A brief review of the most material Parliamentary proceedings of this present Parliament, and their armies, in their civil and martial affairs. Which Parliament began the third of November, 1640. And the remarkable transactions are continued untill the Act of Oblivion, February 24. 1652. Published as a breviary, leading all along successiviely, as they fell out in their severall years: so that if any man will be informed of any remarkable passage, he may turne to the year, and so see in some measure, in what moneth thereof it was accomplished. And for information of such as are altogether ignorant of the rise and progresse of these times, which things are brought to passe, that former ages have not heard of, and after ages will admire. A work worthy to be kept in record, and communicated to posterity.

The severall speeches of Duke Hamilton Earl of Cambridge, Henry Earl of Holland, and Arthur Lord Capel.

Spoken upon the Scaffold immediately before their Execu∣tion, on Friday the ninth of March, 1649.

I Think it is truly not very necessary for me to speak much, there are many Gentlemen and Souldiers there that see me, but my voice truely is so weake, so low, that they connot heare me, nei∣ther truly was I ever at any time so much in love with speaking, or with any thing I had to ex∣presse, that I tooke delight in it; yet this being the last time that I am to doe so, by a Divine Providence of Almighty God, who hath brought me to this end justly for my sins; I shall to you Sir, Master Sheriffe, declare thus much, as to the matter that I am now to suffer for, which is as being a Traytor to the Kingdome of England: Tru∣ly Sir, It was a Country that I equally loved with my owne, I made no difference, I never intended either the generality of its prejudice, or any particular mans in it; what I did was by the command of the Parliament of the Country where I was borne, whose command I could not diso∣bey, without running into the same hazard there, of that condition that I now am in.

It pleased God so to dispose that Army under my command, as it was ru∣ined; and I, as their Generall, cloathed with a commission, stand here, now ready to dye; I shall not trouble you with repeating of my plea, what I said in my owne Defence at the Court of JƲSTICE, my selfe being satisfied with the commands that is laid upon me, and they satisfied with the justness of their Procedure, according to the Laws of this Land. God is just, and howsoever I shall not say any thing as to the matter of the sentence, but that I doe willingly submit to his Divine Providence, and acknowledge that very many wayes I deserve even a worldly punishment, as well as hereafter, for

we are all sinfull, Sir, and I a great one; yet for my comfort, I know there is a God in Heaven that is exceeding mercifull; I know my Redeemer fits at his right hand, and am confident (clapping his hand on his breast) is medi∣ating for me at this instant, I am hopefull through his free grace and all-suffici∣ent merits, to be pardoned of my sins, and to be received into his mercy, up∣on that I rely, trusting to nothing but the free grace of God through Jesus Christ, I have not been tainted in my Religion I thank God for it▪ since my Infancy it hath been such as hath been profest in the Land, and establish∣ed, and now it is not this Religion, or that Religion, nor this or that fancie of men that is to be built upon, it is but one that's right, one that's sure, and that comes from God, Sir, and in the free grace of our Saviour. Sir, there is truly somewhat that (he then observing the Writers said,) had I thought my speech would have been thus taken, I would have digested it into some better method then now I can, and shall desire these Gentlemen that doe write it, that they will not wrong me in it, and that it may not in this manner be pub∣lished to my disadvantage, for truly I did not intend to have spoken thus when I came here.

There are, Sirs, terrible aspersions that has been laid upon my self; truly such as, I thank God, I am very free from; as if my actions and intentions had not been such as they were pretended for; but that notwithstanding what I pretended it was for the King, there was nothing lesse intended then to serve him in it. I was bred with him for many years, I was his domestique ser∣vant, and there was nothing declar'd by the Parliament that was not really in∣tended by me; and truly, in it I ventured my life one way, and now I lose it another way: and that was one of the ends, as to the King; I speake onely of that, because the rest has many particulars; and to clear my self from so horrid an aspersion as is laid upon me: neither was there any other designe known to me by the in coming of that Army, then what is really in the Declaration published. His person, I doe professe, I had reason to love, as he was my King, and as he had been my Master: It hath pleased God now to dispose of him, so as it cannot be thought flattery to have said this, or any end in me for the saying of it, but to free my self from that Calumny which lay upon me: I cannot gain by it, yet Truth is that which we shall gaine by for ever.

There hath been much spoken, Sir, of an invitation into this Kingdome: it's mentioned in that Declaration, and truly to that I did and doe remit my self: and I have been very much laboured for discoveries of these inviters, 'Tis no time to dissemble, How willing I was to have served this Nation in any thing that was in my power, is known to very many honest, pious and re∣ligious men; and how ready I would have been to have done what I could to have served them, if it had pleased them to have preserved my life, in whose hands there was a power: They have not thought it fit, and so I am become unusefull in that which willingly I would have done. As I said at first (Sir) so I say now concerning that point; I wish the Kingdome happiness, I wish it peace; and truly Sir, I wish that this bloud of mine may be the last that is drawn: and howsoever I may perhaps have some reluctancie with my

self as to the matter of my suffering, for my fact, yet I freely forgive all; Sir, I carry no ranc••…••… along with me to my grave: His will be done that has created both 〈◊〉〈◊〉and earth, and me a poor miserable sinfull creature now speaking before 〈◊…〉〈◊…〉▪ For me to speak, Sir, to you of State-businesse, and the Government of 〈◊…〉〈◊…〉 Kingdome, or my opinion in that, or for any thing in that nature, Truly it is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 no end, it contributes nothing: My owne inclination hath been to peace, from the beginning; and it is known to many, that I never was an ill instrument betwixt the King and his people; I never acted to the prejudice of the Parliament; I bore no Arms, I medled not with it; I was not wanting by my Prayers to God Almighty for the happinesse of the King; and truly I shall pray still, that God may so direct him as that may be done which shall tend to his glory, and the peace and happinesse of the Kingdome.

For my Religion, that which I said was the established Religion, and that which I have practised in my owne Kingdome where I was borne and bred; my Tenets they need not to be exprest, they are known to all, and I am not of a rigid opinion; many godly men there are that may have scruples which do not concerne me at all at no time; they may differ in opinion, and more now then at any time; differing in opinion does not move me (nor any mans) my owne is clear: Sir, the Lord forgive me my sinnes, and I forgive freely all those that even I might as a worldly man, have the greatest animosity against; Wee are bidden to forgive; Sir, tis a command laid upon us (and there mentioned) Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespasse a∣gainst us.

Then the Earl turning to the Executioner, said, shall I put on another cap, must this hair be turn'd up from my neck, there are three of my servants to give satisfaction; he also asked him which way he would have him lye.

The Executioner pointing to the front of the Scaffold, the Earl replyed, What, my head this way?

After a little discourse in private with some of his servants, he kneeled downe by the side of the Scaffold and prayed a while to himself.

Then with a cheerfull and smiling countenance, (embracing Dr. Sibbalds,) he said, Truly Sir, I doe take you in mine arms, and truly I blesse God for it, I do not fear, I have an assurance that is grounded here (laying his hand upon his heart) now that gives me more true joy then ever I had, I passe out of a miserable world to go into an eternall and glorious Kingdom; and Sir, though I have bin a most sinfull creature, yet Gods mercy I know is infinite, and I blesse my God for it, I go with so clear a conscience, that I know not the man that I have personally injured.

Then imbracing those his servants which were there present, said to each of them, You have been very faithfull to me and the Lord blesse you.

And so turning himselfe to the Executioner, he said, I shall say a very short prayer unto my God, while I lye downe there; and when I stretch out my hand, (my right hand) then sir, do your duty; and I doe freely forgive you, and so I doe all the world.

Then the E. of Cambridge said to the Executioner, Must I lye all along? he answered, Yes, and't please your Lordship. Then he said, When I stretch

out my hands—but I will fit my head, first tell me if I be right, and how you would have me lye. And being told he must lye a little lower; he said:

Well, stay then till I give you the signe. And so having laine a short space devoutly praying to himselfe, he stretch'd out his right hand, whereupon the Executioner at one blow severed his head from his body, which was received by two of his servants then kneeling by him, into a Crimson Taffery Scarfe, and that with the body immediately put into a Coffin brought upon the Scaf∣fold for that purpose: and from thence conveyed to the house that was Sir John Hamiltons at the Mews, where it now remains.

[illustration]

D^k. Hambleton, E: of Cambridg, E: of Holland, and Lord Capell be headed mar: 9. 1649 And their speeches on the scaffold

The speech of the Earl of Holland upon the Scaffold.

