CABALA: OR, THE MYSTERY OF Conventicles Unvaild:  
IN AN Historical Account of the Principles and Practices of the NONCONFORMISTS, AGAINST Church and State: FROM The First REFORMATION under King EDWARD the VI Anno 1550. to this present Year, 1664. With an APPENDIX of an CXX. PLOTS against the present Government, that have been defeated.  
By Oliver Foulis.  
LONDON, Printed for Thomas-Holmwood, Anno 1664.   

THE MYSTERY OF Conventicles UNVEILED.  ORthodox. 
Why how now Scruple, what ails you now with your Friday face, and Sabbath day Looks?  Scruple. 
Add not reproach to affliction, and thy sin to our suffering— I am glad to see thee.  Orth. 
Right Presbyters! scripture at one end, and hypocrisy at the other; reproach— affliction— sin— suffering— out of the Concordance; glad to see you, out of the bottom of your heart; why? thou hast not seen that that made thee glad these sixteen years?— But why here at Amsterdam!  Scrup. 
Here a man may be as holy as he will.  Orth. 
So you may any where else if you would be but as honest as you ought— But what is the matter? is England unsettled, that you cannot live there?  Scrup. 
Yea, upon the Lees.  Orth. 
Something it was you made that Vinegar face; what a God's name would you have?  Scrup. 
Only liberty of Conscience.  Orth. 
What do you mean by that? Do you mean liberty to do what you will, or to do what you ought? if liberty to do what you will, we know where about you would be; if what you ought— who shall judge what ought to be? you, or your Superiors? if you say your Superiors, you know their mind; if you say yourselves they know yours:— But prithee tell me truly is the Conventicle broke in England, and must it be made up in Amsterdam!— a man may pick a Church here when it is lost in the World; or are we for the Commonwealth against Tyranny? or have you any more Spoons, Bodkins, Thimbles for this War? or do I smell a Rat, or rather a Rat-catcher; and is there a new Act against your Conventicles!  Scrup. 
There are snares enough laid for tender Consciences, but yet it doth not lie in their power to restrain us.  Orth. 
Why? I thought there was such a provision made of late as would root up the Schism.  Scrup. 
Some such thing was aimed at, but they cannot touch an hair of our head.  Orth. 
I know you have your starting holes— yet it were worth the while to know how you will escape that late Statute?  Scrup. 
Many ways! as first— none can come to a house and see our Meeting without a Warrant from two Justices of the Peace. 2. No man hath any encouragement for so invidious a toil as to troth from one Justice of Peace to another for that 
The Conventicles shifts against the late Act, forbidding Conventicles.  Warrant. 3. The Militia cannot as formerly distarbe us without that Warrant. 4. Our Meeting places may be contrived at distance enough from any Justice of Peace. 5. The Justices must meet before they can proceed against us. 6. They may punish us for the three first offences we are convicted of as little as they please, and its odds but we can make friends to them; and as we may meet often before we are convicted the first time, it will go very hard if we be convicted the fourth. 7. We may meet and confer, and yet nothing proved against us concerning the worship of God. 8. We may walk into the Fields, and never come within the compass of the Act. 9 Our Ministers may go from house to house, and visit, & so instruct too, & we may visit them. To all this I may add that many of the Magistrates in the Land are not so zealously affected to prosecute the people of God.  Orth. 
See now how safe you are, yet it is persecution, oppression of Consciences!  Scrup. 
Yet still the Act of Uniformity is in force.  Orth. 
Look now, that Act takes away only the preferment of some few of you (as what State can prefer those who have sworn to overthrow it and its Constitutions, and will not renounce that Oath, which is their case that come under the stroke of that Act) and not the conscience of any of your consciences, and your livings are not all one with you.  Capt. 
Prithee what dost thou spend thy breath with that snivelling pretender! there is no hope of him here where he may serve any God for twelve Crowns.  Scrup. 
We might have had the same liberty in our native Country.  Capt. 
You have deserved it indeed, so good use you made of the last kindness of that nature.  Scrup. 
Why we are men fearing God, and loving righteousness.  Capt. 
And why not fearing God and honouring the King; and meddling not with them who are given to change! But that Text is not in the last Edition of the Geneva Bible, nor in Cannes Alcoran.  Merchant. 
Lord! What good men are these Blue Cap Saints, these Scotch Christians, these Knocks Protestants? Butter will not now melt in their mouths; what is it to be poor? now we must be Religious! but if God would trust them with the Sword once more, what gallant thing would they do in the fear of God  Scrup. 
No more than carry on the Reformation.  Orth. 
Reformation! it's a dreadful word, and in thy mouth imports no less than ruin and desolation: These are the men that propagate Religion by Wars, force Consciences, nourish seditions, authorize conspiracies and rebellions; that put the 
Lord Baceni  Sword into the people's hands; that sanctify Tumults; preach off the heads of Kings, overthrow constitutions and Governments, undermine Laws and settlement; that resist for Conscience sake, and teach others so to do for their Salvation; that make Christ a raiser of sedition, and his Religion a Firebrand; that give Kings too much reason to stand up, and the Princes to conspire together against Christ and against his Anointed;— these are they that fear God, and speak evil of Dignities, and despise Dominion, & kill the devil for God's sake.  Scrup. 
Verily our late miscarriages are to be bewailed! but our Principles are peaceable.  Orth. 
Bewailed! yes now they do not prosper! with what face can you say your Principles are so peaceable when your practice is so unquiet; either never speak so well, or never live so ill:— why I'll tell you, there have been two new Sects broached within this 120. years, both the 
* 1542.  same year, both to the same 
A mystery of Jesuitism.  end, I mean the Jesuits and the Presbyterians, the one set up by John Calvin, the other by Ignatius Loyola; the one is confessed to be the Boutfew of Christendom, the other is known to be 
Specul. Jesuit  the Incendiary of the Protestant part of it; many have discovered the mad pranks of the one— none indeed have yet laid open 
Mirlare Jesuit.  the sly insinuations of the other. 
Owen of running Register.   Merch. 
I have brought over as good an. Historian as England ever bred, we will go to him and he will give you an exact account 
Hospin H. ft.  of this Schism in England from the very Egg, beginning 
jes. l. 2.  at the time of Edward the sixth, and carrying it on to this very hour, throughout the several Reigns of Queen Mary, Queen 
Rabad. vit. Ig. joyola.  Elizabeth, King James, King Charles' First, King Charles' Second.  Orth. 
A match! let us go together and call a Court, and with 
Aula Jesuit.  that Gentleman's assistance try these grand Pretenders by a Jury of our English Historians.  Capt. 
Agreed! and O my conscience you will find such a mystery of iniquity from time to time carried on was never managed on English ground! a plot of an hundred years' continuance! a Government within a Government; a design to blow us up with white powder: first you will find them scrupulous, next stubborn, and at last turbulent; first they beseech, then expostulate, now they flatter, anon they threaten; now they beg against a Ceremony; anon they petition against King and Bishops; to day you will find them creeping about the Court, to morrow they are canting to the people, etc.  Orth. 
Let us to work impartially and seriously, that we may see the bottom of these men.  Court. 
O yes, O yes.—  
O ye Nonconformists, hold up your hands— You are Indicted of several Plots, Conspiracies, Disturbances, Contrivance's and Designs against the wholesome orders of this Church, the welfare and Government of this Realm, eversince the Reformation; are you guilty or not 
Smeitym. p. 72 Ordin. Conc. the direct.  guilty?  Nonconf. 
We bless God for the Reformation begun in this and other Churches; but (because nothing was ever by men at one 
Neces reform. p. 16.  timebegun and perfected, much less so good a work as that was meeting with so great opposition from within and without) we desire in compliance with the mercy of God discovering himself to us more and more every day, to go on to perfection; not as if we bade already attained, or were already perfect— but this one thing we do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before— etc.  Court. 
We must needs interrupt you, and desire you to answer directly in due form of Law, whether guilty or not guilty; And what Plea soever you have to offer in your own behalf shall be in due time, place and order received with favour, heard with patience, and debated with all equal impartiality.  Nonconf. 
In submission to that authority which (whatever is thought of us, or suggested concerning us) we obey for conscience sake, as ordained of God; we plead in due form of Law Not guilty.  Court. 
By whom will you be tried?  Nonconf. 
By the great God before whom we stand, whose eyes see, whose eyelids try the children of men; and by those faithful men who have reported the transactions of this last age impartially, concealing nothing out of fear, nor speaking any thing out of favour, not omitting anything through ignorance, nor neglecting any thing in forgetfulness, but delivering words of truth and soberness with good authority, not overswayed by partiality, or corrupt affection, nor biased by love or hatred.  G. L. B. L. 
When it pleased God (who makes all things work for the best) to make use of Henry the Eighth passions and private interest in order to a public good, so far as that his bold attempts should make a way to the pions endeavours of those that came after him for that Reformation the whole World wished; as in other Churches so in this there rose up some men speaking perverse things, and drawing away Disciples after them, stirred up as it's feared by the Church of Rome which endeavoured to hinder that blessed work by an inward division and domestic confusion, which had in vain opposed by outward power and foreign interest: For as Mr. Baxter observes very well out of Luther in his Book against the Anabaptists; When the reformed Ministers had spent some years in building the Church, the Romish adversaries 
Baxter against Tombs.  raised up some strange-spirited persons who should destroy it in few Months.  Nonconf. 
Verily we do not remember that any of us made any opposition to the first Reformation, in which many of us had the honour of being Instruments in the Lord's hand, which we owned with the loss of all that was near and dear to us; and many of us sealed it with our blood: although we must confess we did endeavour to carry the Reformation so far as might be most agreeable with the Word of God, most answerable to the Primitive Church's way, and nearest the pattern of other Reformed Churches, with whom we desire to hold Communion in the great concerns of Christianity.  Court. 
What you did, the World took notice of; for these things were not done in a corner; but that you may be proceeded with more clearly, distinctly and satisfactorily, those of you who lived in King Edward the sixth days, and practised at the first Reformation, may hear the Evidence we have against them, and the rest may withdraw.—  Nonconf. 
We submit.  Court. 
Mr. Calvin— Our Evidence against you, is, That since you had prevailed in Geneva for a Government and order according to your own humour, fancy, and judgement, the necessity of that place and time, you were not contented to see any thing established in other Churches without your consent and 
Hist. reform. p. 79. Church History p. 129.  approbation; and particularly that you went beyond your own line as an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, or one busy in other men's matters about the affairs of England: First, When you sent Letters to Martin Bucer to take heed of his old fault; (for 
calvin's Ep. ad Bucer.  a fault you thought it was to run a moderate course) as we do here in Reformation, neither keeping too near, nor going too far from Rome: 2 When you offered your assistance to Archbishop Cranmer, and being refused by him, because of your rigidness, 
Calvin ad Cranmer. ad Protect.  you tampered in a very long Letter with the Lord Protect or Somerset, that most Ceremonies should be altered, and that he should go on to reform the Church without regard to peace at home, or correspondence abroad, either in altering, adding, taking away, or moderating the Liturgy, Discipline and Ceremonies: 
A 2. Ed 6. 1549.  And besides you writ that the Godly Homilies should 
ad Protect.  by no means be allowed for continuance, or be looked upon as a rule for the Church, or constantly to serve for the instruction of the people, contrary to the judgement of Martin Bucer, to the scandal of the Zuinglian Gospelers, who ever since almost declaimed against them; and when your agents and arguments had raised some disputes about the Ceremonies of the Church then by Law established; you writ for a peace, which you would have composed, not by bringing the Nonconformists to a Conformity, but by encourageing them in their Nonconformity against our Law, order and peace.  Mr. Calvin. 
Indeed as I had done at Geneva, so I was willing others should in other Gospel Church's endeavour to bring 
ad Protect.  things to the pattern in the Mount; and take care that nothing should be exacted, which is not warranted by the word of God; there being nothing more distasteful in the eyes of God then worldly Wisdom, either in moderating or going backward, but merely as we are directly by the Word of God; and accordingly I write my poor advice to most Christian Princes that looked towards Reformation.  Mr. Hooker. 
Your advice we highly value, as esteemed by us the most learned and wise man, that ever the French Church did enjoy since the hour it enjoyed you; yet you must understand 
Preface Eccles Policy.  that it did not become you to obtrude upon the Church of England a new way you had found out for the City of Geneva, agreeable to the temper of that people and that time, so disagreeing with our temper and our time, especially since you could not bring that way to Geneva itself without the consent of the people: Two things of principal note there are which deservedly procure you honour throughout the Christian World, 1. Your exact institutions of Christian Religion. 2. Your no less industrious exposition of Scripture according 
Bancroft Discipline p. 106.  to those institutions; in which two things, whosoever bestowed their labour after you, you gained the advantage of prejudice against them if they gainsaid you, or of glory above them if they consented; yea, that which you did in the establishment of, your way was harmless, as being necessary; but what you have taught for the countenance of it established is blame-worthy, because out of love to your own prudent invention you endeavour to persuade the World that what you found out as yesterday 
Brom. wara. Scotch Discipl.  was established by God since the beginning of Christianity; we take it not well that what you with much ado imposed upon your own people by your own, should be imposed upon us as from Divine Authority; and that you should to that purpose disparage the ancient Rites of the Church, as Ineptiae, nugae, trifles, and I know not what: O Mr. Calvin, Mr. Calvin, There will come a time when three words uttered with charity and moderation, shall receive a far more blessed reward then three thousand Volumes written with disdainful sharpness of wit: We wonder 
Court epist. p. 69.  that you who said, That you did highly approve a Form of Prayer, Doctrine, and established Administration of Sacraments, which it should not be lawful for the Ministers themselves to neglect, that Provision might be made for the ignorant and unskilful: 2. That the consent of the Churches might be more apparent: 3. That Order may be taken against the desultory levity of them who delight in Innovations: We wonder that you should encourage some Zelots at home and abroad, to procure so many alterations of and enemies to the Common Prayer in the year 1547. and 3. of King Edward the sixth; in so much that Reverend Father Latimer was fain to say in a Sermon before King Edward a little before his Death, That the Admiral was gone, I heard say he was a seditious man, a contemner of Common Prayer, I would there were no more 
Latimers' Sermon 1607. p. 83.  in England; well he is gone, I would he had left none behind him.  Bish. Bancroft. 
Mr. Calvin was not the only man that disturbed the peace of our Church by countenancing these Innovations, and 
Church Hist.  practising in Court, City, Country, and Universities by his Agents, till he had laid the first Foundation of the Zuinglian faction, 
Dang. posit. p. 63.  who laboured nothing more than Innovation in Doctrine and Discipline.  Court. 
We pray you (Sir) what was the main engine that Mr. Calvin used to bring his way into so much credit and esteem among us? 
Hal. descrip. p 66:   Bish. Bancroft. 
By insinuating to some men well affected the practice of the poor reformed Churches who not being able to set up the Primitive, were overruled by his authority to comply with his way; and gaining an improvident Indulgence unto John a Lasco, with a mixed multitude of Poles and Germans to have the Privilege of a Church for him and his, distinct in Government and Worship from the Church of England, by Letters 
Vien hovig Nor of Dutch cong.  Patents in St. Augustine near Broadstreet, to be hereafter called the Church of the Lord Jesus; whence we may observe, 1. Of what consequence it is totolerate any people though never so inconsiderable, in a way of separation.  Mr. Durel & Dr. Basile. 
Whereas it was suggested by several that most Reformed Churches walked in the way of Calvin; and that the Church of England must submit to that way to preserve its Communion with other Churches: We will make it appear that there is no Rite, Ceremony, or order of the Church of England but is observed in some of the Reformed Churches, and some of them are observed in all.  Court. 
Thus encouraged from abroad, and indulged at home, that party began to appear more publicly: And you Mr. Bucer and Dr. Peter Martyr must needs scruple at some Ceremonies, Vestments, the one as King's professor at Cambridge, the other 
Full. Church History.  as Margaret professor, and Cannon of Christ-Church in Oxford, though with such moderation as that we have no more to say to you but that we are sorry the oversight of those times furnished the Universities, and filled up the Chairs with men of your Principles, to lay up in those nurseries of Religion and Learning, 
Alar. Dam.  the seed of a separation, dissent and chisme, that may continue as long as this Church stands: we are sorry to hear that you Doctor Bucer refused some Ceremonies at Cambridge, especially that you would not use a square Cap, because forsooth your head was Round. 
Eccles. Rest.  We are sorry likewise that you Dr. Martyr should encourage the Nonconformists in your Letter July 1. 1550. by saying that You thought it most expedient to the good of the Church, that they, and all others of that kind should be taken away, when the 
P. Martyr Opusc. Angl. p. 63.  next opportunity should present itself: for (say you (as we judge) unchariteably) Where such Ceremonies are so stiftly contended for, as are not warranted and supported by the word of God, there commonly men are less solicitous of the substance of Religion, than they were of the cicumstances of it: and that you say in your Letter of the 4. Nou. 1559. that you never used the Surplice when you lived in Oxford, though you were then a Cannon of Christ-Church, and frequently present in the Qaire.  
And for your part John a Lasco, you might have been contented with the great indulgence of a gracious Sovereign to set up a Church with an express order to all the Bishops of the Realm not to disturb you in the free exercise of your Religion, and Ecclesiastical Government; notwithstanding, that you differed from the Government and forms of Worship established in the Church of England; and not have abused his Majesty's goodness so far, as to appear in favour of the several factions which then began more openly to show themselves against the established orders and laudable Customs of the Church; and to write that scandalous Book called Forma & Oratio totius Ecclesiastici Ministerij, much to their encouragement who impugned all Order and Discipline; and you must countenance those that refuse to wear the Cap and Surplice, and to write to Dr. Bucer to declare against them; for which you were severely reproved by that moderate and Learned man.  Doctor Martyr, Doctor Bucer, and John a Lasco. 

Opinions of Divines beyond See 1. p. 19  Truly we are very sensible of the great favours we have received from the Church of England, and are very sorry that there fell from us any expressions, and that there was allowed by us any practice that occasioned the saddest difference that ever happened in the Church of England, if we consider the time how long it continued, the eminent persous therein engaged, and the doleful effects thereby produced; and we observe that there have been three degrees of Nonconformists; 1. Those in our days in King Edward's, who scrupled only at some Vestures and Gestures.  
2. Those in Queen Elizabeth's time, who excepted against several things in the Common Prayer, Cannons, and Articles. 2. Those since who have laid the Axe to the Root of the Tree, and destroyed the Government itself.—  Court. 
After these men had been a while among us, two opposite parties plainly appeared.  
I. The Founders of Conformity such as by politic compliance and cautious concealment of themselves in the days of King Edward the sixth were possessed of the best preferments in 
Church History p. 402.  the Church, and retained many Ceremonies decent and ancient; the Authority of Cranmer, and the Activity of Ridley headed these Parties, the former being the highest, the latter the hottest for Conformity.  
II. The Founders of Nonconformity, such exiles as living in States and Cities of popular reformation, were well affected to the Discipline of the places they lived in; who returning late to England were at a loss for preferment, and renounced all Ceremonies practised by the Papists; John Rogers Lecturer of Paul's, and Vicar of St. Sepulchers, and John Hooper afterwards Bishop of Gloucester, were the Ringleaders of this party.  
And that these Divisions grew to that height that the King with the advice of his Counsel sets out a Proclamation Septem. 23. to this purpose, Whereas of late by reason of certain Controversies and seditious Preachers, his Majesty moved with the tender Zeal and love he 
Edw. 6. 2. 1548.  had to the quiet of his Subjects, hath forbidden any to Preach without Licence from the Lord Protector, or the Archbishop of Canterbury, upon hope that they whom they Licenced should Preach and set forth only such things as should be to God's honour, and the benefit of the King's Majesty's Subjects: Yet seeing such Preachers did still behave themselves irreverently, and contrary to good order in Preaching against such good instructions as was given them, whereby much contention and disorder might rise and ensue in his Majesty's Dominions; Wherefore his Highness minding to see shortly one Uniform Order throughout the Realm, and to put an end to all Controversies in Religion, for which purpose he hath called together the Learned men of the Realm, doth inhibit all public Preaching, wishing all Ministers in the mean time to pray for a blessing on the Convocation; and so to endeavour themselves that they may be ready to receive from the Convocation a most Godly, quiet, and Uniform order to be had throughout all his Majesty's Realms and Dominions.  L. A. B. C. 
I pray, who appeared first against the order of the Church, and how did they behave themselves?  L. B. W. 
To feel the pulse of authority, one Dr. Glazier as soon as ever Lent was over 1547. (and it was well he had the patience to stay so long) affirms publicly in a Sermon at St. Paul's Cross, That Lent was not ordained of God to be fasted on, nor the eating of Flesh to be forborn, but that the same was a politic Ordinance of men, and might therefore be broken by men at their pleasure. For which Doctrine as the Preacher was never questioned, the temper of the times giving encouragement enough to such extravagancies, so did it open such a gap to carnal liberty, as the King was fain to shut up by Proclamation on the 16. of Jan. and the Protector by an Army raised under pretence of a War with Scotland: He knowing very well that all great Counsels tending to Innovation in the public Government (especially where Religion is concerned) are either to b 〈…〉 cked by Arms, or otherwise prove destructive to the undertakers.  L. B. L. 
Who was the next who appeared against the King's Orders and injunctions.  L. B. G. 
Encouraged by Glasiers boldness and impunity, several persons began to run out to some excesses, which occasioned these Words in a Proclamation of the 8. March 154 7/8. We wish all men with such obedience and conformity to receive our Order, that we may be encouraged from time to time further to travel for the Reformation, and setting forth of such Godly Orders as may be most to God's glory, the edifying of our Subjects, and the advancement of true Religion; Willing all our Subjects in the mean time to stay and quiet themselves with this our Direction, etc. As men contented to follow authority, and not rashly to run upon such courses as may hinder what they intent to promote: For now there arose persons by the name of Gospelers that dispersed (as Bishop Hooper observes in the Preface to his Commandments) several Blasphemies and Heresies; and some Anabapists who lurking in the late King's time began to appear publicly, and were convicted at St. Paul's before the Archbishop of Canterbury and others, where being convicted of their errors, some of them were dismissed with an admonition, some were sentenced to a recantation, and others were condemned to bear their Faggots at St. Paul's Cross: these persons among the many wild Opinions they vented, were notorious for this one, (as Campneyes Writings, one of themselves, but coaverted, declared) That they laid all they did upon the eternal Predestination, making God who is of purer eyes then to behold any, the Author of their iniquity.  Court. 
