They imposed a new Oath upon divers of his Maiesties Subiects, bothEcclesiasticallandLay, for maintenance of their own Tyrannie,and laid a great Tax upon the Clergy for supply of his Maiestie; and generally they shewed themselves very affectionate to the Warre withScotland, which was by some of them stiledBellum Episcopale, and a prayer composed, and enioyned to be read in all Churches, calling theScots,Rebels, to put the two Nations into blood, and make them irreconciliable. All those pretendedCanonsandConstitutionswere armed with the severall Censures ofSuspension,Excommunication,Deprivation, by which they would have thrust out all the good Ministers, and most of the well affected people of the Kingdome, and left an easie passage to their own Designe of Reconciliation withRome. ThePopishparty enioyned such Exemptions from thePenall Lawsas amounted to a Tolleration, besides many other encouragements, and Court favours: They had a Secretarie of State, Sir.Francis Windibank, a powerfull Agent for the speeding of all their desires, aPopes Nuntioresiding here to act and govern them according to such influences as he received fromRome, and to intercede for them with the most powerfull concurrenceof the forraigne Princes of that religion: By his authoritie thePapistsof all sorts, Nobility, Gentry, and Clergie were convocated, after the manner of aParliament, new Iurisdictions were erected ofRomish Archbishops, Taxes levied, another State moulded within this State independant in Government, contrary in interest and affection, secretly corrupting the Ignorant, or negligent professors of our Religion, and closely uniting and combining themselves against such as were sound, in this posture waiting for an opportunitie by force to destroy those whom they could not hope to seduce. For the effecting whereof, they were strengthened with Armes and Munition, encouraged by superstitious Prayers enioyned by theNuntioto be weekly made for the prosperitie of some great designe. And such power had they at Court, that secretly a Commission was issued out, intended to be issued to some great Men of that profession for the levying of Souldiers, and to command and employ them according to private Instructions, which we doubt were framed for the advantage of those who werethe contrivers of them: His Maiesties Treasure was consumed, his Revenew anticipated, His Servants and Officers compelled to lend great summes of Money; Multitudes were called to theCouncell Table, who were tired with long attendances there, for refusing illegall payments. ThePrisonswere filled with their Commitments; many of the Sheriffes summoned into theStarre Chamber, and some imprisoned for not being quicke enough in levying the Ship-money, the people languished under grief, and fear, no visible hope being left, but in desperation. The Nobility began to be wearie of their silence, and patience, and sensible of the dutie and Trust which belongs to them: and thereupon some of the most eminent of them did petition His Maiesty at such a time when evil Councels were so strong that they had reason to expect more hazard to themselves, then redresse of those publike evils for which they interceded, whilest the Kingdome was in this Agitation and distemper, theScotsrestrained in their Trades, impoverished by the losse of many of their Ships, bereaved of all possibility of satisfying HisMajestie by any naked Supplication, entred with a powerfull Army into the Kingdome, and without any hostile Act or spoil in the Countrey as they passed, more then forcing a passage over theTyneatNewborne, neerNewcastle, possessed themselves ofNewcastle, and had a fair opportunitie to presse on further upon the Kings Armie: but dutie and Reverence to his Majestie, and brotherly love to theEnglishNation, made them stay there, whereby the King had leasure to entertain better Councels, wherein God so blessed and directed him, that he summoned the great Councell of Peers to meet atYorke, upon the twentie fourth of September, and there declared a Parliament to begin the third of Novemb. then following. The Scots the first day of the great Councell, presented an humble Petition to His Majestie, whereupon the Treatie was appointed at Rippon. A present Cessation of armes agreed upon: and the full Conclusion of all differences referred to the wisedome and care of the Parliament. At our first meeting all Oppositions seemed to vanish, the mischieves were soevident, which those evil Councellors produced, that no Man durst stand up to defend them. Yet the work it self afforded difficultie enough. The multiplied evils and corruption of sixteen yeers strengthened by custome and authoritie, and the concurrent interest of many powerfull delinquents were now to be brought to iudgement and Reformation. The Kings Houshold was to be provided for, they had brought him to that want, that he could not supply His Ordinarie, and necessarie expences, without the assistance of his people. Two Armies were to be paied, which amounted very neer to 80. thousand pounds a moneth; the people were to be tenderly charged, having been formerly exhausted with many burthensome Proiects. The difficulties seemed to be insuperable, which by the Divine Providence we have overcome. The Contrarieties incompatible, which yet in a great measure we have reconciled. Six Subsidies have been granted, and a Bill of Poll-money, which if it be duely levied, may equall six Subsidies more in all: Six hundred thousand pounds. Besides we have contracted a Debtto the Scots of 220. thousand pounds; and yet God hath so blessed the endeavours of this Parliament, that the Kingdom is a great gainer by all these charges. The Ship-money is abolished, which cost the Kingdome above 200. thousand pounds a yeer. The Coat and Conduct money, and other militarie charges, are taken away, which in many Countreys amounted to little lesse then the Ship-money. The Monopolies are all supprest, whereof some few did preiudice the Subiect, above a Million yearly. The Soape an hundred thousand pounds; the Wine three hundred thousand pounds; the Leather must needs exceed both: and Salt could be no lesse then that, besides the inferiour Monopolies, which if they could be exactly computed, would make up a great summe. That which is more beneficiall then all this is, that the root of these evils is taken away, which was the arbitrarie power pretended to be in his Maiestie, of taxing the Subiect, or charging their estates without consent in Parliament, which is now declared to be against Law by the iudgement of both Houses, and likewise by anAct of Parliament. Another step of great advantage is this: the living Grievances, the evil Councellors and actors of these mischiefs have been so quelled, by the justice done upon the Earl of Strafford, the flight of the LordFinch, and SecretarieWindibank. The accusation and imprisonment of the Archbishop of Canterbury, of IudgeBartlet, and the impeachment of divers other Bishops and Iudges, that it is like not onely to be an ease to the present times, but a preservation to the future. The discontinuance of Parliaments is prevented by the Bill for a Trienniall