MERCVRIVS CALIDONIVS:
HOw now! I do not meane of our blinde Chronicler How; for Mortality hath epitomiz'd his Story: though I must tell you, it were worth Chronicling to heare no News, as the Northern Staple stands, from the North—Yes, Bullies, I must make bold to tell you, that our Jockies are by the next Post for passing over Tweede. They had so good Forrage of late, as they hope all is not eaten up, though the poore Rats (for some of your insensed Spleens, netled with their personall sufferings, so immeritoriously stile them) were sufficiently gorged during their late Quartering here.—But have at you, Boyes of the A place North-West, cut out in a Tabulary circumference; and so named from that antient Institution of the Knights of the Round-Table. Round Table: The Blew-caps are now in lifting; their Honour stands at stake: Religion is a strong tie to a Scot, Ruine of Crosses, Pictures, Funts, and Lists of Whistles, have not as yet made up the whole Structure of their intended Reformation. Doe you hold such Puppy-Playes acts of concerning quality to establish a Presbitery? No; yee stupid Animals. They have begunne it, and they meane to perfect it, or play the Bats, and leave the Field, or so rather loose their honour, than lives by it; Though I must tell you, that they preferre the estimate of their question'd honour, before life, as they hope to give evidence to the world in the activest points of Valour, upon their next encounter.
But to our Grand Sessions: Suppose our Gallantry of Calidon now sitting; and by an Eare and Eye-witnesse, who can with a ready pen, an unintressed eare, an integrious heart, and understanding head (so much my judgement may really confirme me, and informe [Page 2] you) deliver an abridgement, without an abridged truth, of all such particulars as have been occasionally there passed; with a pen as cleare as his intention are cautiously shrouded
The Chancellour, a man of composed gravity, and of an apt temper to facilitate businesse (with a reserved interest for the improvement of his Country) declared himselfe, How necessary it was for the Peeres of the Land to vindicate their honours, in that grand Designe, and undertaking of the Presbyterian Constitution: How it was as yet but in the Cradle and Infancy, and unadvanc'd to that Forme or Modell for which it was intended; and for establishment whereof their Forces, were not onely by the English seriously invited, but them conscientiously levyed and engaged. Religion was no subject of a dispensable quality; in their deficience in this: all Orthodoxall States would have their eyes fixed on them, and conclude, that private Interest, without respect of Conscience, was the ground of their Quarrell, and sole object of their Designes. This would beget in them a contempt in the opinion of all Nations, especially of such with whom they had usuall commerce; and consequently become an infinite prejudice to their negotiation abroad: For how should any people beget in Forreigners a confidence, when they finde those with whom they negotiate, a dispensation in ground of Conscience?
In the next place, Soveraignty, as it should imprint a reverence in our hearts, so should it, if any way eclyps'd, beget a teare in our eyes. Wee have a King, and we must acknowledge him: otherwise we are not worthy to live under him. But where is this King? Can he command himselfe? Is hee not become a Subject to his Subjects? Did not his Subjects of England, whom you were pleased to serve for their pretended redresse, promise you, upon your delivery of his Majesty at Newcastle, that he should be admitted to a Personall Treaty? And how was this Peere-like promise performed? Was He ever yet admitted? Was not his Power restrained? His Person confined, nay straightly imprisoned. Not onely his Favorites, but domestick Servants removed. All Addresses of His Parliament to him, or of him to his Parliament, inhibited. [Page 3] Being from post to pillar tossed; and without security to his Person, dangerously Menaced? Is our Kings durance, the Commissioners performance? Is restraint a Personall admittance? Looke to't my Lords, this trencheth highly on your Reputes. A Princes condition is not to be impostur'd with this jugling; not is Majesty to bee deluded with a Vizzard of Loyalty. In usuall and familiar Contracts, wee expect performance, much more in trucking with eminent Personages. You know well, my Lords, how our now imprisoned Soveraigne was borne with us, and how the English receiv'd him from us: He is our legall and naturall Prince; a Prince lyable to no error, but of Fortune. Yet has his Person been much dishonoured, his Innocence impeached, his dis-respect of Government aggravated; nothing left unassayed, that might any way beget in his Subjects a disesteeme, or to his own Person an immerited disgrace. These cannot chuse but draine from mine aged eyes distilling teares, and from mine heart entire and compassionate griess. In one word, my Lords, a more noble, nor memorable Object of present Redresse, nor of your succeeding Fame, cannot be presented, nor with more glory to you and your Posterity recommended.
I intended to have enlarged my expressions touching the necessity of our addresses to a businesse of such serious importance; being obliged in circumstance of honour with whatsoever is deare unto us, to wipe off those aspersions that might be thrown upon us in our retard: which, as it is of infinite prejudice to his Majesty, so it is highly redounding to our infamy: being supposed (and in this opinion much dishonoured) to be men who ayme onely at their owne interests: and with an impetuous desire pursuing our improvement, without a civill regard to others ruine. Vpon these particulars, I say, I had purposed to have insisted, but such unanimous resolution, I am perswaded, powerfully breathes by a sacred secret influence upon your noble spirits; as your promising alacrity in this service (which the eyes of all Christendome looke upon) contracts my discourse. Besides, these maine, and many Statebusinesses, which require such an expedite pursuit in action, as they will admit no spinning nor ravelling out of time in words.
March on with honour, and the Lord of Hoasts, for whose Annointed ye draw out your Hoasts, prosper your glorious Designes. This worke will repaire our Fame, and make our Names honoured in those succeeding Records of time, which neither age shall weare out, nor future successions sufficiently admire.
