A LETTER FROM Mercurius Civicus TO MERCURIUS RUSTICUS: OR, London's CONFESSION but not Repentance.  
showing, That the beginning and the obstinate pursuance of this accursed horrid Rebellion is principally to be ascribed to that Rebellious City.  
— En quo discordia Cives?  
Perduxit miseros.  Virg. Egl. 1. 
Printed, 1643.   

A LETTER FROM Mercurius Civicus TO MERCURIUS RUSTICUS.  
Good Brother RUSTICUS,  
THough there have been some unkind jars between my brother Aulicus and me, yet my earnest desire is to keep a good understanding between yourself and me: I cannot but congratulate your happiness that breathe in so free an air, wherein it is lawful to hear and speak truth: O Truth, sacred Truth, whither art thou fled? if you at Oxford did not give her entertainment, I know not where she would find a place of abode, for here at London we fortify against her to keep her out: Nay with us in the City it is come to that pass, that it is almost as dangerous to speak truth as Love the King: you know how famous we have been here for publishing and printing lies, he that will not lie to advantage the great Cause in hand, is not amongst us thought fit to have access either to the Pulpit or the press. And therefore when I was first set on work to communicate Intelligence to the Kingdom to endear myself to them that employed me, I played my part reasonable well, I lied my share; but at last admonished by our brother Aulicus, and to confess to you, touched a little in conscience, I began by degrees to take off myself from that unwarrantable course, and did here and there sprinkle a little truth, yet very sparingly lest I should be thought to be turned Malignant or cavalier: but as little as it was, it was distasteful: for hereupon Mr Pim and the Remainder of the five Members, assisted by Mr Martin, illiterate sergeant Wild, Peard (that hath less Law if it be possible than the sergeant) & some others that have sworn never to endure truth again, since they have thriven so well by Lies, moved at the Close Committee to have me silenced: yet to blind the world, as if their aim were not at me alone, they involve others in the same doom, and for Intelligencers, by an Order they bung up all our mouths at once: yet knowing how much it concerned them that the old trade went on, though since they have permitted another to make use of my name, yet at first they gave authority to one man only to lie for all the rest: him they call the Parliament Scout, not Bulmore the Scout that was slain at Whetley bridge near you at Oxford, I mean not him, yet if you look into his weekly Pamphlets, you would swear that he had no more brains in his head, than Bulmore had when they were shot out.  
This man indeed tells you some truths, but such antiquated ones that they were stale news above a Thousand years since, as that on the borders of Scotland, there dwelled a People whom they called Picts, that there was a Wall built between England and Scotland, and the like: while he keeps at this distance and comes no nearer, he never needs fear that the heels of the times may chance dash out his teeth: he may write on! but if once he come to publish any modern truths, as that his Excellency durst come no nearer Oxford than Thame, that Fairfax is beaten in the North, and Waller and Warwick in the West, or the like, he were best look to himself, he may read his fate in us: These new Reformers will never brook it.  
Since therefore we are here enslaved either to Lies or Silence, that the world may not for ever be kept hoodwinked, go on (I pray) as you have begun to let her see the Miseries under which she daily suffers. But methinks it would be a work well worthy your endeavour, to let the Country see not only their miseries, but to point them out the fountain & source from whence they flow: This discovery hath been within me as wine that hath no vent, ready to burst like new bottles, yet as full as I am, I dare not vent my thoughts concerning this here, but have chose rather to whisper them to you: for it is in vain to dissemble it, your sad stories of the ruin and devastation of the country are echoed in our Streets, and though we bear it out in a Vaunting way, as if these things concerned not us, yet I assure you there are many souls that mourn in private, (for in public we must be as mad as the rest, or else we suffer as Malignants) as knowing how justly we stand charged with all those Calamities, which the sword of Rebellion hath brought upon you: I never hear that of the Prophet read, Woe to the bloody City, it is full of Lies and Robbery, but I cannot choose but think of London.  
It is too too manifest, nor can it be denied, but that all your Sufferings have been derived from us: when commonprayer was in use amongst us, I remember such a Query in one of the Prophets, Is there any evil in the City and the Lord hath not done it? But you may ask, Is there any evil in the country, and the City hath not done it? You have made us Rich and Populous, and we in foul Ingratitude have prodigally ed out both our Wealth and Strength to make you and ourselves miserable.  
Well might the Incendiaries of this present Rebellion (so I dare call it to you, though I dare not speak so plain here) bring violent affections, eager endeavours to set this flourishing Church, and Kingdom in Combustion, but alas! all this had signified little or nothing, had they not gained our consent, and we resigned up our persons and estates to their disposal to be made the base instruments to compass their most traitorous designs: Could Say or Pim, and their beggarly Confederates have found money to levy an Army against their liege Lord, that had not money to pay their own Debts, had not we furnished them? If we shall without partiality consider the several helps which this City hath Contributed to this Rebellion, we must confess that both the beginning and continuance of this unnatural war may be ascribed to us: So that in all England there is but one rebel, & that is London. To reflect a little & look back on those times when this Rebellion was but an Embrio, or else did begin to creep into the world, (for we may not think that this Monster was a Brat of a sudden birth) though it were conceived (some Say) ne●re Banbury, & shaped in Grays-Inne-Lane, where the undertakers for the Isle of Providence did meet and plot it, yet you know it was put out to Nurse to London.  
For first you may well remember when the Puritans here did as much abominate the Military-yard or Artillery-Garden, as Paris-Garden itself: they would not mingle with the Profane: but at last when it was instilled into them, that the blessed Reformation intended could not be effected but by the sword, these places were instantly filled with few or none but men of that Faction: We were wont you know to make very merry at their Training, some of them in two years' practice could not be brought to discharge a Musket without winking; We did little imagine then, that they were ever likely to grow formidable to the State, or advance to that strength, as to be able to give the King Battle, but after a while they began to affect, yea and compass the chief Offices of command, so that when any prime Commanders died, new men were elected, wholly devoted to that Faction; and it became a general Emulation amongst them who should buy the most, and the best arms.  
Secondly, that they might fill all places of authority with such as should advance the design, all care is taken to fill the Bench of Aldermen, and the common-council, with men disaffected to the Government, both ecclesiastical, and civil. To this purpose if London did not afford men bad enough, they would call them from other Corporations, as Alderman Atkins from Norwich and the like: but if he had been Amsterdam or had been an Adventurer to New England, or been the host of the silenced Ministers, he was a jewel: Nay some will tell you, & I am much of their opinion, that the Faction have had so great a Care of this, that they have chosen some men to places of the best esteem in the City, whose estates were not able to defray the Charges, but have been supported by a Common Purse, and if you have not forgotten it, there was a Motion you know made, That Honest men, so they call th●eselves, might bear the Magistracy, and the city bear the expense: some men thought that this proposal had especial Relation to those two beggarly captains, Ven and Manuring, who having nothing either within or without them to render them fit for government, yet in this Rebellious City, were thought most fit, because most averse from what was by Law established.  
Thirdly, because all this could not compass the end they aimed at, unless the Clergy did conspire with them and contribute their help, and because they found very few of the settled Clergy here in the city, (except Dr. Gough, M. lackeson, Votier, Simons, Walker, and a very few more) Compliant with their endeavours, they laboured by all means possible, to introduce that Gibbus or excrescency, of the Clergy called Lecturers over their parochial Ministers heads, whose maintenance being dependent (yet a portion by double Leases and other Sacralegious devices stolen from their own Parsons, so that the barren mountains of Wales afford not so many poor, and as Sir Benjamin Rudyer was wont to call them, scandalous Livings together, as are to be found within the walls of London) must preach such Doctrine as may foment disloyalty, and instill such Principles into their Auditors as may first dispose them to, and after engage them in Rebellion, when things were ripe, or else they shall want bread to put into their heads: The Truth is, Brother Rusticus, these Military preparations had effected Little, had not the fire been given from the Pulpit.  