IT is to no purpose (I thinke) to speake any thing here, Which way must I speak? And then being directed to the front of the Scaffold, he (leaning over the raile.) said, I thinke it is fit to say something, since God hath called me to this place. The first thing which I must professe, is, what concerns my Religion, and my breeding, which hath been in a good Family, that hath been ever faithfull to the true Protestant Religion, in the which I have been bred, in the which I have lived, and in the which by Gods grace and mercy I shall dye. I have not lived according to that education I had in that Family

where I was borne and bred: I hope God will forgive me my sins, since I con∣ceive that it is very much his pleasure to bring me to this place for the sins that I have committed. The cause that hath brought me hither, I beleive by many hath been much mistaken, They have conceived that I have had ill designs to the State, and to the Kingdom: Truly I look upon it as a Judge∣ment, and a just judgement of God; not but I have offended so much the State and the Kingdome, and the Parliament, as that I have had an extream vanity in serving them very extraordinarily. For those actions that I have done, I think it is knowne they have been ever very faithfull to the publique, and very particularly to Parliaments, My affections have been ever exprest truly and clearly to them. The dispositions of affairs now have put things in another posture then they were when I was ingaged with the Parliament: I have never gone off from those Principles that ever I have professed: I have lived in them, and by Gods grace wi••l dye in them▪ There may be altera∣tions and changes that may carry them further then I thought reasonable, and there I left them: But there hath been nothing that I have said, or done, or professed either by Covenant, or Declaration, which hath not bin very con∣stant, and very clear upon the principles that I ever have gone upon, which was to serve the King the Parliament, Religion (I should have said in the first place) the Common-wealth, and to seek the peace of the Kingdome: That made me thinke it no improper time, being prest out by accidents and circumstances, to seek the Peace of the Kingdome, which I thought was pro∣per, since there was something then in agitation, but nothing agreed on for sen∣ding Propositions to the King; that was the furthest aime that I had, and truly beyond that I had no intention, none at all▪ And God be praised, although my blood comes to be shed here, there was I think scarcely a drop of blood shed in that action that I was ingaged in. For the present affairs, as they are, I can∣not tell how to judge of them: and truly they are in such a condition, as (I conceive) no body can make a judgement of them: and therefore I must make use of my prayers, rather then of my opinion, which are, that God would blesse this Kingdome, this Nation, this State; that he would settle it in a way agreeable to what this Kingdome hath been happily governed under; by a King, by the Lords, by the Commons, a Government that (I conceive) it hath flourished much under, and I pray God the change of it bring not rather a prejudice, a disorder, and a confusion then the contrary. I look upon the Posterity of the King▪ and truly my conscience directs me to it, to desire, that if God be pleased that these people may look upon them with that affection that they owe, that they may be called in again, and they may be, not through blood, nor through disorder, admitted again into that power, and to that glo∣ry that God hath in their birth intended to them I shall pray with all my Soul for the happinesse of this State, of this Nation, that the blood which is here spilt, may be even the last which may fall among us, and truly I should lay down my life with as much cheerfulnesse as ever person did, if I conceived that there would no more blood follow us; for a State, or affairs that are built upon blood, is a foundation for the most part that doth not prosper.

After the blessing that I give to the Nation, to the Kingdom, and truly to

the Parliament, I doe wish with all my heart, happinesse, and a blessing to all those that have been authors in this businesse; and truly that have been authors in this very work that bringeth us hither: I doe not only forgive them, but I pray heartily and really for them; as God will forgive my sins, so I desire God may forgive them.

I have a particular relation, as I am Chancellor of Cambridge, and truly I must here, since it is the last of my prayers, pray to God that that Univer∣sity may goe on in that happy way which it is in, that God may make it a Nursery to plant those persons that may be distributed to the Kingdome, that the souls of the people may receive a great benefit, and a great advan∣tage by them, and (I hope) God will reward them for their kindnesse, and their affections that I have found from them. (Looking towards Mr. Bolton) I have said what Religion I have been bred in, what Religion I have been born in, what Religion I have practised; I began with it, and I must end with it. I told you that my actions and my life have not been agreeable to my breeding, I have told you likewise that the Family where I was bred hath been an exemplary Family (I may say so I hope without vanity) of much affection to Religion, and of much faithfulnesse to this Kingdom, and to this State. I have endeavoured to doe those actions that have become an honest man, and which became a good Englishman, and which became a good Christian. I have been willing to oblige those that have been in trouble, those that have been in persecution, and truly I find a great reward of it, for I have found their prayers and their kindnesse now in this distresse, and in this condition I am in, and I thinke it a great reward, and I pray God reward them for it.

I am a great sinner, and I hope God will be pleased to hear my prayers, to give me faith to trust in him, that as he hath called me to death at this place, he will make it but a passage to an eternall life through Jesus Christ, which I trust to; which I rely upon, and which I expect by the mercy of God. And so I pray God blesse you all, and send that you may see this to be the last ex∣ecution, and the last blood that is likely to be spilt among you. And then turning to the side raile, he prayed for a god space of time.

God hath given me (speaking to M. Bolton) long time in this world; he hath carryed me through many great accidents of Fortune; hee hath at last brought me down into a condition, where I find my self brought to an end, for a dis-affection to this State, to this Parliament, (that as I said before) I did believe no body in the world more unlikely to have expected to suffer for that Cause. I look upon it as a great judgement of God for my sins. And truly Sir, since that the death is violent, I am the lesse troubled with it, because of those violent deaths that I have seen before; Principally my Saviour that hath shewed us the way, how and in what manner he hath done it, and for what cause, I am the more comforted, I am the more rejoyced. It is not long since the King my Master passed in the same manner; and truely I hope that his purposes and intentions were such, as a man may not be ashamed not onely to follow him in the way that was taken with him, but likewise not ashamed of his purposes, if God had given him life. I have often disputed with

him concerning many things of this kind, and I conceive his sufferings, and his better knowledge and better understanding, (if God had spared him life) might have made him a Prince very happy towards himself, and very happy towards this Kingdome. I have seen and known that those blessed souls in heaven have passed thither by the gate of sorrow, and many by the gate of violence: And since it is Gods pleasure to dispose me this way, I submit my soul to him, with all comfort, and with all hope, that he hath made this my end, and this my conclusion, that though I be low in death, yet neverthelesse this lownesse shall raise me to the highest glory for ever.

Truly, I have not said much in publike to the people concerning the par∣ticular actions that I conceive I have done by my Counsels in this Kingdom; I conceive they are well known, it were something of vanity (me thinks) to take notice of them here; Ile rather dye with them, with the comfort of them in mine own bosom; and that I never intended in this action, or any action that ever I did in my life, either malice, or bloodshed, or prejudice to any creature that lives. For that which concerns my Religion, I made my profession before of it, how I was bred, and in what manner I was bred, in a Family that was looked upon to be no little notorious in opposition to some liberties, that they conceived, then to be taken; and truly there was some marke upon me, as if I had some taint of it, even throughout the whole ways that I have taken: every body knows what my affections have been to many that have suffered, to ma∣ny that have been in troubles in this Kingdom, I endeavoured to oblige them, I thought I was tyed so by my conscience, I thought it by my charity, and tru∣ly very much by my breeding; God hath now brought me to the last instant of my time, all that I can say, and all that I can adhere unto is this; That as I am a great sinner so I have a great Saviour, that as he hath given me here a fortune to come publikely in a shew of shame in the way of this suffering, (truly I understand it not to be so) I understand it to be glory, a glory, when I consider who hath gone before me, and a glory when I consider I had no end in it, but what I conceive to be the service of God, the King and the Kingdom, and therefore my heart is not charged much with any thing in that particular, since I conceive God will accept of the intention, whatsoever the action seem to be. I am going to dye, and the Lord receive my soul; I have no reliance but upon Christ, for my self, I doe acknowledge that I am the unworthiest of sin∣ners, my life hath been a vanity, and a continued sin, and God may justly bring me to this end, for the sins I have committed against him, and were there no∣thing else but the iniquities that I have committed in the way of my life, I look upon this as a great justice of God to bring me to this suffering, and to bring me to this punishment, and those hands that have been most active in it, if any such there have been, I pray God forgive them, I pray God that there may not be many such Trophies of their Victory, but that this may be as I said before, the last shew that this people shall see, of the blood of per∣sons of Condition, of persons of honour. I might say somthing of the way of our Tryal, which I think hath been as extraordinary, as any thing I think hath e∣ver been seen in this Kingdom, but because I would not seem as if I made some complaint, I will not so much as mention it, because no body shall believe I

rep••ne at their actions or my owne fortune; it is the will of God, it is the hand of God under whom I fall, I take it intirely from him, I submit my self to him, I shall desire to roul my selfe into the Armes of my blessed Saviour, and when I come to this place, (Pointing to the block.) when I bow downe my selfe there, I hope God will raise me up, and when I bid farewell, as I must now to Hope and to Faith, that Love will abide, I know nothing to ac∣company the Soul out of this World but Love, and I hope that Love will bring me to the fountain of glory in Heaven, through the Arms, Mediation, and the Mercy of my Saviour Jesus Christ, in whom I beleeve, O Lord helpe my unbelief.

