The Project Gutenberg eBook of Index Expurgatorius Anglicanus, by W. H. Hart.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"4. That Christ hath no other than a human nature, Art. 3, p. 19.

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

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

"7. That Christ is not the supreme and independent Monarch Jehovah, p. 44."[166]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"The several particulars are as followeth:

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

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

"3. That there are Passions in God. 1. Cat. 11.

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

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

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

"7. He denies the Godhead of the Holy Ghost, 1. Cat. p. 21. 2. Cat. p. 16.

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

"9. He affirms Justification by Works, p. 96.

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

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

"He affirms that true Saints may turn Apostates finally, 1. Cat. p. 99.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Edw. Nicholas."

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

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

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

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

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

"The prison of the Gatehouse, Westminster.

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

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

"Edward Broughton, knight.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"To the Kings most Excellent Majestie.

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

"Most humbly sheweth

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

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

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

"Your most Loyall subiect,

"ZECHARIAH CROFTON."[183]

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

"To the Kings most Excellent Majesty.

"The humble petition of Ralph Smyth, stationer,

"Humbly sheweth

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

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

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

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

"And hee as bound in duty shall pray

"RALPH SMITH."[184]

Whether Crofton received any specific punishment for writing these books, and when he was liberated from prison, does not at present appear. He was a Nonconformist divine, born and chiefly educated at Dublin. Being a zealous Royalist during the Commonwealth, and refusing the engagement, he was deprived. He afterwards obtained the living of St. Botolph, Aldgate, London. He was ejected for nonconformity, and died in 1672.

A Phenix, or, The Solemn League and Covenant. Whereunto is annexed I. The Form and manner of his Majestie's Coronation in Scotland. With a sermon then preached on that occasion by Robert Douglas of Edenburgh. II. A Declaration of the King's Majesty to all his loving subjects of the Kingdomes of Scotland &c. in the yeare 1650. III. The great danger of Covenant-breaking &c., being the substance of a sermon preached by Edm. Calamy the 14 of Jan. 1645 before the then Lord Mayor of the City of London, Sir Thomas Adams together with the Sheriffs, Aldermen and Common-Councell of the said City: being the day of their taking the Solemn League and Covenant at Michael Basenshaw, London. Edinburgh. Printed in the year of Covenant-breaking.