ARBITRARY GOVERNMENT DISPLAYED: IN THE TYRANNIC USURPATION OF THE Rump PARLIAMENT, AND OLIVER CROMWELL.  
BEING A clear account of their Arbitrary, Cruel and Illegal Proceed, under the Notion of Liberty and Property.  
AND A Compendious History of those Times.  
By a Person of Honour.  
London, Printed for Joseph Hindmarsh, Bookseller to His Royal Highness, at the Black Bull in Cornhill: 1683,   

THE INTRODUCTION.  
OF late, since the Spirit of Discontent hath possessed a great part of this Nation; nothing more hath been discoursed of and feared, next to that of the Alteration of the Protestant Religion, than Arbitrary Government; which I suppose is the Rule of any Person or Persons, by their own Will and Authority, without being tied to the Rules, Methods, and Directions of the Laws of the Land, and a Converting of this most glorious Monarchy, into Tyranny. The fear and Jealousy of this Government, hath been exceedingly, of late, fomented, among the discontented People, by the sly Arts of those, who are, and ever will be, Enemies to the Religion, Peace, and Tranquillity of this Nation; and no doubt, but the Machivilian Jesuit, and the Zealous Papist, have been the cause of all the imbroils of England, hoping by that Gate, to bring in their own Religion, and Arbitrary Government: The thing so much feared by the People of England. And truly in this Case they are not to be blamed, Religion and Liberty, being the two chiefest, and most valuable Jewels, belonging to the Crown of Life. And when they cast abroad their Eyes, and behold the Arbitrary, Despotical and Tyrannical reign of the Princes of other Countries, they may well be desirous of Conserving the own happy Government, in the Monarchy of this Nation; which is so equally divided, betwixt King and People, That the one cannot do injury, or wrong to the other, unless the one become Arbitrary, and the other Rebellious.  
The Constitution of the Government of England is so sound, as it is not to be shaken or altered, with every small Occasion, for it must be absolute Tyranny on the one Hand, or absolute Rebellion of the other, that must break it to Pieces, and bring in the so much feared Arbitrary Government. And therefore, it is against the Interest both of King and People, to entrench upon one the other, the one to invade the Prerogative of the King, the other the Privileges of the People: For so equally hangs the Balance between them, that as it is the Enus and admiration of all other Nations, so is it the Happiness and strength of our own; for the one side cannot Preponderate or weigh down the other, without breaking the just and equal Constitution of our Government. If therefore the King 〈◊〉 of this happy Nation, should at any time, thorough the Evi● advice of their Councillors, go about to invade the people. Liberties, and to think or hope to bring in Arbitrary Government, it would not be so easy a thing to effect it, since the mutual Bonds and Obligations, between the King and People are already so strong, as it is almost impossible to attain to that end, whilst the three Estates of the Land have a being, and without whom no alteration can be made. The people therefore, need not be in those Fears and Agonies, on every the lest Occasion, of the evil Ministration of some of the chie● Officers of State, of their King's Intentions of bringing in o● Arbitrary Government; for no doubt the Kings of England are as great and Imperial Monarches, holding their Crown of God only, and so accounted themselves, as any other Monarch whatsoever: Nor can we see, how a lawful Monarch can any ways better himself, or become more great, by such unlawful Arbitrariness, who by the Laws of the Land, and the Lov● of his People, wants neither Power nor Money, the only things a Tyrant can pretend to. It is therefore the Cunning Art of the Enemies to England's peace, who so needlessly, seek t● buzz it into the Ears of the People, that their King intends t● bring in Arbitrary Government, upon every Occasion, give● by any of his Ministers of State, in the management of thos● Affairs, they cannot see into the Bottom. But since the greatest Ministers, are Accountable for their maladministration t●● Parliaments, there is, and can be no such Fear, I say of eve● attaining that end, so long as Parliaments have a being and without which our happy Monarchy cannot subsist totally But many cry out against Arbitrary Government, and know not what it is, not being sufficiently sensible; of their living under, and being ruled and governed by a legal Monarch Thomas some Faults and Miscarriages may be found, or appear in his Ministers; for the King himself can do no wrong, since he Acts nothing of himself, but by Ministers, who are all Responsible for their Actions. Yet the People are not to be blamed, for their abhorrency of Arbitrary or Tyrannic Government, which always attends Usurpation, since it is not so many years, that they have felt the burden thereof; and if we look back, into all the Actions, of the most Arbitrary and Tyrannic, the lawful Kings of this Nation, we shall found the Arbitrary Government, attending Usurpers, in the little time of their Usurpation, to be more horrid and dreadful, and brought on this Nation more Misery, Blood, and Persecution, than any of them; nay, all of them together. I cannot think therefore, that any are serious, who cry out on the fanatics, as endeavouring or desiring a Commonwealth, for I do think there are none of them, so really mad, as to desire any such thing, that would bring on them the dreaded Arbitrary Government, they so much Fear; since they found it by so late Experience, to be no remedy to their Evils, and cured their Fears and Jealousies with a Plaster of Poison. And this also, I look upon to be●a Stratagem of the same Enemies, on the other side, to Created a Jealousy in the Head of the Prince, and his Ministers, and to make them Construe every Action of the People, tending to that end, which may be, and no doubt is, as far from their thinking, as it is from that of the other, in bringing in of Arbitrary Government. Since the Fears and Jealousies of either side, are alike much heightened, by the endeavours of several sorts of evil Persons, and by some well meaning People, by being too severe in uncomely and bitter Expressions, and thorough the Toleration of the many Licentions, and Scandalous Papers, which daily fly abroad, the Author of these true Collections, of the Miseries this Nation suffered, under the Arbitrary Government, of Tyrannic Usurpers, Exposes it to the Abhorrency of the Nation, that they might behold it in a Glass; and that the Governors of our Commonwealth, may not run upon the same Rocks: Nor the People, into the like Rebellion, in seeking to avoid Arbitrary Government, or some Shadows of it, bring it upon themselves totally, to the subverting the Monarchy and the Fundamental Laws of the Land.  
To the intent than, that they may see the difference, between the happy Reign of lawful Kings, and usurping Tyrants, we have Collected the illegal Acts, and bloody Persecutions, of those Usurpers of Arbitrary Government, the Rump and Oliver, that by the matter of Fact, the People may be convinced and deterred from thinking of Rebelling against their lawful Prince, since 'tis the only way to bring in Arbitrary Government, whose most horrid Picture, is displayed in the following History.   

