Historical Vindication Part 1 and 2, To the reader (3 of 3)

Historical Vindication Part 1 and 2 · To the reader (3 of 3)

Or if the**Exact Coll. p. 118, 195, 207. to 237. 248, 273, 293. 523, 524, 525, 617, 631, 660, 695. Kings bare tampering with ſome Officers of his own Northern Army, to draw a Petition from them to the Houſes, or march towards London from their quarters; (not to ſeiſe upon, force or diſſolve the Parliament or its Members, but only to over-aw them, and impeach the freedom of their debates, Votes touching Epiſcopacy, Church-Government, and the Kings Revenues) were ſuch high tranſcendent violations of the Priviledges and Freedome of Parliament, and unſufferable injuries, as both Houſes of Parliament ſeparately, and joyntly proclaimed them to all the world, in**Exact Coll. in the pages quoted before. ſeverall Declarations, during his life; Or ſuch capitall crimes, as thoſe who condemned and executed him for a Traytor and Tyrant, have publiſhed in their Declaration of 17 March 1648. (touching the grounds of their proceedings againſt him, and ſetling the Government in the way of a Free State, without King or Houſe of Lords) ſince his beheading, in theſe very words. But ABOVE ALL, the Engliſh army was laboured by the King to be engaged against the Engliſh Parliament; a thing of that ſtrange in piety and unnaturalneſs for the King of England, that nothing can anſwer it, but his being a Forraigner; neither could it have eaſily purchaſed belief, but by his ſucceeding viſible actions in full purſuance of the ſame; as the Kings comming in Perſon to the Houſe of Commons, to ſeiſe the five Members, whither he was followed with ſome hundreds of unworthy debauched perſons, armed with ſwords, and piſtols, and other arms; and they attending him at the door of the Houſe, ready to execute what the Leader ſhould command them. Which they charged againſt the King, as the higheſt of his unparralleld Offences; for which they appeal to all the world of indifferent men to judge, whether they had not ſufficient cauſe to bring him to Juſtice? Though neither he nor his followers then ſeized, ſecured, ſecluded, injured any one Member, when they thus went to the Commons Houſe; Yea **Exact Coll. p. 51, 52, 54. 66, 67. and elſwhere.preſently retracted his Impeachment, and offered all ſatisfaction that ſhould be deſired by the Houſe for this breach of Privilege: and though neither the Northern Army, nor their Officers ever advanced towards, or offered the leaſt violence to the Houſes, or their priviledges, by Petition or otherwiſe.

Then certainly the Parliaments own Armies Officers, Counſels, manifold high printed Declarations, of June 14. 23. July 7. Aug. 18. 1647. Nov. 16. & Decemb 7. 1648. and others before and ſince, their profeſſed open Oppoſitions, Impeachments, againſt the very Proceedings, Votes, Orders, Ordinances, Members of both Houſes of Parliament, which firſt raiſed them principally for their defence; [Printed by their order in their Book of Declarations, The Hiſtory of Independency, and my Speech in Parliament,] their Impeachment of eleven Members of the Houſe of Commons, and ſundry Lords at once; their ſecuring of above 40, and ſecluding of above five parts of ſix of the whole Houſe of Commons at once; their **See their Declaration of June 23. 1647. & Aug. 18. Dec. 6. 1648avowed marches with the whole Body of the Army, in Ba…talia, ſeverall times to force the Houſes, ſeiſe their Members, over-aw, affright, diſ-member, diſſolve the Parliament it ſelf, and their own new erected Junctoes ſince, and juſtification of it to all the world in print [in their humble Anſwer touching the ſecured and ſecluded Members, Jan. 3. 1648. The true ſtate of the caſe of the Commonwealth of England, 1654. and their Declarations concerning their diſſolution of their two Junctoes] after theſe Miſdemeanours of the King, without the leaſt repentance for them, muſt needs be farre more execrable, unwarrantable and criminal, than the Kings, and deſerve a ſeverer cenſure than his Peccadilioes in reſpect of their crimes. And if by the**And their Generals Letter from Bedford, 29 July 1647. whole Armies printed Remonſtrances, Auguſt 2. and 18. 1647. the tumult of ſome unarmed London Apprentices, who offered ſome ſmall force to the Houſes, to the violation of their Priviledges, (without ſecuring or ſecluding any one Member) deſerved a ſpeedy and exemplary capital proceeding againſt the principal contrivers and Actors in it,**See a Declaration of the Gen. Councel & Armies Engagements, &c. p. 49. as they then declared, and vehemently urged again and again in thoſe Remonſtrances) Or if by their own Charge in the Name of the whole Army, June 14. 1647. againſt the XI. Members, it was ſo high an offence in them, That they joyntly or ſeverally invited, encouraged, abetted or countenanced ſeveral Reformadoes, and OTHER OFFICERS AND SOULDIERS TVMVLTVOVSLY AND VIOLENTLY TO GATHER TOGETHER AT WESTMINSTER, TO AFFRIGHT & ASSAULT THE MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT IN PASSAGES TO & FROM THE HO…SE, TO OFFER VIOLENCE TO THE HOUSE IT SELF, & BY SVCH VNRVLY OVTRAGES & THREATS TO AWE AND INFORCE THE PARLIAMENT; And that upon their bare ſuggeſtion thereof (without any proof at all, or colour of truth) they preſently demanded, That the perſons impeached MIGHT BE FORTHWITH SECLVDED FROM SITTING IN THE HOVSE, and removed thence, before any hearing or trial, which the Officers and Army eagerly preſſed in their Paper of June 15. 1647. Nay, if by their own late printed Inſtrument of the Government of the Commonwealth of England, &c. Articles 14. 16. All and every perſon and perſons, who have aided, adviſed, aſſiſted, or abetted in any war againſt the Parliament ſince the firſt day of January, 1641. (unleſſe they have ſince been in the Service of the Parliament, and given ſignal teſtimony of their good affections thereunto) ſhall be diſabled, and be uncapable to be elected, or to give any Vote in the Election of any Member to ſerve in the next, or in the three ſucceeding triennial Parliaments: and all Votes and Elections given to the contrary, ſhall be null and void. And if any perſon ſo made uncapable, ſhall forfeit one full years value of his real eſtate, and one full third part of his perſonal eſtate, in caſe he ſhall give his Vote for election of Members to ſerve in Parliament: as they there adjudge; though ſuch perſons as they intend thus to diſable, never waged any actual war againſt the Parliament it ſelf, or its Members, immediatly, but only againſt the Forces raiſed by the Parliament, and ſo mediatly and indirectly only againſt the Parliament, (the caſe of all the late Kings adherents and aſſiſtants, not within the letter, but meaning of theſe Articles:) then doubtleſs thoſe Army-Officers, Souldiers, and their Confederats, who adviſed, sided, aſſiſted abetted in one or more wars againſt the Parliament Houſes, and Parliament Members themſelves, whom they immediately aſſaulted, forced, ſecured, ſecluded, diſſipated, diſſolved, deſtroyed, and have juſtified it ſeveral times in print, without giving any ſignal teſtimony of their good affections to the Parliament; and in this their Inſtrument have laid**Article 10, 12, 21, 22, 24, 27, 30, 32, 36, 37, 38, 39. many Chains, clogs, reſtraints, on all new future Parliaments, of their own framing, inconſiſtent with the Honour, Freedom, Priviledges, being of real Engliſh Parliaments; deſerve a farre higher and ſeverer cenſure than theſe Apprentices, or impeached Members did in their repute; or thoſe Members they moſt inſolently accuſe and impeach, in their Declarations of June 2…. and Auguſt 18. 1647. (not to be preſidented in any age ſince the Creation, till then:) and they all are by their own Verdict, Inſtrument, totally diſabled (as much as the archeſt Malignants and Cavaliers) by the very letter of theſe Articles, to be elected, or give any vote for the election of Members in the four next ſucceeding Parliaments; and thoſe who have given their Votes in the late Elections, have thereby forfeited at leaſt one full years value of their real, and one full third part of their perſonal eſtates; and deſerve as high, (if not an higher) cenſure, as any ſequeſtred, or other Delinquents condemned formerly by them, for bearing arms, levying or abetting any war, but only mediately againſt the Parliament; and as high an uncapacity to be put not only on themſelves, but their Heir males to ſerve in Parliament, as the Statute of 21 R. 2. c. 6. impoſed heretofore on others, for a farre leſſe offence; to ſecure the Members and Priviledges of all ſucceeding Parliaments, from ſuch unpreſidented forcible violences, ruptures, diſmembrings, diſſolutions, as the laſt Parliament ſuſtained, by the Armies outrage and confederacy againſt them, (of moſt dangerous preſident to Poſterity;) of which I deſire to make them truly ſenſible.

The laſt real and**See Exact Collect. p. 320 321, 322. 561, the true and excellent conſtitution of our Parliament. duly conſtituted Engliſh Parliament we had, were ſo deeply ſenſible, of the dangerous deſtructive Conſequences of ſecuring or ſecluding their Members, and keeping them from the Houſes, upon any Impeachments or Surmiſes, without the Notice and conſent of the Houſe; that in their forementioned Remonstrance of Nov. 2. 1642. they claimed and aſſerted this. TO BE SO CLEAR AND ESSENTIAL A PRIVILEDGE OF PARLIAMENT,**Exact Col! p. 723, 724. 726, 727 THAT THE WHOLE FREEDOM THEREOF DEPENDETH UPON IT. That NO MEMBER OF EITHER HOVSE OF PARLIAMENT was to be proceeded againſt, or judged, NOR TAKEN AWAY, OR DETAINED FROM THE SERVICE OF THE HOUSE, WHEREOF HE IS A MEMBER; (no, not in caſe of Treaſon, Felony, or Breach of Peace, much leſſe in any other) until ſuch time as that Houſe hath ſatisfaction concerning the cauſe: though in ſuch caſes they confeſſed, he might be arrested by the Officers of Parliament, or any other Miniſters of Iuſtice, to the intent only, That he might be brought to the Parliament Corpus cum cauſa, and deteined in ſafe cuſtody till he may be brought to the Parliament; but not to be proceeded againſt in any inferior Court, before ſuch time… as the cauſe be heard in Parliament, and diſmiſſed from it. For (elſe) who ſe…s not, Nota.that by this means, UNDER FALSE PRETENCES OF CRIMES AND ACCUSATIONS, SVCH AND SO MANY MEMBERS OF BOTH OR EITHER HOVSE OF PARLIAMENT MAY BE TAKEN OVT OF IT AT ANY TIME, BY ANY PERSONS TO SERVE A TVRN, AND TO MAKE A MAJOR PART OF WHOM THEY WILL AT PLEASVRE. And as the grand Inqueſt of the whole Kingdom ſhould be (by this means) ſubject to the grand Inqueſt of one particular County; So the whole Repreſentative Body of the Kingdom ſhould be at the Devotion of a Middleſex Iury, (as ſince of their own Army, raiſed to protect them from theſe miſchiefs.) And therefore, as THE FREEDOM OF PARLIAMENTS DEPENDETH IN A GREAT PART VPONUPON THEIR PRIVILEGES, AND THE FREEDOM OF THIS NATION UPON THE FREEDOM OF PARLIAMENTS,Nota. WE HAVE GOOD REASON TO BELEIVE, that the People of England knowing their Lives and Fortunes are bound up in this bundle, will venture their Lives and Fortunes in this Quarrel: Which I intreat all thoſe who have ſo highly infringed this principle Privilege of Parliament of late years, with all the people of England now ſeriouſly to conſider, to vindicate, preſerve it in all ſucceeding ages from the like violations, if ever they expect to be Freemen, or to enjoy free Engliſh Parliaments again; **Exact Coli. p. 561.which are ſuch an ESSENTIAL PART OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE KINGDOM, that we can attain TO NO HAPPINESSE WITHOUT THEM, and like Hipocrates twins, We muſt laugh and cry, LIVE AND DIE TOGETHER WITH THEM.

