Mr. Croftons case soberly considered, plainly stated, and humbly submitted to the consideration of just and prudent men made publique to silence clamor, correct mistake, and acquit him from the charge of high treason vrged by Tho. Tomkins, fellow of All-Souls, Oxon. and others in their frivolous, scurillous and invective pamphlets.
      
       
         
           1661
        
      
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             Mr. Croftons case soberly considered, plainly stated, and humbly submitted to the consideration of just and prudent men made publique to silence clamor, correct mistake, and acquit him from the charge of high treason vrged by Tho. Tomkins, fellow of All-Souls, Oxon. and others in their frivolous, scurillous and invective pamphlets.
             Griffith, Hugh.
          
           [4], 22 p.
           
             Printed for the Authours,
             London :
             1661.
          
           
             "Epistle dedicatory" signed: Hugh Griffith, Henry Hall, James Green, Thomas Eaton.
             Reproduction of original in the Union Theological Seminary Library, New York.
          
        
      
    
     
       
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         eng
      
       
         
           Crofton, Zachary, 1625 or 6-1672.
           Solemn League and Covenant (1643)
        
      
    
     
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           Mr.
           Croftons
           Case
           SOBERLY
           CONSIDERED
           ,
           plainly
           Stated
           ,
           and
           humbly
           submitted
           to
           the
           consideration
           of
           
             JVST
          
           and
           
             PRVDENT
          
           Men.
           MADE
           PUBLIQUE
           To
           Silence
           Clamor
           ,
           Correct
           Mistake
           ,
           and
           Acquit
           him
           from
           the
           Charge
           of
           High
           Treason
           .
           Vrged
           by
           
             Tho.
             Tomkins
          
           Fellow
           of
           
             All
             Souls
             Oxon.
          
           and
           others
           in
           their
           Frivolous
           ,
           Scurrillous
           and
           Invective
           Pamphlets
           .
        
         
           
             Eccles
             .
             8.14
             .
          
           There
           is
           a
           vanity
           done
           upon
           the
           earth
           ;
           that
           there
           be
           Just
           men
           ,
           unto
           whom
           it
           happeneth
           after
           the
           work
           of
           the
           wicked
           .
        
         
           
             Isaiah
             59.15
             ,
             16.
             
          
           Truth
           faileth
           ;
           and
           he
           that
           departeth
           from
           evil
           maketh
           himself
           a
           prey
           ;
           and
           the
           Lord
           saw
           it
           ,
           and
           it
           displeased
           him
           that
           there
           was
           
             NO
             JUDGEMENT
             ,
          
           and
           he
           saw
           that
           there
           was
           NO
           MAN
           ,
           and
           wondred
           that
           there
           was
           NO
           INTERCESSOR
           .
        
         
           
             LONDON
             ,
          
           Printed
           for
           the
           Authours
           ,
           1661.
           
        
      
       
         
         
         
           TO
           THE
           Right
           Honourable
           
             EDWARD
          
           EARLE
           OF
           
             CLARENDON
             ,
          
           Lord
           High
           Chancellour
           of
           
             ENGLAND
             .
          
        
         
           
             May
             it
             please
             your
             Honour
             ,
          
        
         
           ALthough
           the
           Confinement
           of
           Mr.
           
             Crofton
             ,
          
           seemeth
           to
           pass
           with
           the
           least
           regard
           ,
           we
           cannot
           but
           with
           grief
           observe
           ,
           it
           hath
           not
           the
           least
           reflection
           on
           the
           Justice
           and
           Honour
           of
           his
           Majesties
           Government
           ;
           The
           person
           being
           known
           to
           have
           asserted
           and
           adhered
           unto
           his
           Majesties
           Just
           Interest
           in
           the
           worst
           of
           times
           ,
           under
           ,
           and
           against
           the
           late
           Vsurpers
           ,
           and
           their
           base
           Complyants
           and
           Confederates
           ,
           unto
           the
           loss
           of
           his
           Estate
           and
           Liberty
           ,
           and
           Hazard
           of
           his
           Life
           ;
           nor
           is
           any
           
             Defection
             in
             his
             Loyalty
          
           visible
           to
           men
           ,
           who
           can
           see
           no
           cause
           for
           his
           present
           Bonds
           ,
           save
           the
           Casuistical
           debate
           of
           the
           Oath
           ,
           the
           Providence
           of
           God
           had
           brought
           on
           this
           Kingdom
           ,
           and
           that
           before
           it
           was
           interdicted
           by
           any
           Law.
           
        
         
         
           We
           cannot
           but
           be
           afflicted
           to
           consider
           the
           insultation
           of
           his
           Majesties
           known
           enemies
           ,
           in
           the
           sufferings
           of
           this
           man
           ,
           his
           Majesties
           
             known
             Faithful
             and
             Loyal
             Subject
             ,
          
           who
           observing
           him
           to
           suffer
           with
           them
           ,
           and
           more
           then
           the
           most
           of
           them
           ,
           according
           to
           their
           Blasphemous
           Argumentation
           from
           providence
           ,
           conclude
           (
           not
           without
           reproach
           to
           his
           Majesty
           )
           that
           his
           present
           bonds
           ,
           is
           
             Gods
             punishment
          
           for
           his
           active
           endeavours
           for
           his
           Majesties
           most
           happy
           restauration
           ,
           reputing
           his
           
             zeal
             therein
             ,
          
           to
           have
           been
           his
           most
           
             grievous
             sin
             ,
          
           which
           notwithstanding
           we
           are
           well
           assured
           ,
           his
           heart
           doth
           abide
           most
           upright
           and
           sincere
           towards
           his
           Majesty
           .
        
         
           We
           have
           in
           silence
           long
           expected
           some
           
             Ebedmelech
             ,
          
           in
           the
           Kings
           Court
           ,
           to
           procure
           his
           discharge
           from
           his
           Dungeon
           :
           and
           conceived
           some
           by
           the
           duty
           of
           their
           place
           bound
           ,
           and
           better
           capacitated
           then
           are
           poor
           we
           ,
           would
           have
           appeared
           by
           way
           of
           Apologie
           for
           his
           innocency
           ,
           but
           have
           been
           therein
           failed
           ;
           least
           therefore
           God
           should
           say
           ,
           and
           wonder
           
             there
             was
             no
             Intercessor
             ,
          
           we
           have
           presumed
           to
           break
           silence
           ,
           and
           make
           Publique
           our
           apprehensions
           of
           his
           Cause
           and
           Case
           ,
           submitting
           the
           same
           to
           the
           censure
           of
           Just
           and
           Prudent
           men
           .
        
         
           It
           hath
           (
           Right
           Honourable
           )
           been
           suggested
           to
           us
           ,
           nor
           have
           we
           been
           void
           of
           fear
           ,
           that
           this
           Apologie
           for
           our
           Friend
           might
           prejudice
           him
           ,
           and
           endanger
           us
           ,
           though
           we
           confess
           we
           can
           conceive
           no
           cause
           thereof
           ,
           save
           that
           
             irrationalitie
             and
             injustice
          
           which
           judgeth
           
             Truth
             to
             be
             treason
             ,
          
           which
           we
           dare
           not
           but
           think
           is
           a
           stranger
           at
           ,
           and
           kept
           at
           a
           distance
           from
           our
           Kings
           Court
           ;
           we
           profess
           our
           deliberate
           thoughts
           conclude
           
             Magna
             Charta
             ,
          
           and
           the
           
             Petition
             of
             Right
          
           shall
           be
           as
           soon
           violated
           ,
           and
           the
           Prisoners
           humble
           demand
           of
           an
           
             Habeas
             Corpus
          
           be
           determined
           a
           crime
           ,
           as
           this
           plain
           naked
           representation
           ,
           be
           reflected
           to
           his
           damage
           ,
           or
           charged
           on
           us
           as
           an
           offence
           ;
           We
           observe
           
           the
           Quakers
           and
           others
           ,
           do
           with
           much
           boldness
           publish
           their
           Cases
           without
           Control
           ,
           and
           we
           cannot
           suppose
           this
           course
           more
           offensive
           in
           Loyal
           ,
           and
           sober
           Presbyterians
           ,
           nor
           can
           reason
           condemn
           us
           for
           vindicating
           him
           ,
           by
           that
           way
           whereby
           
             Tomkins
          
           and
           others
           have
           defamed
           him
           .
        
         
           We
           are
           not
           much
           acquainted
           with
           the
           Laws
           ,
           nor
           do
           we
           understand
           how
           far
           some
           late
           Laws
           may
           extend
           ;
           but
           we
           profess
           our selves
           men
           of
           Conscience
           ,
           and
           fly
           to
           Your
           Honour
           as
           
             Judge
             of
             Equity
             :
          
           We
           have
           indeed
           considered
           our
           Friends
           Case
           ,
           as
           it
           hath
           been
           represented
           by
           Vulgar
           Clamor
           ,
           and
           Scurrillous
           Pamphlets
           ,
           because
           we
           can
           know
           it
           by
           no
           other
           means
           ,
           no
           Accuser
           ,
           or
           Accusation
           having
           appeared
           against
           Him
           ;
           which
           if
           there
           ever
           do
           ,
           we
           shall
           leave
           Him
           to
           Answer
           ,
           and
           do
           not
           doubt
           but
           He
           will
           fully
           acquit
           himself
           ;
           Our
           Consideration
           is
           such
           ,
           as
           we
           fear
           not
           to
           Tender
           to
           Your
           most
           serious
           Scrutinie
           ,
           with
           an
           assureance
           of
           a
           most
           Wise
           and
           Just
           Decree
           upon
           it
           ,
           so
           far
           as
           Your
           Honours
           Power
           doth
           extend
           .
        
         
           We
           want
           not
           matter
           of
           Clamorous
           complaint
           ,
           concerning
           the
           hard
           Vsage
           of
           our
           Friend
           in
           this
           close
           Imprisonment
           ;
           Where
           by
           
             perdidit
             patriam
             ,
             domum
             ,
             familiam
             ,
             imo
             &
             ecclesiam
             ,
             cultumque
             Dei
             publicum
             ;
          
           A
           manifest
           Bondage
           :
           the
           Illegal
           disposing
           of
           his
           Church
           ,
           immediately
           on
           his
           Confinement
           ,
           to
           the
           depriving
           of
           him
           of
           all
           possible
           means
           of
           Subsistance
           to
           himself
           ,
           and
           numerous
           Family
           ,
           and
           that
           without
           allowing
           him
           the
           maintenance
           ,
           he
           ought
           by
           Law
           to
           enjoy
           whilst
           His
           Majesties
           Prisoner
           :
           And
           the
           many
           tedious
           chargeable
           ,
           and
           (
           what
           〈◊〉
           worse
           )
           bootless
           applications
           by
           humble
           Addresses
           ,
           and
           ●●…any
           Submiss
           Petitions
           never
           Answered
           :
           But
           these
           we
           ●●…ve
           ,
           being
           unwilling
           to
           reflect
           on
           Persons
           or
           Personal
           〈◊〉
           〈◊〉
           and
           convinced
           Our
           Friend
           suffereth
           by
           
             mistake
             ,
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             ●…pprehension
          
           of
           what
           he
           is
           ,
           and
           what
           he
           hath
           
           written
           ;
           the
           which
           being
           hereby
           made
           manifest
           ,
           we
           most
           humbly
           pray
           it
           may
           ,
           and
           cannot
           doubt
           but
           it
           will
           obtain
           Your
           Honours
           most
           Favourable
           Mediation
           to
           the
           Kings
           most
           Excellent
           Majesty
           ,
           for
           the
           discharge
           of
           his
           long
           Imprisonment
           .
        
