Gods Ark Overtopping the Worlds Waves, Parliamentary chronicle · Floating text 30 – Floating text 31

Gods Ark Overtopping the Worlds Waves · Parliamentary chronicle · Floating text 30 – Floating text 31

p. 269A true Relation of the Fight and famous Victory, at Marſtone-Moore, neere YORKE, from Maſter Aſh his owne hand-writing.

VPonUpon the thirtieth of June, (being the Sabbath) towards evening, we had certaine Intelligence, that Prince Rupert, with his Army, were quartered at Burrow-brigs, within twelve miles of Yorke, and that he intended to fight with us the next day. Heereupon the 3 Generalls reſolved that night, and in the morning, to raiſe the Siege, that they might be able to encounter the great Forces now ready to aſſault them, with hope to returne unto the Seige, upon the repulſion of the potent enemy. You will eaſily believe, that there was much joy, and many manifeſtations thereof in the Citie, upon removing of the Forces, which had ſo long begirt it on every ſide: And truely, many of our hearts were oppreſſed with heavineſſe, looking upon this providence, as ſpeaking Divine diſpleaſure againſt us, but our God hath mercifully made knowne the groundleſneſſe of our doubts and diſcouragements, for ever bleſſed bee his Name.

Upon Monday, July 1, we marched with all our Forces unto p. 270… (on the S…uch-ſide of the River Owſed) with hope there to meet with Prince Rupert, in his way towards Yorke. In the afternoon our Army was ſet in Battali…, and our Souldiers were full of joy, expecting to have a Battaile with the Enemy, beca…ſ… we were aſſured by our Scouts, that the Prince with his whole Body would paſſe that way. But Prince Rupert underſtanding our preparations for him, did paſſe on the other ſide the River, and while a Party of his Horſe did face us on the Moore (which was neere a Bridge, for their ſecure retreat at pleaſure) the Prince himſelfe, with 2000 of his Horſe went into Yorke, for the reliefe of that diſtreſſed people. Upon this ſo ſad and unexpected a diſappointment, our hearts generally were filled with ſorrow, but yet in the middeſt of our ſadneſſe, many of us did encourage each other, unto an hopefull expectation of a comfortable iſſue, from the good hand of our God: whoſe Name we had unceſſantly ſupplicated, for the happy ſpeedying of this great concernment. The night drawing on, we marched unto Long-Marſton, (a Town at hand) where very few had either the comfort of convenient lodging, or food our Souldiers did drinke the Wells drie, and then were neceſſitated to make uſe of puddle water: moſt of our Horſe quartered in the Moore that night.

Upon Tueſday morning, a Partie of the Enemies Horſe, having faced us a while, wheeled backe out of ſight, which gave us cauſe to ſuſpect, that the maine Body was marched towards Tadcaſter, (having relieved Yorke) where he might cut off the River, and ſo both ſcant us of Proviſions, and get downe ſuddenly into the South. Hereupon our Foot, with Artillery, were commanded to advance towards Tadcaſter; The Scots (marching in the Van that day) being got almoſt to Tadcaſter, and the Earle of Mancheſters Foot, being two or three miles from Marſton, wee had a very hot alarme, that the Enemy with all his ſtrength was returned to the Moore: While our Horſe …ced the Enemy, the whole Body of Foot were called back, with all the…ſpeed which they poſſibly could make: and …, hope of a Hattaile moved our Souldiers to returne meerily; which alſo adminiſtred matter of Comfort, unto all, who belonged to the Army.

Before our Foot could get backe, (which was about two or three a clock) the Enemy was poſſeſſed of the Moore, (a ground very advantagious) and had, in many ſmall Bodies, beſpread themſelves, p. 271that their Armie did extend two miles (as its judged) in length: yea, by the improving of this opportunity, they had by divers Regiments of Muskettiers, ſo lined the bedges & ditches betwixt themſelves and us, that our Souldiers could not aſſault them, without very great apparent prejudice. We were compelled to draw up our Army, and to place it in Battalia, in a large Field of Rie, where the height of the Corne, together with the ſhoures of raine which then fell, proved no ſmall inconvenience unto our Souldiers; yet being on an hill, we had the double advantage of the ground, and the wind. Here the noble Commander, Generall Leſſey, exerciſed his Martiall abilities, with unwearied activity and induſtry: He haſted from place to place, to put all his Forces in Battell array, which hee did to the ſatisfaction and admiration of all that beheld it: the other two Generals acting alſo in their owne Armies.

How goodly a ſight was this to behold, when three mighty Armies, each of which conſiſted of above 20000 Horſe and Foot, did with flying Colours prepare for the Battell, and looke each other in the face.

The Poſture of our Army, when drawne up, was this: Moſt of Generall Leſley his Horſe, together with the Horſe of the Lord Fairfax, made the right wing. The Earle of Mancheſters Horſe, with ſome of the Scotch Horſe, were the left wing. Generall Leſleyes Foot were on the right hand, the Earle of Manceſters Foot were on the left hand of the Lord Fairfax his Foot, who were the Body. There were three or foure Brigads placed for a Reſerve.

Our Army being thus marſhalled, toward ſixe or ſeven of the clock, we advanced about 200 paces toward the Enemy; Our Cannon (which had played one or two houres before, from the top of the hill) was drawne forward for our beſt advantage; Our Signall was a white Paper, or Handcherchiffs in our Hats; Our Word was, God with us. The Word & Signall.The Enemies Signall was to bee without Bands and Skarff…s; Their Word was, God and the King. Our Army in its ſeverall parts moving downe the Hill, was like unto ſo many thicke clouds, having divided themſelves into Brigades, conſiſting of 800, 1000, 1200, 1500 men in a Brigade. And our Brigades of Horſe conſiſting of 3, and ſome of 4 Troopes.

The Enemy (as ſome Priſoners reported) was amazed and daunted at our approach,The Enemy was aſſaulted by ours before they expected us. not expecting any aſſault till the next morning. Upon the advancing of the Earle of Mancheſters Foot (after ſhort p. 272ſitings on both ſides) we cauſed the Enemy to quit the hedge in a diſorderly manner, where they left behind them four Drakes. The Lord Fairfax his Brigade, on our right hand, did alſo beat off the Enemy from the hedges before them, driving them from their Cannon alſo,Some of ours forced to a diſorderly retreat. being two Drakes, and one Demiculvering; but being afterwards received by Marqueſſe Newcaſtles Regiment of Foot and by them furiouſly aſſaulted, they made a retreat in ſome diſorder. This advantage being eſpyed by a body of the Enemies Horſe, they charged through them, unto the top of the hill; but one Regiment of the Earle of Mancheſters Foot ſeeing the Enemy, both Horſe and Foot purſuing an advantage, did ſpeedily wheele on the right hand upon their flancke, and gave them ſo hot a charge, that they were forced to fly backe disbanded into the Moore; The Enemy put to the worſt.And theſe Enemies were alſo, ſo opportunely met in the Moore by a body of our Horſe, that very many of them were killed in the place, and about 200 by the Scots Horſe taken priſoners.

Before this time alſo Lieutenant Generall Cromwell had with much gallantry charged through and through, and quite routed two of the braveſt Brigades of Horſe in the Enemies right wing,Valiant Lieu. Gen. Cromwel charges Ruperts Horſe through & through. where were the ſtouteſt men and beſt horſe, which Prince Rupert had. And our Horſe and Foot with undaunted courage did put the Enemies right wing to flight, forcing them both from their Cannon and Ammunition; but when they came up to the Enemies left wing, hoping that our right wing had done as good ſervice as themſelves, they were diſappointed;Our right wing put to the worſt. for our Horſe here was beaten back: And although the Scots musketteers had fired there moſt bravely, and to good purpoſe, to the diſſipating of the Enemies Foot; yet their Horſe there, ſtood ſtill in full body: But our left wing was neither wearyed by their former hot ſervice, nor diſcouraged by the ſight of that ſtrength which they ſaw in the Enemy, yet unſhaken and in order,Our left wings unwearied valour in charging the enemy but continuing (ô the ſtrength of our God in them) and renuing their valour, they charged every party remaining in the Field, till all were fully routed and put to flight, and our men moſt admirably beating and purſuing the Enemies about three miles at leaſt till they came neer unto Yorke: How Prince Rupert eſcapedin ſo much that Prince Rupert himſelfe and Marqueſſe Newcaſtle eſcaped with much difficulty, being extraordinarily well Horſt; and had not Rupert played the creep-hedge and hid himſelfe in Bean-Lands, he had beene taken.

The Earl of Mancheſter with much labour did rally 500 of the p. 273Souldiers who were leaving the Field in great diſorder,The Earle of Mancheſters labour & vigilancy. and brought them backe againe to the Battell. And the moſt noble and worthy Generall Leſly, was much offended with his Souldiers, who ſhrunk from the ſervice of the day; and having endeavoured, both by words and blowes, to keepe them in the Field with much wiſedome and affection,Gen. Leſſeys cariage in the fight. he preſſed this argument. Although you run from your Enemies, yet leave not your Generall; though you fly from them, yet forſake not me.

Very many of the Scots both commanders and others, did ſingular good ſervice that day,The Scots good Service. and ſtood ſtoutly to it unto the end of the fight, and did therefore very well deſerve to be ſharers in the honour of the day; and three Regiments of their Horſe (which with ours made the left wing of the Army) being commanded by Major Generall Leſley, did as brave and honourable ſervice, as any who ſerved in the Field that day. And although the right wing of our Army, did not ſatisfyingly anſwer mens expectations, yet the Earl of Eglington, the Earl of Lindſey, the Lord Cooper, Sir James Lunſden, and other Scottiſh Commanders with many of their Officers and Souldiers, did (as I ſaid before) give good proofe of their ſtoutneſſe and magnanimity.

And as for any of them of each Nation who went away, they were by their miniſters and others ſo ſharpely reproved, and this their fault in ſuch ſort was aggravated to them, that there was great hope they would regain their credit by good ſervice upon the next occaſion.

As for that famous and magnanimous Commander,Lieut. Gen. Cromwell his due praiſe. Lieut. Gen. Cromwell, whoſe proweſſe and prudence, as they have rendred him moſt renowned, for many former ſucceſſefull deeds of Chevalry; So in this great fight, they have crowned him with the never withering Laurells of fame and honour, who with ſo Lyon-like courage and impregnable animoſity, charged his proudeſt adverſaries again and again, like a Roman Marcellus indeed, undauntedly out-daring and over-bearing his ſtouteſt Popiſh and Atheiſticall Antagoniſts, even to the end of the fight; and at laſt came off, as with ſome wounds; ſo with honour and triumph inferiour to none.

Colonell Sydney alſo,Col. Sydney his valour. Son to the Earl of Leicester, charged with much gallantry in the head of my Lord of Mancheſters Regiment of Horſe, and came off with much honour, though with many wounds, the true badges of his honour, and was ſent away afterward p. 274to London for cure of his wounds.