Now farther to convince the Army-Officers, Souldiers, of their late great injuſtice to, and affronts, contempts againſt the Parliament which raiſed them, in relation to our ancient fundamental Government and chief Member of the Parliament; I ſhall deſire them and all their confederates in cold blood, ſeriouſly to conſider, whether they have not, by their undutifull, violent proceedings againſt them, contrary to the Votes, Declarations, Remonſtrances of the PARLIAMENT, endeavoured (as much as in them is) to falſifie this clauſe in both Houſes Declaration Nov. 2. 1642**Exact Coll. p. 696. Although they would perſwade his Majeſty, That there is little confidence to be placed in our Modeſty and Duty; yet, AS GOD IS WITNESSE OF OUR THOVGHTS, SO SHALL OUR ACTIONS WITNESSE TO ALL THE WORLD; that TO THE**How much it and they have been diſhonoured by the contrary, let the Army Officers read at leaſure in Militiere his Victory of Truth. HONOR OF OUR RELIGION, and OF THOSE WHO ARE MOST ZEALOUS IN IT (ſo much ſtrucken at by the contrivers of that Declaration, under odious names) we ſhall ſuffer more for and from our Soveraign, than we hope God will ever permit the malice of evil Counſellors to put us to: And although the happineſſe of this and all Kingdomes dependeth chiefly upon God; Yet WE ACKNOWLEDGE THAT IT DOTH SO MAINLY DEPEND UPON HIS MAJESTY,Nota. and THE ROYALL BRANCHES OF THAT ROOT, that as WE HAVE HERETOFORE, SO WE SHALL HEREAFTER, eſteem no hazard too great, no reproach too vile; but that we ſhall willingly goe through the one, and undergoe the other, That we, and the WHOLE KINGDOME MAY ENJOY THAT HAPPINESSE, which we cannot in an ordinary way of providence expect FROM ANY OTHER FOUNTAIN OR STREAM,Nota. than thoſe from whence (were the poiſon of evil Councels once removed from about them) no doubt, but we and THE WHOLE KINGDOME SHOULD BE SATISFIED MOST ABUNDANTLY. And on the contrary, have they not fully and actually verified, in reſpect of themſelves and their Confederates in the Houſes, this Odious asperſion, then (only in prediction) caſt by the KING on the PARLIAMENT, but by them at that time renounced with greateſt deteſtation; and drawn thoſe ſad conſequences on the whole Kingdom, wherewith both HOUSES conclude that Declaration in theſe words?

7.**Exact Coll. p. 730. That the Repreſentative Body of the whole Kingdom (ſince diſſolved by the Army) is a Faction of Malignant, Schiſmatical, ambitious Perſons, whoſe DESION IS AND ALWAYES HATH BEEN TO ALTER THE WHOLE FRAME OF GOVERNMENT, BOTH OF CHURCH AND STATE, AND TO SUBJECT BOTH KING AND PEOPLE TO THEIR OWN LAWLESSE ARBITRARY POWER AND GOVERNMENT, and that they DESIGN THE RUINE OF HIS MAJESTIES PERSON and OF MONARCHY IT SELF: and conſequently that they are TRAITORS and all the Kingdome with them, (for their act is the act of the whole Kingdome) And whether their puniſhment and ruine may not alſo INVOLVE THE WHOLE KINGDOM IN CONCLUSION, AND REDUCE IT INTO THE CONDITION OF A CONQUERED NATION (as ſome ARMY OFFICERS, & SOULDIERS openly averre we are now reduced to by and under them) NO MAN CAN TELL: BUT EXPERIENCE SHEWETH US (and now we find it moſt true in the**Who in their Letters of July 18. 1647. Propoſitions of Aug. 2. and other of their Declarations, profeſſed to all the world, That it was fully agreeable to all their Principles, & ſhould be their deſires and endeavours to maintain Monarchy, the Priviledges and Freedom of the Parliament; and the Rights of his Majeſty and Royal Family, that ſo a laſting Peace and Agreement might be ſetled in this Nation, &c. Which otherwiſe, they confeſſed then in good earneſt, could not be hoped for, nor expected. Whence they intituled their Printed Book, A Declaration of the Engagements, Remonſtrances, Repreſentations, Propoſals, Deſires, and Reſolution from his Excellency Sir Thomas Fair…ax, and THE GENERAL COUNCEL OF THE ARMY, FOR SETLING OF HIS MAJESTY IN HIS JUST RIGHTS, THE PARLIAMENT IN THEIR JUST PRIVILEDGES, and THE SUBJECTS IN THEIR LIBERTIES AND FREEDOMES: Printed by their and the Lords Houſe ſpecial Order London 1647. Let them now ſeriouſly conſider and perform it in good earneſt. ARMY-OFFICERS, COVNCELL, SOVLDIERS) THAT SVCCESSE OFTEN DRAWS MEN NOT ONELYONLY BEYOND THEIR PROFESSION; but alſo many times beyond their firſt intentions.

Surely as the Armies and their Confederates late proceedings in relation to themſelves, (though not unto the forced, diſmembred, diſſolved Parliament, and ſecured Members) have fully verified this charge in every particular, then reputed moſt falſe and ſcandalous; which I thus preſs upon their conſciences at this time, and ſo largely inſiſt on, not to defame or aſperſe them to the world, as many others do, who apply that black Character of Ier. 9. 2. to 6. c. 12. 6. Rev. 3. 10. to 19. (They are all an ASSEMBLY OF TREACHEROVS MEN: Thine habitation is in the MIDST OF DECEIT, &c. Deſtruction and Miſery are in their wayes, and the way of Peace they have not known; there is no fear of God before their eyes) unto them in a more eminent manner, as being really verified by their unparalleld exorbitances formentioned; but to vindicate the Innocency, Integrity of the Majority and ſecluded Members of both Houſes, againſt the ſcandalous printed aſperſions of Militiere and other Papiſts, to preſerve and juſtifie the Honour of our Reformed Religion, and of the moſt zealous Profeſſors thereof; to reſtore, re-eſtabliſh if poſſible, the Priviledges, the Freedom of all Future Parliaments, much impaired, endangered by their heady violent Proceedings, and moſt pernicious Preſidents to Poſterity (if not publikely abominated, exploded by them, or exemplarily puniſhed (to deterr all others from their future imitation) to convince them by what Jeſuitical, Popiſh, old Court-Principles, Counſels, Practiſes, they have hitherto been miſguided; and to reclaim them, as much as in me lieth, for the future, from the like deſtructive. Practiſes, for the publick Safety, Peace, Settlement of our diſtracted Kingdoms; and do moſt earneſtly beſeech them, as they are Engliſh-men, Souldiers, Chriſtians, ſeriouſly to repent of and lay to heart, leſt they periſh eternally for them at laſt; as likewiſe to take heed, leſt by teaching and inſtigating the Common Souldiers of the Army, to ſuppreſſe, oppreſſe, betray the Parliament, Kingdom, People, who raiſed, payed, and entruſted them only for their ſafeguard and defence, they do not thereby inſtruct and encourage them at laſt to betray and deſtroy themſelves; it being a true obſervation of**De Clement. l. 1. c. 26. Seneca the Philoſopher, Aliquando Tyrannorum praefidia in ipſos conſurrexerunt. PERFIDIAMQVE ET IMPIETATEM ET FERITAREM, ET QVICQVID AB ILLIS DIDICERANT, IN IPSOS EXECRERVNT: Quid enim poteſt ab eo quiſquam sperare, QVEM MALVM ESSE DOCVIT? Non diu paret, nequitia, nec quantum jubetur, peccat; as we have ſeen by many late preſidents: So the Army-Officers, Souldiers Great Succeſſes in all their Wars, Deſigns, and forcible ill Proceedings againſt the King, Parliament, Kingdom, Government, Laws and Liberties; as it hath cauſed them not only beyond their Profeſſions, but alſo beyond their first Intentions, Commiſſions, Proteſtations, to forget that Goſpel-precept given to Souldiers, Luke 3. 14. to advance themſelves to a more abſolute Soveraign arbitrary Power over them, than ever any Kings of England claimed or pretended to, (as their late Proceedings, Remonſtrances, and tranſcendent Inſtrument of the Government of the three Kingdoms, manifeſt;) ſo it hath been theffPſal. 37▪ 7 Pſal. 73. 3, &c. Eccleſ. 8. 11, 12.Ps 37:7Ps 73:3Eccl 8:11Eccl 8:12 principal Ground, whereby they have juſtified all their unpreſidented forementioned Exorbitances, as lawfull, commendable, Chriſtian: and that which hath ſtruck ſuch a ſtupifying pannick fear, ſuch a ſtupendious cowardize, baſeneſs, ſott…ſhneſs, into the Generality of the Nobility, Gentry, Miniſtery, and Commons of our late moſt heroick Engliſh Naton, that there is ſcarce ttEz…k. 22. 30.a man to be found throughout the Realm of any Eminency (though we ſhould ſeek after him like Diogenes, with a Candle) that dares freely open his mouth againſt their moſt irregular, illegal, violent, deſtructive arbitrary Proceedings, Uſurpations, Innovations, Oppreſſions, Taxes, Projects, to the ſhaking and utter ſubverting of our ancient Fundamental Laws, Liberties, Rights, Properties, Parliaments, Parliamentary priviledges, Government, and taking away of the very Lives of ſome (and thereby endangering the Lives of all other) Engliſh Freemen of all Degrees, in miſchriſtened High Courts of Juſtice. Such a ſtrange Charm is there in Succeſs alone, to metamorphiſe Men into meervvSee 2 King. 10. 1, to 12. Eſth. 8. 17.2 Kgs 10:1–12Esth 8:17 temporiſing, ſlaviſh, ſordid ſotts and beaſts; yea, to cauſe not only perſons truly honourable, but the veryxxDeut. 32. 17. 1 Cor. 10. 20. Rev. 9. 20. Epheſ. 2. 2.Deut 32:171 Cor 10:20Rev 9:20Eph 2:2 Devil himſelf, and the worſt of beaſts, to be wondred after, applauded, adored, not only as Saints, but Gods. We read Rev. 13. of a Monſtrous deformed BEAST, to whom the Dragon (the Devil) gave his Power, Seat and Great Authority; whereupon, all the world wondred after the Beaſt, and worſhipped not onelyonly the Dragon, that gave him power, but the Beaſt likewiſe; ſaying, Who is like unto the Beaſt? WHO IS ABLE TO MAKE WAR WITH HIM? And there was given unto him a Mouth ſpeaking Great things, and blaſphemies, and power was given him to continue and make war forty and two months. And power was given unto him to make war with the SAINTS, AND TO OVERCOME THEM; and power was given him over all Kindreds, and Tongues, and Nations. And (HEREVPON IT FOLLOWS) all that dwell upon the earth ſhall worſhip him, whoſe names are not written in the Lambs Book of Life. And another Beaſt (under him) cauſed the earth and all that dwell therein to ſet up the Image of this Beaſt, and to worſhip it; and he cauſed all both ſmall and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive the ma…k of the Beaſt in their right hand, and in their foreheads; and none might buy or ſell, but he that had this mark; and as many as would not worſhip this Beaſts Image, were ordered to be killed. Yet this Blasphemous Beaſts reign and power continued but forty two Months, Rev. 13. 5. This Beaſt, (in the height of his Power and Victories) was by God himſelf, threatned to go into captivity, and be killed with the Sword, as he had led others into captivity, and killed them with the Sword, ver. 10. All his followers and worſhippers ſhall (ſoon after) drink of the wine of Gods wrath, and be tormented with fire and brimſtone, &c. Rev. 14. 9, 10, 11. The Saints at laſt ſhall get the victory over this Beaſt, Rev. 15. 2. And the Beaſt himſelf (notwithſtanding all his former Victories, Friends, and great Armies) was at laſt taken, and his falſe Prophet with him; and were both caſt alive into a lake burning with fire and brimſtone, and all his Forces were ſlain with the Sword, and the fowls were filled with their fleſh, Rev. 19. 18 19, 20, 21. From which Texts I have frequently ſilenced, confounded ſome of our conquering Army-Officers and Souldiers, whiles priſoner under them, when they were vapouring of their Great Victories, Succeſſes, and concluding from thence, both their Saintſhip, and the Goodneſs of their Actions; ſaying oft-times like the Beaſts followers here, Who is able to make war with us? And that with theſe genuine deductions from theſe Texts, which they could not reply againſt; worthy all Souldiers and others ſaddeſt meditations.