And because they saw how successful this Course was, and what strange effects it wrought in our City, a Fourth design was, to place some of their Emissaries in all Corporations (those Nu●c●ries of schism and Rebellion) and in the most eminent parts of the Kingdom; for this purpose a most specious and pious pretence is held out to the world, the buying in of Impropriations: feoffees are appointed, men of public Callings, as clergymen, Lawyers, and Citizens, whose employments must needs render them known to many, and men of noted zeal in the Opinion of the Wo●ld; (such as it was) thereby to gain the reputation of Religion to the undertaking: the Lectures (and others too) deceived by the outside of this Project, stir up the Rich and well affected to Contribute Liberally to this so religious an Act, of rede●ming the Lord's portion out of Lay-hands, and amongst the last counsels given to the dying (and then commonly they make deepest impression) This was never forgotten: by this means great sums were advanced, and the World stood at gaze to see the great return which would be made to the Church of that which Sacraledge had made a Lay-Fee: after any were redeemed how long the revenues were held in the Feoff●es hands, what pittances were allowed to the Incumbents, how they robbed Peter to pay Paul, and established a Lecture perhaps in Cornwall, with the tithe of a Parsonage in Yorkshire, or the like, appertains not to my present purpose.  
The thing that I shall observe unto you is, the great care and art used in fitting men for their service, and then disposing and securing them in their employment, from any Molestation of ecclesiastical Censures. To this end, First, they account it necessary to plant two Seminaries, the first an Initiary Seminary, to this purpose they project the buying of a Headship in one of the universities for some eminent man of their own party, under whose Influence their Novices might be trained up in their Mysteries: though some houses in both universities were notorious enough in this kind before, and might have saved them this Labour, as Magdaline Hall and New-inn in Oxford, and Emanuel college and Katherine Hall in Cambridge.  
The second was a practic Seminary, and that was at St. Antholines here in London, and did in Spiritualibus answer to the artillery Garden, being a place to train up their young Emissaries, where they might take an Essay of their affections and abilities, and by the bewitchments of gain and popular applause deeply engage them in their Faction: and from this Seminary were most of their new bought Impropriations filled. And as they had their Salary from, so they were subordinate to a Classis or Cler●-laicall Consistory, who had power to transplant their most hopeful Imps either into their purchased Impropriations, or else into a Lecture in some of the most populous places of the Kingdom, maintained by a borrowed portion from an Impropriation elsewhere: yet this Consistory, did not in their choice, strictly tie themselves to the plants of their own nurseries, but if any man had been a Pseudomartyr for their cause, or had been sentenced by the high Commission for nonconformity, or by some Notorious undertaking had evidenced and declared himself, and irrevocably without apparent note of Infamy and Levity (if he retracted) engaged himself to their party: or had Letters testimonial from Patriarch White of Dorchester, Mr. Cotton of Boston, or the like, (for Calamy and Martial were not, as it is said of Dathan and Abiram, as yet famous in the Congregation.) This man was a choice plant and fit for their soil.  
Secondly, being planted abroad, their second care was, that whatsoever they Preached, though never so derogatory to the Government either ecclesiastical or civil, yet they might be free from molestation, and Preach on, without danger of losing their maintenance by ecclesiastical censure. To this purpose they attempt the buying a Commis●aries place there, where they intended to make any special plantation: who being after their own hearts, might wink at their irregularities, and though the churchwardens should by chance be so honest to regard their oaths, and present them, yet by the purchased or bribed Commissary they may secure them from the danger of the Court.  
Lastly, for fear lest any of their Creatures should fall from them, and desert the Cause as some had done, when they had got what they looked for; wisely they provide, that their maintenance shall be dependent, on the pleasure of their good Masters the Feoffees, alterable by addition, or substraction, according to their merits, or demerits, and their persons subject to be cashiered if they Preach not to the advancement of their holy cause, and according to the directions sent unto them from the Conclave of their Elders at London: That so as much as human Policy could invent, they might (to use Mr Foxley's own words speaking in this argument) Establish the Gospel by a perpetual decree.  
When all things were now ready, their Emissaries having prepared the hearts of the people to Rebellion, first alienating them, by frequent slandering the footsteps of God's anointed, decrying the Government both of Church and State, fomenting the causeless discontents, and aggravating the necessities of State, with the odious names of Tyranny, Arbitrary power, Violation of the Subjects Liberty, and Property, and likewise possessed the credulous multitude, that the conformeable Clergy had made a Revolt from the Protestant Religion, and had an earnest intention to introduce Popery: at last was fulfilled that Prophecy of judicious M. Hooker, toward the end of the Preface to that incomparable work of ecclesiastical Policy, that after the Puritans have first resolved that attempts for Discipline are lawful, it will follow in the next place to be disputed, what may be attempted against Superiors who will not have the sceptre of that discipline to rule over them? Which Prophecy we see exactly fulfilled in our days, for the Puritans having first rebelled by a Proxey, they then thought it seasonable to take an essay what an entertainment the doctrine for taking up arms against the King would find amongst their Disciples.  
To this purpose Doctor Downing, a man fitted for any base employment, and one that (what ever he counterfeited) ever looked awry on the Church, in which (being settled and in peace) he could never hope to advance farther than Vicar of Hack●ney, was to feel the Pulse of the city: while therefore discontents run high in the North, the Scots having in a hostile manner entered the kingdom, the People everywhere, especially in London, stirred up by some agents to Petition the King for this Parliament, D. Downing Preaching to the Brotherhood of the artillery Garden positively affirmed, that for defence of Religion and Reformation of the Church, it was lawful to take up arms against the King.  
He having thus Kindled the fire in the City, for fear of being questioned (for as yet it was not lawful to Preach Treason) retired privately to the Earl of Warwick's house in Essex, the common rendezvous of all Schysmaticall Preachers, this Sermon in every place administering matter of discourse, People censured it, as they stood affected, which gave occasion to the Ringleaders of this faction to enter upon a serious examination, and study of this case of Conscience: and it seems, consulting the Jesuites on the one side, and the Rigid Puritans on the other, or indeed, because without admitting this doctrine, all their former endeavours would vanish into smoke, they stood doubtful no longer, but closed with these two contrary Factions, yet shaking hands in this point of Rebellion, and subscribed to D. Downing's doctrine, as an Evangelical truth.  
And▪ that in this I may not be thought to speak as if I were a Parliament intelligencer still, for the truth of this, I appeal to M. Stephen Martial himself, who being pressed by M. Simons, that her●of●re he was of another opinion, ingenuously confessed it, but withal affirmed, that on D. Downing's Sermon, having a hint given them, the Brethren did enter upon an examination of the Doctrine, and upon examination found it tru●: T●ough the truth is, they whispered this doctrine long before in their Conventicles, but never durst proclaim it in their Pulpits, before they saw an army in the bowels of the Kingdom to make it good by the sword, and a Faction in a Parliament coming on, that would Authorize Rebellion under this pretence, by their Votes and Ordinances.  
After it was once owned as a Truth, and a Truth, first scanned, and then avowed by Martial, Calamy, Downing, and colonel Cornelius Burges, and the rest of their Elders, That for the cause of Religion it was lawful for the Subject to take up arms against his lawful sovereign, good God how violently did the People of London rush into Rebellion? how pliable did the Faction in Parliament find them, to raise Tumults? make outcries for justice? call for innocent blood? subscribe and prefer Petitions against the holy liturgy? and the Hierarchy, Root and branch, if Doctor Burges did but hold up his finger to his Myrmidons? or Captain Ven send his summons by his Wife, to assemble the zealots of the City?  
