Elenchus motuum nuperorum in Anglia, or, A short historical account of the rise and progress of the late troubles in England In two parts / written in Latin by Dr. George Bates. Motus compositi, or, The history of the composing the affairs of England by the restauration of K. Charles the second and the punishment of the regicides and other principal occurrents to the year 1669 / written in Latin by Tho. Skinner ; made English ; to which is added a preface by a person of quality ...

The TROUBLES of ENGLAND. by Dr. BATES. Princip: Phys: to K.C.I.

Summoning Hull.

Edghill Fight:

ECCLESIA

I Sturt ſculp

Printed for Abel Swall at the Unicorn at the West end of St. Pauls. 1685

Elenchus Motuum Nuperorum in Anglia: OR, A ſhort Hiſtorical ACCOUNT OF The RISE and PROGRESS OF THE Late Troubles in England.

In TWO PARTS.

Written in Latin by Dr. GEORGE BATES, Principal Phyſician to K. Charles the I. and K. Charles the II.

MOTUS COMPOSITI: OR, THE HISTORY OF THE Compoſing the Affairs of England By the Reſtauration of K. Charles the Second, And the Puniſhment of the Regicides: And other Principal Occurrents to the Year 1669.

Written in Latin by THO. SKINNER, M.D.

Made ENGLISH.

To which is added a Preface by a Perſon of Quality, and in the body of the Work ſeveral choice Original Papers, an account of which is given in the end of the Preface.

London: Printed for Abel Swalle, at the Ʋnicorn at the Weſt-end of St. Paul's Church-yard. 1685.

THE PREFACE TO THE READER, Added by a Perſon of Quality, who had the care of Reviſiing the Tranſlation.

IN the beginning of the World the Life of Man being very long, and the Tranſactions that happened neither great, various, nor many, there was little need of Hiſtory. The Father living many hundred years with his Children and Grandchildren, had leiſure and time ſufficient to imprint in their memories the ſtory of the few Occurrents that were paſt; and no man coming then to govern any conſiderable number of men, till he had lived the ſpace of three or four of our longeſt lives put together, was by that time abundantly furniſhed from his own Experience; and what had happened in his own days, with ſo much prudence, as might qualifie him for Government.

But when after the Deluge the Life of Man was brought by degrees to about threeſcore and ten, or fourſcore years, and much of the latter part of that ſmall period became unfit for buſineſs by ſickneſs and other calamities of old age, and the affairs of the World grew numerous, whether conſidered as past, or preſent; then it became neceſſary that Memorials ſhould be kept for the relief of humane infirmity, the perpetuation of the memory of Actions, and that mankind, who had but a ſhort time to live upon the Earth, might in that time be quickly and eaſily furniſhed with an artificial Experience, derived from an artificial Memory; by which Governours might be qualified for government, and Subjects diſpoſed to a dutiful ſubmiſſion to the Prudence and Conduct of their Superiours: that ſo this ſhort and tranſitory Life of Man might be rendered as wiſe and happy as it was poſſible, and that Piety too might be nouriſhed in the minds of men by a ſerious reflection on the Works of Gods Providence, manifeſted in the ſeveral effects of his wiſe Conduct in the government of the World, whereby he has in every Age demonſtrated his Juſtice and Mercy in dealing to every man a Reward according to his Actions.

Theſe were the Cauſes of the invention of Letters, and of writing Hiſtories or Memoires of paſt Events for the uſe of Poſterity, by thoſe that had ſeen them, or were otherwiſe well inform'd concerning them. And thoſe into whoſe hands theſe first Monuments fell, were mighty fond of them, and by often reading and deeply conſidering them, in a ſhort time much improv'd themſelves in Wiſdom, Virtue, and Piety. For the firſt and moſt ancient Stories were written without any vain pomp of affected Words or Rhetorical Expreſſions: the Hiſtorian not courting the Applauſe, but labouring hard for the Improvement of the Reader: And he again repairing to thoſe venerable Repoſitories, not to ſeek a vaniſhing Light, unprofitable Pleaſure and Devertiſement, but a ſolid and durable Improvement, and the Rules of living well and wiſely. So there is a threefold uſe of Hiſtory: Political, Moral, and Divine. Of all which, briefly in their order.

The Political uſe of Hiſtory is twofold: firſt, as it relates to Governours; and then, as it relates to Subjects or Inferiours.

The advantages Princes and Great men, who are to govern others, do or may reap from the reading of Hiſtories well and wiſely written, are innumerable; but then they are to ſuch ſo well known, that I need not ſpend any time to remark them here; my deſigne not being to inſtruct my Betters, but to improve (if I may) my Equals.

And as to Subjects, the uſe of Hiſtory is not much leſs; by which, if they would ſeriouſly reflect upon what is paſt, they might learn many things that would be of great uſe to them, and render theirs and their Governours lives more eaſie and happy.

1. For firſt, they might obſerve with what difficulties all humane Governments are beſet, how often God (for cauſes known ſometimes onely to himſelf) defeats the wiſeſt contrivances and deſignes of men: How neighbouring Princes interpoſe, and croſs or fruſtrate their undertakings, out of intereſt, fear, hope, envy, and the like: How often want of due inſtruments, proviſions, men, moneys, changes in the ſeaſons; and a thouſand other accidents intervene and prevent their purpoſes.

Now this conſideration would certainly (if men were modeſt and juſt) procure from them a due regard for their Superiours, even then when they are unfortunate, and not make every unproſperous accident that happened, the effect of ſloath, negligence, careleſneſs, and ſupine ſtupidity. And being thus diſpoſed, they might ſometimes, at leaſt, find the reaſon of publick Calamities in themſelves; at others, in the juſtice of God puniſhing the ſins of men; or in the neighbour Princes, or any other cauſe, rather than traduce and defame their Governours, and ſuſpect their fidelity to their own Intereſts and Honour, which muſt be infinitely dear to any man of ſence.

2. Hiſtory will teach men, that Religion and Liberty are very ill ſecured for the moſt part by Civil War and Rebellion: for as to the firſt, the right hand of God planted it in the World by Miracles and the effect of a mighty Providence, without Force, Wealth, Eloquence, or Policy, by the Bloud and Patience, the Meekneſs and ſimplicity, the Holineſs and Reſignation of Saints, Martyrs, and Holy men: And as it was planted, ſo it muſt be defended, ſo it muſt be preſerved.

But then there is nothing in the world more contrary to this method, than for Subjects to raiſe Tumults, encourage Inſurrections, liſt Armies, and attempt the ruine and deſtruction of their Princes and fellow-Subjects, to defend this Faith; which was planted by Meekneſs, and watered with the blouds and tears of the Martyrs: and this, if Religion be never ſo apparently perſecuted and endeavoured to be deſtroyed. But who can delineate the madneſs of perpetrating all theſe horrid Villanies out of meer fear & jealouſie Religion ſhould be deſigned upon, before there is one drop of Bloud ſpilt, or one man ruined or attempted to be ruined?

And as to Civil Liberty and Property, they were won from kind and good-natured Princes, by the dutiful Carriage and Civility of their Subjects. And therefore there is ſcarce a footſtep of them to be found amongst thoſe Nations that were never Civilized; and many of them have never enjoyed thoſe rare Bleſſings, but in a low degree, and ſome ſcarce at all, as the ancient Egyptians.

Now as there is nothing more ungrateful, than for men to turn the Favours of their Princes, or indeed of any man, into occaſions of Quarrels and Reſiſtance, even when there is a real cauſe to be concern'd for the loſs of theſe precious and ineſtimable Jewels; ſo is there nothing more fooliſh, than for men to put theſe Darlings of theirs to nurſe in Fields and Camps, reeking with the Bloud of their fellow-Subjects, ſurrounded with Fire and Smoak amidſt the roaring of Cannon, the ratling of Drums, the ſhrikes and groans of dying men, and all that is dreadful to fleſh and bloud; and after all to fall into the hands of an enraged Prince, if he prevails; and into the leſs-merciful clutches of their own Souldiers, if they happen to overcome their Prince. Certainly there cannot be a more impolitick Errour committed by Subjects, than to reſiſt and rebel, when their Priviledges are really invaded: but then to do all this by way of prevention to be wheadled and cajoled into ſuch miſeries as thoſe with the meer fears and jealouſies of contingent and poſſible deſignes, this is a degree of Rage beyond all other human madneſſes, and can be inſpired by nothing but Furies & incroaching Devils, who take poſſeſſion of the very ſouls of ſuch men, as they are ſaid to have done heretofore of ſome mens bodies. And there is not a more powerful Amulet againſt theſe Miſeries, than a due obſervation of the Tragedies theſe Devils have heretofore raiſed in the world. The truth is, almoſt all the Nation are ſatisfied that next the Mercies of God, nothing did more contribute to our late Preſervation, than the remembrance of our former Miſeries: And the Hiſtory of them may have very near the ſame effect upon our Poſterity.

3. The third and laſt Political uſe of Hiſtory, is to acquaint the World with the nature and temper of men. There is ſcarce any thing more difficult than for a man to know himſelf well; and if he did not ſometimes ſee himſelf in others, he would hardly perhaps ever do it: But then who but God can pretend to know all the various, changeable, and inconſtant humours, deſignes, and ends of the Maſs of Mankind in the ſpace of thoſe few years we are to live? and yet if it were poſſible, how infinite is the danger of being miſtaken and purchaſing our experience at the price of our ruine?

But Hiſtory, like a kind Miſtriſs, leads us by the hand into her delightful Gardens, and there reads Lectures upon every Flower, Plant, and Weed, and truly acquaints us how this and the other ſped well or ill; and then aſſures us our Fortune will be the ſame, if we be not ſo wiſe as to take her word, but will be trying over again the ſame Experiments upon our ſelves or others. But above all, if we take Demagoues, People-drivers, the Flatterers and Adorers of the Many, for good men, or good friends, or in ſhort, any man for a good Commonwealths-man or Patriot, who is not a good loyal hearty Subject.

If men would thus a while conſult in Hiſtory the honeſt policy of preſerving themſelves and their Countries from Ruine and Confuſion, they could not but obſerve, that Immorality was in every Age the greateſt Enemy of Mankind. That Ambition, Pride, Avarice, Revenge, Luſt, and Luxury, and the reſt of thoſe horrid deformities of Mortality, were the real weights which ſet theſe Machines in motion, which have torn down Empires, and ruined the most flouriſhing Kingdoms; and particularly have in the memory of man twice, bid fair for the ruine of ours, under two Princes of ſo exact a Juſtice, and ſo God-like a Clemency and Goodneſs, that their Subjects having no real Calamities to complain of (which is a Felicity rarely given by Heaven to the beſt Ages) our wanton Countrymen, ſick of Peace, Plenty, and Proſperity, rifled the Cabinet of God Almighty, and the innocent boſoms of two excellent Princes, and pretended they diſcovered their deſignes of introducing Popery and Arbitrary Government. And by theſe Chimerical fears intoxicated and bewiched the poor Populace, and putting them at last in fearful Commotions, theſe quick-ſighted Privado's of Heaven, the Cenſors of Princes, the Darlings of the Rabble, mounted the Saddle, and drove the People as the Devils did the heard of Swine down the ſteep Rocks of Rebellion, Schiſm, and Treaſon, while they who put them into this miſerable condition, reaped the Wealth, and divided the Honours and Employments of the Nation amongst them, and under the mask of a pompous Piety, were religiouſly proud, covetous, ambitious, revengeful, inſolent, treacherous, perjurous, and in a word, a parcel of the moſt ſanctified Rogues and Traytors that ever the Sun ſhin'd upon.

When God Almighty reduced us out of our Hell of Miſery, and Chaos of Confuſion, there was no Apologie more frequent in the mouths of men than this: Who could have thought that men of ſuch ſeeming Piety, of ſo exalted and eminent a zeal for the Glory of God, the Proteſtant Religion, and the Liberty and Property of the Subject, that ſuch men, I ſay, as theſe ſhould hatch in their minds ſuch horrid Villanies, Treaſons, Rapines, Murders, Perjuries, and ambitious Projects, as we have ſince with aſtoniſhment ſeen them practiſe? Well, if they had wiſely conſidered the Hiſtories of other Countries, or of former Ages, they might eaſily have foreſeen and prevented all this Miſery: for whenever men are more ſollicitous for the faults of their Superiours, than careful to amend their own; when they ſeek to win the entire love and eſteem of Subjects from their Princes and Governours; let the outſide be what it will, there is Pride, Ambition, Avarice, and Diſcontent within: and therefore ſuch men, of all others, are never to be truſted.

This Thought well purſued, will lead a man home too, and give him an occaſion to ſearch his own heart, and try diligently whether he is a good and uſeful Member of the Civil Society in which he lives: If he is under the dominion of any of theſe Vices, let him never call himſelf a loyal Subject, or a good Patriot; for whatever his preſent intentions are, he will be neither, when his Intereſt ſhall lie croſs to his Duty. And becauſe it is much harder to believe ill of ones ſelf, than of another, let Hiſtory acquaint him how many men have been drawn in by their own ſecret, and in all probability to themſelves undiſcovered Vices, till beyond their firſt intentions or thoughts, they have been ſwallowed up in an Abyſs of horrible Crimes and Diſorders; and what have betided them, may be our lot too, if we do not purge out, or at leaſt watch the motions of theſe Diſturbers of the World in us.

The Doctrines of Morality are ſometimes unpleaſant and uneaſie to corrupted minds, and do not eaſily inſinuate and obtain admiſſion; and when they are received, do often make ſuch ſlight impreſſions, that they vaniſh in oblivion and forgetfulneſs: but examples convey them to us with pleaſure and delight, and the variety and wonderful accidents that are to be met with in all Hiſtories, which are nothing but the imagery and various colours of Virtues and Vices embodied and made viſible to us, make vived and laſting impreſſions on the minds of men, and ſtamp and engrave the Ideas of them on the fancy and memory, ſo that nothing but death can deſtroy or obliterate thoſe impreſſions. And this was one reaſon why the Ancients cloathed their moral Obſervations in Apologues, Fables, and Parables; but Hiſtory having the reality of perſons, names, times, and places, do infinitely exceed theſe fictitious repreſentations: and therefore as Hiſtory grew up in the World, theſe fictitious Images of it were laid by and antiquated.

Examples fit all Capacities, at leaſt ſome or others of them, in a vaſt variety; whereas Precepts can hardly be ſo cloathed, but ſome will deſpiſe the meanneſs of the language, or others not underſtand the goodneſs of it: whereas Examples fit themſelves to all Capacities, and teach men before they are aware of it, the lovelineſs of Virtue, the turpitude and baſeneſs of Vice, and the different events which for the moſt part in every Age have attended them.

This brings me to the third particular I propoſed, the divine uſe of Hiſtory. As the World was not the Product of blind Fate or Chance, but the Work of a Great, Wiſe, and Holy God, who raiſed and built it out of Nothing by his infinite Power, and by his Wiſdom brought it into this beautiful order in which we behold and admire it: So neither did he deſert it when he had form'd and adorn'd it, but has ever ſince govern'd it with one unſearchable and irreſiſtible Providence and Wiſdom. And this not onely the inanimate and irrational part of it, but above all, his eyes are upon the children of men; and in the government, protection, preſervation, rewarding and puniſhing, exalting and abaſing them, he exerciſeth ſo ſteady, juſt, and reaſonable a Providence, but withal, ſo abſtruſe, hidden, and reſerved, that it exceeds the Wiſdom of the greateſt and wiſeſt of men to penetrate into the reaſons of it, or to foreſee the events before they diſcover themſelves in time.

Now in the Hiſtory of the Actions and Events of mankind, there is an undeſigned Hiſtory of this Providence of God, which like ſome Rivers, ſometimes run above ground plain and delightful, or terrible and inſtructive at the firſt glance; but at others, buries it ſelf under Mountains and Hills: and though in thoſe ſecret receſſes it ſtill (like thoſe Rivers) maintains an uninterrupted courſe, yet can no mortal eyes purſue its ſtreams, and obſerve its windings and turnings, or when and where it will break out and again diſcover it ſelf, till he himſelf is pleaſed to bring it into the light again.

Now Hiſtory has brought down an uninterrupted thread of the methods of Providence from the creation of the World to this day; by which, as in a Glaſs, we may ſee a repreſentation of the Juſtice and Mercy of God in his dealings with the ſons of men, and admire that wonderful Wiſdom and Power, which, without offering violence to the freedom of mens wills, has yet been able to diſpoſe them to effect his own moſt holy purpoſes, when they leaſt deſigned it; without any violence has protected Virtue againſt the utmost rage of Men and Devils, and preſerved it through all the Ages of an ill World; and puniſhed Vice by it ſelf, in ways ſo abſtruſe and ſecret, that the Workers of Iniquity have been ſtun'd and amazed to ſee not onely their ill deſignes over-ruled, but made the Inſtruments of their own deſerved ruine.

There is no one thing that hath in every Age ſo much ſtaggered the belief of a divine Providence governing the World and the Affairs of Mankind, as the proſperity of wicked and lewd men, and the miſery and oppreſſion of good and virtuous men. But this Miſt will vaniſh like ſmoak, when men are pleaſed to take a view of past Ages, and obſerve the Cataſtrophies of the ſeveral Periods and Ages: for that which may ſeem at one time to be all Myſtery and Riddle, will by degrees open and unfold it ſelf, till at laſt there will be nothing more apparent, than that God had all this while his eyes upon both the one and the other, and kept the inviſible Reins in his own hands, and by ways, unperceived both by the good and bad, at laſt, tho not ſuddenly, brought them to their deſerved ends, and recompenced both according to their different deſerts; and this will give us an aſſurance, that as it has been in paſt Ages, ſo it will be in ours; the ſame God is ſtill at the Helm, and he will, as heretofore he has, conduct us alſo to that end we have deſerved, be it good or bad, without reſpect of perſons, which will preſerve us in Peace and Virtue, diſpel all melancholly thoughts, and free us both from ſpeculative and practical temptations.

It is not hard to apply all I have ſaid to the Hiſtory of our Late Revolutions in England; but as I deſigne a Preface to a very ſhort Hiſtory of them, and ſo muſt not be long: ſo the Reader will be much more inſtructed and better pleaſed to reflect upon that Hiſtory, and to compare it with this Preface, and then determine with himſelf whether theſe thoughts of mine upon this occaſion are pertinent, and whether there be any thing in the following Story that will prove and illuſtrate the truth of what I have here ſaid; and therefore to him I ſhall leave it.

But becauſe theſe Pieces never appeared before in Engliſh, may I have the Readers leave to give him a ſhort account of the deſignes of them.

The Author of the firſt two Parts was Dr. Geo. Bates, a learned and an eminent Phyſician of London in the laſt Age, who was afterwards Phyſician to Oliver Cromwel, and ſo muſt of neceſſity be intimately acquainted with many things which were not known to others, and had means to look through all the diſguiſes of that cunning Impoſtor, as his Station and Employment alſo afforded him an eaſie acceſs to most of the Grandees that had then a large ſhare in promoting the Miſeries of England. The firſt part was publiſhed in the time of Oliver Cromwel, and yet is written in an Air and Stile which ſhews the Author durst ſpeak truth, when if diſcovered, his life would have paid the price of his Veracity; and yet that time too may yield us a good aſſurance he did not venture his life for falſhoods and ſlaunders; it was not then a time to bely proſperous, inſolent, and inraged Villains.

He gives us this account of the Work himſelf by an Epilogue added in a latter impreſſion, at the end of the Firſt Part.

Whilſt the Original of this ſmall Hiſtory was in Writing, it was ſeveral times ſeen by the Reverend George Lord Biſhop of Wincheſter, the Worthy Nicholas Oudart Secretary and Counſellour to the Prince of Orange; by Sir John Wederburn Knight; by Dr. Richard Owen Profeſſor of Divinity, and Rector of St. Swithins in London; by Dr. George Ent, heretofore Phyſician to Charles the Firſt, and now to the preſent King; and alſo by Fabian Philips an Attorney, who was my Aſſiſtant in ſearching the Rolls, Offices, and Monuments of the Law, (that I may not mention Dugard who printed it) men above all exceptions: although there is an inſolent Defamer, who pretends I have fathered another mans Work, whoſe Calumnies I neither value nor fear.

This Paſſage is inſerted by him onely to prove he was the Author of it, but is at the ſame time a ſtrong proof of his integrity: for it is very well known, theſe Perſons were not all of one ſide in our late Diſtractions.

The firſt Part of this Piece was firſt printed about the year 1651, without his name, for the information of Strangers, and therefore he premiſeth a ſhort account of the Prerogatives of the Crown, and the Priviledges of Parliament, and Liberties of the Subject, here; which had been ſo abominably miſrepreſented to Forreigners, that they ſtood generally in great doubt on which ſide the right lay, and conſidering the time when it came out firſt, nothing could be of greater uſe and benefit to the then-oppreſſed intereſt of our late Soveraign.

Nor was it onely uſeful abroad, but at home alſo: for the People of England were then ſo diſtracted by the Contradictions betwixt the Royal and the Rebel Party, that they, at leaſt many of them, did as little know on which ſide to give their Verdict, as the Neighbour Nations. Hence the Learned and Ingenuous Mr. Henry Foulis, in his Preface to his Hiſtory of the wicked Plots of our pretended Saints, gives us this Account of himſelf: As for the Author (ſaith he) whilſt a School-boy, he was too much ſway'd to Presbytery; and delighting in the Stories of our Times, had none to peruſe, but May, Vicars, Ricraft, and ſuch-like partial Relators: by which means believing, with the ignorant, all things in print to be true, he was perſwaded to encline to the wrong ſide. But a little before his going to the Ʋniverſity, lighting by chance upon Dr. Bates's judicious Book Elenchus Motuum, he found the Laws and true Government to be oppoſite to his former Readings, and therein the Knavery and Jugling of their Oppoſers, ſtrange things which he had never heard of before. Which, with ſome other aſſiſtance, ſo far prevail'd with him, that in a ſhort time he threw off Father Schiſm, and ever ſince, like little Loyal John in the Epitaph, For the King, and Church, and Bloud-Royal, He went as true as any Sun-Dial.

There are ſome others who have acknowledged to the World in print, the benefit they and the Government received from this firſt Part.

The Second Part was added by Dr. Bates, after his late Majeſties Reſtitution, to inform the World of the manner of his Majeſties Eſcape from Worceſter, and how things were carried till the depoſition of Richard Cromwel, wherein is an excellent account of the bloudy War in Ireland, and the juſt Judgment of God upon the Scotch Covenanters for joyning with our Engliſh Parliamentarians, upon pretence of ſetting up Presbytery here, but indeed to inrich themſelves the ſecond time with the Spoils of England; the effect of which was, that Presbytery was ruined even in Scotland by O. C. and his victorious Independant Army, and they loſt at the ſame time all their Civil Priviledges, and were treated, till the Kings return, as a conquered People by their fellow-Rebels.

The Third Part was written by one Dr. Tho. Skynner, another Learned Phyſician, to continue and bring down the Story, and ſhew the Joy of our Nation at the Reſtitution of his late Majeſty. It is in the Original written in a florid ſtile, and full of curious and ingenuous Reflections.

The Tranſlations of all theſe have been managed with great care, to make them both true to the Originals, and delightful to the Reader; onely the Tranſlator thought fit to ſupply ſome Papers which are but hinted at, or wholly omitted in the Author; as the Treaty of the Iſle of Wight, in the Firſt Part; the Coronation-Oath, in the Third; and others. And alſo when there are any Papers or Expreſſions mentioned, to publiſh the original Papers and words, when he could find them; but when not, he hath humoured the Tranſlation as near the Latin as the ſence of the Author and idiome of the two Languages would permit.

There is great hope that this ſhort account of our late horrible Confuſions here in England, which is ſo acceptable in the Original to all Forreigners and Learned Engliſh-men, may now tranſlated be no leſs acceptable to all thoſe who either cannot read the Latin, or care not to give themſelves ſo much trouble; and that it may contribute ſomething to the interest of the Government, by forewarning men how they betake themſelves to thoſe courſes again which produced ſuch dreadful Effects heretofore.

A TABLE To the Firſt Part. A. ACcuſations againſt the Lord Keeper and Judges pag. 24 Army fall off from the Parliament, and ſeize the King out of their poſſeſſion, 82. Seem to comply with the King, ibid. but relapſe, 87. The Aſſembly ſet up Presbytery, 57 B. Beginning of the Troubles, 17 Biſhops accuſed, 24. Their Lands ſold, 59 C. Covenant and Solemn League, 60. Its fruits, 62 Courts, ſeveral abrogated, 28 Cromwel Oliver, 77 E. Epiſcopacy abrogated, 56 F. Fairfax, Sir Thomas, 77 Faſts, the noted fore-runners of ſome miſchief, 134 H. High Court of Juſtice (falſely ſo called) its beginning and proceedings, 139. and inf. Hotham, Sir John, 38 I. Independents, 61, 71. and inf. work the Presbyterians out of power, 76, 79 Interceſſions for the King, 142 Ireton's Remonſtrance, 133 Iriſh Rebellion, its beginning, 45 The Junto or Rump of the Houſe of Commons 138 K. King Charles the Firſt goes into Scotland, 31. Goes to the Houſe of Commons, 34. Withdraws to Windſor, and thence towards York, 35. Goes to the Scots Army, 65. Deſigned to be murdered, 88. Eſcapes to the Iſle of Wight, 91. He is murdered, 158. His excellent Character, 161. Keepers of the Liberties, or Council of Forty, 166 L. Laud, Archbiſhop, 23 Lords Houſe in Parliament aboliſhed, 163 M. Militia, 33, 36, 41 Monarchy of England, and the Rights thereof, 1. Aboliſhed by the Rebels, 163. O. Oxford-Parliament, 63 P. Parliaments what, their Power and Cuſtoms, 5. and inf. Parliament-Factions, 22. To ſit as long as they pleaſe, 30. Their ſcandalous Declaration, 32. Their unreaſonable Demands, 39. Modelled by the Army, 137. Peters, Hugh, 133, 143 Prerogative abated, 29 The Presbyterian Model, 57 Prynn, William, 137 Q. Queen goes into Holland, 35 R. Religion, the pretence of the Rebellion, 43 S. Scots Rebellion, 20. They come into England, 62. The King puts himſelf into their hands, 65. They ſell him, 67. Take up Arms for the Kings deliverance, 100. Are defeated, 101. Sects and Sectaries, 67, & infra. Strafford Earl, 21, 23. His Tryal, 24. T. Tryal of his Sacred Majeſty K. Charles I. 144 Tumults and Riots, 25 Tunnage and Poundage, 18 V. Vote of Non-Addreſſes, 95. Is reſcinded, 102. W. War, its beginning, 42 Wight Iſle, the Treaty there, 102. & inf. The Kings Conceſſions there voted ſatisfactory, 136. Writs of Summons to Parliament, the form, 7

ERRATA'S.

To the Firſt Part.

PAge 1. line 8. for to read of, p. 66. l. 3. r. honour, p. 67. l. 33. for ſhewing r. ſhew, p. 74. l. 9. adde from, p. 82. l. 2. r. muttering, p. 102. l. 10. r. levitie, p. 137. l. 23. adde who, p. 159. l. 9. r. reported, ibid. l. 11. r. harmonious, p. 162. l. 2. r. bounds, ibid. l. 11. r. Rectitude, p. 163. l. 3. r. Charge.

To the Second Part.

PAge 22. line 7. read Rathmeenes, p. 27. l. 3. r. Arts, p. 30. l. 21. r. Butler, p. 48. l. 15. r. envied, p. 58. l. 7. adde moſt, p. 66. l. 31. adde for, p. 67. l. 12. r. Execute, p. 74. l. 26. r. Nor, p. 87. l. penult. dele are, p. 96. l. 14. r. make, p. 104. l. 35. r. hand, p. 108. l. 28. r. Dirlton, p. 121. l. 35. r. Maſſey, p. 124. l. 1. r. Coming preſently to blows at the Town of Wigan, p. 125. l. 23. r. Keith, p. 204. l. 35. r. obey.

To the Third Part.

PAge 15. line 2. read retained, p. 41. l. 1. r. farce, p. 44 l. 14. r. Leiceſter Vicount Hereford, p. 53. l. 29. r. Sollicitor-General, p. 63. l. 23. r. Sir Richard Baker's, p. 66. l. 16. r. Mounſon, p. 82. l. 29. r. Falmouth, p. 86. l. 20. dele was, p. 90. l. 2. r. fight.

A ſhort HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF THE Riſe and Progreſs OF THE Late Troubles in England.

ENgland, The Right of Kings in England, as all the Records of our Antiquity tell us, never was governed but by the authority of a King; and though it hath been divided into ſeveral Kingdoms, or rather Camps, yet it never had reſt from inteſtine Commotions, nor foreign Invaſions, till it came under the Obedience and Protection to one ſole Monarch.

Since that,In the perſon of a Monarch, for above a thouſand years, it is now above a thouſand years that Kings in a continued ſucceſſion have reigned with ſupreme Authority in England. And ſo great all along hath been the Love and Reverence that the People have had towards a Prince, that he was always judged the fitteſt and moſt worthy of the Government, who was next in Bloud to the King;And he hereditary, ſo that no factious Election, but lawful Birthright, could ever warrant a Title to the Crown. The Royal Heir of the laſt King, though an Infant, is immediately carried to the Throne, even in the Cradle: And in this kind of immortality in reigning, the Laws glory,

And never dying.

To him all ſwear Allegiance

That the King of England never dies.

Nay, and by the ancient common Law, all Subjects above twelve years of age, are bound by Oath to bear a peculiar Faith (by the Laws called Allegiance) to the lawful Prince, to him alone, and for ever, even before he be crowned; and that their Obedience may be confirmed upon a double account, a religious Oath,and Supremacy. that of Supremacy, is likewiſe to be taken to the King.

I muſt here beg the Readers pardon, if in the very beginning I ſpeak of the Kings Prerogative, the Priviledges of Parliament, and Liberties of the People; which to our Country-men who have ſtudied the point, perhaps may be tedious, though to the Work we now undertake it be abſolutely neceſſary; ſeeing thereby it will appear who have been the Violators, and who the Obſervers of the Laws.

The Prerogatives of the K. or chief marks of Majeſty, and the Regalia, belong onely to the King.In the firſt place, what great power the King has over the lives and fortunes of his Subjects, is hereby made manifeſt, that mediately or immediately they all hold their Eſtates of the King; that is to ſay, that whatever Lands and Poſſeſſions they enjoy in fee or feudal rights, they owe them more to the bounty of the King than to Fortune.

So that all Eſtates and Poſſeſſions are derived from him, and to him return at laſt. He hath the care of Pupils and Lunaticks.And therefore all Eſtates failing of lawful Heirs, or when the Owners forfeit them by Felony or Treaſon, flow back to the Kings Exchequer, as to the Ocean from whence they have been derived.

The King, as Father of the Country, has the care of the perſons of Pupils and Lunaticks, and enjoys their Rents and Revenues. Nay, by the ancient Laws, it is not lawful for them to contract Marriage without his conſent; and if they do, they are to be ſeverely cenſured.

The power of coyning Money.And that what is to be given to Caeſar, may be known by the publick Money, the matter, form, manner, and value of Coyn, is varied according to the will and pleaſure of the King.

All Honours, Titles, and Priviledges, He confers all Honours and Offices; all publick Corporations and Societies, flow from and are conſtituted by the Crown; the Admiral, Chancellor, Treaſurer, Judges, Sheriffs, Juſtices of Peace, are onely made by the King;Which are to be adminiſtred in his name alone. in whoſe name alone their Writs, Warrants, and Sentences paſs: nor does any of them enter into Office before he hath taken an Oath of Fidelity to the King, and of faithful adminiſtration.

None but the King has power of Peace and War, His power in matters of War. who orders Military Diſcipline according to his will and pleaſure, and not by the forms or preſcripts of Laws; and as he himſelf thinks fit, diſpoſes of the Forces both by Sea and Land; it being neceſſary that he who watches for the ſafety of the Commonwealth, ſhould be inveſted with ſufficient Power to repreſs inteſtine Seditions, and repel foreign Invaſions. Upon that account, it belongs onely to him to appoint Muſters and Levies of Souldiers, ſecure the Caſtles and Gariſons (with which maritim Fortifications England, even in the profoundeſt time of Peace, is no leſs ſecured than by the Seas); as often as there is need alſo to fit out a Fleet, and to ſet Governours and Commanders over both.

Nor is the Sword neither to be weilded by any other hand but that which ſways the Scepter: ſo that if any one (without the Kings command) take up Arms for the defence of the Kings Perſon and Rights, he is by ſo doing guilty of High-Treaſon, and liable to the puniſhment of a Traytor, without a ſpecial Pardon from the King.

Nor is his Power more limited in Eccleſiaſtical than Civil affairs:Alſo in Eccleſiaſtical affairs. for ſince the authority of the Pope being ſhaken off, the Church was made part of the Kingdom, and the Clergy after long reluctancy began to be contented with the common priviledges of Subjects; the King became at length Cuſtos utriuſ que tabulae, and (as he ever was in right before, ſo was he then) acknowledged and confirmed by Law to be ſupreme Head and Governour in ſpiritual as well as temporal affairs, and owned to be in a manner the Biſhop of the Kingdom; wherein, in the promotion of Biſhops, conferring of Dignities, appointing Faſts, enjoyning Rites and Ceremonies in the Church, he hath (with the advice of the Fathers and Rulers of the Church) always exerciſed a ſupreme and ſacred Power and Authority.

He moderates the rigour of Laws.He hath alſo ſo great power over the Laws themſelves (though he obliges himſelf to govern according to Law) that ſometimes he moderates the rigour of the Law according to Equity, pardons Malefactors;And judges in undecided caſes. and in caſes that are not decided by any Law, interpoſes his Imperial Sentence. Laſtly, that I may aſſert nothing raſhly, but all upon the credit of Lawyers, the life, force, and authority of every thing that is acted in England, is to be found in the King alone.

But becauſe the King of England has not, like Briareus, an hundred hands, nor can he, like the Sun, view all things at one glance; he hath been accuſtomed to create from amongſt the Nobility, Biſhops, Judges, He chuſes his own Counſellors. and Commons of the Kingdom, without the envy and emulation of any, ſuch and ſo many Counſellors as he pleaſes, to aſſiſt and eaſe him in the weighty care of the Government.

He that mounts the Throne is never to be brought to the Bar, ſince the Law ſays he cannot die.Having named theſe Prerogatives of a moſt Auguſt and Imperial Crown, what ſhall I call that barbarous and inhumane Principle and Purpoſe of bringing the King to Judgment before the Kings Tribunal, and then to ſmite him with the Sword which he alone is to draw; the King, I ſay, whom the Law it ſelf openly declares can never die? There is no neceſſity of curbing arbitrary government by ſuch inhumane Tyranny upon the ſacred Perſon of the King, ſince whatever may be done in the adminiſtration of the Government, either againſt the Laws of the Country, or inconſiſtent with the good and profit of the People, the blame and puniſhment of it is caſt upon the publick Miniſters: ſo that it was not flattery, but the higheſt Juſtice which gave ground to this noted maxime,Nor can he err, or do wrong. But as he offends by his Miniſters, ſo is he puniſhed. That the King cannot err, nor do any wrong; becauſe the whole blame and all the puniſhment is wont, and ought to fall upon the publick Miniſters and Counſellors, whoſe duty it is to admoniſh the Prince, and to deny their concurrence with him in any thing that is unjuſt; and to reſigne their place, rather than obey him when he commands any thing contrary to Law.

Nay,The Heir of the Crown is by the death of his Predeceſſor ipſo facto cleared from all guilt. the Laws are ſo ſollicitous for the ſafety of the Prince, as of him who is to maintain and preſerve the Law, that the next Heir to the Crown, whatſoever Crime he might be guilty or accuſed of whilſt he was a private perſon, yet by the death of his Predeceſſor, as by a certain poſtliminious Abſolution, he is freed from all taint and guilt; and his ſtepping up into the Throne purges him from all defects. It is enough to curb him that holds the Reins of the Government, That he muſt expect the Judgment of God.

Nevertheleſs,Yet it is not lawful to rule arbitrarily. it is not lawful for the King to rule arbitrarily in England, oppreſs his Subjects, or make and abrogate Laws by his ſole Authority. But as the Law allows a decorous adminiſtration of abſolute Authority in ſome things to the King, ſo does it aſſigne to the Commons others,VVhat Rights belong to Parliaments. and thoſe no inconſiderable Priviledges in the Kingdom, in common with the King, that ſo the joynt Authority in Government might the more eaſily engage the Subjects to obedience.

To make and repeal Laws.For, for the making and repealing of Laws, and the interpreting and explaining former ambiguous Statutes;Impoſe Taxes. for raiſing of Money out of the ordinary courſe,Legitimate Baſtards. when there is occaſion for it; legitimating of Baſtards; naturalizing of Strangers; altering and ſetling the Rights of Poſſeſſions;Enact the VVorſhip of God. confirming by civil Sanctions the Divine Worſhip, after it hath by the Convention of the Clergy been formed according to the Word of God; ſetting Rates upon Weights and Meaſures,Set Rates on VVeights and Meaſures. and the like; that the people may not ſeem to ſuffer any thing without their own conſent and concurrence, the Votes of Parliament, which is the ſupreme Court of England, and in conjunction with the King, under God, hath a certain Omnipotence in this little World, are neceſſarily required.

VVhat the Parliament of England is.The Parliament is an Aſſembly of the States of the Kingdom, conſiſting of the Biſhops, Lords, and Repreſentatives of the Commons, called by the King who is the Head of it, who meet and ſit in two diſtinct places called the Upper and Lower Houſes, in reſpect of dignity not of ſcituation. The Upper Houſe (which is called the Houſe of Lords) contains two Eſtates,The Ʋpper Houſe of it. to wit, the Spiritual Lords who are the Biſhops, and the Temporal who are Dukes, Marqueſſes, Earls, and Barons; the Judges of the Kingdom aſſiſting to give advice in matter of Law, but not to vote.

The Lower.The Lower Houſe conſiſts of the third Eſtate of the Kingdom, who are the Commons, and is therefore called alſo the Houſe of Commons; they are choſen by the plurality of Voices of the Freeholders of the Counties, and Freemen of Corporations, two Knights for each County or Shire, and two Burgeſſes for the moſt part for every City and Corporation-Town, according to the uſe and cuſtom of the place.

The day and place of the meeting of the Parliament is appointed by the King;The time and place appointed by the King. by him alſo it is prorogued, transferred, and adjourned to another place, or diſſolved at his pleaſure.

The Peers are ſummoned to attend in Parliament by Writs ſeverally directed to them,They are called by VVrits. and ſigned by the King. To the reſt the Sheriffs of the ſeveral Counties by virtue of a Writ out of the Chancery, give notice that the King within a certain time orders an Election to be made of Knights and Burgeſſes, which he commands to be made by the Sheriff in time and place convenient.

Vetus Reſcripti formula ad Dynaſtas.

Reſcriptum Regis ad Dynaſtas ſeu Pares ſic ſonat: Carolus Dei gratiâ, &c. Reverendiſſimo in Chriſto Patri, &c. (ſi Epiſcopos compellet) Conſanguineo noſtro (ſi Duces, Marchiones vel Comites alloquatur) Dilecto & fideli noſtro (ſi Barones.) Quia de adviſamento Concilii noſtri, pro quibuſdam arduis & urgentibus negotiis, Nos, & Statum & defenſionem Regni noſtri Angliae & Eccleſiae Anglicanae concernentibus, quoddam Parlamentum noſtrum ad Weſtmonaſt. &c. teneri ordinavimus, & ibidem vobiſcum & cum caeteris Praelatis, Magnatibus & Proceribus dicti Regni noſtri Angliae colloquium habere & tractatum; vobis in fide & Dilectione (ſi ad Epiſcopos mittatur Reſcriptum) per fidem & Allegiantiam (ſi ad Pares) quibus nobis tenemini, firmiter injungendo mandamus, quod conſideratis dictorum negotiorum arduitate & periculis imminentibus, ceſſante quacunque excuſatione, die & loco dictis, perſonaliter interſitis Nobiſcum cum caeteris Praelatis, Magnatibus & Proceribus, ſuper dictis negotiis tractaturi, veſtrúmque Conſilium impenſuri; & hoc, ſicut Nos & honorem noſtram, ac ſalutem Regni praedicti & Eccleſiae ſanctae, Expeditionémque dictorum negotiorum diligitis, nullatenus omittatis, (ſi ad Epiſcopos ſcribat) praemonere Decanum & Capitulum Eccleſiae veſtrae tolúmque Clerum veſtrae Dioeceſeos, quod idem Decanus & Archidiaconi in propriis perſonis, ac dictum Capitulum per unum, idémque Clerus per duos Procuratores idoneos, plenam & ſufficientem poteſtatem ab ipſis Capitulo & Clero habentes, praedictis die & loco perſonaliter interſint, ad conſentiendum his quae tum ibidem de communi concilio Regni noſtri (Divinâ favente clementiâ) contigerit ordinari.

Teſte Meipſo, &c.

The ancient form of the Writ to the Peers.

The Kings Writ to the Nobles or Peers, runs thus: CHARLES by the grace of God, &c. to the moſt Reverend Father in Chriſt (if it ſpeaks to any of the Biſhops) to Our Couſin (if it is addreſſed to any Duke, Marqueſs, or Earl) To our Beloved and Faithful (if to a Baron.) Whereas by the advice of Our Council We have ordained that Our Parliament ſhall be holden at Weſtminſter, &c. for the diſpatch of certain difficult and urgent Affairs concerning (or pertaining to) Us, and the State and Defence of Our Kingdom of England, and of the Church of England, and there to hold a Colloquy and Treat with you and with the reſt of the Prelates, Great men and Nobles of Our ſaid Kingdom of England: Therefore We, by the Fidelity and Love (if the Writ be ſent to the Biſhops) by the Fidelity and Allegiance, (if to any of the Peers) which you owe to Us, ſtreightly injoyning, command you, that in conſideration of the difficulty of the aforeſaid Affairs, and of the Dangers impending, laying aſide all Excuſes, at the day and place aforeſaid you perſonally appear to treat with Us, together with the reſt of the Prelates, Great men, and Nobles, concerning the Affairs aforeſaid, and thereupon give Us your counſel. And this you are not to omit, as you love Us, and Our Honour, and the Safety of Our ſaid Kingdom, and the expedition of the ſaid Affairs.

And if the Writ be directed to a Biſhop, it goes on further thus: And you are to forewarn the Dean and Chapter of your Church, and all the Clergy of your Dioceſs, that the ſaid Dean and the Archdeacons be perſonally preſent; and the ſaid Chapter by one, and the ſaid Clergy by two ſufficient Procurators, having full and ſufficient power from the ſaid Chapter and Clergy, at the day and place aforeſaid, to Conſent to thoſe things which then and there (by the favour of the divine Clemency) ſhall happen to be ordained by the Common Council of Our Kingdom.

Witneſs my ſelf, &c.

Ad Communes, ſeu Inferioris Confeſſus Senatores.

Aliud Reſcriptum ad Vicecomites & Praeſides Civitatum, ſeu Municipiorum, conceptis hiſce verbis ità ſe habet: Rex Vicecomiti ſalutem. Quia de adviſamento & aſſenſu Concilii noſtri, &c. (progreditur ut ſuperius) & ibidem cum Praelatis, Magnatibus & Proceribus Regni noſtri Colloquium habere & tractatum; Tibi praecipimus firmiter injungentes, quòd factâ Proclamatione in Comitatu tuo, poſt receptionem hujus Brevis noſtri, Parliamenti tenendi die & loco praedictis, duos Milites gladiis cinctos, magis idoneos & diſcretos Comitatûs praedicti, & de qualibet Civitate Comitatûs illius duos Cives, & de quolibet Burgo duos Burgenſes de diſcretioribus & magìs ſufficientibus, liberè & indifferenter per illos qui Electioni huic interfuerint, juxta formam Statutorum indè edictorum & proviſorum, eligi, & nomina eorundem Militum, Civium & Burgenſium in quibuſdam Indenturis inter te & illos qui hujuſmodi Electioni interfuerint conficiendis, ſive hujuſmodi electi praeſentes fuerint ſive abſentes, inſeri, eóſque ad dictum diem & locum venire facies: Ità quòd iidem Milites plenam & ſufficientem poteſtatem pro ſe & Communitate praedicti Comitatûs, ac dicti Cives & Burgenſes pro ſe & Communitatibus Civitatum & Burgorum praedictorum diviſim ab ipſis habeant, ad faciendum & conſentiendum his quae tum ibidem de communi Concilio Regni noſtri (favente Deo) contigerit ordinari ſuper negotiis antè dictis, ità nè pro defectu poteſtatis hujuſmodi, ſeu propter improvidam Electionem Militum, Civium aut Burgenſium praedictorum, praedicta negotia infecta maneant quovis modo. Nolumus tamen quòd tu nec aliquis alius Vicecomes dicti Regni noſtri aliqualiter ſit electus.

To the Members of the Houſe of Commons.

Another Writ directed to the Sheriffs and Chief Magiſtrates of Cities and Corporations, runs thus: The King to the Sheriff greeting. Whereas by the Advice and Aſſent of Our Council, &c. (as before) then and there to hold a Colloquy and Treaty with Our Prelates, Great men, and Nobles of Our Kingdom, &c. We command and ſtreightly injoyn you that a Proclamation being made in your County (Court) after the receipt of this Our Writ, concerning Our Parliament to be holden at the day and place aforeſaid; you do cauſe two Knights of the moſt fitting and diſcreet of your County aforeſaid, and of every City in the ſaid County two Citizens, and of every Burrow (or Corporation) two Burgeſſes of the moſt diſcreet and ſufficient, to be freely and indifferently choſen, according to the form of the Statutes in that caſe made and provided, by thoſe who ſhall be then preſent at the ſaid Election; and you are alſo to inſert the names of the ſaid Knights, Citizens, and Burgeſſes (whether the perſons ſo elected be preſent or abſent) in certain Indentures to be made betwixt you and thoſe who ſhall be preſent at the ſaid Election, and you ſhall cauſe them to appear at the day and place aforeſaid: ſo as the ſaid Knights have full and ſufficient power for themſelves and the Community of the aforeſaid County, and the ſaid Citizens and Burgeſſes for themſelves and the Communities of the ſaid Cities and Corporations, ſeverally to do and conſent to thoſe things which (by the favour of God) ſhall by the Common Council of Our Kingdom be ordained concerning the Affairs aforeſaid; ſo that by the want of ſuch Power, or by the improvident Election of the Knights, Citizens, or Burgeſſes aforeſaid, the Affairs aforeſaid be not in any way left unfiniſhed (undiſpatched). Yet We will not that you or any other Sheriff of Our ſaid Kingdom be by any means elected.

Theſe things being punctually performed according to exactneſs of Law,The manner of meeting. the Members in a ſolemn and ſplendid Proceſſion, ſuch as may imprint an Awe and Reverence in the minds of the People, go firſt to Church, and then to the Parliament-houſe.The King declares the cauſes of their meeting in the Ʋpper Houſe. And at that time the King coming into the Houſe of Lords, and having called up the Members of the Houſe of Commons, either ſpeaks to them himſelf, or cauſes the Lord Chancellor to declare to them the weighty cauſes of their meeting, and what it is he would have them conſult and deliberate about for the Publick Good.

The King is not obliged afterward, unleſs he pleaſe, to be preſent at their Conſultations, except at the end of a Seſſion, that he may give the ſtrength and vigour of a Law to their Bills.

The Knights and Burgeſſes of the Lower Houſe have ſeverally the Oath of Allegiance adminiſtred unto them by one appointed for that effect by the King; which amongſt other things, contains this clauſe:All and every one of the Members of the Houſe of Commons take the Oath of Allegiance to the King. I will bear Faith and true Allegiance to his Majeſty, his Heirs and Succeſſors, and him and them will defend to the uttermoſt of my power, againſt all Conſpiracies and Attempts whatſoever, which ſhall be made againſt his or their Perſons, their Crown and Dignity; and make known unto his Majeſty, his Heirs and Succeſſors, all Treaſons and traiterous Conſpiracies which I ſhall know and hoar of to be againſt him or any of them, &c.

But leſt any one being advanced to the high Honour and Dignity of conſulting with the King, and ſharing in ſome part of the Government, ſhould forget that he is ſtill a Subject; the better to keep him within the bounds of duty, he is to take another Oath of Supremacy in theſe words:And of Supremacy. I A. B. do utterly teſtifie and declare in my Conſcience, That the Kings Highneſs is the onely Supreme Governour of this Realm, and of all other his Highneſs's Dominions and Countries, as well in all Spiritual or Eccleſiaſtical things or cauſes, as Temporal: and that no foreign Prince, Perſon, Prelate, State, or Potentate, hath or ought to have any Juriſdiction, Power, Superiority, Preeminence, or Authority Eccleſiaſtical or Spiritual within this Realm. And therefore I do utterly renounce and forſake all foreign Juriſdictions, Powers, Superiorities, and Authorities; and do promiſe from henceforth I ſhall hear Faith and true Allegiance to the Kings Highneſs, his Heirs and lawful Succeſſors; and to my power ſhall aſſiſt and defend all Juriſdictions, Priviledges, Pre-eminences, and Authorities granted or belonging to the Kings Highneſs, his Heirs and Succeſſors, or united or annexed to the Imperial Crown of this Realm. So help me God, and by the contents of this Book.

They chuſe a Speaker, whom they accompany to the King, beſeeching his Majesty to approve their Election.Being thus obliged to their duty upon their entry into this auſpicious Honour by the Votes of the Lower Houſe (according to the Kings deſignation or nomination) a Speaker is choſen, whom they accompany to the King, beſeeching his Majeſty to approve their election; which the King readily grants. This being done, the Speaker in the name of himſelf and of all the Commons, thanks the King, and begs of his Majeſty that they may enjoy their Priviledges, and have the freedom of debating; and that if any one in the heat of diſcourſe ſhould ſpeak too warmly,And not to be offended with their freedom in speech. his Majeſty would not take it ill, nor be offended; and that they may have free acceſs to his Majeſty and the Upper Houſe ſo often as occaſion ſhall require. Which being granted, they are diſmiſſed.

☞ All may petition, but by the mediation of Deputies.All men heretofore were admitted to petition this Auguſt Aſſembly, provided their Petitions were preferred within ſix days after the opening of the Parliament, and by the hands of ſome appointed by the Upper Houſe; it belonging to them to judge what were fitting to be preſented in Parliament, and to reject ſuch as were trivial or ſeditious.

Each Houſe has power to conſult, debate,The way of debating and communicating opinions betwixt both Houſes. and form Bills about the matters propoſed by the King, or concerning the making or abrogating of Laws; ſo that what is agreed upon in the one Houſe, is by Meſſengers to be ſent to the other: and if both concur in judgment after the matter hath been debated, the Aſſent is marked over the head of the Bill (if it be in the Lords Houſe) in this form of words: Les Seigneurs out aſſentes; The Lords have conſented. And in the Houſe of Commons, thus: Les Communes out aſſentes; The Commons have conſented.

But if they diſagree, many times both Houſes, or Committees choſen by them, meet in conference in a convenient place, which is called the Painted Chamber; where the Lords covered and ſitting, in ſolemn manner receive the Commons ſtanding uncovered, and both argue the matter in debate. If in ſuch Conferences opinions diſagree (as it happens ſometimes) the thing is laid aſide; but if they concurr, the Bill is carried to the King: which if he approve of, it is written upon, Le Roy le veut, By the Kings conſent the Bills are made Laws; The King wills it; whereby, as by a Soul infuſed into the body, it receives life, and paſſes into a perfect Law, to be afterwards promulgated to the people: If on the contrary the King approve not the Bills brought to him, he uſes to write over head, Le Roy s'aviſera, The King will conſider of it: Or otherwiſe rejected. ſometimes he utterly rejects them, and then they are wholly laid aſide.

But matters of Religion (which require the Kings more eſpecial care) are not ſo intirely committed by him to the Parliament,Religious matters a • • ommit • ed by the Ki • g to the Clergy. but to the Convocation of the Clergy to be handled, unleſs for the ſanction of Parliament to give them the authority of a Law, which otherwiſe they could not ſufficiently have.Which by the Deans, Archdeacons, and Deputies of the Clergy, are holden in the Convocation. The Deans, Archdeacons, two Prebendaries commiſſionated by the ſeveral Chapters, and as many Prieſts out of every Dioceſs, meet in an appointed place to conſult about affairs of that nature; where having firſt choſen a Prolocutor, they ſettle points of Religion, Ceremonies, and other matters belonging to the Church, and the impoſition of Subſidies alſo, in name of the Clergy: yet in theſe latter times their Acts bind not the People,Their Acts bind not the People, without the conſent of the King and Parliament. until (as we ſaid before) they be paſſed into a Law by the King, with conſent of both Houſes of Parliament. And ſo cautious have our Kings been that Laymen ſhould not meddle in ſuch affairs, that, as it is recorded in Hiſtory, Queen Elizabeth ſeverely checked the Parliament for having appointed a Faſt without • sking her leave; nor would ſhe be ſatisfied, till they begg'd her Majeſties pardon for it.

That we may return to the Authority of Parliament, each Houſe hath its ſeveral and diſtinct Priviledges.The Rights & Priviledges of the Ʋpper Houſe. The Houſe of Lords not onely concurs in Council and making of Laws, but hath alſo power of Judicature and giving Judgment, and ſo of adminiſtring an Oath, eſpecially in weightier Cauſes, as in the corruption of Judges and Magiſtrates, and in higheſt Appeals: which yet, the Lawyers ſay, cannot lawfully be brought to a tryal, without the conſent and warrant of the King; and is never done, unleſs the Judges of the Law do aſſiſt.

Of the Lower.The Houſe of Commons claims to it ſelf the priviledge of petitioning and propoſing Laws, or of proſecuting, but never of judging, unleſs within its own walls, and over the Members of their own Houſe, nor that neither beyond a Fine and Impriſonment. By ancient cuſtom that Houſe was ſo far from pronouncing any Sentence (much leſs in caſes of Life and Death) in the name of the People, againſt the meaneſt Servant in England, that it never took to it ſelf the power of adminiſtring an Oath. It is alſo extant in the Rolls, to this purpoſe: Ʋpon the humble ſupplication of the Houſe of Commons, that whereas all Parliamentary Judgment belongs to the King and the Peers, and not to the Commons, unleſs by a Grant and Permiſſion from the King, it would pleaſe the Kings Majeſty that they be not, contrary to cuſtom, obliged to give Judgment; whereupon the King for the future excuſed them from that trouble, reſerving the Parliamentary power of Judging for the time to come to the King and Houſe of Lords onely, (ſave onely in making Laws, or impoſing Taxes and Subſidies) unleſs when it ſhall otherwiſe ſeem fit to the Kings Majeſty to require their particular counſel and aſſent for diſpatching the publick Affairs of the Nation.

Nay, it was of old the cuſtom alſo, that if any Controverſie or Doubt aroſe about the validity of the Election of the Members of the Houſe of Commons, the matter was not determined by the other Members of the ſame Houſe, but either by the Lords in the Upper Houſe, or by the Judges in Chancery. And if any of them alſo departed from the Parliament without leave from the King and both Houſes, he was brought before the Kings Privy-Council or Kings-Bench, to receive ſentence for his faults; but he was never puniſhed at the will and pleaſure of his own Houſe.

This alſo is peculiar to the Houſe of Commons, (that we may again return to their Priviledges) that it belongs to them firſt to debate and form the Bill for raiſing Money from the People.

Such therefore is the wonderful temper of our Monarchy, that the King, Lords, and Commons have their ſeveral parts in the publick adminiſtration of Affairs; yet with that harmonious proportion, that All can help, but none of them hurt the Publick. For the Prerogative of the King that gives him the ſupreme power of Government, and of Peace and War, tends to this, that he may have ſtrength enough to defend the Laws againſt the Factions of the Nobility, and the Tumults and Inſurrections of the people: whilſt the Nobles, by the high Authority they have in giving Judgment and making Laws, can on the one hand put a ſtop to tyrannical attempts, if any ſhould be offered by the King; and on the other, curb the inſolence of a tumultuous and ſeditious common People. Nor are the Commons, through the priviledge they have of accuſing any man, and giving or denying Money, unprovided of means of reſtraining the licentiouſneſs of the Lords and Privy-Counſellors, and of preventing the arbitrarineſs of the Prince.

The providence of the Law thae the Members might debate freely and without fear.The Laws are very careful that the liberty of Debating and Voting be not obſtructed through fear and the inſolence of wicked men; for it is enjoyned under ſevere penalties, that no Member of Parliament come to the Houſe with hidden or open Arms, nor that any other perſon armed with a Sword or any other Weapon, preſume to walk in the Palace-yard or near the Houſe, thereby to give cauſe of terrour and apprehenſion, or to leſſen the reverence of the place. Yea, it hath been the cuſtom, that the Members of Parliament and their menial Servants, ſhould during the ſitting of Parliament, be protected from arreſts for debt, or other ſlight crimes; but the Priviledge of Parliament excuſes no man that is guilty of Treaſon, Felony, or Breach of the Peace, from the ordinary proſecution of Law. Yet if by the miſtake either of the Magiſtrate or Officer, any Parliament-man or their Servants happen to be arreſted, they cannot be ſet at liberty according to Law, but by a Writ (aſſigning the cauſe) directed out of the Chancery.

So much heretofore did both Houſes contain themſelves within the bounds of modeſty,The modeſty of the Parliament. that if any one inconſiderately offended againſt the received cuſtoms, or ſpake any way irreverently of the King, he was ſeverely puniſhed for the fault, and that at the ſuit and inſtance of the Houſe of which he was a Member.

The Kings alſo did very ſeldom,

What honour Kings were wont to ſhew the Parliament.

But when occaſion required, reduced them into order.

unleſs it were for weighty cauſes, act any thing that might give offence to ſo Auguſt an Aſſembly: Yet ſometimes, upon high provocations, ſome of our mildeſt Princes have ſeverely rebuked the whole Parliament, and cauſed ſome Members to be brought to the Bar to anſwer for their offences; and have puniſhed others by Fine, Impriſonment, or Death, according to the nature of their crimes.

Theſe were the old cuſtoms, and thoſe the men that made England for many Ages paſt to flouriſh,The happineſs of the Kingdom under this Government. being happy at home, and renowned abroad; until too much happineſs (as often happens in humane affairs) with Luxury and all ſorts of Vice, brought in amongſt us Pride, Ambition, and the contempt of the Laws both of God and man; ſo that with mutual emulation and envy men began to covet and invade the Rights of one another, to deſpiſe and ſet at nought, rather than to reverence and obey the King, Religion, and Laws, and to gape after Novelties, rather than to acquieſce in what was moſt excellently eſtabliſhed.

Of late,VVhat were the beginnings of the Troubles raiſed by ſome Members of the Houſe of Commons. ſome perverſe men (and they at firſt but a few) who had ſcrewed themſelves into the Lower Houſe, being deſirous of changes, and crafty Promoters of publick Debates, began to clamour about the Rights and Liberties of the People, and Power of Parliaments, to arrogate to themſelves unheard-of Priviledges, to be very buſie where they were no ways concerned, take upon them what they were not capable of effecting, and at length breaking out into inſolent Expreſſions and Invectives againſt the the Kings power, calling into queſtion the Tunnage and Poundage, which the Kings of England in all times enjoyed, and forbidding them to be payed to the King; nay, and to offer violence to their Speaker within the very walls of the Houſe; and in a word, to ſhake off their ancient modeſty, all reverence which they ought to bear to the Majeſty of their King, and to trample under foot the ſacred Cuſtoms of the Kingdom and Priviledges of Parliament.

Hence mutual Jealouſies betwixt the King and Parliament.

And then the diſſolution of Parliaments.

Hence aroſe mutual Heart-burnings and Jealouſies, that the King deſigned to invade the Liberties of the Parliament, and the Parliament to encroach upon the Prerogative of the Crown. For this reaſon the King put an end to ſeveral Parliaments much ſooner than many deſired, (but not without precedents in former times) and checked the raſhneſs of ſome by impriſonment. Being ſome time afterward ſollicited, he refuſed to call new Parliaments, that ſo the Heats and Animoſities might be allayed, and that they might learn for the future to bring along with them Modeſty and greater Gravity to ſo great a Council.

This gave occaſion of ſtirring the people up againſt the King.But that gave occaſion to crafty and reſtleſs men of ſpreading their poyſon all over England; ſo that every where they gave it out, That Religion was ruined, the publick Liberty oppreſt, and the Laws in danger of being ſubverted; hoping that it would be no difficult matter to perſwade credulous people of this, who were greedy of Novelties, and prone to liſten to Calumnies and Slanders, eſpecially of the great men. They reproached the King with bitter Railings, calling him uxorious, imprudent, addicted to the Popiſh Religion, covetous, and what elſe they knew to be infamous and hateful to the People. They cenſured the beſt of his actions, and ſtrained them to the worſt ſence. They wonderfully aggravated his Misfortunes and Failings, and were more injurious than ill fortune her ſelf in their horrid conſtructions.

Amongſt ſo many Complaints and Outcries,And yet the Kingdom in a moſt flouriſhing condition. if you demand what real calamity happened, Britain was never in a more flouriſhing condition; ſtately Buildings both publick and private every where reared, not onely for conveniency, but even for Oſtentation and Luxury; Trade increaſing dayly both in compaſs and profit, had already enlarged it ſelf to both the Indies; onely unhappy in this, that with the Wealth of Strangers, foreign Vices were alſo imported: Arts of all ſorts never look'd gayer in Colledges, Courts, and Shops; nor were the wealthy Inhabitants ever prouder; Juſtice was adminiſtred according to Law; nor was any man deprived of Life or Goods, but by the lawful Verdict of a Jury of his Country-men, to whom theſe things ought to be of higheſt value: all the parts of Government were ſo adminiſtred, that they ſeemed to conſpire together for the publick good; ſave onely in this, that they could not repreſs the inſolency and wantonneſs that ſprung from ſo great proſperity; and (which is not to be diſſembled) being long unaccuſtomed to War, we had been unfortunate in ſome foreign expeditions;Though unfortunate in War abroad, and ſome Taxes impoſed at home. and the people were incenſed at ſome impoſitions at home, which though very moderate, and countenanced by publick neceſſity and good reaſon in Law, yet gave occaſion to the people to pretend that the Right and Property of the Subject was oppreſt,Some ſeditious perſons are puniſhed. and to outcries of Injuſtice; and alſo the impriſonment and lopping off the ears of four or five ſeditious perſons, ſentenced by the Judges of the Star-Chamber, ſeemed to be puniſhments too ſevere for thoſe halcyon days of Peace and Tranquillity. To this may be added, that the Juriſdiction and Cenſures of Spiritual Courts wrought pity in ſome, and indignation in others. Beſides, the muſter of Malecontents was made greater by ſome ſcrupulous Puritans who interpreted the enjoyning of Ceremonies and things indifferent in the Worſhip of God,New Ceremonies ſtartle the Puritans. in the Canons of the Church, to be the Fore-runners of Popery.

We may alſo take along with us the Zeal of the Archbiſhop in exempting the Clergie from the Suits and Injuries of Laicks, and preferring them to civil employments; which drew a great deal of envy and ill will not onely upon himſelf, but upon all the Church-men alſo:The Archbiſhop endeavouring to impoſe the Liturgy of England upon the Scots, offends them. as alſo his endeavouring to bring into the Church of Scotland the uſe of the Service-book of England; which, though his deſigne was laudable, that theſe three neighbouring Nations, being under the government of one and the ſame King, might alſo be joyned in an uniform manner of Worſhip, was yet unſeaſonable and ill timed, as we ſhall a little more fully relate.

Ʋpon which pretext, but for other cauſes, they grow turbulent.Matters in Scotland were then ripe for a Rebellion: for many took it ill that the King denied them the Honours and Titles to which they aſpired; others were vexed that they were forced to part with ſome portion of the Tythes (though but moderate) which they had, upon the diſſolution of the Monaſteries, in the minority of King James, obtained from the Crown, for making a competent Stipend for Miniſters, who then ſerved the Cures at what eaſie rates the Patrons were pleaſed to allow them; but moſt could not digeſt, that the abſolute Authority which they had for a long time uſurped over their Vaſſals and Tenants, ſhould be taken from them and annexed to the Crown.

Theſe chuſing rather to ſhake the State than quit their hold; thoſe again, rather to get Titles of Honour by the ſeditious Acclamations of the Mobile, than to want them, took occaſion of the Liturgie and Ceremonies, to buz the people in the ear that the reformed Religion was to be overturned to make way for Popery;

They take Arms; alter the Government both in Church and State.

The King marches againſt them;

ſo that having taken up Arms and born down all that were of a contrary opinion, they new model Church and State according to their own humour.

The King reſolving to reduce thoſe by Arms, whom he could not reclaim by the milder cauſes of admonition, being accompanied by the Flower of the Youth, and Nobility of England, who voluntarily, and at their own charge, ſet out upon the expedition, marches to the borders; but having by clemency and conceſſions brought them over to obedience,

And upon Articles makes Peace with them.

The Scots innovating the Articles, cauſe a new VVar.

which he preferred before Hoſtility and Arms, he condeſcended to Articles of Peace, and disbanded his Army.

The Scots afterward inſiſting upon Articles different from thoſe that were agreed upon, occaſion new Broils and Diſſenſions; which when neither Commiſſioners, Meſſengers, nor mutual Letters could compoſe, both ſides prepare afreſh for a new War.

On the Kings ſide the Earl of Strafford, then Deputy of Ireland, raiſed an Army of eight thouſand men with the aſſiſtance of the Parliament of Ireland, being to be paid by them; and being come over again into England, beſtirs himſelf in raiſing another Army here.

A Parliament is called:A Parliament is called in England, wherein a certain Courtier making bad uſe of his inſtructions, did (purpoſely, as moſt believed, that he might confound affairs, and increaſe Animoſities betwixt the King and Parliament) ſomewhat haughtily demand twelve Subſidies, when the Houſe of Commons had offered ſix, in lieu of the Ship-money: and this raiſed new diſcontents and grievances;And diſſolved. for putting a ſtop to which in thoſe troubleſome times, the Parliament was ſooner diſſolved than many could have wiſhed.

The Scots making a ſecret Combination with the Factious, invade England. In the mean time the Scots, whoſe Forces were not ſo diſperſed, but that they might be ſpeedily drawn together into a body, nicking the opportunity, and by Agents entring into a Combination with the factious of England, under pretext of petitioning the King, came in a hoſtile manner into England; and having beat ſome Troops that guarded the paſſage of the River Tine, put all into fear and conſternation, took Newcaſtle and other Towns unprovided for defence, and fortified them.

Having made a Truce, the Judgment of the Parliament is expected.And though Strafford, with the new-raiſed Army under his command, had undertaken to drive them out of the Kingdom; yet the moſt merciful King choſe rather to refer the matter to a Parliament, than without publick conſent to pollute the Kingdom with bloud and ſlaughter. A Truce was therefore made, whereby the Scots were allowed a free Trade and Commerce, with liberty to raiſe Contributions in the Counties where they lay; and ſo a Parliament was called, by whoſe prudence and Loyalty it was hoped all roots and Fibres of Animoſities might be extirpated.

The Parliament meets. The Factious in it.The Parliament being met, the Factious who in great numbers had got into the Houſe of Commons, truſting now to the Patronage of the Scots, and the Diſorders of the times, ſet about their buſineſs manfully; they repreſent Grievances both publick and private▪ accuſe Courtiers and Magiſtrates, and dart obliquely reproaches againſt the King himſelf, exaggerating all with the higheſt ſtrains of their Rhetorick.Who under pretext of reforming Grievances, endeavour to new-model the Government both in Church and State And by what ſteps. Under pretext of reforming theſe Abuſes, they labour to overturn both Church and State, and, in imitation of the Scots, to new-model the Government; and that by theſe ſteps: If, in the firſt place, they could deprive the King of the Counſels and Aſſiſtance, of his moſt faithful Subjects, and by loading him with Reproaches and falſe Crimes, render him odious to the People, and ſtrip him of all Power and Authority, they would next ſcrew themſelves into publick Offices and the power of the Militia; and then with abſolute dominion give Laws both to the King and People.

The Earl of Strafford and Archbiſhop of Canterbury are accuſed of High-Treaſon,Many are accuſed; the E. of Strafford, and Arſhb. of Canterbury. both the Engliſh and Scots impeaching them. Againſt Strafford, alſo out of Ireland (where the greateſt matter of accuſation was to be pickt up) both Witneſſes and Accuſers are brought. For whilſt he was Deputy of Ireland; he had by ſome ſeverities (which though perhaps they could not ſtand the teſt of the punctilio's and niceties of Law, yet were neceſſary for the publick) raiſed the indignation of the Inhabitants; in that he endeavoured to reclaim the native Iriſh from their wonted Barbarity, to Induſtry, Civility, and better Manners, and to enure them to the Cuſtoms and Practices of the Engliſh. Whence in a ſhort time he had been ſo ſucceſsful in this, that having ſetled Trades, Husbandry, and Commerce amongſt thoſe lazy and ſtubborn people, they began to flouriſh more than in all Ages before, and to bring money into the Exchequer of England, which by Rebellions they had ſo often exhauſted before. From amongſt theſe, though they were Roman Catholicks, and ſworn enemies to the Engliſh Government, and even then plotting a Conſpiracy againſt it, Accuſers in name of the Kingdom of Ireland, and Witneſſes were ſent for, who being prone enough of themſelves to the work, that they might the more ſecurely attempt the Rebellion which then they hatched in their minds, (the wiſe Deputy being taken off) were by all civilities and kind offices careſſed by the Factious, that by accumulated crimes they might overwhelm Strafford. The Lord Keeper Finch was alſo accuſed,The L. Keeper, Judges, and all the Judges, who being ſworn, had after long deliberation, declared in favour of the King, as to the lawfulneſs of Ship-money: Twelve Biſhops alſo,And twelve Biſhops. who by the riotous Rabble having been barred from coming into the Houſe of Lords, proteſted againſt all Laws that ſhould be made as invalid, until all that were concerned in the Council of the Kingdom might ſafely be preſent. Others withdrew, to avoid the impendent ſtorm.

The terrified Judges are freely diſcharged.The Judges ſcared with this Parliamentary Thunderclap, and taught to obey their Lords and Maſters, are at laſt all freely diſcharged; and ſome of them continued in their places, or promoted to higher.The Biſhops alſo being deprived of the right of voting in the Houſe of Lords. The Biſhops having loſt their power of voting in the Lords Houſe by a Law made in their abſence, being likewiſe ſet at liberty, Canterbury is reſerved for a future Sacrifice. All the Storm, at preſent, fell upon the head of the Earl of Strafford, whoſe Tragedy, ſince it lay heavy upon the King during his whole life, and at his death, and that he by the Rebels was reckoned the moſt guilty, I ſhall more fully relate, that by the inſtance of one, judgment may be made of the reſt, what kind of men they were who were ſo hated by the Parliament.

Strafford is brought to his tryal before the Houſe of Lords the King overhearing.With great pomp he is accuſed by the Commons of twenty eight Articles of High Treaſon before the Houſe of Lords; all the Commons were preſent, of whom ſix of the moſt violent were his Proſecutors or Managers of the Tryal; the King alſo, Queen and Prince being there privately behind the Curtain. The weight of his Impeachment lay in this: That in Ireland he had acted many things arbitrarily contrary to Law: That in time of Peace he had raiſed Money of the Inhabitants againſt their wills by Military Exactions: That he had adviſed the King to force the Subjects of England to obedience by foreign Arms, and to make War againſt Scotland.

The Tryal laſted many days; during which,The Earl in his defence clears himſelf of the Accuſation. the Earl with great preſence of mind and judgment defending himſelf, ſo refuted the Arguments of his Proſecutors, that amongſt ſo many Articles there was not one (even in the judgment of his enemies) that could amount to Treaſon, nor could all put together be conſtructed an acumulative Treaſon; which inraged the Houſe of Commons ſo far, that having no colour of Law to take his life, they make a new Law ex poſt facto,

The Houſe of Commons make a new Law, whereby they make him guilty of Treaſon.

Not without oppoſition, many diſſenting.

whereby he is made guilty of High-Treaſon, with a clauſe therein, That it ſhould not be made a Precedent in other Courts.

But this paſt not without great debate and oppoſition, many ſpeaking and arguing to the contrary, and fifty nine of the chief Members of the Houſe diſſenting; whoſe names were poſted up in publick places, that being expoſed to the view and fury of the Mobile, they might learn to vote with the Factious for the future, if they had not rather be torn in pieces alive.

This Bill was in two days time paſt and engroſſed in the Houſe of Commons, and carried up to the Lords for their conſent; but a matter of ſuch moment was more ſeriouſly deliberated about there.The Lords deliberating more ſeriouſly. The Factious impatient of this delay, ſtir up the Rabble and Dregs of the People, who armed with Staves and Clubs, and what Weapons Rage put into their hands,The Rabble beſet the Houſe, came ruſhing to the Parliament-houſe, roaring out, Juſtice, Juſtice; and growing dayly more and more inſolent, morning and evening perſiſted in their riotous Clamours.

Theſe Blades beſetting the Houſe of Lords, And hinder the Lords and Biſhops from entering it; then they break into Weſtminſter-Abbey. lay hands upon what Lords and Biſhops they pleaſe, and toſſing them to and fro, hinder them from entering, and threaten them worſe if they obſtinately refuſed to comply with the Commons. Next, they break in into Weſtminſter-Abbey, pull down the Organs, rob the Veſtments and ſacred Furniture of the Church;And afterward run in tumult to White-hall. And anſwer the K. ſawcily. and then with furious clamours run to White-hall the Kings own houſe.

Nay, they proceeded to that impudence, as to dare to affront the King by ſawcy and inſolent Anſwers, when his Majeſty from a Balcony told them as they paſſed by White-hall, that they ſhould keep at home and mind their buſineſs.

Whilſt the Juſtices of Peace repreſs the Tumults, they are impriſoned by the factious Houſe.Whilſt ſome of the Juſtices of Peace, according to their Oath and duty, impriſon thoſe of that Rabble whom they could catch, to be kept there for condign puniſhment; they themſelves are clapt up by the factious Houſe of Commons; pretending that it was free for all to come and petition the Parliament: though they had cauſed the Gates of London to be ſhut againſt the men of Kent, who came to petition the contrary, and frightened others who intended to have done the like. And when ſome diſcreet and good men had deſired the Factious, that they would at length lay the Devils whom they had raiſed, they made anſwer, That they ought rather to thank their Friends.

The factious Members of Parliament conſult with the Apprentices, and teach them the time and manner of tumultuating.Nay, ſo far was the Parliamentary Dignity debaſed, that many times Members of the Houſe of Commons came to the Clubs of Apprentices, where they conſulted about, related and examined the affairs that paſt in Parliament, what was deſigned to be done, what parts they themſelves were to act, and when. Hence their Tumults became, by this kind of ſchooling, in a manner to be regular, being diſtributed into proper Claſſes and Fraternities, as of Porters, Watermen, Taylors, &c. who under pretext of petitioning, at the leaſt hint from their Demagogues flocked together into bodies. And that once for all, we may lay open the nature of this Sore, if any difficult knot occurred, which by other arts they could not unty, they preſently betook themſelves to this Sword to cut it.

By this means many being terrified,

Whereby the Members being frightned, forbear coming to the Houſe, and are therefore excluded.

Whence the Authority of Parliament wears out of date.

and thinking it ſafer to keep at home, and abſtain from coming, with danger to the Houſe, for that fault alone they were excluded by the prevailing Faction. Others who did appear, durſt not for fear of their own lives, give their Votes freely for the publick Good: ſo that from that time forward all authority of Parliament ſeemed to be worn out of date, ſince the Riffraff of the People challenged the right of voting in Parliament, and put a reſtraint upon the liberty of the reſt.

But to return to Strafford: The Lords paſs the Bill againſt the Earl of Strafford. The Lords being overcome by theſe Arguments, ſuccumb; and ſcarcely a third part of them being preſent, the Bill of the Houſe of Commons paſt in the Lords Houſe, by the plurality of ſeven voices.

The King is not ſo eaſily prevailed upon,The Kings conſent is very hardly obtained, though the riotous Rabble, hardly forbearing their hands, continually plagued him with Clamours and Threatnings; and the Noblemen and Courtiers that were about him, plied him inceſſantly with their Prayers and Remonſtrances.

Till the Judges pronounced it lawful, the Biſhops removed his ſcruples,

And Strafford adviſed him to it.

Nor would he ſigne the Bill until the Judges, who durſt not ſo much as mutter againſt the actions of the Parliament and People, ſatisfied him that he might do it in Law, and ſome Biſhops in Conſcience; and until the brave Earl had by a Letter perſwaded and almoſt beſought him to do it, like another Curtius, that he might fall a Sacrifice for the publick Peace, and the ſafety of the Royal Family.

The Sentence being paſt againſt the Earl, The King by Letters deſires the execution may be delayed the the King immediately ſent the Prince with Letters to the Lords, earneſtly recommending it to them, that, at leaſt, they would delay the execution for ſome time.The Lords deny it. But they having ſent twelve of their number to wait upon his Majeſty, perſwade him that without great danger to himſelf and Family, it could not be done.

Courtiers fearful of their condition, freely reſigne their places.The fall of ſo great a man from the very Pinacle of Honour, terrified the inferiour Lords who bore publick Offices. The Maſter of the Court of Wards, the Lord High Treaſurer, who had with great integrity diſcharged that Office, and the Princes Governour, freely reſigne their places; like ſome Creatures, who biting off the Prize of the chace, eſcape the fury of the Huntſmen.

The Sheriffs & Juſtices of the Peace comply with the times In that thing alone the King withſtood the will of the Parliament: In the reſt he left himſelf in a manner at their diſcretion.

He ſuffers the Juriſdiction of the Court of Stannaries, of the Court of the Preſident of Wales, to be leſſened.

The Sheriffs and Juſtices of the Peace, who were formerly in Office, comply with the times, and worſhip the riſing Sun.

In this thing almoſt alone the King abandoned not himſelf wholly to the will of the Parliament: for afterwards he granted them every thing that they themſelves were not aſhamed to ask.

The Juriſdiction of the Kings honourable Privy-Council; that of the Court of Stannaries, wherein by Patent from the King, the Lord Warden decided all Controverſies relating to the Labourers in the Mines, and the Officers concerned in that work; as alſo of the Court of the Preſident and Council of Wales eſtabliſhed in the marches betwixt England & Wales, wherein, as in Chancery, Law-ſuits amongſt the Inhabitants, were by the Kings Subſtitute determined according to the Rules of Equity, were ſtinted and limited by narrower bounds.

The extent of the Foreſts alſo be abridged. The Court of the Star-Chamber,The extent alſo of the Kings Foreſts and Chaces was abridged into a narrower compaſs. The Star-Chamber, wherein the Chancellor of the Kingdom being Preſident, greater Crimes, which were not at all, or not ſufficiently provided againſt by any particular poſitive Law, were tried and puniſhed; ſuch as Sedition, Conſpiracy, Faction, Scandalum Magnatum, &c. and thoſe alſo who by cunning or power eluded the force of the Law, was wholly abrogated.

And of the High Commiſſion, to be abrogated.The Court of High Commiſſion, wherein the Archbiſhop preſiding, ſome Nobles and the learned in the Law, by the Kings authority, paſt ſentence upon the more enormous Crimes that fell under Eccleſiaſtical cenſure, ſuffered the ſame fate alſo.

The Court of the Lord Preſident and Council of the North was aboliſhed,As alſo that of the Lord Preſident and Council of the North. which for a long time had adminiſtred Juſtice to that part of the Kingdom, and wherein Seditions, Conſpiracies, and Aſſociations, were by Royal authority ſuppreſt, and Law-ſuits about civil matters determined amongſt thoſe who wanted money to go, according to the Laws, for a tryal to London.

With all theſe the King readily parted, in proſpect of the publick good, though they were ſhining Jewels in the Imperial Crown.

He ſuffered all Monopolies to be reſcinded,He allows Monopolies to be reſcinded. leaving it fully to the Parliament to puniſh all thoſe who in proſecution of them had acted any thing contrary to Law and Juſtice.

He renounced alſo his Right of raiſing Souldiers, He yields up alſo his right of levying Souldiers, Ship-money, Tunnage and Poundage. and the Ship-money, (in lieu of which alone the former Parliament had offered him ſix hundred thouſand pounds:) He alſo freely parted with Tunnage and Poundage, which none of the Kings his Predeceſſors, who without any interruption had enjoyed it paſt all preſcription, would ever conſent to.

And that all Grievances might be timely remedied for the future,Allows alſo a Triennial Parliament. and that no Great man or Magiſtrate might infringe the lately-granted Conceſſions, or oppreſs the People, if he himſelf ſhould omit to call a Parliament once in three years, he gave power to the Chancellor to iſſue out Writs for that effect; and the Chancellor failing, to the Lords and Sheriffs; and in fault of them, to the People to meet for Elections.

Laſtly, at their deſire he granted that which ſome magnified as a favour exceeding all former benefits, and others complained of as a miſchief ſurpaſſing all future Grievances,And that the preſent Parliament ſhould not be diſſolved without the conſent of both Houſes. to wit, That they might have time to pay the publick Debts, and ſecure to Poſterity the Priviledges granted by his Majeſty, he ſuffered a Law to paſs whereby the Parliament had leave to ſit until by conſent of both Houſes it ſhould be thought fit to diſſolve it; as if he would make amends for the many intervals of Parliaments, by the long continuance of one. Which, however others may interpret it, was an argument of his great candour and ſincerity towards his Subjects, or at leaſt a ſymptom of a mind not inclin'd to Violence and War.

Yet with theſe the Factious are not pleaſedNo man would think now but that the Kings Power was abundantly limited, and that the Property of the Subject and Priviledges of Parliament were ſufficiently enlarged. But alas! theſe Harpies are not ſatisfied; and one of them made anſwer to a Gentleman that put the queſtion to him, What more has the King now to grant? That he may, ſaid he, lay aſide all Authority, and commit himſelf and the management of all Affairs to our care.

But are thereby emboldened to raiſe Animoſities and Diviſions.That the Factious might attain their ends, they ſuggeſt ſo many Fears and Jealouſies to the weaker and leſs diſcerning Members, that like the heads of Hydra, more Diviſions and Animoſities ſprung from the Kings grace and deſire of appeaſing them; and his Conceſſions ſo far from ſatisfying them, increaſed onely their thirſt, and made them inſolent in demanding more: as it uſually happens in popular Councils, where the people once infatuated with Jealouſies, ſome dance to the Pipes of others; others, that they may not appear ſhorter ſighted, or leſs publick ſpirited than the reſt, ſee Plots beyond the Moon, and look for joynts in a Bull-ruſh.

This amongſt others is chiefly to be obſerved, That the King having given ſecret orders to the Army then on foot (which at his own charge he had raiſed againſt the Scots, though after the Truce they were payed by the Parliament) to march to London, that he might more conveniently repreſs the Tumults and Inſolencies of the People; it was by the Factious charged upon him as a Crime. But though he might lawfully do it, yet they examined many Officers and Souldiers about the matter, and finding none privy to it, they made it their chief care, by laying all the blame at the Kings door, to incenſe the People more againſt him.

Now the Parliament has leiſure,The Scots are ſent home. the Power being in their hands, to ſend the Scots home to their own Country; who having received a promiſe of three hundred thouſand pounds Engliſh to be paid within three years, and being loaded with Thanks, Pay, and Booty (of which they were not ſo free to the Engliſh Army) they departed; both the Engliſh and Iriſh Armies being at the ſame time disbanded. Nay,The Engliſh & Iriſh Armies are alſo disbanded. it was hotly diſputed which of the Armies ſhould firſt be diſmiſſed, this or that, till at length with much ado it paſt in Parliament, that both ſhould be disbanded together.

The King followed the Scots into Scotland, The K. follows the Scots into their Country. where having called a Parliament, and having granted and confirmed by Law whatever Avarice, Ambition, and Wantonneſs could deviſe, to his own loſs he reconciles all Parties, and for that time heals up all wounds of War and Diſſention. But the Parliament dogs the King with Commiſſioners as ſpies over all his actions, who under pretext of cementing a ſtricter Union with their Friends and dear Brethren, might break off their friendſhip to the King; and indeed by tales, whiſpers, and crafty inſinuations, they had very near ſpoiled all the Kings buſineſs at that time. The Parliament of England alſo during this ſpace, was by the Votes of both Houſes prorogued to a certain day.

And upon his return is feaſted by the Londoners. The King upon his return was received with applauſe in London, and with the Queen and Royal Iſſue magnificently feaſted by the City; which the Parliamentarians and ſome others took ill, leſt the Kings Majeſty being elevated by thoſe Congratulations of the Citizens, might think the people had received ſufficient ſatisfaction, or that his own affairs were ſetled to advantage. And the King having ſent for the Lord Mayor and chief Citizens to Hampton-Court, gave them in recompence a ſumptuous and Princely Treat; which grated upon the Factious, who were reſolved to mingle ſorrows with their joys.

The Factious congratulate the Kings return by a defamatory Declaration.After ſome days, they congratulate his return with a Declaration, or rather an infamous Libel. In it the Parliamentarians muſtered up all the grievances of the State, or rather the murmurings of inſolent and wanton men; aggravating with the utmoſt ſpight and malice, whatever had been committed by the Courtiers, Courts, Magiſtrates, or Kings Officers; what calamities or misfortunes had happened during his whole reign, yea, and thoſe things alſo, which being reformed, ought juſtly to have been buried in ſilence; and at the ſame time cauſe it to be printed and publiſhed.☞

This was forged during the Kings abſence, being moved under other pretexts by the chief Sticklers of the Houſe; and having been debated from three in the afternoon, all night long, until ten next morning, and many wiſe men in the mean time, through age and infirmity, and others (which is far worſe) through fear and cowardiſe, withdrawing; it was at laſt with much ado approved by the plurality of eleven voices.

To which the King ſhortly anſwers.The King finding fault that they had made it publick without expecting his Anſwer, a few days after publiſhed another Declaration in refutation of it.

This was in a manner the firſt Declaration of War. For though the King endeavoured a Cure by ſomentations and mollifying Remedies, yet the Sore feſtered, and was not to be cured without Fire and Sword.

The Rabble again broke out into Tumults,New Tumults for ſnatching the power of the Militia out of the K.'s hands. under colour of the Ceremonies, Liturgie, and Church-government. The Factious whiſper that the power of the Militia muſt be taken out of the Kings hands, which they intended immediately to ſeize. By which it clearly appeared, that the boldneſs of the diſaffected, and the ways of ſedition, were rather encouraged than conquered by patience; and that the Troubles were no leſs raiſed by the conſent, The K. obviates the Sedition, than by the artifice and machination of the Factious; the King having diſcovered ſome of them to have been acceſſary to the Scottiſh Invaſion. That the King therefore might not always ſuffer things to go on, but obviate, and timely ſtifle the growing Rebellion in the bud;by accuſing the Heads of it of Treaſon. he accuſes five Commoners and one of the Peers of High-Treaſon, and deſires them to be brought to a fair tryal according to Law, before the Judges of the Kingdom.

But the Faction growing now more powerfulWhom the Houſe of Commons takes into protection. and numerous in the Parliament (many good men alſo being over ſollicitous leſt the Priviledges of Parliament might be in the leaſt infringed) the Houſe of Commons, which durſt never before own the defence of any who were accuſed of Felony, Murder, or Treaſon, takes them into protection; and ſo far from complying with the King who undertook the proſecution himſelf, they rather accuſe him as invading the Priviledges of Parliament, and will not ſuffer any Member to be brought to the Bar, or taken off by accuſations from the care of the Publick, or that the Judges and Arbitrators of the Affairs of the Kingdom, ſhould be diſgraced by criminal Proceſſes.

Wherefore the K. enters the Houſe of Commons in perſon,The King being provoked at this, by the advice of ſome of his Privy-Council, who were themſelves Members of the Houſe, went to Weſtminſter-hall, attended with about an hundred Noblemen and Gentlemen with their Servants, and commands that no body elſe be ſuffered to come up ſtairs, and that they ſhould not upon any provocation offer the leaſt affront to any man: Entering the Houſe of Commons, accompanied onely by the Prince Palatine of the Rhyne, That he may demand them: he demands the Incendiaries to be delivered up to him, and promiſes to proceed againſt them according to the known Laws.

Who fled.They being warned, as it was reported, by means of the Earl of H. and of a Lady who was now willing to ſet off her wit as formerly ſhe had done her beauty, the gifts of different Ages, amongſt the Parliament-men, had withdrawn themſelves. Wherefore the King having accuſed the Abſcondents, returned without any hurt or injury done to any man. But when he perceived that the Members were in a chaff,The K. afterward deſiſted, and in a manner acknowledged his fault. and highly diſpleaſed, he mildly remitted the Suit; and that he might ſoften the angry minds of the men, he retracted what he had done, and in a manner begg'd pardon for his fault.

But the Factious take thence occaſion of ſlandering, and of raiſing jealo • ſies & ſtirs.Nevertheleſs they who lay continually at the catch, to blow the Coals of Jealouſies and Offences, taking hold of this opportunity of inveighing againſt the King, ſet the minds of the ignorant agog, and ſcattered abroad in all places ſuch ſparks of Diviſion as were enough to put the whole Kingdom in a flame.

Buckinghamſhire & Eſſex petition. The Rabble of the neighbouring Counties, to wit, of Buckinghamſhire and Eſſex, are egg'd on; that being armed in ſeveral bodies, they might come and petition, that their Members might have free liberty of voting, and that their Priviledges might be kept inviolate: Although the Kentiſh-men who came to ſupplicate on the other ſide, were denied liberty to enter the Gates of London; and others who were about to do the like, were reſtrained by threats and reproaches. So that by polling and in a manner muſtering the people, they give the ſignal to War.The accuſed Members abſcond in London, and with a Guard of Citizens are conducted to the Parliament-houſe. The accuſed Members abſcond in London until they might feel the pulſes, and ſtir up the Citizens to draw out for their Guard, and conduct them to the Houſe in arms and triumph. The King being advertiſed of this, though at that time by the care and contrivance of Gurney the then Lord Mayor, many valiant and loyal men offered themſelves to mix with the Croud, and being ſcattered through the ſtreets like Spectators, to oppoſe the Army if they attempted any thing againſt the King;The K. withdraws to Windſor-Caſtle. yet his Majeſty hoping that theſe ſtorms might break and ſpend themſelves by giving way to them, he with the Queen removed to Windſor-Caſtle.

But afterwards the Quarrel riſing higher, having ſent the Queen beyond Sea, under pretext of accompanying her eldeſt Daughter lately married to the Prince of Orange, over into Holland;Sends the Q into Holland. but in reality that ſhe might paſs the Winter ſecure from the future ſtorm, and having ſent for the Prince, whom,Sends for the Prince. as he was informed, the Factious did intend to ſeize by authority of Parliament, he moves towards York;Moves towards York. Having firſt ſent pacificatory Letters to the Parliament. but not before he wrote to the Parliament, giving them the reaſons of his departure, perſwading them by all means to Peace, and deſiring them, That whatever it was they ſo much deſired that he would grant and do for them, they would ſet it down in writing; that without ambiguiety they would ſtate what the Parliament and People claimed; and what on the other hand was to be granted to the King: and he religiouſly proteſts that he would have the Rights of others no leſs to be inviolate than his own, and that he would moſt willingly give his conſent to all things that might contribute to the reſtoring of Peace, and the juſt Rights of his Crown and Kingdom.

VVhich notwithſtanding the Houſe of Commons miſinterpret as contrary to the Priviledges of Parl. and pretend to be in great fear.They not onely ſlight, but caluminate this goodneſs of ſo gracious a King, as if it were contrary to the Priviledges of Parliament, to be informed what was fit to be done, and that their conſultations ſhould be interrupted by Letters. It can hardly be expreſt how much the Houſe of Commons proud of the favour of the Multitude, pretended to be ſcared at theſe admonitions to Peace, as portending new dangers and ruine in diſguiſe.

Daring, alone, to demand the power of the Militia:Hence laying hold of the opportunity, the Houſe of Commons being onely the third and loweſt Eſtate of the Kingdom, (the Lords being as yet averſe from ſo unjuſt a deſire) had the boldneſs to demand that the power of all Caſtles and Forts, and of the Militia, ſhould be put into their hands.

VVhich when they could not obtain, they ſtir up the Corporations to take up Arms of their own accord.

The Houſe of Commons paſs a Vote for ordering the Militia by Deputies; and

When they could not obtain this from the King, they move all the Towns and Corporations that ſided with them, that, as of their own accord, they ſhould make muſters, train up the Youth in Military Diſcipline, and divide them into Companies; which was afterward confirmed and approved in the Houſe of Commons, as done according to Law.

They paſs alſo a Vote in their own Houſe, that by Authority of Parliament, Deputies ſhould be named in each County, To exerciſe, arm, draw out and muſter the Youth, and thoſe that were fit to carry Arms, that they might be ready upon the future Orders of Parliament, for ſuppreſſing Rebellions, reſiſting Invaſions, &c.

having prevailed with the Lords, with joynt addreſs, they demand the Militia of the King, upon pretence of dangers.Having at length by their known Arts prevailed with the Lords to give their conſent, both Houſes joyn in an Addreſs to the King: That it was a thing not onely expedient, but neceſſary to be done, as well for himſelf as for the State; pretending fears from France, Germany, and Spain, who then were all in Arms; and the intelligence they had from Paris, Venice, and Rome, that the reſtleſs Papiſts and ill men were plotting and contriving how they might overſet the Parliament of England, and the reformed Religion.

The King,The K. allows a ſhare in the power of the Militia, reſerving to himſelf the ſupreme Authority: he exhorts them to moderation and peace. willing to grant any thing for Peace ſake, yields them a ſhare in the power of the Militia for a certain time, reſerving to himſelf the ſupreme Authority, whereby he might be able to maintain the Dignity of the Crown, and the Rights of Parliament: He approves alſo the Deputies appointed by them, (ſome Londoners excepted) and does pathetically exhort and adjure them, That at length laying aſide vain fears and mutual jealouſies, they would calmly and ſeriouſly conſider by what means the troubled State, divided into ſeveral Factions, and torn almoſt into pieces by it ſelf, might be united again into one, and that ſince no former Prince had made greater Conceſſions to his Subjects, they would peaceably enjoy them.

But they ſlighting this Indulgence of the King, But the Factious ſlight theſe things, fill the reſt with idle fears, and by them ſtir up the People. and his ſound Admonitions, impoſe upon the reſt with their bugbears of Fears and Jealouſies. They ordered ſtrict Watch to be kept in ſuſpected places, the Beacons to be watch'd, and prepare Pilots, as for a War.

The People are dayly ſtirred up with falſe Rumours ſpread amongſt the Multitude; On Sundays when they are in Church at their Devotion, they are put into panick fears, as if the Papiſts (who were to come no man knew whence) were ready to burn their houſes, and to mingle their Bloud with their Prayers; and by and by again, that their throats were to be cut by enemies lurking in the Woods and Vaults under ground. And many, though not the wiſeſt, of the Londoners were perſwaded that the River of Thames was to be blown up by Gunpowder to drown the City in the night-time; ſo ridiculous were the ſurmiſes that gave occaſion to moſt fatal changes.

By theſe and ſuch-like tricks the Populace is frightened out of their ſenſes, and reſolved to do any thing to rid themſelves of theſe apprehenſions.

Fearing that the K. might poſſeſs himſelf of the Magazine of Hull. Amongſt the other preparatiſs to War (all the particulars whereof it is not our deſigne to trace) the cunninger ſort ſmelt a Plot; as if the King in his progreſs to the North, intended to ſeize the Town and well-provided Magazine of Hull, which might be of great conſequence in carrying on the War.

They ſend Sir John Hotham to prevent it.That they might prevent this, the Factious of their own head, without any authority from both Houſes, give the government of the place to Sir John Hotham, which he inſtantly ſecured with a Gariſon and the aſſiſtance of ſome Towns-men.

Who ſhuts the Gates againſt the King,So ſoon as the King had notice of this, he marched thither attended with his Nobles and Servants; but the Gates being ſhut, and Souldiers planted upon the Walls, he is denied entrance. The King being highly offended, commands the Governour to let him enter attended onely with twenty Gentlemen on horſeback;And is proclaimed Traitor. but he refuſing to let him in, unleſs alone, is proclaimed a Traytor: and the King by Letters to the Parliament complains, and demands reparation for the affront.

He is juſtified by the Houſe of Commons.But the Houſe of Commons approve Sir John Hotham's Fact, and vote that the King had violated the Priviledges of Parliament, in proclaiming a Member of the Houſe guilty of Treaſon. Before he was heard in their Houſe, they give Orders to the Earl of Warwick to ſend ſome Souldiers from on board into the Town,Afterward repenting of what he had done, and being about to deliver up the Town to the K. he is taken, & with his Son beheaded. and to tranſport the Magazine from thence to London. But Sir John Hotham repenting too late, when he perceived that theſe Sparks had put the whole Country into a flame; having afterwards obtained pardon, and being about to deliver up the Town to the King, was taken, and payed to the Parliament what he owed to the King; both he and his Son being beheaded.

Amongſt theſe preludes to War,The Parl. ſends Propoſals of Peace to the King. there is ſome mention and hopes of peace; for after ſome months the Parliament ſend an Anſwer to the King's Propoſals which he made at Windſor upon his departure for the North, in nineteen Articles or Demands; of which, this is the ſum.

1. That all the King's Privy-Council, great Officers, The Parl. Propoſitions to the King. and Miniſters of State may be put out, excepting ſuch as the Parliament ſhall approve, and to aſſigne them an Oath.

2. That all affairs of State be managed by the Parliament, except ſuch matters as are transferred by them to the Privy-Council, and to be concluded by the major part of the Nobility under their hands; the full number not to exceed 25, nor under 15: and if any place fall void in the interval of Parliament, then (the major part of the Council) to chuſe one to be confirmed at the next Seſſion of Parliament.

3. That all the great Officers of the Kingdom ſhall be choſen with approbation of Parliament, &c. as before ſaid.

4. The government and education of the King's Children, by Parliament, &c. ut ſupra.

5. Their Marriages to be treated and concluded by Parliament, &c.

6. The Laws againſt Papiſts, Prieſts, and others, be executed without Toleration or Diſpenſation, except by Parliament.

7. No Popiſh Lord or Peer to have vote in Parliament, and their children to be educated in the Proteſtant Faith.

8. To Reform Church-government as the Parliament ſhall adviſe.

9. To ſettle the Militia as the Parliament have ordered, and for the King to recal all his Declarations publiſhed againſt their Ordinances therein.

10. All Privy-Counſellers and Judges to take Oath for maintenance of the Petition of Right, and other Statutes which ſhall be made this Parliament.

11. All Officers placed by Parliament to hold their places quam diu bene ſe geſſerint.

12. All Members of Parliament put out during this time, be reſtored again.

13. The Juſtice of Parliament to paſs upon all Delinquents, and they to appear or abide their cenſure.

14. The general Pardon to paſs with Exceptions, as the Parliament ſhall adviſe.

15. All Forts and Caſtles of the Kingdom to be diſpoſed of by Parliament, ut ſupra.

16. The King to diſcharge all his Guards and Forces now in being, and not to raiſe any other but in caſe of actual Rebellion.

17. The King to enter into a ſtrict Alliance with all Reformed States, for their aſſiſtance to recover the Rights of his Royal Siſter and her Princely Iſſue, to thoſe Dignities and Dominions which belong unto them.

18. To clear the Lord Kimbolton and the five Members by Act of Parliament.

19. No Peer hereafter to be made ſhall ſit in Parliament without their conſent.

And theſe Articles being confirmed, the Parliament engage to make him a happy Prince.

The King anſwers.To theſe Commands rather than Articles of Peace, being ſuch as were more proper to move Indignation, than to gain an Aſſent; the King ſends an Anſwer by two noble and diſcreet Lords, the Marqueſs of Hertford and the Earl of Southampton, The matter comes to nothing, as all future Treaties & Propoſitions who were enjoyned to treat on more equal terms in the Houſe of Lords. But they not being admitted, the Treaty came to nothing.

And becauſe in this place we have made mention of Peace and Propoſals, we are to take notice, that afterwards in the heat of the War, at the inſtance of the King, Propoſitions of Peace being mutually ſent, and Commiſſioners on both ſides twice meeting to treat about it, nothing could be effected, and moſtly by the Parliaments fault.

For ſeeing they propoſed ſuch ſevere Conditions on their own parts,The Parl. propoſing moſt rigid Conditions. and which tended onely to their own advantages; and the King, on the other hand, ſuch juſt and equitable Terms, more favourable to the Parliament and State, than to himſelf and Family; the People began to be enraged and to fall off dayly from the Parliament.

The King of France alſo, (how ſincerely,The mediation of the K. of France, the States of the United Provinces, and of the Scots, is rejected. I ſhall not judge) and the States of the Ʋnited Provinces interpoſed for accommodating the differences; but were rejected by the Parliament: and the Scots, who likewiſe offered to mediate, were refuſed by the King as partial. But farewel, Peace; Bellona is now at the doors.

The People being in the diſpoſition we mentioned before,The Parl. ſeizes the Militia. Deputies were ſent with Commiſſions into all the Counties; and the Parliamentarian Rebels by force and their own authority, invade the Militia, which they could not obtain from the King by petitioning.

The King on the contrary commands them to deſiſt upon pain of Treaſon, The K. commands the contrary, citing Laws that are againſt it. citing the Act of the 25 Edw. 3. whereby, To contrive the death of the King, Queen, or Prince, to violate the Queen or the Wife of the Prince, to take up Arms againſt the King, to aſſiſt the Kings enemies within or without the Kingdom, to counterfeit the great Seal or Kings Coyn, are for the future declared to be Treaſon, having alſo alleadged other Acts, whereby it is declared, That the power of the Militia and taking up of Arms, belongs onely to the King.

They anſwer.But they make anſwer, That the Letter of the Law is for the King, but the mind of it for them: That it is not forbidden to take up Arms againſt the Kings Perſon, but againſt his Authority; which being in all Courts of Judicature, was moſt eminently in the Parliament.

And the K.'s Majeſty replies,To this the King replies, That that diſtinction was condemned above three hundred years ſince, when the Spencers under that cover carrying on Sedition, were condemned to death by the Parliament. That beſides, the preſent Parliament was not free, but the better part of the Members being excluded, the reſt were ſlaves to the Faction.

And oppoſes the Aggreſſors.Theſe courſes taking no effect, the King alſo ſends Deputies into all Counties, with authority from his Majeſty, to array and arm the Subjects, and to have fit men in readineſs (if neceſſity ſhould require) for ſuppreſſing Rebellions and Seditions. And from this we may date our Sorrows and Calamities: whilſt the King endeavouring to maintain his ancient Rights, and they again to invade them, War breaks out in the Kingdom.

But the Match was unequal, on what ſide ſoever the Right ſtood: The Parliament, ſuperiour in ſtrength, prevails, and in moſt Counties uſurps the Government; the Royal Cauſe being very weak, and in a few Counties ſtruggling for life: With no greater difficulty alſo the Fleet under the command of the Earl of Warwick, is divided; but all this ſtill without any fighting.They skirmiſh on both ſides in Apologies and Manifeſto's, wherein the K. has the better. There was much skirmiſhing, indeed on both ſides by Apologies and Manifeſto's; but after that the King, in the judgment of moſt men, had got the better on't at the Pen, at length they come to try the matter by Armies and the Sword.

The Parl. levies an Army,It was eaſie for the Parliament to raiſe an Army in London, a City abounding with ſwarms of ſeditious and reſtleſs men, where ſo many Arms, ſo great quantity of Proviſion and Ammunition, ſo much Money, and ſo many thouſand pieces of Ordnance were ready at hand. Where by the publick Declarations of ſo many ſpecious Cauſes, for which it might ſeem even honourable to die, and the plauſible Motto's in their Colours, they inflamed the minds of the deluded Rabble more than with the ſound of the Trumpet or Drum; pretending,Having deceived the People by wheedles, forſooth, That they took Arms for the defence of the Kings Perſon, and to remove evil Counſellors from him; for maintaining the Priviledges of Parliament, and the preſervation of the Reformed Religion; for aſſerting the Laws and ancient Government of England, nay and for ſecuring their Religion, Lives, and Eſtates: and therefore inviting all to their aſſiſtance.

By which Artifices the Preachers being bewitched,And the Miniſters. who were deſirous of a change in the Church-government, and ſomewhat tickled with the hopes (which the Rebels had roundly promiſed) that the Livings of the Loyal Clergy, and the fat Benefices of the Biſhops, Deans, and Chapters, would fall to their ſhare in the Dividend; they ſound the Trumpet to Rebellion from the Pulpit, from whence they ought to have preached the Goſpel of Peace.

The People upon this, ſpurred on with other hopes of a future Golden Age, and of the temporal reign of the Meſſias, comes flocking from all quarters, the men bringing a vaſt quantity of Money and Plate, and the women their Wedding-Rings, Thimbles, and Bodkins, and without any regard to their Families, by a ſtrange kind of a phrenzy, caſting them into the publick Stock or Treaſury. The men ſtrove who ſhould be firſt to liſt themſelves in this holy War: whence in a ſhort time, there was an Army of about twenty thouſand men got together, before the King had levied five hundred for his defence; and they alſo having more Cannon than he had Muskets in his poſſeſſion.

They raiſe Pay.For raiſing Pay for their Army, beſides the profuſe Contributions and Benevolences of the People, they ſeize the Goods of the Nobility and Gentry, whom they knew to be of the Kings Party; they fall alſo upon the Revenues of the Biſhops, Prince, Queen, and of the King himſelf, by way of ſequeſtration: ſo that the Kings Majeſty was forced to complain, That they had not left him enough to live on. And now they thought there was no more to be done, but to march, and ſeize the perſon of the King, who was overcome; and in a manner taken in a toyl; which they doubted not to promiſe themſelves to be done within the ſpace of a month.

Who favour the King.But the Will of God was otherwiſe: for the Juggles of the Rebels had not ſo blinded the underſtanding of the Engliſh, but that moſt part of the Lords and Peers of the Ʋpper Houſe, and almoſt an equal number of the Lower, who for Eſtates and Quality far exceeded the reſt, went over to the Kings Party. Many alſo of thoſe who tarried at London favoured the Royal Cauſe in ſecret, and in all Counties of the Kingdom there were many Gentlemen and common people that ſtood for the intereſt of the King.

By their aſſiſtance and his own authority, the King raiſes an Army, ſuch as he could.By the aſſiſtance of theſe and the Royal Authority, which, like the Sun in an eclipſe, drew together a crowd of Spectators, and by a certain pity and commiſeration of ſome men who were aſhamed to behold the Head of the Kingdom depreſſed into ſuch a condition, as to be forced to flie from the Imperial City to York, from York to Nottingham, from Nottingham into Shropſhire and the borders of Wales; after he had wandered up and down above four months, long and in vain imploring the help and aſſiſtance of his Subjects, the King at length got together a kind of a ſmall Army, which afterwards increaſed to greater Forces; the people the more readily flocking to the King, becauſe with him they thought the Government muſt ſtand or fall. Many of the Nobility and Gentry alſo brought what Forces they could to the Kings Party, amongſt whom (not to rob any of the Honour due to them) the Loyalty and Intereſt of the two Marqueſſes of Hertford and Newcaſtle was eminently conſpicuous; of whom the firſt brought with him a conſiderable Body of Dutch; and the other, almoſt at his own charge, raiſed no inconſiderable Army in the North: the Queen alſo ſending over Moneys and Arms, which by pawning her Jewels ſhe had raiſed; for which dutiful office to her Husband, the Rebels accuſe her of Treaſon.

Whilſt theſe Clouds overcaſt the Sky at home,The Iriſh Rebellion intervenes. a diſmal Tempeſt thunders from abroad upon the heads of the Engliſh, which (becauſe it was of no ſmall moment as to our affairs) that I may not wholly paſs by in ſilence, the Reader muſt croſs the Sea with me into Ireland.

The Iriſh, who always bore impatiently the Yoke of the Engliſh Government, & out of a natural averſion heightened by the emulation of different Religions, watched for an opportunity to ſhake off the one, and to aſſert the other; I mean, the Roman Catholick Religion, did now attempt the Enterprize, which long before they had formed in their minds. For the whole Nation of a ſudden, and, which was ſtrange, by a clandeſtine and concealed Conſpiracy, fell upon the Engliſh ſcattered over Ireland, who were ſecure, and expected no ſuch thing, turn them out of houſe and hold, and without diſtinction of Age or Sex, without reſpect to Affinity or Relation, barbarouſly butcher many thouſands, like ſo many humane Sacrifices to their Superſtition. And had not the Conſpiracy been detected at Dublin, and in other places, the more cautious running to Arms had not withſtood their fury, the Engliſh name was in a fair way of being totally extinguiſhed in Ireland.

The good luck was, that the very day before the intended Inſurrection, the myſtery of the Plot was diſcovered at Dublin by an Iriſh Footman belonging to Sir John Clotwaithie, who having refuſed to act the part that was put upon him in the Conſpiracy, opened the whole Intrigue to his Maſter, who preſently informed the Privy-Council of it. Though many of the Conſpirators fled, yet two of the chief Incendiaries and Promoters of the Rebellion, who had alſo undertaken to ſurprize Dublin-Caſtle, I mean, Macquire and Macmahon, the Incendiaries of the Iriſh Rebellion, are taken & carried to London. the Lord Macquire and Macmahon, were apprehended. Being committed to Priſon, they were afterwards conveyed to London; where having long ſuffered the incommodities of a Priſon, (that we may at once make an end of them) they made their eſcape; but being by another Iriſh-man betrayed, in the abſence of the King, who was then inevitably engaged in a War with his Subjects of England, they were taken, and at the Kings-bench-bar tried for High-Treaſon. Macquire being found guilty by a Jury,There to be puniſhed with the utmoſt rigour. had ſentence pronounced againſt him according to the Laws of the Country: That he ſhould be dragged to Tyburn in a Hurdle, hang'd by the neck till he be half dead, his privy Members and Bowels burnt before his face, his Head cut off and ſet upon London-bridge, and his Quarters upon four Gates of the City. This Sentence was punctually executed in the preſence of the Sheriff of London, and fifteen thouſand Spectators at leaſt.

Macquire upon the brink of death.Nor is it to be omitted that the Sheriff having adjured Macquire by the dreadful Tribunal of God, before which ſhortly he was to appear, and the clearing and eaſing of his Conſcience, which was then or never to be done, that he would ingenuouſly confeſs whom he knew to be guilty of the ſame Crime; though the Rope was about his neck, and he half up the Ladder,Conſtantly aſſerts the innocence of the K. yet by name he acquitted King Charles from being any ways privy to it; ſolemnly profeſſing that he knew no Engliſh-man but one, and he a Papiſt, that had any hand in the matter. Nay, and being caſt off the Ladder, and when after he had tried what hanging was, he was a little reprieved, and had no ſmall hopes given him of a pardon; he ſtill perſiſted in the ſame proteſtation.

But in the Pulpits, Clubs, and publick Pamphlets, Ʋpon whom nevertheleſs the Rebels charge the Crime. the Crime was charged upon King Charles; nor did the Rebels bluſh to aſperſe even the ſacred and innocent Majeſty of the King with ſo heinous a guilt, hoping that whilſt they continued ſo boldly to vent their Calumnies and Slanders againſt him, ſome of them at leaſt would ſtick.

The Iriſh Nobility and Prieſts, Who were the Authors of it, who were the chief Actors in this Tragedy, were encouraged to the Villany by the late ſucceſſes of the Scots, who (to ſpeak in the language of Sir John Temple, a Privy-Counſellor of that Kingdom,And what opportunities they made uſe of. who wrote the Hiſtory of thoſe Troubles) having happily ſucceeded in their attempts, obtained by their laſt Commotions conſiderable Priviledges from the King. To this adde, that our inteſtine Troubles ſeemed to offer fair opportunity of changes, it being very rational and eaſie to conjecture, that the Engliſh being ready to fall together by the ears at home, there was no fear that they would croſs over to Ireland to defend and aſſiſt their Colonies in that Kingdom. Their boldneſs was increaſed by the Interregnum occaſioned by the murder of Strafford, and the change of the Magiſtrates, of whom the ſeverer and beſt acquainted with the State of that Kingdom, were by the intereſt of the Iriſh Lords, whilſt they proſecuted Strafford in England, either turned out of place, or accuſed of High-Treaſon, men who were either ignorant of the Affairs and State of Ireland, or who were prone to Rebellion, being put into their places.

Being thus in a readineſs, the unſeaſonable disbanding of an Army of eight thouſand Iriſh who had been raiſed for the Scottiſh expedition, did not a little ſtrengthen their reſolution: for though the King after the pacification of the Scots, leſt they might occaſion Stirs in Ireland, had permitted the Spaniſh Embaſſadour to tranſport four thouſand of them; yet the Iriſh Lords put on by the Conſpirators, got the Parliament, under pretext that the French King might take it ill, earneſtly to beſeech that it might not be done. And afterwards when the King had ordered the ſame number to be raiſed for the ſervice of the French, without any reaſons alleadged, they utterly rejected it. Very few of the Captains and Officers of that Army diſhonoured themſelves by joyning in the Rebellion; but the private Souldiers, whoſe cuſtom it is to be inſolent, and at length appear valiant when they are about to be diſmiſſed from the dangers of War, eaſily ruſhed into that Villany.

By what arts they ſtir up the Colonies to joyn with them in Rebellion.The Lords and Prieſts being ſoothed with theſe ſo many fair opportunities of fiſhing in troubled waters, that they might weaken our Colonies, divide and diſtract their thoughts, and in the mean time incenſe the Natives to ſlaughter and rapine, they caſt about all ways. To the Engliſh they brag, That the Queen is in their Army, that the King was coming with an Army to their aſſiſtance; that the Scots were agreed with him; and to make that the more credible, amongſt the ſlaughter of the Engliſh they ſpare the Scots: They give out that they have the Kings Commiſſion, and act by virtue of his authority; ſhewing indeed a counterfeit Commiſſion to which one Plunket, with the conſent of many Lords and Prieſts at Farn-Abbey, had appended the Kings Seal taken from another old Commiſſion, as appeared by the confeſſions of a great many afterwards; That they defend the King's Cauſe againſt the Puritans. Amongſt their own men they divulge counterfeit Letters, whereby they pretend to be informed from England, That there was an Act lately paſt whereby all the Iriſh were to be forced to go to Church and aſſiſt at the Devotion of the Proteſtants, upon pain of forfeiture; for the firſt offence, of their Chattels; for the ſecond, of their Lands and Inheritances; and for the third, of their Lives. They propoſe, beſides, to the Natives the hopes of Liberty, and of recovering their ancient Cuſtoms: That the Engliſh Yoke is to be caſt off, a King to be choſen of their own Nation, and the Goods and Eſtates of the Engliſh to be divided amongſt the Natives.

By this hope of booty, and of living at their own liberty for the future, the Iriſh are allured to the War; and being egg'd on with fury and rage, they committed ſuch horrid and heynous Crimes, as hardly any Age can parallel.

The King foreſaw the Storm a coming whilſt he was in Scotland; and therefore that he might prevent it whilſt it was a gathering, he preſently diſpatched Sir James Hamilton to the Lords and others of his Majeſties Privy-Council of Ireland, with inſtructions, and what money he could raiſe of his own and from his friends on the ſudden. He earneſtly deſires the aſſiſtance of the Parliament of Scotland, and acquaints the Parliament of England with it alſo: But the one, under pretext that Ireland was under the dominion of England, refuſe their aſſiſtance; and the other takes but little notice of it. The Factious tacitly rejoycing that new Troubles were ariſing to the King, and that Kingly government being aboliſhed alike in all the three Kingdoms, they would ſhortly be turned into ſo many free Commonwealths.

The zeal of the Engliſh for the revenge & defence of their Colonies.But the Sparks breaking out into a flame, and the report of the Iriſh barbarity being in every bodies mouth, the Parliament was enraged, and all were filled with an extraordinary zeal of revenging the bloud of their Country-men treacherouſly killed, and of defending and protecting the ſurviving. For the charges of a War, in a ſhort time three hundred thouſand pound Engliſh was raiſed, partly by benevolent Contributions, and partly out of the price of the Lands and Inheritances of the Rebels, which by the Parliament were ſold, to be after the Victory (that the goodneſs of the Cauſe made them not doubt of) diſtributed amongſt the Purchaſers;Is eluded by the inteſtine Broils betwixt the King and Parliament, and many thouſand Engliſh liſted themſelves for the ſervice. Nevertheleſs, ſuch was the miſery of this Nation, that that which is wont to procure ſome ſhort Peace at leaſt, amongſt thoſe who are at greateſt variance, ſerved onely to inflame our Broils.

And mutual Accuſations.On the one hand, they who were altogether given to changes, buzzing I know not what fears and jealouſies into the ears of thoſe who were but too prone to make the worſt of things, obtain in Parliament, that the War be not carried on in the name of the King, nor that any Souldier who had ſhew'd his Loyalty to the King, or had ſerved in the Scottiſh Expedition, ſhould be admitted into this War. And for managing the War they alſo prefer factious men, and ſuch as were ungrateful to the King. On the other hand, the King intended to lead the Army againſt the Rebels in perſon, urging and inſiſting, That he might uſe the right and power of War, which the Laws and Cuſtoms of the Kingdom entruſted him with.