Arbitrary Government displayed to the Life, in the illegal Transactions of the late Times.  
IF we mount up the Hill of Time present, and thence take a view; on either hand lies Time past, and Time future, or to come; the latter is continually hidden in a Cloud, and we are not able to take any Prospect of it, unless by Divine or Prophetic illumination, which though certain, is rare; yet a wise man by looking back on Time past, and Comparing the certain Effects resulting from several Causes, may give a shrewd Guests, of what is to come; and thus from Experience he will pronounce, that Fears and Jealousies betwixt a Prince and his people, being wrought to the height, will produce on the one hand Severity, on the other Rebellion: If the Prince gets the better of the People, after they have run into actual disobedience, it is not to be expected, he should, whilst he Lives, slacken the Reinss of his Power, but by keeping them under, extend it to the utmost of the line: If the people thrive in their Rebellion, the certain sequel is Usurpation, Tyrannic and Arbitrary Government, as hath been seen in several Ages, and recounted in several Histories, which we shall not mention; our Design being to confine our Discourse to our own late Affairs, and Transactions, from the first setting up of the Rump, in the place of Monarchy, to the Restauration of our present Monarch, whom God grant long to Reign.  
If we look down from this Hill of Time present, thorough the Optic of History, on Time past, we behold the first Ages as in Landscape only, not in a due Proportion, being much lessened in Relation; the middle Ages are more clearly viewed, and lie open to discovery, and are more largely Displayed in History: but again, the more near, or next to the Mountain of Time present, are also covered in a certain obscurity, and as it were over-shadowed by the Mount of Time present, that Truth is traced with a faint touch, and usually things are not so clearly seen, as at a longer distance. But since every day renders the Prospect more clear, We hope in this our short Relation, of the late Usurpers, and of their Tyrannic and Arbitrary Government, to show to the People a most lucid Picture of that dreaded Monster, which they do, and may most justly fear, Arbitrary Government.  
Fears and Jealousies fomented and heightened, we may say begot it, and Rebellion brought it forth, for it was the foul Issue of our bloody Civil Wars. It is not my task to writ the Transactions, between the late King and his Parliaments, nor to draw forth a Scheme of that most unnatural War, which robbed England of its Peace, and devoured so many brave and valiant Subjects; this hath been sufficiently and fully, by several Pens, already performed. But I shall begin the rise of my Historical Collections, from the time of the Exclusion of the greater part of the Members of the house of Commons, called the long Parliament, and when the Tail or Rump, as they are called, of the said Commons, against all Law and Right usurped, the Regal Authority of the Nation, and placing it upon themselves, Exercised a Tyrannic, and Arbitrary Government, with any shadow of legal Authority; for although it is not to be doubted, that the bloody War, commenced by the long Parliament, against their sovereign Lord and King, was illegal and unjust, yet I say, by that Bill, passed by his late Majesty, together with the Bill of attainder against the Earl of Strafford, on the 8th. of May, 1641. for the continuance of that Parliament, and that it should not be Prorogued or Adjourned, but by act of Parliament, and on the 10th. of the same Month had the Royal assent, gave them I say some Colour or shadow of Authority, and extremely inbroiled the King's affairs. The advisers to the passing of this Act are not certainly known, some attribute it to the Lord Say, others to the designing Marquis Hamilton, who bragged of it in Scotland, as his Act; but whoever they were, it proved most pernicious to the King, and seemed to Authorize the Rebellion by his own Act.  
But before we enter upon the Actions of these Usurpers, we shall only make mention of some preliminary Acts, of illegal Arbitrariness, of this Parliament, before their Votes of Non-Addresses, to the King, and their secluding their fellow Members, and of their growing up to that perfection of Evil, in taking upon them the Administration of the Government, and of that unparallelled Murder of a great Monarch, their sovereign Lord and King. The first was, under the Notion of maintaining the Protestant Religion, their entering into a solemn Protestation or Association among themselves, and also imposing it on the Consciences of all others, who should bear any Office either in Church or State. Secondly, their raising men, arming them, and forming an Army, and so running on into actual Rebellion, against their Head, and continuing that most Bloody War with so much Heat and Animosity, harkening to no Treaties, etc. Next, their flinging the Bishops out of the House, and imprisoning twelve of them for asserting their Right only, by a Protestation. And which was absolutely against the Privileges granted to them by Magna Charta, and a lopping of one of the Estates of the Realm. Than their putting a difference between the King's person, and his politic Capacity, raising War against him in his own Name, for as yet the Keepers of the Liberties of England were not thought of, but the Style ran in the name of the King and Parliament, making the King to fight against himself, and to War with himself. Next their illegal imprisoning their fellow Subjects, and disseizing many of their free Holds, for their Loyalty to their Prince, and for not lending them Money to carry on their Rebellion, and also putting to Death the Hothams, all contrary to Magna Charta, and the Liberty of the subject, and full of Arbitrariness. Next their endeavouring to persuade the People, that the Sovereignty law wholly and radically in them, and so effectually in the Parliament, or House of Commons, for they now began to be esteemed only the Parliament. Than by their Endeavouring to take the power of the Sword out of their Sovereign's hand, and to put it into their own, thereby to make him a King of Clouts, or in Show, or a mere Duke of Venice. Than their own Declaration, printed and published, shown how well Arbitrariness thrived, when they owned, That their Votes were not to be questioned, either by King or People: That no Precedents could bond their proceed: That the Sovereign Power resides in the two Horses: That the King hath no negative Voice: That a levying War against the personal Commands of the King, the he were present, is not a levying War against the King, but that a levying War against his Laws and Authority, is levying War against the King, which was levying War against them: That Treason could not be committed against the person of the King, otherwise than he wa● entrusted: That they had power to judge of his Actions, and whether he discharged his trust or not, and that they were only judges of the Law. Their Arbi●trary putting to death of Yeomans and Boucher at Bristol and others at London, for endeavouring to show thei● Loyalty to their King, and Acting against them, and their illegal Authority. Voting and making a new Seal and breaking all the Kings old Seals, Privy Signets, 〈◊〉 the King's-bench, Exchequer, Court of Wards, Adm●●ralty, etc. Beheading of several persons by a Court ma●●tial, against Law and Equity. Putting Archbishop La●● to Death after four years' Imprisonment. Their taking the Scotch solemn League and Covenant, for the Extirpation of Episcopacy, and the alteration of Religion established by Law, contrary to Law, and accor●●ing to their own illegal and Arbitrary proceed. With many more Acts of the same nature, which plainly declared to all the World, how far they had deviated from their first more plausible Pretexts. But all this while I say, by the King's great Concession, in yielding to pass that Act, which wrought him so much Mischief, they seemed to have a shadow of Power, from the King: and acted as an House, though contrary to the King, the Laws of the Land, the Liberty of the Subject, and against Equity, Conscience, and Religion.  
But now, after the King had been delivered up to them from the Scots, and that they had subdued all his Forces and Garrisons, Ragland Castle in Wales, being the last that held out for his Majesty, than they shown their power more manifestly, and that their Intentions were to usurp the Regal Authority altogether, having thus far tasted the sweetness of it, and thrived in their Rebellion. On the 4th. of June 1647. a Party of Horse, under Cornet Joyce, seized the King at Holdenby, where he was under restraint by the Parliaments order, and Carried him away to the Army, and thence by them brought to Hampton Court, about the middle of August; where both the Parliament and Army make to him their several unjust Proposals, after the insolent manner of Victors, which the King could in no ways grant, being contrary to his Conscience, his Crown and Dignity. At the same time the Independent Officers of the Army, kept their chief Cabals at Putn●y, where it was proposed among them: That it was not safe for them, nor the Kingdom, to grant any Power to the King: That it was not for them to set up a Power, which God had determined to pull down: That the power of Kings was grown a burden to the Nation, and that the reason of all their Distractions in their Counsels, was from their Compliance to save that man of Bood, and to uphold the Tyranny, which God by their many Successes, had declared against. Where also Mayor General Harrison made a speech pressing them to the taking of the King: Who having notice of these wicked Agitators Actions, makes his escape from Hampton Court, leaving a Letter behind him, intending to get over to the Isle of Jersey, but being in the Isle of Wight, he put himself under the Protection of Colonel Hammond a Parliament man, and Governor there; who sending notice thereof to the Parliament, they Vote, That he should be continued in the Castle of Cowes: That no Malignants shall stay in the Island: That no Delinquent or Foreigner should be permitted to come to him without the Parliaments leave: That five Thousand pounds should be advanced for his Aocommodation, and That they would consider who should attend his Person.  
In the mean time the Independent party of the Army 'cause a Mutiny, which though quelled by the Industry of Cromwell and his Son-in-Law Ireton; yet it caused them to altar their Counsels, and to join with them against the Parliament, and all accommodation whatsoever with the King. The King sends a Letter to the Parliament from the Isle of Wight, dated November, 18. 1647. superscribed to the Speaker of the House of Lords, to be communicated to the House of Commons. In which he granted for Peace-sake, the settling of Presbytery for three years: And the Militia in the hands of the Parliament during his Reign, with a Proviso by Patent, that than it should return again to his Successors; And also that they should have the Choice of his Privy Councillors, and desired earnestly to have with them a personal treaty in London. After a long debate upon this Letter, the Commissioners of Scotland also pressing them to comply with the King's just desires, on the 26th. of November they concluded, That four Previous Acts should be drawn up, and sent to the King, to which if he would sign, they Voted, That they than would admit of a personal Treaty with him. These unreasonable Proposals, drawn into form of Acts, were these: First, an Act for raising, settling, and maintaining Forces by Sea and Land, etc. In which they fully and wholly divested the King of the Militia, his Heirs and Successors for ever, and gave an unlimited Power to the two houses, to raise what Forces they please, or Land or Sea, and of what persons they please, and what Money they please to maintain them. The second was, that ●ll Declarations, Oaths, Proclamations against the Parliament, might be recalled, or against all or any that adhered to them. The third, an Act that those Peers, that were snade after the great Seal was carried away from the Parliament, might be made uncapable of sitting in the house of Peers: And lastly, That Power may be given to the two Houses to adjourn themselves as they think fit. By these you may easily perceive, to what height they were come of all unreasonableness. These were presented to the King at Caris brook Castle in the Isle of Wight, on the 24th. of December 1647. by the Earl of Denby, the Lord Montague, Lisle, Goodwin, Bunkley, and Kemp, Commissioners from both Houses of Parliament. The King it may well be thought, having no desire to dethrone himself, and enslave his Subjects, refused the Bills, and desired to Treat personally, sending them his reasons in Writing: Whereupon Sr. Tho. wroth, moves the House, That the King, who had Acted like a Madman, should be secured in some inland Castle, with sure Guards: That Articles of Impeachment should be drawn up against him: That he should be wholly laid by, and that they would think of some other Government, no matter what, so it were not by Kings or Devils. Than Ireton gravely, and with his Protesting he spoke the Sense of many thousand Godly men, who had ventured their Lives with him in the Army, said: That the King in denying those Bills, had denied his safety and protection to the People, and that therefore they might justly, and lawfully deny to yield him any further Obedience, and that it was fit they should settle the Kingdom without him. Than Cromwell at last, after a long debate, with an Hypocritical Face, stood up, telling them, of the Valour, Courage, Resolution, and readiness of the Army, to stand by them, and to Live and Dye with them, and that therefore, now the Parliament should by their own Power, Rule and Govern the Kingdom, and not expect safety any longer, or any help from an Obstinate man, whose hea● God had hardened, and therefore no more to be truste● for that his future Reign, would become more insupportable, and fuller of Revenge than Justice. That el●● those men, who had so long defended them, wou●● think themselves betrayed by them, to the Malice an● Rage of an irreconcilable Enemy, whom they had sub●dued for their sakes, and that despair might teach them to seek their safety, by some other means, than ad●hering to them, who would not stick to themselves and how destructive that resolution might be to the● all, he even trembled to think of, and left them t● consider. This concluding Menace, from that terribl● , very much overawed the House. Upon th●● they came to Vote, and the Questions being put, they Vo●●ed, Not more Addresses or Applications should be mad● to the King, carrying it in the Affirmative, there being on● hundred and forty one Yea and ninety one noah's. Thi● was also assented to by the Lords and published, Resolved by the Lords and Commons Assembled in Parliament, That no Application or Address be made to the King by any Person whatsoever without the leave of both Houses. Resolved by the Lords and Commons, etc. That the Person or Persons, that shall make breach of this Order, shall incur the penalty of high Treason. Resolved by the Lords and Commons, etc. That they will receive not more any Message from the King; and do enjoin, that no Person whatsoever, do presume to receive or bring any Message from the King to both or either of the Houses of Parliament, or any other Person.  
Upon this comes forth a Declaration from the Army Among other things they declare, That they are resolved to stand by the Parliament, in these their Votes concerning the King, and in what shall be necessary for the Prosecution thereof, and for the settling and securing of the Parliament and Kingdom, without the King, and against him, or any other that shall partake with him. The Parliament also after this, put forth a public Declaration, about the beginning of February, 1648. in which were many strange Invectives against the King, and his Government, raking in all the Errors thereof, and remembering things done before his Reign. They also endeavoured to have fixed on him the Murder of his Royal Father King James, the Rebellion and Massacre of Ireland, and other wicked and horrid Crimes laid to his Charge, and almost in every body's Mouth, so that they were not only Content to take away the Government from their King, and to usurp the Royal dignity, but they went about to desame him, and to Murder his Honour and Innocency, even before they had agreed to take away his Life from his Person, and to make him as odious as they could, in the Eyes of all men, to take of the Odium as much as they could from themselves, for what they now intended to do, viz. The murder of their Prince, which began now to be designed by the prevailing Independent Party, who had got the Army on their sides and overawed the rest.  
However, they could not carry things so, but that their Intentions began to be seen, although they had procured Letters or Addresses of thanks, from several Counties, by their Agents, for their Votes against the King; yet for the most part the people's Eyes being now every day more and more opened, began to see what a Brat they had nourished up, under the notion of Liberty, who being grown up to its height, proved that most dreadful Arbitrary, they so much had feared; insomuch, that from Grumbling and Murmuring, the City began to stir, and in several other places, as in Kent, and in Wales, under Lauhorn, Poyer, and powel; upon this the Committee of Derby House was Empowered anew, for the suppressing of Tumults and Insurrections. The Insurrections were soon quelled, though not without Blood, by the industry of Cromwell and Ireton, and by the Permission of divine Providence. The Scots by their Commissioners, desired to know if they were excepted by the Parliaments Votes of Non-Addresses to the King, which Message caused great debates, and being yet fearful of disobliging them, at last it was permitted them, to make Addresses to the King: which was not wel● taken by the Independent Faction in the Army. Bu● the King was now more straight secured, by Colonel Hammond, and he found not that Favour from him h● had hoped for, being the Brother of one of his belov●●ed Chaplains Doctor Hammond: His Servants were re●moved from him, and he restrained within the Castle● walls, which begot a Pity and Commiseration of hi● Case, in the breast of several Loyal Subjects within the Island, and especially Captain Burleigh, who had formerly served him in the Army, and who now made an● attempt to rescue the King out of Hammond's hands: but miscarrying, he was taken, and on the 10th. of February put to death at Winchester, being tried for High Treason by Sergeant Wild. Upon this his Majesty put forth his Declaration, which begot great Compassion in the Hearts of all his Loyal Subjects throughout the Kingdom. But yet they were not able to help him, the Power being out of their Hands. And he suffered a very close Confinement, being sequestered from the Converse of men, which made him apply himself to a more divine and blessed Converse with God, as may be seen by his Excellent meditations, in his Book called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, or the Portraiture of his Majesty, in his Solitude and Sufferings, than wrote.  
And now the Universities were purged; for having the Sword, they resolved to have none of those Gownsmen to pled Gospel for the King's Authority, and therefore all such should be ejected, that knew not how against Conscience to preach and declaim of their sides; to which end the Earl of Pembroke Chancellor of the University of Oxford, with others as learned as himself, were sent to purge the University, where they turned forth many learned and honest men, under the Notion of Ignorant and Scandalous, by which means they sent packing all such as were not for their turn.  
April the 20th. the Duke of York made his escape from St. James', in woman apparel, and landed safe at ●ort in Holland; and about the same time, several Petitions came to the Parliament, and especially one from ●he County of Essex, which supplicate, That the Army might be paid of and Disbanded, and the King admitted to a personal Treaty. Surry and the City of London followed with the like, and the Affections of the People began to appear, and were ready to fly to Arms. The Kentish men being up ten Thousand strong were routed by General Fairfax, the Earl of Norwich who ●eaded them, with five hundred men crossed over the Thames into Essex, and Sr. Charles Lucas joining him with 200 thousand men, they possessed themselves of Cholchester, which became the seat of War and endured a famous Siege. Also at the same time a part of the Navy revolted to the Prince, who having attempted to help his Father, in vain, was forced to retire into Holland, with his Fleet. Than the Earl of Holland, the Earl of Peterborough and others, Head a fresh Insurrection at Kingston upon Thames, where they were routed, the Earl of Holland taken, and the Lord Francis Villers the Duke of Buckingham's Brother slain.  
Affairs standing in this Posture, the Scots are much displeased, though they had many fair Offers made them by the Parliament, Concerning the Payment of money yet due to them; and on the 24th, day of July they passed an Ordinance, to establish the Presbyterian Government in England and Ireland, under Classical, Provincial, and Parochial Assemblies, to please them; yet all would not do, for they Voted in Scotland, a War with England, and published a Declaration, wherein they propose: That the King may come to London, or to some of his Houses near, with safety: That those who had Carried him away might make Satisfaction, or be punished for it: That the Army under the Lord Fairfax might be disbanded: That Presbytery be settled and Sectaries punished: That all members of the House might be restored. Upon this Berwick was surprised, Forces came out of Ireland, and many rise in the North for the King: Carlisle is seized, and their Forces increased under Sr. Marmaduke Langdale, Sr. Thomas Glenham▪ Sr. Philip Musgrave, and others, to the number of three Thousand Horse and foot. Sr. Marmaduke Langdale is made their General: And on the 13th, of July, the Scots enter with an Army into England, under Duke Hamilton with whom Langdale joins, and beats Lambert at Apple●●by: Several places declared for the King, and all things seemed in an hopeful way, when Cromwell having qui●eted Wales, marches with his Army to Preston in Lancashire, to give a stop to Hamilton, who was about twenty Thousand strong, with the English: Lambert joyn● with Cromwell, and make up a Body of about twelve Thousand; on the 17th. of August both Army's Face one another, and the battle being begun on the English side, after two hours dispute, the Scots gave ground 〈◊〉 and were most fiercely pursued by the English, and Totally routed, multitudes of them being taken, but Hamilton escaped to Nantwich, with three Thousand horse where the Country being up in Arms seized upon most of them, and at last Hamilton himself was taken at Uloxeter, by the Lord Grace of Grooby; the Scots En●signs, Cornets, and Colours, than taken, were afterwards hung up in Westminster Hall. Sr. Marmaduke Langdale wa● also taken, and Cromwell improving his Victory, marches towards Monroe, who was coming with a reserve of six Thousand Scots, but upon Hamilton's overthrow, had order to return into Scotland, which they did, but the Anti-Hamiltonian party in Scotland, under Argile, which were the stricter sort of Presbyters; invited Cromwell in to Scotland, which the laying hold on, to smooth his way he put forth a Declaration, severely prohibiting any Soldier, under pain of Death, to take either Money, Horses, Goods, Victuals, or any other thing, o● any way to abuse the People. He put such a terror among the Scots, that they all presently submitted, and agreed to disband their Armies, and to tender up to him Berwick, and Carlisle, which were in their Hands: That a Parliament should be called in Scotland for the settling Religion, and composing their differences, and also that none that had been in the last Engagements against England, should be chosen of this ●ew Parliament, or into their general Assembly. Thus ●aving settled Scotland to his mind, he returns into Eng●and. Upon his Victory against Hamilton, Colchester ●eing driven to the utmost extremity, was surrendered, ●nd the two valiant Gentlemen contrary to Faith given, Sr. Charles Lucas, and Sr. George Lisle, shot to Death, ●nd the Earl of Norwich, Lord Capel. and others sent Prisoners to London. While these things were in doing, there had been some Attempts made towards the private murdering of the King, which was made known to the Parliament, who took some Examinations thereupon, but nothing to any purpose done in it, he being ●ow looked upon as a Tyrant, and suffered openly to be so called daily, with many other most opprobrious Speeches, both against his person and Government, which the Parliament took no notice of, but had made an Order in April, before: That any three of their Committee-men at Derby House, should have Power to Imprison and sequester, all such as shall actually adhere to any, that shall raise or endeavour to raise, any Tumults or Insurrections, or shall so much as speak or publish any thing reproachful of the Parliament or their proceed; so that you see they had tied up men's Tongues; from speaking against themselves, without the lest restraint of reviling their King, and, for every light Word, a free born Subject of England, was made an offender, and liable to be ruined, at the Pleasure of three Arbitrary men of their Committee, absolutely against that known Maxim of our Law, Nemo imprisonetur aut disseisietur nisi per legale judicium parium suorum. No man shall be imprisoned, or disseised of his Property, but by the lawful judgement of his Peers; that is, by a jury of twelve men. But what signified Magna Charta, Petition of Right, the Ancient Laws of the Land, to these Men, who had trampled the Imperial Crown under their feet, and usurped more than ever rightful Monarch, or the most Arbitrary of our Kings ever Claimed? And had raised upon the People, for the maintenance of th● unnatural War, and towards the enslaving of themselves, about three Millions of pounds sterling Per annu● which was six times more than ever the most rapacio● of our Kings had raised on the People, besides the va● Incomes of the King's revenue, Sequestrations, and Compositions.  
About the third of August, the Prince (now our Sovereign) sent Letters to the City, Expressing his goo● affection to Peace, and to the whole City, and his Endeavours to vindicate his father's Liberty and just Prerogative, and Rights; and to restore to the People the●● Laws, Liberties, and Property, to free them from Bo●dage, and to ease them of the Burden of Excise, an● Taxes, to settle Religion, and to reduce all things in to their proper Channel. This Letter was accompanie● with others, and a Declaration to the same purpose, a●● which were Communicated to the Parliament. Bu● there, in Requital, it was vehemently urged by some▪ That the Prince might be declared a Traitor and a Rebel, but others stood up and gave several Reasons (to● long here to rehearse) to the Contrary; and so it passed over at this time. On the 7th. of August an ordinance passed, for erecting a new Militia in every County, and particularly for the County of Wilts, Commissioners being named, who had power to raise what men they pleased, to Arm them, and to fine defaulters ten pound a Man, and twenty day's Imprisonment, and to levy four hundred pound a Week, upon that one County, besides the ordinary Taxes, and free Quarter. O brave Liberty and Freedom!  
Whilst the Army were employed in reducing the Scots, and Royal party, Petitions were continually sent from several Counties, to the Parliament, all tending to the same effect, the disbanding the Army, easing the people of their Burdens, and a personal Treaty with the King. The City of London Petitions also for the same, and to have their imprisoned Citizens released, which were, chief Aldermen Langham and Bunce, and ●heir Recorder Glin. The Lords had, it seems, not con●●rred readily with the Commons, in some of their ●otes, upon which it was moved in the House, to take ●way the Lords negative Voice So early Arbitrary ●egan to show itself in the highest degree, nothing ●ow seeming too great for the Commons: For a certain ●awyer, undertook to make good; That the House of Commons (being the Representative of all the People) ●ad power to Act without the Lords, for the safety of ●he People, in case the Lords deserted their Trust. Here was a ground laid for a future subverting the Foundation of all Parliaments, and how well they improved this Doctrine we shall see hereafter. The Lords and Commons, had laid by the King, and now the Commons were for laying aside the Lords, and the next thing to be expected will be to see the Army and their Grandees to lay aside the Commons, and to rule alone by themselves, usurping both the Kings Sovereign and Governing power, the Parliaments Legislative power, and the Judges judicative power, and so Establish their Oligarchy, or else it may be expected, that one more powerful than the rest, should usurp all the Power into his own hand, and become a most absolute and Arbitrary Tyrant, as it happened to come to pass.  
I cannot pass over another excellent mark of strange Arbitrariness, against all Law and Right, Moral as well as Civil, in their sequestering the Estate of one Wall a Delinquent as they called him, after his Death, and taking it from his Wife and Children gave it to one of their Creatures, who sued for the same, though it was argued against their unjust Proceed, That in the case of the highest Treasons, and of Felony, no man was Condemned after his Death, because he was not than in being, to Answer for himself, and there could be no proceeding in Law against Non Ens: Nay if a Felon though alive, will stand mute, he shall not forfeit his Lands, because he wants Answer, though he loses his Life for Contempt of the Law. Yet the Godly party prevailed, and they bestowed the Sequestration of the sai● Wall's Lands, though dead, on another, with a Proviso, th●● it should not be drawn into Example.  
Cromwell gives the Parliament, by a Letter to the Speaker, an account of his Victories, with Admonition to them, not to hate God's people, who were as th● Apple of his Eye, and for whom Kings were to be reproved, That they should fulfil the end of their Magistracy, that all that would live quietly and Peaceably might have Countenance from▪ them, and that they wh● were implacable, might be speedily destroyed out o● the Land. And to prepare the way for their Destruction, they ordered: That an Ordinance be Penned, and brought into the House of Commons, to try all such by Martial Law, in the City of London, as shall be found to Plot Design, or Contrive any thing, to endanger the Parliament or City: Here again; you may see all the Common Laws of the Land laid aside, and Martial Law made use of, in the Head City of the Land. Which was than no Garrison, and by order of these Parliamentarians, and Assertors of the people's Liberties, Rights, and Priviled●ges.  
But however, the Army being at a distance from the City, subduing the King's Friends, and the Parliaments Foes, the Independent Party in the House of Commons, were not so prevalent, but that the other Party took Courage; and appearing, began to come more to themselves, encouraged by several Petitions out of the Country, for a Treaty with the King, upon which they became inclinable, and begun to set themselves to that Pious work, though hindered all that could be, by the Clamours, Speeches, and Behaviour of the Independants. And thereupon the Earl of Middlesex, Sir John Hippesly, and Mr. Bulkley, were sent to the King, to let him know their Resolutions; who returned, related the King's ready Compliance thereto, as a thing he much desired; upon which they Vote, That the Votes of Non-Addresses should be repealed; That the King might sand for such Persons, as were necessary for him in the Treaty; That he should be in a state of Freedom; That five Lords and ten Commoners, be chosen Commissioners to Treat with the King at New●ort in the Isle of Wight. These Votes were sent to the ●ing, and Commissioners chosen; for the Lords, the ●arls of Northumberland, Salisbury, Pembroke, Middlesex, ●nd the Lord Say: for the Commons were, Lord Wainman, Mr. Peirpoint, Sr. Henry Vain the younger, Sr. Har●●ttle Grimston, Sr. Jo. Pots, Mr. Brown, Mr. Crew, Mr. Bulkly, Mr. Hollis, and Mr. Glyn. Their Propositions ●ere not much easier than their former, to which the King gave very Satisfactory Answers, conceding to ma●y things, for Peace sake, against his Prerogative; the greatest Difficulty being the business of Episcopacy, which ●he King was unwilling should be wholly abolished. And now it was very likely, that the King and Parliament had agreed, and a full peace had ensued, but in ●he mean time many Officers of the Army held their Cabals at Windsor, where they were Contriving the Destruction of the King, and the Dissolution of the Parliament; which Cabals they also continued at London, ●nd other places, under the name of Agitators in behalf of the Army. These were framing a Government ●mong themselves, and drew up a Remonstrance, shew●ng: That they were the Body of the People of England: That their Interest was the public Interest of the People; That the People were the only Competent Judges of their own safety: That the supreme Magistrates were the People Armed with supreme Authority, and with the Sword. These persons concluded among themselves; that some should be chosen out of the Army, to represent the whole Body: These not to exercise the Legislative power, but only to draw up the Foundation of a Government; which the people were to consent to, which consent or Agreement of the People, should be above Law: That in the Agreement a day should be set for the Dissolution of the Parliament; and this to be drawn up in a Remonstrance from the Army. This was encouraged by Mayor general Harrison, who urgged, there could be no safety for them nor the Nation, but by the cutting of the King's Head, and the thoroughly purging at lest, if not the Dissolving the Parliament. Upon this the Army, now wholly at Cromwell's Devotion, sends up a Petition to the Commons, for Justice to be done on the King, as a Capital Offender. That the Prince of Wales and Duke: of York be Summoned by a Day, and if they come not in, to be declared incapable of the Succession and Government, and if they come in, to be proceeded against for Satisfaction: That the Revenues of the Crown be sequestered: That public Justice might be done against the Actors in the late Wars, against the Parliament: That they may be paid their Arrears, and the Country eased of free Quarters; and lastly, that a Period be put to this Parliament; and care taken son the Electing of future Parliaments, and that no King be admitted for the future.  
The Army Entering the City  
Oliver seeking God whil the King: is murdered by his order  
The Rump &  of the house of Commons Sitting after the Army had turned the good members out  
Bradshaw the jailor. and the Hangman keeper of the Libertyes of England  
This force being put upon the House, and new moulded, driving away all that were not for their turn, be●●des many others for fear absented themselves, the rest who afterwards obtained the name of Rump, or Rumpers, being the Relics of a greater Body) met again, ●nd submitting to the Power of the Army to please ●hem, Vote: That no Message be received from the King 〈◊〉 pain of Treason: That the General should take Care of his Person, and that a Charge of High Treason should be ●rawn up against him: Having now fully concluded to destroy him.  
Thus have we briefly drawn to your View, the first lineaments of an Arbitrary Government, and Tyrannical Usurpation, in very short Draughts, showing however the ●ays and means, whereby these Men, or Junto of Usurpers, came by their Power and Authority, overthrowing the very Foundation of our Ancient and most glorious Monarchy, under the Notion of Liberty, and setting up a Tyrannical Democracy, or rather Oligarchy, under the Regiment of a few selected Fellows, who called themselves the Parliament, and the Representatives of the Nation, and in whom they pretend all Right of Power ●nd Magistracy was to be placed.  
The very shadow of all legal Power was now gone, ●nd this unparallelled force put upon the Parliament, in excluding the Mayor part of their Members, by the Arbitrary will of Oliver Cromwell, and his Myrmidons, contrary to all Law and Right, took from them the very ●lame of a Parliament. But they care not for that, ●hey shadow their impious Acts, under that venerable Denomination, and having now, as they thought, got ●nto the Kingly throne, by the power of the Army, and the, Sword, imagined they should keep it, when all thi● while, not having the Command of the Army, but being ridden by the general Officers thereof, who designed as soon as they had done their work, to pay them their Wages by dismissing them, were but as the Cat's foot, made use of by the Monkey, for the raking the Chestnut out of the Fire, the benefit of which they intended to take themselves, and this was the Murdering of their lawful Sovereign, whom they had deposed, which was the next main Design driven on by the Independent Army, and their Dromidaries this Junto of Men.  
We have seen these Men grown up into full Strength of Arbitrariness, and got into the Throne of their Sovereign, we will now proceed, to Trace them by their Steps, in the Exercise of this their Tyrannical Usurpation; which we shall found to be according to the same unlawful Progress, and to be of the same bloody Complexion; for it is a certain Maxim, That what Power is got by unlawful means, must be kept by the same unlawful ways, notwithstanding the specious pretences of Liberty, and settling the Kingdom.  
This Junto of Men being met, and Voted as we have declared, That no more Address should be made to the King, nor any Message received from him, they take Care in the next place, having got into the Saddle, to keep it; and to make the World believe, they had a right to it, if they could: for now an Ordinance was drawn up, that the Lords and Commons of England do declare. That by the Fundamental Laws of the Land, it is Treason in the King of England, to levy War against the Parliament. This preparative in making the King a Transgressor, and in placing the Supreme Power in the People, whose Representatives they were, was in Order to their Design of Murdering the King. This being sent up to the Lords, who denied to consent to it, the Commons grow very angry, and finding the Lords to be yet an Obstacle to their bloody Intentions, they Vote: That all Members of Committees, should Act in any Ordinance by them made, without the Lords Concurrence, the People having by God, the full power Originally in themselves, and therefore what ever they enact is Law; which ●assed Nemine Contradicente:  
The Army still continuing their Guards upon the House, keeping out any of those Members were not of ●heir Party, and imprisoning them, they had much ado ●o make and House, and sometimes it was Noon before ●hey could get forty men together, without which it ●ould not be an House; so very Scrupulous were these ●rand Hypocrites, to keep up a Face of Authority, in ●hese minute Circumstances, who in the great Fundamentals had broke in two all Bonds, Obligations, Oaths, ●nd Laws.  
The Army now the Lords of all, Garrison Blackfriarss, and St. Paul's, turning the house of God into a Stable, and defiling it with Dung, robbing divers Halls (which they called borrowing) of several sums of Money, by their Saintlike Prerogative, accounting the test Egyptians. In the mean time, the secluded Members, still imprisoned, put forth a Declaration against this most horrid violence of the Army, done to their Persons, and to the Fundamental Laws of the Land, the Rights of the People, and the privileges of Parliament: this was dated 11th. December, 1648. This being complained of to the House, both Lords and Commons put forth a Declaration against it, wherein they declare, That the Declaration put forth, by those Members of the House of Commons, Excluded the House, in which was these Words, viz: That all Acts, Ordinances, Votes, and Proceed of the House of ●ommons, made si●●e the 6th, of December or hereafter to be ●ade, duering the restraint and forcible Seclusion from the House, and the Continuance of the Army's force upon it, ●re no way Obligatory, but voided and null, to all Intents ●nd Purposes; was false, Scandalous, and Seditious, and ended to destroy the visible, and fundamental Government of the Kingdom. And therefore ordered the printed ●aper to be suppressed, and that all who had an hand 〈◊〉 it, to be uncapable to bear Office, or to have any trust, place, or Authority in the Kingdom, or to sit as Members of either House of Parliament. Here again you see a most bold stroke of Arbitrary Sway, and what Noses of Wax they made of all priviledes of Parliaments▪ O most excellent Conservators of the Liberties of the Nation▪  
The next thing they fell upon was the unvoting of all former Votes of the House which tended to any accommodation with the King, and renewed again their old Vote of Non-Addresses in Terminis, and that the Treaty with him in the Isle of Wight was highly dishonourable, and apparently Destructive to the good of the Kingdom. Thus forty or fifty of this Independent Junto undid, what was before done by at lest three hundred and forty before.  
December 14th. Mayor General Brown, Sr. William Waller, Sr. John Clotworthy, Mayor General Massy, Commissary General Copley, were all imprisoned by a Council of War at White-Hall, though Members of Parliament, upon which, they put forth also a new Declaration, or Protestation, in the name of themselves, and all the Freeborn people of England, against the violent and illegal Proceed of the General and his Council of War, against the Laws of the Land, and Liberties of the People the Rights and Privileges of Parliament; and that i● was an higher Usurpation, and exercise of an Arbitrary and unlawful Power, than hath been heretofore pretended, or attempted by this, or any other King, or other Power whatsoever, within this Realm.  
About this time came forth a Paper from the Army, called the Agreement of the People; being almost word for word, the same which formerly had been presented in the Year 1647. by the Agitators of the Army, and one Gifford a Jesuit, busy in promoting it, and than condemned by the Commons, as matter Destructive to the beings of Parliaments, and to the Fundamental Government of the Kingdom; and caused General Fairfax to condemn one of these Agitators, who promoted it, and caused him to be shot to Death a Ware. This was ill timed, and the business not yet Rip● enough, and was a second time by the Vote of the same House condemned, as Seditious and Contemptuous and Destructive, etc. and several were imprisoned upon it; but now the same being again obtruded upon this Junto, they closed with it, and followed its Dictates, which were briefly: That the people should agreed, or did agreed together, to take away the present Government, by King Lords and Commons, which they were now going about, as the Armies Journeymen, as fast as they could.  
And now Oliver Cromwell every day gins to grow more Conspicuous, insomuch as several Lords laying aside their Honour and Greatness begin to Court and fawn upon him, and servilely to attend on him and do him Homage. The next thing the Lords and Commons do, is to Curb the City, whom they suspect; and to hinder them from a free Election of their City Officers; another mark of Arbitrary Power: For which end many Exceptions are made, for those that were to be elected into any Office, that none who had boar Arms for the King, in the first or second War, or that had joined with the Scots, or had subscribed the Engagement 1647. or were aiding in any Tumult, or Insurrection in the City, with other Restrictions, by which they brought all those under, that they believed not fit for their wicked purposes. This was thought yet too short by Skippon, who moved it to have also added, That none might bear Office that promoted the Treaty with the King, or endeavoured to have him brought to London: Which according to the desire of the Saints was ordered as an Additional Ordinance; So that you now see, the very endeavouring of a Peace and Settlement of the Nation, was become a notorious Crime, and made a person incapable of bearing any Office in the City.  
And to make themselves sure one of another, as Oaths, Declarations, and Protestations could make these Usurpers, they 'cause their Members to sign a new Protestation, against the Votes for a Treaty in the Isle of Wight, and especially against that Vote which much troubled them: That his Majesty's Answers to the Propositions of both Houses, were a ground for the two Houses to Proceed to a Settlement. This, though formerly thought by themselves to tend to Faction, was now readily performed at the Army's request: Four of their imprisoned Members had been released, and now sixteen more were sent for before Ireton, and by him discharged Telling them it was the General's pleasure, they should be released, provided they attempted nothing against the Actings of the present Parliament and Army. But the Gentlemen would pass no such Engagement, which seeing, he gave order for their release, but with this Menace, That if they made any Disturbance it should be at their peril.  
The business they had now in hand, and were Resolved on, viz: The King's murder, must be cloaked under a Religious Covering, as if they were about some Pious Work; and therefore they mock God, as well as delude man, and keep a Fast at St. Margaret's Westminster, where some few Lords and some of the Commons assembled, to whom the Pulpit-merry- Andrew, Hugh Peter preached: Moses leading the Children of Israel out of Egypt, being the Subject which he applied to the General and the Leaders of the Army, now leading the people out of Egyptian Bondage; and after some time, as Ridiculously as profanely hiding himself in the Pulpit, he starts up, and tells them he had it now by Revelation, That the Army was to root out Monarchy, not only in England, but in all other Kingdoms, and so should bring all people out of that Egyptian Bondage: That that Army, was the Stone cut out of the Mountain, which was to dash all the Powers of the earth to pieces: With other Blasphemous Speeches of the like Nature.  
Mr. Prin was yet kept a Prisoner at the Kings-head-Inn in the Strand, from whence he wrote a Letter to Fairfax, to know by what Authority he was thus kept a Prisoner; he being a Parliament man, and a Freeborn Subject of England. The General, who was but Chip ●n Porridge, and knew little of what was done by ●romwell and Ireton, sent him word, That he thought he had been released with the rest, and that he would ●end to know what they had against him. Upon which Mr. Prin puts forth a Declaration, showing the ●orrid Injustice of their Proceed against the Members of Parliament: and against and Contrary to all the Laws of the Land, and the Liberty of the Subject.  
The Council of War in the mean time, to humble his Majesty, ordered, That all State and Ceremony should be ●orborn to the King, and his Attendants lessened. And now having made way for the most horrid and Bloody design that ever was heard of, the Motion is made in this usurping House, to proceed to the Trial of the King, as a Capital Offender: When the grand Impostor Cromwell stood up, and said; That if any man moved this upon Design, he should think him the greatest Traitor in the World; but since Providence and Necessity had cast them upon it, he should pray to God to bless their Counsels. And so on the 28th. of December, 1648. Thomas Scot, brought in the Ordinance for the Trial of the King, being read and Committed three several times, and all the Commissioners names inserted, Consisting of divers Gentlemen and Soldiers. This Ordinance being passed the Junto, they sand it up to the Lords House, by the Lord Grey of Grooby, together with their Vote formerly made, Viz. Resolved, etc. That the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament; do declare, and adjudge, That by the Fundamental Laws of the Realm, it is Treason in the King of England for the time to come, to levy War against the Parliament and Kingdom of England. The house of Lords debate the matter, and first the Declaratory Vote; against which, the Earls of Manchester and Northumberland, with others, spoke, and declared, There was none nor could be any such Fundamental Law in England, whereby the King could be a Traitor, by leaving War against his People; and that thus to declare Treason by an Ordinance, when no law was extant to judge it by, was most unreasonable. Upon which the Lords cast out this Ordinance and Vote and adjourned themselves for seven days. This proceeding of the Lords gave them no small trouble, and stirred up the wrath of some of the Zealots, who threatened t● hung a Pad-lock on the Lord's door; and sending up t● search their journal Book, they found the Lords ha● made these two Votes: That they do not Concur to t●● said declaratory Vote. And Secondly, That they rejecte● the Ordinance for the Trial of the King. Upon whic● these men resolving to be rid of the Lords, as well a● of King, they Vote, That they should Act without them (as well they might, according to their own Law) Tha● all Authority was founded in the People, and that they b●ing the Representatives of the People, all Authority l●● in them. Some of them were for Impeaching th● Lords, for favouring the grand Delinquent of the Land, a● they called the King. And now to make all sure on the sides, that they may Act legally, On the 4th. of Janu●ry they Vote; That the People are, under God, the Original of all just Power. That the Commons of England i● Parliament assembled, being chosen by, and representing th● People, have the Supreme Power of this Nation. To● whatsoever is declared or Enacted for Law, by the Hou●● of Commons assembled in Parliament, hath the force of Law This makes clear Work, and by this our Arbitrary Usurpers may do what they will, and cut of their King Head according to their own Position, legally; wha● need of Kings, Lords, Laws, Rights, Liberties, Properties, or sundamental Government, when the Arbitrary Consciences of such men, may serve instead of al● and conclude thereby all the People of England. th●● they declare against it, and though opposed by the King or House of Peers? And thus, notwithstanding the rejection of the Lords, these Commons pass their Ordinance, and declaratory Vote by the name of An Act o● Parliament of the House of Commons (which was neve● before heard of) for the Trial of Charles Stewart, Kin● of England. This being objected to Hugh Peter, tha● there was no Precedent or Example, for the Trial o● a King, by a judicial Court, he Profanely applied▪ That there was never any Precedent before the Virgin Mary, of a Woman's conceiving and bringing forth a Child, without accompanying with a Man, therefore they might walk without Precedent, for this was an Age to make Examples and Precedents.  
There was yet one thing that passed these men, which they had not foreseen, which was, That it was a very improper thing, to make use of the King's Seal, wherein he is styled King of England, etc. by the Grace of God; to seal a Commission against him for his Trial. They were now in haste, and could not stay for a new one, which they had not as yet thought on, therefore it was concluded, the Commissioners should proceed upon the Ordinance, without any Commission under Seal, and that every Commissioner should set his own Hand and Seal, to the Instruments of their Proceed. All things being now in a readiness for the Trial, The King is taken from Hurst Castle, and brought to Winchester, thence to Farnham, thence to Windsor, and thence to St. James, on the 19th. day of January. And they had caused for the greater Solemnity of the Business, their Sergeant Dandy, who was appointed Sergeant at Arms to the Commissioners, for the Trial of his Majesty, to proclaim it openly in Westminster-Hall, with his Mace on Horse back, with six Trumpets and several Officers attending, all bore, That the Commissioners were to sit to morrow, and that all those, who had any thing to say, against Charles Stewart King of England, might be heard. This was done in like manner in Cheapside, and at the Royal Exchange. The same day the House Voted their great Seal to be broken, and ordered a new one to be made.  
Upon this Mr. Prin, sends to the Junto a Memento, of their unpresidented Proceed, Complaining of the force and Violence put upon their fellow Members, warning them from Acting, Consulting, or ordaining any Act or Ordinance without Concurrence of their fellow Members, being Arbitrary and against Law, and that the secluded Members, not only declared against such Proceed, but more especially against this horrid Act of theirs for the Trial of the King, showing them, That by the common Law, and by the Statute of 25. Ed. 3. and all other Acts concerning Treason it is high Treason for any man to Compass or Contrive the Death of the King, or his eldest Son, though never Executed: That they were also bound to the Contrary by their Oath of All giance, from which no Power could absolve them. That they had in above an hundred Declarations and Ordinances, in the name of the Parliament professed; That they never intended the lest hurt, injury, or Violence to the King's person, hi● Crown, Dignity, or Posterity, with several other things, very pressing and full, as may be seen at larg● in the printed Paper: but all was in vain, for they were resolved on the Business; though they could give no● kind of colourable Reason for their Actings. This Memento was seconded with a Declaration and Protestation 〈◊〉 signed the 19th. of January, by the said Prin and Clement Walker, another of the secluded Members, which ran very much after the same Tenure, and absolutely Protesting against the Junto's Actings and Proceed declared against the illegal Act of Erecting an high Court of Justice, and usurping a Power against all Law and without all Precedent, to try, depose, and bring to Capital punishment, the King, and to disinherit hi● Posterity, etc. But at the same time the Officers of th● Army, had contrived and ordered two Godly Petitions, to be presented to them, viz: For the abolishing Tithes, and the Repealing the Act for the Banishment of the Jews.  
And now Oliver and his Privado Officers, having brought their Work to this readiness, are fasting and praying as hard as they can, no doubt for the Success of it, though they put another Face on the matter, and said, it was for Direction and Counsel. And now i● was, and not before, that this great Usurper of the Monarchy, and Liberties of the people, began to lay the great Design of steping into the Sovereignty, and laying the Foundation of his Tyrannical reign, by the Death and Murder of the King; For the private Officers, both from the King, and his Friends, and from the Prince himself, in this exigent, to save the Life of his Father, were not small; but he that now aimed at all, would not be content with a portion of justly acquired greatness, and perhaps he was not sufficiently assured of the Mercy of the Prince he had so highly offended, as that he could be able to forgive all those great Crimes he was guilty of; but that either himself, or his Posterity might remember them to his Prejudice, since all he was able to do towards his Majesty's Restauration, was but what in Duty and Conscience he was bound to do. But what ever insti●ations he had, besides those of the Devil, he was not to be shaken, though attempted by a Kinsman of his, and of his own Name, who (as reported) was sent either from the Prince himself, than at the Hague, or from the States of Holland, with Credential Letters, and a Blank sealed with the Kings and Princes Signets, and confirmed by the States, for Cromwell to writ his own Conditions in, if he would preserve the Life of the King. This found him at his House recluse, with his Privadoes at their Prayers, (as given out) but to what God we may casi●y Imagine. The business being urgent, and the King's Martyrdom approaching, the Gentleman with some difficulty got to the private Speech of him, to whom 〈◊〉 very fully laid open the Heinousness of the Fact he was going about, and what an Odium it was about to ●ast on the English Nation abroad, and withal let him understand what Terms he had to offer him, and that he ●ight now make himself, his Family, and Posterity for ever happy and Honourable; 
He was to have been made Earl of Essex and Knight of the Garter, his S●n of the Bedchamber to the Prince; Ireton Lord Lieutenant of Ireland's.  otherwise he would bring such an Ignoimny on ●●e whole Generation, that no ●●me would be able to delete: Cromwell after his canting way, shifted it of from himself, and put the Act upon the Army and Parliament, declaring he had sought God very much in the Business, but as yet had no return of his Fasting and Prayers about it, therefore he desired till night to consider of it, and promised that he should hear from him before he went to Bed; and accordingly, about Twelve or One of the Clock, the Gentlemen expecting his Answer, he sent him word, That he might return, for he and his Officers had been seeking God, and that now it was Resolved, the King must dye: this was but a night or two before the King's Murder.  
On the 20th. day of January, 1648. being Saturday, these bloody Commissioners met, called an high Court of Justice, for the Trial of the King, who was brought before them, and with much Patience, and sometimes smiling, he heard their long Charge; but denying the Jurisdiction of the Court, refused to pled, requiring them to show by what Law or Authority, besides their unjust Usurpation, or power of the Sword, he was brought before them who were his Subjects. I shall not trouble the Reader with any farther Relation of this Trial, it being at large so often printed; nor with the Names of the Judges and Officers of this pr●tended Court, it being to be had in every Booksellers shop: I intending in these Collections only a brief Narrative of these Usurpers Proceed, that the World might behold the true Picture of Arbitrary Government, and Tyrannical rule, and not an exact Chronicle or History of those times, though I would not omit any Material thing that may give Satisfaction or Delight to the Reader. I shall observe that as an ill Omen, the Silver head of the King's Staff dropped of, as the Charge was reading, which the King wondering at and seeing none so Officious as to take it up, he stooped himself and taking it up put it into his Pocket. At his going from the Court looking very austerely about him without moving his Hat, he pointed with his Staff to the Sword, and said I do not fear that. As he went along the Hall some Cried out Justice, Justice, and others, God save the King.  
On Sunday, Cromwell, Bradshaw, and the rest of the ommissioners kept a Fast at White-Hall, where preach●● Joshuah Sprigg, whose Text was, He that sheds Man's ●ood by Man shall his Blood be shed. Than Mr. Foxley, ●hose Text was, Judge not jest you be Judged. Lastly, Hugh ●eters whose Text was: I will Bind their Kings in Chains, ●●d their Nobles in Fetters of Iron. And thus by their wick●d application of the word of God, they endeavoured ●o justify their most Execrable Murder of their Lawful King. There was by some, who durst to do any thing against these Cruel and powerful men, certain Pa●ers scattered about, in which were several Queries; ●s, Whether a King of three Kingdoms, could be Con●emned by one Kingdom alone, without the Consent or Concurrence of the other Kingdoms? Whether a King if tried, aught not to be tried by his Peers? And whether he could be said to have any such in his Kingdom? Whether if a King were Tryable, he aught not to be tried ●n full Parliament, of Lords and Commons? Whether ●he 8th. part of the Members of the Commons meeting ●n the House, under the force of the Army, the rest being forcibly restrained from sitting, can by any Pretext of Law or Justice erect a Court for the Trial of the King? And whether this could be properly called a Court of Justice, without the great Seal of England? Whether that those men who by several Remonstrances, Speeches, and Actions, have publicly declared themselves Enemies to the King, can either in Law or Conscience be his Judges, when it is Exception enough for the basest Felon to any Juryman, to hinder him from being his Judge? Whether this most illegal and Arbitrary Trial of the King, by an high Court of Justice, may not prove a most Dangerous inlet, to absolute Tyranny, and bloody Butchery, and every man's Life be at the Arbitrary will of his Enemies, erected into a Court of Conscience without limits or bounds?  
But words are nothing, and these paper Arms, though furnished with the highest Reason, could not move these obdurate Men, who persisted in their bloody Business, driven on by the secret and forcible Machinations Oliver and his Cabal. The second day being Mond● the 22d. of January, the Court met again, and the Solicitor Cook urged extremely for judgement against th● Prisoner, unless he would own the Authority of th● Court; which the King constantly denied to do, an● offered his reasons against them, but they would not 〈◊〉 heard. The 3d. day, being January 23d. the King w●● brought again before the Court, who had in the Painte● Chamber the day before, Resolved, That the King shoul● not be suffered to argue the Courts Jurisdiction, and ha●● ordered, That in case he offered to dispute the Authority of the Court, that the Precedent should let him kno● that he aught to rest satisfied with this Answer: Tha● the Commons of England assembled in Parliament, hav● Constituted this Court, whose Power may not, nor should be permitted, to be disputed by him. And that in case he shoul● refuse to answer, or acknowledge the Court, the Lord Precedent should let him know, his Contumacy should be recorded. But the King still persisted in the deny a● of their Authority, upon which the Clerk reads, Charle● Stewart King of England, you are accused in the behalf of the Commons of England, of divers high Crimes and Treasons, which Charge hath been read unto you; the Court now requires you to give your positive and final Answer, by way of Confession or denial of the Charge● But the King told them he could not acknowledge a new Court, set up contrary to the Privileges of the People, to altar the fundamental Laws of the Land. The 4th. and last day was the 27th. of January, 1648. where appeared about fifty six of those Commissioners, who sat when judgement was given against the King by their Precedent Bradshaw. But the King having moved to be heard, before the Lords and Commons, in the painted Chamber, promising after that to abide the judgement of the Court, they withdrew for half an hour, and returning, they told the King This was but another denial of the Courts jurisdiction, and therefore if he had no more to say, they would proceed to Judgement. Upon this, after Bradshaw had made a long Speech, endeavouring to justify their Proceed on this false point: ●●at the People are the supreme Power, whom the Commons presented, he commanded the Clerk to read the Sentence, ●hich was drawn up in Parchment, in these words. Whereas the Commons of England in Parliament, have appointed them an High Court of Justice, for the trying of Charles Stewart King of England, before whom he had been three times convented, and the first time a Charge of high Treason, and other Crimes and Misdemeanours was read, in the behalf of the Kingdom of England, etc. Here the Charge at length was read, after which the Clerk proceeds, which Charge being read unto him, as aforesaid, He the said Charles Stewart was required to give his Answer, but he refused so to do: For all which Treasons and Crimes, this Court doth adjudge, the said Charles Stewart, as a Tyrant, Traitor, Murderer, and a public Enemy, shall be put to Death, by the severing his Head from his Body.  
After this wicked Sentence passed by these Miscreants, ●he King was had away to Sr. Robert Cotten's, and thence ●o St. James', the rude Soldiers in his passage by them ●lowing Tobacco in his Face, and one spit on it, which he wiped of with his Handkerchief without taking notice of it. But when he heard some of them to Cry out Justice, Justice, he said, alas! Poor Souls, for a piece of Money, they will do as much for their Commanders. On the 29th. a Committee met in the painted Chamber, to consider on the time and place of the King's death, which they ordered to be the next day, before his own Palace Gate, which was approved of by the Commissioners, and a Warrant Signed and Sealed, by them directed, to Hacker, Hunts, and Phare, and order that Marshal, Nye, Caryl, Salway, and Dell, should attend on his Majesty, and to administer to him spiritual help; but the King would not be troubled with them, and at his desire, Doctor Juxon Bishop of London was admitted to Pray with him in private, in his Chamber, and to administer to him the Sacrament, and his Children permitted to come to see him. But John Godwin was also sent to be an over-looker of their Actions. 〈◊〉 the mean time, the Junto Pen a Proclamation, which they afterwards caused to be published, making it hi● Treason for any man, to proclaim or publish Char●● Stewart, the Son, to be rightful Heir and Successor the Crown of England after his Father's death, or ●●ny other of that Line King of England: and that 〈◊〉 man under Pain of imprisonment, or other Arbitrary punishment, which they should think fit to inflict shall Preach, Writ, or speak any thing, contrary 〈◊〉 the present Proceed of the supreme Authority of th● Nation, the Commons of England assembled in Parliament.  
The Sunday before the King died, it is reported that some of the chief of the Army and Parliament, tendered the King a paper to sign with promise of Life, an● some show of a King, the Power being wholly invested on themselves, and was Destructive to the Fundament Laws of the Land, to the Religion established, to th● Liberties and Properties of the People; one Proposition whereof was, To continued the Power of the Sword 〈◊〉 the Army, and to have as a standing Force, unde● the same general Officers, forty Thousand Horse and Foot; they to have the Choice of their own Officer among themselves, by a Council of War, and to settle a constant Tax upon the People, by way of a Land rate● for the payment of the said Army, and to be collected and levied by themselves; and a Court martial to be Erected of an exorbitant Extent and Latitude. But h● Majesty, disdaining to read them all, fling them aside and told them, He should rather become a Sacrifice for his People, and dye by their Hands, than so to betra● their Laws, Liberties, Lives, and Estates, the Church and Honour of his Crown, and so to make all Slave's t● the Arbitrary Will, and Tyranny of an Army! O Glorious Prince! O height of Impudence of armed Arbitrariness!  
See yet how they proceed, on the 29th. of January the Junto Vote, That it be enacted by this present Par●s●ament, and by the Authority of the same, That in all Courts 〈◊〉 Law, Justice, Equity, and in all Writs, Grants, Paints, Commissions, Inditements, Informations, Suits, Returns of Writs, Fines, Recoveries, Exemplifications, Recognisances, Processes, and Proceed at Law, etc. within the Kingdom of England and Ireland and Dominion of Wales, etc. Instead of the Name, Style, or Ti●●e of King heretofore used, should thence forward be used, ●nd no other than the Name, Style, or Title, Custodes ●ibertatis Angliae, Authoritate Parliamenti; The keeper's of the Liberty of England by Authority of Parliament; and the date of the Year of our Lord, and no other; ●nd instead of Juratores pro Domino Rege, shall be used Juratores pro republica: and so, Contra pacem dignitatem & Coronam nostram, should be turned into Contra pacem publicam. All judges, Justices, Ministers, and Officers to take Notice thereof, and that whatever should be done Contrary to this Act hence forward, should ●e declared null, and voided in Law, the Death of the King, ●r any Usage, Law, Custom &c, to the Contrary.  
The King after his Sentence, was lodged in White-Hall, and the little time they gave him to prepare himself, he was disturbed with the noise of his rude Guards, filling all the Rooms with the smoke of their Tobacco, a thing extremely offensive to him, and they Rung in his Ears the clinking of Pots, and such like Noises; and not on●y so, but he lay so near the place where he was to Die, that he could hear every stroke of the Hammers of those Workmen, that were erecting the Scaffold, and working all night: all which Barbarity was to mortify him, but that would not bring him to their Bent: On Monday he was removed to St. James', whence he came the next day on Foot thorough the Park, to suffer his Martyrdom.  
And now on the 30th. of January, 1648. was Acted the most unheard of Tragedy, that ever was Committed, and not to be paralleled in History, in any Country. A King convented, and Tried, openly in a Court of unlawful Judicatory, as a Capital Criminal, by the meanest of his Subjects, under pretence of Law, and the publicly Executed on a Scaffold in the face of the Su● and the People, before his own Palace; by the han● of the common Hangman (as it hath since appeared is so strange a thing, that it will be the Admiration o● succeeding Ages, as well as it hath been of our own, and I think, a most notable Display of Arbitrary Usurpation For though we have had some of our Kings murdered i● our Land, yet there was some modesty showed in thei● Assassination, in that it was done Privately, and Acted by great Persons, laying claim to, or Ambitioning the Crown; nay, they were so Cautious, as in the Murders o● Edward the second, and Richard the second, First to depose them, and to take away their Crowns, or making them to resign them by their own Acts, becoming thereby private men, accounting them else Sacred to b● murdered; but thus I say, to be publicly put to Death, under the Colour of Law and Justice, and to justify such a bloody Perpetration to the World as a legal Act, being so palpable against all Laws both Divine and Human, was a thing never to be found in any Age, or in any story. I shall say no more of it, his Majesty's Speech and all the fatal Transactions of that Tragedy, being Printed at large; only I shall take notice, that this Royal Martyr, with much Constancy, Courage, and Resolution laid his Head on the Block, and suffered under the Axe, in refusing to acknowledge the Authority of these bloody Usurpers to be legal, and because he would not betray the Liberties, Lives, and Properties of his people to an unjust and usurping Tyrannical Government.  
Even whilst he was on the Scaffold, he was pitied by some of his Persecutors, the Officers of the Army, which Cromwell perceiving, he begun to play with them his usual juggling Tricks, and made them believe that he would consult with them, concerning the saving of the King's Life; Seeming to pity him himself, and blaming him for being Obstinate, in not adhering to their Propositions, feigning a Reluctancy for his Death, and therefore told them, He ●hould be very glad if it might be effected with the safe●● of the Kingdom; though what was done, was by the Authority of the Parliament, yet he feared the Odium might be ●●st on them; but says he, before we proceed in this ●eighty Matter, let us seek God; to which they agreed, ●nd Oliver began a longwinded Prayer, which lasted so ●●ng, till News was brought them, that the King was executed, which several not suspecting, were surprised ●nd amazed, but Cromwell holding up his Hands told ●hem, he now saw clearly, that it was not the will of God that the King should live, and therefore he was ●fraid they had done ill to tempt God to desire it.  
This was the end of his Majesty Charles the First, and ●ow all the world believed, as most legally they might, ●hat this Parliament was dissolved of Course, by the Death of the King; by what Authority now can they pretend to sit and Act? Even by the same unjust Pow●r of the Sword, whereby they had committed so many illegal Acts, contrary to the Fundamental Laws of the Land; as now in continuing themselves a Parliament, was against the most ancient Constitutions of Parliaments. But they lay hold of the Act, of 17. Car. 1. for the Continuance of this Parliament: In which these words Were: And be it declared and Enacted by the King our Sovereign Lord, with the assent of the Lords and Commons in this present Parliament assembled, and by the Authority of the same, that this present Parliament now assembled, shall not be dissolved, unless by Act of Parliament, to be passed for that Purpose. Therefore they declared, and believe, that they are still a Parliament, and are not Dissolved by the King's Death, because not dissolved by an Act of Parliament. But it was answered, that it was, and ever hath been, the undoubted Prerogative of the King, to Call and Dissolve Parliaments, and that an Act for their Perpetuation, was a taking away one of the chiefest Flowers in the imperial Crown of England, which the King could not grant, and give away, though with consent of both Houses. But this Act was palpably against the King's inclination, being as it were forced to it 〈◊〉 some Heady, violent, and turbulent Men. But that Perpetuation or Extension of it beyond the King's Death was never than thought of, is most plain by the Preamble of the said Act, where it is expressed, That by reason of great Sums of Money, of necessity to be advanced, for the speedy relief of his Majesty's Army an● People, in the northern parts of the Realm, and tha● Credit might be had for the raising such moneys, an● to take away the Fears and Jealousies of any that shoul● lend such moneys upon their Credit, that this Parliament should not be Prorogued or Dissolved, before Justice b● done on Delinquents, and public Grievances redressed, 〈◊〉 was Enacted, &c: That they should not be Dissolved, b●● by an Act of Parliament; so that by the very end an● Scope of this Act, there could not be thought to b● any Perpetuation of this Parliament: or that they shoul● not be Dissolved by the King's death: For else, certainly they would have inserted the like special Clause, a● That this Parliament shall not be Dissolved by his Majesty death, but only by Act of Parliament. But that the Parliament was Dissolved Ipso facto, by the King's death, being called by his Writ, to confer with him as his Parliament, Arduis negotiis, or about urgent Affairs, wa● Resolved, 1 Hen. 4. Rot. Parl. n. 14.14. Hen. 4. Cook 4th. Institut. p. 46. etc. For it is not natural to suppose, and impossible, That the Lords and Common should be a Parliament, and make Acts and Laws without the King, as for a Body to move and Act without an Head; and therefore, had there been any such thin● intended to have been Enacted, it was voided, because impossible; for the King's Royal assent could not be ha● after his Death, and there is no Clause in the Act tha● obliges his Successor to Consent, which clearly shew● they never had any such intention, at the making of this Act. And therefore on the death of the King all Commissions both of the Judges and others cease, and a● Proceed determined, though the King is said to sit i● the Court of the Kings-Bench in his politic Capacity which indeed never dies so as to 'cause an Interregnum, ●ut other ways as to the Continuance of Commissions, Writs etc. which must be renewed. Consider also, ●hat if these men after the Death of the King, could ●e a Parliament, they must be so either by the Common Law and Custom of Parliaments, which is clearly ●gainst them, or by this Statute which as little Countenances them, for they would than be another thing, distinct from the Parliament which was summoned in the King's Life; for the Country had no Power to elect their Representatives, but by the King's Writ, and therefore could receive no more Power from them, than the Tenor of the Kings Writ granted, which determining with the King's Life, their Representative-Power was also determined, and by Consequence, they could be not longer a Parliament. If it could be thought they could be yet so, by that Act, than it follows, That a Parliament by their Act might created another Parliament, to exist after themselves were dissolved, which is most absurd, and altars the Root and Foundation of all the Liberties of the Subject; for they become not longer their Representatives, but a Parliament by their own Act; and it will never be thought that the people intended to entrust them with their Authority, to change the Government, and deprive them of their Fundamental Privileges. The Parliament cannot De jure do any thing against natural Equity, quia jura naturae sunt immutabilia. And also by the judgement of a Parliament this could not be, being against the Law and Custom of Parliament, for Ro. Parl. 42. E. 3. not 7. it is declared, by the Lords and Commons in full Parliament, upon demand made of them, in the behalf of the King, That they could not assent to any thing in Parliament, that tended to the Disherision of the King and his Crown, to which they were Sworn. Now this Act of the 17th. of Caroli Primi, is expressly against the King's Successors Prerogative, to call his own Parliament, and therefore they could not make such an Act, to the Disherision of his King and Crown. A Parliament may be three ways Dissolved, by the Declaration of th● King's pleasure, or for want of entering their Continuances, or by the King's death, whereby the Kings Wri● which gives them their Authority, is determined. These words, That this Parliament shall not be Dissolved, unl●●● by Act of Parliament, is a general Negative, which cannot extend to all Causes of Dissolution, but have a respect only to that most usually happening, the Pleasure of the King, till the pretended Grievances of the time were satisfied. Now in all Times, the judges have excepted particular Cases out of the general Negative, or Affirmative Words of Statutes. By the Stat. of Magna Charta C. 11. 'Tis enacted, That Common pleas shall not follow or be sued in the Kings-Bench, which is a general Negative, yet it is holden to be clear in Law, That the King is not within these general Words, and may sue in his Bench, or any other Court at his Pleasure. The Statute of winchester is a general Statute, That the Hundred, etc. shall make Satisfaction for all Robberies and Felonies, within the Hundred, yet it is Resolved, That the Hundreds shall make no Satisfaction for the Robberies of an House, because the House was the owner's Castle, and he might have defended himself, and preserved his Goods. Besides this Clause in the said Act, That all and every thing done, or to be done, for the Proroguing or Dissolving of this present Parliament, contrary to this present Act, shall be utterly void and of none Effect: By which it appears, That the cause of Dissolution, which they intended to prevent, was something that should consist in Action, by the words, Thing or Things done, or to be done; which words can only be applicable to an Actual dissolution by the King's pleasure: And the King's death, is not a thing done, but a Cessation of his personal being, and of the Dependants thereupon: And is not an Action, but a Termination or Period. So that it is most Clear, these men could not longer by any the lest Colour of Law or Reason, pretend to sit and Act as a Parliament. But alas! What are Arguments to them, who had usurped the Throne and ●ower of their Sovereign? and had the vain and idle ●opes to keep it? And to the strengthening themselves, ●ith all the Arbittary and Tyrannical ways imaginable, ●hey proceed.  
