THE SECOND PART OF A SEASONABLE LEGAL and HISTORICAL VINDICATION, and CHRONOLOGICAL COLLECTION Of the Good old Fundamental Liberties, Franchises, Rights, Laws, Government of all English Freemen; their best Inheritance and only Security against all Arbitrary Tyranny and Egyptian Taxes.  
Wherein the extraordinary Zeal, Courage, Care, Vigilancy, Civil, Military and Parliamentary Consultations, Contests, to preserve, establish, perpetuate them to Posterity, against all Tyrants, Usurpers, Enemies, Invaders, both under the ancient Pagan and Christian Britons, Romans, Saxons. The Laws and Parliamental Great Councils of the Britons, Saxons.  
With some General Precedents▪ concerning the limited Powers and Prerogatives of our British and first Saxon Kings; the Fundamental Rights, Liberties, Franchises, Laws of their Subjects, the severe punishments of their Tyrannical Princes on the one side, and of unrighteous Usurpers, Traitors, Regicides, Treason, Perfidiousness and Disloyalty on the other (recorded in our Historians) are Chronologically Epitomised, and presented to public View, for the benefit of the whole English Nation.  
By WILLIAM PRYNNE of Swainswick, Esquire.  Prov. 22. 28. 
Remove not the Ancient Landmarks, which thy Fathers have set.  2 Sam. 10. 12. 
Be of GOOD COURAGE, AND LET US PLAY THE MEN FOR OUR PEOPLE, and for the Cities of our God; and the Lord do that which seemeth him good.  Dan. 7. 25, 26. 
And he shall think TO CHANGE TIMES AND LAWS, and they shall be given into his hand, until a time and times and the dividing of times. But the Judgement shall sit, and they shall take away his Dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end.  
London, Printed for the Author, and are to be sold by Edward Thomas dwelling in Green Arbour, 1655.   

ERRATA.  
IN the Epistle p. 2: l, 38. r. 1540 p. 5. l. 10. r. secure, p. 9 l. 2. 5. r. s. p. 10. l, 37. r. Kings, Queens, p. 16. l, 3. deal they. p. 19 l. 2. 1502. r. 1602. p. 22. l. 1. proceeding, p. 24. l. 20. Oath of Supremacy; p. 25. l, 24. for this: p, 27. l, 4. r. 1653. p. 35. l. 20. r. and our religion from, etc. p, 47: l, 18: Constantius: l, 26: for, if: p, 51: l, 2: & p, 52: l, 37: twenty four, r. forty two: Margin. p. 20. l. 1. whether.  
In the Book, p. 2. l. 19, 20. r. each single, p. 39 l. 19 Dubricius, p. 41. l. 11. quod, p. 47. l. 13. Christianismum, p. 53. l. 29. reservations, p. 62. l. 9 by r. of, p. 64 l. 20. Subditos, p, 67: l, 23: that, r eat. p. 71. l. 31. r. School, p. 72. l. 27. deal a. Margin. p. 55. l. 29. r. Eventibus.   

To all truly Christian Freemen of England, 
This Epistle should have been printed before the first part; but was omitted through haste.  Patrons of Religion, Freedom, Parliaments, who shall peruse this Treatise.  
Christian Reader,  
IT hath been one of the most detestable Crimes, and highest Impeachments against the Antichristian 
a See the several Epistles of Frederick the ● Emperor against Pope Gregory the 9, and Innocent the 4 recorded by Matt. Paris, p. 33●. fol. 690. sparsim.  Popes of Rome, that under a Saintlike Religious Pretext of advancing the Church, Cause, Kingdom of Jesus Christ, they have for some hundred years bypast, usurped to themselves (as sole Monarches of the world in the Right of Christ, whose Vicars they pretend themselves to be) both by Doctrinal Positions and Treasonable Practices, 
b See Extrav. de Ma●oritate & Obedientia: Augustinus Triumphus, Bellarminus, Becanus, and others, De Monarchia Romani Pontificis.  an absolute, Sovereign, Tyrannical Power over all Christian Emperors, Kings, Princes of the World (who must derive and hold their Crowns from them alone, upon their good behaviours at their pleasures) not only to Excommunicate, Censure, Judge, Depose, Murder, Destroy their sacred Persons; but likewise to dispose of their Crowns, Sceptres, Kingdoms and translate them to whom they please.  
In pursuance whereof, they have most traitorously, wickedly, seditiously, atheistically, presumed to absolve their Subjects from all their sacred Oaths, Homages, natural Allegiance, and due Obedience to them, instigated, encouraged, yea, expressly enjoined (under pain of interdiction, excommunication, and other censures) their own Subjects, (yea own sons sometimes) both by their Bulls and Agents, to revolt from, rebel, war against, depose, dethrone, murder, stab, poison, destroy them by open force, or secret conspiracies: and stirred up one Christian King, Realm, State, to invade, infested, destroy, usurp upon another; only to advance their own antichristian Sovereignty's, Usurpations, Ambition, Rapines, worldly Pomp and Ends: as you may read at leisure in the Statutes of 25 H. 8. c. 22. 28 H. 8. c. 10. 37 H. 8. c. 17. 13 Eliz. c. 2. 23 Eliz. c. 1. 35 Eliz. c. 2. 3 Jacob. c. 1, 2, 4, 5. 7 Jacob. c. 6. the Emperor Frederick his Epistles against Pope Gregory the 9 and Innocent the 4. recorded in Matthew Paris, and 
* Henricus de Knighton, de Eventibus Angliae, l. 2. c. 14, 15.  others, Aventinus Annalium Boiorum, Mr. William Tyndal's Practice of Popish Prelates, the second Homily upon Whitsunday; the Homilies against Disobedience, and wilful Rebellion; Bishop Jewels view of a seditious Bull; John Bale in his lives of the Roman Pontiffs; Doctor Thomas Bilson in his true difference between Christian subjection, and unchristian Rebellion; Doctor John White his Sermon at Paul's Cross, March 24. 1625. and Defence of the Way, c. 6, 10. Doctor Crakenthorpe of the Pope's temporal Monarchy; Bishop Morton's Protestant's Apology; Doctor Beard's Theatre of God's Judgements, l. 1. c. 27, 28. Doctor Squire of Antichrist; John Bodin his Commonwealth, l. 1. c. 9 The learned Morney Lord du Plessy, his Mystery of Iniquity, and History of the Papacy. The Grimston's Imperial History. Matthew Paris; Holinshed, Speed, Cambden, and others, in the lives of Henry the 3. Queen Elizabeth, and other of our Kings, and hundreds of printed Sermons on the 5 of November.  
The principal Instruments the Popes employed of late years, in these their unchristian Treasonable Designs, have been pragmatical, furious, active Jesuits, whose Society was first erected by Ignatius Loyola, (a Spaniard by Birth, but A 
c See Maffaeus V●gius & Petrus Ribadeniera in vita Ignatii Loyolae. Heylius Microcosm, p. 179.  SOLDIER by Profession) and confirmed by Pope Paul the 3. Anno 1640, which Order consisting only of ten persons at first, and confined only to sixty by this Pope, hath so monstrously increased by the Popes and Spaniards favours and assistance (whose chief Janissaries, Factors, Intelligencers they are) that in the year 1626. 
d See Lewis. Owen his Jesuits Looking-glass, printed London 1629. the Epistle to the Reader, and p. 48 to 58. Jubilaeum, sive speculum Jesuiticum, printed 1644. p. 207 to 213.  they caused the picture of Ignatius their Founder to be cut in Brass, with a goodly Olive Tree growing (like Jesses root) out of his side, spreading its branches into all Kingdoms and Provinces of the World, where the Jesuits have any Colleges and Seminaries, with the name of the Province at the foot of the branch, which hath as many leaves as they have Colleges and Residencies in that Province; in which leaves, are the names of the Towns and Villages where these Colleges are situated: round about the Tree are the Pictures of all the illustrious Persons of their Order; and in Ignatius his right hand, there is a Paper, wherein these words are engraven, Ego sicut Oliva fructifera in domo Dei; taken out of Ps. 52. 8. which pourtraictures they then printed and published to the World: wherein they set forth the number of their Colleges and Seminaries to be no less, than 777. (increased to 155 more, by the year 1640.) in all, 932. as they published in like Pictures & Pageants printed at Antwerp, 1640. In these Colleges and Seminaries of theirs, they had then (as they print) 15591 Fellows of their society of Jesus, besides the Novices, Scholars, and Lay-brothers of their Order, amounting to near 
* And are there not some thousands of them here in England under several disguises?  ten times that number. So infinitely did this evil Weed grow and spread itself, within one hundred years after its first planting.  
What the chief employments of Ignatius and his numerous swarms of Disciples are in the World, his own Society, at the time of his Canonization for a Romish Saint, sufficiently discovered in their painted Pageants, than showed to the people, 
e Mercure Jesuit, tom. 1. p. 67. Speculum Jesuiticum. p. 156.  wherein they portrayed this new Saint holding the whole world in his hand, and fire streaming out forth of his heart, (rather to set the whole World on fire by Combustions, Wars, Treasons, Powderplots, Schisms, new State, and old Church-Heresies, then to enlighten it) with this Motto; VENI IGNEM MITTERE: I came to send fire into the world: which the University of Cracow in Poland objected (amongst other Articles) against them, Anno 1622.  
Their number being so infinite, and the 
f See Lewis Owen his running Register, & his Jesuited Looking glass. The Anatomy of the English Nunnery at Lisbon.  Pope and Spaniard too, having long since (by 
g De Monarchia Hispanica, p. 146, 147, 148, 149, 204, 234, 235, 236, 185, 186.  Campanella's advice) erected many Colleges in Rome, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and elsewhere, for English, Scotish, Irish Jesuits, (as well as for such secular Priests, Friars, Nuns) of purpose to promote their designs against the Protestant Princes, Realms, Churches, Parliaments of England, Scotland, Ireland, and to reduce them under their long prosecuted 
h See Thomas Campanella de Monarchia Hispaniae. Wa●sons quodlibets, Cottoni Posthuma, p. 91. to 107. Cardinal de Ossets' Letters. Arcana Imperii Hispanici Delft. 1628. Advice a tous les Estat's de Europe, touches les maxims Fundamentales de Government & disseiendes Espaginols Paris, 1625.  UNIVERSAL MONARCHY over them, by Fraud, Policy, Treason, intestine Divisions, and Wars, being unable to effect it by their own Power; no doubt of late years many hundreds, if not thousands, of this Society, have crept into England, Scotland and Ireland, lurking under several Disguises; yea, an whole College of them sat weekly in counsel, in or near Westminster, some few years since, under Conne the Popes Nuntio, of purpose to embroil England and Scotland in bloody civil wars, thereby to endanger, shake, subvert, these Realms, and destroy the late King (as you may read at large in my Rome's Masterpiece, published by the Commons special Order, An. 1643.) who occasioned, excited, fomented, the first and second intended, (but happily prevented) wars between England and Scotland, and after that, the unhappy Differences, Wars, between the King, Parliament, and our three Protestant Kingdoms, to bring them to utter desolation, and extirpate our reformed Religion.  
The King's Forces (in which many of them were Soldiers) after some year's Wars being defeated, thereupon their Father Ignatius being a SOLDIER, and they his Military sons not a few of them 
i See my Speech in Parliament, p. 107. to 119. and the History of Independency.  secretly insinuated themselves as Soldiers, into the Parliaments Army and Forces, (as they had formerly done into 
k Exact Collection, p. 651, 652, 662, 666, 813, 814, 816, 826, 827, 832, 902, 904, to 920. A Collection of Ordinances, p. 267, 313, 354, 424.  the Kings) where they so cunningly acted their parts, as extraordinary illuminated, gifted brethren, and grand Statesmen, that they soon leavened many of the Officers, Troopers and common Soldiers, with their dangerous Jesuitical, State-Politicks, and 
l See Putney Projects, the History of Independency, and Armies Declarations, Papers, Proposals.  Practices, put them upon sundry strange designs, to newmould the old Monarchical Government, Parliaments, Church, Ministers, Laws of England; erecting a New General Council of Army-Officers and Agitators for that purpose; acting more like a Parliament than Souldidiers. And at last instigated the Army by open force (against their Commissions, Duties, Oaths, Protestations, and Solemn League and Covenant) to Impeach, Imprison, Seclude, first eleven Commoners; then some six or seven Lords; after that, to seclude seclude the Majority of the Commons House, suppress the whole House of Lords, destroy the King, Parliament, Government, Privileges, Liberties of the Kingdom and Nation, for whose defence they were first raised, which by no other adverse power they could effect. This produced new bloody divisions, animosities, wars, in and between our three Protestant Realms, and Nations; and after with our Protestant Allies of the Netherlands, with sundry heavy monthly Taxes, Excises, Oppressions, Sales of the Churches, Crowns, and of many Nobles and gentlemen's Lands & Estates, to their undoing, our whole Nations impoverishing, and discontent, an infinite profuse expense of Treasure, of Protestant blood both by Land & Sea, decay of Trade, with other sad effects in all our three Kingdoms; yea, sundry successive New changes of our public Government, made by the Army-Officers, (who are still ringing the changes) according to Campanella's and Parsons Platforms. So that if fire may be certainly discerned by the smoke, or the tree commonly known by its fruit, as the Truth itself resolves, Mat●h. 12. 33. we may truly cry out to all our Rulers, as the Jews did once to the Rulers of Thessa●onica, in another case, Act. 17. 6. THOSE (Jesuits) WHO HAVE TURNED THE WORLD UPSIDE DOWN, ARE COME HITHER ALSO, and have turned our Kingdoms, Kings, Peers, Monarchy, Parliaments, Government, Laws, Liberties, (yea, and our Church and Religion too, in a great measure) UPSIDE DOWN, even by those very Persons, who were purposely raised, commissioned, waged, engaged by Protestations, Covenants, Vows, Oaths, Laws, Allegiance and Duty, to protect them from these Jesuitical Innovations and subversions.  
Those who will take the pains to peruse all or any of these several printed Books (most of them very well worth their reading) written against the Jesuits and their Practices as well by Papists as Protestants, as namely, Fides Jesus & Jesuitarum, printed 1573. Doctrinae Jesuiticae praecipua capita, Delft. 1589. Aphorismi Doctrinae Jesuiticae. 1608. Cambitonius, De Studiis Jesuitarum abstrusioribus. Anno 1609. Jacobus Thuanus Passages of the Jesuits. Hist. l. 69, 79, 83, 94, 95, 96, 108, 110, 114, 116, 119, 121, 124, 126, 129, 131, 132, 134, 136, 137, 138. Emanuel Meteranus his Passages of them. Belgicae Hist. l. 9, 17, 18, 19, 21, 23, 26, to 34. Willielmus Baudartius, Continuation Meterani, l. 37, 38, 39, 40. Donatus Wesagus, Fides Jesus & Jesuitarum, 1610. Characteres Jesuiticae, in several Tomes. Elias Husenmullerus, Historia Jesuitici Ordinis, Anno 1605. Speculum sive Theoria Doctrinae Jesuiticae, necnon Praxis Jesuitaram, 1608. Pasquier his Jesuit displayed. Petrus de Wangen, Physiognomia Jesuitica, 1610. Christopherus Pelargus, his Novus Jesuitismus. Franciscus de Verone, his Jesuitismus Sicarius, 1611. Narratio de proditione jesuitarum in Magnae Brit. Regem, 1607. Consilium de Jesuitis Regno Poloniae ejiciendis. The Acts of the States of Rhetia, Anno 1561, and 1612. for banishing the Jesuits wholly out of their Territories, NE STATUS POLITICUS TURBARETUR, etc. mentioned by Fortunatus Sprecherus, Palladis Rheticae, l. 6. p. 251, 273. Melchior Valcius, his Furiae Gretzero, etc. remissae, 1611. Censura Jesuitarum, Articuli Jesuitarum, cum commonefactione illis opposita, Anti-Jesuites, au Roy, par. 1611. Variae Doctorum Theologorum Theses adversus quaedam Jesuitica Dogmata. The Remonstrance of the Parliament of Paris to Henry the Great against the Re-establishment of the Jesuits; And their Censure of Mariana his Book, to be publicly burnt, printed in French, 1610. recited in the 
* p. 1180, to 1184. and Continuation, p. 26, to 60.  General History of France, in Lewis 13. his life, and Peter Matthew, l. 6. par. 3. Historia Franciae. Variae Facultatis Theologiae & Curiae Parisiensis, quam aliorum opuscula, decreta & Censurae contra Jesuitas, Paris 1612. Conradus Deckerus de proprietatibus Jesuitarum, 1611. Quaerelarum inclyti Regni Hungariae adversus corruptelas Jesuiticas defensio. Lucas Osiander, his warning about the Jesuits bloody Plot, Han. 1614 Jesuitarum per unitas Belgii Provincias Negotiatio, Anno 1616. Rodulphus Hospinianus, Historia Jesuitica, 1619. Bogermannus his Catechismus Jesuiticus. Ludovicus Lucius, Historia Jesuitica, Basil. 1627. Arcana Imperii Hispanici, 1628. Mercure Jesuit, in several Tomes, Geneve 1626. De Conscientia Jesuitarum, tractat. Censura sacrae Theologiae Parisiensis, in librum qui inscribitur, Antonii Sanctarelli societatis Jesus, de Haeresi, Schismate & Apostatia, etc. Paris, 1626. Anti-Cotton; joannes Henricius, Deliberatio de compescendo perpetuo crudeli Conatu Jesuitarum, Fran. 1633. A Proclamation of the States of the united Provinces, Anno 1612. And another Proclamation of theirs: with two more Proclamations of the Protestant States of the Marquisate of Moravia, for the banishing of the Jesuits, London 1629. Alfonsi de Vargas Toletani, Relatio ad Reges & Principes Christianos, De Stratagematis & Sophismatis Politicis Societatis jesu, ad Monarchiam Orbis terrarum sibi conficiendam: in qua jesuitarum erga Reges & Populos optimè de se meritos infidelitas, ergaque ipsum Pontificem perfidia, contumacia, & IN FIDEI REBUS NOVANDI LIBIDO, illustribus documentis comprobatur, Anno 1641. jubilaeum, sive Speculum jesuiticum, exhibens PRAECIPUA JESUITARUM SCELERA, MOLITIONES, INNOVATIONES, FRAUDS, IMPOSTURAS, ET MENDACIA, CONTRA STATUM ECCLESIASTICUM POLITICUMQUE, in & extra EUROPEUM ORBEM; primo hoc centenario, confirmati illius Ordinis INSTITUTA ET PERPETRATA, ex variis Historiis, inprimis vero pontificiis collecta, Anno 1644. (a piece worth perusing) Or else will but cast their eyes upon our own forecited Statutes, and the 
* Now out of date.  Proclamations of Queen Elizabeth, King james, and King Charles against Jesuits, and Seminary-Priests. A brief Discovery of Doctor Allens seditious Drifts, London 1588. Charles Paget (a Seminary Priest) his Answer to Dolman, concerning the succession of the English Crown, 1601. William Watson (a Secular Priest) his Dedacordon or Quodlibets, printed 1602. now very well worthy all Protestants reading. A Letter of A. C. to his Dis-Iesuited Kinsman, concerning the Jesuits, London 1602. Romish Positions and Practices for Rebellion, London 1605. The Arraignment of Traitors, London 1605. john King Bishop of London, his Sermons on November 5. 1607, 1608. King james his Conjuratio Sulphurea, Apologia pro Juramento fidelitatis: & Responsio ad Epistolam Cardinalis Peronii. An Exact Discovery of the chief Mysteries of the jesuitical iniquity: and, The jesuits' secret Consultations; both printed London 1619. William Crashaw his Jesuits Gospel, London 1621. William Feak of the Doctrine and Practice of the Society of Jesus, London 1630. The many printed Sermons of Doctor John White, Bishop Lake, Bishop Andrews, Doctor Donne, Doctor Featly, Doctor Clerk, and others, preached on the fifth of November. Lewis Owen his running Register, London 1626. His unmasking of all Popish Monks and Jesuits, 1628. And his Jesuits Looking-Glass, London, 1629. John Gee, his Foot out of the Snare, etc. London, 1624. with the Jesuitical Plots discovered in my Rome's Masterpiece; and, Hidden works of darkness brought to public Light, London 1645. shall see the Jesuits and their Seminaries charged with, convinced of, and condemned for these ensuing Seditious, Treasonable, Antimonarchical, Anarchical Positions and Practices; for which their Society hath by public Acts and Proclamations been several times banished out of Hungaria, Bohemia, Moravia, Poland, the Low Countries Rhetia, France, Transilvania, Sweden, Denmark, the Palatinate, Venice, Aethiopia, Japan and Turkey, as well as out of England, Scotland and Ireland, as most insufferable Pests and Traitors; in many of which they have yet gotten footing again.  
1. That at least fifty several prime Authors of that infernal Society of Jesus, in several printed Books (which you shall find specified in Doctor John Whites Defence of the Way, c. 5. 10. Aphorismi Jesuitarum: Jubilaeum, or, Speculum Jesuiticum, p. 187, 188. and the Appendix to my Fourth part of the Sovereign power of Parliaments, p. 187, 188.) have dogmatically maintained; That the Pope hath absolute power, not only to excommunicate, but judicially to suspend, mulct with temporal penalties, depose, dethrone, PUT TO DEATH, and destroy any Christian Emperors, Kings, Princes, Potentates, by open Sentence, War, Force, secret Conspiracies, or private Assiassinations, and to give away their Crowns and Dominions to whoever will invade them, by Treason or Rebellion, at the Pope's command: and that in cases of Heresy, Schism, Disobedience to, Rebellion against the Pope, or See of Rome, Maladministration, refusal to defend the Pope or Church against her adversaries, Insufficiency to Govern, Negligence, Tyranny, Excesses, Abuses in Government, Incorrigibility, Viciousness of Life, and 
m Quando eorum malitia hoc exigit & Reipub. vel Ecclesiae NECESSITAS sic requiri● Speculum Jesuiticum, p. 168, 169, 170. Mercure Jesuit, Part 1. p. 884, 885.  NECESSITY OF THE PUBLIC GOOD, OR SAFETY OF THE CHURCH, STATE, OR CAUSE OF GOD; as Antonius Sanctarellus the Jesuit particularly defines, in his Book De Haeresibus, Schismatibus, etc. printed in Rome itself, Anno 1625. who affirms it to be, multum aequum & Reipublicae expediens, ut sit aliquis supremus Monarcha, qui Regum hujusmodi excessus possit corrigere, & DE IPSIS JUSTITIAM MINISTRARE: sicut PETRO concessa fuit faultas PUNIENDI PAENA TEMPORALI, imo etiam, PAENA MORTIS, DICTAS PERSONAS AD ALIORUM CORRECTIONEM & EXEMPLUM. (Whether the Erection, Title of, and proceedings against our beheaded King, in the late misnamed High Court of Justice, had not their Original from hence; and whether the Army-Officers derived not their very phrase, 
n See their Remonstrance from St. Albon's 16 Nou. 1648. and other Papers since.  of bringing the King TO JUSTICE, with their pretended NECESSITY OF PUBLIC GOOD AND SAFETY, for it, from these very Jesuits, or their Agents in the Army; let themselves, the whole Kingdom, and all Wisemen now consider.) Moreover, some of these fifty Authors, (as Robert Parsons the English jesuit in his Philopater, Sect. 2. and De Officio Principis Christiani, chap. 5. affirm, That the whole School both of (their) Divines & Lawyers, make it a Position certain and undoubtedly to be believed, That if any Christian Prince whatsoever, shall manifestly turn from the Roman Catholic Religion, or desire, or seek to reclaim others from the same; or but favour, or show countenance to an Heretic (as they deem all Protestants, and Dissenters from the See of Rome in any punctilio, such) HE PRESENTLY FALLETH FROM, AND LOSETH ALL PRINCELY POWER AND DIGNITY; and that BY VIRTUE AND POWER OF THE LAW ITSELF, BOTH DIVINE AND HUMANE, EVEN BEFORE ANY SENTENCE PRONOUNCED AGAINST HIM BY THE SUPREME PASTOR AND JUDGE, That thereby his Subjects are absolved from ALL OATHS AND BONDS OF ALLEGIANCE TO HIM AS TO THEIR LAWFUL PRINCE. Nay, that they BOTH MAY AND OUGHT (
* See watson's Quodlibets, p. 295, etc.  PROVIDED THEY HAVE COMPETENT POWER AND FORCE) TO CASTANNA OUT SUCH A PRINCE FROM BEARING RULE AMONGST CHRISTIANS, as an Apostate, an Heretic, a Back-slider, a Revolter from our Lord jesus Christ, AND AN ENEMY TO HIS OWN ESTATE AND COMMONWEALTH; lest perhaps he might infect others, or by his example or command, turn them from the faith. And that the Kingdom of such an Heretic or Prince, is to be bestowed at the pleasure of the Pope, with whom the people UPON PAIN OF DAMNATION, ARE TO TAKE PART, AND FIGHT AGAINST THEIR SOVEREIGN. Out of which detestable, treasonable Conclusions, most Treasons and Rebellions of late times have risen in the Christian World; and the first smoke of the Gunpowder Treason too, as john Speed observes in his History of Great Britain, p. 1250.  
2. That the Jesuits have frequently put these treasonable Seditious, Antimonarchical, Jesuitical, damnable Doctrines into practice, as well against some Popish, as against Protestant King, Queen, Princes, States: which they manifest,  
1. By 
o Hist. Gallica & Belgica l. 1. p. 126. Speculum Jesuiticum. p. 46.  their poisoning jone Queen of Navarre, with a pair of deadly perfumed Gloves, only for favouring the Protestants in France, Anno 1572.  
2. By their suborning and animating 
p See Speculum Jesuiticum and the General History of France in H. 3.  james Clement, a Dominical Friar, to stab King Henry the 3 of France in the belly with a poisoned Knife, whereof he presently died, Anno 1589. for which they promised this Traitor, a Saintship in heaven.  
3. By 
q Speculum Jesuiticum. p. 75.  Cammoles the Jesuits public justification of this Clement, in a Sermon at Paris Anno 1593. wherein he not only extolled him above all the Saints, for his Treason against, and murder of Henry the 3. but broke out likewise into this further Exclamation to the people: We ought to have some Ehud, whether it be A MONK, or A SOLDIER, or a Varlet, or at least a C●w-herd. For it is necessary, that at least we should have some Ehud. This ONE THING ONLY YET REMAINS BEHIND: FOR THAN WE SHALL COMPOSE ALL OUR AFFAIRS VERY WELL, AND AT LAST BRING THEM TO A DESIRED END. Whereupon by the Jesuits instigation, the same year 1593. one Peter Bariere, undertook the assasination of King 
r See the General History of France in the life of Hen. 4. and Lewis 13. Speculum Jesuiticum, p. 77, 80, 126, 235.  Henry the 4 of France, which being prevented, and he executed, thereupon they suborned and enjoined one of their own Jesuitical Disciples, John Castle, a youth of 19 years old, to destroy this King: who on the 27 of December 1594. intending to stab him to the heart, missing his aim, wounded him only in the cheek, and stroke out one of his Teeth; for which Treasonable Act, he was justified, applauded, as a renowned Saint and Martyr, by the Jesuits, in a printed Book or two, published in commendation of this his undertaking. Yea, Alexander Hay, a Jesuit privy to Castle 's villainy, used to say, That if King Henry the 4. should pass by their College (which he built for them) he would willingly cast himself out of his window headlong upon him, so as he might break the King's neck, though thereby he broke his own. Yet was he punished only with perpetual banishment. After which Jesuitical conspiracies detected and prevented, notwithstanding this King Henry (before these two attempts to murder him) had by their solicitations, renounced the Protestant Religion, professed himself a zealous Romanist, recalled the Jesuits formerly banished for the murder of Henry the 3. 
* Speculum Jesuit. p. 102. to 135.  against his Parliament and Counsels advice, reversed all the Decrees of Parliament against them, razed the public Pillar set up in Paris, as a lasting Monument of their Treasons and Conspiracies; built them a magnificent College in Paris, endowed it with a very large revenue; entertained Pere Cotton (one of their Society) for his Confessor (who revealed all his Secrets to the King of Spain;) bequeathed a large Legacy of Plate and Lands to their Society by his will, and was extraordinary bountiful and favourable towards them; yet these bloody ingrateful villains animated that desperate wretch, 
* See the General History of France in Hen. 4. & Lewis 13.  Ravilliac, to stab him to death in the open street in Paris, Anno 1610. Albigni the jesuit, being privy to this murder, before it was perpetrated.  
4. By their suborning, instigating sundry bloody instruments one after another to murder 
s See Grimstons' History of the Netherlands p. 764. Thuanus l 79. p. 186. Speculum Jesuiticum p 60, 6●.  William Prince of Orange, prevented in their attempts by God's providence, till at last they procured one Balthasar Gerard to shoot him to death with a Pistol charged with three Bullets; the Jesuits promising him no less than HEAVEN, AND A CANONIZATION AMONG THE SAINTS AND MARTYRS, for this bloody Treason, as they did to james Clement before, for murdering the French King.  
5. By 
t Speculum Jesuiticum p. 127.  their poisoning of Stephen Botzkay Prince of Transylvania, 
v See Speed and Cambden in her life. Bishop Carletons' Thankful Remembrance of God's Mercy London 1624.  for opposing their bloody persecutions.  
6. By their manifold bloody Plots and Attempts from time to time, to depose, murder, stab, poison, destroy our famous Protestant Queen Elizabeth, by open Insurrections, Rebellions, Invasions, Wars raised against her both in England and Ireland; and by intestine clandestine Conjurations; from which Gods everwaking Providence did preserve her. Amongst other Conspiracies, that of Patrick Cullen, an Irish Friar (hired by the jesuits and their Agents to kill the Queen) is observable. 
x H●spinian Hist. Jesuitica, Speeds History p. 1181. Cambden, Stow, Holinshed in the Life of Queen Elizabeth. Speculum Jesuiticum, p. 73  Holt the jesuit, (who persuaded him to undertake the murdering of her) told him, that it was not only Lawful by the Laws, but THAT HE SHOULD MERIT GOD'S FAVOUR, AND HEAVEN BY IT; and thereupon gave him remission of all his sins, and the Eucharist, to encourage him in this Treason; the chief ground whereof (and of all their other Treasons against this Queen) was thus openly expressed by jaquis Francis, for Cullens further encouragement; THAT THE REALM OF ENGLAND, THAN WAS AND WOULD BE SO WELL SETTLED, that unless Mistress Elizabeth (so he termed his Dread Sovereign, though but a base Landress Son;) were suddenly taken away, ALL THE DEVILS IN HELL WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO PREVAIL, TO SHAKE AND OVETURN IT. Which than it seems, they 
* See watson's Quodlibets.  principally endeavoured, and oft times since attempted, and have now at last effected, by those who conceit they demerit the Title of Saints (though not in a Romish Calendar) and no less than Heaven for shaking, overturning, and making it No Kingdom.  
7. By their 
y See Speeds Hist. p. 1240. 1242, 1243. John Stow, and How. 1 Jacobi.  Conspiracy against King james, to deprive him of his Right to the Crown of England, imprison, or destroy his person: raise Rebellion, alter Religion, and SUBVERT THE STATE AND GOVERNMENT; by virtue of Pope Clement the 8. his Bull directed to Henry Garnet, Superior of the Jesuits in England: whereby he commanded all the Archpriests, Priests, Popish Clergy, Peers, Nobles and Catholics of England, That after the death of Queen Elizabeth by the course of Nature, or otherwise, whosoever should lay claim or title to the Crown of England, (though never so directly or nearly interessed by descent) should not be admitted unto the Throne, unless he would first tolerate the Romish Religion, and by his best endeavours promote the Catholic cause; unto which by his Solemn and Sacred Oath he should religiously subscribe, after the death of that miserable woman; (as he styled Queen Elizabeth.) By virtue of which Bull the Jesuits, after her decease, dissuaded the Romish-minded Subjects, from yielding in any wise obedience to King james, as their Sovereign; and entered into a Treasonable Conspiracy with the Lord Cobham, Lord Grace, and others, against him, to imprison him for the ends aforesaid; or destroy him, pretending, that King james was no King at all before his Coronation; and that therefore they might by force of Arms, lawfully surprise his person, and Prince Henry his Son, and imprison them in the Tower of London, or Dover-Castle, till they enforced them by duress, to grant a free toleration of their Catholic Religion, to remove some evil counsellors from about them, and to grant them a free Pardon for this violence; or else they would put some further Project in execution against them, to their destruction. But this Conspiricy being discovered, The Traitors were apprehended, arraigned, condemned, and Watson and Clerk (two jesuited Priests who had drawn them into this Conspiracy, upon the aforesaid Pretext) with some others, executed as Traitors; 
z Cook 3 Institutes, p. 7. and calvin's Case 7. Report f. 10, 11. 1 Jac. c. 1.  all the judges of England resolving, that King james being right Heir to the Crown by descent, was immediately upon the death of Queen Elizabeth, actually possessed of the Crown, and lawful King of England, before any Proclamation or Coronation of him, which are but Ceremonies, (as was formerly adjudged in the case of 
* See Fox, Holinshed, Speed, 1 Mariae.  Queen Mary, and Queen jane, 1 Mariae) there being no Interregnum, by the Law of England, as is adjudged, declared, by Act of Parliament, 1 jac. c. 1. worthy serious perusal.  
8. By their 
a See 3 Jac. c. 1, 2, 4, 6. Speeds History, p. 1250, to 1256. The Arraignment of Traitors, with others. Prayers for the 5 of November.  horrid Gunpowder Treason Plot; contrived, fomented, by Garnet (Superior of the English Jesuits) Gerard, Tesmond and other Jesuits; who by their Apostolical Power did not only commend, but absolve from all sin the other jesuited Popish Conspirators, and Faux THE SOLDIER, who were their instruments to effect it. Yea, the jesuitical Priests were so Atheistical, as that they usually concluded their Masses with Prayers, for the good success of this Hellish plot, which was, suddenly, with no less than 36 Barrels of Gunpowder, placed in a secret Vault under the House of Lords, to have blown up and destroyed at once, King james himself, the Queen, Prince, Lords Spiritual and Temporal, with the Commons assembled together in the Upper-House of Parliament, upon the 5 of November, Anno Dom. 1605. and then to have forcibly seized with armed men prepared for that purpose, the persons of our late beheaded King, than Duke of York, and the Lady Elizabeth his Sister (if absent from the Parliament, and not there destroyed with the rest) that so there might be none of the Royal Line left to inherit the Crown of England, Scotland and Ireland; to the utter overthrow and subversion of the whole Royal Family, Parliament, State and Government of this Realm. Which unparallelled, inhuman, bloody Plot, being miraculously discovered, prevented, the very day before the execution, in perpetual detestation of it, and of the jesuits and their traitorous Romish Religion, (which both contrived and approved it) the 5 day of November, by the Statute of 3 jacobi, ch. 1. was enacted to be had IN PERPETUAL REMEMBRANCE, that ALL AGES TO COME, might thereon meet together publicly throughout the whole Nation, to render public praises unto God, for preventing this infernal jesuitical Design, and keep in memory THIS JOYFUL DAY OF DELIVERANCE; for which, special forms of public Prayers and Thankesgiving were then appointed, and that day ever since more or less annually observed, till this present. And it is worthy special observation, that had this Plot taken effect, 
b Speeds Hist. p. 1242. The Arraignment of Traitors, and M. John Vicars History of the Gunpowder Treason.  it was agreed by the Jesuits and Popish Conspirators beforehand, THAT THE IMPUTATION OF THIS TREASON SHOULD BE CASTANNA UPON THE PURITANS, TO MAKE THEM MORE ODIOUS: as now they father all their Powderplots of this kind, which they have not only laid, but fully accomplished of late years against the King, Prince, Royal Posterity, the Lords and Commons House, our English●Parliaments and Government, upon those Independents, and Anabaptistical Swordmen, reputed PURITANS, who were in truth, but their mere under- Instruments to effect them; When as they 
c See my Epistles to Jus Patronatus, and Speech in Parliament.  originally laid the Plots; as is clear by Campanella's Book De Monarchia, Hisp. c. 25. and Cardinal Richelieu, his Instructions at his death, to the King of France. And it is very observable, that as Courtney the Jesuit, Rector of the English Jesuits College at Rome did in the year 1641. (when the name of Independent, was scarce heard of in England) openly affirm to some English Gentlemen, and a Reverend Minister (of late in Cornwall) from whom I had this Relation, then and there feasted by the English Jesuits in their College, That they now at last, after all their former Plots had miscarried, they had found out a sure way to subvert and ruin the Church of England (which was most formidable to them of all others) BY THE INDEPENDENTS; who immediately after infinitely increased, supplanted the presbyterians by degrees, got the whole power of the Army, (and by it, of the Kingdom) into their hands, and then subverted both the Parliament, King and his Posterity: So some Independent Ministers, Sectaries and Anabaptists, ever since 1648. have neglected the observation of the 5 of November, (as I am credibly informed) and refused to render public thanks to God for the deliverance thereon, contrary to the Act, for this very reason, which some of them have rendered; That they would not mock God in public by praising him for delivering the late King, Royal Posterity, and House of Lords from destruction then, by Jesuits and Papists, whenas themselves have since destroyed and subverted them through God's providence; and repute it a special mercy and deliverance to the Nation from Tyranny and Bondage, for which they have cause to bless the Lord: Peforming that for the Jesuits and Powder-Traytors, which themselves could not effect. The Lord give them grace and hearts to consider, how much they acted the Jesuits, and promoted their very worst designs against us therein; what infamy and scandal they have thereby drawn upon all zealous Professors of our Protestant Religion, and 
* Jer. 5. 31.  what they will do in the end thereof.  
9 (To omit all other foreign instances cited in Speculum Jesuiticum, p. 124. to 130. where you may peruse them at leisure) By 
d Rome's Masterpiece, p. 8 18, 19  their poisoning King James himself in conclusion, as some of them have boasted.  
