The history of independency the fourth and last part : continued from the death of His late Majesty, King Charls the First of happy memory, till the deaths of the chief of that juncto / by T.M. Esquire, lover of his king and country.

THE HISTORY OF Independency.

The Fourth and Last part.

THE former parts of this Book having traced the prevalent and strong Factions of Presby∣terian and Independent, * 1.1 through the several devious pathes wherein they marched, and with what devillish cunning they did, each, endeavour to be greatest, by surprising, or at least under∣mining the other, until at last they unriveted the very foundations of Government, by the execrable murther of their undoubtedly lawful Soveraign, a crime so abhor∣red, that it is even inexpiable, not to be purged with sacri∣fice

for ever: I say, these things having received so live∣ly a delineation in the former parts, shall need no new recitalls. I shall then begin at the end thereof, which was; when the sacred Reliques of betrayed Majesty, specie justitiae, received a fatal stroke from blood-thirsty hands, neither able to protect it self, or be a shadow and Asylum for rejected Truth, and unspotted Loyalty. Thus in an unsetled and confused posture stood poor England, when the Sceptre departed from Israel, and the Royal Lyon was not only robbed of, his prey, but his Life: which Barbarism once committed, what did the Independent Faction, now grown chief, ever after stick at? Having tasted Royal Blood, the Blood of Nobles seemed but a small thing: to which end, and to heighten and perfect their begun villanies, they erect another High Court of Justice, for the Tryal of James Earl of Cambridge, Henry Earl of Holland, * 1.2 George Lord Goring, Arthur Lord Ca∣pell, and Sir John Owen Knight: whereof that Horslecch of Hell, John Bradshaw, was also President, who with sixty two more (as honest men as himself) by a Warrant under the hands of Luke Robinson, Nicholas Love, and J. Sarland, summoned for that purpose, did accordingly appear upon Munday the fifth day of February, 1648. for the putting in Execution an Act of Parliament (as they called it) for the erecting of an High Court of Justice, for the trying and adjudging the Earls and Lords aforesaid; with whom (according to their fore-settled resolution) making short work (for they would admit of no plea) of the five they presently condemned three to lose their heads on a scaffold in the Pallace-yard at Westminster, * 1.3 on Friday the ninth day of March: which day being come, about ten of the clock that Morning, Lieutenant Collonel Beecher came with his Order to the

several Prisoners at S. James's, requiring them to come away; from whence they were immediately hurried in Sedans, with a strong guard, to Sir Thomas Cottons house at Westminster, where they continued about two hours, spending the whole time in holy devotion and religious exercises. After which the Earl of Cambridge preparing first for the Scaffold, after mutual embraces, and some short parting expressions to, and for, his fellow-sufferers, he took his leave, and went along with the Officers, at∣tended on by Dr. Sibbalds, whom he had chosen for his Comforter in his sad condition. Being arrived at the Scaffold, and seeing several Regiments both of horse and foot drawn up in the place: after he had waited a little while with a fruitless hope and expectation of receiving some comfortable news from the Earl of Denbigh who was his Brother; having sent for his Servant, who being returned, and having delivered his Message to the Earl of Cambridge privately, he said, So, It is done now: * 1.4 and turning to the front of the Scaffold he spake to this effect. That he desired not to speak much, but being by providence brought to that place, he declared to the Sheriff, that the matter he suffered for, as being a Traytor to the kingdom of England, he was not guilty of, having done what he did by the command of the Parliament of his own Countrey, whom he durst not disobey, they being satisfyed with the justnesse of their procedure, and himself by the commands by them laid upon him; and acknowledging that he had many wayes deserved a worldly punishment, yet he hoped through Christ to obtain remission of his sins. That he had from his In∣fancy professed the same Religion established by Law in the land. That, whereas he had been aspersed for evil intents to∣wards the King, all his actions being hypocritically disguised to advance his own self-interest: hereto he protested his in∣nocency;

professing he had reason to love the King, as he was his King, and had been his Master, with other words to the same effect. That, as to the matter of invitation into the kingdom, he referred himself to the Declaration then in Print; and setting forth how ready and willing he was ever to serve the English, wishing happinesse and peace to them, and praying that his blood might be the last that should be drawn, heartily forgiving all, saying, I carry no rancour along with me to the grave. That his Religion was such as he spoke of before, whose Tenets he needed not to expresse, as being known to all, and himself not of a rigid opinion, being not troubled with other mens differing judgments; with which words, and forgiving all that he might have even the greatest animosity against, he kneeled down with Dr. Sibbald, and prayed with much earnestnesse and de∣votion: which pious exercise performed, and some short ejaculations passing between himself and the Doctor, the Earl turning to the Executioner, said, Shall I put on another cap, and turn up my hair? Which way is it that you would have me lye, Sir? The Executioner pointing to the front of the Scaffold, the Earl replyed, What, my head this way? Then the Undersheriffs son said, My Lord, the Order is, that you lay your head toward the High Court of Justice. Then the Earl, after some private discourse with his servants, kneeled down on the side of the Scaffold, and prayed a while to himself; afterwards with a smiling and cheerful countenance he embraced the Doctor in his Arms, and then his servants, saying to them, Ye have been very faithful to me, and the Lord blesse you: then turning to the Executioner, said: I shall say a very short prayer while I lie down there, and when I stretch out my hand, (my right hand) then, Sir, do your duty, and I do freely forgive you, and so I do all the World.

So lying down, and having fitted himself, * 1.5 devoutly pray∣ing to himself a short space, he stretched 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 Taffeta scarfe; and that with the body immediately put into the Coffin brought thither for that purpose, and so carried to Sr. John Hambletons house at the Mewes.

This Execution done, the Sheriffs guard went imme∣diately to fetch the Earl of Holland, whom they met in the midway, where the under Sheriffs son having received him into his charge, conducted him to the Scaffold, Mr. Bolton passing all the way hand in hand, with him. Being come upon the same, and observing he could not spake aloud enough to be heard by the People, by reason of the numerousness of the Souldiery that en∣compassed him, he said. * 1.6

I think it is to no purpose to say any thing; then proceeded. That his breeding had been in a good family, that had ever been faithfull to the true Protestant Religion, in which he had ever lived, and now resolved by Gods grace to dye. That he hoped God would forgive him his sins, though he acknowledged his Justice in bringing him thither for punishment of them in this World. He observed, that he was looked on as one that had ill designs against the State. Truly (saith he) I look upon it as a judge∣ment, not having offended the Parliament in any thing, save an extreme vanity in serving them very ex∣traordinarily. That his affections had been ever known to be faithfull, and without wavering: where the Par∣liament wrought changes beyond and against reason and Religion, there He left them. That he ever sought the peace of the Kingdom, and that made him do

what he did. That he knew not how to judge of (the th••n) present affairs; but should pray, that the King∣dome might be again governed by the King, by the Lords, by the Commons: and that the People may look upon the Posterity of the King with that affection they owe: that they may be called again without blood∣shed, and admitted into that power and glory that God in their birth intended to them.

That he wisheth happiness even to the causers of his death, praying heartily to God to forgive them. And as Chancellor of Cambridge really praying, that that University might flourish, and be a continuall Nur∣sery both to Learning and Religion. Then mentio∣ning again his Religion and family, relating something to his own behaviour, and his being a great sinner, yet that he hoped God would hear his prayers, and give him faith to trust in him,

with his prayers for the Peo∣ple, he ended. Then turning to the side, he prayed for a good space of time: after which by the instigation of Mr. Bolton, he said.

That he was the less troubled with his violent death, when he remembred how his Savi∣our suffered for him; and again, when he considered the King his Master not long before passed the same way; with others at this time with himself, with a serious and pithy justification of his said Master the late Kings Majesty, a short recapitulation of his first speech con∣cerning his Actions, Religion, breeding and sufferings. After all, wholly casting himself, on the merits and mer∣cies of Jesus christ forgiving his Enemies, praying for peace, and that their blood might be the last, which was shed strangely, the tryall being as extraordinary as any thing in the Kingdom:

but be owned it as Gods hand: then having, some divine conference with Mr.

Bolton for neer a quarter of an hour, and spoken to a Souldier that took him prisoner and others, he embra∣ced Lievtenant Collonel 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 affection to his soul, he prepared him∣self to the block: whereupon turning to the Executioner, he said; here my friend, let my Cloaths and my body alone, there is ten pounds for thee, that is better than my cloaths, * 1.7 I am sure of it. And when you take up my head, do not take off my cap: then taking his farewell of his Servants, he kneeled down and prayed, for a pretty space, with much earnestness.

Then going to the front of the Scaffold, he said to the People, God bless you all, God give all happiness, to this Kingdom, to this People, to this Nation. Then laying him∣self down, he seemed to pray with much affection for a short space, and then lifting up his head (seeing the Executioner by him) he said, stay while I give the signe and presently after stretching out his hand, and saying, now, now; just as the words were coming out of his mouth, * 1.8 the Executioner at one blow severed his head from his body.

The Execution of the Earl of Holland being thus performed, the Lord Capell was brought to the Scaffold as the former: and as he passed along, he put off his hat to the People on both sides, looking about him with a very stern countenance; when mounting on the Scaf∣fold having before taken his leave of his Chaplain, and bidding his Servants that were with him to refrain from weeping, coming to the front of the Scaffold, * 1.9 he spoke to this purpose.

That he would pray for those that sent him thither,

and were the cause of his violent Death; it being an effect of the Religion he professed, being a Protestant, with the profession whereof he was very much in love, after the manner as it was established in England by the 39. Articles. That he abhorred Papistry, relying on∣ly on Christs merits. That he was condemned to dye contrary to the Law that governs all the World, that is, by the Law of the Sword, the Protection whereof he had for his Life: yet among Englishmen, he an Englishman acknowledged Peer, condemned to dye contrary to all the laws of England. That he dyed (as to the cause he fought in) for maintaining the fifth Commandement, injoyned by God himself, the Fa∣ther of the Country, the King, as well as the natural Parent being to be obeyed thereby. That he was guilty of Voting against the Earl of Strafford; but he hoped God had washed off the guilt of his blood with the more precious blood of his Son. That his late Ma∣jesty was the most vertuous, and sufficient known Prince in the World. God preserve the King that now is, his Son. God send him more fortunate and longer dayes. God restore him to this Kingdom, that that fa∣mily may reign till thy Kingdom come; that is, while all Temporal power is consummated. God give much happiness to this your King; and to you that in it shall be his subjects. That he did again forgive those that were the causers of his coming thither from his very soul: so praying again for the King and his restoration, and for the peace of the Kingdom, he finished his speech.

Then turning about to the Executioner, * 1.10 he pulled off his doublet; when the Heads-man kneeling down, Lord Capell said, I forgive thee from my soul, and shall

pray for thee; There is five pounds for thee, and if any thing be due for my cloaths, you shall be fully recompenced. And when I ly down, give me a short time for a prayer: then a∣gain blessing the People very earnestly, and desiring their prayers at the moment of death, he said to the Executioner, you are ready when I am ready, are you not, then as he stood putting up his hair, with hands and eyes lift up he said. O God, I do with a perfect and a willing heart submit to thy will. O God, I do most willingly hum∣ble my self, so kneeling down, and fitting his neck to the block, as he lay with both his hands stretched out, he said, When I lift up my Right hand, then strike. When af∣ter he had said a short prayer, * 1.11 he lifted up his right hand, and the Executioner at one blow severed his head from his body, which was taken up by his ser∣vants and put into a Coffin.

Having thus brought to pass their bloody purpose, shortly after they acquitted the Lord Goring, and Sir John Owen as to their lives, but seized upon all they had: according as they did upon most of the Estates of the Nobility and Gentry throughout England; for such now was their unsatiable malice, * 1.12 that they thought it not e∣nough to ruine and destroy the heads of Families; but, with divellish rancor, endeavour to blot out the name and memoriall of Posterity, by such unheard of cruel∣ties, and barbarous actions, as would make a Savage Scithian or Barbarian blush to think on, so that we may say with Cicero in the like case; Rem vides, quomodo se habeat: orbem terrarum Imperiis distributis ardere bello: urbem fine legibus, sine judiciis, sine jure, sine fide relictam direptioni, & incendiis. Which indeed is the very pre∣sent case.

Thus did they grow from bad to worse, acting rather

like butchers then Men, each one of them proving to all about him, a devouring wolfe, whose insatiate gorge was never filled with his pray, so that having in effect the mastery of them (whom they called their Enemies) like true thieves they fall out about parting the stakes: * 1.13 the Presbyterian faction will brook no supe∣rior, the Independent no equall, upon these terms stands the Kingdom divided, when the later grown now more powerfull by the additon of the Army, whose guilt in the murther of the King had suggested to them, that the only way to save and raise themselves, was to confound and reduce all things else to an Anarchy. In pursuance of which Principle they at last proceed against the very root of Monarchy: and after many uncouth de∣bates resolved, that the Nation should be setled in the way of a free State, * 1.14 and Kingly government be utterly abolished. Now was the stile in all proceedings at the law altered, the seals changed, and the Kings armes and statues in all places taken down, that so their seared con∣sciences might not at the sight thereof be terrified, with the sad remembrance of their committed crimes. And that no sparke or attendant of antient Majesty might be left remaining, soon after, they vote the house of Lords to be burdensome and useless: * 1.15 and that the People might understand their meaning also, on the 21th. of February they proclaim at Westminster, and send it to the City the next Day to the like purpose, but the then Lord Mayor refusing to do it, as being contrary to his honour, conscience and Oath, rather chose to suffer an unjust imprisonment, which he did in the Tower: Any honest Man would have thought this example would have put a stop to the attempt of any villain for the making that proclamation, but so farr were they from

being deterred, that they rather grow more implacable, and having found some hair brained, and half decayed, Cittizens, out of them, one is set up as a mock-Mayor, who being a fellow fit for their turns, after a short com∣plement or two with the Juncto: * 1.16 he enters the Stage and Proclaims, the abolishing of Kingship, and the House of Lords. Having thus brought their design to some kind of maturity, they find another invention to be as a Shibboleth, a mark of distinction, between them∣selves and other men, * 1.17 and that was the engagement forsooth, whereby every man should promise to be true and faithfull to the Common-wealth of England, with∣out a King or house of Lords, and he that would not subscribe to this, was forced either to fly, or which was as bad, to stay at home, and have neither the benefit, nor the protection, of the law of the land, nor any advan∣tage either of his liberty or Estate; Now might you have seen Vice regnand, and nothing but Schisme and faction Countenanced, now might you have beheld England, sometime the Glory of the World, now become its by words, the name of English being among forreign Nations esteemed as a crime sufficient, so did the Land mourn for oaths that she was ready to vomit out her in∣habitants, while the Juncto still endeavour to palliate their villany, and to get allies among neighbour Princes and States, to many of whom they send Embassadours (as they stiled them) and were again reciprocally cour∣ted and owned, and particularly by the Spanyard and the French; but the Dutch did seem to be Men of a bet∣ter mould and temper, * 1.18 and therefore having no better ground they quarrell for superiority; denying to vaill to the English, because they were the younger State, yet still owning that respect to the Monarchy: hereat the

English (though yet but an) Embrio begin to startle, and weighing the unsetledness of their basis, and that all they had hitherto done was only dawbed together with untempered morter, * 1.19 they resolve to try all wayes rather then fall out, and will seek to gain that by Courtship, which they are unwilling to hazard by force; as a fit Man for this work they pick out a pure Saint, Mr. Oliver, St. Johns, and dispatch him into Holland with, as large a train, as great State, and as full instructions as they could possibly afford or invent, whether when he is come, he makes his addresse to the Lords States, but with so little approbation and success, that in a little time he began to grow weary of his businesse, especially, when the multitude began to grow clamourous against him, insomuch that he durst hardly stir abroad, so that being both outworded, and outwitted, after many de∣bates, brotherly expostulations, Declarations, and hearty desires to small (or rather indeed to no) purpose, he gravely makes his Congee, takes his leave and vani∣sheth; The Juncto at his teturn, somewhat discontented at his fruitless Embassie, yet finding no other remedy, and willing to make the best of a bad market, prepare for war, (for by this time the Dutch had begun both to affront them and seize on what they could catch as lawfull prize) which so vexed the English Puny State, that they presently fall to an open war, the various suc∣cesses of which, and the losses that accrewed thereby toeach party by means of the same, I shall not make the work of my pen, having only designed to delineate those black deeds of impiety acted within the narrow limits of our England, by the horridest crew of bloody miscreants that were ever spared by Divine vengeance from sudden destruction.

The English affairs and Government being thus wrested into the hands of a few desperate persons, * 1.20 the next thing aimed at is, the reducing of Ireland: for ef∣fecting whereof they give a Commission to, * 1.21 and raise an Army under the Command of, Cromwell, which he as suddenly transports thither, Ormond and Inchequeen ha∣ving at that time all the Country in obedience to his Majesty, (save only Dublin kept by Col. Michael Jones, and London-derry by Sir Charles Coot) when lo, as it were to wellcome Cromwell, Jones, immediately before his ar∣rival, had made way for him by the overthrow of Or∣monds forces about Dublin: And now, as if fortune had already designed him the laurell, St. Charles Coot, in an other place at Londonderry, worsteth a Second party, and the Earl of Ormond, and the Lord Inchequeen, ha∣ving joyned their broken froces into a considerable strength, are again together overthrown at Connaught.

The concatenation of these successes, together with the cruelty exercised by Cromwell at the taking of Tre∣dagh by storm, where his rage spared neither age nor sex, a barbarism scarcely used by the very Turkes, cast such a Panick fear over the whole Nation, that the strong holds fell into his power, like over-ripe fruit into the prepared hands of its ready gatherer.

So hidden and misticall is the series of Gods provi∣dence, that for a time, the most enormous crimes are counted vertues, & the poor loosing honestfoul constrain∣ed to stoop and bow under the heavy yoke of a pre∣vailing tyrant; yea Majesty it self enforced, (like the clouded Sun) compulsively to hide his beams, and retire with his light for a while, as though it had been but borrowed, but as the Sun, so Majesty can never be kept in perpetuall darkness: for by this time the Indepen∣dent,

who had for a space been chief, find a Competitor of the Leveller, * 1.22 who resolves either to share in the whole, and so reduce and keep all in an equality, where∣by himself may be one of the greatest, or else to endea∣vour to bring back all into its originall channel, and to shew they meant as they said, with better hearts then suc∣cess or strength they rise in three or four places, for they are assoon quasht as seen, and themselves and their de∣sign end both together: A garment of linnen and wool∣len was forbidden to be worn by the Leviticall law, and I suppose because the mixture would be improper either for wearing, or handfomness of sight, in the same manner may I say of the Levelling faction, that though they in intent were reall for restoring the King, yet God would not suffer it to be brought to pass by such hands, that had been so deeply dyed before in royall blood. The royal party though under hatches, and now suffering for their loyalty, having passed and been refined in the fire of affliction must be the Men, whose unspot∣ted fingers shall not only pull down the Idolized Babel of the Peoples imagination, but repair the decayed ruines of our broken Government, and reinstate exiled Majesty upon its throne adorned with safety, and with beauty both, and guarded with the safest strength of faithfull hearts and hands, better then walls of brass or formed troops of mercenary Souldiers.

But that time was not yet come, * 1.23 although the Scots sent a peculiar messenger, the Lord Libberton to the King, desiring him among other things, that he would please to appoint a place for a Treaty to be between his Majesty and his Kingdom of Scotland, which offer of theirs, was graciously accepted, and a Treaty appoin∣ted at Breda, on the 15th. of March, whither the Scots

Commissioners came the 16th. and on the 19th. fell to their business, neither would by any means relinquish their Presbytery though but in part, and as to the par∣ticular person of the King himself, whom they strongly bound up to the Covenant, Directory and Catechismes, * 1.24 where to his Majesty; after many long and seriuos debates, having unwillingly consented. The Scots on their part did promise. 1. That his Majesty should be admitted to the throne of Scotland. 2. That his Rights then should be by Parliament, recovered from the hands of Usurpers, and 3. That they would assist to bring the murtherers of his Father of blessed memory, to condigne punishment, and to restore him to his Native Kingdom of England.

A happy, Omen, surely was this promise and un∣dertaking hoped to be, and so indeed it might have proved, if it had been gained from any but the worst of Scotch-men, the Presbyterians, for, at the very same time as it were, when they had concluded the Treaty, and thus highly promised the King as is before mentio∣ned, I say at the same time, having gotten the famous Marquess of Montross into their hand, whose only fault was Loyalty to his Prince, having brought him with as much ignominy as they could devise to Edenburgh, they there charge him for keeping away the King (observe the King was now upon the point of coming to them) from his subjects. 2. For the invading that Kingdom. 3. For all the murders in the war, and for wast upon Argiles Estate, &c.

Mark, here I pray, * 1.25 Montross must be murthered (the best subject the King had in Scotland) and just when the King is ready to come thither, (as if it were done in despight to him) but why? for keeping away the King?