First, they issue out their spurious Act before mentioned, against proclaiming the King, though by the Law of ●●e Land, instantly upon the King's decease, the imperial Crown of the Kingdom of England, was by his inherent birthright, and by an undoubted Succession and Descent, Actually vested in our now Sovereign, eldest Son to ●he murdered King, and next Heir of the Blood to ●is Royal Father, and that before any Ceremony of Coronation, as by Stat. of 1. Jacobi Ch. 1. And that all ●eers of the Realm, Majors, Sheriffs, and other chief Officers in all the Cities and Corporations of England, ●re obliged by their places, and Allegiance, to proclaim ●im under pain of High Treason, and forfeiting their City and Corporation Charters. And notwithstanding ●he Junto's Prohibition, there were several Proclamati●ns printed and scattered about the City, which proclaimed and asserted the Right of the Prince, as next Heir to the Crown, and by Birthright to be the lawful King of Great Britain, etc. Dated the 1st. of Februa●y. Than also in like manner was privately scattered about, another Paper, in which were four Propositions ●riefly declaring: That the House of Commons had no Power of themselves alone, and without the Concurrence of the King and House of Lords, to make any Act of Parliament, Ordinance, or to impose any Tax, Oath, Forfeiture, or Capital Punishment, on any. Secondly. That the few Members now sitting, were no Court of ●ustice in themselves, and could Erect no such Court ●or the Trial of any person, nor had Power to hear and determine any Civil or Criminal Causes, and that all Acts, by Pretext of such Power, were illegal, and the adjudging any Person to death, and Executing them was Treason, and wilful Murder. Thirdly, That the said Commons had no power to make any great Seal of England, and that all Commissions granted under their great Seal, were illegal, and all Proceed in Law upon such Writs null and void, to all intents and purposes. Lastly That the denial of the King's Title to the Crown, and the plotting to deprive him of it, and the setting it upon the Head of another, was High Treason, and within the Stat. 25th. Ed. 3. Ch. 2. as likewise their Subverting the fundamental Laws of the Land, and introducing at Arbitrary and Tyrannical Government, was High Treason at the common Law, etc.  
This was all the Loyalists could do at present, by these weak Endeavours, to assert the King's right, and show the people what Slaves they were become, but this affrighted not these Men, who in the next place, February 1st. Vote, That all such Members who assented to the Vote of the 5th. of December 1648. That the King's Concessions were a Ground for the House to Proceed to a Settlement, should not be admitted into the House, until they had declared their disapproval of that Vote, before they sit, and that such as were now in the House, should enter their dissent to that Vote, being only those who had before Voted in the Negative.  
The Lords were yet sitting, but no notice taken of them by the Commons, for having overthrown the Monarchy, they now lay aside the Lords, and therefore Vote them dangerous and useless, Frebruary 5th. and so Voted them down, with this Proviso, That they might be capable to be Elected Knights of the shire, and Burgesses, and so sit among the Commons. Three of them only so debased themselves, viz. The Earls of Pembroke, Salisbury, and the Lord Howard of Estrick. The rest of the Peers, put forth their Protestation against these Proceed, of the Commons; which came forth on the 8th. of Frebruary, in which they asserted their own Privileges, and the fundamental Laws of the Nation, disclaiming the Votes of the Commons, for Erecting an high Court of Justice, for the Trial of the King, and altering the Government, Law, Seal, etc. and against their Traitorous murdering their Sovereign, and disinheriting the Prince, the Lawful Heir of the Crown of England, and also protesting against their Vote of the 6th. of Frebruary, for the abolishing the House of Peers, as destructive to the beings of Parliament, the Fundamental Laws of the Realm, and the ●ives, Liberties; and Properties of the people, whom ●hey had made Slaves to their Tyrannical and Arbitrary Government.  
But this affrights not the Commons, and to keep the Lords from meeting, the Army set a Guard at their Doors of their House, and the House now proceeds to ●et up a Commonwealth, and to abolish Monarchy; ●nd therefore they form an Act entitled, an Act for ●he Exheredation of the Royal Line, the abolishing of Monarchy in this Kingdom, and the setting up a Commonwealth, which they ordered to be published in all places. And ●o Vindicate these their most horrid Proceed, they ●ad their Pulpit-Trumpeters, who justified their Impious Acts in all places: and John Godwin and Milton, ●o writ in their Defence of putting the King to death, declaring in Print, That the King suffered on just Grounds, and according to his Demerits. And now ●nstead of one King, these Commonwealth Rumpers set up ●orty Tyrants, as a Committee of State. But the people generally seemed displeased at this Alteration of the Government, and Reineldson Lord Mayor of the City refused to publish their Act for abolishing of Monarchy, ●or wh●ch he was discharged of his Office, and with too Aldermen sent to the Tower, and Andrews was cho●en in his stead; upon this the Rumpers put forth a ●ew Declaration, to justify their Proceed, calling ●hem, A Deliverance of the people from the Bondage ●hat was brought in by the Norman Conquest, and their ●laintenance of the ancient Laws, notwithstanding their alteration of some forms of the Regality, which ancient Laws might consist very well with a Republic, and ●●at they had only abolished their Abuses, promising to establish a safe and firm Peace, and to advance the true protestant Religion, the Encouragement of a Godly mini●ry, and of Trade, and the Maintenance of the Poor throughout the Realm. Than their Great Seal came forth, having on one side a Cross and Harp, for the Arms of England and Ireland, with this Inscription▪ The Great Seal of England. And on the other side, was the Picture of the Commons, with these words: In the first year of Freedom by God's blessing restored, 1648. Likewise they caused a new Coin to be minted, and stamped their Money with a Cross and Harp, instead of the King's Effigies, with this Motto: God with us. The● they took away all Clauses in any former Acts, for the taking the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy, and made them null, and a new Oath framed and tendered to all that were to have any public place of Trust, and assumed to themselves both Judicial and Legislative power of the King, and both Houses of Parliament, and the Executive power they committed to a Council of State of forty Persons, of the most Active men in the Army, and others of desperate Fortunes.  
Six of the Judges, viz. Justice Bacon, Brown, Beddinfield, Creswell, Trevor, and Atkins, quitted their places, not being able to bring their Consciences to Act under this Arbitrary and illegal power; six other of them continued, who were Justice Rolls, St. Johns, Pheasant, Baron Wild, and Baron Yates.  
To their new Council of State, they gave Power to Command, and settle the Militia of England, and Ireland: Power to set forth Ships, and such a Considerable Navy as they should think fit. Power to appoint Magistrates and stores for England and Ireland; and to dispose of them for the Service of the Nation. And power to Execute all the powers given them for a● whole Year to come. They had two Seals appointed, a great Seal and a Signet: Cromwell was made Chairman of this Committee, and an Oath framed for every Member to take, to be true to the Parliament, (as they termed themselves) not to disclose their Secrets, and to adhere to the present Settlement of the Government as a Republic without King or House of Lords. About this time the Officers of the Army at a Councils of War, debated, Whether they should not put to the Sword all that were of the King's Party, to secure the Nation to themselves, and it was carried in the Negative, but by two voices, so near were they to a general Massacre. And many Petitions came from several Counties, that at lest three of the most eminent of the King's party, in each County, might be put to Death; to free the Land from Bloodguiltiness.  
Cromwell by this, as you may perceive, had gotten all the executive Power of the Kingdom into his own Hand, and into the hands of his own Creatures of the Council of State, altogether ruled by him, and therefore it may be wondered at, that he did not immediately seize the Crown, and set himself in the Throne, which he now aspired to: But things were not yet ripe, and the subtle Fox found such a Levelling party in the Army, which he saw must first be Crushed, who would never endure it; for they were for dividing and sharing all, as a Land subdued by them among themselves, and for owning no Authority but the Saints, who were themselves. These begin to rip up the Miscarriages of the Parliament; and Cromwell, to make them the more Odious, puts them upon all Things he believed would make them so to the People and Army. One of which was, the new Erection of their most Tyrannical Court of Justice, for the Trial of some of the Lords and others, whom they had still imprisoned for their Loyalty. The first was Duke Hamilton, who had invaded England as you have heard; with him they at first deal gently, hoping to have screwed out of him the Names of some Eminent men in England, that they thought might have invited him in. But he either not able or willing in that point to give them Satisfaction, and finding the Scots and Argile's party to hate him, and to desire his Head, he was Condemned, though he pleaded▪ he had Quarter given him by Lambert upon Articles, and would have given a hundred Thousand pound to save his Life. After him was also tried and Condemned the Earl of Holland, and that most Noble and Heroic Peer the Lord Capel, who had escaped out of the Tower, but was retaken by means of a perfidious Waterman, ever after hated for it He pleaded Articles of surrender, but that was denied him: than he pleaded to be tried at Common-Law, put them in mind of Magna Charta, Petition of right, and of the Fundamental Laws of the Land, and that of right he aught to be tried by his Peers, urging them to show a Precedent of any such Trial by an Arbitrary Court of Justice, as they called it. He talked to deaf Statues, for he was too gallant a Man, and too Active, and Loyal, to be permitted to Live. On the 9th. of March these three Lords Duke Hamilton, the Earl of Holland, and this Noble Lord much lamented were put to Death, on a Scaffold in the Palace-yard in Westminster, by severing their Heads from their Bodies. It is remarkable that this Lord died with much Courage and Christianity, being nothing daunted at Death. The Earl of Norwich and Sr. John Owen were pardoned, by Vote of the House, the Earl of Norwich having his Life by the casting Voice of Lenthal the Speaker only.  
Thus they proceed dipping their hands in Blood, growing thereby more Odious to the People, and about this time the Scots begin to stir, and made a Protest against the Actions of the Parliament of England; and on the third of February proclaim the King by the name of Charles the second at Edinburgh; by Lion King at Arms. The Scotch Commissioners who had been long here, were called home, and at their departure, they left an Expostulary Declaration putting the Junto in mind of all their Vows and Oaths, in maintenance of the King's Rights and defence of his Person, and upbraided them with their shameful Abjuration and Infringement of them, by their late horrid Proceed. This paper they Vote Scandalous and Seditious, imprison the Messenger who brought it, and sending after the Commissioners secure them, till the Parliament in Scotland sand to justify the Action, and require their Commissioners, being imprisoned Contrary to the Law of Nations, upon which they were permitted to departed into Scotland, and thus Jealousies of a breach began.  
Troublesome John Lilburn, an Active Leveller began now to stir, delivering a Petition in the Names of many Thousand well affected, etc. with a Book entitled England's new Chains discovered, in which they found fault with many things done by this Junto, and especially the Council of State, and with the erecting an high Court of Justice and altering the Fundamental Laws of the Land, for Trials by Juries. Complain of the Excise, and of several other things. And after this another, called a second Part of England's new Chains, which shown the Hypocrisy and Perfidiousness of the Grandees of the Army, and the Council of State, in Cheating all Interests, King, Parliament, People, Soldiers, City, Agitators, Levellers, etc. Upon the back of this comes forth another Book, called the Hunting of the Fox, which spoke against the Army and Council of State, set up by Cromwell and Ireton, to erect a new Tyranny, worse than the thirty Tyrants at Athens, the Star-Chamber, the High Commission, or house of Lords, etc. These coming forth one upon the Neck of another, shown the troublesome Spirit that began to ferment in the Army; which was now to be Purged, as well as the Parliament had been, or else Cromwell found he should not be able to work them to his ends. And now he had an opportunity offerred him, for Ireland being in a manner wholly lost, excepting Dublin, than besieged, eleven Regiments were ordered by the Rump to be Transported for its relief, by which means Cromwell hoped to purge out this Turgent humour of the Army. But some of these bold Petitioners were seized, and tried by a Council of War, of which Barksted was Precedent, in which they were Cashiered the Army, their Swords ordered to be broken over their Heads, and to Ride with their Faces to the Horses Tails, with Papers of their Crimes pinned to their Breasts, at the head of the Regiments; which Sentence was executed accordingly, to the great Exasperation of the Army. And not long after, several Regiments began to Mutiny and to wear White Colours for distinction in their Hats, which might have proved fatal to Cromwell's designs, had he not with an undaunted Boldness at that time, appearing in Person, overawed them, and causing two of them to be shot to Death, before their Faces. But this could not purge out the Humour, which still increasing, two more of the Levelling Tribe were shot, one of which was named Lockyer a Trooper, shot in St. Paul's Church yard, but buried in great State by the Lilburnlan Faction, wearing green and black Ribbons in their Hats. And now the people's Eyes daily began to be opened, finding what Keepers of England's Liberties they had got. The Regiments ordered to march at Salisbury make an Eruption, alleging that this was a Trick to divide the Army, and that they were not Mereenaries but took up Arms upon a righteous Principle of Government, and therefore would not divide: upon which several Regiments revolt, and Colonel Scroop's laid aside their Officers, and with Colours flying marched to join Harrison's Regiment, and Ireton's, and Skippon's, who had confederated. But Fairfax and Cromwell, by hasty marches with the whole Army follow them, who at Burford in Oxford-shire, made up about five Thousand Horse and Foot, with whom Cromwell by private Messengers held them in hand of a Treaty, putting them in hopes of reconciling the Business without blows, which made them neglectful till Fairfax and Cromwell cell upon them in their Quarters unsuspected, their Horses being most at Grass at twelve a Clock of the night, routed them and took about four hundred Prisoners, of which only three were shot to Death, the rest pardoned by Cromwell's Intercession, to ingratiate himself with the Army. One Thomson and two more died very Resolutely: This business being over, the General and Cromwell come to Oxford, where they are feasted and made Doctors of the Civil Law. And now the Army were said to submit, and accepted their Lots for going to Ireland, which were these following: Ireton's, Scroop's, Horton's and Lambert's Regiments of Horse: Colonel Abot's of Dragoons. And of Foot Colonel Eure's, Cook's, Hewson's, and Dean's, to which were added three new ones, Cromwell's Venable's, and Phayers, Cromwell was made Commander in Chief, with the Title of Lord Governor of Ireland, and Fairfax was left at home to attend the Junto.  
In the mean time, the Keepers of the people's Liberties, were as fast as they could taking away the Lives of several Persons, in several places, whose Loyalty and Consciences had engaged them for their King, as Lieutenant Colonel Moris, and Cornet Blackborn, who suffered at York, the former having been Governor of Pomfret; and one Beaumont, a Minister was hanged at Pomfret, by Sentence of a Court Marshal, Mayor Monday was shot to Death at Leicester, Poyer a brave Gentleman in , for the Welsh Insurrection. Sr. John Stowell and Judge Jenkins were arraigned at the Kings-Bench Bar as Traitors against the Government, for their Loyalty to their King, but they would not own the Courts jurisdiction, yet they were not yet Sentenced, but their Estates seized, and Judge Jenkins-kept long a Prisoner.  
And that the people might the better see their Freedom and Liberty, this Rump lay upon them a standing Tax of ninety thousand pound a Month, for the maintenance of the Army: these were the Persons who made such a stir about Ship-money. The Lord Mayor of London Reynoldson is fined two thousand Pound for refusing to proclaim their Act for abolishing Kingly Government. Than upon a report from the Council of State they order: The King's and Queen's Lands to be sold, Thirty thousand Pound to be taken out of it for the use of the Fleet, and the rest to be distributed amongst the most considerable among them, for Satisfaction of Losses sustained. Thus they had killed and were now taking possession; and several of the King's Houses and Manors were bestowed amongst them. And besides this they had twenty thousand Pound a month out of the Fee-Farm Rents. Now that the World might perceive what Liberty should be granted to the people, they Order, That no Minister in his Pulpit should meddle with State affairs, and this in others was Oppression, and tying up men's Consciences. But for all that, new Lights as they called them increased, and about this time one that was a Soldier, came t● Walton upon the Thames in Surry, and in the Churchyard having a Candle and Lantern with him, met the Minister and People coming out of the Church, and told them, he had a Vision and five new Lights were showed him, which they were to receive from him, under pain of Damnation. The first was, That the Sabbath was abolished; The second, That Tithes were abolished; Third, That Ministers were abolished, as Antichristian; Fourth, That Magistrates were abolished as useless; and Fifthly, That the Bible was abolished; for Christ was come in the Spirit and Glory; and so drawing a little Bible out of his Pocket, he set it on Fire before them. The War with Holland being now about to break forth, the Earl of Warwick's former Commission is made void, and three Generals of the Fleet were made, who were Popham, Blake, and Dean. Before Cromwel's going to Ireland a Fast was kept at White-Hall, where among the Militant Preachers Oliver stood up, and in his Prayer he desired God to take of from him the Government of this mighty people of England, as being too heavy for his shoulders to bear. About this time also a third Book of John Lilburn's came forth, Called, The Picture of the Council of State, wherein he fully set forth all the illegal, Arbitrary, Violent, and Tyrannical Proceed of that Council. Lilburn, Overton, Walwin, Prince and others had been before Clapped into the Tower, intending to try them for their Lives; Lilburn was ordered to be brought to the Kings-Bench Bar upon his Habeas Corpus, but Cromwell sent to the Lieutenant of the Tower, that he should not be brought, who was obeyed, not the Judges. By which may be seen of what force the Laws were with them. Than some thousands well affected Women petition the House in behalf of Lilburn, but the Junto answered them, He should be tried by the Law, for his Book called England's new Chains discovered, and they bid to go home and wash their Dishes. Who replied they had neither Dishes nor Meat left.  
This John Lilburn was tried by a special Commission of Oyer and Terminer in October 1649. where he so notably pleaded his Cause, shown the illegality of the Parliaments Proceed, and so punctually cited all the Statutes and Laws of the Land, in the behalf of the Liberties of the Subjects, and so baffled the Judges, the Attorney general Prideaux, and their Council, that they could not Effect what they desired, the taking away his Life upon an Indictment of High Treason put in against him, but was found Not Guilty, by his Jury, to the great disappointment of his Enemies.  
Their chief business now was to give one another Estates, out of the Delinquents Lands, as they called the Loyal Party, whom they now sequester, and made an Order That no Malignant or such as had been in Arms against them should come within twenty miles of London, or go five miles from their own habitations. Bishops and Deans and Chapters Lands sold and disposed to one another at easy Rates, some got for three years' Purchase, for none but themselves would buy them. About this time they sand their Ambassadors Oliver St. Johns, and Walter Strictland into Holland, for Satisfaction for Doctor Dorislaus, who drew up the Charge against the King, his being Assassinated in Holland, by some Cavaliers, but they were there affronted and forced to return Re infecta, in great Discontent, which exasperated our new States against the Dutch. Ascham another of their Creatures was murdered also in Spain. And though the Dutch sent afterwards their Agent Mine here Joachim, with Compliments and excuses, our Junto could not forget it, and by it took an occasion to forgo their Friendship, and prohibited their Fishing upon the English Coasts, and the importing of any foreign Commodities, except in English bottoms: or such as were of the Country, whence the Commodities came. This brought on the ensuing War commenced the next year, between these two States.  
In the mean time, they have no small umbrage of the Scots Proceed; who had sent to the King than at the Hague, and invited him into Scotland with several Propositions in order thereunto. But Middleton and Monroe fearing the Kirk Party would hold the King to hard Terms, should he come in upon their Propositions, rise in the North of Scotland, but were soon suppressed by Ke● and Stranghan; upon this our Junto strike in, and offering them by their Letters several fair Temptations, that they might break with the King, promising to stand by them, and to defend their Liberty as they called it. Bu● this took not. And about this time they make a new Act of Treason, such as scarce was ever heard of before That to kill the General, Lieutenant General, or any Member of that House of Parliament, or Council o● State should be Treason, was to have been put into it but after long debate was omitted, betraying too much Cowardice in them, and having other ways secured themselves in the Act. For it was made Treason, to Act, Plot, Contrive, or speak against this Fag End of the Parliament, or their Government, and all Endeavours against the Keepers of the Liberties of England, and the Council of State, to subvert them, as now Constituted, and that shall be hereafter Constituted by Parliament, (what an individuum vagum is here?) and for every such Act, etc. to forfeit Life and Estate: And also to anove, and stir up the people against them, was declared Treason, nay so much as to endeavour to withdraw any Soldier, or Officer from their obedience to their Superior Officer, or from the present Government aforesaid. Also to Counterfeit their great Seal is by this Act made Treasons. Are not these in the mean time excellent Conservators of the Liberties of the Nation? And a very Tree State? Lilburn in the Tower was kept from Pen, Ink and Paper, and all allowance for Meat and Drink taken from him, though he petitioned for it, so that he was kept three days with half a Meals meat, and in a close Chamber, none suffered to come at him: This under a King had been Tyrannical, but is Prudence in this free State. About this time also orders were given to certain Committees, to inquire upon Oath, and to Certify the improved value of every man's Estate, both Real and Personal, which they intended throughout the Kingdom, following the Conqueror's steps, to have by them a Doomsday Book, that they might the better load the people with Taxes, and free Quarter, in this their new Subjected and Conquered Kingdom, called a Free-state. Here the House enables their Committees to give Oaths, when they had not Power to give any themselves, Contrary to that Maxim, None can give what he hath not: or more Power than is in himself. These are the men that were so much troubled with the Oath ex Officio, and yet require Oaths against a man's self: Nay, the Scriveners in London were commanded by these supreme Governors, to show their Books, that they might inspect, what and whose Money they had in their Hands, the better to come at it themselves. And that they might grasp at all, they were Contriving to seize all the Tithes of the Kingdom into their own Hands, and to make all Ministers their Stipendiary Lecturers, and to depend upon the State, that they might Preach no Doctrine, but what should be agreeable to themselves, or in justification of their Actions. This was a politic Device.  
Oliver before he went for Ireland, took all the politic Care possible, to keep up the Greatness he had acquired; and to secure this Junto of Men, which he made use of only to set up himself, besides the Bridle he had already made them, the Council of State, Composed of his Creatures, he picks out of the Army left behind in England, the chief of his Creatures, and Constitutes them a Council of War, or a Council of Officers, to over-awe all with the Power of the Sword, for silent Leges inter Arma, and now silet Justitia inter Leges, & silet Jus inter Judices. The Government was now a Cerberus with three Heads, a Parliament, a Council of State, and a Council of War. Many Scruple to pay their illegal Tax of ninety Thousand pound a Month, for the Army, and therefore have their Goods taken from them by Violence, and sold, though they exclaim against it, as not done by Law. Mr. Prin declares against it, and shows it to be against the Statutes Magna Charta, 29.30.25. Ed. 1 Chap. 5.6.34. Ed. 1.21. Ed. 3.25. Ed 3.45. Ed. 3.11. Hen. 4. 1. Rich, 3. The Petition of Right, and many more; and it was observed to them, that no Tax was to be imposed but upon necessity and for the good of the People, 25. Ed. 1. Cook Just. but for the keeping up an Army when the Wars were done, was the bain of the People, and that more Taxes had been raised in eight years, than in all the Kings Reigns since the Conquest. A hundred and fifty thousand Pound was advanced for Oliver's expedition into Ireland, who was to be accountable only of part of it, the rest to be disposed at his Discretion, for the use of the Commonwealth.  
And now this Junto begin to think of adjourning themselves according to Oliver's desire, and in the mean time, things to be left to his two Cabals or Counsels, That of State, and that of War: but this was a bitter Pill, and they knew not how to leave their old Seats, where most of them were grown very warm, and though urged to it by the Counsels, and that some trouble was given to Lenthal their Speaker, by Articles drawn up by his Council of Officers; but they fearing, jest they might not get together again, if ónce separated, desired time to finish some Acts they had upon their Hands, and than they would adjourn themselves; by which you may see, how free these Keepers of the Kingdom's freedom were. First down went the King, and his Power lapsed into the two Houses, down went the House of Lords, and than all Power was in the House of Commons, now they are going down, and the supreme Power is in a Council of State, who must down too, and than the Wheel turns round, and all the Power will be in a single Tyrannical person and Usurper. Some of the Acts that lay yet on their Hands, and which they promised to dispatch, were, That all Acts concerning Loans, Monies, Excise, Sequestrations, Goldsmiths-Hall, Haberdashers-Hall, Assessments for England and Ireland be passed; so that they intended a Continuance of the People's Slavery and Burdens. Also an Act for the settling the Militia throughout the Kingdom. An Act for punishing revolted Seamen. An Act for the relief of well affected Tenants, against Malignant Land Lords. An Act for suppressing Malignant Pamphlets, aspersing the Proceeding of ●his Parliament, Council of State and Army. An Act for the suppressing of seditious Preachers. An Act for the taking away of a Clause of the Stat. 25. Eliz. and the 1. Jacob. against Sectaries. An Act of general Pardon and Oblivion, to all Persons except such as should be nominated therein. An Act for relief of poor Prisoners. An Act to secure the Soldiers their Arrears. Than they were Considering of some orders which the Council of State were to put in Execution (and which the said Council desired of them) after their recess, 1. That they might appoint Commissioners in every County to make an Estimate of all Tyths. 2. That the Council of State may consider of settling future Parliaments, and the constant time of Calling, Sitting, and Ending, after this Parliament shall Dissolve themselves. 3. That they shall consider an Act for regulating Proceed at Law, and to prevent tediousness of Suits. 4. That they should consider what Laws are fit to be repealed. Thus they were Cutting out one another Work.  
In the mean time Oliver Cromwell, with a brave Army lands at Dublin, the whole Kingdom being reduced under the King's obedience, most of the Irish coming in, except the Ulster Irish, under Owen Roe Oneal, being prevailed with by the Pope's Nuncio, (Contrary to his promise,) not to come in, and underhand there was a Confederacy driven between our new Republicans, and this Nuncio, but on what Conditions was kept Private, for their Assistance of reducing that Kingdom under their obedience, though this being laid in their Dish, they impudently denied it afterwards. Some of the Propositions were, That all Laws and Penalties against the Popish Religion should be taken of, by Act of Parliament; and that Act to extend to them and their Heirs for ever. That an Act of Oblivion should be passed, to extend to all of his Party, for all things done, since the beginning of the year, 1641: So that the horrid Massacre of the Protestants, should have been forgotten. That Owen Oneal should have a competent Command 〈◊〉 the Army. That they should enjoy their Lands now i● Possession, and that rightly they might claim from thei● Ancestors. That all Acts of State that incapacitated them, to be taken of. That Oneal should in regard of hi● Merit, and good Service to the Parliament, in joining with them, have all the Estate of his Ancestors, or som● Estate equivalent to it, in the Counties of Tyrone, Ar●●magh, or London-Derry. And that his Army should b● provided for, etc. So that the sweetness of ruling an● getting Ireland into their hands, as well as England, mad● them thus treat with the Pope's Nuncio, and a most no●●torious Rebel and Papist, to join with them: But the● who had Confederated with the Devil, might well joy●● with his Holiness, to subdue the Cavaliers, and yet a●● the same time these men cried out upon the Duke 〈◊〉 Ormond, for joining with the Irish, for the reducing tha● Kingdom to the obedience of the King. And some 〈◊〉 Cromwell's own Soldiers, hearing of this Confederacy, a●bominating it, deserted him, which made him to cert●fie to his Journeymen in London; and caused them t● null their Debenters for all their Service, which were started before the Expedition. And this Agreement with Oneal went so far, that the said Oneal assisted Sr. Charl● Coot, in raising the Siege of London-Derry, as may appea● by his Letters to the Parliament, says the Author of the History of Independency; However they fell to pieces a●●terwards, but this is enough to show by what Principle they Acted, and how much they valued Religion, whe● Gain and Dominion stood in Competition.  
Oliver is successful in Ireland; at the taking of Tredag●● a strong place twenty mile's North of Dublin, in which were the Flower of the Irish Army, where he put to th●● Sword all persons whatsoever, without Distinction 〈◊〉 Age or Sex, and lasted for three days; he slew abou● three thousand of their best and stoutest men, with their Governor Sr. Arthur Aston, Sr. Edmund Varny, Collon●● Warren, Colonel Dun, Finglus, Tempest, and others, wha● all fallen by his Fury, which so affrighted the jest, that h● not sooner appeared before a place, but it was surrendered to him. The next place was Wexford a considerable Town, by the Sea, South West of Dublin, which was betrayed to him, and where he after a barbarous manner but to the Sword two Thousand more; and among the rest two hundred of the chiefest Women of the place, fled to the Market-Cross for shelter, and there put to the Sword, by his Command, though several of his own Soldiers, who had before given them Quarter, refused to obey his Bloody Commands. After which, he took Ross, Carick, Kilkenny, Clonmel, and other places in Munster. Thus with extraordinary diligence, and great Slaughter, in lesle than a year, that he stayed there, he subdued the greatest part of Ireland, and killed and exterminated most part of the Irish, leaving his Son-in-Law Ireton, to complete the Conquest, as Governor, or his Lieutenant, who there died of the Plague, before he had quite finished his work.  
In the mean time the King being in Jersey, received a Letter from the Scots, by Mr. Windram, with several Conditions; the chief of which was the acknowledging them a Parliament, and particularly the two last Sessions of that Assembly, and than they would treat with him at Breda concerning his coming to Scotland, owning him for their King. But those about his Majesty, having no good Opinion of the Scots, were fearful of having him to put himself into their Hands, but to trust to Montross, whom with a Commission he had sent before into Scotland, his valiant Service being most remarkable there, for the King his Father, and they now hoped from him the like success: However the King dispatched away Windram with a Letter to the Scotch Parliament, wherein he concedes to have them to sand Commissioners to him to treat at Breda, which they did, and on the 16th. of March they met, where the Agreement was made, and it was concluded, That they should enjoy the Presbytery throughout the Kingdom, the King himself and Family not excepted, but bound him to the Covenant, Directory, and Catechisms, which the King, his Affairs in Ireland being desperate, and his hopes i● England as little, many Noblemen and Gentlemen fly in thence from the bloody Tyranny of the States, he wa● forced with great Reluctancy to Consent, and than o● their parts they Covenant, That his Majesty should be admitted to the Throne of Scotland, That his Right should by Parliament be recovered out of the Hands o● Usurpers, and That they would assist to bring to Condign Punishment, the Murderers of his Father, and to restore him to his Kingdom of England.  
But in the interim of this Treaty, the gallant and renowned Montross, being landed in the Islands of Orkney with a few Germane Soldiers, accompanied with the Lord Trendraught, Sr. John urry, Henry Graham, Colonel Johnson, George Drummond of Ballack, and other Persons his Friends and Confederates, he begun with great Resolution and Courage to levy men, notwithstanding several Losses of Arms at Sea, and disappointments of Men and Monies, which he had expected from other places Having raised what men he could in the Orcadeses, he left some men to keep the Island, and transported the rest to Cathness in the uttermost Northwest part of Scotland, where he hoped to have met some men, whom he expected Pluscardy should have raised, but the Parliament of Scotland having notice of his Landing, was so vigilant by their Correspondence and Friends in those Parts, that the High-Landers could not rise as was expected, and immediately they sent an Army of seven Thousand Foot, and thirty Troops of Horse to oppose Montross. Davis Lesly commanded the Horse, and Mayor General Holbu●● .............. the Foot. These making great speed, struck a dread into the Breasts of many, who were the King's friends, and would have appeared, had a little longer time been given them. Straham, who led the Van, finding Montrosses party surprised, at their unexpected approach, made use of the Advantage, and fell in upon them, and the unseasoned Orkney men soon yielded themselves, and in a short time the Germane, though they made some resistance; thus the Earl lost the day, more through the Panic fear of his Soldiers, than want of Courage and Conduct in himself, who was certainly one of the most skilful and valiant Leaders of his Age. There escaped ●ot above an hundred, and most of his Officers were either taken or slain. He got away himself, quitting his Horse, Belt, Coat, and Star, in an ordinary High-Landers habit, but it was impossible for him to get clear away, the Country being every way beset, and such strict search after him, and rewards promised to those who could take him; yet for three or four days, keeping in the Woods, with one Companion only, till almost starved, ●e kept out of their Clutches, till at last he fell into the Hands of the Laird of Aston, who formerly had adhered to the Marquis, hoping that he would have Concealed him: But fear being more Prevalent than ancient Friendship, he set a Guard upon him, and delivered him up to Lesly, who in triumph carried him to Edenborow, where ●his noble Marquis was treated with the most horrid Barbarity that ever was heard of, and at last hanged on a Gibbet thirty foot high, his head Cut of, and set on the Talbooth at Edenborow, and his four Quarters sent to be set up at Sterling, Glascow, St. John's Town, and Aberdeen, four of the notedest Cities in Scotland. Together with him were executed, though not with so much disgrace, Sr. John Urry, Colonel Spotswood, Laird of Darcy, with some others of note, who came with the Marquis into Scotland. This was the end of that most noble Peer, murdered by the Kirk or Presbyterian Party, on the twenty first of May, 1650, even when they were treating with their King; which indignity his Majesty was feign to put up, though he could not but show his Resentment for that faithful Servants Barbarous usage at their Hands, writing to them particularly about it: to whom they returned their Excuses, letting him know they did it for the Service of his Majesty, inviting him into Scotland, and protesting to assist him with their Lives and Fortunes, to establish him in his Throne.  
The King prepares for his Voyage, and notwithstanding Popham one of the Juntoes Admirals was at Sea with a Fleet, hoping to intercept him, he got safe into Scotland, and Landed in the north Parts at Spey, from whence he went to Edenborow, where he was received with great Acclamations, and again on the 15. of July, solemnly proclaimed at Edenborow; but it was not long, before the ill Nature of the Presbyterians began to appear and they began to exercise their Kirk Authority, and all Malignants as they called the King's best Friends, prohibited to come at him; they lessen his Family, and are angry that Aberdeen had presented him with five hundred Pound; and jest others should do the like, They order That what Money or Plate any intended to bestow upon the King, should be brought into the public Treasury: But the form an Army as fast as they can, of which the King was to be Generalissimo, and the Earl of Levin Lieutenant General, Holborn Mayor General, and Lesly Lieutenant General of the Horse, and Mountgomery Mayor General.  
In the mean time, the Junto begin to look abou● them, ill news comes apace from the North Quarter, 〈◊〉 a threatening Storm, and they make ready to meet it but the Presbyterian Ministers, had been tampering with Fairfax, and had represented this War with Scotland s● illegal, being against the Church, that he being a Presbyterian, made many Excuses, pleading Sickness an● Wounds, and desiring to be Excused from commanding the Army, that was to fight against their Brethrens; fo● now the Presbyterians, not out of any Love to the King but to themselves, hoping to set up their own Church Government, as they saw it was like to be in Scotland Confederate privately together, and intent to join with the Scots. All these things are made known to Cro●well in Ireland, who now thought it high time to pla● his Part in England, things still working for his Advancement; and therefore sending to the Junto for leav● to come over he prepares to be gone, but Occasion pressing, he stays not for the return of Letters, but full 〈◊〉 his great Archieuments in Ireland, he leaves it, and Land● at Bristol, whence he Posts to London, where he is me●● Complemented, and Caressed by the Members of th●● ●nto, and the Creatures of his Councils, and presently, fairfax still refusing the command of the Army, ●●omwell is by order of the Rump made General, and fairfax laid aside. And now with all Expedition he ●●rms his Army, and draws his Forces together, pre●ares for Scotland, and about the latter end of June mar●●es to Berwick, whence he sends canting Letters to the ●●ots, who fearing their people should be gulled with his ●●ir Words, proclaim it Treason to hold Correspondence ●ith the English. The English Army was about sixteen ●housand men Complete, with which Cromwell ●arches into Scotland, most of the Scots having left the borders, and waisted the Country, so that the English ●rmy found small resistance, but much want of Provisions, yet they had a Fleet who waited their Motions 〈◊〉 Sea, and Coasted it along to supply them. The Scotch ●rmy in the mean time, lay encamped betwixt Edenbo●●w and Leith, being six thousand Horse and Dragoons, ●nd fifteen thousand Foot. Cromwell advances within ●●ght of the Scots, whom he found strongly encamped on ●●e Hills, but on the 25th. of July he attempts one of ●●e Hills, with a small Party, and beaten of the Scots, but 〈◊〉 party of the Scots Horse fell in upon their Rear so furiously, that they began to be in disorder, till repulsed ●y Lambert and Whaly, who had the Rere-Guard, in ●hich Action Lambert had his Horse shot under him, ●nd himself run thorough the Arm with a Lance, and ta●en Prisoner, but rescued by one Lieutenant Emson. Af●er this the English advance towards Muscleborough, where ●●e Scots set upon them, betwixt three and sour in the ●●orning, with fifteen hundred of their best Horse, un●er the Command of Montgomery and Stranghan, and charged so furiously, that they had almost Pierced the whole Army, but in their return Okey met with them, ●nd forced them back to their Camp with as much speed, having lost an hundred men in the Action.  
Whilst these things were doing in Scotland, the Junto ●●re Active at home in suppressing all Persons from appearing for the Scots Interest, with all the Rigour imaginable and Doctor Levens a Doctor of the Civil Law being taken dispersing some Commissions from the Ki●● was tried by their Court marshal, Condemned to be han●ed and Executed accordingly on the 13th. of July on against the Royal Exchange in London. And further 〈◊〉 show their inveterate Spite to the Royal Family, the cause the last King's Statutes to be broken to Piece and caused to be written under the Nick where or stood in the Royal Exchange: Exit Tyrannus Regum ●●timus, Anno Libertatis Angliae restitutae primo, Annoque Domi●● 1648. Now also was discovered a design of a rising to be 〈◊〉 Lancashire for the King, in which were several of the Presbyterian Ministers in London, and others; upon which 〈◊〉 Cook of Grays-Inn, Mr. Gibbens, Mr. Potter, Doctor Drak● Jenkins, and Love, Presbyterian Ministers, were taken, and for which they were tried by their murdering Hi●● Court of Justice, and about the Latter end of Ja●● Gibbons, Potter, and that Incendiary Love were Executed wherein 'tis remarkable that the Justice of God shou●● so overtake this Person, so as to bring him to the Blo●● (for he was beheaded) who by his preaching against the late King, broke of the Treaty at Uxbridge, and w●●● the occasion of bringing that Royal Martyr to suffer under the Ax.  
But whilst they were shedding Blood at London, 〈◊〉 their High Court of Justice, Cromwell was letting 〈◊〉 forth in Scotland, with the Sword: for on the 3d. 〈◊〉 September, was the famous Battle of Dunbar, which gain●● him so much Honour, and established his greatness in th●● Army, though his Conduct in bringing his Army to the Streights they were in, being forced by despair to fight did appear very ill on his side; for Cromwell's Army v●●ry much wanting Provisions, were so far advance● that they could not well return without Hazard, and suppose he engaged himself the more boldly, for that 〈◊〉 understood the differences in the Scotch Army, between the Rigid Kirk Party, and the other more moderate 〈◊〉 the King, hoping, by his frequent Letters, and Declarations of his pious Intentions towards the Presbyteria● 〈◊〉 bring most of them over to him, or at lest to make ●●ch division amongst them, that he hoped to obtain an ●●sie Victory. Cromwell had advanced within a Mile ●●d an half of Edenborow, took a small Garrison, and ●an'd it with English, but being still pressed with want of Provisions, he draws of to Penkland Hills, and thence ●o Dunbar, thinking that way to ship his men for England, the Fleet attending; but the Scots perceiving the Advantage, and that he was in a straight, follow him loose, and were now in a manner sure of a Victory. The Scots being about twenty four Thousand men, and double the number of the English, who were weary and Faint, had they stayed, and not put them into Despair, no doubt they had obtained their Desires; but ●earing they should escape them, they followed them within a Mile of Dunhar, and drew up upon the Hills, at the Foot of which lay Cromwell, who now saw the streights into which he had brought himself, having only 〈◊〉 Neck of Land to encamp on, whose breadth was not a Mile and an half, the Sea being on both sides, so that they were got into a perfect Pound, and the Scots having possessed all the Hills, he was in some Amazement; ship his men he could not without certain Loss: Next morning the Scots drew down to the Foot of the Hills, but there was a great Ditch between the Armies; but at a Village called Copperspeith between Dunbar and Ber●wick, there was a Passage over the Hills, which it seems was strangely neglected by the Scots, too sure of the Victory: but Cromwell taking hold on the Advantage, having with his field Pieces secured the Ditch, sent away a good Party of Horse and Foot to possess it. This gave the Scots an Alarm, and now they saw their Error, and that of necessity they must let the English pass home, or fight them. The Kirk Ministers being in the Council of War, were extremely against letting Agag go, as they called Cromwell, for that God had given him into their Hands, contrary to the Opinion of the more knowing Commanders: But upon this, there was a fierce Dispute at this Pass, which the English with much Valour obtained, and possessed themselves of; The Canon on both sides playing against the Bodies, the Batt●● began, the English word was The Lord with us, the Scot● was The Covenant. The Scots first Charge put the English Horse into a little Confusion, but being stoutly seconded by the Foot, they Charged the Scots so home, that they put them to the Rout: which put their Foot into such Confusion and Disorder, that the English gained a ful● and easy Victory, following the pursuit for eight Miles and slew and took Prisoners of them as many or more than they were themselves, there being four Thousand slain, and nine Thousand taken Prisoners, with all their Bag and Baggage, ten Thousand Arms, and all their Ammunition, and with the loss of not above three hundred English. The Colours and the Purse and great Seal of Scotland there taken, were sent up to London; where was no small rejoicing among the Rumpers for this Victory: And the Colours ordered to be hung up in Westminster-Hall. Some of the Scotch Ministers engaging were slain, in this fight. Cromwell it is said, in his great Necessity and straits before the fight, prayed to God and promised him, That if he would be pleased at this time to deliver him, he would in return of the Favour, as soon as he came into England, take away Tithes. A pretty Vow to commit Sacrilege to obtain Mercy.  
Upon this Loss, Cromwell pursues his Victory, and possesses himself of Leith and Edenborow, which the Scots had quitted, the King being retired to St. Johnstons', where were assembled their Committee of States. The Kirk Party began to lay their misfortunes upon the King, and said God had disowned them for bringing him into Scotland: And shown so much insolence and ill behaviour to him, that he was not longer able to brook it, and therefore one morning, taking Horse as if he had been going to Hunting, he went privately towards the North, but the Scots fearing jest he should join with the High-Landers, and being somewhat humbled by Cromwell, they sent after him Mayor General Montgomery, to entreat him to return, but with such a force, as it was thought, would perform it by Compulsion, if he would not do it by Entreaty. But the King persuaded, returns ●o St. Johnstons, where the Committee of Estates being somewhat more Compliant, (thank Cromwell for that) many of the King's friends were admitted to him. This made many dissatisfied Ministers withdraw themselves ●nto the West, as Guthery, Gelaspy, Rutherford, and others, where they put forth a Remonstrance against the Proceed of the Assembly, in the Admission of Malignants to Power and Employment, and with these Ker, Stranghan, Laird Warreston, Sr. John Cheisley, Sr. James Stewart, and others, join in Confederacy. These Broils made well for Cromwell, who found small Opposition. He took Ken Prisoner, and Edenborow Castle was surrendered to him on the 24th. of December 1650. This very much troubled the Scots, for after that Cromwell succeeded so well, that he took in all the Forts on this side of Sterling. In January the Scots Crown the King at Scoon, the accustomed place for the Coronation of the Kings of Scotland, which is not far from St. Johnstons', with great Pomp and Solemnity.  
In the mean time, the Junto in England still sat, and Voted Liberty of Conscience to all, which was a most distasteful thing to the Presbyterians. Also they fell to levying of Soldiers, giving the Command to Harrison, now made Mayor General, a fifth-Monarchy man, most of these men being raised by those sort of men, and the other Sectaries, with which this Army swarmed, and the Presbyterian Interest daily declined, every where being called a most horrid Tyranny, and worse than the Prelacy. They also about this time formally receive Ambassadors from Portugal, and Spain, who for Interest acknowledge their Power. All they did besides, was the constant Persecution of the Royal Party after their Tyrannical manner, Colonel Eusebius Andrews, a constant Loyalist, and firm to the interest of his King, being by Profession a Councillor of Grays-Inn, having been underhand Contriving some Insurrection, in the behalf of the King, was betrayed by some of his Confederates and taken at Gravesend, and after sixteen Weeks being Prisoner in the Tower, and several times examined, he was brought to his Trial before their bloody High Court of Justice, Bradshaw sitting as Precedent. Where he admirably pleaded his Cause, but the Attorney General Prideaux, overruled all, and told him the Court was not to take notice of his Law Cases, but of his Confession, and though he had Acted no Treason, yet he had an Affection for Treason, and therefore deserved Death: An excellent Mark of the Liberty of the Subject under Usurpers. And upon this learned distinction, the Bloody Court proceeded to Sentence against him, that he should be Beheaded: Thus the Will of Usurpers is become Law. This Heroic Gentleman suffered accordingly on the 22d. of August 1650, on Tower-Hill, where he died with much Constancy, Magnanimity, and Christianity. In October following, one Benson, involved in the same Design with Colonel Andrews, was tried and Condemned, by the aforesaid Tyrannical Court, and on the 7th. was Executed, being Hanged for his Loyalty. At the same time, was an Insurrection in Northfolk, which being suppressed, many suffered for the same in several places. In March following, the Grandees at Westminster, by the same Arbitrary Power, after the Turkish Precedent, put to Death the Loyal Sr. Henry Hid, before the Exchange. It was Crime enough that he was a Royalist, and Brother to the afterwards Earl of Clarendon, than with the King. But his pretended Crime was, That he had been an Agent from the King, after the Death of his Royal Father, to the grand Signior. He was bred a Merchant, and had a repute amongst the Turkish Company, and was by them made their Consul at Morea, and this Gentleman the King sent to the Port, in order to some private concerns, and not for the Confiscation of the Merchant's Estates, as the people were made to believe: but he being there, the Visiere was privately tampered with, who betrayed him, and sent him to England a Prisoner in the Ships thence bound for Smirna, in one of which he was brought to London, and Committed to the Tower, convented before the aforesaid Court, by whose Power he was Condemned and Beheaded as aforesaid, on the 4th. of March 1650. And now their Hands were in all went to Pot that came in their way; the April following Captain Brown bushel was the next Criminal they Murdered for his Loyalty: he had long lain under restraint in the Tower, and almost starved for want of Sustenance, and at last being put into their Bloody Roll of such as were to be Tried, he was called to their Bar, and Condemned. But his Wife solicited very hard for a Reprieve, which at last they promised her, with which joyful News she repaired to her Husband, Comforting themselves together till four a Clock in the Afternoon, but had no sooner left him, with those flattering Hopes, but the Warrant came for his present Execution; they finding it seems that he was too well beloved by the Seamen, and wree in Fear of him, and so about six of the Clock at Night they put him to Death, on the Ground under the Scaffold on Tower-Hill; which he suffered with much Resolution.  
In the mean time Cromwell was very watchful and Diligent, and endeavoured all he could, though not with any success, to engage the Scots Army, which was drawn up ●t Sterling, where the King was with them▪ But the King having a Design to pass into England, waved engaging, with as much Care, as the other, flushed with Victory and Success, sought it, who was come within ●ight of the Scotch Army. In Lancashire several expected ●is coming, and were ready to rise upon his approach, ●ho disappointed by the Rumps Vigilancy: Cromwell, for want of Provisions, was forced to remove, and attempted to get over to Fife side: It was about this time, that several rude fits of an Ague shook him so shrewdly, ●hat there was an equal engagement of Hopes and Fears ●n the side of either party, of his marching into another world; Doctor Writ and Dr. Bates, two eminent physicians, being sent from London, to administer Physic ●o him, being brought very low. But at last by the help ●f these Doctors, who had the charge of him, by the Junto's order, he recovered, to the sorrow of the Royal Party. At last, the English under Colonel Overton, wit● about fifteen or sixteen thousand Foot, and four Troop of Horse, with much difficulty, forced their Landing Cromwell drawing up close to the Scots at the same time with all his Forces, with an intention to fall upon the●● Rear, if they should attempt to beaten them out of Fife Yet the Scots sent four thousand Horse and Foot, under Sir John Brown, which Cromwell having notice of, sent ove● Lambert and Okey, with two Regiments of Horse and Foot, and engaging with him, defeated him, took him with many others prisoners, having slain about two thousand of the Scots. This gave the English firm footing in Fife, and they easily took in several places on tha● side the Frith. And now the King was necessitated to follow his design, in marching for England; and whilst Cromwell went about to set upon S. Johnston's, that he might make himself Master of the Pass at Sterlin, which he took after a days siege, the King marches for England from Sterlin, by the way of Carlisle, with about sixteen thousand complete. This News gave Cromwell an alarm and immediately he dispatches a Messenger with Letter to his Masters in England, to inform them of it; and to comfort them, believing they would entertain no pleasant thoughts thereat, giving them an account of his successes, and that they should have confidence in God, and should improve the best they could, what Forces they had in readiness, and should raise more, and not be afraid; for the Enemy was heart-smitten, and were in 〈◊〉 desperate condition, with such like stuff. In the mean time, he order Mayor General Harrison, and Colonel Rich, who were on the Borders, to attend the motion o● the King's Army, until he were able to come up to them with his Forces. The Parliament, notwithstanding his canting Letters. began to be jealous of him, and spoke big words against him, which came to his ears, and which he remembered afterwards to their cost. In the mean time, Lambert, with about three thousand Horse and Dragoons is sped after the King; and presently after, Cromwell himself follows, the same day the King enters England, which was on the sixth of August, having departed from Sterlin the last of July. On his entering into England, he was proclaimed as he went, and pardon offered to all sorts of persons, excepting Cromwell, Bradshaw, Cook, and some others the most immediate Murderers of his Father. At the same time a Party in North-Wales began to rise, to join with the Earl of Derby, but were broken and disappointed. The King with his wearied Men, on the two and twentieth of August comes to Worcester, being beset before and behind, by the new raised Forces, Cromwell, Lambert and Harrison. The Militia of London, and of several Counties, flock to Worcester; so that by that time Cromwell was come up to them, they had form an Army of forty thousand men, or more. The Earl of Derby brought to the King two hundred and fifty foot, and sixty Horse; and having raised about twelve hundred more in Lancashire, and those parts, he was engaged by Lilburn, and routed, and several persons of Quality taken. By this time, Cromwell had close begirt Worcester, and the King's Party beheld themselves in a very bad condition, hemmed in on all sides with numerous Foes, and now too late saw their error, of not marching directly to London, which was dreaded by the Junto, and which was earnestly desired and expected by the Londoners, who wanted only a fuller security of showing their inclinations for the King, being overawed, and hindered through fear from declaring.  
But God did not see it good, that the King should be brought to the Throne, by any other hand than that of Peace, and by his own Subjects of England, intending to show him a more immediate care of his miraculous providence, in his preservation, and that he might not be subject to the Presbyterians for their assistance, nor beholden to them for his Crown; he was resolved to bring him in after a more glorious manner.  
Notwithstanding the great disadvantages the Scots were in, they were resolved with much courage to cell their lives as dear as they could, and that the English should not found it an easy purchase. The first considerable Engagement was at Upton Bridge, on Fleetwood's side, who was Lieutenant General of the Army, where Lambert with five hundred Horse and Dragoons, beaten Colonel Massy, who endeavoured to maintain it. But the fatal day was on the third of September, auspicious to Cromwell the last year in his fight at Dunbar. It is not my design to draw you the Scheme of the Battle, intending only in these Papers to show more particularly things of another nature: this Action has been sufficiently made known; therefore I shall only very briefly mention it. The Scots, to give them their due, and the little handful of English that were with them, sought bravely, and shown great courage and resolution, disputing every Field with their numerous Enemies, and coming to the Butt-end of their Muskets, and Push of Pike with them, covering the Field, where they stood, with their Bodies. The King in person charged in one of the Sallies from the Town, showing extraordinary Valour, Conduct and Courage; in which Charge, Duke Hamilton, Brother to the Duke that was beheaded, was shot, and died suddenly after of his Wound. But towards the Evening, the English, charging most furiously, with Cromwell in the head of them, entered with the retreating Scots into the Town, and possessed themselves of the Fort Royal: Than it was the King, with the Duke of Buckingham, the Earl of Derby, and some others, and about sixty Horse fled, being narrowly missed by Cobbet; but the Foot falling to plunder the Town, (which they did with great barbarity) kept out the Horse, for fear they should share with them, which favoured his Majesty's Escape, who got that night to Whiteladies, where he was disguised, and all the rest departing several ways, he was committed to the fidelity of the Pendrills, being in the disguise of a Wood-Cutter, with a Bill in his hand, and for some time lay hid in the Celebrated Oak in Boscobel Wood: thence conveyed to Mr. Whitegrave's at Mosely, whence, as a Servant to Mistress Jane Lane, he went to Bristol: but missing a passage there, after many signal Marks of God's Providence, in his miraculous Escape, at lest fifty several persons having been made privy to it, he at last, with the Lord Wilmot, embarked at Brightemsted in Sussex, and was carried over by one Tetersell, Master of the Vessel, who afterwards was a Captain of one of his Majesty's Frigates, and got safe to Diep in France, to the great joy of all his Friends.  
The Scots lost in this Battle, about two thousand slain upon the place, and in the pursuit, and about eight thousand Prisoners; very few of the Scots got back to Scotland, being known by their Tongue, and picked up in their return by the Country: most of the Nobility and chiefest Commanders were taken, and carried Prisoners to London, with all their Ensigns: many of the chiefest Prisoners of the Nobility were kept in Windsor-Castle, till the King's Restoration: the Colours were hanged up in Westminster-Hall; and several of the common Soldiers sold to Merchants, and sent away as Slaves to the Barbadoss, and other Plantations. Comwell himself in great triumph passes to London, being met at Acton by the Speaker, and Members of the Junto, the Lord Mayor of London, and Steel their Recorder, who in a flattering Speech applauded his great Achievements, applying to him the words of the Psalmist: To bind their kings in chains, and their nobles in fetters of iron.  
And now the way to the ambitioned Throne seemed open, few Obstacles remaining, except the Junto themselves, which he had made so odious to the people, by their bloody, tyrannous and arbitrary Actions, that he knew it would be very grateful to them, to have them dissolved. Ireton was dead in Ireland, who had been a great Assistant to him in promoting him; but it was thought he was so true a Commonwealths-man, that he would not have suffered Cromwell to have grasped the Sceptre, and to have set up himself in the place of the Monarch he had pulled down; and since he was now able to act himself without his Councils, he was but a Rub out of his way; almost all Ireland being subdued, and under his subjection; Ludlow being Lieutenant General of the Army there, and one active in the reducing the Remainder left unfinished by Ireton. On the other hand General Monk, whom he had left in Scotland with seven thousand men, had taken Sterlin, Dundee, Perth, and all the strong Holds in Scotland; S. Andrews, Aberdeen, and all the Castles surrendered upon Summons; so that Scotland as well as Ireland was at his devotion; and three Kingdoms he hoped to make a prey of: and to make them more sure, and to unite them into one, they entered upon the project of having each Kingdom incorporated with England, like Wales, by causing them to elect their several Members to sit in the English Parliament. And now that he might yet make the Junto more odious, he puts them on the ordinary Drudgery, of taking away the lives of such of the Royal Party, as he thought might be any hindrance to his Designs, by their arbitrary way of Trial, in their High Court of Injustice, or by a Court-Marshal; and thus, as the saying is, he killed two Birds with one Stone, rid his Opposers out of the way, and made his Instruments odious, that he might with the more safety lay them aside, when he saw his time.  
The Earl of Derby was the first that felt the bloody severity of these Rulers at Westminster, who appointed a Court-Marshal to sit at Chester for his Trial, and several others that were taken at the Battle of Worcester; where he was sentenced to be beheaded, though he had surrendered himself upon Articles, and promise' of his life to one Captain Edge; but notwithstanding his plea, the arbitrary Court condemned him, and he was executed at Bolton in Lancashire, the fifteenth of October, 1651. And by the same Court, Sir Timothy Fetherstone-haugh was condemned, and for the same crime of Loyalty, for endeavouring to bring in Charles Stewart, (as they called the King) and to possess him (of his Right) the Crown of England, who was beheaded at Chester, the twenty second day of the same month: likewise by the same Court, Captain Benbow was condemned, and according to their Sentence shot to Death at Shrewsbury And Captain Symkin's in another place. Many more of note were put into the Tower, and reserved for a further Exercise of their Cruelty.  
And now the way to the Crown did not seem very Difficult, for Jersy, Icy of Man, and the Barbadoss yield to their Power; and Oliver in the next place bend all his thoughts to turn this Kump of a Parliament out of Doors, having done with them as much Mischief as he well could: He looks now very big upon them, and had shown by his behaviour, the Resentment he had of their former saucy Expostulation of his management of the Affairs in Scotland, and when he came into the House they all Crouched, and the ●a●ning Speaker made his Panegyric, with palpable Flattery, norwithstanding it was moved in the House, by some of his Creatures, that this House should be dissolved, and Care taken for another to be Chosen; but this was a bitter Potion they knew not how to swallow. And upon this the Levellers are again set to work and Countenanced, who before were so much Cried down, that they might bait them to a Dissolution, and that he might be Lord Paramount in Nomine, as well as he was already in Re. But yet there were two Obstacles in his Way: The first was, the Duke of Gloucester was too near him, he was yet a Prisoner in Scarborow Castle; him he causes to be removed, and sent away into Holland; which was done by the order of the Junto, to the no small joy of his Friends, that he had escaped out of the cruel Claws of these Bears with Life. This rub being removed, another more Difficult appeared, which was the War with Holland, and he very Rationally concluded, it would be too hard a Task for him, to make War both abroad with them and at home with his own Commonwealth, which he intended to pull down: Considering what a small share he had of the Love of the people, and that he was to set up himself, and Establish his rule and Arbitrary Sway, by the Power of the Army only: and for this Reason, he was forced to let his Journeymen continued their Seats a little longer, and wait the Issue of this War.  
This War being foreseen, to quiet the People's minds, they pass an Act of Grace or Oblivion, a Pardon for all Hostilities past, with an Intention of forgetting all Injuries, but upon Condition, of taking an Engagement, which they imposed upon the People, wherein they promise' and Engage, To be true and Faithful to the Commonwealth of England, as than Established, without King or House of Lords. But out of this Act, The Lord Goring and his Sons, Sr. John Webster, The executors of the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Murderers of Dorislaus and Ascham were excepted.  
Still several Addresses, Petitions, Declarations, and Desires, came from divers Counties, and Places, to the Parliament, for the putting a Period to their sitting, and for providing for future Representatives, which Perplexed them; and were very distasteful; seeing them so pressing, and after many put offs, and Reasons for their Continuance, they were forced to comply, and resolved that the longest Day of their Sitting should be the 5th. of November, in the Year, 1654. two years too long, as Cromwell thought; for he intended their Reign should be shorter, but his Projects being not yet Ripe, he awaited his opportunity. About the latter end of this year, they made an Act to banish John Lilburn, who was very troublesome to them, and whom it seems Oliver was much afraid of, Knowing him to be an Enemy ro his Ambitious Proceed, and very popular. It was provided by this Act, that if he returned without leave from the State, he should suffer as a Felon.  
Preparations for War being made on both sides, the States of Holland, seeing the English make an Act so Prejudicial to their Trade, and to prepare to maintain it against them, being somewhat fearful of the Event, sent over their Ambassadors, Mine Heeren Cate, Vander-Peer, Sharp, and Newport, who found our English States very high, and made such demands, that the Dutch could not yield to, and so in the beginning of the year 1652 they get their Fleets to Sea, well Man'd and Equipped, Marten Harpers Vantrump, being the Admiral for the Dutch. Popham being Dead, Dean and Blake are Admirals for the English, to whom afterwards General Monk was joined, and for that end sent for out of Scotland, he having quieted all things there. The Dutch knowing the English laid claim to the Dominion of the narrow Seas, as their just Right and Due, had Commanded their Captains not to acknowledge their Sovereignty, by denying to strike their Flag, at the meeting of the English Ships in their own Seas, an Affront they knew would never be put up by the English, but ever was and ever will be disputed and revenged; upon this Quarrel the War began, Captain Young who commanded some of the English Frigates, seeing some Dutch Ships returning from the Streights, commanded their Admiral to strike his Flag, who did so, but their Vice-Admiral being likewise bid to do the same, absolutely refused, but after four or five Broadsides was forced to take it down, and so they parted, their Ambassadors being yet in Treaty, and in England; Captain Young was unwilling to Prosecute the business any farther, jest they should attribute to him the beginning of the War, which thus first began. But not long after they fell to it in Earnest. It shall not be my Task to give you a particular of this War, it being besides my Business, in which the English shown great Courage, and Bravery; and in all Histories the like not to be paralleled, and therefore I shall not altogether pass it over in silence, but briefly touch upon it for the Satisfaction of the Reader, who cannot but be pleased at their Success as Englishmen, though otherwise Rebels to their King and Country.  
The first Engagement between the two Fleets of the two States, was on the 19th. of May 1652; of of Dover Road, Tromp having forty two Ships, Blake but fifteen Frigates, but after the fight was begun, Captain Bourn came to his Assistance with eight Ships more, this sight lasted from two of the Clock till Night; the English getting the better, having not one Ship disabled, though they had on both sides Exchanged above two Thousand Cannon shot, one of the Dutch Ships was Sunk, and another taken: the next Morning Van-Trump sailed for Zealand. The Holland Ambassadors were yet in London, and dis-avow Tromp's Action in disputing the Flag. as Rash and without Orders, or knowledge of their Masters; and desired a Restitution of their Ship, but the people were so inflamed at the Relation of Tromp's Carriage, that the Ambassadors were feign to be Guarded to keep them safe from the People's rage: And upon this the Holland States dispatch away an extraordinary Ambassador, Mine Heer-Paw, to endeavour to make up the Breach, and to Excuse the rashness of their Admiral. The Parliament hereupon Voted; that, The State's General should Pay the Charges they had been at, and the Losses sustained upon this Occasion. Secondly, That this being Paid, there should be a Restitution on either side of Ships and Goods taken. Thirdly, That a League should be made between the two States. These Votes were sent to the Dutch Ambassadors, and they Communicated them to their Masters; who liking them not, immediately recalled their Ambassadors, and began Vigorously to prosecute the War.  
Admiral Blake with seventy Ships sails to the Orkney Islands, to disturb their Busses fishing upon our Coasts, and Sr. George Ascue coming from the Barbadoss, with fifteen Ships is recruited and fitted for a reserve. In the mean time Tromp gets to Sea with a hundred and twenty Ships, and endeavours to engage with Blake, but a Storm preventing them, they were forced both Home: Blake carrying with him about nine hundred Prisoners, which he had taker, and six men of War, which he took Guarding their Busses, This was the first Action after the War was declared.  
The second Engagement between these two States, was on the 16th. of August following, of of Plymouth, between Sr. George Ascue, who had forty sail, and De Ruyter who had a Fleet of fifty men of War; and was conveying thorough the Channel their Merchant men which were about fifty sail more. Sr. George eng●●ed the Dutch, with nine of his foremost Ships, and Charged thorough their Fleet: the Dutch had the Weather-gage, and night coming on, and the rest of the Fleet not coming up, Sr. George Ascue drew of and sailed for Plymouth, and the Dutch into the French Ports to repair their Ships. Sr. George had the better of it, and had the whole Fleet engaged, it was thought he might have had an entire Victory. This was so represented to the Rump to his disadvantage, that they laid him aside, and never after would employ him in their Service, but than General Monk was sent for, and Voted by the Junto to be joined in Commission with Blake and Dean. This was the second fight with the Dutch in this War. About this time Blake lighting on the French at Calis took seven of their Ships, and assisting the Spaniards besieging Dunkirk, was a cause of the surrender of the Town by the Service he did.  
On the 28th. of October was a Third fight, between the English and the Dutch, Van-Tromp upon some discontent having laid down his Commission, they made Wit Wittens Admiral, to whom they joined De Ruiter: Blake had taken from the Dutch five west India Ships of great Value, and six Steights men Valued at 200000 l. which losses enraged the Dutch, and put them into Fury to fight. Pen was Vice-Admiral, and Bourn Rear Admiral of the English Fleet, who began this Battle; great Courage being shown on both sides: the Rear Admiral of the Dutch was taken, two of their Ships sunk, and a Third blown up; the English▪ getting the better, Wittens got of with his Fleet, much shattered and Torn, being pursued within twelve Leagues of the Maze; and Blake returns into the Downs Victorious, having made the Dutch run for it.  
