Chapter VI: Part II: To Be Continued (3)

The reasons of the Lords and Commons in Parliament, why they cannot agree to the alteration and addition in the articles of cessation offered by His Majesty: with His Majestie's gracious answer thereunto, April 4, 1643. Printed by His Majestie's command at Oxford by Leonard Lichfield, Printer to the University. 1643.

On April 12th, 1643, the House of Commons ordered that Sir
Frederick Cornewallis be forthwith sent for in safe custody for
dispersing this book (which he brought with him from Oxford)
printed without the order of the House; and the printers were
enjoined not to proceed in the printing, publishing, or dispersing
the said book. On the 19th April however, Sir Frederick Cornwallis
was ordered to be discharged from custody.[96]

This is a pamphlet of 25 pages, a copy of which is preserved in the
British Museum Library, bound with others in a volume, on one of
the fly leaves of which there is this interesting note:--

"Memorandum y^t Col. Will. Legg and Mr. Arther Treavor wer imployed
by his Ma^{tie} K. Charles to gett for his present use, a Pamphlet,
w^{ch} his Ma^{tie} had then occasion to make use of, and not
meetinge w^{th} it, they both came to me, havinge heard y^t I did
imploy my selfe to take up all such thinges from y^e begininge of
that Parlement. And findinge it w^{th} me, tould me it was for
y^e kinges owne use, I tould them all I had were at his Ma^{ties}
command and service, and w^{th}all tould them if I should part
w^{th} it, and loose it presuminge y^t when his Ma^{tie} had
done w^{th} it, y^t litle accompt would be made of it, and soe I
should loose it by y^t losse a Limbe of my Collection, w^{ch} I
should be very loth to doe, well knowinge it would be impossible
to supplie it if it should happen to be lost, w^{th} w^{ch} answer
they returned to his Majestie at Hampton Court, (as I take it)
and tould him they had found y^t peece he soe much desired, and
w^{th} all how loath he y^t had it was to part w^{th} it, he much
fearinge its losse; whereuppon they were both sent to me againe by
his Ma^{tie} to tell me y^t upon y^e word of A Kinge, (to use their
owne expressions) he would safely returne it, thereuppon immediatly
by them, I sent it to his Ma^{tie.}

"Who havinge dun w^{th} it, and havinge it w^{th} him when he was
goinge towardes y^e Isle of Wight let it fall in y^e durt; And
then callinge for y^e two persons before mentioned (who attended
him) delivered it to them, w^{th} a charge, as they would answer
it another day, y^t they should both speedyly and safly returne it
to him, from whom they had received it. And w^{th}all to desier
y^t partie to goe on and continewe what had begun, w^{ch} Booke
togeather w^{th} his Ma^{ties} signification to me, by those worthy
and faithfull gent, I received both speedyly and safely.

"W^{ch} volume hath y^t marke of Honor upon it, w^{ch} noe other
volume in my Collection hath. And very dilligently and carefully
I continewed y^e same, until y^e most happie restoration and
Coronation of his most gratious Ma^{tie} Kinge Charles y^e Second,
whom God Longe Preserve."

"Geo. Thomason."

124.

A discourse, or Parley, continued between _Partricius_ and _Peregrine_ (upon their landing in France) touching the Civill Wars of England and Ireland. 1643.

On August 11th, 1643, this pamphlet was referred by the House of
Commons to the Committee for examinations.[97] It seems never to
have been finished, for in the British Museum Library there is a
portion of it extending to 24 pages, but with no title page; and a
manuscript note on one of the fly leaves says that it was written
by James Howell, and that it was taken while printing, when Howell
was in prison in the Fleet, and that no more of it was printed.

125.

A discourse of a true hearted Englishman. 1644.

On July 3rd, 1644, the House of Commons ordered that the author and
printer of this pamphlet should be enquired for.[98]

126.

A book by one Williams, concerning the tolerating of all sorts of Religion. 1643.

Owing to the vagueness with which this book is mentioned in the
Commons' Journals, I have not been able to identify it at all. On
August 9th, 1644, the House of Commons ordered that all the copies
should be publicly burnt.[99]

127.

Lex, Rex, the Law and the Prince. A dispute for the just Prerogative of King and People. Containing the reasons and causes of the most necessary defensive wars of the Kingdom of Scotland, and of their Expedition for the ayd and help of their dear Brethren of England. In which their Innocency is asserted, and a full answer is given to a seditious pamphlet intituled _Sacro-sancta Regum Majestas_, or the Sacred and Royall Prerogative of Christian Kings; Under the name of J. A., but penned by Jo. Maxwell the Excommunicate P. Prelat. With a scripturall confutation of the ruinous grounds of W. Barclay, H. Grotius, H. Armisæus, Aut. de Domi. P. Bishop of Spalato, and of other late Anti-Magistratical Royalists; as, The Author of Ossorianum, D. Fern, E. Symmons, the Doctors of Aberdeen, &c. In XLIV questions. Published by authority. London: Printed for John Field, and are to be sold at his house upon Addle-Hill, near Baynards-Castle. Octob. 7, 1644.

