Loyalties Severe SUMMONS TO THE BAR of CONSCIENCE: OR, A Seasonable and Timely CALL TO THE People of England, UPON THE, Present juncture of Affairs.  
BEING An EPITOME of the several Praeliminaries, or Gradual Steps the Late Times took to Their (never-to-be forgotten) RUIN, by Their Civil Dissensions, through a needless Fear of the Subverting, Losing, and Destroying of Religion, Liberty of the Subject, and Privileges of Parliament.  
With a COLLATTERAL COMPENDIUM of Our Own, Exactly and Impartially drawn; Our Follies and Extravagances Disclosed, and laid Open.  
Together, With such Favourable Admonitions, and Timely Remedies, as will ('tis hoped) Administer towards the Uniting Our Divisions. Composing Our Differences, and Healing Our Breaches.  
In Two Parts.  
Discipulus prioris posterior Dies. Hor.  
By Robert Hearne, Gent.  
LONDON, Printed by Thomas Milbourn; And are to be Sold by Randal Taylor, near Stationers-Hall, 1681.   

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE, AND MY MOST NOBLE LORD, John Lord Frescheville, Baron of Stayeley, etc.  
My Lord,  
WHEN I consider upon what Treacherous Ground Our present State does stand, through needless Fears, unnecessary Jealousies, and hot-brained Reflections, I think it my Duty, and every Good Christian's to call out vigorously for a helping Hand: And, To whom should we call, but to those Men, who have shown Themselves serviceable on the like Occasion? To those Men, who have ventured their Lives and Fortunes, to stem the Tide of Insulting Danger, which Our Enemies drove forwards; whereof Your Lordship is undeniably One of the most Eminent? Upon this Score it is, that I dare Affix so noble a Frontispiece to my Weak Endeavours: Upon this Score it is, I challenge so Honourable a Patron as Your Lordship, who is a Known Example, and an Admired Encourager of Those, who are truly Loyal to their King, and Sincere Lovers of their Country: Of which Number, I profess myself One; and therefore, am the Bolder to enter into Your Honour's Presence, to implore Your Favourable Protection.  
It was the Saying of a Learned Politician, and a much Esteemed Author; That to write of Modern Times (or Men,) is a troublesome Business: All Men (says he) commit Errors; few, having committed Them, will hear of it. Present Actions are not with Safety related, nor are they listened unto without Danger. Well may they be Reverenced, never Censured. Who puts them in Print, seeks after an uncertain Glory, and exposes Himself to a certain Danger. Who leaves it to be done by Posterity, reaps no other Fruit of his Present Labours, than the mear Contemplation of a future, imaginary, fruitless Glory, etc.  
BUT with his Leave; If every Private Man, is a Member of the whole Body Politic, and consequently must bear a Share in the Public Good or Ill, as every Part in the Indisposition of the Body Natural is sensibly touched; I say, It is the Indispensible Duty of every Private Person, to endeavour the Healing Public Breaches, the Composing Differences, and Removing all Misunderstandings, which might disturb the Peace of the Government, and obstruct the Common Welfare: Though with this Restriction, That he shall not pretend either to Instruct his Prince; or, by prying into His Council, betray the Failures, or derogate from His Authority-Poyal.  
My Lord,  
I HAVE Compiled this Short Essay, as a small Echantillon of my Love and Zeal for my Country's Good and Peace; and have compared Times passed with the Times present, the several Revolutions of Our Present Affairs, with the sad Catastrophe's Forty Years since; and, as near as may be, taken an Impartial View of the various Methods, which led us to our Then Ruin; and, Similibus juxta se positis, Surveyed our Own: And, I think, we may say with the Heathen-Poet, Etas parenturn pejor Avis.  
This little Piece I have thrown amongst many Others into the Public Treasury, under Your Noble Protection, as a small Acknowledgement likewise of Your Lordship's former Favours, which You were pleased to Confer upon me: Begging Your Lordship's Pardon for This Presumption of Him, who is ever obliged to Style Himself,  
My Lord, Your Lordship's Most Obedient and Devoted Servant, ROBERT HEARNE.   


Loyalties severe Summons TO THE Bar of Conscience: OR, A Seasonable & Timely Call TO THE People of England, UPON THE Present Juncture of Affairs.  
The First Part.  
HAVING Acted a long and tedious Part in this World; seen, and been engaged in Various, and Bloody Scenes; and being even grown Grace upon the Stage, I thought I might be excusable, and that it would not be improper for me, if I undertook to Acquaint the World with the several Transactions I have had Prospects of in my time; a Map of which, I suppose will not be altogether Unseasonable in this juncture; seeing the same Methods and Measures are taken and followed, that brought upon Us the late Troubles; and in all Appearance the same or worse Tragedies are going to be Played over again. Wherefore I think it is the Duty of every True and Loyal English-Man, to warn, and put his Fellow-Subjects in mind of the Desolations, and Calamities the Nation Groaned under, in the late Civil Wars; that We may so Regulate all our Actions and Resolutions, as that they may only tend to Union amongst Ourselves, and Obedience and Loyalty to Our PRINCE.  
THE Devastations and Ruins, the Effusion of Humane Blood, and all the other sad Consequences of Domestic Broils, are, alas! so well, and sensibly known by this Nation, that it is altogether unnecessary to descant upon them; and therefore, I shall Content myself with Tracing along the Pretexts, and Steps that engaged, and led Us to Our Ruin and Desolation. This perhaps is but too Seasonable at this time, when all seems ready for a general Combustion; and that the Storm is seen coming on with that Rage and Fury, that whosoever shall be any ways Instrumental towards his Countries avoiding ●● will have highly Obliged the whole Kingdom. And I am apt to believe the World will easily pardon a Relation of this Nature, if it may in any wise Contribute towards the Preventing of Future Evils: For if a Man, who has been in the most terrible Tempest that even was known, wherein the most part of his Dearest Friends, and Nearest Relations have lost both their Estates and Lives, and all have been in the extremest Danger; nay, wherein the Captain himself Suffered, the utmost Rigours of Fate, was brought to an unparalelled Tragical End, and the rest of the Ship only Saved, as it were by a Miracle, and by the greatest Providence of GOD: I say, if such a Man, who shall have escaped all these extremities, shall come and tell me, That he sees the Storm gathering in the same Corner or Point, Blown by the same Winds, and Hurried on with the same Fury; and that I shall be inevitably Lost if I continue to Steer on my Course: I shall be so far from being displeased with him, that on the contrary, I shall Value at that Rate the Obligations I have to him, as to think myself never capable of equalling them with Acknowledgements. I must Confess it would be a Vanity in me to Imagine, that this Essay or Compendium can have so great, and good an Effect; yet I promise myself it may be of some use, and perhaps a Means towards the Reconciling Our Differences, and the making up Our Breaches, which, who ever brings to pass, raiseth to himself immortal Monuments of Honour; and renders Us as Necessary, and Helpful to Our Friends, and as Dreadful, and Formidable to Our Enemies, as We have been of late Neglected, and Despised by both the One and the Other.  
I SHALL begin first with the Introduction to the late King's Miseries and Necessities, which was the War the Parliament had engaged His Father in, with the House of Austria, for the R●…ry of the Palatinate; and which was left Him as a Heavy Encumbrance and Mortgage upon an Estate; and finding His Exthequer Empty, and His Revenues spent and drained, He was forced to take such Courses, and Stoop to such Things, as He would not have done in another Occasion. His Necessities were still increased by the War, He was not long after Engaged in, for the Defence, and in the Behalf of the Huguenots of France; wherein having failed of those timely and seasonable Succours from His Parliament, as He might Reasonably have promised Himself, in a juncture when so great a Part, and Branch of the Protestant Communion, as was that of France, lay at Stake: He failed of that good Success, that a more ready and willing Relief might perhaps have procured. 
The Factions now begin, and the public Ministers Censured.  This Furnished the Malcontents, and the Promoters of Sedition, with Pretexts of Censoring, and Blaming the Conduct of those at the Helm, of Demanding the Heads of some of the Ministers in Favour, and the Removal of Others from all Charges and Places of Trust.  
THIS Bustle was Attended with loud Cries, 
The Bishops for introducing Popery.  and Detestations of Popery; and several were Accused of being Promoters, and Abettors of it. The Bishops, and others of the Clergy of the Church of England, were not free from this Aspersion; but were said to be of the Party, and joined their Endeavours with those, who had a mind, and designed to set up the Roman Catholic Religion in this Kingdom. This helped to nourish, and spread abroad Jealousies and Distrusts, occasioned Distractions and Consternations, and gave deep Root to Dissension and Rebellion. But these Promoters of Mischief did not content themselves with Stigmatising the Clergy, and the Chief Ministers of State; for they endeavoured to insinuate into the People underhand, that the Crown itself was Popishly Affected; 
The Crown itself Popishly Affected.  and that it did favour, and encourage the Growth of that Religion; That it Aimed at Arbitrary Government; 
Arbitrary Government, etc.  and that the Subjects were to be Deprived of their Privileges. The House of Commons Daily found out New Grievances, drew up Remonstrances, 
Privileges of Parliament Cried out for.  and Cried out against most of the Actions of the King and his Ministers, as contrary to the privileges of Parliament. But notwithstanding all these Artifices, and Contrivances to set the Nation on a Pair, they would never have Gained their point, had they not found the Scots Aiming the same way; being willing to be Instruments for the putting in Execution their Execrable Designs: Whereupon they Invited them underhand into England. 
The Scots Rebel.  The Scots (a Hungry, and Poor Nation, ever ready to be upon the Wing on such Occasions;) Accepted the Offer, came in Swarms, full of Hopes, and with fair prospects of Riches and Booty: 
The King Raises an Army to Oppose them.  They Seized upon the best Towns of the more Northern Parts of England. But the King having drawn a Considerable Army together, Marched to York to Oppose them; and his Forces being much more Considerable than the Scots, would certainly have Routed them, had they not Tampered, and Insinuated into the English, that their Ruin would be certainly attended, or followed by the Oppression of them themselves; and they once Subdued, the King would be enabled to use His English Subjects as he thought fit; by which Intelligence and Correspondence it was Evident, that the English had no mind to Fight, though their Army was much Stronger than the Scots; 
A Treaty held.  whereupon by the Mediation of some Persons, a Treaty of Peace was begun, and soon Finished; Wherein it was agreed, that His Majesty should Publish a Declaration; whereby all should be confirmed that His Commissioners had promised in His Name, that a General Assembly and Parliament be Held at Edinburgh in a short time. And Lastly, that upon Disbanding their Forces, Dissolving their Counsels, and Restoring the King to His Forts and Castles, etc. The King was to Recall His Fleet and Forces, and make Restitution of their Goods, since the Breach.  
NOW, that which made the Scots so ready to undertake this Expedition, was not only a prospect of Gain and Plunder; but the Fears they were in, of losing their Darling, Presbytery, made them take Arms, and Spirited them into this Rebellion: 
The King endeavours to introduce the Liturgy into the Kirk of Scotland.  For the King in Pursuance of His Father's Design of Establishing the Common-Prayer in Scotland, as it was in England, did Endeavour to introduce the Liturgy into practice in that Kingdom. But the Nobility and Gentry, having since the first Reformation of Scotland from Popery, thrown out the Bishops, and shared their Estates among them, by the Instigation of John Knox the great Presbyterian, 
John Knox a great Presbyterian.  were afraid that if they were again Re-established, and Recovered their former Power and Reverence; they would likewise quickly find the means of procuring again their Ancient Estates and Revenues. For the preventing of which, they thereupon spread abroad Discontents and Fears, foment Jealousies and Distractions, and Engage the Clergy on their side; who were generally inclined to Knox's Discipline, and the Sovereignty which they had for some time enjoyed under the Government of Presbytery; 
The Lyturgy, and Episcopal Government Termed Popery.  the Clergy Influence the People, and Terrify them with the Danger of Popery (for so they Termed the Liturgy, and the Government by Bishops.) By these means and pretexts, they alured the People into a Rebellion, notwithstanding all the Care that was taken by those at the Helm, to prevent it; and the Confederates entered into a Solemn League and Covenant, 
The Solemn League and Covenant.  and obliged themselves to a Mutual Defence against all persons whatsoever, not excepting the King himself; and then they begun an Actual War; 
An Actual War follows.  Raised Men and Money, Seized His Majesty's Arms, Magazines, Castles, Forts, and Walled Towns; and all this was done for Conscience Sake. But to avoid becoming Horrible, and Abominable in the Eyes of all the World, by being called Traitors and Rebels, 
Tho Varnished with a pretended Design for Petitioning, &c  they Varnished, and Termed all these Preparations and Paces towards a Rebellion, a Design of Petitioning their Sovereign. But the King not able to bear His being Affronted at this Rate, does likewise Arm to Defend His Crown, 
The King Raises an Army to go against the Scots.  and the Lives, and Estates of His Subjects here; and Recover the Rights and Prerogatives they had Usurped in that Kingdom. But notwithstanding the Justice of His Cause, and the Gallantry, and Vigour of His Army; when He came in Sight of the Enemy, He was moved out of a Compassion, and a Desire to Save so many Lives, both of His Loyal, and Rebellious Subjects, 
A Treaty is held a Second time.  to Condescend to a Treaty; which He was likewise persuaded to, by some of the English Nobility, that were Secret Friends to the Scots.  
DURING this Treaty, the Factious Spirits of the Two Nations, had by Feeling one another's Pulses, found their Tempers to be so alike, and their Inclinations so suitable, that they easily, and quickly agreed of the Measures for a future Correspondence; and of the means of putting in Execution their Designs: Which however would have been impossible for them to have Effected, had they had the least Sense of Religion, Loyalty, Honour, and Honesty. But the Scots had no sooner seen the English Army Disbanded, and the People Dissatisfied with the Ill Success of that Expedition, than that (having Broken almost as soon as Signed, 
The Pacification broken, and the Scots Raise another Army.  every Article of that Pacification) they Raised a New Army to Petition withal; which they were Invited to, by their Brethren or Presbyterian Party here; who Encouraged them to this Invasion, by assuring them, That the King was not in a Capacity to make Head against them, nor could be without Calling a Parliament, wherein they would be sure to find so many Friends in Both Houses, that nothing should be done there, to their Disadvantage: Which proved but too True; for the King having Summoned a Parliament, and proposed to them the Raising of Money, for the suppressing the Insolence of the Scots; some of the Members began to Question the Grounds, and Justice of the War, which they were Resolved to be Satisfied in, before Moneys should be Raised. In short, the Scottish Party had that Influence in this Parliament, as to put it to Question, Whether the Grievances of the People, or the King's Supply should first be Considered? And though the King told that Parliament; That if they would Supply Him so, as to Suppress the Insolence of the Scots, He would Acquit His Claim to Ship-Money, and give Satisfaction to their Just Demands: They growing still more sensible by these Proposals of the Necessities the King was in, instead of making such Returns as so Gracious an Offer merited: Voted, 1. The Clearing the property of the Subject. 2. The Establishing the True Religion. And 3. The Privileges of Parliament: and then fell into such Extravagances, that the Privy-Council Advised their Dissolving; 
The Parliament's Dissolved.  being assured the Heats of the House of Commons were so great, that they intended that very Day to have Voted against the War with Scotland; whereby the King would have been in a worse Condition, than before their Sitting. Yet though the City of London refused to lend Money to the King; the Gentry contributed indifferently freely, so that with their Assistance He raised a Second Army; 
A Second Army raised by the King.  and having with much Difficulty, and the great Murmuring of the Presbyterian Party, drawn them together as far as York; He designed to have Marched in person to the Borders of Scotland: But the ill success My Lord Conoway had, broke all His Measures, for Lesley had no sooner forced His passage over the River Tine, and faced Newcastle, where the King had reposited His Magazine of Arms, and Ammunition, and His Stores of Provision for His Army; but that the Gates were opened to them, they having more Friends than Enemies in the Town. 
The Scots Declaration.  Hereupon the Scots declare the Intention of the Army to be, Not to lay down Arms, till the Reformed Religion was settled in both Nations upon sure Grounds; and the Causes, and Abettors of their present Troubles (that is Archbishop Laud, and the Earl of Strafford) were brought to public Justice in Parliament. Whereupon Twelve English Peers Petitioned the King for the Sitting of the Parliament; 
Some Lords, and the City, etc. do Petition for the sitting of the Parliament.  and the City of London, and several other parts of the Kingdom did the like; all centring in this, that Nothing else could relieve the pressures of the Nation. And now the King condescends to their Desires, and Summoned a Parliament, 
A Parliament's called.  which instead of redressing Grievances, defending Liberty, Property, and Laws, Trampled all things both Civil and Sacred under their Feet, and the People found at length, that instead of the Arbitrary Government, they had been so much afraid of, they had brought upon themselves the Rankest Tyranny.  
THIS Parliament was no sooner met, than that they fell to Impeaching the Earl of Strafford, Archbishop Laud, 
The Earl of Strafford, and Archbishop Laud impeached with several others.  several of the Judges, and other Ministers of State. But though the Earl had been forewarned of their Designs against Him; yet relying upon His Great Innocence, and His Courage rendering Him uncapable of Fear, He could not be persuaded to withdraw till the Storm was over, lest His Flight might be interpreted as Gild, and should blast His Sovereign's, as well as His own Reputation. Upon this Impeachment He is Sequestered from the House of Lords; and likewise, His Friend Sir George Ratcliff is sent for out of Ireland, by a Sergeant at Arms: In the mean time the Bishop of Lincoln, who was Prisoner in the Tower, is Released, who had been Committed there for some dishonourable Speeches that He had spoken of the King; and having endeavoured by some indirect means to Appear Innocent; He had been therefore Sentenced Ten Thousand Pounds Fine to the King, Imprisonment in the Tower during Pleasure, to be suspended Ab Officiis & Beneficiis, from His Bishopric, and the Profits thereof, and to be referred to the High Commission Court, as to what concerned them. And likewise, Mr. Pryn, Mr. Burton, and Dr. Bastnick, who had received a very just Censure for Writing against the Bishops, and their Government (they being all Three Sentenced to pay Five Thousand Pounds apiece Fine to the King, to lose their Ears in the Pillory, and to be Imprisoned; which they accordingly Suffered) were now brought in great Triumph to London; and December the Third, they presented their Petition against their Prosecutors.  
THAN the Commons fell to Voting Ship-Money, with the Opinion of the Judges thereupon, to be Illegal, who with Noy (then esteemed the Oracle of the Law) had assured the King of the Legality of it; and a Charge of High-Treason was ordered to be drawn up against Eight of them; and they resolved to begin with the Lord-Keeper Finch. 
Petitions from the City against Church Discipline and Ceremonies, etc.  About that time an Alderman, and some Hundreds of Citizens presented a Petition, Subscribed by Fifteen Thousand Hands, against Church-Discipline, and Ceremonies; and a while after the House of Commons Voted, That the Clergy in a Synod or Convocation, 
The Commons Vote thereupon  have no Power to make Canons or Laws without Parliaments; and that the Canons are against the Fundamental Laws of this Realm, the King's Prerogative, the Property of the Subject, the Right of Parliaments, and tend to Faction and Sedition.  
And hereupon a Charge was ordered to be drawn up against Archbishop Laud, as the Principal framer of those Canons, and other Delinquencies; which Impeachment was seconded by another from the Scotch Commissioners; 
Archbishop Land impeached, and sent to the Black-Rod.  upon which, He was Committed to the Black-Rod; and Ten Weeks after, Voted Guilty of High-Treason, and sent to the Tower: The Scots likewise, prefer a Charge against the Earl of Strafford then in Custody, demanding Justice against them both, 
Five Articles against Sir George Ratcliff.  as the great Incendiaries, and Disturbers, both of Church and State; and Sir George Ratcliff (the Earl's Bosom Friend) had Articles also drawn against Him to this purpose:  
THAT He had Conspired with the Earl, 
1.  to bring Ireland under an Arbitrary Government, and to Subvert the Fundamental Laws, and to bring an Army from Ireland to subdue the Subjects of England. That He persuaded the Earl to use Regal Power, and to deprive the Subjects of their Liberties and Properties. 
2.  That He countenanced Papists, 
3.  and built Monasteries, to alienate the Affections of the Irish from the English. That He withdrew the Subjects of Scotland from their King: And Lastly, That to preserve Himself, and the Earl of Strafford, 
4.  He laboured to Subvert the Liberties, 
5.  and Privileges of Parliament in Ireland.  
THE Lord Keeper Finch was the next Person designed to be Censured; 
Lord-Keeper Finch Voted a Traitor.  and notwithstanding a Speech He made in His own Vindication, He was Voted a Traitor upon several accounts; but foreseeing the Storm, to avoid the Danger, He withdrew Beyond-Sea.  
THE House of Commons, having by these means removed their Enemies, were preparing a Bill for a Triennial Parliament; 
Petitions procured for a Triennial-Parliament.  to promote which, they procured Petitions to come from several Places, One whereof was Subscribed with Eight Hundred Hands, aiming principally to destroy Episcopacy; which the King took Notice of: 
One with 800. Hands.  and calling Both Houses together, tells them, Of their Slowness, and the Charge of Two Armies in the Kingdom; and that he would Have them avoid Two Rocks, the One about the Hierarchy of the Bishops, which He was willing to Reform, but not alter; the Other concerning Frequent Parliaments, which He liked well, but not to give His Power to Sheriffs and Constables; and upon their Remonstrances against the Toleration of Papists; the King assured them, 
The King protests an Aversion to Popery.  that the increase of Popery and Papists was extremely against His Mind; and that He would use all possible means for the Restraining of it.  
DURING the Five Months the Scots had Quartered in England, a Cessation having been Concluded at Rippon; yet the full Pacification was reserved for London, and the Commissioners of both Parties, fat there to hear the Demands of the Scots, and to make Answer thereunto. 
The Scotch Armies great Charge 514128. l 9 s  Whereupon the Scots presented the great account of their Charges, which was Five Hundred Fourteen Thousand, One Hundred Twenty Eight Pounds Nine Shillings, besides the Loss of their Nation, which was Four Hundred and Forty Thousand Pounds. This Reckoning startled the English Commissioners, 
The Loss of Scotland's Charges 440000.  till the Scots told them, they did not give in that Account as expecting a Total Reparation of their Charges and Losses; but were content to bear a part of it, hoping for the rest from the Justice, and Kindness of England. These Demands met with some Oppositions: However, Moneys were raised at the present, from the City of London, for the supply of both the Northern Armies, as the Parliament had done once before.  
MUCH about this time, Four Members of the House of Commons delivered a Message to the Lords, of a Popish Design of levying an Army of Fifteen Thousand Men in Lancashire, and Eight Thousand in Ireland; and that the main Promoters thereof, were the Earls of Strafford and Worcester.  
THAN they fell to Accuse Sir Robert Berkly (One of the Judges about Ship-Money) of High-Treason; 