10. By the Pope's Nuntio, and Conclave of Jesuits Conspiracy at London, Anno 1640. 
* Rome's Masterpiece, p, 8. to 22.  to poison our late King Charles himself, as they had poisoned his Father with a poisoned Indian Nut, kept by the Jesuits, and showed often by Conne the Popes Nuncio to the Discoverer of that Plot; or else, to destroy him by the Scotish wars and troubles, (raised for that very end by the Jesuits,) in case he refused to grant them a universal liberty of exercising their Popish Religion throughout his Realms and Dominions: and then to train up his Son under them, in the Popish Religion; To which not only heretofore, but now likewise they strenuously endeavour by all possible means to seduce him; as appears more especially by Monsieur Militierre his 
e The Victory of Truth, Anno 1653.  late book dedicated to him for that purpose. Surely all these premised instances compared together, will sufficiently inform the world; that the late unparelleled capital Proceedings against our Protestant King, Parliament Members, Peers House, and forced, dissolved late Parliament too, proceeded not from the Principles of our reformed Protestant Religion, as this 
f Page 5, 7, 8, 18, 33, 39, etc.  Monsieur in his printed pamphlet, would make his Reader, the young King, to whom he dedicates it, and all the world believe; but from the Popes and Jesuits forecited Treasonable Opinions, seconded with their clandestine Solicitations and Practices, and that they, with some French Cardinals Jesuits, as well as Spanish & English, (than present in England) were the chief original Contrivers, Promoters of them, whoever were the immediate visible Instruments, as I have 
g See my Speech in Parliament, and Memento. The Epistle to my Jus Patronatus, and Tho. Campanella De Monarchia Hisp. c. 25.  elsewhere more fully demonstrated, for the wiping off this scandal from our reformed Religion, and the sincere Professors of it, who both abominated and protested against it in print.  
3. That the Jesuits ever since the Establishment of their Military Order, 
* See the Declaration of the secured and secluded Members, The London●Ministers and others, Representation to the General, and the second part of the History of Independency.  under Ignatius their Martial General, have been the principal Firebrands, Bellows, Instruments of kindling, fomenting, raising, continuing all the public commotions, wars, seditions and bloody fewdes that have happened in or between any Kings, kingdoms, States, Princes, Sovereigns or Subjects throughout the Christian world; and more particularly, of all the Civil commotions, wars in France, Germany, Transylvania, Bohemia, Hungary, Russia, Poland, England, Scotland and Ireland, to the effusion of whole Oceans of Christian blood: which one poetically thus expresseth, 

h Jubilaeum, sive Specutum Jesuiticum Epigramma.  Quicquid in Orb mali passim PECCANTE GRADIVO EST,  
Quicquid turbarum tempora nostra vident,  
Cuncta Sodalitio mentito nomine JESUS  
Accepta Historiâ teste, refer licet.  
Ite modò & vestrae celebrate Encaenia Sectae,  
MILITIS INVENTUM, LOIOLANA COHORS.   
Yea, it is well worthy observation, 
i Hasenmullerus Hist. Jesuit. c. 1. Speculum Jesuiticum, p. 61.  that Jacobus Crucius, a Jesuit (Rector of the Jesuits Novices at Landsberge) presumed to publish, in his Explication of the Rules of the Jesuits, Anno 1584. in these words: The Father of our Society OUGHT TO BE A SOLDIER; because as it is the part of a SOLDIER, to rush upon the Enemy with all his Forces, and not to desist, till he become a Conqueror; so it is our duty to run violently upon all, who resist the Pope of Rome; AND TO DESTROY AND ABOLISH THEM, not only with COUNSELS, WRITINGS, AND WORDS; Sed invocato, etiam brachio seculari, IGNE ET FERRO TOLLERE ET ABOLERE, sicut PONTIFEX ET NOSTRA VOTA contra Lutheranos suscepta, VOLUNT ET MANDANT. But likewise by calling in to our assistance the secular Arm (of an Army) to take away, and destroy them with FIRE AND SWORD, as the POPE, AND OUR OATHS (taken against the Protestants) WILL AND COMMAND. And may we not then safely conclude, they have been the Original Contrivers, Fomentors, Continuers of all our late, intestine and foreign wars, by Land and Sea, with our Christian Protestant Brethren and Allies, as 
k Exact Collection, p. 12. to 20, 97 98, 106, 108, 207, 461, to 465. 491, 492, 498, 508, 574, 616, 631, to 638 660, to 670. 812, to 828, 832, 834, 849 890, to 918, 651, 652, 653.  sundry Parliamentary Declarations of both Houses aver and attest?  
4. That they have endeavoured, attempted the convulsion, concussion, subversion not only of the Empires, Realms, and ancient settled Governments and States of Germany, Russia, Bohemia, Hungaria, France, Poland, but likewise of England, Scotland and Ireland, and to new model them into 
l Exact Collection, p. 3, 4, 461, 462, 491, 49●, 497, 498, 617, 631.  other Forms of Government. What mould of Government they intended to cast England into, is thus long since described by William Watson (a Secular Priest) in his Quodlibets, Anno 1502. p. 309, 310, 330, 331. England is the main chance of Christendom at this present, by seditions, factions, tampering and aspiring Heads: the only But, Mark, White, the Jesuits aim at, as well in intention as execution of their pretended expedition, exploit and action. I am of opinion, that no man on earth can tell what Government it is they intent to establish, ratify and confirm, when they come to their preconceited Monarchy; no not any of their Plot-casters. No question it is, but their Government shall be as uncertain as their New-conceited Monarchy; their Monarchy as mutable as their Reign, and their Reign as variable as the wind, or Proteus in his Compliments. But no question is to be made of it, but that the Government they do directly intend at this present, is A MOST ABSOLUTE SOVEREIGNTY, DOMINION AND STATE, CLEARLY EXEMPTED from any Subordination, TO ANY LAW or Legifer divine or humane; and therefore it is rightly called DESPOTICON in the highest degree of exemplary immunity, IMPERIALITY AND ABSOLUTE REIGN, RULE AND AUTHORITY, as convaining in it three sorts of Government; Scil. Monarchical, Aristocratical, Democratical, in matters of Counsel and managing of Commonwealths causes; not in point OF REGALITY, HONOUR AND INHERITANCE; For there shall be neither Title, nor Name, nor Honour given, taken or done to any Prince, Duke, Marquess, Earl, Viscount, Lord, Baron, or the like, (all the Jesuitical Governors being Puritan-like, Seniors, Elders, Provincials, etc.) neither shall there be any succession by Birth or Blood, TO ANY HONOUR, OFFICE OR MAGISTRACY from the Monarch, Pater General, to the Minor, Pater Minister, but ALL SHALL GO BY 
m See the New Government of the Commonwealth of England, Ar. 25, 26, 32, 33, 34, 41.  ELECTION OR CHOICE. Whether our late and present variable floating New-Moulded Governments have not been cast by this long since predicted Jesuitical Mould, let wise men, with all our late and present Governors, now sadly consider and determine.  
5. That as the whole House of Commons in their 
n Exact Collection, p. 3, 4, etc.  Remonstrance of 15 December 1641. charge the Jesuits, and late Jesuited Court-Counsellors, with a Malignant and pernicious design of SUBVERTING THE FUNDAMENTAL LAW and Principles of Government upon which the Religion and Justice of the Kingdom are firmly established. So William Watson a Secular Priest, chargeth Father Parsons, the English Jesuit, and his Jesuited Companions, in their Memorial for Reformation of England, when it should be reduced under the power of the Jesuits (as Parsons was confident it would be, though he should not live to see it) written at Sevil in Spain, Anno Dom. 1590. that they intended to have Magna Charta, with our Common Fundamental Laws and Liberties, abrogated and suppressed: thus expressed by William Watson in his Quodlibets, p. 92, 94, 95. Father Parsons and the Jesuits in their deep Jesuitical Court of Parliament, begun at Styx in Phlegeton, have compiled their Acts in a complete Volume, entitled: THE HIGH COURT OF REFORMATION FOR ENGLAND. 
o Quere whethe HIGH COURT of Justice, had not its Title from hence?  And to give you a taste of their intent by that base Court OF A TRIBE OF TRAITORS saucily (like to Cade, Jack Straw, and Tom Tiler) USURPING THE AUTHORITY OF BOTH STATES, ECCLESIASTICAL AND TEMPORAL IN ALL THEIR REBELLIOUS ENTERPRISES: these were principal points discussed, set down, and so decreed by them, etc. He first mentions three of them relating to 
* See W. watson's Dialogue between a secular Priest and Lay Gentleman: printed at Rheims, 1601. p. 96.  Churchmen, Scholars, and Church, and Colledge-Lands: which were to be put into Feoffees hands, and they all to be reduced into arbitrary Pensions, etc. And then proceeds thus to the fourth. The Fouth Statute was there made concerning THE COMMON LAWS OF THIS LAND; and that consisted of this one principal point, That, ALL THE GREAT CHARTERS OF ENGLAND MUST BE BURNT; the manner of holding Lands in Fee-simple, Fee-tail, King's Service, Soccage or Villanage, brought into villainy, scoggery and popularity, and in few, THE COMMON LAW MUST BE WHOLLY ANNIHILATED, ABOLISHED, AND TRODDEN DOWN UNDER FOOT, and Caesar's civil Imperials brought amongst us, and sway for a time in their places. All whatsoever England yields, being but base, barbarous, and void of all sense, knowledge, or discretion showed in the first Founders, and Legifers; and on the other side ALL WHATSOEVER IS OR SHALL BE BROUGHT IN BY THESE Outcasts of Moses, stain of Solon, and refuse of Lycurgus, must be reputed for METAPHYSICAL, SEMIDIVINE, AND OF MORE EXCELLENCY THAN THE OTHER WERE. Which he thus seconds, Quodlibet 9 Artic. 2. p. 286. First it is plain, that Father Parsons and his Company (divide it amongst them how they list) HAVE LAID A PLOT, as being most consonant and fitting for their other Designments, THAT THE COMMON LAWS OF THE REALM OF ENGLAND MUST BE (forsooth) EITHER ABOLISHED UTTERLY: or else, BEAR NO GREATER SWAY IN THE REALM THAN THE CIVIL LAW DOTH. And THE 
p And is not this the chief Reason of their late endeavoured Alterations?  CHIEF REASON IS, FOR THAT THE STATE OF THE CROWN AND KINGDOM BY THE COMMON LAWS IS SO STRONGLY SETTLED, AS WHILST THEY CONTINUE, THE JESUITS SEE NOT HOW THEY CAN WORK THEIR WILLS. 
Nota.  And on the other side, in the civil Laws they think they have some shreds, whereby they may patch a cloak together to cover a bloody show of their Treasons for the present, from the eyes of the vulgar people. Secondly, the said good Father hath set down a course how every Man MAY SHAKE OFF ALL AUTHORITY AT THEIR PLEASURES, as if he would become A NEW ANABAPTIST, or KING JOHN OF LEYDON, to draw all the World into Mutiny, Rebellion and Combustion. And the Stratagem is, how the 
q And was not this the very principal engine lately used to alter the Government, cut off the King, and div●●● his Posterity of their 3 Kingdoms, witness the Armies printed Declarations, and the Junsto●s Vo●es in pursuance of them, Jan. 3. 1648. See Mene Tekel Perez by John Rogers.  Common people may be inveigled and seduced TO CONCEIT TO THEMSELVES SUCH A LIBERTY OR PREROGATIVE, AS THAT IT MAY BE LAWFUL FOR THEM WHEN THEY THINK MEET TO PLACE AND DISPLACE KINGS AND PRINCES, as men do their Tenants at will, hirelings or ordinary Servants. Which ANABAPTISTICAL AND ABOMINABLE DOCTRINE, proceeded from a turbulent Tribe of Traitorous Puritans, and other Heretics, this TREACHEROUS JESUIT WOULD NOW FOIST INTO THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, as a ground of his corrupt Divinity. And p. 330, 332. He intends TO ALTAR AND CHANGE ALL LAWS, CUSTOMS, AND ORDERS of this noble Isle. He hath prejudiced the Law of Property, in instituting Government, Governors, and Hereditary Princes to be, AD BENEPLACITUM POPULI, and all other private possessions AD BENE-PLACITUM SUI, etc. Whether any such new deep Jesuitical Court of Parliament, and high Court of Reformation for England, to carry on this old Design of the Jesuits against our Laws, hath been of late years sitting amongst us in or near Westminster, or elsewhere, in secret Counsel every week, as divers intelligent Protestants have informed me, & Hugh Peter reported to divers on his own knowledge (being well acquainted with their Persons and Practices of late years) it concerns others nearer to them, and more able than I, to examine. Sure I am, a Greater man by far then Hugh Peter, in an Assembly of Divines and others, for reconciling all dissenting parties, not long since 
* This he hath since this Epistle penned, affirmed in a printed Speech before a greater Assembly, Sep. 4. 1654. p. 16, 17.  averred to them on his own knowledge, That during our late innovations, distractions, subversions, in Church, State, and overturning of Laws and Government, the Common adversary hath taken many advantages, to effect his designs thereby IN CIVIL AND SPIRITUAL RESPECTS. That HE KNEW VERY WELL, that EMISSARIES OF THE JESUITS NEVER CAME OVERDO IN THOSE SWARMS AS THEY HAVE DONE SINCE THESE THINGS WERE SET ON FOOT. That DIVERS GENTLEMEN COULD BEAR WITNESS WITH HIM, That they had a CONSISTORY AND COUNCIL ABROAD, THAT RULES ALL THE AFFAIRS OF THE THINGS IN ENGLAND. That they had fixed in England, in the limits of most Cathedrals (of which he was able to produce the PARTICULAR INSTRUMENT) an Episcopal power, with Archdeacon's and other persons, to pervert and deceive the people: And all this, whiles we were in this sad and deplorable, distracted condition. Yea, most certain it is, that many hundreds (if not some thousands) of them, within these few years, have been sent over from Foreign Seminaries into England under the disguises of 
r As amongst other, Eleaza●, and Joseph Bar. Isaiah, 2 cheating Impostors and Villains, who have cheated good people of some thousands of pounds. The 1 of them would have forcibly ravished a maid in March last, and fled away in the night to avoid apprehension, from Dursly in Glocestershire. He confessed in his drink, he was a soldier in Prince rupert's Army.  converted Jews, Physicians, Surgeons, Mechanics of all sorts, Merchants, Factors, Travellers, Soldiers, and some of them particularly into the Army; as appears by the late printed Examination of Ramsey the Anabaptized, New-dipped Jesuit, under the mask of a Jewish convert, taken at Newcastle in June 1653. and by sundry several instances I could name. To pretermit all instances of particular Jesuits within these few years, yea months, come over and discovered in England by persons of credit; I shall for brevity acquaint you only with one, discovering what swarms are now amongst us, under other disguises. An English Protestant Nobleman (a person of honour) whose Ancestors were Papists, being courteously entertained within these two years in the Jesuits chief College at Rome by some eminent Jesuits, was brought by them into a Gallery having Chambers round about it, with Titles written over every door for several Kingdoms and Provinces, and amongst the rest, one for ENGLAND. Upon which, he enquiring of the Jesuits what these titles signified; was answered by them, That they were the Chambers of the Provincial Jesuits, of each kingdom and Province (written over the respective doors) wherein they had any members and Emissaries of their society now residing, who received all Letters of intelligence from their Agents in those places every week, and gave account of them to the General of their Order. That the Provincial for England, lodged in the Chamber over which the title ENGLAND was written, who could show him the last news from England if he desired to see it. Upon which they knocked at the door, which was presently opened: the Provincial being informed who and what he was, read the last news from England to them. Hereupon the Nobleman demanded of them, Whether any of their society were now in England? how they could stay there with safety, or support themselves, seeing most of the English Nobility, Gentry, and Families that were Papists, were ruined in their states, or sequestered by the late wars and troubles, so as they could neither harbour, conceal or maintain them, as they had done heretofore? They answered, It was true; but the greater the dangers and difficulties of those of their society now in England were, the greater was their merit. And, that THEY HAD THAN ABOVE FIFTEEN HUNDRED OF THEIR SOCIETY IN ENGLAND, 
Nota.  ABLE TO WORK IN SEVERAL PROFESSIONS AND TRADES, which they HAD THERE TAKEN UPON THEM, THE BETTER TO SUPPORT AND SECURE THEMSELVES FROM BEING DISCOVERED. This Relation I have heard from the mouth of a Reverend Divine more than once; to whom this Noble Lord, upon his return into England not many Months since, seriously related the Premises, averring the truth of them upon his Honour. Yet for all this, since the stupendious pretended repeals and annihilations of the Oaths, and Allegiance, and that of Abjuration of Popery (consented to by the late King in the Isle of Wihgt) purposely made for the better detection and prevention of Jesuits, and their treasonable forementioned practices against our Church, Kingdoms, Princes, Religion, Parliaments, and Government, by the wisdom and 
* 1 Eliz. c. 1. 5 Eliz. c. 1. 3 Jac. c. 1, 2, 3, 5. 7 Jac. c. 6.  zeal of our best affected vigilant Protestant Parliaments; I can neither hear nor read of any effectual means, endeavoured or prescribed by any in power, for the discovery of these Romish janissaries, or banishing, feretting & keeping them out of England, where they have wrought so much mischief of late years, and whose utter ruin they attempt: nor any encouragement at all given to the discoverers of their Plots and Persons; but many affronts and discouragements put upon them, and particularly on myself, mewed up Close-Prisoner under strictest Guards in remotest Castles, near three year's space, whiles they all walked abroad at large, of purpose to hinder me from any discoveries of their practices by my pen, whiles they printed and vended publicly here in England, above 30000 Popish books of several kinds during my imprisonment, without the least restraint to propagate the Jesuits Plots, and antichristian Romish Religion amongst us, as you may read at large in the Stationer's Beacon fired; which seasonable book, and Discovery of these Romish Emissaries books and plots, some 
* T. P. the New Fa●x is first.  Officers of the Army, in their Beacon quenched, publicly traduced in print, as a New Powder-treason of the Presbyterian Party, to blow up the Army, and that pretended Parliament (of their own erection) which themselves soon after blew up and dissolved in good earnest, to carry on their designs against our Laws. But most certain it is, there hath been of late years not only a General council of Officers of the Army sitting many months together in counsel, to alter and new model all our ancient Laws and Statutes, in pursuance of Father Parson's design; but likewise two Conventicles of their own selection and election, sitting of late in the Parliament-House at Westminster, assuming to themselves the Name, and far more than the Power, of the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England; together with the transcendent ambitious Title of The Supreme Authority of the Nation, (in derogation of the Army-Officers Supremacy, who sufficiently chastised them this strange Usurpation) who have made it their chief business, not only to New-model our ancient Fundamental Government, Parliaments, Ministers, Universities, much according to Parsons and his Fellow-Jesuites forementioned Platforms, and Thomas Campanella his Instructions to the King of Spain, De Monarchia Hisp. c. 25. but likewise to Newmould, subvert, eradicate the whole body of our Laws, and with them the great Charter of our Liberties itself. And in their last cashiered, unelected Convention, (as some of their Companions, now in greatest Power assure us in their 
s And since this in a printed Speech, Sept. 4. 1654.  True State of the case of the Commonwealth of England, etc. London, 1654. p. 15, 16, 17, 18.) there was a strong prevailing Party whom nothing would satisfy, but A TOTAL ERADICATION of the whole body of the good old Laws of England (the Guardians of our lives and Fortunes) to the utter subversion of civil Right and Propriety: who likewise took upon them (by virtue of a supposed right of Saintship in themselves) to lay the foundation of a New Platform, which was to go under the Name of A FIFTH MONARCHY, never to have an end, but TO 
* Hath not the Army done this in our 3 Nations?  WAR WITH ALL OTHER POWERS, AND BREAK THEM TO PIECES; baptising all their proselytes into this Principle and Persuasion; that the Powers formerly in being, were branches of the 
t The Monarchy of England hath been, 1. In the Britons. 2. In the Saxons. 3. In the Dan●s. 4. In the Normans Royal Line, and now the 5 must be Elective in others.  Fourth Monarchy (of England, Scotland and Ireland) which MUST BE ROOTED UP AND DESTROYED. And what other Fifth Monarchy this could be, but that projected universal Monarchy of the Jesuits, which should bring the whole Monarchy of Great Britain and Ireland, together with France, Spain, and all other Princes, States in Christendom under the Jesuits subjection, and break all other Powers in pieces; (mentioned by Watson, in his Quodlibets, p. 306, to 333.) or else, that Elective New Monarchy of Great Britain and Ireland, projected by 
v De Monarchia Hisp. c. 25. See the Epistle to my Jus Pa●●●●●tus.  Campanella, and Cardinal Richeleiu, which some Grandees now endeavour by their Instrument to erect and perpetuate for èver 
x A●t. 1, 2, 12, 25, 32▪ 33▪ 41, 42.  without Alteration in themselves and their Successors, (though they thus expressly brand it in others;) let themselves and wise men resolve? it being apparent, by the practices and proceedings of all the Propugners of this new Project, that this Fifth Monarchy they intent to erect, is neither the spiritual 
* Luke 17 21. Rome 14. 17. 2 Pet. 1. 11. Col. 1. 13. Heb. 12. 28. Rev. 12. 10.  Kingdom of Jesus Christ in their own hearts, mortifying their ambition, covetousness, pride, selfseeking, unrighteousness, violence, rapines, and other worldly lusts; nor the personal reign of Christ himself alone, in and over our three Kingdoms, and all other Realms and Nations for ever; which they endeavour to evince from Dan. 2. 44, 45. c. 7. 14, 27. Micah 4. 1, 2, 7. Luke 1. 32, 33. but a mere supreme, arbitrary, temporal Authority without Bounds or Limits, enchroached by and erected in themselves and their confederates, without any colour of Right or Title by the Laws of God or the Realm, and no ways intended, but refuted by all these sacred Scriptures, and others, which explain them. This design of the Jesuits, to alter and subvert the whole body of our Laws, was so far promoted by the Jesuitical and Anabaptistical Party in this last Assembly, (elected only by the 
y A True State, etc. p. 13.  Army-Officers,) that on August 20. 1643. (as our News-books print,) they Ordered, there should be a Committee selected, to consider of A NEW BODY OF THE LAW, for the Government of this Commonwealth, who were to newmould THE WHOLE BODY OF THE LAW: according to Parsons his mould. And hereupon our cheating Astrologers (especially Lily & Culpeper, the 
z See Thomas Campanella, de Monarch. Hisp. c. 23, 25, 27.  Jesuits grand Factors to cry down our Law, Tithes and Ministers) from the mere visible earthly Conjunctions, Motions, Influences of these New wand'ring eccentric Planets at Westminster only, (not of any Celestial Stars, as they would make Country-Clowns believe) took upon them in their 
a See their Almanacs in January, February, September, October, December, 1654.  Monthly Prognostications, for this year 1654. almost in every Month to predict, the pulling down of the Laws of the Nation, and of Lawyers, to the ground: the calling of the great Charter itself into question, with other Liberties, as not suiting with English men's brains at this time. The plucking up the Crabtree of the Law BY THE ROOTS, to hinder the future growing of it: there being no reason we should now be governed by the Norman Laws, since the Norman Race is taken away by the same instrument (the Sword) that brought it in: and the like. But these Predicters of our Laws and Lawyers downfals, could neither foresee nor predict the sudden downfall of these lawless earthly Westminster-planets from the Firmament of their new-created Power; who should effect it by their influences. Wherefore, though I look upon these and all other their Astrological Predictions, as 
b See Sixtus ab Hemminga. Astrologiae Refutatae Jo. Francus Officius de diu. Astrorum faculitate, in larvatam Astrologiam. Corn. S●epp●●us contra Astrolog●s. Alexander de Angelis in Astrologos, Hie●om Savanorola adve●sus Divinatric●m Astrono●iam: & Apologeticus pro tractatu ejus adversus Astrologos, 1581. Picus Mirandula contra Ast●ol. Pu thas Pilgrimage, p. 12, 13, 64. Mr. Gatakers Vindication of his Annotations on Jer. 102. London, 1653. Sixtus Senensis Bibl. Sanct. p. 56, 331, 424, to 429.  mere Figments, Cheats, and Impostures, in relation to the Celestial Planets, (as are their twelve Signs and Houses of the Heavens, whereon all or most of their artless Art and Predictions are grounded;) Yet I cannot but take notice of them, as clear Discovery: of a strange Jesuitical and Anabaptistical Combination of a predominant party amongst us, to carry on this ancient Plot of the Jesuits related by Watson, against the great Charter of our Liberties the whole body of our Laws. And truly, when I seriously consider the late great Revolutions, Changes both of our Government, Parliaments, Laws, and the manifold extravagant public Innovations, changes, Proceedings, originally contrived by the Jesuits, but visibly acted, avowed, by Anabaptists, Independents, and some Pseudo-Presbyterians in the Army and elsewhere formerly reputed Puritan; it puts me in mind of 3 memorable, Prophetical Passages of William Watson in his Quodlibets, printed 52 years since, (Anno 1602.) which I have frequently thought on of late years, as now experimentally accomplished; I shall beseech our late and present Grandees, and New State-Mint-Masters seriously to consider them; which I shall here relate in his very printed words.  
1. 
c Quodlibet 5. A●●●●. 4. p. 144.  I make no question of it, if the Jesuits prevail in England, THEY INTENT AND WILL TURN ALL THINGS TOPSY-TURVIE, UPSIDE DOWN: Cinq shall up, Size shall under. In Parson's High Counsel of Reformation, ALL THE WHOLE STATE MUST BE CHANGED: and the Lands and Seignories of CLERGY AND NOBILITY, Universities, Colleges, and what not, must be ALTERED, ABRIDGED, AND TAKEN AWAY. And is not all this visibly effected already for the most part; and the rest projected, and ne'er accomplished?  
2. 
d Quodlibet 6. Art. 4 p. 169. See p. 27, 28.  I verily think, that ALL THE PURITANS WILL JOIN WHOLLY WITH THE JESUITS AT LENGTH, (how far off soever they seem to be, and are yet in external profession of Religion) there being at least half an hundred Principles, and odd Tricks concerning GOVERNMENT, AUTHORITY, TYRANNY, POPULARITY, CONSPIRACY, etc. which THEY JUMP AS JUST TOGETHER IN, AS IF BOTH WERE MADE OF ONE MOULD. And is not this really verified of, by sundry Puritan Anabaptists, Independents, some temporising Presbyterians, and by many Army-Officers Soldiers, (in late or present Power) if they will but compare their last six year's actions with the Jesuits? O let them consider it seriously in the fear of God; and lament it with the greatest grief of heart!  
3. 
e Quodlibet ●. Artic. 1. p. 26, 27.  The Jesuits without all question, are more dangerous, pernicicus and noisome, to the Commonwealth of England and Scotland then the Puritans; as having more singular fine wits amongst them, and many learned men on their side; whereas the Puritans have none but Grossum Caputs: they many Gentiles, Nobles, and some Princes to side with them: the Puritans but few of the first; rare, to have any of the second; and none at all (unless it be one) of the last on their side. And so by consequent, IF MATTERS COME TO HEARING, HAMMERING AND HANDLING BETWIXT THE JESUITS AND PURITANS; 
Nota.  THE LATER ARE SURE TO BE RIDDEN LIKE FOOLS, AND COME TO WRACK. And whether they have not been ridden, outwitted, wracked by the Jesuits plots, wits, wiles, instruments both in their late Counsels, Innovations of Government, Forcible dissolutions, subversions of Parliaments, Laws, Liberties, Anomalous Proceedings, Designs, let our late dishoused, dis-mounted Puritan Grandees and Statizers of all sorts, determine at their leisure; and let those in present Power take heed, they be not ridden by them too like fools, as well as their Predecessors, yea, wracked by them at the last, when they have served those turns for which they set them up on horseback, for to ride to death our Kings, Parliaments, Kingdoms, and utterly consume, devour them, with our Ministers Tithes, Glebes, University & College Lands by Monthly endless Taxes, Excises and a perpetual Law, Tythe-oppugning Army.  
It is worthy observation, 
a De Monarchia Hispanicia c. 25. p 204, etc.  that Thomas Campanella prescribed the sowing and continual nourishing of Divisions, Dissensions, Discords, Sects and Schisms among us, both in State and Church (by the Machavilian Plots and Policies he suggests punctually prosecuted among us of late years) as the principal means to weaken, ruin both our Nation and Religion, and bring us under the Spanish and Popish yokes at last: witness his, JAM VERO AD ENERVANDOS ANGLOS NIHIL TAM CONDUCIT, ●UAM DISSENTIO ET DISCORDIA INTER ILLOS EXCITATA PERPETUOQUE NUTRITA, Quod cito meliores occasiones suppeditabit: and that principally by instigating the Nobleses and chief Men of the Parliament of England: UT ANGLIAM IN FORMAM REIPUBLICAE REDUCANT, AD IMITATIONEM HOLLANDORUM: which our Reipublicans lately did by the power of the Army- Officers; or, by sowing the seeds of an inexplicable war, between England and Scotland; BY MAKING IT AN ELECTIVE KINGDOM (as some now endeavour under another Notion) or, by setting up OTHER KINGS, of another Race; or, by dividing us into many Kingdoms or Reipublicks, distinct one from another; and by sowing the seeds of Schisms, and making alterations and innovations, in all Arts, Sciences, and our Religion. The old Plots of 
b De Monarchia Hispan. c. 25.  Campanella, 
c See watson's Quodtibets, p. 286, to 332. A Dialogue between a secular Priest and Lay Gentleman, printed at Rheims, ●601. p. 93, 94, 95.  Parsons, and late designs of 
Conte de Galeazzo Gualdo 〈◊〉, Hist. part 3. Veneti●s 1648.  Cardinal Richelieu, and the Pope, Spaniard, Jesuits, to undo, subvert our Churches, Kings, Kingdoms and Religion, as the marginal Authors irrefragably evidence: all visibly set on foot, yea, openly pursued, and in a great measure accomplished by some late, nay present Grandees and Army-Officers, who cry up themselves for our greatest Patrons, Preservers, Deliverers, and Anti-Jesuites, when they have rather been but the Jesuits, Popes, Spaniards and other Foreign enemies instruments and factors in all the late changes, new-models of our Government, Parliaments, pretended reformations of our laws and Religion, through inadvertency, circumvention, or selfended respects, as many wise and godly men justly fear.  
Certainly, 
p, 175, 176.  whoever shall seriously ponder the premises, with these passages in William watson's Quodlibets concerning the Jesuits, 
e Quodlib. 3 are 4. p 65, 41.  1. That some of the Jesuits society have insinuated themselves into all the Prince's Courts of Christendom, where some of their Intelligencers reside, and set up a secret counsel, of purpose to receive and give intelligence to their General at Rome, of the secrets of their Sovereigns, and of all occurrents in those parts of the world, which they dispatch to and fro by such cyphers, which are to themselves best, but commonly only to themselves known, SO THAT NOTHING IS DONE IN ENGLAND, BUT IT IS KNOWN AT ROME WITHIN A MONTH AFTER AT LEAST, AND REPLY MADE BACK AS OCCASION IS OFFERED, to the consequent overthrow of their own natural Country of England, and their native Prince and Realms, by their unnatural Treasons against them, that 
* Nota.  so the Jesuits might be those long gowns, which should reign and govern the Island of Great Britain.  
2. 
f Quodlibets p. 39, 209, 233, 234, 305, 306, 307, 309,  That the Jesuits hope and endeavour to have England, Scotland, and Ireland under them, to make these Northern Islands a JAPONIAN ISLAND OF JESUITS, and one JESUITICAL MONARCHY; and to infeoff themselves by hook or by crook IN THE WHOLE IMPERIAL DOMIMIONS OF GRAT BRITAIN with the remainder over TO THEIR CORPORATION, or puni-fathers' succeeding them, as heirs specially in their society by a state of perpetuity: PUTTING ALL THE WHOLE BLOOD ROYAL OE ENGLAND TO THE FORMIDON, AS BUT HEIRS GENERAL, IN ONE PREDICAMENT together.  
3. 
g Quodlibets p 11, 12, 14, 16, 17, 42, 45, 50, 283, 285, etc. 332, 333. A Dialogue 〈◊〉 a secular Priest and a L●y Gentlem●n. Anno 1601.  That the Jesuits have Magistracy, Kings, Magistrates, Ministers, Priesthood, and Priests in high contempt; publishing many slanderous, seditious, traitorous, and infamous speeches, libels, and books against them, to render them odious and contemptible to the people, full of Plots, exasserations against the Church and Commonwealth, like rebellious Traitors, to bring all into an uproar, that they may have all Countries, Kingdoms, Governments, Successions, States, inhabitants, and all at their pleasure.  
4. That the 
h Quo●libets p. 〈◊〉 ●o 313, ●8, ●86, 287. 〈…〉 1617.  Jesuits have taught the people (●n ●rder to get England under their power, & in order to God or Religion, as they style it,) That Subjects are bound no longer to obey wicked or heretical Painces and Kings destecting from the Catholic Religion, and drawing others with them, but till they be able by force of arms to resist and depose them. That the popular multitude may upon these grounds when they think meet, place or displace their Princes and chief Officers at their Princes and chief Officers at their pleasure, as men may do their tenants at will, hirelings or ordinary servants, putting no difference in their choice UPON ANY, RIGHT OR TITLE TO CROWNS OR KINGDOMS, BY BIRTH, OR BLOOD, 
See J. ●. his Treatise of the Right and 〈…〉 Prelate and Prince, print●ed 1616. and reprinted 1621., by 〈◊〉 Jesuits.  OR OTHERWISE, then as these Fathers (forsooth) shall approve it. By this all things must be wrought and framed conformable to opportunities of times and occasions; as for example: The people must have a right and interest in them, to do what they list in choice of their Kings and Supreme Governors, till they have set such a person or Usurper in the Crown as they for their ends have designed; and then the times and occasions changing, when such a one is settled in the Throne, the former doctrine and practices must be holden FOR A MISTAKING; yet such, as seeing it cannot be holpen, the people must beware hereafter of attempting the like again. By this a check must be given to the publishers of such paradoxes, (when they have accomplished their designed ends) after that, a dispensation procured for the offenders, and then all shall be well ever after; till a new opportunity for their further advantage.  
5. That the Jesuits by absurd equivocations, 
i Quodlibets, p. 26.  counterfeited perjuries, Sacrileges, and cozenage, become all things to all men, that they may gain all; as to be Seminary Priests among Seminaries; Secular Priests, among Seculars; Religious men, among Religious; Seditious men, among Seditious; Factious Spainiards, amongst Spaniards; ENGLISH TRAITORS, AMONG TRAITORS; SCOTISH VILLAINS, AMONG SCOTS, etc. and amongst all these, to deny and affirm, to object and answer, to swear and forswear, whatsoever may be a gain to them, for their pragmatical Commonwealth and Society. No wonder then if they transform themselves into all shapes, and take upon them all prefessions, now.  
6. That the 
k Quo●libets, p. 62, 69, and elsewhere.  Jesuits by their devices and practices, have brought all to Machiavels rule, DIVIDE ET IMPERA, in sowing division, breeding of jealousies, and making of hostile strife, by opposition of King against King, State against State, Priest against Priest, Peer against Peer, Parents against children children against parents, sisters against brothers, servants against masters, wives against husbands, husbands against wives and one friend against another, raising up rebellions, MURDERING OF PRINCES, making uproars every where, until they make those they cannot otherwise win unto them, either yield to be their vassals to live quiet by them, or force them to flight, or drive them out of their wits, or otherwise plague them to death.  
7. That the 
l Quod 〈◊〉 p 43. 61. 62. 64. 16.  Jesuits by their cursed positions, and machiavillian practices, have made religion itself a mere political and atheal device; a pragmatical science of Figboys, and but an art of such as live by their wits, and the principles of Machiavelli taught by their Robbies; yea, a very ●o●ch potch of omnium gatherum, religious secular, clergical, laical, ecclesiastical, spiritual, temporal, M. ARTIAL, civil, Aecomenical, political, liberal, mechannical municipal, irregular, and ALL WITHOUT ORDER; so that they are not worthy to be called religious, ecclesiastics catholics, nor temporal mechannical christians; but rather Machiavillians, Atheists, Apostates; their course of life showing what their study is; and that howsoever they boast of their perfections, holiness, meditations and exercises, as if they were all Superlatives, all M●●●physicians, all entia transcendentia) yet their platform is heathenish tyrannical, ●athannical, able to set Aretine, Luc●an, Machiavelli, yea, and Don Lucifer in a sort to school.  
Those, I say, who shall sadly ponder all these premises, and compare them with the late practices, policies and proceedings of some swaying politicians of our age and the constitution of our Church, State, Religion and publi●e affairs, must necessarily acknowledge, that these pragmatical jesuits have, been very active, prevalent-powerful, successful, and not only militant but triumphant, of late years amongst us, under some disguise or other: that they have dangerously poisoned us with these their Machiavilian and Atheal pollcies, practices, positions, and have more real Disciples, Factors, if not Tutors, now amongst us, then in any former ages: And is it not high time then to endeavour to detect their persons, and prevent their dangerous designs upon us with greatest care and diligence? Truly though most others be negligent and careless herein, yet that text of Ezek. 2, 6, 7. And thou son of man, be not afraid of them neither be afraid of their words, though briars and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions, be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house: And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, for they are most REBELLIOUS; hath animated me to exonerate my conscience herein, and to say with the prophet Isai. 62. 1. For Zions' (England's) sake I will not hold my peace, and for jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth. Wherefore.  
