MULTUM in PARVO, aut VOX VERITATIS: WHEREIN THE PRINCIPLES, PRACTICES, AND TRANSACTIONS OF THE English Nation: But more especially and in particular BY THEIR Representatives Assembled in PARLIAMENT Anno Domini 1640, 1641: As also 1680, 1681.  
ARE Most faithfully and impartially Examined, Collected, and Compared together for the present seasonable Use, Benefit and Information of the Public.  
AS ALSO, The Wonderful and most Solemn Manner and Form of Ratifying, Confirming and Pronouncing of that most dreadful Curse and Execration against the Violators and Infringers of MAGNA CHARTA in the Time of HENRY the Third, King of England, etc.  
All which is earnestly recommended to the most serious and impartial Consideration, and perusal of all His MAJESTY'S most Loyal, and most Obedient Subjects (the true Tory, Fanatic, and Bloody Papist only excepted) within His Realms of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and the Dominions and Territories thereunto belonging.  
By THEOPHILUS RATIONALIS, a Person of Quality, and a most true Lover of his King and Country.  
LONDON: Printed for Rich. Janeway, in Queens-head-Alley in Pater-noster-Row. 1681.   

THE Epistle Dedicatory.  
To the KING'S most Excellent Majesty, CHARLES the Second, by the Grace of God, of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, Protestant King, Defender of the Faith, etc.  
Most Dread Sovereign!  
I Have presumed to prostrate the ensuing Lines at Your Majesty's feet, in regard you are the only Person in all your Three Kingdoms, that is most nearly and principally therein concerned. And I dare be bold to affirm (although they are very high, proud and lofty words), viz. That if Your Majesty shall be pleased, without prejudice, prepossession and partiality, most solemnly and seriously to peruse the same, and will be pleased to take your future measures accordingly: I say then, I am very confident, and fully assured (unless I have no reason nor understanding remaining in me, but am delivered over into a reprobate sense), That Your Majesty may yet be (unless the Decree be already gone out against us for our total ruin and destruction) one of the greatest and happiest Monarches this day in the Christian World. Verbum sapienti, etc. I have done my duty, and have discharged my Oath of Allegiance and Supremacy unto your Sacred Majesty (whom God long preserve), and am  
(GREAT SIR) Your Majesty's most Loyal, most Obedient, and most Faithful Subject and Servant, to Love, Honour, and Serve You and my Country usque ad Mortem. Theophilus Rationalis.   

THE INTRODUCTION AUT LIBER ad LECTOREM.  
STand off proud Rebels: Royalists draw near,  
To see your Prince i'th' front, the Pope i'th' rear.  
Let not the Pope affright you, nor dispose  
Your thoughts to wander after Charles his foes:  
The Centre clears all doubts that shall arise  
From Hellish Plotters, under a disguise  
Of State-reformers; though at the selfsame time  
Both Church and State, their principal design  
Is for to ruin: But still in Masquerades,  
The Pope and Devil being chief Comrades  
Unto these Hellish Monsters, who would bring  
Destruction to your Church, confusion to your King.  
Heavens bless your Head, with such as will now please  
To guard him from such Sycophants as these;  
Who doubtless will, by their inveterate hate,  
At length prove ruin both to Church and State,  
If not prevented by God's liberal hand,  
Under Great Charles, who hath the sole Command  
And Power to save you, if he will but call  
His Council once again near to Whitehall,  
And let them sit for to dispatch this Crew  
Of Wolves and Tigers; Then will strait ensue  
A lasting Peace 'twixt Him and People both.  
I must conclude, to speak the rest I'm loath.  
This Book itself will speak enough, to bring  
Peace to the People, Honour to your King.  
AMEN.   

To all the truly Loyal-Hearted Nobility, Gentry, and Commonalty of this Land: The most grave, sober, serious, and truly Religious People, and most faithful obedient Subjects unto his present Majesty; though called by the Nicknames of fanatics, Presbyterians, Independents, Anabaptists, Arminians, Socinians, Latitudinarians, etc.  

Rouse Loyal Fannees, look well to your Guard,  
The bold God-damme's are in your Rear-ward:  
Pray do not budge, keep close within your Station,  
These men of late have poisoned half the Nation  
With bloody Tenets under a disguise,  
To make you Traitors, and a legal Prize  
The Sovereign Tree of Tyburn to advance,  
Where Catch their Foreman, must lead up the dance  
Called Towzer's Mole-trap, and the Tories Gin,  
(Now have at all) to catch poor Fannees in.  
God help you now: They swear they will you kill,  
Because of you they cannot have their will.  
You have (say they) disturbed both Church & State,  
For which they love you with a mortal hate.  
And now they'll hang you t'rid themselves from evil,  
And send you packing to Old Nick the Devil  
By some Sham-Plots. This is the only way  
To slay such Rebels as have gone astray  
So long a time from their most holy Church,  
And now Old Nick shall leave them in the lurch.  
Dam them and Sink them all, they shall not live:  
There's not a man whom our Great Charles shall give  
To him his Life, If we may have our will,  
This is the time to use our utmost skill.  
We'll tell Great Charles, that if he now should spare  
But one of these, all his three Kingdoms are  
In danger to be lost; and with this hellish hook  
We'll catch the Fish, and then how will they look  
Like Sons of Whores, when Catch shall them befool,  
And mount them up upon his three legged Stool?  
Courage, brave Towzers, Here's a noble Plot,  
Effect but this, the first will be forgot:  
Make King and Council both to understand,  
That damned Rogue Godfrey with his proper hand  
Did slay himself: Our work will then be done,  
And we shall shine like to the glorious Sun  
At his Meridian height; and ever after  
We'll break our Fasts with merriment and laughter,  
To see what Fools we made the Tory Crew,  
Who to the Plot did straightway bid adieu.  
And swore to boot that we were innocent,  
Of all the Impeachments which the Parliament  
Did fasten on us, whom we have outdone,  
Although as guilty as our rising Sun  
Will show himself, when as he shall appear  
Before his Equals, to bring up the Rear  
Of all the Plots and Sham-Plots that have been  
Contrived by us ere since his Coming in.   

Here stop you Hellhounds in your full career,  
These Loyal Fans will make you quake for fear.  
Their God above will surely them defend,  
And bring your Rogueships to your fatal end.  
Who then shall smile, and have you in derision,  
For all your Libels, and your late Misprision  
Of Treason on them; from your bitter Gall,  
To make them Rebels to their Kings Whitehall.  
But hark!  
You shall be Summoned 'fore the Council-Board  
Of the next Parliament, where a wise word  
We shall not hear from you, only Evasions,  
Lies, Shifts, and Stories, Mental reservations,  
For to evade your guilt, which shall appear  
As clear as Crystal in our Hemisphere.  
When as bright Sol shall mount his Royal Steed,  
To give us light, whereof we stand in need;  
Heavens say Amen now; If it be your will,  
When this is done, let Peace continue still.  
This, oh dear Heavens, is now my plain request,  
That so poor Fans at length may have some rest.   

(Bellum dat litem dat pax bona quaeque Deorum,  
 tandem redeas, jain peritura preor.)   
I am, Right Honourable, Right Worshipful, and wellbeloved Commoners, Your most Humble, most Faithful, and most Obedient Servant to be commanded, Theophilus Rationalis.   