But because all other attempts had been to little purpose, while the power of the sword remained in His hands, into which God had put it, the Heads of this Rebellion consider, that it was more seazable by secret practices, to render the King unable to withstand them, then for them openly to oppose the King; therefore their main endeavour is to wrest the power of the Militia out of the King's hands by degrees, and to put it there, where they might place the greatest confidence.  
But this was a work not easily effected, great Changes could not be ushered in but by great preparations to make it way for them; hereupon the Faction in Parliament make it their first work to make this City wholly theirs, that one soul as it were might animate both representive bodies, That of the kingdom, and this of the City: knowing that it was in vain for the Faction in Parliament to contrive unless the Faction in the Common-Councellin London would execute: for though there were some flourishes made from Buckinghamshire in the behalf of M. Hampden, and from Leicester-shire in the behalf of Sir Arther Hasterigge; and the like, yet the standing Guard, and power of the Faction in Parliament, on which they relied, to affront the King; and save themselves from the justice of the Laws, was that fixed here in London.  
And because where fear doth possess the multitude, it makes them work not like agents, but like instruments, and moulds them to a Temper, fit to receive impressions, from those, in whose wisdoms or Loves they repose themselves, making them plia●le to all directions and counsels, which shall be given by them, whom they esteem Patriots of the commonwealth, and Assertors of the Liberties, and safety of the People, all possible art was used to possess the kingdom, but especially the City with strange ●ealousies and fears, and therefore besides the often inculcating the feigned intention of introducing Popery, great preparations in France, and Denmark to invade the kingdom, to enable the King to govern Arbitrarily, to the subversion of the fundamental laws of the kingdom, together with the Liberty and Property of the Subject: (Themes that did continually possess both the Pulpit and the press, which how tru●, though most impudently affirmed, the World now sees:) each day did produce a discovery of some new Treason, and to ind●●●e the City the more it must be so contrived, That in these monstrous fictions you shall continually find the Parliament and City feigned to be involved in the same danger.  
To possess the Kingdom how mortally the Parliament and City (the two vital parts of the kingdom as Pym calls them) were threatened; in the time of the recess they take opportunity of the Petition delivered by the troopers from the North, and by an order from the Committee, they appoint strong watches to be kept in all highways, Villages, and towns within twenty miles of London, that Travellers into all parts of the kingdom, passing through these Guards, might report when they came home, in how much danger the Parliament and City were for their sakes.  
And that the Credulous People might not think but that this was done on good grounds, a Letter is writte● from the Parliament Commissioners in Scotland, M. Hampden, M. Fiennes and the rest to M. Pym and the close Committee here, to inform them of a strange conspiracy discovered in Edinburgh, to seize on the persons of the marquess Hamilton, and the Earls of Argile, and Lan●ricke: the Committee wisely considering that it was no st●ange thing for Treason to make a step out of Scotland into England, instantly provided against it, (at least so they would be thought) by publishing an Order commanding the justices of Peace of Middlesex, Surrey, and Southwark, to secure the City and the places adjoining from all danger by strong guards, well armed, and give this reason for their Order, Because the Mischievous designs and conspiracies lately discovered in Scotland against some principal and Great men there, by some of the Popish Faction, gives just occasion to suspect, that they may maintain correspondency here and practise the like mischief.  
Presently upon the neck of this M. Pim's life (to the great detriment of the Kingdom and Nation) is endangered by a contagious plaster of Plague sore, wrapped up in a letter and directed to him: but God be thanked, the infection did not take, though throwing away the plaster only, he put the letter in his Pocket: he being reserved for another manner of death (we hope) then to die privately in his bed, with a few spectators to bear witness of his end.  
Then comes a Tailor out of a ditch in Finsbury fields, having miraculously escaped, being run nine times besides the body, (for like a wise Tailor, wheres●ever he made ilotholes, he would be sure to make none in his own skin, though to gain credit to the relation:) and he tells a strange discovery of a Treason, which he overheard two men talking of, a Conspiracy against the life of the Lord Say, and some of the chief Members of both Houses: A thing so improbable, indeed so Ridiculous, that had they not thought that the world stood prepared to receive any thing for truth which came from them, 'twas a wonder how they durst own it. And now I have named a tailor it puts me in mind of Per●ins my Lord Say's tailor, who at a common-council produced a copy of a Letter from an I know not what Irish Lord in Paris, to such an other Irish Lord in London, intimating some strange design against the City, which took as passionately with the People, as if it had been certified from M. Strickeland his worship himself▪ ambassador for the two Houses u●to the states-general of the united Provinces. But the most monstrous of all the rest, a●d that which if the people had not been accursed to believe Lies, was the invisible Army quartered under ground at Ragland Castle, discovered by John Davis, servant to Mistress Lewis an inn-keeper at Rosse, to Alderman Acton's Coachman: except the blowing up the Thames with Gunpowder to drown the City, one of the most dangerous plots that ever affrighted London.  
And as by their own fictions they endeavoured to possess the People with jealousies, so whatsoever the King did never wanted a sinister interpretation, glossed to the multitude, to traduce His actions, as if in them there were ever some evil intended to the City and Parliament. When the King removed Belfore from the Lieutenancy of the Tower, and placed Sir Thomas Lunsford in that charge, the Citizens and their Wives could not sleep quietly in their beds, for fear of having their houses beaten down about their ears. To satisfy their Clamours, though nothing were objected against him, the King reassumes the Trust, and presently deposits it with Sir John Byron: the Faction were as ill satisfied in him, yet it was not easy what to object against him: nay it was a Query that did not a little trouble them in what to quarrel him: at last Lieutenant Hooker the Aquavite man, and Nicholson the Chandler, complain in the common-council, that since Sir John Byron came to be Lieutenant of the Tower, the Mint (to the great prejudice and dishonour of the kingdom) stood still. Those that knew what trade these men drove, by the poor retail of brooms, Candles, and Mustard, their chief merchandise, to improve brass farthings into Groats and Sixpences, accounted the Objection as inconsiderable as the Authors that alleged it, yet as mean and false as it was, it served some men's turns to slander the King to His People, and raise a Clamour. The King out of the abundant goodness of His Nature, hoping to win them by some condescendments, (which now the world sees is impossible: Puritans being of another manner of Temper then to be overcome with kindness) removes Sir John Byron, and confers this great trust on Sir John Coniers, a man of whom the Faction it seems conceived better hopes, and indeed hitherto if you consider his exaction upon the King's friends in his custody, or retaining the name of Lieutenant, but resigning the power contrary to his express oath, and that on his own Petition to the Train bands of the City, he hath not given them any occasion to repent them of their acquiescence in him.  
It were endless, Brother Rusticus, to relate all the means used to heighten the fears of this miserable City, and by consequence of the kingdom: especially after the Faction in Parliament, had shown them the way by publishing that great Buggbeare to affright the People, the Remonstrance of the state of the kingdom.  