It's true these wild persons and the Women that were burnt for heresy, might disturb us: but who kept up the old cause of Nonconformity?  Witnesses. 
One Mr. John Hooper a grave and Learned man, who had lived a while in Zuricke with Bullinger, and returned after Henry the 8s. death with very good affections for the way of the Zuinglian and Helvetian Churches; and by his frequent preaching and learned Writings having got credit and esteem with the Earl of Warwick and other great men, was preferred Bishop of Gloucester; but when he came to be Consecrated, he utterly refused the Episcopal Habits wherein he was to appear at his Consecration by the rules of the Church; and the Archbishop Cranmer would not Consecrate him without them.  Court. 
Why do not you my Lord, use these innocent and harmless Weeds? 
church Hist.   Hooper. 
I put myself upon the trial of the Searcher of Hearts, that no obstinacy, but mere Conscience makes me refuse these Ornaments.  Court. 
These Ornaments are indifferent of themselves, and of 
These are their own Words.  ancient use in the Church.  Hooper. 
They are useless, being ridiculous and superstitious.  Court. 
Nay, my Lord, being enjoined by lawful authority, they become necessary, not to Salvation, but to Church Unity.  Hooper. 
Being left indifferent by God, it is presumption in man to make them necessary.  Court. 
By a moderate use of these Ceremonies we may gain Papists into the Church.  Hooper. 
While you hope to gain Papists into the Church, you will lose many Protestants out of it.  Court. 
You discredit other Bishops who have used this Habit.  Hooper. 
I had rather discredit them then destroy mine own Conscience.  A. B. C. 
How think you being a private person, to be indulged with, to the disturbance of the public Uniformity of the Church.  Hooper. 
If it please your Grace but to read these Letters, I hope you will be satisfied.  A. B. C. 
These are to desire that in such reasonable things wherein 
Hoopers I etter. from the Earl of Warwick.  my Lord Elect of Gloucester craveth to be borne withal at your bands, You would vouchsafe to show him your Grace's favour; The principal cause is that you would not charge him with any thing burdenous to his Conscience. J. Warwick.  
We understand you do stay from Consecrating our well beloved Mr. John Hooper, because he would have you omit, and let pass certain 
King own Letters.  Rites and Ceremonies offensive to his Conscience, whereby ye think you should fall in Praemunire of Laws; We have thought good by advice aforesaid, to discharge you of all manner of dangers, penalties, and forseitures you should run into, by omitting any of the same, and these our Letters shall be your sufficient Warrant and discharge. EDWARD REX.  
My Lord of London, What shall we do? if we indulge him, we open a gap for licentiousness; if we refuse him, we incur his Majesty's displeasure.  Ridley Bp. Lond. 
Public Uniformity shall never be broken to satisfy a private humour; I had rather displease his Majesty, then break his Laws; especially seeing I observe it is the design of the whole faction to feel the pulse of authority; for Mr. Calvin hath written already to the Lord Protector to lend Mr. Hooper an helping hand, whereby we are to understand that the whole Party is engaged.  Court. 
Truly Mr. Hooper, though we honour your Parts and Piety, yet for your contempt and disobedience we can do no less than send you to Prison.  Hooper. 
May it please your Honours, having consulted with Peter Martyr and Mr. Bucer, and with some of his Majesty's most Honourable Privy Counsel, I shall very willingly wear my Episcopal Robes at my Consecration, and attendance upon his Majesty, upon condition I may be dispensed withal from wearing it at ordinary times as my daily Habit.  Court. 
Much must be allowed his Majesty's most Honourable PrivyCounsel, much to your piety and worth, and much to peace; but let no man presume upon the like indulgence for the future.  Bish. Gardiner. 
Who do I see there? Mr. Tims, are you not a Deacon? What do you appear in a Coat and Stockings of divers Colours; is that a fit Apparel for a Deacon?  Tims. 
This Vesture doth not so much vary from that of a 
Tim's Words.  Deacon as your Lordships from that of an Apostle.  Court. 
You forget yourself— Take him Jailor, this is the effect of Indulgence.  Bish. Ridley. 
Mr. Rogers, I pray do you come hither; you are Prebend, and Lecturer of Paul's, why do not I see you in your Cap and tippet as the other prebend's your Brethren?  Mr. Rogers. 
I will never agree to that part of Conformity, but on this Condition, that if you require the Cap and Tippet; 
his own words.  etc. then it should be also decreed that all Popish Priests (for a distinction between them and others) should be constrained to wear upon their Sleeves a Chalice with an host upon it.  Court. 
Nay, Mr. Rogers, do not you teach us how we shall Govern the Papist, but learn you how to obey yourself.  Bish. Horn. 
I pray Mr. Prolocutor, why did Mr. Philpot leave the Convocation house lately?  Prolocutor. 
According to the laudable Customs of this Realm and Church I put Mr. Philpot to his own choice, whether he would wear the Cap, the Tippet, and other Ornaments which Divines wear, (to which he was then averse) or depart the Convocation house? he fairly forsook the House.  Court. 
Alas! to what sad times are we reserved, when a few men's fancies and opinions shall control the whole Church!— what will be the issue of these extravagancies! Did you hear how one Sir Steven of Christ-Church about a month ago Preached down the Names of Churches, Days and Months; that Fish-days should be altered, and Lent should be at any time, but between Shrovetide and Easter: Did you hear how he went from the Church to the Elms to preach, and from the high Altar to the Church door to read Communion service; what will be the end of these things! Principlis obsta: Do you hear how many Letters Calvin hath sent to this Realm, 1. To the King, exciting him to proceed to a through Reformation according to his project. Another to the Counsel telling them how many things were amiss in the Church and Kingdom. And another to the Archbishop of Canterbury, certifying him that there was an whole mass of Popery in the Common Prayer.  

CHAP. II. Queen Mary's Reign.  COurt. 
Whilst mutual animosities were heightened between the Opposers and Asserters of the Liturgy, Providence put 
A. I. Mar.  a period for a time to that Controversy in England; such who formerly would not, soon afterwards durst not use the Common Prayer, Mass and Popery being set up by Queen Mary in the room thereof: As when Children fall out and fight about the 
Church Hist.  Candle, the Parents coming in and taking it away, leave them to decide the differences in the dark: Do you think this Controversy died with the happy times of King Edward? No, the poor Protestants carry it over with them to banishment, 1. To Embden in East Friezland; 2. To Weasel in the Low-countries; 3. To Arrow in Switzerland; 4. To Strasburg; 5. To Zurich; 6. To Francford on the meinie. Mr. Fuller, will you be pleased to acquaint the Court with the Opposition made against the Church of England at Francford?  Fuller. 
If you take no more delight in hearing, than I in discoursing on so doleful a Subject, you will show little cheerfulness in your faces, and less joy in your hearts; yet will I relate this sorrowful accident impartially, the rather because the Pen-knives of that age are grown to Swords in ours; and their Writings laid the foundations of the fightings now adays.  Court. 
Proceed (Sir) to the History of these Nonconformists when the Protestants were banished in Queen Mary's days.  Fuller. 
The English Protestants came first to Francford Jun. 24. and on the 14. of July had a Church allowed them by the special favour and mediation of Mr. John Glauberg, one of the chief Senators of that State; but upon condition that they should not descent from the French in Doctrine, or Discipline, or Ceremony, lest thereby they should minister occasion of offence,— And in conformity to the French, 1. They concluded that the answering aloud after the Minister should not be used. 2. The Litany, Surplice, and other Ceremonies in service omitted as superfluous and superstitious. 3. That there should be another Confession of more effect as they said, and framed according to the state and time. 4. That after a Psalm a Prayer for the assistance of God's spirit; and the Sermon with the Articles of Belief with another Psalm, they should dismiss the people with a blessing. 5. That there should be a prayer for all the Church after Sermon.  Court. 
What strange alterations are these! but were they contented to set up this new way among themselves?  Fuller. 
No, but they require those of Zurick to come thither and join with them in that new way, Declaring the necessity of joining themselves in one Congregation, where they might 
Trouble Franc.  serve God in purity of Faith, and integrity of life, having both Doctrine and Discipline free from any mixture of superstition: But they of Zurick excused themselves; 1. Because they saw no necessity that all the English should repair to one place, it being safer to adventure in several Bottoms. 2. Because they were peaceably seated, and courteously used at Zurick; and did not see how they might be all entertained at Francford. 4. Because they were resolved not to recede from the Liturgy used in England under the Reign of King Edward the sixth.  Court. 
How began the trouble at Francford?  Fuller. 
Mr. Chambers and Mr. Grindal came from Strasburgh with a motion to those of Francford that they might have the substance and effect of the Common Prayer, though such Ceremonies and things which the Country would not bear might be omitted. Whereupon Mr. Knox the Pastor of Francford and others drew up a Platform of the English Liturgy as used in England under Edward 6.  Court. 
I pray what was Mr. calvin's Judgement of it?  Fuller. 
He in a Letter of 20. Jan. 1555. saith, That in the English Liturgy there was not that purity which was desired to be; and although these things were at first tolerated, yet it behoved the Learned, Grave, and Godly Ministers of Christ to enterprise further, and to set forth something more filled from Rust and purer.  Court. 
What was the effect of this Letter?  Fuller. 
This struck such a stroke, especially in the Congregation at Francford, that some therein who formerly partly approved, did afterwards wholly dislike; and more who formerly disliked, did now detest the English Liturgy.  Court. 
O sad! at first some Garment: and Vestures were disliked; then some passages in the Liturgy, and now the whole Liturgy itself! but we entreat you go on.  Fuller. 
The Learned, and Prudent, the pions and resolute Dr. Cox coming out of England and arriving at Francford with several other men entered the Congregation Mar: 13. behaving themselves according to the Customs, Rites, Ceremonies of the Church of England; which Customs the Pastor Mr. Knox preached against as superstitious, impure and imperfect, and withal prevailed with Mr. Glauberg so far that he publicly professed that if the reformed order of the Congregation of Francford were not therein observed, as he had opened the Church door to them, so would he shut it again. a. a. a.  Court: 
Who was active there against the Church besides?  Fuller. 
One Will. Wittingham, one (though of less authority) yet of as much affection to the cause as Knox himself, who could not endime the great English Book; for so he called the Liturgy.  Court. 
What did these say for themselves.  Fulier. 
They murmured that Archbishop Cranmer had composed a far more pure Liturgy, but the corrupt Clergy (they said) would not admit of it.  Court. 
Who else opposed the Church of England?  Fuller. 
One Ashley, who set up the people above the Ministers; and occasioned the drawing up of a new Discipline, which occasioned new troubles, and the choice of new Pastors; until by the mediation of Dr. Sandy's and others they were persuaded to some tolerable agreement.  Court. 
I pray let the persons concerned answer to their Names.  Register. 
Mr. Williams, Mr. Knox, Mr. Wittingham, Mr. Fox, Mr. Gilby, Mr. Goodman, Mr. Cole, Mr. Wood, Mr. k, Mr. Kelk, Mr. Hilton, Mr. South-bouse, Mr. Purfote, Mr. Escot, Mr. Grafton, Mr. Walton, Mr. Kent, Mr. Hellingham, Mr. Carier, etc.  Court. 
Could neither the love of peace nor compassion of your suffering mother, nor the offence of the Reformed Churches, nor your own dangers keep you within compass, order & government!  Nonconf. 
We aimed at pure Reformation, an holy communion with other Churches, and the peace of Protestants.  Court. 
Truly you have laid the foundation of the most dangerous Schism that ever was in the World; and what the issue may be God only knoweth, and late Posterity may suffer: O why cannot you agree seeing ye are distressed brethren? O why cannot the great things wherein you agree unite you, rather than the small matters wherein you differ should divide you? Greatly doth concern all of you in your places, and orders to put to all your powers, prayers, and interests, for preserving the Unity of the spirit in the bond of peace, that in nothing you give offence to the Church of God; rather be willing to silence and smother your private judgements, and to relinquish your particular liberties and Interests; to question and mistrust your singular conceits and fancies, then to be in any such thing stiff and peremptory against the quiet of God's Church; the weak to be humble and tractable; the strong to be meek and merciful; you the Pastors to instruct the Ignorant, to reclaim the wandering, to restore the lapsed, to convince the froward with the spirit of meekness and compassion: And trouble not your Superiors by ungrounded Scruples, uncharitable prejudices, or unquiet, and in the end uncomfortable singularities: If any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of Love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Be ye like minded; take heed of strife, of vain glory, of pride in your own conceits, of censure of your brethren, of private respects, lay aside your own reputation, have such humble judgements as that you may be willing to learn any though unwelcome truths, and to unlearn any though a darling error; have such humble lives and purposes, as that you may resolve to obey with duty, whatsoever you are not able with reason to gainsay, to the suppressing of those unhappy differences, wherewith by the cunning of Satan the Church of God is like to be too much disquieted. Whosoever therefore by pride or faction, schism or ambition, or novel fancies, or arrogance, or ignorance, or sedition, or popularity, or vain glory, or envy, or discontent, or correspondence, or any other carnal reason shall cause Divisions and offence: we shall not need load them with any other guilt then the Apostle doth, That they are not the servants of Christ, Ro. 16. 17. You that are Governors, rule with authority and meekness; you that are Teachers teach with wisdom and compassion, that you cut off occasion from those that seek occasion, and may open a way by peace and holiness to your Native Country.   

CHAP. III. Queen Elizabeth's Reign.  COurt. 
There is a restless party that will never suffer the Church to be quiet; who when they could not prevail by force at Francford, endeavour to carry on their design by Policy from Geneva: For when they heard that Queen Elizabeth was come to the Crown, (who they thought would favour the most moderate and prudent Reformation) that the world might believe that they were for peace, they write to the English at Franeford by Will. Creth Dec. 15. That all offences heretofore taken or given, might be forgotten, and that for the future they might no more fall out again for superfluous Ceremonies. But however to make sure work, Calvin writes that the Queen cannot be Head of the Church, so that if she would, she cannot establish the Liturgy, with the Rites and Ceremonies of the Church of England.  A. B. C. 
See how they are improved; first they refuse some Gestures and Ornaments, next they mislike some passages in the 
Vid. Sand. de schis. Ang. l. 3. p. 116. Host. against Rein. 316.  Liturgy; and at last they throw away the Liturgy itself: and now they deny the Queen's Ecclesiastical authority whereby these things are established. So that now the Axe is laid to the root of Tree,— the very Papists being taught by the Centuriaters and Calvin to deny the Queen's Supremacy.  Court. 
What was the next appearance of this Party?  H Ch. 
One Mr. Gilpin a grave, pions, and reverend person, refuseth the Bishopric of Carlisle, as that party thought, to the great disparagement of that Order.  Court. 
Mr. Gilpin, did you refuse that Bishopric out of any disaffection to that Office?  Gilpin. 
No verily; but because I had so many Kindred about Carlisle, at whom I must either connive at many things, not without hurt to myself, or else deny them, not without offence to them; to avoid which difficulties I refused the Bishopric, O. o. o. o.  Court. 
What was the next attempt of this Party?  H. H. 
Having declared that the Queen was not Head of the Church, they undertake to reform it without her.  Court. 
How durst you meddle with the Church without order?  Nonconf. 
Idolatry is not to be permitted a minute; all that have power, have right to destroy it for God's glory; if Sovereigns forget, it is fit Subjects should remember their duties.  Court. 
Do you know what you say? though you may reform private persons, and families, and refrain to communicate in any outward act contrary to God's Word; yet public Reformation belongeth to the Magistrate; and a good deed may by you be ill done, for want of a calling to do it.—  
Non licet populo renuente magistratu Reformationem moliri.  Court. 
What was the next practice of these men?  Fuller. 
They procured that the 20th. Article, viz. that the Church hath power to decree Rites and Ceremonies, etc. was 
Bp. I auds speech in Star-Chamb.  by the malicious cunning of that opposite faction left out of the Printed Articles. p. p. p.  Court. 
But let us have further evidence concerning these men and their way.  Fuller. 
When the Reverend Bishops urged subscription to the Liturgy, the Ceremonies, and Discipline of the Church, Mr. Fox appeared before Archbishop Parker to subscribe, the old man produced the New Testament in Greek; To this (saith he) will I subscribe; and when a subscription to the Canons was required, he refused, saying, I have nothing in the Church save a Prebend of Salisbury, and much good may it do you if you will take it away from me.  
Dr. Laurence Humphrey refuseth subscription, saying, that they should never have his hand, who had not his heart.  
And one Gilby, more furious, declamed against Ceremonies, calling them the known liveries of Antichrist, cursed patches of Popery and Idolatry, worse than Lousy, etc. William Wittingham, and Christopher Goodman would say that they did not fly from Popery in Queen Mary's days to embrace it under Queen Elizabeth.  
The last is Thomas Samson Dean of Christ church, who refused subscription.  Court. 
If any man teach otherwise, and consenteth not with heart and hand, to the wholesome form of sound Words, and to the Doctrine which is according to Godliness, he is puffed up and knoweth nothing, but languisheth about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railing, evil surmizes, froward disputations of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth: q. q. q. But did they content themselves in not subscribing?  L. B. G. 
No; for when the first race of peaceable Nonconformists were almost all dead, then behold another more active and zealous succeeds them; as Coleman, Button, Benson, Halingham, who inveighed against the established Church Discipline, accounting every thing from Rome, which was not from Geneva.  Court. 
Did they stop here?  Cambd. 
No; for they began to defame the Queen who established Church Discipline, endeavouring to baffle Ecclesiastical authority by overthrowing the fountain of it. For this year 1567. three London Nonconformists, viz. Will. White, Tho. Rowland, Rob. Hawkins, being cited before Grindal Bishop of London, and asked this question, Have we not a godly Prince? speak, Is she evil? They made their several Answers in this manner. 

1. White. What a question is that, the fruits do show.  
2. Rowland. No, but the servants of God are persecuted under her.  
3. Hawkins. Why this question the Prophet answereth in the Psalms, How can they have understanding that work iniquity, spoiling my people, and that extol vanity!    Court. 
I pray what followed?  Cambd. 
They are imprisoned by her Majesty until they made a Recantation. And in the year 1572. an Act of Parliament requiring that subscription, which was before sparingly pressed, and daringly denied; that every Minister should subscribe before Decemb. 20. 1562. the Nonconformists kept private meetings in Woods and Fields, and private Houses.  Court. 
What Mr. Cartwright, are you turned Conventicler?  Cartw. 
That Name (which agreeth to Anabaptists) is too light and contemptuous, to set forth such assemblies, where God's Word and Sacraments are administered, even by your own confession.  Camb. 
O Mr. Cartwright, it is you that sent an admonition to the Parliament concerning grievances with a remedy, viz. The admiting of a platform of discipline by you prescribed.  Court. 
What is that! an admonition? that is the lowest of Ecclesiastical Censures, and a preparative if neglected to suspension and excommunication; what? If the Parliament comply not with your admonitions, they must be suspended and excommunicated! you have brought things to a fair pass. We entreat you Mr. Cambden, give in some further evidences concerning these persons.  Cambd. 
When two admonitions made by Mr. Cartwright had been answered by Dr. Whitgift, and defended again by Mr. Cartwright, and at last unanswerably confuted by Dr. Whitgift; Mr. Cartwright either scorning, or not able, or not daring to answer, attempts some other designs, and particularly at Wandsworth in Surrey, they presuming upon Parliament favour, set up their Discipline privately, which they could not establish publicly, with the assistance of Mr. Cartwright, Mr. Field Lecturer there, living in London, Wilcox, Standen, Jackson, Bonham, Smith of Mieham, Serretloe, Cram of Roe-hampton, edmond's, Clark, Travers, Barber, Gardiner, Cheston, Crook, Egerton; r. r. r. r. Under whose wings a Congregation of Dutch Anabaptists assembled themselves without Allgate in London, who being discovered, eight of them were banished, and two not withstanding Mr. Fox and other Nonconformists intercession for them, were burnt at Smithfield, by the Statute de Heretico comburendo.  Fuller. 
Yea, to countenance their way they pretended to dispossess several persons of Devils until a trick was put upon them by one Rachel Pindor aged 12. years, who deceived the Ministers of London, from whom more prudence and less credulity might have been expected; what prayer! what fasting! what preaching! In a word these men grew so extravagant that Mr. Fox and others were deserted by them as lukewarm, and remiss in the cause. And among these rigid men, Coleman, Furton, Hallingham, and Benson, exceeded all of their own opinion.  L. B. E. 
Yea one of them Deering by name, was so bold as to tell Her Majesty that in persecution under her Sister Mary, her Motto was Tanquam ovis, as a sheep, but now it might be Tanquam indomita juvenea, as an untanred Heifer.  Court. 
Surely the Queen still retained much of her ancient Motto as a sheep, in that she patiently endured so public (and causeless) reproof, in inflicting no punishment upon him, save as they say she commanded him to forbear preaching at Court. s. s. s.  L. B. L. 
Upon these men's perverseness, others were encouraged, particularly the Family of Love who appeared Ao. 1580. set up by one H. Nicholas Ao. 1550. maintaining strange communion with God, and venting fantastical and Allegorical interpretations of Scripture, and allowing themselves to continue in sin, that Grace may abound: which the Privy Counsel endeavoured to suppress by an Abjuration.  L. B. C. 
To what purpose are they abjured who teach in higher Germany that God hath freed them from all Oaths, Vows, Promises, Covenants, Debts, and all carnal Obligations?  A. B. L. 