Upon letious consideration of all these Premises. and of all those Sacred Solemn Oaths. that Protestation, Vow, league, and national Covenant, which I have formerly taken (lying still as so many 
f Iosh. 9, 19 ●0 & Psal. 89. 34. Psal. 154. Heb 6. 17, 18.  indissoluble Obligations on my Soul, notwithstanding the ingrate, malicious, unchristian requitals of all my former unmercinary services, Sufferings for Religion Laws, Liberties, and the public, in times of greatest Danger, recompenses only with long causeless, close imprisonments, injuries, affronts, losses of all kinds, by pretended friends and Patrons of our Liberties, as well as by professed causeless Enemies: And notwithstanding all other Discouragements from the general baseness, cowardice, Sottishness, slavishness degenerated Spirits of the whole Nation, and their strange fearfulness even publicly to own, much less cordially, to assist, defend, (according to the sixth Article of the Covenant) those few courageous Patrons who have hazarded their Lives, Liberties, Limbs, Estates, and all earthly comforts for the public defence of Religion the Laws, Liberties, Privileges of our Kingdom, Church, Parliament, against the old and late avowed subverters of them, whose very, 
g When our Saviour himself was a prehended, c●rrie● away priso●e▪, and like to be crucified, all his Disciples so ●ook him & fled, and Pe●e denied h●m with in oath, M●t. 26. 56. 70 to 75. And at Paul's first appearance before 〈◊〉 no man stood with him, but all me● forsook him, I pray God it be not laid to their charge; 2 Tim. 4. 9 16. And so i● is now with most public s●fferers.  Company, visits the generality of their former friends and acquaintance have declined, (as if they had some plague sores on them;) not only during their late restraints, but likewise since their enlargments out of them, (enough to persuade them never to write, speak, act or suffer any thing more, for such ingrate unworthy, Creatures, but rather to put their helping hands, to make them and their posterities slaves for ever.) I have yet once more out of pure zeal, love conscience towards my native Country adventured my life, liberty, and decayed estate, (considering the lawlessnesse and Danger of the times, not the justice and goodness of the Common Cause, I plead) for the necessary defence of the Fundamental Liberties, Franchises, Laws, Rights, Parliaments, privileges and Government, of our enslaved Nation, (though every way unworthy to be beloved by God, or men of noble spirits) in this Seasonable Legal, Historical vindication and Collection wherein I have with all boldness, faithfulness, without the least fear or flattery of any Mortals or created powers whatsoever, argued, evinced, maintained my own particular, with the whole Nations public right and inheritance in them, and endeavoured (as much as in me lies) to preserve them from the several Jesuitical plots, & our religion, counsels, specified in the whole Commons House Remenstrance of 13. December. 1641: exact Collection, pa 3. to 14. (of late years revived, and more vigorously pursued than ever; and to rescue them out of the Claws of Tyranny and all usurping arbitrary powers, which have avowedly encroached on, yea trampled them under feet of late, more than ever the worst of all our Monarches, or beheaded King did though declaimed against, as the greatest of Tyrants, by some who have transcended him in his worst Regal Exorbitances; and particularly in this, which the Lords and Commons in parliament in their 
* Exac. Collec. p. 492, 497. 494  Declaration of Aug. 4 1642. thus grievously complained of, and objected against the King's ill Counsellors, That the LAWS, were no protection or defence of any man's right, all was subject to will and power, which imposed WHAT PAYMENTS THEY THOUGHT FIT, to drain the subject's purses, and supply THOSE NECESSITIES, which their ill counsel had brought upon the King, and gratify such as were instrumental in promoting most ILLEGAL and OPPRESSIVE COURSES: Those who yielded and complied were countenanced and advanced, all others disgraced and kept under, that so their minds made poor & base (as they were never so poor and base as now) and THEIR LIBERTIES lost and gone (as they were never so much as now) they might be ready to LET GO THEIR RELIGION whensoever it should be resolved to alter it, which, was, and still is, the GREAT DESIGN and all the rest made use of as instrumental and subservient to it. Upon which consideration they thus concluded that Declaration: Therefore we the Lords and Commons are resolved to expose our lives and fortunes for the defence and maintenance of the true religion, the king, person, honour and estate, the power and privilege of Parliament, the just rights and liberty of the subject. And we do hereby require all those who have any sense of piety, honour or compassion, To HELP A DISTRESSED STATE, especially SUCH WHO HAVE TAKEN THE PROTESTATION, and are bound in the same duty with us unto their God, their King and Country, to come in to their aid and assistance.  
That which hath not a little encouraged me hereunto, is not only this their public call, but likewise this memorable passage, vow protestation of the Lords and Commons assembled in parliament, in their printed 
h Exac. 〈◊〉 p. 650. 659 660  Declaration in answer to his Majesties of October 23. 1642. Which I fear most of them since in power, have quite forgotten; and therefore I beseech them now seriously to remember it. Though we know very well, there are too many of the Gentry of this Kingdom, who to satisfy the LUSTS OF THEIR OWN AMBITION, are content, like Esau, TO SELL THEIR BIRTHRIGHT, & CARE NOT TO SUBMIT THEMSELVES TO ANY ARBYTRARY AND UNLIMITED GOVERNMENT, so they may FOR THEIR OWN TIME PARTAKE OF THAT POWER, to trample and insult over others: (and have not, are not some of these declarers and censurers such themselves?) yet we are assured, that there are of the Gentry many worthy and true hearted patriots, (but where are those many now?) who are ready to lay down their lives and fortunes, and of late have given ample testimony thereof, for maintenance of their Laws, Liberties and Religion; and with them and others of their resolution we shall be ready to live and die. (But how many of these declarers have made good this public engagement? yea have not some of them been, and still are more ready to secure, seclude, disoffice, imprison, kill, slay any such true hearted patrons, as I have felt by sad experience, then to live and die with them? And we must own it as our duty, to use our best endeavours, that the meanest of the Commonalty may enjoy their own Birthrights, Freedom and Liberty of the Laws of the Land, being 
* Nota.  equally entitled thereto with the greatest Subject. I trust therefore the Greatest Grandees in late or present power neither will nor can be offended with me, and that all the Nobility, Gentry, Commons, and true hearted Patrons in the Nation, who bear any love to the Laws, Liberties, Freedom of the people, for which their Ancestors and they have so long, so stoutly contended heretofore, and lately with our Kings; will live and die with me in this their Vindication and Defence, against any of their fellow-Subjects, who shall endeavour to subvert or deprive them of the full and free enjoyment of all or any of them, according to this engagement and Declaration: Wherein there are these further observable passages, relating to the Parliaments privileges and its Members, which I desire our Army-Grandees, who impeached, secured, secluded myself with other Members of the last true parliament, levied war against and forcibly dissolved it; with the Contrivers of our late New Modelled Governments, would seriously ponder, who in common justice must be content to be as freely told of and reprehended for their faults in print (where the public and every man's private interest, Right, Liberty, Security, is concerned) as they have censured others, as well their superiors, as equals, oft in print, though perchance less peccant than themselves 
i See h● 〈…〉: old and new Declarations ●gainst the Parliament & Member. Their T 〈…〉 e state of the commonwealth etc. w 〈…〉 h, 〈…〉 is but a direct Are 〈…〉 g●n out of themselves under t●e name of other.  in that they object against them. 
k Exac. collec. p. 1652. 654. 655, etc.  For the matter of his Majesty's raising an Army against the Parliament (wherein many Papists, priests, Jesuits were employed) and taking away the privilege thereof, we shall refer it to the judgement of every ordinary capacity, whether it be void of sense to say, that this war is raised against the parliament; But the truth is, that it is not a few persons but the Parliament itself, is the thorn that lies in these men's sides, which, heretofore when it was wont to prick them was with much case by a sudden dissolution, pulled out: But now that is more deeply fastened by the Act of Continuance, they would force it out by the power of an Army. hath not this been the very practice of some Army-Grandees of late, here objected against the King's Jesuitical and Popish ill Counsellors? And whosoever will peruse the several Speeches and Declarations, made upon the breaking up of former Parliaments, since the beginning of his Majesty's Reign, will find; the pretences of those unjust and illegal Dissolutions, to be grounded upon the exceptions against some particular Members, under the name of A few factious and seditious persons: so that the aspersing and wounding of the Parliament through the sides of a few Members, is no new invention: (And hath not this been the very Army officers practice, since the first year of their reign till now, to wound the last real parliament (yea, their own lare dissolved Mock parliaments since, though the sides of a few corrupt Members, or a corrupt majority in the House, as all their printed 
l S●e ●heir declarations in May, june, july. Aug. 1647. in Novemb. Decem. jan. 1648. jan: 1652 & 1653. and 〈…〉 of the ca●e of the commonwealth of England, etc. p. 4 c. 35. Anno 1654. with some other Pa●ers and Speech, since.  Declarations upon their dissolutions attest. And is this then no crime? or no Jesuitical practice in them, though such in the late 
m Exac. collec. p. 3. 4, to 16.  King and his ill Counsellors?) And for the satisfaction of all indifferent men, that this war is raised against the parliament, we shall refer them to former Declarations, issued out in his Majesty's name, being so many invectives and groundless accusations, not against particular Members only but against the Vote and proceedings of both Houses. And are not many of the Armies Declarations in 1647. and 16●●. yea, the late pamphlet of some present Grandees, 〈◊〉 A True State of the Case of the Commonwealth of England, printed 1654. Such; let them now then see whence they took their pattern, even from the beheaded Kings 
n Exac. collec p. 3. 4. to 16. 651, 952. 653.  jesuited evil Counsellors, whose steps they exactly trace in this.) But if the truth were, as that Declaration seems to imply, That this Army is raised to force some 
o 〈◊〉 one member sister. all the members suffer with it. 1 Cor. 12. 26.  particular Members of this parliament to be delivered up, yet upon that ground would it follow, that the same is levied against the Parliament. For it cannot be denied by any ingenious man, but that the Parliament by their 
p See Kooks 4 instil. ch: 1. p. 15. 1●, 17. 23. 24 25. & 〈…〉 for the Lord.  inherent rights and privileges hath the power to judge and punish their own Members: [yet the Army officers took upon them to secure, seclude them without charge, and their future new minded parliament Members, though only elected by the people, must be try à judged by the new Whitehall Members, ere they can be admitted to sit. Article 21. of the New Government.] And we have often declared to his his Majesty and the world; That we are always ready to receive any evidence or accusations against any of them, and to judge and punish them according to their demerits; yet hitherto 
q N●r yet against myself and other secured 〈◊〉 & long in prisoned Members.  no evidence produced, no Accuser appearing: And yet notwithstanding, to raise an Army to compel the parliament to expose those Members to the fury of those wicked Counsellors that thirst for nothing more than the ruin of them and the Commonwealth: What can be more evident, then that the same is levied against the Parliament? For did they prevail in this, then by the same reason, pray observe it, They might demand twenty more, and never rest satisfied until their malice and Tyranny did devour all those Members they found cross and opposite to their lewd and wicked designs [And was not this the practice of the Army-officers, who levied a real actual War against the parliament? They first impeached, secluded, XI. Members of the Commons house; and some Lords soon after, An 1647. than they secured, imprisoned myself, with 44. Members more, and secluded the greatest part of the Commons House, leaving not above 50. or 60. at first sitting, who confederated with them, in December 1648. within two months after this, they beheaded the King; then suppressed the whole Lords House, to carry on their designs since acted: At last they dissolved their own Mock. Parliaments, when they crossed their ambitious aspires: What they did in September last since this was first penned, to those now sitting is, fresh in memory.) Touching the privileges of Parliament, which the contrivers of that Declaration in his Majesty's name, (and the Contrivers of sundry Declarations since in the army's name, who imitated them herein,) seem to be so tender of, and to profess all conformity unto, and deny this army to be raised in any degree to violate: we shall appeal to the judgement of any indifferent man, how little truth is contained in this their assertion, (or in the Army Officers printed papers to the same effect.)  
The Parliament is to be considered in three several respects. First, as a Council to advise. Secondly, As a Court to judge. 3. As it is the body representative of the whole kingdom, to make, repeal, or alter laws & whether the Paarliament hath enjoyed its privileges in any of these respects (under the Army Officers and powers, as well as late King) let any that hath eyes open judge.  
For the first, We dare appeal even to the Consciences of the Contrivers themselves, [and to the consciences of the Army-Officers, Soldiers, and Whitehall men themselves) whether matters of the highest importance, (witness all the public proceedings against the late Parliament, King, Peers, Government; the wars with Scotland, Holland: their new Magna Charta repealing the old, entitled, The Government of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland, wherein they take upon upon them such an Omnipotent Sovereign power, as, To pass a decree upon the waveting humours of the people, and to say to this nation, yea to Scotland and Ireland too, As the almighty himself said once to the unruly Sea: Here shall be thy bounds hitherto shalt thou come and no further; as ome most arrogantly if not blasphemously publish in print to all the world in their True State of the Case of the Commonwealth, p. 34. Their making of new binding Laws and Ordinances, repealing old Laws and Statutes in and by pretext of this Instrument, out of Parliament, as their manifold Whithal Folio new Edicts amounting to near 700 pages attest) have not been agitated and determined (in and by the Armie-Officers, General-Councel and other unparliamentary Juncto's,) not only without but even contrary to their Advice, (and Votes too;) and whether Private, unknown Counsels (in the Army, Whitehall, and elsewhere) have not been harkened unto, approved and followed, when the Faithful and wholesome advice of the great Counsel hath been scorned and neglected (by the Army Officers and their Confederates.) And 〈◊〉 can deny, but it is one of the Principle ends why a 〈◊〉 called, To Consult the great Affairs of the Church and State. And what miserable effects and 〈…〉 neglect of the great Council, and preferring of unknown and private Counsels before it, hath proved; let the present Distractions of this Kingdom bear witness. (with all the bloody, unchristian Wars, Taxes, Oppressions, Distractions, since the Army's force upon the King, Members, Houses; Anno 1647. and 1648. to this present time.)  
Concerning the Second, it sufficiently appears by the making the King's Court, by the Force and Power of the King's Army; the Sanctuary and refuge of All sorts of Delinquents against the Parliament and Kingdom, and protecting and defending them from the Justice thereof: and by admitting such to bear places of great trust in the Army, and to stand in defiance of the Parliament and the Authority thereof; (and it is not a far greater crime to make the Parliaments Army itself, a Delinquent against the Parliament and Kingdom; the fanctuary of such Delinquents against both, and to continue such Officers in places of greatest trust in the Army, who have levied actual war against the Parliament, secluded, secured members of Parliament, kept divers years under their armed guards in defiance of the Parliament, refusing to release them, even when the Sergeant was sent from the House itself, to demand the Members seized?)  
By all which it is apparent, how our Privileges have been torn from us by piece-meals, from time to time. And we might mention many passages, whereby they were endeavoured to be 
* And are they not so now, almost past hopes of any future replanting.  pulled up by the root, and totally subverted. As the attempt to bring up the late Army from the North to force Conditions upon the Parliament: His Majesty's Letters and Commands to the Members of both Houses (which found obedience in a great many) to attend him at York; and so, By depriving the Parliament of their Members, destroy the whole body. (And was not the actual twice bringing up of the Parliaments own Army, by the Army Officers, against the Parliament itself, to impeach secure some principal members of both Houses; seclude the Majority of the Commons House, suppress the whole house of Lords; break off the Preaty, behead the King, (the 
* Modus tenendi Parliamentum. Cook 4. 〈◊〉 c. 1.  Head of the Parliament) against the Parliaments Votes, alter the government, force conditions on the Parliament itself, (to omit the 12, 21, 24, 32, 37, 38, 39 Articles of their New government, (with the secluding of all the Members lately admitted by Armed Soldiers till they took a New Engagement, and keeping out all others) a taking of the Privileges of the Parliament from them all by wholesale, and a more desperate pulling up by the Roots, and total subversion of all the Privileges and whole body of the Parliament, than this objected against the Northern Army, or the King's Jesuitical ill Council? Which is enough to prove the vanity of the Contrivers of that Declaration (and of the Army Officers too) to feed themselves with hope of belief, That the Privileges of Parliament are not Violated, but intended to be preserved, with all due observance.  
Concerning the Allegation, That the Army raised by the Parliament, is to murder the KING, (oft alleged by the 
* Exact Collection p. 550. 595. 321, 322, 364. 618. 894. 895. 919. 920. A Collection of Ordinances p. 28. 39 116, 117  King and his Party, in many printed PROCLAMATIONS, Declarations before and after this, here mentioned) We hoped the Contrivers of that Declaration, or any that professed but the name of a Christian, could not have so little charity as to raise such a SCANDAL, especially when they must needs know, the 
* Let those who who took it, remember their violations of it and repent. See Exact Collect. p. 497, 498  Protestation taken by every member of both Houses (and Army Officers too) whereby they promise in the presence of Almighty God, TO DEFEND HIS MAJESTY'S PERSON. The Promise and Protestation made by the Members of both Houses upon the nomination of the Earl of Essex to be General, and to live and die with him; wherein is expressed, THAT THIS ARMY WAS RAISED FOR DEFENCE OF THE KING'S PERSON, Our oft earnest and most humble Address to his Majesty to leave that desperate and dangerous Army, etc. A request inconsistent with any purpose to offer the least violence to His Person, which hath and 
* Was this verified by many of these Remonstrants?  ever shall be dear unto us.  
And concerning the imputation laid to our Charge, of Raising this Army, to Alter the whole Frame of Government and Established Laws of the Land, (which the King and his party 
* Exact Collect. p. 262. 282. 284. to 289. 297, 298, 490. 424. 500, 502, 404, 514, 517, 521, 522, 526, 528, 530, 531. 534. 550, 551. 554, 558, 56●, 564, 574. a Collection p. 117. 452, 453.  frequently objected in print) we shall need give no other Answer but this: That the Army Raised by the Parliament is to no other end, but for the Preservation of his Majesty's Person, to Defend themselves, the Laws of the Land, and the true Protestant Religion. After which, they there and elsewhere conclude. And by this time (we doubt not) but every man doth plainly discern through the Mask and Wizard of their Hypocrisy, what their (the King's ill Counsels) design is, To Subject both King and Parliament and Kingdom to their needy Ambitious and Avaricious Spirits, and to the violent Laws, Martial law, of Governing the People by guards and by the Soldiers.  
But alas for grief, how superlatively have many of the Army Officers, and their confederate members (though parties to these Declarations and Protestations) violated them, and both Houses Faiths, Trusts, intentions, ends in raising the Army, in every of these particulars? How have they verified, justified the King's Declarations, Jealousies, concerning the Parliaments Army, in every point, here (and 
* Exact Collect. p. 688, 689. 696, 697.  elsewhere) disclaimed by both Houses? How have they exceeded, out acted the King's Jesuitical Counsellors, and most desperate Popish army, in violating, subverting both the Parliaments Privileges, Members and Parliaments themselves, together with our 
* So styled Exact Coll. p. 4. 12, 34 61 243. 262 121, 500, ●02. besides the authorities in the 1. Chapter.  Fundamental Laws, Liberties, Government; for whose preservation they were only raised, paid? How have they pursued the Kings and his worst Counsellors●ootsteps ●ootsteps in all the charges here objected against them by both Houses, in relation to the Parliaments privileges, Members, Constitution, Rights, Laws, to their utter Subversion, dissolution, and waged war against them? And doth not every man plainly discern through the Mask and Wizard of their Hypocrisy, (to use both houses expressions) that their design is just the same with that here objected by the Parliament to the Kings ill Jesuited Counsellors, and Popish army; even to subject both King; Parliament and Kingdom, to their needy, ambitious, avaricious spirits, and to the violent Laws, marshal Law, of Governing the people (yea parliaments themselves) by guards and by the Soldiers? and 
* Exact Collect. p. 617, 631, 730.  By Conquest to establish an absolute and unlimited power over the Parliament and good subjects of this Kingdom; as the Houses elsewhere thrice objected against the late King, his Army and party: being the very design (as many wisemen fear) of the 27 Article of their new Government; to settle a constant Annual revenue for the maintenance of 20000 foot and 10000 Horse and Dragoones, for the Defence and Security of England, Scotland and Ireland? O that they would now in the name and fear of God (as they tender the eternal salvation of their souls, the honour and privileges of all future Parliaments, the ease, welfare, settlement of our Nation.) Lay all this most seriously to their Hearts, and make it a matter of their greatest lamentation, and repentance! Besides this, have they not falsified that memorable 
* Exact Coll. p. 686, to 730.  late Declaration of the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, Novemb. 2. 1642. in Answer to his Majesties (well worthy perusal now) and made good (both for the time past and all succeeding Parliaments whiles there shallbe any standing Army in England able to over power them) all the odious, scandalous positions, in relation to the English Parliament, its Members and privileges (deduced from the King's Declaration, only by inference, but disclaimed by the King) summed up by them, in the close of that Remonstrance, and published in these ensuing terms, as will evidently appear, if applied to the Army, and their General Counsel of Officers, by adding or exchanging their names, only for the Kings in a parenthesis?  
1. 
* Exact. Coll. p. 729.  That the King (the Army, General, and their General Council of Officers) when he pleaseth, may declare the Major part of both Houses, a faction of Malignant, Schismatical, and ambitious Persons: so that all Parliaments that have been heretofore and SHALL BE HEREAFTER, AND ALL LAWS MADE IN THEM, may by this means be called in question at pleasure; yea nulled and repealed for ever, as some former parliaments have been, when held and overawed by armed power, or unduly elected, packed, summoned without Lawful Authority, or some of the Members forcibly secluded, as you may read at large in the Statutes of 21. R. 2 c. 11, 12. 16, 17, 18. 1. H. 4. c. 3. 1 H. 4. Rot. Parl. n. 22, 23, 36, 48, 66, 70, 39 H. 6. c. 1. and 17 E. 4. c. 7. worthy the serious perusal of our present Grandees, and all illegitimate Parliaments, where they may read the fatal end of all new unparliamentary projects, laws, devices, wherein many now so much glory, as if they would continue firm for ever: when as in a few years' space, they will all probably prove nullities, be for ever reversed; yea, branded to posterity, as most pernicious precedents.  
2. That his Majesty (the Army and their General Council) may declare what is the known Law of the Land, against the judgement of the Highest Court, and consequently of all his Courts: So that the safety and right of King and people, and THE LAW ITSELF must deupon his Majesties (the Army, General and their Counsels) pleasure.  
4. That as the King hath a property in his Town Forts, and Kingdoms; so he (the Army and their General Council) may dispose of them as he pleaseth; and the Representative body of the whole Kingdom may not intermeddle in discharge of his Majesties (the Army's Generals, Counsels,) trust, though by the advice of evil Councillors, they see it diverted to the hazard of the public peace and safety of the Kingdom.  
5. That his Majesty (the Army, General, and their Council) or any other person may upon suggestions and pretences of Treason, Felony, or breach of peace (or of their Trusts, a fourth 
* See their impeachment of the xi. Members, and the humble Answer of the General Council and Officers of the army, etc. Jan. 3. 1648.  Army new minted cause) Take the Members of Parliament, without giving satisfaction to the House, whereof they are Members, of the grounds of such suggestion or accusation, and without and against their consent (as in the case of the late secured, secluded Members, and their two Juncto's since) so they may 
* Have they not lately done so since this was penned, as well as heretofore?  Dismember a Parliament, when they please, and make it what they will, when they will.  
6. That whosoever shall follow the King (Army, General, and their Council) in the wars (against the Parliament) though it were to destroy Laws, Liberty, Religion, the Parliament itself, and the whole kingdom; yet he shall be free from all crime or punishment. And that on the other side, to oppose by force any such force, though in the most legal way, and by authority of the representative body of the whole kingdom, is to levy war against the King (Army, General) and TREASON (with in the Letter of 25. E. 3. or of their new Knacks since) So our Lands, Liberties, Lives, Religion, and Laws themselves, Whereby all the Rights, both of King and people are due to them and preserved for them, shall be at the sole will and pleasure of the Prince (Army, General, and General Council of Officers, in their new High Courts of Injustice, or other martial Judicatories.  
O consider, consider seriously by these particulars, to what a sad, low, despicable condition all English parliaments are now for ever reduced, by the late Army practices, violences, and rebellions insolences against them, never to be paralleled in any age which hath really verified this clause in the Declaration of both Houses, Aug. 4. 1642. objected against the King and his popish Army, in relation to themselves. That if the King (by his army) may force this Parliament (as the parliaments army both forced and dissolved it) they may bid farewell to all Parliaments for ever receiving good by them; and if parliaments be lost, they (the people) are lost, their Laws are lost, as well those lately made, as in former times, All which will be cut in sunder with the same sword, now drawn for the Destruction of this Parliament.  

* Epistola ad solitariam Vitam agentes. Sr. Christopher Sybthorpe his Reply to an Answer made by a Popish Adversary Dublin 1625. p. 27, 28 29.  Athanasius Bishop of Alexandria (about the year of our Lord 340.) objected this as a great crime, barbarism, cruelty and violation of the privileges of Counsels to the Arrian Emperor Constantine. That whensoever he called a Council, or Assembly of Bishops, it was but for a show: For he would not permit them to be guided by the ecclesiastical Canont, but his will alone must be their only Canon. And when they advised him not to subvert the ecclesiastical order, nor bring the Arrian Heresy into the Church of God, he would neither hear nor permit them to speak freely, but grievously bending his brows (for they had spoken cross to his designs) and shaking his sword at them commanded them to be taken away. Whereupon he thus infers, What Liberty for persuasion, or place for advice is there left, when he that contradicteth, shall for his labour lose either his life, or his Country? Why hath the Emperor gathered so great a number of Bishops, partly terrified with threats, partly, enticed with promises to condescend, that they will not communicate with Athanasius? And Hilary Bishop of Poictou An. 360. in his first Book against this Tyrannical Arrian Emperors Constantius, thus censures his violent proceedings of this kind, to the subversion of the freedom and privilege of Councils and their members. Thou gatherest COUNCILS, and when they be shut up together in one City, thou TERRIFIEST THEM WITH THREATS (as the Army Officers did the secluded members 6 and 7 Decemb. 1648 when they shut them up all night in Hell, on the bare boards without beds in the cold, and kept them fasting all the next day at Whit-Hall, till 7 a clock at night) thou pinest them with hunger, thou lamest them with cold, thou depravest them with Dissembling: O thou wicked one, what a mockery dost thou make of the Church and Counsels? Only Dogs return to their vomit; and thou compelest the priests of Christ, to sup up those things which they have disgorged, and commandest them in their confessions, to allow that WHICH BEFORE THEY CONDEMNED: what Bishops hand hast thou left innocent? What tongue hast thou not forced to falsehood? Whose heart hast thou not brought to the condemning of his former opinion? Thou hast subjected all to thy will, yea, to thy violence. And have not some swaying Army Officers, by their frowns, menaces, frauds, open force upon the Parliament and its members, beyond all the precedents in any ages done the like, and exceeded this Arrian Tyrant? And is it not then high time for all friends to Parliaments to protest and provide against such detestable, treasonable violences for the future, destructive to all Parliaments if permitted, or silently pretermitted without question, censure, righting of the imprisoned members, or any provision to redress it for the future.  
Our prudent Ancestors were so careful to prevent all violence, force, arms, and armed men, in or near any places where Parliaments were held, to terrify, over Qaw, or disturb their proceedings or members; 
* See the Declaration of the Lords and Commons June 6 1642. concerning this Statute.  That in the Parliament of 7 E. 1. (as you may read in Rastals Abridgement, Armour, 1. Provision was made by the King; by common consent of the Prelates, Earls, and Barons, by a geciall act, That in all Parliaments, Treaties, and other Assemblies, which should be made in the Realm of England FOR EVER, every man shall come without Force, and without Armour, well and Peaceably to the honour of the King and of the peace of him, and of his Realm; and they together with the Commonalty of the Realm upon solemn advice, declared. That it belonged to the King, and his part it is by his Royal Signiory, strictly to defend wearing of Armour and all other Force, against his peace at all time, when it shall please him (especially at such times, and in places where such Parliaments, Treaties, and Assemblies are held) and to punish them which shall do contrary according to the Laws and usage of the Realm. And hereunto they are bound to old the King, as their Sovereign Lord, at all seasons, when need shall be. Hereupon our Kings ever since this statute, by virtue thereof, and by the Law and Custom of the PARLIAMENT, (as Sr. Edward Cook in his 4 Institutes c. 1. p. 14. informs us) did at the beginning of every Parliament, make a special Proclamation, prohibiting the bearing of arms or weapons, in or near the places, where the Parliament sat, under pain of forfeiting all they had; Of which there are sundry precedents cited by St. Edward Cook in his Margin; whereof I shall transcribe but one (which he omits) and that is 6. E. 3. Rot. Parliament. n. 2. 3. Because that before these days, at the Parliaments and Counsels of our Lord the King, Debates, Riots, and commotions have risen & been moved, for that people have come to the places where Parliaments have been summoned and Assembled, Armed with privy coats of plate, spears, swords, long knives (or daggers) and other sort of arms, by which the businesses of our Lord the King and his Realm have been impeached, and the great men which have come thither by his Command, have been affrighted: Our Lord the King, willing to provide remedy against such mischiefs, defendeth, that no man of what estate or condition soever he be, upon pain of Forfeiting all that he may forfeit, to the King, shall be seen armed with a Coat of Male, nor yet of plate, nor with an Halberd, nor with a spear, nor sword, nor long knife, nor any other suspicious arms, within the City of LONDON, nor within the Suburbs thereof; nor any place near the said City, nor yet within the Palace of WESTMINSTER, or any place near the said Palace, by Land or Water, under the foresaid pain: except only such of the king's men, as he shall depute, or by his command shall be deputed to keep the peace within the said places: and also except the King's servants, according to the Statute of Northampton. And it is not the intention of our Lord the King, that any Earl, or Baron may not have his Lance brought to him in any place, but only in the King's Presence, and in the place of Council. The like Proclamations were made in the beginning of the Parliaments of 9 13, 17, 18, 20, 25. Ed 3. and sundry others, more necessary to be revived in all succeeding English Parliaments now, then ever heretofore, since the unpresidented forces upon the late Members of both Houses, and the Parliament itself by the Army-Officers and soldiers, raised to defend them from violence: The Treasonablenesse and Transcendency whereof being at large related in my Epistle to the Reader, before my Speech in Parliament 4 December 1648. I shall not here criminally press, or insist on, but refer them thereunto: However for the future security and freedom of our Parliaments from violence; I must crave liberty to imform these Army Parliament-drivers, forcers, dissolves, (habituated to this trade) That if the 
* Exact Collect. p. 34. ●6. 66, 67, 98, 76, 77, 198, 200, 201, 202, 246, 695, 723. 729.  late Kings march to the House of Commons accompanied only with some of his Pensioners and others, armed with Pistols and Swords, merely to demand but five Members thereof, to be delivered up to Justice, particularly impeached by him of High-Treason some days before: to wit, That they had traterously endeavoured to Subvert the Fundamental Laws and Government of this Kingdom: To deprive the King of his Royal power: To place over the subjects an Arbitrary and Tyrannical power, To Subvert the very Rights and being of Parliaments: and by force and terror to compel the Parliament to join with them in their designs; for which end they had actually raised and countenanced Tumults against the King and Parliament.  
Or if the 
* Exact Coll. p. 118, 195, 207. to 237. 248, 273, 293, 523, 524, 525, 617, 631, 660, 695.  King's bare tampering with some Officers of his own Northern Army, to draw a Petition from them to the Houses, or march towards London from their quarters; (not to seize upon, force or dissolve the Parliament or its Members, but only to overaw them, and impeach the freedom of their debates, Votes touching Episcopacy, Church-Government, and the King's Revenues) were such high transcendent violations of the Privileges and Freedom of Parliament, and unsufferable injuries, as both Houses of Parliament separately, and jointly proclaimed them to all the world, in several 
* Exact Coll. in the pages quoted before.  Declarations, during his life; Or such capital crimes, as those who condemned and executed him for a Traitor and Tyrant, have published in the Declaration of 17. March 1648. (touching the grounds of their proceedings against him, and settling the Government in the way of a Free State, without King or House of Lords) since his beheading, in these very words. But above all the English Army was laboured by the King to be engaged against the English Parliament; a thing of that strange impiety and unnaturalness for the King of England, that nothing can answer it, but his being a Foreigner; neither could it have easily purchased belief, but by his succeeding visible actions in full pursuance of the same; as the Kings coming in Person to the House of Commons, to seize the five Members, whether he was followed with some hundreds of unworthy debauched persons, armed with swords, and pistols, and other arms; and they attending him at the door of the House, ready to execute what the Leader should command them. This they charged against the King, as the highest of his unparalleled Offences; for which they appeal to all the world of indifferent men to judge, whether they had not sufficient cause to bring him to Justice? Though neither he nor his followers then seized, secured, secluded, injured any one Member, when they thus went to the Commons House; Yea presently retracted and offered all satisfaction that should be desired by the House for this breach of Privilege: and though the Northern Army, nor their Officers ever advanced towards, or offered the least violence to the Houses, or their privileges by Petition or otherwise.  
Then certainly the Parliaments own Army- Officers, Counsels, manifold ●high printed Declarations of Aug. 18. 1647. Sept. 6. 1648. ●and others before and since, their professed open Oppositions, Impeachments, against the very Proceedings, Votes, Orders, Ordinances, Members of both Houses of Parliament, which first raised them principally for their defence; ᵇ See their Impeachments, printed in their Books of Declarations. The History of Indepency, and my Speech in Parliament] their Impeachment of eleven Members of the House of Commons, and sundry Lords at once; their securing of above 40. and secluding of above five parts of six of the whole House of Commons at once, their avowed marches with the whole Body of the Army, in Battalia several times to force the Houses, seize their Members, overaw, affright, dismember, dissolve the Parliament itself, and their own new erected Junctoes' since, and justification of it to all the world in print [See their humble Answer touching the secured and secluded Members, Jan. 3. 1648. The free state of the life of the Commonwealth of England, 1654. and their Declarations concerning their dissolution of their two Jun after these Misdemeanours of the King without the least repentance for them, must needs be far more execrable, unwarrantable and criminal than the Kings, and deserve a severer censure than his Peccadilioes in respect of their crimes. And if by the whole armies printed Remonstrance, August 18. 1647. the tumult of some unarmed London Apprentices, who offered some small force to the Houses to the violation of their Privileges, (without securing or secluding any one Member) deserved a speedy and exemplary capital proceeding against the principal contrivers and Actors in it, as they then declared, and vehemently urged again and again in that Remonstrance. Nay if by their own late printed Instrument of the Government of the Commonwealth of England, etc. Articles 14. 16. all and every person and persons, who have aided, advised, assisted, or abetted in any war against the Parliament since the first day of January, 1641. (unless they have since been in the Service, of the Parliament, and given signal testimony of their good affections thereunto) shall be disabled, and be uncapable to be elected, or to give any Vote in the Election of any Member to serve in the next, or in the three succeeding triennial Parliaments, and all Votes and Elections given to the contrary, shall be null and void. And if any person so made uncapable, shall forfeit one full years value of his real estate, and one full third part of his personal estate, in case he shall give his Vote for election of Members, to serve in Parliament: as they there adjudge; though such persons as they intent thus to disable never waged any actual war against the Parliament itself, or its Members, immediately, but only against the Forces raised by the Parliament, and so mediately and indirectly only against the Parliament (the case of all the late King's adherents and assistants, not within the letter, but meaning of these Articles) then doubtless those Army Officers, soldiers, and their Confederates, who advised, aided, assisted, abetted, in one or more wars against the Parliament Houses, and Parliament Members themselves, whom they immediately assaulted, forced, secured, secluded, dissipated, dissolved, destroyed, and have justified it several times, in print, without giving signal testimony of their good affections to the Parliament; and in this their Instrument have laid 
* Article 10, 12, 21, 22, 24, 27, 30. 32, 36, 37, 38, 39  many Chains, clogs, restraints, on all new future Parliaments, of their own framing, inconsistent with the Honour, freedom, privileges and being of real Parliaments, are by their own verdict and Instrument, totally disabled (as much as the archest Malignants and Cavaliers) by the very letter of these Articles, to be elected, or give any vote for the election of Members in the four next succeeding Parliaments; and those who have given their Votes in the late Elections, have thereby forfeited at least one full years value of their real, and one full third part of their personal estates; and deserve as high, (if not an higher) censure, as any sequestered, or other Delinquents condemned formerly by them, for bearing arms, levying and abetting any war, but only mediately against the Parliament; and as high an uncapacity to be put not only on themselves, but their Heir males to serve in Parliament, as the Statute of 21 R. 2. c. 6 imposed heretofore on others, for a far less offence; to secure the Members and Privileges of all succeeding Parliaments, from such unpresidented, forcible violences, ruptures, dismemberings and dissolutions as the last Parliament, sustained by the Army's outrage and confederacy against them; of which I desire only to make them truly sensible.  
And farther to convince the Army-Officers, soldiers, of their late great injustice to, and affronts, contempts, against the Parliament which raised them, in relation to our ancient fundamental Government and chief Members of the Parliament; I shall desire them and all their confederates in cold blood, seriously to consider, whether they have not, by their undutiful, violent proceedings against them contrary to the Votes, Declarations, Remonstrances of the PARLIAMENT, endeavoured (as much as in them is) to falsify this clause in in both House's Declaration Nou. 2. 1642. 
* Exact Collect. p. 696.  Although they would persuade his Majesty, That there is little confidence to be placed in our Modesty and Duty; yet AS GOD IS WITNESS OF OUR THOUGHTS, SO SHALL OUR ACTIONS WITNESS TO ALL THE WORLD; that TO THE 
* How much it hath been dishonoured by the contrary, let the Army Officers read at leisure in Militiere his Victory of Truth▪  HONOUR OF OUR RELIGION, and OF THOSE WHO ARE MOST ZEALOUS IN IT (so much strucken at by the contrivers of that Declaration, under odious names) we shall suffer more for and from our Sovereign, than we hope God will ever permit the malice of evil Councillors, to put us to: And although the happiness of this and all Kingdoms dependeth chiefly, upon God; Yet WE ACKNOWLEDGE, THAT IT DOTH SO MAINLY DEPEND UPON HIS MAJESTY, and THE ROYAL BRANCHES OF THAT ROOT, that as WE HAVE HERETOFORE, SO WE SHALL HEREAFTER, esteem no hazard too great, no reproach too vile, but that we shall willingly go through the one, and undergo the other, That we, and the WHOLE KINGDOM MAY ENJOY THAT HAPPINESS, which we cannot in an ordinary way of providence expect FROM ANY OTHER FOUNTAIN OR STREAM, 
Nota.  than those from whence (were the poison of evil Counsels once removed from about them) no doubt, but we and THE WHOLE KINGDOM SHOULD BE SATISFIED MOST ABUNDANTLY. And on the contrary, have they not fully and actually verified, in respect of themselves and their Confederates in the Houses, this Odious aspersion, than (only in prediction) cast by the KING on the PARLIAMENT, but by them at that time renounced with greatest detestation; and drawn those sad consequences on the whole Kingdom, wherewith both HOUSES conclude that Declaration in these words?)  
7. 
