Chapter VIII: Part III: To Be Continued (2)

The Obstructours of Justice. Or a Defence of the Honourable Sentence passed upon the late King, by the High Court of Justice. Opposed chiefly to the serious and faithfull Representation and Vindication of some of the Ministers of London. As also to the Humble Addresse of Dr. Hamond to His Excellencie and Councel of Warre. Wherein the Justice and Equitie of the said Sentence is demonstratively asserted, as well upon clear texts of Scripture, as principles of Reason, grounds of Law, Authorities, Presidents, as well Forreign as Domestique. Together with a brief Reply to Mr. John Geree's Book, intituled _Might overcoming Right_: wherein the Act of the Armie in garbling the Parliament, is further cleared. As also, some further Reckonings between the said Dr. Hamond, and the Authour, made straight. By John Goodwin. London. 1649.

After the Restoration of King Charles the Second, this book was
called in by proclamation, and burnt by the Common Hangman. John
Goodwin, the author, was chaplain to Oliver Cromwell, and a
Nonconformist, but of a different stamp to the generality of them.
He had a clear head, a fluent tongue, a penetrating spirit, and a
marvellous faculty in descanting on scripture, and must be owned to
have been a very considerable man.[153] A copy is preserved in the
British Museum Library. It is in quarto, and contains 146 pages,
and a postscript of one page.

192.

The Royal Charter granted unto Kings by God himself: and collected out of his Holy Word in both Testaments. By T. B., Dr. in Divinitie. London. 1649.

Thomas Bayly was the author of this work, and for writing the same
he was committed to Newgate. A copy is preserved in the British
Museum Library. It is in octavo, and contains 144 pages.

193.

An Act declaring and constituting the people of England to be a Commonwealth and Free State. 1649.

This "traiterous writing in parchment" was read by the House of
Commons on May 27th, 1661, and ordered to be burnt on the following
day by the Common Hangman at the Old Exchange in London, at full
Exchange time, between the hours of twelve and one o'clock.[154]
The burning of this and other Acts was witnessed by Samuel Pepys,
as appears from the following passage in his Diary: "1661.
28th May. With Mr. Shipley to the Exchange, and there saw the
hangman burn, by vote of Parliament, two old Acts; the one for
constituting us a Commonwealth, and the other I have forgot; which
still do make me think of the greatness of this late turne, and
what people will do to-morrow, against what they all, through
profit or fear, did promise and practise this day."[155] A printed
copy is preserved in the British Museum Library. It is in folio.

194.

ἘΙΚΟΝΟΚΛΑΣΤΗΣ, in answer to a Book entitled ἘΙΚΩΝ ΒΑΣΙΛΙΚΗ, the Portraiture of his Sacred Majesty in his solitudes and sufferings. By John Milton. 1649.

Defensio pro populo Anglicano contra Claudii Salmasii Defensionem Regiam. 1650. By the same.

On June 16th, 1660, the House of Commons ordered that these books
should be burnt by the Common Hangman; and a proclamation was
issued for calling in and suppressing them.

195.

The Clergy in their colours or a brief character of them. Written from a hearty desire of their Reformation, and great zeal to my Countrymen, that they may no longer be deceived by such as call themselves the Ministers of the Gospel, but are not. By John Fry, a Member of the Parliament of England. London. 1650.

An octavo pamphlet of 68 pages, of which there is a copy in the
British Museum Library.

195a.

The Accuser sham'd; or a Pair of Bellows to blow off that dust cast upon John Fry a Member of Parliament by Col. John Downs, likewise a Member of Parliament, who by the confederacy and instigation of some, charged the said John Fry of Blasphemy and Error to the Honorable House of Commons. Whereunto is annexed a word to the Priests, Lawyers, Royalists, Self-Seekers, and Rigid Presbyterians. Also a brief Ventilation of that chaffie and absurd opinion, of _Three Persons or Subsistences in the Godhead_. By the accused John Fry. London. Febr. 1648.

A quarto pamphlet of 23 pages, of which there is a copy in the
British Museum Library.

On January 31st, 1650/51, the House of Commons referred these books
to the Committee of plundered ministers, to state the exceptions
against them and to report the same to the House; and also ordered
that their author, Mr. John Fry, a member of Parliament, should
attend the House. On February 20th following, the Committee made
their report to the House, in which are contained particulars of
the various blasphemous and irreligious opinions contained in these
books, and two days afterwards the House of Commons ordered that
both the books should be burnt by the Common Hangman.[156]

196.

A single eye all _Light_ no Darkness; or _Light_ and _Darkness_ One: In which you have it purely discussed, 1. The Original of Darkness. 2. What Darkness is. 3. Why it is called Darkness. As also what _God_ is Within, and what _Without_; how he is said to be _One_, yet _Two_; when _Two_ and not _One_, yet then _One_, and not Two. Likewise a word from the Lord touching the onely Resurrection of the Body, in, from, and to the Lord. With a certain parcel of Quæries to be answered from Heaven or Hell. This Revealed in L. C., one of the Universality. Imprinted at London, in the yeer that the Powers of Heaven and Earth was, is, and shall be shaken, yea damned, till they be no more for ever.

On June 21st, 1650, the House of Commons ordered that search should
be made for the author, printer, and publisher of this pamphlet,
and on the 27th September following, the confession of Laurence
Clarkson "touching the making and publishing of this impious and
blasphemous book" was reported to the House; and it was resolved
that Clarkson should be forthwith sent to the House of Correction
for one month, and from that time "to be banished out of the
Commonwealth and the territories thereof, and not to return upon
pain of death."

The book itself was to be burnt by the Common Hangman in the New
Palace at Westminster, and upon the Exchange.[157] A copy is
preserved in the British Museum Library. It is in quarto, and
contains 16 pages.

197.

A petition of Josiah Prymat. 1651.

