Part III.] (continued 2)

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

"Edward Broughton, knight.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

220.

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

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

221.

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

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

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

"To the Kings most Excellent Majestie.

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

"Most humbly sheweth

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

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

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

"Your most Loyall subiect,

"ZECHARIAH CROFTON."[183]

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

"To the Kings most Excellent Majesty.

"The humble petition of Ralph Smyth, stationer,

"Humbly sheweth

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

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

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

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

"And hee as bound in duty shall pray

"RALPH SMITH."[184]

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.

222.

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.

On July 23rd, 1662, the Solemn League and Covenant of Scotland was torn and burnt by the heralds at the Cross of Edinburgh, by order of the Parliament then sitting there.

Thomas Brewster was tried at the Old Bailey, London, on February 22nd, 1663/4, for printing the Phenix, and found guilty. He was fined, ordered to stand on the pillory, and then imprisoned. The proceedings will be found in Howell's State Trials, Vol. 6, p. 514.

223.

A treatise of the execution of justice, wherein is clearly proved that the execution of judgment and justice is as well the people's as the magistrate's duty, and if the magistrates pervert judgment the people are bound by the law of God to execute judgment without them and upon them. 1663.

For printing this book, John Twyn of London, stationer, was tried at the Old Bailey on February 20th, 1663, and being convicted received sentence as in cases of high treason, and was executed accordingly.[185] A portion of this pamphlet is preserved among the State Papers of the period. It is a sheet containing pp. 25 to 32, with a note attached that it was taken when printing by Twyn.[186]

224.

The Mayor of Northampton's case. 1663.

On April 7th, 1663, the House of Commons ordered that this printed paper, containing "matter of scandal against several persons of quality," should be referred to the Committee of privileges and elections.[187]

225.

The Child's Instructor; or a new and easy Primmer.

For writing and publishing this book, Benjamin Keach, of Winslow, in the County of Bucks., was tried at the Aylesbury Assizes on the 8th of October, 1664, and found guilty; and the following sentence was passed on him by the Judge.

"Benjamin Keach, you are here convicted of writing and publishing a seditious and scandalous Book, for which the Court's judgment is this, and the court doth award, That you shall go to gaol for a fortnight, without bail or mainprise; and the next Saturday to stand upon the pillory at Ailsbury for the space of two hours, from eleven o'clock to one, with a Paper upon your head with this inscription, For writing, printing and publishing a schismatical book intitled, The Child's Instructor, or a new and easy Primmer. And the next Thursday to stand in the same manner, and for the same time, in the market of Winslow; and there your Book shall be openly burnt before your face by the common hangman, in disgrace of you and your doctrine. And you shall forfeit to the King's Majesty the sum of £20 and shall remain in gaol until you find sureties for your good behaviour and appearance at the next assizes, there to renounce your doctrine, and make such public submission as shall be enjoined you."

According to this sentence he was kept close prisoner till the Saturday following, and then about eleven o'clock was carried to the pillory at Aylesbury, where he stood full two hours to a minute, was denied the liberty of speaking to the spectators, and "had his hands as well as his head carefully kept in the pillory the whole time. On the Thursday following he stood in the same manner and for the same time at Winslow, the town where he lived, and had his book burnt before him. After this, upon paying his fine, and giving sufficient security for his good behaviour, he was set at liberty; but was never brought to make a recantation."[188]

Among the State Papers of the period is preserved the following letter from Thomas Disney, apparently minister of Stoke Hamond, Bucks:—[189]

"Honoured Sir,

And loving Brother this Primer owned by Benjamin Keach as the Author and bought by my man George Chilton for five pence of Henry Keach of Stableford Mill neare me, a miller; who then sayd that his brother Benjamin Keach is author of it, and that there are fiveteene hundred of them printed. This Benjamin Keach is a Tayler, and one that is a teacher in this new fangled way, and lives at Winslow a market towne in Buckinghamshire. Pray take some speedie course to acquaint my Lord Archbishop his grace with it, whereby his authoritie may issue forth that ye impression may be seized upon before they be much more dispersed to ye poysoining of people; they contayning (as I conceive) factious, schismaticall, and hereticall matter. Some are scattered in my parish, and perchance in noe place sooner, because he hath a sister here and some others of his gang, two whereof I have bought up. Pray let me have your speedie account of it. I doubt not but it will be taken as acceptable service to God's Church, and beleeve it a very thankefull obligement to

Stoke hamond in Bucks—64 May 26th

Honoured Sir Your truely loving Brother Thomas Disney.

(Addressed)

These for his honoured friend Luke Wilkes esqre. at Whitehall with speed pray present."

226.

A book entitled "That neither temporalities, nor tythes, is due to the bishops, prelates, nor clergy, by any gospel rule, and that kings, princes, and lords temporal may justly take the temporalities and tythes from them, and dispose of them for the defence and benefit of the kingdom, and the relief of the poor, proved by the laws and practices of twenty kings of England, Judah, and France, and also by 120 authors besides, dedicated to the king's most excellent Majesty." About 1671.

The author of this book is unknown; but the printer, Mr. Francis Smith, before the book was finished was taken into custody under a general warrant, and carried to Lambeth House to appear before the then Bishop, but eventually all proceedings against him dropped.[190]