A BRIEF VIEW OF The late troubles and confusions in England, begun and occasioned by a prevailing Faction in the Long PARLIAMENT: Deduced to the auspicious coming in of GENERAL MONK, And the most glorious and happy Restitution of KING CHARLES the SECOND.  
By WILLIAM YOUNGER.  Psal. 118.22. The same stone which the bvilders refused, is become the head stone of the Corner: This is the Lords doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes. 
London, Printed for Robert Gibbs, at the golden Ball in Chancery-lane. 1660.   

AN ADVERTISEMENT TO THE Reader.  
THis brief Relation was composed Chief out of the Authors own observation of the transactions in these late sad times. Many things are purposely omitted (especially in the former part) for brevity sake, which otherwise might have been inserted. For his intentions at first, were to leave it in the Register book of his Parish (in which he first began it) for the use of his successors; but it growing too big for that design, he drew the rest down in papers to the coming in of General Monck, and the happy Restitution of King Charles the Second to his Throne. He hath endeavoured herein to set down nothing but truth; and hopeth he hath not much failed therein: However, if any errors or mistakes be, they are not wilful, and (possibly) not much material. His purpose only is to set forth the stupendious mercy of God in raising up a temporary Saviour (such a one he accounts General Monck to be) for the deliverance of this sinful Nation, from an oppression or slavery as bad as Egyptian; and from a confusion no less than Babylonish. If God may have the glory, by an humble ackowledgement and real thanks to be given him by the people of these Kingdoms, it is all the Author expects or desires.   

A Brief View of the late troubles and confusions in England, begun and occasioned by a prevailing faction in the Long Parliament.  
ANNO 1640. Novem. 3. began the Parliament, called the Long Parliament, year 1640 (we may truly term it the Black, or the Bloody Parliament) that involved the three Nations in blood, and destroyed the King, the Parliament itself, and thee kingdoms.  
The King in the beginning of this Parliament, had for the security of the Subjects in their Persons, Liberties, and Estates, passed many and several Acts of grace, (to the no small diminution of his Royal Prerogative) more than all his Predecessors Kings of England, from the Conquest downward, had ever done; and all this to remove from them all jealousies and fears.  
After this in May, 1641. he gives way at the great and pressing importunity of the House of Commons, 
●●●1.  to the Condemnation and Execution of the Earl of Strafford, a loyal Subject, and a most able and accomplished counsellor, as any Prince in Christendom ever had. The King was very hardly moved to yield either to his attaindor or execution, as not being satisfied in conscience, of any guilt or crime in him, deserving such punishment, but yield at length he did (though with much reluctancy) to satisfy the importunity of the people, and indeed at the request of the Earl himself; who desired Jonah-like, to be cast overboard, thereby to appease the violent rage of a tempestuous people. The truth is, this Nobleman, as also the Archbishop of Canterbury (afterwards Anno 1644.) were merely sacrificed to the malice and revenge of the Scots.  
In August following, the King goes into Scotland, to compose differences there, between himself and his Subjects of that Kingdom: which done, he returns again to London, and is there received with exceeding joy and triumph of the people, in or about the beginning of December.  
The House of Commons to welcome his Majesty home, instead of giving him thanks for the many gracious Acts he had lately passed, they present him with a Remonstrance, Dec. 15. laying open all the miscarriages and misfortunes of his whole Government, from the beginning of his Reign, even to that present; and this they publish, contrary to his express desire, to the whole Kingdom; whereby they gave occasion to the people, to conceive jealousies and suspicions of a malignant party about the King, still carrying on their own designs, both against Religion, and the Laws of the Land.  
After the publishing of this Remonstrance, fears and jealousies increase among the people; the vulgar rabble in and about London, frequently flock down to Westminster, with Petitions and clamours, against the Bishops and Popish Lords, and disaffected Members (as they termed them) in the House of Commons, and no redress could be had again them, though the House of Lords and the King himself had moved the House of Commons to declare against them. The truth is, they were favoured and countenanced under hand, by some Members of that House.  
The King to avoid the danger of these tumults, withdraws from Whitehall to Windsor; from thence afterwards to Newmarket, and so by Cambridge into the Northern parts; and thence to York.  
The Parliament soon after his removal from Whitehall, petition Him, at Newmarket, and elsewhere, for the Militia, to have it put into such hands as the two Houses shall think fit; but he denies them: telling them that the Law hath settled it in Him; that to divest Himself of the power of the Sword, is to bereave Himself of power to protect his people, and support the Laws. This Petition was much insisted on by the Parliament under pretence of fears and jealousies; but the King absolutely and peremptorily denies it.  
The King by several journeys comes year 1642 to York, in the beginning of the year 1642, and there he settles His Court. Soon after his coming into those parts, he was denied entrance into Hull by Sir John Hotham, when he offered to go into the Town but with twenty persons attending Him; The King thereupon fearing, lest the same armed force that kept Him out of Hull, might surprise His Person at York, he entertains a guard of the Gentry of that County. This by the house of Commons is Voted a levying of War against the Parliament, though they themselves had long before, three times as many of the Trainedbands of the City, to guard the houses daily.  
Many Petitions, Answers, and Declarations, passed between the King and Parliament, during his Majesty's being at York, wherein it is evident to all understanding men, that the King had the better cause, and was more able to maintain it by the pen, and by reasons and arguments, than the Parliament was; for the truth is, his Declarations, and Answers to their Messages, Petitions, and Propositions were unanswerable.  
But words and writings not being sufficient to compose these differences, they proceed from words to blows: About July, they Vote that the King is seduced by evil and Malignant Counsellors, and thereupon they Vote an Army to be raised under the Command of Robert Earl of Essex; the pretence is for King and Parliament, against these Malignant Counsellors; but they accuse or name none in particular.  
The same year, Aug. 24. the King sets up his Standard at Nottingham, commanding all men who were bound to assist him by virtue of their Tenors, to repair unto him. But at Nottingham there being no great appearance (though Essex his Army was at that time listed, and form ready to march) his Majesty marches with those few Forces he had to Leicester, Worcester, Shrewsbury, and so upon the borders of Wales, gathering an Army; Essex all this time marching after him, and pursuing him.  
After some little conflict at Worcester, wherein the King's Forces under the conduct of Prince Rupert, & Maurice had the better, the two Armies meet at Edge-hill near Keynton in Warwickshire, where the first Signal Battel was fought between them, with great loss and slaughter on either side: The King's standard being taken, yet recovered again; his General the Earl of Lindsey slain; but the King had the better, keeping the field all night; and Essex Retreating with his broken Forces to Warwick-Castle, and from thence soon after with a few horses to London: This Battle was fought on Sunday Octob. 23. and the Guns were heard all that afternoon to Thetford in Norfolk.  
The King presently after enters Oxford, and fortifies it, and matches to Reading and Windsor, and so towards London; The Citizens arming and sending forth all the power they could make against him. At Branford he encountered them about Novem. 12. and beat the party that opposed; but fearing lest he should be surrounded with their numerous Army of Citizens, he Retreated back to Windsor, and Fortifying Reading, he marches back to Oxford; but about the latter end of the year Reading is besieged by the Parliaments Forces, and the Governor Sir Arthur Ashton being unhappily wounded with a brick falling from a Chimney beaten down by a Canon-shot, the Garrison is yielded upon composition by Colonel Fielding.  
Anno 1643. year 1643 The Kings Forces prevail in the West, under the Command of Sir Ralph Hopton, Sir Richard Grenvile and others, beating out the Earl of Stamford who commanded there for the Parliament. The Earl of Newcastle for the King grows very strong in the North, beats the Lord Fairfax in several Encounters, and takes in all places of strength, except Hull, into which the Lord Fairfax had fled. The Queen lands at Bridlington with arms and ammunition out of Holland; she marches by Nottingham, and so to Oxford: The King the mean time takes Bristol; thence he removes & summons Gloucester, which refusing to yield, he sets down before it. The terror of Newcastles Army affrights Norfolk, and the Associated Counties, in so much as many of the Parliament side are preparing to fly beyond sea for their security. But the King setting down before Gloucester, and Newcastle before Hull, wasted their Armies, and trifled away their time; whereas had they joined and marched directly up to London, all had lain prostrate at their feet. The King lay so long before Gloucester, that Essex had raised a great Army for the relief thereof, which Army appoaching, the King arose and marched off; Essex relieves the City, and pursues him; they encounter at Newbury, where the King was worsted, and lost many gallant men. Newcastle in the mean time lay before Hull, till the Earl of Manchester, besieges and taketh Lyn in Norfolk, until Lincoln and many other places were reduced to the Parliament, with much loss to the King's party.  
The same year the Parliament treats with the Scots for their assistance against the King, and the better to engage them, they impose the Covenant (fr●med in Scotland) upon the whole Nation, for putting down of Bishops, changing the whole Frame of Church Government in England, and Ireland with Doctrine, Discipline, and worship to that of Scotland; the Scots accordingly come in with an Army of 20000. or thereabout, in winter they besiege Newcastle upon Tyne, and at length take it. Mean time the Forces of the Association besiege Newark upon Trent a Garrison of the Kings, and much straiten it; Sir John Meldrum, Sir Miles Hobart, and Sir John Palgrave commanding the forces against it. But in their march, towards the latter end of the year, when they every day expected the surrendering of the Town, Prince Rupert comes suddenly upon them with a party of Horse (his body of foot being three or four miles behind) assaults and surprises the Besiegers, disarms them all, and so relieves the Town. Many of the Soldiers, and some Commanders were plundered and stripped, contrary to Articles, for which the King's party were afterward served in the like kind.  
Anno 1644. year 1644 The Earl of Essex, and Sir William Waller were sent forth with two Armies, to pursue and take the King. The King fortifies Oxford, and lodging the rest of his Artillery in Dennington Castle, with a light Army he takes the field; Essex goes towards the West then mostly ●n the King's possession; Waller understanding which way the King was marched, pursued him. At Cropdie Bridge in Oxford-shire, a place of advantage, he sets upon the King's Forces, but is himself beaten and routed; this was about the latter end of June.  
Waller being thus defeated, the King follows Essex into the West, drives him by degrees as far as Lestithrell in Cornwell, and there coops him up. Essex takes the Sea in a Boat, and leaves this Army to capitulate for themselves. The Horse under the Command of Sir William Balfore, break through the King's Quarters, and get away; the Foot commanded by Skippon capitulate for their lives, leaving their Arms, Ordnance, and Ammunition upon the place, Septemb. 4. and taking an Oath not to serve any more against the King, which nevertheless many of them presently after broke. The King after this hard service, marches back with his Army leisurely, and at Newbury, is assaulted by the broken Troops of Essex his Army, assisted by Manchester and Cromwell, commanding the Forces of the Association. A sore fight there was in the night, with much loss to both parties: The King gains the Town, and the next day, or the day after, takes his Ordnance, and Ammunition from Dennington Castle in the sight of the Enemy, without opposition, and so marches with them to Oxford. This Summer's service lost the credit of Essex, Manchester, and Waller, they were never employed after.  
But in the mean time, while Essex and Waller were thus employed against the King, the Scots with the assistance of the Associated Counties, and other of the Parliaments Forces, had so far prevailed against the Earl of Newcastle and his Army, as they had besieged him in York for many months: Prince Rupert with a great Army out of Lancashire and the parts adjacent, to his relief: Upon the Prince his approach, the Besiegers rise in disorder, and are ready to break and run. The Prince thought it not enough to relieve the City, but would also beat the besiegers, and setting upon them, July 14. they Rally and beat him; a great slaughter there was, not less than seven thousand slain of both parts, but most (they say) of the Prince's party. The Earl of Newcastle, in discontent at the Prince his rashness, quits the place and all his Command, and with some others of note, leaves the Kingdom. York soon after is again besieged, and Sir Thomas Glenham undertakes the defence of the place, but at length was forced to yield upon honourable terms.  
Anno 1645. year 1645 The beginning of the year the Parliament new moulds their Army. By a selfdenying Ordinance (as they termed it) they cast out Essex, Manchester, and Waller, and all others that were Parliament Members, both Lords and Commons, only Oliver Cromwell one of the Burgesses for Cambridge is dispensed with. Sir Thomas Fairfax is made Captain General, Cromwell his Lieutenant General; Skippon also hath a great command amongst them, and many of Cromwel's kindred and Relations have great employment and commands in this new modelled Army, most of Essex his Officers being laid aside.  
In May the King marches out of Oxford with a very good Army, and takes Leicester by assault, about the latter end of the month, having then also a very considerable Army in the West, about 15000. (as was reported) under the command of Goring, who at that time besieged Taunton.  