I shall make as much hast as I can to come to that glory, and the Lord of Heaven and Earth take my soul: I look upon my selfe intirely in him, and hope to find mercy through him, I expect it, and through that fountaine that is opened for sin, and for uncleannesse my soul must receive it, for did I rest in any thing else, I have nothing but sin and corruption in me; I have nothing but that, which instead of being carryed up into the arms of God and Glory, I have nothing but may throw me downe into Hell.

And here is the place where I lye downe before him, from whence I hope he will raise me to an eternall Glory through my Saviour, upon whom I rely, from whom onely I can expect mercy: into his arms I commend my spirit, into his bleeding armes, that when I leave this bleeding body that must lye upon this place, he will receive that soul that ariseth out of it, and receive it into his eternall mercy, through the merits, through the worthinesse, through the mediation of Christ that hath purchased it with his owne most precious blood.

Christ Jesus receive my soul, my soul hungers and thirsts after him; clouds are gathering, and I trust in God through all my heaviness: and I hope through all impediments, he will settle my interest in him, and throw off all the claim that Sathan can make unto it, and that he will carry my soule in despight of all the calumnies, and all that the Devill, and Sathan can invent, will carry it into eternall mercy, there to receive the blessednesse of his pre∣sence to all Eternity.

That Lamb of God, into his hands I commit my soule: and that Lamb of God that sits upon the Throne to Judge those 24 that fall down before him, I hope he will be pleased to look downeward, and Judge me with mercy that fall down before him, and that worship him, and that adore him, that one∣ly trusts upon his mercy for his compassion, and that as he hath purchased me, he would lay his claime unto me now, and receive me.

Indeed if Christ justifie, no body can condemne, and I trust in God, in his justification, though there is confusion here without us, and though there are wonders and staring that now disquiet, yet I trust that I shall be carried into that mercy, that God will receive my soule.

Then the Earl of Holland looking over among the people, pointing to a Souldier, said, This honest man took me prisoner, you little thought I should have been brought to this, when I delivered my self to you upon conditions, and espying Capt. Watson on horse-back putting off his hat said to him, God be with you Sir, God reward you Sir.

Here must now be my Anchor, a great Storm make the findes my anchor and but in storms no body trust to their anchor, and therefore I must trust upon my anchor (Ʋpon that God, said Mr. Bolton, upon whom your Anchor trusts) yea, God, I hope, will anchor my Soul fast upon Christ Jesus: and if I dye not with that clearnesse and heartinesse that you speak of, truly, I will trust in God, though he kill me, I will relye upon him, and the mercy of my Saviour.

Then the Earl of Holland imbraced Lieut. Col. Beecher, and took his leave of him: After which, he came to Mr. Bolton, and having embraced him, and returned him many thanks for his great pains and affections to his soul, desi∣ring God to reward him, and returne his love into his bosome. Mr. Bolton said to him, The Lord God support you, and be seen in this great extremity, The Lord reveal and discover himselfe to you, and make your death the pas∣sage unto eternall life. Then the Earl turning to the Executioner, said, Here my friend, let my clothes and my body alone, there is ten pounds for thee, that is better then my clothes, I am sure of it. Executioner, Will your Lordship please to give me a sign when I shall strike? And his Lordship said, you have room enough here, have you not? and the Executioner said, Yes.

Then the Earl of Holland turning to the Exeuctioner, said, Friend, doe you hear me, if you take up my head, do not take off my Cap. Then turning to his servants he said to one, Fare you well, thou art an honest fellow, and to another, God be with thee, thou art an honest man, and then said, Stay, I will kneel down and ask God forgivenesse, and then prayed for a pretty space, with seeming earnestnesses. Then speaking to the Executioner, he said,

Which is the way of lying? (which they shewed him) And then going to the Front of the Scaffold, he said to the People, God blesse you all, and God deliver you from any such accident as may bring you to any such death as is violent, either by war or by these accidents, but that there may be peace a∣mong you, and you may finde that these accidents, that have hapned to us, may be the last that may happen in this Kingdome; It is that I desire, it is that I beg of God, next the saving of my Soul: I pray God give all happinesse to this Kingdom, to this people, and this Nation: and then turning to the Exe∣cutioner, said, How must I lye? I know not.

Executioner, Lie down flat upon your belly: and then having laid himselfe down, he said, Must I lie closer? Executioner, yes, and backwarder.

I will tell you when you shall strike; and then as he lay, seemed to pray with much affection for a short space, and then lifting up his head, said, Where is the man? and seeing the Executioner by him, he said, Stay while I give the Sign; and presently after stretching out his hand, and the Executioner being not fully ready, he said; Now, now, and just as the words were comming out of his mouth, the Executioner at one blow severed his head from his body.

The Speech of the Lord Capel.

THe conclusion that I made with those that sent me hither, and are the cause of this violent death of mine, shalll be the beginning of what I shall

say to you: When I made an Address to them (which was the last) I told them with much sincerity, That I would pray to the God of all mercies, that they might be partakers of his inestimable & boundles mercy in Jesus Christ, and truly, I still pray that prayer; and I beseech the God of Heaven, forgive any injury they have done to me, from my soul I wish it. And truly, this I tell you, as a Christian, to let you see I am a Christian; but it is necessary I should tell you somwhat more, That I am a Protestant, and truly I am a Protestant, and very much in love with the prossifeon of it, after the manner as it was e∣stablished in England by the thirty nine Articles; a blessed way of profession, and such a one, as truly, I never knew none so good: I am so far from being a Papist, which some body have (truly) very unworthily at some time charged me withall, that truly I profes to you, that though I love good Works, and commend good Works, yet I hold, They have nothing at all to doe in the matter of Salvation; my Anchor hold is this, That Christ loved me, and gave himselfe for me, that is that, that I rest upon And truly, something I shall say, to you, as a Citizen of the whole World, and in that consideration I am here condemned to dye: truly, contrary to the Law that governs all the World, that is, The Law of the Sword, I had the protection of that for my life, and the honour of it; but truly, I will not trouble you much with that, because in ano∣ther place I have spoken very largely and liberally about it, I believe you wil hear by other means what Arguments I used in that case: But truly, that that is stranger, you that are English men, behold here an English man now be∣fore you, and acknowledged a Peer, not condemned to dye by any Law of England, not by any Law of England; Nay shall I tell you more (which is strangest of all) contrary to all the Laws of England that I know of. And truly I will tel you, in the matter of the civil part of my death, and the Cause I have maintained, I dy (I take it) for maintaining the fifth Commandment, enjoyned by God himself, which enjoyns reverence and obedience to Parents: All Di∣vines on all hands, though they contradict one another in many severall Opi∣nions, yet all Divines on all hands, do acknowledge that here is intended Ma∣gistracy and Order, & certainly I have obeyed that Magistracy & the Order un∣der which I have lived, which I was bound to obey; and truly, I do say very con∣fidently, that I do dye here for keeping, for obeying that fift Commandment given by God himself, and written with his own finger. And now Gentlemen, I will take this opportunity to tell you, That I cannot imitate a better nor a greater ingenuity then his, that said of himself, For suffering an unjust judgement upon another, himself was brought to suffer by an unjust judgement. Truly Gentlemen, that God may be glorified, that all men that are concerned in it may take the occasion of it, of humble repentance to God Almighty for it, I doe here pro∣fes to you, that truly I did give my Vote to that Bill of the E. of Strafford, I doubt not but God Almighty hath washed that away with a more precious blood, and that is, with the blood of his own Son, and my dear Saviour Jesus Christ, and I hope he will wash it away from all those that are guilty of it: truly this I may say, I had not the least part nor the least degree of malice in the doing of it: but I must confes again to Gods glory, and the accusation of mine own frailty, and the frailty of my Nature, that truly it was an unworthy

Cowardize, not to resist so great a torrent as carried that busines at that time. And truly, this I think I am most guilty of, of not courage enough in it, but malice I had none; but whatsoever it was, God I am sure hath pardoned it, hath given me the assurance of it, that Christ Jesus his blood hath washed it away; and truly, I do from my soul wish, that all men that have any stain by it, may seriously repent and receive a remission and pardon from God for it. And now Gentlemen, we have had an occasion by this intimation to remember his Ma∣jesty, our King that last was, and I cannot speak of him, nor think of it, but truly I must needs say, that in my opinion that have had time to consider all the I∣mages of all the greatest and vertuousest Princes in the world; and truly, in my opinion there was not a more vertuous, and more sufficient Prince known in the world, then our gracious King Charls that dyed last: God Almighty pre∣serve our King that now is, his Son, God send him more fortunate, and longer days; God Almighty so assist him, that he may exceed both the vertues and suf∣ficiencies of his Father: For certainly, I that have been a Councellour to him, and have lived long with him, and in a time when discovery is easily enough made, for he was young (he was about thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, or sixteen years of age) those years I was with him, truly I never saw greater hopes of vertue in any young person, then in him; great Judgement, great Understand∣ing, great Apprehension, much Honour in his Nature, and truly, a very perfect Englishman in his inclination; and I pray God restore him to this Kingdome, and unite the Kingdoms one unto another, and send a happinesse both to you and to him, that he may long live and Reign among you, and that that Family may Reign till thy Kingdome come, that is, while all Temporall Power is con∣summated: I beseech God of his mercy, give much happines to this your King, and to you that in it shall be his Subjects by the grace of Jesus Christ.

