A brief Historical RELATION Of the Empire of RUSSIA, AND Of its Original Growth OUT OF 24 Great Dukedoms, INTO One entire Empire, Since the year 1514.  
Humbly presented to the view and serious perusal of all truehearted Englishmen, that love and honour the peace and happiness of this their native Country.  
By J. F.  
London, Printed by J.C. for William 〈◊〉, at the Blackmoors head near Fle●●-●●●ge. 1654.   

READER,  
THe clear Fountain of pure Justice, Judgement, and Mercy, springing forth in its clear and free current, to all degrees of men without respect of persons, is that which truly advances a Nation, brings glory to God, peace to the minds of a distempered people, and true honour and safety to the Supreme Ruler, who thereby becomes embraced by all in the arms of Love, and born upon their hands of Sasety, and most freely on all occasions supplied with their gifts of bounty.  
The impartial observation and administration of this, by Borice the Elected Emperor of Russia, made him so famous, and ingraved him so deep in the hearty affection of all the people, as that they accounted themselves more happy and safe in him, then in him or them whose right by birth at that time the Empire was; as in the following Story will appear.  
It was the impregnable Staff of Justice and Mercy, by which like a Shepherd he led the people, and by which, like a most valiant Champion, he quelled and beat down to the ground all his enemies, and all that ever dared in the least to oppose or appear against him. It was That, that became a Wall of Peace and Safety to him, and an unexpressible happiness to that Nation, during the whole time of his happy Reign.  
This happiness from my soul I wish and desire may ever attend him, whom God hath at present placed over us, and by whom, as by a second Joshua, the Lord hath done great things, and hath brought mighty things to pass for us; yea, such, as all our Chronicles, and all the Stories of Europe and Asia cannot parallel.  
For which select Instrument, duty binds us to return glory and praise to God, and to beg, that the Lord in mercy to this Nation would keep his heart close to himself, causing him to walk close to the Lord by the impartial Rules of Justice, Judgement, and Mercy: knowing in some measure, by his own expressions, that it is the desire of his soul so to do; even to walk close with the Lord, and humbly with his God.  
But methinks I hear some Christians say, That they dare not approve of these high Titles of Honour to be attributed, seeing they do not reap the fruits of Liberty and Justice according to the Reformation promise, for that they still see Iniquity, Bondage, and Oppression, to bear the sway; the dens of Cruelty upheld; the Law streaming forth in as corrupt a delatory chargeable current as before; the Adversaries encouraged, and his and this Nations true Friends slighted.  
My answer and humble Christian desire to all such shall be only this, That they would be pleased to possess their souls in patience: wait upon the Lord, and doubtless are long their eyes shall see and behold the salvation of God, deliverance wrought, yea mighty things brought to pass by him, (seeing new the Lord hath been pleased to put the power into his hand.) For it cannot enter into my heart to think or believe, that ever his Highness, for whom the Lord hath done so great things, (and if this be not enough, will yet do greater things) should so far dishonour God, and himself, and all that have taken part with him, (by putting their hand unto the Work) as to suffer these Norman evils to continue; or that ever he should fall off from the pious Rules of Justice, Charity, and Love, so far, as to slight those his friends, who have ever been faithful to him, and this their native Country, and have suffered for him. Surely, Grace and Goodness teacheth him, who is in mercy sanctified therewith, far better things; and will enable him to bring this to pass, and much more, mangre all his and this Nations enemies. Therefore let us not resist, lest we be found fight against God: and let him but keep close unto the Lord his God, and then go on and prosper. I say as I said long before, Go on, and prosper.  
Now the God of all grace, mercy, and peace, who hath bound up his life in the bundle of his grace, sanctify him throughout by his holy Spirit, perfect his work by him, and by him make bare the arm of his mighty power for us, against all the potent enemies of this Nation, who threaten his and our destruction, and this Nation's ruin; and cause his Highness still to be the Lord's powerful victorious threshing-instrument upon his and this Nations enemies, as also the Lords happy instrument of justice and mercy to the people of God, and to all the poor, distressed, oppressed, and enslaved; to the widow, the fatherless, and strangers, in this Land; that so his fame may ring throughout the world, and his name become as a sweet odour in the nostrils of all men.  
All which are, and ever shall be, the constant addresses to the throne of grace in that behalf, for him, and the mo●● hearty desires of  
His Highness and this Commonwealths most humble and faithful servant in the Lord, during life, J. F.   

Most honourable, and Truly honoured, and Beloved in the Lord Jesus:  
THe Lord having caused me, in the days of this my Pilgrimage, even from my youth up, to taste both of sweet and bitter waters, to partake in foreign and domestic Prince's Courts, abundance of Prosperity, and in my own Country the like measure of bitter Adversity, for these fourteen or fifteen years past.  
In which my days of travel, and residence at home some part of the Reign of the two late Kings of England, I was diligent to note and observe the most remarkable passages presenting themselves to my Genius, and in special some, which happened in the vast and potent Empire of Russia, (to some of which passages I was an eye-witness.)  
Of which, as also of the original rise and growth of those people of Russia to one entire Empire, I have been often, for many years past, by many solicited to make some brief description or relation. In answer therefore now to their earnest desires, and according to my best intelligence, I have adventured to set pen to paper, for their further satisfaction, in brief, as followeth.  
The people now called Russians, or Moscovites, are said to be originally descended from the ancient Scythians; and those of them now called Belorusians, are said to be descended from the Ruthenians, whose chief City than was Navagradia; and the Ruthenians principal City was then called Wolodeemer; who upon the incursions made by Tamerlain the great Cham of the Tartarians into those several parts, many thousands of them were scattered or sown abroad into the remotest parts, and clodest climates of that vast Continent, and thereupon entitled themselves Ros-seyans, which signifieth, A people sown abroad upon the face of the earth.  
The people, in process of time, divided themselves into four and twenty several Dukedoms; and so continued, until the year 1514.  
At which time, John Bazilious Chercaskee the thenduke of Volodeemer, most subtly contrived and raised a discord amongst all the Dukes of Russia; by means whereof, they having weakened and destroyed one another, the said John Bazilious within very few years gained the Conquest of them all, together with the Kingdoms of Cazan, Astrachan, Chorelia, and Sibiria; and uniting them into one entire Empire, he was in the year 1524 declared and crowned Emperor of Russa, placing his Imperial Throne in the City of Moscow, the then-chief City of the Dukedom of Moscovia; where it remaineth to this day.  