Multum in Parvo, AUT VOX VERITATIS, etc.  
THAT we are fallen into an Age wherein almost all sorts of Men amongst us are still settled upon their Lees, there's none of us all so happy as to be ignorant thereof; and how that the Judgements and Sentiments of Men (and more especially in this latter Age of the World) are most strangely degenerated, biased, enslaved, and almost overwhelmed with pride, vainglory, hypocrisy, self-interest (that great Diana and Goddess of this World), ambition, passion, prejudice, partiality, faction, rebellion, the espousing of a party, Et cum multis aliis, etc. And yet that which is most wonderful, and matter of astonishment, is this, viz. That all these Parties, in general, or particular, do declare and pretend, That as to their several Transactions in the World, wherein they are concerned, and in opposition to the rest of their Neighbours, is purely to manifest their great and fervent Zeal to the Honour and Glory of Almighty God, and to promote (as much as in them lies) a most firm; exact, and uniform Obedience (not omitting at all times their specious pretences of their steady and untainted Loyalty to their Prince) both in Church and State.  
But how these Gentlemen, and specious Pretenders before mentioned; will come off at the long run (for as we usually say, Finis coronat opns) without a scratched face, and a blot in their scutcheons, when-as their several Transactions shall be impartially examined and searched to the bottom, is a kind of a pretty question to be started; and indeed it would be a very ingenious and pleasant divertisement to any person that would make it his business to study the point, and thoroughly and impartially to make an experiment thereof.  
This small Treatise (Courteous Readers) peradventure may give you some small satisfaction, in relation to the premises; and it is more than probable, that others hereafter of a more learned and more ingenious capacity, may take example by this small and well-intended piece to enlarge thereupon, and farther to explain what I have here succinctly intimated only for my own, and for some others (which I shall forbear to name) present and seasonable satisfaction, as to those grand Debates, Counsels and Transactions which are now in the midst of us upon the wheel, (and here I must beg, that the Lord of his infinite Grace and Mercy would be pleased to send us at length a good issue upon them all) both in Church and State.  
This I thought requisite to cite by way of Introduction, and now will take leave to conduct you somewhat closer and nearer to our matter in hand, Et honoi soit que mal y pense); and herein we shall proceed in manner and form as followeth.  
That we are fallen at present, not only into a degenerate, rebellious, ambitious and stubborn Age; but in particular, into a very curious, critical, and obnoxious time in that age, viz. Anno Domini 1680, and 1681, wherein (as by experience is manifestly true) a man is almost made (though not in the edge of the Law, but in the edge of some others who would be Lawmakers) a Capital offender for some words placing or speaking, which peradventure may be very good, orthodox and loyal in themselves, until they come to be scanned, weighed, and interpreted by others in a quite different and contrary sense. (I know, Courteous Readers, you are most of you, at least the best of you, able, and I hope willing to join issue with me herein, as Attestators to the truth hereof).  
But whether there be a fatality in these present years, as there was about 40 years since, which are bypast and gone, and all things buried (or at least ought to be forgotten) in an Act of Oblivion as to the Transactions of those (as we do usually call them) rebellious times; or whether this critical time doth portend good things to his Majesty of Great Britein's (whom God of his infinite mercy long preserve for our peace and quietness sake) affairs and concerns as to his present Government in particular; or whether of any good consequence to the Subjects of his Three Kingdoms in general; or whether this year the Lion and the Lamb shall not lie down together (according to an ancient Prophecy); or whether His Majesty's just Prerogative, and his Subjects Privileges shall go hand in hand together, I am not able to determine (although some pretend to give a shrewd guess thereunto as to future contingencies), yet I will hope the best, as being fully persuaded and convinced, that the God and Father of our blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who is the Author of Peace, and Lover of Concord; and of the Souls of them who are willing under their Magistrates (whether Heathen or Christian) to live quiet and peaceable lives in all godliness and honesty, will be pleased at length to bring forth peace, tranquillity, and order, out of all our disorders, animosities and present confusions. And herein let every true and Loyal-hearted Subject and English man say, Amen.  
But, however, this I am sure of (as being able to attest that truth in particular), viz. That humble Petitions and Addresses to His Majesty of Great Britain, this year Anno Domini 1681, is A-la-mode, and the very newest fashion (and in my slender judgement and apprehension, is a very comely, decent, and commendable fashion) since the Dissolution of the late Parliament at Oxford, and His Majesty's late Declaration to all his Loving Subjects, and Ordered to be read (by the Reverend Clergy of the Land) in all Churches and Chapels; since which time Addresses and Humble Petitions have swarmed in a main, from all Points of the compass (viz. from Cities, Burroughs, Towns-Corporate, Lieutenancies, Trained-Bands, etc.) as if they were resolved to storm Whitehall, Windsor-castle, Hampton-Court, and His Majesty Himself (God of Heaven preserve Him), with no other weapons than steady and untainted Loyalty, and with all dutiful and humble Allegiance unto His Majesty's Government, as it is now by Law established both in Church and State: And for the which the Lord High Chancellor of England, in the Person of His Majesty, hath given them all his true and hearty Thanks for their so numerous and seasonable appearing at this present conjuncture, in opposition to some others, who, it seems, have not the good-hap with the rest of their Neighbours (sure it was by the malevolent aspect and influence of some auspicious male-contented Planets), to form and word their Humble Addresses and Petitions according to the pattern in the Mount; and of these Loyal persons that had been of the forlorn hope, and had marched in the front of the battle, and being weighed in the balance of the Sanctuary (I do not, neither dare I say, in the balance of the Scriptures and right reason), they were found too light, and for the which they have a mark and a stamp put upon them by way of distinction (I had almost said like unto that, Revel. 13.15, 16, 17.) whereby they are branded and stigmatised as factious and disloyal Subjects (Sed affirmatis est probare), and are therefore registered and recorded to be conveyed down by the Pens Militant to future posterity, as persons disloyal and disaffected to the present Government, and to all those Noble Emoluments and Privileges which our Forefathers never yet saw, nor did enjoy (as some of the Addresses do most happily and emphatically word it) in so plentiful a measure, as under the present Reign of His most Sacred Majesty (whom God long preserve). The which I must needs say is a very hard case to those poor Petitioners, and many of them good Gentlemen, able Citizens, and Persons of Quality, who peradventure did all mean well, though their luck was bad; and therefore all the comfort that I can give them in this particular (in regard Solamen miseriis is a very acceptable companion), is only this, That they would be pleased to consider, That if their hearts and hands went together, and had no base, nor rebellious, nor factious design therein whatsoever; and that they were conscious to themselves, that they did their King and Country good service in their late Humble Addresses and Petitions (although misconstrued and misinterpreted); That our blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, when he was upon Earth (although the best person that ever breathed in the common air), yet he could not escape reflections and hard censures from his Countrymen the Jews, upon the like account: For some of them said (and but a few, God knows, in comparison of the whole Nation) that he was a good man, when others of a more dissolute and lose conversation said, Nay, but he was a Mountebank, and an Impostor, and deceived the people; therefore what shall we say to all things, but only Monstrum horrendum, etc.  
But to proceed, and come yet a little nearer unto the matter in hand, according to the Contents of the Title-page, viz. most faithfully and impartially to examine and compare together the Principles, Practices and Transactions of the English Nation (but more especially by their Representatives Assembled in Parliament) Anno Domini 1640, and 1641. and Anno Domini 1680, and 1681. (The complete and exact distance of time the Children of Israel, the peculiar People of God, were wand'ring, rebelling and provoking his Divine Majesty in the Wilderness, before they were actually possessed of the land of Canaan): And wherein persons and things do now look and represent themselves almost with the very same face (nay I had almost said with a Ten-times more ominous, ill-featured, and dismal aspect than formerly). But yet notwithstanding I can by no means apprehend the same dreadful fate and consequence will ensue now, as did the facto in those preceding years (viz. a Nation wading and wallowing over head and ears in hot Christian blood, and sheathing the naked sword in each others bowels, and appealing to Law of Arms to decide the grand Controversy in those days, which so unfortunately happened between the Commons of England Assembled in Parliament, and his late Majesty of deplorable Memory, the chief Magistrate thereof), although the true Fanatic, Tory and Tantivy-men of the Age, both in Press and Pulpit, do endeavour Might and Main (and leave no stone unturned in order thereunto) to possess our Governors, and those that sit at the Helm, with this vain, frivolous, and (I hope) ridiculous belief. But, blessed be God, there are yet some few Wise men among us, who are of the contrary persuasion, and can penetrate as far into a Millstone as themselves, and who understand their black designs and meanings herein well enough (and how that they would willingly, and with all their hearts and souls be warming themselves at such a fire): And there is a just and righteous God above, who will at the last (as he hath in some good measure done already) countermine, bring to light, destroy and confound all their Plots and Sham-plots of this and the like nature whatsoever, and will make them to be rendered in his own good time, the very off-scum, scorn, contempt and derision of our English Israel, and shall be handled and translated down to future posterity as the firebrands and principal fomentors of all our animosities and unhappy divisions.  
And here to come to a right understanding of those precedent Transactions, we must make a Digression, and by a retrograde step take a transient view of the many Precursors of our late unhappy Troubles and Revolutions, and which were engendering and fomenting in the Body Politic from the time of the Death of King James, until the beginning of those years, wherein by reason of a Long, long, long Interval of Parliements (or rather as some would have it, a long interregnum of two vital parts of the Constitution itself) our English Monarchy (although the best and well-tempered Government, when the exercise of the vital parts thereof be not obstructed in its due circulation, this day in the Christian World) received for some time among us its Mortal wound.  
And herein, as I would not for my right hand vindicate or justify any Illegal, Unwarrantable, or any Tyrannical Proceed of any particular Number, or numbers of men whatsoever, and who were actually concerned in those late, most dismal, and most deplorable revolutions; so, on the other side, I would not altogether condemn all them who were then in the Vogue of the people, the esteemed Patriots of their Lives, Liberties, and Properties, and the grand Assertors of the King's Majesties most Legal and Just Prerogatives both in Church and State; and those that are yet inter vivos of them, do most solemnly protest and declare, That in process of time, Persons and Transactions were stretched forth to preternatural Dimensions, and Diametrically opposite to the primary intentions and inclinations of the House of Commons themselves; and His present Majesty that now Reigneth (whom God long preserve in the midst of us) was pleased from Breda most graciously to observe, viz. That through mistakes and misunderstandings, many inconveniencies were produced, which were not intended. And that the Long Parliament, so called (although there hath been a much longer since) had no design in the least measure in their primary thoughts and intentions to shake off the Monarchy (although there are some particular men at this present conjuncture of time in the Pulpit that make them to be all King Ahab's, and that Naboth's Vineyard and Inheritance was their principal design, although slily couched under the specious and godly pretence of Liberty and Property; wherein I think they are true Tory-men indeed, and very uncharitable in the highest measure), but only to prune and pair off some Luxuriant and overgrown branches (viz. Court Parasites, evil Counsels, who were great Favourites, corrupt Judges, and suchlike Sycophants) which had well-nigh sucked (like so many idle Drones) the very sap from the root of our most Noble, Magnificent, thrice happy, and never enough to be admired Triple-Constitution.  
And in order to the accomplishment of the aforementioned premises, I have consulted several Authors for my best satisfaction, that are now extant, as to the Transactions of those times, wherein, I must confess, I do find them at a very great distance and opposition one to another, and very various in their several sentiments and apprehensions, according to their particular inclinations as to the merit of the cause on either side; wherein, by the way (although with all due submission to the more grave, accurate and discerning Judgements of the Learned) I do humbly conceive, some of these have erred too much on the right, and others too much on the left hand; but yet as to matter of fact, as to what was really done and transacted in those days, they do in the main generally all agree. And among the rest I have perused one piece in particular, which in my slender apprehension hath avoided both extremes (and as we do usually say, In Medio consistet Virtus), and hath passed Scylla and Charybdis without any danger of too much reflecting upon either side: Him I have made choice of in particular, as one of the ablest pilate's to steer my course through the Channel (whereby to avoid those many Rocks and Quicksands which a man may suddenly run upon, if he have not the Conduct of an experienced guide), and so God send the good Ship of Vox Veritas unto her desired harbour; A Ship, though but small in bulk, yet pretty handsomely and tied built for Public service, and I hope will be able stoutly to defend His Majesty's particular Person and Government, by King, Lords and Commons, against all bold Assassinates, against all crafty Incendiaries, against all cursed Achitophel's, against all absolute Monarchical Tories and Tantivies, against all Bloodthirsty and Hellish Papists whatsoever, who would not only pervert, but utterly destroy the present best established Government this day in the Christian World, by stretching of it forth beyond its legal and due bounds, provisoes, restrictions and limitations. And from such notorious and malicious persons in grain, let every good and loyal Subject, and every true Englishman insert it in his Quoditian Litany and private Devotion, Libera nos Domine.  
The Title of that particular piece I have even now mentioned is, viz. The Reign of King Charles: By H. L. Esquire.  
London, Printed by F. L. and I. G. for Henry Seile, Senior and Junior, over-against St. Dunstan's Church in Fleetstreet; and Edward Dod at the Gun in Ivy-Lane, Anno Domini 1656.  
And that the said person was not biased, you may perceive by the Date thereof: It was in the time when the late Tyrant Oliver Cromwell had assumed the seat of chief Magistrate; and at that time of day to have dipped his Pen in gall, might have been very grateful and complesant to that grand Usurper, who having such a puissant and dreadful Army of welldisciplined, victorious and well-paid Janissaries at his Command, made the Lion so impudently bold, as to call our grand Charter of England, Magna Charta, Magna F.— And in a small space of time after that, it pleased God to snatch him away from us in a high tempestuous wind, as an example to all future Tyrants who shall offer to attempt the like boldness upon our fundamental Laws, Liberties and Properties.  
And that you may be the better satisfied as to the impartiality of this ingenious and fair Historian (what he was, or is, if as yet inter vivos, I cannot tell), Pray do but peruse his Preface to the said History, and you will find in his Verbis, in his own Apology, viz.  
What Obliqne Descants will come to Traverse upon this honest Narrative, I already prejudicated. The fate of those who writ of Times within ken, Time's better for the History, than for the Historian.  
For while they render truth more resplendent, they usually bring the Relator under a cloud, whence the bane of all faithful Tradition, that an Historian is rarely found, until the truth be lost: And what is History without its Idium? Truth, but a mere Romance: And if so, what Pen will undertake the History of a King? Kings in their Functions so nearly resemble the Divine Nature, as God himself hath styled them Gods. And as in many respects they represent it, so also in that of Cyprian, though not in his sense, De Deo etiam periculosum est dicere verum. Though as man they are within the incidence of frailty (for as that Emperor said, Imperium non tollit affectus, Sovereignty doth not proscribe humane affections), yet their failings have been in former times accounted like their Persons, so sacred, that to touch them, though never so tenderly, hath been esteemed Petty-Treason: But in King Charles (the grand concernment of these Annals) the danger is counter-changed, and to exhibit in him any thing of merit and importance less than a Nero or Domitian, many will not endure. And these two extremes make my passage through this History, like that of Jonathans' to the Philistines, a sharp Rock on the one side, and a sharp Rock on the other side. Which consideration hath moved me to decline many things, otherwise remarkable, and not commonly known, and to content myself with saving truths; nor should I have adventured a modest Vindication of this King in some particulars, (not reflecting upon the fatal proceed against him) had not the ingenuity of some eminently disaffected to him led me the way.  
But if in relation to these perils I have been studious to bear myself erect, yet in other concernments some will censure me for too strong a Bias.  
Some will say, peradventure, I seem no friend to the Clergy; and lest my silence should make this an Accusation, which is but a mere Calumny, I answer, Churchmen I honour (no man more), and this I do for their Sacred Orders sake: But if their Order be Sacred, it doth not (I wish it did) make all such who are initiated in that Order; too many of that holy profession are, ever were, and will be Sacred in another, and worse sense.  
The unsanctified lives of some officiating at the Sacred Altar, have been the complaint of all ages. Read we not (to their shame) of the sons of Eli, whose impiety made them abhor the Offerings of the Lord? Doth not chrysostom tell us of some of his Contemporaries, who, had Canonical Discipline, been punctually observed, should not have been permitted so much as to step over the threshold of God's house, were notwithstanding advanced to the highest grison of Church-Dignities?  
And if this Narrative presents some ecclesiastics blame-worthy, the inference is fallacious, that therefore our times are worse than former, or that the accrimination overspreadeth all: No, what St. Augustine said of some Enormitans in his time, is no less true of ours; That though our Church had cause to grieve for the blemishes of some, yet might she glory in the Ornaments of more.  
And so much shall serve for my present purpose as to the former part of this Author's Preface, 
Et si constristamur de aliquibus. Purgamentis tamen consolamur de pluribus Ornamentis. Aug. Epist. 137.  wherein he doth endeavour to satisfy his Readers, that he will carry an even hand between either side, and steer his course aright; and so far I shall endeavour (as much as in me lies) to write after his Copy: But yet where persons are blame-worthy, I shall not be Meal-mouthed, but let them know their failings and embecillities, until they give me better satisfaction than I have at present concerning their Reformation.  
And now to transcribe some of this Authors Narrative, concerning the Reign of King Charles the First; so wise, so virtuous, so temperate, so chaste, so learned, and so religious a Prince, and a strong assertor of the Doctrine and Discipline of the Church of England against the Old Gentleman at Rome, and all his adherents; yet that this Prince after his Death by the Pens-Militant, instead of inserting this Parenthesis concerning him, (as they have done of many Princes after their decease) of Ever blessed Memory, should be constrained to counterchange their Dialect, and say of Ever unfortunate and deplorable Memory; I must confess is so profound a mystery unto me, that I am not able to search and penetrate into the depth thereof, and therefore must leave this (I could wish I were not able to say so much by experience) most unfortunate Prince (though of Ever blessed Memory in some sense) unto the searcher of all hearts (and before whom all things are naked, bare and open), who worketh, and wisely disposeth of all things both in Heaven and in Earth, according to the infallible and most unerring Council and Dictates of his own Will.  
But to proceed in my intended design, to Transcribe from my Author some of the particular and most material Transactions as to matter of fact in those days (and should I have transcribed the whole, it would have been a new Edition of the said Narrative, and would have swelled this small piece (which was intended for no other in my primary cogitations) unto a very large Bulk, the which you may please to peruse in manner and form as followeth, viz.  
King James surrendered his Soul to God (and his Three Kingdoms to his Son) at Theobalds', Anno Domini, March the 27th, 1625.  
And now it will not be amiss (saith the ingenious Historian) nor vary from the usual ceremony ordained to the body of extinct Princes, if I here represent in brief the pourtraicture of this Famous Monarch, which I will do freely, sincerely, and with a spirit which equally disdains to libel or flatter him.  
In the stile of the Court, 
His Character.  he went for Great Britain's Solomon; nor is it any excursion beyond the Precincts of verity, to say, that neither Britain, nor any other Kingdom whatsoever could ever since Solomon's days glory in a King (for recondite learning and abstruse knowledge), so near a match to Solomon as he: And though he was a Universal Scholar, yet did he make other Sciences (their most proper employment), but drudges and servitors to Divinity, wherein he became so transcendently eminent, as he notoriously foiled the greatest Clerks of the Roman See: Nor did his Theological abilities more advantage the Cause of Religion abroad, than at home, they keeping the new-fangled Clergy aloof, and at a distance, as not daring to infuse into so solid a judgement their upstart and erroneous fancies, no nor disquiet the Church's peace with Heterodox opinions (by which it appears this Author and King James were both Calvinists, as to their particular Sentiments in matters of Religion); A stout adversary he was to the Arminians and Semi-Pelagians, whom he called as Prosper before him (and so doth the whole tribe of them ever since) the Enemies of God's grace.  
And as slender a friend he was to the Presbytery (here he intends in matters Ecclesiastical, as to the form of Church-government and imposed Constitutions), of whose Tyrannical and Antimonarchical principles he had from his cradle smart experience; He was an excellent Speaker, the Scheme of his Oratory being more stately than Pedantic, and the Expressions argued him both a King and Scholar: In his apparel and civil garb he seemed naturally to affect a Majestic carelessness, which was so hectic and habitual in him, as even in Religious exercises (where the external demeanour is a grand part of that sacred homage) he was somewhat too incurious and irreverent: He was indulgent a little to his , and had a smack of the Epicure: In pecuniary dispensations to his Favourites he was most excessive liberal, yea though the exigence of his own wants pleaded retention: Nor was Solomon himself more a Solomon, according to the true notion of the word, which imports a man of rest, than he, selecting for his Motto, Beati Pacifici, or the seventh Beatitude, as most agreeable to his genius and natural constitution; He was studious of peace somewhat overmuch for a King; in pursuit whereof, Virtue flew to a lessening, and (in the opinion of many) out of sight, he incurring thereby the note of Pusillanimity, very suspicious from his managing the Cause of the Palatinate; for had not the thought of War been terrible unto him, would he so long have endured his Son-in-law, exterminated from his Patrimony, while the Austrian Faction (to his great dishonour) cajoled, and kept him in delusory chat with specious fallacies? Would he in those feveral Negotiations of Carlisle, Bristol, Belfast and Weston, have spent so vast sums, the moiety whereof, had they been disposed in Military-levies and preparations, would have Modelled an Army able (when Hidleburgh, Manhrein and Frankindale defended themselves) to have totally dissipated all the forces of the Usurpers, to have Mastered the imperious Eagle, enforcing her to forego her Quary, and reinstate the Paulsgrave? Would he so tediously have courted the Alliance of Spain, to the very great regret of his Subjects, whom his Predecessor had so often baffled, and whom England ever found a worse friend than enemy? What stronger Evidence can be given in of a wonderful defect of courage?  
As this faint-heartedness lost him the reputation and respects of his People, so his heavy pressures upon them, and undue Levies by Privy-Seals, and the like, alienated their affections, especially considering how those Moneys were misemployed, indeed rather thrown away, partly in the two dishonourable Treaties of Spain and Germany, and the consequential Entertainments, and partly in Largesses upon his Minion Buckingham. Between this disaffection and contempt in his People, there was generated a general disposition to turbulent and boisterous dare, and expostulations even against his darling Prerogative. And though those dismal calamities which after befell his Son, were ampliated doubtless by a superfetation of causes, yet was their first and main existency derivative from those recited grounds: Let Court-Pens extol the calmness of his Haltion Reign with all the artifice of Rhetoric: Let them conclude the Parable, and tell us, God gave King James also as he did Solomon, rest from all his enemies round about; yet can they never truly deny, but that admired severity had its set in a cloud, and that he left to his Successor a Crown of Thorns, as being engaged to contend with two puissant Enemies: First the mighty Monarch of the West, the King of Spain. Secondly the more invincible of the two, an empty purse; For that King who hath this Enemy to encounter, shall never archieve any thing of glorious production.  
The death of this Famous Monarch caused no other interregnum, than of joy, his Son Charles being immediately by Sir Edward Zouch (than Knight Marshal) proclaimed at the Courtgate, King of Great Britain, France and Ireland. His first Act of Regality was to dispatch Avisoes of his Father's decease to Foreign Princes and States, his Correspondents, with whom he was in Amity. Next, he took into care the becoming Obsequies of the Royal Corpse, which removed from Theobalds' to Denmark-house in London, April the 23d, was thence, the 7th of May, conveyed to Westminster, and there inhumed with the greatest Solemnities, and most stately Ritualities could be devised.  
Though grief had taken up the principal Lodgings of King Charles his heart, yet did it not quite turn love out of doors: but he had still an eye to France, and held himself concerned to let his Agents know he was mindful of the stock he had going there; and to rear a firm assurance of his serious intentions, He sent over Letters of Procuration for the Duke of Chevereux to espouse the Lady Henrietta Maria; only he added this especial precaution, That those Letters should not be resigned up until May the 8th, when the Celebrities of his Father's Funeral would be over; for he would not that grief and joy (things incompatible) should justle. But these instructions (for what cause I know not) were not in all points precisely observed: for on May the 11th, as others; and the first, as we compute, six days before King James his Obsequies, the Espousals were solemnised in the Church of Notre dame in Paris, the Queen being given by her two Brothers, the King and Monsieur; the Nuptials passed, the Royal Bride prepared for England; and to wait upon her with the greater splendour, his Majesty dispatcheth over the Duke of Buckingham, with the Earl of Montgomery, and other Persons of Quality. May the 24th they arrived at Paris, and June the 2d the Queen (after the iteration of most affectionate adieux reciprocated and interchanged between the King and herself), set forward for Amiens; where being attended with a most Princely retinue, she was under the restraint of a Magnificent Entertainment till the 16 of that Month; thence she dis-lodged for Boulogne, where she was to Embark for England (the Contagion then being much at Calais); there she found ready to receive her 21 tall Ships sent from her dearest, with a gallant Convoy of the Duchess of Buckingham, and other Ladies of Honour and Eminence to serve her.  
June the 22d she set Sail for England, and Landed safe at Dover, after a turbulent and tempestuous passage. His Majesty lay that night at Canterbury, and next morning with joy incredible greeted his Royal Consort, and conducted her to Canterbury, where the Marriage was finally completed; the Duke of Chevereux, his Majesty's former Representative, consigning up his precious charge to the King, etc.  
I have heard some who undertake to mate all events with their proper causes, passionately ascribe England's Calamities to those Internuptials, and fetch that ireful stroke of Divine vengeance upon his late Majesty, from his Marrying a Lady of mis-belief.  
Grant I do, that both England's and his Majesty's Sufferings may (in some sort) be reductive to the casualty of that Match; but that there was any intrinsic noxiousness in it, either as French or Popish, I am not yet convinced.  
The same time, while His Majesty was thus busied in his Amorous Negotiation abroad, he plied as well his Interest at home; and while he Wooed his Royal Mistress there, he made Love to his People here, by Summoning a Parliament; that League being not more important to him as Man, than this as King; for as Man is without a female Consort, so is a King without his Supreme Council, an half-formed sterile thing; the natural Extracts of the one, procreated without a Wife, are not more spurious than the Laws, the politic Descendants of the other, without was commenced at Westminster, June the 18th. At first interview it appeared under the scheme and fashion of a Money-Wedding, and, in truth, the public affairs did then implore no less. Upon the opening the Parliament, the King imparted his mind to the Lords and Commons to this effect.  
My Lords and Gentlemen!  
YOU are not ignorant, that at your earnest entreaty, March 23. 1623., my Father (of happy Memory) first took up Arms for the recovery of the Palatinate; for which purpose, by your assistance, he began to form a considerable Army, and to prepare a goodly Armado and Navy-Royal: But death intervening between him and the achievement, the War with the Crown is devolved upon me. To the prosecution whereof, as I am obliged both in Nature and Honour, so I question not but the same necessity continuing, you will cherish the action with the like affection, and farther it with a ready contribution. True it is, you furnished my Father with affectionate supplies, but they held no symmetry or proportion with the charge of so great an enterprise, for those your Donatives are all disbursed to a penny; and I am enforced to summon you hither, to tell you, That neither can the Army advance, nor the Fleet set forth without your aid.  
Consider, I pray you, the Eyes of all Europe are defixt upon me, to whom I shall appear ridiculous, as though I were unable to outgo Muster and Ostentation, if you now desert me; it is my first attempt, wherein, if I sustain a foil, it will blemish all my future Honour.  
If mine cannot, let your Reputations move, deliver and expedite me fairly out of this War, wherewith you have becumbred (let it never be said whereininto you have betrayed) me. I desire therefore your speedy supply; speedy I call it, for else it will prove no supply. The Sun you know is entering into his declining point; so it will be soon too late to set forth, when it will be rather not too soon to return. Again, I must mind you of the Mortality now Regnant in this City, which should it (and so it may, and no breach of privilege neither) arrest any one Member of either House, it soon would put a period both to Consultation and Session, so that your own periclitation necessitates an early resolution.  
In sum, three of the best Rhetoricians, Honour, Opportunity and Safety, are all of a plot, and plead, you see, for expedition. Perhaps it may be expected I should say something in way of Account of my Religion, as also of the Temper and Tenure of my future Government. But as I hope I have not been guilty of any thing which may justly start the least question in either, so I would desire you to repose in this assurance, That I will in neither vary from those principles, wherein I have been instituted at the feet of that Eminent Gamaliel, my late Father.  
The Speech being ended, the King Veiled his Crown, a thing rare in any of his Predecessors.  
Though denied it could not be, but this Speech was elemented of very rational materials, and ponderous arguments; yet it did not cause such a precipitation of resolution, but that the Parliament did descend to the consideration thereof by degrees.  
That which retarded the Debate, was this: They had in store by them two Petitions; one for Religion, the other against Grievances; to which having been moulded in King James his time, and preferred to him at the close of the last Sessions of the last Parliament, they (as yet) never received answer. They said it was the ancient, and as they conceived, a most prudential practice, to present Petitions at the Commencement of Parliaments; or so long before their Dissolutions, as the King might have time to return a deliberate Answer; That the same course they were resolved strictly to pursue, and give priority of dispatch to those Petitions, before any other business whatsoever; which accordingly they did.  
To the several Heads against Grievances, His Majesty gave a distinct and satisfactory answer, and promised largely upon the Petition for Religion; and the better to draw on Supplies, he did audit unto them the several Disbursements, both relating to the Army and Navy, that so all jealousies of mis-employment might be removed; which produced so good effects, as that the Laity gave him freely, and without condition, two Subsidies from Protestants, and four from Papists, as a mulct from the House upon their Recusancy, and the Clergy three.  
This was upon July the 8th; and the next day the King signified, That he took notice of the slender appearance in the House, by reason of contagion; and that therefore having a tender regard to their healths, he declared his intention of Adjournig them upon Monday next, being the 11th of that Month, which accordingly was performed to the 1st of August; and Oxford named for the place, which gave disgust to some Members of the House.  
In this Sessions of Parliament was Mr. Montague questioned for Publishing certain Books prejudicial to the Protestant Cause; for which he was ordered to be brought to the Bar; to whom the Speaker declared the pleasure of the House, That they would refer his Censure to the next Meeting; and in the interim, in respect of his notorious contempt, he should stand committed to the Sergeants Ward, entering Bail for his then appearance.  
But Mr. Montague had, by the cunning artifice of his Court-friends, crept into the King's service undiscerned; and the King signified to the Parliament two days after, That he thought his Servants (whereof Montague was one) might have as much Protection as the Servant of an ordinary Burgess; nevertheless his Bond of 2000 l. whereupon he was Bailed, continued uncancelled.  
August the 1st the Parliament met again at Oxford; the Divinity-School was appointed for the House of Commons, and the Galleries above for the House of Lords.  
The 4th of the same Month, both Houses were called together to Christ-Church-Hall by the King, where he laid open unto them his wants, for setting forth the Fleet; but the Parliament, before they would return any Answer, presented him with a Petition against Recusants, to this effect.  
Most Gracious Sovereign!  
IT being infallibly true, that nothing can more establish your Throne, and assure the peace and prosperity of your People, than the unity and sincerity of Religion; We your Majesty's most humble and loyal Subjects, and Commons in this present Parliament assembled, observing that of late there is an apparent, mischievous increase of Papists within your Dominions, hold ourselves bound in conscience and duty to present the same unto your Sacred Majesty, together with the dangerous consequences, and what we conceive to be the most principal causes, and what may be the remedies thereof.  