What should be the reason of this looseness in this Kingdom?  P. H. 
The turbulent Party had under hand contrived that Edmund Grindal (a person a little inclined to their way) should be promoted to the See of Canterbury, who encouraged private Conventicles under the name of Prophecying, where all might speak one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted: which if permitted to take place, would occasion such Schism and faction should prove the ruin of Church and Commonwealth.  Court. 
It is a strange thing to see how the vigilance and activity of these men insinuated their Cause to the favour of the chief men in Church and State: how with good words and fair speeches they deceived the hearts of the simple.  L. B. B. 
And now they had gotten an Archbishop that would wink at them; the Nonconformists were not idle, but appointed a meeting at Cockefield (Mr. Knewstubs care) in Suffolk, where threescore of Norfolk, Suffolk, and Cambridge met together, to confer of the Common-Prayer-Book, what might be tolerated, and what was necessary to be refused in every point of it, Apparel, Matter, Form, Days, Fast, Injunctions.  L. K. 
Yes, and they say they had another in Cambridge, finding so much favour as amounted to a connivance at their Discipline.  A. Y. 
What was the reason of this Liberty?  Fuller. 1. 
The State was so intent upon the Jesuits, that the Nonconformists escaped: 2. My Lord of Leicester in the Counsel, and my Lord of Canterbury in the Church, were looked upon as Patron generals to Non-subscribers: For indeed my Lord of Leicester (whether persuaded by the Lord North, or his own Policy I know not) though publicly complying with other Lords of the Counsel, yet privately engaged all his power and Interest for the Nonconformists.  L. C. T. 
Wherein did my Lord of Leicester make use of his Power for the Nonconformists?  Fuller. 1. 
He preferred the Kentish Ministers Petition for liberty of Conscience (in reference to the Liturgy, the Articles, and the Queen's Supremacy, to which they were called upon by my Lord of Canterbury to subscribe and for further Reformation;) to the Lords of the Counsel; he made Mr. Beale an able and eager Clerk of the Counsel their friend; yea he procured a Letter from the Lords of the Counsel, viz. Burleigh, Sbrewsbery, Warwick, Nottingham, Hatton, etc. to the Archbishop to suspend his severity against Nonconformists, and to restore those that were outed to their Livings for Nonconformity; yea he prevailed so far with Burleigh himself as to write to the Archbishop, that as he would not have him so remiss, as to leave Ministers to their own liberty, so neither would he have him so rigid as to press Conformity to the height: Omnia licent, (saith he) omnia non expediunt: he set Walsingham upon writing to the Archbishop for several Nonconformists, intimating to him, that Moderation must settle the Church.  Court. 
What effect did these great Intercessions produce?  P. H. 
They produced this effect, (that notwithstanding my Lord of Canterbury's resolution to stand to the Rules of the Church) the Nonconformists at several meetings above said, decreed a new Platform, which they said consisted of things that might well stand with the peace of the Church. Where they resolve first, That Scholars should not offer themselves, but stay until they be called to the Ministry in certain charge by the Classis upon the recommendation of the Brethren. 2. None ought to conform any further than the Classis alloweth him, and not at all to the Liturgy and Cannons now established. 3. Churchwardens and Overseers should be turned to Elders and Deacons, etc. 4. That there should be Classical, Provincial and National Assemblies; yea and Comitial ones too.  Lem. 
What were they?  Fuller. 
That is meetings at the Commencements and Acts in Cambridge and Oxford, conveniently shadowed by a confluence of Ministers and people coming to those solemnities.  Court. 
To see how great a flame a little spark kindleth; to see a party who from an hand breadth is improved to a Cloud that overshadoweth the Heavens, the higher power of this Nation! But did they stop at this?  Cambd. 
No; for one Brown of whom it was presaged at Cambridge by Dr. Still and others, that he would disturb the Church, returning from Zealand to Warwick with one Harrison a Pedant, inveighed against all authority; and set up the Independent, or Congregational way, propagated by several Books until Coppen and Thacker were hanged for it, the one on the 4. of June, the other on the 6. of June 1583. at St. Ed. Burg.  Court. 
An wholesome severity that some should suffer, and all should fear! But what became of Brown himself?  T. F. 
By the Cecils favour, who were his Kinsmen and his own compliance, he lived at a Church, a good living in Northamptonshire, until the Year 1630. when he died for an assault and battery in Prison at Northampton.  Court. 
Where was Authority all this while?  T. F. 
It disputed at Lambeth in two Conferences 1584. to no purpose, and then pressed the Subscription of these three Articles; 

1. That the Queen had supreme Authority over all persons and Causes.  
2. That there was nothing in the Common Prayer contrary to God's Word.  
3. That the Book of Articles was agreeable to that Word.    Court. 
Were they convinced by argument, or did they submit to Authority?  T. F. 
Neither; but (a Parliament being called 29. March 1585.) they set up underhand a National Synod, who were better discovered by their moving then by their meeting, whose practices were more conspicuous than their places; some Agents for them were all day at the door of the Parliament House, and some part of the night in the Chambers of Parliament men, effectually soliciting their business with them.  Court. 
How did this their diligence appear?  P. H. 
In the effects of it, this Parliament was observed so extraordinarily busy in Church Affaires, about approbation of Ministers, about Ecclesiastical Courts, Bishops, etc. that the Archbishop Whitgift was fain to write to the Queen to own her own Laws, Orders, and Authority; which she did, consenting to no Material alteration.  Court. 
When this way failed them, what course took they?  T. T. 
They piece the Lion's skin with the Fox's tail; and what they could not do by Interest against the Archbishop, they attempt by compliance with him.  L. B. D. 
How I pray I  P. H. 
Why Mr. Cartwright by Leicester's Mediation gets in with the Archbishop, and is so civilly used by him, that Leicester writes a Letter of thanks to the Archbishop, with a promise that Cartwright shall be at his service.  L. B. O. 
But doth the Archbishop trust him?  T. H. 
The wary Archbishop is not overfond of his friendship, but keeps him at distance, and writes to Leicester, That he is at peace with him, but that he cannot without further trial of him give him any Licence to preach.  Court. 
What doth Travers do all this while?  P. H. 
He complains to his Patron the Lord Burleigh against the Liturgy.  L B. E. 
What answer doth that wise Lord make him?  T. F. 
He demanded whether they desired the taking away thereof? They answered no; but only the amendment of what was offensive therein: Then said he, Do you make a better, such as you would have settled instead thereof.  Court. 
What did they?  F. F. 
They divided themselves into four Classes; The first whereof framed a new Liturgy after the form of Geneva: The second altered it in 600. particulars: The third resolved on another model: The fourth dissented from the former: And so that wise Statesman put them off for the present until they should agree.  Court. 
Then we may observe that it is not so much the Liturgy and Cannons that trouble them as that they have no hand in composing them; now we may presume that they are quiet.  F. F. 
No; for now they endeavour to overthrow the High Commission, and the Oath ex Officio; the one they persuade the World is against the Law of Liberty, none is bound to betray himself; the other against the Law of the Land, none ought to be disseized of his Liberty or Estate without a trial by his Peers.  Court. 
This was very subtly done to bring in as many of their party as either were molested in the High Commission Court, or troubled with the Oath ex Officio— who were the greatest part of the Kingdom: Although to avoid the Odium of these things, Archbishop Whitgist brought the Nonconformists to the Star-Chamber a Court without dispute; and as the High Commission was her Majesty's highest Court for Ecclesiastical Causes over which sue was Head; so the Oath ex Officio is usually tendered in Chancery in matters not touching life or Limb; and there was no man there tied to betray himself, but he that was first betrayed by a common fame, from which he was to clear himself by his Oath according to the Scripture, Deut. 21. 7. and the practice of Geneva its self in Camparel and Baltasers' case.  
Would none of the Nonconformists when they were indicted for a fame of a Conventicle or so, clear themselves by an Oath?  F. F. 
1. Some of them would not take this Oath at all, but would say, If our faults be unknown, why are we accused? if they are known, produce your evidence.  
2. Some would take the Oath, but with a protestation that they would not thereby accuse either themselves or their brethren.  
3. Others would take the Oath to accuse those that were truly guilty to remove evil from the Land, but not to accuse their brethren for those things which are not faulty.  
4. Others would take the Oath where there were no Witnesses to be had. Jo. 17. 21.  Court. 
When the Powers in being would not establish them, what pains they take to weaken those powers that they might not oppose them! but when their Arguments failed them against these Courts, did they sit down?  Cambd. 
No, but in the next Parliament they had such an influence upon the Commons choice that they at their first sitting offered the Lords a Petition of sixteen branches in favour of the Nonconformists.  


1. That they might be free from the Canonical Oath.  
2. That they might not be troubled for some things omitted in the Common Prayer.  
3. That they might be called before lay Officers.  
4. That those that were suspended for Nonsubscribing, might be restored.  
5. That they might not be troubled at the High Commission but for high offences.  
6. That they might have in every Arch-Deaconry common conferences among themselves.  
7. That the high censure of Excommunication might not be denounced for small matters, nor by lay-men.  
8. Nonresidency may be removed out of the Church. etc.    
And other things against insufficient Ministers; in the discussing of these particulars the House fell most fiercely against Nonresidence.  Court. 
Truly Nonresidence may be allowed in way of recovering of health by changing of air, of study for a time in the University, of mortal enmity borne by some of the Parish; of prosecution of law, or of being employed in public affairs.  L. B. 
Truly I could allow Pluralities, as encouragements to learned men, so they be in one Diocese.  L. H. 
It is fit her Majesty as Head of the Church should confer with the Bishops about these matters.  T. F. 
Therefore the Bishops very prudently petition her Majesty to take the case to her own hand, to whom it properly belongeth, remonstrating the inconveniences ensuing to the State present, future, to Cathedral Churches, to Universities, to her Majesty, to Religion, in case Pluralities were taken away.  Court. 
Who was it that promoted this cause so far?  T. F. 
The Lord Grey seemed the most jealous, who wished the Bishops might be turned out of Doors as in the case of praemunire in H. 8ths. time, because they upheld abominable Nonresidence, and Pluralities against their own consciences and the good of the people.  Court. 
If the Lord had not been on my side, might the Church now say, if the Lord had not been on my side, they had swallowed me up quick: for these were but the pretences under which the adversaries threatened the whole Church; for take away encouragements, and you take away worth and Parts; take away Parts, and you overthrow the Church: When this most hopeful enterprise that ever the adversary undertook failed him, was he satisfied?  P. H. 
No, for having formerly (as they said) tried all serious and sober means to reclaim the Bishops, which hitherto proved ineffectual, they set up Libelling in these Pamphlets, 1. The Epitome, 2. the Demonstrance of Discipline, 3. the Supplication, 4. Diotrephes, 5. the Minerals, 6. Have you any work for Cooper's! 7. Martin Marre Prelate, sen. and jun. 8. More work for Cooper's. A new way whereby whom they could not in earnest make odious, in jest they would make ridiculous for their garbs, gate, apparel, youth, defects and infirmities; its strange how secretly these were Printed, how speediy dispersed, how generally bought, how greedily read, yea and how firmly believed, especially among the Common sort, to whom no better Music then to see they betters abused.  Court. 
Such Books are altogether unbecoming a pious Spirit, to print, or publish, or with pleasure to peruse, which supposed true in matter and measure, charity would rather conceal then discover; the best of men being so conscious of their own badness, that they are more careful to wash their own faces, then busy to dirty other men's: An Archangel thought himself too good to bring, and Satan not bad enough to have railing accusations brought against him: But what was the Law asleep all this while?  C. N. 
The Law fined two Knights, Knightly, and Wigston for entertaining the Press Gentlemen, and discovering the Press (which was first set up at Mously in Surrey, and removed thence to Faushey in Northampton shire, then to Laton, thence to Coventry, thence to Welstone in Warwick shire, thence to Manchester, and there found by H. E. of Derby, in the Printing of more work for the Cooper.) they found out Udal, Penry, Greenwood and Barrow, and Condemned them (Penry for being the Author of Martin Marre Prelate, & Udal for being the Author of Demonstration of Discipline) who were executed afterwards to the great terror of evil doers, and peace of the Kingdom.  Court. 
Poena ad unum, terror ad omnes.  L. B. C. L. 
O the sad condition of the Church, which like Rebeccab had Twins of Discipline struggling within her, the Hierarchy, ancient and established; the Presbytery newly founded by some Clergy men, favoured by many of the Gentry, and followed by more of the Common sort, who being prompted with that natural principle, that the weakest must be the most watchful, what they wanted in strength, they supplied in activity.  Court. 
I pray wherein were they active when all these courses failed them?  L. B. C. L. 
A Synod of Presbyterians of the Warwick shire Classis was called at Coventry the tenth day of the fourth Month as they said, that is April, where they resolved 1. private Baptism unlawful; 2. Homilies useless; 3. the sign of the Cross dangerous; 4. not to Communicate with unlearned Ministers, yet they may hear Laymen; 5. Bishops are unlawful; 6. That they have no power of Ordination or jurisdiction; 7. That they will privately bring wise men to the approbation of the holy Discipline, and afterwards teach it publicly to the people: These and other things necessary at all times were subscribed by all the Classes in England, with humiliation for their former Conformity, as Mr. Johnson witnessed against them when he revolted from them.  Court. 
What became of these men?  P. H. 
Cartwright was cited to the High Commission on the 1. of Sept. 1590. to answer to these Articles against him, 1. that he had renounced his Orders; 2. that he was ordained beyond Sea; 3. and there had settled a Presbyterian Consistory, where he had presumed to ordain others that new way; 4. that they had exercised their authority in admonition, suspension, etc. against the Laws of this Realm; 5. that though he had promised not to oppose the Laws, yet he did it in neglecting and opposing the orders of the Church, and inveighing against the Governors, in public preaching and private conference; 6. that when he should pray for Bishops, he used these words, Because that they who ought to be Pillars in the Church do bend themselves against Christ, therefore O Lord give us grace and power all as one man to set ourselves against them: and by his persuasions others did the like; 7. that he received the Sacrament sometimes sitting, sometimes walking: 8. that since his suspension by the Bishop of Worcester he had presumed to appeal from him and preach publicly; and by his own authority to own a servant of his guilty of fornication, a form of Penance in St. Mary's in Warwick; 9 that he presumed to ordain Fasts contrary to the Church of England; 10. that he had nourished dissensions between Her Majesty's Subjects, by distinguishing them into Godly and Profane; 11. that he concealed the Authors of some late Libels, and said in their behalf, That they who would not amend by grave admonitions, should be further dealt with to their reproach and shame; 12. That he had composed a Book called Disciplina Ecclesiae sacrae verbo Dei descripta; allowed at several meetings in Oxford, Cambridge, Warwick, etc. and practised in several places, where Mr. Cartwright was chief.  Court. 
What saith Mr. Cartwright to these Articles?  Cartw. 
I think I am not bound to answer to them by the Laws of God.  Bishop Almer. 
You must then to the Fleet.  Cartw. 
God's will be done.  L. B. C. 
What were the discourses that were abroad of these proceedings?  T. F. 
I pray hear Mr. Wiggingtons' words in a Letter to Mr. Porter of Lancaster. Mr. Cartwright is in the Fleet for the refusal of the Oath (as I hear) and Mr. Knewstubs is sent for, and sundry worthy Ministers are disquieted; so that we look for some Bickering ere long, and then a Battle which cannot long endure.  Court. 
And no wonder that they talked at this rate; for they had now by their private Agents procured a Letter from King James to the Queen, Not to straiten men for setting forth the Evangel in the simplicity of their Consciences. But did they break out into any excesses and extravagancies?  P. H. 
Yes; for with these encouragements Hacket, Arthington, etc. were animated to kill the Queen, the Privy Council, and to speak and do such strange things that they were hanged, August the twelfth 1591.  Court. 
What was that Hacket?  A. B. 
He was so civil by nature that he bit and eat his Mistress Note when a School boy; he was at first an informer against Recusants, and then by his access to great men so busy, that he was the great patron of Nonconformity, despising all Ministers; and though in their Company, yet saying Grace himself always, and so in all Ministerial duties: so angry he was with the Queen that once he stabbed her Picture, etc.  Court. 
Enough of him: Good Lord to see what a Schism will come to in time! Nonconformity was now much improved, & many State businesses are by turbulent spirits shuffled into that cause; it were worth the while to have before us a series of their meeting and actions in general.  Mr. Stone. 
To satisfy my own conscience, and for the peace of the Kingdom, I shall inform your Honours what I know in this matter.  Court. 
Where did they meet?  Mr. Stone. 
1. At London in Travers, egerton's, gardiner's, and Barber's House; 2. in Cambridge at St. John's; 3. in Northampton at Mr. Jonson's and Snapes house; 4. at Kettering in Mr. Dams and my House.  Court. 
When did they meet?  Stone. 
1. Since the beginning of the last Parliament, of which they had great hopes.  Court. 
Who met?  Stone. 
Cartwright, Travers, Egerton, Clark, Gardiner, Brown, Barber, Somerscales, Chatterton, Gyfford, Allen, Edmunds, Gellibrand, Culverwell, Oxenbridge, Barbon, Flood, Snap, Johnson, Sibthorpe, Edwards, Spicer, Fleshwore, Harrison, Littleton, Williamson, Rushbrook Baxter, King, Proudtome, Mastre, Bradshaw, Dams, Pallison, Okes, Atkinson, and myself, and several Scholars of Oxford and Cambridge.  Court. 
This is ingenuously done of you Mr. Stone, and we look upon you as a man in whom there is no guile.  Stone. 
I can do nothing against, but for the Truth; let Truth and Justice take place, et ruet Mundus.  L. B. L. 
Thus one Link being slipped out, the whole chain was quickly broken and scattered, this one discovery marred all their meetings, there being none now that could trust, or be trusted.  Court. 
Yet they were not quiet, but being disappointed one way, they attempted another; for one Travers (ordained beyond Sea, and of so great repute among that party, that with Mr. Cartwright he was invited to be a professor at St. Andrews upon Mr. Melvins motion) being settled at the Temple a Lecturer, endeavoured to gain the great Interest of the Law on his side, and there opposed Mr. Hooker about predestination, the Church of Rome, etc. with a design (as some think) to make parties there for other purposes, until he was silenced by the Archbishop; 1. because he was not lawfully ordained; 2. because he preached without Licence; 3. because he had disturbed the peace, and that wholesome order of Her Majesties, That no Opinions should be publicly refuted, but that notice should be given to the Ordinary to hear and determine such cases to prevent public disturbance.  L. B. C. 
It was that he looked for, that he might (as he did afterwards in a supplication to the Council) set his Patron Cecil and others to revive the Good old Cause; which if opposed by others, (as he knew they would be) would be Patrons to that Cause, if not for conscience, yet for their honour.  Court. 
He knew that if once great men be inveigled to appear, they will go through with It.  
What became of this Master Travers?  L. B. W. 
When he could not prevail in England, he went to try whither he might reform Ireland, and to that purpose very cunningly got to be Priest of Trinity College near Dublin, where he might have the advantage to instill his Principles into the Youth of that Nation, and so secure to himself and Part, if not this, yet the next Generation.  Court. 
Now it may be presumed that the Church of England had rest round about.  P. H. 
Not so; for these men finding that people were weary of small diffences, about Cap, Surplice, etc. that they might have some just occasion to oppose the Church, one Dr. Bound set up Judaisme, in a Book asserting that Christians are bound to as strict an observation of the Sabbath as the Jews, by a precise rest from all recreations, feasts, study, and whatsoever but praying, hearing, reading, and holy conference; which Doctrine was very taking for its own purity, and their piety that owned it.  Court. 
The cunning of these men, while the Bishops are providing for Ecclesiastical authority against their Discipline, they leave that as not so considerable among the vulgar, and set up extraordinary directions for the Lords day; which while the Church opposed, it was looked upon as ungodly and profane; and now it was that this party got the opinion of purity and holiness among the people, which was no small advantage to their Cause;— the piety of the persons being a fair way to persuade the world of the truth of their opinions; but how were these men maintained when they were suspended?  P. H. 
Mr. Cartwright had a Catalogue of sixteen hundred sixty three Patrons, who allowed the least of them five pounds a year, towards the maintenance of that way; and it is observed of him that he was very rich, and it's known that Mr. Travers left Zion College an excellent Library, with 60 l. worth of Plate.  Court. 
Some of them gained more by their private conferences, then by their public preaching they could otherwise have expected.   

CHAP. IV. King James Reign.  COurt. 
But now Queen Elizabeth was dead, these men thought they were sure of King James, who was always bred under them, and frighted to their way in his Mother's belly; what was their carriage upon that alteration?  Sand. 
One Mr. Pickering a Northamptonshire Gentleman, a favourer of that way, rid post with the news of Queen Elizabeth's death to King James; and no doubt took his occasion to urge something in favour of the Nonconformists, but how far, and with what answer he moved the King, is uncertain: But Dr. Tho. Nevil Dean of Canterbury sent by Whitgist, brought back a welcome answer of his Majesty's purpose, to uphold and maintain the Government of the late Queen as she left it settled.  Court. 
King James foresaw the dismal things the World was to look for from those men; as appears by his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: He knew that a Presbytery as well agreeth with Monarchy as God and the Devil; they are his own words; He knew no Bishop no King.  L. B. C. 
Yet Mr. Cartwright dedicates his Comment on Ecclesiastes to King James; and the Presbyterians prepared a Petition before hand against the Parliament sat, managed by Mr. Hildersham, Mr. Egerton, which though called the millenary Petition, yet with seven hundred and fifty two Preachers hands was it presented to the King and Parliament.  Court. 
How did the King like this canvasing for hands?  L. B. E. 
His Majesty foreseeing that they were likely to trouble him and the next Parliament, granted them a Conference at Hampton Court; where Dr. Reynolds, Sparkes, and Mr. Knewstubs, and Chadderton appeared on the one hand; Bishops, Bancrost, Matthew, Bilson, Babington, Rudd, Watson, Robinson and Dove; Dr. Andrews, Overall, Borlow and Bridges, Field and King appeared.  Court. 