Truly, I like my beginning so well, that I will make my conclusion with it, that is, That God Almighty would confer of his infinite and inestimable grace and mercy, to those that are the causers of my comming hither, I pray God give them as much mercy as their own hearts can wish; and truly for my part, I will not accuse any of them of malice, truly I will not, nay, I will not think there was any malice in them; what other ends there is, I know not, nor I will not examine, but let it be what it will, from my very soul I forgive them every one: And so, the Lord of Heaven blesse you all, God Almighty be infi∣nite in goodnesse and mercy to you, and direct you in those wayes of obe∣dience to his commands to his Majesty, that this Kingdome may be a happy and glorious Nation again, and that your King may be a happy King in so good and so obedient people. God Almighty keep you all, God Almighty pre∣serve this Kingdome, God Almighty preserve you all.

Then turning about, and looking for the Executioner (who was gone off the Scaffold) said, Which is the Gentleman? which is the man? Answer was made, he is a coming, he then said, stay, I must pull off my Doublet first, and my Wastcoat: And then the Executioner being come upon the Scaffold, the Lord Capel said, O friend, prethee come hither: Then the Executioner kneel∣ing down, the Lord Capel said, I forgive thee from my soul, and not only for∣give thee, but I shall pray to God to give thee all grace for a better life:

There is five pounds for thee; and truly for my clothes and those things, if there be any thing due to you for it, you shall be very fully recompenced; but I desire my body may not be stripped here, and no body to take notice of my body but my own servants: Look you friend, this I shall desire of you, that when I lye down, that you would give me a time for a particular short prayer.

Then Lieut. Col. Beecher. Said, Make your own signe, my Lord.

Capel. Stay a little, Which side doe you stand upon? (speaking to the Exe∣cutioner) Stay, I think I should lay my hands forward that way (pointing foreright) and answer being made, Yes, he stood still a little while, and then said, God Almighty blesse all this people. God Almighty stench this blood, God Almighty, stench, stench, stench, this issue of blood; this will not do the businesse, God Almighty find out another way to do it. And then turning to one of his servants, said, Baldwin, I cannot see any thing that belongs to my wife: but I must desire thee to beseech her to rest wholly upon Jesus Christ, and be contented and fully satisfied: and then speaking to his servants, he said, God keep you; and Gentlemen, let me now doe a businesse quickly, pri∣vately, and pray let me have your prayers at the moment of death, that God would receive my soul.

Capel. Pray at the moment of striking, joyn your prayers, but make no noise (turning to his servants) that is inconvenient at this time.

Servant, My Lord, put on your Cap.

Capel. Shoul I, What will that doe me good? Stay a little, is it well as it is now? And then turning to the Executioner, he said, Honest man, I have for∣given thee, therefore strike boldly; from my soul I do it.

Then a Gentleman speaking to him, he said, Nay, prethee be contented, be quiet good M—be quiet.

Then turning to the Executioner, he said, Well, you are ready when I am ready, are you not? and stretching out his hands, he said, Then pray stand off Gentlemen, then going to the front of the Scaffold, he said to the People, Gen∣tlemen, though I doubt not of it, yet I thinke it convenient to ask it of you, That you would all joyn in prayers with me, That God would mercifully re∣ceive my soul, and that for his alone mercies in Christ Jesus, God Almighty keep you all.

Executioner, My Lord, Shall I put up your hair?

Capel. I, I, prethee do; and then as he stood, lifting up his hands and eyes, he said, O God, I doe with a perfect and a willing heart submit to thy will: O God, I doe most willingly humble my self: then kneeling down, said, I will try first how I can lye; and laying his head over the block, said, Am I well now?

Execu. Yes.

And then as he lay with both his hands stretched out, he said to the Execu∣tioner, Here lye both my hands out, when I lift up my hand thus, then you may strike.

And then after he had said a short prayer, he lifted up his right hand, and the Executioner at one blow severed his head from his body, which was taken up by his servants and put (with his body) into a Coffin, as the former.

March 19. 1648.

An Act for abolishing of the House of Peers.

THe Commons of England assembled in Parliament, finding by too long experience that the House of Lords is uselesse and dangerous to the Peo∣ple of England to be continued, have thought fit to Ordain and Enact, and be it Ordained and Enacted by the present Parliament, and by the Authority of the same, That from henceforth the House of Lords in Parliament, shall be, and is hereby wholly abolished and taken away; and that the Lords shall not from henceforth meet or sit in the said House of Lords; nor shall Sit, Vote, Advise, Adjudge or Determine of any matter or thing whatsoever, as a House of Lords in Parliament: Neverthelesse it is hereby declared, That neither such Lords as have demeaned themselves with Honour, Courage and Fidelity to the Common-wealth, their Posterities who shal continue so, shall not be exclu∣ded from the Publike Councels of the Nation, but shall be admitted thereun∣to, and have their free Vote in Parliament, if they shall be thereunto elected, as other persons of Interest elected and qualified thereunto ought to have: And be it further Ordained and Enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That no Peer of this Land, not being Elected, Qualified, and fitting in Parliament as aforesaid, shall claim, have, or make use of any Priviledge of Parliament, either in relati∣on to his Person, Quality, or Estate, any Law, Usage, or Custom to the con∣trary notwithstanding.

Hen. Scobel Cler. Parliamenti.

ON Thursday July 25. the Generall and Army marched from Mordington to Coppersmith, Col. Hackers Regiment being drawn up in the way; His Excellency made a speech to satisfie them concerning Cap. Ogles Troope, being sent back into Northumberland, in regard of his interest in that County: and that Capt. Greenwoods Troop appointed for Berwick should march with the Regiment in the stead thereof, which gave great satisfaction. Col. Brights Re∣giment being drawn up, Maj. Gen. Lambert appointed Colonel thereof, coming to the head of the Regiment, was received with great acclamations.

A List of the Regiments of Horse and Foot Randezvouzed and marched with the L. Gen. Cromwell into Scotland.

Eight Regiments of Horse.

• THe L. Generals in number 663
• Maj. Gen. in number 663
• Col. Fleetwoods in number 663
• Col. Whalies in number 663
• Col. Twisden in number 663
• Col, Lilburne in number 663
• Col. Hackers in number 663
• Col. Okey in number 774
• Consisting with Officers, in all 5450

Ten Regiments of Foot.

• THe L. Generals in number 1307
• Col. Pride 1307
• Col. Bright 1307
• Col. Maliveryr 1307
• Col. Ch. Fairfax 1307
• Col. Cocks 1307
• Col. Dunell 1307
• Col. Sir Ar. Hasterigs 5. Comp. 550
• Col. Fenwicks five Companies 550
• Consisting with Officers in all 10249

The Train, six hundred and ninety.

The whole thus, The Train six hundred and ninety.

The Horse five thousand four hundred and fifteen.

The Foot ten thousand two hundred forty nine.

The Total, Sixteen thousand three hundred fifty four.

A Letter from Lieut. Gen. David Lesly, to the L. G. Cromwel.

My Lord.

I Am Commanded by the Committee of Estates of this Kingdom, and de∣sired by the Commissioners of the Generall Assembly, to send unto your Excellency this inclosed Declaration, as that which containeth the state of the Quarrel; wherein we are resolved, by the Lords assistance, to fight your Army, when the Lord shall please to call us thereunto. And as you have pro∣fessed you will not conceal any of our Papers, I do desire that this Declara∣tion may be made known to all the Officers of your Army; and so I rest,

Bruchton, 13. Aug. 1650.

Your Excellency's most humble Servant,

DAVID LESLEY.

For his Excellency the Lord Generall Cromwel.

The Declaration of the Commissioners of the Generall Assembly of Scotland, as followeth.

THe Commission of the Generall-Assembly considering, That there may be just ground of stumbling, from the Kings Majesties refusing to subscribe and emit the Declaration offered unto him by the Committee of Estates, and Commissioners of the Generall Assembly, concerning his former carriage, and Resolutions for the future, in reference to the Cause of God, and the enemies and friends thereof; Doth therefore Declare, That this Kirk and Kingdome do not owne nor espouse any Malignant Party, or Quarrell, or Interest, but that they fight meerly upon their former Grounds and Principles, and in defence of the Cause of God, and of the Kingdome, as they have done these twelve years past And therefore as they doe disclaime all the sin and guilt of the King and of his House; so they will not owne him, nor his Interest, otherwise then with a subordination to God, and so far as he ownes and prosecutes the cause of God, and disclaims his, and his Fathers opposition to the work of God, and to the Cove∣nant, and likewise all the enemies thereof. And that they will with convenient speed take in consideration the Papers lately sent unto them from Oliver Cromwel, and vindicate themselves from all the falshoods contained therein, especially in these things, wherein the quarrell betwixt us and that party is mis-stated, as if we owned the late Kings proceedings, and were resolved to prosecute and maintaine his present Majesties Interest, before and without acknowledgement of the sins of his house and former wayes, and satisfaction to Gods people in both Kingdomes.