A folio broadside, of which the following is a copy:--

"To the Supream Authority of this Nation, the Parliament of the
Commonwealth of England.

"The humble petition and appeal of Josiah Prymat of London,
Leatherseller, sheweth,

"That your Petitioner, by his under-tenants, George Lilburn
Esquire, and George Gray the younger, Gentleman, both of the
County of Durham, being in the years 1647, 1648, and 1649, in a
just and quiet possession of the Collieries, or Seams of Cole, in
Harraton, in the County aforesaid, called the Five-quarter and
Nine-quarter Cole, (and having spent near £2000 to win the same),
which lay drowned and lost, from 1642 to 1647; Sir Arthur Haslerig,
in September, 1649, procuring Colonel Francis Wren, one of the
Committee of that County, and Colonel George Fenwick, to joyn with
him, made an Order, (against which the rest of the said Committee
present protested) to sequester the said Collieries, under colour
of an untrue suggestion that Sir Wm. Armyn had sequestred the same
in 1644, as belonging to one Thomas Wray, a Papist Delinquent:
and thereupon the said Sir Arthur violently dispossessed your
Petitioner's tenants, and seized their goods; and lett the said
Collieries to Colonel Francis Hacker, and several of the Officers
of his own Regiment.

"That your Petitioner hath petitioned to the Commissioners for
compounding for relief; but, by the power and influence of the said
Sir Arthur, upon most of the said Commissioners, your Petitioner
hath been delayed, and denied the ordinary course of proceedings in
all Courts of Justice: and at last, coming to hearing, the said Sir
Arthur appeared every Day of the hearing; and took upon him, not
only to plead against your Petitioner (which is humbly conceived
to be contrary to Law, he being a Member of the Supream Authority)
but also Authoritatively to prejudge your Petitioner's case, and
to direct the said Commissioners what to judge therein; and by
his power and influence upon the said Commissioners, he over-awed
most of them, and after full hearing, judgment being respited from
day to day, the said Sir Arthur kept private correspondence with
some of the said Commissioners, about finding some new colour
or pretences to detain your petitioner's possession from him,
whereupon he produced new pretended evidence after full hearing;
and thereupon the major part of the said Commissioners, not daring
(as is humbly conceived) to oppose the will and pleasure of the
said Sir Arthur, have contrary to clear evidence before them for
your petitioner, refused to relieve him; and have punctually
pursued in their Judgment, the directions publickly given by the
said Sir Arthur.

"That the said Commissioners being the onely persons authorized by
the Parliament to hear and determine all cases about sequestred
estates, your Petitioner cannot be relieved from the oppression and
tyranny of the said Sir Arthur, save by the Parliament or their
special Order and Directions: And your Petitioner hath been kept
from his Possession above two years, and the said Sir Arthur hath
declared the said Collieries to be worth, at least, £5000 per annum.

"May it therefore please the Parliament, in respect
to the Public Justice of the Commonwealth, to cause
the truth of the Premises to be speedily examined,
and to provide for your Petitioner's relief from the
oppression and Tyranny of the said Sir Arthur Haslerigg,
and for the dispensation of Justice, without fear
or favour; as to your Wisdoms shall seem most just.

"And your Petitioner shall pray, &c.

"Joseph Primatt."

On January 15th, 1651/52, the Parliament approved and affirmed
the judgment and resolutions of the Commissioners for compounding
in the case of Josiah Prymate, and after having proceeded with
the matter of crime charged in the petition, it was resolved that
this petition was false, malicious, and scandalous, and that the
printing, publishing, and dispersing of the same was a high breach
of privilege of Parliament; and also that all the printed copies
should be burned by the Common Hangman at the Old Exchange, London,
and in the New Palace, Westminster, on Tuesday and Wednesday next,
also that Prymate should be fined £3000, to be paid to the use
of the Commonwealth; also £2000 more, to be paid to Sir Arthur
Haslerig; also £2000 more to be paid to James Russells, Edward
Winslow, William Molins, and Arthur Squibb, Esquires, four of the
Commissioners for compounding. It was then ordered that Prymat
should be committed to the Fleet till the aforesaid sums were paid.
The House then proceeded against Lieutenant Colonel John Lilburne,
who confessed that he had dispersed several of the printed copies
of this petition, and similar fines were imposed upon him, as well
as perpetual banishment from the Kingdoms of England, Scotland, and
Ireland.[158]

A copy is preserved in the British Museum Library.

198.

A just reproof to Haberdasher's-Hall: or, An Epistle writ by Lieut. Colonel John Lilburn, July 30. 1651. to four of the Commissioners at Haberdasher's Hall, viz. Mr. James Russel, M. Edward Winsloe, M. William Mollins, and M. Arthur Squib, wherein is set forth their unjust and unrighteous dealing in severall cases; with the relations of the said John Lilburn, and their captiving their understandings to the Tyrannical will of Sir Arthur Haslerigge, who hath most unjustly endeavoured a long time together, the extirpation of the Family of the said John Lilburn.

On January 16th, 1651/52, the House of Commons resolved that this
book contained matters "false, scandalous, and malicious," and all
the printed copies of the same were ordered to be burnt by the
Common Hangman.[159] A copy is preserved in the British Museum
Library. It is in quarto, and contains 40 pages.

199.

The Racovian Catechisme; wherein you have the substance of the Confession of those Churches, which in the Kingdom of Poland, and Great Dukedome of Lithuania, and other Provinces appertaining to that Kingdom, do affirm, That no other save the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, is that one God of Israel, and that the man Jesus of Nazareth, who was born of the Virgin, and no other besides, or before him, is the onely begotten Sonne of God. Printed at Amsterledam for Brooer Janz, 1652.