No, he had promised to be with them with all speed, which Montross in prison could not have hindred. Was it for invasion? alas neither, for he had none but his own Countrymen, and of them but a very few and they quickly, and easily defeated; what, was it for then, for muder? alas neither, what then? O! here's the Divel that murthered the famous Montross, for waste upon Argiles Estate; Argile, I say that underminer of his Soveraign, who in a short time after, upon his ar∣rival, was by the means and instigation of him, upon pretence of non-performance by the King, left desti∣tute either of friends (whom they banished from his Court,) * 1.26) means, (which they curtailed him of) and strength (allowing him neither a Souldier nor a garison, nay not a town where he might with safety repose his head); things being at this pass, and his Majesty with much adoe gotten into Scotland as afore said, which the Juncto at Westminster, having perfect intelligence of, and weighing with themselves that promise of the Scots, to bring the murtherers of the Kings Father, to con∣dign punishment, they begin to think it high time, to provide for their own safety, in consulting whereof, after much time spent, it is resolved the safest, wisest, and to them least chargeable course to wait, on the Ene∣my in his own Country, whereby they carried the war from home, and not to stay for him to bring it to their own doors.

As a strong motive to this, just at the instant, they discover that many of the Presbyterians of England, had by their agents agreed with the Scots at Bredah, to re-establish his Majesty in all his Dominions: Whereup∣on many eminent persons are seized on, and among them, Mr. Case, Mr. Jenkins, Mr. Jackson, Mr. Love, &c.

Which Mr. Love together with one Mr. Gibbons suffered death together on Towerhill, * 1.27 at the earnest sute of Crom∣well, protesting he would not march into Scotland, un∣less they were cut off: Being moved hereby as well as by their own fear and guilt, * 1.28 his Majesty is scarce in Scot∣land, but Cromwell is at the borders with 16000. Horse and Foot, on their behast; to whom Leslly, L.G. of the horse, which were now raised, after some expostula∣tions by Letters and Declarations, sends word that he is in armes upon the account of the good old cause, and not upon the account of the King, * 1.29 whom he cleerly dis∣owned; Straughan and Ker, not only disown the King, but say positively they will fight against him, so that now it was not Bellum Regale, a war to maintain the Kings honour, and the points of the treaty, but bellum Presbyteriale, a war for the Kirke of Scotland, against the Independent faction of England (those two great parties being come now to a second contest for superiori∣ty) for Leven commanded the Foot, and Leslly as I said before the horse, and these two unaminously drew out against Cromwell, and fought him within six miles of Edenburgh, though to little purpose, * 1.30 for he immedi∣ately after became Master of the field, and took Garri∣risons, as fast as he came to them, defeating them at Musselbourgh, and pursuing them to Pentlan-hills, * 1.31 where the Scots had him in a straight, and might have destroy∣ed him, but the cerrainty as they thought of the victory, caused them to delay, by which, and the fatal necessi∣ties of sickness, hunger and cold pressing upon Cromwells Army, made them choose rather at one fight desperate∣ly to hazard all, then timourously to become the scorn of an insulting foe, which they knew they should find: following this resolve with diligence, they whisper about

the word to each other, in the midst of a dark and rainy night, they crept up the hill and fell on the Scots so suddenly and beyond expectation, that they were dis∣ordered by the first attempt, * 1.32 yet by reason of, their mul∣titudes, and a little courage, they held up a while, till surrounded on the back by Cromwells horse, the Scots horse affrighted, begin to retreat, and soon after to flie in good earnest, leaving their foot to mercy, who were taken in greater numbers then the English Army con∣sisted of; the Independent power by this victory being absolute conqu••rors, * 1.33 and the Presbyterian pride laid groveling in the dust.

During this quarrell between the said two factions, the King (as disowned so) not interested therein, retires first to St. Johnstons, and after that, privately into the North of Scotland, where he conti••ued, expecting what God would do for him; assuring himself that this de∣feat at Dunbar (as things then stood) could not be for his prejudice which indeed, * 1.34 quickly fell out accor∣ding to his expectation; for the Scots upon that over∣throw were somwhat humbled in Spirit, and now be∣gan again to think of their late abused King, wishing in their hearts he were among them, (fearing to speake the truth) least he would have joyned with Northern and loyal Highlanders, to prevent which they send M. G. Montgomery with forces to intreat his Majesties return, who finds him out, and affectionately delivers his mes∣sage: which the King received even with joyfull tears, as minding the justice of God upon those perfidious Scots, whose pride in success carried them beyond all bounds of allegiance (and like a stubborn child must be soundly whiptere they will kneell and the good manners they obtain must be beaten into them): Yet he accepts

of their request, and accordingly goes towards them. Who but so good a King would have exposed himself to such mens trust, in so dangerous a time? Innocentia est sibt munimentum, for he resolves to return. * 1.35 Upon notice hereof and his arrivall, the Parliament address them∣selves to him, and appoint the time for his Coronation: which was accordingly with much State, pompe and Ceremony, performed on the first of January follow∣ing at Schone; the particulars whereof I shall not enter upon, severall relations thereof being already extant.

His Majesty thus invested in his throne, undauntedly proceeds to secure both his person and Kingdom: * 1.36 to which end he begins to raise and levy an Army, both of horse and foot, which in short time, by the conflux of loyal hearts from all parts, became even formidable to its Enemies, especially having their Prince engaged in person, (whose every hair was valued at ten thousand lives) and an equall sharer with them in all things. As they did encourage the hearts, and strengthen the hands of all that were faithfull, so they were a torment of Spi∣rit to the insulting Enemy, who for the present, seeing that force alone would not serve the turn, politickly re∣solves, to undermine and weaken them by division a∣mong themselves, knowing that rule to be true, Divi∣de & impera, and indeed so it proved: * 1.37 for with so much divellish cunning did the English work, that they procu∣red Straughan with some sorces together with Ker to de∣clare against the King, Lastly with others, stand for Kirk and King. But Brown, Middleton, &c. with the best and honest part of the Army, vow to sacrifice their Lives and Estates in defence of the Kings person. In this tottering and unstable condition stood affairs, when Cromwell alwayes mindfull to lay hold on the first advan∣tage,

and being certainly informed of the height and heat of these divisions, he takes time by the forelock, and striking while the Iron was hot, he sends to Straughan and wins him over to him, to fight against his lawfull Soveraign, rejoycing to have debauched such a Souldier, whose infidelity must now make him sure to Cromwell, not daring to rely on the good of those whom he had so trayterously deceived; the remaining two parties, continuing yet in their feuds, are at length, to prevent the destruction of both, * 1.38 by the care of the Parliament then sitting taken into consideration, and reconciled by the equal distribution of commands, upon the most eminent persons of both factions; under one only head and Generall commander, which was the King himself. By this union being again become considerable, ••ea and indeed in a posture of defence, the King deliberately sets forward toward the Enemy, who hearing of it, with more, both fury and expedition marcheth to meet him. And here you might have observed the different means used by two potent armies to destroy each other, Cromwell would ruine the King by fighting, the King endeavours to conquer Cromwell by delaying: never were Hanniball and Fabius so truly patterned as at this time, for the King knowing it to be an invading Army, took the best means to break it by delayes, getting a∣way all provision, that the Enemy might have no for∣rage, and as occasion served, giving ground, till some notable advantage might be found, as might give an hopes if not an assurance of a victory; and according to expectation so had it proved, for being desirous to fight, * 1.39 and hearing the King intended to pass at a cer∣tain narrow Island, thither he commandeth two Regi∣ments against whom Brown did march with five or six,

fell on them, and in probability had destroyed them ut∣terly, had not relief come with speed, and in the nick of time, whereby after a hot and eager fight for some hours, both parties retreated with no small loss to ei∣ther, yet such was the fortune of that ambitious wretch Cromwell, that notwithstanding this, and that his Ma∣jesty had still a good Army in the field, he over-ran the whole Country and conquered with less difficulty than he marched; which his Majesty perceiving, he resolves on new designes, and accordingly within a short time, with his choysest friends and the remains of his Army amounting to 16000. he privately, * 1.40 gives Cromwell the go-by, and marches by Carlisle into England: so have I seen a bird decoy the greedy fowler from her loved nest, by a seeming neglect thereof in the retiring from it.

It was generally believed that the Kings arrivall in England would have been a motive to all that loved him to stir and shew themselves in armes for his defence, but such was their hard fate and sad misery at that time, that they durst not stir, the yoke lay so heavy, that it was imprisonment if not death, but to look towards the King, yet maugre all devices against him, * 1.41 he came through all the North into Warrington in Lancashire, where at a bridge the passage was disputed with the Enemy, who did endeavour to break it down, but with such advantage, that the Rebells were forced to fly and leave the King master of the place, * 1.42 from whence with his whole Army he marched towards Worcester, where contrary to the rules, both of reason and war, and con∣trary to his own mind and resolution, overswayed by the treacherous Counsel and perswasions of some too neer, and in too great command about him, he stayed. what might be the motives to delude the King into such

a trap the L. G. is better able to give account off than my pen; but where treason lies in the heart, there must all things of force be bad, no relations, ties, or duty can hold or convince him who hath sold his conscience. A∣bout this time, the whole Kingdom, having taken the Alarum, run in troups and multitudes, some one way, some another, severall of the Gentry, particularly the Earls of Derby and Cleveland, the Lord Howards El∣dest Son, Collonel Howard, with many others bring what strengths, in such a confusion of affairs and streight of time, they could gather together, but to lit∣tle purpose: for they are as it were besieged within the City of Worcester, all the Counties of England having powered out their auxiliary forces against that place, to heighten and increase whose malice Cromwell is sent to head them. Now might you have seen Herod and Pon∣tius Pilate reconciled, and both against Christ: Those two restless and adverse factions, the Presbyterian and In∣dependent faction, could joyn together, both in their armes, and prayers against his sacred Majesty, belching forth the scandalous language of their ulcerous tongues to incense the People, and bring them into frenzy against those few poor despised loyall ones, & so indeed they did; those very pretended Ministers not only preaching, but largely contributing to the raising of more forces from day to day, yea some of them going in person to as∣sasinate the poor inclosed Royalists, who yet resolved, that though they foresaw their ruine, as not being able without a miracle to cope with such an innumerable multitude, they would sell their lives at a dear rate, and make some of the purchasers at least share in an equall fate with them, and so in truth they did. For Cromwell now being very neer, commands Lambert to

take and secure Hopton bridge, * 1.43 in the defence of which passage Massey shewed both much courage and experience, though forced to retreat thence and leave the same unguarded, being over-powered with Lamberts multitudes: after which, for a Day or two, there hap∣pened diverse Skirmishes with as various fortune as is usuall at such times; but Cromwell not brooking such de∣layes (as fearing they might prove dangerous, if any part of his forces should bethink themselves) resolves upon one generall attempt: and to find work for all hands, himself falls on upon one side, and Fleetwood on the other, so that now ther's nothing but rage, slaughter, and blood, the loyall Highlanders even standing to fight when they had lost their legs, not at all daunted at the severall horrid shapes-Death presented himself to them in, but covering the ground with their slaughte∣red bodies, in death made good that place, which in life they undertook to defend: while the increasing En∣emy by his numbers, rather killing then conquering, their fear and guilt guiding them to exorbitances, which the other valiant, though dying souls were not capable of, proving that maxime true, that fear is farr more painfull to cowardise, than death to a true courage. But A••tum est, their end is concluded, the decree is gone forth: so after severall routs and rallies, a generall de∣feat succeeds with the death of between 4000. and 5000. and about 7000. or 8000. taken prisoners, the pursuite being both hotly and eagerly pursued, each villain hoping to enrich himself by seizing on the Royal pray. But Heaven had sent a Guardian Angell to pro∣tect him, that at length he may once more come and be the restorer, both of our peace, Religion, and Li∣berty. I shall not mention the means were used, or the

Spirits which God raised up to be instrumentall, in that miraculous deliverance, let it suffice they have their honour and reward, and bless we God; who hath made us worthy to be partakers of the inestimable good that hath accrewed thereby, invoking Heaven to crown his life with length of dayes and health, and to settle his throne by a decree as unalterable as that of the Earth which cannot be moved.

Thus once more we see Rebellion flourish and ap∣plauded; for after this, the seeds of ambition begin to grow higher in Cromwell, it is not enough that his facti∣on is the strongest, and he the head of it, unless he may as well govern as command: The military sword will not satisfie him, he must and will also have the civill, but as he sees it must not be done rashly or sud∣denly, least he should miscarry, so knowing that fair and softly goes farr, and festinare lente is the best hast, he concludes in his heart either to have all at his own beck, or dye in the attempt; and the better to moddell his design according to his resolution, he comes to the Juncto, gives them account of all his transactions, and so insinuates into them that he gets his Son Ireton to be made Deputy of Ireland, * 1.44 and intrusts Scotland into the hand of L. G. Moncke, a revolted Cavalier, by which two persons in a short time he so roughly handled both those said Nations, that they were redu∣ced to as perfect a slavery as could be imagined.

Upon consideration of these successes on all hands, he begins now more publickly to unmask himself; As General he places and displaces Officers in the Army at his pleasure, untill he have so fitted them to his own humour, that he dares begin to take them into his Councill, where the first thing resolved is, still to hold

up the mask of religion, there is no bait so catching to the vulgar: religion therefore must be cried up, methinks I see Cromwell, like Catiline at Rome, with all his crew of bankrupt and much worn Officers about him, speak∣ing to them thus. Surely I need not tell you the great things the Lord hath done for us, your selves are wit∣nesses thereunto: I confess, our actions seem not to a∣gree to our professions, but tis no matter, let People say what they will, so we be still gainers, let Govern∣ments totter and fall, the whole World be made but one Enthusiasme, or reduced into its primitive Chaos, rather than we shall now loose or hold, yet still the mask of zeal must be kept on that we may not appear in our naturall colours, villains ab origine; By these and the like words is that vicious brood soon instigated to act what his ambition dares command.

Now was he grown so lofty and imperious that he e∣ven growes weary of the Juncto, and especially be∣cause they were at the present the main barr that hin∣dred his greatness: To remove therefore that obstacle, on the twentieth of Aprill 1653. * 1.45 early in the morning he seazes the keys of the Parliament house, shuts up the doors, and tells the Members that they must come no more there, having already sate too long, meriting rather punishment than applause, being no other than an assembly of Whoremasters, Drunkards, Hypo∣crites, Knaves and Oppressours; thus was the pretence of the Parliament taken away, and no face of Govern∣ment visibly appearing: Never was the faults of Usur∣pers with more bitterness laid open than now by him, whom we shall shortly, as transcendently, to out-do them in all acts of Tyrauny and Usurpation, as the brightest beams of a midday sun excell the glimmering

light of a midnight candle. Tis true as Seneca saith, Nul∣la tam modesta est faelicitas ut malignitatis dentes vitare possit, * 1.46 there ever was and ever will be some murmurers at present Governours, but so far were either they, or he from being belyed, that unless a Man do speak all that may be imagined evill, he must needs fall short of their wickedness,

The Government being thus altered, first by laying a∣side and murthering their lawfull Soveraign, then by sifting and purging the Parliament, till loosing its origi∣nall, it either became as nothing, or at the best but a Juncto, and when it would no longer sute with Cromwells ambitious ends and soaring thoughts, by turning it ab∣solutely out of doors; At last after much pretended seeking of God by dayes of humiliation, Cromwell for∣sooth is counselled to call together an assembly of men, picked out and called as fit for his design. These he summons together by a Letter under his hand and seal directed to each single Man; * 1.47 who (in their way of can∣ting) admiring at the great goodness of God, that had put it into the Generalls heart to select them to so great a work as the settlement of the Kingdom, and to shew their skill, and as an Essay of their zeal, they first vote down all Tythes, discourage the Ministry, abuse the Universities, and endeavour to abolish the law, and consequently to take away all propriety. By which Acts the Nation beginning to be sensible of the Divel, where with they were possessed, did frown upon them, which so disanimated our Fanatick Enthusiasts, that at the very first blast they left the helm, and like good boyes and well-taught, having drawn up formally an instrument under their hands and Seals, they repair to Cromwell, and (according as the design was laid) together with the

said instrument deliver and resign the Government to him and his Councill, * 1.48 who (though at first he seeming∣ly denyed) yet immediately after, with much solemnity he accepts thereof, before the Mayor, some Aldermen, some Judges, and the Officers of the Army. Having thus far perfected his devillish design, and made all his own, by modelling the Army under the command, of his own Creatures; setling the Government of Ire∣land, upon his Son Harry, and Scotland reduced to obey and submit to him: * 1.49 It is now thought fit he should de∣clare himself, which to please and gull the people the better, he does by abasing himself, and calling (as he termed it) a Parliament, to meet on the Third of September 1654. Which it did, but the poor animalls not having well conned their lesson before-hand, were, suspected dull, and turned a grazing to get more un∣derstanding, the very first instant he might lay hold on to do it; By which means once more all pretence of Government being utterly abolished, he himself playes Rex, and by an arbitrary power beyond, without, * 1.50 and a∣gainst, law, doeth what he list, by Mayor-Generals (a name in England unknown) oppressing the Country, robbing the Gentry, spoiling all, and murdering many, so that none durst say what doest thou? A question was converted into a plot, and to deny a tax merited de∣cimation. It was not enough, to have suffered all for∣mer rapines, imprisonment and plunderings, fines and taxes, but at last we must all be decimated. We were tanquam Oves destined for slaughter, and such was our misery there was none to redeem: sad testimonies whereof were Gera••d, Grove and others about this time, whose blood only could expiate a crime they never thought or were guilty off.

In this unlimited posture of arbitrary power did the the Kingdom stand, when that Arch-Machiavilian Cromwell adding strength to the wings of his ambitious mind soared an Eagle-height, and made all the circum∣ference of his actions to center at the royall State, think∣ing with a grasp of the Scepter to ennoble his name and family, not minding either the danger of the passage or the slipperriness of the station, when arrived at the top: And indeed such was his fortune that he did ascend the throne, in which it was for the future, his restless endeavour to settle himself and his posterity, and the better to cast a seeming gloss of legality upon his usur∣pation, * 1.51 he summons another Parliament, in the Year 1656. hoping thereby to work his ends unseen, and so he did (as to the vulgar eye) for soon after their meet∣ing and first triall of their temper, he so moulds them to his own humour by a recognition, that they are over∣hastily delivered of a strange abortion, by them called the petition and advice, &c. in which with much so∣lemnity, though damnable hypocrifie, they desire him to be King, but in more general terms to take upon him the government, and be chief Magistate, which he very gravely considering of diverse dayes, returnes his denyall, in part, but withall insinuates in part, his willingness to be setled Lord Protector, at which newes his faction rejoycing, (with many Eulogies for his humility in refusing the Kingship) he is by the said Parliament, who adjourned for the same end, solemnly installed Protector at Westminster by Widdrington, who was the Speaker to that convention, by Whitlock, Lisle, Warwick, &c. And upon their resisting, he is petitio∣ned to accept of almost two millions, by the year for his support, to maintain a crew of idle wenches his

daughters, whose pampered lusts were grown almost insatiable) 2. To erect a new house of Lords of his own Creatures, who being indebted to him for their raising, durst do no other than by a slavish submission, perform his tyrannous will, 3. To name his successor, that so he might entail his yoke of tyrannical Usurpation and slavish oppression on the Kigdom, and severall o∣ther things: which with much adoe, after many per∣swasive intreaties and much unwillingness, God knowes) he accepts of.

No sooner is this done, * 1.52 but the fox laughs in his sleeve to see how he has cheated the Parliament. And there∣fore to make them know their rider, after a few words of exhortation to them of the want of them in the Country, and the necessity of their retiring thither for the peace of the Nation, with a friendly nod he dis∣misseth them and sends them home.

Thus with much cunning and dissimulation having attained the perfection of his desires, * 1.53 knowing that such greatness must be upheld with allies, and every no∣ble coat of armes must have his supporters, he strength∣ens himself at home, by intermixing with noble blood marrying own of his Daughters to the Lord Faulcon∣bridge, and an other to the heir apparent of the Earl∣dom of Warwick, the later of which though in the prime of his your••, finding the disagreement between Noble and Rebell blood, was soon over-heated and by the suddenness of his death left his wife the widow of a loathed bed. In the next place he seeks friendships and leagues abroad, and intending to close with France, * 1.54 he directly quarrels with the Spanyard, and affronts him in severall places near about one time, particular∣ly he sends one part of the Fleet under the command

of Pen to Hispaniola, but with so little disadvantage that he was enforced to retreat thence, with no small loss, falling soon after on Jamaica with better success, win∣ning a part thereof, though most inconsiderable, the whole Island being not worth the tenth part of the blood and treasure it hath cost this Kingdom, being no way at all serviceable, either for the advance or se∣curity of trade in those parts; Mazarine in France, finding the benefit of these helps, upon the very first motion strikes with him a league offensive and defen∣sive, Cromwell promising to assist the French with 7000. Men to maintain the war against the Flanders: which at this time he sent, they proving so helpfull by their valour, that in a short time they gain Mardike, * 1.55 Gravelin, and Dunkirke, the last of them according to articles, being delivered up to the English, in whose hand it yet re∣mains. In the interim while these things were transact∣ing, Cromwell suspicious of every blast of wind, and fear∣full of every motion, contrives in himself to take off two or three of the most eminent of the Kings party in England to daunt the rest, among whom he separates one layman, Sir Henry Slingsby, and one Churchman, Dr. * 1.56 Hewit, for the slaughter: and conscious to him∣self that they had done nothing contrary to the law of the land, he durst not try them by a Jury, but re-erects his monstrous high Court of Justice; before which be∣ing brought, they denyed the authority thereof as un∣warrantable, which so wrought upon the patience of Mr. Lisle their bloodily learned President and the rest of the gange, that they (according as they were fore∣instructed by their Master Divell Oliver) without any great matter of circumstance condemne them both to be beheaded, which sentence was accordingly executed,

on them the 8th. Day of June at Towerhill, notwithstand∣ing all the means their friends could use of engagements, perswasions and money, and the deep, earnest and con∣tinued intreaties, sollicitations and supplications of Mrs. Claypoole his best beloved daughter, * 1.57 for so in∣exorable he continued, that like the deaf adder he stop∣ped his ears to the charmer, charme he never so wisely: at which unheard of cruelty, and for that Dr. Hewits Lady (as is said) was then with child, Mrs. Claypoole took such excessive grief, that she suddenly fell sick, the increase of her sickness making her rave in a most lamentable manner, calling out against her Father for Hewits blood and the like, the violence of which ex∣travagant passions working upon the great weakness of her body, carried her into another World, even at the heighest thereof.