At last to make experiment what good effect all these arts had produced the main Engineers resolve on twelve night to see what party they had in the City, 
1641.  and what assistance they might expect (if occasion served) by giving a false alarm. To this purpose in the night a Rumour is divulged and suddenly dispersed through the City, That the King and cavaliers with fifteen hundred horse were coming to surprise the City: you would wonder to consider how this report prevailed, insomuch that in an instant London was in arms, no less than 50000 or 60000 men ready provided to encounter they knew not what: the Women (who as M. Peter's did instruct 〈◊〉 in the Pulpit, have hugged their Husbands into this Rebellion) provide hot water (besides what they sprinkled for fear) to throw on the cavaliers: joynt-stooles, foormes, and emp●y tubs are thrown into the Streets to intercept the Horse. Had you been at Lord Majors that night, as I was, you might upon the aldermen's coming to him, to consult against the common danger, easily perceive which of the Aldermen were privy to this design, and who were not thought fit to be entrusted with so great a mystery: some of them (and when time serves I can tell you their names) came so neat as if they had spent the whole day to be trim at midnight, their beards put into a feasting posture, not a hair awry, a clear demonstration that they had not consulted their pillows that night: Their ruffs set as completely as if they had been to dine with the Masters of their Companies, or were prepared to bear a part in my Lord Majors show: but the rest that slept in the simplicity of their hearts, and went to bed, so far from misconceiving their gracious sovereign to have any evil intention against the City, that they thoug●t themselves safe under his Protection, these came in a far different garb, one came in his nightcap & forgot his Hat, another had his Hat, but did not remember to take his ruff, one trots along in his slippers, another for haste not staying to garter his stockings, had lost them had not his shoo●s 〈◊〉 on: so that it was easy to distinguish who were Cons●iding Ald●rmon, as they call them, and who Malignants.  
And as by degr●es they wrought the people to this height of jealousy, so by degrees too, proportionable to their 〈…〉 they disarm the King, and arm themselves. At first they did only wrest the Sword out of the Kings Hau●, 〈◊〉 as their party grew stronger, they turned the point upon him. When their fears were but young, the Faction of the City desired 〈◊〉 more, but a strong guard of the Train-Bands, and this 〈◊〉 called The Safety of the City, when their fears grew Stronger, then in a common-council they move for The Posture of defence, which was the egg of which afterwards was natched ●hat Cockatrice of the Militia.  
But because it was impossible to disarm the King, as long as the Lord Major stood firm in his Loyalty, and invested in his power; their main work therefore was, first, to pack a common-council of men of their own Faction, and then by advancing the power of their common-council (by the assistance of the House of Commons) above the Lord Majors, to draw the Voting of all queries, and the Resolution of all doubts, or matters under debate, unto the decision of a Major part; and if any Obstacle lay in their way to these ends, which was not in their power to remove, presently at a dead lift, Penington or Ven or vassals bring an order from the House of Commons, which never failed to determine all things, for their own Creatures. And because the Practices of these men deserve not to be buried in Silence, I shall give you a short account, how the power of the Militia of the City, came to be taken out of the Lord Major, and Court of aldermen's hands, and ●eated in a Major part of the Commons; In which you shall see how a Faction in the City conspired with a Faction in the Parliament, and this Faction in the Parliament with that in the City, until between both, the King was enforced, for fear of their tumults, and insolences, to withdraw himself into the Country.  
The time of Election of common-council men coming on, at St Thomas day 1641. When these fears and Jealousies had distracted the City, it was no difficult matter, for this active faction, to instill into their fellow Citizens how much it Concerned them to make choice of Godly men (so they miscall themselves) and such as would oppose the Popish Party, under which notion, they comprehend all such as stand well affected to the Government established, whether ecclesiastical, or civil. They accuse the Old common-council-men, as men not zealous for Religion, Ready to comply with the Court for loans of moneys, and which was worse, many had not only set their hands to, but were active in promoting the intended Petition, for Episcopacy, and the book of Common Prayer. These Objections (which duly considered had been so many convincing arguments for them) so prevailed, with these silly men, (who thought all to be in danger, unless the government were put into new hands) that in most Wards, the old common-council men were turned out, and new chosen in, wholly devoted to the Puritan faction; especially in those Wards, where their Aldermen inclined that way: amongst these, the most remarkable were Atkins, W●llastone, George garret the Draper, Wardner, and Towse. Now outgo all the grave, discreet, well-affected Citizens, as Sir George Benyon, M. Drake, M. Roger Clarke, M. Roger Gardner, Deputy Withers, M. Cartwright, and others, and in their stead are chosen Fowke the traitor, Ryley the squeaking bodies-maker, Perkins the tailor, Norminton the Cutler, young beardless Co●lson the Dyer, Gill the Wine-Cooper, and jupe the Laten-man in Crooked-Lane, Beadle of the Ward, in the place of Deputy Withers. So that a man would swear, they meant to fulfil, what a wise Lord Keeper once spoke to a Recorder of London, dining with him, upon occasion of a Wood Cock-Py● brought to the Table, with the heads looking out of the Lid, Mr Recorder, you are welcome to a common-council.  
These new men, though chosen on S. Thomas day, are never returned by the constant custom of the City, before the Monday after twelve-day: nor have power to 〈◊〉 in the common-council, or concur in doing any act, before the Indentures of their Election be returned from the Wardmo●e Inquest to the town-clerk, and a Warrant is sued fort● from the Lord Major, to the sergeant of the Chamber to Summon them. Yet in the year 1641. the small space of time between S. Thomas day, and the day of this return, was a very active time: and that which laid the groundwork, of that Revolt of this City, from their Loyalty to Rebellion, which presently followed. Therefore Impatient to stay the time of their ordinary calling, and knowing the Necessity of their presence for the advancement of the work in hand, when the King, gave order to the Lord Major, for calling that common-council held December, 31. 1641. when the Lord Newburge was sent from the King, to give the City notice of the late Tumults at Westminster, and White-Hall, and to recommend unto them the Care of preventing the like disorders, for the time to come. To this common-council, comes Fowks, and with him, all the Tribe of this new choice, and mingle with the old; which being an Intrusion without precedent, was earnestly opposed by them, that loved the ancient order, and honour of the City; and foresaw the Inundation breaking in upon them, yet out of Respect to the King's Message, and that Lord that brought it, the controversy for the present was hushed up, and generally, they applied themselves to give dispatch to the Answer, which they were to return to the King, which was accordingly done, and the Answer presently after published in Print.  
So, on the 5. of January, being the day after the King went to the House of Commons to demand the Five Members, a Common council being called by the King's direction to the Lord Major, to which himself in Person came, to impart unto them, the reasons that induced him to go to the House the day before, and to admonish them, not to harbour or protect these men in the City. Thither came Fowke and his new Elected, but not admitted Brethren. Fowke having prepared a Saucy, Insolent Speech, to make unto the King, concerning fears, & jealousies, touching the Members accused, The privileges of Parliament, and that they might not be tried but in a Parliamentary way. The King heard him with admired patience, and whereas so disloyal expressions, justly deserved his Royal Indignation, to have se●t him to Newgate, or Bridewell (especially interposing in that Representative body of which, as yet, he was no member.) The King only returned this short, gracious Answer, bidding him and the rest, to assure themselves, That they should have a lust trial, according to the laws of the Land; adding, that they were dangerous men, and that neither he, nor they, could be in safety, as long as these men were permitted to go on in their way.  
It was observed by some, very wise men, there present, that the King at His coming to the common-council, was received with Joy, and acclamations; not much inferior to those, at His entrance into the City, on His return from Scotland. But after the reason of His coming was known, and the Puritan Party had in●tilld into the people's heads, that the great Patriots of the kingdom were in danger, to be called to a legal trial, for Treason, at His return, there was a new face on the Multitude, and instead of God save the King, there was nothing echoed in His ears, but privileges of Parliament, privileges of Parliament! Great is Diana of the Ephesians was never roared louder. The King dined that day at sheriff Garrets, and the Faction of the Sectaries, Brownists, and Anabaptists having time to assemble, after dinner, the house was beset, and the streets leading unto it thronged with people, Thousands of them flocking from all parts of the City: and the clamour still was privileges of Parliament; which cry first taken up that day, and that, with so good success, never failed to be Objected to the King, and inculcated to the People, even unto this day, in all their appeals unto them.  
