [...] Barnet, where he makes a stay, refusing to come to London, until Lamberts Souldiers were out of the City Mean-time Saint James's House is appointed for his Lodging, and th [...] [Page 125]Custody of the Park is voted to him, to hold during the pleasure of the Par­liament, with some other like ho­nours, a magnificent Reward for such an undertaking.

The Souldiers that were late Lam­berts, being voided the City, Monk and his Army marches to London, on Friday, February 3. and is lodged at White-Hall, at whose coming, there is great joy and triumphing all over the City.

On Wednesday following, Febr. 8. The City continuing still in their re­fractoriness and opposition to the Par­liament, they meet in Common-Council, and there pass a Vote or Or­der, Not to pay or levy any Taxes, until such time as they may have a full and free Parliament: For hitherto you must know, the Rump had not agreed upon qualifications for filling up the House; and many thought they never intended it; but only to establish themselves in perpetual authority.

Upon this Vote or Resolve of the Common-Council, the Rump are highly offended, and send a strict or­der to Monk to march the next day with his Army into the City; To pull up their chains and posts, to break down the gates and portcullis of the City; to imprison forwith in the Tower divers Aldermen and Com­moners, that were conceived to be chiefly active in passing those Votes. This command of theirs, Monk exe­cutes next day, Febr. 9. to the great terror and amazement, not only of the City, but of the whole Nation and Kingdom, when they heard the re­port of it: All hearts are saddened, and now most men conclude, that Monk is not the man designed of God for the delivery of this oppressed Nation.

The Gentlemen in the several Counties that had subscribed and ten­dred their Addresses and Declarations, begin now to fear their own Stakes; there being in some of their Declara­tions, [Page 127]expressions against paying taxes without a free Parliament: It had (I must tell also you) before this, been mo­ved in the House, that those Gentle­men that tendred these Addresses, might be sequestred; yet at that time, it was carried in the Negative. They had cause to fear also, that if they intended at all to fill up the House by new Elections, they would impose such qualifications, as should exclude all such Gentlemen in all Counties, as either subscribed or delivered these Addresses: and so the greatest part by far of the Gentry of England, would be made incapable of serving their Country, and consequently the filling up of the House by such a choice, as would then be allowed, would be but a means further to enslave both them­selves and their Posterities.

For these and the like considerati­ons, they had some thoughts and re­solutions in most Counties (as it was reported) to second their Addresses or [Page 128]Declarations with Arms, thereby to vindicate their Native Rights from the oppression of a Combination of Tyrants, who had a long time usurped the supream power of the Nation, and were now perpetuating that usurpati­on upon the free-born people, to their utter slavery and oppression. And it was verily conceived, that had not the face of affairs suddenly changed, by Monks unhooding himself, the whole Kingdom would soon have been put into a general flame of combustion: for the City of London, by this late af­front, were rather incensed than awed: though their Gates and Portcullesses were broken, yet their hearts and cou­rages remained entire, and were the more confirmed and hardened: and had the Counties unanimously risen, it is like the Londoners would not have sit still: for the whole Kingdom was generally exasperated against the Rump; and the dispersed soulders of Lamberts Army, not knowing where [Page 129]to quarter, nor how to live, might probably be thought willing to adhere to any party, that were in a capacity to entertain them with pay.

The Rump (as it is conceived) by putting Monk upon that base imploy­ment, of being their City-Scavenger, had a design not only to terrifie and curb the City, but also to make Monk and his Army odious and irreconcile­able to them, whereby they might engage him hereafter more firmly to themselves.

Monk having thus executed the Commands of the Rump, he is trou­bled in his mind at it. And upon Sa­turday following, Febr. 11. he draws his Army into Finsbury Fields, and sending for the Lord Mayor and some of the chief Citizens, he had some discourse with them: And presently after, he writes a Letter to the Par­liament, as from White-hall, wherein he tels them, that he had done their commands, though not without some [Page 130]regret; never any such thing having in all these late troubles, been done to that City, so eminent for the assistance and adherency to Parliamentary Au­thority; He minded them, that the end of his coming and first under­taking, as appears in his Declaration, was not only to preserve them in their present power, but to vindicate the liberties and priviledges of Parlia­ments, with the Native rights and freedom of the people; That he ob­served that some persons impeached of high Treason, were yet suffered to sit in the House: That Lambert, Sir Henry Vane and others, persons of dan­gerous principles, and highly guilty of the late dissention of the Army, and of the horrid force put upon the Par­liament, were yet suffered to be in and about the City: That though they had voted the continuance of the setled maintenance of Ministers, yet they were now upon contriving of another en­gagement that would force many of the [Page 131]most conscientious of them, from the enjoyment of their Means: That there had been too many oaths already im­posed upon the Nation, and that they had more need to mourn for the breach of oaths, than to impose new ones. And that he observed, that those men were most forward to impose oaths, who made least conscience of keeping them: He minded them also of a Pe­tition of dangerous consequence, that they had lately received and counte­nanced from the Fanatick party. These and some other grievances he com­plains of, and then adds his humble desires, that they would by Friday following issue out Writs for filling up their House by new Elections, with due and reasonable qualifications; And that they would put a certain and spee­dy period to their present sitting, whereby the People may enjoy the benefit of successive Parliaments, which is (saith he) the undoubted right of the English Nation. And in [Page 132]the pursuance of these things, he wil [...] not fail to stand by them and assist them to the utmost of his power with all fi­delity. To this effect (as I remem­ber) was his Letter signed by himself and the chief Officers of his Army, as from White-hall, Febr. 11.

This highly pleased and rejoyced the Londoners, and made full satisfacti­on for the former rigidity done them: Monk herein granting the full of what they formerly desired or expected from him. It was as great cause of joy to the whole Kingdom, as to the City. All that Saturday afternoon, there was Ringing, and Bonefires, and trium­phing, till twelve of the clock at night, and feasting Monks Officers and Souldiers with wine and good chear; nothing was too dear for them At Norwich and in all places of the King­dom, at the first report of the News, there was the like rejoycing and tri­umphing, in hope of a free Parliament. So much was the Rump in the affecti­ons [Page 133]of the people, as they desired no­thing more than to be rid of them.

Soon after Monk had thus decla­red himself, and joyned with the Ci­ty and whole Kingdom in their just de­sires, The secluded Members (who a great many of them had been all this time in and about London) addressed themselves to him: he desires a confe­rence to be had between them and some of the Rump: they meet ten in number of either side, to argue and debate the business: One challenging admission as Members of the House, and unjustly before excluded: the other refusing to admit them, unless they will confirm all that was done since their exclusion as just and lawful, or at leastwise engage (as themselves had done) against a single Person or House of Lords. Two several meet­ings they had about this debate, but could not agree.

A day or two after, Monk cals the secluded Members alon [...], and demands [Page 134]of them, if they were still firm an [...] constant in their resolution of not e [...] ­gaging against a single Person; the [...] answer him, yea; and that they are im­movable in that resolution. Where­upon he cals them altogether, a matte [...] of fourscore of them (almost twic [...] the number of those that sate) goe [...] along with them, and puts them int [...] the Parliament-House, to sit with th [...] rest of the Members, Febr. 21. bein [...] Tuesday: having first delivered t [...] some of the Rump, a paper written t [...] prevent mistakes, wherein he declares That after several debates had be­tween them, he had now received ful­ler satisfaction from those worth [...] Gentlemen that were secluded former­ly: But he yet expressed his own pri­vate opinion and judgement, to be fo [...] a Common-wealth or free State, an [...] gave some reasons for it.

The secluded Members being thu [...] restored, who had for eleven years an [...] more been k [...]pt out from dischargin [...] [Page 135]their trust, there is great rejoycing and triumphing again both in London and all parts of the Kingdom, with Ring­ing and Bonefires making, &c. but some of the Rump upon their re­storing, (it is said) withdrew and would sit no more.

Presently after their restoring, they vote Monk to be General of all the for­ces of England, Scotland and Ireland, Sir William Waller (one of the secluded Members, to be Leiutenant-General, and Rossiter a Lincolnshire Gentleman, (and one that had formerly served the Parliament) to be General of the Horse. They constitute Montagu to be Admiral at Sea, instead of Lawson; and they appoint a new Council of State. Soon after they make an Act for setling the Militia of the King­dom, together with some Acts con­cerning Ministers. And taking order for calling of a new Parliament to con­vene at Westminster, April 25. they dissolve themselves on Friday the 16th of March.

And thus by Gods great blessing we have lived to see an end of th [...] unhappy long Parliament, that ha [...] been the cause of misery and calamit [...] to these three late flourishing King­doms, for these nineteen years an [...] more last past. And all this brough [...] to pass without one drop of blood­shed, by the prudent and politick con­duct of General Monk, who with [...] small Army (an handful of men i [...] comparison) not past four thousan [...] foot and eighteen hundred horse, and those not very well accommodated [...] marched from Berwick through th [...] heart of England, to the City of Lon­don without the least opposition, an [...] at length gained the power and com­mand of that opulent and potent Ci­ty: Lamberts Army being at leas [...] twelve or thirteen thousand men, wel [...] hors'd and well appointed, breaking in pieces and mouldring away in [...] moment; the Troops and Compa­nies marching from place to place [Page 137]where they might find quarter, till af­terwards most of them (their Officers cashierd) were received and listed un­der the command of General Monk.

Afterwards by degrees he purges his Army, putting out all Anabaptists, Quakers, and other Fanaticks, both Officers and common Souldiers, as they are or can be discoverd, both in the Army and Garisons, and placeth others in their steads. Overton a fifth Monarchy-man, who pretended to hold Hull for the Lord Jesus Christ, was yet notwithstanding commanded to surrender it to Mr. Charls Fairfax, a Yorkshire Gentleman, which accord­ingly he did: and the like was done in all other Garisons, the Army-men dis­placed, and Gentlemen of the Coun­try, or other confiding persons put in their steads.

Soon after the putting in of the se­cluded Members, Lambert is com­mitted to the Tower: Haselrig, Scot, and others are under examination, but [Page 138]dismissed, upon their promise or e [...] ­gagement to demean themselv [...] peaceably.

Lambert not long after finds means to escape out of the Tower, and abou [...] the middle of April, or soon after, appears in Arms about Northampton in the head of a party, many of th [...] cashierd Officers and Souldiers of th [...] Fanatick and discontented party, being got together. And it is generally conceived, that all the Anabaptists Quakers, and other factious people in all parts of the Kingdom, had a design to have risen and joyned with him, had he not been timely suppressed. But Colonel Ingoldsby being sent agains [...] him with a party, he surrounds them all, (being not above five or six hun­dred); whereupon most of the com­mon Soul [...]iers come in, and yield themselves; and Lambert with some Commanders are taken upon the place, without a stroke striking, only a scout [Page 139]of Lamberts (they say) was slain. Co­lonel Okey and some others escaped by flight.

Lambert being thus taken, is brought to London together with Colonel Cobbet, Major Creed, and young Haselrig, Sir Arthurs Son. These were all brought up in a Coach through Hide Park; on Tuesday, April. 29. what time there was the greatest general Muster of Citizens that ever was seen in or near London: Of trai­ned men and Auxiliaries there were at least twenty thousand (some say thirty thousand) men in Armes; Some of the Nobility, and many Gentlemen of quality trayling pikes voluntarily amongst them. The Prisoners brought through the Ar­my, and sufficiently hooted at, they afterwards drove the Coach under Tyburn, and there made a [Page 141]stand. This was done (I s [...] ­pose) to minde them of th [...] destiny, or at least of their dese [...] and to disgrace them, who ha [...] so long time insulted and d [...] ­mineered over the Nobility, Ge [...] ­try and Commonalty of the King­dom. A just reward to use the [...] uncivilly, who had so barba­rously abused both King and Peo­ple.

The Parliament according t [...] Appointment, began at Westmi [...] ­ster, April the twenty fifth, th [...] House of Commons being electe [...] and called by Writs, issuin [...] out in the name of the Keepers o [...] the Liberties of England, by a [...] ­thority of Parliament, (a Titl [...] invented presently upon the chang [...] of the Government from a Mo­narchy to a Common-wealth in the year one thousand six hundred for [...] [Page 140]eight) the Lords and Peers of the upper House taking their places by vertue of their birth-rights and ancient dignities.

Soon after the sitting of the Parliament, there arrived at Lon­don, the Lord Mordant and Sir John Greenvile with a Declaration from his Majesty, as also several Letters. One to the House of of P [...]ers; another to the House of Commons; a third to the Lord Mayor, Aldermen and Common Council of the City of London; and a fourth to General Monk, to be by him communicated to the Council of State, and to the Of­ficers of the several Armies under his Command: which Declarati­on and several Letters from his Majesty, were presented according to their several directions, May the first.