* Nota.  That the Representative body of the whole Kingdom (since dissolved by the Army) is a Faction of Malignant, Schismatical, ambitious Persons, whose DESIGN IS AND ALWAYS HATH BEEN, TO ALTAR THE WHOLE FRAME OF GOVERNMENT, BOTH OF CHURCH AND STATE AND TO SUBJECT BOTH KING AND PEOPLE TO THEIR OWN LAWLESS ARBITRARY POWER AND GOVERNMENT, and that they DESIGN THE RUIN OF HIS MAJESTY'S PERSON and OF MONARCHY ITSELF; and consequently that they are TRAITORS ●nd all the Kingdom with them (for 〈◊〉 act is the act of the whole Kingdom) And whether their punishment and ruin may not also INVOLVE THE WHOLE KINGDOM IN CONCLUSION, AND REDU●●● INTO THE CONDITION OF A CONQUERED NATION (as some ARMY-OFFICERS, and SOLDIERS openly averred we are now reduced to by and under them) NO MAN CAN TELL: BUT EXPERIENCE SHOWETH V● and now we find it most true in the 
* Who in their Letters of July 1. 1647. Propositions of Aug. 2. and other of their Declarations, professed to all the world, That it was fully agreeable to all their Principles, and should be their desires and endeavours to maintain Monarchy the Privilege and Freedom of the Parliament; and the Rights of his Majesty and Royal Family, that so a lasting Peace and Agreement might be settled in this Nation, etc. Which otherwises must not be hoped for nor expected: Let them now consider it?  ARMY-OFFICERS, COUNCIL, SOLDIERS) THAT SUCCESS OFTEN DRAWS MEN NOT ONLY BEYOND THEIR PROFESSION, but also many times beyond their first intentions.  
Surely as the Armies and their Confederates late proceedings in relation to themselves, (though not unto the forced, dismembered, dissolved Parliament, and secured Members) have fully verified this charge in every particular, then reputed most false and scandalous; (which I thus press upon their consciences at this time, and so largely insist on, not to defame or asperse them to the world; but to vindicate the Innocency, Integrity of the Majority and secluded Members of both Houses, against the scandalous printed aspersions of Militiere and other Papists, to preserve and justify the Honour of our Reformed Religion, and of the most zealous Professors thereof; to restore, re-establish if possible, the Privileges, the Freedom of all Future Parliaments, much impaired, endangered by their heady violent Proceedings, to convince them by what Jesuitical, Popish, old Court-Principles, Counsels, Practices, they have hitherto been misguided; and to reclaim them, as much as in me lieth, for the future from the like destructive Practices, for the public Safety, Peace, Settlement of our distracted Kingdoms; and do most earnestly beseech them, as they are English men, Soldiers, Christians, seriously to repent of and lay to heart, lest they perish eternally for them at last.) So the Army-Officers, Soldiers, Great Successes in all their Wars, Designs and forcible Proceedings against the King, Parliament, Kingdom, Government, Laws, and Liberties; as it hath caused them not only beyond their Professions, but also beyond their first Intentions, Commissions, Protestations, to forget that Gospel-Precept given to Soldiers, Luke 3. 14. to advance themselves to a more absolute Sovereign arbitrary Power over them, than ever any Kings of England claimed or pretended to, (as their late Proceedings, Remonstrances, and transcendent Instrument of the Government of the three Kingdoms manifest;) so it hath been the 
s Psal. 37. 7. Psal. 73. 3, etc. Eccles. 8. 11, 12.  principal Ground whereby they have justified all their unpresidented forementioned Exho●bitances as lawful, commendable, Christian, and that which hath struck such a stupyfying panic fear, such a stupendious cowardice, baseness, sottishness, into the Generality of the Nobility, Gentry, Ministry, and Commons of our late most heroic English Nation, that there is scarce 
t Ezek. 22. ●●.  a man to be found throughout the Realm of any Eminency (though we should seek after him like Diogenes, with a Candle) that dares freely open his mouth against the most irregular, illegal, violent, destructive arbitrary Proceedings, Usurpations, Innovations, Oppressions, Taxes, Projects, to the shaking and utter subverting of our ancient Fundamental Laws, Liberties, Rights, Properties, Parliaments, Parliamentary Privileges, Government; and taking away of the very Lives of some (and thereby endangering the Lives of all other) English Freemen of all Degrees, in mischristened High Courts of Justice. Such a strange Charm is there in Success alone, to metamorphize Men into mere 
v See 2 King. 10. 1, to 12.  temporising, slavish, sordid sots and beasts; yea, to cause not only persons truly honourable, but the very 
x Deut. 32. 17. 1 Cor. 10. 20. Rev. 9 20. Ephes. 2. 2.  Devil himself, and the worst of beasts, to be wondered after, applauded, adored, not only as Saints, but Gods. We read Rev. 13. of a Monstrous deformed BEAST, to whom the Dragon (the Devil) gave his Power, Seat and Great Authority; whereupon, all the world wondered after the Beast, and worshipped not only the Dragon, that gave him power, but the Beast likewise; saying, Who is like unto the Beast? WHO IS ABLE TO MAKE WAR WITH HIM? And there was given unto him a Mouth speaking Great things and blasphemies, and power was given him to continue and make war forty and two months. And power was given unto him to make war with the SAINTS, AND TO OVERCOME THEM; and power was given him over all Kindred's, and Tongues, and Nations, And (HEREUPON IT FOLLOWS) all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the Lamb's Book of Life. And another Beast (under him) caused the earth and all that dwell therein to set up the Image of this Beast, and to worship it; and he caused all both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond to receive the mark of the Beast in their right hand, and in their foreheads; and none might buy or sell, but he that had this mark; and as many as would not worship this Beast's Image, were ordered to be killed. Yet this Blasphemous Beasts reign and power continued but twenty four Months, Rev. 13. 5. This Beast, (in the height of his Power and Victories) was by God himself, threatened to go into captivity, and be killed with the Sword, as he had led others into captivity, and killed them with the Sword, ver. 10. All his followers and worshippers shall (soon after) drink of the wine of God's wrath, and be tormented with fire and brimstone, etc. Rev. 14, 9, 10, 11. The Saints at last shall get this victory over the Beast, Rev. 15. 2. And the Beast himself (notwithstanding all his former Victories, Friends, and great Armies) was at last taken, and his false Prophet with him; and were both cast alive into a lake burning with fire and brimstone, and all his Forces were slain with the Sword, and the fowls were filled with their flesh, Rev. 19 19, 20, 21. From which Texts I have frequently silenced, confounded some of our conquering Army-Officers and Soldiers, whiles prisoner under them, when they were vapouring of their Great Victories, Successes, and concluding from thence, both their Saintship, and the Goodness of their Actions; saying ofttimes like the Beasts followers here, Who is able to make war with us? And that with these genuine deductions from these Texts, which they could not reply against; worthy all Soldiers their saddest meditations.  
1. That God may, nay ofttimes doth give great power to the very worst and most blasphemous of all Men and Beasts; & that not only over one or two, but many Tongues Nations, as in this Text, and Dan. 7. 3, to 29. c. 8. 4. to 27.  
2. That such Beasts many times may and do not only make war with, but even overcome the very Saints themselves in battle, as the Babylonians, Assyrians, and other ungodly Beasts did the Israelites, Gods own Saints and People, Psa. 79. 1, 2, etc. Dan. 7. 21, 23, 24, 25. Isa. 10. 5 etc. c. 14. 16, 17. Jer. 26. 6, 7, 8. c. 25. 9, etc. yet they were but blasphemous Beasts, and wretches still, not Saints.  
3. That if such Beasts have but Great Power and Success in their Wars, Enterprises, against their Enemies, or the Saints themselves; though their mouths utter blasphemies against the God of Heaven, his Name, Tabernacle, Saints; though their Actions, Designs be never so impious, atheistical, treasonable, detestable, their Power but short and fading, yet whiles they are in Power and Prosperity, the whole world will wonder▪ run after, worship, flatter, Saint, Deify and Adore them for Gods, (as 
y Plutarch, Arrianus, Qu●ntus Curtius, Suetonius, Grimston, in the 〈◊〉 of Alexander, and Julius Caesar. Balaeus, his Lives of the Popes. Mon●y's Mystery of Iniquity.  Alexander the Great, and Julius Caesar's friends, flatterers did them; and some wicked Pope's Favourites them too;) yea, set up and worship their very Images, receive their marks in their hands, foreheads, and extol them to the skies, saying, Who is like unto the Beast? who is able to make war with him?  
4. That such adulatious Speeches, Vaunts, Practices as these, and such Arguments of Saintship or the Goodness of men's causes, undertake, actions, only from their present Power, Victories and Successes, are the arguments, practices, of worldly, earthly, beastly men; of worshippers of the Beast and Dragon, of 
z 2 King. 18. 33, 34, 35. c. 19 17, 18, 19 Isa. 10. 7, to 16.  Assyrians, Turks, Popes, not of the Elect real Saints of God, whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life; who will neither flatter, worship nor adore such Beasts, nor receive their marks in their hands or foreheads though they be prohibited to buy or sell, or slain for refusing it, by their instruments, Rev. 13. 8, 15, 17. Dan. 3. 12. to 29.  
5. That such Beasts in power, will never want under-Beasts and Instruments, nor yet 
a Rev. 13. 11, to 18. c. 16. 13, 14. c. 19 20. 1 King. 22. 6. to 24.  false Prophets to persuade or enforce Obedience & Subjection to them, even by disfranchisements, death, lying wonders, flattering Prophecies, Speeches, Sermons, etc.  
6. That the Power and Dominion of such Beasts, is given and derived to them immediately by the Dragon (the 
b Ephes. 2. 2.  Prince of the power of the air) only by God's permission, not his approbation, Rev. 13. 2. Hos. 8. 4. 2 Thess. 2. 4, 8, 9 And that in wrath, for the punishment of the people's sins, and destruction of the beasts themselves at last, Hos. 13. 11. Rev. 13, and 14, and 19 Psal. 64. 23. Jer. 51. 24, etc. c. 52. throughout. Hab. 2. 6, 7, 8.  
7. That this their Dominion, Reign and Triumph is commonly very short, like this Beasts here, for twenty four Months, Rev. 13. 5. which is but three years and an half. 
c 〈◊〉, Plutarch, Su●onius, Grimston, and othe●s in his Life. Jacobus Usse●iue Annabum pars posterior, p. 366, 367.  Julius Caesar that great first Conqueror of this Island and a great part of the World; usurping the Supreme Power over the Roman Senate, and changing the Government, lived only FIVE MONTHS A SOVEREIGN LORD IN PEACE, and then was suddenly stabbed to death in the Senate-House, by those friends in whom he reposed greatest trust; for his Tyrannical Usurpations, and alteration of their former Government, for endeavouring (as was suspected) to make himself KING OF THE ROMANS, though he rejected the Title of King when offered unto him by M. Antonius, saying, That Jove was only King of the Romans, that so he might seem to be compelled to receive it by the people, being their King in deed, though not in name: and for saying, That the Commonwealth was but a Voice or Name, without a Body or Substance. Nullum violentum est diuturnum. See Isa. 10, and 14. Job 20. 4, 5, etc. Psal. 37. and 73. Psal. 92. 6, 7. Isa. 17. 13, 14. 2 Chron. 23. and Sir Wa●ter Rawlies Preface to his History of the World, worth serious perusal by the Grandees of these times.  
8. That in conclusion such Conquering Usurping Beasts, notwithstanding all their Power, Friend, Followers, Confederates, Armies, Poli●ies, are usually conquered, taken, slain on earth, and cast into the lake burning with fire and brimstone for ever, for their Tyrannies, Blasphemies, Bloodsheds, Oppressions of the People and God's Saints: and their Confederates, Army's false Prophets, followers, adorers 
* See 〈…〉 A●. 655.  destroyed with them even on earth; and then made to drink the cup of God's wrath, fury and torments for ever in hell, Isa. 10, and 14. Jer. 50, and 51. Rev. 19 12, 20, 21.  
9, That though they continue Conquerors and victorious for many years; and conquer not only, one, two or three, but many Kings and Kingdoms; cut off not only the thumbs of their Kings, that they might not lift up a Sword against them, and their great toes, that they may not run from them, but their Heads too; Yet God at last (in his retaliating Justice) doth usually pay them home in their own coin, as is evident, not only by 
* See the Turkish History in his life.  Bajazet the Turkish Emperor, our 
* See Huntingdon, Mat. ●est. An 655. Grafton, Speed, Holinshed, Fabian Brompton, in the life of Penda.  King Penda, and others in profane Stories; but by that memorable History of Adoni-bezek●; 
d Judg. 1, 2, 〈◊〉 8.  who after his Conquest of no less than seventy Kings, (who ever in this later age, conquered one quarter so many?) and tyrannising over their persons, was, by a small party of Judah and Simeon, fought with on his own dunghill, his victorious old Army totally routed, ten thousand of them slain, himself forced to fly, pursued, and taken prisoner by these contemptible Enemies, who cut off his thumbs and his great toes. Whereupon Adoni-bezek (though an idolatrous Canaanite) used these memorable words, worthy all Conquerors and Tyrants memorial; recorded by God himself to all Posterity, Judg. 1. 7. Threescore and ten Kings having their thumbs and their great toes cut off, have gathered their meat under my table (like so many Dogs rather than Kings) AS I HAVE DONE, SO GOD HATH REWARDED ME: and they brought him (Prisoner) to Jerusalem, and there he died▪ See the like retaliation threatened, inflicted. Hab. 2. 6, 7, 8. Isa. 31. 1. Dan. 7. 23, to 27. Obad. 15. Ezech. 35. 5, 6, 15. Rev. 16. 5, 6. Jer. 51, and 52. Nah. 3. 1, etc. Rev. 13. 10. Joel 3. 6, 7, 8. 2 Chron. 22. 10. compared with c. 23. 12. to the end.  
10. That the Elect Saints of God, do by faith in the Word of God, and upon consideration of the usual Providence and Justice of God towards such Beasts and bloody Conquerors, most assuredly foresee their downfall, and with patience expect it, Rev. 13. 9, 10. If any man have an ear let him hear. 
e S●e Joel 3. 6, 7. M●t. 26. 52. and Sir Wal. Raleigh's Preface to his History of the World; and Dr. Beards Theatre God's Judgements▪ on the 6 and 8 Commandments.  HE THAT LEADETH INTO CAPTIVITY, SHALL GO INTO CAPTIVITY; HE THAT KILLETH WITH THE SWORD, MUST BE KILLED WITH THE SWORD: Here is THE PATIENCE AND THE FAITH OF THE SAINTS. O that we had this Faith and Patience within us now!  
11. That upon this Faith and Assurance, the true Elect Saints of God, neither will, nor do, nor dare to admire after, follow, worship or adore such Beasts, or their Image, nor receive their marks in their hands, or foreheads, though all the world else readily do it without opposition; enduring patiently rather to be warred upon, killed, secluded from buying or selling any thing, then unchristianly to adore, subject, or enslave themselves unto them, Rev. 13. 2, 15, 17. Esther 3. 1, to 7. 2 Kings 3. 13, 14. John 10. 4, 5. Dan. 3. 4, to 30. 1 King. 19 18. 2 Chron. 11. 13. to 18.  
Which serious seasonable considerations, as they should daunt the hearts and allay the high Presumptuous Spirits of the most Successful Conquerors, Powerful Usurpers over, and violent Invaders of the Liberties, Lives, Estates, Rights, Properties of their Lawful Superiors or Christian Brethren, and all Subverters of the Laws, Privileges, Parliaments, Government of their Native Country, especially against their Oaths and Trusts: So the Meditation on them, together with the contemplation of the infinite Power, Wisdom, Faithfulness, Justice, Holiness, Presence, and gracious Promises of God, have at all times and seasons hitherto, invincibly animated, steeled, fortified my Sonl in the midst of all my sufferings, both under the domineering Prelates, Parliament-assaulting Army-Officers, the late Tyrannical cashiered Republicans, and all other selfcreated oppressing Powers, which (if not already dead and buried in the dust, with all their thoughts and high aspiring Projects,) yet shall certainly 
f Isa. 51 6. 12. c. 26. 13, 14. Psal. 82. 7. Psal 146. 3, 4.  die ere long like men, and become as dung; yea, they have enabled me by Faith and Patience, to be 
g Rom. 8. 36, 37. Psal. 3. 6.  more than a conquering triumpher over them: and to sing aloud with magnanimous David (a man after Gods own heart) long before their down-fall, Psal. 27. 1, 2, 3. The Lord is my Light and my Salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked even mine enemies and my foes came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an Host should encamp against me, (as they did at Westminster, at my House, and in sundry Garrisons, where I was a Prisoner under Soldiers) my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this I will be confident. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people that have set themselves against me round about. And to cry out in Paul's words of defiance against all Enemies and Perils in the cause of my God and Country (uttered in his own and all true Elected Saints names) Rom. 8. 35, etc. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? (or my Native Country, as well actively as passively considered;) Shall tribulation? or distress? or persecution? or famine? or peril? or SWORD? (of an whole Army or other Powers) Nay, in all these things we are more than Conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor Angels, nor PRINCIPALITIES, NOR POWERS, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. And to say with him in all threatened Dangers for my sincere conscientious public Services, Act. 20. 22, 24. And now I go bound to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall there befall me, save, that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every City, saying; that Bonds and Afflictions wait for me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto me, so as I may finish my course with joy, and the Ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, etc. And verily methinks the serious contemplation thereof, and of all the premises, with that of 2 Sam. 10. 12. Isai. 51. 12. Jer. 1. 8. Ezech. 2. 2, to 6. Matth. 10. 26, 28. Isai. 1. 12, 13. coupled with Psal. 11. 2. If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? Prov. 24. 22, 23. My Son, fear thou the Lord and the King, AND MEDDLE NOT WITH THOSE WHO ARE GIVEN TO CHANGE, For their calamity shall rise suddenly (which we have seen verified in many late Changers, Mock-Parliaments and selfcreated new Powers,) and who knoweth the ruin of them both? should now at last banish all base carnal fears out of all timorous hearts, rouse up the languishing, fearful, dead, stuped Spirits of our degenerated English Nation, and engage them all unanimously, undauntedly to claim, vindicate, regain, re-establish those ancient undoubted Hereditary Fundamental Rights, Liberties, Privileges, Franchises, Laws, Government, (purchased with their Ancestors and their own dearest Blood, Treasures) which belong to the whole Kingdom, to all true English Parliaments, Freemen in general, and to every of them in particular; whereof they have of late years been forcibly disseised or hypocritically cheated by pretended Patrons, Preservers, and Propugners of them, the substance whereof I have here set before their eyes in ten brief Propositions, and by Records, Statutes, Precedents, Histories, Contests, Resolutions in all ages, undauntedly, (as their Common Advocate) asserted, fortified to my power, for their Encouragement and precedent in this public work. And if they will now but courageously second me herein, with their joint, bold, rightful Claims, Votes, Declarations, and Resolute Demands of all and every of their enjoyments, and future inviolable Establishments, according to their Oaths, Vows, Protestations, Duties, manifold late Declarations, Remonstrances, Solemn League, Covenant, and the encouraging memorable Precedents of their Ancestors in former ages here recorded; I dare assure them (by God's blessing) a desired good-Success, whereof their Ancestors never failed: no mortal Powers nor Armies whatsoever, having either Impudence or Ability enough to deny, detain them from them, if they will but 
h See 1 Sam. 8. 4, to 2●. ch. 12. 2. 2 Sam. 18. 2, 3, 4. Jer. 38. 5.  generally, unanimously, courageously, importunately claim and demand them as their Birthrights. But if they will still basely dis-own, betray and cowardly desert both them and their Assertors, and leave them to a single combat with their combined Jesuitical enemies (whom none take care to discover, suppress or banish out of our Realms, where they now swarm more than ever) and Armed Invaders; the Fate of our old English Britons, when they improvidently neglected to unite their Counsels, Forces against, and fought only singly with the invading united Armies of the Romans, is like to be England's condition now; 
i Tacitus in una Agri●●●e.  Dum pugnant singuli, vincuntur universi: the single Champions of our Liberties, Laws, Rights, will be easily overpowered, destroyed, for the pesent; and all others (by their unworthy Treachery and Baseness, in not adhering to, but abandoning their present Patrons) discouraged, disabled to propugne, regain them for the future: & the whole Kingdom vanquished, enslaved to them for eternity in all humane probability, to those who have broken your 
k Jer. 28. 13, 14.  former yokes of wood, but instead thereof have made for, and put upon you yokes of Iron: and by the Jesuits Machiavilian Plots and Policies, will reduce you by degrees under a mere Papal yoke at last, having deeply leavened many in power and arms, with their forementioned most desperate Jesuitical Positions, Practices and Politics, which will soon usher in the whole body of Popery and all damnable Heresies whatsoever, to the ruin of our Religion, as well as Laws and Liberties.  
Wherefore, seeing it neither is, nor can be reputed Treason, Felony, Sedition, Faction, nor any Crime at all, but a commendable bounden Duty, to which our Protestations, Oaths, Leagues, Covenants, Reason, Law, Conscience, our own private and the public Interest, Safety of the Nation engage us, for all and every Freeborn Englishman, jointly and severally to claim, maintain, preserve, by all just, honourable, public and private ways they may, their unquestionable Hereditary Birthrights, Laws, Liberties, Parliamentary Privileges, etc. here asserted & presented to them, after so much Blood, Treasure, Labour spent to rescue them out of the hands of old and late oppressing Tyrants; nor any Offence at all, but a praiseworthy service now in me, or any other, publicly to encourage them to this duty, (and the strenuous defence of our endangered undermined Protestant Religion subverted, with our Laws and Liberties, and living or dying together with them) at this present, as I have done heretofore upon all occasions; And seeing none can justly censure them or me, for discharging our Oaths, Consciences, Covenants, Protestations, Duties in this kind, but such as shall thereby declare themselves Public Enemies and Traitors to the whole Nation, Laws, Government, Parliaments of England, as the Resolutions, Precedents, herein cited, yea their own best friends, (and our reformed Religion too) have already adjudged them: I shall therefore exhort the whole English Nation, and all real Lovers of their own or their Country's Liberties, Peace, Laws, Ease, Safety, Religion, and future establishment in this common Cause, in the words of the Philistines one to another in a time of need, when they were greatly afraid, 1 Sam. 4. 9 Be strong and 
l 1 Cor 16. 13.  quit yourselves like men, O ye Philistines, that ye be not servants to the Hebrews, as they have been to you: quit yourselves like men, fight, etc. That so (as the Apostle writes in the like case, Phil. 1. 27, 28.) Whether I come and see you, or be absent from you; I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind, striving together for the faith of the Gospel; (and the ancient Fundamental Laws, Liberties, Rights, Privileges, Parliaments, Government and Religion of our Realm, which the Jesuits and their Instruments make their Masterpiece totally to undermine and subvert) And in nothing terrified by your Adversaries, which is to them an evident token of Perdition, but to you of Salvation, and that of God. If the Precedents of your renowned Ancestors here recorded; the Patterns of 
m Recorded in Livy, Tully, Plutarch, and others. Recta honesta digna Imp●ri●, digna populo Romano, omnia pericula pro Republica subire, mori pro Patria. Cicero de Finibus bonorum, etc. p. 365. and Tusc. Quaest. p. 445.  many Gallant Pagan Romans, Graeoians, who have spent their Lives, for their Countries, Laws, Liberties; Or if my example and these my Lucubrations shall provoke you hereunto; I shall think my labour well bestowed; and you and your Posterities worthy to live like English Freemen. But if you will now neither manfully demand, speak or contend for them any more, out of a slavish fear of a prevailing Army raised only for their just defence, or any other humane Powers whatsoever; nor once adventure with united Spirits now at last so much as confidently, and boldly to ask these unquestionable Birthrights at the Thrones of any mortal Grandees, your Fellow-Subjects, when God Almighty himself commands you, to come with boldness to his celestial Throne of Grace, that you may obtain (not mere right as here, but) Mercy itself, and Grace to help in time of need, Heb. 4. 16. Qui timide rogat, docet negare; you can neither hope for, nor ever obtain them for the future, but deserve eternally to forfeit them, and you and yours to be made slaves for ever: However I (though these Collections prove successless) shall carry this as a comfortable Cordial with me to my grave, That I have faithfully discharged my Conscience and b●unden Duty to my degenerous Native Country, by endeavouring all I could both to make and preserve it free indeed, to detect and prevent all Jesuitical Plots and Practices, to undermine, embroil, divide, subvert, ruin it; and used my utmost sincerest constant endeavours in my place & calling herein. But if through the Malice, Tyranny or Injustice of any prevailing Enemies of public Freedom, or Jesuitical Agents, I shall chance to suffer for it in any kind (as I have formerly done for most of my public services of this nature) be it close-imprisonments, Fines, Pillories, Stigmatizing or Death itself; I shall only say beforehand, as Gregory the Great did heretofore: Indict. 2. Epist. 78. In causa qua Deo placere cupio, homines non formido: and as noble Heroick Esther did, in a like public case for her endangered captivated Nation, 
n Esth. 4. 16.  If I perish, I perish: and this my unrighteous suffering, shall be a new Glorious Crown of Martyrdom to my head, both in earth and in 
o 2 Cor. 4. 16. 2 Tim. 4. 7, 8.  heaven itself: when the Crowns, Names, Fames of all my causeless malicious Enemies, Adversaries, Persecutors, and all Enemies to our Laws, Liberties, Privileges, Parliaments, Kingdoms, Church, Religion, shall fade, stink, perish like dung, and be had in perpetual execration in all our three Kingdoms; yea, my Bonds, Blood, Books, shall (I hope) through Gods own blessing on them, prove SEMEN ECCLESIAE, REIPUBLICAE, REGNI, LEGUM, LIBERTATUM AC PALIAMENTORUM ANGLIAE, in future ages, when their carcases, who are public Enemies to, and subverters of them, shall lie rotting in their Graves, and their Souls (without sincere repentance) be scorching, roaring in infernal flames, if not rise up in Judgement against and condemn them before all the Tribunals in Earth and Heaven, both now and hereafter, at that Great Judgment-day, when I, they, and all mankind shall and must 
p 2 Cor. 5. 10, 11. Mat. 25 31, 32.  appear naked, upon equal terms (stripped quite of all armed Guards and earthly Greatness, to secure them from being brought to Judgement) before the Tribunal of Jesus Christ himself, (in the view of all the Holy Angels and Mankind) to give an account of the things done in the body in this world, according to that I and they have done, whether it be good or evil; When all Hypocritical Masks, Disguises, Carnal State-policies of pretended Necessity, Public Safety, Danger, Justice; with all other Machiavilian unrighteous Practices to gild over the most unrighteous, impious, oppressing, bloody, Treasonable, Perfidious public Actions, will prove but so many Aggravations of Politicians Crying Sins, and of their Eternal Punishments for them.  
To draw towards a conclusion; I shall recommend to the whole English Nation and all cordial wellwishers to the Prosperity, Peace, Settlement of our distracted Kingdoms, Churches, and endangered Religion, either in or out of power, these five Considerations more, which have deeply affected my Spirit, and particularly engaged me in this undertaking, for their better information, and our common preservation from total and final impendent ruin.  
1. That 
a Wa●sons Quodlib●ts 9 Quod. Art. 10. p. 332.  Father Parsons, the traitorous English Jesuit and his Jesuitical society some years since prophesied, That they have it by revelation, that by special commandment from God, their ORDER AND SOCIETY, was miraculously instituted for this end, to work a DISMAL CHANGE amongst us: that the time is come, WHEREIN ALL LAWS, CUSTOMS AND ORDERS MUST BE ALTERED, AND ALL THINGS TURNED UPSIDE DOWN: and that they being the only men that have the name, office and authority of Jesus, BY THEM IT IS, THAT THIS MARVELLOUS CHANGE & ALTERATION SHALL BE WROUGHT in such sort, 
Nota.  AS FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE WORLD WAS THE LIKE NEVER HEARD OF BEFORE, TO THIS PRESENT. And may we not then justly suspect, fear, conclude, that all our late dismal changes and turning all things upside down in our Church, State, Kingdoms, Parliaments, were originally promoted, contrived by the Jesuits, and effected by the seduced Officers and Soldiers, as their deluded instruments?  
2. That this Jesuit Parsons in his Books of the Reformation of all the States of England, as he prescribed Reformations to the Prince, Court, Counsellors, Noblemen, Bishops, Prelates, Pastors, Universities, Lawyers, Laws, in which he will have STRANGE METAMORPHOSES; so likewise, THE COURT OF PARLIAMENT HE WILL HAVE BROUGHT TO BETTER FORM, as W. W. (a secnlar Priest) in A Dialogue between a Secular Priest and a Lay-Gentleman, Printed at Rheims, Anno 1601. Watson in his Quodlibets, p. 92. to 96. 320. to 334. William Clark (a secular Priest in his Answer to Father Parson's Libel, p. 75. etc.) in direct terms attest. And may we not then justly suspect, that the late New-models and Reformation of our Kingdoms, Parliaments, Government, Laws, etc. proceeded primarily from the Jesuits Projections and Plots against them, if the Statutes of 23 Eliz. c. 1. 27 Eliz. c. 2. 35 Eliz. c. 2. 1 Jac. 1, 2, 4, 5, 7. 7 Jac. c. 6. and the manifold Declarations of both Houses of Parliament, Exact Collection, p. 491, 462, 497, 498, 616, 631, 666, 698, 813, to 828. may be judges?  
3. That the Jesuits drift directly is (immediately by means of 
* Do not many now boast, talk, write, of such a conquest ●y the Army ov●r England?  CONQUEST intended for England) to bring it and all Christendom into an uproar, FOR COMMON SOLDIERS TO EXAMINE THEIR SOVEREIGNS, WHAT TITLE THEY HOLD BY; that thereupon themselves by craft, money and multitudes gathered together through their Policy, may bring England, (and then) Spain, and all the rest under their subjection and Monarchy: And that principally by this Jesuitical Position, That every precopy, or Tartarian multitude, getting once the stile and title of a PUBLIC STATE, or HELVETIAN COMMONWEALTH, may alter, change and innovate the course of inheritances and succession TO CROWNS AND KINGDOMS, and also to every private Persons heritage holden in Fee-simple: as 
d Quodlibets, p. 322, 323, 〈◊〉, 333.  William Watson assures us in these very terms. And whether the Jesuits have nor instructed our Army-Officers and Common Soldiers upon this pretext, and for this very end, to examine their Sovereigns, yea, our Parliaments Titles, Privileges, and Powers too of late, and dispose of them at their pleasure; let themselves, the whole Nation, with all in present power, in the fear of God, most seriously consider, without passion or affection, before it be over-late.  
4. That the Oaths of Supremacy and Allegiance specially made & prescribed by our most wise, zealous, 
c 1 Eliz. c. 1. 5 Eli c. 1. 1 Jac. c. 4. 3 Jac. c. 4, 5. 7 Jac. c. 6. 18 Carloli. The Act for Triennial Parliaments.  Protestant Parliaments, to prevent the Treasonable Plots and designs of Popes, Jesuits, and Papists, against our Protestant Princes, Realms, Parliaments, Religion, though confirmed by many Statutes, and containing in them only the Declaration of such a Duty, as every true and well-affected Subject, not only by the bond of Allegiance, but also by the COMMANDMENT OF GOD, aught to bear to the King, his Heirs and Successors; and none but persons infected with Popish Superstition formerly oppugned, (as the Prologue of the Statute of 7 Jacobi c. 6. positively resolves) have by late State-innovators, not only been discontinued, suspended, but declaimed against and repealed (as much as in them lay) as 
d See the printed Edicts repeating them, and enforcing the Engagement An. 1649.  UNLAWFUL OATHS, 
e See the Propositions for the Treaty.  The New Oath for abjuration of Popery, with all Bills against Jesuits and Papists, presented to the late King by both Houses the last Parliament, and by him consented to in the Isle of Wight, wholly laid aside, and quite buried in oblivion. The Solemn Protestation, League and Covenant prescribed by the last Parliament, and taken by all the well-affected in all the three Kingdoms (to 
f See the Preface to the Covenant.  prevent the dangerous plots of Papists and Jesuits, and our common enemies to destroy our Religion, Churches, Realms, Government, Parliaments, Laws, Liberties) quite antiquated, decried, detested, and a 
g See the Edicts for the Engagement, An. 1649.  New Engagement forcibly imposed under highest penalties and disabilities upon all men, diametrically contrary to these Oaths, Protestations and Covenants, which have been (by a new kind of Papal Power) publicly dispensed with, and the people absolved from them, to become sworn Homagers to other new selfcreated Lords and Masters. And are not all these, to considerate zealous Protestants, strong Arguments of the Jesuits Predominancy in our late counsels changes of Government?  
5. That the Notion of THE PRESENT GOVERNMENT, (in my weak apprehension) deriving its original from the Jesuites-late invented 
h Bellarmin de Pontif. Romano. Sir Humph. Lined his Via devi●.  PRESENT CHURCH, the only Supreme Power, and Judge of Controversies, which all men must submit unto without dispute by their determination as they must do to that present Republican Government, and new Optimacity, and Popularity lately set up instead of our Monarchy. Which two forms of Government, as they were the inventions of Factious Grecians at first, which put all their Cities into Combustions, fury, frenzy, and civil wars against each other, to their utter overthrow in conclusion, witness these verses of 
i See Grotius de ●ure Belli & Pacis, l. 3. c. 15. p. 537.  Heniochus an ancient Greek Comedian:  
Tum geminae ad illas accesserunt Mulieres (RITAS QUAE CUNCTA CONTURBARUNT: OPTIMA- Est nomen alieri: alteri POPULARITAS; (RUNT. Quarum incitatu PRIDEM EXTERNATAE FUso 
k watson's Quodlibets, p. 320, 321, 312, 332, 333.  Parsons, 
l De Monar. Hisp. c. 25.  Campanella, 
m Conte De Galiazzo, Gualdo Priorato part. 3. p. p, 165, 176. Prorato Hist.  Cardinal Rech●li●u, designed to introduce and set them up amongst us in England, Scotland and Ireland, of purpose to divide and destroy us by civil wars and combustions, and bring us under their Jesuitical power at last, as the marginal Authorities declare to all the world. And if this be undeniable to all having any sense of Religion, Peace or public Safety left within their breasts, is it not more then high time for us to awake out of our former lethargy, and sordid, selfish stupidity, to prevent our ruin, by these and other forementioned Jesuitical practices? Or can any English man, or real Parliament be justly offended with me for this impartial discovery of them? And for my endeavours to put all the dislocated Members and broken bones of our old inverted Fundamental body Politic into their due places, joints and postures again, without which there is no more 
n See 1 Cor. 12. 12. to 31. 25 H. 8. c. 22. 1 Jac. c. 1, 2. 3 Jac, c. 1, 2.  possibility of reducing it to its pristine health, ease, settlement, tranquillity, prosperity, or of preserving it from per●ecual pain, inquieration, consumption and approaching death, thereof a natural body whose principal members continue disjointed, and bones broken all in pieces, as all prudent State-Physitians must acknowledge.  
These five Considerations, together with the Premises; will I presume sufficiently justify this my undertaking and impartial discovery of Jesuitical Plots to ruin our Church, Religion, Kingdoms, Parliaments, Laws, Liberties, Government, against all malicious Enemies, Accusers, Maligners whatsoever, before all the Tribunals of God or Men, where I shall be ready to justify them upon all occasions. In perpetual testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my Hand, and by God's Grace shall ever be ready to seal them and the truth of God with my blood, if called out to do it.  
Swainswick, Aug. 12. 1654. Will. Prynne.   

A Legal and Historical Vindication of the Fundamental, Rights, and Laws of England.  

CHAP. III.  
I Have in the two precedent Chapters fully proved, That the Kingdom, and Freemen of England have some ancient hereditary just Rights, Liberties, Franchises, Laws and Customs properly called Fundamental, together with a Fundamental Government, no ways to bealtered, undermined, subverted directly or indirectly to the public prejudice, underpain of high Treason in those who shall attempt it, especially by fraud, force or armed power; and given you likewise the heads of the chiefest of them in X brief Propositions. I shall now in the third place proceed, in a Chronological way, to present you with a large Historical Catalogue of the several national, Parliamental, Legal, Martial public and private contests, great Charters, Laws, Statutes, Votes, Declarations, Remonstrances, Claims, Records, Evidences, Writs, Oaths, Vows, Protestations, Covenants, Excommunications, Confirmations, Judgements, Resolutions, and principal Authorities in all ages, both under the ancient Britons, Saxons, Danes, Normans and English Kings, till our present times; plentifully, undeniably evidencing, declaring, vindicating, asserting, establishing, perpetuating these Fundamental, Hereditary Rights, Liberties, Privileges, Franchises, Customs, Laws: and abundantly manifesting the extraordinary zeal, courage, wisdom, and vigilancy of our Ancestors, to defend, preserve and perpetuate them to posterity, without the least violation or diminution.  
I shall begin with the highest Antiquities extant in our Histories, pertinent to my Theme, and so descend to those of punier times, relating all of them for the most part (except here and there where the identity of the subject matter and desire of brevity occasion me to vary somewhat from this intended method) according to their Antiquity and Chronological series of time, referring such particulars of them as relate to each of the forementioned X. Propositions in the second Chapter, only with figures in the margin, designing the several Propositions unto which they have more immediate reference; without reducing these Historical Collections to distinct heads under every Proposition in order, as I have proposed them; which course would have interrupted my Chronological Method, and caused a frequent repetition of sundry passages, Charters, Acts, Oaths, Records, relating to several of these Propositions for the most part, not to one of them alone, which I shall now avoid by affixing the number of single Proposition whereunto they refer in the margin, eachwherewith the Reader may easily compare them, with more delight, and as much satisfaction, as if I had marshaled them all in rank and file under those distinct Propositions whereunto they have relation. As for those Historical passages which contain the several public Parliamental or Martial contests of our Ancestors, with their Kings and other invading Nations, for their Liberties, Rights, Laws, Customs, and great Charters in the general, I have annexed no figures unto them, every of them for the most part, referring to all or most of these Propositions in gross, though not particularly specified in these contestations for them.  
And because I intent for the better confirmation of our ancient Fundamental Liberties, Privileges, Freedoms, Rights, Laws, Government, and greater benefit of Posterity, briefly to pass through the several successive Reigns and Dominions of the Britons, Romans, Saxons, Danes, Normans, as well as of our English Kings since the Conquest (as we usually style it) whereon I shall principally insist, as of greatest, nearest concernment to us of this generation, I shall for order sake, divide this Chapter into distinct Sections: the rather, because the largeness of it may occasion the Stationer to publish it (as he did the two first Chapters) in several parts, as they shall be Printed, the completing of the whole requiring longer time (in respect of my remoteness from the Press, and the largeness thereof) then the present usefulness of each part, and the longing desires of some Readers after it, would willingly allow for its publication in one whole volume, which every man's purse who desires it, cannot so easily purchase in these necessitous times, as it may do in parcels.  