Sir Robert Berkley accused of High-Treason.  
The Act passed for a Triennial-Parliament.   and Committed him Prisoner to the Black-Rod. About the same time the King passed that Act for a Triennial Parliament; and that they might know how much He valued this great Favour, He told the Two Houses, That hitherto they had gone on in those things which concerned themselves, and now He expected they should proceed upon what concerned Him.  
THE King likewise signed then the Bill of Subsidies; 
The Bill of Subsidies likewise passed.  which so generally pleased them, that Sir Edward Littleton Lord-Keeper, was ordered to return the Humble Thanks of both Houses, to His Majesty at White-Hall. 
Archbishop Land Committed to the Tower for High-Treason.  Presently after, the Archbishop of Canterbury having been Accused of High-Treason by the Commons, was Committed to the Tower: and now Episcopacy itself was called in Question, and notwithstanding several learned and weighty Speeches were made in the Defence of it; 
The Bishops outed from Parliament-Power, Judicial or Temporal.  the Commons Voted, that No Bishop should have any Vote in Parliament, nor any judicial Power in the Star-Chamber, nor be concerned in any Temporal Matters.  
THAN began the Trial of the Earl of Strafford, which after it had lasted some Weeks; 
The Earl of strafford's Trial.  and all the Evidence against Him not amounting to so much as to be Legally capable to take away His Life (had they gone the ancient Legal way to work of Trying Peers) His Enemies bethought themselves of a New Expedient to take off His Head, despairing of ever effecting their Designs as long as He assisted at the Helm; they had therefore procured the Parliament of Ireland, to Prosecute Him there also, as Guilty of High-Treason. Whereupon a Bill was brought into the House of Commons, to attaint Him of Accumulative High-Treason; and though it passed that House with a kind of surprise, yet it so opened the Eyes of several, who before had been His violent Enemies, that they became His Advocates, though this made them lose that Kindness, Esteem and Favour, which that House, and the People before had had for them. And the Lords considering how much it concerned them, and their Posterity; and that it might come to be their Own Case, were not generally so Zealous and eager for a Precedent, that might be of such dangerous Consequence: But the Factious Spirits (knowing that as long as His Head was upon His Shoulders, it would be impossible for them to Compass their Designs) procured, and stirred up the Rabble in a most insolent and tumultuary manner, 
The Rabbles Tumult, and Madness against the Earl, etc.  to come down to the Parliament Houses, and Cry for Justice. It was in vain for the Lords to Complain of the Force that was offered, and the violation of the Freedom of Parliament: The Commons took no Notice of it; insomuch, that the Mobile being hereby encouraged, proceeded to that point of Insolence, as to post up such Members of the House of Commons, as had Voted against the Bill of Attainder; and Stigmatising them with the Name of Straffordians, as they did likewise to the Lords, who had done the same, threatening, that these, and All other Enemies of the Commonwealth should Perish with Him; bawling out, Justice and Execution; nay, One of the Rabble was heard to say, If we have not the Lieutenant's Life, we will have the King's. The Lords being thus Terrified, absented themselves from the House, insomuch, that there was not half the Number when the Bill passed; and of those then present, but Seven more for it, than those that were against it. The King used His utmost endeavours to overcome the Difficulties of signing the Bill: But at length (through the importunities of those who were continually telling him, how requisite it was for Him to please the People, and perpetually Alarmed Him with the Apprehensions of an eminent Rebellion; but most especially by the generous Request of the Earl Himself, who thus concluded in a Letter to the King; (Sir, 
The Earl of Strafford's Letter to the King.  To set Your Majesty's Conscience at Liberty, I do most humbly beseech You, for the preventing of such Mischiefs, as may happen by Your Refusal to pass the Bill; by this means to remove (Praised be God, I cannot say this Accursed, but) this Unfortunate thing, forth of the way, towards that blessed Agreement which God I trust shall for ever Establish between You and Your Subjects. My Consent herein shall more acquit You to God, than all the World can do besides; to a willing Man there is no Injury done. I say, 
The Bill passed by Commission.  principally by this Generous Request, His Majesty was prevailed upon to pass it by Commission; and therein to do an Action contrary to the Sentiments of His own Conscience; and which, as Himself tells Us, Lay heavy upon Him to His last Breath.  
HE gave likewise at the same time another Commission to several Lords, to pass another Bill for continuing the Parliament, 
A Bill passed for the Parliaments sitting, during their own Pleasure.  during the pleasure of both Houses; which Act of His, was the main Foundation of our Subsequent Ruin, and the Chief Engine the Malcontents made use of, to bring upon the Kingdom, those Desolations and Horrous that so long Afflicted it; though He designed it, as a Means to Reinstate Himself in the Affections of His People; and to remove the very Root of all those Fears and Jealousies, which are so uneasy both to Prince and People. But what were the Returns they made to all these Unparalelled Acts of Grace, and Condescensions to please His People: they made Great Vows indeed, and Protestations of their Loyalty, Duty, and Sincerity of their Intentions, for the Good of the King and Kingdom; and that their main Aim was to render Him the Most Glorious Prince that ever sat upon the English Throne; but how different their Designs were from their Words, the Sequel made but too Apparent.  
THE Fall of that Great Man the Earl of Strafford, so startled several other of the Principal Officers of State, 
Many principal Officers resign their Places upon the Earl of Strafford's Death.  that many of them resigned their Places: About the same time, some Discontents arose between the Parliament, and the English Army in the North, but a while after, both Armies were Disbanded. The payment of Tonnage and Poundage, had been much Questioned since 1628. But now the King, at the request of the Commons; was content to relinguish His Right to it; and afterwards passed a Bill for Pole-Money, and two others for putting down the Star-Chamber, and High-Commission-Courts. And Four Days after, the English, and Scoth Armies were Disbanded, the King went towards Scotland, notwithstanding all the endeavours, and allegations of the Presbyterian Faction in England to hinder that Journey: But seeing the King resolute to keep His Word with the Scots, being unwilling to disoblige them, who seemed Zealous for His Majesty's Presence among them; they used their utmost Efforts to obtain a Viceroy (a Creature of their own) who in the King's absence, might give the Royal-Assent to such Acts as they had then in Hand: But upon His Majesty's Assurances that His stay there should be very short; this hopeful Project was strangled in the Birth.  
THE King was received in Scotland with great Testimonies of Affection by that Nation, 
His Majesty goes for Scotland.  and Conferred several Places of Honour and Power upon divers of them; confirming likewise, the Treaty between the two Nations by Act of Parliament, assenting to whatever they offered; and indeed, passed so many Acts of unparalelled Bounty, Grace, and Condescension, as extorted from them the Revival, and Confirmation of an Act of their Parliament, which they caused to be solemnly published throughout the Realm, 
The Scots Parliament publish a Loyal Act.  That it should be damnable, and detestable Treason in the highest Degree, for any of the Scots Nation conjunctly or singly to levy Arms, or any Military Forces, upon any Pretext whatsoever without the King's Royal Commission. But the Presbyterians, as if their Tenets, and Consciences were fuller of Abominations, than the Romanists and Jesuits, did with as little Tenderness of Conscience, not long after violate this promise, as if no such thing had ever been made; and have made it appear to all the World, that No Laws, not even of their own making, have any Obligation or Power over them, to restrain them from a tempting opportunity to Rebel.  
DURING His Majesty's abode in Scotland, 
The Rebellion in Ireland.  there broke out in Ireland, a most horrible and notorious Rebellion; and which was managed with such Secrecy, that it was not discovered till the Night before it was to have been put in Execution; 
The great Massacre of 200000.  which was in divers Places carried on with such Fury, that Two Hundred Thousand English Men, Women, and Children, were in a short time barbarously Murdered by all manner of most Cruel Torments that their Devilish Minds could invent. Many were the Conjectures about the Occasion of this Conspiracy; but though the Parliament endeavoured all they could to asperse the Reputation, and blast the Honour of His Sacred Majesty, and to that intent charged Him with that Rebellion; whereas indeed, they themselves had principally occasioned that Rebellion, by opposing, and refusing to Consent to the Transportation of those Forces, which His Majesty had Granted to the King of Spain. For at the Disbanding of the Irish Army, He had engaged the Word and Honour of a King to the Three Spanish Ambassadors, here then at this Court, that they should have the Liberty to Transport such Troops of the Irish Nation, as were willing to take Service under their Master; and accordingly they Contracted not only with the Officers and Soldiers; but had advanced Money, and hired Ships for their Transportation. But this being represented to the Parliament, though the Lords seemed inc●mable to comply with it; yet the Commons, who industriously opposed whatever His Majesty pretended to do without their Advice, absolutely refused to give their Consent; and framed I know not what Chimaeras of danger; and in Fine, positively prohibited The passing of any English or Irish into the Service of any Foreign Prince.  
FROM hence it came to pass, that many of those People being of Desperate Fortunes, fell into Desperate Designs; and being Animated and Spirited, both by their Religion, and the Traditional Animosity against the English, and more especially the Scots, whom they consider as Invaders, Robbers, and Incroachers of their Ancient, and Native Right; they were easily persuaded, and drawn into a Conspiracy, rather than starve. Whereas had the Parliament given them leave to have spent their ill humours, and lives in Foreign Wars, they might probably have prevented whole Rivers of Blood, that was inhumanely spilt, and have saved all that Treasure that was expended in reducing that Kingdom from one Rebellion to another.  
BUT by this means the Malcontents here at Home got this advantage by that Rebellion, which they had been long Aiming at, as to Arm all their Factions, 
The Factions seize on the Guards, etc. during the King's Absence in Scotland.  and in His Majesty's absence to do all the Acts of Sovereign Authority. And now they took actually the Guards into their Service, which they had Voted for before, and appointed Officers to Command them; and to Exercise, and Discipline the Raw and unexpert Militia of the Countries about London, without so much as giving the least Notice of all this to His Majesty, or expecting His Royal-Assent.  
THE King being in Scotland, when He first received an account of all that had happened in Ireland, 
Sir James Stuart sent for Ireland.  dispatched Sir James Stuart with Instructions to the Lords of the Privy-Councel there; and sent them by Him all the Money His present Stores would supply. He likewise moved the Parliament of Scotland, as being the nearest for their Assistance; but they Excused it, because Ireland was a Dependant of the Crown of England: but if the State of England would use any of their Men for that Service, they would make propositions in order to it.  
THE King finding His stay to be longer than He thought, left the whole business of Ireland to the Parliament, which without staying for His leave, they had took to Themselves; and had indeed declared a speedy and vigorous Assistance, and Voted Fifty Thousand Pounds for a present supply. About which time, the King returned out of Scotland; 
The King Returns to London from Scotland.  and was Entertained and Feasted at London, and from thence Conducted to White-Hall: After which, the King Treated several of the Brincipal Citizens at Hampton-Court, where divers of the Aldermen had the Honour of Knighthood.  
THAN the King Summons both Houses together, and tells them, 
A Parliament is called.  That He had stayed in Scotland longer than He expected; yet not Fruitlessly, for He had given full Satisfaction to that Nation; but cannot choose but take notice of, and wonder at the unexpected Distractions He finds at Home; and then recommends to them the State of Ireland: Next He publishes a Proclamition for Obedience to the Laws; and first, concerning Religion, and the performance of Divine Service, without innovation or abolishing of Rites and Ceremonies. About Two Months after which, His Majesty makes another Speech to them, and Conjures them by all that is Dear to Him or Them, to hasten the Business of Ireland. But notwithstanding this, and all the Noise and Out cry that was made of the Cruelties of the Irish Rebellion, they prepared their Succours but very slowly; and though His Majesty pressed them with repeated instances to assist vigorously the Protestant Party against the Popish Rebels; 
The Irish Rebellion laid upon the King.  yet they used their endeavours to place the Odium of that Conspiracy to the King's account; insomuch, that one of their Members said in a Formal Speech at a Conference with the Lords, That several who had passed into Ireland by His Majesty's immediate warrant, were at the Head of the Rebellion; which Speech, the House of Commons ordered to be Printed; and though His Majesty cleared Himself of the Scandal, yet instead of obtaining a Reparation, they publicly justified the Member (who was Pym) for what He had spoken. Besides, instead of taking into Consideration the bleeding Condition of Ireland, notwithstanding all the indefatigable Zeal and Pains His Majesty had taken to preserve the Protestant Religion, and the Peace of the Kingdom; they welcomed Him presently after His Return from Scotland with a large Remonstrance, 
The Parliaments Remonstrance.  wherein they endeavoured to make appear, that there was a Design on Foot, to introduce to this Kingdom, Popery and Arbitrary Government; and laid all the Misfortunes of the Reign, to the Crowns Account, notwithstanding they themselves had occasioned them; and His Majesty having made a Gracious Answer to their Petition, that was as a Prologue to their Remonstrance, He issued out a Declaration to His Subjects by way of Answer to the Remonstrance; 
The King's Answer.  the Sum of which was, That He thought He had given sufficient Satisfaction to His People's Fears and Jealousies, concerning Religion, Liberty, and Civil Interests, by the Bills which He had passed this Parliament; desiring that Misunderstandings might be removed on either side; and that the bleeding Condition of Ireland might persuade them to Unity, for the Relief of that Unhappy Kingdom.  
BUT instead of Complying with His Majesty, who offered to raise Ten Thousand Volunteers for Ireland, if the Commons would undertake to Pay them; and issued out a Proclamation against the Irish, declaring, Those that were in Arms, with all their Adherents, and Abettors, 
The Apprentices Rife, and go to White-Hall and Westminster.  to be Rebels and Traitors: They Caused the Apprentices of London to go in an Insolent, Tumultuous, Riotous manner to White-Hall and Westminster; and the King being informed, That One of the Lords, and Five of the House of Commons had Correspondence with the Scots, and Countenanced the late City Tumults; He thereupon ordered, 
The King's Order.  their Trunks, Studies, and Chambers to be Sealed up, and their Persons Seized; the former of which was done, but they kept too good Intelligence about His Majesty to be Surprised; and having timely Notice, they absented themselves from the House; 
The Commons Vote against the putting it in Execution.  whereupon the Commons Voted the same day, That if any Persons shall attempt to Seize the Persons, or Papers of any Parliament Men, such Members shall require the Aid of the Constable to Secure such Persons, till further order of the House; and that it is Lawful for any Person to Assist the said Members; and that the said Members may stand upon their Guard, and make Resistance according to the Protestation for Defence of Privileges of Parliament.  
HEREUPON the King charges the Lord Kimbolton, and the Five Members with several Articles; and acquaints Both Houses, 
The Lord Kimbolton, and five Members Impeached of High-Treason by the King.  That He did intent to prosecute them for High-Treason; and required, That their Persons might be Secured. The Day after, the King went to the House of Commons; and sitting in the Speaker's- Chair, He viewed the House round, and perceived the Birds He aimed at were flown; for having Warning, they had with-drawn into London: Whereupon He tells them, That He came to look for those Five Members, whom He had Accused of High-Treason, and was resolved to have them wherever He found them; and expected to have them sent to Him, as soon as they should come to the House: But would not have them think, that this Act of His was any Violation of Parliament.  
THOUGH the King took only the Palsgrave with Him, 
The King's coming in person to the House of Commons, is Voted a Breach of their Privilege, and Scandals raised, etc.  and the Gentlemen of His Ordinary Retinue; Yet this Act of the King's, was so highly resented by the House, that the next Day the Commons voted it a Breach of Privilege; and Scandals were raised in the City, that He intended Violence against the House of Commons, and came thither with Force to Murder several Members; and used Threatening Speeches against the Parliament: With which the City was so possessed, that unusual Guards and Watches were set, as if some desperate Assault were to be made upon the City. And then the Houses publish a Declaration; that whosoever shall Arrest any Member of Parliament by Warrant from the King only, is guilty of the Breach of Privileges of Parliament: And likewise, That all those who attended the King when He came to demand the Five Members, were guilty of a Traitorous Design against the King and Parliament; That the Proclamation for Apprehending and Imprisoning the said Members, was False, Scandalous, and Illegal; and not of Validity enough to hinder them from Attending the House: And that the Publishing of the several Articles of High-Treason, was a Breach of Privilege; wherefore they entreat His Majesty to discover the Names of those Informers, and Evil Counsellors; declaring all such Persons, to be Public Enemies to the State.  
AND now, what they had been so long aiming at, came to pass; for Petitions came crowding from all Parts, to put the Kingdom in a Posture of Defence, (as they termed the Arming of Their Party, and Dis-arming all Those whose Loyalty obliged them to adhere to the King.) And though His Majesty, before this unlucky Accident happened, out of a Transcendent Goodness, 