After the taking of Leicester, the King was requested by Sir Marmaduke Langdale, and the Northern Gentlemen to march Northward for the Relief of Pomsret Castle than straitened by the enemy: But receiving intelligence that Fairfax intended to besiege Oxford, he marches against him, hoping if he could deseat their new modelled Army, all other places and forces would easily be reduced. At Naseby in Northamptonshire the two Armies meet on Saturday, June 14. where at the first encounter the King had much the better, his Right Wing of horsemen Defeating and Routing the Left Wing of the Parliaments Army, wounding Skippon, and taking Ireton (Cromwel's son in law) prisoner. But the Left Wing of the King's Army, consisting most of Northern Horsemen (and they discontented) at the first Encounter were broken, turned head and ran; the King did what possibly could be, riding up and down the field to stay their flight, and Rally them, but all would not do; and the Right Wing of Horse were so fare engaged in the pursuit, as they could not timely and orderly Retreat to secure the Foot. The Horse being thus routed and defeated, the Foot were not able to stand; but after some little resistance and slaughter, yielded themselves prisoners, four or five thousand of them. The King's Coach, and in it his Cabinet, with Letters and Papers taken; all Arms, Artillery, Bag and Baggage lost; the King himself hardly escaping to Leicester, and from thence that night to Ashby de la Zouch.  
This was the fatal battle of Naseby: for after this, the King's affairs never prospered, but Town after Town was taken, and in all encounters the King's party was worsted, all the West parts by degrees taken in that Summer, and the Queen and Prince forced to fly beyond sea.  
anno 1646. year 1646 Oxford the King's chiefest Garrison was besieged, and much straitened. About Ascention time, the King in a disguise got out of the City, came as far a Downham in Norfolk, and from thence went to the Scots Camp, lying in siege before Newark, and to them his native Subjects he yields himself, hoping by their means to make some better terms with the Parliament. They used him civilly and respectively, gave notice to the Parliament of his yielding himself to them (having made use of his Authority for the present surrendering of of Newark) and from thence carried him to Newcastle, a Garrison then in their possession, where he remained all that year, and from thence gave Order to several other Garrisons, as yet holding out for him, to surrender to the Parliaments Forces upon honourable terms.  
At Newcastle he remained all that summer, and afterwards upon Treaty between the Parliament and Scots Commissioners, the Parliament paying them 200000. l. in hand, and securing as much more to be paid. And promising (as the Scots affirm) to treat the King honourably, and not to do any violence to his Person; they deliver the King up to the Parliament, and quitting Newcastle, and the rest of the Garrisons they held in England, they departed with their Army into Scotland.  
The King from Newcastle was removed to Holdenby, year 1647 a house of his own in Northamptonshire; there he is kept an honourable Prisoner, attended by some Commissioners of Parliament, and a slender Guard of soldiers; none of his own servants are permitted to wait upon him, nor any of his Chaplains or Ministers of his Opinion, though he earnestly desired it in a Message to the Parliament; but they force upon him Presbyterian Ministers, of the Parliaments Opinion and appointment: These would not suffer him to celebrate the Feast of Easter, as being against their Directory of late established.  
This summer the Wars being finished, all Garrisons surrendered, and the King's Forces utterly subdued, and forced to compound for their estates, taking an Oath never to bear Arms against the Parliament, they take a resolution to disband the Army, sending some part of it into Ireland, against the Papists still in Arms there, and only to keep 5000 Horse and Foot in England, to preserve the peace of the Kingdom, against any rise that might happen.  
The soldiers fearing the Wars would cease, and their trade decay, began to Mutiny; first they pick quarrels against the Parliament, and at once impeach eleven of the Members of the House of Commons, all rigid Presbyterians, as enemies to the Army, and desire they may be secluded the House: They Act now, not as Soldiers, but as Commonors and Freemen of the Nation, pretending to stand for the Native Rights and Liberties of the people. And to carry on their designs the better, the common Soldiers, who began the work, choose their Agitators, (as they termed them) two or more out of every Regiment, to represent their grievances to the General and chief Officers of the Army: And in conclusion they peremptorily refuse to disband, or to send or go any of them into Ireland, till all their grievances were redressed, and their desires satisfied: But all this (ye must know) was underhand countenanced (if not contrived) by Cromwell and some principal Officers of his Faction.  
And because the Parliament had made themselves sufficiently odious, by keeping the King under so strict guards, denying him the attendance of his Chaplains, and the use of the Common-prayer Book, and tendering such harsh Propositions to him, both in relation to himself and his party, that had already suffered so much for his sake; The Soldiers to ingratiate themselves to the people, pretended much for the King, and for his restitution of his Throne and Government, upon fairer terms by much, than the Parliament would afford him. And suddenly by a Party Commanded by one Cornet Joyce, they seize upon the King at Holdenby, June 4. in the night, and bring him into the Army's quarter's, then about Newmarket or Cambridge. The General would not suffer him to pass through Cambridge, lest the Scholars, more than ordinarily addicted to him, should make any disturbance, but brought him a more private way to his own house at Newmarket. There he rested some while, and the Gentry and people of all sorts from severtl parts; had access to him, and many came and were cured of the King's Evil by him. The Soldiers were highly magnified by the people, for their civility and specious pretences to the King.  
From Newmarket the Army removed to Saint Alban's, and the King with them, his Majesty being lodged at Hatfield house, there they pretended great matters for him, and Cromwell (especially) in private gave him great hope of his Restitution. From thence June 23. the publish a Remonstrance of their good intentions towards the Kingdom, and to the King especially: Amongst other passages in that Declaration, this is one, They profess they do not see how there can be any peace to the Kingdom firm and lasting, without a due consideration of, and provision for the rights, quiet, and immunity of his Majesty's Royal Family, and his late partakers: And herein (say they) me think, that tender and equitable dealing (as supposing their cases had been ours) and a spirit of common love and justice, diffusing itself to the good and preservation of all, will make up the most glorious conquest over their hearts (if God in mercy see it good) to make them and the whole people of the Land lasting friends. These are the very words in that Declaration; and I have noted them the rather, to see how quite contrary to these specious professions, their after-Actings within a short while, were.  
The Army removes to several quarters, and the King along with them. They treat him honourably, in respect of what the Parliament had done: they allow him the attendance of his Chaplains, and the use of the Common-Prayer, denied him by the Parliament; some Noblemen and Gentlemen of his party, are permitted to come to him. The General obtains of the Parliament, that he may see his children, t●en under the custody of the Earl of Northumberland, upon promise of the General, that they shall return again. Proposals are made to him by the Army, far more moderate than the Propositions lately tendered to him at Newcastle. All things are carried by the Army, as if they really meant his Restitution, upon very reasonable terms. And most certain it is, that Cromwell gave his Majesty very faithful promises of restoring him upon more moderate terms than either the Parliament or Army proposed.  
But ye must know, while these things were in agitation, about the later end of July, there fell a great difference between the Parliament and Army, insomuch as the Army were jealous that the Parliament and City would have brought the King to London, upon his own terms. The occasion was thus:  
The Militia of the City of London, had been settled by an Ordinance of May 4. 1647. in the hands of such of the City, as the Lord Mayor, aldermans, and Common Council, had nominated and approved: The Army about the 20 of July, require of the Parliament, that Ordinance may be repealed, and the Militia of the City settled in other hands, such as the Army might confide in; and accordingly in a thin house, the Militia was changed, without any Objections against the persons formerly entrusted, or acquainting the Mayor or Common Council with it, to hear what they could allege in their own behalf. The City startled at this sudden and unexpect change of their Militia, calling a Common Council, they resolve to petition the Parliament for restoring their Militia, as formerly settled, in a full house, and accordingly July 26. the Sheriffs, and some Common Council men, present their Petition; which Petition the same day within a few hours after, was seconded by another other of the Apprentices, to the same effect, and wherein they claimed that the ordering of the City's Militia, was the Birthright of the City, belonging to them by several Charters confirmed by Parliament, and about one thousand Apprentices, (yet without any arms) came down with this Petition.  
The House of Lords upon presenting these Petitions, were pleased to grant their desires, revoking the Ordinance of the 23 of July, and reviving that of the fourth of May. The debate stuck longer in the House of Commons, but about three of the clock in the Afternoon, they passed it; The Apprentices staying in and about Westminster-hall and the Parliament door, till the Vote was passed; and then all or the most part withdrew and went to their homes.  
The Apprentices being departed, some disorderly persons instigated thereunto (as was probably thought) by divers Sectaries and Adherents to the Army, to make the business more odious, and to give the Army occasion to quarrel with the City, flocked again to the Parliament door; and the Speaker having adjourned the House, they compelled him again to return to the chair, and there kept both him and the Members in the House, till they had passed a Vote, that the King should come to London to treat.  
The Mayor and Common Council still assembled, hearing of this disorder, sent down the Sheriffs immediately with such strength as they could for the present get, and pacified the tumult, sending the Speaker safe to his house; and published Edicts to prevent the like. This tumult happened July 26. being Monday.  
The House met again next day, being Tuesday, sat again, and Acted quietly; and because the Fast was the next day after, they adjourned the House till the Friday following, the Lords having formerly adjourned to that day.  
On the Thursday following, the day before they were to meet upon the adjournment, the Speaker with about forty of the Members, secretly withdrew to the Army then at Windsor, complaining of an horrid force put upon the House. The rest of the Members at least 140, meeting on the Friday morning according to adjournment, finding neither Speaker, nor Mace, and understanding upon inquiry, whither he was gone, they chose a New Speaker, and get another Mace, and set again; and the like did the Lords, whose Speaker also was fled upon the same account: both (as it was conceived) either inveigled, or threatened by the Army, that they might have the better pretence of quarrel against the City and Parliament. I have related this passage the more particularly, that it may be compared with the force afterward put upon the Parliament, by the Army themselves, upon the King Trial.  
These things thus passed as London between the Parliament and City, highly incensed the Army, who now take upon them, to be Supreme Umpires over the Nation; they entertain and countenance the fugitive Speakers and Members, and they and the Council of the Army, set together in consultation, engaging to support one another in this quarrel against the members (as they termed them) at Westminister, and the City.  
Mean time the Parliament call in the eleven impeached Members, secluded hitherto upon the Army's accusation; they revive the Committee of Safety, they give power to the City by several Orders and Ordinances, to list and raise Forces, to appoint Officers and Commanders, to issue out Arms and Ammunition, for the defence of the Parliament and City, against all that should invade them. Massey, Pointze, Birch, and other reformadoes that had formerly done great service for the Parliament when Essex was General, are now employed as chief Commanders for the City. The Army on the contrary drawing together all their Forces, and endeavouring to raise the Trained bands in the adjacent Counties, prepare and intent to invade and subdue that Rebellious City.  
The City thus prepared for defence, were nevertheless, for preventing the effusion of blood, willing to have accorded with the Army upon any reasonable terms; and to that purpose sent several messages to the Army; but all would not do, no terms of reconciliation or peace would be granted, unless they would submit themselves, and the Parliament, wholly to the power of the Army; which upon the point they did; for in conclusion they agree and yield, To desert both Houses of Parliament and the impeached Members: To recall their Declaration lately published, Relinquish their Militia, deliver up all their Forts and line of Communication to the Army, as also the Tower of London, with all Arms and Ammunition therein; to disband all their Forces, and turn all their newmade Commanders and Reformadoes out of the line, to demolish all their works, and to suffer the Army to march without opposition through the City.  
These imperious conditions of the Army, were calmly submitted to by the tame-spirited Citizens: And thereupon, the Army brings in the fugitive Speakers and Members, and seat them again in their authority; Fairfax receives the solemn thanks of the House, the common soldiers two months pay for their good service and valour, and a day of Thanksgiving is appointed, to be solemnly kept for this great deliverance: and Fairfax made General of all Forces, both in England and Wales, and Constable of the Tower of London: All this was done, Aug. 6. 1647.  
Soon after the General, Lieutenant General, and the whole Army, with their train of Artillery, march in triumph through the City of London; And from that day forward, both City, Parliament, and whole Kingdom, are subject to the Army.  
Not long after the restitution of these fugitive Members, all Votes, Orders, and Ordinances of Parliament, made in their absence, are declared null and void: The eleven impeached Members of the House of Commons, have leave granted them to go beyond Sea, and they must think they are favourably dealt with: Seven Lords that sat in the upper House, in the absence of the fugitive Members, viz. The Earls of Suffolk, Lincoln, and Midlesex; the Lords Berkly, Willoughby, Hunsdon, and Maynard, are impeached of high Treason, and committed to the black Rod, for levying of War against the King, Parliament, and Kingdom. The Lord Mayor, aldermans, and divers Citizens, are likewise impeached of the same crime, and committed to the Tower; divers members also of the Commons House, are under accusation and examination, as countenancers and abettors of the late tumult. But all these impeachments and accusations, in time vanished, and came to nothing; only the Army Faction was by this means strengthened and encouraged, and the other party as much quelled and discouraged; so that thenceforward all Votes propounded, were passed or not, according to the temper and disposition of the Army. The Parliament became wholly subservient to the Armies designs, as will plainly appear in the ensuing Story.  
Meantime the King continues still under the power of the Army, removeth and passes from place to place as they remove their Quarters: But now having made the Parliament wholly for their turn, he is removed nearer London, to Hampton Court; there he had much freedom, and abundance of people continually resorted to him. At Hampton Court he receives Propositions from the Parliament, Septem. 7. the same in effect that were tendered to him at Newcastle, in July the year before. The King in answer, desires that the Parliament would take into consideration the Proposals of the Army, of August 1. 1647. as more moderate, and more conducing to satisfy all interests in the Nation.  
