Part II.] (continued 2)
Reading edition
"Nor shall we ever yeeld ourselves such Slaves, or so betray the liberty purchased by our Forefathers blood, and bequeathed unto us as to suffer our selves to be swayed by any Arbytrary Government whatsoever, or stand with too much contention of Spirit to cast off the yoake of our Tyrany to endure many worse.
"And seeing his Majestie is graciously pleased to maintaine the true Protestant Religion; his owne just Power, The Lawes of the Land, The Liberty of the Subjects and that these waters of Reformation having beene longe stirred; we want onely the favour of his Princely Majestie to let us in and heale us; So we doe reciprocally declare that we conceive our selves bound to maintaine him in all the Premisses with our lives and Fortunes."
On July 8th, 1642, the House of Commons resolved that this printed paper should be referred to the Committee for printing, and that Hammon the printer should be forthwith summoned to attend the House. Mr. Maddison was then called in, and averred that he being at a stationer's shop and reading this pamphlet, and saying that this was a foul scandal upon the Parliament, and that the author of it deserved to be whipt; one Sir William Boleter told him that he deserved to be whipt for saying so; and that he would justify every word of it; and that, by God he would slash him; and while he was talking with him one Mr. Dutton a minister came to him, and likewise said that he deserved to be whipt; and he asked him wherefore? And he replied, for speaking Nonsense, and for saying it was a Libel. It was then resolved that Mr. Dutton the Minister should be forthwith committed a prisoner to the Gatehouse, during the pleasure of the House for carrying himself in a scornful manner in the House, and for, as much as in him lay, justifying the foulest and most scandalous pamphlet that ever was raised or published against the Parliament.
Sir Robert Harley reported from a conference had with the Lords, that the Lords had brought unto them a printed paper which is a scandalous and infamous libel in the name of the County of Hereford, and they desired that the Commons would join with them in desiring the Knights that serve for that County to send down to know who in that County would avow the same; and if any did, that they should be prosecuted to the utmost for setting forth such an infamous libel.[83]
111.
Animadversions upon those notes which the late Observator hath published upon the seven doctrines and positions which the King by way of Recapitulation (he saith) layes open so offensive. London. 1642.
On July 22nd, 1642, the House of Commons ordered that this pamphlet should be referred to the Committee for printing.[84] A copy exists in the British Museum Library.
112.
King James, his judgment of a king and of a Tyrant. Extracted out of his own speech at Whitehall, to the Lords and Commons in Parliament, 1609. With certaine notations anent the same. Also 28 questions, worthy due consideration and solution in these dangerous times of England. 1642.
On September 12th, 1642, the House of Commons ordered that this pamphlet should be referred to the Committee for printing, to enquire out the author, and the printer and publisher; and also that it should be burnt.[85] A copy is preserved in the British Museum Library.
113.
A pamphlet by Sir William Denny of Norwich. (1642.)
I have not been able to meet with a copy of this pamphlet, neither can I give any idea of its title. The only book by Sir William Denny mentioned in Watts's Bibliotheca Britannica, is the "Pelecanicidium, or the Christian adviser against self-murder, together with a guide, and the Pilgrim's Passe to the Land of the Living. London, 1653,"—of which there are two copies in the British Museum Library.
On September 16th, 1642, the House of Commons resolved that Sir William Denny should be forthwith sent for as a delinquent by the Sergeant at Arms, for spreading and divulging this scandalous pamphlet and libel to the dishonour of both Houses of Parliament, and Thomas Hill, Sir William Denny's clerk, and Michael Philips, Mr. Corye's servant, were summoned to attend the House. On October 7th, Denny's examination was referred to the Committee for informations, but on the 19th December it was ordered that he should be released from the Sergeant's custody.[86]
114.
A most exact and true relation of the proceedings of His Majestie's Armie at Shelborne. Written by a lover of truth. London. 1642.
On September 16th, 1642, the House of Commons ordered that the two Stationers, Badger and Marriott, who caused this "false and scandalous book" to be printed, should be forthwith summoned to attend that House to answer for the doing thereof.[87] A copy is preserved in the British Museum Library. It contains five pages.
115.
The King's Majestie's Desires and Propositions to all his subjects in Scotland, declaring his royall intentions and determination to all the Lords of his Privie Councell, concerning this Kingdome, signed with his Royall Signett, and now published by authority. 1642.
A pamphlet of six pages, of which there is a copy in the British Museum Library. On September 16th, 1642, it was referred by the House of Commons to the Committee for printing to enquire who were the printers and authors of this book.[88]
116.
