Mercurius Rusticus, or, The countries complaint of the barbarous outrages committed by the sectaries of this late flourishing kingdom together with a brief chronology of the battels, sieges, conflicts, and other most remarkable passages, from the beginning of this unnatural war, to the 25th of March, 1646.

1 PET. 4.16.

If any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorifie God on this be∣half.

ACT. 5.41.

They departed from the presence of the Council, rejoycing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

JOHN 16.33.

In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

Aug. in Psal. 93.

Bonilaborant quia flagellantur ut filii: maliexul∣tant quia damnantur ut alieni.

Idem in Psal. 125.

Sicut qui seminat per hyemem non deterretur ab opere propter hyemem: Sic & nos pressura mun∣di non debemus a bono opere deterreri, quia qui seminant in lachrymis, in gaudio metent.

Querela Cantabrigiensis: OR, The Universities Complaint.

THough an Apologie for our long silence might better become us than any other form of Pre∣facing, yet were there some that thought it better to sit down in the shade of cool patience, and sweeten the sad prospect of our own miseries, by reflecting on the great publick woes of this King∣dom, than incur the suspicion of querulous natures, such as are apt to cry out only at the imagination of being hurt. But seeing our miseries are real, and our sufferings not so much intended against us, as against that famous University, whereof by right, we are still actual Members; and that the adverse party, hath hitherto made so much advantage of our tameness, as to steal away our livelyhood from us, and conceal the Theft: though our own Mo∣thers mouth be stopped, by violently seizing her press, and thereby not suffered to speak, but (like Apollos Statue of old) just as the evil spirit speaks in her, which at this time utters little else but disloyalty and Rebellion: yet seeing it hath pleased the hand of providence to give us this happy opportunity freely to bewail our own miseries; We are at length resolved to do Justice to these Mens iniquity and our own innocence, that our fellow-subjects may

know, (and if they leave so much learning as to speak in another language, the whole World may hereafter understand) how and by what Arts the Knipperdullings of this Age (who think shortly to make themselves Kings of this Sion) have reduced a glorious and renowned University, almost to a meer Munster, and have done more, in less then three years, then the Apostate Julian could effect in all his Reign, viz. broken the heart-strings of Learning and learned men, and thereby luxated all the joynts of Christianity in the Kingdon.

The particulars whereof, and the barbarous cour∣ses taken to bring these designs to effect, as we shall truly and impartially set them down, so we fear not to appeal to any impartial Judg, whether if the Goths and Vandalls, or even the Turks themselves had over-run this Nation, they would more inhu∣manly have abused a flourishing University, than these pretended advancers of Religion and Lear∣ning have done; it being a constant custom (if not also the Law of Nations) in the fiercest en∣counters of the most enraged parties, to exempt and priviledge Scholars from, if not protect them by their Martial proceedings.

To begin therefore with the first occasiion (as we conceive) from whence they pretended any cause of this rage and persecution against us, (though the meer conscience of so sensless a Rebellion cry∣ed up only by the illiterate herd, might afford rea∣son enough for them to look asquint upon all Scholars quâ tales) The contribution of a small pittance of Money to our Sovereigns extream ne∣cessity before any War was thought on by us, is made to be our unpardonable crime, (though not then prohibited by any Order or Ordinance) which

(added to the tenderness of our consciences in re∣fusing their wicked confederacy, commonly called the Covenant) by the help of their Legislative En∣gine, has bereaved us of all, and cast us from our live∣lyhoods, maintenance and Colledges.

For when His Sacred Majesty (whom they made to be the first Grand Delinquent, and whose Crown-Revenues and Estate, together with his Towns, Ships, and Magazines, they sequestred and seized on) deigned (by His Royal Letters) to acquaint His poor University with His strange wants, even of sustenance for his very houshold: Our hearts burned within us, to hear our living Founder, whom we expected to be made (by that time) a great and glorious King, (as was promised him) should almost starve while we had bread on our Table. Whereupon out of our poverty, a small and inconsiderable sum of Money was col∣lected and tendered, as a Testimony not only of our Loyalty to him as King, or of our gratitude as our most gracious and bountiful Protector and Benefactor; but also of our Charity to him as a Christian, then in extream want and necessity. We hope our Persecutors will Pardon us this ex∣pression, seeing our Metaphysicks may with less dan∣ger of Treason abstract Charles from King than their bullets; and this was the first flower out of which they suck'd all their venom which shortly after they disgorged upon us.

Hereupon his Sacred Majesty (knowing well how eager that party was in revenging the least seeming provocation, and being informed of that Cloud which was then hanging over us and ours, for that action of Humanity, Loyalty, and Christi∣an••ty) out of his care and tenderness, proffered to

secure our Colledge Plate (if we were content to deposite it in his hands) which their intended Re∣venge, had already swallowed without any Grace, so much as of the publick faith: and therefore wrote his most gracious Letters to us to take an exact sur∣vey of it, not only for the weight, but also of the form of every piece, together with the Names, Arms, and Mottoes of the respective Donors, that if (perhaps) his Majesty could not preserve it en∣tire as it was, he might restore it hereafter in the same weight and form, and with the same marks: All which he graciously insured upon his Royal word.

It behoved not us to refuse protection from that hand to which God (for that end) had entrusted a Scepter, especially considering the concurrence of Actions about that time. It is not unknown to most part of this Kingdom, that not long before this, the zealous Brethren of Essex and Suffolk had packt themselves together in a Religious Rout, to give the first Essay of a Popular Reformation: How happily this work did thrive in their hands, has been already published to the Kingdom, and the ruines of the two magnificent houses of the Countess Rivers (with many other Gentlemens houses of quality) are still dismal witnesses. So that (having found the sweet of their labours) the Re∣formers would in all likelyhood have prosecuted the great work as far as Cambridge, for a less prize than our University, (thanks be to God and our good Benefactors.) And we had good reason to fear the increase of their Army, if they had come near us, seeing the inferiour part of the Town, had provided Arms, and yet had no Com∣manders;

and some that durst discharge a Musquet, made it their practice to terrifie us, and disturb our Studies by shooting in at our windows. And therefore lest our Plate should become a bait to have our Liberties rifled, our Colled∣ge; pulled down, and per∣haps our Throats cut, we thought it our wisest course to secure all, by securing that in His Majesties gracious hands.