The Earl of Warwick made Vice-Admiral in the Room of Sir John Pennington.  
Sir Thomas Glemham Removed, & Sir John Hotham made Governor of Hull.   upon their Desires, dis-placed Two Lieutenants of the Tower, committed the Fleet to the Earl of Warwick, as Vice-Admiral, removing Sir John Pennington; and put out Sir Thomas Glemham from the Government of Hull, and put it into the Hands of Sir John Hotham; who both unfortunately to himself, and the whole Kingdom, made His Majesty an ill Requital for His Trust: But still this was not Satisfactory; and though He had granted them all they could have desired, they would hardly have been contented.  
AND now, such Tumults and Numbers of the Rabble, daily flocked to Westminster and Whitehal; and being Countenanced by the Impeached Members, and their Adherents, grew so Insolent, that the King doubting of their Intentions, 
The Tumults, & Illegal Proceed of the Commons, make the King retire to Hampton-Court.  thought fit to withdraw to Hampton-Court, taking with Him the Queen, Prince, and Duke of York; where His Retinue and Guards was soon considerably Augmented by the Accession of the Gentry from all Parts.  
THE next Day, the Five Members were Conducted in Triumph to Westminster, 
The 5. Members brought to the Parliament in Great Triumph, etc.  by great Numbers of the Citizens and Seamen, with Hundreds of Boats and Barges, with Guns in them; shouting, hollowing, and Insulting, as they passed by Whitehall; and at Westminster, welcomed them with an Harangue, as if they came from performing some Glorious Action, in the Service of the Nation.  
AND now the Commons move the Lords to join with them to Petition the King to leave the Militia at their Disposal; 
The Commons petition for the Militia, and Tower, to be put into then Hands, etc.  as likewise, the Command of the Tower: But they not Complying, the House of Commons, singly of themselves, request the King, To put Them into the Hands of the Parliament; but the King not thinking fit to part with the Main Support of His Throne, did however make them such Gracious Replies, as would have satisfied all reasonable Men.  
THERE was a Rumour, that the Parliament designed to Impeach the Queen of High-Treason; 
The Queen goes for Holland upon a designed Impeachment.  whereupon She provides against the Danger, and prevails with the King, That She might accompany Her Eldest Daughter, the Princess of Orange into Holland; and the King, seeing Things grow worse and worse, consented to it, and Attended them to the Seaside, and saw them go on Board for Holland; and having ordered the Prince to wait His Returns at Greenwich, did thereby prevent His Surprise, which, had the King stayed a Quarter of an Hour longer, had been effected; they having designed Him for an Hostage and Security, against all Cross Events.  
THE Parliament having again Petitioned for the Militia, 
The King's Answer to the Common's Petition.  the King sends them an Answer; That He is willing to condescend to all the Proposals concerning the Militia of the Counties, and the Persons mentioned; but not of London, and other Corporations; whose Government, in that Particular, He thought it neither Justice, nor Policy, to alter; but would not consent to Divest Himself of the Power of the County-Militia, for an Indefinite Time, but for some Limited Space.  
THIS Answer not being Satisfactory, and the Breach growing daily wider, 
He Removes from London to Theobalds', Royston, etc.  the King thought it not safe to stay in These Parts; but Removed to Theobalds', Royston, and so to York. But on His Way, He received a Petition, demanding the Militia more resolutely than before; affirming, That in Case of Denial, the Imminent Dangers would constrain them to dispose of it by Authority of Parliament; desiring also, That He would make His Abode near London, and the Parliament, 

The King's absolute Refusal to their Second Petition for the Militia.  
The Parliament's Public Declaration hereupon.   and continue the Prince at some of His Houses near the City, for the better carrying on of Affairs, and preventing the People's Jealousies and Fears: All which not being then fit to be granted, and therefore refused, they presently order, That the Kingdom be put into a Posture of Defence, in such a Way as was agreed upon by the Parliament, and a Committee to prepare a public Declaration from these Two Heads: 
1.  1. The Just Causes of the Fears and Jealousies given to the Parliament. 
2.  2. To consider of all Matters arising from His Majesty's Message, and what was fit to be done.  
IN the mean time, the Bishops were so threatened and terrified by the Tumults and Rabble, that Twelve of Them absented themselves from the House; Protesting against all Laws, Orders, Votes, 
The Bishop's Protestation.  Resolutions, and Determinations, as in Themselves, Null, and of Non-effect; which had Passed, or should Pass, during their forced Absence: desiring their Protestation might be Registered by the Clerk of the House of Lords. But immediately after, at a Conference between Both Houses, it was agreed, That this Protestation of the Twelve Bishops, did extend to the deep entrenching upon the Fundamental Privileges, and Being of Parliaments; and presently after, 
They are Accused of High-Treason, seized, and Ten of them Committed.  they were Accused of High-Treason, seized, and brought on their Knees at the Bar of the House of Peers: Ten of them were Committed to the Tower; and the Other Two, in regard of their Age, to the Black-Rod.  
NOW the Parliament proceed to make Great Preparations both by Sea and Land; and ordered the Admiral of England, 