In his days, the Cham of the grim Tartars invaded Russa with an Army of Four hundred thousand men, besieged the Imperial City of Moscow some three months, burnt and spoiled all the Country many hundred miles in compass; and upon his departure, he required Homage of the Emperor; which was, That the Emperor of Russia should come forth of the City of Moscow on foot, attended by his Princes and Nobles of Russia, bareheaded; and that the Emperor should then bring Oats in his Cap, and present them to the Cham of Tartary his horse, (he himself then sitting upon his horseback) and to feed the horse out of his Cap: All which, for the saving of the lives of many thousands of his people, and utter devastation of his Empire, the Emperor performed, feeding the great Cham of Tartary's horse with Oats out of his own Cap, or Colpack.  
This Homage being performed, the Cham of Tartary stroaked the Emperor of Russia three times on the face and beard, presented him with a Cymiter, and a Bow and Case of Arrows, and so departed, carrying many thousands captive.  
This John Bazilious the Emperor, towards his latter days, grew a mighty Tyrant, delighting much in blood, causing many of his Nobles (on the least occasion) to 〈◊〉 themselves upon their own swords, to 〈◊〉 thrown alive unto Bears, Wolves, and Lions: some he caused (both men and women) to be tied to spits, and roasted alive, till they died; some to be torn asunder by horses: and many other unexpressible inhuman cruelties were by him practised; who, after he had (like a second Herod) reigned 35 years, (being very aged) he died of a Dropsy; at which time there was a Note of the names of seventeen persons under his pillow, 
A Note sound of 17 persons by him appointed for death.  appointed to die.  
To him succeeded his son Theodor, who being of a shallow capacity, and from his youth addicted to blind devotion, and ringing of bells, did thereby neglect the great affairs of the Empire, whereby the people, though acquitted from his father the Tyrant, yet their burdens of Contention and Oppression by his folly increased. They then, by and upon their humble Petition to the Emperor, and by his consent and permission, chose the thenlord General of the Imperial Army, (Borice Feodorowick Godoonove) Lord Protector of the Empire; who (though illiterate) was a man endowed with many excellent natural parts, being of a deep judgement, a strong memory, and of a discerning spirit, endowed with much sageness; being also a great lover of Justice: the last of these, crowned all the rest of his virtues, raising him high in the hearty affections of the people, so that to this day his fame rings thorough all that vast Empire, (like that of Queen Elizabeth in this Nation.)  
By him were all their exorbitant abuses of their Law regulated, and brought to their pristine condition: all the Provincial Vayvodes and Chancellors were (for acts of injustice and oppression) severely punished in their persons, and by their estates compelled to yield satisfaction to all parties by them wronged by false Judgement. 
Note this well.  The long-usurped power of all the Archbishops, Bishops, Priests and Friars, in Secular affairs, quite extinguished. And by fear and terror of punishment without respect of persons, Justice in its purity was compelled from the corruptest persons in Authority; which forced also the greatest refractory persons formerly in power, to veil and crouch before the Lord Protector, seeing the people's affections thereby become as a wall of brass for his safety and preservation from their secret plottings of his destruction, (by shooting their secret arrows of detraction abroad, to his defamation) for which, many of them, not long after, by his impartial hand of Justice were made exemplary.  
Thus, after the Emperor Theodor had possessed the Imperial Diadem 15 years, he died in the Imperial Palace at Moscow, 1566. At which time, the Lord Protector Borice retiring to the Maiden Monastery, seemed to resolve the leading of a Monastic life, and to wave the Government of that great Empire; which occasioned his secret enemies (though before, seeming friends) to display their Banners of reviling speeches against him, endeavouring both by themselves and their instruments to render him odious to the people. Yea, many of his own servants appeared then in their colours; which afterwards caused many of their heads to cleave to the block.  
For, the Soldiery, over whom he still remained as Lord General during the time of his Protectorship, and the Commonalty (whose affections he had gained by acts of Justice and Mercy, exercised by him without fear or flattery) did all unanimously make their repair to him to the said Maiden Monastery, and there openly declaring his Paternal care, and prudential disposing of the affairs of that vast Empire, with all the several conquered parts thereof, in the days of their late Emperor Theodor Evanowiche, did press upon him the acceptance of the Imperial Diadem. Upon whose acceptation, they forthwith declared him for their Emperor: and soon after his repair to the Imperial Palace, he was with very great magnificence and acclamation of the people, crowned Emperor of Russia; being a Gentleman of an humble spirit, constant in his resolutions, and carried always an open ear to the complaints of all poor and oppressed persons, doing them speedy justice. His custom was to sit three days in the fore-noons with his Privy Council, and in the afternoons to hear and answer Petitions; causing his Orders and References always to be drawn up in his own presence; punishing all Chancellors and other Officers for their corrupt and partial dealing, and for their slighting of his Decrees, and falsifying of his Orders and References.  
He also called all the Provincial Judges and Chancellors to a strict account yearly, and most impartially heard all men's complaints against them: and such as were found corrupt and faulty, he punished severely in their persons, and by their estates compelled them to give full satisfaction to all persons by them wronged in Judgement, or any ways oppressed or defrauded.  
He carried also a vigilant eye over all the Lords of his Privy Council; so that none of them durst tread out of the path of Impartial Justice, either for reward, favour or affection, to any of their nearest allies, or dearest friends.  
He also ordered the determination of all Controversies and Suits in Law to be within 40 days; and the charges of a Suit in Law not to exceed a Greeuna, which is 12 d. English: viz. 4 d. for the Citation, 4 d. for the Warrant, and 4 d. for a copy of the Decretal Order.  
And for any one that had commenced a false and vexatious Suit against any, he was to pay triple damages, 
Pure Justice.  and to suffer the like punishment which he intended thereby to have inflicted upon the person by him unjustly troubled.  
O what happiness, what peace, what concord, would such a course of Justice produce here in England.  