         
           VVe
           will
           not
           further
           trouble
           Your
           Honour
           ,
           save
           to
           beg
           Your
           Pardon
           for
           this
           over
           bold
           Address
           ,
           constrained
           by
           compassion
           to
           our
           Friend
           ,
           and
           Conscience
           towards
           our
           Righteous
           God.
           
        
         
           
             
               May
               it
               please
               Your
               Honour
               ,
               We
               are
               Your
               Honours
               most
               Humble
               Servants
               ,
            
             
               
                 Hugh
                 Griffith
                 .
              
               
                 Henry
                 Hall.
                 
              
               
                 James
                 Green.
                 
              
               
                 Thomas
                 Eaton
                 .
              
            
          
        
      
    
     
       
         
         
           
             Mr.
             Croftons
             Case
          
           Soberly
           Considered
           ,
           plainly
           Stated
           ,
           and
           humbly
           propounded
           to
           the
           Consideration
           of
           Just
           and
           prudent
           men
           .
        
         
           MR.
           
             Zechariah
             Crofton
             ,
          
           Minister
           of
           
             Botolphs
             Algate
             ,
             London
             ,
          
           now
           is
           ,
           and
           ever
           since
           the
           twenty
           third
           day
           of
           
             March
          
           1660.
           hath
           been
           a
           close
           Prisoner
           in
           the
           Tower
           of
           
             London
             ,
          
           not
           permitted
           pen
           ,
           ink
           and
           paper
           ,
           nor
           any
           other
           way
           or
           means
           whereby
           to
           plead
           his
           own
           cause
           ,
           or
           vindicate
           himself
           from
           the
           calumnies
           cast
           upon
           him
           ,
           by
           the
           tongues
           and
           pens
           of
           violent
           and
           unreasonable
           men
           ;
           we
           therefore
           conceiving
           our selves
           as
           fellow
           subjects
           interested
           in
           his
           restraint
           :
           And
           as
           men
           and
           Christians
           bound
           to
           Plead
           the
           cause
           of
           the
           oppressed
           ,
           and
           to
           do
           as
           we
           would
           be
           done
           unto
           ;
           and
           observing
           that
           trembling
           ,
           stupendious
           and
           God-amazing
           silence
           ,
           which
           hath
           seized
           upon
           such
           (
           who
           in
           point
           of
           duty
           and
           ability
           )
           are
           more
           capacitated
           ,
           
           and
           charged
           to
           plead
           the
           cause
           of
           the
           poor
           ,
           then
           are
           we
           our selves
           ,
           have
           presumed
           to
           enquire
           into
           ,
           and
           represent
           to
           others
           his
           case
           and
           condition
           ,
           in
           reference
           to
           the
           cause
           of
           his
           present
           sufferings
           ,
           which
           we
           are
           convinced
           are
           continued
           upon
           him
           through
           misapprehension
           ,
           he
           being
           reported
           and
           concluded
           to
           be
           ,
           what
           indeed
           he
           is
           not
           .
        
         
           Although
           every
           tongue
           and
           pen
           can
           now
           call
           him
           by
           no
           other
           name
           but
           
             Traytor
             ,
          
           such
           as
           have
           known
           the
           man
           ,
           his
           principles
           and
           practises
           ,
           yea
           and
           suffering
           ;
           and
           observed
           from
           what
           persons
           ,
           and
           for
           what
           cause
           he
           received
           the
           
           same
           ,
           cannot
           but
           know
           he
           was
           
             Conscientiously
             loyal
             ,
          
           and
           
             constantly
             faithful
             to
             the
             Kings
             Majesty
             and
             his
             Interest
          
           in
           these
           Kingooms
           ;
           he
           having
           manifested
           the
           same
           (
           beyond
           all
           possibility
           of
           denial
           by
           any
           )
           by
           his
           
             retaining
             his
             Loyalty
          
           and
           adhaering
           to
           the
           Exil'd
           King
           ,
           as
           his
           only
           liedge
           Lord
           ,
           in
           the
           very
           worst
           of
           times
           ,
           under
           our
           late
           Usurpers
           ;
           in
           his
           place
           and
           to
           his
           power
           opposing
           them
           ,
           disowning
           their
           Authority
           ,
           denying
           to
           subscribe
           the
           
             Ingagement
             of
             fidelity
             to
             them
             ,
          
           and
           declaring
           against
           it
           as
           sinful
           ;
           
             dissenting
          
           from
           ,
           and
           many
           times
           expostulating
           with
           his
           complying
           Brethren
           ,
           and
           ever
           refusing
           to
           concur
           in
           any
           Addresle
           or
           Application
           to
           them
           :
           by
           
             his
             Sequestrations
             ,
          
           and
           many
           sufferings
           he
           received
           from
           them
           ,
           for
           no
           other
           cause
           ,
           then
           his
           Loyalty
           unto
           his
           Majesty
           (
           then
           in
           a
           low
           Estate
           :
           
           )
           by
           his
           
             Sermons
          
           preached
           at
           
             Namptwich
             ,
          
           at
           
             West-chester
             ,
          
           at
           
             Caherine
             Coleman
             and
             Peters
          
           Church
           in
           
             Cornhill
             London
             ,
          
           
           rebuking
           the
           barbarous
           murther
           of
           his
           late
           ;
           Rebellion
           and
           defection
           from
           his
           now
           Majesty
           ,
           and
           perswading
           a
           penitential
           return
           of
           Allegiance
           to
           him
           our
           lawful
           Soveraign
           ;
           the
           which
           he
           enforced
           with
           many
           Pathetical
           and
           pregnant
           perswasive
           Admonitions
           ,
           publickly
           Printed
           ;
           and
           the
           same
           is
           made
           the
           more
           legible
           by
           the
           joy
           of
           such
           
             by
             whom
          
           he
           formerly
           suffered
           ,
           and
           
             with
             whom
          
           he
           now
           suffereth
           ,
           who
           now
           tauntingly
           insult
           over
           his
           present
           sufferings
           ,
           &
           upbraid
           him
           with
           his
           past
           adherency
           to
           his
           Majesty
           ,
           saying
           ,
           
             Nothing
             but
             a
             King
             would
             serve
             his
             turn
             ,
             we
             hope
             he
             hath
             King
             enough
             now
             ;
             we
             well
             knew
             they
             who
             were
             so
             zealous
             for
             the
             King
             ,
             would
             fare
             no
             better
             ,
             then
             those
             that
             were
             against
             him
             .
          
           These
           and
           the
           like
           Evidences
           of
           his
           sincere
           Loyalty
           are
           so
           notorious
           ,
           that
           we
           should
           labour
           without
           cause
           and
           to
           no
           purpose
           ,
           to
           specifie
           particular
           proofs
           ,
           his
           very
           enemies
           ,
           not
           being
           able
           to
           deny
           them
           ;
           That
           this
           man
           
             retained
             the
             same
             affection
             to
             his
             Majesty
             after
             his
             happy
             Restoration
             ,
          
           we
           need
           not
           inquire
           into
           his
           domestick
           Expressions
           of
           Joy
           ,
           and
           daily
           praises
           to
           God
           ,
           as
           evidences
           thereof
           ;
           the
           same
           having
           been
           amply
           testified
           by
           his
           Publick
           Ministry
           ,
           and
           the
           doctrine
           of
           
             Obedience
             and
             subjection
             to
             the
             King
          
           which
           he
           Preached
           at
           St.
           
             Antholines
          
           Church
           
             London
             ,
          
           from
           1
           
             Pet.
          
           2.13.14.15.16
           .
           and
           the
           doctrine
           of
           
             Thanksgiving
             to
             God
          
           for
           so
           great
           a
           Mercy
           Preached
           on
           
             May
          
           10.
           and
           
             June
          
           28.
           1660.
           at
           
             Buttolphs
             Algate
          
           immediately
           before
           ,
           and
           after
           his
           Majesties
           
           happy
           return
           ,
           from
           that
           Text
           ,
           2
           
             Sam.
          
           22.48
           ,
           49
           ,
           50
           ,
           51.
           
           And
           by
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           
             humiliation
             for
             the
             horrid
             Regicide
             the
             barbarous
             murther
             of
             his
             late
             Majesty
             ,
          
           which
           he
           preached
           from
           2
           
             Sam.
          
           1.11
           ,
           12
           ,
           13
           ,
           14
           ,
           15
           ,
           16.
           
           On
           the
           30th
           of
           
             Jan.
          
           the
           same
           year
           ,
           all
           which
           (
           were
           they
           not
           too
           tedious
           for
           a
           discourse
           of
           this
           Nature
           )
           we
           had
           thought
           to
           have
           inserted
           in
           these
           papers
           six
           out
           of
           those
           book
           notes
           which
           we
           took
           from
           his
           own
           mouth
           ,
           when
           he
           preached
           the
           same
           ;
           Thus
           much
           we
           will
           be
           bold
           to
           say
           ,
           that
           the
           expressions
           of
           his
           Loyalty
           in
           those
           Sermons
           ,
           were
           such
           as
           might
           vie
           with
           those
           who
           injoy
           the
           most
           of
           his
           Majesties
           favour
           ,
           and
           administer
           to
           all
           that
           know
           the
           man
           ,
           matter
           of
           amazement
           and
           admiration
           ,
           that
           he
           is
           resolved
           into
           such
           sufferings
           under
           pretence
           of
           
             Treason
             and
             disloyalty
             ,
          
           which
           must
           needs
           be
           the
           result
           of
           mistake
           ,
           or
           unkindness
           .
        
         
           We
           cannot
           but
           admire
           with
           what
           honesty
           or
           modesty
           ,
           men
           do
           confound
           
             Mr.
             Crofton
          
           with
           those
           (
           because
           professedly
           the
           same
           with
           him
           in
           Ecclesiasticks
           ,
           
           )
           who
           
             acted
             or
             irritated
             open
             Rebellion
             against
             his
             late
             or
             present
             Majesty
             ,
          
           (
           which
           his
           Soul
           ever
           abhorred
           ,
           )
           or
           who
           did
           
             basely
             comply
          
           under
           our
           late
           sinful
           ,
           shameful
           revolutions
           :
           with
           what
           face
           can
           men
           reflect
           the
           odium
           of
           these
           things
           ,
           upon
           the
           person
           who
           acquitted
           his
           Conscience
           and
           Credit
           ,
           by
           a
           constant
           and
           publique
           disavowing
           the
           one
           and
           the
           other
           ,
           and
           in
           his
           place
           declaring
           the
           sinfulnesse
           of
           both
           ,
           and
           whereof
           his
           writings
           do
           very
           plainly
           shew
           his
           dislike
           and
           detestation
           ,
           making
           it
           his
           business
           to
           vindicate
           the
           
             Solemn
             League
             ;
             and
             Covenant
          
           from
           the
           least
           causality
           of
           so
           sad
           effects
           ,
           affirming
           these
           to
           have
           been
           the
           perjurious
           violation
           of
           that
           .
           We
           wish
           the
           Serious
           Reader
           ,
           willing
           to
           be
           satisfied
           in
           this
           particular
           ,
           to
           review
           his
           
             Analepsis
             ,
             pa.
          
           7
           ,
           8
           ,
           15
           ,
           16.
           
           
             Analepsis
             An
             elepthe
             ,
          
           pa.
           17
           ,
           18
           ,
           
             &c.
             Berith
             Anti-baal
             ,
          
           pa.
           51
           ,
           52.
           
           When
           we
           consider
           Mr.
           