What did they desire?  Dr. R. 
1. That the Doctrine of the Church of England should be kept pure: (for now to make us more odious, they quarrelled with our Doctrine.)  
2. That good Pastors might be planted in all Churches to teach the same.  
3. That Church Government might be sincerely ministered according to God's Word.  
4. That the Book of Common Prayer might be fitted to more increase of Piety.  Court. 
What would they have altered in the Doctrine?  A. 
They would have predestination and perseverance more clearly held forth.  Court. 
By all means; and the Church must be now looked upon as unsound in Doctrine, as it was afore corrupt in Discipline; yea the nine Lambeth Articles and all the controversies about them must be inserted in our confessions of Faith: as King James sa'd of one Craiges in Scotland, I renounce and abhor, till his multiplied Renunciations so amazed the people that they fell back to Popery. They urged other things about Ordination, Priest's intention, Catechism, etc. but that was only to colour over the main design.  Court. 
What did they more besides?  A. 1. 
They moved a reformation of Sabbath profanations.  Court. 
Still they would be the only men that took care of purity and holiness.  A. 2. 
They moved a new Translation of the Bible.  Court. 
Good, good! thereby they might persuade the people that they had not the true word of God.  A. 3. 
They prayed the suppression of seditious Books.  Court. 
Better and better! they had never writ any seditious Books I'll warrant you. What did they intend by good Pastors?  A. 
Such as would neither read Prayers, nor Homilies, but make Religion nothing but Preaching.  Court. 
What were their exceptions against Common Prayer?  A. 
They excepted against the harmless Surplice, the ancient sign of the Cross, 
a With my Body I thee Worship.  some words in the Matrimony, against Ecclesiastical Censures by Lay-Chancellors.  Court. 
What did they desire in Church Government?  A. 
That there should be a meeting of Ministers every three weeks in royal Deaneries, who should reform things in their Deaneries.  Court. 
What was the issue of this Conference?  A. 
That they should all conform, or avoid the Land; whereupon the Nonconformists there submitted.  Court. 
The King observed that their exceptions were frivolous and such as argued more peevishness than conscience, and that they did not so much dislike affairs as they disliked that they had not the ordering of them: Were they now satisfied?  P. H. 
No, but they agreed thus, viz We whose Names are under written are agreed to make our humble Petition to the King's Majesty, that the present state of the Church may be reform in all things needful, according to the rule of God's holy Word, and agreeable to the example of other reformed Churches, etc. Which Petition they subscribed thus, Your Majesty's most humble Subjects, the Ministers of the Gospel, that desire not a disorderly innovation, but a due and Godly Reformation.  Court. 
What would they have in that Petition?  A. 
They desired that Cross, Surplice, Confirmation, Church-music, Kneeling and bowing might be removed; 2. that Baptism should not be administered by Women; 3. that the Communion be administered not without examination and a Sermon; 4. that the Service should not be so long; 5. Sunday to be strictly observed, and the Holidays not so; 6. the word Priest and absolution, etc. changed; 7. Canonical Scripture only read; 8. an Uniformity of Doctrine prescribed.  
2. They desired that Pluralities and Nonresidence might be provided against; and that ministers be not urged to subscribe but according to Law; and that all ministers should Preach.  
3. Some reformation of Ecclesiastical Officers, their Fees, etc.  
These things they urged, saying to King James, Who knows not, whether you are come to the Kingdom for such a thing as this?—  Court. 
This Petition (they say) was favoured by some Scotch grandees, who would be considerable by being the head of a faction.  H. H. 
Yes, it was so cried up that the Family of Love likewise presumed to Petition for themselves, that they might have a toleration and liberty of Conscience: and another party presented a Petition to the House of Commons assembled in Parliament.  H. W. 
Yea, and the High Commission proceeded against them; they began to entereain several Lawyers to dispute points of Law in their behalf; so that most part of the King's ministers, Courtiers, Lawyers, etc. were engaged in the promoting of that way.  Court. 
Had they no design to carry on by the new Translation of the Bible?  A. 
Yes, for they endeavoured to have the Geneva Notes inserted in the margin; and so the Bishop's Bible might have a Presbyterian Comment.  Court. 
What did these men more in King Janes his Reign?  A. 
They did endeavour by strictness and severity in their conversation in keeping Sabbath, etc. to gain the love of the people, when they could not gain the Countenance of the King; and therefore they oppose the King's Declaration for Sports on the Lords days; one Thrask especially appearing violent that way.  S. H. 
Yea, and as they were in great esteem for their strictness, so they would be for their industry: they being the only men that opposed the King's Declaration, 1623. for Catechising in the afternoon instead of Preaching.  Court. 
What said they against this Declaration?  A. 
They said first, Christ sent Ministers to Preach, and they should not forbid them; 2. Souls should not be starved; 3. They that were Licenced to preach, might choose their Text, and not be restrained to the Lords Prayer, the Creed, the ten Commandments, etc. 4. why should not men teach Predestination which the Scripture hath taught? 5. Why should Lecturers be discouraged, whereas the power of Godliness flourished most in those places where these Lecturers were?  Court. 
Alas, alas! these Lecturers laid the strongest foundation for Nonconformity: Catechising in the Afternoon edifyeth more in the principles of the Doctrine of Christ then both Sermons: and for Predestination it is a point too high for most people to hear, and for most Preachers to teach:— But this King kept them under well enough.  
How came they to prevail in King Charles time?   

CHAP. V. King Charles the Firsts Reign.  A. 
IN King Charles his time they observed first a faction at Court, and they found some men willing to head them, 
Bishop williams, etc.  that they might balance other persons who were head of the Protestant party.  
2. They observed the King's necessities which a Parliament must supply, and they knew the Parliament would be for their turn.  
3. They observed a difference between the Clergy and others about Arminianism, in opposition to which many joined with them; yea so considerable they were that it was observed that Doctor Preston road with King Charles and the Duke of Buckingham in a Coach from Theobalds' to London, the Coach being shutdown, the day King James died.  Court. 
How got they in with the Parliament?  A. 
The Gentry were so weary of the High Commission and Star-Chamber, and other severe Courts, that they would join with any body that would help to pull them down; besides that there were several persons of great parts discontented for want of preferment, as J. H. D. H. A. H. W. S. T. W.— whose busy spirits kept under by King James, were now more active in the indulgent time of King Charles.  Court. 
Do they set these men immediately upon establishing their way?  F. F. 
No; they stir them up against Arminianism in Mr. Mountagues Books and others; knowing that Mr. Montague would have friends in Court, and that these would oppose the Gentlemen in Parliament, who enraged there with, would close with this party more firmly, and do any thing to spoil their enemies at Court.  Court. 
Was it for Arminianism that Mr. Mountagues Book called Appello Caesarem was so much opposed?  A. 
No, it was for some smart truths concerning that party, which they were not willing to hear of.  Court. 
What did wisemen judge of that stir the Commons kept with Mr. Mountagues Book?  A. 
My Lord of Canterbury hath entered it in his Diary thus, ‛ I seem to see a cloud arising, and threatening the Church of England; God for his mercy dissipate it.  Court. 
What was the Danger?  A. 
It was this, That the Nonconformists under pretence of suppressing Arminianism, were able to be revenged of Master Montague for some tart expressions against them, notwithstanding his Majesty's protection of his own Chaplain, so that the King was fain to leave him to himself, and to stand or fall (as he told the Duke of Buckingham, who sounded him to that purpose) according to the justice of his Cause.  C. 
How went they on?  P. H. 
As the great Champions of truth forsooth they procure two conferences at Yorkehouse before the Duke of Buckingham by the mediation of R. E. of Warwick, between Dr. Buckridge, Dr. White, Mr. Montague, on the one hand; and Bishop Morton and Dr. Preston on the other; where their design was to divide the Nobility, Clergy, and Gentry, and get as many as they could on their side against Arminianism, until they had got such a party as might be able to carry all before them; for they knew that those learned Gentlemen, and Ministers who were of their mind in some points, would, being provoked by their adversaries, be of their mind in all.—  C. 
But do they stay here?  L. 
No; but being intent upon their Design, and knowing that the King was well settled and resolved against all Innovations, they intent to weaken his power, and to that purpose they retrenched his Prerogative by many Laws and Statutes; and questioned Dr. Manwaring for preaching up his Prerogative, being resolved to put all power in the Parliaments hands, who were too well affected to their way.  F. 
Yea, they were so bold as to employ two persons, Humphreys and Jones to hinder Bishop Mountagues Confirmation by alleging against him some frivolous exceptions, so much did they prevail now they had joined themselves to the discontented, the Antiarminian, etc.  S. 
But while the wisemen of this party were driving on their design covertly, and politicly, one Leighton was to break the Ice, and feel the pulse of the times, and to that purpose he sets out a Book called Zions' Plea, railing against the Queen as Idolatrous, and exhorting men to kill the Bishops, and to smite them under the fifth rib.  C. 
Was he suffered?  A. 
No; when his party saw that he was not suffered, they let him shift for himself, and they go on in a more prudent method.  Court. 
How!  F. 
That they might engage the Clergy to themselves, they set up a Committee for buying in impropriations; viz. Dr. Gouge, Sibbs, Mr. Offspring, Davenport, etc. who were to buy so many Livings to be bestowed on the Favourers of the new way; whereby of nine thousand Ministers, three thousand and nine hundred might be sure to their side, beside those presented by the many Patrons that were devoted to their party.  Court. 
Here they took care to prefer their friends; how did they bring men up still in their way; notwithstanding the discouragement of public authority?  P. H. 
When they had preferment they were sure to have friends; yet they had persons of their way in both Universities, very vigilant for their Interest, as appeared in Oxford, where one Thorn of Balliol, and Ford of Magdalen Hall broke out into bitter invectives in their Sermons on this Text, Numb. 14. 4. Let us make us a Captain, and let us return into Egypt. 1 King. 13. 2. And be cried against the Altar in the word of the Lord; and said, O Altar, Altar.  Court. 
It was a notable way to buy out impropriations to set up Lecturers, knowing that they who hold the helm of the Pulpit in England, always steer people's hearts whether they please, whereby they might have more Chaplains depending upon them then either King or Bishops; but the great plot lay in securing the Universities, where if young men were tainted with their way, they would not depart from it when they were old: But did any Countenance these persons?  A. 
Yes, the Proctors and Dr. Prideaux, with Dr. Wilkinson, until the King appeared against them at Woodstock.  Court. 
Now the King interposed his authority, we may presume this faction was quite dashed.  E. G. 
By no means; for the expelling of these Preaches expelled not, but increased the differences in Oxford, which burned the more for blazing the less.  Court. 
How came Dr. Prideaux to favour such persons?  A. H. 
His love to the Predestinarian way which these men promoted in an high degree; this was these men's policy to join with some eminent men in some opinions that they might have their favour and assistance in other things.  Court. 
What was their next project?  A. W. 
They set up the Sbabatarian controversies again by one Bradbourne, which if the Church allowed of, she went against her own judgement; if she disallowed, she was looked upon as an enemy of Godliness, and a friend to all profaneness, yea so high did they raise these controversies, that they made a difference between the Judges and the Bishops, the one allowing a liberty on the Lord's day, the other punishing it. And when the Church declared her judgement moderately, they procured underhand many reproaches and hard speeches to be cast upon her, as if she intended to destroy that Godliness which she taught, and to undermine that Religion she professed.  Court. 
Not a word all this while of their Discipline?  A. 
No; for they resolved upon other ways of undermining the Church of England, and upon her fall they would raise themselves;— but some hotheaded persons, as Bastwicke, Burton, and others break out to some excesses, for which they are severely punished.  Court. 
What is the reason that they are so fierce now?  F. M. 
Upon Bishop Abbot's death who was over-indulgent to them, the Archbishop pressed conformity very severely, whereupon they who hid themselves under other pretences, discovered themselves against Altars, kneeling at the Sacrament, holiness of Churches, etc.  L. C. M. 
Let me tell you that there was one accident happened that helped this party very much.  Court. 
What was that?  L. C. M. 
The Bishop of Lincoln's discontent, who said that all flesh in England had corrupted their ways, and maintained many private correspondencies dangerous to Church and State.  L. C. N. 
The design of these men growing now ripe, as they had by Lectures and private conferences debauched many here, so they go abroad for aid to the brethren of Scotland, who are at their Devotion, and ready upon their call to disturb the peace of England.  Court. 
How durst Scotland stir?  J. C. 
The people in England having kept the King bore, put him upon some displeasing courses to furnish himself, and maintain the peace of the Kingdom; who should oppose this his Majesty's course but the Puritans, who thereby became the Patrons of their Country, and were sure to be chosen to the next Parliament, where they might join with their brethren the Scots, who if they made a War, were assured that the King should not be able to resist them; for they being sure to be chosen in Parliament, let them know that they would not assist the King against them.  Court. 
When they got at last to be the prevailing party in Parliament, what did they?  A. 
They called to an acount all persons who had pressed strict Conformity, and countenanced those that refused it (witness Dr. Cousins, and Smart,) Bastwicke and Burton who came triumphantly to London, and were ordered reparations for their services, and sufferings.  Court. 
How did they proceed?  A. 
They settled a Committee for Religion, who appointed a Subcommittee to prepare matters for their Cognizance; where was,  
CONFORMISTS.  
Bishop Williams, Doctor Hacket, Bishop Usher, Doctor Holdsworth, Bishop Morton, Bishop Hall, Doctor Prideaux, Doctor Ward, Doctor Browning, Doctor Featly.  
NONCONFORMISTS.  
Doctor Burgess, Mr. White, Mr. Martial, Mr. Caryl, Mr. Calamy, Mr. Hill, Mr. Newcomen, Doctor Twisse.  C. 
But this meeting was only a pretence, while the House carried on higher designs against Deans and Chapters, root and branch, for whom Doctor Hacket made a Speech in the behalf of the Church; against whom Dr. Burgess made a speech in behalf of the faction.  L. C. N. 
Yes; and they began to pull down the Bishops, step by step: First, From the Lord's House: 2. From all civil power: and then they pull down those Courts that kept them in Order all this while, viz. the Star-Chamber, and the High commission.  N. O. 
I observed that the poor Bishops went down first in their reputation and esteem, they not suffering them to be called right honourable, nor to have precedency.—  N. M. 
And to make sure work, the Rabble were stirred up against them, to the danger of their lives, and strange Petitions procured, in so much that the poor men were in a straight; to keep the House was dangerous; to leave it at this time was unworthy.  C. 
What did they do?  N. 
They were trepanned by Bishop Williams to a Remonstrance, for which they were all committed to the Tower, and Impeached of High Treason; and now the Bishops were safe in the Tower, the Bill against them passed the House, and they were for ever excluded the House.  C. 
Now the King could not help the Church, the Bishops were secured, the severe Courts against the Factions were down, how did the people appear?  N. Q. 
Their restraint being removed, they broke out to an excess of Riot, in Petitioning, Preaching, Railing, a Company of fanatics in Southwark crying that the Law of Uniformity was the Law of Bishops, and so to be repealed; the Citizens crying to your Tents, O Israel.  Court. 
Having now almost destroyed the Church Government, Discipline and Worship, what do they not endeavour to set up their own way?  N. H. 
Yes, by all means: but by degrees that the Kingdom might not perceive it, but think they were easing it all this while.  C. 
How did they contrive to set up their new Government?  N. H. 
They called an Assembly of that way, 〈…〉. Gouge, Mr. Calamy, Mr. Caryl, Dr. Spurslaw, Tho. Goodwin, Phil. Nie, etc. who proposed to the Parliament the new Church Government and Directory; who thereupon abolished the ancient Church Government, Worship and Discipline: and took a Solemn Oath as they of Scotland had done before, every one in his place, to stand by this new way, which Oath they Imposed upon the Kingdom.  C. 
What, do they Impose any thing?  K. C. 
O yes! there are none more severe in Imposing upon others, than those that would have liberty themselves.  Court. 
Where was the King all this while?  L. B. N. 
Being not able to reach the Church but through him, they having made him as odious as they could to the people, by ripping up all the faults of Government in a remonstrance, and having frighted him away with the fury of the incensed multitude that were in open War with him, that the World may see that there are no Innovators in the Church but such as are Traitors to the State.  Court. 
It was very strange the whole House of Commons should go along with them in these enormities!  N. H. 
The honest Gentlemen could not help it, for they were overawed by the rude rabble, who came to the House in whole multitudes with Petitions, remonstrances, grievances, about Religion, Liberties, and rights, to which was added all that prevails with men of force, or flattery, of craft or terror.  Court. 
Now Ireland was all in a Rebellion; Scotland was up in Arms; and they in England practised: they after some Treaties with the King, and Disputations with his Divines, alter Church Government, and settle that Discipline which they had contended for these 120. years.  L. B C. 
When it was established, did the people submit to it?  N. H. 
No, for they looked upon it as a yoke which neither they nor their fathers could bear.  Court. 
How did they propagate it?  H. J. 
They sequestered all the Orthodox Clergy, and settled in their places such men as were ready to advance their new project; th' 〈…〉 who complained so much when a dozen Ministers were 〈…〉, made nothing to silence five or six hundred at a time.  L. H. 
Yet for all this the new Government was not owned; for there arose other factions innumerable, who though they differed among themselves, yet agreed in this, viz. that they would have no Government, but that every one according to his own conscience might do what was good in his own eyes; as the Presbyterians cried formerly, so the Independents cried now, that Christians should have liberty of Conscience to do according to the best light afforded them.  Court. 
It pleased God to let them set up what they so long looked for; that the World might see what they are, and what is their way, and what is the dreadful consequence of that way when it doth prevail; their pretences before they had the Government in their own hands, were such as rendered them very amiable, and made them the darling of the people; their practices when they had it, made them the most odious of Mankind.  L. B. C. 
The people would never believe their mischief until they saw their practice; and providence let them take a turn upon our stage, to see how they would behave themselves, until they went off Odium humani generis.  L. H. 
When they had suppressed the Orthodox Clergy, alienated their maintenance, overcome their Friends, and put him to death who they knew must otherwise avenge on them these abominations; (for these people had the face too before the world to lay violent hands upon the Lords Anointed;) they made an Act wherein it was not lawful for an Orthodox man by any means to exercise his Ministry, being made uncapable either of performing the duty, or of enjoining the maintenance of a Minister, either as Chaplain, Tutor, Schoolmaster, Curate, Vicar, or Pastor.  L. H. 
This cut off all the Orthodox men that were already, root and branch; but what care did they take of the next Generation?  A. C 
They furnished the Universities with active men that might instill their Principles into all the Youth; yet lest some honest men as D. H. Dr. S. Dr. G. and others should take care for the succession of true Ministers by encouraging some youth to embrace the ancient Catholic and Apostolic way, they set up a company of Triers, as Manton, Caryl, Nie, etc. at Church door as it were, who were to take care that every man should be true to their faction, before he were admitted to any place bestowed upon him.  L. O. 
Yea, and lest any man that was approved by the Triers, should afterwards embrace any of the ancient Rites and orders of the Church of England, they set up in the several Counties Committees of Ejection, who upon the first discovery of an Orthodox man had power to render him uncapable of any livelihood in the Church.  L. W. 
And that they might be sure of the following age, they set up new Ordinations, and new associations of Ministers.  L. I. 
Yea, and rather than fail, if they had not the Clergy to serve their turn, they were resolved to take away Tithes, and all the settled maintenance of Ministers, and to let into the Church all persons whatsoever that were well affected to themselves and the good Old Cause; in somuch that we were like to be all Teachers and no Hearers: yea in a word they intended to destroy all Law, Order, Civility, Learning, and pure Religion before God, and undefiled; they denied the being of the Church, and so began to set up a new Church; but that God who seateth in Heaven laughed at their devices, and brought their Counsel to nought.   

CHAP. VI King Charles the Seconds Reign.  COurt. 
When a miracle restored the Church, and a wonder defeated these prosperous Parties to their own and the world's amazement, we presume that they acquiesced in it, and thought, this is the Lords doing, and it is marvellous in our sight; stand off from these designs lest we be found fighters against God.  R. L. 
Especially when besides a providence that might awe these men, there came along with his Majesty so much Clemency, mercy, and goodness, as made him ready to condescend as far as reason, honour, ' or conscience would give him leave, and content to yield them all that seemed to advance true piety; he only desiring to continue what was necessary in point of order, maintenance, and authority to the Church Government, and what he was persuaded was agreeable to the true Principles of Government, raised to its full stature and perfection, as also to the Primitive and Apostolical pattern, and the practice of the universal Church conform thereto; nor were the remaining differences so essential to the people's happiness, or of such consequence as in the least to have hindered the Subjects security or prosperity; for the best enjoyed both many years before those demands were made.  Court. 
But the violence of these men was not so allayed.  R. L. 
No, as soon as ever the King set foot on English ground, Smectymnuus was reprinted, the Covenant maintained, the King's engagement in Scotland was urged, and many more pestilent Papers, whose common business was by affronting the Law, and slattering the rabble to cast all back into a confusion; a multitude of persons are dissatisfied, to whom his Majesty must either yield, or endanger himself and three Kingdoms: whereby they extorted from his Majesty an Interim or a Declaration concerning Ecclesiastical assaires, which allowed them their own liberty, until his Majesty could with the advice of his Divines take further order.  Court. 
Where they herewith satisfied?  L. R. 
No, for I do not well remember, where ever that party was ever satisfied with less than all; allow these people their askings in what concerns their Discipline, will they rest quiet there, without further hankering after the Legislative power, the Milita, or some such thing.?  C. 
How did they proceed?  R. L. 