A speedy post from Heaven to the King of England. Never put out by any before. Written by A. H. London. 1642.
On October 5th, 1642, the House of Commons resolved that this pamphlet should be forthwith publicly burnt, and the books all called in, and the booksellers charged not to publish or sell them; and it was referred to the Committee of printing to enquire who was the author or printer of it.[89] A copy of this pamphlet, which consists of six pages, exists in the British Museum Library.
117.
A Letter sent from the Lord Falkland, Principal Secretarie to His Majestie, unto the Right Honourable Henry, Earle of Cumberland, at York, September 30. 1642, concerning the late conflict before Worcester, with the State of His Majestie's Armie now at Shrewsbury. Printed at York, October 1st, and now reprinted at London for J. T., October 7. 1642.
On October 8th, 1642, this pamphlet was brought before the notice of the House of Commons. John Thomas, who printed it, was called in, and confessed that he printed some 1300 copies of it; and that Browne, a bookseller by Christ Church, brought him the original thereof, and that the said Browne said he had it from the servant of a Parliament man as he said. It was thereupon resolved that Thomas should be committed a prisoner to Newgate, and that Browne should be sent for in safe custody; and that these pamphlets now in the custody of one Mr. Browne in Cheapside should be burnt, one half in Cheapside, and half in the Palace Yard.[90] A copy exists in the British Museum Library.
118.
The examination of Sir Ralph Hopton, Sir John Winter, Sir John Stowell, and two other Knights upon their knees at the Barre in the House of Commons the 14 day of this instant October. With articles of High Treason exhibited against them by the House of Commons. London. 1642.
On October 18th, 1642, the House of Commons ordered that this pamphlet should be referred to the Committee for printing to enquire out the author and the printer.[91] A copy exists in the British Museum Library.
119.
Some few and short considerations on the present distempers. By J. P. 1642.
A pamphlet of eight pages written by Dr. John Price against the Parliament. On November 2nd, 1642, the House of Commons ordered that Sir Peter Wentworth, Mr. Rous, Mr. Rigby, and Mr. White should search the studies, libraries, and papers of Dr. John Price, and that they prepare an impeachment against him; also that he should be forthwith committed prisoner to Newgate during the pleasure of the House for composing and publishing this book "very much derogatory to the proceedings of Parliament."[92]
120.
The Resolving of Conscience, upon this question, whether upon such a supposition or case, as is now usually made (the King will not discharge his trust, but is bent or seduced to subvert Religion, Laws and Liberties) Subjects may take Arms and resist? and whether that case be now? Resolved, I.—That no Conscience upon such a Supposition or Case can finde a safe and cleare ground for such resistance. II.—That no man in conscience can be truly perswaded, that the resistance now made is such, as they themselves pretend to, that plead for it in such a case. III.—That no man in Conscience can be truly perswaded that such a case is now, that is, that the King will not discharge his trust, but is bent to subvert, &c. Whence it followeth, That the resistance now made against the Higher Power is unwarrantable, and according to the Apostle, Damnable, Rom. 13. Also that the shedding of bloud in the pursuit of this resistance is Murder. By H. Fern, D.D., &c. Cambridge. 1642.
On December 24th, 1642, the House of Commons resolved that Dr. Fearne should be forthwith sent for as a Delinquent for composing and publishing this "seditious book," and on the 2nd February, 1642/3, there was produced to the House the warrant under Dr. Holdsworth's hand for printing this book, whereupon it was resolved that Dr. Holdsworth should be forthwith sent for in safe custody. It appears that this book was printed by Roger Daniel, printer to the University of Cambridge.[93]
121.
A complaint to the House of Commons. 1642.
On January 2nd, 1642/3, the House of Commons ordered that John Wright should be committed to the Compter in Wood Street, for publishing this "scandalous book against the Parliament;" and the book itself was ordered to be burnt by the Common Hangman in the new Palace at Westminster and in Smithfield. The Serjeant's man was also to search the shops in and about Westminster for the books, and to take into custody any persons having the same in their possession. On February the 3rd following it was also ordered that Luke Norton, printer, and Mr. Sheres, stationer, should be forthwith committed prisoners to Newgate for printing this book; and it was also referred to the Committee for informations to consider of some effectual course for the speedy suppressing the printing of scandalous pamphlets, and the inordinate licentiousness of printing.[94]
122.