The King at length deſiring to overcome his Competitors by courteſie and yielding,Which at length are quieted upon the K.'s yielding his Right. if he could not by power and ſtrength, conſents that the War be carried on in his own and the Parliaments name, and that the Commiſſions ſhould run in the name of the King and Parliament; granting the Parliament the power of levying and arming the Army, and of chuſing the Generals and Commanders; and the King reſerving to himſelf no liberty of making Peace or pardoning the Rebels without the conſent of Parliament.

Yet neither ſo did the ſwellings of the Parliament abate: for not long after,They break out again. (the Civil War breaking out in England) the Parliament make uſe of an hundred thouſand pound raiſed for the Iriſh War, and two or three Regiments of men that were to be ſent over for ſuppreſſing that Rebellion, for oppreſſing of the King here at home. Nay, and they make no ſcruple to employ the money that was charitably collected for the relief of the poor diſtreſſed Proteſtants, and for building of Churches, in paying their own Souldiers.

On the other ſide, the King's Souldiers ſeize the Ammunition ſent by the Parliament towards Cheſter; which, ſo ſoon as they gave it out that it was deſigned for the War in Ireland, the King commanded to be reſtored. The Parliament, that by putting indignities upon the King, they might raiſe their own Reputation, alleadging ſome ſilly ſlight ſuſpicions, are not aſhamed to impute the Iriſh Rebellion to the King as the Author of it. But, as the truth was, his Majeſty retorts the crime and infamy of it with far better reaſons, upon the factious Members of Parliament.

Yet theſe things hinder not but that our Auxiliary forces b • at the Iriſh Rebels,The Engliſh thrice beat the Iriſh. and put them to flight in all places, kill, plunder, burn, and deſtroy many thouſands of the Natives, and by a great ſlaughter revenge the murder of their Country-men. But at the ſame time they lay all the Country waſte and deſolate;And laid the Country ſo waſte, that for want of neceſſaries, they ſuffered a great deal of miſery; which at length was no leſs prejudicial to themſelves, than to the Natives: for the War increaſing in England, the Souldiers wanting Corn, Ammunition, Clothes, Pay, and indeed all things neceſſary, and at length being unable to ſupport their wants, it is hardly to be expreſt what miſeries and calamities our Country-men ſuffered in Ireland;And deſire to be recalled. and having long ſtruggled with theſe difficulties, and with all importunity, but in vain, begg'd aſſiſtance from the Parliament, The Privy-Council of the Kingdom, Commanders of the Army, and the Souldiers themſelves write to the King, earneſtly begging to be disbanded, or employed in other ſervice, where they might have any Enemy but Hunger to fight with.

Wherefore the K. commands them to make a Truce with the Iriſh; and the Scots marching into England, The King at length, ſeeing the Scots were coming with aſſiſtance to the Parliament-forces, being too weak to make head againſt the Rebellion, moved on the one hand by his own neceſſities, and on the other by the importunate Prayers of his Subjects, commands a Truce to be made with the Iriſh for a year, that in the mean time, if it were poſſible, he might make Peace upon good terms.

He calls over the Souldiers for his own defence.A Truce being made with the Iriſh, and Forces being left ſufficient for maintaining the Garriſons, the Souldiers return from Ireland to the aſſiſtance of the King, whoſe fortune againſt the Parliament at home manifeſtly declined. But the Scots, who inhabited the greateſt part of Ʋlſter, By whom the Truce is broken. ſupplied with Pay and Ammunition by the Parliament, refuſe the Truce; as alſo ſome Engliſh in Connaught and Ʋlſter, who lived in good correſpondence with the Scots.

A little after, the Lord Inchiqueen who commanded the Munſter-Forces, having brought over ſome thouſands of men to the Kings aſſiſtance, when he thought himſelf not treated according to his dignity and merit, flying over ſecretly into Ireland, tampers firſt with thoſe of Cork, and then with all ſuch of the Province of Munſter as were on the Engliſh ſide, and having drawn them over to the Parliament, he rejects the Truce; and is preſently aſſiſted by the Scottiſh Forces, and ſupplied with Money, Proviſions, and Ammunition from the Parliament.

Ireland being now delivered from the Engliſh Souldiers, the Natives lay hold on the opportunity of recovering the whole Kingdom under the command of Owen Ro General of the Rebels, and having broken the truce which they had ſolemnly made, and arming of a ſudden, they had ſurprized and ſeized the Marqueſs of Ormond, not dreaming of any ſuch thing, had he not, being informed of it a little before, by by-ways mays made his eſcape to Dublin. Having afterward joyned their Forces,The K's Forces are attacked both by the Iriſh and the Parliamentarians. thoſe who were willing to keep the Truce, being inſtigated to the contrary by the Nuncio who produced the Popes Bull, they all together beſiege the City of Dublin by Land, whilſt at the ſame time the Parliament-Ships ſhut up the Haven.

The Marqueſs being overmatched by the Forces of three Nations,And being overmatched, whatever was on the K.'s ſide in Ireland is delivered up to the Parl. acquaints the King with his condition; who ſends him inſtructions that if he could not defend the City, he ſhould rather deliver it up to the Parliament, than ſuffer it to fall into the hands of the Iriſh. Having therefore agreed upon Articles, amongſt which it was one, That he ſhould have liberty to go to the King, that he might give his Majeſty an account of all the affairs of Ireland; the Marqueſs returned into England, and found the King at Hampton-Court, environed by the Parliaments Rebel-Souldiers: where being informed that he was to be apprehended by Order of Parliament, he ſecretly withdrew into France, that he might eſcape their Snares.

The K. afterward being impriſoned, the Marqueſs of Ormond returns with new in • tructions & authority, whereby he joyns all Parties into one for delivering the King. With whom many Engliſh, Some Iriſh, Not long after, when the King was committed to Priſon in the Iſle of Wight, and that the Rebels had cut off all hopes of reſtoring Peace and Liberty by their Vote of no more addreſſing to the King, (of which more hereafter) having received new inſtruction, he returned in quality of Lord-Lieutenant into Ireland, where he endeavoured with all care to make the beſt Peace he could, and to unite the Engliſh, Scots, and Iriſh for the aſſiſtance of the King.

The Lord Inchiqueen with the Engliſh under his command, joyns him.

Some Iriſh commanded by Preſton and Taaff, not forgetting their former Truce, make no ſcruple to joyn with them; others being ſtill in doubt what to do.

And Scots joyn.The Scots forbear hoſtility againſt the Kings Party, and march againſt the Rebels; but give hopes that at length they may unite with the Marqueſs.

But the Parliament Governour reſiſting,And now Jones Governour of Dublin, and the Parliament-forces there, the very ſame who with ſo bitter and vehement Reproaches inveighed againſt the Truce and Peace made by Ormond with the Papiſts, as the utter ruining of their Religion, was caught in the ſame embraces of the Whore of Babylon: Aſſociates with the Iriſh Rebels. for without either conſcience or ſhame they at length make a ſtrict League, and unite their Forces with Owen Ro the General of the Rebels, a man infamous for the bloud and ſlaughter of the Engliſh againſt the Kings Army and the Proteſtants.

The diſcourſe returns to the Troubles of England. But now from foreign miſeries, (though indeed they be not altogether foreign) which though happening in very diſtant times, yet for avoiding frequent digreſſions, we thought fit to preſent to the Reader under one view; Let us now return to our own, which were carried on with far greater and more pitched Battels, though with leſs ſlaughter and treachery, the fire burning but ſlowly, becauſe, to our ſorrow, the fuel was the longer to laſt.

Many Battels with various ſucceſs,The King and Parl. fight; and the Victory inclining to the King, the Rebels loſe Courage, and in ſeveral places, were fought betwixt the Kings Forces and the Parliament-Rebels, till at length Fortune breathing favourably upon the Kings Banners, the Rebels began to loſe courage, and many that had been Sticklers in the Faction, to deſert and fall off from their Party.

The Parliament being reduced to ſtreights,And invite the Scots to their aſſiſtance. invite the Scots to their aſſiſtance; and that they might revive the expiring and almoſt extinct opinion of the people which formerly they had enjoyed, and the admiration they were had in for wonderful zeal for the Publick Good and purity of Religion, and at the ſame time time drain the peoples Purſes of their money, they have recourſe to their often-practiſed tricks.

They forge new Calumnies againſt the King,By what Arts they confirm the people in their errours: by calumnies, to wit, againſt the K. ſpread amongst the Rabble. and thoſe of his Party; and ſpread abroad everywhere amongſt the people, As if the King affected an abſolute tyrannical Power, and that he would forfeit the Eſtates of all thoſe who had been againſt him; that he would make Slaves of their perſons, and leave no place for pardon, nor the leaſt footſtep of their ancient Liberty; nay, and that renouncing the reformed Religion, he was about to bring in Popery, whereby all would be forced to go to Maſs. And that the ſilly ignorant people might not want Pretexts for their obſtinacy, they perſwade the Rabble, That the Kings Souldiers being accuſtomed to eat mens fleſh, would feed and feaſt upon them; nay, and that their Dogs and Horſes, bred up to the ſame diſhes, were already gaping for their carcaſſes.

Some Sacrifices being offered to publick Juſtice;They appoint ſome remarkable Sacrifices to be offered to Publick Juſtice; for ſo was that barbarous practice of pleaſing the Rabble with bloudy Spectacles, and gratifying their own cruel revenge, at that time called amongſt the ignorant people: Amongſt theſe were Sir John Hotham and his Son, Carey, and eſpecially (that the friendſhip of the Scots might be cemented with Epiſcopal bloud) William Laud Archbiſhop of Canterbury; he being condemned of High-Treaſon, by a partial and factious ſentence of the Houſe of Peers, (who according to the ancient Laws of the Kingdom, cannot, without the Kings conſent, adjudge the meaneſt perſon to death;) and they by a Council of War.

Prayers, Faſts, and Thanksgivings appointed; ſuperſtitious Pictures burnt, Croſſes and Images pull'd down;They appoint days of Faſting and publick Prayers, and of Thankſgiving alſo, for inconſiderable Victories; publickly, and with great ſolemnity burn the Pictures of our Saviour, the Virgin and Saints, and ſo renew their Martyrdom; and with no ordinary devotion pull down Croſſes and Standards bearing the Images of Saints, though they were not onely ornamental but uſeful in the chief ſtreets of London.

Epiſcopacy & Service-book being abrogated,

An Aſſembly is called;

They alſo vote the abrogation of Epiſcopacy and Service-book, and commit it to the care of the Aſſembly to frame a new Church-government, and manner of Divine Worſhip, inſtead of them; of which, the Reader I hope will pardon me, if contrary to my cuſtom I diſcourſe a little more largely. To this Aſſembly two Miniſters of the moſt zealous Enemies of the Biſhops and Liturgie, are called, and come by authority of the Houſe of Commons; ſome of the Epiſcopal Clergy being alſo invited, who having no command from the King, refuſe to come, and give place to ſome of the more eminent Scottiſh Miniſters to mingle with them.

Theſe having long hatched, at length bring forth a Confeſſion of Faith, Which makes a Confeſſion of Faith, a Catechiſm containing the heads of the Chriſtian Religion, and a Directory or Scheme of publick Worſhip; wherein no Set-forms were preſcribed, but a certain Rule whereby, according to general heads appointed for all occaſions, the Levites of the new Law were inſtructed to pour out their extemporary and conceived Prayers. The Presbyterian Government and Worſhip were likewiſe eſtabliſhed, to be adminiſtred by Paſtors,And a new Presbyterian Government in the Church. Teachers, Lay-Elders, and Deacons, in four Courts, to wit, the Parochial, Claſſical, Provincial, and National.

The Parochial Court conſiſted of one or two Lay-Elders at leaſt, and one or two Paſtors or Miniſters, according to the nature of the place. Theſe had power to rule over the Pariſhoners, and weekly to meet; to call before them the Pariſhoners, and to take inſpection into their lives and manners, admitting thoſe whom they thought worthy, to the Communion of the Lords Supper; reproving and publickly cenſuring others, nay, and for ſome time debaring them from the Sacrament, if they were guilty of any offence that might give ſcandal to the Congregation; and to excommunicate thoſe that would not ſubmit.

The Claſſical Court or Presbytery, was to meet once a month or oftener, and was made up of the Deputies of twelve Pariſhes at leaſt, two out of each, the one a Church-man, and the other a Laick; or ſometimes more. To theſe it belonged to take cognizance of the aforementioned matters, eſpecially if any difficulty or Appeal intervened; to correct the Miniſters themſelves, give orders to the Theſe Expectants were young men who ſtood candidates for the Miniſtry, and ſought to obtain Orders. Expectants, pronounce ſentence of Excommunication, and to determine Caſes of Conſcience, and Controverſies in Doctrine.

The Provincial Court or Aſſembly conſiſting of Deputies from the ſeveral Claſſes or Presbyteries of the whole Province both of the Church and Laity, had an authority ſuperiour to the former. Over all was the National Aſſembly, the ſupreme Judicature in Eccleſiaſtical affairs, which had power to make or reſcind the Canons or Laws of the Church, inflict ſeverer puniſhments, and to determine all points concerning Manners, Church-diſcipline, and Government. From the loweſt to the higheſt of theſe Courts, it was lawful to appeal.

This aſſembly endeavoured to have no Sect allowed the liberty of Worſhip, but all to be extirpated. But when they could not obtain this from the Parliament, in which were many Independents, Eraſtians, Anabaptiſts, and Atheiſts, the Rabble interpoſeth, and very often, whilſt the Presbyterians were at the helm, diſturb the religious meetings of the other Sectarians by hurling of Stones amongſt them. The liberty of a great many being, contrary to expectation, reſtrained, the Parliament ſettle the Presbyterian government onely for three years, that in that time they might have a tryal how it would fadge.

This Novelty ſet mens humours wonderfully a working.Many Politicians & Lawyers being highly diſpleaſed. The Politicians and Lawyers were highly offended that there were as many Judicatures eſtabliſhed as there were Pariſhes in England, and theſe almoſt arbitrary, putting the Rule into the hands of unskilful men, and for the moſt part incapable of government, and began to foreſee at a diſtance I know not what calamities, ready to ſpring from thence, in Families, Pariſhes, Counties, nay and in the whole Kingdom alſo.And others alſo. Moſt part of the people grumble to be put again to School, and to be taught the Rudiments and Principles of their Religion, wherein they thought themſelves already very well inſtructed.

Thoſe that were zealous for Epiſcopal government and the Service-book, bite the bit. But none repined more than the Independants, Anabaptiſts, and the other Sects, who ſaw their beloved liberty of Conſcience in danger; for which they had at firſt taken up Arms againſt the King, hazarded their lives in ſo many battels, and ſuffered ſo much labour, coſt, watchings, and danger.

Nevertheleſs, the Government went bravely on in London, but ſo and ſo in the other Cities and populous Towns, and but very coldly in the Country; ſo that the triennial Eſſay being over, and no new Act made to confirm it, it had much ado to keep life. And thus far concerning Church-affairs, which we thought fit to relate together, though they happened not all at the ſame time.

Let us now return to the other arts whereby they wheadled the Scots. Biſhops Lands are ſold at eaſie rates. Amongſt which it was of greateſt moment, no leſs for endearing the Scots to them, than for raiſing their power and authority amongſt the Natives, to ſell the Biſhops Lands at very eaſie rates; ſo that Purchaſers flocked in from all quarters, who with the materials of demoliſhed Palaces, and the Timber they cut down, having paid for their Purchaſes, got large and entire Mannors almoſt for nothing. And (that once for all I may tell it) they lay Exciſe, Cuſtoms, and ſuch heavy and continual Taxes and Impoſitions upon the people, as none of all the Kings that ever ſat upon the Throne of England durſt ever before that time impoſe; and ſuch as were not onely ſufficient to defray all publick expenſes, but in ſome meaſure alſo the inſatiable avarice and voraciouſneſs of their Factors and Agents; beſides what they got by plundering, ſequeſtration and other ways. The Scots being allured by theſe Morſels, are tooth and nail for the intereſts of the Parliament.

The Scots conſent,The Scots, the declared enemies of Epiſcopacy, fearing the worſt, if the King ſhould obtain the victory over the Parliament, and being drawn in by the aforementioned baits, enter into Articles of a Confederacy; among which, to give a colour of honeſty and integrity to the reſt, the chief was, That no hurt be attempted againſt his Majeſties perſon, nor prejudice done to the Rights or Heirs of the Crown: an Oath being likewiſe taken by the Members of both Houſes,Having entered into Covenant. and all the Inhabitants of both Kingdoms being forced to do the ſame. This they call the Solemn League and Covenant; and in it promiſe, That according to their Places and Callings, they ſhall endeavour the preſervation of the reformed Religion in the Church of Scotland, in Doctrine, Worſhip, Diſcipline, and Government: The reformation of Religion in the Kingdoms of England and Ireland, in Doctrine, Worſhip, Diſcipline, and Government, according to the Word of God, and the example of the beſt reformed Churches: and ſhall endeavour to bring the Churches of God in the three Kingdoms to the neareſt conjunction and uniformity in Religion, &c. That they ſhall alſo endeavour the extirpation of Popery, Prelacy, Superſtition, Hereſie, Schiſm, Profaneneſs, &c. That they ſhall mutually endeavour to preſerve the Rights and Priviledges of the Parliaments, and the Liberties of the Kingdoms; and to preſerve and defend the Kings Majeſties perſon and authority in the preſervation and defence of the true Religion and Liberties of the Kingdoms; That the World may bear witneſs with their Conſciences of their Loyalty, that they have no thoughts or intentions to diminiſh his Majeſties juſt power and greatneſs: That they ſhall endeavour to diſcover all Incendiaries and Malignants (branding with thoſe aſperſions all that favoured the Kings Party) that they may be brought to publick tryal, and receive condign puniſhment: That they ſhall endeavour that the Kingdoms may remain conjoyned in a firm Peace and Ʋnion to Poſterity; ſhall aſſiſt and defend all thoſe that enter into that League and Covenant, and ſhall zealouſly and conſtantly all the days of their lives continue therein.

No inconſiderable Authors of entering into this Covenant, were the Independents, Anabaptiſts, Wherein the Independents are Ring-leaders. and Republicans, and the chief and moſt ſevere in forcing it upon others who were unwilling to take the ſame; though many of themſelves purpoſely refrained from ſwearing it, leſt upon that account they ſhould oblige themſelves to the defence of the Kings perſon.

It is alſo to be obſerved, that the clauſe of defending the Kings Majeſties perſon and authority in the preſervation and defence of the true Religion and Liberties of the Kingdoms, was by their artifices foiſted in contrary to the ſence and tenour of the Covenant, under colour, forſooth, that the ſafety of his Majeſties perſon was ſufficiently ſecured by other Oaths; that the repetition of the ſame promiſe would but harden the Kings mind againſt the Parliament, and make the People ſcrupulous in obeying the ſame: But in reality, as appeared afterward, that all obſtacles being as much as might be removed, they might make way for the murther of the King. Who take the Covenant with an honeſt deſigne, are called Presbyterians. Theſe things being contrived and carried on betwixt the factious Scots and Engliſh, thoſe who took that Covenant with an honeſt purpoſe, as many good men did, being won over by fear, deluſion, or falſe hope, called themſelves Presbyterians; other Factious of leſs note, as Independents, Anabaptiſts, and other Fanaticks, not diſdaining to liſt themſelves in the ſame Cauſe.

Theſe cruelly perſecute all Diſſenters who will not engage in that holy Covenant,They cruelly perſecute Diſſenters. though they had acted nothing before againſt the Parliamentary Faction, though they had not refuſed to pay any Taxes and Impoſitions, nay, though they had freely contributed for the pay of the Parliament-forces. The Parſons, eſpecially who enjoyed fat Benefices, are ſequeſtrated, and deprived of their Houſes, Goods, and Livings, put into Priſons and Dungeons for many years together, nay, and put on board of Ships upon the Thames, in the heat of Summer, in order to tranſportation, without being either accuſed or heard; where they ſuffered all the incommodities of hunger, watching, and naſtineſs.

The fruit of the Covenant.By the Religion of this Covenant, Children were taught to perſecute, inform againſt, and rob their Parents, Fathers their Children, Servants their Maſters, Wives their Husbands; ſo that the mutual Offices to which men are bound in ſociety, were denied to thoſe that differed from them in opinion.

For theſe reaſons many, contrary to the Dictates of Conſcience, run into the nooſe of the Covenant, and at length, whether that they thought themſelves obnoxious to the Kings Laws, or really bound in conſcience by their Oath, they ſeriouſly eſpouſed the Party of the Parliament.

Learned men diſpute againſt it.Againſt this, many learned and pious men took up the Cudgels, and in ſeveral Treatiſes (amongſt which was the Judgment of the Univerſity of Oxford, an unanſwerable piece in Latin) confuted it as contrary to the Laws both of God and man; the Covenanters in the mean time making no anſwer, but with force and the ſharper Arguments of the Sword.

The Scots again come into England. The Scots who faithfully promiſed the King to give him no trouble in his affairs in England, having by thoſe previous artifices cleared their way into that Kingdom, with twenty thouſand men come to the aſſiſtance of the Parliament. But firſt, for forms ſake, they ſend Commiſſioners to the King to perſwade him, being inclinable enough of himſelf, to make peace with the Parliament, and to offer themſelves as Mediators of the Controverſie: but the King having rejected them as unjuſt and partial Judges, and commanded them to mind their own affairs at home; they call a Parliament againſt all Law, in the Kings name, and then declare War.

The King foreſeeing the Storm that was like to fall upon himſelf and Party,The King looks to himſelf. had provided againſt it as well as poſſibly he could. The Lords and Members of the Houſe of Commons, who, though they were excluded the Houſes, thought it their duty ſtill to ſtand by the Publick, came over to the Kings ſide; and the former to the number of forty, with the Lord Keeper of the great Seal, and the latter above two hundred,The Parliament at Oxford. transfer the Parliament to Oxford; where being called to Council before they were admitted to take Arms by the King, they held a Seſſion of Parliament by the Kings authority, nothing being wanting to the power and dignity of a Parliament, but Walls and the place appointed by the Kings Writ.

To theſe the King gave ſtrictly in charge, that they would do what lay in their power to avert the Storm, or at leaſt conſult how they might be able to reſiſt it. This Parliament wrote to the Scots that they would not in an hoſtile manner invade the King and Kingdom of England, nor violate the Pacification formerly made: They declare it Treaſon to take up Arms againſt the King, or without his conſent to call a foreign Nation into the Kingdom; and that therefore the Rump-Parliament ſitting at Weſtminſter, were upon both accounts guilty of High-Treaſon. They alſo paſs an Act for raiſing as much money as could reaſonably be expected from the exhauſted Counties and Towns which ſtill continued in obedience to the King, for defraying the charges of a double War now approaching.

The K. writes to the Scots. The King alſo by Letters earneſtly dehorted the Scots from that unlawful attempt, and prohibits them by Proclamation, That being his Subjects, and obliged by ſo many bonds, they would not come to the aſſiſtance of Rebels. But this, being ſigned by the hands of nineteen Lords, the prevailing Rebels of Scotland, with matchleſs inſolence in Subjects, cauſe it publickly to be burnt by the common Hangman.

Sends the Marqueſs of Hamilton to draw them back into Scotland. The Marqueſs of Hamilton is commanded to keep the Scots at home, that they might not meddle in the affairs of another Kingdom; who being diſcovered to have unfaithfully diſcharged that Office, having under pretext of danger fled out of Scotland to the King, was afterward committed to Priſon. The Marqueſs of Montroſs being made General and Commiſſioner of Scotland, Being deluded by him, he ſends the Marqueſs of Montroſs. is diſpatched thither, that by giving them a diverſion at home, they might be kept from invading England. This Commiſſion was valiantly diſcharged by the Marqueſs, having with a handful of men, and thoſe raw and undiſciplined, put whole Armies to flight, and everywhere waſted the Country.

The Scots nevertheleſs purſue the War againſt the K. and prevail.However, the Scots purſuing their point, left not England, before by the help of Fairfax they had routed no ſmall part of the Kings Army, which they had long diverted from quelling the Parliamentarians elſewhere; taken Newcaſtle, and other ſtrong places, and handed on the Victory into the more Southern parts. Henceforward the Kings affairs do dayly decline, and were at length totally ruin'd, Victory everywhere ſmiling upon the Rebels.

The Republican Rebels having obtained many Victories, began to vent their hatred and indignation againſt the Lords, and eſpecially after the laſt Newberry-Fight, they grew ſick of the Earl of Mancheſter. For he in a Council of War giving his opinion, and exhorting them to Peace, which he judged more expedient to the State, ſeemed not ſo thorough-paced and fierce upon the War as they could have deſired: and being therefore, in a long Speech, accuſed by Cromwel in the Lower Houſe, he defends himſelf in the Ʋpper, retorting the accuſation: So that both Houſes thought it more convenient to compoſe the difference betwixt them, than to enter into the merits of the Cauſe.

The Kings Forces being at length ſcattered and broken by the Scots on the one hand,The K.'s Party goes to wrack. and the Parliament-Rebels on the other, Pay and Proviſions being wanting, and Factions ariſing betwixt the Commanders of the Army and the Lords (that all things might conſpire to draw down Judgments upon us) His Majeſty had in his mind, firſt,His Majeſty having in vain eſſayed the Engliſh, to come to London and truſt himſelf in the hands of the Parliament; next, to caſt himſelf into the arms of the Engliſh Army: but being rejected by both, and his affairs in a very doubtful condition,Caſts himſelf into the hands of the Scots. he ventured to betake himſelf to the Scots, the French Embaſſadour, who then was in the Scottiſh Army, and ſome Scottiſh Commanders having obtained from them promiſes of honour, ſafety, and freedom for his Majeſties perſon.

This revived former Grudges betwixt the Engliſh and Scottiſh Rebels,Former grudges are revived betwixt the Engliſh & Scottiſh Rebels. which had almoſt broken out into a War.

It was likewiſe given out, that the Earl of Eſſex, who from a General was now become a private perſon, would joyn with the Lords and Commons that conſpired for their ruine, in new Articles and Reſolutions with the Scots; but his ſudden death, occaſioned by lying on the ground when he was all in a ſweat after hunting, diſſipated all thoſe rumours. Nevertheleſs, the Rebels thought fit, at publick coſt, to humour him with magnificent Funerals, as being more for their intereſt to ſhew gratitude to a dead friend, than to have him perhaps a living enemy.

Provocations given to the Scots. Upon this they began to deny the Scots their Pay, put a neceſſity upon them of exacting Money and free Quarters from the Counties where they lay, expoſe them to hatred, extenuate their merits, undervalue the courage of the Nation, call them mercenary Souldiers of fortune, whilſt they in the mean time paid them onely with Reproaches; threaten to drive them out of the Kingdom by force of Arms, publickly provoke them, and at length march Northward againſt their Brethren. The Presbyterians holding their peace. Nor durſt the Engliſh Presbyterians, who favoured the Scots, ſay much to the contrary, leſt they ſhould ſeem more concerned for the inſolence of a foreign Nation, than the honour of their Country-men.

Debates betwixt the Scots & Parliament of England. At length after long Debates, the Scots pretending that it was contrary to the Laws of Nations and Hoſpitality to deliver up the King, who of his own accord put himſelf under their protection, into the hands of the Parliamentarians; our Republican Rebels on the other hand, urging in the name of the Parliament, That the Scots ſerving and receiving pay in England, ought not to have received the King into their Army, and much leſs keep him there againſt the will of the Parliament; but after ſome formal previous Treaties, that might ſerve to enhaunce the price,The Scots having got money deliver the K. up to the Parl. upon pretext that he would not take the Covenant. it was reſolved that the King ſhould be delivered up to the Parliamentarian-Rebels.

And that they might have a ſpecious colour for ſo horrid an action, They urge the King to take the Covenant, pretending that without that they could not lawfully take him with them into Scotland. The King promiſes to take that Oath, provided he were ſatisfied in ſome ſcruples of Conſcience, concerning Church-government: which Province was committed to the Miniſter Heuderſon the then Oracle of the Kirk, who weakly and unſucceſsfully attempted it: for in their diſputes the King, in the judgment of all, had the better on't; but money prevailed. The Scots having received an hundred thouſand pounds Engliſh in ready money, and the promiſe of an hundred thouſand more to be paid within a year, draw out of England, leaving the King to the mercy of the Parliament; but with this condition, That no injury ſhould be offered to his Majeſties perſon, and that he might be received in one of his houſes in or about London with honour, ſafety, and freedom, that ſo he might be prevailed with by Arguments from both Nations to confirm and approve their Propoſitions.

The King being received at Newcaſtle by the Parliament-Commiſſioners,The K. being received by the Parliament-Commiſſioners, is conducted to Holmely- houſe. four Lords and eight Commoners, was with a guard of Souldiers conducted to Holmeby houſe in Northamptonſhire, where he ſuffered a ſplendid, indeed, but cloſe impriſonment; all who had either actually been, or ſuſpected to be of his Party, being removed from him, nay, and his domeſtick Chaplains alſo, whoſe aſſiſtance he had often deſired of the Parliament.

The Conquerours now in ſtriving for the Booty and Government,

The Rebels diſagree amongst themſelves.

An account, by way of digreſſion, of the beginnings, progreſs, ſects and opinions of the Factious.

did no longer diſſemble their opinions, but divide themſelves into various Sects and Names; which hitherto we called by the common name of Factious or Rebels, but ſhall now divide them into their ſeveral Claſſes and Forms, as likewiſe ſhewing by what cunning and degrees they who got into power, advanced to the Supremacy. Which that we may the more clearly do, it will not be amiſs to look into ſome paſt Ages.

It is not to be denied but that the ſeeds of Faction were ſow'd in England from the very beginning of the Reformation.The ſeeds of them ſown in the very reformation; Nor are the Roman Catholicks to be proud of this, ſince they have given the examples to others, by ſubjecting the Crowns and Scepters of Kings, to the Mitre of the Pope and Keys of St. Peter, and are no leſs dangerous to Kings, whom they have pulled from their Thrones, and expoſed to the Daggers of Aſſaſſinates.

Concerning Church-government, the Liturgie and Ceremonies, which were eſtabliſhed by Kings and Parliaments.From that time ſome, but in no great number, are for ſhaking off Rome in every thing, and not leaving the leaſt monument of the ancient Church-government or Liturgie.

But the greater number, and thoſe the wiſer, thinking it enough to retrench what was ſuperfluous and ſuperſtitious, are for retaining Epiſcopal government and a publick reformed Liturgie: the one, becauſe it ſuited well with Monarchical government and civil intereſt of the State; and the other, becauſe it ſeemed pious and adapted to the publick Worſhip of God.

Both theſe, as being conſonant to primitive Conſtitutions, Kings and Parliaments, wiſely to prevent the inconveniencies that happen from skipping from one extreme to another, thought fit to eſtabliſh by Laws, and to inflict ſevere Penalties upon Diſſenters.

Hence aroſe Diſputes and Controverſies; ſcandalous Libels from the Anti-Epiſcoparians; ſuſpenſions, depravations, &c. from the Biſhops.This at firſt gave ground to heart-burnings, afterwards to reaſonings about the matter, and the licentious humour of diſputing prevailing to more bitter Controverſies; ſo that at length (as it uſually happens amongſt Brethren who differ in points of Religion) they fell to Contentions and invective Diſputations, the common enemy egging them on on both ſides.

And thus the Quarrel being managed with mutual hatred and animoſity, the Anti-Epiſcopal Party, or the Jeſuits in their name, defame the eſtabliſhed Church with Reproaches and ſcandalous Libels; which forced from the Biſhops and Eccleſiaſtical Courts, Suſpenſions, Deprivations, Impriſonments, and Baniſhments.

But that ſeverity,VVhereby the Biſhops got hatred, and the Anti-Epiſcoparians pitie; which ended in a Conſpiracy againſt the Hierarchy; though executed according to the preſcript of Law, drew hatred upon the Prelates, and made the Anti-Epiſcoparians to be pitied, and the rather that they ſeemed to ſuffer for Conſcience-ſake, and the purity of Goſpel-worſhip; being otherwiſe, in appearance, men of ſtrict lives and converſations, zealous Preachers, fervent in Prayer, ready to do pious Offices, and in a word, in all things elſe very good men. And this made many Towns, Noblemen and Gentlemen take them into protection, make very much of them, and at length joyns with them in opinion, and conſpire together againſt the Hierarchy or Church-government.

Who deſpairing to procure the abolition of it from the Kings, VVherein all the Sects and Factions agree, raiſing ſcruples betwixt the K. and Parl. that ſeeming to ſtand up for the Parl. they might be eſteemed popular men, and be choſen to ſerve in Parl. when occaſion offered. they hope to compaſs it by Parliament, and therefore they endeavour to leſſen the Royal Authority by magnifying a Parliamentary power; wherein being aſſiſted by all the other Sects of Fanaticks, the ſeditious and turbulent off-ſcourings of Chriſtians and Subjects, they begin to make a diſtinction betwixt, and divide the Royal Prerogative from the Liberty of the People, two things that are very conſiſtent together; that laying hold on that pretext, they might ſet up for publick-ſpirited men, and be thought the Patriots of the Nation.

Having by this means, at length, raiſed their Authority amongſt the common People, ſo as to be choſen Members of Parliament, they ſet all their Engines at work for accompliſhing their intended Project; there is nothing in their mouths but the Rights of the People, Priviledges of Parliament, and the publick Liberty; they lay open to the quick the faults of the Magiſtrates and Courtiers; in ſcandalous Pamphlets they inveigh againſt Epiſcopacy and the eſtabliſhed government of the Church; cenſure the Manners and Pluralities of Church-men; they expoſe the adminiſtration of publick government; and make it their care and ſtudy,VVherein they cenſure the publick administration of the Government. in all things, to weaken the Kings Power, and leſſen his Reputation.

To theſe their cunning contrivances a commodious occaſion happened: Whilſt in the Reign of King James, They take occaſion from a VVar to make diviſion betwixt the K. and Parl. Frederick Prince Palatine of the Rhyne, the Kings Son-in-law, having been engaged in the German War, was, with his whole Family, by the Imperial Forces driven out of his Territories. To defend the Cauſe of the Proteſtant Religion, which ſeemed to be in danger, and to reſtore this baniſhed Prince ſo nearly allied to the King, were made ſpecious pretexts for their following ill deſignes. And by theſe pretences they endeavour but in vain to engage that wiſe King in a War, until Prince Charles ſeconding their Addreſſes, and the Emperour refuſing to agree to reaſonable terms of Peace, he was rouzed up to Arms.

The K. being engaged in a VVar, and fruſtrated of aſſiſtance from the Parl. is neceſſitated without a Parl. to raiſe money.War being thereupon proclaimed, whilſt preparations were making, and all Europe expected great matters from England, the Parliament, upon I know not what ſlight Grievances, Jealouſies, and Suſpicions, leave the King in the lurch; ſo that unleſs King Charles, upon the death of his Father, would make himſelf ridiculous to the World, he was neceſſitated to raiſe money by his own authority, laying on unuſual Taxes and Impoſitions, by virtue not onely of old dormant Laws, but alſo of new interpretations; without calling a Parliament, which is cuſtomary on more urgent occaſions.

This incenſed the people, occaſioned fears & combinations againſt the K.This incenſed the People, and afforded a plentiful crop of Murmurs and Complaints, and inclined good and honeſt Subjects, who were far from any thoughts of Innovations; but alarmed with the fears of Arbitrary Government, and the loſs of the Liberty of the Subject, (as they imagined) to plot and combine with the Factious Malecontents, for curbing the power of the King.

All theſe Sects at firſt, though differing in opinions and deſigns, were called by the name of Puritans.

During the rage of the Civil War, after that the Scots came to the aſſiſtance of the Parliament, and many had been nooſed into the Solemn League and Covenant, VVhen the Presbyterians firſt challenged publickly that name. the Presbyterians were powerful both in wealth and number, raiſe their heads above the reſt: Nor can they be excuſed from Rebellion, who having aboliſhed the Church-government and Liturgie, introduced the Presbytery and Directory in place thereof, aiming at the change of Civil Government alſo from Monarchy to an Ariſtocracy, Ariſtocraticks. though they pretended to retain the name and perſon of a King; and making uſe of the aſſiſtance of the other Sects who fought openly under their Banners, though they cunningly concealed their deſignes.Democraticks.

Next came into play the better ſort of Independents, and ſome of the Tribe of Anabaptiſts, who wiſhed for no ſetled National Church-government, and who liked a Democracy beſt; yet ſtill retaining the name and perſon of a King. But the chief was a Faction moſt properly ſo called, conſiſting of the rigideſt ſort of Presbyterians, and a medly of many other Fanaticks, who having deſtroyed the Monarchy and the Royal Family root and branch, were, ſome of them, for an Oligarchy, others for Anarchy, Oligarchicks· and moſt for a Democracy;Chriſtonaticks or Fifth-monarchy-men. I may alſo adde a Chriſtocraty, that Fifth-monarchy which not a few longed for, wherein worldly Powers, Magiſtrates, and all profane Authority being brought down and trodden under foot, Chriſt with his Saints might exerciſe dominion over the wicked and ungodly of the Earth.

Who deſerve moſt the name of Rebels and Traytors.Theſe are they who are in a more particular ſence to be called Rebels and Traytors to the Government; who, though they all looked different ways, and ſerved in the Presbyterian Armies for ſome time, yet they were the fire-brands that kindled civil Diſſenſions among them, till getting the power in their hands (into which by degrees they had ſcrewed themſelves) they had the boldneſs to fall off from the reſt, ſet up for themſelves in their own names, and publickly to magnifie their own Atchievements.

The original and artifices,At firſt, whilſt the clouds of Troubles were but a gathering, theſe factious Rebels were hardly diſtinguiſhed by any name, but skulk'd under the cloak of good Patriots and the godly Party. But in the mean time they carefully watched all occaſions of blowing up the fire of a Civil War;Whereby they put all into confuſion, and ſo ſoon as the War flamed out, and the State was all in diſorder, leſt differences might be taken up, they uſed all arts to make the King jealous of his Parliament, and the Parliament again of the King, every where throwing in Bones of Contention, and, as it is the cuſtom of all Demagogues, diſtracted the thoughts of the giddy and light-headed Multitude with jealouſies and fears.

Raiſe up VVar.By this their indefatigable induſtry in calumniating the King, and expoſing of him in all things to the hatred of the people, they firſt alienate the minds of the Multitude from their Prince, and then from Peace. Oppoſe all Ʋ nion & Peace. When they obſerved any Propoſals made by the Parliament to the King, or by the King to the Parliament, which in probability might heal the wounds of Contention and War, and reſtore a ſolid Peace they ſlily perplex and diſturb the Negotiation; when they proſper they ſwell in their demands, leſt what they had already got by force of Arms, By what Arts: they might ſeem to acquire precariouſly and by conceſſion; but if fortune frowned upon them, then were they for rouzing deſpondent minds, That in that condition they would not think of making Peace, when in their low fortune they muſt of neceſſity ſubmit to harder Conditions; nor that they would ſo far abaſe the honour of Parliament, as to ſeem to do any thing through fear or force.

Nay, and by falſe Reports, counterfeit Letters, and ſuborned Witneſſes, they pretend to diſcover ſtrange Plots and monſtruous Dangers diſguiſed under the ſpecious mask of Friendſhip. They adjure others by the bowels of love and pity to the Commonwealth, by their affection to the publick and the Cauſe of Chriſt; and in long Speeches and Arguments plead, That in carrying on the War they ſhould rather expect to know the will and pleaſure of God (ſo they thought fit to ſpeak) in a matter of ſo great conſequence, than to make Peace with the King upon unſure Conditions prejudicial to the Publick.

The eaſie and credulous who are apt to ſuſpect any thing, and thoſe alſo who were conſcious of their own guilt, being intangled by theſe Artifices, they propoſe ſo hard Conditions to the King, that he could not with a ſafe conſcience, honour, and the ſafety of his Friends, conſent to them; whilſt they ſlighted and rejected his Majeſties Letters and moſt juſt Propoſals almoſt twenty times ſent to them.

In the mean time theſe good men, In the mean time they make their own advantage of the VVar. whilſt they boaſt of their extraordinary zeal for the publick Liberty and the pure reformed Religion, making uſe of the War for their own private advantages, ſtep into the greateſt and moſt profitable places of the State. And then having got deeper rooting,Their growth. by degrees they win upon others, and draw them into the Conſpiracy, making great progreſſes both in the Parliament and Country; in this, ſtirring up the Mobile to prefer Petitions, or rather putting the peoples names to Petitions framed by two or three of their own Faction; and in the other, by cunning and knavery accommodating the Authority of Parliament to their own arts and devices.

Indefatigable induſtry in the Parliament.By this means it was no difficult matter, either at midnight or early in the morning, when the other Members that differed them appeared not, or were abſent about their own private affairs, to ſnatch an opportunity of carrying things by vote, and to lay hold on occaſion by the forelock; ſo that the leſs, but more vigilant part, by degrees circumvented the greater, but leſs ſedulous.

If any thing were moved in Parliament that they would not have paſs, or which at a diſtance they foreſaw might be hurtful to their practices, they vigorouſly oppoſed it, or by ſhams, evaſions, ſcruples ſtarted in the heat of debate, and the like arts, got it put off till another time. If the greater number of Voices were againſt them, they brought in ſome other Bill over head and ſhoulders, that might invalidate the former, and elude the intention thereof. If they contrived any thing that might give ſuſpicion to their Adverſaries, or that they deſpaired to obtain in a full Houſe, they ſend the Presbyterians of an Errand into the Country, either about real and urgent buſineſs, or feigned neceſſities: In the unavoidable abſence, or ſupine neglect of whom, they got any thing voted and paſt with a nemine contradicente.

And in Cabals.Nor did their private Clubs and Cabals a little promote their deſignes; where having laid their heads together, they took their beſt meaſures before hand, how they ſhould behave themſelves in publick, and what Province every one was to undertake.

By theſe and ſuch-like arts,Having got into power, they take the title of Independents. that branch of the Rebels being advanced to no ſmall power, and ſeparated (as we ſaid before) from the Presbyterians, under the name of Independents, who would have no Head, make head againſt them. This Title did well quadrate to all the other Sects in general, and was uſed by them, becauſe depending on the government of no National Church, nor Civil Power, they ordered all things relating to Doctrine and Church-Diſcipline in their private Congregations. Not that moſt part of them had any concern for Religion, but that that ſpecious Profeſſion giving a comprehenſive latitude to all Sects, Anabaptiſts, Quakers, Millenaries, and all other Fanaticks, they might ſwell the number and power of their Faction; whom others, in deriſion, called the Holy Brethren, a name they themſelves affected.

Nevertheleſs, that they might enlarge their Party,They enlarge their Party by complying with the humours of all men. and by a hypocritical humanity and readineſs to condeſcend hook in the good will of many, they ſollicitouſly ſtrike in with men of all Perſwaſions, and by allurements ſuitable to their tempers, feel their Pulſes: To the godly they promiſe Reformation of Divine Worſhip; ſweeten the Preachers with the hopes of the Revenues of the Biſhops, Deans, and Chapters, and of eſtabliſhing Presbytery by Law, allowing ſtill liberty to tender Conſciences; do really grant indemnity to Hereticks and Schiſmaticks; draw in the Ambitious by honour and titles; feeding the Covetous with money under the notion of Penſions or Rewards for good ſervices: they threaten the Obnoxious; protect Malefactors; and in a word,They proſecute their oppoſers. no man reſolutely oppoſed them, but was by Emiſſaries and Spies, whom they had in all places, Letters intercepted, miſinterpreted words and actions, brought into ſuſpicion and danger. Whoever they admitted into their friendſhip and ſervice, though the moſt infamous and flagitious wretch living,Protect all ſorts of men. yet in all things they protected him; and amongſt others, the Speaker of the Houſe of Commons, who being a man for their turn, when he was accuſed of Bribery, they brought him off, gave him money and gain'd him to their Party, as one that would be no leſs ſerviceable to them for all that, and the more faithful to their Party, as he was the more obnoxious and guilty.

Try to bring over the E. of Eſſex and other Nobles to their Party.They tamper alſo with the Earl of Eſſex, who being dejected by his defeat in Cornwall, they thought might be grown more tractable; and therefore they put it to him, if he would for the future be for a down-right Commonwealth. Upon which condition they promiſe, To put him at the head of a new Army, to be payed monthly, and ſupplied with Ammunition and all neceſſary Proviſions. But he refuſing, it was ſaid, that the ſame Conditions were privately offered to other Noblemen; not that they had any reſpect for the Lords, whom ſhortly they intended to turn out and to level with the Commoners, but that they might poyſon them with their own venom, and riſe to greater authority by drawing more over to their ſide.But in vain. But they being of a contrary mind, and more inclinable to the Kings Party, no ſooner rejected the offers, but the Rebels caſt their eyes upon another.

Ʋnder pretext of the Self-denying Ordinance, they over-reach the Presbyterians, deprive them of all Places Civil and Military;By a new and ſpecious Ordinance, whereby they ſaid they would reform the Parliament, and reſtore it to its integrity, to which they gave the title of the Self-denying Ordinance; they clipt the Presbyterians wings, and confirmed their own ſtrength. For by this Ordinance it was provided, that none of either Houſe, after a limited day, ſhould bear any Office Military or Civil; whereby it was brought about that many of the emulous Faction were obliged to reſigne the places they held.

This gives them a fair opportunity of altering the whole Civil State, and new modelling the Army,Which they & their Adherents invade. as they called it; to the adminiſtration of which, the Candidates of that Faction are for the moſt part preferred: nor could ſome Republican Lords long refrain from the ambition of the reſt, hunting after all opportunities of Preferment, and turning the Self-denying Ordinance into an Act of pure Self-love.

Eſſex, who ſuited not ſo well with their temper,New Commanders of the Army, Fairfax. being laid aſide, they give the command of the Army to Sir Thomas Fairfax, onely Son to Fardinand Lord Fairfax, a valiant man indeed, and of a good natural diſpoſition, but eaſie and forward to undertake and execute any thing that he was put upon, as a ſure Tool to work the effect which was deſigned by the hand that managed it; wherefore he was the more readily choſen by both Parties. To him they joyn Cromwel with the Title of Lieutenant-General, but with intention of being his Governour;Cromwel. by whom ſome Officers at firſt deſired onely to be commanded for a time, though afterwards, contrary to the intent of the Self-denying Ordinance, they were eſtabliſhed and commiſſionated by authority of Parliament. This laſt having wholly run out his Eſtate, which was not very great, reſolved to trade in Religion for repairing his broken Fortune, and for that end became the Ringleader and Stickler for the Schiſmaticks: and by means of theſe he was choſen a Member of Parliament. Would you ſee him painted to the life in his natural colours, and ſuch as his own Party have drawn him in, in their publick Writings? He was a great Maſter in Hypocriſie and Diſſimulation, who lifting up his eyes to Heaven, and laying his hand upon his breaſt, would invoke the Name of God, weep, pray, and bewail his ſins, till he ſtabb'd him he ſpoke to, under the fifth rib. I mention not his Ambition, Avarice, and Pride, which the Republicans, who were before his Brethren and Companions, afterwards openly charged him with.

Colonels, Captains, &c. Schiſmaticks.The Colonels, Captains, and inferiour Officers, are for the moſt part choſen from among the Schiſmaticks, or thoſe that were no great enemies unto them. In the mean while Cromwel's Son-in-law, and his other Relations and Friends, have the chief Commands in the Army beſtowed upon them.

Their induſtry.Theſe, having got ſo fair an opportunity, did not trifle away their time, but were buſie in all places, running up and down, exhorting and ſometimes preaching to the Souldiers, that they might gain their affection; by whoſe favourable aſſiſtance they make way for themſelves to be elected into the vacant places in the Houſe of Commons. For when the Freeholders and Inhabitants of Corporations were about by a free election to chuſe new Burgeſſes in place of the dead or excluded Members, with Souldiers in Arms they were forced through fear to chuſe the Officers of the Army, or ſuch at leaſt as they approved of.To get men of their Party into the Parl. So that in a ſhort time many of theſe being admitted into the Parliament-houſe, and the Self-denying Ordinance being laid aſide, all Offices and Affairs, both Civil and Military, were managed by the ſelf-ſame perſons.

And celebrating their mighty deeds.And that popular applauſe and fame might not be wanting to celebrate their excellent undertakings, hackney Preſſes and mercenary Scriblers are ſet a work to publiſh all their actions with wonderful Encomiums and Elegies, which in weekly Mercuries and Peny Diaries, are expoſed to the peruſal of the News-greedy people, and every line ſwollen with the praiſes of Cromwel.

So ſoon as they perceived the Royal intereſt almoſt reduced to a pinch,They more openly attack the Presbyterians, and the Parliament-Rebels in a manner ſecure of victory, they bend their deſigns againſt the Presbyterians, their rival Faction; which, though predominant in number of Voices, yet began to totter and ſhake.

They endeavour to leſſen their Reputation,By publiſhing defamatory VVritings againſt them, and by degrees to weaken their Force; publiſh Libels to diſgrace and ridicule the Church-Diſcipline, enveighing againſt the right of Tythes, and the avarice, pride, and ſeverity of the Preachers.

Nay,And ſetting them upon duties that were ungrateful to the people; and that they might heap more hatred upon their heads, they charge them, who of their own accords too officiouſly haſtened to bring all into confuſion and diſorder, with the more rigid parts of Reformation that were moſt ungrateful to the people; ſuch, as to preſs their Covenant with rigour upon thoſe that refuſed to take it, exact Fines, ſqueeze money from the people, and (that they might entail infamy upon them to Poſterity) under colour of viſiting Colledges, to baniſh the moſt learned men out of the Ʋniverſities. Mingling themſelves in their Cabals, Upon pretext of friendſhip they ſteal into all the Presbyterian Cabals, that by raiſing ſcruples and delays, their Conſultations might turn to Smoak, and themſelves be expoſed to publick Deriſion.

Having pretty well ſucceeded in this,

Turning them out of governments.

Disbanding the Forces that befriended them, diſmiſſing the Scots, and drawing over the Ringleaders to their Party.

they reſolve to go thorough-ſtitch with it, by turning out of the government of Garriſon-towns and Forts all thoſe who declared for Presbytery. They likewiſe cauſe all the Forces that were almoſt in every County, though but in ſmall numbers, to be disbanded, except the Army commanded by Fairfax. They ſend the Scots home out of England: by bribes or fear they draw over the leading-men amongſt the Presbyterians, that they would either openly own their Cauſe; or ſecretly under the name and badge of Presbyterians, diving into their ſecrets, uſefully and ſecurely ſerve the ends of the Republicans; amongſt whom the two chief were,Philip Skippon and Stephen Marſhal. Philip Skippon, and Stephen Marſhal, the firſt Major-General of the Army; and the other a Miniſter, and the Oracle of the Presbyterians: both cunning Knaves, who under pretext of moderating and reconciling differences, minded their own advantages, fooled the Presbyterians, and not a little promoted the affairs of the Independents.

The ſeries of the Hiſtory is again continued.

The Presbyterians ſtill prevailing in the Parl. they reſolve to leſſen and divide the Army.

The Presbyterians having made ſure of Victory, and, which is more, of the King, and being as yet more numerous in both Houſes, are now in greater fear from their own Servants the Army in pay, than heretofore from the enemy; and being ſollicitous how to rid themſelves from that Yoke, after much debate, they appoint, That for eaſing the Country of charges, twelve thouſand of them ſhould be ſent over into Ireland, the reſt to be disbanded, except ſix thouſand Horſe, two thouſand Dragoons, and ſix thouſand Foot.

Theſe to be carried over by Skippon into Ireland, and thoſe under the command of Fairfax to be divided into the ſeveral Counties of the Kingdom, with intent, as they ſaid, They might be in a readineſs to ſtifle all Tumults in the bud, and that they themſelves being in a body together, might not attempt any Innovations.

The Souldiers mutiny, the Officers ſecretly applauding them, though vexed in ſhew, who (the ſeditious ſucceeding to their mind) joyn with them.Many Officers and all the private Souldiers that were Sectarians, ſmelling a far off that by that trick they would be wormed out of the power which they had got, and the Military authority fall wholly into the hands of the Presbyterians, put the reſt of the Souldiers in fear that they were to be disbanded without their Pay, or all tranſported into Ireland, there to be conſumed with labour, ſickneſs, hunger, and nakedneſs.

Hence the Souldiers began to mutiny, object their little Reaſons to the contrary, and at length to break out into Sedition. The Officers in the mean time pretended in ſhew to be angry at theſe things, to repreſs, and by all means reſiſt the mutinous common Souldiers; but ſecretly they encourage them in the buſineſs, and induſtriouſly foment their fury. And the Sedition ſucceeding according to their wiſhes, they lay aſide the Mask, withdraw from London to head the Mutineers in the Camp, and all together enter into a Confederacy againſt the Parliament; amongſt whom Cromwel was the chief, Cromwel among the firſt. who lately, calling God to witneſs, had profeſſed, That he was certain the Souldiers would at the firſt word of command throw down their Arms at the Parliaments feet; and had ſolemnly ſworn, That he rather wiſhed himſelf and whole Family burnt, than that the Army ſhould break out into Sedition. They who were true to the Parl. being disbanded. And ſo they turn out of place about an hundred Captains and Officers, who choſe rather to be true to the Parliament, than to enter into that Confederacy.

The private Souldiers had opportunity to begin this attempt by means of the Adjutators. Theſe,This they attempt by means of the Adjutators. by connivance of the Officers, were choſen two out of every Regiment of Horſe and Foot, and had power from their fellow-Souldiers to keep Councils, judge what was fit to be done for the common good, and by Spies diſperſed through all quarters and Garriſons inform the reſt.

Theſe Adjutators at length uſurp the authority of Colonels, not thinking it enough to have meetings amongſt themſelves, but in Councils of War challenge place amongſt the principal Officers; nor barely concerning themſelves in the intereſt of the private Souldiers, they meddle in the ordering and government of the whole Army; and not onely ſo, but beſtir themſelves alſo in the affairs of the whole People, as well of England as Ireland, and in reforming the government of both; the chief Officers, till the Parliament was by their mutual Conſpiracy ruined, ſcarcely muſtering againſt it.

They deſigne a Commonwealth.Theſe men have nothing in their mouths but the Liberty and Power of the People, and profeſſedly labour to erect a Democracy, giving being, birth, and name to a popular Commonwealth, another ſort of Republick.

They carry away the King out of the Parliaments cuſtody; ſooth him with fair promiſes and kind Offices.The Souldiers grown thus inſolent and bold, ſtand not in awe to ſeize and carry away the King out of the Parliaments cuſtody, who upon the treacherous diſcovery of a certain Earl, they underſtood was by the Captain of the Guard, with full authority, to be brought to London; and having done ſo, they endeavour to pleaſe him with officious and flattering promiſes of greater liberty and freedom, and more dutiful uſage; pretending to lament his condition, as being by the ſeverity of the Parliament, in a manner, buried alive within his own Palace, as in a Priſon, deprived of the company of his Friends and Servants; Profeſſing (which to them was more than an Oath) that they would never lay down their Arms until they had put the Scepter into his hands, and procured better Conditions for his Friends.

They allow him the aſſiſtance of his Chaplains, the exerciſe of his Religion, and a free correſpondence with the Queen, by Meſſengers and Letters, without any examination. His Royal Children were likewiſe ſuffered to viſit him, that ſo far at leaſt he might ſeem to be at home, and to enioy the deareſt part of his Kingdom. In ſo much, that the Camp ſeemed to be transformed into the Court, whilſt his Majeſties domeſtick Servants return with joy to their Maſter, and Courtiers increaſe daily in number.

And that they may ſeem to be ſerious in treating with the King about the ſetling of affairs, they frame Propoſitions, whereby they gave it out, That things were contrived to the beſt for the intereſt of his Majeſty, of themſelves, and of the Publick;They frame Propoſitions whereby they would provide for the intereſt of the King, of themſelves, and of the Publick; and ſoften them for the Kings ſake. to which if the King would condeſcend, they engage on their parts immediately to reſtore him to the height of Royal Majeſty. When afterwards the King liked them not as they were propoſed by their Commiſſioners, they ſoften them, and made as if they had almoſt accommodated them to the intentions of the King; nay, one or two of his Majeſties Servants, whenſoever they had a mind to it, were permitted to be preſent in their Councils of War.

In the mean time they publiſh Declarations and Remonſtrances to the diſhonour of the Parliament;By Declarations they envy againſt the Parliament. Accuſe ſeveral Members of Treaſon. accuſe them of Covetouſneſs, Selfiſhneſs, Ambition, Injuſtice, Cruelty, and Tyranny; demand their Arrears; accuſe eleven able Commoners, and as many Peers of the contrary Faction, of High-Treaſon, and having brought frivolous Articles againſt them, they urge, that being excluded the Houſe, they may be brought to a Tryal. They deſire, nay command,Command the Parl. to be diſſolved. that the preſent Parliament be within a prefixed time diſſolved, foreſeeing that to be the onely way whereby they might hope to gratifie the People, and that a new and better Parliament ſhould be called in place of it, thereby to flatter the hopes of wretched Sufferers.

It is not to be denied, but that they propoſed many uſeful things, that they might cajole the people;They propoſe uſeful things to the people, and pretend to mind the K.'s intereſt; wherein they never forgot, ſometimes obliquely, and ſometimes alſo directly to ſpeak in favour of the King; and that to this purpoſe: That the King, Queen, and Royal Family be reſtored to their juſt Rights, without which, they cry, no ſolid Peace can be expected. Yet for the moſt part they play faſt and looſe by Conditions annexed, or ambiguous words,But in ambiguous words. ſo that afterward they might eaſily extricate themſelves from theſe Promiſes, provided they had the luck to get the better of the Presbyterians.

They march againſt the Parliament.But when the Parliament thought it neither honourable nor ſafe to comply with theſe military demands, the Army inverting now the Cauſe, declare for the King and People, and march againſt the Parliament.The Parl. prepares for defence. On the other hand, the Parliament with the Londoners prepare for a defence, and vote that the King ſhould be invited to London, the people in a manner forcing them to it, who with importunate Petitions and Clamours, thundred tumultuouſly in Weſtminſter-hall.

But the Speakers of both Houſes, with many Members flying to the Camp, the Citizens are appeaſed upon the fair promiſes of the Army;In the mean time the Speakers of both Houſes, with about fifty Members, partly Ariſtocraticks, and partly Democraticks, privily flie from London and betake themſelves to the Camp, in great conſternation, pretending violence offered unto them by their fellow-Members, Citizens, and ſome disbanded Souldiers, and demand reparation by Arms: yet all this while they left others of their own ſtamp behind them in the Parliament, that might blow the Coals, and diſappoint the Councils of the reſt.

The Citizens, who like men in an Ague after a burning heat, fall preſently into a ſhaking cold, were eaſily appeaſed by the fair promiſes of the Army, That the King ſhould be reſtored (which was their onely deſire) the Parliament diſſolved, and publick Peace and Juſtice ſetled. But the Country-people, who heretofore were in a readineſs to flock to the aſſiſtance of London, were now equally diſguſted both with the Citizens and Parliament, as thoſe who having firſt kindled the War, were ſtill unwilling to put out the flame, and ſeemed to be the onely men that ſhut their Gates againſt Peace that was ready to return into the Kingdom.And without any previous Articles, open their Gates to the Souldiers. What's now to be done? The Parliament deſponds; and the officious Citizens, who were for the Army and Faction, open the Gates, and without any previous Articles, tamely deliver up the City to the mercy of the Souldiers.

Upon this the fugitive Members are with no ſmall pomp inſtantly reſtored to their places.

The fugitive Members are reſtored; the accuſed Presbyterians flie; others temporize, all loſe courage.

Some Commoners, the Mayor and Leadingmen of the City, with ſome Lords, are clapt up in Priſon.

The accuſed Presbyterians flie; and ſome, as it is uſual, temporizing, ſtrike in with the victorious Party, and the reſt loſe courage. From that time forward the Hiſtory of the Evils they had done, is to be read in thoſe they ſuffer. Some of the Members of the Houſe of Commons, the Mayor alſo, and many chief Citizens being committed to the Tower, ſmart for their late fear and cowardiſe in abandoning the ſafety of their fellow-Citizens, and their former obſtinacy and inſolence againſt the King. Seven or eight Lords accuſed of Treaſon, are caſt into Priſon; but afterward the heat of Emulation by little and little cooling, and being almoſt quite over, the Priſoners, without any Indictments brought againſt them, are diſcharged from their loathſome Priſons, to be an example to others, not to preſume hereafter to reſiſt. Nor could this ſatisfie them, unleſs alſo to ſhew their ſtrength, and the continence and diſcipline of the Souldiers, the Commanders of the Army led their men with Artillery and Ammunition, as in triumph over the Citizens, through the chief ſtreets of London.

When the Army had now maſtered the two ſtrong Forts of the Kingdom, the Parliament and the City of London, being doubly victorious over their friends and enemies, there remained no more to be done, but how they might at their leiſure ſettle and confirm themſelves in the Power which now they had obtained.A new Lieutenant & Garriſon are put into the Tower of London. The Lieutenant and Garriſon of the Tower of London, are choſen out of the dregs of the Citizens; but ſuch as had nobilitated themſelves by being Slaves to the Faction, the old Lieutenant with the accuſtomed Garriſon being turned out for no other fault, but that he favoured the Presbyterians. The Colonels and Officers of the Army changed. The Commiſſioners who had the power of ordering the whole Army, as alſo the Colonels, Captains, and other Officers, are forced to turn out, to make way for men of a new mould.

The Poſts and Chains of the City being pulled down.But ſome may think that it was overdoing, that when the Citizens had long ago laid aſide their Arms and their reſolution, yet the Works and Fortifications of the City ſhould be demoliſhed, under pretext that the Kingdom was now in Peace; and then the Poſts and Chains in the ſtreets removed, that the Horſe might have freer paſſage into all the corners of the Town, and no hold left to the Citizens and the women from which they might in probability kick.

A popular Republican is ſet over the Fleet.Moreover, that they might eſtabliſh their Government both by Sea and Land, Rainsborough, the Bell-weather of the Republicans, is ſet over the Fleet.

Fairfax made General of the Forces both in England and Ireland.

Thanks are given to the Army,

Fairfax is appointed General of the Forces not onely in England, but in Ireland alſo, that that Country might the more ſpeedily be ſuccoured. The Army has the thanks not onely of the Parliament and of the Miniſters from the Pulpit, but likewiſe of the honeſt Citizens, who now entertain and feaſt in their houſes the very men whom a little before they intended to drive from their Walls. A months Pay beſides,And Pay. as a token of kindneſs, is appointed for the Souldiers, for their good ſervices to the Parliament.

It's long in ſuſpence to what ſide the Parl. ſhould adhere.It was for a long time hotly diſputed to which ſide the Parliament ſhould adhere, whether the Acts of the Army or Parliament ought to be annulled, ſince both of them, according to the different number of Voices, had by turns been reſciended; and being uncertain how to get out of that Labyrinth, that the Parliament might not ſeem to be interrupted, or force put upon them whereby their authority would be weakened, or that they might ſeem to approve the right of changing ſides, which they had long ago condemned in the Members that followed the King. They are now for both, by and by again for either of the two, and of a ſudden again for neither. However,The flight of the Members of Parl. is approved. they reſolve that the ſeparation of the flying Members, and their conjunction with the Army is altogether to be approved, as being lawfully done for the publick good.

By which ſucceſſes the Commanders of the Army and Ring leaders of the Faction, were ſo puft up,The Rebels having got the power into their hands, forget the K. ſome being for an Oligarchy, and others for Democraty. that they quite forgot their old Friends and fellow-Souldiers. There was no more mention now of diſſolving the Parliament, calling a new one, nor of the Promiſes whereby they had ſo often impoſed upon the King and People. All their care is to mind their own advantage, and how to ſettle that Oligarchy, which now they ſeemed to be in poſſeſſion of.

But the Adjutators and all the popular Republicans are no leſs buſie and ſollicitous to have that Parliament diſſolved, and a new one, under the name of a Repreſentative by the free election of the People, called, with a limitation of their power and time of ſitting, that ſo they might introduce a Democraty.

Both Parties being out of dread of the Presbyterians, All conſpire againſt Monarchy and the K. equally conſpire the ruine of the King and Monarchy.

It had been long before privately propoſed amongſt ſome, to aſſaſſinate the King,Whoſe murder they plot; ſome privately, whilſt he was in the Scottiſh Army; that they might at the ſame time glut their malice, and throw the odium of the fact upon the Scots. Afterwards one Rolf a Shoemaker, inſtigated by ſome, armed himſelf for the Regicide. That Fellow being informed that the King intended to make his eſcape out of a window when he was in the Iſle of Wight, lay in wait with a Musket ſeveral nights, that he might ſhoot him as by accident.

Others by a Council of War.But now ſeveral fiercely urge, that he ſhould be forthwith and ſecretly diſpatched, or at leaſt that being condemned by a Council of War, he ſhould be beheaded.

Some under pretext of a Parliamentary Authority.But it ſeemed more generous and ſafe to the leading Rebels to protract time, and manage the matter gradually by wiles and crafty fetches, until being countenanced by a colour of Authority, they might, under a ſham of ſatisfying publick Juſtice, perpetrate the matchleſs Villany. And thus they ordered it.To which they make way gradually, ſending Propoſitions to the K. with a pretence of peace, but in reality to find a cauſe of accuſing him: Conditions of Peace were to be propoſed to the King; but ſuch, as if he conſented to them, he himſelf would renounce the Crown: and if he refuſed, he would be depoſed by the Votes of others; and ſo be, over and above, reckoned obſtinate by the people; which would give them a more ſpecious pretext for accompliſhing their deſigne.

For this end it is contrived and obtained, that the Parliament ſhould again ſend to the King Propoſitions, but ſuch as were rather imperious and hard Commands, than Conditions of Peace to be treated about, which being granted, he would pluck off his Crown with his own hands.Which, though the Commanders of the Army had procured in Parl. yet in the Camp they perſwade the K. not to condeſcend to them. To which, though the Commanders of the Army and Cromwel in the firſt place, had given their Votes in the Parliament; yet in the Camp they adviſed the King not to condeſcend to them, promiſing that they would either obtain or command more reaſonable Conditions for him; and ſeemed to deteſt thoſe as proceeding from the hautineſs and ſeverity of the Presbyterians.

The K. makes anſwer to the Parl. propoſals,His Majeſty being deluded by that artifice, makes anſwer to this purpoſe: That the Propoſitions were ſuch, as he could not in honour and conſcience conſent to them, being ſuch as could not reconcile all intereſts, nor ſettle a laſting Peace in the Kingdom: Appeals to the Demands of the Army, as more conducing to peace. He appeals rather to the Propoſals of the Army, as much more conducing to the ſatisfaction of all intereſts, and a fit ſubject for a perſonal conference betwixt himſelf and the two Houſes (which he earneſtly deſired;) for which cauſe his Majeſty would have Commiſſioners from the Army admitted.

Cromwel and the reſt of the Commanders of the Army were extreamly well ſatisfied with this Anſwer,Where at Cromwel and the Commanders ſeem to rejoyce. as if the King himſelf gave greater honour to the Army than to the Parliament; and therefore on their parts they promiſe all good Offices to his Majeſty.

In the mean time they take all courſes to incenſe the reſt againſt the King,But from thence labour to incenſe the reſt of the Members againſt him. pretending themſelves much aſhamed that they could not perform all they promiſed; and excuſe themſelves ſometimes becauſe of the reverence that was due to the Parliament, and ſometimes again becauſe of the peremptorineſs of the Adjutators: They juggle with the K. putting him by turns in hope and fear. at length they began to juggle and quite fall off, to give a contrary ſence to their promiſes, and to ſuggeſt apprehenſions to the King, as if the Adjutators and Republicans deſigned his Majeſties death, whoſe inſolent attempts they could not moderate nor at preſent repreſs; mingling with all, promiſes that if they could cut the combs of the Adjutators, and reſtore the loſt Diſcipline of the Army, they would without delay perform what they had undertaken.

With which his Majeſty being moved,At which his Majeſty being moved, makes his eſcape to the Iſle of Wight. (ſeeing it was worſe to diſtruſt than to be deceived) he privately made his eſcape from the Army, and (as ſate would have it) fled to the Iſle of Wight, the government of which (as it ſeems probable) was juſt before put into the hands of Colonel Hammond a dear friend to Cromwel, that there he might play his part in this buſineſs. To this mans protection the King commits himſelf, running of his own accord into the Snare which the Rebels had long ago laid for him.

From thence he ſpeedily writes to the Parl. ſending alſo Conceſſions;But that he might not be wanting to the publick whilſt the Parliament were at a ſtand, wondering whither he might have fled, his Majeſty wrote to them, ſending therewith Conceſſions that were too eaſie and great to be expected, or indeed to be wiſhed for by any; adding thereto invincible Arguments, why he could not conſent to the Propoſals lately ſent him by the Parliament. Ʋpon which he demands a Treaty with the Parl. He propoſes his own Conceſſions and the Demands of the Army, as a fit ſubject for a perſonal Treaty: and for the ſake of the People and Kingdom, earneſtly deſires it, being willing on his own part to condeſcend to any thing, that by any means he might procure Peace and Tranquillity to his languiſhing Kingdoms.

Thus the Rebels oppoſe and take occaſion of asking Demands preliminary to the Treaty.The Republicans of both ſorts, as well they that were for a few, as for a many-headed Commonwealth, endeavouring by all means to put a ſtop to the Peace propoſed and offered by the King, take hereby occaſion to oppoſe to his Majeſties moſt juſt deſires, four unreaſonable Demands, as preliminary cautions; which if his Majeſty would conſent to, they promiſe to treat about the reſt.

I. That the Parliament ſhould have power to raiſe, ſettle and maintain the Forces by Sea and Land, within the Kingdoms of England and Ireland, &c. without the Kings conſent; it being declared High-Treaſon for any others, to the number of thirty, to meet together without the authority of Parliament.

II. That it ſhould be lawful to the two Houſes to ſit and adjourn themſelves when and where they pleaſed.

III. That all Oaths, Declarations, Proclamations, and other proceedings againſt either Houſe of Parliament during the War, ſhould be declared void and null.

IV. That all Titles and Honour of Peerage conferred on any by the King ſince his Majeſty left the Parliament, and ſince the great Seal was carried away, ſhould he declared void. All theſe things they demand that the King would conſent might be paſt into Law; if not, that things muſt remain as they were.

In the mean time the Scottiſh Commiſſioners who were then at London, Which the Scots oppoſe both in Parl. and before the King. give in their Reaſons in writing againſt theſe Demands; and when, nevertheleſs, they ſaw that they were ſent to the King, they proteſt againſt them in his Majeſties preſence, as being flatly oppoſite to Religion, the Crown, and the Agreements made betwixt the Kingdoms of England and Scotland.

What can the King do to get out of theſe ſtreights? If he grant the Demands, he voluntarily reſignes up the Government; and if he refuſe, he muſt be depoſed with the ignominious brand of Obſtinacy.

The King though wanted neither greatneſs of Soul nor Wiſdom,The King anſwers. and therefore ſends preſently back an Anſwer: That the neceſſity of complying with all engaged intereſts in theſe great diſtempers for a perfect ſettlement of Peace, his Majeſty finds to be none of the leaſt difficulties he hath met with ſince the time of his afflictions; which is too viſible, when at the ſame time that the two Houſes of the Engliſh Parliament do preſent to his Majeſty ſeveral Bills and Propoſitions for his conſent, the Commiſſioners for Scotland do openly proteſt againſt them: ſo that were nothing in the caſe but the conſideration of that difference, his Majeſty cannot imagine how to give ſuch an anſwer to what is now propoſed, as thereby to promiſe himſelf his great end, A Perfect Peace. And when his Majeſty farther conſiders how impoſſible it is (in the condition he now ſtands) to fulfil the deſires of his two Houſes, ſince the onely ancient and known ways of paſſing Laws, are either by his Majeſties perſonal aſſent in the Houſe of Peers, or by Commiſſion under his great Seal of England; he cannot but wonder at ſuch failings in the manner of addreſs which is now made unto him, unleſs his two Houſes intend that his Majeſty ſhall allow of a great Seal made without his authority, before there be any conſideration had thereupon in a Treaty; which as it may hereafter hazard the ſecurity it ſelf, ſo for the preſent it ſeems very unreaſonable to his Majeſty. And though his Majeſty is willing to believe that the intention of very many of both Houſes, in ſending thoſe Bills before a Treaty, was onely to obtain a Truſt from him, and not to take any advantage by paſſing them, to force other things from him, which are either againſt his conſcience or honour; yet his Majeſty believes it's clear to all underſtandings, that theſe Bills contain (as they are now penned) not onely the diveſting himſelf of all Soveraignty, and that without poſſibility of recovering it either to him or his Succeſſors, (except by repeal of theſe Bills) but alſo the making his Conceſſions guilty of the greateſt preſſures that can be made upon the Subject, as in other particulars, ſo by giving an arbitrary and unlimited power to the two Houſes for ever, to raiſe and levy, for Land and Sea-ſervice, of what perſons (without diſtinction and quality) and to what numbers they pleaſe; and likewiſe for the payment of the Arrears, to levy what moneys, in ſuch ſort, and by ſuch ways and means (and by conſequence upon the Eſtates of whatſoever perſons) as they ſhall think fit and appoint; which is utterly inconſiſtent with the Liberty and Property of the Subject, and his Majeſties truſt in protecting them: ſo that if the major part of both Houſes ſhall think it neceſſary to put the reſt of the Propoſitions into Bills, his Majeſty leaves the world to judge how unſafe it would be for him to conſent thereunto; and if not, what a ſtrange condition (after paſſing thoſe four Bills) his Majeſty and all his Subjects would be caſt into. And here his Majeſty thinks it not unfit to wiſh his two Houſes to conſider well of the manner of their proceeding; that when his Majeſty deſires a perſonal Treaty with them for the ſetling of a Peace, they in anſwer propoſe the very ſubject matter of the moſt eſſential part thereof to be firſt granted; a thing which will be hardly credible to Poſterity: Wherefore his Majeſty declares, that neither the deſire of being freed from this tedious and irksome condition of life his Majeſty hath ſo long ſuffered, nor the apprehenſion of what ſhall befal him in caſe his two Houſes ſhall not afford him a perſonal Treaty, ſhall make him change his reſolution of not conſenting to any Act, till the whole be concluded. Yet then he intends not onely to give full and reaſonable ſatisfaction in the particulars preſented to him; but alſo to make good all other Conceſſions mentioned in his Meſſage of the 16th of Novemb. laſt, which he thought would have produced better effects than what he finds in the Bills and Propoſitions now preſented unto him.

And yet his Majeſty cannot give over, but now again earneſtly preſſeth for a perſonal Treaty, (ſo paſſionately is he affected with the advantages which Peace will bring to his Majeſty and all his Subjects) of which he will not at all deſpair, (there being no other viſible way to obtain a well-grounded Peace). However, his Majeſty is very much at eaſe within himſelf, for having fulfilled the offices both of a Chriſtian and a King; and will patiently wait the good pleaſure of Almighty God, to incline the hearts of his two Houſes to conſider their King, and compaſſionate their fellow-Subjects miſeries.

The King having delivered this Anſwer ſealed up, to be carried to the Parliament, the Earl of D. who hankered too much after the Oligarchick Republicans, deſired it to be opened again, that the Commiſſioners might be acquainted with what they brought back, as he ſaid, was fitting, they being Commiſſioners and not Poſts or Couriers; (though no ſuch thing was contained in their publick inſtructions) he having paſt his promiſe that no prejudice ſhould therefrom accrew to the King.

Is confined to cloſe impriſonment.But ſo ſoon as the King, to ſatisfie them, had read over his Anſwer himſelf, without any reſpect had to their faith and promiſe, they confine the beſt of Princes to cloſer impriſonment in • arisborough-Caſtle, where then he was: They put from him all his Servants, except ſome new comers and enemies whom they placed about his perſon rather in deriſion, and as a Guard, than for attending and ſerving him. And that he might not have the uſe of the leaſt bit of Paper ſecretly conveyed to him by any Meſſenger, they ſet Sentinels at all the entries, at the doors and windows of his Chamber.

The Oligarchick Commanders reduce the Democraticks to order, and reſtore Military Diſcipline.The Oligarchick Rebels, Cromwel and the other Commanders of the Army being reſolved to purſue their deſigne, the Kings Anſwer wrought no good effect in the Parliament; yet the emulation of the Democratick Republicans, and of the Adjutators, for ſome time put a ſtop to their proceedings. That they might ſuppreſs this Party, of whom they had now enough, a general muſter of the Forces is appointed, amongſt whom one whole Regiment having got the Democratical Propoſals, which they termed the Ordinance of the People, put into writing, they carried the Paper as a ſignal in their hats; the Oligarchick Republicans by their ſollicitations had gained one or two Regiments; and the reſt of the Army conſiſted of both Parties promiſcuouſly jumbled together. The chief Commanders who were of the firſt (as the inferiour were of the other Party) drawing together into a ring, they command the private Souldiers to throw away their Paper-ſignals; which when they refuſed to do, according as they had laid the deſigne, they break in amongſt them, and pulling out ſome of the more ſawcy fellows of the Regiment, they cauſe them preſently to be ſhot to death; which made the reſt throw away their Badges, and ſubmit to the pleaſure of the Generals.

This danger being over,They openly rail againſt the King, they began to publiſh the villany they had ſo long concealed, to rail openly againſt the King in the Houſe, make Speeches, exhort the other Members, and to contrive four Interdicts rather than Votes: whereby,

1. It is reſolved, And paſs a Vote of none Addreſſes to the King. That the Lords and Commons do declare that they will make no further Addreſſes or Applications to the King.

2. That no Application or Addreſs be made to the King by any perſon whatſoever, without leave of both Houſes.

3. That the perſon or perſons that ſhall make breach of this Order, ſhall incur the penalties of High-Treaſon.

4. That the Lords and Commons do declare, that they will receive no more any Meſſage from the King to both or either Houſes of Parliament, or to any other perſon.

But neither were theſe carried in the Houſe of Commons, without tricks and the uſual artifices.But ſurreptitiouſly in the Lower Houſe; For before any mention was made of theſe Propoſitions in the Houſe, fourty or fifty leading-men, who for the moſt part would have withſtood thoſe attempts, are ſent into their ſeveral Counties upon pretext of raiſing money to pay off the Souldiers, that by their abſence, fewer oppoſing, and the greater part of the Houſe being packt, the matter might be eaſily carried. Nevertheleſs, this execrable motion (made to the ſcandal of mankind) of abjuring their King, was debated to and again, from ten in the morning until ſeven at night, and had not, after all, found the Votes rather tired out than perſwaded, unleſs the chief of the Oligarchick Party had given them hopes that they would attempt nothing worſe againſt the King. The three laſt Votes paſt in the ſpace of half an hour with much precipitation, whilſt the Factious got into the places of the diſſenting Members, who had withdrawn out of the Houſe to take a little refreſhment.

By force and threats in the Ʋpper Houſe.However, the Ʋpper Houſe was more hardly brought over to an aſſent: for there the Debate laſted many days, until Commiſſioners coming from the Army upon pretext of thanking the Lower Houſe for thoſe Votes, and proteſting the Army would protect the Commons therein, threatned the Lords if they perſiſted to oppoſe them, and ſhortly after, whilſt they ſtill delayed, forced them out of fear to conſent, two Regiments of Souldiers being ſent into Weſtminſter-hall, under colour of a Guard to the Lower Houſe; but in reality to awe the diſſenting Lords. This having terrified the three or four Lords that met, who at that time often uſurped to themſelves the authority of the Upper Houſe, (many ſtealing out of the way) they agree to the Votes of the Houſe of Commons. And then Commiſſioners were likewiſe ſent from the Army to thank the Lords for that good ſervice done to the Kingdom, and ſolemnly to aſſure them in name of the whole Army, That they would maintain and defend the Rights and Priviledges of the Ʋpper Houſe.

Cromwel excuſes himſelf of perfidiouſneſs.The Reader may be pleaſed to obſerve what Cloak Cromwel uſed for this perfidiouſneſs. This Blade, whilſt he was praying that Almighty God would be pleaſed to proſper his endeavours in raiſing again the King to the Throne and Majeſty of his Anceſtors; here the words ſtuck between his teeth, ſo that he could not utter one word more; which he interpreting as a ſigne of Gods diſpleaſure, concluded the King to be rejected of God. But to others he roundly expreſſed himſelf, That it was lawful to circumvent a wicked deceiver, by craft and deceit.

After this comes out a Proclamation,They publiſh a Declaration, by authority of the Houſe of Commons, wherein the ſticklers both for Oligarchy and Democracy, who agreed very well together againſt the King, declare the Reaſons that enclined them to paſs thoſe Votes of none Addreſſes to his Majeſty.

This they ſtuff with all the Calumnies that were raiſed againſt the King,Which they ſtuff with all the Calumnies they can againſt the King. by the Clubs and Conferences of his lewdeſt enemies, or by uncertain Rumours ſpread abroad by themſelves; to which they adde other Aſperſions, which though they had been bawled over and over again in the Houſe, yet were found not to have had the leaſt ſhadow of truth, and were onely invented and exaggerated to create greater hatred.

They cauſe this infamous Libel to be ſent about into all the Pariſhes of the Kingdom, They command it to be read publickly by the Miniſters in all Pariſh-Churches, being ſecure that no body durſt, or indeed could undergo the danger of anſwering it, ſince all the Preſſes were narrowly watched. The Miniſters are commanded to read it to the people in the Church, and to preach as well as they could in praiſe of it.

And that they might be the more willing to ſerve the end,And ſooth them with promiſes, that they may comm • nd it in their ſermons. it was at the ſame time voted in the Houſe of Commons, That the Tythes and Dean and Chapters Rents ſhould be paid to the Preachers; ſeeming to be very ſollicitous for the Cauſe of God and Religion, when in reality they intended to cheat the Church of them, and to convert them to profane uſe. Nay, the Juſtices of Peace are everywhere enjoyned to force the Laicks, who refuſed, to pay them.They endeavour by their Emiſſaries to procure gratulatory Petitions. They likewiſe hoped to ſtir up the people by Emiſſaries and Souldiers everywhere diſperſed, by Anabaptiſts, Schiſmaticks, and Hereticks, who were moſt diligent in propagating their affairs, to approve what the Parliament had done by congratulatory Addreſſes, and to demand ſome ſeverer puniſhment to be inflicted upon the King.

But it happened contrariwiſe: for three Anſwers and Apologies at leaſt came out within a ſhort time,The K. Majeſty is juſtified by many Apologies. (one of which was written with the Kings own hand) wherein his Majeſty was moſt clearly acquitted from thoſe reproachful Imputations, and the Accuſations retorted upon the Faction it ſelf, which was proved to be guilty of all the crimes that it maliciouſly and falſly faſtened upon the King; and that with ſo great evidence and perſpicuity, that no man durſt offer ſo much as to mutter againſt it.

The Parſons coldly execute their orders: very few congratulate.In the mean time the Miniſters coldly obey their commands: and ſome few gratulatory Addreſſes by the induſtry of Sectarians, are with much ado extorted from a few Counties, and ſigned but with the hands of ſome obſcure and notoriouſly malicious Villains.

All the people grumble and fret.Now the people began to grumble and fret, to accuſe the Sectarians, and eſpecially the Souldiers of juggling and impoſture; and to curſe them all. Afterwards came Petitions from a great many Counties,Many petition for a perſonal Treaty with the King, and thoſe alſo which always were for the Parliament, earneſtly intreating that a perſonal Treaty might be had with the King, that the Army might be paid and disbanded, that aſſiſtance in the mean time ſhould be ſent over into Ireland, that England might be eaſed from Oppreſſions, and from contributing to the charges of an unneceſſary Army, which it was no longer able to bear.

At length it came to that, that a great many of theſe humble Petitions ſigned with the hands of infinite numbers of men,The Rebels in vain oppoſing it. had almoſt confounded the repugnancy of the Parliament; the Commanders of the Army in the ſeveral Counties, and the Parliament Commiſſioners, who for the moſt part did all now comply with the victorious Party, in vain uſing all their endeavours by threats of ſequeſtrations, impriſonments, baniſhment, and death, and now and then by flattery and golden promiſes, to make them deſiſt and be ſilent.

Nor can we paſs over, without a remark,☜ the changing Tides of Divine Vengeance, or of Popular Inconſtancy; whilſt the very ſame Parliament, from which the firſt tumults of petitioning againſt the King had their riſe, does now complain that the dignity of the Members are endangered by an undeſired confluence of Petitioners.

The firſt that led the van in petitioning were the Eſſex-men, in numbers unuſual before theſe times,Firſt were the Eſſex-men; who were ſo many that they might have compelled thoſe whom they came to ſupplicate.Next, thoſe of Surrey, who are abuſed by the Souldiers. Next came the Surrey-men, who being unarmed, were upon a ſlight occaſion barbarouſly treated by the Souldiers near the very door of the Parliament-houſe; being ſeverely beaten, forced to flie, ſome killed, more wounded, all plundered, and that by order of the Houſe, and command of the Officers; nay, the Rioters had the thanks of the Lower Houſe, and rewards for the fact; that ſo the people might for the future beware of licentious petitioning, which heretofore was judged a part of their Right.

But all they get by their Tyranny in labouring to ſtifle the Grievances and Complaints of the oppreſt people,But nevertheleſs, more Petitions come from other Counties; was to incenſe the other Counties to ply them more frequently with Petitions: who ſeeing they could procure no remedy by complaining, from Prayers and Petitions they betake themſelves to Arms. The liberty of the King and People (which heretofore the deluded Rabble thought to be inconſiſtent) are again born in colours, by the men of Kent, And the Kentiſh and Eſſex men with ſeveral others being repulſed, betake themſelves to Arms. Eſſex, Suffolk, Norfolk, York-ſhire, and other Northern Counties, South and North Wales alſo, and at length of Surrey, who were inflamed with a greater deſire of vengeance; many Nobles (the Earl of Holland, Wiot, and Duke of Buckingham, &c.) who were unluckily diſcovered to have entered into a Conſpiracy at London, joyning them too haſtily.

The Fleet alſo falls off from the Parl.The Sea-men alſo being carried with the ſame tyde of Commiſeration towards the King, fall off, and ſeventeen men of War, having put the Republican Admiral Rainsborough on ſhore, come over to Prince Charles.

The Scots riſe in arms for delivering the K. out of priſon.The Scots alſo by order of their Parliament take up Arms for delivering the King out of Priſon wherein he was baſely detained, and make an Irruption into the Northern parts of England, with a numerous army under the command of Hamilton; being joyned by Sir Marmaduke Langdale, with a conſiderable body of Engliſh: But whether it was the wonted ill fortune of the King, or of Hamilton himſelf, or rather the decree and purpoſe of Almighty God, the Engliſh firſt, by intervals, and one after another,The Engliſh are overcome by the enemy. were routed and killed by the enemy: for it was a matter of ſmall difficulty for an old Army provided with Ammunition and all other neceſſaries of War, commanded by vigilant and expert Generals and Officers, to defeat and put to flight a tumultuary body of raw Country-men rather than Souldiers, deſtitute of Arms and warlike proviſions, and for moſt part without Commanders, whilſt they come to engage by Parties one after another.

Nevertheleſs, Colcheſter in Eſſex, and Pembrooke the chief Town of that County in Wales, though they were unprovided for a Siege, gave the Rebels no little work to do. Nor did Pontfract-Caſtle fall diſhonourably into their hands; out of which about thirty Horſemen breaking through the Forces that beſieged the place, pulled Rainsborough (lately Admiral and now General of the Northern Army, who had brought ſome thouſands of Auxiliary Troops to make an end of the Siege) out of his Bed in Duncaſter a fortified Tower, twelve miles diſtant from Pontfract; and becauſe he refuſed to be carried away with them as a Priſoner, killed him. Nay, the Garriſon being reduced to the utmoſt extremity, all had free liberty to depart to their own houſes, except two Souldiers; to whom it was permitted even by Articles, either to die in the Bed of Honour fighting, or to arm themſelves and ſtrive to break through the enemy. Which both of them watching their opportunity, got on horſeback, and performed almoſt without a wound.

The Scots through the unskilfulneſs and cowardiſe of their Generals,And the Scots. or (which I am not willing to ſuſpect) their treachery, leading the Army in two bodies forty miles diſtant one from another, are without any trouble routed by Cromwel, who unexpectedly falling upon the main body, Hamilton the General being taken. put it to flight, and all the reſt into conſternation; many being killed and taken, amongſt whom was Hamilton the General.

The reſt he purſued into Scotland; where Argile with the Forces he had raiſed, being no leſs an Army at home than Cromwel was abroad, reduced them in a ſhort time to ſuch ſtreights, that the Army which had been raiſed by order of Parliament, was forced to lay down Arms, and ſubmit to the diſcretion of Argile's Faction. Then was a new Parliament called, all being excluded who had taken up Arms, or voted for engaging in a War for the delivery of the King. In this the Acts of the laſt Parliament were recinded, the War declared to have been unlawful, Cromwel had the publick thanks, and Argile privately engaged (as Cromwel himſelf boaſted) that he would concur with the Oligarchicks of England, and root out Monarchy (when occaſion offered) in Scotland as well as in England.

The ſhips prepare to make a defection from the Prince, matters ſucceeding ill at Land.Beſides, many Ships, the Tyde turning, according to the innate levine of Seamen, prepare to make defection from the Prince, caſting themſelves into the protection of the Earl of Warwick, who had won their hearts by frequent Largeſſes, and who was ſet over a new Fleet for a time, that he might draw over the Seamen again to the obedience of the Parliament: but being beſet with the Spies Of the Oligarchick Rebels, and having done their job, he juſtly received the uſual Reward from theſe Maſters, that is, he was turned out and laid aſide.

The Parl. in the mean time think of making peace.Whilſt the Army is buſied in theſe Wars, the Members of Parliament being a little rid of the yoak of the Army and Cromwel that were now at a diſtance, and ſeriouſly conſidering how ill all the People of the Kingdom would reſent the injuries done to the King, and how tickliſh their own affairs ſtood, they begin to think of Peace; and growing wiſe behind hand,The Act of None Addreſſes is reſcinded. againſt the advice of the Oligarchick Republicans, they reſcind the Votes of None Addreſſes, by the unanimous conſent of both Houſes. They appoint a Conference with the K. by Commiſſioner in the Iſle of Wight. They appoint a Conference▪ with the King for compoſing Differences; but by Commiſſioners, and that in the Iſle of Wight. For this purpoſe they commiſſionate five Lords for the Ʋpper Houſe, and ten Commoners for the Lower. The Propoſitions to be debated in that Conference, are preſcribed to the Commiſſioners.

¶ That the Tranſlator relates all which verbatim, though it be contrary to the deſigne of this Work, and of the Author, who hath onely entred the ſhort Articles marked with the numbers I.II.III. I hope the Reader will not diſlike, ſince the Articles at large contain ſo excellent a deſcription of the Changes that were then intended to be made in the Government of England, that it is thought very fit to publiſh them according to the perfect Copy printed by order of both Houſes the 29th of Auguſt, 1648.

May it pleaſe your Majeſty:

WE the Lords and Commons aſſembled in the Parliament of England, in the name, and on the behalf of the Kingdoms of England and Ireland, and the Commiſſioners of the Parliament of Scotland, in the name, and on the behalf of the Kingdom of Scotland; Do humbly preſent unto your Majeſty the humble deſires and Propoſitions for a ſafe and well-grounded Peace, agreed upon by the Parliaments of both Kingdoms reſpectively; unto which we do pray your Majeſties Aſſent: And that they and all ſuch Bills as ſhall be tendered to your Majeſty in purſuance of them, or any of them, may be Eſtabliſhed and Enacted for Statutes and Acts of Parliament, by your Majeſties Royal Aſſent in the Parliaments of both Kingdoms reſpectively.

WHereas both Houſes of the Parliament of England have been neceſſitated to undertake a War in their juſt and lawful defence; and afterwards both Kingdoms of England and Scotland joyned in Solemn League and Covenant, were engaged to proſecute the ſame.

That by Act of Parliament in each Kingdom reſpectively, all Oaths, Declarations, and Proclamations heretofore had, or hereafter to be had againſt both or either of the Houſes of the Parliament of England, the Parliament of the Kingdom of Scotland, and the late Convention of Eſtates in Scotland, or Committees flowing from the Parliament or Convention in Scotland, or their Ordinances and Proceedings; or againſt any for adhering unto them, or for doing or executing any Office, Place, or Charge, by any Authority derived from them; and all Judgments, Indictments, Outlawries, Attainders, and Inquiſitions, in any the ſaid Cauſes; and all Grants thereupon made or had, or to be made or had, be declared Null, ſuppreſſed and forbidden. And that this be publickly intimated in all Pariſh-Churches within his Majeſties Dominions, and all other places needful.

II.

That his Majeſty, according to the laudable example of his Royal Father of happy memory, may be pleaſed to ſwear and ſigne the late Solemn League and Covenant; and that an Act of Parliament be paſſed in both Kingdoms reſpectively, for enjoyning the taking thereof by all the Subjects of the three Kingdoms; and the Ordinances concerning the manner of taking the ſame in both Kingdoms, be confirmed by Acts of Parliament reſpectively, with ſuch Penalties as by mutual advice of both Kingdoms ſhall be agreed upon.

III.

That a Bill be paſſed for the utter aboliſhing and taking away of all Archbiſhops, Biſhops, their Chancellors, and Commiſſaries, Deans, and Sub-Deans, Deans and Chapters, Arch-Deacons, Canons, and Prebendaries; and all Chaunters, Chancellors, Treaſurers, Sub-Treaſurers, Succentors, and Sacriſts; all Vicars Choril, and Choreſters, old Vicars, and new Vicars of any Cathedral or Collegiate-Church, and all other their under-Officers, out of the Church of England, and Dominion of Wales; and out of the Church of Ireland, with ſuch alterations concerning the Eſtates of Prelates, as ſhall agree with the Articles of the late Treaty of the date at Edenburgh, 29 November, 1643. and joynt Declaration of both Kingdoms.

IV.

That the Ordinances concerning the calling and ſitting of the Aſſembly of Divines, be confirmed by Act of Parliament.

That Reformation of Religion, according to the Covenant, be ſetled by Act of Parliament, in ſuch manner as both Houſes have agreed, or ſhall agree upon, after conſultation had with the Aſſembly of Divines.

For as much as both Kingdoms are mutually obliged by the ſame Covenant, to endeavour the neareſt Conjunction and Uniformity in matters of Religion, That ſuch Unity and Uniformity in Religion, according to the Covenant, as after conſultation had with the Divines of both Kingdoms now aſſembled, is or ſhall be joyntly agreed upon by both Houſes of the Parliament of England, and by the Church and Kingdom of Scotland, be confirmed by Acts of Parliament of both Kingdoms reſpectively.

VI.

That for the more effectual diſabling Jeſuits, Prieſts; Papiſts, and Popiſh Recuſants, from diſturbing the State, and deluding the Laws; and for the better diſcovering, and ſpeedy conviction of Popiſh Recuſants, an Oath be eſtabliſhed by Act of Parliament to be adminiſtred to them, wherein they ſhall abjure and renounce the Popes Supremacy, the Doctrine of Tranſubſtantiation, Purgatory, worſhipping of the Conſecrated Hoaſt, Crucifixes and Images, and all other Popiſh Superſtitions and Errours; and refuſing the ſaid Oath, being tendred in ſuch manner as ſhall be appointed by the ſaid Act, to be a ſufficient Conviction of Popiſh Recu • ancy.

An Act or Acts of Parliament for Education of the Children of Papiſts by Proteſtants, in the Proteſtant Religion.

VIII.

An Act or Acts for the true Levie of the Penalties againſt them; which Penalties to be levied and diſpoſed in ſuch manner as both Houſes ſhall agree on, wherein to be provided that his Majeſty ſhall have no loſs.

IX.

That an Act or Acts be paſſed in Parliament, whereby the practices of Papiſts againſt the State may be prevented, and the Laws againſt them duly executed, and a ſtricter courſe taken to prevent the Saying or Hearing of Maſs in the Court, or any other part of this Kingdom, or the Kingdom of Ireland.

The like for the Kingdom of Scotland, concerning the four laſt preceding Propoſitions, in ſuch manner as the Eſtates of the Parliament there ſhall think fit.

That the King do give his Royal aſſent to an Act for the due obſervation of the Lords Day.

XI.

And to the Bill for the ſuppreſſion of Innovaſions in Churches and Chappels, in and about the Worſhip of God.

XII.

And for the better advancement of the preaching of Gods holy Word in all parts of this Kingdom.

XIII.

And to the Bill againſt the enjoying the pluralities of Benefices by Spiritual Perſons and Non-Reſidency.

XIV.

And to an Act to be framed and agreed upon by both Houſes of Parliament, for the reforming and regulating of both Univerſities, of the Colledges of Weſtminſter, Wincheſter, and Eaton.

XV.

And to ſuch Act or Acts for raiſing of Moneys for the payment and ſatisfying of the publick Debts and Damages of the Kingdom, and other publick uſes, as ſhall hereafter be agreed on by both Houſes of Parliament; and that if the King do not give his Aſſent thereunto, then it being done by both Houſes of Parliament, the ſame ſhall be as valid to all intents and purpoſes as if the Royal Aſſent had been given thereunto.

The like for the Kingdom of Scotland.

And that his Majeſty give aſſurance of his conſenting in the Parliament of Scotland, to an Act, acknowledging and ratifying the Acts of the Convention of Eſtates of Scotland, called by the Council and Conſervers of the Peace, and the Commiſſioners for the common Burthens, and aſſembled the two and twentieth day of June, 1643. and ſeveral times continued ſince: and of the Parliament of that Kingdom ſince convened.

XVI.

That the Lords and Commons in the Parliament of England aſſembled, ſhall, during the ſpace of twenty years, from the firſt of July, 1646. arm, train, and diſcipline, or cauſe to be armed, trained, and diſciplined, all the Forces of the Kingdoms of England and Ireland, and Dominion of Wales, the Iſles of Guernſey and Jerſey, and the Town of Barwick upon Tweed, already raiſed both for Sea and Land-ſervice; and ſhall from time to time during the ſaid ſpace of twenty years, raiſe, levy, arm, train, and diſcipline, or cauſe to be raiſed, levied, armed, trained, and diſciplined, any other Forces for Land and Sea-ſervice in the Kingdoms, Dominions, and places aforeſaid, as in their Judgments they ſhall from time to time, during the ſaid ſpace of twenty years, think fit and appoint; and that neither the the King, his Heirs, or Succeſſors, nor any other but ſuch as ſhall act by the authority or approbation of the ſaid Lords and Commons, ſhall during the ſaid ſpace of twenty years, exerciſe any of the Powers aforeſaid.

And the like for the Kingdom of Scotland, if the Eſtates of the Parliament there ſhall think fit.

That Moneys be raiſed and levied for the maintenance and uſe of the ſaid Forces for Land-ſervice, and of the Navy and Forces for Sea-ſervice, in ſuch ſort, and by ſuch ways and means as the ſaid Lords & Commons ſhall from time to time, during the ſaid ſpace of twenty years, think fit and appoint, and not otherwiſe. That all the ſaid Forces both for Land and Sea-ſervice, ſo raiſed or levied, or to be raiſed or levied, and alſo the Admiralty and Navy, ſhall from time to time, during the ſaid ſpace of twenty years, be employed, managed, ordered, and diſpoſed by the ſaid Lords and Commons in ſuch ſort, and by ſuch ways and means as they ſhall think fit and appoint, and not otherwiſe. And the ſaid Lords and Commons, during the ſaid ſpace of twenty years, ſhall have power,

1. To ſuppreſs all Forces raiſed or to be raiſed, without authority and conſent of the ſaid Lords and Commons, to the diſturbance of the publick Peace of the Kingdoms of England and Ireland, and Dominion of Wales, the Iſles of Guernſey and Jerſey, and the Town of Barwick upon Tweed, or any of them.

2. To ſuppreſs any foreign Forces who ſhall invade or endeavour to invade the Kingdoms of England and Ireland, Dominion of Wales, the Iſles of Guernſey and Jerſey, and the Town of Barwick upon Tweed, or any of them.

3. To conjoyn ſuch Forces of the Kingdom of England, with the Forces of the Kingdom of Scotland, as the ſaid Lords and Commons ſhall from time to time, during the ſaid ſpace of twenty years, judge fit and neceſſary: To reſiſt all foreign Invaſions, and to ſuppreſs any Forces raiſed or to be raiſed againſt, or within either of the ſaid Kingdoms; to the diſturbance of the publick Peace of the ſaid Kingdoms, or any of them, by any authority under the Great Seal, or other Warrant whatſoever, without conſent of the ſaid Lords and Commons of the Parliament of England, and the Parliament or the Eſtates of the Parliament of Scotland reſpectively; And that no Forces of either Kingdom, ſhall go into or continue in the other Kingdom without the advice and deſire of the ſaid Lords and Commons of the Parliament of England, and the Parliament of the Kingdom of Scotland, or ſuch as ſhall be by them appointed for that purpoſe; And that after the expiration of the ſaid twenty years, neither the King, his Heirs or Succeſſors, or any perſon or perſons by colour or pretence of any Commiſſion, Power, Deputation, or Authority to be derived from the King, his Heirs or Succeſſors, or any of them, ſhall raiſe, arm, train, diſcipline, employ, order, mannage, disband, or diſpoſe any of the Forces by Sea or Land, of the Kingdoms of England and Ireland, the Dominion of Wales, Iſles of Guernſey and Jerſey, and the Town of Barwick upon Tweed; Nor exerciſe any of the ſaid Powers or Authorities in the precedent Articles mentioned and expreſſed to be during the ſaid ſpace of twenty years in the ſaid Lords and Commons; Nor do any act or thing concerning the execution of the ſaid Powers or Authorities, or any of them, without the conſent of the ſaid Lords and Commons firſt had and obtained. That after the expiration of the ſaid twenty years, in all caſes wherein the Lords and Commons ſhall declare the ſafety of the Kingdom to be concerned, and ſhall thereupon paſs any Bill or Bills for the raiſing, arming, training, diſciplining, employing, mannaging, ordering, or diſpoſing of the Forces by Sea or Land, of the Kingdoms of England and Ireland, and Dominion of Wales, Iſles of Guernſey and Jerſey, and the Town of Barwick upon Tweed, or any part of the ſaid Forces, or concerning the Admiralty and Navy, or concerning the levying of Moneys for the raiſing, maintenance, or uſe of the ſaid Forces for Land-ſervice, or for the Navy, and Forces for Sea-ſervice, or of any part of them; and if that the Royal Aſſent to ſuch Bill or Bills ſhall not be given in the Houſe of Peers within ſuch time after the paſſing thereof by both Houſes of Parliament, as the ſaid Houſes ſhall judge fit and convenient; That then ſuch Bill or Bills ſo paſſed by the ſaid Lords and Commons as aforeſaid, and to which the Royal Aſſent ſhall not be given, as is herein before expreſſed, ſhall nevertheleſs, after declaration of the ſaid Lords and Commons made in that behalf, have the force and ſtrength of an Act or Acts of Parliament; and ſhall be as valid to all intents and purpoſes, as if the Royal Aſſent had been given thereunto.

Provided, that nothing herein before contained ſhall extend to the taking away of the ordinary legal power of Sheriffs, Juſtices of Peace, Mayors, Bayliffs, Coroners, Conſtables, Headboroughs, or other Officers of Juſtice not being Military Officers, concerning the adminiſtration of Juſtice, ſo as neither the ſaid Sheriffs, Juſtices of Peace, Mayors, Bayliffs, Coroners, Conſtables, Headboroughs, and other Officers, nor any of them, do levy, conduct, employ, or command any Forces whatſoever, by colour or pretence of any Commiſſion of Array, or extraordinary command from his Majeſty, his Heirs, or Succeſſors, without the conſent of the ſaid Lords and Commons.

And if any perſons ſhall be gathered and aſſembled together in warlike manner, or otherwiſe to the number of thirty perſons, and ſhall not forthwith disband themſelves, being required thereto by the ſaid Lords and Commons, or command from them, or any by them, eſpecially authorized for that purpoſe; then ſuch perſon or perſons not ſo disbanding themſelves, ſhall be guilty and incur the pains of High-Treaſon, being firſt declared guilty of ſuch offence by the ſaid Lords and Commons; any Commiſſion under the great Seal or other Warrant to the contrary, notwithſtanding.

And he or they that ſhall offend herein, to be incapable of any pardon from his Majeſty, his Heirs or Succeſſors, and their Eſtates ſhall be diſpoſed as the ſaid Lords and Commons ſhall think fit, and not otherwiſe.

Provided that the City of London ſhall have and enjoy all their Rights, Liberties, and Franchiſes, Cuſtoms and Uſages in the raiſing and employing the Forces of that City, for the defence thereof, in as full and ample manner, to all intents and purpoſes, as they have or might have uſed or enjoyed the ſame at any time, before the making of the ſaid Act or Propoſition; To the end that City may be fully aſſured it is not the intention of the Parliament to take from them any priviledges, or immunities in raiſing or diſpoſing of their Forces, which they have or might have uſed or enjoyed heretofore.

The like for the Kingdom of Scotland, if the Eſtates of the Parliament there ſhall think fit.

XVII.

That by Act of Parliament, all Peers made ſince the day that Edward Lord Littleton, then Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, deſerted the Parliament, and that the ſaid Great Seal was ſurreptitiouſly conveyed away from the Parliament, being the one and twentieth day of May, 1642. and who ſhall be hereafter made, ſhall not ſit or vote in the Parliament of England, without conſent of both Houſes of Parliament: And that all Honour and Title conferred on any without conſent of both Houſes of Parliament, ſince the twentieth day of May, 1642. being the day that both Houſes declared. That the King ſeduced by evil Council, intended to raiſe War againſt the Parliament, be declared Null and Void.

The like for the Kingdom of Scotland, thoſe being excepted whoſe Parents were paſſed the Great Seal before the fourth of June, 1644.

XVIII.

That an Act be paſſed in the Parliament of both Kingdoms reſpectively, for confirmation of the Treaties paſſed betwixt the two Kingdoms (viz.) the large Treaty, the late Treaty for the coming of the Scots Army into England, and the ſetling of the Garriſon of Barwick of the 29th of November, 1643. and the Treaty concerning Ireland of the 6th of Auguſt, 1642. for the bringing of ten thouſand Scots into the Province of Ʋlſter in Ireland, with all other Ordinances and Proceedings paſſed betwixt the two Kingdoms, and whereunto they are obliged by the aforeſaid Treaties.

And that Algernon Earl of Northumberland, John Earl of Rutland, Philip Earl of Pembrooke and Mungomery, Theophilus Earl of Lincoln, James Earl of Suffolk, William Earl of Salisbury, Robert Earl of Warwick, Edward Earl of Mancheſter, Henry Earl of Stanford, Francis Lord Dacres, Philip Lord Wharton, Francis Lord Willoughby, Dudly Lord North, John Lord Hunſdon, William Lord Gray, Edward Lord Howard of Eſtrick, Thomas Lord Bruce, Ferdinando Lord Fairfax, Mr. Nathaniel Fines, Sir William Armine, Sir Philip Stapilton, Sir Henry Vane ſenior, Mr. William Perpoint, Sir Edward Aiſcough, Sir William Strickland, Sir Arthur Heſilrig, Sir John Fenwick, Sir William Brereton, Sir Thomas Widdington, Mr. John Toll, Mr. Gilbert Millington, Sir William Conſtable, Sir John Wray, Sir Henry Vaine junior, Mr. Henry Darley, Oliver Saint John Eſq his Majeſties Sollicitor-General, Mr. Denzel Hollis, Mr. Alexander Rigby, Mr. Cornelius Holland, Mr. Samuel Vaſſell, Mr. Peregrin Pelham, John Glyn Eſq Recorder of London; Mr. Henry Martin, Mr. Alderman Hoyle, Mr. John Blakiſton, Mr. Serjeant Wilde, Mr. Richard Barwis, Sir Anthony Irby, Mr. Aſhurſt, Mr. Bellingham, and Mr. Tolſon, Members of both Houſes of the Parliament of England, ſhall be the Commiſſioners for the Kingdom of England, for conſervation of the Peace between the two Kingdoms to act according to the Powers in that behalf expreſt in the Articles of the large Treaty, and not otherwiſe.

That his Majeſty give his Aſſent to what the two Kingdoms ſhall agree upon in proſecution of the Articles of the large Treaty, which are not yet finiſhed.

That an Act be paſſed in the Parliaments of both Kingdoms reſpectively, for eſtabliſhing the joynt Declaration of both Kingdoms, bearing date the 30th day of January, 1643. in England, and 1644. in Scotland, with the Qualifications enſuing.

1 Qualification. That the perſons who ſhall expect no pardon, be onely theſe following: Rupert & Maurice, Count Palatines of Rhine. James Earl of Darby. John Earl of Briſtol. William Earl of New-caſtle. Francis Lord Cottington. George Lord Digby. Matthew Wren Biſhop of Ely. Sir Robert Heath Kt. Dr. Bramhall Biſhop of Derry. Sir William Widdrington. Col. George Goring. Henry Jermin Eſq Sir Ralph Hopton. Sir John Biron. Sir Francis Doddington. Sir John Strangewayes. Mr. Endymion Porter. Sir George Radcliffe. Sir Marmaduke Langdale. Henry Vaughan Eſq now called Sir Hen. Vaughan. Sir Francis Windibanke. Sir Richard Greenvill. Mr. Edward Hide, now called Sir Edw. Hide. Sir John Marley. Sir Nicholas Cole. Sir Thomas Riddel Jun. Sir John Colepepper. Mr. Richard Lloyd, now called Sir Rich. Lloyd. Mr. David Jenkins. Sir George Strode. George Carteret Eſq now called Sir Geo. Carteret. Sir Charles Dalliſon Kt. Richard Lane Eſq now called Sir Rich. Lane. Sir Edward Nicholas. John Aſhburnham Eſq Sir Edward Herbert Kt. his Majeſties Attorney-General. Lord Rae. George Gourdon, ſometime Marqueſs of Huntly. James Graham, ſometime Earl of Montroſs. Robert Dalyell, ſometime Earl of Carnewath. James Gordon, ſometime Viſcount of Aboyne. Lodowick Linſey, ſometime Earl of Crawford. James Ogley, ſometime Earl of Airby. Aleſter Madonald. Gordon, Younger of Gight. Col. John Cockram. Graham of Gorthie. Mr. John Maxwell, ſometime pretended Biſhop of Roſs.

And all ſuch others as being proceſſed by the Eſtates for Treaſon, ſhall be condemned before the Act of Oblivion be paſſed.

2 Qualification. All Papiſts and Popiſh Recuſants, who have been, now are, or ſhall be actually in Arms, or voluntarily aſſiſting againſt the Parliaments or Eſtates of either Kingdom; and by name, The Marqueſs of Winton. Edward Earl of Worceſter. Lord Brudnell. Carell Mollinex Eſq Lord Arundel of Warder. Sir Francis Howard. Sir John Winter. Sir Charles Smith. Sir John Preſtan. Sir Bazil Brooke. Lord Audley, Earl of Caſtlehaven in the Kingdom of Ireland. William Shelden of Beely, Eſquire. Sir Henry Beddingfield.

3 Qualification. All perſons who have had any hand in the plotting, deſigning, or aſſiſting the Rebellion of Ireland, except ſuch perſons who having onely aſſiſted the ſaid Rebellion, have rendred themſelves, or come into the Parliament of England.

4 Qualification. That Humfrey Bennet Eſq Sir Edward Ford. Sir John Penruddock. Sir George Vaughan. Sir John Weld. Sir Robert Lee. Sir John Pate. John Ackland. Edmond Windham Eſq Sir John Fitzharbert. Sir Edw. Lawrence. Sir Ralph Dutton. Henry Lingen Eſq Sir Hen. Fletcher. Sir Rich. Minſhall. Laurence Haleſtead. John Denham Eſq Sir Edmund Forteſcue. Peter Sainthill Eſq Sir Tho. Tildiſley. Sir Hen. Griffith. Michael Wharton Eſq Sir Hen. Spiller. Mr. Geo. Benyon, now called Sir Geo. Benyon. Sir Edw. Walgrave. Sir Edw. Biſhop. Sir William Ruſſell of Worceſterſhire. Thomas Lee of Adlington, Eſq Sir John Girlington. Sir Paul Neale. Sir William Thorold. Sir Edward Huſſey. Sir Tho. Lyddell Sen. Sir Philip Muſgrave. Sir John Digby of Nottinghamſhire. Sir Robert Owſeley. Sir John Many. Lord Cholmley. Sir Tho. Aſton. Sir Lewis Dives. Sir Peter Osbourne. Samuel Thornton Eſq Sir John Lucas. John Claney Eſq Sir Tho. Chedle. Sir Nicholas Kemiſh. Hugh Lloyd Eſq Sir Nicholas Cripſe. Sir Peter Ricaut.

And all ſuch of the Scottiſh Nation as have concurred in the Votes at Oxford, againſt the Kingdom of Scotland and their proceedings, or have ſworn or ſubſcribed the Declaration againſt the Convention and Covenant; and all ſuch as have aſſiſted the Rebellion in the North, or the Invaſion in the South of the ſaid Kingdom of Scotland, or the late Invaſion made there by the Iriſh and their Adherents, be removed from his Majeſties Councils, and be reſtrained from coming within the Verge of the Court; and that they may not, without the advice and conſent of both Houſes of the Parliament of England, or the Eſtates in the Parliament of Scotland reſpectively, bear any Office, or have any Employment concerning the State or Commonwealth. And in caſe any of them ſhall offend therein, to be guilty of High-Treaſon, and incapable of any pardon from his Majeſty, and their Eſtates to be diſpoſed as both Houſes of the Parliament of England, or the Eſtates of the Parliament in Scotland reſpectively ſhall think fit: And that one full third part upon full value of the Eſtates of the perſons aforeſaid, made incapable of Employment as aforeſaid, be employed for the payment of the publick Debts and Damages, according to the Declaration.

Branch 1. That the late Members, or any who pretended themſelves late Members of either Houſe of Parliament, who have not onely deſerted the Parliament, but have alſo ſate in the unlawful Aſſembly at Oxford, called or pretended by ſome to be a Parliament, and voted both Kingdoms Traytors, and have not voluntarily rendred themſelves before the laſt of October, 1644. be removed from his Majeſties Councils, and be reſtrained from coming within the Verge of the Court. And that they may not, without advice and conſent of both Kingdoms, bear any Office, or have any Employment concerning the State or Commonwealth. And in caſe any of them ſhall offend therein, to be guilty of High-Treaſon, and incapable of any pardon by his Majeſty, and their Eſtates to be diſpoſed as both Houſes of Parliament in England, or the Eſtates of the Parliament of Scotland reſpectively ſhall think fit.

Branch 2. That the late Members, or any who pretended themſelves Members of either Houſe of Parliament, who have ſate in the unlawful Aſſembly at Oxford, called or pretended by ſome to be a Parliament, and have not voluntarily rendred themſelves before the laſt of October, 1644. be removed from his Majeſties Councils, and reſtrained from coming within the Verge of the Court; and that they may not, without the advice and conſent of both Houſes of Parliament, bear any Office, or have any Employment concerning the State or Commonwealth. And in caſe any of them ſhall offend therein, to be guilty of High-Treaſon, and incapable of any pardon from his Majeſty, and their Eſtates to be diſpoſed as both Houſes of the Parliament of England ſhall think fit.

Branch 3. That the late Members, or any who pretended themſelves Members of either Houſe of Parliament, who have deſerted the Parliament, and adhered to the Enemies thereof, and have not rendred themſelves before the laſt of October, 1644. be removed from his Majeſties Councils, and be reſtrained from coming within the Verge of the Court; and that they may not, without the advice and conſent of both Houſes of Parliament, bear any Office, or have any Employment concerning the State or Commonwealth. And in caſe any of them ſhall offend therein, to be guilty of High-Treaſon, and incapable of any pardon from his Majeſty, and their Eſtates to be diſpoſed as both Houſes of Parliament in England ſhall think fit.

5 Qualification. That all Judges and Officers, towards the Law, Common or Civil, who have deſerted the Parliament, and adhered to the Enemies thereof, be incapable of any place of Judicature or Office towards the Law, Common or Civil: And that all Serjeants, Counſellors, and Attorneys, Doctors, Advocates, Proctors of the Law, Common or Civil, who have deſerted the Parliament, and adhered to the Enemies thereof, be incapable of any practice in the Law, Common or Civil, either in publick or private; and ſhall not be capable of any preferment or employment in the Commonwealth, without the advice and conſent of both Houſes of Parliament: And that no Biſhop or Clergy-man, no Maſter or Fellow of any Colledge or Hall in either of the Univerſities, or elſewhere, or any Maſter of School or Hoſpital, or any Eccleſiaſtical perſon, who hath deſerted the Parliament, and adhered to the Enemies thereof, ſhall hold or enjoy, or be capable of any preferment or employment in Church or Commonwealth; but all their ſaid ſeveral preferments, places, and promotions, ſhall be utterly void, as if they were naturally dead; nor ſhall they otherwiſe uſe their Function of the Miniſtry, without advice and conſent of both Houſes of Parliament: Provided that no Laps ſhall incurr by ſuch vacancy, until ſix months paſt, after notice thereof.