Upon these reasons (which no judicious man will esteem otherwise than weighty) we endeavoured to convey away some part of our Plate about the beginning of August, 1642. (which by the way was before either His Majesty Standard was erected, or his Proclamation issued out to that end: However many of us, and others have suf∣fered for it, as fomenters of this War) But within a few dayes after, (see how the just grounds of our fears concentred) one Master Cromwell, Burgess for the Town of Cambridge, and then newly turn'd a man of War, was sent down by his Masters above, at the invitation of his Masters below, (as himself confessed) to gather what strength he could to stop all passages that no Plate might be sent: But his designs being frustrated, and his o∣pinion as of an active subtile man, thereby somewhat shaken and endangered, he hath ever since bent himself to work what revenge and mischief he could against us. In pursuit whereof, before that month was expired, down he comes again in a terrible manner with what Forces he could draw to∣gether, and surrounds divers Colledges, while we

were at our devotion in our several Chappels, ta∣king away Prisoners, several Doctors of Divinity, Heads of Colledges, viz. D. Beale, Master of S. Johns Colledge, D. Martin, Master of Queens Col∣ledge, and D. Sterne, Master of Jesus Colledge, men of such eminent worth and abilities, as render them above the reach of our commendation, and these he carryes with him to London in triumph: And though there was an express Order from the Lords House for their imprisonment in the Tower, which met them at Tottenham-high-crosse, (wherein notwithstanding there was no Crime expressed) yet were they led captive through Bartholmew-fair, and so as far as Temple-bar, and back through the City to Prison in the Tower, on purpose that they might be houted at, or stoned by the Rable-rout.

Since which time, now about three years toge∣ther they have been hurryed up and down from one Prison to another at excessive and unreasonable charges, and fees exacted from them, far beyond their abilities to defray, having all their goods Plun∣dered, and their Masterships and Livings taken from them, which should preserve them from famishing. And though in all this time there was never any Accusation brought, much less proved against any of them; yet have they suffered intolerable im∣prisonment ever since, both by Land and Water, especially that in the Ship, where for ten days toge∣the••, they (with many other Gentlemen of great rank) were kept under deck, without liberty to come to breath in the common Air, or to ease Nature, except at the courtesie of the rude Sailors, which oftentimes was denyed them. In which condition, they were more like Gally-slaves, than free-born Subjects, and men of such quality and

condition; and had been so indeed, might some have had their wills, who were bargaining with the Merchants to sell them to Argiers, or as bad a place, as hath been since notoriously known upon no false or fraudulent information.

And now that we are mentioning our Reverend and worthy Heads of Houses, we may not omit, what our long exile from the said University will not suffer us otherwise than by certain Report to be apprehensive of: Namely, that a very great number of them are since in the same condition with us, that is, deprived of all, and banished: Particularly, the Right Reverend Father in God, the Lord Bishop of Exeter, against whom their malice could invent no more than that he was a Bishop, nor pretend any thing, but that, being Vice-chancellour, he did according, to his Office Preach a learned and pious Sermon in S. Maries, Mar. 27. 1645. being the day of His Majesties most happy inauguration. To whom we may add that most Reverend and learned man, Doctor Collins, His Majesties Professor of Divinity, whose extraordinary worth and pains had continued him in that place almost thirty years, and made his name famous, and his person desirable in every Protestant University in Christendom: and yet his Loyalty and conscience caused our new pretended Refor∣mers to think him unworthy so much as of a Coun∣try Cure, (for they sequestred likewise both his Livings) though since, as we hear, they have re∣stored him to his Professors place, which none of them are able to discharge, and he living in their Quarters, durst not deny. Thus likewise have

Doctor Comber, D. Pask, D. Cosins, and D. Lany been deprived of their several Masterships and Liv∣ings, and some of them also Plundered of their goods, though all of them be very eminent for their Learning, Prudence, Judgment and Piety, among all that knew them, and have no prejudice of them. And for conclusion (as the Epitome of all) we add D. Holdsworth, whose universal approbation put him upon the troublesom office of Vice-chancellor∣ship for three years together in the beginning of these troubles; yet before his Triennial Office was expired, his person was seized upon and imprisoned, first in Ely-house, then (because they thought that was not expensive enough, though they had Plun∣dered him of all) they thrust him into the Tower, only for his Loyalty in seeing His Majesties Com∣mands executed for the Printing of such Declarati∣ons at Cambridge, as were formerly Printed at York; which though the Committees before which he ap∣peared have always objected against him as Licens∣ing the Kings Books, yet hath he ever denied it, (for the manner, though not for the matter) pro∣fessing himself before them, not to be so saucy as to offer to License any thing which His Majesty Commanded to be Printed: but yet still enjoyning the Printer (as he would answer the contrary at his peril) that the thing might be performed ac∣cording to His Majesties Command.

And that the whole Body of the University might fare no better than the Heads; not long after the carrying up of the first three, they gave us an Argument of a sad presage. What was like to become of that Ancient and famous Seminary of Learning and Religion, when those Root-and-Branch-men chose that place for the prime Garison

and Rendezvouz of their Association: whereby the subtile Enginiers of the great pretended work of Reformation hoped not so much to gain security to their disloyal actions by any fortifications of that Town, (which it never was capable of, as now plainly appears) as some countenance and autho∣rity rather (which they had more want of) from the sacred name of an University to be listed Theirs. By this means instead of carrying us all to London Goals, (thanks be to our multitude, not their mer∣cy) they found a device to convey a Prison to us, and under colour of Fortification confin'd us only in a larger inclosure, not suffering any Scholars to pass out of the Town, unless some Towns-men of their Tribe promise for him that he was a Confider, as they call it.