The Parliament now makes great Preparations both by Sea and Land.  
Pamphlets dispersed.   to Rigg the King's Ships, and fit them to Sea; and likewise, all Masters, and Owners of Ships, were persuaded to do the like. The Beacons were repaired; Sea-Marks set up; and extraordinary Posting up and down with Pacquets; Pamphlets flew abroad; and all the Other sad Prognostics of a Civil War, did appear.  
THUS did Our late Execrable Troubles begin, That were attended with all the Calamities of Domestic Broils; the Parliament every Day pretending to entertain New Jealousies, and Suspicions of the King's Actions, that so they might have a Pretext to Arm their Party: which having done, and provided Moneys for the Defraying the Expenses of the War, they unmasked Themselves; and the King, and all the Good People of the Nation began to discover, That all their Assurances of making His Majesty the Most Glorious Prince, that ever swayed the English Sceptre, was not otherwise to be understood, than that they designed to Crown Him with the Crown of Martyrdom; and that all the Outcry they had made, and the Fears and Jealousies they had spread abroad of the Loss of their Privileges, and the danger that Religion, Liberty, and Property were in, was like Pickpockets; who bawl out, and accuse Passers by of Picking their Pockets, that so they might get a Crowd together, and really deprive Them of what they had falsely accused Others of; who not discovering the Cheat till it was too late, and that all was gone, had nothing left them but Regret, for having been drawn into their Own, and their Friend's Ruin and Destruction.  
AND now, being come so far, as to have a full, but sad View of all those Devastations and Horrors, of those Torrents of Blood, and Mountains of Carcases, which are the usual Effects, nay, inevitable Consequences of a Civil War; I must beg Leave to retire from so Deplorable and Dreadful a Prospect, and give you a short Account of the Crew that occasioned all these Desolations and Miseries, and from whence they sucked their Poisonous Principles, with which they infected the whole State.  
DURING the Reign of Queen Mary, 
The Rise of the Presbyterians.  several of the Reformed, flying the Persecutions of Her Government, retired to Geneva; where sucking in Doctrine and Principles that were no ways conformable nor consistent with Monarchy, at their return Home under Queen Elizabeth, they spoke even with Adoration of the Discipline of that Place; assuring and persuading People, that It, and only It was what was taught and directed by our Saviour, and His Disciples, and practised in the Primitive Times; accusing all others of Impurity, Superstition, and Popery.  
THE jesuits quickly took notice of these Weeds in Protestanisme, 
Taken Notice of by the Jesuits.  and took great Care to humour and cultivate them; hoping that They One Day might cause such a Breach in Our Church, as that they might enter through it, and complete Our Ruin. And indeed, these People what by the Forced Modesty, and Austerity of their Lives, what by the Novelty of their Doctrine, and their being opposed by Public Authority, that was no ways consistent with their Tenets, they came at first to be Pitied, and then to be Loved and Admired by the Common People.  
THUS growing (at length) to be very numerous, that ever-tobe-admired Princess Queen Elizabeth, 
Queen Elizabeth's Care to depress them.  thought fit to hinder this Contagion from spreading; and by the Advice of Her Parliament, as well as Her Council, enacted very severe Laws against them, and put several of them to Death, as Disturbers of the Peace both of Church and State. And though they expected more Favour under the Reign of King james; 
King James did the like.  yet that Wise Prince thought fit to curb their Zeal, and bridle their Invading Humour: Notwithstanding, having once allowed them a Conference, and taking upon Himself to be the Arbitrator, it rendered them so Insolent and Confident, and brought their Party into such Repute, that towards the Latter End of His Reign, they began to have great Influence in the House of Commons; which they daily augmented, and increased by their seeming Abhorrence of Popery and Superstition; 
But with everto-be-lamented Methods.  till at length, by their Arts and Practices, they brought into Ruin and Destruction that Prince and Government, they all along pretended their whole Design was to Defend, Support, and Maintain; and under the Cloak of Religion, let in all Manger of Impiety, Atheism, and Superstition.  
THE Great Influences the Doctrines of these Men have had amongst the Factious Parties of this Kingdom of late Times too, since the Happy Restauration of His Sacred Majesty, to the great Disturbance of the Public Peace, to the Dis-uniting the Members of the Church of England, and raising Schism and Divisions in the Communities of Men in Matters of Religion, to the utter Subversion of Religion itself; nay, Morality too: I say, of the Truth of This, we have daily Demonstrations and Experiences of. The jesuits of Geneva, and Those of St. Omers, I dare affirm, in their Damnable Tenets, with relation to Monarchy and Episcopacy, bear alike Proposition; and consequently, Public Peace must be a Thorn in their Side too. Tho I believe verily, That the Presbyterian is but an Instrument in the Roman Catholics Hands, to work the Destruction of this Nation; because, they know, there's no Sect bears a greater Sway, nor admits of a greater Acceptance amongst the Credulous Vulgars', than This. How under This Cloak (Religion) they have walked for these several Years, and made it their Stalking-Horse, to perpetrate their Designs, we all know; and therefore, I shall enter upon the Second Part of This Discourse, and trace along our present Troubles and Distractions; beginning with Religion.   

Loyalties severe Summons TO THE Bar of Conscience: OR, A Seasonable & Timely Call TO THE People of England, UPON THE Present Juncture of Affairs.  
The Second Part.  
BUT before we enter upon Generals, I shall a little come to Particulars, and by this Means lay before you more plainly, how exactly Men endeavour in These Times, to follow the Copy which have been drawn by Men of alike Principles and Dispositions, in the Late Times.  
AND Here we must observe, how like Serpents the Subtle Engineers, and Framers of the Late Commonwealth wrought themselves in to the Accomplishing their Damned Designs, and Unparallelled Contrivances. They no sooner found the Late King reduced to urgent Necessities, and pressing Occasions for Supplies to His Exchequer and Treasury, which were Drained and Exhausted by a long involved War abroad; but it is as soon taken Notice of by the Factious Parties at Home, who promised to themselves now a fit Opportunity to broach their Villainies, and begin those Accursed Designs against the King and Government; which they afterwards perpetrated, and brought to pass. They begin then to hang Tall, and stand off from any Propositions the King made for Supplies of Money; and therefore, without He would be brought to those Concessions, and comply with such unreasonable Demands, which they would, and did make, no Money was to be had.  
THE King being of a Good, Pacifick, and Generous Nature, and knowing the Pressures and Necessities, which then encumbered Him for a Supply, was forced to condescend to such Gracious Unparallelled Acts, which helped to pull down that fair and splendid Structure of the Government, which His Royal Predecessors, Queen Elizabeth, and His Father King James had built: Of which I have spoken more at large before.  
THESE Acts and Concessions of the King, they managed to that Degree, that at length the Scots influenced Here by some Leading Parties in England, enter upon a strange Way of forcing His Concessions, by Raising an Army, under the Notion of Petitioning their King, etc.  
NOW, let us behold, how nearly we endeavour to follow these jeroboams, and how close the Shadow follows our Heels. In the Year 1679. 
The Damnable Popish Plot Discovered in England.  not long after the Discovery of the Hellish Popish Plot, which had put England into a Great Combustion and Disorder, and that now the Minds of Men were possessed with Dread and Horror, and an Universal Jealousy and Fear of what would be the Event of so strange and Surprising an Alarm, distracted almost even the most sober Brains: The Scots (who are a People ever ready to lay hold of any Opportunity to Rebel; and knowing This a fit Time to blow up that Fire into a Flame, which the Papists and Jesuits had kindled) they presently begin to enter upon their Old Theme of Protesting against the Church Government, Episcopacy, 
The Scots Rebellion.  nay, Monarchy too; and Raise a Considerable Army, to further their Execrable Designs.  
BUT before this, to show their Antipathy, and inveterate Abhorrence against Bishops, (which is a Natural Disposition they sucked from the Breasts of the Presbyterian Parents, (as is before taken Notice of) and now 'twas never to be Eradicated out of the Flesh of their Posterity) they Assassinate, and Kill that Reverend Prelate, the Arch Bishop of St. Andrews, 
The Reverend Archbishop of St. Andrews killed.  one of His Majesty's most honourable Privy-Councel, by Stabbing him in his own Coach, in the Sight of the Sun, dragging him out upon the Ground, hewing and butchering him, as the Cruel, Bloodthirsty Dutch did the De wits in Holland, leaving his Body as one Wound. Oh crudelis Rabbis Populi!  
BUT this was but a small Prologue to their designed Black Cragedy; the Death of one Great Person could not satisfy their Bloody Intents; but now, Fury drives them on to destroy all that oppose them, and a Body of Men was got together on the Twenty-Nineth of Mar, 1679. to the Number of Eighty, 
The Rebels burn several Acts of Parliament.  well Mounted and Armed, and came as far as Rugland, proclaimed the Covenant, burnt several Acts of Parliament, viz.  

1. 
1.  The Act concerning the King's Supremacy.  
2. 
2.  The Rescissory Act.  
3. 
3.  The Act for Establishing Episcopacy. And,  
4. 
4.  The Act appointing the Anniversary of the Twenty-Nineth of May.   
— And that done, affixed a certain Scandalous and Traitorous Paper, or Declaration, upon the Market-Cross and intended to have done the like at Glasgow, but were prevented by the King's Forces there.  

The Rebel's Declaration designed to be put up at Glasgow, (but was actually put up at Rugland) was in these Words following:  
AS the Lord hath been pleased still to keep and preserve His Interest in the Land, 
The Scot's Declaration put upon the Market-Cross at Rugland.  by the Testimony of some Faithful Witnesses from the Beginning: So in our Days, some have not been wanting, who thro' the greatest Hazards have added their Testimonies to those who are gone before them, by suffering Death, Banishment, Torturing, Fining, Imprisonments, Forfeitures, etc. flowing from cruel, and perfidious Adversaries to the Church, and Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ, in the Land. Therefore, We owning the Interest of Christ, according to the Word of the Lord, and the National and Solemn League and Covenaut, desire to add our Testimonies of the Worthies that have gone before, (though Unworthy, yet hoping as true Members of the Church of Christ in Scotland) and that against all Things that have been done prejudicial to His Interest, from the Beginning of the Work of Reformation in Scotland; especially, from the Year 1648. to the Year 1660. against these following Acts: As,  

1. 
1.  The Act of Supremacy.  
2. 
2.  The Declaration whereby the Covenants were condemned.  

3. 
3.  The Act for Eversion of the Established Government of the Church, and for Establishing of Prelacy, and for outing of Christ's Ministers, who could not conform thereto, by an Act Rescissory of all Acts of Parliament, and Assemblies, for Establishing of the Government of the Church of Scotland, according to the Word.  
As likewise, 4. That Act of Council at Glasgow, 
4.  putting that Act Rescissory in Execution; where, at one time, were violently cast out above Three Hundred Ministers, without all Legal Procedure.   
Likewise, 
5.  5. The Act appointing a Holy Anniversary-Day to be kept upon the Twenty-Nineth of May, for giving Thanks for the Upsetting an Usurping Power, destroying the Interest of the Church in the Land; which is to set up the Creature to be Worshipped, in the Room of our Great Redeemer, and to consent to the assuming the Power that is proper to the Lord alone, for the Appointing of Ordinances in His Church; as particularly, the Government thereof, and the Keeping of Holy-days, and all other Sinful and Unlawful Acts emitted and executed by them.   
And for Confirmation of This our Testimony, We do hereby this Day, being the Twenty-Nineth of May, 1679. publicly burn them at the Cross of Glasgow most justly, as they perfidiously and blasphemously had burnt our Holy Covenants thro' several Cities of the Covenanted Kingdoms. We judge, none will take Exception at our not Subscribing this our Testimony, being so solemnly gone about: for we are ready always to do it, if judged necessary, with all the Faithful, Suffering Brethren in the Land.   

The Effect the Declaration bad.  THIS gained a great Addition to their Number, and every day Fresh Rabbles came, and Listed themselves under their Rebellious Banner; so that, within few Days, their Body became considerable, amounting to Fourteen or Fifteen Thousand Men. But, as in the thickest Brambles there are to be found some Roses; so, in this Country, the King found some Loyal Hearts, who endeavoured to quell their Insolence: For, on the Eight of May, (Five Days after the Murder of the Archbishop of St. Andrews) Captain Graham of Claver-house, 
Capt. Graham's Rencounter with the Rebels.  upon notice he had of a great Number of Men, who were gathered together upon Lowdon-Hill, marched thither with his Troop, and a Company of Dragoons, and found there Fourteen or Fifteen Thousand Men well Armed, and in good Order: The Foot commanded by one Weir, and the Horse by Robert Hamilton, one Patton, Balfour, and Hackston, (the Two last being the Murderers of the Archbishop of St. Andrews.) The Revels upon Captain Graham's Approach, sent out Two Parties to skirmish with him, which he beat into their main Body. Then they advanced with their whole Force upon him, who after a considerable Slaughter of the Revels, and the Loss of his Cornet, Two Brigadiers, about Eight Horse, and Twenty Dragoons, (his own Horse being killed under him, and mounting another) being so much overpowered in number, he made his Retreat to Glasgow, being in his way forced to Fight his Passage through the Townsmen of Streven, who were got together to oppose it, leaving Ten or Twelve of them dead upon the Place.  
THE Revels had the Confidence to attack the City of Glasgow, 
The City of Glasgow Attacked.  at Two several Times; but all the Streets were so Barricadoed by the Lord Rosse, and the Soldiers put into so good a Posture, that the Revels were beat off with a Considerable Loss, besides many Prisoners that were taken.  
THE Council, the City of Edinborough, several Noble Men, and Persons of Quality, use their utmost endeavours to suppress these Rebels; amongst which, the Son of the Lord Rosse, 
The Son of the Lord Rosse his Skirmish with the Rebels.  having only with him Forty Horse, and a Company of Dragoons, totally defeats a party of Three Hundred Horse and Foot of the Rebels, leaving Sixty Six Dead upon the Place, taking Ten Prisoners, the rest being scattered. As likewise, 
The Lord Murray's Stuward puts to the rout a 100  the Lord Murray's Deputy-Stuward in Down, assembling the Vassals, and Tenants of His Lordship's Stewardry, upon an Alarm of One Hundred Rebels on Horseback, coming from Fisse, to join with their main Body, pursues them Sixteen Miles through the Mountains; and at last, coming up to them, Killed several of them, took Forty Prisoners (amongst which, was one Henderson, one of the Murderers of the Archbishop of Saint Andrews) and forced them to scatter, and fly into the adjacent Woods and Moors. Of which, 
The Lord Elphingston took 30. Prisoners.  the Lord Elphingston having notice, with some Gentlemen under his Command; pursued them, killed some, and took above Thirty more Prisoners; and amongst these, Two of the name of Balfour, and one Hamilton of Kinkel (Three more of the Murderers of the said Archbishop.)  
THE Gentlemen of Stratherne fell upon another Party coming from Fife; of which, they killed some, and took above Forty, 
The Gentlemen of Stratherne's Re-encounter with them.  and carried them Prisoners to Pearth.  
THUS these Bebels met with great Opposition from all parts; 
They meet with extraordinary Supplies, upon extraordinary Opposition.  but still like the Serpent Hydra, they had fresh Supplies, and their Numbers grew great. This alaruming the King and Parliament here, they presently resolve to dispatch with all Expedition imaginable, a considerable Force against them, consisting of a Body of Ten Thousand Men, under the Conduct of the Illustrious James Duke of Monmouth, 
The Duke of Monmouth goes for Scotland.  a person of whose Prudence, Courage, and Fidelity, we have had large Demonstrations and Proofs. The Duke with this Body of Men, all Loyal brave Spirits, and courageous resolute Lads, sets out for Scotland, And  
His Grace arrived at Edinborough, the 18th. of June, 79. by Post; and parting the 19th. following, joined the King's Forces at Blackburne; 
Major Oglethorpe causes a Party or Two of the Rebels to retire.  and that Evening sent out Major Oglethorpe with a Detachment of Horse, and Dragoons, who Met with a Party or Two of the Rebels, who presently retired. The next day, June 20th. His Grace decamped with His Army, and advanced within Six Miles of Hamilton, whither the Rebels were retreated; 
The Duke advances towards Hamilton.  having encamped their Foot in the Little Park there, and Posted their Horse along the River, being 6. or 7000. strong, besides one Robert Stewart, Brother to the Earl of Galioway, and two or three more came in to them.  
JUNE the 22d. the Duke drew up His Majesty's Forces at Bothwell-Bridge, which the Rebels lying on the other side had barricadoed. Here a Paper is brought to the Lord General by one of the 
‖ David Hume. The Message of the Rebels.  Rebels representing, That they would lay down their Arms upon no other Terms, than those expressed in their Declaration; to which, 
The Duke's Answer.  His Grace gave Answer, That those were destructive to the King's Authority, and contrary to the Fundamental Laws, and Constitutions of this Kingdom; and that they were to expect no other Articles from him, but to lay down their Arms, and render themselves to the King's Mercy. With this Answer they return, desiring some time to consider, which His Grace granted them. About half an hour after, the Rebels sent a Paper by a Drummer, representing, That they were informed, 
Their 2d. Message.  That His Grace came from England with Terms to be offered to them, that they desired to know what He had to propose, that they might advise whether the Terms were such they could accept of. Upon which, His Grace sent them word, That their Answer did not satisfy Him; 
His Grace's Answer.  and that since they trifled, he would receive no more Messages from them. In the mean time, Our Canon, with some Horse and Foot, was brought down from the Body of the Army, and posted not far from the Bridge.  