And as for that truly noble and renowned Commander Sir Tho. Renowned ſir Tho. Fairfax his undaunted valour.Fairfax, that undanted & never ſufficiently praiſed Souldier, (whoſe former famous exploits, have rendred him moſt magnanimous) he alſo loſt not a jot or title of honour this day; for although many of his Souldiers did faint and fall backe, yet his noble heart continued like the heart of a Lyon, ſtout and undaunted; for he ſtayed fighting in the Field,Col. Lamberts alſo. untill being diſmounted and wounded, he was brought off by one of his Souldiers. Yea, and brave Colonell Lambert and ſome others of their officers went on moſt daringly through every difficult and dangerous adventure which they could meete with;And L. Col. Needhams. though I ſay much of their ſtrength did unhappily ſhrinck from them. Lieutenant Col. Needham, did alſo very manfully in his place. I nominate not here any other of my noble Lords Officers beſides Liutenant Gen. Cromwell, and Col. Sydney, though I could have particularized Major Gen.Major Gener. Crawford & others. Crawford and divers other Colonels with Lieut. Colonells, Majors and Captaines, who gained much honour by their very valiant carriages and exploits; and therfore I hope my ſilence in regard of others (who under the command of the two other Generalls, did alſo moſt gallantly) will not be offenſive; and the rather becauſe I was not ſo well acquainted with them.A juſt reproof to many prejudicate miſreporters of this fight & the ſouldiers therein. And it is exceedingly ill done of thoſe who caſt aſperſions upon ſome in the Army in this fight who rather deſerved commendations, than uncomely calumniations. Surely, they neither Act chriſtianly nor prudently, who take courſes to breed emulations and diviſions in our Army; and who caſt reproach and diſcouragement upon ſuch who are moſt ready to ſacrifice their deareſt hea…tblood in the preſent ſervice of Chriſt in this Kingdome.

But to be briefe, I found this generally among the Souldiers (eſpecially in my noble Lord of Mancheſters Regiments)The ſouldiers gave God the glory of this victory. The Enemies did the like. to my hearts great content, that they all gave the Lord of Hoſts all the glory of this Victory, wherein they were onelyonly inſtruments: Some alſo of the Enemies that were taken Priſoners, have acknowledged the meere finger and hand of God in their rout, and our victory. And it pleaſed me wondrous well, to heare and ſee our God honoured on both hands.

Yet I may not heere omit a ſtrange ſpeech, as it was credibly reported, to fall from Prince Rupert, upon the diſapointing of his hopes, and the diſ-joynting of his Forces to their ruine; I am ſure p. 275(ſaid he) my men fought well, Prince Ruperts atheiſticall ſpeech touching this fightand therefore know no reaſon of our Rout, but this, becauſe the Devill did help his Servants. Theſe words, ſurely, intimate that he imagined, the Devill gives the Victory in the day of Battell (a moſt Atheiſticall and heatheniſh opinion) or elſe his Conſcience told him (which he would not confeſſe) that God, indeed, did help his Servants. Yea, and a man of quality belonging to the Enemy, (whoſe name, for ſome reaſons, I may not mention) profeſſed,A ſad confeſſion of one on the Enemies ſide. That his Conſcience told him, Our Cauſe was Gods Cauſe; but yet his Honour would not ſuffer him to take part with us.

And the Lord Grandiſon (who was ſor…ly wounded in this fight, and under the Chyrurgions hands for cure in Yorke) told a friend that viſited him. That he had received 10. wounds on his body in this Battell; One wound for the breach of every Commandement in the Decalogue. Deut. 32. 31.Deut 32:31See here then, good Reader, if heere be not a cleare aſſent to that of holy Moſes. Their Rocke is not as our Rocke, even our Enemies being judges. But to returne to to the finiſhing of this Fight.

The Runawayes,The Run-awayes rob'd our carryages. with other poore people, who attended the Army, did grievouſly plunder our Wagons, and other Carriages; for the Wagoners, Carters, &c. being affrighted with the flight of our owne Souldiers, did leave their charge in the hands of ſuch as love to rob and ſpoile. It was a very ſad ſight to behold many thouſands poſting away being amazed with Panick feares.

Heere juſt occaſion was given us to remember Keynton-battell at Edge-Hill; Keynton battell juſtly remembred.Edge-Hill; where the hearts of ſome were upheld with hopes, when others gave up all as loſt, and that with much deſpondencie of ſpirit.

Upon our coole and recollected thoughts, ſuch of us as deſired to acknowledg God in all his waies, did firmely pitch upon theſe Concluſions.

The Lord ſaw that we are apt to rely upon the arme of fleſh,Gods wiſdome in managing this victory to his due praiſe. and therefore very much humane ſtrength failed us. And beſides, if the whole Army had continued couragious, we ſhould have aſcribed the glory of the victory unto man; and therefore it pleaſed the Lord, in reference to his owne praiſe, to leſſen our ſtrength, that ſo his owne arme might juſtly be exalted.

But, I ſay, to go on, The Enemies being all beaten out of the Field, the moſt noble Earle of Mancheſter, about 11 of the Clock that p. 276night,The noble E. of Manbeſters carriage among his ſouldiers. did ride about to the Souldiers, both Horſe and Foot, giving them many thankes, for the exceeding good ſervice which they had done for the Kingdome: And he often earneſtly intreated them, to give the honour of their Victory unto God alone. He alſo further told them, that although he could not poſſibly that night, make proviſions for them, according to their deſerts, and neceſſities; yet, that he would without faile, endeavour their full ſatisfaction in that kind, in the morning betimes.

The Souldiers,The ſouldiers religious replies to their Generall. unanimouſly, (as my Lord had deſired) and moſt cheerefully, gave God the glory of their deliverance, and this great Victory; and told his Lordſhip, with much alacrity, that though they long faſted, and were faint; yet they would willingly want three dayes longer, rather than give off the Service, or leave his Lordſhip.

That might we kept the Feild, when the Bodies of the dead were ſtripped;A ſad ſpectacle to behold. and in the morning there was a mortifying object to behold, when the naked bodies of thouſands lay upon the ground, and many were not altogether dead, but lay groaning and gaſping their laſt.

We judged that the number of the ſlaine was at the leaſt 3000 of the Enemys;The number of the ſlain on the enemies ſide. but the Countrey men (who were commanded to bury the dead Corps) told us, they, for certaine, buried 4150 bodies, and we beleeve (as its moſt probable) they were beſt able to know the truth, by the burying of them. Of which 4150, two thirds were aſſured to be Gentlemen, and perſons of quality, that is almoſt 2000; which (as reverend Maſter Aſh ſaid) was the more eaſily believed, by reaſon of the very white and ſmoth skinnes of the many dead bodies in the field apparently ſeene when they were ſtript. And that thoſe of quality, ſlain in this fight, might be taken away and have a more honourable buriall than the reſt, if their friends pleaſed; Sir Charles Lucas was deſired (as was credibly enformed) to goe along to view the corps, as they lay ſpred on the ground, and to chooſe whom he would, which he did, but would not ſay whom he knew of them. But one gentleman at leaſt, that had a bracelet of haire about his wriſt, he ſaid he knew and deſired the bracelet might be taken off, ſaying that an honourable Lady ſhould give thankes for it. As he paſſed along, he ſaid in the preſence and hearing of many: Alas for King CHARLES! Vnhappy King CHARLES! And we may all moſt juſtly ſay: Alas poore ENGLAND! Vnhappy p. 277ENGLAND! to be ſo miſerably rent and torn, for the ſatisfying of impiety, folly, and wilfullneſſe, in Papists, Prelates, and atheiſticall Malignants.

And among the dead men and horſes,P. Ruperts Dog kill'd among the dead corps. which lay on the Ground, we found Prince Ruperts Dog killed, which is onelyonly here mentioned by the way, becauſe the Princes Dog hath been ſo much ſpoken of along time, and was more prized by his Maſter than creatures of much more worth.

Divers men of good quality were found and knowne to be ſlaine in the foreſaid number;The names of divers perſons of note ſlain in this fight. as namely, The Lord Carey, eldeſt Son to the Earle of Monmouth; Colonell Ewers, Nephew to the Lord Ewers; Colonell Roper, brother to the Lord Baltinglaſſe; Sir Wil. Wentworth, brother to the Earl of Strafford, late Vice-roy of the kingdome of Ireland; Sir Francis Dacres, neer kinſman to the Lord Dacres; Sir William Lambton, of an ancient family to the Biſhopprick of Durham; Colonell Slingsby, Son to Sir William Sling…by; Sir Marmaduke Louddon; Sir Thomas Mettom; Monnſieur Saint Paula, a French Gentleman; Sir Richard Gloedhill, made knight by the Earl of Newcaſtle; Lieutenant Col. Liſle, who heretofore had done good ſervice in Holland; Colonell Houghton, Son to ſir Gilbert Houghton; Col. Fenwicke, eldeſt Son to Sir Iohn Fenwicke; Col. Prideaux, ſon to BPP Prideaux; Lieut. Col. Atkins, Lieutenant Colonell to the Marqueſſe; Lieutenant Col. Stonywood, a Commander in the late warrs of Ireland, Davenant the Poet alſo, a looſe liv'd Gentleman; and divers others, not yet ſo particularly known, but theſe thus named I had from credible teſtimony.

Wee alſo tooke, at leaſt, 1500 priſoners, of which alſo, many were men of quality,Priſoners taken, and the names of ſome of note. and great eſteem with the Enemy; viz. Sir Charles Lucas, Lieutenant Gen. to the Horſe; Porter, Major Gen. to their Foot forces; Major Generall Tilliard, a very ſtout and able ſouldier, who came out of Ireland; the Lord Gorings Son; with divers other Field-Officers.

Wee tooke all the Enemyes Cannon, Ammunition, Waggons, and Baggage. The Earl of Mancheſter had for his part,Prizes taken. ten pieces of Ordnance; one caſe of Drakes; about 1500 Muskets; 40 barrels of powder; three tun of great and ſmall bullet, 800 Pikes; beſides Swords, Bandileers, &c.

Now it is very admirable to conſider (and we cannot but admire Cods rare mercy in it) how few were ſlain in the Battell on our ſide; p. 278In the Earl of Mancheſters Army,The loſſe on our ſide. Captain Walton had his leg ſhot off with a Cannon bullet; and onelyonly Captain Pue (a foot Captain) was ſlain; and not above ſix more of our foot that we could find ſlain, and about twenty wounded in the Moore. The totall number that we could reckon and find to be ſlain in all our Armies was at moſt, but between 2 and 300, of which our greateſt number was among them who ran away, and the carriage-keepers.