1. Their desperate ends, being the Subversion both of Church and State, and the restlessness of their spirits to attain those ends, the Doctrines of their Teachers and Leaders persuading them, that therein they shall do God good service.  
2. Their evident and strict dependence upon such Foreign Princes, as no way affect the good of your Majesty and State.  
3. An opening a way of Popularity, to the ambition of any who shall adventure to make himself Head of so great a party.   
The principal causes of the increase of Papists in those times, and the remedies proposed by the Parliament, I shall refer you to the Book itself for your farther satisfaction. To all the several branches thereof the King, August the 7th, gave such a plausible and satisfactory answer, as nothing could be desired more.  
One good turn, requires another: And as the King had given the Parliament ample content by this Answer, so he hoped they would be as cheerful in supplying him with Moneys, for which he earnestly importuned them, and more especially for his great Naval preparation; whereupon ensued a great Debate in the House; some were very prompt to give, without delay; some would give, but in convenient time, but not then; others would give, but they complained that the design was managed by young and single Council; that Sir Robert Mansell, a man of singular judgement and experience, had declared against the Plot, and had tendered to the Council of War a project of much greater advantage, and less expense, which was approved by the Lord of Chichester; to the which the Solicitor replied in the Duke's behalf, That the Council of War (for the generality) much disliked the project of Sir Robert, and concluded upon what was then intended; but the greater part agreed not to give, and to make an humble Remonstrance, declaring the Causes and Reasons of their not giving.  
Most of the Voters of this Remonstrance flew high, and impetuously pressed in upon the Duke; some would divest him of his Offices, the Admiralty especially; others of his Revenue, by resuming what he possessed of the Crown-demeans; others demanded an account of what public Moneys he had been entrusted with. This being signified to the King, he soon prognosticated of what quality the Remonstrance would prove; therefore immediately in distaste, he determined to Dissolve the Parliament.  
The House of Commons were Resolved into a Grand Committee, when the Usher came from the Lords House with that Message; and before they would permit the Solicitor then in the Chair, to leave his seat, they agreed upon a Protestation, which Mr. Glanvill stood up and declared to this effect.  

First, To give his Majesty Thanks for his Gracious Answer to our Petition for Religion.  
Next, For his care of our health, in giving us leave to departed this dangerous time.  
Lastly, A dutiful Declaration of our affections, and loyalty, and purpose to supply his Majesty in a Parliamentary-way, in a fitting and convenient time.   
This being done, the Speaker took the Chair, and admitting the Usher, he declared his Message from the Lords concerning the Dissolution of the Parliament.  
Now had the King an opportunity for his Summer's past-time, but that his own progress might not impede that of his affairs, his Council were commanded to go along with him. By whose general advice, two things were most considerably resolved upon: 

First, That the Fleet should speedily be put to Sea.  
Secondly, That a more strict Amity should be entered into with the States of the United Provinces.    
Several were the Descants of such as pretended to judicious censure, as fancy and affection swayed the balance; some blamed the Parliament for not supplying the King's necessities, whereby the Fleet put forth too late; some reflected finisterly upon the Duke, saying, It never was, nor never will be well with England, while the Sea is under the Command of an Admiral so young, and withal so unexperienced; others also made deduction from this miscarriage of Gades Voyage, in reference to the King; that because Commencements do often forespeak the qualification of future contingencies in the series and row of succeeding affairs; they much feared this was but the earnest of some inauspiciousness which would attend the residue of his Reign: Nor, among the rest, was Captain Brett's conjecture vain, who told the Duke, That the Fleet was never like to speed better, wherein there went a long Bag without Money, Cook without Meat, and Love without Charity; for so were the three Captains named; and a great default there was doubtless of sufficient pay, of wholesome meat, and unanimity.  
The Michaelmas-Term was by reason of the infection at London, translated to Reading; from whence the King, according to late Answer in Parliament, issued out in November a Commission to the Judges, to see the Laws against Recusants put in Execution.  
This Commission was read in all the Courts of Judicature at Reading, and withal a Letter was directed to the Archbishop of Canterbury, enjoining him to take special care within his Province, for the discovery of Jesuits, Seminary-Priests, and other Recusants, offenders against the Laws. It was, in truth, high time for severe Proceed against them, they having contracted so much insolence, and presuming upon protection, by reason of the late Match; that at Winchester, and many other places, they frequently passed through the Churches in time of Divine Service, hooting and hallowing, not only to the disturbance of that duty, but to the scorn of our Religion; yea, and one Popish Lord, when the King was at Chapel, was heard to prate on purpose louder in a Gallery adjoining, than the Chaplain prayed; whereat the King was so moved, that he sent this Message too him, viz. Either let him come and do as we do, or else I will make him prate farther off.  
On February the 2d, this year, Anno Domini 1625, the King was Crowned at Westminster with the usual (though I cannot say Magnificent) Ceremonies and Solemnities.  
The Coronation being past, the King prepareth for a Parliament now approaching; the last he thought was somewhat uncivil towards the Duke; and the Delinquents (as he thought) must be made examples: Upon this account the Lord-Keeper Williams, soon after the Dissolution of the late Parliament, fell, and his place was disposed of to Sir Thomas Coventry, etc.  
On the 16th of this February, the Parliament met; the Commons began their work, where they last broke off at Oxford, making Religion their first, and which was their superlative care; recollecting what a full and satisfactory Answer the King gave to their Petition against Recusants, and his Commission issued out in pursuance of that Answer, appointed a Committee for Religion, impowring them most strictly to examine what abuses of his Majesty's Grace had occurred since that time, and who were the Authors and Abettors of the same.  
The House of Commons being in expectation of some Discovery from their Committee, at length Mr. Prin made a report of a Letter written to the Lord Mayor of York, for reprieving some Jesuits, Priests, and other Recusants. This Letter being under the Signet, a sub-Committee was ordered to search the Signet-Office, and compare it with the Original.  
These Proceed inwardly much displeased the King, yet he smothered the indignity for a time, though he did after intimate the same unto them among his other regrets: And plying his more important affairs with a most steady temper, he sent a Message unto them by Sir Richard Weston, to this effect, viz.  
That his Fleet is returned, and their Victuals spent; the Men must of necessity be discharged, and their wages paid them, or else mutiny will follow, which may be of dangerous consequence.  
That he hath in readiness about 40 Ships, to be set forth upon a second service, which want a present supply of moneys.  
That the Armies, quartered on the Coasts, want Victuals and ; and they will Disband, if not furnished.  
The Companies of Ireland lately sent, must speedily be provided for, else they may be subject to rebel.  
Lastly, The season for providing healthful provision will be past, if this Month of March be suffered through negligence to elapse.  
And therefore he desired to know without more ado what present supplies he must depend upon from them, that so accordingly he might shape his course.  
Instead of a supply to his Message, Mr. Clement Coke (Son to Sir Edward Coke) a Member of the House of Commons, let fly this reply: It is better to die by a Foreign Enemy, than to be destroyed at home; and as if the Prerogative had not been sufficiently alarmed by that expression, one Turner, a Doctor of Physic, re-assaults it in these six Queries: 

1. Whether the King hath not lost the Regality of the Narrow Seas since the Duke became Admiral?  
2. Whether his going in the last Fleet as Admiral, was not the cause of ill success?  
3. Whether the King's Revenue hath not been impaired through his immense liberality?  
4. Whether he hath not engrossed all Offices, and preferred his kindred to unfit places?  
5. Whether he hath not made sale of places of Judicature?  
6. Whether Recusants have not dependence upon his Mother and Father-in-law?    
This was uncouth language to a Prince's Ear; but who can expect that in so vast a Body and Mass of men, all parcels should take salt alike, and that no part should have rancidity in it? Yet perhaps this clamour and noise might be the rudeness of some few, newly admitted into that great School of Wisdom, the greater part continuing (its possible) sincere and loyal; therefore the King sends Sir Richard Weston to them, requiring satisfaction: But the House was flower in the work, than was agreeable to his Majesty's mind, so intent upon some severe Proceed against them. Upon this he called the Lords and them together, and by the Lord-Keeper, his proper Speaker, thus conveys his displeasure to them; which being somewhat long, and afterwards the King's Speech also to them, I shall refer you to the Book itself, Page 24, 25, 26.  
The Commons nothing moved with those tart and vinacre expressions, kept close to their proper stations, and by way of Remonstrance replied: the which you may peruse Page the 27th of the same Author.  
To the Remonstrance the King answered briefly, That he would have them, in the first place, consult about matters of the greatest importance, and that they should have time enough for other things afterwards.  
But the Parliament accounted nothing of so great importance, as a vigorous proceeding against the Duke. In order to which, all encouragement is given by both Houses to any who would inform against him. The Earl of Bristol vigilantly listened for this call, and presently Petitioning the House, he might be admitted to prefer an Accusation against him; His request is readily granted. The Duke alarmed with this Petition, Plots amain (and high time) either to divert or encounter him: He persuades the King to send the Earl a Premonitary-Letter, framed as a Memorial, minding him of all the miscarriages relating to the Spanish Treaty, and a Breviate of what became of his future charge; and demanding withal his positive Answer, Whether he would sit still from being questioned for any Errors passed in his Spanish Negotiations, and enjoy the benefit of the Pardon granted by the late Parliament; or waving the advantage thereof, put himself upon a Legal Trial.  
To this the Earl answered, That it became him not as a Subject to urge a Trial against himself; but if His Majesty should call him to it, he would willingly submit, being confident his innocence would mediate for his future favour: As for the Pardon, he would not disclaim it, though he was confident he should not need it for any Crime of Disloyalty to His Majesty, or Treason against the State.  
The King perceiving by this Reply the Earl resolved to persist, commanded the Attorney-General to Summon the Earl to the Lords Bar as a Delinquent, May the 1st. Bristol appearing, the Attorney told the Peers, That he came thither to accuse the Earl of High-Treason; with that the Earl said, My Lords, I am a Freeman, and a Peer of the Realm, unattainted; I have somewhat to say of high consequence for his Majesty's Service; I beseech your Lordships give me leave to speak: The Lords bidding him go on: Then, said he, I accuse that Man the Duke of Buckingham of High-Treason: the Articles of his Charge you may read Page 28. ut supra.  
When the Earl had ended his Charge, up starts no upstart Lord, the Lord Spencer, Is this all (said he) you have to say against the Duke? The Earl replied, Yes my Lord, and I am sorry it is so much: Then quoth the Lord Spencer, if this be all, Ridiculus Must; and so sat down again.  
Upon this a Crotchet took the Lord Cromwell in the Crown, and out he goes to Mr. Richard Spencer, a younger Son of that Lord, and a great Zealot in the lower House against the Duke: Dick, said he, what is done in your House to day against the Duke? My Lord (said he) he is charged with no less than High-Treason: Tush Dick, quoth the Lord, High-Treason! if this be all, Ridiculus Mus.  
This high and daring challenging by the Earl, prompted the Attorney to speed his Accusation against him; which having Modelled into Eleven Articles, he brought in the next day, Vide page 28. ut supra.  
The Commons having presented their Accusation, presently after sent a Message to the Lords, desiring that the Duke might be Committed; declaring, that it did mis-beseem their House to permit a man so deeply Impeached to sit in Council with them.  
The Court-party, who had nimble Intelligencers, understood this design from the very first result, and plotted to treat the Commons with uniform Proceed; for at that very time Sir Dudley Diggs, and Sir John eliot were sent for out of the House by two Messengers of the Chamber; who upon their coming forth, shown them Warrants for their Commitment to the Tower; but it was resolved by the Judges, that by their restraint (no reason being given to the House for it) the whole House was arrested, and a Remonstrance was made to the King of their Privilege; whereupon they were released.  
The Commons having sped so well, the House of Peers began to claim their immunities; making an Order, that nothing should be transacted in their House, until the Earl of Arundel were restored; upon which instantly ensued the Earls Postlimination and re-admittance.  
Popular disgust began now to break in upon the Duke, with such a running and sweeping-tide, as drew along with it, by way of Concomitancy, the Peerage; nor could his new Dependants and Allies keep the Balance Horizontial, and even much less sway it; and because his fate must result from them, but not by weight, but tale; the old Trick of the Council of Trent was thought upon, and a new Summons of Persons former Confidents to the Duke (as the Lords, Mandevil, Grandison and Carlton) into the row of Nobles.  
But this project would not take; for the House of Lords found an ancient Order, That no Lords created sedente Parliamento, shall have Voices during that Session, but only shall have privilege of sitting among the rest; upon which their suffrage was excluded.  
This gave the Duke a taste (a bitter one) of their inclinations; so that finding but small favour to trust to, he magnanimously stood upon his Justification. And having his defence to his contentment, June the 8th, 1626., he presented it to the Lords; who upon receipt thereof, sequestered him from sitting any more as a Peer of the House, until his Cause was determined; whereupon he went away much dejected.  
The Duke's Defence, and the Commons Impeachment being long, I shall not here insert, but refer you to the Annals itself, from whom I do transcribe this small Narrative.  
This weighty Cause was managed by six Gentlemen, viz. Mr. Glanvil, Mr. Selden, Mr. Pim, Mr. Wansford, Mr. Sherland, to whom was added Sir Dudley Diggs as Foreman and Prolocutor, and Sir John eliot to bring up the rear.  
Sir Dudley Diggs his Prologue, for the extraordinary Elegancy of the frame, and conciseness of his Metaphors, I shall crave leave to insert as it was delivered unto the Lords before the Gentlemen of the House of Commons did present the 13 Grievances, expressly this.  
My LORDS,  
THere are so many things of great importance to be said in a very little time this day, that I conceive it will not be unacceptable unto your Lordships, if (setting aside all Rhetorical affectations) I only in plain Country language, humbly pray your Lordship's favour to include many excuses, necessary to my many infirmities.  
In this one word, I am commanded by the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses of the Commons House to present unto your Lordships their most affectionate Thanks for your ready condescending to this Conference; which out of confidence in your great Wisdoms, and approved Justice for the service of his Majesty, and the welfare of this Realm, they desired upon this occasion.  
The House of Commons, by a fatal and universal concurrence of Complaints from all the Seabordering parts of this Kingdom, did find a great and grievous interruption and stop of Trade and Traffic: The base Pirates of Sally ignominiously infesting our Coasts; taking our Ships and Goods, and leading away the Subjects of this Kingdom into Barbarous Captivity, while to our shame, and hindrance of Commerce, our Enemies did (as it were) Besiege our Ports, and Block up our best Rivers Mouths, our Friends on slight pretences made Embargoes of our Merchant's Goods, and every Nation (upon the least occasion) was ready to contemn and slight us: So great was the apparent diminution of the ancient Honour of this Crown, and once strong reputation of our Nation; wherewith the Commons were more troubled, calling to remembrance, how formerly in France, in Spain, in Holland, and everywhere by Sea and Land, the Valours of this Kingdom had been better valued; and even in latter times, within remembrance, when we had no Alliance with France, none in Denmark, none in Germany, no Friend in Italy, in Scotland, to say no more, united Ireland, not settled in peace, and much less security at home; when Spain was as ambitious as it is now under a King (Philip the Second) they called their Wisest; the House of Austria as great and Potent, and both strengthened with a Malicious League in France of persons illaffected, when the Low-Countries had no being; yet by constant Counsels, and Old English ways, even than that Spanish pride was cooled, that greatness of the House of Austria, so formidable to us now, was well resisted, and to the United Provinces of the Low-Countries, such a beginning, growth and strength was given, as gave us Honour over all the Christian World.  
The Commons therefore wondering at the evils which they suffered, debating of the causes of them, found they were many, drawn like one Line to one Circumference of Decay of Trade and Strength, of Honour and Reputation, in this Kingdom, which as in one Centre, met in one great man, the cause of all, whom I am here to name, the Duke of Buckingham.  
Here Sir Dudley Diggs made a stand, as wondering to see the Duke present; yet he took the Roll, and read the Preamble to the Charge, with the Duke's Titles, which I shall here, for the Readers Satisfaction, insert, and so proceed.  
For the speedy Redress of the great evils and mischiefs, 
The Preamble to the Impeachment against the Duke of Buckingham.  and of the chief causes of those evils and mischiefs, which this Kingdom of England now grievously suffereth, and of late years hath suffered, and to the honour and safety of our Sovereign Lord the King, and of his Crown and Dignities, and to the good and welfare of his People; The Commons in this present Parliament, by the Authority of our Sovereign Lord the King assembled, do by this their Bill, show and declare against George, Duke, Marquess, and Earl of Buckingham, Earl of Coventry, Viscount Villers, Baron of Whaddon, Great Admiral of the Kingdoms of England and Ireland, and of the Principality of Wales, and of the Dominions and Islands of the same; of the Town of Calais, and of the Marches of the same, and of Normandy, Gascoin, and Guienne: General Governor of the Seas and Ships of the said Kingdoms, Lieutenant-General, Admiral, Captain-General, and Governor of his Majesty's Royal Fleet and Armado, lately set forth. Master of the Horse of our Sovereign Lord the King, Lord Warden, Chancellor, and Admiral of the Cinque-Ports, and of the Members thereof, Constable of Dover-Castle, Justice in Eyre of all Forests and Chases on this side of the River of Trent, Constable of the Castle of Windsor, Lieutenant of Middlesex and Buckinghamshire, Steward and Bailiff of Westminster, Gentleman of his Majesty's Bedchamber, and one of his Majesty's most Honourable Privy Council, in his Realms both of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and Knight of the most Noble Order of the Garter.  
The Misdemeanours, Misprisions, Offences, Crimes, and other matters comprised in the Articles following: And him the said Duke do Accuse and Impeach of the said Misdemeanours, Misprisions, Offences and Crimes.  
And now my Lords,  
This lofty Title of this mighty man, methinks doth raise my Spirits to speak with a Paulo majora canamus; and let it not displease your Lordships, if for Foundation I compare the beautiful Structure and fair Composition of this Monarchy, wherein we live, to the great work of God, viz. the World itself, in which the solid Body of incorporated Earth and Sea, as I conceive in regard of our Husbandry, Manufactures, and Commerce by Land and Sea, may well resemble us the Commons; and as it is encompassed with Air and Fire, and Spheres Celestial of Planets, and a Firmament of fixed Stars, all which receive their heat, light, and life, from one great glorious Sun, even like the King our Sovereign, so that Firmament of fixed Stars I take to be your Lordships; those Planets, the great Officers of the Kingdom; that pure Element of Fire, the most Religious, Zealous, and Pious Clergy; and the Reverend Judges, Magistrates, and Ministers of Law and Justice, the Air wherein we breathe, all which encompassed round with cherishing, comfort this Body of the Commons, who truly labour for them all; and though they be the Footstool and the lowest, yet may well be said to be the settled Centre of the State.  
Now (my Lords) if that glorious Sun by his powerful Beams of Grace and Favour, shall draw from the bowels of this Earth an Exhalation, that shall fire, and burn, and shine out like a Star, it needs not be marvelled at, if the poor Commons gaze and wonder at the Comet, when they feel the effects, and impute all to the corruptible matter thereof: But if such an imperfect Meteor appear, like that in the last Age, in the Chair of Casiopea, among the fixed Stars themselves, where Aristotle and the old Philosophers conceived there was no place for such corruption; 
The Meteor in 1680. is worth your observation upon this very account.  then as the learned Mathematicians were troubled to observe the irregular motions, the prodigious magnitude, and the ominous Prognostics of that Meteor, so the Commons when they see such a Blazing-Star in course so exorbitant in the affairs of this Commonwealth, cannot but look up upon it, and for want of Perspectives commend the nearer examination to your Lordships, who may behold it at a better distance. Such a prodigious Comet the Commons take this Duke of Buckingham to be, 
And so the Commons do the Duke of York now, & cum multis aliis, etc. Anno Domini, 1680 and 1681. and will doubtless several more, when they shall meet & sit to redress the present Grievances of the Nation.  against whom and his irregular ways, there are by learned Gentlemen legal Articles of Charge to be delivered to your Lordships, which I am generally first commanded to lay open,  
First, The Offices of this Kingdom, that are the Eyes, the Ears, and the Hands of this Commonwealth, these have been engrossed, bought, and sold, and many of the greatest of them holden even in the Dukes own hands, which severally and apart, gave in former times and ages sufficient content to the greatest Favourites, and were work enough for the wisest Councillors: By means whereof what strange abuses, what infinite neglects have followed? The Seas have been unguarded, Trade disturbed, Merchants oppressed, their Ships, and even one of the Navy Royal by cunning practice, delivered over into foreign hands, and contrary to our good King's intention, employed to the prejudice (I had almost said to the ruin) of Friends of our own Religion.  
Next Honours (those most precious Jewels of the Crown) a Treasure inestimable, wherewith your Noble Ancestors (my Lords) were well rewarded for eminent and public service in the Commonwealth at home, for brave exploits abroad, when covered all with dust and blood, they sweat in service for the honour of this Crown: What back-ways, what byways have been by this Duke found out, is too well known to your Lordships; whereas it was anciently the honour of England (as among the Romans) the way to the Temple of Honour was through the Temple of Virtue: But I am commanded to press this no further, than to let your Lordships know, one Instance may (perhaps) be given of some one Lord, compelled to purchase Honour.  
Thirdly, as divers of the Duke's poor Kindred have been raised to great honours, which have been and are likely to be more chargeable and burdensome to the Crown; so the Lands, and Revenues, and Treasuries of his Majesty have been intercepted, and exhausted by this Duke and his Friends, and strangely misemployed with strange confusion of the Accounts, and overthrow of the well-established ancient Orders of his Majesty's Exchequer.  
The last of the Charges which are prepared, will be an injury offered to the Person of the late King of blessed memory, who is with God, of which (as your Lordships may have heard heretofore) you shall anon have farther information. Now upon this occasion, I am commanded by the Commons, to take care of the honour of the King our Sovereign that lives (long may he live to our comfort and the good of the Christian world) and also of his blessed Father who is dead, on whom to the grief of the Commons and their great distaste, the Lord Duke did, they conceive, unworthily cast some ill ordure of his own foul ways. Whereas Servants were anciently wont to bear (as in truth they ought) their Masters faults, and not cast their own on them undeservedly.  
It is well known the King (who is with God) had the same power and the same wisdom before he knew this Duke; yea and the same affections too, through which (as a good and gracious Master) he advanced and raised some Stars of your Lordship's Firmament, in whose hands this exorbitancy of Will, this transcendency of Power, such placing and misplacing of Officers, such irregular running into all by courses of the Planets, such sole and single managing of the great affairs of State, was never heard of.  
And therefore only to the Lord Duke, and his own procurement, by misinformations, these faults complained of by the Commons, are to be imputed.  
And whereas for our most gracious Sovereign that lives, whose Name hath been used, and may perhaps now be for the Duke's Justification: The Commons know well, that among his Majesty's most Royal Virtues, his Piety unto his Father, hath made him a pious nourisher of his Affections ever to this Lord Duke, on whom out of that consideration his Majesty hath wrought a kind of wonder, making Favour hereditary. But the abuse thereof must be the Lord Dukes own; and if there have been any commands, such as were or may pretend, his misinformations have procured them; whereas the Laws of England teach us, that Kings cannot command ill or unawful things whenever they speak, though by their Letters Patents or their Seals: If the thing be evil, these Letters Patents are void; and whatsoever ill event succeeds, the Executioners of such Commands must ever answer for them.  
Thus, my Lords, in performance of my duty, my weakness hath been troublesome unto your Lordships. It is now high time humbly to entreat your pardon, and to give way to a Learned Gentleman to begin against him a more particular Charge.  
Sir Dudley Diggs his Prologue being ended, the Impeachment of the Commons itself was next read; the which, if you please, you may peruse Page 40. in the said Narrative before mentioned; with the Duke's Answer, Defence and Reply to every particular Article thereof.  
The Answer of the Duke to his Impeachment, was a kind of a new Grievance to his Adversaries; for it being contrived, and so inlaid with modesty and humility, it was like to have a powerful influence towards the conversion of many, who expected a Defence of another and more disdainful spirit. Again, it seemed to instate him in impunity; and the Commons having charged him as they thought, through and through, loath they were to fall short of Victory: And now having pursued him with such vehemency, thought themselves worsted, should he now at the last make a saving game of it; wherefore resolved they were to ply him with a speedy Reply: But while they were hammering of it, the King sent them a Letter, demanding, without farther delay, their speedy producing their Bill of Subsidy to be passed; to which, to prevent their Dissolution, they immediately conformed. But first they had drawn up a Declaration of the same make and mind with their former Impeachment, of the miserable estate of this Kingdom, and not without some high Contests it was allowed by the House before the Bill of Subsidy: Whereupon his Majesty was so exceedingly incensed, 
King Charles his Second Parliament Dissolved.  as on the very next day, June the 5th, he Dissolved the Assembly, though the Lords sent four of their House unto him, beseeching him most earnestly, that he would permit them to sit but two days longer; but he answered, Not a Minute.  
The same afternoon the Earl of Bristol, 
Arundel and Bristol confined.  the Duke's grand Prosecutor, was committed to the Tower, and the Earl of Arundel confined to his own house. There came also forth from his Majesty a Proclamation, for Burning all the Copies of the Commons Declaration, made before the Parliaments Dissolution.  
This Rupture of the Parliament, 
The King charged with Imprudence.  being supposed to issue from the King's great affection to the Duke, I find him charged with deep imprudence, and high oversight, to hazard the Love of Millions for him only.  
On Monday, before this doleful disaster, there happened a terrible and prodigious spectacle upon the Thames: The Water near Lambeth-Marsh began about Three of the Clock in the afternoon to be very turbulent; and after a while, arising like a Mist, it appeared in a Circular form about Ten yard's Diameter, and about Ten foot elevated from the River. This Cataract, or Spout of Waters, was carried impetuously cross the River, and made a very furious Assault upon the Garden-Walls of York-house (where the Duke was then building his new Water-Stairs); at length, after a fierce attempt, it broke asunder, sending up a fuliginous and dusky smoke, like that issuing out of a Brewer's Chimney, which ascended as high as was well discernible, and so vanished; and at the very same instant there was in the City of London so dreadful a storm of Rain and Hail, with Thunder and Lightning, as a great part of the Churchyard Wall of St. Andrews Church in Holbourn fell down; and divers Craves being thereby discovered, many Coffins tumbled into the middle of the Channel.  
Not long after this there fell out a difference between England and France; and his Majesty, in process of time, being on every side on the losing hand, he was much distressed in mind, what course to take to discharge himself of those impendent Calamities; should he call a Parliament, 
The King in great want.  the time (whose every moment was precious unto him) would not permit to stay for their Convention; and when met, should they prove (as it was odds they would) as Dilatory and disgustful as the former, he were in a worse condition than before. In this perplexed difficulty, at length his Council agreed to set that great Engine, his Prerogative, at work: Many projects were hammered on that forge, but they came all to small effect.  
First, they moved for a Contribution, by way of Benevolence; but this was soon dashed. Then a resolution was taken to advance the value of Coin Two shillings in the pound; but this also was soon argued down by Sir Robert Cotton: But that which the Council stuck closest to, was the issuing of a Commission, 
Raiseth money by Loan.  dated October the 13th, for raising almost Two hundred thousand younds by way of Loan; and the more to expedite and facilitate this Levy, the Commissioners were instructed to represent to the Subject the deplorable estate of Rochel, then closely beleaguered by the Duke of Guise; and if not speedily relieved, would fall irrecoverably into the hands of the Enemies of the Protestant Religion.  
These were plausible insinuations: For Rochel, though situated in another Country, yet was looked upon as in the same parallel Belief with us. And what will not men suffer for others of the same persuasion, especially when Fame reports them sufferers because of the same persuasion?  
But all would not smooth the asperity of this most Illegal Tax. Rochel, and all other Foreign Considerations must stand by, and aloof off, when homebred Liberty is disputed; so thought the almost Majority of the Kingdom, who opposed it to Durance. 
Many refuse.  Upon this account of refusal, Prisoners, some of the Nobility, and most of the prime Gentry, were daily brought in by scores, I might almost say by Counties; so that the Council-Table had almost as much work to provide Prisons, as to supply the King's necessities.  
This year Learning lost two Luminaries of the greatest Magnitude that ever this Nation enjoyed, viz. Dr. Andrews, Bishop of Winchester, and Sir Francis Bacon, Viscount St. Alban, Lord High Chancellor of England.  
The Commission of Loan not answering in its product his Majesty's expectation, the Papists began now to plot their own advantage from the King's wants; and under pretence of Loyalty, they of Ireland propounded to him, That upon consideration of a Toleration of their Religion, they would at their own charge furnish him with a constant Army of five thousand Foot and five hundred Horse. But this project to their great regret proved Dow-baked, the Protestants countermining them: For in the next Spring Doctor Downham, Bishop of London-Derry, Preaching before the Lord Deputy and the whole State, April 22. 1627. taking for his Text, Luke 1.74. That we being delivered from the hands of our Enemies, might serve him without fear. In the midst of his Sermon, he openly read this Protestation, subscribed by the Archbishops and all the Bishops of that Kingdom.  