1. That God may, nay oft-times doth give great power to the very worſt and moſt blaſphemous of all Men and Beaſts; & that not only over one or two, but many Tongues, Nations, as in this Text, and Dan. 7. 3, to 29. c. 8. 4. to 27.

2. That ſuch Beaſts many times may, and do not onelyonly make war with, but even overcome the very Saints themſelves in battel, as the Babylonians, Aſſyrians, and other ungodly Beasts did the Iſraelites, Gods own Saints and People, Pſa. 79. 1, 2, &c. Dan. 7. 21, 23, 24, 25. Iſa. 10. 5, &c. c. 14. 16, 17. Jer. 26. 6, 7, 8. c. 25. 9. &c. yet they were but blaſphemous Beaſts, and wretches ſtill, not Saints.

3. That if ſuch Beaſts have but Great Power and Succeſs in their Wars, Enterpri…es againſt their Enemies, or the Saints themſelves; though their mouths utter blasphemy against the God of Heaven, his Name, Tabernacle, Saints; though their Actions, Deſigns be never ſo impious, atheiſtical, treaſonable, deteſtable: their power but ſhort and fading, yet whiles they are in Power and Proſperity, the whole world will wonder, run after, worſhip, flatter, Saint, Deifie and Adore them for Gods, (asyyPlutarch Arrianus, Quintus Curtius, Suetonius, Grimſton, in the life of Alexander, and Julius Caeſar, Balaeus, his Lives of the Popes. Mornyes Myſtery of Iniquity. Alexander the Great, and Julius Caeſars friends, flatterers did them; and ſome wicked Popes Favourites them too;) yea, ſet up, and worſhip their very Images, receive their marks in their hands, foreheads, and extol them to the skies, ſaying, Who is like unto the Beast? who is able to make war with him?

4. That ſuch adulatious Speeches, Vaunts, Practiſes as theſe, and ſuch Arguments of Saintſhip, of the Goodneſſe of mens cauſes, undertakings, actions, only from their preſent Power, Victories and Succeſſes, are the arguments, practiſes, of worldly, earthly, beastly men; of worſhippers of the Beaſt and Dragon ofzz2 King. 18. 33, 34, 35. c. 19. 17, 18, 19. Iſa. 10. 7. to 16.2 Kgs 18:332 Kgs 18:342 Kgs 18:35Isa 10:7–16 Aſſyrians, Turks, Popes, not of the Elect real Saints of God, Whoſe names are written in the Lambes Book of life; who will neither flatter, worſhip, nor adore ſuch Beaſts, nor receive their marks in their hands or fireheads, though they be prohibited to buy or ſell, or ſlain for refuſing it by their Inſtruments, Rev. 13. 8, 15, 17. Dan. 3. 12. to 29.

5. That ſuch Beaſts in power, will never want under-Beaſts and Inſtruments, nor yetaaRev. 13. 1. to 18. c. 16. 13. 14. c. 19, 20. 1 King. 22. 6. to 24.Rev 13:1–181 Kgs 22:6–24 falſe Prophets to perſwade or enforce Obedience and Subjection to them, even by dis-franchiſements, death, lying wonders, flattering Prophecies, Speeches, Sermons, and Hypocritical Mockfaſts.

6. That the Power and Dominion of ſuch Beaſts, is given and derived to them immediatly by the Dragon (thebbEpheſ. 2. 2.Eph 2:2 Prince of the power of the Air) only by Gods permiſſion, not his approbation; Rev. 13. 2. Hoſ. 8. 4. 2 Theſſ. 2. 4, 8 9. And that in wrath, for the puniſhment of the Peoples ſins, and deſtruction, greater condemnation of the beaſts themſelves at laſt. Hoſ. 13. 11. Rev. 13. and 14, and 19. Pſal. 94, 23. Ier. 51. 24, &c. c. 5 …. throughout. Hab. 2. 6, 7, 8.

7. That this their Dominion, Raign and Triumph, is commonly very ſhort, like this Beaſts here for forty two Months, Rev. 13. 5. which is but three years and an halfccPaterculus, Pluta…h, Su… tomus, Antonni Chronica, Grimſton, and others, in hi… Life. Jacobus Uſſerius Ann… lium pars p… ſterior, p. 366, 367. Julius Caeſar that great firſt Conqueror of this Iſland and a great part of the World; uſurping the ſupream Power over the Roman Senate, and changing the Government, lived only FIVE MONTHS A SOVERAIGN LORD IN PEACE (though ſome compute his whole dominion 3 years and 7 months) and then was ſuddenly ſtabbed to death in the Senate-Houſe, by thoſe friends in whom he repoſed greateſt truſt; for his Tyrannical Uſurpations, and alteration of their former Government; for endeavouring (as was ſuſpected) to make himſelf KING OF THE ROMANS, (though he rejected the Title of King when offered unto him by M. Antonius, ſaying, That Jove was only King of the Romans, that ſo he might ſeem to be compelled to receive it by the people, (being their King before in deed, though not in name:) and for ſaying, That the **Do not ſome now by words and deeds, repute it and the People ſo?Commonwealth was but a Voice or Name, without a Body or Subſtance. Nullum violentum eſt diuturnum, See Iſa. 10, and 14. Iob. 20. 4, 5, &c. Pſal. 37 and 73. Pſal. 92. 6, 7. Iſa. 17, 13, 14. 2 Chron. 23. and Sir Walter Rawlies Preface to his Hiſtory of the World, worthy ſerious peruſal by the Grandees of theſe times.

8. That in concluſion ſuch Conquering, Uſurping Beaſts, notwithſtanding all their Power, Friends, Followers, Confederates, Armies, Policies, are uſually conquered, taken, ſlain on Earth, and caſt into the Lake burning with fire and brimſtone for ever, for their Tyrannies, Blaſphemies, Bloodſheds Oppreſſions of the People and Gods Saints, and their Confederates, Armies, falſe Prophets, followers, adorers **See Mat. Weſt. an. 655. 1 Kings 16. 2 Kings 15. 2. Chron. 13. 17, 18, 19, 20. and our King Richard the third.1 Kgs 162 Kgs 152 Chr 13:172 Chr 13:182 Chr 13:192 Chr 13:20destroyed with them even on earth; and then made to drink the Cup of Gods wrath, fury and torments for ever in hell, Iſa. 10, and 14. Jer. 50. and 51. Rev. 19. 19. 20, 21. c. 6. 15, 16, 17.