Parliament, and the abrupt dissolution of this Parliament by another Bill; by which it is provided it shall not be dissolved or adiourned without the consent of both Houses. Which two Laws well considered, may be thought more advantagious then all the former, because they secure a full operation of the present remedie, and afford a perpetuall Spring of remedies for the future: The Star-Chamber, the High Commission, the Courts of the President, and Councell in the North, were so many forges of miserie, oppression,and violence, and are all taken away, whereby men are more secured in their persons, liberties, and estates, then they could be by any Law or Example for the regulation of those Courts, or Terror of the Iudges; The immoderate power of theCouncell Table, and the excessive abuse of that power is so ordered and restrained, that we may well hope that no such things as were frequently done by them, to the prejudice of the publique libertie, will appear in future times but onely in Stories, to give us and our posteritie more occasion to praise God for His Maiesties goodnesse, and the faithfull endeavours of thisParliament. TheCanons, and the power ofCanonmaking, are blasted by the Vote of bothHouses. The exorbitant power ofBishops, and their Courts, are much abated, by some Provisions in the Bill against theHigh Commission Court. The authors of the many innovations in Doctrine and Ceremonies; The Ministers that have been scandalous in their lives, have been so terrified in iust complaints and accusations, that we may well hope they will be more modestfor the time to come; either inwardly convicted by the sight of their own folly, or outwardly restrained by the fear of punishment. TheForrestsare by a good Law reduced to their right bounds; The encroachments and oppressions of theStannarie Courts; The Extortions of the Clerk of the Market, and the Compulsion of the Subiect to receive the Order of Knighthood against his will, paying of Fines for not receiving it, and the vexatious proceedings thereupon for levying of those Fines, are by other beneficiall Laws reformed and prevented. Many excellent Laws and provisions are in preparation for removing the inordinate power, vexation, and usurpation ofBishops, for reforming the pride and Idlenesse of many of the Clergie, for easing the people of unnecessarie Ceremonies in Religion, for censuring and removing unworthy and unprofitable Ministers; and for maintaining godly and diligent Preachers through the Kingdome: Other things of many importance for the good of this Kingdome, are in proposition, though little could hitherto bedone, in regard of the many other more pressing businesses, which yet before the end of this Session, we hope may receive some progresse and perfection. The establishing and ordering the Kings Revenue, that so the abuse of Officers, and superfluity of expences may be cut off, and the necessarie disbursments for his Majesties Honor, the defence and government of the Kingdome, may be more certainly provided for. The regulating of Courts of Iustice, and abridging both the delayes and charges of Law Suits; The setling of some good courses for preventing the exportation of Gold and Silver, and the inequality of exchanges betwixt us and other Nations, for the advancing of native Commodities, increase of our Manufactures, and well ballancing of Trade, whereby the Stock of the Kingdome may be increased, or at least kept from impairing, as through neglect hereof it hath done for many yeers last past; For improving the Herring fishing, upon our own Coasts, which will be of mightie use in the imployment of the poore, and aplentifull Nurserie of Mariners for inabling the Kingdome in any great Action. The oppositions, obstructions; and other Difficulties wherewith we have been encountred, and which still lye in our way with some strength and much obstinacie are these: The malignant Partie whom we have formerly described, to be the Actors and promoters of all our miserie, they have taken heart again; They have been able to preferre some of their own Factors and Agents to degrees of honour, to places of Trust and imployment even during theParliament. They have endeavoured to work in His Maiestie ill impressions and opinions of Our proceedings, as if we had altogether done our own work, and not His, and had obtained from him many things very preiudiciall to the Crown, both in respect of Prerogative and Profit. To wipe out this slander, We think good onely to say thus much: That all that We have done, is for His Maiestie, His greatnesse, Honor, and support, when We yeelded to give 25000. l. a moneth for the relief of the Northerne Countreys,this was given to the King, for he was bound to protect his subiects, they were his Maiesties evill Counsellors, and their ill instruments that were actors in those grievances which brought in the Scots: and if his Majesty please to force those who were the authors of this warre to make satisfaction, as he might justly and easily doe, it seemes very reasonable that the people might well be excused from taking upon them this burthen, being altogether innocent, and free from being any causes of it.When we undertooke the charge of the army, which cost above 50000. pound a moneth, was not this given to the King? was it not his Majesties army? were not all the Commanders under contract with his Majesty at higher rates and greater wages then ordinary? and have not we taken upon us to discharge all the brotherly assistance of three hundred thousand pounds which we gave the Scots? was it not toward repaire of those dammages and losses which they received from the Kings ships, and from his ministers? These three particulars amount to above 1100. thousand pound, besides his Majesty hath received by impositions upon merchandise at least 400. thousand pounds; so that his Majestyhath had out of the subjects purse since the Parliament began, one million and halfe, and yet these men can be so impudent, as to tell his Majesty, that we have done nothing for him. As to the second branch of this slander, we acknowledge with much thankfulnesse that his Majesty hath passed more good Bils to the advantage of the subjects then hath been in many ages; but withall we cannot forget, that these venomous counsels did manifest themselves in some endeavours to hinder these good Acts: And for both Houses of Parliament wee may with truth and modesty say thus much, That we have ever been carefull not to desire any thing that should weaken the Crowne either in just profit or usefull power. The trienniall Parliament, for the matter of it, doth not extend to so much as by Law we ought to have required, there being two Statutes still in force for a Parliament to be once a yeere, and for the manner of it, it is in the Kings power, that it shall never take effect, if he by a timely summons shall prevent any other way of assembling. In the Bill for continuance of this present Parliament, there seemes to be some restraint of the royall power in dissolving of Parliaments, not to take it out of the Crowne, but to suspendthe execution of it for this time and occasion onely, which was