6 Qualification. That all perſons who have been actually in Arms againſt the Parliament, or have counſelled or voluntarily aſſiſted the Enemies thereof, are diſabled to be Sheriffs, Juſtices of the Peace, Mayors, or other head-Officers of any City or Corporation, Commiſſioners of Oyer and Terminer, or to ſit or ſerve as Members, or Aſſiſtants in either of the Houſes of Parliament, or to have any Military employment in this Kingdom, without the conſent of both Houſes of Parliament.

7 Qualification. The perſons of all others to be free of all perſonal cenſure, notwithſtanding any Act, or thing done in, or concerning this War, they taking the Covenant.

8 Qualification. The Eſtates of thoſe perſons excepted in the firſt three precedent Qualifications; and the Eſtates of Edward Lord Littleton, and of William Laud late Archbiſhop of Canterbury, to pay publick Debts and Damages.

9 Qualification. Branch 1. That two full parts in three, to be divided of all the Eſtates of the Members of either Houſe of Parliament, who have not onely deſerted the Parliament, but have alſo voted both Kingdoms Traytors, and have not rendred themſelves before the firſt of December, 1645. ſhall be taken and employed for the payment of the publick Debts and Damages of the Kingdom.

Branch 2. That two full parts in three, to be divided of the Eſtates of ſuch late Members of either Houſe of Parliament, as ſate in the unlawful Aſſembly at Oxford, and ſhall not have rendred themſelves before the firſt of December, 1645. ſhall be taken and employed for the payment of the publick Debts and Damages of the Kingdom.

Branch 3. That one full moity of the Eſtates of ſuch perſons, late Members of either of the Houſes of Parliament, who have deſerted the Parliament, and adhered to the Enemies thereof, and ſhall not have rendred themſelves before the firſt of December, 1645. ſhall be taken and employed for the payment of the publick Debts and Damages of the Kingdom.

10 Qualification. That a full third part of the value of the Eſtates of all Judges and Officers towards the Law, Common or Civil, and of all Serjeants, Counſellors, and Attorneys, Doctors, Advocates, and Proctors of the Law, Common or Civil: And of all Biſhops, Clergy-men, Maſters and Fellows of any Colledge or Hall in either of the Univerſities, or elſewhere: And of all Maſters of Schools or Hoſpitals, and of all Eccleſiaſtical perſons who have deſerted the Parliament, and adhered to the Enemies thereof, and have not rendred themſelves to the Parliament before the firſt of December, 1645. ſhall be taken and employed for the payment of the publick Debts and Damages of the Kingdom.

That a full ſixth part on the full value of the Eſtates of the perſons excepted in the ſixth Qualification, concerning ſuch as have been actually in Arms againſt the Parliament, or have counſelled or voluntarily aſſiſted the Enemies thereof and are diſabled according to the ſaid Qualification, be taken and employed for the payment of the publick Debts and Damages of the Kingdom.

11 Qualification. That the perſons and Eſtates of all Common Souldiers, and others of the Kingdom of England, who in Lands or Goods be not worth two hundred pounds ſterling; and the perſons and Eſtates of all Common Souldiers and others of the Kingdom of Scotland, who in Lands or Goods be not worth one hundred pounds ſterling, be at liberty and diſcharged.

Branch 1. This Propoſition to ſtand as to the Engliſh, and as to the Scots likewiſe; if the Parliament of Scotland or their Commiſſioners ſhall ſo think fit.

Branch 2. That the 1 of May laſt, is now the day limited for the perſons to come in that are compriſed within the former Qualifications. Provided that all and every the Delinquents which by or according to the ſeveral and reſpective Ordinances or Orders made by both or either of the Houſes of Parliament, on or before the 24th day of April, 1647. are to be admitted to make their Fines and Compoſitions under the rates and proportions of the Qualifications aforeſaid, ſhall according to the ſaid Ordinances and Orders, reſpectively be thereto admitted; and further alſo, that no perſon or perſons whatſoever (except ſuch Papiſts as having been in Arms, or voluntarily aſſiſted againſt the Parliament, have by concealing their quality, procured their admiſſion to Compoſition) which have already compounded, or ſhall hereafter compound and be thereto admitted by both Houſes of Parliament, at any of the rates and proportions aforeſaid, or under reſpectively, ſhall be put to pay any other Fine than that they have or ſhall reſpectively ſo compound for, (except for ſuch Eſtates, or ſuch of their Eſtates, and for ſuch values thereof reſpectively as have been or ſhall be concealed or omitted in the particulars whereupon they compound;) and that all and every of them ſhall have thereupon their Pardons in ſuch manner and form as is agreed by both Houſes of Parliament.

That an Act be paſſed whereby the Debts of the Kingdom, and the perſons of Delinquents, and the value of their Eſtates may be known; and which Act ſhall appoint in what manner the Confiſcations and Proportions before-mentioned may be leavied, and applied to the diſcharge of the ſaid Engagements.

The like for the Kingdom of Scotland, if the Eſtates of Parliament, or ſuch as ſhall have power from them, ſhall think fit.

XIX.

That an Act of Parliament be paſſed, to declare and make void the Ceſſation of Ireland, and all Treaties and Concluſions of Peace, or any Articles thereupon with the Rebels, without conſent of both Houſes of Parliament. And to ſettle the proſecution of the War of Ireland in both Houſes of the Parliament of England, to be managed by them; and the King to aſſiſt, and to do no act to diſcountenance or moleſt them therein.

That Reformation of Religion, according to the Covenant, be ſetled in the Kingdom of Ireland by Act of Parliament, in ſuch manner as both Houſes of the Parliament of England have agreed, or ſhall agree upon, after Conſultation had with the Aſſembly of Divines here.

That the Deputy or chief Governour, or other Governours of Ireland, and the Preſidents of the ſeveral Provinces of that Kingdom, be nominated by both the Houſes of the Parliament of England; or in the intervals of Parliament, by ſuch Committees of both Houſes of Parliament as both Houſes of the Parliament of England ſhall nominate and appoint for that purpoſe. And that the Chancellor, or Lord Keeper, Lord Treaſurer, Commiſſioners of the Great Seal or Treaſury, Lord Warden of the Cinque-Ports, Chancellor of the Exchequer and Dutchy, Secretaries of State, Maſter of the Rolls, Judges of both Benches, and Barons of the Exchequer of the Kingdoms of England and Ireland, and the Vice-Treaſurer, and the Treaſurers at Wars of the Kingdom of Ireland, be nominated by both Houſes of the Parliament of England, to continue Quam diu ſe bene geſſerint, and in the intervals of Parliament, by the afore-mentioned Committees, to be approved or diſallowed by both Houſes at their next ſitting.

The like for the Kingdom of Scotland, concerning the nomination of the Lords of the Privy-Council, Lords of Seſſion, and Exchequer, Officers of State, and Juſtice-General, in ſuch manner as the Eſtates of Parliament there ſhall think fit.

That the Militia of the City of London and Liberties thereof, may be in the ordering and government of the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Commons in Common Council aſſembled, or ſuch as they ſhall from time to time appoint, (whereof the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs for the time being to be three:) to be employed and directed from time to time in ſuch manner as ſhall be agreed on and appointed by both Houſes of Parliament.

That no Citizen of the City of London, nor any of the Forces of the ſaid City, ſhall be drawn forth or compelled to go out of the ſaid City or Liberties thereof for Military ſervice, without their own free conſent.

That an Act be paſſed for the granting and confirming of the Charters, Cuſtoms, Liberties, and Franchiſes of the City of London, notwithſtanding any Nonuſer, Miſuſer, or Abuſer.

That the Tower of London may be in the government of the City of London, and the chief Officer and Governour thereof from time to time be nominated, and removeable by the Common Council: And for prevention of inconveniencies which may happen by the long intermiſſion of Common Councils, it is deſired that there may be an Act, that all by-Laws and Ordinances already made, or hereafter to be made by the Council aſſembled, touching the calling, continuing, directing, and regulating the ſame Common Councils, ſhall be as effectual in the Law to all intents and purpoſes, as if the ſame were particularly enacted by the Authority of Parliament: And that the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Commons in Common Council, may adde to or repeal the ſaid Ordinances from time to time as they ſhall ſee cauſe.

That ſuch other Propoſitions as ſhall be made for the City, for their further ſafety, welfare, and government, and ſhall be approved of by both Houſes of Parliament, may be granted and confirmed by Act of Parliament.

That all Grants, Commiſſions, Preſentations, Writs, Proceſs, proceedings, and other things paſſed under the Great Seal of England, in the cuſtody of the Lords and other Commiſſioners appointed by both Houſes of Parliament for the cuſtody thereof, be, and by Act of Parliament with the Royal aſſent, ſhall be declared and enacted to be of like full force and effect to all intents and purpoſes, as the ſame or like Grants, Commiſſions, Preſentations, Writs, Proceſs, Proceedings, and other things under any Great Seal of England, in any time heretofore were, or have been; And that for time to come, the ſaid Great Seal now remaining in cuſtody of the ſaid Commiſſioners, continue, and be uſed for the Great Seal of England; And that all Grants, Commiſſions, Preſentations, Writs, Proceſs, Proceedings, and other things whatſoever paſſed under or by any authority of any other Great Seal, ſince the 22th day of May, Anno Dom. 1642. or hereafter to be paſſed, be Invalid, and of no effect, to all intents and purpoſes: Except ſuch Writs, Proceſs, and Commiſſions, as being paſſed under any other Great Seal than the ſaid Great Seal in the cuſtody of the Commiſſioners aforeſaid, on or after the ſaid 22th day of May, and before the 28th day of November, Anno Dom. 1643. were afterward proceeded upon, returned into, or put in ure in any the Kings Courts at Weſtminſter: And except the Grant to Mr. Juſtice Bacon, to be one of the Juſtices of the Kings-Bench: And except all Acts and proceedings by virtue of any ſuch Commiſſions of Goal-delivery, Aſſize, and Niſi prius, or Oyer and Terminer, paſſed under any other Great Seal than the Seal aforeſaid in cuſtody of the ſaid Commiſſioners, before the firſt of October, 1642.

And that all Grants of Offices, Lands, Tenements, or Hereditaments, made or paſſed under the Great Seal of Ireland, unto any perſon or perſons, Bodies politick or corporate, ſince the Ceſſation made in Ireland, the fifteenth day of September, 1643. ſhall be null and void. And that all Honours and Titles conferred upon any perſon or perſons in the ſaid Kingdom of Ireland, ſince the ſaid Ceſſation, ſhall be null and void.

That the ſeveral Ordinances, the one intituled, An Ordinance of Parliament for aboliſhing of Archbiſhops and Biſhops within the Kingdom of England and Dominion of Wales, and for ſe • ing of their Lands and Poſſeſſions upon Truſtees for the uſe of the Commonwealth; 〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉 the other intituled, An Ordinance of the Lords and Commons aſſembled in Parliament, for appointing the ſale of Biſhops Lands for the uſe of the Commonwealth; be confirmed by Acts of Parliament.

Theſe were the Conditions of Peace propoſed by the Parliament as the ſubject matter of that Conference, which all paſſionately wiſhed, and a great many fought for. They were the very ſame that had been heretofore ſent to the King when he was at Hampton-Court, and not onely rejected by his Majeſty, but by the Army alſo, as being too unreaſonable:

No notice taken of the Scots.

To what Conditions the Commiſſioners are tyed.

they onely differed in this, that in thoſe laſt there was no mention made of the Scots.

In the mean time the Pacificators are inveſted with no other authority but that of anſwering the Royal Arguments, and of returning Reaſons to induce the King to aſſent: they had no power of ſoftening any Propoſition, or altering the leaſt word, nay, nor ſo much as of omitting the Preface. Their Inſtructions likewiſe bear, that they are to acquaint the Parliament with the Kings Conceſſions, and the whole progreſs of the Negotiation, to treat altogether in writing, nay, and to debate the Propoſitions as they lay in order, not deſcending to a new Propoſition, until the former was adjuſted.

The Conference to be held at Newport. Nor was it thought enough that the Conditions and Commiſſioners were ſo ſtrictly limited; they confine the Conference alſo to the Town of Newport in the Iſle of Wight, and the continuance of it to the ſpace of forty days.

The King alſo, who was to be preſent at the Conference, was ſo far well treated as to be permitted to come out of his Priſon and have that Iſland allowed him for a larger confinement; but upon promiſe given, that he would not depart out the Iſland within forty days after the concluſion of the Conference: and the ſly Oligarchick and Democratick Republicans, who had a hand in the Councils, were the Authors of thoſe ſcruples and reſtrictions.The K. is allowed his neceſſary ſervants With great caution the Parliament permitted ſome of his Majeſties neceſſary Servants, by name, ſome Lawyers, Divines, and a Secretary to be preſent; but not to be admitted into the Conference, onely to be without behind the Curtain in the Lobby. So that the King alone was ſingly to ſuſtain the perſon of a Politician and Divine, againſt the ableſt Parliamentarian Politicians and Divines of the whole Kingdom.

In managing the Conference, the King alone,The K.'s wonderful prudence in the Conference. with ſuch incredible Prudence and Eloquence, ſifted and bafled all their ſtrongeſt Arguments, with ſo great lenity and readineſs of condeſcenſion, granted their Demands even when he had made it appear they were unreaſonable (ſo far as with Honour and a ſafe Conſcience he could) that he raviſhed them all into admiration of him; and, which was an Argument of a ſupernatural Wit, he brought over the Commiſſioners who were his moſt inveterate enemies, even againſt their will, to his Opinion, (though their Employment, and the danger of their heads, obliged them, againſt their Conſcience, to continue in oppoſition to him.) Without doubt, in this, as in all things elſe, he gave a glorious proof of his Fatherly goodneſs, in that with his own loſs and prejudice onely he would gladly have redeem'd his people from the havock and miſeries of War.

The Conference had for ſome time been taken up in compoſing affairs,In the middle of the Treaty the Parliamentarians require that the Marqueſs of Ormond's Commiſſion be recalled. when of a ſudden news is brought to the Parliament, that the Marqueſs of Ormond was arrived in Ireland to govern that Kingdom in quality of Lord Deputy, by authority from the King; and that he was to ſettle a Peace there, upon the beſt conditions he could; as alſo to levy an Army for delivering the King out of priſon. Upon this, Letters are ſent to the Commiſſioners in the Iſle of Wight, with inſtructions to demand of the King, that he would recal Ormond's Commiſſion, and turn him out of that authority which was ſomewhat uneaſie to the Pacificators.

In the mean while, report is made to the Parliament by piece-meals of what was tranſacted in the Conference; where many with a mind as averſe, as the Kings was inclinable to peace,The K.'s Anſwers are cenſured in Parl. quible at and cenſure the leaſt punctilio of every thing, unleſs all were condeſcended to in every tittle according to their own words and preſcribed form: for they were afraid (which ſome of them openly profeſſed) that the Propoſitions being fully granted, and no more place left for Animoſity or Grievance, they might, if not by force from the people, yet out of ſhame be compelled to conclude a Peace in good earneſt, which they onely deſired in ſhew. For the the King having,The K. unexpectedly granted many things. contrary to the opinion of all, condeſcended to many things, had not onely admitted the ſubject matter, but alſo the ſcrupuloſities and niceties of words.

To the Preface, which aimed not ſo much at the publick Peace, as the branding of himſelf and his party with a note of Ignominy, he would not conſent, but with this clauſe, That nothing in that Conference ſhould be taken for granted, unleſs all were aagreed upon in general.

He agreed to the Iſt Propoſition, of recalling the Declarations; to the XVIth, of the Forces; the XIXth, of the government of Ireland; the XVth, of the payment of publick Debts, Provided theſe Debts were ſtated within the ſpace of two years; to the XVIIth, of anulling Titles of Honours; the XIXth, of the chief Magiſtrates of the Kingdom; the XIXth, of the Great Seal; the XIXth, of the Priviledges of London. Of the Court of Wards There is no menſion of the Court of Wards in theſe Articles, thô it is expreſſed both here and in Baker's Chronicle, and perhaps was thought of after theſe Articles were printed., provided he had an hundred thouſand pound a year paid him in lieu of it.

In all theſe points he made himſelf an eaſie prey to the avarice and ambition of others; and that he might render the Kingdom more peaceable to others, he even ſuffered it to be ſnatched out of his own hands.

He gave his conſent to all the Articles of the IIId Propoſition, except one, concerning Biſhops and their Revenues; yet in that he was not altogether wanting to the deſires of the Parliament: for whatever did not plainly appear to be of Divine Inſtitution, he allowed might be abrogated; ſo that he ſuffered Archiepiſcopacy to be aboliſhed, Epiſcopal Juriſdiction alſo, that is, the exerciſe of Eccleſiaſtical Juriſdiction, and the ſtate and priviledge of holding Eccleſiaſtical Courts; but he would not ſuffer the power of conferring Orders (and adminiſtring Church-cenſures) as being Apoſtolical, to be altered and leſſened.

But at length the little Rabbies of the Aſſembly and Pacificators interweaving with the other Arguments, which he could better refute, that of invincible Neceſſity, and promiſing privately, that if he would conſent to theſe at preſent, they would hereafter enlarge his Bonds, as alſo giving him hopes that the Parliament would condeſcend to him in other matters, provided in this he would remit ſomewhat of his ſtrictneſs of Conſcience; he conſents that for the ſpace of three years, Orders ſhall not be conferred by the Biſhops, without the conſent of Presbyters; nay, that the power of Ordaining ſhall be ſuſpended, until twenty Divines of his chuſing, and an Aſſembly called by the Parliament, do meet, determine, and ſettle the Government of the Church; to which he promiſed to acquieſce, if the Parliament would do the like: In the mean time he is not againſt it, but that Presbytery may be ſetled for a tryal.

Abhorring the thought of Sacriledge, he would not ſuffer Biſhops and Church-lands to be divided and alienated from the Church; but permitted them to be let out by leaſe for ninety nine years, paying a ſmall yearly rent for the maintenance of the Biſhops, and as a token of their Tenure, provided after the expiring of the Leaſe, they ſhould return to the Crown to be employed for the uſe of the Church: which, in the mean time, he was firmly reſolved to redeem with his money, and to reſtore them to the Church-men to whom in right they belonged.

Nor would he (being mindful of his Friends amidſt his own dangers) conſent to the XVIIIth Propoſition, concerning Delinquents; but he allowed,

I. That they might be moderately fined.

II. That they may be debarred from the Kings preſence and coming to Court: that ſome of them alſo may be baniſhed, but not as Traitors, nor yet to loſe their Lives and Eſtates, if they act to the contrary.

III. That for three years they be excluded from ſitting in Parliament.

IV. That they might be brought to tryal, if it were thought fit, and be condignly puniſhed, if they had acted any thing againſt the known Laws of England, (which certainly favoured the Kings Party): But he thought it unjuſt that any man ſhould be puniſhed for his Loyalty to him, according to the dictates of his Conſcience, and the municipal Laws, by a Law made ex poſt facto. Yet he condeſcended to other Articles of the ſame Propoſition, upon this condition, that pious and learned Church-men, free from ſcandal, might enjoy a third of their Livings, and not be totally deprived of the liberty of preaching.

He could not, as he ſaid, recal the Authorities which he had given to the Marqueſs of Ormond, at the very time when himſelf was confined to priſon. The Parliament agreed with him in the reſt: which ſucceeding, then, according to the Conceſſions in the XIXth Propoſition, the Parliament ſhould have the ſole adminiſtration of the affairs of Ireland. In the mean time, however, he wrote to the Marqueſs of Ormond, commanding him to refrain from the execution of his power, ſo long as the Conference and any hopes of Peace continued.

Whilſt the Conference laſted, the King, The K. makes ſome Propoſals. that he might not ſtill ſuffer ſo hard uſage, and that he might try how the Members of Parliament were affected towards him, gave ſome very juſt and uſeful Propoſals to be ſent to the Parliament.

Firſt, he deſires,To which the Parl. in a great part conſent. That he may have leave to repair forthwith to Weſtminſter, or any of his houſes near London, where he may treat with his Parliament at nearer diſtance, with honour, ſafety, and freedom. Which deſire, the Parliament having felt the pulſe of the City, and being encouraged under the hands of the moſt part and beſt of the Citizens, promiſed, ſo ſoon as the Propoſitions were granted, ſhould be allowed him.

Secondly, the King demands, That he may be reſtored to the poſſeſſion of the Lands and Revenues of the Crown.

Thirdly, That he may have compenſation for his lawful Rights which the Parliament have thought fit to aboliſh. To theſe alſo the Parliament willingly conſent.

Fourthly, That by an Act of Oblivion the memory of all things that had been done in time of the War, might be aboliſhed. To this Propoſal they did not conſent, but with cautions and limitations, that gave liberty to the Parliamentarians to bring Actions againſt any almoſt of the Kings Party.

The promiſing ho • es of Peace▪ Matters being near compoſed beyond all mens expectation, though perhaps not ſo as every one deſired, the Commiſſioners for Pacification, full of thoughts of Peace, promiſed the ſame to the King, though in that they were falſe Prophets: for they thought (as well they might) that the Parliament would in ſome meaſure abate in their rigid demands, when the King to mollifie them, had ſtript himſelf of the Government both of England and Ireland. Nay, the glad hopes of Concord begun to cheriſh the drooping minds of all people; which without doubt would have followed, had not factious and rebellious men,Are diſappointed by the Rebels▪ who by clandeſtine arts had already driven us into a War, now openly and with force of Arms diſappointed the deſired fruit of the Conference, and the Peace that was ready to be concluded. Now in what manner they accompliſhed that, it will be neceſſary I ſhould with all poſſible ſincerity relate.

In what manner.In the heat of the Conference, that part of the Army which had proſpered in the War, and was returned home victorious, commanded by Fairfax, whom Ireton as a bad Genius haunted, was encamped ſo near London, that in half a days time they might march thither and ſuppreſs their unprovided Adverſaries, if any ſudden occaſion required. In the mean time Fairfax, The Commanders of the Army pretend to be pleaſed with Peace. Ireton, and the reſt of the Colonels behaved themſelves very ſubmiſſively in publick, pretend that they will always obey the Ordinances of Parliament, and that publick Peace will be to them of all men moſt acceptable; that ſo being eaſed from the fatigues and labours of War, they may mind their own affairs, and after ſo much toil and danger, at length enjoy reſt and peace. But privately having conſulted with the Members of Parliament of their own Faction, they ſuffer Conſults to be held amongſt the inferiour Officers and private Souldiers of the Army,They ſtir up the common Souldiers againſt it; and to deſtroy the King, and, at the inſtigation of their Emiſſaries, Petitions to be framed, wherein it was deſired that the Treaty with the King ſhould be broken up, and all the Enemies of the Commonwealth indifferently (thereby craftily glancing at the perſon of the King) brought to condign puniſhment: Theſe alſo they cauſed to be printed and publiſhed, that they might feel the pulſe of the people. Nor was it doubted, but that the chief Commanders and Colonels were the Authors of thoſe Petitions; and that by their Emiſſaries (and particularly by Hugh Peters, a Renegado from, and the reproach of the Miniſtery, an impudent ſaucy fellow) they were diſperſed into all places, whereby they wheadled the Souldiers, who in their own nature were ſufficiently prone to Booty and Innovations.

In the mean while,The ſouldiers are drawn together near London. the Country-people (whom we mentioned before to have made ſome ſtirs) being diſperſed, and Garriſons and Governours placed in the ſeveral Counties, all the Souldiers of the Kingdom are commanded to repair to Fairfax's Camp; who in great numbers, many following the prevailing Party, flocked together victorious and triumphant. Ireton, Ireton makes a Remonſtrance againſt the Peace; upon a rumour ſpread abroad amongſt the people of a difference betwixt him and Fairfax, lurking privately in Windſor-Caſtle, and having called ſome of his Conſorts of the Lower Houſe, publiſhes a Remonſtrance, with great oſtentation of words and affected eloquence, wherein, in name of the Army, by captious quirks and ſubtilties, And that in name of the Army. he argues againſt the Peace made with the King, and the Remonſtrance of his Majeſty, nay and deſires Juſtice againſt the King himſelf: That thoſe Members who the year before had been impeached of High-Treaſon by the Army, might be brought to tryal; and that all who ſtaid in Parliament heretofore, when the Speakers and reſt of the Members of their Faction fled to the Army, ſhould be excluded: That the Souldiers Arrears ſhould be paid out of the Kings Revenue, and the Deans and Chapters Lands, to be diſtributed for this uſe eſpecially, and alſo for other publick charges: That the preſent Parliament ſhould be diſſolved, and a better courſe taken for the future that the people ſhould chuſe a Repreſentative which ſhould have the ſupreme adminiſtration of the Government. Theſe and ſeveral other things of that nature, he very imperiouſly demands.

The Army being called together,The end of the Conference now approaching, (which the Republicans of both ſorts in the Parliament, endeavoured by all Arts to ſtave off and protract, that the Army might more conveniently joyn) the Commanders of the Army being informed from the Iſle of Wight of the progreſs of affairs, and of the opportunities that were proper for their turn, call a Field-Council, And a Fast appointed, ☞ wherein all the Colonels and inferiour Officers meet; and there they give themſelves to faſting and prayer.

(Which was often abuſed by them)For we muſt know, that theſe Sons of the Earth had great intimacy and correſpondence with Heaven, as they pretended; and when they were about to act any thing contrary to the Law of Nature, the Light of Reaſon, or the Laws of God and man, they uſed to begin the work with Prayers to Almighty God, in a doubtful manner propoſing the caſe; and the matter being firſt diſcuſſed between the Majeſty of Heaven and themſelves, they then, by turning and winding their Prayers, ſhape an Anſwer to their deſignes; which like a divine Oracle rendered to the praying inquirers, they impoſe upon the common Souldiers as an Article of Faith, though the matter had been long before hatched in their thoughts: nor durſt any man gainſay it, who had not a mind to have his name daſht out of the Roll of the Saints. And hence it was that the people dreaded their Faſts and Prayers, as ominous Prodigies.

The Pageantry of their Devotion being over,It is read and approved; Ireton's Remonſtrance was read, and applauded too by the Souldiers, as if it dropt from Heaven; they prefix to it the formidable title of the Army, as an Act and Deed approved by all,And preſented to the Parl. in name of the Army and People. and order it to be preſented to the Parliament in the name of the Army and People of England, who if they had been called to give their votes, ſcarcely one of a thouſand would have conſented to it; and all the reſt could not but have curſed the perfidious Author of the villany, with all his Adherents, as the Bane and plague of mankind.

But the Lower Houſe making a virtue of the neceſſity of the times,Nevertheleſs, the Lower Houſe perſiſts in conſidering of the Kings Conceſſions; at which the Commanders of the Army are angry, and carry the K. away from the Iſle of Wight. take the courage to lay aſide for ſome time that Remonſtrance, and to apply themſelves to the examining and diſcuſſing of the Royal Conceſſions which then lay before them. The Commanders of the Army taking it very ill to be thus ſlighted by them, who ought to have thanked them for all the honour and dignity they enjoyed, ſent ſome Troops into the Iſle of Wight, who having ſeized the King, removed him out of the Iſland, and clapt him up priſoner in Hurſt-Caſtle oppoſite to the Iſland on the main-land-ſide, a narrow, naſty, and unwholſome place, by reaſon it is incompaſſed by the Sea. At the ſame time they march to London, They march to London and poſt themſelves about the Parliament-houſe. and put Garriſons into the Kings Palace, and the Noblemens houſes adjoyning the Palace-yard and Houſes of Parliament, having poſted the Army in the neighbouring places about.

The Souldiers hoped that this beginning would put the diſſenting Members into ſuch a fear, that they would hide in holes and corners, (which had been very uſual with them) and that men of their own Faction being ſole Maſters of the Parliament, they might do what they pleaſed under the cloak of the Authority of Parliament, which would juſtifie their Violence, and make what Laws ſoever might conduce to their profit and advantage.

Yet the Members meet,But the event anſwered not their expectations: for moſt part of the Members, (as if at that time they had been aſſiſted by divine inſpiration) not at all terrified by the muttering and anger of the Souldiers, nor the claſhing of Arms, thinking themſelves ſufficiently ſecure by their character of Parliament-men, meet to conſult in a greater number than ordinary.

And debate about the Kings Conceſſions.Both that day and the following, the Lower Houſe debated hotly about the Kings Conceſſions, whilſt in the mean time the Republicans of both ſorts raiſe ſcruples, jangle, make parties, and with long Speeches protract the time about Presbytery and the Covenant, neither of which they liked; amongſt whom no man was ſo fierce as Sir Henry Vane, who in the Iſle of Wight had perſwaded the King to grant no more, ſeeing he had already yielded ſo many and ſo great Priviledges to the Parliament, as he thought it neither lawful for them to expect nor take, which he promiſed alſo publickly to aſſert: This man, I ſay, inveighed bitterly againſt the Conditions of Peace, as if under the mask of Conceſſions, and the ſhew of ſetling Peace, Danger lay hid, and that his Majeſty laid a Snare for ſubverting the publick Liberty of Parliament and People; and all this, that he might gain time for the whole Army to poſt themſelves in the City.

They vote them to be a ſufficient ground for a Peace,At length a Vote is paſſed, That the Kings Conceſſions were a ſufficient ground for Peace. This paſt by the voices of two hundred, hardly threeſcore oppoſing it.The Houſe of Lords agreeing to it. The Lords having next day aſſented to it in the ſame terms, the Parliament was adjourned for a week, till that Commotion might be ſomewhat appeaſed. Commiſſioners are forthwith ſent from the Houſe of Commons to acquaint Fairfax and the Commanders of the Army with the matter.

This ſo incenſed the Oligarchick Rebels, This incenſed the Oligarchick Rebels. that the Speaker of the Houſe of Commons, who had already greedily ſwallowed down their poyſon, or at leaſt temporized and turned to either ſide as the Faction prevailed, threatned forthwith publickly in the Houſe, That they would never be ſuffered any more to meet in Parliament, if they obſtinately perſiſted in that opinion. The Commanders of the Army beſet the Parl. houſe; impriſon many Members; debar others from entering; And indeed the day appointed for the next Seſſion, ſome Colonels guarded by a Regiment or two of Foot, and a Regiment of Horſe, beſet all the avenues to the Houſe of Commons, apprehend forty Members of the more reſolute and wiſe, who diſſented from them; debar about one hundred and fifty more from entering the Houſe▪ and ſuffer none to go in but ſuch as they knew to be devoted to their Faction. Some had ſlipt in undiſcovered,Some they carry away by force out of the Houſe. by a Note they call out under pretext of ſpeaking with ſome Friend or Client at the door; and though they alleadged the authority and priviledge of Parliament, yet they ſeize and hurry them away in the very Court.

The captive Members being many ways toſſed and abuſed, are expoſed to deriſion,And abuſe the Captives. and the miſeries of a long and naſty impriſonment; amongſt whom were many who having aſſerted the Parliament-Cauſe, as Generals, Governours, and Colonels, were thus thanked for their good ſervices. Nay, and William Prynn, a fierce Aſſerter of the Opinions he once entertained, that indefatigable Author of voluminous Writings for the Parliament, ſtuck faſt in the ſame mire with the reſt; the Spectators every where admiring the inſcrutable Judgments of God, who ſuffered them to be ſo unworthily treated by their Slaves and Servants, who themſelves were the Subjects that firſt took up Arms againſt their King, and audaciouſly laid hands on him. All this was done under the honeſt and ſpecious colour of purging and reforming the Houſe.

The Oligarchick Faction, to the number of about forty men, ſnatches the Authority: Who are ſtill over-ruled by the ſouldiers.Thus the Lower Houſe is reduced to a Junto of a few men, to wit, the eighth part of the juſt number, and theſe wholly enſlaved to the Army, whoſe Commanders coming as freely into the Houſe as the Rumpers went into the Camp, they daily conferred Notes together; and it is firſt reſolved in a Council of War, what was to be propoſed to be enacted in Parliament, which then ſerved under the Army, and lent them Authority to palliate their Machinations.

Of ſo many hundred Members, there ſcarcely remained forty in the Houſe, a number unfit to bear the name of the Commons of England; and theſe not onely the leaſt, but the moſt part conſiſting of a remnant of the dregs of the Houſe; and many of them Commanders in the Army. So that there remained nothing of a Parliament but the name; the reſt abominating ſuch horrid wickedneſs, and ſhunning their company and converſation; amongſt whom were ſome who being deluded with the ſham of Conſcience, had eſpouſed the Party of the Republicans.

They enact concerning the higheſt affairs, and of bringing the King to a tryal.Thus a few fellows (about twenty of them for the moſt part continually diſſenting) bluſh not to uſurp to themſelves alone the ſupreme power of ordering the affairs of England, of bringing the King to a tryal, making and abrogating the Laws of their Country, and overturning the ancient and fundamental Government of the Nation. They confirm the Vote for Non Addreſſes, which had been craftily and ſurreptitiouſly made,They confirm the Votes of None Addreſſes, and reſcind that concerning a Conference with the King. and afterwards repealed by both Houſes in full number. But the other Votes, for having a Conference with the King, and eſpecially that which declared the Kings Conceſſions to be a ſufficient ground for a Peace, they reſcind and ſcornfully raze out of their Journal; as an Act unworthy of Parliament. New Orders in place of the former, paſs in this Houſe of Commons, whereby they invade the Government by Votes, which before they had ſnatched by Arms.

They firſt vote,They paſs Votes preliminary to the Kings murder. That all Power reſides in the People.

Secondly, That that Power belongs to the Peoples Repreſentatives (meaning themſelves) in the Houſe of Commons.

Thirdly, That the Votes of the Commons have the force of a Law, without the conſent of the King or Houſe of Lords, a M. Horatius Conſ. of Rome cauſed a Law to paſs, Ut quod tributim plebes juſſiſſet, populum teneret; that is, That what Laws or Orders the Com-Counc. or Tribes of Rome ſhould make, ſhould oblige the body of the Commonwealth by which the Senate & Nobility loſt their power; & way was made for the turning that State into a Democracy, to the ruine of it. Liv. l. 3. c. 55 They erect a Trib. of ſubjects againſt the K. plain Horatian Law, that what the loweſt Order of the People enacteth, binds the whole body of them.

Fourthly, That to take Arms and make War againſt the Repreſentatives of the People or the Parliament, is High-Treaſon.

Fifthly, That the King himſelf took up Arms againſt the Parliament, and that therefore he is guilty of all the bloud ſhed in this Civil War (that ſo they might ſeem to excuſe themſelves of the Villany) and ought by his own bloud to expiate it.

Theſe were the Preludes to that moſt horrid and abominable Villany, (I tremble to mention it) which it behoved them to bring about by degrees: for truſting now to their great power, which indeed was as great as they thought fit to take to themſelves, they had the boldneſs to erect a new Tribunal of moſt abject wretches againſt the King, to which they give the name of the High Court of Juſtice, thinking that its name might procure it 〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉 reverence.And appoint 150 Judges of their own Faction to do the fact. In this Mock-Court they appoint an hundred and fifty Judges, (that they might in number at leaſt repreſent the people) the moſt factious Sticklers of the whole Faction; to whom they give power of arraigning, trying, judging, and condemning Charles Stuart King of England.

Some Nobles and Judges alſo.In the number of theſe, they appoint ſix Earls out of the Houſe of Lords, and the Judges alſo of the Kingdom lately choſen by themſelves. But the greater part conſiſt of the Commanders of the Army, Commanders of the Army, Members of the Houſe of Com. Mechanicks, Bankrupts, who firſt conſpired the murder of the King, and the Members of the Houſe of Commons who were the moſt inveterate enemies to Monarchy. The reſt were Raſcals raked out of the Kennel of London, or the Neighbourhood. Amongſt theſe ſome were Coblers, Brewers, Silverſmiths, and other Mechanicks, the greater part were Bankrupt Spend-thrifts, Debauchees and Whoremaſters, who nevertheleſs by the Diſciples of the Sect were called Saints. All obnoxious men. Nay, there was none of them but did expect impunity for his cheating the Publick, Sacriledge, Bribery, and other enormous Crimes; or did hope to glut his Avarice with the Kings Revenue, Houſes, Furniture, or gainful places to be conferred upon him for ſo bold an attempt: or, in a word, that was not drawn in and allured up to the horrid fact by the tamperings, threats, and promiſes of Cromwel, Ireton, and the other Commanders of the Army.

The Ʋpper H. is ſlighted.In the mean time there was hardly any regard had to the Lords; and it was commonly believed, that being now terrified by ſo many and ſo great dangers, they would of their own accords abſent from the Houſe, except four or five that were ſlaves to that Republican Faction.But the Republicans ſend them their Bills to be confirmed The Rebels thought that the authority of theſe was ſufficient to confirm any attempt whatſoever, as they had already oftener than once experienced. Nor indeed were their hopes altogether fruſtrated. However, when the matter came to the puſh, their luck proved ſomewhat worſe than they expected:They are rejected as hurtful and unlawful. for a few Lords uſed daily to come to the Houſe; but that day when the Bill for trying the King was to be brought to the Lords Houſe for their conſent, unexpectedly ſeventeen Lords were preſent, who all (not excepting thoſe who favoured the Republicans) not onely deny their conſent, but caſt the Bill over the Bar, as deſtructive and contrary to Law.

This inraged the Oligarchick Rebels, Wherefore the Lords are daſh • out of the number of the Kings Judges, and put them upon thoughts of revenge, taking it hainouſly that ſo publick an affront and diſgrace had been put upon them. However, at preſent they thought it enough to daſh all the Lords out of the number of the Kings Judges.

By and by alſo the Judges of the Kingdom were ſtruck out of that black Liſt,And the Judges of the Kingdom, as contrary to their Bill. becauſe being privately asked their opinions in that affair, (though through the intereſt of this Faction they had been lately by authority of Parliament raiſed to their places) they had anſwered, That it was againſt the known and received Laws and Cuſtoms of England to bring the King to a Tryal.

For a Preſident of this Court, They chuſe a Preſident of the Court, who might match it in fame and reputation, they pitch upon one John Bradſhaw, a baſe-born broken Pettifogger, a fellow of a brazen forehead, and an inſolent and ſawcy tongue, who a little before was of no value amongſt thoſe of his own Gang.And an Attorney-General. One Cooke they make Attorney-General, a fellow of the ſame ſtamp, poor, guilty, (as was reported) of Polygamy, who had plaid a thouſand tricks and cheats to get Bread, and now was ready to do any villany in hopes of profit.

They privately conſult for ſome days about the matter and form of the Arraignment, or the manner of perpetrating the Villany; where in drawing the Kings Indictment, one Doriſlaus a Doctor of the Laws, a German, who was either baniſhed or had fled his Country, took the greateſt pains.

In the mean time all the Presbyterian Miniſters of London, in a manner, and more out of ſeveral Counties; yea, and ſome out of the Independents alſo, declare againſt the thing in their Sermons from the Pulpit, in Conferences, monitory Letters, Petitions, Proteſtations, and publick Remonſtrances. They earneſtly beg,In the mean time the Presbyterian Miniſters cry out againſt it. That contrary to ſo many dreadful Imprecations and Oaths, contrary to publick and private Faith confirmed by Declarations and Promiſes, contrary to the Law of Nations, the Word of God and ſacred Rules of Religion, nay, and contrary to the welfare of the State, they would not defile their own hands and the Kingdom with Royal Bloud.

The Scots alſo protest against it. The States General intercede

Engliſh Lo • ds offer them • ves Hoſtages for the King.

The Scots by their Commiſſioners proteſt againſt it. The Embaſſadours of the States General of the Ʋnited Provinces (if they faithfully perform'd their Maſters Orders) intercede. Some Engliſh Noblemen, to wit, the Earl of Southampton, the Duke of Richmond, the Marqueſs of Hertford, and Earl of Lyndſey, &c. do what lies in their power; they neither ſpare prayers nor money; offer themſelves as Hoſtages, or, if the Republicans demanded it, their lives, as being onely guilty, if the King had offended in any thing. The people whiſper their rage,The whole People rages. for that was all they could now do; hardly reſtraining their unarmed fury. Our preſent King, then Prince CHARLES, uſed all means to aſſiſt his Father in this danger. Beſides, the Embaſſadours of the States General, whom he had procured to be ſent, he daily diſpatched Agents as well from the Prince of Orange as himſelf, and ſuch as were Relations, Kinſmen, and Friends to Cromwel, Ireton, and the reſt of the Conſpirators; who being warranted with full power, might by prayers, promiſes, threats, or what arguments they judged fit, either diſſwade them from that unparallel'd Barbarity, or at leaſt for ſome time prevail with them to delay the execution of the Villany.

Nor was Bradſhaw the bloudy Preſident ſecure from violent hands; Burghill lies in wait for Bradſhaw; for one Burghill armed with ſword and piſtol, watched him one night behind Gray's Inn-gate when he was to come home late;But in vain, and with danger of his life. but miſſing of his deſigne that night, becauſe Bradſhaw did not come home, next day being betrayed by one Cooke, to whom he had diſcovered the matter, he was brought before the Parricides. However, his Guards being drunk, finding an occaſion of an eſcape, he ſaved his own life, having onely laid in wait for another mans.

But all was in vain:But all attempts are in vain, for the Rebels ſlighting theſe things, pretend Gods providence and the motions of the Holy Ghoſt, for their warrant and ſecurity. Peters a brazen-faced Hypocrite, Peters from the Pulpit encouraging the Judges. who being diſgracefully whipt out of Cambridge, ever after that clove cloſe to the Schiſmaticks, bids them from the Pulpit, Go on and proſper; that now was the time When the Saints ſhould bind Princes in chains, and their Nobles with fetters of iron: ſo lewdly did that profane Knave interpret holy Scripture; telling them, That they need not queſtion but this Prophecy was to be fulfilled by them: and in the Sermon he addreſſes himſelf to the holy Judges (the title he thought fit to give them) and proteſts, that he was certain there were in the Army five thouſand men, no leſs Saints than thoſe that converſed with God himſelf in Heaven. Then kneeling in the Pulpit with flouds of forced tears, and lifted up hands, he earneſtly begs, in the name of the People of England, That they would do Juſtice againſt CHARLES, and not ſuffer Benhadad the enemy to eſcape. Nay, he moſt inſolently inveighed againſt Monarchy it ſelf, and ſtraining his virulent wit, he relates the Hiſtory, How the Trees chuſing a King, and the Vine and Olive-tree refuſing the office, they ſubmitted themſelves to the ſharper government of the bramble; and compared Kingly government to briars. By ſuch kind of Arguments he ſtirs up and confirms thoſe new Judges, who of their own nature were already but too much enraged and fiercely bent againſt the King.

Accuſers and Witneſſes againſt the K. are cited by a Herald.There was another beſides Peters the Preacher, an Herald, one Serjeant Dendy alſo employed, who (being environed with a Guard of Horſe, for fear of being ſtoned) by ſound of Trumpet, cited all thoſe to appear who had any crime to object againſt the King; and this he did firſt in Weſtminſter-hall, and then in the moſt publick places of the City.

The King is brought to the Bar.Before theſe Judges of the new Court, the moſt Auguſt Charles, already ſtript of three moſt flouriſhing Kingdoms by the Rebels, and having now no more but Life to be deprived of, is brought without the leaſt ſigne in his countenance of any diſcompoſure of mind.

Is indicted in name of the People of England. His indictment is read, wherein he is accuſed, In the name of the People of England, of Treaſon, Tyranny, Murders, and of all Rapines that were occaſioned by the War; with the higheſt aggravations of the Crimes. But the whole ſtreſs of the Indictment lay in this, That he had made War againſt the Parliament; which the Army under the Parliaments pay had long ago trampled under foot, ſcarcely any ſhadow of it remaining. Great was the company of Spectators, who with groans, ſighs, and tears, lamented the condition of the beſt of Princes.

Nor without injuſtice can I paſs over the brave action of the heroick Lady Fairfax, The Lady Fairfax publickly contradicting it. Daughter to the Lord Vere, who out of a Belcony that lookt into the Court, cried out publickly, That that was a lye; that the tenth part of the People was not guilty of that Villany, but that it was a contrivance of the Traytor Cromwel. And this ſhe did with great danger of her life.

The King having heard this Indictment,He calls into queſtion the Authority of the Court. with a majeſty in his looks and words, that cannot be expreſt, puts the queſtion to thoſe new Judges, By what Authority they brought their King to the Bar, contrary to the publick Faith which was very lately made to him when he entered into a Conference with the Members of both Houſes. By what lawful Authority, ſaid he emphatically. He knew indeed there were many unlawful and powerful Combinations of men in the world, as of Thieves and Robbers by the High-ways. He deſires they would tell him by what Authority they had taken that Power, (ſuch as it was upon them) and he would be willing to anſwer; but if they could not, he bids them think well upon it, before they go farther from one ſin to a greater: That he had a Truſt committed to him by God by an ancient and lawful Deſcent; and that he would not betray it by anſwering to a new and unlawful Authority.

The Preſident replying,Which the Preſident affirming to be derived from the People that chuſe the King, the King denies it That he was brought to anſwer in the name of the People of England, of which he was elected King. The King made anſwer, That England was never an Elective Kingdom, but an Hereditary Kingdom for near theſe thouſand years. That he did ſtand more for the liberty of the People, by rejecting their uſurped Power, than any of them that came to be his pretended Judges did by ſupporting it. That he did not come there as ſubmitting to the Court: That he would ſtand as much for the Priviledge of the Houſe of Commons as any man there whatſoever; but that he ſaw no Houſe of Lords there, that might, together with a King, conſtitute a Parliament But then that neither one nor both the Houſes, nor any other Tribunal upon Earth, had any power to judge the King of England; much leſs a parcel of pack'd Judges of the Lower Houſe, who were masked onely with the oppreſſed power of that Court.. That if they would ſhew him a legal authority, warranted by the Word of God, the Scriptures, or warranted by the Conſtitutions of the Kingdom, he would anſwer: for that he did avow, that it was as great a ſin to withſtand lawful Authority, as it is to ſubmit to a tyrannical or any ways unlawful Authority. The Preſident in the mean time often interrupted him, and at length commanding him to be carried back to Priſon.

The King is again and a third time brought to the bar.Yet was the good King a ſecond and a third time brought before the Bar of the Common People, where the Preſident puts him in mind of his Indictment, and commands him to anſwer to the Articles brought againſt him, or otherways to liſten to his ſentence. But the King ſtill proteſted againſt the Authority of the Court; affirming, That his life was not ſo dear to him, as his Honour, Conſcience, the Laws and the Liberties of the People; which that they might not periſh all at once, there were great reaſons why he could not make his defence before thoſe Judges, nor acknowledge a new form of Judicature: for what power had ever Subjects, or by what Laws was it granted them, to erect a Court againſt their King? That it could not be warranted by Gods Laws, which on the contrary command obedience to Princes; not by the Laws of the Land, ſince by them no Impeachment can lie againſt the King, And being about to alleadge Reaſons againſt the Authority of the Court, they all going in his name: nor do they allow the Houſe of Commons the power of judging the meaneſt Subject of England. And that laſtly, that pretended Power could not flow from any Authority or Commiſſion from the People, ſince they had never asked the queſtion of the tenth man (he might have ſaid, of the thouſandth) of the Kingdom.

The Preſident interrupting him again, as before, takes him up now more inſolently,The Preſident interrupts and takes him up. bids him be mindful of his condition: tells him, that the Court is ſufficiently ſatisfied, and do affirm their own Juriſdiction; and that no Reaſons were to be heard that declined the Authority of the Court. But ſhew me that Court, anſwered the King, where Reaſon is not to be heard. We ſhew it you here, replied the Preſident; and the next time you come, you'll know more of their pleaſure. But the King urged, That at leaſt he might be permitted to give in his Reaſons in writing; to which if they could give him ſatisfaction, he would not decline their Juriſdiction. Here the Preſident, not ſatisfied to deny his modeſt ſuit, but falling alſo into a heat, commanded the Priſoner to be carried away; who made no other return but this, Remember it is your King whom you refuſe to hear: it will be in vain for my Subjects to expect Juſtice from you, when you will not hear your King make his lawful defence.

Now the King is the fourth time brought before this unjuſt Court of Juſtice; where the Preſident, The King is a fourth time brought to the bar; refuſes to plead: in his Scarlet-robe, bitterly taxes the King of Contumacy, and runs out in commendation of the Patience of the Court. He bids him at length ſubmit to the Court, or to expect his Sentence. But the King conſtantly refuſes to plead before them; telling them however, That he had ſomething to ſay that concerned the Peace of the Kingdom, Deſires a Conference with the Lords and Commons. and the Liberty of the Subject, wherein he deſires to be heard before the Lords and Commons. Yet they refuſe to grant him that favour, which is not wont to be denied to men of the meaneſt condition; pretending it would delay and put a ſtop to Juſtice. To which the King replied, That it would be better to admit the delay of a day or two, than to haſten a Sentence that might bring on that trouble and perpetual inconvenience to the Kingdom, that the Child that is unborn might repent it. For if I had had, ſaid he, reſpect to my Life more than the Peace of the Kingdom, and the Liberties of the Subject, certainly I ſhould have made a particular defence for my ſelf: for by that at leaſtwiſe I might have delayed an ugly Sentence, which I believe will paſs upon me; and that the Zeal to my Country had not overborn the care that I have of my own preſervation, I ſhould have gone another way to work than I have done. Now ſince a haſty Sentence once paſt may be ſooner repented than recalled, I deſire, that having ſomething to ſay more for the Peace of the Kingdom, and the Liberty of the Subject, than for my own particular, I may be heard before Sentence be given.

One of the Judges prickt in Conſcience.Upon which Colonel Downs, one of the Judges, being prickt in Conſcience, (contrary to what had been privately agreed upon amongſt the Judges) deſires that they may withdraw and debate that Propoſal privately. Though this extreamly vexed the Preſident, Cromwel, and moſt of the reſt, yet that they might not ſeem publickly to quarrel among themſelves, they all withdraw into an adjoyning Chamber; where Downs being paid off with flouts and jeers, intermingled with no ſmall threats, they return wonderfully unanimous and agreeing into Court.

The Preſident in a ſet-ſpeech makes way for the Sentence. Then the Preſident with the ſame inhumane barbarity that he began, proceeds to Sentence; having premiſed a long Speech, wherein he aggravates the Contumacy of the King, and the haynouſneſs of the Crime; he aſſerts the Power of Parliaments, producing inſtances both foreign and domeſtick, (eſpecially from Scotland, how aptly the Scots are to look to it) wherein the People have puniſhed their Kings; and that the Power of the People of England over their King, was not leſs than that of other Nations; that the King's guilt was greater than that of all others, ſeeing that (according to the wiſh of Caligula) he had endeavoured to have cut off the head of the whole Nation, by undertaking a War againſt the Parliament.

Having ended his Harangue,Orders the Sentence to be read. he orders the Sentence to be read, in theſe words: That whereas the Commons of England in Parliament had appointed them an High Court of Juſtice for the trying of Charles Steuart King of England; before whom he had been three times convented, and at firſt time a Charge of High-Treaſon, and other Crimes and Miſdemeanours, was read in the behalf of the Kingdom of England, &c. Which Charge being read unto him as aforeſaid, he the ſaid Charles Steuart was required to give his Anſwer, but he refuſed ſo to do, &c.

For all which Treaſons and Crimes, the Court doth adjudge, That he the ſaid Charles Steuart, as a Tyrant, Traytor, Murderer, and a publick Enemy, ſhall be put to death by ſevering his Head from his Body.

The Sentence being pronounced,All the Judges that were preſent, ſtand up and confirm the Sentence. ſixty ſeven Judges that were preſent, as lifted up by the conſcience of the Villany they had conſpired in, at the deſire of the Preſident, (the thing having been privately concerted) ſtand up and confirm the ſame; the reſt, (amongſt whom was Fairfax) for the horrour of the Crime, not daring to be preſent.

Then was his ſacred Majeſty hurried away by the Souldiers to be by them (moſt like to his Saviour) ſcoffed at before he ſuffered;The ſouldiers carry away the King, ſcoff at him, who laying aſide all reverence to the name of a King, as if they led their Captive in triumph with cruel barbarity, (the aforeſaid Peters ſetting them on) whereas in the beginning they cry'd, Juſtice, Juſtice; ſo now they cry, Execution, Execution; like the Jews of old, Crucifie him, Crucifie him: And barbarouſly uſe him. They ſpit upon his Clothes as he paſſed by; nay, one or two had the boldneſs to ſpit in his majeſtick face, which one of his Judges, a Colonel, took notice of to many then preſent, commending the bravery of his Souldiers; and more beheld with horrour: They blew the ſmoak of Tobacco, a thing which they knew his Majeſty hated, in his ſacred mouth, throwing their broken Pipes in his way as he paſſed along: They alſo enjoyn inhumane rudeneſs to others, beating thoſe who with a hat or bow ſaluted him as he paſſed; nay, whilſt one more compaſſionate than the reſt, ſighing, ſaid, God have mercy upon him, they knockt him down dead: Ruſhing into his Chamber both by day and by night, they allowed him no retirement, nor any private diſcourſe not ſo much as with his Chaplain: When with much ado they had ſuffered one Biſhop onely, I mean, of London, to have acceſs unto him, with loud laughing they interrupt him in paying his Devotions according to the Rite of the Church of England; and even then when he was preparing for his laſt, they diſturb him with ſcoffs and frivolous and impertinent Queſtions.

His Majeſty behaves himſelf courageouſly and prudently,But he with great preſence of mind, whilſt they cried out, Juſtice and Execution, turning to thoſe that were about him, ſaid, Alas, poor Souls, for a piece of money they would do ſo for their Commanders. Wiping off the Spittle when they ſpit upon him, all that came from him was, Chriſt hath ſuffered more for my ſake. He ſo convincingly confuted the Commanders, Souldiers, and other impertinent Anabaptiſts, who with their cavils and ſilly diſputes came to tempt him, that he put moſt of them to ſilence. He took ſo little notice of their ridiculous mirth, that by contemning it, he diſappointed their ſawcy petulance. Nay, though he was ſtraitned with time,And prepares himſelf for his laſt ſufferings. and diſturbed with the noiſe of barbarous Souldiers, yet with a religious and ſedate mind, ſpending his time in the confeſſion of his ſins, forgiving his Enemies, taking the Sacrament, holy reading and meditation, and in all the other duties of Piety, he finds the favour of God amidſt the hatred of men, and vanquiſhes and drives away the terrours of death even before they approach.

Whilſt theſe things are done openly in view of the people, the execrable and mercileſs Judges,The Judges, before the publication of Sentence, conſult about the kind, manner, and time of the Murder. in the mean time, in their private Cabals allot every one the part he is to act, what words and Geſtures they are to uſe; conſulting together about the time, place, kind, and all the manner and ſolemnity of the Murder: where, I am aſhamed to mention, what diſmal kinds of death were propoſed for condemned Caeſar, even before the Sentence, according as the wantonneſs, cruelty, or hatred of the ſeveral tempers did ſuggeſt, though I have been informed of it by moſt credible perſons. Some vote that his Head and Quarters may be ſet up in publick places, a puniſhment inflicted upon Traytors, as a laſting Infamy after their death; ſome would have him hanged after the manner of Murderers, Robbers, and Thieves; others again are of opinion that he ſhould ſuffer in his Crown and Robes, as a Monument of the Power of the People over their King. At length they agree that it will ſuffice, that he loſe his head upon a Scaffold to be erected before the Banquetting-Houſe of White-hall, that from the ſame place where he uſed to mount the Throne, and appear in the ſacred pomp of Majeſty, he might paſs to the Block, and caſt off the Ornaments of Royalty, where he commonly put them on. This was the Triumph, theſe the Trophies of a victorious Revenge. And becauſe they had been told, that the King would not ſubmit his Neck to the Ax of his Subjects, they order iron Rings and Staples to be made upon the Scaffold, that if he reſiſted, he might be drawn down to the Block by the head and hands.

But it is not to be omitted, that amongſt theſe Preliminaries to death,Propoſals are tendered unto him, upon granting which, he is offered his life. ſome Souldiers, the day before the execution, offered Propoſals; which if he would at length aſſent to, they promiſed to grant him life and the name of King. But having heard one or two of them read, he rejected them, ſaying to this effect: I had rather ſuffer a thouſand deaths, than ſo to proſtitute my Honour and the Liberty of my People.

He is permitted to take his leave of his Children.And, that I may not paſs by unmentioned the leaſt piece of humanity ſhew'd to him, they give him leave to take his Farewel of his Children; to wit, of the Lady Elizabeth then eleven years old, and the Duke of Glouceſter nine.What the King gave them in charge. Here the King charged to tell the Queen, that his thoughts had never ſtrayed from her, and that his love would be the ſame to the laſt; that ſhe ſhould command the Prince in his name (if it pleaſed God to advance him to the Throne) to pardon his Enemies, &c. withal, he commanded her and her ſecond Brother (the Duke of York who ſometime before had made his eſcape from the Parliament) to be ſubject to the Prince and obey their Mother: he bid her alſo read Biſhop Andrews Sermons, Hooker's Eccleſiaſtical Polity, and Biſhop Laud's Book againſt Fiſher, which would ground her againſt Popery.

Then he ſaid to the Duke of Glouceſter, Mark, Child, what I ſay; they will cut off my head, and perhaps make thee a King: but mark what I ſay, You muſt not be King ſo long as your Brother Charles and James do live; for they will cut off your Brothers heads (when they can catch them) and cut thy head off too at laſt: and therefore I charge you do not be made a King by them. To which the Child (looking wiſhfully upon the King) anſwered, I will be torn in pieces firſt.

The K. is led to execution.Now was the fatal day when the King, fortified againſt death by Innocence and Piety, came out of St. James's houſe, (now the Royal Priſon) and walked afoot through the Park, with a chearful countenance, as if he had been going a hunting. The Souldiers and guard of Partiſans marching ſlowly, he bid them go faſter, ſaying, That he now went before them to ſtrive for an heavenly Crown, with leſs ſollicitude than he had often encouraged his Souldiers to fight for an earthly Diadem.

Being brought into the Banquetting-houſe, he ſpent an hour in prayer, that having recommended his Soul to God, he might have ſome leiſure-time before death to be ſpent amongſt the Souldiers. As he went out from thence upon the Scaffold that was covered with diſmal black, the firſt Objects that preſent themſelves to his view, are Executioners in Vizard-maſques, a Block and an Ax; which yet do not ſo damp his Royal Courage, but that he ſhew'd his care for the living to be far greater than his apprehenſions of dying: for looking round upon the People, who by numerous Guards of Horſe were kept at a great diſtance, and perceiving that he could not be heard by them,He ſpeaks to Col. Tomlinſon, and the other Inſtruments of the Regicide. he waved (as it is probable) the diſcourſe that he intended to deliver to the Multitude, and addreſſed himſelf to Colonel Tomlinſon, and the other Inſtruments of the Regicide, in theſe following words.

I Shall be very little heard of any body elſe;His Maj. had not spoken, but that otherwiſe he might have been thought to ſubmit to the guilt. I ſhall therefore ſpeak a word to you here. Indeed I could have held my peace very well, if I did not think that holding my peace would make ſome men think that I did ſubmit to the Guilt as well as to the Puniſhment: But I think it is my duty to God firſt, and then to my Country, to clear my ſelf both as an honeſt man, a good King, and a good Chriſtian. I ſhall begin firſt with my Innocency; and in troath, I think it not very needful for me to inſiſt long upon this:He did not begin the War. for all the world knows that I did never begin a War with the two Houſes of Parliament; and I call God to witneſs, unto whom I muſt ſhortly give an account, that I did never intend to incroach upon their Priviledges: They began upon me;But the two Houſes. it is the Militia they began upon: They confeſſed the Militia was mine, but they thought it fit to have it from me. And to be ſhort, if any body will look to the dates of Commiſſions, of their Commiſſions and mine, and likewiſe to the Declaration, he will ſee clearly that they began thoſe unhappy Troubles, not I. So as for the guilt of thoſe enormous Crimes that are laid againſt me, I hope that God will clear me on't.His Majeſty lays not the the guilt upon the two Houſes, I will not, (for I am in charity) and God forbid that I ſhould lay it upon the two Houſes of Parliament, there is no neceſſity of either, I hope they are free of this Guilt;Ill Inſtruments the cauſe of it. but I believe that ill Inſtruments between them and me, have been the chief cauſe of all this Bloudſhed: So that as I find my ſelf clear of this, I hope (and pray God) that they may too. Yet for all this, God forbid that I ſhould be ſo ill a Chriſtian, as not to ſay, that Gods Judgments are juſt upon me; many times he doth pay injuſtice by an unjuſt Sentence,One unjuſt ſentence puniſhed with another. that is ordinary: I will ſay this, That unjuſt Sentence that I ſuffered to take effect, is puniſhed by an unjuſt Sentence upon me: So far I have ſaid, to ſhew you, That I am an innocent man. Now to ſhew you that I am a good Chriſtian, I hope there is a good man here (pointing to the Biſhop of London) that will bear me witneſs,His Majeſty forgives all the world, even the Cauſers of his death. that I have forgiven all the world, and even thoſe in particular that have been the chief Cauſers of my death: who they are, God knows, I do not deſire to know; I pray God forgive them. But this is not all, my Charity muſt go further; I wiſh they may repent, for indeed they have committed a great ſin in that particular: I pray God, with St. Stephen, that this be not laid to their charge; and withal, that they may take the way to the Peace of the Kingdom; for my charity commands me not onely to forgive particular men, but to endeavour to the laſt gaſp, the Peace of the Kingdom. So (Sirs) I do wiſh with all my Soul,Prays that they may take the right way to Peace. (I ſee there are ſome here that will carry it further) that they endeavour the Peace of the Kingdom. (Sirs) I muſt ſhew you, both how you are out of the way, and put you in a way. Firſt, you are out of the way; for certainly all the ways you ever had yet, as far as I could find by any thing, is in the way of Conqueſt: certainly this is an ill way;Conqueſt an ill way, ſeldom juſt. for Conqueſt, in my Opinion, is never juſt, except there be a juſt and good cauſe, either for matter of Wrong, or a juſt Title; and then if you go beyond the firſt Quarrel that ye have, that makes it unjuſt at the end, that was juſt at firſt: for if there be onely matter of Conqueſt, then it is a great Robbery; as a private Souldier ſaid to Alexander, That he was a great Robber, himſelf 〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉 was but a petty Robber: And ſo, Sirs, for the way you are in, I think you are much out of the way.To give God his due, the K. his due, and the People their due, is the right way. Give God his due in ſetling his Church. Now, Sirs, to put you into the way; believe it, you ſhall never go right, nor God will never proſper you, until you give God his due, the King his due, (that is my Succeſſour) and the People their due; I am as much for them as any of you. You muſt give God his due, by regulating rightly his Church, according to the Scripture, (which is now out of order) and to ſet you in a way particularly, now I cannot; but onely this: A National Synod freely called,As to the K. it concerning himſelf, his Majeſty waves it. freely debating among themſelves, muſt ſettle this, when every Opinion is freely heard. For the King, indeed, I will not, the Laws of the Land will clearly inſtruct you for that; therefore, becauſe it concerns mine own particular,Peoples liberty conſiſts in having government, not in ſharing it. I onely give you a touch of it. For the People, truly I deſire their liberty and freedom as much as any body whomſoever: But I muſt tell you, that their liberty and freedom conſiſts in having government under thoſe Laws, by which their lives and theirs may be moſt their own; it is not in having a ſhare in the government, that is nothing pertaining to them: A Subject and a Soveraign are clean different things; and therefore until you do that, I mean, that you put the People into that liberty, as I ſay, certainly they will never enjoy themſelves.

Sirs, it was for this that now I am come hither: for if I would have given way to an Arbitrary way, for to have all Laws changed according to the power of the Sword, I need not have come here; and therefore I tell you (and I pray God it be not laid to your charge) that I am the MARTYR of the People.His Majeſty the Martyr of the People. In troth, Sirs, I ſhall not hold you any longer; I will onely ſay this to you, That I could have deſired ſome little time longer, becauſe I would have put this, what I have ſaid, a little better digeſted than I have done; and therefore I hope you will excuſe me. I have delivered my Conſcience: I pray God you take thoſe courſes that are beſt for the good of the Kingdoms and your own ſalvation.

Being thus about to conclude his moſt innocent and meek Speech, the Biſhop of London gave him a hint, That if his Majeſty thought fit, he would ſay ſomewhat as to his Religion; not that any man living ſuſpected that, of which he had given ſo clear proofs during the whole courſe of his life, but that he might, according to cuſtom, ſatisfie the People.

To which the King replied, He profeſſes he dies a Chriſtian of the Church of England. I thank you very heartily, my Lord, for I had almoſt forgotten it. In troth, Sirs, my Conſcience in Religion, I think, is very well known to all the World; and therefore I declare before you all, That I die a Chriſtian, according to the Profeſſion of the Church of England, as I found it left me by my Father, and that honeſt man I think will witneſs it.

Then turning to the Officers, he ſaid, Sirs, excuſe me for this ſame; I have a good Cauſe, and I have a gracious God, I will ſay no more. But a little after, I go from a corruptible to an incorruptible Crown, where no diſturbance can be, no diſturbance in the World.

He is beheadedAfterwards kneeling down by the Block, as at a Desk, and having ſaid a ſhort Prayer, he moſt humbly reſigned his ſacred head to his Maker to be ſtruck off by a masked Executioner; which was quickly done at one blow. So fell CHARLES; and ſo with him expired the Honour and Soul of Great Britain.

Barbarous Cruelty againſt him dead. Againſt his body.Nor are they ſatisfied to have exerciſed their Rage and Cruelty againſt him, whilſt he was alive: they diſhonour his martyred Body; waſh their hands and dip their ſticks in his Bloud; ſet to ſale the Block cut into pieces, and the Sand underneath it moiſtened with Royal Bloud; and make money alſo of his Hair. All which were by the Spectators bought up upon different motives: ſome as dear Pledges and Relicks of a Prince whom they adored; others, that they might never want a Cure for the Kings Evil, a Prerogative which our Kings are believed to enjoy; but many alſo, that they might have and ſhew in triumph the Spoils of their Enemy. Cromwel, that he might to the full glut his traiterous eyes with that Spectacle, having opened the Coffin wherein the Body was carried from the Scaffold into the Palace, curiouſly viewed it, and with his fingers ſevered the head from the ſhouldiers, as we have been informed by Eye-witneſſes.

Afterwards they give the Body to be embowelled by a raſcally Quack-Phyſician, and ſome Surgeons of the Army, moſt inveterate Enemies to the very name of a King, (his Majeſties own Servants being removed) who had orders carefully to enquire (which was the ſame to them as if they had been commanded poſitively to affirm) whether he had not the Venereal Diſtemper, or any ſigns of Frigidity; with a deſigne to take an occaſion from thence of branding either himſelf or Poſterity with Infamy. But that Villany was cruſhed in the Egg by the preſence of an honeſt Phyſician, who getting to be admitted to the Diſſection, overawed them by his reverence and authority: the ſame perſon having alſo reputed that by the healthfulneſs and vigour of his Conſtitution, he might have outlived moſt men; ſo that all who conſider the humourous temper both of his body and mind, are fully now ſatisfied of it.

Nay,Againſt his ſoul. that they might ſtrain their Malice to the higheſt pitch of Cruelty, they make no leſs ſcruple to murder the Soul of the King, and as eaſily damn him to the flames of Hell, as they are wont to canonize all their own for Saints.

They make it their buſineſs alſo to blacken his Memory amongſt men;Againſt his fame and memory to poſterity. they cauſe his Statue that ſtood over the Porch of St. Paul's Church, and another that was placed amongſt the Statues of his Predeceſſors in the Royal Exchange of London, to be thrown down, putting theſe words into the empty Nich, The Tyrant the laſt of Kings is gone. Exit Tyrannus regum ultimus; moſt falſe both in the preſage and crime. They employ the mercenary Pen of the Son of a certain S • rivener one Milton, from a muſty Pedant, • ampt into a new Secretary, whoſe Talent lying in Satyrs and Libels, and his Tongue being dipt in the blackeſt and baſeſt venome, might forge an 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , or Image-breaking; and by his livid and malicious Wit, publiſh a Defence of the Kings Murder againſt Salmaſius.

They rob the Biſhop of London, They carry away all the Royal Writings that they might not be publiſh'd who was long kept a Priſoner, of all the Papers which his Majeſty had delivered unto him, and ranſaking all Clothes, Trunks, and Boxes, they ſearch into every corner, that they might hinder any Paper written with the Royal hand, from coming into the publick; by which indeed they deprived mankind of many rare Monuments of Prudence and Piety.

Nevertheleſs, a golden book of the Kings Meditations ſaw the light.Nevertheleſs, by the extraordinary providence of Almighty God, to their eternal ſhame and confuſion, and the everlaſting praiſe of the boundleſs and Royal Virtue of the King, a Book of MEDITATIONS or SOLLILOQƲIES, ſaw the light, a poſthumous work of which, whoſoever impartially conſiders the weight of matter, the quaintneſs of ſtile, the ſtrength of Reaſons, and the ardour of Piety, muſt, in ſpight of Envy, acknowledge that amongſt Writers he deſerved the Kingdom, and that thoſe ill minds that wreſted from him the Civil Government, muſt render him the dominion of Letters.

The extraordinary grief of the people.No King, not onely of Britain alone, but that ever ſate upon the Throne, left the World more bewailed and lamented. For the news of his death being ſpread over England, made women miſcarry, caſt both men and women into Fits, Convulſions, and Melancholy; nay, ſome were ſo ſurprized, that they outlived not the ſuddenneſs of the Conſternation: The Pulpits in all places uttered nothing but Sighs and Groans: The ſame perſons with uſeleſs grief bewailing him now he was gone, who becauſe of difference of Opinion concerning Church-government, had no great kindneſs for him whilſt he was alive. The very little Children (who ſeldom mind ſuch things) burſting out into Tears, could hardly be comforted. Men of all ſorts, and almoſt of all Sects, enlarged in his praiſes, comparing him to Job, David, and Solomon, for Patience, Piety, and Wiſdom. Nor can I my ſelf forbear in this place to hoiſt ſail, and with all the skill I have, launch out into the Ocean of his Virtues; though the nature of an Abridgment I am now about, does lay an embargo upon my liberty. I ſhall therefore by a few, and thoſe clouded beams, give you what ſight I can of that Sun.

He was indeed a Prince to be reckoned amongſt the beſt of all paſt Ages,The Character of the late King. whoſe great endowments of mind, and greater Virtues, rendered him in the opinion of all, even his greateſt Enemies, Worthy of Government, if he had not governed: who by all mens confeſſion, attained to that height of perfection, that he was the ſame in all places, and at all times; that the courſe of his Virtues was even and ſteddy, his countenance and looks the ſame in the moſt different kinds of fortune that he had tried; as if from the Torrid he had removed into the Frigid Zone, without the leaſt alteration in his temper. Who pleaſed even the unwilling, and as by a kind of Charm, mitigated the hatred of many, won his enemies to Friendſhip, and turned Railings into Praiſes. Who ſo excelled in Prudence and all Heroick Virtues, that through Calumnies and Reproaches he ſhone out with greater luſtre.

His Enemies feigned him to be a man of weak Judgment, but found him to be a match, if not ſuperiour, to the choiceſt Politicians and Divines: They reviled him as cowardly and fickle, without faith, and of feminine inconſtancy; but in Battels they felt him to be valiant, perceived him undaunted in Threats, Dangers, and Diſgraces, and unſhaken in Priſon and at Death. They ſlandered him as a Papiſt, but ſaw him in his Writings to be a Champion for the Reformed Apoſtolical Religion; defending it not onely by his Pen, but with his Bloud. They who maligned him as cruel and bloud-thirſty, advanced to that licentiouſneſs of calumniating, onely through the clemency of their King, ☜ to which the Rebels promiſed themſelves a too eaſie retreat, until by the favour of fortune, being tranſported beyond the bonds of pardon, they chuſe rather to deny mercy to a Prince of ſo much clemency, than to ask it of him when he was diſarmed.

If any thing could be objected to him, it was ſo far from being a fault in ſo rare a Prince, that it was the height of an unſeaſonable Virtue, inconſiſtent with ſo vitious and corrupt an Age; that is, too much Lenity to the cruel, Candour to the diſingenuous and crafty, a ſtrict Juſtice and Certitude, which is not commonly the Virtue of Kings, a Modeſty that diſtruſted his own Abilities, and a Mind ſo far from pride, that he was more apt to comply with the worſe Counſels of others, than to ſtick to the beſt of his own; as if he had indeed believed the Calumnies of his Enemies to be true.

He was a great Example of Living, but a greater of Dying; Whom like ſlighted and unrewarded Virtue, We hate whilſt it's in being, and anxiouſly buſtle for when it is gone.

The Rebels exerciſe Arbitrary Dominion over the Lives and Eſtates of others.The great Defender of the Laws being now cut off, and the Government unhinged, the new Ʋſurpers thought it time to turn all topſie-turvy, and to make Laws according to their own pleaſure. They order CHARLES the Second, by the name of CHARLES STEƲART, and the Duke of York, whereſoever they could be found, to be put to death.They forbid any man to call Charles the II. King, or to pray for him, his Brother, or any of the Royal Family. Out comes preſently an Ordinance, under pain of High-Treaſon, That no man ſhould preſume to declare CHARLES STEUART, commonly called Prince of Wales, King: And as if this had been but a ſmall matter, That no man ſhould pray for CHARLES the Second, under the name of Prince of Wales, King of Scotland, or eldeſt Son of the King, or for the Duke of York, or any of the Royal Family, under pain of Sequeſtration.

Monarchy and the Houſe of Lords being both aboliſhed, the firſt under pretext of change,

The Monarch being cut off, th • y preſently murder Monarchy; they alſo abrogate the Houſe of Lords.

Turns out the Lord Mayor of London.

uſeleſneſs and danger, and the other both of uſeleſneſs and danger; they make an Ordinance for changing the moſt ancient Government of England into a Democraty or Popular Commonwealth: and becauſe the Mayor of London refuſed to publiſh the Ordinance, they turn him out of his Office, fine him in two thouſand pounds, and commit him to the Tower; notwithſtanding his alleadging, That ſuch an act was to be performed by the Sheriffs, and not the Mayor of London, and that being bound by ſo many Oaths, he could not in conſcience do it. A dull blockhead, one of the Kings Judges, was forthwith put into his place, and that others upon account of conſcience, might not boggle at any of their commands, they aboliſh the Oath which all men upon their entry into publick place, were obliged to take to the Kings Majeſty. They alter the Common Council of the City alſo. They purge the Common Council of the City, which was wont to conſiſt of the richer and graver Citizens, and turn out many Aldermen; making this their colour for it, that the year before (though at the deſire of the major part of the Parliament) They had ſigned the Petition for a perſonal Conference with the King; and filled their places with the abject Riff-raff of the Rabble, many of them very young, and moſt of them broken fellows.

They alſo turn out the Recorder, Town-Clerk, and other Officers of the City, who had refuſed to attend the Mayor at the publiſhing of the Ordinance for aboliſhing of Monarchy; other factious Villains of their own Gang, being preferred to their places; who leading the other Citizens by the noſes, the City of London in a trice became obedient to the Orders of the Mock-Parliament.

And repeal all Laws againſt Hereſies and Schiſms.

They engage the Preachers to themſelves by the Kings Rents.

Puniſh the Gain-ſayers.

With one ſingle Vote they repeal all the ancient Laws made againſt Sects and Schiſms. They deprive the Miniſters of the promiſed Revenues, I mean, of Deans and Chapters Lands: They alſo make profeſſion of eaſing tender Conſciences from the burthen of Tythes, aſſigning ſome thouſands a year out of the Kings Revenue, for Stipends and Salaries for the Preachers; that ſo they might be at the beck of the Republicans, and be at length by Office conſtrained with mutual Aſſiſtance and Pay to conſpire againſt Monarchy. Nay, it was debated, whether they ſhould not for ſome time ſhut the Church-doors, and reſtrain the licentiouſneſs of Presbyterians: but milder Councils prevailing, ſome having been impriſoned, & others threatned with death, all are commanded upon pain of Sequeſtration to refrain from Invectives, and to comply with their Rulers in keeping Faſts and Thanksgiving-days, and whatever elſe concerned the affairs of the Church. They break down the Kings Arms and Statues that were ſet up in publick places, and put up their own inſtead of them. They coyn new money with the impreſſion of a Croſs and Harp, as the Arms of England and Ireland. In a word, as by Law, and in full right, they invade and appropriate to themſelves all the Regalia, which as by way of Sequeſtration they had before uſurped.

Sparing no body.From henceforward, without any regard to Juſtice and Honeſty, they ſpare neither Sex nor any Order of men. The Kings Children who remained in England, to wit, the Lady Elizabeth and Henry Duke of Glouceſter, Princes of ſingular accompliſhments of Nature, are many ways baſely uſed by them. Amongſt the Regicides it was moved oftener than once, whether they had not better put her out Apprentice to a Trade, that ſhe might get her living, than to breed her up in a lazy life at the charge of the Publick. From the gentle tuition of the Earl of N. ſhe is turned over to the ſeverer diſcipline of another, with orders, that when there was no occaſion for it, ſhe ſhould not be treated as the Daughter of a King: Afterward ſhe was confined to Carisborough-Caſtle in the Iſle of Wight, under the cuſtody of one Mildmay, an inſpired fool, but implacable enemy to the Royal Family; that ſhe poor Lady, thus put in mind of her Fathers Impriſonment and Murder, being already conſumptive, might the ſooner be brought to her end. And indeed, when through the irkſomneſs of Priſon, Grief, and Sickneſs, ſhe viſibly and daily decayed and pined away, the inhumane Traytors deny her the aſſiſtance of a Phyſician; nay, the Phyſician whoſe preſence ſhe earneſtly deſired, they ſo frighten from his duty, that he durſt not wait upon her. She being dead, they ſend the Duke of Glouceſter into baniſhment, having allowed him a ſmall piece of money (that I may not omit any act of their humanity) to carry him over into Flanders.

They baſely treat the Counteſs of Carliſle, by an uſage unworthy of her Sex and Quality, as being one who of too much a friend before, was now become an Enemy, and commit her to the Tower of London. Duke Hamilton and the Earl of Holland, who now too lately repented their having been the firſt of the Lords and chief of the Factious, who for their own ſafety, had too much ſerved the times againſt the King, and of the Royal Party, the heroick Lord Capel, a prime Champion both for his King and Country, are by the ſame Preſident Bradſhaw, who dyed red with Royal bloud, knew not what it was to ſpare the bloud of other men, in the ſame Court of Juſtice ſentenced to loſe their heads. Whom the Rebels thought fit they baniſhed, and ſeized all Eſtates and Inheritances, how large ſoever, at their own diſcretion. There was a debate amongſt them about making a Law, that whoſoever was by them ſuſpected to be an ill willer to the Commonwealth, or an enemy to the Army, might be brought to a tryal before a Council of War, and ſentenced by them as they thought fit.

Nay, they order the ſtately Fabricks of the Royal Houſes and Palaces, to be thrown down, that Kings for the future might not have a houſe of their own to cover their heads under; God any ſtately Temples wherein he might be worſhipped, or the Kingdom any publick Structures to ſhew its magnificence. St. Paul's Church in London, that of Salisbury, and the Kings houſe of Hampton-Court, Fabricks that may compare for ſtatelineſs with the beſt of Europe, with much ado eſcaped the fury of their deſolating hands.

The Government committed to the Council of forty men.A Council of forty perſons is erected, which by a gentle name to the common people, they call the Keepers of the Liberties, who altogether, or at leaſt ſeven of the number, had the full adminiſtration of the Commonwealth. Amongſt theſe were three or four contemptible Lords, Slaves to the Republican Faction admitted, of whom Bradſhaw was made Head, with the Title of Lord Preſident, and a yearly Salary of two thouſand pounds, as the price of Regicide.

A ſubſcription is enjoyned.Moreover, a Writing is commanded to be taken by all, whereby they were bound to approve whatſoever the Rebels had acted againſt the King and Kingdom. Yet when many had refuſed to take it, they were nevertheleſs admitted upon this condition, That with their lives and fortunes, they ſhould maintain and defend for the future, the State and Mock-Parliament in the ſame condition they were. Henceforward none of the ſecluded Members, nor of thoſe who had withdrawn, were admitted into the Houſe, unleſs they approved underhand the late Villanies. Nevertheleſs, they command all to appear againſt a certain day, or otherways to be excluded for ever, and others choſen in their places. So that ſome for fear of Sequeſtration, and I know not what hurt and damage they were apprehenſive of, others out of hopes of profit to be got in publick changes, by a baſe temporizing, ſtrike in with the Republican Ʋſurpers, and are admitted into a ſhare of the labour and danger, but not of the Government.

About the ſame time the ſecluded Members meet in Lincolns-Inne to conſult together, S. inveighs bitterly againſt the Regicides. and take the advice of S. a Lawyer, what was fitteſt to be done in the preſent ſtate of affairs. But he readily gave his opinion, that the late changes were made againſt the tenor of the Laws, the Cuſtoms and Intereſt of the Country, and the Dictates of right Reaſon; and that no commerce could be kept with the Uſurpers, without the guilt and horrid crime of Treaſon: and indeed he frightened many of the Members from coming to the Houſe, who could never afterward be brought to joyn in council with the Regicides. Nevertheleſs,By and by falls off to the ſame Party. within a few days he himſelf became a leading-man in the Rebel-Parliament, and the Council of the Keepers of the Liberties, and ſubmitted to their Authority: nay, and did not reject the place of Lord Chief Juſtice of the Common Pleas, conferred upon him by the ſame men, though the King before the Troubles had honoured him with the title of his Attorney-General.

Theſe things are carried on under pretext of ſpeedy ſetling the State;

They labour to eſtabliſh an Oligarchy.

The Democraticks oppoſe it.

but in reality with deſigne to ſecure the Government to themſelves: to whom all the reſt almoſt being cow'd into a ſubmiſſion, the Popular Republicans onely reſiſt. Theſe demand that the Repreſentative ſo often deſired and ſo often promiſed, might be eſtabliſhed by a free and equal election of the people, the Rump of the Mock-Parliament being diſmiſſed.Inveigh, In Writings and Conferences they inveigh againſt the arbitrary dominion of the Ʋſurpers, the High Court of Juſtice, Council of State, ☞ or of the Keepers of the Liberties, as onely the ſofter names of a harder Tyranny; nay, they cry out againſt the Kings murder as unjuſt, and committed againſt all Law and juſt Authority; that the People had changed but not ſhaken off the Yoke; that they had rather live ten years under the government of the worſt of Kings, than one year under their dominion; that the loins of King Charles were lighter than their little finger. So great force has truth, as that it draws ſuch Expreſſions even from the unwilling. At length they flie to Arms,Reſiſt with Arms. and the private Souldiers, eſpecially the Troopers, who formerly conſented with them in moſt things, being everywhere ſtirred up, they at length begin to gather together in form of an Army.

But the Ʋſurpers who were never wanting to occaſion, obviate the beginnings; and under pretext of compoſing Differences amongſt honeſt men, who minded the ſame things, though they mutually entertained bad opinions one of another, having corrupted and gained ſome of them to their Party, they ſuddenly fall upon the reſt and defeat them,They are defeated by the Ʋſurpers. diſarm the Priſoners, and having cauſed the chief Authors of the Stirs to be ſhot, and others to be puniſhed more mildly, they terrifie all the reſt from diſturbing for the future the Rulers, either with cutting Truths, or ſharper Arms.

Th • y publiſh a Proclamation, that no man ſhould accuſe them of Tyranny.The Ʋſurpers being fixed in the Saddle, publiſh a Proclamation, forbidding all men to accuſe them of Tyranny, to object any thing againſt them by word or in writing, or to attempt any alteration, under pain of High-Treaſon. Appoint a Thanksgiving. They appoint a ſolemn Thankſgiving-day to render publick thanks to God for their proſperous ſucceſs againſt the Democraticks, that ſo by mocking of God, they might the more eaſily make the ſilly people rejoyce in their Calamities. And the ſame day they are ſumptuouſly feaſted by the Mayor and Aldermen of London, Are feaſted by the City. not without the Reproaches and Curſes of almoſt all the Spectators; where amidſt the tears and miſeries of a great many that periſhed by a famine that then raged, they junket it deliciouſly. Fairfax and Cromwel are complemented with ſplendid Preſents of Gold and Silver. And that the wretched Citizens might not ſeem to have loſt all their labour in feeding theſe Ravens, they beſtow upon them the Kings new Park, Which they recompence. under colour of making them ſome recompence for their late Magnificence; but in reality, that the diſtracted men being allured by the ſweetneſs of that morcel, might be won over to their Party, and wiſh well to the new Government.

Henceforward there is nothing to them ſacred or holy: They either diſtribute amongſt themſelves, or ſell at eaſie rates the Kings Houſhold-furniture,They ſell the Kings Houſes, Houſhold-furniture, &c. Lands and Houſes, the Revenues and Lands of the Church, which belonged to the Deans and Chapters, and which remained intire till now by the Votes of both Houſes of Parliament, for the uſe of the new Clergy, or Presbyterian Miniſtry: That by theſe arts they might both glut their own Avarice, and by involving many in the ſame guilt with themſelves, make them firmer to their Faction.

Nor being yet ſatiated by the Crown and Church-lands, and the Eſtates of the Noblemen and Gentlemen, who diſagreeing from them, made up the far greater part of the Kingdom, which they had ſeized long ago by way of Sequeſtration; nor by the Goods and Chattels of thoſe aforementioned whom they had plundered, and the vaſt ſums of money which thoſe that had been for the King dayly paid for redeeming their Eſtates, and purchaſing favour; they daily raiſe an incredible quantity of money from the Cuſtoms and the Exciſe, (a Tax which before would not have been endured in England):They burden the people with moſt heavy Taxes. Not to mention the ſecret Veins of Wealth, I mean Bribes and Gifts, which thoſe that ſtood for Places or had buſineſs and Law-ſuits, ſlipt privately into their pockets. Nay, they were not aſhamed to flea the ſo-often fleeced people by a moſt heavy Impoſition of ninety thouſand pounds a month to pay the idle Souldiers.

Invade Ireland;However, the ſpoils and government of one Kingdom was not enough to ſatisfie them; they invade the Iriſh alſo that were ready to ſubmit to the King, (whom whilſt they were Rebels, moſt part of them praiſed, few at leaſt did hoſtilely aſſault them) promiſing themſelves certain victory over them; and hoping that Ireland being ſubdued, they might eaſily reduce Scotland and France, as being divided at home;And threatned the whole world. and many of them had the confidence openly to glory, that they would break that Yoke wherewith the Kings of the Earth oppreſs the People. Nor truly could any man have told where the fierceneſs of this Scourge would have ended, and where that Floud would have ſpent it ſelf, unleſs the divine Majeſty, which hath hollowed a channel for the Sea, ſet bounds and limits to it, and ſaid, Hither ſhalt thou come, and no further, had not oppoſed the over-ſwelling pride of theſe Waters, and commanded his Angel to ſound the Retreat.

A Chronological INDEX FOR This Firſt Part. Old Stile. MDCXXV. KIng James being dead,March 27. CHARLES the Firſt ſucceeds King of Great Britain. He marries Henrietta Maria Siſter to Louis XIII. June 14. King of France. MDCXXV, VI, VII, VIII. The King calls three Parliaments, and little or nothing done, as often diſſolves them. MDCXXX. Prince CHARLES is born.May 29. MDCXXXIII. James Duke of York is born. October 14. MDCXXXVII. Prin, Burton, Baſtwick, having loſt their ears,June. are put in priſon. July 23.The Scots grow rebellious. MDCXXXIX. The King meets the Scots intending to invade England; but having made a Pacification, disbands his Army. MDCXL. April 13. May 5.The Stirs of the Scots occaſioned the Kings calling of a Parliament at Weſtminſter; which was diſſolved without any ſucceſs. Aug.So the Scots invade England, and take Newcaſtle: The King marches againſt them; but having made a Truce, calls a Parliament at Weſtminſter. November 3.The Parliament meets, and under pretext of Reformation, put all into Confuſion. November. December. Thomas Wentworth Earl of Strafford, Deputy of Ireland, and William Laud Archbiſhop of Canterbury, are accuſed. MDCXI. May 12.The Deputy of Ireland condemned by a Law made for the purpoſe, is beheaded. May 10.The King alſo by Act of Parliament grants, That the Parliament ſhall not be diſſolved without the conſent of both Houſes. May 2. William of Naſſaw Son to Frederick Prince of Orange, is married to Mary Daughter to K. Charles. Auguſt.The Scots full of money return into their own Country: The King follows them into Scotland. October 23.The Iriſh conſpire againſt the Engliſh, and cruelly fall upon them. Novemb. 25.The King returns to London from Scotland. December 1.A Remonſtrance of the Lower Houſe offered to the King. MDCXLI, MDCXLII. January 3.The King accuſes five Commoners, and one Lord of High-Treaſon. The King goes into the Houſe of Commons. January 4. The King withdraws from London. January 10. Sends a Pacificatory Letter to the Parliament. January 20. Sends the Queen into Holland with her Daughter.February 23. He himſelf goes towards York. February 28. Sir John Hotham ſhuts the Gates of Hull againſt the King.April 23. Ʋnjuſt Propoſitions of Peace are made by the Parliament to the King. June 2. The Parliament raiſing an Army,Auguſt 22. the King at length ſets up his Standard at Nottingham. Both Armies engage at Edge-hill, October 23. and both challenge the Victory. MDCXLIII. A Treaty of Peace appointed at Oxford comes to nothing.Feb. March, April. The Earl of Newcaſtle gets the better of Fairſax, July 13. Commander of the Rebels in the North. In the Weſt, Waller a Commander of the Rebels,June 30. is routed by the Kings Party. Prince Rupert taketh Briſtol. July 27. Maurice his Brother takes Exeter. September 4. In the mean time the King himſelf beſieges Glouceſter. Auguſt 10. Eſſex, General of the Rebels, relieves Glouceſter. September. The King meets Eſſex upon his return,Septemb. 20. and fights him at Nubury, The Engliſh Rebels put to a ſtreight,Jun. Sept. 25. call in the Scots and take the Covenant. The King therefore makes a Truce with the Iriſh for a year.Septemb. 15. MDCXLIII, IV. James Marqueſs of Hamilton is committed to priſon.January 3. The Scots again enter England. January 16. The King holds a Parliament at Oxford. January 22. The Earl of Montroſs is ſent Commiſſioner into Scotland. May. Eſſex and Waller, Generals of the Rebels, march towards Oxford. June 29.The King defeats Waller at Cropredian-bridge. Then purſues Eſſex into the Weſt. July.The Scots in the mean time joyned with the Engliſh, defeat the Cavaliers at Marſton-moore. And then take York by ſurrender. Septemb. 1, 2.In the Weſt the King breaks all Eſſex his Forces. October 27. Ʋpon his return he is met by Mancheſter at Newbury, where they fight a ſecond time. Decemb. 23. Alexander Carey is beheaded. MDCXLIV, V. January 1, 2. Hotham the Father and Son are beheaded. January 10. William Laud Archbiſhop of Canterbury is beheaded. February 20. Macquire an Iriſh Lord is hanged. February.The Treaty of Peace at Uxbridge comes to nothing. June 14. Fairfax General of the Parliament Forces, defeats the King at Naſeby. Henceforward all by degrees fell into the hands of the Parliament. MDCXLVI. April 27.The King having in vain tried the Engliſh, departing privately from Oxford, May 5. commits himſelf into the hands of the Scots. June 24. Fairfax takes Oxford by compoſition. September. Robert Earl of Eſſex dies. MDCXLVI, VII. January 30.The Scots ſell the King to the Engliſh, and return fraighted with Money. February 16.The King is made cloſe Priſoner in Holdenby-Caſtle. March.The Marqueſs of Ormond, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, delivers up Dublin to the Engliſh. June 4.The Army take the King out of Priſon. And march againſt the Parliament. The Speakers of both Houſes, with fifty other Members,July 29. flie to the Camp. The Souldiers attend the Members that fled to Weſt-minſter. Auguſt 6. Ʋnjuſt Conditions of Peace are propoſed to the King at Hampton-court. September 7. The King makes his eſcape to the Iſle of Wight. Novemb. 11. From thence writing Pacificatory Letters,Decemb. 24. they propoſe to him four Demands as preliminary to a Conference. The King is made cloſe Priſoner. MDCXLVII, VIII. The Parliament votes no more Addreſſes to the King. January 17. The Counties everywhere ſtir; the Kentiſh, Eſſex-men,May. June. and ſome others, take up Arms. The Duke of Buckingham, Francis his Brother,July 5: and Earl of Holland, in vain take up Arms. The Fleet comes over to the Prince of Wales. July. The Scots commanded by Duke Hamilton, advance into England. They are defeated by Cromwel, and Hamilton taken.Auguſt 17. Fairfax takes Colcheſter upon ſurrender.Auguſt 28. Rainsborough, a Commander of the Parliament Army,October 29. killed at Duncaſter. A Conference appointed with the King in the Iſle of Wight. Sept. Octob. The Marqueſs of Ormond returns Lord Lieutenant into Ireland. November. The Remonſtrance of Ireton is approved in a Council of War.Novemb. 16. And is preſented to the Parliament in name of the Army and People of England. Novemb. 20. The King is carried from the Iſle of Wight to Hurſt-Caſtle.Decemb. 1. Nevertheleſs, the Parliament votes,Decemb. 5. That the Kings Conceſſions are a ſufficient ground for a Peace. Many Parliament-men are made Priſoners by the Souldiers.Decemb. 6, 7. MDCXLVIII, IX. January 4.The reſt amongſt other and unheard things, vote, That all Power is originally in the People. January 6.Then, That the King himſelf is to be brought to a tryal. January 20.22, 23, 27.The King therefore is brought to the Bar. The King is brought a fourth time, and condemned. January 30. CHARLES the beſt of Kings, by unparallel'd Villany is beheaded. March 9. James Duke of Hamilton, Henry Earl of Holland, and the generous Arthur Lord Capel, are beheaded. March 17.Laſtly, Monarchy it felf is aboliſhed by the Regicides. May 30.The Act is proclaimed by the mock-Mayor of London. May.The Democratical Republicans ſtirring in Arms, are routed. June 7.Solemn Thanksgivings appointed for the Victory, and the Conquerours feaſted by the Londoners. MDCL. September 8:The Lady Elizabeth, Daughter of Charles the Martyr, dies in her Fathers Priſon. FINIS.

A ſhort HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF THE Riſe and Progreſs OF THE Late Troubles IN ENGLAND: AND ALSO Of the KING's Miraculous Eſcape after the Battel at Worceſter. The Second Part.

NOW are the Cruel Regicides Maſters of England, The ſtate of Affairs after the Regicide, in England, Scotland, but of England alone. The Scots were in ſuſpence, not being, as yet, fully reſolved, whether they ſhould ſettle Charles the Second in his Fathers Throne, or, uſurping the Soveraignty, ſhould Govern Scotland as a Common-wealth themſelves. Ireland, Ireland, almoſt entirely for the King, was ready utterly to ſhake off the Yoke of the Mock Parliament. And the Iſlands belonging to England. The Iſlands belonging to England, not only the adjacent, as Jerſey, Man, and Silly, but the more remote alſo in America, to wit, Bermudos, the Caribbe Iſlands, Virginia, and New-England, upon the Continent, which had been heretofore planted with Engliſh Colonies, refuſe to obey the Uſurpers.

The Regicides reſolving the worſt againſt Ireland, Forbid Trading with the Iſlands and Plantations, and for what end. Ireland was to be the firſt Seat of War, ſhortly to be ſubdued, whilſt the Scots were for ſome time left to themſelves. They think it enough at preſent, to diſcharge all Trading with the Iſlands and Plantations; that no Sugar, Indico, Tobacco, and Cotton ſhould be from thence imported into England; nor any Cloaths, and other neceſſary Proviſions for Life, be tranſported from England thither; hoping, by this Fetch, that either being glutted with their own Commodities, or at leaſt pinched through the want of ours, they would be forced to comply: Nor was it doubted, but ſome time or other, as occaſion offered, they would bring them under the Yoke.

Now there was one thing mainly neceſſary for their future Deſigns, which (as they were pleaſed to flatter themſelves) was eaſie to be obtained.They ſooth the Dutch. The Friendſhip and Alliance of no Nation, nor People, ſeemed more commodious and neceſſary to them, than that of the Dutch, both in reſpect of Neighbourhood and Situation of the Country, and of the Humour and Inclination of the People; nor did they want a pretext of making application to them. For Strikland, who, from the beginning of the Troubles, had been Ambaſſadour, or Envoy with the States of the Ʋnited Provinces, being kindly treated by them: Doriſlaus being ſent Ambaſſadour, They thought fit to ſend over Doriſlaus, who had had a chief hand in framing the Kings Indictment, as their Ambaſſadour,And for what purpoſe: to Complement and Thank them in their Name, aſſure them of mutual good Offices, juſtifie to them by Reaſons their Proceedings againſt the King, and to colour the Villany by the ſpecious Authority of what Laws he could ſcrape together. Beſides, he had it in Inſtructions (if he found it convenient) to let fall ſome mention of a Coalition, or Conjunction, and to offer and preſs it; ſeeing if it could be effected by the Conſent of both Nations, they might laugh at all Deſigns and Attempts of Foreigners, and ſhare betwixt themſelves the Trade of the whole World.

But that Negotiation proved unſucceſsful,But without ſucceſs: the Prince of Orange being Stat-holder, and the People deteſted the Murder of the King. Some Scots alſo, who, though at a diſtance, had ſpeedy notice of his Arrival, entering his Lodgings before he had had Audience,For the Ambaſſadour is killed by ſome Scots, with many Wounds killed Doriſlaus, and made their eſcape before they could be apprehended. Thus the ſhedding of Royal Blood is puniſhed by Bloody hands, and by the juſt Judgment of God,And that with ſafety. whatever may be the Injuſtice of Men, the Crime is brought home to the Author. The Regicides often demanded of the States Reparation for the Fact, but without any ſucceſs.

But the Democratical Party in England, A Petition preſerved to the Regicides by the Democratical Party; managing things now ſomewhat more cautiouſly, laid not aſide their diſcontents. Walwin, Prince, Lilburn, Overton, and others of that Gang, prefer a Petition to the Rump Parliament, wherein they propoſe many good things, which might be uſeful to the Publick,They are committed to P •• ſon for it. mingling with them Reproaches that were not altogether falſe: For which they were committed to Priſon, there to lye by it, till the fierceneſs of their tempers were allayed.

Another from the private Souldiers,Nevertheleſs, the private Souldiers of Ingoldſby's Regiment grow Seditious at Oxford, under pretence of Petitioning; That the Rump-Parliament might be diſſolved, a lawful Repreſentative choſen in place of it; that the Laws might be rendered into the vulgar Language; and thoſe that were ſuperfluous aboliſhed; that there might be a Regiſter kept of all Mens Lands and Eſtates; that every one might know what Title they had to what they poſſeſſed; that the Exciſe, and all unlawful Exactions might be aboliſhed. To which they added over and above, (to increaſe their Party, not that they repented for the Kings Murder,) that Charles the Second might be chief Magiſtrate of the Kingdom. But the Collonel haſtening thither,Is ſuppreſt in the Birth. and having cauſed ſome few to be ſhot to death, by a timely remedy ſtifled the Tumult in the Birth.

A third and ſmarter Petition from the Officers of the Army;Yet from theſe Embers a new Flame broke out; for ſome Officers in Fairfax his Army, preſent a ſmarter Petition to the ſame purpoſe, though in different words.

To the former they add, That the Tithes being aboliſhed, or converted to another uſe, the Miniſters might have more certain Stipends; that the publick Money might be more ſparingly diſtributed amongſt the Parliament Men; and that the Souldiers ſhould have their pay. Which the Regicides elude, The Rump-Parliament durſt not ſlight this; but gives them good words, and being conſcious to themſelves, how often they, by Declarations, had promiſed, and how many times they had been reproached with unfaithfulneſs and breach of Promiſe, they ſet apart a day weekly for deliberating about theſe Propoſals. Firſt, Concerning the Government and Repreſentative, where having examined and conſidered the Nature of all States and Republicks, from that of Rome, even to Raguſa, they pretend to ſearch out a kind of Government, which might be beſt and moſt ſuitable for England. But they could find none that was exquiſit enough, nor that ſeemed adapted to the Genius of this People. And ſo, like Penelope, By doing much to no purpoſe. weaving and unweaving their Web, they put off the time, until the matter might be forgotten, or ſomething of greater moment intervene.

I know not whether it be worth the while here to mention the Prohibition made by the French at that time,Some Trade with us, Prohibited by the French: of any Trade with us in Wollen and Linen Manufacture; which drew from the Regicides a reciprocal Prohibition, that no Wine, nor Silk Stuffs ſhould from thence be Imported into England. With the French by us. It was likewiſe to our advantage, Ordered in Flanders, that no Ships nor Goods taken by Privateers, ſhould be Condemned or Sold in their Harbours.

But it is worth taking notice of, that a ſeverer Inquiſition was appointed againſt the Miniſters all England over,The Miniſters of the Church of England are Perſecuted, under pretext of Reforming the Church, and introducing the Orthodox Religion; and all were cruelly perſecuted, not only they who ſtuck cloſe to the Doctrine and Diſcipline of the Church of England; but even they who wiſhed well to it, or had any Converſation with Men of that Perſwaſion: Ignorant men in the mean time (I ſpeak of the generality) Laicks, Shepherds, and men void of all Learning, being put into the Miniſtry, and ſome of them preferred to two or three Livings at a time, which before they cryed out againſt as abominable.

Eſpecially the • elch. Let North-Wales be one Inſtance for all of that Reformation; where, about ſome hundreds, and of theſe not a few Good, Grave and very Learned Divines, were turned out of their Livings: And Powell, Cradock, Floid, and a few other Ignorant Vagabonds that had no certain Habitation, going about in the mean time as Itinerant Evangeliſts, Preaching, or rather Canting from the Pulpit, devoured vaſt Revenues; for the Commiſſaries let out for a trifle, the remnant of the Tythes for feeding ſuch Ravens, who were to be accountable to the Rump-Parliament for them at Neverſmaſs.

The reſt are cheriſhed.Moreover, the Regicides diſtribute amongſt their own Clergy the Augmentations, which were the reſidue of the Tythes, and of Biſhops and Deans Rents, that could find no Purchaſers, eſpecially amongſt thoſe who had not an hundred Pounds a year. But that only during pleaſure, and for a time, that they might have them at their beck, and buy the Endeavours, Voices, and Affections of ſo many men; and that they alſo being more vigilant Spies, over ſuſpected Perſons, might pry into their Faults, their Expreſſions and Councils, and inform them of all.

An Expedition into Ireland, under the Command of Cromwell. And now England is wholly taken up in preparations for a War in Ireland, whither Cromwell is ſent as General of the Army. He having Muſtered his Men, haſtens his March to the Coaſt, and filling Briſtol, Cheſter, and Milford-Haven with Souldiers, prepares for his Expedition. The Reader therefore muſt paſs over with me into Ireland, that he may be able to give a Judgment of the Inhabitants, and how to diſpoſe them into their ſeveral Ranks, that he may diſcover their various diſpoſitions, and the ends they drove at.

The Inhabitants of Ireland are either Natives or Planters:The Iriſh are ranked into ſeveral claſſes. The Native Iriſh. And theſe laſt either Ancient or Late. Thoſe I call Natives, who firſt of all Inhabited the Iſland, or were deſcended from them; and are either Noblemen and Gentlemen: Yeomen and Husbandmen, the Roman Catholick Clergy and Biſhops; with other Free Denizens. The Native Nobles, either wholly enjoy their Ancient Lands; or, being ſubdued by the Kings of England, and for their Rebellion forfeiting part of their Lands, enjoy what remains, and Rent the reſt of the Proprietors for a ſmall matter. Theſe live in the Mountains and Woods, where they imperiouſly domineer over their Tenants and Vaſſals; and know exactly the Bounds and Limits of their Lands; truſting to this, that in future Revolutions, whatſoever they challenge for their own, will again, as by a Poſtliminous Right, return to them as to the lawful Proprietors and Maſters.

The Titular Clergy and Biſhops (for we muſt know that thoſe of the Roman Communion have their own Clergy, Prieſts and Biſhops, ſecretly appointed by the Pope, who live only upon Charitable Contributions) privately perform the Duties of Religious Worſhip, after the manner of the Church of Rome, in the ſame manner as if they were authoriſed by Law, and were not contrary to our Cuſtoms; His Majeſty conniving at the Errours of an obſtinate and ſtiff-necked Nation. But for all this, we muſt know, that there is an Orthodox Clergy alſo all over Ireland, conſiſting not only of Engliſh, but of Iriſh men born, who every where enjoy the Tythes. But after the firſt breaking out of the Rebellion, both, as well the Engliſh as Natives, were forced to flye and withdraw.

The greateſt part are Strangers, but Free Denizens, who, though they are ſprung from Engliſh Race, yet partly by Marriage, partly being Naturalized, through long Converſation and Cuſtom having forgot their Original Stock, are in Cloaths, Humour, and Carriage, tranſformed into the Manners of the Natives.

The Pope's Nuncio head of the Rebels.The Chief and Head of all theſe, though a Stranger, was John Baptiſta Renuncio, Prince and Biſhop of Firma, the Popes Nuncio; who paſſing through France on his Journey to Ireland, did not wait upon the Queen of England being then there, and openly threatned, that he would ſuffer no man to remain in Ireland that wiſhed well to the King, or who ſhould be found to favour the Engliſh or their Affairs.

Theſe kindled, and in all places blew the Coals of Rebellion, and, that the Breach might not be made up again, uſed all means by Rapine, Murder, and all ſorts of Villany to put things into confuſion; to overthrow the Government, renounce the King, chuſe a King of the Ancient Race, or of ſome new Family, whether the Pope or King of Spain, or to erect a new Common-wealth of the Clergy and Deputies of the Nobles. Yet I muſt except Clanricard, Taff, and ſome few more; who though they were zealous Roman-Catholicks,Some Catholick Nobles Loyal to the King. yet perſevered in their Loyalty and Obedience to the King.

Iriſh Planters. Planters I call all thoſe, who being of the Roman Catholick Religion, from the time of Henry II. went over from England into Ireland, and in a continued Succeſſion, continued there until the Reign of Queen Elizabeth. Theſe alſo being privy to the Conſpiracy, whether that they might maintain the Roman Catholick Religion in ſecurity,Why they fell off, and at the ſame time increaſe their civil Juriſdictions and Immunities, or carried away with the Tide of Rebellion; or, in a word, that they might ſecure themſelves and their Eſtates in a common Rapine, had already joyned with the other Papiſts, Being before moſt Loyal. who nevertheleſs, before that time could never be endured to pollute themſelves with ſuch barbarous Cruelty, and ſo many unparallell'd Murders, or to fall off from the Government of England.

They who lately went over into Ireland about the latter end of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth, either for the Wars, or for Planting and Setling there, were for moſt part faithful to the King, except thoſe who were deluded by the Authority of Parliament, or infected with Presbytery by the Neighbouring Scots.

A Colony of Scots tranſported into Ʋlſter, The Iriſh Scots, by Authority from King James, had encreaſed to the number of forty thouſand Families. Theſe in the beginning of the Troubles, following the Ceremonies of their Countrymen, ſided with the Parliament. But King Charles being beheaded, and the Engliſh Monarchy quite overturned,Now fight for the King. they changed their minds, and ſet themſelves valiantly upon revenge, under the Command of the Earl of Ards, Collonel Monro, Audley Mervin, and Sir Robert Stewart.

Coot Governour of Derry, Monck of Dundalk, Coot, Monck, and Jones, ſtand for the Rump-Parliament, and Principally Jones Governour of Dublin, ſtood for the Rump-Parliament. But O-brian Earl of Inchiqueen Governour of Munſter, Inchiqueen for the King. with that whole Province, and all his Forces, who had ſworn to be true to the King and Parliament jointly, after the Murder of the King renouncing the Rump-Parliament, declare now for the King alone, Hitherto we have taken pains to deſcribe the various Inclinations, Deſigns, and Purpoſes of the Iriſh, now let us ſee by what Orphean Harp or Charm, they were united into one.

In the firſt Part we told you, how the Marqueſs of Ormond was forced by the treachery of the Iriſh, How the Royaliſts joyned together. to deliver up to Jones, Dublin with the whole Garriſon, and all that continued in their Duty. From that time the Pope's Nuncio Commanded in Chief, except in thoſe places which were under Jones, Coot, and Monck, which eſpouſed the Party of the Rump-Parliament. He took to himſelf the whole Power, made Laws, pronounced Judgments,The arrogance of the Pope's Nuncio was his ruine, drew up and muſtered Armies, managed the War, and impoſed money, with an abſolute and deſpotick Authority. But by this means he became both hated and deſpiſed, ſo that having received one blow after another (eſpecially Preſton's Forces being defeated by Jones,

And the cauſe of Preſton's defeat.

The Ʋnion of the Iriſh in favour of the King.

Who humbly dedeſire the Queen and Prince of Wales to ſend over the Marqueſs of Ormond with ſupplies and Authority.

he grew weak both in Men and Authority. This opportunity was laid hold upon by Clanricard, who Commanded one Army in Ʋlſter, and Taff who Commanded another in Munſter, who having conſulted with Inchiqueen, reſolved upon it as the moſt expedient courſe, to implore the Royal Aſſiſtance again, Unite together into one, and to ſend forthwith to the Queen and Prince of Wales to acquaint them with what they had done; confeſſing that the Truce was not faithfully obſerved, and diſcovering thoſe by whoſe fault and inſtigation it was broken: They moreover moſt humbly beg, that the Marqueſs of Ormond may be ſent over with Authority and Supplies, and engage upon conditions which were not diſliked by the King, to fight under his Banner, till the broken Forces of the Rump-Parliament ſhould be utterly deſtroyed, and his Majeſty and they themſelves fully reſtored to their former peace.

The Popes Nuncio ſuſpecting that matters would fall out ſo,The Nuncio frets, and that the ſtorm which his Government had raiſed, would break over his own head, forbids any farther Treaty, threatens the Contraveeners with dire Puniſhments; and at length ſtrikes thoſe that perſiſted in their purpoſe, with the uſual Weapon of Excommunication. But that blunt Thunderbolt ſcared no body;And being beſieged, for they march againſt him, and beſiege him in the Town of Galloway: Whilſt, in the mean time, the Lord O-brian diverts the Succours that Ouen-Ro-Oneal deſigned to bring to his Party.Capitulates for a departure. Then the Pope's Nuncio deſpairing of relief, capitulated for a diſhonourable Retreat, and departed. Whilſt theſe matters were acting, the Glorious King Charles the Firſt, Murdered by the Hands of Rebel Parricides, Crowned his Death with Martyrdome.

Nevertheleſs, the Marqueſs of Ormond being rid of that difficulty, Ormond coming to Kilkenny, where a general meeting of the Iriſh was held, they come to Articles of agreement. and having a new Commiſſion and Inſtructions from King Charles the Second, repairs to Corke, and ſhortly after to Kilkenny, where a Parliament, or Convention of the States of Ireland was then kept; and after long Debates on each ſide, they came to a great many Articles of Agreement; of which, this was the ſubſtance.

After a Recognition, whereby they owned his Majeſty for Soveraign, and lawful King of Ireland, and that they would to the utmoſt defend him with their Lives and Fortunes; they agree, That the King ſhould give the Iriſh free liberty of their Religion. That if it ſeemed fit to the Deputies or Commiſſioners, (who were appointed to the number of eighteen) a Parliament ſhould be called within two Months, wherein Papiſts as well as others ſhould have liberty of free Voting; and that the King ſhall confirm their Acts, provided they be not grievous to Proteſtants. All Acts and Decrees paſt ſince Auguſt 1641, that might be diſhonorable to the Iriſh Nation, ſhall be repealed. That all Law Suits, Sentences, Actions, or Proceſſes commenced or determined ſince that time, be wholly aboliſhed, and that the Iriſh be reſtored to the Lands and Eſtates whereof they had been diſpoſſeſſed. That all Impediments be removed, that were wont to barr the Iriſh Papiſts from ſitting in Parliament. That all Debts be reckoned to be in the ſame ſtate as they were in, in the Year 1641, and that no body be moleſted nor troubled upon that account. That the Lands of the Barons and Nobles in the Counties of Toumond, Clare, Tipperrary, Limmerick, Kilkenny, and Wicklo, be adjudged to the ancient Poſſeſſors, and their Titles made good by new Acts. That Inns be Erected for the Students in Law, wherever the Lord Lieutenant ſhall think convenient; and where Degrees alſo in the Law may be taken, as well as in England. That Places and Titles of Honour, and beneficial Offices, may be free both to Papiſts and Proteſtants. That the uſe and Exerciſe of Arms, Commands, and Governments, may be in the power of the ſame; and that during the War, five thouſand Iriſh Foot, and two thouſand Horſe be kept in pay. That the Court of Wards be aboliſhed, and in lieu of it, twelve thouſand pounds a year payed into the Kings Exchequer. That no Peer have liberty to Vote by Proxy: That the Nobles be obliged within five years to purchaſe Lands, a Baron to the value of two hundred pounds a year, a Viſcount four hundred, an Earl ſix hundred, a Marqueſs, eight hundred, and a Duke a thouſand. That they may be free to treat of the independance of the Parliament of Ireland, upon that of England. That thoſe of the Kings Privy-Council ſhall meddle with no Affairs, but the Publick: That Suits about Titles be referred to the Judges of the Kingdom, to whom it belongs to try them. That the Acts againſt the Exportation of Iriſh Wool, Tallow, and other Goods out of the Kingdom, be repealed. That they who have been under any pretext, Fined, or Puniſhed, in the County of Ulſter, ſince the firſt of King James, ſhall be relieved according to Equity. That the Inhabitants and Citizens of Corke, Youghal, and Dungarban, be reſtored to their Poſſeſſions, that they were turned out of in the beginning of the War, provided they give Security for their Loyalty, and that they ſhall not be troubleſome to the Garriſons. That an Act of Oblivion be paſt, of all things before committed, thoſe excepted, who ſtand guilty of Barbarous and Inhumane Crimes. That it be lawful to none of the Nobles to Farm the Cuſtomes. That Laws be made againſt Monopolies. That the Juriſdiction of the Court called, Caſtle-Chamber, —be moderated. That the Law be abrogated, which ordained, That Horſes ſhould not draw the Plow by the Tail, and that the Straw ſhould not be burnt to ſeparate the Corn from it. That Law Suits about Sea Matters, ſhall be decided in the Chancery of Ireland. That, for the future, all Actions, about the want of Title, ſhall be ſuppreſſed, if the owners have from ancient times poſſeſſed the Lands by any Right. That alſo all Intereſt for Moneys, ſince the beginning of the Troubles, be diſcharged, and that, for the following years, it exceed not five per Cent. a Year. That the Deputies or Commiſſioners ſhall impoſe ſufficient Taxes, for carrying on the War, both by Sea and Land; either by way of Exciſe, or any other way, that they ſhall judge moſt convenient for the Publick. That Juſtices of the Peace ſhall have Power to determine Suits, under the value of ten Shillings. That the Governours of the Popiſh Perſwaſion, enjoy the Governments and Commands that they are at preſent in poſſeſſion of. That the Tenths of taken Ships, and Impoſitions upon Commodities, ſhall remain in the hands of thoſe to whom they have been granted, until further order be taken about all theſe things. That the Commiſſion of Oyer and Terminer, Grand Aſſizes, and Goal-delivery, ſhall have Power, according to the ſtanding Laws, of puniſhing Murders, Felony, Thefts, and Robberies, until the twentieth of May following. That Courts be eſtabliſhed, according to the Will and Pleaſure of the Deputies, or Commiſſioners, in matters belonging to themſelves. That the Romiſh Prieſts, who behave themſelves modeſtly, ſhall not at all be moleſted; but ſhall enjoy the Salaries paid them by the Laicks for their maintenance, and the encloſures of the ancient demoliſhed Monaſteries and Abbeys. As to other matters, that the King, with conſent of his Parliament, ſhall order them. For expeding of thoſe Conditions, the Papiſts choſe about fifteen Deputies, or Commiſſioners, that, as ſo many Mediators, betwixt the King and the People, they might bring back the Confirmation of them.

So dear did a frail and tranſitory Peace with Rebels coſt the King. But neceſſity is a prevalent Orator, that perſwades Men even to unbeſeeming, and, many times, to diſhonourable Reſolutions. Nevertheleſs, the Lord Lieutenant, whether willingly, or unwillingly, agrees to theſe Articles. And the Peace is inſtantly proclaimed by the Heralds.

But Ouen Ro-Oneal, and the Native Iriſh, Ouen-Ro-Oneal, Jones, and ſome oth • rs, find fault with the A • ticles of Pacification. that were on his ſide, refuſed to acquieſce to theſe Conditions of Pacification, under pretext, that their Religion was not ſufficiently ſecured. Jones alſo, and others, find fault with the Commiſſions, as too ample, and (as they gave it out) unſeaſonable; and that likewiſe they were patcht up with the King, without the Authority of Parliament.

