The Sope-Patentees Of London's PETITION Opened and Explained.  
OR, The Unmasking of these cruel Sope-Patentees deceitful Petition, presented by them to the Honourable House of Commons.  
Wherein you have a Discovery made (in part and but in part) of the great Sufferings of this Commonwealth: As also of the special Sufferings of some Freeborn Subjects in their Liberties and Estates, sustained by these cruel  
SOPE-MONOPOLERS. By Richard Wilkins.  
Habbac. 2. 12. Woe unto him that buildeth a Town with Blood, and establisheth a City by Iniquity.  
jer. 17. 11. As the Partridge gathereth the young which he hath not brought forth, so he that getteth Riches and not by right, shall lose them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool.  
London, Printed by I. F. for john Rothwel, and are to be sold at the Fountain and Sun in Paul's Churchyard, 1646.   

THere are three things that these Patentees are eminently guilty of. First, the Monopolising of the mystery of soap-boiling of the whole Kingdom into eight or ten men's hands, to the great oppression of the Commonwealth, and the ruin of many Families in their Estates and Liberties. Secondly, they have been, and still are, great deceivers of the Subjects, not only by adulterated and base Soap, but also by those ways which I have declared in my Answering their Propositions. In these two particulars you have these three things observable, First, that to Monopolise, they did take their Patent, and this offence they translate upon the first Sope-Patentees. Secondly, that by Monopolising, they have been great and barbarous oppressors; this offence they charge upon the King's Majesty, and the Lords of the Council. Thirdly, that by several ways they have been great deceivers; and this offence they also unjustly translate upon the ruined and oppressed Soap-boilers. The third and last thing which they are eminently guilty of, is this, That by lies they deceived the King's Majesty, and Lords of the Council, & now by lies they have endeavoured to deceive the Honourable and High Court of Parliament, not only by this vain and deceiving Petition, but also by their Propositions for the Excise of Soap: All which wickedness, together with the several aggravations of these Innovators of our Laws and Liberties offences, you have demonstrated in the ensuing Discourse, I could give you many Arguments deductable, from the cries of the oppressed Soap-boilers; from the cry of this oppressed and deplorable Commonwealth, which calls to our Worthies for Justice against these cruel, wilful and covetous oppressors and fomentors of our present Troubles; but I will only mention these two; First, that I might keep all men undeceived, for general it concerns all, but especially our most Honoured and Worthy Senators, in that sense which the Scripture speaks (Prov. 24. 21, 22. Hos. 7. 12.) concerning these changers of our Laws: or rather that I may take off that sense which godly & wise men have received of them by their glorious words of deceit, by which they have put a false gloss upon their oppressings; for I find that with some that fits at the Stern in the City, nay may I not say, it is to be feared with some in the Parliament, that the sense of these Patentees sufferings by the cruel oppressions of the first Sope-Projectors (for which they have already satisfied themselves) hath swallowed up the sense of their cruel oppressing of others, that the false sense of their being necessitated to take a Patent, hath swallowed up the sense of their delinquency in acting against Law and Liberty of Subject in their taking of their Patent. Secondly, that the executing of judgement upon these Projectors, is the only way as to Judge the poor oppressed Soap-boilers with Righteousness; so it is the only way, and there can (under favour) be no other by which these Patentees can be forced to make restitution to the Commonwealth, which they have greatly oppressed: For the raising of a Sum of money from these Monopolers answerable to their demerits (which they are able to satisfy) for the benefit of the State, is a Negative restitution to the Commonwealth, that which enforces and backs this Argument is this, because that it is consistent to the Intentions, the unwearied and unparallelled Actings and Declarations of the honourable Houses of Parliament, which I will make out from three Scriptures: Sure I am, that the Laws and Liberties of this Commonwealth hath been wounded by these Innovators, the sad consequent is the present bleeding condition of this our Nation, by the unnatural Civil War that we have had, and still is upon us, execution of judgement is the means of healing of us, jer. 51. 1. Secondly, sure I am, that your intendments, Right Honourable, is to lose the bands of wickedness, to take off the heavy burdens from the oppressed, to execute judgement upon these fomentors of our present troubles, as well as others, and God hath accepted and embraced your intendments, while you are in the way, as the Father the prodigal Son, witness the glorious and happy success that God hath given to your Armies: O let not the want of execution of Justice bring our, I hope ungrounded, fears upon us, which is the renewing of our troubles by the unfaithfulness of Brethren, & so turn the smiles of God into frowns: For your encouragement unto a speedy hearing of the oppressed cries, read your portion (Right Honourable) given you of God, Isa. 58. 8. The third Scripture is the words of Solomon, recorded Prov. 20. 8. A King that sitteth in the Throne of judgement, chaseth away all evil with his eyes; the Marginal note thus renders it, Where righteous judgement is executed, there sin ceaseth, and vice dares not appear. O remember how their impudence in propounding to you, Right Honourable (that in their Propositions, which is no less than a Monopoly) that which calls upon you for justice, an unparallelled presumption, having engagement upon me hereunto by Covenant and by trust; let these words of soberness and truth find acceptance from him that is a wellwisher to the Kingdom's Peace and happiness.  
R. Wilkins.   