No sooner had the Chancellour delivered himselfe after this manner, then divers Factions, as they stood variously affected, expressed in their countenance (the best and holdingst Index of the mind) how they rellished this Speech. So as, for a good space, such a close and continued silence was in the whole Sessions, as it could not bee easily judged, what way these Factions most inclined, or who would stand up first, either in approving, or opposing what had been formerly so strongly, and seriously delivered. Much was expected from the At Comitem sprevit! titulo meliore refulsit, Clari voce Ducis resonans; tamen altior esset, Flectere si superos poterit, seu limina ditis. Duke of Hamilton; but hee knew well enough how to walke ith' Clouds; and by observing others who were of the powerfullest and prevailingst Faction; with his usuall reservance gave way to others constructions, to thinke of him as they pleased: meane time, hee was very cautious of ministring the least occasion of jealousie: in his desires of establishing an English Presbyterie, or re-advancing the hopes of a declining Monarchy.
But some there were (and those not altogether unacquainted with the Dukes native disposition) who could easily collect by his outward apparence, how he stood inwardly affected. A Monarchical State he could approve, and with the politicall For this disoyall heat of ambition, such as malign'd his person, have traduc'd him, whereas his late expressions of Loyalty to his Majesty may justly weare his Apology, and vindicate his question'd innocency. Philosopher, maintaine it to bee the best and clearest forme of Government; freest from confusions, least lyable to Iealousies, Faction or Commotion; but ever with this provision, that hee might make choice of the man who should undergo the Monarchicall charge, and sit at the Stern to mannage so fluctuant, and unsetled a State. Truth is, had he enjoyed the benefit of Epicurus wish, who desired nothing more than that there were Windows or Lettices in his breast, that any passenger might take a more exact and cleare survey of his secretest and retiredst thoughts. Had he, I say, been thus transparent, any one might with great facility have discovered, what an Anatithenical or opposing temper there appeared betwixt his outward countenance and inward presence.
That Statesman observed rightly, who held; That he could be no right Politician, who could not joyne in consort with any Faction, by holding concurrence with those who were most powerfull, though most different to him in opinion; and in entertaining a connivence, when the argument of his owne proper power could not evince them by any visible reluctance.
This Rule, no question, this Great Man observed, as in the As might be instanced in his long and fruitlesse agitation betwixt his Majesty and the Nobility of Scotland: In pretending his compliance with those, whom he could not over-power by his greatnesse. whole course and carriage of his Affaires he had formerly used: Least in sight, when seeming most apparent; and with Damocles sweating in the Shade, but shaking in the Sunne. Such an excellent command he reteyn'd over his owne Passions, as hee made them ever his Subjects, and many times usefull Instruments, to prepare him a more expedite path to his ciosest Designes.
But to our addressed Taske: Lord Lowthan, a Gentleman of a present and pregnant conceipt; and what is rare in one and the same subject, of a solid and setled judgement; stood up, and interrupted their long silence. Beginning in this sort. (for a quick and exact Amanuensis took it verbally, as it was delivered by him.
My Lords, it is unknown to none of you, how I have been employed as a serious Agitatour in affaires of these Vnited Kingdomes: And what Rubs or Remora's I have met withall, amidst my loyalist and serviceablest imployments that way. Neither did these deterre, nor decline me from a serious or sollicitous pursuit of what I intended, and wherein I was by your joynt commands personally interessed. For in the first place, as Religion well deserves to have preeminence before any Sublunary or Terrestriall deportment, my selfe with some other joynt Commissioners elected and made choice of wi [...]h me, found a great promptnesse in our Brethren of England, to a Presbyterian introduction and foundation: And that it might be speeded with such cheerfullnesse, as a businesse of such important and incomparable weight required; their addresses unanimously closed with ours to have that absolute work accomplished.
But the principall reason, indeed, of their desire to this Reformation, proceeded (as by many probable conjectures I afterwards gathered) not so much from their distaste of their Liturgy, and their [Page 6] antient observed forme of Publicke and Private Disciplius (for an accustomed Antiquity is such a deluding Maze, as it makes that long-beat path, though it lead to danger, a pleasant track of Error) as the unsufferable insolence, and boundlesse ambition of their Prelacy; which had swolne to that unrestrained, nay, unquestioned height, as to use those very words which I have heard spoken of them; They would take no wrong, nor doe no right. So as no opportunity for plainting our known Presbyteriall forme of Government with this our united Kingdome, could have been possibly better nor more seasonably presented, than at such time when their Prelates were distated, their imperious height, to hate converted, and their Pristine Discipline, by their licemious Professors, generally disaffected, But, my Lords, let us reflect a little upon the present condition of this intended, but as yet unsetled Reformation.
The Wheele, my Lords, is yet in motion. The Building yet under Scaffold. Nor can their Classis, so long time hatching, but sparingly breeding, by their Sedentary course possibly effect it. Speculation must give way to Action, Theory to active Policy.
Contemplation in times of Devision, may stand i'th Gappe with Phineas; but Miracles have long since ceased: visible Endeavours, and prudentiall Counsells are now to accomplish it. Wee must apply our hands yet to the perfecting of this so long expected a Worke; least like a timelesse Birth, or an ungrounded Plant, it perish before it come to its setting, and so fall into cinderous ashes, before it aspire to its intended perfection.
But how must this be done? By removing those, who do oppose us. Flowers cannot receive their nourishment nor increment, till Weeds that hinder their growth receive their censure from the Syth. I shall not need much to presse it, nor bestow any clearer beams on it: Your Honours know my meaning, and by what meanes this Embrio-work may be brought to perfection.