The  much troubled at this misfortune, persuade Van Tromp to accept of the Command, knowing him to be an able Seaman; who at last yielded to their Desires, and hopes to gain honour against the English: with eighty men of War, and ten fire Ships, he comes to the back of the Godwin. Blake had with him now not above fo●●y sail, yet with them resolves to give Battle, and seeking his Enemy began a most furious and obstinate encounter, on the 29th. of November 1652. which lasted from two in the Morning till six at Night. Blake in the Triumph, with two more of his Ships were engaged at one time with twenty of the best Ships of the Dutch. Van-Tromp and De Ruyter were much shattered; one of their Flag ships was blown up, but the Dutch overpowering them, got the Victory, and had not Night favoured the retreat of the English Fleet they had endangered the whole. The Garland and Bona-venture were taken by the Dutch, three sunk, and one burnt. Van-Trump kept the Sea, and took some inconsiderable Prizes; which puff● him up with so much Vanity, as to 'cause him hung a Broom at his main top Mast; saying he would sweep the Seas of the English ship. This was the fourth Engagement.  
The maintaining of this War against the potent Dutch, gained such Reputation to these English States, as they were called, that the French by the Advice of Mazereen, sent Monsieur Bourdeaux as an Agent from the French King, to acknowledge them. This Action of the French gave great distaste to all the King of England's Friends, but this Peace with England preserved the Cardinal, being in some danger from the Princes of France. And now to maintain this War the Junto lay a heavy Tax upon the People of 120000 l. a Month.  
Monk and Dean being come out of Scotland are joined with Blake, and the Fleet equipping with all Expedition; which the Dutch States hearing of, sent away to Van-Tromp, who was at Sea; Conducting home three hundred sail of Merchant men, with seventy six men of War; and Commanded him to Block up the Thames, to hinder the English Fleet from coming forth; but to their great Amazement, the English got their Ships to Sea, and joining those at Ports-mouth made up eighty sail, and over against Portland lay half Seas over expecting the Dutch. On the 18th. of February they descried them, and about eight in the Morning the fight began. Blake and Dean who were in the Triumph, with twelve Ships more, encountered the Gross of the Dutch Fleet; ●ut was relieved at last by Lawson, who performed his part exceeding Well. The Ship in which General Monk was, being a slow Sailor could not so soon come up to engage as he would have had it, but he had a great share in the Fight, and lost many men aboard her. This Fight lasted three days, and the Triumph wherein two of the Generals were, received seven hundred Cannon shot in their Hall. The next day being Saturday, and the nineteenth of Feb. 1652. assoon as the English could overtake the Dutch, they engaged them again in the Afternoon, which was fought with much fury, Tromp still endeavouring to save his Merchant Men, fought retreating, many of them, which were picked up by the English, with some of his Men of War. The third day in the Morning, being the twentieth, the fight was again renewed, and continued very fierce till four in the Afternoon; but the Wind being cross to the English, Van Tromp got at last to Callais Sands, and so tided it home. The Dutch lost in the three days Fight eleven Men of War, and thirteen Merchants Ships, and had killed about fifteen hundred Men. The English lost but one Ship, but had not many lesle slain than the Enemy. This was the fifth Engagement in which the English got much the better, About this time they erected their High Court of Justice in Ireland, by which many of the Irish suffered; among the rest the noted Rebel Sir Phelim Oneal was hanged at Dublin.  
The year 1652 being worn out, and the Dutch being by their several losses humbled, the King's Party crushed and impoverished, now the Tax for the maintenance of the Dutch War coming in, and filling the Treasury, 120000 pounds every month, the State owned by the French, and himself caressed privately by Mazareen, with whom he had secret intelligence; but what was more, the arbitrary Junto perfectly hated by the People, he thought it now a convenient time to step into the Throne, and to usurp the supreme Power and Authority, and to take the Government into his own hands. To this end, he holds several Consults with the Officers of the Army, and much fasting and praying there was among them, an extraordinary Work being to be done. Cromwell cajoled them all; Lambert was deceived in his hopes of succeeding Oliver, which he had made him to believe he intended. Harrison was for pulling these old Representatives out of their Seats, to make way for the Rule of the Saints. Cromwell knew how to please them all, that he might by them work his ends. All the Party Harrison could make among the Congregations of Feak, Rogers, Simson, and the rest of that Gang, were for Cromwell, and all impatient to have the Parliament outed; and to help forward, there came forth daily from the Army, Petitions, Addresses, Remonstrances, and such like Papers, for putting an end to this Parliament. But notwithstanding all the specious pretences, for the putting an end to this Parliament, many of the Officers very well perceived the drift of Cromwell, and what all would end in, viz. his getting the Monarchy into his own hands, which troubled them much; and some of them made open protests against it; for they that could not endure the Rule of a single person, in their Lawful Prince, could much lesle endure to be tyrannised over by the arbitrary power of their equal. The chief of them that opposed his design, were Colonel Venables, Scout-Master-General Downing, Mayor Streater and others; Streater went about to give his Reasons to the contrary, telling them that Cromwell designed to set up himself, and that it was a betraying of their most glorious Cause, for which so much Blood had been spilt: but Harrison interrupted him, and told him, that he was assured, the General did not seek himself in it, and did it to make way for the Rule of Jesus, that he might have the Sceptre. To whom Streater replied, That unless Christ came very suddenly, he would come too late. For this opposition, Cromwell looks on him as his mortal Enemy, and claps him up into the Gatehouse. The Junto was very sensible of these Actings, but knew not which way to prevent them, yet they did what they could to make these Officers understand the inconveniences that would hap, by a sudden dissolving them, and that it would be the only way to preserve the Nation, to fill up the House with new elected Members, which would please the people, and their Acts would be received with greater Authority. But the Army answered them, they were grown so carnal and corrupt, that the people of God could expect no good from them, and that they would take care, that the supreme Government of the Land should be placed ●n the hands of such as truly feared God, and were of approved integrity.  
These Debates between the Parliament and the Army spun out some time, and the Junto went about cunningly to secure themselves, by preparing an Act for the filling up their House, wherein such speed was made, that it was near passing the House. Cromwell being nettled, resolves to stay not longer; and to his Council of Officers he shown, That if they should let the people to choose new Representatives, it was a tempting of God, who would save them by the hands of a few, as in former times, and that five or six godly upright men might do more in one day, than the Parliament had done, or would do in a hundred. Upon this he takes with him Lambert, Harrison, and about eight more Officers of the Army, and on the three and twentieth day of April, 1653, he enters the House, and there after a short Speech, showing them some reasons for the necessity of their being dissolved, he peremptorily declared them to be dissolved. But the Speaker refusing to leave the Chair, Cromwell began to huff, and fall into a passion, telling them they were a company of drunkards, whoremasters, Hypocrites, Knaves and Oppressors, and commanded that the Bauble the Mace should be took from them, and no more carried before them; and Harrison taking the Speaker by the Arm●lifted him out of his Chair; and having thus turned them out of doors, he locked them up, and set a Guard of Soldiers at them, and at all the Avenues, that they might not meet again in that place; and thus exeunt T●●nni, one Devil driving out another, to make way at last for their Lawful Prince. This done, Cromwell returning to his Council of Officers, told them of his Exploit, and let them know that now they must go hand in hand with them, and justify it by their lives and fortunes, they having advised him to it. He told them, tha● when he went to the House, he did not think to do i● but perceiving the Spirit of God so strongly upon him he would not longer consult Flesh and Blood; for the Parliament intended to have perpetuated themselves This Action of his, though arbitrary, illegal, and tyrannical, was generally applauded by all sorts of people, these Rumpers were grown so very odious by their tyrannies Usurpation. And the King's Friends both at home and abroad, were not a little joyful to see this Turn, and to behold them dethroned and trampled on, even in the midst of their Laurels, obtained for their Victories over the Dutch. Grievous Muttering they kept for this violence done to them by their Servant, as they styled him, thinking it none, when he did the like to those secluded Members, that would not vote with them against the King: but as mad as they were, they saw no help for it, and it was not possible for them to get together, though they would not own themselves dissolved; and thus our usurping Junto went out like a Snuff, with a Stink, smelling very unsavourly in the Nostrils of the whole Nation.  
Thus far have I traced out to you, the Lines of the Image of Arbitrary, and Tyrannic Usurpation, and how ugly and grim a Representation it is, you who have seen it truly delineated may judge. You have seen this Titular Parliament unjustly seize upon the Government, by murdering their King, and against all Laws thrust out two of the States of the Land, the Lords Spiritual first, and than the Lords temporal, and having now grasped the Government with rapacious hands, with the like Injustice and Arbitrariness, turn the greater part of their own Members out of Doors, and rule by a few bloody and tyrannical Usurpers. You have likewise seen after what manner they have swayed the three Nation●, by their own Arbitrary Wills and Pleasures, as so many lawless Tyrants, upholding an Army only to cut the People's Throats, and to over-awe them, burdened them with Taxes, and oppressing them with a standing Army, and ●ee Quarter, taking away their lives by an Arbitrary Court of Justice, contrary to the known Laws of the ●and, and robbing and spoiling all men of their Estates, hat opposed them, filling the jails throughout the three Kingdoms with Prisoners: The Liberties of the Subject overthrown, Magna Charta, and all the Laws and Ancient Coustitutions of Parliaments trodden under foot, ●nd disregarded, so as no man could call any thing his own: And in fine, all the People of England made Slaves, by these the Keepers of their Liberties; so that it was no wonder, that there was a general rejoicing at ●heir fall, though as yet it was but out of the Frying-pan in●o the Fire, having exchanged two hundred Tyrants for one, as Lawless, Boundless, and Arbitrary as they; or a Rump for an Oliver.  
I should now proceed to give a further Display of this Arbitrary and Tyrannical Government, under the Usurpation of Oliver Cromwell, who had pulled these down, only to set up himself: but before I enter upon it, I think ●t will not be ungrateful to the Reader, and not impertinent to my Design, to show you what a sort of men these were, who had thus long usurped, by a brief Character of some of the chiefest of them, and what benefit they made of their pretended Godliness, giving one another Estates, out of the Kings, Queens, Bishops, Deans and Chapters, and Delinquents Lands.  
And I will begin with Oliver Cromwell, the Lucifer of the rest, who out-witted them all, and ruled by himself, with greater Power, and more absolute Sway, than ever any Monarch of England did. He was very well descended, of a Knightly Family, in the County of Huntingdon, being born in S. John's Parish in the Town of Huntingdon, the twenty fifth of April, 1599, being the Son of Mr. Robert Cromwell: who was the third Son of Sir Henry Cromwell, a Gentleman of great worth, honoured and beloved in Court and Country, whose eldest Son Sir Oliver Cromwell, a Gentleman well known for his Loyalty, and Uncle to this our Oliver, was his Godfather, and gave him his Name. His Mother was the Daughter of Sir Richard Steward, of Ely. They therefore were much mistaken, who said he was the Son of a Brewer, though indeed his Mother, (even in his Father's Life-time) did manage a Brewhouse, by their Servants, and after her Husband's death, continued the same, as an honest means of Livelihood, the Patrimony of a younger Brother being but small. He was observed in his Youth to be ambitious, wilful and headstrong, which improved with his years, and always, and upon all occasions exercised the Impostor, under the mask of Hypocrisy. However, he was bred at School, where he got some smattering in the Rudiments of Learning, but was so violent and headstrong, and so very prove to robbing Orchards and Dove-Houses, that he grew the terror of the Country, and passed his Tutor's Correction. It was about that time he dreamed he should be King of England; if it were not more than a Dream, a suggestion of some evil Spirit; for he would often confidently report it in his Youth, though rebuked by his Father for it, and slashed by his Master Dr. Bernard, for his constant avouching it. And acting in a Play in the School, going beyond his Cue, he took a Crown, and put it on his own Head, and as if inspired, spoke some big words with great authority. Thence he was translated to Cambridge, where he was more noted for Football, Cudgelling, and Wrestling, than for his Studies, to which he little gave his mind; and after his Father's death left the University; and returning home, fell to all manner of Licentiousness and Debauchery, and grew so distasteful to his Mother and Neighbourhood, that she sent him away to London, and enters him into Lincolns-Inn, intending to make him a Lawyer; but finding this place not agreeable to his humour, he stayed not long before he returned back into the Country, where he fell to his old Trade of Debauchery, always fight, and in Quarrels, though with Pedlars, Tinkers, and such like Fellows, skilful in ●●●●dling the Quarterstaff, so that none could over-match him. This kind of life he led till he had spent his Patrimony, and almost ruined his Mother; hated by the Country for his many Villainies committed, especially by his Uncle and Godfather Sr. Oliver, who could not endure to have him named. At last beginning to perceive his ruin, he feigned a Conversion; went to Church among the orthodox Divines, and so far insinuated himself with them, that they deal with his Mother's Uncle Sr. Robert Stewart, a Gentleman of a Competent Estate in the Country, to take him into Favour, and to declare him his Heir, and who dying soon after, left him an Estate of five hundred pound a year; which quickly mouldered away, he having jest of it not above forty or fifty Pounds a year. He than falls in with the Nonconformist Ministers; entertains them at his House, has Lectures, and exercises himself in Preaching and Praying, about which time he marries the Daughter of Sr. James Boucher; her name Elizabeth, and Kinswoman to Mr. Hambden of Buckingham●hire, and turns Farmer for five years with ill success, but still continuing his Preaching and Praying, was so much followed by the Faction; that they by a wile got him to be chosen a Burgess, for Cambridge, in the Parliament of 1640. when he was at his last Gasp, and thinking to have Transplanted himself to New- England, and raised Money for that purpose, which enabled him to stand a Candidate for Parliament man. And now joining with Hambden, Pym, and the rest of them, he began to blow up the Coals of Sedition; and to be noted amongst them, tutored by them, till he grew quickly able to out-Wit them in their own Pernicious designs. But now having spent the utmost farthing of his Estate, and run in Debt, he was privileged from Arrests, by being a Member of Parliament; and now he betakes him into the Army, where he was a Captain under Essex, and where he became so Active and busy, that he soon advanced himself, to be Lieutenant General to the Earl of Manchester.  
〈◊〉 crave Pardon of the Reader for this Digression, for I intent not to writ his Life, but what I have related, may let you see what this great Man was ab origine, and therefore I shall say no more of his Actions in the Army, they being sufficiently known in Story, and how gradually he came to his Command of General, in the Army; part of which, as far as came within my Province that I have undertaken, appears by the aforegoing Discourse, whereby it is plainly manifested, by wha● Methods he attained his Greatness and Usurpation. 〈◊〉 could say no lesle of this their Ringleader, who deserves 〈◊〉 more particular Character, being so Notorious throughout Christendom, and Famous for his Actions and Usurpation; I shall not be so prolix in the rest, but only name them to you. They say his Family descended from a branch of that Cromwell, in Henry the 8th. days, wh●● ruined the Abbeys, and was fatal to the Popish Clergy, a● this was to the Protestant Episcopacy; and that the Linea● descent, was from one Williams of Glamorgan-shire, wh●● marrying the Daughter of that Cromwell, took on him the Name and transferred it to his Posterity; but the direct Line of that Cromwell, is continued in the Lord Cromwell, and Earl of Arglass in Ireland. This our Olive was a man, (as you have found by what I have related of him) of many Vices, of deep Dissimulation and Hypocrisy, and though no great Scholar, of great improved Parts; of a strong robust Constitution, and naturally Martial, of deep reach, and a great Politician, after he had Conversed with Ireton his Son-in-Law, who taught him his Art He had some Spice of Generosity in him which he shown on some Occasions, whether it was in his Nature, or Designedly, is to be doubted. But for his Courage and Resolution, and skill in Martial Discipline▪ that is not to be questioned; and though▪ I cannot think he really embraced any Religion, as his particular Judgement, yet he embraced all that he found subservient to his Ends, as may be perceived by his Actings and Intrigues, with the Presbyterians and Independants, and all the other Sectaries, which were all alike to him; and no doubt Episcopacy itself, would have been as pleasing to his Conscience, could he have Established his Usurpation by it. It was not therefore his Love of Virtue or Religion, that made him thrust out all Vice from his Army; but that he ●new it would naturally ruin it, and that a strict Discipline, and the Face of some Religion, would preserve 〈◊〉; so that he never permitted among his Soldiers, swearing, Drunkenness, Profaneness, Murder, Rapine, ●r Uncleanness; but punishing them Severely, his Camp ●as like a well regulated Commonwealth, and had he ●ot been a Rebel, and employed his Parts to▪ so wicked ●n end, as the Destruction of his King and Country; ●or the setting up himself, he might have passed among ●ie Worthies of this Nation, and lawfully have become ●minent in his Generation. He had two Sons, Richard ●nd Henry (besides one that died young) and four Daughters, one married to Ireton, afterwards to Fleetwood, one to the Lord Fawkenbridge, one to Mr. Cleypool, which ●e much loved, and was his second Daughter, and one to ●he Lord of Warwick's Grandchild Mr. Rich, which was his youngest. Cromwell as well as the rest had a share in ●he Spoil, before he came to grasp all into the Paws of hls Protectorship, to which we have brought him, but we now consider him as a Rumper, and by an Ordinance of that Parliament was conferred on him, out of the Marquis of Worcester's Estate 2500. pounds a year; a good Competency, though some say the said Lands so settled upon him, at their improved Value, were worth to him five Thousand if not six Thousand pounds a year; besides four or five pound a day coming in as Lieutenant General, and Colonel of Horse in the Army.  
Ireton the Scribe, as some called him, being excellent at drawing Declarations, Petitions, and such like things, to serve his politic Ends, was a man of a deep Reach, of much Dispatch, of very dexterous and able Parts, he was Cromwell's right Hand, and was a great Contriver of his greatest Designs, and Stratagems; He was a Commonwealth's man of the truest Stamp, and it is thought, had he lived, Cromwell had not assumed that Power to himself, which he had helped him to mount to, by destroying the Government, which Advantage, Cromwell after his death laid hold on: He married Cromwell's eldest Daughter, and though poor before the Wars, lived very splendidly kept his rich Coach gilt, that cost two hundred pounds; and four gallant Horses: He licked his Fingers with the rest, and had he lived, no doubt, had got more; he died at Limrick in Ireland, of the Plague, being Deputy there, and was brought over into England, and by the Junto buried in great Pomp.  
William Lenthal, the Speaker of this House of Commons, had at one time given him by the House six thousand pounds for his good services, besides, as Speaker, he got two thousand pounds per annum, and as Master of the Rolls, three thousand pounds per annum, more; besides Sales of Offices. And than he was for some time Chamberlain of Chester, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, worth to him one thousand two hundred and thirty pounds per annum; and one of the Commissioners of the Great Seal, worth fifteen hundred pounds per annum.  
Buestrode Whitlock, Commissioner of the Great Seal, worth to him fifteen hundred pounds per annum; and had two thousand pounds given him out of Mr. Minn's Estate.  
Edmond Prideaux, once a Commissioner of the great Seal, worth to him fifteen hundred pounds a year. Than by order of the Junto afterwards, he was permitted to practise within the Bar, as the King's Council, worth to him five hundred pounds per annum; was also Postmaster General, worth to him a hundred pounds ever Wednesday night, and his Supper; the Earl of Warwick had the benefit of foreign Letters, which was worth to him five thousand pounds per annum.  
Oliver S. Johns, Solicitor to the King, afterwards made Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, and was one of their Ambassadors to Holland, he had the passing of all Pardons upon Commissions, worth to him forty thousand pounds: he was called The Dark-Lanthorn-Man, a knowing Man in the Laws, and had the wit to keep out of danger, being against the putting the King to death, but a great Privado of Oliver's, to whom he preferred his man Thurlo, who was his Secretary when he went Ambassador, and became afterwards Oliver's Secretary of State: he died at Utrecht in Holland, since the King came in, being favourably looked upon by his Majesty, and honoured for his parts.  
Roger Hill, a Barrister of the Temple, of no Practice, and little Estate, till this Parliament, had from the House the Bishop of Winchester's Manor of Taunton-Dean, worth twelve hundred pounds a year after the lives were out.  
Humphrey Sulway had given him the King's Remembrancer's Place, worth two hundred pounds per annum.  
Francis Rous was made Provost of Eton, worth six hundred pounds per annum, and had a College Lease worth six hundred pounds per annum, more.  
John Lilse, a Barrister of the Temple, was made Master of S. Crosses. a place for a Divine, worth eight hundred pounds per annum, and afterwards one of the Commissioners of the Great Seal. He was one of the King's Judges, and stabbed beyond Seas since his Majesty's Restoration.  
Sir William Allison, an Alderman of York, made Clerk of the Hamper, worth a thousand pounds per annum, and given to him Crab Castle, worth six hundred pounds per annum, more, belonging to the Archbishop of York.  
Thomas Hoyle, another Alderman of York, was made Treasurer-Remembrancer in the Exchequer, worth twelve hundred pounds per annum.  
Tho. Pury, first a Weaver in Gloucester, than a Country Solicitor, had given him three thousand pounds, and a place in the petty-Bag Office, worth four hundred pounds per annum.  
Tho. Purey the younger, Son to the former, was made Receiver of the King's Rents in Gloucester and Wilts, and Clerk of the Peace of Glocestershire, worth two hundred pounds per annum, and Captain of Foot and Horse; who at the beginning of the Parliament was a Servant to an Attorney of Staple-Inn.  
William Ellis made Steward of Stepney, worth two hundred pounds per annum.  
Miles Corbet, at the beginning of the Parliament much in debt, made one of the Registers of the Chancery worth seven hundred pounds per annum; besides Chairman for Scandalous Ministers, worth a thousand pound● per annum, one of the King's Judges, and afterwards advanced to be a Judge in Ireland: executed at Tybur● since the King came in.  
John Goodwin made a Register of Chancery, worth seven hundred pounds per annum.  
Sir Tho. Widdrington a Commissioner of the Great Seal worth fifteen hundred pounds per annum.  
Edward Bish made Garter-Herald, in the place of Sir Ed. Walker, worth six hundred pounds per annum.  
Walter Strickland, Agent in Holland for the two Houses of Parliament, worth to him five thousand pounds.  
Nicholas Love made one of the six Clerks of the Chancery, worth two thousand pounds per annum.  
Sir Gilbert Gerard was Paymaster to the Army, had three pence per pound allowance, worth sixty thousand pounds, and Chancellor of the Duchy, worth five hundred pounds per annum.  
John Selden had given him five thousand pounds, John Bond, Son of Dennis Bond, made Master of Trinity-Hall in Cambridge. Sir Benjamin Rudiard given him five thousand pounds. Lucas Hodges made Customer of Bristol. Sir John Hipsly given him two thousand pounds in money, and made Keeper of three of the King's Parks, Marrowbone, Hampton and Bushy Parks. Sir Tho. Walsingham had the Honour of Elsham. To Benjamin Valentine given five Thousand pounds. To Sir Henry Heyman, 5000 l. Denzil Hollis, 5000 l. Nat. Bacon 3000 l. John Stevens out of the Lord Astley's Composition; 1000 l. Henry Smith made one of the six Clerks worth 2000 l. per annum. Robert Reynolds given him 2000 l. besides Abbington Hall and Lands worth 400 l. per annum. Sir John Clotworthy was made Treasurer for Ireland. John Ash given him out of Mr. Coventry's Composition 4000 l. out of Sir Edward Moseley 〈◊〉 1000 l. out of Mr. Phillips' 1200 l. out of Sir John Stowells 8000 l. and Chairman at Goldssmiths-Hall. John Lenthal Son to the Speaker made one of the six Clarks worth 2000 l. per annum. Francis Allin once a Goldsmith made Customer for London. Giles Green Chairman for the Navy. Francis Peirpoint had the Lands of the Archbishop of York, lying in Nottinghamshire. William Peirpoint had 7000 l. given him and the Earl of Kingston's personal Estate worth 40000 l. John Palmer made Master of All-Souls in Oxford in Dr. Sheldon's place, a Divine. John Blackstone a Shopkeeper in Newcastle, returned a Burgess and had 3000 l. given him out of one Gentleman's estate, and out of others as much as made up 12000 l. a Colemeters place worth 200 l. per annum: and the Bishop of Durham's Castle at Durham, and Lands to great value. Tho. Ceyley long a Prisoner for Debt made Recorder of Bridgwater. To Mr. Scawen given 2000 l. Isaac Penington once Lord Mayor of London had 7000 l. given him, and purchased good store of Bishop's Lands. Samuel Vassell, 1000 l. given him. Sir William. Brereton had the Arch-Bishops Lands and House at Croyden. Ed. Harvey a Silkman made a Colonel and had the Bishop of London's House and Manor of Fulham. Rich. Sulway a Grocer made a Colonel. Joh. Venus a Colonel Governor of Windsor had 4000 l. given him. Philip Skippon Sergeant Mayor General of the Army, Mayor General of London, and Governor of Bristol, had 1000 l. per annum Lands of Inheritance given him. Tho. Westrow had the Bishop of Worcester's Manor at Hartlerow. Sir Arthur Haslerig had the Bishop of Durham's House, Park and Manor of Aukeland, and 6500 l. in money given him. Lord Grace of Grooby had the Queen's manor House, Park and Lands at Holdenby. Sir William. Constable restored to Lands, sold to Sir Murmaduke Langly worth 25000 l. Sir William. Purefoy had given him 1500 l. Wal. Long 5000 l. given him. Michael Oldsworth keeper of Windsor Park, and had a share out of Sir William. Compton's Office, worth 3000 l. a year, divided betwixt him and his lord Tho. Scot a Brewer's Clerk had Lambeth House. Mr. Ashurst 1000 l. given him; besides every Member of the House, which was when full 516 Persons, by their own order allowed themselves 4 l. per. week a man, which amounts to 110000 l. per annum. They gave to Colonel H●mond Governor of the Isle of Wight for his Table 20 l. a week, a 1000 l. in money and 500 l. a year Land. Colonel Mitton 5000 l. in money, Cornelius Holland a poor Boy and waited on Sir Hen. Vain, when Comptrouler of the Prince's House. Made Commissioner for the Revenue of the King Queen and Prince, Farmer of the Kings feeding Grounds in Buckinghamshire worth 2000 l. per annum at 200 l. per annum Rent. Possessor of : Keeper of Richmond House, Commissioner for the Garrisons of White-Hall and the Mews, an Office in the Mint which enabled him to give 5000 l. with his Daughter; this was one of the King's Judges. Sir Hen. Vain Senior, had the Bishop of Durham's manor and Park at Evenwood, and had given him 5000 l. and was Chairman of the King's Queens and Prince's Revenue. Sir Hen. Vain Junior a subtle Cunning pated Man; a fifth Monarchy-man, he was made Treasurer of the Navy, worth 6000 l. a year. Sir Tho. Trenchard given him 1200 l. He marries his Daughter to a Malignant, gives security for the Payment of the portion being 1200 l. gets his Son in Law sequestered, discovers the Debt, and hath it given him for his Fidelity to the State: A new way to pay Portions. William. Bingham Governor of Pool had 1000 l. given him. To Colonel Joh. Sydenham 1000 l. Joh. Glyn Recorder of London, was Clerk of the Bells worth 1000 l. per annum: and afterwards Lord Chief Justice. Joh. Bell an Apothecary being entrusted with money was sued and said he could not answer without breach of Parliament. Sir Walter Earl Colonel of Horse, and Lieutenant of the Ordnance worth in times of Peace 1000 l. per annum, in War 5000 l. per annum. Alderman Atkins Treasurer at War. Gregory Clemens a Merchant and one of the King's Judges. John Rowles had given ●im one thousand five hundred pound out of Sir John Wor●nham's Estate. Edward Ash a Woollen-Draper Treasurer ●or the providing of  for the Irish Soldiers. Sir ●●hn Danvers by a Parliamentary proceeding overthrew his ●rothers Will, and got the Estate worth 30000 l. Hen. Herbert, ●iven him 3000 l. and the Plunder of Ragland Castle. To Fen●ick 500 l. Gilbert Millington 1000 l. and Chairman to the Committee of plundered Ministers. To the two Darbys 5000 l. ●obert C●cil Son to the Earl of Salisbury Colonel of Horse, Ser●ant Wild a Judge, a 1000 l. given him after the Hanging of Captain Burley, out of the Privy Purse, and it is said he had ●000 l. more after the aquital of Mr. Rolf who was accused for ●n intention of murdering the late King.  
Of the City several Aldermen, Common-Councel, and others, who had great Benefits by this Parliament some of whom were of it. John Warner Lord Major was one of the Treasurers of War; and Treasurer of the receipt of all moneys due upon the Ordinance of 3d. August 1643. Treasurer of the loan money: Purchased the Archbishop of York's best House, Castle and Mannot of Caywoood. Sir John Wool●ston Alderman, Treasurer of War, Treasurer for Plate, Treasurer for loan Money, Say-Master of ●he Mint, Trustee of the sail of Bishop's Lands: Purchased the Bishop of London's Land at Highgate. Alderman Gibbs got seven or eight thousand pounds, by melting the Plate and Bodkins at Guild-Hall, one of the Treasurers for 20000 l. to pay the Scots, a Trustee for Bishop's Lands and Treasurer for Rents and Monies raised by them.  
Alderman Fowks a Commissioner for the Customs refused to accounted upon Oath because of a tender Conscience, Treasurer for the payment of Wagoners, a Trustee for Bishop's Lands and Controller of their Accounts, had first 200 pound per annum, and after by their Additional Ordinance 300 per annum more standing Fee.  
Alderman Pennington was Lieutenant of the Tower, being entrusted with 6000 pound, discovers it to the Parliament, begs ●it and had it granted. Alderman Pack Commissioner for the Customs Treasurer at War and bought the Bishop of Lincoln's House and Manor at Bugden.  
Alderman Andrews Treasurer at War, and Commissioner for the Customs. Alderman Avery Commissioner for the Customs; Treasurer for Sequestrations, and Trustee for the sale of Bishop's Lands. Alderman Culham Commissioner of the Excise worth 1200 pound per annum. Alderman Foot the same. Alderman Edmond the same. Owen Roe Lieutenant Colonel and keeper of the Magazeen for stores. Alderman Dethwick Treasurer at War With many more too long to be named.  
They allowed for their. Military Officers, a Colonel of Foot 30 s. day; a Lieutenant Colonel 15 s. a Major 9 s. a Captain 15 s. A Colonel of Horse 30 s. a day for himself, and for six Horses 21 s. a day, a Lieutenant Colonel 15 s. a day for himself, and for six Horses 21 s. a Captain of Horse 24 s. a day, and for six Horses 21 s. a day. A Colonel Lieutenant Colonel and Major received their Captains pay besides. So that it was no wonder so many of the Parliament men got Commands in the Army. It was thought that there was near twenty Millions shared in Lands, Revenues, Incomes, and money amongst them. To Bradshaw their Precedent of their High Court of Justice, the King's House and Parks at Eltham was given, and to Bulerode Withlock, Greenwich. Barksted Lieutenant of the Tower, a poor Goldsmith bought at two or three years' purchase as much Bishop's Lands as cost 10000 l. Mr. Boon who they say had been a Tapster a Member of the House, had given him 6000 l. To Harry Martin 3000 l. To Blackstone's Wife and Children 3000 l. out of the Earl of Newcastle and Lord Witherington's Estates: and 500 l. to his brother. Upon the General, out of the Lands of the Duke of Buckingham's Estate and his Brothers, the Lord Francis Villers 4000 l. per annum. Clarendon Park bestowed on the Earl of Pembroke. 4868 l. to the Lord Lisle. Cook for Acting the part of Attorney General against the late King had bestowed on him St. Crosses Hospital. The new Park in Surry bestowed on the City: that they might not want Venison Colonel Martin's account brought into the House 3 d. July 1649. his Arrears amounting to 25000 l. ordered him, and 1000 l. per annum Land to be settled upon him and his Heirs. To Colonel Feilder 1300 l. To Scobel their Clerk once a poor Clerk in Chancery, and wrote for 2 d. a sheet, a Pension of 500 l. a year, and an Employment in the sale of public Lands worth 1000 l. a year: and 6 s. 8 d Fee for every Order taken forth. Moore given to Bradshaw, Somerhill belonging to the Earl of St. Alben's. To the Lord Brohill 2000 l. I am afraid I have tired my Reader, in going about to enumerate the many Gifts they ordered one to another, but the I might name much more, this may suffice to show what this Parliament did with the Kingdoms moneys, to gratify one another, and to share the prey among themselves, of the Kingdom, who groaned under Taxes, and of the Kings, Queens, Princes, and Bishops Lands, of Malignants Estates, Composition, Excise, etc. The like never was read in History, and therefore you may not wonder, that these men should be so unwilling to leave their Seats, and disband, but to sit to advantage themselves if they co●●● By what you have read, lit plainly appears also, what sort of men they were, most of them, or very many of them, of the scum of the people, upstarts, of mechanical breeding, sordid, covetous Wretches, Hypocrites, pretending Religion, and making Godliness their gain. I have done with them, and shall name but one or two more.  
Dr. Dorislaus, who was Killed in Holland, had been formerly a poor Schoolmaster in Holland, whence he came to Oxford, and read the History-Lecture there, in which he than decried Monarchy, was complained of, and forgiven by the King's Benignity. He than became Judge-Advocate in the King's Army, against the Scots, and had the like Employ afterwards against the King under Essex, and than under Fairfax, gaining well in his employment, and by that of drawing up the bloody Charge against the King, for which some Cavaliers (some say Irish, others Scotchmen, in revenge of Hamilton's Death) killed him. His Wife and Children had allowances by the Parliament: but I cannot here forbear to mention Haselrig's bloody proposition upon his Death; who moved, That six Gentlemen of the best quality, Royalists, might be put to Death in Revenge of Dorislaus, to deter men from the like attempt hereafter. This was a Rumper's Justice, and may serve for his Character, a blind Zealot, furious, , rash, unjust, and an hypocrite; a great Commonwealths-man, and an Enemy to Oliver.  
Harison was a Fifth- Monarchy-man, a great Speaker, after his Canting way, acted with Cromwell, till he saw he set up himself instead of King Jesus, and his Saints, such as himself; than a stiff Opposer of Monarchy, and would again have brought in Anarchy and Confusion; a man of no extraordinary Parts, but resolute and turbulent, ever heading a faction, and died impenitent, adhering to his wicked Principles.  
Lambert was a good Soldier, had a great designing head, Ambitious, but outwitted by Cromwell, of great Power in the Army, and beloved by the factious Sectaries; some have thought he was than a Papist, (for he proved one since) and carried on the Jesuits designs.  
Fleetwood was a person of a pretended great Devotion, but of a secret and violent Ambition, and it was thought glad of Richard's fall, hoping to succeed, but fooled by Lambert, as well as formerly by Cromwell; and though General, had not the resolution of a man in his place, and therefore called the meek Knight. Jones was a flattering Sycophant. Desborow a sordid Clown. Pride an upstart Dray-man. Hewson a Valiant Cobbler. Whaly a Merchant. Sir Henry Mildmay an unworthy Turncoat and Rebel. The rest much of the same stamp. They had their Clergy too of the same Cloth, as the Post-Priest Vavasor Powel, the Fool Cradock. The Incendiary John Goodwin. Love, Jenkins, of both sorts Presbyterians and Independents, who served their turns, to trumpet forth Sedition to the People, and to extol their Acts, for which they shared in the prey: But above all the rest, was the notorious and blasphemous wretch, Pander and Buffoon, Hugh Peter; and because he was Chaplain in Ordinary to two great Potentates, Lucifer and Oliver Cromwell, I care not if I give you a little larger account of the man.  
His Father was a Minister of the Church of England, living near Foy in Cornwales, where his Son Hugh was born, and bred up by him at School, instructed well in the Principles of the Protestant Religion, sent thence to Cambridge, and admitted into Jesus College, but was soon Expelled the University for his lascivious life: He gets to London, and there turns Player in Shakespear's Company, usually acting the Jester or Fool; but weary of that, by means of a Gentleman he became acquainted with, he got a Free-School, with the Stipend of 24 l. a year, at the Gentleman's dispose in Essex. After some time this Pedant, growing familiarly acquainted with a Gentlewoman near, who liked his Drolling discourse, and used to entertain him, being one that had an Estate, he so ordered his business, that he one night surprised her in Bed, and getting in to her, had a Comrade that came and surprised them, before the struggling Gentlewoman could get forth of his Arms, who saluting them Man and Wife, caused the trepanned Woman, to avoid the ●hame, to consent to marry him. After this he takes Holy Orders, and was by Doctor Mountain, Bishop of London, Ordained Priest and Deacon, giving the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy to him, which he took. And now beginning to Preach, he grows popular; and was much applauded among the females, whom he ever sought to please, so that he got to be Lecturer of St. Sepulchers in London, and continued there near Twenty years. Here he turns Independent, and his Wife being dead, he lead so beastly and scandalous life, that being detected, and prosecuted at Law for many Misdemeanours, he flies over to Amsterdam, where continuing the like pranks, he goes at last to New-England, where he Marries another Wife; but that not keeping him , he began to grow odious amongst the Brethrens; and the Wars than breaking forth in England, he returns, and is entertained as a riding Parson in the Army, and at last becomes the Parliaments great Zany, Preaching for the Cause, and juggling the Women out of their Thimbles and Bodkins, by which means he became Oliver's great Privado, and with Ireton was admitted of the Cabal in contriving his late majesty's Death; for which, and his other good Services, being a Col. under Oliver in his Irish Expedition, he had given him 300 l. per annum out of the Lord Worcester's Lands, in the Woulds in Worcester-shire, and, as they say, the King's Library at St. James'; and was Chaplain in Pay to six Regiments. But at last had a more deserved Reward, an Halter, being taken in Southwark, was at last Executed for his Treasons, and died like a Sot. I shall conclude with him, and now proceed to the second part of my draught of Arbitrary Government, under the Power and Tyranny of that notorious Usurper Oliver.  
I shall now proceed to the second Act of this Tragical Usurpation, and expose to your view the Tyrannic Usurpation of Oliver Cromwell; who now as General of the Armies of England, Scotland and Ireland, had the full and sole Authority, Power and Government, of the Three Nations in his hands. Yet this would not serve his turn, he must have some splendid Title, and Royal Ensigns, to show he reigned not by the Power of the Sword, which would tender him odious to the People, though in effect it was the same thing: But there is much in State and Ceremony, especially where lawful right is not, to give a lustre; and the name of King, with the Ornament of a Crown, is the thing ambitioned, or some thing like it is to be had, if the other could not be obtained. But this is not yet to be reached, he must proceed methodically, and like the Tyrant Richard the Third, entreated much to accept of what he greatly desired. The first thing Oliver does, after he had thrust the Rump-Parliament out of doors, was to put forth a Declaration of the Reasons for Dissolving the Long Parliament, who had designed to perpetuate themselves, desiring all good people to seek God for him, that he might not do any thing to dishonour his Name, and that they should peaceably follow their Vocations, as when the Parliament was sitting, and that all Judges, Sheriffs, Justices of the Peace, Mayor, Bailiffs, and other Civil Officers and Public Ministers whatsoever, should proceed in their Offices and Places, and that the Writs should run in the same stile as before, of the Keepers of the Liberty of England. And than out of his Chief Officers of the Army, and his Confidents, he Creates a Council of State, who were to manage all affairs, till a Parliament could be called. Thus the Laws and Liberties of the People, and the whole Civil State and Government of England, depended upon the Sword, and the Arbitrary Will and Pleasure of a General, and some few of 〈◊〉 Military Officers. These men, to ingratiate themselves with the people, lessen the Monthly Tax from 120000 l. to 90000 l. a Month; and to keep fair with the Presbyterian, who yet kept up their form of Church-worship, and the most of one public persuasion, they prohibited all disturbances in the Church, which was than frequent, and the fanatics Licentiousness in the Army, which swarmed with Anabaptists, Ranters, Quakers, Seekers, and other strange new Lights, and who were set a madding after the possession of the remaining Revenue of Church-Lands, Tithes, Glebe, Impropriations, often addressing to that purpose, as no remainss of Dagon might be left. Oliver at this time also was Courted by the French Ambassador Burdoe, in the behalf of his Master, jest he should favour his Rebels, and which he gave him assurance he would not do, and though solicited on the other side, he would not favour Enemies to Monarchy, already looking upon himself to be a Monarch.  
The Dutch thought now to take the advantage of these Divisions in England, and very early got their Fleet to Sea, but no great Commotion following thereupon at home, they had leisure to look after their Sea-affairs, and getting forth the Fleet under Blake, Monk and Dean, on the second of June 1653, they meet the Dutch on the Coasts of Flanders, Commanded by Van Tromp in chief, and under him the two Eversons, de Wit, and Ruytier, all stout, expert and able Seamen. Pen was Vice-Admiral of our Fleet, and Lawson Rear-Admiral. The Dutch had One hundred and four Men of War, Twelve Galliots, and Nine Fireships: the English had One hundred Ships of all sorts: Monk and Dean were in one Ship; the Fight begun about Eleven of the Clock at Noon, and the first Broadside from the Enemy, carried away General Dean, being shot in two by a Cannon Bullet, close by Monk's side, who flinging a Cloak over his body, bid the Soldiers to mind their business, and unconcerned applied himself to the Battle, continued with much fury on both sides, as long as they had light. The next morning Monk finding himself near the Dutch, they again furiously engaged each other; and Monk pressed so hard upon them, that he sunk six of their best Ships, and two others were blown up, and eleven Ships taken, and One thousand three hundred and fifty Prisoners; and had not the Dutch got upon the Flats near Calais and Dunkirk, where our great Ships could not come at them, most of their Fleet had been ruined or taken. The English had not one Ship lost or disabled; and excepting General Dean, but one Captain lost, and about One hundred and fifty Men, and few hurt. General Blake came not in till towards the end of the Fight, with Eighteen fresh Ships. This was the sixth Engagement with the Dutch in this War.  
The English Fleet ride before the Texel and the Vly, and now let the Dutch see they were Conquerors; which so humbled them, that they sent away a Vessel with a white Flag for England, with a Messenger to prepare way for two Ambassadors to Treat of Peace; however that they might make it on easier terms, they prepare with all speed they can to recruit their Fleet, and on the Twenty-ninth of July following, in the morning, the English descry them again with One hundred and twenty five Sail of Ships, divided into four Squadrons, under Tromp, Everson, Ruyter and Wit Wittens. The English Fleet consisted of One hundred and six Ships, under the Command of Monk in chief, for Blake was sick, Pen Vice-Admiral, and Lawson Rear-Admiral: the Battle began by six in the morning, and continued till night parted them, and the next morning again both fell to it, with that bloody fury, that they made the most cruel Fight that ever was: Orders being given neither to give nor take quarter. Everson's Ship was sunk, and he taken, and the famous Van Tromp shot, with a Musket-bullet and slain on the poop of his Ship, whereby his men were so daunted, that hoisting out all the Sail they could, they made away to the Texel. The English bought this Victory dear, having lost Four hundred Men and Eight Captains, and Seven hundred wounded, with Five Commanders, yet lost but one Ship. On the Dutch side was lost, besides their Admiral Tromp, Thirty-three Ships or more, out of which the English saved swimming in the Sea, Twelve hundred Men and Five Captains, Monk returning victorious with their Prisoners to Solebay; where he stayed not long,  he returned to ply upon the Dutch Coasts, and to disturb their Trade, and to let them see the English were their Conquerors. This was the seventh and last Engagement in this War. For now the Dutch having enough of it, made a Peace with Cromwell, which he might have had almost upon any terms, had he not been so greedy of setting himself up in the Throne, beginning also to grow jealous of the great Actions of General Monk, whom he had a desire to sand further from him.  
But before this last Fight, the Parliament called by Cromwell, under his Hand and Seal, directed to each man, such as he picked out, godly men as he called them, fit for his turn, about One hundred and forty-two of them in all, assembled at White-Hall on the Fourth of July, where they chose one Mr. Rous, a Cornish man, Speaker, one that had been by the late Parliament made Provost of Eton. Cromwell in a set Speech declares to them the occasion of their Meeting, with his old way of Canting full of Scripture. To these men a company of obscure fellows, most of them great fanatics, the Council of State surrender up their Power, that they might afterwards give it to Cromwell. These Adjourn themselves to Westminster, where they sit and call themselves the supreme Authority of the Nation, and begin to form Committees for the dispatch of Business. But this Parliament called Barebones Parliament from a Leatherseller a Member thereof, and consisting as I have said of such obscure Persons, that most of them were hardly known in the Counties where they were born, began to make such ridiculous Acts, and so displeasing to the people, that some thought Cromwell had called together this little Parliament to bring Parliaments into contempt, the better to devolve the Ruling Power on himself as a Monarch. One of their Acts was, that none should be married without a Justice of Peace, and the Banes asked in the Marketplace three several Market-days. Thus the Priesthood was invaded, and placed in the Civil Magistrate. Than they took of the Penal Law of the Engagement, to acknowledge the late Rump, whereby it was ordered, that no man should be admitted to sue in Law, in any Court, that had not taken it. They voted against Tithes and the Universities as Antichristian. They also were going in hand with cancelling the Law, and all Law Books, and so make a new Code more befitting their own turns, and for the establishing of the Saints, as they called themselves. They were also upon making an Act, that one parliament should upon their dissolving, have power to call another, and so to make Parliaments perpetual. This was not to be endured by the Oliverian Party, who expected now to solace themselves under the shadow of his greatness. And on the twelfth of December this Party in the House with the Speaker, made a Motion for their dissolution, declaring that their sitting any longer would not be for the good of the Nation. Many of the Committee Blades hardly warm in their seats were startled at it, these began to stand up, stiffly pleading for the Cause of God, as they called it, and showing they could not leave the Commonwealth and the People of God committed to their charge so soon, which would leave them to utter ruin: and Harison and Squib a great Sequestrator, were very zealous in defence of their own Authority. But Oliver's Party, being the greater, arose, and with their Speaker Rous left the House, and the Fifth-monarchy Saints sitting in it, who having sought God, resolved to continued sitting. Rous in the mean time with the Mace before him, and his Followers, go to Whitehall, and there resign to Oliver the Instrument of Power he had given them, that made them a Parliament, with notice how they had left their fellows sitting. Oliver returns them his thanks, and kindly receives their Present, and presently dispatches a Confident of his, Colonel White, with a Guard of Red-coates, to turn the fag end or Rump of this little Parliament out of the House; who entering the House commanded them in the name of the General to departed, declaring them to be dissolved; but they told him they were upon earnest business, and therefore desired that he would not disturb them; for they were seeking God: to which he replied pish, is that all? 'tis to no purpose, for God has not been within these walls this twelve years, and so fairly compelled them to go out of the House, and to seek God somewhere else.  
About four days after, the Officers of the Army, had prepared an Instrument of Government, on which foundation they erected their new Dominion in a single Person, entreating their General to accept of the Government, under the Title of Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland; and thus a Rotation is made from a Republic, to a single Person; and Arbitrary Tyranny, not the Monarchy is restored, and instead of the many Tyrants, one as boundless is constituted by a Military Power. Good man, with his usual dissimulation and Hypocrisy he refused it, with much seeming modesty, what he so long had sought and ambitioned, but being pressed, and by being made sensible of the great necessity of it, for the upholding the Nation, he at last accepts it, and is installed with great pomp in Westminster Hall, attended by the Lords Commissioners of the great Seal, all the Judges in their Robes, the Sergeants and learned Counsellors at Law, the Lord Mayor, aldermans, and Recorder of London, in their Scarlets, and all the chief Officers of the Army: Being seated in a great Chair of State, and the Instrument read unto him, this Oath was administered. I promise' in the presence of God, not to violate or infringe the Matters and things contained in the Instrument, but to observe and 'cause the same to be observed; and in all things, to the best of my understanding, govern the Nation according to the Laws, Statutes, and Customs thereof; and to seek their peace, and to cause Justice and Law to be equally administered. But how well he kept this Oath you may perceive by the sequel of his Reign. Having taken this Oath, putting on his Hat, the Commissioners surrender into his Hand the great Seal, and the Lord Mayor the City Sword, and Cap of maintenance, which he respectively returned to them again, and than returned in the same pomp to Whitehall. The chief Heads of this Instrument (as they called it) of Government were. First, That a Parliament should be called every three years. Second, That the first should assemble the third of September, 1654. Third, That no Parliament should be dissolved till they had sat five months' Fourth, That such Bills as should be offered to the Protector by the Parliament, if he assented not in twenty days should be Laws without him. Fifth, That his Council should not exceed the number of twenty one, nor be lesle than thirteen. Sixth, That immediately after the death of the present and succeeding Protectors, the Council shall choose another Protector, before they rise. Seventh, That no Protector after the present should be General of the Army. Eighth, That the Protector should have power to make War or Peace. This they denied to the King. Ninth, That in the Intervals of Parliaments, the Protector and his Council may make some Laws, that should be binding to the Subject. Here is a prerogative granted beyond any of the Kings of England. Tenth, That in the Parliament should be four hundred English, thirty Scotch, and thirty Irish. The summons for the Parliament to pass under the Great Seal to the Sheriffs of the Counties; and Elections to be made more equally than formerly. If the Protector deny to issue out Writs at the time appointed, than the Commissioners of the Great Seal to do it without him, under the pain of High Treason. No Royalist, Irish Rebel, or Papist to be elected, and if they were, they were to forfeit two years' Revenue, and three parts of their Goods. None to be elected but such as feared God: and none were capable to elect that were not worth two hundred pound. A Revenue to be raised for the constant maintenance of ten thousand Horse and fifteen thousand Foot, and the Navy not to be lessened. All forfeited Lands unsold to belong to the Protector. All Places of Trust to be in his disposal. All Laws in favour of Episcopacy and Popery to be abrogated, and besides them, a toleration to be granted. And presently upon this he puts forth a Proclamation, declaring the dissolution of the Parliament, and his being made Lord Protector of the three Nations, commanding and strictly charging all Persons of what quality or condition soever, and to take notice thereof, and to conform and submit themselves to the Government so established: And that all Sheriffs, Mayors, Bailiffs, etc. are required to publish this Proclamation, to the end none may have cause to pretend ignorance in this behalf. Now he gins to show his Authority. The Presbyterians were rather tolerated than countenanced; yet some few of them that would comply and fawn on his Greatness, he showed some favour to, though he boasted he had brought under the Pride and Arrogancy of that Sect: The Independents and Anabaptists were more in his favour, being than of most command in the Army, and most ready to support his Usurpation: yet the Fifth-monarchy Men, who had helped to raise him, he could not endure, and therefore he imprisoned Feak and Rogers in Windsor Castle, where he kept them for a long while: Than he set Feak's Party, and Kiffins the Anabaptist, one in his favour, together by the ears, and raised equal divisions between the Presbyterians and the Independents, as a balance, the better to secure himself. These Triumphs of Oliver so disgusted Harison that he turned Preacher, or Railer, openly against him and his Government: All the old Commonwealths Men were discountenanced, as Vain, Hazelrig, Bradshaw, Scot and others, so that he was at this time to strengthen himself with the Sectaries whom he courted. His first Council were Colonel Montague, Lambert, Viscount Lisle, Desborow made one of the Generals at Sea, Sir Gilbert Pickering, Sir Anthony Ashly Cooper, Sir Ch. Woolsley, Mayor General Skippon, Strickland, Sydenham, Philip Jones, Rous the late Speaker, Colonel Laurence, and Rich. Major.  
The first thing this Protector did, was that he clapped up a sudden and dishonourable Peace with the Dutch, who were brought so low, that it was thought, they could never have been able to have set out another Fleet, though they had made Opdam Admiral in the place of Van Trump: and therefore they sand over Newport, Youngstal, Bevering, and Ʋander Perre, Ambassadors to his Highness, with whom he made peace, they owning the Right that the English had of the Sovereignty of these Seas, and acknowledging it by striking their Flag, the restitution of the English Ships taken by the Danes, and some compensation for the charges of the War. Thus he prospers, Spain, Portugal and France courting him by their Ambassadors. His Son Henry he sends into Ireland with Fleetwood Lieutenant, and some time after made him Lieutenant of that Kingdom, where he lived in great splendour. Lieutenant General Monk he sends into Scotland, to preserve that Nation in obedience. Whitlock he sends Ambassador to Sweden, who concluded a League with that Queen. Than Maynard, Twisden, Nudigate and Windham, were made Sergeants. A private Article also in the Dutch Peace was, that the Prince of Orange should never be restored to his Dignities, Offices and Charge, his Ancestors had enjoyed.  
On the eighth of February being Ash-wednesday, of all days of the year, the Protector is feasted in great state by the Lord Mayor, at Grocer's Hall, the Streets being railed from Temple Bar thither, the Liveries, and Gownmen, and several Companies, standing waiting on him. Alderman Viner being Lord Mayor, who bore the Sword bareheaded before him. At his return about Saint Clement's Church, a Brickbat was fling at him, which light upon his Coach, but did no hurt, except affrighting him. Search was made after him who did it, but he could not be found.  
And now, as usually Tyrants do, he began to entertain fears and jealousies of all persons, especially the Royal Party, and therefore to affright them, and secure himself, he will cement his Throne with their blood: And by cunning trepanning Agents, he had form a Plot against his Life, and several persons were laid hold on, and accused for a design of murdering him. This was one of the Machivilean Policies of him, and his Secretary Thurlo, by whose means he drew in several Gentlemen, as if they were to have assassinated him, though no such thing was really intended, they disavowing it at their deaths. One of which was Colonel John Gerard, brother to Sir Gilbert Gerard who was also imprisoned in the Tower about it, and his Brother Mr. Charles Gerard a very young man, one Mr. Vowel a Schoolmaster, and one Fox. These men being taken and examined about it, much ado was made, and some were suborned to swear against them, but Cromwell contrary to the Oath in his Instrument, durst not try them by a legal way, but set up the Arbitrary Court of Justice, which the Junto had been condemned for; of this Court Lisle was made precedent, a man fit for the work, for die some of them must, out of a politic Terror. Mr. Charles Gerard upon promise of life confesses the fact, out of fear, and accuses his Brother, and Fox doth the like, who are both pardoned, but Colon. John Gerard and Mr. Vowel were condemned; and a blind man brought in evidence against Mr. Vowel, being only words casually in discourse, concerning the coming in of the King, which they had so aggravated and perverted, that at the trial, upon their recital, the blind man utterly denied them to be his, which gave a great trouble to the Court, till at last (though the innocency of the Prisoner appeared, and the juggle amongst them) Lisle told them, that the blind man had been tampered with, and that though he now denied his evidence, ye● his former examinations should stand, and so according to this most excellent Arbitrary Law, against the mind of the Witness, the Court proceeded to sentence, and Vowel was condemned and hanged at Chairing-Cross, much pitied and lamented; and a Ladder not being able to be procured, they were forced to mount him on a Joynt-stool, and hung him after that fashion, where he died with much innocency and resolution on the 10th of July 1654. And on the same day Col. Gerard was beheaded on Tower-hill, presently after Emanuel Say the Portugal Ambassadors brother, put to death for killing one in a fray in the New-Exchange, this Col. Gerard being the chief man that opposed the said Ambassadors brother at that time, with the hazard of his life, yet both came to suffer in one day, upon one Scaffold, for different Crimes; For this Colonel suffered only for the Crime of Loyalty, and was sacrificed to Oliver's Fear and Policy. He died with great bravery, courage and undauntedness.  
This was Cromwell's first bloody remark, and like an Usurper; who must maintain his illegal greatness, by illegal Arts. But dominion founded in innocent blood, cannot long stand, before the Avenger for blood visits it in his wrathful Justice. About this time he takes care, there shall be a faithful ministry, to his interest he means, therefore he sets up a Company of Tryers, the chief of which were Nye, Goodwin, Hugh Peter, Manton, and others named as Commissioners. These make a Reformation among the Ministry, for human Learning was rather a Crime than an help to any, for the question was, had they Grace in their hearts? Many good Live were disburdened of their Pastors, and others of more Grace, and lesle Knowledge put in. I heard of one who had been Hebrew and Chaldee Reader, in Oxford, and knowing in all the Eastern Tongues, put out of a good living for insufficiency: He had it seems not Grace equal to his Learning, or his Living had more Grace than he. But such as agreed with Nol's Principles, and were ready to maintain his Government, to be jure divino, were put into the best Live throughout England, and the favourers of the Church of England, though they had conformed, every where thrust forth.  
In Ireland all was subdued, and he sent Cook over as a Judge, who with a kind of Itinerant Court of Justice, hung up many of the Irish Rebels at Dublin, Waterford, Kilkenny and in Ulster, and those that escaped of the Irish were confined to the Province of Conaught, and the rest banished. But in Scotland at the mediation of Argile, whom he had tied to his Interest, and by whose power he held a great part of the Highlands in subjection, the Presbyterians were allowed their Religion, and had their own Kirk Government, and the power of Excommunication, but the rigour of it was taken of, for such as were excommunicated, were not only forbidden the Communion, but they had all their Estates confiscated to the Church, which was not allowed them, nor the meeting of their general Assembly.  
Cromwell was jealous of Lambert, and of the Love he had among the Sectaries of the Army; so that as yet he was forced to caress him, and to delude him with vain hopes of succeeding him in the Protectorate, and therefore made him Commander in chief, of the Army, next himself, with the allowance of 10 l. a day. Abroad he confederates with most of the Potentates, and upon his making a Peace with France, the King is obliged to leave that Court, where he had been near two years, and had done many good offices for that King, with his neighbour Princes; but Interest sways more than Gratitude. He retires into Germany, where all his designs, and private Councils in his Cabinet, were betrayed to Cromwell by one Manning, who was Clerk to his Secretary, bribed by the Usurper, who had a knack that way, of expending vast sums for intelligence, and by this means, many of the Royalists designs in England came to be discovered, and many brought into trouble about it, but at last the Traitor was detected, and shot to death for his perfidiousness. About this time he sends over 6 Counsellors for Ireland, Steel who was made Lord Chancellor there, and Pepys Lord Chief Justice there, Miles Corbet, Robert Hamond, Matthew Tomlinson and Robert Goodwin. About June this year, Cromwell seeing he was able to rule 3 Kingdoms, believed he was as well able to govern 6 Horses, sent him by the Count of Oldenburg, and in a frolic being in Hide Park, leaving his Engine Thurlo alone in the Coach, he gets into the Box, and would needs play the Coachman, but the Horses feeling the lash, and not so well yoked as his English Slaves, ran away with Coach, Coachman, and Thurlo, and at last dismounted him from his Box (an ill omen of his fall) and had like to have broke his Neck.  
And now according to the Instrument, on the 3d of September, the Parliament was to meet, and great care was taken by Oliver, that none of the Cavaliers should be chosen: Writs were issued out in his name, and Elections made as heretofore, only the Burrows sent but one Burgess, and there were 6 or 7 Knights for some Shires, all of them under sure qualifications: Scotland and Ireland also, according to the Instrument, sent their number, most being English Commanders. The day came, they meet, and in Westminster Abbey Martial gave them a Sermon: The next day, the Protector went to them in great state in his Coach, attended by Cleypool, Master of his Horse, Strickland, Captain of his Guards, bareheaded on both sides, and at his entrance, Lambert carried the Sword, and Whitlock the Purse, and in the painted Chamber he made to them a Speech after his old method, with God in his mouth. He told them this was an healing day, for before there was neither Nobleman, Gentleman, nor Yeoman known by any distinction, nor was there any bore rule or authority, but the Magistracy, and Christ's Ordinances were had in contempt; that the fifth Monarchy was highly cried up, by such persons as had a mind to assume the government to themselves. Than in an extolling way, he shown what great things he had done during his Government, and than he told them they were upon the edge of Canaan, and that he spoke not as their Lord, but Fellow-servant; And so dismissed them to choose their Speaker, which they did, without presenting to him his name. Their Speaker was Lenthal, the Speaker to the old Long Parliament. This Parliament began to be very brisk upon the Government, and fell upon the Instrument, on which they made so bad music, questioning Oliver's power, that he could not endure it, and immediately sent them a Recognition, for every Member to take, before they sat, whereby they were not to meddle with the Government, as it was settled in a single person, and the Parliament, nor with the militia, nor with perpetuating Parliaments, nor taking away Liberty of Conscience. He told them also, that a Free Parliament was but a term of Reciprocation, for that power which made him Protector, made them a Parliament, and therefore he was sorry, they went about to destroy the Settlement, and was forced to sand them a Recognition, for every Member to sign and seal, to prevent it. This startled most of them, especially the Commonwealths men, who all flew of, and of 400 scarce 200 appeared, though at last several came dropping in, and made up 300, but they fell again upon the same disputes, notwithstanding the Recognition. A little before their sitting down, Oliver publishes several Ordinances of his own, which bearing date before, past as Authentic Laws and Ordinances by the Instrument; one was for the payment of moneys into the Treasury, raised for the propagation of the Gospel in Wales. Another for the turning forth of Scandalous Ministers, that is, such as had used the Common Prayer, and had good Live: Another for making Soldiers free of Corporations; Another for surveying the King's Lands, and for doubling upon Deans and Chapters. This was to let the Parliament see, that he took the Acts made by himself, by power of his Instrument, as good and authentic as theirs. Mark here, whether the most arbitrary of our Kings, ever assumed such a power, and yet these are days of freedom and liberty.  
Lambert was very busy in this Convention, endeavouring tooth and nail to have the Instrument confirmed by them, for that the Protectorship being made elective, he himself stood most fair to be the next Candidate, but finding they would not drive, but began to be as unruly, as Cromwell's German Horses, that fling him out of the Coach-box, he threatened them, that he would call 4 or 5 Parliaments one after another, but it should be done, following Oliver's menacing steps to the Junto. There were some Commonwealth Officers in the Army, that had designed to have seized on Lambert, but Col. Pride betrayed them, who was privy to the business; and Cromwell seeing he could do no good with his Parliament, assoon as ever the 5 months were out, dissolves them; and than he takes from these, who had conspired against Lambert, their Commissions, and seizes on several others Commonwealths men, and Royalists, among whom was Mayor Wildman, who was drawing up a Declaration, to show the lawfulness of taking up Arms against Cromwell: and of the Royalists there were Sir John Packington, Sir John Littleton and others, which he imprisoned for a new Conspiracy (as he said) against his Life: and Sir Tho. Harris was taken having a design of surprising of Shrewsbury. Penruddock and Grove at Salisbury, and in several other places, as at Hexam Moor, in Northumberland, and in Yorkshire, where Sir Henry Slingsby was taken, all their designs being beforehand betrayed to Oliver: and many Prisons in the West were filled with the common sort of people, from which, and from the Tower, and other places, many of them were sent away to Foreign Plantations, and sold for Slaves, and many forceably carried away in Pen's Expedition, to be knocked on the head by the Moors. Thus he endeavoured to secure himself, by a bloody and arbitrary way of proceeding, as all Tyrants are forced to do.  
Having thus suppressed this Insurrection, which he knew of beforehand, and was prepared for, severa● of the chief that were taken, were brought to their trials, the chief of which were Mr. Penruddock, who● was a Captain, and Mr. Grove another Captain, 16● more were executed, of which 9 at Excester.  
Both Penruddock and Grove when taken; surrendered themselves to unton Crook, upon promise of having their lives, but what signifies such Promises with such Persons, who never kept their Faith; these were brave and active Loyalists, and therefore must not escape out of the bloody Paws of the Usurper: They were both condemned at the Assizes at Excester, being indicted for Treason against the Usurper, and endeavouring the bringing in (of their lawful King) Charles Stevart, and on the 16th of May 1655 were both beheaded in that City. Mr. Penruddock at his execution spoke very boldly, and with much zeal against the iniquities of the Times; and told them among other things, that Treason was in that Age become an Individuum Vagum, like the wind in the Gospel, that bloweth where it listeth. And Treason was than what the Ruler pleased to make so, and lighted upon whom he would have it: And by this (said he) you may see, what a condition you are in, when you have no Law to protect you, no Rule to walk by; with many other bold Truths, which made them suppress his Speech and forbidden it to be published, that they might conceil as much as they could, their illegal and arbitrary Proceed: For indeed one of the Jury, that found him guilty, being demanded afterwards, for what reason they brought in their Verdict guilty, against Mr. Penruddock and Grove, Answered; That they had resolved to hung them, before they saw them. A pious Resolution. His Judges were Lisle, Glin, Roles and Nichols who denied to give him their advice in point of Law, because they said they were Parties; and if so (as indeed they were) it was contrary to all Law, for a Judge being a party to sit upon the Bench. But these were lawless Times. Some others suffered at Chard in Somersetshire, one beheaded at Salisbury, and 3 hanged, and thus this Insurrection was quashed. But not long after, he crowded the Tower with many Persons of note Prisoners, upon suspicion of having an hand in this Plot, or Treason as he called it, and among the rest were the Earl of Lindsey, The Lords Willowby of Parham, Newport, Maynard, Faulkland, Lucas, Petres, Sir Frederick Cornwallis, Sir Jeoffery Palmer, Sir Rich. Wingfield and others, too long to relate; but these were never brought to any trial, but it was thought convenient to secure them, though nothing appeared against them.  
Cromwell now the Dominus fac totum, beholding himself mounted in the Throne of the Monarchy, makes Leagues, and War and Peace abroad as he pleased, and as we have said, having made an impolitic Peace with France, losing thereby the balance he had in his hand, and giving too much to that Growing Monarch, he designs a very unjust War, without any provocation, against Spain, having a thirst after that King's Gold and Treasure at St. Domingo, in the West Indies: But this design was kept very secret, and a great Fleet was equipped, to the wonder of his neighbours; yet that he might not loose his wont exercise of Hypocrisy, he gives out, that it is for the propagation of the Protestant Religion; though besides the insatiate hunger of Gold, he might have some politic Reasons to move him to this dishonest breach, which might be, by this means, a getting rid of a great many of the troublesome Sectaries in the Army, whom he found still pecking against his power, and endeavouring to alienate the minds of the Soldiers from him: But now he shown his Art in draining them for this expedition, whereby he might sit the quieter at home. Venables was made Commander in chief of the Land-forces, and Pen of the Sea, being made General, and on the 27th of December set sail from Portsmouth, with about 10000 Men, on the 28th of January following they put into Barbadoes, and on the 30th of March sailed for Hispaniola, where they Landed their Men without opposition; but whether it were the imprudence and ill management of the Generals, or that God resolved to blast so dishonest an attempt, I shall not determine; but Englishmen never received such a foil, and by so few enemies, since they wore the name; for having lost near a thousand Men, by an handful of Spaniards, Negroes and Molattoes, they were feign to retreat, and losing all hopes of getting the Spanish Gold, most shamefully return to their Ships; and, that they might be said to do something, they set upon Jamaica, and take it, and which we have kept ever since. Venables after his return was frowned upon by Oliver, and for a while sent to the Tower, but afterwards was released. The Hopes of this Gold had made Oliver King it very much, being served with much State and Ceremony. He had his Halberdiers in guarded grey Coats, over whom Strickland was Captain: His Lord Chamberlain, who was Sir Gilbert Pickering. Two Masters of Requests, Mr. Bacon and Mr. Sadler, and the Master of his Horse, his Son Cleypool, and all other Officers of Honour both to his own Person and his Wives, who very finically acted the Princess, White-Hall and Hampton-Court he had saved from sale, for his own convenience.  