This Tumult swelled to that height, that the King in His return was in great danger, the people in a most undutiful manner, pressing upon, looking into, and laying hold on His Coach: nay, in defiance of His sacred Person, and Authority, that seditious Pamphlet of Walker's, To your Tents O lsrael, was thrown either into, or very near His Coach: Insomuch, that those few friends, which the King had in the City, were heartily glad when they heard that the King was safely arrived at White-Hall: for I assure you, His fast friends here in the City, as the never enough honoured Sir Richard Gurney, and Sir Thomas Gardner the Recorder were in great danger, being pursued with outcries, as Remember the Protestation, others calling them half Protesters; nay the Lord Major had his chain torn from his neck by a zealous sister.  
This very day, the two Houses (the leaders in both) thinking themselves unsafe at Westminster, affrighted with their own guilt, resolve to take Sanctuary in London, knowing, that what ever they had done, or ever should do, though never so derogatory to the King, never so contrary to Law, yet the Puritan Faction in the City would afford them not only protection, but power and assistance. Both Houses therefore adjourn, until the Tuesday following, and cast themselves into a Committee, to meet at Guild-Hall, or Grocers-Hall.  
To the Committee at grocer's hall, come the Five Members in great Triumph, guarded, and attended by the Train-bands, and a strong guard set to secure the place of their sitting. Now, if ever, was the fatal conspiration of Time and Place, for coining new unheard of privileges of Parliament, not only to the securing the persons of Traitors, but justifying Treason itself: For here was (before this day) the unheard of privilege of Parliament declared, That no Member of Parliament ought to be arrested by any warrant whatsoever, without consent of that House, whereof he is a Member, and by the same Ordinance it was declared, That they that shall arrest these Members are enemies to the State: with free liberty granted for all persons to harbour or converse with them: In all which, it is evident, that the power and strength of London were made the first obstruction of the free course of justice, and the City made the Asylum, and Sanctuary of those, whom the King had justly declared traitors.  
And now, having undoubted experience of the affection of the City, all eyes being turned from White Hall, to grocer's Hall, where the Darlings of the People were pompously feasted, and fawningly courted: on Saturday the eight of Ian. 1641. the Committee consult, how the accused Members might come to Westminster; the Tuesday following, and without any long debate, it was resolved upon the question, That the sheriffs of London should, and might raise a guard of the Traine-bands, for the defence of the King and Parliament; and that they might warrantablely march out of their Liberties, and that you may see that the Scene was right laid, there were some ready at that instant to make a tender of the assistance of the Seamen and Mariners, whose power should guard them by Water, as the Train-bands by Land. Next day being Sunday, every Pulpit that was at their devotion, sounded nothing but the praise of Kimbolton and the Five Members: inciting the People to stand up in the defence of these w●rthies: else if they permitted the King to take away these to day, he might go on to seize on as many more to Morrow, until he had left the Parliament naked of all good Patriots, and Zealous assertors of Religion, the laws, and Liberties of the Kingdom.  
On Monday the tenth of Ian. 1641. the King hearing of these great Preparations, an Army by Land, and a Navy by Sea, which was to cast ancre against White-Hall, suddenly, (and certainly guided byan immediate providence, which in a peculiar manner watched over Kings) resolved with his ever glorious Queen, the Prince, and the Duke of York, to withdraw to Hampton Court, which accordingly He did: not leaving (though well he might) His curse behind him upon London, as Henry the third of France did on Paris, foully provoked in the like manner; who flying from the City and the Holy League the parallel of this Treason here, at Chaliot, turning towards it, said, I give thee my Curse, disloyal, and ingrateful City, 
The French Hist. p. ● 805.  a City which I have always honoured with my continual abode, a City which I have enriched more than any of my Predecessors, I shall never enter within the compass of thy walls, but by the ruin of a great and Memorable breach.  
The King, now, no better than fled from London, and the apparent dangers there, the whole strength of the City remained at the disposal of a Faction of Puritans in the Parliament, and a Faction of Puritans in the City. That very Monday, on which the King for his safety from these Tumults, withdrew himself (and 'tis a wonder that any man should be so frontless to deny, that for that reason, and that reason only, he withdrew himself) was the return made of the Indentures of the Election of the Common councell-men, and if any election was questioned, as some were, and that most justly, 'twas truly observed, that the decision, never failed to go on their side, who were last elected, whether it were right, or wrong: for whereas formerly all controversies of this Nature were submitted to the determination of the Lord Major and Court of Aldermen only, now by the impetuousness, and Clamour of Fowke, and his adherents, it must be referred to a Committee of the common-council, the same Committee which was for the Safety, the first step which the Puritans made towards the Militia.  
Having thus put the King to flight, and by most indirect unwarrantable Practices, turned most of the discreet able men of the City, out of the common-council, they begin to put the City into a True Posture of Rebellion, which they called, the Posture of Defence, and was the Second step to the Militia: and for the Committee of this Posture of Defence, they nominate Six Aldermen, and twelve Commoners, most of them being of this last election. And to have a leader for the intended Rebellion, upon Ven's Recommendation; Skippon for his council, and advice, is added as an Appendix to the Committee. And though a great debt lay on the Chamber of London, which was often Complained off, but never paid, yet sergeant Major general Skippon, (so many are the Syllables of his new honours) is ordered by act of common-council, to have 300● a year, out of the Treasury for Orphans, during his life, if he should so long continue in the City service.  
A strong Party being thus made, they begin to make all manner of Warlike Preparations, and provide Ammunition of all sorts: they increase the number of the Train-bands, from six, to eight Thousand, and appoint over them six Aldermen, to be colonels, each colonel to have his Captains, Officers, Colours, and Regiment, to be assigned him by the Committee for the Posture of Defence: and yet as if all this had been to no purpose, unless they can make the Lord Major (a shrewd rub in the way) a mere Cipher, and reduce their governor, to so mean a condition, as to be only their instrument, they entrench upon his power, and invade it many ways.  
First, therefore, whereas the power of summoning Common-councells, resided only in the Lord Major, who, with the advice of some Aldermen, was to judge of the Reasons inducing him, to assemble this Representative body, now by Orders from the House of Commons, at the instance of Pennington, Ven, & vassels, the Lord Major is not left to his own judgement, when to call or not to call a common-council, but must do it, as oft as the Men of this Faction shall command him: which usurped power, both Ven and Fowkes have used with that insolency, that when they have required Sir Richard Gurney to call a common-council, and he hath demanded a reason, they have vouchsafed him no other answer, than this saucy one, that when he came thither he should know.  
Secondly, as the power of calling Common-councels was trusted by their Charter & Long prescription, with the Lord Major, so the power of dissolving them, was put into the same hands, he might rise in the midst of a debate, and dismiss the assembly, and yet was not bound to give them an account, why he did so; but now, partly by violence, and partly by pretended orders from the House of Commons, he is fastened to his seat, there he must sit, until Ven and Fowkes and the rest have no farther use of him.  
Thirdly, heretofore, when a common-council was called, nothing could be put to the Question, or proposed as the Subject of their deliberation, but what the Lord Major by the Recorder did offer unto them; but now, when they could not prevail with the Major to command the Recorder, nor with the Recorder without the Lord major's consent, to propose what the Faction pleased, by the Omnipotency of an order, from the House of Commons, they make the dumb to ●●eak, what Ven and the rest will have them: or else the Lord Major and the Recorder must answer it ●t a Committee.  