Two Speeches made in the House of Peeres on Munday the 19 of December, for and against accommodation. The one by the Earl of Pembroke, the other by the Lord Brooke. The latter printed by order of the House of Commons. Lond. 1642.
A pamphlet of eight pages, of which a copy exists in the British Museum Library. On January 13th, 1642/3, the House of Commons ordered that the Committee for printing should enquire after the printer and publisher of this pamphlet.[95]
123.
The reasons of the Lords and Commons in Parliament, why they cannot agree to the alteration and addition in the articles of cessation offered by His Majesty: with His Majestie's gracious answer thereunto, April 4, 1643. Printed by His Majestie's command at Oxford by Leonard Lichfield, Printer to the University. 1643.
On April 12th, 1643, the House of Commons ordered that Sir Frederick Cornewallis be forthwith sent for in safe custody for dispersing this book (which he brought with him from Oxford) printed without the order of the House; and the printers were enjoined not to proceed in the printing, publishing, or dispersing the said book. On the 19th April however, Sir Frederick Cornwallis was ordered to be discharged from custody.[96]
This is a pamphlet of 25 pages, a copy of which is preserved in the British Museum Library, bound with others in a volume, on one of the fly leaves of which there is this interesting note:—
"Memorandum yt Col. Will. Legg and Mr. Arther Treavor wer imployed by his Matie K. Charles to gett for his present use, a Pamphlet, wch his Matie had then occasion to make use of, and not meetinge wth it, they both came to me, havinge heard yt I did imploy my selfe to take up all such thinges from ye begininge of that Parlement. And findinge it wth me, tould me it was for ye kinges owne use, I tould them all I had were at his Maties command and service, and wthall tould them if I should part wth it, and loose it presuminge yt when his Matie had done wth it, yt litle accompt would be made of it, and soe I should loose it by yt losse a Limbe of my Collection, wch I should be very loth to doe, well knowinge it would be impossible to supplie it if it should happen to be lost, wth wch answer they returned to his Majestie at Hampton Court, (as I take it) and tould him they had found yt peece he soe much desired, and wth all how loath he yt had it was to part wth it, he much fearinge its losse; whereuppon they were both sent to me againe by his Matie to tell me yt upon ye word of A Kinge, (to use their owne expressions) he would safely returne it, thereuppon immediatly by them, I sent it to his Matie.
"Who havinge dun wth it, and havinge it wth him when he was goinge towardes ye Isle of Wight let it fall in ye durt; And then callinge for ye two persons before mentioned (who attended him) delivered it to them, wth a charge, as they would answer it another day, yt they should both speedyly and safly returne it to him, from whom they had received it. And wthall to desier yt partie to goe on and continewe what had begun, wch Booke togeather wth his Maties signification to me, by those worthy and faithfull gent, I received both speedyly and safely.
"Wch volume hath yt marke of Honor upon it, wch noe other volume in my Collection hath. And very dilligently and carefully I continewed ye same, until ye most happie restoration and Coronation of his most gratious Matie Kinge Charles ye Second, whom God Longe Preserve."
"Geo. Thomason."
124.
A discourse, or Parley, continued between Partricius and Peregrine (upon their landing in France) touching the Civill Wars of England and Ireland. 1643.
On August 11th, 1643, this pamphlet was referred by the House of Commons to the Committee for examinations.[97] It seems never to have been finished, for in the British Museum Library there is a portion of it extending to 24 pages, but with no title page; and a manuscript note on one of the fly leaves says that it was written by James Howell, and that it was taken while printing, when Howell was in prison in the Fleet, and that no more of it was printed.
125.
A discourse of a true hearted Englishman. 1644.
On July 3rd, 1644, the House of Commons ordered that the author and printer of this pamphlet should be enquired for.[98]
126.
A book by one Williams, concerning the tolerating of all sorts of Religion. 1643.
Owing to the vagueness with which this book is mentioned in the Commons' Journals, I have not been able to identify it at all. On August 9th, 1644, the House of Commons ordered that all the copies should be publicly burnt.[99]
127.
Lex, Rex, the Law and the Prince. A dispute for the just Prerogative of King and People. Containing the reasons and causes of the most necessary defensive wars of the Kingdom of Scotland, and of their Expedition for the ayd and help of their dear Brethren of England. In which their Innocency is asserted, and a full answer is given to a seditious pamphlet intituled Sacro-sancta Regum Majestas, or the Sacred and Royall Prerogative of Christian Kings; Under the name of J. A., but penned by Jo. Maxwell the Excommunicate P. Prelat. With a scripturall confutation of the ruinous grounds of W. Barclay, H. Grotius, H. Armisæus, Aut. de Domi. P. Bishop of Spalato, and of other late Anti-Magistratical Royalists; as, The Author of Ossorianum, D. Fern, E. Symmons, the Doctors of Aberdeen, &c. In XLIV questions. Published by authority. London: Printed for John Field, and are to be sold at his house upon Addle-Hill, near Baynards-Castle. Octob. 7, 1644.