No sooner did Cromwell receive the deplorable newes of this sad death of his Daughter, but himself falls into a desperate melancholly, * 1.58 which never left him till his Death, which was not long after. Give me leave here to relate a passage which I received from a Person of Quality, Viz. It was believed, and that not without some good cause, that Cromwell the same morning that he defeated the Kings Army at Worcester Fight, had conference personally with the Divell, with whom he made a contract, that to have his will then, and in all things else for seven years after from that time (being the Third of September 1651.) he should at the expi∣ration of the said years have him at his command, to do at his pleasure, both with his soul and body. Now if any one will please to reckon from the third of September, 1651. till the Third of September, 1558. * 1.59 he shall find it to a Day just seven years and no more,

at the end whereof he dyed but with such extremity of tempestuous weather, that was, by all men judged to be prodigious, neither indeed was his end more miserable, (for he dyed mad and despairing) than he hath left his name infamous; this was the end of our English Nero, and thus having laid the best foundations, his short and troublesome Reign would give leave to have continued his posterity in the same unlimited Dominion, at his death, (si ullafides viris, qui castra sequuntur) declaring his eldest Son Richard his successour in his Usurpation. Leaving his Son Henry Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, and his Daughter Fleetwood, married to the Commander in chief of the Army un∣der himself, and the only Man suspected for a Compe∣titour in the Protectorship, for Lambert had been laid aside long before as a person of too dangerous and as∣piring principles to be trusted.

Richard Cromwell presently ascends the Throne, * 1.60 being but a private Gentleman of Hampshire, invited there∣unto and incouraged by Flee wood, Deshorow, Sydenham, the two Jones, Thurloe, and others, the relations and confidents of his Father: His first work is to take care for his Fathers Funerall, his corps being shortly after interred among the Kings and Queens at Westminster, at a farr * 1.61 greater charge than had been used upon like occasi∣ons in the richest times, death giving him that honour which he aspired to, but durst not embrace in his life time, which solemity ast, by the contrivance of the now Cour∣tiers, congratulations are sent (prepared at Whitehall) from most of the Counties, Cities & c••ief Townes of England. And from the Armies of England, Scotland, & Ireland, with engagements to live and dye with him. Addresses from the Independent Churches, by Mr. Goodwine and Nye, their Metropo••itans, and was indeed worshipped by

many as the rising Sun in our Horizon.

This Introduction being made for transferring the Go∣vernment of these Nations, from the Royal family of the Stewarts to that upstart of the Cromwells: * 1.62 it was thought fit, that a generall Convention, after the man∣ner of a Parliament wisely chosen by influences from Whitehall should be called, to meet the twenty seventh of January, and (upon pretence of restoring the peo∣ple to their antient way of Elections, but reall) that the Court might command the more votes, the Bur∣roughs also had writs sent to them, and the Elections were all made in the antient way, only thirty members were called by writs from Scotland, and as many from Ireland, according to the late combination of the three Nations into one Common-wealth.

This new kind of Parliament being met at the time and place appointed, God who had so well ordered the Elections, notwithstanding the practices of Men, that their English Spirit quickly appeared against Impositions, both from Court and Army, * 1.63 which being discerned by the Protector and his Grandees, a Recognition is sent to them to be drawn into a bill, the debate whereof taking up a whole fourtnights time, and they still remain∣ing in a great streight, till, by the expedient of an honest Gentleman, they were extricated thence by passing these votes on Munday the 14th. of February, 1658. without any division or negative.

Resolved, that it be part of this Bill to Recognize and declare his Highnesse Richard Lord Protector, and chiefe Magistrate of the Common-wealth of England, Scotland, and

Ireland, and the Dominions and Territories thereunto belonging,

Resolved, that before this Bill be committed, the House do declare such additionall clauses to be part of this Bill, as may, bound the power of the chief Magistrate, and fully se∣cure the Rights and Priviledges of Parlia∣ment, and the Liberties and Rights of the People, and that neither this nor any other previous vote, that is, or shall be, passed in order to this Bill, shall be of force, or binding to the People, till the whole Bill be passed.

This done, * 1.64 a Committee of In spections is appointed to take a view of the accounts and revenue of the Common-wealth, & twelve Members versed in matters of account, were selected and fully impowered for that work, in order to the lessening the charge of the Common-wealth.

On Saturday the 19th. of February, they re-assumed the debate upon the Act of Recognition and resolved. That it be part of the bill to declare the Parliament to consist of two houses: * 1.65 after which they fell upon the point of bounding the chiefe Magistrates power and the bounds and powers of the other house, the Pro∣tectors party standing for the powers, given by the Peti∣tion and advice, and the rest of the house withstood it as of no value being obteined by force, by which force also thirteen hundred thousand pounds a year was setled

for ever upon the single person: and the ruling members of the other house, being a hotch potch or medley of Officers of the Army, and Protectorian Courtiers, con∣trary to the law of the land, * 1.66 and to the enslaving of the people. By this means nothing being done herein as to the powers, the Cromwelians, that they might enforce something, propose the question of transacting with the persons sitting in the other house as an house of Parliament, urging both law and necessity for the same, yea threatning force from the Army upon refusall; not∣withstanding all which a whole fornight the honest par∣ty of the House thought of nothing less, asserting the undoubted Right of the antient Peers, and denying all the rest, but seeing nothing could be done till this was over, in a very full house they came at last to this well qualified resolve.

Resolved.

That this House will transact with the Persons now sitting in the other house, as an house of Parliament, during this present Parliament. And that it is not hereby intended to exclude such Peers as have been faithfull to the Parliament, from their priviledge of being duly summoned to be Members of that house.

Herein may be seen something of the old English gallantry, * 1.67 for in this vote those in the other House are not owned as Lords, (but called the Persons now sit∣ting in the other House as an house of Parliament) nei∣ther

would the Commons treat and confer with them in the usuall way, as with the house of Peers, but found ou•• a new word (to transact) and that neither but up∣on tryall, Viz. during this present Parliament. And the better and more legally to curbe them if they should begin to grow imperious, they inserted the priviledge of the antient Peers as a good reserve, concluding also to receive no message from them, but by some of their own number.

During this time, * 1.68 they had under consideration seve∣rall good Acts about the Militia, against Excise, con∣cerning Customes, &c. and questioned diverse illegall imprisonments, calling some Jaylors to the Bar, and preparing a strict bill to prevent the unlawfull sending Freeborn Englishmen against their wills to be slaves in forreign Plantations; They also examined severall grievances, by the Farmers of the Excise, Major Generalls, and tyrannicall, and exorbitant Courts of Justice. The Committee of Inspections having by this time brought in their report by which it did appear, that the yearly incomes of England, Scotland, and Ire∣land, * 1.69 came to Eighteen hundred sixty eight thousand seven hundred and seventeen pounds, and the yearly Issues to, Two Millions, two hundred and one thou∣sand, five hundred and forty pounds. So that, Three hundred, thirty two thousand eight hundred twenty three pounds of debt incurred yearly by the ill manage∣ment of double the revenew that ever any King of England enjoyed: And to maintain the unjust conquest of Scotland cost us yearly, One hundred sixty three thousand six hundred and nineteen pounds more than the revenew of it yields.

At these proceedings the Protector and the Army,

who were already jealous of one another, * 1.70 grew both suspicious of the Parliament, because the people begin to speake as if they expected great good from the issue of their Counsells, therefore the Army, (least they should come too late) put in for to get the power into their hands, and according to the method used by them in like cases, erect a Generall Councill of Officers who daily meet at Wallinford-house, which the Protector hearing, endeavours to countermine at Whitehall; but they, better skilled in their work than he was, conclude a representation, which is with speed both drawn and presented to him about the seventh of Aprill, a copy whereof the next day after is sent enclosed by him in a Letter to the Speaker of the House: who hereupon takes the Alarum, and while the Protector thinks to se∣cure himself by standing on his guard, they not fearing the menaces of the Souldiers, but resolving to behave themselves like true Englishmen, on Munday the 18th. of Aprill passed these votes following.

Resolved,

That during the sitting of the Parliament, there should be no generall Concill or meeting of the Officers of the Army without directi∣on, leave and Authority of his Higness the Lord Protector, and both houses of Parlia∣ment.

Resolved,

That no person shall have and continue a∣ny command, or trust in any of the Armies,

or Navies of England, Scotland, or Ireland, or any the Dominions and Territories there∣to belonging, who shall refuse to subscribe. That he will not disturbe or interrupt the free meeting in Parliament, of any the members of either house of Parliament, or their free∣dom in their debates and Counsells.

Now that this bitter pill might be the easier swallowed, knowing, or at least believing that want of money was the thing that pinched in chief as to the private Souldier, (without whom the Officer was worthless) they passed a vote to take into consideration how to satisfie the Arrears of the Army, and provide present pay for them, and also to prepare an Act of Indempnity for them. But all this tended nothing to satisfaction, for the Souldier being through Levened with the wicked designes of their Officers, did nothing but murmur, es∣pecially since the Protector in pursuance of the votes of the house had forbidden the meetings of the Officers; so that now the animosities grew so high, that guards were kept night and day by one against the other, in which divided posture the management of affairs, con∣tinued till Friday the 22. of April, on which day early in the Morning, Fleetwood, Desborough, and the rest of the Mutinous Officers, * 1.71 with the greatest part of the Army at their beck, the Cromwelian party not daring to stir, got the supereminency, and forced young Richard to consent to a commission and Proclamation ready pre∣prepared, thereby giving power to certain therein na∣med to dissolve the Parliament, although he had with

much serious earnestness protested and promised, ra∣ther to dye than be guilty of so pusillaminous an act, which he was well assured would work for his confusion. But actum est, for the same day the black rod was sent twice to the house of Commons to go to the other house, which they refused and scorned, but understanding there were guards of horse and foot in the Pallace yard, af∣ter some ebullient motions, without resolving any questi∣on, they adjourned till Munday morning, the five and twenty of April, and with much courage and resolu∣tion attended the Speaker in order through Westminster-Hall to his Coach, even in the face of the Souldiery.

The Army having thus for the present missed their design, resolve no longer to dally; whereupon they, lay aside their new Mr. Richard, and all the Officers, great and small with one consent, take the Government into their own hands, having shut up the house of Com∣mons door, whither when the Members came on Munday, entrance was denyed them by the Souldiers, who had possessed themselves of the Court of requests and all avenues in all places, giving no other account to the Members than this, Viz. They must sit no more. * 1.72

The next meeting of Officers new modelleth them∣selves, some they casheire as Whaly, Ingoldsby, Gosse, &c. others they re-admit, as Lambert, Haselrig, Okey, and others, in which time not knowing how to behave themselves in such a condition, and weary of the per∣petuall toyle they foresaw, they must still with ceasing undergo; they mean to cast the burthen off from their own shoulders, and to that purpose they send to some of their old hackney drudges of the long Parliament, * 1.73 (as they then did call it) at that time about London,

whose consciences they knew would digest any thing, and did not care how, per fas aut nefas, so they might again be suffered to sit, with severall of these, I say, upon the fifth and sixth dayes of May they had confe∣rence, the last of which was at their never failing Speakers, the Master of the Rowles house in Chancery-Lane, where both Officers of the Army, and preten∣ded Members, to the number of twenty sollicited William Lenthall Esquire to sit Speaker again, but he objected diverse scruples in judgment and conscience: (But O how soon had the sweet ambition of domineering ob∣literated all such idle fancies?) yet nevertheless instant∣ly fifteen Articles being agreed upon among themselves, they conclude to meet in the house on Saturday the 7th. day of May, and the better to compass their ends by a base and clandestine surprise, they gave out that they would not sit till Tuesday the tenth of May, yet sur∣reptitiously, as I say, they met early on Saturday in the painted Chamber at Westminster and wanting of their number to make up a house, they sent for those two debauched lustfull Devills, the Lord Munson, and Harry Martin out of prison, where they were in Execution for debt, with Whitelock, and Lisle of the Chancery Court, making in all forty two, the Chancery Mace also for hast being carried before them, William Lenthall Esq. their tender conscienc'd Speaker, together with the said

• L. * 1.74 Munson.
• ...Henry Martin.
• Mr. Whitlock.
• Mr. Lisle.
• Mr. Thomas Chaloner.
• Alderman Atkins
• Alderman Penington.
• ...Thomas Scot.
• ...Cornelius Holland.
• Sir Henry Vane.
• Mr. Prideaux Att. Ge
• Sir James Harrington.

• L. G. Ludlow.
• ...Michael Oldsworth.
• Sir Arthur Haselrig.
• Mr. Jones.
• Col. Purefoy.
• Col. White.
• ...Harry Nevill.
• Mr. Say.
• Mr. Blagrave.
• Col. Bennet
• M. Brewster.
• Sergeant Wilde.
• ...John Goodwin.
• Mr. Nich. Lechmore.
• ...Augustine Skinner.
• Mr. Downes.
• Mr. Dove.
• Mr. John Lenthall.
• Mr. Saloway.
• Mr. John Corbet.
• Mr. Walton.
• ...Gilbert Willington.
• Mr. Gold.
• Col. Sydenham.
• Col. Bingham.
• Col. Ayre.
• Mr. Smith.
• Col. Ingoldsby.
• And Lieutenant Generall
• ...Fleetwood.

Stole on a sudden into the house, the invitation of the Army for sitting of the long Parliament being first pub∣lished in westminster-Hall.

Upon notice of this surprise of the house by so few, there being more than double the like number of mem∣bers of the same Parliament there, and about town, some of them at the same instant in the Hall, they to prevent future mischief, (whereof this packing of Parliament men was an ill Omen) to the number of fourteen, went immediately into the Lobby, and the persons that did so were these, Viz.

• Mr. Anslewy.
• Sr. George Booth.
• Mr. James Harbet.
• Mr. Prinne.
• Mr. George Montague.
• Sir John Evelin.
• Mr. John Harbert.
• Mr. Gowen.
• Mr. Evelin. * 1.75
• Mr. Knightly.
• Mr. Clive.
• Mr. Hungerford.
• Mr. Harbey.
• Mr. Pecke.

But assoon as they came near the door, they were not suffered by the Officers of the Army to go into the house, though they disputed their priviledge of sitting, (if the Parliament were not dissolved) but reason not prevailing, after they had thus fairly made their claim they retired, resolving to acquaint the Speaker by letter of their usage. And accordingly on Munday the 9th. of May they went to Westminster, where the guards being not yet come, Mr. Ansley, Mr. Prinne, and Mr. Hun∣gerford, went freely into the house, receiving the De∣claration of the 7th. of May at the door, But Mr. Ansley walking down into the Hall, (the house not be∣ing ready to sit) at his return was by one Capt. Lewson of Goffes Regiment and other officers denyed entrance, Mr. Prinne continued within and resolved so to do, * 1.76 since he saw there a new force upon the house, whose only staying (so guilty were the rest of their evill actions) made them loose that morning, and adjourn without the Speakers taking the chair. And to prevent his or any other honest mans coming in among them, after that they barred the door by the following Vote.

Ordered.

That such persons heretofore, Members of this Parliament, as have not sate in this Parliament, since the year 1648. And have not subscribed the engagement in the Roll of engagement of this House, shall not sit in this house till further order of the Parlia∣ment,

Thus (to the griefe of all honest and true hearted Christians) the same pretended Parliament that was fitting in 1653. (till Oliver disseized them) sitting a∣gain in 1659. upon a Declaration of the Army, with the same resolutions they had before, minding nothing but prefering one another, * 2.1 and their friends into good Offices and commands, and Counsellors places, as ap∣pears by their Vote of the 29th. of May, Viz.

The Parliament doth declare, that all such as shall be employed in any place of trust or power in the Common-wealth, be able for the discharge of such trust, and that they be persons fearing God, and that have given testimony to all the people of God, and of their faithfulness to this Common-wealth, according to the Declaration of Parliament of the 7^th. of May.

Now who they mean by persons fearing God in their canting language, by their very next work you shall see, which is the nominating a Councill of State, * 2.2 into whose hands is given the dispose of all places of trust and profit, yea and the command of the wealth of the Kingdom; those of the house are as follow.

• Sir Arthur Haselrig.
• Sir Henry Vane.
• ...Ludlow.
• ...Jo. Jones.
• ...Sydenham.
• ...Scot.
• ...Saloway.
• ...Fleetwood.

• Sir James Harrington.
• Col. Walton.
• ...Nevill.
• ...Chaloner.
• ...Downes.
• ...Whitlock.
• ...Harb. Morley.
• ...Sydney.
• Col. Thomson.
• Col. Dixwell.
• Mr. Reignolds.
• Oliver St. Johns.
• Mr. Wallop.

Of Persons without the house Ten. Viz.

• ...John. Bradshaw.
• Col. Lambert.
• ...Desborow.
• ...Fairfax.
• ...Berry.
• Sir Anthony Ashley-Cooper.
• Sir Horatio Townsend.
• Sir Robert H••••ywood.
• Sir Archibald Johnson.
• And Josia Berners.

Who under the mask of the good old cause began now to act as high villains as ever before; having forgotten how justly they formerly had been laid aside, but they are like the dog that returnes to his vomit, and with the sow that is washed, to her wallowing in the mire.

And the better to cast a seeming gloss over the foul∣ness of their actions, * 2.3 and their clandestine intrusion in∣to the Government, they send forth a Declaration in print, the particulars whereof might very well have been here observable, if they had not already been so cleer∣ly demonstrated, by the laborious pen of learned Mr. William Prinne, in his book entituled, The Republicans good old cause stated; having therein so fully detected them, * 2.4 that there remains nothing more to be said in the same matter.

And now, as if already they had not wasted enough, by exposing to sale the Kings, Queens, Princes, Nobles

and Gentries, Lands and Goods, being very quick sighted, and of a long and large memory, whereby they knew all was not sold: therefore about the beginning of June, to shew us further what they meant by the good old cause, they ordered the bill for publick sales to be brought in; A sweet act, to enrich the saints, as they in their canting language called themselves; but their necessities (by the long deteining of the publick purse from them) being grown very pressing, and though they thought the money arising from those sales would be sure, yet for their present urgencies (not be∣ing able to stay till that could be raised) they appoin∣ted the same afternoon to consider of a more speedy way for raising money, for that was all they ever aimed at, or hoped for, and to this purpose a bill of Assesse∣ment is concluded the most fitting: * 2.5 And because they would leave no stone unturned, from which they might hope gain, see how ingeniously they can project, making an order to the Committee of inspection (a precious crew) to take speciall care that such persons who have assumed the titles of Honour, Dignities and precedencies heretofore conferred on them by the late King, since the same were taken away by act of this present Parliament, * 2.6 do pay the severall summes of money by them forfeited, and that the said Committee do also examine whether they have brought in their Patents, and to report how the said monies may be employed to the best advantage of the Common∣wealth, and to offer an act to take away all honours con∣ferred by the late Kings Son. Was there ever such a piece of unseemly inconsistency, that the Fountain of honour should be debarred of its spring by a company of peasants, whose Acts were no better than of an assembly

of rogues at beggars bush; but would you know why they were so much troubled; 'twas precedency that stuck in their stomachs, those noble souls went before them both in honour and honesty therefore seeing they could not hinder them from being called Lords by o∣thers, yea the generality, they lay it as a crime of pride upon them, that they did assume such titles, for which imaginary fault they must pay the summes forfeited for such insolence against their Rumpships. O this Auri sacra fames, quid non mortalia pectora cogit, what will it not make them do? They first must pay, then bring in their Patents, otherwise pay again: thus the Divel rangeth, fiercest, when his time is most short; for so generally was theirs hoped to be, in regard they and their Masters of the Army could not cotton together, * 2.7 being already alarumed from them by a petition and address, yet they grew a little more confident upon the newes of Harry Cromwells submission, and falling down to worship the image which they had set up, Moncke also having about the same time, sent them the resolutions of himself and his Army to adhere to them, as a testi∣mony whereof he informed them of a design of an A∣gent from the King of Scots (as they called him) which his diligence and care in the Highlands had pre∣vented.