On February 10th, 1651/52, this book was referred by the House of
Commons to a Committee, who on the 2nd April reported to the House
a collection of the principal blasphemous errors in the book, which
are set out in the Journals. These errors consist of a denial of
our Saviour's divinity, together with "many other gross errors
concerning predestination, the fall of man, Christ adding to the
Commandments, Free-will, the Priesthood and Sacrifice of Christ,
Faith, Justification, Baptism, and the Lord's Supper." It was
thereupon resolved that the book contained matters "blasphemous,
erroneous, and scandalous," and that all the copies should be burnt
at the Old Exchange, London, and in the New Palace at Westminster.

On June 22nd, 1652, the House of Commons also referred to the
Committee of plundered ministers to examine and find out the
authors, printers, and publishers of this Catechism.[160] A copy
is preserved in the British Museum Library. It is in octavo, and
contains 176 pages.

200.

The three grand impostors. N.d.

On June 22nd, 1652, the House of Commons referred to the Committee
of plundered ministers to find out the authors, printers, and
publishers of this book.[161] As far as the editor's opportunities
have extended, no clue can be found to the full title or author of
this book.

201.

An answer to the Declaration of the Imaginary Parliament of the unknowne Commonwealth of England, concerning the Affaires past betwixt them of England, and the High and Mighty Lords the States Generall of the United Provinces: wherein their Frivolous Reasons are cleerly refuted; and their unjust proceedings in the Treaty of the aforesaid Affaires, as in all their Actions, manifestly discovered. At Rotterdam, by John Pieterson. 1652.

On October 26th, 1652, the House of Commons referred to the Council
of State to examine and find out the authors, printers, and
publishers of this pamphlet, and to peruse and consider thereof,
and report the same to the Parliament.[162] A copy is preserved in
the British Museum Library. It is in quarto, and contains 16 pages.

202.

Merlini Anglici Ephemeris; or Astrologicall Predictions for the year 1653. By William Lilly, Student in Astrology. London. 1653.

On October 26th, 1652, the House of Commons referred this book
to the consideration of the Committee for plundered ministers;
with power to send for the author and secure him.[163] A copy is
preserved in the British Museum Library. It is in octavo.

203.

Mercurius Britannicus. 1652.

The Faithful Scout. 1652.

On December 28th, 1652, the House of Commons referred to the
Council of State to take care to suppress these pamphlets, or
any other books that go out to the dishonour of the Parliament
and prejudice of the Commonwealth; and to examine the authors,
printers, and publishers of the Mercurius Britannicus and the Scout
or any other books of that nature, with power to imprison the
offenders.[164] These were weekly periodicals, of which there are
several preserved among the King's pamphlets in the British Museum
Library.

204.

Colonel Shapcott (Knight of Devonshire). His Speech in Parliament the 30 of October, 1654. With the case of the secluded members. 1654.

On November 7th, 1654, it was resolved by Parliament that this
printed pamphlet was "treasonable, false, scandalous, and
seditious," and it was referred to the Committee for printing to
enquire after the author, printers, and publishers of the same, and
to suppress the same; and the Serjeant at Arms was to seize all
the printed copies of this pamphlet, and all persons selling or
publishing the same.[165] A copy of this pamphlet is preserved in
the British Museum Library. It is in quarto, and contains six pages.

205.

The apostolical and true opinion concerning the Holy Trinity revived and asserted; partly by twelve arguments levyed against the traditional and false opinion about the Godhead of the Holy Spirit: partly by a Confession of faith touching the three persons. Both which having been formerly set forth in those yeers which the respective titles bear, are now so altered, so augmented, what with explications of the Scripture, what with reasons, what finally with testimonies of the Fathers, and of others, together with observations thereupon, that they may justly seem new. 1653.

The original work was published in 1647, and was condemned to be
burnt; it is described in a previous part of this work, (see ante
p. 144). This 1653 edition is a reissue. On December 12th, 1654,
the House of Commons resolved that this book contained "impious
and blasphemous opinions against the Deity of the Holy Ghost," and
all the printed copies were to be burnt by the Common Hangman.
On January 15th, 1654/55, the House of Commons further resolved
that this book "is full of horrid, blasphemous, and execrable
opinions; denying the Deity of Christ, and of the Holy Ghost; and
particularly asserting

"1. That God the Father only, separate from the Son and Holy Ghost,
is the First Cause of all things that pertain to salvation, _Art._
1, _p._ 1.

"2. That God the Holy Ghost is a created Spirit, _p._ 3. and _p._
2, not God: That Christ is a made Lord; and neither the Son, nor
the Holy Spirit, the most High God, _p._ 4.

"3. That Christ is the Second Cause of all Things pertaining to our
Salvation, _Art._ 2. And that the Son is not equal with the Father,
16.

"4. That Christ hath no other than a human nature, _Art._ 3, _p._
19.

"5. That Christ is not the most High God, the same with the Father,
but subordinate to him, _Art._ 4, _p._ 29.

"6. That the Holy Ghost is the only principal Minister of God and
of Christ, singled out of the number of other Heavenly Ministers,
or Angels, _Art._ 6, 44.

"7. That Christ is not the supreme and independent Monarch
_Jehovah_, _p._ 44."[166]

A copy of this book exists in the British Museum Library.

206.

A Twofold Catechism: the one simply called A Scripture Catechism; The other, A brief Scripture Catechism for Children. Wherein the chiefest points of the Christian Religion being Question wise proposed, resolve themselves by pertinent Answers taken word for word out of the Scripture, without either consequences or Comments. Composed for their sakes that would fain be Meer Christians, and not of this or that Sect, inasmuch as all the Sects of Christians, by what names soever distinguished, have either more or less departed from the simplicity and truth of the Scripture. By John Biddle, Master of Arts of the University of Oxford. London. 1654.

A brief Scripture Catechisme for children. Wherein, notwithstanding the brevity thereof all things necessary unto life and Godliness are contained. By the same. London. 1654.

These were originally printed as one book; but the brief Scripture
Catechism was printed again by itself in a small octavo the same
year. The British Museum Library contains copies in the twofold
form, from which the preceding titles are taken.