And after this intrenchment for almost two years together, (we are forced with unspeakable grief of mind to think) what prophanations, vio∣lences, outrages and wrongs our Chappels, Colleges and Persons have suffered by the uncontrolled fury of rude Soldiers, notwithstanding two several Pro∣tections to the contrary, one from the House of Peers, the other from the Generalissimo the Earl of Essex. It is grievous to our memories to recount, how our Vice-chancellour and Heads of Colledges solemnly assembled in Consistory, being many of them threescore years old in an exceeding cold night till midnight, without any ac∣commodations for food, fi∣ring or lodging; and for no other reason, but only because they could not in conscience comply or contribute any thing to this detestable War against His Majesty: Yet they, notwithstanding all terrours and ill usage the day

following this their imprisonment, did constantly unanimously avouch and declare before the then General of the Association, That it was against true Religion and good Conscience for any to contribute to the Parliament in this War. Whereupon our Learned and Reverend Professors, two of Divinity, and one of the Law, the very Junior whereof (as well as the other two) had faithfully discharged his place al∣most so long as that by the Imperial Laws (his own profession) ever since Valens the Emperour, he might have challenged to have been Comes Imperii; yet all the encouragement any of them could get from these was per∣petually to be harrowed by Plundering and tedious im∣prisonment to betray their Loyalty, Learning, and Con∣sciences to the advancement of this present Rebellion, till at last that Reverend man (whom Posterity will honour henceforth as much for his Loyalty as his Learning) Doctor Samuel Ward (a man of known integrity and universal approbation even amongst those who were his adversaries in this Cause) took the wings of a Dove to flie away and be at rest: whose dying words (as if the cause of his Martyrdom had been written in golden Let∣ters upon his heart) where breathed up to Heaven with his parting Soul, GOD BLESS THE KING.

And though the grave resolution of all the Reve∣rend Professors of Divinity and Law in so famous an university ought to be more sacred and powerful

with them than the noise of their new Teachers and obstreperous American Lay-lecturers, yet they are not ashamed, after all these (upon mature delibe∣ration and consultation with the rest of the Learned men of that famous University) have publickly and unanimously declared their proceedings to be flatly contrary to Christian Religion and Loyalty, (and have stood therein even to imprisonment and death) to perswade the silly abused multitude, that all is for the Defence of His Majesty, and the Protestant Re∣ligion.

Neither is their wild fury confinable within those banks, it swells yet higher: for as the Tyrant wish∣ed that Rome had but one neck, that he might cut it off at one stroke; so these having got the oppor∣tunity, imprisoned the whole University, March 23. 1643. which day the whole Senate, (the Representa∣tive Body of it) being solemnly assembled in the Re∣gent house, were there violently invironed with great Bands of Armed Soldiers, who wanted nothing but the Word to dispatch us, because we would not vote in a matter as they would have us, though that matter did not any whit concern them or their Cause, more than the conferring of a Degree upon such a man as the whole University in their con∣sciences judged unworthy of it: And one Master Danes, (General of that famous Expedition, but formerly a Member of that house which he then so abused) adding Perjury to his former sins, came in a terrible manner, (contrary to his Oath former∣ly taken to his Mother the University) and flatly denyed the Vice-chancellour leave to dissolve the Congregation, unless he would first promise that the matter should be voted, as they required: where∣upon sundry Members of that Senate, being obser∣ved

to make use of that Statute-liberty and freedom, which was essential to that assembly, were forthwith seised on, and imprisoned by the Committee, in no better Lodgings than the common Court of Guard: which strange and violent perverting of our Universities proceedings, we wonder at the less, for that this Captain had not done more to us, than Captain Ven with his Raggamuffins had done formerly to the sacred Senate of the whole King∣dom.

And that all Academical Exercises might expire and so the face of an University be quite taken away, a grave Divine (the Lady Margarets publick Preacher) going to Preach Ad Clerum, (according to his Office) pridie Termini, was furiously pursued over the market place by a confused number of Soldiers, who in a barbarous uncivil manner cryed out A Pope, A Pope, and vowed high revenge if he offered to go into the Pulpit; whereupon the Church was straight∣ways filled with great multitudes, and when some who accompanied the Preacher, told them, it was an University Exercise, and to be by Statute performed in Latin, they replyed, They knew no reason why all Sermons should not be performed in English, that all might be edified, threatning withal totear the Hoods and Habits which Graduats then wore, according to the University Statute. Yet all this may per∣haps be extenuated as a sudden uproar of undisci∣plin'd Soldiers, but (which is the aggravation of all, and makes us believe that these petty Reformers were but the sensless instruments of higher Agents) when all this was related to their then General of the Association, no course was taken at all to prevent these grow∣ing

mischiefs, but the Divine appointed by Statute to Preach Ad Clerum, was inforced to return Re infectâ, and glad he could escape so: And this is the great protection which Learning is like to find from these grand pretenders to advance it.

And that Religion might fare no better than Learning in the University Church, (for perhaps it may be Idolatry now to call it S. Maries) in the presence of the then General our Common-Prayer∣book was torn before our faces, not∣withstanding our Protection from the House of Peers for the free use of it, some (now great one) encouraging them in it, and openly rebuking the University Clerk, who complained of it before his Soldiers. Thus those Reverend Fa∣thers, the Compilers of it, who sealed the truth thereof with their dearest Blood, being content to burn at a stake for the light of the Gospel, are now this second time Martyred and torn in pieces in their Liturgy, yet all this under pretence of Reli∣gion.