But the Lord Ards, with the reſt of the Scots, who abominating the Rump-Parliament, firſt favoured, and then ſtruck in with the Kings Party, beſtir themſelves bravely in taking in the Caſtles and Garriſons, which held out for the Rebels in Ʋlſter.

The Lord Lieutenant being General, in the mean time, had many and great Affairs to mind.The Lord Deputy, alſo General of the Forces, ſets about a d • fficult work. Men, Arms, Money, Ammunition, and all Military Proviſions are wanting; which nevertheleſs were to be raiſed amongſt Men of contrary Intereſts, different Perſwaſions, and who mutually hated one another. The Engliſh, indeed, were of themſelves ready to undergo any danger; but they were but few in number, and of bad Correſpondence with the Iriſh, by reaſon of their ancient Feuds and Animoſities: And ſuſpecting their Courage, no leſs than their Loyalty, they decline to ſerve with them under the ſame Enſigns. The Iriſh again being in a great part Treacherous, Bloody, and Perfidious, divided amongſt themſelves into ſeveral Factions, were more apt to ſheathe their Swords in one anothers Bowels, than to fight againſt the Common Enemy. Nevertheleſs by his own Preſence, Wiſdom, Diligence, and at his own Charges, being aſſiſted with ſeven or eight truſty Commanders, he luckily maſtered all theſe difficulties. He found the Magazines of Ireland exhauſted, the Treaſury empty, and the Citizens and Inhabitants, in whoſe Hands was all the money of the Kingdom, very unwilling and ſparing to contribute, and the Roman Clergy oppoſing and undermining his Deſigns.

Wherefore in the beginning he got together a ſmall Army,And at length raiſeth an Army. which being increaſed in number by the conjunction of Inchiqueens Forces, and the reſt of the Engliſh his fellow Souldiers, for the firſt Months he provided them pay either of his own money, or what he could borrow from others.And marches againſt Jones Governour of Dublin. Thus being pretty well provided with Men and Ammunition, he marches through Queens County ſtreight againſt Jones, and by the way, takes in ſome Caſtles belonging to Ouen-Ro-Oneal, of which the moſt remarkable were Kildare and Talboth.

Jones having had certain intelligence of this March, advanced to meet the Lord Lieutenant: But being informed by his Spies, that he was coming with a greater Army, than he was able to encounter, and diſtruſting his own Souldiers, he forthwith returns to Dublin. The Lord Deputy, in the mean time, paſſes the River Liff—where having called a Council of Inchiqueen, Taff, Dillo, Preſton, and the reſt of the Principal Commanders, they conſult what was beſt to be done; whether they ſhould beſiege Dublin, or, directing their courſe another way, take the Towns about, or elſe rather block up the City, and at the ſame time have an eye upon the other places.Which place, after a Council of War, he firſt views. Being as yet doubtful what to do, they advance to view Dublin, and ſo to take a reſolution upon the ſpot. But Jones expected them with an Army without the Walls, but under the Cannon of the Town. Both Armies were drawn up, but without any Skirmiſhing. That night the Lord Deputy Quartred at Finglaſs, Jones preparing for a defence, ſends the ſuperfluous Cavalry to Drogheda; three miles diſtant from Dublin: Next day all the Papiſts, both Men and Women, that were unfit for War, are thruſt out of the Town; and the Cavalry that were needleſs in the Siege, are ſent to Drogheda, at the mouth of the River of Boin, that they might incommode the Enemy in the Rere, and take care to ſend Proviſions into the place.

So ſoon as the Lord Lieutenant had notice of this, he ſends the Lord Inchiqueen, Who are forthwith purſued by Inchiqueen, Lieutenant-General, to purſue Jones's Horſe, and if opportunity offered, to take in the Towns on all hands. In the mean time he thought it not convenient to divide his Army, but to encamp and entrench himſelf with his whole Forces near Dublin, that he might intercept the Proviſions going into the place, and entice the Souldiers and Citizens to deſert it; not doubting but that the Souldiers would be eaſily inclinable to do ſo, Affairs being doubtful, his Neighbourhood affording opportunity, and the City being ſtraitned for want of Proviſions; and the rather knowing, that moſt of the Souldiers who were in Garriſon had formerly ſworn to be true to him. This he found to be a ſucceſsful reſolution; for about two thouſand by ſtealth, and as every one beſt could, taking occaſion to get out, came over to his Camp. Nay, he was not wanting to eſſay Jones himſelf, by many fair Promiſes which he made him one after another. But he, that he might oppoſe Art to Art, having threatned the Deſerters with moſt ſevere Puniſhments, pretended a willingneſs to comply with honourable Conditions, and ſhuffled off the Treaty with ſhifts and delays, though ſometimes he ſeemed to be at a ſtand and uncertain what to do. However he ſent private intelligence to the Rump-Parliament, and the General, in what dangerous ſtraits he was; earneſtly beſeeching them to haſten the ſending him Relief. In the mean time he ſurrounds the Walls, views the Works, repairs what is defective, caſts up new Works, plants Paliſadoes, drives ſharp Stakes into the ground; and did what lay in his power to fortifie the place: Nay, and having ſallied out upon the Enemies Camp near Finglaſs, he took, amongſt other Priſoners, a Relation of his own, whom, for a terrour to all others, that they might not deſert, he cauſed to be hanged.

Inchiqueen on his part, falls in upon a Troop of Jones's Horſe,And being partly ſlain and taken, and partly made to fly to Drogheda, in a ſhort time he took the Town it ſelf, and beat them in their Quarters; and next morning purſuing the reſt, that were Commanded by the Younger Coot, he eaſily put them to the rout; ſo that moſt part of them being either killed or taken, he purſues the reſt as far as Drogheda; in which place the Souldiers and Towns-People being put into great conſternation, in a Weeks time he reduced it under his own power.

About the ſame time the Lieutenant-Gederal Inchiqueen had notice given him of an Agreement betwixt Ouen-Ro-Oneal and Monck made at Dundalk, whereby all neceſſary Proviſions, Powder, Shot, and Mony were to be furniſhed for the relief of Derry, blockt up by the Lord Ards and Scots; and that Ouen afterward ſhould make an Inrode into Leinſter and Munſter, that by this Stratagem he might draw off the Lord Lieutenant from the Siege of Dublin. And beats Farell upon his return from relieving of Derry. To put this in Execution, Farell is Commanded out with five hundred Foot, and three hundred Horſe. But Inchiqueen waiting for him in his return, charged him, routed him, and obtained the Booty he intended After that, having received freſh recruits of Men, he beſieges Dundalk, Takes Dundalk, which notwithſtanding Moncks reſiſtance, the Souldiers delivered up after two days Siege,And other Towns, with all the Artillery and Ammunition: And being thus encouraged by the Smiles of Fortune, and chuſing rather to make advantage of his Victories, than to enjoy them, he reduced, Green-Caſtle, Neury and Trim. After which good Services,And victoriouſly returns to the Lord Lieutenant. he returns to the Lord Lieutenant, having left Garriſons in the places he had taken, better provided of Men, Mony, and Ammunition, than before.

But ſeeing we have in this place made mention of Ouen-Ro-Oneal, it is fit we relate a great Action of his, before we continue the Hiſtory of the Siege of Dublin. The Lord Ards, with the other Commanders, had driven all the Engliſh Forces out of Ʋlſter; only Derry, under the Command of the Elder Coot, remaining, which could give them any moleſtation. It is a City ſeated upon Logh Foyle, where it contracts it ſelf into narrower compaſs, and is on each ſide beautified with goodly Meadows and Paſtures, as the Water is inriched with Fiſhes. Heretofore a Colony of Engliſh, under the Conduct of Colonel Docwray, was there eſtabliſhed; and many Londoners flocking thither afterwards, it was called London-Derry; the delightfulneſs of which place, drew to it ſo vaſt a number of Inhabitants, that it became, without Controverſie,London-Derry ſtraitned by Ards, the chief City of Ʋlſter. Ards uſed all diligence to reduce this laſt place, but not by Storm, Approaches, or Mines, but by Building new Forts, or taking thoſe that were round it, that ſo intercepting all Relief by Sea and Land, it might at length be forced to ſurrender. And, indeed, Proviſions being exhauſted, and all other neceſſaries wanting, they had been reduced to utmoſt ſtraits, had not Ouen-Ro-Oneal, in the very nick of extremity, and when the Garriſon were at the laſt gaſp, brought them ſuccour. For he, though he had been, in a late overthrow, ſufficiently bang'd by Inchiqueen, yet haſtens with five thouſand Foot, and four hundred Horſe, to ſnatch the City out of the Jaws of the Enemy;Is relieved by Ouen-Ro-Oneal, which, indeed, he performed very ſucceſsfully and ſeaſonably. For ſwift-flying Fame having brought the news of his approach, Ards thought it ſafer preſently to draw off his Army, than raſhly to ſight this Enemy, that had the Engliſh in the City to aſſiſt him, and leave Garriſons in Convenient places, that might curb and block up the Town, till upon Ouen's departure, the Siege might be renewed again.

But Ouen, with the joint aſſiſtance of the Beſieged, takes in all the Neighbouring Forts, and reſtored diſtreſſed London-Derry to full liberty.

Now the Reader is to take notice what Reward he had from the Rump-Parliament, Who made an Agreement with Coot and Monck, to be Confirmed by the Rump-Parliament. for ſo important an Action. He had made an Agreement in writing, Signed and Sealed, with Coot and Monck, for relieving London-Derry, in name of the Rump-Parliament, which was ſent into England to be Confirmed by the Members. Letters were likewiſe ſent in Favour of Ouen, commending and extolling him for a Juſt Enemy; a ſtrict obſerver of his Faith, a Man of Conſtancy and Reſolution, and true to his word, and who, if they thought it fit, would be very uſeful to their Cauſe. And both of them flatter him with hopes, as if there were no doubt to be made of the Conſent of the Rump-Parliament.

The Rump-Parliament triſled away time in deliberating about theſe Conditions, until they might have intelligence of the overthrow of Ormond, and of the Succeſſes of Cromwel. And yet is ignominiouſly rejected. And then they reject Ouen-Ro-Oneal; thanking Coot and Monck for their Faithfulneſs, and good Services they had rendred to the Parliament.

But without longer digreſſion, let us return to Dublin, and Inchiqueen, who having performed Actions beyond expectation, returned triumphantly to Finglaſs, where the Lord Lieutenant had ſettled his Camp. A Council of War being held there, it was reſolved to beſiege Dublin; but yet to try firſt if they could reduce it by Hunger, rather than by a Storm and Aſſault, leſt that Royal City, and Capital of all Ireland, might be Sackt, or Burnt by the enraged Souldiers; and Friends and Foes be equally deſtroyed. Dublin is beſieged. It was therefore thought fit to attack it on both ſides; and for that end, the Lord Dillo being left with five hundred Horſe, and two thouſand Foot, to block up the North and farther ſide of the City, the Lord Lieutenant himſelf, with the reſt of the Army, croſſing the River, lies down upon the other and South ſide of it.

But whilſt they are paſſing over to go to Rathmecus, (where the River being narrower, afforded a more convenient place for building a Fort, to hinder Importations into the Town) the Engliſh Fleet comes in view, with relief to the Beſieged; Reynolds and Venables bring relief from England. wherein were embarked Colonel Reynolds, Commander of the Horſe, and Venables, who had the Command, not only of his own Foot, but alſo of the Regiment newly raiſed by Monck and others. They, all in Health and good Plight, had ſet Sail from Cheſter; and, with a proſperous Wind, arrived at Dublin, bringing with them all neceſſary Proviſions. With them alſo came no ſmall number of Temporizers,The Lord Lieutenant being informed by Deſerters, that Cromwel was to Sail to Munſter, who preſently flying over to the Royal Camp, give it out for a certain, that no more Men were to come to the relief of Dublin; but that the whole Engliſh Army was to ſail to Munſter, where it was clear, that many of their Friends, and not a few of Inchiqueens Men, who loved changes, would joyn with them.

He reſolves to ſend thither Inchiqueen, with the greateſt part of his Forces,So ſoon as the Lord Lieutenant heard this, he forthwith deſigns Inchiqueen for Munſter, with the choiceſt of his Foot, and almoſt the whole Horſe, with orders to oppoſe the Enemy, incourage and confirm the Province, and to beware of thoſe whoſe Fidelity and Honeſty was ſuſpected.And with the reſt to block up Dublin, and intercept Proviſions. He, in the mean time, reſolved to raiſe the Siege, and encamp his Souldiers at ſome diſtance, in two or three diſtinct Camps, where being ſtrongly entrenched, they might aſſiſt one another, if occaſion required, watch the Enemy's motion, and hinder Proviſions from being conveyed into the Town.

But at the very inſtant,The Commanders allured with the h • pes of Booty, obtain firſt leave to ſtraiten the Beſieged, by Fortifying an old Caſtle near the Walls. the Commanders repining that they ſhould be diſappointed of the Booty, which they thought themſelves ſure of, whiſper about, that they obſerved the Enemies Horſe feeding without the Walls; and that if an old demoliſhed Caſtle, called Baggo • s-wreath about a Muſquet ſhot from the Walls, were new Fortified, which might be done in a Nights time, the Enemy might be hindred both from Forage and Proviſions, which being wanting, Dublin muſt of neceſſity be ſurrendred within the ſpace of a Week. And therefore they earneſtly deſire, that before they drew off, they might have leave to attempt this.

The Counſel, upon viewing the place,The Counſel took; was thought good; and it was not long before the Army was drawn out, and a choice made of Pioneers for the Work: To whom Orders were given to repair the Caſtle, raiſe it higher, and caſt up a Wall about it, whilſt the Horſe and Foot were in readineſs behind to defend them. About Mid-night the Lord Lieutenant came, thinking that the work had been almoſt finiſhed: but finding that it was not as yet begun, by their miſtaking the way, having ſeverely chid the Labourers, and placed another Overſeer over them, he encourages them to the work; then returning to the Camp, he kept Watch all the reſt of the Night, and by break of day gave Orders that the Army ſhould ſtand to their Arms, and be in a readineſs,But the work not as yet finiſhed, Jones unexpectedly fall in upon th • m, whilſt he refreſh'd himſelf a little in Bed. But before he had been there an hour, he was wakened out of ſleep by the noiſe and firing of Shot; and ſtarting up immediately to ſee what the matter was, Alas! he found too late, that the Souldiers had been negligent in keeping Watch; and that in the mean time Jones had broken in into that half-repaired Caſtle, and that the Captain of the Guard being at firſt onſet killed, all his Men were turned to a ſhameful flight. Theſe things ſucceeding ſo well with the Enemy, their boldneſs (as it uſually happens) increaſing with their good Fortune, not only the whole Souldiers,And having defeated all the Forces of the beſiegers, obtains a great Victory. to the number of twelve hundred Horſe, and four thouſand Foot, but a great many of the Citizens alſo came ruſhing out of the Town, and fiercely charge the Kings Forces, who were in diſorder, putting all into Confuſion, there being nothing but Horror, Noiſe, Slaughter, and flying of Men, to be heard or ſeen. In this deplorable ſtate of Affairs, the Lord Lieutenant having with Sword in Hand, Prayers, and Intreaties, in vain endeavoured to ſtop and rally the Fugitives, he breaks through the thick of the Enemy, croſſes the River, and encourages Dillo with all ſpeed to come to the aſſiſtance of the Army, and fall upon the Enemy, now wearied, and buſie at Plunder. But he finds them, tho they had not as yet ſeen the Enemies Face, ſeized with a panick Fear, throwing away their Arms, and betaking themſelves to flight.

In this fatal Engagement, the wealthy Camp is plundered, and all that during the ſpace of a whole year, had been with much Labour, and moſt diligent care gathered together, is ſcattered in the twinkling of an Eye. Three thouſand Men were killed, two thouſand and one hundred private Souldiers, an hundred and fifty Officers, higher and lower, taken, above eight thouſand Arms, the Tents, Warlike Engines, all the Baggage and Ammunition fell all into the hands of the devouring Enemy.

A great Overthrow indeed, and which gave an incurable wound to the Royal Cauſe in Ireland.

Part of the Kings Souldiers fly to Drogheda.

The Lord Lieutenant to Kilkenny,

The Kings Souldiers taking the advice that was given them in their ſlight, betake themſelves to Drogheda. The Lord Lieutenant haſtens to Kilkenny, that he might muſter his broken Forces, having, upon his march, ſummoned the ſtrong Caſtle of Belliſon, upon pretext that Dublin was taken, which ſurrendred. There having repreſented to the Convention of Eſtates that were ſtill ſitting, what loſs he had ſuſtained, and having moved them for Supplies and Money,And th • n to Drogheda, he ſets forward to Drogheda with three hundred Horſe: And that in a very opportune time; for Jones had haſtned thither with ſome Horſe, that by the ſole preſence of the Conquerour, he might reduce the City, now in diſorder, by the news of the late overthrow and confuſion of the Souldiers.And delivers it from the fear of Jones, But the coming of the Lord Lieutenant ſcaring away Jones, the Fear and Danger were both quickly over.

Next he Fortifies Trim, Neury, Dundalk, And alſo Fortifies other places. and other neighbouring places, putting ſtrong Garriſons where it was needful; he views all places, gives Orders, and prepares for a vigorous defence; being reſolved to meet Cromwell, if he came that way, whilſt his Horſe relieving the places that were in danger, he might in the beginning of the Spring raiſe a new Army.

But in that alſo his hopes were in vain.In the mean time Cromwell ſlighting Munſter, arrives a • Dublin; For Cromwell having received the glad tydings of the Victory, ſet Sail from Milford-Haven, and that he might purſue the Point upon the diſcomfited Enemy, and carry the Wound home to the Heart, he ſteers his Courſe ſtraight to Dublin, with a Fleet of about an hundred Ships, Men of War and Tenders; and, wholly ſlighting Munſter, arrived there in the Month of Auguſt, One thouſand ſix hundred and forty nine, where having put aſhore the Souldiers,With fifteen thouſand old Souldiers; with the Artillery, Ammunition and Baggage, he makes a General-Muſter, of about fifteen thouſand Men, moſt of them old Souldiers; for he thought it better to excel in Valour than in Number, and to take along with him ſtout Hands, and not many Heads. He declares Jones Lieutenant-General, Ireton Major-General, and Reynolds General of the Horſe, aſſigning to every one their ſeveral Offices. He orders Venables to march to Derry to the Elder Coot, with a Regiment of Horſe, and two Regiments of Foot.Of whom he marches w • th ten thouſand to Drogheda; He himſelf, with ten thouſand Men, marches ſtreight to Drogheda, having committed the care of the Fleet to Aiskew the Admiral.

Which was defended by Sir Arthur Aſton and the Flower of the Kings Army.In this Town the Lord Liuetenant had put the Flower of his Veterane Souldiers, moſt Engliſh, under the Command of Sir Arthur Aſton, a Gentleman Renowned in the Wars, both at home and abroad, but for the moſt part unfortunate. And here Cromwell reſolved to make his firſt Eſſay of the War. Aſton, on the contrary, laid his Deſign to tire out, and break the Enemy, inſolent through Victory, by the badneſs of the Weather, Watching and Hunger; then expoſe them to be harraſſed and alarmed by the Lord Lieutenants Horſe, and the Foot that were ſhortly to be recruited, until the Royaliſts being reaſſured, and encreaſed in force, might have the courage to provoke the Cromwellians, and fight them in a pitched Battel.

But he flatters himſelf in vain; for Cromwell attacks not the place by opening of Trenches, ſlow Approaches, and the other acts of a Siege: Cromwell forthwith batters the Walls: But having forthwith cauſed a Battery to be raiſed on the North ſide of the Town, and planted with Guns, he ſo plied the place with continual Shooting, that he quickly made two Breaches in the Wall; and immediately Commands an Aſſault to be made, that with Courage and Reſolution they might force their entry into the place.He himſelf commanding the attack, makes his way into the Town, and kills all he meets. But this having been twice unſucceſsfully attempted, he himſelf, with Ireton, commanding the Attack, with Indignation and Courage, redoubled by the former repulſes, they make the way which they found not, into the Town, and put to the Sword all they meet, without favour or compaſſion. The Governour, with ſome of the Souldiers, fled inſtantly to the Caſtle, a place ſtrong by Art and Nature; but the Cromwellians entering Pell-mell with them, (ſome of whom clambered up the Walls, not without the help of the Souldiers of the Garriſon,) they were all put to the Sword. Some flying into the Church, are killed as Sacrifices at the Divine Altars; not a few poor wretches having got up to the Church Roof, were forced to tumble down, by the ſmoke of kindled Hay and Gunpowder. There was but one ſingle Perſon that ſaved his life by deſpair, who for fear of the Flames, throwing himſelf headlong down from the top of the Church, fell amongſt the Enemies, without any other hurt, but that he broke his Leg; whom, for the extraordinarineſs of the thing, they ſpared and kept alive. The reſt fleeing to the Ramparts begg'd quarter, but in vain. All are knocked down whereſoever they are found,The ſad ſpectacle of the Town taken. neither the Gown nor the Dwelling Houſe affored any Protection, nor was there any great reſpect had to either Sex. The Souldiers continued three days in cruelly ſlaying the Towns-People that had carried Arms, whom they dragged out of their lurking holes, and in Pillaging and Plundering the Town: Nay, and thoſe alſo who after the fifth day came creeping out of their hiding-places, were moſt inhumanly put to death.

The number of the ſlain.About four thouſand Men died in that Butchery, rather than Fight. So within the ſhort ſpace of one Week, was that City undone, which for whole three years together had reſiſted all the Rage and Attempts of the Iriſh Rebels.

The Garriſons about, either deſerted, or eaſily ſurrendred.This Town being thus taken and plundered, the Royal Cauſe was quite extinguiſhed in Ireland: For all the other Garriſons were terrified into ſo great a conſternation, that they trembled at the very Name of Cromwell. The Towns or Places that were ſufficiently provided, make either no reſiſtance at all, or but very faintly. The Garriſon of Dundalk in great fear betake themſelves to flight, in their haſte leaving behind them their Braſs Guns. Neury, Green-Caſtle and Trim, with ſome others, ſurrender with a little leſs diſhonour, and fall under the power of the Enemy.

The Lord Lieutenant is deſerted by many of the Engliſh Souldiers;The Lord Lieutenants Levies, in the mean time, go ſlowly on. The Engliſh in many places falling off to the contrary Party, which had Fortune, and moſt of their Country-men on their ſide; yet, whether it was through the Severity of Diſcipline, or the Example and Authority of the Commanders, they were with much adoe for ſome time kept together; but at length, moſt deſert and quit the Service: There were ſome however, whom ſhame, a ſenſe of Honeſty,But yet not by all. and a reſpect they owed to their Commanders, ſtill retained within the bounds of Loyalty and Duty.

The Iriſh fall likewiſe into pieces; ſome hating the Lord Lieutenant as a Calviniſt, The Iriſh ill affected towards him. whom God would never bleſs; others not diſſembling their ſatisfaction at the unſucceſsful Battel of Dublin, and the taking of Drogheda much more, wherein more of the Engliſh and Royal Party periſhed; which gave them hopes that for the future, the Government muſt of neceſſity fall into the Hands of the Roman Catholicks, or rather be changed. The Towns who had engaged to pay money into the Exchequer, either wholly refuſe to do it, or do it but ſlowly. Nay, the Roman Catholicks ſet light by all that the Convention of Eſtates and Deputies acted. The Titular Clergy, and truly Implicite Papiſts, refuſe to pay any Taxes. And when, accordng to the circumſtances of Time, Places, and Perſons, they were perhaps, ſomewhat rigidly exacted, they preſently complain, and cry out of breach of Faith, and that the Conditions of Peace are violated, and under pretext of a juſt and equitable Government, an abſolute Tyranny exerciſed. Factions and Animoſities began to ariſe amongſt the Souldiers alſo; ſome following the Roman Catholicks, and others the Royal Catholicks, whilſt many weary of the War, were ready to ſave ſtakes and compound with the Rump-Parliament. Nevertheleſs the Lord Lieutenant raiſed an Army, ſuch as he could;Yet he raiſes an Army. but not ſuch as he durſt engage Cromwell with, which nevertheleſs might appear now and then at a diſtance, cut off ſome of his Parties, and often intercept his Proviſions.

Cromwell underſtanding his deſigns, reſolved not to be idle, nor to let ſlip his opportunities; but laying hold of occaſion by the Fore-lock, he gives Huſon the Command of Dublin, Huſon, put into the Government of Dublin, with Orders to moleſt and give no reſt to all the Country about, with the Auxiliary Forces that were joyned him. And he himſelf paſſing by Dublin, Cromwell marches to Wexford, marches ſtraight to Wexford.

This is but a little Town, though a convenient Harbour for Ships; and for Importing Proviſions and other neceſſaries of War into the very heart of Ireland, more Commodious than the Port of Dublin. This place being ſummoned to render,Summons it to render. the Governour Synott ſeemed not at firſt averſe; only delayed time, until he might receive a ſupply of five hundred Men under Collonel Buther. At length, there being no more hopes of a Surrender, Cromwell forthwith attacks it;Then making an attack, he firſt takes the Caſtle, And then the Town. and at firſt makes himſelf Maſter of a Caſtle (not without ſuſpicion of treachery) that commanded the Walls; then battering the Town and Walls with his great Guns, the Garriſon being diſordered with ſo ſudden a misfortune, and forſaking their Poſts, he takes the Town. Nevertheleſs, the Wexfordians flocking together into the Market-place, as if their blood after a little fainting fit had more impetuouſly burſt out of the heart, their All being at ſtake, they made a brave reſiſtance: but the Match was unequal; for they all fell under the Sword of the Conquerour; and ſo the Garriſon paid dear for their late ſtanding to the defence of the Town; which being plundered, was committed to the Government of Colonel Shelburn.

Wexford being thus ſubdued, the Neighbouring Places ſurrender of their own accord, Wickelow, Arklow, and which hardly deſerve the naming, Euiſcorven and Fuernes. It was now about the midle of November, when the coldneſs of the Weather, and continual Rains ſeemed to require that the Souldiers, who were troubled with Fluxes, and other Diſeaſes which attend a Camp, ſhould be ſent into Winter-Quarters. Nevertheleſs,Thence he marches to Roſs, with an Army ſick and much weakened; Cromwell is for new Victories, and ſtraight marches to Roſs. The River Barrow runs by this Town, affording a ſafe Harbour for Ships of eight hundred Tun Burden, which may lay their ſides to the very Walls, and it is ſituated four miles above Waterford upon the Suir that falls into the Barrow.

Of which Taff was Governour, having juſt received a ſupply of fifteen hund • ed men.

Yet upon the firſt attempt he ſurrenders the Town, and marches to Kilkenny with fifteen hundred men.

The Lord Taff was Governour of this place; and on the other ſide of the River was the Army, with the Lord Lieutenant, the Earls of Clanricard, Ards, and Caſtle-Haven; who, in view of Cromwell, ſent a reliefe of fifteen hundred men into the Town. Yet for all that, Cromwell attempts the place, and with ſix or ſeven great ſhot, ſoftens the Governours reſolution; who, delivering up the Town with the Canon, upon condition to march out with the Garriſon to Kilkenny, about ſix hundred Engliſh falling off to the Enemy, he marches thither with fifteen hundred. A horrid piece of Villany, and not to be excuſed; were it not for the bad Correſpondence that was betwixt the Engliſh and Iriſh Souldiers, and that he would preſerve his own Iriſh entire for a Battel, and divide at leaſt Cromwells Forces by the multitude of Garriſons; his Army being already much impaired, and hardly able to wagg, worn out by Fatigue, Fluxes, lying abroad in the Fields, and for want of Winter-Quarters.

Peace betwixt the Lord Lieutenant, and Oaen, About this time, by the Mediation of Daniel Oneal, a Peace was made betwixt the Lord Lieutenan, and Ouen-Ro-Oneal, with the reſt of the Iriſh Papiſts, almoſt upon the ſame Conditions as we told you formerly had been offered to the Rump-Parliament, and were rejected by them; and thereupon both Forces Joyn.Who ſhortly after dies. But Ouen ſhortly after died.

Nor is it here to be paſs'd over in ſilence, how the Princes Rupert and Maurice, with no more than ſix Ships,The Princes Rupert and Maurice, with ſix Ships, hover upon the Iriſh Coaſt, and Blake purſuing them, they fly to Kingſale: the remaining part of that Fleet which two years before fell off from the Rump-Parliament, had the boldneſs to infeſt the Seas, hover upon the Coaſt of Ireland, put in Souldiers and Ammunition, and by all ways divert the ſupplies of the Enemy. But Blake and Popham purſuing them with a ſtronger Fleet, they were fain to ſly to King ſale; and from thence, the Sea-men being idle, and running away to the Enemy, that they might conſult their own ſafety,Being blockt up there, they eſcape through the Enemies Fleet, and ſet Sail for Portugal. prevent the danger that might befall them from the defection of Munſter, which they might foreſee, and that they might have the opportunity of Sea-room, Wind and Tide favouring them, they break through the whole Fleet of the Enemies, and with the loſs only of two Ships, eſcaping out of that nooſe, they ſteer their Courſe towards Portugal.

But this is out of the Rode. I now return to Cromwell, Eſtionege being taken, Cromwell makes a Bridge of Boats over the Barrow. whoſe Victories were ſuch, as could not be limited by the banks of the River of Barrow. For he caſt over it a Bridge of Boats at Roſs; having firſt taken Eſtionege, a ſmall, but Walled Town, ſtanding upon this ſide of the ſame River, five Miles above Roſs. Afterward having paſt a great part of his Horſe, with his nimbleſt Foot, he reduces Carick, a Town upon the River Suir, eight miles above Waterford;He takes Carick and Paſſage, then quickly croſſing the River, he takes Paſſage, a very ſtrong Fort with five Canon, lying two Miles below Waterford, where the Conjunction of the two Rivers Suir and Barrow, by the impetuoſity of the Current, render it difficult for Veſſels to reach the Town. Nay, he had the boldneſs to attaque Waterford it ſelf,He attempts Waterford, but in vain. though in vain. But Dungarvan, which the Engliſh Souldiers might have defended, with the Canon and Ammunition, is delivered up into his hands.

And now at length Cromwell begins to think of Winter Quarters for refreſhing of his Men,Now at length he bethinks himſelf of Winter Quarters. who were not above four thouſand Sound and in Health. The Lord Lieutenant, on the other hand, had eight thouſand, which, though for the moſt part they were raw Men, yet were very conveniently poſted. But what he had beſt to do, or whether to go, he was uncertain. For neither could he march back to Dublin, being at ſuch a diſtance, without a neceſſity of Fighing; nor yet Winter in thoſe parts, without the greateſt Inconvenience, the Enemy being poſted about him on all Hands, who would continually Allarm him, and intercept his Proviſions.

Whilſt he was caſting about in his mind what courſe to take, the moſt deſirable,All Munſter revolts. and by Cromwell, long expected defection happened; for all Munſter, that had ſtood for the King, revolted to the Rump-Parliament. Some combined Souldiers had long ago given hopes of this, if ever occaſion offered; and now Cromwell being upon their Borders, and paſt the River Barrow, when they ſaw Succours at hand, they attempt the performance of what they had promiſed.

The Treachery long ago • ſſ • ied at Youghal, The firſt ſparks of this Flame, appeared long ago at Youghal; which the Mayor, and a great many Citizens, conſpiring with two Colonels, and other Commanders, agreed to deliver into the hands of Cromwell. The Lord Inchiqueen ſmelling the Treachery, ſeized the Mayor and Souldiers, and committed them to Priſon in Cork, Youghal, and King ſale, until they might be brought to a fair Tryal. But that kind of Cuſtody was unlucky, ſince thereby the ſparks ſpread farther.Is now accompliſhed at Cork, For the Colonels being too negligently kept at Cork, draw over the Commanders, one after another, into the ſame Conſpiracy; and in the abſence of Inchiqueen, whil'ſt the Souldiers careleſly kept the Guard, they of a ſudden ſeize the Town. From thence the ſparks fly into Youghal, Kingſale, Bandon-Bridge, Mallow, and other places, and by the coming of the Lord Broghill, Colonel Far, and a great many of Cromwell's Forces, was fomented into a Conflagration.

Where Inchiqueen's Lady and Children are impriſoned, Inchiqueens Houſe at Cork was plundered; where neither the modeſty of the dreſs could protect his Lady, nor innocent Age his Children; for all together were clapt up in Priſon, and there detained, till by an exchange, that happened ſhortly after, they were ſet at liberty. Here at length Cromwell in the beginning of December, And Cromwell puts his Men into Winter Quarters. put his Men into Winter Quarters, and diſappointed the Lord Lieutenant, who had intercepted his way, on his return to Dublin with an Army double in number. Nor will it be amiſs in this place, to take notice of the death of Jones, Jones dies. for it happened about the ſame time; who baſely ſtained the Reputation that he gained in ſubduing the Iriſh Rebels, by the defending, even unto the laſt, the Cauſe of the Murderers of the King.

The Lord Lieutenant, in the mean time,The Lord Lieutenant calls a general Council, and perſuades Diſſenters to Ʋnion: that he might provide, what lay in his power, againſt enſuing Storms, calls a general Council, where repreſenting how grateful and profitable the Diviſions and Animoſities were to the Enemy; he intreats the Clergy, Nobility, and Gentry to mutual Peace and Concord, ſhewing them how that might be done.Which they all pretend. This produced amongſt all a pretence of Sorrow for what was paſt, of true Friendſhip, by ſhaking Hands, and promiſes of mutual Aſſiſtance, in cauſing the Commands of the Lord Lieutenant to be obey'd, pay raiſed for the Souldiers, Quarters, and other neceſſaries for the War provided, and in perſuading the Inhabitants, eſpecially of Limmerick, Waterford, and Galloway, to Obedience and Submiſſion.

This put the Lord Lieutenant in heart again, who, whilſt Cromwell refreſhed his Men in Winter-Quarters, reſolves to recover Wexford, He endeavouors to recover Paſſage by Farell; and Paſſage: For the effecting of which, Inchiqueen, Armſtrong, and Trevers, are deſigned for the one, and Farell, with the Forces of Ouen-Ro-Oneal, for the other. Farell, marching ſecretly to Paſſage, falls into the Snare that he had laid for others. For Cromwell preſently having notice of the Deſign,Who, by Zankie, is intercepted and put to flight; Colonel Zankie purſues him in the Rear, Alarms, and puts him to flight, kills three hundred, takes two hundred, and had not ſuffered a Man to eſcape, if, in the nick of time, Farell had not, in great diſorder, croſs'd the River in Boats.

In vain imploring the aſſiſtance of the Waterfordians. By this misfortune it plainly appeared how the Waterfordians were affected, whilſt, though Farell earneſtly begg'd it, they denied the uſe of their Boats, of which they had plenty, to the poor Fugitives; nor would they ſuffer them in this danger to enter the Town, nor any of them to Winter without the Walls, though it was put to their option, to chuſe what Men and Colonels they pleas'd; nor would they afford them any Pay, or Money for providing Victuals, and other neceſſaries.

Inchiqueen being about to recover Wexford, is hindered by Nelſon. Neither did the Wexford Expedition ſucceed better; for Inchiqueen marching thither, when he was but five Miles from the place, by croſs Fortune, he met with Major General Nelſon, who had then Command in thoſe parts: Inchiqueen charged him; and although he put ſome of his Men to flight, yet he was taught by the reſt, that it would not be ſo eaſie a matter to ſubdue Wexford: And Huſon marching towards Arklow, frightened him from proceeding farther: The Souldiers in the mean time agreeing ill among themſelves.

Cromwell having received Recruits from England, divides his Forces, and marches againſt the Enemy.About the ſame time Cromwell received a ſeaſonable ſupply, both of Men and Ammunition partly from Briſtol, and partly from Milford Haven. And ſo being ſufficiently recruited, about the latter end of February, he drew out his Army, and reſolved to fall upon the Enemy. And therefore he thought fit to divide his Forces, and march different ways, that he might amuſe the Enemy, as not knowing whither he deſigned. He himſelf goes before with the light Horſe-men, and part of the Foot, by Maltow, the upper way into the County of Tipperary. By another way, Ireton and Reynolds, with the reſt of the Horſe and Foot, the Artillery and Ammuition, march towards Carick; Broghill, with ſome Horſe, being left behind to ſcour the Country, ſecure Munſter, fly too and again, and watch the motions of the Enemy. Ingoldsby had Orders with a Select Party to hover about Limmerick, where he fell in into the Quarters of three hundred of Inchiqueens Horſe, with three Colonels, and other Commanders, and routed them; two of which Colonels, Broghill condemned to be ſhot to death.

Cromwell takes in Cahir Caſtle, ſtanding upon a high Rock in the River Suir; as alſo,He eaſily takes a great many Garriſons. the Caſtles of Kiltemon, Foldea-Bridge, Clogen, and Roghill, and lies down before Calan, a Town of the ſame name with the River; where Ireton and Reynolds joyn him with the other part of the Army, having, upon their March, reduced ſeveral Caſtles, as Arkemon, Dunder, Knoctovery, Bullinard, and others; and having beſieged Calan with three Camps, and Raynolds having put an hundred and fifty Horſe to flight, in a days time they take it, putting all to the Sword, except Butlers Men, who being ſummoned, ſurrendred before a Gun was fired. After that, they make themſelves Maſters of Fethered, and Thomas Town, with the adjacent places.Calls Huſon with his P • ers to joyn him. And now Cromwell calls Huſon from Dublin, to joyn him with what ſupplies the Men of Wexford, and the neighbouring Garriſons could afford, which amounted to three thouſand five hundred. He, having by the by taken Belſannon, and Kildare, comes to Lochlin, which being without any difficulty reduced, he croſſes the Barrow, and joyns Cromwell. The firſt thing they attempt after this Conjunction, making now eleven thouſand Foot, and about four thouſand Horſe, was to beſiege the Town of Gora;They jointly take Gora. which place, either truſting too much to its own Strength, or relying on Ormonds Regiment, under the Command of Hammond, was, to its own misfortune, ſo bold as to make a reſiſtance. But after that the Walls had for ſome time been battered, the Garriſon began to Mutiny, and the place was inſtantly ſurrendered; the Conquerour inflicting no other puniſhment upon them, but the cauſing the Colonel and the Commanders to be ſhot to death.

Then they march to Kilkenny, the place where the Committee of the Eſtates met.From thence they march to Kilkenny, through which runs the River Noir, a pleaſant place, and, without compariſon, the chief of all the In-land Towns of Ireland; but withall, the Spring-head of an execrable Rebellion; and the Center, as I may juſtly call it, from which all the Treaſons, and damnable Councils againſt the King, Country, and Religion, were as ſo many Lines drawn; it was, as yet, the ſeat of the Commitee of Eſtates, who, upon the approach of the danger, fled to Athlome— upon the River Shannon—upon the Borders of Connaght, as a place more ſecure for their Conſultations. Kilkenny is divided into three parts, one on the farther ſide of the River, the other with a Caſtle oppoſite unto it, and the third ſeparated from the other two by Walls. Cromwell lies down before it, and according to the Cuſtom of War, ſummons it to ſurrender: The Governour refuſing, without more delay, he attaques it by force, and having obſerved a convenient place, he preſently raiſes a Battery, and from thence plays upon the Town.

The Governour now perceiving the danger, cauſes forthwith two works to be caſt up within the Walls, with Paliſadoes, and Engines laid in the way to hinder an entry, whilſt the Souldiers, in a full Body, were poſted behind to receive the Enemy, if they attempted it. The Breaches being made in the Walls, the Retrenchments within appear. Therefore to facilitate the Aſſault, Ewers is commanded, with a thouſand Men, to fetch a compaſs about, and at the ſame time to attaque the other Town adjoining to this. Here they come to blows, but with more Reſolution than Succeſs; the Beſiegers being beat off, with the loſs of about ſeventy Men, two Colonels, and other Commanders. Nevertheleſs Ewers gains the Town, which though divided from the other, yet ſerved to ſtraiten it, and diſtract the Garriſon. Next Night another Officer is ſent over the River with a Body of Men, that by break of day he might break in into the other Town; which he having performed with the loſs of thirty Men, whilſt he attempted to burn down the Gate, to make way into the City over the Bridge, about fifty being expoſed to ſhot, fell. At length the Governour perceiving himſelf attacqued on all hands, and that there was no hopes of relief: He capitulates, and upon theſe Conditions, delivers up the City into the hands of the Enemy, That the Canon, Arms, Which having made a brave Reſiſtance, at length yields upon Condition and all the Ammunition, ſhould be delivered to Cromwell; all the Citizens have leave to continue in the place, or to remove any where elſe, as they thought fit: That the Officers and Souldiers, ſhould with Arms, Bag and Baggage, march to Athlome, and that the Citizens ſhould pay two thouſand pounds to Cromwell. And ſo in eight days time, (for the Siege laſted no longer) Kilkenny was reduced under Subjection, which for a great many years had given Laws to all the reſt.

The Siege of Clonmel. Next upon the Stage of War ſucceeds Clonmell, a conſiderable well Peopled Town, and walled round, lying upon the Suir, four Leagues from Waterford. This place was defended by Hugh Boy-Oneal, with a Garriſon of two thouſand Foot, and an hundred Horſe; whoſe Reputation was much heightned by his Pains and Aſſiduity, as having cauſed ſeveral conſiderable works to be made for the ſecurity of the place. Hither does Cromwell now convert the ſtreſs of the War: and having encamped, and ſtrongly entrenched himſelf, he ſends two thouſand five hundred Horſe, under the command of Reynolds, Reynolds is ſ • nt to hinder the Lord Lieutenants Levies, and Theophilus Jones, the Brother of the late Jones, to hinder the Lord Lieutenants Levies, and to reduce Towns every where, as occaſion did preſent.

For he underſtood that the Lord Lieutenant having held a Council of the Iriſh Nobility and Biſhops, at Baltimore, in Weſt Meath, it was reſolved, that on the one hand, that is to ſay, in the North, Cromwell ſhould be kept in play, and harreſſed with frequent Incurſions, whilſt he ſhould make greater Levies, and join together the Forces of the Counties: that on the other hand, to wit, in the South, the Biſhop of Roſs ſhould relieve the Beſieged in Clonmell, or at leaſt give Cromwell ſome diverſion.

With good ſucceſs.But Reynolds being much ſtronger in Horſe, prevents the Lord Lieutenant, and, as if he had had him in a Toyl, renders all unſafe; nor did he deſiſt, before he had driven the Earl of Caſtle-haven, and all the Governours of Caſtles, into Connaght. Nay, and over and above, he took Bala-houſe, near to Trim; and forced Finagh, and other neighbouring places, to Surrender.

But a greater ſtorm was coming upon the Engliſh out of Munſter; Broghill takes the Biſhop of Roſs coming to the relief of Clonmell, and hangs him up. for the Biſhop of Roſs pittying the Condition of ſo many brave Men, that were Beſieged in Clonmel, advanced to their relief with four thouſand Foot, and three hundred Horſe. But Broghill meeting him with twelve hundred Foot, and fourteen hundred Horſe, part of which he himſelf had, and part he had received from Cromwell, he eaſily defeated, and put them all to ſlight, having ſlain and wounded ſeven hundred, and taken an hundred Priſoners, and amongſt them the Biſhop, whom, becauſe he had turned his Myter into a Helmet, and uſed the Temporal Sword, inſtead of the Spiritual, he cauſed ignominiouſly to be hanged before Caringdred, which Garriſon, he having lately taken in Munſter, the Captain would not deliver up, till he was terrified by that ſad Spectacle.

In the mean time the Siege of Clonmel is carried on;The Garriſon forſake Clonmel, and make their eſcape by night: and though the Garriſon bravely defended it, and had beat off the Enemy in a fierce Aſſault, with the loſs of Colonel Culham, and many others; yet fearing, ſince there was no hopes of Relief; that they would at length fall as Sacrifices, under the bloody hands of Cromwell, packing up Bag and Baggage, about Mid-night thay deſert the Town, and ſecure themſelves by flight. The Mayor and Towns-People, deſtitute of Defence, without mentioning the departure of the Garriſon, deſire a Ceſſation and Parly; and upon condition of ſaving their Houſes from being Plundered, and of liberty of living as they had formerly done, they very willingly open their Gates.

But the morning diſcovering the trick,Whom Cromwell in vain purſues. Cromwell was vexed, and ſends ſome Troops to purſue the Garriſon in the Rear. But they were before got out of reach, having in the night time paſt the Hills and moſt difficult ways; but the Cromwellians overtaking many Straglers, who by reaſon of their Wounds, or other hindrances ſtaid behind; amongſt them there were not a few Women, put them all without Mercy to the Sword.He eaſily ſubdues ſeveral ſmal places. Afterwards the little Towns that lay about Duncannon, Waterford, and Carlow, were taken in, that theſe ſtronger Garriſons being more and more ſtraitned, if they could not by Force and Aſſault, they might at leaſt, at length be ſtarved into a Complyance and Submiſſion.

The Exploits of the Elder Coot in Ulſter. Nor were the other Cromwellian Commanders leſs ſucceſsful, in the remaing parts of Ireland. For the Elder Coot joyned to Venables in Ʋlſter, not to mention any but the principal ſtrong holds, took Culmore, Done, Ems Caſtle, ſeated in Logh Suile, Colrane, famous for a Salmon fiſhing, ſtanding commodiouſly upon the River Wane, Armagh, and (the Scots and Iriſh, to the number three thouſand four hundred, whom Monro, a Scottiſh Man, brought to raiſe the Siege, being cut off) Karick Fergus, Belfaſt, Caſtlefordan, Carlingford, Margraff, Monagh, and Liſkelagh. At length he routed Eyer-Marmahon, Who takes the Biſhop of Cloger, the General of an Army, and hangs him up. Biſhop of Cloger, who, by the Votes of the Ʋlſter Nobility, being ſubſtituted in place of the late Oneal, commanded four thouſand Foot, and four hundred Horſe. But coming to an Engagement, they were all broken and diſperſed, and their Mitered General taken and Hanged. It is obſervable of this Army, that they were all Roman Catholicks, who upon that account more confidently promiſed themſelves the Victory. Charlemont coſt a great deal of Labour and Pains, nor at length would the Garriſon ſurrender it, but upon very honourable terms. Huſon alſo ſubdued Kilmalock, Huſons Victories. Hariſton, Hau, Blackwater, Rabrig, Talbo, Ath, Dermit Caſtle, and which we mentioned before, Kildare, Belſannon, and Lochlin. I purpoſely omit Yekrohan, and other places which Reynolds and other Commanders ſubdued to the reſt of Logh Foyl.

It was about the beginning of May, Cromwell, Ireland being almoſt ſubdued within the ſpace of a year, is recalled for the Scottiſh expedition. when Cromwell, within leſs than a year, with wonderful ſucceſs, having carried his victorious Enſignes through three Provinces of Ireland, like a thunderbolt of War; of whom it might truly have been ſaid, (and to his praiſe, had he fought for his Prince) Veni, vidi vici, I came, I ſaw, I overcame, is now recalled to freſh Labours, and to a new War againſt the Scots, of which I ſhall haſten to the Relation, after I have given the Reader, in one glance, a view of the remaining affairs of Ireland.

Cromwell therefore haſtening his expedition, leaves Ireton, his Son in Law,He leaves his Son in Law, Ireton, General in Ireland; to whom Waterford being Beſieged yields, upon Conditions. General of the Forces of Ireland; who without longer delay beſieges Waterford, and at the ſame time two other Caſtles, Carlow and Duncannon. Preſton Commanded Waterford; not very willing to hold out a place difficult to be maintained, by reaſon it was beſet on all hands, and no hopes of relief. Nevertheleſs, at firſt he ſeemed to carry high, and demands Conditions accordingly, which being rejected by the Enemy, when he perceived himſelf ſhut up within the Walls, Batteries raiſed, and the great Guns begin to roar, he abates a little of his height, and at length condeſcends to theſe Articles: That the Ships, Guns, Ammunition, and publick Proviſions, ſhall be delivered up to the Common-wealth. That the Governour, all the Colonels, inferiour Officers and Souldiers, with their Horſes, ſhall march out with Drums beating, flying Colours, charged Muſquets, lighted Matches, and have ſafe conduct to Athlome.—That the Sick and wounded Towns-People ſhall remain there, until they recover. That ſuch as intended to tranſport their Families beyond Sea, ſhall have three Months time to do it in. That thoſe who would ſtay at home, ſhall be free from all Injuries. That the Servants of Preſton ſhall have liberty to pack up, and carry away all his Goods that he hath, either in this place, And in the ſame manner, Carlow and Duncannon. or elſe-where, at Carlow. In the ſame manner, and upon the ſame Conditions, out of Carlow and Duncannon, fifteen hundred Men marched, all under the Command of young Preſton, for the elder was at that time ſick.

But it is now time to return to the Lord Lieutenant, The Papiſt Clergy baſely affected towards the Lord Lieutenant; whom, as the Papiſt Clergy had by all means formerly withſtood; ſo now affairs declining and daily running into Ruin, they licentiouſly ſlight and deſpiſe; for they grow openly mutinous, and infect others with the ſame itch of Rioting. They accuſe the Lord Lieutenant in preſence of the Lord O-Bryan, Inchiqueen, as the Diſturber of the Affairs of Ireland, From whom they endeavour to alienate the mind of Inchiqueen. whoſe continuing longer at the Helm, would quickly be the ruin of the Government; but that if he alone would undertake the management of Affairs, being a perſon deſcended of the ancient Race of their Kings, whom they had found to be a Valiant, Watchful, Faithful,As alſo the Lord Lieutenant from Inchiqueen. and Succeſsful General, they all promiſe to ſwear Obedience to him, and willingly ſubmit to his Government. On the other hand, they whiſper the Lord Lieutenant in the Ear, that Inchiqueen, having been an inveterate Rebel, had not as yet laid aſide the thoughts of his ancient Enmity; nor would he cordially defend the cauſe of thoſe; againſt whom he had been ſo long accuſtomed to draw his Sword, that if the Lord Lieutenant would conſent to lay him aſide, the Iriſh would unanimouſly joyn, and in all things obey his Commands. Thus, whilſt by an abominable Treachery and Hatred to either, they ſtrive to Calumniate and Blacken both, they make it their buſineſs to propagate Faction and Diviſions.

But the Lord Lieutenant meeting the Biſhops and Great Men, earneſtly exhorts them,The Lord Lieutenant exhorts to Concord and Obedience, That at length laying aſide all private Grudges and Animoſities, which ſtill remained to be compoſed, they would conſult the Publick Intereſt, become Friends, and unanimouſly prepare for a more vigorous defence. That they would reflect upon the great danger they were in, three Provinces being already almoſt wholly ſubdued, and the laſt not like to reſiſt much longer. That if his Government was leſs grateful to them, and was a hindrance to the defence of the Country, he would haſten his departure, Being ready to renounce the Government for the Publick good. and commit the charge to another. (For he had already ſecretly obtained leave to depart, from the King, being ſtill at Jerſey, and had got the Goverment conferred on Clanricard.) When they heard this, all of them pretended extraordinary Sorrow, that they would ſubmit to his Will and Pleaſure, baniſh all mutual Jealouſies,The Iriſh at preſent ſeem ſorrowful; and perſwade the Towns to Obedience. They departed with glad and cheerful Countenances, as abundantly ſatisfied, though they were ſtill inwardly diſcontented: So true it is, That thoſe whom God intends to deſtroy, he firſt infatuates.

For the Inhabitants, and Roman Catholick Clergy, combining privately together, kept Clubs and Cabals, and diſperſed infamous Libels, wherein they ſhew the Rancour of their Minds,But preſently again fall to Calumniating, by calumniating the Lord Lieutenant, as unactive, Cowardly and Treacherous; finding fault with the Commiſſions that were granted to Officers of the Reformed Religion; and repining that the War ſhould be committed to the Ca • e and Conduct of unfit Men, wholly addicted to Whoring, Gaming, Gluttony, and Impiety. The Biſhops of Cork, and Toam, and of Clonfert, and the reſt of the Clergy, Thuamenſis, Clonfertenſis. And declare his Government void. declare the Government void, and the Followers of the Lord Lieutenant liable to Excommunication. And therefore they order the Army to be Disbanded before they could think of the raiſing of another. Nevertheleſs the Lord Lieutenant, that he might as much as lay in his Power, preſerve the Forces in their Duty and Loyalty to the King, he left the charge of them to the Earl of Clanricard, with the Title of Lord Deputy, who being admitted by the unanimous conſent of all that ſtuck to the Kings Party,

He th • refore yields, and app • ints Clanricard his Deputy:

Who having made new Levies,

took upon himſelf the management of the War. A general Muſter being thereupon appointed, new Levies are made, the Souldiers Exerciſed, neceſſaries for the War provided, and all things prepared afreſh, the Clergy being very Zealous, and the People aſſiſtant in carrying on the Work.

About that time Ireton betook himſelf to Winter Quarters in Dublin, that he might conſult with the Commiſſioners of the Common-wealth, about the future War, and other Affairs; having left Orders to Axtel, Governour of Kilkenny, to have an eye upon the Garriſons about Athlome. Axtel, by chance, whil'ſt he was upon Duty,Goes on proſperouſly, fell in with Clanricards Men; who paſſing the Shannon at Athlome, Till Axtel, who upon the firſt encounter had retreated, that he might procure Recruits, had taken ſome of Iretons Garriſons, and had ſurpriſed more, if he had not come in the nick of time. They charge Axtel, who being much inferiour in number, retreated a little, until being recruited from Wexford, and other places, he had joyned thirteen hundred men to the eight hundred which he himſelf had: and then he made head againſt the Enemy. But ſo ſoon as they began to Skirmiſh, though the Iriſh were five thouſand Foot; and four hundred Horſe ſtrong, yet not daring to venture a battel, they retreat to the River Shannon, and skulk in two Boggs about Melecha fortifying themſelves with Poles and Stakes driven into the ground, and filled up with Earth, as by a double Wall. However the Engliſh, leaving no means uneſſayed, and breaking through all impediments, bravely drove them out of their Station,Beat him out of his Camp fortified by two Lakes, and put him to flight. and deſtroyed them five hundred men, who were partly ſlain and partly drowned. After this overthrow, it was thought ſafer, in the very extremity of Winter, to keep the Souldiers betwixt the Shannon vaſt Lakes, and the Collough Mountains, than any more to moleſt the Enemy, whom daily Succeſs made bolder.

The Reader may be apt to wonder that the Iriſh ſhewed themſelves ſo Cowardly and Timerous, during the whole Series of this War,Why the Iriſh ſo Cowardly. as if from Men they had degenerated into Women, being every where defeated, though they fought for their Lives and Liberties. But whoever equally weighs matters, will eaſily leave off to wonder. For on the one hand, he'll find the Engliſh provided of all neceſſaries for a War,They are compared with the Engliſh Souldiers, unanimous amongſt themſelves, all expert in War, and confiding (as it is uſual) in their continual good Fortune. The Iriſh, on the other hand, almoſt without Arms, for moſt part deſtitute of Weapons, and other neceſſaries, diſagreeing alſo amongſt themſelves, miſerably rent into Factions, raw and unskillful in War, and in a manner cowed by conſtant ill Fortune. Beſides, they are neither comparable to the Engliſh in Foot nor Horſe, how brave ſoever they be in Foreign Countries. The private Souldiers, I know not whether it be by the Skill and Knowledge they have of the Bogs and lurking Places, that they are to ſoon enticed to fly; or that, through the force of an old Cuſtom, they could not but turn their Backs envied to the Blows of the Engliſh. Now, as to their Horſe, they are far exceeded by the Engliſh, not only in number, but alſo in the quality of the Horſes, and Riders. The Horſes, indeed, march but ſoftly, but in bulk of Body, ſtrength of Limbs, and Courage; one Troop of them, is worth three almoſt of the Iriſh, and breaks Ranks better. And the Riders again are for cloſe Fighting, diſcharging their Piſtols in the Enemies Breaſt, and laying about them with their Swords. Hence it is, that in every Engagment, the Iriſh preſently betake themſelves to flight, nor can they endure the looks, yea, hardly the Neighing of the Horſes of the Engliſh. I hope the Reader will pardon me, that I have tacked this Apology for the Iriſh Nation, as an Appendix to the work. I now return to the Hiſtory.

A treaty with the Duke of Lorrain. In the very depth of Winter, the Biſhop of St. Cathdrin came ſeaſonably, as an Agent from the Duke of Lorrain, who, as a token of his Maſters Affection, brought with him a conſiderable ſum of Money, and promiſes of more, if they agreed in Treaty, pretending great kindneſs to the King, Kingdom and People. The ſums of the Propoſals which he made to the afflicted Party, was: That the Duke with ten thouſand Foot, five thouſand Horſe and thirty Ships ſhould come into Ireland, and with the Title of Protector carry on the War. That the Duke of York ſhould Marry his Daughter. That Limmerick and Galloway, with the Magazine, Guns and Ammunition ſhould be put into his hands. That he ſhould have ſome cautionary Towns for ſecurity of the Moneys to be raiſed. That the Inhabitants ſhould have a care to keep the Enemy out of Connaght until his Arrival. Theſe Conditions were debated, but whether agreed to or not, I am uncertain; and the Envoy departed to acquaint his maſter with his proceedings.But fruitleſs. But that Atlas was not ſtrong enough to ſupport the falling Firmament; and there was ſo much time ſpent in the Treaty, that the oppportunity of relief being paſt, ſhewed only its bald Poll inſtead of the favourable Forelock.

The Spring began now to come on; but Ireland ſeemed to be in its autumn ready to be cut down. All that Clanricard could do, was to ſhew his tayl, and flap with ſome convulſive motions and vibrations of a dying Nation, Clanricard. ſtops all the paſſages for the enemy into Connaght. like the laſt blaze of an expiring light. He views all places, by which the Enemy might break into Connaght; he poſts Soldiers at all the paſſes of the river Shannon, as alſo at the river Rour and the Collough mountains, wherever any paſſage might be found.

In the mean time Ireton call'd Coot out of Ʋlſter, with two thouſand horſe and as many good foot, that he might come and join him near Galloway. Coot that he might deceive the Enemy, pretends that he is to march to Slego, and there ſtops, as if he were about to beſiege that Caſtle; until he had drawn thither all the Iriſh Forces:Yet Coot by ſtratagem having paſt the Collough mountains got into it: From thence turning ſuddenly back again, he found a pretty eaſy paſſage over the tops of the Collough hills. Now muſt I relate by what means Ireton got into Connaght. He; (having left Broghill in Munſter, Ingoldsby in the parts oppoſite to Limmerick, Huſon in Weſt Weath, Venables in Canan, and Zankie in Tipparary) he marches to the River Shannon, and at three ſeveral places together, Ireton paſſes the river Shannon at three places. (not without ſuſpicion of Treachery at Killalve) he paſſes over his Forces, the Foot in boats, and the Horſe for moſt part ſwimming: Whilſt Huſon in the mean time alarm'd Abhalone, as if he were ready to attack it. Clanricard's men being beat out of all places, he then over a wooden Bridge ſends over his Canon and Baggage; and without longer delay joins Coot, as it had been agreed upon.

Athalone with other Garriſons are preſently taken.The Enemy being too weak to make reſiſtance, Athalone, Portumna, Tagera and ſome leſſer Garriſons are taken. Then having divided the Army, Coot marches to Galloway, Ireton to Limmerick, Farell being forced to retreat, Coot attacks Galloway. Coot had already forced Farel with an Army of three or four thouſand men to retreat into the Woods, Bogs and other unacceſſible places about Galloway; and therefore daring to approach nearer the place, he encamps and entrenches himſelf, and ſo ſummons the Town to ſurrender. He is anſwered, That if Conditions were offered for the whole Kingdom of Ireland, they would willingly liſten unto them. But ſeeing he would grant none but private and particular Articles, both Parties prepare for a Siege.

In the mean time Limmerick is blockt up on all ſides, the river Shannon being alſo ſtopt.Ireton beſieges Limmerick. They had for about three weeks expected ſuccours from Muſkery, whoſe motion Broghil obſerving he had opportunely beat him off, deſtroyed and diſperſed his Forces.

The City is therefore inceſſantly batter'd, and the approaches carried on to the very Walls. Nor was the danger within the walls leſs than without; the Plague having long raged amongſt the Inhabitants, and inteſtine diviſions a no leſs grievous Plague daily increaſing amongſt them. Some, are for ſurrendering the Town forthwith, others again, for ſuffering rather the utmoſt extremity. The opinion that was for a ſurrender prevailing,Which upon Arti • les agreed upon, but not ſigned, is ſurrendered to him. they came to Articles; which before they were ſigned the Gates were opened, and the Caſtle delivered to the Enemy as an Hoſtage. The Conditions were; That the Soldiers ſhould lay down their Arms, and depart whither they pleaſed, except thoſe who had embrew'd their hands in the innocent Blood of the Engliſh. That all the Arms Guns, Ammunition and publick ſtores ſhould be delivered into the poſſeſſion of the Conquerour. That thoſe that had a mind to be gone, ſhould have time to pack up their Goods, and Ships to tranſport them whitherſoever they pleaſed. That four and twenty ſhould be left to the mercy of the Conquerour. So fell that beautiful and Rich Town, much frequented by reaſon of the advantages of the Sea and of the River Shannon, and ſtrongly fortified but withal proud of its own Strength, Wealth and Riches; which, if it had not been divided, and if it had not again with a ſtiffneſs refuſed to obey the Governours, would not in ſo ſhort a time, and with ſo ſmall a loſs of Blood have fallen into the Enemy's hands.He cauſes the Biſhop of Ferne and ſome others to be hanged. The Biſhop of Ferne with many others are hanged: And the Biſhop of Limmerick made his eſcape in diſguiſe.

The death and character of Ireton. But the place was fatal to the Conquerour; for as Limmerick fell, Ireton dies; concerning whom, ſince from a mean extraction he mounted to the Pinacle of Government, it will not be amiſs that I ſpeak a little. In Trinity Colledge of Oxford he was initiated in the liberal Arts, and made therein no contemptible Progreſs, afterward he applied himſelf to the Study of the Common Law in the Temple; in which having got a little ſmattering, from his very Youth he drank in the Errours of the Anabaptiſts, and aſſiſted the Fanaticks in drawing up a Petition againſt the holy order of Epiſcopacy; which was afterwards by Pennington and a numerous rabble of Londoners, ready at that time for ſuch attempts, preſented to the Parliament. Not long after, the Troubles daily encreaſing, he ſtruck in with Cromwel when he was in the Iſle of Ely being firſt admitted into his Quarters, then by Cromwel being made Governour of the whole Iſland, he was preſently after advanced to be his Son in law. Having there ſerved an Apprentiſhip, he enured his body to the War, by a voluntary lying upon the ground, faſting, watching and exerciſes, before he came to the Tryal of it, until by degrees he at length, advanced almoſt to the Chief command in the Army. Hence forward he became his inſeperable Companion; eſpecially in aſſiſting him in all Declarations, Articles, Letters and Treaties that were to be made. He grew indefatigable in labour and pains, being accuſtomed to ſpend night and day in his head-piece and boots; and in ordering of Civil Affairs alſo to watch till midnight at length, as the Devil would have it, he was one of the chief in ſhedding of the Royal Blood, his Memory, for that unparalelled Villany, being execrable to all Poſterity. In Ireland he always ſtood by the Anabaptiſtical Fanaticks, relying upon their counſels for theſe he gave his Vote both in Civil and Military Affaires; and with them filled the Towns, Councils and Camp. At length this moſt cruel Peſt of his Countrey, died of the contagious Plague.

Though he was removed,Galloway preſt Coot, yet the War ſtill goes on. For Coot with the unanimous conſent of the Commanders, from Limmerick marches to the Siege of Galloway, which they ſtraitly blockt up both by Sea and Lannd, Clanricard, having got leave to depart: Nor was it long before it was delivered to the Enemy, upon Conditions not unlike to thoſe of Limmerick. Is taken. And thus Galloway, the moſt noted ſtaple of all Ireland, ſtrong in fortifications, conſiderable for buildings, riches, numerouſneſs of inhabitants, and open trade by Sea, ſubmits to the yoke of the Enemies, in reſiſting of whom they had formerly denied the Lord Lieutenant their aſſiſtance.And alſo conſumed by the Plague. But as if they had not been ſufficiently puniſhed by War, the hand of God chaſtiſed them with a ſevere puniſhment, a following Plague having within the ſpace of a year and a half ſwept away twelve thouſand of the Inhabitants.

Now was Ireland fully ſubdued; Ireland being now totally ſubdued, is governed by four Commiſſioners. and henceforward the pleaſure of the Commiſſioners went for Law; they being Jones, Corbet, Ludlow, and Weaver. To theſe it ſeemed good to begin their Government by the ſuppreſſion of the Tories; a kind of robbers who have always,Who firſt ſuppreſs the Tories. but not in ſo great numbers infeſted Ireland. Nor is it a new thing amongſt barbarous Nations, who whenever they find themſelves oppreſſed by the Governours of Provinces, or otherwaies have run out their Eſtates and are broken, preſently to ſhake off the Laws,Publick enemies. refuſe to labour the Ground, and deſpiſe Trades. Wherefore they betake themſelves to the Mountains, Deſarts, Bogs and Rocks, according as the Countrey is naturally fortified, declare War againſt all other Mortals, and live by Rapine. Such are the Banditi in Italy and Spain, the Coſſacks to Poland, and others in other Countreys; and that we may not go far for an example of ſuch wickedneſs, ſuch are the Moſs Troopers in Scotland, as will hereafter appear. For theſe in the night time lurk in Woods, Caves and Dens; but in the day time break out ſuddenly upon Travellers, or men about their lawful Buſineſs, and rob them both of Life and Money. And as often as they get together into a body, with deſperate Barbarity, they burn and pillage Villages, add preſently betake themſelves to their lurking holes again. They are a kind of land Pirats; who wandring amongſt Lakes and Bogs, according to the light-footedneſs of the Nation, they ſafely skip over the Quagmires and looſe ground, wherein ſtrangers unacquainted with the places that follow them commonly ſtick. They therefore give orders to the Soldiers, who had now nothing elſe to do, to divide themſelves into ſmall parties, and ſo to environ, hunt, and kill them like wild Beaſts, which being done, they either mutually betrayed one another, or found their holds and lurking places to be ſo unſafe for them, that in two years time there was none of thoſe Enemies of mankind any where to be ſeen.

In the mean time,It is conſulted about a Succeſſor to the late Ireton. Lambert is choſen Deputy of Ireland. the Rump-Parliament conſult about a Deputy, who might ſucceed to Ireton, and ſit at the Helm in the adminiſtration of the Affairs of Ireland; and by unanimous Vote they pitch upon Lambert. But whilſt he is prepairing for his paſſage with greater Pomp than the times required,Whoſe Commiſſion, whilſt, whether it happened by the advice of the Commiſſioners (who at that time affecting Equality, did not like ſuch preeminence) or through the cunning of Cromwell, (at whoſe beck the Affairs of Ireland were managed, and who had lately privately married his Daughter, Iretons Widow to Colonel Fleetwood,) The Rump-Parliament changing their reſolution,He is commanded to ſupply onely the place of a Commiſſioner. he has orders to lay aſide his Title to Deputy, and go over to Ireland as a Commiſſioner. Which, Lambert a man moſt ambitious of Rule, and impatient to be baffled in the Honour that had been promiſed him; taking ill, and far worſe, that the Command of the Army ſhould be divided amongſt men unacquainted with War, he thought it better wholely to renounce the Government of Ireland. Fleetwood therefore, embracing the ſame Conditions, having celebrated his marriage with the aforementioned Widow, Lambert refuſing, Fleetwood is ſent. paſſes over into Ireland in Quality of chief of the Commiſſioners, and beſides of Major General.

Now that the Reader may know who this man was, and to give ſome light to what follows after,His Character. I thought fit to premiſe theſe few things. He was the ſon of a Knight, the youngeſt of many Brothers, who, to get an honeſt living, applied himſelf to the ſtudy of the common Law; untill that the flame of Civil War ſpreading, he changed his profeſſion, turned Soldier, and under the Earl of Eſſex ſerved as a Gentleman Volunteer. Afterwards riſing from one degree to another, till he became a Colonel, he aſpired to the marriage of Cromwell's Daughter, (as we have now related) ſhe being a Widow and he a Widower. His Religion from the Cradle was of the ſtrickt new Cut; and if he was not a ſtout profeſſour of Anabaptiſm, yet he loved to be thought a great favourer of it, not onely that he might ſerve a turn, and engage in a reciprocal aid and benevolence, but becauſe he was inwardly and ſincerely ſo. As he was no cunning man himſelf, ſo neither was he reckoned a a great prier into the Counſils of other men: And being ſo qualified, he became dear to the common Soldiers, and for that no ways ſuſpected by the more Powerful. In a word, he was no ill man, but that by taking up Arms againſt his own King; he had for ever ſtained his Reputation by the horrid Crime of Treaſon and Rebellion.

The broken remnant of the Iriſh forces yield to Broghill, Now were the Rump-Parliament maſters of all Ireland, except of a few ſcattered Forces, who here and there lurked in obſcure and unacceſſible places: Of whom the greateſt part ſculked in Munſter, under the command of Sullivan O-Beare; and ſome in Ʋlſter under Farel. The former at length ſubmit to Broghill; but upon this Condition, that they might go beyond Sea, in Ships provided by the Rump-Parliament for that affect: And Ludlow; the latter, to Colonel Ludlow, upon the ſame Conditions.Having firſt obtained liberty to go beyond Sea. And afterwards all the Military part of the Nation followed their example, and ſix and twenty thouſand departed the Kingdome, ſome to Spain, ſome to France, and the reſt whither they pleaſed, the Engliſh accommodating them with Veſſels for their Tranſportation; ſo that within the ſpace of eight months, Ireland was left deſtitute of all its fighting Men, as being impatient of the Engliſh yoke.

Then was a High Court of Juſtice Erected, conſiſting of moſt of every Sect of the Counties, where that aſſembly met, ſometimes Cook, and ſometimes another preſiding there, for a ſtrict enquiring into, and no leſs ſevere puniſhment of thoſe who were the beginners of the Rebellion. No man was pardoned, who had dipt his Hands in the Blood of the Engliſh. But of that ſort of Men, all Ireland could not furniſh above two hundred,The firſt Authors of the Rebellion are brought to Tryal; ſo great a havock had either the Sword or Plague made, or elſe the reſt mingling with thoſe who departed the Ringdom, under that diſguiſe ſeaſonably withdrew; or at leaſt there were not Engliſh enough left to be Witneſſes of their Barbarity.

But it will not be amiſs to mention one, or two of the moſt obſtinate Rebells; ſuch as Philem Oneal, by the Pope, Eſpecially Phi-Oneal, and Luke-O-Tool, created Earl of Ʋlſter, and Luke O-Tool. Lying Fame had ſpread it abroad, that Charles the Firſt had granted thoſe two liberty to ſtir up the Rebellion, that he might cut out work for the Parliament, that then was bent upon Sedition. This baſe and falſe Rumour was induſtriouſly fomented by the Parliamentarians, that they might load the beſt of Kings with Envy; nor indeed did the Iriſh at that time endeavour to falſifie the Report: of this both of them are accuſed: but though they had hopes given them of Life and Reward, if they would confeſs, yet, with ſolemn Imprecations, both of them acquitted the King;Who at their death acquitted the King from a falſe and ſcandal • 〈◊〉 report. and by the juſt Judgment of God, though by the hands of unjuſt Men, they payed the juſt reward of Rebellion and Murder with their Lives, and were Hanged. So ſure is Juſtice, though ſometimes ſhe be ſlow in purſuing Malefactors.

The Plague rages in Ireland, About that time the Plague raged all over Ireland, as if Humane Vengeance were not ſufficient to chaſtiſe the madneſs of that Nation, without the concurrence of the Divine. This was the grievous Sickneſs of any that for fifty years backwards, had plagued that whole Nation; ſo that (which is ſtrange) there was but one Houſe free in all Dublin. Eſpecially at Dublin: And that they might ſuffer under a double Peſtilence, the profane People, laying aſide all ſenſe of Shame, became more Lewd and Licentions both towards God and Man; juſt as in the time of Thucydides, when the Laws of God and Man were equally deſpiſed.

And a grievous Famine alſo.Not long before, if not about the ſame time, ſo great a ſcarcity and Famine was ſent upon them from above, that, with horrour, I mention it, the ſtarved Mothers Sacrificed to their Bellies the dear Fruit of their Wombs; nor (as it is written of Saguntum) could inexorable hunger be ſatisfied with leſs than humane Fleſh.

Now though theſe Evils fell heavieſt upon the Iriſh, Both Engliſh and Iriſh are burdened with Taxes. yet it is not to be omitted, that a moſt heavy Tax, of ſix and thirty thouſand pounds per Month, was impoſed equally upon the Engliſh and Iriſh; and that upon the Iriſh too, when ſo many Lands and Eſtates lay deſolate without Poſſeſſours, and when there were neither Men nor Cattle to labour the Land; eſpecially by reaſon of the multitude of Tories, who every where carried away the Fruits and Corn, ſo that ſome Landlords being diſappointed of the hopes of their Crops, betook themſelves to flight; others complained that their Crops were not ſufficient to furniſh them with Bread, and other neceſſaries for their Families; and not a few ſold their Inheritances for two or three years purchaſe. In the mean time the idle Souldiers,The Souldiers in the mean time live at their eaſe, and the Commanders grow rich. to the number of twenty thouſand, and the moſt of them Anabaptiſts, alone live plentifully upon the Money they got in Ireland, and the Pay they received in England, and their Commanders heaped up Eſtates.

All Law being adminiſtred at the pleaſure of four or five Judges,All Law in a manner Arbitrary. was in a manner Arbitrary; and depended upon the Wills of the Commiſſioners, and chief Commanders of the Army; nay, and ſometimes of the Souldiers, eſpecially the Anabaptiſts, againſt whoſe Judgment, if the Court at any time pronounced, they cry out of the breach of Faith, and the violation of the Laws of God and Man.

About that time the Rebels ſurpriſed two or three very ſtrong Forts, near Galloway, Some Forts ſurpriſed by the Rebells, are recovered by Reynolds. Emſbuffen, Erneſcrought, and Arran, which were ſcituate in ſome of the numerous Iſlands on that Coaſt. But Reynolds having conveyed over fifteen hundred Men upon Planks, reduced them to his Obedience, giving the men liberty to remove to other places.

At length they came to the diviſion and diſtribution of the Lands and Poſſeſſions of the Iriſh, That all might receive their ſhares,The diſtribution of the Iriſh Lands, as a puniſhment for their Rebellion. which either they had gained in the Wars, or by Moneys ſubſcribed and payed in the year 1642, for ſuppreſſing the Rebellion, they had purchaſed upon the publick Faith. But upon the firſt publication many are accuſed of the ſame Crime;Many of the Kings Party fall under the ſame cenſure. as the Marqueſs of Ormond, Lord Inchiqueen, and as many as had been for the King, and had put a ſtop to the impetuous torrent of the firſt Rebellion: And tho whatever was remaining in Ireland, was due to their Faithfulneſs and Valour, yet they ſtick in the ſame Mire, and are made liable to the forfeiture of their Lives and Fortunes: nor were any to be ſpared, who enjoy'd plentiful Eſtates, or had enough to ſtay the voracious Appetites of thoſe inſatiable Harpies. Nay, if they could find out any one that for the ſpace of a day, had fallen off from the Obedience of the Rump-Parliament, he came off very well, if he was but only ſequeſtrated; and redeemed his Sequeſtration at two years purchaſe of his Eſtate.

The Popiſh Nobles are condemned of Treaſon.All the Popiſh Nobles, who had, either in the beginning been Rebels, or afterwards born Arms for the King, are condemned of High Treaſon, their Eſtates forfeited, and their Lives alſo,The Neutrals are fined in a fifth part of their Eſtates. if they could be apprehended, Both the Engliſh and the Iriſh Papiſts, who had been Neutro, and favoured neither ſide, are Fined in the fifth part of their Eſtates to be Levied into the Exchequer.

Strife betwixt the new and old Souldiers about dividing the Spoil,But for eaſing of the Publick Charges, there was a heavy diſpute betwixt the new Souldiers, that came lately over into Ireland, under the Command of Cromwell, and the Veterans, who had ſerved the Parliament, in ſuppreſſing the Rebellion in its firſt riſe. Theſe the new Souldiers endeavoured by all means to have disbanded, as being for the moſt part Anabaptiſts, and Sectarians; and, indeed, their Intention was to cheat them of their pay, and promiſed dividend of Lands. But the ancient Souldiers refuſing to be ſo diſmiſſed, after much jangling and debate,Is at length compoſed. at length they agreed Friendly upon theſe Articles; to wit, that being disbanded, they ſhould monthly receive half pay, untill the diſtribution of the Lands ſhould be made, and that they ſhould enjoy their due proportion of the ſame. With this they were pleaſed, and had it in a great part performed.

They had often laboured hard about the dividing and appropriating of the Iriſh Lands: Mathematicians met, and laying their Heads together made Diviſions; but in a rude manner only, by a general Eſtimate, ſome by the view, others by meaſuring. But neither way could they find half enough to ſatisfie the Creditors, till they came to William Petty, The way of meaſuring the Lands invented by Sir William Petty, a Doctor of Phyſick. a Doctor of Phyſick, but a moſt expert Geometrician, who is now, by the bounty of the King, Knighted. He undertook, in the ſpace of thirteen Months, to meaſure all Ireland, (in reſpect of forfeited Lands) Geometrically, and to allow every one their ſeveral Portions: and, indeed, performed it. For having got ſeveral expert Artiſts for making his Inſtruments, he divided the work of Surveying into five or ſix parts, aſſigning each part fit and proper Inſtruments: and taught ingenious Men how they ſhould ſet about their ſeveral Provinces; whilſt he himſelf ſitting at home could, upon their reports, calculate and compare the whole. By this means he meaſured five millions, or more, of Engliſh Acres; and by the help of a Chain, and other Inſtruments, he ran over an hundred thouſand Miles, five times the circumference of the World. So is all Ireland divided into parts, and every one has his ſhare by lot.

Now do the Sectarian Vultures, from all parts,The Sectarians flocking together in Troops, come flocking to the rich Spoiles of Ireland, as to a fat Carcaſs, and, like Locuſts, devour all the Provinces; of which, Cromwell having had notice, leaſt ſuch a confluence of People, might occaſion Sedition, eſpecially ſeeing he perceived the Anabaptiſts and Sectarians always skrewing themſelves into profitable places, both Civil and Military, who being for the moſt part Democratical, would not fail to oppoſe that Sublimity and Pre-eminence, to which he aſpired, that he might cruſh the Serpent in the Egg, and baffle their Power, as if he minded other Affairs;Cromwell calls home Fleetwood from Ireland, he recalls from Ireland his Son in Law, Fleetwood, upon pretext of uſing his Council at home, but in reallity, that he might have an eye over the deſigns and motions of the Man, and by taking off the Head and Patron,

As being too favourable to them:

And ſends his Son Henry at firſt as his Subſtitute,

diſappoint the Practices and Councils of the Democraticks.

Therefore, in place of Fleetwood, he ſends Henry, the younger of his two Sons, into Ireland, but not as his Succeſſour, only with the Title of a Commiſſioner, and Major General of the Army: And having for two years ſpace made a tryal of his Juvenile Prudence, he raiſed him to a higher degree. Henry took it ill at firſt, to be denied the Honour of a Title, when he had the Power given him; and being inſtigated by the whiſperings of Flatterers, he deſired of his Father, that he might Govern Ireland with the Name of Deputy. But Cromwell, not without a check, denying it, that unſeaſonable Ambition was ſtifled in the bud. But whil'ſt he alone ſat at the Helm, two other Commiſſioners, or rather Privy-Counſellors, Hammond and Goodwin are added.

Who in the firſt place takes upon him the care of Religion,He made it his chief buſineſs, in the firſt place, to reſtore the Worſhip of God, tho not to its ancient Beauty, yet to ſome better Order; by degrees giving back the Churches and Pulpits, which were wholly poſſeſſed by the Anabaptiſts, to the Miniſters. Nay, he cauſed his own Child to be publickly Baptized in the Cathedral-Church, a rare thing at that time, and made a Chriſtening Feaſt. And farther, he protected the Preachers from all Affronts,Of the Preachers, and the troubleſome interruptions of the Sectaries, in time of Divine Service. Now does the Colledge of Dublin, which had been long neglected, raiſe its head out of Obſcurity.And of the Colledge, Henry himſelf being choſen the Chancellour, or Patron thereof; nay, School-Exerciſes, (but after the Presbyterian way) and Degrees in Arts and Profeſſions are inſtituted: and which was moſt acceptable to the Scholars, at his own Charges he bought the Library of Ʋſher, Archbiſhop of Armagh, not to be named but with Honour, and made a preſent of it to the Colledge.

Nor was he leſs careful of the Civil, As alſo of Civil affairs of Juſtice, than Eccleſiaſtical affairs; for Juſtice in the Courts began now to ſhew it ſelf, as much as it could under a Tyrannical and Violent Government. Stately Houſes were built in the Cities,And Trade▪ and the Country abounded in Paſture and Corn. Trade began alſo to flouriſh, in exporting to all places Tallow, Hides, Salt Fleſh and Fiſh, and Ambergriſe. Henry moreover allowed a free acceſs to all, and liberty of petitioning; nay, and illuſtrated his Bounty with ſome kind beams towards the Royaliſts,The Royaliſts being received more mildly. by eaſing thoſe who had been forfeited and ſequeſtrated, remitting one half of the Money, that had been impoſed upon them, giving gracious words; liberty of playing with him, and many times admitting them to his Table.

Steel, at the Sollicitation of Fleetwood, His Aſſiſtants and Counſellers. is made Chancellour of Ireland, which rouzed a little the drooping Minds of the Sectaries; but, which was ſoon daſhed, by the advancement of Berry to the place of Baron of the Exchequer, and of Pepis to that of Lord Chief Juſtice, who both ſtuck cloſe to Henry. In Council he made uſe of Broghill, Coot, and Hill, and of the ſame, with Morgan and ſome others in the Army, governing the Common-wealth very well, according to the preſent ſtate of Affairs.

Cromwell calls a Parliament at London. About that time a Parliament is called at London, to conſiſt of Members of the three Kingdoms, thirty being nominated for Ireland. In it the Iriſh Papiſts accuſed of Treaſon, are declared Rebels, and therefore their Eſtates and Inheritances are forfeited; for diſcovering of whom,The Iriſh are commanded to Abjure Popery. Henry's clemency, as to that particular. a ſtrict Oath of Abjuration of Popery is impoſed upon all ſuſpected Perſons; in the execution whereof, Henry ſhewed himſelf merciful, and very ſeldom put any to that Tryal. But the diviſion and diſtribution of the Lands, which was heretofore appointed and begun, is now brought to an iſſue.

The Iriſh are enjoyned to tranſplant themſelves into Connaght, The tranſplanting of all the Iriſh into Connaght, is again brought upon the Stage, being the invention of one Spencer, who, by way of Dialogue, wrote of the affairs of Ireland, and afterwards inſiſted upon by Ireton, who by all means commended the practice thereof. Now are all commanded to pack up bag and baggage, change their Habitation, and to remove into that Province, where Lands were to be aſſigned to them in Inheritance, according to the pleaſure of Commiſſioners; the Forts, Cities, Towns, and Paſſages,And what was the cauſe of it: being only reſerved for the uſe of the Engliſh, with all the Sea-coaſt within a Mile of the Sea. For that Province being for the moſt part ſurrounded by the River Shannon, vaſt Lakes, and the Collough Mountains, and ſo divided from the reſt, cut off from them all hopes and power of riſing any more againſt the Engliſh. None are ſpared but the labouring men, and ſome whom favour and popular neceſſity procured a permiſſion to ſtay. If Ireton had lived to theſe times, he would have made it abſolutely neceſſary to have brought over Husband-men, and Trades-People from England, who are payed much dearer for their work and labour than the Iriſh are.

But, Good God! How many cunning Tricks,Yet it is by many cunningly evaded. frauds and inventions did the Iriſh find out for avoiding the ſting of that Order? So that it reached none but the ſimpler and honeſter ſort of People. Nay I am aſhamed to divulge the horrid oppreſſion and covetuouſneſs of our Factors; who when they met with the more innocent and plain, they impoſe upon them with tricks and juggling, and ſo tire them out until they got their Lands from them for little or nothing, which they ſell dear unto others; and the ſuſpicion of a ſudden Inſurrection again amongſt the Iriſh, becauſe they parted ſo eaſily with their Inheritances, is laid at their door as a ruine

We purpoſely paſs by matters of leſs importance, leaſt what we are about by the by ſhould ſwell up to too vaſt a bulk. The Officers of the Army what by craft, and what by force turning Richard out of the Supream Power; and the Rump-Parliament after five years interment being raiſed again from the dead, Henry neglecting both his own and brothers intereſt. the eyes of all are fixed upon Henry. It was thought by ſome that he would defend his own Authority, and vindicate that of his Brother. Others hoped that he would favour the Royal Cauſe, and ſo make his intereſt with the King, the Navy eſpecially giving no obſcure marks of their inclination; and the Army and Kingdom of Ireland being ready enough to promote ſuch an Enterprize. Nor dare I ſwear; that he entertain'd no ſuch Projects. But the Lord Broghill and Coot deſerting him in dubious Affairs; and Steel and Tomlinſon old Commiſſioners, managing, and Waller and Corbet new ones, continually ſolliciting him, he at length reſigns himſelf to the Will and Pleaſure of the Rump-Parliament, and returns into England, there to give an account of his adminiſtration.

Delivers up the Government to the revived Rump-Parliament. Hitherto we have dwelt in Ireland, that without interruption, we might give the Reader an account of the Affairs of that Kingdom. Now bringing our diſcourſe back to former years, we muſt return to the Democratical Republicans, who after the murder of the King, ſwayed Affairs in England, under the Olygarchicks. Theſe being upſtarts promoted for the moſt part men of their own Edition to places of honour and profit. Which the Londoners took ſo ill, that the Mayor and Aldermen came and petitioned the Rump-Parliament, A Petition of the Magiſtrates of London, to the Rump-Parliament, for their Citizens turned out of the common Council. that the cheif Citizens or that ſome of them at leaſt, might be again admitted into the common Council of the City. Theſe were about three hundred, whom either age, or wealth at leaſt recommended: But the year before the Rump-Parliament had turned a great many of them out, and judged them unworthy of carrying any office in the City; for no other reaſon, but becauſe they had ſigned the Petition making Peace with the King, which the greater and ſounder part of the Parliament were alſo for. But that deſire of the Mayor and Aldermen, though they ſeriouſly alledged the want of ingenious and honeſt men, of moderate Eſtates for diſcharging the offices of the City, is rejected with contempt,Is rejected with contempt. nor would they have any but the Riff Raff and inconſiderable rable to manage Publick Affairs; as being ſuch who meaſured good and evil according to the will and pleaſure of their Maſters.

Whil'ſt theſe things are carried on at London, The attempts of King Charles the Second for himſelf and his Subjects, CHARLES the Second was not aſleep, nor did he neglect his Affairs, though the Regicides carried all before them in England, but moves every ſtone, and leaves nothing uneſſayd, that the wit and power of man could deviſe or execrate, for reſetling the undone Nations, aſſerting the publick Liberty, and (the Regicide being revenged,) recovering his ancient Inheritance.

He implores the aſſiſtance of Foreign Kings and Princes;By asking help from Foreign Princes. who are all equally concerned according to the Supream Power they have received from God, and their common duty, to give Sanctuary to the oppreſſed; but eſpecially to Kings, whom above all men living they ought to protect, not only upon the account of Kindred and Cognation, but alſo for fear of Contagion, leaſt the horrid example of Rebellion might have an influence upon their own Subjects; that if perchance, they ſhould be reduced to the like ſtreights, they might likewiſe obtain the like help and aſſiſtance.

He ſends Ambaſſadours to the Emperour and German Princes, to the Grand Signior, By ſeveral Ambaſſadours, eſpecially of the Spaniard by Hide afterwards Chancelour of England and Earl of Clarendon, the great Duke of Moſcovie, the Kings of Poland, Denmark, and Sweden, to the republick of Venice and the States General of the united Provinces. He ſends into Spain, from whence he had the greateſt expectation, the Lord Edward Hide, who had formerly been Lord cheif Baron of the Exchequer and was afterwards Lord Chancellor and Earl of Clarendon, whoſe Iuvenile and vegete wit,And the French in perſon, might put life into the aged head of Cottington. In France, beſides a particular Ambaſſadour, the Queen Mother and Duke of York were there, and the King himſelf to ſollicite his own affairs.

But with little ſucceſs every where,But alaſs! almoſt every where unſucceſsfully the diſtance of place hindering the aid of ſome; and either the want of money, domeſtick ſeditions, or dangers from neigbours, obſtructing the aſſiſtances of others. None are touched with the ſence or pity of the Calamities of another.The Turk delivering up the Ambaſſadour Hide brother to the Chancelour into the hands of the Rump-Parliament, who being brought to London is beheaded. The Ottoman Court dealt barbarouſly, in that for a little money, they delivered up the Ambaſſadour, Henry Hide a moſt accompliſhed Gentleman into the hands of the Rump-Parliament, who being brought over into England, for his unſhaken Loyalty, without any pretext of ancient Law, he was beheaded before the Royal Exchange in London.

France with promiſes, gives hope of large aſſiſtance,The French flattering with vain hopes, ſo long as they could procure any help from the Subjects of the King of England; eſpecially from James Duke of YORK, who commanding the Engliſh and Iriſh that ſerved the French in Flanders, had given many Noble and Illuſtrious proofs of his Heroick Valour and Courage:And at length making a league with the Regicides. Until that Blake had beaten the French Fleet under the Command of the Duke of Vendoſme which came to the relief of Dunkirk at that time beſieged by the Spaniards. Then, they ſent Burdex to treat of peace at London, whil'ſt the Regicides expected no leſs than a declaration of War: And having afterwards entred into a ſtrict allyance; they inwardly rejoyced that the Kings Majeſty was deluded, and no ſmall ſtop put to the fury of the Rebels.

The Spaniard ſeemed to be grieved at the Kings Murder;The Spaniard declining to meddle in other peoples buſineſs. but excuſed himſelf that it did not belong to him to determine about the controverſies of England, nor did he take pleaſure to meddle in other Peoples Affairs out of his own Terrritories; but that in the mean time he ſhould be ready to do the King all the kindneſs he could within his Countries. Nevertheleſs, not long after Aſcham being killed, (which I ſhall ſhortly relate) he was the firſt King who Commanded his Hedge Ambaſſadour Don Alonſo de Cardenas, And being the fi • ſt of all that owned and complemented the Common-wealth of England, to Worſhip the riſing ſun of the Common-wealth, wiſh the Parrcides all happineſs; intreat the continuance of Friendſhip and good Correſpondence betwixt his Kingdomes and the New Common-wealth, and promiſed ſeverely to puniſh the Wicked Murderers of Aſcham.

Now there are ſome not obſcure Reaſons why the great Mind of ſo Wiſe a King,For what Reaſons chiefly inſtigated thereunto. was by ſo unexpected a change (that rather diſcovered than altered his Inclinations,) brought over to the contrary ſide: For beſides Ancient and Paternal enmities with Queen Elizabeth, Philip himſelf had particular Quarrels againſt Charles. It wounded him deep, that his Siſter being courted in Marriage, even ſo far as to have had an interview and conference with her, ſhe ſhould afterwards be ſlighted for a Daughter of France, though a Princeſs of extraordinary Worth. Beſides the old offence ſtuck ſtill in his Mind, that our King was the firſt of all who honourably received a ſplendid Embaſſie from the Duke of Braganza, and after he had ſucceſsfully diſpatched his buſineſs ſent him away in triumph. To this may be added the miſchance of Don Oquenda, not many years before, under whoſe Command ſeveral Ships carrying Men and Arms for a recruit to the War of Flanders, being forced into the Engliſh Harbours by the Dutch who purſued them, were under our Caſtles, though then in Peace with Spain, ſuffered to be torn, ſunk, and burnt; our Fleet rather threateningly rebuking, then ſtoutly driving off the Enemy. Which diſcontents not expiring with the Murthered King, are hurtful now to his Son. But after all, his new Friends as a reward of the amity freely offered them, by ſtealth and without any Declaration of War, having ſometimes after invaded the Weſt Indies, that is, the very Bowels of the Spaniſh Empire: And their attempt upon Hiſpaniola, being diſappointed, he at length, laying aſide all hatred, obliged CHALES the Second by all ſorts of good Offices, and entertaind him in his Territories for the ruine of the Regicides.

The King of Portugal being able to do little,The King of Portugal ſhewed a generous Soul, (of which hereafter) had his Strength correſponded with his Inclinations. But what would one who hardly as yet ſate ſteddy in his own lately recovered Throne, do for another expulſed Prince? The truth is, though he had then flouriſhed in the quiet enjoyment of his own juſt Rights, he was not Potent enough to undertake ſuch a War; as could reſtore a baniſhed King, and much leſs at that time when he could hardly on the one hand repel the Spaniard who offered at all, and on the other, keep even with the Dutch, who in the Eaſt Indies and all over the Ocean ſtrove for the maſtery.

And Sueden fickle. Suedland at firſt good natured, changed as Affairs altered. Frederick Duke of Holſtein ſupplied the Earl of Montroſs,

The Duke of Holſtein brought ſome ſuccours. The Dane indigent of money. The Pole engaged in domeſtick troubles.

Others benevolent, but not much to the purpoſe.

who was then ready to Sail into Scotland with Men, Money, Ships and Arms, for the Service of the King. Danemark having its Treaſury exhauſted for the Cauſe of the King's Father, and running into a new War, was able to do no more. The Rebellious Coſſacks, and Neighbouring Nations who had rendred the Peace uncertain, made the King of Poland ſparing in his Aſſiſtance. Yet the Scottiſh Subjects, who lived in thoſe Countries, as they were commanded gave what help they were able to give. And ſo did the Emperour of Moſcovie, Elector of Brandenbourg, Arch-Biſhop of Mentz, and other Princes of Germany ſhow their Affections to the King.

But alas! what was all that to the fitting out of a Fleet, and raiſing of an Army? to the providing of Arms, Ammunition and Neceſſaries of War? perhaps a little more than might defray the Charges of Ambaſſadours, and relieve the Poverty of Courtiers.The King's chief hope in his own Subjects; All the hope was now in the Loyalty and Benevolence of Subjects; who, though many of them were wheedled by the Artifices of the Regicides, or the fawnings of Proſperity, Ambition of riſing to higher Employments, or the coveteouſneſs of other mens Eſtates, which they hoped might be had for little or nothing, and theſe, becauſe Juſtice delay'd to ſtrike, drawn in to the number of above fifty thouſand,Of whom a great many extreamly well affected, but very weak in ſtrength. yet a far greater number kept their Loyalty and Allegiance to the King inviolated. but being ſtun'd with the ſudden horrour of the Kings Murder, and amazed at the continual Victories of the Regicides, they knew not what to do, or whither to turn themſelves. They knew not as yet, what it was to Aſſociate, and they had no opportunity of riſing; the Regicides having a watchful Eye over all the Countries, and their Spies and Emiſſaries wreſting all the Actions and Sayings of Honeſt men into the worſt Senſe.

Nevertheleſs many Royaliſts in diſguiſe croſſed the Sea and waited upon the King; and others who came hither from the King, were by his Friends informed what to do. All that they could do, was gradually to confer Councils, encourage one another, plot and contrive, gather ſupplies, and by blowing the Coals, raiſe ſuch a Flame as might at length deſtroy the Enemy. Yet ſome of them, of whom I ſhall mention two, Sir Charles Berkly, and Sir Henry Slingsby, were taken by the watchfulneſs of Informers; but both made their eſcape; though the laſt falling again into the Nooſe, payed for his Loyalty, and loſt his Head by Sentence of the High Court of Juſtice.

Aſcham, who he was:About that time Aſcham, whom I named a little before, a Fellow of obſcure Birth, deſiring to ſhow his Gifts and get himſelf a Name, by writing againſt the King, and for the abominable change of Government, which the leſs it beeame him to do, for that heretofore (under the Earl of Northumberland) he had had the inſtitution of the Young Duke of Gloceſter, is therefore in quality of Envoy with Ribera an Italian, An envoy from the Rump-Parliament to the King of Spain, as his Interpreter ſent into Spain to treat of Affairs. But he had got himſelf ſo much hatred by his Writings that were publiſhed, and the Employment he now undertook, that ſome conſpired a revenge, and ſuddenly breaking into his Chamber at Madrid, againſt all Law and Equity killed both him and Ribera his Interpreter.He is privately killed with his Interpreter. One of the Murderers taken, making his eſcape ſuffers for it. The Ambaſſadour of Venice gave Sanctuary to one of the Murderers; another being taken making his eſcape, publickly ſuffered for it. The reſt to the number of three took Sanctuary in a Church till the Eccleſiaſticks ſhould have time to take cogniſance of the Cauſe. But by delaying of time, and lengthening out the debate, the Engliſh alſo infeſting the Weſt Indies, they at length get clearly off.

It is fit we ſhould alſo mention the good Offices of the emulous King of Portugal, The King of Portugal offends the Regicides, becauſe he would not force Prince Rupert and Prince Maurice cut of his Harbours, when Blake deſired to fight them. Blake therefore takes ſome Portegueſe Ships laden with Suger, and ſends them into England. The Princes hardly eſcaping, ſail to America. and how for the ſake of our Prince he provoked the Rebel Hornets. Prince Rupert and Prince Maurice, when they fled from Ireland, found Protection at Lisbon: But Blake Admiral of the Fleet for the Rump-Parliament purſuing them hither, deſires leave to ſight the Prince's Ships. The King of Portugal thinking that the Laws of Hoſpitality were not ſo to be violated, ſeing it was not ſafe for him openly to refuſe, he ſhifts the matter, and forces not the Princes to put out to Sea. Blake being highly offended at this, Cruiſes upon the Coaſt; and at length meeting with a Fleet of ſeaven or eight Sail of Ships laden with Sugers, he takes them and ſends them into England. He himſelf, in the mean time having purſued the Princes who had put to Sea again, comes up with them at Carthagena, a Spaniſh Town in the Streights, and in the Bay of Vera, forces them aſhoar; but both of them eſcaped in one of their Ships, and Sailing with one or two more Ships to the Weſt Indies, they leave Spain to be ſufficiently mauled by the Parliament.

But a terrible Hurricane which is frequent in the Torrid Zone, Where Maurice was unhappily caſt away, having ſeparated Maurice from his Brother, he was caſt away with his Ship and Men in the dreadful Storm. Here we cannot but ſigh at our Calamities, in the diſmal fate of ſo Illuſtrious a Youth. Unhappy Engliſh, who with blind rage have conſumed the Relicts of the Palatinat! and accurſed Broils of Britain, that ſhipwrack't that Life which eſcaped the Sword of Auſtria! I ſhould give way to lamentations, if our ſhame could add Glory to the Dead, or give comfort to the ſurviving Family. But a Valiant man is not to be by womaniſh houling lamented; neither does true Grief require an ambitious pomp of Words, nor great ſorrow admit it. Let us only then, which is all we can do, with our Tears waſh out the ſtain of our unlucky Age; to which Crime it is no ſmall acceſſion, that the Ocean and other World are alſo polluted with the deſtruction of the Royal Family. But Prince Rupert (which was ſome comfort) having ſent his Goods into France; Rupert returning back to the Coaſt of France. with much adoe was ſaved.

I return to Portugal, from whence the ſteam of Sugar attracted an Ambaſſadour to London. Now would God the Supreme diſpoſer of all things,The Portugueſe Ships are reſtored. ſuffer that ſo remarkable conſtancy of ſo good a King, ſhould turn to the dammage of his Subjects. For the Ships being reſtored, the War that was threatened, was upon ſupplication averted, a new League made, and the Peace afterward more religiouſly obſerved. The Rebels, indeed, think it below them to make reparation for dammages; yet they make them good by a War they were to engage in with the Dutch and Spaniards, to the great advantage of the Portugueſe. I mention not the Glory of aſſiſting diſtreſſed Princes, a rare thing amongſt Kings. But after all, he himſelf has no cauſe to fear, but that his kindneſs ſhew'd to a King, heretofore in diſtreſs, will, by the ſame Prince, who never forgets thoſe that have deſerved well of him, now raiſed to the Throne of his Anceſtours, and joyned to him in Affinity, be repayed to him and his Subjects with plentiful intereſt.

But now we have affairs nearer home, Strickland, the Ambaſſadour, being ſlighted in Holland, returns home. and with the Dutch again to conſider. Strickland having long reſided in Holland, as Ambaſſadour, is now ſlighted; and being allowed no more a place in the Aſſembly of the States, he returns home. But that the Parricides might repay one Affront with another, they command Jacobin Vanodenskirk, the Dutch Ambaſſadour to depart the Kingdom of England, The Dutch Ambaſſadour is commanded to depart England, upon pretext that the King being dead, the Negotiation with the States was now at an end. But ſoon after, as if they repented what they had done, Schaepie is ſent to treat of Peace, who, though he was but an Agent, and empowred only by one City, to wit, Amſterdam, to treat, yet, by the Rump-Parliament,

To whom another preſently ſucceeds from Amſterdam.

St. Jones and Strickland are ſent into Holland with great Equipage.

he is honoured with the Title of Ambaſſadour, who take occaſion, on the other hand to ſend two Ambaſſadours with Royal and Magnificent Equipage, to wit, Oliver St. Jones, one of the Members of the Rump-Parliament, and Lord Chief Juſtice of the Common-Pleas, and Walter Strickland. Theſe have Inſtructions, To clap up a Peace, and that by a Coalition of both Nations into one, they might live under the ſame Government, have the mutual Priviledges of Habitation, Trading and Harbours of each Country indifferently: But theſe were not to be divulged, but piece and piece, and by degrees, if they found the People inclineable, and fit to comply with ſuch Propoſitions.

Who nevertheleſs being fooled by the States,But the States had no inclination to ſettle a Peace, until they found the ſucceſs of the affairs in Scotland. But after much adoe, having at length given Audience to the Ambaſſadours, they put them off from day to day, till they propoſed, at long run, ſome long winded Articles of Peace, drawn up in the time of Henry VII, to be conſidered; which, ſo ſoon as the Ambaſſadours had rejected, they deviſe others to drive away time, until the Ambaſſadours, finding themſelves fooled, might haſten their departure. But, during their ſtay in Holland, the States were neceſſitated to place a Guard at their Door;And expoſed to continual dangers; nor was that ſufficient to ſecure them from Affronts, but that their Windows were every night broken, or they themſelves diſturbed by I know not what Bug-bears and Apparitions. There was alſo a ſtrong report, that a certain Relation of St. Jones came to his Houſe, that, with a Bow-ſtring, he might ſtrangle him after the manner of the Turks Mutes, but that becauſe he ſaw no way to eſcape, if he had committed the Fact, he abſtained from attempting it. The Ambaſſadours being ſtartled at theſe things, and daily fearing worſe,They return without doing of any thing. and not knowing how long they might ſtay, nor what anſwer bring back, they return without any effect of their Negotiation.

This enraged the Parricides, But great were the Diſorders that this Affront occaſioned, and ſevere was the Revenge which the Parricides hatched in their Hearts; being reſolved, that if the affairs in Scotland ſucceeded according to their wiſhes, they would never reſt nor ſheath their Sword, before they had forced by Arms the Conditions, which by Ambaſſadours they could not obtain. In the mean time they thought it enough at preſent, to give out Letters of Repriſal, And made them give out Letters of Repriſal. and by other mens hands, revenge the Injuries done to themſelves; and to make an Act, that no Merchandiſe, of what Country ſoever it were, ſhould be brought into England, unleſs imported in Engliſh Bottoms by Engliſh Sea-men, or fraighted by Engliſh Merchants.

Let us make a trip over to Sweden, Whitlock Sails to Sweden with a ſplendid Embaſſy for the Que • n the Queen whereof had lately ſent an Envoy to Compliment and Congratulate the Regicides: To her therefore Whitlock is ſent in a ſplendid Embaſſie, to return the Honour and Compliment, and alſo to make Peace with her, to which ſhe very willingly conſented. But the Queen being ſhorttly after removed, or, to uſe a ſofter expeſſion, having reſigned the Crown,Who reſigning the Crown, the King ſends ov • r Bond Ambaſſadour to Cromwell. the King of Sweden ſends over a Reciprocal, and no leſs Honourable Embaſſy, by the Lord Chriſtopher Bond, a Senator of the Kingdom, to Cromwell, who then had the chief adminiſtration of the Government.

The Iſles of Silly lay very convenient for moleſting the Trade of the Engliſh. An expedition for reducing the Iſles of Silly. There the Royaliſts cruiſing too and again with four or five ſmall Veſſels, did no little hurt to the Regicides, and would have done much more, could they have been morgaged to the Dutch, as it was commonly reported. For plucking out of this Thorn, great preparations are made at Plimouth, not above fifteen Leagues diſtant from the Iſlands. Where Blake and Popham having provided ſome ſmall Veſſels and Boats, they take the opportunity, and ſet Sail from thence in the night time, with three hundred Souldiers, beſides Sea-men, and having had a fair Wind, next morning they come to the Land. There are in all ten adjacent Iſlands, divided only by narrow Paſſages of an Eddy Sea, and on all ſides ſecured by Shelves and Rocks. In three hours time they take Threſcoe and Briari, Of which two, after a conflict of three houres continuance, are taken. with the loſs of fifteen Men: but of the Garriſon, a Boat being ſunck, about fourty were drowned, one hundred and twenty made Priſoners, and about fourty Guns taken, which the Royaliſts out of two Friggats, had planted upon the ſhoar. The raging of the Sea appeaſing the Fury of the Souldiers, made for two days time a Ceſſation, not unlike to a Peace. But on the third day, when it was Calm, they began to thunder on both ſides with their great Guns, on the one hand from Threſcoe, and the other Iſlands, and on the other, from St. Mary's Grimsby Haven, being betwixt them.The reſt at length ſurrender upon articles. But the Governour Greenvill, now Earl of Bath, wanting ſupplies, at length, upon pretty good Conditions, ſurrenders the Iſland.

As alſo upon Barbadoes, an Iſland in America. Shortly after, that continual Victories might drop into to the lap of the Rebels, news was brought from the Caribbe Iſlands, that Barbadoes, the richeſt of them, had delivered it ſelf up into the power of Aiſckew, according to the example of which the reſt would take their meaſures. He, with eighteen or twenty Sail of Men of War, had ſteered his Courſe to the Weſt Indies, to reduce thoſe Iſlands once more under the yoak of England; and ſetting upon them unexpectedly, he took twenty or thirty Dutch Ships, who in contempt of two Acts, drove a Trade with them; cruiſing off and on in ſight of the Iſland, he blocked it up for the ſpace of ſix Months, and at length, a Sedition ariſing amongſt the Planters, he forced the Lord Willoughby, whom the King had made Governour of it, to ſurrender.

Whilſt theſe things are acting in the Indies, they erect of new in England, a High Court of Juſtice, as they were pleaſed to call it,A high Court of Juſtice is again erected, and that a ſtanding Court. not upon the account of a preſent Emergent; but to continue for ſix Months, which if it could paſs without the envy of Tyranny and Oppreſſion, might be adjourned de die in diem. Keeble is by the Rump-Parliament made Preſident of this Court, being aſſiſted by others, and fifty Aſſeſſors of the popular Faction. Moſt of theſe being Souldiers, were ready at the beck of the General, to ſmite the Priſoner as an Enemy; all the reſt were Creatures of the new Common-wealth, whoſe hopes and whole Eſtates depended upon the favour of the Parricides; except, perhaps, one or two, who had more Zeal than Judgment. And this horrid Violence, unheard of under the Government of our Kings paſt in all Ages, is impoſed upon the ignorant multitude, under the ſpecious name of Juſtice. Theſe Men had Power to bring before them, try and puniſh without appeal, any that had held Correſpondence with the King, Queen, Duke of York, the Royaliſts, or Iriſh, that had aſſiſted them by Word, or Deed, or received them into their Houſes, or that had delivered up any Caſtle, Town, or Ship, or had attempted any ſuch Surrender; beſides many other Crimes of the ſame nature. Now if you inquire into the conſtitution of the Court, and whence it derived its Authority, you muſt know, that it was firſt appointed againſt the Kings Majeſty, by thoſe who were ſo far from having any Power of adminiſtring Juſtice, that, by our Laws, and Cuſtoms, they had not the Power to condemn the meaneſt Slave; then againſt the Nobles; afterwards as occaſion offered, it was of ten made uſe of; but now was turned into a cuſtome. If any man was ſuſpected of plotting and contriving againſt the Publick, he was preſently dragged before this ſupreme Tribunal, and expoſed to the Calumnies of pettifogging Lawyers, who for a little Reputation and Profit ſold their Souls in pleading againſt him; who having none to defend his Cauſe, and being terrified or ſhamed out of Countenance, without the Evidence of two Witneſſes, or the Verdict of a Jury of twelve men, (which has onely force in England) he is Condemned, and why ſhould not I ſay Murdered?

A lively deſcription of the ſad faee of affairsIt was, indeed no ſmall matter of terrour, to ſee a drawn Sword hanging as by an Hair over all mens naked Heads, at every minute ready to fall upon them. About that time eſpecially, and afterward when Cromwell had got the chief adminiſtration of the Government, whole ſwarms of informers wandered about in all places,Informers ſwarm in all places. both publick and private, ſacred and prophane. They liſtned in Churches, ſneaked into companies in Taverns and Alehouſes, and went to wreſtling in the Rings. Noblemen and Gentelmens Servants were corrupted, that they might diſcover what their Maſters talked at Table; the chief Vintners or their Drawers at leaſt were feed, to hearken to the free diſcourſes of their Cuſtomers over their Wine, either in the room or skulking behind the Hangings, or thin partition Walls. Such kind of Spies and eave-droppers,Nothing ſecure from Spies. Hiero the Tyrant of Syracuſa uſed to employ, who were called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , In a word, Priſons were full of accuſers that they might accuſe; ſo that there was no Village free from ſnarlings nor ſnares. The Cities themſelves were filled with ſolitude, ſilence, trembling and fear. All flocked into the Countrey, not for pleaſure or the Society of their Neighbours, but where they could find ſolitude and retreat; where the Barrenneſs and deſertneſs of the place might neither allure Soldiers nor ſecure Informers; where they might neither be known, nor have acquaintance, and where avoiding the company of men, they might have the ſatisfaction of being ſecure, without the pleaſure of the Countrey or company. All Neighbourhood, Society, and intimacy were ſuſpected. Thoſe who where naturally averſe from ill things, yet often deceived, becauſe they had been deceived before. Into ſuch confuſion had the Rout, the diſturber of common Peace, put all things.Who had a thouſand tricks to do miſchief, With obſervant eyes do curious Spies run about, and were not idle when they had nothing to do. They tope it ſtoutly that by a gentle rack they may pump out the ſecrets of the heart. They pry into words and actions, but much more into mens looks, the interpreters of the mind. It is their buſineſs to hanker about for Rumors, and ſpread reports, to rouze the drooping hopes of the credulous, and to foment them with ſtrange ſtories, which afterwards vaniſhing into ſmoak, they might be cowed and rendered more puſillanimous for the future.

The Noblemen and Gentlemen who had been of the contrary ſide, are purſued with ſecret whiſpers and calumnies wherever they could be pickt up, onely to vex them; the more moderate are obnoxious to Suſpicions: Thoſe who were found any way to have aſſiſted or correſponded with the King, were either forced to bribe luſtily or to ſtand a Tryal. There were alſo a kind of Duckoys and Trapans, A New ſet of Trapans come in play, of all men the moſt accurſed, whoſe chief ſtudy was to teaze the more hot-headed and cholerick, and draw them thereby into Capital ſnares; and when they had thus caught them, inform againſt them that they might be brought to a Tryal, or oppreſs them with ſecret Calumnies.Who amongſt others, are fatal to Colonel Andrews. Colonel Andrews thus circumvented loſt his Head. Nor was the preſident Bradſhaw aſhamed openly to declare in Court, that by counterfeit Letters he had correſponded with him in the name of the King. Thus was the Eſtate of the Lord Craven confiſcated;By the craft of theſe, the Lord Craven is forfeited. though being no way obnoxious, but for a large Eſtate which he poſſeſſed in England, he lived beyond Seas in Holland. Whither one Faulkner of that Gang, a turn-coat to the Kings Party, being ſent, (but for what end I dare not affirm,) laid a ſnare for him. One ſingle evidence, and he infamous too, was ſufficient to the partial and mercenary Judges, for the fellow was afterwards for the ſame depoſition convicted of perjury, who having given under his hand contrary to what he had ſworn, to the Judges eyes bely'd his venal Tongue. Theſe are the counterfeiters of Commiſſions, of the King's Signet, forgers of writings and hands, and the Cony-catchers of Novices. They of their own accord give men Authority to raiſe Soldiers,And others brought into the danger of their lives. and then turn that Authority to their ruine, Deliver Letters, which they venture to do, though (as they ſay) upon the Peril of High Treaſon, and then inform the Soldiers that they might ſeize the Parties with the Letters, bring them before the new Court, and point blank condemn them to Death. In the mean time there was no accuſing of the clandeſtine authors of the Villany,Whilſt the accurſed authors are ſecure, and far leſs bringing them to Juſtice. So that it clearly appeared that theſe were not the crimes of private men, but publickly deliberated,As being put upon theſe tricks by the Regicides. forged in the ſhop of the Politicians, and committed to the Myrmidons, who as Jackcalls to the Lyons, might make it their buſineſs, to hunt out for Crimes, which the High Court of Juſtice might run down.

The Scots being long uncertain what to do,The Scots conſent to Monarchy, and that in the perſon of Charles the Second, thoſe that were of a contrary opinion not daring to reſiſt: Yet they diſagree about the conditions. and divided into divers Factions, at length reſolve upon Monarchical Government, and proclaming CHARLES the Second King. A few who reliſhed a Republick, being of the ſame mind with the Regicides, concealed their rancour, not daring to diſcover themſelves, nor reſiſt. But upon what Conditions he ſhould be admitted to the Throne is ſeriouſly debated; nor never well agreed upon. Moſt of the Highlanders, firmly maintain that no other Articles are to be demanded of his Majeſty but the ancicient promiſes which the Laws injoyned at the inauguration of Kings. Others, to wit the Covenanters, would have him firſt to ſubſcribe the Solemn League and Covenant, give ſigns of ſorrow and repentance for his Father and Mother's ſins; and all baniſhed and turned out of Court who had carried Arms for his Father, or had not as yet taken the Covenant. I mention not the reſt; as being but a few, whoſe minds were either corrupted by Bribes and Penſions from the Regicides,, or were infected with the contagion of their Friends the Democraticks;At length CHARLES the Second is proclaimed King of Scotland England, and Ireland; and who urged ſeverer terms, that they might raiſe new ſcruples, and cut off all way for the King's admiſſion. At length, the middle party prevailing, CHARLES the Second is by Heralds, in all publick Place, proclaimed King of Scotland, England and Ireland.

And Windram is ſent to the King from the Convention of Eſtates,In the mean while the debate growing long in the Convention of Eſtates, and Committee of the Kirk, who were to conſider of the matter and to draw it up into Form, they themſelves at length reſolve to ſend Windram, Laird of Libberton, to try the Kings mind; who having delivered him Letters full of ſorrow, and regret, for the horrid and unparallelled Murder of his Father,That he might inform him upon what conditions he was to be admitted. aſſures him that the Scots were ready to obey him, had proclaimed him King and Succeſſour to the Crown, and that upon the following Conditions, they would admit him to the Supreme adminiſtration of the Government.

The Propoſals were to this effect. That the King ſhould ſubſcribe the Solemn League and Covenant, Which were to this purpoſe. and conſent by act of Parliament that all his Subjects ſhould take it, confirming all that they had done for that purpoſe. That he ſhould confirm the acts of the two laſt Seſſions of the Parliament; which condemns Duke Hamilton's late engagement and irruption into England. That he ſhould recal his Commiſſion to Montroſs, whereby he had Power to raiſe Souldiers in Scotland, or bring them into Scotland from abroad. That he would renounce his right of Negative Vote. That he would ſuffer no Papiſt about him, and laſtly, that he would appoint a place in Holland, where Commiſſioners might wait upon his Majeſty, for adjuſting of theſe propoſals and of other things that might be previous to his voyage.

The King having read the Letters writes back to the Scots by Fleeming. Theſe Propoſals were made in the Iſle of Jerſey, where the King with many of his Courtiers then was, who, having received the Letters, made Windram very welcome; and not long after ſent Sir William Fleeming to the Scottiſh Nobility and Committee of the Kirk with Letters of reciprocal congratulation. At length he writes to them by Windram.

Afterwards by the ſame Windram;

And appoints Breda in Holland for a Treaty.

That he was well pleaſed with their obedience and indignation againſt the Regicides, exhorts them, that they would ſeriouſly endeavour the reſtoring of Peace and Concord; that for that end he ſhould not be wanting in any thing; and bids them for that purpoſe ſend Commiſſioners to Breda, with whom he would treat about the re-eſtabliſhing of Peace.

