The History of the Church of Great Britain, Century 17 · Floating text 3 – Floating text 6

The History of the Church of Great Britain · Century 17 · Floating text 3 – Floating text 6

p. 364To the Supreme Authority of theſe Nations, the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England, &c.

The humble Petition, and Propoſals, of the Officers under the Command of the Right Honourable the Lord Lambert, in the late Northern Expedition.

The Houſe ſignifie their diſpleaſure, and vote againſt the effect of the Petition. Then the Officers reſolve upon more moderate Propoſals. Another Petition is brought into the Council of Officers more high than the former. General Monk writes his ſence of it in a Letter to Fleetwood; and offers himſelf to march into England, to the aſsiſtance of the Parliaments Party.

October the fifth, Colonel Desborow, with many other Officers of the Army, preſent a Repreſentation, and Petition of the Officers of the Army to the Parliament; who at firſt diſſemble their diſtaſte of theſe proceedings of the Army. The Council of Officers perceiving, that the Parliament labour to alter the Conſtitution of the Army, labour to get Subſcriptions to their Repreſentation, and Petition. They ſend a Letter to General Monk concerning their Repreſentation. He reſolves to admit of no Subſcriptions in Scotland. General Monk is courted by the Parliament, and complemented by Letters, with gratulatory Expreſſions for his good ſervice.

The Houſe takes the Armies debates into conſideration, and anſwers them one by one Mr. Nicholas Monk arrives from Scotland with private Orders from the General to Mr. Clarges. The houſe ordereth, That the Commiſsions of Lambert, and others be made void. They appoint Commiſsioners for governing the Army, and remove Fleetwood from the chief command thereof. Colonel Morley, and Moſſe, are ordered with their Regiments to guard the Houſe.

p. 365But Lambert, with the Regiments that adhere to him, ſtop the paſſages to the Parliament Houſe, and having enforced the Speaker to return, they diſſolve the Remnant Parliament, by hindring the Members from coming into the Houſe.

The next day divers of the chief Officers of the Army met at Whitehall, and choſe ten Army-Officers to be managers of the State Affairs pro tempore. They agree, that Fleetwood ſhould be Commander in chief of all the Armies, and that Lambert ſhould be the next chief Officer under him, and Colonel Desborow Commiſſary General of the Horſe; and that all the Officers to be conſtituted in the Army, ſhould be nominated by Sir Henry Vane, Fleetwood, Lambert, Desborow, Ludlow, and Berry. They diſpatch Colonel Cobbet to General Monk with a large Narrative of the Reaſons of their proceedings.

Now was Mr. Armoror ſent by the Lord Mordant to the King, to inform him how matters went in England. The Council of Officers conſult about a frame of Government. They nominate twenty three perſons to take upon them the Government, under the Title of The Committee of Safety; and they invite them to ſit, giving them Powers and Inſtructions.

General Monk writes to Fleetwood, and Lambert, complaining of their violation of Faith to the Parliament, declaring his reſolution to endeavuor to reſtore them to their power, againſt all oppoſition whatſoever.

Mr. Clarges is diſpatched away into Scotland by the Grandees of the Army, together with Colonel Talbot, to ſollicit General Monk to a Treaty. Monk keeps in all the diſplaced Officers in their reſpective Commands, which cauſeth them to adhere unto him, and removes thoſe whom himſelf diſtruſteth. He ſignifies his reſolution to ſeveral of his Officers to march into England, to re-eſtabliſh the Parliament, and hath their conſent and encouragement.

He marcheth to Edinborough, and there orders all things to his beſt advantage.

Captain Johnſton ſecures Berwick; Captain Witter takes poſſeſſion, for the General, of the Cittadel of St. Johnſtons, and is made Major of the Regiment. Robſon gets poſſeſſion of the Cittadel at Ayre, and is made Colonel of the Regiment. Smith's Regiment at Innerneſs is given to Colonel Man. The General marcheth to Leith to ſettle the Cittadel and Regiment there. Captain Hatt and Dennis bring off Cobbet's Regiment to the General; and Cobbet was detained priſoner at Berwick; as he was coming into Scotland with his Regiment, he was brought with a Guard to Edenborough Caſtle, and kept there.

At Linlithgow, at a Council of Officers, it was adviſed, that ſome way ſhould be uſed to draw off the Independent Churches in England from favouring the Engliſh Army, which would have much weakened p. 366that party, if it had ſucceeded; for moſt of the Inferiour Officers were of that perſwaſion. For the effecting of this, a Declaration was framed, agreed to, publiſhed and diſperſed all over England: and at the ſame time another Declaration was alſo made to ſatisfie the Kingdom in general with his proceedings.

General Monk invite's Ludlow in Ireland to a Conjunction with him. Colonel Lilburn at York with what forces he could draw together, makes all poſſible oppoſition againſt General Monk, and intercepts the General's Letters to Major General Morgan. Talbot and Clarges come to Edinburgh Novem. 2. and are well-received by the General.

General Monk take's hold, for his advantage, of Lambert's overture for a Treaty. Colonel Clobery, Colonel Wilks, and Major Knight, are choſen to be the General's Commiſſioners in this Treaty. They meet Lambert at York, who oppoſeth the propoſal touching the reſtitution of the Parliament. The Army of Horſe and Foot with Lambert amounted to neer twelve thouſand, and Monk had not above half the number: but General Monk paid all his men, which the other did not.

Major General Morgan take's his journey into Scotland to General Monk, and his joyning with the General was a matter of great importance. He privately delivers a Letter to the General from Mr. Bowles a Miniſter of York a very eminent man of thoſe parts, and of great credit with the Lord Fairfax. Mr. Clarges is ſent to the Lord Fairfax, Colonel Roſſiter, and others, to engage them to General Monk. Colonel Talbot is prevailed upon by Lambert to take part with him.

Colonel Whaley, Colonel Goffe, Captain Dean, and Mr. Caryl the Miniſter, are ſent by Fleetwood to General Monk. Fleetwood by Letters Court's Monk to ſide with him.

The ruling Faction in Ireland declare their reſolution not to joyn with General Monk. But Sir Charles Coot, Sir Theophilus Jones, and a conſiderable part of the Army reſolve to aſſiſt him. Mr. Clarges returns from Scotland, and ſecretly confers with Mr. Bowels at York, to whom he brought a letter of Credit. Bowels negotiates with the Lord Fairfax, Colonel Bethel, and others in General Monk's behalf, who promiſe to aſſiſt him.