And for the sale of houses and lands of Inheritance, he ordained a book to be kept in every Province, called, The everlasting book, (or, as here in England it was called formerly, when the practice of the Law ran in its pure current, The Dooms day-book) which is there continued to this present. By which means, all vexatious Suits, unjust Claims, and all Frauds, are prevented. The people there, cannot mortgage nor sell their Land, Houses, nor Leases, two or three times over, to several persons; as usually here in England: nor is any there cheated of their Patrimonies, nor constrained to sell or mortgage their lands or goods, or both, to maintain a long and tedious Suit in Law, by giving content to their insatiable Cormorant-Lawyers, Attorneys, Solicitors, as we do here in England; where the recovery of a debt of 20 l. hath cost some men above 200 l. in Law. Yea, some thousands of families have been ruined in defence of their rights, by the present abusive practice of the Law.  
Neither have they there (nor in any Country under the whole heavens, but in cruel England) any murdering dens and dungeons of cruelty for imprisoning men and women for debt, till they starve and die in prison: (contrary to our own ancient Statutes yet in force. See the book entitled, Liberty vindicated against Slavery, fol. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. 25 Edw. 3. chap. 4. 21 Edw. 2. D. 172. 13 Edw. 3. B. 153. 8 Hen. 4. chap. 18, 20. 34 Edw. 1. chap. 4. 23 Hen. 6. chap. 10. Magna Chart. chap. 35. Westm. 1. ch. 26.3 Edw. 1. ch. 26.25 Edw. 3. chap. 4.  
Nor is there, any arrested nor imprisoned upon frivolous, false, and vexatious Actions, unjust Orders, Reports and Decrees daily, as they are here in England. Nor is there any such Horseleeches to suck the vital blood of men and women committed to their custody into Gaols and Prisons, as we have here. For all which unexpressible cruelties, doubtless the wrath and vengeance of God will ere long fall heavy upon the Nation, if not remedied, according to the several Vows, Protestations, Declarations, and Manifesto's, made to God and this Nation many years since, both by Parliament and arm.  
In this most noble, just, and famous Emperor's days, the cruel, the mighty, nor the oppressing Miser, durst not wrong nor oppress the poor, the widow, the fatherless, nor the stranger. The Judges and Chancellors durst not step aside our of the straight path of Justice, for money, favour, nor affection: witness that exemplary just Sentence of his passed on the Chancellor of the Province of Rezane, who for 100 Robles bribe, (which is 50 l.) had most unjustly decreed a poor widow's Land of Inheritance from her: whereof proof being by her made to the Emperor, the Lord Chancellors was by him degraded, and sentenced to have the like bag of money hanged about his neck, and to be whipped by the common Hangman, from the great Chancery-Office to the Marketplace, and back to the said Office; there the money to be melted, and poured down his throat. All which was done accordingly.  
O if this pure Justice and Mercy were exercised here in England, how unexpressibly would it elevate his Highness in the affections of all the people, and engrave him in their hearts! whereby he would then become like to the famous Queen Elizabeth, who upon any motion abroad from her Palace, had many thousands attending on the highways to congratulate her with their loyalty, and loud acclamations sent up to heaven for her Majesty's long life, health, and prosperity.  
In her days there is said to be but one Sergeant at Law, at the Common-Pleas bar, (called, Sergeant Benlowes) who was ordained to plead both for the Plaintiff and Defendant; for which he was to take ten Groats of each party, and no more: and to manifest his impartial dealing to both parties, he was therefore to wear a particoloured garment, and to have on his head a black Cap of impartial Justice, and under it a white linen Coyf of Innocence. All which was in the days of King James, turned to Injustice, Oppression, and Bribery. Sergeants were by him made in abundance; and a Sergeants place was then sold for 800 l. but in the days of the late King, the price of Iniquity was raised to 1500 l. who at one time made thirteen Sergeants at Law.  
I will wade no further into this sea of Wickedness, lest some of the old stamp, and long Robe, should find themselves aggrieved; but resolve to return to the matter in hand.  
The like punishment was by this famous Emperor most justly inflicted upon the Great Lord Chancellor of Moscow; who for passing an unjust Decree, was degraded and whipped, and had thirty lashes, by the common Hangman, upon the Cozoel, or wooden Gate, before his own Office.  
The like was by him inflicted on the Vayvode or Governor of Vasema, who for injustice and oppression was also whipped, and his estate decreed to satisfy the persons by him wronged.  
I would instance many more the like acts of Justice which flowed from that truely-magnanimous Prince; as also, how the subtle deceitful knot of a number of grand oppressors was by him broken; who by their subtle contrivances, in and by their accustomed corrupt practices, in and by their Law, had enslaved the Nation to their corrupt wills, and ruined thousands of families: But I hop●, that little that hath been related, is sufficient for any to take consideration of, and to make it their own most honourable practical example; to the glory of God, the good of this Nation, and their own eternal honour.  
And thus after the poor oppressed man's Patriot, even this famous Emperor, had happily reigned 36 years, he departed this life: whose death was much lamented by all the people for many years: to whom succeeded his son Theodore, who being about 17 years old, reigned but six months.  
In whose time, one Demetrius (who from his youth being brought up in the Free-School of Warsovia in Poland) gave himself out, and was credibly said to be the son of John Bazilious the first Emperor; who having married Marinca the eldest daughter of Sandomerskee, one of the Electors of Poland, was by Sigismundus King of Poland supplied with 20000 horse; who thereupon entered this great Empire of Russia with an Army of 240000 horse, encountered with the Emperor's great Host consisting of 50000 horse and 150000 foot, and after four several set Battles, he overthrew this great Imperial Host, marched up to the Imperial City, and after Summons (causing the young Emperor Theodor to be strangled) he entered the City; and being forthwith crowned Caesar, or Emperor, he possessed the Imperial Diadem 28 months.  
He was a Gentleman very comely of personage, active of body, and a great Scholar, highly affecting the English, German, and Polonian Nations; being also himself, for his valour and generosity of spirit, greatly beloved of all his victorious Army. But coming to possess the Imperial Throne, and the glory thereof, he gave himself up to all manner of delightful pastimes, referring the management of all State-affairs to his Privy Council: and being wholly led by his chief Secretary Pan Boochinskee, he confined his ear to the said Boochinskee, and some other few Polonian Flatterers and Parasites about him; receiving also into favour some of the Russian Nobility, and conferring places of Honour and Trust upon them, hoping thereby to win and endear them to himself; who notwithstanding became as stinging Serpents in his bosom, and proved the fatal instruments of his ruin.  