SECTION I.  
Concerning the Ancient Britons contests for their Liberties and Laws, against Tyrants, and Invaders of their Fundamental Government Rights, and of their great Counsels till the Romans Couquest.  
IT is agreed by all our Historians, that the Britons were the original known Inhabitants of this Island, from whom it was styled Britain; but from what foreign Nations the Britons descended, our Antiquaries differ in opinion: our later writers herein dissenting from those of former ages, with whom I must begin.  
Most of our 
a Heur. Huntindon hist. l. 1. p. 1. Galfr. Monum. hist. l. 1. Math. Westm. Flores Hist. Aetes' 3. p. 23, 24. Ponticus Virunnius hist. l. 1. Polychronicon, Fabian, and sundry others.  ancient Historians, and the whole famous Parliament held at Lincoln, Anno 28 E. 1. (in the learned 
* Walsingh. Hist. Angl. p. 49, etc.  Letter therein compiled and agreed to be sent by the King to Pope Boniface, to prove the subjection and homage of the Kingdom and Kings of Scotland from time to time to the Kings of England jure Dominii, as Supreme Lords thereof, by Historical precedents in former ages, collected out of all Histories and Records then extant) unanimously record, That the Britons originally descended from the Trojans; that they arrived here in Britain about the days of Ely the Priest, under Brute their first King, who divided it at his death into three distinct parts and Kingdoms between his three Sons; leaving that part thereof now called England (then Loegria) to Loerinus his eldest Son and his Heirs, as an hereditary, not elective Kingdom, according to the custom of the Trojans; 
b Tho. Walsingham. Hist. Angl. 〈◊〉. 1232. p. 50.  Petebal enim Troana consuetudo, ut dignitas Hereditatis primogenito perbeni●et, as our Historians; and that whole Parliament of 28 E. 1. resolve. So that an Hereditary Kingdom and Monarchical Government by Kings, was the original Fundamental Government settled in this Island by Brute; and that as well in those parts thereof since called Scotland and Wales, as England, which all our 
c Galfr. Monum. hist. l. 1. c. 11. Math. West. Floreshist. p. 16, 17. Ponticus Virunn. hist. l. 1.  Historians, asserting this original of the Britons unanimously attest, with that answer which Diana gave unto Brute before his arrival in Britain, when she directed him to come and seat himself therein, further evidenceth, if we may give any credit hereunto.  
Brute sub occasu Solis, trans Gallica Regna  
Insula in Oceano est, undique clausa mari:  
Insula in Oceano est habitata Gigantibus olim,  
Nunc deserta quidem, Gentibus apta tuis.  
Hanc pete, namque tibi sedes erit illa perennis,  
Hic fiet natis altera Troja tuis.  
Hic de prole tua reges nascentur, & ipsis  
Totius terrae subditus orbis erit.  
With this concurreth the more authentic testimony of 
d See Camd. Brit. p. 29, 30.  Cornelius Tacitus; The Britons heretofore were governed by Kings; now they are divided by petty Princes into Parties and Factions: with that of Pomponius Mela, Britain bringeth forth Nations, and Kings of Nations.  
The very first act that made their first King Brute most famous before his arrival in Britain, 
e Galfr. Monum. hist. l. 1. c. 4, to 12. and Math. West. p. 14, 15, 17, 18.  was his delivering of 7000 Trojans, his native Countrymen (with their wives and children) from their Servitude and Bondage under King Pandrasus and the Grecians, whom he vanquished and took Prisoner in Battle, and thereby restored them to their lost Liberty. 
Proposit. 5, 6, 9  After which Victory, Brute major●● na●u convocavit, assembling the Elders of the People (in nature of a Parliament) demanded their advice, what he should do with Pandrasus, and what things and conditions he should for their benefit demand of him, which he would willingly grant being in their power. Whereupon some advised him to demand a part of his Kingdom for them freely to inhabit: others counselled, rather to demand of him free liberty for them all to depart thence, with accommodations for their voyage to seek another habitation elsewhere; others advised to bring Pandrasus forth a●d to put him to death, and seize upon his Realm, in case he refused to grant their demands. At last Mempritius, a great Counsellor standing up said, Regem interficere cupiditate Dominandi nefas mihi videtur, cum omnibus licitum sit pro patria pugnade; To slay a King out of a desire of reigning in his stead, seems a wickedness unto me, seeing it is lawful to all men to fight for their Country: (this was the Divinity and Morality of the very Pagan Britons in that age) Whereupon I rather advise, that we should demand his eldest daughter from him as a Wife for our Captain Brute, and a good sum of Gold and Silver with her for her dowry, with Ships and all other necessaries for our jouruey, and free licence to transport ourselves to some other Country, because we can never hope to live peaceablely there, seeing the Children and Nephews of those which we have newly slain in these Wars, would meditate revenge. To the which, Tota Multi●udo acquievit, all the Multitude assented; and Pandrasus to save his life and gain his enlargement, willingly condescended to, 
Proposit. 5. 10.  furnishing them with Ships and Provisions. With which Brute and all his associates arriving at Totnes in Albion, seating themselves there, Brute from his name styled this Island Britain, and his Companions Britons, destroying those few Giants which formerly possessed it; and then building a City which he styled Troy-Novant (now London) dedicavit eam civibus jure victuris, deditque legem qua pacifice tractarentur.  
In this History of our first British King Brute, we have these 5. remarkable particulars;  
1. A War to shake off Slavery, and recover public Liberty.  
2. A kind of General Parliamentary Council summoned by Brute, of all the Elders of the Britons, to advise of Peace, War, and of their common safety and affairs.  
3. A resolution against killing even a Tyrannical oppressing King, taken in the field in Battle, out of Covetousness to enjoy his Crown and Dominions, as a most wicked act.  
4. A settling of an hereditary Kingly Government in this Isle upon the very first plantation of the Britons in it.  
5. Laws made and given to the people, whereby they might live peaceably without injury or oppression.  
This Kingdom descended in lineal succession from Brute and his Posterity, to 
f Galfr. Monum. Hist. Reg. Brit. l. 2. c. 11. Ponticus Virunnius hist. Brit. l. 2. Mat. Westm. p. 27, 28.  Leir Son of King Bladud, who reigning 60. years, and having only three Daughters, Consilio procerum Regni, by the Counsel of the Nobles of the Realm (assembled in Parliament) gave two of his Daughters in marriage to the Dukes of Cornwall and Albania, with one Moiety only of the Island whiles he lived, and the whole Monarchy of Britain after his death. After this, Porrex slaying his elder Brother Ferrex to get the Crown, was slain by his own Mother and her maids for his Treason and Fratricide; whereupon civil discord arising a long time, the Kingdom thereby was subjected to five several Kings, who infested one another with mutual slaughters, till 
g Gildas hist. c. 19 Galfr. Monum. l. 2. c. 17. Math. West. p. 51. 52. Tho. R●dburni Chron. Dr. Usher De Brit. Eccles. Primordiis. p. 127, 128. Fox. Acts and Monuments Vol. 1. p. 211. 212. Ponticus Virunmus Brit. hist. l. 2.  Dunwallo Molmutius succeeding his Father Clotho King of Cornwall in the Crown, slaying the usurping Kings of Loegria, Wales and Albania, reigned alone over them (about the time of Nehemiah) After which he enacted certain Laws, called Molmutine Laws; which for many ages after were very famous and generally observed among the Britons; yea used, commended by the Saxons and English, and inserted into Edward the Confessors Laws, being famous till William the conquerors time. What these Laws were in particular, in relation to the Liberty and Property of the Subject, appears not; but the issue proves, that they tended to public peace, and preservation of the Subject's persons and estates from violence. For in his Reign after these Laws published (for confirmation whereof he built the Temple of Concord in Troynovant, where he was afterwards buried) Latronum mucrones cessabant, 
Proposition 2. 4. 5.  Raptorum saevitiae obturabantur, nec l●erat usquam qui violentiam alicui ingereret; The swords of thiefs ceased, the cruelties of Plunderers and violent takers of men's Goods and possessions were prevented, neither was there any to be found in any place, who would offer violence to any man. Moreover he ordained, That the Temples of the Gods, and Cities, and the ways leading to them, and the Ploughs of Husbandmen should enjoy the privileges of Sanctuaries, so as every person who fled unto them through guilt or otherwise, might depart quietly with leave and without arrest before his enemy.  
After his death (about 400. years before our Saviour's Nativity) his two Sons Brennus and Belinus, by consent divided his Kingdom between them; till Brennus the younger Son, 
(h) Galfr. Monum. hist. l. 3. Ponticus Virunnius. Brit. Hist. l. 3. Math. Westm. Aetes' 5. p. 53. 54.  aspiring after the Monarchy of the whole Island, was vanquished and expelled by his Brother into France. In which War Gurthlac King of Denmark, aiding Brennus, was taken Prisoner by Belinus, Qui convocavit omnes Regni proceres, etc. who called together all the Nobles of the Realm to York, consilio eorum tractaturus, to debate by their Council (in nature of a Parliament) what he should do with Gurthlac, 
Proposit 5. 9  who proffered to submit himself with his Kingdom of Denmark to him, to pay him an annual Tribute, and to ratify this agreement by his Oath, and sureties for his enlargement and ransom▪ 
Proposit 5. 6 9▪  Whereupon the Nobles Resolved, that he should be enlarged upon this condition, which was done accordingly: Convocatis proceribus cum id judicatum fuisset assensum prebuerunt cuncti; that he should be enlarged upon these conditions,; as the Marginal Author's record. After which King Belinus obtaining the Government of the whole Island, Confirmed his Father Molmutines Laws, commanding upright and stable Justice to be done throughout the Land, and the ways to the Temples to be marked out in all places with stones, that they might not be ambiguous, being privileged from arrests and violence. This King addicting himself constantly to Justice, the people thereby became more wealthy in few years, than ever they had been in former times. After this Brennus arriving with an Army out of France to recover his right; Belinus being ready to encounter him in a set Battle, their Mother mediated a Peace between them, 
Proposit▪ 9  whereupon they lovingly embraced each other: and going to Troynovant, inito concilio quid agerent; having there hold a Council what they should do, they Resolved to send a common Army to conquer France, and other Foreign parts, which they put in execution. Here we have matters of War and Peace, and Laws concluded and ratified in and by a Parliament of Nobles in this age.  
King 
i Galfr. Monum. & Ponticus Virunn. hist. Brit. l. 3. Math. West. Aetas. 5. p. 5. 6. Fox Acts and Mon. vol. 1. p. 211, 212.  Guithelin, to whom the Crown lineally descended from Belinus, married Martia a Noble woman, learned in all arts, who invented the Law which the Britons called Martiana; which King Alfred approving, translated into the Saxon tongue and called it Marchen League. King Edward the Confessor making use of it in the collection and compiling of his Laws, hereafter mentioned. Though this Queen first invented this Law, no doubt it was ratified by public consent of the King her Husband, and the Nobles in their general Council in that age, else it could not have the force of a Law, by her bare penning of it. 
Proposit. 5.  Gorbonius grandchild to Guithelin and Martia coming to the Crown by descent, governed his people most justly according to these forecited Laws, it being his continual custom, to give due honour to the Gods in the first place, and then to administer right justice to the people. He encouraged Husbandmen in their tillage, and defended them from the injuries of their Lords; and he enriched his Soldiers with gold and silver, so as none of them had need to do any injury or violence to any other.  

k Galfr. Monum. hist. Brit. l. 3. c. 16, 17. Math. West. p. 56, 57, etc. Ponticus Virunnius l. 3. Fabian, Holinshed, Grafton, Speed in their lives.  Archigallo his Brother succeeding, degenerated from him in all his actions; for he endeavoured every where, Nobiles quosque deprimere, to depress all that were Noble, and to advance ignoble persons, to take away rich men's goods and money by violence, thereby heaping up infinite treasures: which the Nobles of the Realm refusing to endure any longer, rose up against and deposed him from his royal Throne, creating his brother Elidurus' King in his stead. He, after five years' reign, meeting his deposed brother in a wood as he was hunting, ran to him, embraced, kissed and brought him to his own royal Bedchamber privately, and then summoned Proceres omnes et principes, all the Nobles and Princes of the Realm to come speedily to his City of Alclud; who repairing thither, he saigning himself to be very sick, commanded every of them one by one, to come into his Bedchamber to visit him: which they thus doing, he threatened presently to cut off all their heads as they entered singly, unless they would consent to submit themselves again to Archigallo as their Sovereign; which they, through fear of death assenting to, he made an agreement between them, and then carrying him to York, took the Crown from his own head, and set it on his brothers Archigallo. For which memorable selfdenying pious act to his brother, he was styled Elidurus pius. Archigallo upon his restitution corrected his former errors, deposed all ignoble persons, advanced the Nobility, permitted every man to enjoy what was his own, 
(l) Galfr. M●num. hist l. 3. c. 19 Ponticus Virunnius l. 3. Math. West p 67  and administered right justice to his people.  
Ennianus his Son (King after him) treating his Subjects ill, was deposed by them from the Throne of the Kingdom, because he contrarying justice, preferred Tyranny; Edwallo being made King in his place: who instructed by his Predecessors oversights, Jus atque rectitudinem colebat, followed Law and rectitude, as did others of his successors.  
Our 
m Galfr. M●num & Ponticus Virunnius hist. Brit. l. 4. Math. West. p. 66, 67. Fabian, Holinshed, Grafton in the life of Cassibelan.  Histories record, that about 54. years before our Saviour's birth, Julius Caesar having conquered France, espying Britain from thence, having learned the name of the I'll and Nation, sent messengers thence to Cassibelan King of Britain, exacting with threats an annual Tribute from him and the Britons to be paid to the Roman Senate, as well as from other Naiions, else he should be enforced to transport his Army and shed their blood. Whereupon Cassibelan returned this answer to him in writing.  
Cassibelanus King of the Britons to Cajus Julius Caesar, Marvellous, O Caesar, is the covetousness of the Roman people, who thirsting after gold and silver in all places, cannot suffer us placed beyond the World, within the perils of the Ocean, to be quiet, but presume to affect our Tribute and Revenues, which we have hitherto peaceably possessed. Neither verily will this suffice, unless renouncing our Liberty we shall make subjection to him; and thereby undergo perpetual servitude; therefore Caesar thou hast demanded A shameful thing; seeing the vein of common Nobility flows from Aeneas, both to the Britons, and Romans, and one and the same bond of kindred, lives still in both, whereby they ought to be knit together in firm amity. This therefore should have been required of us, not servitude, because we have learned, rather to give this then to bear the yoke of Servitude. For we have been so much accustomed to enjoy Liberty, that we are altogether ignorant what it is to obey Servitude. Which Liberty if the Gods themselves should endeavour to take from us, verily we would strive with all our might to resist them, that we might retain it. Be it known therefore to thee Caesar, That we are prepared and resolved to fight for it, and for our Realm, if, as thou hast threatened, thou shall begin to come upon the Isle of Britain.  
Hereupon C●sar preparing his Navy and Forces, arrived with his army at the mouth of Thames: the Britons though at civil wars among themselves before, upon this necessity, united themselves together to oppose the Romans, and communi consilio, (as 
n Comment. l. 5. John Stow his Survey of London p. 2. Speeds Hist. of Great Britain p. 48.  Caesar himself and others write) by common advice and assent, (in a Parliament of that age) elected Cassibelan for their General, and committed the managing of the Wars to him: who gathering the whole strength of the Britons together consilium querens a Principibue Regni, as some, and a proceribus suis, 
Proposit. 5. 9  as others record; taking council with the Princes of the Realm and his Nobles, how to re●●e the enemies, they resolved to resist their Landing, and to assault them in their tents, before they had fortified themselves, or taken any Town, and so to repel them. Which advice they pursuing, opposed their landing, and forced the Romans that were landed to their ships, and compelled Caesar to return into France, as our British Historians assert, though Caesar in his Commentaries, to cover his dishonour, relates the contrary. The year following Caesar recruiting his Army landed again in Cornwall, and was repulsed by Cassibelan the second time with great loss. Whereupon Cassibelan joyful of his victory, returning to Troynovant, Edictum fecit, ut omnes proceres Britannie Convenirent, made an Edict, that all the Nobles of Britain should assemble together at Troynovant, to offer public praises and Sacrifices to his Gods, who had made him to triumph over so great an Emperor as Caesar: At this assembly, Evelin Nephew to Androgeus' Duke of Trionovant, playing with Herelgas Nephew to Cassibelan, upon a sudden quarrel between them, cut of Herelgas head; at which the King being very angry, commanded Evelin to be brought before his presence, and to be ready, sententiam quam proceres Dictarent, 
Proposit. ●.  or talem sententiam quam proceres Regni judicarent subire, to undergo such a sentence and judgement as the Nobles and Peers of the Realm should pronounce, that Herelgas might net remain unrevenged, in case he were unjustly slain. Androgeus suspecting the King's mind towards his Nephew, answered, Se●e suam curiam habere et in illa diffiniri debere, 
* Or, si quis adversus aliquem suorum querimoniam haberet, as others render it,  quicquid aliquis in homines suos clamaret: Si ergo rectitudinem Evelino decrevisset appetere, ipsum in urbe Troinovanto ex veterum traditione recepisset. That he had his own Court, and that in it what ever any one complained of against his men, aught to be determined, therefore if he decreed to desire justice against Evelin, he might receive it in the City Troynovant, according to the custom of the Ancients. Upon this answer, they departing discontented one from another, Cassibelan threatened to invade and waste Androgeus his Country withfire and sword, unless he delivered up his Nephew to justice; which he peremptorily refusing, Cassibelan wasted his Country accordingly, notwithstanding all his entreaties by his kindred and friends to divert him from it. Hereupon Androgeus sent messengers to Caesar, complaining of this ingrate and injurious violence, and craving assistance from him against Cassibelan, (who endeavoured to disinherit him of his Country by whose means he had inherited his own, and gotten the victory over the Romans) promised to join his forces with him, and so make him Lord of all Britain, if he would by his power restore him to his former dignity and possessions: for which he giving Hostages to Caesar; he thereupon returning into Britain routed Cassibelan and his whole Army by Androgeus his means, and besieged him in a steep mountain to which he fled, where he was very likely to be taken prisoner in a few days by famine. Cassibelan thus distressed, sent to Androgeus, to remit the former injuries he had done him, and to make his peace with Caesar. Upon which he returning to himself, taking pity on his own nation, and Sovereign, though he had done him so much injury, repaired and used these memorable words to Caesar.  
Behold thou hast sufficienily revenged thyself upon Cassibelan, and subjected Britain to thee by my assistance; Noluerunt dii omnipotentes nostri, ut Dominum meum morte turpissima condemnnari, aut vinculis patiar irretiri. Habeto igitur misericordiam de eo; Quia me vivente ipse periolitari non poterit, cui auxilium meum reddere non erubescam, nisi consilio meo parueris. For our omnipotent Gods will not that I should suffer my Lord and King to be condemned to a most shameful death; or to be bound in Chains. Have mercy therefore upon him; because whiles I live he shall not be in danger, to whom I will not be ashamed to contribute my aid, unless thou wilt obey my counsel. (O the memorable faith and Loyalty of this much oppressed, injured Noble Pagan Briton, to his Sovereign in his distresses, notwithstanding all his former injuries and oppressions, worthy all heroic Saints and true Christian Loyal English Subjects imitation, and shaming some strange extravagant contrary practices of late times!) Upon which speech, Caesar being pacified, made this agreement with Cassibelan: That he should promise to render to Caesar and the Romans, three thousand pounds of silver every year, by way of Tribute. And so being made friends they bestowed mutual gifts on each other. After which Caesar wintering in the Island, returned in the Spring with his Army into France, and from thence marched towards Rome against Pompey.  
From these few passages of the ancient Britons, before and till the Roman Conquest, it is apparent;  
1. That the ancient Fundamental Government of the Britons in this Island, was only an Hereditary Kingship and Dominion. And although, about Caesar's time, they had many petty Kings and Kingdoms, yet those Kings had the style, honour, power of Kings, within their respective Kingdoms, and were hereditary, as Tacitus, Dion, and others cited by 
q See Camd. Brit. p. 15, 29, 30, 32, 35, 41, 43, 44, 48, to 53. Speed Hist. p. 47, to 51. Dr. Usher de Brit. Eccles. Primordiis c. 4.  Mr. Camden attest, as well as our British stories.  
2. That the British Kings were obliged to govern their subjects justly, and righteously, according to the established Laws of those times, which secured their Liberties, Properties, Goods, Lives against all violence and arbitrary Tyranny, Rapines, Taxes.  
3. That the 
r See Ca●nd. Brit. p. 15, 30.  Britons had their national Counsels or Parliaments, consisting of their Kings, Princes and Nobles, wherein they consulted of all weighty affairs, concluded of War and Peace, and enacted and confirmed public Laws. And the rarity of these Common-Councels (by reason of their intestine discords) was the greatest help and advantage the Romans had to conquer them, as Tacitus observes in the life of Agricola.  
4. That they had Legal and proper Courts for trying all differences and malefactors according to their Laws and ancient Customs and trials by their Peers.  
5. That they were very zealous careful and, courageous to defend their Liberties, Properties, Laws against all Tyrannical oppressing Kings, Usurpations and foreign Invaders, and to spend their lives in their defence, not enduring Slavery, Bondage, or Tributes.  
6. That their Nobles were persons of greatest power, had in great respect, and consulted with by their Kings upon all occasions, as their Great Council, they doing nothing of moment but by their advice and consent.  
7. That though they were stout opposers of Tyrannical oppressing Princes, yet they were very Loyal and obedient to those who were just, and never offered violence to any of their persons, whom they deposed for misgovernment. And so much concerning the ancient Britons before and till their begun Conquest by Julius Caesar, before our Saviour's Nativity 54. years.   

SECTION II.  
Concerning the Britons Contests and Wars against Tyrants and foreign Invaders for their Liberties, Cowtry, Laws, and their Great Counsels (or Parliaments) from Caesar's Conquests, during the Romans Dominion, and until the Saxons supplanted them, and succeeded in their places.  
AFter the death of Caesar and Cassibelan the Britons continuing for a time under the Government of their own hereditary Kings 
* Galfr. Mon. hist. l. 4. c. 11. Ponticus Virun. l. 4. & Mat. West.  Tennancius the next succeeding King, though he was warlike, yet vigorem Justitiae colebat, he executed Justice vigorously. Kymbelinus his Son succeeding him, being educated by Augustus Caesar, fell into so great friendship with the Romans, ut cum possit Tributum eorum detinere, gratis impendebat; that he freely bestowed their Tribute on them, when as he might have detained it, being imposed on Cassibelan only by power of the invading sword of Caesar without right, which bound neither him nor the Britons in Justice or conscience, both Caesar and Cassibelan being dead. In the 5. year of his Reign our Saviour Christ was borne.  
In the 
† Galfr. Mon. l. 4. c. 13. to 17▪ Ponticus Virun. l. 4. Mat. West. ann. 22, 44, 57,  22 year of our Saviour's Nativity Guiderius succeeding his Father Kymbelinus, 
Anno Dom▪ 22, 44, 52.  refused to render the accustomed tribute to the Romans, which none of his Ancestors from the time of Julius Caesar durst to refuse. Hereupon Anno Christi 44. the Emperor ●laudius with a great Army invaded the Island, to conquer and reduce it under Tribute, who was encountered and routed by Guiderius at the first, but he being afterwards slain by the policy of Laelius Hamo, the Britons being likely to lose the field, Arviragus the slain King's brother, putting on his Arms, encouraged the Britons so, that they forced the Romans to forsake the field. Claudius afterwards besieging Arviragus (who succeeded his brother) in Winchester, they fell to a treaty. Claudius' proffered Arviragus, that he should marry his daughter, and hold the Kingdom of Britain peaceably from the Romans under the ancient Tribute; upon which, suaserunt majores natu Arbiago promissionibus Claudii acquiescere; The elders (assembled no doubt in council about it) persuaded Arviragus to consent to Claudius his promises, for they said, it was no disgrace to him to be subject to the Romans, seeing they enjoyed the Empire of the whole; world: Paruit Arviragus & consilio suorum Cesari subjectionem fecit: Arviragus obeyed, and by the advice of his council did homage to Caesar. Anno Christi 52. Arviragus refused to be any longer subject to the Roman power, or to pay them Tribute. Whereupon Claudius sent Vespasian to reduce him to obedience; who after one battle fought with great loss on both sides, came to an agreement. After which 
* John Trivianth, Malmesb. and others, cited by Bishop Usher de Brit. Eccles. Primordiis c. 4. Mat. Pa●●. Anti. Brit. p. 3, 4▪  Anno 63. Joseph of Arimathea with XI. more of Phillip's Disciples arrived in Britain, and preached the Gospel boldly; to whose Preaching Arviragus (cum proceribus suis) with his Nobles and People, hearing such new and unaccustomed things, utterly refused to consent to their Doctrine, neither would they change the traditions of their Fathers; yet because they came from far, and their lives held forth modesty and meekness, the King at their Petition, granted them the Isle of; Glastonbury, then horrid and untilled, surrounded with woods, bushes and lakes, to inhabit. Which grant his two next successors Marius and Coillus, 
† Mat West. ann. 73. 78. Galfr. Mon. l. 4. c. 17, 1●. Pontiens Virnun. l. 4.  (who exercised Justice and Law, reverenced the Nobles of the Realm, and paid the Tribute to the Romans, because all the world was subject to them,) by his example confirmed; giving to each of them one hide of Land a piece (to this day called the 12. hides of Glastonbury) confirmed to the Abbey of Glastonbury, afterwards by the Charters of many of our Christian Saxon Kings, ratified in their great Counsels and Parliaments.  
By these passages it is clear, That Taxes and Tributes not granted and assented to in Parliament, though imposed by a Conquering Invader, bind not the Nation, or succeeding Kings. That matters of Peace and War were determined in Common-Councels and Parliaments in that age; That no public change in Religion or Customs could be made without the Kings and Nobles consents; and that the grant of the King of any Crown Lands without common consent in Parliament, bound not his successors, unless they specially confirmed them by their new Charters.  
How many bloody Battles with various success the ancient Britons under the conduct of their Kings and Queens fought against the Roman Emperors, Claudius, Vespasian, and their Generals, Officers and Forces after Julius Caesar's time, for defence of their Native Liberties, Rights, Laws, Government, Country, and to exempt themselves from all Tributes, Taxes, Purveyances, imposed on, or exocted from them by the Romans. How impatient they were of bearing any Taxes or Imposts, they never knowing what Servitude was, being borne only for themselves, and always free unto themselves, free from all contagion of Tyranny. How oft they revolted from, and rebelled against the Romans from time to time for their Oppressions, Taxes, turning them out of their ancient inheritances by force, and using them rather like Slaves then Freemen. You may read at large in Cornelius Tacitus, Annal. l. 14. and in the life of Agricola, in Mr. Camden's Britannia, p. 24, to 48. Speed, Holinshed and others, and more especially in the notable speeches of Caractacus and Galgacus, encouraging the Britons manfully to fight for their Country, Liberty, Laws, etc. recorded in these Authors; the later of them thus justly taxing the Romans Usurpation, Ambition, Covetousness, Rapines and Tyranny in these words; 
a Tacitus in vita Agricolae. Camd. Brit. p. 58  Robbers they be of the world, who having left no more land to spoil, now search also the Sea. If their enemies be rich, they covet their wealth; if poor, they seek to gain glory; to 
* Is not this our condition now?  take away by main force, to kill and spoil, they falsely term Empire and Government: when they lay all wasie as a Wilderness, that they call Peace. That every man should hold his own children and blood most dear, nature hath ordained: and even those are pressed for Soldiers and carried away to serve as Slaves elsewhere; our substance they draw from us for Tribute; our Corn for provision; our very Bodies and Lands they wear out and consume, in paving of Bogs, and ridding of Woods, with a thousand stripes and reproachful indignities besides. Slaves yet, which be born to bondage, are bought and sold once for all, and afterwards fed and found at their own expenses. But Britain daily buyeth, daily feedeth, and is at daily charge with her own Bondage. And as in a private retinue of household Servants, the fresh man and last comer is laughed and scoffed at by his other-fellowes, even so in this old servitude of the whole World, our destruction only is sought, as being the latest and vilest in account of all other, etc. We as yet were never touched, never foiled, never subdued; as men therefore that mean to maintain their Freedom, not for the Present but for ever, let us show straightways in the first joining, what manner of men, Caledonia reserved in store for herself, etc. It is not by their own virtue, but by our jarrings and discords that yet the Romans are grown into fame: to our shame be it spoken, many of our own Nation, now lend their lives to establish a foreign Usurper, not out of any loyal affection, but out of fear and terror, weak links and bonds of love. Remove but them once, those who shall cease to fear, will soon begin to hate. The free Cities are discontent and in factions, while those who are under them, obey with ill will, and they that do govern, rule against right. Here is the General, and here is the Army; there are the Tributes, here be the metal mines, and other miseries inseparably following them that live under the subjection of others; which either to continue or endure for ever, it lieth this day in this field. Wherefore as you are going to Battle, bear in your minds, both the Freedom of your Ancestors, and the Bondage of your Posterity. Upon which Speech they manfully sought with the Romans, preferring their Liberties before their lives.  
About the year of Christ 50. the Romans extraordinarily oppressed the Britons under Claudius the Emperor. 
An. Dom. 50. Tacitus Annal. l. 14. Speeds Hist. of great Brit. ●. 66, to 70. Camd. Brit. p. 49 50  Laetus Decianus their Procurator, renewed the confiscation of their goods, which Claudius had pardoned. The Roman Colony at Camolodunum, thrust out the ancient Inhabitants, seating themselves in their possessions, without any other recompense but reproachful terms, calling them, their drudges, slaves and vassals, 
Proposit. 1. 4.  and the Temple there erected in honour of Claudius, was now become an eyesore to them, as an Altar of their perpetual subjection, whiles the Augusta●l Priests there attending, wasted all their wealth under pretext of Religion. And that which was their greatest grievance, Prasutagus King of the Iceni, famous for his riches, which he had been a long time gathering, by his will made Claudius and his own two daughters his heir; thinking by his flattery to make his Kingdom and house sufficiently secure from Injury: which fell out quite contrary: for his Kingdom by the Roman Centurions, and his house by Slaves was seized on and spoilt as lawful booty, his wife Boadicia whipped, his Daughters deflowered, the chiefest persons of that Province dispossessed of their lawful Inheritance, and the King's kindred reputed and used as slaves. Hereupon the Icenians began seriously to discourse of their present bondage and miseries, made subject to a Lieutenant, which sucked their blood, and to a Procurator that sought their substance, 
Is not this England's condition now?  whiles with a servile fear they yielded to please the meanest Soldier, as though the Heavens had framed them only for servitude, and the earth appointed to bear their injuries unrevenged; and meeting together in secret consultations, they ripped up their wrongs and oppressions, and aggravated them to the highest, saying, that no other good was to be looked for by their sufferance, but that more grievous burdens should be imposed upon them still, as men ready to bear all willingly, etc. That the Roman Soldiers from whose unsatiable avarice and unbridled lust nothing was free, were but a handful in respect of the Britons: that if they would but endeavour to follow the prowess and valour of their Ancestors, and not be dismayed with the doubtful success of one skirmish or two, they would soon enforce them to recede out of the Island, etc. In fine they resolved, That Liberty was to be preferred though bought with their lives, and Bondage to be avoided if not otherwise then by their deaths. Whereupon choosing Boadicea for their Leader, they suriously fell upon the insulting oppressing Romans, slew no less than seventy thousand of them and their confederates, sacked and plundered their free Town Verolamium, resolving to extirpate and drive them out of the Island. Upon this Suetonius the Roman Governor collecting all the Forces he could raise against her, She made a most gallant encouraging Oration to her Britons, thus aggravating their oppressions. What abuse can be so vile that we have not suffered, or indignity so contemptible, that we have not borne; my stripes, yet felt and seen against their own Laws, do witness well what Government they intent. Your wealth is consumed by their wasteful wantonness, your painful travels upholding their idleness, do seal the issues of our succeeding miseries, if not timely prevented by one joint endeavour. You that have known the Freedom of life will with me confess (I am sure) that Liberty (though) in a poor estate, is better than fetters of gold; and yet this comparison hath no correspondency in us, for we now enjoy no estate at all, nothing being ours but what they will leave us, and nothing left us that they can take away; having not so much as our very heads toll free. Other subdued Nations by death are quit from Bondage, but we after death must live servile and pay tribute even in our graves. Have the heavens made us the ends of the world, and have not assigned us the ends of our wrongs? Or hath nature among all her free works created us only Britons, for bondage? Why, what are the Romans? are they more than men, or immortal? Their slain carcases sacrificed by us, tell us, they are no Gods. But you will say, they are our Conquerors. Indeed overcome we are, but by ourselves, our own factions still giving way to their invasions. Our dissersions have been their only rising, and our designs been weakened by homebred Conspiracies. We have as much to keep as birthright can give us, that is, our Island possessed by our Ancestors from all antiquity; ours by inheritance, theirs by intrusion, claims so different in the scale of Justice, that the Gods themselves must needs redress. Whereupon the Britons fight valiantly, lost eighty thousand of their lives to redeem their Liberties; and Boadicea seeing her Army routed, chose rather, out of a noble spirit, to end her life and miseries together by poison, then to live under the Roman bondage and see her Country languish under their intolerable oppressions.  
About the year of our Lord 179. 
An. Dom. 185.  (or rather 185.) 
s Mat. West. An. 185. 187. Galfr. Mon. l. 4. c 19, 20. l. 5. c. 1. Ponticus Virun. l. 4, & 5. Lambards' Archai●n. Bishop Jewel reply against Harding Artic. 3. dives. 24. p. 141, 142. Antiq. Eccles. Brit. p. 5, 6. Fox Acts and M●n. vol. 1. Spelm. Concil. p. 32, 34, 35 Haris●ns Desc●ip. of Brit▪ l. 1. c. 9 Godwin Conversion of Brit. Dr. Usher de Eccles. Brit. Primordiis c 3, 4▪ 5. Holinshed, Speed, Grafton▪ Stow in the life of Lucius.  Lucius' King of Britain (who succeeded his Father Coillus by descent) being converted to the Christian faith with most of his Nobles and Subjects (the first Christian King and Kingdom in the world) petitioned Pope Eleutherius (as the marginal Authors testify) Ad Petitionem Regis, et procerum Regni Britanny (assembled no doubt in a general Council when they made and sent this Petition) to send a copy of the Imperial Roman Laws to govern the people by: who returned the King this answer in writing.  
You have requested from us, that the Laws of Rome and Caesar might be sent over, which you desire to use in the Realm of Britain. The Roman and Caesar's Laws we may always reject, but the Law of God in no wise. You have received of late through God's mercy in the Realm of Britain, the law and faith of Christ; y●u have with you in the Realm both Testaments, out of them by God's grace, per consilium Regni vestri sume ●egem, by the Council of your Realm take a Law, and by it through the patience of God govern your Realm of Britain; For you are God's Vicar in the Realm▪ etc. The King's children are the Christian Nations who live and consist in the Realm under your protection and peace, according to that in the Gospel, As the hen gathereth the chickens under her wings; the Nations and people of the Realm are yours, which being divided you aught to congregrate into one, 
Proposit. 5.  t● reduce to concord and peace, and to the faith and Law of Christ, and to the holy Church; to foster, maintain, protect, govern and always to defend from injurious and malicious persons and from enemies. Woe to the Realm whose King is a child, and whose Princes eat in the morning. I call not a King a child from his Nonage, but for his fol●y, iniquity and madness, according to the royal Prophet, Bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days, etc. A King is denominated from ruling, not from a Kingdom. Thou shalt be a King while thou rulest well: which unless thou shalt do, the name of a King shall not appear in thee, and thou shalt lose the name of a King, which God forbid. Almighty God grant you so to rule the Realm of Britain, that you may reign for ever with him, whose Vicar you are in the Realm aforesaid.  
This Epistle shows, 
Proposit. 5.  that the power of making Laws was vested only at that time, in this Pope's judgement, in the King and his great Council of the Realm, and that Kings only ought to rule and govern their people righteously, according to the Laws of God and the Realm, as God's Vicars upon earth, and to protect them from all violence, wrong and enemies. 
t Antiq. Eccles. Brit. p. 6.  Matthew Parker Archbishop of Canterbury, thus comments on this Epistle: That in condendis legibus, in making Laws, the King needed not the Pope's authority or assistance, having the books of the old and new Testament, out of which adhibito procerum consilio, by the Counsel of his Nobles, 
Proposit. 5.  he might take holy Laws, without any error, being sufficiently supported with his own, not a foreign authority he being God's Vicar in his own Realm; and representing his power to his people. After which, this King (by advice and consent of his Princes and Nobles) built and endowed many Churches with Glebes and Lands, abundantly confirming them with Charters and Muniments, and likewise ordained, that Churches and Churchyards should be so free, that no Malefactor or other persons flying to them, should be arrested, or suffer any violence in them.  
King 
u Mat. West. anno 201.  Lucius dying without heir (Anno Dom. 201) thereupon discord arose amongst the Britons, 
An. Dom. 201.  which gave great advantage to the Romans; who thought at first they 
x Tacitus in vita Agricolae. Camd. Brit. p. 43  suffered the British Kings to reign under them, making them the instruments of their own and their people's slavery, by their compliance with the Romans; yet at last perceiving, that divers of th●se British Kings, 
y Math. W●st. anno 201. Balaeus Cent. 1. Scrip. Brit. c. 30. Boetius l. 5 hist. Scotorum. Fo●don. Scotichronicon. l. 2. c. 31. Dr. Usher de Eccles. Brit. Primordiis. c. 3. p. 43, 44. Spelm. Concil. p. 35. Camd. Brit. p. 47, 49, 62, 63, 67, Tacit. Annal. l. 14.  to regain their own and their people's Liberties, did oft times rebel and raise up wars and seditions against them: Thereupon after King Lucius his death▪ to keep the Island in greater quietness and subjection under them, they made a decree, That none of the British blood or race should from thence forth be invested with royal dignity in the Isle; (as the principal means to keep them in perpetual slavery) and instead of one King, they placed over the Britons in every Province First, a Lieutenant with several 
* Is not this in a great part our present condition?  Garrisons of horse and fo●t, who disarmed all the Natives they suspected, sucked the people's blood, and vexed them with Soldiers and Contributions. Next a Procurator and Publicans▪ who like greedy●Cormorants and horseleeches, confiscated their goods, preyed upon their estates, and vexed them with perpetual exactions, extortions and reproachful abuses. Also a Praetor and Proconsul, with absolute power and commission to govern them after the Roman Laws, (not permitting them to use the ancient Laws of their Country) and to minister Justice in all capital matters with great pomp and severity. So that the Roman Laws were now only in use and force amongst the Britons, which a learned Poet thus expresseth,  
Cernitis ignotos Latia sub lege Britannos.  