We cannot be ignorant, my good Lords, what broods of Factions are dayly burgening, and by all probability, very like to raise numerous Divisions amongst them, as well as ours among our selves. Poliarchy ever intends many Caesars, but Soveraignty admits no Sharers. That Body cannot present it selfe lesse than monstruous, bearing two Heades. Or one, or none must make a Monarchicall.
Let me not suffer through mis-construction, those injuries or person [Page 7] all indignities wherein I have, for my owne particular, not onely shared but smiled at, even in those parts where I was by Commission interessed, shall not extract from me one fillable of passion, to exasperate your fury by my underserving sufferings, against that Nation; being desirous rather to bring Water than Oyle to the flame that is kinaled: by allaying the fury of these In-land Spirits, which these civill imbroylements have raised. But my conclusion shall be ever; Regi qui perfidus, nulli fidus.
Wee cannot chuse but reteine a sensible resentment of his present sufferings. Though the Fact be theirs, our connivence would make the Fault ours. Carisbrooke Castle, if I be not mistaken, cannot be conceived that place of a Personall Treaty, which we exspected, and as they pretended and promised He should be called to. His Minotaure-Warder, Hamon. Whose uncivill usage renders him odious, and prodigious to all eares, and pronounceth him worthy of Hamns fate, must not hold him, unlesse we fall short of what we professe to be, His Subjects.
Now, I feare, my Lords, I have trespassed too much upon your Honours patience, but excuse my zeale, Debates of this nature, nor Subjects of this quality fall not every day into dispute. Deep wounds require artfull and expert hands. When Thrones are forc'd to stoope to dust, those who depend on them, and hold their supportance from them, cannot chuse but afford their helping hand to raise them, or perish with them.
It was Hezekiahs honour to restore what Idolatry had defac'd: Let it be our honour to perfect what we have in part restor'd; and restore Him to his owne, who remaines, as yet, deserted by his own. Not one baire of his Princely head can be touch'd, without a touch to our Fame. As Religion and Libery of Subject were the sole motives of our first entring: So let the establishing of those, and His redresse, whom in all loyalty we ought to serve, become a serious inducement to our second entring; that the Work we have begun, may be crowned with a glorious conclusion.
And just upon this hint entred the Marquesse of Arguile; with a reverst looke, as if Mac-Donnel in the shape of Nemesis, had dogg'd him at the heeles, who spoke his discontents in his brow. But his clouds could not be so darke, but Huntleys beame shone as cleare. These disputes of Soveraignty begot severall effects in different Factions. Which difference in opinion, [Page 8] bred such distance in their affection, as they scarely admited a mutuall civil Salute. For the E. Aumount he kept a due Calendar of all their passages, but spake little: for he knew well that his Sceane was to be acted upon a more publique Stage: but so well complyed he with every accent that founded Loyalty: as there appeared legible Characters of his fidelity in every passage tending that way: returning an approvement by his countenance and cheerefull presence, what he forbore otherwise to expresse, than by a modest apprehensive silence.
Amongst these (to quicken our appetite with some cheerfull passages, amidst these serious State-discourses) it hapned that an honest Burgo-master, to shew himselfe a Member of this grave Assembly, though to small purpose, begun in an homespun Dialect, to magnifie the Actions and brave services which their Commanders had done, during their imployment here in England: ever making this the burden of his Story: And aw this wee did for Englands gude. Which one of our Commissioners, at the end of this dis-joynted Speech, taking him at the Hint, retorted, twitting him in this sort: Surely Sir, we were couzn'd else, for most of us thought so. But this reply was so hainously taken, as he was call'd to Barre; and had been doubtlesly, put to disgrace, had not a modest discreet Gentleman, one seemingly well-affected to the English, interposed himselfe, importuning his excuse: saying; That it was an English mans fault: whose heart was so neare his mouth, as his glib tongue could not chuse but speak what he thougbt, which under favour, begs a pardon upon course.
This jeering Apologie brought him off, with an easie reproofe. Which in the opinion of some of our Natives, might more deservingly have been used to this interceeding Apologist, in laying such apparent weaknesse upon our English Nation: as if their reserved Senatours were such Sives, as they could conceale nor keep nothing: but like Danaus Tubs [...], more ready to shed than hold water. A tart Satyre, trust me, and such as our former flourishing dayes (but these are now Criticall) would have hardly digested: but we are growne to have Estriches stomacks; apt to digest instead of Physicall pills) pellets of lead, iron, or any military Minerall; calcinate, or unrefined. This might be instanced in another late passage occuring at Leith: [Page 9] where one of our English Commissioners in a merry sociable Collation, discoursing freely of the States of both Kingdomes: and how beneficially it would redound, both to the honour and profit of these Nations to be so individually united, as they had prosessed: and that no forraign Engine could dissolve such a Cement: protesting no lesse weakly then merrily, That hee could finde in his heart to present a dozen of the best purses that ever Stamford made, on that condition: O but gude Sir, said a Scotch Cubbe, who sate over against him, be those purses fou, else they will doe us no service. By these you may Collect, how farre that poore Mercurius Belgicus erred, in writing how gladly our two Commissioners, Nottingham and Stamford would be here againe: whereas you may take it upon the word of an uninteressed Relator: One, whose late residence and observance in those parts, might more truly informe you in the Notion and Qualification of such Agitators, as are Commissionally imployed, than any conjecturall Diurnalist, who receives his weekly but generally erring intelligence upon trust: that those Grandees of ours, are in opinion held for no such dangerous Statists, as they need feare any prejudice to their persons, by their two politick projects, agitations or intercedes. No; they are good civill moderate Lords, whose sage and wel-governed Sconces will never run on such perilous Shelves: as by plots or Machinations of policy, to endanger their Personall Security or Nationall Liberty.