Things thus standing, and the King remaining still at Hampton Court, a Faction of Seditious people called Levellers, sprung up in the City and Army; some of the chiefest whereof were Lilburn, Overton, Wyldman, and others, people of a turbulent and heady temper. These frame a writing, called the Agreement of the people, tending to the alteration of the whole frame of Government of the Nation. They style the House of Commons in their Petitions, the supreme power of the Nation; they bitterly declaim and rail against the House of Lords in several Pamphlets. These at first receive some check from the House of Commons; and one of them (a soldier) is by the Council of War, condemned and shot to death at Ware: but yet they increase more and more, and grow more insolent every day, being (as is was probably thought) countenanced underhand by some in the Parliament, and by some great Officers in the Army, to promote their own ambitious designs. At length about Novemb. 9 or 10. Cromwell sends word to the King by Colonel Whaley who had the Guard of him, that those kind of people were grown very numerous in the Army, that he feared they had some malicious design against his Majesty's person, and he doubted it would not be in the power of the Officers of the Army to protect him, and therefore advised him, by timely withdrawing himself in private, to provide for his own security; A Letter of Advertisement also from an unknown person in London to the same purpose, was sent and delivered to his Majesty, intimating his danger, and wishing his Majesty were at his or any Loyal Subjects House in London: Whereupon the next day in the Evening, Novemb. 11. his Majesty with a Servant or two only, conveyed himself secretly from Hampton Court, into the Isle of Wight.  
In that Island commanded one Colonel Hamond, as Governor there for the Parliament; a kinsman he was of Dr. hamond's, that famous Divine, and (I think) the King's Chaplain; insomuch as the King might expect some more than ordinary civility from him. Hamond presently gives notice to the Parliament of his Majesty's coming thither, and upon order from the Parliament, takes him into custody at Curesbrook Castle.  
The King also upon his departure from Hampton Court, had left upon the Table a Letter or Message to the two Houses of Parliament, signifying the cause of his withdrawing himself, and also his readiness to concur with them in all things just and reasonable, for the settling of a safe and well-grounded Peace. And had further soon after his arrival in the Isle of Wight sent another Message or Declaration to them, wherein he offers, First, Concerning Religion to establish the Presbyterian Government for three years, and then afterwards to establish Church-Government in such a manner as shall be concluded upon by the Assembly of Divines, with the addition of twenty Divines to be nominated by his Majesty. Secondly, For the Militia he offers it them wholly by Land and Sea, during his whole Reign, so as after that, it may return entirely to the Crown. Thirdly, For the arrears of the Army, he will undertake, if he may have the benefit of Sequestrations from March last, and compositions to be made before the conclusion of the Peace, and the Assistance of the Clergy, and the arrears of the Rents of his own revenue, that were yet behind; to pay 400 thousand pound within eighteen months; and if that will not do, then to make sale of forest Lands for raising the rest. Fourthly, He gives them power to dispose of the great Offices of State, as also to nominate and appoint his Privy Counselors during his reign. Fifthly, For the Court of Wards, if it cannot be regulated without being a grievance to his Subjects, he is willing to abolish it, for a valuable compensation. Sixthly, He offers to recall and null all Proclamations and Declarations against the Parliament, and all Indictments against any person for adhering to them, or acting by their authority; and to pass an Act of general pardon and Oblivion to all his Subjects whatsoever.  
Those and some other things he offers by that Massage of Novemb. 17. and for all other things, he desires they may be debated and composed in a personal Treaty, between himself and the two Houses of Parliament at London: Which personal Treaty the Scots Commissioners soon after desired to be assented to, and held forth his Majesty's offers to be very just and reasonable.  
But to this Massage of his Majesty the two Houses return answer, by sending him four Bills to sign and confirm under the great Seal of England. 1. To settle the Militia by sea and land, both in England and Ireland, in the two Houses of Parliament for ever; with power to raise what Forces they please; as also what moneys they thought good, upon the Subjects, for support thereof, thereby divesting the Court wholly of the power of the Militia. 2. To justify the proceed of the Parliament in the late War, and to make void all Oaths, Declarations, Proclamations, and other proceed against the Parliament. 3. Against all Peers lately made or to be made without consent of both Houses of Parliament. 4. For the adjournment of the Parliament from place to place, as the two houses should think fit. These Bills being assented to, and confirmed by his Majesty, they will yield to treat with him concerning the rest of the propositions in the Isle of Wight. Which propositions I must further tell you, were such as the Scotch Commissioners declared their dissent upon them, before they were sent.  
The King apprehending these four Bills especially in the way they were penned, not only destructive to Monarchy, but to the people's liberty, refuses to confirm them; yet in a message or writing to the Houses, gave his reasons against them.  
Whereupon the House of Commons presently Vote to make no more addresses to him, but to settle the Kingdom without him: and further by the same Vote, they make it high Treason, for any person whatfoever, to send any Message or Letter to him, or to receive any from him, without consent of both Houses of Parliament. This was about the beginning of January.  
The House of Lords would not be drawn suddenly to pass these Votes; divers argued strongly against them; and the House was equally divided about the question; but within three or four days after, the Army sending solemn thanks to the House of Commons for their passing these Votes, and drawing down some of their Forces to garrison Whitehall and the Mews, it turned the Scale in the House of Lords, and they also passed those Votes.  
Soon after the passing of these votes of Non-address, discontents grew high in all parts of the Kingdom; And the common people especially in the parts about London, were wonderfully oppressed, and even eaten up with Freequarter. The Commissioners of Scotland withdrew and went home, and with the assistance of Duke Hamilton, formerly imprisoned by the King, and lately set free by the Parliament, called a Parliament in Scotland, wherein they resolve (Maugre the Kirk) to raise an Army for the delivery of the King.  
The beginning of this year 1648, was full of discontents. year 1648 The Welshmen were the first that appear in Arms under the Command of Poyer, Ponel, and Laugherne, formerly for the Parliament, holding out Pembroke Castle a● 'gainst the Parliament, and defeating a party of 2500 that were sent against them. The Lord Inchequen, that was Precedent of Munster in Ireland, declares against the Parliament, and joins with the Marquis of Ormond for the King's interest; for which the Parliament imprison his son, a child of eight or nine years of age, that was Boarded and went to School at Thistleworth near London. Petitions came from many Counties of England, and from the City of London, requiring a Revocation of those Votes for Non-address, and desiring a Personal Treaty with the King, and his future settlement.  
These Petitions being slighted, and many Surrey Gentlemen wounded by the Soldiers, at the Parliament door, and in Westminster-hall, and some slain outright for presenting their Petition▪ the Kingdom grew into a general flame. Tumults arose in many places, as at Norwich, April 24. where the Committeehouse was by accident blown up, that part of the City exceedingly shattered, and above 100 people slain. At Bury in Suffolk ●here the Town was held out some days by the meaner sort of people, against the Troopers. In Huntingtonshire, Bedfordshire, and other places, so that the Troopers were posted from place to place to subdue tumults; and as fast as they subdued them in one place, they broke out in another.  
The Kentishmen rise up in arms, to the number of ten thousand, and possess themselves of some strong Castles; They in Essex also, under the command of Sir Charles Lucas and others, second them, and seize upon the Committee for the County at Chelmesford. Pomfret Castle is taken by stratagem, and a great party of the Kings possess it, and command the whole Country round about. Many (if not most part) of the Navy revolt, and setting Raynsborough their late made Admiral on shore in a Cockboat, they go to the Prince; with whom also joined the Lord Willoughby of Parham and others, so as the Prince had a matter of thirty or forty ships, one and other under his command at Sea. The Scots under D. Hamilton, invade the North, by the way of Carlisle, with an Army of fifteen thousand, besides a party of English (about 3000) under the command of Sir Marmaduke Langdale.  
All this time the Parliament are consulting about Propositions to be sent to the King, as also of the place and manner of a personal treaty with him, which was desired by the Londoners and most of the Kingdom to be had at London. Thus the time was spun on, and the Summer well-nigh spent, before they could agree upon terms for a personal treaty; and at length it was resolved to be in the Isle of Wight.  
In the mean time, while the Parliament thus defer the Treaty, Cromwell is first sent into Wales, to subdue them; where he found work enough for most part of the Summer: Fairfax is sent against the Kentishmen, where though he were worsted at Rochester Bridge, and lost many men, yet at Maidston he had the better, got the Town, and dispersed them. Presently after five thousand of the Kentishmen, under the command of the Lord Goring Earl of Norwich, being denied passage through London, transport themselves over the Thames, and so into Essex, where after some skirmish about Bowbridge, with some of the Parliament Forces, they march to Rumford, and so to Chelmesford, and join with the Essexmen at that time there Rendezvouzed. Fairfax pursues them with all expedition; they march to Colchester, but were scarce set down in the Town, before Fairfax with his Army was at their heels. A sore fight there was in the Suburbs, June 13. the next day after their coming into the Town, a thousand men and more slain upon the place, most of them of Fairfax his party. Had they of Colchester pursued that day's victory, it is probably thought, they might easily have destroyed Fairfax his Army. The King's Party fortify the Town, hoping the Gentry of Suffolk and Norfolk will come in to their assistance: Fairfax on the contrary, by degrees begirts the Town, forcing all the Country thereabout both Essex and Suffolk to assist him against it.  
During the siege of Colchester, the Duke of Buckingham with Lord Francis his brother, the Earl of Holland, and the Earl of Peterborough, appear in Arms with five or six hundred Horse at Bamsted Down in Surrey or thereabouts; where they would soon have increased, had they not been suddenly surprised by a party of the Army out of London; the Lord Francis was slain, and the rest scattered; Buckingham escaped, but Holland was soon after taken at St. Neots in Huntingtonshire, cowardly yielding himself without resistance.  
The Scots mean time lingered and came on slowly, insomuch as Cromwell having subdued them in Wales, he marches immediately from thence into Lancashire, and at Wiggon and Preston defeats them, taking Duke Hamilton prisoner, basely yielding himself in his Chamber, Aug. 18, 19 From thence he pursues his victory into Scotland, even to the City of Edinburgh, where he is highly applauded and magnified by Argile and the Churchmen, who were always against this engagement of Hamilton.  
Colchester after this, pressed with a long siege, and pinched with hunger, at last yields to Fairfax upon very hard terms, Aug. 28. where the very same day that they entered the Town, they caused Sir Charles Lucas and Sir George Lisle (too gallant men as ever England bred) to be shot to death in the Castle Yard: All the rest of the Nobility and Gentlemen of quality, were carried away Prisoners.  
The Treaty with the King is at length begun: a fixed number of days are at first appointed; that expired, a fortnight more is added, so that upon the finishing of the treaty, a little before all was concluded, Cromwell returns with his victorious Army out of Scotland. The Army fearing the Parliament would agree with the King, and re-establish him in his Throne (though the conditions were extreme hard on his side) they first publish that shameless vile Remonstrance at Saint Alban, Novemb. 16. 1648. wherein they declare their resolutions to question the King for his life, as the Capital Enemy, or grand Delinquent, to bring him to trial. They prefix a time for the appearing of the Prince now beyond Sea, to answer for his crimes; and in case he refuse to come in and submit to a trial, to banish his person as a Rebel and Traitor, and confiscate his estate.  
This Remonstrance was sent to the House of Commons, with a Letter signed by Fairfax the General, whom Cromwell abused and made his Stolen in all this action) to take it speedily into consideration, as a matter admitting no delay: But the Commons laying it aside, and making the more speed to conclude with the King upon the Treaty, voting his concessions satisfactory, so far as to be ground of peace; Suddenly on Tuesday, December. 5. A Party of the Army seize upon the Members of the House, whom they conceive to be opposite to their design; They imprison many, and seclude and deter more, in all to the number of above two hundred, leaving about sixty or seventy (if that) in the House, and those either Army men, or devoted vassals to Cromwell and his faction; these vote the King's concessions not satisfactory, and thereupon break off the Treaty.  
The Army then presently seize upon the King in the Isle of Weight, they remove him in the night from Caresbrow Castle to Hurst Castle in Hampshire, an unwholesome place, standing two or three mile into the sea, upon a very narrow neck of Land: there they closely imprison him, and soon after obtain a Vote in their new modelled House of Commons, to bring him to trial. The Lords refusing to consent, they proceed without them, and draw up an impeachment against his Majesty, by the advice of one Dorisley, an outlandish Doctor of Law, and that many years before, had been History-Reader in Cambridge, preferred thither by the Lord Brooks, to read that Lecture by him first founded, but soon after silenced and put out by the Vicechancellor and Head of the University, for seditious Doctrine by him there delivered, against Monarchy.  