Many of our Souldiers (the horſemen eſpecially) met with much gold and ſilver,Our ſouldiers got good prize and other Commodities of good worth; and indeed they very well deſerved ſuch encouragements by their excellent ſervice and brave adventures: and therefore, as our proverbe is;God is a great man of War. Win gold and wear gold. Thus did the Lord put on righteouſneſſe as a breſt-plate, and an helmet of Salvation upon his head, and he put on the garments of vengeance for cloathing and was clad with zeal, as with a cloake. Eſay 59, 17, 18Isa 59:17Isa 59:18And according to their deeds, accordingly he did repay fury to his adverſaries, and recompence to his Enemies. Yea ſurely, in this famous battell, the Lord ſeemed to ſay and ſound courage into the hearts of our Souldiers, as Nehemiah to his people at the reedifying of Ieruſalem, Nehim. 4. 14.when they were moleſted by wicked Tobiah, Sanballet, and their accurſed complices. Be not affraid of them, but remember the Lord your God who is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your ſons and your daughters, your wives and your houſes.

And thus far we have principally made worthy uſe of reverend and religious Maſter Aſh, his unqueſtionable authentick relation of this moſt famous fight and moſt memorable victory, with ſome interlacing, I ſay, of ſome materiall paſſages which I borrowed from moſt credible teſtimony.

And now,Certain obſervations collected out of all the premiſes, for the farther illuſtrating of Gods glory. although that our foreſaid very venerable author and precious pattern (by whom I have thus choſen to write) hath in his ſaid relation (as yee have ſeen) toucht upon many remarkable prints of Gods admirable providence and prudence, by his powerfull hand and ſtrong arme, carrying on this great work in extraordinary excellent and eminent manner, to the unexpreſſible honour and glory of his great name: Yet give me leave, I pray, now to adde ſome few more; worthy the Readers moſt ſerious notice and obſervation; as adding much alſo (I beleeve) to the praiſe and glory of our great and gracious Wonder-working God.

1Firſt, That when Prince Rupert had by a by-way got into Yorke p. 279and come forth again,Obſervation from our Armie marching to the Aſſociated Counties when the Enemies were fighting. our Generall, fearing the Enemies advance to the Southerly Aſſociated Counties, to have ſpoyled the kingdome that way alſo (which they might too certainly have done) ours therefore marched away with their Van, the reſt following, to prevent Rupert: But he contrary to their thoughts, falls with all his forces upon our Rear, the Van being about two or three miles forward on their foreſaid march; and by a hot alarme comming ſodainly to them, forced for haſte, to returne diſorderly to the fight, and ere they could rally themſelves orderly into battalia, our Rear was engaged, if not routed; yet, though tyred and faint, they fell upon the Enemy.

That at the very beginning of the fight,A mighty ſtorm of hail, rain, & thunder, at the beginning of the fight. juſt as both Armies were 2joyning Battail, and beginning the firſt encounter or aſſault of each other, it pleaſed the Lord (as it was moſt credibly affirmed for a certain truth) that a ſudden and mighty great ſtorm of rain and hail and terrible claps of thunder were heard and ſeen from the clouds; as if heaven had reſolved to ſecond the aſſault with a fierce Alarm from above.

Thirdly,Two or 3 Regiments of the purſuing Enemies ſlain & taken priſoners. that about 2 or 3 Regiments of the Enemies ſide, which, 3at the firſt, had routed and purſued a great party of our ſide, which fled away from the Enemies firſt and fierce on-ſet: Yet immediately after, all that party of the Enemy was (by a ſeconding party of ours following the Enemy in the Rear) totally ſlain or taken priſoners.

Fourthly, That God dealt with our 3 Noble Generalls Armies, as 4he did with Gideons Army, of all the thouſands brought together at firſt, he made choyce of ſome few hundreds to do this great work withall,The victory got by a ſmall number. and when we ſeemed to be at the loweſt ebbe of our ſtrength (a conſtant way of Gods admirable wiſdome and power) then, on a ſodain, he turned the ſcale, and came in with his irreſiſtable power, and never failing mercy, and with a ſmall number (juſt as he did at Keynton battell) got himſelf the Victory for us.

Fifthly,That Rupert having relieved Yorke, muſt needs fight with us, & not go into the aſſociated Counties. that notwithſtanding when Rupert that pert, yea malepert 5giddy and bloody Prince, had boldly and adventurouſly got into York, and relieved it, and thereby alſo releaſed Newcaſtle, and many or moſt of the Popiſh partee, before incloſed within that Citywalls; which, indeed, was the main project or deſign the Enemy had, at that time; and that upon their return out of York (all ſafe) to the reſt of their Army, they called a Councill of War, who alſo p. 278duplicate page p. 279duplicate page p. 280peremptorily reſolved (which indeed was their beſt, and had been our worſt blow of all) to leave Yorke and make preſently, with all their ſtrength into the Aſſociated Eaſterly and Southern Counties (Achitophels Councell moſt directly) Yet,Achitophels & Huſhaies Counſell. then, I ſay, that this proud and bloody hair-brain'd young Prince ſhould pluck out of his pocket the Kings Letter or Commiſſion, to him in ſpeciall (juſt like Huſhaies Councell to croſſe Achitophels) charging them by no means to depart from York untill they had with all their combined powers given us battail. O the admirable wiſdome of our God, thus to croſſe that former fatall and terrible Councell, as it muſt needs have proved!

6Sixthly,The great hopes of the enemy to cut off our rightwing, fruſtrated. That the Counſells of Prince Rupert and others, had deſigned the moſt valiant and expert Souldiers of the Popiſh and Atheiſticall party to encounter the Wing of the Army commanded by renowned Lieutenant Gen. Cromwell (as making account, that in beating him they won the day) and in particular, Rupert had deſigned certain Troops of Horſe (all Iriſh-Papiſts and Gentlemen; old Souldiers all, who had been in ſervice in Spain and France) to give the firſt charge to the Brigade or party in which General Cromwell was; and that they did confidently believe there was not a man of them but would dye rather than fly; but they miſt their expectations, for many of them being indeed ſlain in the place, all the reſt fled.Eccleſi. 9. 11. Thus our God lets our proudeſt Enemies ſee and know; The battell is not to the Rider nor the race to the Swift.

7Sevently,A foul falling out between P. Rupert & the Marqueſſe of Newcaſtle. That upon the flight and departure of the Earl of Newcaſtle from the battell, there paſſed many warm words betwixt Prince Rupert and him in Yorke, after the rout; they charging each other with the Cauſe thereof; the Prince telling the Marqueſſe that he made not good his promiſe of aſſiſtance; and the Marqueſſe replying in ſuch a manner as mooved much paſſion and diſcontent; yea, and ſome ſay blows too: And that thereupon, the Marqueſſe of Newcaſtle, (with Generall King, the Lord Witherington, and very many moe fugitive gallants) flying away beyond Sea to Hambrough and Holland, And Newcaſtle flying beyond ſea is proclaimed traitor at York.Sir Thomas Glemham, then governour of York, did (as 'twas credibly aſſured and affirmed) proclaim Newcaſtle a Traytor, for his deſerting Yorke and flying beyond Sea from his colours. Thus, as our Engliſh proverb is: Theeves falling out among themſelves; True men (by Gods mercy) are like to enjoy their goods again.

p. 2818Eightly,The great tyredneſſe and extream hunger and thirſt which the Army indured; and yet their admirable courage in fighting. That notwithſtanding the extreame and extraordinary wants and ſtraits which our Souldiers were put unto (enough to move great compaſſion, yea and admiration too) and wherewith they were greatly pinched, both the night before the battell, and ſometime ſince alſo, as namely, tyredneſſe in travelling and haſty rety…ing to and fro; ſuch want of water (much leſſe of Beer) to drinke, that they had drained the wells even to the mud, and were neceſſ… to drink water out of dirches, and places pudled and mired with the horſes feet; and that through want of accommodation of victualls very few of the common-ſouldiers had eaten above the quantity of one penny-loaf from Tueſday to Saturday morning following; and as I ſaid, no beer at all to be had: Yet, I ſay, notwithſtanding all theſe, that the Souldiers ſhould fight ſo cheerfully and ſtoutly, even by Gods admirable mercy to a glorious victory.

9Ninthly,The Parliament Souldiers known to the Kings accurſed & curſing Cormorants by their ſinging of Pſalmes. That in the rout of the Enemy and in their flying and ſcattering about, many of them ran moſt frightedly and amazedly to the place where ſome of the Regiments of Horſe of the Parliaments ſide were ſtanding on their Guard, and all or moſt of their Riders were religiouſly ſinging of Pſalmes, to whom, as the foreſaid runawayes of the Enemy, came neer, and by their ſinging of Pſal…ed; perceiving who they were, they all moſt fiercely fled back again, and cryed out, God damn them, they had like to have been taken by the Parliament Round-heades. For they only knew them, I ſay, to be the Parliament Souldiers by their ſinging of Pſalmes. A bleſſed badge and cognizance indeed, to be thus diſtinguiſht from their impious Enemies, which makes mee to think on that in the Goſpell; That when the Souldiers who were ſent to apprehend our bleſſed Saviour, and hee asking them whom they ſought; And they anſwered, Jeſus of Nazareth, And Chriſt replying, I am hee; They (ſayes the Text) fell down backward at thoſe words ſtricken with terrour and amazement. And ſo, I ſay, ô the power of godlineſſe! what reverence and terrour too it ſtrikes into the hearts of profaine and irreligious Wretches.

10Tenthly,The Royaliſts imprecating a curſe on themſelves, were accordingly anſwered therein by the Lord. Joſh. 22. 22.Josh 22:22 That before the Battell began (as I have it from credible information) Prince Rupert, that bloody Plunderer, would, forſooth, to ſeem religious (juſt like a jugling Machivilian) have a Sermon preached before him and his army, his Chaplain took his Text out of Joſuah, 22. 22. The words were theſe; The Lord God of gods, the Lord God of gods, he knoweth, and Iſrael he ſhall p. 282know, if it …e in rebellion, … us not this day. ….Now how evident a demonſtration from … was heregiven, by the ſucceſſe of that dayes … enough (one would have thought) to have … the moſt perverſe Malignant; In ſo much that God did ſo … himſelfe in deciding the controverſie by denying victory and ſucceſſe to thoſe who being in a falſe and bloody way had yet implored the Almighty to proſper them according to the juſtneſſe of their Cauſe.

11Eleventhly and laſtly, That this ſo glorious, famous, and full victory was by our good and mercifull LORD God beſtowed upon us,This glorious Victory was a moſt evident and cleer return of Prayer. as an undoubted return of Prayer, wee having but the very Weeke before, been preſſing the Throne of Grace on ou… Monethly Faſt-day, and publike Humiliation, and prayer to the Lord, even for this mercy, a victory of Yorke, …at Yorke; and the Lord heard us and granted us the deſire of our Soules therein, together with the lives and welfare of all our three moſt noble and renowned Generalls; Praiſed and for ever magnified be the Lord our God for it.

Upon the immediate next Lords-day ſucceeding this famous victory, all the three renowned Generalls, The 3 Generalls and all their Armies Celebrate the next Lords day, a day of Thankſgiving.with their whole Armies, according to their pious and … appointment, celebrated a Solemn-day of moſt deſerved and obliged Thankſgiving to the Lord, and by their meſſengers to the Parliament, who brought the intimation of this great victory, deſired that a Solemn-day all over the whole Kindome might be alſo appointed by their Authority, and that they might have convenient knowledge thereof, that ſo they likewiſe might again keep it with the reſt of the Kingdome, which accordingly was forthwith a…e…ted to by the Parliament, and an order preſently after printed and publiſhed, a Copy whereof I have hereunto annexed.