             Croftons
          
           constant
           Loyalty
           ,
           and
           confessed
           vigour
           ,
           and
           activity
           in
           bringing
           back
           the
           hearts
           of
           his
           Majesties
           Subjects
           ,
           and
           reflect
           on
           his
           present
           sufferings
           ,
           We
           must
           confess
           we
           are
           not
           without
           fear
           ,
           that
           the
           envious
           Observation
           of
           some
           of
           his
           Majesties
           enemies
           ,
           may
           cloud
           the
           honour
           of
           our
           most
           Gracious
           King
           ,
           with
           
             the
             Oblivion
             of
             Joash
          
           towards
           
             Zechariah
          
           the
           Son
           of
           
             Jehoidah
             ,
          
           or
           the
           
             unkindnesse
             of
             Queen
             Mary
          
           towards
           Mr.
           
             Dobs
             ,
          
           and
           the
           
             Gospellers
             of
             
             Norsock
             and
             Suffock
             ,
          
           whom
           she
           Imprisoned
           and
           Pillored
           for
           only
           minding
           her
           of
           her
           promise
           to
           them
           passed
           ,
           for
           the
           clearing
           her
           passage
           to
           the
           Crown
           .
        
         
           The
           only
           matter
           our
           best
           enquiry
           will
           give
           us
           to
           understand
           ,
           or
           our selves
           can
           rationally
           conj●cture
           ,
           as
           an
           offence
           chargeable
           on
           Mr.
           
             Crofton
             ,
          
           is
           ,
           the
           
             Affirmation
             of
             the
             Obliging
             force
             of
             the
             ●olemne
             League
             and
             Covenant
             ,
          
           and
           in
           order
           thereunto
           observing
           and
           arguing
           
             the
             Legislative
             power
             of
             the
             two
             Houses
             of
             Parliament
             without
             the
             King
          
           ;
           These
           two
           we
           confess
           are
           Legible
           in
           those
           writings
           ,
           which
           bearing
           his
           Name
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           are
           reputed
           his
           ;
           These
           Books
           we
           have
           heard
           were
           Objected
           to
           him
           (
           without
           any
           specification
           of
           any
           thing
           or
           word
           Offensive
           or
           Trayterous
           ,
           )
           when
           he
           was
           Committed
           Prisoner
           to
           the
           Tower
           ;
           Concerning
           these
           Assertions
           we
           humbly
           offer
           these
           things
           to
           be
           observed
           ,
           which
           we
           conceive
           to
           be
           worthy
           a
           due
           and
           serious
           consideration
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           First
           ,
           Mr.
           
             Croftons
             Affirmation
             ,
          
           or
           rather
           
             Argumentation
          
           of
           these
           principles
           ,
           was
           ,
           before
           the
           same
           was
           
             Interdicted
             by
             ay
             Law
             or
             Authority
             ,
          
           and
           (
           if
           without
           offence
           we
           may
           observe
           it
           ,
           )
           when
           it
           was
           
             a
             duty
             imposed
             on
             all
             his
             Majesties
             good
             Subjects
          
           (
           required
           to
           use
           their
           
             utmost
             endeavours
             to
             promote
             the
             ends
             of
             the
             Covenant
             ,
          
           and
           that
           as
           
             an
             evidence
             of
             their
             Fidelity
             to
             God
             and
             their
             King
          
           )
           by
           his
           Majesties
           Royal
           Declaration
           ,
           transmitted
           out
           of
           
             Scotland
             ,
          
           and
           (
           which
           we
           have
           heard
           )
           was
           delivered
           to
           Mr.
           
             Crofton
          
           by
           a
           Colonel
           in
           his
           Majesties
           Army
           ,
           marching
           to
           
             Worcester
             ,
          
           with
           an
           express
           charge
           to
           
             believe
             and
             pursue
             it
             as
             his
             Majesties
             expresse
             Pleasure
             :
          
           We
           are
           sensible
           the
           affirmation
           of
           these
           principles
           is
           now
           forbidden
           by
           a
           Law
           ,
           and
           is
           punishable
           by
           a
           
             Premunire
          
           in
           such
           who
           shall
           affirm
           them
           ,
           or
           either
           of
           them
           
             after
             the
          
           24th
           
             of
             June
             ,
          
           1661.
           
           But
           in
           Mr.
           
             Croftons
          
           Case
           we
           cannot
           but
           observe
           ,
           his
           Act
           was
           in
           
             August
             ,
             September
             and
             October
             ,
          
           many
           moneths
           before
           the
           Law
           which
           doth
           forbid
           it
           ;
           What
           is
           a
           
             Premunire
             ,
          
           by
           the
           Laws
           we
           conceive
           could
           be
           no
           
             Treason
          
           before
           the
           Law
           was
           made
           ;
           Where
           there
           is
           no
           Law
           there
           is
           no
           Transgression
           ;
           it
           is
           an
           advise
           worthy
           a
           King
           so
           just
           ,
           and
           wise
           ,
           as
           was
           King
           
             James
          
           his
           Majesties
           Grand-Father
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           ever
           Remembred
           by
           all
           Princes
           and
           Ministers
           of
           Justice
           ;
           
             Proceed
             judicially
             and
             spare
             none
             where
             you
             see
             cause
             to
             punish
             ;
             
             But
             let
             your
             proceedings
             be
             according
             to
             Law
             ,
             and
             remember
             Laws
             have
             their
             eyes
             in
             their
             fore-head
             ,
             not
             in
             their
             neck
             ,
             for
             the
             moral
             reason
             for
             the
             punishment
             of
             vices
             in
             all
             Kingdomes
             and
             Common-Wealths
             ,
             is
             ,
             because
             of
             the
             breach
             of
             the
             Laws
             standing
             in
             force
             ,
          
           
           
             for
             none
             can
             be
             punished
             for
             the
             breach
             of
             Lawes
             by
             Predestination
             ,
             b●fore
             they
             were
             made
          
           :
           That
           Mr.
           
             Crofton
          
           was
           committed
           to
           Prison
           for
           this
           Cause
           ,
           might
           be
           reputed
           an
           Act
           of
           Prudence
           ;
           but
           that
           he
           is
           nor
           enlarged
           ,
           now
           that
           his
           Spirit
           and
           Principles
           are
           under
           the
           Restriction
           of
           a
           Law
           ,
           seemeth
           to
           us
           something
           hard
           and
           unpolitique
           ;
           the
           rather
           for
           that
           a
           
             Royal
             command
          
           is
           fairly
           pretended
           to
           have
           engaged
           him
           in
           this
           contest
           ,
           and
           that
           he
           did
           it
           
             before
             the
             bring
             o●
             that
             Law
             ,
          
           according
           to
           which
           Justice
           must
           acquit
           him
           if
           he
           had
           been
           a
           Transgressor
           thereof
           ,
           
             more
             then
             the
             time
          
           thereby
           directed
           for
           prosecution
           having
           passed
           between
           his
           Act
           and
           Commitment
           ,
           and
           
             more
             then
             twice
             as
             much
          
           since
           he
           was
           confined
           ,
           and
           yet
           no
           legal
           process
           hath
           past
           against
           him
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Mr.
           
             Crofton
          
           hath
           as
           a
           Divine
           Disputant
           and
           Casuist
           ,
           affirmed
           these
           Principles
           as
           
             Weighty
             and
             Importart
             ,
          
           but
           
             doubtful
             and
             undetermined
             by
             any
             good
             and
             Just
             Authority
          
           ;
           He
           therefore
           having
           used
           the
           freedom
           and
           confidence
           of
           a
           disputant
           in
           his
           discourse
           ,
           doth
           conclude
           his
           Argumentation
           with
           this
           profession
           ;
           
           
             Might
             my
             poor
             weak
             papers
             provoke
             more
             serious
             Casuists
             ,
             (
             in
             good
             earnest
             as
             before
             God
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             dread
             of
             an
             Oath
             ,
             )
             to
             state
             and
             by
             right
             Religious
             Reason
             ,
             resolve
             this
             case
             of
             conscience
             (
             though
             in
             the
             negative
             )
             I
             had
             obtained
             my
             desire
             ,
             and
             (
             if
             I
             know
             mine
             own
             heart
             )
             none
             shall
             he
             more
             ready
             then
             my self
             to
             fall
             down
             and
             worship
             ,
             and
             confess
             God
             is
             in
             you
             of
             a
             truth
             .
          
        
         
           We
           have
           not
           known
           that
           in
           any
           well-governd
           Common-Wealths
           ,
           nor
           can
           our
           reason
           conceive
           that
           
             Logical
             Dispute
          
           and
           
             Casuistical
             Debate
          
           ▪
           (
           of
           things
           weighty
           ,
           doubtful
           and
           not
           prohibited
           )
           
             was
             ,
             or
             could
             be
             Judged
             any
             crime
             ,
          
           much
           less
           a
           
             crimen
             laesae
             Majestatis
          
           ;
           We
           hope
           we
           may
           without
           offence
           observe
           ,
           that
           the
           earnest
           opponents
           of
           the
           
             divorce
             of
             King
             Henry
             the
          
           8th
           ,
           and
           the
           
             Title
             of
             Renouned
             Queen
             Elizabeth
             to
             the
             Crown
             of
             England
             ,
          
           or
           any
           of
           them
           were
           not
           for
           the
           same
           Apprehended
           or
           Imprisoned
           as
           Offendors
           ,
           until
           after
           that
           the
           Law
           ,
           (
           the
           mature
           and
           deliberate
           debates
           by
           
           both
           Universities
           ,
           all
           the
           Casuists
           in
           Christendom
           and
           the
           Estates
           of
           Parliament
           ,
           having
           first
           cleared
           and
           concluded
           the
           question
           disputed
           ,
           )
           had
           duly
           interdicted
           the
           further
           debates
           concerning
           those
           matters
           ;
           The
           Obligation
           of
           an
           Oath
           ,
           (
           in
           which
           God
           is
           immediately
           concerned
           ,
           )
           we
           think
           we
           may
           say
           with
           confidence
           )
           is
           not
           inferiour
           to
           the
           most
           weighty
           of
           these
           cases
           ;
           and
           no
           man
           can
           or
           will
           deny
           Disputation
           is
           directed
           by
           God
           and
           nature
           ,
           and
           used
           and
           allowed
           by
           all
           Men
           and
           Nations
           (
           the
           Barbarous
           
             Turk
             ,
          
           and
           in
           cases
           of
           Religion
           only
           excepted
           ,
           )
           as
           the
           only
           ready
           and
           rational
           means
           to
           discover
           truth
           ,
           and
           disperse
           such
           clouds
           as
           darken
           the
           same
           ;
           Confutations
           of
           
             fury
             and
             false
             witness
          
           are
           registred
           Comments
           on
           the
           ignorance
           and
           impietie
           of
           
             Stephens
          
           Antagonists
           ;
           and
           of
           
             fire
             and
             force
          
           is
           the
           high
           dishonour
           of
           Queen
           
             Maries
          
           Reign
           ,
           the
           same
           better
           beseeming
           the
           wilful
           ,
           malitious
           ,
           obdurate
           Jew
           ,
           and
           blind
           ,
           bloody
           Papist
           ,
           then
           the
           Rational
           Religious
           Christian
           ,
           and
           reforming
           Protestant
           :
           whose
           onely
           Honourable
           warfare
           ,
           hath
           been
           ever
           managed
           (
           unto
           good
           success
           )
           by
           Argumentation
           ,
           enforced
           by
           Prayers
           ,
           and
           Tears
           as
           their
           onely
           Weapons
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           Mr.
           
             Crofton
          
           did
           not
           first
           begin
           and
           set
           on
           foot
           this
           Dispute
           :
           This
           controversie
           was
           provoked
           by
           the
           Reverend
           Bishop
           of
           
             Excester
          
           Dr.
           