For the King's Trial, they appoint seventy or eighty Persons, the most of them Army-men (all of them his mortal enemies) to be his Judges: the Judges of the Land and most eminent Lawyers refusing to join with them, or assist them, they appoint one Bradshaw a poor pettifogging Lawyer, but of an audacious, impudent forehead, to be Precedent of their high Court of Justice, so they call it, (more properly their Court of high injustice.) The King is brought from Hurst Castle to Windsor, about Christmas, where they would not allow him a Minister to keep the Festival with him. From thence they bring him to White-Hall and Saint James about the tenth of January by water. And there afterwards, being brought four several times before their pretended Court of Justice, where he every time refusing to answer, and disclaiming their authority, offering to give his reasons, but they refusing to hear him, at last Saturday January 27. he is condemned to the block, and his head cut off on a Scaffold erected before his Palace gate at White-Hall, on Tuesday following, January 30. to the unexpressable grief and sorrow of all true English People. And thus perished the best, the wisest and the most Religious King that ever England had.  
The House of Lords that had basely complied with the Commons, and supported them from the beginning hitherto against their King, because they would not go along with them in this last most wicked act, are kicked off by a Vote. The very same day that they voted the abolition of Regal Government, February 7. 1648. they voted down the House of Peers, as useless, inconvenient, and an hindrance to the proceed of Parliament, a just reward for so ignoble, degenerous spirits.  
And because great Personages, like great Trees in a Forest, seldom fall alone, to complete the Tragedy, within a few weeks after, they impeach Duke Hamilton General of the Scottish Army, and the Earl of Holland, as also the Lord Capel, and Lord Goring taken in Colchester, and some others. None of these seared to be questioned for their lives till now, for they yielding, had quarter given them. But an high Court of Justice must not be set up for the King alone; They mean to go the same way to work with others: the Law taking no hold of them, they'll make a Law that shall; and therefore the like Court is erected again, for the trial of these Lords and others; though the same Precedent sat not, yet others did, that had the same power.  
All that were accused, were condemned, but Goring being a Gentleman of no great fortune, and never before engaged against them, found mercy at their hands; Capulets great estate drove on his ruin. Hamilton and Holland are observed to have suffered deservedly, because they had played on both parts, sometimes for the King, and otherwhiles against him, as affairs changed: The poor spiritness of the rest is observed, in cowardly submitting to their pretended authority; only the stout Lord Capel (so Lilburn calls him) would not in the least buckle to acknowledge them a lawful judicatory, but after the example of his Royal Master, denied their Authority, and when he came to suffer (which he and the other did, March 9) he took his death with a most resolute and undaunted courage, not only to the admiration of all men, but even to the very terror of his enemies; they that neither loved him nor his cause, yet highly commended him for his courage and magnanirnity, and as much despised Hamilton for his timorous baseness, using all means possible to save his life; but all would not do; much confidence he reposed in Hugh Peter, that Clergy Mountebank, who at last betrayed him, as himself had formerly betrayed the King.  
After the King was thus put to death, and the Government changed into a Commonwealth, a new Seal and new Coin being made, this Piece of the Parliament that put the King to death, governed the Nation till April 20. 1653. what time they were thrown out forcibly by Cromwell, (being then their General) and his Army Officers, to the great content and rejoicing of the People.  
But in the mean time presently after the death of the King, the Scots proclaimed the Prince, King of Scotland, by the Name of Charles the second.  
Ireland was almost all revolted soon after the death of the King; year 1649 only the City of Dublin held out for the Parliament: But Cromwell going over thither about September 1649. in less than a years time reduces that whole Kingdom to the obedience of the Parliament, driving the Natives for the most part out, and cooping up the rest in the Western parts of the Kingdom.  
Scotland having (as is said before) proclaimed the Prince King; they received him into that Kingdom and crowned him at Scone the first of January 1649. 1650. whereupon the Parliament having reduced Ireland, they resolve to send an Army into Scotland about June 1650. Fairfax upon this lays down his Commission, and Cromw ll is made Captain General in his stead; He marches into Scotland with a great Army, where he lay a long time before he could engage the Scots to fight; insomuch as the English were in great distress for provisions, and had been famished or forced to return long before, had they not encamped near the sea, and had the sea free and open to them. At length the Scots set upon them at Dunbar, but were defeated and routed; at least 10000 of them slain and taken upon the place; all of the Presbyterian party, and such as had formerly engaged in England for the Parliament against the King: An hundred Ensigns at least are taken, brought up to London, and hung up in triumph in Westminister Hall: and which is remarkable, great numbers of those Soldiers, that at their coming into England in 1643. had heathenishly profaned the Cathedral Church of Durham, were now brought prisoners, and lodged in the very same Church, shut' up together, and fed like swine, with roots and other trash, so that with hunger, and cold, and stench, lying there a long time, most of them perished; some of them acknowledging the just hand of God for their sacrilegious profaneness committed in that place: this is a certain truth, reported by credible persons living near and in that City: And thus our Brethren the Scots were in part paid for their brotherly assistance.  
But Cromwell hath not yet done with them; he stays still after the battle of Dunbar, and pursues his victory: he presently takes Leith and Edinburgh, and afterward that strong and impregnable Castle, called by the Scots the Maiden Castle, because never before conquered: Nor can I say it was now conquered by Cromwell: He took it not by assault, nor yet by hunger, but as is credibly reported, surrendered by the treachery or cowardice of the Lord _____ that commanded there in chief.  
This Cast e being taken, Cromwell enlarges his conquest all over the South of Scotland, from Leith and Dunbar on the East, to Glasco and Air in the West, without any great resistance. But the City and Castle of Sterling held out for the King, together with the Fife, (the fertilest part of the Kingdom) and all the North of Scotland, from Endinburgh Frith Northward: the Scots being now grown so wise, after their beating at Dunbar, as to take and call in to their assistance all the King's party, both Scots and English, whom formerly they rejected under the notion of Malignants and Cavaliers, putting the Earl of Montross most barbarously to death, who landed in Scotland a little before the Kings coming thither, and whom if they had entertained, might possibly by the blessing of God, have prevented their being beaten at Dunbar, being a man of extraordinary experience, conduct and courage in war, exceedingly beloved of all the Royalists in Scotland, and one that had formerly with an handful of men, done incomparable service for the King. But the Presbyterian Scots were as bitter against the King's party, as they were against Cromwell and his army, and would have the glory wholly to themselves and their Covenant, in restoring the King: that thereby they might the better advance their Covenant, and carry on their pretended work of reformation both in Scotland and England.  
Cromwell and his Army lay long in Scotland, year 1651 after Dunbar fight, and did little, not able to advance any further. At length towards the latter end of July, he gets over Edenburg Frith, and lands his Army or a considerable part of them in the Fife, with a great loss and defeat to the Scots, who resisted: The King soon after quits Sterling, and suddenly marches away in the beginning o● August, with an Army of about eleven thousand horse and foot into England, by the way of Lancashire; and forcing his way at Warrington bridge, against a party that opposed, he comes by easy marches without resistance to Worcester (Massey being with him) hoping the Presbyterians in those parts, and about Gloucester, would generally have risen, and joined with the Scots.  
The Parliament upon the first intelligence of his entrance into England, arm all that possibly they can against him, publishing a Proclamation against him and all his adherents as Rebels and Traitors, and forbidding all men upon pain of high Treason to join with him, or to aid or assist him in the least. Cromwell also pursues him out of Scotland, with as great a part of his Army as he could well spare; at Worcester all forces assembled against him, meet; there they fought, and the King's party in conclusion is beaten; the Scots (they say) many of them, refusing to fight at all. The King in a disguise very hardly escapes; yet it pleased God, that at last he got safely out of England, many of the Scottish Nobility, and some of the English, being taken prisoners, and kept long after in the Tower of London. This fight at Worcester happened Septemb. 3. 1651. a remarkable day for Cromwel's Victories.  
Scotland after this, is with little difficulty, wholly reduced to the obedience of the Parliament; and Garrisons maintained in several places, even to the utmost Northern Coasts; and they who formerly would not be subject to their King, are now enforced to submit to Cromwell and his Faction.  
Afterwards in Anno 1652. year 1652 the Parliament falls out with the Hollanders, many fierce and bloody battles were fought at Sea, with great loss of both sides; in one of which, Admiral Dean for the English, and in another, Van-Trump, for the Dutch, were slain. The Hollanders have the worst in conclusion, so that at last they sue for peace and obtain it.  
But some while before this peace was concluded, year 1653 Cromwell being now grown great with his Victories in Ireland and Scotland, having subdued both these Kingdoms, upon the twentieth of April 1653. he suddenly and forcibly turns out the Parliament, who had for four years, and as much as from January to April, since they put the King to death, with bloody cruelty and heavy oppression, governed the Nation.  
The Parliament being thus turned out, Cromwell and his Army Officers take upon them the government of the Nation: They presently impose six months' Tax, and erect a new Council of State, (Bradshaw who formerly for his good service was Precedent, is now not so much as a Member of the Council.) Cromwell soon after calls a Convention, of about an hundred and twenty persons, picked out by himself, out of the several Counties of the Nation, most of them inferior persons, and of the Independent and Anabaptistical faction. These were summoned by particular Warrants or Tickets in paper, under his own hand only to meet at Westminster, and consult for't settling the Nation.  
Being met according to their summons, july 4. 1653. in the Commons House of Parliament, and having chosen them a Chairman or Speaker, Cromwell comes in amongst them, and pulls a writing out of his pocket, thereby giving them the supreme authority of the Nation: upon this they presently vote themselves to be a Parliament, and to requite his courtesy, they vote him to be a Member of their Parliament.  
Thus being seated in Authority, they make an Act for six months' Tax, at the old rate of 120000 li. a Month; and another Act concerning marriages, appointing Justices of Peace to marry, and none other marriages to be valid or lawful: In the same Act, they ordain a Register to be kept in every Parish, in which is to be set down all births and burials, not so much as mentioning Baptism, as a thing in their opinion at least not necessary: thus they lessen and diminish the use and authority of Ministers, whom they intended by degrees, to take wholly away.  
In order whereunto, they had a design to take a way Tithes; but the Ministers of London, being called to allege what might be said in defence of them, by their Counsel learned in the Law, and by Arguments out of Scripture, they opposed so strongly, as that debate was laid aside for the present. But that failing, they had another device, namely by an Act, in one day, to have unbottomed all Ministers in England, and to have locked up the Church doors, (as some affirmed) and then afterward, to have taken in whom they had thought good, which may probably be conceived, should have been only such as would have renounced their orders, if not their baptism.  
Things being carried so high and in such a frantic manner, the more moderate among them weary of the work, and fearing they should rather bring things into further confusion, then settle any thing, they repair to Cromwell the General, desiring him to take again into his hands his Writing or conveyance of the supreme power; whereupon he presently dissolves them: but some of the Anabaptists refusing to obey, and continuing still in the house at their prayers, he sent Soldiers who pulled them out, and locked up the doors against them Decemb. 12. 1653.  
This Schismatical Convention, called by some the little horn, being thus timely and happily outed; Cromwell upon the sixteenth day of the same month, having by advice of his Army-Officers and Council of State, framed an Instrument of Government, presently after printed and published, consisting of forty two Articles (and therefore by some called his forty two stringed sidle, by others the Magna Charta) takes upon him the Government of the three Nations, as Supreme Magistrate, under the Title of Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland. And sending for the Commissioners of the great Seal, the Lord Maior and Aldermen of London, with the Judges of Law, and the chief Officers of his Army, (Proclamation thereof being made in London) he is solemnly installed in Westminster-hall, taking an oath to govern according to that Instrument and the Laws of the Land, though nothing could be more repugnant to the Laws than that Instrument was.  
According to that Instrument, year 1654. he calls a Parliament to begin Septemb. 3. 1654. though it fell out that year to be Sunday, accounting the day auspicious, by reason of his two great victories upon that day, at Dunbar and Worcester. This Parliament was not to be chosen according to the ancient manner, two in a County and two in a Corporation, but ten, eight, six, more or less in a County, according to the proportion of it, and the small decayed Corporations (as Thelford and Rising in Norfolk, and the like elsewhere) were wholly left out. There were also added to the Parliament, Thirty Members for Scotland, and as many for Ireland, chosen or nominated from thence; so as it was a Parliament of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland; whereof as before, he had made himself Protector.  
It is probable the Protector foresaw that little or nothing would be done by this Parliament; and therefore to make sure work, he and his Council, (besides this Ordinance for his stile and Title, for the issuing out Writs, and for Law-proceeding, to go according to that Style and Title, and some others of the like nature, made in the beginning of his government immediately upon the Change) I say besides these, before the Convening of this Parliament a very few days, he publishes by Authority of himself and his Council above twenty Ordinances (as some reckoned them,) which were observed as valid Laws; and amongst them, one remarkable one, for the Ejecting of Ignorant, scandalous and insufficient Ministers, by any five, or more of the Commissioners therein named: and by which in a quarter of a years time, they ejected many Ministers (especially in Norfolk) out of their live; scarce one of twenty that were accused or complained of, but were ejected; And this was done (I suppose) to gratify the Anabaptistical and Independent party, who hitherto beheld Oliver with an evil eye, since he was Protector, looking (as they thought) too like a King.  
The Parliament convened according to appointment at Westminster, Septemb. 3. they presently question the Protectors Authority, though he had at their first meeting, in a very large speech, presently after printed and published, magnified the same, as if he had been called to the Place, by the concurrent and universal consent of the whole Nation. It is true they consented, because they could do no otherwise, being forced thereunto by his armed power.  
to silence and suppress this question, within a few days after their sitting, he enjoins a Recognition or acknowledgement of his power, by a particular subscription of every one of the Members, before they were admitted to enter the House any more▪ and such as would not subscribe, were forcibly secluded by a guard of Soldiers; but at last all or most of them subscribed.  
No sooner were they set again, but they fall in hand with the Instrument of Government, examining it in every particular; and the Protector suffered them to go on without interruption. They would have been content to have made him Protector, but they would not allow of the Instrument of Government in all things.  
Ye must know by the way, that one Article of the Government was, that the Parliament called and convened, must sit five months (if themselves think good) and during that time, the Protector had not power to dissolve them; but afterwards at any time he might: It was further ordained, that whatsoever Acts they made and tendered to him, if he did not consent within thirty days, or satisfy them to the contrary, they were to be Laws valid and binding, without him. To conclude, they spent so long time in tuning the instrument, that just at the five month's end (counting precisely twenty eight days to a month) the Protector calls them together, tells them he thought they had been asleep, having not of a long time heard from them; That they had sat long and done nothing, and therefore tells them they may repair every one to his several home. Thus they are dissolved with a kind of jeer, january 22.1654.  
But I must tell you, the Parliament, would not tender him any Bill to pass, nor receive any Laws from him, till such time as they had regulated the Government of the Nation, and confirmed his authority upon him. The truth is, they thought him not to have power to enact Laws, till themselves had given it him: And therefore they would have nothing pass, till altogether were done and finished.  
After the breaking up of this Parliament, it was generally thought, we should never have had any more in his time. For the Protector betakes himself to other Methods of government.  
That year 1655. year 1655 he institutes his Major General: He divides the whole Kingdom into seven Provinces or Cantons; (three, four or five (more or fewer) Counties in a Province.) And over every of these, he placeth a Major, General with his Deputy, and sufficient Authority, not only in Military affairs, but also in Ecclesiastical and Civil; none came amiss to them, they would meddle in all, upon occasion on complaint: Especially in Church-affairs, they take upon them the sovereign power; they put out; silence and inhibit what Ministers they please, by virtue of the late Ordinance against scandalous Ministers, and other orders & private instructions, to them, from the Protector & his Council. They will not suffer any ejected Minister to teach a School either publicly or privately; to pray, or preach, or to perform any Ministerial duty in any Church or private Family; in a word, they would have starved them, if they could, denying all means of livelihood to them and theirs.  
And because divers ejected Ministers, had during the sitting of this last Parliament, and soon after, commenced suits in Law for the recovery of their Live, and had gotten (some of them) damages against their Intruders and had hopes of recovering the possession of their Live: and some of them had already got into possession by Law: The Protector publisheth a Proclamation, thereby strictly commanding them to quit their possessions, and to release all judgements obtained, and further inhibiting all Attorneys, Lawyers and Advocates, to commence or prosecute any Suits for, or to plead in the behalf of such Clients; And all Judges are likewise inhibited, to admit of any such Actions or Pleas in any of their Courts. All which, was apparently to deny them the benefit of the Law, (which is the highest Act of Arbitrary and Tyranni-power that can be) and consequently to condemn that Authority as illegal, by which they were first ejected.  
Furthermore upon occasion of a rising in the Spring, by some of the King's party in the West, he not only proceeds against Col. john Penruddock, and divers other Gentlemen, by Capital punishment; but he decimates all the Cavaliers or Gentlemen of the late King's party, that had been in arms for him, all over England; that is, he enjoins them to pay yearly the tenth part of their whole Revenue, notwithstanding their former Compositions made for their Estates, and their Pardons sued out as the Parliament had enjoined, and also the late Act of Oblivion, anno 1651. And this Decimation was put in execution by these Major Generals.  
And in this Government, he much resembled the Turk: Himself like the Grand Signior, ruling by sole command, had his standing Army (as a guard for his Person) answerable to the Janissaries and his Major Generals representing the Bashaws in their several Provinces; And besides these, he had his Auxiliaries lately set up in every County; viz. certain Troops of horse, and Companies of foot, armed and ready upon all occasions, maintaining, and finding their own horses and arms; for a constant yearly salary, the horsemen had 8 li. per annum, and the foot 3 li. and these were upon any occasion to be drawn forth, and march in a few hours warning.  
Anno 1656. The Protector calls another Parliament, year 1656 according to the lade mode, ten in a County, etc. These convene at Westminster, Sept. 17. Upon their first meeting, many of the Members of several Counties were excluded, because they had been somewhat busy and active in the Parliament before. This exclusion of Members being noised abroad, many that were not yet gone up, went not at all, lest when they came there, they should be excluded and sent home again. There were in all about sevenscore or more that absented themselves, or were secluded the House by order from the Council of State; and yet not any reason alleged against them. They represent the injury to the House, but find no redress; the House dare not offend the Protector, by admitting their Fellow-Members.  
This Parliament thus purged and garbled, was for the Protectors turn; he gave them leave to sit almost two five months without dissolving or adjourning.  
About the beginning of the next spring, year 1657 there is a project set on foot by some in the House for making the Protector King: First a petition or remonstrance from many of the City desiring it, was presented by an Alderman of London to the Speaker, sealed up in a box. Afterwards a Bill is preferred for it: the House are very forward in the business; only the Protectors pleasure is not known. They very humbly and solemnly petition his Highness to accept of it; as an honour not only merited by himself, but much inducing to the settlement of the Nation. But he makes strange at it, giveth them thanks for their good affection towards him and the public; yet desires time to consider of it, before they press him to a resolution.  
Mean time the Independents and Factious people fast and pray, to avert the judgement that is like to fall upon them, in having a King. Some great Commanders in the Army, and many of the common-souldiers express their dislike of it; amongst whom Lambert, the Leiutenant-General, is the chief, conceiving it a bar to his ambitious hopes. It is more than probable, the Protector himself thirsted after it, and that the design was first hammered in his own forge; for Thurloe his Secretary openly promoted it, and (as it was said) brought in the Bill. But when the Parliament made their second address to him, he modestly denied it, yet he gave them thanks for their good affections to him.  
This Parliament sat from the 17. of September, to the 26. of June. And then by an Act entitled The humble Petition and advice, they constitute him Protector, and give him power to nominate his Successor, which was all one as to establish the Government in his Family: They erect another House of Parliament, in place of the Lords, for which they could invent no other name, but The Other House. It was to consist of a number of persons not exceeding seventy, nor less than forty, all chosen or nominated by the Protector, and to be called particularly by Writs, as the House of Peers were wont to be: They also ordain some other qualifications for future elections of Parliament men; and appoint an Oath to be taken by the Protector, and by all successive Protectors: and also another Oath by all the Members, both of the one and Other House upon their entrance to sit in Parliament. Some other things they ordain in that Petition and advice, for settling the future Government. All which the Protector ratifies and confirms, by giving his solemn assent in those words, the Lord Protector doth consent.  
Further in that Act, they limit him so far, as not to impose any Tax or payment upon the People, without their consent in Parliament; and in lieu thereof, they give him 35000 li. a month by way of Tax for three years to come, from June 24. 1657. besides the Excise, Tunage and Poundage, the Customs, all the Crown lands that were unfold, and all Forfeitures, Penalties, and other accidental Emoluments that the Kings of England were wont to have; amounting in the whole to Thirteen Hundred Thousand Pounds per annum; for so much they promised to settle upon him forthwith, as a certain standing Revenue, besides land Taxes. This done, he does not dissolve, but only adjourn the Parliament, to the 20. of January following.  
But in the mean time soon after their adjournment, the Protector Cashiers Lambert his Lieutenant-General, and Hacker Colonel of his lifeguard, and some other Officers of his Army, who were conceived to be averse to the business of his Kingship; which gave men cause to conclude, that he still thirsted after the Kingly dignity, as indeed it is more than probable he did.  
And here let me tell you, there goeth a story very credibly and confidently reported by some persons knowing and well-affected to the late Protector, That he, when he was a boy, and going to school at Huntingdon, where his father dwelled, dreamt one night that he should be King, and Ruler over all the Kingdom of England, but afterward he should be hanged. This dream he tells to his fellow schoolboys, and by that means it came to his Master's ear, who lashed him sound for it. How near the former part of his dream was fulfilled, appears by this story; and how justly he deserved the latter part, I leave it to others to judge?  
Against the meeting of the Parliament by adjournment, he sends out his Writ, for summoning the Members of his other House. Some ancient Peers of the Land he summoned, as the Earl of Warwick, the Earl of Manchester, the Lord Say; I cannot say, whether or no the Earl of Salisbury was one, because he seldom wanted a place in the House of Commons. Others, some of them, were Gentlemen of quality in several Counties, and of good repute, but the most of them were of his Army-men, or of his alliance, that had married into his Family. Amongst his Army-men, there were Pride the Dray-man, Hewson the Shoemaker, Barksted the broken Thimble-maker, and others the like, all Colonels of his Army; and Lambert also to gratify him, is made one of his Peers; and Haselrig, that was a great stickler against him in all Parliaments, is another. There is a Catalogue extant of them all, and therefore it is needless to repeat them.  
When the time came according to the Adjournment, January 20. the Nobility though called, disdained to appear: Many of the Gentry absented themselves, yet some of all sorts (except only the Nobility) enough to make a competent number, appeared. Some that were called to his other House, were elected for the House of Commons, and chose that place, rather than the other House; Sir Arthur Haselrig (always an enemy to the King, and no friend to the Protector) was one of the number: The House of Commons would by no means digest that other House, nor own them; though some messages were sent to them, yet would they not vouchsafe them any answer.  
Besides this, there was another business set on foot in the House of Commons, that touched the Protector very nearly; and that was their tampering with the power of the Militia: The People were to pay the Army, and it was thought just by many, that the Parliament should have command of them. And it was suspected, had they sat but a little longer, that the Army, or a considerable part of it, would have adhered to the Parliament. To prevent this mischief, that was a working, the Protector suddenly and unexpectedly dissolves them, Febr. 4. with this word of comfort (nevertheless) to his other House, My Lords, ye are Lords, and shall be Lords.  
The Parliament thus again dissolved in discontent, things rested as formerly, though not without much murmuring and secret discontent, both in the Protector and People.  
About the latter end of August, year 1658 or the beginning of September, the Protector died; having lain somewhile in a very sad condition, with extreme pain and torment in his bowels. Some strongly fancy, that he died on Tuesday, Aug. 30. what time was the most furious, violent wind, that ever happened in the memory of man. And it's very probable that he died that day or soon after: but it was given out, and commonly reported, that he died on Friday, Sept. 3.  
His Funeral was a great while deferred, his body embalmed and kept above ground many months together, with mourners continually attending his corpse, and meat carried up and served on his Table, as if he had been the greatest Prince in Christendom, and afterwards he was interred with as great funeral solemnity, as ever any King of England was interred, and his Hearse or Statue set up after the manner of Kings, and a most most magnificent Monument erected for him.  
It is worth the remembering, that about a year or two before his death, he made a new broad Seal, with the Arms of England, viz. a Saint George's Cross, quartered with Saint Andrews Cross for Scotland, and the Harp for Ireland, and his own Coat in a little Escutcheon in the midst; his Helmet and Mantle, with a Crown imperial, and a Lion puissant for his Crest, and and the supporters a Lion and a Dragon: the Motto underneath his Arms, Pax quaeritur Bello. And this inscription about, Sigillum magnum Reipublicae Anglioe, Scotiae & Hiberniae: On the other side, himself on Horseback, richly trappered, as the King Seal was wont to be; and the Inscription about it, Oliverus Dei gratia, Reipublicae Angliae, Scotiae & Hiberniae Protector.  
And though he usually coined no money, yet I have seen some pieces of Silver, of an half crown bigness, with his Arms (as before) on the one side, and his Picture crowned with bays on the other side, and the former Inscription. In these respects so near he approached to the Royal dignity; sure I am, he assumed more power and authority, than ever any King of England did.  
The Protector before his death, had according to the  Humble Petition and Advice, appointed his eldest Son Richard Cromwell, to succeed him in his place; and accordingly immediately after his Father's death, he was proclaimed in London, and soon after all over England.  
The Independents, Anabaptists and other Sectaries, were not well pleased at it; they had rather have had Fleetwood in the place, who had married the late Protectors Daughter, Iretons Widow; for Richard had formerly been reputed a kind of a good fellow and a royalist, and never was in Arms against the King, as all the rest of his Father's Family and Allies had been.  
Richard soon after calls a Parliament to begin at Westminster, Jan. 27. not according to the Instrument of Government, but after the old way, two in a County, etc. Before the calling of the Parliament, and after, congratulatory Addresses are made to Richard, from most Counties, Cities and Corporations of Note in England, extolling the merits of his heroic Father, expressing their joy for the succession of such a Son, and promising to adhere to him withal faithfulness and loyalty. In some of their Addresses, they compare the Father to Moses, and the Son to Joshua, the Guiders and Conductors of God's People out of Egyptian thraldom, with other the like blasphemous expressions. Richard receives these Addresses with as much gravity, as they were tendered with humility; so that no man could imagine, but that he was most firmly fixed in his Throne; And Lily the States mercenary Prognosticator, assures it, from his Astrological Predictions of that year.  
AT the opening of the Parliament, Jan. 27. he makes a Speech to both his Houses, wherein he minds them of his just and lawful Title to the Government, not only by the wonderful Provindence of God, but by the disposition of the Laws: he tells them, he had convened them together for important affairs of State, for the honour and safety of the Nation; willed them to take into consideration, the necessity of the Navy and Army, whom he commends for their patience and obedience, to the best Army in the world: some other things to this purpose he commended to them, and told them in conclusion, that they should find him ready and willing to concur with them in any thing for the good of the public; and to deny them nothing that was just and fit; And that if this were not an happy Parliament, it should not be his fault. And all this (says the Book) was spoken with so gracious and Princely a deportment, as hath gained this opinion amongst the wisest Hearers, that he deservedly holds the place of Supreme Magistrate in these Nations.  
Thus the Parliament began, and great hopes there were of good agreement between the Protector and the People: and doubtless he for his part, would have given them leave to have settled the Nation as they thought good, both for Religion and Civil Government. But still the other House, though called as formerly, and many of them convened, would not down with the Commons; they would not in the least own this new made House of Lords; sit they might, if they pleased, but little or nothing they had to do: for the Commons would never impart any thing to them, nor indeed have any intercourse with them. A pitiful company of Peers they were, and accordingly regarded.  
But Richard and the House of Commons agreed very well; he was willing to leave all to them; And there being a very great number of young Lawyers in the House, that gaped for preferment, they were willing to give him power enough: too much as many suspected.  
Ye must know, that in all Parliaments since oliver's time, there was a faction of men in the House, called Commonwealths men, that were for a free State (as they called it) and against a single Person. These were such as had purchased the Lands of Bishops, Deans and Chapters, and those belonging to the late King, Queen, and Prince; And they feared, that these Lands might be at one time or other restored, unless the Government were again settled in the way of a Commonwealth: for a single Person they thought might possibly come to be a King. With these also concurred all such, both Parliament-men and Army-men, as were highly guilty of the King's Trial and death. And all these together, had a great influence upon the Army. These generally were disaffected to the Protector.  
The Army also (Richard having never been a Soldier) were very desirous to have a General of their own choice with power to place and displace what Army-Officers he thought fit. Fleetwood the Protectors Brother in-law, or Lambert aims at the place; To effect their design, they with the Commonwealths men in Parliament, as Haselrig, and Vane, Scot and Weaver, and others the like, make a Faction in the Army against the Protector. The Commanders of the Army that were of this Faction, had frequent meetings at Fleetwoods' Lodging at Wallingford House; whereof Richard had notice, and might have suppressed them in time, by some chief Officers that were of his part, who offered their assistance thereunto; but being loath to hazard the effusion of blood, he let things rest, hoping (perhaps) they would not have proceeded as afterwards they did.  
Fleetwood soon after advises him to adjourn the Parliament, year 1659. but he refusing, they come to him, and force him to send a Writ to dissolve it; This was about the latter end of April, 1659.  
The Parliament thus suddenly dissolved, the Soldiers were at a loss what to do; at last they resolve, after a solemn Fast had among themselves (as their manner was) to call in that piece or tail of the long Parliament, (that Cromwell and themselves had broke up and cast out six years before, April 20. 1653.) to return again to the exercise of their trust, as they termed it; expressing their Repentance for that action, and desiring to return again into the good old way. Lenthal the Speaker, and some others of that company, being then in and about the City, very gladly accept the motion; they thought long to be again in authority. They call together all their fellow-Members that they could get, and had much ado to make forty, thought they took two of them out of the Gaol, viz. the Lord Munson and Henry Martin, who were Prisoners there upon execution: Being thus got together upon Saturday afternoon, May 7. the Speaker with the rest, enter the House, and set again as a Parliament; publishing a Proclamation or Declaration, to let the People understand, how by the wonderful providence and mercy of God, they were again restored to the exercise of their trust, being (as they call themselves) Asserters of the Good old Cause, etc.  
The Monday following, Mr. William Prin a Bencher of Lincoln's Inn, and many more Members of the Long Parliament, that were secluded upon the King's Trial, December 1648. met together at Westminster, and went to the House-door, demanding admission to sit with the rest, but were den●ed entrance, and kept out with armed guards. Whereupon he writes a Book called his Narrative, wherein he declraes at large their manner of demanding admission, and in what manner they were forcibly kept out, and very solidly pleads the King's cause against their Commonwealth. And another Book he writes and publishes at the same time, entitled, The good old Cause, wherein he manifestly proves, by twelve undeniable Arguments, that that which they termed the good old Cause, was far worse, more destructive both to Church and State, to Religion and the Commonwealth, than the Gunpowder Treason. And though he openly owned and avowed these Books, setting his name to them, yet they never returned the least answer to them, nor questioned the Author: But these Books thus seasonably published, gave a deadly blow to their good old Cause, though the operation of it was not so presently discerned.  
The Parliament (those few that were) being thus got in again, they presently depose the Protector, and alter the Government from a single person to a Commonwealth. They null all honouts conferred by the late Protector, so that many are in an instant unknighted, whom Oliver before had honoured with that dignity. Richard himself but the other day Lord Protector of England, Scotland and Ireland, and his Highness at every word, is now in the language of the Parliament but Richard Cromwell Esq; for by that Title they wrote to him, to quit his Lodgings, and remove from Whitehall: and his Excellency Lord Henry Cromwell, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, is now no more than Mr. Henry Cromwell; All Olivers venerable House of Peers, have now in an instant lost their Lordships, and are the same that formerly they were; so great a change is effected in an instant. Only Fleetwood and Lambert are still termed Lords in the Parliaments first Declaration, May 7. and there was cause for it; for the Parliament were what they were by their means.  
And now all mouths are open in an instant, against the late Protector Oliver, reproaching him as the worst of Tyrants and Usurpers, tearing his Hearse or Statue in pieces, defacing and pulling down his sumptuous Monument, that was but a few weeks before at a most vast charge, set up in Westminster.  
The Parliament were more obliged to the Army, than they were to the people, for putting them again into Authority; for the people had had more then enough of them, for almost two seven years before. Oliver never did so much good for the Nation, nor had more thanks from the people, then when he and his Army had turned these men out, as before is said, April 20. 1653. And therefore they thought it concerned them, rather to gratify the Army, then to please the people. To this end, not long after their re-installment, they impose a Tax of twelve months, to be paid in a manner altogether. That 35000 li. a month which was not to be paid by the Act that imposed it, till Midsummer, 1660. and that quarterly, they command to be paid in presently between Lammas and Michaelmas, 1659. intending (as its probable) as soon as that was paid in, to impose another the like payment upon the people.  
After this, about July, they pass an Act for settling the Militia, and it was sent down into the several Counties, to be presently put in execution; but the Army (as it was thought) not relishing this design, it was soon after laid aside.  
This year about the beginning of August, there was a rising in Cheshire, Lancashire, and the parts adjoining, under the command of Sir George Booth, Sir Thomas Midleton, and other Gentlemen in those parts; they declare for a free and full Parliament to be elected by the People. It was commonly reported, the design was general, laid all over all England, and t●● 〈◊〉 was carried on ch●●●ly by the Presbyterian Party. But Cheshire and the parts adjacent, were the first that arose; in other places attempts were made, but they were suppressed.  
Sir George Booth had taken Westchester both Town and Castle, and was reported to be very numerous. And therefore upon the first intelligence thereof, Lambert is sent out against him, with an Army of six or seven thousand men, and a train of Artillery; and forces from all quarters are appointed to draw to him, so that all meeting, he had a very great Army. Sir George Booth's party, seeing other Counties so slack, begin to faint and forsake him; Lambert marching towards them, is opposed by some forces at a narrow pass, but presently all are routed, and Sir George himself, and some others are taken and brought prisoners to London: this happened about Aug. 20.  
This design so strongly and universally (as was reported) laid, and so soon defeated and disappointed, the Parliament themselves, and all men thought them cocksure. They begun to resolve to submit themselves to the yoke of their old Taskmasters, seeing no other remedy; And the Parliament went on with their work, in settling the Nation in a Commonwealth way; intending after that was established, to proceed severely against Sir George Booth and his party. They began already to sequester his and other men's estates; for many they say were engaged in the plot, all over England: and the City of Westchester they quite dis-franchised.  
But observe what followed. Lambert and the Army were so heightened at this success, and the Parliament (as they thought) so much obliged to them, for restoring them into their power, and preserving them in it, as they thought whatsoever they demanded, would not have been denied them. Thereupon in their return to London, they take a resolution by unanimous consent of the Officers and common Soldiers to require to have a General of their own Election, either Fleetwood or Lambert.  
The Parliament having intelligence hereof, resolve the contrary; calling to mind, how six years before they had been served by Oliver, who then was their General: and therefore they thought it not fit any more to intrust so great a power in any one man's hand, lest he should do as Oliver had done. And therefore they resolve and vote, to put the power of the Army into the hands of seven Commissioners, whereof about two or three (at most) were Army-men, and the rest Members of the Parliament.  
This Vote of theirs highly discontented the Army, and Lambert especially; the business came to than height, as about the tenth or eleventh of October, their forces were drawn out on either side at Westminster. Some Regiments for the Parliament under the command of Haselrig, Morly and others; and other Regiments for the Army, under command of Lambert, Desborough, Berry and other Colonels, and ready they were to charge one another. The Council of State interposing, prevented bloodshed, but could not appease or satisfy the Army. At length the Army became Masters, and turned out the Parliament, October 13. whom but a few months before, they had placed in authority.  
But the Parliament did prudently and stoutly in one thing; when they saw whereto they must, that the Army would turn them out, a day or two before (Octob. 11.) they made an Act presently after printed and published, That it should be high Treason in any, to impose, assess, collect, levy, or pay any Excise, Customs, Tonnage and Poundage, or any Tax or Tallage whatsoever, from that 11th day of October, but what should be imposed by the consent of the People themselves in Parliament.  
This was a stumbling-block to the Army-men; it hindered them somewhat from the raising of money for the present; but had things succeeded according to their mind, they would soon have leapt over it, and raised what moneys they pleased.  
The Parliament thus cashiered by the Army, the next thing they do is to provide places for themselves. Fleetwood is made General, Lambert Lieutenant General, Desborough is made General of the horse. And they provide a place for Monck also, who at present is Governor of Scotland; him they will make Major General of the foot. This for the Army.  
For the government of the State they must take time to consider of that. But some things they lay for grounds and principles. 1: They'll free the people of the burden of Tithes (and in time perhaps of Ministers too) that hath been a design all along since the Army gave Law to the Nation. 2. They will perhaps have a kind of Parliament, but not of the choice of the people; for the people (say they) are grown generally so corrupt, as they are not fit to choose their own representatives; but must be left to the godly. In stead of an House of Lords, thev'l have a standing Senate of Army-Officers and such like godly men, which shall have a Negative voice in all Parliamentary consultations. These and some others, as I concluded out of some of their books, were their design.  
But the truth is, though much consultation they had, and some progress they made in framing a Government, yet could they make no work of it, they could not agree of any. Only thus, for the present exigence of affairs, they establish a Committee of Safety, consisting mostly of Army Officers, and some Members of the late Parliament, that since the dissolution thereof, had sided with the Army, whereof Sir Henry Vane was one.  
But that which spoiled the sport, and gave checkmate to their new intended Government, was a business in Scotland. Monck (as I touched before) was governor of that Nation, and had been so in all these changes, almost ever since Oliver took upon him the Protectors place. They had provided Monck a place among them, (so courteous they were) but they were not so prudent as to consult with him about breaking up the Parliament.  
And therefore upon the first intelligence of these things, Monk in Scotland declares against their proceed. The soldiers here (without expostulating) presently arm against him; insomuch as their forces are upon their march towards Scotland, from Norwich and the parts thereabout, upon the 29th of October the Parliament having been broken up but bare sixteen days before; Monck seeing them thus on the forehand with him, entertains them with a Treaty; Commissioners are appointed on both sides, and furnished with instructions; mean time Monck takes and fortifies Barwick upon Tweed. The news comes that they are agreed, and that both parties have unanimously declared against the interest of Charles Stuart, (so they commonly call the King) which caused much rejoicing amongst the Army's adherents; but this soon after proved to be false: Monck at the return of his Commissioners, is not satisfied in some particulars; Nevertheless soon after, he desires another Treaty, which was held at Newcastle; during which time he calls a Covention of the Estates of Scotland, who (as it was reported) not only approved this his undertaking, but assisted him in it.  
The Treaty at Newcastle, after some time spent therein, had no better success than the former; They could not, or at leastwise Monck would not agree. But Fleetwood notwithstanding gives intelligence to his adherents in Norfolk, that they were so fare agreed, that if they should grant what Monk insisted upon, it would be no whit prejudicial to them.  
While these things were thus acting, it pleased God there happened a great frost, and after that so deep a snow, as the like hath not been known of many years, both for the greatness and continuance of it. Monck was all that time with his Army at Barwick and thereabouts, never advancing farther into England than Alnwick. Lambert and his Army having much impoverished Yorkshire and those parts, what with Texas and Freequarter, were now about Newcastle, quarterred in a barren cold Country, and not able to march by reason of the hardness of the waether.  
In the mean time I must tell you, from Lambers first advancing against Monck, the Londoners had been solicited by Fleetwood and the rest, to join with the Army; but they utterly refuse it, though they liked well enough the turning out of the Parliament. About the beginning of December, the Apprentices and some others Petition the Lord Major and Court of Aldermen; the soldiers interpose; whereupon there is a great hurly-burly in the City, and some blood is shed, a Captain (they say) being slain; but by the means foe the Major, the tumult is appeased. Fleetwood upon this occasion, to curb the City, and prevent any rise hereafter, sends in a considerable part of his Army; they take and fortify four houses in several parts of the City, whereof Gresham College was one; these they strengthen with soldiers and Granades, and threaten to fire the City in case the Citizens should stir.  
While these things were thus carried at London, Haselrig and some Army Officers, that from the first had adhered to the Parliament, got into Portsmouth about December the third; and there joining with some chief Officers of the Navy, declare openly for the Parliament against the Army; And because the City of London would not join with them, (for they liked the Parliament as thus constituted, as ill as they did the Army) they will a considerable part of the Navy under the command of Lawson then Admiral, (who had a little before deserted the Army) block up the Thames; this was about a week before Christimas.  
The City thus blocked up by Sea, and Garrisoned with Fleetwoods' soldiers by Land, were in a sad condition: but for all this they would neither declare for the Army nor Parliament, but still desired to have a free Parliament of the election of the People; to which the soldiers forced by necessity and want of money, at last consented; but with such qualifications, as had they been observed, would have rendered the Parliament wholly subservient to the Army's interest; And the Committee of Safety had by a Proclamation summoned the same to begin at Westminster, january 24.  
But the Parliament now commonly called the Rump, (and so I shall hereafter term them) taking the opportunity of this difference between the City and Army, made a shift to meet together, (a competeur number of them (about 40.) and to crowd again into the House, December 26. late in the Evening by Torchlight. But lest the Londoners should join with the Army, and oppose, they promise upon their first fitting, either to call in the Secluded Members by the 6th. of Jannuary; or else to issue out Writs for filling up the House by new Elections. To pacify the Army, they pass a Vote of Indemnity to Fleetwood, Lambert, and all rest of the Army, both Officers and Soldiers, for what was past, in case hereafter they demean themselves quietly; which Vote they are glad to accept of, not being able farther to oppose.  
But I must tell you, that before this, they had endeavoured what they might, in all the Counties, to raise money for the supply of the Army, but could not get any considerable sums. The Gentlemen in the Country, that had been laid horses by virtue of the late Act for the Militia (which was first set on foot by the Parliament of July last, but laid aside soon after for fear of offending the Army) these they now rate at 10 l. for every horse; yet rather than fail they would have taken fifty shillings. Some that were faint-hearted compounded at so low a rate, and paid; but many refused. And of them that compounded, the most part would never pay a penny. This was about the beginning of December; and some money by this tric● they got, but not much. About the same time also, they sent forth warrants for one month's Tax, assessed for Drums and Colours, etc. by virtue of the said Act, but this in many places was never paid, and in most places though rated, yet not paid. So that the want of money, was the main thing that broke their design; the soldiers about London, mutining and growing insolent against their Commanders for want of pay: some of them falling to that party that adhered to the Parliament, and others offering their service and assistance to the City, whom they thought best able to entertain them; so that it came to that pass before the Rump got in, that Fleetwood had little or no command of his soldiers in and about the City. And this gave another advantage to the Rump to crowd in.  
Being got in as before is noted, The Citizens of London are yet jealous, that they would not according to their promise, call in the secluded Members, nor fill up their House by new Elections. And therefore they fortify the City in several streets and places of access with chains and posts to prevent the sudden incursion of horses; For now they feared the Rump Parliament, as much or more than formerly they did the Army: this was about the beginning of january.  
And indeed within a few days after they discovered their intentions; the Rump was so far from calling in the secluded Members, as they passed a Vote that never any of them should sit again: and in stead of filling up their House by a new election, they are about contriving an Oath of abjuration, whereby to force men under a penalty to abjure the King and all the Royal Line or Family; but this Oath stuck long in debate, and at last would not pass amongst themselves.  
But notwithstanding the Rump was thus got into possession, and likely enough to hold it, Lambert's Army being at the news of it quite broken and dispersed, himself secretly departing from them at Rippon, and posting to London to accept his Vote of Indemnity. Monck advanceth with his Army, marching on slowly, and was come to Newcastle about the sixth of january without the least opposition.  
The Rump likes well of it, hoping by his assistance to quell the City, who as yet stood at distance with them, and had in a sort fortified themselves against them. The Londoners on the contrary, entertain hopes, that by Monks coming, the Parliament might be enforced, notwithstanding their former Vote, either to call in the Secluded Members, or else to fill up the House with new elections, either of which would have satisfied them, and one of which they resolved to insist upon. All expectations on either side, are upon Monck, but no man knew certainly what his intentions were.  
The Rump had from the first intelligence of Monks advancing, after Lambert's Army was disbanded and broken, sent two of their Members (Robinson and Scot) to wait upon him, or rather indeed as Spies to watch and observe him. The City of London had also sent their Sword-bearer as far as Newcastle, to congratulate his coming, and to tender the respects and affections of the City to him. He receives him courteously, returns hearty thanks to the City, but nothing satisfactory of what they expected: so that hitherto, and long after he marched hooded in allusion to his name; no man could tell what to make of him, nor what his design, or the end of his coming was, but men guessed and hoped, according as their opinions and desires were: but the Rump both now, and long after, were as confidently assured of him, as of any man within their own walls.  
Passing through Yorkshire he is honourably received by the Lord Fairfax, and the Northern Gentlemen, who had not many days before contributed much to the reducing of a party of Lambert's Officers and Soldiers, that had possessed themselves of York.  
While Monck was there, divers of the Yorkshire Gentlemen were very desirous to understand his intentions, and to that purpose, requested Sir Henry Cholmely one of their number, to go to him and talk privately with him; which he did, & had conveniency of discourse with him. At his return they were big with expectation, and demanded of him what he thought of the General; He told them he thought he was like the Peace of God; they ask why? He answers, because he passeth all understanding. This I was credibly in formed of by a Yorkshire Minister, living in those parts.  
Coming along all the way to Saint Alban's, he receives several Addresses from all or most of the Counties of England, all importing their humble desires, that either the Secluded Members might be called in, or that the House may be filled up by new elections, that so one way or other, they might have again a full and free Parliament; the want of which they apprehend to be the cause of all their late sufferings, and frequent changes of Government, to the oppression of the people, and high dishonour of the English Nation. He receives them all courteously, treats them civilly, but for answer tells them, That he was but a servant to the Parliament, and that only in a Military capacity; that it became not him to interpose in Civil affairs; that the Parliament he doubted not, would do them right, and satisfy their just desires: That for the calling in of the Secluded Members, the Parliament had already given judgement in that point, and they ought to acquiesce therein; But for the filing up the House, he told them it was now under debate, and doubted not but they should receive full satisfaction therein; and therefore he exhorts them to attend with patience the determinations of the House, and not by any unseasonable importunity to disturb their Counsels, which might be a means to delay their satisfaction, and the settlement of the Nation, which (said he) was now intended, and ready to be effected.  
From Devonshire also (though far remote out of his way) he receives the like Address (one of the first that were tendered to him) wherein after complaint made of their greivances, they earnestly desire the calling in of the secluded Members. But to them (being his Countrymen, and some of them near allied to him) he returns by way of answer, a courteous Letter; wherein amongh other things, he tells them, that the calling in of the secluded Members could not safely be yielded to, most of them being known to be Assertors of Monarchy; He gives them several Reasons, showing, that as the case of affairs now stood, Monarchy was utterly inconsistent with this Nation: That a Republic or Free State was the only Government, wherein the several interests of the Nation, both Ecclesiastical and Civil might be best preserved: And therefore in the conclusion, he desires them that by their impatiencies they would not obstruct the Parliaments consultations, otherwise (says he) our peace will be so much the longer a stranger to us, and we thereby made a prey to ourselves and foreign enemies. This was from Leicester, Jan. 23. and soon after this Letter was printed and published by the Parliament Intelligencer.  
Thus giving fair and plausible answers to all such as addressed themselves unto him, he marches along and comes to Saint Alban's about the latter end of January; where still Addresses are made to him out of Suffolk, Norfolk, and other places, which receive the like answers that others did. But these Addresses (ye must know) were also tendered to the Parliament, though some that tendered them, were clapped by the heels for their pains (as the Berk-shire Gentlemen) and others threatened; whereas Watermens of London, for a congratulatory Address made to them at the same time, received the solemn thanks of the House.  
While he was at Saint Alban's, some Aldermen and Common-Council-men, are sent to him from the City of London, to congratulate his coming, and court him; but are returned as formerly, with thanks for their respects.  
From Saint Alban's he removes to Barnet, where he makes a stay, refusing to come to London, until Lambert's Soldiers were out of the City. Meantime Saint James' House is appointed for his Lodging, and the Custody of the Park is voted to him, to hold during the pleasure of the Parliament, with some other like honours, a magnificent Reward for such an undertaking.  
The Soldiers that were late lambert's, being voided the City, Monk and his Army marches to London, on Friday, February 3. and is lodged at White-Hall, at whose coming, there is great joy and triumphing all over the City.  
On Wednesday following, Febr. 8. The City continuing still in their refractoriness and opposition to the Parliament, they meet in Common-Council, and there pass a Vote or Order, Not to pay or levy any Taxes, until such time as they may have a full and free Parliament: For hitherto you must know, the Rump had not agreed upon qualifications for filling up the House; and many thought they never intended it; but only to establish themselves in perpetual authority.  
Upon this Vote or Resolve of the Common-Council, the Rump are highly offended, and send a strict order to Monk to march the next day with his Army into the City; To pull up their chains and posts, to break down the gates and portcullis of the City; to imprison forwith in the Tower divers Aldermen and Commoners, that were conceived to be chief active in passing those Votes. This command of theirs, Monk executes next day, Febr. 9 to the great terror and amazement, not only of the City, but of the whole Nation and Kingdom, when they heard the report of it: All hearts are saddened, and now most men conclude, that Monk is not the man designed of God for the delivery of this oppressed Nation.  
The Gentlemen in the several Counties that had subscribed and tendered their Addresses and Declarations, begin now to fear their own Stakes; there being in some of their Declarations, expressions against paying taxes without a free Parliament: It had (I must tell also you) before this, been moved in the House, that those Gentlemen that tendered these Addresses, might be sequestered; yet at that time, it was carried in the Negative. They had cause to fear also, that if they intended at all to fill up the House by new Elections, they would impose such qualifications, as should exclude all such Gentlemen in all Counties, as either subscribed or delivered these Addresses: and so the greatest part by far of the Gentry of England, would be made incapable of serving their Country, and consequently the filling up of the House by such a choice, as would then be allowed, would be but a means further to enslave both themselves and their Posterities.  
For these and the like considerations, they had some thoughts and resolutions in most Counties (as it was reported) to second their Addresses or Declarations with Arms, thereby to vindicate their Native Rights from the oppression of a Combination of Tyrants, who had a long time usurped the supreme power of the Nation, and were now perpetuating that usurpation upon the freeborn people, to their utter slavery and oppression. And it was verily conceived, that had not the face of affairs suddenly changed, by Monks unhooding himself, the whole Kingdom would soon have been put into a general flame of combustion: for the City of London, by this late affront, were rather incensed than awed: though their Gates and Portcullesses were broken, yet their hearts and courages remained entire, and were the more confirmed and hardened: and had the Counties unanimously risen, it is like the Londoners would not have sit still: for the whole Kingdom was generally exasperated against the Rump; and the dispersed soldiers of Lambert's Army, not knowing where to quarter, nor how to live, might probably be thought willing to adhere to any party, that were in a capacity to entertain them with pay.  
The Rump (as it is conceived) by putting Monk upon that base employment, of being their City-Scavenger, had a design not only to terrify and curb the City, but also to make Monk and his Army odious and irreconcilable to them, whereby they might engage him hereafter more firmly to themselves.  
Monk having thus executed the Commands of the Rump, he is troubled in his mind at it. And upon Saturday following, Febr. 11. he draws his Army into Finsbury Fields, and sending for the Lord Mayor and some of the chief Citizens, he had some discourse with them: And presently after, he writes a Letter to the Parliament, as from Whitehall, wherein he tells them, that he had done their commands, though not without some regret; never any such thing having in all these late troubles, been done to that City, so eminent for their assistance and adherency to Parliamentary Authority; He minded them, that the end of his coming and first undertaking, as appears in his Declaration, was not only to preserve them in their present power, but to vindicate the liberties and privileges of Parliaments, with the Native rights and freedom of the people; That he observed that some persons impeached of high Treason, were yet suffered to sit in the House: That Lambert, Sir Henry Vane and others, persons of dangerous principles, and highly guilty of the late dissension of the Army, and of the horrid force put upon the Parliament, were yet suffered to be in and about the City: That though they had voted the continuance of the settled maintenance of Ministers, yet they were now upon contriving of another engagement that would force many of the most conscientious of them, from the enjoyment of their Means: That there had been too many oaths already imposed upon the Nation, and that they had more need to mourn for the breach of oaths, than to impose new ones. And that he observed, that those men were most forward to impose oaths, who made least conscience of keeping them: He minded them also of a Petition of dangerous consequence, that they had lately received and countenanced from the Fanatic party. These and some other grievances he complains of, and then adds his humble desires, that they would by Friday following issue out Writs for filling up their House by new Elections, with due and reasonable qualifications; And that they would put a certain and speedy period to their present sitting, whereby the People may enjoy the benefit of successive Parliaments which is (saith he) the undoubted right of the English Nation. And in the pursuance of these things, he will not fail to stand by them and assist them to the utmost of his power with all fidelity. to this effect (as I remember) was his Letter signed by himself and the chief Officers of his Army, as from Whitehall, Febr. 11.  
This highly pleased and rejoiced the Londoners, and made full satisfaction for the former rigidity done them: Monk herein granting the full of what they formerly desired or expected from him. It was as great cause of joy to the whole Kingdom, as to the City. All that Saturday afternoon, there was Ringing, and Bonfires, and triumphing, till twelve of the clock at night, and feasting Monks Officers and Soldiers with wine and good cheer; nothing was too dear for them. At Norwich and in all places of the Kingdom, at the first report of the News, there was the like rejoicing and triumphing, in hope of a free Parliament. So much was the Rump in the affections of the people, as they desired nothing more than to be rid of them.  
Soon after Monk had thus declared himself, and joined with the City and whole Kingdom in their just desires, The secluded Members (who a great many of them had been all this time in and about London) addressed themselves to him: he desires a conference to be had between them and some of the Rump: they meet ten in number of either side, to argue and debate the business: One challenging admission as Members of the House, and unjustly before excluded: the other refusing to admit the, unless they will confirm all that was done since their exclusion as just and lawful, or at leastwise engage (as themselves had done) against a single Person or House of Lords. Two several meetings they had about this debate, but could not agree.  
A day or two after, Monk calls the secluded Members alone, and demands of them, if they were still firm and constant in their resolution of not engaging against a single Person; they answer him, yea; and that they are immovable in that resolution. Whereupon he calls them altogether, a matter of fourscore of them (almost twice the number of those that sat) goes along with them, and puts them into the , to sit with the rest of the Members, Febr. 21. being Tuesday: having first delivered to some of the Rump, a paper written to prevent mistakes, wherein he declares, That after several debates had between them, he had now received fuller satisfaction from those worthy Gentlemen that were secluded formerly: But he yet expressed his own private opinion and judgement, to be for a Commonwealth or free State, and gave some reasons for it.  
The secluded Members being thus restored, who had for eleven years and more been kept out from discharging their trust, there is great rejoicing and triumphing again both in London and all parts of the Kingdom, with Ringing and Bonfires making, etc. but some of the Rump upon their restoring, (it is said) withdrew and would sit no more.  
Presently after their restoring, they vote Monk to be General of all the forces of England, Scotland and Ireland, Sir William Waller (one of the secluded Members, to be Leiutenant-General, and Rossiter a Lincolnshire Gentleman, (and one that had formerly served the Parliament) to be General of the Horse. They constitute Montagu to be Admiral at Sea, instead of Lawson; and they appoint a new Council of State. Soon after they make an Act for settling the Militia of the Kingdom, together with some Acts concerning Ministers. And taking order for calling of a new Parliament to convene at Westminster, April 25. they dissolve themselves on Friday the 16th of March.  
And thus by God's great blessing, we have lived to see an end of that unhappy long Parliament, that hath been the cause of misery and calamity to these three late flourishing Kingdoms, for these nineteen years and more last past. And all this brought to pass without one drop of bloodshed, by the prudent and politic conduct of General Monk, who with a small Army (an handful of men in comparison) not past four thousand foot and eighteen hundred horse, and those not very well accommodated, marched from Berwick through the heart of England, to the City of London without the least opposition, and at length gained the power and command of that opulent and potent City: Lambert's Army being at least twelve or thirteen thousand men, well horsed and well appointed, breaking in pieces and mouldering away in a moment; the Troops and Companies marching from place to place, where they might find quarter, till afterwards most of them (their Officers cashiered) were received and listed under the command of General Monk.  
Afterwards by degrees he purges his Army, putting out all Anabaptists, Quakers, and other fanatics, both Officers and common Soldiers, as they are or can be discovered, both in the Army and Garrisons, and placeth others in their steads. Overton a fifth Monarchy-man, who pretended to hold Hull for the Lord Jesus Christ, was yet notwithstanding commanded to surrender it to Mr. Charles Fairfax, a Yorkshire Gentleman, which accordingly he did: and the like was done in all other Garrisons, the Army-men displaced, and Gentlemen of the Country, of other confiding persons put in their steads.  
Soon after the putting in of the secluded Members, Lambert is committed to the Tower: Haselrig, Scot, and others are under examination, but dismissed, upon their promise or engagement to demean themselves peaceably.  
Lambert not long after finds means to escape out of the Tower, and about the middle of April, or soon after, appears in Arms about Northampton, in the head of a party, many of the cashiered Officers and Soldiers of the Fanatic and discontented party, being got together. And it is generally conceived, that all the Anabaptists, Quakers, and other factious people in all parts of the Kingdom, had a design to have risen and joined with him, had he not been timely suppressed. But Colonel Ingoldsby being sent against him with a party, he surrounds them all, (being not above five or six hundred), whereupon most of the common Soldiers come in, and yield themselves; and Lambert with some Commanders are taken upon the place, without a stroke striking, only a scour of Lambert's (they say) was slain. Colonel Okey and some others escaped by flight.  
lambert being thus taken, is brought to London together with Colonel Cobbet, Major Creed; and young Haselrig, Sir arthur's Son. These were all brought up in a Coach through Hide Park, on Tuesday, April. 29. what time there was the greatest general Muster of Citizens that ever was seen in or near London: Of trained men and Auxiliaries there were at least twenty thousand (some say thirty thousand) men in Arms; Some of the Nobility, and many Gentlemen of quality trailing pikes voluntarily amongst them. The Prisoners brought through the Army, and sufficiently hooted at, they afterwards drove the Coach under Tyburn, and there made a stand. This was done (I suppose) to mind them of their destiny, or at least of their desert, and to disgrace them, who had so long time insulted and domineered over the Nobility, Gentry and Commonalty of the Kingdom. A just reward to use them uncivilly, who had so barbarously abused both King and People.  
The Parliament according to Appointment, began at Westminster, April the twenty fifth, the House of Commons being elected and called by Writs, issuing out in the name of the Keepers of the Liberties of England, by authority of Parliament, (a Title invented presently upon the change of the Government from as Monarchy to a Commonwealth in the year one thousand six hundred forty eight) the Lords and Peers of the upper House taking their places by virtue of their birthrights and ancient dignities.  
Soon after the sitting of the Parliament, there arrived at London, the Lord Mordant and Sir John Greenvile with a Declaration from his Majesty, as also several Letters. One to the House of of P●e●s; another to the House of Commons; a third to the Lord Mayor, aldermans and Common Council of the City of London; and a fourth to General Monk, to be by him communicated to the Council of State, and to the Officers of the several Armies under his Command: which Declaration and several Letters from his Majesty, were presented according to their several directions, May the first.  
In his Declaration, he offers, 1. A general Pardon to all of all sorts, excepting only such as the Parliament should think fit to except: provided, that they sue out their Pardons under the great Seal of England, within forty days after the publication thereof.  
2. He offers a Liberty to tender Consciences for matters of Religion so far forth as the Parliament should think fit; and to consent to such an Act as the Parliament for that purpose shall tender to his Majesty.  
3. For the sales and purchases of Lands made since these late troubles, he is willing to leave it to the determination of Parliament, whom he presumes best able to provide for the satisfaction of all such as are concerned therein.  
And Lastly, he promiseth full satisfaction of Arrears to all Officers and Soldiers of General Monck's Army, and to receive them into his service upon as good pay and conditions, as they now enjoy. This was the sum of his Declaration, published at Breda, April 14. 1660. in the twelfth year of his Majesty's Reign.  
This Declaration together with his several Letters , were highly accepted. The Lord Mayor, aldermans and Common Council, after the reading of them, cried out unanimously, God save King Charles; and presently took down the Commonwealth's Arms that hung in the Guild-hall, and (as they say) broke them in pieces, ordering the King Arms to be hung up in their place, and gave solemn thanks by their Recorder to his Majesty's Messengers.  
The Lords received their Letter, by the Lord Mordant, with the like joy and loyal affection. The House of Commons having read their Letter and the Declaration, voted it satisfactory; and presently voted the Government of the Nation to be in his Majesty, as the rightful and undoubted heir of the three Nations of England, Scotland and Ireland; They ordered also a Committee to meet for drawing up a Letter of thanks to his Majesty for his most gracions Declaration: And to Sir John Greenvile who delivered the Letter, they gave five hundred pound as a gratuity to buy him a Jewel.  
Both they and the Lords further ordered, that six of the upper House, and fifteen of the House of Commons should be forthwith sent to his Majesty, to invite and attend him into to England. Montague the Admiral at Sea is commanded to wait upon him, with a Squadron of Ships, and fifry thousand pound is ordered for his Majestjes expenses, as also ten thousand pound to the Duke of York, and five thousand pound to the Duke of Gloucester.  
The Letter also and Declaration to the Army, gave no lesser satisfaction both to the General, Officers and Soldiers; they all unanimously owning his Majesty in an high degree.  
On Tuesday the eighth of May, the King was solemnly proclaimed in London, with the greatest expressions and acclamations of Joy that possibly could be; and the like was soon after done in all Counties, Cities, Corporations, and inlet Towns all over England. No King ever coming to his Throne, with so great satisfaction and rejoicing of the People; thereby giving an evident Demonstration to the world, that it was not the People of England, nor the Parliament or Representatives of the People, but only a factious and seditious party, encouraged and supported by a perfidious and traitorous Army, that murdered the late King, disinherited his children, and overthrew the ancient Fundamental and well constituted government of the Nation, turning it from a Monarchy to a Commonwealth; and thereby occasioned these horrid confusions, and frequent changes and reel of Government, that afterwards ensued, to the high reproach and dishonour of the English Nation. For no sooner were the People and Parliament of England, by the mercy of God, delivered from the vassalage of an imperious and domineering Army, and put in a condition of freedom, but they presently return to their Allegiance, and call in the undoubted Heir of the Crown, submitting to his Government, with the greatest cheerfulness and rejoicing that could be imagined.  
And thus God who only doth wonders, hath wrought wonderfully for this sinful Nation, turning our Captivity, as the Rivers in the South, smoothly, gently, calmly, without any tumult or torrent, after so many horrid confusions, as we have lain under for so many years together, even to the wonder and astonishment, not only of ourselves, but of all the Neighbour Nations round about us; who must needs acknowledge in our behalf, (as was sometimes done in the case of Israel,) that the Lord hath done great things for them; and we must needs with the Israelites answer, by way of echo, Yea the Lord hath done great thing for us already whereof we rejoice, Psalm 126. The People of England were never conceived or reported to be so much against their King, as now they manifestly appear to be for him; even all of all sorts, but such only whose guilt makes them desperate, like Cain, thinking their wickedness greater than can be forgiven. And here for a conclusion, we may fitly and truly (in a sense) take take up that saying of the Psalmist, and apply it to the present occasion: The same stone which the bvilders refused, is become the headstone of the Corner: This is the Lords doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes.  
To the same God be Glory for his great and Glorious Work. May 21. 1660.  
FINIS.   

Books printed for Robert Gibbs at the Ball in Chancery Lane.  
STemma Sacrum, The Royal Progeny, by Giles Fleming, Minister of Waddingworth in the County of Lincoln.  
Epinicia Carolina, or an Essay upon the Return of his sacred Majesty, Charles the second; by S. Woodford Gent. quarto.  
The blessed Estate of them that die in the Lord; by Tho. Manton Minister of Covent-Garden, preached at the Funeral of Mrs. Jane Blackwell, Wife of Elidad Blackwell.  
An hundred choice Meditations Divine and Moral; by Henry Tubb M. A. of Saint John's College in Cambridge.  
Sensuality dissected, or the Epicure's Motto, opened, censured, improved, preached at the Kentish Feast.  
The Saints Gods precious Treasure, being a Sermon preached at the Funeral of Darcy Wyvil Esq; Eldest Son to the truly honourable Sir Christopher Wyvil.  
The Excellent Woman a Sermon at the Funeral of Mrs. Elizabeth Scot  
The vanity of glorying in the flesh, in a Sermon preached at the Funeral of Kingswel Lucy Esq; These four Sermons all preached by Tho. Case Minister of Saint Giles in the Fields, and may be bound in one volume in 120.   depiction of a man