But to reduce these numerous lines to one Centre. Would you know in a word, what our deare Calidonian Brethren mean to doe? Take this Abridgement for a Corollary and Conclusion from the Premisses.
They intend to enter upon arrivall of an hopefull Commander, whose approch they expect daily: with an assurance of establishing both of a Presbyterian Discipline, and restauration of a Monarchy.
They hold positively, that these two English factions would in short time supplant one another, if they should hold off their hands and be no medlers.
They desire much, next to the preservation of their honour, to be inwardly acquainted with a Gentleman of principall note and request in our City of London, one Mr. Chamber: by whom [Page 10] they expect at a dead lift, all convenient accommodation. His free and friendly Recrutes formerly afforded in behalfe of the Presbyterian Party, they have sufficiently heard of: nor will that extensive hand of their bounty (so confident are they of their goodnesse in actions of such necessary consequence) be in the least manner abridged: being now upon establishing the work they have begun, and preventing those, whose intrusive powers (for so they aggravate it) might in short time sit close upon their skirts: and reduce the whole Citie to a Campe: which would make many tender-hearted Citizen shake and shudder to see the glory of a Royall Exchange chang'd into a fatall Pharsalia.
Yea, but will some say; there is small doubt of such white liver'd Enemies; that either respect of honour (which they so much seemingly tender) or improvement of same, should ever so strongly work upon their suspected valour, as to engage their persons in so hazardous an Enterprise. Especially at this time, when the Parliament by their strong sollicitancy, hath ingratiated the City for their own security.
But this Objection may be wip't off with an easie spunge: though their resolution has formerly appear'd to be of a feverish quality: and that their Scotch brea had not enlivened their spirits with magnanimity, paralell to our English; as might be instanced in numerous actions, since their second Entry upon English ground: yet let me apply the Story to their present condition: Perithous dare fight if Theseus back him: the loosing of this knot needs no Oedepus. Though their hopes be deserted in the City, they are supplide by the Army. And to soare higher with the hopefull wings of a successefull March; They will tell you, if their presence did so much, their Prowesse must needs doe more. Valour is not alwayes showne in a pitcht field. Sinons pate accomplish'd as much as ever Peleus did with his pike. What if they make use of the English Cavalrie; the more to improve their renowne, by bestowing them in the Front; and themselves, being not altogether so ambitious of personall honour, in such actions of apparent danger in the Reere. Or make them Actors, and themselves Spectators: would not this seeme a wise course? The Fox in the fable was commended for using the Cats foot, to possesse him of the Chessenut [Page 11] that was in the Embers. These dainty wittle Agents have the trick to make their valiant and active Assistants Patients: by laying on their shoulders the burden of the day; with whom they intend to share both in the benefit of the booty, and fame of the victory. And is not this a commendable bravery, to partake a Conquest with such safety? In actions of this quality, probable grounds of personall security, have been held with our Martialists notable principles of Policy.
But you will argue againe: What are all these arguments but meere phantasies and pannick feares? Wee have here lately received a Briefe of all their proceedings since their Session: and they have assur'd us, that our grave and learned Assembly of Divines have return'd them satisfaction every way for the grounds and Order of the Presbyterie: Their Elephant birth by a quinquenniall travaile, has produc'd such good effects as all motives of exception are removed: no semblance of Separation: the Scottish Kirke has hewn out new pillers for the English. O Babylon! Babylon! Now thy children are dash't against the stones Superstition has lost her blind Lanthorne: the golden Candlestick. of Reformation is now set up. Not a Stoick-Stockish Mechanick, but may have freedome to enjoy his Canonicall Tub with the Cynick: and vent new Principles, which neither himselfe nor his illiterate Sisterhood understand. The advancement of this gallant Reformation, according to their owne Directory, they have heard of late confirmed by divers of our Classick Entheusiasticks: men of such an approved temper and infatigable labour: as they appeale to the whole Synod, if they have not endured the heat of the day and night too: and with much adoe past the pikes, by cramming their Theologicall guts with fat Capons: and playing Oecolampadius pageants on downe beds, to their incomparable danger.
Besides all this, the Scotch Ministry has already mounted their Presbyterian Pulpits: magnifide our English Discipline: and as it becomes such severe and rigid pronouncers of fearefull Anathema's; prohibited, all and singular their Commanders, Officers and Common Souldiers not to march, nor bouge a foot, under the heavie penalty of Excommunication or Stoole of Repentance, in defence of the English Calvery: nor any other plausive pretence whatsoever. For it were high indiscretion [Page 12] (say they) to ingage our persons, nay the whole security of our Kingdome in so doubtfull and anxious a quarrell: especially, in the interest of any one particular person, be he never of so high, nor concerning a condition.
This publike Denuntiation of fire and faggot, delivered with such authority, and by persons of so generally received quality (you will say) cannot chuse but take off the fire-edge of the resolutest, or daringst of their Commanders! But trust me, (ye deluded ones,) these are but weak springes to catch Woodcocks. For neither are their Ministers so vehement in diswading, as is pretended: nor are they so satisfied in the course of our Reformation, as is fabulously reported. They hold the Work as yet, unsetled: It admits not that Vniversality, as they expected. Besides our diversity of Sectaries; which like wild branches that hinder the grouth of their large-spreading Vine, must be pruned, nay supplanted. We receive not as yet that purity, which should appeare in the face of a Reformed Church. Nor is this all: they imagine that our daily sollicitancy, not onely by our grave Commissioners, but the serious agency of our pure and sincere Ministry, proceeds either from a deficiency of our Cause, or of our power. It is good striking while the Iron is hot: We are now in a strait; and that onely and no other Motive induceth this sollicitous heat.