In his Declaration, he offers [...] 1. A general Pardon to all of a [...] sorts, excepting only such as th [...] Parliament should think fit to ex­cept: provided, that they sue ou [...] their Pardons under the great Sea [...] of England, within fourty daye [...] after the publication thereof.

2. He offers a Liberty to ten­der Consciences for matters of Re­ligion so far forth as the Parlia­ment should think fit; and to con­sent to such an Act as the Parlia­ment for that purpose shall tender to his Majesty.

3. For the sales and purchases of Lands made since these late troubles, he is willing to leave it to the determination of Parlia­ment, whom he presumes best able to provide for the satisfaction of all such as are concerned there­in.

And Lastly, he promiseth full sa­tisfaction of Arrears to all Officers and Souldiers of General Monck's Army, and to receive them into his service upon as good pay and conditions, as they now enjoy. This was the sum of his Declarati­on, published at Breda, April 14. 1660. in the twelfth year of his Majesties Reign.

This Declaration together with his several Letters afore-mentioned, were highly accepted. The Lord Mayor, Aldermen and Common Council, after the reading of them, cried out unanimously, God save King Charls; and presently took down the Common-wealths Arms that hung in the Guild-hall, and (as they say) brake them in pieces, or­dering the King Arms to be hung up in their place, and gave solemn thanks by their Recorder to his Ma­jesties Messengers.

The Lords received their Lette [...] by the Lord Mordant, with the li [...] joy and loyal affection. The Hou [...] of Commons having read their Le [...] ­ter and the Declaration, voted [...] satisfactory; and presently vote [...] the Government of the Nation t [...] be in his Majesty, as the rightful an [...] undoubted heir of the three Nati­ons of England, Scotland and Ire­land; They ordered also [...] Committee to meet for drawing up a Letter of thanks to his Majesty for his most gracions Declaration: And to Sir John Greenvile who de­livered the Letter, they gave five hun­dred pound as a gratuity to buy him a Jewel.

Both they and the Lords further ordered, that six of the upper House, and fifteen of the House of Com­mons should be forthwith sent to his Majesty, to invite and attend him in­to [Page 145]to England. Montague the Admiral at Sea is commanded to wait upon him, with a Squadron of Ships, and fifty thousand pound is ordered for his Majestjes expences, as also ten thousand pound to the Duke of York, and five thousand pound to the Duke of Glocester.

The Letter also and Declaration to the Army, gave no lesser satis­faction both to the General, Offi­cers and Souldiers; they all unani­mously owning his Majesty in an high degree.

On Tuesday the eighth of May, the King was solemnly proclaimed in London, with the greatest ex­pressions and acclamations of Joy that possibly could be; and the like was soon after done in all Counties, Cities, Corporations, and inlet Towns all over England. No King [Page 146]ever coming to his Throne, with [...] great satisfaction and rejoycing of the People; thereby giving an eviden [...] Demonstration to the world, that i [...] was not the People of England, not the Parliament or Representative [...] of the People, but only a factious and seditious party, encouraged and supported by a perfidious and traiterous Army, that murdered the late King, disinherited his chil­dren, and overthrew the ancient Fundamental and well constituted government of the Nation, turning it from a Monarchy to a Common­wealth; and thereby occasioned these horrid confusions, and frequent changes and reelings of Govern­ment, that afterwards ensued, to the high reproach and dishonour of the English Nation. For no sooner were the People and Par­liament of England, by the mercy of God, delivered from the vas­sallage [Page 147]of an imperious and do­mineering Army, and put in a condition of freedom, but they presently return to their Allegi­ance, and call in the undoubt­ed Heir of the Crown, submit­ting to his Government, with the greatest cheerfulness and re­joycing that could be imagi­ned.

And thus God who only doth wonders, hath wrought won­derfully for this sinful Nation, turning our Captivity, as the Rivers in the South, smooth­ly, gently, calmly, without any tumult or torrent, after so many horrid confusions, as we have lain under for so many years to­gether, even to the wonder and astonishment, not only of our selves, but of all the Neighbour Nations round about us; who must [Page 149]needs acknowledge in our behalf, (as was sometimes done in the case of Israel,) that the Lord hath done great things for them; and we must needs with the Is­raelites answer, by way of eccho, Yea the Lord hath done great thing for us already whereof we rejoyce, Psalm 126. The People of England were never conceived or reported to be so much against their King, as now they mani­festly appear to be for him; even all of all sorts, but such only whose guilt makes them desperate, like Cain, thinking their wickedness greater then can be forgiven. And here for a conclusion, we may fitly and truly (in a sence) take take up that saying of the Psalmist, and apply it to the present occasi­on: The same stone which the builders refused, is become the head­stone of the Corner: This is the [Page 148]Lords doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes.

To the same God be Glory for his great and Glorious Work. May 21. 1660.

A Brief View of England's Settle­ment, after the Troubles, and Confusions, began, and occasioned by the Prevalent Faction of the Long Parliament, being the National History continued from the Restauration of His most Sacred Majesty King CHARLES the Second, to the beginning of the year 1663.

THe face of Things began to look towards a settlement upon General MONK 's auspicious closure with the City of LONDON; 1660. Apr. 25. & fair­er hopes of Peace appeared upon his restoring the Secluded Members, and their Votes for their own dissolution, and the speedy calling of a Free Parliament: but when, according to appointment, it be­gan [Page 2]at Westminster on April the twen [...] fifth, the House of Commons being electe [...] and called by Writs issued out in the Na [...] of The Keepers of the Liberties of ENG­LAND by authority of Parliament; a [...] the Lords and Peers of the Ʋpper-House r [...] ­suming their antient Birth-rights, and here­ditary Priviledges; the Expectations of [...] men, as well as Their Desires, who wishe [...] well to the Prosperity of the Nation, was that its settlement would be most surely an [...] stedfastly founded in the Restauration [...] their Native Prince, His now most Sacre [...] Majesty, to those His undoubted Preroga­tives, and Rights, which hitherto He ha [...] Himself been unjustly kept from by rebelli­ous Usurpation, and for the maintenan [...] whe [...]eof, and the Subjects just Liberties, H [...] Royal Father had fell a blessed Martyr, an [...] glorious Sacrifice. While this restori [...] the King was, in all wise Patriots opinion the oneliest Expedient, and surest Founda [...] on for settlement of the Kingdome, othe [...] wise now drawing on to a fatal Period, an [...] almost breathless; yet so general a stain o [...] Delinquency had sullied the face of the who [...] Nation, what by rebellious Actings, unwo [...] thy Compliances, or cowardly Submission that they thought it needfull at the fa [...] [Page 3]time to restore the King His Crown and Dignity, and be by Him restored in Blood themselves. So formal an Attainder did the Parliament pass on the Nation's late re­bellious Enormities. And this made way for consulting how to procure from His Ma­ [...]esty at His return for all former misdeeds His Gracious Impunity. But the Royal Favour prevents them suddenly by a Decla­ration sent from Breda by the Lord Vis­count Mordant, and Sir John Greenvil (now Earl of Bath) accompanied with a Letter to the House of Peers; another to the House of Commons; a third to the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Common-Council of the City of LONDON; a fourth to Gene­ral MONK, to be by him communicated to the then Council-of-State (whereof he was a Member) and the Officers of the re­spective Armies under his command. The Royal Declaration, and these Letters were, according to the Directions, and Orders, which they had received from His Majesty, presented severally on the first of May fol­lowing. May 1. The substance of all which, and the general applause and acceptance they met with respectively from the whole Body of the Nation, being given you in the former part of this History, it shall suffice in brief [Page 4]therefore here only to say, that the issue a [...] product of the general joy thence conceiv [...] was, that the House of Lords thereon Res [...] ­ved upon eight Lords to joyn in a Comm [...] ­tee with the like number of Commons, [...] take into consideration such things, as mig [...] orderly tend to the good and necessary en [...] of obtaining the King's return again u [...] His People, whereby the Breaches might made up, and a firm Peace settled; and wit [...] all to frame a Letter of Thanks and A [...] knowledgment to His Majesty for His G [...] ­cious Letter and Declaration. The Comm [...] on their part appointed a Committee [...] the same ends also, and having ordered [...] John Greenvil 500 l. to buy him a Jewel a [...] Testimony of the respects of that Ho [...] to him, and as a Badg of Honour for brin­ing them so Gracious a Message from [...] Majesty, it was left to the Council-of-St [...] to see it paid; and referred by a Committ [...] to the City to consider how 50000 [...] might be speedily raised, and presented [...] Majesty, and a further sum to gratifie [...] Army; May 2. who on the day following present their General MONK an Address in t [...] name of themselves and their Brethren, [...] stifying their compliance with, and sub [...] ­sion to the products of the Parliame [...] [Page 5]Counsels, and their acquiescency in His Ma­jestie's Declaration.

On the third of May also General Mon­ [...]ague, May 3. and the whole Fleet under his Com­mand, having received and read a Letter di­ [...]ected to General Monk and himself, toge­ [...]her with His Majestie's Gracious Message, and His Royal Declaration, submitted una­nimously.

This new face of the publick Affairs cau­sed Easter-Term to be adjourned till Quin­ [...]ue Pasche, which was on the eighth of this Moneth of May. The day before, May 7. King CHARLES the First his Statue, which had [...]een thrown down by the violent & traite­ [...]ous Defacers as well of the living Patterns, [...]s the senseless Monuments of Monarchy, was set up again in Guild-Hall-yard, and a­ [...]ew restored. And about this time the Gene­ [...]al Convention in Ireland declared their De­ [...]estation of the unjust Proceedings against [...]is late Royal Majesty King CHARLES the [...]irst in the pretended High-Court-of-Justice.

And now, after so long domestick Trou­ [...]ies, besides those foreign ones, which the Ʋsurper's Policy had involved the Nation [...]n, to secure his own single more then the [...]ublick Interest, the voice of Peace and Gladness seemed to be returning again to [Page 6]the English Borders; while, besides t [...] hopes of an home Tranquillity, a daily [...] ­crease of Trade was expected both Inwa [...] and Outward: a mutual discharge of P [...] ­soners both on our and the Spanish part be­ing agreed on, and signed by the Lord G [...] ­neral MONK, and the Marquess de Car [...] ­cena; and accordingly the Spanish Prisone [...] were on the tenth of May discharged fro [...] Chelsey-College, May 10. and the Commissioners f [...] the Admiralty and Navy Ordered to p [...] the rest of the Agreement in speedy exe [...] ­tion. But, His Majesty being not yet act [...] ­ally returned, and that Faction, whose Inte [...] ­ests at first involved the Nation in bloo [...] still endeavouring to keep it so, rath [...] then to admit His most Sacred Majesty [...] those Rights, and Privileges, the then R [...] ­presentative Power of the Nation had d [...] ­clared His; since the horrid guilt of the [...] Crimes, and Treasons, did make them d [...] spair of ever obtaining either Pardon, [...] Impunity, though from the meekest a [...] mildest of Kings; the Lords and Commo [...] Assembled in Parliament, to prevent tho [...] Tumults, Riots, Outrages, and Misdemea [...] ours, which might be attempted by su [...] unquiet and discontented spirits, to the d [...] ­turbance of the Publick Peace, and the [...] ­menting [Page 7]New Troubles, did on Monday, May the seventh, by Proclamation Order, May 7. and Declare, That all Sheriffs, Justices of the Peace, Mayors, Constables, and other Mini­sters of Publick Justice, that were in Office on the twenty fifth day of April, 1660, should be continued in their respective Offi­ces, and exercise the same in the King's Ma­jestie's Name, and Stile, and use their best endeavours to suppress, and prevent all Ri­ots, Tumults, unlawfull Assemblies, and Mis­demeanours whatsoever against the Laws and Peace of the Realm, and all Treasonable and Seditious Words, Reports, and Rumours against His Majestie's Royal Person and Au­thority, and proceed against all Offenders therein according to Law and Justice. And for the better enabling them to effect the same, all Military Officers, and Soldiers, and all others, were by the same Proclama­tion enjoyned to be aiding and assisting to them therein. The Civil Magistrate being thus empowred for the preserving the Pub­lick Peace, now in so fair a way of settle­ment, from infringement by any Insurrecti­ons whatever; and the Military Forces of the City-Trained-Bands and Auxiliaries ap­pearing both so numerous and unanimous at their Rendezvouz in Hide-Park, on Tues­day [Page 8]the twenty fourth of April last pa [...] where they were drawn forth according [...] an Order of the Council-of-State; and th [...] Commissioners for attending His Majest [...] both from the House of Lords, the Common [...] and the City, with their several respecti [...] Answers to His Royal Letter, and humb [...] Thanks for His Gracious Declaration, bein [...] nominated and agreed on, and Present provided to be sent by them to the KING and His two most Royal Brothers, JAME [...] Duke of YORK, and HENRY Duke [...] GLOCESTER: on Tuesday, May th [...] eighth, May 8. His Sacred Majesty, with th [...] greatest signes of Affection and Loyalt [...] from Persons of all Degrees, Qualities, an [...] Sex, was solemnly Proclaimed in the Citie [...] of London and Westminster, according t [...] the antient Ceremonies; and, within [...] short time after, all the rest of the Kingdo [...] over, with the like Demonstrations eithe [...] of a joyfull Acceptance, or a quiet Submissi­on at least, and Acquiescency. And now the next Votes of the Houses were (wh [...] the regular course of Affairs it self dictated) for His speedy return to the Parliament, an [...] the executing of His Kingly Office. An [...] by other Orders in the interim the Arms o [...] the Common-wealth veil in all Courts of J [...] ­stice, [Page 9]and other Publick places both at Land and Sea, and give place to the Ensigus Roy­al; the Ministers likewise, who hitherto, either for fear, or disaffection, had discon­tinued, and left off that solemnest piece of Apostolick and Primitive Devotion of pray­ing for their Lawfull Magistrate and Sove­reign, were now enjoyned in their Publick Prayers to pray for the KING's most Ex­cellent Majesty by the Name of Our Sove­reign Lord CHARLES by the Grace of God of Engl [...]nd, Scotland, France, and Ire­land, King, Defender of the Faith, &c. and for the most Illustrious Prince JAMES Duke of YORK, and the rest of the Royal Pro­geny; while Dr. Matthew Griffith, and several others, who had been before secured for promoting and preaching-up the Regal Interest, were discharged, and set again at liberty. All Proceedings whatever in all particular Courts of Judicature, and else­where, were next Ordered to be in His Ma­jestie's Name: and a Committee appointed to consider of the Manner of His return, and to prepare all things necessary for His reception; which was afterwards referred to the Council-of-State.