These newes so animated our Juncto, that thinking all cocksure, * 2.8 they fall to their old Trade of raising money. First by assessements, then by continuing the Excise and Customes untill the first of October, and lastly by ordering the Trustees for sale of Crown Lands, forth∣with to proceed to the sale of all computed within the Act for sale thereof, and that they take care of the profits arising from the same, for the use of the Com∣mon-wealth till sale thereof be made.

Money being thus taken care for to be raised by all means, suddenly after by a Vote they revive the Com∣mittee for plundered Ministers (or rather for plun∣dering Ministers) that so they may also provide them of hacknies who shall infuse into the people strange En∣thusiastick wayes of Government. * 2.9 It was not enough with Jeroboam to cause a generall rebellion, but with him also to uphold it, they make of the lowest and basest of the people, Priests of their high places, for whom the old way of tythes is not thought good e∣nough, it was consulted how a more equall and comfor∣table maintenance might be setled on the ministry for sa∣tisfaction of the people, whom thus intending to lull asleep: they resolve to advance their own safety by colloguing with the land forces with promises of sudden pay, * 2.10 and strengthening the Navy by impressing Sea∣men, which about this time, in June they were about, And lest they should be wanting to themselves in any thing, mercenary drudges of the Juncto begin to take upon them as may appear by this order.

22. June. 1659 By the Contractors for sale of Crown Lands. * 3.1

These are to give you notice, that Somer∣set-house with the Appertenances, and Hampton-Court with the parkes, &c. There∣unto belonging, are speedily to be exposed to sale, and that the Contractors intend to sit on Wednesday next the 29. instant, to take in desires of such as intend the purchase of

any part of Somerset-House, and on VVednes∣day the 6th. of July, the desires of any that intend the purchase of any part of Hampton-Court, the premises are to be sold for ready money.

Will. Tayler Clark attending the said Contractors.

Indeed the last clause for ready money was very ne∣nessary, as affairs then stood, for the Grandees at Westminster, having only wasted and imbezelled the rest by divisions and sharings among themselves and friends, with no advantage to the publick Exchequer, they would now seem to begin to amend, but it is according to the Proverbe like sowre ale in Summer, for they intended nothing less than increasing the publick stock, but rather by augmenting and converting it to their own use, make a hoped provision against an ensuing storm, which they foresaw would ere long fall upon them without a∣ny means of prevention: yet resolving to share the spoil as long as they could, at Midsummer, they re-made their everlasting Speaker, * 3.2 Custos rotulorum, of Oxford and Berkshires. And that worshipfull Judas, Sir H. Mild∣may, Custos rotulorum for Essex, with severall other the like places to diverse of their leading members, as the Government of Jersey to Col. Mason, and severall Regiments in Ireland to Col. Cooper, Col. Zankey, Col. Sadler, * 3.3 and Col. Laurence.

Having proceeded on thus far succesfully, they now begin to clap their wings as invincible, Ireland being

delivered up wholly and quietly into their power by that pit••••ull cowardly Impe H. Cromwell who had al∣ready attended their pleasure at the Commons bar, for which good service they stroaked him on the head, told him he was a good boy, for which kindness he bus∣sed his hand, made a leg and Exit.

But leave we him to stupid folly, and let us see what rates Crown land bears, the Contractors late∣ly were very busie, and behold the product.

June. 29. 1669.

By the Trustees and Contractors appointed by Act of Parliament, for sale of the Castles, parkes, &c. exempted from sale by a former Act.

These are to give notice, that there are Com∣petitors for the purchase of Somerset-House, * 4.1 with the Appurtenances in the Strand, Mid∣dlesex, which therefore is to be exposed to sale for ready money, by the box to be opened on Friday, the eight of July next. The annuall value being 233. l. the gross value of mate∣rialls, &c. 5545. l. 1. s. 3. d. At which time such as desire to purchase the same may put in their papers with their name sub∣scribed into the box aforesaid at VVorsester-House,

conteining how many years purchase, (not under 13.) they will give for the an∣nuall value, &c. and he that offers most is to have the purchase.

VVill. Tayler Clarke, &c.

At the same time they appointed to sell ten brace of Buckes, or more out of Hampton-Court Parkes, and so from time to time.

Thus did they strive to make havock of whatever be∣longed to the King, which indeed, and no other, was the good (or rather cursed) old cause that these mis∣creants so lustily fought for, and so loudly cryed up.

And now, lest they should seem ingratefull to Richard Cromwell, who had so tamely left the chair of State to these Mountebanks to sit in: they vote him an exemption from all arrests, for any debt whasoever, for six moneths, and appoint a Committee to examine what was due, for mourning for the late Lord Generall Cromwell, * 4.2 and to consider how it may be paid for, without charge to the Common-wealth.

Kind Gentlemen surely they are, they take all he hath from him, and then allow him a pension; they rob him of a pound and give him a farthing, not a feather of his own bird, and well so too: for his ambitious step∣ping into the royall feat, deserved a greater punish∣ment, which 'twas a wonder how he escaped, since U∣surpation and Tyranny in different hands are generally vehement scourges to each other, and alwayes tor∣ments to themselves; as will appear by the sequel.

For these godly great ones, being now newly warm in their seats, * 4.3 begin (as of old) to dream of Jealousies and fears: Plots, Plots, nothing but Cavaleer plots rings either in their ears or mouths: if two Gentle∣men do but meet accidentally in the Street, and talk together, straight there is a confederacy, and they must be committed to prison for doing nothing, so that we might say with that Noble Romane Cicero, Circumspice omnia membra Reipublicae, quae nobilissima sunt: nullum re∣peritur profecto quod non fractum, debilitatumve sit. O rem miseram! dominum ferre non potuimus, conservis vero jam servimus. A sad cause of complaint, to live in such a slavery; but our Taskmasters would fain seem mercifull, witness their Act of Indemnity, * 4.4 which came out in print about July, wherein they except none from pardon but only such whose consciences are not large enough to approve of open Rebellion, as the last clause of their said mock-Act will shew, wherein all are debarred the benefit of the same, even from sixteen years of age, unless they subscribe against a single per∣son, Kingship or house of Peers; all sins can be di∣gested by these fellowes, except lawfull obedience to magistracy, which they so abominate that all persons that are tainted therewith must not only depart out of Lon∣don, but out of England, in either whereof if they be taken, they shall be proceeded against as Traytors: and all persons are impouered to take and apprehend them, for encouragement of which roguery every one that discovers, or takes such a person was to have ten pounds from the Councill of State; Surely they are in a great fear, else what should they make all this noise, and bustle so furiously on a sudden, to settle and raise a new militia, but latet anguis in herba, for now (it being

the Dog-dayes) the house grew so hot, that diverse members withdrew, whereby the rest in regard of their fewness, being become incapable to act, because not enough to make up a house, according to their own phantasticall modell on Friday 22. of July did Resolve.

That the Members of Parliament, * 4.5 who have had Letters to attend the service of the Parliament, or have actually attended since the 7th. of May, 1659. be hereby in∣joyned to give their attendance in Parlia∣ment every Morning at eight of the clock, for fourteen dayes, and if employed by Par∣liament, within a fourtnight.

Alas, poor men, the harvest truly was great, but the labourers few; therefore it was time to call for more help, for which now they are so put to it, that they hardly know which way to turn themselves: they complain of designes, & of buying up of Armes to disturbe the peace, which made a great one among them say, this restless Spirit of the common Enemy should excite the friends of the Common-wealth to diligence and to study unity, that advantage may not be given by divisions, but that we may be all of one Spirit to uphold and promote the common cause that hath been contended for. And the better to colour their villanies (according to their usuall custome in like cases when they had mischief to do) they set apart a day of fasting and humiliation; * 4.6 and to shew that they were the same men and of the same (if not worse) mind than formerly for rapine and blood, they

proclaim J. Mordant Esquire, with severall others tray∣tors; and order the Lady Howard, Sr. E. Byron, and Mr. Sumner, to be brought to a speedy triall, for dange∣rous and trayterous designes, of bringing this Nation into blood and confusion again: that is for endeavour∣ing to restore his Sacred Majesty to his lawfull birth∣right and dominions, for which the whole current of the law is constant encourager, although these mens effrontery is such, that they dare say any thing by an infallible Spirit as they imagine, and the World is bound to believe them. But their vizor being now ready to fall off, * 4.7 and the people not willing to be any longer blinded, begin to move in most parts of England, which so mads the Phanatick faction, that they seaze upon persons, horses, and armes all about London, increase and double their guards, stop passengers, even on the Road, the Councill of State (so called) sits night and day without intermission, whereby the City militia and all the forces throughout England were drawn into a b••dy to prevent the danger. Yea so generall was the fear that they begin to court the people in their canting way.

And because you shall see their desperate fear of, and divellish malice to, the King and his Friends, take the words of one of themselves as they pass, * 4.8 Viz. The Lord stir up the hearts of his people to prayer and sincere humiliation, and fill them with unanimity and courage in this evill time, and make the People to see, that whatever fair pretences may be made use of by the common Enemy, to get power into their hands, yet should they prevail, no man that hath been of a party against them heretofore, yea no man that hath been a meer Neuter, but must expect that his pri∣vate Estate, as well as the publick Liberty, shall become a

prey to a desperate crew of ravenous and unreasonable men: for (saith he) like an irreverent Villain) let but CHALES STUART get in, and then to satisfie the rable of follow∣ers, and the payment of forreyners to enslave you, you shall soon see them entailed upon your selves and your Posterity, to maintain the pompe and pride of a luxurious Court, and an absolute Tyranny. Thus far he, which how much truth, yea or but probability thereof is therein; I dare ap∣peal to the greatest Enthusiast among their whole gange: for if there were nothing in it else but the rayling (be∣sides all the falsity and Scandall) it were sufficient to convince the Speaker to be a Son of Beliall, as having so far forgotten grace, and laid a side all honesty, that he durst rail against the Lords anointed, concerning whom the Scripture forbiddeth to have an evill thought, but tis the custom of rebells to go on from bad to worse, and when they have once drawn the sword against their Prince, to throw away the scabbard, and never enter∣tain a thought of return or repentance, like the bold Usurper in the Poet.

The more we are opposed the more wee'le spread, And make our foes our fuell: To be head Wee'l, cut off any member, and condemn Vertue of folly for a Diadem. Banish Religion, &c.

And such was their practice, * 4.9 though sometimes (es∣pecially when encompassed with dangers) they hang their head like a bull rush, and even but mock God with a fast, while they only pray to be prosperous in their villany

About this time, the whole Nation of England be∣gan

to grow sick of the abhorred fag end of a Parlia∣ment, endeavouring to make head against them in Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Hartford, Hereford, Glocester, Bristoll, in Cheshire especially, * 4.10 where many of the Gen∣try were actually engaged, correspondence maintained, a rendevous appointed, and the antient City of Chesier surprised: this indeed was the most formidable appea∣rance in all England, for the only appeasing whereof most of the County forces in those parts, and several Regiments of the Army from London, did speedily march under the command of a hot-spur zealot, Mr. G. Lambert, whose ambition made old Nol lay him a∣side as dangerous, and that dishonourable discarding, created him a desperate Enemy to the Cromwelian name and family, which made the Juncto think him the fitter man for their service, * 4.11 Sir G. B. appeared commander in chief in Cheshire, though many other Noble Gentlemen, were present, so that this seemed to be the most likely place for Action. Lambert accor∣ding to Order being upon his march thither, with three Regiments of horse, and three Regiments of Foot, and one Regiment of Dragoones, besides a train of Artil∣lery: and the Juncto for his encouragement shot a paper gun (by them called a Proclamation) after him against Sir George Booth, Sir Thomas Middleton, Randolph Eger∣ton, proclaiming them and their adherents to be Rebells and Traytors, and all else that should any way assist, a∣bet or conceal the carrying on of their design; backed thus he marcheth furiously, and in a fourtnight or three weekes time draweth neer to Cheshire, in the mean and during his absence, the congregated Churches of Schis∣maticks and Sectaries in and about London, raise three Regiments for the security of those parts, in the inter∣valls

of which time, Sir George Booths Declaration came out in print, the contents whereof was setting forth how the Westminster Statesmen had violated all lawes of God and Men; that the defence of the lawes and li∣berties was the chief things he and his aimed at, which would never by these self seekers be setled, and there∣fore desired a new free Parliament. This, as it carried nothing in it but what was reall true, so it gave very great satisfaction to all understanding people, though by the Phanatick rout it was descanted upon otherwise: but Gods time was not yet come, for Lambert no soon∣er arrived with his Army neer Sir George Booth, and his forces, * 4.12 but he fell on them with valour and vio∣lence, which produced a very sharp engagement, but the Country not being acquainted, nor used to such hot & su∣rious work quickly yielded ground: Sr. Georges whole body being afterwards drawn forth neer Northwich, and posses∣sed of the bridge, they drew up their foot in the meadowes, yet Lamberts Men being commanded to attempt the pass, did it with such resolution that they soon beat the Enemy from them, and made way for the whole Army, who having passed the river imme∣diately gave them a totall rout.

The newes of this victory so fleshed our bloodhounds, that they began to boast above measure, vaunting the Lords mercy to them (his own people forsooth) but Justice to their adversaries in so apparently blasting their Trayterous undertakings in every corner of the land; like the turkes, reckoning the goodness of their cause by the keenness of their sword, * 4.13 and denying that any thing may properly be called Nefas, if it can but win the Epithete of Prosperum.

The Juncto upon this, set forth a Declaration to in∣vite

all the people to thanksgiving, for this great de∣liverance to the Parliament, and Common-wealth, * 4.14 (as they stiled themselves): but Lambert intends to make use of his success against the loyall party for him∣self, and to that end in a seeming, slighting and neglect of himself, writes to the Parliament his Souldiers merits, with whom (the sooner to endear them) he is more than usually familiar: and the Parliament have no soon∣er voted him 1000 l. to buy him a Jewell, as a mark of their favour, but he presently distributes it among his Souldiers, endeavouring by that and all other means to engage them wholly to himself, so as to venture in one bottom with him; he yet carried himself so, that his ambitious design was not discovered, and that he might the better conceal: at this time Sir George Booth, * 4.15 who had fled from the battle, at Northwich in Cheshire, was taken at Newport-Pannel in disguise; upon notice whereof, he is committed close prisoner to the Tower of London. for high Treason, in levying warr against the Parlia∣ment, and Common-wealth, and that a Committee be appointed on purpose to examine him, all which was done accordingly, and Sir Henry Vane, and Sir Arthur Haselrig, (two Saints of the Divells last edition) went to him to take his examination.

While things are thus in handling here, Lambert seeks cunningly to get all the strength of those Counties into his own hands, which the Parliament at his re∣quest grant him, by giving him power to seize all armes for their use (as he pretended) in the same: of which piece of service they seemed to be very glad as also of letters that came out of Scotland, assuring Generall Monkes fidelity to them against the interest of the Stuarts, or any other whatsoever, so that now they be∣gan

to descant on the late design, * 4.16 laying all the blame on the loyall party, whose game they said it was, though he least appeared in it, taking occasion also from thence to blast the royall family with hellish scandalls: the safe∣ty of which the divine providence hath alwayes had a particular and peculiar care of, but as it were in despight of Heaven, they are not content with all their former wickednesses of banishing, exiling, and railing against their lawfull Soveraign, but now they will enforce all to renounce him, which in September they Resolved in these words.

J. A. B. Do hereby declare, * 4.17 that I renounce the pretended title of CHARLS STUART, and the whole line of the late King James, and of every other person, as a single person, pretending to the Government of these Nati∣ons, of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and the Dominions and Territories thereunto be∣longing. And that I will by the grace and assistance of Almighty God be true, faithfull, and constant to this Common-wealth against any King, single person, and house of Peers, and every of them, and hereunto I subscribe my name.

Thus may every one see, that it was not to amend or reform any errours in the State, but only their par∣ticular malice to the Royall line and covetousness after

their Estate, that made them run into such desperate de∣signes, wherein having so deeply engaged themselves, that there was no going back, they mean to make all sure to their interest: and to that end take into de∣bate in the beginning of September, the matter of the Government, and referred it to a Committee upon the votes in 1648. * 4.18 To prepare something in order to the settlement of the Government, on or before the tenth of October.

See here the indiscretion of these men, after a ten years unsettlement and bringing all into confusion, in all which time they have minded nothing but their own private wealth, and till this last minute of time have not so much as thought of resettling; and that they now have, is so weakly, that it tends no further than to an offer: thus running willingly into one crime, they daily perpetrate new ones without any sense of evill, or will of amending, attributing the guilt of their faults to all that endeavour either to reform or punish them.

The business of Cheshire thus blown over, and the great hopes that were grounded thereon blasted; the Juncto fall to their old humour of raising money, no less will serve their turn than 100000. l. a moneth, be∣sides Excise and Customes, * 4.19 together with the hoped benefit that would arise from the sequestred Estates of new Delinquents; and least any thing should escape them, the 16th. of September they vote.

That such persons as have been assessed to find horses and Armes, by vertue of the Act of Parliament, for setling the Militia, and have not brought in their horses and Armes,

nor paid in lieu thereof the summ of money, appointed by the said Act. That every such person and persons do under the penalty in the said Act mentioned pay, after the rate of ten pounds for an horse and Armes for such number of horses and Armes respectively as they have been charged to find.

Resolved.

That such person and persons as have been assessed to find Armes for a foot Souldier, and have not sent in the same, or money in lieu thereof, do under the penalties in the said Act mentioned pay, respectively for e∣very such foot Armes, such summ of money as the Commissioners shall appoint, not ex∣ceeding twenty five Shillings for every such foot Armes.

'Tis no matter, you see, by this, whether any Horse or Armes be brought in at all, so that the money be paid, Oh! 'Tis the money that adds Life and Legs to a decrepit and dying old cause: The Grandees would never take so much pains, unless an extraordinary pro∣fit also waited thereon; which they resolve to compass, though with the extreamest hazards, whereof there be∣gan to be some kind of an appearance, by the growing of heart-burnings, and multiplying fears and jealousies

between their late great Champion Lambert and them∣selves, * 4.20 the sparks of which animosities growing into a flame, quickly increased to that height, that not daring to trust him any longer with the Army, they send a seeming courteous Letter to invite him home; which he, taking no notice of any thing further than the pretended outside fair shew, acceps of; and on the 20th. of Septem∣ber returnes accordingly to London, but immediately be∣fore his arrivall there, the Juncto, * 4.21 to shew the great charity, wherewith they abounded, took into considera∣tion how to cozen the poor Knights of Windsor, and to ingross into their hands all Hospitals and their reveneues, by these two following votes. Viz. Tuesday September 20th. 1659.

Resolved,

That it be referred to a Committee, * 4.22 to look into the revenue for maintenance of the poor Knights of Windsor, to examine what the same at present is, and will be for the fu∣ture, after Leases expired, and to see that the charitable uses, to which the said reve∣nue was granted, be performed, and the re∣sidue to be answered, to the use of the Com∣mon-wealth, (by all means pray take a care of that) and to examine the Leases that have been made, and the fines that have been paid thereupon, and how disposed, and by what au∣thority; with power to give reliefe and allow∣ance

to the said poor Knights, and other poor people not exceeding their former allowance (Oh, take heed of too much charity!) and al∣so to take a Catalogue of all Hospitalls with∣in this Common-wealth, and the revenewes of them (they are sure to mind that.) And that the Masters and Governours do return to this Committee, the constitution of the re∣spective hospitalls, and how the profits there∣of have been, and are disposed of, and by what authority, before the first of December, 1659. And to report the whole matter to the house.

Ordered,

That all Masters and Governours of hos∣pitalls, be, and are hereby prohibited to grant or renew any Leases of any Lands, Tene∣ments and hereditaments belonging unto any of the said respective hospitalls, untill this house take further Order. Notice of which is to be given to the respective concerned per∣sons, by the Councill of State.

See here how greedy is the zeal of these devouring Statists, which yet is clothed in the g••••be of a seeming Sanctimonious care, but this hypocrisie must not go long

unpunished, neither does it, for now begins to appear the result of Lamberts designments abroad, in a remon∣strative address from the Army: at the very first newes, whereof the Parliament is so startled, that, fearing to be whipped with their own rod, they ordered, Col. * 5.1 Ash∣field, Col. Cobbet, and Lieutenant Col. Duckenfield, (three of the chief promoters of it) to bring to them the original paper, intended to be presented; upon no∣tice of which order given, immediately, a letter was de∣livered into the house signed by many persons of the Army, superscribed to the said three summoned persons, by whose hands they desired the inclosed paper might be presented to the Lord Fleetwood, and after to the generall Councill, which inclosed paper was intituled, to the supream authority of these Nations, the P••rliament of the Common-wealth of England, The humble Pe∣tition and proposalls of the Officers under the Command of the Right Honourable the Lord Lambert in the late Northern expedition, the manner and method of which paper the Juncto so highly resented (as supposing it to strike at their very root) that they presentely voted.

That this house doth declare, * 5.2 that to have any more Generall Officers in the Army, than are already setled by Parliament, is needless chargeable and dangerous to the Common-wealth.