This book was written by Mr. Samuel Rutherford. A copy is preserved in the British Museum Library. It is in quarto, and contains 467 pages. It was ordered to be burnt by the hands of the Common Hangman.
128.
A True Relation of the most Chiefe Occurrences, at, and since the late Battell at Newbery, untill the disjunction of the three Armies, of the Lord Generall, the Earle of Manchester, and Sir William Waller, together with the London Brigade, under the command of Sir James Harrington. Published upon necessity, both to undeceive the mistaken multitude, and to vindicate the Earle of Manchester from many undeserved aspersions commonly cast upon him, either through ignorance or prejudice. Penned by Simeon Ash, who as his Chaplaine did waite upon his Lordship, in the Westerne Expedition. London, Printed by G. M. for Edward Brewster, at the Signe of the Bible at Fleete-Bridge. 1644.
A pamphlet of 12 pages, of which there is a copy in the British Museum Library. On January 20th, 1644, the House of Commons ordered that enquiry should be made who was the author, printer, and divulger of this book.[100]
129.
The Speech of their Excellencies the Lords Ambassadours Extraordinary from the High and Mighty States General of the United Provinces of the Netherlands, taking their leave of both the Honourable Houses of Parliament assembled at Westminster, 10 April, 1645. Translated out of French into English, and printed by their Excellencies order. Steph. Taylor, Secr. Together with a moderate answer by a private Gentleman. Printed according to order. London. Printed by M. B. for Robert Bostock at the King's Head in Paul's Church-yard, 16 April, 1645.
A pamphlet of 6 pages, of which there is a copy in the British Museum Library. On April 15th, 1645, the House of Commons, on being informed of this printed paper, ordered that the consideration of its printing and publishing should be referred to the Committee of both Kingdoms, who were to give an account thereof the next morning.[101]
130.
The Scottish Dove. 1645.
On May 23rd, 1645, the House of Commons ordered that the Committee of Examinations should send for the writer of this pamphlet to examine him touching some passages in one of his pamphlets "laying some aspersions upon the Prince of Orange, complained of by the States Ambassadors."[102]
131.
Various books and treatises by one Paul Best, alleged to be of a blasphemous and irreligious nature.
I have not been able to discover the titles or even the existence of these books. On June 10th, 1645, the Assembly of Divines attended the House of Commons, and being called in represented the blasphemies of one Paul Best against the Deity of our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of the Holy Ghost, contained in books, treatises, and notes of his, and in his answer to twelve Interrogatories drawn out of the writings of the said Paul Best; and they desired that the Parliament would use that authority they were intrusted with, for executing of condign punishment upon an offender of so high a nature; that, in reference to the crime, he might be made exemplary: "that all the world may know, how much you detest such prodigious blasphemies, and heresies of so fearful a nature." It was thereupon referred to the Committee of plundered ministers, to examine, with all diligence, the truth of the fact of the informations against Paul Best, of divers prodigious blasphemies against the Deity of our Saviour and the Holy Ghost, contained in notes and writings of the said Paul Best, and that they bring their opinions to the House with all speed, what they think fit to be done in the business, and it was resolved that Best should be forthwith committed close prisoner to the Gatehouse Prison. On January 28th, 1645/6, it was further resolved that an ordinance be prepared and forthwith brought in for punishing with death Paul Best for his "abominable, prodigious, horrid blasphemies."[103]
132.
Comfort for Beleevers about their Sinnes and Troubles, in a treatise showing that true Beleevers, how weake soever in faith, should not be opprest, or perplexed in heart by anything whatever befalls them either in sin or afflictions. By John Archer, Master of Arts, sometime Preacher of All Hallowes, Lumbard Street, London. London, 1645.