It will not be strange now to hear how our Per∣sons have been abused, seeing Religion and Learn∣ing have suffered so deeply amongst us: how divers of us have been imprisoned without so much as pretending any cause, but snatcht up in the streets, and thrown into Prison at the pleasure of a small sneaking Captain, where we have lain three or four months together, not so much as accused, much less heard, but quite and clean forgotten, as if their had been no such thing in nature. How some of us (and many others with us) have been thrust out of bed in the night, that our Chambers might forthwith be converted

into Prison Lodgings: how our young Scholars with terrour have been com∣manded to accuse and cut out the names of their own Tutors, and some of them thrown into Prison for not being old enough to take their Covenant : But (to pass higher) how often have our Colleges been beset, and broken open, and Guards thrust into them sometimes at midnight, while we were asleep in our beds? How often our Libraries and Treasuries ransackt and rifled, not sparing so much as our Ancient Coyns? which those that know any thing, know to be a great light to the understanding of Histo∣ry. How often hath that small pittance of Commons which our Founders and Benefactors allotted for our sustenance, been taken from off our Tables by the wanton Soldier? How often have our Rents been extorted from our Tenants, or if received, re-manded of our Bursars and Stewards, and by force taken from them? And all this under the old odious title of Plundering, which word though they cannot endure to hear of, since that new term of Sequestration was invented; yet the thing is the same, and more practised than ever, they having for above two years together set themselves upon little else than to seise and take away our goods and furniture belonging to our Chambers, prizing and selling away our Books at a tenth part of their value, which are our only tools and instru∣ments whereby the trade and profession of Learn∣ing should be holden up. And to this end they have constituted a decay'd Hatter, Plunder-master

General, who (together with a Con∣venticling Barber and a Confiding Taylor) hath full Comission, for our propriety sake, to Lord over us, and dispose of our goods as they please: So despicable a thing to them is an University, or any that belong un∣to it.

But their malice is unsatiable, and cannot be contained within the Line of their Fortifications, and therefore to propagate their own wickedness, and make us odious and abominable to the whole Country, as we were already (though most unde∣servedly) to some of themselves; they have in∣vented a pretty device to reserve out of their Plun∣der all sorts of pictures, were they but Paper Prints of the twelve Apostles, and every market day to burn ihem openly in the market place, proclaiming them the Popish Idols of the University, until we became so hated by the weaker sort of the deceived People, that a Scholar could have small security from be∣ing stoned or affronted as he walked the streets.

But why do we insist so long upon particular mens Plundering, when whole Colleges (wherein not only the present, but also the future propagation of Religion and Learning is concerned) have drunk so deeply the dregs of their malice? For besides the cutting down of our Walks and Orchards, (contra∣ry to their own Generalissimo's Orders of War) they have cut down the Woods and Groves belonging to our Colleges, and sold them before our eyes to a great value, when by an Ordinance they were declared not Seque∣strable: And (which was likewise contrary to an Order) they have seised and taken away the Ma∣terials of our intended buildings, to the worth of

three or four hundred Pounds in Timber, which our pious and charitable Benefactors had out of their devotion conferred towards the re-edifying of an ancient College which Time had impaired: And, to shew what violent passions they are transported withal, they have pulled down, demolished and defaced five or six fair Bridges of Stone and Timber belonging to several Colledges, and have spoiled a good Walk with a new Gate per∣taining to one of our Colleges, upon pretence of keeping out Cavaliers, and yet for forty shillings they would fain have been hired to spare it, and cast up a Work beyond. And let the World judg whether this was not done to get the countenance of a Contribution from a College to their Fortifications, and consequently to this War against the King.

But (as if Bridges and materials for Building were nothing) they have yet proceeded further, even to the very Structure it self of one of the fairest Colleges in our University, which they Plundered the true owners of, for above sixteen months together, as an espe∣cial argument of their love to Learning, and have converted all the old Court thereof into a Prison for His Majesties Loyal Subjects, (which before the other was built, has contained above three hundred Students at a time) not suffering any whom it concerned to remove any Bedding or o∣ther goods, whereof the Goaler could make any use or benefit, but renting them all out together with the Chambers at above five hundred Pounds per Ann.

And as if spoiling of one College were not e∣nough, their malice has since extended it self to all the rest, in Quartering multitudes of Common Soldiers, in those glorious and ancient Structures, which our devout and Royal Founders designed for Sanctuaries of Learning and Piety, but were made by them mere Spittles and Bawdy-houses for sick and debauched Soldiers, being filled with Queans, Drabs, Fiddlers, and Revels night and day. Which black deeds of darkness being divers times complan∣ed of by us to their Officers, and the particular men shewed them, who had thus lewdly abused our Colleges, none of these new Re∣formers were ever punish'd, nor the holy Sisters removed, nor so much as called before any that then bore rule among us. By which means, (see what Religion they fight for, and what a glorious Reformation we may expect) they have dishonoured Cod, countenanced leudness, scandalized modest and civil men, and driven from us, or poisoned among us those young Students which were left.

To this we may add, how they have torn and defaced those Reverend buildings, pull'd down and burned the Wainscot of our Chamb. Bed-steeds, Chairs Stools, Tables, and Shelves for our Books, so as they may now have some plea for multiplying of Goals, if the Liberty of the Subject shall so require. And when their ragged Regiments which had lain lowzing before Crowland nigh a fortnight, were commanded to Cambridge, forthwith the Colleges are appointed for their Kennels, and fourscore were turned loose into one of the least Halls in the University, and charged by their Officers to shift for themselves; who without any more ado broke open the Fellows

and Scholars Chambers, and took their Beds from under them. But when the Kings Prisoners taken at Hilsden-house were brought famished and naked in triumph by Cambridge to London, some of our Scholars were knockt down in the streets, only for offering them a cup of small Beer to sustain na∣ture, and the drink thrown in the kennel, rather then the famished and parched throats of the wick∣ed, as they esteem'd them, should usurp one drop of the creature. And it is much to be feared, thay would have starved them in pri∣son there, if a valiant Chamber-maid had not relieved them by force, tram∣pling under her feet in the kennel their great persecuter, a Lubberly Scotch Mayor.