The King being willing to deliberate about theſe matters more ſeriouſly,Then deliberates with his Friends. privately demands the Opinions of his Friends, writing to thoſe whoſe Affairs hindered them from waiting Perſonally upon him. But ſo many Heads, ſo many Minds; yet the Opinions were divided chiefly into two.Of whom ſome dread all concord with the Scots: Some perſwade him not at all to liſten to the Scots, there being treachery hid under the ſpecious Cloak of obedience. They repreſent to him his Father as an Inſtance of it, who had been long gull'd with fair promiſes, until he was forced to be ſevere to his moſt faithful Subjects; and then afterward was delivered up to the pleaſure of the Faction. That they would cloath him with the Name and Title of a King, but keep all the Power and real Authority in their own hands. And that if he offered for the future to reſiſt, and get his neck from under the Yoke, they would deliver him up to the Engliſh Regicides, or kill him with their own hands. That he would do better to ſtick by Montroſs, than by the united Forces of Scotland, whom he had found to be faithful and brave in doubtful and difficult times, and magnanimous and fortunate at a pinch; that with his own, and the Forces of his Friends, ſuccours from abroad, and the aid of the Engliſh, Iriſh, and Scots, he might mount his Throne in ſpight of all the attempts and endeavours of his Enemies.

Others again magnified the Authority of Parliament, and the Power of the Covenanters, Others perſwade him to liſten to the Scots, giving it out, that the Engliſh alſo who loved Presbytery, ſecretly favoured the Scots, though at preſent they diſcovered not themſelves; that it would procure him likewiſe reputation abroad, to be owned King of Scotland:As the Queen-Mother alſo did. That the Queen alſo exhorted him to make Peace with the Scots; who though at firſt they propoſed ſevere and grievous Conditions of Union, yet his Majeſty would in progreſs of time obtain more eaſie terms, the Covenanters by long converſation and frequent Offices being won over to calmer and milder Diſpoſitions; that they conſulted their own Intereſts, under the Veil of Divine Worſhip and Cloak of Religion, and that by complying with the Times, he would at length find the Scots more tractable and ſubmiſſive to his his Will and Pleaſure. Thus the King betwixt Scylla and Charybdis, was for ſome time at a ſtand,☞ uncertain to what ſide to adhere, but reſolving to determine himſelf for the future as occaſion did preſent.

Windram being ſent into Scotland, the Kings Anſwer is kindly received, and joyful hopes of concord begin to ſhine out over the whole Nation.The King acquaints Montroſs with the Treaty to be held with the Scots at Breda: The Kings Majeſty, in the mean time writes to Montroſs, to whom he had formerly given a Commiſſion to invade Scotland, acquainting him with what the Scots had done, what anſwer he had ſent to them, and that a Treaty was to be held at Breda for ſettling a Peace: That he nevertheleſs ſhould go on in levying Souldiers, that he might with as many men as poſſibly he could make be ready in Scotland, at the time that the Scots began their Treaty. For ſo he doubted not but that they would inſiſt upon eaſier terms, when they perceived him in a readineſs to revenge by Arms the injuries that might be offered to him. Now his Majeſty thought it fit to leave Jerſey, And preſently leaves the Iſle of Jerſey. both becauſe he had intelligence that the Rump-Parliament were preparing a Fleet, for invading the Iſland; and alſo that all things neceſſary might be in readineſs againſt the time of the following Treaty.

In the mean time the convention of the Eſtates of Scotland conſult about Propoſals,The convention of the Eſtates of Scotland chuſe Commiſſioners, and the chuſing of Commiſſioners to be ſent to the King: Where the Miniſters forgetting all Modeſty and Juſtice, propoſe Conditions extreamly rigid, difficult and impoſſible; for qualifying and mitigating which the Lay-men beſtir themſelves; and at length they ioyntly agree upon this. That the Commiſſioners be the Earls of Caſſils and Louthian, the Lord Burleigh, and Laird of Liberton; Smith and Jeffreys to repreſent the Laity; and Brodie, Lawſon, And agree upon Articles to be ſent to the King. and Wood, the Clergy. That the Propoſals ſhould be theſe. That a Proclamation ſhould be iſſued out, prohibiting all Excommunicated Perſons to come to Court. That the King ſhould bind himſelf by his Royal Promiſe under Hand and Seal, to take the National Covenant, and the Solemn League and Covenant of the three Kingdoms. That he ſhould beſides ratifie all Acts of Parliament, whereby the League and Covenant, Presbyterian Government, the Directory of Worſhip, Confeſſion of Faith and Catechiſm are enjoyned; and that he ſhould uſe the ſame in his own Family, and not ſuffer them to be innovated or aboliſhed by any. Moreover that in all Civil Affairs, he ſhould govern according to the direction of Parliament, and in Eccleſiaſticals, according to that of the Aſſembly of the Kirk. Which, propoſed at Breda: Theſe Propoſals are after a Sermon, were delivered by the Earl of Caſſils at Breda. The King asking if they had any more to ſay? They anſwer, Nothing; and after, if they were obliged by any engagement to be revenged on the Regicides? They anſwer, By none.

And preſently after a few more by other Commiſſioners; eſpecially againſt Montroſs. Whil'ſt his Majeſty was conſulting about theſe, other Commiſſioners come, to wit, Murrey and the Earl of Carnwath, with ſome few additions to the former Propoſals; as that His Majeſty would forbid Montroſs and his Followers to enter the Kingdom, and by his aſſent confirm the laſt Acts of Parliament.

And now it is time to relate the misfortune of Montroſs. He being honoured with the Kings Commiſſion, uſes all his endeavours amongſt the Sweeds, The deplorable fate of that Excellent Hero is related; Danes, Poles, Germans, and all the Northern Nations, that being furniſhed and aſſiſted with Men, Money, Arms and Proviſions, he might paſs over into Scotland. And without delay, having for haſte left behind King with a Body of Horſe in Sweden, who deſigned to follow him; and Ogilbey alſo in Holland to gather the disbanded Souldiers of the Prince of Oranges Army,Who w • th a ſmall handful of men arrives too ſoon in Scotland. who miſapplied the Money deſigned for that purpoſe; with fifteen hundred Arms furniſhed by the Queen of Sweden, fuor Ships, (of which two were caſt away upon the Rocks) and four hundred raw Souldiers raiſed in a hurry, he arrives at the Iſles of Orkney; and there having ioyned about a thouſand of the Iſlanders, moſt part Fiſhermen, he ſet Sail and landed at the Wick of Cathneſs; chearfully reflecting upon what he had done before, and full of hopes, that he ſhould in a ſhort time get together a conſiderable Army, by the concourſe of thoſe who had heretofore been for the King.

But, alas! that hope deceived Montroſs. The Nation was now of another mind,He is ſadly diſappointed of his hopes, the Nation being now worn out with troubles, and inclinable to peace. being tired out and broken with the Wars, their dangers over, inclinable to Peace; and reſtrained by the ſeverities of the Covenanters. The whole Country was in Arms, ſo ſoon as they heard of his arrival. The Parliament happened at that time to be ſitting, and not without the King's Command, and had ſeven or eight thouſand men under the Command of Leſly. The Clans choſe rather to have a Peace from any Maſters, than an uncertain one, though more favourable; and to enjoy with ſecurity rather an incommodious reſt, than with the danger of Fortune to endeavour a change by ſtirs. Nay many who were even ready to lay down their lives for the King, having now at length capitulated with the Parliament, and promiſed obedience and ſubmiſſion, think they cannot act contrary without a Crime.

Nevertheleſs he takes Dumbeath Caſtle,He takes Dumbeath. with a reſolute mind advances farther; and expecting that the Earl of Seaforth would joyn him with two thouſand Men,And haſtens to p • ſſeſs himſelf of a Paſs. But Straughan was at hand with three hundred Horſe. whom he had raiſed for the King: He haſtens to poſſeſs himſelf of a narrow and difficult paſs, which being taken, would facilitate their Conjunction. But Straughan met him upon his march, who was ſent before by Leſly with three hundred choice Horſe, that he might watch his motion, beat up his Quarters, withſtand his Progreſs, intercept Men and Proviſions that might be ſent to his Camp, and if a fair occaſion offered, not only Skirmiſh with him,Who perceiving his opportunity, falls upon him, eaſily routs and puts his men to flight. but put it to the hazzard of a Battel. This Man perceiving them to be out of order, weary, and only Foot, in an open and plain Champion, falls ſuddenly in upon them, and tries the fortune of War; and with that ſucceſs, that the Souldiers of the Iſles at once throwing away both their Arms and Courage, betake themſelves to flight.

The Germans in the mean time defending themſelves, Montroſs betakes himſelf to flight, and being ſpent with three days faſting, confiding in a treacherous man, is brought to Leſlie, until getting leave to depart, they ſailed over Seas. All the Baggage was taken by Straughan and the Standard, bearing the Figure of a Head cut off, with this Motto, Judica & vindica cauſam, Domine, Judge and avenge the Cauſe, O Lord. Montroſs fled, and having changed his Cloaths with a certain High-lander, for three or four days he lurked, accompanied only with one Servant, till being weakned and ſpent with Hunger and Faſting, he truſted himſelf with the Laird of Aſton, who, although he had formerly ſerved under him, yet, having changed his Faith with his Fortune, betrayed him to Leſlie for a reward of two thouſand pounds. The Lord Freuderick, Colonel Hurrie, Francis Haye of Dalgetty, another Haye of Naughton, Sibbald, Grey, Spotſwood, and others were likewiſe taken by Straughan.

And from thence into the Jaws of his Enemies, and is baſely uſed at Edinburrough:But Montroſs is made a ſubject of triumph, when he was come within a Mile of Edinburrough, is ordered to be bound by the Hangman, in a Chair, and planted backwards in a Cart, that he might be ſeen of all, the Executioner riding with his Cap on upon the Beaſt that drew the Cart; and in that poſture he is carried to the Tolbooth, the publick Priſon for Malefactors; many of the Spectators burſting out into Tears, when they reflected upon the changeableneſs and inconſtancy of Fortune.

Next day he is in Parliament accuſed of hainous Crimes,Next day he is arraigned at the Bar of the Parliament. It is objected againſt him, That he had ſtopt the Kings Ears to the Parliament, and to the reſt of his Subjects, who gave him good Counſel; That he had brought over the Iriſh Rebels to make War in the very heart of the Kingdom: That he had heretofore ſlain ſome of the Parliamentarians; That he had committed many Spoils, Depopulations, and Devaſtations, in the Lands of the Marqueſs of Argile; That he had ill treated ſome Miniſters upon his firſt coming into Scotland; That upon his ſecond landing in Scotland, he had brought foreign Souldiers with him, and that without Commiſſion, for what was known to others; That he had been ill affected towards all Covenanters, and that he had baſely broken the League and Covenant, which he had ſolemnly taken and Sworn. Theſe were the Crimes that were laid to his Charge. But he foreſeeing that a defence would not ſtand him in any ſtead, anſwers in ſhort and general terms;Which he ſhortly anſwered and refuted. That it was very well known he had made the Invaſion by Commiſſion from the King; that he had never acted any thing, which was not approved by the Kings Command, and his own Conſcience; that by the League and Covenant he was bound to obey the Kings Majeſty as well as the Commons. He was only brought twice before the Parliament, and a third time to receive Sentence,Nevertheleſs he is Condemned by Chancellour Loudon, to ſuffer in a moſt horrid manner. pronounced by Chancellour Loudon, with all maginable bitterneſs and Contempt, which he undauntedly, and without the leaſt Sign of Conſternation, heard given againſt him in theſe Words.

That next day, the one and twentieth of March, one thouſand ſix hundred and fifty, he ſhould be hanged on a Gibbet at the Croſs in Edinburrough, until he died, his Hiſtory and Declaration being tied about his neck, and to hang three hours in publick view of all the People, after which he ſhould be beheaded and quartered, his Head to be fix'd upon the Talbooth of Edinburrough, and his Legs and Arms over the Gates of the Cities, Sterling, Glaſcow, Dundee, and Aberdeen: And in caſe he repented (whereby the Sentence of Excommunication may be taken off by the Kirk) the bulk of his Body ſhould be buried in the Gray Friers, if not, in the Burrough Moor (a place like TYBƲRN). Nothing did his Blood deſcended from the Race of the ancient Nobility, nor his Heroick Virtues, avail him; nor could the Clemency that he had us'd towards the Vanquiſhed, nor the Kings Commiſſion, whereby he had undertaken the War, procure him any Favour. Neither, indeed, did he deſire any Favour, but with a brave and undaunted Mind, told them, That he thought it no leſs honourable to have his Head put upon the Tolbooth, than to have his Picture hang in the Kings Bed-Chamber: wiſhing that he had Fleſh and Parts enough to be ſet up in all places, as a monument of his unſhaken Loyalty to the King. He piouſly and couragiouſly ſuffered the publick ſhame he was put to,Next day he ſuffered a barbarous and inhumane death. with ſo much Force in anſwering the Miniſters, ſuch ſincerity in ſpeaking to the People, and ſo much Zeal and Fervour in his Devotions, that he made the Miniſters aſhamed, cleared his Innocence to the People, and gave a proof of his Piety towards God. None of the Spectatours could refrain from Tears; unleſs it was the Lady Lorn, who could not forbear laughing; but her Note and Carriage was changed, when ſhe might have ſeen the Head of her Father-in-Law, Argile, cut off in the ſame place, as it happened not many years after. Three or four Gentlemen more, who could give any hopes of retrieving the Kings Affairs, that were now ſinking in Scotland, were overwhelmed in the ſame ruin, and publickly put to death.

The news of this horrid Cruelty no ſooner came to the Kings Ears, but,The King was extreamly grieved at this miſfortune, and expoſtulates with Murrey. afflicted with extream Sorrow, he ſent for Murrey, and told him, that he was grieved at the Heart, that during the very Treaty, when he thought the minds of all to be diſpoſed to Peace, the Parliament had polluted themſelves with the Blood of his beſt Subjects; demanding an account of the whole Tragedy, and of the Blood that was ſpilt. Yet he judged it moſt convenient,Yet he conceals his Anger. not to give way to his juſt Anger, but rather to moderate and reſtrain his Indignation, no hopes being now left him him, but what depended on the Scots.

The Scots make anſwer, That they ſtill perſiſt in the ſame Mind and Loyalty towards his Majeſty. That they gladly heard that there were hopes of reſtoring Peace: That he ſhould not be moved with Obſtacles that, at firſt hearing, were grievous: That nothing had been acted in the caſe of Montroſs, that the King himſelf could repent of, or that did not conſiſt with Reaſon and Juſtice. The Scots labour to ſoften and appeaſe the King, This Anſwer paſt by Plurality of Votes in Parliament, though two and thirty Republicans oppoſed it. That he ſhould haſten his Voyage into Scotland: That they were ready with all their Might and Force to ſtand by and defend him againſt his Enemies; tho they had intercepted Letters written to Montroſs, which they choſe rather to bury in Oblivion, than mention.

At length, the King, Who at length conſents to their Articles, by the advice of William, Prince of Orange, and others, conſents to the Articles of the Scots, with ſome little Qualification and Reſtriction; and bidding farewel to moſt of his Faithful Domeſtick Servants, and to the Church-men, his Chaplains, whoſe company he thought would not be acceptable to the Scots, And together with the Commiſſioners, that in different Ships, he puts out to Sea; by whom he is on Board plied with new Propoſals, about the Solemn League and Covenant. he, with the Commiſſioners, but in different Ships, ſet Sail from Scheveling in Holland, directing his Courſe towards the River of Spey. But by that time they were a little out at Sea, the Commiſſioners came to the King, having, as they ſaid, received new Inſtructions, and intreat him that he would Subſcribe and Confirm the Solemn League and Covenant, according to the Commands they had received from the Parliament. For he had ſigned the National Covenant already, and promiſed not to be againſt this; he had allowed it alſo to be impoſed upon all others; and told them, that if he might give his Reaſons perſonally to the Parliament, why he could not ſubſcribe it, he would comply.Which with reluctancy he ſubcribes in preſence of Witneſſes, This ſo ſtuck with the King, and vexed him ſo much, that he was about to have changed his Courſe, and failed back again to Holland. But being prevailed upon, he at length ſubſcribed; and that no place of doubting might be left, five or ſix are called to ſubſcribe as witneſſes to the Act and Deed. No ſooner was this Evil over, but he fell into danger by continual ſtorms, and Engliſh Frigats, that lay in wait for him, of all things moſt to be feared. For thoſe that looked from Land, believed thoſe Frigats to have been up with the Kings Ships, though indeed they ſaw not one another by reaſon of a Cloud that interpoſed. And ſo after ſo many dangers,And at length, after many dangers, arrives in the Spey; under the protection of Almighty God, they all ſafely arrived in the Spey.

With the general applauſe of the People.The People were not a little gladded by the Kings Landing in Scotland, teſtifying their Joys with Shouts, and Acclamations and Bonefires. But the Commiſſioners, that with ſhew of greater Honour they might conduct him to Edinburrough, put back thoſe, that in ſenſe of Duty came to ſalute and honour him, and beat off others with Fiſts and Sticks, that more importunately approached.He is ſplendidly entertained at Aberdeen; He was ſplendidly entertained by the Magiſtrates of Aberdeen, who, for a pledge of their Love, preſented him with fifteen hundred Marks, which he diſtributed amongſt his indigent, and almoſt famiſhed Servants. And that occaſioned a Proclamation for ſecuring their Money, That ſuch as thought fit to beſtow any thing for the intereſt of the King, it ſhould only be brought into the publick Treaſury. The Magiſtrates of Dundee entertained him likewiſe magnificently,And at Dundee alſo. ſaving that a Member of Montroſs was to be ſeen upon a Poll, on the top of the Town Hall; and that the Eſtates urged him to ſign new Articles. Afterwards he came to Edinburrough, And when he came to Edinburrough, he was ſolemnly proclaimed King of Scotland, England, and Ireland. There he is managed at the pleaſure of Commiſſioners, and continually vexed by the Miniſters. amidſt the reiterated and joyful Acclamations of all the People, and is again by the Heralds proclaimed King of Scotland, England, and Ireland.

The Kings Majeſty is managed according to the pleaſure of ſome Commiſſioners; acceſs is allowed to ſuch as they thought fit, all others being kept back. His Guard is Commanded by the Lord Lorn, Son to the Marqueſs of Argile, by whom all the avenues are obſerved, that no man might envy that ſplendid cuſtody. In the mean time the Presbyterian Miniſters, talk of nothing but Crimes; now inveighing againſt the Sins of his Father, and by and by again, againſt the Idolatry and Hereſie of his Mother, and the obſtinacy of both, towards the Reformation, the Government and Church of Chriſt: They never reſt telling him of Wars, Slaughter, Bloodſhed, of his Education and living amongſt Biſhops, Men of no Religion, and that in a ſaucy manner, without the leaſt ſenſe of reverence or ſhame. Labouring to make him a new Creature, by leſſons of Repentance and Humility, ſevere rebukes and admonitions, that he might carry his Croſs, before he put on his Crown, and mount by the Valley of Bacha, to the Throne of regal Authority. And all theſe things they ſo abſurdly and clowniſhly ſet about, that their Doctrins and Inſtructions were more apt to make him nauſeate and eternally hate their ways, than to gain him to a liking or aſſent to their Opinions. The King one evening walking in the Garden, a couple of dapper Covenant Levites making up to him, and very ſeverely chid him for profaning the Lords Day by a Walk;By the Laicks alſo almoſt diveſted of his Royal Power. though he had heard two Sermons, and been publickly at Morning and Evening Prayers that day, beſides other private Meditations that he was much given to. The Laity alſo inſtead of a Crown of Gold ſhining with Jewels, which they bragg'd they would Crown him with, the precious Stones being ſecretly and by degrees pick'd out of it, give him one of Feathers, ſuch as Demetrius truly ſaid, no man in his ſenſes would ſtoop and take up from the ground, by allowing him his Robes, the Name of Majeſty, and Enſigns of a King, with the troubles and difficulties of doing Juſtice, (though that alſo muſt be adminiſtred after their way;) whilſt they invaded and reſerved to themſelves, the ſubſtantial Prerogatives of making Laws, and Peace, and War.

The Regicides informed of all that paſt, look to themſelves.But theſe things could not be ſo kept up from the Regicides (though the Parliaments claw'd one another, with mutual ſigns of good-will, by Conferences and Meſſengers, at leaſt no Hoſtility as yet appears) but that by their Friends and Emiſſaries in Holland and Scotland, who were well paid for their pains, they were informed of the whole ſeries of the pacification. And therefore they conſult how they might provide before hand, againſt a ſtorm that haug over their heads.Therefore paſſing by Fairfax, who favoured the S • ots, There was an Army in readineſs under the Command of Fairfax; but that General was not very prone to enter into a War with the Scots; who had not as yet provoked the Engliſh by any injuries; they ſuſpected him rather to have a kindneſs for that Nation; and to be inwardly diſpleaſed at the Murder of the King, and ſubverſion of the Government. They therefore recal Cromwell out of Ireland, Cromwell is recalled from Ireland, who with much ſolemnity and applauſe returns to London: to give him the charge of the Scottiſh War. He quickly returning home Crowned with Victories and Succeſs, in a triumphant manner entred London amidſt a crowd of Attendants, Friends, Citizens, and Members of the Rump-Parliament, Guarded by a Troop of Horſe and a Regiment of Foot, and amongſt them Fairfax himſelf, went out two miles to meet him, and congratulate his Arrival. But when they were come to Tyburn, the place of publick Execution, where a great croud of ſpectators were gathered together, a certain flatterer pointing with his finger to the Multitude; Good God! Sir, (ſaid he) what a number of People come to welcome you home? He ſmiling, made anſwer, But how many more do you think, would flock together to ſee me hanged, if that ſhould happen? There was nothing more unlikely at that time; and yet there was a preſage in theſe words, which he often repeated and uſed in diſcourſe.

The Regicides and he having conſulted, it is thought fit to eaſe the Lord Fairfax of the burden; and Cromwell is declared Captain General of all the Forces in England, Scotland, and Ireland;And is preſently declared Captain General of the Forces in place of Fairfax, for an immediate Invaſion of Scotland. The Scots ſend Dehortatory Letters; who undertakes the War againſt the Scots, having ordered Souldiers and Proviſions to be ſent towards Berwick. The Scots inſtantly ſend Letters to the Rump-Parliament, Cromwell, and Haſelrigg Governour of New-Caſtle; wherein they complain that the Rump-Parliament deſign an Invaſion of their Country; and that contrary to the Ʋnion agreed upon betwixt both Nations, and the publick Faith mutually given, no War being denounced, the Cauſe not publiſhed, nor their Anſwers expected, without giving them time to repent, if they had offended in any thing. To which the Engliſh Officers anſwer. But that the Scene might be continued, The Engliſh Officers give an Anſwer, The ſumm of which, that the Genius of theſe times may the better appear to Poſterity, I ſhall here ſhortly relate. And after a Preface, it was to this purpoſe.

We are blamed for the Murder of the King, for which we are bound rather to give God thanks, and applaud the Parliament, ſince the King was guilty of more bloodſhed than the cruelty of all his Predeceſſours; an obſtinate Enemy of Reformation, and of all good men; who beſides taught his Son to follow his footſteps: Him the ſounder part of the People, (the timorous and bad Members being ſecluded) juſtly put to death; God Almighty ſhow'd them the who way at firſt, approving it by wonderful ſucceſſes and continual benedictions. What is on the other hand objected, that the Treaty, the Law of Arms, and the League and Covenant are violated, by a War made before it be denounced, but that Treaty is already abrogated by Hamilton, at the Command of his own Parliament; unleſs it be thought that the Engliſh only are bound by the Religion of Treaties and Agreements, but the Scots not at all. Let them pretend their League and Covenant; but withal, let them conſider that therein Religion and the Liberty of the Subject is in the firſt place to be ſecured, ☜ and that the honour and defence of the King is deſigned but in the ſecond place, and in order to the former; ſince therefore theſe two thwart one another, it is but juſt that that which is laſt, and mor • ignoble be diſpenced with. As to what concerns the eſtabliſhment of Presbytery, it was not certainly the intention of the Covenant, by force of Arms, to impoſe it upon people whether they would or not, unleſs it could be made out by Holy Scripture, and Arguments of ſound reaſon; to which they themſelves were ready to ſubſcribe. Afterwards they profeſs in the Name of God, and with bowels full of love and compaſſion, That it would be their greateſt joy, if without Arms they might obtain ſatisfaction and ſecurity. This they cauſe to be diſperſed among the Scots that came to Market to Berwick, thereby to wheedle them, and create a good Opinion of themſelves, and ſtir up Factions among the People.

Cromwell alſo gives the Scots ſweet words; Cromwell alſo wheadles the common people of Scotland with ſweet words. having publiſhed a Declaration, and cauſed it by his Agents to be diſperſed through Scotland: Wherein he bids the honeſt Inhabitants, through whoſe Countries the Army was to march, to be of good courage; he having no quarrel with them; and not to depart from their Houſes; it being his intention to do injury to no man, but rather to protect all. He moreover puts them in mind of the modeſty and good diſcipline of the Souldiers, whereof they themſelves were eye witneſſes, when he purſued Duke Hamilton's men into the heart of the Kingdom, telling them that from that was paſt, they ſhould make a Judgment of what was to come. That he took to heart all the concerns of good men; and that now he drew his Sword againſt the Authors of wrongs, who had lately polluted both England and Scotland with Blood and Slaughter, and who would involve them into new Miſeries, having admitted into their boſom the King, an open favourer of wickedneſs.

But in vain, ſeeing all fled, leaving no victuals behind them.But he ſings to the deaf, they being now ſufficiently acquainted with his tricks and fallacies: For the Inhabitants flying with what Goods they could carry with them, betook themſelves to places of more ſecurity; nor was there a bit of Victuals to be found in that Country, but what was brought in the Ships that waited upon the Coaſt.

Cromwell having entered Scotland,About the end of June, one thouſand ſix hundred and fifty, after four days march in the Enemies Country, he came to Muſſelbrough, within a few miles of Edenborrough, with five thouſand five hundred Horſe, eleven thouſand Foot, ſixteen field pieces, and all ſorts of warlike Proviſions.

The Scots encamp betwixt Leeth and Edenburrough. In the mean time the Scots were not idle; but having levied an Army under the Command of Old Leſlie, with much expedition, part of the Forces were encamped and ſtrongly entrenched betwixt Leeth and Edenburrough. To whoſe aſſiſtance flocked daily Souldiers raiſed in all parts, who had taken the Covenant, and neither ſerved under Montroſs nor Hamilton. No reſpect in the mean time was had to the King, who was left at St. Johnſton, upon pretext, that he had not ſpent time enough in Prayers and the Works of Mortification, for receiving the mold and impreſſion of Presbytery.

Cromwell afterward draws up his Army in Battalia, within a mile of the Scottiſh Camp, Cromwell ſhews himſ • lf, and provokes them to Battel: Then thinks of falling in upon their Camp, but thinks it ſafer to march back to Muſſelbrough to ref • eſh his Souldiers. and took the Field that he might provoke them to come to Battel. But the Scots not inclining to come to an Engagement, he went up to Arthurs ſeat near Edenburrough, that he might view the Enemy, and conſider whether he had not beſt to fall into their Camp, whil'ſt his Forces were as yet in good plight, and the Scots not altogether well prepared.

But the Officers diſſwaded him from that enterpriſe as being full of danger, if not alſo raſh. Wherefore perceiving that no good was to be done that way, he marches towards Muſſelbrough to refreſh his Souldiers,

Lambert beats back the enemy in purſuit of the Engliſh.

Straughan offers great matters, relying not only on the Prayers, but alſo the Horſe of the Clergy.

leaving a Guard behind, that might keep the Enemy in play, if perchance they might charge him in the Reer. And indeed, they did ſo, and beat and put that party to flight; purſuing them, until Lambert with another Body of men, put a ſtop to their Victory, though he received two wounds. Many were killed in that Engagement; which nevertheleſs was but as a prelude to the Slaughter of the night following. For Straughan had undertaken, with fifteen hundred Horſe raiſed by the Clergy, to have Cromwell either alive or dead. For that end Prayers were poured forth in the Churches, and the Miniſters roaring from the Pulpits, implored, nay, I had almoſt ſaid, commanded the Victory: As if God Almighty had been obliged in duty by all means to aſſiſt his own Saints, purged from the leaven of Malignancy, and joyned to himſelf by Covenant, againſt King-killing Hereticks and Sectarians.

In the mean time Straughan falls in ſuddenly and briskly upon the Cromwellians, He falls upon the Engliſh. and puts their Out-Guards into Diſorder, but with no happy ſucceſs,But is beat off, and loſes his Horſe. for the Enemy coming up in Bodies one after another, beat off the Black-Coat men, and purſued them even to the Camp; Straughan himſelf having been diſmounted, and with much ado eſcaping into the Town. The flying and conſternation was ſo great, that the Purſuers had almoſt entered the Enemies Camp, had not the Kings Majeſty, who came that morning, been happily there. For he, cauſing the Cannon to be turned againſt the Fugitives,The King reduces the terrified Souldiers into order. threatned to Fire upon them, if they rallied not, and drew up again in order, under the protection of the Guns of the Camp, that ſo the Troops one after another might be received into the Camp. His Majeſty lay in his Cloaths all that night upon the ground,For which the Souldiers ſhew him very great Honou • . without a wink of ſleep; but the Souldiers next morning being ſenſible from what danger he had delivered the Army, and how much he had deſerved at their hands, had C. R. marked with a Coal or Match, ſome upon their Hats and Caps, and others on their Coats, as a badge of their gratitude.

The Commanders are angry; The Miniſters pray him to withdraw:The Council of War was very angry at theſe things; and the Miniſters coming, earneſtly beg of him, that he would withdraw, and not expoſe himſelf to the dangers of War: They pretend to be in Covenant with God, as no King was; and that That Life, which was to be preferred before the Lives of ten thouſand private Souldiers, was not to be expoſed to the Enemy; with many things of that nature. But the King obſtinately refuſing, and judging it unworthy, that he who ſwayed the Royal Scepter, and wore the Crown, ſhould fear Wounds, or ſhun the ſhedding of his Blood for his Subjects: The Commanders alſo come and intercede with him: They beſeech, urge, and at length not obſcurely threaten, that if he would not, he might ſhift for himſelf; and if he deſired not to meet with worſe uſage, he would remove to ſome other place: Theſe reaſons ſo prevailed, that at length he withdrew.To whom with much ado he at length liſtens. Then do the Nobles and Miniſters inquire into the Authors of the Kings coming, and order almoſt a thouſand Horſe, and two thouſand Foot to be disbanded, as being Malignants; or that they had not at all, or too late taken the Covenant, without any previous ſigns of Repentance. But Cromwell at that time knew none of theſe things,The Priſoners are ſent home in Cromwells Coach. who without any ranſome ſent the Priſoners, whom he had taken, in his own Coach to Edenburrough, that by that good Office he might oblige the Kirk, having not as yet loſt all hopes of the Miniſters; or at leaſt that he might have an occaſion of getting Intelligence of the affairs of the Enemies.

Cromwell marches back to Dunbar, Cromwell returns to Dunbar, where the Ships rode at Anchor, that he might refreſh his faint Souldiers with Proviſions, give them ſome reſt, and draw the Scots farther off from their Camp; but being impatient of delay, after a few days he marched back again,And from thence ſuddenly marching back again, diſturbs the joys of the Scots. and found much rejoycing and feaſting at Edenburrough, for the departure of the Engliſh, which his ſudden approach quickly put a ſtop to. David Leſlie is ſent to Cromwell from the Comittee of the Kirk to acquaint him; That the King ſtumbling at, The Kirk and States renounce the defence of Malignants. and refuſing to ſubſcribe to the Declaration offered him by the Committee of Eſtates, and Commiſſioners of the Kirk, concerning his former Carriage, and reſolution for the future, is cauſe of juſt Grief and Offence, in reference to the Cauſe of God, and the Enemies and Friends thereof. And therefore they do declare, that they do not, nor will not eſpouſe any malignant Party or Quarrel, but that they fight meerly upon their former Grounds and Principles, in the cauſe of God and the Kingdom, nor will they own the King, nor his Intereſt, farther than he owns and proſecutes the Cauſe of God, &c.

Cromwell takes two Forts in view of the Scots; Cromwell perceiving that there was no way to allure the Scots to a Battel, marches towards Pentland Hills, and in ſight of the Army, takes in Collington and Red-houſe, both garriſoned by Souldiers, that ſo he might draw the Scots out of their Trenches. But when neither that could do, he drew up his Army, marches too and again about the Camp, views, provokes them, and threatens a preſent attempt. Nevertheleſs the Scots keep to their reſolution, ſometimes,Who budg not for all that; indeed, skirmiſhing with, and haraſſing the Enemy, but not daring to put it to the tryal of a Battel: Until the Souldiers were enured by Skirkmiſhes and ſlight Engagements, to look the Cromwellians in the Face, uſe their Arms,And to waſh off the Aſperſion of Cowardiſe, they give Cromwell aſſurance that they would ſhortly fight him, and lay aſide all fear; and that they might at length, with no great labour, defeat Cromwell's Forces, tired out and weakned, by the badneſs of Air, Cold, Hunger, watching and frequent Skirmiſhing.

But, becauſe a rumour was ſpread abroad, that the Scots kept within their Dens and lurking holes with a whole Skin, not daring, (like Cowards) to hazard a Battel, that they might wipe off that Aſperſion, they ſend a ſplendid meſſage to Cromwell, to aſſure him, that within a few days he ſhould have experience of the contrary. And that they might be as good as their word,And march to the right hand, and come to a halt. two days after drawing out their Forces, they march to the right hand, as towards Sterling, and after a ſhort march halt. Cromwell, that he might not ſeem to decline an opportunity of Fighting, now by them offered,He preſently following, finds a Mariſh betwixt them. advances againſt, and follows them: But when he came within Muſquet-ſhot of the Enemy, he puts Spurs to his Horſe and advances, that he himſelf might view, what it was that hindered the Scots from coming on: Finding a great Mariſh there, which could not without difficulty be paſſed over, with his great Guns (which was all he could do) he thunders againſt the Army, to which the Scots, on the other ſide, return the like anſwer. This roaring of great Guns laſted about the ſpace of two hours, with no great loſs on either ſide, and then both draw-off, put an end to that kind of Mock-fight.

Cromwell returning to his Camp,From thence he marches to Muſſelbrough to hinder its being ſurpriſed, and preſently after to Haddington, on Pentland Hills, has intelligence that the Enemy was about to ſurpriſe Muſſelbrough, and intercept the Proviſions, which he uſually received in Boats from Dunbar. Therefore they march thither in the dead of the Night, and having refreſhed the Army, they put on board Ships fifteen hundred Men, who being ſick or wounded, were not able to carry Arms, and the reſt march towards Haddington. The Scots are at their heels Skirmiſhing with them in the Reer, and flouting and jeering them; nor were they ſooner encamped, but that they were ſet upon; yet only to diſturb and allarm them,Next day to Dunbar, the Scots moleſting them in their march, not to engage them with the whole Army. Next day the Cromwellians march to Dunbar, midway betwixt Berwick and Edenburrough, upon the Sea ſhoar; Lamner-moor Hills to the South, being almoſt impaſſable. The Scots ſent a Body of Men to Cobberſpath, who, though they were but few in number, might hinder a far greater to paſs over the Hills;Who encamp thereabouts. and pitch their Camp about Dunbar. This being a very Rainy night, the Officers rambled up and down, and the private Souldiers, I know not by whoſe Order, had put out their Matches, (which as it uſually happens when things go amiſs,) was imputed to Treachery) though there was a ſtrong Guard kept next to the Engliſh.

About break of day Lambert firſt falls in upon the Scots, and preſently after Cromwell, who obtain a great Victory.But Cromwell having that night refreſhed and cheriſhed his Souldiers in good Lodging, in the Town of Dunbar, divided his Forces about break of day, and ſends Lambert firſt to charge the main Guard of the Scots; he himſelf follows after, and after a ſharp diſpute, wherein moſt part being wounded, many were killed, he diſperſed them all, and follows them to the Camp, where preſently there was nothing but noiſe and confuſion, Men running to and again, they knew not whither, the groaning and ſighing of dying Men, ſhouts and joyful acclamations of the Conquerours, flying and ſlaughter. Three thouſand are killed, nine thouſand taken Priſoners; fifteen thouſand Arms, all the Artillery and Ammunition, with above two hundred Colours fall into the hands of the Victorious. The Priſoners, (after the wounded ſick and weak, and thoſe that were of no value were ſet at liberty) are ſent to New-Caſtle, in England; where by the Governour Haſelrig many of them were ſtarved, having nothing to eat but green Cabbage Leaves, and Oats in a ſmall proportion: The more Robuſt that out-lived this Diet, are condemned to the Sugar-Mills, and by the Engliſh Planters are tranſported to the Weſt-Indies.

Whilſt theſe things were acting, the Pulpits of Edenburrough reſound with Prayers, and promiſe a certain and ſpeedy Victory, and that the Feet of thoſe who brought glad tydings were at hand. But whil'ſt they are hourly in expectation of joyful, they receive ſad and ſorrowful news; Leſlie himſelf the Meſſenger of the defeat, renders vain the confidence of the Pulpits. Leſlie himſelf arrives about ten of the Clock the ſame day, and aſſures them of a total overthrow. So dangerous a thing it is to paſs a Judgment of God Almighty, and, by the line of our weak Reaſon, to fathom the depth of unſearchable Providence. For the purpoſes of a ſincere heart, are many times diſappointed by corrupt affections.

Cromwell marching back victorious, during the general Conſternation, takes, Leeth,

Edinburrough and Leeth forthwith yield to the Conquerour;

But the Caſtle inexpugnable by Scituation and Art, holds out.

Edenburrough, and the neighbouring Garriſons on this ſide of the Forth. Only Edenburrough Caſtle durſt hold out. It is built on a high abrupt Rock, inexpugnable by Scituation and Art, to which there is no way to mount, but by one ſteep ſide of a Hill, and that but for two, or three together. Dundaſs had the command of this place, with a Garriſon of forty Souldiers, fifty great Guns, and a full Magazine. He preſently cauſes works to be caſt up,Therefore he commands works to be caſt up againſt it, to ſecure the City from the Caſtle, inviting from thence the Edenburrough Miniſters, who had fled thither for ſecurity and protection. He commands all the Ships, Veſſels, and Boats,From thence he purſues the remn • nt of the Army to Sterling, but in vain; and leaving that place, viſits the Miniſters at Glaſgow, endeavouring to allure th • m to h • s ſide: and by Letters tries what he could work upon Ker and Straughan. that were in the Forth, either to be broken, or to be brought into Leeth, that all hopes might be cut off, of tranſporting Men or Ammunition unto the Enemy, on the other ſide.

From thence he marches to Sterling, whither all the Scottiſh Cavalry, and the remnant of the Foot had eſcaped. But finding it ſtronger, than at that time of the year it could be taken, without ſucceſs he turns aſide to Glaſcow, there to wheadle and try the Pulſe of the Miniſters, who managed all things at their pleaſure, ſome he ſollicits, others he cajoals and flatters with extraordinary fair Promiſes, and a little mollifies them, charming and taming the Syrens with a Cant. He ſends likewiſe to the Committee of Eſtates, and to try the inclinations of two eminent Commanders of the Army, Straughan, and Ker, employing in all places ſly and cunning Foxes, who partly with flattering ſpeeches, and partly by threats and ſnubs, might bend the minds of their Country-men unto his Party, or cruſh their Reſolutions. For two or three days the good man did negotiate with the Miniſters; during which time the Souldiers interred a Member of the Marquis of Montroſs, that was put up upon the Gate,After three days, having taken Jedbrough, he returns to Edenburrough. being in that more generous and juſt, than they who had denied it Burial. However, that he might not loſe all his labour, he takes Jedbrough, and returns to Edenburrough; and a little after, a Fleet arrives at Leeth with freſh Souldiers, Money, Hay, and all ſorts of Proviſions.

But becauſe the Rode betwixt Edenburrough and England, was infeſted by a dangerous ſort of Robbers, called Moſs-Troopers. In purſuit of thoſe, Monck marches againſt Robbers; Monck marches out with a Morter-piece, and ſome Field-pieces, and a choice Body of Horſe and Foot, who having intelligence that they had taken their nights Quarters in Dilcon Houſe, not far from Haddington, he beſet the Houſe in the night time, and having plyed them with the Morter-piece and Field-pieces, next morning he took them all. Roſlan Caſtle fell next into his hands;Takes Roſlan, and the ſtrong Caſtle of Tantallon: and then Tantallon, which being ſeated on a craggy Rock, is on three ſides encompaſſed with the Sea, and ſtrongly fortified to the Land, ſtanding half way betwixt Edenburrough and Dunbar. This Caſtle was ſo long battered by Monck, until breaches being made in the Walls,As Fenwick did Hume Caſtle, almoſt as ſtrong. the Garriſon ſurrendered: though when James the fourth of Scotland beſieged it, for many months it had reſiſted the fury of great Guns. About the ſame time Fenwick takes Hume Caſtle ſtanding upon a very high and unacceſſable Rock, the Garriſon having free Liberty to depart.

But we muſt return to Edenburrough Caſtle, for reducing of which Cromwell left no means uneſſayed. Cromwell earneſtly ſets about the reduction of Edinburrough Caſtle. At firſt he reſolved to attack it by Mines, and having employed both Engliſh and Scottiſh Colliers, who were accuſtomed to dig in the Coalpits, he falls to mining; and by the force of fire endeavours to ſoften the ſtone: But all in vain becauſe of the hardneſs of the Rock,And having therefore, in vain eſſayed Mines, he batters it with h • s Cannon. which was proof againſt all his Arts. When therefore he could not blow it up into the Air, he endeavours to batter it down to the ground, and ſets men at work night and day to raiſe a battery, ſo near the walls of the Caſtle, that by unceſſant battering he might at length make a breach, which being with much labour and pains finiſhed, and fortified with Gabions and baskets full of Earth, he plants thereon, four mortar pieces, and ſix great Guns, and without intermiſſion batters the place with great noiſe and damage. Dundas being terrified deſires a conference with the Provoſt of Aberdeen, Till the Governour, having in vain deſired a conference and liberty to write to the Council of Scotland, and another (whoſe name I know not) both being at that time in Edenburrough. Theſe men refuſing a conference with him, in the next place, he deſires leave to ſend a Meſſenger to know the minds of the Council of Scotland, as to the relieving of the place. But ſince neither that was granted, Cromwell denying him the liberty to ſend a Meſſenger, both parties reſolve to continue the Siege. At length, the Governour's Wife being bruiſed by a Granado-ſhell,And his Wife at length being bruiſed by a Granado-ſhell, and an hundred and fifty Soldiers who had been privately put in for a ſupply, occaſioning Tumults and Sedition, the Governour took a pretext of ſurrendring the Caſtle which he reſolved to do before, if he could have an honeſt colour for it; and having ſent a Deputy to Cromwell, both parties agreed upon theſe Articles.Conſented to theſe Articles, That the Caſtle ſhould be ſurrendered to his Excellency Oliver Cromwell, with all the Ordinance, Arms, Magazine, and Furniture of War thereunto belonging, on Tueſday the 24 of December. 2. That the Governour, Officers and Soldiers ſhould march with Drums beating &c. in Military poſture, to ſuch place as they ſhall appoint. 3. The publick moveables, private writs and evidences to be removed to Sterling. 4. That Proclamation ſhould be made for all that had Goods in the Caſtle, to come or ſend to own and receive them. 5. All ſick Officers and Soldiers as well as hurt, to have liberty to ſtay in Edenburrough, and the Engliſh to provide Horſes and Waggons for the Governour, and other Officers; and Hoſtages to be given on the Scots part for performance.

And delivers up the Caſtle,In the Caſtle were taken three and fifty piece of Cannon, ſome of them conſiderable both for ſize and beauty; eight thouſand Arms, fourſcore barrels of Gunpowder, and all the Kings Hangings, Tapeſtry and Jewels. So fell, (as I may ſay) that winged Caſtle, its Wings being broken; and that ſtrong place, that gloried in it's Virginity, as having never as yet ſubmitted to a Conquerour, is now deflowred by Cromwell. The Scots cry, it was taken by ſilver Bullets: But of hidden and obſcure matters, I ſhall not willingly paſs a Judgment.

In the mean time,The Scots conſult what is beſt to be done, the Scottiſh Nobility on the other ſide of Forth in a Parliament held at St. Johnſton, conſult what is to be done in this deſperate State of Affairs, for preſerving the reſt of their Countrey, and regaining what was loſt: Where the King's Majeſty was little regarded,The King ſlighted, reſolves to fly to the Highlanders, who were in Arms apart; who being daily more and more offended againſt the Presbyterians, reſolves to fly to the Highlanders, throw himſelf into their Arms, take the Patronage of them, and to try a common Fortune with thoſe of his Subjects, who, being rejected by the Covenanters, were in Arms ſeparately by themſelves; and if it had not been for the reverence and awe they ſtood in of the King,And by whom he was invited: would have flown in the faces of thoſe Countrey-men of theirs, at leaſt would have been very troubleſome unto them. And now being informed how baſely the King was uſed by the Covenanters, they invite him to them, promiſing to protect and defend him; theſe were the Marqueſs of Huntley, Earls of Athol and Seaforth, the Lords Ogilby, and Gordon, Middleton and ſeveral other great men. The King had already liſtned to theſe, and ſecretly caſts about with himſelf how he might make his eſcape out of the hands of thoſe Covenanters. Therefore mounting on Horſe-back without Boots, as if he had been going a Hawking, with three or four more in Company, he ſlips out of Town,And privately flies to the houſe of the Lord Diddop. and directs his Journey to the houſe of the Lord Vicount Diddop, with a purpoſe to abſcond, until the return of the Meſſengers, who had been ſent to learn the minds of the Highlanders, whether or not they were able, and were indeed willing to aſſiſt him.

In the mean time an Engliſhman having diſcovered where the King was, great debates ariſe amongſt the Nobles, whether the Scots ſhould leave him to ſhift for himſelf, and onely look to themſelves; or having made ſubmiſſion unto him, and promiſed greater obedience for the future, they ſhould uſe his means and Authority for reconciling all parties and perſwaſions. This was liked of by moſt; and for that end Montgomery is quickly diſpatched, with a truſty party of Horſe, Montgomery follows him, that he might repreſent to his Majeſty how dangerous that forſaking of the Covenanters, would be to himſelf and his Affairs; intreat him to return; and promiſe better uſage for the future. In purſuance of his orders, he came and beſet the Lord Diddop's houſe in the night time, and entring in the morning,And prevails with his Majeſty to return. fell at his Majeſties feet, and preſſed him ſo urgently, that by his and others perſwaſion, he was prevailed upon to return back with him to St. Johnſton.

The Prince of Orange dies.About that time, as an acceſſion to other Calamities, the Death of the Prince of Orange happened. He had fallen ſick of the ſmall Pox, which at firſt ſeemed to threaten no danger; having been let Blood, put on clean Linnen, and eaten Fleſh unſeaſonably, he ſuddenly dies; and, indeed, too ſoon for the King, and his own Family. But he left a poſthumous Son, the preſent Prince, to inherit his juſt Rights and Dignities in the Ʋnited Provinces.

The Scots at length admit all to the War.Now began the minds of the Scots to bend by degrees. Heretofore none to be admitted into the War, but he who firſt gave a confeſſion of his Faith, and whoſe Religion was no ways ſuſpected. Flatterers, who could countefeit Godly looks and grimaces, were freely admitted; but men of Courage, who had ſignalized themſelves in the Wars, were put back: No Water could ſerve them to quench the fire, but what came from the clear Fountain Head; no Sword, but the Holy Sword of the Spirit was to be drawn againſt the Enemy.But not till they took the Covenant. Now all are ſharers in the War, yet not before they had confeſſed their Sins, and by a kind of Repentance ſcowred their Conſciences. The Marqueſs of Hamilton is oblig'd of new to take the Covenant; as alſo the Earls of Lauderdale, Thoſe that reſiſted, were by the King's means united to the reſt, Crawford, Buchan, the Lords, Diddop, Levingſtone, and many other Perſons of great Quality. Nay and the Engliſh alſo, as the Duke of Buckingham, Lord Wilmot, Earl of Cleveland, Maſſey and others, whoſe names I do not remember, are aſſociated.

But Middleton and Huntley, not ſatisfied with the Act of Indemnity, having joyned the forces of the Earl of Athol, march againſt them, and defeat Browns Regiment; and had alſo engaged Leſly, had not the coming of the King put an end to the Controverſie, all being relaxed from Excommunication, taking the Covenant, and aſſociated into the War.

Whilſt theſe things are in agitation on the other ſide of Forth, the effects of Cromwell's Letters and practiſes began to appear,The Miniſters diſagree among themſelves. in that Seeds of Sedition being ſown amongſt the Scots, the foundations of the Kirk were miſerably ſhaken; the Remonſtrators from the Pulpit railing at the King and his Miniſters; and publiſhing Libels, (nay at length appealing to Cromwell) againſt General Aſſemblies, which they ſawcily enveigh againſt, becauſe they prohibited their clamorous buffoonery: And in all places cry, that it was lawful for none that were truly Godly to take up Arms, for the cauſe above mentioned, at the Command of the Parliament, King, or Kirk.

The Remonſtrance ſubſcribed by many;All the South part of Scotland, with greateſt part of the Miniſters, and the Horſe that were Commanded by Ker, and Straughan, are drawn in to ſubſcribe the Remonſtrance; wherein they ſpew out the poiſon of their rancour againſt all thoſe, Who had called in the King too haſtily, before he had given certain marks of ſincere Repentance and Converſion to God; and before they had ſounded the minds of the Parricides, who had not had ſatisfaction; objecting to them much more of the ſame ſtuff: At laſt they propoſe ways for remedying thoſe Evils. The Parliament and Aſſemblie of the Kirk at firſt eſſay to mitigate and appeaſe thoſe violent Spirits with Lenities, inviting them to ſend Commiſſioners to St. Johnſton, that if they had any remaining Scrupules,Who behaving themſelves ſeditiouſly, they might be removed without noiſe. But they returning an anſwer more inſolently, propoſe Sterling as a place of greater ſecurity to both meetings.

Ker is ordered to apprehend Straughan, who preſently after died.That the Parliament might repreſs that Sedition, they order Ker to apprehend Straughan, and bring him to Juſtice: But he diſcovering the Train, inſtantly ſled into Cromwell's Camp, where ſoon after dying, he concluded the Cataſtrophe of his Fortune. And ſo Ker alone has the command of the Horſe.

Cromwell purſue, Ker: Cromwell now deſpairing of the inteſtine diſſentions amongſt the Scots, purſues Ker; and having ordered Lambert and Whaley with five Regiments of Foot, and an hundred Dragoons, to keep along the South ſide of the River Clide, he himſelf advances on the North ſide. Lambert marching through Peebles, quartered at Hamilton; which Ker being informed of by his Scouts, and knowing that Cromwell was abſent, with fifteen hundred Horſe,Who unexpectedly falls upon Lambert, he ſuddenly falls upon Lambert in the night time, and that very ſucceſsfully at firſt, till by chance a Tree being laid croſs the ſtreet in the middle of the Town, which a Captain with a Company defended, put a ſtop to their Progreſs, whilſt Lambert drew up his Men, and, ſurrounding the Enemy, charged them on the Rear. And having made a conſiderable ſlaughter of them, and Ker himſelf, who was ſhot through the hand, being taken,But unfortunately. he purſued the reſt to Air, which Town being preſently taken, was ſecured with a Garriſon. And ſo thoſe of the old Army that hitherto remained, are quite broken and diſperſed, whether more to the grief or ſatisfaction of the King, I cannot tell.

About the ſame time a great Conſpiracy of Presbyterians, A Conſpiracy diſcovered at London. both Miniſters and Lay-men is diſcovered at London; which took vent firſt in Scotland, and was by Cromwell, upon ſome ſuſpitions he had not without ground conceived, recommended to the Regicides of England to be ſifted. A Ship bound for the Iſle of Man, to acquaint the Earl of Derby with the whole Scheme of the matter was, by ſtreſs of weather, accidentally forced into Air: The Souldiers ſearching the Ship, detect the ſecret, afterwards the Conſpiratours are brought to Examination at London; and by the mutual accuſations one of another, the whole Intrigue was laid open. That at the inſtigation of Maſſey, and ſome Scots, they had deſigned to raiſe Money and Arms,For raiſing an Army in Scotland, to invade England. and therewith levy an Army in Scotland, which being joyned to Ker, the Duke of Buckingham, Lord Wilmot, and Maſſie, ſhould invade England; Of this are accuſed, Jenkins, Caſe, Drake, Love, and many other Miniſters, beſides Lay-Men, Gibbons, Cook, Potter, &c. Adams, Alured, Bains, and others are brought in, who had taken the League and Covenant of the three Nations, as they uſed to call it, and had ſerved under Eſſex, and who profeſſed that they had ſtood on the Covenanters ſide, that they might pump out all things, but were ſecretly of another mind,All that were found guilty of this, are condemned, and two ſuffer. that they might ſo be able to give a clearer Evidence before the High Court of Juſtice; all of them being convicted are condemned to Death; which two, undauntedly ſuffered; Love, he and Gibbons were the two that ſuffered. one of whom, (that I may take notice of it by the by) by an unſeaſonable Sermon, formerly diſturbed the treaty of Ʋxbridge, raſhly inveighing againſt all Reconciliation, as if it were not lawful for thoſe that profeſſed the Chriſtian Religion, to have any Peace, or Commerce with the Followers of Antichriſt, giving that Name to the Royaliſts. The reſt being ſufficiently warned, by the puniſhment of thoſe two, and profeſſing Sorrow and Repentance are one after another gradually diſmiſſed, and ſet at liberty.

Another Conſpiracy in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Cambridge-ſhire, Scarcely was that Conſpiracy ſtifled, but a new Sedition aroſe amongſt the Norfolk, Suffolk, and Cambridge-ſhire men, which was nevertheleſs ſmothered in the birth, all the undertakers being diſperſed; of whom, in Norfolk alone, fifty Men, by Sentence of the High Court of Juſtice,But in vain; were hanged for that attempt. And that we may inſiſt no longer upon theſe Tragedies,The Welſhmen with like ſucceſs. a great many Welſh in Cardigan-ſhire gathered together, which in a ſhort time might have looked like an Army, had not the Forces, who were ready in all places round about, drawn together, and quenched that Fire with Blood. But this is only a digreſſion, which may ſomewhat ſerve to excuſe the Scottiſh Invaſion, that happened this year.

But let us return again to Scotland, The King is Crowned at Scoon, where now the ſolemn Coronation of the Kings Majeſty is appointed to be at Scoon, ſeaven and fourty Kings having heretofore put on the Crown of Scotland in that place; where it was performed with as much Pomp, conſidering the times, and the diminution of their ſtrength, as it had been celebrated in more flouriſhing ages. The Marqueſs of Argile put the Crown upon his Head, with joyful acclamations of the People, firing of Guns, ſplendid Feaſting, and Bonefires in all places.

And now Scotland is wholly taken up, in preparations for War, levying of Souldiers,And ſets himſelf wholly to the defe • ce of the Kingdom. raiſing Money, and diſciplining the Forces. The King himſelf views the Garriſons that border on Fiffe and Forth, and prepares for defence. From thence he viſits the Highlanders, that he might compoſe the Feuds and Quarrels that were amongſt them; but as if they had been poſſeſſed with Furies, Diſſentions are extinguiſhed. and as if freſh flames had burſt daily out of the dead Embers, they bitterly quarrel and contend about Command and Governments; until by order of Parliament the very Names of the Factious are abrogated, and all are freely admitted into the Army, though Argile oppoſed it. Commiſſioners are likewiſe appointed, to remove all impediments, who have Power given them, both of examining and puniſhing Friends and Favourers of the Rebel-Parricides;The Favourers of the Rebel-Parricides are puniſhed. and whilſt many received the condign puniſhments of theſe Crimes, Wariſton and Cheeſeley timely made their eſcape to Cromwells Camp. The King ſets up his Standard at Aberdeen;The King ſets up his ſtandard, to which from all places about, Volunteers, and Honorary Souldiers flock in great numbers. From thence the King marches to Sterling, and having muſtered the Army, makes Duke Hamilton his Lieutenant General, David Leſlie Major General, Middleton, Major General of the Horſe, and Maſſey, General of the Engliſh Troops.And having muſtered his Army, encamps at Torwood. Having aſſigned to all their ſeveral Offices, he Encamps and Entrenches at Torwood, four miles from Sterling, that he may train up, and put Life in his raw and unexperienced Souldiers, by Skirmiſhings, and fighting in Parties, before he put them to the Tryal of a pitcht Battel; and that he might in the mean time raiſe more Forces; in the doing whereof, whilſt the Earl of Eglinton, and ſome other perſons of Quality, are buſie at Dumbarton, they are of a ſudden ſurprized by Lilburn.

The Scots celebrate the Kings-Birth-day.Amidſt the great Cares and Dangers that all lay under, the Kings Birth-day was celebrated with all due Solemnity; to the Honour whereof, the Town of Dundee made ſplendid preſents; to wit, A moſt excellent Pavilion, ſix Field-pieces, with Carriages and Ammunition, and which procured them greateſt thanks, a compleat well armed Regiment of Horſe, a mark of true Affection.

Cromwell viſits Torwood Not daring to attempt it. Cromwell in the mean time loyters not; but his Souldiers being furniſhed with new Cloaths, Money, and all other neceſſaries ſent from London, through New-bridge and Hamilton he marches to Torwood, where furiouſly moving too and again, he views in all places, if an attempt might any where be made upon the Camp. But when he found it ſo well fortified on all ſides, that without danger there was nothing to be attempted upon it, having taken Calendar Houſe, he dares the Scots to come out,

Overton, in the mean while,Overton paſſes Forth; being provided of Ships, flat bottomed Boats, and other Veſſels for tranſporting of Horſe and Foot, with ſixteen hundred Foot, and four Troops of Horſe, puts out into the Forth, with orders to Land at the Queens Ferry, which he eaſily performed, beating off the Scots that reſiſted him; and preſently caſting up a haſty work he entrenched himſelf,And preſently after, Lambert, and ſends to Lambert to come to his aſſiſtance; who at the ſame place, paſſing over two Regiments of Foot, and as many of Horſe, he was met by Colonel Sr. John Brown and Major General Hobourn, with four thouſand men, Horſe and Foot. It was ſtoutly fought on both ſides;Who obtained a Victory over the Scots. but with unhappy ſucceſs to the Scots, of whom two thouſand were killed, and twelve hundred taken, with two and fourty Colours, and amongſt thoſe Brown, who lived not long after the Battle. Thus the Engliſh got ſo ſure ſootting on the other ſide of Forth, that all the Forces of Scotland were not able to drive them thence. Whilſt theſe things are done at Forth, Cromwell hovers about the King's Camp, as if he were every minute about to attack them; but onely to the end that he might keep them in play, until Lambert had routed the Scots, as we have juſt now related.

The King now leaving Torwood, encamps in Sterling Park. But the Scots ſeized with a panick fear, upon the firſt ſummons ſurrender the Caſtle of Inchgarvey, Garriſons being ſummoned, preſently ſurrender. an impregnable place ſtanding in the middle of the Forth, leaving behind them ſixteen piece of Cannon, and Blackneſs, Brantiland alſo, on the other ſide of the Frith over againſt Leeth, ſurrenders no leſs diſgracefully, delivering up the Guns, Ammunition and Ships. Cromwell being informed of theſe ſucceſſes, would not loſe time by waiting the motions of the King's Army: Wherefore he paſſed over to Brantiland, whence ſending Whaley to take in the ſmaller Garriſons which lay upon the Coaſt of Fiffe, he himſelf marches towards St. Johnſton, Cromwell takes the town of St. Johnſton, which the King had entruſted to the defence of the Lord Duffus with twelve hundred men, though to no purpoſe: For Cromwell having drained the water out of the Mote and Ditches, and battering the Walls with his Cannon, forces a ſurrender of the place.

The King, in the mean time marches ſtreight to England, Cromwell being now at a great diſtance from Sterling, and wholely taken up about theſe matters, the King having given the beſt Orders he could about the Affairs of Scotland, ſets out upon his march into England, that in that Kingdom of his, he might try his fate, which had been very croſs to him in the other. By Carliſle, Therefore on the laſt of July one thouſand ſix hundred fifty one, at Carliſle he enters England with about fourteen thouſand men, Horſe and Foot. But the Soldiers march with ſo much hardſhip, and ſo ſevere diſcipline, that hardly any Age hath ſeen the like;Troubleſome to no man. ſo that from Carliſle to Worceſter, about two hundred Miles diſtant from one another, no man, much leſs any houſe received the leaſt injury; if you'l except the breaking of one Orchard, and the taking of four or five Apples; for which, notwithſtanding, the Soldier that committed it was preſently ſhot to Death.In the chief Towns he is pr • claimed King of England, &c. In all places on their march, the Garriſons are ſummoned in the Kings name to ſurrender, but without any ſucceſs: And in the more eminent places, by Heralds CHARLES the Second is proclaimed King of England, Scotland, France and Ireland; the people in the mean while being in great Conſternation.

So ſoon as the news of this expedition was by Poſt brought to the Rump-Parliament, The Parricides quaking at the news of it, and the report flying that the King having mounted his Soldiers on Horſes which he found upon the Rode, haſtened his March towards London, as it is common to fear, to make dangers far greater than they are, ſuch Horror and Conſternation invaded the minds of the Parricides and Rebels, that in deſpair they began to caſt about for lurking holes and places of eſcape, and accuſed Cromwell of raſhneſs and precipitancy: Until they had notice that the King had diverted to Worceſter, and received freſh comforts from Cromwell's Letters, who bad them be of good cheer, and uſe their utmoſt force, to obviat that laſt danger, and wholely deſtroy the Enemy.

Harriſon on the left hand with three thouſand Horſe, waited the motion of the King's Army, Harriſon and Lambert wait the motions of the King, and in vain oppoſe him at Warrington Bridge. being for that end left behind on the Borders of England; after followed Lambert, with two thouſand; both as occaſion offered, haraſſing and hindering them in their March. At Warrington Bridge, they made the chiefeſt attempt, to hinder the King's Forces to paſs it. But before the Bridge could be cut, Lambert's men being engaged and forced to retreat, the Scots get over. And now leaving London Rode, they reſolve to reſt at Worceſter, a City ſcituated upon the Savern; from whence they hoped to receive ſuccours from Wales, and make great levies in Gloceſter and Oxford ſhires by the means of Muffey, who heretofore had with reputation been Governour of Gloceſter for the Parliament. Thither therefore they march, and having met with one repulſe from ſome of the Paliament Souldiers that were there by chance,The King eaſily poſſeſſes himſelf of Worceſter. they poſſeſs the City, but were much weakened and impaired in ſtrength by the tediouſneſs and length of the march.

He kindly invites the Londoners to his aſſiſtance,From hence, the Kings Majeſty, by Letters, invites the Lord Mayor and Common-Council of London, to Arm for his Defence, and for their own juſt Liberties; promiſing Pardon to all for what was paſt, except the Murderers of his Father. But theſe Letters are burnt at the Royal Exchange by the Hand of the Common Hangman;Who unworthily receive his Letters. a Copie of them is alſo burnt by the Hand of the Speaker Lental at a general Muſter of the Trained-bands of London, in Moor-fields.

He demands aid of all his Subjects.The King preſently after his arrival, in Pitchford-field near Worceſter, by Proclamation, Commands all from ſixteen to ſixty years of Age, according to the Ancient Laws of the Kingdom,Many Gentlemen come; to come to his Aſſiſtance. In obedience to that Proclamation, ſhortly after, Francis Lord Talbot, eldeſt Son of the Earl of Shreusbury, with ſixty Horſe, Thomas Hornihold with fourty, John Maſhburn with fourty, John Parkinton, Walter Blunt, Ralph Clair, and many more both Knights and Eſquires,But only two thouſand of the Common People. beſides two thouſand common People, come in this deſperate State of Affairs to hazard their Lives in the Kings Service. The conjunction of theſe makes in all fourteen thouſand; two thouſand Scots, either for fear, or becauſe of the tediouſneſs of the March having dropt off by the way.Why ſo few came in. Why more did not come into the Kings Camp, any Man may gueſs at the reaſon of it; to wit, That the late ſuppreſſion of the Inſurrection of the Welſh, Londoners, and Norfolk, and Suffolk Men, and the cruelty of the Rump-Parliament in puniſhing the fruitleſs attempts of riſing, run in all Peoples Minds. Beſides the ſudden and unexpected coming of the King, gave no truce to the well affected, of animating one another, and of aſſociating for his Service. Nor, laſtly, could the injuries done by the Scots not long before in England, be got out of the Minds of the Engliſh; it ſeeming much the ſame to them, whether they ſuffered Bondage under the Tyranny of their Countrey-men, or the Inſolence of the Scots. And above all, we are to conſider the great diligence of the Republicans of both ſorts, in ſtirring up the Countries, encreaſing their Forces, and in obſerving and ſuppreſſing thoſe who were Loyal to the King.

Cromwell, who left Monck in Scotland with Eight thouſand Men to carry on his Victories there, being now come back into England, Cromwel with a vaſt Army Beſieges Worceſter. animates with new Vigour the Forces of the Rebel-Parricides; and preſently joyning his Men with Lambert, Harriſon, Gray and Fleetwood, and thoſe who from all parts came flocking in partly voluntarily, and partly by compulſion, he made up an Army (if ſome be not miſtaken in their reckoning) of fourſcore thouſand Men, and more, whom he poſts round the City of Worceſter.

But the brave,The Earl of Derby with a handful of new raiſed Men, though unfortunate attempts of the Earl of Derby which happened about that time, are not to be paſt over in ſilence. He with a ſmall handful of two hundred and fifty Men, from his own Iſle of Man, arrived at a little Town in Lancaſhire, and in that Countrey raiſed almoſt fif • n hundred Men; with whom he marches to • cheſter, there to joyn five hundred more; b • to his misfortune he met with Lilburn a Colonel of the Rump-Parliament Forces, with ſixteen hundred Men. For coming preſently to blow up the Town of Wigan, Is defeated by Lilburn. after a ſmart conflict the Earl is defeated, who having received two wounds, by By-ways croſs the Countrey he flies to Worcester, the Lord Widderington, Sir Thomas Tilſley, Matthew Bointon and Trollop, Colonels, with Lieutenant Colonel Galliard being kill'd, and Sir William Throgmorton, Colonel Richard Leg, with four other Officers, and fourty Private Souldiers taken.

Cromwell in the mean time views the Kings Camp, Maſſey is beat out of Upton, which the Cromwellians poſſeſs themſelves of. uncertain as yet in what part to fall on: He thought it, however, fit to make his firſt attempt at Ʋpton, ſeaven Miles above Worceſter to the South, where there is a Stonebridge over the Savern. Maſſey had broken the Bridge, and accidentally left a Plank from one Arch to another, lying ſecure with two hundred and fifty Horſe in the Neighbouring Town, and no Guard left to defend the paſs. But the Cromwellians laying hold of the occaſion, ſtradling upon the Plank, paſs over one after another; and encreaſing in number, they poſſeſs themſelves of Ʋpton Church, and for ſome time defend it, until more Swimming over the River on Horſeback, and croſſing the Bridge that was now in ſome manner repaired, came up to their Aſſiſtance. Maſſey takes the Allarm too late, and having received a grievous wound in the Hand is forced to Retreat to Worceſter. Then upon a Bridge of Boats, they paſs the ſmall River Team, which running at ſome diſtance to the Weſt, falls into the Savern a little below the Town. Soon after a like Bridge of Boats being made over the Savern it ſelf, they joyn'd all their Forces under Bun-hill, within a Mile of Worceſter, and march towards the Citie, as challenging the Kings Forces to come out.

The night following, Middleton in the night time Sallies cut upon the Enemy, Middleton with fifteen hundred Horſe and Foot, all Scots, reſolves to Sally out upon the Enemy. But the Cromwellians were in readineſs, having had timely Intelligence given them by a Taylor, who was hang'd for his Treachery: Nevertheleſs the Royaliſts attempt to break into the Camp,To his loſs. but in vain, and having loſt Major Knox with ſome others, they Retreat back again. And now the third of September came, a Day fatal to, and never to be forgot by the Scots for the overthrow they received at Dunbar the year before; when the King with a Council of War, viewing the Enemies from the high Steeple of the Cathedral-Church, perceived them upon their March towards the Town. All preſently Arm,The King himſelf marches out to defend Powick-bridge. and the King himſelf marches out to the defence of Powick-bridge, and to hinder the Enemies paſſing over the Bridge of Boats, which we juſt now mentioned.Which the Enemies poſſeſs themſelves of. The King was ſcarcely got back into the Town, when Montgomery who defended the Bridge, being dangerouſly wounded, and deſtitute of Gunpouder, Kreth alſo another Commander being taken, returns to the City. Whil'ſt theſe things were acting, the Kings Majeſty turning towards the Eaſt-ſide of the Town, reſolves to hazard a Battel.There is a ſharp engagement at Perry-wood, where the King behaved himſelf moſt valiantly: Therefore with a conſiderable Body of Foot, but a ſmall number of Horſe (for the Scottiſh Cavalry ſcarce budg'd) he marches againſt the Enemy at Perry-wood with a moſt undaunted and preſent Mind, being followed by the Dukes of Hamilton and Buckingham, and Sir Alexander Forbes, at the Head of his Foot.But being over-powered by number, At the firſt charge he beat the Van and made himſelf Maſter of the Artillery; but afterwards, though with wonderful Sagacity he gave orders in the heat and confuſion of the Fight, fac'd the greateſt dangers with a High and Steady Mind, not to be matched by others; and with his own Hand did many brave Actions, though at that time he gave illuſtrious proofs of his Perſonal Valour even in the Judgment of his Enemies; yet being overpowred by freſh Men, whom Cromwell in great numbers ſent in, he deſpaired not, but that he might reſerve himſelf for better Fortune,He returns into the Town. thought it beſt to retreat in time, and ſave himſelf in the Town; but he was for ſome time ſtopt by a Wagon laden with Ammunition, which the Wheel being accidentally broken, lay croſs Sudbury-Gate. However, alighting from his Horſe, he went in on Foot; and preſently mounting another,Where in vain encouraging his Men now in diſorder, he ſlips out at St. Martins Gate. He exhorts the Horſe to renew the Fight; but they are deaf to all entreaties. he uſed all manner of perſwaſions to encourage the Souldiers who now were giving over to renew the Engagement; till the danger growing greater and greater, by St. Martins-gate he went out to the Horſe, Commanded by David Leſlie, being almoſt whole entire, and directed his courſe towards Barbon-bridge, earneſtly entreating the Horſe that they ſhould take Courage, and haſten to the Aſſiſtance of the Foot, who were put to utmoſt extremity. But many refuſed, ſome threw away their Arms, all ſlunk away and choſe rather to decline the danger, than by fighting ſtoutly, either make that the laſt day of their Life, or the firſt of their Victory. But whil'ſt the King is making his eſcape, the Earl of Cleveland, Sir James Hamilton, Colonel Careliſs and ſome other worthy and Loyal Gentlemen, with the remains of the Horſe, renewing the fight at Sudbury-Gate, put a ſtop to the Enemy for ſome time, till Fleetwood on the Weſt-ſide having paſt the River, broke into the Town through the Suburbs of St. John; and Cromwel, The Town is taken, and the Fort Royal, the Soulders that kept it being put to the Sword. having thrown down Sudbury-gate, beat off the Earl and the reſt. From thence he marched on victorious to the Fort Royal, maintained by Colonel Drummond with fifteen hundred Soldiers; who having refuſed to ſurrender it, was Attacked on all Hands, and cut off with all his Men. Deplorable and ſad was the Countenance of the Town after that: The Victorious Souldiers on the one Hand, Killing, breaking into Houſes, Plundering, Sacking, Roaring and Threatning; on the other hand, the Subdued flying, turning their backs to be cut and ſlaſht, and with ſtretched out hands begging Quarters; ſome in vain reſiſting ſold their lives as dear as they could; whil'ſt the Citizens, to no purpoſe, prayed, lamented and bewailed. All the Streets are ſtrowed with dead and mangled Bodies. Here were to be ſeen ſome that begg'd Relief; and there again others weltering in their own gore, who deſired that at once an end might be put to their lives and miſeries. The Dead Bodies lay unburied for the ſpace of three days or more, which was a loathſome ſpectacle, that encreaſed the horrour of the Action.

Three thouſand and five hundred Private Souldiers were ſlain.The number of the ſlain, Duke Hamilton having his Thigh broken, lived but four or five days after the Battel. Forbeſs was ſhot through both his Legs. Five thouſand were taken Priſoners,And Priſoners. ſome Towns-people, but moſt Scots; amongſt whom were the Earls of Rothes, Karnewath, Kelly, the Lord Sinclare, Montgomery, the General of Artillerie, as alſo of Engliſh, Colonel Graves, and Fanſhaw Secretary to the King, with the Officers of the Scots Army, all the Baggage, and an hundred and five and fifty Colours.

The King leaving the Scottiſh Horſe, betakes himſelf to By ways,The Kings Majeſty having a little beyond Barbon-bridge left Leſlie, who reſolved to march with the Horſe that were almoſt entire, by Newport ſtreight into Scotland, and being attended by the Duke of Buckingham, the Earls of Derby and Lauderdale, the Lords Wilmot, Talbot and other Perſons of Qualitie, with about fifty Horſe, followed By-ways; partly that he might refreſh himſelf with ſleep, and partly that he might diſappoint thoſe that purſued him.And at the perſwaſion of the Earl of Derby, goes towards Boſcobel. Upon their Journey, the Earl of Derby told the King, That lately when he was defeated by Lilburn, one Pendrel harboured him ſafely in Boſcobel-houſe; but that he was a Papiſt. Thither the King reſolved to betake himſelf. This Houſe is diſtant from Worceſter twenty ſix Miles, ſtands in Shropſhire, upon the borders of Staffordſhire; ſeated betwixt Tong-Caſtle and Brewood in a woody place very fit for a retreat. One Gifford that was well acquainted with the Ways, leaving Kedderminſter on the Left-hand,When they came to the Houſe called Whitladies. conducted him by Stonebridge; and at Whiteladies an old Monaſterie of Ciſtertian Nuns in the midſt of the Woods, about a Mile from Boſcobel, having knockt up another Pendrel about midnight, he and his Company are let in. Whilſt the King had his Hair cut off in this Houſe, and burnt in the Fire, his Hands blackned with Soot, and ſhifting his Cloaths put on an old Countrey Suit, two other Pendrells Brothers, Richard, who lived in a Neighbouring little Farm at Hobbal, and William in Boſcobel, are ſent for, whom the Earl of Derby acquainting them with the diſaſter,He commits himſelf to the hiding of the Pendrels Brothers. and ſhewing them the Kings Majeſty, Beſeeches for Gods ſake their Loyalty, and all that was Good and Sacred, to keep him ſafe, and forthwith find out ſome place for him where he might ſecurely lurk.

The honeſt Countrey-men promiſing to do what lay in their Power, Richard by a back door led him out into the next Wood; Wilmot having been before ordered to go on Horſeback to London, Wilmot being before ſent to London. where at the ſign of the Green Dragon by the Vintry in Thames-ſtreet, the King had reſolved to meet him; John Pendrell promiſing to ſhew him a way which he might more ſecurely follow.

After that the Nobles had taken the beſt care they could of the King,Whilſt the Nobles eſſay to overtake Leſly. they conſult about their own ſafety, and think it ſafeſt to follow, and if they could overtake Leſlie, becauſe of the number of men he had with him, that might ſecure them from a few ſtragling Soldiers, and becauſe they were got ſo far on their way, that a conſiderable body of the Rebels could hardly overtake them. They were not far from thence, when they protected the Lord Livingſtone, Captain of the King's Troop of Guards, from the Enemies that purſued him; but that good fortune laſted not long: For ſoon after, when they had advanced beyond Newport, They are diſperſed by Lilburn's men, Derby and others being taken. they fall in amongſt Lilburn's men, who eaſily rout and put them to ſlight, being quite ſpent with fatigue; the Earl of Derby (whom the impious Rebels afterwards condemned in a Council of War, and put to Death), Lauderdale, (who for his Loyalty ſuffered a tedious Impriſonment, until the King's Reſtauration) and others, whom it would be long to name, being taken. In the mean time the Duke of Buckingham, Livingſtone, Talbot, with many others, ſeverally ſhifting for themſelves, made their eſcapes, and at length went beyond Sea.

Nay Leſly was not got far beyond Newport, Leſly and his men, became a prey to the Enemy, when he is beſet by the Enemies, and all his men either diſperſed or taken; and particularly, the Earl of Cleveland, who had overtaken Leſly after the Battel, Kenmore, the Lord Wentworth and Middleton. Moſt of the diſperſed ſtraglers were by the Countrey people, not without a brand of Cruelty, which the Engliſh Nation abhors,Or (what was worſe) to the Countrey People. knockt down, wherever they were found, with Staves, Pitch-forks, • lails, and what weapons rage and fury put into their hands; a very unſuitable return, indeed, to the moderation and continence, which not long before, they had ſhewed amongſt them upon their march. Maſſey, being wounded in the hand, Maſſey yielding himſelf to a noble Lady, is fled of his own accord to the protection of the Counteſs of Stanford; under whoſe husband, the father of Gray, he had formerly ſerved in Gloceſterſhire. From thence after a fortnights ſtay,C • ſt into the Tower of London: he was carried to the Tower of London, where he endured the irkſomneſs of a tedious impriſonment,From whence he eſcapes in diſguiſe. and being to be brought to his Tryal before the High Court of Juſtice, he changed Cloaths with a certain Porter, and made his eſcape.

The Kingdom of Scotland thus taken, and moſt part of the Nobility cut off, truckles under the Victorious Arms of the Engliſh; and had not the Supreme Judge of all things reſerved a root, from which the Royal Iſſue and cauſe might ſpring out again of new, and had not the ſame right hand of the Duke of Albemarle, (whom as yet we muſt call Monck,) that gave the Wound, alſo wrought the Cure, it had been undone for ever.

A full account where the King lurked in England. But now what befel the King, the Care of Providence, Hopes of the Engliſh Race, and Defender of the Church, ſince the Engliſh, I know, are inſatiably deſirous to be informed of it, and that hardly in any Age a more remarkable adventure hath happened, I ſhall, according, as I have heard it from the King's own Mouth, relate with ſome exactneſs and curioſity.

The King went into the Wood in the very nick of time, as will appear. For within leſs than half an Hour, the Souldiers of Colonel Aſhenhurſt come in queſt of him, Aſhenhurſt's Souldiers ſearch the Monaſtery. hunt all over the Monaſtery, and running from Chamber to Chamber, ſearch into all ſecret places, receſſes, and hidden corners. Yet, as Fate would have it, they made no enquiry abroad out of the Houſe, for it rained all Day, and the droppings from the Trees made the Graſs very wet; ſo that what did hurt to others, ſaved the King. For whilſt he lurked amongſt the thick ſhrubs of the Woods, Richard Pendrell borrowed a Blanket for him to cover him in the Rain, and furniſhed him with a Bill, that he might ſeem buſie in mending Hedges, entreating the Wife of a Countrey-man, one Francis Yates that was related to him, that if ſhe had any Victuals ready ſhe would bring it into the Wood.A Countrey-man's Wife brings Victuals into the Wood for the King to feed upon. She without delay brings forth ſome Milk and Sugar, with a few Eggs and Butter. The King ſomewhat ſtartled at the coming of the Woman, becauſe of the babling the Sex is ſubject to, asked her, Can you be true to any one that hath ſerved the King? Yes, Sir, anſwered ſhe, I'le die ſooner than betray you. At which the King, being reaſſured, fed heartily on the Victuals that were brought him.

Towards the Evening, Richard brings him into his Houſe that ſtood hard by,In the Evening he comes to Richard Pendrell's Houſe; where he prepares for a New Journey, that he was to take that Night. For the King amongſt other things had asked, If he knew any Faithful, Honeſt Man living upon the Severn, who might provide him a hiding place for a ſhort ſpace,From thence intending to go into Wales. till he might find an opportunity of paſſing over into Wales; for in that Country he wanted not Faithful Friends, by whoſe means he might either get to London, or lurk more ſecurely amongſt the Rocks and Mountains. Being therefore informed of one Wolfe (but a Papiſt by Religion) living at Madely, five Miles from thence,That Night he goes on Foot towards the Severn, Richard Pendrell being his Guide: He is frightned by a Miller. and one from the Severn, at nine of the Clock at Night, accompanied with Richard, he ſets out to go thither. But they were hardly gone the firſt mile, when they had a Water-mill to paſs by, where they muſt croſs the River on a Wooden Bridge: The Gate which they opened making a noiſe, the Miller comes out, and in a threatning tone asks them whither they were going ſo late at Night; and bids them ſtand. Pendrell terrified by that unexpected thunderclap, leaving the Bridge, haſtily wades through the Water, and is followed by his Auguſt Companion, who in the thick darkneſs, was not ſo much guided by his ſight, as by the ratling of his Leathern Breeches. The Purſive Fat Miller ſoon gave over the purſuit; and the reſt of the way was free from danger.

At Madely he is lodged in a Barn,At length they come to Madely, where Pendrell knocking at the Door, is preſently let in. The Gueſt is kindly received by Wolfe, who being acquainted with the deſign, lodges him in the Barn, becauſe in the day time his Houſe was ſeldom free from Souldiers. They ſend to be enformed of an opportunity of paſſing the River, and have news brought back, that not only the Bridges are guarded by Souldiers, but alſo the Ferry-Boats moſt ſtrictly obſerved, and therefore it would be very difficult and unſafe to paſs the River.The River being ſtrictly guarded, he returns into the Wood from whence he came. When it was night he was received into the Houſe, where the good Woman ſtained his Hands and Face ſomewhat more with a Decoction of Galls, and having taken his leave, he returns back the ſame way on Foot to Boſcobel, there to ſtay for a more commodious opportunity of travelling.

Being come back before Day, he tarried in the Wood, till Richard went to ſee if any Souldiers were in Boſcobel Houſe; but he finds none there ſave Colonel Carlos, whom we mentioned before to have, with others, kept the Cromwellians in Play at Sudbury-gate, who being born thereabouts, was juſt come to a Friends Houſe, to beg a little Bread.Early in the Morning he is by Carlos brought into Boſcobel-houſe▪ Carlos being informed who lay hid in the Wood, with the two Pendrells went ſtreight out to him, and after joyful Congratulations on all hands, they conduct him into the Houſe; but the Sand that was got into his Shoes, whilſt he ran through the River, had rub'd the Skin off, and fetch'd Blood from his Feet, which a poor Woman cured by waſhing them.Having taken refreſhment, he climbs up upon an Oak. Then both being refreſhed with Countrey-fare, they forthwith return back into the Wood; where climbing up to the top of a thick and leafy Oak, they ſpend the Day there: The King after long watching falling faſt aſleep upon the Arms and in the Boſom of Carlos. In the Night time he is hid in a Prieſts-hole. At Night they come down, and, being very hungry, return to the Houſe, where they were ſhew'd a Place called a Prieſts-hole, almoſt unſcrutable, which pleaſed the King ſo well, that whilſt he ſtay'd there he would truſt himſelf no more abroad.

Humphrey, another of the five Brothers of the Pendrells, who kept a Mill hard by, had gone to Sheffual to pay his Aſſeſſment; where, in the Houſe of Captain Broadway Collector of the Money, he accidentally met with an Oliverian Colonel, who very earneſtly ſought after the King; and hearing that this Countrey-man lived near the Abbey of Whitladies, he asked him if he knew any thing of the King, or of the Abbey: Pendrell the Miller being asked concerning the King, adding, That if any would diſcover him, he might gain a thouſand pounds Sterling; but that if he were found to have concealed, or hid him, he would undoubtedly ſuffer death for it. Yet honeſt Humphrey, preferring the ſafety of the King, and his own honeſty before any hopes of gain, faithfully kept Counſel,Preſerved his Loyalty unviolated. and made anſwer, that he knew nothing. When he returned home at Night, he relates the whole matter to the King, who the next Day, being Sunday, ſpent a great part of the Day in an Arbour adjoyning the Houſe in reading the Scriptures.

In the mean time John Pendrell, when he was ſhewing the Lord Wilmot his way to London, found it every where ſo peſtered with Souldiers, that he thought it ſafeſt to hide him and his Horſe in a Marle-pit, Wilmot coming out of a Marle-pit, is committed to the care of Whitgrave. until he could find out a more commodious lurking place; and at length he happily committed him to the truſt of Whitgrave and Hudleſtone, (though both Roman Catholicks) Hudleſtone being Tutor in the Houſe to Mr. Whitgrave's three Sons. Theſe having in the Night time ſent the Horſe to Colonel Lane's, their intimate acquaintance, who had formerly ſerved the King, Hoſpitably entertained Wilmot at Moſely. The King having notice of this from John at his return, he forthwith ſends him back to find out Wilmot, who had before changed his Lodging, and removed to Bentley, the Houſe of Colonel Lane: Being found there at length, and acquainted with the Kings mind, he promiſes next night to return and meet the King at Moſely, five miles diſtant from Boſcobel. John being come back to Boſcobel, the King reſolved to go thither and ſee Wilmot: But the unlucky rubbing off the skin of his feet, which we mentioned, made him unable to walk it a foot. Therefore mounting the Miller Humphrey's Beaſt,To viſit whom the King, mounted on a Millers Beaſt, goes to Moſely. upon an old coarſe Saddle, and bidding farewel to Carlos, he goes to Moſely, the four Pendrels and Francis Yates being his Guard. Whither ſo ſoon as he was come, he diſmiſſed the countrey-men with many promiſes, which have been ſince largely performed.

Then did Whitgrave and Hudleſtone conduct him to Wilmot, with whom having had a long conference about his Affairs, and taken ſome refreſhment of food, he was led into a private Chamber to repoſe himſelf and ſleep. But next day Whitgrave had ſome notice,Soldiers c • me to ſeize Whitgrave, that Soldiers were coming to ſeize him, as one that had formerly ſerved in the King's Army. And ſo, indeed, they came, yet he being innocent would not avoid them; but the King ſlipping into a private place, and the doors being all inſtantly opened, he confidently ſpeaks to them; and by the teſtimony of Neighbours, and other Arguments, ſo clearly convinced them of the contrary of what they ſuſpected,And depart. that without ſo much as coming up the ſtairs, of their own accord they left him, without any further diſturbance.

The ſame day Soldiers make a new ſearch in the Abbey, The King is again ſearched after in the Abbey. having been informed by an Enſign who was made Priſoner, that the King certainly abſconded there; for that he had ſeen him with ſome other Company arrive there, and that he had obſerved no ſuch perſon depart from thence. They therefore break into all the Rooms, ſearch every Chamber, Cloſet, and Corner; break down the Waneſcot and partition walls, and ſeek in every little hole, but in vain. Then they examine the Maſter of the Houſe, with a charged Musket cockt at his Breaſt; threatning him, that if he did not forthwith bring forth the King, he ſhould die upon the ſpot. But he abſolutely denies that he knew the King; yet confeſſed that many came to his houſe that night, who having eat up all his Victuals went off again. The Soldiers there upon turning to the Enſign, ſoundly banged him for telling a lye.

The night following his Majeſty having drawn a Bill of Exchange upon a Merchant in London, for Money to be payed to his Landlord, that if it ſhould come to the knowledge of the Parricides, that he had been harboured in that houſe, he with the reſt concerned might have wherewithal to ſhift for themſelves, and get beyond Sea, took his leave of Whitgrave, his Wife, and Hudleſtone; and committed himſelf and Wilmot to the protection of Colonel Lane, to be conducted to Bently. He removes to Bently, from thence to go to Briſtol as the ſervant of Jane Lane. Where his ſiſter Jane Lane undertook to carry him to Briſtol where he hoped he might have a paſſage; having in this manner laid her deſign. She procured from a certain Colonel of the Rebels, a paſsport for her ſelf, a Gentleman and his Wife, with one Servant, mounted upon two Horſes, that they might ſafely and without moleſtation travel to the houſe of one Norton near Briſtol, whoſe Wife was ready to lye in. Her ſiſter Jane muſt needs be at her Labour; and could not have better Company to go along with her, than her Couſin and her Husband; which was a Scheme very well contrived. Without more delay, the King mounts on Horſe-back, riding before Jane as her Servant. Laſſels, her Couſin,He ſets forth upon his journey, accompanied with Laſſels and Wilmot, with his Wife follows after: Wilmot rides before with a Hawk on his Fiſt, as a ſtranger who had accidentally met them on the Rode; reſolving ſo ſoon as they came near Briſtol, to ſtrike off to the houſe of his friend Sir John Winter, there to expect the Iſſue of things. The deſign being thus laid, in a good time they ſet forward upon their Journey.

The firſt remarkable accident that happened,At Bromſgrove he falls in diſcourſe with a Smith about himſelf. was at Bromſgrove; for the King's Horſe loſing a Shoe, His Majeſty was to carry him to a Smith to be ſhod. The King asking him, what News he heard? Nothing, anſwered he, but that Cromwell had routed the Scots, and that though all the rest were ſlain, or taken Priſoners, yet the King had made his eſcape. Perhaps, replied the King, he has got by by-ways back into Scotland. No, ſaid the Smith, that is not very likely; he rather lurks ſecretly ſomewhere in England, and I wiſh I knew where he were, for I might get a thouſand Pounds by taking him. After the Horſe was ſhod, the King departed, and upon the Rode, told his Miſtreſs what diſcourſe he had had with the Smith. When they were come near to Stratford, they had a mind to foard over the River of Avon, about a mile below the Town: But drawing nearer, they perceived Soldiers Horſes feeding in the Meadows, and the Troopers lying upon the ground, on the other ſide. There they conſult what was beſt to be done. The King was for going confidently on; but Laſſels, thinking ſtill on the Injury which he had lately received from the Soldiers, thought it ſafer to turn aſide to the next Town; the King yielding to his fear,At Stratford he paſſes through Soldiers without any hurt. whilſt they rode along the Streets, they met the ſame Soldiers whom they had avoided; yet without the leaſt moleſtation, they civilly giving hat for hat. At night they came to the Crown in Cirenceſter, where the King pretending himſelf ſick, went preſently into a Chamber. Next Evening they came to Marsfield, Lodges at Cirenceſter, where they lodged at a Relations of Jane's. On the third day, leaving Briſtol three Miles to the left,Then at Marsfield, and the third day at Norton, where he pretends himſelf ſick. they arrived at Norton's houſe; where Jane cauſed a Bed to be made in a private Chamber for the King, who ſhe ſaid, was the Son of one of her Father's Tenants, and was ſick of an Ague, getting Doctor Gorge to give him ſomewhat for his Diſtemper.

As he came out of his Chamber in the morning, Gorge asked him, what he heard of the King and of the Battel? But ſeeing he faultered in his Anſwer,And is viſited by Doctor Gorge I am afraid, ſays he, you are a Roundhead; but I will try what Metal you are made of; and taking him preſently into the Buttery, he drinks to him the King's Health in a Glaſs of Wine, which the King pledging, aſſured him that he never was a man of that Stamp. The morning following, the King eating a piece of Bread and Cheeſe in the Buttery, fell into diſcourſe with a bragging fellow there preſent,In the Buttery he diſcourſes with a bragging fellow about the King. who boaſted that he had been at VVorceſter fight, and talked largely of many things that hapned there. Says the King to him, Have you ever ſeen the King? Twenty times, anſwered he; What kind of man is he then? Then looking on the King more ſteadfaſtly, He is, ſaid he, four fingers breadth taller than you. Afterwards takeing off his hat to the Miſtreſs of the Houſe, as ſhe accidentally paſt through the Parlour. The Butler eying him more attentively, and obſerving his Countenance, ſuſpected him to be the King,He is diſcovered by the Butler, and finding a private occaſion fell upon his Knees, asking him if it were not ſo. The King enjoining him ſilence, confeſſed he was. This man's name was John Pope, who five years before had been a Soldier under his Majeſty in the Weſt, when he was Prince of VVales; and being afterwards disbanded, he had ſerved ſeveral Maſters, before he came to be Butler to this Norton; from that time forward, he performed a great many good Offices to his Majeſty with extraordinary Fidelity.A moſt faithful man; For firſt he was ſent to Briſtol to find out a Ship: But could find none there that within a Month was to ſail either to France or Spain. Whilſt he diſcourſed with the King of ſeveral that had ſerved his Majeſty, he pitched upon one Windham, whom he thought fit to try in the preſent ſtreights, and who lived at Trent in Dorcetſhire.

VVilmot coming, as it had been agreed upon,By whoſe means VVilmot is introduced. to Norton's Houſe, is by night introduced to the King by Pope, and, after they had conſulted together, preſently ſent to Trent, to enquire if VVindham could receive and conceal the King in his houſe, until he might find an opportunity of a paſſage over Sea.He ſounds VVindham's mind, VVindham preſently made anſwer, that he thought himſelf extremely happy, that amongſt ſo many Noble and Loyal Subjects, he reckoned him chiefly worthy of that honour: That he was therefore ready not only to venture his Life, Family, and Eſtate, but even to ſacrifice all to his Majeſties Service.With good ſucceſs. But withal begs leave to impart the ſecret not only to his Mother and Wife, but alſo to four Servants, of whoſe faithfulneſs both to his Majesty and himſelf he was fully aſſured. VVilmot conſented, and aſſuring him that the King would be there three days after, he returned.

But the night before, Norton's Wife was brought to Bed, after a hard and dangerous Labour, and was not to be left by her Siſter, (for ſo ſhe called Jane) in that Condition. That ſhe might therefore have a civil pretext of departing, a Letter is pretended to have been juſt then brought from her Aged and Decrepit Father; Jane counterfeits Letters as from her dying Father. wherein he acquaints her, that ſince her departure he had been grievouſly ill, and that he stood in need of her preſent aſſiſtance; he therefore bids her, if ſhe tendered her Father's Life, to haſten home. The Letters being produced, and the Rumour ſpread over the Family, Jane and Laſſels take their farewel, leaving his Wife with the Lady in the ſtraw,For a pretext of departing late at Night. and with their Servant, whom the Kings Majeſty perſonated, they depart. Rogers, who by by-ways had conducted VVilmot from VVinter's houſe to Nortons, was their Guide; and they lodged the firſt night at Carew-Caſtle ſeven miles on this ſide Trent. They go to Carew-Caſtle, The appointed hour of their coming drawing nigh, VVindham and his Wife, as if to take a walk, went out to meet them; and ſend the King privately into the houſe, by one whom they had choſen for that purpoſe:And next day to Trent, where VVindam lived. Jane and Laſſels in the mean time are publickly received as Relations, who coming from a place far diſtant, were to be gone next day. In this place the King's Majeſty ſtayed ſecurely nineteen days, expecting a Veſſel at leiſure, and having been ſeveral times diſappointed. But one day it happened that the Countrey People fell to ringing of Bells, with more than uſual Solemnity; and the King, enquiring into the cauſe of this extraordinary rejoycing,A report of the King's Death. was told, that it was for the joyful News of the King's Death, which was confidently reported. But whilſt they conſulted, and caſt about a long time concerning a paſſage, VVindham bethought himſelf of one Elden a Merchant, formerly a Captain under CHARLES the Firſt, who ſince that, drove a conſiderable trade at Lime, that he poſſibly might procure a Veſſel, ſince he had aſſiſted the Lord Berkley in diſtreſs with a ſafe paſſage. Therefore VVindham is diſpatched to him to learn, whether or not he could procure a ſafe paſſage for VVilmot, and another Nobleman, who had made their eſcape from VVorceſter fight. He readily liſtened to it, and preſently went to Chayermouth, near to Lime; Elden freights a Ship at Chayermouth. where having ſent for the Maſter of a Ship, he asked him, under promiſe of ſecreſie, if he durſt venture to carry VVilmot and his ſervant ſafely over to France. He undertook it, and bargains with a Captain for threeſcore Pound, which he obliged himſelf under Hand and Seal to pay him, after he had carried a Nobleman over to France. The hour and day, when he was to put them on Board in a Boat, are prefixed.

Hitherto all things ſucceeding according to their expectation; there only wanted a pretext of ſtaying in Lodgings, till all things might be made ready for their paſſage. For that end Henry Peters, VVindham's Servant, Peters's device whereby he provides lodgings in that place. who was privy to the deſign, applies himſelf to an Hoſteſs at Chayermouth, and, amongſt other diſcourſes, told her that he was ſervant to a worthy Nobleman, who was deeply in Love with a Maid that had neither Father nor Mother, who lived not far off, and was as much in Love with him: But that her Guardian oppoſing the Marriage, he reſolved to ſteal her away by Night. He therefore asks her, if ſhe would for ſome hours entertain them in her houſe; and at the ſame time gives her a ſmall Gift as a pledge of a greater reward, and drinks a Glaſs of Wine with her. The woman ſoftned by the preſent, and touched with Compaſſion for the young Lady, promiſes to ſerve them. Leaving therefore Trent, the King ſets out towards Chayermouth, with Juliana Conisbey his pretended Bride, who was privy to the matter,The King goes thither, carrying Juliana Conisbey with him as his Bride. riding behind him upon the ſame Horſe. The Lord Wilmot, Colonel VVindham, and Henry Peters accompany them; and were met by Elden, who carried them into a private houſe, whither he went under pretext of viewing a little Farm: Here the King's Majeſty diſcovered himſelf unto him, giving him a ſmall preſent as an earneſt of future Gratitude. From thence the Merchant goes to Lime, that he might give notice to the Maſter of the Ship, to be in readineſs to put to Sea at the appointed time; The King with the reſt went to their Lodgings at Chayermouth; and Peters to ſtay for the Boat. But having waited till it was almoſt day, he returned without any News of the arrival of the Boat.But loſing hopes of a Ship, he preſently departs This put them all into diſorder; and made them think of taking other meaſures, there was no ſafe place here to ſtay in; and the King was reſolved not to loyter a moment.

After a ſhort conſultation, the King with Juliana, and the Colonel accompanying them, advance towards Bridport, there to expect the coming of the Lord VVilmot and Peters in an appointed Inn. Peters being to go to Lime to learn from the Merchant the reaſon of the diſappointment: And VVilmot ſtaying behind in the Inn, upon pretext of new ſhooing his Horſe. But Elden the Merchant, who thought that by this time they had made half their Voyage, could not imagine the reaſon of the breach of promiſe, nor could he attribute it to any thing elſe, ſave that the man taking his leave of his Friends, it being then the Market-day at Lime, had drank ſo much as to make him forget the prefixed time.Why the Maſter of the Veſſel failed ſo foully. But it was known afterward, that the Maſter of the Veſſel being come home, to take clean Cloaths and other neceſſaries for his Voyage with him, was locked up in his Chamber, and bolted in by his Wife: For that very day a Proclamation had been made in the Town, whereby it was declared Death for any Perſon to aid or conceal the King; and a thouſand Pounds promiſed to any that could apprehend him. This put the woman into ſo great fear, leſt her Husband in doing that Office, which he had confeſſed to his Wife to have taken upon him, might ſuffer Shipwrack on Shore: She therefore uſed Entreaties, Tears, and almoſt Violence, to hinder him from it; and at length ſcreamed out, thereby to allarm the Neighbourhood. Being therefore overcome by ſo much importunity, he kept at home, and committed himſelf to the direction of his Wife.

Upon the way to Bridport VVindham went a little before the King, to view the Rode;They came to Bridport full of Soldiers. and coming near the Town, he found it to be full of Soldiers. For there was a Muſter that day, and a taking on of Soldiers, for an Expedition againſt the Iſle of Jerſey, under Haines. VVindham was therefore for the Kings going to another place, but he laying aſide all fear would needs enter the Town, leſt he might ſeem to have deceived VVilmot, and partly alſo that he might refreſh himſelf, tir'd out with night-watching and travelling, and wait for the coming of VVilmot. The Colonel took care to provide a Chamber and Victuals; which was no eaſie matter to be done amongſt ſo many Gueſts. The King, in the mean time was employed in carrying the Horſes into the Stable, and looking after them; nor could he avoid talking with the Soldiers in the yard about his Journey.Where the King was very near diſcovered by an Hoſtler. But the Hoſtler looking him in the face as he deliver'd him the Horſes, told him, You are welcome, I know you very well. Where did you know me? anſwered the King. At Exeter, ſaid he; (for the King had continued long there during the heat of the War,) I lived two years in an Inn there. And ſo did I, replied the King, in the Service of Maſter Porter. I am glad I have met with a Country-man; but I perceive you are ſo buſie that you have no time to drink with me, when I come back from London, we'll talk of old Stories. Being pleaſed with theſe promiſes, and full of Buſineſs, or God Almighty caſting a Miſt before his Eyes, he forbore all farther diſcourſe.

Shortly after, VVilmot paſſing through the Town, they take Horſe, and following the ſtreight Rode to London, they met with ſeveral Travellers in the way; and amongſt thoſe one who had formerly been a Servant to CHARLES the Firſt:From thence, as good luck would have it, to Broad-VVindſor. Therefore thinking it moſt convenient to turn out of the Rode, they followed the next way upon the left hand; and having rid a long time, towards night they came to a Village called Broad-windſor. Windham goes before to enquire where they were; what the name of the Village was, and whither the way led: And by good luck he ſtumbled upon an Inn-keeper an old Servant of his own, who had been alſo a Soldier in the Kings Army, pleaſed with this good Fortune, he ſpeaks him kindly, and becauſe it grew dark he eaſily obtained Lodging that night for his Company. However it was not long before the Conſtable came with forty Soldiers at his back,Where he is diſquieted by Soldiers quartering there, who marching to the Sea Coaſt to be tranſported over to Jerſey, muſt be quartered there. The Houſe being peſtered with them, the Kings Majeſty had but a very narrow Lodging, yet that was not all the inconvenience. For about midnight a Woman that followed the Soldiers fell into Labour: Which being noiſed about, the People of the Village flock'd together, and kept a bawling and heavy rout about the keeping of the Child and Mother, which continued till break of day,And the Country People. when the Soldiers, weary of the jangle, haſtened to their Ships.

During the hubbub, let us look back a little to Chayremouth, where the Shoeing of a Horſe went near to have coſt the Lord Wilmot dear, Wilmot is in danger at Chayremouth, by a diſcourſe ſtarted betwixt the Smith and the Hoſtler. The Smith asking, From whence came theſe Gentlemen? From Exeter, as they ſay, anſwered the Hoſtler. Ʋpon a ſuſpition occaſioned by his Horſes Shoes. To whom the Smith replied, but I dare ſwear theſe laſt Shoes were put on in the North. All other circumſtances being conſidered; to wit, that the Saddles were not taken off in the night time, that, though Travellers, they had ſat up all night, and that the Servant went out of the Inn early in the morning, they preſently conclude that they were Perſons of Quality, who flying, after the late Worceſter fight, had wandered thither,The Hoſtler conſults the Miniſter of the place, and that perhaps the King was amongſt them. So that the Hoſtler, hoping to make his Fortune, went to conſult the Miniſter of the place, one Weſtley a great ſtickler for the Regicides, what he had beſt to do on this occaſion. But neither was it fit to diſturb him at his Morning Prayers; nor durſt the Hoſtler ſtay till they were winded out, for fear of loſing the Vails he expected from the Gentleman that was upon parting, and therefore returning,Who having ſeriouſly weighed the matter, without any thing done, he lets him go. The Smith having blazed about the ſtory, preſently came the Miniſter, ſolicitouſly enquiring of the Inn-keeper, what the Travellers were that he had lodged that night; from whence they came, whither they were going, and what was their Buſineſs there? His ſuſpicion being encreaſed by the Inn-keeper's anſwers, he runs to Butler, the next Colonel, for obtaining a Warrant to raiſe the Countrey and Soldiers for apprehending the King.He hunts after the King, tho too late, The Colonel refuſing, Captain Maſſey, quartered hard by, having gathered together as many Horſe as he could in the hurry, follows after on the London Rode as far as Dorcheſter; but the King, dy divine Providence, having quitted the Rode, he returned diſappointed of his fair hopes.

Eſpecially in Sir Hugh Windham's houſe. This ſet all the Soldiers about a working, who ſearch all places and ſuſpected houſes, eſpecially that of Sir Hugh Windham, Uncle to the Colonel, where they left not a Cheſt nor corner unſearched, and having made the whole Family Priſoners, they will needs have a young Lady of extraordinary Beauty and Parts to be the King in diſguiſe; nor did they let her go, till by an undoubted experiment they had found out her Sex.

The King's ſteps, however, are to be traced by a ſurer Guide.The King returns to Trent having ſent VVilmot to Coventry. For after mature deliberation, it was reſolved upon, that he ſhould return to his known receſs at Trent; and that the Lord Wilmot with Peters ſhould haſten to Salisbury, that there he might adviſe with John Coventry, the eldeſt Son of the Lord Keeper Coventry by a ſecond Marriage, by what means the King might either ſecurely paſs the Seas, or at leaſt find a new retirement; for it was to be feared leſt ſtaying too long in one place, he might be diſcovered. After a conſultation with Coventry, application is made to one Mrs. Hide, a Widow, who lived at a Village called Heal, within a mile of Salisbury, that ſhe would look out for a lurking place; and Robert Philips, who had been a Colonel in the Army of CHARLES the Firſt, is ſent to Southampton to freight a Veſſel. He, returning from thence,A ſhip freighted at Southampton, but without Succeſs. aſſured them that a Ship and all things neceſſary were in readineſs for a Tranſportation. But it fell out unluckily, that the ſame Ship, whilſt the King was going to the Widows Houſe, was taken up, and engaged to carry over Soldiers and Ammunition to the Iſle of Jerſey. Philips being therefore diſappointed of his hopes, begs aſſiſtance of Colonel Gunter, whom he met with by chance, in that affair.The King g • es to Heal. The King in the mean time came to the Widows Houſe in the night time, and goes to Supper, Doctor Henchman, afterward Biſhop of Salisbury, with other Gueſts, ſitting with him at Table. After Supper, he privately diſcloſed himſelf to the Widow, and entreated ſhelter from her; and though ſhe had never ſeen him before but once, and that ſeven years before in paſſing, yet at firſt ſight ſhe knew him. She therefore adviſes him early in the morning to depart towards London, but having turned out of the way, to come back about one of the Clock in the afternoon, at what time he ſhould by a back door be let into the Houſe; for that being a Market day at Salisbury, and all her Servants and other Witneſſes being gone thither by her permiſſion, ſhe her ſelf would let him in. The thing was accordingly done: For the King and Colonel Philips, taking formally leave of the Miſtreſs of the Houſe, mounted on Horſeback,Having taken leave in the morning, he returns • ack, without the knowledge of the Servants, and is hid. and go to ſee Stonehenge; but at the appointed hour returned back again; here the Colonel carrying away the Horſes, the King is hid in a ſecret place, which had been made in the time of the War, for ſecuring of Jewels and Goods of greateſt value.

In the mean time, by means of Colonel Gunter, a Veſſel was hired at Bright-helmstead in Suſſex; which ſo ſoon as the King knew, all things being in a readineſs for a departure, his Majeſty in good earneſt takes leave of the Lady,From thence he haſtens to Bright-Helmſtead, Gunter having hired a Veſſel; and in the night time, accompanied by Colonel Philips, he removed to the houſe of one Simmons, near Portſmouth, and came next day in the Evening to an Inn at Bright-helmſtead; where all ſit down at Table together, the King, Gunter, Wilmot, Manſel a Merchant, and Teterſhal Maſter of the Veſſel, oppoſite to the King. The Maſter of the Veſſel,Where at Supper he is known, by the Maſter of the Bark. riſing from Supper, called the Merchant aſide, and expoſtulated with him for having deceived him, in recommending the King to him, inſtead of another perſon pretended. The Merchant confidently denies it, and urges him to be as good as his word. But he affirmed that he knew him for certain to be the King, though in a mean and ordinary habit he paſt for a Servant, and that he remembred him very well ſince the time that at his own and others interceſſion, he had cleared a Fleet of Colliers bound thither from New-Caſtle, which were ſtopt in the Downs. Nor indeed could, or ought the Merchant be ignorant of the Proclamation, whereby it was declared Death for any one to receive him into houſe or habour,Who being afraid of the Parliaments Proclamation, and the large reward of a Thouſand Pounds, promiſed to him that could diſcover and apprehend him. Manſel perceiving that the man underſtood the deſign; immediately addreſſes himſelf to the King, who being informed of the humour and honeſty of the Maſter,With diffiulty undertakes the thing, his Majeſty and Wilmot ply him with promiſes, and give him a conſiderable Freight in hand. Whereupon, promiſing to be faithful unto them, he departs to make all things ready for their paſſage. The Veſſel lay at Shoram four Miles from thence, as yet half laden with Coals, which he had not ſold, moſt of the Seamen being at Bright-helmſtead: Thoſe he knocks up in the night time, bidding them make haſte to the Veſſel, which having ſlipt its Anchors was at drift, and might be ſtranded or caſt away upon the Rocks, that he himſelf would preſently follow after. In the mean time he orders his Wife to go and buy a Bottle of Brandy, and another of Sack, and to give him clean Cloaths to take along with him. But why ſo late in the night? His Wife, who ſmelt it out, • ncouraging him to the buſ • neſs. ſaid ſhe; would it not do as well in the morning? He ſtill urging her, and cutting off all delays, It's the King, ſaid the Woman, whom I ſuſpect you are to carry over: Pray God you may carry him ſafe, though I and my ſmall Children ſhould for ever after go a Begging. The Inn-keeper alſo being by that time got drunk, and addreſſing himſelf to the King, took his hand and kiſſed it, ſaying, Who you are, whence you come, or whither you are going, I know not; yet I pray God he may bleſs and preſerve you: If I gueſs aright, I ſhall be an Earl, and my Wife a Counteſs. And the Truth is, ſome diſcovered it was the King, ſo that preſently after his eſcape, the News of it was whiſpered all about the Countrey.

The hour of departure approaching, they take Horſe and go to the Shore,Being got on board they coaſt along the Shore, as bound for the Iſle of VVight. the Maſter pretending that they were Merchants of the Iſle of Wight, that had bought the reſt of the Coals, and that they were to carry them thither. About five in the morning they went on Board, and ſpent a great part of the day coaſting along the Shore. Towards Sun ſetting the Maſter ſtands off, as directing his courſe towards the Iſle of Wight. But Wilmot, who appeared to be the chief Paſſenger, as if his mind had changed with the Wind, after a little ſquabble with the Maſter in preſence of the Seamen, as it had been agreed upon, altered his bargain, and, inſtead of the Iſle of Wight, ordered him to run over to France;In the Evening they arrive in Normandy. ſo that in the dusk of the Evening, they arrived at Fern, an inconſiderable Port in Normandy, and at length gained the much longed for Shore.The King very skilful in Navigation. During the paſſage, the Maſter wondered that his Majeſty underſtood their courſe better than he himſelf did. Nor is it to be omitted, what an ignorant Seaman wittily blurted out by chance. The King, whilſt the Veſſel was under Sail, ſitting with the Maſter in the Cabin, the fellow coming in, claps down by them, and blows the Smoke of his Tobacco in his face: At which the Maſter being vexed, bid him begone quickly, and not trouble the Gentleman with his Smoke. The fellow riſing to go out, in Dudgeon made anſwer, That a Cat might look upon a King; a common Proverb in England.

Now was the King's Majeſty ſafely landed in France, where rendring firſt thanks to Almighty God, the Protector and Avenger of all Kings, Lord of the Earth and Sea, who ſtills the raging of the Winds and Waves, He profeſſes much gratitude to the Maſter, and kindly invites him to ſtay with him, and ſhare in his Fortune. But he, wiſhing his Majeſty all Proſperity and Happineſs, choſe rather, with danger,The Maſter of the Veſſel being kindly diſmiſſed arrives the ſame night at Pool. to return home to his Wife and Children. He therefore puts out to Sea again, and the Wind preſently turning, he came the ſame night to Pool, a Port in Dorcetſhire, and there ſold his Coals. But the King arriving at Rouen, applies himſelf to Sambourn and Parker, Engliſh Merchants, who provide his Majeſty with new Cloathes, The King having changed his Cloathes at Rouen, dividing his old ones betwixt themſelves, to be kept as Holy Relicts.

Doctor Earl, ſince Biſhop of Worceſter, formerly one of his Majeſties Chaplains, living then at Rouen, came to pay him a Viſit; but at firſt ſight knew him not,Where by chance he found Doctor Earle, whether it was that the ſmuttineſs of his Face, or the want of Hair had eclipſed his Majeſtick looks, or that the amazement of the unexpected ſight dulled the Doctors eye-ſight: It is certain, that he ſought Charles in Charles, until taking a fuller view of his Sacred Countenance, his Joys grew more certain, and falling down and embracing the Knees of his deareſt Maſter, he begg'd pardon that he had not ſooner performed that Duty, and burſt out in Tears of obſequious Joy.

Next day, the News being already carried to Paris, the Queen of England, He goes to Paris; and Duke of Orleans, with a great Train of Nobility, went out to meet and welcome his Majeſty, and introduced him into the City amidſt the Applauſes of the People. All deſire to ſee and embrace him whom Providence had preſerved to be the Ornament and delight of Mankind, praying from their hearts, that God would ſtill keep and defend him for the hope and ſupport of England, and bleſs him with all Bleſſings.

Thus he eſcaped ſafe out of the Snares of his Enemies, by whoſe means ſince we Engliſh-men have all triumphed over our Enemies; over whoſe Sacred Head had not the Angels kept Guard,Whoſe ſafely was an illuſtrious Teſtimony of Divine Providence. it had certainly periſhed. That amongſt ſo many men of mean Condition, of ſo contrary Religions, amongſt ſo many Women, naturally given to babling, and ſo many timorous People, who were frightned at the very name of Death, and, in a word, that amongſt ſo many broken and indigent perſons, to whom a great reward could not but be acceptable, no body during the ſpace of two Months ever betray'd him; is certainly (if ever there was any) an amazing work of the Hand and Providence of God. And this alone might have been ſufficient, to confound the Arrogance of Rebels, who ſo often boaſted of Providence; and to teach all Worldlings, by an invincible Argument, how dear to God the ſafety of his Anointed is.

After the defeat of Worceſter, Cromwel in a Triumphant manner made his entry into London, Cromwell, having ſent the Priſoners before, comes to London. having ſent before him five thouſand Priſoners; who being ſufficiently expoſed to the Scoffs and deriſion of the People, are either clapt up in Priſons, or ſent to the New World, there to drudge in the Sugar Mills.

In the mean time Monck, who was deſervedly afterwards Created Duke of Albermarle, being made General of the Engliſh Forces, to the number of ſix thouſand, Sterling Caſtle ſurrendered to Monck. which Cromwell had left behind him in Scotland, attacques Sterling-Caſtle, and takes it by ſurrender, with all the Guns, Ammunition, much Proviſion, five thouſand Arms, the Regiſters, Coffers, Jewels, and ſeveral Monuments and Relicks of Kings, together with that lofty Inſcription, Nobis haec invicta dedere, centum ſex proavi; Colonel Alured ſurpriſed and took the Aged Earl of Levin, the Earl of Crawford-Lindſey, Noblemen taken by Alured. Lord Ogilby, and many other Noblemen, whilſt they were met for raiſing of Soldiers at Ellet, a Town in Pearthſhire; Sir Philip Muſgrave alſo, the Provoſt of St. Johnſtone, and others, being about the ſame buſineſs, are taken at Dumfriſe. But Dundee, becauſe it had the boldneſs to hold out, Dundee was a prey to the Conquerour. was ſtormed and taken by aſſault, and the whole Town left to the mercy of the Soldiers, who kill'd and plunder'd all they found. Aberdeen, and other Towns and Forts, being warned by this ſad example, of their own accord yielded to the Enemy.

A little after the Marqueſs of Argile, All Scotland in the power of the Engliſh, who ſtrengthen themſelves by new Citadels. made a ſhew of maintaining the Intereſt of the Kingdom, as alſo the Highlanders, but, having obtained indifferent good Conditions, they alſo yield, and ſubmit their necks to the Engliſh Yoke. Afterward four Citadels are built, ſtrong both by Art and Situation, to which, by Sea, men and Proviſions might eaſily be tranſported from England; to wit, at Air, Innerneſs, St. Johnſton, and Leith; beſides Sterling Caſtle, ſtanding on the Brow of a Hill, and Edingburrough Caſtle, which we deſcribed before. Nay in every County they keep a Gariſon in ſome Caſtle or other, that if any new Rebellion ſhould ariſe, they might have opportunity to ſuppreſs it where-ever it happened in Scotland. Nor could the main Land of Scotland put bounds to the Victory of the Engliſh, And ſubdue Orkney and the Iſles. who ſlighting the dangers of thoſe raging and voracious Seas, carry their Victories over to the Iſles, Orkney and Shetland.