And withal they endeavoured, constantly to nourish discord and division amongst the Britons themselves, and by these wily Policies kept them in subjection under them, who yet upon all occasions and advantages endeavoured to shake off the Roman yoke, and restore their native Liberties, Laws, Government with the hazard of their lives, as our Historians largely relate.  
About the year of Christ 286. 
An. Dom. ●●6.  Carausius a Briton, having gotten a Commission from Rome, 
z Mat. West. ann. 292, etc. Galfr. Monum. l. 5. c. 3, 4, 5, 6. Ponticus Virun, l. 5. Holinshed, Fabian, Grasion, Stow, Speed.  to defend▪ the Sea coasts of Britain from the incursions of barbarous Nations, raising great forces under that pretext, promised the Britons, That if they would choose him for their King, he would expel the Romans, and free the whole Island from the Barbarians: Whereupon they all consented and made him King; upon which he denied to pay the Romans their accustomed Tribute. The Senate being informed hereof, sent Alectus into Britain to reduce it; who joining battle with Carausius, slew him, and made a great slaughter of the Britons, because they revolted from the Roman republic, and subjected themselves to Carausius; who preferred their liberties before their lives. Alectus taking upon him the royal Diadem was soon after slain with most of his Roman Soldiers by Asclipiodorus Duke of Cornwall and the Britons fight to regain their Liberties; who crowned Ascl●piodorus King by common consent: He ruled them for X. years with right justice, restraining the cruelty of Plunderers and swords of Robbers, and freed them from the Roman tribute. Coel Duke of Colchester slaying him, and making himself King; the Romans having lost their tribute for above ten years' space, sent Constantius into Britain to reduce it under obedience: who no sooner landed, but Coel hearing of his great fame, and victories in other parts, sent Ambassadors to him, craving peace, and promising subjection, which he accepted of, exacting nothing but the usual tribute. Coel deceasing shortly after▪ leaving one only daughter Helena to inherit the Kingdom, Constantius married and begot upon her that famous Constantine the Great.  
This Emperor 
a Pomponius Laetus, and Speeds History.  Constantius Chlorus, 
An. Dom. 302.  coming into Britain to govern it about the year of Christ 302. finding the ill effects of others tyranny and rapine, showed himself very loving, gentle, affable and kind to the people, little regarding his private profit, 
Proposit. 1.  but altogether reigning to enrich his subjects: and to that end would often say, (I would our late and present Tax-imposing Governors would remember it) That it was more behooveful for the public, that the wealth of the Land should be dispersed into the Commons hands, then to lie locked up in Prince's coffers (or in such a Common Treasury, 
Anno 313.  as our new Projectors have provided for it by the 28, 29. Articles of their Ill-sounding instrument, after which they would have us henceforth dance.)  
The 
b See Beda Eccles. hist. l. 1. c. 6. Math. West. ann. 313. p. 131. Gildas. de Excid. Britan. Zonaras, Paulus, Dia●conius and others in his life  Emperor Constantine the Great, his Son (borne and crowned both King and Emperor in Britain) amongst other good Laws, made these two memorable ones, for the relief of poor Christians injuriously banished, and deprived of their Lands, and Goods by Diocletian, Maximinian, Licinius and other persecuting Pagan Roman Emperors, about the year 313. wherein he restored the banished Christians to their native Countries, Lands and former dignities, as the Marginal Author's witness. Which Laws are recorded in 
c See Euseb. Eccles. hist. l. 3. c. 15.  Eusebius de vita Constantini, l. 2. c. 30, 31. The first of them, is entitled, A Law for fre●ing (or relieving) banished men; to this effect. Therefore all those who being brought under the cruel sentences of judges, at what time soever it befell them, have been compelled to change their Country by exile, because they neglected not what made for the honour of God and Religion, to whom they had consecrated themselvoes with the whole powers of their souls: All these, I say, being restored both to their hereditary Possessions, and their accustomed tranquillity, may give thanks to God the setter free of all men. 
Proposit. 2.  And those who having been deprived of their Goods, & oppressed with the loss of their Estates, have hitherto lived a most contemptible life, these being likewise restored to their former houses, families and goods, may cheerfully praise the beneficency of God, who is best and mightiest. The second inscribed, A Law reducing those who were banished into Islands, in these words. Moreover we command, that those who are now detained in Islands against their wills, shall enjoy the benefit of this our provision and care; to wit, that whereas hitherto they have been shut up on every side in the narrow cliffs of mountains, and environed with the raging waves of the Sea, being now freed from that bitter solitariness, utterly repugnant to the nature of men, they may return again to their most beloved friends. And whereas they have lived a long time in a filthy sordid and odious condition, having obtained a return, as a sudden and unexpected booty, and being freed from cares and troubles, they may hereafter live a life void of fear, under our Empire.  
In the year of grace 376. 
An. Dom. 379.  
d Math. West. anno 376, 379.  Octavius King of the Britons dying without issue male; leaving one only daughter, there fell out a difference among the Britons, to whom they should marry her, with the Kingdom; 
Proposit. 5.  at last in the year 379. Magnates Britanny, the Nobles of Britain, that they might obtain a firm Peace concluded (no doubt in a general Council) to send Ambassadors to Rome, to tender the Lady with the Crown to Maximian a Roman Senator, Son of Leolin a●Briton, Uncle to Constantine the Great; 
e Hist. Regum Brit. l. 5. c. 9, 10, 11, 12.  Geoffry of Monmouth and his Epitomiser 
f Hist. Brit. l. 5. See Fabian, Holinshed, Grafton.  Ponticus Virunnius thus relate the story. That King Octavius being old and having one only Daughter, quesivit a consiliariis suis, demanded of his Counsellors, whom they desired to advance to be King after his decease? 
Proposit. 5. 10.  Whereupon some of them advised, that he should bestow his daughter, together with the Realm, on some of the Noble Romans, to procure a firm peace. Others advised, that Conon his Nephew should be installed in the royal Throne of the Realm, and his Daughter with gold and silver married to some foreign Prince. Whiles these things were debating, Caradoc Duke of Cornwall came in, and gave his advice, that they should invite Maximinian the Senator, descended of British and Roman, as well as royal blood, to come into Britain to marry the King's Daughter, and with her the Realm, whereby they should enjoy perpetual Peace. Which Conan for his own interest opposed, but major pars Laudabat, the major part of the Nobles approved it, and consented thereunto. Whereupon Caradoc sent his Son Maurice to Maximinian, who related to him, that Octavius being aged and sick, desired nothing more than to find out such a person of honour, on whom he might bestow his Kingdom with his daughter, consiliumque a proccribus suis quesivit; and that he had demanded counsel from his Nobles, to whom he might marry his only daughter, with the Crown; That the Nobles in obedience to his command, Decreverunt ut tibi Regnum et puella concederetur, had decreed that the Kingdom with the Damsel should be granted to him, & that they had decreed he should come and give him notice thereof. Whereupon Maximinian embracing the offer, came into Britain, and landed at Hampton, with a great train of Soldiers; 
Proposit. 3.  the King suppofing them to be an Army of Enemies, commanded all the forces of the Kingdom to be assembled and march against them, under Conan; which Maximinian admiring at, and unable to resist them, sent Ambassadors to Conan with olive branches, telling him, they were sent from Rome to the King, and required peace till they knew his pleasure. And when Conan doubted whether to give them Peace or Battle, Caradoc Duke of Cornwall and the rest of the Nobles dissuaded Conan from fight with them, and advised him to grant them Peace, which he did: who being brought to London to the King, he, communi consensu, by common consent of his Nobles gave his Daughter with the Kingdom to Maximinian.  
By which it is apparent, that the King without consent of his Nobles in Parliament, could not dispose of his Daughter and ●heir to the Crown, nor of his Kingdom to another; That the Nobles in that age, were the King's great Council and Parliament of the Nation, and that the major part of them swayed all businesses, in their Counsels by the majority of voices: the ends for which I relate it.  
In the year 390. 
g Mat. West. ann. 39●, 391, 392, 420, 4●1, 434, 435. Galfr. Monum. & Ponticus Virun. l. 5, & 6. Fabian, Holinshed, Speed, Grafton, Gildas de Excidic Brit. Malmesbur. de Gestis Regum Angl. l. 1. c. 1. Camd. Brit.  Maximus the Tyrant King of Britain, 
Anno 390, etc.  invading Armoric● in France, carried such a multitude of Soldiers with him out of Britain, that he left almost all Britain empty of Soldiers and Forces to defend it, carrying all the Soldiers and Warlike young men with him, leaving none but unmanly and country people behind him; and having subdued all Armorica that year, he styled it little Britain. The next year he sent for one hundred thousand Britons more to people it, and thirty thousand Soldiers out of Britain to garrison the Towns, and the next year he sent for eleven thousand Virgins, and sixty thousand other persons, to be transported into little Britain; whereby old Britain was almost quite dispeopled, and left destitute of all defence. Hereupon the Huns and Picts invaded and infested the Britons very much, slaying the Britons and wasting their Cities and Towns: the Britons sending to Maximus for assistance, he sent Gratianus a Senator with two Legions to aid them, who slew many of the enemies, and chased the rest into Islands. Anno 392. Maximus being slain at Rome, thereupon Gratianus taking upon him the Crown of Britain, made himself King thereof, after which he exercised so great Tyranny towards the Britons, that the common geople gathering together slew him. Whereupon the former expulsed enemies returning, oppressed and afflicted the Britons very much for a long time. Upon this the Britons, Anno 420, and 421. sent to the Roman Emperors for aid to expel these invaders, which they sent accordingly, but in small proportion, who chase away the enemies for the present, then encouraging and teaching the Britons how to defend themselves, and make walls and Fortifications to resist their invasions, returned back again by reason of other Wars: Upon this, their former enemies infested them more than formerly. As last, Anno 434. in the 8. year of Theodosius the younger, the Romans by occasion of other Wars withdrew all their Soldiers out of Britain, leaving the Britons destitute, like so many sheep without a Shepherd, exposed to the Wolvish cruelty and depredations of the Picts, Scots, Norwegians, Danes, who forced them to fly from their Cities and Houses into Woods, Mountains, Caves, Rocks, and there to hide themselves from their bloody fury. In this distress they sent Messengers to Rome with this short mournful relation of their lamentable condition. 
Anno 434.  Agitio ter Consuli, Gemitus Britonum, salutem: Nos mare ad Barbaros, & Barbari ad mare propellunt: Inter haec autem duo funerum genera oriuntur, aut enim submergimur, aut jugulamur. The Messengers returning without any aid from Rome, which was denied them, and relating to their Countrymen their sad repulse, the Britons taking counsel together, 
Proposit. 5. 9  how to redeem themselves in this forlorn estate, withheld the payment of their ancient Tribute to the Romans, which they had a long time paid them: and sent Guithelin, Archbishop of London, to their Brethrens in little Britain for aid; 
Anno 455.  where being honourably received by King Androenus, he acquainted him with the cause of his coming, and the great miseries and distresses of his Countrymen, pressing him with many arguments, to go and receive the Kingdom of Britain, which of right belonged to him, and expelling the Barbarians, to dispose of it at his pleasure, and restore his Country to it pristine estate, which had formerly subdued to it Kingdoms far remote. To which the King answered, I formerly would have accepted of this offer of the Kingdom of Britain, but in respect of its present misfortunes, it is made more contemptible to me, and odious to my Princes. But above all other evils, the Roman power hath so much prejudiced it, that no man can enjoy a stable dignity within it, but be must lose his liberty, and be burdened with a yoke of servitude; and who would not possess less elsewhere, with liberty, then enjoy the wealth of Britain under a yoke of bondage? Notwithstanding because my Grandfather and great Grandfather have enjoyed that Island, I will deliver to you my Brother Constantine with 2000 Soldiers, which by God's permission will free the Country from enemies, and being there crowned King, shall possess the Kingdom with glory and honour. Whereupon Constantine undertaking the expedition, the Archbishop used these words to him; Christ hath conqueted, Christ reigneth, Christ commandeth, let the grace of Christ be therefore present with our King of Britain, who is our defence, our hope, our joy, that he may restore the miserable Island to its pristine liberty. Constantine taking shipping arrived at Totnes with 2000 Soldiers, to whom the dispersed Britons creeping forth of their holes and dens where they hid themselves, repaired from all parts; and fight with their enemies, obtained a great victory over them by the diligence and valour of their new King. 
Proposit. 5.  After which facta in Cicestria concione, calling an assembly at Chichester, they made Constantine King, and gave him a wife extracted out of the lineage of the noble Romans educated by Guithelin.  
Anno 445. King Constantine being slain by a Pict, 
An. Dom. 445, to ●98.  (suborned by Vortigerne) as he was hunting, 
h Mat. West. ann. 445. to 498. Will. Malmesb. de Gestis Regum l. 1. c. 1. Galfr. Monum. & Ponticus Virun. hist. Reg. Brit. l. 6, 7, 8 Homy Huntind hist. l. 2. Ethelwerdi hist. l. 2. Antiq. Eccles. Brit. p. 9, 10. Fabian, Holinshed, Speed. Grafton, Stow, in the lives of Vertigerne & Aurelius Ambrose.  there arose a dissension among the Nobles, which of them should be made King; for Aurelius Ambrose and Uther, the King's Sons, were sent over into little Britain to be educated, and if they had been present, they could not reign by reason of their childhood. Whereupon Vortigerne Consul of the Gewis●i, who aspired after the Crown with all his endeavour, going to Winchester, and taking Constans a Monk (Son of Constantine) out of his Cloister, brought him to London, and there made him King, the people scarce consenting to it, because he was a Mo●k: and acting the part of a Bishop (Guithelin being dead) he set the Crown on the King's head with his own hands. The King thus crowned referred the managing of all affairs to Vortigerne alone 
* Have not others of late times done the like?  who craftily committed all the Castles and Forts of the Realm to his own Soldiers, and having gotten all the Forts and Power of the Realm into his own hands, he cunningly devised, how he might destroy the King and get the Crown for himself. Whereupon, he seized upon the King's treasures, augmented the number of his Soldiers and servants, and persuaded the King to entertain a Guard of one hundred Picts (who were at his own command, and ready to execute any Treason and treachery he should prescribe them) to guard his person day and night from enemies. The King at his persuasion entertaining these Picts, Vortigerne so enriched them with stipends, and feasted them with most delicate meats, that they did in a manner adore him, and aryed openly through the streets, that he was worthy to Reign. When he had thus highly ingratiated himself in the favour of them all, he made them all drunk on a certain day, and then told them with tears, that he would depart out of Britain, seeing he had not enough of his own to maintain 50. Soldiers. After which, departing as it were sorrowful to his lodging, he left them drinking in the hall; which the Picts hearing of, murmured one to another, saying, Why do not we slay the Monk, that Vortigerne may enjoy the throne of the Kingdom? Rising up therefore, being drunk, they made an assault upon the King, and slew him, and brought the King's head to Vortigerne. Which when Vortigerne understood, he feigning himself to be very sorrowful, broke forth into a weeping, that he might palliate the treason committed under the veil of tears. Then calling the Citizens of London together, he acquainted them what had happened, and commanded those Picts to be slain and beheaded, that he might render his own fraud exeused from this wicked act. At last when he saw no man equal to himself, he set the Crown of Britain on his own head and overwent all the Princes. He being thus advanced, the contagion of all wickedness began to increase: scurrilous wickedness, hatred of truth, contempt of God, wrangling, contention, riot, villainy grew outrageous; so as Vortigerne alone might seem to be a vessel of all wickedness, and that which is most contrary to royal honesty, Nobiles Deprimens, depressing the Nobles, and advancing ignoble persons both for manners and blood, he became odious to God and Men. Anno 447. When the iniquity and levity of mind of King Vortigerne was divulged to all Nations round about, 
Anno 447.  the Scots and the Picts (one hundred of whose fellow Citizen's Vortigerne had slain for that Treason which he suborned them to act that he might get the Crown) rose up against him, and most grievously infested him and impunged the Realm of Britain: for consuming all things with the sword, fire, preys and rapines, they ground to powder the sinful Nation, because it favoured this Usurper's royal estate; and thus the common people contaminated together with the King, communi percellitur ultione, is pierced through with a common revenge. And as the sword devoured many on the one hand, so the Pestilence did more on the other, so as the living were not sufficient to bury the dead. The King therefore with the desolated people, tired out with warlike incursions, not knowing what he might do against the eruptions of their enemies, inclined to desolation; for Vortigerne hereupon awaked with the cries of the people, assembled a Council (or Parliament) to consult what they should do in this public distress, requiring the advice of his Nobles therein. 
Proposit. 5. 9  Which our Historians thus relate, Super statu publico in medium consulit sententias magnatum suorum explorans. So William of Malmesbury. Britanni injerunt consiium quid agendum; so Henry Huntingdon; and Ethelwerdus, placuit omnibus cum rege suo Vortigermo; or as Ethelwardus records it, Concessit tota Nobilitas, etc. At last they all agreed, and all the Nobility together with King Vortigerne granted and resolved, that they should call in the Saxons and English out of Germany to their aid, being valiant in arms, and then fixed in no settled place; by which they conceived they should reap a double benefit: for being invincible in arms, they would easily repulse their enemies; and being unsettled, they would reckon it for a very great benefit if they might receive some barren squalid soil and cliffs to inhabit; and that they would never attempt any thing against them, or their Country, because the memory of benefits would mollify the genuine fierceness of their manners. Which advice appears to be ordered by divine providence (write Matthew Westminster and others) that evil might come upon these evil Britons and their bloody Usurper. This Counsel being approved by all, they sent eminent men Ambassadors into Germany, who might worthily represent the person of their Country. The Germans hearing the business, which they of their own accords desired, requested from them with a thousand entreaties, presently sent over Hengist and Horsa with three Ships freighted with Soldiers and Arms; Explentes petitionem Regis Senatusque. The King upon their arrival meets them, bestows rewards and the people large favours on them: then giving them their faith, they received the Isle of Tanoth to inhabit. This agreement likewise was made between them, That the English and Saxons with invincible labours should defend the Country against their enemies, and that the Britons should pay them their military stipends, for whose safety they pretended to watch. And thus they received pay and Lands from the Britons, Quasi pro patria pugnaturi, re autem vera expugnaturi susceperunt, (as some of their profession and progeny have done of latter years) These English and Saxons (who arrived Ann. 449.) soon vanquished and drove the Scots and Picts out of the Realm, 
Anno 449.  and then taking notice of the Kings and Britons idleness, lewdness, and the riches of the Isle, Hengist acquainting the rest of his Countrymen therewith, sent over for more forces by degrees, and for his daughter Rowena (a very beautiful maid but a Pagan) whom he married to Vortigerne, whereby he incurred the enmity of his Nobles and Sons, and thereupon favoured the Saxons (who promised to establish him in his Throne against his enemies) more than the Britons, bestowing all Kent and Northumberland on the English and Saxons. Upon this the Britons growing jealous lest their new Guardians and Protectors should utterly supplant, extirpate and disinherit them of their native Country by degrees (as they did in the conclusion) they all petitioned Vortigerne, to banish them out of the Realm, being Pagans, who ought not to communicate with Christians; but he contemning suorum consiliis acquiescere, to follow the advice of his Nobles and native Subjects, 
Anno 454.  thereupon Magnates Britanny, the Nobles of Britain, Anno 454. deserting, and then depriving Vortigerne of his Royal Power, 
Proposit. 5.  made his Son Vortimer King. Qui consiliis suorum in omnibus acquiescens, who following their Counsels in all things, began to expel the Saxons, and to restore the Britons to their possessions, which the Saxons had invaded, repairing likewise the Churches and Christian Religion, which they had almost quite ruined, till at last he was poisoned by Rowena his Mother in Law, 
Anno 460.  Anno 460. cum quo simul spes & victoria Brtionum est extincta, & retro fluxerint. Such an incomparable loss is a good King to a Nation. Vortimer being thus poisoned, Vortigerne reassuming the Crown, sends privately to Hen●ist into Germany, to come over to him with a small train, lest coming otherwise the Britons should resist him with their united forces. Hengist An. 461. lands with 4000 armed men, which being related to Vortigerne and THE NOBLES OF T●E REA●M, they were very angry at it, resolving to give him battle; of which Hengist being informed by Ro●ena, excused the matter, that he came with so great a force for fear of Vorti●er, whom he thought to be alive, but being now 〈◊〉 of his death, he would commit himself and his people to the King's disposal, to return or send away to 〈…〉 then as he should direct, desiring him to appoint 〈…〉 and place, 
Proposit. 9  UT HAEC 〈…〉 CONSENSU, that these 〈…〉 by common consent: Whereupon the 〈…〉 appointed a meeting at 〈…〉, for the 〈◊〉 and Saxons to treat: Hengist 〈…〉 all the Saxons that went to the Treaty, to 〈…〉 under their Garments, and upon a Signal given 〈◊〉, that every one of them should kill the Bri●on that 〈◊〉 next him: Whiles they were treating, Hengist took hold of Var●●iger●●es cloak (which was the signal) upon which the Saxons drawing out their Knives, suddenly sl●w about 460 of the 〈◊〉 NOBLES, BARONS, and 
* Whom we usually now call Earls  CONSUL'S, being unarmed, and suspecting no such thing; but Consul El●●●▪ beholding the Treachery, took up a Stake, which he there found by chance, and with it slew 70. Saxons, till his Stake was quite spent, and then saved himself by flight. The King they took Prisoner, enforcing him to grant them Kent, Sussex▪ Suffolk, and Norfolk, which he confirmed to them with an Oath, and then they released him: After which they wasted most of the Kingdom with fire and sword, pulled down Churches, slew the Priest's, burned up the Books of the holy Scripture, leaving nothing undone, that Tyranny could effect; and forced Vortigerne, with m●st of the Britons, to retire into Wales for shelter in the M●●●taines. The Britons thus distressed by the Saxons under this bloody Usurper (who first called them in, and under hand encouraged them against the Natives) Anno 464. sent Messengers into Little Britain to Aurelius Ambrose and Vt●r Pendragon (then of full age, and right heirs to the Crown) to come speedily over to them, with what forces they could raise, to expel the Saxons, and the Usurper Vortigerne, and receive the Crown and Kingdom of Britain, of right belonging to them: Who thereupon arriving with great forces, Anno 466: the Britons repaired from all parts to Aurelius Ambrose (the elder Brother) and assembling the Clergy, forthwith crowned him for their King. Which done, the Britons exhorting him, in the first place, to assault the Saxons; the King mindful of the Treason done to his Father and Brother by Vortigerne, refused to do it, till he had first destroyed this bloody Traitor: Whereupon marching with his Army to Gen●rium a Castle in Wales, wherein Vortigerne was, he spoke thus to his Captains. Consider most noble Captains, if these walls of this Tower can protect Vortigerne, who hath wasted a fertile Country, destroyed holy Churches, almost deleted Christianity from Sea to Sea, and that which I think is more to be lamented, HATH BETRAYED MY FATHER and BROTHER. Now most Noble Countrymen play the Men, and in the first place revenge yourselves on him, by whom all these things have come to pass, and after that turn your arms upon your Saxon Enemies. Presently upon these words, they endeavoured to throw down the Walls with divers Engines. At last when other things failed, they put fire to the wooden Walls, which taking hold on them, burned both the Tower and Vortigerne to ashes, as some record: whereas others write, it was done with fire and lightning then sent from heaven by God upon him. The bloody Usurper being thus destroyed, this King and the Britons valiantly encountered the Saxons, slew many thousands of them in sundry battles against Hengist and Ella, whom they routed and chased throughout the Realm. This King in his march, finding the Churches every where destroyed to the ground by the Saxons, Anno 468. sent for Workmen, and caused them to be new built, placed Preshyters and Clerks in them, restored divine Service to its due state, utterly destroyed the profane Temples and Idols of the Saxons, blotting out their memory from under heaven: Moreover, he studied and commanded to observe Justice and Peace to Churches and Churchmen, conferring many Gifts on them, 
Proposition 3.  out of his Royal bounty, with ample Rents; commanding all to pray for the prosperity of the Realm and State of the Church. The year following, by his Letters directed to all the Coasts of Britain, he commanded all who could bear Arms speedily to repair to him, and to endeavour to exterminate the Pagans out of the confines of Britain. Whereupon all of them being assembled together, he marched with them against Hengist and the Saxons; after a bloody battle Hengist was taken Prisoner by Duke Eldol (forementioned) and his whole Army routed. 
Proposition 9  The King upon this victory, coming to Gloucester, calling his Captains and Nobles together, commanded them to resolve, WHAT OUGHT TO BE DONE CONCERNING HENGIST? upon which Eldad Bishop of Gloucester, brother to Duke Eldol, commanding all to be silent, grinding his teeth for anger, said: Although all would set this man free, yet I will hew him into pieces. O effeminate men, why do ye demur? Did not Samuel the Prophet, when he hewed the King of Amaleck, taken in war, in pieces, say, As thou hast made many Mother's childless, so will I this day make thy Mother childless among women? So do ye likewise concerning this other Agag, who hath bereft many Mothers of their Children. Upon which words, Eldol drawing forth his sword, led Hengist out of the City, and cutting off his head, sent him packing to hell. After this CONVOCAVIT REX CONSVLES ET PRINCIPES REGNI EBORACUM, The King called the Consuls and Nobles of the Realm together to York, and commanded them to repair the Churches the Saxons had destroyed, himself building the Cathedral there. Then marching to London Anno 490. Octa and the other Saxons unable to withstand his power, submitted to him, confessing his God to be stronger than their Gods; with whom he made this agreement, that they should leave Kent, and those other places they possessed, and seat themselves in a Country near Scotland, which he gave them. Then going to Ambri, he caused great stones (there remaining to this day) to be set up as a Monument, 
Proposition 5, 6  for the Noble Britons there treacherously slain. Where he holding A COUNCIL WITH HIS BISHOPS, ABBOTS and OTHER NOBLES, was Crowned again on Whitsunday, and granted the Metropolitical Sea of York, then void, to Sampson; and that of the City of London to Dubritius, and likewise REGNUM DISPOSVIT, LEGESQVE RENOVAT; set the Kingdoms in order, and renewed the Laws. After this he and the Britan's had many battles with the Saxons, to defend and recover their Country, Liberties, Laws; till at last he 〈◊〉 traitorously poisoned Anno 497. whose death the Britons 〈◊〉: cum quo simul MILITIA ET 〈◊〉 B●●TONVM EXPIRAVIT, as Matthew Westminster, and others write.  
From this memorable Story of Vortigerne, Aurelius Ambrose, and the Britons, and Saxons, these particulars are observable.  
1. That the British Kings in those times, debated all their weighty affairs, and concluded all matters touching War, Peace, and the public defence of the Realm against invading Enemies, in Grand Parliamentary Councils, in which they likewise made Laws and Edicts.  
2. That the Princes, Dukes and Nobles ●ere the only or principle Members of the Great Councils of the Realm in those days, by whose advice all things were managed.  
3. That Traitors to and Murderers of their lawful Sovereigns, usurping their Crowns, bring commonly great fearful Judgements on the whole Kingdom and Nation, in case they comply with them therein.  
4. That Vortegernes Treason in murdering his Sovereigns, and usurping their Crown, was the occasion of, and punished with the long-lasting Wars with the Picts and Saxons; yea, the original cause of the great revolution of the Government, Kingdom and Country of Britain from the Britons to the Saxons.  
5. That although a bloody usurping Traitor may reign and deprive the right heir of the Crown of his right for many years, yet his reign is usually full of wars, vexations, dangers, troubles, his end tragical, and the right heir called in and restored by the people themselves at last, as her● Aurelius Ambrose was after 21, year's usurpation of his right: and Joash in the seventh year of Athaliah's usurpation. 2 Chron. 23.  
6. That usurpers are apt to depress the Nobility, and oppress the Natives of the Realm, for fear they should oppose their Tyranny and dethrone them.  
7. That a●l Heresies, vices, contempt of God and Religion, usually s●●ing up and overspread the Realm under Usurpers, who give public countenance to them to please all sides, to suppo●● unjust authority over them.  
8. That it is 
i See heylin's Microcosm, p. 756, 757 718 394, 412, 5●7 177, 178, 642 672, 709.  very dangerous to call in foreign Forces upon any necessity into a Kingdom, as assistants, who commonly prove worse Enemies in conclusion, than those they are called in to 〈◊〉.  
9 That all Mercenary Guards and Soldiers (especially Foreigners) are for the most part very Treacherous and Perfidious, forcibly suppressing supplanting, destroying those Princes and Nations they are hired to guard and protect.  
10. That lawful hereditary Kings are the chiefest Patrons of God's Ministers, Churches, Religion; and the death of such (than religious, just, valiant) the greatest loss and misery that can befall a Nation.  
11. That all Subjects are obliged to defend with their arms and lives, their Native Country and lawful Kings against Invaders and Usurpers.  
12. That the worst of Kings and Usurpers, in cases of extreme danger, are enforced to all Common Councils, and to crave the advice and assistance of their Nobles (as Vortigerne did here) as well as the justest Kings.  
Aurelius Ambrose dying by poson, without Issue, 
Anno Dom. 498.  Anno 497. 
k Galfr. Monum. l. 8 c. 17, 18, etc. Math. Westm. An. 497 etc. Authors.  Uther Pondragon his Brother, and next heir, posting to Winchester, assembled the Clergy and People of the Realm thither, and took upon him the Crown of the Realm; which done, PRAECEPIT UTHER CONSULES SVOS AT QUE PRINCIPES AD SEVOCARI, VT CONSILIO SVORUM TRACT ART, QVALITER IN HOSTS IRRUPTIONEM FACERENT: 
Proposit. 5, 9  Uther commanded his Consuls and Nobles to be called to him, that by their advice he might debate, in what manner they should assault the Enemies. whereupon they all assembling in the King's presence, upon mature debates, they all agreed to the advice there propounded by Gorlois; and encountering the Saxons, slew many of them, routed the rest, took some chief Commanders Prisoners, and put them in Prison at London, whether the King repaired. The feast of Easter approaching, REX PRAECEPIT PROCERIBUS REGNI IBI CONVENIRE. The King commanded all the Nobles of the Realm to assemble TOGETHER AT LONDON, that wearing his Crown, he might celebrate the holy day with due honour. ALL PRESENTLY OBEYED, and the King celebrated the Festivity with joy. Among other Nobles, Gorlois Duke of Cornwall was present. The King not long after being taken with a great sickness, Octae and Osa, the Saxon Generals, bribing their Keepers, efcaped out of Prison, and then collecting all their forces, resolved to extirpate the Britons and Christian Religion out of the Island; in pursuance whereof, they wasted the Land from Sea to Sea, sparing neither Bishops, nor Churches, overrunning all places without resistance. The Britons deserting their sick King, fled into Woods and Caves, refusing to follow the Counsel and Conduct of Consul Lotho, a most valiant man, whom the King had made General of his Forces. Hereupon King Uther being much grieved for the Subversion of the Realm, the Oppression of the Church, the Desolation of the Nobles, and Dispersion of the People. Anno 512. CONVOCATIS OMNIBUS REGNI SVI MAGNATIBUS, 
Proposit. 5. 9  calling together all the Nobles of his Realm (in a General Parliamentary Council) sharply reproved them both for their Pride and Slothfulness, and casting out many bitter words with reproaches against them, informed them, that he himself would lead them against the Enemies, that so he might reduce the minds of them all to their pristine state and audacity. And commanding himself to be carried in his sick bed in a Litter into the Camp, (his infirmity not permitting him to be carried otherwise) he marched therein with all the strength of the Kingdom against the Enemies, who scorned to fight with him being sick in his Litter, and at last forcing them to fight, after many bloody encounters, utterly routed their forces, and slew Octa and Osa their Generals.  
Anno 516. 
Anno 516.  
k Galfr. Monum; Hist. Reg. Brit. l. 9 c. 10 to 20. & l. 10. c. 1. to 14 Math. Westm. An 525, 537. Walsingham Hist Angliae, p. 50. Speeds History p, 273.  The Saxons treacherously poisoning this Noble King, the Bishops, Clergy and People of the Realm assembling together, buried him honourably at Ambri, within the Choir of Giants. The funeral being ended, Dubricus, the Archbishop, SOCIATIS SIBI EPISCOPIS ET MAGNATIBUS, associting the Bishops and Nobles to him, magnificently advanced his Son Arthur (a youth but sixteen years old) to be King; to which Solemnity, CONVENERUNT EX DIVERSIS PROVINCIIS PROCERES BRITTANNORUM, the Nobles of the Britons assembled out of divers Provinces to Ca●rleon, and there crowned King Arthur, who having routed the Saxons in twelve several Battles; afterwards (if we believe our British Fables, as Malmesbury styles them) conquered all France, and keeping his Court at Paris, CONVOCATIS CLERO ET POPULO STATVM REGNI PACE ET LEGE CONFIRMAVIT. Whence returning into Britain in triumph, about the year 536 Pentecost approaching, 
Propos. 5, 6, 9  he resolved to keep that Solemnity at Caer-●eon, and there to be new Crowned. Whereupon he sent Messengers into all the Kingdoms and Countries subject to him, inviting▪ ALICE THE KINGS, DUKES. and NOBLES SUBJECT TO HIM, TO COME TOGETHER TO THAT SOLEMNITY, that he might ren●e a most firm Peace between them. Whereupon no less than thirteen Kings, three Arch-Bishops, with sundry PRINCES, DUKES. CONSULS, EARLS and NOBLES there assembled, whose names you may read at large in Geoffry Monmouth. The King being solemnly crowned by D●bricius Archbishop of 〈◊〉, in the midst of the Feasts, Sports and 〈…〉 at this Coronation, behold twelve men of mature age, of reverend countenance, bringing Olive branches in their right hands in token of their Embassy, with grave paces came to the King, and having saluted him, presented him with 〈…〉 Luciu, Tiberius, Procurator of the Roman Republic, to this effect: I exceedingly admire the frowardness of thy Tyranny, a●d the Injury thou hast done to Rome, that going out of thyself, thou refusest to acknowledge her, neither dost thou consider what it is to offend the Senate by unjust actions to whom thou art not ignorant, the whole 〈…〉 Service, For thou hast presumed to detain THE TRIBUTE OF BRITAIN, which THE SENATE COMMANDED THEE TO PAY, because Caius Julius and other Roman Emperors have enjoyed it for a long time, neglecting the command of so great an Order. Thou hast taken away from them the Province of the Swissers, and all the Isles of the Ocean, whose Kings, whiles the Roman power prevailed in those parts, pai● Tribute to our Ancestors. Now because the Senate hath diverced, to demand Justice concerning so great heaps of thy injuries, I command thee to repair to Rome. to answer them on the midst of August the year following, the time prefixed to thee; that satisfying thy Lords, thou mayst submit to that sentence, which their Justice shall pronounce. But if thou refusest, I myself will come in person into thy Quarters, and will endeavour to restore by the Sword, what ever thy frenzy hath taken away from the Republic. This Letter being read in the presence of all the Kings and Nobles present, King Arthur went apart with them, 
Propos. 5, 6, 9  to consult concerning this business: where craving their unanimous advice and sense concerning these Mandates; He said: That he thought the inquietation of Lucius was not much to be feared, since ex irrationabile causa, from an unreasonable cause he exacted the Tribute, which he desired to have out of Britain: For he saith, that it ought to be given to him, because it was paid to Julius Caesar, and the rest of his Successors, who invited by the divisions of the old Britons, arrived with an Army in Britain, and BY FORCE and VIOLENCE SUBJECTED THE COUNTRY TO THEIR POWER, SHAKEN WITH DOMESTIC COMMOTIONS. Now because they obtained it is in this manner; Vectigal ex ea INIUSTE RECEPERUNT, They RECEIVED TRIBUTE CUT OF IT, unjustly. Nihil enimu odd vi & violentia acquiritur, just ab ullo prossidetur qui violentiam intulit. Irrationabilem ergo causam pretendit, qua nos jure sibi tributarios arbitratur, etc. FOR NOTHING WHICH IS ACQUIRED BY FORCE and VIOLENCE, 
Nota.  IS JUSTLY POSSESSED BY ANY MAN WHO HATH OFFERED THE VIOLENCE; Therefore he pretends AN UNREASONABLE CAUSE, whereby he supposeth us of right to he Tributaries to him, Now because he presumes to exact from us, id quod injustum est, THAT WHICH IS UNJUST, by the same reason let us demand Tribute of Rome from him, and he which shall become strongest, let him carry away that he desires to have. For if because Julius Caesar, and the rest of the Roman Emperors, have in times past subdued Britain, he determines, that Tribute ought now to be rendered to him out of it; in like manner I think, that Rome ought now to render Tribute unto us, because my Ancestors have in ancient times obtained it. For Belinus, that most noble King of the Britons, using the assistance of his Brother Brennus' Duke of the Allobroges, having hanged up four and twenty of the most Noble Romans in the midst of the market place, took the City, and being taken, possessed it a long time. Moreover Constantine the son of Helen and Maximianus, both of them my near Kinsmen, both of them Kings of Britain, one after the other, obtained the Throne of the Roman Empire. Do ye think therefore, that Tribute is to be demanded by the Romans? Concerning France, or the Collateral Islands of the Ocean, I am not to answer to them, seeing they deserted their defence, when we substracted them from their Power. The whole Council of Kings and Nobles present, assenting fully to this his opinion and resolution, promised him their assistance in this cause against the Romans. Whereupon he returned Answer to the Roman Emperors by the said Messengers, 
Proposition 7.  THAT HE WOULD BY NO MEANS RENDER THEM TRIBUTE, NEITHER WOULD HE SUBMIT HIMSELF TO THEIR JUDGEMENT CONCERNING IT, NOR REPAIR TO ROME; yea, that he demanded from them, that which they had decreed, by that their judgement, to demand from him. And hereupon (some say) he writ this Letter unto the Senate of Rome, in answer of theirs. Understand among you at Rome, that I am King Arthur of Britain, and FREELY IT HOLD and SHALL HOLD; and at Rome hastily will I be, not TO GIVE YOU TRUAGE (Tribute) but to have Truage of you. For Constantine that was Helen's Son, and others of mine Ancestors, CONQUERED ROME, and thereof were Emperors, and that they had and held, I shall have and hold by God's grace. Whereupon Lucius Tiberius, by command of the Senate, raising great forces amongst the Eastern Kings to subdue Britain, was encountered and slain by King Arthur, with all his Roman forces, in the valley of Soisie in France Anno Dom. 537. since which this Tribute was never demanded.  