What should we mention moreover, how we have been over-whelmed with insupportable Taxes ex∣torted from us by Plundering, seised not by any of our own Body, but (which is directly contrary to our established privileges) by the Arbitration of a few confiding Aldermen, our professed Enemies, who instead of that gratitude which very nature requires at their hands, now repay us with unsati∣able malice and Envy: which properties of their shave since commended and qualified them to be appoint∣ed Commissioners and Judges to strip us of our estates and livelyhoods. And when neither our consciences nor Estates could extend any further to defray their imposts for our very Chambers (which their Soldiers then possessed and burnt) besides all excises, weekly payments, Taxes, fifth and twentieth part, upon all our Revenues, and other such new terms of property and liberty, all the favour we can expect from them, is, quietly to be thrust into Prison without further abusings.

And although all these are but sad theams to be thus far inlarged and dilated upon, yet they think they can stop the noise of all these just complaints with their usual grinning objection, that several of our Students are in the Kings Army: making that to be their crime, to which if their own innate Loyal∣ty did not draw them, yet their haughty and hea∣thenish usage would of necessity drive them: for who had not rather fall upon the bed of honour, and assert with his dearest blood, his Religion, Loy∣alty, and Liberty, than live a slave under them, to set his surviving foot-steps upon the graves and ashes of expired Loyalty, Nobility, Gentry, Clergy, and Civility it self?

And now to tell how they have prophaned and abused our several Chappels; though our Pens flowed as fast with vinegar and gall, as our eyes do with tears, yet were it impossible sufficiently to be expressed: when as multitudes of enraged Soldiers (let loose to reform) have torn down all carved work, not respecting the very Monuments of the dead: And have ruin'd a beautiful carved structure in the University Church (though indeed that was not done without direction from a great one, as appeared after upon complaint, made to him) which stood us in a great sum of Mony, and had not one jot of Imagery or Statue-work about it. And when that Reverend man the then Vice-chan∣cellour told them mildly, That they might be better imployed, they returned him such Language, as we are ashamed here to ex∣press.

Nor was it any whit strange to find whole Bands of Soldiers t••••ning and exercising in the Royal

Chappel of King Henry the sixth: Nay even the Commanders themselves (being com∣manded to shew their new Major Gen∣eral how well they understood their trade) chose that place to train in, (whe∣ther in policy to conceal their Mistery, or out of fear to betray their ignorance, or on pur∣pose to shew their Soldiers how little Gods house was to be regarded, let the World conjecture.) And one who calls himself John Dowsing, and by vertue of a pretended Commission goes about the Country like a Bedlam breaking glass windows, having bat∣tered and beaten down all our painted glass, not only in our Chappels, but (contrary to Order) in our publick Schools, College-Halls, Libraries, and Chambers, mistaking perhaps the Liberal Arts for Saints (which they intend in time to pull down too) and having (against an Order) defaced and digged up the floors of our Chappels, many of which had lain so for two or three hundred years together, not regarding the dust of our founders and predecessors, who likely were Buried there; compelled us by armed Soldiers to pay forty shillings a College for not mending what he had spoiled and defaced, or forth∣with to go to Prison: We shall need to use no more instances than these two, to shew that neither place, person nor thing, hath any reverence, or respect amongst them, A Fellow of one of our Col∣leges was violently pluckt from the Communion as he was ready to receive that ho∣ly Sacrament before the so∣lemn Election of a Master

of that College, and thrown into Goal, to the great disturbance of the Election: And at another * College the Communion Plate was sacrilegiously seised upon and taken a∣way from the very Communion Table, notwithstanding it was (upon a former Plunder) restored to the said College by an Order from the Close Committee of the 18. of Septemb. 1643. un∣der the hands of the Earl of Pembroke, Earl of Denbigh, Lord Say, Lord Howard, Sir Wil. Waller, and Mr. Pym.

And yet all these actions of theirs, were but pre∣paratory Pills to dispose our whole Body for its fi∣nal Purge of Reformation, when ever they should please to think it sick of us: And that is this last act, which is none of the least arguments, of this our sad complaint. For although we were seldom in any freedom for any time near these three years from some Protestation, Oath, Association, Vow and Covenant, &c. menaced upon us, yet this last only brought with it the fatal doom of our final extirpati∣on: though we must have leave to wonder that all Liberty of Conscience should be denied us by them, who latety pleaded nothing else against the establish∣ed Ecclesiastical Laws, and now pretended partly to fight for the same: But indeed the Covenant was not the true cause but the pretence only for our Ejection, (for that is the word of Art, for this new∣ly invented Mistery) as appears by several writs issued out under hand and seal without mention of refusing the Covenant. The thing was absolutely determined by a peremptory decree, to plant a new University for propagating at least, if not inventing a new Religion: And to that end the old one must be removed, at least so much of it, for the present,

as might hinder this great design; Only some means and plausible pretences were yet want∣ing.

The first that was attempted was to summon all those that were absent to return within ten days. But then they were so far to seek for reasons of E∣jection, as that after almost half ten days more stu∣dy all they could insert in their writ was, For opposing the proceedings of Parliament, and other Scandalous Actions in the University; Their tongues thereby testifying their minds, though perhaps out of incogitancy, which are so furiously set upon their great work of Reformation as to punish the opposing Scandalous Actions, with the loss of all a mans livelyhood. Whether they were ashamed of the phrase or not we know not; but they had very good reason to be ashamed of the Act, being so different from all shew of Justice, as to enjoyn impossibilities in commanding men to re∣turn within twelve days, after issuing the summons, which at that time were above two hundred miles distant, and had two Armies to pass through all the ways: or enjoyning them to be resident at Cambridge, whom themselves at the same time kept fast Prisoners at London: And yet for non-appear∣ance, for no man knows any other cause, these must be Ejected.