Die Lunae, 8. Julii, 1644.

IT is this day ordered by the Lords and Commons Aſſembled in Parliament, that Thurſday come a ſeven-night being the eighteenth of this inſtant July ſhall be … a … far a day of publique Thankeſgiving to be rendred vntounto Almighty God for his great bleſſing and full victory … Prince Ruperts Army in Yorkeſhire, to be kept in London and Weſtminſter, and all … parts of the Kingdome.

Hen. Elſynge. Cler. Parl. D. Co….

p. 283And very ſhortly after, a Committee of the Houſe of Commons was appointed for providing neceſſary ſupplies for the Northern-Armies,Order taken for ſupplying the Northern Armies with neceſſaries; and thankes ſent to the 3 Generalls from the Parliament. and it was alſo ordered by the Parliament, that the Committee of both Kingdomes ſhould forth with ſend a letter of thankes to the Earl of Mancheſter, Generall Leſley, and the Lord Fairfax, for their great courage, valour, and fidelity expreſſed againſt Prince Rupert at the ſaid great fight.

And yet for all theſe clear and reall demonſtrations of this ſo abſolute and … a victory, give me leave to tell the Reader (that it may ſtand as another everlaſting ſtain upon the Enemies of Truth and Honeſty, The Royaliſts intollerable impudence in inſulting and triumphing for what they never had.and as an indelible badge of their Atheiſme and unheard of … impiety, thus even to mocke God with thanks for what they never received) That juſt as they impudently alſo did at Keynton or Edgehill victory, ſo now, they made bonefires and cauſed the Bells to be rung in many places in their power and quarters; yea and though that very night when they were ſo beaten out of the Field and ſo many of them ran into Yorke, yet ſo intolerably impudent were they (as ſo indeed are all Couzening Cormorants & Malignants) as to make Bonefires,Bells rung & bonfires made in York for joy of Ruperts Victory. and cauſe ringing of Bells in the City of Yorke, for their great victory obtained by Prince Robber (that Prince of blood and lyes) reporting openly in the ſtreets, that Generall Leſley was taken priſoner; the Lord Fairfax ſlain; and 14000 priſoners taken,Monſtrous lyes. but that the Prince was ſo carefull of the welfare of the City, that hee would not bring them thither for feare of oppreſſing that place with them; yea and the next morning, early (when he fled thence, betimes) he told them he muſt abroad to catch more of the ſtragling Round-heads, and would carry all his priſoners and ordnance taken, to the King, for elſe (he ſaid) the Round-heads in the South would not believe he had got the victory. O intolerable blaſphemy thus to goe about (groſſely belying their owne conſciences) to abuſe,Newcaſtle, Newark and Oxford alſo triumph in Ruperts ridiculous Victory. if poſſibly, both God and Man! Yea at Newcaſtle, and at Newarke alſo, and eſpecially at Oxford, they made great Bonefires, with other triumphs by ſquibs and wilde-fire, at Banbury alſo and Litchfield, Exeter, Briſtol and all other places, I ſay, where the accurſed Cormorants domineer'd. Yea our ſottiſh & bewitched Mole…y'd Malignants of London alſo were …o led along with a ſpirit of lying (like their father the Devill) that they mightily boaſted of this Robbers vain victory over us,London malignants had a hand and a heart too in this lye. the rouring of our whole three Armies the death and impriſonment of all our three moſt renowned and precious Generalls.

p. 284And thus I ſay, have we ſeen the feſtivity of the Royaliſts … Wit, or the mad rage of the Malignant-Spirits, notwithſtanding that God gave ſuch an eminent and notorious cheek to their impudence;Mr. Vines in his Sermon of thankſgiving for this great Victory, p. 14. (as Venerable Maſter Vine… ſaid in his Sermon of Thankeſgiving for this victory) In that upon fictious confidence of ſucceſſe, they muſt needs (as you have heard) Antedate their Bells and Bonefires; Whereas within a few houres, there was nothing of the Enemies, left in that field, but Bag and Baggage, Ammunition, Ordnance, Priſoners, and Dead-Karkaſſes; which had, indeed … more, if that noble and moſt renowned Commander, Sir Thomas Fairfax (who is the honour of the fields he treads upon) had not (as he rode up and down) taken up that ſweet Word,Sir Tho. Fairfax compared to Julius Caeſar. which Caeſar, once, in ſuch a caſe, uſed, Parcite civibus, Spare the poore deluded Countrym…n, O ſpare them, I pray, who are miſled and know not what they … A moſt excellent and pious Spirit and Speech, and moſt be…itting ſuch a valiant and virtuous Commander.

And thus, I ſay, bleſſed be our God that we ſee and know their vanity, folly, and madneſſe, having nothing to brag of but their own lying inventions. For, as we have aboundantly heard to Gods glory and our great comfort (as witty and worthy Britanicus▪ well noted) his Majeſtie made Bonefires in the morning, and our three foreſaid noble Generalls quenched them and put them all out again before night.

And though now I have done with this brave Battell and famous Victory:A note more touching Prince Robber and his brave Chivalry. yet give me leave (Good Reader) to add this one note for a concluſion, which I had from very credible and good information; viz. That our Malignants choice Champion and ſtout Souldier Prince Robber (as valiant and courageous as they would have the world hould him to be) yet I ſay this great Kill-…owe, Prince Robber loſt his Dog and his Bever, and hid himſelf in a Beanfield.beſides the loſſe of his dainty Dog (found dead among the reſt of the ſlain) loſt alſo his brave Beaver in the field or flight, for found it was: and himſelfe (as divers affirmed) lay hid in a Bean-field (as was toucht before) after a litle ſervice done in the field untill it was dark, and then got away into Yorke.

And in the ſame place where the Marq.A Letter of the Kings to the Marqueſſe of Newcastle touching the Lord R…chford. of Newcaſtles Commiſſion, was found, there was alſo found a Letter, ſigned with Charls Rex, to it, ſaluting the Marqueſſe of Newcaſtle, by the name of Right Truſty and moſt entirely beloved Couzen and Councellor; (by which we may obſerve, that he was moſt entirely beloved that put Armies p. 285into Papiſts hands, to cut the troats of Proteſt…nts) ſignifying by that Letter. That his Lordſhip ſhould take care that the Lord Viſcount Rochford, ſhould have all his Rents paid unto him, for that he was reconciled to his Majeſty:The Lord Vicount Rochford impeached of high Treaſon If, then, his Majeſty ſpake truth, the Lord of Rochford deſerved much blame; who was thereupon accuſed by the Houſe of Commons, for adhering to the Enemies; and upon Thurſday Iuly the 11. the ſaid Lord comming to the Houſe of Peers was ſaluted with an impeachment of high Treaſon, and committed priſoner to the Black Rod.

About the 12 of this inſtant, it was for certain informed, that although they at Oxford boaſted much of the relieving of Greenland-Houſe▪ Greenland houſe taken by Major Gen. Brown.yet now by Gods mercy it was yeilded (upon fair termes and moderate Articles) unto Major Generall Brown; and that, for the preſent his Souldiers maintained a Garriſon in it▪ But, that it was reſolved on not to continue it ſo, but to have it demoliſhed to the ground. The taking of this Houſe was of great concernment to the City of London, for by that means great quantities of proviſions may be ſecurely convayed by water to London out of Oxfordſhire, and Barkſhire; and aboundance of Wood out of the Oxford Malignants eſtates in thoſe parts, to ſerve London for fuell all the ſucceeding winter.

Much alſo about the ſame time came certain intelligence, by Letters out of the Western parts of the Kingdome, that the Forces of his Excellency, the Parliaments moſt Noble Lord Generall, under the Command of Sir Robert Pye, Taunton Caſtle taken by the Lord Generals Forces.and Colonell Blake, had taken Taunton Caſtle, a peice of great ſtrength and concernment alſo in thoſe parts; and that in it they had taken 4 Iron peeces of Ordnance, 6 Murtherers, 4 Hogſheads of Beef, a load of Iron, great ſtore of powder, one Demi culverin; 2 tun of Match; one powder-Mill; a great quantity of bullets; 2 Loads of Cheeſe; 2 Hogſheads of Oatmeal; with great ſtore of Salt, Wheat, Meal and other ſorts of proviſion, with ſtore of Houſholdſtuffe and rich moveables and Colonell Reve, who commanded the Caſtle for the King, and the reſt of his ſouldiers had quarter to March away to Bridgewater, the Kings next Garriſon Town.

About the 14th. of this inſtant came alſo certain information by letters from the truely noble Lord Denbigh, Cholmley houſe in Cheſhire taken by the Lord Denbigh.that whereas he had made a ſhew, as if he would have drawn his Forces toward Shrewſbery, as intending to beſiege it; yet indeed his private reſolution p. 286… upon the Houſe of the Lord Cholmley and tooke it; which was a ſingular good … of ſervice to the State, in … that this Houſe had been a very great and long miſchiefe to the Country in thoſe neer adjacent … into it.

Much alſo about this foreſaid time we were certified by letters out of Lincolnſhire, Col. Roſſiter Governour of Lincoln, his valour and activity.of the brave activity and valour of Colonell Roſſiter, Governour of Lincoln, who weekly uſed to fall upon the Enemy neer Newark, and that at one time he took a Major, a Captaine, and 30 Troopers and their horſes. Shortly after alſo, that iſſuing out again, he took another Major, 3 Captains, and 50 horſe more with their Riders, within three miles of Newark. The Commanders, eſpecially, were good prize, theſe not being ſo eaſily …, as Horſes, thoſe Newarke plunderers making a ſhift frequently to take an 100 horſe in a hight, out of the Villages about them; Thus that poor County of Lincoln was continually wronged and turned by that peſtilent den of plunderers.

About the 16th of this inſtant came certain intelligence of ſome late performances,Capt. Sydenham and Capt. Carrs brave exploit againſt the Lord Inchiquin. and good Service done by Captain Sydenbam and Captaine Carr, neer Dorcheſter, which was informed to be thus.

The Lord Inchiquin drew out of Warcha… about 240 horſe and Dragoons, and came againſt Dorcheſter, intending to plunder; burn, and deſtroy all before them: but making ſome pauſe before they fell upon the Town, it gave Valiant Captain Sydenham and Captain Carr, the opportunity of comming to their reliefe, before they had attempted the intended miſchiefe; and ſo they fell upon the ſaid Enemies about a mie from the Town, beat them ſoundly back again, took 160 priſoners with 60 horſe and good ſtore of their late gotten plunder elſewhere, loaden in a Waggon; and that ſome of the Enemies ſo taken being Iriſh Rogues, euen 8. of them, thus taken, had ſuch quarter given them as they gave the Proteſtants … Ireland, viz. That they hanged them up preſently, they having purſued their Enemies about 12 miles, killing many of them by the way.