so necessary for the Kings owne security, and the publique peace, that without it wee could not have undertaken any of these great charges, but must have left both the armies to disorder and confusion, and the whole Kingdome to blood and rapin. The Starchamber was much more fruitfull in oppression then in profit, the great fines being for the most part given away, and the rest stalled at long times. The fines of the high Commission were in themselves unjust and seldome or never came into the Kings purse. These foure Bils are particularly and more specially instanced, in the rest, there will not be found so much as a shadow of prejudice to the Crowne. They have sought to diminish our reputation with the people, and to bring them out of love with Parliaments: the aspersions which they have attempted this way, have beene such as these, That we have spent much time and done little, especially in those grievances which concerne Religion. That the Parliament is a burden to the Kingdome by the abundance of Protections which hinder Justice and Trade, and by many Subsidies granted much more heavy then any they formerly endured; towhich there is a ready answer: If the time spent in this Parliament be considered in relation backward to the long growth and deep roote of those grievances, which wee have removed, to the powerfull supports of those delinquents which wee have pursued, to the great necessities and other charges of the Common wealth for which we have provided: or if it be considered in relation forward to many advantages, which not onely the present but future ages are like to reape by the good lawes and other proceedings in this Parliament, we doubt not but it will be thought by all indifferent judgments that our time hath beene much better imployed then in a farre greater proportion of time in many former Parliaments put together; and the charges which have beene laid upon the Subjects, and the other inconveniences which they have borne will seeme very light in respect of the benefit they have and may receive. And for the matter of Protections, the Parliament is so sensible of it, that therein they intend to give them whatsoever ease may stand with Honour and Justice; and are in a way of passing a Bill to give them satisfaction. They have sought by many subtile practices, to cause jealousies and divisions betwixtus and our brethren ofScotland, by slandering their proceedings and intentions towards us, and by secret endeavours to instigate and incense them and us one against another. They have had such a party of Bishops and popish Lords in the House of Peeres, as hath caused much opposition and delay in the prosecution of delinquents, hindred the proceedings of divers good Bils passed in the Commons House, concerning the reformation of sundry great abuses and corruptions both in Church and State. They have laboured to seduce and corrupt some of the Commons House, to draw them into Conspiracies and Combinations against the libertie of the Parliament: And by their instruments and agents they have attempted to disaffect and discontent his Majesties Army, and to ingage it for the maintenance of their wicked and trayterous designes, the keeping up of Bishops in their Votes and functions, and by force to compell the Parliament to order, limit, and dispose their proceedings in such manner as might best concurre with the intentions of this dangerous and potent faction: And when one mischievous designe, and attempt of theirs to bring on theArmy against the Parliament, and the City ofLondonhad been discovered and prevented, they presently undertooke another of the same damnable nature, with this addition to it, to endeavour to make the Scotish Army neutrall, whilst the English Army which they had laboured to corrupt and invenome against us by their false and slanderous suggestions should execute their malice to the subversion of our Religion and the dissolution of our government. Thus they have beene continually practizing to disturbe the peace, and plotting the destruction even of all the Kings Dominions, and have employed their emissaries and agents in them all for the promoting of their divellish designes which the vigilancie of those who were well affected hath still discovered and defeated before they were ripe for execution inEnglandandScotland: only inIrelandwhich was farther of, they have had time and opportunity to mould and prepare their worke, and had brought it to that perfection that they had possessed themselves of that whole Kingdome, totally subverted the government of it, rooted out Religion, and destroyed all the protestants whom the conscience of their duty to God, their King and Countrey wouldnot have permitted to joyne with them, if by Gods wonderfull providence their maine enterprize upon the City and Castell ofDublinhad not beene detected and prevented upon the very eave before it should have beene executed. Notwithstanding they have in other parts of that Kingdome broken out into open rebellion, surprised Townes and Castles, committed murders, rapes, and other villanies; and shaken off all bonds of obedience to his Majesty, and the lawes of the Realme; and in generall have kindled such a fire, as nothing but Gods infinite blessing upon the wisdome and endeavours of this State will be able to quench it: and certainely had not God in his great mercy unto this Land discovered and confounded their former designes, we had been the Prologue to this Tragedy inIreland, and had by this time been made the lamentable spectacle of misery and confusion. And now what hope have we but in God, when as the onely means of our subsistance, and power of reformation is under him, in the Parliament; but what can we the Commons without the conjunction of the House of Lords, and what conjunction can wee expect there, when the Bishops and Recusant Lords are sonumerous and prevalent, that they are able to crosse and interrupt our best endeavours for reformation, and by that meanes give advantage to this malignant party to traduce our proceedings. They infuse into the people, that we meane to abolish all Church government, and leave every man to his owne fancy for the service and worship of God, absolving him of that obedience which he owes under God unto his Majesty whom wee know to be intrusted with the ecclesiasticall law as well as with the temporall to regulate all the members of the Church ofEnglandby such rules of order and discipline as are established by parliament which is his great Councell, in all affaires both in Church and State. We confesse our intention is and our endeavours have been to reduce within bounds that exorbitant power which the prelates have assumed unto themselves so contrary both to the Word of God, and to the Laws of the Land, to which end wee past the Bill for the removing them from their temporall power, and imployments, that so the better they might with meekenesse apply themselves to the discharge of their functions, which Bill themselves opposed, and were the principall instruments of crossing it.And we do here declare, that it is farre from our purpose or desire to let loose the golden reynes of discipline, and