The particular Account of the Fight being by me, I shall Relate it here as I have it Word for Word.  
THe Duke having put himself in the posture abovesaid, 
A Relation of the Fight in Scotland.  commanded the Canon to Fire; which it no sooner begun to do, but the Rebels, who were drawn up on the other side, upon a rising Ground near the Bridge, threw themselves upon the Ground to avoid the Shot. Those that were posted upon the Bridge, Fired at first pretty briskly, but after Five or Six Shot of Canon, they all ran away, they upon the rising beginning first. Our Men immediately seized the Bridge, threw into the River their Barricadoes of Stones, Cartwheels, and the like; took a piece of Canon they had, and followed them up the Hill; but their Number being very small, the Rebels rallied, and faced them, but had not the Courage to come down upon them; Our Men came down again to the Bridge, and one Shot more of Canon made the Rebels fly to their upper Line, where they stood again. In the mean time my Lord General passed the Army over the Bridge, and drew up upon the Rising, which took up some time; and before we were quite in order, the Rebels advanced upon Us, and to appearance, in very good Order. When they approached, they espied Our Canon at Our Head, and thereupon immediately shifted their Order, and opened in the middle, thinking, it seems We were obliged to Shoot straight forward; but Our Canon being turned upon them as they then stood, and discharged Three or Four times, they begun to Run again; their Commander Robert Hamilton, being one of the first, and our Dragoons, and the Highlanders advancing upon them, it was a perfect Rout; and they fled all ways, Our Men pursuing them. Of the Rebels there were Seven or Eight Hundred killed, and Eleven or Twelve Hundred taken, which were afterwards brought prisoners to Edinborough.  
THE Lord General behaved himself with extraordinary Conduct and Bravery, and all the Officers, Gentlemen, and Soldiers, carried themselves with great Cheerfulness and Resolution: But above all, the Mercy of Almighty God was most signal in that, though the Rebels were near Seven Thousand; Yet were they totally defeated without any loss to His Majesty's Forces, save of Two or Three private Sentinals Killed, and some few Wounded.  
THUS was extinguished that furious Flame of Rebellion, fed by Presbyterian Doctrines and Zeal, to the destroying of so many poor Souls, who obstinately refused the Mercy of their Prince, and Dyed Martyrs (as they call them) for the Doctrine of King-killing. I pray God divert them from such like Practices for the future, and make them know, That without Honouring the King, we do not Fear God.  
NOW to proceed to a Second Remark, which is, 
Episcopacy spoken against.  the great Hatred these sort of Men, have had, and now have against Episcopacy, as well as Monarchy. For as in those late Times, the Bishops were ever an Eyesore to the Scots, and the Presbyterian Faction here; and therefore, the Church of England in its Government, Liturgy, Common-Prayer, and Ceremonies, was termed direct Popery, and could not be entertained as any thing else; and therefore, to throw down this Rome, as they called it, destroy the Members of this Church, and, at the last, the Head too, was what was suitable to a Good Conscience, and consistent with the Liberty of the Subject, and the Protestant (alias Presbyterian) Religion. So now adays Men are so bold to call it the like, and will not stick to say the King is a Papist; and the Professors of this our Religion of the Church of England, Romish, or Popishly affected. Nay, it is publicly asserted, That there is not one Bishop in England, who was advanced to their Episcopal Dignity by any Protestant, but Popish Hand. And therefore, say they, They must needs have a great relish of that Leaven. And as the Parliament in those times, began to throw their Bolts at the Bishops, and to show their Dislike to that Reverend Apostolical Order, and to that Authority, and Honour which is due to them, and their Right of Sitting in that August-Assembly; they Vote, That no Bishop should have any Vote in Parliament, nor any Judicial-power in the Star-Chamber, nor be concerned in any Temporal Matters, etc. So of late, in the Trial of the Earl of Danby; the Commons in Parliament Vote the Bishop's useless; nay, 
The Bishops Right of Sitting in capital Causes Disputed.  disown their Right of Sitting there upon Capital Causes, etc. They Dispute their Right of Sitting at that time, and at all times of Session; and divers Papers flew about, concerning the Right of the Lords Spiritual, to Sat in the Lord's House, or Vote in matters Judicial; and others, è contra, were dispersed abroad, to the vilifying their Reverence, and beating down their undoubted pretensions. But the Wisdom, and Prudence of Our Gracious Sovereign, knowing well enough (by sad Experience) That they were Treading in the same Steps with their Old Fathers, who began at the Church, in order to the better subverting the State, put an end to the Session. After which, we have but little News of them; the Anti-Episcopates or Presbyters, holding their Fingers in their Mouths, and standing as mute as Metamorphosed Niobes.  
SINCE the Mutterers against Episcopacy were thus silenced, the Clergy have been pretty quiet, though sometimes we meet with a little Piece or two of Controversial Points, thrown into their Closets, or sent to them by the New found way of Dispatch; and that's the most they can do now. They would have their Old Darling bear sway, and would be dancing to Westminster, to the Assembly of Grave Divines; of which, some Hugh Peter or Faringdon may be Precedent; I should say, Moderator: But here's the Plague, They have no long Triennial, nor meet with such Concessions (though indeed, they have had too many very gracious and great ones of late, which have been too much abused, as we shall take Notice of hereafter) as their Fore-Fathes did; nor have they a Durante Voluptate Parliament, else you would find they would do glorious Things, for the Good People of the Land, and the Lord's Cause. In Truth, had these great Antagonists of the Bishops, but what they Merit, for either their scandalous stigmatising them in private, in their Conversations, as well as in exposing them to the World, with their spiteful Censures, the Punishment which their Patrons Pryn, and Burton, and Bastwick Suffered in the late Times, is too great a Favour, and too mild a Resentment.  
AND now I must hasten to Generals, only I cannot choose but take Notice, That these Times, or the Men of them, as if they were driven by the pure Dictates of a sincere Conscience; or else that they held it as an Article of their Faith, should think, That within Forty Years, by a necessary Consequence, the same, or like Occurrences must needs happen to a Nation; and therefore, if they acted never so contrary to God's Word, Nature, nay, Common Honesty; still it must be looked upon, as flowing from the supreme Cause, or those concurrent hidden Causes, which usually attend the Revolutions of States. However it be, This I must needs confess, No one Evil comes alone: The late King's time, though attended with continual Vicissitudes, and repeated Troubles; yet we find still some dreadful Additional Circumstance or other, to befall them to hasten their way to Ruin.  
THE Scotch Rebellion, His losing His Privileges daily, His public Ministers impeached, His legal Proceeding censured, thwarted, His Honour beginning to dwindle, His Majesty exclipsed, His Subjects here at Home Mutinous, and Seditious; but to add to these, a cursed, hellish Rebellion in Ireland breaks forth to the Massacring above Two Hundred Thousand of His Subjects in one Night. Now, do we but look upon our Times, We have through the unspeakable Bounty of a Gracious GOD, 
Para'el.  a hellish, Popish Plot, which terrified, and frighted every poor Soul of this Our English Nation, Discovered to Us, by those who were to be the Executioners of Our Ruin; the Grandees, and Pillars of the Government are taken into Custody, as Accessories to this execrable Design of destroying Prince and People; several others have been taken and Suffered: The People have been disquieted, and disturbed at such a Surprise; The Government aspersed by Incendiaries; Loyalty despised; Laws contemned; Authority neglected; Magistracy villifyed, etc. And, to augment the Obscurity of those dark Clouds, which hang over our Heads, and threatened Subversion of Monarchy, Religion, and All; 
A Plot in Ireland discovered.  a Cursed Irish Plot too is Discovered, broached and fomented by the same Ministers, whom the Pope and the Devil had employed in that profound Mystery of Iniquity, The English Plot. Upon the Miraculous Discovery of which. His Majesty was pleased to take all the Care He could, for the through detecting This Damnable Plot; and Proclamations and Warrants are issued out for the Apprehending the Conspirators: upon the putting in Execution of which, several betake themselves to Flight, leave their Country, and get into Foreign Parts: Some are taken Prisoners; amongst which, was those Two notorious Traitors, 
Plunket and Fitz-harris taken.  the Titular Primate of Ireland, Plunket; (One whose Hands were imbrued in the late Bloody Massacre There: So that, we see, the Old Saying true; Quo semel est imbuta recens servabit Odorem Testa diu) and one Fitz-barris; both which were lately Tried, Convicted, and Executed: And Others come in, and take hold of the Mercy of their Prince; and, as far as they were knowing, give their several Evidences concerning this Hellish Design; Which was for the Murdering His Majesty's Person, 
The Design of the Plot in Ireland.  the Destroying and Subverting the True Protestant Religion, the Deposing His Majesty from the Crown and Government of that Kingdom, and the Establishing of the Roman Catholic Religion there, etc. Thus, as the Wiseman says; There shall no Reward be to the Evil Man; the Candle of the wicked shall be put out. My Son, Fear thou the Lord, and the King, and meddle not with them that are given to Change: For their Calamity shall rise suddenly; and, Who knoweth the Ruin of them?  
AND Lastly, As in those Times the Press was open to receive the Dictates of every Malcontent, to the Aspersion of the King, and His, Ministers, and the Censuring and Exposing the Government: So, in these Times, we see the like; every Day affording us fresh Pacquets: But of This, more hereafter. I will therefore desist the Tracing thus Particulars, and do what I promised before I entered upon this Digression, viz. Lay down in Impartial, General Terms, The Present State of this poor Nation, through the needless Fear of Popery, Arbitrary Government, and the Subversion of our Religion, Laws, and Liverties: I shall begin then with Religion.   