On July 14th, 1645, this book was brought before the notice of the House of Commons by the Assembly of Divines, and its scope was stated to be, "that true believers, how weak soever in faith, should not be oppressed or perplexed in heart by anything whatever befals them either in sin or afflictions." The author's words were, "God is and hath an hand in, and is the author of the sinfulness of his people; and that God is more in their sins and their sorrows than they themselves," &c. The author, the Rev. John Archer, a minister, was said to be dead. The book was thereupon ordered to be publicly burnt by the Common Hangman; some of them in the Palace Yard, and other some in Cheapside, Smithfield, Paul's Church-yard, and the Exchange; and the Stationers' Company was to search for and seize upon the same, and deliver them to the Sheriffs of London and Middlesex, who were to see this order put in due execution. The Assembly of Divines were also to appoint some of their members to be present at the burning of these books; and to declare to the people the abominableness of it; and if there be cause, to vindicate the author. And it was referred to the Committee of Examinations to find out the author and printer of this book, and who brought the same to the press.[104] A copy exists in the British Museum Library.
133.
England's Birthright justified against all arbitrary usurpation, whether regall or parliamentary, or under what vizor whatever. With divers Queries, Observations, and Grievances of the People, declaring this Parliaments present Proceedings to be directly contrary to those fundamentall principles, whereby their actions at first were justifyable against the King, in their present illegall dealings with those that have been their best friends, advancers and preservers; and in other things of high concernment to the Freedom of all the Freeborn People of England; by a Well Wisher to the just cause for which Lieutenant Col. John Lilburne is unjustly imprisoned in Newgate.
A pamphlet of 49 pages, of which there is a copy in the British Museum Library. On November 8th, 1645, this pamphlet was referred by the House of Commons to a Committee to report their opinions thereupon to the House.[105]
134.
Divers papers presented to the Honourable Houses of Parliament by the Commissioners of the Kingdome of Scotland. London, printed by M. B. for Robert Bostock, at the Kings Head in Pauls Church Yard. 1645.
On November 14th, 1645, the House of Commons ordered that the Committee of Examinations should send for the printer of this book, and examine him by what direction or authority the same was printed. On the 18th November the Committee reported that Robert Bostock, stationer, being examined, said that he caused the first impression of these papers to be made; that they were licensed by Mr. Crauford, minister; and were brought to him by Mr. Buchanan without any knowledge or consent of the Scotts Commissioners that he knew of.[106] A copy exists in the British Museum Library.
135.
A word to the wise. Displaying great augmented grievances, and heavie pressures of dangerous consequence. Appearing by certain materiall weighty passages of speciall concernment. Remonstrating the great dangers which the Counties of Cumberland and Westmoreland are in (though now in the hands of the Parliament) but like to be possessed by the enemy, who aimeth at it, above all other landing places, from foraign parts; the said Countries being most hazardable, sith that Mr. Richard Barwis (a member of the House of Commons) hath (as is set forth by the Commissioners for the well affected, in their charge) betrayed his trust, and placed traytors, and disaffected officers in the said Counties, tending to the ruine of the well affected, and to the incouragement and upholding of the malignant party. All which being certified by Mr. John Musgrave, Commissioner, for and in the behalfe of those Countries aforesaid, who gave in the charge against Mr. Richard Barwis. And the House having referred the same to a Committee, instead of prosecuting the charge brought against the said Mr. Barwis, Mr. Musgrave aforesaid was illegally committed to Fleet Prison (although he still offereth, and is still able to prove his charge by a cloud of sufficient competent witnesses) and although the same day (in which he was committed by the House) certain and true intelligence came to the Parliament that the enemy had entered the said County, yet notwithstanding is this worthy gentleman, still most unjustly and ungratefully retained in prison against all Law, and Justice; and though he (the said Mr. John Musgrave) hath petitioned the House in behalf of his Country, for redresse of the said grievances, yet are not the grievances redressed, but the Traytors and disaffected are still there retained in their offices. All which is apparent by these following producements.
A pamphlet of 20 pages, of which there is a copy in the British Museum Library. On January 27th, 1645/6, the House of Commons referred to the Committee of Examinations to make a strict enquiry after the author, printer, and divulger of this pamphlet, and to give a speedy account thereof to the House.[107]
136.
A Confession of Faith of seven Congregations or Churches of Christ in London which are commonly but unjustly called Anabaptists. Published for the vindication of the truth, and information of the ignorant; likewise for the taking off of those aspersions which are frequently both in Pulpit and Print unjustly cast upon them. The second impression corrected and enlarged. Published according to order. London, printed by Matthew Simmons, and are to be sold by John Hancock in Pope's Head Alley. 1646.