             John
             Gauden
          
           ;
           his
           
             Analysis
          
           sounded
           the
           Alarm
           ,
           and
           challenged
           all
           men
           (
           who
           feared
           an
           Oath
           ,
           sacred
           in
           its
           nature
           ,
           and
           the
           onely
           security
           of
           humane
           Order
           and
           Societie
           )
           especially
           Ministers
           (
           the
           Guardians
           of
           truth
           ,
           and
           guides
           to
           dutie
           )
           to
           appear
           unto
           the
           defence
           of
           the
           (
           since
           condemned
           )
           Covenant
           ;
           Mr.
           
             Crofton
          
           indeed
           (
           forward
           in
           zeal
           ,
           and
           having
           improved
           this
           Oath
           to
           the
           advantage
           of
           his
           Majesties
           happy
           return
           )
           did
           first
           step
           forth
           ,
           and
           with
           all
           sobriety
           receive
           ,
           and
           repell
           the
           Bishops
           first
           assault
           ;
           the
           which
           the
           Dr.
           enforcing
           a
           second
           and
           third
           time
           ,
           he
           resisted
           with
           more
           Logical
           and
           Theological
           strength
           ,
           taking
           the
           Principles
           from
           
             Grotius
          
           the
           
             Civilian
          
           ;
           the
           learned
           
             Sanderson
             now
             Bishop
             of
             Lincoln
          
           the
           Casuist
           ,
           and
           Sir
           
             Thomas
             Smith
             ,
             Horn
          
           and
           
             Fortescue
          
           the
           Lawyers
           ,
           best
           acquainted
           with
           the
           constitution
           of
           the
           Government
           of
           this
           Kingdom
           ;
           the
           which
           he
           useth
           as
           his
           
             Medium
             ,
          
           by
           which
           to
           conclude
           his
           Argument
           :
           So
           that
           it
           is
           visible
           to
           all
           men
           that
           
           Mr.
           
             Crofton
          
           is
           
             defensive
             in
             this
             whole
             debate
          
           ;
           and
           is
           no
           further
           
             criminal
             ,
          
           then
           in
           suffering
           his
           Reason
           to
           infer
           ,
           and
           relate
           the
           conclusion
           ,
           which
           the
           principles
           approved
           by
           all
           men
           ,
           and
           asserted
           by
           approved
           Authors
           do
           enforce
           :
           Civilians
           do
           conclude
           
             defensive
             ,
          
           to
           be
           the
           
             most
          
           (
           if
           not
           onely
           )
           
             lawfal
             War
          
           :
           Our
           Law
           and
           Reason
           doth
           conclude
           in
           all
           Quarrels
           ,
           the
           offence
           is
           in
           him
           
             who
             gave
             the
             first
             blow
             ,
          
           and
           
             began
             the
             Fray
             ,
          
           no
           man
           was
           ever
           found
           guilty
           of
           Murther
           ▪
           or
           Treason
           ,
           for
           killing
           a
           man
           
             se
             defendendo
          
           ;
           the
           heat
           of
           the
           Chase
           ,
           and
           chance
           of
           Hunting
           ,
           acquitted
           Sr.
           
             William
             Tyrrel
          
           from
           the
           guilt
           of
           
             Treason
          
           or
           
             Murther
             ,
          
           though
           he
           slew
           King
           
             William
          
           the
           second
           ;
           and
           men
           of
           Ingenuity
           will
           acknowledge
           it
           to
           be
           a
           most
           fair
           ,
           candid
           and
           clear
           conquest
           ,
           which
           is
           obtained
           by
           the
           Sword
           of
           
             Goliah
             ,
          
           the
           enemies
           own
           weapons
           ;
           whilest
           premises
           stand
           approved
           ,
           other
           men
           will
           not
           want
           Mr.
           
             Croftons
          
           reason
           to
           infer
           the
           conclusion
           ,
           nor
           can
           they
           think
           this
           common
           Act
           could
           be
           in
           him
           a
           
             Capital
             crime
          
           :
           We
           cannot
           but
           acknowledge
           the
           Wisdom
           and
           justice
           of
           our
           late
           Martyred
           Lord
           ,
           
             King
          
           Charles
           
             the
             first
             ,
          
           who
           determining
           to
           silence
           the
           
             Arminian
             Controversie
          
           (
           which
           then
           disturbed
           the
           peace
           of
           the
           Church
           )
           did
           first
           by
           his
           Royal
           Proclamation
           call
           in
           the
           Book
           
             Appello
             Caesarem
          
           published
           by
           Dr.
           
             Montagne
             Bishop
             of
             Chichester
             ,
          
           as
           that
           which
           was
           the
           
             first
             cause
             ,
             and
             gave
             occasion
             to
             those
             Disputes
             and
             Differences
             which
             troubled
             the
             quiet
             of
             the
             Church
          
           :
           We
           dare
           be
           bold
           to
           avouch
           it
           ,
           that
           if
           Dr.
           
             Gauden
             had
             not
             appeared
             against
             ,
          
           Mr.
           
             Crofton
          
           had
           not
           (
           in
           this
           way
           )
           
             appeared
             for
          
           the
           (
           now
           condemned
           consumed
           )
           League
           and
           Covenant
           ,
           and
           we
           hope
           we
           shall
           not
           have
           cause
           to
           think
           the
           Bishops
           
             Analysts
          
           was
           let
           loose
           ,
           to
           
             Ducquoy
          
           the
           sober
           ,
           serious
           ,
           conscientious
           ,
           and
           sincerely
           Loyal
           Covenanter
           ,
           into
           a
           snare
           of
           Destruction
           ,
           by
           a
           Disputation
           of
           a
           matter
           so
           weighty
           ,
           and
           undetermined
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           Although
           Mr.
           
             Crafton
          
           may
           in
           this
           Dispute
           have
           strained
           towards
           one
           extream
           ,
           and
           seemeth
           to
           have
           attributed
           more
           to
           Parliaments
           ,
           then
           what
           doth
           appertain
           unto
           them
           ,
           (
           which
           is
           the
           ordinarie
           
             infortunium
          
           of
           a
           Dispute
           )
           yet
           he
           hath
           not
           in
           these
           wrightings
           uttered
           any
           
             expressions
             of
             Disloyalty
             ,
          
           or
           
             disrespect
             to
             the
             Kings
             Majesty
             ,
          
           or
           of
           
             advise
          
           and
           
             provocation
             ,
             unto
             tumult
             and
             disorder
             in
             the
             people
             ,
          
           whereby
           his
           Majesties
           Person
           ,
           Crown
           or
           Dignity
           ,
           could
           be
           endangered
           ,
           
           or
           the
           Peace
           of
           the
           Kingdoms
           be
           disturbed
           :
           But
           on
           the
           contrary
           ,
           they
           contain
           (
           in
           the
           general
           scope
           of
           these
           writings
           ,
           besides
           many
           particular
           expressions
           thereunto
           conducing
           )
           the
           
             greatest
             evidence
             ,
          
           and
           
             security
             of
             Loyalty
             to
             the
             King
             ,
          
           and
           
             peace
             unto
             his
             people
          
           that
           can
           possibly
           be
           given
           ;
           as
           an
           evidence
           hereof
           we
           pray
           it
           may
           be
           observed
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           Mr.
           
             Crofton
          
           is
           so
           far
           from
           abetting
           ,
           approving
           ,
           or
           defending
           the
           Rebellion
           against
           and
           usage
           of
           his
           late
           Majesty
           ,
           that
           he
           doth
           expresly
           disown
           ,
           and
           damn
           the
           resistance
           of
           his
           Authoriry
           ,
           and
           violence
           upon
           his
           Royal
           Person
           ,
           as
           a
           most
           
             horrid
             and
             execrable
             Rebellion
             ,
             a
             most
             base
             and
             Barbarous
             Regicide
             ,
          
           
           
             a
             most
             odious
             and
             perjurious
             breach
             of
             the
             Covenant
          
           :
           Which
           he
           vindicateth
           from
           the
           
             odium
          
           thereof
           ,
           and
           affirmeth
           to
           have
           been
           so
           far
           from
           being
           the
           cause
           or
           accessorie
           occasion
           thereof
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           in
           it self
           the
           most
           
             full
             security
             and
             strength
             unto
             the
             contrary
             ,
             that
             ever
             was
             or
             could
             be
             given
          
           :
           and
           observeth
           the
           same
           to
           have
           been
           slighted
           ,
           
             as
             an
             Almanack
             out
             of
             date
             ,
          
           before
           that
           violence
           could
           be
           acted
           ,
           or
           advised
           ,
           which
           he
           determineth
           to
           have
           been
           a
           
             full
             and
             formal
             violation
             of
             this
             Oath
             by
             the
             perjured
             pack
             who
             did
             pursue
             and
             effect
             the
             same
             .
          
        
         
           2.
           
           This
           man
           is
           so
           far
           from
           detracting
           from
           the
           Kings
           Soveraign
           Power
           and
           Prerogative
           :
           that
           in
           these
           very
           writings
           he
           acknowledgeth
           the
           
             Kings
             Supremacy
             ,
          
           in
           every
           particular
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           greatest
           latitude
           thereof
           ,
           ever
           challenged
           by
           any
           English
           Prince
           ,
           and
           he
           doth
           therefore
           urge
           the
           Covenant
           as
           consistant
           with
           ,
           and
           enforcing
           to
           the
           Oaths
           of
           
             Allegiance
             and
             Supremacy
          
           :
           He
           affirmeth
           the
           Subjects
           
             Duty
             and
             Allegiance
          
           to
           be
           
             absolute
             ,
          
           
           and
           due
           
             without
             any
             condition
             of
             their
             own
             prescription
             ,
             or
             indenture
          
           ;
           and
           without
           any
           respect
           to
           the
           
             quality
             or
             disposition
             of
             the
             King
             ,
             good
             or
             bad
             ,
             pious
             or
             impious
             ;
             founded
             in
             and
             directed
             by
             simple
             ,
             naked
             relation
             :
          
           And
           he
           asserteth
           the
           Kings
           Prerogative
           and
           Sovereign
           power
           to
           be
           such
           ,
           as
           doth
           exempt
           his
           Royal
           Person
           ,
           from
           all
           
             imposition
             of
             conditions
             ,
          
           and
           
             from
             all
             coaction
             to
             accomplishment
          
           (
           of
           what
           he
           condescendeth
           to
           assume
           upon
           himself
           )
           
             by
             his
             Subjects
             ,
             or
             any
             humane
             Power
             whatsoever
          
           ;
           and
           therefore
           this
           very
           man
           doth
           blame
           the
           Scots
           for
           indiscretion
           ,
           and
           over
           much
           boldness
           ,
           
             who
             being
             Subjects
             could
             dare
             to
             take
             
             the
             advantage
             of
             a
             straite
             condition
             ,
             to
             put
             such
             terms
          
           (
           as
           they
           did
           )
           
             upon
             his
             Majesty
             .
          
        
         
           3.
           
           Mr.
           