To the Right Honourable, The Knights, Citizens and Burgesses OF The House of COMMONS Assembled in PARLIAMENT. The humble Petition of Lieut: Colonel John Hardwick, Captain John Hayes, Edmund Whitwel, Laurence Whitwel, Simon Weedon, Soap-boilers of London,  
Most humbly showeth:  
1. THat whereas your Petitioners, His Majesty's Native Subjects, have been brought up and served in the Art aforesaid, according to the Statute, did use the same till 7. Caroli Rex, wherein divers Projectors (Enemies to the Commonwealth) under the Name of Gentleman Soap-boilers of Westminster (upon false pretences) obtained a Patent under the great Seal, for the making of white Soap, to the great abuse of His Majesty, and extraordinary damage to the Kingdom.  
1. The Petitioners (not being able with good Conscience to comply with them) used their own Trade aforesaid (according to the liberty of the Subject) in a just and legal manner, until for the same they were greatly oppressed (by the said Patentees) by Suits in Star-Chamber, caused them to be Fined in great Sums of money, their persons imprisoned for divers years (some dying in Prison) their houses broken open, their goods Seized (to the Beds they lay on) to their very great impoverishing, and unexpressible damage being totally disabled from the use of their Trade, to the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Sope-makers to forsake the Kingdom and live Exile in Foreign parts.  
3. Under which heavy burden and bondage the Petitioners groaned divers years, until they and others of their Art were forced to buy their Trade and Liberty (which they were born to) by giving the King a greater yearly Revenue than the Projectors did,  
4. Nevertheless many persons (not having been brought up nor served as Apprentices in the Petitioners Art) did use the making of Soap privately and secretly, putting the same to sale, even to the ruin of the Petitioners, and great deceiving of the Kingdom by base Sope.  
5. For remedy whereof, and to secure the Revenue, the Petitioners and the rest of the Company were enjoined by His Majesty, and the Lords of the Privy Council, and bound in 40000. l. Bond, to suppress all such persons from the making Soap, which indeed were prosecuted (only) but according to the tenor of the King and Lords Warrants.  
6. For so doing, many Suits in Law have been prosecuted against the Petitioners upon the Statute of Monopolise, to the expense of 1000 l. some of them recovering 1000 l. 500 l. 300. l. when the Petitioners proved they were not really damnified ●. l. and many more Actions are brought, and threatened to be brought against the Petitioners only (being but few, to the many which were of their company) which will tend to the great disinabling of the Petitioners, in being serviceable to the King and Parliament as formerly, and as they still desire, in which cause they have greatly engaged their purses and persons, but now are like to be utterly undone if not relieved.  
In tender consideration of the premises, and in regard that your Petitioners are most willing and ready to make satisfaction to their utmost abilities, to all that can make it truly appear they are damnified by your Petitioners, (they having paid divers to the value of 6000 l. for satisfaction of which their wrongs the Petitioners never received one penny.  
And in regard many of the Petitioners company (who received a far greater benefit by His Majesties said grant then the Petitioners did) do refuse to make as is herein desired, and leave the insupportable burden totally upon the Petitioners, who never acted any thing in the premises as private persons, but only as Members of their Company for the general service and good of the same: May it therefore please this Honourable Assembly to take the sad condition of the Petitioners into your Pious consideration, and to appoint a Committee to call all such persons as aforesaid before them, and to examine their particular damages, and to compel all that had benefit by His Majesties said Grant, to join with the Petitioners in giving such satisfaction (without Suit in Law) as to the same Committee shall seem most meet. The parties who allege themselves grieved (by the Petitioners and their Company) being greatly desirous to be relieved by the same means, as by their humble Petition, hereunto annexed, appeareth, whereby the Petitioners may be preserved from utter ruin.  
And your Petitioners, etc.  
Having set down and presented to your view the Petition of the last Sope-Patentees, the most ancient and most cruel Monopolers of the Art of soap-boiling, I shall first give you the parts of it, and then explain it; wherein I shall show, not only the greatness of their oppressing Patent, but also their wilful being oppressors and invaders of the Subject's Liberties (which being done, will not only render them to be the greatest oppressors, and most ancient Monopolers, but also men covering the sins with lies) which at present I shall do it briefly (yet satisfactorily) because their more fuller declaring of their taking a Patent, was not to gain their Trade, but the enriching of themselves by oppressing their fellow-Subjects in their Liberties and Estates) is more proper either in answering their Book, Entitled, A true Relation concerning the Soap business, or in proof of the Charge which I shall exhibit against them (in the High and Honourable Court of Parliament) for their Delinquency, not only in their taking of their oppressing Patent, but also in their cruel, barbarous, and inhuman prosecution of it; in both which I have made some progress in, and preparation for,  

1. The general parts of their Petition are three:  
1. The body or subject matter of their Petition, which consists of six particular Branches.  
2. The Arguments on which the request of their Petition is grounded.  
3. The Requests of their Petition itself.   