On December 12th, 1654, the House of Commons resolved that a
Committee be appointed to consider of this book, with power to
send for the author, and to restrain him, and to suppress his
school. The next day Biddle was brought to the bar of the House,
and on examination acknowledged the authorship, but denied that he
kept a school, and also that he had a congregation. Being asked
who printed the book, he said "Hitherto he hath answered as a
Christian, to give an account of the hope that is in him: What the
law of Christ doth warrant him to answer, he will do: but beyond
that he will not: the Law of Christ enjoins him not to betray his
brethren. Being asked, Whether the Law of Christ did enjoin him to
believe the Holy Ghost is not God; saith, the Law of Christ doth
no-where tell him, the Holy Ghost is God." And being demanded by
Mr. Speaker

"Whether the Holy Ghost be God? Saith, He hath examined the
Scriptures; and doth nowhere find, in the Old or New Testament,
that the Holy Spirit is God: He doth own the Books, and his opinion
is sufficiently declared in them.

"Being demanded whether Jesus Christ be God from Everlasting to
Everlasting; answered, He doth own the Books, and therein hath
declared his judgment; But saith, He doth not find, in Scripture,
where Jesus Christ is called the Most High God, or God from
Everlasting to Everlasting.

"Being asked, Whether God be confined to a certain Place; saith,
this is not to the Hope that is in a Christian: Therefore there is
no necessity lying on him to answer.

"Being asked, Whether God have a bodily Shape; saith, He hath
answered sufficiently to that already."

It was thereupon ordered that Biddle should be committed prisoner
to the Gatehouse in Westminster. On January 15th, 1654/5, the House
of Commons resolved that the whole drift and scope of this book
was "to teach and to hold forth many blasphemous and heretical
opinions," and that in the preface the author thereof did "maintain
and assert many blasphemous and heretical opinions, and doth
therein cast a reproach upon all the catechisms now extant;" also
"that report be made to the House of the manner of the author's
venting his said errors, together with several particular errors
and blasphemies in the said book contained; that the manner is by
proposing a blasphemous and dangerous opinion, by way of question,
and by mis-applying of Scripture, by way of answer to the same."

"The several particulars are as followeth:

"1. That the Infinite God is confined to a certain Place. _Cat. p._
5, 6.

"2. That God hath a bodily shape; that God hath a Right Hand, and
Left, in a proper Sense, 2. _Cat. p._ 6.

"3. That there are Passions in God. 1. _Cat._ 11.

"4. He denies the Omniscience and Immutability of God, 1. _Cat._
from the 14 to the *.

"5. He denies that all the Three Persons are to be loved with our
whole Heart, 1. _Cat._ 21.

"6. He denies that Jesus Christ hath the nature of God dwelling in
him, _p._ 27, 28, 29, _ad_ 35, and _p._ 40 to the 60. That Christ
hath only a divine Lordship, without a Divine Nature.

"7. He denies the Godhead of the Holy Ghost, 1. _Cat._ _p._ 21. 2.
_Cat._ _p._ 16.

"8. He denies that Christ was a Priest, whilst he was on Earth,
_p._ 64; or died to reconcile God to us, _p._ 68; or that God doth
justify any because of the full Price that Christ paid to him in
their stead, _p._ 83.

"9. He affirms Justification by Works, _p._ 96.

"10. He denies the Righteousness of Christ is imputed to Believers,
_p._ 82.

"11. He affirms that Works give Vigour to Faith, and so makes it
able to justify, 2. _Cat._ 26; and affirms that Works give Right to
Eternal Life, 1. _Cat._ _p._ 86, 87; 94, 95; 98.

"He affirms that true Saints may turn Apostates finally, 1. _Cat._
_p._ 99.

"He denies that the Wicked do continue to live in Hell, under the
sense of everlasting Torment; but saith, That they are destroyed,
and cease to be, 1. _Cat._ _p._ 134, 135, 136, &c."

It was then resolved that this book should be burnt by the Common
Hangman.

207.

Dissertatio de Pace, &c. or a Discourse touching the peace and concord of the church. Wherein is elegantly and acutely argued, that not so much a bad opinion, as a bad life, excludes a Christian out of the Kingdom of Heaven; and that the things necessary to be known for the attainment of salvation, are very few and easie; and finally, that those, who pass amongst us under the name of Hereticks, are notwithstanding, to be tolerated. London. 1653.

On December 21st, 1654, the House of Commons referred this book to
a Committee, to examine the substance thereof, and who were the
authors, printers, and publishers, and also that all the copies
should be seized.[167] A copy is preserved in the British Museum
Library.

208.

Thunder from the Throne of God against the Temples of Idols. 1652.

A quarto pamphlet of 36 pages, of which there is a copy in the
British Museum Library. This and the book described in the next
article were written by one Samuel Chidley, who for so doing was
summoned to the bar of the House of Commons on October 20th, 1656,
and committed to the custody of the Serjeant at Arms; and the book
was referred to a Committee.[168]

209.

An Epistle directed to the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England.

A quarto pamphlet of 4 pages, but without title. A copy is
preserved in the British Museum Library. For its condemnation see
preceding article.

210.

A healing question propounded and resolved upon occasion of the late publique and seasonable call to humiliation, in order to love and union amongst the honest party, and with a desire to apply Balsome to the wound before it become incurable. London. 1656.

For writing this book, Sir Henry Vane was summoned before the
Council at Whitehall, and having attended there on Thursday, August
21st, 1656, it was ordered that if he should not give good security
in £5000 bond by Thursday next, to do nothing to the prejudice
of the present government and the peace of the Commonwealth, he
should stand committed. This security he refused to give, and on
the 4th September, he was ordered to be apprehended and taken in
safe custody to the Isle of Wight, there to be delivered to the
Governor of the Island, to be disposed of according to the order of
the Council.[169] A copy of this book is preserved in the British
Museum Library. It is in quarto, and contains 24 pages, and a
postscript, but no title.