1. That the Religion of the Papists is Superstitious and Idolatrous.  
2. Their Faith and Doctrine Erroneous and Heretical.  
3. Their Church in respect of both, Apostatical.   
To give them therefore a Toleration, is to make ourselves accessary to their abominations, and to the perdition of their Souls.  
But to sell them a Toleration, is to set Religion to sale, and with that their Souls, which Christ hath redeemed with his most precious blood.  
The Bishop having ended this Protestation, added: And let all the People say Amen, which they did so as the Church almost shook with the noise. The Deputy required of the Bishop a Copy of both his Sermon and Protestation, who answered he would most willingly justify it before his Majesty, and feared not to read it.  
And now although moneys came in but slowly, yet was the Naval Force completed for expedition about Midsummer; whereof the Duke appeared Admiral; as ambitious of some meritorious service to earn a better gust, or to correct the universal odium against him.  
June the 27th he set Sail from Portsmouth with about six thousand Horse and Foot; and July the eleventh he published a Manifesto, declaring the impulsive causes of his Majesty's present Arming.  
But the Duke had very ill success in this expedition; for the English were routed at the Isle of the: 
The English routed at the Isle of Rhe.  the sum of their loss were about fifty Officers (but the greatest loss was that gallant man, Sir John Burroughs, who was slain by a Musket Bullet from the Citadel, while he was viewing the English works;) of Common Soldiers few less than two thousand, Prisoners of Note thirty five, Colours taken forty four, hung up as Anthems at Paris in the Church of Notre dame, our Honour lost. The Prisoners Lewis graciously dismissed home, as an affectionate offertory to his Sister the Queen of England; which made up another Victory superadded to the former, and a conquest over us as well in the exercise of civilities, as in feat of Arms; only the Lord Montjoy was ransomed, for the which he offering to the French King a round sum; No my Lord, it is said the King replied, your Redemption shall be only two couple of Hounds from England: Some interpreted this a slender value of that Lord, to be exchanged for a couple of Dogs; but it was only in the King a modest estimate of his courtesy.  
The Rochellers being besieged by the French King, 
The Rochelers crave our King's aid.  in their distress hurrieth and serrieth over their Deputies to England to solicit our King for fresh supplies, before the prodigious work should be completed; who (good Prince) affected with their Miseries, and desirous rather to protect them from being slaves, than to enable them to be Masters, condescended to assure them of what assistance he could make.  
But, alas! what could his assistance signify, who was as necessitous as themselves? Did they want Men, Ammunition-Ships? So did he, seeing he wanted that which was all these, Money; and how, and where should that be had? His last borrowing Commissions, was a course so displeasing to the Subject, as would not admit of repetition, and it would prove an odd payment of that Loan arrears, to demand another: But the King was now the Subject of a greater Potentate than himself, Necessity; and this Necessity put him upon several projects: First he borroweth of the Common-Council of London, One hundred and twenty thousand pounds; for which, and other debts, he assures unto them Twentyone thousand pounds per annum of his own Lands: and of the East-India Company Thirty thousand pounds; and yet he wants. Next, Privy-Seals are sent out by Hundreds, and a new way of Levy by Excise, resolved to be executed by Commission, Dated the 3d of February; and yet he wants: but the best and most taking project of all, was a Parliament; whereby he hoped not only to supply his necessities, but also to give some better repose to his troubled spirit; for he felt no inward contentment, whilst he the Head and the Body were at a distance, or like intersects and flies, tacked together by a Mathematical line, or imaginary thread; therefore he seriously resolved for his part to frame and dispose himself to such obliging complacency and compliance, as might re-consolidate, and make them knit again.  
This Parliament was Summoned to meet on the 17th of March, 1627.; 
King Charles his Third Parliament assembled, March 17, 1627.  and the Writs being issued out, the Loan-Recusants appeared the only men in the People's affections; none thought worthy of a Patriots title, but he that was under restraint upon that account; so that the far greater number of the Parliament was form of them: And as their Sufferings had made them of Eminent remark for Noble Courage, so did they for External respects appear the gallantest Assembly that ever those Walls immured; they having Estates modestly estimated, able to buy the House of Peers (the King excepted), One hundred and eighteen, thrice over. Thus were all things strangely turned in a trice topside t'other way: they who lately were confined as Prisoners, are now not only free, but petty Lords and Masters, yea, and petty Kings.  
Some few days before this Session, a notable discovery was made of a College of Jesuits at Clerkenwell. The first Information was given by one Cross, a Messenger to Secretary Coke, who sent a Warrant to Justice Long, dwelling near enjoining, to take some Constables, and other aid with him, and forthwith to beset the house, and apprehend the Jesuits; entering at first door, they found at stairs-foot a Man and a Woman standing, who told them, My Masters, take heed you go not up the stairs, for there are above many resolute and valiant Men, who are well provided with Swords and Pistols, and will lose their lives rather than yield; therefore if you love your lives, be gone. The Constable took their counsel, and like cowardly Buzzards went their way, and told Secretary Coke the danger; whereupon the Secretary sent the Sheriff to attack them, who coming with a formidable Power, found all withdrawn and sneaked away; but after a long search, their place of security was found out, it being a Lobby behind a new Brickwall, Wainscoated over; which being demolished, they were presently unkenneled, to the number of Ten. They found also divers Letters from the Pope to them, empowring them to erect this College under the name of Domus Probationis (but it proved Reprobationis) Sancti Ignatii; and their Books of Accounts, whereby it appeared they had Five hundred pounds per annum contribution from their Benefactors, and had likewise purchased Four hundred and fifty pounds per annum; they had a Chapel, Library, and other Rooms of necessary accommodation, with Houshold-utensils and implements marked † S. What became of these Jesuits, will fall in afterward: and what would have become of the Secretary for his double diligence in their prosecution, you should have heard, had not the Duke been cut off by an untimely end to himself, but timely to the Popular Gust.  
The Parliament being met, the King began thus to them:  
My Lords and Gentlemen!  
THese times are for Action: 
The King's Speech.  for Action I say, not for Words; and therefore I shall use but few; and (as Kings are said to be Exemplary to their Subjects) I wish you would imitate me in this, and use as few, falling upon speedy consultation. No man is, I conceive, such a stranger to the Common Necessity, as to expostulate the cause of this Meeting, and not to think Supply to be the end of it: And as this Necessity is the product and consequent of your advice; so the true Religion, the Laws and Liberties of this State, and just defence of our Friends and Allies, being so considerably concerned, will be, I hope, arguments enough to persuade supply: For if it be, as most true it is, both my Duty and yours to preserve this Church and Commonwealth, this exigent time certainly requires it. In this time of Common danger I have taken the most ancient, speedy, and best way for supply, by calling you together; if (which God forbidden) in not contributing what may answer the Quality of my occasions, you do not your Duties, it shall suffice I have done mine, in the conscience whereof I shall rest content, and take some other course, for which God hath impower'd me to save that which the folly of particular men might hazard to lose.  
Take not this as a Menace (for I scorn to threaten my Inferiors), but as an Admonition from him who is tied both by Nature and Duty, to provide for your preservations: And I hope, though I thus speak, your Demeanours will be such as shall oblige me in thankfulness to meet you oftener, than which nothing shall be more pleasing unto me.  
Remembering the distractions of our last Meeting, you may suppose I have no confidence of good success at this time: but be assured, I shall freely forget and forgive what is past, hoping you will follow that sacred advice lately inculcated, To maintain the Unity of the spirit in the bond of peace.  
The Parliament seemed at first exceeding prompt to close with the King's desires, and as complyingly disposed as could be wished; but they had not forgot the many pressures, which made the subject groan; something they must do for them who sent, as well as for him who called them thither; and to anticipate all manner of dispute in point of Precedence, between the Subject's grievances, and the King's supplies, they make an order that both should proceed pari passu, cheek by joul.  
Upon full consideration of the King's wants, 
The Parliament grant liberally.  they presently and cheerfully agreed to give him five Subsidies, whereof Secretary Coke was the first Evangelist, and Porter of that good news to the King, who received it with wondrous joy, and asked the Secretary by how many Voices it was carried? Sir John replied, but by one: At which perceiving the King's countenance to change; Sir, said he, your Majesty hath the greater cause to rejoice; for the House was so unanimous therein, as that they made but one voice; whereupon the King wept, and bad the Secretary tell them, He would deny them nothing of their Liberties, which any of his Predecessors had granted.  
The stream of affairs running thus smoothly, 
The Subjects Libetty under debate.  without the least wrinkle of discontent on either side; the House of Commons first insisted upon the Personal Freedom of the People, and resolved for Law, That no Freeman ought to be imprisoned, either by the King or Council, without a legal Cause alleged. This opinion of the House was reported to the Lords, at a Conference by Sir Edward Coke, Sir Dudley Diggs, Mr. Selden, and Mr. Littleton; Sir Dudley Diggs citing Acts 25. vers. 27. It seemeth an unreasonable thing to send a Prisoner, and not withal to signify the Crimes laid against him.  
This business stuck very much in the Lord's House, 
The Lords nice in the business.  who were willing that the Nails should be pared, not the hands tied of the Prerogative; several and great Debates there were about it. The Attorney pleading eagerly (though impertinently) for the King; and the ancient Records were so direct for the People, and so strongly enforced, as the Attorney had no more to say, but only, I refer myself to the Judgement of the Lords; and when these Lords were to give Judgement concerning it, the Ducal, or Royal party (for they were both one) were so prevalent, as they who leaned the other way, durst not abide the Trial by Vote; but calling the Lord-Keeper down, moulded the House into a Committee, until the Lord Say made a motion, That they who stood for the Liberties (being effective about fifty) might make their Protestation; and that to be upon Record: And that the other opposite party should also with Subscriptions of their Names, enter their Reasons, to remain also upon Record, that so Posterity might not be to seek who they were, who so ignobly betrayed the Freedom of our Nation; and that this done, they should proceed to a Vote: At which the Court-party were so daunted, as that they durst not mutter one syllable against it.  
Personal Liberty being thus settled; next they fall upon Liberty of Goods, the unbilleting of Soldiers, and nulling of Martial-Law in times of Peace; and finding Magna Charta, and six other Statutes explanatory of it, to be expressly on their side, they Petitioned the King to grant them the benefit of them; whereupon he declared Himself, by the Lord-Keeper, unto them in his Verbis:  
That He did hold the Statutes of Magna Charta, and the six other insisted upon for the Subjects Liberty, to be all in force; and assured them, that he would maintain all his Subjects in the just freedom of their Persons, and safety of Estates; and that he would govern according to the Laws and Statutes of the Realm; and that his People should find as much security in his Royal Word and Promise, as in any Laws they could make; so that hereafter they should have no cause to complain; and therefore he desired no doubt nor distrust might possess any man, but that they would proceed speedily and unanimously on with their business.  
This Message begat a new Question, Whether or no his Majesty should be trusted upon his Royal Word? Some thought it needless, because of his Coronation-Oath, binding him to maintain the Laws of the Land: That Oath was as strong as any Royal Word could be. Others were of opinion, That should it be put to Vote, and carried in the Negative, it would be infinitely dishonourable unto him in Foreign parts, who would be ready to say, The People of England would not trust their King upon his Royal Promise.  
At length, in the height of this Dispute, stands up Sir Edward Coke, and thus informed the House: We sit now in Parliament, and therefore must take his Majesty's Word no otherwise than in a Parliamentary-way; that is, The King sitting on his Throne in his Royal Robes, his Crown on his Head, his Sceptre in his Hand in full Parliament, both Houses being present, all these Circumstances observed, and his Assent being entered upon a Record, make his Royal Word the Word of a King in Parliament, and not a word delivered in a Chamber, or at second hand by the mouth of a Secretary or Lord-Keeper; therefore his Motion was, That the House should (More Majorum) according to the custom of their Predecessors, draw a Petition (De Droict) of Right to His Majesty; which being confirmed by both Houses, and assented unto by the King, would be as firm an Act as any.  
This Judgement of so great a Father in the Law, 
The Petition of Right presented by this Parliament.  at this time ruled all the House, and accordingly a Petition was framed, and at a Conference presented unto the Lords, the substance whereof (after the recital of several Statutes relating to the Privilege of the Subject) was reduced to four Heads.  
The Petition being presented to his Majesty after two several Answers thereunto (which did not please the Parliament), he did the third time give them this Answer (the Petition being read) thereunto.  
Le droict soit faict comme il est desire. This I am sure is full, yet no more than I granted you in my first Answer: you see now how ready I have showed myself to satisfy your Demands, so that I have done my part; wherefore if this Parliament have not an happy conclusion, the sin is yours, I am free.  
The King having ended, the Houses testified their joy with a mighty shout, and presently the Bells rung, and Bonfires were kindled all the City over: Nor was the true cause so distinctly known; for many apprehended at first, that the King had delivered the Duke up to them to be sent to the Tower; on which misprision, some said the Scaffold on Tower-hill was instantly pulled down; the People said his Grace should have a new one.  
It is said that the House of Lords made Suit to the King upon this happy accord, That he would be pleased to receive into Grace those Lords who were in former disfavour; which he readily yielded unto: And admitted the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, Bishop of Lincoln, the Earls of Essex, Warwick, Bristol, and the Lord Say to kiss his hand.  
The Petition thus granted, the Commissions of Loan and Excise were instantly outlawed, and at the entreaty of the House of Peers, cancelled in the King's presence.  
Having thus secured the faults, they removed the faulty, and resolved upon a large Remonstrance to the King, ripping up the Grievances themselves, and the Authors of them. This Remonstrance consisted of six Branches, in sum these.  