West Kirk, 13. August, 1650.

A. Ker.

13. August, 1650.

THe Committee of Estates having seen and considered a Declaration of the Commis∣sion of the Generall Assembly, anent the stating of the Quarrell, whereon the Army is to fight, Do approve the same, and heartily concur therein.

Tho: Henderson.

The Lord Generals Answer to the former, as followeth.

I Received yours of the thirteenth instant, with the paper you mentioned therein inclosed, which I caused to be read in the presence of so many Of∣ficers as could well be gotten together, to which your Trumpet can witness, we returne you this Answer, by which I hope in the Lord it will appear, That we continue the same we have profest our selves to the honest people of Scot∣land, wishing to them as to our own souls, it being no part of our busines to hinder any of them from worshipping God in that way they are satisfied in their Consciences by the Word of God they ought (though different from us) but shall therein be ready to perform what obligations lie upon us by the Co∣venant; but that under the pretence of the Covenant mistaken, and wrested from the most native intent and equity thereof, a King should be taken in by you, to be imposed upon us, and this called The Cause of God and the Kingdome, and this done upon the satisfaction of Gods people in both Nations, as is al∣leged, together with a disowning of Malignants, although he who is the head of them, in whom all their hope of comfort lies, be received; who at this ve∣ry instant hath a Popish party fighting for and under him in Ireland, hath P. Rupert (a man who hath had his hand deep in the blood of many innocent men of England) now in the head of our Ships stoln from us upon a Malig∣nant accompt; hath the French and Irish ships daily making Depredations upon our Coasts: strong combinations by the Malignants in England, to raise Arms in our Bowels, by vertue of his Commissions, who having of late issued out very many to that purpose, and how the interest you pretend you have received him upon, and the Malignant interest in the ends and consequences entring in this man, can be secured, we cannot discern; and how we should believe, that whilst known and notorious Malignants, fighting and plotting against us on the one hand, and the declaring for him on the other, should not be an espousing of a Malignant party, quarrell, or interest, but be a meer fighting upon former Grounds and Principles, and in defence of the Cause of God, and of the Kingdome, as hath been these 12. years last past (as ye say) for the security and satisfaction of Gods people in both Nations, or the oppo∣sing of which should render us enemies to the godly with you, we cannot well understand, especially considering, That all these Malignants take their confi∣dence and encouragement from the late Transactions of your Kirk and State with your King; for as we have already said, so we tell you again, it is but sa∣tisfying security to those that employ us, and are concerned in that we seek, which we conceive will not be by a few formall and feigned submissions from a person who could not tell otherwise how to accomplish his Malignant ends, and therefore councel'd to this complyance, by them who assisted his Fa∣ther, and have hitherto acted him in his most evill and desperate Designes, and are now again by them set on foot; against which, how you will be able in the way you are in, to secure us or your selves, is (forasmuch as concerns our selves) our duty to look after.

If the state of your quarrell be thus, upon which, as you say, you resolve to fight our Army, you will have opportunity to do that, else what means our a∣bode here? And if our hope be not in the Lord, it will be ill with us. We com∣mit both you and our selves to him, who knows the heart and tries the Reins,

with whom are all our ways, who is able to doe for us and you, above what we know, which we desire may be in much mercy to his poor people, and to the glory of his own great Name: and having performed your desire in making your papers so publique, as is before exprest, I desire you to doe the like, by letting the State, Kirk and Army have the knowledge hereof. To which end I have sent you inclosed two Copies, and rest

From the Camp at Pencland Hills, 14. August. 1654.

Your humble servant,

O. CROMWEL.

THe Victory at Gladsmore in Scotland, 30, and 31. of July 1650. M. G. Montgomery slaine, 200 armes taken of the Scots, 80. Troopers, 400. or 500. wounded, 4 Colours, 15. Troops totally routed, 500. Foot routed at Muscleburrough.

The Victory at Danbar, 30 August 1650. 400. killed upon the place, 10000 prisoners, 2000 Horse, 290 Commission Officers, 15000 Arms, 200 Colours, 32. peices of Ordnance.

Of ours that ingaged in the Battail, 5000 Horse and Foot, Their Word, The Covenant; Our Word, The Lord of Hosts, who ma∣nifested him selfe to be with us.

Novemb. 1650. Insurrections in Norfolk, for which 24 were condemned, and 20 executed, the other left to mercy.

Col. Ker routed and taken, and the Towne of Ayre.

Decemb. 25. The strong Castle of Edenburgh delivered up, with 53 pieces of Ordnance, whereof 15 Iron, the rest Brasse; about 8000 Arms, store of Ammunition and Provision; It was the hand of the Lord alone that wrought out and extended such great salvations to us.

Novemb. 21. A squadron of Ships commanded by Gen. Blague, surprised a considerable part of the Portugal Brasil fleet fraughted with Sugar, and sent them to England, and after pursued the revolted ships, and followed them be∣yond Alligant, where they have taken 7 of P. Ruperts fleet, and pursued him to Thoulon one of the furthest Havens of France, having but two ships left him; which hath sounded forth in the ears of Forreigne Princes and States, who began to acknowledge that God hath been with the Parliament and Com∣mon-wealth of England, and both Spain and Portugall have sent their Em∣bassadors to treat with us. For all which signall salvations, the 30. of Jan. 1650. was set apart and observed as a day of publike Thanks-giving and holy rejoycing, in England, Wales and Town of Berwick.

Jan. 1. 1650. The Scots King was crowned at Schone, He is Generall of the Army, Duke Hamilton Lieut. Gen. of the Scotch Army, David Lesley M. Gen. Middleton L. G. of the Scotch Horse, and Massey M. G. of the English.

[illustration]

A Speech made by K. Charles y^e-2^d-at his Coronation▪ 1. January. 1650 I will by gods assistance bestow my life for your defence wishing to live no longer then that I may see this King∣dome flourish in happiness.

The Oath, I doe promise & vow in y^e presence of y^e eternall god y^t I will main∣taine y^e true Kirk of god religion right preaching & administration of y^e Sacra∣ments now received & preached within this Realme in purity; And shall abolish & gain-stand all falce Religions & sects contrary to y^e same. And shall rule y^e peo∣ple com̄ited to my charge, according to y^e will of god, and laudable laws & consti••••ti∣ons of y^e Realme; causing justice & equity to be ministred without partiality.

January 4. 1650. The King of Spaine sent his Embassadour for the acknowledging of this State, whose Authority and so∣veraignty resides in this Parliament of the Common-wealth of England, and to stablish and close up a good friendship with this Common-wealth.

The Portugall sent his Agent also to the like effect.

March 6. 1650. Sir Henry Hide beheaded at the Exchange

for receiving and acting by vertue of a Commission from Charls Stuart the Second, and King of Great Britaine, France, and Ire∣land, as his Agent to the Great Turk, with an intent to destroy the Trade of the Turkie Company, and the Parliaments inte∣rest, not onely in Constantinople, but in Mitylene, Anatolia, and Smyrna, in which conspiracies he had a Commission to be a Commissioner, and he was likewise to seize upon our Mer∣chants goods, for the use of the King of Scotland; and procu∣red Audience of the grand Visier, and raised great fears and up∣roars among the Merchants.

Browne Bushell, Beheaded under the Scaffold on Tower-Hill, March 29. 1651. for delivering up Scarborough.

June 2. 1651. The surrender of Silly Islands.

Insurrection in Cardiganshire, 24 June 1651. 40 slain, 60 pri∣soners taken.

Burnt Island surrendred, 29 July, 1651.

The Scotch King invaded England with 16000 Horse and Foot, and a light train of Artillery, and caused himselfe to be proclaimed King of England, Scotland, and Ireland, in Lanca∣shire.

August 22. Charles the First erected his Standard at Noting∣ham, and Charles the second erected his Standard the 22 of Aug. at Worcester, 1651.

September 3. 1651. Old Lesly, Crawford, Linsey, Ogleby, with divers of quality, besides 300 taken that were making Levies to raise the Siege at Dundee.

August 2. 1651. St. Johnston surrendred.

August 19. 1651. The Castle of Sterling surrendred, 40 pie∣ces of Ordnance, 27. faire brasse pieces, 2 great iron guns, 11 leather guns, provision of meal to serve 500 men about twelve months, 40 or 50 Barrels of Beef, about five hundred Armes, new Muskets and Pikes, twenty six Barrels of Powder, 20 or 30 vessels of Claret wine & strong-waters, great store of match and other ammunition, Lances, Guns, a thousand Flattes and other instruments of war of that nature, all the Records of Scotland, the Chaire and Cloth of State, the Sword, and other 〈◊〉〈◊〉 furniture of the Kings.