211.

An Act for renouncing and disannulling the pretended title of Charles Stuart, etc. 1656.

On May 27th, 1661, this "treasonable parchment writing" was ordered
by the House of Commons to be burnt in Westminster Hall on the
following Wednesday by the Common Hangman.[170] It is printed in
Scobell, p. 371.

212.

Choice Drollery, with songs and sonnets. Printed by J. G. for Robert Pollard. 1666.

This book "giving great offence to the saints of that time, who
esteem'd it a lewd and scandalous thing, it was order'd by the
Protector's Council to be burnt on the 8th May the same year."
_Ant._ à _Wood._

213.

An Act for the security of his Highness the Lord Protector his person and continuance of the nation in peace and safety. 1656.

On May 27th, 1661, this "treasonable parchment writing" was ordered
by the House of Commons to be burnt in Westminster Hall on the
following Wednesday by the Common Hangman.[171] It is printed in
Scobell, p. 372.

214.

A Holy Commonwealth, or political aphorisms opening the true principles of government: for the healing of the mistakes and resolving the doubts that most endanger and trouble England at this time: if yet there may be hope. And directing the desires of sober Christians that long to see the kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of the Lord, and of his Christ. Written by Richard Baxter at the invitation of James Harrington esquire. London. 1659.

This book was burnt by the University of Oxford in the year
1688.[172]

215.

The Lord's Loud Call to England: being a true Relation of some late, various, and wonderful judgments, or Handy-works of God, by Earthquake, Lightening, Whirlwind, great multitudes of Toads and Flyes; and also the striking of divers persons with sudden death, in several places; for what causes let the man of wisdome judge, upon his serious perusal of the Book itself. Also of the strange changes, and late alterations made in these three Nations. As also of the odious Sin of Drinking Healths. With a Brief of Mr. Pryn's solid arguments against it, and his Epistle to the late King Charles to redress it. Published by H. J. a Servant of Jesus the Christ, and Lover of Peace and Holiness. London, Printed for L. Chapman in Popeshead Alley, and for Fr. Smith, at the Elephant and Castle neer Temple-Bar. 1660.

This book was the subject of proceedings against Francis Smith. He
was imprisoned three times, according to his own account, for its
publication.[173] It was written by Mr. H. Jessey, as appears from
a pamphlet written in answer by one John Gadbury.

A copy is preserved in the British Museum Library. It is in quarto,
and contains 44 pages.

216.

The Speeches and Prayers of some of the late King's Judges, viz. Major General Harison, Octob. 13. Mr. John Carew, Octob. 15. Mr. Justice Cooke, Mr. Hugh Peters, Octob. 16. Mr. Tho. Scott, Mr. Gregory Clement, Col. Adrian Scroop, Col. John Jones, Octob. 17. Col. Daniel Axtell, and Col. Fran. Hacker, Octob. 19, 1660, The times of their Death. Together with severall occasionall speeches and passages in their imprisonment till they came to the place of execution. Faithfully and impartially collected for further satisfaction. Printed Anno Dom. 1660.

Simon Dover and Thomas Brewster were tried at the Old Bailey on
Feb. 22, 1663/64, for printing and publishing this book, and were
found guilty. They were fined, ordered to stand upon the pillory,
and then imprisoned. The proceedings will be found in Howell's
State Trials, vol. 6, p. 518. A copy is in the Editor's possession.
It is in quarto, and contains 96 pages.

217.

Mercurius Veridicus. 1660.

On June 25, 1660, on the House of Commons being informed of
this printed paper, wherein this clause is printed, viz. "It
was moved by Major Beake, that Sir Richard Temple might be one
of the twenty excepted persons; and he gave several reasons for
it; among others that Sir Richard had been a menial servant to
Cromwell, and a great promoter of his Interest; but the House at
length waived the further debate of it;" it was ordered that a
Committee be appointed to examine this particular case; and in
order thereunto they were to send for Maxwell the printer; and they
were to consider of the great liberty taken by divers persons,
in printing, without warrant, several votes and proceedings of
this House; and to prepare an order for restraining all persons
whatsoever from printing any of the votes or proceedings of the
House without special order. And they were to send for Mr. William
Saunderson, and to examine him, by what warrant he printed, in his
History, a speech in the name of Sir Harbottle Grimston, Baronet,
Speaker of the House, and several other speeches, as the speeches
of Members of Parliament, and other passages reflecting on Members
of Parliament; and they were to take into consideration any other
books or pamphlets, reflecting on any Member of the House, or other
persons; and to report to the House what was fit to be done in the
several cases.[174]

A copy of Mercurius Veridicus, No. 1, from Tuesday the 5th of June,
to Tuesday the 12th, 1660, is in the British Museum Library, but it
is not the number of which the House of Commons complained. There
are no others, as far as the Editor can ascertain.

218.

The long Parliament revived; or an Act for continuation and the not dissolving the long Parliament called by King Charles the First in the year 1640 but by an Act of Parliament, with undeniable reasons deduced from the said Act to prove that that Parliament is not yet dissolved. Also Mr. William Prynne's five arguments fully answered, whereby he endeavours to prove it to be dissolved by the King's death, &c. By Thomas Phillips, Gentleman, a sincere Lover of the King and Country. 1660.

This pamphlet was written by William Drake under the assumed
name of Thomas Phillips, and for the writing, printing, and
publishing the same he was impeached by the House of Commons,
and on the impeachment being carried up to the Lords on the 4th
December, 1660, they ordered that Drake should be apprehended as
a delinquent, and brought before them the next morning to answer
to his charge; which being done, and he confessing his fault, the
Lords, in consideration of the shortness of time for proceeding
further in this business, left him to be prosecuted in the King's
Bench by the Attorney General. No further proceedings however can
be met with.