1. The danger of Innovation and Alteration in Religion: 
The Parliaments Remonstrance.  This occasioned by, 1. The great esteem and favour many Professors of the Romish Religion receive at Court. 2. Their public resort to Mass at Denmark-house, contrary to his Majesty's Answer to the Parliaments Petition at Oxford. 3. The Letters for stay of Proceed against them. Lastly, The daily growth of the Arminian-Faction, favoured and protected by Neal Bishop of Winchester, and Laud Bishop of Bath-and-Wells, whilst the Orthodox party are silenced, or discountenanced.  
2. The danger of Innovation and Alteration in Government, occasioned by Billeting of Soldiers, by the Commission of procuring One thousand German-Horse, and Riders, for the defence of the Kingdom, by a standing-Commission granted to the Duke to be General at Land in times of Peace.  
3. Disasters of our Designs, as the expedition to the Isle of the, and that lately of Rochel, wherein the English have purchased their dishonour with the waste of a Million of Treasure.  
4. The want of Ammunition, occasioned by the late selling away of 36 Last of Powder.  
5. The decay of Trade, by the loss of Three hundred Ships taken by the Dunkirkers and Pirates within these three last years.  
6. The not Guarding the Narrow Seas, whereby his Majesty hath almost lost the Regality.   
Of all which Evils and Dangers, the principal cause is the Duke of Buckingham, his excessive power, and abuse of that power; and therefore they humbly submit it to his Majesty's Wisdom, whether it can be safe for Himself, or his Kingdom, that so great Power should be trusted in the hands of any one Subject whatsoever.  
This Remonstrance being finished on Tuesday June the 17th, they presented it as an Appendix, with a Bill of Subsidies, to the King in the Banqueting-house; who having heard it out, He told them, That he little expected such a Remonstrance, after he had so Graciously passed the Petition of Right: As for their Grievances, he would consider of them, as they should deserve. Some say, that at his passing out, the King gave the Duke his hand to kiss, which others only suppose was no more than the Duke's low congee to his Majesty's hand.  
It is also reported, That the King being informed that Mr. Denzil Hollis had an hand in this Remonstrance, he replied in the words of Julius Caesar, Et tu Brute, I wonder at it; for we two were fellow-Revellers in a Masquerade.  
Three days before this Dr. Manwaring was questioned for some Seditious passages in two Sermons preached, one before the King, and the other at his own Parochial Church; wherein he asserted, viz.  

1. That the Kings Royal Command in imposing, without common consent in Parliament, Taxes and Loans, doth so far bind the Conscience of the Subjects of this Kingdom, that they cannot refuse the payment of them without peril of Eternal damnation.  
2. That the Authority of Parliament is not necessary for the raising of Aids and Subsidies.   
These things being too evident to be denied, and too gross to admit of qualification; his Sentence was, 

1. Imprisonment during the pleasure of the House.  
2. One thousand pound Fine to the King.  
3. To make such submission and acknowledgement of his offence, as shall be set down by a Committee in Writing, both at the Bar of the Lords House, and at the House of Commons.  
4. To be suspended for three years from the exercise of the Ministry.  
5. To be disabled from ever Preaching at Court hereafter.  
6. To be disabled for ever from having any Ecclesiastical Dignity, or Secular Office.  
7. That as his Book is worthy to be burnt, so his Majesty may be moved to Grant a Proclamation for the calling of it in; as also for the burning of it.    
According to the third particular, of which Sentence two days after, he made his submission on his knees.  
Whilst the Parliament was busy about this Doctor, the King was as busy about the late Remonstrance; to which he form a formal Answer, traversing and denying all their charge; wherewith the Commons being somewhat irritated (for it was a smart one) fell downright upon another Remonstrance against Tonnage and Poundage: But the King was unwilling to hear of any more Remonstrances of that nature, and therefore resolved to frustrate it by Proroguing of the Parliament unto October the 20th. And June the 26. 1628., being the last of this Session, his Majesty calling both Houses together, before his Royal Assent to the Bills, delivered his mind unto them, as you may read Page the 84th of the aforesaid Narrative.  
The Parliament being thus Prorogued, the Commons were exceedingly Malcontent; for they desired only a Recess and Adjournment, whereby all matters then depending might be found in the same station and condition, as at their next meeting wherein they at present left them.  
In this Month Dr. Lamb, a creature of the Dukes, 
Dr. Lamb his Exemplary Death.  commended to him by Bishop Williams, suffered for the testimony of a lewd conversation. Having been at a Playhouse, at his return some boys began to affront him, and call him the Duke's Devil; whereupon he hired some to guard him home; and taking in at a Cook's shop, where he supped, the people watched his coming out; but he was so strongly guarded, as they durst not venture on him. Then he went to the Windmill-Tavern in Lothbury; and at length coming forth, the tumult being much increased, gave the onset, and assaulted him, so as he was forced to take refuge in the next house; but the enraged multitude threatened to pull down the house, unless Lamb were speedily delivered unto them: The Master of the House was a Lawyer, and fearing some sad consequence of this uproar, discreetly sends for four Constables to guard him out; but the furious multitude flew at him in the midst of his Auxiliaries, struck him down; and mauled him so, as that they beat out one of his eyes, and left him half dead upon the place.  
In this plight he was carried into the Counter in the Poultry (no other house being willing to receive him), where the next morning he changed this life either for a better, or for a worse.  
On August the 23d. following, the Duke of Buckingham (by one John Felton) was stabbed at Portsmouth, 
The Duke of Buchingham Murdered.  who being at breakfast with Soubire and others of principal quality, this Felton (sometimes a Lieutenant to a Foot-Company in the Regiment of Sir John Ramsey) who had but about a week before meditated the Act, but had not yet contrived the means, sneaks into the Chamber vigilantly to observe every opportunity serviceable for his purpose; and finding the Duke ready to rise from the Table, he withdraws into an Entry through which the Duke was to pass, who coming by with Sir Thomas Friar (to whom he declined his ear in the posture of attention) in the very instant of Sir Thomas his retiring from the Duke, Felton with a back blow stabbed him in the left side into the very heart, leaving the Knife, which was a Tenpenny Coutel, in his Body.  
Some now thought, that though his Majesty disliked the mode of this great man's dispatch, yet with the thing he was well enough satisfied, as if Providence had thereby rid him of the Subject of his so great perplexity whom he could not preserve with safety, nor desert with honour; but such as these were soon convinced of their error, when they observed how his Majesty did treat his relations with so intense respect.  
But whatever satisfaction the King received thereby; certain it is, the Common man was well enough pleased thereat: For though Christianity and the Law found the Act Murder, yet in vulgar sense it rather past for an Executioner of a Malefactor, and an Administration of that Justice, dispensed from Heaven, which they thought was denied on Earth: And because all those storms, or public miscarriages, generated in the lower Region of the Parliament, had of late been terminated in him as their grand efficient; every man would now be wise, and forespeak fair weather and a sweet harmony between the King and his Subjects; but how truly, a few Months will discover.  
November the 29th, Felton having been arraigned and found guilty at the Kings-Bench-Bar, suffered at Tyburn: His Confession was as sincere, and full of remorse as could be wished; the fact he much detested, and renounced his former error in conceiving it would be for his glory to sacrifice himself for his countries' good. And whereas other Motives were suggested by report, he protested upon his Salvation, that he had no other inducement thereunto, than the Parliaments Remonstrance. His body was from thence transmitted to Portsmouth, and there hung in Chains.  
January the 26th, 
The Parliament meet.  1628., the Parliament meet again, who soon found they were like to have work enough; for Complaints came thronging in, especially against the Customers, for taking and distraining Merchant's Goods for Tonnage and Poundage; which the King taking notice of, called them to the Banqueting-house, and told them, viz.  
That the occasion of that Meeting, was a complaint made in the lower House, for staying of some men's Goods, for denying Tonnage and Poundage; which difference might be soon decided, were his words and actions rightly understood: For if he did not take those Duties as an Appendix of his Hereditary Prerogative, and had declared he challenged them not of right, and only desired to enjoy them by the gift of his People; Why did they not pass the Bill, as they promised to him, to clear his bypast actions and future proceed, especially in this his time of so great necessity.  
Therefore he did now expect they should make good what they promised, and put an end to all questions emergent from their delay.  
The House of Commons said, That Religion is above Policy, God above the King; and that they intent to reform Religion, before they engage in any other consideration: Nor was it agreeable to the Liberty of Consultation, to have their Transactions proscribed; so that they would at present lay aside the Bill of Tonnage and Poundage, till they thought convenient: and they were as good as their words. For the first thing they resolved upon, was the appointment of Committees (which the Courtiers called an Inquisition), one for Religion, another for Civil Affairs; and these to represent the abuses in both.  
The Abuses then in the Church, and likewise in the State, as represented to the Commons by their Committees, you may read at large, Page 97, 98, 99, 100, 101. in the said Narrative.  
But the distempers continued so long, and with so quick and high a pulse, as the King having every day notice of them, He forthwith sent for the Sergeant of the Mace, but the House would not permit him to departed; but taking the key of the door from him, gave it to Sir Miles Hobart, a Member of the House, to keep: The King deeply incensed at these Exceed of contempt, sent Maxwell, Usher of the Black Rod, to Dissolve the Parliament; but neither he nor his Message would be admitted: Whereupon the King, much enraged, sent for the Captain of the Pensioners, and the Guard, to force an entrance: But this passion that shut out the King, yet let so much reason in, as persuaded them it was good sleeping in a whole skin; and understanding the King's intentions, they suddenly voided the House.  
Soon after this, the King came that very morning into the House of Lords, and making a short (though smart) Speech unto them, Commanded the Lord-Keeper to Dissolve that Parliament.  
The King having thus Dissolved this Parliament, 
The King sends forth a Declaration.  or rather broke up School, those whom he now called Vipers, had not in the House of Commons spit up all their Malignity, but reserved some to disperse and dispose of in the Country, whereby an ill odour might be cast upon his Government, and the hearts of his People alienated from him. As an antidote therefore against that poison, and to anticipate all misunderstanding, he speedeth out a Declaration, setting forth to all his Subjects the Motives persuading him to Dissolve the Parliament, and a breviate of all the Transactions in this and the former Session; withal, minding them in the close of all, that the Duke of Buckingham was decried while he lived, as the solitary cause of all bad events in former Parliaments; that he is dead, and yet the Distempers not in the least abated, which he takes as an argument that they were mistaken in the cause; and, that it was rather resident in some few Members of Parliament.  
The King having, as he hoped, disabused his Subjects by his late Declaration; next intended to proceed severely against those who had offended him, and whose punishment he said he reserved to a due time upon this account; the 18th of this Month he sent for Ten of the late Members to appear at the Council-Table, viz. Mr. Hollis, Mr. Selden, Sir Miles Hobart, Sir John eliot, Sir Peter Hayman, Mr. Stroud, Mr. Coriton, Mr. Valentine, Mr. Long, Mr. Kirton: These appearing, Mr. Hollis was interrogated, Wherefore (contrary to his former use) he did the morning the Parliament was Dissolved, place himself by the Chair, above divers of the Privy-Councellors?  
He answered, That he had some other times as well as then, seated himself in that place; and as for his sitting above the Privy-Councellors, he took it to be his due in any place whatsoever (unless at the Council-Board); and for his part, he came into the House with as much zeal for his Majesty's Service, as any one whatsoever; and yet nevertheless finding his Majesty was offended with him, he humbly desired that he might rather be the subject of his mercy, than of his power. To the which the Lord Treasurer answered, You mean rather of his Majesty's Mercy than of his Justice.  
Mr. Hollis replied, I say of his Majesty's Power, my Lord.  
Sir John eliot was next called in, who was questioned for words he spoke in the lower House of Parliament, and for producing the late Remonstrance.  
To this he answered,  
That whatsoever was said or done by him in that place, and at that time, was performed by him as a public Man, and a Member of that House, and that he was and ever will be ready to give an account of his Say and Do in that place, whenever he should be called unto it by that House; where (as he taketh it) he is only to be questioned; and in the mean time being now but a private man, he would not now trouble himself to remember what he said or did in that place, as a public Man.  
Sir Miles Hobart was also questioned for locking the Parliament House Door, and putting the Key in his Pocket; to which he pleaded the Command of the House.  
The other Gentlemen were questioned for reproving the Speaker, and not permitting him to do that the King commanded him, who all alleged in defence the Privilege of the House.  
After this they were committed some to the Tower, and some to the Gatehouse, and some to the Fleet: And May the first, the Attorney sent a Process out against them to appear in the Star-Chamber, and to answer an information to be entered there against them; but they refused as denying the Jurisdiction of that Court over offences done in Parliament, which created the greatest and longest Controversy in Law that had been started in many years.  
April the tenth, 
Anno Domini, 1630,  died William Earl of Pembroke, Lord High Steward of England, of an Apoplexy.  
He was the very Picture and vive Effigies of Nobility; 
His Character  His Person rather Majestic than Elegant; his presence whether quiet or in motion, full of stately gravity; his mind generous and purely heroic; often stout, but never disloyal; so vehement an opponent of the Spaniard, as when that Match fell under consideration, he would sometimes rouse even to the trepidation of King James, yet kept in favour still; for that King knew well enough that plain dealing was a Jewel in all men, so in a Privy Councillor was an ornamental duty; and the same true-heartedness commended him to King Charles, with whom he kept a most admirable Correspondence, and yet stood the firm confident of the Commonalty, and not by a sneaking cunning, but by an erect and generous prudence, such as rendered him unsuspected of Ambition on the one side, or of Faction on the other.  
This universality of Affection made his loss most deplorable, but men are lost when all turns to forgotten-dust: That affection would not that he should be so nonplussed, but kept his noble Fame emergent and alose, and if this History shall bear it up, I shall esteem it not more his felicity than my own.  
April the twenty fifth of this year, was Arraigned, Convicted, 
Anno 1631.  Condemned, and on May the fourteenth Executed upon Tower-Hill, Mervin Lord Audley, Earl of Castle-Haven, for Rape and Sodomy.  
In England fell two great Favourites of different parties, 
Anno 1634.  of the Commonalties one, and of the Kings another: Of the Commonalties, Sir Edward Coke, who died about the latter end of this Summer; 
Sir Edward Coke departeth this life.  full of days he died, most whereof he had spent in eminent place and honour. His abilities in the Common Law, whereof he passed for an Oracle, raised him first to the dignity of Attorney-General to Queen Elizabeth, Then of Lord Chief Justice of the Kings-Bench under King James: His advancement he lost the same way he got it, viz. by his Tongue, so rare it is for a man very eloquent, not to be over loquent; long lived he in that retirement, to which Court-Indignation had remitted him, yet was not his recess inglorious, for at improving a disgrace to the best advantage, he was so excellent; as King James said of him, he was like a Cat, throw her which way you will she will light upon her feet. And finding a Cloud at Court, he made sure of fair weather in the Country, applying himself so devoutly to popular Interests, as in succeeding Parliaments the Prerogative felt him as her ablest, so her most active Opponent; upon which account he was 1 Caroli made High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire, on purpose to exclude him the ensuing Parliament; there being an especial Nolumus and clause in his Commission, prohibiting his Election; not withstanding which Elected he was in Norfolk, and those words of Restraint upon the debate of the Question in the House of Commons, Voted void.  
On the Kings, the Great Lord Treasurer Sir Richard Weston, 
Sir Richard Weston Lord Treasurer of England dieth.  Earl of Portland, this year and he almost expiring together, he ending this life March the thirteenth, a sad loss to the King, and the sadder because he thought it irreparable. The truth is, he was a Person very able for the Office, and the Exchequer was in the mending hand, while he enjoyed that place; for he had a most singular Artifice, both in improving the incomes, and in a frugal moderation of his Master's expense. But the King's sorrow was not so extreme for him, but the People's joy was full as great; for there was now grown so sad an antipathy between his Majesty and his Subjects, that like those two Emperors, Antonine and Geta, they were always of contrary Senses and Minds, rarely agreeing in any one particular. The deportment whereby he so much disobliged the Commonalty, was his promoting Monopolies and other advantages of Regality.  
The Archbishop and he were usually at great odds; this vacant place was at present entrusted to Commissioners, until the King should otherwise dispose thereof.  
September the 29th, the Earl of Arundel brought up to London, out of Shropshire, one Robert Parr, as the wonder of our times for long life, he having attained to the age of near 160; and probably might have continued longer, had not so tedious a journey and overviolent agitation of his aged Body accellerated his end; so that it may be said, he sacrificed some years to others curiosity.  
In Michaelmas-Term was canvassed and debated the grand Controversy between the King and Subject about Ship-Money; 
Anno 1635. The great Debate about Ship-money.  for the Ship-Writs having been issued out August the 11, to divers Counties, many Inhabitants, and among the rest Mr. Hambden of Buckingham-shire, assessed by the Sheriff, made default of payment; whereupon the King, equally hating to be either flattered into, or frighted from the belief of its Legality, wrote a Letter to the Judges, demanding their Opinions upon the case stated.  
To which the Judges delivered their Opinions as followeth:  
May it please your most Excellent Majesty,  
WE have, according to your Majesty's Command, severally, and every Man by himself, and all of us together, taken into our serious consideration the Case and Questions signed by your Majesty, and enclosed in your Letter. And we are of opinion, That when the good and safety of the Kingdom in general is concerned, and the whole Kingdom in danger, Your Majesty may by Writ under your Great Seal of England, Command all the Subjects of this your Kingdom, at their charge to provide and furnish such number of Ships with Men, Victual, Munition, and for such time as your Majesty shall think fit, for the defence and safeguard of the Kingdom from such peril and danger: and that by Law your Majesty may compel the doing thereof in case of refulsal or refractoriness. And we are also of opinion, That in such case your Majesty is the sole Judge, both of the danger, and when and how the same is to be prevented and avoided.  