But as when the Serpent is bruiſed in the Head, he often threatens with his Tail; ſo the Marqueſs of Huntley, Earls of Glencairn and Athol, The Scots riſe, but in vain. Midleton, and others, ſtir the Embers, and raiſe new flames of a War. But Morgan eaſily reduced them, having, before they could joyn, routed the chief of them. Henceforward, they who had been accuſtomed to be moſt unruly and diſobedient, when occaſion of Kicking offered, are fain to bite upon the Bit, and upon capitulation promiſe to live quietly for the future.

The adminiſtration of civil Affairs in Scotland, by Judges for the moſt part Engliſh; Now are Judicatures and Courts of Juſtices opened in Scotland, for which end, amongſt other Itinerary Judges, are ſent from England, George Smith, John Marſs, Edward Moſeley, to whom were added of the Scots, the Lord Craighall, Lockhart, and Swinton, not to be forgotten. A Council of State is alſo made up of Engliſh, not of the beſt Quality,And a Council of State. who were matched by ſome Scots mingled with them; nay in every Shire a Meeting is called, wherein, renouncing the King, they are obliged to ſubſcribe to the Engliſh Government, and to unite into one Common-wealth with the Engliſh. And at length they are commanded to ſend thirty Commiſſioners to the Parliament of England. Nor is it to be denyed but that they were Engliſh, Thirty Commiſſioners from thence allowed to ſit and Vote in the Parliament of England. though from Scotland, who were appointed to that Office, except the Marqueſs of Argile and Laird of Swinton, which two were the only Scots that hearded themſelves into that Parliament. The uſe of Arms is likewiſe denyed to that Nation, nay and of Horſes alſo, except only for ſome neceſſary ends and uſes. Beſides, their Commerce and Negotiations with Foreigners are narrowly obſerved, leſt under that pretext they might hatch miſchief againſt the Common-wealth of England. So much they got by diſturbing the quiet of England, The Scots had what they deſerved. and by medling in the ſtirs and troubles of others; nay, and by being the Authors of the innumerable Calamities which we ſuffered. So they fell into the Pit that they dug for us, and were taken in the Snares which they had laid for the Innocent; nor was there any hopes of a Deliverer, or an Avenger, till God ſhould think fit to look down from his Mountain, and having chaſtiſed the perverſeneſs of the People, have Mercy upon them.

But ſo much for Scotland;Hains ſubdues Jerſey. let us therefore leave it, and return to matters that properly concern our ſelves. Jerſey muſt now come upon the Stage, for the ſubduing whereof, Hains, with great preparations of Soldiers, and all things neceſſary, is empowred; who, paſſing over thither with about ſeventy ſail of Ships, great and ſmall, for three days ſpace was beat off from ſeveral places of the Iſland, by Sir George Cartright Governour of the Iſland, ſince deſervedly, Ʋnder Chamberlain of the King's Houſhold, though ſooner than was expected, he afterward obtained the Victory: For making a deſcent in the night time, and Bovil, who commanded the Cavalier Party, doing his utmoſt to hinder the Enemies Landing, being killed in the firſt Encounter; the reſt, ſeized with a ſudden fear and Conſternation, are put to flight. The Inhabitants after that, ſubmitted to the will and pleaſure of their new Maſters; Elizabeth Caſtle alſo ſtanding upon a Rock, and at high water encompaſſed by the Sea, being battered and torn with great Guns and Mortar-Peeces, one of which was ſo fatal, as at one blow to kill or mangle eight and forty Soldiers, after two Months ſiege capitulates, upon Condition, that the Governour and Gariſon with Bag and Baggage ſhould have liberty to paſs over into France. The Iſle of Mann alſo tak • n. Next follows the Iſle of Mann, this place, though defended by Feminine Valour, to wit, by the Counteſs of Derby, yet vied ſo much in honour with men, that it was doubtful, whether, in the Royal Cauſe, Sir George Cartright, or ſhe, fell the laſt Victim under the Hands of the Traytors.

An Act of Oblivion paſſesAll the Provinces thus ſubdued, an Act of Oblivion paſſes, whereby the memory of what was paſt being aboliſhed, all Crimes whatſoever are pardoned. But this was hampered with ſo many Limitations, Reſtrictions, Exceptions, and enſnaring Clauſes, that there was little hopes for true Penitents to expect any good from it. But ſuch,But not without the inſtance of Cromwell. however, as it was, Cromwell alone was to be thanked for it, by him chiefly it was propoſed, and by his means and endeavours it paſt in the Rump-Parliament, that, by ſo doing, he might by a ſhew of kindneſs claw the ſuffering and vanquiſhed People, and at the ſame time heap hatred and indignation upon the Heads of his fellow Traytors. For now, forſooth, it was time to put an end to Rapine and Violence. Did they take ſo much pleaſure in undoing Eſtates, and ruining Families? There was enough allowed to anger and revenge: That it was altogether fit to ſhew Clemency and Mercy to the Guilty, who having ſufficiently payed for their faults, now at length ſued for pardon.

The Soldiers diſpleaſed with the Rump. But the hatred and animoſities betwixt the Rump and the Soldiers, the Seeds whereof had been long ago ſown, though during the common danger they appeared not, began now to ſhow themſelves, and, after long and mutual grudges, to break out into Flames, and to devour one another. So rare a thing it is for Thieves and Robbers, to agree long together. The Soldiers object,Which with theſe Crimes they load, that theſe men did for ever appropriate to themſelves and their Friends all places of Honour and Command, barring all others from any ſhare with them; and that under colour of the publick good, they divided amongſt themſelves all profitable Offices, without any regard to the Publick. For what end had they taken Arms againſt the King? expoſed their lives to ſo many dangers, ript up the bowels of their Country-men and friends? Did they bring the King to the Block, (for in that execrable Villany they triumphed) that they might only ſettle them in their Seats, ſo as they might ſecurely live at their eaſe for ever, and, right or wrong, domineer over all without any diſtinction, and Murder and Sacrifice to their own private Luſt or Revenge, as many Subjects as they pleaſed? Away with it, ſay they, it were better to return to the old way of Government, Raiſe King CHARLES from the Dead, and ſubmit to his Rule, ſeeing it was known that he followed the Laws, and accordingly ſquared the adminiſtration of his Government. They therefore earneſtly deſire, That at length an end might be put to the Parliament, a new and fair Repreſentative choſen by the good people, and that the Laws might be reformed; beſides the many other things which had already ſo often cloyed them with Petitions.

The goodly Warriours made theſe ſpecious demands,As minding onely their own advantages, not out of a pure zeal for the Publick good; but that having baulked them, by determining their Authority, they themſelves might have their turn in the Government; hoping that by branding them with theſe reproachful Characters, they would at length be fain to put the Power into their hands.

The Objections are boldly enough anſwered.On the other hand the Rump-Members, Magiſterially grave, by a long poſſeſſion of Authority, bid the Soldiers mind their own Affairs, look to their Arms, and obey Orders, that they, to whom the care of the Common-wealth was committed, and the buſineſs of ſettling a new Government, having long laboured in the Affair, with no ſmall Progreſs, would at length by the help of God bring it to perfection. They bid them have a care, in the mean time, that they make no Tumults, ſeeing they who had pulled a King from his Throne, wanted neither Reſolution nor Force to reduce into order licentious Souldiers, though milder courſes were more pleaſant to them.

The Soldiers reply.But the Soldiers diſdaining that they ſhould be thought pragmatical, and medlers in Affairs that did not belong unto them, anſwer thoſe State-Adviſers, That they were not Mercenary Soldiers, nor had not taken up Arms only in Proſpect of pay, but for maintenance of the Publick Liberty, neither would they lay them down till they found the common Fruit of their endeavours. That they ought not to boaſt of putting the King to Death, (ſo they mutually gloried in that Horrid Villany) ſince they onely ſtood by, as in Diſguiſe and Maſquerade; but that they by their Valour, and at their own Peril, accompliſhed the thing, at the mention of which they would have ſtarted, had they not been encouraged, and ſet on by men of the Sword.

The Rump, therefore, being now more afraid of their Servants and idle Soldiers, than formerly of the Royal Enemy, endeavour by all ways to reduce them to Obedience, or at leaſt fairly to diſmiſs and disband them,Of whom therefore the Rump, under another pretence, order a great part to be disbanded. but ſtill under another pretence, alledging that the Commonwealth was not able to entertain ſo many idle and lazy Soldiers. Wherefore, under colour of leſſening the Charges of the Publick, they paſs an Act for Disbanding part of the Army, and the reſt to have but half pay, and to be divided and ſeparated in ſeveral Countries; that at once they might ſecure themſelves againſt the attempts of the Cavaliers, and take from their own Souldiers all opportunity of making Innovations.

The Soldiers ſmell out the deſign, and it prickt them to the heart, that they were now to be caſt down from that height, from whence they received plentiful incomes, and almoſt ſhared in the Government: They take it very ill to be cut ſhort of their pay, of their domineering, after their accuſtomed manner, in the Countries, and of making their own advantages in ſuppreſſing the beginnings of Sedition. Therefore the Officers refuſe to be disbanded, reciprocally pretending the Publick good.The Soldiers refuſing, and demanding a new Repreſentative, They alſo frame a Petition, ſuch as they had formerly preſented, with propoſals much to the ſame effect, and deſire a ſpeedier anſwer; nor would they lay down their Arms, before the remnant of the old Parliament being aboliſh'd, a Repreſentative were lawfully choſen, and that for the greater expedition, An equal numb • r of both conſult in common, ſome of the Officers of the Army, as Commiſſioners, ſhould be admitted into the Houſe, or at leaſt ſit and debate about the Propoſals with the Members of Parliament. The Rump condeſcending to this, twelve of each party meet and conſult in common: Where, Oliver St Johns, more skilful than the reſt in the Common Law,But without any Fruit. raiſing ſcruples, and perplexing matters that were clear in themſelves, ſo confounded the Rude Soldiers, that about one word, they ſpent above two Months.

Theſe Propoſals were alſo debated in the Rump:The Rumpers are divided about the manner of the Repreſentative, but ſince it would be tedious to mention all of them, I ſhall briefly, onely relate with what ſharpneſs and quite oppoſite Opinions they claſhed about the Repreſentative. Some were for ſhaping it after this manner, ſome after another, and ſome after none at all. The Presbyterians, who were but few in number, are for having it conform to the Solemn League and Covenant, a ſtrict and previous Inquiſition being made into the Manners and Religion of the men. The Ʋtopians dreamt of, I know not what Olygarchy made up of the Godlier Party, winnowed and ſifted to the higheſt Purity. Others were for a kind of Circulation, that every one ſucceſſively and in courſe might have their turns in the Government.And about the Time; Beſides there was no leſs ſtrife about the Time. Some thought it very dangerous, nay, without doubt fatal, to aſſign any day of diſſolution, and to introduce a new Repreſentative.Not willing to give the Power raſhly out of their own hands. Others would have no ſuch change to be made, but every third, fourth, or fifth year. But thoſe who were in Power, think it ſafeſt, that new Members ſhould be choſen in place of thoſe that died or were turned out. And moſt Votes agreed in this; which they forthwith enacted, though the night before they had privately promiſed the contrary to the Officers, to wit that they would model a new Repreſentative.

Cromwell flying to the Houſe, and objecting to them Miſdemeanours and other horrid Crimes,So ſoon as Cromwell heard of that, he haſtens to the Parliament Houſe, ordering ten or twelve Soldiers to follow him, and ſtay for him at the door. He himſelf, accompanied only with Fleetwood, entring in: To this purpoſe ſpake to the Speaker: You have ſufficiently impoſed upon the People, and provided for your ſelves and Relations; you have long cheated the Country, by your ſitting here under pretext of ſettling the Commonwealth, reforming the Laws, and procuring the Common Good; whilſt in the mean time you have onely invaded the Wealth of the State, ſcrewed your ſelves and Relations into all Places of Honour and Profit, to feed your own Luxury and Impiety. Then ſtamping with his Foot, which was the Signal to the Soldiers without, For ſhame, ſaid he, get ye gone, give place to honeſter Men, Commands all to be gone. and thoſe that will more faithfully diſcharge their Truſt. But whilſt all, ſurpriſed by this ſudden Conſternation, held their tongues, one had the boldneſs to tell him, It ſuits ill with your Excellencies Juſtice, to brand us all promiſcuouſly and in general, without any Proof of a Crime. At which being a little more heated, taking hold of one by the Cloke, Thou art a Whoremaſter, ſays he; to another, Thou art an Adulterer; to a third, Thou art a Drunkard and Glutton; to a fourth, Thou art an Extortioner: And the Muſquetiers ruſhing in, he excludes them all,And they delaying, by the aſſiſtance of the Soldiers he expelled them the Houſe, and commands the Parliament to be diſſolved; whilſt Harriſon gently pulled the Speaker out of his Chair, being unwilling to riſe, and ſent him going. So that that vaſt, horrid, and many-headed Monſter, whoſe Bellowing had made all Europe to ſhake, is by one ſingle Puff of Cromwell's Breath diſperſed and ſcattered, no body regretting, but rather all the People rejoycing at it. So, Government baſely got, is baſely loſt. Nay, to compleat their Puniſhment,And makes them ridiculous. they were ridiculed, a Bill being ſet upon the Door, with, This Houſe is to be Let. They were alſo Lampoon'd by the Ballad-ſingers about Town, who cried publickly about the City, Twelve Parliament-men for a Peny. Next day the Council of State, and Privy Council, are in the ſame manner ſent packing by Cromwell, leſt, if any remained, the Rooks might breed again.

By this ſo acceptable an Action, he ſo blotted out the Memory of his paſt Villanies, that for a time he was rather look'd upon as a Saviour;The People rejoycing, the Shouts and Bonfires that were made, ſufficiently expreſſing the Joys of the People, for being delivered from ſo cruel a Yoke. They praiſe the Freedom the General took,And much applauding him. in not fearing to charge his Impotent Maſters to their Faces, with the Vices that were publickly talked of; ſome few in the mean time obſerving, that whilſt he himſelf now accuſed thoſe whom before he had commended, he had then preferred ſuch as he might afterwards moſt juſtly accuſe. For he had ſo purged the Parliament, as caſting away the Flower, he had for his own purpoſe reſerved the Bran, to be likewiſe thrown away when he had a mind to it. The Rump-Members loaded with publick Hatred, and ſad Hearts, departed home, as they were commanded; for there was a Neceſſity that they muſt fall at the Pleaſure of thoſe, at whoſe Pleaſure they choſe to ſtand; and ſince they could not thrive in their Trade, without obeying their Guardians, the Injuries of the Soldiers were to be born with, and onely whiſpered. But they find no other Patron. The Publick, indeed, grieved not at their Diſaſter, as if the Office of the Laws had been ſhut; but triumphantly inſulted over them, as a Den of Thieves now broken up and diſperſed.

But the Commonwealth was ſtill reſerved to ſadder Bondage, Cromwell now, as General of the Army, arrogating to himſelf the Supreme Authority. Yet that he might remove all ſuſpicion of any ſuch ambitious Deſign, and render the ſame more ſecure and ſtable by gradual and crafty Inſinuations; as alſo that he might gull the Demotratical Republicans, They conſult, in the mean time, what is fitteſt to be done. it is decreed in a Council of the Officers, That the Supreme Power ſhould be committed to Godly and Pious Men, to the number of an hundred and forty four, during the ſpace of ſix Months; who ſhould have power to moderate, and with ſuch Prudence ſettle all things, that all Sin and Vice being rooted out, Peace and Concord might flouriſh in the Nations. Therefore the Officers of the Army,The Officers advance the Godly to the Government, with Conſent of Cromwell, call out of every County and Corporation a proportionable number of the holieſt Men whom either they knew, or could find out, (the civiller, or rather moſt pragmatical ſort of the Private Soldiers being permitted to name ſome) whom they place at the Helm of Government, to conſult about the difficult Affairs of Three Kingdoms: Illiterate Men for the moſt part,Choſen from among the Off-ſcowrings of the People, and out of all Sects: and the Off-ſcowrings of the People; and theſe alſo Bigots, Anabaptiſts, Fifth-monarchy-men, Democraticks, Fanaticks, and, in a word, the moſt villanous Incendiaries of all the Sects. But with thoſe were mingled Cromwell's cunninger Adherents, whom, being moſt obnoxious, he had endeared to himſelf by Favour, that as occaſion offered they might ſway the reſt, and check their mad Counſels.

Theſe being met in the Parliament-houſe,

Who having choſen a Speaker,

Take the Name of The Parliament of England;

their firſt Care is to chuſe one Rous, a Smatterer in Letters, for Speaker; and then, to give themſelves a Title; which, after much Preliminary Diſpute, was at length concluded to be, The Parliament of England. This done, they ſet to work. But, Good God! what ſtrange Confuſion preſently aroſe? Which Cromwell and the other cunning Rogues foreſeeing would undoubtedly happen, laughed in their Sleeve, that they being hampered and entangled in Difficulties, would with univerſal Applauſe and Gratulation deliver up to Cromwell alone the ſole Adminiſtration of Government.

They reſolved to make way for the Monarchy of Chriſt upon Earth, propheſying his Perſonal Preſence to be at hand: Therefore they pronounce Prieſthood to be Popery;And preſently ſhew their madneſs, in falling ſoul of the Miniſters, Colleges, and Nobility. paying of Tythes, Judaiſm; the Laws of England, the Remains of the Norman Yoke; Schools and Colleges, Heatheniſh Seminaries of curious and vain Learning; Nobility, laſtly, and Honours, contray to the Law of Nature, and Chriſtianity: all which they would have wholly aboliſhed, and pluck'd up by the Roots; and without doubt had done ſo, had not the few of Senſe that were amongſt them put a ſtop to it.

They aboliſh all Courts of Juſtice.However, in effect they aboliſh the Court of Chancery, and all the Judicatures that were wont to be kept in Weſtminſter-hall. By one or two Acts was that prodigious Parliament renowned:Appoint Juſtices of Peace to celebrate Marriage. For, Marriage, which from the very Birth of the Church of England was never celebrated but by Church-men, they commit to the Care of Juſtices of the Peace; as if in an Affair of ſo great moment, there were no need of Solemn Prayers, nor of the Benediction of the Church. They leave alſo the Publication of the Bans of Matrimony, which uſed always thrice to be made in time of Divine Service, to the choice of the Parties, either to have it made in the Church or Market-place. A Regiſter alſo is appointed to be kept, not of the Chriſtnings, but of the Birth of Children: ſo that from hence you may gueſs what a kind of new Reformers theſe were.

But when Cromwell had ſuffered them to give the People ſufficient Proofs of their Madneſs, and to work Fear and Hatred alſo in their Fellow-Subjects, ſome of them who had more ſenſe,The ſounder part deliver up the Government to Cromwell, who with reluctancy accepts it; upon a day appointed went with their Speaker to attend him, earneſtly beſeeching him to take upon himſelf the Supreme Authority, now again fallen at his Feet. Cromwell made a ſhew of wonder, denying utterly and rejecting it; but at length, with much ado, ſuffered himſelf to be prevailed upon; but with this Condition, That an Inſtrument or Form of the Thing, under Hand and Seal, ſhould be given him.

This being done, though the Inferiour Officers of the Army and the Republicans were againſt it, who promiſed to themſelves profitable Places under that Government, and a Licencious Liberty of domineering, or at leaſt conſtant and ſtanding Commands in the Army; yet Lambert, Lambert chiefly, and by his perſuaſion the reſt of the Officers conſenting. who at preſent promiſed himſelf the Second Place in the Government, and afterterwards the Firſt, hiding a proud Ambition under a Cloke of Humility, by Words, and by his Example, perſuaded the other Officers not onely to comply with that Monarchy, but alſo to ſtickle for and deſire it. So now the Name of a Commonwealth ſtinks, and the Popular State, which heretofore they gloried in, is deſpiſed. The Single Government of One Perſon onely pleaſes them; and, what heretofore they had curſed with ſo many private and publick Imprecations, after a Conſultation with the Officers, is declared to be the Government of this Nation. Yet Cromwell would not accept of it by the Title of KING, But he would be called Protector, not King. though he was perſuaded to it by many, leſt he might ſeem to make Shipwrack of all Modeſty, and too openly to prevaricate: But joyning together a Commonwealth, and Single Government, which formerly were inconſiſtent, under the Title of Protector he takes into his Hands the Reins of Government, modelled according to the Conditions of an Inſtrument, which here we ſhall inſert.

THE Inſtrument of Government.

THat the Supreme Legiſlative Authority ſhould be in a Single Perſon and the People in Parliament; but the Adminiſtration thereof to be left to the Lord Protector and to his Council, whereof the Number was not to be above Twenty and one.

That all Charters, Patents, Writs, and Commiſſions, ſhould be paſſed by the Protector: All Power of Magiſtracy, Honours, and Titles, to be deriv'd from him. Likewiſe the Pardon of all Offences, excepting Treaſon and Murder. He alſo to have the Adminiſtration of all things, with the Advice of his Council, and according to the Tenor of this Inſtrument.

That the Militia, ſitting the Parliament, ſhould be in the diſpoſal of the Protector and the Parliament; but in the Intervals, in the Protector and his Council. The Power alſo of making Peace and War with Foreign Princes, to be in the Protector and his Council: but he to have no Authority of Repealing or Making any Laws, without the Conſent of Parliament.

That the Parliament ſhould be called before the end of Six Months then next enſuing, and afterwards once in Three years, or oftner if need require; and that it ſhould not be in the Protector's Power to Diſſolve the ſame for the firſt Five Months, without the Conſent of the Houſe.

That the Number of Members for England ſhould conſiſt of full Four hundred, Elected according to an equal Diſtribution: for Scotland Thirty, and for Ireland the like Number; the Number for each County and City to be alſo aſſigned.

That the Calling of ſuch Parliament ſhould be under the Seal of the Commonwealth, by Writs to the Sheriff in the Protector's Name. But if the Protector ſhould not call the ſame within the times limited, the Chancellor then to do it, under the Penalty of High Treaſon; and if he ſhould fail therein, then that the Sheriffs ſhould peform it. And after ſuch Election ſhould be made, to be tranſmitted by the Chief Magiſtrate, by Indenture, to the Chancellor, ſigned with his Hand, Twenty days before the Sitting of the ſame Parliament. Alſo if the Sheriff or Mayor ſhould make a falſe Return, that he be fined in Two thouſand Marks.

That none ſhould be capable to Elect, who had ever born Arms againſt the Parliament, or been Actors in the Iriſh Rebellion. Nor that any Papiſt ſhould ever be capable to give his Voice. And that all Elections against theſe Rules ſhould be void, and the Tranſgreſſors fined at Two years Value of their Revenues, and a third part of their Goods.

That no Perſon under the age of One and twenty years, ſhould be capable of being Elected; nor any other than of known Credit, fearing God, and of good Behaviour.

No Man likewiſe to have Power of Electing, whoſe Eſtate ſhould not be worth 20 l. per An. Sterling.

That the Return of the Perſons Elected ſhould be tranſmitted by Prothonotary in Chancery, unto the Council of State, within two days after they ſhould come to his Hands, to the end that Judgment might be made of the Perſons, if any Queſtion ſhould ariſe touching the Lawfulneſs of the Choice.

That Sixty Members ſhould be accounted a Parliament, in caſe the reſt be abſent. Nevertheleſs, that it ſhould be lawful to the Protector to call a Parliament when he ſhall ſee cauſe.

That the Bills agreed on in Parliament ſhould be preſented to the Protector, for his Aſſent thereto; and if he ſhould not give his Aſſent to them within Twenty days, that then they ſhould have the force of Laws without it.

That if any Counſellor of State ſhould die, or be outed of his Place for Corruption, in the Intervals of Parliament, the Protector, with the reſt of the Council, to ſubſtitute another in his ſtead.

That a certain Annual Tax ſhould be made throughout the Three Commonwealths, for the Maintenance of Ten thouſand Horſe, and Fifteen thouſand Foot; which Tax ſhould alſo ſupply the Charge of the Navy: And that this Rate ſhould not be leſſened or altered by the Parliament, without the Conſent of the Protector and his Council. But if it ſhould not be thought neceſſary hereafter that any Army ſhould be maintained, then whatſoever Surpluſage of this Tax ſhould be, to be kept in the Treaſury for ſudden Emergencies.

That if there might happen to be occaſion of making extraordinary Choices, and to raiſe new Forces, it ſhould not be done without Conſent of Parliament; but that in the Intervals of Parliament it ſhould be lawful for the Protector and his ſaid Council, both to make new Laws, and to raiſe Monies for the preſent Exigencies.

That all the Lands, Foreſts, and Juriſdictions, not then ſold by the Parliament, whether they had belonged to the King, Queen, Prince, Biſhops, or any Delinquents whatſoever, ſhould thenceforth remain to the Protector.

That the Office of Protector ſhould thenceforth be Elective; but that none of the King's Line ſhould be ever capable thereof; and that the Election ſhould belong to the Council.

That for the preſent Oliver Cromwell ſhould be Protector.

That the Great Offices of the Commonwealth, viz. Chancellor, Keeper of the Seal, Governour of Ireland, Admiral, Treaſurer, in caſe they ſhould become void in Parliament-time, to be filled up by the approbation of Parliament; and in the Intervals, by the like approbation of the Council.

That the Chriſtian Religion, as it is contained by Holy Scripture, ſhould be the Publick Profeſſion of the Nation; and that thoſe who were to have the Care thereof, ſhould have their Support from the Publick; ſo that it be with ſome other more convenient Maintenance, and leſs ſubject to Envy, than by Tythes.

That no Man ſhall be by any Fine or Penalty whatſoever, forced to Comply with the ſaid Publick Profeſſion, otherwiſe than by Perſuaſions and Arguments.

That no man Profeſſing Faith in Chriſt, ſhould be prohibited the Exerciſe of his own Religion, ſo that he diſturb not any other: but that neither Popery or Prelacy ſhould be permitted the leaſt Favour or Licence; and that all Laws to the contrary ſhould be void.

That all Agreements made by Parliament ſhould be firm and ſtable; All Articles of Peace made with Domeſtick Enemies, made good.

That all Protectors, in their Order, ſhould be obliged by Oath, at their firſt taking upon them the Government, by all means to procure the Peace, Welfare, and Quiet of the Commonwealth; by no means to violate the preſent Agreements; and laſtly, to his Power to adminiſter all things according to the Laws, Statutes, and Customs of England.

Cromwell ſwears to his own Conditions, and preſently chuſes Counſellors out of every Sect.To theſe Conditions Cromwell ſwears, and then cunningly chuſes his Privy-Counſellors; which he ſo dexterouſly pack'd, that though they differed in Quality and Inclinations amongſt themſelves, yet all were equally at his devotion. Of every Sect he chuſes ſome Leading Men, by whoſe means he might gain the reſt of the ſame Stamp: Officers alſo of the Army, eſpecially the Higher, and thoſe who were moſt in Favour and Authority with the People. Amongſt them were Anabaptiſts, Independents, and Presbyterians; Iriſh and Scots; all ſorts of Republicans; and, until all Liberty of Ingenuous Minds was reſtrained, ſome Royaliſts alſo. The Reins of theſe ſo many and different Opinions, Factions, Nations, and Sects, the skilful Driver, being himſelf of no Faith nor certain Profeſſion, took into his Hands, and turned them at his pleaſure; now inclining to one ſide, now to the other; ſometime approving the greater, and ſometime the ſmaller number of Votes; being ready at every turn to diſmiſs thoſe that were head-ſtrong. And thus aſſiſted by his Counſellors, he takes upon him the Adminiſtration of the Commonwealth.

What were the thoughts of men in this great Revolution.Out of fear, few withſtand this ſo great a Change in Affairs, and many applaud it: Thoſe who are of a contrary Opinion, ſtand in amaze, and conceal their Thoughts. Presbyterians, Independents, Royaliſts, Neutraliſts, and all, chuſe rather to acquieſce under his Government, than eternally to be enſlaved to the Pleaſure of mad Fanaticks. The exulting Soldiers are cock-ahoop: Now Colleges are freed from the fear of Ruine; the Common-Laws are ſecured from danger; the Nobility, though maimed, yet ſtill ſeemed to be in being; the Presbyterians, ſecure of their Tythes and Diſcipline, though not coactive, triumph: nor are the Royaliſts much grieved, being now ſure of a Single Perſon, and hoping that the Scepter and Crown, after one or two Turns more, would at length be ſetled upon the right Baſis, the Royal Family. Every Commander of the Army talks of Golden days, as if now their Places were to laſt for ever; nor does the meaneſt Soldier deſpair, but that by degrees he may mount to the top of the Government. But Lambert and other Chief Officers, beſides the plentiful Eſtates wherewith they are enriched at preſent, skip for joy that they are admitted into a ſhare of the Government, hoping within a little after the death of the aged Protector, to be raiſed higher.

Amidſt theſe Domeſtick Revolutions at home, England wanted not a Foreign Enemy;A War with Holland. they had a heavy War with Holland upon their Shoulders, which being begun two years before, and till then continued, ſeemed like to terminate in the Ruine of one of the two Nations, had not God othewiſe decreed. The Dutch were netled at the Letters of Repriſal, The uſe of it. which being promiſcuouſly granted, Pyrats from all Places, who liked better to live by Rapine, than by honeſt Courſes, infeſting the Seas, had taken above Fourſcore Sail of Ships; as alſo at the Order of Parliament, That no Goods ſhould be Imported from abroad, unleſs in Engliſh Bottoms, or Ships of the Country where the Commodities were originally to be had. And that People were too late fooliſhly bent upon War: For when it was in their Power to have aſſiſted the King againſt His Rebellious Subjects, then would they neither aid Him with Counſel, Money, Interceſſion, Credit, nor any other way; nay, I wiſh it might not be ſaid, that ſome of them aſſiſted the Rebels. But now, when the Princes of Europe vailed their Crowns and Scepters before the Parricides, they think themſelves able to make Head againſt them, and vie for Pre-eminence. Nothing now is to be heard amongſt them, but forthwith reſiſting Force by Force: The Publick Places reſound with Ballads and Songs againſt the Villanous Regicides and Sectarians, and Bookſellers Shops are adorned with Pictures. The Fluſhingers exceeded all the reſt in Folly, who boaſted, that their own Ships alone were able to beat the Engliſh. But the High and Mighty States were not of that Judgment;Different Opinions of the States of the United Provinces about that Matter. they were divided into Three Parts: One Part was not onely for entertaining a Peace and good Correſpondence with the Regicides, but alſo for Leaguing into a ſtricter Amity: Others, favouring the Popular Opinion, did all that lay in their power to thwart that; and that Confederating with Neighbouring Princes, they ſhould endeavour to reſtore the King of Great Britain to the Throne of his Anceſtors: A third Party taking a middle way, thought it beſt to mind their own Intereſts, carry fair and civilly with the Rebels, thereby to ſecure their Trade, and the free uſe of the Seas; but, in the mean time, if the Parricides carried it high, and ſlighted their Friendſhip, that with a well-appointed Fleet of an hundred and fifty Men of War, they ſhould forthwith quell them.

The laſt Opinion prevailing,The middle Opinion prevailing, Embaſſadors for Pacification are ſent into England. Four Embaſſadours for Pacification are appointed to go into England; the Heers Catz, Schaep, Vandeperre, and Neuport, who had long been reſident there. They renew the Treaty which St. Johns had broken up, beginning at the ſame Article where he had left off. The Oligarchicks hereupon ſeem ſorry for what was paſt; and preſaging a future Coalition with the Engliſh into one Commonwealth, carry very civilly, and kindly receive them. Then the Dutch Ambaſſadors, without denouncing of War, make ſome mention of an hundred and fifty Men of War, which they had in readineſs to ſcowr the Seas from Pyrates, and ſecuring Navigation; but without any Intention to moleſt us, which was far from their thoughts.

But in the heat of the Treaty it unluckily fell out,In the heat of the Treaty a ſharp Engagement hapned. that a great Fight hapned betwixt Blake and Trump, the Admirals of both Nations; but I am uncertain who gave the firſt Provocation. We alledged, That the Dutch refuſed to ſtrike Sail, which is a Mark of Prerogative and Dominion that we demand of all Foreign Ships; and that Trump being warned to do ſo by a Gun without a Bullet, was the firſt that fired a Broad-ſide, and that by order from his Maſters. However, from which Side ſoever the Provocation was given, May 24. 1652. both Fleets deſperately engaged in the Afternoon, and fought it out ſtoutly, till dark night hid the horrid Spectacle from the Eyes of Men. From this Engagement the Dutch, double to us in number, with the loſs of two Ships, and as much, if not more mauled than we, departed. But ſeeing the Dutch could obtain no Victory in that unexpected Aggreſſion,The Dutch excuſe the matter, their Embaſſadors excuſe the Matter, as having been a fortuitous Engagement, when they themſelves thought of nothing leſs. Yet both Sides prepare for War; which was not at all ungrateful to the Engliſh, as being certain they could ſo long protract it, until the Dutch being forced to a Coalition, would at length yield; or being reduced to extremity, of which they entertained no doubtful Hopes, conſidering the Opportunity of our Ports, and the Number of their well-equipped Fleet, they would be glad to ſubmit to the Will of the Conquerors. Both Parties were obſtinate, and prepared all things that might be neceſſary to deſtroy one another. The Dutch Confederate with the Danes;But confederate with the Danes, who therefore lay firſt an Embargo upon a Fleet of the Engliſh in the Sundt, and afterwards carry them into Copenhagen, being laden with Maſts, Pitch, Hemp, and Sail-cloth, which at that time the Regicides were in great want of, though they had got a pretty good Supply from the Weſt-Indies, and the Northern Parts of Scotland. The King of England, beſides, offers them a Squadron of Engliſh Ships for their Aſſiſtance; which nevertheleſs they would not ſuffer to carry the Engliſh Colours, but in their own Ports, leſt the Breach betwixt the two Commonwealths might prove irreparable. Both Parties in the mean while preſs Seamen, ſet out Ships, encreaſe the number of their Sailors, yea and put Land-Soldiers on Board too. All hopes of Peace now vaniſhing, the Embaſſadors return home; and a ſecond and third Engagement hapned at Sea.And fight again and again. No Age before that can ſhew an Inſtance that ever any People, not onely of Europe, but of the whole World, engaged at Sea with ſuch roaring of Great Guns, ſuch Fury, Courage, and Reſolution of Men, and ſo much Blood and Slaughter, as the Engliſh and Dutch did during that War, though with continual ill Succeſs to the Dutch; except that in the Straits, near Legorn, John van Galen, who was killed by a Cannon-bullet, and had young Trump for his Succeſſor, having ſunk two of our Ships, and taken a third, that was afterwards regained by a Stratagem, had the better of us through our own negligence. But then Revolutions hapning amongſt us at home,At length they ſue for Peace, Cromwell being now at the Helm. when Cromwell had invaded the Government, by the the Mediation of Stones and Dolman, Engliſhmen, who favoured the Dutch, four new Ambaſſadors come over again, Bevering, Jounſtal, Neuport, and Perre, at firſt to learn what Advantage they might expect from that turn of Affairs, and accordingly then to treat of Peace.

The Dutch now thrice overcome, had ſufficient experience of the Engliſh Strength, having Seventeen hundred Merchant-Ships taken, many Men of War ſunk and diſabled, a great many Sea-Commanders ſlain, no Trade by Sea, and Sedition at home riſing almoſt to a Rebellion. But the fourth and laſt Engagement, above all the reſt, gave a clear Demonſtration, what Side Victory inclined to; when not a few were puniſhed with Impriſonment, Infamy, and Death, for their Miſcarriage at Sea; others allured and encouraged with Promiſes, Rewards, Hopes of Booty, and full Cups of Brandy: and as if Holland lay at ſtake in the Fortune of this Engagement, and that they were to uſe their utmoſt and laſt Efforts for the defence of their Country, they reſtore Diſcipline, build ſtronger Ships, caſt Guns that carried further, and give Commands to truſty, valiant, and daring Men: Nay, ſome of the States General are ordered to go on Board, as Eye-witneſſes of the Valour or Cowardiſe of their Men. At length the Engliſh Fleet, commanded by Monck, having waited for the Dutch ſix Months upon their own Coaſt, they ſet out from the Texel and Weelings, and bore up towards ours,A fourth Engagement, moſt fatal to the Dutch: Trump being killed, and, with as many Ships as they could fit out, briskly came to an Engagement; but after a long Diſpute, with ſuch Succeſs, that Trump in the Admiral-Ship bearing in bravely amongſt the Engliſh, was ſhot dead in the Breaſt; a Man of great Courage, (for Valour is to be praiſed even in an Enemy) and moſt skilful in Sea affairs: after his Death, the Enemy was put to flight, and great ſlaughter committed amongſt them. In that Engagement ſeven and twenty Dutch Ships were either ſunk or burnt,And 2000 beſides. two thouſand Seamen and Soldiers killed, a thouſand taken, with ſix Captains: Whereas of the Engliſh there were not above four hundred Men, and one ſmall Ship wanting, about ſeven hundred wounded, moſt of whom afterwards recovered.

Cromwell claps up a Peace with the Dutch and Danes; Theſe things ſucceeding ſo ill, the Dutch clap up a Peace with Cromwell, the Danes alſo being comprehended in the Treaty. He hinted a little at a Coalition, onely for Forms ſake, which the Dutch Ambaſſadors rejecting, he waved it, having other things in deſign. But Bevering and Newport privately promiſe, in the Name of the States of Holland and Weſt-Frieſland, And lays a ſnare for the Prince of Orange. and engage themſelves, That neither the Prince of Orange, (an innocent Babe, then in the Cradle) nor any of his Race, ſhould ever be choſen Statholder, or Admiral of their Provinces; and that he ſhould never have the Vote of their Provinces in the States General, for being elected General of the Forces. Which they got at length confirmed by the States at Groningen: The reſt of the Provinces, in the mean time, crying out againſt it.

But the Peace made with the Dutch, had almoſt diſturbed ours at home.S • ditious Seamen. For the Seamen complaining that they were defrauded of their Pay, tumultuouſly and ſeditiouſly flock together in a great Body, and with murmuring and Threats fly to Whitehall, bitterly railing, and demanding their due; till Cromwell, attended with ſome Officers, ruſhing out, drew their Swords, killed ſome Seamen, diſperſed the reſt, and ſo compoſed the Tumult.

But we muſt not ſo diſmiſs the Dutch: For it hapned that War breaking out with Holland, three Ships, the Saviour, Samſon, and St. George, Three Hanſiatick Ships are ſtopp'd, were freighted by ſome Amſterdam-Merchants, under borrowed Names, from Hamborough and Lubeck, Hanſe-Towns, to bring Goods from St. Lucar in Spain to Amſterdam. But the laden Ships by Storms and contrary Winds being forced into the Downs, fell in amongſt the Engliſh Frigats, that were more formidable than the Winds: Which being ſearched, they found them very richly laden, having on board to the value of Four hundred thouſand Pounds Engliſh, in Plate and other rich Commodities; and ſtopp'd them until they had acquainted the Parricides with the Booty. They preſently order them to be brought up into the River of Thames, where it was pretended, that the Silver and Goods were conſigned to the Spaniſh Embaſſadour, Don Alonſo de Cadenas, who uſed all his Endeavours to have them cleared. But the Parricides, under pretext of doing Juſtice, refer the Matter to the Court of Admiralty; which by long Delays protracts the Suit; till the Silver, upon pretext of the Publick Neceſſity, being brought aſhore, and Coyned in the Tower of London, was in Oliver's Protectorſhip Condemned with the reſt of the Goods.And condemned.

Let us now make a ſtep over to the Portugueſe; Cromwell is reconciled to the King of Portugal. whoſe King's Excuſe Cromwell took in very good part, ſeeing he pretended ſorrow for what he had done: Wherefore he diſcharges the Ships laden with Sugar, upon reparation of the Engliſh Loſſes, and enters into Alliance with him; for confirmation whereof, Medows is ſent over to Portugal with the Embaſſador, who then was upon his return.

The Embaſſadors Brother, Don Pantaleon Sa,But I muſt not here paſs over the Embaſſadors Brother, Don Pantaleon Sa, who had not the luck to return again into his own Country. For he walking one Evening in the New Exchange of London, and reſenting an Affront which he thought he had received from one Gerard, the Night following he repairs to the ſame Place, attended by the Retinue of his Brother the Embaſſador, and with Sword and Piſtol falls indifferently upon Men and Women. A great Hubbub riſing upon this, Colonel May, an Iriſh-man, drew, and alone beat off the Portugueſe, the Authors of the Tumult. However, next morning Don Pantaleon Sa was carried out of his Brother's Houſe,For a Murder committed in London, to be tried for the Murder of one Greenway, an innocent Perſon, who was unexpectedly and unfortunately killed in the Scuffle; and was ſhortly after brought to the Bar before Rolls Chief Juſtice of England, having ſome Doctors of the Civil Law for Aſſeſſors; where the Priſoner having pleaded and much inſiſted upon the Privileges of the Embaſſador, he is notwithſtanding found guilty, and condemned. But having afterwards, by the help of a certain Miſtreſs, made his eſcape out of Priſon, either by the Diſcovery of a pretended Friend, or the diligent Search of the Keepers, he was again apprehended, and ſix months after beheaded upon Tower-hill, Is beheaded; his Countenance looking ſo pale, that he ſeemed to have been dead before he died.

At the ſame time, and upon the ſame place,And Gerard at the ſame time alſo, for ſtanding up for the Kings Intereſt • Gerard, for a different Cauſe, and with far greater Reſolution, ſuffered the ſame Death: For he was condemned by the High Court of Juſtice (as they called it) for aſſerting the Royal Cauſe; and upon the ſame Scaffold where the Portugueſe afterward ſuffered, he chearfully and undauntedly had his Head ſtruck off upon the Block. So by Death they ſeemed to be made Friends, who ſo lately ſought one anothers Life.

Vowell, a School-maſter, Vowell hanged for the ſame Cauſe. was hanged for the ſame Cauſe; who bravely upbraiding the Judges to their Faces with Injuſtice, he cited the Judges and Cromwell to appear before the Judgment Seat of God, who will render to every one according to their Works.

But let us return to our King, who having an Appartment in the Louvre, did not lazily lament his Misfortunes, but tried all ways whereby he might better his croſs Fortune, and ſet things to rights again: He uſes all Endeavours to procure the Favour of the King, the Cardinal, and Princes. He mediates a Peace betwixt Spain and France; but in vain, ſeeing the Cardinal was againſt it. His next Care was, by perſuading ſome, and appeaſing others, to reconcile the Princes of the Blood of France to the King, The King of England uſes all Endeavours to oblige the French King; who were in a bad underſtanding becauſe of the Cardinal: At length he prevailed with the Duke of Lorrain, who was joyned with the Princes againſt the King, to depart peaceably out of France, though he had entred it full of Anger and Revenge. But this coſt Our King dear: For whilſt He and the Duke of York were in a private Conference with Lorrain, the Duke of Beaufort coming in by chance, diſcovered it to the Princes of the contrary Faction; who caſting the blame upon the King, that Lorrain afterwards forſook them,But being baſely uſed, made the French beſpatter Him and all His Retinue with bitter Railleries and Calumnies. He being a little moved at theſe things, removed to St. Germans, until he was informed that Burdeauxe de Neufville had made a firm Peace with Cromwell; and then through Liege and Aix la Chapell he went to Cologne in Germany, He removes to Cologne. where by the Burgomaſter and Senators he was invited to a Banquet, and welcomed with all the Expreſſions of Joy and Friendſhip.

His Friends in England, in the mean time, uſe all endeavours.The Royaliſts in England at firſt knew not what Hand to turn to; yet they caſt about all ways how they might reſtore the King to His ancient Dignity, and by ſhaking off the Yoke of Tyranny, recover at length their own Liberty. The Parricides were indeed but few in number, in compariſon of them; but they were ſuch as exceeded them in craftineſs, and, being victorious, had the Arms and Money in their Hands; and beſides, were ſo well ſerved by their clandeſtine Spies, Cromwell counter-endeavours. that they had a watchful eye over all; ſo that they could not confer Counſels, nor diſcourſe privately together, nor ſo much as whiſper any Buſineſs. And this was the reaſon that all Stirs and Attempts of Liberty were prevented. The Prebyterians alſo, though they wiſhed well to the King, yet for the moſt part ſtuck obſtinately to their Principles, neither adviſing nor aſſociating with the Royalists, but rather entertaining their old grudge and hatred againſt them.Yet by mutual Exhortations they do ſomewhat. The Royaliſts nevertheleſs finding by degrees Opportunities of conferring together, did by faithful Meſſengers, by Cyphers and Characters, by Signs and the dumb Language of Fingers, exhort, animate, and ſtir up Parties againſt Cromwell. Some of the bolder ſort openly diſobeyed his Commands; many unwillingly complied, under pretext of Laws to the contrary; whilſt others with various Colours and Pretences, ſome pretending themſelves Presbyterians, others Republicans, and others again Anabaptiſts, were ſtill jumbling Affairs, and Plotting.

At length Royal Commiſſioners began to be appointed all over England;The matter was at length undertaken by Comm • ſſioners, the Chief to remain in London, and the Inferiour in the ſeveral Counties and Provinces; with Power to act, and by Meſſengers going to and again, to give one another and the Kings Majeſty intelligence of the Beginning and Progreſs of Affairs, and of the opportuonities of Acting. Among theſe were ſome Presbyterians, but not many. Theſe Commiſſioners were impowred to draw as many others as they could into the ſame Aſſociation; which they ſet about after this manner: Every one, according as they could, acquainted their truſty Companions with their purpoſe of Riſing, the Place, & Time; but that privately, and one onely at a time,Very cau • iouſly; leſt if the Matter afterward ſhould come to be detected, there might be no more but one Witneſs againſt the Party accuſed. So the Affair was ſpread amongſt a vaſt number of Men, and the more to be feared, that it was communicated to ſo many.

Few Nobles, either of higher or lower Quality, but were made acquainted with the Deſign; and though ſome declined the Danger, yet moſt of them kept Counſel: Nay, many Republicans, The Republicans alſo conſpiring with them, who now were more diſpleaſed with the Tyranny of Cromwell, than the Lawful Government of the King, joyn in the ſame Reſolution; namely, Overton, who heretofore had been Governour of Scotland, and Wildman, both Leading Men. They had hopes that the Republicans and Royaliſts being aſſociated together, they might either overcome, or at leaſt force Cromwell to come to better Terms; and that then turning their Arms againſt the Royaliſts, they might eaſily ſubdue them. For the report was, That 2000 Horſe, and vaſt numbers of Foot, all Republicans, had liſted themſelves for that Service.

And ſome Governours of Places.The Governours of Towns and Forts give alſo hopes of joyning in the Confederacy: Cannon are likewiſe provided, and one day firſt, then another, and a third, are appointed for the Inſurrection; that riſing at the ſame time in all Counties, they might every way divert and divide the Enemy, and in this uncertainty what Courſe to take, overcome him.

But Cromwell diſcovering the Deſign, eaſily diſappoints it;But Cromwell is not ignorant of theſe Contrivances; he employs all his Arts and Might to get a clear diſcovery of the Scheme and Series of the whole Buſineſs, to bring to light the Plotters, and eſpecially that he might detect the Lords and Chief Perſons of Quality, break their Meaſures, and by a falſe Inſurrection ſpoil their true Riſing. By that means he ſuppreſſed the Conſpiracy of the Corniſh and Shropſhire Men, by ſtirring them up to precipitate their Riſing.Some riſing too ſoon, At Heſſen-Moor alſo, in Yorkshire, a numerous Meeting is appointed to be, amongſt whom Fairfax himſelf was reported to have given hopes of appearing: But he being beſet by the Craft and Artifices of Cromwell, abſtained from Action. There the Earl of Rocheſter, whom we have often mentioned by the Name of the Lord Wilmot, and Sir Nicholas Armorer, met at the appointed time, that they might Head the reſt: But both of them, few appearing, and moſt part falling off for fear,Others cowardly; betook themſelves preſently to flight, and being taken at Ailsbury by the Rebels, with much ado made their eſcape. Sir Henry Slingsby and Sir Richard Maleverer being with others taken, are committed to Priſon. A great many People appeared that night alſo in Sherwood-Foreſt near Nottingham: But being partly betrayed, and partly ſmitten with fear, and divided about the Choice of a Commander, they all fly; of which, a great many, being apprehended, ſuffer a tedious Impriſonment for it. At the ſame time, about Three hundred Wiltſhire Men riſing, under the Command of Wagſtaff Major-General of the Army, broke into Salisbury, where two Judges of the Kingdom were then holding the Aſſizes, whom they ſeiſed, but afterwards civilly diſmiſſed. From thence for ſome days they wander up and down, in vain expecting Auxiliary Forces; till at length many of them diſappeared, and the reſt were defeated in their Quarters by Crook's Regiment, Wagſtaff eſcaping ſafe in the dark. London, Kent, and the other Counties,And all diſappointed of their Hopes. taking warning from the Misfortunes of their Brethren, forbore at preſent to make any Diſturbance; but yet they could not eſcape the Intelligence of Cromwell. Many Perſons of Great Quality committed to Priſon: The Earl of Oxford, Lords Willoughby of Parham, Newport, and Compton, Littleton, Peyton, Packington, Aſhburnham, Ruſſel, Legg, Philips, Halſey, and many others, whom I ſhall not name, being ſeiſed, are committed to a long and irkſom Impriſonment, and ſome tranſported to the Plantations. The Republicans alſo, Wildman, Overton, and (much about the ſame time) Vane, are made Priſoners.

All the Priſoners who were clearly convicted of the Fact, are ſeverely puniſhed: Many ſhed their generous Blood,Not a few put to death. ſome being beheaded at Salisbury, and ſome at Exeter; as Penruddock, Groves, Lucas: and others died upon a Gibbet, who ought to have had their Memories eternized in Statues. But not many of the reſt were put to death, as not being taken in the Fact, or eſcaping in the Crowd of ſo many concerned, or, laſtly, not any one accuſing another.

Cromwell's Arts of Diſcovery.Now the Reader is to know how Cromwell came to the knowledge of the matter. He had given power to the publick Poſtmaſters, who were all at his devotion, to ſtop ſuſpected People, open and ſecretly read their Letters, and if they appeared to inſinuate any thing tending to an Inſurrection, to give him an account of them; if there were any thing found ambiguouſly written, to write it down, till he might have an opportunity either of ſeiſing or branding the Parties with pregnant ſuſpicion. He narrowly obſerved all Poſts and Meſſengers, cauſed them ſometimes to be ſtopp'd, and carefully ſearched from Head to Foot, terrifying them with Threats and Impriſonments, and plying them with Wine and other Engines of Diſcovery, he found out the moſt hidden Secrets. He therefore hired and diſperſed about many Spies and Eve-droppers; nay, Spies mingled amongſt the Cavaliers; and ſome clandeſtine ones amongſt the Cavaliers themſelves, who openly ſtood up for the King and Royal Cauſe, but Men of no Eſtates nor Honeſty, who prying into all the Secrets they could, gave intelligence of them. But theſe Men did but little Service being accuſtomed to detect things that were publickly known, and ſometimes contradictory. He gained a conſiderable and topping Traytor, one Manning, Eſpecially one Manning that lived at Court, whoſe Father died in defence of the Royal Cauſe, as he himſelf had formerly ſerved the King, and received a Wound in the Foot; being a Gentleman of a good Family, and by Religion a Roman Catholick: who notwithſtanding, that he might be the more acceptable, and make way for his future Treachery, daring in a manner to mock God, took the Sacrament, after the manner of the Church of England. Cromwell by Craft and Allurements wholly debauched this Man into his Party; who inſinuated himſelf into the King's Service, and the Society of the Courtiers, under pretext of raiſing amongſt the Royaliſts Six thouſand pounds Engliſh a year, for the Uſe of His Majeſty, Cromwell in the mean time privately paying the Money. Under this ſpecious colour, he ſecurely dived into the Counſels of the King and of His Friends, and weekly ſends an Account of them; till at length (as no Treaſon can be long concealed) the Rat diſcovered himſelf, and being guilty of the Death of ſo many Brave Men,Who at length was juſtly put to death. by his own Blood, which was all he could do, he expiated his Crime.

Cromwell calls a Parliament of Commoners onely,But a Parliament is now called at London, though not after the ancient manner: The Commons are onely called to ſit and conſult in Parliament; nor theſe neither freely elected by all the People. But before they were ſuffered to enter the Houſe, Cromwell ſpake to them to this purpoſe:Wherein he brags of his own good Deeds. That ſome years ago none would have thought of ſuch a Door of Hope; that he knew there were yet many Humours and Intereſts, and that Humours were above Intereſt; that the Condition of England was like Iſrael in the Wilderneſs; that this was a Healing Day; there was neither Nobleman, nor Gentleman, nor Yeoman before known by any Diſtinction; we had not any that bore Rule or Authority, but a great Contempt of Magiſtracy and Chriſt's Ordinances: That the Fifth Monarchy was highly cried up by Perſons who would aſſume the Government; but that deſired thing wanted greater manifeſtation than appeared, for ſuch Men to change the Authority by. He deſired this Honourable Aſſembly to remedy all theſe Diſorders; ſhewed, That the Wars with Portugal, France, and the Dutch, do and did eat up the Aſſeſſments; That ſwarms of Jeſuits are crept in to make Diviſions, which were grown ſo wide, that nothing but his Government could remedy them: And let Men ſay what they will, he could ſpeak it with comfort before a Greater than any of them. Then he ſhewed what he had done during his Government: Firſt, his Endeavours of reforming the Laws, having joyned all Parties to aſſiſt in that great Work: Next, his filling the Benches with the Ableſt Lawyers: Then his Regulation of the Court of Chancery, and his Darling Ordinance for the Approbation of Miniſters (which hindred all that liſt from invading the Miniſtry) by Men of both Perſuaſions, Presbyterians and Independents, &c. And laſtly, his being Inſtrumental to call a Free Parliament; which he valued, and would keep it ſo above his Life.

Then he ſhewed the Advantage of the Peace with the Dutch, Dane, and Suede,Which he would have the Parliament to confirm. and the Proteſtant Intereſt, which he would have them improve and intend chiefly: That they were now upon the Edge of Canaan: That he ſpoke not as their Lord, but their Fellow-ſervant: And then bad them go and chuſe their Speaker. Cromwell having ſpoken to this effect, the Members, without returning him Thanks, as is uſual, went to the Houſe.

Lenthall being again choſen Speaker,But they, on the contrary, nibble at the Inſtrument of Government, The Officers and Courtiers oppoſing it, they fall firſt upon the New Inſtrument of Government; all the Clauſes and Articles whereof they thorowly ſift and examine. The Officers of the Army who were Privy-Counſellors, and all who depended on Cromwell, vigoruſly oppoſe that, ſaying, That that Inſtrument was to be taken for the Baſis and Foundation of the Government, no ways to be called in queſtion, ſince by the Authority thereof the Parliament met; and that it would be contrary to the Dictates of Natural Reaſon, to bring it to a Trial. Nay, many, and particularly Lambert, threaten, That if the Parliament did not approve and confirm it, they themſelves would call another, nay a third, and a fourth, till it ſhould be at length eſtabliſhed by Publick Conſent.But the Republicans urging the ſame. But the Republicans ſtood ſtiff to the contrary, making anſwer, That the Government was uſurped by Craft and Force, not procured by Right, nor confirmed by the Free Votes of the People; that it laid Snares for the Liberty of the Commonwealth, and made way for a moſt grievous Tyranny. One amongſt the reſt, in the heat of the Debate, was ſo bold as to ſay, That ſince they were approaching ſo near to Monarchy, it were better to call one of the Royal Family to the Government, than that Cromwell ſhould uſurp the Scepter and Crown.

But Cromwell ſeverely checks theſe Debates, Cromwell being informed of theſe Debates, comes in great rage to the Parliament, and tells them to this effect: That they were not called together that they might confound and turn all things again into the former Chaos, but that they ſhould build upon the Foundation and Ground-work already laid down, and not to be altered: That his Authority could not be called in queſtion, unleſs at the ſame time they invalidated their own Power; ſince the preſent Parliament was called by him, and by him had liberty to conſult: That he alone had the Right of ſetling Fundamentals, upon which they had power to raiſe and beautifie Superſtructures: That he was reſolved to maintain the Government and Supreme Power in a Single Perſon, to call a Parliament once in Three years, not to ſit above Five months without his Conſent, &c. That to violate or innovate theſe things, ſhould neither be in the Power of the Protector nor Parliament: That in other things they might conſult and enact as they pleaſed for the Publick Good.

And obliges all that would enter the Houſe to own the Government.But becauſe Admonition might not be ſufficient, he thinks fit to apply Force. Next day a Guard of Soldiers being ſet before the Door of the Houſe, no Man was ſuffered to enter, unleſs he ſigned the following Recognition: I ſhall be faithful to the Lord Protector, and ſhall not endeavour to change the Government of a Single Perſon. Many who could not ſwallow that Bit, are debarred from the Privilege of Sitting. Nevertheleſs, ſo many Republicans took the Recognition, as made the Cromwellian Faction and Republican almoſt equal; ſome who underhand favoured the King joyning themſelves to each Side, enflaming Animoſities, and, as much as might be, ſetting the Parties, who ſeriouſly treated theſe Affairs, at greater variance: Inſomuch,However, he left all his Labour. that after five Months continual jangling and debate, Cromwell was not able to bring his Affairs to any good iſſue in this Parliament.

Nor do the Republican Spirits onely prevail in the Parliament, but alſo in the Army.The Republican Soldiers conſpire his ruine. For theſe conſult and plot together, how they might apprehend Cromwell, and bring him before the Parliament, to be accuſed and condemned of Treaſon; thinking with themſelves, that if they could lay Hands upon him, and make him Priſoner, there would be a ſudden change of Affairs; and that his Favourers and Adherents being thereby baulked, would ſculk and ſhift for themſelves. The truth is, the Officers of Three thouſand Horſe, and of no inconſiderable number of Foot, frequently met in Somerſet-houſe, and elſewhere, about the contriving and carrying on of that Deſign: But before the Matter came to maturity,Which he ſmelling out, preſently diſſolved the Parliament. by the Treachery of Pride, it came to Cromwell's Ears, who, by a haſty Diſſolution of the Parliament, prevented all thoſe Machinations, and disbanded thoſe Officers.

In the mean time Cromwell having received a ſplendid Embaſſie from Sueden, He makes Peace with Sueden, with equal Magnificence, he concluded a Peace with that Crown, and diſmiſſed the Embaſſadors with hopes of a nearer Alliance. He makes Peace alſo with France, And France. and promiſes to ſend over Aſſiſtance thither, if the Affairs of England would permit him.

But all this while, the ſpecious Pretext of Supreme Authority was wanting to theſe Attempts. The Parliament had denied their Collective Votes; to make that up therefore, it remains, that the Diſtributive Votes of all the People be had, and that the Officers break the Ice.For Support of his Authority he procures Gratulatory Addreſſes from the Officers of the Army in Scotland, Wherefore Gratulatory Petitions or Addreſſes are ſent by the Commanders of the ſeveral Regiments of the Army in Scotland, whereby they thank the Lord Protector for having changed the Form of Publick Government to the better. They pray him to go on in the diſcharge of that Province which by Providence he hath undertaken; promiſing with their Lives and Fortunes to maintain and defend him in all difficulties. Then from the Officers in England, But amongſt the Engliſh Officers there was a neceſſity of a wheadling Pretext; to wit, That the Malignants and Enemies of the Country now triumphed, as if the Army breaking into Diſcords and Diviſions, would preſently renounce their General Cromwell: That therefore a Petition of that nature muſt needs be framed, wherein by applauding the Protector, they would convince thoſe that were of a contrary Opinion. With much ado he obtained that amongſt the Republicans; but at length (ſome refuſing to ſign it, as venturing rather Cromwell's Diſpleaſure and Revenge, than by a ſneaking Compliance to betray the Rights and Privileges of the People) all the reſt agree to the Petition. The Army thus leading the Dance,And afterwards from ſome Corporations. ſome Corporations and Counties follow; and theſe, poſſeſſed by what Spirit I know not, heap ſo many and ſo great Elogies upon the Man, that ſtriving to outdo others in Hyperbolical Cant and Flattery, they fall into Blaſphemy, and bluſh not moſt profanely to attribute to this Man, Titles that are peculiar to God Almighty.

He affected to be a Promoter of Juſtice,In the mean time (to give the Devil his Due) he reſtores Juſtice, as well Diſtributive, as Commutative, almoſt to its ancient Dignity and Splendour; the Judges without Covetouſneſs diſcharging their Duties, according to Law and Equity; and the Laws (unleſs ſome few that particularly concerned Cromwell) having full and free courſe in all Courts, without hindrance or delay. Mens Manners alſo,And a rigid Cenſurer of Manners, at leaſt outwardly, ſeemed to be reformed to the better, whether by really ſubſtracting the Fewel of Luxury, or through fear of the Ancient Laws, now revived and put in execution. His own Court alſo was regulated according to a ſevere Diſcipline; here no Drunkard, nor Whoremonger, nor any guilty of Bribery, was to be found, without ſevere Puniſhment. Trade began again to proſper; and, in a word, gentle Peace to flouriſh all over England.

He ſtudied alſo to gain an Opinion of extraordinary Sanctity among the Church-men;And a Favourer of the Clergy, for no Man affected to ſeem more tender of the Clergy than he, though he would not liſt himſelf in any particular Sect, nor eſpouſe particular Opinions: He was, indeed, more inclined towards the Independents, his Affairs ſo requiring; but a ſevere Enemy to all the Orthodox Clergy of England. He gave it out, That it was his onely wiſh and deſire to ſee the Church in Peace, and that all would gather together into one Sheep-fold, under one Shepherd, Jeſus Chriſt, and mutually love one another; whilſt under-hand he ſet them together by the Ears,Whoſe Diviſions nevertheleſs he foments, whilſt he ſeemed earneſt in compoſing of them. and promoted their Diſſentions. He projected ſome ſpecious Propoſals of Reconciliation betwixt the Presbyterians and Independents; but when they were upon the point of agreement, he put them again at greater variance. Under pretext alſo of moderating and pacifying the Diviſions of the Scottiſh Remonſtrators and Aſſembly-men, he blows up the Embers, and kindles greater Flames amongſt them. By turns he uſed to countenance all ſorts of Fanaticks, that the hair-brain'd People might the more obſtinately ſtick to their Whimſeys and Scruples; of whom, if he could frame any one to his own Temper, by prying into his Secrets, he ſhewed himſelf eaſie and tractable to the Opinions and Punctilio's of any Religion. He had moreover the knack of wheadling and alluring all with hopes of Favours, and fawning Offices, but ſo, as they muſt know, there was no reſiſting of the Bridle; if otherwiſe, he would break out into Anger,Induſtriouſly ſuppreſſing the Inſolence of the Presbyterians. and thunder Threatnings. If he perceived that the Presbyterians began to raiſe their Creſts, be troubleſom to their Neighbours, ſeem uneaſie under the Government, or meddle in Civil Affairs, then would he threaten and denounce all Evils to the Sect, and let looſe againſt them the Anabaptiſts, Quakers, and the reſt of the Fanaticks, who took pleaſure in diſputing with the Preachers, and interrupting them in their Divine Worſhip; and by ſuch Brutes he created no ſmall trouble to the ſwelling Presbyterians: Nay, he was heard by many to glory, that he had curbed that Inſolent Sect (as he uſed privately to call it) which would ſuffer none but it ſelf, ſo that they had humbly begg'd his leave, and thanked him for granting them permiſſion to Preach and perform Divine Worſhip after their manner, in their own Congregations, and to thoſe who were willing to ſubmit to their Government.

Though the Publick Uſe of the Service-Book was denied to the Epiſcopal Party, yet in Private Houſes he allows them the Uſe of their Rites. He not onely cheriſhed,He was ill-affected towards the Church of England, tho he was accuſtomed to careſs ſome few. but ſeemed alſo mightily to love Dr. Brownrigg, a Biſhop, and other Learned Men, whom heretofore he was acquainted with at Cambridge, whilſt they were ſuffered by the Parliament to live there, and commanded them to viſit him often: yet it was his cuſtom, ſo ſoon as they were gone, to forget, calumniate, and deride them. If any were ſuſpected by him to promote the Royal Cauſe, or to contrive againſt himſelf, they muſt be ſent to Foreign Plantations, chained and impriſoned, ſeverely checked, interrupted in their Sermons, haled before Officers or Juſtices of the Peace, and not diſmiſſed till they found Security for their Good Behaviour, and the keeping of the Peace. Nevertheleſs, though the State of the Church ſeemed now ſad and deplorable, yet it is not to be denied, but that milder Courſes were uſed, than under the rigid Tyranny of others that went before.

The Independents get into the Chief Places of Honour and Profit,He hugged the Independents: whom he countenanced with his own Familiarity; and at length gave them liberty to call an Aſſembly at the Savoy, that the Preachers or Prelates of the Independent Churches in all Counties meeting there, might make a Confeſſion of their Faith, and juſtifie themſelves from abſurd Opinions, with which they were branded by ſome: but eſpecially, and indeed, that they might ſhew their Numbers and Strength, and by knowing one another, aſſociate together into a ſtricter Union. Though this Meeting was not celebrated till Richard was poſſeſs'd of the Government, yet the Grant of it was obtained in Oliver's time.Nor was he an enemy to Fanaticks, He allows a Toleration of Religion to all ſorts of Fanaticks. Though publickly he deteſted,And Roman-Catholicks. and ſeemed an implacable Enemy to the Papiſts; yet he was very familiar with ſome of them, and very obliging towards them: Nay, once he ſet afoot a Treaty with them, about a general Toleration of Religion, converting the third part of their Rents, wherein by our Laws they are fined, into a certain Sum of Money. But becauſe they could not agree upon the Money-conſideration, and that he ſmelt out that it would be ungrateful to the People, and give occaſion of Stirs and Commotions, he thought it more expedient for that time to deſiſt. But what ſucceſs ſoever that Affair had, he gave to all Liberty of Maſs privately; and Prieſts and Jeſuits, who by the Law are guilty of Death if they ſet foot in England, had never greater freedom, nor did they ever more boldly carry on their Deſigns, in the Camp, Courts, and Pulpits, ſome of them being even raiſed to Promotion; ſo that amongſt the unſtable and ill-grounded, they reaped no ſmall Harveſt of Proſelytes.

He creates Cenſurers of the Preachers out of every S • ct;He appointed a Convention of Lay-men and Church-men, as well Presbyterians and Independents, as alſo Anabaptiſts, who had power to judge of Promotions, and the Collation of Eccleſiaſtical Benefices, vacant by Death or Depoſition; to call before them, and examine Competitors, put Queſtions to them concerning their Manners and Learning, and eſpecially about the Marks of the In-dwelling of the Holy Spirit; and ſometimes about Civil Matters, as, If they liked a Popular State. It was lawful to theſe either to admit to, or debar from the Cure of Souls, whom they pleaſed, without any regard to Ordination. I ſhall not mention how much, according to the various Tempers of the Men, by Sollicitations, Promiſes, Gifts,Who baſely minded their own Profit. and Bribes, things were Symoniacally tranſacted in that kind of Office, Lay-men, Soldiers, Bankrupt Tradeſmen, and Shop-keepers, being alſo admitted into the Miniſtry, and mingled with ſome skilful Preachers who had been Ordained.

He endears and obliges to himſelf Seculars, He ſtudies to ingratiate himſelf with all men, according to their various Humours: With the Nobility, by ſpecious Offices, ſuch as were accommodated to the different Humours of the Men. The Nobles and Great Men (for with ſome few of them he had an Intimacy) he delighted with Raillery and Jeſting, contended with them in mimical Geſtures, and entertained them with merry Collations, Muſick, Hunting, and Hawking. But the Godly, The Godly, and thoſe that profeſſed much Piety, he would humour with holy Conferences, Prayers alſo (when it was needful), and Expounding of Sacred Scripture. O! how he would magnifie Divine Mercy, caſting his Eyes up to Heaven, and laying his Hand on his Breaſt, in ſhew adoring his Maker with Tears and Sighs! When he was in the Country,Country People, he uſed once or oftner a Year, to give the Neighbours about, a Buck, to be run down in his Park, and ſome Money to buy Wine to make merry with.And alſo the Soldiers. He would often make Feaſts for the Inferiour Officers, and whilſt they were a feeding, before they had ſatisfied their Hunger, cauſe the Drums to beat, and let in the Private Soldiers to fall on, and ſnatch away the half-eaten Diſhes. The robuſt and ſturdy Soldiers he loved to divert with violent and hurtful Exerciſes; as by making them ſometimes throw a burning Coal into one anothers Boots, or Cuſhions at one anothers Heads. When the Officers had ſufficiently laughed, and tired themſelves with theſe Preludes, he would wheadle them to open their Hearts freely; and by that means he drew ſome Secrets from the unwary, which afterwards they wiſhed might have been wrapp'd up in everlaſting darkneſs: whilſt he, in the mean time, pumping the Opinions of all others, concealed his own. Let not the Reader take it ill, that I have taken notice of ſuch Trifles; which, indeed, would not be worth the minding, had not Matters of great moment depended on theſe idle and ridiculous Toys. For whatever he could catch by that Artifice, he kept in his Mind, till he thought fit to diſcover and apply them to his own Purpoſes.

Always glancing at his own Profit:He was rich in Promiſes, but at the ſame time very ſparing of Gifts; for he never beſtowed a Place or Office, till firſt he weighed it exactly in the Scales of his own Profit, that he might thereby reap conſiderable Advantage to himſelf; as, when he advanced his Countrymen, the more ſagacious, or ſuch as were ready to undertake any thing, to Preferments. He had the knack of prying into, and winding about the Minds of all, even of his Enemies themſelves, beſetting them with Snares, Artifices, and Wiles. If he perceived any one caught in the Trap, his way was to put him upon odious Employments, as Raiſing and Collecting Aſſeſſments, informing againſt and accuſing of others; and ſo he endeavoured to render him hateful to the reſt: But if he was altogether inflexible, and would not conform to his Humour, then would he turn him off, and make him loſe all his paſt long Services.

A moſt cunning Diver into the Manners of Men.No Man dived more cunningly into the Manners of Men, and into the Tempers of thoſe with whom he had Buſineſs to do, nor ſooner diſcovered their Talent; no Man knew more of Men; nay, if there was any Man in all England that was ſingular in any Art or Faculty, he could not be hid from him.And moſt prodigious Hypocrite. He had an abſolute command over all the Paſſions and Affections of his own Mind; could weep when he ſaw his Friend in Tears, yet without any Grief; he would ſeem to hug in his Boſom, and ſhew all kind of Civility to the Man whom he hated: ſometimes he would break out into Fury and Rage, and ſcold till he came to Blows; but next day again be ſorry for his Tranſports, and from thence take occaſion of ſawning and ſlattering. But enough of the Tyrant: Let us now ſay ſomewhat of the King.

He had not been long at Cologne, King Charles finds for the Duke of Gloceſter his Brother from France, before he had News of his Brother the Duke of Gloceſter, whom, being as yet a Child, the Parricides had ſent beyond-Sea, and for no other end, as was believed by many, but that he might make Shipwrack of his Faith and Religion. He lived, indeed, in great danger, amongſt Roman Catholicks, who tampered with him, threatning him with the Everlaſting Wrath of God, and Temporal Puniſhments, if he embraced not the Roman Catholick Faith. But though he bravely reſiſted the Temptation, and by an unparallelled Example maintained the Orthodox Religion, the Kings Majeſty, nevertheleſs, fearing his young and tender years,Leſt the Stripling might be in danger of h • Religion amongſt Catholicks. leſt at length he might be prevailed upon, either by the Importunity of thoſe Men, or the Allurements of his Mother, ſent the Marqueſs of Ormond into France, with pathetick and dehortatory Letters, to take him out of the Hands and Cuſtody of the Queen-Mother, and bring him to Cologne. The Princeſs Mary came alſo from Holland, and many other Nobles, who went with the King to Duſ ••• dorp, to viſit the Prince of Neuburgh, and the 〈◊〉 of Mentz. His Majeſty alſo ſaluted the 〈◊〉 of Sweden upon her Journey into Italy, 〈◊〉 from Frankfort on the Mane; and ha ••• g ••• en leave of the Princeſs, his Siſter, whom 〈◊〉 accompanied to the Spaw-waters, he re •••• ed to Cologne: 〈…〉 by a certain Aſtrologer, Oneal. Where the Biſhop of Avignon, that he might gain Credit to Aſtrological Predictions, ſent him out of France a Scheme calculated by one Oneal a Mathematician, wherein he predicted, That in the Year One thouſand ſix hundred and ſixty, the King ſhould certainly enter England in a triumphant manner; which ſince, to our wonder, we have ſeen fulfilled, all the People triumphantly rejoycing. Whether he foretold this by the Principles of his Art, or fortuitouſly, I ſhall not determine. The King, notwithſtanding, bends His Thoughts towards England, watching every Opportunity to be laid hold on, for the advancement of His Affairs.

In the mean time, whilſt He with great tranquillity of Mind ſuffered greateſt Adverſity, Cromwell had neither Reſt nor Security in his Proſperity, Cromwell continually dogg'd with anxious & biting Cares, ſince the time the laſt Whirlwind had blown with ſo much fury and force; whether he was laſhed by the Furies of an ill Conſcience, or terrified with growing Dangers, he never was at eaſe. In the day-time his Looks were intent upon new and unuſual Spectacles; he took particular notice of the Carriage, Manners, Habit, and Language of all Strangers, eſpecially if they ſeemed joyful: He never ſtirred abroad but with ſtrong Guards, wearing Armour underneath his Clothes, and Offenſive Weapons, as a Sword, Faulchion, and ſeveral Piſtols;Thinks himſelf ſafe no where. never coming back the ſtreight Publick Rode, or the ſame way, nor never paſſing but in great haſte and with ſpeed. How many Locks and Keys are for the Doors of his Houſe? Seldom he ſlept above three Nights together in the ſame Chamber; nor in any, that had not two or three Back-doors, Guards being ſet at all of them.

Let us here mention one Paſſage, which tho' indeed ridiculous, had nevertheleſs almoſt coſt him his Life. Being much troubled with the Stone, he uſed ſometimes to ſwill down ſeveral ſorts of Liquor, and then ſtir his Body by ſome violent kind of Motion, as Riding hard on Horſeback, or Jolting in a Coach, that by ſuch Agitation he might disburden his Bladder. Wherefore one day he took with him his Secretary Thurlow, that they two by themſelves might privately uſe this Exerciſe, in a Coach in Hide-Park. When they were come thither, Cromwell himſelf got up into the Coach-box,Getting into the Coach-box to exerciſe his Body, drawn by ſix ſtout Horſes, lately preſented him by the Count Oldenburgh: But ſo ſoon as he began to ſnap his Whip, the Horſes run away, and the Poſtilion who was to guide them being thrown off of the Forehorſe, they fall a fretting, and grow unruly, and not knowing their Maſter, toſs their new Driver from his Seat upon the Pole;He was very near being torn to pieces alive by Horſes. who falling from thence upon the Ground, and being entangled in his Coat, was dragged up and down, till having received many Bruiſes, and a Pocket-Piſtol going off in his Pocket, his Coat rent, and he eſcaped from the very Jaws of Death; a Troop of Guards that waited without the Park, haſtning in to his Aſſiſtance, God Almighty thought it not fit that this Plague of England ſhould thus expire, though he was not far from the juſt puniſhment of his Crimes, that is, from being torn to pieces alive by unruly Horſes. But this made work for Poets and Poſt-boys, and afforded pleaſant Diſcourſe in Taverns.

Of new he oppreſſes the Royaliſts, whom he ſpoils of the tenth part of their Goods, Cromwell now growing bare of Money, diſperſed his Souldiers over the Countrey, allowing them free Quarters inſtead of Pay; taking a pretext from a late Inſurrection, without any accuſation or proof of a Crime, to plunder all thoſe who had been ſequeſtrated for the Royall Cauſe, commanding them to pay the tenth part of their Goods, and of their yearly Rents; unleſs they could compound for it, by laying down a Sum of Money, as had been often done before. The Publick Faith, and Act of Oblivion ſtood them in no ſtead; though it had coſt vaſt Sums of Money,Withot any diſtinction. or had been ſtipulated by Articles upon the ſurrender of Garriſons and ſtrong places: Nor did the innocence of many, who had not meddled in theſe Affairs, in the leaſt excuſe them; all are equally involved in the Guilt, and muſt all alike part with their Money.

He ſets Major Generals over Provinces,New Major Generals are appointed to raiſe the Moneys in all Counties, to the number of fourteen, each having their Province, which perhaps reached three or four Counties, over which, as amongſt the Romans, the Military Tribunes, ſo theſe were appointed with almoſt an abſolute Power.Who had great power given them over ſuſpected perſons. And that they might not ſeem thus to domineer onely for Money, they are impowered to make inquiry into all thoſe who had carried Arms for the King, or had favoured that Cauſe; thoſe who had heretofore bought up Arms, or had hired or let out Poſt-horſes; into Privat Aſſemblies; thoſe who live at too high a rate, when it is not known how they are able to afford it; into Vagabonds and Idle Perſons; into thoſe that frequent any ſort of Game; thoſe who ſlight, or are averſe from the eſtabliſhed Governments; into ſuch as raiſe Tumults or Sedition; thoſe who haunt Taverns, Tipling and Eating-houſes; into unlearned and ſcandalous Miniſters and School-maſters: All ſuch the Major Generals had power to inquire into, call before them, and puniſh. To theſe were joined Aſſeſſors in the ſeveral Counties, Towns and Provinces, for moſt part choſen out of the very Sink of the People, though others of better note were ſometimes mingled with them; theſe had Power upon common Fame, proper Knowledge, or bare Conjecture, to inform againſt others, make them appear, and accuſe them before the Major General of the Army, with whom they ſat as Aſſeſſors in giving Judgment. Good God! how Princely theſe fellows carry it!Eſpecially over Miniſters turned out of their Livings, who are not permitted ſo much as to teach little Children. how big and proud do they look, deſpiſing and ſlighting all others of what rank and quality ſoever? Nothing pleaſed them more than to inſult over, and oppreſs the Miniſters of the Church of England, ſufficiently already born down; who being long ago turned out of their Houſes and Livings, theſe Blades would not ſo much as ſuffer them to teach little Children, thereby to get Bread to themſelves and Families, unleſs ſome Fanatick interceded for them, which happened rarely, and but to a few. The Royaliſts being right or wrong before ſequeſtred, muſt now ſuffer a Decimation; and be threatned with Impriſonment, Bonds, and Tranſportation, which ſometimes were actually inflicted. Licentious indeed was the Rule of theſe Men, they carry all things Arbitrarily, and with Deſpotick Authority; making themſelves Judges of Controverſies, (though they were ignorant of, and deſpiſed all Forms and Methods of Proceſs,) which they conſtantly decided in favours of the Faction and their Party. They impoſed new and unuſual Puniſhments; nay, and made new Laws: Raiſed People out of their Beds at Midnight, and committed them to Goals; nay, and cauſed Conſtables, who have the power of keeping the Peace in Countrey Villages, to be whipt, and put in the Stocks; compelled Perſons of Quality, who had appeared for neither Party; nay, ſuch as had been for the Parliament, and others alſo, who heretofore by hereditary right had ſi • ten in the Houſe of Lords, to come and give their Votes in the Elections for Parliament-Men. At length their Exorbitant Power being ſuſpected to Cromwell himſelf, they are wholly aboliſhed. Being at length drunk with that Exorbitant Power, they hardly acknowledged the Protector himſelf, and begun to ſpurn againſt the mighty Tyrant; which made him by degrees leſſen their Power, and upon the approach of a Parliament wholly aboliſh it.

About the ſame time Cromwell ſends one of his Bedchamber Envoy into Poland, there to Congratulate the Victories of the King of Sweden; with a preſent of four brave Horſes, as a Teſtimony of his Affection.

Whether or not, Private Affairs be worth the relating, may be a doubt; yet, that the inclinations of the People may be known, I ſhall mention ſome Paſſages.Some Impriſoned for the Royal Cauſe, Daviſon, Holder, and Thorold, are brought into ſuſpition of acting for the King, and of uſing endeavours to bring him in; therefore they are committed to a Provoſt Marſhal, to be ſhortly brought to Tryal before the High Court of Juſtice. In the mean time, having obtained leave from him to walk abroad, they wheadled the Soldier into a by place, whom, becauſe he refuſed to conſent to their eſcape, they Piſtolled.For a Murder afterward committed, are brought to a Tryal, and acquitted by a Jury. But being afterwards apprehended, they are brought to their Tryal for Murder before the Lord Chief Juſtice of the Kings Bench, in Weſtminſter-hall, and ſubmitted themſelves to the Verdict of a Jury of Twelve Men; a Tryal that onely pleaſes our Countrey-men, as being according to Law. Nevertheleſs, though they were taken in the fact, and that the Judge himſelf had promiſed to uſe his endeavours to have theſe Men Condemned; yet, I know not what ſcruples being ſtarted, the Jury brought them in, Not guilty; which thing vexed Cromwell, who had reſolved with himſelf that they ſhould certainly die for it.

This inſtance made him inveigh bitterly againſt the ancient way of Tryal;After the ſame manner Lilburn eſcaped Death; and Stawell thrice. reflecting alſo how Lilburn two years before, by the ſame means eſcaped his fury; and as luckily alſo, one Stawell, who was a Knight, notwitſtanding the Capitulation he had made upon the ſurrender of his Garriſon, being thrice brought to a Tryal of his Life, (a barbarous thing, and contrary to Law, to be again tried for one and the ſame crime) was thrice acquitted by the Jury. This, though the ſtrongeſt Bulwark againſt Tyranny, he affirms ought to be taken away, as a hindrance to Juſtice; complaining,The Tyrant objects againſt the Ancient Cuſtom of a Jury of twelve Men. That Sacred Juſtice was raſhly put into the Hands of the Profane, Common People; that the weightieſt matters of Law did not depend upon the Sentences of the Learned in the Law, but upon the Pleaſure and Prejudices of a Company of Men, deſtitute of all Ingenious Learning, nay, and almoſt of Common Senſe. That it was more conſonant to Juſtice, that fifty Men choſen out of the flower of the whole Nation, ſhould determine of Lives and Fortunes. Under theſe Colours and Pretexts, he ſubverted the wholſom Conſtitutions of our Fore-fathers, and invented a new way of Butchery of his own.

But I deſire that both our Countrey-men and Foreigners would take notice,This wholeſom Cuſtom is juſtied. that this Cuſtom of Tryal by a Jury of Twelve Men, founded on Reaſon and Equity, granted us by the ſingular favour both of the Saxon and Norman Kings, and practiſed amongſt us time out of mind, though it was in this Age for a ſhort time intermitted, yet it was approved by the Publick deſires of all. The trueſt Judges of the Commons, are the Commons; as of the Nobles, their Peers; ſince Men of the ſame Rank and Quality are apteſt to love, and not to envy one another. Beſides, if the Sheriff empannel any who bear you a grudge, you may challenge and reject them. How are they to be accuſed of ignorance, ſince the matter of Fact is known by Evidence, who alledge, and by their Oath prove it in open Court? and the point of Law they are to be directed by the Judges who are verſed therein. The Fact is better examined by a plain and uncorrupted Conſcience, than cunning, that ſerves the ends of another. The Judges and Bench have onely their Duty to mind, Conſult for the common Intereſt, and with the publick good procure the favour of their Princes. On the other hand, thoſe whom the offended Conquerour appoints as Arbiters of your Life and Fortune, obeying the pleaſure of one Maſter, and obſequiouſly oppreſs you. Accuſed Subjects, whom before they looked upon as Servants, they now ſternly frown upon as Publick Enemies; and without more ado, find them guilty of Treaſon, and condemn them to ſuffer accordingly. It is a Compendious and rare way of Juſtice, indeed, to have the ſame Men to be the Accuſers, Witneſſes, Informers, Judges; nay, and plainly, the Executioners, and very often alſo the Authors of the Crimes.

About this time great Troubles hapned in Piedmont in Savoy: for the Duke of that Country, by Military force, drove many of the Reformed Religion out of their own Habitations, not without Blood and Slaughter. Cromwell takes upon him their Protection, writing for that end to the Suitzers and French King; Cromwell aſſiſts the Proteſtants oppreſſed by the Duke of Savoy. and having ſent a Meſſenger to viſit them, who might intercede for them, and relieve their Wants with Money. For the Money that was charitably raiſed for their uſe all over England, he partly, indeed, diſtributed amongſt them, but reſerved the greateſt part for other Times and Occaſions.

At that time England was in a Fermentation, ſecretly deſigning a War; whereof the Mediterranean felt the firſt Effort, which afterward fell upon Spain, though not with the ſame force and violence.An Expedition into the Mediterranean Sea under Blake; Blake was made Admiral of the firſt Fleet, being ordered to ſail into the Mediterranean, there to give a Proof of our Strength by Sea, to block up Algiers, Tripoly, and Tunis, and having redeemed the Engliſh Captives, to make Peace with theſe Towns, or rather Neſts of Pyrats; which if they refuſed, to reduce them by force to better terms. The Divan of Algiers, upon payment of the juſt Ranſoms, and having mutually interchanged honourable Preſents with the Engliſh, Who eaſily agreeing with the Algerines, without any difficulty reſtore the Captives, and publiſh an Edict whereby free Commerce for the future is allowed to the Engliſh Nation.He chaſtiſes the Pride of thoſe of Tunis, by burning their Ships in the very Harbour. But he chaſtiſes the Inſolence of thoſe of Tunis, who had anſwered proudly, having ſent in ſome Ships, and burnt eight of theirs in Porto-Ferina; which having broken and humbled the Infidels, at length they agree to a Peace.

Another greater into America. But the other Expedition required greater preparatives; as being carried on by the remains of the Diſſenting and Disbanded Souldiers, to wit, of Eſſex, Waller, and Maſſey's Armies, &c. ſome Royaliſts and Republicans alſo, but ſparingly joyned with them.The firſt reaſon of it. For theſe being for the moſt part indigent and dangerous at home, watched all opportunities of innovation; and therefore buſineſs is found out for them abroad, that they might not be troubleſome to others, but eaſe England a little by the departure of ſo many Men.The ſecond. The Protector made his brags openly, that by a War with Spain, the Nation would attain to much Glory, Wealth, and large Dominions in the Weſt-Indies:The third. And not only cut off the Sinews of War whereby the Spaniards infeſted Europe, but alſo hinder the Influx of the Spirits and Life of it, by intercepting their Riches. Nor did he doubt of an eaſie and cheap Victory.The fourth. For the Spaniards were but few, and thoſe diſperſed over the vaſt Territories of America; and that it was credible, that the Natives, weary of their hard and tedious Bondage, would upon the firſt glimpſe of liberty, riſe up againſt the Tyranny of the Spaniards. That though the Towns were well fortified, yet they were unprepared for making a reſiſtance, the Souldiers being unaccuſtomed to War; nay, though Garriſoned by ſuch as had been inured to fighting, yet all relief by Sea being ſtopt, and the Land not affording Proviſions either for the Engliſh, or the Inhabitants, they muſt in a ſhort time be ſtarved out.The fifth. The neighbouring Plantations of our Countrey-men, beſides, accuſtomed to the Climat and Diet, could yearly furniſh ſupplies; ſo that there could neither be any want of Souldiers for ſubduing the Provinces, nor of People to be Tranſported into better Plantations. N • y, (and which went a great way,) there was not wanting a certain Divine, that gave vent to the Ambition which flamed ſufficiently of it ſelf, and who well underſtood the Enthuſiaſtick humour of Cromwell. This Man bid him, Go, and proſper; calls him, A Stone cut out of the Mountains without Hands, that ſhould break the Pride of the Spaniard, cruſh Antichriſt, and make way for the Purity of the Goſpel over the whole World. Swollen therefore with this hope, he ſends for Officers and Commanders from all Places, ſollicits, wheadles them with good words and with fair Promiſes of their paſt Arrears, and I know not what Mountains of Gold perſwades them to undertake the Voyage. He raiſes alſo private Souldiers, and fits out a conſiderable Fleet; he makes Penn Admiral at Sea, Penn Admiral at Sea, and Venables General at Land. and Vennables General of the Land Forces, Men that could not ſet their Horſes together; joining with them Commiſſioners, who were acquainted with the Humours, and Language of the Inhabitants, and skilful in the Harbours and advantages of Places, with whoſe advice the Generals were to manage all matters; and preſently orders them to make ſail to the Caribbee Iſlands, there ſhortly to expect all neceſſary Proviſions from England.

The Spaniard being afraid.Whil'ſt theſe things are carrying on in England, the Neighbouring Princes were at a ſtand what to think on't; but the Spaniard was moſt ſtartled, who from Dunkirk ſent the Marqueſs of Leda to learn if he intended to keep the Peace with him. But he from the Anſwers conjecturing the Deſign, ſpeedily returns, and repented too late of his too early honouring an Uſurper.

They arrive firſt at Barbadoes; In ſix or ſeaven weeks time, with a fair Wind, they arrived at Barbadoes, the moſt flouriſhing of all the Iſlands; from thence ſailing to St. Chriſtophers, and other Circumjacent Iſlands, they raiſe nine or ten thouſand Men, not ſo much Souldiers, as Porters, Slaves, and Rogues, who in hopes of Booty, not with deſign to undergo the Perils and Toils of a Military Life, engaged in the Service; fitter to make up a number, than to ſight. Truſting to this Army (though I muſt confeſs ſome old Souldiers were mingled with them) Arms and Ammunition not being as yet brought from England, (ſo that inſtead of Pikes many were fain to make uſe of Poles) they ſail to the Iſland of Hiſpaniola, Afterwards they ſaile to Hiſpaniola, with a deſign to proceed to Carthagena after they had taken St. Domingo. that ſurpriſing and making ſure of St. Domingo the chief Town, and leaving there a Magazine with as many Souldiers as they could ſpare, they might proceed to Carthagena; but when they came in view of St. Domingo, having landed part of the Souldiers near the Town, whilſt the reſt fetched a compaſs about, that they might attack it on the other ſide, the ſignal is expected. But theſe having fatally ſailed ten Leagues beyond the place appointed for the landing, put aſhoar in another place, and marching through a Sandy and thick Woody Country,But they are firſt overcome by the heat and thirſt, they were ſo ſcorched and burnt up with heat and thirſt, that ſome being quite ſpent, fell dead by the way; many ſtragling to find ſomewhat to aſſwage their thirſt, were killed by the Enemy: the reſt hardly able to go or ſtand upon their Legs, at length joyn their Companions. There, Orders were publiſhed, which were as grievous to their Minds as the drought had been to their Bodies, whereby They are commanded upon pain of Death to bring all the Gold, Silver, and Rich Goods that they ſhould find, into a Common Treaſury. The hope of booty had hitherto kept up their Spirits; but now being deſtitute of all comfort, and ſenſible of their preſent and paſt fatigues, they were ſetting forward on their march towards St. Domingo; when after a ſudden volley of ſmall ſhot,Then by the Inhabitants, three hundred Cow-hunters armed with Lances break out of the Woods upon them, and having put them into diſorder killed them till they were weary. But next Day, the Army being refreſhed as well as they could, their deſign ſucceeded ſomewhat better.

At length drawing off their Forces, they bid adieu to that unhappy Land, having loſt ſix hundred Men or more. Then they ſet ſail towards Jamaica, to the Weſtward, a pleaſant Iſland, and, as it were, a Garden of Delights; which they eaſily become Maſters of, the Spaniards Capitulating to be gone;And at length by a Plague in Jamaica, whither they had betaken themſelves. but there a direful Plague, the avenger of Wickedneſs, raged amongſt the Engliſh, which within ſix Months infected and ſwept away the whole Army except two Souldiers. Afterwards new Souldiers, and freſh ſupplies coming by little and little to their refreſhment, they drive all the Spaniards out of Jamaica, which extends in length threeſcore Leagues, and thirty in breadth, and bravely repulſed thoſe that attempted to come back again; becoming Maſters of the whole Iſland, and raiſing Forts in ſeveral places for their defence. Thus Divine Wiſdom baffles the Pride and Vanity of Man.

The Spaniard declaring War, Cromwell aſſiſts the French upon theſe Conditions.The Spaniard to be revenged Proclaims War againſt Cromwell: And he on the other hand makes a League with the French, that at the Peril and Charges of others, he might give the Spaniard his Hands full on't. It was therefore agreed, That Cromwell ſhould ſend ſix thouſand Men over into Flanders, to be payed by the French; and that the ſecond Town that ſhould be taken, ſhould belong to the Engliſh; and that CHARLES King of England, with all His Court and Family, ſhould be Baniſhed France, leſt he might any way be aiding and aſſiſting to the Enemy. The Duke of York, the Kings Brother, forſeeing that, renounces the French Service, wherein he had hitherto bravely behaved himſelf under Marſhal Turen;King CHARLES and the Duke of York being invited, go into Flanders, and ſhortly after both the King and He, are by Don John of Auſtria and others invited to come into Flanders, having a Penſion of Nine thouſand pounds Engliſh a year ſettled upon them, which his Majeſty after his return into England fully repaid.Where the Duke ſerves the Spaniard. They came firſt to Bruſſels; and there the Duke is made General of the Engliſh, Scots and Iriſh, who left the French Army at the Kings Command, and now ſerved the Spaniard.

Manaſſes Ben Iſrael, a Jew, deſires liberty for his Nation to live and Trade in England. At that time one Manaſſes Ben Iſrael, a Jewiſh Rabbi, came from Holland, and deſired leave of the Protector that the Jews might be ſuffered to live in England, and enjoy a Free Trade, uſing many Arguments for obtaining that Favour; as, in the firſt place, The Innocence of their Lives, and the Gain that would accrue from their Trade; and others eaſie to be deduced from the Native Genius and Qualities of that People: But the advantage he moſt boaſted of, was, their Art in giving the beſt Intelligence, ſeeing they knew the ſecret Deſigns and Counſels of all Princes; theſe he promiſes to diſcover to him, and at the ſame time to defeat the Counſels that might be prejudicial to his Intereſts. Laſtly, which was the ſtrongeſt Argument of all, he promiſes a great Sum in ready Money, and ſome Thouſands of Pounds yearly to be paid into the Exchequer. To which Cromwell liſtens, in hopes of gain: Such golden Promiſes, with the ſweet ſmell of Gain, ſoon prevailed, the Exchequer eſpecially at that time being exhauſted, much Debt contracted, and Cromwell caſting about all ways how he might have Money to defray the Publick Charges. But a fair and honeſt Pretext was wanting: Therefore, on a day prefixed,But having firſt conſulted Divines, Divines are called to meet, and give their Judgments about this Matter; Why, ſince we pray to God for the Converſion of the Jews, we ſhould baniſh them our Society; as if we, who are enlightned by the bright Beams of the Goſpel, ought to be afraid of our Religion becauſe of Jews? He being aſſured of a great many Votes, made no doubt but that they would comply with him: But, alas! what a Tide of Contradiction had he to ſtem?Of whom ſome, contrary to his expectation, are of a contrary Opinion. Some Divines on the day appointed diſputing to the contrary, not without ſome inward heat and anger, ſo that they ſeemed rather to decline than promote the Determination of the Controverſie, by oppoſing this rapid Motion. However, he reſolved to connive, and allow them liberty to trade in England, with an Indulgence of their Religion according to the Rites of Moſes, without any publick Examination going before, or (as it is uſual amongſt Catholicks) coming yearly after, and without teaching or catechiſing them.

The Engliſh Fleet, Commanded by Montague and Blake, But this Year was famous for the Actions of Mountague, ſince Earl of Sandwich, and of Blake: For they with a Joynt-Commiſſion commanding the Fleet, whilſt they were cruiſing upon the Coaſt of Spain, without the Straits Mouth, met with Eight great Spaniſh Ships, whom Stainer preſently engages with Three Frigats onely; for the reſt could not come up becauſe of the Wind: but with ſo much Bravery and Reſolution he plied them with his Broadſides, that within three or four Hours ſpace he maſtered them all;Defeats eight Spaniſh Ships richly laden; whereof two were taken. one being ſunk, another burnt, two eſcaping into Cadiz, and two more forced aſhore and broke to pieces, wherein were loſt Sixty thouſand Wedges of Silver, beſides other rich Goods of vaſt Value. However, two of them fell into the hands of the Victorious, with a great deal of Coyned Gold, to the quantity of Six hundred thouſand Pieces, much Silver, curiouſly-wrought Plate, and other things of value, together with two Sons of the Marqueſs de Baydexio, Don Joſeph de Savega, and Don Franciſco de Lopes; the Marqueſs himſelf, with his Lady, and Daughter, who was to be married to the Son of the Duke of Medina Sidonia, being burnt. The two Brothers that remained alive, were by Cromwell diſcharged without any Ranſom.

England now being ſufficiently plagued by thoſe petty Tyrants whom they called Major-Generals, A ſecond Parliament, c • nſiſting onely of Co • moners, wherein Scots and Iriſh are admitted, who (as we ſaid before) began to be uneaſie to all, another Parliament is called; but not after the ancient manner, but onely made up of the Commoners or People; Thirty being called out of Scotland, and as many from Ireland; Cromwell tampering with many, and the Major Generals hindring the Elections and Votes of ſeveral, that the Houſe might not be filled with Republicans. In the mean while no Man is ſuffered to enter the Houſe, till firſt he ſubſcribed to the Authority of the Protector; ſo that by that means moſt of the Republicans of either ſort are excluded from ſitting.Suits better with Cromwells Intereſts Sir Thomas Widdrington is choſen Speaker. Many things paſſed here in favour of Cromwell: as, That it ſhould be Treaſon to conſpire his Death: and, That the Royal Family ſhould be renounced. Nor is it in this place to be omitted, that about this time many things were publickly talked of to the prejudice of the King: as, That he was Conſumptive, and could not live long; That he was alſo Melancholy, and inclinable to a Monaſtick Life, laying aſide all deſire of Government; and that the Duke of York was a Profeſſed Papiſt; that by that means they might wheadle over the credulous and unwary to their Party, by removing every thing that might curb and keep them in awe. The Cuſtoms are renewed; a vaſt Triennial Tax alſo impoſed upon all Houſes built upon new Foundations in London, and witbin Ten miles round, that every one of them ſhould pay a years Rent.

At length,Since they would have made him King, at the Motion of a certain Citizen of London, the Parliament reſolves to give Cromwell the Title of King, with moſt of the Enſigns of Royalty, which he had already long ago uſurped; and many Members apply themſelves to him, beſeeching him that he would vouchſafe to accept of it: which he ſometimes made a ſhew as if he would embrace; but by and by again appeared doubtful, and at length ſhifted it off.

I think it will not diſpleaſe the Reader if I give in this place a ſhort hint at the main Reaſons whereby the Members of Parliament endeavoured to incline Cromwell to accept of the Title of King, which inwardly he was moſt ambitious of, though outwardly he affected a reluctancy. This Affair was by the Parliament committed to the diligent management of ſix or ſeven of their number.Alledging theſe Reaſons for it: Theſe Men urg'd, That the name of King had always been in vogue from the very beginning in this Nation, for the ſpace of above thirteen hundred years; that the Perſon of the King had ſometime diſpleaſed the People; but that the Title was never before abrogated; that moreover the ſame was fitted to our Laws, and the Humour of the People, and approved not onely by the Votes of the preceding, but of this preſent Prarliament alſo. To which he anſwering, Cromwell anſwers, That theſe were perſuaſive, but no cogent Arguments; that the Title of Protector might be adapted to the Laws; that Providence was againſt them, which hath now altered the Name; and that he could not without a Crime diſpleaſe ſo many Godly and Religious Men. But the Commiſſioners reply,They ſtrongly reply. That the Title ought to be fitted to the Laws, not the Laws to Titles; nay, that the Innovation of Titles is ſuſpected as a Cloak for Ʋnderhand Tyranny, and that the diſadvantages of ſuch a kind of change are never felt in in the ſame Age; for which very Reaſon, when King James came to the Crown of this Kingdom, the Parliament would not give way that in his Title, inſtead of England and Scotland, he ſhould inſert Great Britain. That by refuſing the Title of King, he does not derogate ſo much from himſelf, as from the Nation; whoſe Honour it is to be governed by a King. That the ſupreme Magiſtrate was never deſigned by the Name of Protector, unleſs for a time, during the Nonage of the King, for the Adminiſtration of the Government, and a Title for the moſt part unfortunate. That that Name at preſent having its Original from the Souldiers, ſounded Victory, and might be lawfully reſcinded by another Parliament. That the Title of King being once aboliſhed, the Government would become mutable and unſafe, not durable, if the Foundation tottered; that in the ſpace of five years it had been three or four times altered, and was yet as wavering, as heretofore the alteration of Title was ominous to the Roman People, who neither could endure the Name of Prince, nor of Perpetual Dictator, nor of the Prince of the Senate, till at length the Pleaſure of Caeſar went for Law. The chief Argument. But the ſtrongeſt Argument of all was, The Statutes of the Ninth of Edward the Fourth, and of the Third of Henry the Seventh, wherein it was enacted, That no Man carrying Arms, though unjuſtly, for the King in being, ſhall be puniſhed for it; and that in the late Wars, more truſting to that Law, were in Arms for the King, than of thoſe who loved his Cauſe. That as to Providence, it was no leſs conſpicuous in changing the Government again into Monarchy, for avoiding confuſion, and quelling a tumultuous People, than in changing the Name of a Monarch into that of Protector. That, laſtly, Good and Godly Men would ſubmit to a Decree of Parliament, though perhaps they might ſeem to differ in private. A great deal of time is ſpent betwixt Cromwell and the Committee in mutual Anſwers and Replies; but after much affectation of Words, they ſtill fell upon the ſame Heads again.

There was no leſs to do with the private Addreſſes of different Parties;Who they were that would have had him take the Title of King. moſt of the Pettyfogging Lawyers, the Commiſſioners for the Great Seal, the Judges, and ſome of the Officers of the Army, relying upon the former Reaſons, entreat, urge, and earneſtly importune him, That he would conſent to take upon him the Name of King. And who on the other hand as fiercely oppoſed it. On the other hand, the Anabaptiſts, Sectarians, and Democratical Republicans, by Letters, Conferences, and Monitory Petitions, wearied him with their importunities to the contrary. Many alſo of the Soldiers and inferiour Officers, laying their Heads together, frame a Petition to the ſame purpoſe. But he, during the whole tranſaction, diſmiſſes all with the ſame uncertainty and doubts; however he ſeverely chid the Soldiers, biding them mind their own buſineſs, for what had they to do with the Reſolutions of Parliament? that they ſhould look to their Arms, and keep themſelves modeſtly within their own bounds, not medling in Civil Affairs; but that if they did forget their Duty and Obedience, neither God Almighty, nor he himſelf would be wanting to reduce them into order.

The Cavaliers for ſeveral reaſons were for the firſt Advice.The Cavaliers are Tooth and Nail for his complying with the firſt Advice, as being a Matter which they thought would not a little contribute to the reviving of their Cauſe, whilſt continual jangling and and diſſentions would thereby ariſe betwixt the Republicans and Cromwell; and the Office of King being again introduced, the onely Quarrel would then be betwixt two Families, which of the two had the better Title, the one having it by undoubted right, and the other by none at all. And beſides, thereby it would be made manifeſt for what cauſe the War was in a great part begun, to wit, the ſole Ambition of Cromwell. But he having taken time to weigh with himſelf all their Opinions, thought it more modeſt and ſuitable to his Intereſt, to retain his more than Regal Authority, circumſcribed by no Laws, under the ſubmiſſive Title of Protector, Cromwell rejecting the Crown which be ſo earneſtly coveted, than by coveting an Auguſt Name, render himſelf ridiculous to the World. At length having called the Parliament unto him, He tells them, That at preſent he durſt not take upon him the Adminiſtration of the Government with the Title of King; though he was reſolved in future Parliaments to introduce it by degrees, how humbly ſoever at preſent he carried himſelf, and utterly rejected the ſame.

I cannot tell whether or not it be worth the mentioning, what many interpreted as a bad preſage. Whilſt the Members of Parliament were going up to the Banqueting-Houſe in Whitehall, to have the laſt Debate with Cromwell about that Affair, his eldeſt Son Richard being in company with them, the old Stairs by which they mounted being overcharged with weight broke with them, ſo that many fell to the ground; of whom not a few had bruiſes in their Legs and Arms, and amongſt the reſt Richard being grievouſly wounded, lay by it a long time.

But ſince Cromwell refuſed the Title of King, With much ado, he obtained from the Parliament the Title of Protector, the Parliament, by the ſuperiority of two Voices onely, confirmed to him that of Protector, which he had taken before; and that they might not ſeem to have done nothing at all, they agreed about reforming the Inſtrument of Government, and added a Houſe of Peers, or Lords, to be choſen by him, That theſe Men might as occaſion offered, be a check ſometimes to the Commons when they proceeded too haſtily. They give him likewiſe Power of appointing his Succeſſour or next Heir. That no Man, however lawfully elected according to the above-mentioned Conditions, ſhould under any pretext whatſoever, be excluded from ſitting in Parliament.

And is ſolemnly Inaugurated by the Speaker.On a day appointed the Members march to Weſtminſter-hall, there ſolemnly to Inaugurate Cromwell, and to receive his conſent. So ſoon as he had mounted a Stage erected for that purpoſe, round which the Members of Parliament ſat, Widdrington the Speaker reaching to him the Enſigns of Majeſty, to wit, a long Purple Robe lined wtth Ermin, the Holy Bible, a Sword and Scepter, thus he ſpeaks to him, ſtanding near him under a Canopy of State. This Robe of Purple is an Emblem of Magistracy, and imports Righteouſneſs and Juſtice; when you have put on this Veſtment, I may ſay, you are a Gown-man. This Robe is of a mixt Colour, to ſhew the mixture of Juſtice and Mercy. Indeed a Magiſtrate muſt have two Hands, Plectentem & Amplectentem, to cheriſh and to puniſh. The Bible is a Book that contains the Holy Scriptures, in which you have the happineſs to be well verſed. This Book of Life conſiſts of two Teſtaments's, the Old and New: The firſt ſhews Chriſtum Velatum; the ſecond, Chriſtum Revelatum; Chriſt Vailed and Revealed: It is a Book of Books, and doth contain both Precepts and Examples for good Government. Here is a Scepter not unlike a Staff, for you are to be a Staff to the weak and poor: It is of Ancient uſe in this kind. It's ſaid in Scripture, That the Scepter ſhall not depart from Judah. It was of like uſe in other Kingdoms; Homer the Greeek Poet calls Kings and Princes, Scepter-bearers. The laſt thing is a Sword, not a Military, but Civil Sword: it is a Sword rather of Defence than Offence; not to defend your ſelf onely, but your People alſo. If I might preſume to fix a Motto upon this Sword, as the Valiant Lord Talbot had upon his, it ſhould be this, Ego ſum Domini Protectoris, ad protegendum Populum; I am the Protectors, to protect his People. Then having given him his Oath, and read over the Articles of Government, with ſound of Trumpet he is Proclaimed Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland, &c. but with faint Acclamations from the People. Hence you may underſtand what, and how great things the Power of a Tyrant, counterfeit Virtue, Lawyers fetches, fawning hope, anxious fear, love of novelty, and ſpecious pretexts, could, againſt all right and reaſon, bring to paſs, amongſt Men in all things elſe, for moſt part, very Prudent and Wiſe: That in the like caſe I may uſe the Words of another. Theſe things being thus performed, the Parliament ſhortly after were diſmiſſed for three or four Months, and Cromwell has time to make choice of his Peers for the other Houſe.

But we muſt not omit to take notice in this place of that unbridled licentiouſneſs of Hereticks, which grew greater and greater daily.The ſink of Hereticks of theſe times: Beſides Arrianiſm againſt the Divinity of our Saviour Jeſus Chriſt, and other abominable Errours, which one Biddle profanely and yet ſafely maintained before the Parliament; the Blaſphemies alſo of Copps againſt the Holy Name of God; and Fry, who heretofore ſcattred his Poiſons in the Parliament-Houſe; beſides Erbury, who as with impunity he ſowed the monſtrous Seeds of Hereſies amongſt the Souldiers, and in the City, whilſt he was in health, ſo dying he breathed out his laſt in Blaſphemy; Saltmarſh alſo, and other Sectarians, whoſe Fanatical Errours, by the Enthuſiaſm of Cromwell, and the other Officers of the Army, were again conjured from Hell; a new and unheard-of Generation of Quakers ſprung up, of whom the Parliament brought before them a conſiderable Ring-leader, that I ſhall now briefly diſcourſe of.

Of whom Naylor had the impudence to give himſelf out for Jeſus Chriſt; James Naylor was the Man, who had heretofore ſerved under Lambert, and now had the impudence to perſonate Jeſus Chriſt, imitating his Words, Looks, and Carriage: And to ſo great madneſs he grew, that his Boldneſs encreaſing through the Applauſes of ſome, and the Admiration of others, he would repreſent him in all things. For mounting a Horſes Colt, he came riding towards the City of Briſtol, thoſe of his Sect ſtrewing the Way with Leaves and Boughs of Trees, and crying, Hoſanna, Hoſanna, Bleſſed is he that cometh in the Name of the Lord. But the Madneſs ſtops not here neither; for the diſtracted Fellow affects Divine Honours, as if he could raiſe the Dead, heal the Sick, and faſt after the Example of Chriſt. At length the Parliament tired out with the continued Clamours of Accuſers, having cited him to appear before them, ſentence him to be publickly Whipp'd, Ʋntil he was Whipt and Impriſoned, who deſerved a thouſand times to be put to Death. Pilloried, and committed to perpetual Impriſonment. But the Parliament being diſſolved, this Monſter of Mankind was ſet at liberty by an Order of the Rump-Parliament, when it revived again.

Sundercome a Republican plots againſt Cromwell. About that time Cromwell's Life was in danger from one Sundercome a Republican. It was ſaid, that he was ſuborned by Alonſo de Cardenas, formerly Embaſſadour in England from the King of Spain, and then living in Flanders, to kill him. He had often taken a Houſe fit for committing the Fact; but his Hopes always failing him, he got him a Blunderbuſs that could diſcharge twelve Bullets at a time, reſolving with that, out of an Arbor upon the ſide of the Rode, where the Way grows narrow, at Hammerſmith near London, to ſhoot Cromwell as he paſt in his Coach to Hampton-Court, and forthwith mounting a fleet Horſe, make his Eſcape on the oppoſite ſide. But becauſe there was a neceſſity of having another privy to the Deſign, when the time that he was to go drew near, one Toop belonging to the Guards is engaged in the Plot.Who being betray'd by another Conſpirator, is brought to a Tryal, and condemned: But one Aſſaſſine betrays another; Toop, Sundercome: who that he might be the firſt that ſuffered for Treaſon under this Government, by a new Statute is arraigned, and condemned for conſpiring the Death of the Protector. However, ſome few hours before the time of his deſigned Execution,But he prevented the Executioner by a ſudden Death. he was found dead in his Bed, though his Body appeared found, there being no Marks of Violence either inwardly or outwardly to be diſcovered. Of which thing, according to the diverſity of Humours, People might ſeverally judge as they pleaſed.

In the mean while the fiercer Fifth-Monarchy-men and Republicans, making all the Preparations they could for a ſudden Inſurrection againſt the new Monarchy in the Bud, are diſcovered,The Republicans riſing are apprehended. and preſently ſeiſed; amongſt other things, a Standard being taken, bearing a Lion Couchant, with this Inſcription, Quis ſuſcitabit eum? Who ſhall rouſe him? This Riſing then being wholly defeated, Lawſon a Sea-Commander, Colonel Harriſon, Rich, and ſeveral Officers of the Army, with Danvers, and others, who could not endure the Regal Authority of Cromwell, are clapp'd up in Priſon. Lambert alſo, when he perceived that all his Hopes of Succeſſion were cut off by an Ordinance of Parliament, began to tack about, and ſtrike in with the Republicans: Lambert being Disbanded, Which ſo ſoon as Cromwell had notice of, he preſently recalled his Commiſſion, and diſbanded him, Fleetwood is put in his place. appointing Fleetwood to be next to himſelf in Power; for he thought it neither ſafe nor fit, that he ſhould have the Chief Command in the Army, who profeſſed himſelf an open Enemy to the Civil Government.

Cromwells Lords of the very dregs of the People, Cromwell, in the mean time, that he might by fair and gentle means draw over more of the Republicans, and endear them to himſelf, promoted many of them into the Houſe of Lords, that they might ſeem to ſhare with himſelf in the Government; but ſuch mean Fellows, of no Birth nor Merit, raiſed out of the Dregs of the Rabble, who were contemptible and ridiculous to the real Lords and Peers, could neither give nor receive any Splendour or Nobility. Would ye have a Liſt of ſome of them? Let Pride then lead the Dance; a moſt abject Raſcal, who had ſerved a Brewer; and that he might now with greater ſecurity cheat the Publick, he purchaſes a Grant for Brewing Beer for the Protector's Family, and for ſerving the Fleet at Sea. Huſon was another, who not long before cobbled old Shoes in a Stall. Berkſtead, who heretofore ſold Needles, Bodkins, and Thimbles, and would have run on an Errand any where for a little Money; but who now by Cromwell was preferred to the Honourable Charge of Lieutenant of the Tower of London. Cooper, who had been a Haberdaſher of Small-wares in Southwark. Berry, a Woodmonger; and Whaley, a broken Clothier, who had removed into Scotland until the breaking out of the Wars. I ſhall name no more of them, that I may not turn the Readers Stomach. In the mean time,Some of the Nobility being mingled with them who diſdain, ſuch companions: he joyns to them for Companions five or ſix of the Ancient Nobility, and gives them place in the Houſe of Lords; who nevertheleſs refuſe to herd with the reſt, and all refrain the Houſe, that they might not pollute their Blood by ſuch a Contagion. Others called out of the Houſe of Commons to this Other Houſe, prefer their own Seats, and will not be reckoned amongſt thoſe Peers. The two Sons, and one Son-in-Law of Cromwell, Falconberge alſo his Son-in-law, and both his own Sons. are brought into this Houſe: For it is to be obſerved, that he had lately married his two younger Daughters (the eldeſt having formerly married to Cleypole) the one to Mr. Rich, Nephew to the then Earl of Warwick, who lived not long after; and the other to the Lord Falconberge, of whom now we ſpeak; Henry Cromwell his younger Son, whom he made Deputy of Ireland, and Richard the elder: of whom, ſince I am to mention him in the Sequel, it will be fit I ſpeak a little at preſent, before I leave this Houſe of Lords.

That Cromwell might remove all ſuſpicion of arrogating to himſelf and Family the Supreme Authority,Of whom he ſends Richard to lead a Countrey Life, he ſends his eldeſt Son Richard into the Country, to take his Pleaſure in Hunting and Hawking: Where he, a Man of a good Nature, courteous and affable, far from the Tricks of his Father, receiving the Common People hoſpitably, diverting himſelf with the Gentry, and behaving himſelf civilly to all, beſides many good Offices that he did at Court and elſewhere, not onely gained the Applauſe of the People, but obliged a great many Perſons of Note and Quality. But at length his Father took him off of theſe Toys, and by degrees inured him to Publick Buſineſs; ordering him firſt to ſit in the Committee of Trade, then in the Houſe of Commons, and now at laſt having called him, as we have juſt now ſaid, up to the Houſe of Lords. Who at length is made Chancellour of the Ʋniverſity of Oxford, and one of his Father • s Privy Council. Beſides, he made him Chancellor of the Univerſity of Oxford, one of his Privy-Council, and a Colonel of the Army; that he might ſhew him not onely to the People, but to the Soldiers; and that he might inſinuate with all, and as much as he could make himſelf Friends by Converſation.

A Parliament of two Houſes, who agree ill betwixt themſelves, the Baſtard Peers being deſpiſed by the Lower-Houſe.And now the day was come when the whole Parliament was to meet, as well the Republicans, who in the beginning of the Parliament had been excluded by Cromwell, for refuſing to ſubſcribe to the Condition required, as the Lords or Peers who by Oliver's Writ filled the Upper Houſe. But the Reader cannot but wonder, how diſdainfully the Members of the Lower Houſe looked upon thoſe new Lords, asking them with ſcorn, By what Authority they ſate? to what end? and for what purpoſe were they called hither? Nay, they could not refrain from ridiculing and ſcoffing at them, nor be induced to have any thing to do, or conſult in common with theſe Men. On the contrary, the Lords (as they were inſtructed by Cromwell) fawned, complied, wheadled, and courted their Friendſhip, leaving no means uneſſayed whereby they might ſoften and make them more gentle. But they continue to be moroſe, untractable, and refractory to every thing: Which Cromwell obſerving, and eſpecially becauſe he underſtood that the Cavaliers were hatching new Deſigns; that the King was in a readineſs, with I know not how many thouſand Men, to invade England; and that the Marqueſs of Ormond was really in the Land, ſecretly labouring to raiſe the Country; for theſe Reaſons he forthwith diſſolved that fictitious, and, as I may ſay,And therefore that Parliament is diſſolved. New Deſigns of the Cavaliers are diſappointed by Cromwell, they being diſcovered by ſecret Spies. Comical Parliament.