In the mean-time the Commiſſioners for the Independent Churches, which were ſent into Scotland, were ſollicitous to divert Monk from the proſecution of the War: there was a conference appointed with them at Holy-rood-houſe, where were preſent to treat with them General Monk, Colonel Fairfax, Colonel Syler, Dr. Barrow, the Judge Advocate of the Army, and Mr. Gumble one of the General's Chaplains, and Mr. Collins (who had been one of the Preachers to the late Council in Scotland) was admitted to be preſent there as a Newter.

p. 367Mr. Caryl was the firſt that ſpake, and ſaid, That they all came, not to declare their own ſence of the General's proceedings, but the ſence of the Churches (for ſo upon every occaſion he called the Independent Congregations.The effect of Mr. Caryl's ſpeech in the name of the Independent Churches.) That the Churches had not given them Commiſſion to enter into the merits of the cauſe, nor to debate whether Lambert's Action of turning out the Parliament were juſtifiable or not, but onelyonly to preſent it to his Lordſhip, as their opinion, That though that Action could not be juſtified, yet his Lordſhip had not a call to appear againſt it in that manner that he then did, That his Lordſhip had onelyonly in charge to keep Scotland in quiet, and was not bound to take notice of any differences in England. He proceeded to ſhow reaſons why the General ſhould proceed no further, telling him, that it would put a ſtrife among thoſe that hitherto had been Brethren engaged all along in the ſame cauſe, partakers in the ſame dangers, and the ſame ſucceſſes, among thoſe that ſtill in their Papers and all their Addreſſes, called and owned one another for Brethren; and that at a very unſeaſonable time, whilſt the Canaanites and Perizzites were in the Land. He inſiſted on all the advantages the King and his Party would reap by this quarrel, and all the dangers the people of God (for ſo he called his own party) might run into. At laſt he told the General, that what Inconveniences ſoever ſhould happen would be laid at his door, in regard he would appear to have been the beginner of the War.

At this the General interrupted him, ſhewing that the war was already begun by Lambert and his party, who had offered violence to thoſe from whom they had all received their Commiſſions: not ſparing largely to lay open their reſtleſs Inſtability, which would not ſuffer the three nations to enjoy any ſetled Government at all, but kept them in a perpetual circumvolution, till they were in danger to be brought to utter ruine; and Declaring, That if they continued in that courſe, he was reſolved to oppoſe them to the uttermoſt, and would (to repeat his own words) lay them on their backs.

The Treaty ended between the Commiſſioners of the two Armies, who came to an agreement, which conſiſted of nine Articles, on Novem. 15. 1659. But General Monk conſults how he might, with the moſt handſome pretence, refuſe his Aſſent to theſe Articles. And it was propoſed by Dr. Barrow, and agreed to by the General and the reſt, That they ſhould not declare a poſitive diſſent to what their Commiſſioners had done, but urge, that there was ſomething untreated of, further to be agreed upon, &c. and that therefore it ſhould be deſired, that two more might be allowed to be added to their Commiſſioners, to meet a like number of theirs to be thereunto authorized, to put a more abſolute period to their differences.

Mr. Atkins and Colonel Markham are ſent by the General with a Letter to the City of London, which ſo much incenſed the Committee of Safety, that the Gentlemen who delivered it are Impriſoned.

p. 368On November 19. Nine of the Old Counſellors of State privately meet in London, and ſent one Captain Elmes, with Horton, a ſervant of Sir Arthur Hazlerig's with a letter into Scotland to General Monk. This was a great encouragement to the Officers in Scotland.

Colonel Whetham at Portſmouth generouſly declared for General Monk with that Garriſon, after the Council of State had framed a Commiſſion, wherein they Conſtituted General Monk Commander in Chief of all the Armies in England and Scotland, which was dated November 24. ſealed with their ſeal, and left in the hands of Mr. Clarges, till a ſafe meſſenger might be ſent with it unto him. Hurſt-caſtle, and the Iſle of Wight are kept for the Parliament.

Commiſſioners from the ſeveral Shires and Burroughs of Scotland wait upon the General at Berwick, and the General and they part with a mutual reſpect. The General prepares to make defence againſt Lambert, if occaſion were. There were many great differences between the City of London, and Lambert's party there. The Souldiers are affronted by the Apprentices not without ſome bloodſhed. Oppoſitions from all parts encreaſe againſt Lambert's faction. Lambert was daily alarum'd with the ſucceſs of the Commiſſioners at Portſmouth, and his party dayly decreaſe. Fleetwood ſubmits, and deſires the Members of Parliament to ſit again. They take their Seats again in the Parliament Houſe; and Order ſeven Commiſſioners for the management of the Army. Colonel Morley upon this change had his Regiment reſtored, and with it the Government of the Tower conferred on him. The Iriſh Brigade was brought off to General Monk by Redman and Bret. Dublin-caſtle is ſurprized: and Sir Charles Coot reduceth all Connaught to a compliance with the preſent Deſign. The Lord Fairfax, and ſeveral of Monk's party joyning with him, riſe in York-ſhire.

Now General Monk begins his march into England. By that time he came to Morpeth, he was informed that Lambert's whole party was of themſelves diſperſed into ſeveral quarters in ſubmiſſion to the Parliament's Orders. There he receive's an Addreſs from the City of London by Mr. William Man, their Sword-bearer, as likewiſe from the Gentry of the Countrey in all parts as he marched along.

The new reſtored Members on January 2. name 31. Counſellors of State, paſsing an Act for their Conſtitution, and ſeveral Inſtructions for them to Act by: among which it was provided, that …one ſhould ſit, but ſuch as ſhould take an Oath of Abjuration of the King, His family, and Government. The Oath was oppoſed by divers of the Houſe. Scot and Robinſon are ſent from the Houſe to complement and attend General Monk upon his journey. Mr. Clarges gives him an account how affairs ſtand at London: he ſends a letter by Mr. Clarges to the Houſe from St. Albans. Several addreſſes are made to him in his March, pleading for a free Parliament. He marcheth with his forces p. 369into the City of London. Being come to the Council of State, the Oath of Abjuration was tendred to him, which he refuſeth to take. He is conducted with much Ceremony into the Houſe, where he receives the gratulations of the Houſe. The City continued malecontent, whereupon the General is Ordered by the Council of State to march into the City, and pull down the Gates and Percullices of the City, which he unwillingly cauſed to be done. The ſame day a Factious party of Citizens preſented a Petition to the Houſe by one Praiſe-God Barebone to countenance the Action.

The General ſends a letter to the Houſe ſigned by Himſelf and ſeveral Officers, complaining againſt the admiſsion of Ludlow and others into the Houſe, that had been by Sir Charles Coot accuſed of high Treaſon: and that they had countenanced too much a late Petition, to exclude the moſt ſober and conſcientious both Miniſters and others by Oaths, from all employment and maintenance: he requeſted them, that by Friday next they ſhould Iſſue out Writs to fill up their Houſe, and when filled, ſhould riſe in ſome ſhort time, to give place to a full and free Paliament. Scot and Robinſon are ſent from the Houſe to the General with their anſwer to his letter.

The General excuſeth his late proceedings in the City before the Lord Mayor and Common Council of the City. He tells them what he had written to the Houſe touching a free Parliament: The City joyfully receives the news of a free Parliament.

The Council of State write to him to deſire his preſence with them: but he excuſeth his ſtay in the City for ſome longer time, till the minds of the Citizens were more compoſed. The City, and Chief Officers of his Army diſſwade him from going to White-hall. The General is ſollicited from all parts to admit the ſecluded Members. He admits of a conference before him, of the ſitting with ſome of the ſecluded Members. The Officers of the Army conſent to the admiſsion of the ſecluded Members upon certain conditions: The General and the Officers at length agree upon their admiſsion: and on the Tueſday morning following they were guarded to the Houſe, and took their places in the Parliament.

Then was a letter ſigned by the General and his Chief Officers drawn up, and Copies of it ſent to all the Regiments and Garriſons in England, and to the Commanders in Chief of the Armies in England, Scotland, and Ireland to acquaint them with what he had done.

The Parliament repealed the Act for the Council of State and the Oath of Abjuration, and paſſed an Act for another Council, conſiſting of one and thirty perſons, moſt of them men of integrity, and well-affected to Kingly-government.

Then the General ſends Colonel Fairfax to take poſſeſſion of Hull, and Colonel Overton ſubmits to his Orders. The Army in Scotland p. 370were well-ſatisfied with the General's Actions. About the thirteenth of March the Parliament abrogated the Engagement appointed formerly to be taken by each Member of Parliament, in theſe words, viz. [I do declare and promiſe, That I will be true and faithful to the Common Wealth of England, as the ſame is now eſtabliſhed without King, or Houſe of Lords,] and appointed it ſhould be taken off the file, and made Null.

The Common Wealth Faction deſire the General rather to take the Government upon himſelf, than to bring in the King; and treat with him about it. The General refuſeth their offer. Then the Republicans attempt to make a mutiny in the Army. The long Parliament was now diſſolved. The King removes to Breda.

The Council of State appointed by the late Parliament ſet forth a Proclamation for the preventing of tumults.

Lambert eſcape's out of the Tower. Colonel Ingoldsby and Colonel Streater march againſt Lambert, defeat his party, and take him priſoner. Colonel Lambert, Colonel Cobbet, and Major Creed, are ſent priſoners to the Tower. Hereupon ſeveral ſeditious Pamphlets were publiſhed in Print, and diſperſed to deprave the mindes of the people; and Tickets were thrown into the Courts of Guard in the night to divide the Souldiers. But none of them was penned with more virulency and malice, than that ſuppoſitious paper, carrying in it's Frontiſpiece, A letter from Bruxels, &c. Several letters were alſo ſent to the General from unknown hands. Then came forth a Declaration of the Nobility and Gentry that adhered to the late King, reſiding in and about the City of London.

A new Parliament met at Weſtminſter, April 25. 1660. The Lords choſe the Earl of Mancheſter to be their Speaker; and the Houſe of Commons Sir Harbottle Grimſton. On April 27. Sir John Greenvil preſents the General with a Commiſſion from His Majeſty, to Conſtitute him Captain General of all the Armies of England, Scotland, and Ireland; and a letter for the Council of State. The Letter had a Declaration in it, which were both read in the Houſe. After the reading thereof the Houſe of Lords voted, That according to the Antient and fundamental Laws of this Kingdom, the Government is, and ought to be, by King, Lords, and Commons.

The Officers of the Army preſent an Addreſs to the General in compliance with His Majeſtie's Letter and Declaration: it is read by the Commons, and approved. Commiſſary Clarges is appointed by the General to wait upon the King with this Addreſs. Six of the Lords and of the Commons, and divers Aldermen, and divers Epiſcopal and Presbyterial Divines, and ſome other eminent Citizens are ſent to attend on his Majeſty at Breda. His Majeſtie's Letter and Declaration to the Fleet, by the diligence of General Mountague, had the ſame ſucceſs p. 371there, as that in the Army, being gratefully received by all the Commanders in the Fleet.

Three days after, the Lords and Commons having agreed upon a Proclamation to that purpoſe, His Majeſty was Proclaimed with great ſolemnity in the Cities of London and Weſtminſter, the Lords and Commons, and the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of London being preſent. Mr. Clarges carrieth the happy tidings hereof with a Letter from the General to His Majeſty at Breda. Thereupon M. Clarges is Knighted by His Majeſty. The Parliament's and Cities Commiſſioners have their audience from His Majeſty at the Hague. The King afterwards landed at Dover with the Dukes of York and of Gloceſter, and many Noblemen and Gentlemen. There the General met him, upon whoſe motion for His going to Canterbury, the King haſtned to His Coach, in His paſſage to which he was met by the Mayor and Aldermen of the Town, with Mr. Reading the Miniſter, who preſented His Majeſty with a large Bible with Golden Claſps. At His entrance into Canterbury, he was met by the Mayor and Aldermen, and Mr. Lovelace the Recorder, who made an eloquent ſpeech to Him: the Mayor alſo preſented Him with a Tankard of Maſſie Gold, and then conducted Him to the Palace, where He remained till Monday. From Canterbury He marcheth magnificently attended to London. When he came to S. George's fields, the Lord Mayor and Aldermen on their Knees Reverenced His Majeſty, and the Lord Mayor preſented His Sword unto Him, which His Majeſty gave back to him: from thence He was in a Triumphant and Glorious manner attended and conducted through the City of London to White-hall, On May 29. 1660. being His birth-day.

The Lord Mayor having taken leave of Him, He went to the Lords, where He was entertained with a grave and eloquent ſpeech of the Earl of Mancheſter; and from thence to the Banquetting-houſe, where the whole Houſe of Commons attending Him, the Speaker in their names expreſſed the joyful ſence they all had to behold His Majeſty return'd in ſafety, and thereby an end was put to that Tyranny and Slavery His good people had endured. His Majeſty in brief expreſſeth his gracious intentions to them. Then His Majeſty gave thanks to God in His Preſence chamber, for all His deliverances and mercies toward him. May 31. He ſets forth a Proclamation againſt debauchery and profaneneſs. The Chief Officers of State, and of the King's Houſhold, and the Lords of His Majeſtie's Privy Council, are conſtituted. The Commons ſet upon the Act of General Pardon. On June 4. the Oaths of Supremacy and Allegiance were taken by both Houſes of Parliament, the King's Servants, and Officers of His Houſhold. His Majeſtie's arrival is congratulated by the People from all parts of the Nation, and by ſeveral of the Nobility and Gentry both of Scotland and Ireland. The King on July 5. is magnificently entertained with the Dukes of York and Gloceſter, p. 372the Lords of the Privy-council, the two Houſes of Parliament, and the Chief-officers of State, by the Lord Mayor and the Grandees of the City.

General Monk was created Duke of Albemarle, General Mountague made Earl of Sandwich, and the Marqueſs of Ormond made Duke of Ormond. The Chief Miniſters of State are conſtituted in Scotland. Notwithſtanding the late unanimous concurrence of the people at Edinborough (as well as other places) in the publick Proclaiming of His Majeſty; yet ſoon after there began to diſcover it ſelf a ſpirit of diſcontent among many Scotch Miniſters, ſome of the principal ſticklers of the Kirk-party, as appeared by their meeting together at a place appointed for the drawing up a Remonſtrance concerning things wherein they thought themſelves aggrieved: which the Committee of Eſtates having notice of, ſent forthwith to apprehend them, and clapt them up in Priſon; and for the prevention of the like diſturbances for the future, ſet forth a Proclamation againſt all unlawful meetings, and ſeditious Papers.

The Marqueſs of Argyle, notwithſtanding he came to Court with others of the Nobility and Gentry of Scotland, under pretence of tendring his ſervice to His Majeſty, yet was he charged with high Treaſon, and ſent priſoner to the Tower: and together with him were committed the Marqueſs of Antrim, Sir Henry Vane, and Sir Arthur Hazlerig, with ſeveral others that followed. Sir Arthur died ſoon after of a Fever in the Tower. Argyle was ſent back into Scotland, and their tried, condemned, and beheaded.

On Auguſt 19. among other Acts, an Act was paſſed by the King and Parliament for a perpetual Anniverſary Thankſgiving on May 29. the day of His Majeſtie's Nativity and Reſtauration. An Act alſo was paſſed for a general Pardon, Indempnity, and Oblivion, in which among other things that were excepted, all accounts of the Revenues of Churches in Wales and Monmouth-ſhire, and all Judgements of diſcharge, or Quietus eſt thereupon had.

This Exception as to the Churches in Wales, was inſerted by the Parliament in this Act, upon information, that ſome factious people had, in the time of the late uſurpation, procured to themſelves an Authority to Sequeſter all thoſe Revenues, upon pretence to employ them more equally to illiterate Preachers, for the better propagation of the Goſpel in thoſe parts, but kept the greateſt part to their own uſe, leaving moſt of the Churches unſupplied.

All offences alſo done by any Popiſh Prieſt, Seminary, or Jeſuite, contrary to the Statute of the 27 Eliz. were excepted.

Many of the late King's judges were excepted from pardon. All Truſtees in a pretended Act made Anno 1649. concerning Tithes appropriate Fee-farm rents, and Firſt-fruits, &c. and their heirs, were p. 373to be accomptable for ſuch of the ſame as had not been employed according to the ſaid Act: nevertheleſs, no Miniſter or School-maſter, or other perſon, for whoſe benefit the ſaid Act was made, were to be accomptable.

The King on September 13. 1660. came to the Houſe of Lords, and ſigned fourteen private, and eight publick Acts, among which one was an Act for the Confirming and Reſtoring of Miniſters. This Act ſtopt the clamours of many Eccleſiaſtical Perſons that had defective titles to their Cures: and the goodneſs of His Majeſty was very much celebrated by His conſent to it. It enacts, That every Eccleſiaſtical Perſon, or Miniſter, ordained by any Eccleſiaſtical Perſons before the twenty fifth of December laſt paſt, and was then in poſſeſſion, and received the profits, being in the King's gift, or of His Father, or of any Archbiſhop, Biſhop, Dean and Chapter, Prebend, Archdeacon, Body Politick or Corporate, or other Perſon, other than ſuch hereby reſtored, is declared lawful Incumbent.

Every Voluntary Reſignation of a Benefice to the Patron, or any Pretended Power ſince the ſaid firſt day of January, to be good, as if made to the Competent Ordinary.

No preſentation is to be conſtrued to be an uſurpation in Law, to the prejudice of any that ſhall have right to preſent.

Every Eccleſiaſtical Perſon formerly Sequeſtred or ejected after Lawful preſentation and reception of the profits, that hath not ſubſcribed any petition to bring the late King to Trial; or by any Act endeavoured or juſtified the murther of the ſaid King, or declared his judgement againſt Infant-baptiſm, by Preaching, Writing, Printing, or conſtant refuſal to Baptize, ſhall be reſtored to the poſſeſſion thereof, at or before the twenty fifth day of December next enſuing; and every Eccleſiaſtical perſon to be removed, may enjoy the profits to that day.

On December 29. following, on which day the Parliament was diſſolved, 32 Acts more were paſſed by the King. Among which one was an Act for Confirmation of Marriages during the time of the late Uſurpations. Another was for making the Precinct of Covent-garden Parochial. And an Act for the diſappropriating of the Rectory appropriate of Preſton, and uniting and conſolidating of the ſaid Rectory, and of the Vicarage of the Church of Preſton, and for the aſſuring of the Advouſon and right of Patronage of the ſame unto the Maſter, Fellows, and Scholars of Immanuel-colledge in Cambridge. And an Act for Confirmation of Grants and Leaſes from Colledges and Hoſpitals.

Now ſome ſixty Fifth-monarchy men under the conduct of one Thomas Venner, a Cooper, broke forth into Rebellion. This Venner was a Preacher to a Conventicle of that opinion in Coleman-ſtreet in London. Such was the madneſs of theſe men, that they believed, that They and the reſt of their judgement were called by God to reform the world, and make all the earthly powers (which they called Babylon) ſubſervient p. 374to the Kingdom of Jeſus: and in Order thereunto never to ſheath their ſwords, till the carnal powers of the world were ſubdued. They were taught and believed, that one of them ſhould ſubdue a Thouſand, making account when they had done their work in England, to go into France, Spain, Germany, and other parts of the world, there to proſecute their pretended holy deſign. The place where they plotted and continued their conſpiracy was the meeting-place for their devotion, and thither they had at ſeveral times convayed arms. On Sunday January 6. which was the day before their excurſion, they were very late at their Aſſembly, which made one Martin, the Landlord of the Houſe, inquiſitive after their doings. He peeping through a chink in their door, ſaw them arming themſelves with Back, breaſt, and head-piece, and thereupon immediately gave notice to the next Officers. Half an hour after they came down, and firſt marched to S. Thomas the Apoſtle, to call ſome of their party, from thence to Biſhops-gate, and after to White-croſs-ſtreet. They eſcaped to S. John's Wood, and from thence to Cane-wood, betwixt High-gate and Hampſted. On Wedneſday morning the Rebels came again into London, and divided themſelves into two parties, one whereof about five or ſix in the morning appeared about Leaden-hall, and from thence marched to little Eaſt-cheap, where they fought deſperately, but were diſperſed by the trained bands. Venner, and another party came to my Lord Mayor's houſe, thinking to have taken him Priſoner, but miſſing him they marched into Woodſtreet, where Colonel Corbet and nine of his party charged through the Rebels, and broke them. They fought with admirable courage, and if they had not been hindred from encreaſing their numbers, a Thouſand men ſo reſolved might have done much miſchief. Venner himſelf was much wounded before he was taken, and about five or ſix were killed that refuſed quarter. About eight or ten dayes after Venner with about ſixteen or ſeventeen of the moſt notorious, were arraigned at Juſtice-hall in the old Baily, found guilty and executed in ſeveral parts of London.

About this time there was a conference at the Savoy between divers Epiſcopal and Presbyterian Divines about the Church diſcipline, but to little effect.

A new Parliament was called, which aſſembled at Weſtminſter, May 8. 1661. In the firſt Seſſion whereof an Act was paſſed, Entitled, An Act for diſenabling all Perſons in Holy Orders to exerciſe any temporal juriſdiction or Authority, Repealed. The Biſhops were brought to ſit again as Peers in the Houſe of Lords, and their Eccleſiaſtical juriſdiction reſtored to them.

The Parliament explained a clauſe contained in an Act of Parliament, made in the ſeventeenth year of King Charles the firſt, Entitled, An Act for Repeal of a branch of a Statute Primo Elizabethae, concerning Commiſſioners for cauſes Eccleſiaſtical.

p. 375At the ſecond Seſſion of this Parliament, an Act was made againſt Quakers, and others, denying to take a Lawful Oath, with ſeveral penalties to be inflicted on them for ſeveral offences.

An Act was alſo paſſed for Uniformity of publick Prayers, and Adminiſtration of Sacraments, and other Rites and Ceremonies; and of ordering, and conſecrating Biſhops, Prieſts and Deacons in the Church of England.

The King's Majeſty according to his Declaration of the 25th of October 1660. had granted his Commiſſion under the Great Seal of England, to ſeveral Biſhops and other Divines, to review the Book of Common-Prayer, and to prepare ſuch additions and alterations, as they thought fit to offer. And afterwards the Convocations of both the Provinces of Canterbury and York, being by His Majeſty called and aſſembled; His Majeſty was pleaſed to Authorize and require the Preſidents of the ſaid Congregation, and other the Biſhops and Clergy of the ſame, to review the ſaid Book of Common-Prayer, and the Book of the Form and manner of making and Conſecrating of Biſhops, Prieſts, and Deacons, &c. Since which time upon full and mature deliberation, they the ſaid Preſidents, Biſhops, and Clergy of both Provinces having accordingly reviewed the ſame Books, and made ſome alterations which they thought fit to be inſerted to the ſame; and ſome additional Prayers to be uſed upon proper and emergent occaſions; and having preſented the ſame unto His Majeſty in Writing, in one Book, entitled, The Book of Common-Prayer, and other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church, according to the uſe of the Church of England, together with the Pſalter or Pſalms of David, pointed as they are to be ſung or ſaid in Churches; and the form and manner of making, Ordaining, and Conſecrating of Biſhops, Prieſts, and Deacons. All which His Majeſty having duly conſidered, fully approved and allowed the ſame, and recommended to this preſent Parliament (then ſitting and yet continuing to ſit) that the ſaid Book of Common-Prayer, &c. be the Book which ſhall be appointed to be uſed by all that officiate in all Cathedral and Collegiate Churches and Chappels, and in all Chappels, or Colledges and Halls in both the Univerſities, and the Colledges of Eaton and Wincheſter, and in all Pariſh-Churches and Chappels within the Kingdom of England, Dominion of Wales, and Town of Berwick upon Tweed, and by all that make, or conſecrate Biſhops, Prieſts, or Deacons, in any of the ſaid places under ſuch ſanctions and penalties as the Houſes of Parliament ſhall think fit.

And accordingly it was Enacted by the King's Majeſty and both Houſes of Parliament, That Morning and Evening Prayers in the ſaid Book contained, ſhould upon every Lord's day, and upon all other days and occaſions, and at the times therein appointed, be openly and ſolemnly read by all and every Miniſter and Curate, in every Church, Chappel, p. 376or other place of publick worſhip within this Realm of England, and places aforeſaid.

It was alſo Enacted by the Authority aforeſaid, That every Parſon, Vicar, or other Miniſter whatſoever, who then had and enjoyed any Eccleſiaſtical Benefice, or Promottion, within this Realm of England, &c. ſhould in the Church, Chappel, or place of publick worſhip belonging to his ſaid Benefice or Promotion, upon ſome Lord's day before the Feaſt of St. Bartholomew, which ſhould be in the year of our Lord God, one thouſand ſix hundred ſixty two, openly, publickly, and ſolemnly read the Morning and Evening Prayer, appointed to be read by and according to the ſaid Book of Common-Prayer, at the times thereby appointed, and after ſuch reading thereof, openly and publickly before the Congregation there aſſembled, declare his unfeigned Aſſent and Conſent to the uſe of all things in the ſaid Book contained and preſcribed, in theſe words and no other.

I A. B. do here declare my unfeigned Aſſent and Conſent to all and every thing contained, and preſcribed in, and by the Book entitled, The Book of Common Prayer and Adminiſtration of the Sacraments, and other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church, according to the uſe of the Church of England, together with the Pſalter, or Pſalmes of David, pointed as they are to be ſung or ſaid in Churches; and the form or manner of making, Ordaining and Conſecrating of Biſhops, Prieſts, and Deacons.

And that all and every ſuch Perſon, who ſhould (without ſome lawful impediment to be allowed and approved of by the Ordinary of the place) neglect or refuſe to do the ſame within the time aforeſaid, &c. ſhould within one monethmonth be deprived, ipſo facto, of his ſpiritual promotions: and that thenceforth it ſhould be lawful to and for all Patrons, and Donors of all and ſingular the ſaid ſpiritual Promotions, or of any of them, according to their reſpective Rights and Titles, to preſent, or collate to the ſame, as though the perſon or perſons ſo offending were dead.

And it was further Enacted, That every Perſon henceforth to be promoted to any Eccleſiaſtical Benefice, ſhould read the Common-Prayer, and declare his Aſſent and Conſent thereto within two moneths next after that he ſhall be in actual poſſeſſion of the ſaid Eccleſiaſtical Benefice or Promotion: and upon neglect or refuſal to be deprived as aforeſaid. And that Incumbents of Livings, keeping Curates, ſhall read the ſame once every monethmonth, upon pain to forfeit the ſum of five pounds to the uſe of the poor of the Pariſh for every offence.

It was alſo Enacted, That every Dean, Canon, and Prebendary of every Cathedral, or Collegiate Church, and all Maſters and other p. 377Heads, Fellows, Chaplains and Tutors of, or in any Colledge, Hall, Hoſpital: and every publick Profeſſor and Reader in either of the Univerſities, and in every Colledge elſe-where; and every Parſon, Vicar, Curate, Lecturer, &c. and every School-maſter keeping any publick or private School; and every perſon inſtructing or teaching any youth in any Houſe or private family, as a Tutor or School-maſter, &c. ſhould before the Feaſt of St. Bartholomew in the year aforeſaid, ſubſcribe the Declaration following, ſcilicet.

I A. B. do declare, that it is not lawful upon any pretence whatſoever, to take up Arms against the King: and that I do abhor that traiterous poſition of taking Arms by his Authority againſt his perſon; or againſt thoſe that are Commiſſioned by him: and that I will conform to the Liturgy of the Church of England, as it is now by Law eſtabliſhed: and I do declare, that there lies no obligation upon me, or on any other perſon, from the Oath commonly called the Solemn League and Covenant, to endeavour any change or alteration of Government either in Church or State: and that the ſame was in it ſelf an unlawful Oath, and impoſed upon the Subjects of this Realm against the known Laws and liberties of this Kingdom.

The penalty for failing in ſubſcribing, was for Deans, Vicars, School-maſters to be deprived of their Eccleſiaſtical promotions, Schools and Lectures to be void, as if ſuch perſon ſo failing were naturally dead.

Provided always, That from and after the 25th day of March, which ſhall be in the year of our Lord God, 1682. there ſhall be omitted in the ſaid declaration ſo to be ſubſcribed, and read (it being enjoyned to be openly and publickly read by every Miniſter, &c. upon ſome Lords day within three moneths after his ſubſcription in the preſence of the Congregation there aſſembled) theſe words following, ſcil.

And I do declare, that I do hold, there lies no obligation upon me, or on any other perſon, from the Oath commonly called the Solemn League and Covenant, to endeavour any change or alteration of Government either in Church or State, and that the ſame was in it ſelf an unlawful Oath, and impoſed upon the Subjects of this Realm againſt the known Laws and liberties thereof.

So as none of the perſons aforeſaid, ſhall from thenceforth be at all obliged to ſubſcribe, or read any part of the ſaid declaration or acknowledgement.

p. 380It was further Enacted, That perſons not ordained Prieſts or Deacons, according to Epiſcopal ordination, ſhall not hold any Eccleſiaſtical promotion: nor ſhall conſecrate and adminiſter the holy Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, upon pain to forfeit for every offence the ſum of one hundred pounds; one moyety thereof to the King, the other moyety thereof to be equally divided between the poor of the Pariſh where the offence ſhall be committed.

It was alſo Enacted, That no other Form, or Order of Common-Prayers, Adminiſtration of Sacraments, Rites or Ceremonies ſhould be uſed openly in any Church, Chappel, or publick place: And it was further Enacted, That if any perſon who is by this Act diſabled to Preach any Lecture or Sermon, ſhall, during the time that he ſhall continue and remain ſo diſabled, Preach any Sermon or Lecture, that then for every ſuch offence, the Perſon and Perſons ſo offending ſhall ſuffer three moneths impriſonment in the common Goal, without Bayl or Mainprize.

It was alſo Provided, That at all and every time and times when any Sermon or Lecture is to be Preached, the Common-Prayers and Service, in and by the ſaid Book appointed to be read for that time of the day, ſhall be openly, publickly, and ſolemnly read by ſome Prieſt or Deacon, in the Church, Chappel, or place of publick worſhip, where the ſaid Sermon or Lecture is to be Preached: and that the Lecturer then to Preach ſhall be preſent at the reading thereof.

It was further Enacted, That the Laws and Statutes formerly made for Uniformity of Common-Prayer ſhould continue to be in force, and to be executed for puniſhing offendors againſt this Law. Hereupon many hundred Miniſters, with divers Lecturers and School-maſters, left their places, refuſing to conform.

Another Act was alſo paſſed for reſtoring of all ſuch Advouſons, Rectories, Impropriate Glebe-lands and Tithes to his Majeſties loyal Subjects as were taken from them, and making void certain charges impoſed on them, upon their compoſitions for delinquency by the late uſurped Power.

Another Act was paſſed for preventing Abuſes, in printing Seditious, Treaſonable, and Unlicenſed Books and Pamphlets, and for regulating of Printing, and Printing-preſſes. Pamphlets and Books prohibited to be Printed, Publiſhed, or Sold, were Heretical, Seditious or Shiſmatical Books or Pamphlets; wherein any Chriſtian Doctrine or Opinion ſhall be aſſerted or maintained which is contrary to Chriſtian Faith, or to the Doctrine or Diſcipline of the Church of England; or which ſhall or may tend, or be to the ſcandal of Religion, or the Government or Governours of the Church, State, or Common-wealth, or of any Corporation, or particular perſon, or perſons whatſoever: none ſhall import, publiſh, ſell, or diſpoſe any ſuch Book or Books, or Pamphlets; p. 381nor ſhall cauſe or procure any ſuch to be publiſhed or put to ſale, or to be bound, ſtitched or ſewed together.

In the fifteenth year of his Majeſtie's Reign, an Act was paſſed for relief of ſuch perſons, as by Sickneſs, or other Impediment, were diſabled from ſubſcribing the Declaration in the Act of Uniformity, and explanation of part of the ſaid Act.

In the ſixteenth year of his Majeſtie's Reign, an Act was paſſed for ſuppreſſion of Seditious Conventicles, under pretence of exerciſe of Religion. Wherein it was Enacted, That if any perſon being of the age of ſixteen years and upwards, being a Subject of this Realm, at any time after the firſt day of July 1664. ſhall be preſent at any Aſſembly, Conventicle, or Meeting, under colour or pretence of any exerciſe of Religion, in any other manner than is allowed by the Liturgy or practice of the Church of England, in any place within the Kingdom of England, Dominion of Wales, &c. at which Conventicle, Meeting, or Aſſembly, there ſhall be five perſons or more aſſembled together, over and above thoſe of the ſame Houſhold: then it ſhall and may be lawful to, and for any two Juſtices of the Peace of the County, limit, diviſion, or liberty wherein the ſaid offence aforeſaid ſhall be committed, &c. and they are hereby required and enjoyned upon proof to him or them reſpectively made of ſuch offence, either by confeſſion of the party, or Oath of witneſs, or notorious evidence of the fact, to make a Record of every ſuch offence under their hands and ſeals reſpectively. And that thereupon the ſaid Juſtices, &c. ſhall commit every ſuch offender ſo convicted, as aforeſaid, to the Gaol, or houſe of Correction, there to remain for three moneths without Bayl or Mainprize, unleſs the ſaid offender ſhall pay down to the ſaid Juſtices or chief Magiſtrate ſuch ſum of money not exceeding five pounds, as the ſaid Juſtices or Chief-magiſtrate (who are hereby thereunto authorized and required) ſhall fine the ſaid offender at, for his or her ſaid offence: which money ſhall be paid to the Church-wardens, for the relief of the poor of the Pariſh, where ſuch offender did laſt inhabit. Upon every ſecond offence the offender to be impriſoned ſix moneths, and to be fined ten pounds. And upon the third offence, the offender to be tranſplanted beyond the Seas to any of his Majeſties Forreign Plantations (Virginia and New England onelyonly excepted) there to remain ſeven years.

It was further Enacted, That the Lieutennants, or Deputy-lieutennants, or any Commiſſioned Officers of the Militia, or any other of his Majeſtie's Forces, with ſuch Troops, or Companies of Horſe and Foot: and alſo the Sheriffs, Juſtices of Peace, and other Magiſtrates and Miniſters of Juſtice, or any of them joyntly or ſeverally, within any of the Counties or places within this Kingdom of England Dominion of Wales, &c. ſhall repair unto the place where ſuch Conventicles are held, and by the beſt means they can, ſhall diſſolve, and diſſipate, or prevent all p. 380ſuch unlawful meetings, and take into their cuſtody ſuch of thoſe perſons ſo unlawfully aſſembled, as they ſhall judge to be the leaders and ſeducers of the reſt, and ſuch others as they ſhall think fit to be proceeded againſt according to Law for ſuch offences.

Every perſon who ſhall willingly ſuffer any ſuch Conventicle, to be held in his or her houſe, out-houſe, barn, yard, &c. ſhall incur the ſame penalties and forfeitures, as any other offender againſt this Act ought to be proceeded againſt.

In the ſeventeenth year of His Majeſtie's Reign, an Act was paſſed for reſtraining Non-conformiſts from inhabiting in Corporations. Herein it was Enacted, That all Parſons, Vicars, Curates, Lecturers, and other perſons in holy Orders, or pretended holy Orders, &c. who have not declared their unfeigned aſſent and conſent as aforeſaid, and ſubſcribed the Declaration aforeſaid, and ſhall not take and ſubſcribe the Oath following.

I A. B. do ſwear, that it is not lawful upon any pretence whatſoever, to take Armes against the King; and that I do abhor that traiterous poſition of taking Armes by his Authority against his perſon, or against thoſe that are Commiſſioned by him, in purſuance of ſuch Commiſſions: And that I will not endeavour at any time any alteration of Government, either in Church or State.

And all ſuch perſons, as ſhall take upon them to Preach in any unlawfull Aſſembly, Conventicle, or Meeting, under colour or pretence of any exerciſe of Religion, contrary to the the Lawes and Statutes of this Kingdom, ſhall not at any time from and after the 24th of March 1665. unleſs onelyonly in paſſing upon the Road, come or be within five miles of any City, or Town Corporate, or Borough, that ſends Burgeſſes to the Parliament, within His Majeſties Kingdom of England, Principality of Wales, &c. or within five miles of any Pariſh, Town, or Place, wherein He or They have been, ſince the Act of Oblivion, Parſon, Vicar, Curate, Lecturer, &c. or taken upon them to Preach in any unlawful Aſſembly, &c. under colour or pretence of any exerciſe of Religion, &c. before He or They have ſubſcribed or taken the Oath aforeſaid before the Juſtices of the Peace at their quarter Seſſions to be holden for the County or diviſion next unto the ſaid Corporation, City or Borough, place or Town, in open Court (which ſaid Oath the ſaid Juſtices are thereby impowred there to adminiſter) upon forfeiture for every ſuch offence the ſum of forty pounds of lawful Engliſh money: the one third part to his Majeſty and his Succeſſors; the other third part to the uſe of the poor of the Pariſh, where the offence ſhall be committed; and the other third part thereof to ſuch perſon or perſons as ſhall or will ſue for the ſame by Action of Debt, Plaint, p. 381Bill, or Information, in any Court of Record at Weſtminſter, or before any Juſtices of Aſſize, Oyer and Terminer, or Gaol-delivery, &c.

Provided alſo, That it ſhall not be lawful for any perſon or perſons reſtrained from coming to any City, Town Corporate, Borough, &c. or for any other perſon or perſons as ſhall not firſt take and ſubſcribe the ſaid Oath, and as ſhall not frequent Divine Service eſtabliſhed by the Laws of this Kingdom, and carry him or her ſelf reverently, decently and orderly there, to teach any publick or private School, or take any Boarders or Tablers that are taught or inſtructed by him or her ſelf, or any other, upon pain for every ſuch offence to forfeit the ſum of forty pounds, to be recovered and diſtributed as aforeſaid.

The offender alſo to be committed for ſix moneths to priſon, by two Juſtices of the Peace of the reſpective County, without Bayl or Mainprize, unleſs upon or before ſuch commitment, he ſhall, before the ſaid Juſtices of the Peace, ſwear and ſubſcribe the aforeſaid Oath and Declaration.

An Act was alſo paſſed for uniting Churches in Cities and Towns Corporate; which was judged neceſſary by reaſon of the great ruine of many Churches and Pariſhes in the late ill times, and otherwiſe. The Pariſhes to remain diſtinct as to all Rates, Taxes, Parochial rights, charges and duties, and all other Priviledges, Liberties, and reſpects whatſoever, notwithſtanding any ſuch union to be made by vertue hereof.

It was Enacted, That the Patrons of ſuch Churches and Chappels ſo united, ſhall preſent by turns onelyonly to that Church which ſhall remain and be preſentative from time to time, &c. Provided, That Pariſhes having an hundred pounds maintenance per Annum, may not be united. Incumbents of ſuch united Pariſhes muſt be Graduates in ſome Univerſity. Owners of Impropriations may beſtow and annex maintenance to the Churches where they lye, and ſettle it in truſt for the benefit of the ſaid Parſonage or Vicarage, without any licenſe of Mortmain.

It was further Enacted, That if the ſetled maintenance of ſuch Parſonage, Vicarage, Churches and Chappels ſo united, &c. ſhall not amount to the full ſum of one hundred pounds per Annum, clear and above all charges and reprizes, that then it ſhall be lawful for the Parſon, Vicar and Incumbent of the ſame, and his Succeſſors, to take, receive, and purchaſe to him and his Succeſſors, Lands, Tenements, Rents, Tithes, or other Hereditaments, without any licenſe of Mortmain; any Law or Statute to the contrary notwithſtanding.

This year 1665. was a great Plague in London and in the Suburbs thereof; of which there died above an hundred thouſand perſons.

Anno 1666. On September 2d. a Great …ire aroſe in London, which conſumed a great part of the City, whereby her beauty was defaced, p. 384and her glory ſtained: yea the Houſes of God themſelves became a heap of ruines, and a ſad ſpectacle of deſolation. The Citizens had not been long returned to their Houſes which the late devouring Plague had driven them from, but now the fire ſwalloweth up all their habitations: and they that had ſo lately eſcaped the grave, do now ſee the City it ſelf (as it were) buried in it's own ruines.

In October 1667. a Judicature was erected for determination of differences, touching Houſes burned or demoliſhed, by reaſon of the late fire which hapned in London.

An Act was paſſed for Re-building the City of London. And that the ſaid Citizens and their Succeſſors for all the time to come, may retain the memorial of ſo ſad a deſolation, and reflect ſeriouſly upon their manifold iniquities, which are the unhappy cauſes of ſuch Judgments.

It was Enacted, That the ſecond of September (unleſs the ſame happen to be the Lord's day, and it ſo, then the next day following) be yearly for ever hereafter obſerved, as a day of publick Faſting and Humiliation within the ſaid City and Liberties thereof, to implore the mercies of Almighty God upon the ſaid City, to make devout Prayer and Supplication unto him, to divert the like calamity for the time to come.

And the better to preſerve the memory of this dreadful viſitation; It was further Enacted, That a Column, or Pillar of Braſs, or Stone, be erected on, or as near unto the place where the ſaid Fire ſo unhappily began, as conveniently may be, in perpetual remembrance thereof, with ſuch Inſcription thereon, as hereafter by the Mayor and Court of Aldermen be directed.

It was alſo further Enacted, That the Pariſh-churches to be Re-builded within the ſaid City of London, in lieu of thoſe which were demoliſhed by the late fire, ſhould not exceed the number of thirty nine, to be ſet out and appointed by and with the advice and conſent of the Lord Archbiſhop of Canterbury, and Biſhop of London for the time being.

It was alſo Provided, That the Sites and Materials of ſuch Churches as by this Bill are not to be rebuilt, together with the Church-yards belonging to ſuch Churches, ſhall be, and are hereby veſted in the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of the City of London, for the time being, to the end ſo much of the ſaid ground, as ſhall not, upon the re-building of the ſaid City, be laid into the Streets, be ſold and diſpoſed of by the Lord Mayor and Aldermen, or the Major part of them, with the conſent of the ſaid Archbiſhop and Biſhop of London for the time being: and the money raiſed by ſuch ſale, ſhall be, by the ſaid Mayor and Aldermen, or the major part of them, with the conſent of the ſaid Archbiſhop and Biſhop, diſpoſed of, and employed for and towards the rebuilding of ſuch Pariſh-Churches as by this Act are intended to be rebuilt, and for no other uſe or purpoſe whatſoever.

p. 385Provided always, That any thing in this Act contained, ſhall not extend, or be taken to veſt, or ſettle the Church of St. Pauls, and St. Faiths, or any part thereof, or the Church of St. Gregory by St. Pauls, or any of them, or the Church-yards to any of them belonging or appertaining, in the Mayor, Aldermen, and Commons of the City of London, or any of them, any thing in this Act notwithſtanding.

An additional Act was alſo made for the rebuilding the City of London, uniting of Pariſhes, and rebuilding of the Cathedral and Parochial Churches within the ſaid City. An Impoſition was charged upon every Tun or Chaldron of Coales; and it was provided, That three fourth parts of all the moneys, which from and after the firſt day of May 1670. and before the 24th day of June 1677. ſhall be raiſed or payable upon the receipt of the ſaid impoſition of two ſhillings for every Chaldron or Tun of Coals; or in caſe of concealment thereof, ſhall be employed, and diſpoſed for, and towards the rebuilding, erecting or repairing of the ſaid Pariſh-Churches reſpectively, according to ſuch order and direction, as by the Lord Archbiſhop of Canterbury, the Lord Biſhop, and Lord Mayor of London for the time being, or any two of them, ſhall be given in that behalf: and the ſame ſhall from time to time be iſſued out, and paid accordingly unto ſuch perſon and perſons, as they or any two of them ſhall, by Warrant under their hands and ſeals for that purpoſe, direct and appoint. And that one moyety of all the moneys which from and after the ſaid 24th day of June 1677. ſhall be raiſed, or payable upon the Impoſition of three ſhillings the Chaldron or Tun of Coales, or in caſe of concealment thereof as aforeſaid, ſhall be employed for and by ſuch order and direction &c.

It was alſo Enacted, That it ſhall and may be lawful for the Lord Archbiſhop of Canterbury, the Lord Biſhop of London, and the Lord Mayor for time being, &c. to employ or diſpoſe, for and towards the building, repairing the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, one fourth part of the money by this Act given and appointed for the building, erecting or repairing the Pariſh-Churches. The profits of the impoſitions may be engaged to raiſe a preſent ſtock of money, to any perſons that will advance any ſums of money upon that ſecurity. All which moneys ſo to be borrowed ſhall be employed for and towards the rebuilding, and erecting or repairing of the ſaid Cathedral and Pariſh-Churches reſpectively according to the true intent and meaning of this Act.

It was alſo further Enacted, That the number of Pariſhes to be ſetled, and of Pariſh-Churches to be rebuilded within the ſaid City of London, ſhall be fifty one. The foreſaid Act or any thing therein contained to the contrary, notwithſtanding. The ſame Pariſh-Churches ſhall be rebuilt according to the modules appointed by the Lord Archbiſhop of Canterbury, Lord Biſhop and Lord Mayor of London, with the King's approbation. The Pariſhes of Alhallows Lumbard-ſtreet, St. Bartholomew-Exchange, p. 386St. Brides, Bennet-Fink, St. Michaels Crooked-lane, St. Chriſtophers, St. Dionis Back-Church, St. Dunſtans in the Eaſt, St. James Garlick-hithe, St. Michael Cornhil, St. Baſſiſhaw, St. Margaret Loathbury, St. Mary Aldermanbury, St. Martin Ludgate, St. Peter's Cornhil, St. Stephens Coleman-ſtreet, and St. Sepulchers, ſhall remain and continue, as heretofore they were. And the reſpective Pariſh-Churches to each of the ſaid Pariſhes belonging ſhall be rebuilded, and continued for the uſe of the ſaid Pariſhes, and the other Pariſhes ſhall be reſpectively united, two Pariſhes into one; that is to ſay, the Pariſhes of Alhallows Bred-ſtreet, and St. John Evangeliſt, ſhall be united into one Pariſh, and the Church heretofore belonging to the Pariſh of Alhallows Bred-ſtreet, ſhall be rebuilded, and ſhall be the Pariſh-Church of the Pariſhes ſo united. The Pariſhes of St. Albans Wood-ſtreet, and St. Olaves Silver-ſtreet, ſhall be united into one Pariſh; and the Church heretofore belonging to St. Albans Wood-ſtreet, ſhall be the Pariſh-Church of the ſaid Pariſhes ſo united. The Pariſhes of St. Auſtin's and St. Faiths, ſhall be united into one Pariſh, and the Church of St. Auſtins ſhall be the Pariſh-Church of the ſaid Pariſhes ſo united. The like order is to be obſerved in all the reſt of the Pariſh-Churches that are to be united.

It was further Enacted, That any Plate and Goods heretofore belonging to any of the Church-Wardens of any of the Pariſhes burnt down, which are not to be rebuilt, ſhall be enjoyed by the Church-Wardens of thoſe and their ſucceſſors of the reſpective Pariſhes of ſuch Churches to be rebuilded, whereunto the ſaid other Churches burnt down, are united by this Act. Provided, That the Sites of the Churches to be demoliſhed, and the Church-yards belonging to the ſame, ſhall be encloſed with Brick or Stone-walls for burial, for the Pariſhes formerly belonging to the ſame, and the Pariſhes to which they are united … aforeſaid, and not uſed or employed to any other purpoſe whatſoever; excepting ſuch of the Sites and Church-yards, or parts of Sites and Church-yards of the ſaid Pariſh-Churches ſo demoliſhed as aforeſaid, as are already laid into the Streets and Market-places ſet out for that purpoſe, &c. Notwithſtanding the union, yet the Pariſhes to all Rates, Charges, and Priviledges, are to remain diſtinct. The preſent Incumbents of Churches not to be rebuilded, ſhall not be deprived of the Tithes, or other profits heretofore belonging to their reſpective Churches, ſo long as they ſhall aſſiſt in ſerving the Cure; and other offices belonging to their duty in the Pariſh-Church, whereunto their reſpective Pariſhes ſhall be united, and annexed by this Act according direction of the Ordinary, &c. ſaving to the King's Majeſty, his heirs to the and ſucceſſors, the Tenths and Firſt-fruits of all ſuch Pariſh-Churiſhes as by force of this preſent Act ſhall be united and conſolidated, &c.

p. 385Yet the ſaid Parſons and Vicars are hereby indemnified from the payment of all Firſt-fruits, Tenths, and Penſions due, and which ſhall be due to his Majeſty: and from all dues to the Ordinary and Archdeacon, and all other dues whatſoever chargeable upon them reſpectively, untill ſuch time as they ſhall receive the profits ariſing from the ſame, as formerly. And no Proceſs ſhall be iſſued out of any Court whatſoever, againſt the perſons aforeſaid, for their non-payment of Firſt-fruits, Tenths, Penſions, or any other the dues aforeſaid, &c. They are indemnified for not reading the 39. Articles, or not doing other things enjoyned by Law, untill ſuch time as the ſaid Churches be re-edified, or made fit for publick worſhip. The ſaid Parſons and Vicars are impowered to let Leaſes of their Glebe-lands, with the conſent of the Patron and Ordinary, for any Term not exceeding forty years, and at ſuch yearly rents, without fine, as can be obtained for the ſame: and that no lapſes incurred upon any non-preſentation in due time of any of the Patrons of the ſaid livings ſince the ſaid fire, ſhall any ways prejudice, or make void the Preſentations that the ſaid Patrons have ſince made, whereupon any Incumbent is ſince inſtituted and inducted, any Law or Statute to the contrary in any wiſe notwithſtanding.