THE Beacons Quenched: OR The Humble Information of divers Officers of the Army, and other well-affected persons, to the Parliament and Commonwealth of ENGLAND; Concerning the Machivilian design of the Presbyterians, now carrying on by the Stationers of LONDON.  

To bring an odium upon the Parliament and Army, Introduce the whole body of Presbyterian doctrine and worship.  
To seduce the good People of this Commonwealth, unto the Presbyterian slavery, than which nothing can be worse.   
By Publishing divers Treasonable and most Scandalous Books (a Catalogue of many whereof is here inserted) against the Honour of the Parliament, the Lord General, and several other worthy Members of this COMMONWEALTH.  
LONDON, Printed by Henry Hils, and are to be sold by Giles Calvert at the Blackspread-Eagle at the West-end of Paul's, and William Larner at the Blackmoor at Fleet-Bridge, 1652.   

To the Supreme Authority of the Nation, the Parliament of the Commonwealth of ENGLAND.  
Right Honourable,  
HE that shall read Mr. Calamy, and his Party in their late writings (some of them published by the Stationer's petitioning) cannot but read expressly, and by clear consequence, Your glorious Titles to be, Speckled Vipers, Murderers, Traitors, Rebels, Blasphemers, Soothsayers, Adulterers, Perjured persons, Oppressors, Hypocrites, Villains, Rogues, Beasts, Antichrists, Foxes, Serpents, Liars, Usurpers, and the Spanish faction in Pulpits, and Thrones exalted.  
But if the God of Heaven, the God of Truth, have writ your Names aright (with the beams of the Noonday Sun in the eyes of all the Nations of the World) You are the Saviour's of the Oppressed, the Conquerors of Tyrants, and the Breakers of those Clergicall Yokes, whose Authors would still subscribe (as the Butcher and Butcher's son in Henry the eighth his days) Ego et Rex Meus, I and my King, I and my Parliament, I and my People, etc.  
Your Honours have lately been alarumd with the noise of Popish books, Blasphemous books, etc. and had we heard and seen no more but such fair Grass, without a Snake, and the Plots of our constant Powder-Miners, we had held our peace. But rummaging in their dark Cellars, and finding under the Covers of provision against Winter, the horrid store of Gunpowder lie covered; We cannot but in faithfulness tell your Honours, the Plot is, to amuse you with the noise of Popery, and Blasphemy, and in the interim to spring their Mines, to blow up your Selves, the Council, and Army, our Victories, our Families, our Freedoms. For they hope yet for the day (since while you wake they cannot wring it out) to steal the Sword of God out of your hands, while sleeping. For can your Honours imagine that such Licensers who writ such language abovesaid, will ever set your Honours Imprimatur to any Lines but of the same unclean and Treasonable Spirit?  
And for the Stationer's subscribing to the first & second Beacons, do all those golden Characters of Zeal & Holiness, spell any more than plain Presbytery? Is not the sale of Popish Books the greatest part of the trade of some of them, who are also strongly reported to have a Factor in Rome itself? Hath not the most Treasonable book that ever was printed against the State been certainly bought at the shop of some of them, even since they fired the Beacon to the Parliament? Do not these Mercenaries know that a fair current for sober Disputes and writings in matters of God controversial, engageth more Authors to write etc. than a stop and stifling to the Spirit of God and Men?  
And as to Books of Heresy, Popery, Blasphemy, if their be equal liberty of engaging against them, when did the most glorious Sun Christ Jesus not dare to meet the darkest night, attended with ten thousand Popes or Devils? And when did they ever meet and he not conquer?  
Yea can it be without amazement remembered that one of their Lords (and ours, and yours that would be) should proclaim that most blasphemous Crack [Stupor Mundi Clerus Britannicus, the Amazement of the World, is the Clergy of Britain?] And yet our Beacons must be fired, and the Alarm given to the Magistrates Sword, Arm, Arm, etc. for not a man dare stir of our British Clergy, to receive the charge of some few (often conquered) Religious adversaries.  
We presume not to propose, but we humbly conceive that your late former care of the Printers name, and readiness to produce the Authors, or bringers of their Copies, together with some convenient Regulations, cannot justly by any just man be complained against.  
And we pray, that as it pleased God (after the world of Priests and Bishops had burned John Hus at Constance) to send immediately from Heaven this inestimable Jewel of Printing, so it may still please him, (as it hath graciously done ever since the burning of Christ's witnesses in Q. Mary's days) to stir up faithful and able writers against all sorts of Poperies and Blasphemies, and to stir up your Noble hearts to protect and encourage those blessed Liberties and Endeavours.  
For ourselves we shall desire to draw in no longer English air, than we are cordially ready to draw out our swords and blood at your command, against the Violations of such (dear bought) precious Freedoms, and against such Treasonable books and charges; a taste whereof is here presented,  
By your Honour's most humble servants, 