But though this be not so plausible, yet they have a sure reserve, their Solemn League and Covenant, which coming from their dear Brethren of Scot∣land, they think no penalty too great for refusal of it: And this, because it carries in its frontispiece a pretence of Rrformation, comes not alone, but (though without any visible Order) accompanied with a new Legislative fangle called an Oath of dis∣covery,

but indeed was an Oath of Treachery, a wild unlimited device to call whom they would be∣fore them, and make them accuse their nearest and dearest Friends, Benefactors, Tutors, and Mast∣ers, and betray the Members and Acts of their se∣veral Societies, manifestly contrary to our Peaceable Statutes formerly sworn unto by us, which provide against all faction and sedition, which these men only hunt after, [viz. Non revelabis aliquod secre∣tum Collegii; Non malum aut damnum inferes Collegio aut cuilibet Sociorum:] And apparently reviving the Oath Ex Offishio, (as their Commissioners spell it) abolished this present Parliament, to accuse our selves: For what is it else to accuse our own Socie∣ties and Corporations, whereof our selves are parts and members?

And though we would not any whit derogate from the Oath Ex Officio as it is used this day in most Christian Kingdoms and Common-wealths, nay even in Scotland and Geneva, and may be of excel∣lent use, if not stretched beyond the due limits of Law: yet this Oath of Discovery, all, we think, except one or two, refused, perceiving that there∣by the design of a second Century was to be pro∣moted; for they finding no accusation or crime ob∣jected against any of us, where with to colour their ugly purposes which they had already plotted in private against us, and yet their Covenant must be for Reformation, they resolved to shrive us with an Auricular Confession sanctified to the Cause, that so we might help them out with their malice, which was otherwise like to be born blind, though hi∣therto it hath been Eagle-eyed over our most ve∣nial slips; And forthwith upon refusal of this Oath was their Solemn League and Covenant urged upon us.

We cannot but signifie by the way, that seeing it must be tendered to the University, as their Printed instructions told us, we hoped it should have been to the whole body Statuteably assembled, either to admit of, or otherwise humbly to shew reasons of denial; but they were wise enough to foresee what entertainment such stuff was like to find from all the Learned men of so famous an Unversity, and were not willing it should be blasted with their U∣niversal refusal. And therefore contrary to our hopes, a selected number of particular men are cull'd out, partly as the lot sell, for it much resem∣bled a lottery, but chiefly of such whom they most redoubted, and of whom by some petty informati∣on, they had received a black Character of Loyalty termed Malignancy, and to these, yet severally, was tendered the Oath of discovery, and after that the Covenant.

And though indeed we should, by Gods help, as often have refused it, as it should have been offered, yet after one single denial, without a second tender, contrary to the Eleventh Article of the Instructions, a warrant was straightway issued forth under the Earl of Manchester's hand and seal for our Ejection and Banishment from the University of Cambridge for refusing to take the Solemn League and Covenant, and other Misdemeanors in the said University, which were surely no other than the denial of the Oath of dis∣covery, for not one of us who were there present, had any one accusation brought, much less proved against him, when we appeared upon their Sum∣mons. And without any delay our names are cut out of the College Tables, and we strictly command∣ed in three days space to quit the University and Town under pain of Imprisonment and Plunder, if any thing was left.

And it is here not to be passed by, that whereas by the Laws of the Land we were ever reputed to have as good an interest in our several fellowships during life, as any of our fellow Subjects in his fee Simple, provided we carried our selves according to those Statutes by which our several Colleges were respectively to be governed, yet now we are utter∣ly deprived of them by the mear Arbitrary power of one of our fellow Subjects without transgressing of any one Statute, or being called to answer for any pretended offence whatsoever. Nay, so little was Propriety valued, that a pair of Camp-Chaplains, or one of them, might expunge, eject, and banish whom they pleased, especially, such as would not sacrifice their Loyalty and consciences to the nerves and cement of this Rebellion, called the Covenant. For instance, when a Warrant for Ejection of cer∣tain Fellows of S. Johns College was issued out under hand and seal, and their names expresly mentioned in it, yet Mr. Ash knows very well who it was that expunged Mr. Henmans name, and put in M. Botelers, without so much as writing the War∣rant over again.

And now (seeing what courses were taken) it will not seem strange to the Reader, to hear that no less than 32. Fellows, (together with the Ma∣ster) have been thrust out of the said College, the emoluments of whose places have been ever since swallowed up by not half the number, and not content with that neither. And in an other they have made a through Re∣formation, Root and Branch, leaving neither Fellow nor Scholar. In others indeed they have left perhaps one or two, (or more as they see

good) like Gibeonites, to hew wood and draw water, till such time as they have discovered unto them all the mysteries concerning their College Revenues, and by that time they will find enow godly men of their own Tribe, Learned enough to pocket the profits of two Fellowships apiece, which is the end of all this blessed Reformation. Thus is their old pretence of Regulation vanished, in place whereof their true intention of a total Extirpation of the whole ancient Body of the University doth now so plainly appear, that they which run may read it; which though a great many would not believe, till by woful experience they found it, yet was it con∣spicuous enough from the very beginning to any that was but tolerably provident in matters of this na∣ture.