2. The opening or explanation of this their Petition.  
In the general part of this their Petition, which is the body or subject matter of the Petition, you shall find these four things laid down.  

First, That these Patentees were, by the Patent and practice of the white Sope-Patentees, prohibited their Trade for divers years together: Together with the sad consequences that did fall upon these Petitioners, by reason of the Patent, which they demonstrate by these five particulars:  
1. By vexatious Suits in the Star-Chamber.  
2. By the great Fines imposed upon them in that illegal Court.  
3. By the long Imprisoning of their persons.  
4. By breaking open their houses.  
5. By Seizing and carrying away their goods.  
This first thing, together with these five particulars, declaring these Petitioners sufferings by the Patent and practice of the other Patentees, are expressed in the two first Branches of this Petition.  

The Answer is,  
That thought it is an undeniable truth which they have set forth, yet they are not to be thought (or doth render them) the more ; nor is their sin in taking their oppressing Patent extenuated (thereby) but aggravated; and that for this reason, Because they acted the sin of others against light, namely, the sin of Oppression, not of an ordinary, but of a scarlet dye; not only acting unrighteous Decrees, but procurers of them, thus making their Prince an oppressor to his people by their false pretences; in not only a Law destroying, but a Land ruinating sin, which they themselves have demonstrated unto us by four things in these first & second Branches (so that I may say unto them as Christ said to the unprofitable servant, They may be judged out of their own mouth) which being well considered, will render the Petitioners Enemies (as well as the other Patentees) not only to the King's Majesty, but also to the Law, Liberties and Estates of the Subject in their taking of a Patent. I will only give you one Scripture instance, which doth aptly prove the Argument, and render these Patentees greater offenders and sinners than the other (and then I will name the four particulars by them expressed) Adam sinned as well as the woman in eating the forbidden fruit; and yet it was true which he said to God, The Woman which thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the Tree, and I did eat: Nay, his sin was greater than the woman's (so is the sin of these Patentees greater than the others) if ye consider these two things: 1. The tempter was stronger that deceived her. 2. He was stronger to resist the temptation. To apply. The first Patentees were Papists, and so were principled to ruinated the Kingdom, and therefore must needs see a goodness in a Patent, being agreeable to their principles: So it is said of the woman (but not of the man) that she saw the Tree was good for food: These Patentees are Protestants, at least at large (but, is to be feared, no more) I judge them not) and therefore their principles should have led them, to maintain, not to destroy their King and Kingdom (as now it is) which they have a great share in.  
And though it be a digression, yet because it is both reasonable and considerable, I will commend four things (in this Chapter considerable) in reference to the Lords judicial proceeding upon man sinning) as to the serious consideration of the Right Honourable and High Court of Parliament, by way of precedent for their imitation, so also to the serious consideration of these Patentees, by way of expectation; namely, That though they endeavour to cover their sin with lies, they shall not prosper: That though they have got much riches by that which is not right, yet they shall leave them in the midst of their days, and their end shall be fools, as the Scripture speaks, Jer. 17. 11. Even then, when from our worthy Senators Justice shall run down like water, and Judgement like a mighty flood; when they shall Judge with righteousness the poor, and reprove with equity (these Projectors) for the meek of the Earth Isaiah 11. 4.  

The four things observable are,  
1. That God did execute Judgement upon sinners, as he had said, Gen. 2. 17. compared with Chap. 3. 14, 15, 16. Hos. 7. 12.  
2. That God began Judgement where sin began, Gen. 3. 14.  
3. That God did not only begin Judgement where sin began, but also proceeded on as sin proceeded, Gen. 3. 14, 15, 16, 17.  
4. The suitableness of God's Judgement to the Nature of sin, this is called, A reproving with equity, Isa. 11. 4. Achan troubled Israel, and the Lord troubled him, Josh. 7 17.  
The application which I shall observe to you, most Honoured and worthy Senators, that youmay bear his Image in this.  
1. God executes judgement, as he hath said, so must ye against these Monopolors, in respect of those that have been ruinated by them. Statute 21. Jacobi, against Monopolers.  
2. God began judgement where sin began, so have ye, witness your Act of 200000. l. against the first Sope-Patentees.  
3. God proceeds on in judgement as sin proceeded, so must ye against these Monopolers (as well as others) execute judgement.  
4. God's judgements are suitable and equal to the sins of men, so must ye reprove with equity these Monopolers; and that you may reprove them with equity, though it is impossible to express all the damage which they have done to King and Kingdom, by the obtaining and cruel prosecuting of their illegal Patent; yet this they are guilty of oppression by their Patetnt, to the Sum of Four hundred thousand pounds. I come now to express the four particulars which these patentees have expressed, which is appliable to themselves, and renders them greater offenders than the other Sope-Patentees; which are these four:  
That it was a Patent 