John Bramston,  
John Finch,  
Humphrey Davenport,  
John Denham,  
Richard Hatton,  
William Jones,  
George Crook,  
Thomas Trever,  
George Vernon,  
Robert Barkley,  
Francis Crauly,  
Richard Weston.   
These Opinions being subscribed by all the Judges, and enrolled in all the Courts in Westminster-Hall, the King thought he had now warrant sufficient to proceed against all defaulters, and especially against Mr. Hambden; who being summoned by process, appeared and required Oyer of the Ship-Writs; which being read, he demurred in Law, and demanded the Opinion of all the Judges upon the Legal sufficiency of those Writs.  
This great Case coming to be argued in the Exchequer, the Major part of the Judges delivered their Opinions in favour of the Writs, and accordingly gave Judgement against Mr. Hambden; yet did not the question altogether so repose; but Mr. Hambden observing some Judges, viz. Crook and Hatton of a contrary sense, held up the Contest still, though all in vain; all his inquietude not gaining him the least acquittal, until an higher Power interposed.  
About the beginning of January, this year, 
Anno 1639. Sir Thomas Coventry dyeth:  died Sir Thomas Coventry, Lord-Keeper of the Great Seal of England; a Dignity he had Fifteen years enjoyed; if it be not more proper to say, That Dignity had enjoyed him so long; this latter affording not one every way of more apt qualifications for the place: His front and presence bespoke a venerable regard, not inferior to that of any of his Ancestors: His train and suit of followers was disposed agreeably to shun both envy and contempt; not like that of the Viscount St. Alban, or the Bishop of Lincoln, whom he succeeded, ambitious and vain: His port was State, theirs Ostentation; they were indeed the more knowng men, but their Learning was extravagant to their Office; of what concerned his Place he knew well enough, and which is the main, acted according to his knowledge; for in the administration of Justice, he was so erect and so incorrupt, as captious malice stands mute in the blemish of his fame; a miracle the greater, when we consider that he was also a Privy Councillor: A Trust wherein he served his Master the King most faithfully, and the more faithfully, because of all those Councils which in those times did so much deceive his Majesty, (and I pray God there were fewer at this juncture of time than there is) he was an earnest disswader, and did much disaffect those Sticklers, who rather laboured to make the Prerogative tall and great, as knowing that such men loved the King better than Charles Stuart: so that although he was a Courtier, and had for his Master a passion most intense, yet had he also always, of passion, some reserve for the public welfare.  
An Argument of a free, noble, and right principled mind; for what both Court and Country have always held as inconsistent, is in truth erroneous; and no man can be truly Loyal, who is not also a good Patriot, nor any a good Patriot, (the Balance indispensably aught to be kept even) who is not truly Loyal.  
To this worthy Gentleman succeeded Sir John Finch, formerly Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas.  
The Heer Somerdick, 
An Ambassador from the States of Holland.  Ambassador from the States of Holland, in the Month of January had Audience of the King: He had with him Count William of Nassaw and the Rhine-Grave, with a very splendid train; his business was to give his Majesty satisfaction concerning the late Attack made upon the Spaniards by the Dutch Fleet in the Downs, and the Embassy was sweetened by some overture of Marriage between the young Prince of Orange and the King's Eldest Daughter.  
On the Thirteenth of April, 
A Parliament fits in England after near 12 years' interval, April 1640.  A Parliament met and sat, and the Deputy of Ireland being not long before Created Earl of Strafford, and made Lord Lieutenant of that Kingdom, was lead into the upper House by two Noblemen, where he gave an account of his service in Ireland, where he had obtained the grant of four Subsidies for the maintenance of an Army.  
Mr. John Glanvil was chosen Speaker of the House of Commons, and generally the choice of Members to that House was so good, that great probabilitles were given of a happy Union betwixt the King and the Parliament.  
Some few days after, a Report was made to the Lords, by the Lord Cottington, (who with Windebank and the Attorney General, were sent by the King to the Lord Lowden, to examine him concerning a Letter before mentioned) that the Lord did acknowledge the Handwriting to be his, and that it was framed before the pacification at Berwick, and was never sent to the King, but only prepared in a readiness, should need require; and that it was suppressed upon that pacification; nevertheless it was thought fit he should continue in the same state, until clearer Evidence should be given either for or against him.  
Soon after the King sent a message to the Lower House about Supplies, representing unto them the intolerable indignities and injuries wherewith the Scots had treated him; and withal declared unto them, that if they would assist him suitable to the exigency of his sad occasion, he would for ever quit his claim of Shipmoney, and into the bargain give them full content in all their just demands.  
But they replied (as being somewhat deliberate in this affair of Money) that they expected first security from his Majesty in these three particulars, viz.  

1. For the clearing the Subjects Property.  
2. For the Establishment of Religion.  
3. For the Privilege of Parliament.   
Many Conferences there was had between the Lords and Commons, as to this old Contest, which should precede: The Lords after a strong division among themselves, at length Voted for the King, and the Commons for the Subject. But it was not long before this unhappy difference was unhappily decided: For Secretary Vane who was employed to declare the particulars of the King's desires, required twelve Subsidies, whereas it was said his express order was for only six; some there are who suspect this mistake to have been not involuntary, but industrious in him as to his Majesty's service; but leaving that undetermined, the House of Commons was raised by this Proposition, to such animosity, as the King advising with his Juncto, 
The Parliament dissolved, May the fifth, 1640. having sat about 3 weeks.  their compliance was represented to him so desperate, as that May the fifth he ordered the Dissolution of the Parliament.  
Thus expired this short-lived, or rather thus ended this stillborn Parliament, (although we have had a much shorter, Anno Domini 1680.) A Parliament, I know not whether more unfortunate in beginning so late, or ending so soon: A Parliament which had Power (and probably Will) enough to impede the torrent of the late Civil War; for the breaches between the King and People were grown so high, as one might already discern all the lineaments of an Insurrection in Embryo (but by my Authors good leave, the wisest head could not foresee contingent actions; for who could foretell but that his late Majesty might have been advised by his Grand Council, and not by his Court Favourites) whose abortion nothing could cause but a happy union in Parliament, a thing not very difficult, much less impossible at that time, had the King yielded to a detrenching some luxuriances of his Prerogative, to the reducing Episcopacy to its primitive institution, that is, to the frame by Divine Right (a Root which had not sap enough to maintain so spreading and flourishing a Top as was contended for) to a more frequent and sociable communication with the grand Representative. In short, so much fluent and spontaneous concessions as being resolved upon too late, were (in reference to his personal security) lost and thrown away in the ensuing Parliament, of the which we shall now very suddenly come to give a very succinct account as to their particular proceed and transactions, and compare both these Parliaments together with those that have been assembled of late, Anno Domini, 1680. and 1681. And after that shall draw towards a conclusion, as I presume it will be high time, lest my Multum in Parvo & Vox Veritatis, should prove at the long run, Vox Contractitionis. But this only by the way.  
And moreover the dissolution of this Parliament was ascribed (tho' perhaps wrongfully) to the advice of the Archbishop of Canterbury; 
Archbishop Laud beset by the Rabble, in his House at Lambeth.  so that on the ninth of May a Paper was posted upon the Old Exchange, by one John Lilburn, exciting the Apprentices to rise and rifle his House at Lambeth on Monday following; of which he having notice, made provision against them for his own defence; and many of them upon enquiry, having been actors therein, were apprehended and imprisoned in the White Lion in Southwark, but within three days after some of their Complices got together, and came to the Prison and broke it open and set them free; yet nevertheless one of the chief Ringleaders was Taken, Arraigned, Condemned, and Drawn, Hanged, and Quartered, on the 21 of May.  
This Convention was not more unhappily dissolved, 
The Convocation sitteth.  than another was continued, that is, as a witty Gentleman said well, A new Synod made of an old Convocation; which by new Commissions from the King, were impowered to sit still, the Impulsives to it are very easily collected from what resulted from it, as you read more at large in the aforesaid Author, Pápe 189.  
The Parliament being blown away without affording any thing in nature of a supply to the King's wants: All the wheels of the Prerogative are put into motion, to carry on the War against Scotland: First, the City of London were invited to a Loan; then all Knights and Gentlemen, who held Lands in Capite of the King, were summoned to send Men, Horses, and Arms, agreeable to their abilities.  
In September, the Lords Mandevil and Edward Howard, delivered to the King, at York, this Petition.  
To the King's Most Excellent Majesty.  
The humble Petition of Your Majesty's most Loyal and most Obedient Subjects, whose names are underwritten, in behalf of themselves and divers others.  
Most Gracious Sovereign,  
THe Zeal of that Duty and Service which we own to your Sacred Majesty, and our earnest affections to the good and welfare of this your Realm of England, have moved us in all humility to beseech your Royal Majesty, to give us leave to offer to your Princely wisdom the apprehension which we and others your faithful Subjects have conceived of the great distempers and dangers, now threatening the Church and State, and your Royal Person, and of the fittest means by which they may be removed and prevented.  
The evils and dangers which your Majesty may be pleased to take notice of, are these, viz.  

I. That your Majesty's Sacred Person is exposed to hazard and danger in the present Expedition against the Scotish Army, and by occasion of this War, Your Majesty's Revenue is much wasted, your Subjects (with Coat and conduct Money, billeting of Soldiers, and other Military Charges, and divers Rapines and Disorders committed in several parts of this your Realm, by the Soldiers raised for that Service) and your whole Kingdom become full of fears and discontents.  
II. The sundry innovations in matter of Religion, the Oath and Canons lately imposed upon the Clergy, and other your Majesty's Subjects.  
III. The great increase of Popery, and the Employing of Popish Recusants, and others ill affected to the Religion by Laws Established, in places of Power and Trust, especially in commanding of Men and Arms both in the Field and sundry Counties of this your Realm; whereas by Law they are not permitted to have any Arms in their own Houses.  
iv The great mischiefs which may fall upon this Kingdom, if the intententions which have been credibly reported of bringing in Irish and Foreign Forces should take effect.  
V The urging of Ship-money, and prosecution of some Sheriffs in the Star-Chamber for not levying of it.  
VI The heavy charge upon Merchandise, to the discouragement of Trade, the multitude of Monopolies and other Patents, whereby the Commodities and Manufactures of the Kingdom are much burdened, to the great and universal grievance of your People.  
VII. The great grief of your People and Subjects, by long intermission of Parliaments, and the late and former Dissolving of such as have been called, without the happy effects which otherwise they might have produced.   
For remedy whereof, and prevention of the Dangers that may arise to your Royal Person and to the whole State, they do in all humility and faithfulness beseech your Most Excellent Majesty, that you would be pleased to Summon a Parliament within some convenient time, whereby the causes of these and other great Grievances, which your People lie under, may be taken away, and the Authors and Counsellors of them may be brought to such legal and condign punishment as the nature of their several offences shall require; And that the present War may be composed by your Majesty's wisdom, without Blood, in such manner as may conduce to the Honour and Safety of your Majesty's Person, the the comfort of your People, and the uniting of both your Realms against the Common Enemy of the Reformed Religion.  
And your Majesty's Petitioners shall ever pray, etc. 

Francis Bedford  
Robert Essex  
Mulgrave  
Say and Seal  
Edward Howard  
William Hartford  
Warwick  
Bullingbrooke  
Mandevil  
Brook  
Paget   Concluded the 28th of August. 1640.  
The King's Answer.  
BEfore the receipt of your Petition, His Majesty well foresaw the danger that threatens himself and Crown, and therefore resolved the 24th of this Instant, to Summon all the Peers, and with them to Consult, what in this Case is fittest to be done for his own honour and safety of the Kingdom, where they with the rest may offer any thing that may conduce to those ends.  
According to this Resolution, the Lord-Keeper had Directions from the King to issue out Writs of Summons for their appearing at York on the day prefixed, which he punctually pursued.  
Soon after the presenting of this Petition from the Lords, came another from the Scots, the substance whereof was a Desire, That His Majesty would call a Parliament, for settling a firm peace between the two Nations.  
To this Petition the King replied, with signification of what he had ordered before, in reference to himself and to the welfare of both Kingdoms.  
And the Truth of it is, it was high time for an Accommodation to be effected; for Lesley now began to rant it in Newcastle and the parts adjacent, as Brennus did at Rome, with a Vae Victis: He imposed a Tax of 350 pounds per diem upon the Bishopric of Durham; and 300 pounds upon Northumberland, upon pain of Plundering; and yet permitted Soldiers to rifle Houses, break open Shops, and act what insolences they pleased; seized upon four great English Ships laden with Corn, as lawful prize, they not knowing in whose possession the Town was till they entered the Haven.  
The first day of the Lords Assembling at York, it was resolved that a Parliament should be Summoned to convene at Westminster, November the Third. Then a Message was sent to the Scots, desiring a speedy Treaty at York. The Scots replied, They held that no place of security for their Commissioners, considering that the Lieutenant of Ireland, who commanded His Majesty's Army, was one who had proclaimed them Traitors in Ireland, before the King had done the same in England, and who had threatened to destroy their Nation both Root and Branch, and against whom, as a chief Incendiary of the late Troubles, they intended to complain; whereupon it was concluded, that the Treaty should be held at Rippon, which accordingly took place.  
The Parliament now approaching, whose Convening was attended by this Kingdom with so much longing, such impatience of desires, as every moment which retarded it, was interpreted as a kind of Grievance to the Subject; for we began now to think, that nothing could make us a happy People but a Parliament, and that no Parliament could make us miserable. This was the Sense of the greater part of this Nation; and if this Parliament succeeded not adequate to some men's Vote, perhaps the miscarriage of their hopes may be somewhat imputed to this Sense; overruling Providence delights oft to order the Operations of free and natural Agents, counter to Man's Expectations, to teach us the vanity of that Faith which is founded upon Causes subaltern.  
And oh! that I could here but express to the life, the high Expectations of the People from this Parliament, which came with such a terrible swing, after so long an Interval, and so many Dissolutions, that put the whole Nation into such a Consternation, as, I presume, the like Precedent cannot be produced out of the Records of Antiquity, since William the Conqueror did first invade our English Territories.  
But however (Courteous Readers) for your present Divertisement, I will here make a small Attempt, to express the present Thoughts and Expectations of that Parliament, which in process of time broke forth into a Civil War, (and I pray God I may never live to see the like again) the which I shall represent under the Emblem of a new, tied, and well-built Ship, which upon the Launching, was named, The Bon Resolution, (although some would have it called, The House of Commons, others, The Three Estates, and others, The Swiftsure) and was immediately employed in His Majesty's Service, but being for some time wind-bound within the Harbour, (viz. about 12 days) the Captain of the said Ship coming early out of his Cabin one morning, and finding the Wind tacked about, and blowing fair for his intended Voyage, being upon the Quarter-Deck, he knocks up his Seamen, and salutes them after this manner: viz.  
ARise you Mortals, from your Dens of Sleep,  
Neptune now calls, to launch into the Deep,  
The Wind blows fair, it's lately turned South-west,  
And we must Sail directly to the East:  
For Pearls and Diamonds, Jewels of great Rate,  
Which in the Acquest, sometimes a broken Pate  
Hath been our Lot; yet still we venture must,  
You know our Shipwrights (wherein so great a Trust  
Is now reposed in us, comes from Whitehall)  
Our late Commission; whence we may learn All  
Which way to steer our course, and will direct  
Whom we must crush; and whom we must protect  
In this our Voyage. 'Tis the Common-weal  
Of these Three Kingdoms, That a Roaring Peal  
Of Small and Great Shot now aloud must Ring  
From this our Vessel. To preserve the King  
In all His Legal Rights. But to advance  
Against all those, who have lead up a Dance,  
As will, in time, if Heavens do not prevent,  
Destroy both King, and all the Parliament,  
And in their stead set up a Scarlet Whore,  
Of whose sweet Nature we have long before  
Known by Experience, and now for to be cheated  
By their Sham-Plots again, and to be defeated,  
Huzza, Brave Lads! This thing shall never be,  
We'll rather choose upon a Triple Tree  
To take our chance, and now Heavens crown the Event,  
And bless our Vessel, and our good Intent;  
Heavens bless us from the Sally Men of War,  
Heavens bless us likewise that we do not jar  
Among ourselves. If such a thing should be,  
And that our Seamen now should disagree,  
And fight for Thimbles, Bodkins, and Gugaws,  
Instead of fight for the Good Old Cause  
Of Liberty and Property. Oh! this Evil  
Would make us Zealots for the Pope and Devil,  
More than for Christ's true Church, which now doth stand  
In danger much, if these should have Command  
Within our British Isle; which to prevent,  
God bless our King, and His next Parliament,  
Which now approacheth, whom we must defend.  
And so our Ship, the Lord Almighty send  
Into safe Harbour, when that we shall bring  
Peace to the Church, and Honour to the King;  
And when our Pearls and Diamonds shall arrive,  
We'll fix them fast upon King CHARLES his Hive,  
His Crown shall glister like the Rising Sun.  
Courage, Brave Boys! Our Wars shall then be done,  
When we shall see those Fellows sent from hence,  
With all their Tories, to that place from whence  
They first did rise, which was from that Grand Sire,  
Who claims the Patent, to be the great Liar  
And Forger of all Mischiefs, both in Church and State;  
But will, at length, get such a Broken Pate  
As will confound him, and his Holy Church,  
When as Old Nick shall leave him in the Lurch:  
To him I'll leave him, and his Tory Crew,  
And now proceed to what doth here ensue.  
Tuesday, Novemb. 3. being the day prefixed, and the Parliament assembled, His Majesty bespoke them in these words:  
My Lords,  
THE knowledge that I have of the Scotish Subjects, was the cause of my calling of the last Assembly of Parliament, wherein if I had been believed, I do most sincerely think, that things had not fallen as We now see; but it is no wonder that men are so slow to believe, that so great a Sedition should be raised upon so little ground.  
But now (My Lords and Gentlemen) the Honour and Safety of this Kingdom lying so heavily at stake, I am resolved to put Myself freely upon the Love and Affections of my English Subjects, 
And had His Majesty kept close to this resolution, some think things had ne'er come to that extremity that afterwards they did.  as those of my Lords that waited upon me at York, very well remember, I there declared.  
 (my Lords) I shall not mention Mine own Interest, or that Support I might justly expect from you, till the Common Safety be secured; though I must tell you, I am not asbamed to say, those Charges I have been at, have been merely for the securing the good of this Kingdom, though the Success hath not been answerable to My desires: Therefore I shall only desire you to consider the best way for the Security of this Kingdom, wherein there are two things chief considerable: 

1. The chase out the Rebels.  
2. That other in satisfying your just Grievances, wherein I shall promote you to concur so hearty and clearly with you, that all the World may see my intentions have ever been and shall be to make this a glorious and flourishing Kingdom.    
There are only two things more that I shall mention to you, the one is to tell you, That the Loan of Money which I lately had from the City of London, wherein the Lords that waited on me at York assisted me, will only maintain my Army for two months, from the beginning of that time it was granted. Now (my Lords and Gentlemen) I leave it to your Consideration, what Dishonour and Mischief it might be, in case for want of Money my Army be Disbanded before the Rebels be put out of this Kingdom. Secondly, The securing the Calamities the Northern People endure at this time, and so long as the Treaty is on foot: And in this I may say, Not only they, but all this Kingdom will suffer the harm; therefore I leave this also to your Consideration, for the ordering of the Great Affairs whereof, you are to Treat at this time. I am so confident of your Love to me, and that your Care is such for the Honour and Safety of the Kingdom, that I should freely leave to you where to begin. Only this, that you may know the better the State of all Affairs, I have commanded my Lord Keeper to give you a short and free Account of those things that have happened in this Interim, with this Protestation, That if his Account be not Satisfactory, as it ought to be, I shall, whensoever you desire it, give you a Full and Perfect Account of every Particular. One thing more I desire of you, as one of the greatest means to make this an Happy Parliament, That you on your part, as I on mine, lay aside Suspicion one of another, as I promised my Lords at York; It shall not be my Fault, if this be not a Happy and Good Parliament.  
The King having ended, the Lord Keeper, in pursuance of His Majesty's Commands, gave them a Summary Account and Relation of all Things relating to the Scottish Invasion, I dare not say Rebellion; for, that the King represented them under that Disgustful Character, was very ill resented by some considerable Peers; whereof His Majesty having notice, told the Parliament two days after, He must needs call them Rebels, so long as they have an Army that does invade England.  
The remainder of this Week was spent partly in settling Committees for General Grievances, and partly in set Speeches, Rhetorically declaiming against, and dissecting them.  
The remainder of the particular Transactions of this year of the Commons of England Assembled in Parliament, and of the year succeeding, 1641. I shall not here relate at large, but refer you to the Annals of King Charles the First, written by this ingenious Author (from whom I have borrowed and transcribed the major part of my precedent Relations) who ends at the Death of the Earl of Strafford, which was May the 12th, 1641. And after that, I must refer you for the remainder of that year unto Sir Richard Baker's Chronicle of the Kings of England, etc. But the particular heads of those Transactions, as to matter of fact, I shall be willing here to recite for your (Courteous Readers) present satisfaction in manner and form as followeth, viz.  