This History (whether true or feigned) as it declares by the Resolution of thirteen Kings, and a great multitude of Princes, Dukes, Nobles, Prelates, Soldiers, that Titles and Tributes gotten by Force, Violence, Conquest, are both irrational, unjust and illegal; So it resolves, That the Matters of War, Peace and other great Affairs of the Realm, were determined in Parliament. That the Kings, Princes and Nobles were the only Parliaments and Parliament men of that age: That the Realm and Kings of England are neither tributary, nor subject, nor responsible to any Foreign Powers, Jurisdictions, or Courts whatsoever; and that no Tribute or Tax can justly be imposed on, or exacted from the Inhabitants of this Island, but by their own voluntary Grants and Consents, even by the Laws and Customs of the Realm in the Britons times; and that whatever Tax or Possession was then gained by force, conquest, or armed power without just right and Title, was both unjust and unreasonable. And so ought to be reputed now. Quod ab initio non valet, tractu temporis non convalescit, being a Principle in our Law.  
I read in the Laws of King Edward before the Conquest, c. 35. in Mr. Lambards' Archaion, fol 135, 136. and Sir Edward Cook his 7 Report; calvin's Case, fol. 6, 7. That this most famous King Arthur first invented and enacted this Law, 
Proposit. 8.  That all the Princes, Earls, Nobles, Knights, and all Freemen of the Realm of Britain, aught to make and swear fealty to their Lord the King in the full Folkemote or Leet, in this form (commonly used in Leets till within the six years' last passed.) You shall swear, that from this day forward, you shall be true and faithful to our Sovereign King Arthur, and HIS HEIRS, and truth and faith you shall bear to him of life, and member, and terrene honour; and you shall neither know nor hear of any ill or damage intended to him, that you shall not defend. So help you God. And that by Autherity of this Law, King Arthur expelled the Saracens (it should be Saxons, for no Saracens ever invaded Britain) and Enemies out of the Realm. And by Authority of this Law, King Etheldred in one and the same day slew all the Danes throughout the whole Realm. Surely such Oaths of Fealty, Loyalty and Homage are very ancient, as our Histories manifest.  
King Arthur being mortally wounded in the battle he fought with his Nephew Mordred (who usurped the Crown in his absence) Mordred being slain in the fight, Arthur despairing of life, gave the Crown of Britain to Constantine his Kinsman Anno Dom. 542. who, together with the rest of the British Kings, 
Anno 542.  neglecting all Laws and Justice, warring against each other, and degenerating into Tyrants, Usurpers, Murderers, Perjurious Persons, Oppressors, and the like, declined daily in their power, the Saxons continually encroaching upon them in all parts, and about the year of our Lord 586. they were quite driven out of their Kingdoms, together with their British Subjects, by the Saxons into Wales, Cornwall, and Little Britain in France, and reduced to the extremity of all misery, as you may read at large in Gildas, de Excidio & Conquestu britanniae; and 
l See Holinshed, and Dr. Usher, de Britannicarum Ecclesiarum Primordiis p. 535 to 547. Speeds History p. 275, 276, 277, 278.  others out of him. Who thus describes the Tyrannies and vices of those times. Vngebantur Reges non per Deum, sed qui caeteris crudeliores extarent; & paulo post ab unctoribus, non pro veri examinatione TRUCIDABANTUR, ALIIS ELECTIS TRUCIORIBUS. Si quis vero eorum mitior, & veritate aliquatenus pronior videretur, in hunc quasi Britanniae Subversorem, omnium odia telaque sine respectu contorquebantur; & omnia quae displicuerint Deoque placuerint aequali saltem lance pendebantur, si non graviora fuissent displicentia. Sicque agebant cuncta, quae saluti contraria fuerunt, ac si nihil mundo medicina a vero omnium medico largiretur, etc. Ita cuncta veritatis & Justitiae moderamina concussa ac subversa sunt, ut corum, non dicam fastigium, sed ne monimentum quidem in supra dictis propemodum ordinibus apparent, exceptis paucis, & valde paucis, etc. Reges habet Britannia, sed TYRANNOS: Judices habet, sed impios: saepe praedantes & concutientes, said innocentes: vindicantes & patrocinantes, sed reos & latrones: CREBRO JURANTES, SED PERJURANTES; VOVENTES, & CONTINUO PROPEMODUM mentientes: belligerantes, SED CIVILIA ET INJUSTA BELLA AGENTES; per patriam quidem fures magnopere insectantes, & eos qui secum admensam sedent non solum amantes, sed & munerantes; in sede arbitraturi sedentes, sed raro recti judicii regulam quaerentes; innexios humilesque despicientes, sanguinarios, superbos, parricidas, commanipulares (qui cum ipso nomine certatim delendi sunt) pro ut possunt efferentes; vinctos plures in carceribus habentes, quos dolo sui potius quam merito proterunt, catenis onerantes; inter Altaria jurando demorantes, & hoec eadem ac si lutulenta paulo post saxa despicientes. Cujus tanti nefandi piaculi non ignarus est immundae Leaenae D●mnoniae tyrannicus Catulus Constantinus. Hoc anno post horribile juramenti Sacramentum (quo se devinxit nequaquam d●los civibus, Deo primum j●requejurando, Sanctorum demum choris & Genetrice comitantibus frelis facturum) in duarum venerandis matrum finibus, Ecclesia earnalisque sub sancti Abbatis amphibalo, Latera regiorum tenerrima pucrorum, vel praecordia crudeliter duum totidemque nutritorum, inter ipsa, ut dixi, sacrosancta Altaria, nefando ense hastaque prodentibus laceravit, etc. Quid tu qu●que catule Leonine Aureli Canine agis? Nun pacem Pa●riae mortiferum ceu serpentem odiens, CIVILIAQUE BELLA & CREBRAS injust PRAEDAS SITIENS animae tuae caelestes portas pacis ac refrigerii praecludis? Quid tu etiam insularis Draco, MULTORUM TYRANNORUM DEPULSOR TAM REGNO QUAM ETIAM VITA, snpradictorum novissime in nostro stylo prime in malo, major, multis potentia, simulque malitia, Largior in dando, profusior in peccato, robuste armis, sed animae forti●r excidiis, Maglocune, in tam vetusto scelerum a●ramento stolide volutaris? Quare tantas peccaminum regiae cervici sponte, ut ita dicam, ineluctabiles celsorum seu Montium innectis moles? Nun in primis adolescentiae tuae annis avunculum Regem, cum fortissimis propemodum militibus acerrime ense, hasta, igni oppressisti? Parum cogitans propheticum dictum: 
m Psal. 54. 24.  Viri inquiens sanguinum & doli, non dimidiabunt dies suos. Quid pro hoc solo retributionis a justo judice sperares (& si non talia sequerentur, quae secuta sunt) itidem dicente per prophetam, 
n Isay 33. 1  Vae tibi qui praedaris, nun & ipse praedaberis? & qui occidis, nun & ipse occideris? & cum d●siveris praedari, tunc cades. These sins brought the ancient British Kings, with their Kingdoms and People to ruin. Legitur in Libro Gildoe Sapientissimi Britonum, Quod ijdem Britoneses, propter Avaritiam & rapinam Principum, propter iniquitatem & injuriam Judicum, propter desidiam praedicationis Episcoporum, propter luxuriam & malos mores populi Patriam perdiderunt, write Alcuinus and 
o De Gestis Regum Angl. l 1 c. 3. p, 26.  Malmesbury. The Lord grant they may not bring our Kingdoms and Nations to like ruin and desolation now.  
How many bloody Wars and battles the Brotons, after they were driven out of their Country into the Welsh Mountains by the Sa●ons, fought with them for the defence of their Country, Rights, Liberties, under the conduct of valiant Cad●in, who after twenty four years civil Dissension amongst the Britons, and so long an Inter-regnum, was 
p Galfr. Morum. Hist. l. 12 c 1. ●, 5. Speeh Council. p. 112.  by the UNANIMOUS CONSENT OF ALL THE PRINCE'S and NOBLES OF THE BRITONS ASSEMBLED TOGETHER (in a great Parliamentary Council) AT LEGECESTER ELECTED and MADE 〈◊〉 OF THE BRITONS; Which Nobleses and Counsellor, would not permit him to give way, that Edwin the Saxon, by his permission, should be crowned King of Northamberland: Aiebant enim CONTRA IUS VETERUMQVE TRADITIONEM ESSE, Insulam unius CORONAE DVOBUS CORONATIS SVBMITTI DEBERE. And after his decease, under Cadwallo his Son, who succeeded him in the Crown; and under famous Cadwallader, succeeding Cadwallo his Father in the Kingly Government, by lineal d●scent; by whose death, both the royal blood, with the Government of the Britons, and the very name of Britain itself expired; you may read at large in Geoffry Monmouth, B●da, Gildas, Maelmesbury, Huntindon, 
q See Math. Westm. Anno 74●. 811. 853  Matthew Westminster, Fabian, Holinshed, Grafton, Speed and others, being over tedious to relate. The divisions and discords amongst the British Nobility, during Cadwalladers' sickness, seconded with eleven years sere pestilence, famine and all sorts of miseries, whereby the land became desolate, enforced them to forsake their native Country, and to seek relief in foreign parts. Whereupon the Saxons sending for more of their Countrymen into Britain, replenished and planted the vacant Country, dispossessing the Britons totally of their ancient rightful Inheritance; which they never since regained: after they had possessed it from Brute to Cadwallader, for two thousand seventy six years, under one hundred and two Kings, as John Brompton records in the beginning of his History, col. 725.  
And this shall suffice concerning the Britons Contests and Wars for their Liberties, Laws, Government, Country, Religion, against the Romans, Saxons, and touching their Great Parliamentary Councils, & Proceedings in them, from Julius Caesar's to the Saxons Conquest, and total supplantation of them by Treachery, Violence and the Sword; of which violent Intrusion, Laeland our famous Antiquary, and Archbishop Parker in his Antiquit●tes Ecclesiae Britannicae, p. 12. give their Censure in point of Conscience; who writing of Pope Gregory's conversion of the Pagan Saxons (who expelled the Britons) to the Christian Faith, conclude thus; Debuerat Gregorius admonuisse saxons, GENTEM PERFIDAM, ut si syncere Christia●issim●m admittere vellent, BRITANNIAE IMPERIUM, QVOD CONTRA SACRAMENTUM MILITIAE PER TYRANNIDEM OCCUPAVERANT, JUSTIS DOMINIS AC POSSESSORIBUS RESTITVERENT. That is: Gregory ought to have admonished the Saxons, a PERFIDIOUS NATION, that if they would sincerely embrace Christianity, they then ought to restore the Kingdom of Britain, which they had seized upon by Tyranny, against the Oath of their Militia, to the just Lords and Possessors thereof; (a Doctrine fit to be pressed on others now by all our Ministers) which because they neglected to do, you may read what a divine retaliation their Postetity received from the Pagan Danes, in the ensuing Sections.    

CHAP. III.  

SECT. III.  
Comprising some remarkable General Historical Collections; proving the limited Power and Prerogative of the first Saxons Kings of England, disabled to make any Laws, War, Peace, alienate their Crown Lands, impose any Taxes, Tributes in any Necessity, or kind whatsoever, but in and by common consent in the General Parliamentary Councils of their Nobles and Wisemen, which they were obliged to summon upon all occasions, when there was need, and to govern their people justy according to Law. The Saxons proceedings against their Tyrannical oppressing Kings; and the severe Judgements of God upon some Saxon Subjects, for their Perjury, Treachery, disloyalty, Rebellion against; expulsions, murders of their lawful Sovereigns, and unrighteous violent disinheriting the Christian Britons by the sword, of their Native Country.  
THe British Kings and Britons, 
Anno Dom. 586.  being for their Tyranny, Perjury, Treachery, Injustice and other sins related, reprehended by Gildas, driven out and dispossessed of their Royalty and Country by the Saxons 
a Math. Westm. Anno 586. p. 208. Fabian, Grafton, Holinshed and others.  they (about the year of our Lord 576.) divided it into seven Kingdoms, and set up seven Kings in several parts of the Island; who soon after waged civil Wars, and more than civil Wars one with another. These Kings all agreed, utterly to delete the name of Britain, and the memory of the Britons; Whereupon they by common consent ordained. That the Island should not be called Britain from Brute, but England. 
b Andrew Hor●es Mirror of Justice, c. 1. Sect. 2. p. 7, 8, 9, Malmes bury, Huntingdon, Beda, Ethelwerdus, Holinshed, Speed, and others.  These Kings were at first elected by the Saxon Nobles and People, to reign over them, to govern the people of God, and TO MAINTAIN and DEFEND THEIR PERSONS and GOODS IN PEACE BY THE RULES OF RIGHT. 
Prep. 1, 2, 3, ●.  And at the beginning (so soon as they turned Christians) they made their Kings to swear, that they should maintain the Christian faith with all their power, and GOVERN THEIR PEOPLE BY RIGHT, without respect to any person, and should be SUBJECT TO SUFFER RIGHT AS WELL AS OTHERS OF THE PEOPLE. And although the King ought not to have any Peer in his Land, for as much if he did wrong, or offended against any of his people, he, or any of his Commissioners, should not be both Judge and party, it behoved of RIGHT, THAT THE KING SHOULD HAVE COMPANIONS FOR TO HEAR AND DETERMINE IN PARLIAMENT ALL THE WRITS AND PLAINTS OF THE WRONGS OF THE KING, OF THE QUEEN, AND OF THEIR CHILDREN, and especially of those, OF WHOSE WRONGS ONE COULD NOT HAVE RIGHT OTHER WHERE. And these Companions are now called Counts, after the Latin word Comites; every o●e of which had at first a Country delivered to him, to guard and defend it from the Enemies; which Country is now called a County, and in Latin Comitatus: and these Counties, together with the Realm, were turned into an Inheritance. So Horn in his Mirror of Justice▪ in the reign of King Edward the first.  
These English Saxons from the first Settlement of their K●●gdomes and Monarchies, had no Sovereign Power at all t● make, alter, or repeal Laws, impose Taxes, or alien their Crown Lands, but only by common consent in General Parliamentary Councils, much less to imprison, con●emn, exile, outlaw any m●ns person, or to deprive him of his Life, Lands, Goods▪ Franchises, against the Law, without any Legal trial, as these Subsequent Historical Collections will at large demonstrate.  
That they had no Power nor Authority to make, 
Proposition 5.  alter or repeal any Laws, but only by common advice and consent of their Nobles and Wisemen, in their Great Parliamentary Councils of the Realm, is evident by this passage of our Venerable 
c Eccles. Hist. Gentis Anglorum l. 2. ●. 5. Huntingd. Hist. l. 3. p. 226 Malmesbury De Gestis Regum Ang l. 1 c. 1. Chron: Johann: Brompton col; 738:  Beda, concerning Ethelbert King of Kent, 
Anno 605.  the first Christian Saxon King and Lawmaker: He, about the year of Christ 605. Inter caetera bona quae genti suae consulendo conferebat, etiam Decreta illi, juxta exempla Romanorum, CUM CONSILIO SAPIENTUM CONSTITVIT. Quae conscripta Anglorum sermone, hactenus habentur, & observantur ab ea. In quibus primitus posuit, qualiter id emendare deberet, qui aliquid rerum vel Episcopi, vel reliquorum ordinum furto aufernt, volens scilicet tuitionem eyes, quos, & quorum doctrinam susceperat praesiare. Malmesbury and Huntingdon write of him. Quin etiam curam extendens in posteros LEGES PATRIO SERMONE, TULIT, quibus bonis praemia decerneret, improbis per remedia meliora occurreret, NIHIL SUPER ALIQVO NEGOCIO INFUTURUM RELINQVENS AMBIGWM. The first Law this Christian King ever made BY THE COUNCIL OF HIS WISEMEN, was for God, his Church and Ministers, to protect them and theirs from violence (a Jove principium:) and the next for to Protect Great Councils and their Members from Injury: thus recorded by 
d Concil. Tom. 1. p. 127. Proposition 3.  Sir Henry Spelmau, out of a famous ancient Manuscript called Textus Roffensis.  
1. Quicunque Res Dei vel Ecclesiae abstulerit, duodecima componat solutione; Episcopires, undecima solutione; Sacerdotis res, nona solutione; Diaconires, sexta solutione; Clerici res, trina solutione: Pax Ecclesiae violata duplici emendetur solutione: Pax (Monachi) duplici etiam solutione.  
2. Si Rex populum suum convocaverit, 
Proposition 5. 6  & hos ILLIC. quispiam injuria afficerit; duplex esto emendatio, & praeterea 50. Solidos Regi pendito. Let the forcers of Parliaments consider it.  
To these I might subjoin, all the Ecclesiastical and Civil Laws, Canons, Constitutions of all our other Saxon Kings, before the Normans reign, recorded in Mr. Lambards' Archaion, and scatteringly mentioned in Beda, Ingulfus, William of Malmesbury, Huntindon, Matthew Westminster, Florentius Wigorniensis, Brompt. Antiquitates Eccl. Britannicae, Mr. Seldens Titles of Honour, Mr. Fox Acts and Monuments, with other Antiquaries and Historians, all made, altered, amended, repealed from time to time by common advice and consent in their Great Parliamentary Councils: which, because I have particularly insisted on in my Antiquity Triumphing over Novelty, and Historical Collection of the ancient Great Councils and Parliaments of England, I shall forbear here to repeat at large, being never yet denied by any, and a truth beyond contradiction.  
That our Saxon Kings from their original institution, 
Anno 605.  could not alienate or transfer to any other uses (no not to endow Churches, 
Proposition 10.  support God's Worship or Ministers) any of their Crown Lands, Demesnes or Revenues, without common consent of their Nobles and Prelates in their Great Parliamentary Councils, is apparent by the three first Charters we read of granted by 
e Chronica W: thorn col: 1761, 1762 2123: Spelm: Concilia, p 118, 119, 120, 126 127.  Ethelbert, the first Christian Saxon King, to the Church of Peter and Paul in Canterbnry, Anno Dom. 605. Wherein the King, CUM CONSENSV venerabilis Augustini Archiepiscopi AC PRINCIPUM MEORUM; by the consent of Archbishop Augustine and his Princes, first gave and granted a parcel of Land, 
Proposition 7.  of his Right, in the East part of the City of Canterbury, to build a Church and Monastery to the honour of St. Peter; and after that by a second Charter of the same date, confirmed by his own, the Archbishops and Nobles subscriptions thereto, with the Sign of the Cross, he gave and granted other Lands in Langeport to God and his Church; and after that by a third Charter, Anno 610. he granted other Lands and Privileges to it, as a testimony of his gratitnde to God, for his conversion from the Error of false Gods to the worship of the only true God; adjuring and commanding in the name of the Lord God Almighty, who is the just Judge of all things, that the said Lands given to this Church by the said subscribed Charters, should be perpetually confirmed; so that it should not be lawful for himself, nor for any of his Successors, Kings or Princes, or for any Secular or Ecclesiastical Dignity, to defraud the Church of any part thereof. And if any shall attempt to diminish or make void any thing of this Donation, let him be at present separated from the holy Communion of the body and blood of Christ, and in the day of Judgement let him be separated from the fellowship of all the Saints.  
The two first of his Charters and Donations to this Church, were approved and confirmed in a Common Council assembled by this King at Canterbury, 5. January Anno 605. Omnium & singulorum approbatione & consensu, BY THE APPROBATION AND CONSENT OF ALL AND EVERY OF THEM, as you may read at large in Sir Henry Spelman, and William thorn.  
This truth is further abundantly confirmed by the 
f Spelmani Concil. p. 198, 227, 228, 334 407, 427, 428 435, 441. Ingulphi Hist. p. 851. 853, 864, etc. Malmesbury De Gestis Regum Angl. l, 1. c: 2. l: 2. c: 6. Math. Westm. Anno 794, 797, 945  Charter of Immunities of Withraed King of Kent, granted to the Churches under him, Anno 700. The Charter of Ethelbald King of Mercia to the Church of Croyland, An. 716. The Charter of King Ive, of Lands and Privileges to the Church of Glastonbury, Anno 725. The Charter of King Offa of Lands and Privileges to the Courch of St. Albans, Anno 794. The Charter of King Egfred to the same Church, Anno 797. The Charter of Bertulph King of Mercia to the Abbot of Croyland, made in the Parliamental Great Council of Biningdon, Anno 850. and of Kingsbury, Anno 851. (a memorable precedent recorded at large by Abbot Ingulphus, Hist p. 858. to 863.) the Charter of King Aethelstan to the Abbey of Malmesbury, An. 930. The Charter of King Edmond to the Abbot of Glastonbury, Anno 944. and of the same Edmund to the Abbey of Hyde, Anno 966. and to the Abbey of Croyland the same year; and to the Abbey of Malmesbury, Anno 974. with many other Charters of our Saxon Kings, to Abbeys, Bishops and Churches, recorded in Ingulphus, Malmesbury, Spelman and 
* Chronicon I●han: Brompt: Chronica W: thorn, Evidentiae Ecclesiae Christi Cantur & Chronologia August: Cant.  others; all which were made and confirmed by these Kings, with the consent and approbation of their Bishops, Abbots and Nobles, assembled in their Great Parliamentary Councils, and ratified, confirmed by them, being else void in Law, and repea●lable, as appears by the General 
g Spelmanii Concil: p. 340. Evidentiae Ecclesiae Christi Cant: col: 2018  Council of Kingston, Anno 838. Wherein the Manor of Mallings in Kent, which King Baldred had formerly given to Christ's Church in Canterbury, being afterwards 
* Sed quia ille Rex cunctis Principibus non placuit, nolu●runt donum ●jus permanere ra●tum, etc.  revoked and substracted from it, because the Nobles offended with the King, would not ratify that donation, nor suffer it to remain firm, was resettled and confirmed to this Church in and by this Council (specially summoned for that purpose) by King Egbert and his Son Athelwelfe, CONSENTI ENTIBUS DEMUM MAGNATIBUS: the Nobles now at last consenting to it in this Council, 
Proposit. 10.  which they refused formerly to do. A clear Evidence of the Nobleman's Negative and Affirmative Voices to the Saxon Kings grants of their Lands and Charters to pious uses, and of their invalidity without their concurrent assents thereto. In most of these forecited Charters of our Kings to these Churches and Monasteries, it is observable, that they exempted them and their Lands, AB OMNIBUS PUBLICIS VECTIGALIBUS, ONERIBUS, REGIIS EXACTIONIBUS, ET OPERIBUS, nisi in structionibus Arcium, vel Pontium, quae nunquam ull●s possint Laxari. From which notwithstanding King 
h See Ingulphi Hist. p: 853 864. Spelmanni Concilia p: 198, 227, 228.  Ive exempted the Abbey of Glastonbury; and King Aethulwulfe and Beorred the Abbey of Croyland; & ab expeditione militari. And therefore, as they could not thus exempt them from public Tributes, Burdens, Regal Exactions and Services without common consent in Parliamentary Councils, so they could not impose any public Tributes, Burdens, Exactions or Services on them without common grant and consent in such Councils, (unless by special referrations) as I shall by ensuing Precedents most fully evidence.  
How careful the Saxon Nobles and Subjects were from the first erection of their Kings and Kingdoms in England, to preserve their Privileges, Liberties, Properties, Laws, from the usurpations, Invasions, and arbitrary power of Tyrannical Kings or Usurpers, and how unanimous, magnanimous they showed themselves in their just defence, will appear by these few Precedents of their Proceedings against their Tyrannical Oppressing Kings, which I shall muster up together in their Chronological Order.  
Anno Dom. 756. 
i Math. Westm. Anno 756: p: 274. Will. Malmesb: De Gestis Reg. Angl: l: 1: c, 2: p. 15. Henry H●ntindon Hist: l, 4, p 341, 342. Chron: johann: Brompton col: 770, 796: Speeds Hist. p, 2●9. Holinshed, Grafton, Fabian, and others in his Life. Prop: 1, 2, 3, 4  Sigebert King of the Westsaxons, 
Anno 756.  growing insolent and proud by the Successes of his Predecessors in their Wars, became intolerable to his People, treating them very ill by all kind of means, LEGESQVE ANTECESSORUM SVORUM PROPTER COMMODUM SWM VEL DEPRAVARET, VEL MUTARET; endeavouring to deprave or change the Laws of his Ancestors, for his own private luchre, and using EXACTIONS, & CRUELTIES UPON HIS SUBJECTS, setting asid●● ALICE LAW. Whereupon his most Noble and Faithful Counsellor Earl Cumbra, lovingly intimating to him, the complaints of all the people, persuaded the King to govern the people committed to his Charge more mildly, and to lay aside his inhumanity, that so he might become amiable to God and man; he thereupon soon after commanded him to be wickedly slain, and becoming afterwards more cruel to the people, augmented his Tyranny. Upon which the rest of the P●ers, seeing their State and Lives were every day in danger, and the Common Subjects, WHOSE LAW WERE THUS VIOLATED, being incensed into fury, all the Nobles and People of his Realm assembling together, rose up against him, and upon provident mature deliberation, AND UNANIMOUS CONSENT OF ALL, they (before he had reigned full two years) expelled him out of the Kingdom, and elected and made Kenulphus (sprung from the blood royal) King in his stead. Whereupon flying into the Woods like a forlorn person for shelter, he was there slain by Cumbra his Swineherd, in revenge of his Master's death. Ita cr●delitas Regis omnem pene Nobilitatem pervagata, in homine ultimae sortis stetit, writes Malmesbury. To which Henry Huntindon adds this memorable observation: Ecce manifestum Domini Judicium, ecce quomodo Domini justitia nonsolum in futuro seculo, verum etiam in isto digna meritis recompensat. Eligens namque Reges improbos ad contritionem promeritam subjectorum, alium diu insanire permittit, ut & populus pravus diu vexetur, & Rex pravior in aeternum acrius crucietur, veluti Ed●lboldum regem Merce praesatum: alium vero cita disterminatione praeoccupat, ne populus suus nimia Tyrannide oppressus non respiret, & immoderata Principis requitia, citissimas ultionis aeternae debito paenas incurrat, veluti Sigebertum hunc de quo tractamus. Qui quanto nequior extitit, tanto vilius a Subulco interf●ctus, a delore in dolorem transiit. Vnde Domini justitiae aeternae laus & gloria nunc & semper.  
In the 
k Math: Westm: Anno 758▪ p, 275: Huntindo● Hist: l, 4. Speeds History p, 254, 367. See Fabian, Holinshed, Grafton. Propos. 1. 2, 3.  year of our Lord 758. the people of the Kingdom of Mercia rising up against their King Beornred, 
Anno 758.  pro eo quod populum non EQVIS LEGIBUS, sed PER TYRANNIDEM GUBERNARET, because he governed his people not by their JUST LAW, but by arbitrary Tyranny, they all of them, as well NOBLES as IGNOBLE, assembled together in one, and Offa a most valiant young man being their General, they expelled him out of the Realm: which being accomplished, BY THE UNANIMOUS CONSENT OF ALL, as well Clergy as People, they crowned the said Offa, King. This Beornred treacherously murdered King Ethelbald his Sovereign, whose Captain he was, and then usurped his Crown, but was himself deprived of it, and slain soon after by Offa (who succeeded him) by divine retaliation.  
So 
l Math: Westm: Anno 957: p, 370. Will: Malmesbury De Gestis Regum l, 2: c, 7 p, 55. See Huntindon Speed, Holinsh: Grafton, in his Life, and Fabian. Chron: Johann: Brompton col: 863▪ Hen, de Knighton: de ●●●itibus Angl: l, 1: c, 1:  Edwin King of Mercia in the year 857. for his Misgovernment, 
Anno 957.  his despising the Wisemen and Nobles of the Realm, who hated his vicious and oppressive courses, affecting and fostering ignorant and unrighteous persons, his forcible expelling the Monks and others out of their possessions by armed men, his banishing Dunstan into France for reprehending his vices, and other injurious and Tyrannical Actions against Law and Right, was utterly forsaken and rejected by all his Subjects, and by the unanimous consent of all, dejected, deposed from his royal Dignity, and his Brother Edgar Elected King in his place, Deo dictante, & annuente populo, by the dictate of God himself and the people's consent, AB OMNI POPULO ELECTUS. as our Historians write.  
By these Precedents, pretermitting others, it is apparent, that the ancient Saxons held their King's Supremacy to be bounded within the rules of Law and Justice; and that they esteemed their Kings to lose both the name and office of Kings, when they ceased to Govern them according to Law and Justice, or exalted themselves above their Laws and Liberties; which was not only the ancient Divinity of those former times, as appears by Pope Eleutherius his forecited Letter to King Lucius, but the received Law amongst the Saxons, as is evident by the Laws of King 
m Spelmanni Concil: p, 622.  Edward the Confessor, Lex 15. hereafter cited. The Law was the sole Umpire between these Kings and their people; 
n See Lambards' Archaion Brompton col: 761  which Law, as no Great man, nor any other in the whole Kingdom might violate or abolish, as Ive the great Saxon King confesseth in his Laws: So the Kings themselves were to submit thereto in all things, as well as their Subjects; Whence 
o Spelmanni Concil: p, 396, 387; Chron: johann: Brompton col: 841.  Aethelstan the Saxon King, in his Prologue to his Laws, made at the Great Council of Grat●ley, Anno Dom. 928. by the advice of the Arch Bishops, Bishops, Nobles and Wise men of the Realm, used this memorable expression, as the Law of that age, between King and people; Ea mihi vos tantum modo comparatis velim, QVAE JUSTE AC LIGITIME PARARE POSSITIS. Neque enim mihi ad vitae usum QVICQVAM INJUSTE ACQVIRI CUPIVERIM. Etenim cum ea ego vobis, LEGE VESTRA omnia benigne largitus sum, ut MEA MIHI VOS ITIDEM CONCEDATIS, prospicitote sedulo ne quis vestrum, neve ●●rum aliquis qui vobis paruerit, offensi●n●m aut divinam, aut nostram concit●tis.  
Indeed some of the Saxons, being too much addicted to Faction, Treason, Sedition and Rebellion against their Kings, abused their just Liberties and Privileges to the unjust murder and dest●●ction of their Kings, especially those of the Kingdom of Northumberland; to prevent which excess●s, in the famous Council of 
p Spelmanni Concil: p, 291, &c: 29●, ●96, 298, 300:  Calchuth Anno 787. held 〈…〉 of Northumberland, his Bishops and Nobles, 
Anno 787.  and Of●. King of Mercians, and his Bishops and N●lles, there 〈…〉 memorable Laws and 〈◊〉, both for the Security, Immunity of King and people, which they with all their Subjects assented to; and with all devotion of mind, to the uttermost possibility of their power, vowed through God's assistance to observe in every point.  
Cap. XI. Of the Duty and Office of Kings: Vndecimus Sermo fuit ad Reges & Principes, ut Regimen suum cum magna cautela & disciplina peragant, & cum Justitia judicent, ut scriptum est: 
q Psal. 2: 11.  Apprehendite disciplinam, ne quando irascatur Dominus & pereatis, etc. Habentque Reges Consiliarios prudentes, Dominum timentes, moribus hon●stos, ut populos bonis exemplis Regum & Principum eruditus & confirmatus, proficient in laudem & gloriam omnipotentis Dei.  
Cap. XII. De Ordinatione & Honore Regum (who were then 
r See Math. Westm: Anno 886: p, 339, 340, 341. Proposition  generally Hereditary not Elective) We decree, that in the Ordination of Kings, none may permit the assent of evil men to prevail; but KINGS SHALL BE LAWFULLY ELECTED BY THE PRIESTS and ELDERS OF THE PEOPLE; and those not begotten of Adultery or Incest: for as in our times by the Laws, a Bastard cannot be admitted to the Priesthood, so neither can he be able to be the Lords anointed: and he who shall be born out of lawful Wedlock shall not be King of the whole Realm, and Heir of his Country: the Prophet saying; 
s Dan: 4: 17▪  Know ye that the Lord ruleth in the Kingdom of men, and the Kingdom is his, and he will give it to whomsoever he will, 
Prop. 7, 8.  Therefore we admonish all in general, that they would, with a unanimous voice and heart, entreat the Lord, that he who electeth him to the Kingdom, would himself give unto him the regiment of his holy discipline to govern his people. Likewise honour is to be rendered to them by all men; the Apostle saying; 
t 1 Pet: 2: 17, 13:  Honour the King: and in another place, Whether it be to the King as Supreme, or to Governors, as to those who are sent by him, for the punishment of Malefactors, but to the praise of them that do well. Likewise the Apostle, 
u Rom. 12. 1  Let every Soul be subject to the higher Powers, for there is no power given but of God: And the powers that are are ordained of God. Therefore who ever resisteth the power, resisteth the Ordinance of God, and those, who resist, acquire damnation to themselves. Let no man detract from the King: for Solomon saith: 
x Eccles. 10: 20.  Thou shalt not detract from the King in thy mouth, neither shalt thou curse the Prince in thy heart, because the birds of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the word. LET NO MAN DARE TO COMMUNICATE IN (or conspire) THE KING'S DEATH, BECAUSE HE IS THE LORDS ANOINTED: and if any shall have adhered to such a Wickedness (or Treason) if he be a Bishop, or any of the Priestly Order, let him be thrust out of it, and cast out of the holy inheritance, as Judas was ejected from his Apostolical degree: and every one, whosoever he be, who shall assent to such a Sacrilege, shall perish in the eternal bond of an Anathema, and being associated to JUDAS THE TRAITOR shall be burnt in sempiternal burnings, as it is written: 
y Rom. 1.  Not only those who do such things, but those also who consent to such who do them, shall not escape the Judgement of God. For the 
z Esth. 2: 21 22, 23.  two eunuchs consenting to slay Ahasuerus, were hanged on a Gallows. Consider what 
a 1 Sam. 24. 4, 5: c, 26, 7, 8, 9: 2 Sam: 1: 4, to 17.  David said to the Captains, when the Lord had said unto him, I will deliver Saul into thy hands; when he found him sleeping, and was exhorted by the Soldiers to slay him; Let this sin be far from me, that I should stretch forth my hand against the Lords anointed. Yea, he cut off the head of that Soldier, who after his death came unto him, protesting that he had slain Saul; and it was reputed unto him for righteousness, and to his seed after him: And it is often proved among you by examples, that WHOEVER HAVE HAD A HAND IN 
b See Dr: Beards Theater of God Judgements. Math. Westm: An: 786, ●02, 821, 838, 854 934, 946. 979 1001, 10●6, 1017, 1054, Prop, 1, 2, 3●.  THE MURDER OF THEIR KINGS, HAVE ENDED THEIR LIFE IN A SHORT SPACE, & utroque Jure caruerunt, (it should be corruerunt) and have perished by both Laws (civil and sacred.)  
Cap. 13. De Judiciis Justis ferendis. Let Great and Rich men execute just Judgements, neither let them accept the Person of the Rich, nor contemn the Poor, nor swerve from the rectitude of Judgement, or Law, nor receive gifts against the innocent, but judge in righteousness and truth; the Prophet saying, Judge justly ye sons of men: Also elsewhere, 
c Lev: 1915.  Thou shalt not do that which is unjust, nor judge unjustly: thou shalt not stand against the blood of thy neighbour. Likewise Isaiah 
d Isay 1, 17: c, 58: 6, 7, 8▪  Seek Judgement, relieve the Oppressed, judge the Fatherless, defend the Widow: then come and let us reason together, saith the lord Also elsewhere, Undo every bond of iniquity, undo the heavy burdens, let those who are oppressed go free, and break every yoke. Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thy health shall spring forth speedily. The Lord saith in the Gospel, 
e Math: 7: 2:  For with whatsoever judgement ye judge, you shall be judged, and whatsoever measure you meet, it shall be measured to you again. Neither shall you take BY FORCE FROM ANY ONE THAT WHICH IS HIS OWN; as it is said, 
f Exod: 20: 17:  Thou shalt not covet the thing which is thy Neighbours. Thou shalt not covet thy Neighbour's wife, nor his house, nor his ox, nor his sheep, nor his field, nor any thing that is his. For the Prophet threateneth, saying, 
g Isay 5: 8, 9  Woe to you who join house to house, and lay field to field, till there be no place, that you may be placed alone in the midst of the earth. These things are in my ears, saith the Lord of Hosts. Again the Prophet crieth; 
h Psal: 82: 4  Deliver the poor and needy, rid them out of the hand of the wicked. Remember what he deserveth, who shall offend one of these little ones: but whosoever shall receive one of these, receiveth Christ, from whom he shall deserve to hear in the day of Judgement; 
i Math. 25, 34:  Come ye blessed, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.  
Cap. XIV. De cohibendis Fraud, RAPINIS ET TRIBUTIS ecclesiae INJUSTE IMPOSITIS. Let Fra●d, 
Prop. 1, 2, 3.  VIOLENCE AND RAPINE BE FEARED; AND NO UNJUST OR GREATER TRIBUTES IMPOSED ON THE CHURCHES OF GOD, then by the Roman Law and THE ANCIENT CUSTOMS OF FORMER EMPERORS AND PRINCES HATH BEEN USED. He who desires to communicate with the holy Roman Church, and St. Peter the chief of the Apostles, let him study to keep himself free from this vice of VIOLENCE. So concord and unanimity shall be every where between Kings and Bishops, ecclesiastics and Laics, and all Christian people: that there may be unity every where in the Churches of God, and peace in one Church concurring in one faith, hope and charity, holding the Head which is Christ, whose Members ought to help one another, and to love one another with continual Charity, as he himself hath said. 
k John 13: 35.  By this shall all men know that ye are my Disciples, if you shall love one another.  