Here was the first step to that division, which after∣wards grew into a flame but the Army Officers finding their design, was not yet ripe enough, by a dissembled

acquiescency, seemed to lay aside their proposalls, by signi∣fying to the Parliament, that they would adhere to their authority in opposition to the common Enemy, and that they would stand by them in the settlement of the Common-wealth, against all disturbances whatsoe∣ver, which lulled the Juncto into a kind of security, the City also at this time seeming to claw them by an in∣vitation to a Thanksgiving dinner, whereat the field Officers of the Army were also to be present; * 5.3 so that now being in a manner rid of their fear, they fall up∣on sequestring the Gentry, about Sir George Booths bu∣siness, settle the Excise, and revive the Assessements for the Militia, using all their skill and power for amassing together the wealth of the Nation into their private purses, concluding with the Epicureans, ede, lude, bibe, post mortem nulla voluptas, so sottishly stupid were they grown in their high flown ambition.

But now, least they should forget their duty, the Offi∣cers of the Army present a new address requiring an∣swer thereto, * 5.4 which made them take it into the several pieces wherein it was proposed, wherein among other things (to shew you the harmony that was then be∣tween them) they give to their third proposall this an∣swer. * 5.5 Viz.

The Parliament declares, that every Mem∣ber of the Army, as free Men of England, have a right of petitioning the Parliament, but withall thinks fit to let them know, that the Petitioners ought to be very carefull, both in the manner, and in the matter of what

they desire, that the way of promoting and presenting the same may be peaceable, and the things petitioned for, not tending, to the disturbance of the Common-wealth, nor to the dishonour of the Parliament. And that it is the duty of petitioners to submit their desires to the Parliament, and acquiesce in the judgment thereof.

By this Declaration they intended to curb the Wal∣lingford party, by teaching them manners, and to know their distance; but they being Men of another spirit, and knowing they had the power of the sword in their own hands, would not be so put off: which the Juncto, perceiving, and beginning to grow jealous of their own safety, and satisfyed that the Army could not subsist without money (which is the Nerve of War) to en∣gage the People to themselves, and to dis-inable the Officers from raising any money (in case they should (which they now much doubted) interrupt them in their sitting) they passed an Act against raising of monies upon the people, without their consent in Par∣liament. Part whereof take as followeth.

Be it enacted, &c. That all Orders, * 5.6 Or∣dinances, and Acts, made by any single per∣son and his Councill, or both, or either of them, or otherwise, or by any assembly or convention pretending to have Authority of

Parliament, from and after the 19th. Day of April, 1653. and before the 7th. of May, 1659. And which have not been, or shall not be enacted, allowed, or confirmed by this present Parliament be, and are hereby decla∣red, deemed, taken and adjudged to be of no force and effect from and after the said seventh day of May 1659.

And be it further enacted, that no person or persons, shall after the eleventh of Octo∣ber, 1659. Assess, Levy, Collect, gather or receive any Custom, Impost, Excise, Assess∣ment, contribution, Tax, Tallage, or any summe or summs of money or other impositi∣on whatsoever upon the people of this Com∣mon-wealth, without their consent in Parlia∣ment, or as by law might have been done be∣fore the third of November, 1640. And that every person offending contrary to this Act shall be, and is hereby adjudged to be guilty of high Treason, and shall forfeit and suffer as in case of high Treason.

When the Juncto had thrown abroad this killing thunderbolt, to shew that they durst own the power which they yet conceived themselves Masters off, they

took into consideration a Letter, dated October the 5th. and signed by diverse Officers of the Army, and di∣rected to Col. Okey, and also a printed paper, called the humble representation and Petition of the Officers of the Army to the Parliament, &c. Upon the read∣ing of which two papers, the house was so highly in∣censed and flew into such a sudden heat of passion, that without any more adoe they resolved.

That the severall Commissions of, Col. * 5.7 John Lam∣bert, Col. John Desborow, Col. James Berry, Col. Tho∣mas Kelsey, Col. Richard Ashfield, Col. Ralfe Cobbet, Major Richard Creed, Col. William Packer, and Col. Rob. Barrow, were null and void, and every of them dis∣charged from military imployment. And that the Army should be governed by seven Commissioners, Viz. L. * 5.8 G. Charles Fleetwood, L. G. Edm. Ludlow, Generall George Monck, Sir Arthur Haslelrig Barronet, Col Va∣lentine Walton, Col. Harb. Morley, and Col. Robert Overton, or any three or more of them, which said Commissioners, were to give notice to the said nine Officers of the discharge of their Commissions, which being accordingly communicated, now might you have seen the smoaking embers of dissembled friend∣ship, break out into an open flame of violent enmity, this great and so long domineering faction, being di∣vided in it self, and each side prepairing for its own, * 5.9 both defence, and elevation, for now a Quorum of the Commissioners which were appointed to govern the army, being gotten together, and sitting all night in the Speakers chamber, which was within the Parlia∣ment house, to issue forth orders; part of the army with most of the discharged Principall Officers pre∣sently drew down to Westminster in a warlike order,

where they possessed themselves of the great Hall, the Palace yard, and all avenues, and passages lead∣ing thereunto, having before given out, that they found it absolutely necessary for the good of the Nati∣on, to break up this Parliament, for the maintaining whereof another part of the army were as active in drawing together, the same night also marching down to Westminster, and planting themselves in Kingstreet, and in and about the Abbey Church and Yard: This unusuall assembly at such an unaccustomed hour caused a generall terrour in the hearts and minds of the Inha∣bitants, who dreaded some greater mischief than they were sensible of, but the night being past, in the morning the Speaker Mr. W. Lenthall, at his usuall time came along Kingstreet, and had passage through the ranks of Souldiers, * 5.10 till he came to the new Palace gate, where his Coach was stopped, and himself compelled to return home, as wise as he went, where∣by the house was interrupted from sitting; which was the chief thing that Lambert aimed at; yet though he had thus wrought his purpose, he durst not with∣draw, but make good his station against the other facti∣on, the greatest part of the day, each of the Phana∣tick leaders (for so indeed they were both) expecting who should give the first blow, of which meekness the then council of State taking notice, required both to draw off to their quarters, which motion was wil∣lingly accepted on all hands, and so both sides march∣ed away.

Thus have we seen that rump of pretended autho∣rity, * 5.11 which in May was, with much solliciting, many intreaties, and not a few specious pretences, courted to come into play, now again in October, with as great

scorn and malice laid a side and trampled on: Nec lex est justior ulla, quam necis artifices arte perire sua, It hath been a generall Observation, that Treason is alwayes the greatest punishment to it self, like the Viper, it breeds young with her own destruction, and as the Poet speaketh of envy, sit licet injustus livor, so may I say of it, though it be unjust to others, yet is it very just, to destroy them first that would destroy o∣thers.

The Councill of Officers having thus seized the Government into their hands, * 5.12 played with it for cer∣tain dayes, till (with the old Philosopher, in the question about God) finding, the more they studyed, the less they understood, and that they were led by an Ignis fatuus, which only trained them to the sight, but would never bring them to the certenty, of a settle∣ment, and pondering their own many weaknesses, and infirmities, with the exigency of affairs, they fell in∣to consideration of what was fit to be done: In the debate whereof, after many frivolous essayes, they a∣greed at length among themselves to nominate some persons to be a Councill of State, which device being applauded, and a new name devised for them (for they will be called forsooth the Committee of safety) these following persons were pitch'd upon, * 5.13 Viz. Fleet∣wood, whose folly would have exempted, but they were affraid he would have cryed. Knowing also that the beft play ever hath a fool in it.

Lambert a seeming Saint, but chief Engenier of the modell.

Desborow a drunken Clown, skill'd in Harrassing the land steel, once a sneaking petty fogger, now Lord Chancellour of Ireland, and a Traytor.

Whitlock a lump of ingratitude and deceit.

Sir Henry Vane, chief secretary to the seven dead∣ly sins.

Ludlow, once a Gentleman, but since by himself Levelled into the plebeyan rank.

Sydenham, nothing good in him but his name.

Upstart Saloway Strickland, once a rumper, after a Lord of Nolls edition, then a convert to the good old cause.

Berry, ped••m nequissimus, the wickedst villain among 10000.

Lawrence, once an upstart privy Counceller, now scarce a Gentleman.

Sir James Harrington, Per risum multum possis cog∣nescere.—

Wareston, a mickle knave geud faw Sir.

Ireton, and Tichborn, two of the City Puckfoists, who lye leger in the Common Council, to discover plots for the getting of money.

Henry Brandrith, fit for mischief, else he had not been here.

Thompson, a dull fellow, but a soaking Committee∣man.

Hewson, the Common-wealths upright setter.

Sniveling Col. Clarke Factious, Col. Lilburn, preach∣ing, Col. Bennet, and Cornelius Holland, a most dam∣nable Apostate, both to God and his King.

To these fellowes thus firly accoutred, * 5.14 is the Govern∣ment committed, and not only so, but they have pow∣er to call Delinquents to account, to oppose, and sup∣press all insurrections; to treat with forreign States, and Princes, to raise the militia's in the severall Coun∣ties. To dispose of all places of trust, with many other

things: by which may be seen, what an unlimited ar∣bitrary power they assumed to themselves over the lives and estates of all Englishmen. And that all Eng∣land might take notice hereof, * 5.15 they send out a Decla∣ration in print, entitled a Declaration of the General Council of the Officers of the Army, wherein they say they have lodged the civil and executive part of Go∣vernment, in the Committee of safety, whom they have obliged to prepare such a form of Government, as may best sute with a Free-State, without a single per∣son, Kingship or house of Peers: with many equivo∣cating, though Saint-like, expressions to the like effect, with which they hoped to delude the World, and con∣tinnue their usurpation, but Sera venit sed certa venit. All their hypocriticall shewes cannot cheat God, who rais∣eth up the Spirit of one among themselves to chastise the errours of their pride, and vain glorious attempts: for no sooner is that Infernall crew of Atheists met in∣their Committee, but they are alarumed with a letter from General Monck out of Scotland, wherein he gives them notice that both himself and some Officers of the Army in Scotland, * 5.16 were much dissatisfied in reference to the transactions of affairs in England, at the same time receiving intelligence that he had, seized severall strong holds, secured diverse of his dissenting Officers, * 5.17 and possessed himself of Barwick, which drove them for a time into a kind of Phanatick stupidity, that they knew not which way to move in the management of their affairs, but at last willing to preserve themselves, they order the forces in the North into a posture, and command lambert with more Regiments out of the Southerly parts to joyn with them, that so they might appear formidable at least at a distance, and

put a stay to the violence which they foresaw was ap∣proaching to them; * 5.18 for the prevention of which storm Col. Cobbet is sent to General Monck with insinuating relations, whom the Generall immediately upon his arrivall commits to custody, thereby, preserving his Army from the dangerous contrivances that Person brought along with him, and depriving of the intelli∣gence he might have carried to England back with him: which being done by the power of his Commissi∣on (as one of the seven) he straight new models his Army, according to his own mind, and then declares his resolution to assert the authority of Parliament, against all violence whatsoever. Upon newes of this, our safe Committeemen, knowing the pulse of the late Juncto to beat after the mode of a free-state, think they shall merit highly at the hands of the Ge∣neral, if they promote that, though they disown the Parliament he pretended to declare for, and to that purpose having nominated severall Gallant fellowes of their own number, Viz. Fleetwood, Vane, Ludlow, Saloway, Tichburn, Lambert, Desborow, Hewsen, Holland, and others, to consider of, and prepare, a form of Go∣vernment to be setled over the three Nations, * 5.19 in the way of a Free-State and Common-wealth, they send away Whalley, Goffe, Caryl, and Barker, to shew the same to General Monck, and thereupon to medi∣ate with him for avoiding the effusion of blood: the Officers at London writing also to his Officers, and ex∣postulating with them, touching the necessity of a bro∣therly union, crying out of nothing but Liberty, while the Nation groan'd under their oppression; But Menck revolving with himself, both the greatness, difficulty, and hazard, of his design, concludes not to be rash in

a direct quarrel, but rather by procrastinations to weaken the force of his enemies (which he knew could not continue long without money) and so to gain the victory without striking a blow, therefore to amuse them, and cast the more seeming gloss upon his action he orders Col. Talbot, * 5.20 and Dr. Clargies (who were the first messengers sent to him) to send Fleet∣wood word that himself and his Officers had nomi∣nated Col. Wilkes L. C. Cloberry, and Major Knight, to repair speedily to London, and treat with the like number of Officers there, for a firm unity and peace, and the better to confirm it, he sends another Letter from himself to the same purpose, with pro∣mise that his forces should advance no further. But the Committee of safery, willing by strength to hold what they had got, and not knowing what to think of the Generall, issue out many severall Commissions to raise forces throughout all England, to anticipate him, and to settle Militia's to be ready in a moment, * 5.21 as it were to resist him: which he hearing, and that Lambert was coming against him with thirteen thou∣sand men, be according to his before mentioned Let∣ter, forthwith sends his three appointed messengers for peace, upon whose arrivall at Yorke, in November, and speech with Lambert, he became so farr satisfied of their intentions towards an Accommodation, that thereupon he gave order his forces should advance no further Northward in their march.

Things being brought now into this posture, * 5.22 the Generalls three Commissioners arrive at London, No∣vember the 12th. where the Treaty is immediately be∣gun: which lulled the Committee of safety into such a security, that they begin to think of shareing great

Offices and places of trust and profit among them∣selves, to this end, appointing Fleetwood, Desborow, Sydenham, Saloway, Cornelius Holland, Col. Clark, Col. John Blackwell, or any two of them to be Commissi∣oners for the Treasury, and to manage the affaris of the publick revenue, with power as large as could be desi∣red: (And would it not be well managed think you in the hands of such bankrupts) but while these men mind their own wealth only, the Treaty must not be forgotten, which was now in hand, and on a sudden brought to such an issue, that it startled the City, who had by Col. Alured, and Collonel Markham received Letters from Scotland of another purport, for at last the Commissioners on both sides agreed on these heads en∣suing, that is to say.

That the pretended Title of CHARLES STU∣ART, * 5.23 or any other claiming from that family should be utterly renounced. (O horrid Treason, first murder the Father, and then abjure the Son!)

That the Government of these Nations, shall be by a free State or Common-wealth, and not by a single person, King, or house of Lords. What must the new settlement utterly abolish all the old fundamentall Laws of Eng∣land at one breath? Your Precipitation bodes your ruine.

That a Godly and learned Ministery, shall be main∣tained and encouraged: 'Tis well the Generalls Men thought of it, for you may be assured it is against the principle of Anabaptists, and fifth-Monarchy Men;

That the Universities shall be reformed and countenan∣ced, so, as that they may become Nurseries of Piety, and Learning. That the Officers and Souldiers, and other per∣sons on either side be indemnified for what is past, touching their late difference, and that all unkindness betwixt them be buried in perpetuall Oblivion; pray take care of that: but it may be supposed you shall be the furthest off when you think your self neerest.

That the Officers which were made prisoners in Scotland, be forthwith set at liberty; How will the Generall like that?

That the Armies be presently disposed into quarters, and that there be a committee of nineteen whereof nine to make the Quorum, who were to meet about qualifications, for succeeding Parliaments.

This was the effect of part of the agreement, which was sent away with all speed to Generall Monck; up∣on knowledge whereof, and by reason, the conclusions of the said Treaty were so contrary to the Letters, by them formerly received, the City was startled, * 5.24 having

(as they supposed by order) been encouraged to stand fast in their liberty for their Laws, Priviledges, Pro∣perties, and lawfull Government.

But the Generall in a wise foresight, and providen∣tiall care, having cast in his mind the danger he stood in (for he had a wolfe by the ears) though he sent his Commissioners aforesaid, yet reserved to himself the rati∣fication, so that nothing should be of force untill it were confirmed with his own seal: But now the articles of the Treaty being come to his hands, he commands the return of his Commissioners, which they obeying, he presently commits Col. * 5.25 Wilks to custody for going beyond his Commission) declareth the Treaty void, and marcheth toward the borders: which the Com∣mittee of safety being advertised off, fall to their old tricks to delude the people, endeavouring to make them believe it was only a rumour grounded on a fained Letter pretended to be by him sent to the City, whereas they seemed to be assured that he would acqui∣esce in the former agreement, but truth who is filia temporis, the daughter of time, quickly appeared to undeceive the people; for in this interim his excellency (having as himself expressed it a call from God and Man, to march into England, for resetling the Parlia∣ment) calleth an assembly of the Nobles and Gentry of Scotland at Edenburgh, * 5.26 to whom he proposed these three things.

1. That they would, during his absence, which would not be long, preserve and secure the peace of that Nation.

2. That they would supply him with some men for his undertaking (which he engaged upon his honour should be to their satisfaction) and that if any troubles

should arise, they would assist him in the suppressing thereof.

3. That they would advance and raise what money they could before hand.

To these Propositions the Earl of Glencarn, who was chaitman of that assembly, returned these mo∣dest answers.

1. That they could not engage to preserve the peace of the Countrey in his absence, wanting armes, and so in no condition to do it, but they should with all faith∣fullness notwithstanding endeavour it.

2. They they were uncapable to answer his desires for the reasons aforesaid, neither did they think it prudent for them to engage in a war, which if it should prove unsuccessfull on their part, would be a ruine to them: or if successfull, they did not understand, that it would be advantagious to them in any measure. But as to the third.

3. That they were content to levy moneys, and ad∣vance a years tax aforehand.

Generall Monck highly satisfied with those civil re∣turnes, endeavours to caresce and indear them by.

[unspec 1] Giving the Lords and gentry power to arme them∣selves, [unspec 2] by satisfying them privately in the design of [unspec 3] his expedition, and accepting of their years taxes.

Hereupon he resolves now to dally no longer than his supplies of Men and money come in, in the mean while holding correspondence and intelligence with his friends all over England, * 5.27 from whom he a new received advertisement, that if he could yet for a litle time keep fairly at a distance, his work should be done e∣ven without any noise of drum or trumpet except it were in exultation and triumph. This advise caused

him to make some seeming overtures of a second treaty with Lambert, yet all along insisting upon the re-ad∣mission of the Parliament, before they began it.

As a balk to which the Committee of safety de∣clared, * 5.28 (hoping thereby yet to lead the Nation into further errour and mischief) that they had transmitted a great part of a form of government for these Nations to a Committee of the Officers of the Army ('tis like to be well done if it must be hewen out by a dint of the sword) to be considered by them, (a mad crew of Gotamists) who daily meet, and are gone through a great part of it with much satisfaction, (to them∣selves possibly to think how finely they should Lord it, but to no body else surely) they are very desirous to have such a Government, as may preserve the Liberties of the Nation (this is the old cheat) and secure the cause they have contended in (which is flat treason and rebellion) both against CHARLES STV∣ART, and any other that may disturbe the peace: hoping in time to make it appear, that their Enemies are Liers when they traduce them and render them a people that seek only themselves. Then they con∣clude, that they hope the faith of Gods people will hold out and not make hast, and that good men will help them in their prayers, that God the Lord would bring forth righteousness and truth, and dis∣cover, and bring to nought the secret contrivances of all his adversaries: And so no doubt, he will to the shame and ruine of all such dissembling Hypocrites.

About this time being the later end of November, the People beginning to smell their knavery, drew several Petitions, with an intent to deliver them, but their crazie stomacks being not able to bear such strong Phy∣sick,

belched forth a Proclamation against all such Pe∣titions, * 5.29 which they call undue and dangerous pa∣pers, and prohibite all persons to subscribe any such papers, and if offered to suppress them, or cause the person endeavouring to get subscriptions to be appre∣hended, upon penalty of being accounted disturb••rs to, and enemies of, the peace.

But this not working its defired effect, but rather making men the more eager, so as they began to fear tumultuous proceedings, therefore the Mayor is com∣manded and he accordingly sent warrants to all City Officers to charge all Masters of families to keep in their Sons and Servants: This enraged the youth of the City to such a height, that the Committee of safe∣ty fearing their own danger to arise from some distur∣bance there, gave order December the 5th. to part of the Army, * 5.30 both horse and foot to march into the City, which they did early in the morning, where being entred, great multitudes of all sorts of people gathered together in the Streets, the shops were shut up, and the Souldiers in all places affronted, which so madded them, that by command of their Col. Hewson, they fell on the people with some violence, and killed two or three persons, wherewith the mul∣titude for the present dispersed, but began to bear a grudge, whose revenge would not be satisfied but with the ruine of their oppressours. This was the last help they had to rely on that they would rather reduce all to a Chaos, than quit their hold, snatching at every the least opportunity that did but flatteringly seem to of∣fer them an advantage: for by this, though unwillingly, foreseeing their Catastrophe at hand they are driven into more sad thoughts of their dissolution, by the re∣volt

of Portsmouth, which Hasterig, Walton, and Morley, with the consent of Col. Whetham, the Governour had gained: now might any man guess their time to be short by the violent extravagancy of their actions, for nullum violentum diuturnum; the news of which arriving to them, they sent some horse and foot either to re∣duce or block up that garrison (here we see, now we see that great and divellish faction of Independency strongly divided) but soft and fair, the game goes quite contrary, as will appear afterwards.

During this dealing at Portsmouth, the Army Offi∣cers finding that nothing would satisfie the People, but either to re-admit the Rump Parliament or have a∣nother, they to give them hopes of a glimmering of content, Ordered.