1. Several Petitions against Grievances.  
2. Privileges of the Lords House Vindicated.  
3. The Lieutenant of Ireland Impeached of high Treason.  
4. The Northern Armies in want.  
5. Bishop of Lincoln Enlarged.  
6. Justice Howard assaulted by a Papist.  
7. Prinn and Bastwick enter London in Triumph.  
8. Secretary Windebanck flieth.  
9 Votes against Ship-money.  
10. The London Petition against Bishops.  
11. The late Canons Damned.  
12. The Lord-Keeper Finch defends his Innocency.  
13. He is Voted Traitor upon four Considerations, and thereupon he flieth beyond Sea.  
14. The King's Speech for Bishops.  
15. One Goodman a Priest reprieved.  
16. A Remonstrance against Goodman the Priest.  
17. The King's Answer to that Remonstrance.  
18. The Scottish Commissioners Demands, and the Answer thereunto.  
19 A Match propounded between the Lady Mary and the Prince of Orange.  
20. The King's Speech to the Lords concerning that Match.  
21. Some Plots of the Papists.  
22. The Earl Berkly Impeached of High-Treason.  
23. The King passeth a Bill for Trienial Parliaments, and his Speech concerning it.  
24. The Bill of Subsidies passeth at the same time, and Bonfires and other tokens of joy were made that night in the City of London, by Order of Parliament.  
25. William Laud, Archbishop of Canterbury, accused of high Treason in fourteen Artieles.  
26. The Lord Digbyes Speech for Episcopacy.  
27. The Charge against the Earl of Strafford is given, and his Answers thereunto, and Westminster-Hall is appointed for his Trial.  
28. The Commons justify their Charge by Law.  
29. The Earl answereth by Council.  
30. The Commons Vote him guilty of High-treason.  
31. The Commons Petition the King against Papists, and the King's Answer.  
32. The King's Speech to the Parliament in defence of the E of Strafford  
33. The Prince of Orange Marryeth the Lady Mary.  
34. A Tumult in Westminster crying for Justice against the Earl.  
35. A Protestation framed by the Commons.  
36. A Bill propounded for the continuation of the Parliament.  
37. The Earl of Strafford Vored by the Lord's House guilty of High Treason.  
38. Two Bills tendered to the King, who is much perplexed what Answer to return.  
39 The Earl himself, by Letter desires the King to pass the Bill.  
40. Censures upon the Kings passing the Bill for the Parliaments continuation.  
41. The King's Letter in behalf of the Earl to the House of Lords; and their answer thereunto.  
42. The Earl brought to the Scaffold, and his last Speech before his Execution.  
43. The Earls Character.  
Here I must refer you at large to Sir Richard Baker, p. 511. etc.  
44. The Earls Children restored to their Honour and Estates.  
45. The Earls of Hartford, Essex, Bedford, Warwick, Lord Say, with some others, made Privy-Councellors.  
46. The Lord Treasurer and other great Officers resign up their places.  
47. The Star-Chamber abolished, and the high Commission Court put down.  
48. Ship-money relinquished by the King.  
49. Five Judges for Ship-money Impeached of high Misdemenours, and Berkly accused of high Treason.  
50. Several Laws passed by the King for regulating abuses and disclaiming Privileges.  
51. The Treaty between the two Kingdoms confirmed.  
52. The Earl of Holland made General of the English Army, and a Pole raised for the payment of them.  
53. Both Armies are Disbanded, and the King takes a Journey into Scotland, and there confers honours upon several persons of that Kingdom.  
54. A Bloody Rebellion breaks forth in Ireland.  
55. Owen O Conally, an Irish Protestant, discovers the Plot, prevents the seizure of Dublin Caestle.  
56. The Earl of Leicester chosen Deputy of Ireland.  
57 The Irish Rebellion occasioned by the insurrection in Scotland.  
58. The King receives Intelligence of what happened in Ireland, and sends Sir James Stuart with instructions thither, and moves the Parliament of Scotland for Aid, which they Excuse.  
59 The Irish pretend the King's Commission for what they did, thereby to dishearten the English, and also feigned Letters that the Parliament would compel them to Protestancy.  
60. The Irish Rebels possess themselves of all strong places in Ulster.  
61. They contrary to Articles of Surrender, Massacre the poor English, but save the Scots.  
62. The Parliament of England designs Money for Ireland.  
63. Forces raised to go against the Rebels.  
64. The Earl of Ormond made Lieutenant-General of the Forces there.  
65. A Regiment sent to Ireland under Sir Simon Hartcourt.  
66. The King returns out of Scotland, and the Parliament present a Remonstrance to him at Hampton-Court, as also a Petition with the Remonstrance.  
67. An Act published in Scotland against Levying Arms without the King's Commission.  
68 The King receives the Parliaments Petition, but desires them not to publish the Remonstrance.  
69 The Remonstrance is Ordered to be published in all parts of the Kingdom, and the King answers the Petition, and Vindicates himself from the Aspersions of the Remonstrance.  
70. The Commons pass a Bill for disabling all in Holy Orders to exercise temporal Jurisdiction.  
71. The tumult upon the Lords slighting the Bill, comes to their House, and clamour againg the Bishops, and some of the Commons justify those tumults.  
72. The Lords sends a Writ directed to the Sheriffs and Justices to suppress those tumults.  
73. Whereupon the Constables and Justices are sent for by the Commons.  
74. The Bishop's Protestations against the actions of the Parliament, and they are charged with high Treason, and committed to the Tower, where they continued about four Months.  
75. The Parliament Petition the King for a Guard.  
76. The King denies the Petition, and chargeth Kimbolton and five Members more of the Commons with high Treason.  
77. The Commons justify the accused Members.  
78. The King comes to the House to demand the Delivery of the five Members, and the Commons Vote this a breach of Privilege.  
79. The King removes to Hampton-Court, and sends a Message to the Parliament.  
80. The Commons Petition the King for the Militia to be put into their hands.  
81. The Queen accompanies the Princess Mary into Holland, and the King removes to York, and there issues out Commissions of Array. And so, Finis Coronat Opus, I have proceeded to the last day of 1641. For I find March 28. 1642. The King and Parliament differ about who shall be chief Commander at Sea; where I am willing to leave them, and dare not launch out any farther, as to the Merits of the Cause.   
And now in the close of all, if you will please to give me leave faithfully to examine and compare together the Transactions, Principles, and Practices of the Commons of England (in particular, as being Assembled in Parliament) Anno Domini 1640, and 1641, as also Anno Domini 1680, and 1681. (whose Transactions, Debates, and Speeches, are all so lately Printed, that I need not here insert the Particulars, but refer you unto the Debates themselves) And I do clearly find the same English Spirit, so far as 1641. (pray take notice I proceed no further in this Multum in Parvo) runs almost exactly Parallel with the present years of 80, and 81. And when you have perused and seriously considered them within yourselves, I do presume (and am very apt to conjecture) that you who are of a sober mind, and wish from your Heart and Soul all Peace, Prosperity, and Happiness to your King and Country, That you will say with me, That although they are not enough to satisfy and silence an high Tory and bloody Papist, yet they are Arguments and Demonstrations strong enough in Conscience to convince any Atheist in his sober mind, of the Reality and good Intentions (against Popery and Slavery, many times slily introduced by some unworthy Sycophants, and corrupt Ministers of State) of the  precedent Parliaments.  
And although we live at present in an Age of Wonders, viz. of wonderful Signs, wonderful and most prodigious Comets and Blazing Stars, and wonderful Apparitions (for a particular whereof, viz. of such as have happened in the last year 1680 pray read Mr. Christopher Ness his late Book, the Title whereof is, Wonderful Signs for Wonderful Times) yet I say the major part of us do turn all these things into perfect Ridicule and Scorn, and are far from deterring us from the evil of our ways, but do still run on, (Jehu-like) and persist in our accustomed Sins, and Dalilah-like Provocations against God, and are all of us (the Lord of Heaven knows) in a very unprepared frame, temper, and disposition, to meet him (and to kiss the Rod) in the ways of his Judgements, when they shall come suddenly upon us, like an armed Man, and there shall be none to deliver us out of his avenging hand. Him that hath an Ear to hear, let him hear.  
And among the many Wonders which we have already had, I have made bold here to insert one more, which for aught I know may suddenly come to pass in the midst of us, (and pray pardon my plainness and well-meaning, and hearty wishes therein) the which you may please to peruse, in manner and form as followeth, viz.  
A Wonder strange I will you tell,  
From Heaven 'twill be, and not from Hill,  
When as King CHARLES shall be content,  
In Love to meet his Parliament,  
And let them sit, For to Redress  
All Grievances, both more or less,  
Which in our Church and State have been,  
E'er since our Blessed Virgin Queen  
Until this day, Which make us bleed,  
And cry, We want some nursing seed,  
To Cool us in our Scarlet Fever;  
This is the time, or else for ever  
Adieu to Peace. War will begin  
In this our Land. The man of Sin  
Gins to Rant. And to declare  
Against us all, He will make War,  
Who will not stoop unto his Power,  
The Sword or Smithfield shall devour  
Such Northern Bastards which have done  
Such Mischief to his Triple Crown.  
But when our Prince, King CHARLES the Great  
Shall Dissipate this Southern Heat,  
And when our trusties shall declare,  
A War against Saint Peter's Chair,  
(And him that doth Possess the same,  
Whom Christ himself at last shall blame)  
And so secure us from those Brats  
Which to the Church and State are Rats,  
And still do Plot to keep us under,  
And Gnaw our Church and State in sunder;  
Oh! then Sweet Peace shall Enter in:  
And after that, the Man of Sin  
Shall soon be Routed, out, from hence  
By the Powerful Charms and Influence  
Of Prince and People, Joined in one,  
Like to the Father and the Son;  
Till then, and not till then, will here ensue  
A Lasting Peace; till then, Reader, Adieu:  
And know till then that I am well content  
To suffer for an Honest Parliament,  
So long as they shall prove so Loyal,  
As we of late, have had the Trial  
Although miscalled all Bugbears  
By some proud Rascals, whose soft Ears  
May yet in time perchance to feel  
The Dint of their Provoked Steel,  
And make them stop their mouths for fear  
A Triple Tree should them besmear,  
Who have so boldly here of late  
Belched out against our Triple State  
Such Spite and Venom, in one hour  
Enough (say some) for to devour,  
Our Triple League within our Land,  
Where CHARLES the Second doth Command,  
By Laws Established with Consent  
Of three Estates in Parliament  
King Lords and Commons, Oh this State  
Cannot be Crushed without a broken Pate  
Given to some, who still do Lurk.  
Within our Bowels, who much like the Kirk  
In other Countries, and would straightway bring  
All to their Bow, and likewise every thing  
Which Thwarts their Humours, And whose fair pretence  
Is still their Zeal unto Omnipotence,  
Although in this (Heaven knows) they are all evil  
And Pope and they may shake hands with the—  
As all infallible in their own proud sense:  
God keep us from their power and Influence  
Within our Land, and let all Christians say  
To this Amen. And here we'll part the Fray!  
Although continue Praying Till we see  
This Unity made visible in Three  
And that you may see as unlikly a Wonder and Prediction may come to pass, I will relate unto you who have not already seen or heard of it, a strange and most wonderful Prediction, the most part whereof is already come to pass, (and that within our Times and Remembrance) the which said most wonderful Prediction is of many hundred years standing, the which I did formerly take out of a Book, the Title whereof is Britain's Genius, Printed here in London about 1646. or 1647. long before His Majesty's most wonderful Restoration, and some space of time before His late Majesties most inauspicious and most astonishing Decolation. The contents of the said most wonderful and ancient Prophecy out of the said Book, you may please to peruse as followeth., viz.  
WHen here a Scot shall think his Throne to set  
Above the Circle of a British King,  
He shall a dateless Parliament beget,  
From whence a furicus Armed brood shall spring;  
That Army shall beget a wild Confusion,  
Confusion shall an Anarthy beget,  
That Anarchy shall bring forth in Conclusion  
A Creature which you have no name for yet;  
That Creature shall Conceive a Sickly State,  
Which shall an Aristocracy produce;  
The many-headed Beast not liking that  
To raise Demoeracy shall rather choose;  
And then Democracies Production shall  
A Moon Calf be, which some a Mole do call;  
So acting for a while, few men shall know  
Whether among them there be a Supreme or no.  
Five of them, shall subdue the other five,  
And then those five shall by a doubtful strife  
Each others Death, so happily Contrive,  
That they shall Die, to live a better life  
And out of their corruption rise there shall  
A true Supreme, Acknowledged by all, 
His Majesty's Restanration plainly foretold.   
In which the power of all the Five shall be  
With Unity made visible in Three,  
King, People, Parliaments, with Priests and Peers,  
Shall be a while your Emulous Grandees,  
Make a Confused Pentarchy some years,  
And leave off their distinct Claims by degrees;  
And then shall Righteousness ascend the Throne,  
Then Love, and Truth, and Peace, Re-enter shall;  
Then Faith and Reason shall agree in One,  
And all the Virtues to their Council Call.  
Then timely after this, there shall arise  
That Kingdom and That happy Government,  
Which is the Scope of all those Prophecies  
That further Truths obscurely Represent.  
But how this shall be done, few men shall see;  
For wrought in Clouds and Darkness it shall be:  
And ere it comes to pass in Public View,  
Most of these following Signs shall first Ensue:  
A King shall willingly, himself Vnking,  
And thereby grow far greater than before;  
The Priests their Priesthood to Contempt shall bring,  
And Piety shall thereby thrive the more:  
A Parliament itself shall overthrow,  
And thereby shall a better being gain;  
The Peers by setting of themselves below,  
A more Enobling Honour shall obtain:  
The People for a while, shall be Enslaved,  
And that shall make them for the future free;  
By Private Loss the Public shall be saved;  
An Army shall by yielding, Victor be.  
Then shall God own his People and their Cause,  
The Laws Corruption shall Reform this Laws.  
And Bullocks of the Largest Northern breed  
Shall fatted be, where now scarce Sheep can feed.  
And here although I cannot Divine, hither dare I assume to myself so much boldness as to prescribe the way and means, in order to the accomplishment of this most strange and wonderful Recited Prophecy, yet I am apt to Conjecture, and do persuade myself (if ever it shall come to pass) That it will be in a very Critical time of Common and Eminent Danger (peradventure the Dread of a Popish Successor, and the Dismal Consequence thereof) when some good Prince or other shall be so far graciously pleased to condescend to his grand Council, as to make three Kingdoms by his Royal Fiat, (aut Le Roy Le Veult) for the future Elective, and so they may still introduce the Royal Blood and Legitimate Line ad Infinitum, that are truly Protestants.  
And now Courage (most Noble Loyal and Courteous Readers) what say you if his present Majesty of Great Britain should be this Person of Quality here intimated and described in this most wonderful and Ancient Prophecy (a Prediction I must needs Confess most proper for such wonderful times as we now live in) would you not all unanimously and with loud Acclamations throw up your Caps and Beavers into the Air, and cry, Vive le Roy, (or, Currat Lex & vivat Rex?) And if so, for my own part I should yet hope to see (if it shall please my Gracious God to lend me a little longer time of health and strength) many Halcyon and most happy days in the Land and Nation of my Nativity before I go away hence and shall be seen no more. And that an happy union and good correspondence between his present Majesty and his future Parliaments, without the least suspicion or jealousy one of another, may yet come to pass in our days, I do most humbly beseech thy Divine Majesty, who are the Lord God Almighty, to grant for thy great names sake, and for thy Vicegerents sake, and for his People's sake (who are truly Loyal and obedient Subjects) in and through thy most dear and well beloved Son the Lord Jesus Christ, in whom thou art well pleased, and whom (by thy free grace, goodness and most stupendious mercy and compassion to thy poor creatures) is the Lord and giver of everlasting Life, to all those who shall most faithfully, and most sincerely, though but imperfectly obey him. And now to him with thy eternal Majesty; who art King Immortal, Invisible, and only wise God, by the assistance of thy holy (and for ever blessed) Spirit of Grace, I do most humbly desire to render, give, and ascribe all honour, glory, laud and praise, might, Majesty, reverential fear, and all humble adoration, from this time forth and for evermore, Amen.  
And now in the close of all, Whereas in my Title-Page I have there intimated how Magna Charta was most solemnly and most wonderfully (even to the astonishment of the Spectators) ratified, pronounced and proclaimed, and therefore must not now leave you in the dark, as to that particular; but refer you to the Packet of Advice from Rome, Number 50. (the which, in my slender apprehension, deserves to be written in Letters of Gold upon the Walls of both Houses of Parliament) And for your present (and I hope pleasant) satisfaction I have here inserted and presented you with the same at large.  
HAving presented the Reader with the most remarkable Transactions of Papal Tyranny in Foreign Parts down to the year 1254, 'tis time to look homewards, and observe Ecclesiastic Occurrences in England; our last Discourse of that kind terminating with the death of King John, to whom succeeded his Son Henry, the third of that name; for though by reason of the Feuds between John and his Barons, they had invited over Lewis the French King's Son, and many had to him sworn Allegiance; yet the Father being dead; and his faults buried with him; they did not think fit to yield up themselves to the French Man's Yoke, who already began to exercise an insufferable Tyranny wherever he had Power: And although the Pope had at first encouraged the Barons in their Rebellion, yet when once he had hectored King John into a Resignation of his Crown, he became his Patron, and forbade Lewis from intermeddling with the Kingdom, as being then (forsooth!) part of S. Peter's Patrimony, and therefore excommunicated Lewis for the Invasion, which engaged most of the Clergy to oppose him: And so Henry on the 28th of October, 1216. was Crowned, being then in the 10th year of his Age; and Lewis being routed at Lincoln, was glad to come to a Treaty, quit his Pretensions, and most dishonourably retreat into France. Yet 'tis observable, that the Clergy were then such fast Friends to their Head the Pope, and so little regardful of the Descent in the Right Line, that they would not accept Henry for their King, without making him first do Homage to the Holy Chureh of Rome, and Pope Innocent, for his Kingdoms of England and Ireland, and swearing to pay the 1000 Marks per Annum which his Father had promised to that See. (Matth. Paris, fol. 278.)  
And besides, to bring Grists to the Roman Mill, the Pope's Legate at that time in England, immediately on the Departure of Prince Lewis, sent his Inquisitors all over the Realm, and whomsoever they would discover to have sided with him, Consensuetiam Levissimo, Though in the least degree, must atone the Crime with a large Sum; insomuch as the Bishop of Lincoln before he could be restored to his Bishopric, was forced to pay 1000 Marks to the Pope's use, and 1000 to the Legate, (for the little Rogue would have suips in the prey with the great One) and many other Bishops, and Religious Men, were glad to empty their Pockets to him at the same rate. Matth. Paris, fol. 218.  
In the year 1220. the Pope was pleased to make Hugh, formerly Bishop of Lineoln, a Saint; and since the manner of his Vn-Holiness's declaring the same may be Divertive to the common English Reader, I shall give you the very words of his Letter (Translated) as I find it in Matth. Paris, fol. 298. Honorius, Servant of the Servants of God, to all out wellbeloved Sons; the Faithful of Christ, that shall inspect these Presents, Greeting and Apostolic Benediction: The worthiness of Divine Piety does make famous his Holy Ones and Elect, placed in the Bliss of the Celestial Kingdom, by the shining forth of their Miracles still upon Earth, that the Devotion of the Faithful being thereby stirred up, may with due Veneration implore their Aid and Suffrages; since therefore we are fully satisfied, that the Bounty of Heaven hath illustrated Hugh Bishop of Lincoln, as well in his Life, as after his Death, with a multitude of Famous Miracles: We have thought fit to enrol him in the Catalogue of Saints, and admonish and exhort you all in the Lord, That you devoutly implore his Patronage and Intercession for you with Almighty God; farther Commanding, That the day of his Decease be henceforwards every year devoutly Celebrated as a Holiday. Dated at Viterbium the 13th Calend of March, in the fourth year of our Popedom.  
But how much a Saint soever he was, we meet with another Bishop as very a Devil; for about this time a Quarrel happening between Richard Bishop of Durham, and the Monks of the same Church; they complained of him to the Pope, who seemed much concerned at his many horrid Crimes, and presently sent over a Letter in these Terms— Honorius Bishop, etc. to the Bishops of Salisbury, Ely, etc. Greeting and Apostolic Benediction: It is fit for us to be so be so delighted in the sweet Savour of a good opinion of our Brethren and Fellow-Labourers, as not to connive at Vices in those that are Pestilent, since it becomes not us for the Reverence of the Order to bear with Sinners, whose Gild renders them as worthy of as many Deaths, as they transmit Examples of Perdition to those that are under them, who are too apt to imitate only the Depravaties of their Superiors. Hence it is, that since things too far dissonant from Episcopal Honesty, have very often been suggested unto us concerning our Venerable Brother the Bishop of Durham, being moved with such repeated Complaints, we cannot suffer the said Bishop to continue in his Enormities to the Destruction of many, for we are informed, That since he was advanced to the Office of a Bishop, he has been guilty of Blood, and Simony and Adultery, and Sacrilege, and Rapine, and Perjury, [A pretty parcel of Virtues for a Bishop, and somewhat different from those 1 Tim. 3.] That he hath oppressed Clerks and Orphans, obstructed the Testaments of the deceased; that he observes not the Statutes of the General Council, nor ever preaches the Word of God to the People, ['Tis a wonder that small fault was mentioned] hath often sworn before many, that the Church of Durham shall never have Peace as long as he lives: That a Monk complaining to him, that his Servants had drawn him out of a Church, and beat him till the Blood came: He answered, It had been well, if they had beat out his Brains, etc. We therefore, that we may not be guilty of the faults of others, if we should wink at such Offences, since the Clamour thereof has ascended, so that we can dissemble it no longer; think it agreeable to our Office to go down and see whether these things be so or no: Therefore by these our Apostolical Writings, we Command you our Brethren to examine and inquire into the premises, and report the same to us under Seal, that we may Decree therein as God shall order. Dated at Viterb. etc.  
You see the Pope can Cant, and pretend great Zeal to correct the Criminal, but pray observe the end on't; These Bishops being met to examine the Business, the Bishop of Durham presently Appeals to the Pope in Person, and then they could proceed no farther, but away both he and the Monks his Adversaries must trudge to Rome, whither he privately sent beforehand two of his Clerks with a good Sum of Money, which so sweetened the Pope, that he received him very kindly: Et post multas coram Papa Altercationes, Immoderatis profusis Expensis, etc. And after many Wranglings before the Pope, and vast Expenses, both Bishop and Monks were sent back (as wise and honest as they were) to agree together as well as they could.  
But that which was most memorable in this King's Reign was an Act, which though respecting the temporal Good of the Kingdom, yet it being Transacted chief by the Clergy, and with Ecclesiastical Ceremonies, it may not be improper to insert it into this Work.  
The Reader must note, That when K. Hen. III. was become 16 years old, the Pope took upon himself, for a small Spill, privately sent him by some corrupt Courtiers, to declare him of Age to Govern himself, and therefore all Castles were to be rendered up into the King's hands. This proved the Rock of Offence, whilst some obeyed the Pope, and opposed those as Rebels that put more confidence in their Castles, than in the King's good nature, or rather in that of his upstart Counsellors. Hence first sprang a Civil Broil, thence want of Money, than a Parliament, wherein the Grand Charter of England's Liberties once more was exchanged for a Sum of Money: For only upon condition of renewing the same, would the Estates allow Supplies; many Promises the King makes, and after that, Oaths; yet no performance, but pretends Wars in France, in Scotland, and against Infidels. But still his people finding them all but pretences, and ill success to attend all his Erterprises, refuse to supply him for the Holy War: Then he seems penitent, and pours out new promises to observe Magna Charta, and Seals it with the most solemn Execration that is to be found in the Womb of Story, and so punctually Recorded, as if God would have all Generations to remember it as the Seal of the Covenant between the King of England and his people: It was done in Parliament, where the Lords Temporal and Spiritual, Clergy men, Knights, etc. all standing with Tapers in their hands burning, the King himself also standing with a cheerful Countenance, holding his open hand upon his Breast; the Archbishop of Canterbury pronounced this Curse, as it is verbatim Recorded by Matth. Paris, fol. 839.  
By the Authority of God Omnipotent, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, and of the Glorious Mother of God the Virgin Mary, and of the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and of all other Apostles, and of the Holy Martyr and Archbishop Thomas, and of all the Martyrs, and of the Blessed Edward King of England, and of all Confessors and Virgins, and of all the Saints of God: We Excommunicate, and Anathematise, and Sequester from our our Holy Mother the Church, all those which henceforth knowingly and Maliciously shall deprive or spoil the Church of her Right; and all those that shall by any Art or Wit rashly violate diminish, or change secretly or openly in Deed, Word, or Council, by crossing in part or in whole, those Ecclesiastical Liberties, or ancient approved Customs of the Kingdom, especially the Liberties and free Customs which are contained in the Charters of the Common Liberties of England, and the Forests, granted by our Lord the King to the Archbishops, Bishops, Prelates, Earls, Barons, Knights, and Freeholders. And all those who have published, or being published have observed any Statutes, Ordinances, or thing against them, or any thing therein contained, or which have brought in any Customs to the contrary, or observed them being brought in, and all Writers of such Ordinances, or Councils, or Executioners, and all such as shall presume to judge according to such Ordinances: All and every such persons as are, or at any time shall be, knowingly guilty of any such matters, shall ipso facto incur this Sentence; and such as are ignorantly guilty, shall incur the same, if being admonished, they within 15 days after amend not. For everlasting Memory whereof, we hereunto put our Seals.  
Thus far the words of the Curse, nor was the manner of pronouncing it less dreadful; for immediately as soon as the Charters and this Sentence was read and signed, they then all throwing down their Tapers extinguished and smoking, said, So let all that go against this Curse be extinct and stink in Hell: And the King having all the while continued in the posture before mentioned, said, So God me help, I will observe all those things sincerely and faithfully, as I am a man, as I am a Christian, as I am a Knight, and as I am a King Crowned and Anointed.  
Pair but away some few Superstitions, and search the History of all Ages, you will not find a parallel hereunto, so seriously composed, so solemnly pronounced with an Amen from the Representative Body of the whole Kingdom, put in Writing, under Seal, preserved to Posterity, and (give me leave to add) vindicated by God himself in the Ruin of so many Opposers; for never has any Prince, Favourite, Councillor, or corrupt Judge, from that time to this, endeavoured to act contrary to the Essentials of the said great Charter, but first or last it has crushed them into Ruin, or great Calamity. Yet how little this King Henry regarded it, I shall acquaint you in the very words of the Historian— Soluto Concilio Rex Confestim pessimo usus Concilio omnia praedicta Cogitabat Infirmare, etc. The Grand Council (or Parliament) was no sooner broke up, but the King following lewd and pernicious Council, contrived how to weaken and undo it; for 'twas told him, That he would not be King, or at least not Lord and Master of England, if all those Liberties should be observed, as John his Father had experienced, who rather chose to die, than thus to be shackled and trampled on by his Subjects: And these Whisperers of the Devil (Susurrones Satanae, so honest Matth. calls them) added— You need not value it if you do break your Vows, and incur this Curse, for the Pope for an hundred or two of Pounds will Absolve you. 'Tis well enough, that by signing the Confirmation of these Characters you have got a Tenth, which will amount to many thousand Marks; and if you will but give the Pope a little portion of it, he will Absolve you, even though the Curse be ratified by himself, for he that has Power to Bind can Lose.  
Thus by the villainy of ill Ministers, and the knavery of the Pope, this Prince was led into Deceit, Perjury, Injustice, and Tyranny, to his own continual Trouble, and the unspeakable Damage of the Realm.  
And if this honest and well intended Narrative, either in the whole or in part, shall be deemed necessary and convenient at this juncture of time, for the present and future satisfaction either of Prince or People, or shall contribute any thing towards a firm and solid Foundation and Establishment upon the true Basis of Universal Love, Charity, and good will, among the many contesting Parties at this day in the midst of us, (for sine procul dubio we shall never be happy till that time be accomplished) I have my desire. The height of whose real ambition is, to render myself worthy of my Sovereign Lord the King and my Country's acception. And having now ventured to expose it unto public view, I have in Cognito (by my honest and trusty post Pigeon) conveyed it into the hands of a Loyal Subject and good Citizen, as I am informed, (and if my Information be not true, pray let me not therefore be Libeled) called by the name of honest Dick Janeway, for the Publication thereof.  
And what though he be buffeted and baited, 
For I must confess I have not perused it.  in every pitiful weekly (I had almost said Quotidian) Pamphlet, like an Vrsa Major & Vrsa Minor, (This being the Title of a Book newly Printed, and newly come forth, which I presume doth face in opposition to mine, and peradventure it may serve by the way of Post Ponae, as a response thereunto) by a company of highflown scurrilous Tories, Tantivies, and Towzers, who only bark where they cannot by't; yet I say, I do not look upon honest Dick, to be a worse Subject, a worse Citizen, or a worse Commonwealths-man, for all that; for I do persuade myself (having some small and little acquaintance with them, although I could wish toto cord, I had less) their most venomous and malicious tongues are no slander (toto in toto et in quilibet parte) and blessed be God; that we do yet live (but how long the Lord of Heaven only knows if these men should rule the roast,) under so mild limited and well tempered Government. Wherein as honest man and a Loyal Subject may be Protected, and Defended from the furious and bold Attempts of these blood thirsty Assassinates, who make it their business (journelament se vous asseure) not only to Libel the present and best established Legislative Government this day under the Sun, (viz. by King Lords and Commons) but also if by any probable or possible means they can, by their continual charging the most Loyal Subjects of His Present Majesty with Republican plots, and sham-plots, (Although by the overuling and good Providence of Almighty God, constantly found out and betrayed) on purpose to render them most odious to the Government and to bring us all at last (if they can) into a most miserable state of horror and confusion, and from such Loyal Subjects, Tantivy Abhorrours, and most Profane and Dissolute Debauchee;, Isay, iterum atque iterum. Libera nos Domine. Amen.   