About this foreſaid … the honourable Houſe of Commons in Parliament took into confideration (having alſo before it paſſed the bill and great buſineſſe of Ordination of Miniſters) the pious and p. 287religious … of a godly and learned miniſtery, of which there was and i… great complaint of the … of,A learned and godly Miniſtery to be Ordained. and not without cauſe (thankes to our former wicked Biſhops) almoſt all over the whol Kingdome: And thereupon they agreed that all ſuch as ſhall have Ordination, ſhall be ſound men well skil'd in Philoſophy, Logick, and in the Tongues. If all theſe and piety, eſpecially, muſt precede, it is to be feared that an age will not furniſh all the Pariſhes in England and Wales in ſuch a manner. How ever, we have juſt cauſe to bleſſe the Lord moſt heartily, for ſo bleſſed and long deſired a godly reſolution in them, and to wait on God for the good iſſue thereof.

Much alſo about the 18th of this inſtant July, came certain intimation by Letters to London from out of Leiſterſhire, that Generall Haſtings that wicked R…b-Carrier of all thoſe parts was at Colchet… with about 2000 horſe and Foot,W…lne Ferry and Fort taken by the Noble L. Grey and ſir Iohn Gell. they being all he could poſſibly draw out of all the Garriſons under his Command, with ſome intention to walk in his accuſtomed way of plundring, robbing, and ſpoyling the Country about him. Whereupon the truely noble and valiant Lord Gray of … hearing of this partee of the Enemy, drew out of Leiceſter, with all expedition, thirſting to give his old Antagoniſt battell, ſuppoſing this gallant partee which Haſtings had gathered together, would have put ſome valour into him; But as ſoon as the Lord Gr…y drew neer unto him, he preſently retreated to Aſ…by de la Zouch his old den, and kennell of refuge, to be, there, an onelyonly ſpectator of the Lord Grey and Sir John Gells meeting, who no ſooner were joyned together,Wilne Ferry ſtormed and taken. but they fell upon Wilne-Ferry and Fort (which had been Haſtings chief trap to take the Carriers in their paſſage between D…rby and Leiceſter) with ſuch reſolution and courage, that after 3 dayes ſiege, giving the Enemy continuall Alarms with notable thunder-claps of Cannon, both their Forces drew up cloſe to the Ferry and Fort, and immediately with admirable brave gallantry they ſtormed it, kill'd 8 or 9 men, took the Governour priſoner with 2 Captains,And a brave prize with it. 3 Lieutenants, 3 Enſignes, with their … and Colours, 2 Drakes, 80 Souldiers, neer an 100 Gentlemen and others which came in to their aſſiſtance with all their Armes, and brought them all into Leiceſter. In all which buſineſſe the Lord Grey loſt but one man, and ſome few hurt, but thanks be to God not mortally. As ſoon as this buſineſſe was thus ſucceſſefully finiſhed, my Lord preſently ſlighted the Works, pull'd down p. 288the Fort and burn'd the Houſe in its own rubbiſh, … to L…icester, the Enemy never ſo much as attempting to … Charge.

Now during this time,The noble L. Grey's Martiall Vigilancy for the good of the Country. the prudent Lord Grey, ever deſirous to preſerve his aſſo…iation, hearing that a party of Newarke and Belvoir Horſe was come up as farre as Melton, Mowbray, to plunder the Country in his abſence, he immediately ſent Colonell Wa…t with a party of Horſe to drive the Enemy out of the Country▪ or fight with them, which was accordingly done and the Country thereby in the interim ſafely protected.

And here now, I cannot, I may not paſſe over (without a great … of impious ingratitude) the happy remembrance of that moſt ſweet and Solemn-day of Thankeſgiving to the Lord our all-good-giving and forgiving God,The famous Celebration of the publike Thankſgiving for the late great Victory at, or …. which was rarely and religiouſly celebrated on Thurſday the 18th. of this inſtant July, 1644. for that late and moſt admirable, yea even miraculous Victory which the Lord our God gave unto our forces, under the command of thoſe three moſt renowned Generalls in the North, neer the City of York; And yet, which happy day, our impious and heaven-out-daring Adverſaries, the wretched Royaliſts, had laboured (as was before mentioned at the end of the deſcription of that famous victory) to cloud and to take off the Edge of our thankfulnes,The Enemy laboured to dim the cleer Sunſhine of our Day of thankſgiving. by ſpreading abroad falſe rumours, and preſuming, I ſay, moſt audaciouſly to mock God by outward appearances of their pretended and falſe joy, whereas they had no ſalvation wrought for them in the thing wherein they ſeemed to rejoyce; and one main argument which our Malignant-Enemies uſed to diſcourage and diſcountenance us, and (if it could have been) to have infuſed into us to believe that there was ſome truth in their outward flouriſhes (that ſo I ſay,Yorkes not being taken emboldned our Malignants to buz abroad their lyes. they might have caſt aſhes upon our heads in the day of our triumph) was becauſe the City of Yorke was not yeilded to us, which, ſaid they, would not, nay could not hold out if Prince Ro. had beene routed. But our moſt wiſe and mercifull God would not ſuffer them hereby to rob him of his honour: and therefore it is moſt worthy our obſervation that the newes of Yorkes being certainly ſurrendred unto the Parliaments forces,A remarkable print of providence to daſh our Malignants out of countenance. arived at London the very Thankeſgiving-day before the time ſet a part for the duties of our Solemn-Thankeſgiving; Which now, I ſay, comes here next to be ſpoken of, namely; That on Thurſday, July the 18th. 1644. The Lords and Commons of p. 289Parliament joyned together at Weſtminſter in the cheerful ſolemnization of this day, and every pariſh in and about London Aſſembling together, both forenoone and afternoone to hear Sermons preached in their Churches,The glorious rayes of that Sun-ſhine day ſhines forth over the kingdome. and prayers and praiſes proclaimed to our ſo great and good God, the Wonder-working God of this our Iſrael, and in a ſpeciall manner this was performed by the Right Honourable prudent and pious Lord Mayor of the City of London, Sir John Wolaſton, together with the moſt worthy Aldermen and Sheriffs his Brethren, as alſo all the Companies of the City of London, in their Gownes and Liveries,A narration of celebrating the Thankeſgiving-day at London. at Pauls-Church, where after the morning Sermon was ended, a volley of ſmall ſhot was triumphantly diſcharged, and two Enſignes or Colours were flouriſhed and diſplayed on the toppe of Pauls-ſteeple, which gave notice to the ſeverall Forts in the fields, and thereupon the Ordnance went off round about the City; and after the afternoones Sermon, great outward joy and thankeſgiving was expreſſed, both firſt in liberall ſummes of money, collected in the Churches to refreſh the loynes of the poore; and afterward in ringing of Bells, and making Bonefires in the ſtreets that night; yea and the neighbours and pariſhoners of divers pariſhes in London, both Husbands and Wives ſupped altogether in extraordinary ſolemn-manner,And of Chriſts-Church pariſh in particular. eſpecially in the pariſh of Chriſts-Church in London, where I my ſelfe was an unworthy part and preſent eye-witneſſe of the ſame; All or the greateſt part of the ſaid whole pariſh both men and women, eſpecially of the beſt ſort and quality, Knights, Ladies, Gentlemen and Gentlewomen; yea all well-affected perſons of faſhion and ability aſſembled together in the great Hall of Chriſts-Hoſpitall, to the number of about 200 men and their wives, who being all very gravely and cheerfully met together and ſupper made ready, their reverend, pious and painfull Paſtor, Mr. Jenkins (who indeed was the firſt mover of this ſo ſolemn meeting, an act worthy a godly Divine indeed) he, I ſay, began A Pſalme of David, as ſweet heavenly muſicke, which all the Company ſang together, whiles the diſhes of meat were brought in and ſet on the tables; Then a bleſſing on the creatures craved and ſupper ended, the ſaid reverend Paſtor, as hee piouſly began, ſo hee religiouſly concluded with thankeſgiving and another Pſalme ſung by them all at their tables, ere they roſe, all done in a moſt grave and reverend manner.

And here alſo I deſire the godly Reader to take notice of one remarkable paſſage of Gods providence about this worke, which happily p. 290pre…eded this ſolemn-meeting in the foreſaid place; viz▪ That upon the Wedneſday the very immediate day before this meeting, it pleaſed the Lord ſo to order and diſpoſe it;How the great Hall was ſwept of ſome foul Romiſh-rubbiſh the day before this meeting. That, that moſt worthy and moſt deſervedly ever to be honoured religious and zealous Nehemiah of our dayes, Sir Robert Harlow, Knight of the Bathe, came himſelfe to the ſaid Hoſpitall, and cauſed (by the power and authority of Parliament moſt happily inveſted on him) a mighty great and moſt blaſphemous Crucifix, which had continued there in marvellous fair and freſh oy… colours unde…ced for the ſpace of above a 100 or ſix ſcore yeares at leaſt, upon all the length and bredth of the wall at the upper end of that great Hall, and onelyonly a great picture in a large frame of the manner of the donation of the Hospitalls to the City of London, Sir Robert Halow …night of the Bath, pulls down and utterly demoliſheth a monſtrous great Crucifix in Chriſts Hoſpitall.ſet before it, and that monſtrous Crucifix ſtanding behind it. This abominable and moſt blaſphemous Crucifix (which no man before durſt touch to deface it, King CHARLES himſelf having, at his ſight of it, commanded the contrary) this moſt pious and religious noble Knight now cauſed, I ſay, to be preſently at his comming pulled down and broken, I dare ſay, into 1000 pieces, (I my ſelfe being an eye-witneſſe and aſſiſtant in this buſineſſe) it being all moſt gorgeouſly painted on boards, neatly and cloſely joyned together. And thus, I ſay, was that fair roome made far more fair, and cleanly ſwept of that moſt filthy and Popiſh-dirty Corner, that night, againſt the next dayes ſolemn-meeting, as aforeſaid; and all the wood and boards ſo pull'd down and broken in pieces was reſerved for this Thurſday-night, the Thankeſgiving Evening, and by the children of the Hoſpitall a great Bonefire was made of the fame,A great Bonfire made of the ſaid Crucifix, juſt at the Supper-time of the ſaid Pariſhioners. in a great yard, called the Townditch, juſt at the time when the foreſaid aſſembly were at ſupper. All this foreſaid ſolemn Celebration of this day of Thankeſgiving juſtly ſerving (beſides the outward expreſſion of chriſtian joy and triumph) for the ſhame and vexation of our audacious adverſaries the Parliaments Enemies, and all their malicious and malignant atheiſticall adherents. But now to goe on.

And now in the very next place comes moſt properly to be remembred and informed,The manner of the ſurrendring up of the City of Yorke to the Parliaments Forces. the manner and truth of the happy rendition and ſurrender of the City of York into the Parliaments poſſeſſion; Which alſo being fully and faithfully ſet out by the pious pen and zealous heart of that moſt religious and truly venerable Gentleman, Maſter S. Aſh, I have thought fit here againe to write by p. 291his Copy, and to plow with his Heifer, and to ſet it downe, as hee hath delivered it under his owne hands teſtimony, which was as followeth.