Lastly, whereas the Lord Major and Ald●rmen sit apart, from the Commons, and are 〈◊〉, when the others are bareheaded, and have a Negative Voice, the itch of incorporating two in one, hath been as great in the City, as ever it was at Westminster, and with 〈◊〉 success; for the faction here (upon the point) have cast all into a common huddle, blending the Court of Aldermen with the Commons▪ upper, and Lower, sound as harshly here, as Westward: And though in outward appearance, they remain two distinct Members, of one body, yet, in power, they have made both, level, Involving the Votes of the Major and Aldermen in the major part of the Commons.  
The Puritan Faction, by the assistance of the House of Commons▪ having thus gotten the power to call Common-councells, power to continue them, power to put to the Question what they please, and power to determine all by a Major part, my Lord Major having no more sway than Perkins the tailor, Rily the bodies maker, or Nicholson the Chandler, they may dispose of the Wealth and Power of the City as they please: now the two Factions openly communicate Counsills, walk hand in hand, that 'twas a question, which was the Parliament, that at Westminster, or this at Guile-hall.  
Towards the end of January 1641. the Commons house petitioned the King touching the Tower, the Forts, and the Militia, and as two strings set to the same tune, though on two several viols, at a convenient distance, if you touch one, the other by consent renders the same sound, so, the House of Commons, and the common-council of this City, were now grown to such a Sympathy, that the motions, and endeavours of one, were the work of both: that you would swear, Fowkes was as much a Parliament man here, as Ven at Westminster: for before February was ten days old, there was a common-council held, in which many things were debated: the Court was continued long, until one of the Clock: at last, tired out with long sitting, and willing to rise, Ven, taking advantage of the present indisposition of the Court, to sit longer, ready to admit proposals, without any strict scanning, (especially since whatsoever passed that common-council, was to undergo a second consideration at the next, as their constant custom is) produceth an Order from the House of Commons, by which, they were desired to return such men's names, with whom the City thought fit to intrust the Militia of London.  
The Court, surprised with so unexpected a Message for the present, not piercing into the reason of it, nor understanding that the Houses were in so great forwardness to settle the Militia, as afterwards they found they were, nor imagining that the men, whose names they returned, should have absolute power to execute any thing of themselves, but only as a Committee to consult, and prepare, and report to the common-council, as the limited power of all Committees is, and, considering that the Posture of Defence, and the new Militia, though two names, were in effect but one the same thing, Ordered that the names of the Com●ittee, for the 〈…〉, should be sent to the House in return to their order. The Intention of the House, (as some think) in this Message, (though for my part, if I were put to my oath I dare not swear it) was, to endear the City, and to lay an Obligation upon them by giving them power to nominate their own men: But Ven (instructed by some, that had more wit, but as little honesty as himself) his purpose in the carriage of this business was, to make the Lord Major, the sheriffs and Court of Aldermen, by their own voluntary, but Inconsiderate act, to renounce (as it were) their own Interest, and so, to place this great power of the Militia on the Committee for the posture of Defence, whereof the Major part, if not all, were of his own Faction.  
Many days had not passed, before it was generally known, to the great Regret of all loyal discreet men, That the Militia of London, was put in the hands of the Committee for the posture of Defence. Not long after, a common-council was called, at which, when the orders made the last meeting, (as the custom is) were read, at this, many men seeing the snare, into which unwittingly they had cast themselves, began to retract, and speak against that order, whereby the Committee for the Posture of Defence, were invested with the power of the Militia: nay, some of the Aldermen, whose names were returned, for the new Militia, utterly protested against it: affi●ming, that when they passed that order, they had not the least Intention, to exclude the Lord Major, from having power over the Militia, nor had any thought, to place so absou●u●e power in their Committee, as (they found) the two Houses had done: and hereupon, by some that stood well affected to the honour, and peace of the City, it was earn●stly moved, that the Houses might be Petitioned to reverse their Order, but all in vain: the Faction in the common-council being instructed by their Leaders, at what advantage they had the City, were resolved, not to Lose it, by giving way to such a Motion: but on the Contrary, to make all sure, Ven produceth another order f●om the House of Commons, That Skippon, whom the Committee for the posture of Defence, had associated 〈…〉 for his advice, and assistance, should, by their Assent, be ●●ded to the same Committee for the Militia: which w●s no sooner move●▪ 〈◊〉 assented unto, the Major part of the common-council (who now rule the rest) will have it so.  
The Court of Aldermen finding (but too too late) that this settlement of the 〈◊〉, would be no small derogation to the 〈…〉 and the Government of the City in general; and being out of all h●pe to find the Commons ●●ady to join with them, in such a Petition, resolve (without them) to petition, that this Order of so dangerous Consequence might be 〈…〉 and sheriffs be nominated of the Committee. To this end petitions are ●amed, and delivered, but to no pu●pose; the Lord 〈…〉, was too well known, to be admitted, to h●ve any share in that power which was intended to be employed against the King.  
Notwithstanding this Repulse, divers Ci●izens, very Consi●erable for their number, but more considerable for their Quality and abilities, out of a sense of that great Comtempt and prejudice which this would bring upon that ancient Government, ●●der which their City had so long flourished, join in a petition in their own names, to the two Houses, to the same effect, but with worse Success●; for the House of Commons, having Information what was in agitation in the City, send Wa●● Long to ●eize on the Petition, and the Subscriptions; by which means, the Names of the Subscribers 〈…〉 there wanted not arts to make them retract their own voluntary act: some by persuasions, and private solicitations, others intimidated by threats, and Menaces, are compelled to recent, & because it was a Note of Lev●ty, if not worse, so suddenly to protest against their own voluntary Act, therefore the Decoy to bring on the Rest, to so base, ●o●unworthy a Revolt, was Lemhall the Speakers Brother, which Example (he having broke the Ice) was followed by many, that Loved an Ignoble quietness, before freedom, with Trouble.  
This last Petition was that which they call Benyons petition● and indeed Sir George Beny●n was (and he needs not be ashamed of it) a Framer, and a chief promoter of that most reasonable, most equitable Petition: which notwithstanding was made that great crime, that afterwards drew on his Impeachment, and heavy Gensure in Parliament. Id which Sentence, the World may see what gross▪ Injustice and partiality was used by them, th●● would be angry, not to be thought the most upright, unblemished justiciaries in the world. The Christmas before (which we● now must call Nativity Tide) the Lord Maior, and the Recorder, were convented before a Committee for obstructing the Apprentizes petition, against Episcopacy; and learned Peard (●ho hath no more Law than what was made this Parliament) sitting in the chair, told them, that it was against the freedom and Liberty of the Subject, not to permit them (without any Let or Interruption) to present their grievances in paper to the Parliament, Nay for fear they should want work, there was an order published in print by the House of Commons to that very purpose; yet Sir George for making use of the same Liberty, which themselves had proclaimed, is sentenced thus: First, fined in three Thousand pounds. Secondly, disfranchized, utterly deprived of the privileges of the City. Thirdly, never to bear any Office in the kingdom. Fourthly, to be committed prisoner to Colchester gaol for two years, and lastly, at the expitation of that term to give security for the good behaviour, such, as the Parliament if they then sare) should then think fitting, and in case the parliament were dissolved, such as the Lord Keeper for the time being should approve of: how will this Sentence, for ever justify the severest, that were ever given, either in the Star-Chamber, or High Commission, That did doom a man to ruin, for no other fault, than what themselves had authorized, and judged it against the Liberty of the Subject, to oppose it, even by their own Order.  