             Crofton
          
           is
           in
           these
           writings
           so
           far
           from
           a
           
             Seditious
             Spirit
             ,
          
           and
           provoking
           any
           preposterous
           ,
           heady
           ,
           and
           seditious
           attempts
           ,
           and
           endeavours
           ,
           that
           he
           bindeth
           all
           men
           in
           the
           performance
           of
           the
           Covenant
           unto
           
             just
             and
             lawful
             endeavours
             ,
          
           and
           that
           
             within
             their
             places
             and
             callings
             ,
          
           and
           therefore
           he
           alloweth
           no
           weapons
           against
           Majesty
           ,
           save
           
             Ministerial
             Rebukes
             and
             Admonitions
          
           in
           the
           Name
           of
           God
           the
           King
           of
           Kings
           ;
           
             Parliamentory
             advice
             ,
             proposal
             &
             Remonstrance
             ,
          
           in
           the
           name
           of
           his
           Subjects
           ,
           or
           the
           Collective
           Body
           of
           his
           Kingdom
           ;
           and
           
             vulgar
             Petitions
             and
             supplications
          
           from
           and
           by
           themselves
           ,
           in
           reference
           to
           their
           vulgar
           concernments
           :
           
           He
           disowneth
           and
           disalloweth
           all
           
             popular
             Tumults
             ,
          
           and
           
             disorderiall
             Insurrections
             ,
          
           and
           
             insolencies
             in
             the
             Subject
          
           ;
           binding
           unto
           
             passive
             obedience
             ,
          
           and
           
             quiet
             submission
             ,
          
           all
           who
           cannot
           yield
           
             active
             obedience
          
           to
           the
           establishments
           decreed
           by
           the
           King
           ,
           in
           Church
           and
           Common-wealth
           ;
           whensoever
           he
           doth
           (
           as
           he
           durst
           do
           no
           other
           )
           observe
           the
           Wisdom
           ,
           Justice
           and
           Soveraign
           Power
           of
           Almighty
           God
           ,
           in
           permitting
           ,
           or
           disposing
           ,
           the
           Irruptions
           and
           Insurrections
           of
           the
           
             natural
             ,
             against
             ,
             and
             upon
             the
             political
             Power
             ,
          
           or
           the
           heady
           ,
           disorderly
           ,
           Tumultuous
           ,
           and
           Seditious
           Agitations
           of
           the
           people
           against
           their
           Princes
           ,
           he
           passeth
           not
           his
           Observations
           ,
           without
           a
           Notation
           of
           the
           
             sinfulness
             thereof
          
           ;
           and
           a
           manifest
           expression
           of
           his
           own
           dislike
           of
           such
           wayes
           ,
           and
           courses
           :
           If
           this
           man
           must
           be
           branded
           as
           a
           
             Preacher
             of
             Sedition
             ,
          
           we
           must
           confess
           our selves
           at
           a
           loss
           ,
           how
           
             Truth
             shall
             be
             declared
             with
             due
             respect
             unto
             ,
             and
             careful
             preservation
             of
             Order
             .
          
        
         
           5.
           
           The
           Affirmation
           of
           these
           Principles
           ,
           and
           the
           Disputation
           in
           these
           Books
           mannaged
           ,
           do
           very
           rationally
           profess
           
             Loyalty
             ,
          
           to
           be
           the
           
             Center
          
           (
           at
           least
           a
           chief
           part
           thereof
           )
           from
           which
           they
           sprang
           ,
           and
           to
           which
           they
           are
           returned
           :
           Mr.
           
             Crofton
          
           argueth
           Loyalty
           as
           the
           
             impulsive
             cause
             thereof
             ,
          
           
           and
           pleadeth
           it
           from
           such
           evidences
           which
           no
           sober
           Christian
           can
           ,
           or
           will
           deny
           :
           We
           shall
           not
           conclude
           Declarations
           published
           under
           the
           distress
           of
           Royal
           Affairs
           ,
           do
           
             exactly
             oblige
          
           the
           Kings
           accomplishment
           ;
           yet
           cannot
           but
           conceive
           them
           to
           be
           the
           
             Subjects
             Appologie
             ,
          
           and
           
             justification
          
           for
           his
           
           pursuit
           of
           the
           Royal
           Command
           thereby
           signified
           ,
           and
           not
           any
           other
           way
           countermanded
           :
           We
           cannot
           but
           observe
           the
           chief
           of
           Mr.
           
             Croftons
          
           Books
           (
           objected
           against
           him
           as
           his
           onely
           Crime
           )
           were
           written
           before
           His
           Majesties
           
             Declaration
             concerning
             Ecclesiastical
             Affairs
          
           was
           published
           :
           This
           man
           owneth
           no
           sence
           of
           the
           Covenant
           ,
           but
           what
           is
           truly
           
             Loyal
             ,
          
           and
           
             fully
             securing
             to
             the
             Kings
             Interest
             and
             Prerogative
          
           :
           It
           is
           very
           well
           known
           he
           had
           in
           Press
           ,
           and
           Pulpit
           ,
           
             improved
             this
             very
             Principle
             of
             the
             Covenant
             ,
          
           to
           bring
           back
           the
           hearts
           of
           the
           people
           ,
           to
           the
           happy
           Restauration
           of
           His
           Sacred
           Majesty
           ;
           and
           then
           he
           found
           Acceptance
           ,
           Approbation
           ,
           and
           Applause
           ,
           from
           those
           very
           persons
           who
           now
           reproach
           him
           ,
           and
           rage
           against
           him
           for
           no
           reason
           ,
           save
           reasoning
           the
           same
           Principles
           :
           We
           confess
           ,
           we
           stand
           amazed
           ,
           and
           cannot
           conceive
           with
           what
           colour
           of
           Justice
           ,
           that
           which
           was
           an
           eminent
           
             Act
             of
             Loyalty
             ,
          
           April
           ,
           1660.
           could
           be
           reputed
           ,
           represented
           ,
           and
           charged
           to
           be
           an
           
             Act
             of
             High
             Treason
          
           in
           
             September
          
           following
           ;
           no
           new
           Law
           intervening
           to
           interdict
           and
           so
           alter
           the
           nature
           of
           the
           Act
           ,
           yet
           we
           know
           
             tempora
             mutantur
             ,
             &
             nos
             mutamur
             ab
             illis
          
           ;
           onely
           we
           conceive
           
             a
             temporizing
             weather-cock
             humour
          
           must
           direct
           ,
           or
           the
           
             dictates
             of
             new
             made
             Laws
          
           must
           drive
           men
           into
           the
           change
           of
           Act
           ,
           and
           estate
           :
           Mr.
           
             Crofton
          
           doth
           often
           protest
           Loyalty
           to
           be
           
             his
             end
          
           in
           this
           debate
           (
           which
           now
           seemeth
           to
           be
           his
           errour
           )
           and
           we
           have
           cause
           to
           believe
           it
           did
           really
           affect
           his
           heart
           ,
           whence
           we
           finde
           no
           disloyal
           Act
           ,
           or
           expression
           to
           have
           sprung
           ;
           and
           this
           most
           
             Loyal
             profession
             ,
          
           doth
           not
           a
           little
           demonstrate
           the
           sincerity
           thereof
           .
           
           
             I
             confess
             we
             allowe
             unto
             his
             most
             Sacred
             Majesty
             all
             humble
             submission
             ,
             active
             or
             passive
             ,
             whatsoever
             shall
             be
             by
             Royal
             Authority
             established
             in
             the
             Church
             (
             though
             never
             so
             corrupt
             yet
             )
             whilst
             consistent
             with
             Salvation
             ;
             it
             may
             occasion
             unto
             me
             suffering
             ,
             and
             a
             suspence
             of
             my
             Ministry
             ,
             but
             it
             shall
             not
             effect
             in
             me
             ;
             or
             such
             on
             whom
             I
             have
             Influence
             ,
             Schism
             from
             the
             Church
             ,
             or
             resistance
             of
             His
             Majesties
             Right
             and
             Authoritie
             :
          
           and
           in
           the
           further
           ,
           and
           more
           fervent
           enforcement
           of
           this
           debate
           ,
           this
           man
           declareth
           ,
           
             He
             had
             rather
             never
             put
             pen
             to
             paper
             ,
             then
             that
             his
             writings
             should
             disturb
             the
             Peace
             of
             these
             two
             long
             distracted
             Nations
             .
          
           
        
         
           
             Mr.
             Crofton
          
           may
           (
           we
           confesse
           )
           have
           taken
           into
           his
           judgment
           ,
           some
           of
           those
           errors
           in
           politie
           ,
           which
           the
           unhappy
           
           breach
           between
           his
           late
           Majesty
           and
           the
           late
           long
           Parliament
           did
           foment
           ;
           yet
           we
           humbly
           conceive
           malice
           it self
           cannot
           charge
           these
           writings
           (
           written
           with
           so
           legible
           a
           line
           of
           Loyalty
           ,
           and
           love
           to
           peace
           and
           order
           )
           with
           
             Treason
             or
             Sedition
          
           :
           Certainly
           this
           breath
           is
           too
           sweet
           to
           come
           from
           ulcered
           lungs
           ;
           These
           Principles
           and
           Professions
           could
           never
           proceed
           from
           a
           
             Trayterous
             Heart
          
           ;
           and
           all
           Just
           men
           will
           acknowledge
           
             Actus
             non
             facit
             reum
             nisi
             mens
             sit
             rea
             :
          
           nor
           can
           they
           be
           charitably
           suspected
           of
           dissimulation
           ,
           when
           things
           antecedent
           Concomitant
           and
           consequent
           ,
           speak
           the
           sincerity
           of
           a
           Loyal
           breast
           ,
           or
           when
           it
           is
           observed
           that
           these
           writings
           exactly
           square
           with
           that
           constant
           Loyalty
           he
           retained
           &
           expressed
           in
           the
           worst
           of
           times
           ,
           from
           the
           first
           moment
           of
           his
           Majesties
           Reign
           ,
           and
           never
           stained
           with
           the
           least
           of
           action
           ,
           affirmation
           ,
           or
           compliance
           when
           almost
           all
           men
           made
           defection
           :
           Yea
           this
           man
           is
           so
           well
           known
           to
           us
           ,
           that
           we
           dare
           affirm
           and
           will
           be
           bound
           to
           produce
           good
           demonstration
           thereof
           (
           whenever
           he
           be
           brought
           out
           of
           his
           present
           bonds
           )
           he
           retaineth
           to
           this
           very
           moment
           the
           
             same
             Loyal
             Spirit
          
           and
           
             Resolution
             ,
          
           although
           the
           wisest
           of
           Kings
           hath
           in
           his
           experiences
           made
           this
           observation
           ,
           
             oppression
             will
             make
             a
             wise
             man
             mad
             .
          
        
         
           We
           have
           read
           all
           those
           writings
           which
           bear
           Mr.
           
             Croftons
          
           Name
           ,
           with
           as
           strict
           and
           acurate
           Observation
           ,
           as
           we
           are
           capable
           of
           ,
           and
           we
           grant
           ,
           that
           in
           some
           of
           them
           ,
           we
           sometimes
           meet
           with
           a
           
             Political
             Argumentation
             ,
          
           which
           we
           could
           not
           but
           judge
           somewhat
           
             excentrical
             ,
          
           and
           out
           of
           his
           sphear
           
             as
             a
             Divine
          
           ;
           did
           we
           not
           consider
           all
           Arts
           and
           Sciences
           are
           hand-maids
           to
           Divinity
           ;
           and
           not
           only
           useful
           ,
           but
           necessary
           unto
           a
           
             Casuist
             ,
          
           who
           must
           weigh
           circumstances
           before
           he
           can
           give
           a
           right
           ,
           clear
           and
           convincing
           Judgement
           to
           satisfie
           the
           Conscience
           :
           and
           we
           find
           this
           man
           to
           urge
           the
           same
           Casuistically
           ,
           and
           in
           answer
           to
           the
           Objection
           of
           those
           ,
           against
           whom
           he
           doth
           dispute
           ;
           we
           hope
           it
           is
           not
           more
           out
           of
           Mr.
           