That a Parliament shall be called and ap∣pointed to sit down in or before February next. * 5.31

That the Parliament to be called as afore∣said, shall be according to such qualificati∣ons as are or shall be agreed upon, and may best secure the just rights, liberties, and priviledges of the people.

This must be solemnly proclaimed forsooth by their journey men of safety, together with another edict of the same stamp, commanding all honest and loyal souls out of the Cities of London, and Westminster, upon pain, of imprisonment, and to be proceeded against as traytours, and executed: By this means, they

thought to walk in a mist without any supervisors, but alas they were much mistaken, for though they thus cleered themselves, as they thought, from fear of the Common Enemy (as they termed all loyalists) yet they could not free themselves of their new gotten Enemies at Portsmouth, by whose policy they were out∣witted and casheired: yet nevertheless seven princi∣ples and unalterable sundamentalls are agreed on, which were published to this effect, by these high and mighty Johns a Leyden.

1. That no Kingship shall be exercised in these Nations. * 5.32

2. That they will not have any single person to exercise the office of chief Magistrate in these Nati∣ons.

3. That an Army may be continued and maintain∣ed, and be conducted, so as it may secure the peace of these Nations, and not be disbanded, nor the conduct thereof altered but by consent of the conser∣vatours appointed.

4. That no imposition may be upon the conscien∣ces of them that fear God.

5. That there be no house of Peers.

6. That the Legislative and Executive power be distinct, and not in the same hands.

7. That the assemblies of the Parliament shall be elected by the people of this Common-wealth, duly qualified.

Here you see the scope of these Bedlamites, and what a fine hotch potch they would have made, * 5.33 but their sport was quickly spoiled by a Declaration from Vice-admirall Lawson giving severall reasons of a ne∣cessity for the long Parliament to sit again, neither

would any thing else satisfie him, though Sir Henry Vane himself with his Jesuited and poysonous breath sought to infect him.

Now also had Haslerig, Morley, and others so be∣stirred themselves, and by their policy wrought upon the Souldiers that were sent by the Wallingfordians against them that they all came over to them, and relinquished their preten••ed Masters, whose want of money (if nothing else) would have made their cause seem bad enough, especially since the rogue of all the King∣dom ran directly encounter to their designes, their being motions almost in every County, some for the Rump wholy, others for the joyning of the secluded members to them, but most, and they the wisest, mo∣deratest, and not least considerable were for a full and free Parliament, but Independency being not yet ar∣rived at its full period, * 5.34 begins first to decline by the General advance, though in part seemingly upheld by admitting the Rump-Parliament again into their full power, as when they were interrupted the thirteenth of October before going, who accordingly, on the four and twentyeth day of December, were owned by all the Souldiery, both in England and Ireland, as the suprem authority with much solemnity, the Speaker Lenthall going immediately to take care of the Tower of Lon∣don, the Government whereof he committed for the time present to Sir Anthony Ashly-Cooper, Mr. Weever, and Mr. Berners, and on Munday the 26th. of Decem∣ber, in the evening by twilight began to sit again, and were as peremptorily imperious as before, command∣ing Lambert to London, * 5.35 whose forces were all, either revolted away to General M••nck, or piece meal re∣tired into quarters for want of pay, yet notwithstand∣ing

all this removall of force from them, they thought not themselves secure, untill he by his authority came to awe the Souldiery, and people, who were now grown tumultuous, and as ready to throw them out of the sadle, as they had done the Wallingford faction.

His excellency therefore, * 5.36 (who could never be per∣swaded out of Scotland, since he first went thither) now layes hold on this opportunity, to do his Coun∣try service, having therefore, as is before mentioned, secured Scotland, he likewise deals with Sir Charles Coot, and others in Ireland, who striking a perfect harmony with him, did surprise the most eminent Phanaticks in the midst of their designes in Dublin Castle, and stop Ludlow, who was commander in chief in Ireland, at Sea, by this means making all Ireland sure for the Parliament [for such yet was the pretence] as it was in the 12th. of October, 1659. This wrought so effectually, and even to such an excess of joy in the Parliament, that they not only approved of all Generall Monkes former actions, but ordered the hearty thanks of the house to be given to him for his fidelity, and faithfull service, and a letter of thanks to be sent to him, signed by Mr. Speaker, a proper reward surely, as if one word of their mouths were a sufficient recompence for all labours, hazards, and travels.

While they are thus minding themselves and boast∣ing of their own strength, they receive a cooling card from some of the secluded members, who demanded to be admitted to sit, if that Parliament were not bro∣ken, which put our mushromes Juncto into such a dump, that they were fain to pass this following Resolve.

Tuesday 27. December. 1659.

Resolved, * 6.1

That on the fifth of January next, this house will take into consideration the case of all absent Members, and also how to sup∣ply the vacant places in order to the filling up of the house; and that in the mean time it be referred to a Committee, to consider of all proceedings, and all orders, and cases touch∣ing absent members, and make their report at the same time.

But this did not prove satisfactory, as they expected it should, for the City begins to grow discontent, pre∣paring themselves for a posture of defence; In the Country the casheired Officers, and the depressed No∣bility and Gentry bestir themselves, courting his Ex∣cellency all along in his march, and ecchoing in his cars perpetually a free Parliament, to whom he gene∣rally gave no other answers, but that he would use his utmost interest, to perswade them to reason and Justice, in the mean time wishing them to acquiesce in what they should order; thus he marcheth with his whole Army, modelling to his own mind all Garisons and forces in his way: This and his number of men that he brought with him, being far beyond allowance, (for they ordered only three hundred) put our Rum∣pers to a stand, and they could not be satisfied untill

they send the subtilest couple in the house, * 6.2 Scot and Robinson, to sound his intention, under pretence of con∣gratulating his coming to England, and complementing him, to whom he carried himself with so much gravity and reservedness, that they could not catch one dropping syllable that might betray him.

About this time the City by their Sword-bearer, * 6.3 send to him, to whom he returnes, that he is for the Parliament as aforesaid, yet assures them that, when he came to the City, he would satisfie their desires and hopes conceived of him, thus owning the authority then in being, he keeps close to his commission, not∣witstanding all the addresses of the Countries for a free Parliament, promising nothing more but that he would see all force removed from the Parliament, 2. The House filled, and 3. That there should be good provisi∣on made for future Parliaments. Thus with a slow and orderly march, * 6.4 attended by the prayers and wishes of the whole Nation, he comes at length to St. Albans.

In this interval of time, the Rumpers minding to in∣gross the whole power, both Legislative, and Execu∣tive into their own hands, and to share all places of trust and profit among themselves: on the fifth of Ja∣nuary pass this following vote.

Resolved, * 7.1

Touching absent Members, that the Par∣liament doth adjudge and declare, that the Members who stand discharged from voting or fitting in the years 1648. and 1649. do stand duly discharged by judgment of Parli∣ament

from sitting as Members of this Par∣liament, during this Parliament; and that writs do issue forth for electing of new Members in their places.

Thus did they intend to have perpetuated themselves for their lives, and to have bequeathed their villany in succession, to such as were to be new chosen, having al∣ready concluded, * 7.2 that the Oath of renunciation of the title of CHARLES STUART (as these unman∣nerly mungrels were pleased to stile their Soveraign) and the whole line of the late King James should be taken by every member that hereafter shall sit in Par∣liament, nay so high were they now grown, that they committed diverse for but Petitioning for a free Parlia∣ment.

This made his Excellency hast up to London, * 7.3 where his Lady and Family were come before him by Sea; into which City he comes about the beginning of Fe∣bruary, and takes up his lodging at White-Hall, as the Parliament had appointed him (contrary to the thoughts of many) and after two or three dayes refresh∣ment (taking no notice of his resentment of the afore∣said insolencies) he solemnly attends the house accor∣ding to their order, * 7.4 and with much modesty gives them an account of his undertakings, refusing the chair offered him for his ease and honour, but leaning on the back of it, he delivered himself to this effect.

That he deserved not the thanks they gave him, * 7.5 having done no more than his duty, but wished them rather to praise God for his mercy: then he humbly desired them to satisfie the expectation of the Nation in the establishment of their

laws, liberties, properties, &c. God having restored them, not so much that they should seek their own, as the pub∣lick, good. He desired them in particular to take away the jealousie, men had of their perpetuity, by determining their own sessions, and providing for future Parliaments, wishing them to use the Nobility and Gentry civilly, intimating that it was their wisdom rather to enlarge, than contract their in∣terest, he told them, that the fewer qualifications they put upon succeeding Parliaments, the better, and desired them to be tender in imposing new oaths (for he had heard of the eath of abrenunciation) alledging there was more reason to repent of those already taken, than to take new ones, so warning them to take heed of Cavaliers, and Phanaticks, he concluded, commending Scotland to their care, and assuring them of Ireland, and hinting at a Free-State.

This done, and he retired loaden with thanks, * 7.6 he withdrawes to his place in the Councill of State, where the first that he finds under consideration is the reducing of the City, (which to make a short digressi∣on was now grown unruly, being stifly resolved to own no power, but that of a full and Free Parliament, whereto they had been encouraged by the Country in severall Declarations, but especially that of Devonshire, which in regard it gives the sence of all in one, and was that chiefly stuck to by the City: I shall give it you at large, as Mr. Bamfield, the Recorder of Exon, sent it to the Speaker, January the 14th.

The Declaration.

We the Gentry of Devon, finding our∣selves without a Regular Government, af∣ter your last interruption, designed a publick meeting to consult remedies, which we could not so conveniently effect till this weeke at our general quarter Sessions, at Exon; where we found diverse of the Inhabitants groaning under high oppressions, and a general defect of trade, to the utter ruine of many, and fear of the like to others, (which is so visi∣ble in the whole Country) that it occasioned such disorders, as were no small trouble and disturbance to us, which (by Gods blessing upon our endeavours) were soon supprest without blood: And though we find, since our last purposes, an alteration in the State of affairs, by the re-assembling you at the helme of Government, yet we conceive that we are but in part redrest of our grievances, and that the chief expedient to amend the whole, will be the recalling all those Members that were secluded in 1648. And sate before the first force upon the Parliament, and also by

filling up vacant places, and all to be ad∣mitted without any Oath and engagement previous to their entrance, for which things if you please to take a speedy course, we shall defend you against all opposers, and future interrupters, with our Lives and fortunes: for the accomplishment whereof we shall use all lawfull means, which we humbly conceive may best conduce to the peace and safety of this Nation.

This was signed by most of the chief gentry of the Country.

Now the City, owning the purport of this Decla∣tion by one of their own, and refusing to pay taxes, had drawn the Councill of State to that violent ebulliency, of reducing it to a submission, which was, as I said be∣fore, the point, upon which they fell, when first General Monck, came first among them; * 8.1 for they had rather bring the whole World into a combustion than their usurped power either to equals or superiours, they were so in love with power, that they would not have left pilling, as long as there had remained any matter ei∣ther to satisfie their ambition or covetousness; wherefore they resolve to drive on furiously, and there∣fore give order to the Generall to march into the City, with so many horse and foot, as should reduce them to an obedience, and compell them to pay the Assessment. His excellency according to their com∣mand

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being then their servant, went to the City, and at Guildhall peremptorily demandeth, by order from the Parliament and Councell of State, the payment of their taxes: this so sudden demand, coming from him (from whom they hoped better things) and quite contrary to their expectation, drove the Citizens to such a non-plus, that for a time they were as extasied not knowing what to say, but at last, recollecting somewhat of an English temper, they return this answer. That in Magna Charta confirmed by the Petition of right, and re∣newed by the present Parliament, a day before their force∣able dissolution upon the 11 of October, they were to pay no taxes, &c. but by their consent in Parliament, which now they had not: yet to avoid giving any offence, they desire time to consider of it, which the Generall grants, but in the mean time writes to the house to know their pleasure, to which they presently answer, that 1. he should imprison Col. Bromfield, Alderman Bludworth, L. C. Jackson, Major Cox, Col. Vincent, &c. Some of which had waited upon him from the City but a little before; 2. that he should remove their chains, dig up their posts, and break their gates.

These strange orders being brought to him, * 8.2 did a litle startle him, knowing they were sent as well to try his patience and obedience; as to breed an open enmity between him and the City, thereby to compell him to serve them perpetually, by being assured that they were mortall enemies; yet not willing, since he had gone so farr with success, to loose all now by passion, he with silence obeyes them readily, and thereby cleer∣ly finds the temper of the City to be positively reso∣lute for Liberty and right, so that being sensible they might be trusted, he hopes shortly to make them an a∣mends,

which he had an occasion offered to do soon••e than he expected, * 8.3 for the Parliament had a double de∣sign upon him, first to weaken him in his interest and credit, by an imployment which they knew would so incense the City, and then while he is acting their un∣reasonable commands, they are busie in undermining him in his power; for when he had done their design as they thought, to the enraging of the Citizens, and breeding in their hearts revengefull thoughts, * 8.4 he returnes to White-Hall upon Friday the 10th. Day of February, upon which day his Commission did expire, instead of the renewing whereof, which he might with much justice have expected, as the reward of his merit, he is made a Colonel again, and only made equal in com∣mand with six men more, as short of him in desert, as in honesty, wherewith when he had acquainted the Officers of his Army, who were much unsatisfied with such a reward for their late abominated imploy∣ment, agreed unanimously among themselves, that the Parliament intended to lay them aside, notwith∣standing their former faithfull service to them, and to perpetuate the Nations slavery, by their datelesness: and therefore they resolved to march with their Gene∣ral into the City to joyn with them, and declare for a free Parliament: to this purpose a conference is had at the Three Tunnes near Guild-hall, where the City and Army strike hands, at which time his Excellen∣cies Officers remonstrate the resent they had of the violence they were commanded to offer that famous City, which was of a stamp unparalleled in the most hor∣rid rage of former ages, whose barbarousness even spa∣red that, when they harassed the whole Nation be∣side, then give warning of several persons, both with∣in

and without the City, whose tyrannous minds they feared, abhorring in an especiall manner a late pe∣tition delivered in the house by one Praise-God Bare∣bone, being a treasonous libell, subversive of all order and Government, dangerous to religion, both in disci∣pline and worship, and destructive to all Lawes, Sta∣tutes and Customes, even in fundamentalls, wishing at last the Parliament to think of determining their Session, and provide for future Parliaments.

This being, by his Officers I say, presented to his Ex∣cellency, and by him in a letter communicated to the Speaker, he marcheth into London, and taketh quar∣ters, * 8.5 declaring for a free Parliament; and this blow was it, made Independency stagger, for so highly were both City and Country pleased with this Declaration, that they did hardly know in what manner to express their joy, ringing their bells, making bonfires, the air resounding nothing but the name and prayses of Monck, and the Streets filled with gratefull hearts, who on bended knees prayed for blessings on the head of the hoped restorer, both of the Church and Com∣mon-wealth, and in this relolution he persisted, not∣withstanding all the flatteries, threatnings and snares of the house, who now studied nothing more than his ruine, as in him foreseeing their own, nevertheless he waits for the Parliaments answer to his last letters to them, but finding they neither minded him nor them, and thought of nothing but setling their own interest, and continuing themselves in power, he pro∣cures a conference between some fitting members of the house, and some of the honourable Gentlemen and worthy Patriots that were excluded from it, at which himself being in person present, and weighing ju∣diciously

the reasons and arguments formed on both fides, which he heard with a deep and reserved silence, after all were withdrawn, he concluded with himself, upon result from the whole, that the pretended set∣tlement proposed by the house, was of compass too narrow, and too weak of foundation to bear up the Nation, and repair its breaches: * 8.6 he resolved therefore to withdraw all manner of force from the house, and to admit men of more sober, moderate, and less byas∣sed judgments, whose Spirits being more apt for publick good, would establish the Kingdom, upon termes comprehensive of every considerable interest therein: hereupon, on the one and twentyeth day of Fe∣bruary, meeting the secluded members at White-hall, and expressing himself to them in a speech not delive∣red by himself, but by his Secretary, wherein he com∣mended to their care,

1. Religion, that great primum mobile & unum ne∣cessarium, without which to live rather befits beasts than men, and this was proposed in the most sober and moderate way imaginable, yet neither countenancing errour nor allowing libertinisme.

2. He commended to them the State, desiring them to be good Physitians to its crazed body, by applying suteable Physick, which (he said) he supposed would be a full and a free Parliament, upon whose resolves, as himself; so he doubted not but the whole Nation would acquiesce, he told them the house was open for them to enter, and prayed for their good success.

The secluded members being thus admitted, * 8.7 fall im∣mediately to work where they were abruptly forced to break of in December. 1648. Confirming their Vote made then by another now, that the concessions

of the late King were a sufficient ground to proceed on for setling the peace of the Kingdom, hereby not on∣ly vindicating themselves, but as it were at once dis∣anulling all that had been done as dissonant thereto, during the whole time of their recess.

This began to infuse a new spirit of life into the Kingdom, in whom at this springing season of the year, began a new to bud and peep out the bloomes of a too long frost-nipped loyalty, so that one now might have seen what twenty years before could never shew, countenances, that lately were dejected through the cruell tyranny of their Aegipitian task masters, now ga∣ther cheerfull looks, and like fresh blown roses yield a fragant savour.

The Parliament thus sitting, freely vote his Excellen∣cy Lord Generall of all the forces in England, Scot∣land, and Ireland: by vertue of which Commission he disarmes all the Phanatick party, both in City and Country, the Parliament in the mean time providing to secure the Nation by two seasonable Acts, the one of Assessment, and the other of the Militia; the last im∣powering and arming Gentlemen, and Men of worth and power, to stand up for their Liberties, and Privi∣ledges, and put the Country into a posture of defence, against all encroaching pretenders whatsoever; and the former enabling them to raise moneyes (which are the sineues of war) for maintaining of the forces, so raised to assert their and our rights.

Thus setling the ancient Government of the City, and vacating the Phanatick power in the Country, they commend the establishment of the Nation to a full and free Parliament, to be called the 25th. of A∣prill, 1660. Issuing out writs to that purpose in the

name of the keepers of the Liberty of England, by au∣thority of Parliament, and setling a Councell of State of most discreet and moderate men, to whom the af∣fairs of the three Nations, in the intervall, and untill the meeting of the Parliament, on the aforesaid 25th. of Aprill was committed, who with much discretion managed their power, to the satisfaction of all sober minded men, and so (saving to the house of Lords their rights, notwithstanding the Commons were in this Juncture of time, put upon necessity to act without them) commending the Souldiery once more to his Ex∣cellency upon the sixteenth day of March, in the year of our Lord 1659. * 8.8 (a day worthy to be remembred) they dissolved themselves, and so at last put a legall pe∣riod to that fatall long-Parliament, which could not be dissolved by any but by it self.

And thus we see Independency laid in the dust, and ready to give up the ghost, and indeed not long after we shall see fully to expire the Prodromi, of whose miserable end might be these and the like.

The Councel of State in this intervall of power, * 8.9 with very great caution and wariness, manage their affairs, turning neither to the right hand nor to the left, but keeping a direct course, as knowing in medio ibunt tutissimi, they set out a Proclamation against all distur∣bers of the peace, under what pretence or name soe∣ver, sparing none that in a time of such hopes durst either move a hand or tongue to work a disturbance, taking care also that the order of the last Parliament touching elections should be duly and punctually observed, * 8.10 as considering that the peace or ruine of the Nation would lye in their hands.

His Excellency the Lord Generall in this interreg∣num accepts of severall invitations and treatments in the

City by several of the worthy companies, yet still ha∣ving an eye to the main, he keeps close to his Officers (who were not yet fully resolved) and often confers with them in a more familiar manner than ordinary, whereby he so wrought on them, that at last he brought them to declare that they would acquiesce in the resolves of the approaching Parliament; and indeed this was a shrewd forerunner of the fall of Independency, as I said before, whose only hope was builded on the averseness of these men to lawfull power, which when they saw frustrated they might well depair; yet endeavour once more to en∣deavour a confusion, which being observed by the Coun∣cell, and that a discontented Spirit possessed some of the old Officers and Grandees, according to the power given them to that purpose, they send for all suspected persons, confining them unless they subscribed an en∣gagement to demean themselves, quietly, and peacea∣bly, under the present Government, and acquiesce sub∣missively in the determination of the Parliament next ensuing, which reasonable engagement Lambert and some others re••using, were carefully confined to several prisons, by which means the peace was wonderfully preserved: but notwitstanding all this care, such were the restless endeavours of that divellish faction, that (whether by the neglect or treachery of his keepers is not yet known) Lambert gets out of prison cuningly, who being a man of loose principles and desperate for∣tunes, so encouraged the Phanatick party, and stirred up their drooping Spirits, that they began to threaten great matters, and for perfecting their wicked design, begin to gather to an head near Edg-hill, which they hoped would prove to them an auspicious Omen for the beginning of a Second war, but Heaven would no

longer wink at such intollerable villanies, for the sins of these Amorites were fully ripe for judgment, so that they were discovered and quickly nipped in the bud, Lambert and his accomplices being so eagerly pur∣sued by Col. R. Ingoldsby that they were suddenly forc'd to scatter and shift for themselves by flight, * 8.11 neither was that so swift or secure, but that Lambert was taken prisoner by the said Col. Ingoldsby, and sent prisoner up to London, at which time passing by Hide park, on the twenty fourth of Ayril, he saw all the City Regi∣ments both of horse and foot, Trayned Band and Auxiliaries, completed, armed, and trayned, and rea∣dy to hazard their Lives and Fortunes against all sedi∣tious and factious Traitors to their King and Country.