For it was hardly possibly that Cambridge should be free from these two crying sins of Sacrilege and Rebellion, which the devil hath long endeavoured to make this whole Kingdom guilty of: and to that end (mis-calling them by the names of Religi∣on and Liberty) had masked under the counterfeit vizard of a Covenant for Reformation: by which means though the simplicity of the vulgar was much abused, to the extreme hazard of this once flourish∣ing Church and State; yet seeing it could not be able to endure the strict search, which in such an University of all sorts of Learned and conscientious Men it was not like to escape; it could not be o∣therwise expected, but that those who were his in∣struments herein, would lay a sure foundation, and (how moderate soever their pretences were) reform Root and Branch, as they called it, that see∣ing they could not make the University of Cam∣bridge to Rebel by taking their Covenant, they might

at least make a Rebellious University at Cambridge which should take it.

And to this end those new intruders which falsly call themselves Masters and Fellows of our several Colleges, instead of those solemn Oaths which our pious and prudent Founders and Legislators enjoyned to be taken, (and without taking of which, no man can pretend any right to any of their founda∣tions) only take their Covenant again, and make a Protestation to reform all our wholsom Laws and Statutes according to that Covenant.

A Covenant with Hell, begot between Munster and Mecha, by the help of a Jesuite, sthe most impi∣ous and unchristian confederacy that their grand Master the devil could contrive: the chief end whereof is to dethrone the Lords anointed, and throw down the Church and Apostolical Government thereof, and to force not only their Fellow-Subjects to contradict their Oaths of Allegiance and Supre∣macy, but even their most gracious Sovereign to per∣jury, in violating this his sacred Oath which he so∣lemnly made at his Coronation. And to compleat that their most horrid and heinous sin, to joyn in Arms with a foreign Nation, to lay desolate their own native Country, to stain this Earth with the Blood of their own Country-men and Fellow-Sub∣jects, and to expose the treasures of England, the Cream of these fruitful Vallies, to the empty and hungry maw of a Rebellious Scot: and then vow never to have peace, but what shall be written in the Blood of their Enemies (His Majesty and His Loy∣al Subjects,) and lastly, most cruelly and wickedly to exhort and solicit all Protestants in the Christian World to undertake the like course with them by rising in Rebellious Arms; thereby exposing the

Throats and Lives of all our Brethren the Prote∣stants in France and else where to the just jealousie of their several Princes. And yet (for sooth) this Covenant is made the foundation of the great work of their glorious Reformation, and under pretence of refusing this we must be banisht, and thrust out of all we have.

It will not be more than what upon trial will be found true, if we here mention a mistery which many (we conceive) will not a little wonder at, viz. That this Covenant, for which all this persecu∣tion hath been, consisteth of 6. Articles, and those Articles of 666. words. This is not the first time that a persecution hath arisen in England upon 6. Articles, (witness those in the Reign of King Henry the 8th. ) But as for the number of the Beast, to answer directly to the words of those six Ar∣ticles, it is a thing, which (consider∣ing Gods blessed providence in every particular thing) hath made many of us and others seriously and often to reflect upon it; though we were never so superstitiously Caballistical as to ascribe much to numbers. This discovery (we confess) was not made by any of us, but by a very judicious and worthy Divine, formerly of our Uni∣versity, and then a Prisoner (for his Conscience) within the precincts of it, and not yet restored to his liberty, but removed to London. And therefore we shall forbear to insist any farther, either upon it, or the occasion of it.

For our own particulars we shall only add thus much, that seeing some of our own Reasons with which we had Armed our selves against that Misery

of iniquity have since that time been published to the World (in such humility of phrase as well be∣came Christian sufferers, though in such distraction as may sufficiently testify who were the Authors and what their Condition) we appeal to any who with Judgment and moderation hath or shall read the same; whether we have causlesly and foolishly trifled away those fair advantages wherewith God by the means of our renowned Benefactors had endowed us, for the advancement of his Glory, and further propagation of Learning and true Re∣ligion; or whether we had not rather suffer'd an unjust deprival of all our livelyhoods under the merciless hands of cruel Tyrants who neither fear God nor respect the just scruples of tender Consciences.

For when a Member of our Uni∣versity was brought upon this occa∣sion before the Earl of Manchester, and being not satisfied in Conscience, desired his Lordship that his Chaplain (then present) might resolve him in some Scruples about it; to this motion (being then thought not unreasonable by his Lord∣ship, and much pressed by some that were there present) his Reverend Chaplain Learnedly replyed before the whole Company, that he came not thither to resolve Mens Consciences, but to Preach to his Lord∣ship. Whereupon the Gentleman was not long after sent up Prisoner to London by the said Earl for tendring the Reasons of his refusing the Co∣venant, though invited and required thereunto by his Lordship: And there without farther hearing committed to Prison, where he continued a long time at excessive charges, which is all the satisfaction

he could find (or any other can expect) from them, for the scruples of a tender Conscience.

Thus are we imprisoned or banished for our consciences, being not so much as accused of any thing else, only suspected of Loyalty to our King, and Fidelity to our Mother the Church of England; and not only so, but quite stript of all our lively∣hood, and exposed to beggery, having nothing left us to sustain the necessities of nature, and many of us no friends to go to, but distitute and forlorn, not knowing whither to bend one step when we set footing out of Cambridge, having one only com∣panion, which will make us rejoyce in our utmost afflictions, viz. A clear Conscience in a righteous cause: humbly submitting our selves to the chastisement of the Almighty, who after he hath tryed us, will at last cast his rods into the fire.

As for us, God forbid that we should take up any railing or cursing, who are commanded only to bless: we are so far from that, that we have rather chosen to let the names of our greatest persecuters rot in our ruines, than so much as mention them with our Pen, save only where necessity compelled us unto it.