1. Against the Law, Liberty and Estates of the Subject.  
2. Abusive to the King's Majesty.  
3. Of extraordinary damage to the Kingdom.  
4. Which their Consciences could not suffer to comply with.     
I will conclude speaking to this first general, with this (they have expressed in the last of these four particulars) namely, the tenderness of these Patentees Consciences, not daring to comply with the other Patentees; and the reason they give is to be taken from, or made up by the other three particulars, and it is this, Because that it was a Patent against Law and Liberty of the Subject, against King and Kingdom; and yet consider how soon were these tender Consciences seared and made hard, for that immediately they did take up another Patent, more oppressing (in its Covenants) to the Subjects than the other, and were more barbarous, cruel, and oppressive in their prosecution, than the other Patentees; by which it doth appear, That their refusing to join with the other Patentees, did not arise either from tenderness of Conscience, or an unwillingness to get riches by oppression (as they falsely pretend, and would make men believe) but to gain a Patent to themselves to Monopolise the soap-boiling Mystery (from all other Soap-boilers) into their own hands, to get riches in abundance (as they did) by oppression. For you must know, that these oppressing cruel Patentees, are not like those sinners which solomon's speaks of, that said, Cast in thy lot amongst us, let us have all one purse, Prov. 1. 14. These men will have no Competiters in their gains, they well knowing by experience how to suck (out of a Monopelizing Patent) a greater sweetness of gain then the other Sope-Projectors, having for twenty years together (before ever any Patent was) gained much riches by Monopolising the soap-boiling Mystery solely into eight or ten men's hands, to the ruin of many a Family. I come now to speak to their second general, which is this:     

Secondly, That these Petitioners did take their Patent only to regain their Trade from the other Patentees, and were forced thereunto: which they demonstrate by these two Arguments:  
1. That they did contend for their liberty of Trade, by suffering many years.  
2. That considering they could not gain liberty of Trade by suffering, they were forced to purchase it, by giving the King a greater yearly benefit then the other Sope-Projectors.  
This second general, as also these two Arguments, you have contained in the third Branch of the subject matter of this their Petition.  

The Answer which I shall give to it is this:  
The explaining and showing wherein the necessity of these Patentees (taking of their Patent did lie, I will truly demonstrate to you by this ensuing Proposition.   

The Proposition.  
That the Petitioners, to Monopolise the soap-boiling Art into their own hands (from all other Soap-boilers) and to enrich themselves by suppressing and tyrannising over all other Soap-boilers, and by being oppressors of the Commonwealth in this sense and in no other, there was a necessity of their taking of a Patent: But there was not, nor could there be in that sense which they pretend (and would make men believe) that is, To gain liberty of Trade.  
There are these two parts in this Proposition.  
1. That liberty of Trade could not be the Design of these Projectors in their taking of a Patent.  
2. That their Design in taking of their Patent, was to Monopolise the Art of soap-boiling, and to oppress.  
Many Arguments may be given to prove both the parts of the Proposition; but I will only mention these four Reasons at present; two to prove the first, and the other two to prove the second part.  
The two Arguments to prove the first part, namely, That liberty of Trade was not the Design of these Patentees taking of their Patent, which is the Negative part of the Proposition, are,  
1. Because, that though there may be a necessity of suffering for, yet there cannot be a necessity of sinning against God, Liberties and Laws; and the reason is, because God, Liberties and Laws is to be contended for; yes, it is the duty of Saints, and the duty of Subjects, to contend for their Birthright, witness both the present contention in the Land, and the present ruins that is upon us, the sad consequences of the actings of these Patentees, as well as others, have brought upon us, as I have already shown.  
2. Because that these Petitioners and Patentees, at that time when they did take their Patent, might freely have used the Art of soap-boiling, and enjoyed liberty of Trade without a Patent; and the Reason why they might have had liberty of Trade without a Patent, is, because the other Patentees were not able any longer to hold their Patent, being disabled to pay the King His yearly Revenue, by these two things:  
1. The general distaste that the people took against that project.  
2. The constant supply of Soap (Imported from Foreign parts and made at home) for the Subjects use.  
The consideration of this Argument, being judiciously observed, will render these Patentees, not only Enemies to the Commonwealth, but also wilful introducers of our troubles, and wicked oppressors, because covetous.  
The two Arguments to prove the second part of the Proposition, namely, That these Patentees Design in taking of their Patent, was to Monopolise and oppress, which is the Affirmative part, are,  
1. Because that these Patentees, by virtue and in prosecution of their said Patent, they did not only prohibit all others from boiling Soap, and all manner of Soap, but even such as had served themselves Apprenticeships, yea, and even such as were as ancient Soap-boilers as themselves; but also did carry away their goods, and destroy their vessels.  
2. If their Design in taking and prosecuting of their Patent were not to Monopolise, then why was the Merchants throughout the Kingdom (to their great damage and discouragement of Trade) by the cruel practice of these Projectors prohibited, not only the importing of any Pot-ashes to any Port of England, but at London, but also the selling of them (so imported) to any other but themselves.  
That they did gain such a power, not only to the great damage of the Merchants, and prejudice of all other Sope-makers, but also to the great damage of all other Tradesmen dealing with, and using of Pot-ashes; yea, to the ruin of some Families. I will give you a Copy of the Order of the Star Chamber, which the Merchants were served with, by them moved for, obtained and prosecuted.  
At Star Chamber the 18. of October. 1637.  