But that which proved most advantageous to his enemies, and fatal to himself, was, his not admitting any into his presence, (as that famous Emperor Borice with all freeness used to do) but such only as those Parasites and Flatterers pleased to admit, for affection, favour, or reward; & stopping his ears against the cries of the poor oppressed Petitioners, he neglected to answer their Petitions: whereby, the hearts of the people were exasperated against him. The reins of injustice, tyranny & oppression were let lose to all oppressors; the Lords of his Council acted by the Rule of their own wills; his Secretary Boochinskee became lawless and graceless: none durst prefer a complaint against him. Every one of these his Flatterers made hay for themselves, whilst the prosperous sunshine of his Majesty's Imperial favour displayed his rays upon them, without any real affection, or conscientious care in them for his Majesty's honour and safety: the fruit whereof proved, not long after, to be the fatal loss of their own lives, and great estates so impiously gained.  
For, the irreconcilable old Imperial subtle Nobility, Gentry, Chancellors, and Clergy, having ingratiated themselves with him, did by their instruments (at a distance incessantly in secret) render the Emperor odious to the people, and guilty of all those grievous burdens of Injustice and Oppression, which by their own unjust complotted practices they had laid upon the people; whereby they most subtly accomplished their diabolical end, which was, the untimely destruction of his Royal person, by the cruel hands of Basilius Shuskee, one of the reconciled Nobility, who not long before, for some treacherous practice, had his head upon the Block; yet the Emperor in his clemency pardoned him: who not long after, through the intercession of some of the Russian Lords, was made Privy Councillor, whereby he was the better enabled to compass his resolved barbarous design, which was, the cruel destruction of the Emperor's person, and of the lives of all his victorious Army, consisting then of 25000 valiant men, being all Polonian, German, and Hungarian Horse, who were all of them massacred the same day, and their houses rifled; their wives and children exposed to misery, and very many of them cruelly butchered by the rude multitude within the City of Moscow: which inhuman act caused a Sea of blood to have its current thorough many of the streets within the said City.  
Thus the glory of this victorious Heroic spirit, was extinguished in one day: and all that truly adhered unto him, suffered with him, both in their estates and lives, about the 20 of May, 1604.  
Bazilius having thus butchered this gallant Prince, and removed all obstacles, by destroying the Army, he was proclaimed Emperor of Russia, (by Mighayla Scopeene General of the Russian Army) and speedily after, crowned: who being scarce warm in the Imperial Throne, began forthwith to display the Banner of Tyranny, in restoring the covetous Clergy to their former power and jurisdiction in Secular affairs; and most perfidiously, contrary to his oath and promise made to the people at the time of his election, he loosed the reins of injustice and oppression to all the Vayvodes and Provincial Chancellors, and began to lay great Taxes on the people; and, like Richard the third of England, he beheaded some who were the primary instruments of placing the Imperial Diadem on his head, causing also Mighaylo Scopeene the General of the Imperial Army to be secretly destroyed by poison. Which acts of his, rendered him odious to all degrees of men, exasperated the spirits of the Nobility against him, and alienated the hearts of all the people from him; and chief, for that their grievances were not heard, nor their burdens of oppression taken off, in all the six year's time of his Reign; which at length emboldened the Nobility and Merchants of the City, with a resolute spirit, to lay hold of him, (wherein a Citizen, one Theodor Andronave was a prime actor) who gagged him, bound him fast in a Sled, and sent him post prisoner unto Sigismundus King of Poland, laying to his charge the murdering of their late Emperor Demetrius: who being arrived at Warsovia in Poland, he was ordered to safe custody, where he ended his days most miserably, in the year of Christ 1610.  
The Nobility and flattering Clergy forthwith proceed in electing Uladislaus, the King of Poland's eldest son, for their Emperor; who thereupon sent one Pan Zoltefskee with 10000 Horse, to take and keep possession for him: upon whose arrival into the Imperial City of Moscow, the Citizens made some opposition; but were soon appeased by the Lords of the Council. The Polish General thereupon gained a greater strength into the City, which caused several tumults; the Lords thereupon caused all the Citizens to be disarmed, and but one hatchet left to every three houses to cleave their wood: which act did mightily enrage the Citizens against the Lords and Polonians.  
Zoltefskee well weighing the power of the Citizens, and weakness of his Army to keep possession of so vast a City, did thereupon administer an Oath of Loyalty to all his Soldiery, commanding them on the sixth day of the then-month of May, every one at one of the clock in the morning to fire their lodgings, and not to spare man, woman, nor child: which was done accordingly, and above 130000 persons massacred, besides those that were burnt in their beds and houses.  
Thus the buildings of that famous City (said then to be 26 miles in compass) were all turned into ashes in one day, except the three stonewalls environing each other at a very great distance, and the Emperor's Palace, with some Monasteries, and other buildings of stone: but the fourth wall, which environed all the rest, together with the suburbs without that wall, reaching above three miles in length, were all burned; the wall being all of massy timber, and earth.  
But the unsavoury fruit of this their bloody Tragedy, was by the just hand of heaven returned into their own bosoms: for, the Country forthwith raised two mighty Armies under the conduct of the Lord Troobetscoy and the Lord Pazarskee, who besieged the Polonians in the City, close on every side, for the space of two years; and, through extreme famine, enforced the Polonians to yield up that famous Metropolitan City, and therewith the Prince of Poland's right to the Empire of Russia: so as of 35000 valiant men, there returned not twenty persons into Poland. Those few hundreds that yielded up the City, coming once to plenty of victuals, died with meat in their mouths through mere weakness, having not tasted a bit of bread in six months before. In which Siege, a loaf of bread sometime was sold for a thousand Robles, which is 500 l. Sterling.  