The baffle at St. Domingo, and the loss of his hopes of his Gold, made him now project some other ways to fill his Coffers, to maintain his Greatness: his merry devil left him, and he began daily to grow more austere and tyrannical, being full of fears and jealousies, as he had reason; for he had not only the Royal party against him, whom he kept under with much cruelty, but the Commonwealthsmen of his own party, and the Fifth-Monarchy-men, countenanced by Harison, were highly displeased with him, and began to Conspire against him. He therefore lays Harison and Rich aside, and not long after he Committed them, with Carew and Courtney into several remote Castles: Overton was seized in Scotland, with Bramstone, Holmes and other Officers who were cashiered, fined, and good security taken for their good behaviour: Overton was sent to the Tower, and his Regiment given to Col. Morgan. Okey's Regiment also was taken from him, and given to another. Joyce had the confidence to upbraid his Highness to his face, but escaped unpunished, Cromwell saying he was a Madman. About this time he began to interest himself for the Protestants abroad, and to be their Protector. The Protestant Subjects of the Duke of Savoy, in the Valleys of Piedmont, having been cruelly treated by that Prince for their Religion, Cromwell sends to make application in their behalf; but his Messengers being slighted, he caused Contributions for their relief to be made throughout England, and Viner and Pack were made Treasurers for the Money; by which means a considerable sum was Collected, but what share they had of it, is not known. The Spanish War now Commenced apace, Cromwell resolving not to harken to Peace, nor to the restitution of three Ships he had taken of the King of Spain's before he had declared War, pretending them Hambourgers, and Confiscating them, being laden with pieces of Eight, to the sum of Four hundred thousand pounds Sterling, which was minted in the Tower, though the Spanish Ambassador Alonso de Cardenas protested against it, and did all he could to hinder the injustice, which was returned on our Merchants, by that Kings seizing on their effects in Spain, and by the loss of 1500 English Ships, great and small, taken from us in this War, as appeared afterwards, according to the report made in Richard's Parliament.  
This sum of money being spent, he had with his Privadoes thought of another way of recruit, which like their Usurpation, was the most Barbarous and Arbitrary as ever was heard of. See now what was become of the Liberties of English men, when he following the Example of the Grand Signior, set over the Land a company of Bashaws, with the same power, under a new title of Major-Generals. He had Cantoned England and Wales into 11 Provinces, joining the Counties together for the convenience of this Turkish sway, over every one of which he appointed a Governor or Bashaw, called by him a Major-General. The Names of these Tyrannic Princes were, Kelsy, Goff, Desborow, Fleetwood, Skippon, Whaly, Butler, Berry, Worsley, Lambert and Bark stead, who was also Lieutenant of the Tower. These in their respective Principalities, lived like petty Princes or Pashas, domineering and lording it over both Nobility and Gentry, and according to the Command and Order of their Grand Signior Oliver Cromwell, (which was than esteemed Law) all the poor Cavaliers, that is, all such who had served in the Wars, for King Charles the first, and also all those that had declared themselves for his Son, King Charles' the second (our now Sovereign) were by these Bashaws to be decimated, that is, the tenth part of their Estates were to be taken from them, besides banished from London, and within 20 miles of the same, disarmed and prohibited to be Elected into any Parliament. And as for the Clergy, they were turned out of their Live, and kept from all other way of livelihood, unless they would work with their hands, so that many were ready to starve, for they were prohibited any Cure, or to be Chaplains to any, or to keep School. The power of these Decimators was great and boundless, Oppressing, Robbing, Spoiling and Decimating whom they pleased, according to their own Arbitrary Will; for none durst say, Why do you thus? They kept a Roll of all persons within their Precincts; and if they suspected any to favour the King, he was called to accounted by these Military-Lords, and Caution taken by them, to keep them from acting against the State, binding them to reveal all Plots that should come ●o their knowledge, and made them engage the like ●or their servants. They also hindered them from their disports, and prohibited all Horse-races, , Bull-baiting, or any thing that should 'cause a Concourse of people: and those who refused, were presently imprisoned and decimated; so that the free people of England were become as absolute Slaves as ●hose living under the Turkish Government, where none can call any thing his own. By this means the Usurper easily informed himself of the value of all ●he Estates in England, and of the behaviour and affection of every Person of Quality throughout the Kingdom. Such vast Powers were given to these Major-Generals, that there was nothing they might not do, and indeed did not do; they using it to ●he full. And for this purpose these Major-Generals had an office in Fleetstreet in London, as other Courts had, where their Recognances were entered, and all other concerns and dependences belonging to them recorded or registered. Of some they took yearly the ●0th penny, of others they took a sum of money for Composition, usually at three years' purchase, which many were willing to pay, who had money, rather ●han to be continually troubled with them.  
And now the year 1656 Commencing, which by ●he Instrument was a Parliamentary-year, in July Oliver issues out his Writs for his second Parliament, to ●it on the 17th of September following. But in the mean time Rear-Admiral Stainer, with six other Ships of the English Fleet, met with the Spanish Fleet near cadiz, returning from the West- Indieses with Plate, where he sunk several of them, with great treasure, ●nd took others, which he brought away, with two Millions of pieces of Eight, which amounts to 400000 pounds Sterling. There were several Noble men and ●ons of Spain, taken Prisoners, whom Cromwell treated handsomely, and after a little while generously sent ●hem home without Ransom.  
And now on the 17th of September 1656, the appointed time for the Meeting of the Parliament, those who were Elected met, and chose for their Speaker Sir Thomas Widdrington. The Major-Generals had a great hand in choosing this Parliament, who by their Arbitrary Power and Authority, caused whom they pleased to be chosen, and it was thought it was one of Cromwell's policies to Constitute them for that end, wanting a Parliament that might give him money: And also by their most tyrannical sway they had rendered themselves so odious to the Royalists, that they desired rather any other Government should be than these Bashaws; and it was indeed thought to be one of Cromwell's policies in their Constitution, that their tyranny might 'cause his Iron yoke alone to sit more easy about their necks, for he gave them up to the Parliament who abolished them.  
His design of making himself King, and of wearing the Imperial Crown, and of becoming a legal Monarch and of transmitting it to his posterity, now plainly was manifested, though God did not see it good, to let the Iniquity of the Nation run on so far, as to disinherit the right line, having in his Wisdom resolved to continued it, to the posterity of Charles the Martyr; for though Cromwell knew, he had more Power, and greater Dominion, and was more absolute than any King of England, yet the glorious Title of King, and the wearing of a Crown, was the desire of his ambitious soul, not that it could add more to his Power, but he imagined, that by that means, he should be accounted more legal, for that the Crown takes away all attaint, and that perhaps he might be able to transmit it to his posterity, and make it he reditary in his own line. He knew his tyrannic Usurpation was against all the Laws of the Land, and that he could hold what he had got, not longer tha● the Army pleased to stick to him, who, like an head strong beast, was grown so skittish, he had much a do to master it; but by settling the Crown on his ow● head, he thought to reduce every thing to its old channel, the race of the Stuarts only changed, for that of Cromwell's; and for this end he now began all he could, to court the Nobility and Gentry of the Royal Party, after he had sufficiently humbled and crushed them, and made them poor, all to sweeten them against his assuming the Crown, having got, as he hoped, a Parliament for his purpose: for none were admitted into this Parliament, after their Elections, but such as the Council allowed of, and many persons, that Oliver durst not trust, were in this Parliament, and that he thought not sit to sit, till some Laws were first made, for the strengthening his Authority, and carrying on of his design. There was therefore a Recognition of his Highness' Government by a single person, placed ready with a Guard of Red-coats, to be signed before any of the Members went into the House, and such as refused to sign it were dismissed, and not suffered to sit; by which means near 200 at the first were excluded, those that sat taking no notice of this most horrid force. And now let those who so much stand up for Law and Justice, and cry out upon Arbitrary Rule tell me if ever a greater could be acted upon the Liberties of the People in denying them their freedoms in the sitting of their Representatives in Parliament, and if any of the most Arbitrary Kings of England ever did or durst attempt the like? But what might not, and what did not this Tyrant and Usurper do?  
At first this Parliament went on very smoothly, ●nd to the content of their Protectorian Master; the first thing was, they made a Vote declaring his War with Spain to be just and honourable, with a resolu●ion of assisting him in it: Than as a Grand step for him to Mount the Throne, they make an Act for the ●enouncing the title of ●harles Stuart, and the whole ●ine of King James, unto the Crown of England, Scot●and and Ireland; seconded with another, for the securing his Highness' Person, and the continuance of the Nations peace, which was bound up in it. And this last Act was made by reason of a Plot than discovered against his Person, by one Syndercomb, or rather a Contrivance of his Secretary Thurlo's, to further his designs. This Syndercomb was a Leveller, or Fifth-Monarchy-man, and disbanded by Monk in Scotland, who being a resolute fellow, and disgusted, was drawn in by two of Thurlo's Creatures, one Cecil and Toop of Cromwell's Lifeguard, who pretending a Malecontentedness, easily drew him in to a design of Murdering the Tyrant, there being about that time, a book printed and published, with the name of Allen to it, a disbanded Leveller, called Killing no Murder, which with notable Arguments proved the Lawfulness of Killing Cromwell, as an Usurper and Tyrant, which book almost scared him out of his wits, and made him ever after afraid of every strange face that came near him; and made him betake himself to these artifices, to affright assassinates by his severity. Syndercomb being thus trepanned and drawn in, by his Instruments, had prepared a Blunderbuss, and had placed it to shoot him in his Coach going to Hampton-Court; and if that failed, he was to have fired White-Hall, by placing a Basket of combustible matter in the Chapel, with a train, all which is discovered; Syndercomb and his Companions seized, the Lifeguard men confess the Plot, and are pardoned, Syndercomb is tried for it at the upper Bench-bar, (as they than called it) and convicted by the Witness of his fellow Conspirators, he was Condemned to be Hanged, Drawn and Quartered at Tyburn, but before his Execution he was found dead, and poisoned in the Tower, by himself as the Inquest of the Coroner found it, though by others suspected to be a sineness of Thurlo's; however, as a felo de se he was drawn at an Horse's tail to Tower-hill, and there put into the ground under the Scaffold, and a Stake driven thorough his Body. This occasioned the Act to be hastened for his Highness' preservation, and a thanksgiving Voted for this great delivery, the Parliament attending him at White-Hall in the Banqueting-house, where a Congratulatory Oration upon this occasion was made to him. The next day the time being very convenient, Alderman Pack started a motion, that for the better and more sure settlement of the Nation, the Protector might be desired to assume the stile and title of King, as the most known and most agreeable Government to the people of England: this was hotly pursued by the Court-party of the House, which after several hot debates produced, The Humble Petition and Advice: of which we shall speak anon.  
The horrible licentiousness of these times, had ripened the birth of strange and monstrous Opinions and Heresies, and all places swarmed with these kind of creatures, of an hundred different persuasions: The Ranters grew numerous, and committed their beastialities under the notion of Liberty of Conscience publicly, turning debauchery and all manner of wickedness into a Religion; some lying with their Wives, or other women openly in the Marketplace, several, both men and women running stark naked, without the lest rag to hid their shame, about the streets, and into Churches, pretending a Command from the spirit for these Actions. Than the Socinians increased, who denied the Divinity of Christ, one Biddle being infamous for those Opinions: and one Erbery, once a Minister, for Ranting. Than the Quakers began to grow numerous, under George Fox their head, and so troublesome, that they disquieted Oliver himself, who liked not their Antiministerial principles. But above the rest, James Naylor was at this time remarkable, who grew to that height of delusion and frenzy, as to personate our Saviour, and procured a divine worship or adoration to be given to him, by some women attending him. He had been formerly a Soldier under Lambert, who stickled much to save him from punishment, but the Parliament now sitting, take the matter into their cognisance; being sent up from Bristol, where he was he appears before them with a composed countenance, his hair hanging after the fashion of those pictures made for our Saviour, and with a forked beard, often answering the questions put to him with Thou sayest it. He was accused of Blasphemy, and for assuming to himself divine Honours, he having had Hosannas sung before him, and such expressions used to him, as the people of the Jews used towards our Saviour, when he road into Jerusalem, a little before his Crucifixion. He used several evasions, but the House sentenced him, to be, both at London and Bristol, publicly Whipped, through both the Cities, to stand in the Pillory, to have his Tongue bored thorough, and to be stigmatised in the forehead with the letter B, for a Blasphemer; and than to remain in Bridewell during pleasure: which sentence was with great severity inflicted upon him, and which he underwent with a more than ordinary patience and resolution.  
The Parliament having made an Act, for Preventing of Multiplicity of Buildings, within ten miles of London; and that every house within that compass, built upon a new foundation, should pay a years Rend to the Protector; ' they fall upon the Petition and Advice. In the mean time, Cromwell designing the Succession of his Usurpation for his Son Richard, gins to show him to the World; but that he might give Lambert no Umbrage of his Intentions, he keeps him for some time in the Country in Hantshire, where he had Married the Daughter of one Mayor, with whom he had a plentiful Fortune. Here he grows familiar and kind to the Royalists, insinuating into them by his debonare Carriage, and serving many of them in several requests to his Father, endeavouring to get their good liking, by his Civilities, and affable Disposition. The first public Honour done him, was in making him Chancellor of Oxford, which his Father had resigned for that purpose; than he was Sworn a Privy-Counsellor, and made a Colonel in the Army, that he might have an Interest in all Parties, and not long afterwards was made the first Lord of the other House, after the remeeting of the Parliament, and styled the Noble Lord Richard. Cromwell, to prepare his way, had likewise his News-writer Marchiamount Needham, who tells the people there is no everlasting principle in Government, which is but a temporary expedient, and that in the hazard of a Commonwealth, the next shift might be made use of; which was a King, as most agreeable and necessary. He had likewise an ill Poet, Pagan Fisher, who in a Rodomontado stile, sung his Achievements in Latin Verse, together with the Virtues of the pious Bradshaw.  
Oliver having prepared things for them, as well as he could, the Parliament proceed hotly upon the Petition and Advice, which was their new Model of Government, and with which on the 9th of April 1657, the Parliament having desired a meeting with the Protector, they wait upon him in the Banqueting-house at White-Hall, where Sir Thomas Widdrington in a set Speech commended the office of a King, as settled here ever since Christianity, approved by our Ancestors, agreeing best with our Laws, and temper of the People; a Model of which Government, as most proper for the good and security of the Nation, he there presented him with. The old Fox returns, That 'tis a weighty Matter, and therefore desired time to seek God in it; for without his Assistance, the charge would be too great for him to bear. That the English were the best people in the world, and therefore all tenderness imaginable should be showed to them, and nothing done without due consideration of their benefit: with much more of the like nature. The next day a Committee was appointed to attend him for his Answer; which being delivered after a dubious manner, they resolve to force it upon him, and adhering to their Petition, frame a Committee of near half their House to attend him, both to hear and give satisfaction to his doubts and scruples, in this case. The chief of these were Whitlock, Lord Chief Justice Glyn, Lord Broghill, Lenthal, Lisle, Philip Jones, Fiennes, Strickland, Thurlo, Sir Richard Onslow and Sir Charles Woosley.  
And now it might be wondered at, that Cromwell having this fair opportunity, did not accept of this proffer, so much urged; no doubt but he most eagerly desired it, yet was he so cautious and fearful, jest that, like the Dog in the Fable, he should snatch too greedily at the shadow of Royalty, and should loose the boundless power or substance of his Tyranny, or in seeking to fortify his title, loose his tenure: for he well understood the temper of the Army, and that by the means of Lambert (who began to smell out his design, and fearing to loose the Succession promised him) was ready to Mutiny; which if he should loose, he were undone, knowing all his title was maintained, by the power of their Swords, and that therefore he must wear such title, as they please, or would be contented with; therefore considering, that it would not be safe for him at this time to accept it, he was forced with reluctancy to put it of to a more convenient season. Many meetings and debates however they had about it, and many Arguments held Pro and Con between them: The Committee alleged that the title of King had been confirmed by Parliaments, for above 1300 years, and that neither the Person or Name of King had been displeasing to them. That it was interwoven with the Laws, and was most necessary to be assumed: For that the Title aught to be accommodated to the Laws, not the Laws to it; as they must if he continued the name of Protector. That new titles were ever suspected, and that the name of Protector had still been unfortunate to the Kingdom, and to themselves: That it being given him by the Soldiers, it smelled too much of Conquest: That the Roman Empire never thrived so well, but was always full of confusion, under the titles of Consuls, Dictator's or Prince of the Senate, as it did under the title of Kings, until Caesar came to settle the Empire: they also laid before him the reasons for the changing the Title of Lord to King of Ireland, in the time of King Henry the 8th for the better and more regular Government of the Nation. But their main Argument was drawn from the Statutes of 9 Edw. 5. and 3 H. 7. by which all persons were indemnified that took up Arms for the King in being, and would be a great security to himself and the people, to have it thus settled upon him by Act of Parliament: But for all this, for the Reason's aforesaid, his fears surmounted his Ambition, he at last gave them a peremptory Refusal, telling them that it was against his Conscience, and that he could not offend so many Godly men and Officers of the Army, who had declared against the title and office of King; but he desired that the Title of Protector, and the Government by a single person, might be confirmed by consent of this Parliament.  
Upon this his refusal, which was cried up as a great Virtue, and sign of his Humility, the Parliament confirm him in his former title and dignity, and an explanatory part to the Petition and Advice was prepared, in respect of the Protectors' Oath, his Counsels, Members of the House of Commons, and of the other House (as they called it, instead of the House of Lords) which were to sit, and to consist of 60 odd Lords of Cromwell's making. The chief heads of the Petition and Advice were, 1. That he should exercise the Office of Chief Magistrate under the Title of Protector of England, Scotland and Ireland, and to govern according to the Petition and Advice, and that in his life-time he should appoint his Successor. 2. That a Parliament should be called every three years at farthest, and that it should consist of two Houses. 3. That the Members of Parliament legally chosen, should not be secluded the House, but by consent of the House (notwithstanding this he did not re-admit the secluded Members of this House which he had cast out) 4. Shown certain qualifications for the Members to be chosen. 5. The power of the other House was declared. 6. That no Law should be altered, repealed or made, but by Act of Parliament. 7. That the constant yearly Revenue of the Army and Navy be settled, and that to be a Million of Pounds Sterling, and 300000 l. more for the support of the Government, besides other Temporary supplies, as the House of Commons should see necessary and fit. 8. That the Protector's Council should not exceed the number of 21, nor to be under 9, and 7 of them to be a Quorum. 9 That the chief Officers of State to be chosen or approved by the Parliament. 10. That his Highness should encourage a Godly Ministry. 11. That the Protestant Religion should be professed, and that he should 'cause a Confession of Faith to be made, and that none should be permitted to reproach it, or revile it by words or writings. With some other matters of lesle importance.  
With this, the aforementioned Acts, with an Act for Assessment of 60000 l. a month, for three months: Another Money Act for 50000 l. for England, 6000 l. for Scotland, and 9000 l. for Ireland, with some others concerning Trade, were presented to Cromwell to Sign by the Parliament: To whom, returning them many thanks, he said, That he perceived that among those many Acts they had made, that they had taken great care to provide for the just and necessary support of the Commonwealth, by those Bills for Levying of Money, and understanding that it had been formerly the practice of the chief Governors, to acknowledge with thanks to the Commons, their care and regard to the Public, therefore he very hearty thanked them, and acknowledged their kindness therein. And after he had signed these Bills, and the Petition and Advice, and Articles therein, He told them, That he had undertaken one of the greatest burdens that ever was laid upon the back of any human creature, and therefore he asked their help and prayers to God, that he might have the divine Assistance, for the discharging of this great trust. And that for his part, nothing should have induced him to have taken upon him this unsupportable burden to flesh and blood, but that he had seen in the Parliament a great care of those things, that might make clearly for the Liberty of the Nations, and for the Interest of such as feared God: And if that the people were not thank full to them for their great care, it would fall as a sin upon their heads. With much more of the same nature.  
This being done, they prepare for the Solemnity of his Inauguration or Investure anew, for though he was before solemnly inaugurated into the Protectorate, as you have heard, according to the Instrument, yet it was thought fit that it should be done again, for the greater confirmation of the business, because the Articles of this Petition and Advice were different from the former Instrument: For now there was to be another House; and whereas before his Council was to name his Successor, he had now power to do it himself, so that he was an absolute Monarch, and might leave the Succession to his Son if he pleased. A Committee being appointed for this purpose, on the 26th of June 1657, before a great assembly of people, and with much more Ceremony than before, he was installed in Westminster-Hall, under a great Canopy of State, in great pomp and much magnificence, too long for me here to relate; the Great Seal being carried by the Lord Commissioner Fiennes, and the Sword by the Earl of Warwick The City Sword by the Lord Mayor Tichbourn, all bareheaded: The Dutch and French Ambassadors being also present. The Speaker of the House of Commons presenting him with a Robe of Purple Velvet, a Bible, a Sword and a Sceptre, making a Speech to him in presenting them: Telling him, that the Purple Robe was an Emblem of Magistracy, and imported Righteousness and Justice: The Bible containing the Holy Scriptures, was Christ Veiled and Revealed, and contained both Precepts and Examples for good Government: The Sceptre not unlike a Staff, was to show he was to be the Staff of the poor and weak, of ancient use; for that the Scripture says, The Sceptre should not departed from Judah, and that Kings and Princes were called by Homer Sceptre-bearers: That the Sword was not only a Military, but a Civil Sword, a Sword rather of defence, than of offence, to defend himself and his people: Upon which he would presume to writ this Motto, Ego sum Domini Protectoris ad protegendum Populum Meum. I am the Lord Protectors, to protect my People. This being ended, he gave the Protector his Oath on the Bible, and Mr. Manton made a Prayer, wherein he recommended the Protector, the Parliament, the Army and Government to God: which done, the Trumpets sounded, and the Heralds proclaimed him Protector of England, Scotland and Ireland, and the Dominions thereunto belonging. After which he returned in great State, the Lord Sherrard and the Lord Roberts his eldest Son carrying his Train. The Pageantry being finished, the House having done like good Boys, have leave to play, for returning to their House, they adjourn themselves to the 20th of January following.  
Being thus settled in his Dignity, he began to live more splendidly, and like a King, having a very full Court, and after a Monarchical Manner, all his Officers of State. Steel was made Chief Baron, and Lambert Warden of the Cinque-Ports; but that would not satisfy him, for he was not a little disgusted, that Cromwell had power given him to nominate his Successor, and he now plainly perceived his Intentions of settling the Succession in his Children, for which he now resolves, if he can, to ruin him with the Army. But Cromwell is vigilant, and had on the 19th of April, at a certain house in Shoreditch, taken several of the Champions of the Fifth-Monarchy men, among whom was one Venner, a Preaching Wine-Cooper, Ashton, Gowler, Hopkins, and Grace their Scribe, these were to have risen, and with them was taken a considerable quantity of Arms, and their Standard, with a Lyon-Couchant, Guiles, in a Field Argent, with this Motto: Who shall rouse him? The late Vice-Admiral Lawson and Major Danvers were secured: As also Mayor Wildman, who was taken at Marlborow drawing up a Declaration against him, and clapped up in order to his Trial. And hearing of private Subscriptions to Petitions and Addresses to the Parliament, carrying on in the Army against Kingship, he peremptorily sent to them to desist upon their peril, and so overawed and dashed them, that they durst not go on with their attempt. There was no body now very considerable of their own party, that could give him any disturbance but Lambert; and to secure himself against him, he followed the example Lambert had set him before, in securing himself against the Rump Parliament, and caused all the Army, by his Privadoes, Regiment after Regiment, to subscribe Addresses, Congratulating his legal Authority, and declaring their readiness to stand by him with their Lives and Fortunes.  
This year, on the 20th of April 1657, that great action of General Blake was performed against the Spaniards, at Santa Cruze, in the Island of Tenarif, where he burned their whole West-India Ships, being 16 in number; notwithstanding they were barricadoed in the Haven, and defended by a Castle well fortified, and 7 Forts, and got forth of their Haven without any loss; for which considerable service the Protector and Parliament ordered him a Jewel of 500 l. and gratuities to the other Officers and Soldiers. But this Valiant and Renowned Seaman did not long outlive this his memorable exploit, dying at Sea, as he was entering the sound of Plymouth: Never any Seaman performed so many Actions, redounding to the Glory of the English Nation, as he did; and it was his only misfortune, that he served not a lawful Prince.  
And now the 20th of January being come, at which time the Parliament was to re-assemble, they met accordingly, but they now were quite another thing, than what they were before; for according to the Clause in the Petition and Advice, That the persons legally, Chosen should not be secluded, but by the consent of the House; those Members that Cromwell had before kept out by force, were now readmitted, though against his mind; who presently gave him a disturbance. Than according to their new Model, there was the other House, for as yet they did not dare to call it a House of Lords, which consisted of his chiefest Favourites of the Army-Officers and others, and many picked out of the House of Commons, some of them being of the excluded Commonwealthsmen, whom he hoped to draw to his party by this obligation, about half a score likewise of the old Nobility were nominated, thinking to draw them in, but they refused to come. The Houses being thus altered in their Constitution, quickly let Cromwell see he was deceived in his hopes, for Hazelrig and others disdaining his proffered Baronage, took their seats in the Commons House, where they thought they should do more good; and by which means the Commonwealthsmen grew so high, that the other House was not taken notice of, but fell to questioning all their fellows had done, during their Seclusion, and had the Messages of the other House in contempt and derision. And now the Humble Petition and Advice was like to be overthrown. The news of their proceed so enraged the mind of Oliver, seeing his great Hopes of being King so suddenly dashed, that contrary to the advice of his Council, he goes to them, and for haste takes an Hackney-Coach, and entering into the other House, and standing under a Canopy of State, he sends for the Commons to come to him; who being come, with much eagerness made them a long Speech; which being remarkable, I shall recite some few heads:  
That the Lord was his witness; his desires of carrying on the affairs of the Nation, were for the ends of Mercy, Truth, Righteousness and Peace, which he desired might be improved. That there was not a Man or Woman treading upon English Ground, could say that he sought the place of Protector, but he thought the Nations happy therein. But that he was Petitioned thereunto by them, who had the Legislative Power, to take up a burden too heavy for any creature, therefore did look they should make it good to him. That he could say in the presence of God, before whom they were all but poor creeping Aunts upon the Earth, he had rather have kept sheep, than undertook such a place of Government as that was. That he had told them he would not undertake it, unless he might have men that should go between him and the House of Commons, to prevent tumultuary spirits; which was granted, and the had named another House, and that it was not Titles or Lords that they valued, but a Christian and English Interest, who would be a balance to them and themselves, and of their own rank and quality, whilst they loved England and Religion. That he thought he had been doing his duty, and that they would be satisfied; but if they were too high and too low, they would not be satisfied. That God knew he had taken an Oath upon condition, expressed in the Government, and thought he had been upon a sure foundation, and that the consequence had been confusion if he had not done it. That there were no hereditary Lords or Kings settled, the power consisting in the two Houses and himself, and that God would judge between them and him. God was his witness, that there was a seeking of a new settlement in the Army, that he spoke not to those Gentlemen, (meaning his Lords) or what they would call them, but to them the Commons that advised him to tha● place; yet that instead of owning him, some of the● must have they did not know what. And that the● were running the Nation into confusion again, by thei● intention of devising a Commonwealth, that some of th● people might he the Men that might rule all, and tha● those things were not according to God and according t● Truth; pretend what they would, it was a playing 〈◊〉 game for the King of Scots, if he might call him so and therefore he thought himself bound before God to do● what he meant to prevent it. God was his witness, he told them what was true, the King of Scots had a● Army at the waterside, ready to be Shipped for England▪ and that he had the knowledge of it from an eye-witness. That they had not only been endeavouring to pervert the Army, to draw them to a Commonwealth, but some of them, while sitting, had been listing of persons by Commission from Charles Stuart, to join with any insurrection that should be made; that if this was the end of their sitting, and that if these were their carriages, concluding, he thought it high time to put an end to their sitting; and therefore, by the living God, he declared t● them, that he did Dissolve that Parliament. To which many of the Commons cried out, Amen. And thus ended this Parliament crossing and vexing Oliver to the heart, for he expected more supplies of Money.  
Oliver having thus dismissed this Parliament, and rid himself of that fear, gins to fortify himself against the Royalists, who had indeed form a new Plot, for the bringing in their King, but were betrayed by Willis and one Corcar a Minister of Sussex, who had been long employed by Cromwell for that purpose: The Royalists were glad the Parliament was dissolved, for they feared a Commonwealth much more than Cromwell; not that he was lesle Tyrannical, or had used them more favourably, but for that the other sort of Government had rendered itself formidable, and was in danger to have been more permanent ●han Oliver's Kingly Protectorship could, for they believed, as they well might, that King Oliver would never be long endured by the people, whose eyes must ●eeds be opened, and see that he was got into the Throne, and exercised the same power, and far more ●han the Kings of England ever did, and whom they ●ad fling out only to make way for a Tyrant, and ●hat they would never suffer a man of their own quality and rank thus to play the King amongst them, ●nd to be their Lord, without endeavouring to fling ●im out. Besides, they found Lambert and the Army so much disgusted, that they would rather have ventured all than not to have seen the downfall of Cromwell: so that the Royalists thought all things to be favourable to their design: But Cromwell having timely notice of all things by his Agents, among them, he takes care to prevent them, and sending ●o his right hand Tichbourn, Lord Mayor, causes him ●o double the City-Guards, and to make great changes in the Militia, turning out all he suspected, and presently seizes on Sir William Compton, the Earl of Northampton's Brother, Mr. Russel, the Earl of Bedford's Brother, Sir William Clayton and many more: The Marquis of Ormond, who on the design had lain ●id for some time in London, hardly escapes his hands. Also he seizes on Mr. Mordant, the Earl of Peterborough's Brother: Mr. Manley, Mr. Baron, Mr. Stapely, Mr. Mansel, Mr. Woodcock, Mr. Carent, Mr. Jackson, ●nd one Mallory, who was thought to be a decoy to ●he rest, being pardoned after Condemnation.  
And now, to give more terror to the Royalists, Cromwell resolves again to new dye his hands in Blood, by the old Arbitrary and Tyrannical way: Up goes the High Court of Justice, and its bloody Precedent Lisle, who on the 25th of May 1658 sat. Cromwell had picked out two Eminent Men to begin with, one Layman Sir Henry Slingsby, imprisoned ever since the West-Rising, and one Clergyman, the Reverend Dr. Hewet. Sir Henry Slingsby was accused (though falsely) to have endeavoured to betray Hull, whilst a Prisoner there, and for holding Correspondence with Charles Stuart, for which h● was Condemned for a Traitor, and sentenced to be be-headed, which Death he suffered on Tower-hill on the 8th of June following, though great application to save his life had been made to Cromwell, by his Nephew, and Cromwell's Son-in-law, the Lord Faulconbridge; but the Tyrant was inexorable, having beforehand with Thurlo resolved on the Death of these two men. The next was Dr. Hewet, wh● was accused before the same Court, for Conspiring against the Government, and holding intelligence with the King. But the Doctor Demurred to the Jurisdiction of the Court, citing divers Lawcases; and giving many Reasons against their authority, desiring them to evince to him the legality of their Court and he would pled to his charge. But this the● would not, nor were able to do; and whilst he disputed with them, they took the advantage of demanding his Plea three times; after which, though he than desired it, seeing they would record him a Mute, they would not admit, for being designed for slaughter, had they admitted him to pled, he would have escaped them, for want of Witnesses, which it seems failed them at that time. The Doctor had an Eloquent Tongue, was of great esteem and abilities, and Preached long at St. Gregory's, where he sometimes could not forbear to deplore the misery of the Kingdom, so that Cromwell had a particular desire to rid him out of the way, as a most dangerous man, and took this occasion to do it; upbraiding the Doctor with very bitter and unbecoming language, when he was brought before him to be examined. However, though he was Condemned as a Mute, yet he had the favour to be beheaded, and suffered the same day with Sir Henry Slingsby; where he prayed almost an hour with great zeal and fervour of spirit, having his head severed from his ●ody, he died with much Christian Magnanimity.  
The next that came to his Trial, was Mr. Mordant, who at first denied the Jurisdiction of the Court, but was by his friends at last persuaded to pled, and was quitted by one voice only, for very fortunately Col. Pride being taken with a fit of the Stone, went of the Bench, to the saving his life. Than Mr. Woodcock and Sir Humphrey Bennet, were tried and acquitted: Mallory confessed, was condemned, but not executed. Than Mr. Carent was tried and acquitted. Mr. Henry Friar was condemned by them; but when going to be executed in Smithfield, he was reprieved: the like happened to John Summer, who was condemned to dye in Bishopsgate-street, and Oliver Allen in Gracechurch-street, who had their Reprieves brought them: Baron, Manly, Mansel, with one Seymour and Carlton, all imprisoned on the same account, made their escape, but were arraigned, though absent, and condemned.  
But Edward Ashton, John Bettely and Edward Stacy were also tried before this Court, for the same Crime, of raising War, and seeking the Death of Cromwell, where all three were Condemned, with little or no proofs against them; Col. Ashton was a known Cavalier, and a Prisoner for Debt in Newgate; but being permitted by favour to go abroad, fell into the company of one of Cromwell's Trepanners, who went stroling about for prey, who informs the Secretary of dangerous words spoken by this Ashton, for which he was tried and condemned, though he denied them at his Death, and was hanged, drawn and quartered in Tower-street, the Tyrant making all parts of the City his Shambleses, of human flesh, for the greater terror: this was his bloody policy. Mr. Bettely was in like manner betrayed, and falsely accused by these Ruffians, the Emissaries of Cromwell and Thurlo, condemned upon their Oaths, though he protested his Innocency, and was executed in the midst of Cheapside, being hanged, drawn an● quartered: After he had been a long time dead, a● they thought, on a sudden he lift up his hands, an● pulling of his Cap, looked upon them, staring wit● his eyes, to all their amazements, till the Execution dispatched him. These suffered on the 2d of July 165● and two days after Mr. Stacy was only hanged Many more, who were imprisoned and designed t● death, escaped by Oliver's Death, which was not very long after.  
He was not sooner rid of the fear of this Plot, by these Executions, but he was again troubled by Lambert's Cabal, who had inveigled both Fleetwood and Desborow, Cromwell's near relations, with their Commonwealth Principles, though Lambert intended only the setting up of himself, in Cromwell's stead. Bu● Cromwell now dallies no longer with them, but take● away Lambert's Commission, and lays him aside, and disposes his Regiments to others, whom he could better trust, and sends into the Army several Spie● and Eavesdroppers, to let him know the temper and behaviour of the Officers, and of their inclinations whereby he might the better reform them.  
This bloody Tyrant, becoming Sanguinary, (as all other Tyrants do) grows very fearful and suspicious, and began to dread every strange face that came near him, which he would fix his eyes upon, and intentively view, for fear of an assassination; for that Book of Killing no Murder still ran dreadfully in his mind, and made him to take all the care he could of himself, oftentimes shifting his Lodgings; to which he passed by twenty several locks, and usually had four or five ways out of them: He seldom went and came the same way between White-Hall and Hampton-Court, and always by private and byways, and in a great hurry, his Guards before and behind, still on the Gallop, and his Coach (especially the boots) filled with armed men, and began to be of very difficult access to all persons. Yet this year he had access in Flanders, and Dunkirk was surrendered into is hands, and Lockhart General of the Forces there, ●nd his Kinsman made Governor thereof.  
And now the Exit of this great Tyrant and Usurper draws near, being ushered in with a Prodigy ●hree Months before; for on the 2d of June a great Whale came up as far as Greenwich, and was there ●illed. His beloved Daughter Cleypool, not long be●ore him also died, with an Ulcer in her Bladder, which caused such acute pains, that put her into a Fever, and in her raving Fits she much called up●n that bloody Tyrant her Father, for she had been 〈◊〉 Suitor for Dr. Hewet's life, knowing his Innocency, ●ut was denied, which gave her a great disturbance, ●eing sensible of her Father's Tyrannic sway, and Murderous projects, and of the People's hate towards him. Her Death, as they say, went near his ●eart, being about the beginning of August, which, with the troubles he saw were about to rise from the Officers of the Army, fomented by Fleetwood, who ●ad Married his Daughter; and Desborow, who had Married his Sister, gave him a fit of sickness, being ●t Hampton-Court, which he thought at first would pass over, being only a Tertian fever, and his private Chaplains fasted and prayed with him; and Goodwin openly declared, that God had heard his ●rayers, for him, and he was assured he should not dye that bout; but he was a false Prophet, for his Fever continuing with very ill symptoms, the Physicians not so confident as the Priests, caused him to be removed to White-Hall, and he had been there but few days, when they saw very plainly, that he had but few days to live; and this being made known to his Privy-Council, they were all very much startled; he finding himself now drawing towards his end, on the 31 of August he caused all people to go out of his Chamber, but Goodwin and Thurlo, to whom he declared, that he nominated his eldest Son Richard Cromwell to succeed him; but these thinking it too great a thing to be communicated to them alone▪ advised him to have more Witnesses, jest they should not be credited in so great a concern: He than bid them to sand for the Council of 9, which were those he privately managed his more secret concerns by, and these were Fleetwood, Fiennes, Desborow, Whaly, Thurlo, Laurence, Berry, Cooper and Goff; most of this Junto being come to him, he declared that it was his will, that his Son Richard should succeed him as Protector: Fleetwood bitten his lips, having been fooled into hopes of the Protectorship, as well as Lambert, but little was than said, and on the 3d day of September 1658, memorable to Oliver for two great Victories, Dunbar and Worcester, he yielded to the great Victor Death, and marched of the Stage of this World in peace, after he had trod it in Blood, War, Rapine, Oppression, Cruelty, Usurpation and Tyranny. Though the report went, the Devil fetched him away in the storm, which the night before his Death was so violent, that many of the great Trees in St. James' Park were blown up by the Roots, and that he had seven years before made a Compact with the Devil, that he might obtain the Dominion of the three Kingdoms, and not be prevailed against: but these are Stories, and God's Providence unsearchable.  
I have already given a character of this Man, and a short account of some passages of his Life, before he ascended to his Greatness. He was, no doubt, a man of extraordinary parts, and raised up by God for such great undertake, as a scourge to this Nation, which was full of evil humours, and had entertained a spirit of Rebellion against both God, the Church, and the King; and that they might behold their errors by those dismal effects that followed upon their unnatural Rebellion; and perceiving them, might not in the same age, at lest, run into the like, nor pull the like fatal consequences upon their heads, as Usurpation, and Arbitrary Rule and Tyranny either in many, or in one, which God avert, and sand peace and tranquillity in our days. But yet the Memory of this Man is adored by many to this day, and he is the Idol of some, who will yet speak great things of him, though without reason, and putting our decay of trade upon the present ill management of affairs, when indeed it is but the consequence of our Civil Wars, and the great expense of Money, drained away from the Royalists, the vast sums raised on the people by Taxes, Assessments and Excise, which coming into the Soldiers pockets, they set it going into motion; which with the vast sums raised on the sale of the Kings, Queens, Princes, Bishops and Delinquents Lands, made a flood of money for the present, and nothing of want than appeared, which was the effect rather of the Tyrant's rapacity, than good management; for when this glut began to fall again into the private sinks of rich men, who lived by the use of money; and others who had any great sums fallen to their shares, fearing the iniquities of the times, and knowing no man could promise' himself to be long master of his own, especially money, where the Will of the Tyrant was Law, and whom to disoblige was fatal, they remitted vast sums for their security into the bank in Holland, making them rich, by trading with our money, whilst we sat contented with 3 l. per cent for to be secure; so that our trade fell, and in some time after a scarcity of money appeared, which such who only look on the present time, and considered not truly the reason, attributed to the ill management of the present Governor, or of those who sat at the Helm. And therefore we may say, that the low ebb of Trade in our time had its beginning in Oliver's time. And we may likewise consider, that in his short Usurpation, which was but four years and nine months, there was shown so much Tyranny, Oppression and Injustice, as (excepting the time of the Rumps sitting) was not to be paralleled in any of the Kings since the Conquest. Besides in his latter days, when his fears began to tender him cruel, he valued neither honesty or honour, when they stood in the way of his Ambition, and therefore to me 'tis a wonder, for what it was they admired this Man; and must be caused either by partiality or ignorance. As for his Politics, his Peace with France, and his War with Spain, was certainly against the Interest of England, in lessening the latter, and making the former too great for Christendom, and losing the balance which England aught carefully to keep between those two Monarches, And than his impolitic Peace with the Dutch, on so easy terms, when brought with great expense of English Blood and Treasure, to that extremity, that England might have had what terms they would, so that the whole world thought him infatuated, in losing so great an opportunity of doing good to this Nation. Than there is nothing more certain, that all the Persecution that hath since happened in France, of that King's Protestant Subjects, was the effects of his joining in a League with France at that time; by which means that King humbled Spain, and made way for his Conquests in Flanders since achieved, and enabled him to subdue all Factions at home, which were than arising, and brought him into a condition, to need none of them, being grown since the scourge and terror of Christendom. His shameful defeat at Hispaniola, with the loss of 1500 Merchants Ships to the Spaniard in that War, as was made appear to Richard's Parliament, and in his spending such vast sums of money, and yet leaving a vast debt upon the Kingdom, as appeared by the Accounts brought into Richard's Assembly, may stand in balance against his Victories, and show that he was not always successful, and that he had not managed his affairs with that frugality and wisdom, as some have thought he did, when as by his own accounts it appeared, notwithstanding the great incomes he had, and the many Parliamentary supplies, he had contracted a debt of no lesle than 1900000 l. As for his Tyranny and Oppression, 'tis needless to mention it, that may be seen throughout this History. Yet I cannot but instance here, that injustice of his to John Lilburn, who had been tried for his Life by the Long Parliament, and acquitted, and by them discharged; yet because Oliver knew him a dangerous man, and one that might give him a trouble, caused him to be tried a second time; and though than also cleared by the Law, yet according to his own Arbitrary Will, against Law, and with all injustice and cruelty imaginable, kept him close Prisoner so long, that he was almost consumed by sickness, that he turned him out only to dye. Again, What greater injustice could there be, than that shown to Mr. Cony, who being a Prisoner at Cromwell's Suit; and being brought to the King's or upper Bench-bar, as they called it, by an Habeds Corpus, causes his Counsel to be violently taken from the Bar, and sent to the Tower, for no other reason, than the Pleading his Clients Ca●●●●; such an Act of violence, as cannot be paralleled in all the History of England. Yet this blessed man is admired. As for his ingratitude that appeared to Sir Henry Vain, who above all persons in the world was the cause of his advancement, and had long espoused his Interest, yet he studied to destroy him both in his Life and Estate, because he would not adhere to his perjury and falseness: And because Vain opposed him, he imprisoned him, and would have proceeded farther against him. In Richard's Assembly, upon the complaint of several Prisoners, kept close in the Tower, many being sent away most inhumanely, and sold for Slaves beyond Seas; the Lieutenant being sent for, and demanded by what Authority he had kept those in his custody so long Prisoners, he produced a Paper written all with Oliver's own hand; in which were these words: Sir, I pray you seize such a●● such persons, and all others, whom you shall judge dangerous men, do it quickly, and you shall have a Warrant for it after you have done. Upon which Richard's Assembly Voted this Commitment of the Complainants, to be illegal, unjust and Tyrannical as no doubt it was. This was a spice of his Justice whereby any man was rendered obnoxious not only to himself, but to the malice or spleen of his Lieutenant, though he were never so innocent: And a● this rate, he might take up and imprison whom he pleased, and no man was in safety, and that by the chief governor's Warrant, who by Law can Commit no man by his own Warrant: And this too without any cause shown, why or wherefore. And the same men Voted, that those banished or sent away were unjustly, and against all Law so sent away, for the Law says no English man aught to be banished, by lesle authority than by Act of Parliament: and ordered forthwith the Prisoners to be set free, without Fees or Charges; and had they sat longer, had undoubtedly punished the Lieutenant too. Than after public faith given, and the party restored to Common Privileges, he caused that most horrid Order of Decimation to be put in execution, on the poo● Cavaliers by his Janissaries, which was by the ensuing Parliament damned as an unjust and wicked breach of Faith. This however is the great, the just, the brave, victorious, pious and most renowned Oliver, who, as I have said, is yet by some remembered even to a kind of Idolatry; but I shall leave him having long since received his deserved reward, an● conclude with the rapture of Sterry, who Preaching his Funeral Sermon, had these blasphemous expressions of him: As sure (says he) as this is the Bible (which he held in his hand) the blessed spirit of Oliver Cromwell is with Christ, at the right hand of the Father; and if he be there, what may not his family expect from him; for if he were so useful and helpful and so much good influenced from him to them, when he was in a Mortal State, how much more influence will they have from him, now in heaven; The Father, Son and Spirit, through him bestowing Gifts and Graces upon them. I shall now proceed to the second Scene of ●his single Usurpation and Tyranny, which brought ●is Son, short-lived Dick, upon the Stage.  
Oliver being thus dead, on the 3d of September, about three of the Clock in the afternoon, he was opened and embalmed; but he stunk so filthily, ●hough wrapped in Cearcloths and Led, with Aromatic Spices, that they were feign to bury him privately; but a Coffin was carried to , where after some days, with his Effigies made for that purpose, he seemed to lie in great state, pomp and magnificence, to which sight crowds of people daily pressed. The out-rooms all hung with black, with Scutcheons, hanging on the Walls, but the room where the Effigies lay was hung with black Velvet, and the Ceiling of the same, having a large Canopy of the same deeply fringed: the Effigies being Robed in Purple Velvet, ●aced with Gold Lace, and furred with Ermines, with strings and tassels of Gold: In its right hand a Sceptre, in its left a Globe, on his head a Velvet Cap furred with Ermines, and behind his head placed high on a Chair of Tissued Gold, was set an Imperial Crown: Eight Silver Candlesticks of about five foot high stood about his Bed of State, with large white Waxtapers burning, of three foot long, all environed with Rails and Balisters covered with Velvet, within which stood men in Mourning bareheaded, which was continued for many weeks, and than the Effigies was removed into another room, and vested as before, set up in a standing posture, with the Crown upon his head; which it seems he now obtained, though he could not wear it while alive. Thus they continued this Pageantry to the 23 d of November following, when his Funeral was made, and he carried in great pomp to Westminster, with more cost and state than ever was bestowed on any King of England; costing they say 26000 l. or more, and at last was interred among the Kings and Queens of England, where he lay till the 30th of January 1660, when he had Resurrection to another Exaltation at Tyburn, where he was a second time interred under the Gallows, according to his demerits, with his great Counsellors Ireton and Bradshaw.  
But we will leave the dead, and relate, in brief, the Transactions of the living. Oliver being gone, the Privy Council met, and a search was made in the Protector's Cabinet, for a Paper safely laid up, wherein he had nominated Fleetwood for his Successor; but it was no● to be found, therefore they sand to him and Desborow to know, if they did acquiesce in the Declaration of the late Protector, which made his Son Richard Cromwell Protector. To which Fleetwood sent word that he cordially acquiesced in that Declaration of the late Protector's, concerning his Son's Succession, though any other Paper should be found, in which he had been formerly nominated his Successor. This done, the Council wait upon Richard, to Condole with him for his Father's Death, and to Congratulate him as Protector Than Skippon and Strickland were sent to the City, to acquaint them with what was done, and the next day they caused a Proclamation to be made, subscribed by chiverton, Lord Mayor, the Council of State, and several Officers of the Army, at White-Hall, Charing-Cross Fleetstreet, and several places in London, Proclaiming Richard Cromwell Protector of the Commonwealth of England, etc. After which the City-Sword by the Lord Mayor, and the Seal by Fiennes were resigned to him and his Oath was given him by Fiennes, one of the Commissioners of the Great Seal, in which he Sword to maintain the Protestant Religion in its purity, and to govern the three Nations according to the best of his power and skill, according to the Laws. After which he dispatches Messengers to Ireland, to inform his brother Harry, Deputy there, and to General Monk in Scotland, to inform them, and to know how they stood affected to his Advancement. And presently he receives Addresses from most of the Counties in England, contrived and made at White-Hall, and Protestations from the Armies in England, Scotland and Ireland, to live and dye with him: Also Addresses from the Independent Churches, as goodwin's, Eyes, and the rest of them, many giving Adoration to this rising false light, forgetting the true Sun yet in Eclipse beyond Sea; and the fawning Poets, Waller and Dryden, among the rest praised to the Skies, in their Elegies the dead Tyrant: Richard was proclaimed both at Dublin and at Edinburgh, and all things ran smooth on his side. But however General Monk liked not the Tyrannical sway of the Army in England, but so early began to form the happy project of his majesty's Restauration, without which he well perceived these Kingdoms would not be in any settled posture, but be still subject to any Usurper or Usurpers, the Army should set up: but this was a great work, and time not yet ripened for it, he kept the secret in his own breast, and intended to take opportunity by the forelock, complying for the present as others did, but in the mean time with great diligence he reform his Army, and purged it from those ill humours, as he knew would soon bring it to destruction; but this also he did wisely and cautiously, and by degrees, for fear of causing too early jealousies of his design.  
Richard seeing the many Addresses made to him from the People and Army, and the caresses and flatteries of great ones, being a man of no great reach, thought all had been real, and now began to form to himself an Imagination of settling himself in his Usurpation, and to look somewhat shy on those of the Royal Party he had before caressed, and done kindness for, showing more state and greatness than formerly, and growing more reserved to his familiars. But moneys growing scarce, his Council advises him forthwith to call a Parliament, and accordingly Summons are issued out for this Convention to meet at Westminster on the 27th of January. Elections being made after the usual manner, though some would have opposed it, and by sending Writs to the several Boroughs, they thought they should get a Parliament to their minds, but were deceived. Ireland and Scotland also sent each 30, according to the Model of Government, and for the upper House the chiefest Officers of the Army were pitched upon, but many of them were of such base extraction, that the Commons could hardly be brought to own them. Richard began to have some jealousy of the Army, and finding many of his Council too great favourers of them, and of their power, he began to cast about to have brought in others of his friends to balance them; but he found such opposition, that he could not bring it about. On the other side, the Army and Sectarian Officers began to be afraid of the ensuing Parliament, and therefore some of them advised him to follow his Father's steps, who was accustomed at such a time to 'cause the chiefest Officers of the Army to come up to London, and to be assistant to him on such occasions. This startled Richard, being as much afraid of the Army, as they were of this approaching Convention, yet wanting his Father's courage and resolution, he sent for many of the Army to Town from their Commands, where they had the opportunity of Caballing and laying designs for his destruction. Besides, Lambert, by the favour of Fleetwood, was got again into Command, and had a Regiment given him, and was as much in the favour of the Sectaries as ever. Richard was as yet General, when Desborow and others would have persuaded him, that the Army being discontented, and ready to mutiny, the best way for him would be to settle it on some known Officer amongst them, and nominated Fleetwood: but Richard it seems was not so very a fool as to divest himself of that Command, but told them, that by his Father's example, he would keep that for a security both to them and to himself, without which he could not protect them, and that the Parliament which was suddenly to meet, would give them satisfaction as to their Grievances, to whom he should remit them.  
And now at the time prefixed, the Parliament meet, consisting of two Houses, the other House beginning ●ow to be called the upper House; for the Commons was chosen, Mr. Chute a Lawyer, as their Speaker; who sickening, Long, Recorder of London, was chosen ●ro tempore in his stead; and for the upper House, Nathaniel Fiennes, Lord Keeper of the Great Seal was their Speaker. The first fortnight was taken up about the Recognition, with which they were awhile entangled, ●ut at last they Vote; and it was Resolved on Monday 14th of February, That it be part of this Bill to Recognize and declare his Highness, Richard, Lord Protector, and chief Magistrate of the Commonwealth of England, Scot●and and Ireland, and the Dominions and Territories ●hereunto belonging. Resolved, That before this Bill be Committed, the House do declare such additional Clauses ●o be part of this Bill, as may bond the power of the chief Magistrate, and fully secure the Rights and Privileges of Parliament, and the Liberties and Rights of the People; and that neither this, or any other previous Vote, that is, ●r shall be passed in order to this Bill, shall be of force and ●inding to the people, till the whole Bill be passed. This ●one, a Committee of Inspections is settled, to take a ●iew of the Accounts and the Revenue of the Commonwealth: of which Mr. Scowen was Chairman. The Commonwealthsmen, who were considerable in this Convention, cunningly put in many Debates to gain ●ime; which they did, though the Protectorian party were the mayor, and so could effect little; yet they ●ad hopes of the infection of the Army, which they ●new by means of their Emissaries spread much; for ●t Wallingford-house, Fleetwood, Desborow and Lambert, ●ith several others, held their Consults for the dispossessing of Richard, and Fleetwood was courted to take ●he Protectorship upon him: Richard had notice given him of their proceed, and some of his friends advised him to cut them of, and proffered to do it if he would be Resolute, and stick to them; but Richard was timorous and fearful, and had not courage enough to give them such a Commission, and so lost his opportunity of settling himself.  
In the mean time the King had sent a Commission to Arthur Anslow, now Earl of Anglesie, to John Mordant, Brother to the Earl of Peterborow, Sir John Greenvill, Sir Tho. Peyton and William Leg, giving them power as his Commissioners, to treat with any of his Subjects of England (excepting the Regicides) and to offer them his pardon, if they would now join together for his Restauration, and also to assure them of Rewards and Recompense, for any service done for the future towards the bringing in of his said Majesty, and that whatever those his Commissioners should promise' in his name, he would ratify and confirm. This was dated at brussels 11 March 1659. By this means, and by the wary management of these Gentlemen, the King designs began to thrive better than formerly, being stil● betrayed by Thurlo's Agents. So that now there were several Interests at work, and bringing several design to the Anvil: The King's for his just Rights and Re●stauration. Richard's for the settling himself in his unjust Usurpation. The Commonwealthsmen to regain the lost Dominion and Tyranny; and the Army to keep their Rule, and the people in slavery, and to set up Governor of their own, and that might be only rule by their Power. These have all their several close Ca●bals, and all strenuously busy one against another.  
Upon a report made by Secretary Thurlo, concerning the State of the War betwixt Sweden and Denmar● the Parliament sand General Montague with a conside●rable Fleet into the Sound, but so straitened in Com●mission, that he did little good. The Military-Coun●● of Officers were very high, and favoured much by th●● upper House, which much distasted the Commons and made them Vote, That during the sitting of the Parliament, there should be no general Meeting or Council▪ Officers of the Army, without direction, leave and authority of the Protector, and both Houses of Parliament. Richard upon this, by advice, sends for the Council of Officers, and dismisses them. And the Commons proceed to a farther Vote: Resolved, That no person should have or continued Command in any of the Armies in England, Scotland or Ireland, etc. that should refuse to subscribe, That he will not disturb or interrupt the free meeting in Parliament; of any of the Members of either House, or their freedoms in their Debates or Counsels. This was transmitted to the other House, who now began to be jealous of a Combination between Richard and the Commons; against the power of the Army, and that they sought to weaken and divide them, so that they did not readily assent to this Vote. Besides, they were not a little displeased at another Vote of the Commons, concerning their Transacting with them as another House; which was, That the acknowledgement of that House for another House of Parliament, should not prejudice the Peer●age of the Land, or their Privileges. And further the Commons Voted, That they would receive no Message from those of the other House, but by some of their own number. Neither would they treat with this upper House, as an House of Lords, but found out a new word, to transact with them, and that upon trial, and during this present Parliament, which they foresaw would not be long, ●n continuance. The chief of the Officers of the Army were for the Protector, but the more numerous being ●ectaries or fanatics were for Fleetwood, Desborow ●nd the Wallingfordians; who had made them to believe, ●hat Richard had an intent to cast them out of Commissions, and that he would put the Army into the No●ilities and Gentry's hands, who would bring in the King, and destroy the Liberty of the Gospel they had ●o long fought for.  
Thus all parties being highly jealous one of another, one knew how it would end; but since the Power of ●he Sword, and the Arbitrary and Tyrannic sway of ●he Army was greatest, it might be well expected they would prove the strongest party for the rest, having not an Oliver to deal with. However the Commons like English men, went on, resolving for many good Acts, might they have been permitted to sit to finish them. One was (as they thought) pleasing to the Army, that care might be taken for the payment of their Arrears. They began to assert their Interest in the Militia, and had under their Consideration an Act for the taking away of the Excise and new Impost, and concerning Customs, Tonnage and Poundage after three years. Likewise they Vindicated the People's Liberties, by setting Overtor and other Prisoners at liberty, imprisoned by Oliver, and declared against the illegality of sending men away to Foreign Plantations, out of the reach of the Writ of Habeas Corpus, whereby an English Subject could no● have the benefit of the Law. And a strict Bill was preparing against it, with an intent to have punished that cruel Jailor Bark stead; also they had ordered an Impeachment to be drawn up against Butler, one of Cromwell's Bashaws, for his many Insolences put upon Magistrates, and for his breach of all Laws, and his most Tyrannical Actings, equal to any Turkish Bashaw. The Committee of Inspections also brought in the State of Accounts, Military and Civil; whereby it appeared, that the yearly incomes of England, Scotland and Ireland, were Eighteen hundred sixty five thousand seven hundred and seventeen pounds: and that the yearly issues amounted to Two millions two hundred and one thousand five hundred and forty pounds: so that there was a yearly debt contracted upon the Kingdom of 301540 l. double the Revenue that ever any King of England enjoyed. Besides, to maintain the Conquest of Scotland more than its Revenue was expends 163619 l. These people acted fairly and squarely, and might they have sat▪ would have done much good; they gave one another no Gratuities, nor Offices, nor granted any Money from the People, which was more than could have been said of any Parliament for a long time before them.  
These Actings of theirs, and seeing the People began to have them in esteem, caused now the Protector, as well as the Army, to grow jealous of them, as well as of one another, so that constant Guards were kept by Richard and the Army, for fear of one another; and though the House expected a Dissolution, they could not yet tell which way it would come, or which party to fear most: In the mean time they give order, for the drawing up an Act of Indemnity to quiet people's minds. But on the 22d of April, Fleetwood, Desborow, and other chief Officers, followed by a great part of the Army, repair to Richard at White-Hall, with a Commission ready drawn, and directed to Fiennes for Dissolving the Parliament, giving him several Reasons for their so doing, but for some time he obstinately refuses, and was advised by some of his Confidents to 'cause his Troops to be drawn up, and to appear in the head of them; but he was fearful and irresolute, and the other party violent and insolent; for his Uncle Desborow told him, that unless he would consent, they would do it without him, and so by threats and importunities he signed the Commission for Dissolving this Parliament. This is sent to Fiennes, who twice sent the Black Rod to the Commons, who scorned the Message, and would not admit him; but hearing there were Guards of Horse and Foot drawn up in the Palace-yard, and that there was like to be a force put upon them, they adjourned themselves for three days, and the Speaker was attended by all the House to his Coach, through all the Soldiery. Upon this they cause ●he Proclamation, which they had ready for the Dissolving the Parliament, to be published, and declared ●hem Dissolved: and thus Richard dethroned himself; ●nd though Fleetwood and Desborow did not think to ●o so far, as utterly to deject him, not having yet agreed what Government to set up; yet after this was done, ●he more numerous, though inferior Officers of the Army would not hear of a Protector any more, crying ●hat vast allowance allotted for him, would go a great way in the maintenance of the Army, but resolve for the present that Fleetwood should have the chief Command of the Army, and to dispose of all vacant Offices till further order, and till they could consider of a fi● Model of Government. Thus Richard fairly is laid aside, and quietly marches of the Stage, not long after retiring into the Country, having a promise from them, that they would take care for the payment of his debts, which by reason of his Father's Funeral charge, were very great.  
This was a kind of Interregnum, all was in confusion, and no man knew what to do. The Parliament after three days repair to their House, but they found the door● locked, and guarded by Red-coats, and all the Avenue● stopped with Soldiers, who denied them entrance, telling them Richard's business was at an end, as well as theirs by whose power they sat: and thus ended this Parliament, who were not able to struggle with armed Power Fleetwood and Desborow had their hands full, and they had, as they say, pulled an old house upon their heads for Lambert, though at first he appeared for Fleetwood and his party, designed nothing lesle than the serving of them and since he was not able, but by some other Authority to get into the Supreme Command of the Army, whic● he aimed at for a further advance of himself, by h● party he caused the Rump Parliament to be propose again, to a great Consultation of the Officers of the Army meeting at St. James', where they were seeking Go● for a Government, with Dr. Owen and other Independent Ministers amongst them, which affected them ver● much. But this alarmed Fleetwood and his party, wh● found the Army mutinous and troublesome, and not t● be governed now by their Commands, and the few day they reigned, the Government lying like an heavy but than upon their shoulders, they were forced to comply and follow the stream; and in order thereto, the Protectorian Colonels, as Ingoldsby, Howard, Falconbridg, Bridg Whaly, Goff, Norton, Smith and others were put out, an● Commonwealthsmen or Rumpers put in their stead And thus fully ended the Usurpation and Tyranny 〈◊〉 the Cromwell's.  
And now we may say, we are come to the third Act of tyrannical Usurpation, and the manyheaded Monster ●he Rump Parliament arises again and shows itself, after ●av●ing been so many years defunct. For the soldiers, 〈◊〉 I have said, not knowing what to do, sand now for ●●eir old drudges to sit again, whom they had formerly ●●all'd out by the Ears, with so much Infamy and ill ●●nguage, and after several private Conferences among ●e Chief of either side, and articles proposed for the curing the Army (for the Rump would sit upon any ●rms) a declaration of the Army came forth, inviteing is Rump to return to the exercise of their charge, and ●ust: telling them, in many canting terms, of the dangers ●●d deliverances God had brought them through, and ●rceiving now with Grief, that the good spirit among ●●m did daily decline, so as the good old cause became a proach: and now calling to mind that the long Parliament, consisting of those members who continued sitting 〈◊〉 the 20 th'. of April 1653. were eminent asserters of ●●at cause, and had a special presence of God with them, ●●d were signally blessed in their work, they judged it ●●eir duty to invite the said Members to the discharge of 〈◊〉 i● trust, for the settling and securing the peace of the ●●mmon wealth, promising to be aiding and assisting to ●●em, etc.  