On January 29th, 1645/6 the House Of Commons resolved that the Serjeant should apprehend Benjamin Cox and Samuel Richardson, the parties who delivered this pamphlet at the door to the members of the House, and to take bail of them to appear from time to time at the Committee for plundered ministers; and that it be referred to that Committee to examine the book, and the parties whose names are subscribed; to send for the licenser and printer, and state the business to the House with all speed, and that the Committee of plundered ministers should have power to advise with such of the Assembly of Divines as they should think fit to send for upon this business. It was also ordered that the Stationers' Company should take diligent care to suppress the pamphlet, and the Serjeant at Arms was to send some of his servants immediately to seize and suppress the said books. The parties who delivered the pamphlet at the door were also ordered to be called in, and asked by what order and authority the pamphlet was published, and who licensed it. Whereupon Samuel Richardson and Benjamin Cox were called in, and being demanded who printed the said pamphlet, said, One Simonds; and that he got it licensed: and Richardson said, that the printer told him that Mr. Downeham licensed it: that this was a second edition: that they had meetings every first day of the week: that there were seven congregations of them English and one French: and that the subscribers were two of every congregation.[108] A copy of this book exists in the British Museum Library.
137.
Another word to the wise. 1646.
On February 23rd, 1645/6, the House of Commons referred to the Committee of Examinations to find out the author, printer, and dispersers of this pamphlet, which was also ordered to be suppressed; and the author, printers, publishers, sellers, or dispersers of the same were to be committed to prison.[109]
138.
The last warning to all the Inhabitants of London.
On March 21st, 1645/6, the House of Commons referred this pamphlet to the Committee for Examinations, to find out the author, printer, and publisher.[110] A copy exists in the British Museum Library. It is in quarto, and contains eight pages, but is without title page, date, or author's name.
139.
Justiciarius justificatus. The Justice justified. Being an Apologeticall Remonstrance, delivered to the Honourable Commissioners of the Great Seale, by George Wither Esquire and occasioned by Sir Richard Onslow Knight with some others, who moved to have him put out of the Commission of the Peace in Surrey. In which private defence many things are expressed verie pertinent to publike consideration, and to the vindication of the liberties of the subject, in generall, and of Magistrates in particular.
A tart and libellous remonstrance on being thrust out of the Commission for the peace and gaol delivery in Surrey, which act Wither ascribed to Sir Richard Onslow's malice. On April 10th, 1646, the House of Commons being informed of this pamphlet, resolved that Wither should be forthwith sent for as a delinquent, and the book was referred to the consideration of the Committee of Examinations. On the 7th August following it was further resolved that the matters contained in this book which reflected upon Sir Richard Onslow were "false, scandalous, and injurious," and that Wither should pay him £500 for damages. The book was ordered to be burnt at Kingston upon Thames and at Guildford, upon the market days there.[111] A copy is preserved in the British Museum Library. It is in quarto, and contains fifteen pages, but has no title page or date.
140.
Truth its manifest, or a short and true relation of divers main passages of things (in some whereof the Scots are particularly concerned) from the very first beginning of these unhappy troubles to this day. London. 1645.
This book was written by Mr. David Buchanan. On April 13th, 1646, the House of Commons resolved that Buchanan should be sent for as a delinquent by the Serjeant at Arms and brought to the bar of the House the next morning, for writing this book; also that the book itself contained in it many matters false and scandalous; and order was given that it should be forthwith burnt by the Common Hangman. On the 20th April the Lords were desired to concur in this order.[112] A copy of this book exists in the British Museum Library. It is in duodecimo and contains 142 pages.
141.
Some papers of the Commissioners of Scotland given in lately to the Houses of Parliament concerning the Propositions of Peace. London, printed for Robert Bostock, dwelling at the Sign of the King's Head in Paul's Church-yard, April 11, 1646.
On April 13th, 1646, the House of Commons resolved that this book contained matters "scandalous and false," and it was ordered to be burnt forthwith by the Common Hangman. It was also declared that "the author and publisher thereof was an Incendiary between the two kingdoms of England and Scotland," and search was to be made for him.
It was also ordained by both Houses of Parliament that the Epistle and Tract intituled "The State of the Question concerning Propositions of Peace" comprised in the before mentioned book, contained in it matters scandalous and false, and that only the said Epistle and Tract should be forthwith burnt by the Common Hangman, and it was declared and ordained that the author was a person highly disaffected to the Parliament of England, and had endeavoured to raise sedition against the Parliament and kingdom.[113]
A copy of this book exists in the British Museum Library. It is in quarto, and contains 26 pages. The "Epistle" before referred to was written by Mr. David Buchanan.