They endeavoured to settle that temporary indulgence for ever in Parliament; and when that would not do, they endeavour to confirm the people in what they had taught them formerly; and urged his Majesty to a Conference, which he granted them at the Savoy, between Mr. Baxter, Dr. Seaman, Mr. Calamy, Bishop Reynolds, Dr. Jacomb, Dr. Manton, Dr. Conant, Dr. Spurstow, and Dr. Gunning, Dr. Pearson, Dr. Peirce, etc.  C. 
What was the success of that Conference?  R. L. 
The same with all others of that nature, whence both parties go away as firm in their several Opinions as they came; it was not very likely that a day or two's conference should persuade them out of that way, out of which the last hundred years' law, power, and reason could not force them.  C. 
It's strange to see a few people endeavouring to impose upon a whole Nation! it's strange that a novel and vulgar imagination should bear down an Apostolical institution; that a private opinion should consist with a public and solemn sanction.  R. L. 
Yet what these men could not do by argument, they endeavour by policy; using all means to secure to themselves the next Parliament, by the most notorious canvasing that was seen this twenty years; elections being carried with much partiality and popular heats in most places by the last endeavour of a gasping faction.  C. 
It is well they kept themselves within the compass of private policy and design.  R. L. 
Not so; for at first all the lesser factions were hid in Presbytery, till time and military success discovering to every one his own advantage, invited them to part into several parties, as Independents, Anabaptists, Quakers, Fifth-Monarchy men, who all before the King came driven on their several designs; but were united since as against a common enemy.  C. 
Then these factions grew to the same excess with them in Germany, who were at first an harmless people, but at last made havoc of all Order, Law, peace, Religion, etc. and whatsoever is sacred among Mankind: But what did they attempt?  R. L. 
They contrived a design so comprehensive as might take in the whole stream and strength of discontent and faction in the Nation, a design for liberty of Conscience in Religion, for ease of all payments, as Taxes, Tithes, etc. in estate, for recovery of King and Bishop's Lands to the thousands that bought them; of selling all in common to all the poor people that in quiet times could not live.  C. 
O their cunning! they knew that they were inconsiderable, until discontents drove men into sidings; as ill humours fall to the disaffected part, so all who affected any novelties, or complained of any grievances, adhere to that way as the most remarkable and specious note of difference in point of Religion: But did they break out into any violence?  R. L. 
Yes, they set up a desperate party to break the Ice, as Venner, etc. according to whose success the rest were ready to fall in and improve the design, to the ruin of Church and State.  C. 
When this failed, what course did they take?  R. L. 
They scribbled as Crofton; they petitioned and engaged the Grandees, etc. and left no stone unturned, until the Parliament closed up all disputes by several wholesome Acts for the security of the King's person and Government; for suppressing of all Pamphlets, and unlearned writings; for prevention of all tumultuous Petitions; and for submission to the present Government, requiring them to declare their Covenant illegal and unjust; their War against the King-rebellious; and that the Discipline, Ceremonies, Worship which they had so long opposed, was according to the Word of God.  C. 
What did they after the enacting of these wholesome Laws?  R. L. 
Many of them endeavoured by the mediation of potent friends to have the execution of them suspended, until his Majesty and Council satisfied them; there was no suspending of Laws so much conducing to the peace and welfare of the Nation.  C. 
Yet it was observed that they were so confident of success in this attempt, that they writ to several not to subscribe, for his Majesty would allow an Indulgence: What other ways might they use?  L. 1. 
They offer his Majesty 500000 l. (a temptation to his necessities like that of the Devils to our Saviour when hungry, and taking of the stones of the Church for bread) to confirm the sale of Bishop's Lands with the Deans and Chapters for 99 years, reserving the old Rents to the Church; Which, the noble Prince to his eternal memory be it recorded, refused with scorn and disdain, suitable to his Father's piety, who said he had rather live upon the Alms of the Church as some of his Predecessors Kings of England had done, than put the Church to depend upon the charity of the people.  C. 
Alas! who could be so bold as to offer his Majesty a motion to sacrilege!  F. L. 
Even Dr. Burgess who had written that Sacrilege was no sin, in a Book and case he writ for the sale of Church Lands, whereof the good man had to his own share no less than seven hundred pound a year.  C. 
Well! his Sacred Majesty did graciously appoint a way to satisfy all parties in point of Interest; But what do they do in point of Conscience?  F. L. 
They make the best friends that could be made with words or money; ever andanon you should have a Lord drop into their Church at Aldermanburic, Walbrook, etc. a great encouragement no doubt; and you would meet half a dozen or half a score of the reverend Pastors walking at Court, as demurely as I have seen so many spirits walking before my Lord Mayor's Banqueting house, and to the same purpose of haunting too: here is first offered an advantage to be head of a party to any that is ambitious; 2. Here is money for any that is covetous; 3. Here is the good old cause to move the well affected.  C. 
What is their success?  J. B. 
Having very large promises they go home and republish the old Principles to the number of 3000. Copies, to keep up the spirit of Reformation; they write for the necessity of it, they plead for the Ministers that were in sequestrations; they cry up directly or indirectly, the obligation of the Covenant, some by writing as Mr. Crofton, and others by hinting; scarce any Sermon being preached without an use of perseverance to be steadfast and unmoveable, as Mr. V. concluded with his beloved Congregation.  C. 
Was there any more done?  I. B. 
Yes, there was a book much applauded that was gathered out of the Papers of a studious man that was formerly Minister in Bedfordshire, they say since his death, by a young man with others assistance, that little understood the compass or merit of that controversy, to prove that there is no Church Government of divine right, the wary Sirs being contented the cried up divine right of Presbytery should be waved a while, that the same right of Episcopacy be suppressed altogether; rather than the legal government should be established, they will wave the settlement of their own.  C. 
He was a bold fellow that would publish any thing of his own, or of other men's, to dispute that which the Church by Bishop Hall so clearly asserted, which its Books so punctually pressed, which his late Majesty so excellently disputed, and he with his eminent Divines at the Isle of Wight so irrefragably proved: But what did he that writ, or he that set out that Book mean? did they resolve to make good what Mr. Hooker said that when we had disputed on both sides ourselves a weary, a third party would come in, and with our mutual arguments against, and concessions to each other, overthrew us both,— or did they intend to remove all Religion from its basis of divine right, and fix it as Mr. Hobbes doth, upon humane Constitution? for although this Book instanceth only in Church Government, yet the arguments (to those that grasp and understand them, which I fear the publishers did not,) would reach any point of Religion whatsoever, and would make up the strangest piece of Adiaphorisme that ever was in the World, since the interim of Germany,— but they stick here.  J. B. 
No, no, this was only to trouble the waters, and keep men irresolved as to the public constitutions; while they confirmed the brethren in their private opinions,— and are un Bishoping Timothy and Titus, bidding men beware of Diotrepheses, and those that Lorded it over God's heritage, insinuating, they desired not rooos, a year, Lordships, Baronies, etc. but the liberty of their Ministry; and what was the issue of all this? they extorted from the Government an Indulgence in order to a mutual coalition, good understanding and peace.  C. 
What use did they make of that?  J. B. 
When it was expected they should have complied with his Majesty's incomparable design of charity, they go home and preach against the coming in of Popery; against Covenant breaking; against the profaneness that was breaking in upon us; and they put out and discuss in Print these Queries about the interest of England: 1. Whether the Presbyterian party should in justice or reason be rejected and depressed, or protected and encouraged, since they forsooth brought the King in? 2. Whether the Presbyterian party may be protected and encouraged, and the Episcopal not deserted nor disobliged? 3. Whether the upholding of both parties by a just and equal accommodation be not in its self more desirable, and more agreeable to the state of England then the absolute exalting of the one party, or the total subversion of the other? Bold questions you will say, being indeed no other than thus much, viz. Whether the particular and private humours of a discontented party is as considerable as the public and general constitution of a well settled state.  C. 
This is downright;— but is this all?  J. B. 
Not so neither; for we have our slanting and back-strokes that are more effectual; as to pass by many others, they preach and write for serious holiness as they call it, as if it were now leaving the Land; now or never they cry, a Saint or a Brute, in the preface or conclusions whereof they had their dogged insinuations, that the Church was an enemy to holiness, and the Professors of it, when it discourageth nothing but hypocrisy; and when the men of the nose smell out that, outcomes a Book of hypocrisy preached at the Abbey at Westminster, (for the brethren have the thriving way of selling their Sermons first from the Pulpit, and then from the Press,) wherein the Cavaliers who had been formerly the profane, were now the Hypocrites; But he that made all sure, is the man that writes the sighs and groans of the Church, that party paleman, that speaks high Fullam in the beginning of the Book, and Colemanstreet in the end of it; this maus Masters stabbed the King with his own power, and he (a good proficient I'll warrant him) the Church with her own weapons: But above all the Legerdemaines of this party commend me to their Sermons of persecution, and their preparation of people for it; as if the Common Prayer had been as dreadful as a Faggot; to wear a Surplice as to wear Irons; to exchange a benefice of an 100 l. a year for a collection of 200 l. had been a martyrdom; and to visit the Capon eaters, and the sop Ladies, were a misery that should complete Mr. Fox his volumn:— Lord, what a work is here! forsooth a few factious fellows that had gone too far in the late Rebellion, dare not recant, yea, rather than they will recant, they will leave their flocks, their dear flocks for which they would die, but cannot be honest for their sakes.  C. 
But did not his Majesty order a Conference between both parties?  F. D. 
He did indeed between Dr. Reynolds, Dr. Conant, Dr. Spurstow, Mr. Calamy, Mr. Baxter, Dr. Manton, Dr. Jacomb, Dr. Bates, Mr. Newcomen, Dr. Seaman, etc. and Dr. Heylin, Dr. Gunning, Dr. Pearson, Dr. Pierce, Dr. Sparrow, etc. but what was the issue? the sober party came off and would have acquiesced in his Majesty's gracious concessions upon those exceptions they made to the Liturgy and Ceremonies of the Church: But a more fiery party (for all the faction was then in Town) flew so high as to say, That an indifferent thing if commanded, was no more indifferent but unlawful.  C. 
Sure such a position could not come out of their mouths!  F. D. 
Indeed it is strange it should; but it is attested by Dr. Gunning, and Dr. Pearson, who had the chief management of that affair.  C. 
But would they do nothing towards a closure?  F. D. 
Upon some Parishes petition, particularly that of Covent-Garden, to my Lord of London, some of them got Readers (as too many do still) to say Common Prayer which they could not vouchsafe to do.  C. 
But was there any further news of the Conference?  F. D. 
Yes, when the concessions would not satisfy them, they disperse a thing called a Petition for peace, to incense the people, to which they annex an unauthorised form of Worship, composed, printed, published and dispersed by private persons, to affront public authority.  C. 
A petition for peace from them who fomented all our Wars, whose discipline was settled with conspiracy, and promoted by Rebellion, conscience opposing authority; men for their private conscience urging the King his own,— a petition for peace; as if no peace without indulging the faction; liberty of conscience now; but what will it come to at last?— Lord, is there no peace to be had in the world unless these people are pleased?  F. D. 
No really! for now they muster up the old objections against the Common Prayer; and add new ones; particularly Mr. Zachary Crofton runs out into that excess, that we find him in the Tower for a year together, and still abroad upon Bail.  C. 
But now all will not do, what shall we do then?  D. F. 
Then we interrupt the proceedings of Parliament by fly diversions; we watch advantages, so that one Session is over without any considerable effect towards a settlement, and in the interim of the adjournement we persuade the world they shall never meet, or if they do, shall speedily be dissolved; and besides we have a plot managed by one Philip's, his brother that usurped, Agmond Shiam, Gibbs and others to surprise Whitehall, Windsor Castle, the Magazine of London.  C. 
How was that plot discovered?  D. F. 
Even as the 150. plots that were managed against the Government since the Conquest by their own Agents, who cannot be true to one another, since they have been false to the Government.  C. 
But when his Majesty declared for an Indulgence, did they acquiesce in that?  D. B. 
No! but they immediately petition for more, viz. that the tender consciences of young men in the University should be free,— which was as much as to say that we might have a young Sett of Presbyterians & Elders, against the old one decayeth; and over and above all this they sent to the foreign Churches to keep correspondence with them.  C. 
Now I hope they have done.  D. B. 
Not so neither, but they are up with their old trade of Prophesying of Wonders, Prodigies, Stargazing, Conjunctions, and the judgements of God which they would say were the same now as in Queen Mary's days, and in times of great alterations and changes.  C. 
But were they true?  J. B. 
No, but upon the examination of particulars those were alive and well whom they writ dead, and they dead of a natural death whom they printed Thunderstruck,— etc. after all this stir they joined issue with the Papists, even when they were most fiercely declaiming against them; and by that combination the excellent Act of Uniformity was once thrown out of the Lords House, and likely to have stuck there for ever: But when all these shifts fail, they prepared themselves for persecution as they called it; and preached that the lights were extinguished, the dear Pastors torn from their beloved flocks; then they say, they preach their last, and that they are dying men, and that this may be the last opportunity; Now they give their rules, one 17. another 25. another 36. all may be reduced to these six, 1. That they should not forget their faithful pastors: 2. That when they cannot hear their Words, they may read their Works: 3. That they should take heed whom they hear: 4. That they have nothing to do with Idols: 5. That they persevere: 6. That they hold Communion one with another.  C. 
Had they any more hope?  B. D. 
None at all, but that they thought the disbanded Soldiers would be troublesome; an expectation the prudence and wariness of our Superiors defeated in that most eminent Act of his Majesty's Government, the disbanding of the Army.  C. 
What then?  D. B. 
No more, but that they encouraged their party to go on, and stand out against the Act, that they might appear so considerable as to prevail either with his Majesty for an indulgence against, or with the Parliament for a repeal of the said Act; to which end they sent their Letters all over the Kingdom to advise every man to stand to his principles, not doubting of a Toleration upon his Majesty's promise at Breda, with other arguments they could make use of; And in order hereunto they oppose not the Act in Parliament, lest they should exasperate the noble Patriots to severer courses, but they stand it out, that they might know their strength and power, not doubting but their considerable number and interest, which will appear by the public and general dissent to the Uniformity enjoined, might gain them an indulgence, that will vacate and make void all former Laws; and accordingly we find them with their beadroll of those that were to be ejected, rather threatening then petitioning his Majesty, (after some tumults raised in Dr. seaman's and other Churches, through which they would have his Majesty see the inclination of the people) as if they had said, May it please your most excellent Majesty, Whereas we are many, and our party very considerable for their interest with God and men, as you would enjoy peace and tranquillity in your Kingdoms, or any quiet in your Throne, we must entreat you to let us do what we please, and set no law or government over us, for we cannot in conscience endure any; and upon condition we have what we desire, your Petitioners shall pray for you.  C. 
Well, but his Majesty is resolved, and the Law indispensible.  D. P. 
When they saw that, 1. They take an account of the ejected Ministers through every County; 2. They take the subscriptions of several well affected persons towards the maintenance of those persons, especially the elect Ladies; 3. They have Country and City Committees for that purpose, together with their Treasurers in both places, by whose order the money is delivered to the respective ejected men according to their conditions, provided that they have good Certificates of their sufferings and faithfulness.  
And then to keep the cause in heart and life, the Farewell Sermous are Printed, first singly, and then in Volumes, as the dying words of the faithful Pastors, whose heads are set before their Sermons just as they looked from the Pulpit, wrapped in their reverend white and black Caps like the twelve Apostles before the Bible; For though we worship not Images, we adore imaginations.  
After this a seed plot of honest young men were to conform as their fathers had done formerly, and so undermine the Hierarchy once more as they did— who who were to be chosen Lecturers; (for the Lectures are their only hope) for the faction would be quite over if the Ministry depended for its maintenance only upon the Church.  C. 
How may these conforming Nonconformists be discerned?  D. B. 
1. By their Habit; for they wear neither girdle or Cassock, but are A-la-mode and querpo Divines.  
2. By their double Ordination.  
3. By their setting poor Readers to make the Common Prayer contemptible, and then praying an hour themselves, as if that Prayer were inconsiderable.  
4. By their preaching over the old ones notes, Ah, precious are those Elishaes' that have the spirit of the Eliahs upon them!  
5. By their canting notions of indwelling, enlightening, Soulsaving, heart-supporting, and I know not what deluding notions that deceive the simple.  
6. By their affectedly mortified countenances, or furious zeal, their bauble jingles, their long prayers, their indirect and wary mention of King and Bishops, by ah Lords and hughs; by his bewailing the sins of the times, while he flattereth those of the faction; by his hints of what is done abroad, but he is sorry for it; by his Sermons of inward sincerity against outward conformity, the Sabbath against Holidays, and a pure heart instead of the Surplice.  
7. By their attendance on the old Patriarches of the province, their correspondence with, and their Certificates from them.  
8. By their refreshing Solifidian Doctrines, their flow of milk and honey, when others preach moral honesty, universal obedience, and good works.  
9 By the great name of moderation.  C. 
What do these men do to distinguish themselves from their brethren?  B. D. 
Besides what I declared, 1. They groan under the burden of Ceremonies; 2. They shake their heads at the times; 3. They Bury, Marry and christian by the Directory; 4. They visit and give the Communion the same way, dispensing with kneeling even in public.  C. 
Why are they suffered to do these things in other men's Parishes?  B. D. 
Why a piece of money is sent the poor parish Priest to stop his mouth, as his fee for registering, yea so impudent are they that there are several men maintained about town to get into careless men's pulpits, who no sooner give them leave but the whole Town knoweth it, and then what running! what thronging! what crowding! But St. Anthony's Lecture the old seminary is the surest cord they have; only now they have weaker preachers than they had formerly in that place, and indeed the sisters had need have Candles next their hearts when they come to those raw morning discourses.  C. 
They hear Common Prayer there?  B. D. 
They do hear Common Prayer indeed, but they think according to the Directory till the poor Reader hath done, and the formal Bauble, the Preacher forsooth comes up with his tedious gatherings out of Wilkins his gift of prayer of an hour long, as if the Church prayer had been nothing without his.  C. 
But have they that have disserted their Ministry, nothing to support them but voluntary contributions?  B. D. 
Yes; 1. The young sisters and widows are bound to marry them, and so they as well as the Apostles in time of persecution lead about their sisters their wives; 2. They keep Boarders, and under the pretence of a poor scholar, teach them to debauch all the youths of the Kingdom, whereby the Schism is propagated and made perpetual; 3. They print their own Books and dedicate them to all the faithful; 4. They turn solicitors and Tradesmen; 5. They visit from house to house; 6. They have their Churches as entire now as ever they had,— having the conveniency of moorfield's, Islington, and Hickney to entertain them; 7. They have concealed the table of Tithes and duties from the Orthodox Ministers, and look what the people can cheat the one of, they bestow it on the other.  C. 
Is not the Law open for the honest men to come by their deuce?  B. D. 
It is, but the brethren will tyre out an honest man with a common stock, or put him out of countenance with a common clamour.  C. 
But how can they meet now the Law is so severe?  D. B. 
Why? 1. They have private houses whereinto the Entries are dark, and from which there are several passages into other houses; 2. They meet at unusual hours, as at twelve at noon and about five at night; 3. They are but few at a time; 4. Those that meet are invited to a Feast, and if you surprise them, the table is laid and they go to dinner, only a Chapter is read, and O what times do we live in, that a man cannot read a Chapter without the danger of a Praemunire! 5. The Servants are all of the Church.  C. 
What do they do at their meetings?  D. B. 
They that have been there say (how truly I know not) that first they bewail their apostasy from the old cause; 2. They pray that the King's heart may be turned, and the Council of the wicked may be overthrown; 3. They bewail their neglect of the many opportunities put into their hands; 4. They wish an union between all parties; 5. They take in all intelligence, and likewise communicate all those scandals that lie upon the Government; 6. They teach perseverance; 7. They take order about any new occurrences that happen; As first if there be a new Law, how to evade it; 2. If any brother is taken in a snare, how to get him out by purse, interest, or importunity.  C. 
How do the Presbyterians keep the people in these courses from running into Independency?  B. D. 
Mr. Crofton hath taken care of that by teaching that the people ought not to separate from the Church as hearers, though the Ministers do as Preachers; the Presbyterian Rabbis (saith my Author) must leave the Church, lest Presbytery be swallowed up of Episcopacy; the people must not leave the Church, lest Presbytery should be brought to nothing by Independency.  C. 
Really that was warily done; but what hope have they to bear up in this way?  B. D. 
Why first they watch the vacancies in this Parliament; and tug hard in the new elections; 2. They clap their hands at the little plots and the great quarrels, and are observed to ride up and down incessantly at that time; 3. They engross the stock, and stop the trade of the Nation; 4. They have active Agents in Ireland, where they are very troublesome— and unpeaceable; 5. There is (as it appears from the late Plotters examination here at York) a constant Committee to manage all affairs yonder at London; 6. Foreign Wars; 7. Yea they promise themselves (good Christians the whilst) great matters from the Turk, and bless themselves when they consider what liberty they shall enjoy under that good man, Calvino Turcismus; Right! 8. Besides that many Patrons reserve their Livings for them.  C. 
Where can so many lurk as have forsaken their callings, rather than their Rebellion?  D. B. 
They have a combination that every well affected noble or rich Family shall no sooner want either a Chaplain or a Tutor, than a hopeful or an honest man, for so they talk, is recommended thither; or if an honest man offer himself, the first question is, Did you know Mr. Bowls? etc.  C. 
It is well they are not suffered to print and preach however.  D. B. 
They Print as much as ever! There is their Bishops no Preachers; their Vindiciae Pietatis, as if none took any care of godliness but they, or as if there were no godliness in the world but their snivelling hypocrisy: Dr. Owen of Liturgies, and his Book against Popery: I'll warrant you if it had not been for these men, the silly people must think Popery had been here before this time; the Latin Apology for the Nonconformists to their brethren abroad; as if they would persuade us (notwithstanding what Mr. durel a foreigner hath written of the Conformity of foreign reformed Churches to our Church) that they agree with all Protestants but we; yea, they have engaged with some poor foreign Divines to meddle with what concerns them not, yea with what they understand not; not to mention that dreadful Libel called Meve Tekel, and dispersed the very day of the King's death, and infinite more fanatic Rhapsodies printed every day.  C. 