Thomas Pride, Col.  
William Gough, Lie. Col.  
Tobias Bridge, Maj.  
Richard Merest, Adjut. Gen.  
William Kiffen, Capt.  
Isaac Grace.  
George Gosfright, Citizen.  
Samuel Richardson, Citizen.     

The Humble Information of divers Officers of the Army, and other well-affected persons to the Parliament and Commonwealth of England, concerning scandalous Presbyterian books and designs.  
'tIs not any by-respect, but conviction of duty which puts us out to this humble address, First, to the Lord Christ, for his wonderful deliverances from a Prelatical bondage, and a Presbyterian slavery, the last of which (though of but a short continuance) yet lives fresh in the memory of all good people. Secondly, to the renowned Parliament of the Commonwealth of England, the happy instruments of our freedom, and painful Labourers in the work of Christ, notwithstanding whose vigilancy, we have had a sad experience of the Plots and designs of a Presbyterian party, especially in and about the City of London, who have not only kept a correspondence with those of Scotland, but also contributed moneys and other encouragements to their several Invasions; And have from time to time, by most malicious scandals and forgeries, both in the Pulpit and at the Press, endeavoured to bring an odium on the Parliament and present Government, by affirming that the Army was a Popish Army, and full of Papists and Jesuits, that Mr. Hugh Peter and divers others (who had been principally active for the Parliament) were Jesuits, and that such lay-people who had a call of Spirit, and did dispense their gifts (without the formal humane Ordinances of the Presbytery) were Popish Priests in disguise, Nay, (which is most abominable, even to be repeated) they stuck not to affirm (such was their malice) that my Lord General was Anti-christ, and the man of sin, with such like horrid scandals and abuses. But when their Armies of flesh were by Christ's own powers subdued both at Dunbar and Worcester, to the eternal memory of the 3d. day of September, the fury and insolence of these Kirkists was in some measure debelled, and their unquiet spirits tamed; yet through the too much mercy of the Parliament towards them, and the continuance of them in places of public trust and employment, they begin to fancy new hopes, and (we have just cause to fear) are broaching new designs against the Parliament of this Commonwealth, whom we trust the same great God will still defend.  
To this purpose we are certified from an eminent hand at Edinburgh by a letter dated 5 Junii last, and published by Mercurius Politicus, numero 106. That the Kirk Clergy preach damnation to such as accept of the Union, and though they agree in nothing else among themselves, yet they agree in their opposition to the Parliament. And again in the next Mercury by another letter dated the 12th of the same June. Indeed the spirits of division, faction, rebellion and devil himself of pride doth wholly act this wild order and degeneration of men, and their rage is the greater, because their Kingdom is falling. Nor must it be forgotten (says another) what hazard our Nation hath run of late, through the malice, falsehood and faction of the late Presbyterian drivers, etc. Politicus, numero 111. page 1739.  
Much more might be said to evidence that this rigid party of soul-drivers hath been the only considerable party that hath opposed all along the proceed and establishment of our Parliament and Commonwealth, even beyond all Jesuits and Popish party whatsoever, but that it is in itself so clear, that it needs no other eviction.  
And that these six Subscribers are of that Tribe will also manifestly appear, as by the sequent discourse, so by their setting the first Beacon on fire; for they are true Salamanders in a State, and delight in nothing more than in persecution of tender consciences by fire and sword; they are Boutefeux in a superlative degree, whose chief content consists in making combustions in all well-governed Commonwealths. And that the world may the better know these Subscribers, take their names (according to their own subscriptions) and places of abode, as follows.  