On Thursday, being the tenth of May, May 10. both Houses kept a day of solemn Thanks­giving [Page 10]for the deliverance of the Nati [...] from that Oppression, that it had so lo [...] groaned under; which being performed a [...] ­cording to the antient Discipline of th [...] Church of England, and His Majesty pray­ed-for in publick before them according [...] their late Resolves; the Commons afte [...] wards, both Houses being sate, Ordere [...] That those Opprobrious Badges, known [...] the name of the Scotch Colours, which the Ʋsurper had caused to be hanged up i [...] Westminster-Hall in memory of the Defe [...] given the Army under the Command [...] Duke Hamilton on the seventeenth of A [...] ­gust 1648, should be forthwith taken down which was done accordingly. Then, ha­ving passed Instructions for the Commissio­ners, who were to carry the Letters to H [...] Majesty both from the Lords and Commons which were together with the Letters deli­vered to Denzil Hollis Esq (one of th [...] Commissioners from the House of Commons, and since by His Majestie's especial favour, on April the twentieth 1661 created Ba­ron Hollis of Ifeld) on the eleventh and twelfth the said Commissioners, together with those from the City, began their jour­ney towards His Majesty, whose Names [...] here insert for the preservation (as f [...]r as [...] ­mellies) [Page 11]of that Honour, which was then justly done to Persons so happily instrumen­tal in the settling both of the King's Per­son, and the Kingdom's Peace. For the House of Lords went the Earls of Middle­sex, and Warwick, with the Lord Brooks, Lord Viscount Hereford, and Lord Barkley: Dr. Charlton was appointed their Physician. The House of Commons was represented by the Lords Fairfax, Bruce, Falkland, Castle­ton, Herbert, and Mandevil; to whom were added Sir Horatio Townshend, Sir Anthony Ashley-Cooper, Sir George Booth, Sir John Holland, Sir Henry Cholmley, and the fore­named Denzil Hollis Esquire. The Commis­sioners for the Honourable City of London, were Sir James Bunce Baronet, Alderman Langham, Alderman Reynardson, Alderman Brown, Sir Nicholas Crisp, Alderman Thompson, Alderman Frederick, Alderman Adams, Recorder Wilde, Alderman Robin­son, Alderman Bateman, Alderman Wale, Theophilus Biddolph, Richard Ford, William Vincent, Thomas Bludworth, William Bate­man, John Lewes, Esquires, Major Chamber­lain, and Colonel Bromfield. May 11, 12. Of the Com­missioners of the Lords and Commons part began their journey on the eleventh, and the residue set forward in a costly Brigan­dine [Page 12]on the twelfth; at what time those [...] the City began in Coaches their progre [...] also. Sir John Greenvil, having taken hi [...] leave of both Houses, his Excellency, and the City, had returned a day or two before, to attend the service of His Sacred Majesty. These being thus dispatched on their Mes­sage, the two Houses next care was for the securing the Publick Peace untill His Maje­stie's arrival, or that His Pleasure were far­ther known. To which end also the Coun­cil-of-State was very diligent in the Com­mitment and Examinations of all Persons, who seemed any way disaffected: while some Magistrates also, known Abettors of, and Actors in most of the Ʋsurper's Coun­sels, and whom the Declaration of May the seventh afore-mentioned had continued in their respective Offices, were as earnest and busie herein, as the most truly Loyal; hoping perhaps, that, if they could make a discove­ry of other mens guilt, it would be a suffi­cient Atonement for their own former De­linquency. But the prudent Parliament taking into their consideration the prepa­ring Bils in order to the making & drawing up of an Act of Oblivion, which His Majesty promised, in His Declaration from Breda, that He would pass with the Royal Assent [Page 13]for all but His Father's Murtherers; they, having first heard the whole Proceedings of that pretended Trial read, made an advised progress in the Exemption of those blackest Traitors from all Impunity. Yet, while they intended the Exemplary punishment of the Actors and Designers of so horrid and execrable a Barbarism, as the Murther of His late Majesty was, they proceeded cau­tiously withall, to prevent new dangers, and disturbances, which might arise from a jea­lousie thence enkindled in the breasts of o­thers, whose Actions or Compliances might, if not remitted, and forgiven them by the Royal Clemency, render them likewise cri­minal. Of this sort some few, both in the City, and other the remoter parts of the Nation, had about this time attempted some Bustle, and designed some mad kind of pri­vate Rising; having provided Saddles, and Arms, to furnish out those Horses they could feloniously catch napping at Grass, or burglarily fetch out of the Owners Stables. So certain is it, that n="*" 1 Sam. xv. 22. Rebellion is as the sin of Witchcraft; and that there is a complica­tion of all Crimes else, where Treason is Head and Leader. But this was but a shal­low Design, and truly fanatical; the vi­gilancy of the Council-of-State over the Ci­ty, [Page 14]and of those other Honourable Pers [...] ­nages the respective Countries were for th [...] [...]sent put under, and entrusted with, pr [...] [...]ting them both in the one place, an [...] [...]e other. Another party of them, wh [...] either had received of their fellow-Traitor [...] as the reward of their Treason, some porti­on of the Crown or Church-Lands; or els [...] by a just Providence were suffered to pur­chase at low and under-rates a Canker to their whole Estates, as a worthy guerdon o [...] their sacrilegious Covetise, seeing the Stream bent against them, and the Tide retiring from their Mills, bethought themselves of acting more politickly then the others that were the madd [...]r did, to hazard their lives by a new Rebellion for to secure to them­selves Es [...] [...]o unjustly gotten: but held it the be [...] [...]art of Prudence, to make Hay rather w [...] the Sun shone; and accordingly fell to d [...]astation of the Woods and Tim­ber, the committing of Waste, and other illegal practises, in those Houses, and on those Lands, which they did for that pre­sent time enjoy, but knew e're long they must unwillingly part withall. To redress which Grievances, and remedy so injurious Actings, a Military Power was not so proper as some wholesome and timely Orders of [Page 15] Parliament: which the House of Lords did [...]ssue out, to put a stop to the demolishing, defacing, or committing Waste, in any Houses, or Lands, belonging to the King's Majesty; and that no Wood, or Timber should be felled, and what was already fel­led, and remained there, should not be thence removed, untill the pleasure of both Houses were further signified concerning the same. Whereunto the Commons also on the seventeenth of May concurred, May 17. untill further Order came from His Majesty.

And now they seemed at some leisure to proceed in the Bill of Assessments, which appeared to be of highest necessity at that present. But, amidst that Debate, one Re­solve passed them, though not of so absolute a publick concernment, yet doubtless of ve­ry great Piety, Charity, and Justice; yea, and I may add Prudence too: for, since the Exchequer was now a-new to be sanctified (as I may say) and restored to its primitive use of supplying the true and lawfull Sove­reign, it was highly fit, that it should be purged first from their sacrilegious defile­ments, who had indeed made it sacred, but, in that same sense, as the Heathen Poet termed their beloved Gold so. And this the Commons on Friday May the eleventh ef­fected, May 11. [Page 16]whereby they voted back the repay­ment thence of seven thousand nine hun­dred seventy and eight pounds eight shil­lings and nine pence; which, being former [...] collected under pretense of the relief of th [...] poor Protestants in Piedmont and Polan [...] the rapacious Talons of the late-chase Harpies had wrested from the hands of th [...] Treasurers (wherein it was entrusted for th [...] charitable purpose) and brought in thithe [...] to manage, and back the prosecution [...] their own Designs. As if they could no [...] abuse the People's well-meant charity hig [...] enough; unless what they so freely had co [...] ­tributed to the supply of those, who distr [...] ­sedly survived those forein Massacres, we [...] diverted and turned into a Subsidy rather [...] hasten and help forward one at home: whi [...] they should buy with their own mon [...] their own destruction at the hands of th [...] Janizaries. Well therefore might that H [...] ­nourable House, when they Voted, that o [...] of such moneys, as should come into th [...] said Receipt of Exchequer upon the moie [...] of the Excise, 2000 l. per mensem should b [...] repaid, untill the whole were satisfied; an [...] whatever remained of the said moneys, [...] collected for the relief of those distress [...] Protestants, in the hands of any Sheriffs, [Page 17]Collectors, should not be diverted by returns thither, but paid into the respective Trea­surers for the same: Well might they then Declare withall their detestation and abhor­rence of the diversion of the said money from the Charitable uses, to which it was o­riginally intended.

And, since Charity begins (as we say) at home, at this time, when they tendered so much the condition of the distressed Prote­stant abroad, upon the season [...] Address of the Commissioners for the [...] [...]dom of Ireland to them, shewing that, since His Majesty neither in His Gracious Letters, nor Declaration from Breda, had taken notice of that Kingdom, brought to great di­straction and disorder by the late bloody Rebellion, and therefore standing in need of some to heal their Breaches, they hum­bly craved, that the two Houses would be pleased to grant them their assistance and concurrence to the King's Majesty, for the calling and holding a Parliament there, for the resettlement of that Kingdom: both Houses agreed to offer it as their Desire to His Majesty, that a speedy Convention of Parliament might be there had for the set­ [...]ing the distractions of that Nation; the Members whereof they desired withall [Page 18]might be Protestants, both Peers and C [...] ­mons.

But, having thus dispatched Commissio­ners to entreat His Majestie's return, an [...] taken all possible care, that it might be [...] peace, it was fit next to provide for His re­ception, which a Committee of Lords w [...] appointed to consider of; who by seve [...] Orders empowred the respective House-k [...] ­pers of the Palaces Royal to require all [...] habitan [...] [...] Lodgers (except his Excelle [...] ­cy the [...] General Monk) to quit the abode therein, in order to the fitting a [...] preparing them for His Majestie's entertai [...] ­ment. And indeed the stench of the R [...] ­bellion had so infected them, that it w [...] but necessary to cleanse and air them, e [...] they trusted His Royal Person amidst th [...] Infection, which had polluted the very Wa [...] and Fabricks: insomuch, that the ne [...] trimming was not more for decency, th [...] necessity-sake.

And, that they might not (when clea [...] ­sed) want their Furniture, some throug [...] fear of guilt, and some to make their pea [...] up, and others out of pure and unspott [...] Loyalty, made daily Discoveries both of [...] ­veral sums of publick money, that we [...] concealed, and His Majestie's Goods, whi [...] [Page 19]had been embezzeled during the Rebel­lion.