How do these men escape the Bishop's Courts?  D. B. 
1. They keep in fee so many confiding Lawyers, who are to find out all the ways to escape and elude the Laws; 2. They keep the Officers in fee; 3. They care not for an Excommunication; for a Nonconformist in our parts durst come to Church even before the Judges, though he was excommunicated; 4. They make the Church Wardens their own, therefore it is they bustle so much at the election of them; As at Newbury where the faction was so unruly in Easter week, that nothing but the Train-bands could keep them in order; they shift their dwellings and live in a corner that may be in two Counties or Dioceses, or at the worst they hide themselves in London where they are most secure, and most serviceable.  C. 
It is a very strange thing that men should continue in a state of disobedience and uncharitable, considering how short their life is, and how sad their fame after death!  B. D. 
Alas! they are as famous as any men after their death; for Mr. Clark he writes their lives, and the brethren erect their Monuments, as any man, I am told, may see in the new Churchyard, where Mr. Biddle hath a large square stone over his grave, and this Inscription over it, Hic jacet Johannes Bedellus artium Magister Oxoniensis, qui maxima dedit tam pictatis, quam eruditionis specimina. And another this, Here lieth one that feared God and honoured the Truth: Not one that feared God and honoured the King.  C. 
An obstinate people!  D. B. 
If you knew all! I have been told that either in London or Westminster upon the 30 of Janu. last a silly fellow that could not speak sense, must needs bestow a Sermon upon a Congregation, and for the more solemnity give warning of it a week before hand; but when he came, what did he pray, and prate against? even three or four abominations, whereof one was the turning out of the ejected Clegy; another the corruption of God's worship; and a third the patience and stupidness of the people under these abominations; and not a word all this while of the King's death.  C. 
Was this man a Conformist?  B. D. 
A very early one, they say.  C. 
Lord who encourage such men!  D. B. 
It was observed as I am informed, that one whose Cousin was hanged here with us at York, was a main stickler for this fellow.  C. 
They are the most dangerous people that declare before God and men their acquiescence in the Government, and yet thus act against it.  D. B. 
I; O if you did but hear how solemnly the graver sort of our Bopeepes out of Grotius, Du Plessis, Amyrald, Vives, etc. prove the truth of Christianity, as if we were all heathens again since his Majesty's return, though just before it was the most glorious time for the light of the Gospel that ever was in the World; though I must needs say that their hypocrisy would make any man an Atheist; and that by their many religions we were in danger of enjoying none.  C. 
But the Ministers that fell off have been silent of late.  B. D. 
So they may as long as there are so many that speak for them; yet they are not so silent; did you not hear their charge to Archippus? I mean did you not see a Book called so, wherein they were stirred up by all the arguments in the world to invade their Pulpits; and the News yonder, yonder at London was so strong, that some of their Reverences they say took Coach very demurely to Whiteball to wipe off forsooth that aspersion, although many of them creep up into some careless men's Pulpits; and you know how Mr. Calamy Preached boldly at his own Church, and how he made it a Moot-point whether he had offended or no.  C. 
Was the late plot in the North a general one?  B. D. 
They would not a great while believe it was any; yea, and that was the main plot to persuade others that it was none; yet in the mean time how insolent! how busy are they! what riding! what posting! what writing! We will be in Chester the 24. of the sixth Month, saith one; Tell brother Owen we are 6000. strong of our own friends, etc. How sullen! how dogged are they here, as well as some of our wellwishers abroad, until the design was broken, which in the breaking discovered a Committee here in London that united all interests, and managed all affairs!  
Now the question will be whether the dissenting brethren (considering their carriage and behaviour since the fancy began in King Henry the Eighths' time, of which we have given an exact account to this hour) are to complain if they are restrained by laws, and kept from meeting or acting by public constitutions?  
For answer to this, it is the observation of all men; 

1. That private men must be checked rather than the public Government violated.  
2. That it is not safe or reasonable for any private opinion or fancy to control or guide a public authority.  
3. That the King must either violate his own Conscience, and so not have the liberty of it, which they insist on for themselves, or else check their pretences of theirs.  
4. That they were never satisfied with any thing that was granted them; he that allowed them a little, doth but give them a power to take more; Could all the late King's concessions keep them from his blood? first its Liberty, but at last it is a War: they are a party not to be gained by Obligations.  
5. That neither Scotland nor England had an hour's peace or quiet since Knox set footing in the one, or they who had conferred notes with him in the other; but that blood, rapine, violence, malice, animosities, and plots have been the attendants of the good old cause since it was in the cradle.  
6. That the Law must not be ruled by a faction, and yet that the question is now whether they who overthrowed the Law formerly may now control, and they who raised a War against it may be free from it in peace.  
7. That the indulging of men because they are many, is rather an encouragement to Villainy, than a provision for tenderness.  
8. That to ask liberty of Conscience is to ask liberty to what they please, which they may call conscience; for who shall judge what is really Conscience, and what is really malice?  
9 That to grant these people what they desire, is to allow the reason of the reason of their requests, and so at once to reward one injury, and justify another.  
10. That the late War begun with calling that Christian liberty which the Law calleth treason, that Religion which the Church calleth Schism.  
11. That no Oaths or Vows but one to rebel can tie these people.  
12. That they would never trust others with the least indulgence.  
13. That they are a people that rather than submit, expostolate; whose Addresses look like mutinies, and their Petitions like threats.  
14. That the whole business and bustle is but a contest between a Law and a Faction.    
And now considering these things, we must conclude that either the Government must be again banished, or the Faction; that either the King for upholding the Church according to Law must be an exile, or they for supporting Conventicles against the Law must be proscribed; and which is fittest, let the World judge.—    

THE History of Plots: OR, ALL The Plots against the Government of England since the Conquest, to this day, which are 247. in Number unsuccessful:— In a continued Series of them, from year to year, to this present of February, 1663. Concluding with an Exact Narrative of the Plot in Yorkshire. History is the knowledge of things past, whereby we may judge of things present, and guests at things to come. Dionys. Pet. Pref.  
WHen I had taken up persuasions that Interfered with the established Religion of this Nation; & the public Laws laid hold upon me as well for my former engagements under the late Revolutions, as for my present sentiments of the state of things that now prevails; those unruly lusts of pride, ambition, envy, covetousness and looseness that remain in the best, assisted with prejudice, discontent and sufferings (and all improved by those vehement impulses of conscience, and a desire of liberty, 
A man deter red from any attempts against the government by this one consideration, that 247. Plots, viz. all the Plots from W. the Conque to this day were unsuccessful.  that all men are sensible of) transported my impatience, not only to murmuring, to speak evil of Dignities, to despise Dominions, to entertain evil thoughts of the Rulers of my people, but (so endless and boundless are the workings of a foul heart under fouler temptations) to some dangerous Considerations, how necessary, how lawful, how easy, and how successful an attempt more upon this Government might be; all the Principles and Grounds of our late Engagements that are scattered in our Remonstrances, Apologies; Declarations, Propositions, and States of the Case, immediately offering themselves unto me, then prepared for such Impressions; yea the Scripture itself, (wherein I was much conversant in my solitudes, to my apprehension) exactly answering my thoughts and inclinations, and with those glosses upon it thee lay before me there twenty years, looking like one great remonstrance for the good old Cause; so that my exceptions of things being before hand wrapped in Scripture notions, I saw my own mind there so clearly, that I was resolved that an undertaking for the alteration of the present frame of things was not only my interest, but also my duty; not only a kindness to myself and our common cause, but some service to my God: under these temptations a reverend and a most excellent person endeavoured to relieve me with three sorts of arguments.  
1. The first whereof was from the concernment of private persons in the public peace and welfare, and the great advantages men had from all Governments in general, and every English man's Interest under this Government in particular; which I easily evaded with the maxims of a Commonwealth which possess more men than are publicly observed, and carry them to the affront, and weakening of all the rules, laws and principles of Monarchy that are now extant in the world.  
2. The second was from the great Obligations laid upon men to peace and obedience in great rules and examples, by Christianity above all the Religions in the World, it being not the least part of its glory & renown that it provides best for Government and obedience, for the security of Princes, and the peace of the people, of any persuasion under Heaven, is the Reverend person instanced in many of its Theorems and principles, especially Rom. 13. a Pet. 2. to which I had my replies ready from the several discourses in justification of the late War, and the King's death, still extant, and still something men's dangerous and discontented thoughts: especially the sermons before the Parliament from 1641. to 1649.  
3. The third, and so much the more cogent argument (as Fear is more prevailing than Conscience) and a care of ourselves, of more force with us then a sense of our duty, was the dreadful event of all attempts against Government, mentioned in Holy Scripture: which the good man urged with much earnestness and power. As, Had Zimri peace that flew his Master? Can a man touch the Lords Anointed, and be guiltless? My Son fear thou the Lord and the King, and meddle not with them who are given to change: for their calamity shall arise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both? Whosoever loveth Rebellion, a cruel Messenger shall be sent unto him. Curse not the King, no not in thy thought; for a Bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter. The terror of which words was yet much allayed by the immunity and indulgence we already had, and might always expect; only one day considering with myself that the events and issues of things in the World were exactly correspondent with the Prophecies and predictions in the Scripture; that Heaven and Earth might pass away, and the Government of the Creation be altered, and not one jot or title of the Word of God should fall to the ground: I resumed the last argument, examined those sayings of Scriptures aforementioned, comparing them with what happened upon that occasion in the World, and particularly recollected such Memoires and observations of that nature as occurred in the English Nation from the time of William the Conqueror to our Age; out of which to my great astonishment I gathered this great Conclusion; (which I think it the interest of this present age and posterity to take notice of,) that as the Scriptures have foretold some 3000. years Since, so we find it true in every age that Government is so secured by the ordinance and providence of God, that all attempts against it have come to nought, and all open and secret conspiraties and plots have had only this remarkable issue, That they ended in the ●● in of those that were engaged in them.  
§. 1. It is now near 600. since the Government and Monarchy 
Plots against William the Conqueror.  of this Kingdom was after the barbarousness of the Britain's and Romans, the confusion and unsettledness of the Saxons, the Incursions and intervals of the Danes, settled upon the Foundation it now stands upon by William Duke of Normandy. In the 
W. Malmsbury.  year 1074. Edgar Æthelin King Harold's Son with his Mother Agatha and his two Sisters Margaret and Christine, all of the Blood 
Florentin Bravon.  Royal retired in discontent to Scotland: Our ancient and most desperate enemy followed by the great Earls Edwin and Morchor 
Turgol.  his Uncles, the two Arch-Bishops Stigand and Aldred, and many other Lords; where first by alliance with the King of Scots, who 
Raradocus in Gul. 1.  married Margaret; 2. By a correspondence with the Danes they 
Hen. Hunt.  procured an invasion that made the North for 60. miles desolate; 
Will. 1.  3. And by their Agents in England raised Insurrections in Exeter, 
R Hoved. in Will. 1.  Oxford, the Isle of Ely: the issue of which notwithstanding the dangerous combination, was first the ruin of the King of Scots, who submitted to King William's mercy; 2. The Imprisoument of Edgar and his Lords during the King's pleasure; and the settlement of the Government by the Curfeau bell, the Law against the people's Arms, and the provision against the Clergies temporal Jurisdiction.  
§. 2. But restless discontent notwithstanding those dreadful examples foregoing of the ill success of Rebellion, goeth ou; for the year 1079. Waltheoff Earl of Northumberland with the Earls of Bologn, Norfolk, and Hereford, with the King of Scotland, and 
Eadmer. in Gul. 1.  the Princes of Wales, whom the Kings of Denmark and Ireland assisted with 265. sail of Ships, contrived a most dangerous plot to seize the King's Castles and Sea-Towns, while the King was 
Guliel Pictav.  engaged in the Siege of Dole in France; a conspiracy that threatened 
Raradocus. in Gul. 1.  another change, when behold Lanfrank to whom Waltheoff had communicated the design, discovereth the whole to the 
Holinshed in Gul. 1.  King, who prevented their uniting, and engaging them one by one overcame them all, putting Waltheoff to death, sequestering, imprisoning, banishing all the rest; Who are observed never after to prosper in any thing they undertook.  
§. 3. In the year 1087. King William leaving his Dukedom to his eldest Son Robert, and his Kingdom to his youngest Son William, Robert making use of the Bishop of Bayeux, and many other Lords grudges against his Brother's Government, especially 
Against Will Rufus.  his Archbishop of Canterbury, Lanfranke, with their assistance surpriseth the North as furthest from Loudon; divides the King's Council, raiseth some disturbances in the South and West, thereby 
Gul. Parvus in No. m. R. g.  didst acting the King, so that he knew not where to begin, nor where to turn himself; the King having the Archbishop and the 
Wike in Gul. 2.  Bishop of Winchester of his side, and obliging his people by some Acts of grace, defeated all the Rebels, made his Brother abjure 
Math. Westm ibid.  the Realm, and be contented with a Pension, and ruined 700. Families that were concerned in that Conspiracy: And a while 
Holinshed Gul 2.  after hearing that Man's in Normandy was besieged, as he was at Supper, the King asked which way it lay, and immediately commanded 
Speed.  Masons to make way for him thither through the Wall; 
Daniel.  and when his Lords entreated him to stay until his people were 
Math. Paris  
Guliel. 2.  ready, he replied, That they who loved him would immediately 
Stow ibid.  follow him; and a Tempest arising when he was at Sea, he commanded the Master of the Ship to go on notwithstanding; For 
Dr. Heywood  (said nt) never was King drowned: Thus he came suddenly to Man's, raised the siege, dispersed the Rebels, undid 652. Families 
Will. Martin ibid.  that were of the Confederacy, and left a fatal Monument of conspirators success behind to late Posterity.  
§. 4. Anno 1100. no sooner had Henry the first succeeded his 
Against King Henry the first  brother William, who died Childless, and compounded with his brother Robert of Normandy, but Robert de Belesm Earl of Shrewrbery, and the Earl of Cornwall in discontent made a general Insurrection about Wales and the borders, surprise the Castle of Bridgenorth, stop Trade gathered the people together, who no sooner heard that the King was drawing towards them, but they fled and left their traitorous. Leaders at the mercy of an incensed Sovereign, who seized their Estates, banished their Persons, and put a period to their Names, Honours and Families in England.  
§. 5. Although Steven invaded the Kingdom against the right 
Against Step.  of Maud the Empress, & the Oath of Allegiance which the people had taken to her, & was countenanced by very few at his Coronation; 
Will. Newburgh in Step.  yet such is the futality of conspiring against a settled Government, that divers Lords having the Empress of their side to justify, and Scotland (without which no Rebellion can prosper in England) to assist them, several Castles to secure them, a general discontent to second them; all England in a combustion to advantage them, were yet strangely suppressed by the Usurper, their Castles dismantled, their Children disinherited, their heads taken off, no less than 3000. Families undone in their cause, the Empress Maud is straightened at Oxford, and the whole combination dispersed, King Steven dying quietly in his Bed.  
§. 6. Upon Stevens death King Henry the Second, the right Heir, is established upon the Throne, but troubled first with the Welsh, 
against K. H. 2. vid. Gyrald Cambren. in H. 2. et 10. Hagulstad.  who cunningly invited all the Malcontents of England to their inaccessible Mountains, where his Majesty no sooner showeth his Sword, but they desert their Leaders, who are utterly ruined, and their Country made Tributary to England: And then by Robert Earl of Leicester, who thought to have surprised the Generals at their own houses, and his Majesty at Court, when poor man he was overthrown himself, and though afterward he was furnished by the French King (who wai●ed all opportunities to invade England) with an Army, yet he perished and 12000. men with him, as did Biggot and Ferris (who tried the old way of Scotland) in the head of 16000 Scots, who with all their Confederates threw themselves upon the King's mercy.  
§. 7. In the year 1189. Richard the First succeeding his Father 
against Rich. 1. vid. Telveriensem in R. 1.  with the consent and applanse of all his people, had you some desperadoes who would teach the World what providence always secures Government, and what disasters and mischiefs attend Rebellion; for proud Long shorope Bishop of Ely (in the King's absence, who was now deep in the Holy War,) made a faction in the Kingdom, entertained all the discontented complaints of ill Councillors; promiseth liberty and 〈…〉 to the people, sets up for the Pope and Religion; is opposed by the Lord St. John, trepanned by two Women, banished his native Country, derided by the French, and comes to a miserable end.  
§. 8. Anno 1199. King John upon Richard's death usurped the Crown, yet none durst contradict him; dispossessed Arthur, yet 
against King John, vid. ● ycronicon M. Paris in 10. M. Paris in ibid. Trivet ibid.  none durst say to him What dost thou? people's business being the performance of their own duties, rather than discourses of other men's Titles: The English more troubled with his Tyranny 〈…〉 his Usurpation, suborn the Welsh and Irish to perplex him; (as the embroiling of Ireland or Scotland is the surest way to gain England) the plot is discovered to him, he sends his own Courtiers to ripen it, they discover to him all the methods, steps and proceedings of it, so that he surprised the Welsh, putteth 3000. of them to the Sword, taketh 28. Pledges of the best Families among them for their good behaviour for the future; with whom upon their second Revolt he was so angry that the day he heard of it, he would not dine until the 28. pledges were hanged before his face: But the Barons forsooth stand for the Liberty of the Subjects, assert the ancient Franchises of England, make a general party, debauch the whole Nation, secure all the strong Holds, engross all the Treasure, draw over the French King to their party; yet the odious weak King John (so sacred a thing is Sovereignty in the meanest person) recovereth their Castles, excommunicates their persons, layeth waste their Estates, undoeth their adherents, cutteth off their posterity, and makes them wander up and down poor and destitute exiles in the Earth.  
§. 9 Anno 1216. King Henry the third, though a Child, had 
against H 3. Andrew du chesu Hist. Angl. Scot Hib.  that success against Rebels, that were not that sin a sin of Witchcraft, no such thing as treason would ever show its self in the world; for although the Child could not secure the government, to weak he was, yet the Government protected the Child; so sacred that is. Lewis the Fair King of France indeed (as it was his interest) set up some Lords against this Child, viz. the Bishops of Winchester, Salisbury, and Chester; the Earls of Salisbury, Ferrer, and Albemarle, who bore great sway in the Kingdom, stopped Trading, were favoured by the Pope; yet they and their French Auxiliaries were cooped up in Lincoln, before which City the King's Forces doubling their Ensigns appeared twice more than they were, awed the besieged, brought to an humble submission to the King's mercy, who at that time degraded 18. Barons, 300. Knights, ruined 6000. Families, who were sad instances of the miserable event and issue of Rebelsion and treason.  
King Henry disposeth of Barhainstead Castle which belonged to the Duke of Cornwall to a Dutchman, whereupon the Duke in revenge consults with the Earl Martial, the Earls of Chester, Glou ester, Hereford, and Warwick, who declare for their Liberties, the great Charter, and the Charter of the Forest with whom some great Officers lately displaced, join themselves, they gain the whole Kingdom, win over all the people, declare against evil Counsellors; yet the King (providence still appearing in the behalf of that great Ordinance of God) sends for a few Poutovins, Summons a Parliament at Oxford, to which the Lords refuse to come, and another at Winchester, whither they will not come neither; they are proclaimed Outlaws, their Estates are seized; the Earl Martial is trepanned into Ireland to save his own stake, and there circumvented and slain; the other Lords are won over by the Bishops with money; the Earl of Pembroke is dispossessed of his Estate; money is raised by force, the King put by the peevishness of his Subjects upon rigour, tyranny, and strange Levies, so that 4000 Families are undone.  
The great Earl of Leicester with other Lords declare for the Liberty of the Subject; indeed they prevail a little against the King; but at last the Earls of Gloucester and Leicester fall out, the Rebels are divided, the Earl of Leicester and 7000. of his Followers fall at a pitch battle near Evesham; his Sons flee the Kingdom, his Estate is confiscated, all his complices undone, and most of the Rebellious Barons disinherited, and the whole Kingdom desolate.  
§. 10. King Henry is dead, his Son Edward is absent in the Holy Land; Leolin Prince of Wales disputes his Homage; but see 
Against Edw. 1.  how his dear Lady is taken by the English, and he glad to submit for her sake upon any terms; after her death he revolteth again, 
Orafton in Ed. 1.  goeth on and prospereth until the Earl of Pembroke slew him 
Polid. Virg. ibid.  before his own House at Bear Castle, and a Common Soldier brought his Head to the King, who Crowned it with Ivy and set 
vid. stat. Ed. 1. 12.  it upon the Tower of London: And not long after his brother David is taken in Wales, and judged in England to that ignominious death that Traitors usually come to; And (as always Subjects lose, and Princes gain by Rebellion) all Wales was brought upon that occasion under an English Prince, who established the Government thereof according to the Laws of England. 
Against Ed 2. Dr. Heyward, ibid.   