9. That though they continue Conquerors and victorious for many years; and conquer not only, one, two or three, but many Kings and Kingdoms; cut off not only the thumbs of their Kings, that they might not lift up a Sword againſt them, and their great toes, that they may not run from them, but their Heads too; Yet God at laſt (in his retaliating Juſtice) doth uſually pay them home in their own coyne, as is evident, not onelyonly by**See the Turkiſh Hiſtory in his life. Bajazet the Turkiſh Emperour, our**See Huntingdon, Mat. weſt. An. 655. Grafton, Speed, Holinſhed, Fabian Brompton, in the life of Penda. King Penda, (who ſlew no leſſe than 5. Chriſtian Kings in ſeveral battles, took ſundry other Kings priſoners, and at laſt was ſlain himſelf, with all his old victorious Captains and Souldiers, by King Oſwi, and a ſmall despicable Army of raw Souldiers, not half ſo many as they, Ann. 655. who thereupon ſeized on his Kingdom) and others in prophane Stories; but by that memorable Hiſtory ofddJudg. 1. 2. to 8.Judg 1:2–8 Adonibezeck; who after his Conqueſt of no leſs than ſeventy Kings, (who ever in this latter age, conquered one quarter ſo many?) and tyrannizing over their perſons, was, by a ſmall party of Judah and Simeon, fought with on his own dung-hil, his victorious old Army totally routed, ten thouſand of them ſlain, himſelf forced to fly, purſued, and taken priſoner by theſe contemptible Enemies, who cut off his thumbs and his great toes. Whereupon Adoni-bezek (though an idolatrous Canaanite) uſed theſe memorable words, worthy all Conquerours and Tyrants memorial; recorded by God himſelf to all Poſterity, Iudges 1. 7. Threeſcore and ten Kings having their thumbs, and their great toes cut off, have gathered their meat under my table (like ſo many Dogs rather than Kings) AS I HAVE DONE, SO GOD HATH REWARDED ME: and they brought him (Priſoner) to Ieruſalem, and there he died. See the like retaliation threatned, inflicted. Hab. 2. 6, 7, 8. Iſa. 33. 1. Dan. 7. 23. to 27. Obad. 15. Ezech. 35. 5, 6, 15. Rev. 16. 5. 6. Ier. 51, and 52. Nah. 3. 1. &c. Rev. 13. 10. Ioel 3. 6, 7, 8. Deut. 32. 43. Iſa. 10. & 14. 2 Chron. 22. 10. compared with c. 23. 12. to the end.

10. That the Elect Saints of God, do by faith in the Word of God, and upon conſideration of the uſual Providence and Juſtice of God towards ſuch Beaſts and bloody Conquerors, moſt aſſuredly ſee their downfall, and with patience expect it, Rev. 13. 9, 10. If any man have an ear let him hear. eeSee Joel 3. 6, 7, 8. Mat. 26. 52. Sir Walter Rawleighs Preface to his Hiſtory of the World, & Dr. Beards Theatre of Gods Judgements, on the 6 and 8 Commandements.Joel 3:6Joel 3:7Joel 3:8Matt 26:52HE THAT LEADETH INTO CAPTIVITY, SHALL GO INTO CAPTIVITY; HE THAT KILLETH WITH THE SWORD, MVST BE KILLED WITH THE SWORD: Here is THE PATIENCE AND THE FAITH OF THE SAINTS. O that we had this Patience and Faith within us now!

11. That upon this Faith and Aſſurance, the true Elect Saints of God, neither will, nor do, nor dare to admire after, follow, worſhip or adore ſuch B…aſts, or their Image, nor receive their marks in their hands, or foreheads, though all the world elſe readily do it without oppoſition; enduring patiently rather to be warred upon, killed, ſecluded from buying or ſelling any thing, then unchriſtianly to adore, ſubject, or enſlave themſelves unto them, Rev. 13. 2, 15, 17. Eſther 3… 1, to 7. 2 Kings 3. 13, 14. Iohn 10. 4, 5. Dan. 3. 4. to 30. 1 King. 19. 18. 2 Chron. 11. 13. to 18.

Which ſerious ſeaſonable conſiderations, as they ſhould daunt the hearts and allay the high Preſumptious Spirits of the moſt Succeſsfull Conquerors, Powerfull Uſurpers over and violent Invaders of the Liberties, Lives, Eſtates, Rights, Properties of their Lawfull Superio…s or Chriſtian Brethren, and all Subverters of the Laws, Priviledges, Parliaments, Government of their Native Country, eſpecially againſt their Oathes and Truſts: So the Meditation on them, together with the contemplation of the infinite Power, Wiſdom, Faithfulneſs, Iuſtice, Holineſs, Preſence, and gracious Promiſes of God, have at all times and ſeaſons hitherto, invincibly animated, ſteeled, fortified my Soul in the midſt of all my ſufferings, both under the domineering Prelates, Parliament-aſſaulting Army-Officers, the late Tyrannical caſhiered Republicans, and all other ſelf-created oppreſſing Powers, which (if not already dead and buried in the duſt, with all their thoughts and high aſpiring Projects,) yet ſhall certainly ffIſa. 51. 6. 12. c. 26. 13, 14. Pſal. 82. 7. Pſal. 146. 354.Isa 51:6Isa 51:12Ps 82:7Ps 146die ere long like men, and become us dung; yea, they have enabled me by Faith and Patience to beggRom. 8. 36. 37. Pſal. 3. 6.Rom 8:36Rom 8:37Ps 3:6 more than a conquering triumpher over them: and to ſing aloud with magnanimous David (a man after Gods own heart) long before their down-fall, Pſal. 27. 1, 2, 3. The Lord is my Light and my Salvation, wh…m ſhall I fear? The Lord is the ſtrength of my life, of whom ſhall I be afraid? When the wicked even mine enemies and my foes came upon me to eat up my fleſh, they ſtumbled and fell. Though an Hoſt ſhould encamp againſt me (as they did at Weſtminſter, at my Houſe, and in ſundry Garriſons, where I was a Priſoner under Souldiers) my heart ſhall not fear: though war ſhould riſe againſt me, in this I will be confident. I will not be afraid of ten thouſands of people that have ſet themſelves againſt me round about. And to cry out in Pauls words of defiance againſt all Enemies and Perils in the cauſe of my God and Country (uttered in his own and all true Elected Saints names) Rom. 8. 35, &c. Who ſhall ſeparate us from the love of Chriſt? (or our Native Country, as well actively as paſſively conſidered;) Shall tribulation? or diſtreſs? or perſecution? or famine? or peril? or SWORD? (of an whole Army, or other Powers) Nay, in all theſe things we are more than Conquerors through him that loved us. For I am perſwaded, that neither death, nor life, nor Angels, nor PRINCIPALITIES, NOR POWERS, nor things preſent, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, ſhall be able to ſeparate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Ieſus our Lord. And to ſay with him in all threatned Dangers for my ſincere conſcientious publick Services, Act. 20. 22. 24. And now I go bound to Jeruſalem, not knowing the things that ſhall there befall me, ſave, that the Holy Ghoſt witneſſeth in every City, ſaying; That Bonds and Afflictions wait for me. But none of theſe things move me, neither count I my life dear unto me, ſo …s I may finiſh my courſe with joy, and the Miniſtery which I have received of the Lord Ieſus, &c. And verily me thinks the ſerious contemplation thereof, and of all the premiſes, with that of 2 Sam. 10. 12. Iſa: 51. 12. 13. Ier. 1. 8. Ezech. 2▪ 2, to 6. Matth. 10. 26. 28 coupled with Pſal. 11. 2. If the foundati…ns be deſtroyed, what can the righteous do? Prov. 24. 22, 23. My Son, fear thou the Lord and the King, AND MEDDLE NOT WITH THOSE WHO ARE GIVEN TO CHANGE; For their calamity ſhall riſe ſuddenly (which we have ſeen verified in many late Changers, Mock Parliaments, and ſelf created new Powers,) and wh… knoweth the ruine of them both? ſhould now at laſt baniſh all baſe carnal fears out of all timerous hearts, rouſe up the languiſhing, fearfull, dead, ſtupid Spirits of our degenerated Engliſh Nation, and engage them all unanimouſly, undauntedly to claim, vindicate, regain, re-eſtabliſh thoſe ancient undoubted Hereditary Fundamental Rights, …iberties, Priviledges, Franchiſes, Laws, Government, (purchaſed with their Anceſtors & their own deareſt Blood, ſweat, Treaſures) which belong to the whole Kingdom; to all true Engliſh Parliaments, Freemen in general, and to every of them in particular; whereof they have of late years been forcibly diſſeiſed, or …ypocritically cheated by pretended Patrons, Preſervers, and Propuguers of them; the ſubſtance whereof I have here ſet before their eyes in ten brief Propoſitions, and by Records, Statutes, Preſidents, Hiſtories, Conteſts, Reſolutions in all ages, undauntedly, (as their Common Advocate) aſſerted, fortified to my power, for their Encouragement and preſident in this publick work. And if they will now but couragiouſly ſecond me herein, with their joyn…, bold, rightfull Claims, Votes, Declarations, and Reſolut… Demands of all and every of their enjoyments, and future inviolable Eſtabliſhments; with ſtrenuous Oppoſitions of all illegal perpetual Impoſts, Exciſes, Contributions, Payments (the chief nerves and cords to keep them ſtill in bondage by Mercinary Forces, ſupported only by them to keep them ſtill in ſlavery) according to their Oaths, Vows, Proteſtations, Duties, manifold late Declarations, Remonſtrances, Solemn League, Covenant, and the encouraging memorable Preſidents of their Ancestors in former ages here, recorded; I dare aſſure them (by Gods bleſſing) a deſired good-Succeſs, whereof their**See Part. 1. p, 14, 15, 16. Anceſtors never failed: no mortal Powers nor Armies whatſoever, having either Impudency or Ability enough to deny, detain them from them, if they will butbbSee 1 Sam. 8. 4, to 22. ch. 12. 2. 2 Sam. 18. 2, 3, 4. Jer. 38. 5.1 Sam 8:4–222 Sam 18:22 Sam 18:32 Sam 18:4Jer 38:5 generally, unanimouſly, couragiouſly, importunately claim and demand them as their Birth-rights. But if they will ſtill baſely diſown, betray, and cowardly deſert both them and their Aſſertors, and leave them to a ſingle combate with their combined Jeſuitical enemies (whom none take care to diſcover, ſuppreſs or baniſh out of our Realms, where they now ſwarm more than ever) and Armed Invaders; the Fate of our old Engliſh Britons, when they improvidently neglected to unite their Counſels, Forces againſt, and fought only ſingly with the invading united Armies of the Romans, is like to be Englands condition now;iiTac…us in vita Agricole. Dum pugnant ſinguli, vincunntur univerſi: the ſingle Champions of our Liberties, Laws, Rights, will be eaſily over-powered, deſtroyed, for the preſent; and all others (by their unworthy Treachery and Baſeneſs, in not adhering to, but abandoning their preſent Patrons) diſcouraged, diſabled to propugne, regain them for the future: and the whole Kingdom vanquiſhed, yea enſlaved for eternity in all humane probability, to thoſe who have broken your kkJer. 28. 13, 14.Jer 28:13Jer 28:14former yokes of wood, but inſtead thereof have made for, and put upon you yokes of Iron: and by the Jeſuites Machiavilian Plots and Policies, will reduce you by degrees under a meer Papal yoke at laſt, having deeply leavened many in power and arms, with their forementioned moſt deſperate Jeſuitical Poſitions, Practiſes and Politicks, which will ſoon uſher in the whole body of Popery, and all damnable Hereſies whatſoever, by degrees, to the ruine of our Religion, as well as Laws and Liberties.