The CONCLUSION.  
TO that most high and lofty proud Prelate (if these lines should ever fall into His Unholy hands) the Fallible and Infallible Pope of Rome in particular, and to all the rest of his Fanatical, Athestical, and Papistical adjuncts and adherents whatsoever.  

GIve ear, proud Rebels; Bloodsuckers draw near;  
Add to this doleful Piece your brinish Tear;  
To see a Nation poisoned in their Blood,  
With Pride and Faction, not well understood  
By our Great CHARLES: Oh Rome, 'tis such as you  
Would crush our Captain, and his Kingdoms too,  
By your accursed Cabals; which to prevent,  
God send our King and his next Parliament,  
So fully to agree, that so at length they may  
Condemn you all, as Ravenous Beasts of prey,  
Who worry would, our Sheep and Shephered too,  
If not prevented, by a most Noble Crew.  
Of Loyal Subjects, that will faithful be  
Unto the Death, for English Monarchy.  
Which is so bounded by the Supreme Law  
Of God and nature, which will over Awe  
Your Plots and Shamplots and your Trusty Friend  
Who fain would bring our Captain to his end:  
But Heavens forbidden so base an Act as this,  
Should e'er take place within this Realm of Bliss,  
England I mean, an Earthly Paradise,  
Before infected by such bold Dormice,  
And Sons of Scarlet Whore, the which are all  
Sworn Enemies to the State, and to Whitehall:  
Unless you get a King, who strait must pay  
Homage to you, and by your Sceptre sway  
His future Legal rights, and he must Dance  
After your Pipe, like Italy, Spain, and France:  
And many places more when you shall send  
Servus Servorum to your Trusty Friend;  
Who must your Benediction soon observe,  
Or else Incur displeasure, to deserve  
Your Thundering Bull of Excommunication when  
But once Pronounced, straightway Allegiance then  
Must veil their Top Sails, to your Bloody Flagg  
Or else byth' Mass you'll catch them by the Crag  
And hang them up, as Traitors to your State,  
Since you have sworn to admit of no such Mate.  
By holy Cross and by Saint Peter's Chair  
(Whose Vicar general under Christ you are  
If lies be true) who being his Successor  
In faith and virtue, Montebanck not Peter  
You are, who never could dream of such a doting Fool  
Should ere succeed upon his sacred stool  
(To feed Christ's Lambs, but hark, instead of that  
You fill your Coffers, with their Blood and fat)  
When as Christ said, upon this Rock I'll build  
My Holy Church, look Pope have you fulfilled  
His Sacred Word, which was not on that Bone,  
(You have so oft built up your tottering Throne)  
Of super hunc Petrum, You are a Liar,  
'Twas super hanc Petram, I'll build my Quire.  
Of thy confession Peter, o'er which the Gates of Hell  
Shall ne'er prevail, either by Pope or Spell,  
Of Magic Art, or any Devilish Plot,  
They all shall stink, and burn, and die, and rot.  
When e'er they shall attempt my Church's weal  
To undermine, I'll ring them such a Peal  
Of thundering Volleys, that shall straightway make  
Them quake for fear, or else pray do not take  
My Royal Word again, but say I am Evil,  
And Pope and I are Partners with the Devil,  
Which Heavens forbidden, that ever such a race  
Should spring from thence, and after some small space.  
Of his return again, should strait proclaim  
Rebels to all that draw in Charles his Wain,  
And will not buckle to our devellish pride  
Of Popery and Slavery, to Ropes they shall be tied,  
Or else old Smithfield flames shall them devour,  
To mount us up unto our stately Tower,  
Of pride, ambition, avarice, and blood,  
Treason, rebellion, faction, a sweeping flood  
Of Lies, and Forgeries, Blasphemies and all,  
'Gainst Magna Charta Laws of Heavens Whitehall.  
Here stop, thou doting fool, and do not think  
At thy deceits and juggling tricks I'll wink,  
For ever and a day, It's time to work when you  
Attempt to poison King and Kingdoms too,  
By your pernicious Counsels, Witness of late,  
The many Loyal Presents you anticipate,  
And will not let those Loyal Subjects see  
With their own eyes, Oh Monstrous Prodigy!  
You are the Moles that turn to every shape,  
And on our Reasons would commit a Rape  
And rob us of our Senses, and pretend  
For holy Church you do so much contend.  
To free us from all errors and from evil,  
Although your power here is from the Devil.  
And not from Christ, who never gave Commission  
Unto Saint Peter by his holy Mission,  
To feed his tender Lambs, but not to kill,  
This was the substance of his sacred will,  
Which you pervert, and by your sovereign power,  
Instead of feeding, you do still devour  
This little Flock for whom he spent his blood,  
Although by you it is not understood.  
But hark you Rebels, the time will shortly come,  
Wherein you must receive your fatal doom,  
Of, Go ye cursed into flames of fire,  
With fallen Angels, and your cursed Sire,  
Which you begat, and now for your reward,  
Within his Arms, he strongly will you guard;  
To him I leave you, and your bold Comrades  
Who when on earth did act the Masquerades,  
Your trusty Roger's makes your ways so plain,  
To darken Goshen by their numerous train,  
Of croaking Frogs, arising still from Hell,  
To charm poor Lambs, by Heraclitus spell  
Of spite and malice, and inveterate hate,  
Against all those that would preserve the State  
From ruin and destruction. But in this they are,  
So libelled daily by these shrubs of War,  
Who arm themselves with Paper, Ink, and Plume,  
Those innocent Lambs (called Phans) for to consume,  
If possibly they can, and will them strait devour,  
When once they come within their verge and power.  
But stay bold Towzers, People are not blind.  
And though to them you have proved ever kind,  
The clean contrary way, as doth appear  
By all your Libels both in front and year;  
Yet still they say that of our English Nation,  
You are the Phans, and stand in admiration  
To see how boldly you infect the blood  
of Prince and People, which much like a flood  
Of lofty Billows, purposely to drown  
Our Ship, our Pilate, and our Captain's Crown.  
Which yet sits fast, and firm as Laws can make,  
Unless you poison him on purpose to partake,  
Of Divine Vengeance, which is coming coming on,  
And near at hand, to pluck you from your throne.  
Which Heavens accomplish in their own good time,  
I'll wait till then, the Lords time shall be mine.   
I am, Pope and Adherents, etc. Your humble Servant, but most irreconcilable Antagonist to dis-serve you, ●●ly helping to pluck down your Kingdom of darkness, if by any fair and probable means I can. Theophilus Rationalis. From my Study An. Dom. 1681.  
FINIS.