§. 11. Edward the Second goeth on in his Father's exorbitant ways, entertaineth evil Councillors, viz. Gaveston and Spencer, to the great grievance of the Lords and Kingdom; Upon this 
Stow.  the Lords arm and rebel; the Pope writes to them; they would 
jangford in Edw. 2: et 10 Erugens  not read his Letters, saying, That they were men of the Sword; the Bishops treat with them, but they would not hear: affronts are put upon the King by the Lords, as that of the mad woman who brought him all his faults in Writing; and upon the Lords by the King, as that of the Duke of Lancaster's Wife, being challenged from him by an ugly fellow, who made it good he was Married to her; the Lord Baldesmers' Keeper is hanged, and his Wife and Children in prison for holding the Castle of Leedes against the King; many of the Barons fall off, and submit to his Majesty, the whole Kingdom is dissatisfied; yet the King defeats Lancaster, taketh him and many of his Followers prisoners, condemns and beheads him, as he doth the Lord Clifford, the Lord Lisle, the Lords Tuchet, Cheyney, Mowbray, Danell, Teyes, Aldenham, Baddlesmore, the last of whom with many noble Knights are hanged, drawn, and quartered, as thousands more upon that occasion came to a miserable end. And afterwards when the Queen and the Barones by a joint interest prevailed so far as to depose the King, yet first, within three years after was she in Parliament voted uncapable of her Jointure, put to a Pension of a 1000 l. a year, and kept a Prisoner 30. years to her dying day; 2. And her Minion Mortimer seized after this manner; the King her Son takes a Torch light, and two or three to attend him, and steals privately under ground into the Queen's Chamber about Bed time, where the Wanton undressing himself for her Bed, they immediately carry him away, (notwithstanding the Queen shrieks, Bel fills, bell fills, ayes pity du Gentile Mortimer, good Son, good Son, pity Gentle Mortimer;) he is committed to the Tower, and hanged, drawn, 
Tho. Delamoer in Life of Ed. 2.  and Quartered by Tyburn, where his body remained two days, an opprobrious espectacle to all Beholders: And in a word so remarkable were the disasters that befell those that contrived any thing against the Government in this King's Reign that we hear of no more treasons in the others, who lived fifty years in perfect peace, all men looking upon the former examples, Seeing and fearing, and not daring to do any more presumptuously.  
§. 12. Until the beginning of Richard the Seconds Reign, when by reason of some extravagances by the exactors of Poll-money 
Against Richard the 2d.  the common people at Deptford, and indeed all over the Kingdom rising as one man, Upon this occasion a Collector of Pollmoney comes to one John Tilers house, demands Pollmoney 
Fabian concordance of Histories ibid.  of his Wife for her Daughter, and she saying that her Daughter was not of age to pay, the rude fellow said he would see whether that were so or not, and thereupon forcibly turned up her 
vid. Alex. Estebiensens in Edw. 2.  clothes, whereat the Mother cried out; the Father being at Work hard by, upon that comes in, and with a Lathingstaffe which he had in his hand knocked the fellow on the head; upon Tilers complaint among his Neighbours, and one Ball a Priests seditious discourses of Liberty, levelling, etc. whose saying was, When Adam dug, and Eve span, where was then the Gentleman? the Commons of Kent, Essex, Hertfordshire, Sussex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, are up 100000. declaring for the King and the Commons, and resolving to have no King John; entered the City, besiege the Duke of Lancaster's house at the Savoy, abuse the King's Mother in the Tower, behead the Lord Chancellor and the Lord Treasurer, the Lord Chief Justice; they pull down Lawyer's houses, they compel many Noblemen and Gentlemen to ride with them; their Leaders keep the state of Kings; they resolve to destroy all Knights and Gentlemen; But what was the issue? 1. Two and thirty of them are burnt in the Duke of Lancaster's Cellar; 2. Fear and trembling siezed on several of them, who deserted their brethren; 3. Their Leader is stabbed to death by the Lord Mayor, Sir W. Walworth; (for whose sake the Dagger is in the City Arms to this day,) 4. The rest of them laying down their Arms upon Sir Rob. Kuolles his approach to them, submitted to the King's mercy, who executed 1500. of them in divers places; in which exploit 25000. Families perished.  
Not long after, the City of London that dares do any thing, for a Riot against the Lord Treasurer's servants in pretence, but indeed a plot against the King's Government, had their Liberties seized on, their Charter taken from them, their Lord May or removed, and a Warden set over them, and a fine of 15000/. set upon them.  
All this would not allay the discontents, and ambitions of men, for the Duke of Gloucester, and other Lords upon an Abbot's Vision of the Destruction of the Kingdom by the misgovernment of King Richard, (and was there ever Treason without a Clergy man?) consult about seizing and deposing K. R. and executing 
john Froistard Chron. Gall. rerum Anglican.  the Lords of the Council at Arundel Castle, where they received the Sacrament, and took upon it an Oath of Secrecy by the hands of the A. B. Canterbury; now the Earl Martial, Deputy of Calais discovered all the Plot to the King, who thereupon by a stratagem 
Dionys Preav.  
Anno 1386.  devised by his Counsel, took the Duke of Gloucester a Bed, who hearing of his coming, cast his Cloak about his shoulders, and with all reverence bid him welcome; the King courteously requesting him to make himself ready to ride with him a little way, within a mile of his House he was arrested by the hands of the Earl Martial, and sent to Calais, where he died a miserable death: the Archbishop of Canterbury is banished: the Earl of Arundel and the Lord Treasurer are beheaded, and 1500. Families of their brethren and adherents perished.  
§. 13. Anno 1399. Henry the 4th. was in full Parliament declared King of England, but having let fall an expression to this 
Against Henry 4th.  purpose, when he was Earl of Derby, viz. That Princes had too little, and religious men too much; the politic Abbot of Westminster 
Sir Robert cotton in his Notes on his Government, M. S.  laid hold of the words, and inviting to his House the discontented Dukes of Surrey, Exeter, Albemarle,— the Earls of Salisbury and Gloucester, with many more communicated their grievances to each other, and lay a Plot to invite his Majesty to asolemn Just, at Oxford, where he was to be murdered by an 
Tho. Rodbourn in Hen. 4th.  unknown hand in the heat of the pleasure and action, taking oaths of secrecy, and sealing Indentures Sextipartite for the performance of Conditions on all sides; the Justs are proclaimed, the 
10. Trevis Supplem.  King is invited, and promiseth to come: secrecy on all hands kept most firmly to that very day; but there is a God in Heaven 
polichrom in Hen. 4th.  that revealeth secrets unto Kings; for it happened that as the Duke of Albemarle rid to Oxford, he called upon his Father the Duke of York, and having in his bosom the Indenture of Confederacy, 
Hall union 2. roses in Henry 4th.  his Father as they sat at Dinner espied it, and asked what it was, to whom his Son answering, that it was nothing that concerned him; by S. George (saith his Father) but I will see it;— and so snatched it from him, and reading the Contents, called for his Horse to ride to his Majesty now at Windsor, whether his Son was before him ask pardon, when the old Man knocked at Door. The King not coming, the Lords at Oxford suspected themselves discovered, and so they stand upon their guards, set up a mock King Richard (one Magdalen very like him) who they pretended so escaped out of Prison; send to the King of France (always ready to assist the Rebels of the King of England) they raise an Army, pursue King Henry now unprovided to London: what became of them think ye? why, they are amazed and sometimes would do one thing, sometimes another, and at last nothing; they march up and down they knew not whether, until at Cirencester the very Townsmen were able to overthrow them, so weak is guile and fear; their counterfeit King is hanged; the Lords are beheaded, the whole Army by a rumour is dispersed; in which Rebellion 916. Lords and Gentlemen perished, and 16000 Families brought to a morsel of Bread; the Abbot of Westminster upon the News fell suddenly between his Monastery and his House into a dead Palsy, and shortly after miserably ended his life; And another who had contrived to lay an Iron with three sharp pikes standing upright in the King's Bed, that when he laid Himself down, he might thrust himself through with them, came to this sad end; a String was tied about his neck and privy Members, and so he was hanged up with a great Stone upon his Belly, that broke his back bone.  
Yet men cannot be quiet; for Owen Glendover upon a private grudge between himself and the Lord Grey of Ruthen, and a public ambition to be Prince of Wales, in the divided times of England, raised all Wales, and the borders of England, and with the advantage of a Scots Invasion at the same time, and the French Auxiliaries, prospered a while; but that's well, that ends well: Owen is at last (as all Traitors) abandoned by his Followers, the people are altered in their Resolutions; Owen himself was famished in the Woods, and Wales made desolate.—  
But at the same time Treason had all the fair and promising circumstances imaginable; for the unhappy King had not only France and Scotland our old friends, and Wales to deal with, but the Percies of Northumberland and Worcester, and Henry Hotspur who upon some private discontents enter in a leaguer offensive and desentive with Glendover, and an Indenture Tripartite, wherein all Wales were asligned to Glendover, all England South and East of Trent to the Earl of March, and the rest to Northumberland; a formidable design, but comes to nothing; Henry Hotspur is slain, their Army is defeated, 6000. of them left dead upon the place, the chief of them are executed; and 7016. Families undone in this undertaking; Northumberland and others who had been pardoned, ingratefully engaging again upon Yorks-wold Downs against his Sovereign, where he was surprised by the Earl of Westmoreland in this manner;  
The Earl sends to know their Grievances; which when they sent him, he alloweth of, and promiseth to join with them, seemeth to pity their Soldiers, and his own, and persuadeth them to disband as he would do himself; which they no sooner do, but he arresteth the chief of them, who were executed at York and Durham; where Northumbarland after he had wandered up and down Scotland, Wales, France, about a year, was slain likewise; and 13000. Families of the Revolt were upon this sad occasion exterminated and rooted out of England. Such dreadful consequence of Rebellion as awed the Lords and Commons to peace and allegiance all King Henry the Fifths Reign, and the first sixteen years of Henry the Sixths.  
§. 14. When the Duke of York now aspiring to the Crown, 
Against H. 6.  takes his opportunity to whisper and suggest to the people that the King was weak and easy, the Queen was of a malignant spirit, 
Polyd. Virg. in Hen. 6.  the Privy Council was ill inclined, wherewith the Common people were possessed, when one Mortimer the Duke's Agent promiseth them a Reformation of all abuses, freedom from Taxes, who styling himself Captain Mend-all, marcheth to Blackheath, there exerciseth them; sends their grievances to the Parliament, complaining that the King's Revenue is lavished away; that he burdeneth the people; that he takes their Commodities from them by his Purveyors; and their Estates by his Courtiers; that legal 
Martin. Chro.  proceedings were stopped by Letters from above; that extraordinary 
Hen. 6.  fees were exacted; that freedom of Elections were denied; and Parliament men chosen by Court Letters; that the 
Stow.  faithful Counsellors, the Dukes of York, Exeter, Buckingham, Norfolk, were discountenanced by the undue practices of some corrupt Courtiers and their Favourites: The Parliament countenanceth them, the Privy Counsel receiveth their Petition; and if any plot ever prospered, this was like to be one; Yet see how the King though never so generally hated (so considerable a thing is Royalty under the greatest disadvantages) gathereth an Army of 15000. the Rebels defeat him, come to London, command the City to provide them Horse and Arms, and other Necessaries; behead the Lord Say, and Sir James Cromer, carry all before them, when on a sudden some old Soldiers from the Tower surprise them, the Rebels look about them, and consider their danger, are weary of their service, and upon the Kings pardon submit, and leave Jack Cade to shift for himself, who fled away in a disguise, and (Proclamation being made that whosoever should bring him dead or alive, should have a thousand Marks for his pains,) a while after was attached by one Eden, and making resistance in a Garden at Hothfield in Sussex, was there slain; his Body was brought to London, beheaded & Quartered, his Head set upon London Bridge, his Quarters dispersed in divers places in Kent, and his Followers to the number of 500 arraigned, to the utter ruin of 4000 Families, who perished in this gainsaying of Kore, as did the Prentices and Commons of London, of whom 2000 died in a commotion the year following; the Duke of York flieth to Ireland, Owen Teuther and divers Welsh Gentlemen are beheaded; and the King who had usurped the Throne, never prospered; and the Duke of York slain at Wakefield, and his Head put over the great Hall of York.  
§. 15. Edward the 4th. is Crowned, but with cares and troubles; for the Kingdom was in a Combustion; King Henry was 
against Edward the 4th.  at the Head of 40000. to try it with him for that Crown, seconded both by the French and Scots; but see the fate of Rebellion, 
vid. Guliel.  the Armies approach each other; the Lord Fauconbridge gives 
Abbington in his Life.  the Archers direction upon (a signal given by him) to shoot every Man a flight Arrow, (for that purpose provided) and then to fall back three strides and stand, the Northern men in the mean time plied their Bows till all their Sheaves were empty, but their Arrows fell short of the Enemy threescore yards, doing them little, and themselves a great deal of harm; for their Arrows being spent, and coming to hand blows, their own Arrows sticking in the ground, galled their shins, and pierced their feet; ten hours the Battle continued, wherein fell 36000. Rebels; among whom were the Earl of Northumberland, the Lords Beaumond, Grace, Dacres, Welts, etc. the Earl of Devonshire only surviving to an execution; whom the Earl of Oxford, & the Duke of Somerset followed; his Son and the Earl of Pembroke living beyond Sea in great misery, as little better than Vagabonds; their Estates and Lands with the possessions of 6000. of their Followers, who are now undone, being divided among King Edward's Followers.  
Yet a while after all this is forgot, and the people are up in Yorkshire for the breach of a Custom to give the people of St. leonard's in York some quantity of grain; and the Northamptonshire men for Liberty; the Captain of the one party Robert Huldorne is beheaded; and the other is boiled in an hot Cauldron; the Lord Wells, and Sir Tho. Dymock are executed; 10000 Rebels are slain, Sir Rob. VVells their Leader is hanged, the Earl of Warwick flieth for it; and at last the Usurper Edward was glad to be a Vagabond in France, and afterwards he and his Rival Henry both by turns suffered the vengeance due to treason and Rebellion; the great Earl of Warwick is slain, with many more Rebels to the number of 16000 who are signal Monitors to late Posterity to study to be quiet, and to follow their own business; for why should they meddle to their hurt? Queen Margaret is taken Prisoner, her Son Edward was murdered; the Duke of Somerset is beheaded, Fauconbridge the Pirate (after his dangerous tumult about London in the head of 17000.) and his Captains Spicing and Quintine that assailed Algate and Bishopsgate, were hanged drawn and quartered, and their heads placed on Poles upon those Gates; and by a Commission of Oyer and Terminer, many both in Essex and Kent were arraigned and condemned for this Rebellion, and more fined; the Archbishop of York was kept close Prisoner to his dying day, as were the Earls of Oxford, Pembroke, and Richmond, whose Ladies begged their bread, while their Estates were disposed to King Edward's Courtiers; the Duke of Exeter being reduced to that penury that he run by the Duke of Burgundy's Coach begging his Bread for God's sake, and was found dead upon the shore of Dover: Thus bloody and deceitful men lived not out half their days, they 
Coming.  love mischief, and it happeneth unto them; they hated peace, and it is far from them.  
§. 16. Well! Richard Duke of Gloucester, after his Brother's death 
Against Edw. the Fifth.  aspires to the Crown, to that purpose procures himself made Protector, dismisseth his Nephew Edw. 5th. Guard: removeth from him his faithful friends and kinsmen, gets his Brothers out 
Sir Tho. Moor in Richard the third.  of the Sanctuary, contriveth it so that the young Princes should be declared and preached Bastards: that the Lords of the Counsel should Petition him, considering the necessities of the Kingdom by reason of the late misgovernment, to take upon him the administration of the Sovereignty; that the City's pulse should be felt by a long Speech of the Duke of Buckingham; and upon their sullenness and silence, some of Richard's servants in the crowd should cry, King Richard, King Richard; that himself should be married; the Relict of Prince Edward, Henry the 6th. Son, and with his Queen Crowned very solemnly; murthereth the two Princes, makes love to the Lady Elizabeth the Rightful Heir of the Crown, and flourisheth; Men seeing this oppression and violent perverting of judgement and justice in this Province, marvelled at the matter; but he that was higher than the highest regardeth, and there be higher than they; for this prosperous Usurper never had a quiet mind, but was troubled with fearful dreams; the King of France rejects his Ambassadors; the Duke of Buckingham who set him up, plotteth with Bishop Morton of Ely House to depose him; The Earl of Richmond, afterward K. H. the 7th. is set up by the French and Welsh, landeth at Milford Haven; the Earls of Pembroke and Shrewsbury join with him; the Lord Stanley secretly favoureth him, as Sir Jo. Savage, Sir Simon Digby, and others did more openly; at Bosworth he meets King Richard, where the Earl of Northumberland deserted him, the Duke over-powers him, 6000. of his followers die upon the place, and himself left dead and naked in the Field, until a Pursuivant at Arms brought him behind him (like a Calf, his Head and Arms hanging down one side of the Horse, and his Legs on the other) to the Gray-friersChurch within the Town of Leicester, where he lay a miserable Spectacle of the sad issue of Treason and Rebellion, until for pity the Friars buried him; his Agents coming all to a like shameful end, as Sir James Tyrrel who was executed, Miles Forrest rolled alive, James Dighton lived and died unpitied, the great Duke of Buckingham who raised him, was beheaded by him; and Bannister who betrayed him to Richard, was afterwards hanged, whose eldest Son hanged himself, his youngest Son was drowned, and his Daughter smitten with a Leprosy; because sentence against evil doers is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the Sons of Men is fully set in them to do evil; though sinners do evil an hundred times, and their days be prolonged, it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall they prolong their days, which are as a shadow, because they feared not before God.—  
§. 17. Anno 1485. The Usurper thus suppressed, Treason and Rebellion thus avenged, King Henry by Conquest, by marriage, 
Against King Henry the 7th.  by choice settled upon his Throne with a strong Guard about him, never known before in England; some discontents appeared 
See my Lord Bacon's Life of Henry the 7th.  in the North, where the Lord Lovel was in the Head of an Army before the King was aware, but upon Proclamation of Pardon, the Rebels disperse, and Lovel with his Complices fly for their Lives, which they afterwards lose shamefully upon Tower-Hill, the place of Execution.—  
Not long after a Priest named Symond, sets up one Lambert Symnel for Edward Earl of Warwick, who was lately escaped out of Prison, and pretends him King of England; he is countenanced in Ireland, encouraged by the Lady Margaret Countess of Burgoign, and assisted by an Army under the Earl of Lincoln; but what came of this Plot? why, the true Earl of Warwick was showed abroad; the Earl of Lincoln, and many Lords are slain at Stokes. 500 Families are undone by this Treason, and the King more firmly established.  
A Subsidy is granted the King in the 4th year of his Reign towards his French Wars, and it was agreed that every Man should pay the tenth penny of his goods; the Northern Men refuse to pay it; the Earl of Northumberland Precedent of the North Parts, collecteth it by force, but he is murdered; an insurrection is made, and in defence of their Liberties, the people would give the King Battle: what followed? Liberty? No,— the multitude is discomfited by the Earl of Surrey; their Leader with many of his accomplices hanged, drawn and quarted at York; and 3564. Families turned upon this occasion out of doors, to the wide World.—  
This device failing, one worth two of it is thought upon by the Countess of Burgundy, and that is that one Perkin Worbecke should counterfeit Richard the younger Son of Edward the 4th. who was now dead, and could not be showed to the people as the Earl of Warwick was; and being Brother to the Queen could not be prejudiced in his right by her; this Perkin is entertained by the King of France, flocked to by the English Malcontents; the people of England generally respect him, Sir Rob. Clifford, and Rob. Barley are sent to attend him, the Lord Fitzwater, Sir Simon Montford, Sir Tho. Thwaits, Doctor Richford, Doctor Sutton, Doctor Worsky conspired with him, he gets an Army; marrieth the Earl of Huntley's Daughter, and engageth the King of Scots in his Quarrel; he goeth to Ireland, landeth in Cornwall with very considerable Forces: Doth he prosper? no, his Confederates are discovered by King Henry's espials in Flanders, and executed; particularly Sir William Stanley, Sir Simon Montford, etc. an hundred and sixty of his Followers were hanged, drawn and quartered in London, and along the Sea-Coast;— Scotland is laid waste, his friends leave him, he submits to the King's mercy, and upon his attempt to escape out of the Tower three times, was hanged, drawn and quartered at Tyburn, and Edward Earl of Warwick for his sake is beheaded.—  
In these troublesome times the people refuse to pay their Subsidies, and in Cornwall they rise under one Flammocke a Lawyer, and Joseph a Smith, and draw a formidable Company towards London upon Black-heath: do they now ease themselves and their fellow subjects? no; they are environed by the King's Forces, three thousand of them perish upon the place; my Lord Audley, Flammocke, and Joseph were hanged, drawn and quartered: their Estates bestowed among the Courtiers, and some hundreds of Families bound to curse them to this day:— To which we may add the dismal end of Willford another pretender, set up by an Augustin Friar, who was hanged, drawn and quartered, and made an example to rash and inconsiderable Traitors, for the following Generations, as were Sir James Tyrrell, Sir John Windam, the Earl of Suffolk, and others in the following year, to the ruin of many Families, who rued their Treasons many years after.  
§. 18. In the 8th year of King Henry the 8th. there happened in London an Insurrection against strangers, especially Artificers 
Against King Henry the 8th.  who exercised Handicraft, and vented Wares to the great damage of the King's Subjects; the Prentices and others assembled, cried up Privileges, Privileges; what was the end of it? twelve 
See my Lord Herbert in big Life of Hen. 8.  of them were hanged, and four hundred more drawn in their shirts, with Ropes and Halters about their Necks to Westminster to submit to the King's mercy, as Weakly did; many of all Professions hearken to the enthusiasms of the holy Maid of Kent, who would needs persuade men that King Henry could not continue long, who lived to hang her, and to ruin five hundred of her Complices.  