Wherefore, ſeeing it neither is, nor can be reputed Treaſon, Felony, Sedition, Faction, nor any Crime at all, but a commendable bounden Duty, to which our Proteſtations, Oaths, Leagues, Covenants, Reaſon, Law, Conſcience, our own private and the publick Intereſt, Safety of the Nation engage us, for all and every Freeborn Engliſhman, joyntly and ſeverally to claim, maintain, preſerve, by all juſt, honourable, publick and private wayes they may, their unqueſtionable Hereditary Birth-rights, Laws, Liberties, Parliamentary Priviledges, &c. here aſſerted and preſented to them, after ſo much Blood, Treaſure, Labour ſpent to reſcue them out of the hands of old and late oppreſſing Tyrants; nor any Offence at all, but a praiſe-worthy ſervice now in me, or any other, publickly to encourage them to this duty, (and the ſtrenuous defence of our endangered undermined Proteſtant Religion, ſubverted with our Laws & Liberties, and living or dying together with them) at this preſent ſeaſon, as I have done heretofore upon all occaſions; And ſeeing none can juſtly cenſure them or me, for diſcharging our Oathes, Conſciences, Covenants, Proteſtations, Duties in this kinde, but ſuch as ſhall thereby declare themſelves Publick Enemies and Trayters to the whole Nation, Laws, Government, Parliaments of England, as the Reſolutions, Preſidents,**Part. 1. ch. 1. herein cited, yea their own beſt friends, (and our††See the Homilies againſt Diſobedience, & wilfull Rebellion. Reformed Religion too) have already adjudged them: And ſeeing**A Declaration of the Egagements, Remonſtrances, & Reſolutions of Sir Tho. Fanfax, & the General Councel of the Armie, London, 1647. p. 150. Sir Thomas Fairfax and the General Councel of his Army, held at Putney Sept. 9. 1647. in their Declararation, concerning THE FVNDAMENTAL AVTHORITY & GOVERNMENT OF THE KINGDON; printed by their appointment, in theſe words: Whereas a Member of the General Councel of this ARMY, hath publikely declared and expreſſed himſelf, THAT THERE IS NO VISIBLE AUTHORITY IN THE KINGDOM, BVT THE POWER & FORCE OF THE SWORD, (as others of them ſay ſince, and now both by words and deeds, without controll.) We therefore the ſaid GENERAL COUNCEL (to teſtifie. How FARRE OUR HEARTS & MINDS ARE FROM ANY DESIGN OF SETTING UP THE POWER OF THE SWORD ABOVE OR AGAINST THE FUNDAMENTAL AUTHORITY & GOVERNMENT OF THE KINGDOM & OUR READINESSE TO MAINTAIN AND UPHOLD THE SAID AUTHORITY:) have by a Free Vo…e (in the ſaid Councel, no man contradicting) judged the ſaid Member, TO BE EXPELLED THE SAID COUNCEL. Which we hereby thought fit to publiſh, as A CLEAR MANIFESTATION OF OUR DISLIKE & DISAVOWING SVCH PRINCIPLES OR PRACTISES, (which notwithſtanding they have ſince avowed purſued in the higheſt degree; and I deſire them now to repent of▪ reform, and really make good) have engaged to maintain and propugne with their Swords, what I here endeavour to defend, ſupport, with my Pen. And ſeeing they intituled their Printed Papers, A Declaration of the Engagements, Remonstrances, Reprèſentations, Propoſals, Deſires, and Reſolutions, from his Excellency Sir Tho: Fairfax, and THE GENERAL COVNCEL OF THE ARMY, for ſetling OF HIS MAJESTY IN HIS JVST RIGHTS, The PARLIAMENT in their JVST PRIVILEGES, and the SVBJECTS in their LIBERTIES & FREEDOMS. Alſo Repreſentations of THE GRIEVANCES OF THE KINGDOM, & REMEDIES PROPOVNDED, for REMOVING THE PRESENT PRESSVRES WHEREBY THE SVBJECTS ARE BVRDENED (and EXCISES, TAXES amongſt the reſt) And the Reſolutions of the Army, For the eſtabliſhment of a firm & laſting peace IN CHVRCH & KINGDOM, printed by their own, and the Lords Houſe ſpecial Or…er, London 1647: the ſelf-ſame things I here contend, plead for, (which I wiſh they would now really make good by their future conſultations and actions to avoid the juſt cenſures of meer Hypocrites and Impoſtors, as the whole World will elſe repute them.) I ſhall therefore exhort not only the whole Army, Army-Officers, and their General Councel; but likewiſe the whole Engliſh Nation, and all real Lovers of their own or their Countries Liberties, Peace, Laws, Eaſe, Safety, Religion, and future eſtabliſhment in this common Cauſe, in the words of the Philiſtines one to another in a time of need, when they were greatly affraid, 1 Sam. 4. 9. Be ſtrong and ll1 Cor. 16. 13.1 Cor 16:13quit your ſelves like men, O ye Philiſtines, that ye be not ſervante to the Hebrews, as they have been to you… quit your ſelves like men, fight, &c. That ſo (as the Apoſtle writes in the like caſe, Phil. 1. 27, 28.) Whether I come and ſee you, or be abſent from you▪ I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand faſt in one ſpirit, with one mind, striving together for the faith of the Gospel; (and the ancient Fundamental Laws, Liberties, Rights, Priviledges, Parliaments, Government and Religion of our Realm, which the Jeſuites and their Inſtruments make their Maſter-piece totally to undermine and ſubvert) And in nothing terrified by your Adverſaries, which is to them an evident token of Perdition, but to you of Salvation, and that of God. If the Preſidents of your renowned Anceſters here recorded; the Paterns of mmRecorded in Livy, Tully, Plutarch, Valerius Maximus, and others. Recta honeſta digna Imperio, digna populo Romano, omnia pericula pro Republica ſubire, mori pro patria. Cicero de Finibus bonorum, &c. p. 365. and Tuſ…c. Q…aeſt. p. 445.many gallant Pagan Romans, Graecians, who have ſpent their Lives, for their Countries, Laws, Liberties; Or if my example and theſe my Lucubrations ſhall provoke you hereunto; I ſhall think my labour well beſtowed; and you and your Poſterities worthy to live like Engliſh-Freemen. But if you wil now neither manfully demand, ſpeak, nor contend for them any more, out of a ſlaviſh fear of a prevailing Army raiſed only for their juſt defence, or any other humane Powers whatſoever; nor once adventure with united Spirits now at laſt, ſo much as confidently, boldly to ask theſe your unqueſtionable Birthrights at the Thrones of any mortal Grandees, your Fellow-Subjects, when God Almighty himſelf commands you, to come with boldneſſe to his coeleſtial Throne of Grace, that you may obtain (not meer right as here, but) Mercy it ſelf, and Grace to help in time of need, Heb. 4. 16. Qui timide rogat, docet negare; you can neither hope for, nor ever obtain them for the future, but deſerve eternally to forfeit them, and you and yours to be made ſlaves for ever: However I (though theſe Collections prove ſucceſsleſs) ſhal carry this as a comfortable Cordial with me to my grave, That I have faithfully diſcharged my Conſcience and bounden Duty to my degenerous Native Country, by endevouring all I could both to make and preſerve it free indeed; to detect and prevent all Jeſuitical Plots and Practiſes, to undermine, imbroyl, divide, ſubvert, ruine it; and uſed my utmoſt ſincereſt conſtant endeavours in my place and calling herein. But if through the Malice, Tyranny or Injuſtice of any prevailing Enemies of publick Freedom, or Jeſuitical Agents, I ſhall chance to ſuffer for it in any kind, (as I have formerly done for moſt of my publick ſervices of this nature) be it cloſe-impriſonments, Fines, Pillories, Stigmatizings or Death it ſelf; I ſhall onelyonly ſay beforehand, as Gregory the Great did heretofore: Indict. 2. Epiſt. 78. In cauſa qua Deo place…e cupio, homines non formido: and as noble Heroick Eſther did, in a like publick caſe for her endangered captivated Nation, nnEſth. 4. 16.Esth 4:16If I periſh, I periſh: and this my unrighteous ſuffering, ſhall be a new Glorious permiſſive, ordering, over-ruling Providence, doth no wayes juſtify nor extenuate the guilt of any Traytors, Rebels, Murderers, Conspirators ſinnes▪ Treaſons, Rebellions, Murders, Regicides, Conſpiracies, Rapines, Oppreſſions, or Wicked Devices, which he permits them to plot, act, accompliſh; ſo it doth in no wiſe exempt them in Gods or Mens eſteem from being the true Original Plotters, Contrivers, and immediate inſtrumental Actors of them; nor from the divine or humane Puniſhments which they in juſtice demerit; as is moſt evident by Gen. 50. 15. to 21. Pſal. 37. 7. 9. Prov. 24. 10, 21, 22. Iob 20. 5, 6, &c. 1 Kings 12. 12. to 25. c. 15. 23. to 30. c. 16. 1. to 30. ſpecially ver. 7, 8. 2 Kings 11. 1. to 17. c. 14. 5, 6. c. 15. 8. to 32. c. 17. 21, 22. 1 Sam. 8. 2 Sam. 1. 2. to 17. c. 4. throughout. Hoſ. 1. 4. c. 8. 4, 5. Iſay 29. 15, 16 c. 10. 5, 6, 7, &c. Acts 1. 16. to 21. c. 2. 23. 1 Theſſ. 2. 14, 15, 16. Mat. 27▪ 3, 4, 5. compared together. And if we ſhould look upon all our late Changes, Revolutions in our Kingdoms, Government, Church, Parliaments, Religion, Laws, (wrought by the Ieſuites and their Inſtruments) as the meer wonderfull immediate Productions and Glorious Operations of God himſelf in the world, and upon the inſtruments imployed in them, only as Gods own precious choſen Saints and Servants, accompliſhing nothing but his own determinate Will, Providence, Councel, (though to ſatisfie their own ambition, covetouſneſſe, malice, rapine, blood-thirſtineſſe, luſts) as many now proclaim them, and not as Conſpirators, Treacherous, Perfidious, Pernicious Malefactors in the higheſt degree, as well as Iack Cade, Wat Tyler, Strafford, Canterbury, or the murderers of our Saviour, Joaſh, Iſhboſheth, with other Kings heretofore, and of Henry the 3. and 4. of France, of late; there ſhould then be no Traytors, Conſpirators, Murderers, Sinners, Treaſons, Conſpiracies, Murders, Sinnes, in the world (being all perpetrated by Gods permiſſive Providence) no Law, nor Hell to puniſh them: and it would be no leſs than a direct reſiſting, fighting againſt God and his Providence, for any Chriſtians, Kingdoms, Kings, or Loyal Subjects, to pray againſt, reſiſt, oppoſe the Treaſons, Murders, Conſpiracies, Vſurpations, Rebellions, Innovations, Plots, of any Ieſuites or Romiſh Emiſſaries, or their under-Agents, againſt our Kings, Kingdoms, Governors, Parliaments, Laws, Liberties, Government and Religion; which would be profeſſed Blasphemy, or Frenzy at leaſt, for any man to affirm.

2. That this Ieſuite Parſons▪ in his …o…ks of the Reformation of all the States of England, as he preſcribed Reformations to the Prince, Court, Counſellors, Noblemen, Biſhops, Prelates, Pastors, Univerſities, Lawyers, Laws, in which he will have STRANGE METAMORPHOSES; ſo likewiſe, THE COVRT OF PARLIAMENT HE WILL HAVE BROVGHT TO BETTER FORM, as W. W. (a ſecular Prieſt) in A Dialogue between a Secular Prieſt and a Lay-Gentleman, printed at Rhemes, An. 1601. p. 95. Watſon in his Quadlibets, p. 92. to 96. 320. to 334. William Clark (a ſ…cular Prieſt in his Anſwer to Father Parſons L…bel, p. 75. &c.) in direct terms atteſt. And may we not then juſtly ſuſpect, that the late New-models and Reformations of our Kingdoms, Parliaments, Government, Laws, &c. (originally promoted by our**See their printed Declarations of Iune 14. 23. Aug. 1. 2. 1647. Their Agreement of the People, Jan. 1648. & Government of the Commonwealth of England, 1654. moulded by them. Army Counſels, and Officers) proceeded primarily from the Ieſuites Projections & Plots againſt them, if the Statutes of 23 Eliz. c. 1. 27 Eliz. c. 2. 35 Eliz. c. 2, 3. Iac. c. 1, 2, 4, 5, 7. 7 Iac. c. 6. and the manifold Declarations of both Houſes of Parliament, Exact Collection, p. 491, 492, 497, 498, 616. 631, 666, 698, 813, to 828. may be judges?

3. That the Ieſuites drift directly is (immediatly by means of**Do not many now boaſt, talk, write of ſuch a Conqueſt by the Army over England? CONQUEST intended for England) to bring it and all Chriſtendom into an uproar, FOR COMMON SOVLDIERS TO EXAMINE THEIR SOVERAIGNS, WHAT TITLE THEY HOLD BY; that thereupon themſelves by craft, money and multitudes gathered together through their Policy, may bring England, (and then) Spain, and all the reſt under their ſubjection and Monarchy: And that principally by this Ieſuitical Poſition; That every Precopie or Tartarian multitude, getting once the ſtile and title of a PUBLICK STATE, or HELVETIAN COMMONWEALTH, may alter, change and innovate the courſe of inheritances and ſucceſſion TO CROWNS AND KINGDOMS, and alſo to every private Perſons heritage holden in Fee-ſ…mple: as bbQuodlibets, p. 322, 323, 333, 334.William Watſon aſſures us in theſe very terms. And whether the Jeſuites have not inſtructed our Army Officers and Common Souldiers upon this pretext, and for this very end, to examine their Soveraigns, yea, our Parliaments Titles, Priviledges, and Powers too of late, and diſpoſe of, reject, ſuppreſs them at their pleaſure; let themſelves, the whole Nation, with all in preſent power, in the fear of God, moſt ſeriouſly conſider, without paſſion or affection, before it be over-late.

4. That the Oathes of Supremacy and Allegiance (which all Members of Parliament ought by Law to take, before they can ſit, or vote as Members) ſpecially made and preſcribed by our moſt wiſe, zealous cc1 Eliz. c. 1. 5 Eu. c. 1. 1. Jac. c. 4. 3. Jac. c. 4, 5. 7 Jac. c. 6. 16 Caroli. The Act for Triennial Parliaments.Jas 4:3Jas 4:5Jas 4:7Proteſtant Parliaments, to prevent the Treaſonable plots and deſigns of Popes, Ieſuites, and Papists, againſt our Proteſtant Princes, Realms, Parliaments, Religion, though confirmed by many Statutes, and containing in them, only the Declaration of ſuch a Duty, as every true and well-affected Subject, not only by the bond of Allegiance, but alſo by the COMMANDMENT OF GOD, ought to bear to the King, his Heirs and Succeſſors; and none but **See J. E. his Right & Juriſdiction of the Prelate and the Prince; cap. 15. Becanus, Bellarmine, Leſſius, Eudoemon Johannis, & others againſt this Oath.perſons infected with Popiſh Superſtition formerly oppugned, (as the Prologue of the Statute of 7 Iacobi c. 6. poſitively reſolves) have by late State innovators, not only been diſcontinued, ſuſpended, but declaimed againſt and repealed (as much as in them lay) as ddSee the printed Edicts repealing thē, & enforcing the Engagement, An. 1649.VNLAWFUL OATHS; the old Lawes againſt Ieſuits and Popiſh Seminaries, diſcontinued, abrogated, or coldly executed. eeSee the Propoſitions for the Treaty.The New Oath for abjuration of Popery, with all Bills againſt Ieſuites and Papiſts, preſented to the late King by both Houſes the laſt Parliament, and by him conſented to in the Iſle of Wight, wholly laid aſide, and quite buried in oblivion. The Solemn Proteſtation, League and Covenant, preſcribed by the laſt Parliaments taken by all the well-affected in all the 3 Kingdoms (toffSee the Preface to the Covenant. prevent the dangerous plots of Papiſts, Ieſuites, and our common enemies to deſtroy our Religion, Churches, Realms, Government, Parliaments, Laws, Liberties) quite antiquated, dec…ied, deteſted, and aggSee the Edicts for the Engagement, An. 1649. New Engagement forcibly impoſed under higheſt penalties and diſabilities upon all men, diametrically contrary to theſe Oaths, Proteſtations and Covenants, which have been (by a new kind of Papal power) publickly diſpenced with, and the people abſolved from them, to become ſworn Homages to other new ſelf-created Lords and Masters. And are not all theſe, with the late Proclaimed Univerſal Toleration and Protection of all Religions, to conſiderate zealous Proteſtants, ſtrong Arguments of the Jeſuites Predominancy in our late counſels, tranſactions, and changes of publike Government?

5. That the Notion of THE PRESENT GOVERNMENT, (in my weak apprehenſion) derived its original from the Ieſuites late-inventedhhBellarmin de Pont…f. Romano. Sir Hum: Linde his Via devia. PRESENT CHURCH, the onelyonly Supream Power and Judge of Controverſies, which all men muſt ſubmit unto, by a meer abſolute blind Obedience, and implicit faith, without diſpute by their determination: as they muſt do, by a like Ieſuitical blind obedience (newly taught and obtruded on us) to that preſent Republican Government, and new Optimacity, and Popularity, lately ſet up inſtead of our Monarchy. Which two forms of Government, and want of a King and Monarchy, as they are the puniſhment of a peoples Sins, and the Tranſgreſſions of a Land by Gods own reſolution, not a Mercy. Hoſea 10. 3. c. 1. 4. Ier. 18. 7. Prov. 28. 2. Ez…. 19. 14. Lam. 4. 20. c. 5, 7, 8, 12. ſo they were the inventions of Factious Grecians at firſt, w…ch **Thucidides Hiſt. l. 1. 3. Plutarch, Lyſander, Ariſtot. Polit. l. 4, & 5.put all their Cities into Combuſtions, fury, frenzy, and civil wars againſt each other, to their utter overthrow in concluſion: witneſs theſe verſes of iiSee Grotius de jure Belli & Pacis, l. 3. c. 15. P. 537.Heniochus, a Greek Comedian:

Tum geminae ad illas acceſſerunt Mulieres (TITAS QUAE CUNCTA CONTURBARUNT: OPTIMAEſt nomen alteri: alteri POPULARITAS; (RUNT. Quarum incitatis PRIDEM EXTERNATAE FU…

So the Ieſuits, kkWatſons Qu…dlibets, p. 320, 321, 312, 332, 333.Parſons, llDe Monar. Hiſp. c. 25.Campanella, mmConte de Galiazzo, Gualdo Priorato Hiſt. part 3. p. 175, 176.Car. Richelieu, deſigned to introduce & ſet them up among ſo us in Engl. Scotl. and Ireland, of purpoſe to divide… deſtroy us by civil wars and combuſtions, and bring us under their Jeſuitical power at laſt, as the marginal Authorities declare to all the world. And if this be undeniable to all having any ſence of Religion, Peace or publick Safety left within their breſts, is it not more than high time for us to awake out of our former lethargy, & fordid, ſelfiſh ſtupidity, to prevent our ruine, by theſe and other forementioned Jeſuitical practiſes? Of can any Engliſhman, or real Parl. be juſtly offended with me for this impartial diſcovery of them? Or for my endeavours to put all the diſlocated Members and broken bones of our old inverted fundamental body Politick, into their **Optandū quidem eſt, ſt modo Reſpublica ſalva et incolumis futura ſit, ut Civitatis part…s omnes quidem ſibi conſtent, in ſuo ſtatu permaneant. At ut praeſen…ti ſtatu gaudeant, Reges Regiae dignitatis ſplendore commoventur; Optimates Senatoriae, haec enim illis pro virtutis ſuae praemio eſt: populus Ephoriae. Ariſtot. Polit. l. 2. c. 7.due places, joints and poſtures again, without which there is no morennSee 1 Cor. 12. 12. to 31. 25 H. 8. c. 22. 26 H. 8. c. 3. 1 Jac. c. 1, 2. 3 Jac. c. 1, 2.1 Cor 12:12–311 Cor 12:25Jas 1:2Jas 1:3 poſſibility of reducing it to its, pr…ſtine health, eaſe, ſettlement, tranquility, prosperity, or of preſerving it from perpetual pain, inquietation, conſumption and approaching death, than of a natural body whoſe principal members continue diſ-joynted, and bones broken all in pieces, as all prudent State-Phyſicians muſt acknowledge.

Theſe five Conſiderations, together with the Premiſes; will I preſume ſufficiently wipe off all the malicious ſcandalous Imputations, which Militiere and other Papiſts, have injuriouſly caſt upon the Principles and chief Profeſſors of our Reformed Religion, in relation to the late exorbitant Proceedings againſt the King, Parliament, the publike Revolutions, Confuſions, Ataxies both in our Church & Kingdoms; and retort them on the Ieſuitical, Papal, ſeditious, Treaſonable, Antimonarchical Principles and Profeſſors of their Religion, eſpecially the Ieſuits and French Cardinals (Militiere his late Lords and Maſters) the original Contrivers, and chief clandeſtine Promoters of them, as every day more and more diſcovers to the world. And withall abundantly juſtifie this my undertaking & impartial diſcovery of Jeſuitical plots to ruin our Church, Religion, Kingdoms, Parliaments, Laws, Liberties, Government, againſt all malicious Enemies, Accuſers Maligners whatſoever, before all the Tribunals of God or Men, where I ſhal be ready to juſtifie them upon all occaſions. In perpetual teſtimony whereof, I have hereunto ſet my Hand, and by Gods Grace ſhall ever be ready to ſeal them and the truth of God with my blood, if called out to do it.

Swainſwick, Aug. 12. 1654. William Prynne.

p. 1A Seaſonable Legal and Hiſtoricall VINDICATION and Chronologicall Collection of the good Old Fundamental Liberties, Franchiſe…, Rights, Laws of all Engliſh Freem…n; (their beſt Inheritance, Birth-right, Security, againſt all Arbitrary Tyranny, Aegyptian Slavery and Burdens) of late years moſt dangerouſly undermined, oppugned, and almost totally ſubverted, under the ſpecious feigned Diſguiſe of their Defence, Enlargement, and future Eſtabliſhment upon a ſure Baſis.

IT is an univerſall received Principle, and experimentall truth, beyond all contradiction, That no naturall ſtructure, no artificial building, no Civil or Eccleſiaſtical Corporation, Realm, Republike, Government, or Society of men; no Art or Science whatſoever, can poſſibly be erected, ſupported, eſtabliſhed, preſerved or continued in their being or well-being, without FOVNDATIONS; Whereon, as they were at firſt erected, ſo they muſt neceſſarily ſtill depend, or elſe they will preſently fall to utter ruine.

p. 2Hence it is (to wave all Humane Authorities in ſo clear a verity) that in Gods own ſacred unerringaaJohn 17. 17. 2 Cor. 6. 7. Epheſ. 1. 12. Jam. 1. 18.John 17:172 Cor 6:7Eph 1:12Jas 1:18 word of Truth, we finde frequent mention of the naturallbb2 Sa. 22. 8. 16. Job 38. 4 6. Pſ 18. 15. & 102 5. Pro. 8. 29. Iſ. 24. 18. & 40. 21 & 48. 13. & 51 13. 16. Zech. 12 1. Mic. 1. 6. Joh. 17. 24 Eph 4. 4 Heb. 1. 10. & 4 3. & 9. 26 1 Pet. 1. 202 Sam 22:82 Sam 22:16Job 38:4Ps 18:15Ps 102:5Prov 8:29Isa 24:18Isa 40:21Isa 48:13Isa 51:13Isa 51:16Zech 12:1Mic 1:6John 17:24Eph 4:4Heb 1:10Heb 4:3Heb 9:261 Pet 1:20 Foundations of the the vaſt natural Fabrick of the Earth, Heavens and world it ſelf; of the Artificial, Materialcc1 Kin. 5. 17 & 6. 37. & 7. 9, 10 Ezr. 4. 13. & 6. 3. Pſ. 137. 7. Ezech. 41. 8. Hag. 2. 8. Zech. 4 9. & 8 9. Mat. 7. 26, 27 Luke. 6. 48, 49.1 Kgs 5:171 Kgs 6:371 Kgs 7:91 Kgs 7:10Ezra 4:13Ezra 6:3Ps 137:7Ezek 41:8Hag 2:8Zech 4:9Zech 8:9Matt 7:26Matt 7:27Luke 6:48Luke 6:49 Foundations of the Material Temple, Wals, City of Gods own moſt famous Jeruſalem; and of private Houſes: of the ſpirituall ddIſa. 28. 16. & 54. 11. Pſ. 87. 1 1 Cor. 3. 10, 11, 12. Heb. 11. 10. 1 Pet. 2. 6 Rev. 21. 14. 19.Isa 28:16Isa 54:11Ps 87:11 Cor 3:101 Cor 3:111 Cor 3:12Heb 11:101 Pet 2:6Rev 21:14Rev 21:19Foundations of the Spiritual Temple, City, Jeruſalem, and whole Church of God; even Jeſus Chriſt himſelf: of Doctrinalee2 Tim. 1. 19. Heb. 6. 1. 2.2 Tim 1:19Heb 6:1Heb 6:2 Foundations, and firſt Principles of Religion; Chriſtianity, Salvation: yea, of the Politicall Foundations of Kingdomes, Republicks, Churches, Governments, States: Which being once ſhaken, undermined, ſubverted, razed, or d…ſtroyed, bring unavoidable ruine and deſolation upon them, (Pſal. 11. 3. Pſal. 82. 5. Jer. 50. 15. & 51. 25, 26. Micah 1. 6, 7, 9.) Even as we daily ſee Caſtles, Walls, Houſes to fall inſtantly to the ground, and become an heap of Confuſion, when theirffJer. 50. 15 Mic, 1. 6, 7 Luke 6. 48, 49 Matt. 7. 26, 27Jer 50:15Luke 6:48Luke 6:49Matt 7:26Matt 7:27 Foundations are blown up, decayed, or demoliſhed.

Upon which conſideration, thoſe publike Laws, which eſtabliſh, fence, fortifie, ſupport the Fundamental Conſtitutions, Rights, Liberties, Priviledges of any Nation, Kingdome, Republike, (eſſentiall to their being and ſubſiſtence, as a free or happy people, againſt the Invaſions, underminings, enchroachments of any Tyrants, Ʋſurpers, Oppreſſors, or publike enemies, are uſually ſtiled Fundamental Laws; and have ever been reputed ſo ſacred, inviolable, immutable, in all ages, upon any pretences of neceſſity, or publike ſafety, that moſt Nations, and our own Engliſh Anceſtors above others, have freely choſen to hazard, yea, loſe their eſtates, lives, in their juſt defence, againſt ſuch exorbitant tyrannical Kings, and other Powers, who by force or policy have endeavoured to violate, alter, or ſubvert them; rather than out of a Cowardice, Sottiſhneſſe, Careleſneſſe, or want of cordial love to the Publike, to ſuffer the leaſt infringment, repeal, or alteration of them to the inthrawling of themſelves or their poſterities to the arbitrary wils of ſuch domineering Tyrants and Ʋſurping Powers.

p. 3Now becauſe, after all our Old and New (many years) bloody, coſtly, dangerous Conteſts and Wars, for the maintenance of our good Old Fundamental Liberties, Laws, …ights, Priviledges, againſt all ſecret or open underminers of them, I clearly behold with grief of heart, that there is a ſtrang monſtrous generation of new Tyrannical State-Hereticks, ſprung up amongſt us; who are grown ſo deſperately impudent, as not only to write, but publikely to aſſert in print, inggLilburn tried and caſt p. 39, 142. to 148, 154. Ca…es Voice from the Temple, which perſwade… the ſubverſion and aboliſhing of al former Laws, eſpecially for Tithes and Miniſters ſupport. Books printed by AUTHORITY, (even in Capitals, in every Title page) That the Freemen and People of England have no ſuch unalterable Fundamental Laws and Liberties left them by their forefathers (as our Anceſtours heretofore conteſted for, both in the Field and Parliament-Houſe, with William the Conqueror, Henry the firſt, King John, Henry the third, Edward 1. 2. 3. Richard 2. with other Kings and Princes; and our late Parliament… and Armies too, with King James and King Charls.) That neither Magna Charta, nor the Petition of Right, nor the Laws for trying Malefactors by Juries of their Pears, are Fundamental or unalterable; but that the State Phyſitians (or rather Mountebanks) of our time (who are not tied up to them, but left free unto themſelves) may lay them quite aſide, either in part or whol, as they ſee cauſe. Yea, have now attained to ſuch a ſuper-tranſcendent Authority, that they may (as they aſſert) lay aſide all Parliaments & Parliamentary wayes, & appoint ſomething elſe, as more ſeaſonable and proper to us, and as Providence makes way for it, if they ſee it more conducing to the ſafety and good of the Commonwealth (that is, to their own privat Intereſts, Honors; Profits, Securities, Deſignes, Oppreſſions, Rapines, gilded over with this ſpecious pretext) And then peremptorily conclude, That to plead for theſe and other fundamental laws and liberties, as unalterable, (though the only Bulwarks & Badges of our Freedome) is nothing elſe, but to enſlave the Nation: for by ſuch a Principle, people do not only loſe their Liberty, but are brought under ſuch a kinde of Tyranny, out of which (AS BEING WORSE THAN THE AEGYPTIAN BONDAGE) there is no hope of deliverance. p. 4An abſurd Tyrannical Paradox, tranſcending any I ever yet met with in any Author; ſtripping us naked of all our long enjoyed Laws, Liberties, Franchiſes, great Charters at once; tending onelyonly to reduce, and perpetually inthrall us under ſuch an abſolute AEGYPTIAN BONDAGE and Tyranny, without any hope of future deliverance from it, which ſome now endeavour**S…e the Government of the Cōmon-wealth of England, &c. Artie. 3. 12. 21. 22, 24, …7, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 38, 39, 41. to entaile on us and our poſterities for ever, by an Iron law, and Yoke of Steel, in ſtead of reſtoring to us that glorious Freedome, which we have ſo long expected from them in vain.