The Committee for the posture of Defence, being by these dishonest practices made Lords of the Militia, and being armed with as much power as will, to serve the most desperate, Treasonable designs, which either Say, or Pym should suggest, they now go on without check or controu●e, and beat down all before them that stand in their way. On trivial pretences, or for necessary obedience to the King's just Commands, they remove honest Sir Richard Gurney▪ (whose name in after Chronicles will outshine famous Walworth's, and upbraid this Rebellious City to all posterity) from the government of the City, and 〈◊〉 his place substitute Little Isaac, rejecting the Olive, and advancing that Bramble, out of which I fear will come that Fire, which will consume this seditious City. Now the People are authorized by Ord●nance of both Houses, and encouraged and pressed even in point of Conscience, by their Boutefeau Lecturers, to List horses in moorefield's, send in money and plate to Guild-Hall for the service of the King and Parliament, and because they would be sure to have an Orator in every Pulpit to quicken the people, to pour out their wealth Liberally, to further the Rebellion intended, they cause the very dregs, and s●um of every Parish, to petition against the Orthodox Clergy: who being imprisoned, or fle, they sequester their Livings, for the use of their own Levites: so that at this day, there is not a true Orthodox Minister left, freely speaking his Conscience, and exercising his ministry in the whole City: so that whatsoever they pretend, that they take up arms for the defence of the Protestant Religion, if they mean the Protestant Religion, as it is by Act of Parliament established in the Church of England, I assure you, Brother, were you here, you could no more see a face of the Church of England, than you can at Amsterdam.  
They have not only banished all Decency and Order, together with the established Liturgy, out of our Churches, but in stead of the Gospel, our new preachers entertain their Auditories with news, which upon examination prove but fictions and lies to blind the people, or else with bitter invectives against the King and his Government: and as for Faith, Charity, and Repentance, they are laid aside as impertinent arguments: all their exhortations now, are to Treason and Rebellion: So that, as in the Holy League of France, as my Author speaks, our pulpits are made the chairs of jugglers. Nay, the very Sacraments escape not their Blasphemy and profanation ●o these vile purposes: I doubt not but you have heard of M. Case his Invitation of the Congregation to the Lord's Table, who in stead of you that do truly and earnestly repent you of your sins, and be in Love and Charity with your Neighbours, and intend to lead a new Life, &c. bespoke them thus: You that have freely and liberally Contributed to the Parliament, for the defence of God's cause and the Gospels, draw near: To the rest he threatened Damnation, as com●●ing unworthily to the holy Sacrament: it were endless to 〈◊〉 unto you, (it deserves som● man's labour in particular) to acquaint you, and the kingdom, with the Blasphemies, profanations, and Absurdities, which he and his Brethren in evil, vent every day in their Extemporary Prayers and Sermons.  
Yet were a●l this Treason set out mixed with wit, or did they preach Rebellion advantaged by the alluring helps of art and El●quence, it might persuade some amongst us not to turn Recusa●ts from their Assemblies: but they are the d●yest, and the dullest beasts that ever peepd over a pulpit: while these Remain in the City, Rotheram the Lecturer, never needs fear to be heard in his deprecation, that we might never see such a famine here in London, as was once in Samaria, where an ass's head was sold for fourscore pieces of Silver, thanks to him and the rest, we have great plenty here, and while we have so many, there is no fear that they will ever rise to so high a price.  
But when people are disposed u●to a Re●ellion, small helps will serve their turn, a rams-horn is as good as Shebahs' Trumpet: yet they have one art (and I may not forg●t it, because it takes much with the People) and it is this, you shall have one, and the same argument possess most of our Pulpit, on the same day, the same matter, is the Subject, ●i●her of their railing invectives, or Rebellious Exhortations. The undiscerning multitude, not piercing into this Imposture, f●ndly are persuaded, that this is no less than the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, when God knows, this is no more, than an I●timation given from the Heads of the Faction, to Calamy, and the junto that meet at his house, from whom their Emissaries receive direct●ons, what concerns the present opportunity, and is necess●ry to be pre●ched unto the people.  
By these and the like Arts, 'tis a w●nder to see, what ●orces have been raised, what sums have been advanced, and pour●d out, to further this Rebellion; It is the Opinion of very wise men amongst us here, that have observed the several h●lpes, which the City of London ha●h contributed to this present unnatural war, that they have supplied the Treasury of the rebels, with no less, then Three Millions of money, and their A●my with threescore Thousand men, first 〈◊〉, then recre●●ing their mangled, b●aten Regiments, at so great expense both of Treasure and Blood hath this proud unthankful City been, to disthrone the King, and r●ine the Kingdom.  
And that they might not want supplies of men, to keep this Rebellion on Foot, they have canceled, or dispensed with all the Obligations and ties of Religion, Nature and laws; They have given the son power not only without, but contrary to the parents commands to List himself, and take entertainment in their Army, the same liberty they have given to apprentices, and Servants, to take arms, not only without, but contrary to the command of their Masters and Mistresses. How many poor P●rents, how many poor tradesmen, nay, how many poor widows, and their distressed Orphans, be here in this City, that had no other Subsistence but what was hardly earned by their Children, or apprentices industry and labour, are now all like to starve, or are necessitated to fly to the alms of the Parish (though the poors' stock itself be invaded and spent in this war) while ●hose that fed them are left in this unnatural Rebellion? Nay how many disconsolate parents have you in the Country, that sent their Children hither to this City, and gave great sums with them, to bind them apprentices to Trades, & Manufactures, hoping that hereafter they might live like men, nay, perhaps some of their Mothers out of an overweening opinion, might fancy to themselves, hopes, that they might live to see their son's Lord Majors of London, (and why not?) that now sit mourning, and wringing their hands, and curse the day not only in which they sent them hither, but in which they were borne, not because they have lost a leg or an Arm●, or returned maimed, so that all they can hope for is to have entertainment in an hospital, and that no longer neither, then till the King's maimed soldiers shall come, and tell them that that Charity was never provided for men disabled fighting against their King, but because they have lost their lives, and not only their lives but their precious souls too, dying in a grievous sin, in the very act of Rebellion? methinks you in the Country, (if there be any bowels of compassion yearning over the fruit of your bodies; if there be any sense of that eternal condition that doth attend them after this life, if there be any hope of the joys of Heaven, or fear of the Torments of Hell) should be very sensible of this.  
And though God hath manifestly fought against them, for the King, giving him victory in many battles, when all human helps, and advantages were on the robells' side, though God hath miraculonsly, and beyond the hope of man restored unto Him, the hearts of the people, (which the heads of this Rebellion, by slanders had stolen from H●m:) th●ugh from small, and contemptible beginnings in the eyes of His enemies (few or 〈…〉 for H●m but God, and the just●ce of his Cause) God hath prosp●red Him into many mighty Armies, which ●ender him formidab●e to the proudest, and stoutest of the rebels; ●●ough every Victory hath been seconded by a 〈◊〉 of peace, and with an overture of pacification, so that as himself spe●kes in 〈◊〉 Declaration Pu●lished July, ●●●643. He could not probably 〈◊〉 unden the Scandalous Imp●●●tion which ha●h usually 〈◊〉 His Messages of p●ace, 〈◊〉 they proceed from t●e weakness of His P●●er ●ot l●ve of His People. Lastly●though like a● ind●●gent Father of R●bellious Children, He hath 〈◊〉 his City, and wood it, by many pardons, many and often repeated Acts of Grace and Favour to recall us to our former Loyalty, (〈…〉 we were loyal) yet, inconsiderate, unthankful wretches as we are, we overlook, or slight all these invitations; For 〈…〉 we have added this, as the compliment of our other R●bellions, that (whether more unthankfully or undutifully I ●●●●not tell) we have cast dirt in our sovereign's fa●●, and 〈◊〉 the foo●stpes of God's anointed, as if he were guilty of all 〈◊〉 Miseries, which at this time threaten the subversion of this Na●●on: we will no longer wrong our King secretly, through 〈◊〉 sides of His evil Counsellors, or Cavallers, but ●hrage him 〈◊〉, and point blank, as in that most seditious Declaration, or what every you will call it, presented by Sir David Watkins, and that broken Citizen, out at elbows, called satin Shute, to the common-council, and by them to the remainder of the 〈◊〉 House, if it be not breach of privilege to call it so.  