government in the Church, to leave private persons or particular Congregations to take up what forme of divine Service they please; for we hold it requisite that their should be throughout the whole Realme a conformity to that Order which the Lawes enjoyne, according to the Word of God: and we desire to unburthen the consciences of men of needlesse and superstitious ceremonies, suppresse innovations, and take away the monuments of Idolatry. And the better to effect the intended reformation we desire there may be a generall Synod of the most grave, pious, learned, and judicious Divines of this Island, assisted with some from forraine parts professing the same Religion with us, who may consider of all things necessary for the peace & good government of the Church, and represent the results of their consultations unto the Parliament to be there allowed of and confirmed, and receive the stamp of authority thereby to finde passage and obedience throughout the Kingdome. They have malitiously charged us that wee intend to destroyand discourage learning, whereas it is our chiefest care and desire to advance it and to provide a competent maintenance for conscionable and preaching Ministers throughout the Kingdome, which will be a great encouragement to Schollers, and a certaine means whereby the want, meanesse, and ignorance to which a great part of the Clergy is now subject, will be prevented. And wee intend likewise to reforme, and purge the fountaines of learning the two Universities, that the streames flowing from thence may be cleere and pure, and an honour and comfort to the whole Land. They have strayned to blast our proceedings in Parliament by wresting the interpretations of our Orders from their genuine intention. They tell the people that our medling with the power of Episcopacy, hath caused sectaries and conventicles, when idolatry and popish ceremonies introduced in the Church by the command of the Bishops have not onely debarred the people from thence, but expelled them from the Kingdome. Thus withEliahwe are called by this malignant party the troublers of the State, and still while we endeavour to reforme their abuses, they make us the authoursof those mischiefes we study to prevent: for the perfecting of the worke begun and removing all future impediments, we conceave these courses will be very effectuall, seeing the religion of the Papists, hath such principals as doe certainely tend to the destruction and extirpation of all Protestants when they shall have opportunity to effect it.It is necessary in the first place to keep them in such a condition, as that they may not be able to do us any hurt, and for avoyding of such connivence and favour as hath heretofore been shewed unto them, That his Majesty be pleased to grant a standing Commission to some choice men named in Parliament, who may take notice of their encrease, their counsels and proceedings, and use all due meanes by execution of the Lawes to prevent all mischievous designes, against the peace and safety of this Kingdome. That some good course be taken to discover the counterfeit and false conformity of Papists to the Church by colour whereof persons very much disaffected to the true religion have beene admitted into place of greatest authority and trust in the Kingdome.For the better preservation of the Lawes and liberties of the Kingdome, that all illegall grievances and exactions be presented, and punished at the Sessions, and Assizes: and that Judges and Justices be very carefull to give this in charge to the grand Jury, and both the Sheriffe and Justices to be sworne to the due execution of the petition of right and other Lawes: That his Majesty be humbly petitioned by both houses to employ such Counsellours, Ambassadors, and other Ministers in mannaging his businesse at home and abroad, as the Parliament may have cause to confide in, without which wee cannot give his Majesty such supplies for support of his owne estate, nor such assistance to the protestant party beyond the Sea, as is desired. It may often fall out that the Commons may have just cause to take exceptions at some men for being Counsellors, and yet not charge those men with crimes, for there be grounds of diffidence which lie not in proofe: there are others which though they may be proved yet are not legally criminall, to be a knowne favourer of papists, or to have beene very forward in defending or countenancing some great offenders questioned inParliament, or to speake contemptuously of either Houses of Parliament, or Parliamentary proceedings, or such as are factours or agents for any forraine Prince of another Religion, such are justly suspect to get Counsellors places or any other of trust concerning publique imployment for money: For all these and divers others wee may have great reason to be earnest with his Majesty not to put his great affaires into such hands, though we may be unwilling to proceed against them in any legall way of charge or impeachment: that all Counsellors of State may be sworn to observe those Lawes which concerne the Subject in his libertie, that they may likewise take an oath not to receive or give reward or pension from any forraine Prince, but such as they shall within some reasonable time discover to the Lords of his Majesties Councell: and although they should wickedly forsweare themselves, yet it may herein doe good to make them knowne to be false and perjured to those who imploy them, and thereby bring them into as little credit with them as with us. That his Majesty may have cause to be in love with good Counsel and good men, by shewing him in an humbleand dutifull manner, how full of advantage it would be to himselfe, to see his owne estate setled in a plentifull condition to support his honour, to see his people united in waies of duty to him, and endeavours of the publique good; to see happinesse, wealth, peace and safety derived to his owne Kingdome, and procured to his Allies by the influence of his owne power and government. That all good courses may be taken to unite the two Kingdomes ofEnglandandScotlandto be mutually ayding and assisting of one another for the common good of the Island, and honour of both. To take away all differences amongst our selves for matters indifferent in their owne nature concerning Religion; and to unite our selves against the common enemies which are the better enabled by our divisions to destroy us all, as they hope and have often endeavoured. To labour by all offices of friendship to unite the forrain Churches with us in the same cause, and to seeke their liberty, safety, and prosperity, as bound thereunto both by charity to them, and by wisdome for our owne good. For by this meanes our owne strength shall be encreased, and by a mutuall concurrence to thesame common end, we shall be enabled to procure the good of the whole body of the Protestant profession. If these things may be observed, wee doubt not but God will crowne this Parliament with such successe as shall be the beginning, and foundation of more honour and happinesse to his Majesty, then ever yet was enjoyed by any of his Royall Predecessors.FINIS.