Present,  
Lord Archbishop of Cant.  
Lord Keeper.  
Lord Treasurer.  
Lord Privy Seal.  
Earl Marshal.  
Earl of Dorset.  
Lord Cottington.  
Mr. Controller.  
Mr. Secretary Cook.  
Mr. Secretary Wyndebank.   
THis day was read to their Lordships an Order of this Board, made the 2. day of May last, touching Pot-ashes, and the restraint of the common sale thereof, to the prejudice of the Sope-makers of London, on whose behalf it was now by their Council prayed that the same Order might be explained and enlarged in these particulars following:  
First, That no Merchant, or other person or persons whatsoever, should directly or indirectly, by themselves, their Agents, Factors or Servants at any time or times hereafter, Sell, Barter, or do away, or deliver any Pot-ashes whatsoever, to any person or persons whatsoever, save only to the said Company of Sope-makers of London, who hath promised to furnish Dyers and Leather-dressers with such quantities as they shall use, at the same price for which they are bought, without any increase or further charge in that behalf.  
Secondly, That no Merchant, or any other person whatsoever, shall land or bring to Shore any Pot-ashes, imported from beyond the Seas, save only at the Port of London, and at no other Port, Haven, Creek, or place whatsoever.  
Thirdly, That no person that doth or shall make, or have any Pot ashes, shall Sell, Barter, or do away the same, to any person or persons whatsoever, save only to the Sope-makers of London, that are known lawfully to use that Trade, and not to any undue makers of Soap, or to any other: Nevertheless, it is not their Lordship's pleasure, nor was it now desired, That any Merchant or other should in any wise be restrained to Export out of the King's Dominions into any of the parts beyond the Seas, any Pot-ashes, Foreign or English, and there to be vended.  
And their Lordships being informed, That the Merchants having since the Month of May last sold 600. Tun of Pot-ashes to the said Company, to the value of Thirteen thousand pounds, or thereabouts.  
Since nevertheless, they have brought in and imported about 450. Tun, which if they be disposed to undue makers of Soap, will overthrow the business, every Tun of Ashes so used, being near 30. l. loss to the King, besides the Companies loss.  
It is thereupon Ordered, That the several matters before desired be in all parts observed, by the said Merchants and others, and that that they so govern themselves therein, as that no further Complaint be hereafter made against them, for or concerning any of the premises, And that they cause this Order to be publicly read at their next general meeting, to the end, that they may the better observe the same: Yet notwithstanding, if the Merchants shall find themselves aggrieved in any of the premises, as that they shall think themselves able to give good and sound Reasons, why the same should not be observed, nor enjoined them as aforesaid, than their Lordships do hereby appoint them to give their attendance on the Board the 3. of Novem. next, together with the said Sope-makers, that after due hearing of both sides, such final order may be therein made as shall be fitting.  
Ex. Dudley Carlton.  
By what hath been said, you may see how Absalon like these Patentees have dealt with King and Kingdom: Absalon pretended Justice and good to the people, but his Design was Rebellion and Treason against his Father David, to aspire his Throne, 2 Sam. 15, 16, and 17. Chapters, you have the History: The consequent was a Civil War, and therein he perished, God catcheth this wicked one in his craftiness, as job speaks, Cap. 5. 13. Even so these Patentees, by their false pretences of good to the people, gained of His Majesty a Patent to Monopolise, and to oppress thereby to enrich themselves, which was their Design; and how far their Rebellion against King and Kingdom hath a share in the present Miseries and Civil Wars that is now upon us, as Introducers, I shall leave to the judgement and determination of our grave and wise Senators: And why these changers of our Laws should not tremble to consider the nearness of their downfall, I understand not, because the Scripture speaks positively of their ruin, Prov. 24. 21. compared with the 22. Verse of that Chapter. And Chapter 22. Verse 23. And the rather because they still persist and go on in the self same sinful design, under the self same sinful pretences; for as they then dealt with the King and Kingdom in gaining of their Patent, so now these Patentees deal Absalon like with the Parliament and Kingdom, witness their Propositions concerning the Excize of Soap, by them presented to the Honourable House of Commons, which being well consisidered, are to me and others (which well know their workings, and have felt their cruelties) no less than a Monopoly, as I have already declared in Answering of them in that sheet of Paper Entitled, A Looking-glass for Sope-Patentees. Much more may be said against the Propositions (and shall, when Providence gives me a fit opportunity) but I shall not now, because it is a digression; only I will mind you of a Scripture or two that I cannot omit: Isa. 32. 7. The Lord by the Prophet shows this, That lying words are the weapons of wicked men to undo the poor: The words in the Text are, For the weapon of the Churl are wicked, he deviseth wicked counsels (what these wicked weapons are, and whereto they tend, you have in the following words) To undo the poor with lying words, and to speak against the poor in judgement. Eccles. 8. 11. Solomon tells us what is the result and use that wicked men make of the delay of Justice, in these words, Because Sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the hearts of the children of men is fully set in them to do evil: The reason why I could not pass by the citing of these Scriptures, is, because the actings of these Patentees are the Exposition of them. There is a third Scripture, with which I will end this digression, propounding it by way of Question, because the pertinatiousnesse of these Patentees occasion (the High and Honourable Court of Parliament) to say, as the Lord said of those wicked ones in the time of the Prophet, Isa. 50. 21. These things hast thou done (what things? namely these things, Thou seest a Thief, and runnest with him; with thy tongue thou forgest deceit, and speakest against thy Brother. V 18, 19, 20. observe the parallel) And I kept silence, therefore thou thoughtest I was like thee. (Is it not high time, Right Honourable, to do, with these Projectors, as the Lord said?) But I will reprove thee, and fet them in order before thee. I will now conclude speaking to this second general, showing how they labour (by vain words) to cover all their cruelty, saying, They were forced to take their Patent to gain liberty of Trade, which I have by four Arguments proved to be a false pretence, and their Design undoubtedly herein, is the endeavouring to divert Justice (now Justice requires restitution) but let the Counsel of God take place in the hearts of Parliament men: Ephes. 5. 6. Let no man deceive you with vain words. I come now to speak to the third general head.    