It was not long before the Stirs began more clearly to appear; one Corkar, a Parſon in Suſſex, who nevertheleſs had heretofore had a hand in killing Rainsborough at Doncaſter, Sir Richard Willis, and many others, who had ſerved and been well rewarded by the King, and had opportunity of paſſing to and again betwixt Cromwell and His Majeſty, and diſcovering all ſecret Intrigues, having baſely betrayed the Deſign. A General Inſurrection was deſigned almoſt all over England, eſpecially in Hull, London, Suſſex, Surrey, and many other Places; which the King himſelf, with Foreign Forces commanded by Marſin, intended to Head. But all proved in vain; the Matter, as we have ſaid, having been diſcovered to Cromwell by treacherous and clandeſtine Spies.

The Marqueſs of Ormond with much ado made his Eſcape, having by the Aſſiſtance of Doctor Quarterman procured a Boat in Suſſex:Many are brought to Trial for their Life. And now a vaſt number of Perſons apprehended, are loaded with the ſuſpicion of guilt: and therefore the High Court of Juſtice, a true Object of Deriſion, had it not been polluted with Blood, is again appointed, Liſle being Preſident. Before this Court are brought Mordant Son to the Earl of Peterborough, two Stapleys, Woodcock, Sir Henry Slingsby, Hewet Doctor of Divinity, Mallory, Rivers, Dyke, and many more. Hewet is condemned for Contumacy, in not acknowledging the Authority of the Court. Slingsby, becauſe being formerly a Priſoner in Hull, he had treated with Waters about the Delivery of Hull-Fort into the hands of the King. Mordant is abſolved by the Majority onely of one Voice; when within a quarter of an hour after Pride came in, who would certainly have voted to the contrary: ſo near he ſeemed to the very Jaws of Death. Woodcock defended himſelf ſo ingeniouſly, that he came off. The reſt were either not found Guilty, or obtained Cromwell's Pardon for accuſing of others, or, in ſhort, were condemned of High Treaſon. Hewet and Slingsby were both beheaded.Two of the more remarkable are beheaded: Four others drawn, hanged, and quartered But four others were drawn, hanged, and quartered, their Privy Members and Bowels burnt, their Heads ſet up upon London-Bridge, and their Quarters upon four Gates of the City. The Common ſort being ſafe by their Number, after a long Impriſonment, at length denying the Fact upon Oath, are diſmiſſed. Thus they who for attempting to ſlay a Tyrant deſerved a Triumphal Arch, and higheſt Honours, falling into the bloody Hands of their Enemies, ſuffer a cruel and ignominious Death.

Cromwell for greater ſecurity levies new Troops of H • rſe, conſiſting of Voluntiers.But that he might provide againſt ſuch Stirs for the future, and more ſecurely ſettle his illgot and unſafe Government, beſides the Soldiers of the Army, he levies Troops of Horſe in the ſeveral Counties, which for the moſt part were made up of Voluntiers, whom either ambition of domineering, hope of Preferment, proſpect of Booty, or at leaſt the tediouſneſs of an idle and lazy Life, allured into the Service. Of theſe he gave the Command to ſome of his Relations and faſt Friends. Though at preſent their Pay was but ſmall, Eight pound a year, yet by getting into profitable Places, and plundring the Cavaliers upon all occaſions, they were in good hopes of feathering their Neſts. Their Duty was to watch over the Counties, to be preſent at Publick Fairs and other numerous Meetings, to hinder private Aſſemblies and Concourſes of People, to exact the Taxes from thoſe who were either ſlow or unwilling to pay them, by Free-Quarters, and Fines impoſed upon them; to ſeiſe, beſides, ſuſpected Perſons, ſearch their Houſes, take from them the Arms which they might have for defending themſelves againſt Thieves in the Night-time, and, in a word, to ſuppreſs inſtantly all Stirs, if any hapned, in the bud.

Blake is again, but now the laſt time, to appear upon the Stage. He being this year ſent to cruiſe in the Atlantick Ocean, had Intelligence that the Spaniſh Fleet, richly laden with Silver and Plate, had out of fear put into the Iſland of Tenariff, reſolving to keep in the Port of Sancta Cruce, until Blake ſhould be forced to return home, either by the Winter Weather, or the want of Victuals and Proviſions. Wherefore ſteering his Courſe thither, he found the Harbour in ſhape of a Creſcent, defended by ſeven Forts lying round it, and two Caſtles placed at the Points, with ſeventeen Ships riding therein, their Heads ſtanding towards the Mouth of the Harbour, that they might fire with greater certainty upon thoſe that offered to enter: nor could the Governour forbear to jear and ſlout at the Engliſh. Blake with unparallell'd boldneſs burns the Spaniſh Fleet in the very Harbour of Sancta Cruce. Blake therefore entring the Mouth of the Harbour with his Frigats, thunders Broadſides and ſmall Shot againſt the Caſtles, till the Soldiers flying from thence, he Manned his Boats with Seamen, and ſent them in, who deſtroyed and burnt all the Spaniſh Ships that were there. Which being done, he made uſe of a favourable Wind, which as it had brought him thither, ſo carried him off again, more ſatisfied with his Revenge than Booty.

His Death, Character; and Actions.But farewell to Blake, who in that Expedition died of a Scurvey and Dropſie: A Man deſerving Praiſe even from an Enemy; who having heretofore diligently plied his Studies, took his Degree of Maſter of Arts in Wadham-College in Oxford, and lived long a quiet and Country-life in Somerſetſhire; till afterward, the Civil War breaking out, he was engaged into the Service by ſome Parliamentarians, and defended Lime and Taunton even to a Miracle againſt the King. Then being advanced to a Command at Sea, he ſubdued the Iſles of Silly at home; after which, being honoured with the Title and Place of Admiral, he became famous by many Actions abroad: For he humbled the Pride of France, reduced Portugal into order, broke the Strength of the Dutch, and drove them off of the Sea, ſuppreſſed the Pyrats, and, laſtly, triumphed twice over Spain: In this alone to be blamed, that he ſtuck to the Side of the Parricides.

The Dane makes War againſt the Swede, • ow victorious in Poland. About that time a dreadful War broke out betwixt two Northern Nations. Frederick the Third, King of Denmark, egg'd on by his Confederates the King of Poland and Elector of Brandenburg, invades the Territories of Carolus Guſtavus King of Sweden, then Victorious in Poland;The Swede haſtning his return, invades Denmark, revenges himſelf on the Dane, and reduces him to extremity. and breaking the Truce, beſieges Bremersford, and other ſtrong Places in Bremen. Which ſo ſoon as Carolus Guſtavus had Intelligence of, leaving Poland the beſt way he could, he marched his Forces through Gaſſue, Pomerania, and the Dutchy of Mecklenbourg, into Holſtein, recovers what he had loſt, and drives Frederick, who was unable to give him Battel, into the Iſlands; then he over-runs all Jutland and Holſtein; and having the opportunity of a hard Winter, (not without danger to himſelf and Army,) he boldly marched over the Sea, upon the Ice, into Fuinen; and having ſubdued it, and the Iſlands about, one after another, in the ſame manner he enters Zeeland, divided from them by a narrow Frith, where, by the ſame Storm of a ſudden War, he had overwhelmed Copenhagen, had not a Peace been made at Roſchild, by the Mediation of Medows, (who with Jepſon was by Oliver ſent from England as Mediators of Peace, he to the Swede, and the other to the Dane) and the Intervention of the Embaſſadors of other Princes: for which timely Service King Frederick made Medows Knight of the Elephant, and a Nobleman of Denmark: And King Charles the Second of England, as a Teſtimony of His Favour for the good Offices done to his Kinſman, honoured him likewiſe with Knighthood.

The War breaking out again afterward betwixt the Kings, the Swede having poſſeſſed himſelf of Croneberg, and the greateſt part of Denmark, and blocked up Copenhagen by a long and obſtinate Siege, both Parties implore the Aſſiſtance of Neighbouring Nations;Afterward he demands Aſſiſtance from the Engliſh, and the Dane from the Dutch. Carolus Guſtavus, of the Engliſh; and Frederick, of the Dutch. The Swede wanted Ships and Seamen; the Dane, all kind of Relief, to wit, Soldiers, Ships, and Ammunition. The Swede offered the Engliſh for their Security, and a Reward of their Pains, Gluckstadt, with a ſmall Territory on the other ſide of the Elbe (which nevertheleſs was not in his power), and Leth-Fort upon the River Weſe. But the Engliſh demanding either Gottenberg on the Baltick Sea near the Sound, or Elſenburg that lies in the Mouth of the Baltick, Cromwell and the Swede diſagree about the Terms. Cromwell ſends thither a Fleet, and two Mediators. Nevertheleſs, Oliver fits out a pretty conſiderable Fleet in England; and, that he might watch all Opportunities of advantage for the Engliſh, ſends it into Denmark, under the Command of Goodſon; but the Ice and Winter-Colds hindred it from advancing beyond Scagen: and at length Richard ſent a greater, under the Command of Admiral Montague, who was afterwards made Earl of Sandwich, and Knight of the Garter. But the Dutch being ſecure that the Engliſh would not interfere and moleſt them, that they might maintain a Free Trade through the Sound, and at the ſame time aſſiſt the King of Denmark, The Dutch likewiſe aſſiſt the Dane, having fought the Swedes at Sea. reduced to the utmoſt extremity, fitted out a Fleet, under the Command of General Opdam, provided with all Neceſſaries; which having engaged in a Sea-fight with the Swedes, with equal Loſs on both Sides, they ſupplied Copenhagen with Ammunition, and plenty of all Proviſions.

The French by the aſſiſtance of the Engliſh take Montmidy; and preſently after Mardyke Fort, which is given to the Engliſh to be defended.To Flanders now the ſeries of this ſhort Hiſtory calls me, where the Affairs of the Spaniards began to decline and grow daily worſe and worſe. A well appointed Army of ſix thouſand Engliſh under the Command of Reynolds is landed at Calis; of which ſome aſſiſt the French in taking Montmidy, and being afterwards all joyned with the French, they take Mardyke Fort two Miles diſtant from Dunkirk, which was given to the Engl • ſh to be kept during the Winter, who fortifie it round with Paliſadoes, beſides a Wall and Ditch, and render it impregnable. Nevertheleſs the moſt illuſtrious Duke of York reſolved to attaque it, bringing therefore about four thouſand Men before it, partly Engliſh, Scots, and Iriſh, and partly Spaniards, The Duke of York in vain attempts it. he attacks it in the Night-time by an Aſſault. But he found Morgan Governour of the place in a readineſs, who in watchfulneſs was not inferiour to him; but in this much ſuperiour, that under the cover of a ſtrong Fort he fought againſt an Enemy in the open Fields; wherefore after he had by all ways attempted, but in vain, to ſtorm the place, at length he ſounded the Retreat: But the Marſhall d' Aumont came not ſo well off at Oſtend; for being tempted thither by hopes given him that the Town would be betray'd into his Hands, he pay'd for his raſh hopes, himſelf being made Priſoner, and many brave Men killed.

Next Spring Marſhall Turen having taken in Graveling, Graveling being taken, Dunkirk is Beſieged; he came with a vaſt Army of French and Engliſh to Beſiege Dunkirk, and quickly inveſted the Town by Land, the Engliſh Ships blocking it up by Sea. For it was neceſſary either to reduce that Key of Flanders under the Power of the French, or to try the uncertain Fortune of War, Affairs being as yet doubtful. On the other hand, if the Spaniards ſuffered it to be taken, beſides the loſs of the profit which they made by Pyracy and Traffick, the Engliſh would alſo deprive them of the reſt of their Ports, (for they eaſily conjectured, that Dunkirk would fall into the Hands of the Engliſh) and open to themſelves a way of bringing an Army into the Heart of the Countrey. Therefore,For the relief of which, Don John of Auſtria comes. Don John of Auſtria, Governour of Flanders, reſolved to hazard a Battel. For that end, having drawn out of the Garriſons about ſome fifteen thouſand Men, to which were added four Regiments but half compleat in Men, under the Duke of York, he poſſeſſes himſelf of the Sandy Hills, half a Mile diſtant from Turen's Camp, there, as occaſion ſerved, to hinder or raiſe the Siege. But next Morning Turen having left Men enough in the Trenches, to prevent the ſallying out of the Garriſon, with the reſt of the Army, in this manner attacks the Spaniards. About three hundred Engliſh under the Command of Devaux are ordered to march up the Hill,The French fight and overcome. and beat the Spaniards from thence, two thouſand following after, and four thouſand to ſecond them, the Horſe being placed on the Wings, and behind in the Rear. The Spaniards being drawn up, bravely received the charge, with confuſed ſhouts of mixt Nations. But at length, though the looſe Sand afforded no ſure footing to thoſe that marched up, and that the Spaniards ſhowred down continual Volleys of Shot, yet the Engliſh obtain the Victory, the Spaniards being on all hands put to flight, and killed. Then at length the French Horſe fall on, and were for a long time bravely reſiſted by the Duke of York, and his Brother the Duke of Gloceſter; but they both, the Engliſh Red-coats advancing, and number overpow'ring them, are fain to give ground, and at length are beat out of the Field. Above a thouſand were killed in that Battel, fifteen hundred private Soldiers taken, fourſcore Officers, and all the Cannon and Ammunition.

Shortly after the Governour being ſhot, the Town is tak • n,The Garriſon of Dunkirk nevertheleſs perſiſt in their defence, till the Marqueſs of Leda being ſhot with a Musket Bullet, the Town loſt its Life with the Governour, and fell into the Hands of the French King, who, that he might perform the Articles agreed upon, gives it to our Countrey-men,And given to the Engllſh as a Reward for their Service. as a Reward of their Services, and delivered it up into the Hands of Lockart, a Scottiſh Man, who had married Cromwell's Neece, and was his Embaſſadour in France; for Reynolds the Winter before croſſing over into England in a weak Veſſel, that he might juſtifie himſelf before Cromwell, from a Crime of Treaſon that he was accuſed of, as if he had entertained a Correſpondence with the Duke of York, was caſt away at Sea. The ſame Year, the French, with the aſſiſtance of the Engliſh, poſſeſſed themſelves of Winoxberg, Fuern, Ypreſs, Oudenard, and many other places; their Horſe ravaging all Flanders almoſt. So way was made for a Treaty betwixt the French King and Spaniard, whereupon a Marriage after enſued.

Let us now return home, Cromwel began to be ſick, firſt in Mind, and view at nearer diſtance the Preludes of Cromwell's approaching Death. Whilſt he is delighted with Triumphs beyond Sea, he is hampered at home with difficulties and gnawing Cares.For the Death of his deareſt Daughter, Beſides the Death of his dearly beloved Daughter, the Lady Cleypole, who died of an inward Impoſthume in her Loins with great agony and pain, after ſhe had in her Hyſterical fits much diſquieted him, by upbraiding him ſometimes with one of his Crimes, and ſometimes with another, according to the furious diſtraction of that Diſeaſe:And the Republicans that grew daily grew ſtronger, The Republicans created him continual troubles and vexation; eſpecially ſeeing his Son-in-law Fleetwood and his Wife ſeemed to favour theſe Men, excuſe, and intercede for them; nay, he refrained coming to his Father-in-laws Houſe, though he lived hard by, and ought to have comforted his dying Siſter amidſt the mourning and bewailings of her Relations; and though Cromwell (as he told it to ſome) had made him his Heir in his laſt Will and Teſtament. Beſides, Desborough, who had married his Siſter, Pickering alſo, and Sidenham, whom he had made Privy Counſellors, had ſecret meetings with Lambert, and other leading Men of the Republican Party, whom they openly magnified, and extolled.

But all his Diſtemper was not in his Mind alone;Preſently after being taken with a ſlight Fever, for ſhortly after he was taken with a Slow Fever, that at length degenerated into a Baſtard Tertian Ague. For a Weeks time the Diſeaſe ſo continued without any dangerous ſymptoms, (as appearing ſometimes one, and ſometimes another kind of diſtemper) that every other Day he walked abroad: but after Dinner his five Phyſicians coming to wait upon him, one of them having felt his pulſe, ſaid, that it intermitted; at which ſuddenly ſtartled, he looked pale, fell into a Cold Sweat, almoſt fainted away,Which at length confined him to his Bed, and orders himſelf to be carried to Bed, where being refreſhed with Cordials, he made his Will, but onely about his Privat and Domeſtick Affairs. Next Morning early, when one of his Phyſicians came to viſit him, he asked him, why he looked ſo ſad? And when he made Anſwer, That ſo it becomes any one, who had the weighty care of his Life and Health upon him; Though he was ſecure of recovering, Ye Phyſicians, ſaid he, think I ſhall die: Then the Company being removed, holding his Wife by the Hand, to this purpoſe he ſpoke to him, I tell you, I ſhall not die this bout; I am ſure on't. And becauſe he obſerved him to look more attentively upon him at theſe words, Don't think (ſaid he) that I am mad; Truſting raſhly to his ſilly Miniſters and Flatterers, I ſpeak the Words of Truth, upon ſurer grounds than Galen or your Hippocrates furniſh you with. God Almighty himſelf hath given that Anſwer, not to my Prayers alone, but alſo to the Prayers of thoſe who entertain a ſtricter commerce, and greater intimacy with him. Go on chearfully, baniſhing all ſadneſs from your looks, and deal with me as you would do with a Serving-man. Ye may have skill in the Nature of things, yet Nature can do more than all Phyſicians put together; and God is far more above Nature. But being ordered to take his reſt, becauſe he had not ſlept the greateſt part of the Night, as the Phyſician was coming out of the Chamber, he accidentally met another, who had been a long time very familiar with him; to whom, I am afraid, ſays he, our Patient will be light-headed. Then ſaid he, You are certainly a Stranger in this Houſe: Don't you know what was done laſt Night? The Chaplains, and all who are dear to God, being diſperſed into ſeveral parts of the Palace, have prayed to God for his Health, and all have brought this Anſwer, Who feed the Dying-man with vain hopes, and mock God himſelf with their Thanks-givings. He ſhall recover. Nay, to this degree of madneſs they came, that a Publick Faſt being for his ſake kept at Hampton Court, they did not ſo much pray to God for his Health, as thank him for the undoubted pledges of his Recovery; and repeated the ſame at Whitehall.

Theſe Oracles of the Saints were the cauſe that the Phyſicians ſpake not a word of his danger.From Hampton-Court he is brought to London. In the mean time Cromwell leaving Hampton Court, where hitherto he had lain ſick, is brought to London; and the Phyſitians meet at a Conſultation in the Chamber of the aforementioned Doctor, who at that time was troubled with a grievous Head-ach, and an Impoſthume in his Ear. But next Morning early another Phyſician coming, who had watched all Night with the Patient, and telling the reſt, how ill he had been in the laſt fit,The Diſeaſe growing more dangerous, they all conclude that he could hardly out-live another. This Sentence of the Phyſicians awaking the Privy Council,He is adviſed by his Counſellors to name his Succeſſour; at an appointed time they come to adviſe him, that he would name his Succeſſour. But when in a drowſy fit he anſwered out of purpoſe, they again ask him, if he did not name Richard his eldeſt Son for his Succeſſour, to which he anſwered, Yes. Then being asked where his Will was which heretofore he had made concerning the Heirs of the Kingdom, he ſent to look for it in his Cloſet, and other places, but in vain; for he had either burnt it himſelf, or ſome body elſe had ſtole it. And ſo Richard being nominated his Heir,And ſo his Son Richard nominated, ſhortly after he died, Sept. 3. 1658. the Day following, being the third of September, he yielded up the Ghoſt about three of the Clock in the Afternoon; not, (as it was commonly reported) carried away by the Devil at Mid-night, but in clear Day-light, and the ſame Day that he had twice defeated the Scots. His Body being opened; in the Animal parts, the Veſſels of the Brain ſeemed to be overcharged; in the Vitals the Lungs a little inflamed; but in the Natural, the ſource of the diſtemper appeared;The Spleen of all other parts of his Body when opened, being moſt affected. the Spleen, though ſound to the Eye, being within filled with matter like to the Lees of Oyl. Nor was that Incongruous to the Diſeaſe that for a long time he had been ſubject unto, ſeeing for at leaſt thirty years he had at times heavily complained of Hypochondriacal indiſpoſitions. Though his Bowels were taken out, and his Body filled with Spices, wrapped in a fourfold Cerecloath, but put firſt into a Coffin of Lead, and then into a Wooden one, yet it purged and wrought through all, ſo that there was a ne • ſſity of interring it before the Solem • 〈…〉 • rals

But ſtill his Character is wanting;Cromwells Character. which without prejudice, and waving what we before obſerved in the ſeries of the Hiſtory, thus take.His Birth. He was born of honeſt Parents in Huntingtonſhire, Childiſh Enthuſiaſms, and from a Child gave no obſcure proofs of Enthuſiaſm. For, as I have had it from credible Perſons, when he was a Child he reported, that one appeared to him in the likeneſs of a Man, who told him that he ſhould be a King; which his School-maſter being acquainted with, whipt him for it, by his Fathers direction. He laid an unſolid Foundation of Learning at Cambridge; but he was ſoon cloy'd with Studies, delighting more in Horſes, and in Paſtimes abroad in the Fields. However, from one Indecent Action the Reader may conclude of the extravagance of his Youth. Sir Oliver Cromwell his Uncle, an honeſt, good Gentleman, far from the Humours of the Nephew, after the old manner kept Chriſtmas, with Muſick, Dancing,And Scurrility. and the other Diverſions of a chearful heart, a Maſter of the Revels (as the Cuſtom was) preſiding in their Plays; when, my Gentleman obſerving a great many got together, daubs over his own Boots and Gloves with Ordure, and crouding in amongſt the reſt whilſt they were a Dancing, beſmears the Clothes of the Maſter of the Revels, and other Gueſts; ſo that the whole Houſe was perfumed, but not with the ſcent of Frankincenſe. Therefore the Maſter of the Revels cauſed him to be Horſed upon a Pole, carried upon the Shoulders of ſome of the ſtronger Youths, and ſo plunged over Head and Ears in the next Pond, there to be throughly rinſed. I would add a great many more of ſuch his naſty pranks, if I were not afraid to offend the Readers Modeſty.

After the Death of his Father, in his Youth, he married a Gentlewoman; but by his profuſe and luxurious way of living, in a ſhort time he ſquandered away both his own and Wives Eſtate,His youthful Luxury and Repentance. ſo that he was almoſt reduced to Beggary. Afterward, playing the Penitent, he gave himſelf wholly over to the hearing of Sermons, reading of Godly Books, and Works of Mortification; and having hired a Brewhouſe, as if he would now Brew better than he had Baked, he plied the Brewing Trade and Husbandry. After that, by means of Sir Robert Steward, ſome Royaliſts, and Clergy-men, he was reconciled to his Uncle, who could not before endure him, ſo that he made him his Heir. But ſhortly after,His Penury and Want. having again run out of all, he reſolved to go to New-England, and prepares all things for that end. In the mean time, by the help of Sectarians, he was choſen a Member of Parliament; where finding fit Companions, mad partly through Ambition, and partly through Zeal and Religion, His Prejudice againſt the King. he omitted no opportunity of fomenting Debates, and raiſing Calumnies to the prejudice of the King, inventing Tales, ſtirring up the Embers, and blowing about Sparks of Diviſion, till at length he put all into a fair Flame and Combuſtion. The War afterwards breaking out, he ſerved as a Captain, and really was ſo, againſt his own King, Charles the Firſt, a Prince of ever Bleſſed Memory. But reflecting with himſelf on the continual Victories of the Cavaliers, He adviſes the Parliamentarians. he told the Parliamentarians, that the Rabble would never be able to fight againſt the King, whoſe Army conſiſted of Gentlemen, becauſe of the diſparity of the Cauſe and Motives, Honour moving the one, and Pay the other: but if they deſired to fight with equal Courage, and overcome the Enemy, they muſt look out for and raiſe good honeſt Soldiers, that would fight meerly for Conſcience ſake, or at leaſt place ſuch Officers of their Forces. Many have often heard him glory of that Advice. Having therefore obtained leave from the Parliament to raiſe a Regiment, by Letters or Meſſengers he invited the Honeſt Men (as he was pleaſed to call them) from among all the Soldiers in the ſeveral Counties, with whom he had had any acquaintance, and perſuaded them to take on with him. Wherefore Independents, Anabaptiſts, Quakers, and, in a word, all the Sink of Fanaticks, come flocking to him; ſo that he made up above a thouſand Horſe: who in the beginning being unskilful either in handling their Arms, or managing a Horſe, by Diligence and Induſtry became in proceſs of time moſt excellent Soldiers; for Cromwell uſed them daily to look after, feed,His Military Diſcipline. and dreſs their Horſes, and, when it was needful, to lie together on the ground; and beſides, taught them to clean and keep their Arms clear, and have them ready for Service, to chuſe the beſt Armour, and to arm themſelves to the beſt advantage. Trained up in this kind of Military Exerciſe, they excelled all their Fellow-Soldiers in Feats of War, and obtained more Victories over their Enemy. This was the beginning of the New Model, as they called it. Theſe were preferred to be Commanders and Officers in moſt part of the Troops of the Army; the places of Private Soldiers being filled up with luſty ſtrong Fellows, whom Oliver trained up and kept in very ſtrict Diſcipline.His Command and Rule. Afterward he was made Major-General of the Horſe, then Lieutenant-General, and at laſt General; till, after all, he raiſed himſelf to the Dignity of Protector, and invaded the higheſt Place of Honour and Authority. When he was thus mounted to the top of Preferment, his firſt care was to break down the Steps by which he aſcended, leſt Rivals might climb up by the ſame means.His way of Ruling. Few have hitherto applied greater Induſtry than he in the Adminiſtration of the Commonwealth. What is Philoſophically ſaid of others, I may with probability affirm of him; to wit, That he had two Aſſiſtant Spirits, a good, and a bad; and that when he knocked his Breaſt, poured out his Prayers, Sighs, and Tears, promiſing all things that were good, he was acted by his good Genius; but when by Lying and Fallacies he carried on his Cheats, his wicked and Traiterous Deſigns, then was he prompted by his bad Genius or Spirit. He was not unworthy of Government, had he not invaded it by Villany, Fraud, Treachery, and the Blood not onely of others, but of his own Prince alſo.

Richard takes into his Hands the Reins of Government,Next day, Richard, his eldeſt Son, is by the Privy-Counſellors, after mutual Conſultation, ſaluted Protector; and is by a Herald proclaimed, firſt in the conſpicuous Places in London, and then all over England, Scotland, and Ireland. Nay, the Officers of the Army though they hatched in their Breaſts contrary Counſels, which were not as yet come to maturity, came to Congratulate him, and under their Handwriting promiſed to be true to, and defend him.Not ſo much out of his own Ambition, as indeed by the Allurements of others. But he was far from aſpiring to it out of Ambition, and his Genius was ſo far from affecting Rule, having obſerved, that though in the worſt of time the factious prevailed, and the Republicans proudly inſulted, eſpecially over the Cavaliers, yet Juſtice uſed commonly to follow ſuch Practices at the heels, that he would have been content rather to have led a private Life in Peace, free from hatred and danger. But Allurements and the fawnings of Fortune blaſſing his Youthful Mind, and being tickled (as it is natural to Man) with the ſplendour of Government, he at length complies with the temptation. I know not what madneſs of the People ſpurred him likewiſe on to it; who in a kind of a Phrenſie brought him from all parts, to the number of ninety Congratulatory Addreſſes, that they might worſhip the Riſing-ſun.

Richard makes a magnificent Funeral for his Father Oliver Cromwell, at a vaſt charge; Cromwells expenſive Funeral, which his Counſellers adviſed him to, for this end, that being already ſufficiently burdened with Debts, he might be reduced to greater want of Money. But it was debated amongſt the Officers, whether they ſhould accompany the Funeral in deep and cloſe Mourning, for fear that being peſtered in that Habit, a Regiment or two of Cavaliers dropping out of the Clouds to diſturb the Solemnitie, they might not be able to defend themſelves, though Soldiers were planted all along on both ſides of the way for their ſecurity.And Enterment amongſt Royal Aſhes. He was buried in Weſtminſter Abby Church, which is ſo Conſpicuous for the Monuments of our Kings, that Europe cannot exceed it in ſtately and ſumptuous Tombs; as if he were there to give Laws to the Ghoſts of Princes, whom he proſecuted with ſo much hatred whilſt alive. Ireton, Bradſhaw, and all the crew of the Regicides aſpired alſo to that Burial amongſt the Royal Aſhes.

This Farce is no ſooner ended, but another preſently comes upon the Stage. For the Republicans Plot and undermine,The 〈…〉 • ill 〈◊〉 t • rds Richa • d. and by degrees attempt the ruine of Richard, which they had before hatched in their Minds. Firſt they repair to Fleetwood's Houſe, upon pretext of Duty, and of joyning together in Prayers after their accuſtomed manner: they glance at things firſt, a • a diſtance; and reconcile Lambert and other disbanded Officers to Desborough, and thoſe that ſtill were in Office in the Army. By and by, • y end • avour 〈◊〉 F • twood and him together by the Ears. they diſcourſe of the Charge of Protector, as if by right it belonged to Fleetwood, and by Cromwells laſt Will, whilſt he was Compos mentis, deſigned for him; but that Richard was in a ſurreptitious manner, and by the craft of ſome of the Council ſubſtituted, when his Father had loſt his Senſes; that it concerned them to be governed by a Pious and Expert Leader, ſuch as had been tried in many difficulties. So the Firebrand of Contention being once thrown in amongſt them, they proceed by all ways to blow it, and by freſh Fewel to raiſe it to a Flame. The Relations being by this means put at variance, and mutually incenſed one againſt another, the Private Soldiers are tamperred with to ſide with them; and that they might not ſeem to loſe their labour, for their ſakes, they deſire that the Soldiers may have their full pay, which in latter times was cut ſhort by two pence a week.

The next thing brought under debate, is the Government of the Army. Cromwell had ruled Arbitrarily by meer Deſpotical Authority, turning out any Officer or Soldier at his pleaſure, and putting others in their places; no Man muſt now take ſo much upon himſelf, nor enjoy ſo unlimited a Prerogative. Therefore the Soldiers come to a Petition, wherein they humbly deſire, that for the future,The Soldiers challenge to themſelves extravagant Priviledges. No Soldier be turned out of place without a Council of War, nor that any Action be brought againſt a Soldier but according to Martial Law; that no Soldier be brought to Tryal for Murder, Theft, Sacriledge or Robbery, but in a Court Marſhall; and that the Soldiers have the power of chooſing their own General. Theſe things are argued verbally before the Protector, and afterwards by Publick Writings and Declarations.

When Richard perceived that the Council of State and Government were toſſed with theſe ſtorms, he though it ſafeſt to betake himſelf to a Parliament, and try the aid thereof in his difficulties. Therefore a Parliament is called,A Parliament is called, wherein much time is ſpent in jangling without any f • uit; to conſiſt of two Houſes, according to the Model of the Inſtrument of Government; Commiſſioners from Scotland and Ireland being likewiſe admitted; who no ſooner meet, but they begin to quarrel at the new made Lords. Theſe, again, are inveighed againſt, and it is called in queſtion, by what Right or Law they ſat in that Houſe. Nor is there leſs heat in the Houſe of Commons, betwixt the Republicans and Court-Party; the firſt contending, that both the Scots and Iriſh ought to be turned out of the Parliament of England, as having no right to Vote there by any Law, being meer Slaves to the Protector, and no ways repreſenting the Commonwealth.

At length, after much Jangling,Yet they are reconciled. and many Reproaches, the Members of the lower Houſe, for Reconciliation ſake, Vote a preſent Conference with thoſe of the Other Houſe, for they ſtudiouſly avoided the name of the Ʋpper Houſe, about Publick Affairs; provided, that ſhould be no prejudice to the True and Antient Peers, and thoſe, who during the War had not abandoned the Commonwealth.

The Inſtrument of Government is ſifted.Afterwards a Recognition in favour of Richard being moved, occaſioned no ſmall ſtir's in the Houſe; the Courtiers, who were devoted to his Party, and the Republicans claſhing mightily about it: taking occaſion thereupon, they inveigh againſt the Inſtrument of Government, as being extorted from a Lame Parliament, that was neither full, nor free; and examining all the Articles of it, they let fly againſt Cromwell's Ghoſt. Not a few who favoured the Kings Intreſt ſtruck in with theſe, that the contrary parties being equally ballanced, nothing might on either ſide be agreed upon.

They recall Overton from Baniſhment.Nevertheleſs they repeal the order for Impriſonment of Overton the Republican, as heretofore made by Oliver Cromwell againſt the ſtanding Laws; and having ſent for him from the Iſle of Jerſey, where he had been detained in Priſon, they ſuffered him to ſhew himſelf near Whitehall in a trumphant manner.They accuſe Berkſtead and Butler of Treaſon. Berkſtead alſo, Lieutenant of the Tower of London, and Butler, Major General of the Army, a moſt inſolent, haughty Man, are accuſed of High Treaſon, which they thought ſufficient to be done at preſent.

The Commanders of the Army urging their Propoſals,In the mean time the Officers of the Army obſtinately urge their Propoſals; whoſe Councils were for the moſt part guided by many Republican Parliament-Men. When ſome perſwaded Richard, and offered their aſſiſtance to quell theſe Men, by ſuddenly ſeizing the Leaders of them when they came together to hold a Council, Richard is wanting to himſelf, he would not condeſcend; partly out of Cowardiſe, as not daring to oppoſe the raging Officers; and partly alſo out of too much credulity, as being perſwaded by Fleetwood his Siſters Husband, and his Uncle Desborough, that the Army, though they deſired to enjoy their Priviledges, and that the form of Government might be a little altered, yet would not do any prejudice to his Perſon or Intereſt, which they would not make ample and ſufficient amends for. Richard then thought it enough, in imitation of his Father, to look big, threaten, chide, and roar. However they are not terrified, but rather provoked to greater rage by that blunt Thunderbolt; nor do they onely ſcoff and make mouths at him, but ſlight him as an Aſs, and attempt greater matters againſt him.

From hence forward,And is forſaken of his Friends. thoſe that formerly wiſhed beſt to him, abandon him in Counſel, and every way; nor do they think it worth the while to meddle in his Affairs, whom God had ſo infatuated, as to make him neglect his own Intereſt. Therefore they bequeath their Labour and Studies to the Cauſe of the King, as being clearly convinced at length, that that was the onely Intereſt that could juſtly and lawfully be maintained.

But the Officers ſeeing their Propoſals tending to maturity, frame a Remonſtrance, The Officers publiſh a Remonſtrance, wherein they turn the fury of their engines aganſt the Name of Malignants; complaining, That the Good Old Cauſe was forgot, that the Aſſerters of it were every where vil fied, the great Patrons and Patriots of it (the Kings Judges) put into Printed Liſts, and marked for deſtruction, with the ruin of all the Godly and the Cauſe together; that many Cavaliers came daily from beyond Sea, and in preſence of the People aſſerted the Kings Cauſe, and Conſulted together; with much more of this Nature. They pray, that theſe things may ſpeedily be redreſſed; giving no obſcure marks of their Inclination of bringing in a Democracy again. This they deſire Richard to repreſent to the Parliament, ſcaring him thus with Lightning before the Thunderclap. But the Parliament, (ſome true Republicans being amongſt them) out of deſign, as ſome thought, that he might have the Army againſt him,And are by the Parliament diſcharged to keep Conſults. paſs a very imperious Vote, Prohibiting any number of Officers and Soldiers to meet together for holding of Conſults, until the Parliament ſhould determine about theſe Affairs: Which Richard delivering both in his own, and in Name of the Parliament, and commanding their Conſults to ceaſe, in a full meeting of the Officers, Desborough takes him up for it; ſo that the Officers becoming fiercer and more angry,This made them draw into the Conſpiracy the L • eutenancy and Officers of the Militia of Lond • n. they apply themſelves to the Lieutenancy of the Militia of London, and allure them to a conſent, and to joyn with them, that being involved in the ſame guilt with them, they might not boggle to deſire the ſame things of the Parliament. This by means of Ireton (the Brother of the late Ireton, the Commander) then Lord Mayor, and of other Leading Men, they eaſily obtained.

After theſe Prelimnaries, the Officers of the Army, drawing together their Forces before Day,Preſently they beſet Whitehall, beſet Whitehall, where the Protector lived, ſending in, in the mean time, Desborough and Fleetwood, earneſtly to beſeech him that he would preſently diſſolve the Parliament, and to acquaint him, That if it were not ſpeedily done, the Officers would cauſe Fire to be ſet to the Houſe, and all that reſiſted to be ſlain. And Richard being overcone by their Prayers and Threatnings, diſſolves the Parliament. Richard terrified with theſe threats, having in vain implored the Aſſiſtance of the City, without either Guards or Soldiers to ſtand by him, and his Bed-chamber Men and other Servants being frightned, at length Signs a Proclamation to be publiſhed for Diſſolving the Parliament.

After this, ſome few days being allowed him to repent for what he had done, and to take new Counſels, there were a great many who prognoſticated all evils to him, nay, affirmed them to be hanging over his Head; ſeeing now the inveterate Enemies of his Family, ſwoln with Pride and Malice, who never kept Faith to any Man, were got into Power again:He being ſ • rrounded with theſe dangers, That perhaps they would ſooth and ſlatter him at preſent; till under pretence of his Authority they might rob him of the Aſſiſtance and Protection of his Friends, and then having expoſed him to hatred and deriſion, try him for his Life, and that under colour of a Law formerly made, whereby to aſpire to, or introduce Monarchy, is declared Treaſon.Is perſwaded to eſpouſe the Kings Cauſe. It was moreover repreſented to him, That he had ſtill a ſafe refuge under the Mercy of the King, if he would expiate his Fathers Crime by his own Allegiance; that it was the part of a King to keep his Word; that the Lord Petcombe, the Daniſh Reſident, had promiſed to ſend over Letters ſafe to the Soundt, that a Meſſenger might be more ſecurely ſent afterward to the Admiral to acquaint him with theſe Affairs; and that he would likewiſe give ſecurity on the Kings part, that the Articles ſhould be fulfilled: That that was no ſuch difficult thing to be done, ſince the Fleet was as yet free from Contagion, the Admiral ready to ſerve the King, and both hating and hated by the Parricides; that beſides, Portſmouth and other ſtrong Holds would joyn with him in a ſtrict Confederacy; that moſt part of the People alſo, for the ſake of the King, and to revenge the injuries done to himſelf, and the Parliament, abruptly diſſolved, would riſe in Arms; and laſtly, that all Ireland was as yet ſubject to his Government. Being ſollicited by theſe and ſuch like Arguments, he was in ſuſpence, not knowing what to do; he was toſſed betwixt hope and fear, having miſſed or abuſed the occaſion of doing his buſineſs, ſometimes preferring the Counſels of ſome, and by and by again of others, and ſometimes ready to run for it: till at length being adviſed by Fleetwood and other Republicans (whoſe Opinions he had privately asked) That it would be much ſafer for him to enjoy certain and ſure Priviledges, • eetwood di • wading him. than dangerouſly make tryal of new Experiments, with fear and aſtoniſhment he keeps in Whitehall.

In the mean time a Council being called, the Officers that had ſtood for Richard, Ingoldsby, Coff, Whaley, Fal • onberge, and Howard, are • aſheered; the old Republican Colonels, whom his Father had formerly turned out, Lambert, Harriſon, Rich, Parker, Ok • y and others, being again brought into play. Then the Officers of the Army, with ſome five or ſix Members of the Muſty Old Rump, The Officers agan raiſe the Rump from the Dead, meeting together in the Houſe of the Old Speaker Lenthall, require him, that he would reaſſume his Chair, after a long intermiſſion, in Parliament, and again ſit at the Helm of the Government. Which at firſt he refuſed, alledging invincible Arguments to the contrary; but afterwards, partly through the threats and deſires of Vane, and chiefly of Lambert, partly through his own Puſillanimity, and partly through his own ambitious deſire of Rule, he is prevailed upon, and condeſcends. The Officers having acknowledged the injury they had done to the Rump, and having publickly declared their ſorrow for it, and the Members obliging themſelves of new, by mutual engagements, the Speaker with his Mace before him enters the Houſe of Commons, being attended by as many as could be got together out of the Streets, Ale-houſes, Taverns,(And what ſort of Men they were:) even the Army and Priſons; which nevertheleſs being computed, hardly made up two and fourty Men: by ſo ſmall a Thread the Affairs of England then hung. Yet theſe Varlets made no ſcruple to repreſent three States, make and unmake Laws, Proſ • ribe, Forfeit, and take to themſelves the abſolute Power over the Lives and Fortunes of all.

The Articles or Engagements that they entered in, were to this purpoſe;And bound to theſe Articles, That all ſhould enjoy their Liberties and Properties. That there be a fixed and determinate proceeding in Law. That all Crimes relating to the change of Government be aboliſhed. That all Statutes and Ordinances remain in force, until the contrary be Enacted. That Publick Debts be punctually paid. That no Man believing in the Father, Son, and Holy Ghoſt, and acknowledging the Holy Bible for the Word of God, be debarred from the profeſſion of his Religion, except Epiſcopal-Men and Papiſts. That a Zealous and Powerful Miniſtry be by all means cheriſhed. That Colledges and Schools be reformed. That at preſent Fleetwood have the chief Command of the Forces both by Sea and Land. That for the future, the Parliament have the Legiſlative Power, and the Council of State the Executive. That the Protectors Debts be paid: and that he have a Liberal Penſion of Ten thouſand pounds yearly, during Life, and ten thouſand more in Inheritance. And that his Mother alſo, during Life, have eight thouſand pounds yearly out of the Exchequer.

Send them into the Parliament-houſe.The Parricides being bound to theſe Articles, take their Seats again in the Parliament-Houſe; but how much they valued them, they make it quickly manifeſt. In the mean time, many of the old Members, to the number of above three hundred, who had been ſecluded heretofore by the Officers of the Army, though they believed the Parliament to be diſſolved by the Death of Charles the Firſt, and the Abrogation of the Houſe of Lords, yet, that they might avoid other Inconveniencies, deſiring to be readmitted, are carefully kept out. Some few Days after, they ſend Commiſſioners to Richard, to ask him the Queſtion, How he liked the change of Government, and what Debts he owed? that wheadling him with the hopes of kind uſage, they might draw from him a voluntary renunciation of the Authority. He makes anſwer, That he thought it reaſonable that he ſhould ſubmit to their Authority, from whom he muſt expect protection: that his Steward ſhould give them an account of his Debts. Richard out of fear having reſigned up his Authority, But nothing but a formal and expreſs reſignation would pleaſe them; to which he ſeemed chearfully to give his aſſent. And now at length he is commanded to deliver up all the Goods and Houſhold Furniture, not ſo much as reſerving to himſelf any Gold or Silver, Jewels or Hangings, Linnen, or any other Goods that might have been pack'd up in a ſmall bulk; all are adjudged to the Exchequer.Stript of all, departs out of Whitehall. Thus ſtript of all, he is commanded to depart out of Whitehall, liable to the Actions of all his Creditors, and perhaps to have been tried for his Life, had they not had other Fiſh to fry.

Behold the perfidiouſneſs of Mortal Men, and a wonderful inſtance of Divine Providence, which preſides over, and alters Humane Affairs and Governments, as it ſeemeth Good to the Amighty! He who juſt now ſwayed the Scepter of three Kingdoms, forced by the Calamities of a tedious Civil War to truckle under his Vicegerents, three old Commanders, to wit, his Brother, Brother-in-law, and a third, whom Cromwell had obliged by many and great Favours; he, I ſay, in the ſhort ſpace of one year, is craftily turned out of all, and now ſtript of his borrowed Plumes, he becomes the object of the Raillery of Poets and Painters,And being made a laughing ſtock, betakes himſelf again to a Country Life. and being ſufficiently laſht with the giibes and reproaches both of the Parricides, and Rabble, as of old the Dictator was called from the Plough, ſo now the Protector is ſent back to the Plough.

A Chronological Table FOR THE SECOND PART. MDCXLIX. May 3. DOriſlaus by ſome Scots killed in Holland. The Marqueſs of Ormond, Lieutenant of Ireland, makes a Truce with the Iriſh. June 21.Having raiſed an Army, he beſieges Dublin. Auguſt 2. Jones routs his Forces, and raiſes the Siege. Auguſt. Cromwell, General of the Rebels in Ireland, arrives at Dublin. Sept. 11. Cromwell takes Drogheda, cruelly abuſing his Victory. MDCL. June. Cromwell takes Kilkenny, the Seat of the Iriſh Council, by a Surrender. June.Leaving Ireton his Son-in-Law in Ireland, he returns to England. June. Aſcham, Embaſſador from the Regicides, is killed at Madrid. April 29. May 1.The Marqueſs of Montroſs, Commiſſioner of Scotland, overcome in Battel, is betrayed and taken. May 21.And baſely uſed by the Scots, is put to death at Edinburgh. June. King CHARLES, having Articled with the Scots ſails into Scotland. June 26. Fairfax laying down his Comiſſion, Cromwell is declared General of all the Forces in England, Scotland, and Ireland. July 22. Cromwell leads an Army into Scotland. Auguſt 22. Euſebius Andrews is beheaded at London. Cromwell defeats the Scots in a bloody Battel at Dunbar.Septemb. 3. William Prince of Orange dies.Octob. 24. MDCL.LI. CHARLES the Second is Crowned in Scotland. January 1. He enters England with an Army of Scots. Auguſt 7. Eaſily poſſeſſes himſelf of Worceſter. Auguſt 20. James Earl of Derby is by Lilburn routed at Wiggan. Auguſt 25. The Scots being beat by Cromwell at Worceſter, Septemb. 3. the King eſcapes. Cromwell in triumph enters London. Septem. 12. The King, after many dangers,October 2. at length arives in Normandy. The Iſle of Jerſey reduced by Haines. Oct. Dec. James Earl of Derby, Lord of Mann, Octob. 15. is put to death. His Lady Carlotta generouſly,October. November. but in vain defends the Iſle of Mann. Henry Ireton, Son-in-law to Cromwell, Novem. 26. dies at Limerick in Ireland. MDCLI, LII. Aiskew takes the Iſland of Barbadoes by ſurrender.Januar. 12. An Act of Oblivion is paſt in the Rump Parliament. Feb. 24. St. Johns and Strickland are ſent to Holland. March 11. The firſt fight at Sea between Blake and Trump. May 19. Aiskew beats the Dutch at Sea near Plimouth. Auguſt 16. Blake beats the Dutch again.Septem. 28. MDCLII, LIII. The Engliſh and Dutch fight in the Streights. March 4. Cromwell diſſolves the Rump Parliament after twelve years Tyrannical Ʋſurpation.April 20. Yet he calls a new one,July 4. to which he commits the Government. June.The Dutch ſend four Embaſſadours into England to treat of Peace. Auguſt 2. Monck in a great Sea-engagement beats the Dutch, Trump being ſlain. Novem. 22.Some Portugueſe commit a Riot in the New Exchange in the Strand. Decem. 12.The Mock Parliament reſigns up the Government to Cromwell. Decem. 16. Oliver Cromwell with the Title of Protector takes upon him the Adminiſtration of the Government. MDCLIV. April 5. Cromwell makes Peace with the Dutch. July 10. Don Pantaleon Sa, brother to the Portugal Embaſſadour, and John Gerard are beheaded. Septemb. 3. Cromwell calls a Mock Parliament which meets at Weſtminſter. Septem. 12. Cromwell makes the Members ſwear Fealty to him. Octob. 18. King CHARLES leaving France, goes to Colen. November.He ſends for his Brother, Henry Duke of Gloceſter. MDCLIV, LV. Januar. 22. Cromwell diſſolves his Mock-Parliament. The Cavaliers ſtir, but in vain, in ſeveral places of England. March. 11. Wagſtaff poſſeſſes himſelf of Salisbury. May 16. Penruddock and Groves are beheaded at Exeter. June. Henry, Cromwells younger Son, made Deputy of Ireland. May 5.The Marqueſs of Leda, the Spaniſh Embaſſadour, comes to London. May 7. Pen and Venables Commanders of the Fleet and Army take the Iſland of Jamaica. Octob. 25.Ten Major Generals are ſet over the Provinces. November. Cromwell makes Peace with the French. The Jews ſue for liberty to come and live in England. MDCLVI. Cromwell makes Peace with the Portugueſe. July 10. The Swediſh Embaſſadour is feaſted by Comwell at Hampton-Court. July 25. Blake and Montague beat eight Spaniſh Ships,Septem. 10. and take two of them richly laden. A Mock-Parliament of the three Nations, England, Septem. 17. Scotland, and Ireland is held at Weſtminſter. James Naylor a falſe Chriſt enters Briſtol. Octob. 24. MDCLVI, LVII. Sundercome, who conſpired Cromwells death,Februar. 9. is condemned. He is found dead in his Bed in the Tower of London. Feb. 13. Harriſon, Lawſon, April. 10. and others are committed to Priſon. Blake burns the Spaniſh Fleet in the very Harbour of Santa-cruce. April. 20. Cromwell refuſes the Title of King, May 8. offered him by the Parliament. He is ſolemnly inaugurated Protector. June 26. And the Parliament is adjourned for ſix Months. Richard, Son to Cromwell, July 29. is made Chancellour of Oxford. Jepſon is ſent to Sweden, Auguſt. and Medows into Denmark. Mardike-Fort taken by the Engliſh and French. Octob. 23. The Vicecount Falconberge marries Mary Daughto Cromwell. Novem. 19. MDCLVII, LVIII. A Parliament is again held, conſiſting of two Houſes.Januar. 20. Suddenly diſſolved by Cromwell. February 4. Slingsby and Hewet are beheaded.June 8. Dunkirk is yielded to the French. June 15. Cleypole, Cromwell's Daughter,Auguſt 6. dies at Hampton-Court. Septemb. 3. Oliver Cromwell, Protector, dies in Whitehall. Septemb. 4. Richard Cromwell publickly declared Protector. Novem. 24. Oliver is buried in Weſtminſter. MDCLVIII, LIX. Januar. 27. Richard, calls a Mock-Parliament, which is held at Weſtminſter. February 3. Overton is recalled from his Baniſhment. Febr. 14.The Lower-houſe vote Richard to be Recogniſed Protector of England, Scotland, and Ireland. March 28.And Vote alſo a preſent Conference with thoſe of the Other Houſe about Publick Affairs. April 8.The Officers of the Army preſent a Remonſtrance to Richard, and he to the Parliament. April 18.The Parliament make an Ordinance, That the Officers of the Army meet not to hold Conſults. April 22.The Officers beſet Whitehall, and Richard by Proclamation diſſolves the Parliament. May 7. Richard being turned out, the Rump-Parliament is again revived. FINIS.

A TABLE To the Second Part. A. ADdreſſes and gratulatory Petitions to Cromwel, pag. 190 Aſcham the Rebel, Embaſſadour in Spain, killed there, 72 B. Blake, his Death and Character, 228 C. Cavaliers conſpire to riſe for the King, but diſappointed, 182, 225 Church of England, her Miniſters perſecuted, 5 Cromwel Oliver, 6, 98. He procures a kind of Amneſty to be paſt by the Rump, 156. Turns out the Rump, 161. Is made Protector, 165, 166. The Inſtrument, 166. His Arts and Cunning, 184. Calls a Houſe of Commons under the name of a Parliament, 186. But cannot work 'em to his will, 189. The manner of his Government in ſome matters, 190, 191, 192. His fears and miſtruſt, 198. Enters into a League with France, 210. Treats with the Jews about a Toleration, 210, 211. Calls a pickt Aſſembly of the three Nations, 212. The point debated, whether he ſhould take the Title of King; 214, 215. The manner how he was inaugurated Protector, and the Speech thereat, 218. Falls ſick, 233. Dies, 236. His Character, 237. His Funeral, 341. Cromwel Richard, 217, 223. He becomes Protector, 240. Call • a Sham-Parliament, 243. Diſſolves it, 246. He is adviſed to be for the King, but refuſes the advice, 247. Turn'd out of his Protectorſhip by the Rump, 250. D. Doriſlaus ſent by the Regicides into Holland, 2. Is killed there, 3. Dunbar defeat, 106 Dunkirk taken by the Engliſh, 231 Dutch War, 171 G. Glouceſter Duke ſent for to Cologn by the King, 197 H. Hereticks in Gromwel's time, 219 Hewet Dr. 225 High Court of Juſtice, another erected, 79. And does a world of miſchief, 80. & inf. I. Jamaica taken by the Engliſh, 209 Jerſey ſubdued, 155 Ireland, Expedition thither under Cromwel, 6. & inf. Subdued 55. Juries, endeavoured to be aboliſhed by Cromwel, 203 K. King Charles I. the ſtate of Affairs after his death, 1 King Charles II. ſeeks help from foreign Princes, 67. Proclaimed in Scotland, 83. Crowned there, 117. His march into England, 120. His Eſcape from Worceſter, 128. & inf. Arrives in France, 150. Removes to Cologn, 180. His Reſtoration foretold by an Aſtrologer, 198. L. Lambert John, his Character, 55 Lane Jane, 136 Lords of Cromwel's making 222 Love's Conſpiracy, 115 M. Major-Generals and their Tyranny, 200 Man-Iſland ſubdued, 156 Marriages by Juſtices of Peace, 164 Montroſs the noble Marquiſs his Story, 90 N. Nayler James, his Pranks, 220 P. The Pendrils, 128 Petty Sir William, 61 Portugal Embaſſadour's Brother beheaded, 178 R. Rump-Parliament and Army diſagree, 156 Turned out by Cromwel, 161 Brought again into play, 249 S. Scotland, Expedition thither under Cromwel, 98 Subdued, 152 Slingsby Sir Henry, 183, 225 Sundercome and the Republicans conſpire againſt Cromwel, 220, 221 V. Van Trump kill'd, 176 Vowel, a condemn'd Royaliſt, cites Cromwel and his Judges to appear before the Judgment-ſeat of God, 179 W. War againſt the Spaniards in America, 206 Between the Danes and Swedes, 228 Worceſter-Fight, 125

Part the Third: OR, THE HISTORY OF THE Compoſing the Affairs of England By the Reſtauration of King CHARLES II. And the Puniſhment of the Regicides, And the Settlement of the Church and State as they were before the Rebellion.

THE Civil War of England, begun by a pernicious and fatal Parliament, A Recapitulation of things paſt. raged for the ſpace of eight years with various ſucceſſes of Battels; till the Royaliſts being in all parts worſted, and not able to keep the Field, Charles the Firſt, the beſt of Kings, a Prince of moſt exalted but perſecuted Virtue, to avoid the victorious Arms of the Engliſh Independants, moved by ill fate or bad counſel, caſt himſelf into the arms of the Presbyterian Scots, by whom he was, for a round ſum of money, treacherouſly delivered up into the hands of Engliſh Traytors.

Nor was it long before he was a ſad inſtance, that the Priſons of Kings are but little diſtant from their Graves.

For (what the flagitiouſneſs of paſt Ages never attempted, and future Will hardly believe) the unfortunate Prince, to make way for the Uſurpation of the Traytor Cromwel, January 30. 1648. was forced by a ſcenical and mock-form of Law and Juſtice, to lay down his ſacred head to be ſtruck off upon a Block. The boldeſt Villany that ever any Nation ſaw; and a Parricide that all the World was aſtoniſhed at.

But this Villany ſucceeding ſo proſperouſly, and Britain at length,September 3. 1650. and Sept. 3. 1651. and Ireland being ſubdued by victorious Rebels, as the Forces of Charles the Second were entirely routed by the defeats at Dumbar and Worceſter; Cromwel the Traytor delayed no longer the execution of his long-projected Wickedneſs. He knew full well, that the name of the Parliament was grown odious to the people, through the uneaſineſs of their flagitious and uſurped Dominion. Turning therefore his Arms againſt his hauty Maſters,April 20. 1653. he turned them out of the Houſe, as Objects firſt of his own contempt, and then of the peoples ſcorn. The onely grateful action he did to the Kingdom.

Cromw. takes upon him the Protectorſhip.And now Cromwel being Maſter, and impatient of a ſlow progreſs to Uſurpation, graſps the Scepter, with the lofty Title of Protector. In the mean time he ruled more arbitrarily than a King, though he ſeemed to refuſe the Title which he paſſionately aſpired to. Whether he was more remarkable for Falſhood or Valour, the Reader may judge, ſince Courage he had by turns and intervals, but was never without Hypocriſie and native Treachery.

When for the ſpace of five years he had filled all places with Slaughter, and Bloud, with Baniſhments, Robberies, and all ſorts of Cruelty; being implacable to his Enemies, falſe to his Friends, deſpiſed abroad, grievous to others, uneaſie to himſelf; amidſt the Pulpit-Juggles of fooliſh idle men, the hidden ſtings & laſhes of a moſt guilty Conſcience, with a diſtracted mind and enthuſiaſtical madneſs, he ended his wicked days; He dies. Sep 3. 1658. on the very day which being formerly joyful to him, becauſe of the two bloudy Overthrows of Britain, becomes now feſtival to three Nations.

Richard ſucceeds to his villanous Uſurpation,Richard ſucceeds. a Son in all things unlike to his Father, and unfit for daring Reſolutions. His judgment and actions were managed by the direction and ſuggeſtions of others; and was ſo eaſily impoſed upon by their knavery, that by what followed ſhortly after, Ʋnfit for the dignity. it appeared that onely the late Cromwel had a mind able to ſupport ſuch a weight.

For the Colonels of the Democratical Faction heretofore turned out,He is deſpiſed by the Democratical Colonels. who were more addicted to the government of the Parliament, than to that of a Protector, when they perceived the turn of Affairs, and their old hopes revived, revenged by the ruine of the Son, the injuries they had received from the Father. And abuſing the eaſineſs of Richard to inſolence and contempt, they induſtriouſly ſet about the changing again of the Protectordom into a Commonwealth.

Whether the Relations and Counſellors of Richard were privy to the Plot, or deluded, I cannot ſay, Richard's Relations combine with them but at length they fatally deluded him. And being Complices of the Treachery of the Democraticks, they were made a Cloak for the Ambition of others. Richard therefore being adviſed by his Friends to diſſolve the Parliament which he had lately called, the onely ſupport of his own hopes, and terrour of the Rebel-Colonels; too late he was ſenſible of the treachery or ignorance of his Friends, and too late condemned his own credulity. Richard's affairs being then in their declenſion, and his Relations Fleetwood and Desborough ſeduced either by vanity or knavery; The power of Lambert formerly laid aſide, became now paramount, and by joynt Councils in appearance,Lambert, &c. returns to the Army. they managed the Affairs of the Government with equal care, though different deſignes; but what Fleetwood more openly, Lambert more cunningly carried on.

And now the Officers whom old Cromwel had heretofore turned out of the Army, being reſtored, they invaded the Forces, as before they did the government of Richard. But that the matter might be brought about in the uſual forms, they appoint Prayers, the common prelude of Traytors, to be made in St. James's; where many Independant Preachers of great note in their long-winded Prayers, call upon God as a Witneſs of their Treachery. And the very ſame who lately prayed for the health of Cromwel on his Death-bed, now baſely and craftily conſult about the excluſion of his Son.

The Rump-Parliament is reſtored by the Colonels.But whilſt they haſtned the execution of their late deſignes, they gave a remarkable and foul inſtance of their inconſtancy, by reſtoring to Supreme Power, the Rump-Parliament, which Cromwel by their own hands ſix years before, had dragg'd out of the Houſe: that ſink of ill men, I mean, who were infamous by the Spoils of the publick, foully ſtained with all ſort of Knavery, Impudence, and Avarice; and for their Crimes ſo univerſally hated of the People, that it was a very eaſie matter to have raiſed or depreſſed again theſe Phantoms of Government, by the like wantonneſs of the giddy Mobile.

To be turned out again i • time.

Which depoſes Richard

And now theſe Parliament-Robbers being again admitted to the Government, they take their known places, and being above all things mindful of Cromwel's Treachery, they turn out Richard, wavering, as yet, and tottering in his Throne; and lay the quaking Proteſtoral Youth flat upon the ground. As if by turning the infamy upon the Cromwels they might thereby wipe off their own Reproach.

They demand an account of the Funeral-charges of his dead Father,Then expoſes him. (wherein that prodigal Villain had outdone the burials of Kings) and of his own Creditors; but with no deſigne, in the mean while, to pay his Debts, onely to expoſe him to contempt, becauſe of his Poverty, or to ſcorn, for his Luxury.

The Members of Parliament that were more innocent than themſelves,And excludes many of the Members. or more adverſe to bad Councils, by Guards ſet at the door, they exclude out of the Houſe; and preſently declare the Secret and Myſtery of the Government, which with no leſs vanity than impudence, they ſtiled, THE GOOD OLD CAƲSE.

From the meeting of this fatal Rump again,May 8. I ſhall begin my work. The firſt thing they now do, is to conſult how they may ſecure themſelves, and undo the Publick. That they had been formerly thruſt out by the Souldiers,The Rump prevents the power of the Colonels. ſtruck deep in their minds; and that they might therefore prevent future Snares from the Colonels, they reſerve to themſelves the Supreme Authority in the Army; making their Speaker Lenthal General in the Chair. And having turned out the Officers of the Army that were for a Protectoral Dignity, they create new ones out of the Sink of Democraticks.

But before I proceed any farther, it will be neceſſary both for my ſelf and the Reader, to give a more accurate account of the ſtate of the Engliſh Affairs at that time.

The fate of the Cromwels was now come: for Richard being laid aſide at London, Henry Cromwel Deputy of Ireland, ſubmits to the Rump. his Brother Henry, whom his Father had made Deputy of Ireland, imitating his Brothers weakneſs, at the command of the Rump, delivers up the Army and Government to Colonel Ludlow, a ſtern man, and truſty to the Faction, who ſucceeded him.

And Monk, Governour of Scotland; and the Fleet under Lauſon. Monk, Governour of Scotland, a man often to be mentioned in our Annals, promiſed to be true to the Rump-Parliament; as alſo did the Fleet, and Vice-Admiral Lauſon.

Fleetwood alſo and Lambert, ſlighting the Oath that had been taken to the Cromwels, made the Engliſh Forces and Trainbands of the City, ſwear to be true to the Rump.

Fleetwood's temper. Fleetwood was old Cromwel's Son-in-law, of little or no reputation in the War, but a ſtout Preacher and Prayer: He hoped to have been Succeſſour in the Government, after the death of his Father-in-law; but being diſappointed by crafty Oliver, if he was not, becauſe of that, glad, he was not at all diſpleaſed at the overthrow of his Brother-in-law Richard.

Lambert's ambition. Lambert followed another conduct; under an affected modeſty diſguiſing a proud ſpirit, and aſpiring to nothing leſs than ſupreme Government. He had heretofore poſſeſſed a great ſhare in the friendſhip of Cromwel; but whether for his own or his Wife's ſake, I ſhall not determine. Nor was he thought to be diſpleaſed with the old man, ſo long as he hoped for a Succeſſour out of his Family, and to be adopted in the Army, where his reputation was great. He ſecretly deſpiſed Cromwel's Relations, as too low and unfit for Principality; thinking that he alone remained worthy to be advanced to Supremacy. Which afterwards more ſecretly, but not more juſtly, he attempted, rather than obtained.

The awe of Cromwel, whilſt alive, gave ſome check, ſuch as it was,The deplorable ſtate of the Commonwealth to the diſſembled madneſs of the Democratical Republicans. But the Family of the Cromwels being ruined, the Britiſh affairs were in that ſtate, that amongſt the Regicides no faith,Through the perfidiouſneſs of the Souldiers. love, judgment, nor truth was to be found. The furious unſetled Colonels, without ſenſe or honeſty, laying aſide all care of Reputation or Juſtice, ſoftened and fed their private hopes. The Power of the Rulers was mutually ſuſpected, and the Honour of the Nation wholly ſlighted. And the ſame Army of Cromwel abandoning the Family of their General, perfidiouſly aboliſhed the Protectordom, which by perjuries they had eſtabliſhed as a brave and memorable Conſtitution.

The Rabble alſo were ſo inclined,And madneſs of the People. that many deſired, and all accuſtomed to the Yoke of Bondage, ſuffered the Rump-Parliament, though of old notorious for flagitiouſneſs, and now for buoying up the aſpiring Colonels. In the mean time all things were carried according to the pleaſure of the Rump, 1659. and the dictates of Fanaticks, the terrour of the preſent, and preſages of future evils.

But the turns of the Government were no leſs odious than the vices of the Parricides, to thoſe who any ways concerned themſelves for the Publick. In the mean time they were not free from danger,The dangers of the Nobility, and of good men. whom Quality, the ſuſpicion of Loyalty to the King, Wealth, or eminent Parts rendred obnoxious to the Jealouſies of the Rulers.

The old Souldiers of the King, and ſuch as were devoted to Charles the Second, in the mean while, who had hearts to do and ſuffer any thing, rejoyced in ſecret; having without the loſs of reputation, or degenerating from the ancient care they were ſprung from, endured the calamities of Adverſity, the long inſulting and many Rapines of Robbers, and all the ſhams of Fortune, with an honeſt and patient Poverty.

Though the ſettlement of Cromwel in the government, and the unſhaken fidelity of his Adherents, had ſo often defeated all their endeavours of reſtoring the King, yet they carefully eyed the diſſenſions and diſtractions of the Fanaticks, and the turns and revolutions of the Government.

From the confuſion of things the Royaliſts take hopes.And now the mutual claſhings of the Rebels, gave courage to the Loyal Nobility, ſecretly to contrive the reſtauration of their Liberty; and under pretence of a free and full Parliament, the recovery of the juſt Rights of King CHARLES. Their Enterprizes. For that end they made uſe of the aſſiſtance of ſome Presbyterians, an inflexible ſort of men, a bad preſage of a certain overthrow, ſince they are a kind of people that make uſe of good fortune, rather for the ſubverſion than the eſtabliſhment of Kings.

Thus a framed Conſpiracy all over England, produced both glory and danger to the illuſtrious Undertakers.

Booth's Inſurrection in Cheſhire.

By whom aſſiſted.

Sir George Booth, now Lord Delamere, appeared firſt in the Inſurrection in Cheſhire: He was aſſiſted with the advice and hands, by the Earls of Derby and Kilmurry, Sir Thomas Middleton, Major-General Egerton, and many others of leſs note, who having incited their Country-men to take up Arms, and having formed an Army, they put a Garriſon in Cheſter, an ancient City waſhed by the River Dee.

Booth himſelf, in the mean time, with 2000 Horſe and Foot, took the Field, expecting the aid of all good men throughout England in ſo illuſtrious an Undertaking; but with more Loyalty than Fortune.

The Rump is terrified.At the news of ſo ſudden an Eruption, the Rump was terrified; and being doubtful of their New Government, ſtartled at the preſent Commotions, apprehenſive of future, and conſcious of the greatneſs of their own Crimes, they were in fear of all men. And ſo much the more, that they knew that Booth was not the ſole Head of the Party, but that there were many more beſides him who hatched the ſame deſignes.

The Parricides had no other hopes of ſafety, but in daring boldly; wherefore arming with expedition the fierceſt of the Sectarian Rout,Prepares to fight. doubling their Guards, and ſending flying parties of the old Forces into all Counties and Towns, they no ſooner ſmelt out, but they prevented the deſignes of the Royaliſts.

In the mean time Lambert is ordered with a body of Horſe and Foot to march in all haſte againſt Booth. Lambert is ſent againſt Booth. But the guilty Parricides could not think themſelves ſecure, unleſs they were re-enforced with Souldiers from Scotland, and the Garriſon of Dunkerk, and with two Regiments called from Ireland, commanded by Zanchie and Axtell. After that Booth had in vain endeavoured to hinder their conjunction, both Armies come in view one of another near Norwich; but the River that runs by the Town, hindred the Enemy from approaching.

Booth had ſet a ſtrong Guard to defend the Bridge over the River, and had drawn up his men beyond it, but ſtill inferiour both in number and fortune. For Lambert having gained the Bridge, Booth is defeated, charged Booth's Forces ſo warmly, that the raw and unexperienced Country-Rout were not able to endure the ſhock of the old and expert Souldiers.

Lambert having put all of them to flight, Cheſter is ſurrendered unto him. Booth, after his overthrow, hunting about for a ſafe retreat,And flies. He is taken, Aug. 20. was diſcovered in diſguiſe at Newport, and taken; from whence being carried to London, he was clapt up in the Tower. His whole Eſtate, which was pretty conſiderable, being ſeized; his head had likewiſe gone, had not a greater deſtiny preſerved him from the imminent cruelty of the Rump. For the ſhortneſs of their government ſeems to be the cauſe that the puniſhment of Booth's Party was rather deferred than remitted.

The ſhort-lived Rump in the mean time were not a little proud of the overthrow of their enemies,The confidence of the Rump upon Booth's overthrow. And the arrogance of Lambert and his ſouldiers. and emboldened by this auſpicious beginning of their New Government.

And the Cheſhire-Inſurrection was ſo convenient for Lambert's intereſt, that he reckoned it amongſt the favours of his proſperous fortune. For having thereby attained (which he ſo much deſired) to the pre-eminence of a General, he intended to triumph, not ſo much over Booth, as over the conquered Rump: and indeed the mutual confidence of the Knaves was not durable;Jealouſies ariſing betwixt the Parliament-men & the Colonels. for the Rump was jealous of the Army, and the Army of the Rump. Lambert in the mean time, who had a vaſt power in the Army, exceeding all bounds of a private condition, ſo wheadled the Officers and Souldiers, that upon their return they drew up and ſigned a Petition at Derby, Sept. 16. wherein after they had alleadged many ridiculous falſhood of their dutifulneſs towards the Rump, their affection to the Publick, and Liberty of the People, they ſaucily deſire the Houſe, that the Command of the Army ſhould be put into the hands of Fleetwood and Lambert; as the onely means of uniting the Forces in faithfulneſs and concord, which would produce a durable obedience.

October 5.The Colonels of Fleetwood's Army at London, deſpiſing the Authority of the Rump, more haughtily demanded the ſame thing.

But the cunninger Members ſmelt afar off theſe Camp-deſignes of the Officers, well foreſeeing what theſe Councils drove at at long run. And this made them fret, rage, and threaten.

Lambert's ambition is taken noting of by Haſelrigg. Haſelrigg, a hot-headed man, and a great Stickler formerly in the War, now no leſs concerned in the Faction of the Democraticks, lays it out confidently, That the Authority of the Parliament was a precacious thing; that Lambert, following Cromwel's ſteps, endeavoured alterations, and that his modeſty, at long run, would prove but a Decoy to eaſie Fleetwood: or to this purpoſe.

In the mean time the Army was divided into two Factions.The Army divided. The far greater part were for giving Laws to the Parliament, though the reſt ſubmitted to their Authority.

And this ſo netled the Members, The Parl. mad, that they could not endure the inſolence of the Souldiers; but come on't what would, they reſolved to vindicate their ſupreme Authority, and not to ſuffer any Power in the Army above their own. Thus, venturing upon a revenge,Diſcharges the Country from Taxations, October 10. (whilſt the Scales were as yet a turning) if the Colonels intended to uſe force, they reſolved to leave the Traytors a poor Game to play; and diſcharge the publick from paying any Taxations, by paſſing a Vote, That no money ſhall be raiſed without conſent of the Parliament; and that he who did to the contrary, ſhould be guilty of High-Treaſon againſt the Commonwealth. And this, ſeeing the Army wanted money, was the neck-break of the Colonels.

Nor could any thing content the diſcontented Rump, And disbands ſome ſtubborn Colonels, Octob. 11. but the debarting of ſome of the boldeſt Colonels disbanded, to wit, Lambert, Desborough, Berry, Kelſey, Aſhfield, Cobbet, Crede, Packer, and Barrow.

In the mean time the Rump appoints a Supreme Council of War over the Army, No General now, but a Council of War. without any name of a General, conſiſting of Fleetwood, Monk, Haſelrigg, Ludlow, Walton, Morley, and Overton; the Souldiers in the mean time laughing in their ſleeve at the vain and impotent anger of the Members.

For Lambert and the reſt of the caſhered Colonels, upon mature deliberation, reſolved,The Colonels conſpire againſt the Rump. That ſeeing their intereſt and authority was ſtill in force in the Army, they would take the Field, perſiſt in their Reſolutions, and if it came to a puſh, try the fidelity of the Souldiers. And becauſe they found by experience, that Richard loſt all by delaying, they reſolved to haſten their Undertaking.

The Rum orders their Friends to guard them.The Rump in the mean time had intelligence of the violent deſigns of the Colonels; and ſeeing hands were more neceſſary than heads, Moſs and Morley's Regiments are ordered next day to keep guard in Weſtminſter.

Lambert beſets the Rump.The ſame morning, Lambert with undaunted boldneſs, and a ſtrong body pickt out of the Forces that were beſt affected towards him, haſtens into the old Palace-yard, and before the Members were come, ſet Guards upon all the entries into the Houſe. Lambert ſtops the Speaker Lenthall coming out of his Coach, and attended by a Troop of Guards, and preſently changing the Captain, ſends him back again into the City,And deſpiſes them, Octob. 13 more like a Priſoner than a Speaker of the Houſe: and ſo with little ado he terrified and diſperſed the reſt of the Knaves.

And now Moſs and Morley's Regiments guarding the ſilent and empty Houſe, are themſelves beſet by Lambert. Both Parties looked big, and ſeemed ready to come to blows; but the night approaching, they drew off without bloud: whilſt the Rump and Colonels, full of anger and hatred, mutually reproached each other, and juſtly too, with Treachery, Villany, and Tyranny.

The Colonels having turned out the Rump, conſult about the Government.But the Rump being now ſent packing, and the Parliament-doors ſhut, the Officers of the Army became no leſs inconſtant Maſters and Ficklers in ruling than they had been in obeying. Next morning a great confluence of Colonels met in Wallingford-houſe, to conſult about ſetling the Government: and having firſt modelled the Army, as being more conſiderable than the Commonwealth, by unanimous conſent, they appoint Fleetwood to be General, Lambert Lieutenant-General, and Desborough, heretofore a blunt Country-clown, Major-General of the Horſe.

The Supreme Power in Civil Affairs was committed to three and twenty, Vane, Fleetwood, They appoint a Committee of Safety. Octob. 23. Ludlow, and the reſt of that odious Crew, too long to be named; whom they were pleaſed, by a new and unheard-of Title, to call the Committee of Safety.

Thus having erected a new Scheme of Government at London, They invite the Forces of Scotland and Ireland into their Party. they diſperſe themſelves into all places, endeavouring to ſecure themſelves by aſſociated Villany. Barrow they ſend to Ireland, Cobbet to Scotland; allure the Forces abroad into their Party; but all in vain.

For the Army in Ireland, Monk refuſes. Octob. 28. whilſt Ludlow was at London, declared for the Rump Parliament. Monk in the mean time writing to Fleetwood and Lambert, ſharply taxes the Army in England with Treachery and Ambition of governing; and profeſſes alſo, that for the future he'll ſtand by the Parliament: refuſes to admit of Cobbet as an Embaſſadour, but commits him to cuſtody as a Traytor.

Monk in the mean time, being as yet, uncertain what to do, had many anxious thoughts: He foreſaw, indeed, greater ſecurity under the Rump, but if the Army in England had the better on't, inevitable ruine; having long ago had experience of the hatred of Lambert and Fleetwood, though diſguiſed in their looks: And beſides the uſual competition in rule, they were alſo looked upon as men of different humours and manners. Monk was for a plain and modeſt Religion; but they turbulent and violent in their pernicious Hereſie.

Wherefore ſeriouſly weighing with himſelf the ſtrength of the Engliſh Army on the one hand, and on the other the weakneſs of his own Forces, the perfidiouſneſs of many of the Officers, and the fickleneſs of the Souldiers; he thought ſtill that he might do better in War than in Peace, and ſo having reſolved againſt the worſt, he haſtened his march into England. When he had conſulted about theſe things with his moſt intimate Friends at Delkeith, he goes to Edinborough, and there in a full Council of Colonels, At Edinburrough Monk harangues the ſouldiers. Octob. 18. he repreſents the new Troubles of England: How that the Parliament was turned out of doors by the Officers in England, without any provocation, but through levity and an ambition of governing: That the London-Colonels having attempted many bad things, reſolved not onely to bear rule over their own, but the Forces abroad alſo: That it would be diſgraceful to them to ſubmit to the Commands of another Army; That he himſelf was a General neither inferiour to Fleetwood nor Lambert; nor was the Army of Scotland, that had outlived ſo many Battels, leſs to be accounted than that of England. That therefore he was firmly reſolved to march into England, to revenge the Right and Honour of the Parliament; that the Authority might remain in their hands who gave them their Pay and Rewards.

When with much authority and greatneſs of mind, which do better than eloquence in a Souldier, he had ſpoken to this purpoſe, the Souldiers were inflamed with Zeal and Reſolution; and under the command of ſo great a General, deſire the ſignal to march.

He ſecures the Garriſons of Scotland. Having now confirmed the Souldiers and the Garriſon of Edinburough-Caſtle, he put the command of Berwick, Leeth, Air, St. Johnſton, and other Caſtles and Citadels, into the hands of truſty Officers. He turned out, in the mean time, all ſuſpected Sectarians, eſpecially the Anabaptiſts, the Plague of Mankind, whilſt many of his Horſe, addicted to the errour or humours of the Engliſh Army, of their own accord deſert him; and leave the Foot and the reſt who were truer to their Truſt.Changes the Officers, and prepares for War. He remaintained in their places many of his own Officers, who had been lately caſheered by the London Council of War: which gained him their affection, and Fleetwood and Lambert their hatred.

The report of this Storm coming from the North, was quickly brought to London, and all things made greater, as it is uſual at ſuch a diſtance, than really they were. This diſtracted the Councils of the Rulers, and put them into no little anxiety: However, they arm againſt Monk, and appoint Lambert, elevated by the overthrow of Booth's Party, General of the War, and Head of their Faction, who was now to engage in another kind of a War, and with anothergets General.

But ſeeing they ſtood much in awe of the proueſs and conduct of Monk, Fleetwood & the Colonels deſires a Pacification. Octob. laſt. and had him in great admiration, they thought fit firſt to eſſay him by Treaty.

Wherefore Fleetwood ſent unto him Clarges, nearly allied to him, and Colonel Talbot who ſerved in the Scottiſh Army, and in great favour with the General, to mediate a Peace and Reconciliation. With the ſame purpoſe of Pacification,They ſent Commiſſioners into Scotland. Colonel Goff and Colonel Whaley followed after, with Carril and Barker, the great Oracles of the Independents, that the Artifices of Preachers might not be wanting in laying of Snares.

Monk received them all civilly. He had many ſecret Conferences with Clarges: To the reſt he publickly profeſſed that he had no Quarrel with the Colonels commanding in England, about Religion: That his whole deſigne was to revenge the Indignity done to the Parliament, Monk admits of a Pacification. and to proceed no farther. That if they had rather take up the matter at London, without bloud, he was willing to allow time for Conferences.

The Miniſters with affected flattery preached up the advantages of Peace, preſaging from more than one inſtance, that the diviſions of fellow-Souldiers, would be pernicious to themſelves, and very advantageous to the publick Enemy, intimating the King: and indeed their Preſage proved afterward to be true.

But the mercenary and canting Tongues of thoſe preaching Mediators, wrought no effect upon an old Souldier, who was ſo well acquainted with their juggling tricks. He civilly ſends back theſe Agents of Peace with the ſame ſecurity as they came: Clarges in the mean time was before gone to London with more ſecret Inſtructions.

And though Monk now perceived that all Agreement with the Colonels of the Engliſh Army would prove fallacious and unſafe, yet all things not being as yet ſufficiently ordered for ſecuring the more remote Garriſons of Scotland; he made his advantage of what was caſt in his way by chance, and labours for the convenience of his own affairs, to protract the time of Treaty.

Monk ſends Commiſſioners to London. He therefore diſpatches to London, Wilks, Knight, and Cloberry, as Commiſſioners for the Treaty from the Army in Scotland, with Inſtructions how to delay time; where for ſome time we'll leave them in Wallingford-houſe,The Pacificators meet in Wallingford-houſe. with more complement than freedom, debating with Fleetwood's Officers, though I am not apt to believe that the deſire of Pacification was ſincere on both ſides.

Lambert enters York. Lambert marching againſt Monk, was already got as far as York, with twelve Regiments of men; he was weak in Foot, but ſtrong in Horſe. Here he found Morgan, Major-General of Monk's Army, recovering out of a fit of the Gout; a man that at that time was judged inferiour to none in Military skill.

Lambert, who was his old friend, and knew him to be dear to Monk, ſent him into Scotland to promote the buſineſs of Peace.Sends • organ to Monk as a Mediator of Peace. He having followed Monk to Edinburrough, in a military manner declared his buſineſs, and what he was come about; but preferring Monk's cauſe and honeſty, he took command under him, when becauſe of the many Commanders lately turned out, and others that had deſerted, he was made very welcome.

Monk in the mean time having pretty well compoſed the affairs of his Army, Monk invites the Nobility of Scotland to a Council. Decemb. 13. invites the Scottiſh Nobility to Council, firſt at Edinburrough, and then at Berwick; where he diſcovered his deſignes unto them, beſeeching them, for the ſake of their Country and of himſelf, that they would keep Scotland in peace, and raiſe moneys to pay the Army that now was upon the march into England.

The Scottiſh Nobility very readily promiſed him money, nay,The Scots offer aſſiſtance. and to aſſiſt him with men and Arms in the expedition; which was an acceſſion to Monk's good fortune, that when he might have made uſe of ſo great aſſiſtance from Scotland, he did not ſtand in need of it.

For being a man of a ſharp wit, Monk conſiders of it. he was not willing that Scotland ſhould come under the power of another, the Inhabitans being armed; nor, that they accompanying him into England, might render his coming ungrateful at home.

Truſty Officers being left to command the Garriſons of Scotland, the Souldiers rightly modelled,The Commiſſioners ſigne the Pacification. Novemb. 15. and all things in a readineſs for the expedition, of a ſudden news is brought to Edinburrough that the Peace was confirmed; but upon ſo hard and uneaſie terms, that Monk with anger in his looks ſeverely checked the Authors of the hateful Reconciliation upon their return; telling them, Monk is angry. That if the honeſty of ſome, certainly the prudence of all of them, was to be ſuſpected; and committed Wilks to priſon for tranſgreſſing his Commiſſion.

The truth was, Monk's Commiſſioners being by Fleetwood's Officers, with a ſhew of honour, narrowly obſerved, and in a manner confined, ignorant of the Stirs abroad, and impoſed upon by falſe reports of the diminution of Monk's Forces, with more haſte than judgment, had clapt up an unjuſt Peace.

Clarges informs Monk of the affairs of London. In the mean time Monk having had certain intelligence from Clarges, a faithful man, that Fleetwood was daily more and more deſpiſed at London; that at York Lambert's Army was divided and full of Faction: judging a delay more convenient for himſelf than for the Enemy, induſtriouſly protracted the Treaty.

Whereupon he prorogues the Pacification:Having therefore ſent Letters to Fleetwood, he acquainted him, That the news of a Pacification was very acceptable to him, but that he found ſome things doubtful in the Conditions, and other matters not rightly tranſacted by his Commiſſioners; that therefore that the agreement might be more ſolid (all Officers being removed) he deſires the number of Commiſſioners to be increaſed, And demands a new place of Treaty. and Newcaſtle as a more proper place for their meeting.

Fleetwood & Lambert condeſcend. Fleetwood condeſcended more out of fear than choice: but Lambert, whoſe whole ability conſiſted in charging an Enemy, raſhly and fatally deluded to his own ruine, accepted alſo of the delays of Treaty.

Lambert poſſes himſelf of Newcaſtle. Monk goes to Caldſtream, Octob. 8. Lambert in the mean time moving from York, came to Newcaſtle; and Monk leaving Berwick, marched along the borders of Scotland, and pitched at Caldſtream, an inconſiderable Village upon the River of Tweed, but now famous by the Pavillion of ſo great a General. It was for ſome time the Capital of the Affairs of Britain, and had the ſplendour of a City: For, —Veios habitante Camillo, Illic Roma fuit— Veii was Rome, if there Camillus lived.

The ſeaſon was very ſharp, the ground being covered with Snow, and Lambert's Souldiers wanting proviſions and money, were forced to live upon what they plundered from the Villages and Country about, the want of Pay being ſome excuſe for that licentiouſneſs. Monk's Forces, in the mean time being provided of all neceſſaries, kept themſelves ſecure within their Camp.

Monk's Army,The number of Monk's Army. more conſiderable for valour than number, conſiſted onely of four Regiments of Horſe, commanded by Johnſton, Morgan, Knight, and Cloberry, brave men, and Commanders conſummated in War: and of ſix Regiments of Foot, under the command of Major-General Morgan, another Morgan, Fairfax, Rhede, Lidcott, and Hublethorn. Price and Gomble were the Chaplains, Clark Secretary, and Barrow Phyſician to the General.

Whilſt matters were in this ſtate in the Camps at a diſtance, London was divided by Factions.Tumults in the mean while in London. On the one hand the Republican Sectarians whoſe hopes were founded on miſchief, ſtood for the Rump-Parliament; on the other, the Souldiers in the City were for Fleetwood and the Committee of Safety: but juſter Grievances were to be heard amongſt the frequent ſighs of the good Citizens.

That the Rump-Parliament made up of moſt profligate wretches, was in vain turned out, And Grievances. if the Government muſt remain in the hands of the Commitee of Safety, a new name for old Rogues; and the Cromwels had fallen in vain, if Fleetwood and Lambert muſt be raiſed to Supreme Authority. Though the ſoft temper of the one was leſs feared, than the imperious ambition of the other.

And ſome there were that at a diſtance wiſhed well to Monk, and looked upon him as a fitter Reſtorer of their Liberty; who taking boldneſs from deſpair, ſpared not to ſay, That the Commonwealth was almoſt undone, whilſt ſacrilegious Robbers contend about the Government; that England was never in ſo great diſtreſs, nor reduced to ſuch extremity; that having ſuffered the greateſt evils, nothing worſe could befal them.

And ſo with bitter Invectives they reckon up the Impriſonments, Sequeſtrations, continual Taxes, and the other ſeverities they had been obnoxious to.

That they had long enough born the burden of the accurſed Parliament, and groaned under the Yoke of an enraged Enemy: That the Power of both was abominable, and their Bondage grievous: That wicked Parricides laughed at their Miſeries, whilſt they falſly call Slavery, Peace; Cruelty and Slaughter, Diſcipline: That ſince whether they be overcome or do ſubmit, they muſt periſh; how much more honourably would they periſh in the embraces of their Liberty and Country? That ſlavery is leſs ignominious to thoſe who attempt their freedom, and that they had already ſinned enough through cowardiſe: That they ſhould ſhake off the Yoke of the Jangling Traytors, and put an end to ſo many years bondage: That the raſh attempts of the daring have often been favoured by fortune: That ſecret hopes in Monk, wealth in the City, the fortune of London, and God their Protector, were ſtill in being: That it would be glorious to themſelves and Poſterity, to have expiated the civil Troubles wantonly begun by their Anceſtors, and the Royal Bloud of Charles the Martyr, by reſtoring his Son with no other helps than the Loyalty of his own Subjects.

Amidſt theſe diſcontented Speeches and City-tumults,The tumult of the London-Prentices. a vaſt croud of Prentices and Serving-men got together: a bold ſort of men, accuſtomed to an inſolent kind of City-liberty, who tired out by long ſlavery, with a licentious freedom, run about in all places in a tumultuary and confuſed manner, demanding a new and full Parliament, as the onely Remedy to their Evils.

But Colonel Hewſon, formerly a Cobler, Is ſuppreſſed by Hewſon. Decemb. 3. being by Fleetwood ſent into the City with a Party of brisk Souldiers, in a moment ſuppreſſed the defenceleſs anger of the Rabble, and the headleſs Multitude, and uſed many ſeverities againſt the Citizens.

The Grievances of the City increaſing daily,The Garriſon of Portſmouth riſes for the Rump. Wetham Governour of Portſmouth admitted into the place three Members of the late excluded Rump, and Colonels in the Army, to wit, Hazelrigg, Walton, and Morley: againſt whom Fleetwood having ſent Forces, they deſpairing of the ſtrength of their Friends, and having neither money nor credit, revolted to the Enemy.

Nor was this all the misfortune that befel Fleetwood and the Committee of Safety: The Navy endeavours the ſame. for Vice-Admiral Lawſon with a Fleet of Ships true to the Cauſe, ſtopt the mouth of the River of Thames, threatning to ſuffer none to eſcape by Sea, if they did not again reſtore the Rump to the power of Government.

All things everywhere growing worſe and worſe, Fleetwood yields to the Rump. the Committee of Safety was ſtartled; and Fleetwood unfit for adverſity, who never could bear proſperity, and growing daily more contemptible and cheap, neither conſtant in his Reſolution, nor reſolute in his Treachery; having ſent a fawning Meſſenger to Lenthal the Speaker, he prays and beſeeches, more ſlaviſhly than became a General, that the Members being forthwith called together, they would take upon them the Government, and receive them into favour who confeſſed their errour. And indeed many of the Committee of Safety, The Committee of Safety wavers. though they were very deſirous of retaining their Power, yet conſulted about the reſtoring of the Rump, knowing very well that their Government would not be long, if Lambert returned victorious from the North.

Fleetwood's ſouldiers make defection to the Rump.And now General Fleetwood's Regiments ſelling their ſouls and bloud for Eight pence a day, under Colonels of the Democratical Faction, return under the power of the Rump, forgetting their yeſterdays-Commander, who carried the empty Title of General. Nor was there any publick Commodity ſo ſaleable as the Treachery of the Souldiers.

The Committee of Safety is diſſolved. This was the Exit of the two months-whirlegig of Government; the very names of Fleetwood and Lambert grew contemptible, and Safety forſook the Committee.

So ſoon as Monk underſtood that the Fleet were for the Rump, and that the Garriſon of Portſmouth was of the ſame mind, having ſpeedily recalled his Commiſſioners, he broke off the Conference and Overture of Peace with Lambert. In the mean time he wrote to him, Monk breaks off the Conference of Pacification. That ſince he underſtood that the Parliament by their own authority had choſen Portſmouth for their Seſſion, he thought it not conſonant to his truſt and modeſty, by private Debates to conſtitute a private Commonwealth; but rather ſetting aſide the Quarrels of the two Armies, to refer the adminiſtration of publick Affairs to their prudence and care.

The Rump reſtored to the Government. Decemb. 6. The Reverend Rump now ſtrikes in again, in the laſt year of their government, and probably the beſt for the Publick; though reinſtated more by the beggary than the good will of the Souldiers. And this was the reaſon that their chief care was for money, and that the Souldiers might be paid by the ſpoils of the State.Recals Lambert's Army. Lambert's forces are imperiouſly commanded back to their Garriſons, and forthwith to leave the Field, upon pain of diſobeying the Supreme Power, and forfeiting their Duty. And at the ſame time news was brought to Monk's Camp, that the Committee of Safety was broken, and the Rump again in power.

What could Lambert now between hawk and buzzard do? he was forſaken by Fortune, deluded by Fleetwood's confidence, over-reached by Monk under a colour of Peace, and deſpiſed by the Rump. Should he return to London, it was a long and difficult march; and perhaps as late for the ſuccour of his friends as dangerous to himſelf, having ſuch an Enemy in the rear. Should he engage Monk in a Country improper for Horſe, the ground being covered over with Ice and Snow, it would be very uncertain, if not in vain, ſince in the dead of Winter his Horſe could do no feats: What to do he could not tell.

Nor were Lambert's men truer to their Truſt than Fleetwood's had been at London: The treachery of Lambert's men towards him. for ſo ſoon as they heard of the defection of the London-Regiments, baſely, without conſulting their General, nay, and ſlighting his authority, they ſubmit to the Rump.

Few now were to be ſeen at Lambert's door, and fewer within; nothing but ſilence, and ſeldom any Guards: He was no more General nor cauſe of the War; but where he hoped for Laurel and Triumph, he was fain to ſearch a hiding place: ſo that without any attendance, he ſpeedily and ſecretly betook himſelf to London. So fallacious and uncertain a thing is Power, when it is too great.

A certain kind of Triumviral Power now exerted it ſelf in Britain under Monk, Fleetwood, and Lambert, not much unlike to that Roman Triumvirat of Caeſar, Pompey, and Craſſus.

With almoſt the ſame gallantry Monk behaved himſelf in Scotland, as Caeſar heretofore governed in Gallia; but out of their Governments Monk out-did Caeſar: for the Roman being come into the City, offered violence to the Senate, and unjuſtly uſurped the Dictatorſhip. The other entering London, under colour of reſtoring the Parliament, by a rare inſtance of Loyalty and Modeſty, reſtored the King.

Nor were the emulous and competing Craſſus and Pompey more ſollicitous in drawing in Caeſar, than Fleetwood and Lambert were in endeavouring to aſſociate Monk into the Government: for though they contributed their mutual aſſiſtance in overturning the Rump-Parliament, yet it is certain, they hardly conſpired in any thing, but in the fear that both of them had of Monk. Fleetwood was jealous of Lambert's ambition; and Lambert could not brook Fleetwood's authority: the one could not admit of an Equal, nor the other of a Superiour.

Monk therefore was courted by Letters from both, as having it in his power to give the Government to what Party he pleaſed. Nor could Fleetwood have expected better Conditions from Lambert, had he prevailed againſt Monk; which thoſe who favoured Fleetwood in his Army perceiving, avoiding all opportunity of fighting with Monk, leſt Lambert, perchance, getting the victory, might turn out his Rival Fleetwood. Lambert can hardly be compared to Pompey, unleſs it be in boundleſs ambition, and the unhappy iſſue thereof; and Fleetwood not at all to Craſſus.

But without doubt it was the intereſt of the Publick that both were undone, ſeeing Monk getting the better, reſtored at length Britain to it ſelf.

Lambert's Forces in all places having either run away or ſubmitted, Monk divides his Army,1659, 60. Monk marches into England, January 1. 1659, 60. and under his own and Morgan's conduct, marches ſtreight to London; a march that will be famous in all future Ages, and memorable to Poſterity.

On New-years-day, having ſent before the Foot, he moved from Caldſtream, and the day after he himſelf followed with the Horſe, and took his Quarters at Wellar: the next day,At Morpet he receives Letters from the Mayor of London. when he was come to Morpet, he received Letters from the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen of London, ſent by the City-Sword-bearer, wherein they earneſtly entreat him, That according to the great Truſt and Power he had, having now found an occaſion, than which, Providence had never offered a greater, he would relieve the diſtreſſed State, and call a new and full Parliament, as the onely ſupport of their tottering Country; freely offering him the aſſiſtance and concurrence of the City in the affair.

And now on the fourth of January, He comes to Newcaſtle, Jan. 4. Monk having marched his Army over deſert Mountains in deep Winter-Snow, arrived at Newcaſtle, and the day following ſets forward to Durham;Jan. 5. from thence directing his march to York; near Allerton he was honourably received by the Sheriff of the County.

Being next day come to York, He enters York. he was met by a multitude of Citizens and Perſons of Quality, and by them ſplendidly conducted into the City. Having performed ſo great a march in ſo ſhort a time, he reſted here five days, either that he might let the news of his coming flie before him to London, or that having allowed ſome time, he might by his Agents, of whom he had a great many in the City, be early informed of the Councils of the Rump, and inclinations of the Citizens.

Here Monk met with Fairfax, a famous Souldier, and his old Companion in the Wars; who now following his own humour,Monk meets with Fairfax at York. had riſen in Arms againſt Lambert, and was with no contemptible Forces, but far greater reputation, come over to the right ſide, being now with more honour an Enemy, than he had heretofore been General of the ſame Army.

He ſends part of his Army under Morgan back into Scotland. During this ſtay at York, Monk received into his ſervice ſome Regiments of Lambert's Army, having changed the Colonels and Officers; and no Enemy now appearing anywhere, he muſtered his Army, and ſent back part of it under the command of Morgan into Scotland.

He himſelf, with four thouſand Foot, and eighteen hundred Horſe, marches forwards towards London. Such was the Army of Monk, the leaſt and yet moſt renowned body of men that ever marched through England, which being hardly a third part in number to the enemy, buoyed up the fate of tottering Britain, and the fortune of Charles the Second.

Monk meets Clarges at Nottingham. Jan. 19.The Army marching from hence, and being come to Nottingham, he was met by Clarges, who came poſt from London, a man deſervedly of great intereſt and authority with him. He ſecretly informed him of the deſignes of the Rump, the ſtrength of the City-Forces, the ſuſpicions and jealouſies of the Sectarians, and that the hopes of the Citizens depended wholly on him.

The Commiſſioners of the Rump meet Monk at Leiceſter. Jan. 22. Upon his march he was met at Leiceſter, and congratulated by Scot and Robinſon, Commiſſioners from the Rump, upon pretext of doing honour to the General, and civilly waiting upon him in his march; but in reality as Spies to dive into his ſecrets, and diligently to obſerve his words and actions.

Nor was Monk leſs circumſpect, but being a great concealer of his thoughts, and ſparing in words, accommodating all his diſcourſe to occaſion, and ſhewing the Commiſſioners all imaginable reſpect in the Army, he confirmed them in the opinion of his ſincerity.

In this long and triumphant march,The people everywhere petition Monk for a new Parliament. he advanced amidſt the Applauſe and Congratulation of all men, and everywhere was met by the people, who, to the grief of the Commiſſioners, petitioned him for a full and free Parliament, as the onely Remedy to their Evils. The ſame the Commiſſioners from the City of London deſired, upon their meeting the General at Harborough. At Northampton he met with the like. And moſt part of the neighbouring and more remote Counties of England, ſent him Deputies and Petitions to the ſame effect: all which, Monk that kept his own counſel, civilly received, but cautiouſly anſwered.

Now was Monk arrived at St. Albans, From St. Albans he ſends to the Rump, Jan. 28. within twenty miles of London, wholly intent upon his entering the City. Therefore by Colonel Lidcolt he prudently wrote to the Rump to acquaint them with his approach; And that ſeeing he had brought with him an Army true to the Parliament, and moſt obſervant of Diſcipline, he intimated to them, that it would be unſafe to mingle his honeſt and faithful Souldiers with the treacherous Forces in London,Deſiring Fleetwood's Forces to be ſent out of Town. who were ſo lately endeavouring changes, and their fierceneſs not as yet wholly laid aſide: that therefore for the ſafety of the Parliament, he earneſtly intreats them, that ſending forthwith Fleetwood's Forces out of Town, they would order them Quarters to be appointed by the Quarter-Maſter-General. This was the reaſon alleadged in publick, but in ſecret there was another.

The Rump conſented to Monk's deſire,The Rump conſented. whether cordially, or rather out of fear, I ſhall not determine. And therefore Fleetwood's men are ordered to leave the City, and to go and quarter in the Country at a diſtance.

Fleetwood's men march angrily out. Feb. 2. But the Pretorian Bands being long pampered in London, angrily, and with a threatning carriage, left the City; rage being mingled with their obedience, and the hatred of the Parties ſtill remaining after the War.

Monk enters London. Monk in the mean time came from St. Albans to Barnet, and the day following being the third of February, marched into London in order. He himſelf in military pomp lead the Horſe through the ſtreets of London, and, not without a preſage, took his Lodgings in Whitehall.

The Parliament had been ſo often garbl'd and curtail'd, that it was then by the People in deriſion called the Rump: But theſe Senatorian Conſpirators, the ſhame and ſcorn of all honeſt men, being of inſolent tempers, and now the third time got into power, blown up with proſperity, began more and more daily to inſult over the Publick; and being in fear on both hands, from their friends as well as foes; and knowing that their ſtrength conſiſted more in Fame than in Force, they reſolved to eſtabliſh their Tyranny by a new Oath, The Rump by Oath abjures Monarchy. and that the deſperation of all Pardon might adde ſtrength to this Bond of Iniquity, to compel the People to ſwear not onely, that they ſhould bear Faith and true Allegiance to the Commonwealth of England, and the preſent Parliament; but that they ſhould alſo renounce and abjure all Allegiance to Charles the Second, and the whole Royal Family: Which was the laſt effort of their expiring Fortune.

In the mean time the Rumpers, being themſelves employed in perpetrating the higheſt Crimes, let thoſe of Booth's Party, and of the revolting Regiments, paſs unpuniſhed, as below their notice.

And now the Council of State, conſiſting of the moſt villanous Republicans,

The Council of State offers Monk the Oath.

He delays. He goes to the Rump. Feb. 6.

renders the Oath to Monk; which he, as taking time rather to conſider than refuſing it, prudently avoided.

The third day after Monk had entred the City, being attended by Scot and Robinſon, he went to the Houſe, where the Speaker Lenthall, a mighty man at words, and nothing elſe, having commended his fidelity and good ſervices rendred to the Parliament, in reſtoring them by his Arms to their Authority, gave him the publick Thanks of the Houſe.

And now what Speech he again made to the Rump, I ſhall in his own words relate.

Mr. Speaker,

AMongſt the many Mercies of God to theſe poor Nations, your peaceable Reſtitution is not the leaſt; it is (as you ſad) his work alone, and to him belongs the glory of it. And I eſteem it as a great effect of his goodneſs to me, that he was pleaſed to make me, amongſt many worthier in your ſervice, ſome way inſtrumental in it. I did nothing but my duty, and deſerve not to receive ſo great an honour and reſpect as you are pleaſed to give me at this time and place; which I ſhall ever acknowledge as a high mark of your favour to me. Sir, I ſhall not now trouble you with large Narratives; onely give me leave to acquaint you, That as I marched out of Scotland hither, I obſerved the People in moſt Counties in great and earneſt expectations of a Settlement; and ſeveral Applications were made to me, with numerous Subſcriptions to them. The chiefeſt heads of their Deſires were, for a free and full Parliament, and that you would determine your ſitting; a Goſpel-Miniſtry; encouragement of Learning and Ʋniverſities; and for admittance of the Members ſecluded before the year 1648. without any previous Oath or Engagement. To which I commonly anſwered, That you are now in a free Parliament; and if there be any force remaining upon you, I would endeavour to remove it; and that you had voted to fill up your Houſe, and then you would be a full Parliament alſo; and that you had already determined your ſitting: and for the Miniſtry, their maintenance, the Laws, and Ʋ niverſities, you had largely declared concerning them in your laſt Declaration; and I was confident you would adhere to it. But as for thoſe Gentlemen ſecluded in the year 1648. I told them, you had given judgment in it, and all people ought to acquieſce in that judgment; but to admit any Members to ſit in Parliament without a previous Oath or Engagement to ſerve the Government in being, it was never done in England. But although I ſaid it not to them, I muſt ſay (with pardon) to you, That the leſs Oaths and Engagements are impoſed (with reſpect had to the ſecurity of the common Cauſe) your ſettlement will be the ſooner attained to. I am the more particular in theſe matters, to let you ſee how grateful your preſent Conſultations about theſe matters will be to the people. I know all the ſober Gentry will cloſe with you, if they may be tenderly and gently uſed; and I am ſure you will ſo uſe them, as knowing it to be the common concern, to accompliſh and not leſſen our intereſt; and to be careful that neither the Cavalier nor the Fanatick Party have yet a ſhare in your Civil or Military Power; of the laſt, whoſe impatience to Government you have lately had ſo ſevere experience of. I ſhould ſay ſomething of Ireland and Scotland: indeed Ireland is in an ill ſettled condition, and made worſe by your interruptions, which prevented the paſſing an Act for the ſettlement of the Eſtates of Adventurers and Souldiers there, which I heard you intended to have done in a few days; and I preſume it will be now quickly done, being ſo neceſſary at this time, when the wants of the Commonwealth call for ſupplies: and people will unwillingly pay Taxes for thoſe Eſtates, of which they have no legal aſſurance. I need not tell you how much you were abuſed in the nomination of the Officers of your Armies there; their malice that deceived you hath been ſufficiently manifeſted. I do affirm, that thoſe now who have declared for you, will continue faithful; and thereby convince, that as well there as here, it is the ſober intereſt muſt eſtabliſh Dominion. As for Scotland, the People of that Nation deſerve to be cheriſhed much; and I believe your late Declaration will much glad their ſpirits: for nothing was more dreadful to them, than a fear to be over-run with Fanatick Notions. I humbly recommend them to your affection and eſteem, and deſire the intended Ʋnion may be proſecuted, and their Taxes made proportionably to thoſe in England; for which I am engaged in promiſe to become a Suiter to you. And truly, Sir, I muſt ask leave to entreat you to make a ſpeedy proviſion for their Civil Government there, of which they have been deſtitute near a year, to the ruine of many Families: and except Commiſſioners for managing of the Government, and Judges to ſit in Courts of Judicature, be ſpeedily appointed, that Country will be very miſerable. I directed Mr. Gumble (whom I lately ſent to you, to give you an account of the affairs of the Scottiſh Army, and to make certain Propoſals in their names) to preſent ſome perſons to you, both for Commiſſioners and Judges, which he did; but by reaſon of your great affairs, they were not diſpatched: but I humbly now offer them to your conſideration.

If what the General ſpake was unpremeditated, Monk's Speech ſuſpected by the Members. certainly it was well his upon: but how the Rump were ſatisfied with his Speech, the ſequel will make it appear. Beſides, his declining to take the Oath of Abjuration the day before, the freedom of his ſpeech mightily netled the Rump-Abjurors, who looked upon him as a Dictator rather than an Orator, commanding rather than petitioning; and who had ſeemed as much diſſatisfied with the treachery of Fanaticks, as the contumacy of the Cavaliers.

The Abjurors in the mean time, thoſe Piles in the Rump, who had the ſole power in carrying of things, began to have jealouſies of the ſincerity of Monk's intentions, and of the extraordinary affection of the people towards him; and having found an opportunity, they delayed no longer to make a tryal of his thoughts and hidden deſignes.

The Londoners refuſe to pay Taxes.The Government of this Rump-Parliament was grown ſo contemptible and loathſome to the Londoners, that an Order paſt in Common Council, That unleſs they had a free and full Parliament, they would not pay one farthing of Taxes: which ſo ſtartled and incenſed the guilty and timerous minds of the Members, that Monk hath forthwith ſevere orders to march into the City, Monk is ſent into the City in Arms. Feb. 9. commit twelve of the more ſawcy Citizens to the Tower of London, and by pulling down the City-Poſts and Chains, Gates and Portcullices, in a military manner quell the boldneſs of the People: which if he did, then the diſgrace and hatred would equally fall upon all; and that by that means they would prove Monk's friendſhip, as if he refuſed, they might conclude him an Enemy.

To which he offers violenceThough Monk abhorred thoſe cruel Orders of theſe Rulers, yet he marched into the City with armed Forces, and contrary to his own inclination, puts in execution the hateful Orders of the Rump.

This unexpected Aggreſſion of Monk aſtoniſhed the City, and the People were in conſternation at it, appearing firſt by a profound ſilence, then ſecret murmurings, and amazed looks; but there was more ſadneſs than fury in the caſe, and the Town ſeemed rather ſurrendred than ſtormed. In the mean time the Souldiers had the chief command, ſlighting the Authority of the Mayor, and Dignity of the City.

—Et nullos Comitatu eſt Purpura faſces. —And no Scarlet nor Gold-Chain appeared.

Now did the Londoners bewail their own credulity, and the falſe hopes they had conceived of Monk; and deſparing of humane aſſiſtance, they directed their eyes to Heaven, preſaging no leſs than a perpetual Bondage to the City.

This odious obedience performed by Monk to the Rump, put the Spectators to a plunge,The action of Monk is variouſly interpreted. and ſuffered various interpretations. But for what he ſo far hazarded his own Reputation in obeying the Rumpers after this manner, or why, by ſo ſudden a change of counſel and conduct, he endeavoured to regain their favour again, I ſhall not venture to determine. The truth is,And is preſently diſpleaſed with himſelf for it. being either conſcious to himſelf of the injury and affront done to the City, or having too much experienced the Arts and Treachery of the Rump, and being no leſs prevailed upon by the Prayers of his Friends, and the Complaints of all, he was ſenſible that his too great compliance with the Rumpers reflected upon his own Honour, and that the Indignity offered to the City, had raiſed him too much Envy.

The ſame night being come back to Whitehall, and caſting about what was to be done in this tickliſh ſtate of affairs, he called to Council privately ſome of the Officers who were his greateſt Confidents, and privy to his ſecret deſignes, and having formed a Letter,He ſends an angry Letter to the Rump. Feb. 11. he therein angrily complaining of ſeveral things to the Rump, as, That his ſervices done to the Houſe were ſlighted, whilſt the late Traytors, who were not much leſs Enemies to them than to the Commonwealth, had with them now much more credit and eſteem than he. From whence elſe proceed your new kindneſs to Lambert and Vane? and your new offences againſt me? If the perfidy of the Fanaticks had ſtill diſpleaſed you, why did you with ſo much reſpect receive yeſterday that Leering Heretick Barebones? and the inſolent Rabble of Sectarians, which lewdly in his company approached you with a diſhoneſt Petition?

This kindneſs of the Houſe ſhewn to a Rabble of Hereticks, is not ſimple (ſincere). It is the common deſire of the whole Commonwealth, the general requeſt of the People, Citizens, Souldiers, of every one, and all, That the number of the Members being fill'd up within a week, and then your ſitting determined, you ſhould give place to a new Parliament.

Theſe Letters he ſent the next morning by Lidcot and Clobery, two Colonels to the Houſe.

Monk returns into the City. Feb. 12. In the mean time he himſelf haſtens into the City, that he might make amends for his fault, and wipe off the infamy of the foregoing day. Having ſent a Meſſenger before to acquaint the Lord Mayor with his coming, and muſtered his Army in Finsbury-fields, he is entertained at a ſplendid Dinner in the Lord Mayor's houſe. After Dinner the Mayor conducted the General to the Common-Council of the City, where in a full Aſſembly of the Citizens in their formalities,Makes a Speech to the Citizens: He declared to them his trouble to ſee what affronts were offered to them by Orders from the Council of State, which he obeyed; yet diſliked that he was neceſſitated to comply with thoſe Commands; but with a reſolution always to run through the greateſt dangers to ſerve them: That he had not forgot their kind Letter at Morpeth, wherein he affectionately concurred, but was forced to retire backwards, like a Fencer, to make the better ground, and the more advantageous aſſault. That he had ſent to the Houſe that morning,And promiſes a new Parliament. that they ſhould iſſue Writs for a full Parliament; and to this end he was come to ſtay with them, and ſee his deſires fulfilled; and that they ſhould put a period to their ſitting by the ſixth of May.

Monk's Speech was with delight and univerſal applauſe heard by the Citizens;The Citizens rejoyce. and the name of a New Parliament ſo pleaſed the minds of the People, that the City which appeared deſolate and dejected in the morning, ſeemed tranſported with joy at night, by the ringing of Bells and Bonefires.

Now was Monk in every bodies mouth;And honour Monk; and the Multitude not able to contain their ſecret joys, proclaimed him the Honour and Deliverer of their Country;Reproaching the Rump. praying for and bleſſing him in all places. Then was the Rump loaded with the Reproaches and Imprecations of all, with ſo much freedom, that it ſeemed to be the firſt ſtep to their Liberty, thus to deſpiſe their Oppreſſors.Which was offended at Monk's Letter. Nor was this night revelling of the over-joyed People leſs boundleſs, than the Rage of the Rumpers was before, upon the reading of Monk's Letter. They in great indignation complain, that the violence of old, offered by Cromwel, and more lately by Lambert, was not more grievous, than the preſent-imperious boldneſs of Monk, in prefixing a day to their diſſolution.

But the old Commiſſioners, Scot and Robinſon, being ſent into the City to the General, they offered him the hypocritical Thanks of the Rump for his quelling of the City; and concealing their diſpleaſure at his Letter, they promiſe a fuller Parliament: and that their diſſimulation might be the more ſpecious, they invite Monk again to Weſtminſter to aſſiſt them with his counſel.

The General and his Friends gave them a doubtful anſwer, as well knowing that the civility of the proud Rumpers was not for nought: However, it was the intereſt of both Parties to continue their diſſimulation.

But the Commiſſioners upon their return, having brought advice of the joyful familiarity that was betwixt the General and the Citizens, the Rump ſmelt out Monk's deſigne, and were diſtracted in their thoughts. Wherefore they forthwith ſet about the leſſening of his power in the Army;The Rump weakens Monk's authority. appointing a Committee of five for ordering the affairs of the Forces; which if they could have gone through with, the Engliſh Army being altogether averſe from Monk, they had certainly ruined his fortune.

So ſoon as Monk heard that he was made one of five Generals, being unaccuſtomed to affronts, and equally ſlighting the baſeneſs and treachery of the Rumpers, He takes it in indignation. he took greater care of his affairs: And that he might not make uſe of the counſel of Enemies and Traytors onely, he deſires a Conference with the old ſecluded Members; upon whoſe ſenſe and inclinations when he found there was more to be grounded,And ſends the ſecluded Members to the houſe. Feb. 21. and perceived them to be fit men for qualifying matters, and not averſe from his own deſignes in time, he ſent them to the Parliament attended by a guard of Souldiers.

The ſecluded Members in the mean time entring the Houſe again,The Abjurators depart. the baſer and viler ſort of the Abjurors being now in deſpair, left the Houſe. The reſt being more moderate, continued to joyn with their reſtored fellow-Members in the adminiſtration of the affairs of the Publick.

The Votes of the fuller Parliament. The Parliament being now increaſed in number, and the Vote of their own excluſion being in the firſt place repealed, they appoint Monk General of all the Forces in Britain and Ireland, and order money ſtreight to be levied for the Pay of the Souldiers. They appoint Montague Admiral of the Fleet; give liberty to Booth's Priſoners, and the Captive Citizens; in whoſe place Lambert was afterwards clapt up in the Tower.

Whilſt the Parliament was buſied in the affairs of the Commonwealth, Monk acquaints the diſtant Forces, with the reſtauration of the Parliam. Feb. 21. Monk in the mean time wholly taken up about the care of the Forces, having called a Council of his Colonels, diſpatched Letters to all the Regiments of the Army and their Officers, that were quartered up and down Britain and Ireland, to certifie them of the reaſon of the readmiſſion of the Members, with large aſſurances of their conſtancy to their old Profeſſion and Principles; and that without this Expedient there was no way to ſatisfie the Nation, or raiſe money for the ſubſiſtance of the Army or Navy.

The diſtant Regiments in the mean time wanting Money and Neceſſaries,They conſent to him. and having tried the experience of both fortunes, choſe rather to comply, and have their certain Pay, than to ſtand it out, and truſt to uncertainties.

But Monk, to make ſure of the Forces,And take an Oath to be true to the Parliament. made them all take a new Oath to be true to the Parliament; which the Colonels and Officers of his own Army, and many of the Engliſh Forces willingly did: but thoſe who refuſed or ſcrupuled, he diſarmed and caſheered. And now Monk had the ſole power over both Armies, and received all Souldiers as bound by the ſame Oath under the ſame General.

Monk before this had removed his Quarters from Whitehall to St. James's: There amongſt others, Monk quarters at S James's. Here he receives Letters from the King, by the hands of Greenvile. March 18. William Morrice was a chief Confident of the General's, a man of great ſolidity and prudence, as the times went. By his means Greenvile a Knight being introduced to Monk, and all company being removed, he privately delivered him Letters from King CHARLES.

Having read them, he makes an anſwer ſuitable to the times and the doubtful ſtate of affairs, reſolving neither to ſay too much, nor to conceal all his mind; and ſo tempered his expreſſions, that he might ſeem to reſerve a fuller anſwer in his actions. And this was the firſt ſtep to the reſtoring the Government to Charles the Second.

Greenvile returned to Bruſſels to the King with the joyful and expected news of Monk's good inclinations towards his Majeſty. But by how much the Parliament and Monk ſeriouſly applied themſelves to the ſetling of affairs, by ſo much the more the bloudy Parricides uſed all their Arts and Treachery, by ſowing Sedition in the Camp, and raiſing Tumults amongſt the Sectarians in the City, to ſtir up new Commotions; nor did Treachery end with the War.A new Conſpiracy of the Traytors. For the Abjurors having no more opportunity of doing miſchief in the Parliament-houſe, kept Cabals and ſecret Conferences with the lately-disbanded Officers of the Engliſh Army, and being cruſhed in the head, ſtung with the tail.

As to what may be gathered from the preſent actings of the Parliament, and the ſecret inclinations of Monk, (ſay they) the reſtauration of the Government of Charles Steuart is not far off: That therefore they thought to conſider in time that their affairs were in a ſlippery condition; and that without their ruine and overthrow, Charles would not mount the Throne. That the Trophies of ſo many Wars, the glorying in the aſſiſtance and protection of God, and the actions of ſo many years, would not now avail them.

That it was madneſs, after the ſlaughter of ſo many Royaliſts, the killing of ſo many Nobles, and the unparallel'd Crime of the Murder of Charles the Firſt, to expect from a young baniſhed man, and exaſperated by a long Exile, a Pardon,1660. which God Almighty would hardly give for ſo many Villanies.

That there remained then no remedy for them, but a daring boldneſs, whilſt as yet neither the Authority of the Parliament in the Houſe, nor that of Monk in both the Armies, was firmly enough ſetled. Let us therefore dare, ſay they, and re-attempt Murders, Rapines, Diſturbances of State, and all thoſe Villanies that for twenty years paſt have ſo well ſucceeded with us; rather than tamely and cowardly deliver up our Liberty purchaſed by our blouds, into the power of an Enemy, who will the more cruelly be revenged upon us, that he hath been ſo often baffled and defeated by us. Let us either by greater Crimes juſtifie the paſt, or bury our misfortunes with our lives in the ruine of the Commonwealth.