The following is a copy of the impeachment:--[175]

"The Knights, Citizens, and Burgesses, the House of Commons, in
the Name of themselves, and all the Commons of England, do hereby
declare, complain, and shew, against William Drake Citizen and
Merchant of London,

"That whereas, this present Parliament, through the Blessing of
God upon their Endeavours, and the incomparable Grace and Goodness
of his Majesty's Royal Condescensions, have proved the happy
Instruments of repairing the Breaches of this Kingdom; restoring
the ancient Foundations; and passing many good and wholsome Laws,
for the Safety and Quiet of the People; and are daily preparing
such others, as may yet seem to be wanting:

"Nevertheless the said William Drake, in contempt of his Majesty's
Crown and Dignity, and of the Laws and Government of this kingdom;
and out of a wicked and malicious intention, to scandalise and
subvert the authority and being of this present Parliament, and
to raise and stir up sedition and division in this Kingdom; and
against the Peace of our Sovereign Lord the King; hath lately,
that is to say, upon or before the eighteenth day of the month of
November last, at Westminster in the County of Middlesex, written,
printed, and published, in the name of one Thomas Phillips Gent. a
certain, false, wicked, malicious and seditious Pamphlet intituled,
_The Long Parliament revived &c._; in which said scandalous and
seditious pamphlet, the said William Drake, amongst many other
wicked expressions, clauses, and assertions therein contained, doth
falsely, maliciously, and seditiously, affirm and declare,

"Page 6. First, That all other Parliaments have no legal Capacity,
till this (meaning the Long Parliament, called in the year 1640) be
legally dissolved.

"Page 14. Secondly, The Act (meaning the Act of Parliament to
which the Title of the Pamphlet refers) is herein express, That by
no other Way or means, but by an Act of Parliament, it shall be
dissolved: Which, being it cannot be done by the dead King, but may
be done by the Successor, it ought to be so dissolved; or else it
must and doth, by virtue of this Act, still remain legally in full
Being and Authority.

"Page 17. Thirdly, How much it were to be wished, that the
Legislative Authority might revert into that Channel, meaning the
Long Parliament aforesaid; by which the Peace and Settlement of
the Nation, through his Majesty's most gracious Influence, might
durably, and without Question, be provided for and preserved.

"Page 21. Fourthly, If That be a lawful Parliament, (speaking of
the long Parliament aforesaid, which he elsewhere affirmed to be in
being) then this can be none, nor no other, till this be legally
dissolved.

"All which practices for stirring up of sedition, the Commons are
ready to prove, not only by the general Scope of the said Book, but
likewise by several Clauses therein contained, besides these before
mentioned, and such other Proofs as the Cause, according to the
course of Parliament, shall require;

"And do pray, that the said William Drake may be put to answer all
and every of the Premises; and that such Proceeding, Examination,
Trial, Judgment, and exemplary Punishment, may be thereupon had and
executed, as is agreeable to Law and Justice."

A copy of this book is in the British Museum Library.

219.

Mirabilis Annus, or the year of Prodigies and Wonders, being a faithful and impartial collection of several signs that have been seen in the Heavens, in the Earth, and in the Waters; together with many remarkable accidents and judgments befalling divers persons, according as they have been testified by very credible hands; all which have happened within the space of one year last past, and are now made publick for a seasonable warning to the people of these three kingdoms speedily to repent and turn to the Lord, whose hand is lifted up amongst us. 1661.

Francis Smith, in his account of the injurious proceedings of Sir
George Jeffreys before referred to, gives the following piteous
account of the way he was treated for the publication of this
book:--

"In August, 1661, a certain book was printed and published,
entitled, "Mirabilis Annus," or the year of Prodigies. Then did a
person of quality yet living, give me great encouragement for its
publication as a book grateful to the authority, and of general
caution to the nation, both to behold and consider the works of
God, and also to tremble for fear of his judgments; but it so
happened contrary to my expectation, that the very day it was
published, one of his Majesty's messengers came to my shop, with
a warrant both to seize the book and my person, and carried me
before the then Secretary of State, where after examination, I was
committed to the Gatehouse Prison by this warrant inserted."

"It is his Majesty's pleasure that you take into your custody the
person of Francis Smith, Stationer, for having a hand in printing
and compiling dangerous books, and that you keep him close prisoner
till further order from his majesty, and for so doing this shall
be your warrant. Dated at the court at Whitehall this 15th day of
August, 1661.

"Edw. Nicholas."

"To the Keeper of the Gatehouse,
"Westminster, or his deputy.

"This word in my warrant 'close prisoner' proved a fatal word to
me, as many still living can witness, for the keeper improved it
to a tittle; there I was truly buried alive, it being a prison
famous for oppression of poor prisoners, as many besides myself can
notoriously witness.

"For as soon as I was brought thither, a stern gaoler locked me up,
and said, I must not see, nor have the liberty of any relations to
visit me, without special order from the Secretary first obtained.
This looked like cold entertainment to one unacquainted with such
a condition. But this, and much more I found as truly performed
as promised, being locked up in a room, where I had neither chair
nor stool to rest on, and yet ten shillings per week must be the
price, and before I had been there three nights £7. 15. 0 was
demanded for present fees. That is to say, five pounds to excuse
me from wearing irons, ten shillings for my entrance week lodging,
five shillings sheets, five shillings garnish money, the rest
for turnkey fees; upon which I gave this answer, that I did not
understand any just cause for imprisonment, much less to pay such
fees, and for wearing of irons I would not pay five groats to be
excused, if he could by law impose irons on me, I would wear them.
Upon this many cruel endeavours were used, whereby to exact consent
of these fees from me; and my afflicted wife not suffered to speak
with me but in the presence of the keeper, after chargeable orders,
for so much privilege first obtained, nay many times orders denied
for my friends admittance; in the presence of the keeper, and my
window casements must be nailed up that I should not have the
benefit of that common air which is every slave's birthright. And
when provision was sent for my necessary support, yet was that many
times kept back and frequent fasts imposed upon me, and what was
sent for my dinner at 12 o'clock, must be given me four or five
hours after, which I usually breakfasted with, and should be sure
to want beer or bread, so I was forced to devise a way by a bag and
a string to be let down in the night at a window, to convey some
necessary food to me. Things continued thus several weeks, in which
time for receiving a note at the keyhole by an open prisoner, sent
from my poor wife then sick and weary with grief, and successless
travels at my release, I was taken out of this room, and locked up
in a trap-door room about 20 days, where I could hardly be heard
with hallooing, it being a place for such as were condemned to die;
to be usually secured in. At this time above thirty pound was spent
to attempt my release but all ineffectual.