Thirdly, That many persons, not having been brought up to the said Art, did boil and put to sale, to the ruin of the●e Projectors, and the great deceiving of the Kingdom by base Soap, and that they did suppress: together with the reason why, and the manner how.  
There is in this third general, contained in the fourth and fifth Branches of their Petition, these two parts:  
Fi●st, some thing supposed, which is the Negative part.  
Secondly, some thing expressed which is the Positive part.  

1. That which is supposed consists of these three things.  
1. That none was suppressed but such which were not brought up and served Apprenticeships to these Patentees Art.  
2. That all those that these Patentees did suppress from boiling, did boil illegally.  
3. That all the cruelty which these Patentees acted in breaking open men's houses, imprisoning their persons, seizing and carrying away their goods, breaking and spoiling men's materials, and woulding men's persons, is wholly and only chargeable upon the King and the Lords of the Council.   

2. That which is expressed are these four things.  
1. That many persons not being brought up in the Art of soap-boiling, did boil and put to sale base Sope.  
2. That these persons boiling of base Soap, was ruinous to these Projectors, and a deceiving of the Commonwealth.  
3. That these Projectors did suppress them, and were both engaged by Bond, and commanded by the King and Lords Warrants to suppress them.  
4. That these Projectors suppression of them, was only according to the purport and tenor of the said Warrants.   