But Religion is altered, and Treason that hereto served the Interest of Men, is now hallowed and become the cause of God; K. Henry sets forth injunctions for translating the Lord's Prayer, the Creed, the ten Commandments into the English Tongue, and requiring all Parsons and Curates to teach them so translated to their Parishioners; this Innovation was not to be endured; twenty thousand assemble at Lincoln, and forty thousand at York, taking Arms, as they said, for the faith of Christ, and deliverance of the Holy Church now oppressed; sixty thousand in Lancashire, 15000. at Hull,— indeed all the Kingdom: here is a general Plot, and this Plot for Conscience sake; but doth God bless it? or doth the spreading nature of it prevail? nothing less; for thirteen of the Ringleaders at Lincoln, 300. of the chief at York, and the Northern parts, 60. of the principal at Hull were hanged, drawn and quartered, and the rest undone by the Lords, Derby, Shrewsbury, Pembroke, and others, to the number of 6000. Families, besides the Lords Darcey and Husley both executed, Sir Rob. Constable who was hanged in Chains at Hull, and Sir Jo. Bulmers Laly who was burned in Smithfield, Henry marquis of Exeter, H. Lord Montacute, Sir Nicolas Carew, Sir William. Nevil, who came all to miserable ends upon the same score—  
§. 19 But the Reformation of Religion proceedeth in King Edward the Sixths' days, and the people are more and more enraged; for Conscience sike the Kings Commissioners were stabbed, 
Against Edw. the 6th.  the multitude arm themselves and commit many outrages, they increase to the number of 50000. a terrible number, they declare for Religion against Enclosures, Lawyers Courts, etc. besiege rich Cities, as Exeter, Norwich, etc. but to what end? they are defeated 
and Sir john Heywood n his Life.  before those Cities, most of them slain upon the place, 500 of them were executed at London, and as many with their Ringleaders hanged up and down the Country: But there was a Prophecy that the time should come when there should be no 
Godw History of Reform.  King, when the Nobility and Gentry should be destroyed; when the kingdom should be ruled by four Governors elected by the Commons, etc. and now sure was that time; Up must Ombler a 
And Dr. Heylia.  Gentleman, and Dale a Parish Clerk with 5000. more to fulfil this Prophecy; but was this Prophecy fulfilled? no such matter; 
〈…〉 Church 〈…〉 in Ed 6. et Hen. 8. et Mac.  they found to their sorrow a King, Nobility, Gentry, and a Government that brought them to Justice, executed sevenscore of them, and brought 600. Families deeply engaged in the Rebellion to a morsel of Bread.  
The King, I mean Edward the Sixth, is a dying, and Religion is like to die with him; for the glory of God, the preservation of the Gospel, the Ladies Mary and Elizabeth, are put by their known right, and the Lady Jane Grey set next his Majesty in the Royal Succession: the King makes his Will, the Privy Council confirm it, the Mayor and Aldermen swear Allegiance to the Lady Jane, who is proclaimed Queen; the Privy Council refuse Queen Mary, they sent an Army against her under the Duke of Northumberland; but see the end of it, the Privy Council notwithstanding their protestations to the Duke of Northumberland relent and proclaim Queen Mary; the Earl of Huntingdon entrusted by the said Duke with four thousand men deserts him; the people all over the Kingdom discountenance him, six Ships ordered to Intercept the Lady Mary, he revolts to her, yea the Duke of Northumberland himself is glad to proclaim her; Queen Jane and the said Duke are arraigned and executed. 
Against Qu. Mary.   
§. 19 Queen Mary altereth Religion again; the Earl of Suffolk, Sir Tho. Wyatt and others for Conscience sake, and to remove ill Councillors, raise 26000. men, they come to London, 
See Church History of great Britain.  terrify all before them; but mark the event, the City is shut against them; the Court is in Arms behind them, they are most of them cut off; the Duke of Suffolk, Wyatt, the Lord Grey, the 
〈…〉 Acts & 〈…〉.  Lady Jane Grey are executed at Tower-hill; as one Fetherstone a Miller who acted Edward the 6th. was afterwards hanged at Ty-burn; and all the good they did was to ruin several Families, and exasperate the Queen to those severe Courses against the Reformed Professors, which we read of in the Acts and Monuments of those times.  
§. 20. Anno 1558. Queen Elizabeth succeedeth, who now the fourth time altereth the public Profession in this Nation; the 
Against Qu. Elizabeth.  Pope excommunicateth her; the Queen of Scots sets up her own Title against her; Margaret Countess of Lenox and her Husband, 
vid. Cambdins Eliz.  Arthur Pool, and Anthony Fortescue favour that Queen; the Papists were underhand stirred up by Ridolph a Florentine, Commissioned to that purpose by the Pope; The Duke of Norfolk consults with the Bishop of Roast about a Marriage with the Queen of Scots; the Earls of Northumberland and Westmoreland, and the Lord Dacres are up in Arms, 1. That the Religion of their forefathers might be restored: 2. That wicked Counsellors might be removed from the Queen: to great purpose you may be sure; for first the Queen upon these practices was enforced to make those severe Laws, under which the Catholics groan to this day: 2. The Queen of Scots falls to very great troubles, and hath not where to lay her head but in the Dominions of Queen Elizabeth; the Duke of Norfolk comes to a miserable end; the Earls of Northumberland, Westmoreland, and many other Lords are proscribed, and many hundred Families upon this account despoiled of all they had in the World, no less than twelve score of them being hanged, drawn and quartered in London, York, Durham, and the other seats of their Rebellion; Felton that set up the Pope's Bull upon the Bishop of London's Gate, was hanged, drawn and quartered; and they who attempted and conspired to release the Queen of Scots out of Prison, fasten her more irremediably'in, and brought themselves to sad ends, no less than 37. being at once executed upon that occasion; Campian and Parsons are hanged, drawn and quartered; Throgmorton is racked and hanged; but the Papists go on, write Books, and persuade the Queen's servants to kill her, as Judith did Holophernes; but to what end? to their own ruin; for the Authors and dispersers perish, and the Government endureth.  
Mendoza the Spanish Ambassador who procured the Catholics much favour, he was thrust hereupon out of England; the Papists would have married the Queen of Scots to an English Catholic, but that hastened her death, and her friend's ruin; the Earl of Westmoreland dieth miserably in exile; Dr. Parry would kill the Queen at a Feast in his house, but he brings himself to a wretched end; the Malcontents contrive against the Queen and the Lords associate in her behalf; particularly one Savage was by Dr. Gifford encited to kill the Excommunicated Queen, when to make the Queen and Council secure, there was a Book written by the Papists, exhorting their brethren to attempt nothing against their Prince, & to use only the Christian Arms of fasting, prayers and tears; Ballord is joined with Savage, who having consulted with Mendoza and others, comes over in a Soldier's habit, and under another name, discovereth himself to Babington, who drew into the Plot many zealous Catholics, as Tho. Salisbury, Edward Windsor, etc. and one Polly who discovered their progress of the Plot to Walsingham day by day, but Gifford relented, and opened to the Secretary the whole matter; the Secretary sent him to the Queen of Scots to keep on his correspondence with her, that he might betray her Letters, which Walsingham perused, sealed up again and sent to the respective persons to whom they were directed; all their design was laid open, the persons apprehended, and fourteen of them executed, the Queen of Scots Closets searched and Boxes secured, and she herself after all her infortunate meddling arraigned, condemned, and (not withstanding the Intercession of France, Scotland, of the one whereof she was Queen Dowager, of the other Queen Mother,) beheaded. To prevent the Queen of Scots death, about this time L' Aubespine the French Ambassador deals with one Stafford (a needy young Gentleman whose Mother was of the Bedchamber to Queen Elizabeth,) Traps and Moddy to dispatch the Queen, while they are disputing whether it should be done by Poison in her Meat and clothes, or by Gunpowder under her Bed, or by a Blunderbush as the Prince of Aurange was slain. Stafford reveals all to the Lords of the Council; upon this the Queen seals a Warrant for that unfortunate Lady's execution, and this was the fate of all these treasons, that they hastened those mischiefs which they were designed to prevent, as never taking any effect but in the downfall of the Authors.  
The Catholics conspire again; the King of Spain invades us, the World gave England over for lost in 88 when beyond expectation the King of Spain's great Navy comes to naught abroad; the Papists answer for their lives at home; and a Law is upon this occasion enacted, That none should entertain Popish priests upon pain of the Queen's displeasure: Yet the Papists are at work still, to this purpose hire one Lopez the Queen's Physician to make the Queen away by poison, and one Cullen an Irish man to do it with a Rapier, both which Conspiracies are discovered by intercepted Letters, and the persons are hanged, drawn and quartered at Tyburn, as York and William's were the year following for being bribed to kill the Queen; a Traitor hitherto seldom escaping an extraordinary death.  
But Treason is restless, and about this time one Squire Groom of the Queen's Stable, poisons the Earl of Essex his Chair, and the Queen's Saddle; neither the one nor the other came to any effect, save that the Traitor being discovered by Wallpoole his ghostly Father, (who upon the failure of his success, doubted his fidelity) is arraigned, and severely executed.—  
The Papists did not contrive more designs to overthrow the Reformation, than some well-meaning Protestants did to promote it, even beyond the established Laws; they Petition, they make Cecil, Leicester, and others friends at Court; they hold meetings at Cambridge, London, Oxford, Northampton, and Leicester, they draw up their Discipline, they admonish the Parliament, and make many friends in both Houses; they write against the Queen's marriage with Papists, against the established Government and worship of this Church: but what came of it? why, 1. Stubs for writing against the Queen's marriage had his right hand cut off: 2. The Authors, Printers, and Dispersers of Martin Marre Prelate, and Zions Plea, with other Books, are executed: Penry and Barrow are hanged, Mr. Cartwright, Mr. Udall, and others are Confined, Suspended, Silenced, and Discountenanced; severe Injunctions are upon their intermeddling made against them, and the Queen at last so incensed, that she would not to her dying day, hear any in their behalf.  
To mention no more Conspiracies in her Reign, the Earl of Essex, a popular and powerful Man, that had some pretence (in that variety of claims to the Crown that were laid in the latter end of her reign) to the Throne, that was Governor of Ireland, and General of England, had a great Army at his command, and a great Interest to serve him; for 158. Lords favour him, and the people generally love him; this upon some affronts in the declining age of the Queen, sets up a plot to remove ill Councillors, keeps open house for all comres, entertains silenced Ministers to preach to great throngs of people every day, engageth the Lord Mayor and Aldermen, resolves to seize Whitehall by Water and by Land under the pretence of a Show; what success I pray? Why the City fail him, his Complices disclose him, the Queen's Council surpriseth him with a summons and a Message; the Nobility follow him to the City, proclaim him Traitor, he flieth to his house, he is there besieged, taken and secured in the Tower, whence he is brought forth to Trial and Execution, with 20. more of his Complices; in whose busi-300. good Families were utterly undone and ruined.  
§. 21. Anno 1603. King James is settled on the Throne of his 
Against King james, vid. Sanderson in King James.  Ancestors, by all the establishments that are as yet discovered to the World, when the Lord Cobbam, Sir Walter Rawleigb, the Lord Grey of Wilton, and others, some Protestants, some Papists, some Priests, some Laymen, some upon discontent, 
Cabala.  some for Conscience, some Noblemen, some Knights, some Gentlemen, and these backed by the Pope's Bull, seconded by the Kings of France and Spain, endeavoured to alter Religion, and change the Government; but with what fortune? why, their Plot is discovered, they themselves are apprehended, arraigned and condemned; Watson, Clarke, and Brooke are executed, and the rest come to miserable ends within a while after.  
Yet the discontented will take no warning; for not long after Catesby, Percy, Winter, Sir Everard Digby, Garnet, contrive to blow up the Royal Family, the Clergy, Nobility, and Gentry of Great Britain sitting in Parliament; they are encouraged by the Pope, set on by their own Ghostly Fathers, assisted from Spain, take an Oath of secrecy, hire a convenient Room under the Parliament House, furnish it with Materials for the blow, as Powder, Faggots, Iron; the Villain is ready, his Candle and his Match light; but doth it succeed? No, the Parliament is twice adjourned, and the very night before they were to sit, a Letter must be sent from one of the Conspirators to the Lord Mounteagle to save himself; yet the Court understood not the Letter,— but the King laying hold upon some odd expressions as this, There is no danger as soon as the Letter is burned, etc. ordereth a more diligent search; the store-house is found, 36. Barrels of Powder are discovered, Faux that should have fired them is apprehended; the other Catholics that made the Hunting match to surprise the Lady Elizabeth, are amazed at the discovery, and commit Outrages, are pursued by the high Sheriffs of Warwick and Worcestershire; Catesby and Piercy are slain, the rest are hanged, drawn and quartered, several Lords are fined; the Government is firmly settled, the Oath of Allegiance is devised; two thirds of Papists Estates are forfeited to the King; most severe Laws are made against the Papists, who lie under the dismal consequences of this treason to this day.  
§. 22. Anno 1625. King James dieth, and leaves King Charles an empty Treasure, a War abroad, an incensed 
Against King Charles the First.  Parliament and People at home, envied and hated persons of his Council; his necessities put him upon calling Parliaments 
Mr. L'estrange his Excellent History.  the Kingdom's discontents debauched those Parliaments; they demur his Supplies, they draw up remonstrances, they clip the Prerogative, they question his Favourites and Servants, they set the Ministers of State one against another, as Digby and Buckingham;— they raise some petit disturbances in Lancashire, and thereabouts; and occasion some 
Sanderson and Dr. Bates.  ill resented Proclamations upon those disorders; some Favourites are murdered; Parliaments are dissolved in discontents; many great men are laid aside; the King is necessitated to take some displeasing courses for Money; daring offenders provoke his Majesty to severe courses, and those severe courses make more daring offenders; a dark Cloud hangs over the face of the Nation; Scotland arms, Ireland Rebels, England could not remedy either without a Parliament; after twelve years' discontinuance and grievances, all the ill humour of the Nation meets in Parliament as in the Common-Shore, where some would reform Religion, others would reform Grievances, all would embroil the State; the King parts with his most faithful Counsellors; it becomes dangerous to serve him; he gives away his Prerogative, the Tower, the Militia of London, a power to the Parliament to sit as long as they pleased, suffers the Scots to rage and domineer; leaves the City,— the whole Kingdom is up against him for Religion, Law, Liberty, and the removal of ill Councillors; the Treasure, the Magazines and Militia is in his enemy's hands, with whom yet he contested four or five years. When they prevailed, they seized on the whole Kingdom, imprison the King, defeat all the attempts for his release, and at last put him to death, reduce his three Kingdoms under their Tyranny, Banish all his Family; and notwithstanding all foreign assistance, all endeavours at home, all the resolutions of Scotland and Ireland, and Holland, with thirty thousand men to restore his Son at several times, as 1649. 1650. 1651. 1654. 1655. 1657. 1658. they settle first a Commonwealth, than a Protectorship; the first Protector carrieth all before him, dieth a natural death, and succeeded by his Son, Credimus esse deos? And now you will say Treason prospereth, and Rebellion thrives,— but alas! nothing less; the first party is divided into Presbyterians and Independents, they are first jealous of one another; the Presbyterian Officers are displaced, as Essex, etc. they plot against one another in the House; the Old Officers fall off, the City of London and the old Puritans revolt, close with the King's party for peace,— Duke Hamilton marcheth in order to that peace in the head of 30000 men. Waller, Brown, and Massey, correspond with him; the Ministers preach against the present Proceedings; the Scotch stand by the K. Son; the Presbyterians are all discontent, neither are the Independents unanimous, an evil spirit of division creeps into the Army; Cromwell takes the Government upon him, and so disobligeth the Commonwealths men and the Long Parliament; aims at a succession, and displeaseth the great Officers;— they watch the opportunity of his death, and with the countenance of the people lay aside his Son and Interest; they Quarrel among themselves, call in General MONK, who suppresseth them all, makes way for his most Excellent Majesty,— and puts a period to twenty years' Treason: what was the effect of all these Treasons? was it Liberty, Religion? No, some three hundred thousand Souls perish; an hundred Millions of Treasure is spent;— some five thousand Families are undone, the principal men are brought to shameful ends;— some eight thousand persons are ruined by public faith, King and Bishop's Lands; Vane glozeth, but dieth on a Scaffold; Pym debaucheth the Parliament, but ends his days miserably; Hampden takes Arms, but falleth on that place where he first Rebelled; Lenthal Collogues, but dieth in much horror 
Dr. Bates his Excellent History.  and trouble of Conscience; Cromwell, Ireton, Harrison, Scot, Carew, and others domineer, but are hanged, drawn and quartered, and set up, to assure the World that the punishment of Treason may be slow, but is very sure, and that a Rebel labours in vain: The late Purchasers lived nobly, and now beg their Bread; the approving, ejecting, and sequestering Ministers, are now silenced themselves; the Church Government is most firmly settled; the tender-Conscienced are more closely held in; and the Reformation itself become a byword and an hissing among all Nations; Argile and Warreston had their time, and now in the place of Traitors, scattered up and down in several places of their Country.—  
§. 23. Anno 1660. But to mention no more of those thousands that were ruined by the late defection, his Majesty 
Against King charl the Second.  is restored by a Wonder, received with the applause and satisfaction of all men: And yet one Venner a Fifth-Monarchy man and many of his followers are persuaded that now was the time to set up the Kingdom of Jesus Christ; they first preach it up, than they draw such a Declaration for it as might draw in all dissenters against the Government whatsoever; they agree upon such rules, maxims and Principles as suited with most men's humours; they prayed and preached themselves to very great resolutions, and all this very closely; upon Sunday Twelfth-night 1660. they continue at their exercise in Coleman street till late at night, when they arm themselves to attack a secure City in the dead of night, being assured that one man should chase an hundred, and ten men a thousand;— but alas! do they promote their cause, or advance the Kingdom of Jesus Christ? nothing less, they are discovered by the Owner of the meeting house; yet they march through the City without control;— but Sir Rich. Brown then Lord Mayor draws towards them; the King's Guard surroundeth them, the Train-bands engage them; of some thirty of them six die upon the place; Venner, Hodskins, and the chief of them are hanged, drawn and quartered, their flesh rots, and their memories are rooted out from the Earth, and all people (even they of their own persuasions) detest them, and in several Remonstrances declare against them.  
Anno 1662. when some severe Laws were made against dissatisfied persons, and the Government grew towards a settlement, Tongue, Philips, Stubes, Sallows, Gibbs, Baker, and others lay a Plot to deliver themselves from those at Whitehall; they first set up a Council of forty for satisfying all Interests, and reconciling all differences, and out of this Council they chose another of 8. which was not to sit twice in any one place, to consider of Officers, Ammunition, Musters, and particular designs; upon whose dissolution the Plot was to begin, viz. to secure Windsor Castle by a Gunner there, and the Tower by a party following the Lords Mayors Coach late at night; to admit of Ludlow for General, to engage some of the Trained Bands, to spread abroad a rumour of a Popish Massacre; to buy up all the Arms that could be met with; to list their Country friends under the old Officers of the Army that were then scattered up and down; to set up a Magazine in Crutched Friars, and seize the City Magazine, to seize Whitehall by the way of the Privy-Garden; the General and Sir Rich. Brown being beforehand dispatched, to set up the old Parliament, and the Kingdom of Jesus Christ: But is any of these things done? or were not these men betrayed by their own brethren, Hill and Riggs? hanged, drawn and quartered by the Common Hangman, and made a prey for the Fowls of the air, rotting upon the face of the Earth: are not their Families undone; and their parties under more severe Laws and confinements to this day, their liberty lost, their meetings dispersed, and all his Majesty's Indulgence towards them forfeited?—  
Anno 1663. Yet some Anabaptists taking advantage of some general discontents, lay a Plot in the Bishopric of Durham in March.  
1. To reconcile all their Brethren of different persuasions.  
2. Upon an Oath of secrecy to send Agitators all over England with propositions most comprehensive of all Interests; who met at one Ouldreds' house, the Devil of Dewsbury as they call him, and afterwards at Stankebouse in that County; from whence Marsden and Palmer are sent Agitators to London to the secret Committee there, whence they bring a Resolution to rise Octob. 12. with assurance that the Insurrection should be general.  
3. To attempt Whitehall, upon some Shew-night; to secure Newcastle for a passage to Scotland, and Bolton in Lincolnshire for correspondence with Foreign Parts for succour and Ammunition.  
4. To lay hold upon the Gentry.  
5. To oppose Subsidies and Chimney-money, to restore the Long Parliament, to establish a Gospel's Magistracy and Ministry, and to check the Clergy, the Gentry, and the Lawyers.  
6. They preached all over the Nation, in Order to the General Rising, calling it Following the Lamb, and inferring from that expression the lawfulness of the Design, so it were carried on for love of the Cause, and for no by-ends.  
7. They were to Garrison Nottingham, Gloucester, etc. and  
 
〈…〉. They drew a 〈…〉 the sectaries against the Government  
10. They were to begin in Ireland.  
11. To seize the Lord Fauconbridge and the Lord Fairfax his Horses and Arms, and indeed all the Gentry and Clergy thereabout.—  
But what was the issue of all this?  
The Parties are treacherous to one another, the Design is discovered, and some thirty are gone into another world, To see whether God said, FEAR GOD, HONOUR 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 BOTH? LET EVERY SOUL BE SUBJECT UNTO THE HIGHER POWERS: FOR THERE IS NO POWER BUT OF GOD: THE POWERS THAT BE ARE ORDAINED OF GOD; WHOSOEVER THEREFORE RESISTETH THE POWER, RESISTETH THE ORDINANCE OF GOD, AND THEY THAT RESIST SHALL RECEIVE UNTO THEMSELVES DAMNATION.  
Whether it be not certain as an Article of Faith, that by Christ Kings reign, and Princes decree justice; that Power is given of the Lord, and Sovereignty from the Highest;— and therefore that Mankind must be Subject to every Ordinance of man for the Lords sake;— and that we must needs be subject not only for wrath but for Conscience sake, and as to Christ, (i. e.) by the same necessity, for the same reason, to avoid the same punishment, to have the same rewards, and by the force of the same Religion, and that they may not prevaricate the Laws of God, or do violence to their own Conscience;— that he who despiseth the supreme Magistrate despiseth God; That we must not curse the King, no not in our Thoughts, for a Bird of the air may tell the matter: That the Primitive Christians were in the right when they said, Though we cannot obey, we can die: that though in some cases it is lawful not to obey, yet in all cases it is necessary not to resist; That ancient Christian was in the right when he expressed himself thus,  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  
I have one and but one remedy against all my evils, one way to victory, and but one, I can die for Christ.  
The poor Souls that died at York and other places, if they were but allowed to forewarn their Brethren, methinks they would say as the voice in the Legends, Lay down your Arms, and lift up your hands in Prayers for the Governors and Government of the World.  
FINIS.