This book was written by Mr. Samuel Rutherford. A copy is preserved
in the British Museum Library. It is in quarto, and contains 467
pages. It was ordered to be burnt by the hands of the Common
Hangman.

128.

A True Relation of the most Chiefe Occurrences, at, and since the late Battell at Newbery, untill the disjunction of the three Armies, of the Lord Generall, the Earle of Manchester, and Sir William Waller, together with the London Brigade, under the command of Sir James Harrington. Published upon necessity, both to undeceive the mistaken multitude, and to vindicate the Earle of Manchester from many undeserved aspersions commonly cast upon him, either through ignorance or prejudice. Penned by Simeon Ash, who as his Chaplaine did waite upon his Lordship, in the Westerne Expedition. London, Printed by G. M. for Edward Brewster, at the Signe of the Bible at Fleete-Bridge. 1644.

A pamphlet of 12 pages, of which there is a copy in the British
Museum Library. On January 20th, 1644, the House of Commons ordered
that enquiry should be made who was the author, printer, and
divulger of this book.[100]

129.

The Speech of their Excellencies the Lords Ambassadours Extraordinary from the High and Mighty States General of the United Provinces of the Netherlands, taking their leave of both the Honourable Houses of Parliament assembled at Westminster, 10 April, 1645. Translated out of French into English, and printed by their Excellencies order. Steph. Taylor, Secr. Together with a moderate answer by a private Gentleman. Printed according to order. London. Printed by M. B. for Robert Bostock at the King's Head in Paul's Church-yard, 16 April, 1645.

A pamphlet of 6 pages, of which there is a copy in the British
Museum Library. On April 15th, 1645, the House of Commons, on being
informed of this printed paper, ordered that the consideration of
its printing and publishing should be referred to the Committee
of both Kingdoms, who were to give an account thereof the next
morning.[101]

130.

The Scottish Dove. 1645.

On May 23rd, 1645, the House of Commons ordered that the Committee
of Examinations should send for the writer of this pamphlet to
examine him touching some passages in one of his pamphlets "laying
some aspersions upon the Prince of Orange, complained of by the
States Ambassadors."[102]

131.

Various books and treatises by one Paul Best, alleged to be of a blasphemous and irreligious nature.

I have not been able to discover the titles or even the existence
of these books. On June 10th, 1645, the Assembly of Divines
attended the House of Commons, and being called in represented
the blasphemies of one Paul Best against the Deity of our Saviour
Jesus Christ, and of the Holy Ghost, contained in books, treatises,
and notes of his, and in his answer to twelve Interrogatories
drawn out of the writings of the said Paul Best; and they desired
that the Parliament would use that authority they were intrusted
with, for executing of condign punishment upon an offender of so
high a nature; that, in reference to the crime, he might be made
exemplary: "that all the world may know, how much you detest such
prodigious blasphemies, and heresies of so fearful a nature." It
was thereupon referred to the Committee of plundered ministers,
to examine, with all diligence, the truth of the fact of the
informations against Paul Best, of divers prodigious blasphemies
against the Deity of our Saviour and the Holy Ghost, contained
in notes and writings of the said Paul Best, and that they bring
their opinions to the House with all speed, what they think fit
to be done in the business, and it was resolved that Best should
be forthwith committed close prisoner to the Gatehouse Prison. On
January 28th, 1645/6, it was further resolved that an ordinance be
prepared and forthwith brought in for punishing with death Paul
Best for his "abominable, prodigious, horrid blasphemies."[103]

132.

Comfort for Beleevers about their Sinnes and Troubles, in a treatise showing that true Beleevers, how weake soever in faith, should not be opprest, or perplexed in heart by anything whatever befalls them either in sin or afflictions. By John Archer, Master of Arts, sometime Preacher of All Hallowes, Lumbard Street, London. London, 1645.