The Answer which I shall give to each particular of these two general parts of this third general Head, shall be as they are proposed: and first, I will speak to those three things here expressed to be supposed and employed, briefly,  
1. That not only many, but all persons (which were not Patentees) that had served Apprenticeships, and had been brought up in the Mystery of Soap, were suppressed (by these Patentees) and prohibited to boil Soap, yea, and some of them their goods Seized, and materials spoiled and destroyed, yea all men hindered, and became a prey to them which did boil for the maintenance of themselves and Families; but if by not being brought up to these Patentees Art, they do mean, were not brought up and served Apprenticeships in their Art of Monopolising the Mystery of soap-boiling into eight or ten men's hands, than the Supposition is true, but else it is falsely employed: Now there is this Reason to be given, deductable from their own showing in the Order of the Star-Chamber, which I have here recited; why by their Art must of necessity be understood their Art of Monopolising the soap-boiling Art, because by their own showing that all men which bo●led Soap, and was not a Member of their Monopolising Patent, were undue boilers of Sope.  
2. That all men which these Patentees did suppress from boiling Soap, did as legally boil as themselves, yea and more legally.  
3. Though it be true, that the King and the Lords are not , concerning the special and universe sufferings of the Commonwealth, by this Monopolising and oppressing Patent; yet it doth not lessen or extenuate the offence of these cruel oppressing Patentees, and that for these Reasons:  
1. Because these Patentees are not only guilty of acting, but were (by false pretences) the procurers of these illegal and oppressive Warrants.  
2. Because that they wilfully of purpose to oppress and Monopolise, did gain the said Patent and Lords Warrant, though by their own experience did know them to be illegal and oppressive.  
I come now to speak to the four things expressed, which is the second part of this third general Head; and I shall give you the Answer in these two particulars.  
The answer to those things expressed, 1. That those persons which these Patentees did suppress from boiling Soap, did boil better Soap than the Patentees, and did sell to the Subjects at cheaper Rates; this I can prove by multitude of Evidences, and Reason tells every rational man, that it had been neither policy or profit for them to have boiled base Soap: The Arguments to prove this are these two:  
1. Because that men buying of Soap prohibited by these Patentees, they did endanger not only the seizing of the said Soap, but also the being much vexed and troubled by the cruel and illegal persecution of their illegal Court; for what Soap was made by any that were not Patentees, being sound, was seized, whether in the hands of maker or buyer of it.  
2. Because that when men may buy Soap freely, that will not suffer themselves to be defrauded and run a danger too.  
This is sufficient for Answer to the first and second particulars, and doth declare, That as this is that false pretence by which they deceive the King, and gained their Patent; so it is their vain words to deceive the Parliament, their end undoubtedly is to divert them from doing Justice, by rendering the oppressing Soap-boilers odious to the Parliament (under the notion of being deceivers of the Commonwealth by base Soap) now they are Petitioning the Parliament for Justice.  
2. That they were neither by Bond bound, nor by the Lords Warrant commanded to suppress any from soap-boiling (which had a right to boil) as they have alleged; for you must know, that the Lords warrants are not warrants commanding these Patentees to seize Soap against their will, as they do affirm, but are Warrants of Assistances, by these Patentees sued for, and by them procured of the Lords (by the same self pretences by which they gained their Patent, commanding power to Aid and Assist their cruel, barbarous, and bloodsucking Agents in their execution of the illegal Deputations which these Patentees did issue forth under the Seal of their illegal Company: For confirmation whereof, and to complete the Answering of this third general Head, I will give you a view of the Lords Warrants by them obtained.  
Whereas divers great abuses and deceits have been and are duly committed in the making of Soap, and his Majesty hath now settled the Manufacture thereof under the Government of the Corporation of Sope-makers of the City of London: And whereas divers Misdemeanours have been and are daily committed, as Well in the undue making, buying, and selling of Soap prohibited, not made under the said Rule and Government; as also in resisting and not assisting the Searchers appointed by the Society of London, and their Deputies in the Searching, for seizing and carrying away of the said Soap prohibited: These are therefore to will and require you the Messengers of His Majesty's Chamber, or any of you, or any other whom it may concern, That from time to time you Arrest, Apprehend, and take into Custody, all and every such person and persons as the Governor or the Deputy of the said Society of Sope-makers of London for the time being shall nominate and direct you to Apprehend, for their contempt in all or any of the Premises: And also by the like nomination and direction, to make stay and seizure of all the said prohibited Soap, not made under the said Government, or to seize and carry away all Lees and other Materials, as Oil, Tallow, and Pot-ashes, prepared for the undue making of Soap, remaining in the Custody and Charge of any person or persons in any place privileged or not privileged; and that every person which shall be so Apprehended, you bring, or cause to be forthwith brought to the Council Chamber to enter their Appearance, to be proceeded withal according to their demerits. Hereof fail you not at your utter peril.  
Dated at Whitehall the 28. of July, 1637.  
To all Mayors, Sheriffs, justices of Peace, Bailiffs, Constables, Head-boroughs, and all other His Majesty's Officers and loving Subjects whom it may concern, and especially to the Messengers of His Majesty's Chamber, and to every of them.  
W. Cant. W: Lond: Arundel and Surry, Dorset, Wimbleton, Cottington, john Cook, Tho: jurman, Fra: Wyndebank.    

The fourth and last general Head, which is contained in the sixth and last Branch of their Petition, is this:  
4. That many actions upon the Statute against Monopolies have been brought against these Patentees, by the oppressed Soap-boilers of London, for recovery of of their losses and damages▪ which they express as a grievance, and demonstrate it by these two particulars,  
1. That by reason of this prosecution they have expended 1000 l.  
2. That some have recovered 1000 l. some 500 l. some 300. l. and yet upon proof they have not been damnified five pounds.  
The Answer that I shall give to both these particulars briefly shall be this; and first to Answer the first particular, which is their expense of One thousand pounds, being prosecuted by Law.  

The Answer is threefold.  
1. The prosecution is a just and legal prosecution for recovery of satisfaction of their several damages and losses, sustained by these cruel projectors barbarous prosecution of their illegal Patent; a just means of relief against, and unjust oppression, which hath the stamp of the Parliaments approbation for its vindication.  
2. There was a necessity of this prosecution, because that these Patentees would not make restitution without suit of Law, unless they will accept of that satisfaction which they will give them, which is not a half penny, no not to some a farthing for a penny, whatever they do pretend.  
3. That if they have spent 1000 l. (sure I am that some of it must be spent either in a corrupt or excessive way) as we use to say that Thiefs are good Guests upon the Road, spend free) yet they have made great advantage by that expense, because the detainer of the complainants' money, by vexatious delays, for these five years and upwards, hath been annually at least 1500. l. benefit to them. I come now to speak to the second, which is their expressions, that the recoveries are unreasonable that have been recovered against them; namely, That some have recovered 1000 l. some 500 l. some 300. l. and yet never been damnified five pounds.   

The Answer is:  
The falsity of this their affirmation is so obvious, that no rational man will give credit to it, but because it implies either an unrighteousness or oppression in the Law (for so they have and do express) and so secretly charge our Law makers) or in the jury who are judges of the damages, I shall by way of vindication of both, thus positively and truly speak.  
1. That the recoveries were but 306. l. 13. ●. 4. 150. l. and 90. l. all which some by virtue of the statute were trebled by the Court: Thus you see that these presumptuous oppressors do secretly charge our Law makers of oppression.  
2. That the parties did not recover, nor did the jury award in damages more, no not so much as the Plaintiffs proved that they had sustained by these cruel Patentees.    