             Croftons
          
           way
           to
           
             Answer
             ,
          
           then
           out
           of
           his
           Antagonists
           way
           to
           
             Argue
          
           from
           Principles
           in
           Politiques
           ,
           or
           the
           political
           constitution
           of
           the
           Kingdom
           :
           If
           his
           fault
           be
           that
           he
           stept
           out
           of
           his
           place
           ,
           we
           only
           pray
           it
           may
           be
           observed
           ,
           he
           was
           
             drawn
             out
             by
             the
             pursuit
             of
             his
             Adversary
             ,
          
           and
           martial
           Law
           will
           allow
           the
           man
           to
           pursue
           beyond
           his
           bounds
           ,
           (
           provided
           he
           retreat
           in
           time
           )
           who
           may
           be
           justly
           punished
           ,
           
           if
           he
           leave
           his
           place
           to
           assault
           the
           enemy
           ,
           and
           yet
           ,
        
         
           The
           matter
           of
           Mr.
           
             Croftons
          
           Political
           Arguments
           hath
           been
           proposed
           to
           the
           Consideration
           of
           the
           Learned
           in
           the
           Law
           ,
           and
           they
           see
           not
           any
           Crime
           or
           Capital
           Offence
           to
           be
           in
           them
           ,
           any
           of
           them
           ,
           or
           all
           of
           them
           put
           together
           ;
           much
           less
           can
           they
           charge
           it
           to
           be
           
             Treason
             ,
          
           the
           which
           the
           prohibition
           doth
           only
           punish
           with
           a
           
             Premunire
          
           since
           the
           24th
           of
           
             June
             ,
          
           1661.
           
        
         
           Our
           ears
           have
           been
           alarumd
           with
           the
           loud
           clamours
           of
           Mr.
           
             Croftons
             Treason
             ,
          
           every
           scurrilous
           Pamphleter
           can
           better
           
             Proclaim
             ,
          
           then
           
             prove
          
           him
           a
           Traytor
           ;
           Every
           simple
           Calculator
           of
           the
           Almanack
           Observations
           ,
           can
           more
           easily
           calender
           his
           commitment
           for
           
             High
             Treason
             ,
          
           then
           give
           the
           least
           convincing
           evidence
           of
           his
           guilt
           :
           We
           have
           bestowed
           our
           mony
           upon
           these
           Pamplets
           ,
           which
           insult
           over
           him
           in
           this
           day
           of
           his
           Affliction
           ,
           and
           confess
           we
           find
           in
           them
           big
           words
           ,
           (
           
             preterea
             nihil
             ,
          
           )
           venting
           themselves
           with
           the
           highest
           malice
           and
           greatest
           rage
           (
           the
           event
           as
           yet
           excepted
           ,
           )
           that
           ever
           was
           expressed
           (
           against
           a
           man
           so
           innocent
           ,
           )
           since
           the
           stoning
           of
           
             Stephen
          
           :
           Insomuch
           that
           we
           cannot
           but
           suspect
           it
           to
           spring
           from
           the
           same
           root
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           an
           effect
           of
           the
           same
           Cause
           ,
           the
           rather
           because
           when
           we
           would
           know
           the
           
             particular
             matter
             of
             his
             Treason
             ,
          
           we
           find
           his
           violent
           accusers
           are
           not
           agreed
           among
           themselves
           :
           all
           indeed
           place
           it
           in
           words
           ,
           for
           which
           the
           learned
           say
           there
           is
           no
           warrant
           ,
           (
           unless
           in
           some
           special
           opinions
           relating
           to
           the
           Pope
           ,
           determined
           by
           some
           special
           statutes
           ,
           )
           but
           they
           are
           divided
           as
           to
           words
           .
        
         
           Some
           tell
           us
           his
           Treason
           is
           for
           saying
           ,
           the
           
             Parliament
             had
             a
             Legislation
             without
             the
             King
             ,
          
           but
           this
           is
           only
           punishable
           by
           a
           Premunire
           since
           the
           Law
           was
           made
           ,
           which
           maketh
           it
           criminal
           :
           
             Lestrange
          
           fixeth
           his
           Treason
           in
           these
           words
           ,
           
             The
             Lords
             and
             Commons
             were
             a
             lawful
             Authority
             ,
          
           yet
           we
           find
           no
           Law
           which
           hath
           determined
           a
           crime
           in
           this
           position
           ,
           much
           less
           a
           Treason
           ;
           we
           find
           Mr.
           
             Croftons
          
           Assertion
           thereof
           to
           be
           very
           cautious
           ,
           and
           so
           well
           grounded
           that
           we
           can
           scarcely
           yet
           believe
           the
           same
           will
           be
           Judged
           an
           errour
           by
           any
           sober
           ,
           serious
           
             English-man
          
           :
           being
           verified
           by
           the
           dayly
           practice
           and
           usage
           of
           Pa●liament
           :
           for
           our
           parts
           we
           must
           confess
           we
           dare
           not
           deny
           the
           Solemn
           League
           and
           Covenant
           to
           have
           been
           burned
           by
           a
           
             lawful
             Authority
             ,
          
           
           and
           yet
           we
           do
           not
           know
           any
           Act
           of
           Parliament
           with
           a
           full
           ,
           formall
           assent
           of
           the
           Kings
           Majesty
           which
           did
           direct
           the
           same
           :
           And
           we
           fear
           ,
           if
           we
           should
           yet
           presume
           to
           disobey
           any
           Resolve
           ,
           Vote
           or
           Order
           of
           one
           or
           both
           Houses
           of
           Parliament
           ,
           or
           condemne
           and
           resist
           the
           execution
           thereof
           by
           any
           other
           ;
           this
           plea
           
             such
             Vote
             or
             Order
             was
             defective
             as
             to
             lawful
             Avthority
             ,
          
           (
           not
           coming
           in
           the
           formality
           of
           an
           Act
           of
           Parliament
           ,
           and
           a
           full
           Law
           with
           a
           Le
           Roy
           Le
           ve
           ult
           )
           would
           not
           acquit
           us
           from
           the
           contempt
           of
           the
           Authority
           of
           Parliament
           :
           And
           yet
           we
           cannot
           but
           observe
           Mr.
           
             Croftons
          
           Assertions
           concerning
           the
           
             Authority
             of
             Parliament
             ,
          
           to
           be
           no
           more
           then
           this
           ,
           that
           it
           was
           
             lawful
             and
             sufficient
             ,
          
           not
           
             full
             and
             compleat
             ,
             without
             the
             expresse
             Royal
             Assent
             ,
          
           
           and
           that
           also
           under
           these
           two
           express
           qualifications
           ,
           a
           
             Parliament
             rightly
             constituted
             ,
          
           and
           
             during
             their
             Session
          
           :
           he
           never
           Judged
           any
           self-constituted
           assembly
           ,
           or
           convention
           pack'd
           by
           a
           usurping
           Tyrant
           ,
           to
           be
           a
           
             Parliament
             ,
          
           nor
           any
           Vote
           ,
           Resolve
           ,
           or
           order
           of
           Parliament
           to
           have
           in
           it
           any
           thing
           of
           the
           nature
           of
           Law
           ,
           or
           Authority
           ,
           (
           save
           
             to
             desend
          
           what
           was
           executed
           by
           virtue
           thereof
           the
           
             Parliament
             sitting
             ,
          
           )
           when
           the
           Parliament
           is
           Dissolved
           :
           his
           words
           are
           these
           ,
           
             A
             Parliament
             duly
             Summoned
             ,
             regularly
             elected
             and
             returned
             ,
             rightly
             constituted
             and
             readily
             embraced
             by
             King
             and
             Kingdom
             ;
          
           
           
             can
             any
             true
          
           Englishman
           
             in
             any
             measure
             acquainted
             with
             the
             constitution
             of
             this
             Kingdome
             ,
             or
             the
             Authority
             of
             the
             High
             Court
             of
             Parliament
             deny
             these
             to
             be
             a
             Just
             and
             Lawful
             Authority
             ,
             to
             resolve
             ,
             order
             ,
             and
             enjoyn
             ,
             yea
             and
             to
             execute
             their
             resolues
             ,
             orders
             and
             injunctions
             during
             the
             being
             of
             their
             Power
             ,
             though
             not
             to
             establish
             Laws
             to
             be
             executed
             when
             they
             are
             dissolved
             and
             gone
          
           :
           And
           in
           every
           of
           his
           Books
           we
           find
           him
           often
           deny
           the
           two
           Houses
           to
           be
           
             full
             and
             compleat
             ,
          
           though
           he
           affirm
           them
           a
           
             lawful
             and
             sufficient
          
           Authority
           :
           Sure
           Mr.
           
             Lestrange
          
           will
           not
           deny
           Lawful
           Authority
           to
           be
           a
           Subject
           capable
           of
           
             majus
          
           and
           
             minus
             ,
          
           and
           such
           as
           may
           admit
           of
           degrees
           ;
           if
           Mr.
           
             Crofton
          
           be
           in
           this
           point
           in
           an
           error
           let
           any
           man
           by
           good
           demonstration
           correct
           him
           ,
           we
           will
           undertake
           he
           shall
           not
           by
           obstinacy
           appear
           an
           Heretique
           in
           Politiques
           ,
           but
           if
           his
           confutation
           must
           be
           only
           
             rage
             and
             violence
             ,
          
           we
           desire
           Mr.
           
             Lestrange
          
           will
           let
           us
           know
           that
           
             English
          
           Law
           ,
           which
           hath
           determined
           
             Treason
          
           for
           any
           man
           to
           think
           ,
           say
           ,
           or
           write
           the
           
             Lords
             and
             Commons
             assembled
             in
             
             Parliament
             are
             a
             Lawful
             Authority
             ,
          
           and
           then
           we
           may
           be
           convinced
           Mr.
           
             Crofton
          
           suffereth
           as
           an
           evil
           doer
           ,
           but
           till
           then
           we
           must
           let
           him
           know
           
             railing
             is
             no
             reason
             ,
          
           not
           doth
           it
           become
           a
           man.
           
        
         
           Mr.
           
             Tomkins
          
           who
           at
           length
           appeareth
           to
           rescue
           the
           
             Oxford
          
           Reasons
           from
           the
           force
           of
           Mr.
           
             Croftons
          
           Arguments
           ;
           doth
           leave
           the
           Learned
           Authors
           thereof
           under
           their
           observed
           defects
           in
           Logick
           ,
           History
           ,
           Politiques
           ,
           and
           Divinity
           ,
           and
           as
           one
           whose
           pinched
           reason
           breaketh
           into
           passion
           ,
           (
           in
           heat
           of
           anger
           )
           provoketh
           a
           more
           severe
           and
           bloody
           moderation
           then
           his
           Antagonist
           hath
           yet
           met
           with
           ,
           crying
           out
           ,
           Mr.
           
             Croftons
             saying
             that
             the
             Parliament
             ever
             retained
             a
             Jurisdiction
             over
             Church
             and
             Crown
             in
             short
             is
             High
             Treason
             .
          
        
         
           How
           much
           the
           Universitie
           of
           
             Oxford
          
           are
           engaged
           to
           this
           their
           Valiant
           ,
           Learned
           Defendant
           ,
           we
           leave
           themselves
           to
           Judge
           :
           how
           much
           he
           hath
           bettered
           the
           cause
           under
           contest
           let
           sober
           men
           Judge
           :
           with
           what
           ingenuity
           ,
           candor
           and
           clearness
           he
           hath
           taken
           up
           and
           confuted
           Mr.
           