But though we spare their names, we hope we may without offence to any describe their qualities: And therefore if Posterity shall ask, Who thrust out one of the eyes of this Kingdom? Who made Elo∣quence dumb, Phylosophy sottish, widowed the Arts, and drove the Muses from their Ancient ha∣bitation? Who pluck'd the Reverend and Orthodox Professors out of their Chairs, and silenced them in Prison or their graves? Who turned Religion into Rebellion, and changed the Apostolical Chair into a Desk for Blasphemy, and tore the garland from

off the head of Learning, to place it on the dull browes of Disloyal Ignorance? If they shall ask, who made those Ancient and beautiful Chappels, the sweet remembrancers and Monuments of our fore-fathers Charity, and kind fomenters of their Childrens devotion, to become ruinous heaps of dust and stones? or who unhived those nume∣rous swarms of labouring Bees, which used to drop honey-dews over all this Kingdom, to place in their rooms swarms of sensless Drones? Tis quick∣ly answered, those that were, who endeavouring to share three Crowns, and put them in their own pockets, have transformed this free Kingdom into a large Goal, to keep the liberty of the Subject: They who maintain 100000. Robbers and Mur∣therers by Sea and Land, to protect our lives, and the propriety of our goods: That have gone a King-catching these three years, hunting their most gracious Sovereign like a Partridge on the mountains in his own defence; They who have possest them∣selves of His Majesties Towns, Navy, and Maga∣zines, and Robbed him of all his Revenues, to make him a glorious King: Who have multiplyed Oaths, Protestations, Vows, Leagues and Cove∣nants for the ease of tender consciences: Filling all Pulpits with Jugglers for the Cause, canting Sediti∣on, Atheism, and Rebellion, to root out Popery and Babylon, and settle the Kingdom of Christ: who from a trembling guilt of a legal trial have engaged three flourishing Kingdoms, and left them weltring in their own Blood; They (lastly) which when they had glutted themselves with spoil and rapine, hissed for a foreign Viper to come and eat up the bowels of their dear Mother: The very same have stopt the mouth of all Learning,

(following here in the example of their elder Bro∣ther the Turk) lest any should be wiser than them∣selves, or Posterity know what a World of wicked∣ness they have committed.

And now seeing they are not content to deprive us of our Estates, but (which is much more greiv∣ous unto us) have also Robbed us of our good names, branding all of us in our several writs of Ejectment with a black Character of Misdemeanors in gener∣al (and yet not any one particular was alledged a∣gainst any one of us, which were then there, much less offered to be proved by any one single witness, although especial care was taken by an Ordinance for appointing a Committee to sit at Cambridge for that purpose) we challenge and conjure them as they will one day answer for this slander and op∣pression, that they declare and prove what those Misdemeanors are; which if they do, the shame and guilt will be ours: if not (as we are confident they cannot) we must appeal herein from these unjust Judges to the impartial Tribunal of the righte∣ous Judg of Heaven and Earth, who knows our integrity, and to whom we submit our selves and cause, Humbly beseeching him not to lay this Sin to their charge. For though for our many sins a∣gainst him we may justly receive at his hands, heavier Judgments than these: yet our Innocence will plead Not Guilty, to the face of any Man who shall object against us any Civil Misdemeanors, whereby we can more justly be deprived of our Fellowships than any free Subject in England of his fee Simple, if they please to say he is guilty of Misdemeanors.

And as it hath pleased our gracious Master (whose Ministers we are) to make us examples

(though but of suffering) to the rest of our Brethren: So we hope he will continue unto us his grace of humilation under his mighty hand, as an earnest of his exalting us in due time: And in the interim, that he will lay no more upon us, than he shall be pleased to strengthen our infirmities to bear: And that he will still preserve unto us a good conscience, that whereas our persecutors speak evil of us as of evil doers, they may be ashamed that falsly accuse our good conversation in Christ.

FINIS

Notes

• Vid Mercur. Rustic. 2.
• This particular appeareth by a Paper delivered into the Registers Office, under the hands (if not also upon the Oaths) of Master Christo∣pher Terne, and Master Anthony Walker, both of S. Johns Colledge, who had Musquets several times discharged in at their win∣dows, as also divers o∣thers.
• Alex. Rigby the Lawyer. Vide Declar. of the Parl. at Oxf. Mar. 19. 1643.
• On Good Fiday, Mar. 30. 1643.
• Imperator Valens Gram∣maticos, Sophistas, Legum Professores, qui per vigli∣ti annos probe munere do∣cendi: suncti sunt, annume∣rari & honorari cum iis, qui ex vicaria sint principis dignitate jubet, & inter Comites. Greg. Tho. losan. Syntag. lib. 19. c. 1. §, 8. ubi citat l. uni de Professor. qui in urbe Constantinop. lib. 12. C. tit. 1. juncta rub. & gl.
• M. Power.
• Lord Gray of Warke.
• See the Pre∣face.
• M. Cromwell.
• Jordan.
• So at S. Johns College.
• So was Jo. Bullock of S. Johns.
• So at S. Johns College, whence they took in Ancient Coyn's to the value of 22. l. according to weight.
• Fortune. Par∣rell. Curd.
• So at Jesus Col∣lege-
• Clare-Hall.
• S. Johns, Trin. Kings, Garret Hostle, and 2. at Queens.
• Kings College.
• S. Johns Coll.
• Pembr. Hall.
• Pembr. Hall.
• Mistris Cum∣bers maid.
• Homes.
• M. Cromwell.
• D. Ward.
• Master Pawson of Sidney College, though since he hath proved himself an arrant honest man, and is reward∣ed for it with a fellowship in S. Johns.
• Kings Coll.
• Crawford.
• See the Pref.
• Master Pawson of Sidney College, though since he hath proved himself an arrant honest man, and is reward∣ed for it with a fellowship in S. Johns.
• S. Johns
• See Pref.
• M. Ash, and M. Good.
• Queens Coll.
• See Mr. Fox, Act. and Mon. Vol. 2. p. 443. Edit. London. 1631.
• Mr. Geast.
• Mr. Baldero.