For Wegons Troupe, howsoever they seeme sleighted, by our extravagant Diurnals; they are neither so disvalued nor meanly entertained, as those erring Relations beare us in hand: Being Souldiers of Discipline aswell as Fortune: and daily strengthned by fresh additions, which encourageth not a little such (and those of the gallantest and resolutest Spirits) who stand affected for the Monarchicall cause: to expedite their addresse for a speedy (and as they appeare confident) a successive March. The hopes likewise they receive from promise of other Forces countenanced by the personall presence, conduct and command of a Leader so generally indeared; as his influence must necessarily beget a quicknesse and alacrity in the coolest, and most remisse Spirits.
This animates that Party above measure: hoping that their growing powers will play the Snow-ball; ever more increasing, wheresoever marching.
Neither be their hopes raised from shallow grounds; for persons of quality nearly confining to their borders, as likewise others more remote in respect of their scituation but not affection, have engaged themselves on termes of honour not to be wanting in their best alliance and assistance, in the progression, and prosecution of such a long-wished Assay. Truth is, those heavy pressures under which they have so long time groaned, have made the yoake insupportable to the better sort; so as, upon all conditions they desire to be eased of that servitude, being not only wholly exhausted in respect of their fortunes, but disvalued, & contemptuously affronted in their persons, by Officials of mean parts and meaner extraction; who in publique places stick not to asperse on them all contumelies that may tend any way to their dishonour or disgrace: and that with such impunity, as those onely are held prime Grandees or Patriots for the Cause, who lay on the adverse party their soulest blemishes of immerited infamy. These likewise, to adde fresh soments to their discontents, observe well, how States and not Crimes make ☜ Delinquents.
Besides, the complaint of an universall decay of Trade and Traffick in all parts of this Kingdom, which may in short time lay an irreparable foyle on many a faire and flourishing Family, both with Gentry, and Commonty: Nay, what is more, make many a civill Citizen, and sensuall Curtezan (to fulfill Shiptons Wifes Prophesy) leap at a crust, and begge reversions from the Alms-basket, to relieve their penury.
And to annex one addition more to the number; the many inconveniences arising from the numerous Troupes, Garrisoned both in Suburbs and City, whose presence, how plausive soever their pretences be, cannot but be infinitely obstructive to their intercourse of Trade and Traffick. Besides those just feares and jealousies presented to them, in Everards late discovery of the Armyes Designe upon the City. A Remonstrance of dangerous consequence, if his relation confirm'd by deposition, and since seconded by others information, may receive assurance. The rising discontents, and petitionary addresses of our populousest and powerfullest Counties. And now since, the taking in of the considerable Forts, Block-houses, Port-Towns, and places of Garrison in all the Northparts. These, with innumerable other subfequent motives, have not onely inlarged, but strengthned those sinnowy hopes of our Deare Brethren: so as this Scotch Mist may bee sooner displayed than disperced: and more erroneously conceived than displayed. As [Page 14] for the prevalent party, which the precedency of some interessed judgements ascribe to Arguiles Faction: beleeve it, it is more in report than power, more in an ayrey voyce than reall substance: For though his eyes looke every way, yet could not his circumspection prevent Hostility behind him, if that his eyes should fixe onely upon an Anarchicall State before him.
His Father indeed told King James, to whose Princely favours he stood highly obliged: that his Grace should not need to apprehend the least jealousie touching his Loyalty, or Fidelity towards him; for his Royall bounty, besides all conscientious tyes, had made him wholly his: But there was a squint ey'd Boy sprung from his Family, who might minister to Him or his Posterity, occasion of jea [...]usy: for he fear'd God had mark't him for no good end.
Certainly, were his power to his will; Caesar might for ever soule both his Tribute, Title, and Honour; unlesse he might have the power of Electing and Inaugurating a Caesar: so strongly works Ambition in fiery and impetuous Spirits.
Yet you heare how hee was put to't of late in an intended The like Challenge, and upon like grounds, past betwixt Earl Kenmore, and L. Cranestone, and no lesse seasonably prevented. Duell betwixt him and the Treasurer: whether happily prevented or no, I leave to their censure, who are best acquainted with Arguiles Anarchiall humour. Howbeit, this holds for a current opinion with many, and those of the clearest and sincerest judgements, that if he had perished in the Combat, much Loyal blood could not have been shed: for his Spirit of contradiction, and unpeaceable opposition will suffer no composed State to rest in quiet. No doubt but you have long since, received full intelligence how that Triumvirate Faction in Scotland stands at this present disposed and devided: How one part wholly, out of a native zeale to Allegiance and Loyalty, for defence and preservation of a Soveraignty. And these, I must tell you, as they be persons of the choisest and eminentest quality; so in reflexe to their power or personall commands, the strongest party.
The second sort, out of a pious pretensive zeale to Religion; fearing much least their Presbyteriall Principles, might be choaked by the late spreading Darnell of divers surreptitious Sectaries, cherished and countenanced both in publique and private places of this Kingdome; their onely labour or endeavour is to extirpate these luxurious and exorbitant Scieves, as they call [Page 15] them, least by their over-swelling growth, those grounds of their yet unsetled Discipline, might receive preiudice; and bee prevented of attaining that perfection and accomplishment, to which their serioust endeavours, as they speciously pretend, have been hitherto constantly and solely directed.