How willing have we obeyed every commandment, except God, and the Kings▪ How forward have we been, to employ the large Revenues of our several Companies, and Brotherhoods, (as heretofore to excess, and gluttony, so now) to support this, Reb●llion? how ready▪ even b●yond our Ab●lities, have we been to, submit to every Tax, and illegal Impistion: even to the bondage, and sl●very of 〈◊〉, b● which we are not so much Proprietaries of our own, as Stewards, or Cashieres to the heads of the Rebellion: and all this to no other end but to keep up the Rebellion: we have not only protected, & supported the King's mortal Enemies, but as much as in us lay, have persecuted all His Friends, or, if but suspected to stand well-affected to Him, and the Justice of his cause, not sparing the effusion of I●nocent blood, as that of M. Tomkins, and M. Chaloner, which like the blood of Abel, calls loud to Heaven for vengeance, on this bloody City, and Q●●stionlesse will in time be heard; For not Content to buy these men's bloods with great sums of moneys which could not be advanced but on this Condition, that M. Tomkins, and M. Chaloner, be delivered up to their pleasure, and murdered for a strange Conspiracy called Obedience to the King: but being dead, in an unheard of barbarousness they press into the houses, where their dead bodies lay, before their funerals, and thinking they could never be sure enough, of so great a guilt, they will not believe that they are dead, unless they force the houses to see the bodies of them whom themselves had murdered; Insomuch, that to avoid further violence and rage of the Citizens, they were fain to set open the doors where their bodies say, and expose them to the view of all, that so they might glut them●elves with beholding that sad spectacle which themselves had made.  
That the Kings Gracious offers of Peace have been slighted, and rejected, with scorn, and Con●empt, and His Messengers that brought them, (contr●ry to the Law of arms, and Nations) Impriso●ed; That those miserabl● distractions, which have rent, and 〈◊〉 this flourishing kingdom, are so far from being closed, that they are rather made wider, That the sword of war, so long d●vouring, is not yet sheathed, except in one another's bowels, That this kingdom is still made, the Scene of Marthers, Rapines, Oppression, and P●nderings, and whereon all the horrid acts of rage, and injustice are every day acted, and the Nation put almost out of hope, ever to enjoy her former Peace, and plenty, is our fault and ours wholly: Had not the heads of this Rebellion been anima●ed by this City, and encouraged by promises of more supplies of men, and Mo●ies, They had long 〈◊〉 this laid down their arms, and come with halters about their necks, and cast themselves at the King's feet, submissly begging those Pardons, which they have presumptuously rejected: Time was, when the two Houses gave a Law to the City, now it is come to that pass, that the City prescribes to the relics of the two Houses; They must not Conclude of war or Peace, without consulting the City; if they do, they reckon without their host.  
Nay, though Fairfax be utterly routed in the North, and William, once surnamed Conqueror, be totally defeated in the West, yet they can neither be persuaded, nor beaten into thoughts of Peace: on the 20 July last, no longer ago, many Thous●nds (as the printed Paper tells you) preferred a Petition to the House of Commons, presented by M. Norbury of the Cursitors office, and John Ha● an attorney of Guild-Hall, both pernicious men: which as it evidently shows their Obstinate aversion from Peace, so it is the most desperate devilish slander, that ever yet durst look the World in the Face; for first they tell the House of Commons, and in them, the World, That the King without any touch of Conscience, and in defiance of God, hath raised an Army of Papists, outlaws, and Traitors, for the Robbing, Burning, murdering, and destroying of His Relgiious, Honest, and well meaning People, And then knowing not only their Interest in, but their power over the House of Commons, they do not so much Petition, as Co●●and them to accept of their assistance, for the raising a new Army, and in express terms prescribe unto them, and limit them to a Committee of their own nomination, for the seizing and receiving of such sums, as the willing shall think fit to offer, or they shall think fit to extort from the ●●willing for this service: And that you may Judge of the whole Bunch, by some, they name Pennington the pretended Lord Major, Strode, one of the five Members, Harry Marti● plunder-master-general, and Dennis Bend Burgess of Dorchester▪ and P●●riarch White's own disciple, a man of a double Capacity to be a rebel, and finding themselves more alone in these undertakings then they did imagine, like desperate Traitors, they call on the whole kingdom, a● one man according to the intent of the late Covenant, to join with them in this Rebellion. And having thus taken a course to raise new forces, on Saturday the 29 of July, at a Common Hall, they voted Sir William Waller, general of their new intended Army, whom to endear the more, they interest him in the government of the City, hoping that being as mad as his Lady, he will hold up the Rebellion, as long as he can, and then be one of the last to run away: I mean not from battle, for in that he showed himself as forward as the foremost, but from justice, and the due reward of his disloyalty. By all which it is most evident, that this Languishing Rebellion had before this day gasped its last, and given up the Ghost, had not this Rebellious City by its wealth, and Multitudes, fomented it, and given it life.  
If therefore Posterity shall ask, who broke down the bounds, to those streams of blood, that have stained this earth; if they ask, who made Liberty captive, Truth criminal, Rapine just, Tyranny and Oppression lawful: who blanched Rebellion, with the specious pretence of defence of laws, and Liberties, war with the desire of an established Peace, sacrilege and profanation, with the show of zeal, and Reformation: Lastly, if they ask who would have pulled the crown from the King's head, taken the government off the hinges, dissolved Monarchy, enslaved the laws, and ruined their country; say, 'Twas the proud, unthankful, schismatical, Rebellious, Bloody City of London, so that what they wanted of devouring this kingdom by cheating and cozening, they mean to finish by the Sword.  
That therefore these dangerous defluxions, and continual, not small distillations, but floods of Men, Money, Ammunition, and arms descending from the Head City, and Metropolis of the kingdom, may not for ever dissolve the nerves, and luxate the sinews of this admirably composed Government: it will highly concern this Nation to look about them, to undeceive themselves, and to consult their own peace and safety, by joining with their Gracious sovereign, in chastizing these rebellious insolences, & reducing this stubborn City either to Obedience or Ashes.  
Yet that the World may not think, that this inundation of wickedness wherein the devils of Rebellion rage in the Children of disobedience, hath involved all of us in the same disoyalty, let not (good Brother) the name Rusticus neither deter you, (as if it were a solecism, to tell the murders, Robberies, Plunderings, and other Ou●rages, committed in the City, nor deprive us (a handful of faithful Subjects in comparison of the rebels, the Puritans, Brownists, and Anabaptists) of so great an Opportunity, to justify our Innocence. Let the Country know, that we have been at the charges, to undo, not only them, but ourselves too, the coloss which we have built, is fallen on the builders, the Fire which we have kindled, devours the bellows which first blowed it up; some of us repent of our fond credulity to be deceived, and fooled by the empty name of a Parliament, God grant it be not too late; yet how ever, let Posterity know this too, that the King hath his Martyrs in London, all are not in the Country; And to make this good, secretly (as much as the close obstructions of the ways of conveyance will permit) you shall not fail of Intelligence from  
Your affectionate Brother MERCURIUS CIVICUS. London, Aug. 5. 1643,