THERE is no Stuff so proper to make a Cloak on, 
Religion,  as Religion; nothing so Profitable, nor indeed so Fashionable: It is a Livery, 
How understood now.  wherein a Wise Man may easily serve Two Masters, God, and the World; and make a gainful and advantageous Service by Either: For when once a Man hath got a Public Opinion of a Holy and Regular Life, the Goodness and Sincerity of his Conscience is cried up to that height, that his Trade will lack no Custom, his wares want no Price, his Words need Credit, or his Actions, (though never so Enormous and Immoral) be destitute of Praise and Applause. In Summer this keeps him cool, in Winter warm; and hides the Nasty Bag of all his beloved Secret Lusts. Under this Cloak, he walks in Publicly fairly with Applause, and in Private sin securely without Offence, and officiate Wisely without Discovery, etc.  
AT a Fast, I cry Geneva; at a Feast, I cry Rome. Under this Cloak, I compass Sea and Land to make a Proselyte; and no sooner made, but He Makes me. I most frequent Schismatical Lectures, which I find most Profitable; from whence, learning to Divulge and Maintain New Doctrines, they maintain me in Suppers Thrice a Week. Charity I hold as an Extraordinary Duty; therefore, not Ordinarily to be performed, etc. Thus our Great Religiosi understands Religion, but as a Trick they make use of to advance their Interests, and Improve their Advantage. In fine, 'Tis Religion, which hath been the sole pretended Directrix to the Commission of the most Nefarious Conspiracies, and Damnable Contrivances, which have for several Years distracted the Peace and Order of the Government of the Kingdom of England, Scotland, and Ireland. The sad Effects of it in those Late Times of Rebellion here in Forty-One, we have (as is before said) to our Sorrow felt; and those direful Consequences of Ruin and Destruction of our King and Kingdom, (brooded and hatched under her Wings now in these present Times,) [Which would have inevitably followed the Damnable Designs of the Wicked Conspirators of the Hellish Popish Plots, had it not pleased the Omnipotent Power to infatuate their Intentions, and disclose their Diabolical Secrets;] I say, These Two sad and notorious Instances, are sufficient to convince any Reasonable Man, how far Religion has blindfolded, and carried Men on thro' the most uncouth, and execrable Designs to destroy both Prince and People. 'Twas under her Banner the Boid Regicides flourished their Colours over the Murdered Body of His Late Sacred Majesty, whom they durst not to have approached when Living: 'Twas under her Banner the Audacious Heroes of the Romish Party, were now Marching on, armed with Fury, Violence, Rapine, Murder, and Destruction, ready upon a Minutes Call, to Massacre Prince and People, without Distinction of Sex or Family. As if the Gospel of Peace, which was first Planted by the Author of Peace, was to be Propagated by His Ministers by the Sword.  
OH the Blindness, and wilful Obstinacy of Man! Oh the Proclivity of the depraved Humane Nature, to Errors and Abuses! How is it that Thou, Religion, art thus mistaken? How is it Thy Dictates, and Sacred Rites are thus misconstrued, and mis-applyed? Dost Thou Teach Men such Horrid and Abominable Doctrines; 
〈…〉.  That, to Propagate their Empire, and extend their Dominions, Subjects should be absolved from Obedience to their Lawful Sovereign Princes, impowering them to Depose Them, or pull Them down from their Thrones, take the Crown from their Heads; and at last, their Heads from their Bodies? Dost Thou warrant Disorders, Distractions, and Discords in the Socieries or Communities of Men, to the utter Subversion of Governments, Laws, and Liberties, and to the total Ruin of Kingdoms? Dost Thou lead Men to Contrive the most Execrable Designs, to hatch Treasons, and to lay Plots and Conspiracies; to Endeavour (nay, Perpetrate) Assassinations: Nay, if they fail in These, to kick at Authority, and contemn the Laws, asperse the Governor, and vilify the Government? Are those Thy Precepts?— No, no, not at all; nor in any wise consisting with My Nature, as I am Professed by the Church of England. Indeed, Rome and Geneva may understand Me so, and the World has felt they do ever understand Me so. 
The Religion of the Church of England.  As I am Professed by the Church of England, I command Her Preachers to endeavour to implant Virtue in men's Minds; To let Her Doctrine (as it truly and purely is) be Undefiled, Orthodox, and Evangelical; Teaching Piety, or our Duty towards God, Justice or Love towards those in Society with us; and primarily, towards His Vicegerent, our Lawful King and Governor; and Sobriety, or Love to our own Persons, in living in the Practice of those Excellent Virtues of Temperance and Soberness; which tends so much to the Glory of God, and our own Comfort and Happiness. Have not we then, who have the Church of England for our Mother, great Cause to bless God, for those daily Influences of Divine Love and Comfort, which we receive from Her? That nothing but the Pure and Uncorrupt Milk of Sincere Piety, and True Religion may be sucked from Her Immaculate Breasts! But Alas! What the Reverend, Pious, and Learned Archbishop Laud said in his Speech upon the Scaffold before his Death, speaking of the Church of England, may be too aptly (the more is our Shame) applied to Her at this Time. This poor Church of England, (said that Reverend Prelate) has Flourished, and been a Shelter to other Neighbouring Churches, when Storms have driven upon them; but Alas! now it is in a Storm itself; and God knows, whether, or how it shall get out: And, which is worse than a Storm from without, it is become like an Oak cleft to Shivers with Wedges made out of its own Body; and that in every Cleft, Profaneness and Irreligion is creeping in apace; 
Lib. 2. de Vitae Contem. cap. 4.  while (as Prosper saith) Men that introduce Profaneness, are cloaked with a Name of Imaginary Religion. For we have, in a manner, almost lost the Substance, and dwell much (nay, too much a great deal) in Opinion; and that Church, which all the Jesuits Machinations in these parts of Christendom could not Ruin, is now fallen into a great deal of Danger, by Her Own.  
BUT, hold! Consider, Is it Religion alone, that hath thus distracted Men's Brains? or is it Mistaken zeal, that drives Men into these Madnesses? Is there nothing else in the Grass, that lies Latitant, and pricks us, and makes us so uneasy? Yes, I fear there is a Serpent that stings us, and makes us kick at Authority, called (as heretofore) Liberty of the Subject: 'Tis this wounds our Stomaches, 
Liberty of the Subject.  and without a little Aqua Tetramagogicon, or an Indubitable Assurance of its being Preserved, we cannot be at ease. God God Is there any People or Nation in Europe, ever Blessed with Greater Freedoms, and more Undisturbed Libertyes, than this Kingdom of England? Or, Is there found from the One Part of the World to the Other, one People blessed with such a Land. A Land, whose Constitutions make the Best of Governments, which Government is strengthened with the Best of Laws, which Laws are Executed by the Best of Princes; whose Prince, whose Laws, whose Government, makes Us the Happiest of all Subjects, makes Us the Happiest of all People. And what a late Learned Writer said, speaking in the Praise of a Land, and the Admirable Blessings of it, may be said of England; and I shall apply it, according to his Words:  
A Land (says he) of Strength, 
England described as it now flourishes.  of Plenty, and of Peace; where every Soul may sit beneath his Vine, unfrighted at the Horrid Language of the Hoarse Trumpet, unstartled at the Warlike Summons of the Roaring Canons: A Land, whose Beauty hath surprised the Ambitious Hearts of Foreign Princes, and taught them by their Martial Oratory, to make their vain Attempts. A Land, whose Strength reads Vanity in the deceived Hopes of Conquerors, and crowns their Erterprises with a Shameful Overthrow. A Land, whose Native Plenty makes her the World's Exchange; supplying Others, able to subsist without Supply from Foreign Kingdoms: In itself, Happy; and Abroad, Honourable. A Land, that hath no Vanity; but, what's the sweetest of all Blessings, Peace and Plenty; that hath no Misery, but is propagated from that Blindness, which cannot see Her own Felicity. A Land, that flows with Milk and Honey; and, in brief, wants nothing to deserve the Title of a Paradise. The Curb of Spain, The Pride of Germany, the Aid of Belgia, the Scourge of France, the Empress of the World, and Queen of Nations. In fine, England is the Envy of all Nations, the Ambition of all Princes, the Terror of all Enemies, and the Security of all Neighbouring States.— Thus far I follow the Steps of my Learned Author in this Encomium, of the Land whereof we were both 
† Oh Fortundt●s nimium, sua si bona norint Anglos!  Natives.  
BUT Alas! I find at the Bottom of the Role, a Blot or Blur, which (as it were) oblitterates part of the Account; for all these Blessings and Happinesses are but as so many Steps towards her Woe, or as so many Gaps to let in Pride, Ambition, etc. as Foxes and Wild-Boars, to eat up, and tread down these her Flowers: For Alas! She renders herself miserable, by Not being Compact within herself in Unity, but is apt and prone to Civil and Intestine Broils! Did Her Children but cherish Brotherly Love and Charity, 
Union the best Antidore against Evils.  and endeavour the maintaining a good and right Understanding one with another, and not suffer every Private Man's Interest, to disturb Public Peace, Utility, and Order, the Devil himself, nor the Pope, and all his Instruments, can, or will ever harm or molest us. But that's the Colliquintida, that always spoils our Pot: We are apt to carp at every thing that suits not with our crooked Desires: We cannot endure any thing that touches us near, but we style it Arbitrary, or that it sinells rank of Popishly-Affectedness; and then Authority is contemned, and every Nonsensical, and half-witted Upstart, who is but just got out of Busby's Hands, must appear in Print, in a Seditious Libel, against the King and Government.  
THE Splendour of that Fire which burns our Neighbours, deceives the Eye; It seems Fair, because it Shines: It seems Good, because it gives Light: The Harm thereof is not felt, till Loss be occasioned thereby. Who is there that's unsensible, or have not heard of the late Troubles in England? What Ruin, what Confusion, what Miseries, what Destruction they brought us into? when the Son killed the Father, and the Father the Son; when all Order both of Nature and Government was broken to pieces, when Liberty and Property, their Meums and Tuums; nay, Religion too, (the Chief Cause of so much Effusion of Innocent Blood) were totally Subverted, and (quasi) Annihilated: And all upon Pretence of Arbitrary Government, and a Needless Fear of Introducing Popery. Have not our Father's Blood been spilt in this Cause, and cries unto us from the Earth; My Sons, Give not yourselves to Change? 
Prov. 24. 2●.  And yet, Will we be running down the same Precipice to Destruction? And, Will no Persuasive Arguments, and Amicable Suggestions and Persuasions Impede your Hot Career, and turn you (like Balaam) from Disobeying the Commands of the Great jehovah? But you will continue your Old Thesis, Id factum juvat, quod fieri non licet?  
'TIS true, there ought a Remedy be had for appearing Dangers; 
The Danger of too much Haste.  but I do not commend the Repairing of past Errors, caused by Delay, with New and Greater, caused by Impatience. Injuries received, tend to the Ruin of Men; who with the Zeal of Honour, do not accompany wisdom; they run upon Revenge for past Wrongs, and throw themselves headlong upon New Miseries: They would amend One Error, and produce a Thousand. Too much Haste is as much before Time, as too much Delay is out of Time. Errors of Impatience, are worse than Errors of Delay; for it is better to shun Precipices, than run upon Them: If they be not hindered, they are Retarded. Wisdom is the Daughter of Cold, Violence of Heat: Things which have not been done in Times past, may be well effected in Times to come. Occasions are never wanting to Men, but Men are wanting to Occasions: They may be expected, they ought not to be prevented. Generous Spirits address themselves to endure present Injuries, out of hope of Future Revenge: They reserve their Anger to Vindicate Offences, not to Evaporate Passion. A Disease that has been long growing, is not presently eradicated; but deserves the longer Time, and the greater Industry to Cure it. Difficulties ought not always to be thrust at in Desperate Cases; it is better to commit them into the Hands of Fortune, than to seek to Remedy them. Where we cannot help ourselves, to be busy, can work no other Effect, than hinder the Effects of a Cause Superior to ourselves. That (as I said before) which hath wrought itself into us by little and little, must be wrought out by little and little.  
SINCE the First Discovery of this Late Hellish Popish Plot, What Prudent Means, and Well-weighed Methods have been used to prevent the Designs, and Dash the Hopes of those Damnable Conspitors; there is not any reasonable, sober Man, but will aver, He is sensible of. Almighty God, as the Prime Agent towards Our Deliverance, was pleased first to Detect their execrable Treasons and Machinations, and to strike the Rock, to send forth Streams to save our drooping, and Fainting Land; or made those who were the Great saul's, 
Mr. Oaes, and Mr. 〈◊〉, etc.  in threatening the Destruction of Our Church and State, to become the most Eminent Paul's, in the preserving them. And these He placed as most Exquisite Instruments, in the Hands of His Sacred Majesty, His Vicegerent, to work out those Means which might procure Our Peace and welfare, and remove those Obstacles which impeded that Good, which His Royal Bounty, and Gracious Love, ever wished His Subjects should enjoy.  
THE Consternation, and affright a thing of so important a Nature, (as a Plot) put the whole Nation into, was not, nor is easily to be removed, especially discovered, in a time when England was the Sole Seat of Peace and Tranquillity; and when at the same time, all Her Neighbours were in the greatest Conflagration of War and Desolation. The sudden Amazement which such a surprise put Us in, possessed Us then with a Diffidence, and Distrust of our Best Friends; neither could we think ourselves Secure of the Government we lived under, either in its Power or Authority. We presently suspect the Incredulity of Our Prince, in being not easily induced to Believe a Plot, might proceed from some more than Ordinary Cause; and therefore, we imagined the Court-Air smelled rank; and thus trusting our Senses, 
The Duke of York impeached.  we ran briskly on our Pursuit, and found the Duke in the Quarry! The Duke in the Plot? The Duke in the Plot? Is presently the wondering Interrogatory of every Body: What! He that was the Alumna, the Joy of all true English Hearts, the Heir Apparent to the Crown of the Three Kingdoms? And the Endeared Brother of Our Sovereign Lord?  
HERE the Scene gins to alter, and Revenge and Odium sits Regent on every Brow; and like Amnon's Hatred to His Sister Tamar, it became greater, and more inveterate, than the Love they before bore to him. For now every Pen is employed in beating down His Pretensions to the Crown, and proposing the Reasonableness, nay, Undeniable Necessity, there is for the Exclusion of Him, as a Papist from the Succession.  
AND here all Our Miseries began, Our Fears and Jealousies of Introducing Popery, Arbitrary Government, and utter Subversion of Our Religion, Laws, and Liberties, drives Us to distrust Our Prince and His Council; and nothing will serve our Turns, but we are ready to Affront Authority, asperse His Ministers, and Contemn His Sovereignty; and all this (like the Ancient Turnus) for the Liberty of the Subject, and the Maintaining the Protestant Religion!  
GOOD GOD! Was there ever Prince more sincere in His Professions, and more real and direct in His Promises, than Our Prince hath been? Was there ever Prince shown a more Vigilant Care, and Indefatigable Diligence, in endeavouring the Finding out those nefarious Contrivers of the Popish Plot? Hath He not given the greatest Encouragement imaginable to the Discoverers of the Plot, and Promoted their Care in finding out those Hellbred Conspirators to bring them to Condign Punishment? Hath He not taken the Strictest Care in the World, that the Laws be duly put in Execution; and that Delinquents escape not unpunished? Did He 
Judges removed, and new Ones Chosen.  Did He not Purge the Courts of public Justice, by removing those Magistrates and Judges, whom He thought Male-affected; and filled up their Rooms with others? Did He not charge them to Officiat Wisely, and Discharge their Duties in their several Stations Honestly, for the Good of their King and Country? And hath not this His Princely Care had this Effect, That the Prisons were filled with Popish Recusants, Priests and Jesuits; and many of them brought to Condign Punishment? Nay, Hath He not shown how far He desires the Plotters in the Tower, might be brought to their Trials; and the Law takes its force upon them, 
The Lord Stafford Executed.  by the Execution of the Lord Stafford? And lastly, is it not His daily Protestation, That upon His Kingly Word, the Maintaining the Protestant Religion, as it is Established by Law, the Rights and Liberties of the Subject of England, etc. is, and shall ever be His Study, Desire, and Care? What would Subjects wish for? or, What can Prince promise, or do more?  
WHY? All this is Nihil ad rem; a Man cannot be in Three several Companies, but we shall hear some one (more censorious than the rest) which pretend to avouch it as the much received Opinion, That notwithstanding all This, Latet Anguis sub Herba; The King inclines to that Religion He so much Persecutes, or pretends to do: When on the contrary, We shall see how Causeless our Fears are in this matter, if we will but look back on that memorable Act of 25. Ch. cap. 2d. For preventing of Dangers which may happen from Popish Recusants. Whereby a Papist was disenabled holding any Office or Employment; though but of so small an advantage or interest as a Noble a Year. And it likewise ran in such general Terms, that it Reserved no one person, but reached even to some about Him, of whose fidelity, and sincere Love to His Person and Government, He had undeniable proofs, and unquestionable Demonstrations: Which methinks should be sufficient to belie those Rascals, who are so bold as to say, That He leaned (in the least) that Way, since if it be examined by any Man of Sense and Reason, it cannot but be concluded, that a Prince, in whose Power the refusing a Law is, would ever pass one, to the utter subverting the Intendments and Designs of a Party, whose Practices He favoured, and meant to forward their Interests. Nay, it ran not only to Offices and Employments, but to the Disinheriting those Peers, who professed the Romish Religion, from taking their Seats in Parliament.  
AND further to satisfy Us, let Us but look back on His Gracious Speech to the Parliament, 1679. March 6.  
I HAVE done (says He) many Great Things already, 
Vide, The late Journals of the House of Commons.  as the Exclusion of the Popish Lords, from their Seats in Parliament, the Execution of several Men, both upon the Score of the Plot, and the Murder of Sir Edmundbury Godfrey; and it is apparent that I have not been Idle in Prosecuting the Discovery of Both, as much further, as hath been possible for me in so short a time. And above all, I have commanded My Brother to absent himself from Me, because I would not leave the most Malicious Men room to say, I had not removed all Causes, which could be pretended to influence me towards Popish Councils.  
Why? All This doth not satisfy, as long as Mordecai sits in the King's Gate. The Fear of a Popish Successor possesses our Minds; and we shall still be restless, 
Vide, That Vnknown-Peer's Speech, Printed January last.  till the Duke is Excluded. Let the King's Treasury fill itself, and let Tangier take ca5re for itself; We must be assured the King is our own, and that the Duke shall not succeed Him; and then we shall see Golden Days, and every one's Purse shall be open. Pamphlet upon Pamphlet, Libel upon Libel, are dispersed on that Subject; and the Streets are filled with the Horrid Noise of the Bawling Vender, who makes the Streets Ring with his Foul-Mouth, belching out, Great News of His Royal-Highness the Duke of York; whose Name's Too Sacred, and of a Higher Veneration than to be mentioned by every Scoundrel, Dunghill fellow.  
AND to make their Malice appear the more Laudable, a Pamphlet must be Published, 
The Character of a Popish Successor is Published.  Entitled, The Character of a Popish Successor, and what England may expect from such a One, stuffed up with all the Arguments and Reason's Malice could invent or suggest, to Asperse His Person, to Thwart His Pretensions, or render his Legitimate Succeeding in the Throne of these Three Kingdoms, to be the only Thing inconsistent, with the Safety and Liberty of the Subject, the Continuance of the Protestant Religion, and the Privileges of Parliament. And therefore, in all haste to avoid all these Evils which our Fears and Jealousies of a Popish Successor do at present affright Us with: The Duke must be Excluded, and then all will be well.  
THIS Pamphlet has been the Work of Two Pens to Answer, which has made our ingenious Author to annex his Answers to them both, and style it now Complete: 'Tis pity his to be admired Wit should be employed to such despicable Ends. Every Sentence of it being the very Quintessence of Malice, and the Superlative Degree of Boldness and Impudence. I shall only add these few words, which I leave to your Consideration.  
THAT tho 'tis true, the Soul of every Man (as well Prince as Subject) is in the Hand, or at the Dispose of the Supreme Power, God; and both Liable to a Minute's Summons: yet let me tell you, according to the Natural Conclusions of Humane Understandings, if we examine how little the Disproportion of Age is betwixt the King, and the Duke His Brother; and what Hopeful Appearances there are, in the Air, Health, and Briskness of the King, above that Proclivity to Indispositions which always attend His Royal-Highness; we must needs conclude, That our Fears are but Chymaeraes, mere Phantasms; or at least, that we would shelter our Sinister Intentions under such a Specious pretence, as the Possibility of being Subjugated to the proposed imminent Servitude a Popish Successor would inevitably bring along with Him.  
BUT what should I further dispute, or endeavour to heap up Arguments to deter Men from such hot brained, and Unwarrantable Designs; it is done already, but Yesterday, to my Hand, and that too by the Best of Men: The King; who has endeavoured to allay the Heat, the Fear of a Popish Successor puts Us in, by telling Us in His Well weighed Gracious Speech to Our last Parliament; That to remove all reasonable Fears that may anise from the possibility of a Popish Successor's coming to the Crown; if means could be found that in such a Case, the Administration of the Government might remain in Protestant Hands, He should be ready to hearken to any such Expedient, by which the Religion might be preserved, and the Monarchy not destroyed. Surely this is a Thrice welcome News; and what will quell that passion which was so predominant, and spreading against the Duke of York, and will silence Our Penmen or Pamphletteers, who upon every turn, were always ready to furnish the World with their Bombast, under this Notion, No Popery, No Slavery; or by endeavouring to possess the Mobile, or Vulgars', with a Fear that Servitude would be the genuine Concomitant of a Popish Successor, or King here; and therefore, they should Arm themselves against such a Danger, and still keep to their old Maxim, Libertas optima rerum; The Liberty of the Subject should be their Helmet, though 'twas (as in the late Rebellion) to the Warring against their Prince, Deposing Him, nay Murdering Him too.  
ALAS! These bold Proselytes of the Recorded Brutus, I dare believe do not understand what Liberty means (I mean with relation to Government) but only have heard how great sway this Thundering Noun car 
Liberty.  rises amidst the giddy Crowd, who need no other Bait to be thrown among them, than the name of Liberty. Now if by Liberty be intended, 
What it is.  a Power of doing what one will, it will turn then to Licentiousness; 
1.  and that Government which has most thereof, will be worst. If thereby be meant, a Power of doing what is convenient, 
2.  it needs not be parted from Principality or Monarchy; under which, what is convenient hath no less place, than under a Commonwealth. 
3.  And if thereby be understood a Power of Commanding others, 'tis so much less for the Common People which obey, by how much their Servitude is extended to a number of Masters: But 'tis but a Chimaera, which Men fain unto themselves to bring their Wits to pass, and oftentimes to Sweeten the Beginnings of a Bitter-Servitude. For my part, I shall not endeavour further to define what Liberty is, the undisturbed Fruition, and the sweet Benefit redounding to Us all from it, are Sufficient to ease me of that task; no Nation in the whole Universe having the like, as England. How far the Needless Fear of losing this Liberty, carried Us in the late times of Rebellion, even to the utter Ruin of Families, Estates, and Lives; nay, at last, of that Liberty too, I have before shown. And therefore, I shall conclude this Point, with showing what sorts of Men Our Great Libelers and Pamphletteers are, 
The Character of a Pamphletteer.  according to the Character a Great Prince gave one of His Grandees, who ran in the same Seditious Road.  
THEY are those (says he) who Term themselves Free, and are so indeed, in as much as they are not subject to Reason; A People, who see nothing but Faults, because they seek after nothing else; They blame the Sun, because it offends their Eyes; and know not that the fault is in their Eyes, not in the Sun. A Wicked Generation, whose Fame lies only in Defamation, their Praise in Blaming, their Greatness in Detraction. They speak, and write what ever comes next, so it be bad enough. Under a False show of Liberty, they would endeavour to Confound the True One, and then to oppress it must follow: They have no Means to raise themselves, but by taking from others; and so, that they may appear Great, like Women, they care not whither it be by Flesh, or a Chopine. This Kind, are the most pernicious to the whole World, would sow Confusion, make Princes become Tyrants, raise Discords in Senates, and fill Cities with Calumnies; and Finally, with Dead Men.  
I SHOULD say something too, before I make an end of these Considerations, 
Privilege of Parliament.  concerning the Privileges of Parliament, so much talked of, and so little understood. The Maintaining of the Privileges which belong to that August Assembly, is of so necessary and weighty a Consequence, that without that, the Liberty we have been talking of, together with the Religion, and Laws could not subsist. But however it is to be understood, when they are Kept within their due Banks, and are Guided by the Law of which they with the King, are the Fathers; and when they encroach not upon the Dignity and Prerogatives of the Crown: They are the Great Horologe, by which is seen how Regular the Motions of the whole Nation go; but if the Master-workman finds any Deficiency, or Irregular Movements; 'tis in His Power alone, to Take it to pieces, and Correct it. Parliaments were ever held extreme Necessary, and of Great Use in this Land, and rendered Us ever the more Formidable, esteemed, and reverenced Abroad, by how much they Adhered to their Head, the KING. We have, 'tis true, of late within these few Years seen more Change of Parliaments, since especially the Discovery of the Popish Plot, 77. and 78. than since the Happy Restauration of His Majesty; the Reasons induced His Majesty to proceed so with them in their so Frequent Dissolutions, is not for every person to inquire after, neither shall I for my part pretend to search into, much less discover: I am only like an Honest Man, and Loyal Subject, to acquiesce in the Pleasure of my Prince; and not to censure the Authority and Reasonableness of His Proceed in the least particular.  
THE most admirable, and Princely Speech, which His Majesty was Graciously pleased to make to the Parliament at Oxford, will satisfy any reasonable or judicious Person, by what Measures He has still proceeded, and what Resentments He has been obliged to make of all their Proceed; which in the Second Word of His said Speech, He styles Unwarrantable; though He professes notwithstanding all, He is not out of Love with Parliaments, and never will, as long as they take their Measures by the Law, To let that be the Rule, by which they Act, as it is His; and that than whatever they should offer, should meet with His Gracious Acceptance.  
IF a Rider put a rough Bit into a Horse's Mouth, which will not be Governed, no Man blames Him for severity, they blame the Horse rather, because he will not be Ruled; and yet Men are apt to call the Prince Cruel, who would curb the Senate; and call not the Senate Headstrong, who will not obey the Prince. A Senate, or Parliament may Vote Redresses for Grievances, suffered by the People, whose Representatives they are, but it is in the Prince alone to make those Votes Valid, or of Force; and therefore, without His Stamp or Royal Assent, no Vote or Resolve can pass currant made by them. 'Tis their Privilege to offer Expedients, but it is the King's Prerogative to assent to, or except against them.  
TO proceed according to the Fundamental Laws of the Land, in redressing, or at least, endeavouring to redress those Grievances which render the Subject Malcontent, and uneasy; and by this means to Accommodate, and Silence any Misunder stand or Murmurs, may be conceived against the Government; and thus procure public Peace, Trahquility, and Order: I say, for this end likewise, were Parliaments constituted, and thought necessary for the State. But all This they were Priviliedged to do, with a Restriction, so long as the Honour, Dignity, and Safety of the Crown was their first, and immediate Regard and Care, as I said before. A Parliament is the Magnum Anglie Concilium, The Great Council of the Land, called together by the King, as the proper, and most genuine Means for the Consulting or advising of, and providing against public Evils (wherein every private Man is concerned) and in order to the Administering necessary Remedies. And therefore, to pretend that their Privileges enable them to Act contrary to what their Head the King shall propose to them, towards the Regulating Misunderstandings, Composing Differences; and the Securing Peace and Order, is (if it may be so said) a Casting off that Supreme Power, which gave them those Privileges; and a Breach of the King's Prerogative. And if once Regal Prerdgative is invaded, the Regal Power will be in great Danger. (This we have lately had notorious Testimonies of, and I hope, and pray we may never see the like again.)  
THE last Dissolution of the Parliament met at Oxford, perhaps doth, and may Amuse the World exceedingly, and drive them into a profound Admiration: Unde hoc? Whence proceeded His Majesty's Displeasure? But the Papers called Intelligences, pretended to satisfy Us with a great deal, and every Coffes-House Whispered out Reasons, or at least Suspicions, and Surmises upon it. For my part, I do, and shall ever continue my Resolution in this particular, which I mentioned but a little before, That I think it mine, and every Honest Man, and Loyal Subject's Duty to Acquiesce in the Pleasure of my Prince, and not to Censure the Authority or Reasonableness of His Proceed in the least (I mean, so far as my Conscience shall give me leave.) I shall not therefore any further dilate on this point, but Conclude with the saying of a Wife Statesman, viz. Many things (says He) in the world resemble Smoke; their Beginning is but small, their End great: And many things resemble the Wind, whose Reginning is Boisterous, and End Weak. He saves himself from the former, who suffers them not to Increase: from the latter, He who suffers them to Blow over. Progress of Time, may be expected in the One, where the Other aught to be Smothered in the Cradle.  
HAVING thus far run thro' Our proposed Parallel under those Three Heads of Religion, Liberty, and Privileges of Parliament; and therein shown how dangerous they are to a Commonwealth, when misunderstood, and mis-applyed. (As GOD knows they have been too much of late here in England; the more is the pity, and Our shame) I shall therefore in this place look back on the large Concessions, and bountiful Condescensions of the late King, which was so much abused, and made as so many Helps towards the subsequent Evils, and Ruin to this poor Kingdom of England; and see how Our Times have met with the like, and what unsuitable Returns have been made to the Royal Grace and Favour.  
THE pressing Necessities for Supplies of Money to the empty drained Coffers of the Royal Treasury, thro' a long War (which I have spoken of before) coming in a Time, when the Subject's Purse was full; and that now the Parliament, City, and the Disaffected Parties, knew well enough was a fit time to perpetrate their Designs, to bring the KING to their Beck, to make Him condescend to what Terms they pleased; Which to avoid Repetition of, I desire the Impartial Reader to consider in the Beginning of this Discourse. Where you see after that they had brought the KING to do what they demanded, they at last, to complete all, persuade the People that the KING meant to introduce Popery, Arbitrary-Government, destroy the Protestant Religion, and the Liberty of the Subject, 
The unwarrantable Practices of the Parliament. 1640, 41.  etc. This nettles the Giddy Crowd, and induces them to believe, that whatsoever the Parliament did, was for their Good, and according to Conscience, and the like: They forget their King's Gracious Concessions and Grants; they stop their Ears to His crying Wants, turn their Backs to His friendly and just Demands, neglect His Authority, despise His Dignity, contemn His Administration of the Government, thwart His just and lawful Proceed; and thus Topsy turvy, per fas nefasque, No King, no Laws, no Religion (I mean of the Church of England) In exitium rount.  
NOW in brief, 
His now Majesty's Concessions.  Let Us examine Our own Times, and here We shall find Mercy, Bounty, and Liberality, still swaying the Sceptre of these Kingdoms. We see His Sacred Majesty was no sooner sat Him in His Throne, and had grasped the Sceptre in His Hand; but He as soon gins to display the Influences of His Royal Bounty and Mercy, by the Act of Oblivion; 
The Act of Oblivion Granted.  whereby every Individual Person, who had been Actors on that late Bloody Stage of Rebellion and Treason, (the Cruel and Bloodthirsty Regicides, or those who were the Unjust Judges and Murderers of His Father of Blessed Memory only exempted) from the Beginning of the Civil-War, unto His Happy Restauration, the New Epocha of our English Nation, that Annus Restauratae Libertatis. Nay, to dispossess those, who Held their Estates in Capite of the Fears of the just Demands and Pretensions, so long a time's Killing and Slaying, had given Him upon their Tenors, and Knight Service; What vast Sums were coming to Him from the Court of Wards and Liveries, etc. which, unless He remitted, would render the Act of Oblivion, in effect no Pardon, since it gave not their Estates with their Lives: His Majesty was Graciously pleased to prevent those Fears by Act of Parliament, 
The Act of Parliament, 12 Ch. 2. ca 24.  12 Ch. 2. cap. 24. depriving Himself of the Richest Jewel of His Crown, a Prerogative so truly Royal, and so hugely advantageous, That in the Judgement of the Learned in the Law, The People of England were never truly Free till then.  
WHEN thro' repeated Affronts, 
War with Holland.  Calumnies, and Injuries, He was forced to make War with the Hollanders, for His own Honour: We no sooner find Him informed, That it was prejudicial to His People, but He shuffles up a Peace upon very hard Terms for Himself; when had He stood off but a little while (the State of His Enemies being such) He might have made what Conditions He would. 
Peace made  Nay further, To show His Love to His Good Subjects, when He entered into a War for Injuries offered to them, 
Vide, The Articles of Peace in Aug. 1667. and those 1674.  no Considerations, neither Plague, nor Fire, (which had then impoverished the Land, by the Loss of so much People and Money) would induce Him to a Peace, till ample Satisfaction made.  
WHEN He had upon Advice Granted a Toleration of Religion, and was satisfied afterwards by the Parliament of the Dangerous Consequences of such a Liberty; He immediately is induced to Recall it, and did so. 
The Act for Toleration of Religion made.  Did He not consent to all such Laws as were offered Him by His Parliament, for the Securing Us against Popery, 
Recolled.  and particularly for the Qualifying, and Distingutshing all Persons in Office, or Place of Trust? 
An Act against. Popery or Popish Recusants, 25 Ch. 2. cap. 2.  Which was that Great and memorable Act; of which, I have spoken of before, in another place.  
WHEN that Hellish Design of the Papish Party was happily Discovered, How Wisely and Prudently, did His Majesty be-have Himself, in a Matter of so great an Importance and Surprise? 
A Parliament called upon the Discovery of the Plot.  He presently Summons a Parliament; and till they could come together, He uses all the Means possible for the Searching into, and Discovering further the Plot, and the Hellbred Instruments of it; to Seize their Persons and Papers, and then lays the Whole before them, giving them this Assurance; 
His Majesty's Speech.  That He would be always ready to Assist them in the Inquiry into the Plot, in any thing where His Concurrence was necessary, and accordingly as they desired, by several Proclamations Assisting them; by some, Commanding the Absence of Papists; by others, Enquiring after Blood, with most bountiful Promises of Pardon and Recompense; Searching all Counties, Securing all Ports to prevent any Flight from, and looking into the very Prisons, to bring all Malefactors to Justice. 
His Bounty to the Discoverers of the Plot.  For the Encouragement of those who came in upon His Proclamation, He gave them large Allowances, Guards to there Persons, etc. And this was duly paid, at a time when He might have been well excused, when His Coffers were empty, and His own Faithful m●nial Servants went un-paid; which was somewhat hard, especially when there are some, whose whole Subsistence for themselves and Families, depends on their Income from His Majesty's Service. Those who were Imprisoned, and after a long time expect their Trial; and therefore, Addressed themselves unto Him, by their humble Petitions; He returned them no other Answer, Than that They should receive justice in parliament. Of this I have spoken of already in another place.  
WHEN the parliament had judged it necessary to have a War with the French, All Trade is forbidden for Three Years; by which, 
War with the French.  He deprived Himself of a great part; nay a very considerable part of His Revenue; and which, proved a very Disadvantageous Act to Himself, though by the Intent of the Act, it was designed for the French.  
THE French having been so Victorious in the Low-Countries, That it was much feared, the Spanish Netherlands would have been quite lost; and that now the parliament judged it necessary to Raise an Army to go against them: The KING is ready to Grant it, and a most Incomparable Body of Men are Raised, and Mustered in the Spring; 
An Army raised for Flanders.  and e'er they could be Shipped for Flanders, they must be Disbanded in July following; and in this likewise, He complied, 
Disbanded.  and as far as the Money allowed for that purpose, they were Disbanded: Thus, will we have an Army? we have one. Will we have none? He Disbands it to gratify Us. But one Thing I shall here take Notice of, which is the Great Gare His Majesty took, 
The King's Care of the Army.  That not one Person from the Officer Chief, to the very meanest Soldier throughout the whole Army, should be a Roman Catholic; and therefore, every Individual Person must take the Blessed Sacrament and Test, the Daths of Megrance and Supremacy, ere they were Listed into His Militia to Fight under His Banner; by which Method, many Relinquished, and left the Field (when every particular Name was to be Booked) and would not take it, as is well known: Nay, when the time of their Disbanding came, every Man whose Name was found in the Books, Inter Protestants, his Pay was Deposited to a Farthing, and he Discharged; none else.  
AND because the best Security of a Nation are good and wholesome Laws, 
Never resused an Useful Bill at any time.  There hath not One Useful Bill been offered to Him, but what He hath readily accepted and passed.  
AND yet what unsuitable Returns has He had for all these, and many more (which I could not compromise within this narrow Compass) His Princely Gracious Concessions, 
Vide, The Journals of the House of Commons.  and most Affectionate Condescensions. His Gracious Speeches at the Openings of Our late Short-Liv'd-Parliaments, show His Resentments of their Proceed; and how just He is in them; therefore I omit particulars. His last Speech to the Parliament at Oxford, sufficiently Evidences how great Reason He had to Act, as He did in their so frequent Dissolutions. Nay, since that likewise, as another great Instance of His Love to His Loyal, and Good Subjects, He has published His Reasons that led Him to it, 
The King published a Declaration.  which hath infinitely satisfied the Subject; the several Addresses from every of the respective Counties, Shires, Burroughs, etc. giving some ground to believe. Which I hope are as real in Fact, as they are in Words; and if so, England will still be happy, notwithstanding all the Machinations and Plots of Pope or Jesuit, Fanatic or French, being United within ourselves, with the Bonds of Peace, with a Fear of God, Honour of His Vicegerent Our Sovereign Charles Out King, a Reverence for His Counsels, especially His Great Council the Parliament: and an Awe, and Obedience to His Ministers, and a Brotherly Love and Charity one towards another. Praying, That God would bless His Majesty with Peace, and Length of Days, and the Royal-Family; and That God would ever so Direct all the Consultations of His Great Councils, the future Parliaments; that they may tend to the Glory of His Name, the Good of His Church, and the Safety, Honour, and Welfare of their King and Country. To which, Let every true Son of the Church of England, say always,  
Amen.     