The Vine, say they, should be one; but those various Schismi and Sects cannot chuse but become destructive to that Vnity, which should appeare and personate it selfe in this disciplinary and well▪ordered Presbytery.
This ought to be a motive, as these pretend, to induce, nay enforce all conscientious Professors, who make Religion their ayme; and the propagation thereof, their absolutest glory, t [...] stand in opposition, and Hostile defiance against all such Agitators or Fomentors of Division, who disturbe the establishment of this discipline; and to root them out top and branch, that their memory may become hatefull to Posterity; to the end those polish'd Corners of their late reformed Sanctuary, may flourish in all unity to their succeeding glory.
Now the Third and last Rank, like good peaceable men, who desire to sleep in a whole skin: cry Peace, Peace. Their purpose is neither to take up Armes in the defence of a Monarchy, by espousing their restrained Prince to his pristine Soveraignty: nor to bandy with such Sectaries, as disturbe the Churches Vnity; but rest content with those contributions, free-booties, and billettings they have already received from our Nation; not for that they are satisfied but through feare to expose themselves to hazzard: for these have no confidence in our allyance, which deterres them entertaining any concurrence with us, much lesse to engage their states and persons in such hopelesse, and desperate Designes. These lend attentive eares to our Commissioners perswasions and promises; to have our Exchequer open to their connivence, is both a secure and usefull notion of State-policy. Not to fight, and to receive pay is such a dainty device, as times may sooner admire it than instance it. Such Neutrality is both a safe and gainfull dexterity. But believe it, ye Miscellane Committee-men; ye who lye sleeping and snorting on your downy-beds, and improve your thawing fortunes by the ruines of Loyalty; all this will not doe. The Major voyce and vote must passe; and that holds correspondent with the [Page 12] first faction.—Stand to your Armes,—Downe with these Mony-mongers,—these Ordinance-minters,—these State-sharks, who soake and suck a Bedlam Nation, under pretensive colours of Conformity and Religion.
I know well upon this Catastrophe what feverish fits and symptoms will surprize many of our Mighty-Magisteriall Mawwormes, who are at this very time griping and grinding at the heart of many a loyall Delinquents estate. These would then wish an Act of Oblivion, but it comes too late. Their Transgressions are writ in such Capitall Letters, and in those graine colours; as you may wash the Ethiopian till you heart ake, but he shall never change his colour; concluding,
But I know these unexpected praedictions of your Mercurius will bee laught at, as ayre Whymseys, and Chymera's of the Braine; nay, be exploded out of your grave-thriving Synodals for meer crudities, and make you brand him with the stamppe you bestow on Colonell Poyer; this houre drunke, and the next houre sober. But run not with too spreading a Sayle upon the shelves of your approaching ruine. Make your peace with God, what you can hardly make with Man.
The Furies (your late indeared Brethren) are preparing their Whip-cords to swinge you; but I feare me not so much for the Delinquents restitution, as their reparation, and your remedilesse confusion. Shall I enforce a beliefe in you by reason? Heare and tremble. Their Reputation is at stake, and that they vow to vindicate: A Confluence of brave Commanders and and loyall Spirits have already engaged their dearest lives, and and remainder of their fortunes to second them. And have lately made entrance to this grand Designe, by their surprize of Berwick and Caerlile. Nay, to make good their undeclinable addresse in this unquestion'd Action of Honour. This Letter, which I have here inserted, being writ by an Ageut of approved esteeme and credit, nay highly intrusted in the mannage of these affaires, to a Person of quality and honour, truly transcribed, may sufficiently confirme it.
YOu may worthily expect, what I am obliged for your Honours manyfold favours, to returne an abstract of our Occurrences in these parts, where I am interessed.
Truth is, nothing can be more certainly expected, nor truly reported, than a new-face of War. Some of our Faction here labour to impede, and obstruct all passages that way: But the opposing party is more prevalent. In a word: Nec prece, nec pretio allicienda est Regio: nec ullis viribus, proprijs finibus continenda. Iacta est alea: repolienda est Ecclesia; reparanda conditio regia, augenda Calidonum fortuna: & fama, quâ nil praestantius, conservanda & propaganda.
Here be sundry Commanders of approved Discipline, who have been for many yeares ingaged in forraine service, lately arrived: and others no lesse meriting for their testifyed deportment with the Swede, daily expected. Some of these, and those of our primest and eminentest Cavaliers (being such as were Eye-sores to the Publique and now residing in Scotland) together with Wogan himselfe have been lately demanded by our Parliament here. But it was answered, That by the Law of Nations, they could not betray the trust of Strangers; especially comming thither as civill Passengers: and paying for what they tooke, they well deserved such accomodation as their Nation would afford. Neither, indeed, could they wish their absence, till they saw occasion whither to use them or no.
Their plausive Declaration for restauration of a King, whose indignities they highly aggravate, becomes a perswasive way to ingratiate many hearts, and to adde incredible numbers to their nowpreparing Forces.
Moneyes the sinews of Warre, they want not; having alread received supplies from those hands, where in probability of reason, there could not be expected any such sutable accommodation. There is nothing that afforas more assurance to this Nation, than the asssiduate [Page 18] Complaints of persons so all qualityes, in respect of the injuries and indignities they have received, and above humane suffering, endured from the insolent and oppressive usuage of their grinding Comittees for so they terme them: so as they flock hither in great numbers, barely for shelter to secure their persons from danger, chusing rather to secure themselves, than to be secur'd by command from others: and partly to vindicate the wrongs they have sustained, by freely hazarding their lives to prepare way to their hopes, and repaire their insupportable losses, which, they pretend, they with all cheerfulnesse will be ready to sacrifice, for the restauration of their Prince, State, and Liberty, and freedome of their impoverished Families and Posteritios from that tyrannous and odious yoak of slavery.