             Croftons
          
           Arguments
           ,
           let
           any
           Sophomore
           ,
           yea
           Fresh-man
           or
           ordinary
           Logician
           Judge
           :
           and
           how
           fair
           an
           Adversary
           he
           is
           ,
           that
           alarumeth
           the
           hand
           of
           Justice
           against
           his
           Antagonist
           ,
           let
           Just
           and
           Wise
           men
           Judge
           :
           we
           are
           not
           now
           to
           Animadvert
           his
           animadversions
           ,
           but
           to
           Apologize
           for
           our
           oppressed
           ,
           defamed
           Friend
           ,
           who
           cannot
           do
           it
           for
           himself
           :
           and
           herein
        
         
           We
           would
           give
           this
           confident
           Gentleman
           hearty
           thanks
           to
           clear
           his
           charge
           of
           
             High
             Treason
             ,
          
           for
           we
           would
           not
           plead
           for
           it
           if
           we
           knew
           it
           ,
           or
           could
           perceive
           it
           ;
           But
           we
           yet
           think
           this
           is
           but
           one
           Doctors
           opinion
           ,
           more
           visible
           to
           a
           
             Fellow
             of
             All-Soules
             in
             Oxford
             ,
          
           then
           a
           
             Barrister
          
           or
           
             Bencher
             in
             the
             Temple
             ,
          
           near
           
             London
             .
          
           This
           Fellow
           professeth
           himself
           a
           Reader
           of
           
             Cookes
             Institutes
             ,
          
           and
           that
           Learned
           Lawyer
           telleth
           us
           there
           is
           no
           
             Treason
             but
             what
             is
             determined
             by
             the
             Statute
             of
             the
          
           25th
           
             of
             Edward
             the
          
           3d
           ,
           and
           we
           find
           not
           this
           assertion
           forbidden
           therein
           ,
           nor
           any
           Opinion
           determined
           ,
           and
           Declared
           by
           that
           Statute
           to
           be
           Treason
           :
           This
           learned
           lawyer
           concludeth
           that
           Treason
           must
           be
           
             Factum
          
           not
           
             Dictum
             ,
          
           words
           may
           make
           an
           Heritique
           but
           not
           a
           Traytor
           ,
           we
           must
           confess
           
             Oxford
          
           Disputants
           have
           Determined
           
             Heresie
          
           in
           their
           Opponents
           ,
           
           he
           is
           the
           first
           of
           that
           learned
           University
           ,
           who
           hath
           presumed
           to
           declare
           
             Treason
             .
          
        
         
           We
           are
           sure
           these
           words
           make
           no
           immediate
           ,
           and
           direct
           assault
           upon
           his
           Majesties
           Person
           ,
           Crown
           ,
           or
           Dignity
           ;
           and
           the
           Lord
           
             Cook
          
           abandons
           all
           Glosses
           ,
           Inferences
           ,
           Interpretations
           ,
           and
           consequences
           to
           be
           made
           by
           Judge
           or
           Counsel
           ,
           in
           Cases
           of
           Treason
           .
        
         
           Judge
           
             Jenkins
          
           guides
           the
           Judgement
           of
           Treason
           by
           the
           very
           Letter
           of
           the
           Law
           ,
           for
           that
           in
           
             Criminibus
             a
             verbo
             Legis
             non
             est
             recedendum
             :
          
           And
           we
           cannot
           conceive
           how
           an
           Observation
           of
           past
           Acts
           ,
           can
           be
           Treason
           in
           the
           Logical
           ,
           or
           Historical
           Observer
           :
           Mr.
           
             Crofton
          
           noteth
           the
           Parliament
           
             retained
          
           in
           times
           past
           ;
           He
           doth
           note
           the
           Fact
           without
           any
           determination
           of
           the
           
             jus
          
           and
           right
           of
           such
           retention
           ;
           we
           would
           advise
           this
           Fellow
           to
           repair
           to
           
             All
             Souls
             ,
          
           and
           reflect
           on
           his
           own
           Thoughts
           ;
           and
           resolve
           us
           ,
           that
           the
           
             Treason
          
           is
           not
           more
           in
           his
           own
           fancie
           and
           imagination
           ,
           then
           in
           Mr.
           
             Crofton
          
           his
           expressions
           ;
           we
           find
           he
           doth
           throughout
           his
           Book
           mistake
           the
           
             Person
             ,
          
           which
           maketh
           us
           suspitious
           he
           misunderstandeth
           the
           
             position
          
           :
           on
           this
           man
           he
           reflecteth
           the
           odium
           of
           the
           
             violence
             of
             the
             Visitors
             in
             Oxford
          
           whom
           Mr.
           
             Crofton
          
           knew
           not
           ,
           and
           it
           is
           disputable
           ,
           whether
           he
           was
           then
           in
           
             England
          
           :
           The
           
             defection
             and
             complyances
             under
             Queen
          
           Richard
           and
           
             other
             Vsurpers
             ,
          
           which
           Mr.
           
             Crofton
          
           ever
           denyed
           ,
           resisted
           ,
           and
           detested
           ,
           when
           some
           who
           then
           were
           ,
           and
           now
           are
           most
           zealous
           complyers
           urged
           him
           ,
           with
           this
           convincing
           argument
           
             these
             times
             affords
             few
             Martyrs
          
           :
           and
           the
           
             purchase
             of
             Church
             Lands
          
           whilest
           Mr.
           
             Crofton
          
           would
           not
           take
           when
           he
           might
           ,
           a
           living
           out
           of
           which
           he
           knew
           any
           man
           to
           have
           been
           Sequestered
           :
           He
           whose
           heat
           of
           Passion
           doth
           engage
           him
           to
           
             misread
             the
             Person
             ,
          
           may
           well
           
             misinterpret
             his
             words
             ,
          
           as
           indeed
           we
           observe
           he
           doth
           ,
           understanding
           
             King
          
           by
           
             Crown
             ,
          
           and
           
             Soveraign
             coercive
             ,
             destructive
             power
          
           by
           
             jurisdiction
          
           :
           it
           is
           no
           hard
           matter
           to
           make
           a
           Traytor
           ,
           if
           envy
           may
           interpret
           a
           mans
           words
           ;
           we
           hope
           Mr.
           
             Tomkins
          
           will
           not
           take
           it
           unkindly
           ;
           if
           he
           be
           excepted
           against
           ,
           as
           to
           his
           being
           Judge
           ,
           or
           Jury
           which
           shall
           passe
           upon
           Mr.
           
             Crofton
             .
          
        
         
           That
           we
           may
           not
           run
           into
           the
           error
           we
           rebuke
           in
           any
           other
           ,
           we
           shall
           not
           presume
           to
           give
           our
           apprehension
           of
           the
           loyal
           sence
           of
           these
           words
           ,
           so
           positively
           charged
           to
           be
           
             High
             
             Treason
          
           ;
           but
           shall
           make
           bold
           to
           present
           you
           with
           Mr.
           
             Croftons
          
           own
           exposition
           of
           them
           declared
           in
           a
           Letter
           written
           to
           some
           Friends
           ,
           who
           desired
           to
           understand
           his
           sence
           and
           meaning
           therein
           :
           All
           men
           will
           allow
           him
           
             Waterford
             Law
          
           as
           the
           best
           and
           onely
           expositor
           of
           his
           own
           words
           ,
           subject
           to
           misconstruction
           .
        
         
           
             These
             words
             [
             
               the
               Parliament
               ever
               retained
               in
               themselves
               a
               Jurisdiction
               over
               Church
               and
               Crown
            
             ]
             are
             so
             far
             from
             
               Treason
            
             ;
             that
             they
             will
             not
             be
             found
             an
             
               error
               in
               politiques
            
             ;
             if
             that
             rule
             be
             true
             which
             cannot
             be
             denyed
             ,
             
               generalia
               generaliter
               sunt
               intelligenda
               :
            
             I
             fear
             you
             mistake
             the
             sence
             of
             every
             word
             in
             this
             short
             Sentence
             ,
             and
             that
             you
             conceive
             
               Crown
            
             doth
             signifie
             the
             
               King
               ,
            
             as
             if
             these
             two
             were
             not
             seperable
             ;
             and
             so
             known
             to
             be
             in
             our
             Laws
             :
             And
             
               Jurisdiction
            
             doth
             signifie
             
               coaction
               ,
            
             as
             if
             
               Coronae
               jus
               dicere
            
             did
             necessarily
             signifie
             
               Coronatum
               cogere
               per
               asperte
            
             ;
             the
             which
             is
             a
             Sence
             inconsistent
             with
             ,
             and
             contrary
             unto
             the
             
               Kings
               immunity
               from
               all
               humane
               coaction
               ,
            
             which
             I
             have
             expresly
             asserted
             in
             this
             very
             Treatise
             ;
             You
             here
             understand
             
               Parliament
               ,
            
             to
             signifie
             the
             
               Lords
               and
               Commons
               abstracted
               from
               the
               King
            
             ;
             which
             sence
             this
             place
             and
             case
             doth
             not
             necessitate
             ,
             though
             I
             do
             sometimes
             so
             use
             that
             tearm
             :
             For
             
               Parliament
            
             here
             is
             opposed
             to
             
               Pope
               ,
            
             and
             is
             noted
             to
             be
             the
             Subject
             of
             
               full
               and
               compleat
               Legislation
            
             (
             which
             I
             never
             do
             attribute
             unto
             ,
             but
             do
             alwayes
             deny
             ,
             the
             two
             houses
             )
             
               unto
               the
               extendiag
               the
               prerogative
               of
               the
               Crown
               by
               the
               statute
            
             1.
             
             Elizabeth
             :
             
               or
               restraint
               thereof
               by
               the
               Statute
            
             17.
             
             Carol.
             in
             both
             which
             the
             
               King
            
             was
             a
             part
             of
             the
             
               Parliament
               :
            
             Learned
             men
             should
             expound
             the
             Text
             by
             the
             context
             ;
             and
             in
             Reading
             a
             Treatise
             make
             one
             part
             expound
             another
             ,
             and
             know
             ,
             no
             Author
             is
             to
             be
             judged
             by
             the
             sound
             ,
             much
             less
             by
             the
             seeming
             consequence
             of
             a
             single
             sentence
             :
          
           And
           now
           Mr.
           
             Tomkins
          
           where
           is
           Mr.
           
             Croftons
             High
             Treason
             ?
          
           And
           yet
           we
           will
           not
           fear
           to
           let
           you
           know
           that
           admitting
           your
           sence
           of
           the
           term
           
             Parliament
             ,
          
           abstracted
           from
           the
           King
           there
           is
           nothing
           clearer
           in
           the
           political
           Constitution
           ,
           and
           Administration
           of
           our
           Kingdom
           ,
           then
           their
           
             retained
             jurisdiction
             over
             the
             Crown
          
           ;
           We
           do
           not
           ,
           nor
           did
           Mr.
           
             Crofton
          
           say
           over
           the
           
             King
             ,
          
           the
           Subject
           of
           the
           Crown
           ;
           we
           will
           not
           run
           you
           for
           proof
           hereof
           into
           the
           Histories
           of
           Forreign
           Countries
           ,
           or
           our
           own
           Saxon
           
           times
           ,
           in
           which
           we
           finde
           this
           Jurisdiction
           larger
           then
           Mr.
           
             Crofton
          
           doth
           assert
           it
           ;
           but
           nearer
           home
           and
           hand
           be
           pleased
           to
           consider
           ,
        
         
           1.
           
           King
           
             John
          
           yielded
           by
           consent
           of
           the
           Barrons
           (
           saith
           the
           Record
           )
           the
           
             Crown
             of
             England
          
           unto
           the
           
             Pope
             of
             Rome
          
           to
           hold
           it
           from
           ,
           and
           under
           him
           ;
           who
           often
           demanded
           the
           Surrender
           of
           it
           ,
           but
           was
           answered
           the
           
             Parliament
             must
             give
             it
          
           ;
           In
           
             Anno.
          
           40.
           of
           King
           
             Edward
          
           the
           third
           ,
           upon
           the
           
             Popes
          
           demand
           of
           the
           Crown
           of
           this
           Realm
           ,
           the
           
             King
             appealed
             to
             his
             Parliament
             ,
          
           who
           judicially
           determined
           it
           
             was
             not
             in
             the
             power
             of
             King
          
           John
           ,
           
             nor
             any
             other
             King
             of
          
           England
           
             to
             dispose
             the
             Crown
             ;
             but
             in
             the
             sole
             power
             of
             Parliament
             .
          