THE CONCLUSION.  
THUS (Dear Countrymen) I have endeavoured to lay before you, a plain and impartial Relation of the present Condition and State of Affairs, as they now stand in this Juncture of Time; and what Measures, and Steps we take, to hasten that Ruin which hangs over Our Heads; and which will inevitably fall upon Us, if we do not endeavour with the utmost Diligence and Industry, Christian Prudence, and our Happiness, and Peace oblige Us to. I have showed you in the Opening of this Discourse, what Measures our Fathers took in the late Rebellion, towards that Ruin and Destruction, which they brought upon themselves, and their Posterity. How furiously Blind Zeal hurried them upon, and and Mistaken Liberty plunged them in Blood and Misery! How great a sway Parliaments bore (under the Notion of Privilege) amongst the unruly Multitude, even to the disowning the Regal Power; nay, Deposing Our Prince; and at last, to bring Him to the Block! I have also shown you how little the Dissimilitude is, betwixt our, and their Proceed, and how near we Tread in their Footsteps: I pray God divert Us from such like Practices.  
WE Read of Romulus (that Famous Founder of Rome) when the Sabins had Waged War against Him, and had got by Stratagem into the City, and had possessed themselves of the Capitol; and joining Battle, had Slain a great Leader and Captain of the Romans, named Hostilius; and by this means had caused them to Retreat, and give Back: Romulus Born along by them that Fled, made a stand at last upon the Palatine-Hill, and seeing the great Success the Sabines had, and that now the Honour of the Romans was dwindling; He Vows a Temple to jupiter, and there prays to him for Victory: But to show, that Man's Industry was to go along in Concurrence with the Divine Power; Romulus is not wanting in his own Endeavours, by his personal Courage and prudent Conduct, like a Valiant Captain, and brave Leader; and thus at last obtained Victory. An Example of a Heathen: Alas! for Us Christians! 'Tis this alone which can save Us, I mean a Recourse to the Divine Power, to implore its omnipotent Goodness, to Dispel those dark Gloomy Clouds, which hover over our Heads, and threaten Ruin and Misery. To do which, I am confident, nay assured, our Church hath no way been backwards, both by Her daily Summons and Calls, and by the Preaching of Her Learned, Pious Ministry: The Church Doors are always open, and as it were by their Dumb Signs invite Us to enter there, and Commune with our God by Prayer, to entreat His Removal of His judgements from Us. But Alas! In vain do Men call to Heaven; many do Invoke it, and yet do Hinder it; they require help from Heaven, and do Abandon themselves; and by their Deeds contrarying their Words, they show not to Desire what they have entreated, and to have Entreated, that they might not be heard. This is a Truth too palpable, God knows, and too notorious among Us now a-dayes! We have a great many pretended Israelites, but few Israelites indeed.  
AY, but say the People, if we are like to have bad Times; and if Evils are like to come upon Us, and Desolation and Ruin threaten Us, The Fault lies not at our Doors, nor are our Miscarriges the occasion; but it is the Maladministration of those at the Helm, from whose Influences alone we receive or Good, or Detriment, which brings upon Us, those Mischiefs that press the Nation. And thus like the Milesian Philosopher [Thales] who gazing up to behold the Stars, and consider their Aspects, and neglecting the Way wherein he walked (thro' his Intention, or serious Contemplation) fell into a Pit or Lake; and there ended his Life, and Speculation together. Would Men but look into themselves, and examine the Private Closets of their own Hearts; they will there find Work enough, and sufficient Reason for wondering Contemplation, when their Consciences stand ready to Salute them with Nathan's Parable, Thou art the Man, Or 'tis for thy Sins that the Land Mourneth, that the Angel of God stands with his Sword drawn in his Hand, ready to Cut it off in the midst it ' its Sins, and leave no place for Reconciliation.  
BUT Alas! Men now a-days are grown to that Degree of Impiety, that they are ready to Murder a Man for telling them the Truth. To be sure if the Blasting a Man's Credit be a means to Ruin him, they will not stick to do that; and though a near and intimate Friend with all the Mildness, and Complacency in the World, endeavour to insinuate a Sense of their miserable, and deplorable Estate, by all the methods Christian Piety and Charity can suggest; yet if he touch them too hard upon the Wounded Part, they are apt presently to throw back his Admonitions in his Face; and with the ungodly Man the Psalmist speaks of, Tush say they, what? Tellest thou me of Conscience, or a Pious Life. They are good Trades for a Leaden Spirit that can stand bend to every Frown, and wants the Brains to make a higher Fortune, or Courage to achieve that Honour which might Write their Names in the Chronicles of Fame. Pish, says he, Civil Honesty is but a fair pretence for him that has no Wit to play the Knave, and makes a Man capable of a little higher Style than Fool. Come, come, if my Conscience check me, I'll correct my saucy Conscience, till she stand as mute as Metamorphosed Niobe, I'll fear neither the Frowns of Princes, nor the Mighty Hand of various Fortune: I'll pass my slow-paced Time in Melancholy-Charming Mirth, and take the Advantage of my Youthful Days; I'll Banish Care to The Dead Sea of Phlegmatic Old Age. A Deep Sighs shall be High-Treason, and a Solemn Look adjudged a Crime too great for Pardon. And thus they go on in Sinning, having as the Apostle says, Seared their Consciences with a Hot-Iron.  
IF a Pious Minister Preaching in the Church, touch them to the quick, by laying open the ugliness of Sin, and the dismal Consequences of it, and the Judgements which will inevitably fall upon Sinners, Reprobate and Obstinate; and perhaps occasionally Harangues against particular Sins; of which, they are too much inclined, and prone to; They hear Him whilst they are in the Church seemingly with great Attention, though they are impatient to be Dismissed, that they might be at their venting their opprobrious Censures of his Person and Doctrine; and no sooner have they reached their Houses, but as soon as sat, presently have at the Parson, or as they usually style him Mr. Doctor, says One, His words conduce not at all to Edification, nor are the Motions of his Heart Sanctified. He Adores Great Ones for Preferment, and speaks too partially of Authority. A sober Language in his mouth, but the poison of Asps is under his Tongue. Ah, cries a Second, He fears God for his own ends. He can hear an Oath from his Superior, without reproving him, and sad Curse without Rebuke. He paints Devotion upon his Face, whilst Pride is stamped upon his Heart. 'Tis indeed true, says the Third, He is quick-sighted to the Infirmities of the Saints, and in his heart rejoiceth at our failings. His studied Prayers show him to be a high Malignant, and his Jesu-worship concludes him Popishly affected. He cries up Learning, and the Book of Common-Prayer, but says nothing of Reformation. He cringes, and makes an Idol of the Name of Jesus, and leans wholly to a Church-Government, not honouring a Preaching Ministry. He places Sanctity in the Walls of a Steeplehouse, and adores the Sacrament with a Popish-Knee. Ah! sighs a Fourth, Have we not a great deal of reason to separate from these Men, and turn, and absent ourselves from their Congregations; Ah! 'tis a great Mercy, and Unspeakable Goodness of the Lord, That he hath called us unto Him, to know the Church of God in Truth, and hath given us a Sin-killing, Heart-healing, Soul-convincing, laborious Ministry, to teach us the Ways of Righteousness, and hath separated us from these Idolatrous Worshippers, these Sons of Belial, and Children of Darkness, etc.  
Thus they asperse the Ministry, and endeavour to draw an Odium upon the Clergy, which is the readiest means to induce men to have a low regard of Religion itself; for (as a wise Writer of late times said) when once the Dispenser's of Religion fall into Contempt, it must be a strong Arm, and more than that of Flesh, that can bear up Religion itself, and keep that from falling too. [I hope, and pray with a Reverend Prelate in a late learned Sermon upon this Subject, That God will not remove our Candlestick from among us, as he threatened the Church of Ephesus; tho 'tis too much to be feared, our Impenitency, and the disregard we have of God's Ministers, and the Diversity of Sects and Opinions amongst us, may be sufficient enough to occasion it. What Judgements the Angel denounced against those Four Churches in the Revelations, Chap. 2. I desire every Son and Daughter of our Church to consider; Read the Severals, and I doubt not but you'll soon find, how little a Disproportion there is betwixt Us and Them: Tho I fear the last (viz. Thyatira) may be too much our lively Image.]  
The several Schisms, Sects, and Divisions, which have been broached, fomented, and continued about Religion in this Kingdom of England, have been (as I said before) the immediate Reasons, that brought men to have a low regard of Religion itself, and the Causes of the great Decay of Christian Piety in the Land. We may attribute what we will to the State, and say what we please of the Government; when it is the Immorality and Vice of the Cymes, which makes the Almighty angry with us, and threaten to cut us off.  
And now Impiety & Irreligion rides Triumphant, & Immorality sways its Sceptre in the Hearts of men; and therefore, let the Charmer charm never so wisely, men lend but Adders Cares, and will not regard. And therefore, Admonitions are but vain, and Advice but Bubbles, Correption and Rebuke pisht at, and reckoned but as Childish Flattery, or painted Mask; Nothing can be then expected but such like Repartees; which I will take from the to-be-admired 
* Vide, Quale's Boanerges, and Barnabas.  Boanerges, and so conclude.  
Tell not me of Hell, Devils, or damned Souls, to enforce me from those Pleasures which they nickname Sin. 'Tis true, I have not led my life according to the Pharisaical Square of the Opinions of God's Ministers, neither have I found Judgements according to their Prophecies; whereby I must conclude, that God is wonderfully merciful, or they wonderfully mistaken: How often have they thundered Torment against my Voluptuous life? and yet I feel no pain. How bitterly have they threatened shame against the Vaunts of the Vainglorious? Yet find they honour. How fiercely have they preached destruction against my Cruelty! And yet I live. What Plagues against my Swearing? Yet not infected. What Diseases against my Drunkenness? And yet sound. What danger against Procrastination? Yet how often hath God been found upon the Death-bed. What Damnation to Hypocrites? Yet who more safe? What Stripes to the Ignorant? Yet who more Scot-free? What Poverty to the Slothful? Yet they prosper. What Falls to the Proud? Yet stand they surest. What Curses to the Covetous? Yet who richer. What Judgement to the Lascivious? Yet who more pleasure? What Vengeance to the Profane, the Censorious, the Revengeful? Yet none live more unscourged. Who deeper Branded than the Liar? Yet who more Favoured? Who more threatened than the Presumptuous? Yet who less punished?  
Thus they run thro' a Catalogue of the several Kind's of Enormous Sins, which are most predominant in our depraved Natures, and believe not what the Church doth pronounce on each of them, but as Bugbears; and therefore, say they, thus we are fooled, and kept in awe by the strict fancies of these Pulpit-men, whose Opinions have no Ground, but what they gain from Popularity. But let these bold blustering Sinners but read the fifth Chapter of Isaiahs' Prophecy, and there they will find the miserable Woes entailed on the Wicked; as likewise, Jer. 4. Deut. 29.2 Chron. 34.  
Perhaps, I have played the Divine too long, and have tired you with these sad Reflections; I shall therefore enlarge no further, but only add one word by way of Admonition, and conclude. Let not, O England, an improvident Carelessness cast out all Fear of approaching Danger. Hast thou not for these many years nuzzled in the Bosom of Habitual Peace, when thy Neighbours were in the Flames of War. Be not deceived, a long Peace makes a Bloody War, and the Abuse of continued Mercies makes a sharp Judgement. The stalled Ox that wallows in his plenty, and waxes wanton in his Ease, is not far from slaughter. Didst thou not laugh Invasion to scorn, and was not affrighted at Conspiracies. Didst thou want good Laws, or did those Laws want Execution? Didst thou not stand the Glory of the World, and the Envy of all Nations? Did not thy Prophets give lawful warning, and like true Baptists preach Repentance? How hast thou lived, that now these Prophecies are fulfilled, and that now thou beholdest the Vials of thy angry God ready to be poured forth? Didst thou think that Pride could not demolish the Towers that defend thee? Nor drunkenness dry up the Sea that Walls thee? Nor the Flames of Lust dissolve the Ordinance that protects thee. O England, Since mercies could not allure thee, let these threatening Judgements now at length enforce thee to a true Repentance. Quench the Firebrand which thou hast kindled. Turn thy Mirth to true Mourning, and thy Feasts of Joy to Humiliation; and pray with thy Church, That from all Sedition, privy Conspiracy, and Rebellion, from all false Doctrine, Heresy, and Schism, from Hardness of Heart, and Contempt of His Word and Commandments; God would deliver us.  
Amen.  
FINIS.   