"Then was application made to the judges of the King's Bench,
Westminster, and I had three chargeable Habeas Corpus's before
the cruel gaoler would obey to bring me to the bar, where upon my
appearance, care was taken, that I carried in my hand the copy of
my commitment, and presented it to the Lord Chief Justice Forster,
who gave patient hearing to all my complaints, disdaining the usage
I had met with, and told the keeper, if it should happen before
my legal release I should die by such usage, the keeper should be
indicted for his life.

"At this time, to my great amazement, a new copy of commitment was
produced in court, the contents whereof here followeth:--

"The prison of the Gatehouse, Westminster.

"I, Edward Broughton, knight, keeper of the prison of our lord the
King of the Gatehouse, Westminster in the County of Middlesex, to
the lord the king humbly certifieth, that before the coming of the
writ to me directed to this schedule annexed, to wit, the fifteenth
day of August in the year of the reign of our said lord the king
that now is, the 13th, Francis Smith in the said writ named was
taken at Westminster in the County of Middlesex and there in the
prison of our said lord the king of the Gatehouse aforesaid, under
my custody detained by virtue of a certain warrant to me directed.
The tenor whereof followeth in these words:

"These are to will and require you in his Majesty's name, to take
into your custody, and safely keep the body of Francis Smith
of London, Stationer, for that traitorously and seditiously he
compiled, printed, and published a treasonable and seditious
book, intitled Several prodigies and apparitions seen in the
heavens from August 1st 1660, to the latter end of May 1661,
containing a collection of several former prodigies, mischievous
events thereupon to princes, and a forgery of divers late
false and feigned prodigies and impostures of the same kind,
prognosticating thereby the like events to his majesty, and thereby
did traitorously and seditiously instil into the hearts of his
majesty's good subjects, a superstitious belief thereof, and a
dislike and hatred of his majesty's person and government, and
prepared them to effect a damnable design for the destruction of
his sacred majesty, and to introduce a change of the government
established; and for so doing, this shall be your warrant.
Given at our Court at Whitehall the 15th day of August 1661.
Edward Nicholas, To the Keeper of the prison of the Gatehouse,
Westminster, or his Deputy. And this is the cause of the taking and
detaining of the said Francis Smith in the prison of our lord the
king, under my custody, whose body at the day and place in the said
writ contained, I have ready as by the said writ is commanded me.

"Edward Broughton, knight.

"My counsel pleaded they knew nothing of that copy till now, and
gave evidence that the copy I produced was taken from the clerk
of the prison for which he had five shillings, upon which I was
remanded back again to prison till the next term following; and
here it may be remembered as an addition to the habit of cruelty
attending that prison; (the gaoler notwithstanding what the Lord
Chief Justice Forster had said to him) forced me to go down into
the dungeon for above 20 days because I could not raise him £7
towards chamber rent at that instant. Then upon renewed complaints
and counsel charge, obtained order to be taken out of the dungeon,
and put upstairs into a chamber where I was again turned out within
a week, at eight o'clock at night, while my poor wife and two of
my children were eating, and they at that time of the night in the
depth of winter, forced to seek their lodging amongst strangers in
Tothill Street, Westminster, and myself constrained to lie upon
the bare boards in an open entry, where I continued the rest of my
time till bailed out, being several weeks, sometimes lying on the
ground; the rest in a hammock.

"In this time I was sent for to Whitehall, and in the presence of
a gentleman of quality yet living and several others, was offered
£100 and present discharge, but to declare my knowledge (upon an
imprecation) of the authors or printers of the aforesaid book.
Yet rather than occasion hurt to any, gave myself up to their
utmost displeasure; and had recourse to many chargeable Habeas
Corpus's before I could obtain bail. By this imprisonment, I lost
my shop and trade for two years, to above £300 charge and damage,
towards which I can truly say to this day, I never had directly
or indirectly to the value of £20 reparation from any person or
persons whatsoever; though it hath been often suggested both by
persons in authority and others, that competitors bore me out,
which occasioned my bonds to be aggravated."[176]

On June 29th, 1661, Thomas Creake, of Little Britain, was examined
before the Secretary of State, when he stated that he had in
printing 2000 copies of this book; he had struck off the first
sheet, and delivered 1000 copies to one George Thresher for
binding.[177]

Among the State Papers of July, 1661, there is preserved the draft
of a warrant from the Secretary of State for the apprehension of
one Cole, dwelling at the Sign of the Printing Press, near the Old
Exchange, and for search in his house, shop, &c., for copies of the
"Mirabilis Annus," or any other prohibited books.[178]

On October 4th, 1661, a warrant was issued by the Secretary of
State to the Keeper of the Gatehouse, to receive into custody
Elizabeth, wife of Giles Calvert, bookseller, for printing and
publishing a treasonable and seditious book called _Several
Prodigies and Apparitions seen in the Heavens, from August 1. 1660
to the latter end of May, 1661_, "being a forgery of false and
feigned prodigies, prognosticating mischievous events to the King,
and instilling into the hearts of subjects a superstitious belief
thereof, and a dislike and hatred of His Majesty's person and
government, and preparing them to effect a damnable design for his
destruction, and a change of government."[179]