Booksellers.  
Luke Fawn at the sign of the Parot in Paul's Churchyard.  
Joshua Kirton at the late King's arms in Paul's Churchyard.  
Samuel Gellibrand at the Golden Ball in the new Rents.  
Thomas Vnderhill at the Anchor and Bible in the new Rents.  
John Rothwel at the Sun and Fountain in the new Rents.  
Nathaniel Webb at the sign of the Bear in the new Rents.   
These were the Subscribers of that Pamphlet, but the Contrivers and counsellors of it, we shall in due time, and upon just occasion discover.  
Their Preamble is embellished with much seeming zeal for exaltation of the Gospel of Christ Jesus, which were truly commendable, if it came from pure hearts, but we have too great an assurance that Self-interest is their aim, and Hypocrisy their zeal.  
In the first Section they intimate a fear to be necessitated to leave their calling, (for want of trade) rather than the pretence of keeping their consciences pure; And in the fourth they insinuate Proposals for effecting their desires, and so would fain serve themselves into some Office or Monopoly for licensing, printing, and selling of books, that they might engross the Trade, and lash their neighbours with some Presbyterian whips, and none be permitted to publish any thing but what they please.  
In the second Section the Pamphlet says, The Parliament well knowing that the Common People of this Nation will be of one Religion or other, and if by public authority they be not kept to the Reformed Religion, they will be easily drawn to the Popish.  
Here they speak plain English, and would have a coercive power in matters of Religion, a (Presbyterian Class would do well, but let it have some new name,) that may excommunicate, enjoin Penances, pronounce Censures (and what would this be less than a Spanish Inquisition) & c? And then the Subscribers would be pleased; But they know both the Parliament and Army have often declared against such proceed, and Have disclaimed all other punishments for matters of Religion, and will not (we are confident) permit them to be revived under any image or shape whatsoever; 
See the Parliaments Answer to Scotch Papers in March 1647 fol. 43 & 63.  the weapons of Fasting and Prayer (to speak in the Parliaments own words) being both more available and more Christian in such cases, than those of force and violence, etc.  
And how simple are these Subscribers to imagine that the Truth of Christ's holy Religion needs the support of human arms to sustain it, or that the Parliament will make use of any power to so unlawful an end? An excellent late Treatise, entitled Zeal Examined, will give them better light in this point of Liberty of Conscience.  
And how distrustful are these men of God's Providence, and doubtful of our own strength, to imagine, that any Papist can say more than we, or write more than we can answer? We desire nothing more than that they and all dissenters should propound their doubts in a Christian way, either by Word or by Epistle, and meet in the love of Christ for better instruction.  
They forget that about the beginning of July last a Petition was presented to the Parliament by many thousands of well-affected persons, one braneh whereof was, That the Press might be open to all, which these men would by a subtle insinuation shut against all but themselves; Yet it was not intended by that Petition, that the Press should be open for any such scandalous Books of Libels against the State and present Government, as at least some of the Subscribers will appear to have of late printed and published.  
Now (if it were worth the examining) we might certainly find many Untruths also in a few leaves of that Pamphlet; As that all the Books there mentioned were printed in England, is very doubtful, and that 1500 should be printed of every sort is most improbable.  
And we cannot but take notice that these Subscribers rank the Christian Moderator amongst Popish Books; because it equally rejects the Episcopal Bondage, and Presbyterian Slavery, & holds forth an absolute incoertion in matters of inward belief, which these men love not to hear of, nor of any Christian Moderation; nor hath that Book (to our best remembrance) any one word against the State, or present Government, but much in honour of the same, and of divers Members thereof.  
In page 13 they say, That Christians of a different belief are not tolerated to profess their Religion among Papists.  
How then do so many thousands enjoy a perfect liberty of conscience without any mulct or penalty, even in France our next neighbouring Country? We ought to speak truth, even of our enemies whomsoever.  
As for the Popish Books mentioned in their Catalogue, we do believe (upon good information) that the greatest part of them only hold forth Moral Divinity, as they call it, with exhortation to, and rules of good life; which it seems the Subscribers do not desire to be guilty of; And if those Books have 19 parts of good Matter, and the 20th. part Popery, it were great pity the much good should suffer for the little evil, as it was excellently said by a Worthy Member of Parliament upon occasion of debate concerning the Racovian Catechism, who upon that reason passed his Vote against the burning of it.  
For what these Pampheteers urge against Mr. Hobbs, and Mr. Josua Sprigg, out of their Leviathan, and Testimony to approaching Glory, we have not time at present to examine whether the points are truly cited: however those persons are very well able to answer for themselves; only this we may gather, that they are the more violent, as we conceive, against Mr. Sprigg, for being the Author of that excellent piece entitled Anglia Rediviva, wherein the Noble Acts of that renowned General, Thomas Lord Fairfax, are memorised, by whose gallantry and success the Presbyterian Tyranny began first to be abated.  
And to show the Hypocrisy of these men, who though in page third say, they fear left we should be tempted, for want of other trade, to be venders of such loathsome wares (as Popish Books) or else necessitated to leave our callings to keep our Consciences pure; yet it will be sufficiently proved, that at least some of these Subscribers do daily sell both Latin and English Popish Books, if they can get Customers for them; And did lately quarrel with one of their Neighbour Booksellers because he would not exchange the Books called the Holy Court for some of their Presbyterian Books.  
Now the truth is, this party of men make an appearance of zeal against Papists and Popish Books, the better to disguise their designs; when as their malice and spleen is against the well-affected, whom they style Independents, and Sectaries, and would fain bring the world to that pass, that no Religious person whatsoever should write any Book, but what should first pass the Test and approbation of their Presbyterian Censures; which we humbly hope the Parliament will never permit.  