Upon Thurſday, Yorke cloſely beſieged again after the victory.Iuly the 11th. our Armies (ſaith hee) having after the foreſaid famous fight and glorious victory, cloſely begirt York again with a ſtrong and ſtraight ſiege, and made very neer approaches to the walls of Yorke, and raiſed batteries, whereby was made ſome Execution, and our men being now buſie in preparing ladders and other inſtruments for the ſtorming of the Town: Hereupon the Enemy,Preparation to ſtorm York. within, perceiving our ſerious reſolution, preſently ſent and deſired a treaty; According to which deſire, Sir William Conſtable and Colonell Lambert were ſent by the Lord Fairfax into the City upon other anſwerable hoſtages ſent out of the City for their ſecurity and ſafe return.A Treaty deſired by the City. They went in upon the next Saturday morning, and having ſpent that day in parley, they returned with this requeſt to the three Generalls, Commiſſioners authorized to parley and determine of Articles of agreement.That there might be Commiſſioners authorized to treat and conclude upon Articles for the peacable ſurrender of the City. Our three Generalls having demanded the judgement of ſome Miniſters, whether the worke of the Treaty might be approved and allowed on the Lords-day, and receiving encouragement that it might; They thereupon immediately appointed the Lord Hamby, Sir William Conſtable, and Colonell Mountague to goe the next day into the Town, three Hoſtages being ſent out of the Town for their ſecurity, who continued their Treaty and Debate till Munday about noon, and then returned with the Articles to be ſubſcribed by the three Generalls, The Articles of Agreement being 14 in number, ſubſcribed unto by the 3 Generalls.which were 14. in number, and which was done accordingly. But the particular recitall whereof I forbeare, for brevities-ſake, and as knowing they were aboundantly known to all that have heretofore read theſe relations.

Now if any upon the peruſall of thoſe Articles did conceive or imagine that too much favour was granted to the Enemy, I deſire that theſe …. Firſt, That the benefit which could be expected for our Armies,Conſiderations concerning the Articles. or the Kingdome, by taking the Town by ſtorme, could not poſſibly in any m…aſure counterveil the miſerable conſequences thereof, to many thouſands: Who knowes how much precious blood …ight have been ſpilt upon ſo hot a … the Town could have preſerved their houſes and ſhops … thouſand Souldiers had broken in upon them, with heat and violence? p. 292How much would this County have ſuffered in the ruin… of this City? And how many of our good friends in other places … drive Trades with Citizens, here, would have been pinched in their eſtates, by the impoveriſhing of their Debters.

Upon Tueſday the Enemy went out of the Town, according to Articles, our Souldiers were ſet on both ſides the way, where they were to paſſe, for the ſpace of a mile from Micklegate: and the Officers according to command, went from place to place, to prevent the doing of any wrong to the Enemies, as they marched away. That morning very early, as I ſhould have told you before, all the Souldiers in the Royall Fort, which is a curious and ſtrong worke, poſſeſſed with needleſſe feare, did run away, and left their Armes behinde them.

The fourth part of them, at leaſt, who marched out of the Town were women, many very poore in their apparell, and others in better faſhion. Moſt of the men had filled, and diſtempered themſelves with drink; the number of the Souldiers, as we conjectured, was not above a thouſand, beſides the ſick and wounded perſons.

When the Enemies were departed, our three Generalls went together into the City, attended with many of their Officers. The firſt houſe they entred, was the Minster-Church, where A Pſalme was ſung, and thankes given unto God by Maſter Robert Duglas, Chaplaine to the Lord Leven, for the giving of that City into our hands, upon ſuch eaſie termes; At which time notice was given, that Thurſday after ſhould be kept by the whole Army, as a day of Thankeſgiving for that great mercy, which accordingly was obſerved.

Now the three moſt noble Generalls alſo (as was credibly enformed) Manchester, Leven, and Fairfax, with the Committee of thoſe parts, as a moſt reall teſtimony of thankes to God both for their great Victory at YORKE and for this taking of the City of YORKE,A ſingular wiſe and ſatiſfactory Meſſage of the 3. Generalls to the Parliament. ſent to the Parliament, preſently after their poſſeſſion thereof, deſiring that Propoſitions of Peace might be prepared and ſent to the King to ſhew their true deſire of Peace, notwithſtanding this great Victory and advantage againſt the Kings party. But withall, deſiring that they might treat with their Swords in their hands, and that the War might be proſecuted,Propoſitions of Peace. as a ſpeciall meanes (next to Gods bleſſing) to bring about the better termes and aſcertaine p. 293the reallity and expedition of the worke; And they alſo deſired that buſineſſe about religion might be ſetled with all convenient ſpeed in the Church,Buſineſſe of Religion to be expedited. now that we had ſo good ſucceſſe. Now, ſurely, to deſire Propoſitions of Peace may goe forward, can argue nothing but a true and clear deſiring of Peace and the happy ſetlement of the Kingdome in quiet, the great thing ſo much (at leaſt pretended to be) deſired by the adverſe party; And this cannot but content (I hope) the great Vapours of Peace in our Malignants, Malignants mouths ſtopt.who deſire any Peace, be it ever ſo bad, ſo it be Peace. And now to proceed.

About the 20th. of this inſtant, we had certain information by the foreſaid reverend and religious Gentleman Mr Aſh his letters,The Lord of Mancheſter advances Southward. that the moſt noble Earl of Mancheſter advanced from YORKE more Southward to refreſh his Souldiers; and that night, being Saturday night, and all the next Lords-day his Foot quartered in …adcaſter and the other Townes thereabout, and his Horſe neere Pontefract, a ſtrong Garriſon of the Enemies, and from thence on the Munday following his Lordſhip remooved to Doncaſter, and quartered therein both his Horſe and Foot, in other Townes thereabout; from whence he ſent 200 Dragoones, commanded by Lieutenant Col. Lilburne, to quarter in Tickhill, about five miles from Doncaſter, Tickhill taken by the Earl of Mancheſters forces.where the Enemy had a long time quartered, where was a ſtrong Caſtle, called Tickhill-caſtle, which was palliſadoed and invironed with a broad Mote and a Counter-ſcarfe, in which was 80 Muskettiers and a Troop of Horſe armed, which did great oppreſſion and injury to the Co…ntry thereabout, both by laying heavy burthens and taxes upon them, and which did much interrupt the trade and tranſportation of cloth from Leedes, Hallifax and other parts of Bawtree, The ill neighbour-hood of Tickhill.their Horſe alſo bringing in frequently 20, 30, 40, horſes at a time loaden with cloath; which oftentimes upon the payment of twenty ſhil. a horſe-load they again releaſed. Now upon the Dragoones comming into the Town, they tooke priſoners, a Captain, a Cornet, a Quartermaſter and ſome other Souldiers, and about thirty horſes belonging to the ſaid Caſtle. The Governour of the Caſtle, underſtanding hereby, that my Lords Army was ſo neer,The Caſtle ſummoned. and being now ſummoned, the next day, to ſurrender the ſame to the King and Parliament, did admit parley with the ſaid Lieutenant Col. Lilburne, which conference produced this concluſion, That three of the chiefe Gentlemen therein ſhould p. 294come to my Lords quarters to Doncaſter upon a ſafe convoy … for their returne; which being done, and the Gentlemen comming accordingly, on Thurſday, Iuly the 25th. it was agreed that the ſaid Caſtle ſhould be yielded up the next day upon four or five fair and honourable Articles,Articles of Agreement concluded on and ſealed to. befitting Gentlemen and Souldiers; which Articles were ſealed by both parties accordingly, and then his Lordſhip, with Lieutenant Gen. Cromwell, Major Gen. Crawford and many other chiefe Officers (guarded by a brave Troop of Horſe) rode to Tickhill, the Fryday following in the afternoon to take poſſeſſion of it,My Lord of Mancheſter takes poſſeſſion of the Caſtle. and to ſee the Articles on our ſide exactly performed, whither being come, the Draw-bridge let downe, and a lane made by our Dragoones (to whom his Lordſhip had given ſtrict charge not to offer offence in the leaſt meaſure by word or deed to the Souldiers of the Garriſon, who were to paſſe by them) they all came out with paſſes in their hands to the ſeverall places of their deſired aboad who alſo were ſafely convoyed by our Troop of Horſe; and ſo his Lordſhip and his Officers, with twenty Musketteers onelyonly entred, and poſſeſſion being taken, and ſome hurries appeaſed, my Lord with his attendants, gave ſolemn thankes to God there, for giving in that place of ſo much concernment upon moſt eaſie termes and without the loſſe of one drop of blood. There were in the Caſtle Major M…nekton, the Governour; Colonell Redhead, Major Redhead, and divers Captaines, with ſome of their Wives. There was left in the Caſtle, one Iron-piece mounted, about in hundred Muskets, ſixty Horſe and Armes, ſome Powder and Match, above an 100 quarters of grain, many barrels of ſalt butter, ſtore of cheeſe, powdred Bee…e, and ſome beaſts and ſheepe with other neceſſary proviſions.

About the 23. of this inſtant came certain information by letters out of Gloucesterſhire that the valiant Colonell L…ughor…, Governour of … and Captain Moulton with his valiant and courageous Sayle…s,Col. … T horns & Cap. Moultons brave performances in Penb…ookſhire. underſtanding of Gerrards … approach to Pe…brook with the Earl of Carbery and his Welſh and Iriſh-Papiſts, our forces, there, joyned in a body to oppoſe them; and the inhabitants of the County, to ſhew the… willingneſſe to aſſiſt them in this great … the defence of their religion, lawes, and liberties; Firſt,The forwardneſſe of the inhabitants of the County to help againſt the Enemy. … books and P…piſh pictures (apt to ſeduce) to be brought forth and burnt, and then afterward joyned themſelves in a compleat bo…y with their other friends already in armes p. 295againſt the common Enemy, who marching into Pembrookeſhire our Forces met them, and notwithſtanding all their power, fell courageouſly upon them, and in a ſhort ſpace did notable execution upon them,Both Armies meet and the Enemies are diſcomfited. made the Welſh fly apace to their own homes and holes in the Mountaines with great loſſe unto them, even Gerrard himſelfe hardly eſcaping by flight. In this fight Colonell Laughorne and Captain Moulton flew and tooke priſoners, at leaſt 500 of the Enemies, they alſo took divers Armes, and many carryages with moſt of their baggage, yea the Enemy was ſo routed,The ſlain, priſoners and prizes taken. as 'twas verily believed, they could never be able to get into a conſiderable body again againſt them; Colonell Laughorne alſo reſolving to follow the purſuite, not leaving till he hath totally ſubdued them to the obedience of the King and Parliament. In this fight alſo, Captain Moulton and the brave Saylers deſerved much praiſe and due reſpect for their undanted activity in this, as in former performances: And it was credibly aſſured that ſince this brave Sea-commander Captain Moulton caſt the laſt Iriſh-rebells overboard into the Sea, there have not any more been ſeen to paſſe out of Ireland.