In the interim the only Thing of remark was the great Joy, and Acclamation, that was expressed every where in the respective Cities and Market-Towns at His Majestie's being solemnly proclaimed therein; inso­much, that, when the expressions thereof by the publick Bon-fires, beat of Drums, flourishing of Colours, Volleys of Shot, and the like, are considered, it must needs be ac­knowledged for the most universal joy, the Nation ever did, or could express: and the Bells rang every where such happy Changes, that, while some toll'd His Majesty in, others chimed His welcome, and the Saints-bell minded all People to perform their Devotions for His welfare and prospe­rity; so that England might, if ever, now just­ly be termed the ringing Island: while Ire­land, which had sometime before submitted in their Civil Power to His Majesty, and ac­quiesced in the sense of the English Parlia­ment, came in with that Army to make up the consort and melody, by their professing all ready obedience to the Commands and Orders of his Excellency General Monk; so that even that Brigade, who but lately before under Lambert would have sold the [Page 20]Bells of all Churches as useless, having b [...]ter bethought themselves, find them no [...] necessary, and themselves lay an helping hand to raise them, to declare their conte [...] and satisfaction in His most Sacred Maj [...] ­stie's happy Restauration.

The King in the mean while, togeth [...] with His Brothers, the most Illustrious Pri [...] ­ces, the Dukes of York and Glocester, contin [...] ­ed with their Sister the Princess Royal [...] Her Palace in Breda: where hearing of th [...] approach of Dr. Clarges, who went ov [...] thither to wait on his Majesty with His Bro­ther his Excellencie's Letters, and willin [...] to do him a particular Honor for his Relati­on's sake, and his own desert in being In­strumental in the [...]te so happy Change, H [...] sent the [...]ord Gerard, with other Gentle m [...] of [...]ted-chamber, and several Cou [...] [...]-Officers, with their Coaches [...]nd Retinue, to receive him; upon who [...] after Audience He conferred the Honour o [...] Knighthood.

And now when the other parts of Europ [...] perceived, that the late-distracted Englan [...] was come to her Senses again so far, and quit of that Frenzy, which her late Quack Reformers had put her in, and was willing to become a Patient under the Royal Physi­cian, [Page 21]it was observable, that Heathen Persia did not alone adore the rising Sun, but Western Christendome too had a spice of that Devotion: while Spain and France con­gratulate His dawning Glories, and attend Him by their publick Ministers, which ap­peared to be but His Par-helii; & the States-General, like the lesser Celestial Luminary, by their publick Addresses and Respects to Him, sought to be enlightned by the com­munication of His splendour, and to feel from Him that cherishing warmth they had alwayes found under the English Protecti­on. Thus while the English Court (for that takes denomination still from the Residence of the Royal Majesty) was by Foreigners frequented daily, and they considered the order and discipline thereof, and the deport­ment of the English there, they quickly found, that the genuine Character of a true English-man was thence to be taken, and neither from the exorbitant Faction, nor Rebellion.

The Commons in England in the interim proceeded in the Bill of Oblivion, and Or­dered, that John Bradshaw, Oliver Crom­wel, Henry Ireton, and Thomas Pride, de­ceased, should be attainted of High-Trea­son for murthering of His Majestie's Father [Page 22]of ever-blessed Memory: and the late S [...]cretary Thurloe, that right-hand of Usu­pation, was committed to the custody of th [...] Sergeant-at-Arms upon an accusation of High-Treason; while all Books, Writings, and Records, that any way related to th [...] Publick, were taken into safe possession, to prevent the embezelment thereof; but that they might give light in the revealing and discovery of the late Mysterious Cabal of Rebellion. At the same time also they ap­pointed Alderman Langham to provide Robes of Ermin, and Alderman Viner [...] Crown and Scepter for His Majesty: whil [...] others by Order furnished Silks, Velvet, Linen, and whatever else was judged con­venient for His Royal use. And, among the other Preparations for His return, the Galleries and Chapel at White-Hall, whose Fabrick, as well as the Devotions formerly used therein, had suffered an Alteration un­der the Ʋsurper, was restored to its pristine order and beauty, and its Innovations quite extirpated. Nor did the Maces, those En­signs of Honour, formerly as venerable in this Nation as the Fasces among the Ro­mans, want now any longer the restitution of the reverence due to them, and those formal Causes, which made them so, the [Page 23]Signature of the Royal Arms and Crown: of which Make two were by Order prepa­red; the one for the House, the other for the Council-of-State: who made good use both of that, and the Power they were en­trusted with to conserve the Publick Peace, in securing, and committing whoever had been active in helping on the Nation's for­mer miseries, or were endeavouring to pro­cure new disturbances; the seizure and com­mitment of which Persons by them was all approved of by the House; who likewise, to prevent the earthing of such Foxes, Order­ed several Castles, and Fortifications, which might be most in danger of a surprizal by a Rebellious Party, to be dismantled, and de­molished; and among others (with the con­sent of the Earl of Worcester, and the Lord Herbert, the Proprietaries thereof) Chep­stow-Castle was slighted, and the Ammuni­tion thereof disposed of by his Excellency.

Other Orders the Houses passed still dai­ly of smaller concernment, yet such as the necessity of the Times required; while the main of their Business was the preparing Bills for the Acts of Oblivion, & Assessment of 70000 l. per mensem, and 400000 l. to be raised by Poll, for His Majestie's use, and in order to the payment of the Arrears [Page 24]of the Army and Navy, and the other pu [...]lick Debts of the Nation: for which En [...] while they debated often in Grand Commi [...]tees how to raise that money, it was but necessary Vote, that passed against th [...] transporting Bullion (which we our selve so much needed) without the especial leav [...] of the House.

The City in the interim were diligent i [...] keeping their own Peace within themselves▪ and chiefly busied themselves in several tem­porary Affairs in order to the receiving and entertaining of the Royal Presence at Hi [...] return: and all Things, as well as Persons seemed to tend to Him-ward, as their pro­per Center, and place of Rest; while the General, and what other Members he should desire to accompany him, had th [...] leave of the House to attend Him at His Landing.

The English Commissioners in the inter im arrive at the Hague, where the Earl of Oxford delivered the Message to His Maje­sty from the House of Lords, Denzil Hollis from the Commons, and the Recorder of London from the City: at which time the King conferred the Honour of Knight-hood with the Lord Gerard's Sword on all the City-Commissioners. And now the States-General [Page 25]treated and entertained Him with [...]he greatest expressions of Joy imaginable; [...]nd had Audience several times of Him, to Whom they addressed in French, and He [...]nswered them in the same Language. But, [...]o complete their Entertainments of Him, [...]nd as the last Expressions of their Affecti­ons to Him, ere He took leave of their Country and Shipping for England, they received Him at a stately Feast in a large Room all lined with Glass, wherein a Cano­py of State was hung over His head, with Crowns of Bays decked with Oranges, and Crystal Candle-sticks standing round the Room. The State thereof was great, and highly magnificent, befitting the Persona­ges of such great Princes, as were regaled thereat: where His Sacred Majesty sate at the upper end of the Table, His Royal Aunt the Queen of Bohemia on his right-Hand, and His Illustrious Sister the Princess Royal on His left; the Duke of York at the right-Hand of the side of the Table, the Duke of Glocester at the left, and next him the Prince of Orange. The States of Holland supped bare together with His Majesty. One of the Courses was served up in Gold-plate, which was afterward presented to the King, being valued at threescore thousand pounds. [Page 26]The Royal Banquet was flang on [...] Ground, after which was variety of Mu [...] Fire and Water-works, with several vo [...] both of great and small Guns, the rep [...] whereof was carried from one Port to a [...] ­ther throughout all Holland. And, to [...] a farther satisfaction to His Majesty, t [...] presented to His Royal Cousin the Pri [...] of Orange a full Confirmation of all [...] ­nours, and Profits, which His Father [...] ever enjoyed. And, for a final Comp [...] ­ment, they presented the King with a B [...] which cost seven thousand pounds sterli [...] and Table-linen to the value of a thousa [...] pounds, and six hundred thousand Gild [...] ▪ This Royal Treatment of the States be [...] over, and accepted with as great a kind [...] by His Majesty, as it was given by the [...] He made choice of eighty Gentlemen to [...] of His Life-guard under the command of t [...] Lord Gerard; and, Monday and Tuesd [...] following being spent by the Duke of Yo [...] as Lord High-Admiral of England, in g [...] ­ving Orders to the Fleet for His Majestie [...] Reception, and the transporting of all His Retinue; May 23. on Wednesday ( May 23.) His Sa­cred Majesty, the Queen of Bohemia, the Princess Royal, the most Illustrious the Dukes of York and Glocester, and the Prince [Page 27] [...] Orange, went aboard General Mounta­ [...] in the Ship formerly named the Naseby, [...]t now new-named by His Majesty the Royal-Charles; where, after a repast, the Queen of Bohemia, the Princess Royal, and the Prince of Orange having taken leave of His Majesty, they set sail for England; the King in the Royal-Charles, the Duke of York in the London, and the Duke of Glocester in the James (formerly called the Swift-sure) at which time the Speaker likewise was new-named the Princess Mary. When, prosperous Winds filling those Sails, which conducted that Bark, that bore the British Caesar, and Great Britain's Fortune, May 25. they came on the Friday following within sight of Dover about three of the clock in the morning. Of which his Excellency the Lord General Monk being advertised by an Ex­press, he made such speed from Canterbury to kiss His Majestie's Hand, and tender Him all the dutifull respects of a Loyal Sub­ject, that he arrived at Dover about one of the clock the same day. But, when His Majesty, with His two Illustrious Brothers, the Dukes of York and Glocester, and many of His Nobles landed, about three in the af­ternoon, at the Beech near the Pier, it was admirable to behold the Best of Kings ac­count [Page 28]it no diminution of His Majesty condescend to the embracing of the [...] deserving of Subjects, and the most-deser [...] Subject modestly to decline the suspicio [...] any ostentation of Merit on his part f [...] the Best of Kings: while his Excelle [...] kneeling with an humble prostration be [...] Him, was taken up by His Majesty wit [...] affectionate Kisses, and Embracements, [...] it had been a Courtesie of Favour, and [...] of Duty, which was done Him by His S [...] ­ject; with whom he walked up toward [...] Coach, a Canopy being carried over [...] Head, and a Chair-of-State by Him. [...] which Passage the Mayor and Aldermen [...] Dover met Him, and made their duti [...] Address by a short Speech unto Him; wh [...] being ended, Mr. Redding, their Minist [...] presented Him with a large Bible with Go [...] Clasps, a Gift, suitable to his Ministeri [...] Profession. Being come to His Coach, H [...] Majesty and His Royal Brother the Duke [...] York took one end, the Duke of Glocest [...] and his Excellency the other, and the Duk [...] of Buckingham the Boot; all being attend­ed by several Coaches with six Horses, and many on horse-back. About two miles from Dover the King took Horse, the Dukes Roy­al on His right-Hand, and the General o [...] [Page 29] [...]is left bare-headed; after whom follow­ [...]d the Duke of Buckingham and several of [...]e Nobility and Gentry uncovered: in [...]hich progressive posture they arrived at Canterbury; where His Majesty met the Mayor, Aldermen, and Recorder thereof, who, after a Speech made to Him, delivered [...] Gold Tankerd for a Present: after which [...]hey conducted Him to the Palace, where He rested untill Monday, May 28. and then set for­ward on His journey for London.

But, in the intermediate spaces of all this Glorious Reception, many signal Honours were conferred on several Persons by His Majesty, according to the merits of their Actings for His Restauration. But most re­markable was His conferring the Honour of being Companion of the most Noble Or­der of the Garter on his Excellency the Lord General Monk; at what time His Majesty Himself put the George on him, and the Dukes of Yorke and Glocester the Garter; all Three jointly testifying thereby the great sense and esteem They had of his Loyalty, and those succesfull Endeavours of his for their Return and Restitution. For the greater Solemnity of which Ceremony (as much as the inconveniences of Time and Place would permit) His Majesty made the [Page 30] Earl of Winchelsea and the Lord M [...] Knights thereof likewise: his Excellen [...] [...] ­ing made withall Captain-GENERA [...] all the Land-Forces, Garrisons, Forts, [...] Castles in England, Scotland, and Irel [...] and Master of the Horse to His Maj [...] Mr. William Morris, a Devonshire Ge [...] ­man, and related to the General, and [...] great Confident in the menagery of [...] great Affair of bringing in His Majesty, [...] then also by Him Knighted, made on [...] His Principal Secretaries-of-State, and to [...] ­ther with his Excellency, the Earl of So [...] ­hampton, and Sir Anthony Ashley-Co [...] sworn of His most. Honourable Privy C [...] ­cil. Besides whom, in respect of the p [...] ­cular Services performed to His Majesty [...] late by each of them, Edward Massey [...] (commonly called Major-General Mass [...] John Robinson Esquire Alderman of the [...] ­ty of London, [...] Harvey, [...] Stufeley, Sir Edward Rossiter, Sir Ph [...] Howard, and Sir Robert Paston received [...] Honour of Knighthood.