August 25. 1651. The totall rout and overthrow of the Earl of Darby in Lancashire, by Colonel Robert Lilburne.

A Full Narrative of the late dangerous designe against the State, written with Master Love's owne hand, and by him sent to the Parliament; whereby he set∣teth down the severall meetings, and secret actings, with Major Alford, Major Adams, Colonel Barton, Master Blackmore, M. Case, M. Cauton, Dr. Drake, M. Drake, Captain Far, M. Gib∣bons, M. Haviland, Maj. Huntington, M. Jenkins, M. Jaquel, M. Jackson, Liev. Jackson, Captain Massey, M. Nalton, Captain Potter, M. Robinson, M. Sterks, Col. Sowton, Col Vaughan, and others.

[illustration]

COnsidering how a clear and full Narrative may satisfie the State (although it may prejudice my selfe) I am willing with an in∣genuous freedome, and opennesse of heart to make knowne the whole matter, so far as I distinctly know, and well remember, humbly hoping that this large acknowledgement of mine (which is more then any in the world can prove against me) shall not be taken as an Aggravation of my fault, but as a Demonstration of my ingenuity. Before I mention the matters of Fact, I humbly crave leave to signifie the time when, and manner how I came to be intangled in this unhappy businesse.

As for the time, it was after the breaking off the Treaty between the King and the Scots at Jersey; for before that time (to the best of my remembrance) I was not privie too, or acquainted with any meet∣ings about the sending of Captain Titus (whose face I never saw) to Jersey, or sending Letters to him, or receiving Letters from him, while he was there; or about sending any Letters too, or receiving any Let∣ters from the King, Queen, Jermyn, Piercy, or any other person in

forreign parts during the Treaty at Jersey, but after that Treaty was ended, M. W. Drake came to me, told me he had Newes to impart, and to that end, he desired to know (if he could get friends together) whether I was willing that they should meet at my house (it being con∣veniently scituate in the midst of the City) that so he might commu∣nicate what he heard of Affairs abroad. To satisfie my curiosity to hear New••s, I was content to let him, with those he should bring to meet at my house. Thus for the time when, and manner how I came to be pre∣sent at any meetings about Intelligence.

I now come humbly and truly to relate the matter of Fact, which is as followeth: It appeared to me by the testimony of the Witnesses, that there were frequent meetings by Mr. Drake, Alford, Titus, Adams, and others, soon after the death of the late King, and applications made to the King of Scots, the Queen his Mother, to Jermyn, and Piercy, both before and during the Treaty at Iersey, of which I know nothing, nor was I present: But the first meeting I was at, was at my house, and was (as I remember) at the reading of a Letter which came from Captain Titus, after the Treaty was ended at Jersey; the Con∣tents of that Letter were (if I mistake not) to this effect: That the Treaty at Jersey was broken off through the violent and evill Counsels of desperate Malignants; and that he had something of concernment to communicate, which he durst not doe in person, being not safe for him to come over into England, nor could he well do it by writing, he judging it not fit nor safe to send by the Common Post, fearing a mis∣carriage; wherefore he desired some body to be sent over to him to Ca∣lice, to whom he might give an account of all proceedings. Ʋpon the reading of this Letter, Mr. Drake moved that some person should be desired to goe to Calice; for said he, We shall hear the whole relation of the businesse at Jersey: Whereupon Major Adams or Captain Farr were moved by Mr. Drake to goe. There was mention of Major Al∣ford to goe, though he was not then present that I know of, nor was he ever within my house, as I remember, untill after he returned from Calice: so that there was none that I know of was gone, Mr. Drake told me, Major Alford was the fittest man to goe over to Calice, ha∣ving businesse of his owne to goe into France, to look after his Prodi∣gall Son, so that it was (said he) a plausible pretence to conceale his going over to meet with Titus. There were present at this first meeting, M. Drake, M. Ienkins, Maj. Adams, D. Drake, Cap. Farr, Cap. Potter, and my selfe, with some others, but who more, I cannot remember.

About two or three dayes after Major Alfords returne from Ca∣lice, Mr. Drake told me he was come to London, and told me he would goe to severall Ministers and Citizens, to desire them to meet at my house, that so we might hear what Newes Major Alford brought with him from Calice; accordingly the next day in the evening they met at my house, Mr. Drake brought Major Alford with him; Ma∣jor Alford at that meeting gave an account of his conference with Titus, and of his receiving a copy of the Kings Letter from him, as also a Narrative of the proceedings at the Treaty at Jersey: But he said (if I mistake not) that he brought not over the Letters himself, but delivered them to a Passenger that came over in the Ship, to carry them, lest that himselfe should be searched; but after he came into England, he received the Letter and Narrative from the Passenger (but who he was I know not) and so brought them to London; whether the Copy of the Kings Letter was read at my house, in my hearing, I remember not; yet I deny not but it was read there, I am sure I heard that the Contents of it were to this effect, That he tooke in good part the affections and loyalty of those who formerly had made ap∣plications by way of Petition to him (of which Petition I know no∣thing) and if ever God restored him, or put him in a condition, he should remember them: The Narrative which Alford brought from Titus, was read in my house, in my hearing, which was to this effect, He made a large description of the Scots, commending his prudent car∣riage and good inclinations to an Agreement with the Scots, but that his bad Councell about him hindred it; Also he made a rehearsall of his sufferings from the Cavaliers at Iersey, how he was imprisoned in a close Room: Many things else was in the Narrative, which I have forgotten. There were present at this meeting, Major Alford, M. Drake, M. Case, Major Adams, M. Iaquel, M. Iackson, M. Ien∣kins, D. Drake, Cap. Potter, M. Sterks, Cap. Farr, and my self, with some others, but who more, I doe not remember.

A little before or about the Treaty, between the King and the Scots at Breda. there was a meeting at my house, M. Drake proposed, that we should think of some way to promote the Agreement betweene the King and the Scots; where by the way, I desire humbly to give notice, That this was the first and onely meeting of this nature, and for this end, at my house, that I know of. At this meeting, M. Drake tooke cut some papers out of his pocket, written in Characters, which he read in my study; what he read, went under the name of a Commission

and Instructions (as he termed it) to be sent to the Lord Willough∣by, Alderman Bunce, Massey, Graves, and Titus, to appoint them to advise with, and use their interests in persons of Honour, about the King, to provoke him to agree with the Scots, and to take the Cove∣nant; as also to advise with the Scots Commissioners, and perswade them, That in their agreement with their King, they would have spe∣ciall respect to the interest of Religion, and terms of the Covenant; the Commission ran in this form, as if it were in the names of all the Presbyteriall party in England: After I heard it read, I expressed my selfe against it, alledging severall Reasons, chiefly, That it was an Act of high presumption for private persons to send a Commission with instructions, and an act of notorious falshood, to say, this was in the name of the Presbyteriall party of England, when none but a few persons knew thereof, that I know of: Many in the company did expresse a dislike thereof, as well as my selfe. M. Drake did also read a Letter in this meeting, but to whom it was, I know not, neither know I the Contents of it, I was at least a dozen times called out of the Room, whiles the Company were there met, so that I am not able to give so full and particular an accompt of the Contents of the Letter, and of the Commission and Instructions: What M. Drake did about the Commis∣sion and Instructions after he was gone from my house, I know not; what he sent away, I know not, nor did I know by whom it was sent away, untill Maj. Alford declared before the High Court, That he received the Papers from M. Drake, carried them to Gravesend, and delivered them to one Mason (whose face I never saw) and he carried them to Holland. There was present at this meeting, Ma∣jor Huntington (who was never at my house before nor since, whose face I never saw before nor since, but at my Tryall) M. Drake, D. Drake, M. Jackson, M. Jenkins, M. Cauton, Maj. Alford, M. Gibbons, Maj. Adams, Cap. Farr, and my selfe, with some others, whom I cannot remember.

There is one thing more I make bold to mention, That there are other persons, besides those I have named, who did now and then come to these meetings at my house, as M. Robinson, M. Nalton, M. Havi∣land, M. Blackmore, Col. Vaughan, Col. Sowton, these were also present at one time or another, but at what particular meeting, I cannot positively say.

Thus I have clearly laid open the whole matter of Fact, so far as I well remember, and distinctly know of Passages a∣bout

these Meetings and Transactions at my house.

From the Tower of Lon∣don, July 22. 1651.

I attest the truth of this Nar∣rative under my hand,

Christopher Love.

Mr. Love's Speech made on the Scaffold on Tower∣hill, August 22. 1651.