During the time of this cruel Siege, wherein I continued 22 months, being lodged in the Imperial Palace, several objects of misery presented themselves to my fight and observation, from the besieged; as the eating of the flesh of horses, dogs, cats, and all sorts of leather, boiled in ditchwater; which served in stead of Tripes. But that which took most impression of grief upon my spirits, was, to see many Russian Ladies nobly descended, and brave young Gentlewomen, who not long before scorned that the moist earth should have touched the soles of their feet, were now become miserable, constrained to go , and for food to prostrate themselves to every mean persons disposal; yea, when they were discarded by some, I have seen them with tears in their eyes proffer their service to others, and all for a miserable livelihood: which then called to my remembrance this old saying, Pride must have a fall: and, Hunger will break stonewalls.  
But after the famine grew very great, and all women, children, and aged persons turned out of the City, to the Russians, (who received them very courteously, ●ery much condoling their miserable conditions) there followed a very great judgement of God upon the Polonians, (obstinacy and hardness of heart) who all bound themselves by Oath, and receiving the Sacrament upon it, not to yield up the City to the Russians, so long as there was a man of them alive: which brought them to that extremity, that they by casting lots (who should die next, to maintain the rest alive) did devour one another, from 3000 to 400 persons. And at the surrender of the City, divers Commanders of the Russian Army seizing upon sundry large chests, conceiving them to be full of treasure, having them broken up, found in them nothing but the bodies of men slain for food to the living.  
Upon the regaining of this Imperial City in 1612. forthwith followed the free election of Mighaylo Theodorowiche, (of the lineage of Borice, that famous Emperor) by the two National Armies, consisting of 13000 Horse and Foot; who was crowned the 5 of August, 1613.  
This young Prince, for a time, walked in the path of that Princely mirror of Justice, Borice; under whose Government, (after a few years of trouble) the Nation enjoyed Halcyon days of peace and tranquillity, after the cessation of that long intestine War between the Emperors of Russia and Charles Duke of Swethland, and his son Gustavus the late King of Swethland; which was accomplished, and the Country of Scythia restored to the Russian, by the mediation of King James, and the indefatigable restless pains and travel of the truly-honorable sage Statesman, Sir John Merick, employed Lord Ambassador there, for that work, for the space of three years and eight months; who accomplished a League offensive and defensive between the two Crowns of Russia and Swethland, in 1617. which is since ratified, by the now-Emperour Olexey Michaylowiche, and the Queen of Swethland.  
This worthy Statesman, Sir John Merick, was by King James employed upon a second Embassy unto the said Emperor of Russia, in the year 1621. being accompanied by six Gentlemen of quality, (of whom Robert Kelloway Esq was first in degree) and by 60 followers all in a rich Livery; who accomplished his Embassy with content to the King, and very great honour to himself and this Nation. In both which great Embassies, I had the honour to be with him, all the time.  
Thus after this peaceable Emperor had reigned 35 years, he died; to whom succeeded Olexey his son, who being yet of tender years, and not knowing the great and weighty causes and motives inducing his Princely predecessors to grant that great Charter of Free-trade unto the English Company of Merchants throughout that vast Empire, free of Custom, and all other duties, hath (as is supposed) by the aggravation of some Dutch Resident there, deprived the English of that Charter. But now, I hope, upon better information, and apprehension of the constant love of the English to his Majesty and that Nation, and their readiness on all occasions from time to time to serve and supply his predecessors with all necessaries, even in the times of their greatest straits, will be a sufficient motive to him, most honourably and freely to restore unto the English Merchants the said Charter of Free-trade, and will thereby manifest his Princely affection to our victorious Chieftain, or Caesar, who hitherto hath been the Lord's threshing-instrument of terror to all the potent and raging enemies of this Nation, both by land and sea. All which, the Dutch, as well as others, have been made very sensible of, and of which they above any others can make a most true Narrative, (if they please) to the glory of God, the honour of his Highness, and this nation, and to their own corrective instruction for the future; lest their insulting pride draw them down by a second Duke d'Alva to the gulf of destruction, and enforce them once again to entitle themselves to our Caesar, The poor distressed States of the Netherlands, as they did in the days of Elizabeth Queen of England, who purchased those United Provinces from the Spaniard, by the inestimable life-blood of more than 100000 Englishmen, besides Scots and Irish, and the expense of more than two millions of treasure: Never to be fully satisfied by the worth of all the Netherlands.  
But if any shall be offended at these my foregoing expressions touching our presents victorious Chieftain, (or Caesar) I shall humbly desire them to look back into the recorded transactions of all the Worthies in former ages, and see if they can (comparatis comparandis) balance those many several noble and victorious acts of his, with any of theirs, in the scale of Honour, and true Magnanimity, by him accomplished, in three famous Kingdoms, viz. England, Scotland, and Ireland, and all within the space of 3 or 4 years, without the least foil or repulse at any time by him received from his & this Nation's potent enemies.  
Wherein (in my judgement) he surpasses the Roman Caesars, the furious Goths and Vandals, the valiant Scanderbag Prince of Epirath, the triumphant Godfrey of Bullein, and the victorious Gustavus Adolphus King of Swethland, who was the terror of Germany. And as the Lord in raising him up, hath thus by him brought home peace to every man's door in these three Nations; so I desire and wish from my soul, that with all due thankfulness he and we may return praises to his great and glorious Name for those his rich and abundant mercies by this his select instrument (Oliverus) conferred on us; it being the only true way for the continuation of his showers of mercies on us; and, in stead of kicking against the pricks, to rest satisfied, and wait patiently upon the Lord, and then doubtless the salvation of God will appear: for, he that believeth, maketh not haste.  
For that sacred Power that hath hitherto by him accomplished mighty things for us, will assuredly perfect his work, even his own great work; so that the enemies of God, and all that hate us, beholding it, shall stand amazed, & shall be enforced to confess and say, that it is the Lords do, and it is marvellous in their eyes.  