Sir, it is to bee believed, that if those Committees, and Officialls deputed to execute their commands, had deported or borne themselves with more moderation, such discontents and dis-affections had not wrought upon our Nation: nor given occasion to those Male-contents (Gentlemen of ruin'd fortunes) to ingage their persons so freely and without invitation in these civill embroylements. It were to be wished, that this infancy or preparation to Warre might produce some effectuall Treaty for a setled Peace: but it is more to bee feared, that these faire flourishes and pretensive promises of a Regall Instauration, and Religious Reformation introduce not a forrain Plantation. Omen avertat Deus.
It is here reported, that the Duke should bee voted Generall. A businesse of maine consequence, and that which filleth our Albeit, his late promptnes to advance, and alacrity in this addresse; having his desires winged with zeal to doe His Majesty service: and protesting he had rather forgoe his interest in Scotland, than foreslow this Designe for England, have gain'd him an opinion above beliefe with the Royalists. Cavalry full of perplexed thoughts. Loyall affections desire nothing more, than to expedite this grand Designe of restauration of a Soveraignty; without by▪ends or private interests. Troubled Water, have been ever held the best Pooles for Ambition to fish in. Not to detract from the perfections of this Man, whose abilitie, are no lesse feared than admired; all such well affected hearts as defire nothing more (out of their integrious Zeal to the Cause) than a present advance: have their eyes fixt rather on Calender, than any other Commander. A man of approved faith, and successive fortune. One whose infancy proclaim'd him Military; and now in his maturity, both Martiall and Mercuriall. Clemency is an attractive Adamant in a Souldiers Campe, and wins as many hearts, as too much Austerity looseth.
Againe, that grounded opinion, derived from a report of the continued [Page 19] successe of their Commander, begets an incredible animosity or vallour in his Souldier. Which generally holds consistence in such a person, who is no lesse enabled with Mentuall gifts than Mannuall assayes. Being an Vlysses for his head, an Ajax in his hand. Besides there is required a native bounty in a Leader, in reflecting no lesse on his Souldiers Fortune, than his owne Fame. These have been ever held individualls to a prosperous Commander; and in the pursuite of them crown'd his actions with love and honour. All this some of our activest and noblest spirits have by experience found true, who by their bounty and discreet liberality, have so knitted their Souldiers hearts unto them, as no perillous designe could bee unassayed, where their Generals commands led them on, nor any decrease of his Forces feared, for bounty begets a recruit, whereas a tenacious hand fastning on private ends, aliens affection, foments jealousies in his Allyes, and engageth the safety of his person to various extreames.
Truth is, amongst such diversity of Factions, and difference of opinions, there is no man, that has interest in more hearts than Calender; having ever made it the highest ayme, and bent of his desires, to preserve the just rights of a Soveraignty, Subjects lawfull liberty, and establishment of these two Kingdomes unity, without any by-end or light eare to that vading breath of popularity. Optimi sunt praestites belli, vel nulli.
Here was lately, since my returne to Hull, a frequent-flying report, but upon what grounds disperced, I know not: that the Town of New-Castle upon Tine, should bee betrayed to Sir Thomas Glemman by th' Inhabitants of the Suburbs upon a jealousie that their Houses should be burned for defence and security of the Town, as had been done formerly at York, upon like occasion,
Such dangerous consequents have these groundlesse jealousies produced in our Kingdome.
Sir Marmaduke Langdale with the strength of 8000. is here said to be advanc'd up to Darlington and that his first addresse, as is here given forth, must be for Yorke, if he bee not diverted by a stronger opposing Power; which in all probability cannot bee, having his Army so firmely cemented with the joynt affections of the whole county. Lambert remaines there, onely with 400. expecting a supply of 400 Lincolnshire horse.
But how variously runs the Tyde of humane affaires! Since this, it goes for current, that Lambert has receiv'd a foyle, and is retyr'd [Page 18] [...] [Page 19] [...] [Page 18] [...] [Page 19] [...] [Page 8] to Morepit, I wish it may not prove to him Mort-port. For I pity much the condition of this young Colonell, seeing a mis-guided judgement, rather than a pertinacy of Will, or love to Faction, brought him to this precipice.
That adleheaded Haggard Haslerigge, becomes jealous of his own; Not a Parliamenteer Trouper, that dare hazzard his Day pay with a Coster-monger. at best betrust. The Orange is turn'd into Sable: Doomes▪dayes black Book is now opening: Farewell Thanksgiving, it admits an Act of Oblivion, with an Ordinance for a day of perpetuall Humiliation.
To those that doubt the verity of this Northern Relation, it is answered, that a Transcript hereof was grounded upon better information, and seconded by clearer intelligence, than that fabulous story of Wheat, reported to be showred upon Brotherton, and Sherburn: Places where ohe Annals of our Civill Warrs will leave to Posterity, that there have been sheed more showres of Blood, than Graine,
I have enlarged my selfe too much, especially in my addresse to your Honour, whose knowne experience, and serious judgement can collect much from a little.
Onely these accounts, let mee assure your Honour, being no lesse than what I have both heard and seen, that these will admit of noe delay in their pursuit; for their preparation is hastned; being quickned with the winged desires of sundry Malevolees; whose lives as they have traversed with more misfortunes, and encountred with more insolencyes, than may bee imagined, so their active fervour hath highly enlivened the remissest spirits of these Ʋndertakers.