The House of Commons in the interi [...] were debating concerning the publick A [...] ­fairs of the Kingdom, when they received [...] Letter from His Majesty, signifying His [...] [...]ent to be at White-Hall on the Tuesday f [...] ­lowing [Page 31]( May 29.) by twelf of the clock, when He appointed the Lords to meet Him there. There were at this time also several Bills depending before them; as, 1. Con­cerning Excise and Customs, which way they might most advance the Trade of the Nation, 2. For continuance of Process and Judicial Proceedings, 3. For confirmation of the Privileges of Parliament, Magna Charta, &c. 4. For keeping a perpetual An­niversary for a day of Thanksgiving to God for his great Mercy and Blessing to our Na­tions in the happy Restauration of His Ma­jesty; and that the twenty-ninth day of May should be set apart for that purpose. But of these I shall give a farther Account, when they came to be passed as Acts at the concluding of that Sessions of Parliament. An Ordinance in the mean time passed both Houses for the Assessment of 7000 l. per mensem for three moneths, to commence from the twenty-fourth of June following. Three Proclamations also passed them: one, instead of a Declaration, concerning the Irish Rebels; another against Jesuits, Semi­naries, Popish Recusants, &c. and a third for preventing of Forceable Entries, and to pre­serve the peace of the Kingdom. And at this time that most notorious Ch [...]at of all [Page 32]Cheats, the late- States Butter-Print, call [...] by them the Great-Seal of ENGLAND being in the custody of the late Commiss [...] ­ners, was brought into the House, and the [...] broken at the Clerk's Table, and then re- [...] ­livered to the Commissioners as their Fees.

On Monday, May 28. the twenty-eight of May His Majesty, with His two Brothers, an [...] the rest of His Court, set forward fro [...] Canterbury, and came into Rochester abo [...] five of the clock in the afternoon: where H [...] was entertained by Francis Clark Esquire in the House of Colonel Gibbon his Tenant▪ whence, after a little repast, He went t [...] Chatham, to view the Royal Sovereign, and the rest of His Ships: and, after He had vouchsafed to receive the Entertainment of a Banquet from Commissioner Pet, He re­turned to Rochester, where He supped, and graciously received at the hands of the Co­lonel a very dutifull Address, signed by him, and all the Officers of his Regiment, in be­half of themselves, and the Souldiers in it under their Command: and having rested there that night, the next morning He be­stowed the Honour of Knighthood on Francis Clerk and William Swan Esquires, both Gentlemen of that County; and ha­ving courteously accepted a Bason and [Page 33]Ewer from the hands of the Mayor of the said City betwixt four and five a clock in the morning, being Tuesday (the most for­tunate propitious day in the week for His Majesty, as having been voted, proclaymed, and reducted thereon) and the 29th of May the Anniversary of his Nativity and Restitution, departed thence the Militia-Forces of Kent lining the way, and the Maydens strewing Herbs, and Howers, & the Towns he passed hanging out white Sheets. Being come to Dartford, the Of­ficers of the several Regiments of Horse, presented an Humble and Loyall Address to him, declaring their chearfull Readyness to Sacrifice their Lives in defence of his Sa­cred Person and most miraculously restored Government: none of the least wonders in this conjunction of so many suspendious changes of things and persons.

At Black-heath, the Army was drawn up; and His Majesty passed by the head of every Division really expressing his Esteem of them, which was answered by loud ac­clamations. About one a clock His Maje­sty having been met with a party of Gentle­men Voluntiers under the most Loyall Sir John Stauell, all clothed in white Doublets compleatly armed, arrived at St. Georges [Page 34]Fields where the Lord Mayor and Aldermen were in a Tent ready to receive Him, attended with 600 of the prime Citizens i [...] Velvet Caps, and Gold Chaines, on horse­back; The Sword being there delivered him, he returned it. Knighted Sir Thoma [...] Allen the Mayor. After a short repaste the King proceeded into Lond [...]n by South-warke, and [...]ver the Bridge [...]o Temple-barr [...] th [...] S [...]r [...]s being [...] on [...] [...]e with stan [...]i [...]gs [...]or the Liveryes, and lined o [...] the other with the [...]rayned Bands.

This Epitome will [...]ot allow a full de­scription of all the Glories of this most Mag­nificent and joyfull Cavalcade; nor expres [...] the particular Gallantry of those Troup [...] which made an Illustrious part thereof, un­der the Cornet of Sir John Robinson, S [...] Richard Brown, which consisted of th [...] choyce, young Gentlemen of the City, [...] of severall of the Nobility, viz. the ol [...] Earle of Cleveland, the Earle of Northam [...] ­ton, the Earle of Norwich, the Earle of Lichfield, now Duke of Richmond, and the Lord Vicecount Mordaunt, all of them Riders, Persons of Quality and Gentry of the Kingdome.

Much lesse is it possible, with all the ad­vantages of Humane Eloquence, to express [Page 35]hose extasies of joy and delight which ransported the minds of all the spectators, and raised their Soules into the exal [...]ations of their applauses; it must suffice to in­stance only and mention only that which in­fluenced all the serene brightnesse which en­compassed the Kings Person, before which rode the Lord Mayor bearing the Sword, and more immediately the Duke of Buck­ingham, and the Lord Generall, on both sides of the King rode his two Royall Bro­thers, which order had been observed, since the first overture of the Restitution as well in Holland as here.

In this Princely Equipage, and with millions of loud Vive le Roys, he arrived in the Evening at his Palace of Whitehall, made ready for the reception of its so long absent and most desired Master; and ascending into the Banqueting-House, (which parted last with his dear and blessed Father, and first enterteined his Royall self, as if it would officiously excuse or deplore to him, the violence and villany that had been acted there) was wellcomed there with a very Loyall and Pathetick speech, by my Lord of Manchester, who with the Peers as Spea­ker, and Sir Harbottle Grimston as Speaker to the House of Commons, then also [Page 36]present attended Him, which for brevity sake I am constrained to omit; but amends shall be made the Reader by the reciting his Majesties most gracious words, in answer to the same, being the first Publique ver­ball expression of Himself to his Kingdom, and deserve to be recorded for ever.

Th [...]s passed, the King retired to supper, and soon after to his Rest, where it was time he should find it after so many diffi­culties and turmoils in the world for twenty whole years together; while the City be­gun afresh their Labour of joy, and ended that long wasting conflagration of 3 King­doms by their numerous Bonfiers, which continued all night, and yielded not their flames but to the rising Sun.

The Court now at last appeared in its due Splendor, the Nobility of England, & after them the Gentry severally addressing themselves to the congratelating his Maje­sties and their own Felicity, which Com­plements were made more publique by Ad­dresses signed by the chief of all the Coun­ties in England, and afterwards printed to expiate and revenge those ranck and sordid impious flatterers, communicated in a more vulgar way to the late Userpers. Soon af­ter, severall Treatments were given his Majesty at the Houses of the Nobles: and many other Gentlemen, who had deserved well of the King, were Knighted by Him; whose names must be referred to the He­ralds-Office.

Wednesday May the 30th the morrow of the Restitution, the Dukes of York and [Page 38] Glaucester took their Places in the House of Lords, and the next day after, the King himself came thither by water; and com­pleated the Illustrious Assembly. He wa [...] rowed by water in the Brigandine which brought him aboard the Charles from Hol­land: the Yeomen of the Guard (com­manded by the Earl of Norwich, who ha [...] settled them a little before his Majesties re­turne) making a Lane, the Heralds a [...] Arms in their rich Coats, with the Mace [...] and the Lord Generall before Him; Bei [...] s [...]ated in his Throne, the Commons we [...] called, to whom the King in a most ob [...] ging speech pressed the Act of Oblivio [...] from the Concern, and Obligation of [...] promise from Breda, and then signed som [...] Bills, one for Confirmation of the Prese [...] Parliament, by reason of its undue Constitution, as not being called by the King writ (the Times not admitting it) another for an Assesment of 70000 l per me [...] ­sem for 7 months from the 24 of June, [...] third for an Assessement of 400000 l b [...] poll &c. a fourth for the continuance [...] Processe and judiciall Proceedings, that no [...] suit might or should abate by reason of the States of the late Usurper [...] stirrs, but that the Law should proceed, notwitstanding: and [Page 39]then returned to Whitehall, where he chose his Privy Council, whose names then were as follow: Their Royall Highnesses the Dukes of York and Glaucester, Earl of Cla­rendon, Lord Chancellour of England, Earl of Southampton, Lord Treasurer, Lord Roberts, Lord Privy Seal, his Excellency the Lord Generall Monk, Earl of Lindsey, Lord High Chamberlain of England, Mar­quesse of Ormond, Lord Steward of his Ma­jesties Houshold, Earl of Manchester, Lord Chamberlain of the Houshold, Marquesse of Dorchester, Earl of Northumberland, Earl of Leicester, Earl of Berk-shire, Earl of Portland deceased, Earl of Norwich de­ceased, Earl of St. Albons, Earl of Sand­wich, Earl of Anglesey, Earl of Carlisle, Lord Viscount Say and Seal deceased, Lord Wentworth, Lord Seymour Chancellour of the Dutchy of Lancaster, Lord Hollis, Lord Cornwallis deceased, Lord Ashley Cooper, Lord Berkley, Earl of Lowerdale, Sir George Carteret, Sir Charles Compton, Mr. Secretary Nicholas, and Mr. Secretary Morrice, to which have been since added, Prince Rupert Duke of Cumberland, the Duke of Buckingham, Earl of Middlesex, Christopher Lord Hatton; The King next took care to supply his Courts of Justice, [Page 30] [...] [Page 31] [...] [Page 32] [...] [Page 33] [...] [Page 34] [...] [Page 35] [...] [Page 36] [...] [Page 37] [...] [Page 38] [...] [Page 39] [...] [Page 40]which had been profaned and perverted so long, for the Chancery the Lord Chancel­lour Hide, for the Rolls the Lord Culpepper, (who soon after dyed; and the place was Conferred by the Kings Favour on Sir Harbottle Grimston) for the Kings-Bench Sir Robert Foster, Sir Thomas Mallet and Sir Thomas Twisden, since added Sir Wad­ham Windham, for the Common Pleas now is placed Sir Orlando Bridgeman, Lord Chief Justice, Sir Robert Hide, Sir Thomas Territ, Sir Samuell Brown. In the Exchequer from the said Sir Orlando, now Sir Mathew Hale Sir Edward Atkins, Sir Christopher Turner Sir Jeoffery Palmer the Kings Artorney Ge­nerall, Sir Heneage Finch Sollicitor Gene­rall, Sir John Glynne and Sir John Maynard Sir William Wilde his Majesties Serjeants at Law.

This Honourable Restitution of the Law was further signatized by a formality that declared the Force it had recovered, for the Parliament thought not themselves nor the people of England freed from that guilt and penalty, (which the Times had contracted) by their ready and cheerfull submission to, and acknowledgments of his Majesties just Authority; unless they lay hold on his Ma­jesties Grace: according to a strict Clause [Page 41]in his Majesties gracious declaration from Breda, and therefore resolved; That the House doth declare that they do in the Name of themselves and all the Commons of Eng­land lay hold on his Majesties gracious Par­don mentioned in his Declaration with refe­rence to the excepting of such as shall be ex­cepted in an Act of Pardon, which Declara­tory vote was presented to the King by Mr. Denzill Hollis as a privy Councellor, and his Majesty was graciously pleased to signify his readiness; to make good his Princely promise, and gave direction for a Procla­mation, till the Act should be furnished to that purpose.