They imposed a new Oath upon divers of his Maiesties Subiects, bothEcclesiasticallandLay, for maintenance of their own Tyrannie,and laid a great Tax upon the Clergy for supply of his Maiestie; and generally they shewed themselves very affectionate to the Warre withScotland, which was by some of them stiledBellum Episcopale, and a prayer composed, and enioyned to be read in all Churches, calling theScots,Rebels, to put the two Nations into blood, and make them irreconciliable. All those pretendedCanonsandConstitutionswere armed with the severall Censures ofSuspension,Excommunication,Deprivation, by which they would have thrust out all the good Ministers, and most of the well affected people of the Kingdome, and left an easie passage to their own Designe of Reconciliation withRome. ThePopishparty enioyned such Exemptions from thePenall Lawsas amounted to a Tolleration, besides many other encouragements, and Court favours: They had a Secretarie of State, Sir.Francis Windibank, a powerfull Agent for the speeding of all their desires, aPopes Nuntioresiding here to act and govern them according to such influences as he received fromRome, and to intercede for them with the most powerfull concurrenceof the forraigne Princes of that religion: By his authoritie thePapistsof all sorts, Nobility, Gentry, and Clergie were convocated, after the manner of aParliament, new Iurisdictions were erected ofRomish Archbishops, Taxes levied, another State moulded within this State independant in Government, contrary in interest and affection, secretly corrupting the Ignorant, or negligent professors of our Religion, and closely uniting and combining themselves against such as were sound, in this posture waiting for an opportunitie by force to destroy those whom they could not hope to seduce. For the effecting whereof, they were strengthened with Armes and Munition, encouraged by superstitious Prayers enioyned by theNuntioto be weekly made for the prosperitie of some great designe. And such power had they at Court, that secretly a Commission was issued out, intended to be issued to some great Men of that profession for the levying of Souldiers, and to command and employ them according to private Instructions, which we doubt were framed for the advantage of those who werethe contrivers of them: His Maiesties Treasure was consumed, his Revenew anticipated, His Servants and Officers compelled to lend great summes of Money; Multitudes were called to theCouncell Table, who were tired with long attendances there, for refusing illegall payments. ThePrisonswere filled with their Commitments; many of the Sheriffes summoned into theStarre Chamber, and some imprisoned for not being quicke enough in levying the Ship-money, the people languished under grief, and fear, no visible hope being left, but in desperation. The Nobility began to be wearie of their silence, and patience, and sensible of the dutie and Trust which belongs to them: and thereupon some of the most eminent of them did petition His Maiesty at such a time when evil Councels were so strong that they had reason to expect more hazard to themselves, then redresse of those publike evils for which they interceded, whilest the Kingdome was in this Agitation and distemper, theScotsrestrained in their Trades, impoverished by the losse of many of their Ships, bereaved of all possibility of satisfying HisMajestie by any naked Supplication, entred with a powerfull Army into the Kingdome, and without any hostile Act or spoil in the Countrey as they passed, more then forcing a passage over theTyneatNewborne, neerNewcastle, possessed themselves ofNewcastle, and had a fair opportunitie to presse on further upon the Kings Armie: but dutie and Reverence to his Majestie, and brotherly love to theEnglishNation, made them stay there, whereby the King had leasure to entertain better Councels, wherein God so blessed and directed him, that he summoned the great Councell of Peers to meet atYorke, upon the twentie fourth of September, and there declared a Parliament to begin the third of Novemb. then following. The Scots the first day of the great Councell, presented an humble Petition to His Majestie, whereupon the Treatie was appointed at Rippon. A present Cessation of armes agreed upon: and the full Conclusion of all differences referred to the wisedome and care of the Parliament. At our first meeting all Oppositions seemed to vanish, the mischieves were soevident, which those evil Councellors produced, that no Man durst stand up to defend them. Yet the work it self afforded difficultie enough. The multiplied evils and corruption of sixteen yeers strengthened by custome and authoritie, and the concurrent interest of many powerfull delinquents were now to be brought to iudgement and Reformation. The Kings Houshold was to be provided for, they had brought him to that want, that he could not supply His Ordinarie, and necessarie expences, without the assistance of his people. Two Armies were to be paied, which amounted very neer to 80. thousand pounds a moneth; the people were to be tenderly charged, having been formerly exhausted with many burthensome Proiects. The difficulties seemed to be insuperable, which by the Divine Providence we have overcome. The Contrarieties incompatible, which yet in a great measure we have reconciled. Six Subsidies have been granted, and a Bill of Poll-money, which if it be duely levied, may equall six Subsidies more in all: Six hundred thousand pounds. Besides we have contracted a Debtto the Scots of 220. thousand pounds; and yet God hath so blessed the endeavours of this Parliament, that the Kingdom is a great gainer by all these charges. The Ship-money is abolished, which cost the Kingdome above 200. thousand pounds a yeer. The Coat and Conduct money, and other militarie charges, are taken away, which in many Countreys amounted to little lesse then the Ship-money. The Monopolies are all supprest, whereof some few did preiudice the Subiect, above a Million yearly. The Soape an hundred thousand pounds; the Wine three hundred thousand pounds; the Leather must needs exceed both: and Salt could be no lesse then that, besides the inferiour Monopolies, which if they could be exactly computed, would make up a great summe. That which is more beneficiall then all this is, that the root of these evils is taken away, which was the arbitrarie power pretended to be in his Maiestie, of taxing the Subiect, or charging their estates without consent in Parliament, which is now declared to be against Law by the iudgement of both Houses, and likewise by anAct of Parliament. Another step of great advantage is this: the living Grievances, the evil Councellors and actors of these mischiefs have been so quelled, by the justice done upon the Earl of Strafford, the flight of the LordFinch, and SecretarieWindibank. The accusation and imprisonment of the Archbishop of Canterbury, of IudgeBartlet, and the impeachment of divers other Bishops and Iudges, that it is like not onely to be an ease to the present times, but a preservation to the future. The discontinuance of Parliaments is