And becauſe I finde the generality of the Nobility, Gentry, Clergy, Commonalty of our Nation, after all their late years expenſive bloody wars, and Parliamentary Diſputes, for the defence and preſervation of theſe our ancient Hereditary Fundamentall Charters, Laws, Liberties, Priviledges, ſo ſtrangely degenerated both from themſelves, and their Heroick prudent Anceſtors, as that they are more readily inclined, upon every occaſion, out of a baſe, unchriſtian, unmanly, un-engliſh fear, or ſottiſh cowardiſe and ſtupidity, wittingly to deſert, betray, ſurrender them al up into the hands of any invading Ʋſ…rpers, without the leaſt Publike Claim, Diſſertation, Defence, Dſpute; then diligently or couragiouſly to cōtend or ſuffer for them, of late they did: So as that which Paul once taxed in the …laviſh beſotted Corinthians, 2 Epiſt. 11. 20. may be moſt truly averred of our degenerated, infatuated Engliſh Nation: Ye ſuffer if a man bring you into bondage, if a man de…ur you, if a man take of you, if a man ex…lt himſelf (above your Laws, Liberties, Franchiſes, Parliaments, Kings, Nobles, Properties, Lives, Conſciences, and all**2 The…. 2. 4. that is called God, or warſhipped) if a man ſmite you on the face; notwithſtanding all their manifold late**See Exact Collect. and a General collection of all Ordinances, &c. Proteſtations, Vows, Covenants, Remonſtrances, Declaration… and Publike Engagements to the contrary. And withall, after diligent enquiry, diſcovering ſcarce one man of Eminency or Power in the Nation, nor ſo much as one of my degenerated temporizing p. 5Profeſſion of the Law, (even when the**S…e Culpepers and …illy's M…rlins and Almanacks, John Cannes Voice. Lilb. tried and caſt, with many Petitions and Pamphlets againſt the Law and Lawyers. The Order of Aug. 19. 1653. That there ſhould be a Committee ſelected to conſider of a New body of the Law for the government of this Commonwealth. whole body of our laws, and all its Profeſſors, are violently aſſault…d, and devoted unto ſuddain ruine, by many lawleſſe ſpirits) who hath ſo much courage, magnanimity, honeſty, zeal, or cordial love to his Native Country, remaining in his breſt, as manfully to appear in publike, for the ſtrenuous neceſſary defence of theſe our Hereditary, fundamentall laws, liberties, rights, franchiſes, (though their own, and every other Engliſh Freemans beſt inheritance and ſecurity) for fear of being perſecuted, impriſoned, cloſe impriſoned, exiled, condemned, deſtroyed, as a Traytor, Rebell, Seditious perſon, enemy to the Publike, or diſturber of the Kingdomes peace, by thoſe who are truly ſuch: I thereupon conceived, I could not undertake or performe a more neceſſary, ſeaſonable, beneficiall ſervice for my Country and ingrate unworthy Nation (who are now aſhamed, afraid, for the moſt part, to own, viſit, or be ſeen in the company of thoſe Gallant men, much leſſe to aſſiſt, defend, and ſtick cloſe unto them in their dangers, according to the ſixth Article of their late Solemn League and Covenant, who have ſuffered, acted, and ſtood up moſt for their Common Liberties, Rights, Freedoms, Religion, againſt all invading Tyrant…, to their great diſcouragement and betraying:) not pitch upon any Subject more proper for me, either as a common Lawyer, or as a conſtant Advocate and Sufferer for the publike Cauſe, and Liberties of the Nation, as well under our late extravagant Free State, as former Regal and Epiſcopal arbitrary Tyranny, than in this juncture of our publike affairs, to preſent our whole diſtracted unſetled Kingdome, with A Legal and Hiſtorical Vindication, and Chronological Collection, in all ages, of theſe Ancient, Hereditary liberties, Franchiſes, Rights, and all thoſe National, Parliamentall, legal and Martial Conteſts, Laws, Charters, Records, Monuments of former and late times, for their Confirmation and inviolable obſervation, which our Anceſtors and our ſelves have alwaies hitherto reputed Fundamental, unalterable and inviolable, upon any pretext, and have moſt eagerly contended p. 6for, with the Prodigal expence of many millions of treaſure, and whole Oceans of gallant Chriſtian Engliſh blood.

And if upon the ſerious peruſall of them, the univerſality of our degenerated Nation, after their many ſolemn Proteſtations, Vows, Leagues, Covenants, Remonſtrances, inviolably to defend and maintain them, ſhall ſtill ſo undervalue them now at laſt, (as moſt actually have done) as not to eſteem them worth the owning, maintaining, vindicating, or perpetuating any longer; & thereby draw upon their heads, the reall guilt of all thoſe bloody Wars, Murders, Tumults, Violences, Rapines, Oppreſſions, Sins, Miſchiefs, illegal Taxes, Exciſes, Exorbitancies, which their many late years pretended neceſſary defence and preſervation have brought upon our three whol Nations; let them henceforth, like ſo many daſtardly conquered bondſlaves, **Exod. 21. 6.Exod 21:6bored through the ears, publikely diſavow, diſclaim, renounce, abjure them, for themſelves and their poſterities for ever, as meer worthleſſe toyes, or pernicious inventions, fit onelyonly to kindle perpetual wars and diſcords between King and People, head and members, ſuperiours and inferiours; or, as poor ſlender Cobwebs, (as now they prove) able to hold none within compaſſe, but the very weakeſt Flies, broken thorow with eaſe and impunity, by every greater Fly, or armed Waſpe, creeping up into any Power or Supream Authority, by right or wrong; and ſwept down to the very ground, by every new Broom in the hand of vpſtart Innovators.

But if upon ſaddeſt deliberation, they ſhall really eſtimate them to be ſuch incompatable, rich, precious Jewels, and ancient Inheritances, as are every way worth the infinite Treaſures, Wars, Blood, Cares, Conſultations, Troubles, heretofore and of late years expended, both to gain, retain, confirm, and perpetuate them, to them and their Poſterities for ever, as their principal earthly ſecurity, and beatitude; I hope they will all then unanimouſly conclude with the Poet,

Non minor eſt virtus quàm quaerere, PARTA TVERI: And both by their Votes and Actions, return the ſelf-ſame p. 7peremptory magnanimous anſwer to any Caeſar, Conqueror, Potentate, power, or Combination of men, whatſoever, (who ſhall endeavour by force, fraud, or flattery to compell or perſwade them, to ſell, reſign, betray, or give up theſe their Anceſtrall Priviledges, Inheritances, Birthrights to them) as Naboth once did to King Ahab, 1 Kings 21. 3. The Lord forbid it us, that we ſhould give (ſell or betray) the INHERITANCE OF OƲR FATHERS (and our Poſterities likewiſe) unto thee, or you; though they ſhould ſuffer for this Anſwer and Refuſall, as much as Naboth did from bloody Ahab and Jezebel.

But whatever low price or eſtimate this ſpurious, ſtupid, ſordid, ſlaviſh age may ſet upon theſe richeſt Pearls; yet for my own particular, upon ſerious conſideration of theſe Chronological Collections, and the Solemn Oaths, Proteſtations, Vows, League and Covenant, obliging me to defend them to the uttermoſt; I value the whole Nations publike, and my own (with my cordial friends) private intereſt in them, at ſo high a rate, that I would rather chearfully part with ten thouſand lives, and all the treaſures of the Nation, Indies, were I owner of them, then wittingly, negligently, or unworthily ſell, betray, or reſign them up to any mortals or powers whatſoever, upon any pretences or Conditions, after all my former Publications, Conteſts, Sufferings, Loſſes, &c. for their juſt defence.

And to the end al others might now take ſpecial notice of the ineſtimable value our Anceſtors in all ages have ſet upon them, and what ſucceſſive wars, conflicts, they have chearfully undertaken for their preſervation; I have at vacant hours compiled this enſuing Vindication and Collection of the old Fundamental liberties, franchiſes, laws of all Engliſh freemen, which I ſhall bequeath to my moſt beloved Native Country, in general, and every reall Heroick Patron of them in particular, as the beſt Legacy I can leave behinde me, both for their preſent and future Enfranchiſment, Immunity, ſecurity, from all Arbitrary Tyranny, Slavery and yokes of Bondage, under which they have a long time languiſhed, and lamented in the bitterneſs of their ſpirits.

p. 8The Method I reſolve herein to purſue, is this:

1. I ſhall produce ſome punctuall Authorities of moment, to evidence, That the Kingdome and Freemen of England, have ſome ancient Hereditary juſt Rights, Liberties, Priviledges, Franchiſes, Laws and Cuſtoms, properly called FVNDAMENTAL; and likewiſe a Fundamental Government, no wayes to be altered, undermined, ſubverted directly or indirectly, to the publique prejudice, under pain of higheſt Treaſon in thoſe, who ſhall attempt it, eſpecially by fraud, force, or armed power.

2. I ſhall, in brief Propoſitions, preſent you with the chiefeſt and moſt conſiderable of them, which our Anceſtors in former ages, and our lateſt real Parliaments have reſolved to be, and eargerly contended for, as FUNDAMENTAL, eſſentiall to their being and well-being, as a Free People, Kingdome, Republique, unwilling to be enſlaved under any Yokes of Tyranny, any arbitrary, … poſitions or Powers whatſoever, Then give you a briefe touch of their ſeverall late unparalelld violations, both by the Edicts and Actions of uſurping Powers.

3. I ſhall in a Chronological way, tender you a large Hiſtorical Catalogue of National Parliamental, civill and military▪ Conteſts, Votes, Declarations, …emonſtrances, Oathes, Vows, Proteſtations, Covenants, Engagements, Excommunications, Confirmations, Evidences, Statutes, Charters, Writs, Records, Judgments and Authorities in all ages, undeniably evidencing, declaring, vindicating, eſtabliſhing, perpetuating theſe Fundamental Hereditary Rights, Liberties, Priviledges, Franchiſes, Cuſtoms, Laws, and abundantly manifeſting the extraordinary care, induſtry, zeal, courage, wiſdome, vigilancy of our Anceſtours, to defend, preſerve, and perpetuate them to poſterity, without the leaſt violation or diminution.

4. I ſhall vindicate the excellency, indifferency, and leg… lity of trying all Malefactors whatſoever, by Juries of their …eers, upon legal Proceſſe and Indictments; and manifeſt the illegallity, injuſtice, partiality, dangerous conſequences, of admitting or introducing any other form of Trials, by New. Arbitrary Martiall Commiſſions, or Courts of High Juſtice, p. 9(or rather**Summumjus, eſt ſumma injuria, Cic. de Officiis p. 611. injuſtice) inconſiſtent with, and deſtructive to the Fundamental Rights, Liberties, Priviledges, Laws, Franchiſes of the Engliſh Nation, and of moſt dangerous Preſident to Poſterity; being ſet up by the greateſt pretenders to publike Liberty, Law, and the …heifeſt inveighers againſt Arbitrary Regal Tyranny and Power, which never publikely eſtabliſhed ſuch arbitrary illegal Tryals and new Butcheries of Chriſtian Engliſh Freemen, by any law, and may fall to imitate them in future Ages, by their example. Each of theſe I intend to proſecute in diſtinct Chapters in their order.