THE POSTSCRIPT.  
SINCE the Composing the foregoing Discourse, the Parliament of Scotland was Convogued; where the Duke of York sat Commissioner, impoured to touch those Acts with the Royal Sceptre, which passed there, Voted by men of unbyast Principles, and Loyal Intentions. No sooner do we find them placed in their Seats, but satissyed with the Royal Pleasure in the Commissioner, and undisturbed with the daily Murmur about Exclusion, Exclusion; the English-man's Character of a Popish Successor, no way sympathising with Their Loyal Minds. They presently Vote the publication of those Memorable Acts for the Lineal Legal Succession in That (and consequently This) Kingdom.  
Oh Brave Scots! Now you have quitted yourselves like Men, and have showed this to be the Year of Regeneration, and (consequently) Salvation. Now you shame our Pretended loyalists, who make the world believe that their Zeal and Devotion for the Royal Family deserves Admiration, and merits the name of Unparallelled, when (the Curtain drawn) it is Squint-eyed and biased. Now it is that you have played the true ancient Scot, not filled with Anti-monarchy and Rebellion, or influenced by the Factious Spirits of Disaffected English, nor moved with the malicious Thunderbolt of Seditious and Rebellious Meroz; but a Legal Succession, according to the Proximity of Blood, the Liberty and Freedom of The true Kirk of God, as now established, is and shall be your Uninterrupted Resolve. What doth, or will this do, but eternize your Names, and make you memorable in the Chronicles of Fame. Now you have quitted yourselves like true Israelites, and the God of Israel prosper all your Consultations.  
AH! But Brother, and Fellow-Subject (says the Scot to the English-Man) Ye make Much to dee with you're Evidences, etc. we Hang them Here, as fast as they come in. The Devil is in ye for Plotting and Swearing. In Troth, a Man cannot Live with ye for Evidencing, wee'se not come among ye. Ye speak Treason, and you'll not be Tried, but when, and whare, and by what Jury ye please. But you're Protestant-Joyner, College, has found, That the Law will have its Force; and that though London could afford him an Ignoramus-Jury, Oxford would not. Veritas est magna, & praevalebit. Truth will prevail, Peace must be maintained, and Offenders punished, Incendiaries must be suppressed, and Murmurers silenced. Whatever the Reverend Evidence could deposit in Verbo sacerdotis, to invalidate the King's Evidence, and to wash off the Ethiopian Blackness of Treason and Villainy; he still found, That Verbum Justiciae & Veritatis, foiled him; and that he ought not, as he had set His Hand to the Plough, to look back. Methinks, the Consideration of His Life and Being (as one told him) should have Taught Him, That to say his Prayers Hebrew-fashion, was unbecoming His Coat. In Troth, Ye are all Mad; and what shall I say; you'll ne'er leave Plotting, till you're all Potted. But look upon the foregoing Discourse, and you'll find necessary Cures to Heal this Plotting-Itch.