In a communication from Mr. Ashmole to the Secretary of State,
dated October 30th, 1661, the authorship of this book is attributed
to Mr. George Cockain, a preacher, who had weekly meetings at an
alehouse in Ivy Lane.[180]

On December 8th, 1661, Mr. Jessey, a minister, was examined
before the Secretary of State in relation to this book, when he
stated that he had long been in the habit of collecting notes of
remarkable events; one of which described the strange death of
Major Orde in the Bishopric of Durham, which was in the Annus
Mirabilis; he visited Mr. Cockain, and had written out prodigies
for him, and heard them from him.[181]

On December 19th, 1661, Francis Smith, the printer before referred
to, was examined by the Secretary of State, when he denied any
knowledge of the book, "never heard of it, contributed to it, read
it, nor delivered it out."[182]

A copy of this book is in the Editor's possession. It is in quarto,
and contains 88 pages.

220.

The fastening of St. Peter's Fetters by seven links or propositions, or the efficacy and extent of the solemn league and covenant asserted and vindicated against the doubts and scruples of Dr. John Gauden's anonymous Questionist. St. Peter's bonds not only loosed but annihilated by Mr. John Russel, attested by John Gauden, D.D. The league illegal falsely fathered on Dr. Daniel Featley; and the reasons of the University of Oxford for not taking (now pleaded to discharge the obligation of) the Solemn League and Covenant. By Zechariah Crofton, Minister of the Gospel at S. Botolph's Algate, London. Printed for Ralph Smith at the sign of the Bible in Cornhill, near the Royal Exchange. 1660.

A quarto pamphlet of 159 pages, of which a copy is preserved in the
British Museum Library. For the condemnation of this book see next
article.

221.

Berith Anti-Baal, or Zach. Crofton's appearance before the Prelate-Justice of Peace, vainly pretending to bind the Covenant and Covenanters to their good behaviour. By way of rejoynder to, and animadversion on Dr. John Gauden's reply a vindication of his analysis from the (by him reputed) pitiful cavils and objections; but really proved powerful and convincing exceptions of Mr. Zach. Crofton's Analepsis. By the author of the Analepsis, and (not by the Dr. observed) Analepsis Anelephthe, to the continuing of S. Peter's bonds, and fastening his fetters against Papal and Prelatical Power. London. Printed by M. S. for Ralph Smith at the three Bibles in Cornhil; and for Thomas Parkhurst at the three Crowns over against the great Conduit in Cheapside. 1661.

A quarto pamphlet of 68 pages, with long introductory matter. A
copy is preserved in the British Museum Library.

This, as well as the book mentioned in the preceding article, fell
under the condemnation of the government; and on March 23rd, 1661,
Crofton, having been imprisoned, was examined before the Secretary
of State, when he admitted the authorship. Soon afterwards he
addressed the following petition to the king.

"To the Kings most Excellent Majestie.

"The humble peticion of Zachariah Crofton, your Majesties
prisoner in the Tower of London.

"Most humbly sheweth

"That your Petitioner hath (according to the duty of his
allegiance) in the worst of times with constant and conscientious
Loyalty to the frequent hazard of his life and all that is deare
to him and with the actual losse and prejudice of his estate, by
sequestracion and imprisonment asserted, adhœred unto, and in his
place and capacity advanced your Majesties interest and undoubted
right to the Crowne, Dignity, Rule, and Government of these your
Kingdomes, and given publique testimonies as well since as before
your Majesties happy retourne to the same.

"That your Petitioner haveing by rashly publishing some
inconsiderate expressions about matters out of his spheare, in his
late writings fallen under your Majestie's displeasure Throweth
himselfe down at your Royall feete, and most humbly craveth your
Majesties leave to professe, hee hath not spoken or written
anything of a malicious mind or intent, to obviate or disturbe the
peace and settlement of these your kingdomes under your Royall
Government. And that hee retaineth towards your Majestie a most
Loyall heart and resolucion to acquiesse and submitt unto your
Royall pleasure whenever it shalbee signified, published and made
knowne.

"The premisses considered, your Petitioner most humbly
prayeth That the rayes of your Royall grace, favour and
pardon may bee extended to him, and his numerous
family to the enlargement of his liberty that they may
not sitt alone in sadnes, butt pertake of that generall
joy, by which your approaching happy Coronacion shall
revive your Majestie's kingdome, whose subjection to,
and happy settlement, under your Majestie's most
righteous, gracious, long and prosperous Reigne shalbee
the study and prayers of

"Your most Loyall subiect,
"ZECHARIAH CROFTON."[183]

Ralph Smith, the printer of this book, was also imprisoned for being
concerned in its publication, and he also petitioned the King in
the following manner:

"To the Kings most Excellent Majesty.

"The humble petition of Ralph Smyth, stationer,

"Humbly sheweth

"That your Petitioner had the ill fortune to publishe a booke
written by one Zachary Crofton for which hee hath suffered
imprisonment but by your Majesty's gracious clemency is at present
inlarged under bail.

"That your Petitioner is and ever hath been a loyal subject to your
Majesty and hath severall tymes adventured his life and fortune
towards your Majesty's restoration particularly in Sir George
Booth's buisnes.

"That your Peticioner was not privy to the wryting of the said
booke, and by reason of a long sicknes was not able to read the
same many weekes after it was printed but in order to a small
support for his wife and six small children in the way of his trade
did ignorantly suffer the same to be printed in his name.

"Your Peticioner being senceable that hee hath deserved
your Majestie's displeasure for this his great crime
most humbly submitteth to your mercy and implores
your Majestie's most gracious pardon.

"And hee as bound in duty shall pray
"RALPH SMITH."[184]