—Trahere omnia ſecum Merſa juvat, genteſ que ſuae miſcere ruinae. If we muſt ſink, we'll drown the State, And involve Nations in our Fate.

Having thus concerted a Conſpiracy, there wanted onely an opportune Leader; but then Lambert being the perſon of greateſt reputation amongſt the Fanaticks, was thought the fitteſt to undertake that Charge.

Having therefore corrupted his Keepers, Lambert eſcapes out of Priſon. April 9. he made his eſcape out of the Tower by night; then lurking privily in the City, and conſulting with the Ring-leaders of the Party, they concluded amongſt themſelves, O damnable madneſs! by corrupting the Engliſh Regiments, and raiſing Sedition in the Army, to renew a Civil War.

And ſo Lambert ſecretly poſts to Warwick, He gathers together an Army. the place appointed for their meeting: Thither came Axtell, Okey, Cobbet, Crede, and other bloudy Traytors; where being joyned by Turncoats and the disbanded Souldiers of the Engliſh Regiments, whom they had allured into their Party, they ſuddenly make up an Army; and ſo the unhappy General is once more in command.

The firſt that gave Monk intelligence of Lambert's Inſurrection was Colonel Streater, who was with a Regiment of Foot quartered in Northampton.

The Council of State hearing of the eſcape of the Conſpirators, Lambert is proclaimed a Traytor. proclaim Lambert and his Adherents Traytors. Monk in the mean time, leſt leaving the City of London, he might bring the publick ſafety in danger, reſolved to reſerve his main Force for greater occaſions, and to ſend in all haſte, ſome Horſe after Lambert to cruſh the deſigne in its Infancy.

Ingoldsby is ſent againſt Lambert. Richard Ingoldsbey acquitted himſelf like a brave man, retrieving by a bold attempt the faults, that being a Colonel under both the Cromwels, he had formerly committed. He having Orders from Monk, with a body of Horſe haſtened to joyn Streater's Foot at Northampton; and on the two and twentieth of April, being Eaſter-day, within two miles of Daventry came in ſight of the Enemy in an open Country fit for a Horſe-fight, and no leſs for flight.

Lambert, before his Forces were ripe for Action, being thus unexpectedly beſet, for a laſt proof of his Valour drew up his men in order to fight, leaving the reſt that was not in his power,Both prepare to fight, to deſtiny; and Ingoldsbey did the like: both for ſome hours mutually expecting the charge.

Whilſt thus they delayed to engage, it was reported that Lambert made ſome overtures of reſtoring Richard Cromwel, whom he knew Ingoldsbey to have been much affected to, that ſo he might ſave Stakes: But he diſdaining to ſee the force of that ſcenical Prince plaid again, they muſt come to blows. Providence appeared in the engagement:And do fight. for hardly had they begun to skirmiſh, but that many of Lambert's Horſe turned to Ingoldsbey's ſide; the reſt either daunted at the deſertion of their Companions, or the force of the Enemy, took quarters and yielded.

Which when the Commanders perceived, they began to think of running. Ingoldsbey charging then home, put Lambert hard to it; Lambert is overcome, who far below the great fame that he had acquired in Arms, his Courage ſinking with his Cauſe, and forgetting his former Reputation,And taken. tamely yielded himſelf Priſoner.

With Lambert, Cobbet and Crede were taken; but Axtell and Okey making their eſcape, delayed, but avoided not their deſerved puniſhments.

And now again Lambert, forſaken of his Friends, and a Priſoner, became ſenſible of his fortune. Yet this freſh madneſs of Rebels, had it not been ſeaſonably quelled by Ingoldsbey and Streater, would have again embrewed the Nation in Bloud and Slaughter, and turned all things into new Diſorders.

The very day that Monk muſtered the Militia of London, Ingoldsbey brought his Priſoners to Town;Is carried a Priſoner to the Tower of London. who were now led in triumph where they had ſo often triumphed by their Villanies, paſſing diſarmed through armed Souldiers. And thus the Civil Wars had an end.

Not long before, March the 17th,The diſſolution of the Long Parliament. March 17. the Long and Black Parliament diſſolved themſelves; a Parliament infamous for ſuch havock made in the State, ſo many impudent and unwarrantable Undertakings, and for the murder of Charles the Martyr; being twice garbl'd, twice turned out, twice reſtored, and at length much more happily ended than begun.

And now, on the five and twentieth of April, a new and more auſpicuous Parliament aſſembled,A new one met. April 25. being made up, according to the ancient Engliſh cuſtom, of Lords and Commons. The Earl of Mancheſter was Speaker of the Houſe of Lords, and Sir Harbotle Grimſtone of the Commons. And this conjunction of both Houſes ſeemed a natural Prelude to the Kings Reſtauration.

The People deſire a King.For the Engliſh accuſtomed to Kingly government, cried, that there remained no other way of remedying the publick Diſtempers, but a ſubmiſſion to the rightful government of Charles the Second. So was it ordered above, that God and man ſhould concur in recalling the King to his Throne. And ſo great was the fame of the Virtues and Accompliſhments of this Auguſt young Prince, that though by reaſon of a long Exile, he was by face almoſt unknown to all, and though he had not had a lawful and hereditary Title to the Crown, yet they would have courted him to accept of the Government. Nor was he leſs deſirable, when compared and put into the balance with thoſe bloudy Ʋſurpers. Nay, the compaſſionate ſenſe of his adverſe Fortune and tedious Exile kindled alſo in his Subjects an affectionate deſire of recalling him to his Right.

And the inconſiderate miſtakes of the imperious Traytors at length came to this, That the Commonwealth no leſs deſired the King, than the King the Government; and the languiſhing condition of the Publick made it as, if not more, neceſſary for the Engliſh to have a Prince, than for him to have a People.

Th • King comes to Breda. While theſe things were a doing, Charles, wholly intent upon the motions of England, leaving Bruſſels, a Town under the Spaniſh dominion, came to Breda which belongs to his Nephew the Prince of Orange;From whence he ſends Letters to the Parliament, &c. April 14. from whence he diſpatched Sir John Greenvile with Royal Letters to both Houſes of Parliament, and Letters alſo to General Monk and the Officers of the Army, to the Mayor and Common-Council of London, and to Montague Admiral of the Fleet.

Which were received with ſo univerſal a Joy and Applauſe, that the Parliament forthwith ordained him to be proclaimed KING in the City, and all over England, with the accuſtomed Solemnities, having made a Proclamation to this purpoſe.

Although it can no way be doubted but that his Majeſties Right and Title to theſe Crowns and Kingdoms, The Parliaments Proclamation. is and was every way compleat by the death of his moſt Royal Father of glorious memory, without the ceremony or ſolemnity of a Proclamation; yet ſince Proclamations in ſuch caſes have been always uſed, to the end that all good Subjects might upon this occaſion teſtifie their duty and reſpect; and ſince the armed violence, and other the Calamities of many years laſt paſt, have hitherto deprived us of any opportunity wherein we might expreſs our Loyalty and Allegiance to his Majeſty: We therefore the Lords and Commons now aſſembled in Parliament, together with the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Common-Council of the City of London, and other Freemen of this Kingdom now preſent; do according to our Duty and Allegiance, heartily, joyfully, and unanimouſly acknowledge and proclaim, That immediately upon the deceaſe of our late Soveraign King CHARLES the Firſt, the Imperial Crown of the Realm of England, and of all the Kingdoms, Dominions, and Rights belonging to the ſame, did by inherent Birthright, and lawful undoubted Succeſſion, deſcend and come to his moſt Excellent Majeſty King CHARLES the Second, as being lineally, juſtly, and lawfully next Heir of the Bloud-Royal of this Realm; and that by the goodneſs and providence of Almighty God, he is of England, Scotland, and Ireland, the moſt potent, mighty, and undoubted King. And thereunto we moſt humbly and faithfully do ſubmit and oblige our ſelves, our Heirs, and Poſterities.

The King being proclaimed throughout the City with the joyful ſhouts and acclamations of all, and all things being prepared for his reception, both Houſes of Parliament appointed an honourable body of Commiſſioners to be ſent to the King with their Letters, all men of great Quality and Birth: Obery Earl of Oxford, Commiſſioners from the Lords to the King. Charles Earl of Warwick, Lionel Earl of Middleſex, and Hereford Viſcount of Leiceſter, the Lords Berkley and Brooks, for the Lords.

Commiſſioners from the Commons. The Houſe of Commons choſe Fairfax, Bruce, Falkland, Caſtletown, Herbert, Mandiville, all Lords; Aſhley-Cooper, Townſend, Booth, Holland, Chumley, and Hollis, Knights: Who beſides Letters, carried Inſtructions with them, humbly to beg that his Majeſty would be pleaſed to haſten his long wiſhed-for return into England.

The K. Dukes, of York and Glouceſter have Preſents ſent them from the Parliament.And becauſe they knew that the Exchequer of their exiled King could not be very full, they order them to carry him a Preſent of fifty thouſand Pieces of Gold; and alſo ten thouſand to the Duke of York, and five to the Duke of Glouceſter.

Clerges, a perſon in great favour with the King, carried General Monk's and the Armies Submiſſion and Letters.

The Londoners ſend Commiſſioners and Preſents.The City of London alſo ſent twenty Commiſſioners choſen out of the Flower of the Citizens: and the wealthy Citizens preſent the King and his Illuſtrious Brothers with twelve thouſand pounds.

All things now ſucceeding beyond expectation, Monk was ſecure in his fortune, having ſo dexterouſly managed things,The Traytors with aſtoniſhment beheld the Revolution. with ſuch innocent and harmleſs Arts defeated the Snares and Arms of the Parricides, and procured the publick ſafety without bloud, that the ſame Virtue of the General was both hated and admired; whilſt the praying Sectaries in vain called upon God, who was not certainly the Lord of their Hoſts now.

The Eleventh of May the Commiſſioners ſet ſail from England,

The Commiſſioners ſail from England,

May 11. and wait upon the K. at the Hague May 16.

Sir Thomas Clerges the firſt Meſſenger of the Kings coming.

and with all dutifulneſs waited upon the Kings Majeſty at the Hague; where they were gladly and kindly received by him.

Clarges had been with him before, whom the King having firſt knighted, ſent back into England as a Meſſenger of his coming; and having ſent Letters to Monk full of expreſſions of good will and gratitude towards the General and Army, he deſigned Dover for his place of landing. In the mean time, by the Kings command, Admiral Montague (ſince Earl of Sandwich) came with the Fleet upon the Coaſt of Holland, and waited for the King before Scheveling.

And now all things being in a readineſs for his departure, the beſt of Kings, The K. went on board, May 23. with the Dukes of York and Glouceſter, came on board the Admiral. Thither they were attended by the Queen of Bohemia their Aunt, their Siſter the Princeſs of Orange, and the young Prince their Nephew; where after they had taken a glad Farewel, with a joyful Huzza of the Sea-men they ſet ſail.

Charles the Second now in poſſeſſion of his Fleet, (the firſt Pledge of his Government) which was ſpeedily to waft him over to that of his Kingdoms, with a proſperous Gale directs his courſe to Dover. Monk having received Letters by Clarges, accompanied with a numerous train of Nobility and Gentry, Monk haſtens to Dover. haſtened thither to welcome him on the ſhore, and to pay Honour to that Virtue at home, which he had reverenced at ſo great diſtance abroad.

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So ſoon as the Fleet with full ſail came in ſight, innumerable crouds of over-ſpied Spectators flocked to the ſhore, and Sea-coaſt, and to every other place from whence they might have any proſpect, being deſirous to ſee and congratulate their reſtored Prince.

The Troubles of England Compoſed by his Majeſties happy Reſtauration.

There the King lands. May 25. On the 25th of May, amidſt the roaring of all the Canon in the Fleet, ecchoed and anſwered from the Caſtle and ſhore, and, which was a more glorious ſound, amidſt the joyful and louder Acclamations of his Subjects, AƲGƲST CHARLES landed at Dover, with ſo much Piety, Gravity, and Gracefulneſs in his Countenance, that he ſeemed to be come to pay his Vows to God, the Protector of the Government. His department ſhew'd no Vanity nor Pride, but a mind rather above the reach of them, yet capable of any fortune; and ſo great was his Majeſty in all his actions, that he ſeemed more to deſerve than to deſire a Crown.

Monk receives the King upon his knees at his landing.Here Monk falling upon his knees to welcome the King, was by his Majeſty embraced, kiſſed, and raiſed from the ground; the reſt of the Nobility having alſo performed their duty, the ſame night the beſt of Kings advanced to Canterbury,

The King haſtens to Canterbury.

There he made Monk Knight of the Garter. May 27.

and next morning created Monk Knight of the honourable Order of the Garter, the moſt illuſtrious Princes the Dukes of York and Glouceſter putting the George about his neck. Here the King ſpent Sunday, and reſtored the ſervice of the Church in the Metropolitan Church of England.

May 28. He came to Rocheſter.Setting forward from hence, he lodged all night at Rocheſter, and next day upon Black heath he viewed the Forces drawn up with much military pomp and ſplendour: Forces heretofore onely brave in ſhedding of Civil Bloud, whoſe Trophies and Triumphs were then diſgraced with horrid Crimes; but now upon the return of Charles, The K. views the Army upon the Road, and praiſes them. loyally and deſervedly triumphant. The Regiments drawn up in a moſt lovely order, made an Army worthy of King Charles.

The King having by the famous Colonel Knight received the Salutations and Reſpects of the Forces in their Arms, and having praiſed them for their dutifulneſs and affection, proceeded forwards; the people ſtrewing Flowers and Leaves of Trees in the way, and in all places offering him the choiceſt marks of their Honour.

When he was come near the City,The King is welcomed by the Lord Mayor and Citizens of London. the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of London welcomed him upon their knees. The Mayor delivered his Majeſty the Sword, the Badge of his Dignity, which the King graciouſly gave him back again; and being conducted into a large and richly-adorned Pavillion, was entertained at a ſplendid Collation.

From thence with a magnificent train of Perſons of all quality, He enters London. May 29. over London-bridge he entered the City, amidſt ſuch a glorious appearance of brave and great men, that ſcarcely in any Age the triumphal Bridge of Rome ever bore a greater Pomp, or victorious Tyber ſaw, or Euphrates of old,By Tyber, Euphrates, and Tygris, are meant the Roman, Perſian, and Aſſyrian Empires, and their Triumphs. or the yet more ancient Tygris.

Along the Streets from London-bridge to White-hall, The Pomp of his entry. on the one ſide in a continued order the Trained-bands of the City were drawn up, and on the other, the Companies in their Livery-gowns, the houſes on each ſide being hung with Tapiſtry. The tops of the houſes and windows were filled with vaſt multitudes of Spectators,And Attendants. the People from all places flocking to this glorious and joyful Show.

There were no leſs than twenty thouſand richly attired on horſeback. The firſt that led the Cavalcade were ſome Troops of young Gentlemen in a various & moſt rich dreſs and ſhining Arms, with Trumpets ſounding before them. The Sheriffs of London's men with their Spears, followed after; next after whom marched ſix hundred of the chief Citizens, in Velvet-coats and Gold-chains. Then followed the Kings Horſe-guards, led by the Lord Gerrard their Captain.

With the chearful muſick of Drums, Trumpets, and Waits, next advanced the Sheriffs and Aldermen of London in their Scarlet-gowns, and their Horſes richly deckt with Trapings; their Footmen attending them, ſhining with Gold and Silver.

Then followed the Kings of Arms and Heralds in their rich Coats; and next to them the Lord Mayor, carrying in his right hand the naked Sword; and after him the Illuſtrious Duke of Buckingham, and the renowned General Monk.

And now appeared Charles, the Wiſhes of all good men, and the Joys of the happy, conſpicuous in a triumphant Majeſty: On the right hand rode the Duke of York, on the left the Duke of Glouceſter; he himſelf on a ſtately horſe in the middle, carrying all Triumphs and Diadems in his looks, which ſeemed then more than humane.

After his Majeſty, came his chief Courtiers and Servants. General Monk's Life-guard commanded by Sir Philip Howard; and then five Regiments of Horſe of Monk's Army, led by Colonel Knight.

This Triumphal Proceſſion was brought up by a vaſt body of Noblemen and Gentlemen, with red Colours fringed with Gold, in rich Attire, ſhining Arms, their Swords drawn, and Plumes of Feather in their Hats.

In this order the King marched ſlowly through the City, amidſt the ſhouts, acclamations, and joyful looks of his Subjects, which he triumphantly heard and beheld. And now entring his Royal Palace, he mounted the Throne of his Forefathers on the twenty ninth of May, heretofore the day of his Birth, and now of his Reſtauration; after he had been, ſince Worceſter-fight, ten years baniſhed his Country.

The Members of both Houſes of Parliament came to wait on his Majeſty in the Banquetting-houſe,The two Houſes come to congratulate the King. there to expreſs their joyful Congratulations for his Return, and unfeigned Loyalty to the Government; which was eloquently done by the Earl of Mancheſter for the Houſe of Lords, and Sir Harbotle Grimſtone for the Commons. The King tired out with the Fatigues of his triumphant Journey, made them this ſhort Anſwer.

I Am ſo diſordered by my Journey, and with the noiſe ſtill ſounding in my ears, (which I confeſs was pleaſing to me, becauſe it expreſſed the Affections of my People) as I am unfit at the preſent to make ſuch a Reply as I deſire; yet thus much I ſhall ſay unto you, That I take no greater ſatisfaction to my ſelf in this my Change, than that I find my heart really ſet to endeavour by all means for the reſtoring of this Nation to their Freedom and Happineſs; and I hope by the advice of my Parliament to aſſert it. Of this alſo you may be confident, That next to the honour of God, from whom principally I ſhall ever own this Reſtauration to my Crown, I ſhall ſtudy the welfare of my People; and ſhall not onely be a true Defender of the Faith, but a juſt Aſſertor of the Laws and Liberties of my Subjects.

The night following was conſecrated to Joy. The Conduits running Wine,The night-joys of the Citizens. and the whole City lighted by Bonfires. The loyal Citizens, willing to lull aſleep the memory of twenty years Calamities, merrily ſpent the night in the noiſe of Trumpets, Drums, and Volleys of ſhot.

A happy revolution of affairs from the Kings Reſtauration.The providence of God Almighty never appeared more viſible in humane affairs: for now the Golden Age returns, a Happineſs too good for our times; the bleſſed day ſhone forth, wherein King Charles being reſtored to his Country, reſtored his Country to it ſelf, and united Liberty and Monarchy, two things thought incompatible under the traiterous Uſurpers. The honour of the Laws, which makes all things firm and durable, returned: The ſplendour of the Church of England, and the ancient Rites of Worſhip, alſo returned; Piety coming in place of Sectarian Superſtition.

The King appoints a Privy Council, and Miniſters of State.The King having taſted a little of the delights of his Return, ſeriouſly ſet about the ſetling of the State, entangl'd with ſo many Civil Diſſentions, and rent by Diviſions; and in the firſt place appointed a Privy-Council, and diſpoſed of the chief places of his Kingdom and Court.

The Duke of York made Admiral. The King makes the moſt Illuſtrious James Duke of York Lord High Admiral, a Prince renowned at home and abroad, and crowned with many Victories.

The Earl of Clarendon, Chancellor. Edward Hide Earl of Clarendon, was made Lord Chancellor; in Eloquence not inferiour to the moſt famed Orators; nor in Prudence, to the greateſt Stateſmen.

The Earl of Southampton, Treaſurer. The uncorrupted Earl of Southampton, with Honour and Integrity, diſcharged the Office of Lord High Treaſurer.

The D. of Ormond, Steward of the K.'s Houſhold.The Illuſtrious charge of Steward of the Kings Houſhold, was conferred upon the Duke of Ormond, a Peer of a ſteddy Judgment, of the Honeſty of elder times, and renowned both in Peace and War.

The Earl of Mancheſter, The E. of Mancheſter, Chamberlain. whoſe Loyalty had been proved, was created Lord Chamberlain of the Houſe.

Nicholas and Morrice, two aged Knights, Nicholas and Morrice, Secretaries of State. and conſummated in buſineſs, were the Principal Secretaries of State.

Monk the Reſtorer, Monk Maſter of the Horſe, and Duke of Albemarle. formerly by the Kings Commiſſion made General of all the Britiſh Forces, is now advanced to be Maſter of the Horſe, and honoured with the Illuſtrious Title of Duke of Albemarle. For his noble Extraction gave him a claim to the Honour of the Albemarlian Family; and the bounty of the King in rewarding his good Services, an Eſtate to ſupport it.

Nor was the moſt Religious King leſs careful of the Church.Biſhops reſtored in the Church. Thoſe Biſhops who had ſurvived the fury of the Hereticks, he reſtored to their Sees; and choſe others conſpicuous for Primitive Piety, Learning, and a good Life, in place of thoſe that were dead; who with the ſame Piety and Humility that they had ſuffered the Reproaches of Sectarians, and born the Calamities of a Civil War, now in their old age carried the Miter, and governed the Church of God.

The King made Juxon Archbiſhop of Canterbury and primate of all England, Will. Juxon Archbiſhop of Canterbury. a Prelate of Primitive Piety, venerable both in his books and words; heretofore Confeſſor to Charles the Martyr, and his Aſſiſtent to the laſt, whilſt amidſt the fury and reproaches of bloudy Traytors, he took his leave of this world.

—Et nullo gemitu conſenſit ad ictum, Deſpexitque nefas— When without ſighing, he received that Blow, And bravely ſcorn'd the Villanies below.

And now it was no ſmall comfort to many, that they to whom the Parricides had formerly been liberal, were as poor as thoſe whom they had robbed: but it was fit that Clemency ſhould uſher in the new Adminiſtration of the Government; and therefore Charles imitating God Almighty in mercifulneſs,An Act of Oblivion is paſt. paſt in Parliament an Act of Indemnity and Oblivion for all his Subjects, except thoſe who had embrewed their hands in his Fathers Bloud; the reſt of the guilty Rebels being wonderfully pardoned: but whether with greater Policy or Mercy, let Poſterity judge.

The Army receives their Pay, and is disbanded.The King now ſecure in his own Majeſty, and the Loyalty of his Subjects, reſolved to disband the Army, which for ſo many years had been the Burden and Grievance of the Nation; for the paying of which, a Tax by way of Poll, was impoſed on every head in England. The Souldiers had alſo a Donative beſtowed upon them, and many of the Officers were rewarded according to their merit.

Amidſt the Joys wherewith the firſt three months of his Majeſties government was bleſſed,The Duke of Glouceſter dies, Sept. 13. Henry Duke of Glouceſter fell ſick, and was fatally too ſoon ſnatched out of this world by the Small Pox; ſo much the more lamented by the King his Brother, and by the Kingdom, that at twenty years of age he had given ſuch ſublime proofs of his Princely Accompliſhments: And this alone may ſeem an Eclipſe of the Glory of Charles, that almoſt in his own triumph, he beheld the Funeral of his dear Brother.

—Manibus date Lilia plenis, Purpureos ſpargam flores— Bring plenty of white Lillies to his Herſe, Whilſt ſad there the purple Roſe diſperſe.

The affairs of England being ſetled,The King takes into conſideration the Government of England and Ireland. Scotland and Ireland were to be taken care of: The King therefore appointed Privy-Councils of the moſt Loyal Subjects of both Kingdoms, to manage the Government, till he might adviſe about calling a Parliament in Scotland, and ſending over a Lord Lieutenant into Ireland.

After the dutiful Addreſſes of his Subjects at home, the neighbouring Kings of France, Sweden, Congratulatory Embaſſies from neighbouring Princes to the King. Denmark, and many Princes of Germany, by honourable Embaſſies congratulate the Kings happy Reſtauration; all which were outdone by the pompous and ſplendid train of the Prince Ligny, Embaſſadour from the Catholick King.

And now it was time to bring the Murderers of Charles the Martyr to their Tryals,The Kings Murderers brought to tryal. Octob. 10. many of whom were before clapt up in Priſon; others fled away ſecretly, and wandered in foraign and diſtant Countries; and ſome truſting to the hopes of a Pardon, obeyed the Kings Proclamation, and freely ſurrendred themſelves.

Therefore on the tenth of October, Harriſon, Carew, Clements, Jones, Scot, and Scroop, who had been of the number of the Judges that condemned the King, Cooke Attorney-General, the famous infamous Peters Chaplain to the Traytors, Axiell and Hacker Commanders of the Guards, were brought to the Bar, not before an accurſed and new-made High Court of Juſtice, but according to the ancient Laws of the Kingdom, before the chief Juſtices and the reſt of the Kings Juſtices, to be tryed by a Jury of Twelve men, after the uſual manner of England.

What they were accuſed of.They were chiefly charged by the Attorney-General and the Kings Council, That they the aforeſaid Traytors, and others guilty of High-Treaſon, conſpiring with an accurſed Army of Fanaticks had carried away to Priſon, King Charles, ſecurely treating a Peace with the two Houſes of Parliament, which was almoſt concluded in the Iſle of Wight. So that the Houſe of Lords being abrogated, and the founder Members of the Commons, ſix and forty Villains that remained took to themſelves the name of a Parliament, invaded the Government, and decreed to bring the King to a Tryal.

By whoſe authority theſe Parricides (an High Court of Juſtice being impudently conſtituted) had condemned and cauſed to be put to death the King of England, who was above the Laws, contrary to the will, and to the great grief of the People.

They make an idle baſe defence.To their Indictment, rightly laid and fully proved, having made many falſe and frivolous Anſwers concerning the ſupreme authority of the Parliament, which indeed in this caſe had no authority at all,And are condemned. they were by the Verdict of a Jury of Twelve men found guilty of and condemned for High-Treaſon. The ſame Verdict paſt alſo upon nineteen other of the Kings Judges, but with a different event, as ſhall be mentioned in the proper place.

On the third of October a Gibbet was ſet up at Charing-croſs near Whitehall, whither in the morning Harriſon being brought, Harriſon hang'd and quarter'd. Octob. 3. the firſt of the ſurviving Regicides both in guilt and puniſhment, with the ſame madneſs and obſtinacy as he had behaved himſelf at his tryal, the cruel Traytor affecting an undauntedneſs at his death, was hang'd and quarter'd, as he well deſerved.

CAROLE, tuis jam Victima mittitur umbris, Nec ſatis hoc fortuna putat, procul abſit, ut iſta Vindictae ſit ſumma tui— Great CHARLES, a Victim to thy Ghoſt does fall, And yet thy Fates are not appeas'd; no, all That juſt Revenge is not yet paid that ſhall.

Harriſon, rather of a baſe than low Birth, was the Son of a Butcher; bred at firſt a Pettifogging Country-Attorney: but in the heat of the Civil Wars, when the onely way to get into Power, was Fanaticiſm and Treaſon, he fled to the Rebellious Army; and there turning a furious Anabaptiſt, and advanced to be a Colonel, he grew very intimate with Cromwel, and his Competitor in Villany. But being a proud and haughty fellow, and a moſt deſperate Republican, he fell out, and was highly diſpleaſed with Oliver when he was made Protector; not that he hated the Tyrant Cromwel, but diſdained to be outſtripped, and to ſubmit to one who from a fellow-Souldier was become his Prince.

Carew came next and ſuffered the like death; Carew is hang'd. Octob. 15. but his Relations, who had ſerved the King in the Wars, obtained, as a mark of favour, the liberty of burying his body; which was the ſame night obſcurely performed.

The day following, Cook and Peters, The death of Cook and Peters. Octob. 16. in the ſame place, ſuffered the ſame puniſhment; where Peters by a drunken and baſe death, diſgraced his infamous life.

Cook was an obſcure, ragged, beggarly Lawyer, and ambitious to get a Name by any kind of Villany. Peters a Fanatical Tub-preacher, and the Jack-pudding of the Ordinances. Sometimes he was Presbyterian, and ſometimes Independant, as the ſeveral Factions prevailed. He was the firſt of the Jugglers that from the Pulpit ſounded the Trumpet to Civil War, a fellow full of talk, and had a knack of ſporting the People into Sedition, with an inſipid kind of Buffoonry and Lying, which paſt with them for Eloquence, and became a Crony of Oliver's by a flagitious compliance. October the ſeventh,Clements, Scot, Jones, and Scroop, executed. Octob. 17. Clements, Scot, Jones, and Scroop, ſuffered the ſame death upon the ſame Gibbet, without any regard had to a decent end.

Clements was heretofore a Merchant in London; a luſtful mercenary Traytor, who abuſed his Parliamentarian Authority to Whoredom and Leachery.

Jones brought nothing with him out of Wales, his native Country, but Infamy and an ignoble Extraction; he was firſt a Robber, and for his exceſſive wickedneſs preferred to be a Colonel, he married Cromwel's Siſter, who then enriched his Relations with the Spoils of the Commonwealth: nor was he leſs related to Oliver by Affinity than Villany; and to many men prejudicial by his ill nature.

Scot ſprung out of a Brew-houſe, and amongſt other Calamities of the Civil War, was admitted into the Parliament-houſe; and of all the Traytors perhaps, was the moſt inveterate Enemy to Charles the Martyr, of which Villany he bragg'd to the laſt: and ſo rejoyced in the Kings Murder, that he would have Poſterity remember him as an Author of ſo great a Crime; and beſides the murder of the King, was guilty of many other horrid Villanies.

Of all the Regicides that ſurrendred themſelves, Scroop onely was hanged: for whether by indiſcretion, or obſtinacy, he drew upon himſelf this ill fortune; or that a mans deſtiny is not to be avoided, I ſhall not determine: for after that he had ſurrendred himſelf, he ſeemed ſo much to juſtifie the Murder of the King, that he choſe rather to be looked upon as a Criminal than an humble Supplicant.

Then Hacker and Axtell at Tyburn had the reward of their Treaſon. Hacker formerly in London, Hacker and Axtell hang'd at Tyburn. Octob. 19. and Axtell in Bedford, had kept ſhops.

The Quarters of the Traytors, (their Bowels being burnt) and their Heads were ſet up upon the Gates and publick places of London.

The fugitive Regicides being ſummoned by Proclamation to appear,The puniſhment of the fugitive Regicides. were afterwards by Act of Parliament declared guilty of High-Treaſon, and their Eſtates forfeited.

Nor did the juſt ſeverity of the Parliament ſo puniſh the living, as to quite forget the dead: for the like Sentence of High-Treaſon was pronounced againſt the deceaſed Ireton, Cromwel, Bradſhaw, The bones of the deceaſed raiſed and buried under Tyburn. Jan. 30. 1660, 61. and Pride; who having, whilſt alive, uſurped the Government of the murdered King, they with no leſs impudence, when dead, were pompouſly buried in Henry the Seventh's Chappel, the burying-place of Kings of England.

The Parliament therefore ordered their Bones and ſtinking Carcaſſes to be raiſed and buried under Tyburn; and in this poſthumous diſgrace being dragg'd through the City, they had a Gibbet-interment.

I think it will not be amiſs to give the Reader an account of the Original of the laſt named Traytors, ſo famed for enormous Villanies; which here I ſhall once for all ſubjoyn.

Ireton of a mean Extraction,Ireton 's Character. was Cromwel's Son-in-law, and the Confident and Counſellor of all his ſecret Villanies; who, though to all others he was moſt hidden and reſerved, yet to this man he opened his heart; as he on the other hand was reported not onely to have kept his Counſels, but alſo to have adviſed him to act many of his worſt Villanies. He was eſteemed the beſt Orator of all the Colonels, and had a canting kind of preaching Rhetorick, more copious than eloquent.

Of Pride. Pride deſcended of unknown Parents, and was Dray-man to a Brewer; but within a ſhort time, the affairs of England being in confuſion, the rough-hewn Clown was dignified and made proud by the Title and Authority of a Colonel: nor is it certain whether he was the greater Knave or Fool.

And Bradſhaw Bradſhaw was of the fatal High Court of Juſtice, the more fatal Preſident, a Lawyer of no account at the Bar, till being bribed by money, he got himſelf a name by a moſt execrable Villany. The Scarletrobed Brauler, and hardly more innocent than Pilate, ſurpaſſed the wickedneſs of all the reſt of the Kings Murderers, by his boldneſs in condemning an innocent Prince, and adding malicious ſcoffs to the impudence of the Fact, without any Reverence to Captive Majeſty.

The Original of Cromwel. Cromwel indeed came of a better Race, but which he himſelf for ever diſgraced. The ancient dignity of his Family by the name of Williams, changed afterward by his Anceſtors, in the time of Henry the Eighth, to that of Cromwel, had its original from a Blackſmith.

And his Manners.

Catalin luxuria primum, hinc conflata egeſtas, in nefaria concilia opprimendae Patriae compulêre. Flor. l. 4.

His Youth was looſe, infamous and debauched; but having run out his Eſtate, and from a prodigal Rogue turning Puritan, and then Fanatick, like another Cataline, incited by Beggary, he ventured upon the overthrow of the State.

Bearing a mind above a private condition, he ſtill appeared as a private perſon, and had the art to ſet himſelf off undiſcerned: He had a wonderful dexterity amongſt the Fanatick Rout, (in whoſe opprobrious friendſhip he chiefly delighted) of winning upon the minds of the Rebels, ſhaking his bald pate, and ſmiling with a deceitful Countenance; he was by Nature and Art excellently diſpoſed for alluring the affections of the Diſſenters; nor do I know whether amongſt mortal men there was even a cunniner Artiſt in pretended Piety, a wickeder or more crafty man, and bolder in attempting any Villany.

But by what deceitful grinning Arts having overturned the Parliament, and murdered the King, he raiſed himſelf to Supreme Power; many great Wits and able Pens have already deſcribed: Much he did in War, but more by Perfidiouſneſs, Hypocriſie, Perjury, and Falſhood.

More cruel he was than the ancient Tyrants, whoſe Manners and Examples he imitated: with Tiberius he was ſubtile and ſuſpicacious, He had a crafty diſpoſition with a jealous head, Tacit. Annab. l. 1. p. 4. and delighted in none of his Virtues ſo much as in Diſſimulation; more eaſily concealing Hatred than Fear. Nero he acted in the ſlaughter of his beſt Country-men, nor was he unlike him in driving a Coach. His Countenance carried the bloudy complexion of Domitian,In vitâ Agricolae. and a redneſs that fortified him againſt Bluſhing.

But that he might not onely appear famous through Crimes and Villanies, by intervals he made a ſhew of ſome great actions; not from a principle of Goodneſs, but Ambition; nor out of love to Virtue, but Vanity, and future Glory. This alone was wanting to his fortune and our ſlavery, that he had neither a Son nor Succeſſour able to match him.

Pity it was that that bold Orator,Milton. or rather Bagpiper, was out of the way at the ſhameful Obſequies of the Traytors, that the ſame hand which (reproaching all Kings in Latin) vindicated the Party, and juſtified in writing the Crimes of the Parricides, now might, though a ſurley lookt School-maſter, have either made a Funeral-Oration for the deceaſed, or ſung their Praiſes in hanging Elegies; his Poetry ſurpaſſing his Oratory, eſpecially when he treated of ſuch monſtrous ſubjects.

Strangers may perhaps wonder, and no leſs our Poſterity at home, that ſuch baſe and contemptible fellows, many of them Brewers, others who drank as they had brewed, and ſpent their Eſtates; and ſome again whoſe ignominious Poverty was a ſcandal to the Nation, ſhould overturn the flouriſhing ſtate of England, and get to the top of Authority and Government.

Would we know the cauſe of it? Theſe were the Spoils, and theſe the Trophies of Hereſie; which taking its riſe from the Sermonizing Presbyterian Miniſters, increaſed by the Independants, hurried on by the Kennel of all the Sectarians, and by a kind of flying Contagion ſpread over all the Forces, could not be ſtopt till they had ſhed the Royal Bloud, ſubverted the Parliament, and made one ruinous heap of all good Subjects.

Mary Princeſs of Orange came into England Sept. 23. She died at London. Dec. 24.Some time before, (September the twenty third) the Princeſs of Orange was come into her Native Country, more fatal to her than a foreign Land, to congratulate his Majeſties return; but falling ſick of the Small Pox at London, on Chriſtmas-Eve ſhe died, being ſnatched away amidſt the Triumphs and freſh Lawrels of her Brother Charles, ſhe onely ſhared in the adverſe fortune of her Family, and renewed the Mourning wherein the Court ſtill was for the untimely death of the Duke of Glouceſter.

1661.I ſhall begin the year with the Solemnities of the Coronation of King Charles. On the two and twentieth of May, The Solemnities of the K.'s Coronation. the King from the Tower of London, as the cuſtom is at the Coronation of our Kings, paſſed through the City; where in honour of ſo great a Solemnity, the Citizens of London, in the more eminent places of the ſtreets, erected four Triumphal Arches of a vaſt height and bigneſs; elaborate Pieces of Art, and exquiſite Engines of Pomp, bearing Inſcriptions and Devices, and adorned with Painting and gilding.

The firſt Arch bore in its Frontiſpice the Triumph of Charles upon his return,Triumphal Arches. The Firſt.

To CHARLES the II. By the grace of G. K. of G. Brit. To the Beſt and Greateſt, And ever moſt Venerable, Ever moſt Auguſt; The moſt Happy & moſt Pious, Who was born for our Good, Who of his Native Britain, And of Mankind in general, Has deſerved moſt: To the Father of our Country, The Extinguiſher of Tyranny, The Reſtorer of our Liberty, The Founder of our Quiet, In memory of his happy And long-deſired Reſtitution, We Willingly and Joyfully Have placed this. S. P. Q. L.

CAROLO II. D. G. Britanniarum Imp. Optim. Maxim. Ʋbique Venerando, Semper Aug. Beatiſſimo, & Piiſſimo. Bono Reip. Nato, De Avitâ Britan. De omnium Hominum genere Meritiſſimo P. P. Extinctori Tyrannidis, Reſtitutori Libertatis, Fundatori Quietis, Ob Faelicem Reditum, Ex voto L. M. P. S. P. Q. L.

The ſecond being a Naval, bore this Inſcription:The Second.

To the Britiſh Neptune, CHARLES the II. By whoſe Authority The Sea Is free or reſtrain'd.

NEPTƲNO Britannico, CAROLO II. Cujus Arbitrio Mare Vel Liberum, vel Clauſum.

The Third.The third placed in the middle of the City, repreſented the Temple of Concord, with this Inſcription.

The Temple of CONCORD, Erected in honour of the beſt of Princes, By whoſe return The Britiſh Sea and Land being appeas'd, and By its ancient Laws reform'd; He has reſtored, Enlarged and adorned it. S. P. Q. L.

Aedem CONCORDIAE, In Honorem Optimi Principis, Cujus Adventu Britannia Terrâ Marique Pacata, Et Priſcis Legibus Reformata eſt, Ampliorem Splendidiorem que Reſtituit. S. P. Q. L.

The Fourth.The laſt exhibited the Garden of Plenty and Cornucopia's with the Statues of Bac • bus, Ceres, Flora, and Pomana, with this Inſcription:

To Plenty, and to Auguſtus. The fire of Civil War Being Extinguiſhed, And the Temple of War ſhut, This Lofty Altar Was built by the S. A. P. O. L.

ƲBERTATI Aug. Extincto Belli Civilis Incendio, Clauſoque Jani Templo, Aram Celſiſſ. Conſtruxit S. P. Q. L.

Under all theſe, the King rode on horſe-back ſtreight to his Palace in a triumphant manner with Trumpets, Muſick, and the joyful Acclamations of the People, being attended by the Nobility, his Majeſties Miniſters and Servants, the Heralds, Kings at Arms, the Kings Judges, and Knights of the Bath.

The ſolemnity of this day, The King crowned at Weſtminſter. April 23. though it was not ſo great in the number of Attendents, yet in richneſs and ſplendour of Cloaths and Arms, it ſurpaſſed the triumphant Entry of the King upon his return.

Next morning the King was in great pomp conducted to Weſtminſter-Abbey, where in his Imperial Robes, the Prelates in their Myters, and the Nobles in their Parliament-Robes, conducted him to his Throne, and the Archbiſhop of Canterbury anointed him with the ſacred Oyl. Afterwards all the ancient and uſual Ceremonies upon ſuch occaſions were performed.

¶ The Author of this Hiſtory deſigning the utmoſt brevity, hath not mentioned any of theſe Ceremonies; but Mr. Philips in his Continuation of Dr. Richard Baker's Chronicle, has very exactly ſet forth all the Rituals then uſed, but hath omitted the Coronation-Oath, and onely given an Epitom of it; and there having of late years been ſtrange Pretences raiſed upon the account of this Oath, it is thought fit to inſert the ſame here, from Mr. Sanderſon's Hiſtory of Charles the Firſt, with that variety of Circumſtances which were uſed in the Coronation here mentioned, expreſſed by Mr. Philips.

Coronation-Oath.

SIR, (ſaid the Biſhop of London) will you grant and keep, and by your Oath confirm to the People of England, the Laws and Cuſtoms to them granted by the Kings of England, your Lawful and Religious Predeceſſors; and namely, the Laws, Cuſtoms, and Franchiſes, granted to the Clergie by the Glorious King St. Edward your Predeceſſor, according to the Laws of God, the true Profeſſion of the Goſpel eſtabliſhed in this Kingdom, agreeable to the Prerogative of the Kings thereof, and the ancient Cuſtoms of the Realm?

The King's Anſwer, I grant and promiſe to keep them.

Biſhop.

Sir, Will you keep Peace and goodly Agreement (according to your power) both to God, the holy Church, the Clergie, and the People?

King.

I will keep it.

Biſhop.

Sir, Will you (to your power) cauſe Law, Juſtice, and Diſcretion, with Mercy and Truth, to be executed, to your Judgment?

King.

I will.

Biſhop.

Sir, Will you grant to hold and keep the Laws and rightful Cuſtoms which the Commonalty of this Kingdom have; and will you defend and uphold them to the honour of God, ſo much as in you lieth?

King.

I grant and promiſe ſo to do.

Then the Biſhop of Rocheſter read this Admonition to the King, before the People with a loud voice.

Our Lord and King, we beſeech you to pardon, and to grant and to preſerve unto us, and to the Churches committed to your charge, all Canonical Priviledges, and do Law and Juſtice, and that you would protect and defend us, as every good King to his Kingdoms ought to be Protector and Defender of the Biſhops, and the Churches under their government?

The King anſwered,

With a willing and devout heart, I promiſe and grant my Pardon, and that I will preſerve and maintain to you, and the Churches committed to your charge, all Canonical Priviledges and due Law and Juſtice, and that I will be your Protector and Defender to my power by the aſſiſtance of God, as every good King in his Kingdom in right ought to protect and defend the Biſhops and Churches under their government.

Then the King aroſe, and was led by the Biſhops of Dureſme and Bath and Wells, to the Communion-Table, where he made a ſolemn Oath in ſight of all the People, to obſerve the Premiſes; and laying his hand upon the Bible, ſaid,

The OATH.

The things which I have here promiſed, I ſhall perform and keep: So help me God, and the Contents of this Book.

On the eighth of May a new Parliament met, which continued many years.A new Parl. May 8. The traiterous Solemn League and Covenant is condemned & burnt. Since, the year before the Regicides had been brought to condign puniſhment, the three Eſtates of Parliament, now condemned to the flames, the Solemn League and Covenant, the Bond of the Engliſh and Scottiſh Conſpiracy, and Sacrament of the Presbyterian Villany. The ſame was done by the Parliament of Scotland and Ireland; and that which had raiſed a Civil Combuſtion, and propagated the ſame all over Britain and Ireland, is now burnt by the hand of the Hangman, and by its own aſhes expiated at length the wickedneſs of three Nations.

The puniſhment of Mouſon, Mildmay, and Wallop. Jan. 27. 1661, 62.This year was concluded, or the new begun, by the further puniſhment of Regicides: For by Order of Parliament, Mouſon, an upſtart Lord, Sir Henry Mildmay, heretofore Keeper of the Jewels to the late King, and therefore the more criminal, and Robert Wallop, on the ſeven and twentieth of January, the day whereon the bleſſed King had been condemned; were in Hurdles, with Halters about their necks, dragged to Tyburn and back again to Town, being ſentenced to perpetual impriſonment.

It was ſufficiently made out that they had been Members of that execrable High Court of Juſtice; but becauſe they had not ſigned the Warrant for the Kings execution, they were onely puniſhed by Bonds and Impriſonment.

Hazelrigg in the mean time, one of the bittereſt of all the Traytors, being ſentenced to the ſame puniſhment, pined away with anger and grief, and unable to bare his diſgrace, prevented the diſhonour and his captivity by a timely death in the Tower of London.

The Traytors that came in:The ſame puniſhment was inflicted upon the Traytors who (as we ſaid before) came in upon the Kings Proclamation: For being brought to the Bar,1662. becauſe waving all defence,Hard. Waller, • eveningham, Marten, Jam. Temple, Wayte, Tichburn, Lilburn, Downs, Penningt. Smith, Garland, Geo. Fleetwood, Roe, Millingt. Meyn, Peter Temple, Harvey & Potter. they humbly acknowledged their Crime, and that they were a Crew, moſt part of them, of ſilly ſeduced Raſcals, drawn in either by the arts or threatnings of Cromwel: they redeemed their necks from the Gallows, which they had ſo often deſerved, by a perpetual impriſonment; to which being cloſely confined, they lived to ſee their Villany puniſhed by Infamy.

But fortune was more favourable to the Traytors that came in at home, than to thoſe who fled abroad: for about that time Sir George Downing being Embaſſadour in Holland, had intelligence that three of the Fugitive Regicides, Barkstead, Okey, Barkſtead, Okey, and Corbet taken. and Corbet, being come back out of Germany, lurked in Delf. He therefore having obtained a Warrant from the States General, ſeized them, and ſent them over to England; where being brought to a tryal, Were hanged at Tyburn. April 19. they were condemned for High-Treaſon, and April the nineteenth executed at Tyburn.

They went all to death with a fanatical oſtentation of Piety. But Barkstead and Corbet approaching to their end, after many ugly delays, and cups of Strong-waters, unwillingly put their trembling necks into the Halter, which quickly put an end to the Wretches, half dead already for fear. But Okey being a man of an undaunted mind, and making uſe of his courage to the laſt, went off with the bravoury of a Souldier, and not undecently, had he ſo died for his Country.

Corbet was heretofore an inſpired prating Lawyer, more skilful in the Principles of Fanaticks,Corbet's Character. than in the Laws; he got to be a Member of that long and black Parliament, and no man was more profeſſedly an implacable Enemy to the King.

The low extraction of Okey is buried in obſcurity. Being a Tallow-chandler in London, Okey's. and weary of his poor condition, he followed the profitable Wars of the Parliament; where his daringneſs advanced him to the place of a Colonel, and at length to be one of the chief Judges in trying and ſentencing the King.

And Barkſtead's. Barkstead was heretofore a whifling Goldſmith in London, and had raiſed himſelf upon the Ruines of his Country: But thoſe who knew the cunning of Oliver in chuſing his Magiſtrates, wondered that he preferred ſo ſilly and idle a fellow, even to be a Colonel, and Lieutenant of the Tower of London, beſides other Offices.

But that kind of ſtupid fierceneſs was more uſeful to Cromwel than the cunninger knavery of others: for the Tyrant himſelf for the moſt part looked another way, and commanded the Villanies which he would not behold; ſo that this fellow, no doubt, was privy to the furious Councils of Cromwel, and a truſty Miniſter of his Protectoral Cruelty: And ſo long as he was chief Jaylor to Oliver, the barbarous Villain was never ſtartled at the ſight of the Murders and Impriſonments of ſo many Nobles and worthy Subjects. His head was ſet upon a Gate of the Tower, whereof heretofore he had been Governour, that upon the ſame Stage where he acted his greateſt Crimes, he might ſuffer his greateſt Puniſhment.

The vanity of the Regicides even to the laſt.The firſt Prodigy of the Regicides was their matchleſs impudence in putting to death the King; and their next, their obſtinacy to the laſt. For when they had murdered the beſt of Kings, to the ſhame of Chriſtianity, the infamy of the Reformation, and the univerſal reproach and malediction of Fanatick Zeal; theſe godly Regicides were aſhamed, when Treaſon ſtuck in their breaſts, to confeſs their hypocritical pretending Religion, even at the laſt gaſp. Nay, their Godlineſs made them ſo impudent, as rather to know themſelves guilty and deny it, to ſave their reputation amongſt their Brethren, than humbly and modeſtly to acknowledge their Crimes.

The Authority of Parliament was the onely thing that all of them alleadged to juſtifie their Parricide,And the cauſe of it. as if a Gang of fifty Robbers (who had ſo often violated that Authority) had been worthy of that name, when there was neither the colour nor reſemblance of a Houſe of Commons left.

Nec color Imperii, nec frons fuit illa Senatûs.

But ſince they could live no longer to do miſchief, their whole care was at their death to harden the minds of their Party by a fanatical aſſertation of dying good men: when it was rather the higheſt Judgment of an offended God, to let them fill up the Cup of their bold Indignities by a deſperate end.

It was time now for the King, The K. Think • of Marriage. who was a Batchelour, to think of Marriage, that he might leave a Poſterity for the future ſecurity of his Kingdom; and therefore communicating his intentions to the Parliament, he addreſſed himſelf to the moſt Illuſtrious Catharine Daughter of Portugal, deſcended from the ancient Race of the Family of Braganza; with the univerſal Applauſe and Congratulation of the Eſtates. And a Fleet was ſent to Portugal to bring over the Royal Bride; who having had a favourable paſſage to the Engliſh Coaſt, was by his Royal Highneſs the Duke of York met and ſaluted with Naval Solemnities at the Iſle of Wight.

The King received his Bride at Portſmouth, and was with great Solemnity, in preſence of many Nobles, there married, the Office of Matrimony having been performed by Gilbert Sheldon Biſhop of London.

The King from thence conducted his Royal Conſort to Whitehall, He marries Catharine at Portſmouth. May 22. where, after the reiterated feſtivity of the Royal Nuptials, the dutiful Complements of the Great men, and the Preſents of the Lord Mayor and chief Citizens of London, ſlighting the wanton Pleaſures of a Court, by the innocence of her Manners, and an exemplary Piety of Life, ſhe conſecrated the trancient Delights of a Palace to the ſeverer Sanctity of a Monaſtery. A Queen that wanted nothing to render her ſelf and us happy, had ſhe been as fruitful as good.

Sir Hen. Vane brought to tryal. June 2. On the ſecond of June, the laſt of the Traytors Sir Henry Vane, after a two years impriſonment, is brought at length to the Bar: where, after he had defended himſelf by ſhifts, and ſtrained querks of Law, rather than by any colourable Plea, he is found guilty of High-Treaſon.

The firſt advance he made in the career of his Villany, was in the death of the Earl of Strafford; afterwards being a great Incendiary in the Civil Wars,His Character. and equally ungrateful and perfidious to Charles the Martyr, he cheriſhed and ſtrengthened the Party of the Traytors: and though more cautiouſly than innocently, he was not preſent at the Condemnation of the King; yet after the Murder of Charles, he was very active in changing the Monarchy into a Commonwealth, and in aboliſhing for ever the Government of Kings.

But at length, when Cromwel got into the Supreme Power, being ill-affected and envious againſt all Government by a ſingle Perſon, he was neglected and laid aſide: But when the Rump came again into play, with the pretences of a Brutus or Caſſius, he ſtept again to the Helm of Government, and was one of the Committee of Safety. He was, as to Religion, a man of an inconſtant and unſetled mind, who profeſſedly hating the name of a King, was treacherous to Charles the Firſt, 1663. and envious to Charles the Second.

January the fourteenth, Beheaded. Jan. 14. 1662, 63. being brought to a Scaffold on Tower-hill, with a moſt affected ſhew of a compoſed and ſedate mind, as the reſt of the Traytors had already done, he inſiſted upon the Supreme Authority of Parliament, and ſpake much of the Presbyterian Covenant, the Engine of all our Evils, which heretofore when he was a far more refined Heretick, he had ſo often deſpiſed and laughed at.

And whilſt he ſtill perſiſted in aſſerting his own innocence, not without reproaching his Judges, Sir John Robinſon Lieutenant of the Tower, wanting patience to hear any more, interrupted him. Being vexed at this, like a mad man, he tore the written Speech that he had in his hand, and though he had never ſhew'd great reſolution amongſt his Party, yet reſolutely, or rather ragingly, he ſubmitted to the blow of the Executioner; and fell a Sacrifice to the Ghoſt of the Great Strafford, and to the Subverted Monarchy.

But Lambert, who ſtood indicted with Vane, Lambert is condemned; had better luck, and behaved himſelf with ſo much modeſty in his looks and words at his tryal, that though he ſuffered the Sentence of Death, as deſerving the utmoſt Rigour,But obtains Mercy from the King. The Duke of Ormond goes Lord Deputy into Ireland. July 9. yet he taſted the Kings Mercy, and ranſomed his Life by a perpetual Impriſonment.

About the middle of Summer the Duke of Ormond went over to Ireland as Lord Deputy of that Kingdom; there to give as great inſtances of Civil Prudence, as heretofore he had erected Trophies of Military Glory during the Iriſh War.

The Parliament now ſitting,The Ceremonies and Rites of the Church confirmed by Parl. May 29. the Convocation of the Clergie ſate alſo; and the Licentiouſneſs of Fanatical Sects increaſing, made the diſtreſſed Church look to the King and Parliament for relief: It was therefore enacted by the King in Parliament, That the Sacraments of Baptiſm and the Lords Supper, and the publick Prayers and Liturgie of the Church, ſhould be celebrated after the ancient manner of the Reformed Church of England, the Fanaticks on all hands crying out againſt it, and refuſing to conform.

The licentiouſneſs of Fanaticks.For though they enjoyed Impunity with the rewards of their Crimes, yet no gracious condeſcenſions of the King could oblige them. The Clemency of the Prince was maliciouſly interpreted by the Sects, and the Power of this indulging Monarch was grievous to theſe Fanaticks. Nor had the King granted ſo much to Traytors, but that they ſtill thought they might take to themſelves more; and the brazen-faced Sectariſts demand of the Son, the ſame liberty of Religion which had undone the Father.

And without any reſpect or reverence to Majeſty and the Laws, frequent Conventicles of ſeditious men were kept: Meetings were to be found everywere in Towns and Villages, and the Inſolence of the Rabble growing greater by the boldneſs of their Preachers and the Lenity of the King, there was nothing but a muſtering of Parties, boaſting of ſtrength, and polling of heads amongſt the Factious; all which ſeemed to threaten imminent Dangers.

The attempt of Vennet the Cooper.The year before, the Fifth-monarchy-men under Venner, raiſed the firſt Stirs amongſt the Preaching Rout; but their Fury, like the thundering Rage of Marius of old,Flor. was confined within the City, and there expired, the fierceſt of the Traytors being killed upon the ſpot, and others at length brought to the Gallows.

But this year a darker, and therefore more dangerous Conſpiracy was hatched; the ſame being the cauſe of this, as of all other Plots, to wit, a looſe and obſtinate licentiouſneſs in Religion.

Many of all Sects were concerned in it, ſeveral Officers of Cromwel's late disbanded Army, Members of the late Rump-Parliament, and many who were turned out of the Kings and Churches Lands, which they had heretofore ſacrilegiouſly purchaſed. And a ſecret Committee at London had the direction of all their Councils and Actings.

The chief deſigne of their Villany, was to kill the King and Duke of York, murder the Duke of Albemarle, ſet fire to the City, ſeize the Tower of London, rifle the Exchequer; and through the Bowels of the Nation, drive on a new Fanatical Government.

In the mean time,Infamous Libels are found. to make way to the bold Attempts of theſe Raſcals, it was reſolved, that impudent Libels ſhould be ſcattered about;Twine the Printer hang'd Feb. 24. 1663, 64. but the Papers being ſeized at the Preſs, the Printer was hanged, and payed dear for his officious medling.

But the licentiouſneſs and boldneſs of the Conventiclers growing greater and greater daily, the Parl. made an Act to put a ſtop to the ſeditiouſneſs of the People,Conventicles forbidden by Act of Parl. commanding the doors of the Meeting-houſes to be ſhut, or guarded by Souldiers, and impoſing upon Delinquents, for the firſt fault a Fine; for the ſecond, Impriſonment; and for the third, Baniſhment: that puniſhment might at length reſtrain thoſe whom Clemency could not gain.

Nevertheleſs, a War with Holland breaking forth, and the Laws being ſilent amongſt the noiſe of Arms, the domeſtick Calamity grew ſo ſtrong, that the Authority of the Juſtices of the Peace not being able to prevail againſt the obſtinacy of the Rabble, the evil catched like Wild-fire, and all future Remedies ſeemed poſthumous and unſeaſonable.1664.

Complaints of the injuries of the Dutch. The great injuries done by the Dutch to the Engliſh Merchants, having for a long time paſt unrevenged, did now occaſion great grievances, and complaining at London. Though there was no Nation upon Earth whom the Dutch deſired more for Friends and leſs for Enemies than the Engliſh, who in the late War had proved themſelves as formidable Enemies to the Hollanders, as heretofore they had been to their Enemies; yet they unjuſtly broke that Peace, which ſome years before they had diſhonourably begg'd of the Rump and Cromwel, (as being neceſſary for their intereſt) by humble Addreſſes, ſordid and baſe compliances of their Embaſſadours; and had ſince confirmed by a ſtricter League with King Charles the Second.

For to that pitch of Arrogance and Perfidy was that State of Fiſher-men, and croud of crafty Merchants, who under the Title of a Commonwealth diſliked all Monarchy, raiſed, that (beſides the detaining of the Iſland of Poloron, which they were obliged to deliver up by the Articles of Peace) they took a great many Engliſh Ships upon the Coaſt of India and Africa, What were the injuries of the Dutch. and making Prize of the Ships and Goods, made the Sea-men Priſoners, and added cruelty and ſcoffing to their Injuſtice.

They block up many Ports of the Indies which the Engliſh had long poſſeſſed with Men of War; and having unjuſtly intercepted the Engliſh Trade, they ſold to other Nations at home, at the dear rates, the Commodities which they had for a ſmall matter bought in the Indies.

They injure, Holmes, who was Admiral for the King upon the Coaſt of India and Africa, behaving himſelf modeſtly in his Commiſſion, was by thoſe Dutch Pirats, by Sea and Land, whom neither the Eaſt nor Weſt could ſatisfie, contrary to the Law of Nations, often fired upon. At which, Holmes, a man of a daring temper, and unacquainted with affronts,And provoke Holmes. being provoked, reſolved to continue no longer on the defenſive part, but to turn Aggreſſour; and therefore bringing his Guns aſhore, and planting them on Batteries, he took ſome of the Dutch Garriſons, and revenged the injuries he had received.

But with falſe Accuſations they complain of Holmes, They falſly accuſe him. who had been ſo often and baſely uſed by them, to the King, crying out againſt him as a Robber, and the cauſer of a War; as if by making a clamour firſt, they might ridiculouſly excuſe their own Treachery.

Theſe and many other Encroachments of the Dutch ſo incenſed the Parliament, The Parl. is moved at the injuries of the Dutch, and addreſs to the King. that they forthwith voted it neceſſary to revenge ſo many Injuries done to the Merchants, and a conſiderable ſupply of money to be given to the King, to carry on a War, which they judged ſafer than a doubtful and uncertain Peace.

Though the King was highly offended to hear of the Injuries done to his Subjects, and concerned in honour to right them; yet he reſolved to try other ways of adjuſting matters, before he came to force of Arms; having therefore diſpatched Letters to Sir George Downing, The King demands Reparation by his Embaſſadour; his Embaſſadour at the Hague, he demands a ſpeedy reparation of the Injuries done to his Subjects from the States. But though the Kings demands were juſt and lawful,But in vain. yet it was in vain to repreſent the Rapines of Dutch Merchants to trafficking States, ſince they who were in Authority, and ſhould have puniſhed theſe Abuſes, reaped the profit of them.

But amongſt theſe Claſhings about Injuries, a new cauſe of quarrel, not heard of till then, happened, through the treachery of the Dutch. For the year before, the States General having been oppreſſed by the frequent Piracies of the Algerines, by Embaſſadours made earneſt application to the King, that joyning his Fleet with theirs, he would help to revenge the Injuries of theſe Infidels: Nor was the King wanting to contribute to the ſafety of his Subjects, and of all Chriſtendom; but ſent Vice-Admiral Lawſon, an expert Sea-Commander, with a well-appointed Fleet, to joyn and aſſiſt the Fleet commanded by de Ruyter.

But whilſt Lawſon was wholly taken up in fighting and purſuing the Pirats Ships (of which he had ſunk and burnt many) upon the Coaſt of Barbary, De Ruyter gave him the ſlip,De Ruyter's action at Guiny. and by orders from the States directed his courſe to Guiny; where falling upon the Engliſh who were ſecure, and neither expected nor deſerved any ſuch thing, he committed no leſs Robberies upon us, than he pretended to revenge on the Algerines, but with far greater treachery.

The news of ſo baſe an action being freſhly brought to London, ſo incenſed all People, that the King highly offended, commanded all Dutch Ships in the Ports of England to be ſtopt, and all further Treaties of Pacification being laid aſide, both ſides prepare for a War.

The contumelious ſaucineſs of the Dutch. But during the preludes of the approaching War, the Dutch, a more contumelious than formidable Enemy, inflamed the rage and hatred of the Engliſh by ſcurrilous Libels, Medals, and many baſe and ſatyrical Pictures, according to the innate inſolency and barbarous vanity of that People.

De Wit the Dutch Dictator. Holland more powerful both in Wealth and Cunning, led the reſt of the Ʋnited Provinces by the noſe; and Dewit Holland, a man of a crafty and ſubtle Wit, malicious Eloquence, and of more reputation for cunning Policy than Honeſty. The greatneſs of the Family of the Prince of Orange, and the vaſt power of the King of Great Britain by Sea, ſtood in the way of the Artifices of this arrogant man, and of his own Holland.

To ruine therefore the Prince and Family of Naſſau, he raiſed ſecret jealouſies againſt him;His Character and Arts. and by leſſening the authority of Orange with the States, he alone managed all affairs, and under colour of ſtanding up for the liberty of the Commonwealth, ruled abſolutely at his pleaſure; and ſo confident of himſelf grew this Butter-box, that having trode upon the Dignity of the Prince at home, he thought that by turns he might make fools of all the Kings of Europe. He hated the King of Great Britain the more, becauſe he feared him; and ſince, through ſimilitude of Manners, he had been a great friend to the Traytor Cromwel, he was therefore the more implacable Enemy to King Charles. Certainly, next to the inſatiable Avarice of the Dutch Nation, all the hatred of that People to the Engliſh, is to be attributed to Dewit and his Faction.

To ſo great an Arrogance were the Dutch raiſed,The confidence of the Dutch, and why. that it was given out amongſt the People, That the affairs of England were not in ſuch a poſture, that the Civil War of England being juſt ended, they had money enough ſtill to make War abroad; nor that the King was, as yet, ſo well ſeated in the Government, that he could revenge the Injuries of the Dutch: that it was not ſafe for him to truſt Arms in the hands of his Subjects, which afterwards they might be unwilling to lay down.

That the Engliſh were not now the ſame Enemies as the Dutch had found them to be under the Rump-Parliament; that the warlike fierceneſs of that Nation was gone with the Sectarians, and that there remained amongſt them none but a company of ſilly Cowards: That there were a great many Fanaticks in England, who perhaps would fight for the Dutch againſt the King, or at leaſt would not fight for him againſt thoſe who were for liberty of Conſcience. Nor was there wanting a great many of our fugitive Traytors amongſt the Dutch, who made theſe falſe reports to be believed.

The bloudy War which broke out the year following, was uſhered in by the taking of Ships on both ſides; Alan's action. and Alan with a Fleet of Engliſh Ships, for ſecuring the Merchant-men, and anoying the Dutch in the Mediterranean, fell upon the Dutch Smirna-Fleet in the Streights upon their return homewards; and having killed them many men, ſunk ſome Ships, Brakell the Admiral of the Fleet being ſlain; he took and brought off four of the Enemies Ships, which was the firſt booty and glad Omen of the War; but one of them richly laden, being much ſhattered and leaky, foundered in the greedy Sea.

The K. viſits the Colledge of Phyſicians of London. April 15. 1665.Nor was the King ſo wholly taken up with the thoughts of the approaching War, but that he alſo minded other affairs, and his innocent diverſions; he therefore on the fifteenth of April viſited the famous Colledge of Phyſicians of London, and was received very honourably by the Doctors.

There he ſaw the Marble Statue of Harvey the chief Pilot of the Blouds Circulation; and heard the Preſident Ent, with equal Eloquence and Art, reading upon the myſteries of Anatomy, whom there he knighted: There he ſaw the chief Phyſician Bates, renowned in the skill of Phyſick and of Latine; and Fraſer his chief Phyſician ſince; and Gliſſon, excellent in Medicine and Philoſophy; and ſucceſsful Micklethwait; and much-eſteemed Cox; and Scarborough, accompliſhed in all Natural Philophy, and no leſs famous amongſt the Muſes; with Wharton the Secretary of the Glandules; and acute Merret: 1665. beſides many others eminent in the Art of Curing; to whom at length were aſſociated, Willis the great Reſtorer of Medicine, but of too ſhort a life, with Lower and Needham, who have illuſtrated the Faculty by their Writings.

And now was the Royal Fleet ready to ſet ſail,The Royal Fleet ready to put to Sea about the end of April. The chief Commanders, divided into three Squadrons, the firſt commanded by the Duke of York Lord High Admiral of England; the ſecond, by the moſt Illuſtrious Prince Rupert; and the third, by the Earl of Sandwich, famous in Expeditions at Sea.

The other Flag-Officers of the Fleet were Lawſon and Alan, And Flag-Officers. lately returned from the Mediterranean; Jordan, Spragg, Smith, Meens, and Tiddiman, all famous Sea-Commanders.

Many perſons of great Quality went Volunteers to Sea;Volunteers. and though they had no command in the Fleet, yet they thought it honourable in ſo juſt a War to try their fortune with the Duke of York.

The Fleet conſiſted of about an hundred Men of War,The number of Ships and men in the Royal Fleet. They ſet ſai • April 22. having on board to the number of about thirty thouſand Sea-men and Souldiers; and on the two and twentieth of April weighed, and with joyful Huzza's, full Sails, and flying Streamers, ſailed over to the Coaſt of Holland, and came to an Anchor before the Texel; the Enemy in the mean while, for all their bragging, not daring to come out.

His Royal Highneſs in the mean time,The Royal Fleet blocks up the Coaſt: in the Royal Fleet, rode Maſter of the Seas; and many Dutch Ships returning home in ſight of the Shore, fell into the hands of the Engliſh, as Booties caſt into their way by Providence.

But his Royal Highneſs, And the Enemy delaying to come out, returns back to the Engliſh Coaſt. more deſirous of Fighting than Prey, after he had expected almoſt a month the coming out of the Enemy upon their own Coaſt, Victuals and Proviſions growing ſcarce, came back again to the Engliſh Coaſt, giving them opportunity, if they had a mind to fight, to come out.

The Dutch Fleet comes out.But now the Commanders of the Dutch Fleet, moved with the diſgrace of being blocked up, but more at the Reproaches and Execrations of the people, uſe all diligence to bring out their Ships.

The number & Commanders of it.The Fleet of the States General conſiſted of above an hundred ſail of Men of War, in ſeven diviſions, which were commanded by Opdam, Trump, Cartener, Schramp, Stillingwolfe, Cornelius and John Evertſons; Opdam in the mean time being Admiral. But as the Dutch ſtood out to Sea, a Fleet of Engliſh Merchant-men coming from Hamborough, They take the Engliſh Hamborough Fleet. in the dark of the night, by miſtake, fell in amongſt the Enemies: nor were they ſenſible of their Captivity, till it was too late to flie for it; and ſo they payed dear for their unhappy and prohibited Voyage.

The taking of the Engliſh Merchant-men was to the Enemies ſo joyful a preſage of a future Engagement, that directing their courſe towards England, they reſolved not to expect the coming of the Engliſh; but, not doubting of ſucceſs, to attack them in their own Coaſt. His Royal Highneſs in the mean time was at Anchor with his Fleet near Harwich; where ſo ſoon as he was advertiſed by his Scouts that the Enemy approached, rejoycing at the long wiſhed-for occaſion of an Engagement, on the firſt of June, ſetting his Fleet in order with all the expedition he could, he ſteers directly againſt the Dutch.

Next day he came in ſight of the Enemies Fleet: by night they were got near to one another; and on the third of June, with the day, the Fight began. A Sea-fight, June 3.

The Fleet being drawn up, undaunted Prince Rupert was in the Van; in the Body of the Fleet was the Duke of York; and the Earl of Sandwich in the Rear, an expert Commander at Sea; the Enemies Fleet being in order to engage them.

The firſt ſhot that was fired, was from Prince Rupert's Squadron: And both Fleets, as yet, fought with their great Guns at a diſtance. The Engliſh had the wind; which the Dutch on the other hand ſtrove to gain, it being weſterly: but whilſt both Fleets ſtrive for the wind, the order of the Ships engaged changing, the middle of the Engliſh Fleet came up with the front of the Enemies; and Lawſon, who commanded the next Ship to the Admiral, bearing in amongſt their Fleet, they came by a cloſer engagement to try the fate of both Nations.

By and by the Admirals of both Fleets by chance engaged together. There was great ſlaughter on both ſides, and it was a bloudy Victory to his Royal Highneſs: for whether by careleſneſs or our ſhot, fire got into the Powder-Room, Opdam's ſhip blown up. and preſently blew up Opdam's Ship. He flying up into the Air, prevented a ſhameful flight with his Fleet; and falling again into the Sea, —Animam morti non redidit uni. Reſigned his life to ſeveral deaths.

The loſs of the Admiral was attended with the overthrow of his Fleet; and the Engliſh redoubling their courage, bore in more furiouſly amongſt the Enemies. But the Dutch Fleet wanted both ſtrength and courage to continue the Engagement longer,The Dutch put to flight. and with full ſail run for it. Now it was no more an Engagement, but a Purſuit, accompanied with ſlaughter, and the uſual calamities of Fugitives: for four of the Enemies Ships, in the haſte and conſternation of the flight, falling foul of one another, Dutch Ships burnt. were by an Engliſh Fire-ſhip burnt all together. Three more of their Ships being afterward in the ſame manner peſtered together, were by the next Fire-ſhip likewiſe ſet on fire and burnt.

Then were many of the Dutch Ships taken, and more ſunk; nor was there any end of deſtroying and purſuing, till it was dark night. The Purſuit continued next day with the ſame vigour, and the Dutch fled with the leſs ſhame, that they had the Duke of York to follow them.

This was a famous Victory, nothing ſhort of the ancient Atchievements of the Engliſh; five thouſand of the Enemies being killed or taken,The Commanders of the Dutch Fleet killed. and Opdam, Cartener, Stillingwolfe, and Stamp, the chief Commanders of the Dutch Fleet, dying in the Engagement.

There were about eighteen Ships burnt, ſunk, and taken. Many of the Enemies ſwimming in the Sea after the Ships were burnt or ſunk, his Royal Highneſs, who is merciful in his anger, cauſed them to be taken up, having for that purpoſe ordered out Boats. For why ſhould they die, who hardly deſerved to live?

Volunteers killed in the Engliſh F • eet.It was a greater than joyful Victory to the Engliſh, the flower of the Honorary Volunteers being ſlain: Juſt by the Duke fell the Earls of Portland and Fulmouth, the Lord Mufcarrey, and a Warlike Youth the Son of the Earl of Burlington, who joyfully ſacrificed their lives to the Honour of their Country, and to that Victory wherein they had the Duke of York for a Witneſs of their Valour, and a Bewailer of their Deſtiny. The valiant Earl of Malborough, and Rear-Admiral Sanſon, died alſo in the Bed of Honour.Lawſon dies. Lawſon being wounded in the thigh, ſix weeks after died with Honour and Reputation: And though being in a dying condition, he could not make uſe of the Triumphant Victory to which he had largely contributed, yet he taſted of the pleaſure of it. There were not many killed nor ſlain, and onely one Ship loſt. And thus his Royal Highneſs brought home the Royal Fleet loaded with Triumph and the Spoils of Victory.

And whilſt the States of the Ʋnited Provinces were taken up in puniſhing the cowardiſe of Commanders, King Charles in the mean time conferred Honours upon his deſerving Officers; and knighted Alan, Smith, Jordan, Meens, Tiddeman, and Spragg, for their brave and good ſervices.

The Dutch Fleet, in the mean time fighting ill, De Ruyter is abroad at Piracy. having been ſoundly-beaten, De Ruyter in his Piracies abroad had ſomewhat better fortune. After the action at Guiny he attempted other Engliſh Iſlands in America. From Barbadoes, Attempts Barbadoes. April 20. an Iſland well fortified and defended, he was repulſed with diſgrace. From thence ſailing to New-found-land, and having eaſily maſtered it, he made prize of all he found there; Spoils New-found-land. and having cruelly uſed the Inhabitants, plundered them of all, and waſted the Iſland, he returned home. Upon his return he was immediately from a Pirat advanced to be Admiral,Is made Admiral. being the onely perſon judged worthy to ſucceed Opdam in the command of the Navy.

But for this year the Dutch were ſufficiently cowed, as no more to fight the Victorious Engliſh by Sea. Wherefore the Duke of York, who liked better to overcome than to ſpoil his Enemies, ſeeing there was no hopes of any farther Engagement, ſpent the remaining part of the year on ſhoar.

But Sandwich being made Admiral of the Royal Fleet, ſet ſail again towards the Coaſt of Holland, The Earl of Sandwich braves the Dutch. and offered, though in vain, a ſecond Engagement; but the Enemy could not be overcome, till they were found.

The States in the mean time, after their Fleet of War was diſabled and beaten off of the Sea, were in no ſmall fear and apprehenſion for their Eaſt India Fleet, which was upon the way homeward richly laden; nor was the eagerneſs of the Engliſh leſs, to catch the Booty: But that Fleet having intelligence that Holland was blockt up by the Engliſh, and thinking it ſafer to ſhelter themſelves in another Dominion, put into Bergen, a famous Harbour in Norway.

The Royal Fleet attacks the Dutch Eaſt India Fleet in Bergen. Part of the Royal Navy haſtened thither; and ſending five Frigats into the Harbour, they attacked the Dutch Ships that lay ſecure under the protection of the Caſtle and ſhore; nor did it ſeem difficult to have taken them, had not the Engliſh, contrary to expectation, found another Army to deal with, the Danes firing upon them from the Caſtle. The Engliſh, greedy of the Prey, were a little too raſh in running themſelves into the danger of a double Enemy; but their Valour made amends for their boldneſs.

A ſharp Diſpute continued for almoſt ſix hours, to the vaſt damage of the Goods on board the ſhattered and torn Ships; and to no ſmall loſs on our ſide, eſpecially from the Caſtle: but at length, after a proof of great but unſeaſonable courage, to prevent greater loſs and ſlaughter, the Fleet retrea • ed: and ſeeing they could not enjoy the ſpoils of the Enemy, they had the ſatisfaction to embezile and ſink them, as if they had got, when the Enemy loſt.

A Plague breaks out in London. But amidſt the Triumphs of War, the Joys of the Victorious Engliſh were ſhort and interrupted: for this was a doleful year, through the breaking out of a raging Plague, not occaſioned by an influx of the Stars, nor the French Pox degenerating into a Contagion, as ſome idle men dreamt; but as it was more credibly reported, by the infected Goods that were brought from Holland into England: ſo that when the Dutch Arms could not beat us, their Contagion overcame us.

After it had by the ſpace of almoſt one whole year,And then rages over England. raged in London, and ſwept away infinite numbers of people, it ſpread over many other and far diſtant Cities and Towns of England. Nor could the Contagion be ſtopt by any humane arts or skill of Phyſicians, before it had carried away above two hundred thouſand Souls within leſs than two years time; neither were the days and nights long enough for the dying to expire in, nor Church-yards big enough to contain the bodies of the dead, though they were heaped together into Graves.

The King and Court leaving the deſolate City,The K. went to Oxford. removed to Oxford, as yet clear from infection, and ſeated in a wholſome Air: thither alſo went the Judges and Courts of Juſtice.

The Nobility, Gentry, and rich Citizens, in the mean time, avoiding all confluence of people, lurked everywhere in Country-houſes and Villages. The onely perſons of great Quality that ſtayed in London, were the Duke of Albemarle and Earl of Craven; which was both a comfort and ſafety to the City, in ſo great a Deſolation and Mortality of the Citizens.

The Plague at length ceaſing in London, The K. returned to London. Feb. 1. 1665, 66. the earneſt deſires of the Citizens invited back the King, who on the firſt of February returned from Oxford to London; where the Bonfires during the night, expreſſed the hearty Joys of the People, glad to ſee their Prince, and that he ſaw the City now again in health.

Neighbouring Nations as yet looked at a diſtance upon the bloudy War betwixt the Engliſh and Dutch. But Louis the French King, powerful in men and money, after he had for ſome time ſtood neutral, thought and hoped that the Dutch and we having mutually weakened and tired our ſelves out in War, he might have a fair opportunity to raiſe his power at Sea, though the genius of that Nation ſeems not to be cut out for that profeſſion.

War proclaimed in London againſt the French. Feb. 10. He therefore ſmoothed up the Dutch with promiſes of aſſiſting them with his Fleet, being willing that they ſhould have the dominion over the Seas, whom he intended to conquer by Land; and thereupon declared War againſt the Engliſh, which was reciprocally proclaimed in London againſt the French. In the ſame condition we ſtood with Denmark, that the triumphs of Charles might be the larger.

Now beſides the Dutch (our Rivals at Sea) the Engliſh Valour alone, as yet unſhaken, reſiſted the threatning French and Denmark then alied with Holland, as was equal to them all.

The affairs of England never ſucceeded better at Sea, than under the auſpicious conduct of his Royal Highneſs James Duke of York, who always prefered the welfare of his Country before his own life; yet he was dearer to the King and Kingdom, being the ſecond hopes of Britain, than that his Princely perſon, born to the higheſt Honours, ſhould be any more expoſed to ſo mean and baſe an Enemy.

1666.Therefore in the year one thouſand ſix hundred and ſixty ſix, Prince Rupert and the D. of Albemarle, Commanders of the Fleet. The Prince is ſent againſt the French Fleet. May 29. Prince Rupert and the Duke of Albemarle were pitched upon for the command of the Royal Navy; who going on board equal in Power and Concord, they put to Sea with a Fleet well appointed for War: but preſently after, Prince Rupert, by Letters from the Privy-Council, has orders ſent him in all haſte, with twenty good Frigats of the Fleet, and others lying at Portſmouth, to ſtand over for the Coaſt of France, and hinder the French Fleet from joyning the Dutch.

I would to God it had not been judged of ſuch an importance to make ſo great an effort to hinder the coming up of an Enemy, who would not have much injured us, nor aſſiſted their Friends; nor was there any thing to be feared from the French Fleet, after the late overthrow of the Dutch.

But they laying hold of the opportunity of the Engliſh Fleet being divided,In the mean time the Dutch Fleet offers Albemarle an Engagement: and never fighting but by wiles, and upon the advantage of number, with fourſcore and five Men of War, attack the Royal Navy, now much diminiſhed in number. With Albemarle there were not above fifty Frigats; but he being a General without fear, unacquainted with flight, and judging nothing too hard for his fortune, deſpiſed the Enemy, which ſo far ſurpaſſed him, as if they had been inferiour to him in number, ſo confident a thing is Courage;And they fight. June 1. and preferring Glory before Safety, on the firſt of June, the day being pretty far advanced, he drew up his Fleet and bravely engaged the Dutch. Here number ſtrove with Valour; but the Sea being rough, the Engliſh could not then uſe their lower tire of Guns, which never failed to ſhatter and tear their Enemies.

Albemarle did great actions in this Engagement, and everywhere behaved himſelf bravely, being fearleſs amidſt the thickeſt dangers, and bold to admiration; for bearing down with his own Ship upon the Enemies main Fleet, he broke quite through them, furiouſly firing on both ſides, till at length having given and received great loſs, and being diſabled in his Maſts, Sails and Rigging, he bore off. Part of the Royal Fleet defended the Duke, whilſt he refitted his Ship; and the reſt continued obſtinate in the Engagement, till they were parted by the night.

In this Engagement four Dutch Ships were burnt, and a Vice-Admiral and another of a leſs value, ſunk. And the Dutch took three Engliſh Ships, who being ſeparated from the reſt of the Fleet, were engaged at a diſtance.

The Royal Fleet in the mean time ſuffered moſt in their Rigging and Tackle; but all things by the diligence of the Sea-men being repaired in the night-time, next morning, the ſecond of June, Albemarle having called the Commanders to a Council of War on board his own Ship, ſpake to them to this purpoſe: HAd we been afraid of the double number of the Enemy, we ſhould have ran for it yeſterday; but though we be inferiour to them in Ships, in all things elſe we have the better on't. Number made the Dutch bold, and Courage us; let us reflect upon that Fortune, upon that Valour which heretofore the Dutch have felt to their woful experience; we have the ſame Enemy to deal with, whom we have ſo often beaten, and made it our cuſtom ſo often to overcome. Let our Adverſaries find to day, that though our Fleet be divided, our Courage is entire; and when we conſider our own Glory and ancient Renown, how much more honourable will it be to die not unrevenged upon the Seas, than to be carried Priſoners in our own Ships, as a Spectacle of Triumph to the Dutch? It is leſs diſgrace to be overcome than to flie; and Death is to be preferred before Fear.

The Fight is renewed. June 2. The Fleet thus encouraged, equally deſpiſing their own ſafety, and their too numerous Enemy, and being eager to retrieve their Honour, all deſire an Engagement; and Albemarle, confident in his own Valour, and in the eagerneſs of his Souldiers, declined not the Fight; ſo that both Fleets fell to it afreſh, and engaged Pell-mell.

The Engliſh, whoſe courage is redoubled by danger, put the Enemy hard to it, though they had had a freſh ſupply of Ships, Men, and Ammunition from Holland. The Royal Fleet being incompaſſed by ſo many Dutch Ships, had nothing elſe to truſt to but to fight ſtoutly, and make way for themſelves in the beſt manner they could, till at length many of the Engliſh Ships, being diſabled in their Sails and Rigging, ſtood away, and left the reſt to deal with and maul the Enemy. The Dutch ſunk one Ship of the Royal Fleet, and we our ſelves deſtroyed another that could not be brought off. The Dutch in the mean time had but one Vice-Admiral Ship burnt; and in this days Engagement with ſo numerous an Enemy, it was a harder thing for us to keep our ſelves from being beaten, than it was many times heretofore to have overcome them.

But after that with more than humane force and courage they had aſſerted their own Honour and the Glory of Britain, The Royal Fleet thinks of retreating. June 3. leſt they might make that Engagement which the reſolution of the Engliſh had rendred famous, by an inconſiderate boldneſs, to be thought raſh; it was next day reſolved in a Council of War, to ſend off firſt the diſabled Ships, draw up the reſt that were in a condition of fighting, which were not above ſixteen, to make head againſt the Enemy, and ſo to make the ſafeſt retreat with the Fleet they could.

Aſhamed they were, and no leſs encouraged at the diſgrace, that they who were uſed to command the Seas, ſhould now decline the Enemy whom they had ſo often purſued; And Albemarle ſtood on the Quarter-deck, flying with threatning looks, and terrible to the Enemy in his very retreat: the boldeſt of whom that durſt approach him, with his Stern-Guns he either beat off or ſunk; nor did over-powered Valour give o're: and they who fled, had m • re courage to flight than thoſe that purſued.

But now Fortune ſeemed to repent that ſhe had not ſeconded the Valour of the Engliſh Nation. For during this ſharp Engagement, the noiſe of the Guns had reached the ears of Prince Rupert, who at a great diſtance was in ſearch of the French Fleet, though in vain; he therefore tacking about, made all the ſail he could to come into the aſſiſtance of his Friends, inflamed with the deſire of fighting. The ſight of his Ships was as joyful to our men, as formidable to the Enemy.

Prince Rupert opportunely rejoyns the Fleet.But Albemarl's Fleet had the ill fortune to take the neareſt courſe to joyn the Prince, who was ſo luckily come: For the unskilful Pilates haſtening too raſhly, ſteered upon Shelves and Banks, where many ſtruck; but though the reſt got off again, yet the Prince, a Man of War that deſerved better fate, commanded by Sir George Askeugh, being ſo far got on as they could not bring her off, was burnt by the Enemy; and Askeugh being taken, was afterward carried in triumph into Holland.

The Royal Fleet being now rejoyned, on the fourth of June give chace to the Dutch, daring them to another Engagement. Hopes of Victory incited the Prince and Albemarle to revenge; but which of the two had greateſt Courage, it is hard to determine.The Fight is again renewed June 4. And now a fourth time they fall to it, in as memorable and fierce an Engagement, as perhaps ever happened upon the Ocean; though after three days fighting, they now contended with greater fury than force.

The Prince with his freſh and entire Squadron had the Van, carrying in his looks the reſolution of his mind: Albemarle followed after, ſpurred on with new deſires, from the ſupplies of others, having received freſh Vigour to himſelf; but the Enemies Fleet kept at a diſtance, not daring to come to a cloſe Engagement; until Prince Rupert, deſirous to make an end of the matter, with his uſual undaunted Courage, fell in amongſt the thick of the Dutch, and ſunk and put to flight many of them; and had not Albemarl's own Ship been extreamly diſabled in the former Engagements, and had not an unlucky ſhot of the laſt of the Enemies Ships, towards the evening brought the Maſt of Prince Rupert's Ship by the board, and ſo hindred the purſuit,The Dutch Fleet flies. They had been able to have given a far better account of the Dutch in this days Engagement, who now ſtrove who could run faſteſt. But the Dutch found by this days experience, that the Engliſh, equal or unequal in force, were invincible, and that they muſt ſubmit to the fortune of Charles.

The Enemy being now everywhere put to flight, The Royal Fleet puts into Harbour. June 6. the Royal Fleet ſeemed the more joyful that they had conquered the greater dangers, and ſo ſtood over to their own Coaſt, and put into Harbour to have their Ships refitted, which was done with all diligence.

In the mean time the Dutch gave it out, that they had got the Victory, becauſe they came off ſo well; and after that they had celebrated a Mock-triumph over the Engliſh at home, with a more ridiculous ſillineſs, they bragg'd of their Victory abroad, to the ſcorn and deriſion of Foreign Nations.

And having ſpeedily patched up a Fleet, The Dutch dare the Royal Fleet. they come in ſight of Harwich, and dared the Engliſh upon their own Coaſt; but with no deſigne of fighting, as appeared afterward,The Royal Fleet ſets out to engage them July 17. but onely out of a Dutch vanity, and a falſe perſwaſion of a Victory: for ſo ſoon as upon the ſeventeenth of July the Royal Fleet had put out to Sea again, the Enemy bore off, truſting more to their Banks, than their Courage.

And engages the Dutch. July 25.On the twenty fifth of July, Prince Rupert and Albemarle engaged the Dutch on their own Coaſt; nor did they decline the Engagement, not out of confidence, but being compelled to be bold, and truſting to the neighbourhood of the ſhore, and the nature of the Coaſt.

There was a hot Diſpute on both ſides for almoſt four hours; but the Dutch ſuffering more in their reputation than in other loſſes, tacked about, and made all the ſail they could to be gone, the report being,The Dutch flie. that de Ruyter's Ship gave them the example of flying. The Royal Fleet purſued after with continual thundring of Guns, until the Enemies having got behind their Banks, the Engliſh were in greater danger from the Banks and Shelves of their Coaſt, than from the flying Enemy.

A Squadron of Ships, under the command of Trump, ſtood it out ſtill, and was attacked by a part of the Royal Fleet that was in the rear; but after a bloudy Engagement, they were forced in the night-time to follow the fortune of the reſt, and ſhift for themſelves upon the Coaſt of Zealand.

Jordan ſunk de Ruyter's Fire-ſhip; and in the Fight were taken Banker the Vice-Admirals Ship, and the ſtouteſt Ship of Harlem, both which were burnt by the Engliſh, who were more intent upon the Battel than the Booty. Everts Admiral of the Zealand-Squadron, Tirich Hides of the Frieſland, Vice-Admiral Conder, and ſix Captains of Ships were killed. The Engliſh loſt onely one Ship, commanded by Captain Hannam, which after the Seamen had eſcaped, was burnt by the Dutch.

The Royal Fleet was more troubled at this baſe flight of the Dutch, than they were at the dangers of the former Engagement; and they were vexed that the cowardly running of the Enemy ſhould have cut them ſhort of a more triumphant Victory. But the Dutch always preferred a whole skin, though with a diſhonourable flight, before Honour with danger.

Now did the Royal Fleet again block up the Dutch Coaſt, that they might keep the Seas, The Royal Fleet blocks up Holland. and make them aſhamed of their overthrow; who now being ſo often beaten, were forced in their skulking holes, to acknowledge the proweſs of the Engliſh; and ſeeing no Enemy appeared, the Merchant-ſhips that were daily taken, ſuffered what the Fleet better deſerved.

But the Engliſh were unwilling to be idle upon the Dutch Coaſt, and therefore Prince Rupert and the Duke of Albemarle ordered out Sir Robert Holmes, a man of great undertaking, to the Ʋly; Holmes ſails to the Uly; who ſailing thither, and having left a guard of Ships at the entry into the Harbour, he took with him five Fire-ſhips, and one Frigat, beſides Pinnaces and Boats manned with Souldiers and Sea-men, and boldly entring in, he burnt all the Ships in the Harbour to the number of one hundred and fifty Sail, many of them Eaſt India Ships laden.And there burn 150 ſhips. The Town of Schilling was afterwards taken and burnt, and the Plunder given to the Souldiers. And Holmes having ſhared the glory and danger with his men, came ſafe off, leaving behind him a blazing Bonfire of Ships, and an amazement amongſt the Enemies.

The Enemy having now wholly abandoned the Sea, the Prince and Albemarle ſteered their courſe back again to England, leaving the terrour of their Names behind them.

After a tryal of Fortune both ways, The Dutch Fleet ſails for France. Aug. 16. the Dutch prevailing neither with equal nor greater force, they apply themſelves to the French for the aſſiſtance ſo often promiſed and ſo often delayed, and turning their ſails and deſires towards France, they endeavoured in another Country to raiſe up an Enemy to the King of Great Britain.

Upon the news of the Enemies being out again at Sea, the Royal Fleet preſently ſet ſail from England, and beyond Calis blockt up the Dutch on the French Coaſt; but a ſtrong Eaſt Wind blowing, and the Sea being very tempeſtuous it was not ſafe for the Engliſh to keep out longer at Sea. They therefore bear away to St. Helens Point, a very fit place to intercept the French Fleet, that then was at the Rochell.

The Fire of London. Sept. 2.But ſo many fortunate ſucceſſes over conquered Enemies abroad, were quaſhed by a ſudden and moſt diſmal Calamity at home; as if the beams of our ſhining Fortune were always to be intermixed and ſet off by Adverſities: For on the ſecond of September, a Lamentable Fire broke out in London; a ſad Judgment of an offended God againſt England. The Fire began in a Bakers houſe in the lower part of the City near Thames-ſtreet, amongſt old rotten houſes apt to catch fire, and full of combuſtible Goods. The darkneſs of the night putting all things into terrour and confuſion, increaſed the horrour of the Calamity. The Citizens being frightened, delayed the uſe of timely Remedies; and which was no ſmall acceſſion to the Evil, the people neglecting too much their houſes, were too fatally ſet upon the haſty removing of their Goods, which were yet at length devoured by the nimble flames.

The raging Eaſt Wind that had much incommoded the Engliſh Fleet at Sea, did far greater damage in the burning City, by carrying the force of the flames through the greateſt part of London. The Conflagration grew ſoon inſuperable by the blowing of the Wind; which raiſing in a moment the fire from the bottom to the tops of the houſes, and ſcattering flakes in all places, it grew too ſtrong for the endeavours of thoſe that laboured to quench it. Here the blazes of ruddy flames were to be ſeen, and there the craſhing of falling houſes to be heard; and which was the ſadeſt Spectacle under the Sun, the doleful looks of ſo many Citizens, the wailings of deſolate women, and the cries of children and decrepit aged people: And in the forſaken ſhops of the wealthy Inhabitants, numbers of Thieves and Pilferers, greedier of Booty than the fire, villanouſly skulked.

No man that had a ſenſe of humane Miſeries, could ſee, and not be affected with the diſmal ſpectacle of the Ruining City of London. Now were there to be ſeen almoſt an hundred Churches conſecrated to God, and many Hoſpitals, the Monuments of ancient Piety; beſides other publick Buildings, raiſed at the vaſt charges of our Anceſtors; the famed Sion-Colledge, and Royal Exchange of London, the Guild-hall, and ſtately Cathedral of St. Pauls, as ſad Spectacles of the Calamity, either buried under their own Rubbiſh, or ſtanding Monuments of the devouring flames.

Whilſt all things elſe in the Exchange were conſumed, without ſparing the many Statues of our Kings, onely that of Greſham the Founder ſtood, to bewail the Ruines of his own Fabrick: ſo kind was Fate to the fame and memory of the liberal Doner.

The King, whoſe high-born Soul was above the Viciſſitudes of humane Contingencies, could not but with grief and ſorrow behold the lamentable Calamity of his wretched Subjects, and native City, exhorting, comforting, and adviſing them in their greateſt difficulties: And therefore he ordered, that the next houſes to the fire ſhould be blown up, that a void ſpace being made betwixt the Buildings, the remaining part of the City, that which ſtill ſtood, might be ſaved; this being the laſt Remedy that could be uſed.

The Duke of York alſo, and many of the Nobility, praiſed and encouraged the forward, aſſiſted the diſtreſſed, and gave a generous example to all by the vigorous reſiſtance they made againſt the devouring flames.

The fire is put out, Sept. 4. After that the Conflagration had continued four days, to the ineſtimable loſſes of the Citizens, and had burnt down thirteen thouſand houſes, it was at length ſtopt more at the direction of Divine Providence, than by any humane Arts or Means.

The more loyal part of the Citizens, affected with the Kings ſorrow more than their own, put an high value upon his Royal Compaſſion towards them.The Fictions of Fanaticks concerning the Fire. But the Fanatical Clubs, who turned even the Calamities of their Country into Reproaches, could ſcarcely forbear to miſcal the Judgment a Command; or at leaſt did buz it about, that the Kings Guards were a hindrance to thoſe who laboured to put out the fire; but the commoner ſurmiſe was, that ſome French Agents had fired the City: And many reaſons were by fear or envy ſuggeſted to confirm the Treachery; nothing being more uſual amongſt the common People, than to make all Caſualties Deſignes.

But thoſe who ſtill remembred the inſolent Rage of the Londoners, was the firſt cauſe of the Misfortunes of Charles the Martyr, that the City was polluted with ſacred Bloud, had beheld the ſad fate of the King, and that ſome of the Citizens had called for, and others permitted the murder of Charles, humbly acknowledged the avenging hand of God in the Judgment.

This was the iſſue of that memorable fire of London; which for above two thouſand years had been riſing to that greatneſs, which now it could hardly bear. A City impregnable againſt all the Efforts of ſo many foreign Enemies, and civil Broils; could no otherways be ruined but by the breaking out of a Fire amongſt old wooden Buildings that were but too apt fewel for the flames.

Yet after the City was deſtroyed,Liv. l. 5. the Londoners bore up with greater reſolutions than the Romans did of old, when after the Conflagration made by the Gaules, they removed to Veii: nor did any man, deſpairing to ſee London again rebuilt, talk in the leaſt of changing his habitation; but the Citizens crowding themſelves into Booths and new-made Deal-board houſes, or into Dwellings in the Suburbs, took their meaſures about the building of a new City.

The approaching Winter now put an end to all Naval Engagements for this year;The Fleets put into Harbour. ſo that both Fleets, the Dutch and ours, put into Harbour and were laid up; and left the Privateers on each ſide to moleſt and take Merchant-men at Sea.

The King having laſt year tried the ſhifting way of his Enemies managing the War,1667. reſolved upon other meaſures, that by intercepting the Dutch Trade, he might force them either to put an end to the War by fairly fighting, or willingly ſubmitting.

So that without putting himſelf to the charge of a Fleet this Summer,The K. keeps his Fleet at home; he was adviſed to order ſome Frigats to cruiſe in the Scottiſh Seas, and others in the Weſt about Plimouth, thereby on all hands to ſhut up the Britiſh Ocean.

And by fortifying Sherneſs and Ʋpnore-Caſtle,And ſecures the Coaſts and Harbours. and drawing a Chain croſs the River of Medway, to ſecure the Royal Fleet at Chatham; which was better adviſed than executed.

And now the powerful Kings of France and Sweden, Neighbouring Kings mediate a Peace. by their Embaſſadours mediate a Peace betwixt the King and the States; ſo that the heat of both Parties being ſomewhat allied by the mutual loſſes that two trafficking Nations had ſuſtained in their Trade, as well as otherwiſe, they both condeſcend to ſend Embaſſadours to Breda, to treat of a Peace.

The Dutch by ſurprize fall upon the Kings Fleet. June 10. But the Engliſh truſting to a Truce or Ceſſation of Hoſtilities, in order to a Pacification, laid aſide all thoughts of War, and the Guard-ſhips were far off at Sea: A part of the Dutch Fleet in the mean time entering Chatham-River, and having forced the Garriſons on the ſhore, and broken the Iron-Chain that was too weak to make a reſiſtance, fell upon the Kings Fleet, which had often chaſed them, lying mored in the River, unrigged, and unprovided of Sea-men and Souldiers.

Our Frigats were burnt by the Dutch Fire-ſhips, and others ſnatched, not carried away in triumph, to the reproach no leſs of the Dutch Knavery, than of our own vain Security; a loſs ſo much the greater, by how much it coſt the Enemy the leſs.

The King in the mean time paſſing by the Treachery of that People, and conquering his own Reſentment, (for the preſent) performed his Promiſe; and that he might not delay the Treaty of Peace,Embaſſadours meet on both ſides; ſent the Lord Hollis, one of his Majeſties Privy-Council, and Henry Coventry, on the Prudence of which two the King much relied, as his Embaſſadours for carrying on the Peace; which at length was concluded at Breda, And conclude a Peace. July 9. upon no leſs honourable Conditions, than what the King had demanded before the War.

And now this Naval War, carried on by the ſucceſsful Valour of York, the Courage of Prince Rupert and Albemarle, is at length terminated in a moſt ſpecious Peace; but ſuch as drew the fate of that perfidious People upon themſelves, the beginning of the fall of the Ʋnited Provinces being to be calculated from that War.

The King was not a little inclined to facilitate the profitable Peace,The building of London is taken into conſideration. that the Citizens might have time to rebuild the City: And the War being now over, he made it his care to erect to himſelf Trophies of Glory, upon the Ruines and Rubbiſh of London; inſtead of a wooden City which he had loſt, laying the foundations of one of Brick that might more powerfully reſiſt the flames. Nor were the Citizens allowed to build at their pleaſure, but the ſtreets being firſt ſtaked out, and enlarged on each ſide, every one built their houſes in a ſtrait and equal front; London riſing again with ſo much beauty and uniformity, that the loſs of the old City was hardly regreted.

October the twenty third,The Royal Exchange founded. Octob. 23. the King being honourably received in the City, laid the firſt Stone in the foundation of the Royal Exchange: the next was laid by the Duke of York, an auſpicuous Preſage of the ſplendour of the Structure.

The loſs of a memorable and much-lamented perſon, muſt here have an honourable mention in our Annals: For this year Abraham Couley, The death of Abraham Couley. a man of famed Wit both at home and abroad, and for his delightful Learning, a Companion to the chief of the Nobility of England, departed this life. His Poetical fancy ſeemed to be inſpired with ſome divine breath; which in ſweet numbers, the Monuments of his own glory, after Maro and the delights of Rome, equalled the Raptures of Pindar and the Gracefulneſs of Athens. No man was more ſublime, nor modeſt than he; and he lived with the ſame politeneſs and grace as he wrote, in Verſe and Manners being equally conſpicuous.

1668.The next year was taken up in building of the City,All hands are ſet to work in the rebuilding of London. with ſo great magnificence of modern Pomp, that it might be thought that the Citizens in digging and clearing the Ground, had found Mines of Gold amongſt the Rubbiſh of the Ruines. Nor will it be more the wonder of this than of future Ages, that during the calamity of a dangerous War, and amidſt the many loſſes of Merchants, there ſtill remained in the hands of the Citizens ſuch vaſt ſtocks of Money to build new and ſtately houſes; and in their minds ſo much reſolution, as in time of War to promote the works of Peace. For now in leſs than the ſpace of three years, a new City was raiſed; which being purged by Fire, and having expiated its former Offences, recovered more than its ancient Vigour and Glory.

Liv. l. 26.The Fame of the Roman Virtue will hardly ſound ſo loud in future Ages, in that Lands were bought and ſold at Rome, whilſt Hannibal was at the Gates of the City; when now it may be heard, that after a late and devouring Plague, after a lamentable Fire that laid the City in Aſhes, and whilſt three moſt powerful Nations were in War with us, The Engliſh ſtill retained that confidence of their own fortune and height of mind, as to reſolve, and to be able to lay the Foundations of a new and ſo magnificent a City; and that under ſo much Affliction they dared to look beyond their Calamities.

The Monument of the dreadful Fire.And that there might be a ſtanding Monument of the ſad Conflagration, or rather a Trophy of the Cities Reſtauration, the Citizens of London growing greater in their Misfortune, and magnificent in their Adverſity, erected in the place where the dreadful Fire began, a Lofty Pillar one hundred and ſeventy foot high, all of Portland Stone, not much inferiour to Marble.

And that we may not always have need to return to ancient Annals for Monuments of magnificence,The Theatre of Oxford founded in the year 1664. is finiſhed. this year Gilbert Sheldon, after the death of Juxon, Archbiſhop of Canterbury, perfected the Theatre of Oxford, a laſting Temple of the Muſes, and a Capitol conſecrated to Apollo; which he dedicated as a Circle to the learned Exerciſes and Acts of the Gown; and a new Ornament to the Ʋniverſity, finiſhed at his own vaſt charges, and by the advice and contrivance of Sir Chriſtopher Wren, a moſt ingenious Architect and Mathematician.

On the outſide the Beholder may admire the magnificence of the Structure; and within be delighted with the comlineſs and beauty of the Theatre, being incompaſſed around with lofty and regular Benches for the convenience of Spectators.

Underneath is to be ſeen a moſt excellent and well-contrived Printing-houſe: All which, will be a laſting Monument of the Founders Fame, ſo long as men can ſpeak in his Theatre, or Books be printed at his Preſs.

Laſt year the Duke of Ormond returned into England, after he had,1669. The Lord Roberts Deputy of Ireland. Sept. 20. with the reputation of extraordinary Wiſdom, governed Ireland as Lord-Lieutenant for the ſpace of ſeven years; and this year the Lord Roberts, a Perſon of great Integrity, Prudence, and Worth, ſucceeded in that Government.

In the mean time the Duke of Ormond, The D. of Ormond made Chancellour of the Ʋniverſity of Oxford. with unanimous conſent of the Heads, Fellows, and Students of Colledges, is choſen Chancellour of the Univerſity of Oxford; and ſo being taken off from the care and troubles of the Iriſh affairs, he had the direction of the ſofter and more peaceful Muſes.

About the beginning of September, Mary the Queen Mother of England having for two and twenty years, in Baniſhment and Widowhood, lived without the enjoyment of the King her Husband, and with the comfort of a flouriſhing Off-ſpring, having beheld her Son ſetled in the Throne,The Queen Mother dies in France. died at Paris in France, full of years, and of glory in all the changes of humane condition.

The death of the Duke of Albemarle. Jan. 2. 1669, 70. About the end of this, and beginning of next year, the Duke of Albemarle alſo finiſhed his courſe. And being now to ſpeak the laſt of a man born for the publick good, famous in a high, and famous in a lower degree, I ſhall take a ſhort review of his Birth, Manners, and Fortune.

His Birth and Extraction. George Monk, the Son of a Knight, was born in Devonſhire in the Weſt of England, in the year One thouſand ſix hundred and eight: He had an elder Brother who inherited his Fathers Eſtate and Honour; and a younger, who being bred a Scholar, after the Reſtauration of the King, was made Biſhop of Hereford.

He followed the Wars in his youth. George the middlemoſt puſhing his Fortune in the Camp, followed the Wars; wherein he was firſt initiated in his youth at Cadis againſt the Spaniards, and ſhortly after in an Expedition againſt the French at the Iſle of Ré, both unfortunate in their iſſue; but with better ſucceſs he ſerved under the Earl of Oxford in Holland. The Civil Wars afterwards breaking out, Ʋnder Charles the Firſt he ſerved in the Scottiſh War. occaſioned firſt by the accurſed madneſs of the Scottiſh Presbyterians, he returned into England, and liſted himſelf under Charles the Firſt, who then marched againſt the Scots, In Ireland alſo and next year after was made a Colonel in the Army againſt the Iriſh Rebels.

But the Civil War of England raging more furiouſly afterwards, whilſt the Parliament called in the Scots, their Brethren in Iniquity, to their aſſiſtance; the King on the other hand having made a Truce with the Iriſh Rebels, called over his Forces from Ireland, for his own defence at home: and Monk being one of the Commanders of that Army,1669, 70. with the reſt joyned the King at at Oxford;He joyns the K. at Oxford. Is taken by the Parliament, and made priſoner in the Tower of London. but whilſt by orders from the King he muſtered the Iriſh Forces in the Camp, he was unexpectedly ſurprized and taken by Fairfax, who ſerved the Parliament; and being carried to London, lay there almoſt four years Priſoner in the Tower. Whilſt he was there ſhut up and in diſtreſs, the King ſent him ſecretly an hundred Pieces of Gold; which conſidering the ſtreights his Majeſty was then put to, was no ſmall Argument of his Royal Affection towards him.

But being at length tired out with an irkſome impriſonment, and, for the ſake of liberty,He takes on with the Parliament; changing ſides, he took in with the Parliament, and went again over into Ireland;And goes to Ireland. where he did many brave actions againſt the Iriſh Rebels, not without Preſages of becoming ſometime a great General, as being the onely perſon who ſeemed to have carried with him Honeſty and Civility to the Civil War.

Here it was that firſt of all he gained the good eſteem of Cromwel, who then commanded the Parliament-Forces in Ireland, having performed an action more advantageous to his General, than honourable to himſelf. The Iriſh War being ended,He marches with Cromwel into Scotland. the Summer following he marched with Cromwel againſt the Scots, and did not a little contribute to his fortunate Succeſſes in Scotland.

Having been ſo often victorious at Land,He fights againſt the Dutch under the Rump-Parliament. and now an old Commander, he tried his fortune at Sea; and under the Rump-Parliament was very ſucceſsful againſt the Dutch, having in two Engagements beaten them and put them to flight.

At length when Cromwel got into Supreme Power, he was made Governour of Scotland;Is by Cromwel made Governour of Scotland. which Truſt, with equal reputation of Equity and Prudence, he diſcharged during the ſpace of almoſt five years: until Quarrels and Animoſities happening at London betwixt the Rumpers and Colonels of the Army, he laid hold on the occaſion for reſtoring of the King.

But at what time firſt he framed the deſigne of reſtoring Charles to the Throne, I ſhall hardly preſume to determine: Cavillers, and thoſe that make the worſt of things, gave it out, that his dutiful ſervices to the King were but fortuitous; but they who judge impartially, affirm that it was a deſigne laid many years before. Certainly the beſt of Kings, more mindful of the effects of his Loyalty, than of its beginning, received the duty of Albemarle, as extraordinary and kind ſervices, and honourably and liberally rewarded them.

The year before his death, he fell into a Dropſie; and being weary of the ordinary methods and advice of Phyſicians, he made uſe of a certain Quack-Medicine, which in appearance recovered him; but his body being opened after his death, a great deal of Water was found in his Bowels, and much congealed Bloud in both the Ventricles of his Heart, and other neighbouring Veſſels: For the motion both of the Heart and Bloud being weakened by an inveterate Dropſie, gave occaſion to the ſtagnating of the chylous juyce about the Heart; which ſtopping the Fountain of the circulating Bloud, put at length a ſtop to his laſt breathings for life.

The Marriage of his onely Son was in a manner the laſt thing he minded in this life; who a few days before his death was married to the Daughter of the Earl of Ogle, and Grand-daughter to the Duke of Newcaſtle; thereby to ſettle, as well as honour, his Family by an Alliance with ſo Noble a Houſe.

After he had ſeen Britain rejoycing in Triumphs, beheld Charles confirmed in the Throne by ten years happy Reign, and after he had adminiſtred the greateſt Offices of Truſt under the King, both in Peace and War, being upwards of ſixty years of age, he yielded to Deſtiny, which he willingly and undauntedly ſubmitted unto; that after the Trophies of a paſt Life, he might at length triumph over Death.

He left but one onely Son, the Illuſtrious Inheritour of his Fathers Fame, hopeful to the State, and cheriſhed by the King as his own. Charles who had often viſited and condoled with him in his ſickneſs, was with him to the laſt, and expreſſed the ſame affection for dying Albemarle, that he had teſtified to him during his life.

From Somerſet-houſe, where he had lain in ſtate,The Solemnity of his Funerals he was with a ſplendid pomp of ſolemn Funerals at the Kings charges conveyed to Weſtminſter-Abbey, and there amidſt the Tears and Condolings of all good men, interred amongſt the Auguſt Monuments of Kings, being the laſt Triumph due to his memory.

They who are curious to have a deſcription of the ſhapes and countenance of ſo great a man, may know; that he was a perſon more graceful than beautiful; of a middle ſtature, ſtrong and well comparted, with a comely preſence; and of a compoſed, rather than ſevere or ſtern, aſpect.

He may eaſily be reckoned a moſt valiant General in War,His Courage. not onely to be compared to the chief Commanders of his own age, but to the moſt renowned Warriours of elder times; and of ſo great reputation he was in Military affairs, that the modeſteſt do acknowledge too great a Courage in Albemarle. He ſpent almoſt his whole life in Arms, and at length growing old amidſt Victories, he became gray-headed under a Helmet.

In Britain and Ireland, by Sea and by Land, ſo happy was Albemarle, that Fortune traced out for him,His Prudence, Honour, Renown, and Titles. He had indeed a hidden and a ſilent kind of Sagacity in the management of affairs; and improved almoſt all the Arts of Prudence by Silence.

And Modeſty.He had a Modeſty that ſet off all the other Virtues of his Mind; nor was he ever heard to brag of what he had done or deſerved. The Fame of ſo great a man, doubtleſs inferiour to no other Mortal, will propagate it ſelf to Poſterity; who, without Pride or Oſtentation, gratified a baniſhed Prince with ſo ſignal Services, and onely rejoyced in the conſcientious performance of his Duty and Obedience.

Tacit. Hiſt. l. 3.Nor after the Reſtauration of Charles, did he behave himſelf as a Colleague in the Government, as Mucianus was of old reported to have done to Veſpaſian, but as a Servant; neither did he ever boaſt, that having the Power in his own hands, he had beſtowed it upon another; whereby he burned, to his glory, the Arrogance of the Rump, and the Impudence of Cromwel: his Loyalty inclining him more to give up, than his Ambition to retain the Government.

We may, moreover; reckon Albemarle happy, not onely in the greatneſs of the Action, but alſo in the ſeaſonableneſs of the Service: That he brought back the Government to a Prince of ſo juſt and good a temper, who put ſo true an eſtimate upon his Loyalty, and under whom it would never be unſafe nor dangerous to deſerve the moſt: For good Offices are acceptable, Tacit. Annal. lib. 4. eſpecially to Kings, ſo long as the obliged think they may be able to requite them; but when they are too great to be rewarded, inſtead of Thanks they procure Hatred: And it is rare, and almoſt unuſual, for Princes to think themſelves obliged; or if they think ſo, to love their Benefactors. Plin. Panegyr.

Peace being now eſtabliſhed at home, and Janus his Temple ſhut, Albemarle departed the more joyfully out of this life, that when he left no Troubles in Britain, yet he left behind him a Love for himſelf in the hearts of all good men: ſo much the more wanted, that he had taken care that nothing ſhould be wanting, having left nothing in the State but his own death to be bewailed; the King flouriſhing in his Government, and the Loyalty of the Parliament as yet vieing with the modeſty of the Prince. Every one enjoyed the happineſs they deſired at home, and Peace with all Nations abroad, till the League-breaking Dutch again provoked the Engliſh Arms.

But the Actions of that War, the ſteddy Fortune of the Britiſh Nation, and the future Triumphs of CHARLES, I have ſet aſide as a ſubject for my more advanced years.

FINIS.

A Table to the Third Part. A. ALbemarle, vid. Monk, Army disbanded, 52 B. Biſhops reſtored, 51 Booth Sir George, his Inſurrection, 8 C. Committee of Safety, 13 Commiſſioners from the Parliament wait on the King at Breda, 44 Conventicles ſuppreſt, 73 Covenant burnt by the Hangman, 66 Cowley, Abraham, 99 D. De Wit, 76 Dutch War, beginning and occaſion, 74. The firſt Engagement, 81. The ſecond, 87. The third, 88. the fourth, 90. The fifth, 92. Their Attempt at Chatham, 98. Peace concluded, 98. F. Fanaticks riſe, but are ſuppreſt, 72 G. Glouceſter Duke dies, 52 K. King Charles, 2. Comes to Breda, 42. Lands at Dover, 46, Enters London, 47. His Coronation, 61. Marries the Infanta of Portugal, 69. L. Lambert proclaimed a Traytor, 40. Committed to the Tower, 41. Condemn'd, but obtains mercy, 71. Libels, 73 The Liturgie and Ceremonies of the Church confirm'd and eſtabliſh'd by Act of Parliament, 71 London, the great Plague there, 84. The great Fire there, 94. Rebuilt, 99, 100. M. Monk Sir George, 6, 13, & inf. His famous march into England, 25. Enters London, 28. Admits the ſecluded Members, 36. Receives Letters from the King, 37. Created Duke of Albemarle, 51. A ſhort account of his Life and Death, 102, & inf. His Character, 105. O. Oblivion Act, 52 Great Officers upon the Kings Reſtoration, 51 Orange Princeſs dies in England, 60 Oxford, the Court and Term there, 85. The new Theatre there built, 101. P. Parliament, the long one diſſolved, 41. A new one meet, 42. A new one call'd by the King, 66. Phyſicians Colledge viſited by the King, 78 Q. Queen-Mother dies, 101 R. Recapitulation of things paſt, 1 Regicides brought to Tryal, 53. Their ſeveral Characters, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 67, 68, 70. Rump-Government, 5. & inf. Rump and Army at variance, 10. S. Solemn League and Covenant burnt by the Hangman, 66 V. Uly-Iſland, and Ships there burnt by the Engliſh, 93 Y. York Duke made Lord High Admiral, 50. His great Victory at Sea, 81.

A Catalogue of ſome Books printed for and to be ſold by Abel Swalle. DR. Comber's Companion to the Temple, or Help to Devotion, in 4 parts. fol. Dr. Alleſtry's Forty Sermons, whereof Twenty one now firſt publiſhed. The Works of Mr. Abraham Cowley. The Eighth Edition. The ſecond part of the Works of Mr. Abraham Cowley: being what was written in his younger years. The Fifth Edition. The Caſe of Reſiſtance of the Supreme Powers, Stated and Reſolved, by Dr. Sherlock, in 8o Dr. Sherlock's Vindication of the Rights of Eccleſiaſtical Authority: being an Anſwer to the firſt part of the Proteſtant Reconciler, 8o Pet. Dan. Huetii de Interpret. Lib. 2o quarum prior eſt de Optimo Genere Interpret. Alter de Claris Interpret. &c. in 8o L. Coelii Lactantii Firmiani Opera quae extant ad fidem MSS. recognita & Commenturiis Illuſtrata à Tho. Spark. Oxon, è Theat. Sheld. The Caſe of Compelling Men to the Sacrament of the Lords Supper conſidered. By the Author of the Charge of Scandal. A Sermon preached before the King at White-hall, Nov. 23. by Gilb. Ironfide, D.D. A Diſcourſe concerning the Object of Religious Worſhip: or, a Scripture-proof of the unlawfulneſs of giving any Religious Worſhip to any other Being beſide the one Supreme God. Part 1. A Diſcourſe about the Charge of Novelty upon the Reformed Church of England, made by the Papiſts asking of us this Queſtion, Where was our Religion before Luther? A Diſcourſe about Tradition: ſhewing what is meant by it, and what Tradition is to be Received, and what Tradition is to be Rejected. The Proteſtant Reſolution of Faith, being an Anſwer to three Queſtions, &c. A Diſcourſe concerning a Guide in Matters of Faith. A Diſcourſe concerning the Unity of the Catholick Church maintained in the Church of England. A Diſcourſe concerning Invocation of Saints. A Diſcourſe concerning Auricular Confeſſion, as it is preſcribed by the Council of Trent, and practis'd in the Church of Rome. There is now in the Preſs, and will ſpeedily be publiſhed-Philoſophia Vetus & Nova ad uſum Scholoe accommodata in Regia Burgundia olim pertractata. 2 Vol. Duodecim. According to the Edition printed at Paris, 1684. in 2 vol. 4o