On July 14th, 1645, this book was brought before the notice of
the House of Commons by the Assembly of Divines, and its scope
was stated to be, "that true believers, how weak soever in faith,
should not be oppressed or perplexed in heart by anything whatever
befals them either in sin or afflictions." The author's words were,
"God is and hath an hand in, and is the author of the sinfulness of
his people; and that God is more in their sins and their sorrows
than they themselves," &c. The author, the Rev. John Archer, a
minister, was said to be dead. The book was thereupon ordered to be
publicly burnt by the Common Hangman; some of them in the Palace
Yard, and other some in Cheapside, Smithfield, Paul's Church-yard,
and the Exchange; and the Stationers' Company was to search for and
seize upon the same, and deliver them to the Sheriffs of London
and Middlesex, who were to see this order put in due execution.
The Assembly of Divines were also to appoint some of their members
to be present at the burning of these books; and to declare to
the people the abominableness of it; and if there be cause, to
vindicate the author. And it was referred to the Committee of
Examinations to find out the author and printer of this book,
and who brought the same to the press.[104] A copy exists in the
British Museum Library.

133.

England's Birthright justified against all arbitrary usurpation, whether regall or parliamentary, or under what vizor whatever. With divers Queries, Observations, and Grievances of the People, declaring this Parliaments present Proceedings to be directly contrary to those fundamentall principles, whereby their actions at first were justifyable against the King, in their present illegall dealings with those that have been their best friends, advancers and preservers; and in other things of high concernment to the Freedom of all the Freeborn People of England; by a Well Wisher to the just cause for which Lieutenant Col. John Lilburne is unjustly imprisoned in Newgate.

A pamphlet of 49 pages, of which there is a copy in the British
Museum Library. On November 8th, 1645, this pamphlet was referred
by the House of Commons to a Committee to report their opinions
thereupon to the House.[105]

134.

Divers papers presented to the Honourable Houses of Parliament by the Commissioners of the Kingdome of Scotland. London, printed by M. B. for Robert Bostock, at the Kings Head in Pauls Church Yard. 1645.

On November 14th, 1645, the House of Commons ordered that the
Committee of Examinations should send for the printer of this
book, and examine him by what direction or authority the same was
printed. On the 18th November the Committee reported that Robert
Bostock, stationer, being examined, said that he caused the first
impression of these papers to be made; that they were licensed by
Mr. Crauford, minister; and were brought to him by Mr. Buchanan
without any knowledge or consent of the Scotts Commissioners that
he knew of.[106] A copy exists in the British Museum Library.

135.

A word to the wise. Displaying great augmented grievances, and heavie pressures of dangerous consequence. Appearing by certain materiall weighty passages of speciall concernment. Remonstrating the great dangers which the Counties of Cumberland and Westmoreland are in (though now in the hands of the Parliament) but like to be possessed by the enemy, who aimeth at it, above all other landing places, from foraign parts; the said Countries being most hazardable, sith that Mr. Richard Barwis (a member of the House of Commons) hath (as is set forth by the Commissioners for the well affected, in their charge) betrayed his trust, and placed traytors, and disaffected officers in the said Counties, tending to the ruine of the well affected, and to the incouragement and upholding of the malignant party. All which being certified by Mr. John Musgrave, Commissioner, for and in the behalfe of those Countries aforesaid, who gave in the charge against Mr. Richard Barwis. And the House having referred the same to a Committee, instead of prosecuting the charge brought against the said Mr. Barwis, Mr. Musgrave aforesaid was illegally committed to Fleet Prison (although he still offereth, and is still able to prove his charge by a cloud of sufficient competent witnesses) and although the same day (in which he was committed by the House) certain and true intelligence came to the Parliament that the enemy had entered the said County, yet notwithstanding is this worthy gentleman, still most unjustly and ungratefully retained in prison against all Law, and Justice; and though he (the said Mr. John Musgrave) hath petitioned the House in behalf of his Country, for redresse of the said grievances, yet are not the grievances redressed, but the Traytors and disaffected are still there retained in their offices. All which is apparent by these following producements.

A pamphlet of 20 pages, of which there is a copy in the British
Museum Library. On January 27th, 1645/6, the House of Commons
referred to the Committee of Examinations to make a strict enquiry
after the author, printer, and divulger of this pamphlet, and to
give a speedy account thereof to the House.[107]

136.

A Confession of Faith of seven Congregations or Churches of Christ in London which are commonly but unjustly called Anabaptists. Published for the vindication of the truth, and information of the ignorant; likewise for the taking off of those aspersions which are frequently both in Pulpit and Print unjustly cast upon them. The second impression corrected and enlarged. Published according to order. London, printed by Matthew Simmons, and are to be sold by John Hancock in Pope's Head Alley. 1646.