And when once, according to his sundry expressions at several times to that effect, he appears mighty in pulling down the strong holds of Satan, and advancing the thrones of Justice, Judgement, and Mercy, to the glory of God, the good of this Nation, and his own eternal praise, then shall his enemies be abashed, and England's enemies confounded; but on him shall the mercies of God flourish. For, it is Justice and Mercy exalts a Nation, and the administration thereof (without respect of persons) is the honour of a Nation, and of him that is the Head of the Nation. Witness those unalterable decrees of the Medes and Persians: and Solomon tells us, that the throne is established by justice, and upholden by mercy, Prov. 20.28. For he that ruleth over men must be just, honourable, and unalterable in his word and promise) ruling in the fear of God, 2 Sam. 23.3. And he set judges in the land city by city, and said to the judges, Take heed what ye do for ye judge not for man, but for the Lord, who is present with you in the judgement: for there is no iniquity nor respect of persons with the Lord, nor taking of gifts. 2 Chron. 19.5, 6, 7. This undoubtedly was the lesson which our just Alfred King of England gave to all the County-Judges and Chancellors in his days: and this was the charge of that renowned Emperor Borice; and this, I hope, will be the Rule and unalterable Charge of our victorious Caesar: And in so doing, he shall assuredly retain the favour of God, the love of the whole Nation, and make his enemies vanish like the smoke. And so doing, go on and prosper; the Lord shall give thee thine hearts desire.  
O that the Lord in mercy to this Nation would turn the present tyrannous destructive Norman law of England into a law of mercy & preservation to the people thereof; that so they might not be thereby, in their estates, rights; liberties, and lives, daily sold, as sheep are in Smithfield-market; and by Bailiffs and Sergeants most spitefully daily haled like dogs to several dungeons of misery, from their families and callings, and cruelly destroyed in prisons, their estates by piecemeal torn and rend from them for a trifle, and their wives and children enforced to beg their bread: yea, many poor hanged for ten or twenty shillings; whilst those that rob this Nation of their estates, liberties, and lives, and that by a Law, escape the halter.  
Wherefore my most humble and earnest suit unto his Highness the Lords threshing-instrument) 15, That he would be pleased to take seriously to heart the misery of this Nation, as good Nehemiah did who accounted their misery his misery, their bondage his bondage, their flesh as his flesh, and their children as his children: And lo, (saith he) you suffer to be brought into bondage your sons and your daughters, causing thereby the enemies of God to blaspheme. Neh. 5.5, 9 and the oppressed to groan under the burden. The (works and) words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver the oppressed. Prov. 12.6. And also seriously to consider the admonition of Solomon, saying, If thou forbear to deliver those that are haled to death, (or dungeons of death) and if thou sayest, Behold, I knew it not; doth not he that pondereth thy heart, and keeps thy soul, know it? And so of the Lords judgement denounced by Jeremiah against the Rulers of Judah, saying, Ye have not harkened unto me, in proclaiming liberty every one to his brother, and every one to his neighbour; nor loosed the bands of wickedness, nor undone the heavy burdens, nor let the oppressed (nor enslaved) go free: Therefore will I proclaim liberty unto you, even to the sword, to the plague, and to the famine, Jer. 34.17.  
And do we not see the anger of the Lord kindled against us, by troubles abroad, jealousies at home, and fears on every side? Therefore take away the Cause, (which is, Injustice, Cruelty, and Oppression) and the Effect will cease assuredly. For when (in these things) a man's ways please the Lord, his very enemies shall be at peace with him.  
If therefore the Lord, in mercy to his Highness and this Nation, be pleased to incline his heart to lose the bands of wickedness, (by abolishing the Capias) and to let the oppressed go free; to pull down the thrones of iniquity, and to break every yoke: Then shall his light break forth (to the Nation) as the morning, and his health shall then spring forth speedily: his righteous acts shall then be his vanguard, and the glory of the Lord (in the power of his might) shall be his rere-guard. For blessed shall he be that considereth the cause of the poor, (especially those that are of upright heart) the Lord shall deliver him out of his enemy's hands, and he shall be blessed upon the earth; yea, his enemies shall be destroyed: but he shall be established in righteousness, and his seed after him; if he despise not the counsel of the poor, whose trust is in the Lord; if he cleave not to the generation of cruel men, but ease this Nation of this cruel Norman bondage, and deliver the enslaved for debt out of the several dens of cruelty in this Land, causing speedy justice to have its free current without respect of persons, that so all that are oppressed and defrauded of their estates, lands, or goods, may gain speedy restitution with damage for false imprisonment, or detention of their estates unjustly.  
All which once effected, will assuredly appease the wrath of God against these Nations, unite the hearts of all this great people to his Highness, as the heart of one man, and will enable him to go in and out before this great people in the strength of the Lord, and the power of his might, in peace and much safety, maugre all his enemies, and all that strive to disturb his and this Nation's peace. This will assuredly bring glory to God, honour to his Highness, and tranquillity to the Nation: it will enforce (as in other Countries) honesty and plaindealing from all men and all Petifogging, deceitful, subtle, oppressive persons, now shrouded under the Norman Law, will vanish; and the words Peace, Quietness, and Industry, will be written over every man's door.  
Such noble acts will revive the memory of Alfred, that just king of England, who punished and hanged Four and forty County-Judges in one year, for oppressing the people by false Judgement: and of Edward the fourth, who caused Fifteen Gaolers to be hanged in one year, for exacting money from prisoners, and defrauding them of the King's allowance of 4 d. per diem: And of Henry the fourth, who caused Two and twenty Projectors, and six Aldermen of London to be hanged at the then-place of Execution within London-walls, and buried under the Gallows; where since the Church is built, and the place called Alderman-bury, to this day.  
It was the usual saying of that famous and just Emperor Borice, That Prince or Ruler is most happy and safe, that liveth least to himself, and most to the honour of God, and the people's good over whom God hath placed him; and whose legal and just power is the bounds of his will: whose olive-branch of wisdom springeth from his heart, bloometh on his tongue, and beareth fruit in his actions; which will always direct him not to refuse counsel good cheap, lest remiss security cause him to buy repentance too dear.  
Thus having (through my real hearty affection, and well-wishes to his Highness' well-being, and love to my Country's freedom, peace, and tranquillity) digressed from my intended Historical Subject: and being desirous not to weary the Reader, but to draw to an end, I do again (in the close) become a most humble and earnest suitor to his Highness, in the name, and by the mercies of Jesus Christ, to let judgement run down as water, and justice as a mighty stream; that so Mercy may embrace him on every side, and cause him to continue in assured love and favour both with God and man, enjoying the good things of this Land in peace, (internal, and external) with abundance of glory to God, and honour to himself and posterity.  