The news of this first appearance of armed loyalty being spred abroad into the Countreys, * 8.12 did so animate and encourage the old oppressed, that casting off their fetters and fears together, they begin to appear in their wonted guise, and because they were by the Phanaticks traduced as men of blood and full of re∣venge, not to be satisfied but with the utter ruine of their adversaries, thereupon to undeceive the vulgar, who might possibly have been misled by such lies, if not answered, did from their several and respective Counties, as also in the Cities of London and Westmin∣ster declare, * 8.13

that they were far from any thoughts of revenge, it belonging to God alone (alluding to that text of Scripture, Vengeance is mine, I will repay saith the Lord) but as for Justice they would acquiesce in the judgment of the approaching Parliament.

This being done, * 8.14 and the whole Parliament at the appointed time, beginning first with their duty to God (they follow that golden Pythagorean rule.)

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giving him hearty thanks for that their freedome of meeting, which when they had cordially done, they fell in order to their Governour —

First, They fear God, then honour the King. As the same Pythagoras goes on;

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The very Heathen we see, by the meer light of Na∣ture, could dictate that which our Grand Enthusiasts of Religion would not for these many years, by the ignis fatuus of their new lighted notion walk after. But the Parliament were better principled, for after their devotions regularly paid to God, they in the very next place own their duty to their Prince, upon the first day of May (a happy day to be remembred to posterity) voting the Government to be by King, * 8.15 Lords, and Commons, a constitution so incompara∣bly mixed, that it may rather be admired then envi∣ed: neither were they satisfied to rest there but on the Eighth day of the same May, caused his Majesty to be proclaimed King of England, * 8.16 Scotland, France, and Ireland, which was performed with so much So∣lemnity and Joy, as I presume England, I dare say hardly any Kingdome in the World, ever saw or were sensible of the like, the shouts and acclamations of the pleased people rending the very skies as a token of their extraordinary Thankfulnesse to Heaven, and at night by the multitude of their bonfires, turning the Darknesse into a kind of lightsome day.

This hapy beginning thus owned by the general con∣sent of all honest men, made the Parliament resolute to

cute their begun endeavours; which the more orderly to do (for order befitteth men best both as Subjects and Christians) they immediately prepared Commis∣sioners, * 8.17 who were persons choyce for their integrity and wisedome, (like those heads of the children of Issa∣char which were men that had understanding of the times to know what Israel ought to do) being intrusted to wait on his Majesty, and to desire him to come to his Parliament and People with all convenient speed. Before whose arrival his Majesty had withdrawn him∣self from Bruxels, not upon any account as was by the ignorant and malicious insinuated, but out of a design of safe guard to his own sacred Person, as knowing those two principles of the Romanists, (si violandum est jus, Regni causa violandum est; and nulla fides servanda est haereticis) might prove dangerous, if not fatal to his interest as affairs then stood. He well remembred Richard the first his case sirnamed Caeur-du-Lion, and what his detention once cost England, and therefore had no reason to cast himself into the like hazard. Therefore having discharged all Accounts whatso∣soever at Bruxels, he as (I said) removes his Court to Breda. As that first, he might hold the more cer∣tain and quick intelligence with his friends in England, where there hardly wanted any thing to complete his Restoration and the Kingdomes satisfaction, but his Personal presence; so in the second place he there knew himself safe, being within the jurisdiction of his beloved sister, * 8.18 the Princesse Royal Mary Princesse of Orange, whose tender love and zeal to him in his affli∣ction deserves to be written in brasse, and graven with the point of a Diamond.

During the time of his residence there to shew him∣self

to be a second Solomon, a Prince of Peace, and not onely so, but the most pious and merciful of Prin∣ces, who was wise as a Serpent, yet innocent as a Dove, by the Honourable the Lord Viscount Mordant and Sir Richard Grenvile (since by his Majesties special grace created Earl of Bath) Gentleman of his Maje∣sties Bedchamber; He sent a most gracious Declara∣tion, with respective Letters to the Lords, to the Commons, to the City, and to the Army:

Whetein,

His Majesty first offers a Pardon for all mis∣carriages and misdemeanors against his Father, * 8.19 or himself, to all persons (such onely excepted as shall be excepted by the Parliament,) promi∣sing likewise securitie to all, whose guilt might otherwise endanger them, so as they laid hold on his Majesties Pardon within 40. dayes after the publication thereof.

2. He refers the purchasers of Kings, Queens, and Bishops Lands to Justice, to the Law, and to the Parliament.

3. He assures the Souldiery of their Arrears for past services, although done against him, and of incouragement and pay for the future under him.

This Declaration was received with no ordinary joy and solemnity, the messenger Sr. Iohn Greenvil being re∣warded

with 500. pounds to buy him a Jewell, and upon reading thereof and a conference had with the Lords, (who had now reassumed their Native right by taking their places in the higher House) they agree unanimously each in their several house; That a Let∣ter be sent in answer to his Majesties gracious Letter and Declaration, superscribed To his most Excellent Majestie; which were since more immediately drawn up and sent by Commissioners (before prepared as is already mentioned) sixe from each House, who were in the name of both Houses,

1. To give his Majesty most humble and hearty thanks for his gracious Letter and Declaration.

2. To desire his Majesty to return to the exercise of his Regal Office, and come to his Parliament and people with all speed possible.

And thirdly, to that purpose to desire him to appoint a place for the Navy to attend him: the Commissi∣oners that went from the house of Peeres were these.

• The Earl of Oxford, Lord Brook, * 8.20
• Earl of VVarwick, Lord Berckley,
• Earl of Middlesex, Lord Visc. Hereford.

Of the House of Commons were selected these following,

• Lord Charleton, Sir George Booth,
• Lord Bruce, Sir Iohn Holland,
• Lord Falkland, Sir Antho. Ashly-Cooper,
• Lord Mandevile, Sir Horatio Townsend
• Lord Herbert, Sir Henry Cholmly,
• Lord Fairefax. Mr. Hollis.

The City of London having also received the like Letters and Declarations, the Lord Mayor, Al∣dermen and Common-Council appoint a loyal and humble answer to be returned, wherein they give his Majesty thanks for his tender care, grace and fa∣vour to their ancient and renowned City, which was sent by these worthy Gentlemen.

For the City of London.

• Alderman Adams
• Recorder VVilde
• Alderman Robinson
• Alderman Bateman
• ...Theophilus Biddolph
• ...Richard Ford
• Alderman Vincent
• Alderman Frederick
• Alderman VVale
• John Lewis Esquire
• William Bateman Esq.
• Alderman Bludworth
• Major Chamberlin
• Colonel Bromfield
• Sir James Bunce Bar.
• Alderman Langham
• Alderman Reinoldson
• Alderman Brown
• Sir Nicholas Crispe
• Alderman Tompson

All these Letters were sent away, but the first that arrived to his Majesties hand was from his Excellen∣cy the Lord General Monck, who by the leave of the House sent the same by his brother in Law, Sir Tho∣mas Clergies who was (as being the first) beyond all ex∣pression welcome, and after some long but not tedious conferences Knighted, and at length dismissed with as much kindnesse as he was at first received with joy.

After whom arrived shortly all the forenamed Commissioners, * 8.21 together with some of the Ministry, and were received by his sacred Majesty, his two illu∣strious brothers of York and Glocester, and his sister of

Orange, with demonstrations of affections on both sides such as are not capable of a description by my rude pen, for they were such as may be imagined onely not defined, like the joyes of a condemned soul now at point to dy, when suddenly and beyond expectation it is not onely snatcht out of the very jawes of death, but mounted aloft into a seat of Honour, how it is even overpressed with the overflux of such a sudden, yet joyful change, and stands extasied, not knowing, or at le••st not well discerning the realities of those violent emotions under the happinesse whereof it at present labours; which surpassing joy grown over, and they dismissed with abundance of satisfaction, with all speed his Majesty according to the earnest request of his Par∣liament prepared for England, his Royal brother, the most illustrious Duke of York, Lord high Admiral, taking order for the Navy. And in the way to the Sea∣side his Majesty was honourably entertained by the States General at the Hague, of whom having taken his leave, and thanked them for their Treatment and Presents, he proceeded in his journey.

During this time, the Navy under the conduct of General Mountague, was come to attend and wait on his Royal pleasure; upon notice of which, attended by the Princesse of Orange and her son, and the Queen of Bobemia, he comes aboard the Naseby Frigot, * 8.22 by him then named the Charles, and after a repast there, part∣ing with high satisfaction, pleasure and content on both sides, with his Royal and Princely attendants, he lanched forth, and quickly with a prosperous and safe gale of wind, anuuente Coelo, came within two leagues of Dover, * 8.23 (a place formerly not so infamous for receiv∣ing the Barons in their rebellious wars against the King,

and harbouring Lewis of France, as now it was famous for its loyalty in the joyful reception of its lawful So∣veraign) when he was come thither, he sends Post for the General (being resolved not to set foot on English ground till he came thither) who upon the first hear∣ing of that happy news, presently took Post to meet him, having before taken care for Pallaces to enter∣tain him, and left order for several Regiments of Horse to attend him, for his Majesties security; Providing with valor against open enemies, and with prudence a∣gainst pretended and basely false friends, which being performed according to Order, His Excellency waites upon his Majesty at Dover.

He is no sooner come thirher, but upon knowledge thereof, the King Landed, at whose Honored feet in the most humble posture of a Loyal Subject, on his Knees Our Great General presents himself, and was received and imbraced by his Majesty in the open armes of an endeared mercy, with so much affection as might well manifest the great respect the King bore to his high deserts; for to shew that his embrace was signal, and far from a meer complement, he went nearer and kissed him. No endearment is ever thought too great, where there is grounded Love, neither rested he there, but like a true friend and lover indeed, takes a delight in his society; for the more clear de∣monstration whereof to all the world, he took him with his two Brothers the Dukes of York and Glocester into his Coach with him to Dover a••oresaid, * 8.24 where after a dutiful acknowledgment from the Magistrates there, and solemn though short entertainment he rid to the City of Canterbury (so famed for her Arch-bishops Sea) his Majesty being in the middle between his

two brothers; and the Duke of Buckingham and the General riding bare before him.

In this Equipage with the whole Gentry and Nobi∣lity of England attending, and thousands of the mean∣er ranke; he arrived as I said at Canterbury, being met by the Magistracy in their richest habiliments of Ho∣nour, and by the Ministry of the place, who after a grave Speech and hearty Gratulation, presented him with a rich Bible as He was Defender of the True Faith, and afterwards with a Golden Boul full of Gold, ren∣dring it as a Tribute to him to whom Tribute was due. From Canterbury, where he rested all Sunday, and gave thanks to God his Father and mighty Deliverer. On Munday he came to Cobham-Hall in Kent, a House be∣longing to the Duke of Richmond, but without any stay there passed on the same night to Rochester, from whence on Tuesday, May the 29. (the day of the week which was fatal for the murther of his Royal Father, but happy to himself, not onely for his Birth, but also for giving the first hopes of his long wished and pray∣ed for return by the Vote of the Parliament on Tues∣day the 1. of May, and his being proclaimed nemine con∣tradicente on Tuesday the 8. of May.) I say on that day, attended by the Duke of Buckingham, the Earle of North-hampton, the Earle of Cleaveland, the Earle of Norwich, the Earle of Shrewesbury, and many others with their several respective Troops of the choyce Nobles and Gentry of the Land, and his Excellency with many Regiments of his best Horse, the Lord Ge∣rard with the choyce Life-guard, and the whole Coun∣trey flocking in, & cutting down Palmes, and strowing the wayes with all sorts of Fragrant Flowers and deck∣ing the Lanes and Passage, with the greatest variety of

Country Pomps, Garlands, beset with Rings, Ribands and the like, the Air ecchoing all along and redoubling the perpetually iterated Hosanna's; He came to Lon∣don (The Metropolis of his Kingdome, whose prepara∣tions were no lesse sumptuous then joyful,) making a short stay onely at Black-heath; (a place many yeares since, and more then once noted and remembred for the tumultuous assemblies of several Rebels, but now much more famous for the united Congregation of the whole Kingdomes Loyalty) from hence about n••on, order was given for a speedy march to London, in which Major General Broun did lead the Van with a compleat Troop of Gentlemen, all in cloth of Silver Doublets: Alderman Robinson followed him with an other select company, the severall Lords came after with their respective Troops, then came the Life-Guard: After the Marshals and Heralds, with some antient Lords, the Duke of Buckingham, and the Lord Generall bareheaded; and then his Majesty rid be∣tween his two brothers, the Duke of York on the right hand, and the Duke of Glocester on the other; after whom followed his Excellencies Life-guard, and then the Regiments of the Army all completely accou∣tred with back breast and Pot. In this order they came to Saint Georges fields, in a part of which towards Newington was a Tent erected, in which the Lord Mayor, * 8.25 and Aldermen in their most solemne Forma∣lities, with their Officers, Servants, Livery-men, and Lackeyes innumerable waited, to which place when his Majesty came, the Lord Mayor presented him on his knees with all the Insignia of the City, viz. Sword, Mace, Charter, &c. Which he immediately returned with promise of Confirmation, and conferred the Ho∣nour

of Knighthood on the Lord Mayor in the place, whereafter a short refreshment, three hundred in Vel∣vet Coats and Chains representing the several Com∣panies passing on before, the Lord Mayor bearing the Sword before the King, they proceeded in an excel∣lent order and equipage into and through the City, which was all hung with Tapistry, and the Streets lined on the one side with Livery men, on the other side with the Trained Bands, both taking and giving great satisfaction, until at last even tyred with the tedious pleasure of his Welcome Journey, he came to the Gate of his Pallace of Whitehall, which struck such an impression of greif into his sacred heart, by the Remembrance of his Fathers horrid Murther there, as had almost burst forth, if not stopt or re∣called by the Joy he received from the acclamations of the people, and the thought that he was peacea∣bly returned after so many years unto His own House.

The King being come in, went presently to the Banqueting House, where the Houses of Parlia∣ment attended for him, to whom the two Speakers severally made an incomparable Speech, wherein, with great eloquence, they set forth the many years misery under which the Nation laboured, then re∣peated the Kingdomes Joyes at present, for their ho∣ped happinesse in the future by his Majesties Re∣stauration, and so commended to his Princely care his three Kingdomes and people, with their Laws and priviledges, whereto the King in a Majestick style, made this short, but full return.

That he was so disordered by his Journey, and the Acclamations of the people still in his Ears, which yet pleased him as they were de∣monstrations of Affectiou and Loyalty, that he could not express himself so full as he wished, yet promised them, that looking first to Heaven with a Thank-ful heart for his Restoration, he would have a careful Eye of especial grace and favour towards his Three Kingdomes, protesting that he would as well be a Defendor of their Laws, liberties, & properties, as of their faith.

Having thus received and taken several Congratu∣lations and Entertaiments, and dismissed his Noble, Honourable, Worshipful, and Reverend Guard of the Nobility, Gentry, Citizens, and Ministry, he retired to Supper, and afterwards having devoutly offered the Sacrifice of Prayer and Praise to the most high, for his safe return, he went to his Repose and Bed. The first Beam that darted from our Royal Sun, in∣fused such a sense of piety into the peoples Affection, that it even made them break into an Excess of Joy, it was that happy Omen of a vertuous Government, the admirable Proclamation against debauchednesse, (wherein such is his Majesties zeal) he takes no no∣tice of his Enemies, but our sin which had so long occasioned his exile, not sparing therein those who pre∣tended to be his friends, yet by their prophanenesse, disserved him. A happy Prince and happy people

sure! where the Extremity of Justice endevoureth to take nothing from the Subject but a Liberty to of∣fend, which so highly pleased the people, that their Joyes rather increased then diminished according to that of the Poet.

— Littora cum plausu clamor, superas{que} Deorum Implevere Domos, gaudent, generum{que} salutant Auxiliumque Domus servatorem{que} fatentur.

The Shores ring with applause, the Heavens abound With grateful Clamours which therein resound. All men salute him, Father, Prince, and King; That home again their banish'd peace doth bring.

Which is further also expressed by the Poet in these words,

— Largis satiantur odoribus ignes Sertaque dependent tectis, & ubique lyraeque Tibiaque & cantus animi felicia laeti Argumenta sonant: reseratis aurea valvis Atria tota patent, pulchro{que} instructa paratu — Proceres ineunt convivia Regis.

The Bonfires light the Skie, Garlands adorn The Streets and Houses: Nothing is forborn That might express full joy, while to his Court The King by Nobles follow'd doth resort, And in their Feasts Gods wondrous Acts report.

So restless were the Nights of our pious King, that he began to account all time spent in vain and amisse, wherein he did not do or offer some good to his Kingdome: to this purpose, on the first of June, (the very next day but one after his Arrival, accom∣panied with his two Brothers and Sir Edward Hide, Lord Chancellour of England, with many other ho∣nourable persons, went by water to the House of Lords, where having seated himself in his Royal seat, the Black Rod was sent to the Commons to inform them of his being there: They immediately adjour∣ned, and with their Speaker, waited his Majesties pleasure, who in a short speech acquainted them with the Occasion and Cause of his present sending for them, viz. To pass those Bills which he understood were prepared for him; the said Bills being therefore read according to ancient form by the Clerk of the Crown, were passed by his Majesty,

First, The Bill constituting the present Conven∣tion to be a Parliament.

Secondly, For authorizing the Act of Parliament for 70000. l. per mens. for 3 moneths.

Thirdly, For Continuance of Easter Term and all proceedings at Law, which done the Lord Chancellor Hide in a pithy Speech, told both Houses with how much readinesse his Majesty had passed these Acts and how willing they should at all times hereafter find him, to pass any other that might tend to the advan∣tage and benefit of the people, desiring in his Ma∣jesties behalf, the Bill of Oblivion to be speeded, that the people might see and know his Majesties ex∣traordinary gracious care to ease and free them from

their doubts and fears, and that he had not forgotten his gracious Declaration made at Breda, but that he would in all points make good the same.

Things being brought to that happy issue, the King wholly intends to settle the Kingdome, and because that in the multitude of Counsellors there is both peace and safety, he nominates and elects to himself a Privy Councel, whereof were,

• The Duke of York
• The Duke of Glocester.
• The Duke of Somerset.
• The Duke of Albemarle.
• The Marquiss of Ormond.
• The Earl of Manchester.
• The Earl of Oxford.
• The Earl of Northampton.
• Lord Seymour.
• Lord Say.
• Lord Howard.
• Sir Atho. Ashly Cooper.
• Sir William Morris.
• Mr. Hollis.
• Mr. Annesley.

On several such men he bestowed great offices, as Marquess of Ormond to be Lord Steward of His Honourable Houshold. The Earl of Manchester Lord Chamberlain. The Duke of Albemarle to be Master of the Horse, and Knight of the Garter. Sir Will. Morris one of the Secretaries of State: which took up some time, in which the Parliament according to the Kings desire proceeded in the Act of Oblivion, which at last, after many tedious and strong debates passed both Houses, and on the _____ _____ day of _____ _____ in the Twelfth year of his Majesties Reign, had his Royal assent and was confirmed, wherein were ex∣cepted from pardon both as to Life and Estate,

• ...Iohn Lisle
• ...VVilliam Say
• Sir Hardresse VValler
• ...Valentine VVauton
• ...Thomas Harrison
• ...Edward Whalley
• ...John Hewson
• ...VVilliam Goffe
• ...Cornelius Holland
• ...Thomas Chaloner
• ...John Carew
• ...John Jones
• ...Miles Corbet
• ...Henry Smith
• ...Gregory Clement
• ...Thomas VVogan
• ...William Heveningham
• ...Isaac Pennington
• ...Henry Martin
• ...Iohn Barkstead
• ...Gilbert Millington
• ...Edmund Ludlow
• ...Edmund Harvey
• ...Thomas Scot
• ...VVilliam Cauley
• ...John Downes
• ...Nicholas Love
• ...Vincent Potter
• ...Augustine Garland
• ...John Dixwell
• ...George Fleetwood
• ...Simon Meyne
• Sir Michael Livesey
• ...Robert Titchburn
• ...Owen Row
• ...Robert Lilburn
• ...Adrian Scroop
• ...Iohn Okey
• ...James Temple
• ...Peter Temple
• ...Daniel Blagrave
• ...Thomas VVayte
• ...John Cooke
• ...Andrew Broughton
• ...Edward Dendy
• ...VVilliam Hewlet
• ...Hugh Peters
• ...Francis Hacker,
• and
• ...Daniel Axtell.

Who had fate in judgement on, sentenced to death and did sign the instrument for the horrid murther, and taking away the precious Life of our late Soveraign Lord King Charles the First, of Glorious memory; se∣veral of whom have by divers means in sundry places been taken, and others have surrendred themselves

according to a Proclamation of summons set out by the King for that purpose, the persons that surren∣dred themselves were these.