These old established Saxon Laws and Canons backed with sacred Scriptures, manifest the Duty of our old Saxon Kings, and their Officers towards their Subjects, whom they could not injure, oppress or tax in any kind against their ancient Laws, Customs, Privileges; as likewise what Loyalty and Obedience the people owed to their Kings: which bounds when their Kings exceeded in an exorbitant manner, you have seen how they proceeded with them; and when the people exceeded them on the other hand against their Loyalty and Duties, they did not escape unpunished. Take but one memorable general precedent in this kind, in the Seditious, factious, rebellious Saxons of the Kingdom of Northumberland, who were infamous for their Insurrections and Rebellions against, and Expulsions and Murders of their Kings. 
l De Gestis▪ Regum Angl. l, 1: c, 3: p, 26.  William Malmesbury and 
m Historia: l, 4▪ p, 342, 343, 344. Speeds History p, 244, 245, 246. See Fabian, Holinshed, Grafton, Math. Westm. Anno 789, 798, 808 8●4, 848, 871 872.  Huntindow give us this Abbreviation of their Rebellions, Treasons, Regecides: Osulf son of Egbrick reigned one year, and was betrayed and slain by his Subjects; and made way for Mollo, who reigning diligently for two years, was compelled to lay down his Regality, and slain by Alred: who succeeding him, reigned eight years, and then was chased out of his Realm, and deposed by his people from the Throne he had invaded: Adelred Son of Mollo succeeding him, reigned three years, and then was driven out of his Kingdom, and forced to fly from the face of his Rebellious Dukes and Captains. Then Celwold (alias Alfwold) being cried up King, after ten years' reign, mourned under the Treachery of his Subjects, being slain without fault by the Treason of Duke Sigga: Osred his Nephew (the next King) reigned scarce one year, and then was chased by his Subjects out of the Realm, and afterwards slain. Adelred Son of Mollo reigned again four years (taking severe vengeance against those Rebellious Dukes and others who first expelled and deposed him) and then was slain by his always most wicked people, being unable to avoid the fate of his Predecessors, Ardulf his Successor reigned twelve years, and then was chased out of his Realm by his rebellious Subjects: And Oswold after him, holding the Title of King only for twenty eight days, was forced to save his life by flight unto the King of Picts. After which the Northumbrians preoccupated with the madness of their folly, continued divers years without a King. For 
n Malmesb: De Gestis Reg: l, 1. c, 3: p, 26, 27. Speeds History p, 248. Alchuvini Opera p, 1667; 1668.  many Natives and Nobles, being offended with these Rebellions and Murders of their Kings, fled out of their Country, as fearing some heavy plague to befall it. Alcuinus, that Countryman (than in France with Charles the great) being ready to return to his Country with gifts to King Offa from Charles the Emperor, thought best to continue where he was, writing thus to Offa; That he knew not what to do amongst his Country men, amongst whom no man could be secure, or do any good in giving wholesome Counsel to them, their holy places being wasted by Pagans, their Altars defiled with perjuries, terra SANGVINE DOMINORUM ET PRINCIPUM FAEDATA, and their very land itself polluted with the blood of their Lords and Princes; and the raining of blood then at York, in the Lent time, where their Religion first took its beginning in that Nation, presaged that blood should come from the Northern parts upon that BLOODY LAND and Realm of Northumberland, almost brought to desolation for its intestine dissensions, bloudsheds and fallacious Oaths (which they violated to their Sovereigns.) The Emperor Charles himself, having prepared divers Presents and Letters to be sent by Alcuinus and others to King Offa, and King Ethelred, and the Bishops of their respective Realms, after his Presents and Letters delivered into the hands of the Messengers; hearing of the murder of King Ethelred, and the Treachery of this Nation to their Kings (by Messengers returning through Scotland from King Offa) recalled all his Presents and Gifts, and was so far incensed against that NATION, which he called PERFIDIOUS, AND PERVERSE, AND MURDERER'S OF THEIR KINGS, ESTIMATING THEM WORSE THAN PAGAN'S, that unless Alcuinus had interceded for them, he had presently substracted all the good he could from them, and have done them all the hurt that possibly he could devise.  

* De Gestis Reg▪ l, 1 〈◊〉, 3.  Malmesbury records, that after Ethelred no man durst ascend to the Kingdom, whiles every one feared (in particular) lest the chance of these foregoing Kings should befall himself, and would rather live safe in inglorious idleness, than reign pendulus in doubtful danger: Seeing most of the Kings of Northumberland departed out of this life by the Treachery and destruction by their Subjects. Whereupon they having no King for thirty three years, THAT PROVINCE WAS EXPOSED TO THE DERISION AND PREY OF THEIR NEXT NEIGHBOURS; and the Barbarous Danes speedily in great Numbers, invaded, spoiled and possessed it all that time, slew most of their Nobility and people, till at last they were enforced to subject themselves to the power and pleasure of the West-Saxon Kings, to defend them from the Danes, who infested, invaded, and miserably slew, wasted, destroyed these Seditious, Treacherous King-deposing, King-murdering Northumberlanders 
o Histor: l, 4: p. 343, 344, l, 5: p, 312. Watb: Westm. An: 873, 875, 876, 886.  Henry Huntindon and Matthew Westminster record, that the year before the Northumberlanders traitorously slew their King Ethelred, there were fiery Dragons seen flying through the air; after which followed a very great famine, which destroyed many of them; soon after the Pagan Nations from Norwey and Denmark invaded and miserably destroyed those of Northumberland and Lindesfa●ne, horribly destroying the Churches of Christ, with the Inhabitants; at which time Duke Sigga, who unworthily betrayed and slew his Sovereign King Alfwold of Northumberland, worthily perished; the whole Nation being first almost quite consumed with civil Wars, and by these Pagan invaders, whose Plague was far more outrageous and cruel than that of the Romans, Picts, Scots, or Saxons Invasions and Depredations in former ages; they most frequently invading and assailing the land on every side, desiring not so much to obtain and rule over it, as to spoil and destroy it, with all things therein; burning their houses, carrying away their goods, tossing their little children, and murdering them on the top of their pikes, ravishing their wives and daughters, then carrying them away captives, and putting all the men to the Sword: which sad and frequent rumours from all parts, struck such terror into the hearts of King and people, that their very hearts and hands failed, and languished, so that when they obtained any victory, they had no joy nor hope of safety by it, being presently encountered by new and greater swarms of these Pagan Destroyer's. The cause of which sore Plague and Judgement he together with 
p Flores Hist▪ Anno 83●: p, 301, 302.  Matthew Westminster, thus express. In the Primitive Church of England Religion most brightly shined; but in process of time all virtue so withered and decayed in them, VT GENTEM NULLAM PRODITIONE ET NEQVITIA PAREM ESSE PERMITTERENT, that they permitted no Nation to be equal to them IN TREASON AND WICKEDNESS; which most of all appears in the History of the (forecited) Kings of Northumberland▪ For men of every Order and Office, DOLO ET PRODITIONE INSISTEBANT, addicted themselves TO FRAUD AND TREASON, in such sort as their impiety is formerly described in the Acts of their Kings. Neither was any thing held disgraceful, but Truth and Justice, Nec honor nisi, BELLA PLUS. QVAM CIVILIA, ET SANGVINIS INNOCENCIUM EFFUSIO & causa dignissima caedis Innocentia. Nor any thing reputed honourable, but more than civil Wars, and effusion of the blood of Innocents', and Innocency, reputed a cause most worthy of death. THEREFORE the Lord Almighty sent a most cruel Nation like swarms of Bees, who spared neither age nor sex; to wit, the Danes, with the Goths, the Norwegians, and the Sweeds, the Vandals, with the Prisons, who from the beginning of King Edelwolfe, to the coming of the Normans under King William, wasted and made the fruitful Land desolate for 230. years, destroying it from Sea to Sea, and from man to beast. Which sore and dreadful long continued Judgement of God upon the Land, for those crying sins now abounding amongst us, as much almost as amongst the Northumberlanders and other Saxons then, may cause us justly to fear the self same punishments, or the like, as they then incurred, and the Britons before that under the bloody Usurper Vortigenne, unless we seriously repent and speedily reform them. From these unparallelled prodigious Treasons, Insurrections, Regicides, Rebellions of these Northumberlanders, I conceive that infamous Proverb (used by Maximilian the Emperor, and frequent in 
* Tractatus Joannis Aven●ini de Rebus Turcicis p, 117. Heylins' Microcosmus in Germany.  Foreign and other Writers) first arose touching the English: That the King of England was, REX DIABOLORUM, a King of Devils (not of men or Saints) SUBDICOS ENIM REGES EJICERE TRUCIDARE because the English (especially the Northumberlanders) so oft rebelled against, expelled, deposed and murdered their Kings, beyond the Spaniards, French and other Nations. Which Proverb the late extravagant Proceedings of some Jesuitized pretended English Saints, have now again revived out of the ashes of oblivion.  
But I hope these sad recited old domestic Precedents will hereafter instruct both Kings, Magistrates, Parliaments and people, to keep within those due bounds of Justice, Righteousness, Law, Equity, Loyalty, Piety, Conscience, Prudence and Christian Moderation, which the Laws of God and the Land prescribe to both, and the Council of Calchuth, forecited long since prefixed them.  
That the ancient English Saxon Kings at and from their primitive Establishment in this Realm, 
Proposition 1.  had no power nor prerogative in them to impose any public Taxes, Imposts, Tributes, or Payments whatsoever on their people without their Common Consents and Grants in their Great Councils of the Realm, for any spiritual or temporal use, I shall evidence by the four first General public Taxes that I meet with in the Histories of their times, which I shall recite in Order according to their Antiquity, though I shall therein somewhat swarve from my former Chronological Method, in reciting some subsequent Laws and confirmations relating to every of them, for brevity sake, out of their due order of time, and coupling them with the original Laws for, and Grants of these general Charges and Taxes, to which they have relation, and then pursue my former method.  
Henry Huntindon, in the Prologue to his fifth Book of Histories p. 347. writes thus of those Saxons, who first seized upon Britain by the Sword. saxons autem pro viribus paulatim terram (Britanniae) bello capiscentes, captam obtinebant; obtentam, adificabant, adificatam LEGIBUS REGEBANT: not by arbitrary Regal power without or against all Law.  
The first Taxes and Impositions ever laid under the Saxon Kings Government, after they turned Christians, upon the people of England, were for the maintenance of Religion, Learning, Ministers, Scholars, (long before we read of any Taxes imposed on them for the public Defence of the Nation by Land or Sea) all and every of which were granted, imposed only by common consent in their Great Councils (before the Name of Parliament was used in this Island, which being a French word came in after the Normans, about Henry the third his reign) without which Councils grant they could neither be justly charged, nor levied on all or any Freemen of this Island, by any civil or legal Right, by those to whom they were granted, and thereupon grew due by Law.  
1. The first General Tax or Imposition laid on and paid by the Saxon Subjects of this Land appearing in our Histories, was that of Caericsceatae (id est CENSUS ECCLESIAE) in plain English, Churchets, or Church-Fees; in nature of First-Fruits and Tithes.  
The first Law whereby these Churchets, 
Anno Dom. 692.  Church-Fees, or First-Fruits were imposed on the people, 
Proposition 1.  and settled as an annual duty on the Ministers (paid only before that time as voluntary freewill Offerings to the Ministers of the Gospel by devout and liberal Christians) was enacted by 
q Spelmanni Concil: Tom: 1: p, 183, 184, 185, 187: Chron: Johann: Brompton col: 761, 762, 766  Ive, King of the west Saxons, in a Great Council held under him Anno Dom. 692. Wherein, by the exhortation, advice and assent of Cenred, his Father, Heads and Erkenwold, his Bishops, AND OF ALL THE aldermans, ELDERS AND WISEMEN OF HIS REALM, and a great Congregation of the Servants of God, he established this Law (among sundry others) which none might abolish. Cap. 4. De Censu Ecclesiae: Cericsccata (i.e. Vectigal, or Census Ecclesiae) reddita sint in Festo Sancti Ma●●tini: Si quis hoc non complete, reus sit IX. sol: & du● decuplareddat ipsum Cericsceatum. So one Copy renders it out of the Saxon: another thus, Cyricsceata: (idest PRIMITIAE SEMINUM) ad celebre divi Matini Festum redduntor: qui tum non solverit, qua raginta Solidis mulctator, & ipsas praeterea Primitias duodecies persolvito. After which there is this second Law subjoined, Cap 62 De Cyricsceatis. Primitias Seminum quisque ex eo dato domicilio, in quo ipse natali die Domini c●mmoratur. These Duties were afterwards enjoined to be paid by the 
* Lambard: Archaion: Chron. Johann. Brompton col: 341, ●58. Spelm: Concil: p, 402, 419, 420, 444.  Laws of King Adelstan Anno 928. c. 2. Volo ut Cyricsc●atha reddantur ad illum locum cuirecte pertinent, etc. By the Laws of King Edmund made Anno 944. in a Great Synod at London, AS WELL OF ECCLESIASTICAL AS SECULAR PERSONS summoned thither by the King, c. 2. Decimas praecepimus omni Christiano super Christianitatem suam dare & emendent Cyricsceattam, id est Ecclesiae censum. Si quis hoc dare noluerit, excommunicatus: sit. By the Laws of King Edgar Anno 965. c. 2, 3. 
r Spelmanni Concil: p, 530, 531.  and the Laws of King Aethelred; made by him and his Wisemen apud Habam, about the year of Christ 1012. Cap. 4. DE CONSVETUDINIBUS sanctae Dei Ecclesiae reddendis. Praecipimus, ut OMNIS HOMO super dilectionem Dei & omnium sanctorum DET CYRISCEATTAM, ET RECTAM DECIMAM SVAM, sicut in DIEBUS ANTECESSORUM NOSTRORUM FECIT, quando melius fecit: hoc est, sicut aratrum peragrabit DECIMAM ACRAM: & omnis consuetudo reddatur super amicitiam Dei, ad Matrem Ecclesiam cui adjacet, ET NEMO AUFERAT DEO QVOD AD DEUM PERTINET, ET PRAEDECESSORES CONCESSERUNT. 
* See Gulielmi Sonmeri Glossarium Title: Cyricsceattam.  By which Laws it seems, that these Cyricsceata, or Church-Fees, were of the same nature with Tithes, (if not Tithes in truth) and the tenth acre, or tenth part of all their Corn and arable Lands increase (Tithes both in the 
s Irae●eus, l, 4: c, 34: Origen Homil: 11 in Num. Hicron: in Malach: c, 3. Augustin: de Tempore Serm: 219. Cassianque c, 25, 33. Isiodor Pelusio ta: l, 1. Ep. 317 Antiochus Homil. 120: Concil: Arelatense 4: Can: 3.  Fathers, Councils, Writers of this and some former ages, being usually styled, First-Fruits) though most esteem them duties different from Tithes. Which duty the people being backwards (as it seems) to pay, King Knot by the advice and consent of his Wisemen in a Great Council Anno 1032. quickened the payment of them by this additional Law, increasing the first penalty by a superadded fine to the King. 
* Spelm▪ Concil: p, 563 Chron: johann: Brompton col: 920.  Cyricsceata (which the Latin Translation renders, Seminum primiciae) ad festum Divi Matini penduntor: Si quis dare distulerit, eas Episcopo undecies praestato, ac Regi ducenos & viginti Solidos persolvito. Et dat omnis Cyricsceot ad matrem Ecclestam per omnes Liberas domus. I find by the Surveys and Records of our late Bishop's Revenues; That these Churchets of later times were certain small portions of Corn, Hens, Eggs, and other Provisions paid by each House or Tenement (according to the several values of them) for the Maintenance and Provisions of the Ministers; which were constantly rendered to our Bishops by their Tenants under the name of Cyricsceata or Churchets, 
* See Spelm: Glossarium & Guli: Sonmeri Glossaerium Title: Cyricscea●●am.  in divers Manors, till they were lately voted down. This was the first kind of public Tax imposed on the people for the Maintenance of the Ministry: and that only by common grant and consent in Common Councils of that age; as were their 
t Spelmanni Concil: p. 375, 563, 564, 571  annual Tributes for Lights, Parish Alms, and their Soul-shot or Mortuaries at every man's decease, first granted by common Consent in Parliamentary Councils, which I shall but name.  
2. The second principle annual Charge or Tribute imposed on and paid by the people under the Saxon Kings, 
Anno Dom. 787.  was Tithes of the annual increase of their Lands and Goods, 
Proposition 1.  for the maintenance of God's Worship, Ministers and Religion; which though due by God's Law and a Divine Right to Ministers (as the first Law made for their due and true payment recites, and I have lately proved at large in my Gospel-Plea, etc.) yet they could not be legally imposed, nor exacted from the people by the Ministers in foro humano, without public consent and grant. Whereupon in the 
* Centur: Magd: 8▪ c, 9 Spelm: Concil: p, 292, 293, 298, 299, 300 301,. Mr. Seldens History of Tithes ch: 8, p, 188, 189.  General Council of Calchuth (held in the year of our Lord 787) Cap. 17. Vt Decimae solvantur; this Law was made. In paying tithes, as it is written in the Law (of God) Thou shalt bring the tenth part of all thy Corn and First Fruits into the House of the Lord thy God, etc. Wherefore likewise WE COMMAND with an obtestation, that all men be careful to render Tithes of all things they possess, BECAUSE IT IS THE PECULIAR PORTION OF THE LORD GOD, etc. Which Law being read in that public Council by Gregory Bishop of Ostia, before King Alfwoldus, Archbishop Eanbald, and all the Bishops, Abbots, Senators, Dukes and PEOPLE OF THE LAND: they all assented to it, and with all devotion of mind, 
* Let our Tith-opposing Soldiers and others observe it.  according to the uttermost of their power, bound themselves by vow, that by God's supernal assistance they would observe it in all things; ratifying it with the Sign of the Cross and Subscription of their Names thereto, according to the Custom of that age. After which it was read before King Offa in the Council of the Mer●ians and his Senators, Jambertus' Archbishop of Canterbury, and the rest of the Bishops of the Realm, with a loud voice, both in the Latin and German tongue, that all might understand it: who ALL WITH A UNANIMOUS VOICE AND CHEERFUL MIND ASSENTED TO IT, & promised that they would (by God's Grace assisting them) with A MOST READY WILL, to the best of their power, observe this (and the rest of the Statutes there made) in all things. And then ratified them with the sign of the Cross and subscription of their Names thereto. It seems very probable by this Clause in the Laws of 
u Spelmanni Concil. p, 621. Hen: de Knyghton De Eventibus Angliae l, 2, col, 2336.  Edward the Confessor (confirmed by William the Conqueror) Cap. 9 Of Payment of Tithes of cattle, Bees and other things; Have enim beatus▪ Augustinus praedicavit, & docuit: Et haec CONCESSA SUNT A REGE, ET BARONIBUS, ET POPULO, That upon the preaching of Augustine, (first Archbishop of Canterbury) Ethelbert King of Kent, with his Barons and People (assembled in a great Parliamentary Council) after their Conversion by him to the Christian Faith, granted Tithes of all things to him and their Ministers by a special Act or Law; (which if true) must be about the year of our Lord 603. at least one hundred and eighty years before the Council of Calchuth. But because I find no such special Law of his extant in any Author; and this passage may be intended of Augustine Bishop of Hippo (flourishing about the year of Christ 410.) who hath sever all Homiles concerning the Due payment of Tithes; as Hom. 48. inter Sermons, 59 Sermo De Tempore 219 ad Fratres in Eremo. Sermo 64. and in Psal. 146. and because this clause may be as well intended of King Alfwold, or King Offa, and his Barons and People in the Council of Calchuth, as of King Ethelbert and his Barons and People; I have therefore begun with their Law for Tithes, being extant, certain; whereas the other is but conjectural: yet made by common grant and assent of the King, and his Barons, and People, if there were any such.  
After this Council of Calchuth, I find very many Laws confirming, continuing, establishing in all successions of ages, till this day, this charge and payment of Tithes (all made by Common Consent in General Councils or Parliaments, both before and since the Conquest, which because they are all extant in John Bromptons' Chronicle, printed at London, 1652. Mr. Lambards' Archaion, Sir Henry spelman's Councils, Rastals Abridgement of Statutes, and accurately collected in a Chronological order, by Mr. Selden in his History of Tithes ch. 8. where all may peruse them, I shall wholly pretermit them here, and refer the Reader to these Authors: All which Laws are clear Evidences of the first Propositions verity.  
The third General ancient Saxon Tax and Charge occurring in our Histories, 
Anno Dom. 727, 793.  imposed on the People, was that of 
x Spelmanni Concil. p▪ 308, to 313, 290, 261. Radulsus de Diceto Abbreviationis Chronicorum col, 446, Chron. johann. Brompton col: 754, 776.  Romescot, 
Proposition 1.  or Peter Pence; to wit one penny out of every House each year, paid on the Feast of St. Peter ad vincula; for and towards the maintenance of the English School and Scholars at R●me: from the payment whereof all the Lands belonging to the Abbey of St. Almains were exempted by King Offa, by whom this Tax or Alms was first granted, for the maintenance of the English Scholars at Rome, and that by the UNANIMOUS antecedent and subsequent CONSENT, of Archbishop Humbert and his Suffragans, ET PRIMATIBVIS SUS VNIVERSIS, and of all his Nobles or chief Men, assembled in a PROVINCIAL COUNCIL at Verolam, in the year of our Lord 793. This School (as Malmesbury De Gestis Regum Angliae l. 2 c. 1. and Balaeus Cent. 1. c. 15. record) was first founded by King Offa before his going to Rome, which Sir Henry Spelman proves out of Brompton and others: But it appears by 
y Math. Westm. Anno 727, p, 265.  Matthew Westminster, that this School was there first built and endowed with Peter-pences by King Ive 66. years before King Off●aes grant and endowment. For he writes; that King Ive going to Rome Anno 727. built a House in that City, by the consent and will of Pope Gregory, which he caused to be called, the School of the English: To which the Kings of England, and the royal Stock, with the Bishops, Elders and Clergymen might come to be instructed in the Catholic doctrine and faith, and so, being steadfastly confirmed in the faith, might return home again. For the Doctrine and Schools of the English, from the time of St. Augustine, were interdicted by the Roman Bishops, by reason of the daily Heresies which had sprung up by the coming of the English into Britain, whiles the Pagans intermixed with the Christians, corrupted both the grace of holy conversation, and the Christian Faith. He likewise built a Church, dedicated to the Honour of the Virgin Mary, near to this School, where the English coming to Rome, might celebrate divine Mysteries, and be likewise buried if they died there. Then he adds, 
Propo. 1.  ET HAEC OMNIA VT PERPETVAE FIRMITATIS ROBVR OBTINERENT, STATUTUM EST GENERALI DECRETO (made in General Council of the Realm) PER TOTUM REGNUM OCCIDENTALIUM SAXONUM, in quo praedictus Ina regnabat, ut singulis annis de singulis familiis denarius unus qui anglice, ROMESCOT appellatur, beato Petro, & Ecclesiae Romanae mitteretur, VT ANGLI IBIDEM COMMORANTES VITALE SUBSIDIUM IND HABERENT. Which grant, Offa King of Mercians first enlarged and granted in his Kingdom (distinct from that of Ive) 66. years after this, as aforesaid. This Annual Contribution towards this Schools maintenance, was afterwards confirmed, and the due payment thereof prescribed, under penalties by the 
z Spelmanni Concil. p. 445, 446, 517, 530▪ 544, 621, 625 633. Mr. Lambards' Archaean. Johannis Brompt Chron. col. 871. 902, 920. Henr. de Knighton de Eventibus Angliae l, 2▪ col, 235 ●.  successive Laws of King Edgar, King Ethelred, Canutus, Edward the Confessor, and William the Conqueror, made in successive GREAT COUNCILS held in their times, BY AND WITH THE ADVICE AND ASSENT OF THEIR ARCH-BISHOPS, BISHOPS, WISEMEN, NOBLES AND SENATORS. in the years of our Lord 967, 1009, 1012, 1032, 1060. (or thereabouts) and 1070. By virtue of which Laws this Tax was duly paid every year in all succeeding ages, till it was finally abolished and taken away by name, by the Statute of 25. H. 8. c. 21. being perverted from its primitive intended use, and made a constant Revenue by and for the Popes themselves, against the Donors' minds, and their Successors, who so long continued it for the foresaid uses, of the English schoolings.  
These three most ancient Taxes and Charges, originally granted, imposed, and afterwards continued only by Common grant and Consent of the King, Nobles, People in General Councils and Parliaments, are a most pregnant proof of the first Proposition, and of the People's most ancient Original Fundamental Right of Property in their Goods and Estates, exempt from all Impositions and Tallages whatsoever, but only by their free Grants and Consents in Parliament. For if our ancientest Christian Saxon Kings and greatest Monarches could not by their Prerogatives or absolute Power alone, but only with and by the free and common consent and grant of their Nobles, Wisemen, Prelates and People in the Great Parliamentary Councils of their Realms, impose the Payment of First Fruits and Tithes upon their Subjects, 
* See my Gospel Plea, for Tithes, etc. 1653.  though due by the very Law of God, towards the Maintenance of God's Worship and Ministers, for the public good, instruction, salvation of all their Souls: nor yet the Payment of Peter-pences, for the Maintenance of Learning and Scholars, to supply the Ministry, and furnish the Realm with able learned Men, for the common benefit both of Church and State, being things of greatest Concernment for the People's, Kingdom's Happiness, Government and Prosperity: much less than could they lay on them any other Tax, Tribute, Aid or Assessment whatsoever, of less necessity and concernment, for any inferior uses, or for Defence of the Realm by Land or Sea against Enemies or Rovers, by their own absolute Authority, but only by and with their voluntary Grants and Consents in General Parliamentary Councils of the Realm, 
Anno Dom. 871, 873, 983, 984, etc.  as every rational man must acknowledge.  
The fourth Public Tax or Imposition on the people in point of time, 
Proposition 1.  is that of Danegeld (the first Civil Tax we everread of) whereof there was two sorts. 
See my Humble Remonstrance against the Illegal Tax of Ship-money p, 19, etc.  The first, paid to the Danes themselves by way of Composition, as to a prevailing Conquering Enemies, to prevent their Plunders, Rapines, Incursions. The second, paid for the maintenance of valiant Soldiers and Mariners, 
* Mat. Westm. An. 871, 873 983, 991, 994 etc. Simeon Dunelmensis Hist. de Gestis Regum Angliae p, 162, 163, 164, 166 169.  to defend the Sea Coasts and Seas against the Invasions, Piracies of the Danes and other Enemies. The first Payment I find of any moneys to the Danes by way of Composition, was in the year of our Lord 871. When Bernredus King of Mercians compounding friendly with them, Pecuniis Inducias impetravit, obtained a Truce with them for money, as Matthew Westminster records: After this Anno 873. Merciarum Gentes, dato munere, appeased those Pagans with a Gift. What the sum of Money or Gift was, is not expressed, nor how it was raised: nor yet upon whom: but the words imply, that it was done by common consent of the Nobles in a General Council, for their Common Preservation from Plunder (not imposed or raised by the King's Prerogative without their free consents in a General Council or Parliamentary Assembly, for so it was assessed and levied in succeeding times. 
b Math. Westm. Anno 983, 991, 994 1002, 1007, 1012. Simeon Dunelmensis Hist. col. 162, 163, 164, 168, 166  Anno Dom. 983. The Danes infesting all the Parts of the Realm, and the people not knowing where or how to resist them; DECRETUM EST A VIRIS PRUDENTIBUS▪ It was decreed by the Wisemen, (no doubt in a General Council assembled for that end, not by the King's absolute Authority) that they should be overcome with Money, who could not be vanquished with the Sword. Wherefore they satisfied the Covetousness of the Danes with the payment of ten thousand pounds. Anno 991. A Tribute of 10000 l. was given them BY THE ADVICE OF SIRICIUS, DUKE ETHELWARD AND OTHER NOBLES OF THE REALM, that they should cease their frequent Rapines, Burnings and Slaughters of men which they used about the Sea Coasts. Anno 994. King Aethelred CONSILIO PROCERUM SVORUM, by the Counsel of his Nobles (no doubt in a Parliamentary Assembly) gave them a pension of 16000 l. collected of all England, that they should cease from the Rapines and Slaughters of innocent men: And Anno 1002. the same King HABITO CONCILIO CUM REGNI SVI PRIMATIBUS, utile duxit, a Danis dextras accipere, etc. And CONSILIO PRIMATUM SVORUM, by the Counsel of his Nobles (or Chief men) gave them 24000 l. and Anno 1007. CONSILIO PRIMATUM SVORUM, BY THE COUNSEL OF HIS NOBLES. he gave them 30000 l. gathered out of all England, that they should desist from Rapines, and hold a firm Peace with him. Anno 1012. Duke Edric and ALICE THE NOBLES OF ENGLAND OF BOTH ORDERS (to wit, the Lords Spiritual and Temporal) were assembled together at London before Easter (no doubt in a Great Council) and continued there so long till the Tribute promised to the Danes should be paid, which was 48000 l. All which is recorded in these express terms by Matthew Westminster, Florentius Wigorniensis and Simeon Dunelmensis in their Chronicles and Histories of these respective years; and by Polychronicon, Fabian, Holinshed, Grafton, Speed and other late Historians out of them. So as this Tax or Tribute paid to the Danes, was undoubtedly imposed and levied by common Consent in the Parliamentary Councils of those times, not by the Kings own Power and Prerogative alone. True it is, King Suanus the Dane having conquered most of the Land, exacted it from the people, and levied it perforce against their wills, for the payment of his Soldiers: But the Inhabitants of St. Edmondsbury refused to pay it: Whereupon he threatened by force to spoil and destroy the Town; but in the midst of his Jollity and Nobles, he suddenly cried out, that he was struck through by St. Edmond with a Sword, or Spear, no man seeing the hand that smote him: and so with great horror and torment died three days after at The●ford: as Hoveden Annal. pars prior: Simeon Dunelmensis de Gestis Regum Angliae. Anno 1014. col. 170. Math. Westminster Anno 1014 p. 394. Ranulsus de Diceto, Abbreviationes Chronicorum col. 465. Johann. Brompton Chron. col. 892. Fabian part 6. c. 200 Polychronicon l. 6. c 16. Speed in his History l. 7 p. 420. with others relate. A memorable Punishment for this his illegal Exaction and Oppression.  
As for the Tax of Danegeld imposed on the People, (to wit) 12 d. as some, 
* Chron. Johan. Brompton col. 957.  or 2 s, as others, to be annually paid out of every Hyde or Plowland throughout the Realm, (except the Lands of the Church, and some others exempted from it by special Charters) it was imposed by Authority and Acts of General Councils only, (not by royal Prerogative) for Defence of the Kingdom by Land and Sea against the Danes, and other Enemies and Pirates, as is evident by the Laws of King Edward the Confessor cap. 12. The Black Book of the Exchequer l. 1. c. 11. Sir Henry Spelman and William Summer their respective Glossarium: Tit. Danegeld▪ p; 200, 201. Mr. ●elden his Mar● Cla●sum l▪ 2 as I have irrefragably proved at large in My Humble Remonstrance against the Illegal Tax of Shipmoney p, 19 to 25, to which I refer you for fuller satisfaction.  
Anno 1051: 
Anno Dom. 1051.  this unsupportable Tax of Dane●el● was released for ever to the People of England by King Edward the Confessor, 〈…〉 towards his oppressed People, 
Proposition 〈◊〉  to wit, in the 38. year from the time that Suanus King of the Danes commanded it to be yearly paid to his Army, in the reign of King Ethelbert, Father to this King Edward: Which Abbot Ingulph in his History p: 897. john Brompton in his Chronicle col. 938, 9●3. Simeon Dun●lmensis De Gest. Reg: Angl: col: 184. Ailredus Abbas Rievalus de Vita & miraculis Edwardi Confess col: 383. Radulfus de Diceto Abbreu. Chron: col: 475 Henry de Knyghton de Eventibus Angl l, 1 c. 9 col: 2331. Mr: Selden in his Marc Clausum l, 2 Sir Henry Spelman in his Glossary, Title Danegeld, and others thus relate in Ingulphus words. TRIBUTUM GRAVISSIMUM quod DANEGELD dicebatur, OMNI ANGLIAE IN PERPETUUM RELAXAVIT; & DE TAM FERA EXACTIONE NE JOTA UNUM VOLVIT RETINERE: re●oring to the People all the money then collected and brought into his Bedchamber by his Officers, and there laid in heaps; upon which this most holy King (as some of these record) saw a Devil dancing and triumphing with over much joy: and calling it, HIS MONEY, QUIA INJUSTE ADQUISITA EST DE SUBSTANTIA PAUPERUM; because it was 
* See Mich. Leckm. Sir 83 & Sueni Ros●l●● Tit. Pedagium.  unjustly gotten out of the substance of the poor Subjects. (though by colour of former Grants by common consent in Parliamentary Councils) upon which occasion this good King forthwith rest● red all that was collected, and perpetually released for the future this great and heavy Tribute (which had continued near forty years) to the Englishmen for ever, so that after that day it was no more gathered; as Roger Hovedon Annal: pars prior. p, 447. Hygden in his Polychron: l, 6. c, 24. Capgrave, Surius, Ribadenicra, Holinshed in the life of Edward the Confessor●Math▪ Westm: Simeon Dun●lm●nsis, and Florent. Wigorniensis An: 1051. Grafton in his Chronicle p. 180. Speed in his History of Great Britain l, 8. c, 6 Sect 7, p, 419. Fabian in his Chron: part 6. c, 210 p, 282, with the other forementioned Authors jointly attest.  
By these four first General Taxes and public charges thus imposed on the ancient Saxons and English, only by common grant and consent in the great Parliamentary general Councils of the Realm, both for the maintetenance of God's Worship, Ministers, Religion, Learning and defence of the Realm against foreign Enemies and Invasions, the truth of the first fundamental Proposition in the precedent Chapter, is abundantly confirmed, during all our Saxons Kings Reigns; which I shall confirm in subsequent Sections, by Precedents in all succeeding ages to this present: who never granted any Subsidies, Aids, Taxes, but by full consent in Parliament, and that in small proportions (one 
* See Matthew Paris in Henry 3 & Cooks 4 Justitutes c, 1. Rastal Taxes.  Subsidy, or Escuage, or Fifteen, or Tenth at most, and no more, not endless Monthly Taxes, much less Excises coupled with them, as now, and many times refused to grant any Aid or Tax at all, as I shall prove at large in Henry the third his reign) and then not before all their Greivances first redressed and the Great Charter, and their violated Liberty's first confirmed by new Grants, Oaths, Acts, Charters, Excommunications, not so much as thought upon now, after such unparallelled violations and subversions of them, which all our late endless Egyptian Tax-masters of several kinds, even out of Parliaments, by their own usurped authority, without the oppressed people's grants or consents in any ●e●ll English Parliaments, may do well to consider; and withal to peruse that notable Discourse of Gulielmus Peraldus, Bishop of Lions, De Virtutibus & Vitiis. Tom. 2. De Avaritia cap. 3. DE INJUSTIS TALLiIS f. 4●, 45 Where he largely demonstrates 
* See Alexand. Fabrit. Destr. Vitionem pars 4 c, 5. who is fuller than he herein.  the greatness and odiousness of the sin of laying and levying unjust illegal Taxes on the people; proving, that besides the sin of RAPINE, there is PECCATUM PRODITIONIS the sin of TREASON in it; to other with the sin of INGRATITUDE, and CONTEMPT OF GOD and ANGELS. And withal resolves; That if Rul●●●, Soldiers shall impose or levy any unjust Taxes upon the People, or exact more from ●hem 〈…〉 just wages, contrary to the Gospel precept, Luc. 3. 14. 〈◊〉 PRODITORES, they are TRAITORS: Spoliant enim filios De. 〈◊〉 fidei 〈◊〉 commendatos; for they spoil the people of God committed to their good f●●●● and tuition, and use them no otherwise than if they were Enemies: and who knows not that it is the Crime of TREASON, cum amicis inimicitias exercere; to exercise acts of enmity towards their friends? and like the Devi● himself to render affliction and punishments to those, instead of protection and ●●●●ibution, who serve and pay them best. Quibus▪ dici potest quod secundum 〈◊〉 DOMINATIO EORVM DIABOLICA EST: as he there d●●ermines, to rectify the mistakes of those, who now think this kind of new Tax imposing Government, not Diabolical, but Angelical or Saintlike.  
I now return to my former Chronological method and Collections, during all the reigns of our Saxon and Danish Kings, which I shall prosecute in the nex● Section, till the English supplantation by the Normans; of which John Brompton of●●rual ●●rual gives this reason (by way of divine retaliation) which I desire all Swordmen and othe●s, who ●epute Conquest, and th● longest Sword, a just and Saintlike Title to other Men● Lands, Poss●ssions, and all temporising Divines (who like Augustine the fi●st A●ch bishop of Canterbury, who converted the English to Christianity QUI PRAETEXTV FIDEI GEN●EM ADVENAM IN ALIE●● CONFIR●AVIT IMPERIO UT SVAM ET ROMANA● JURISDICTIONEM DILATARET, instead ●f preaching, of pressing the Doctrine of RESTITUTION to them, for which he is justly taxed by Laeland & 
* Antiqu. Eccles. Brit. p, 12.  Math. Parker, as being long, dissimilis Pa●●a●●o tunc Scotorum Apostolo, qui Constantinum eorum Regem (test. Polydoto) multis precibus hortatus est, ne gentem Saxo●um IMPIAM contra BRITANNOS CHRISTIANOS IWARET) seriously to ruminate upon 
* Chron. johan. Brompton col. 883.  Hoc autem Dei nutu factum esse constaet, ut ●●…lum contra IMPROBOS ANGLOS postea JUSTO DEI JUDICIO tempore disposito adveniret. Nam SICUT ANGLI quos DEUS, sceleribus suis exigentibus, disterminare proposuerat, britons peccatis suis exigentibus, humiliaverant, & A TERRA ANGLIAE MINUS JUST FUGAVERANT; SIC I●●I DUPLICI PERSECUTIONE, prim● DAC●RUM saevienti●●, postea NORMANNORVM superuenientium fortitudine GENTIBUS EXTRANEIS SUBDERENTUR, quod in sequentibus appareb●●.    
FINIS.