I will now conclude speaking of and to the subject matter or body of their Petition, with the observing some short notes that are deductable, probably from the closier of this first general part of this Petition (which is this)  
That they have been serviceable (and still desire to be) to the King and Kingdom, by great engaging of their Purses and Persons.  
Their ends and intentions in this expression, undoubtedly must of necessity be to render them Friends and not Enemies to King and Kingdom; having hinted to you their end, I will give you the Observations.  
First, if you consider how these Petitioners are Enemies, as is above expressed, and then take their being serviceable to King and Kingdom, by way of co-●n●ction; then the probable result of these words may be this: That they have given assistance to both sides. And there is reason to be rendered, Because that at the breaking up of the last Parliament, May 1640. they did give the King Ten or Twelve thousand pounds to take up their Patent again, (which they had surrendered) in hopes never to see Parliament more in England; which money, as was supposed, was given as an additional assistance against the Scots.  
Secondly, if you consider, That if the Parliament do prevail, they are accountable for their Delinquency; then their giving assistance probably is polity, and not piety; selfseeking, not God's glory; themselves, not the Kingdoms good.  
Thirdly, if you do consider, That they do oppressively detain the other Petitioners Estate, and the advantage they make of that detainer, to the disabling of them which are cordial for the Parliament (and have as far engaged their persons as those Patentees) it affords these two Propositions.  
1. That it is not an engaging of their own but other men's purses.  
2. That their engaging of their purses is not an advantage but a damage to the Parliaments Cause.  
I have done with the first general part, I shall only observe some few things from the other two general parts, and so conclude.  
1. That these Patentces are most ready and willing to make satisfaction to all that can make it appear that they have wronged them.  
To this I answer, That their willingness that satisfaction should be given, doth not lie in their desire of making restitution, but in this, That they are most willing to be disburdened of the suits at Law against them commenced by the Parliament, forcing their fellow Projectors thereunto.  
2. That of all the goods they have forcibly and oppressively taken and spoiled of the other Soap-boilers, they never received one penny.  

To this I Answer.  
That all the goods that was by them seized and spoiled of the oppressed Soap-boilers, was seized for the use of these Projectors, one moiety thereof, and the other moiety for the use of the King's Majesty, and was by these Projectors appointment and command, seized and brought to their own houses, and converted to their own use, which is evident by their Patent; by which Grant Col: John Hardwick, Captain John Hayes, james Baker, and jonathan Mot, (Members of that illegal Corporation) were constituted and ordained searchers of the said company, some of them barbarously breaking into houses, seizing and carrying away men's goods, others receiving in the goods illegally seized and carried away, witness the account that Col: john Hardwick made in the Exchequer upon his Oath, who was one of the first searchers, and most activest Member of that Patent. There is one thing which I will relate to you, which is not only an aggravation of this strange, and I presume unparallelled presumption of theirs, in daring to present to so Honourable an Assembly as the High Honourable House of Commons, so deceiving and vain a Petition as this; but also discovers to what a height of wickedness, what dangerous designs covetousness will put men upon: The Relation is this, what these Petitioners have here untruly affirmed, namely, that not one penny of the goods seized came to them. Anthony Whitwel, one of these Sope-Patentees, did falsely depose the same at a Trial between john Doughty Plaintiff, and Col: john Hardwick, and other Patentees Defendants, which perjury was to the damage of the Plaintiff Doughty 200 l. as the jury then confessed, and hath been since proved at the Trial of the Action, upon a statute of perjury, which the said Doughty did bring, and proved against the said Anthony Whitwel, and the jury did at Trial find him guilty of perjury against the Plaintiff, committed in the former Action to his damage of 200. l. and did find in damages, according to the limitation of the statute; but there was a special Verdict found by the direction of the judge, for that the Plaintiffs Attorney did not produce a copy of the Original in the former Action, and since hath compounded for the same. I have mentioned this to show of what validity their words are; and the rather for this reason, because one of the Petitioners hath told me since his conviction, that they all would take the same Oath. Thus you see these men, as they did not leave any way of cruelty unattempted and acted, that might conduce to accomplish their covetous design, though never so destructive to the Commonwealth, and ruinous to their fellow subjects in their Estares and Liberties: so now they will not cease covering their sins with lies, even with an Oath.    

3. That many of their company that had greater benefit by their patent then themselves, refuse to join in making satisfaction.  

To this I Answer.  
1. That there are not many that refuse had greater benefit.  
2. That this is in the most part of it rather a pretence then real matter of complaint; for the petitioners dares not cause all those (which they have nominated and presented to the Honourable Committee of the House of Commons for petitions) to be compelled to join with them in making restitution,     

Much more might be spoken to these three particulars, to show how they endeavour to deceive the Honourable House of Commons by these vain words; but I will neither trouble myself or you, because it is not material to the judge to hinder him in execution of justice, whether the Malefactor be willing or not willing to be tried, whether a Malefactor do possess any of the money which he hath stolen or not possess, whether the rest of the Malefactors be discovered or not discovered, at present I will conclude with the words of Solomon, Prov. 18. 17. He that is first in his own cause seemeth just, but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.   
FINIS.