BEloved Christians, I am this day made a Spectacle unto God, Angels, and Men; and among them I am made a grief to the godly, a laughing-stock to the wicked, and a gazing stock to all; yet blessed be my God, not a terror to my self; although there be but a little between me and death, yet this bears up my heart, there is but a little between me and Heaven: It comfort∣ed D^r Taylor, the Martyr, when he was going to Execution, That there were but two stiles between him and his Fathers House; there is a lesser way between me and my Fathers house, but two steps between me and glory; it is but lying downe upon the block, and I shall ascend upon a Throne: I am this day sailing towards the Ocean of Eternity, through a rough passage, to my Haven of rest; through a red Sea, to the promised Land. Methinks I hear God say to me as he did to Moses, Goe up to Mount Nebo, and die there, so goe thou up to Tower-hill, and dye there. Isaac said of himself, That he was old, and yet he knew not the day of his death; but I cannot say thus, I am young, and yet I know the day of my death, and I know the kind of my death also, and the place of my death also; it is such a kind of death as two famous Preachers of the Gospel were put to before me, John the Baptist, and Paul the Apostle, they were both behead∣ed: yee have mention of the one in Scripture story, and of the other in Ecclesiasticall History: And I read in the 20 of the Revelations, and the 4. The Saints were beheaded for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus. But herein is the disadvan∣tage, which I am in in the thoughts of many, who judge that I suffer not for the word, or for Conscience, but for medling with State-matters. To this I shall briefly say, That it is an old guise of the Devil, to impute the cause of Gods peoples suf∣ferings, to be Contrivements against the State, when in truth it is their Religion and Conscience they are persecuted for.

The Rulers of Israel they would put Jeremiah to death, upon a Civill account, though indeed it was onely the truth of his Prophesie made the Rulers angry with him: yet upon a Civill account they did pretend he must dye, because he fell away to the Chaldeans, and would have brought in forreign forces to invade them: The same thing is laid to my charge, of which I am as innocent, as Ieremiah was. I find other instances in the Scripture, wherein the main causes of their sufferings were still imputed to meddling with State-matters: Paul, though he did but preach Jesus Christ, yet he must dye, if the people might have their will, under the pretence that he was a mover of se∣dition. Upon a civill account my life is pretended to be taken away, whereas indeed it is, because I pursue my Covenant, and will not prostitute my Principles and Conscience to the ambi∣tion and lusts of men. Beloved, I am this day to make a dou∣ble exchange, I am changing a Pulpit for a Scaffold, and a Scaffold for a Throne; and I might add a third, I am changing this numerous multitude, the presence of this numerous mul∣titude upon Tower-hill, for the innumerable company of An∣gels in the holy hill of Zion; and I am changing a guard of Souldiers, for a guard of Angels, which will receive me, and carry me into Abrahams bosome. This Scaffold is the best Pul∣pit I ever preached in, for in the Church Pulpit God through his grace made me an instrument to bring others to Heaven, but in this Pulpit he will bring me to Heaven. These are the last words that I shall speak in this world, and it may be this last speech upon a Scaffold my bring God more glory, then many Sermons in a Pulpit.

Before I lay downe my neck upon the block, I shall lay open my case unto the people that hear me this day: and in doing it, I shall avoid all rancour, all bitternes of spirit, animosity, and revenge; God is my record, whom I serve in the spirit, I speak the truth, and lye not, I doe not bring a revengefull heart unto the Scaffold this day; before I came here, upon my bended knees, I have beg'd mercy for them that denied mercy to me, and I have prayed God to forgive them who would not forgive me: I have forgiven from my heart, the worst enemy I have in all the world, and this is the worst that I wish to my Accusers and Prosecutors, who have pursued my blood, that I might meet their souls in Heaven.

I have now done, I have no more to say, but to desire the help of all your Prayers, that God would give me the conti∣nuance and supply of divine grace to carry me through this great work I am now to doe; That I, who am to doe a work I never did, I may have a strength that I never had; that I may put off this body with as much quietnesse and comfort of mind, as ever I put off my cloaths to goe to bed. And now I am to commend my soul to God, and to receive my fatall blow, I am comforted in this, though men kill me they cannot damne me, and though they thrust me out of the world, yet they can∣shut me out of Heaven. I am now going to my long home, and you are going to your short homes, but I tell you I shall be at home before you, I shall be at Heaven, my Fathers House, before you will be at your owne Houses. Now I am going to the Heavenly Jerusalem, to the innumerable company of Angels, to Jesus Christ the Mediator of the New Covenant, to the spi∣rits of just men made perfect, to God the Judge of all, in whose presence there is fulnesse of joy, and at whose right hand there are pleasures for evermore. I shall conclude.

Then he kneeled downe and made a short Prayer privately.

Then after rising up, he said, Blessed be God I am full of joy and peace in believing, I lye downe with a world of com∣fort, as if I were to lye downe in my bed. My bed is but a short sleep, and this death is a long sleep, where I shall rest in Abra∣hams bosome, and in the embraces of the Lord Jesus.

And then saying, The Lord blesse you, he laid himselfe downe upon the Scaffold, with his head over the block, and when he stretched forth his hands, the Executioner cut off his head at one blow.

The humble Petition of William Jenkins, Prisoner.

Most humbly sheweth:

THat your Petitioner is unfeignedly sorrowfull for all his late mis∣carriages, whether testified against him, or acknowledged by him, and for the great and sinfull unsutablenesse of them to his calling and condition.

That upon earnest seeking of God, and diligent enquiry into his will, your Petitioner is convinced, that the alterations of Civill Governments

are ordered by, and founded upon the wise and righteous providences of God, who removeth Kings, and setteth up Kings, ruleth in the King∣domes of men, and giveth them to whomsoever he will.

That the providences of this God, have in the judgement of your Pe∣titioner, as evidently appeared in the removing of others from, and the investing your Honours with the Government of this Nation, as ever they appeared in the taking away, or bestowing of any Government, in any History of any age of the World.

That he apprehends, that a refusall to be subject to this present Au∣thority, under the pretence of upholding the Title of any one upon earth, is a refusall to acquiesce in the wise and righteous pleasure of God, such an opposing of the Government set up by the soveraigne Lord of Heaven and Earth, as none can have peace, either in acting in, or suffering for, and that your Petitioner looks upon it as his duty, to yeeld to this Au∣thority, all active and cheerfull obedience in the Lord, even for cou∣science sake, to promise (he being required) truth and fidelity to it, and to hold forth the grounds of his so doing, to any, as God shall call him thereunto.

That though an imprisonment, accompanied with the losse of estate, and to be followed (without your gracious prevention) with a spee∣dy Arraignment before a high and eminent Iudicatory, are far from being pleasant to flesh and blood, and though the injoyment of your grace and favour, be a blessing most deserving to be reckoned among the best of temporals, yet that neither the feeling, and fearing of the former, nor the expectation of the latter, could have induced your Petitioner against the light of his owne judgement, and the prepondering part of his owne con∣science to have made, or presenting this acknowledgement, he sadly fore∣casting, that a whole skin is but a contemptible recompence for a wound∣ed conscience.

WIL. JENKIN.

Aug. 22. 1651. A glorious Victory obtained through Gods mercy, by the Forces of the Common-wealth, over the Scotch Army at Worcester, 3 Sep. 1651. This day twelve months was glorious at Dunbar, but this day hath been very glorious before Worcester, the Word was, The Lord of Hosts, and so it was now; The Lord of Hosts having been wonderfully with us: the same signall we had now as then, which was to have no white about us, yet the Lord hath cloathed us with white Garments, tho

to the Enemy they have been bloody, onely here lyeth the dif∣ference, that at Dunbar our work was at break of day, and done ere the morning was over, but now it began towards the close of the evening, and ended not till the night came, that in the end it became an absolute Victory, determined by an immedi∣ate possession of the Town, with a totall Routing and Defeat of the Scotch Army, the number of persons taken is neer 10000. neer 3000 were slain of the Enemy, but of all our side not a∣bove 200. which adds much to the mercy. My Lord Generall did exceedingly hazard himselfe, riding up and down in the midst of their shot, and riding himself in person to the Enemies Forts, offering them Quarter, whereto they returned no an∣swer, but shot. Let us conclude therefore in the words of our renowned Generall, The dimentions of this mercy are above all our thoughts, it is for ought I know, a crowning mercy, sure if it be not such a one we shall have, if this provoke not those that are concerned in it to thankfulnesse, and the Parlia∣ment to doe the will of him, who hath done his will for it, and for the Nation.

Sept. 1. 1651. Dundee taken by storme, sixty Ships in the Harbour, forty Guns.

The Scots King beaten at Worcester, gets into a hollow tree, remaines there a night, the next day in a Wood, cuts his hair short, shipt for Havre de Grace, and so to Paris.

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Sir, The Scottish King came hither on Munday the last of October, new style, and being demanded by his Mother and the Duke of Orleans how he escaped the Fight of Worcester, gave them this account.