And now all the Members in Town, the Jails being ●●rch'd for some of them, who lay there for debt, get together on the 7th. of May in the Painted chamber at ●●stminster, accompanied with their old Speaker, Lenthal, 〈◊〉 the number of about 42, who for haste having the chancery Mace carried before them, stole into their house ●●fore expected; not a little glad to have gotten into ●●ir old nest, after so many years' exclusion. The names 〈◊〉 these famous men were, Lenthal, their Speaker, Lord ●●son, Harry Martin, Lisle, Whitlock, Chelenour, Wise Alder●● Atkins, Penington, Scot, Holland, Vain, Prideaux, Sr. James ●●rington, Ludlow, Oldsworth, Hazlerig, Jones, Purefoy, White, ●●ry Nevil, Say, Bennet, Blagrave, Brewster, Sergeant Wild, edwin, Letchmore, Skinner, Downs, Dove, John Leathal, Saloway the Grocer, Corbet, Wallon, Millington, the Church snuffers, Gold, Sydenham, Bingham, Aire, Smith, one of th● 6 clarks, Ingoldsby and Fleetwood. These Rumpers bein● thus reestablished, and addressed by sundry Addresser from the Counties, which afterwards stood them in 〈◊〉 much stead, as those which were made before to Rich●● Cromwell did him; They 'cause the Officers of the Arm● to resign their old Commissions, and to receive new on● from them, which they thought no small tye; but C●lerates met with Menalcidas, as atferwards it proved. So●● of the old Members who had been secluded in 1648. 〈◊〉quired to be admitted with the rest, hoping that the● presence might prevent much mischief, tho' they h●● little or no expectation of doing much good, by reas● the Armies backing the other party. The names of 〈◊〉 secluded Members that now sought for admittance we●● Mr. Anslow, Sr. George Booth, Mr. James Herbert, Mr. Pry●● Mr. Montague, Sr. John Eveling, Mr. John Herbert, Mr. Ga●●● Mr. Eveling, Mr. Clive, Mr. Kniqgtley, Mr. Hungerford, 〈◊〉 Harley, and Mr. Perk. But these could not be admitt●● into the house, but were stopped in the Lobby, on● Mr. Prynn and Hungerford getting in, and beginning dispute with them upon the point made them adiourna● lose a days time: after which attempting the like, th● found a Troop of Horse and two Companies of 〈◊〉 Coats, the Keepers of the liberties of England, to k●●●● them out, so that they were forced to return, seeing th● was no good to be done with these persons, who be●●● to follow their old steps, of trampling the priviled of Parliament under foot, the ancient Laws and Co●tutions of the land, and the Liberties and Rights of people. For they forthwith ordered, That such persons 〈◊〉 tofore Members of this Parliament, as have not sat in this P●●l●ament since the year 1648, and have not subscribed the Engagement, in the Rol of Engagement of this House, shall not 〈◊〉 this House till further order of Parliament. They had the 〈◊〉 day of their sitting put forth a Declaration, among 〈◊〉 other things, declareing, They would apply themselves faithfully to the discharge of their trust, and to the setl●●● the Common Wealth, as might establish the Property and Liberties of the people, without a single person, Kingship, or House of Peers, and vigorously carry on a Reformation, that there may be a godly and faithful Magistracy and Ministry in the Nation, to the praise of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the reviveing and making glad the Hearts of the upright in the Land. See the holy Cant, and what good words they use, having ●ot forgot their old Trade of cutting the people's Throats with good words; nor their old way of helping one another: for on the 29th of May, they order, That all such as ●hall be employed in any place of Trust or Power in the Commonwealth, be able for the discharge of such Trust, and that they be person's fearing God, and that have given Testimony to all the people of God, their faithfulness to this Commonwealth, according to the Declaration of the 7th of May. Here are ●he Godly now setting up themselves again, in their old Throne of the Good Old Cause, that had been so abominably distasteful to the whole Nation. And forthwith this ●odly Party, as they nominated themselves, begin apace 〈◊〉 thrust one another into all Offices of the State, and for ●●at end they appoint a Council of State, into whose ●ands they put the dispose of all places of most Prosit and ●rust; yea of the Command of the wealth of the Kingdom: These Godly ones of the House were, the Godly ●●r Arthur Hazlerig, the pious Sir Henry Vain, the Holy ●an Ludlow, Jones, Sydenham, Salaway, Fleetwood and the ●haste, Mr. Scot, with Walton, Nevil, Harrington, Chaloner, ●owns, Whitlock, Morley, Sidney, Thomson, Dixwel, Rey●lds, Oliver St. Johns, Wallop, and without the House were ●●e like Godly Men, Bradshaw, Lambert, Desborow, Fairfax, ●●rry, Sir Anthony Ashly-Cooper, Sir Horatio Townsend, Sir ●●bert Honywood, Sir Archibald Johnson and Josiah Berners. These, under the Mask of the Good Old-Cause, begin to ●●n afresh to their old Villainies, and to the enriching themselves, with the poor remainers of the spoils of the ●●ple. On the 12th of May, Lambert, accompanied with ●sborow, Barksted, and 12 other Colonels of the Army, ●●esent a Petition to the House from the Army, contain●●● their desires concerning the Government. That the Government might be a free State and Common Wealth, without a single Person, Kingship, or House of Peers. That there might be a due regulation o● the Laws. That an Act of Oblivion might be passed. Th●● the Laws and Ordinances made in the several changes 〈◊〉 the Government, and not repealed may be good in Law That the public Debts might be paid. That a Liber●● of Conscience be granted to all, excepting Papists an● Episcopists. That a godly Ministry be encouraged. Tha● Universities and Schools of Learning be countenanced, and Reform. That all Royalists be discountenanced and not suffered to have any place of Trust. Tha● none may have places of Trust, but such as are eminent for Godliness, Constancy, and Faithfulness to the goo● Cause and Interest of the Nations. That a provision 〈◊〉 made for Succession of Parliaments. That Fleetwo●● may be the Lieutenant-General of the Army. That t●● Legislative power may be in the Representatives of th● People, consisting of an House successively chosen by t●● People. That the executive power may be in a Coun● of State, consisting of a certain number of qualified person's. That the Debts contracted by his late Highn●● and his Father, might be paid; and that a Revenue 10000 l. per Annum, might be settled upon the late Protector and his heirs for ever; and 10000 l. per Annu● more during his Life, and 8000 l. upon his honourable Mother during her Life, etc. This was the Arm●● project of Government, for which they receive the that of the House by their Speaker, and are told there a many weighty things contained in it, which they wou●● take into their Consideration. And upon this, befo●● they would make any settlement upon the late Protect●● they sand to him for an Acknowledgement of his submit on to the Government, which he formally sent them hopes of the Settlement, with a Schedule of his De●● But they refuse to pay them, and delay making any S●tlement either on Him or his Mother, for they wer● sort of Persons who never loved to give away mor● from themselves. Yet to please him, and to remove him 〈◊〉 ●●her from them, they give him 2000 pounds to discharge some part of his Debts, and required that he and all his Dependences remove from Whitehall in six days. Fleetwood began to grow discontented at this slighting his Brother: but to please him, they Vote him to be the Commander in Chief of all the Armies and Land-Forces in England, Scotland and Ireland, for one year; and that he ●hould have power to Sign Commissions, and nominate Officers under him, as should be approved by the Parliament. But upon the second Reading of the Bill for this purpose, they altered their minds, and ordered all Commissions for the Land and Sea-Forces to be Signed by the speaker, and delivered to the Officers Gratis. They also Order the Government of Ireland to be by Commissioners, ●nd Henry Cromwell to be removed. 'Tis thought if he had ●●irred at that time, being much beloved by the Officers ●f his Army there, he might have disappointed this Parliament of any further proceed, but being over persuaded, he quietly left his Authority. Scotland was yet trouble to them, which they knew not how to get into ●heir hands: for General Monk kept all things in so great Order and quietness there, and was so prudent in all his ●ctions, that they could not found fault with him, nor mistrust him, but believed him really their Friend.  
They now begin to proceed vigorously, and 'cause the Protector's Seal to be broken, and confirm their own old ●●e: of which Terryl, Fountain, and infamous Bradshaw are ●ade Commissioners, very busy they are of preferring ●●e another to places of pro●●it: and about the beginning ●f June, keeping close to their Good Old Cause of Gain, ●hey ordered a Bill for public Sales to be brought in ●nd now White-Hall, , Hampton-Court, and ●●l that Cromwell had kept for himself, are ordered to be old for ready money. And beginning with the Deer, ●●ey fall to selling them, by five or six Brace at a time. ●nd that no Stone might be unturned, for the getting of ●oney, they project to make all such persons, who had assumed Dignities or Titles of Honour, heretofore con●●rred on them by the late King, taken away by Act of Parliament, to pay the sums forfeited by the said Act. Than they offer at an Act for the making all honour; conferred by Charles Stewart void and nu●l. Than they fall to their old trade of raising moneys by Assessments, and continued the Excise and Customs to the 1st. of Octeber. And that they may hook in all they can, they authorise the collecting of an Assessment granted by the Parliament 1656 for 3 years, one year of which was yet behind and uncollected, this was 35000 l. a month on England, 6000 l. on Scotland, and 9000 l. a month on Ireland: thus they owned not the authority of that Parliament, yet they owned their money Assessed by them, and put it into their own pockets. They next revive their. Committee of plundering Ministers; and make an order for impressing of Seamen which they wanted. Than they make their speaker Custos Rotulorum of Oxford shire and Berks. Sir Hen Mildmay of Essex, and several other places to the chief of their members; following their old vocation of shareing all among themselves. The Government of Jersay to Coll. Mason; Cooper, Zanker, Sadler, and Laurence have Regiments given them in Ireland. Al● things seem to submit to their power, and Fleetwood▪ Lambert, Desborow, and the rest, are forced to receive their Commissions from their General Mr Speaker, which tho' dissatisfied, dissemblingly they submit to.  
It was very much admired that the Parliament should imagine, that the Army would be true to them, or tha● any Oaths would hold them, when they had seen them s● often break their former Allegiance to themselves, and to their late Protector: and on the other side, it was as much admired, that the Army would thus trust this Parliament or Junto, they had so grossly abused: for they could not believe, that the Junto would not remember their do, and so provide for their own security and establishment, as to ruin the Army if they could. But out of all this evil God was now a forming good. Fo● the Government of the Army under the Speaker the General, they made 7 Commissioners, namely Lieutenant General Fleetwood, Sir Hen. Vain, Sir Arthur Hazleri●● Colonels Lambert, Desborow, Ludlow, and Berry. These were very active in their authority, placing and displacing many Officers in the Army, by the Parliaments consent. All things seem succeed to very fortunatly to them, and Lockchart Governor of Dunkirk submits to them, to whom they sand over Peirson, Ashfeild, and Racker, Colonels. To Ireland they sand their Commissioners Steelones, Thomljnson, and Goodwin, and for the command of the. Army Colonel Ludlow with the title of Lieutenant General. Ambassadors from the United Provinces come over to congratulate them, and to offer their emity, as also from many other places were coming; ●o that they now began to think themselves sure. They ●ad a mind to new model Monk's army in Scotland and were provideing to do it, which Monk had timely notice of by his Agents in London, which made him writ to the Parliament, in which he told them, that he thought himself fit to be credited in the qualifications of his own Officers, whom he assured them, were honest and rout men, and for whose fidelity he would be engaged. ●his letter troubled them, being the first rub they had met with, yet they hoped to get over it: for they were now more eager to have creatures of their own ●●amp in that Army, and think with good words to pacify Monk, letting him know as to his own Regiment, they would make no alteration. But Monk was not satisfied with this, but sent up some Officers to solicit at London in behalf of themselves and the rest. ●hen the Junto made an Order, that such Officers as were in Ireland and Scotland, because they could not receive their Commissions of the Parliament, should receive them from the hand of certain Commissioners ●amed for the civil Government of both Kingdoms. But ●hose for Scotland were not yet named, and Monk still continued his old Officers.  
In the mean time, Somerset House was exposed to sail, 〈◊〉 the yearly value of 233 l. the gross value of materials at 5545.st. 1 s. 3 d. to he had not under 13 years' pourchace. And now, that they may seem Kind to poor dick who began to fear an Arrest for the mourning too● up for this father's funeral, they give him a protecti●● from all Arrests for 6 months, and take into consideration how that debt might be paid without charge 〈◊〉 themselves.  
And now these Tyrants who hold their fellow subject in slavery had some inck'ling of a Cavalier-plot, whic● made them very jealous of every body; so that few coal● meet upon any occasion but they were disturbed an● some of them clapped up, for Conspirators. In July they p●● out their Act of Indemnity; but none were to have th●● benefit of this mock Act, but such who being above i● years of age subscribed an Engagement against a singl● Person, Kingship and House of Peers. And all Cavaliers a● would not take it were to be banished out of England and if afterwards seen there to be proceeded against a●● Traitors, and 10 l. reward to the discoverer of suc● person, or persons. And now the poor Royalists wer● in a worse condition than ever after all their losses 〈◊〉 sequestrations, decimations, and plund'ring, the● must either go against their consciences or leave th● land.  
The Harvest was great and the labourers few, and i● August the weather being sultry hot, many of the Ju●● were retired into the Country; so that they could hard●● make an House: upon which they make a strict Ord●● that all (rotten) members attend the House, and that no● departed without leave of the House. And now they ord●● a Fast and day of Humiliation, and to show that they we●● the same bloody men they were formerly, they proclaim J. mordant Esq. with several others▪ Traitors, an● order the Lady Howard, Sir E. Byron, and Mr. Sumner 〈◊〉 be brought to a trial for treasonable designs. Th●● seize upon persons, horses, and arms throughout London, increase and double th●ir Guards, stop passengers the Council of State sitting night and day, and all the M●●litia in the City, and throughout England were order●● to be drawn up for their security: for they were in 〈◊〉 great consternation about a plot, and began to court t●● people in their canting way, by their preachers, one of which said: The Lord stir up the Hearts of his people, and fill ●hem with unanimity and courage at this evil time, against the common Enemy, Charles Stewart, and that desperate Crew of ravenous and unreasonable men, who, should they get in, to satisfy ●he rabble of his followers would enslave you, and with your goods maintain foreigners, and the pomp and pride of a luxurious Court, and an absolute Tyranny.  
And it was not without cause, that these persons were ●ut into such afear, for there was a general rising to have been throughout England, of all parties against these Rumpers: for the Presbyterians, and discarded Protecto●ians, began now to see their slavery, and to tack about, ●eing a necessity of joining with the Royalists, and some of the greatest amongst them sue for the King's pardon, ●nd obtain it, and hereupon they cement with the Cavaliers, and the famous plot, or St. George Booth's rising was than form; the King lying privately at Calais ready ●o have come over on the first getting together of any considerable body: But the design was too Early prevented, by being some way discovered to Scot, and some others, and by an intercepted letter of the Lady Mary Howards, who was clapped up with others about it; M●ssy ●s taken in Gloucester shire, but being carried behind a Trooper, by a party of Horse in the night, he took his ●●me, and with a sudden jerk fling the trooper before ●im, and himself into a precipice, whereby he escaped; ●eing better acquainted with the ways than they were The Rumpers had got some knowledge of the design; and ●ith their diligence had prevented it in many Counties. ●et Sir George Booth risen in Chesheir, with a considerable ●artie with Sir Tho. Middleton, Ma●or General Randulph, ●gerton, and others, they surprise Chester, Liverpool, Chirk, ●astle, and some other places, declaring only for a free Parliament: so that they had gotten together about 3000 ●hen, but few well armed: presently the Rump proclaim ●●em Rebels, and Traitors: and Lambert comes against ●hem with 3 Regiments of Horse, as many of Fort, and ●●ne of Dragoons, besides a Train of Artillery. Some of these should have joined Sir George Booth, had they seen that they had been in a capacity of doing any good, and of proceeding unanimously in their design; but in stead thereof there fell out unseasonable contests, between the old and the new Cavaliers, and the private animosities of the Gentry hindered much: every one that brought but 30 men would be a Captain, or take it very ill, so that by their unseasonable punctilio's, the public interest received damage: and besides, it was no small daunting to them, finding that the design of Rising was quashed in all other Counties, nor could they reduce the Castle of Chester, which Colonel Croxton held out against them. But so soon as Lambert came up with his forces, the raw men, that made up the body of the force of Sir George Booth being also ill armed, were soon defeated at Northwich, August 19, Captain Edward Morgan was slain upon the place; Egerton fled, but was pursued and taken; Sir Thomas Middleton got over sea: Sir George Booth escaped as far as Newport Pannell; where he was taken in disguise, and soon after committed close prisoner to the Tower of London, for committing Treason in learying war against the common Wealth; and Sir Hen. Vane and Sir Arth. Hazlerig sent to him to take his examination. Lambert retakes all places that they had taken in, and by an order of Parliament disarms the Counties; They sand him 1000 pounds, for a gratuity, which he, having other aims, distributes among his soldiers. Than they give order for a day of Tanks giving, for their suceess-and presently prepare a new Oath of Abjuration; not thinking the Engagement sufficient, to be enforced upon the nation; wherein they are to abjure the whole line of King James, and tell the people they will now set themselves to do something extraordinary towards the setlement of the Government. But Money, the Diana of the Ephesians, and the Idol of the filthy Rumpers, is that they want; and therefore now impose a new tax upon the people of 100000 pounds a month, confirm the Excise, fine tho●● that failed to supply their new moulded Militia with horses and arms, and under colour of a sanctimonious care of the poor, they make an inspection into the revenue of all Hospitals, prohibiting the Masters and Governors of them to renew any Leases. General Monk upon the rising of Sir George Booth, was in a readiness to have marched, but was provented by their being so suddenly suppressed; the Rump had some jealousy of it, but he had carried his design so closely, and discovered it to so few, that nothing could be made appear against him. He was not a little troubled at these disasters, and finding the Junto busy in displaceing those he most trusted at Col. Daniel; Governor of St. Johnstong, and many others fearing he should at last be outed by them of his command, and hopeless of doing good as he intended, he sends up a letter to the Parliament for a dismission from his command. This letter was, by his friends in London who had intimation thereof, suppressed, for some time, and his friends in the House so ordered it, that when it was delivered to the Speaker, the reading of it was deferred for ten days, till a packet came from Scotland to contradict it: tho' Vain and others who hand an incling of it, called often to have this letter read, which they suspected. But the Speaker being persuaded to it by his friends, under the colour, that if it were read, and that they should take him at his word, it would 'cause a general defection in the Scotch army, among whom the famous Monk was so well beloved, and might ruin their affairs, he being also true to their interests, tho' discontented at the displaceing his Officers: This prevailed with the Speaker, wholly to suppress that Letter, and so the business passed over, the Junto being extreme busy about many matters,  
In the mean time Lambert and his Army being astote, upon their late success, are provideing other employment for the Rumpers. Quos Deus perdere vult, dementat. The whole Nation had long wished for the ruin of both, and now their own dissensions will make way for it. Lambert, whom Cromwell had laid aside for his ambition, had his heart still full of the same. He keeps a mock Fast with his Officers, an infallible token that some grand design was hatching, he had still a mind to the Protectorship, and in reference to that he and his complices remonstrate the necessity of the Armies being governed by general Officers, as it was before the Speaker had m●●● himself General; and requested or p●●i●ioned that Fle●●wood (whom Lambert doubted not to serve as Cromwell h●● done, Fairfax) might be made Lord General, and th●● himself might be Lieutenant General, and Desber●w Mayor General of the Horse, and Monk Mayor General of the Foot, till he might have a good opportunity of laying him a side. This Remonstrance being drawn up into form, and signed, was sent up to London to the general Council of Officers, whether Lambert was privately gone, and by some of them the Junto came to hear of it, who were startled at it, how ever they diss mble with the Officers, and order, Ashseild, Cobb●t, and Duc●enseil● to attend the House, with the petition, which they did After the reading of which they adjourned till next morning, when, assumeing the debate, they vote. That t● have any more General Officers in the Army than are already, settled by the Parliament, is needless, chargeable, and dangerous to the Common Wealth, and that Fleetwood should acquaint them with this Resolve. This was ill ressented by the Army, and tho' for the present they seemed to acquiesce, (because their design was not fully ripe) and helped the Junto, in a friendly manner, to devour a Thanksgiving dinner, at the Cittys co●● and charges, which was than governed by Ireton and Tichbourn, and their gang; yet it was not long before they presented a new Address to the same purpose, on the 5th. of October, by Desborow and many Officers attending him. To this the Rumpers very gravely answer, checking them for not submitting to their judgement formerly declared in that case: but knowing that the army Officers would not be so satisfied, and expecting no lesle than another interruption they passed an Act against raising of moneys on the people without their consent in Parliament, declareing all such persons as should assess, levy, collect, gather, or receive, contrary to this Act, to be guilty of high treason, and withal ●ac●●●ing and disanu●●●ing all Orders, Ordinances, and Acts, made by ●ny pretended authority, since O●v●● ●u●●●d ●hem out of doors in ●653, unless allowed and co●●●●●d by them. And now having given such a ●●l●●ng blow to the soldiery, and made the br●●●● 〈…〉, they ●●●●d ●hat the Commissio●● 〈…〉, D●●●●●●w, Ber●●, Kels●●●sh●●ld, 〈…〉, and Cr●●d 〈◊〉 Colonel's excepting the 〈◊〉 who was a Ma●●●● to be 〈◊〉; and c●n●●●ure 7 Commi●●●●●ners to govern the A●●ie▪ Viz. Liferenter G●ne●●●, C●●● 〈…〉, L●●ute●●● General Ed●●●d ●ud●●w, G●●●●al 〈◊〉 Monk, Sir 〈…〉 Col. 〈◊〉. W●●●●● Col. H●●b●●● Mor●●, 〈…〉 more of th●m to 〈…〉 to this by a priva●● 〈…〉 from General Monk, (who 〈…〉 of all that hap●ned, and of which 〈…〉 made his advantages) which was, that if the Parliament would be ●●●o●ute, he would asserting th●● 〈◊〉 authority against the Ar●ie, he would assist them in it, and if 〈◊〉 thereto he would march into England in their d●●●nce. This made them very brisk, and now believing there might be some opposition made by the Army, they cause Morly's and Messel's Regiments to be drawn up into the Palace yard, for a G●ard to the Parliament. It was now high time for Lambert to look about him, and not being idle, thought it best to play his part wh●●e he had power: and therefore he, on the 13 of October with the other discharged Officers, draw a part of the Army into King's street, and possess themselves of all the avenues to the House, and the Speaker Lenthal going thither at his usual time in his coach, was stopped, and after some expostulations, was forced to return. And thus their sitting was prevented. Both parties of the soldiers kept their stations most part of the day, and every minute ●t was expected they would have engaged, whilst the amazed inhabitants dreaded the issue: But Lambert having effected what he intended, procured an Order from the Council of State, than sitting at Whitehall, for all to draw of to their quarters, which was accordingly done, and so this periculous adventure, of a second time unnesting these Rumpers was finished.  
Thus you see, some more bold touches of Arbitrariness, Usurpation, and Tyranny in this second, though short, Reign of these Rumpers, who sat only from the 7th of May to the 13th of October: in which time they discovered themselves to be the same Covetous and Rapacious Tyrants they were before in all their Actions, and had they time, would have appeared to have been as bloody; for they were preparing to bring the late Delinquents, as they called those engaged in Sir George Booths Rising, to a Trial, and they had got Lists of most of the persons, Nobility, and Gentry throughout England, that were engaged in it, whose Estates were to be confiscated and sold, and out of whose Estates they promised to satisfy the Soldiers, and to gratify themselves, which was always the chief thing aimed at, but being thus interrupted as you have heard, they, in haste, marched of the State.  
And now again. the Kingdom is without any kind of Civil-Government, for the Usurpation was divolved on a few Officers, who whilst they Reigned, Ruled by the boundless Arbitrary Power of the Sword; which confused Authority, that lasted not long, we may call the fourth Act of this our Tragical Usurpation upon the freeborn Englishmen; Yet still under the notion of Liberty.  
The next day after the turning forth of the Rumpers, divers of the Chief Officers of the Army meet at White-Hall, where the Soldiers soon grow Friends, only Colonel Morley was turned out of Commission for standing, so stiffly against the Wallingfordians: and now for the management of the Government, and the Affairs of the Commonwealth, reduced to an Anarchy, they chose ten persons, till further Order, which were Fleetwood, Lambert, Desborow, Whitlock, Sir Henry Vain, Sir James ●●rington, Mayor Salway, Berry, Sydenham and Archibald Johnston a Scotchman, known commonly by the Title of the Laird Warriston. The Officers now Lords Parramount, meet the same day at Wallingford-House, where they give to themselves what they could not obtain from the Juncto by their Addresses, a General to their own mind, Fleetwood, whom they nominate Commander in Chief, and Order Lambert to be next, and Desborow Commissary General of the Horse, and that all the other Officers in the Army should be constituted by Sir Henry Vain, Fleetwood, Desborow, Ludlow, and Berry, and took care for the drawing up Articles of War, for the good Government and Discipline of the Army. Barrow they dispatch into Ireland, with Reasons for what they had done, and Cobbet on the like Errand was sent to Scotland, where he was committed to Custody. For noble General Monk, whose Study to repair his Country's Breaches, was as great as Lambert's to oppress it, only waited for a fit opportunity, and judged this to be a most convenient time to bestir himself, in so honourable a Cause, and whom the Officers of the Army in England had neglected to put into their Council of State, believing he would, as he had hitherto, still submit to the Change of the Government; and by his stopping of the Packets they had not heard as yet, how he had forbidden the getting of Subscriptions in his Army, as they had done in England and Ireland. Though his Design than was the bringing in the King, and the restoring the three oppressed and enslaved Nations, from the Arbitrary Rule, of Tyrannical Usurpers, of the scum of the people; and also from the power of the Sword and Arbitrary Sway of the Army; yet he was very close in all his Carriage, and few were acquainted with the thoughts of his Heart: but taking this opportunity to oppose the strongest Power, the Army, he seems averse to their do, and appears wholly concerned for the Rump, or Parliament so called; and therefore that their Emissary might not corrupt or do any hurt among his Soldiers, he secures him, and by Letters signifies his dislike of the Armies proceed in England; tells them of their violation of Faith to the Parliament, and declared his Resolution of endeavouring to restore them to their Powers; this arrived to them on the 28th of October in the Evening, which put them to much Confusion. Fleetwood, Desborow, and Lambert meet about it, and about midnight sand for Clarges, to expostulate with him about it, who was wary, and could say little to it; however they order him with one Col. Talbot to repair presently to Monk, that they might prevail with him for a Treaty, to prevent effusion of blood, of which Clarges was glad, being desirous to get out of their power fearing a worse treatment.  
In the mean time, the Council of Officers meet at Whitehall, in order to Setlement as they called it, and of frameing a Government, that should be lasting and against all attempts whatsoever: but having found most of the Gentry of England, to be one way or other involved for the King's Interest, they were projecting to seize all their Estates, and to divide them among their own Party, and so to put the richeses of the nation into the hands of persons irreconcilable to Monarchy; and than to have set up Harrington's model of a Common Wealth, or ruled themselves by the sword, or thought of some other way, they knew not what: This advice if followed, had been very fatal, and might have laid such a foundation of slavery, never to have been subverted. But God had otherwise designed: on the 16 of the same month October, the Wallingfordians choose a Committee of Safety as they termed it, consisting of 23 persons, who were Fleetwood, Lambert, Desborow, Whitlock, lately made keeper of their great Seal, Steel chancellor of Ireland; Sir Hen. Vain, Ludlow, Sydenham, Salaway, Strickland, Berry, Laurence, Sir Jo. Harrington, the Laird Warreston, Alderman Ireton, Tichbourn, Col. Hewson, Clerk, Bennet, Lilburn, Thomson, Cornelius Holland, and Henry Brandrist. These, without any Precedent, in any Age or History, were empowered, by the army Officers, to call Delinquents to account, and to bring them 〈◊〉 Justice, to give Indemnity to all that had acted for the Common Wealth, since the year 1649. to oppose and suppress all Insurrections, to treat with foreign States and Princes. To r●ise the Militia in the several Counties, to dispose of all places of Trust, and to make Sales and Compositions of all Delinquents Lands, and to execute all the powers of the late Council of State; that is, to do what they please. Surely never any free Nation was so abused and imposed upon by a company of false pretenders to Sanctity?  
The news of General Monks actions in the North, alarmed them, at their first sitting, for he had cashiered all those Officers in his Army; who would not join with him, and imprisoned some of them; and, had seized Berwick, and several others strong Holds, and was likely to march into England, which put them to their wits ends, knowing how highly the people were incensed against them; and about the same time, as a presage of their dying power, Brad, shaw who had passed the traitorous Sentence upon the King, departed this life, the last day of this month, to receive sentence himself from the King of Kings. However this Committee with a new name, put forth a Declaration, in with they null and make void the pretended Orders, Acts, and Declarations of the late Junto, made on the 10th. of that instant October, and on the Teusday and Wednesday following; and likewise all Acts, Orders, and Proceed thereupon, in as full and ample manner, as if they had never been: See now what may not these people do, when they can null and make voided the Acts of that power themselves adored, set up and submitted to, not long before calling them Saints, Godly, Upright, and Religious men, persons fearing God, and seeking the good of the Nation, yet now vacate their Acts, that were displeasing to them, or restrained their power. Yet the same men declare a liberty to all the freeborn men of the Nation, whom they had thus enslaved, and with the next breath ●●●mise to maintain a painful Gospel-preaching Ministry, to be encouraged by some other way, lesle troublesome than that of Tithes. Than they declare against a single person, Kingship, and House of Peers, and that the Common Wealth shall not be governed in a Military way, but by the Civil Government of the Committee of Safety, who shall prepare such a Form of Government as shall best suit with a free State, or Common Wealth: than end with a long cant of godly and scriptural expressions, of their sincerity and uprightness, to Cajole the godly Party, and to make them think well of their Saintlike Actions.  
This done, in order to Government, in the beginning of November, the Safety men nominate Fleetwood, Lambert, Vane, Ludlow, Desborow, Hewson, Holland, Salaway, and Tichburn to be a Committee, to prepare a form of Governenmt, in the way of a free State, or Common Wealth; and Whaly, Goff, Carill, and Barker, are dispatched to General Monk to seduce him to join with them, and to do as they intended, to tyrannize over a free born people; and arbitrarily to murder them for the avoiding of effusion of blood; and the Officers at London wrote to his Officers to the same purpose, remonstrateing with much zeal, how necessary brotherly Union was to uphold their Domination. General Monk, who had good Intelligence from England, seeing the Northern forces were in a posture to resist him, and Lambert coming down to them with more Regiments out of the South, thought it his best way to win time by procrastinations, and therefore desires a Treaty, which was readily accepted of by those in England, and upon this he sends up, as Commissioners, Col. Wilks, Leiut. Col. Clebery, and Mayor Knight, to tranfact with the like number of Officers at London. These had power only to treat, but not to come to full agreement without orders, but they exceeded their Commission. By the way meeting Lambert at York, they gave him so full satisfaction in hopes of concluding all things amicably, by this Treaty, that he advanced not farther northwards. The Commissioners on both sides meet at London, and Wilks not following his directions, we●t beyond his Commission, and being overforward to end the Treaty, concluded upon certain Articles very destructive to Monk's designs. They were briefly these. 1. That the pretended title of Charles Stewart, or any other clameing from that family should be utterly renounced. 2. That the Government of these Nations should be a free State or Common Wealth, and not be a single Person, King, of House of Lords. 3. That the Ministry should be maintained and encouraged. 4. That the Universities should be reform and countenanced, 5. That the Officers and soldiers, and other persons, on either side, should be indemnified for things past, and all unkindness between them buried in perpetual oblivion. 6. That the Officers which were made prisoners in Scotland, should be forthwith set at liberty. 7. That the Armies be presently dispersed into quarters, 9 And a Committee of 19, whereof to make the Quorum, should meet about qualifications for succeeding Parliaments. 9 That the proportion of money out of the Assessments of England, formerly appointed for the supply of the forces in Scotland, be duly paid. The ratification of which Articles by Monk's Commissioners, strangely amazed the City, who had had private assurances from the General of other things, and made them not to believe some later letters sent them, to continued their Hopes, but fling them away at fictitions, and caused the messenger to be imprisoned. Monk was also as much perplexed when he had the news of it, and when his Commissioners returned imprisoned Wilks, for going beyond his Commission, and by advice from his Officers demurred to one clause in the 6 Article, which was, That all the Officers displaced by General Monk, might be in a capacity of being restored to their commands, and all those put in by him, in their places, to be removed; by which means he should ruin and disarm himself. And therefore The treaty was not wholly disaproved of, but wisely Monk desired, that two more might be added to the former Commission as, to meet with the like number of theirs, to put a more absolute period to their differences; for that there were certain points to be treated on not yet agreed to, and others wanted explanation. This letter subscribed by Monk and many of his Chief Officers, and sent to London, put Fleetwood, Lambert, and the rest to much confusion▪ seeing Monk thus refuse to ratify the Treaty: and thereupon many expostulatory Letters passed between them▪ which gained time, the thing Monk intended: he having sent letters and messengers into Ireland, from whom he had favourable returns, which encouraged him to proceed. And this also put new life into the City, who now began to revive their Hopes. He also had privately letters from the Lord Fairfax, and other persons of quality in England, of their resolutions of standing by him; tho' upon all this, he still kept himself reserved, and very few knew his intentions, which made many of his friends very doubtful of him: but by this artifice and closeness he effected his business, and got into the opinion of the Rumpers, whose quarrel only he seemed to espouse: And being thus encouraged by his actions, nine of the old Council of State get privately together, viz: Scot, Morley, Reignalds, Wollop, Nevil, Hazlerig, Walton, Cooper, and Berners, who sand a letter to Monk, assuring him, that his service was highly acknowledged by them, in asserting their Liberties, and also was extremely well resented by all the sober and uninterested persons in the nation, that love a Common Wealth; assureing him they would adhere to him, and stand and fall with him, and that they would assist him with all their might, for the removeing of the force was put upon them by the English Army, that they might sit in freedom; praiseing his wisdom and conduct, and the like. This was no small encouragement to the Officers in Scotland, for they might rationally conclude, that their party was increased in England, or else that they would not have so openly acted. This  Council of State, framed a Commission, wherein they constituted General Monk absolute Commander in Chief of the Armies in England and Scotland, dated 24 of November sealed with their seal, and given to Clarges to sand by a safe messenger to Monk.  
And now General Monk, upon Lambert's advance into Northumberland, ordered a considerable part of his forces towards Berwick: and than caused an Assembly of the Nobles and Gentry, to convene at Edenburg to whom he made these proposals. That he having a call from God and man, to march into England they would therefore, during his absence, preserve and secure the peace of that Nation. That they would supply him with some money for his undertaking, which he engaged upon his honour should be to their satisfaction; and that if any troubles should arise, they would assist him in the suppressing thereof. That they would advance, and raise what money they could for his enterprise before hand. To these they returned answer by their chairman, the Earl of Glencarn; that they were not in a condition to engage for preserving the peace of the Country in his absence; because they wanted Arms: Yet they would endeavour it with all faithfulness: That they thought it not prudent to engage themselves in a war, which if unsuccessful would be their ruin, or if prosperous they knew not what advantage should thereby accrue to them. But to show their good opinion of his fair intendment, they were content to levy moneys, and to advance a year's Tax beforehand. Hereupon the General empowered the Lords and Gentry to arm themselves; and some of them he privately satisfied with his design, and thankfully accepted the year's Tax. But yet to win time, he holds a second Treaty with Lambert's Commissioners at Newcastle upon Time; where he still insisted with a seeming zealousness, upon the readmission of the Rumpers: And this produced its wished effects. For whilst Lambert trifles away his time unprofitably, Monk posts himself at Cold-stream, a notable pass upon the Tweed, where he kept his head Quarters, and being winter, where Lambert could not, without danger, come to disturb him. And on the other side Hazlerig, Morly and Walton get into Portsmouth, where they prevail with the Governor Col. Nathaniel Whetham, and the Garrison, with the Town, to declare for he Junto, against the Safety men and Army Officers, and no Contribution could be gotten from the Country; who armed themselves with the late Act of the Rumpers before their exclusion by Lambert; and the Counties every where bodily meet to draw Remonstrances; but especially the City was so highly incensed, that the Lord Mayor, Allen, was hardly able to restrain them from flying to arms; which so perplexed him that not knowing whom to please, and fearing bad effect if he should displease either, he went to Wallingford House to represent the postures of affairs to the Gang, to try if he could persuade them to reason: But he was affronted all along as he passed in his coach, in the streets, by the Common people, who called him a deserter, and told him he was not like Sir William Walworth in the time of King Richard the second; which was a notable evidence of the inclination of the Generality.  
In the mean time, that we may see and be astonished at the impudence of these men, or monsters, called the Safety men: they had ordered a Committee (whom we nominated before) as mad as themselves, to sit at White-Hall, to found out a new Government; whose wits being not so acute as their swords were quickly confounded in the building of their Babel. Sometimes they would have a Senate, and another time they were for Conservators, which should be much like the Rumping Custodes, to keep the Liberties from the people: But at last to please the Nation, this Mounthain brought forth its Mouse; a Vote viz: That a (convention which they styled a) Parliament qualified according to their humours, and elected by persons so qualified, should be called and apppointed to sit in, or before February next. But in the first place 7 fundamental principles are agreed upon, by the Wallingsfordians, which must needs be as unalterable as the Laws of the Medes and Persians'. These are, 1 That no Kingship shall be exercised in these Nations. 2 That no single Person shall exercise the Office of Chief Magistrate here. 3, That an Army be continued, maintained, and conducted, so as it may secure (that is imprison) the peace of these Nations, and by no means be disbanded, nor the conduct thereof altered, but by the consent of such Conservators as should be apppointed. 4, That no imposition may be upon the consciences of any but the Cavaliers, 5, That there be no House of Peers. 6, That the legislative and executive power be distinct, and not in the same hands. 7, That the Assemblies of Parliament shall be elected by the people of this Common Wealth duly qualified.  
But these Gimcraks would not satisfy at all. But the Treaty still being in hand, they were lulled into a security, and began, after the old manner of the Rumpers, to share among themselves the Chiefest Offices and places of Trust and profit; and to his end Fleetwood, Desborow, Sydenham, Saloway, Holland, Clerk, and Blackwell, or any two of them are appointed Commissioners of the Treasury, and to manage the public revenue, with power as large as they could wish or desire. But being disturbed with the people's drawing up of several Petitions, and getting Subscriptions, issue forth a Proclamation against all such petitioning, and call their petitions undue and dangerous papers, and prohibit all persons to subscribe any such papers, and if offered to suppress them, and to 'cause all persons so endeavouring to get subscriptions to be apprehended, upon account of being enemies and disturbers of the peace. Thus you see, these very men, who had fet examples of this nature so frequently by getting Subscriptions to Petitions and Remonstrances, to the Authority than in Being, could not endure it, now it twarted their humours and interest; and what in themselves they indulged and pleaded for, as their right, they will abhor and will punish in others. Mind therefore the Justice of these men.  
But this Prohibition of theirs did but the more enrage the people, and the Londoners, especially the Apprentices, vere in an uproar, and ready to mutiny; whereupon Hewosn the one eyed cobbler, hath order with his Regiment of foot, and some horse to march into the City: where he killed a Cobbler, and one or two more, and wounded several, so that the Citizens shut up their shops; yet rather madded than daunted thereat, there were continual bicker between them and the soldiers; neither could Desborows, canting speech at Guild-Hall work upon them, but that sometimes multitudes would flock together and affronted the soldiers, and tho' they were often dispersed yet they would gather head again. And now the Common-Council, in which at that time were many stout and honest men, began to give ear to the Apprentices petitioning for a free Parliament; being thereunto encouraged by an offer of 3000 valiant Seamen to aid them, from Vice Admiral Lawson: who in this juncture was come up the Thames, and had surprised all the Forts and Blockhouses in the way: Vain and Salmon were sent to confer with him, but nothing would prevail with him, unless the Wallingfordians would readmit the Rumpers to sit again.  
And besides all this, Hazelrig, Morley, and Walton, at Portsmouth, had so wrought upon those Regiments which were sent against them, that they all came over to their side. The Safety men and Officers at White-Hall perceiving themselves to be generally hated and slighted, and wanting money to pay their soldiers and uphold their interest, being withal beset on every hand with enemies; both City and Country being ready to rise upon them, found a necessity of submiting to the Rumpers, for fear, jest while the two Curs strove for the bone of Government, the Royal Lion should come in and destroy them both; they finding the pulse of the whole nation (tired with the various fits of arbitrary sway) beating towards the return of the King, and to their old and equal way of Government; and the late reconciliation between France and Spain (in which his Majesty was very instrumental) seeming to presage some danger to them; the Chief of them than go to the Speaker Lenthal, and cry peccavimus; where tenderhearted Fleetwood meekly weeping, gave a full testimony of his sorrow for his reiterated defection, saying: That the Lord had blasted their Counsels and spit in their Faces ('tis his own rhetoric) and therefore desires, him and the rest of the members, to return to the exercise of their Trust, for the Government of the Nation. And the same day the soldiery being drawn up in Lamolns-l●n-feilds owned the Junto again for the supreme authority, now they saw they could keep it not longer themselves. The Speaker went presently to the Tower of London, the care of which & Government whereof, he committed to Sir Antony Ashly-Cooper, Mr. Weaver, and Mr, Berners, and two days after, being the 26th. of December, this never dying Rump resumed their old places; and thus ended the Government of the Army, which lasted only from the 13th. of October to the 26th. of December following.  
And now, almost tired with relateing, though briefly, the several sorts of Arbitrary and tyrannical usurpations, we are come to the last Act of our Tragedy or Tragicomedy since it ends happily, and after the trial of so many ways of Government, almost to the ruin of the Nation, they return to the good old way of Monarchy; as the only just, equal, and legal way of Government for these Nations, and for the ease and freedom of the people But let us pursue our story, and see the last struggle & gasp for life of this Monster, or Dragon, of a Common Wealth ruleing by their Arbitrary wills, backed by the power of the sword, of a standing Army, who like the Turks Janizarie Kept both the people and their Masters in awe; though they knew the one, was not able to stand without the other.  
Soon after this revived Junto, to their great joy, had met, Hazelrig, Morley, and Walton, came to their Companions, being attended from Portsmouth by those forces, that were led by Desborow to reduce them; who being than deserted by them, hasted back to London, and from thence to St. Alban; whence he wrote an humble letter to his restored Masters, craveing pardon, and telling them, that he had procured his own Regiment, which was at that time quartered there, to return to their Obedience. From S. Alban, Desborow went into York sheir to Lambert, who was now in a declineing condition.  
General Monk finding things go to his mind in England now broke of the treaty he had yet continued at York, and had planted his army very advantageously along the River Tweed, on the Scotch side, in such a prudent manner, that in a few hours he could have all his Forces together; and lay so well posted, that the enemy could not make their way to him without extraordinary disadvantage: and if Lambert should have attempted to have got to him by the way of Carlisle, he would by that means have gained several days march before him towards London; being also well assured, the Country would come in a pace to him. Lambert was about 13000 strong, and far superior to General Monk (in numbers) especially in Horse; which made that famous and experienced commander decline engageing.  
The Rumpers, as soon as got together, order Popham, Thomson, Scot, Okey, Ashly-Cooper, Alured, and Markham, or any 3 of them to be Commissioners to Order, Direct, and Conduct the forces of the army; these writ to Lambert to disperse his forces, but they were doing that themselves before, and the Irish Brigade that came over to his assistance under Redman and Bret submitted to the Junto; a pardon being sent to Lambert, and for all others that should submit to them by the 9th. of the same month: by the example of the Irish Regiments, divers other Regiments also forsook Lambert, who headed by the Lords Fairfax and Faulconbridg lately came to them, seized York, for the Junto. Lambert upon this marches from the borders Southward, his soldiers forsakeing him so fast, that by such time as he came to North-Allerton, he had not above 50 Horse remaining where upon both he and they concluded to lay hold on the offer of pardon, and so dispersed, which being done, those at York likewise departed to their respective Quarters. Windsor castle also was surrendered to them by the means of Col. Ingoldsby: all things thus prospering, they fall upon the Oath of Abjuration or Renunciation of the whole line of King James, which they h●● been hammering at before, but now nominateing a Council of State; they order that none of them should Act, till they had taken this oath, which was now form more strict than ever; and it was also proposed, that all the member of the House should take it: but this was strongly opposed by many, for that secretly divers of them had sought their pardons of the King, and seeing that he would inevitably come in the wisest & least obnoxious of them, endeavoured to save themselves, and to be instrumental in his Majesty's Restauration, among whom were Sir Anthony Ashly Cooper, St John, Ingoldsly, Morley, and others. But the Oath was this: I do hereby swear, That I do renounce the pretended title of Charles Stewart, and the whole line of King James, and of every other person, as a single person, pretending or which shall pretend to the Crown or Government of these nations of England, Scotland, and Ireland or any of them, and the dominious and territories belonging to them or any of them. And that I will by the grace and assistance of almighty God, be true, faithful, and constant to the Parliament and Common Wealth, and will oppose the bringing in or setting up any single person, or House of Lords and every of them in this Common Wealth.  
A third part at lest of their Council of State refused this Oath, saying it was a snare and a confining of Providence, and so were not permitted to sit.  
The secluded Members, would not yet give over their Right of sitting, and though they knew and had declared, that the Parliament was legally dissolved by the Death of the late King, yet they, upon the resitting of the Rumpers, require admission, whereupon it was again resolved that they did stand duly discharged from their sitting as members of that Parliament, and that writs should be immediately issued out, for the electing of new members in their places. Thus they are still provideing to perpetuate themselves. And than falling to their old trade of divideing ●he spoil, and to let them see how much they were offended, they order the Estates of Sir Georg Booth (a secluded member) and all his adherents to be forthwith sold.  
General Monk who kept a correspondence in Ireland, ●eceived the news that his friends had surprised Dublin, Castle, and that most of all Ireland had declared for him, and the Parliament to sit again, but he was surprised at the actual sitting again of the Rump, having other designs in his head, than their restauration, and therefore thinks it now high time to march, tho' in the midst of winter, and great snow: yet on the 2 of January he gins to set forward, resolving for London. In the mean time the Junto knowing that both City and Country were highly exasperated, who would not be satisfied with any thing, but the restoreing the old members, or a free Parliament, and having also had experience of the Army's stubbornness, and aptness to mutiny, therefore to provide for their own Safety, which was very dear to them, they make Morley Lieutenant of the Tower, and ordered a letter of thanks to be sent to General Monk: which was accordingly done, and which the General received being upon his march; and caused it to be read to his soldiers at the head of their Regiments, whilst they stood up to the knees in snow. This letter was but cold comfort, and they feared jest it should have hindered their march; for the soldiers longed to be at London, and the Messenger told Monk, that Lambert's forces were dispersed, and all things quiet, yet the General would not understand him, but continued his march Southwards, for he said he would see them settled, and take care not more force should be put upon them: and by a messenger of his own, sent them a letter, much to the same purpose, with a return of thanks for the honour they did him, and of professions of fidelity to them; and that they being in an unsettled condition, he thought it best to see them settled, etc. with several other things, which he recommended to them, both as to the soldiery, and the people. The General had left Mayor General Morgan behind in Scotland, with sufficient force to keep that nation in quiet, who were now in great expectation of the issue of Monks march into England. All the way as he marched he was highly caressed by the Gentry, and addressed by the Counties for a free Parliament, to whom he was very reserved tho' civil, so that many scruples and doubts arose concerning him some suspecting him a Royalist, others a Rumper, and others believing he intended to set up himself in Olivers place. The City likewise sent their Swordbearer to compliment him, and to offer him their service, and than by 3 Commissioners requesting the same thing, the readmission of the secluded members, without any previous Oath, or a free Parliament, either of which they knew would bring in the King, tho' they durst not yet speak out. Monk observed all, and tho' inwardly glad, he knew one error might spoil all, therefore he still kept his mind to himself, and answered them, that he would see the Parliament freed from all force, and the House filled, and good provision made for future Parliaments. But the Rumpers, who had also received the like declarations from the Country, doubting what those caresses might produce, sent two of their subtlest members, Scot and Luke Robinson, in show to wait upon Monk, but in effect to watch and observe him, and to give them an account of all his actions, for their Jealousy of him daily increased. The General came to St. Alban upon the 28 th'. of January, and there made an halt, sending from thence a letter to the Junto, which he had framed beforehand as Nottingham, in which he desired to have his quarters assigned him, according to the list he had sent, ready drawn in his letter, and that those forces that were now there, might draw forth and march to several Quarters, far enough a sunder, as he had also by his list enclosed apppointed or desired, telling, them he did it upon mature consideration, of the present posture of their affairs, that those places he had assigned to them, who were to march out, might be secured for them, he having intelligence of their distempered condition, and that he presumed with submission, that it would not be for their service, that those soldiers than in London lately in Rebellion against them, should mingle with those of his approved faithful Regiments, till they should, by their new Officers put over them, be reduced to a more assured obedience to them. Colonel Morley's and Colonel Fagg's Regiments were excepted, he having an assurance of them. This letter was sent by Colonel Lydect, who was allied to the Speaker. This letter caused a violent dispute, which lasted from 8 in the morning; till 12 at noon, the result of which was; That the Parliament did agreed with the distributions of the soldiers according to the Lists, and that the Soldiers be forth with distributed accordingly. The General was not a little glad to hear of this, for by this he did his business, and it was of great consequence as to his design, in thus getting the sole possession of London and Westminster into his power: Fleetwoods' army marched out of London, having a months pay assigned them, but this did not satisfy, nor keep them from grumbling, and some of them mutined at Somerste-house, but at last were feign to follow their fellow's. The Junto would have given the General a 1000 pounds a year out of Sir George Booths estate, but he refused it; and than they grant him St James' park dureing their pleasure.  
Upon the 3d of February, having sent his Lady and family before him, he marched into London, with his Army, entering by the way of Gray's Jnn-lane and so thorough Chancery lane and Temple bar, into the Strand, where, about Somerset House he was met by the Speaker, where they complemented one another, and because he would not fall more under the suspicion of his Jealous Masters, he is content to accept of the Lodgings they had apppointed for him at White-Hall. Going to the Parliament House on Monday the 6 of February he received the thanks of the Junto, and afterwards made a speech to them, standing at the back of a velvet chair they had placed for him within the Bar, in which he thanked them for the Honour they had done him, and among other things, after he had give them an account of Affairs, he humbly desired them to satisfy the expectation of the Nation, in the establishment of their Laws, Liberties, and Properties, oh remove the Conceit, which the people had of their in●● 〈◊〉 ending to perpetuate themselves, by their determining ●thir own Session, and for providing for future Parliaments, and the lesser qualifications the better; entreating them to use the Nobility and Gentry civilly, and telling them that the fanatics were as dangerous as Cavaliers. This speech of his was no good Music in their ears, and some of the hasty rash ones among them, had much ado to forbear interrupting him, however, tho' galled, they dissembled a while, for that the City still continued refractory, and had passed a Vote in Common Council Feb. 8. Not to pay or levy any Taxes till they had a full and free Parliament. Upon which the Junto thinking this to be highly derogatory to their Authority, the Council of Sat order the General, the next morning to go into the City with a part of the Army, and to seize on 11 of the most active of them, and to pull down their Posts and Chains, to unhinge their Gates, and take away their porcullissis. The Generae was surprised at this order, knowing it would tender him odious to the Citizens, and suspected that they designed by this means, to make an utter breach between the City and Him, that they might tie him the surer to their own party. He was one of the Council of State, but did not sit among them, because he denied to take the Oath, yet he went to them, & debated the business with them, till midnight, divert but he found nothing he could say would their resolutions. They also ordered him to quarter his soldiers upon them, till he had brought them to obedience. He saw he was now forced to obey, or quit his Command; and to do the latter at this time, would spoil all he had laboured for; and openly to make an interruption had than been equally dangerous, being not yet fully assured of his soldiers: wisely therefore he resolves to obey these orders, and by this means to try the spirits of the soldiers, and of the Citizens, and also to quash the suspicions of his Masters. His Commission being now expireing. The next day therefore he marches to Guil-Hall, and peremptorily demands the Assessment. They pled Magna Charta, and the Petition of Right and the Act of the Junto made the day before Lambert turned them out, that they were not to pay Taxes without their Consent in Parliament, which they had not, for they had no Burgesses in the House. Upon this refusal, the General seizes 9 of the 11 they had appointed him, and to the amazement of the Citizens, who had thought him their friend, and to the soldiers, who obeyed his orders very unwillingly. He pulled down their Posts and Chains; and applications being made to him by some of the most sober of the Citizens, he could not but testify how ungrateful the Action was to him, but that he was under Masters, whom he was bound to obey, but promised he would writ to them the next day about it, as he did, giving the Junto an Account, how he had obeyed their orders, as to seizing the persons they had commanded him to seize, and had pulled down their Posts and Chains, but had not as yet meddled with their Gates, because the Common Council were apppointed to meet that morning, and he doubted not, but that all things would be composed to their satisfaction, and the Assessment paid. But the Junto, upon the reading his Letter, grew higher and more violent than before, and without other answer, sent him a peremptory order, not only to unhinge their gates, and take away the porcullisies, but to break them all to pieces: and likewise ordered, That the present Common Council of the City, should be dissolved, and declared them nul and void, ordering him not to let them meet. Vexed at his noble Heart the General was, to see himself, made the Junto's Executioner; but lest they should at this time vacate his Commission, which he thought they sought at present for; he fully executed their Orders, to the great Grief of the City, and for a time to the utter loss of their Affection, and he perceived also the temper of his own soldiers, who many of them utterly refused; tho' they told him they would dye for him in Battle: but this was a work unworthy of soldiers, to a City that was their friend. He as secretly rejoiced, to found how well they agreed, tho' he made show to the contrary; but this was the last service he ever intended to do this Junto: for on the 10 of February, his Commission was at an end, and he expected they would have renewed it, and returned to Whitehall, but in requital of this service, his ungrateful and ungracious Masters fearing too much greatness in any one Man, instead of renewing his Commission, they had made him a Colonel again, and joined 4 others with him, equal in Command. This was an hand some occasion for Monk now to begin to unhood himself, and being wisely managed, might be a good means of induceing his Officers to join with him in his business. He represents the matter to them, and they unanimously conclude, that the Junto did intent at length to supplant them all, and impose upon them, and the whole Nation. The same day the City Gates were beaten down, Praise God Bare-bone, with a rabble of fanatics, present the Junto, with a Petition, that none might be employed in Civil or Military Offices, until they had taken the Oath of Renunciation, and had the Thanks of the House.  
The name of those joined in the Commission with General Monk were, Hazelrig, Morley, Walton, and Alured, 3 of which were to be a Quorum, and when it was moved by Monk's friends, that he might be always of the Quorum it was carried in the Negative, which so exasperated the General, that having tried his Officers, he secretly ordered all the Army to be drawn up, and having prepared a Letter, signed by himself and the Chiefest Officers of his Army, in which they Complain of the Juntoes Countenanceing Lambert and Vain, and permitted Ludlow to fit with them, though accused by Sir C. Cect of high Treason they conclude that by Friday next, they should issue out writs for the filling up the House, & when filled, should rise at their appointed time to give way to a free Parliament.  
The Letter they sent to the Junto sitting, and immediately march into London, to shake hands with the City: on the 11 of February the Army is drawn up into Finsbury fields and the General being invited to dinner, by the Lord Major, who at first was very , not knowing how to believe what some of Monk's friends had told him of the General's Letter to the Junto, and of his resolving to declare for a free Parliament, but before they parted, the General himself gave him, and the rest of the Citizens, such satisfaction of his Integrity, that, overjoyed, they caused the soldiers to be feasted, and Quarters in the City to be provided for them, the Bells in all the Churches to ring, and at night Bonfires to be made in every street, declareing for a free Parliament.  
In the mean time the Junto read the Generals and his Officers Letter, which caused a very great disorder in the House: however they thought it best to dissemble, and secretly resolve to ruin Him, if they can, tho' openly they Vote him the thanks of the House, and sand away Scot and Robinson to give it him, and to let him know they were about qualifications for members to be Chosen, for the filling up their House. But when they heard of what was done in the City, the Rumpers gnashed at it, and angry they were, that they could not take revenge on the subscribers of the late Remonstrances for a free Parliament, whose Estates they earnestly longed to be dealing with. And now in the nick of Time comes a Declaration from Ireland, where they had secured Sir Hardress Waller a Rumper, which was of the same nature with those of the English Counties; but more bold and resolute, speaking their Minds freely, the Lord Broughill being one of the Chief promotors of it. His Excellency having waited some days for an answer to his Letter, and receiving none, but what Scot and Robinson brought him, who durst not stay in the City, for fear of being stoned; and finding nothing done in reference to the filling the House, he set himself about considering some way to dissolve the Junto, without force or violence. In this juncture, many of the secluded Members were in and about the City; Some of whom addressed themselves to the General, who procured a Conference between ten of them, and ten of the Junto; where, the one party challenged admission as Members of the House, unjustly forced from it before; the others refused it, unless they would confirm all that was done since by them, or at lest engage as they had done against a single person, and House of Lords; but when they could not agreed about these points; Monk who was present both times, (for they had two meering) clearly discerning more of self-interested wilfulness than any Reason in what the Rumpers urged, a day or two after sent for the Secluded, and demanded if they were of the same mind, and resolved not to engage against a single person, to which they answering affirmatively, and professing to be  therein, he got above fourscore of them together to Whitehall, where recommending the care of Religion, and the State to them, and telling them how suitable Physic a full and free Parliament would be for the crazed body of this Nation, he told them the House was open to them, and prayed for their good success, and so on the 21th of February they went and took their places in the House; which was managed so secretly, that the Junto knew nothing of their coming, till they appeared; which so surprised them, that they could not tell whether they had best sit still, or leave their places. The moderate among them stayed, but the grand sticklers for a Common Wealth, knowing now they should be out-Voted; and that they should be able to do no good, or rather further mischief, quitted the House.  
Whilst these things were transacting, the Junto had endeavoured all ways possibly, to have gotten Monk out of the City, that they might have had him in their power; inviteing him to fit in the Council of State, and had sent Colonel Alured to persuade him; but he was too wise to trust them, for he had secret intelligence of their intentions of sending him to the Tower, or of serving him worse; for they foresaw their own ruin: he excused himself by his care of securing the City by his presence, who were full of disturbance, and ready to mutinee. But now the secluded Members, having gotten in, eleven years after they had been kept out, being double the number of the former sitters, out-Voted than as there was no interruption. They had long been standers by, and had seen more than the Gamesters, andd now they mean to improve their animadversions and experience to the doing of a great deal in a little time. They fall to work presently, where they were abruptly forced to break of December 1648, confirming their Vote made than by another now. That the Concessions of his Late Majesty, were a sufficient Ground to proceed on, for settling the peace of the Kingdom. Hereby Vacateing all that had been done contrary thereunto, dureing their Recess. Brave Monk is by them constituted Captain General of all the forces in England, Scotland, and Ireland; and He with General Montague, made Admirals at Sea. Sir William Waller is made Lieutenant General of the land forces: Colonel Edward Rossiter General of the Horse, and Vice Admiral Lawson Continued in his Command. Severel Gentlemen committed by the Rumpers order were than released, and among others Sir George Booth, who took his place in the House, and the City Gates, Portculliss, Posts, and Chains, were ordered to be repair d at the public charge. Than they provided to secure the Nation by two seasonable Acts, the one for an Assessment, the other for the Militia, and passed some Acts concerning Ministers. Lastly they consult about dissolving themselves, to which the Rump party, were very unwilling, and therefore many of them intended to be absent, when that business should be debated, because they would not give their consent: But the others smelling their design, watched a convenient time, and issuing out writs in the name of the Keepers of the Liberties, etc. for a full and free Parliament, to convene on the 25th. of April following, saveing to the House of Lords their Rights, notwithstanding the Commons in this Juncture had been necessitated to proceed without them: They upon Friday the 16th. of March 1659., when the greatest number of the Rumpers were present, dissolve themselves by Act. Thus was an undeniable Period put to this Tragical long Parliament, by their own Vote, tho' it was legally ipso facto dissolved before, by the Death of King Charles the 1st. whose writs had summoned them together.  
But before they dissolved themselves, they settled a new Council of State, to govern in the interval of the Parliaments, and abrogated the Oath of Abjuration, and the former Council. The chief of these were General, George Monk, General Montague, Mr. Annesly, President, the Lord Fairfax, Sir William Waller, Mr. Hollis, Pierpoint, Rossiter, Saint-Johns Widdrington, Sir Anthony Ashly-Co oper, and others, to the number of thirty in all, who behaved themselves with much circumspection, setting forth a Proclamation against all disturbers of the Peace either in Action or Speech, and tendering an Engagement for peaceable demeanour, to be subscribed by such as they suspected, which Lambert refusing was committed to the Tower, disarming the fanatics every where, they purged the Army of Schismatical Officers and Soldiers, taking care of the Garrisons. Overton, a Fifth-Monarchy-Man, was removed out of his Government of Hull, and Colonel Charles Fairfax was placed in his Room: Colonel Richardo made some stir about St. Edmunds-bury; but Colonel Rich. Ingoldsby quieted his Soldiers, and seized him, and thereupon was restored to that Regiment, from whose Command the Walling for dianes had put him by, when they degraded young Cromwell.  
Thus ended the Arbitrary and Tyrannical Usurpation of the Rumpers, by the great providence of God, and the good Genius of England's means, in raising up the Great and Renowned Monk to be a Saviour to his Nation, and to reduce the Monarchy, to its legal, ancient, and happy state again, and that the torrent of violence and Arbitrary Tyranny, that had so variously overrun and spoiled the Land, might be lost and sunk into the Earth, whence it sprung, and the Stream of Government, bounded by Laws and ancient Customs, might again run in its right Course and ancient Channel, from whence it had been diverted. And now I should conclude, having fully finished my Draught, or Picture of Arbitrary and Tyrannical Government, which I have taken from the Life, being the true History and Resemblance of the Monster, now so much feared, and which no Man that is a lover of the Peace of this Nation, and that hath his Sense and Reason, can behold without Horror and Indignation, and resolve in himself to suffer much, rather than to run the hazard of raising up this Ghost, to the rain of three Kingdoms and the Lives and Estates of so many persons as must be devoured for daily food, to maintain the Life of such a Monster; the remembrance of which, moved by the sight of this very Picture of it, is enough to affright, I shall therefore only, as the last touches to this piece, show you as it were the last struggle or gasp for Life, of the overthrown Monster, and so finish my Design, and that in few words.  
Lambert, whether by neglect, or Treachery of his Keepers is not known, escapes out of the Tower, and soon after appears in Arms, with a party of his Cashired Officers and Soldiers, once more to embroil the Nation, but he was proclaimed Traitor, and the whole Nation beginning to hope for a settled Peace, were unanimously bend to aid the General (if need were) against him: He had chosen Edg-Hill near Keinton in  for the place of his Rendezvouz, hoping it would prove as Ominous to the Royal Interest, as it had done before; and in all probability, there would have been a great Confluence of all sorts of Sectaries to him in a short space, and he was not without hope, that if the old Soldiers were sent against him, many of them would turn to him, but he was eagerly pursued by some parties of Horse and Foot, and Colonel Charles Howard had almost overtaken him; but it was Colonel Ingoldsby's, good hap to light upon him near Daventry in Northamptonshire, where Lambert was surprised with a strange Consternation, and durst not engage though he was nothing inferior in numbers to the others, which his followers observing, some of them went over to his pursuers, others slunk away and himself taken by Colonel Ingoldsby the 22d. of April 1660. and with Colonel Cobbet, Mayor Creod, and Captain Has erig, son to Sir Arthur, was sent up to London, and two days after, passing by Hyde-park, he saw 20000 Horse and Foot of the City Regiments, and Auxiliaries, there Training, with divers of the Nobility and Gentry of the Nation, trailing Pikes voluntarily among them, and the same day he was committed to the Tower.  
General Monck Marching into London.  
Monck & his Soldiers pulling down the City Gates posts and chains.  
A free parliament Voted the King to be sent for  
The K: & 2 Dukes Riding 〈◊〉 through London attended etc. Arbitrary Government, abolished.  
This ended, towards the settling of the Peace of the Na●ion. His Excellency had wrought his Officers to declare, they would with him acquiesce in the Resolves of the Parliament, appointed to meet the 25th of April, 1660. who accordingly met, the Lords and Peers in the upper-house taking their places, by virtue of their Birthright, who soon, according to the whole Nations expectations and Prayers, restored his Majesty to his Right, his Crown and Dignity; the Nobility to their ancient Birthrights and Privileges, the People to their property, freedom, and liberties, and the Laws to their ancient course and boundaries; the three Kingdoms rejoicing and a long Peace, quietness and tranquillity succeeding; which yet is grateful to the memory of all Loyal and good Subjects: therefore however of late our old Jealousies and fears are increased by our secret Adversaries, yet let all people remember what hath past, and by viewing this Picture of the most horrid and devouring Dragon, called Arbitrary and Tyrannical Usurpation; let them abhor it, and beware of falling under the same power, and into the same snare by any specious or colourable Pretence whatsoever; and continually pray that the Peace of the Nation may be continued, with the Life of his most Gracious Majesty, whom the King of Kings preserve both in the Throne and in the Hearts of his people. Amen.   

Upon the late STORM, and of the DEATH of his HIGNNESS ensuing the same, by Mr. Waller.  

WE must resign; Heaven his great Soul does claim  
In storms as loud, as His Immortal Fame;  
His dying groans, his last Breath shakes our Isle,  
And trees uncut fall for His Funeral Pile,  
About his Palace their broad roots are tossed  
Into the air; So Romulus was lost:  
New Rome in such a Tempest missed her King,  
And from Obeying fell to Worshipping.   

On Oeta's top thus Hercules lay dead.  
With ruin'd Oaks, and Pines about him spread;  
Those his last fury from the Mountain rend,  
Our dying Hero from the Continent  
Ravished whole Towns; and Forts from Spaniards reft  
As his last Legacy, to Britain left:  
The Ocean which so long our hopes confined  
Can give no limits to His vaster mind;  
Our Bounds inlargment was his latest toil;  
Nor hath he left us Prisoners to our Isle;  
Under the Tropic is our language spoke,  
And part of Flander's hath received our yoke.   

From Civil Broils he did us disengage,  
Found nobler objects for our Martial rage,  
And with wise Conduct to his Country showed  
Their ancient way of conquering abroad:   

Ungrateful than, if we no Tears allow  
To Him that gave us Peace, and Empire too.  
Princes that feared him, grieve, concerned, to see  
No pitch of glory from the Grave is free.  
Nature herself took notice of His death,  
And sighing swelled the Sea, with such a breath  
That to remotest shores her Billows rolled,  
The approaching Fate of their great Ruler told.    