Not giving ear to the feigned words of some selfseeking persons, who having a show of godliness, (yet deny the power thereof) do (Babel-like) endeavour to rear up to themselves everlasting tabernacles, and cry out, The Temple of the Lord, The Temple of the Lord; The Law, the Law▪ Whereas the true Temple of the Lord is this, To amend their covetous ways, and their unjust oppressive do, To execute judgement between a man and his neighbour, and not to oppress the poor, the widow, the fatherless, nor the stranger, but to let all the oppressed & enslaved go free: Nor to think, by tything Mint and Cummin, to fulfil the law of God, as those several hypocrites, the Doctors, Lawyers, Scribes and Pharisees did; against whom (in stead of a blessing) there stands upon record for ever sundry terrible Woes denounced by him who is King of kings, and Lord of life and glory, and who assuredly will, by the sacred Rule of impartial justice, judge them according to their works.  
There is a Word, which is clothed with death; the Lord grant it be not found in the heritage of Jacob. Sometimes to abide in the shade, produceth more quiet to a poor man, then to have the bright beams of the Prince's favour to break forth upon him: for then Malice is forthwith enraged, Wrath like a Fury assaulteth, and Revenge like a Crocodile (when seeming to weep over him) destroys him most, in his credit, life, and good name; never ceasing (both by himself, and all those by him seasoned for his ends) to traduce and backbite him daily, thereby rendering him odious to the best of men.  
Like those subtle Serpentine generation of men, who by lies and slanders, and by the power of some by them then seasoned for the work, defrauded me of my right, which by his Highness' favour was most freely conferred on me; and who also since have notceased to traduce, backbite, and slander me to those in high place and Authority, hoping thereby to make their deeds of darkness to resemble the light and truth, in the fight of his Highness and others. But to all such shadows of Christians I shall say but this, That their Consciences (if they have any) cannot but testify to their faces that they have done me much wrong: The Lord rebuke them for it.  
And this I was told long since, that if his Highness had not appeared so vigorously for me in that, and another business since that, I had neither undergone those calumnies and reproaches, nor had my endeavours proved so fruitless as hitherto they have done to me.  
This duly weighed, it cannot but be positively concluded, That although those slanderous and reproachful arrows were shot at the low shrub, yet the venom of them was intended to hit the tall Cedar, which by his branches of favour was pleased to shelter the low shrub.  
For at that very instant time, the better to set a face of credit upon their slanders, and to carry on their design of defeating me of my right, they by their instruments divulged it abroad in the City, and to divers Parliament-men, that I had forswore myself three times in one day before his Highness and the Council, and that they had adjudged me to stand in the Pillory at the Exchange. This was related with such a face of truth, as that divers of my friends were happily deceived, in going to the Exchange to be spectators of it.  
Whereas the real truth is, that I was never called before his Highness nor Council to swear at any time, for any matter, cause, or thing whatsoever: for the truth whereof, I humbly appeal to his Highness and to the honourable Council; most humbly praying for justice on these traducers, and satisfaction for these injuries most wrongfully sustained.  
But not resting in the centre of these their calumnies, they or their instruments do still persist by underhand plottings to accomplish my destruction, and by raising of a lie against me, rob me of my livelihood: and at the same time, in a most secret manner, spread a rumour in the City, that I should conspire against my Lord Protector's life: A thing so horrid, so detestable to my soul, and so far from the thoughts of my heart, as the Crystalline Sphere can possibly be in distance from the earth.  
And this clearly appeareth, by my constancy from the beginning, to the cause of God, faithfulness to his Highness, and services performed for the State.  
The first was, my discovery of the late King's intention to surprise Hull and Plymouth, by private Letters sent out of Holland to Sir Harbottle Grimston and Mr. Samuel Vassel, than members of Parliament: by means whereof, the Parliament and Nation were preserved from the universal ruin determined, in 1641.  
The second was, my discovery of the first Rebellion in Kent.  
For both which, I never to this day received one penny, as a recompense or reward, from any.  
And what my fidelity, and many years cruel sufferings, have been, for Parliament and Army, and in especial to his Highness, is well-known to thousands in the City and Countries, and manifested by the several Tractates written and printed by me in defence of the Cause, and of his Highness' honour; even at that time also, when black-mouthed envious Infamy had opened her mouth wide against him: from which I shall never vary, nor cease to vindicate his honour in the way of God: wishing from my soul, that all men were even as I am; which is so far from acting, wishing, or thinking any hurt to him or his, as that I shall spend my life, and be ready to be spent for him; yea, although he should suffer me to be overwhelmed with sorrow, penury, and the raging power of my slanderous adversaries.  
For the real truth of all which, I appeal to the searcher of all hearts, who knows that I lie not, and to whose sacred hand of justice and mercy I refer my adversaries; concluding with David's words: Plead my cause, O Lord, with them that strive with me: Fight thou against them that fight against me; and, From evil and deceitful men, O Lord deliver me.  
For they that work evil, shall be wrapped up in evil. Slander and reproach proceed from the proud in heart; but vengeance lurketh for them as a lion: yea, Anguish shall consume them before they die, and they shall be taken in the same snare.  
The tongue of the hypocrite destroyeth his neighbour by lying words; yea, he worketh deceitfully without ceasing; (I wish this Age hath not brought forth many such monsters) who bend their tongues like a bow for lies, and take great pains to do wickedly.  
Witness the numberless number of backbiters, false accusers, Knights of the Post, forgers of Deeds, tormentors of poor men and women by frequent vexatious Arrests, Imprisonments, and tedious Suits in Law, of Ten, Twenty, Thirty, or Forty year's continuance.  
I cannot but with grief of heart confess, that we live in the very last of times, wherein Malice lurketh, Revenge rageth, Cruelty sucketh the vital blood of the poor, Envy suffereth not the poor to live; Oppression stayeth the needy; the poor is despised of his neighbour, his faithfulness contemned, and his services not regarded, (if he be not armed with the spirit of boldness, impudence, and base flattery) as many are, who have thrived best, and prevailed most, since these distracted times, and have made great gain by the bare profession of Godliness, but of true godliness small gain to themselves, (in the practical part thereof.)  