That about six a clock in the evening, his Army being in all likelihood beaten, he quitted Worcester Towne, with a party of Horse, and marched toward Lancashire, but being fearfull of

being pursued, and likewise of some of the Scotish Officers that might deliver him up, he with my Lord Wilmot quitted their Horses, sent the party of Horse upon their march, and betook themselves the second dayes march from Worcester, into a Tree, where they remained untill night, and then marched on foot that night; the third day they took sanctuary in a wood, and night approaching marched on towards Lancashire, where they were received by a Lady who furnished them with Cloaths for a Disguise, and cut off their haire very short. Having reposed two or three dayes, the Lady resolved to endeavour to ship them out of England, to which purpose, she riding behind the King, and Wilmot as another servant by, they went to Bristoll, but find∣ing a narrow and hot inquiry there, resolved to go for London, where they stayed three weeks. The King one day went into Westminster-Hall, where he saith he saw the States-Arms, and Scots Colours; my Lord Wilmot procured a Merchant to hire a ship of forty Tuns to transport them, which cost them a hun∣dred and twenty pounds, but where they took shipping is not yet knowne: but as soon as my Lord was entred the Barque, and the King as his servant, the Master of the Vessel came to my Lord, and told him, That he knew the King, and told him, that in case it should be knowne, he could expect no mercy: which saying troubled them, but at length, what with money and promises, they prevailed, and so set faile for Havre de Grace, where they landed, and from thence to Roven, where they cloathed themselves, and writ to Paris. His arrivall there will put them to new Counsels, since now they cannot send their Embassadors, which was concluded on before his coming. The Duke of Orleans fetched him into Towne, and expressed much as to serve him. Yesterday he, with Thurenne, Beaufort, the Duke of Guise, came to him to the Louvre, where the King told them, that they should endeavour to reconcile the breach between the Prince and the King of France, for, said he, to my knowledge the English will visit you with an Army in the Spring.

The Executing of the Earl of Darby at Bolton in Lancashire, Octob. 15. 1651. The Isle of Jersey taken, Octob. 30.

Nov. 16. The Isle of Man taken.

Resol. That the time for the continuance of this Parliament, beyond which they resolve not to sit, shall be Nov. 3. 1654.

The Parliament of the Common-wealth of England Declare.

1 THat no Power, Jurisdictions or Authority derived from, by or under Charles Stewart, who pretended him∣selfe King of Scotland, or any of his Predecessors, or any o∣therwise then from the Parliament of the Common-wealth of England be used, exercised or enjoyned within Scotland or the Isles or any of their Territories thereof.

2 That they doe forbid, annull and make void the use and exercise of any Power, Jurisdiction and Authority whatsoe∣ver within Scotland or the Isles, or any of the Territories thereof, other then such as shall be derived from the Parlia∣ment of the Common-wealth of England.

February 24. 1651.

An Act of generall Pardon and Oblivion.

[illustration]

THe Parliament of England having had good experience of the affections of the people to this present Government, by their ready assistance in the defence thereof, against Charls Stuart Son of the late Tyrant, and the forces lately Invading this Nation under his command, and being much afflicted with the miserable and sad effects which the late unnaturall War hath produced, and re∣solved

(next to the glory of God, and the advancement of the King∣dome of Jesus Christ) to make no other use of the many victories the Lord hath in mercy vouch safed unto them, then a just settling of the peace and freedome of this Common-wealth; and being most desi∣rous that the minds, persons and estates of all the people of this Nati∣on might be composed, setled and secured, and that all rancor and evill will occasioned by the late differences, may be buryed in perpetuall Ob∣livion. Be it enacted by this present Parliament, and by authority of the same, That all and every person or persons of or within the Common-wealth of England, the Isles of Jersey and Gernsey, and the Towne of Barwick upon Tweed, and the heires, executors, and administrators of them and every of them, and all and singular bo∣dies in any manner incorporated, Cities, Burroughs, Shires, Ridings, Hundreds, Lathes, Rapes, Wapentakes, Townes, Villages, Hamb∣lets and Tithings, and every of them, are and shall be, and are by the Authority of this Parliament, acquitted, Pardoned, released and discharged (as against the Parliament the keepers of the liberties of England by Authority of Parliament, or any or other of them) of all manner of Treasons, Fellonies, Offences, Contempts, Trespasses, Entries, Misdemeanors, Forfeitures, Sequestrations, Penalties, and sums of moneys, pains of Death, pains corporall, or pecuniary, and generally of all other things, causes, quarrels, fines, judgements, and executions had, made, committed, suffered or done before the third day of September 1651. not in this present Act hereafter not excepted nor foreprized. And the said Keepers of the Liberties of Eng∣land by the Authority of this present Parliament, granteth and freely giveth, acquitteth, pardoneth, releaseth and dischargeth to every of the persons, and to every of the said Bodies corporate, and others before rehearsed, and to every of them, all goods, debts, chattels, fines, issues, profits, Amercements, forfeitures, which to the said keepers of the li∣berties of England do, or shal belong or appertain, by reason of any offence contempt, trespasse, entery, misdeameanors, matter, cause, seque∣stration or quarrell had, suffered, done, or committed by them, or any of them, before the said third day of September, and which be not here∣after in this Act foreprized and excepted. And it is further Enact∣ed, that this pardon by these generall words, clauses and sentences be∣fore rehearsed, shall be reputed, deemed, adjudged, expounded, allow∣ed, and taken in manner of Courts of Justice, or else-where most be∣neficiall and available to all and singular the persons, bodies corporate,

and others before rehearsed, and to every of them. And if any per∣son or persons, &c. shall be in any wise arrested, attached, distrained, summoned, or otherwise vexed, &c. for, or because any thing acquit∣ted, pardoned, released, or discharged by vertue of this Act, that e∣very person so offending, and being thereof lawfully convicted by suf∣ficient Testimony, shall yeeld and pay for recompence to the party so grieved or offended thereby, his or their reble dammages, and forfeit ten pounds to the keepers of the Liberties of England.

Excepted, and always foreprized out of this general free pardon, all and all manner of High-treasons, (other then for words only) and all Levying of war, rebellions, insurrections, and all Conspiracies and Confederacies, Traiterously had, committed, and done against the Par∣liament, or the keepers of the Liberties of England, either within or without the limits of this Common-wealth, since the thirtieth day of January in the year of our Lord, 1648. And all misprisions and concealements of the said offences or any of them, or the abet∣timg, ayding, procuring of them, or any of them. And also excep∣ted all manner of voluntary murthers, petty treasons, and wilfull poysoning; all piracies, and robberies upon the Seas, and the Abet∣tors thereof; All buggeries, rapes, and ravishments, and wilfull ta∣king away and marrying of any maid, widow, or daughter against her will. And also except all persons now attainted or outlawed, of or for petty treason, Murther, or wilfull poysoning, conjurations, witchcrafts, charmes, wrongfull detainments of any the customes, and all Sequestrations and sums of money due upon compositions excise or new-impost. And also excepted all conditions and covenants, and all penalties and forfeitures due to the Parliament or the late King, since the 30. of January 1648. And also all first fruits, and tythes, and all offences and misdemeanours whereof any sentence or judgement hath been given in Parliament▪ since the 30 of January 1648. And all offences of Bribery, perjuries and subordination of witnesses, coun∣terfeiting deeds, debenters, bils of publick faith, escripts, or writings whatsoever: aud all offences touching the carrying, sending or con∣veying over the Seas any gold, silver, Jewels, or any coyne. And all other offences in the unlawfull buying, selling, exchanging or melting downe of any Gold, silver or Bullion, or the transporting beyond the Seas of auy Guns, shot, or Gun-mettle: And all offences in detaining or imbezling any the goods, moneys, or chattels of the late King and Queen: And except all fines and amercements lost, imposed, or asses∣sed:

And all offences committed by any Jesuite or Seminary priest, contrary to the Statuts in that case: Provided and except any outlaw∣ries upon any writ of Capias ad satisfaciendum, and all except per∣sons as were the 28••h of January 1651 in prison, or otherwise con∣strained of liberty by immediate commandement, warrant, or direction of Parliament or Councell of State: And also excepted all informa∣tions and proceedings concerning common high wayes, and all forfei∣tures of any goods or merchandize prohibited to be exported or impor∣ted: All-Fee-farme Rents, Rents service, Rents charge, and Rents seck: and all arrerages due since the 24th of June 1647. And all moneys imprested since the third of November 1638. Provided that all acts of Hostility and injuries, whether between the late King and the Lords and Commons in Parliament, or between any of the people of this Nation which did arise upon any Action, Attempt, As∣sistance, Councel, or Advice having relation to, or falling out by reason of the late troubles, that the same, and whatsoever hath ensued thereon, whether trenching upon the Lawes and Liberty of this Nation, or upon the Honour and Authority of Parliament, or to any particular person, shall in no time after the 18th of June 1651 be called in question.

[illustration]

FINIS.