How now, my muddy▪melanchollyMercurists I If these beget not in you a beliefe; I know not what influence the veritie of any relation may produce.
But it may be you desire, like studious Artists, to be caught asArchimedes was byMarcellus Soldiers.
O no! you are reserved for oneRecrute more, before you dye so noble a death. Be advis'd by a friend: varnish your frontlets with fronsineack, my Bullies,—and looke out what good Newes from the North before the midst ofMay.—If your Lilly be not mel-dew'd or blanched, I am Mistaken in my Astronomicall Notions; though he be a cunning-praticall Gypsie in Love-potions. So as I verily believe his blentick AntagonistWharton will shortly appeare in hisAscendent, when he with his ominous Brother,Criticall Booker, shall runretrogade,and be in theirEclipse in the Scheme and Scale of all honest judgements.
O weak—Craven Spirits! Some be here come up of late, for want of better information, to pay in the remainder of their Composition; being so startled by a fearsullSummons, as they admitted no entertainment to these visible hopes. And may they perish, who have not Faith to nourish such respiring hopes.
E're they mount the top ofMay-hill, the Ascent will prove dangerous to some.
Here will be worke for a fresh Covey of Referrees, with a whole standing Committee to boot.
The Copie of a Letter, written by a late Commander under his Excellence: and addressed to his Honour.
MY Lord, I am infinitely sensible of your Honours condition: with what an intricate and immazed Labyrinth of inextricable occurrences you stand inwreathed. Your Excellence knows well, should I here insert my [Page 22] name, aswell as these Demonstrations of my zeale, how I have personally engaged my dearest life in the pursuit of your Commands. No field yet fought; no Designe wherein your person was interessed: wherein by your especiall deputation, I was not imployed: and wherein (without arrogance be it spoken) I was not in the execution of that point of Services, and the accomplishment of that worke, which crownes the day, by your Honour not approved. In a more serious survey and consideration of these, I understood how victoriously you marched; how successessively you proceeded: and what generall renowne your personall valour acquired.
These, I conceived, could not but conduce as highly to that vading shadow of humane felicity, as applause might make it: or the light-sliding Current of popular opinion (whose Suffrages as well as judgements are carried away with the various Tydes of events) could possibly raise it. Your former obscurity presented you to the State, imbellished with Trophies of fame and living glory: nothing was wanting that might render you seemingly happie. Yet collected I from these glorious Premisses (be it your Honours goodnesse to excuse my boldnesse) that there were some Additaments more than all these, to indear you truely to your Countrey: by raising you one Story higher in the just estimate of Fame. For as it is not the Death but the Cause of the Death which makes a Martyr: So it is not the Event, but the ground of the quarrell which confers honour on the Conquerour.
Successe in some actions makes the undertaker miserable: fixe on this Maxim, my Lord; it will not onely improve, but secure your Honour. Sure I am, it was a sharpe Corrasive to your Noble Father; whose pious disposition and modest deportment gained him esteeme with all good men, to heare your Name couched with an opposition of Soveraignty.
The onely way to decline your memorable Grandfathers fearfull Prophecie; is to professe your selfe a Servant to Loyaltie. [Page 23] This your Predecessors observ'd; and by it preserv'd their fames and Families. Let no Night-bird decline you from this resolution, lest the issue accompany your issue with a fatall conclusion. Trust me, Sir, had your Excellence heard what passionate Sighes, breathing nothing more than Loyalty, your dying Father sent forth, (as dying words from so endeared a mouth are ever most piercing) they would have retained such impression in your Honour; as no deceiving ayre of popular applause, could have forced your selectedst thoughts to degenerate from the fixt and last resolution of so pious and memorable a Fatler. He desired much, that your unfilmed eyes would now at last reflect upon what you had so long forgotten: Not to touch the Anointed: nor under what specious pretence soever, in so unjust a quarrell to ingage your honour.
He freely acknoledged, that a mis-guided judgement had too much wrought upon him: but so conscientiously were his affections ever tendred to the Style of Loyalty: and State of regall Authority; as no opinion could ever decline him; auring the distracted coeditions of these times, from a desire of living and dying in the defence and maintenance of it.
Nor could I ever thinke (to use his owne expiring words) that this intended Reformation in a Catholick Church, should beget any such Deformation in a Politick State.
I appeale to the Searcher of all hearts, whether the sincere intentions of my Soule were not directed to this Supreme end, without least thought tending to innovation of State-government. O Tom (which with a throbbing spirit and trickling teares he often redoubled) feare God, honour the King, and the King of Kings will blesse thee: and crown the wishes of thy dying Father with a surviving memory.
This Exhortation with a Fathers Blessing was recommended to you: doe not then sleight them, being the very last words that ever shall be presented to you by him. With a resentment of my [Page 22] owne deplorable condition (for sory am I to have thriven so long in the pursuit of so unjustifiable a cause) and my true Zeale to your Honour, whose safety and well fare, many obligements injo [...]ne me to tender, I have presumed, (presumption arising from zeale, admits an easie pardon) to offer these to your Excelience, with one word more: Let not the renowne you haue gain'd in the Countrey, suffer an Eclypse by quartering your Forces in the City. Serto [...]ius was generally belov'd, till he assai'd en [...]ring of Rome. Look to't; Be your own man; Give eare to those, who are more readie to advise you for your ends than their owne. This will incomparably close with the wishes of your really affectionate friends; and in these none more then.