About the 26th of this inſtant, we had certain intelligence by letters out of Worceſterſhire, that there went a party of Horſe from Wor…eſter unto Eveſham with an intent to have ſurprized ſome of the Earl of Denbighs Forces,A moſt brave defeat given to the Enemy at Eveſham by the Earl of Den…ighs and Warwick Forces. who were there a fortifying Eveſham. But the vigilant and valiant Earl of Denbighs and Warwickſhire forces having private notice thereof in their march that way diſpatched 600 Horſe thither preſently, 300 whereof were to come in upon one ſide of the Town, and the other to wheele about and to come in by the other way upon the Enemies Rear; upon the comming in of the firſt party of the Enemies, ours began to retreat, and the Enemies thinking they fled began to follow them; But inſtantly they were ſet upon by our other party, which wheeled about upon the Enemies Rear, and skirmiſhed with them a while, till at laſt, 50 of them were ſlain in the place, and 120 Horſe, and about 40 or 50 priſoners taken with the loſſe of onelyonly two or three men of ours, at the moſt, the reſt of the Enemy got back into Worcester.

About the 28th of this inſtant we were credibly informed by letters out of the Weſtern parts of the Kingdome, that the King about this time, marching with his Forces into Devonſhire, and paſſing by Chard in Sommerſetſhire towards Honyton in Devonſhire, the way to Exetor. A Regiment of the Kings horſe, commanded in p. 296chiefe by that upſtart Lord, and rotten Runagado, Henry Piercy; who,Another brave defeat given by Lyme garriſon to the Enemies at Collyton. deſirous (as it appeared) to viſite Lyme, took up his quarters about Collyton, a Town within 3 miles of Lyme, and gave them an alarme; which notwithſtanding the Garriſon at firſt, ſlighting; yet, after a little pawſe, conſidering and perceiving the Enemies deſigne was onelyonly in a bravado to give them a viſit, and ſo a vale to return back again to Collyton; and renowned Lyme doubting whether it might not be taken a little unkindly if no regreet were given on ſo friendly a viſit: Lyme therefore to acquit themſelves of that ſuſpected guilt, ſodainly ſent out young Captain Hercules Pine, Capt. Herl, Capt. Bragg, and ſome others, with a partee of about an 120 horſe, who ere the Enemies had well digeſted their Supper at Collyton, ſodainly fell in among them, took as many horſe of the Enemy as they carried out with them, viz. between an 100 and ſixſcore, beſides 55 priſoners,Priſoners and prizes taken. whereof one was a Major of that Regiment; 2 or 3 Captains and ſome other Officers, above an 100 Armes, very good pillage found about thoſe they took, and brought them all ſafe into Lyme; that whole Regiment, by this notable exploit, being totally routed and diſperſed.

But yet this brave and moſt active Garriſon reſted not here, but made another gallant adventure with the like partee of horſe and came to Chard in Sommerſetſhire, Another defeat at Chard in Sommerſetſhire by Lime Garriſon.12 miles from Lyme, where the King being ſcarce got out of the Town with his main body, they ſurpriſed 11 gallant Horſes, all with rich ſaddles and furniture, conceived to be the Kings own Stable horſes, which they brought to Lyme, with ſome priſoners of the Enemies partee.

And about the 30th and 31th, of this inſtant Iuly, we were certainly informed by yet more frequent letters out of the Weſt that upon his Excellencies, Our moſt noble Lord Generalls brave and victorious advance and progreſſe in the Weſt.the moſt Noble Lord Generalls advance toward Plymouth, the Forces which were then, under that Apoſtate Greenvile being about 3000, were ſtricken with ſuch a panick fear, that they quitted their quarters there, and raiſed themſelves from their ſeverall trenches and holds; ſo as his Excellencies Forces immediately after,Divers brave Garriſons and much Ordnance taken by ours in the Weſt. poſſeſſed themſelves of ſeverall conſiderable Garriſons; as namely, Mount-Stamford, where they tooke fo…re pieces of Ordnance. Plympton, where they tooke 8 pieces of Ordnance. Salt Aſh, and in it a great Fort with ſome pieces of Ordnance, and many Armes. Lanſon alſo and divers other ſmall Garriſons p. 297thereabout, which all inſtantly yeilded to my Lord Generall. That preſently after, my Lord Generall ſent a party againſt Greenviles-houſe at Taveſtock (Plymouth men having alſo about this time taken the field, and being in all between 2 and three thouſand Horſe and Foot) whither they being come,Greenvils houſe at Tavestoke taken. thoſe within the Houſe hung out a white flag and deſired a parley; but our brave Souldiers had no patience to ſtand upon termes and treaties, but ſodainly and reſolutely ſtormed the Houſe, got over the walls and ſoone entred the Houſe, they within crying out for quarter, which was granted to all except bloody Iriſh-Rogues.Rich prizes and pillage taken in the Houſe. There was taken in the Houſe two pieces of Cannon, an 150 priſoners, very neer 1000 Armes, a …oomefull of excellent good Muskets, many pair of piſtols, excellent pillage for the Souldiers, even at leaſt 3000 pound in money and plate, and other proviſions in great quantity. From thence his Excellency advanced toward Lanceſton and tooke it, and in it 40 barrells of powder; And, that Skellum Greenvile being gotten to Newbridge, Newbridge taken by our Forces.which is a paſſage into Cornwall, his Excellency ſending a conſiderable party thither, ſet upon Greenviles Forces where they found ſome hot oppoſition for a while; but at laſt, ours got the bridge and Town too, with the loſſe of ſome 40 of our men, but there were ſlaine on the Enemies ſide,A hot skirmiſh at Newbridge. neere upon 200, and many priſoners on their ſide taken; and that a party of the noble and right valiant Lord Roberts Brigade (being ſent to purſue Greenvile and his Army, which was reported to be neer 3000 ſtrong horſe and foot) over-took him and forced their paſſage over Horſbridge fell fiercely on him and routed moſt of his forces about a place called Liſtithell, Greenvils Forces routed with much loſſe to him.in Cornwall, where many of his men were ſlain and a 150 taken priſoners, and that now they had no conſiderable Enemy left them in Cornwall, ſo as they might proceed according to their owne deſignes, leaving the moſt noble Lord Roberts with a reaſonable party in Cornwall, totally to keepe it downe and to reduce that whole County, by preſenting a full body to the Eaſt;Our Forces come to Bodmin in Cornwall. Intimating likewiſe that now, that had advanced toward Bodmin, and that in their paſſage from Newbridge (as aforeſaid) they had taken Tadcaſter and Foy, and that in all they had taken from the Enemy, 17 or 18 pieces of Ordnance,Tadcaſter and Foy taken & many ſhips therein. and many ſhips of good value in Foy, which the Enemy quitted, and yet it was a place of great conſequence, and a Haven-Towne in Cornwall. And thus the Weſt alſo, (as ye have heard) is in a very faire way and hopefull condition, as well as the p. 298North, to be timely reduced to the obedience of the Parliament, eſpecially,The hopefull condition of the Weſtern parts to be reduced to the Parliament. if the Kings forces (now gathered into a body in thoſe parts) be well back't with a party of the Parliaments, to come as a reſerve upon his Rear, which was (about this time) ſeriouſly recommended to the farther conſideration and ſpeedy diſpatch of the Committee of both Kingdomes, and alſo of the Weſterne Committee; and money and other neceſſary ſupplies to be ſent ſpeedily to his Excellency the moſt noble and renowned Lord Generall of the Parliaments Forces.

And thus now have we by Gods good providence and gracious guide and aſſiſtance, brought our Bark back again moſt proſperouſly into the Haven or Harbour of this Moneths reſt and repoſe alſo, full fraught and richly laden with rare Commodities; moſt worthy the ſerious reveiw, rumination and recogitation of every pious and prudent Chriſtian Reader: Wherefore I ſhall here now caſt Anchour and make a ſtay to reſt and refreſh this our weary and weather-beaten Bark, to rig and trim it and fit it for another Voyage, whenſoever God gives a fair occaſion thereunto. In which interim, let me here now unlade and lay open in a ſummary and ſhort occular ſight and review,A gratefull ſummary recitall of all the rich Parliamentary-mercys of this Month. all the moſt rare, rich, and indeed, unvaluable Parliamentary-prizes, and Kingdome-commodities, which God hath purchaſed for us in this laſt Moneths happy Voyage and honourable adventure.

1As firſt, in our moſt noble Lord Generalls firſt very ſucceſſefull advance toward the Weſtern parts of the Kingdome from Oxford to raiſe the Siege at Lyme; Darbyſhires activity; Barnſtables revolt from the King to the Parliament; And the ſecond brave defeat given to the Enemy at Oſweſtree by the moſt noble and renowned Lord Denbighs Forces.

2In that moſt famous defeat and glorious Victory, given by the good hand of God to the Parliaments three moſt renowned and victorious Generalls, the moſt religious and renowned Earl of Mancheſter, his Excellency Generall Leſley, and the ever to be honoured valiant and victorious Lord Fairfax, againſt that barbarous and bloody hair-braind ignoble Rupert, the diſgrace of his progenitors and indelible ſtain of his Poſterity.

3In the notable and unexpected diſcovery of the Lord of R…chfords diſloyalty to the Parliament in ſpeciall and Kingdome in generall; The taking of Greenland-houſe by Major Generall Browne; And p. 299Taunton-caſtle by the moſt Noble Lord Generalls Forces.

In the taking of Cholmley-houſe by the moſt noble Earl of Denbigh; 4Colonell Roſſiter Governour of Lincoln his valour and activity againſt the Common-Enemy; Captain Sydenham… and Captaine Carrs moſt brave exploit againſt the Lord Inchiquin; and the religious reſolution of the Parliament to eſtabliſh a learned and godly Miniſtry.

In the taking of Wilne-Ferry and Fort by the noble Lord Grey and valiant and faithfull Sir John Gell; the ſaid Lord Greys valour and 5vigilancy for the good of his Country; and the moſt ſolemn and memorable Celebration of the Day of Thankeſgiving at London for the moſt famous victory which God gave us at the great and bloody fight nere the City of Yorke.

In the moſt happy ſurrendering up of the City of York it ſelf unto the three moſt noble Lord Generalls forementioned, and the pious 6and prudent Meſſage and motion which the ſaid noble Generalls made and ſent to the Parliament in point of farther thankfullneſſe to God, and ſatisfaction even to the worſt of men.

In the moſt noble, renowned and truely religious Earl of Mancheſters 7ſucceſſefull and victorious advance and progreſſe with his brave Army in taking Tickhill-castle and farther proſperous proceedings ſince the laſt great victory at Yorke.