prevented by the Bill for a Trienniall Parliament, and the abrupt dissolution of this Parliament by another Bill; by which it is provided it shall not be dissolved or adiourned without the consent of both Houses. Which two Laws well considered, may be thought more advantagious then all the former, because they secure a full operation of the present remedie, and afford a perpetuall Spring of remedies for the future: The Star-Chamber, the High Commission, the Courts of the President, and Councell in the North, were so many forges of miserie, oppression,and violence, and are all taken away, whereby men are more secured in their persons, liberties, and estates, then they could be by any Law or Example for the regulation of those Courts, or Terror of the Iudges; The immoderate power of theCouncell Table, and the excessive abuse of that power is so ordered and restrained, that we may well hope that no such things as were frequently done by them, to the prejudice of the publique libertie, will appear in future times but onely in Stories, to give us and our posteritie more occasion to praise God for His Maiesties goodnesse, and the faithfull endeavours of thisParliament. TheCanons, and the power ofCanonmaking, are blasted by the Vote of bothHouses. The exorbitant power ofBishops, and their Courts, are much abated, by some Provisions in the Bill against theHigh Commission Court. The authors of the many innovations in Doctrine and Ceremonies; The Ministers that have been scandalous in their lives, have been so terrified in iust complaints and accusations, that we may well hope they will be more modestfor the time to come; either inwardly convicted by the sight of their own folly, or outwardly restrained by the fear of punishment. TheForrestsare by a good Law reduced to their right bounds; The encroachments and oppressions of theStannarie Courts; The Extortions of the Clerk of the Market, and the Compulsion of the Subiect to receive the Order of Knighthood against his will, paying of Fines for not receiving it, and the vexatious proceedings thereupon for levying of those Fines, are by other beneficiall Laws reformed and prevented. Many excellent Laws and provisions are in preparation for removing the inordinate power, vexation, and usurpation ofBishops, for reforming the pride and Idlenesse of many of the Clergie, for easing the people of unnecessarie Ceremonies in Religion, for censuring and removing unworthy and unprofitable Ministers; and for maintaining godly and diligent Preachers through the Kingdome: Other things of many importance for the good of this Kingdome, are in proposition, though little could hitherto bedone, in regard of the many other more pressing businesses, which yet before the end of this Session, we hope may receive some progresse and perfection. The establishing and ordering the Kings Revenue, that so the abuse of Officers, and superfluity of expences may be cut off, and the necessarie disbursments for his Majesties Honor, the defence and government of the Kingdome, may be more certainly provided for. The regulating of Courts of Iustice, and abridging both the delayes and charges of Law Suits; The setling of some good courses for preventing the exportation of Gold and Silver, and the inequality of exchanges betwixt us and other Nations, for the advancing of native Commodities, increase of our Manufactures, and well ballancing of Trade, whereby the Stock of the Kingdome may be increased, or at least kept from impairing, as through neglect hereof it hath done for many yeers last past; For improving the Herring fishing, upon our own Coasts, which will be of mightie use in the imployment of the poore, and aplentifull Nurserie of Mariners for inabling the Kingdome in any great Action. The oppositions, obstructions; and other Difficulties wherewith we have been encountred, and which still lye in our way with some strength and much obstinacie are these: The malignant Partie whom we have formerly described, to be the Actors and promoters of all our miserie, they have taken heart again; They have been able to preferre some of their own Factors and Agents to degrees of honour, to places of Trust and imployment even during theParliament. They have endeavoured to work in His Maiestie ill impressions and opinions of Our proceedings, as if we had altogether done our own work, and not His, and had obtained from him many things very preiudiciall to the Crown, both in respect of Prerogative and Profit. To wipe out this slander, We think good onely to say thus much: That all that We have done, is for His Maiestie, His greatnesse, Honor, and support, when We yeelded to give 25000. l. a moneth for the relief of the Northerne Countreys,this was given to the King, for he was bound to protect his subiects, they were his Maiesties evill Counsellors, and their ill instruments that were actors in those grievances which brought in the Scots: and if his Majesty please to force those who were the authors of this warre to make satisfaction, as he might justly and easily doe, it seemes very reasonable that the people might well be excused from taking upon them this burthen, being altogether innocent, and free from being any causes of it.
When we undertooke the charge of the army, which cost above 50000. pound a moneth, was not this given to the King? was it not his Majesties army? were not all the Commanders under contract with his Majesty at higher rates and greater wages then ordinary? and have not we taken upon us to discharge all the brotherly assistance of three hundred thousand pounds which we gave the Scots? was it not toward repaire of those dammages and losses which they received from the Kings ships, and from his ministers? These three particulars amount to above 1100. thousand pound, besides his Majesty hath received by impositions upon merchandise at least 400. thousand pounds; so that his Majestyhath had out of the subjects purse since the Parliament began, one million and halfe, and yet these men can be so impudent, as to tell his Majesty, that we have done nothing for him. As to the second branch of this slander, we acknowledge with much thankfulnesse that his Majesty hath passed more good Bils to the advantage of the subjects then hath been in many ages; but withall we cannot forget, that these venomous counsels did manifest themselves in some endeavours to hinder these good Acts: And for both Houses of Parliament wee may with truth and modesty say thus much, That we have ever been carefull not to desire any thing that should weaken the Crowne either in just profit or usefull power. The trienniall Parliament, for the matter of it, doth not extend to so much as by Law we ought to have required, there being two Statutes still in force for a Parliament to be once a yeere, and for the manner of it, it is in the Kings power, that it shall never take effect, if he by a timely summons shall prevent any other way of assembling. In the Bill for continuance of this present Parliament, there seemes to be some restraint of the royall power in dissolving of Parliaments, not to take it out of the Crowne, but