And if the innocent, and such who de­served well for their Constant and now ma­nifested Loyalty: thought his Majesties Grace needfull to their acquitall from o­ther mens crimes, the nocent were more pressingly concerned to free themselves from the punishment due to their own, and with which they had so afflicted the integri­ty of others; And therefore this serpentine Generation came licking the dust, and win­ding themselves into the favour of this his Majestie's most Royall Indulgence, and to be secure from the future danger of the past Treasons: got most of their particular par­dons [Page 42](especially the great getters of th [...] Faction) exemplified under the great Se [...] of England, not daring to abide the discriminating judgement and justice of the Parliament, who had desired his Majesty [...] issue forth a Proclamation, commandi [...] the murderous crew of the High Court [...] Justice to render themselves within 14. day and had under the consideration of the A [...] of Oblivion severall qualifications of othe [...] persons to be excepted out of it; an [...] hereupon, Colonell John Hutchenson an [...] Mr. Francis Lassely members of this Parliament, humbly petitioned the House; an [...] confessed their guilt: and the Attifices use [...] to engage them, and their hearty sorrow for it: and were thereupon onely dismisse [...] the House, and sined a years value of thei [...] Estate to the King. The like discharge wa [...] given to Luke Robinson, a great Rumper but no Regicide; after he had confesse [...] the same convictions as to his former pra­ctises, which passage; together with the seizure and imprisoning of Maj. G. Harris [...] in the Tower, by order of the Generall Councill of State, was before omitted. Hugh Peters was likewise taken in Southwark, a [...] Mr. Thomas Scot seized in Flanders, as the Sollicitor in the High Court of Justice, Mr. [Page 43] Cooke was in Ireland, which Kingdome had by their Commissioners presented the King and the Duke of York with a con­siderable sum, and all 4 committed to the Tower, to awayt the doom and recompence of their monstrous Treason: of which pre­sently a very brief accompt. The King was most graciously pleased to accept of an Entertainment from the City at Dinner in Guild-hall, where he was most magnifi­cently received by severall Pageants; with the Liveries being placed to welcome him as he passed thither: Here he Knighted 2 wor­thy and deserving persons and none else but those, the Chamberlain and his Son old and young Sir Thomas Player.

In the mean while the King to Honour his Restitution, and those eminent Services had been done him therein, advanced the renowned Generall to the Degree and Dig­nity of Duke of Albemarle, which Dutchy is in Normandy; and was the ancient Title of some Princes of the blood Royall, and was extinct in the raign of Henry the fourth and Earl of Torrington, a Town famous by my Lord Hoptons encounter there with Sir Thomas Fairfax, and which acknowledges some Patrimony and Estate of his Family; and Baron of Potheridge his own seat and [Page 44]place of Nativity in the County of Devon Beauchampe and Teyes, by all which 3 b [...] hath just right of Peerage in the 3 King­doms, whose rescuer and deliverer he was July the 13 he took his place in the Hous [...] of Lords, attended by the whole House [...] Commons (who had formerly voted hi [...] the Kingdoms thanks for his redemption of us from slavery) and introduced to his place by the Duke of Buckingham. Neer the same time Generall Montague who com­manded the Fleet, was created Earl of Sand­wich; Viscount Finchingbrook his own fa­mous Mansion in Huntingdon-shire, and Baron St Noets took his place likewise in the House of Peers; The Marquesse having lately been made Duke of Ormond was cre­ated Earl of Brecknock: and so made an English Peer; the Earl of Lindsey was made Lord High Chamberlain, and the Earl of Southampton Lord High Treasurer of England, the Earl of Manchester and Lord Roberts Lords Chamberlain and Privy Seal. The Lord Jermin was made Earl of St Albons, and now sent Ambassadour ex­traordinary to France: whence not long after as also from Spaine by the Prince de Ligne, came a most splended Embassy by the Count de Soissous a Prince of the blood [Page 45]of Savoy; The same grand Complement came from Denmarke, Sweden, the most places of Christendome, which rang with the wonderfull news of our Peace and Happi­ness. Nor was his Majesties Honourable sence of, and Regard of his State lesse more conspicuous then his Piety to the Church, which he now design'd to retire with him­self to her former Rights and Dignities, ha­ving sadly experimented that presagious saying of his Grandfather: No Bishop No King, and therefore as soon as the Parlia­ment had finished the Act of Oblivion: and in good part healed the stated forme by cut­ting off some of the Corrupt Members thereof, such were all the Kings Judges who were excepted from pardon; and rendring others less Criminall to the number of 20 (such were Hazelrig, St. John, the Spea­ker Lenthal; Nye, and Goodwin the Mini­ster, Barton of Yarmouth, and most of the Major Generalls) dead in Law and retren­ching the charge of the Kingdome by dis­banding the Army, and raysing infinite sums to effect and accomplish it; the Com­missioners for disbanding, being Mr. Pryn, Mr. Scawer, Collonell King, and Sir Willi­am Doyley who finished the affair to the great satisfaction of the Souldiery: the King [Page 46]giving them over and above a weeks [...] as a Donitive of his own; and this gr [...] affair seemed wholy referred for this tim [...] as a main Felicity of his Majesties Empir [...] Which the Usurpers would have perpetu [...] ­ted as a standing Militia to tyrannize o [...] us and our posterity: and by entring [...] with a due gratitude towards God to b [...] paid him, on the happy Anniversary of [...] great and miraculous day, May the 29. t [...] all succeeding Ages; by Acts and Statute to those purposes: The King took the re­maining care of the Church as most religi­ously became again to herself, and appoin­ted the 20th of September for the Transla­tion of the Right; reverend and Excellen [...] Prelate Dr. Juxon the Bishop of London, to the Archbishoprick of Canterbury: which was performed with very great solemnity, and presently thereupon severall new Bi­shops were Consecrated in the Abby a [...] Westminster, and the vacant Diocesses sup­plied: a Catologue of both which here fol­low.

Doctor Wil. Juxon Lord Archbishop of Canterbury 1660, consecrated Bishop of London 1633. Dr. Accepted Frewen Lord Archbishop of York 1660. Dr. Gilbe [...] Shelden Lord Bishop of London 1660. Dr. [Page 47] John Couzens Lord Bishop of Durham 1000. Dr. Brian Duppa consecrated Bishop of Chichester 1638, of Salisbury 1640. of Winchester Bishop Lord Almoner Prelate of the Garter 1660, he being deceased 1662, Dr. Morley was translated to that See 1662 Dr. William Peers Lord Bishop of Bath and Wells 1632. Dr. Matthew Wren (released from a 20 years imprisonment in the Tower by G. Monk) Lord Bishop of Ely 1638. Dr. Robert Skinner Lord Bishop of Oxford 1640. Dr. William Roberts Lord Bishop of Banger and Sub Almoner 1637. Dr. John Warner Lord Bishop of Rochester 1637. Dr. Henry King Lord Bishop of Chichester 1641. Dr. Humphry Hinchman Lord Bi­shop of Sali [...]b [...]ry 16 [...]0, now of London 1663. Dr. George Morley Lord Bishop of Worcester 1 [...]0, now of Winchester 1663. Dr. Sanderson Lord Bishop o [...] Lincoln 1660 deceased, Dr. George Grif [...]th Lord Bishop of St. Asaph 16 [...]0. Dr. William Lucy Lord Bishop of St. Davids 1660. Dr. Benjamin Laney Lord Bishop of Peterborough [...]660, of Lincoln 1663. Dr. Hugh Loya [...]ord Bi­shop of Landaffe 1660. [...] R [...]a [...] Stern Lord Bishop of Carlisle 16 [...]0. Dr. Brian Walton Lord Bishop [...] Chester 16 [...]0 decea­sed, Dr. Fern succeeded 1661 also decea­sed, [Page 48] George Hall 1662, present Bishop there of, Dr. Gilbert Ironside Lord Bishop of B [...] ­stoll 1660, Dr. Edward Reynolds Lord [...] ­shop of Norwich 1660, Dr. William N [...] ­cholson Lord Bishop of Glaucester 1660, D [...] Nicholas Monk brother to the Renown [...] Generall, Lord Bishop of Hereford 166 [...] deceased 1661, Dr. Herbert Crofts in th [...] See. Doctor John Hacker Lord Bishop [...] Coventry and Litchfield 1663.

Note that Dr. Hinchman is newly ma [...] Bishop of Peterborough in place of Doct [...] Laney, Dr. Earl Bishop of Worcester; [...] thence to Salisbury, Dr. Skinner from O [...] ­ford in his place to Worcester: and Doct [...] Creighton Bishop of Oxford this year 1663.

But in the juncture of this pious Resol [...] ­tion, it pleased God to afflict the King, h [...] Family; and the whole Kingdome with th [...] most lamented death of his vounger bro­ther, the most noble Prince Henry Duke [...] Glaucester (a name unfortunate to th [...] Royall Race) by the Epidemicall decease [...] the small Pox, which shortly after Dece [...] ­ber 26th. snatcht away the most Illustrio [...] Lady, his Sister Mary the Princess Roya [...] widow to the deceased Prince of Aurang [...] who came over to visite the King and th [...] Duke both Princes of a very great and ob [...] ­ging [Page 49]vertues, which may be injured by the worthiness of our mean lamentations, and the loss thereof to be judged by the magni­tude, that it was designed by Heaven as an equal allay and ballance to that extraordi­nary grandeur of hIs Majesties Restitution.

During this sorrow for the noble Duke, who deceased Sept. 13. a greater and more just Parentation obliged his piety, and justified the importunate cries and de­mands of his Subjects for justice against those inhumane murtherers of his Father; all his great actions hitherto had tended and directed onely to the future settle­ment of his people, and were the effects onely of his prudence and wisdom, as he was Pater patriae, the Father of his Coun­try; there was a like necessity of review­ing the past time, with the effects of his Justice and Duty, as he was filius Regis the Son of a King, whose blood was yet unex­piated, and polluted the Land, and was feared to have exacted that immaculate victime of the noble Duke, instead of a more due and proper sacrifice so long de­lay'd, on the 9th. of Octob. Therefore by vertue of his Commission of Oyer and Ter­miner, directed to several of the chief No­bility, as the Duke of Albemarle, and [Page 50]more of the Lords of the Privy Council, and great Officers of State; the Lord Mayor and Judges, the said Commission­ers met at Hicks Hall, Sir Orlando Bridge­man, President of this illustrious Judicature The Counsel for the King, were Sir Jeoffery Palmer, Sir Heneage Finch, Sir Edwar [...] Turner, the Duke of Yorks Atturney, Ser­jeant Keely, and Windham, &c. The grand Jury being sworn, Sir William Pier­cy, Baronet, their foreman, the rest of the Knights and Esquires of great estates; the Indictment was opened largely and learned­ly by Sir Orlando, it was founded on the Statute of 15 Edward the 3. by which it was made Treason to compass and imagine the death of the King; which done, and the Indictment found, Mr. Thomas Lee brought in the names of the witnesses, 42 in num­ber; the chief of whom was Sir William Clark, who wrote short hand at the High Court of Justice, Mr. Masterson a Minister formerly of their party, Col. Hunks, &c.

On the 10th. of Octob. the same Court by Adjournment, sate at Sessions house in the Old Bayly, to arragin this pretended mock High Court of Justice, as many of them as had been seized, or had rendred themselves upon the Proclamation (some 16 upon the [Page 51]Kings return, having fled the Kingdom) who were to be respited from Execution by a clause in the Act of Oblivion, after much debate upon the favourablest con­struction of that Proclamation, which ano­ther Act of Parliament should appoint it. The Names of those that were arraigned, were in order thus, viz. Sir Hardress Wal­ler, William Heveninghaem, and Col. Har­rison, Isaac Pennington, Henry Martin, Robert Tichburn, Gilbert Millington, Owen Roe, Robert Lilburn, Adrian Scroop, John Carew, John Jones, Thomas Scot, Gregory Clement, and John Cook, Edward Harvey, Henry Smith, John Downs, Vincent Potter, Augustine Garland, George Fleetwood, Simon Meyne, James Temple, Peter Temple, Tho­mas Wayt, Hugh Peters, Francis Hacker, Daniel Axtell; and after all William Hew­let, supposed to be the Executioner. At their Trial their main and onely defence was the Authority of the Parliament, which constituted them an High Court of Justice; Harrison and Carew being fifth Monarch­ists urged the Light men then; and the publick necessity of their proceedings, and their success in and accomplishment of it for their justification, and divine approbation. For further particulars the Reader may re­fer [Page 52]himself to their Trials Printed at large.

They were all of them after a fair hear­ing condemned, and those that had been seized before the Proclamation, thus execu­ted: Harrison on Saterday the 14th of Oct. about 8 in the morning, was according to his Sentence drawn upon an Hurdle from Newgate (with a fresh colour in his cheeks) to Charing-cross, and within the rails han­ged upon a Gibbet with his face towards White-Hall, and cut down alive, and quar­tered; his members set upon the gates of London, and his head upon the Southeast end of Westminister-Hall: On the 16th Master John Carew was executed there in the same manner, but his body the King was pleased to give at their intercession to his Friends: On the 17th. John Cook and Hugh Peters were drawn and quartered in the same manner and place; their quarters set upon the gates; Cooks head on the North­east side of Westminster-Hall gate, oppo­sire to Harrisons; Peters upon London bridge, October 18th. Thomas Scot, Gregory Clement, Adrian Scroop, and John Jones, were executed in the same place and maner, and their heads and quarters set upon the gates of London: And lastly, on the 19th. Col. Francis Hacker and Daniel Axtell, [Page 53]were drawn and quartered at Tyburn; Hackers body was given entire to his Friends, but Axtells was set upon the gates, and his head as a mark of his active treason at the Court of Justice, and parbling the Parliament, at the furthest end of West­minster-Hall. All of them died obstinate­ly, and impenitently, Hugh Peters excepted, who died like a fool. The rest as is before mentioned, were reserved till the Parliament should dispose of them, by an Act to that purpose, and remanded to the Tower of London, from whence they came, and the the next year brought to the Bar of the House of Lords, to shew cause why sentence should not be executed, who pleaded the Proclamation; but no determination hath yet been made concerning them, onely their Estates by vertue of an Act of attainder were seized to the use of the King.

Notwithstanding this fresh Instance and Example of il divine vengeance upon Re­bels and Murtherers, a pert sort of men, of the same principles with Harrison, and those other Regicides, as if their evil Spi­rits had been doubted on them, conspired and attempted the like horrid, but more au­dacious Villany. These were wilde fifth Mo­narchists, who having vainly calculated the [Page 54]imaginary personable raign for this jun­cture of Time, made two most frightful insurrections in London, January the 6 and the 9th. The first in the night, when they met at Saint Pauls, and being discovered there, forced there passage at Aldersgate, where they declared for King Jesus, and their Masters upon the Gates, and after some vain opposition marched to Cain­wood, and being driven thence by the Ge­nerals guards, returned for London: The second in the morning by break of day, where from Bishopsgate wandring up and down the streets, they came to Woodstreet intending to let out the Prisoners; but af­ter a sharp conflict were worsted, and pur­sued ( Venner and Hodgkins their Leaders, being wounded and taken, and Tufney and Crag two other chieftains killed upon the place) and more of them taken by the Postern by Moregate; their number in all not exceeding forty. But such was their confidence and assurance that they said in their traiterous Declaration, That if they were deceived, 'twas God that did deceive them: applying also the Story of Gideon to this their impious and rebellious ex­ployt. Seventeen of these being taken, and arraigned for Treason in levying War a­gainst [Page 55]the King; thirteen of them were found guilty, and the 16 and 21 of Janua­ry executed; Venner and Hodgkins were drawn, hanged, and quartered in Colemanstreet, over against their meeting house (where instead of prayers they fell to im­precations) and their heads and quarters set upon the Gates of London; the rest were onely hanged, and their heads set up­on London-bridge.

To pursue this tract of Divine venge­ance to a conclusion: on the 30th. day of January, being the twelfth anniversary of their flagitious and monstrous parricide acted upon our late Martired Soveraign, the Carcases of Cromwel, Ireton, and Bradshaw, having been digged out of those graves they usurped in Hen. 7. Chappel at West­minster, were thence conveyed to the Red Lyon in Holborn, and there put into three sledges and drawn to Tyburn, where they hanged with their faces towards White-hall from ten in the morning till Sun set, mul­titudes of people visiting the solemnity of the Spectacles; and being then cut down, were inhumed under the Gallows, and their Heads set upon the middle of West­minster-hall, above the ordinary heighth of Ambition. In the close of the year died [Page 56]Sir Authur Hazelrig, Prisoner in the Tow­er of London; and the Marquess of Arguile one of their Complices in Scotch Treason, was arrested here by the Kings command, and sent into Scotland to receive his reward thereof; the Earl of Middleton being made his Majesties Commissioner for that King­dom, following him thither soon after.

Just after the Execution of those Regi­cides in October, the Queen Mother, who had been absent out of England 16 years, returned hither again: now She had heard her Husbands blood was vindicated, and her own and Childrens Honour restored by the glorious Act of Justice: Shee brought over with her her youngest Daughter the Princess Henrietta, who was born at Exe­ter, June 1644. and being brought to Oat­lands after the expiration of the War, was conveyed thence by her Governess the La­dy Dalkeish into Holland, and so to France: Their stay here was very short, by reason of that contagious disease of the small Pox, which had newly destroyed the Princess of Orange, and seemed to threaten the health of this yong Lady: His Majesty at there de­parture accompanied them to theit Ship­ping; in which time fell out that furious onset of the aforesaid fifth Monarch­ists. [Page 57]This beautiful Princess is now Mar­ried to Philip Duke of Orleans and Anjou, onely brother to the French King. A lit­tle before this, Decemb. 20. the Free Parli­ament which had done so much in so short a time towards the peace, happiness, and settlement of the Kingdom, was now like fair and summers fruit ripe for dissolution, at which time the King in his parting from them, gave it the Epethete of the healing Parliament, which it will retain to last Po­sterity. A Parliament was at this time cal­led in Scotland, and another summoned for Ireland, and a third in intention for England, to whose glories and triumphs the beginning of the next year doth wholly own it self, and which for brevity sake must be but transiently viewed.

Anno Domini 1661.

And the fine ray of that splender directs us to Windsor, where His Majesty renewed the most Noble Ceremony of the Instal­ment, and Investiture of the Order of the Garter, the most honourable Companions whereof to rectifie a former mistake in this Treatiseare h [...]re mentioned: Charls the Second, &c. Soveraign of the order, James Duke of York, Charls Lodowick Prince Elector Palatine, Frederick william Prince [Page 59]Elector of Brandenburgh, Rupert Count Palatine of the Rhine, Edward Count Pa­latine of the Rhine, William Prince of O­range, Bernard Duke of Espernoon, Charl [...] Prince of Tarante, William Earl of Salis­bury, Thomas Earl of B [...]kshire, Alger­noon Earl of Northumberland, James Duke of Ormond, George Duke of Buckingham, Thomas Earl of Southampton, William Marquess of Newcastle, George Earl of Bristoll, Gaspar Count of Martin, George Duke of Albemarle, Edward Earl of Sand­wich, Aubrey Earl of Oxford, Charls Duke of Richmond and Lenox, Montague Earl of Lindsey, Edward Earl of Manchester, William Earl of Manchester. This solemn­ly was performed, April 16. this year, and the sullied obscured Glories of the Order re­covered to its pristine Lustre and Brightness.

Next entred His Majesties most Magni­ficent Coronation on Saint Georges day, April 23. whereon he passed from the Tower to his Court of White-hall, through the City of London; and next day to West­minsterhall by water, and thence in a stately Procession to the Abby to be Crowned. To the Celebrating of which two days, and the serenity thereof between a rainy Season, for a Month before and after, this dis­course [Page 58]can be no way competent, and must withal reverence to this sublimest Gran­deur that England ever beheld, referre the Reader to the Narrative and Sculptures, that were published on this stupendrous occa­sion, by Authority: onely mentioning that as usuall at such at such Solemnities (though never such a number) there were made Seventy Knights of the Bath▪ and for a further Honour of this great affair, Edward Lord Hyde was created Earl of Clarendon, Arthur Lord Capel Earl of Essex, Thomas Lord Prudenel Earl of Cardigan, Arthur Lord Annesley Earl of Anglesey, Sir John Greenvile Earl of Bath, Groom of the Stool, Charls Howard Earl of Carlisle, Den­zill Hollis Lord Hollis of Byfield, Sir Fre­derick Corwallis Lord Corwallis of Eye in Suffolk, SIr George Booth Lord Delamere, Sir Horatio Townsend Baron of Lyn Regis, Sir Anthony Ashley Cooper Baron of Win­terborn St. Giles, John Crew Baron Crew of Stene.

This Admiration of English Gallantry was scarce past our sight, when a new pomp invited our almost dazled sight with the formermost August and glorious Triumph. The King at the opening of the Parliament, which he had summoned according to his [Page 60]promise to sit down on the 8th. of May, went thither with more then usual state, and calling the Commons to the House of Lords, declared his Reason of calling them thither, and particularly told them of the Confi­dence he had in them, as being most of them known to him, that it would prove a happy Parliament: in conclusion He ac­quainted them with his revolution of Mar­rying the Infanta of Portugal, which match had been transacted here by Conde Francisco de Mello, the Ambassador from that King, and concluded in certain Arti­cles then transmitted to that Kingdom, and so bid them chuse their Speaker.

Sir Edward Turner was the Person cho­sen, and forthwith both Houses voted their Thanks to His Majesty for his prudent choyce: [...]eer the same time arrived here the Kings Aunt, the Queen of Bohemia, who deceased the February following, and was buried with her Royal Ancestors in Hen. 7. Chappel: The Marquess of Mon­tross, as soon afterwards the noble Sir Charls Lucas and Sir George Lisle were re­interred in great state at Edinburgh and Colchester; and the Marquess of Argyle, Master Jushrey and Captain Gittan, ene­mies to the immortal Montross, Executed [Page 61]at Edinburgh, and as a compleat expia­tion of all those Scotch combustions, re­cited by those men and their fellows, the solemne League and Covenant was burnt by the Hangman in London, reversed all the Kingdom over soon after. The Earl of Sandwich with a Fleet, was sent to attend the Queen at Lisburn, now saluted by that name by Sir Richard Fanshaw the Kings Ambassadour, and thence to sayl to Algier to repress those Pyrates, where happened a Fight in there very Harbour, but of no great moment; whereupon the Earl leav­ing Sir John Lawson to block them up (which at last forced them to terms) de­parted for Tangier (and thence for Lis­burn) which was now delivered by vertue of the Treaty with Portugal to Sir Richard Stainer, the rear Admiral who surrendred the Government soon after to the Earl of Peterborough.

The House returned the Consideration of the punishment of some guilty persons in the matter of the Kings death not un­der Condemnation; namely the Lord Mon­son, Sir Henry Mildmay, Sir James Har­rington, with Robert Wallop, and Master Phelps the Clerk of the Court of Justice, and ordered them to be drawn on the Thir­tieth [Page 62]of January next, from the Tower through the City to Tyburn, with roper about their necks and so under the Gal­lows, and back again; to forfeit their E­states, and suffer perpetual imprisonment, which was accordingly executed.

On the 30th. of July the Parliament ad­journed to the 20th. of November, having passed two Acts, one for Regulatihng Cor­porations and displacing of ill affected Officers, the other Repealing the Statute of 17 Car. 1. against the Prelacy, and the Bishops Juris­diction in things Civil; by vertue of which the Lords Spiritual after the Adjournment took their places in the House of Lords. Episcopacy was also established in Scotland near the same time, as a little before in Ire­land, where Sir Charls Coot made by the King Earl of Mountrash, not long after di­ed; as the King had appointed the Duke of Ormond to be Lord Lieutenant of that Kingdom.

On the 27 of November one John James was executed at Tyburn for treasonous Speeches, and Sir Henry Vane, and John Lambert, Esquire, sent for from the Island of Scylly to their Trials.

Anno Domino, 1662.

This Year begins with the seizure of Col. [Page 63] Okey, Berkstead, and Miles Corbet at Delfe in Holland by the loyal industry of Sir George Downing the Kings Resident there, whence they were conveyed to the Tower, and brought to the Kings Bench Bar, and ar­raigned upon the Act of Attainder, for compassing the Death of the King: Their [...]lea was they were not the same men men­tioned in the same Act; but the Jury find­ing them, they were sensured as Tray­tors, and executed accordingly April 19. at Tyburn. The King was pleased to return Colonel Okeys body, which was buried in the Tower; Berksteads Head was placed on Traytors-gate in the same Tower.

This Kingdom had been in a longing expectation of the Queens arrival; but through cross winds the Royal Charls ha­ving been sent a good while before for her own transportation, but the cold season of the Spring, and cross winds before and in her passage had much retarded it, but at length May the 19. after a Moneths sayling the Royal Bride landed at Portsmouth, ha­ving been met at Sea by the Duke of York, who saluted Her in His Majesties Name. On the 20th. of May the King arrived there Post, and was privately Mar­ried [Page 64]and after some refreshments of th [...] Queen, for her voyage had much indi [...] ­posed Her, brought Her with universal ac­clamations by Winchester and Farnham t [...] Hampton Court, whence on the 23 o [...] August with a nevral Triumph the Lord Mayor and Companies in their Barge [...] with Streamers and Pageants attending Her, She was conducted to Whitehall.

Before the King went for Portsmouth He Prorogued the Parliament to the 18th. of February, and among many other passed these observable Acts, viz. An Act for pre­venting the Mischiefs and Dangers, that may arise by certain Persons called Quakers, anc others refusing to take lawful Oaths. An Act for ordering the Forces in the private Counties of this Kingdom, wherein it is de­clared, That in His Majesties Realms and Dominions, the Supreme Power, Command, and Disposal of the Militia, is, and ever was the undoubted right of the King and His Roy­al Predecessors, and that both and either Houses of Parliament cannot nor ought to pretend to the same, &c. An Act for the Ʋniformity of publick Prayers and Admini­stration of Sacraments, and other Rites and Ceremonies, and for establishing the form of of making, ordaining, and consecrating Bi­shops, [Page 65]Priests, and Deacons; by which Act after the 24 of August, all Ministers were bound to conform, and renounce the Co­venant, or lose their Benefices. Against the effect of this Act the Presbyterians la­boured hard, and petitioned the King and His Councill, but were so answered by the Lord Bishop of London, that their suit was repulsed; whereupon many of them at the aforesaid term quitted their places, and were the unhappy occasion and instigators of theirs to do the like, upon confidence of having their own wills for a Law, to the im­poverishing of many families. An Act for distribution of 60000 pounds amongst the truly Loyal and indigent Commission Officers, and for assessing of Officers, and distributing the money thereby raised for their further sup­ply. An Act for the relief of His Ma­jesties loyal Poor, and maimed Officers and Souldiers. An Act for establishing an Ad­ditional Revennue upon his Majesty, his heirs, &c. for his better support, and two shillings yearly for every Chimney, Hearth, or Stove. An Act for abrogating the Attainders of the Earl of Straford. Another Act pas­sed the Session before, against Armed or Ar­ming like multitudes and numbers of Peti­tioners, which are not to exceed seven or [Page 66]eight at most: by all which most prudent and wholesom Laws they have obviated the like evils of the late times, and set us right as we were this time thirty years.

This Trinity Term, Sir Henry Vane and Colonel Lambert were arraigned before Sir Robert Foster in the Kings Bench: the first for imagining and compassing the Death of the King, and usurping the Kings Autho­rity; and the other for Levying War against the King in Middlesex, Cheshire, &c. Sir Henry pleaded the Authority of Parliament very peremptorily, and troubled the Court; but Lambert behaved himself very civilly and respectfully, which procured him his Reprieve. Sir Henry died very peevishly and frowardly by the Axe on Tower Hill: Whither his Treachery had brought the Earl of Strafford.

Several Forces of Horses and Foot were sent from hence and Dunkirk, under the command of the Earl of Inchiqueen and Major General Morgan, to assist the King of Portugall against the Spaniard, which have done very good service this last Som­mer: and in October Dunkirk was returned to the French King, for the Sum of 500000 Sterling; a little before which time, the Walls of several Cities and Towns that were [Page 67]eminently disloyal in the late War, were dismantled, particularly Glocester and Co­ventry.

A trayterous Plot was now discovered, which had been hatched by some Grandees of the late Rebellion, but acted and carried by some Puny's thereof; Eight of which being apprehended in December, for the City had watched in Arms half a year toge­ther, were tried at the Old Bayly and con­demned, and six of them executed, viz. Thomas Tongue, George Philips, James Hind, Francis Stubs, John Swallow, Nathaniel Gibbs.

Anno Dom. 1663.

Having promised a continuance of these Affairs to the beginning of this year, some short Notes shall be added for a conclusion. The Parliament at their re-assembling in Feb. having had some jealousie of the Papists prevalency, for a Toleration by the Kings declaring those kind sentiments he had of their Services to the [...]rown: in his Decla­ration of the 26 of December, His Majesty took occasion to explain himself otherwise, and thereupon the House returned His Ma­jesty thanks, resolving to prepare Laws at his desire to hinder the growth of their Do­ctrine. [Page 68]This debate continued a great while with much heat and alterration, and was the onely business and discourse of the Times: The Popish Priests not ceasing their endeavours, and giving cause of caution, and provision of remedy against their en­cro [...]hments; so that at last, the King at the i [...]ce, and by advice of the Parliament, emitted a Proclamation commanding all Popish Prie [...] to depart the Kingdom, to the very great s [...]tisfaction of all His Maje­sties Subjects. This Saint Georges day the Duke of Munmouth and the Prince of Den­mark, were created Knights of the Garter in the places of the Duke of Espernoun, and Prince Edward of Nassaw.

A Plot was now discovered in Ireland, the Conspirators being Pers [...]s of the late Faction, who intended to surprize Dublin Castle, and the person of the Lord Lieu­tenant, and declared according to the Co­venant; but the Plotters were seized them­selves, and three of them, viz. Colone Edward Warren, Master Jephson, and Lieu­tenant Thompson, executed for their trea­son; by which all things were quiet there as well as in Scotland; where the Lairo Warreston was lately hanged for his forme [...] Treason, by an Act of Attainder.

The Parliament of England having de­bated, and prepared many other necessary Acts for the advancement of the Peace and Plenty thereof, His Majesty came to the Parliament and signed them: among the rest An Act for Trade, which being for the Sub­jects benefit, thanks was returned to the King: An Act for four entire Subsides to be paid at two several payments: there was An Act prepared for the better observation of the Lords Day; but it being mislayed, the King soon after supplyed it with a Procla­mation of his own to the same effect, com­manding his Declaration against Debauch­ry, which was so well resented at his resti­tution, to be read again in the Churches. When these Acts were passed, he Prorogued the Parliament to the 16 March; and the same day passed away to Tunbridge, where his Royal Consort the Queen was then drinking the waters there; and after a fort­nights stay, returned with her to Whitehall▪ where having rested a fortnight, His Maje­sty and his Royal Consort began their Pro­gress to the Bath; The right pious Learned Father in God, Gilbert Bishop of L [...]nd [...]n, was Translated from that Sea to the Arch-Episcopacy of Canterbury; the right rever­end Father Humphrey Translated from [Page 70] Sarum to London: 1664 His Majesty having Pro­gress from Bath to Bristol, and from thence to Oxford, returned to London, being abun­dantly satisfied with the Loyalty and affe­ctions of His people.

A Plot against the King: the Govern­ment of Church and State was now hatch­ed by the spawn of the late Regicides and Sectaries, without any sence of our late misery, or now happy Peace and Settle­ment, or of His Majesties reiterated and unparallel'd Acts of Grace and Clemency; or the exemplary Justice done upon some former like-traitors: The Scene of this was in the North, but the design was in most parts of the Nation; by Gods provi­dence timely discovered and prevented, there being found guilty at York Assizes Two and twenty, whereof seventeen exe­cuted at York, three at Leeds.

Anno Domini, 1664.

The Lords and Commons of Parliament met at Westminster, according to Proro­gation, His Majesty having made a graci­ous Speech (imparting His resolution to maintain Religion and Laws established) passed two Bills; One Act for holding Par­liaments in three years at least; And for re­peal of an Act Intitled, An Act for prevent­ing [Page 71]the inconveniencies happening by the long intermission of Parliaments; The other for preventing abatements in Writs of Error up­on Judgements in the Exchequer.

The Committee of Trade reported to the Parliament, that the several wrongs, dis­honors, and indignities done to His Maje­sty by the Subjects of the united-Provinces (by invading his right in India, Affrica, and elsewhere) the damages, affronts, and injuries done by them unto our Mer­chants, are the greatest obstructions of a foraign Trade, and that His Majesty be moved speedily to redress the same; The House then resolved they will with their lives and fortunes, assist His Majesty against all opposition whatsoever; This being twice read, the Lords concurred (His Ma­jesty taking great content in their zeal they express for the advancement of Trade; it being the primum mobile of the Nations hap­piness) His Majesty and his two Houses a­greeing touching their defence, and main­taining of the honor, interest and prospe­rity of the English Nation, made a graci­ous Speech to both Houses, approving their care and labour for the publick. Sir Edward Turner Speaker, in an elegant Speech, represented to His Majesty the [Page 72]humble Thanks of the House for His Maje­sties acceptance of their endeavours, to­gether with the Heads of several Bills ready for His Majesties royal assent, insisting on the injuries and depredations done by the Dutch to the Crown of England; and His Majesties Subjects being damnified by them to the vallue of 800000 l.

His Majesty at the same time passed se­veral Bills; One for The preventing of Se­ditious Conventicles (of most immergency for the peace of Church and State) Another For Preventing disturbances at Sea. An Act against deceitfull Gaming; and sever­all other private Acts. And after that Pro­rogued both Houses to the 26 of August, declaring it was his royal purpose not to call them together, till November.

His Majesty setteth forth a Proclamation to recall and prohibite his Seamen from the service of any foraign Prince, or State.

The unwelcome news from Tangier of the loss of the Earl of Tyvot (a person of known valour and loyalty) who with a small number was by Gayland (General of the Moors) lying in ambuscado in the Woods beyond the Jews river with his whole Ar­my set upon, most of the party being cut off, his Majesty lost a brave Commander, [Page 73]and a good Subject. But the town and works [...]re to Gayland impregnable; that place [...]ince being made invicible, the Mould being finished, his Majesties Forces have in their inclosure 400 acres of land.

The Duke of Ormond, Lieuteaant of Ire­land, was received by his Majesty and Court with honour and love, leaving the Lord Ossery Deputy.

His Majesty (in his royal wisdom) thought fit to equippe two Fleets for the maintenance of the honour and interest of the English Nation, sending some of the Privy Council to the City of London upon this extraordinary occasion, to borrow 100000 l. which was presently granted with all willingness, and forthwith paid by the care of the most prudent Magistrate, Sir Thomas Player, who hath rendered him­self so serviceable a Subject to his Majesties Interest, and the Cities trust, that it cannot be enough remembred, what care and pains he hath taken in former Loans (and with what exquisite speed the whole Army and Navy were paid of) whose early and late care by punctuall and speedy complying with payments (under God) prevented mutining, saving his Majesty and the King­dom many thousands by his expedition in [Page 74]that great work. A days pay of th [...] Army and Navy, and Interest of the Lo [...] of the Arrears, amounting to a vast Su [...] per diem. It is observed this Genleman [...] of such known worth, that his being Tr [...] surer is inducement enough to many C [...] zens to bring in their Cash for the service [...] his Majesty, before they know what secur [...] they shall have assigned for it.

The Hollanders by their preparati [...] since, do prosecute their former violen [...] and encroachments: his Majesty found [...] necessary to put his Navy into a prese [...] equippage; and for the more effectual ca [...] rying on the work, his Majesty propos [...] to the City of London the Loan of 100000 [...] more, which was provided with alacrity.

Never Prince did so personally conce [...] himself for the good of his Subjects, b [...] his surveying and expediting his Fleet b [...] yond our own or our neighbours expect [...] tion: the like Fleet having not been [...]o [...] not in the whole world, furnished wi [...] those Commanders, the very remembran [...] of whose valour and success, is a great satisfaction to our hopes.

His Majesty for encouragement of Co [...] manders and Seamen in his Service, ha [...] set forth a most Gracious Declaration, Th [...] [Page 75]in liew of every lawfull Prize at the rate of 10 s. the Tun, 6 l. 13 s. 4 d. every piece of Ordinance to be divided according to the usage of the Sea, all as free pillage above the Gun-deck, and ten pounds per Gun for every man of Warre, which they shall ei­ther take, sinck, or destroy, to be shared as aforesaid; and therein is several provisions made for the sick, wounded, and maimed, their widdows, and the children of impo­tent Parents of such as shall happen to be kil'd in the service; with other gracious pro­visions and encouragements therein exprest [...] so that to the immortal Honour of his Ma­jesty, there is nothing wanting. No design of this nature did ever carry along with it so many notable concurrences of advantages; To compleat all, his Highness the Duke of York (Lord High Admiral) himself in actual service is on board the Navy (a person who makes it no less glory to be a Souldier, then a Prince) hath put such a vigor into the seamen, that they long for nothing more then Action, under whose conduct they pro­mise themselves both honour, success, and victory.

The Great God of Sea and Land bless our Fleet, and make us thankful for all his mercies and blessings, and especially for [Page 76]our happiness in our King, who is a wise and most gracious Prince as ever people had: The consideration of his gracious love to the City of London, and the Cities duty and love to the King, doth make my heart rejoyce, to see the City so willingly lending and readily paying all taxes and duties. I have observed that a Citizen of London, that is not really worth above 100 l. pays at much as a Gentleman in the Country that hath 100 l. per annum, and that all maner of Assessments and Benevolence, is farre more readier, and I believe willinglier paid here in London, then in the Country: For instance, the Town of Barwick upon Tweed, hath not paid in to his Majesties Ex­chequer one peny of Assessments. Country Gentlemen, you cannot but know that the City of London doth their duty to their King so freely well, that [...]he Country draws but half the draught they ought to do as Sub­jects: Yet you have not common charity for them: a Citizen of London having an estate with you, is sure to be loaded to ease you: As you are good Subjects let it be so no more: For in the beginning it was not so.