Upon the late STORM, translated out of Mr. Waller's fine Piece of FLATTERY.  

THen take him Devil, Hell his Soul doth claim  
In Storms as Loud, as his King-murthring Fame.  
His cheating Groans, and Tears, has shaked this Isle,  
Cleft Britain's Oaks, for Britain's funeral Pile.  
Now at his Exit, Trees uncut are tossed  
Into the Air; So Faustus once was lost.  
Rome missed her first, so London her last King,  
Both killed, than wept, and fell to worshipping.  
We in a Storm of wind our Nimrod lost,  
Kinged him, than Sainted him, than cursed his Ghost.  
In Oeta's flames thus Hercules lay dead,  
In Worcester's flames, he on his raving Bed.  
He some scragged Oakes, and Pines, from Mountains rend,  
This stole two brave Isles from the Continent.  
Ravished whole Towns, and that his Spanish Theft  
As a cursed Legacy to Britain left.  
The Seas with which our hopes God had confined.  
The Devil made too narrow for his mind.  
Our Bounds enlargement was his greatest toil,  
He made our Prison greater than our Isle.  
Under the Line our enslaved cries are spoke,  
And we and Dunkirck draw but in one Yoke.  
From broils he made, he best could disengage,  
From his own head diverts our purchased rage:  
And by sine State-art to his Country showed  
How to be Slaves at home, and Thiefs abroad.   

Confederate Usurpers quake to see  
The Grave not under th' power of Tyranny.  
Nature shrunk up at this great Monster's death,  
And swelled the Seas with much affrighted breath.  
Than to the Boundered Shore her Billows rolled  
Th' approaching fate of Europe's troubles told.    

ENGLAND Still freshly lamenting the Loss of her KING, with several of her Dearest CHILDREN; which have been beheaded, hanged, and shot, by O. CROMWELL, and the Long-Parliament. In a Brief Collection of the remarkable Passages that have happened to this Land, from the year 1640, to the year 1660.  
IN sixteen hundred thirty nine, we than  
Did think, and say we were unhappy men,  
Because that we in many years before  
Had not a Parliament; nay I'll say more,  
We than did murmur, and we did complain  
Of many pressures, we did them sustain:  
Shipmoney than a burden was unto us,  
O Lord, these taxes, we cried, will unto us;  
This coat and conduct money, is unlawful,  
Lord, sent a Parliament, to make us joyful:  
Shall we be made such slaves unto the will  
Of such a King, that seeks out lives to kill,  
And our estates will take away by force,  
Yea, our Religion, which of all is worse,  
A Parliament Lord sand us, was the song,  
Of rich and poor, the old, and eke the young.  
Well, God did hear us, and into the heart  
Of our late King, did put it, (to his smart)  
To call a Parliament, as I remember,  
For to begin the third day of November; 
(1640.)   
Which is now nineteen years ago complete,  
And doth sit still; with grief we may repeat.  
Than presently the Taxes down were voted,  
Which were so great, as I before have noted:  
Sear-chamber than, and high Commission Court  
Were than put down, 'tis true what I report.  
Than did the King grant unto them to sit,  
In Parliament, so long as they thought fit:  
And than for a Triennial Parliament  
An Act was made, mistakes for to prevent.  
Than joyful were we, this same news to hear,  
Rung Bells, made Bonfires, as it did appear;  
But now behold, consider, and look back,  
And see how we have been put to the wrack,  
For first a hundred thousand pound was raised,  
To give the Scots, at which we were amazed,  
For their good service done some time before,  
This recompense they had than for their lore:  
Besides in sixteen hundred forty six,  
Just twice as much the Parliament did fix,  
And give unto them, 'cause they should deliver  
The King unto them, the like I think was never.  
Thus was the King by our dear Brother sold,  
For no lesle money than before was told;  
Likewise an hundred thousand pound, scarce lesle  
Was raised, the Irish Rebels to suppress,  
And after that, above three thousand pound,  
Was raised for Soldiers, which was quickly found,  
And listed were, to fight against the King,  
What think you now, was't not a goodly thing?  
The fifty subsidies, were raised, beside  
Pole money also, which men did deride;  
And other Sums of money freely given,  
Tota set out Ships for Coals, they were so risen;  
Than did they order every one to bring  
His Plate to Guild-Hall: to the very Ring,  
Bodkin, and Thimble, brought to maintain the cause,  
All which was done; and that with great applause,  
And those that would this order not obey,  
The twentieth part of his Estate must pay.  
Such was the greedy Appetite of those,  
Who seemed our Friends, but I think were our Foes:  
Besides all these; yet see how great vast sums,  
From every Hall and Corporation comes;  
And other places which if I should name,  
'Twould add, no glory to them, nor good fame.  
Than was there not a far more worse device  
Laid on our Backs, a thing called the Excise,  
For we Excise did pay for meat, and drink,  
And all things else, that they upon could think;  
Besides at Brainford, when there was a fight,  
We sent the Soldiers with such great delight,  
Cart-loads of victuals, with great store of ,  
With Shirts, Shoes, Hats, and many a pair of Hose,  
And money too, by some was freely given;  
By those who thought thereby for to gain Heaven;  
All which was done, as they said, with intent,  
To bring the King unto his Parliament,  
And make him glorious, and a happy King,  
This was the cry, though they meant no such thing;  
Likewise in sixteen hundred forty three,  
The Parliament did order there should be,  
The worth in money of a good meals meat,  
For every one that was i'th' house did eat,  
For half a year together it was paid,  
O was not this a very gallant traid?  
Likewise in sixteen hundred forty five.  
'Twas ordered also every man to give,  
A penny a week of every Family,  
For one whole year together, 'tis no lie;  
And this was sent poor Ireland to relieve,  
If those that ordered did not us deceive:  
Than after this they laid on us great Taxes,  
To hue us down as if it were with Axes,  
And sixty thousand pound a month, a year,  
They made us pay, as it did well appear,  
And some years ninety thousand every month was paid,  
For a whole year together undenayed;  
Besides, a hundred twenty thousand pound,  
Was paid a month by all, a whole year round,  
All which to many millions doth amount,  
Far geater than the wit of man can count:  
And whosoever did not pay his Seasement,  
Was either plundered or prisoned without releasement,  
And by such means, some thousands are undone,  
And knew not how, or which way for to run;  
And children likewise are made furtherless,  
That knew not how their wants for to express;  
With multitudes of widows, that none knows  
The number of them, or their wants disclose.  
Besides the maimed, that want hands or feet,  
And wounded so, 'twould grieve one for to see't:  
And yet besides, the thousands that are slain,  
Which can't be numbered, for it is in vain.  
Than burning houses followed outright,  
With castles wasted, and demolished quite:  
And Towns and Cities are by wars undone,  
The soldiers spoiling all that they had won:  
And every place is so impoverished,  
For want of trade, to buy the people bread.  
The Churches likewise they were much defaced,  
And made like stables, wherein horse were placed:  
They took away the vessels every one,  
And ornaments, I think they left not one.  
Thus did the Churches their privileges loose,  
And sects, and errors were brought in to choose:  
And God's true worship it was laid aside,  
And in blasphemies they did take a pride;  
And toleration of such things that's evil  
Was given them, the like did not the Devil.  
Thus have you heard the truth of things in brief,  
And yet not half, nor do I think the chief  
Of what they did; in twelve years' time they sat,  
But if you'll mind, the next shall tell you what.  
The first beheaded on the Tower Hill,  
Was Earl of Strafford, 
(14 May 1641.)  sore against his william.  

(23 Decemb. 1641.)  Sir Alexander Carew was the second,  
That lost his head, for so it must be reckoned:  
And Captain Hotham after him succeeded, 
(1 Jan. 1644.)   
His Father also next day after bleeded.  

(2 Jan. 1644.)  The Bishop than of Cantorbury next  
That was beheaded, 
(10 Janu.  after he preached his text.  
But now my heart doth fail, 
(1644.)  the next to tell,  
That lost his life, since which we ne re, were well:  
O Gracious God, was ever such things known,  

(30 Jan. 1648.)  A King so killed by subjects of his own.  
May that accursed act of kill Kings,  
Drink deep the dregss of the infernal stings.  
Lord Capel next, Duke Hamilton another,  
The Earl of Holland also was the t'other:  

(9 March)  These three together at Westminster were headed,  
For being true toth' King, 
(1648.)  this Parliament did it.  
Next Colonel Andrews, 
(22 Aug.)  and than Sir Henry Hid,  
Both on Tower-Hill were headed, 
(1650.)  and there died;  

(4. March 1650.)  And Captain Bushel in that very place,  

(29 March  Was headed there when he had run his race.  
Next Mr. Love, and Gibons, 
(1651.)  in one day,  

(22 Aug. 1651.)  Were both beheaded of a truth I say;  
Lo here 14 toth' dozen in 12 years,  
Beheaded were by these sad Parliamenteers,  
Besides what others, in far remoter places,  
To us unknown who never saw their faces:  
Next you shall know, how many we have seen  
Hanged in the City, and shot to death have been.  
First, chaloner, and Tomkins, in one day,  
Were hanged in London, 
(5 Jul. 1643.)  this is truth I say,  
Tomkins at Fetter-Lane, t'other at the Change,  
Thus did their madness round about us range,  
About some four months after was another,  
Hanged at the Change, 
(19  whose name I mean to smother,  
And than another, 
(July 1650.)  whose name I forgot,  

(28. Nou. 1643.)  At Westminster was hanged for I know what;  

(1 Ap●il 1644.)  He was a Spy they said came from the King,  
And he must suffer therefore in a string:  
The next in order, though not he himself,  
Was Sir John's Greenevils picture, 
(1 March 1643.) foolish Elf,   
That hanged was at the Exchange; for why?  
'Cause he left us, and to the King did fly:  
Than Poyer, Pitcher, Lockier, 
(29 De. 1648.)  went to th' pot,  
These three at several times, 
(21 Ap. 1649.  to death were shot  
All these near London, 
(27 Apr. 1649.)  and near thereabout,  
Were hanged, and shot to death, which they found out;  
Besides all others throughout the Land,  
If't could be known, we should amazed stand:  
They having sat twelve years, than cometh Cromwell,  
And turns them out; which Act, it doth please some well,  
But he his part doth play, as did the rest,  
And falls to heading, hanging, like a Beast.  
The first was Gerard, 
(10 July 1654.)  that did feel the smart  
Of his keen Axe, which went unto the heart.  

(8 June 1658.)  Next Doctor Huit in that very place,  
With Henry Slingsby Knight of comely grace;  
Both in one day, but who can tell for what,  
'Twas never known, nor never we shall that.  

(10 July 1654.)  Than Mr Vowel was hanged at Charing Cross,  

(10 Aug. 1654.)  And Marston also hanged to his friend's loss.  

(7 July 1658.)  But after all comes Betterly on the stage,  
Who in Cheapside was hanged in Cromwell's rage,  
And afterwards his bowels burnt in firen,  
'Cause they against him, He said, did conspire.  
And than another hanged was in Tower street,  
And at the Change another, 
(9 July 1650.)  we did see't.  
These eight by Cromwell in the City died,  
But God doth know how many more beside  
Were hanged, and headed within these three Nation●,  
Of whom I cant make any true relations.   

POSTSCRIPT.  
FRom the 3 November 1640. to the 20 April 1653. when Oliver Cromwell turned out the long Parliament, there hath been: 29 Thanks giving days for several victories obtained by them against the King: and at lest 15 days of Humiliation, besides the monthly Fasts, which was once a month for very near 8 years, being cast up together, is at lest 90. which in all make 105. And from the time of the●r turning out, to the 25 December last 1659., there hath been 10 Fasting days and 6 Thanksgiving days, so that the total number of the Fasting days to the 25 Decemb. last is 15. and the Thanksgiving days are 35.  
In the late wars hath been killed above 100 Lords and Knights. above 400 Officers, besides the common Soldiers: above 1000 Ministers put out of their places and died of grief.  
FINIS.