to suspendthe execution of it for this time and occasion onely, which was so necessary for the Kings owne security, and the publique peace, that without it wee could not have undertaken any of these great charges, but must have left both the armies to disorder and confusion, and the whole Kingdome to blood and rapin. The Starchamber was much more fruitfull in oppression then in profit, the great fines being for the most part given away, and the rest stalled at long times. The fines of the high Commission were in themselves unjust and seldome or never came into the Kings purse. These foure Bils are particularly and more specially instanced, in the rest, there will not be found so much as a shadow of prejudice to the Crowne. They have sought to diminish our reputation with the people, and to bring them out of love with Parliaments: the aspersions which they have attempted this way, have beene such as these, That we have spent much time and done little, especially in those grievances which concerne Religion. That the Parliament is a burden to the Kingdome by the abundance of Protections which hinder Justice and Trade, and by many Subsidies granted much more heavy then any they formerly endured; towhich there is a ready answer: If the time spent in this Parliament be considered in relation backward to the long growth and deep roote of those grievances, which wee have removed, to the powerfull supports of those delinquents which wee have pursued, to the great necessities and other charges of the Common wealth for which we have provided: or if it be considered in relation forward to many advantages, which not onely the present but future ages are like to reape by the good lawes and other proceedings in this Parliament, we doubt not but it will be thought by all indifferent judgments that our time hath beene much better imployed then in a farre greater proportion of time in many former Parliaments put together; and the charges which have beene laid upon the Subjects, and the other inconveniences which they have borne will seeme very light in respect of the benefit they have and may receive. And for the matter of Protections, the Parliament is so sensible of it, that therein they intend to give them whatsoever ease may stand with Honour and Justice; and are in a way of passing a Bill to give them satisfaction. They have sought by many subtile practices, to cause jealousies and divisions betwixtus and our brethren ofScotland, by slandering their proceedings and intentions towards us, and by secret endeavours to instigate and incense them and us one against another. They have had such a party of Bishops and popish Lords in the House of Peeres, as hath caused much opposition and delay in the prosecution of delinquents, hindred the proceedings of divers good Bils passed in the Commons House, concerning the reformation of sundry great abuses and corruptions both in Church and State. They have laboured to seduce and corrupt some of the Commons House, to draw them into Conspiracies and Combinations against the libertie of the Parliament: And by their instruments and agents they have attempted to disaffect and discontent his Majesties Army, and to ingage it for the maintenance of their wicked and trayterous designes, the keeping up of Bishops in their Votes and functions, and by force to compell the Parliament to order, limit, and dispose their proceedings in such manner as might best concurre with the intentions of this dangerous and potent faction: And when one mischievous designe, and attempt of theirs to bring on theArmy against the Parliament, and the City ofLondonhad been discovered and prevented, they presently undertooke another of the same damnable nature, with this addition to it, to endeavour to make the Scotish Army neutrall, whilst the English Army which they had laboured to corrupt and invenome against us by their false and slanderous suggestions should execute their malice to the subversion of our Religion and the dissolution of our government. Thus they have beene continually practizing to disturbe the peace, and plotting the destruction even of all the Kings Dominions, and have employed their emissaries and agents in them all for the promoting of their divellish designes which the vigilancie of those who were well affected hath still discovered and defeated before they were ripe for execution inEnglandandScotland: only inIrelandwhich was farther of, they have had time and opportunity to mould and prepare their worke, and had brought it to that perfection that they had possessed themselves of that whole Kingdome, totally subverted the government of it, rooted out Religion, and destroyed all the protestants whom the conscience of their duty to God, their King and Countrey wouldnot have permitted to joyne with them, if by Gods wonderfull providence their maine enterprize upon the City and Castell ofDublinhad not beene detected and prevented upon the very eave before it should have beene executed. Notwithstanding they have in other parts of that Kingdome broken out into open rebellion, surprised Townes and Castles, committed murders, rapes, and other villanies; and shaken off all bonds of obedience to his Majesty, and the lawes of the Realme; and in generall have kindled such a fire, as nothing but Gods infinite blessing upon the wisdome and endeavours of this State will be able to quench it: and certainely had not God in his great mercy unto this Land discovered and confounded their former designes, we had been the Prologue to this Tragedy inIreland, and had by this time been made the lamentable spectacle of misery and confusion. And now what hope have we but in God, when as the onely means of our subsistance, and power of reformation is under him, in the Parliament; but what can we the Commons without the conjunction of the House of Lords, and what conjunction can wee expect there, when the Bishops and Recusant Lords are sonumerous and prevalent, that they are able to crosse and interrupt our best endeavours for reformation, and by that meanes give advantage to this malignant party to traduce our proceedings. They infuse into the people, that we meane to abolish all Church government, and leave every man to his owne fancy for the service and worship of God, absolving him of that obedience which he owes under God unto his Majesty whom wee know to be intrusted with the ecclesiasticall law as well as with the temporall to regulate all the members of the Church ofEnglandby such rules of order and discipline as are established by parliament which is his great Councell, in all affaires both in Church and State. We confesse our intention is and our endeavours have been to reduce within bounds that exorbitant power which the prelates have assumed unto themselves so contrary both to the Word of God, and to the Laws of the Land, to which end wee past the Bill for the removing them from their temporall power, and imployments, that so the better they might with meekenesse apply themselves to the discharge of their functions, which Bill themselves opposed, and were the principall instruments of crossing it.