• ...Owen Row
• ...Augustine Garland
• ...Edmund Harvey
• ...Henry Smith
• ...Henry Marten
• ...Simon Meyne
• ...VVilliam Heveningham
• ...Isaac Pennington
• Sir Hardress Valler
• ...Robert Titchborn
• ...George Fleetwood
• ...James Temple
• ...Thomas VVayte
• ...Peter Temple
• ...Robert Lilburn
• ...Gilbert Millingon.
• ...Vincent Potter,
• ...Thomas VVogan,
• and
• ...Iohn Downes,

And therefore though they be all attainted & convicted of High Treason by the Law of the Land at a fair and legal Trial by a special Commission of Oyer and Ter∣miner directed to several of the Judges learned in the Law, and to divers other worthy and honourable per∣sons, yet they are not to suffer the pains of death, but their executions are to be suspended until his Majesty by the advice and assent of the Lords and Commons in Parliament shall order the execution by Act of Par∣liament to be passed to that purpose.

The persons that have been taken were,

• ...Thomas Harrison
• ...Adrian Scroop
• ...Iohn Carew
• ...Iohn Iones
• ...Francis Hacker
• ...Gregory Clement
• ...Thomas Scot
• ...Iohn Cooke
• ...Hugh Peters
• ...Daniel Axtel,
• and
• ...VVilliam Heulet.

Thomas Harrison having received his Tryal, and being condemned to be hanged, drawn and quartered, accordingly on Saturday betwixt nine and ten of the clock in the morning the thirteenth of October 1660, he was drawn upon a hurdle from Newgate, to the place that is rayled in by Charing-cross, where a Gibbet was erected, and he hanged with his face looking to∣wards the Banqueting-house at White-hall (the fatal place pitched upon by those infernal Regicides, for the solemn murther of our late Soveraign Charles the first, of glorious memory) when he was half dead, the common Hangman cut him down, cut off his privy members before his eyes, then burned his bo∣wels, severed his head from his body, and divided his body into four quarters, which were sent back up∣on the same sledge that carried it, to the prison of Newgate, from thence his head was brought and set on a pole at the South end of Westminster-hall, look∣ing toward the City of London, but his Quarters are exposed to view, as a publick example upon some of the Gates of the same City.

His pleading at his arraignment were nothing but treasonable and seditious speeches, rather justifying the crime he had committed, then any whit relenting; and so he continued a desperate Schismatick to the Church of England to the last moment of his breath.

2. John Carew was the next that followed, who at the time of his tryal, endeavoured onely to justify the late Rump and their actings, but that would not serve his turn, for it was proved that he did consult and meet together with others how to put the King to death, that he sate at the time of the sentence, and signed the Warrant for execution, so that the

Jury found him guilty of compassing and imagining the Kings death; for which he was also condemned to be hanged, drawn, and quartered, &c. which sentence on Monday the fifteenth of October, in the morning, was put in execution on the body of the said Carew, his Quarters being likewise carried back on the Hurdle to Newgate; but such was the goodness of his Ma∣jesty, that upon the humble intercession of his friends, he was graciously pleased to give them his body to be buried, though his execrable treasons had merited the contrary.

3, 4. The next in order, were Mr. John Coke the Soli∣citor, and Mr. Hugh Peters that Carnal Prophet, and Je∣suitical Chaplain to the trayterous High Court; upon Cooke's Trial it was proved against him, that he exa∣mined witnesses against the King, that he was at the drawing of the Charge, that he exhibited it in the name of the Commons assembled in Parliament, and the good people of England, that this Charge was of High Treason, that he complained of delayes, pray∣ed that the Charge might be taken pro Confesso, and at last, that it was not so much he as innocent blood that demanded Justice, and that notwithstanding all this, he acknowledged the King to be a gracious and wise King, upon which the Jury found him guilty.

2. Then Peters was set to the Bar, against whom was proved, that he did at five several places consult about the Kings death, at Windsor, at Ware, in Cole∣man-street, in the Painted Chamber, and in Bradshaw's house, that he compared the King to Barrabas, and preached to binde their Kings in chaines, &c. That he had been in New England, that he came thence to de∣stroy the King and foment war, that he had been in

arms, and called the day of his Majesties Tryal a glorious day, resembling the judging of the world by the Saints that he prayed for it in the Painted Cham∣ber, preached for it at White-hall, St. James's Chap∣pel, St. Sepulchres, and other places: upon which proofes the Jury finding him guilty also, of compas∣sing and imagining the Kings death, the Court sen∣tenced them, viz. (Cooke and Peters both) to be led back to the place from whence they came, and from thence to be drawn upon a Hurdle to the place of ex∣ecution, &c. On Tuesday following, being the sixteenth of October, they were drawn upon two Hurles to the rayled place near Charing-cross, and executed in the same manner as the former, and their Quarters re∣turned to the place whence they came: since which, the head of Iohn Cooke is set on a Pole on the North∣east end of Westminster-hall (on the left of Mr. Harri∣sons) looking towards London; And the head of Mr. Peters is placed on London Bridge, their Quarters also being exposed upon the tops of some of the Gates of the City.

5. The next brought to Tryal, were Scot and Clement, Scroope, and Iones; against Thomas Scot was proved, that he did sit and consult about the Kings death, that he agreed to the sentence, and signed the Warrant, whereby the King was murthered, that since he hath owned the business of the Kings death, by glorying in it, defending it, and saying he would have it engraven on his Tomb-stone, that all the world might know it, which being high aggravations of his crime, he was soon found Guilty by the Jury.

6. Then Gregory Clement was set to the Bar, who im∣mediately confessed himself Guilty, modo & forma, and

so without troubling the Jury was set aside till Judge∣ment.

7. Next was brought Mr. Iohn Iones against whom the proofs were short, that he did sit upon the King in that monstrous Court, and that he signed the Sentence and horrid Instrument whereby the King was ordered to be put to death, upon which the Jury found him guilty.

8. Then Scroop was tried upon the like Indictment for compassing the Kings death, and against him was proved that he sate in the Court, and did Sentence the King, and sign the bloody Warrant, and after the com∣ing in of his Majesty that now is, justified the com∣mitting of that detestable murther, for which the Ju∣ry finding him guilty, the Court gave sentence of death against them as the former to suffer as Tray∣tors, and accordingly on Wednesday the 17. of October, about 9. of the clock in the morning. Mr. Thomas Scot, and Mr. Gregory Clement were brought on several hur∣dles to the Gibbet erected near Charing-cross, and were there hanged, bowelled and quartered, and about an houre after Mr. Adrian Scroop, and Mr. Iohn Jones toge∣ther in one hurdle were carried to the same place, and suffered the same pains of death, being afterwards re∣turned to Newgate, and thence their quarters placed on several of the City Gates, and their heads deser∣vedly disposed on the top of London Bridge and o∣ther places.

These being thus dispatched, & having received the reward of their Treason, Mr. Daniel Axtel, and Master Francis Hacker were brought before the Court to be tried; Against the first of whom, viz. Axtell, was in proof, that is the imagining and compassing the death

of the King, that he bid his Souldiers cry out Justice, Justice, and Execution, Execution; and beat them till they did it; That he bid shoot the Lady that spoke and call'd Cromwel Traytor, saying, not a quarter of the peo∣ple of England consented to their wicked Charge; that he said to Col. Huncks upon his refusal to sign the war∣rant for executing the King: I am ashamed of you, the Ship is now coming into Harbour, and will you strike sayle before we come to Anchor; that he laughed at the Trans∣actions, as applauding them while others sighed; that after the King was murthered, he kept Guards upon the dead body, and knew who cut off the Kings head, having sent one Elisha Axtell for the Executioner; up∣on which proof the Jury found him guilty of the said Treason whereof he stood indicted.

10. Francis Hacker was arraigned, and by diverse witnesses it was sworn against him, that he was Com∣mander of the Halbeteers, who kept the King prisoner, and would not suffer any accesse to be unto him; that he guarded him to their mock-Court, and after kept him sure till he was murthered; that he was one of the persons to whom the Warrant for execution was dire∣cted, and that he signed it, that he brought the King to the fatal block and was upon the scaffold, being a prin∣cipal agent about the Kings death; for which horrid Treason the Jury found him guilty: after which the Court sentenced both him and Axtell to suffer death as Traytors, according to which judgement they were on Friday the 19. of October, about 9. of the clock in the morning, drawn upon one hurdle from Newgate to the common place of execution, generally called Tyburn, and there were hanged. Mr. Axtel was bowelled and quartered and so returned back and disposed as the for∣mer,

but the body of Mr. Hacker, by his Majesties great grace and favour, and at the humble suit and in∣tercession of his friends was given to them entire, and by them afterwards buried.

The last of this crew that was for present execution was Will. Hulet, against whom was proved that he was one of those which came with a Frock on his body, and a Vizor on his face to perpetrate the horrid murther on the Person of the King, and that being so dis∣guised upon the Scaffold, he fell down before the King and asked him forgivenesse, being known by his voice; that himself said, He was the man that beheaded K. Charles, & for that he had one 100 l. and preferment. That Hewson said of him that he did the Kings business upon the Scaffold; That he either did cut it off, or took it up and said, Behold the head of a Traytor. That being questioned about the said words, he said, whoso∣ever said it matters not; I say now, it was the head of a Traytor, with many other things to the like pur∣pose; for which most abhorred Treason, the Jury found him guilty, and he was condemned to be hang'd drawn and quarter'd at Tyburn.

This was the deserved Catastrophe that was set to these men, who without any reason, nay contrary to reason, Lawes both Divine and Humane, yea, even in defiance of Heaven, dipped their hands in the sa∣cred blood of their lawful Soveraign, according to that of the Wiseman, The eye that mocketh his Father, (Rex Pater Patriae) and despiseth his Mother, (Ecclesia est Mater) the Ravens of the Valley shall pick it out; which which we see befallen them, their heads in seve∣ral places being become a spectacle both to Angels and Men, and a prey to the Birds of the Aire.

In the last place, it is provided by the said Act of Ob∣livion, that if VVilliam Lenthal, VVill. Burton. Oliver St. Iohn, Iohn Ireton Alderman, Col. Iohn Disborrow, Col. VVill. Sydenham, Iohn Blackwel of Moreclack. Christ. Pack Alderman, Richard Keeble, Charles Fleetwood, John Pyne, Rich. Dean, Major Richard Creed, Philip Nye Clerk, Iohn Goodwin Clerk, Sir Gilbert Pickering, Col. Thom. Lister, and Col. Raph Cobbet, shall after the 1. of September 1660. accept or exercise any Office Ecclesiastical, Civil or Military, or any other publick imployment within the Kingdome of England, Dominion of VVales, or Town of Barwick upon Tweed, that then such person or persons as do so accept or execute as aforesaid, shall to all intents and purposes in Law stand, as if he, or they had been totally excepted by name in the Act. The like penalty is imposed on all such who did give sentence of Death upon any person or persons in any of the late illegal or Tyrannical high Courts of Ju∣stice, or signed the Warrant for execution of any per∣son there condemned.

Thus by the blessing of God I have waded through the many intricate Meanders and Revolutions, untill at last I have as it were brought you by the hand to see that despe∣rate Faction of Indepencency (as one may say,) laid into its Grave; all the heads thereof being so annihilated by the Iustice of the known Law of the Land, that I hope its me∣mory shall be raked up in such an Eternal forgetfulnesse, that posterity seeing no foot-steps thereof, shall conceive it to be a bare name, a mere notion, or aliquid non ens, of which in nature there can be no subsistance.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The Pro∣eme.
• * 1.2

  Lords H H. C. try∣ed.
• * 1.3

  Lords condem∣ned.
• * 1.4

  Hamil∣tons speech at his death.
• * 1.5

  Hamilton execu∣ted.
• * 1.6

  Hollands speech on the Scaf∣fold.
• * 1.7

  His beha∣viour.
• * 1.8

  E. of H•••••• death.
• * 1.9

  Lo. Capell his speech before hi•• death.
• * 1.10

  L. C. his carriage.
• * 1.11

  L. Capell behead∣ed.
• * 1.12

  The bar∣barous∣ness of the facti∣on.
• * 1.13

  The Ar∣my and Indepen∣dent close
• * 1.14

  Free∣state ap∣pointed.
• * 1.15

  Lords house vo∣ted use∣less.
• * 1.16

  The Pro∣clamation against Kingship.
• * 1.17

  The en∣gagement a mark of distincti∣on.
• * 1.18

  The dutch quarrel.
• * 1.19

  St. Johns sent to treat, but returnes without doing any thing.
• * 1.20

  Ireland looked at.
• * 1.21

  Cromwell sent to Ireland and prove Victori∣ous.
• * 1.22

  The Le∣veller be∣gins to stir.
• * 1.23

  Scots send to the King.
• * 1.24

  Treaty at Bredah conclu∣ded.
• * 1.25

  Montross murthe∣red and the rea∣sons thereof.
• * 1.26

  The K. in Scotland. h••ld to hard meat.
• * 1.27

  Mr. Love and Gib∣bens be∣headed.
• * 1.28

  Cromwell invades Scotland.
• * 1.29

  Scots di∣vided a∣mong them∣selves.
• * 1.30

  1. Fight at Eden∣burgh.
• * 1.31

  2. Fight at Mus. selbourgh.
• * 1.32

  3. Dunbar fight and totall de∣feat.
• * 1.33

  King in the North of Scotl. private.
• * 1.34

  King sent to and re∣turnes.
• * 1.35

  King crowned.
• * 1.36

  K. raiseth an army.
• * 1.37

  Scors di∣vided.
• * 1.38

  The roy∣alists and Kirk re∣couciled.
• * 1.39

  Fight in life.
• * 1.40

  K. march∣es into England.
• * 1.41

  K. wins Warring∣ton bridg.
• * 1.42

  Comes to Worcester.
• * 1.43

  Worcester. fight.
• * 1.44

  Cromwels policy and pow∣er.
• * 1.45

  Long Parlia∣ment turned out.
• * 1.46

  Sen. ep. 3.
• * 1.47

  Barchones Parlia ment.
• * 1.48

  They re∣sign to Cromwell
• * 1.49

  Cromwels first Par∣liament do no∣thing.
• * 1.50

  Major Gen. set up.
• * 1.51

  Cromwels second Parlia∣ment confirm him as Pro∣tector.
• * 1.52

  The said Parlia∣ment dis∣solved.
• * 1.53

  Cromwell seeks to strongth∣en him∣self.
• * 1.54

  He clo∣seth with France.
• * 1.55

  Dunkirke gained.
• * 1.56

  Dr. Hew∣its death.
• * 1.57

  Mrs. Cla∣pooles death.
• * 1.58

  Observe.
• * 1.59

  Cromwels death.
• * 1.60

  Richard Cromwell Pro∣tector.
• * 1.61

  29000 l.
• * 1.62

  Di••ks Parlia∣ment now mo∣delled.
• * 1.63

  Act of Recogni∣tion.
• * 1.64

  Commit∣tee of in∣spection.
• * 1.65

  Parl. to consist of two houses.
• * 1.66

  The o∣ther house de∣bated.
• * 1.67

  Not own∣ed as Lords.
• * 1.68

  The in∣tent of that Par∣••••ment.
• * 1.69

  Commit∣tee of in∣spections report.
• * 1.70

  Divisions between the Pro∣tector Pralia∣ment and Army.
• * 1.71

  Dicks Parlia∣ment dis∣solved.
• * 1.72

  The Ar∣my rew model∣led.
• * 1.73

  The Rump comes in.
• * 1.74

  Names of the Rum∣pers.
• * 1.75

  Secluded. mem∣bers.
• * 1.76

  Vote a∣gainst the secluded mem∣bers.
• * 2.1

  The good old cause what.
• * 2.2

  Councill of State nomina∣ted.
• * 2.3

  The good old cause what it is.
• * 2.4

  Remain∣der of Crown ••ands to be fold.
• * 2.5

  Quaerenda pecunia primum est.
• * 2.6

  Honours given by the late King or his Son to be null.
• * 2.7

  The Ar∣my fright the Gran∣dees.
• * 2.8

  Money matters only ta∣ken no∣tice of.
• * 2.9

  Plunde∣red Mini∣sters and Tythes.
• * 2.10

  Seamen to be im∣pressed.
• * 3.1

  Crown lands ex∣posed.
• * 3.2

  Offices bestowed and on whom.
• * 3.3

  H. Crom∣well leaves Ireland.
• * 4.1

  Sommer∣set-house set to sale etc.
• * 4.2

  R. Crom∣well pro∣tected.
• * 4.3

  New plots and jealou∣sies.
• * 4.4

  Act of in∣demnity pardons all but Cavaliers.
• * 4.5

  Members to attend.
• * 4.6

  A fasting day set a part for mischief.
• * 4.7

  Commo∣tions.
• * 4.8

  A canting•• lye.
• * 4.9

  The use of the Juncto's fasting.
• * 4.10

  England sick of the Rump.
• * 4.11

  A rising in Cheshire by Sir G. B.
• * 4.12

  Sir G. B. ••••••••••ed.
• * 4.13

  Their maxime to make good their cause.
• * 4.14

  Lamberts policy.
• * 4.15

  Sir G. B. taken.
• * 4.16

  A triall of the royall family.
• * 4.17

  Oath of abjurati. on.
• * 4.18

  The blind∣ness of the Juncto.
• * 4.19

  Taxes and excise confirmed, new de∣linquents made and mi••itia arreas collected.
• * 4.20

  The Juncto grow sus∣pitious o Lambert
• * 4.21

  He comes to Lon∣don.
• * 4.22

  The Juncto in∣tend to seize on all Hospi∣talls and convert their rents.
• * 5.1

  Armies remon∣strate the Juncto send for some Offi∣cers.
• * 5.2

  Observe this crack.
• * 5.3

  Thanks-giving dinner in the City.
• * 5.4

  Armies new ad∣dress.
• * 5.5

  Juncto angry there with.
• * 5.6

  Act a∣gainst raising money without consent Parlia∣ment makes the Souldiery mad.
• * 5.7

  9. great Officers displaced and voted out of commissi∣on.
• * 5.8

  Commissi∣oners to govern the Army.
• * 5.9

  The feud betwixt the rump and he Souldiery breaks out.
• * 5.10

  The Rump turned out of doors.
• * 5.11

  Observe.
• * 5.12

  Officers meet.
• * 5.13

  They erect a Commit∣tee of safe∣ty, their names and cha∣racters.
• * 5.14

  Com•• safe∣ty their power.
• * 5.15

  Armies decla ati∣on.
• * 5.16

  Monck dissatisfi∣ed with their pro∣ceedings.
• * 5.17

  Seizeth Barwick.
• * 5.18

  Lambert marcheth against him.
• * 5.19

  Safe Com∣mittee for a free∣state.
• * 5.20

  Monck de∣sires a treaty.
• * 5.21

  Militia setled.
• * 5.22

  The treary begun.
• * 5.23

  The arti∣cles of the Treaty.
• * 5.24

  The City startle.
• * 5.25

  Monck commits one of his Commissi∣oners.
• * 5.26

  He calls an adem∣bly in Scotland.
• * 5.27

  He keeps intelli∣gence.
• * 5.28

  The Wal∣lingford in govern∣ment.
• * 5.29

  Proclaim aga••nst 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 5.30

  Hewson gees into London.
• * 5.31

  Parlia∣ment pro∣claimed by Com∣mittee of safery.
• * 5.32

  Walling∣ford 7. principles of Rule
• * 5.33

  Lawson declares.
• * 5.34

  Indepen∣dencies first de••li∣ning.
• * 5.35

  Lam∣berts Ar∣my va••i∣sheth.
• * 5.36

  Mon••k marches to Eng∣gland.
• * 6.1

  Note this.
• * 6.2

  Scot and Robinson are sent to Monck.
• * 6.3

  The City 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him.
• * 6.4

  He comes to St. Al∣bans.
• * 7.1

  〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 7.2

  Cath of 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 7.3

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 7.4

  G••es to 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 7.5

  H••s speech 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 7.6

  How the P••••emp•••••• him.
• * 8.1

  Mo. goes into the City and demands taxes.
• * 8.2

  M••his carriage in that ex∣igent of affairs.
• * 8.3

  Is ungene∣••all'd.
• * 8.4

  He joynes with the City.
• * 8.5

  Free P. promised
• * 8.6

  Secluded members admitted.
• * 8.7

  How they begin and wherein proceed.
• * 8.8

  Lorg P. legally ended.
• * 8.9

  The inter∣vall.
• * 8.10

  Elections for a new Parl.
• * 8.11

  Taken and sent to the Tower.
• * 8.12

  The first loyal mu∣ster.
• * 8.13

  The Gentry declare.
• * 8.14

  The Parlia∣ment be∣gins.
• * 8.15

  Kingly go∣vernment voted.
• * 8.16

  King pro∣claimed.
• * 8.17

  Commissi∣oners sent to the King
• * 8.18

  King at Breda.
• * 8.19

  His Maje∣sties De∣claration layes In∣dependen∣cy dead.
• * 8.20

  Commissi∣oners names that went to the King.
• * 8.21

  Commissi∣oners how received by the King.
• * 8.22

  The King comes a∣board for England, and ••ands at Dever.
• * 8.23

  Monck meets him.
• * 8.24

  KINGS journey to London, and the manner of it.
• * 8.25

  King rides through the Citie.