The Catalogue and Contents of some of those Presbyterian books, the greatest part of which have been printed and published in England, within these 3. last years, against the Parliament and present government.  
1. Scotch Papers abundantly extant.  
2. History of Independency first and second part.  
3. A plea for Non-subscribers.  
4. An Answer to Bonds and Bounds.  
5. Several Pamphlets in vindication of Mr. Love, whom they account a Martyr (as in the Preface to his Sermons) and charge the Parliament with injustice, in putting him to death, etc. More particulary Mr. Calamy in his late Epistle before Mr. Loves 17. Sermons, and his funeral Sermon, hangs out a Flag of Defiance to the State, proclaiming Mr. Love to die in and for the Lord. And the Saints he calls Murderers, Traitors, Rebels, Blasphemers, soothsayers, Adulterers, Perjurers, Oppressors, etc. and chargeth the highest sins to have ascended into Pulpits and Thrones, etc.  
6. 
Manus testium,  
Linguae testium, Digitus testium,  which in the Epistle hath these words, The Dragon seems to have got the better (meaning the Parliament and Army) and a little further these words, Our design is only to unbowel that little bigbellied viper (of the Romish Conclaves hatching) the Engagement, which, like the Trojan Horse, hath concealed in the belly of it, the ruin of the lawful magistracy, lawful ministry, and the lawful reformed Religion, etc.   

〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 OR A Narration of mysteries of State, etc.  
A most malicious and scandalous book against the State and present government; the main design of it being to prove that the present Parliament and Army are of the Spanish faction, and that the same faction hath carried on a design here ever since King James' time, with much bitterness and reproach to the Parliament and Army, etc.  
For a taste, the Epistle is dedicated to the Renowned Gentlemen of Europe, the Merchants of England: In the Epistle, and throughout the book, they charge the Independents to be the Spanish faction, Unnatural Rogues, Impudent Traitors and Murderers, and say they have murdered the King, and tumbled down his Throne into the dunghill of Democracie. And concerning the Lord General amongst other base and scurrilous language against him they call him the Beast, the Antichrist, Fox, Serpent, Traitor, Liar, Usurper. The like language use they against the Lord Ireton.  
And the Honourable Members of Parliament and the Army, they style Traitors, Rebels, the Spanish Faction, etc.  
This book. and others of like nature will be proved to be (since the Beacon fired) sold at the shops of some of the late (Beacon-firing) Stationers.  
These, with many other Books of like nature, have been printed and published by these Subscribers and their fellow Presbyterians in London within these 3 years last passed, which we should not have mentioned but through a necessity of quenching the fire of this Beacon; And of what more dangerous consequence such Books are, as strike at no less than the high scandal and dishonour of the Parliament, and the very subversion of the present Government, than another sort of Books whatsoever, which only express particular opinions in matters of faith or outward worship, we leave to all true lovers of their Country to judge; And humbly hope that the Parliament will not restrain any peaceable Spirit from the liberty of prophesying, nor shut up the Press from any Godly persons, having due regard to the honour and peace of the Parliament and this Commonwealth.   
FINIS.