On January 29th, 1645/6 the House Of Commons resolved that the
Serjeant should apprehend Benjamin Cox and Samuel Richardson, the
parties who delivered this pamphlet at the door to the members of
the House, and to take bail of them to appear from time to time at
the Committee for plundered ministers; and that it be referred to
that Committee to examine the book, and the parties whose names are
subscribed; to send for the licenser and printer, and state the
business to the House with all speed, and that the Committee of
plundered ministers should have power to advise with such of the
Assembly of Divines as they should think fit to send for upon this
business. It was also ordered that the Stationers' Company should
take diligent care to suppress the pamphlet, and the Serjeant at
Arms was to send some of his servants immediately to seize and
suppress the said books. The parties who delivered the pamphlet at
the door were also ordered to be called in, and asked by what order
and authority the pamphlet was published, and who licensed it.
Whereupon Samuel Richardson and Benjamin Cox were called in, and
being demanded who printed the said pamphlet, said, One Simonds;
and that he got it licensed: and Richardson said, that the printer
told him that Mr. Downeham licensed it: that this was a second
edition: that they had meetings every first day of the week: that
there were seven congregations of them English and one French: and
that the subscribers were two of every congregation.[108] A copy of
this book exists in the British Museum Library.

137.

Another word to the wise. 1646.

On February 23rd, 1645/6, the House of Commons referred to the
Committee of Examinations to find out the author, printer,
and dispersers of this pamphlet, which was also ordered to be
suppressed; and the author, printers, publishers, sellers, or
dispersers of the same were to be committed to prison.[109]

138.

The last warning to all the Inhabitants of London.

On March 21st, 1645/6, the House of Commons referred this pamphlet
to the Committee for Examinations, to find out the author, printer,
and publisher.[110] A copy exists in the British Museum Library. It
is in quarto, and contains eight pages, but is without title page,
date, or author's name.

139.

Justiciarius justificatus. The Justice justified. Being an Apologeticall Remonstrance, delivered to the Honourable Commissioners of the Great Seale, by George Wither Esquire and occasioned by Sir Richard Onslow Knight with some others, who moved to have him put out of the Commission of the Peace in Surrey. In which private defence many things are expressed verie pertinent to publike consideration, and to the vindication of the liberties of the subject, in generall, and of Magistrates in particular.

A tart and libellous remonstrance on being thrust out of the
Commission for the peace and gaol delivery in Surrey, which act
Wither ascribed to Sir Richard Onslow's malice. On April 10th,
1646, the House of Commons being informed of this pamphlet,
resolved that Wither should be forthwith sent for as a delinquent,
and the book was referred to the consideration of the Committee of
Examinations. On the 7th August following it was further resolved
that the matters contained in this book which reflected upon Sir
Richard Onslow were "false, scandalous, and injurious," and that
Wither should pay him £500 for damages. The book was ordered to be
burnt at Kingston upon Thames and at Guildford, upon the market
days there.[111] A copy is preserved in the British Museum Library.
It is in quarto, and contains fifteen pages, but has no title page
or date.

140.

Truth its manifest, or a short and true relation of divers main passages of things (in some whereof the Scots are particularly concerned) from the very first beginning of these unhappy troubles to this day. London. 1645.

This book was written by Mr. David Buchanan. On April 13th, 1646,
the House of Commons resolved that Buchanan should be sent for as
a delinquent by the Serjeant at Arms and brought to the bar of
the House the next morning, for writing this book; also that the
book itself contained in it many matters false and scandalous; and
order was given that it should be forthwith burnt by the Common
Hangman. On the 20th April the Lords were desired to concur in
this order.[112] A copy of this book exists in the British Museum
Library. It is in duodecimo and contains 142 pages.

141.

Some papers of the Commissioners of Scotland given in lately to the Houses of Parliament concerning the Propositions of Peace. London, printed for Robert Bostock, dwelling at the Sign of the King's Head in Paul's Church-yard, April 11, 1646.

On April 13th, 1646, the House of Commons resolved that this book
contained matters "scandalous and false," and it was ordered to be
burnt forthwith by the Common Hangman. It was also declared that
"the author and publisher thereof was an Incendiary between the two
kingdoms of England and Scotland," and search was to be made for
him.

It was also ordained by both Houses of Parliament that the
Epistle and Tract intituled "The State of the Question concerning
Propositions of Peace" comprised in the before mentioned book,
contained in it matters scandalous and false, and that only the
said Epistle and Tract should be forthwith burnt by the Common
Hangman, and it was declared and ordained that the author was
a person highly disaffected to the Parliament of England, and
had endeavoured to raise sedition against the Parliament and
kingdom.[113]

A copy of this book exists in the British Museum Library. It is in
quarto, and contains 26 pages. The "Epistle" before referred to was
written by Mr. David Buchanan.