The observator observed, or, Animadversions upon observations on the history of King Charles wherein that history is vindicated, partly illustrated, and severall other things tending to the rectification of some publique mistakes, are inserted : to which is added, at the latter end, the observators rejoinder.

Page 151. (Book p. 151)

Fol. 151. Because it was the Bishops War.] Observator. I am sorry to see this passage have our Authors pen, whom I should wil∣lingly have accounted a true Son of the Church, were it not for this, and some other passages, which savour more of the Covenanter.

Answer. A Covenanter? yes no doubt of that, a through∣paced Covenanter; but why so? Because I call it the Bi∣shops War, and so did they. True, they did; and besides them many an English Protestant:* 1.1 why might they not? Was it not a War undertaken at first in defence of their Hie∣rarchy? Nay, one of no mean esteem makes one of that Or∣der the main cause of that War, by introducing the Liturgy amongst them, Sc. spe quidem laudabili, eventu verò pessimo; with a good intent, but exceeding ill successe: why so? Hinc siquidem, &c. For from hence proceeded Tragedies, Tumults, War, and Invasion. Now that War which an Arch-Bishop occasion'd, and which was entred into for main∣taining that Hierarchy, may, I hope, without offence be cal∣led the Bishops War. But here I am cut off; the Observator telling us that [Religion was but the vizard to disguise that businesse which covetousnesse and sacriledge had the greatest had in] which he confirmes by this ensuing Narrative. [The King being engaged into a War with Spain, and deser∣ted by those who engaged him in it, amongst other wayes of assistance, was minded of a purpose his Father had of Revoking all Grants of Abby Lands, &c. which being vested

in the Crown, were by his Protectors in his Minority, confer∣red on many of the Nobility and Gentry, &c. Being resol∣ved upon the same course, he intends a Parliament in that Kingdome, appoints the Earle of Nidderdale to preside there∣in, and armes him with instructions for passing of an Act of Revocation accordingly: who being on his way as far as Barwick, was there informed that all was in Tumult at Edin∣burgh; that a rich coach which he had sent before to Dalkeith was cut in pieces, the poore horses killed, the people seem∣ing onely sorry that they could not doe the like to the Earle himselfe. Things being brought to this stand, and the Par∣liament put off with a sine Die, the King was put to a necessi∣ty of second Councels, &c.]

Answer. That many had other then Religious designes, there is little doubt, they hoping to obtain that honour or wealth in a troubled State, which they were consident they should never arrive at in a calm. Now, as concerning this Relation, the Observator being a person to whom I am so much obliged, I cannot but as part of requital of his own labours, adde something for illustration of his Story, and re∣ctifying some mistakes thereof. Know then, Reader, that this Earl of Nidderdale, of whom the Observator speakes, was then no Earle, but the Lord Maxwell, no more but so; and the very Man, or I am deceived, mention'd in Habernfield Di∣scovery. For, a rank Papist he was, and Anno 1624. went to Rome to receive the Popes extraordinary Benediction; which the Councel of Scotland hearing of, they set out a Bar, or Prescription against him for departing the Kingdome with∣out leave: Soon after, King James dying, he came over into England, and by the Dukes favour, whose Kinswoman he had married, was, Anno 1625. joyned in Commission with the Earle of Anandale (Murrey) for summoning a Parliament (not for Revoking of Church, and other lands formerly inve∣sted in the Crown) but for contribution of monies and ships against the Dunkirkers; and was designed to preside there, with power to place and displace what Officers he pleased. In Order and Pomp sutable to so great a Trust, the Lord buyes him a Coach most radiant and richly gilded; this he sends before him to Dalkeith. The Councel of Scotland ha∣ving early notice of this, conspire to adhere and stick close together, and to oppose his commission: And the surer to frustrate the Lords designe, they send to all the chief Towns informing them what was comming, desiring they would send in the money with all expedition. The Townes con∣formed instantly, and all was done; yea the very undoing

and destruction of his glorious Coach, before the Lord Max∣well came to Barwich, and further he durst not go, being in∣formed his person so generally hated, might be in great dan∣ger there, but posted a main to the Court of England, where finding the King cool in the businesse (having had an account from the Councel of Scotland of al their proceedings, & adver∣tised by them how displeasing a President that Lord was like to prove, in respect of his Religion) &h the Duke gone to the Hague, after him he goes, and returnes with him into England. The Duke and this Lord being come to Court, possesse the King with strange insolences and affronts committed by the Coun∣cel of Scotland against his Regal power. His Majesty in some indignation thereupon sends for them to come forthwith, and answer what he had to object against them: up they come to court, and being by his Majesty chidden for their miscar∣riages, they defying this Lord openly in his Majesties pre∣sence, spake withal bug words, not very loyal 'tis confest; whereat his Majesty told them then, and not before, he would make them restore all to the Crown, which they had taken from it in his Fathers Minority. This and somewhat more, my information from a credible hand, and of a date a∣greeable to the story, what succeeded hereupon the Obser∣vator tells you.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Elenchus Mat.