Some such are they, who have troubled me, perplexed me, persecuted me, defrauded me, and endeavoured to destroy me, by lying words. The Lord in mercy forgive them, and give them hearts to walk more answerably to their profession, and preserve his Highness from being deceived and deluded by any such Vipers.  
It was the approved wisdom of that famous Emperor Borice, Not to trust any reconciled Enemy, nor to intrust them in any place of power, nor to credit any their Blemishes and Odiums in secret cast upon any of approved fidelity to his person.  
This Rule produced peace and safety to him, but confusion to his enemies, and to all their Machavilian plots and enterprises against him.  
On the other hand, Credulity, and Security, and favouring of reconciled enemies, was the destruction of that Heroic Spirit Demetrius the Emperor, who by their Flatteries lulling him asleep in their treacherous Cradle of Security, made thereby his Friends appear to him to be his Foes, and themselves (that were his mortal Enemies) to be his only Friend, by his confining of his ear unto them.  
An eminent Example we have for this, in the late King, who upon the competition between the Spanish and French Faction of his Council, granted the pre-eminence to the Spanish Faction, as to Cant', Arund ', Cott', Wind ', and others, by confining his ear solely to them; which proved his confusion. For, the Plot being laid long before, by the Pope and Jesuits, to make the King of Spain UNIVERSAL KING, these Machiavels knew no surer way to accomplish this, then in rendering the King odious to the people, by multiplying of Taxes, and countenancing the several Judges in their corrupt practices. The Bishops, by the High-Commission-Court, new invented Orders in their Churches, and the Oath Ex Officio. Putting the King also upon requiring Knighthood-money, Ship-money, the Forests, and others of that nature: being confident, that this would move the people (by them called Heretics) to rebel, and so cut the throats one of another; and thus the Catholics might but stand by, and laugh at their destruction; and then the King of Spain with much facility might of England and Ireland gain the possession: which done, the Netherlands would soon follow, and France also be brought into subjection.  
How far they prevailed in this their hellish Plot, I appeal to all knowing persons: and what good the Lord produced to this Nation out of evil by them intended, is manifest at this day.  
The Lord perfect this his Work of Mercy to us, by granting us the assurance of his love and favour in Jesus Christ; which cannot but produce honour to his Highness, and peace and happiness to this Nation: Which is the hearty desire of  
Your faithful friend and servant in the Lord, J. F.   

POSTSCRIPT.  
For the help and enabling of all poor oppressed creature's, that are not able to wage Law, or to undergo the chargeable corrupt practice thereof for recovery of their Rights;  
THat his Highness would be pleased to cause a Proclamation or Declaration to be made throughout the whole Nation, thereby declaring that all Decrees made against any person or persons, in any Court of Justice or Equity, without hearing of the party, or Counsel for him, upon the making thereof, being contrary to the Laws and Statutes of this Nation, shall become void. And that those Judges that be living, of them which made the said Decrees, shall answer and pay unto the party damnified thereby, his full loss and damage sustained by reason thereof, within certain days to be limited, after Oath made of the demand thereof: and upon failer therein, that then an Extent to issue of course, without any circuit of Action or Suit at Law against the said unjust Judge or Judges their estates both real and personal; and then to pay double damages for their said failer. And that the said Proclamation or Declaration shall be a sufficient warrant to any Sheriffs or Officers whatsoever to levy all such money as shall appear to be due for the reasons aforesaid: any Statute, Law, or Ordinance to the contrary heretofore made, in any wise notwithstanding.  
And whosoever hath illegally, in the time of a prisoners restraint, intruded and gotten into the possession of any of his lands or goods, and received the profits thereof, & converted them unto his or their own use, and do still unjustly detain them: If any such person or persons do not (after so many days limited as aforesaid) upon demand deliver the possession of the said Lands quietly unto the parties so wronged, or unto such as he shall appoint, with all the profits thereof, and goods by him or them, or any of them, so taken away, That then to restore fourfold: and for such as have no estates to give satisfaction, may receive corporal punishment.  
The Law of England being a Law of mercy and preservation, and not as it's now in the practice thereof become a Law of rigour and destruction to the people; therefore it is further humbly prayed,  
1. That none may be arrested nor imprisoned for debt, but that after three several citations, the debtor not appearing, judgement to pass, and execution on his estate. This will make all men cautious of running into debt, and others wary whom they trust. Whereby Trade will flourish as in Germany, Holland, Flanders, & other parts of the world. It will preserve gentlemen's heirs from being ruined (before they can possess their estates) by Usurers, Brokers, and Extortioners, as thousands have been.  
2. That all Cheaters, and suchlike, may walk with their nostrils still, in stead of a cropped ear; as in Germany, Russia, etc.  
3. That none may be put to death for theft, it being consonant to the law of God.  
3. That all Wastes and Commons may be e-equally divided among the poor of each Perish.  
5. That all groundage at sea may be abolished, goods imbezeled to be restored freely to the owners. In which act of justice and mercy, Turks and Pagans surpass us far at present.  
6. That the Norman power (ad Conquestum) being at a period, therefore all Villanage, Vassalage, Fines, and Heriots, to be abolished, together with Court-Leets and Barons.  
7. All controversies to be determined by three men in every Hundred & Town-Corporate (and those to be changed yearly) with freedom of appeal to the Provincial Court, for any act of injustice by them passed injudgement.  
8. That a Register be kept in every County, for the sale of lands, leases, houses, and farms; and all private sales to be accounted illegal.  
9 That the yearly progress of the Prince may now again be founded on its original basis, as in the days of K. Alfred, viz. to see justice have its free and clear current throughout the Land without respect of persons.  
These nine particulars not varying much from the Armies Petition of July 14. 1649. will I hope find a favourable acceptation from him, on whom the Lord hath now conferred the power of all at present, and hath I hope set him over us for good, and not for evil; though the Royal party backbite him, and speak evil of him daily, wishing and plotting his destruction, and the destruction of all that love him, and adhere unto him. But that sacred mighty power which hitherto hath kept him safe, will still preserve him, causing his mercies to flourish on him, maugre all those that hate him, If he do the work of the Lord thoroughly and faithfully.  
FINIS.