And we do here declare, that it is farre from our purpose or desire to let loose the golden reynes of discipline, and government in the Church, to leave private persons or particular Congregations to take up what forme of divine Service they please; for we hold it requisite that their should be throughout the whole Realme a conformity to that Order which the Lawes enjoyne, according to the Word of God: and we desire to unburthen the consciences of men of needlesse and superstitious ceremonies, suppresse innovations, and take away the monuments of Idolatry. And the better to effect the intended reformation we desire there may be a generall Synod of the most grave, pious, learned, and judicious Divines of this Island, assisted with some from forraine parts professing the same Religion with us, who may consider of all things necessary for the peace & good government of the Church, and represent the results of their consultations unto the Parliament to be there allowed of and confirmed, and receive the stamp of authority thereby to finde passage and obedience throughout the Kingdome. They have malitiously charged us that wee intend to destroyand discourage learning, whereas it is our chiefest care and desire to advance it and to provide a competent maintenance for conscionable and preaching Ministers throughout the Kingdome, which will be a great encouragement to Schollers, and a certaine means whereby the want, meanesse, and ignorance to which a great part of the Clergy is now subject, will be prevented. And wee intend likewise to reforme, and purge the fountaines of learning the two Universities, that the streames flowing from thence may be cleere and pure, and an honour and comfort to the whole Land. They have strayned to blast our proceedings in Parliament by wresting the interpretations of our Orders from their genuine intention. They tell the people that our medling with the power of Episcopacy, hath caused sectaries and conventicles, when idolatry and popish ceremonies introduced in the Church by the command of the Bishops have not onely debarred the people from thence, but expelled them from the Kingdome. Thus withEliahwe are called by this malignant party the troublers of the State, and still while we endeavour to reforme their abuses, they make us the authoursof those mischiefes we study to prevent: for the perfecting of the worke begun and removing all future impediments, we conceave these courses will be very effectuall, seeing the religion of the Papists, hath such principals as doe certainely tend to the destruction and extirpation of all Protestants when they shall have opportunity to effect it.
It is necessary in the first place to keep them in such a condition, as that they may not be able to do us any hurt, and for avoyding of such connivence and favour as hath heretofore been shewed unto them, That his Majesty be pleased to grant a standing Commission to some choice men named in Parliament, who may take notice of their encrease, their counsels and proceedings, and use all due meanes by execution of the Lawes to prevent all mischievous designes, against the peace and safety of this Kingdome. That some good course be taken to discover the counterfeit and false conformity of Papists to the Church by colour whereof persons very much disaffected to the true religion have beene admitted into place of greatest authority and trust in the Kingdome.
For the better preservation of the Lawes and liberties of the Kingdome, that all illegall grievances and exactions be presented, and punished at the Sessions, and Assizes: and that Judges and Justices be very carefull to give this in charge to the grand Jury, and both the Sheriffe and Justices to be sworne to the due execution of the petition of right and other Lawes: That his Majesty be humbly petitioned by both houses to employ such Counsellours, Ambassadors, and other Ministers in mannaging his businesse at home and abroad, as the Parliament may have cause to confide in, without which wee cannot give his Majesty such supplies for support of his owne estate, nor such assistance to the protestant party beyond the Sea, as is desired. It may often fall out that the Commons may have just cause to take exceptions at some men for being Counsellors, and yet not charge those men with crimes, for there be grounds of diffidence which lie not in proofe: there are others which though they may be proved yet are not legally criminall, to be a knowne favourer of papists, or to have beene very forward in defending or countenancing some great offenders questioned inParliament, or to speake contemptuously of either Houses of Parliament, or Parliamentary proceedings, or such as are factours or agents for any forraine Prince of another Religion, such are justly suspect to get Counsellors places or any other of trust concerning publique imployment for money: For all these and divers others wee may have great reason to be earnest with his Majesty not to put his great affaires into such hands, though we may be unwilling to proceed against them in any legall way of charge or impeachment: that all Counsellors of State may be sworn to observe those Lawes which concerne the Subject in his libertie, that they may likewise take an oath not to receive or give reward or pension from any forraine Prince, but such as they shall within some reasonable time discover to the Lords of his Majesties Councell: and although they should wickedly forsweare themselves, yet it may herein doe good to make them knowne to be false and perjured to those who imploy them, and thereby bring them into as little credit with them as with us. That his Majesty may have cause to be in love with good Counsel and good men, by shewing him in an humbleand dutifull manner, how full of advantage it would be to himselfe, to see his owne estate setled in a plentifull condition to support his honour, to see his people united in waies of duty to him, and endeavours of the publique good; to see happinesse, wealth, peace and safety derived to his owne Kingdome, and procured to his Allies by the influence of his owne power and government. That all good courses may be taken to unite the two Kingdomes ofEnglandandScotlandto be mutually ayding and assisting of one another for the common good of the Island, and honour of both. To take away all differences amongst our selves for matters indifferent in their owne nature concerning Religion; and to unite our selves against the common enemies which are the better enabled by our divisions to destroy us all, as they hope and have often endeavoured. To labour by all offices of friendship to unite the forrain Churches with us in the same cause, and to seeke their liberty, safety, and prosperity, as bound thereunto both by charity to them, and by wisdome for our owne good. For by this meanes our owne strength shall be encreased, and by a mutuall concurrence to thesame common end, we shall be enabled to procure the good of the whole body of the Protestant profession. If these things may be observed, wee doubt not but God will crowne this Parliament with such successe as shall be the beginning, and foundation of more honour and happinesse to his Majesty, then ever yet was enjoyed by any of his Royall Predecessors.
FINIS.
Transcriber's NoteThe cover image was created by the transcriber, and is in the public domain.Archaic and inconsistent spelling and punctuation has been reproduced as printed.Illegible or unclear letters have been imputed to form the word expected in the context.In the original work, the page numeral 12 appears twice, on the pages shown here as11and12. The page numeral 52 appears twice, on the pages shown here as52and54; and the page numeral 53 appears twice, on the pages shown here as53and55.The following changes have been made to the text as printed:Page33:whereupouhas been changed towhereupon.Page37:wher-byhyphenated across a line break has been rendered aswhereby.Page37: A full stop has been inserted afterVote of both Houses.Page39:ex-exchangeshyphenated across a line break has been rendered asexchanges.
The cover image was created by the transcriber, and is in the public domain.
Archaic and inconsistent spelling and punctuation has been reproduced as printed.
Illegible or unclear letters have been imputed to form the word expected in the context.
In the original work, the page numeral 12 appears twice, on the pages shown here as11and12. The page numeral 52 appears twice, on the pages shown here as52and54; and the page numeral 53 appears twice, on the pages shown here as53and55.
The following changes have been made to the text as printed: