A narrative presented to the Right Honourable the Lord Major, aldermen, and commons of the City of London, in Common-Councell assembled.:

A NARRATIVE PRESENTED To the Right Honourable the Lord Major, Aldermen, and Commons of the City of LONDON, in Common-Councell assembled.

WHen the Body receives a wound, the Chyrurgion that cures it, if hee doe it not soundly and effectually, it after∣wards proves as dangerous, and as expensive, as if remedies had never been applyed; this Kingdome hath at present many wide and gaping wounds, (and some of them old sores which continually breake out) which if not skilfully handled, may breed a long distemper in it, and perhaps at last lose much of its strength, and get a hal∣ting that may prove incurable; Look but back, and you shall see a Warre betwixt the King and Parliament, in which was much blood spilt, to the great griefe of all true English men, who cannot but wish this Warre had never been, and that some more moderate way had been found out to have recon∣ciled these differences, rather then to see it effected with the losse of their dearest friends and estates, and to enjoy no

settlednesse to this day; which when it was hoped might have come to some issue, here appeares another rent 'twixt the Parliament and the Army, that in all likely hood may prove as dismall as the former, if not looked unto with judgement, and an order put for a speedy remedy. What the Army doth set forth is very faire in all or most particulars, and I doubt not if things were estated according to what they propose, the Kingdome may prove famous and flourishing: What is most stumbled at, is liberty of Conscience, and deman∣ding the Members out of the House. For the first, they do it in a moderate way, and charity will construe the best; and truly if in point of Ceremony onely, and not in fundamen∣tall grounds they differ, I doe not see how men can well bee forced against their Conscience, so long as in all kindes else they bee regular, without any self-pretences, and without birternesse and hatred. For the second, there is none I think that means well, is against their desire, that any who is suspe∣cted (and consequently impeached) by them, but shall bee brought to his tryall: The difference onely is, whether they shall bee tryed by the Common Law of England, or by the high Court of Parliament now fitting; they are Parliament men, and, therefore (as the case now stands) the Parliament are their Peeres: Also when the King would have had the five Members out of the House, it was then the sense of the whole Kingdome, that it was a breach of Parliament; if it were so then, it will be the same now; I question not, but by the interposition of your mediation, this may be brought to take place, that all those whom they have named may bee tryed by the Parliament; for there is great hopes that the Honourable House will doe Justice, even to the cutting off its own Members, (if they be unsound) for the cure of the Common-wealth; and it cannot bee but a pleasing sight to the people, to see good justice done on such against whom proofe is made, that they have abused the high trust reposed in them, and no lesse joyfull will it bee to see others (if no offenders) to come off with credit and reputation; and whereas most loving and friendly Letters have been sent you from the Army, wherein they in a most full manner expresse

their love to the City in particular, (which for my part I be∣leeve is unfaigned) and withall desire you not to bee against them in their proceeding according to their Declaration in any way of opposition, &c. I cannot but perswade to the same, onely I wish that in a prudentiall way you would be so ready as to bee able to withstand all attempts whatsoever may be made, and that such a course may bee taken, that the City lye not open to be surprized at pleasure, in case the Common Souldier should desire that such a thing bee exploited. I doe not in the least degree question the integrity of those Gentle∣men that subscribed the Letters sent to this City, yet they are but single men, and cannot (as they have confessed) rule the multitude altogether as they desire; witnesse their fetching of the King from Holdenby without their knowledge, for which they gave a Reason, that it was absolutely convenient, and that must suffice; Who knows if they may also judge it con∣venient at one time or other to come to the City, and (when once entred) to be tempted to plunder? But it may bee said against this, What if they should doe so? are 20000 men able to prevaile in so populous a City, to goe away foot-free, with∣out their due punishment one man out of every third house will make a number sufficient to cut all their throats: do you think they love themselves so little, as to attempt such a thing? To which I answer, that 20000 men for their number are not so considerable, as for their quality; all of them are armed men, and come prepared for the feate, and are a compact body, and can do their spoil, and return again; yet a greater thing (then what 20000 men from without can doe) may bee fea∣red, which is the having well-willers, (though not abettors) within the City. And what is worst of all, is, that many thou∣sands of indigent and unruly people among us, will take this advantage, and plunder equally, if not beyond what the Soul∣dier can doe in this way; upon this cannot bee expected lesse then firing of houses, and bringing all into disorder and con∣fusion; but I hope, and verily think the good temper of the Army is such, as none of these things will come to passe in the least degree, yet 'tis but reason you should, notwithstanding, be in a posture of defence against all events, setting forth a

Declaration of the sincerity of your intentions, (as the Army hath done) which course none within or without the City can with reason disallow of. I will not admit my most inti∣mate friend, of whom I have had most reall tryals into secrets that concern properly my selfe, nor will I leave my casket of Jewells open, where none but hee and I doe come, for feare that opportunity should give him occasion to break that bond which is betwixt us; nor will I leave my money-bags open, in the way where those of my houshold are onely to passe, (although I never found them but faithfull) for feare they should be tempted to doe amisse; but if my Jewels bee locked up, and the bags put in the Chest, I shal administer no occasion of losing my friends love, or stagger in the fidelity of those of my house; Your being in a posture of defence, is the taking away the temptation, and consequently of the evil which may follow it; if I get out of these comparisons, into some of a higher nature, you will find that betwixt Princes that are in the strongest league, there is jealousie if one doe but raise for∣ces, (though with no intent of the least prejudice to the other with whom he is at peace) the other will be so provided, as to be able in some good measure to withstand that Invasion, (if intended against him) which when time hath declared it to have been needlesse, yet none can say but it was providence, and notwithstanding this, there is no exception taken on ei∣ther side at what was acted or done, nor can the Army justly except against your putting your self in a posture of defence, for your Declaration wil shew the candor of your intentions.

But when all this is done the least part of the wound is cu∣red, there stands open yet the satisfying the debts of the King∣dome due to the Army, and other Souldiers, and to the Scots, and other wayes: It were very good if a Compute could bee made what is owing and what is to be found at present to inable towards payment; and to consider what is the yeare∣ly In-come of the Excise, Customes, &c. that one being considered against the other, it may bee knowne how long that burthen must be borne, and in the meane time that all exorbitant fees may bee taken off, and a competency allowed which may sufficiently countervaile the paines any one takes,

and no more, the rest will helpe to discharge the publike debts.

There is also not onely a great burthen of cost, but of violence on this poore Kingdome, by Committees of all parts of the Kingdome; you cannot but have complaints of every side, of the abuses and wrongs they have done, they have beene slow of hearing when they should doe Justice, or make Repayment of any money missaid, although most authen∣ticke proofes have been given, and the delayes have been more tedious then the first wrong: but they have been infi∣nitely nimble in catching at the least show of information against any man, and have made no dainty of doing Justice (in their sense) against such men with a great deale of Dex∣terity; but O how hard it is for these men to right an In∣nocent when it plainly appeares they have wronged him, and how untoward it is for them to untread the steps they have gone in? truely he that hath received remedy against this wrong, may be accounted as single as 'tis said the Phenix is in the world, or as rare as a blacke Swan; It will question∣lesse be a great satisfaction to all England, if these Com∣mittees may be brought to give a just accompt of all they have received, and that honest men by them wronged, (under pretence of doing service to the State, when indeed they had onely selfe-ends) might have leave to right them∣selves in a lawfull way; I doe verily beleeve that so much naughtinesse would bee proved against the most part of them, as your eares would tingle to heare them; This is another grievance to the Kingdome, which if remo∣ved, would be a meanes of much quiet over all the Land: But this is not all, there is another thing, (which I propose to the consideration of your wisedomes) to bee done for the future quiet and good of this Kingdome, (for if wee endeavour onely the appeasing and accommodating of the present, without looking to what may insue, wee shall not be cleare of our troubles, feares or charges) which is the bringing in of the King on such conditions, as may bee Honorable for him, and safe and profitable for the King∣dome; that wee may be happy in His Government, and He rich in our Love; and that he may bee feared abroad, as

much as beloved at home. I beleeve many may at first startle, and object against this, when they consider things past, but let them well weigh all circumstances, and it will be seene that there cannot be a more effectuall remedy for our present disease; and it will also avert from us the evils that are threatned, if the King be not brought in; for first, but looke to the affections of the people every where, and you will find that their hearts are towards their King, all those that wished ill to his cause, are for the most part now most affectionate to his Person; in the City likewise you may observe the same, they generally say and finde, that it ap∣peares plainly they were evill instruments that led him a∣way, but that now there is no fault to be found in Him, the worst that is prest against Him is the not signing the Pro∣positions, which his Magnanimity cannot suffer him to do; those which may stand with his Honour he refuseth not, but no private man would be brought to desert his friend, so farre as to condemn him to death because he stood firm by him, (though in playing an ill game) much lesse can the ge∣nerous minde of a Prince bee brought to doe it; you have found by experience that what the peoples minde most in∣clines unto, at last takes effect; and this is as likely as any thing else, and peradventure (if your wisdomes doe not take the opportunity whilst it offers) it may be (by meanes which neither I nor you doe know or can imagine) brought to effect, at such a time when there will be no opportuni∣ty, (as now) of making such wholesome and safe conditions for the peoples good, as now there is; Therefore if a good ac∣cord were made with the King, we should soone find, (and that sensibly) the benefit of it. For,

It will be a meanes of allaying all division among us.

It will excuse infinite and vast Summes which must be dis∣bursed if division enter once among us, for at last the Publike must beare all the burthen.

It will be a meanes of keeping the Scots our Brethren from comming in, which you may perceive they have an in∣tention to doe, by their proceeding ever since the King was taken from Holdenby: and how chargeable their comming

will bee you are not Ignorant of: and although their mo∣ney, and consequently other moneys have been Leavyed in a way that at present seemes not burthen some, yet it is a way that keepes the Excise longer on foot, and consequent∣ly a yoke of too long a continuance on the necks of En∣glish men, who are altogether unfit to plough with such har∣nesse, and tis pitty but the best way should be thought on for a speedy period unto it, rather then any manner of way to admit of any thing, that may in the least degree threaten a prolonging of it further then already it needs must.

Now that I have explained my selfe as you see, I shall contract all into a few heads, humbly desiring that a favour∣able construction may bee made of all what I have and shall deliver, and that it may be taken in the sense as I de∣sire to bee understood, that is, to endevour the making up of all breaches, and the quenching of all sedition and heart∣burning among us, and taking away the causes, and that righteousnesse and justice may take place: and if I have any particular end of my owne, or other respect then the publike good, and the peace of England, I doe desire Almighty God not to give me my portion in a better Kingdome then any I can expect here on earth. Having thus cleared the way for your good opinion of me, I proceed to the heads of what I have proposed.

• I. That your wisdomes would reflect and consult whether it be not needfull for the City to be ready in a posture of de∣fence against all what may offer, setting forth your declara∣tion for the satisfaction of all the Kingdome.
• II. Whether it be not convenient and most necessary for the ground of our quiet, to Petition the Parliament, and to deale with the Army, that the King may bee spee∣dily admitted upon Honorable and safe Conditions.
• III. Whether it bee not fit to Petition the Parliament, that a Compute of the Publike debts, and the In-comes al∣so of the State may be made, and what there is in being to make satisfaction, that the Kingdome may in some good measure, bee satisfied how long the Excise may last, (which

• in some parts of the Kingdome costs more then halfe of the value, in the very Collection (by which meanes the Parliament gets hatred, and the State little benefit:) also that those Mem∣bers that have had Offices of profit in the Publike, whether it be convenient to put them in minde, that they hasten in the Moneys so received into Guild-Hall, according to the Votes of the self-denying Ordinance lately passed; which Moneys will serve (in part) to defray these necessary charges the pre∣sent occasions require.
• IV. Whether it be not very needfull to Petition that the Committees may cease, and that they give in their accounts, and that it may be permitted to those that finde themselves wronged, to have recourse against them: for tis presumed that what they have done (in many particulars) in name of the State, hath not been so applyed, but to their private uses; there can come no discommodity by it, for if they have been just, and acted no farther then Law and a good consci∣ence, the Law will then cleare them; If they have defrauded the State, there will be money discovered for the publick, (in case it doe not belong to any wronged party) or if they have wronged and undone men and families by oppression and in∣justice, no good man but would give his consent, that they should smart for it, and become an example to posterity to perform their trust more justly.
• V. Whither it bee not convenient to Petition the Parlia∣ment, that some speedy message, bee delivered to the Scotte Commissioners, declaring your desires that our Brethren the Scots would not thinke of comming into this Kingdome with an Army, till they see further cause or more ground for it.
• VI. Whether your mediation and interposition to the Parliament be not behooveful, that the armyes desires may be granted so farre as they tend to the good of the Kingdome, and that they would concede for the tryall of whom the Ar∣my doth accuse, in a Parliamentary way; and also whether the like mediation with the Army bee not to bee used, (for the sweetning of their distastes) by devising some honest and lawfull meanes of rayfing their pay, and indeavouring to

• take of all kinde off bitternesse, that things may be brought to an end, in the least rigid way as may bee; so that at last an act of oblivion may be set forth, that all men may bee secured from their feares, which will in a short time bring us againe in our right temper of loving one another as for merly.

These Lines are in all humble manner tendred to the grave consideration of this wise Councell, by a true-hearted and well-affected English-man, (with a submission to your judge∣ments either to add unto, or to take from it, as your judgments shall think most fit) for the taking off these eminent dangers and charges that threaten us, and for the setling of a sure and substantiall peace, till when 'tis hard to bee resolved whether the work of Ireland can goe forward or backwards; but that effected, we may well hope (through the mercy of God) to hold up our heads againe, and to be able to reduce to due obe∣dience that bloody Nation. Had I been in place to have spo∣ken, I would have saved the labor of writing, but my abilities are not such, as to make me worthy to sit there; or had time but permitted for the collection of hands, (for the desires of many thousands in this City goe along with it) you should have had it presented in a Petitionall way; but the occasion being pressing, I thought all time too long till I had expressed my duty to my Country, in the manner as you see: If I doe not name my self now, I desire it may admit of the most fa∣vourable construction, it shall be sufficient to me, if I may be conscious to my selfe of doing any good to my Countrey, without seeking applause for the same; the nearest way to doe it, is to perswade (if it be possible) that you would bee Moderators betwixt the Parliament and the Army, and with∣all Mediators, 'tis a fit work for so noble a City; as you are eminent, so is the Work; as you have been potent in the Warre, so you may bee powerfull in making peace; take in∣couragement to undertake it, and doubtlesse God will give a blessing to your pious intentions.