And laſtly, In the brave defeates given to the Royſterly-regall Enemies, 8both by Col. Laughorn and Capt. Moulton in Pembrookeſhire; by the noble Earl of Denbighs and Warwick Forces, at Eveſham; the famous and ever to be renowned Garriſon of Lyme at Colliton and Chard; and finally in the moſt noble and renowned Lord Generalls brave and victorious and famous progreſſe into Devonſhire and Cornwall and all thoſe Weſtern parts, wherein hitherto by Gods power and providence, he might worthily ſay, as conquering Caeſar ſaid, Veni, vidi, vici; even all, for the moſt part either voluntarily comming in unto him, or violently enforced thereunto, by his valiant and victorious forces. All which moſt ſeriouſly and religiouſly conſidered, have we not, good Reader, great cauſe juſtly and ingenuouſly to confeſſe and acknowledge, to ſee and ſay with holy Samuel, EBEN-EZER, 1 Sam. 7. 12.1 Sam 7:12and to make this the glorious and gracious Motto of our Parliamentary Barke, the Ark of our God, moſt deeply ingraving it with indelible characters of golden-gratefull Remembrance. EBEN-EZERHITHERTO HATH THE LORD HELPED VSUS. p. 300And therefore zelouſly and conſtantly to conclude and hold (maugre all malicious contradiction whatſoever) that our title is moſt truely and infallibly ratified from heaven, by all thoſe manifold and even miraculous premiſes and patternes thereof;GODS ARK overtops the Worlds waves that GODS Arke hath moſt triumphantly over-topped and been born above all the Worlds boyſterous Billows & ſwelling ſurges. And hitherto the Lords moſt faithfull and glorious Cauſe, bleſſedly embarked in our moſt pious Parliament; hath (in all its juſt undertakings) moſt impregnably prevailed and been preſerved againſt all the Malignant Atheiſticall and Papiſticall Machinations, Plots and Practizes that men or devills were ever able to invent and foment againſt Gods Truth, and a glorious and pure Goſpel-Reformation. In ſo much that now upon all theſe ſerious conſiderations of the Enemies combinations, and injurious conjurations on the one ſide, and our Gods moſt omnipotent and omniprudent fruſtrations of them all, thus from time to time, wee may moſt worthily ſay as the holy Prophet once ſaid, eſpecially on the gracious and moſt gratefull recordation of that moſt memorable and admirable victory at Marſton-Heath neere Yorke, and alſo all thoſe late forementioned Weſterne victories even of this laſt MonethMonth of July, wee may ſay and that moſt worthily, as the LORD God himſelfe ſaid by the holy Prophet.Micah 4. 11, 12, 13.Mic 4:11Mic 4:12Mic 4:13 Now alſo many nations are gathered together againſt thee (O Engliſh ISRAEL) that ſay, let her be defiled, and let our eyes looke on Zions defilement. But they know not the thoughts of the Lord, neither underſtand they his Counſell. For hee hath gathered them together, as ſheaves into the barn-floor. And hath ſaid to all our renowned Generalls and to their Armies. Ariſe and threſh O daughter of Zion; for I have made thy horne as iron, and thy horſes hoofes as braſſe, and thou ſhalt beat and bruiſe in pieces (as with a ſtrong flale) many people; and I will conſecrate their gain to my ſelfe, ſaith the Lord, and their ſubſtance to the Lord of the whole Earth. This Scripture moſt properly appropriated to England.And haſt not thou (ô England, as then Zion was promiſed) ſeen all this come to paſſe for thy ſake upon thine Enemies; Even many nations brought together, Engliſh, Iriſh, Dutch, French, Walloons & who not, that could be, & was not gathered againſt thee to defile and ſpoil thee, yea to glut their accurſed eyes and hearts with wicked joy at thy ruine and defilements: But ah wicked fooles! how ignorant and unacquainted were they with the Lords Counſels, and how farre his thoughts were above and againſt their thoughts; who brought them but together (at York and elſe where) like ſo p. 301many Sheaves on the barn-floar of Marſton-Heath, and there and then moſt graciouſly and gloriouſly ſaid to our renouned Generalls, Commanders and Souldiers; Ariſe, ariſe, and threſh thoſe Sheaves of ſhame and dishonour, for I have made your Swords and inſtruments of war as Iron flales, and your horſes hoofs as braſſe to trample on them and tear them in peices: And then did the Lord alſo moſt triumphantly conſecrate unto himſelfe (and we as we were able moſt worthily) gave their gain and ſubſtance, even all the honour and glory of theſe great and moſt famous victories, to the Lord our God alone, whoſe ſtrong arme alone got us and gave us theſe glorious victories over all thoſe our fierce and furious Enemies. Yea he alone I ſay, According to their deeds, Eſay 59. 18.Isa 59:18accordingly hath repayed fury to his Churches and Childrens adverſaries, recompenſe to his Enemies, and to the (Iriſh) I ſtand he hath repayed and will yet still repay recompence. And thus indeed it muſt needs be, for, Their ſtrength and defence was departed from them and our God had made them as bread for us to eat and devour. Num. 14. 9.Num 14:9Yea our God hath for us wounded and broken in pieces the heads of theſe Leviathans and given them as meat to us his poore deſpiſed people; Pſal. 74 14.Ps 74:14And hath wounded the hairy ſcalps of all theſe that th…s went on in their inſatiable wickedneſſe. Pſal. 68. 21.Ps 68:21That thus therefore the great name of the Lord might be feared from the North to the West, and his glorious ſplendour from the riſing of the Sun; for even then when the Enemies came in like a flood: Eſay 59. 19.Isa 59:19then did the Lord lift up his Standard againſt them.

And truly the Lord hath dealt with all our proud Enemies all along in a moſt eminent and evident manner (had we but eyes and hearts of underſanding to ſee and perceive it) even ever ſince theſe laſt moſt notorious and odious plots and practizes of the Atheiſticall Royalists in the abominable buſineſſe of the accurſed ceſſation and confederation with the bloody Rogues and Rebells of Ireland, juſt as it is moſt notably ſet forth by the Prophet Ezekiel concerning Pharaoh King of Aegypt. Eze. 32. 2, 3, 4.Ezek 32:2Ezek 32:3Ezek 32:4Our proud Enemies were like young Lyons of the nations, and as a Whale in the ſea; and came out of their rivers, and troubled our waters with their feet, Our Enemies (as a whale) are caught in Gods not to their ruine.and fouled our rivers with mud and blood. But the Lord our God did (then) ſpread out a net over them, with a company of many people, who brought them up into his net and dragg'd them, and there the Lord left them, as fiſh upon dry-land, and caſt them forth upon the open field, and cauſed the fouls of the heaven to remain upon them, and (had they been left unburied) p. 302all the beaſts of the land had been filled with them; as thoſe inhumane bloody Iriſh-Rebels ſuffered many of our poor Engliſh Proteſtants to be devoured by hogs and dogs left unburied in their fields and ditches.

And now therefore good Chriſtian and candid Reader, thou who haſt any true Engliſh-ingenuity and piety ſparkling in thy ſoul, ſpeak from thy heart and conſcience, and tell mee truely, have wee not great and everlaſting cauſe, with moſt cordiall-exultation and raviſhing joy of Soul and Spirit, to break out again and again into holy Moſes his moſt excellent ſhort and ſweet expreſſion of GODS infinite and admirable goodneſſe; Who is like unto thee ô Lord among the gods,Exod. 15. 11.Exod 15:11 who is like unto thee? glorious in holineſſe, fearfull in praiſes, doing Wonders. Let every one of us therefore joyntly and ſeverally, with that ſweet Singer of Iſrael holy David, with heart and voyce ſing and ſay; I will remember the Workes of the Lord, ſurely I will remember his Wonders of old and of late,Pſal. 77. 11, 12. 14, 15.Ps 77:11Ps 77:12Ps 77:14Ps 77:15 I will meditate alſo of all his workes, and talke of all his excellent doings. For who is ſo great a God as our God, yea thou art God that doeſt wonders, thou haſt declared ſtrength among the people; Thou haſt with thy ſtrong arme redeemed thy people, even the ſons of Jacob and Joſeph. It is better, therefore (as the ſame Pſalmograph,Pſal. 118. 8, 9.Ps 118:8Ps 118:9 ſweetely) to truſt in the Lord, than to put confidence in man: Yea it is better to truſt in the Lord, than to put confidence in princes. And who (then) would not feare thee, O King of nations? for unto thee alone, indeed, doth appertain all honour and glory; for as much as among all the wiſemen of the nations, and in all their Kingdomes,Jer. 10. 7.Jer 10:7 there is none like unto thee our God.

Finally, therefore (good Reader) to ſhut up all, all that I can ſay herein, (having ſaid ſo much already in my two former parts of this our Parliamentary-Chronicle) is and ſhall be onelyonly this; That, me thinkes,The cloſe of all. all theſe ſo many and ſo manifeſt evidences of Gods beſt preſence with us, and of Gods all powerfull hand of providence thus admirably upholding us in the Innocency and Integrity of our Cauſe, which he ſo cleerly makes and ownes to be his Cauſe, by all thoſe late and former Northern and Weſtern Victories and other moſt ſpecious returns of prayers,What uſe wee are to make of all the forementioned Parliamentary-mercies. ſhould make us walk more yea moſt comfortably and confidently with our God: That our God having thus enabled us to overcome the Beares and the Lyons of impious & audacious oppoſition of the work of Reformation in Church, and ſtate, will not fail alſo to deliver into our hands and unto our beleeving hearts the greateſt ſeeming Goliahs and uncircumciſed p. 303Philiſtims of proud and lewd reluctancies and obſtructions, which either men or devils can raiſe up againſt Gods glorious cauſe and unſpotted Truth, Chriſtians muſt Wait & Beleeve.which is great and ſhall prevail; onelyonly let us wiſely waite and beleeve; for as I have oft (on theſe like occaſions) ſaid to my Chriſtian friends; who have ſtill been harping and hammering on this demand; I, but when ſhall this be? (A too curious and indeed unchriſtianly queſtion) Beggers muſt be no carvers, Beggars muſt be no carvers. Habbuc. 2. 3.neither of the time nor means. But the true Beleiver makes not haſte, but is willing to waite; becauſe the Viſion which is for an appointed time, at the end ſhall ſpeak and will not lye; OnelyOnly though it tarry, yet waite for it, becauſe it will ſurely come, and will not tarry: as the Prophet moſt pertinently and excellently.

In ſum, Let me adviſe thee (good Reader) who ever thou art, (as holy Moſes adviſed and encouraged his fainting Iſraelites in their greateſt ſtrait, of Pharaoh and his furious Hoaſt behinde them, the Red Sea before them,In what poſture Gods people are to wait on God for deliverance. and impaſſable hills and mountains on both ſides of them) Fear not, but ſtand ſtill, in immovable true faith, holy univerſall Obedience, and heavenly harmonious Vnity one with another (O take heed of inteſtine Diviſions which ſpoil us) in this triple pious poſture, I ſay, Let us all (voyd of all ſlaviſh fear) ſtand ſtill and ſee the Salvation of our God: Whereunto, the Lord in Chriſt (through whom onelyonly we are able to do this and all things) graciouſly enable us. Amen, and Amen.