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           claim
           to
           the
           Crown
           made
           by
           
             Richard
          
           Duke
           of
           
             York
             ,
          
           against
           King
           
             Henry
          
           the
           sixth
           ,
           having
           reigned
           twenty
           eight
           Years
           ,
           was
           by
           both
           parties
           ,
           submitted
           by
           appeal
           ,
           unto
           the
           
             Judgement
             of
             Parliament
          
           ;
           who
           determined
           for
           the
           Duke
           ;
           yet
           continued
           the
           Crown
           to
           the
           King
           ,
           during
           his
           life
           ,
           on
           condition
           of
           good
           behaviour
           towards
           the
           Duke
           ,
           and
           in
           either
           case
           the
           Duke
           or
           his
           heir
           to
           possess
           it
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           The
           several
           Successors
           in
           the
           strife
           between
           
             York
          
           and
           
             Lancaster
             ,
          
           submitted
           the
           success
           of
           their
           Sword
           ,
           to
           the
           
             censure
             of
             Parliament
             ,
          
           as
           their
           onely
           security
           to
           the
           Crown
           ;
           the
           Acts
           of
           one
           Parliament
           binding
           until
           discharged
           by
           another
           ,
           hence
           it
           is
           that
           the
           Statutes
           of
           that
           Age
           recorded
           in
           
             Speeds
          
           Chronicle
           do
           teach
           us
           this
           Doctrine
           :
           the
           
             Court
             of
             Parliament
             is
             of
             such
             Authority
             ,
             and
             the
             people
             of
             this
             Land
             of
             such
             nature
             and
             disposition
             ,
             (
             as
             experience
             teacheth
             )
             that
             the
             Declaration
             or
             Manifestation
             of
             any
             Truth
             or
             Right
             by
             the
             three
             Estates
             (
             Lords
             Spiritual
             and
             Temporal
             and
             Commons
             saith
             the
             Statute
             )
             assembled
             in
             Parliament
             ,
             and
             by
             authority
             thereof
             ,
             maketh
             before
             all
             things
             most
             Faith
             ,
             and
             certain
             quieting
             to
             mens
             winds
             ,
             and
             removing
             all
             doubts
             .
          
        
         
           4.
           
           The
           Parliament
           did
           Bastardize
           and
           Legitimate
           the
           Children
           of
           King
           
             Henry
          
           the
           eighth
           ,
           and
           they
           by
           their
           Authority
           enabled
           him
           to
           dispose
           the
           Crown
           to
           ,
           or
           from
           his
           Children
           ,
           with
           and
           under
           what
           conditions
           he
           pleased
           ,
           adjudging
           any
           his
           Children
           assuming
           the
           Crown
           ,
           otherwise
           then
           by
           this
           Authority
           ,
           
             to
             loose
             their
             Right
             ,
          
           and
           be
           judged
           
             Traytors
             to
             the
             Realm
             ,
          
           whence
           it
           came
           to
           pass
           that
           
             Edward
          
           the
           sixth
           ,
           Queen
           
             Mary
             ,
          
           and
           
             Elizabeth
          
           did
           hold
           and
           enjoy
           the
           
           Crown
           ,
           by
           
             Authority
             of
             Parliament
             ,
          
           and
           the
           Title
           of
           the
           last
           being
           questioned
           ,
           produced
           the
           Statute
           13.
           
           
             Elizabeth
             ,
          
           which
           made
           it
           
             Treason
          
           during
           the
           Queens
           life
           ,
           and
           
             loss
             of
             goods
          
           after
           her
           Death
           ,
           for
           any
           man
           to
           
             deny
             the
             Authority
             of
             Parliament
             to
             direct
             ,
             dispose
             ,
             limit
             ,
             or
             restrain
             the
             Crown
             .
          
        
         
           5.
           
           
             Statutes
             of
             Recognition
          
           have
           ever
           been
           reputed
           the
           onely
           riveting
           security
           to
           the
           Crown
           ;
           and
           certainly
           these
           signifie
           more
           then
           a
           State
           Complement
           ,
           and
           although
           they
           pass
           in
           the
           same
           Royal
           Formality
           ,
           with
           other
           Laws
           ,
           which
           concern
           the
           Subject
           ;
           yet
           it
           must
           be
           confessed
           they
           receive
           strength
           by
           an
           Authority
           in
           this
           respect
           abstracted
           from
           the
           King
           ,
           as
           do
           the
           Statutes
           providing
           monies
           the
           only
           support
           of
           the
           Crown
           .
        
         
           6.
           
           If
           we
           should
           ask
           Mr.
           
             Tomkins
          
           who
           in
           the
           defect
           of
           Heirs
           hath
           
             Jurisdiction
             over
             the
             Crown
             ,
          
           would
           he
           not
           dare
           for
           fear
           of
           
             Treason
          
           to
           say
           the
           
             Parliament
             ,
          
           Bishop
           
             Bilson
          
           saith
           it
           in
           express
           tearms
           ;
           and
           that
           not
           onely
           for
           our
           own
           Kingdom
           ,
           but
           all
           others
           also
           .
        
         
           7.
           
           Before
           Mr.
           
             Crofton
          
           be
           condemned
           as
           a
           Traytor
           for
           saying
           the
           Parliament
           ever
           retained
           in
           themselves
           a
           jurisdiction
           over
           the
           Crown
           ,
           we
           hope
           the
           conclusion
           of
           our
           late
           Martyred
           Sovereign
           King
           Charles
           the
           first
           (
           who
           well
           knew
           the
           constitution
           of
           this
           Kingdom
           ,
           
           and
           the
           extent
           of
           Royal
           Prerogative
           )
           will
           be
           denyed
           ,
           for
           he
           affirmed
           
             the
             Power
             legally
             placed
             in
             both
             Houses
             is
             more
             then
             sufficient
             to
             prevent
             and
             restrain
             Tyranny
             ,
             which
             must
             needs
             import
             a
             large
             Jurisdiction
             over
             the
             Crown
             .
          
        
         
           8.
           
           When
           we
           consider
           the
           Courts
           of
           Judicature
           ,
           in
           Westminster
           Hall
           ,
           do
           conclude
           judicially
           against
           his
           Majesty
           ,
           in
           many
           Suits
           brought
           by
           him
           
             in
             Right
             of
             the
             Crown
             ,
          
           against
           the
           Subject
           ;
           and
           by
           the
           Subject
           against
           him
           :
           We
           cannot
           imagine
           it
           
             Treason
          
           to
           say
           the
           
             happy
             constitution
             of
          
           Englands
           
             Government
             is
             such
             that
             the
             Courts
             of
             Justice
             have
             a
             Jurisdiction
             over
             the
             Crown
             ,
          
           much
           less
           to
           say
           the
           High
           Court
           of
           Parliament
           hath
           it
           .
        
         
           If
           an
           Observation
           of
           
             Fact
             ,
          
           without
           any
           assertion
           of
           
             Right
          
           ;
           If
           the
           
             Sound
          
           of
           a
           Sentence
           capable
           of
           a
           most
           
             Loyal
             Sence
          
           ;
           If
           a
           
             Position
          
           proved
           by
           
             constant
             Practise
          
           be
           
             Treason
             ,
          
           we
           must
           leave
           Mr.
           
             Tomkins
          
           on
           the
           Bench
           ,
           and
           Mr.
           
             Crofton
          
           at
           the
           Bar
           to
           
           receive
           his
           doom
           ,
           but
           cannot
           deny
           our
           assent
           unto
           the
           Observation
           of
           the
           Statute
           ,
           1.
           
           
             Mariae
             ,
          
           discharging
           the
           Laws
           which
           made
           words
           Treason
           :
           
             Those
             Laws
             are
             grievous
             which
             are
             so
             made
             ,
             that
             not
             only
             the
             Rude
             ,
             Ignorant
             and
             Vnlearned
             ,
             but
             also
             the
             learned
             and
             expert
             people
             minding
             honesty
             are
             often
             and
             many
             times
             trapped
             for
             words
             only
             ,
             without
             other
             fact
             ,
             or
             deed
             .
          
        
         
           We
           have
           with
           the
           most
           exact
           diligence
           we
           are
           capable
           of
           ,
           Enquired
           and
           observed
           the
           reports
           of
           men
           ,
           that
           we
           might
           be
           satisfied
           what
           is
           the
           great
           matter
           which
           causeth
           this
           man
           to
           be
           kept
           in
           so
           severe
           a
           durance
           ,
           and
           some
           tell
           us
           he
           was
           
             ever
             Turbulent
             ,
             and
             not
             quiet
             under
             any
             power
             :
          
           unto
           which
           we
           answer
           ,
        
         
           We
           presume
           his
           
             Turbulency
             ,
          
           under
           our
           late
           Usurpers
           (
           being
           the
           
             Act
             of
             his
             Loyalty
          
           to
           his
           King
           ,
           restlessely
           endeavouring
           his
           happy
           Restauration
           )
           is
           not
           now
           supposed
           his
           crime
           ,
           or
           any
           agravation
           thereof
           ;
           The
           men
           who
           do
           now
           condemn
           him
           ,
           did
           account
           it
           is
           duty
           ,
           and
           honour
           when
           others
           were
           sinfully
           quiet
           ,
           and
           we
           see
           not
           any
           difference
           between
           this
           in
           him
           ,
           and
           
             Jehoiadas
          
           endeavours
           
             against
             A●haliah
             ,
          
           and
           
             for
             King
             Joash
             ,
          
           save
           the
           one
           enjoyed
           the
           Comfort
           ,
           Peace
           and
           Liberty
           of
           the
           effect
           ,
           whereof
           the
           other
           was
           and
           is
           deprived
           :
           His
           
             Turbulency
          
           hath
           ever
           had
           
             Sin
             for
             its
             Object
             ,
             Ministerial
             rebuke
             preaching
             or
             writing
          
           for
           its
           only
           
             Act
             and
             Expression
          
           ;
           Which
           of
           the
           Prophets
           or
           Apostles
           were
           not
           ?
           What
           Faithful
           Minister
           of
           the
           Gospel
           is
           not
           ?
           can
           or
           dare
           be
           otherwise
           then
           thus
           Turbulant
           ?
           This
           is
           not
           only
           
             Lawful
             ,
          
           within
           his
           place
           and
           calling
           ;
           But
           the
           
             Indespensable
          
           duty
           thereof
           :
           
             Elijahs
          
           must
           thus
           
             trouble
             Israel
             ,
          
           and
           
             Amos
             Alarm
             the
             Kings
             Court
             ,
          
           cost
           what
           it
           will
           or
           can
           :
           If
           he
           have
           ever
           appeared
           in
           ,
           advised
           ,
           or
           abetted
           ,
           any
           Seditious
           Tumult
           ,
           Rebellions
           Insurrection
           ,
           or
           Trayterous
           Conspiracy
           ,
           we
           leave
           him
           to
           himself
           :
           But
           
             Tertullus
          
           himself
           is
           not
           able
           herein
           to
           charge
           him
           ,
           and
           other
           Acts
           of
           
             Turbulency
             ,
          
           will
           subject
           them
           to
           trouble
           from
           the
           Lord
           ,
           who
           do
           therefore
           trouble
           him
           ,
           as
           a
           thing
           most
           righteous
           .
        
         
           Some
           clamour
           against
           our
           Friend
           as
           Seditious
           ,
           and
           Treasonable
           because
           against
           
             Episcopacy
             ,
          
           and
           relying
           on
           that
           maxim
           ,
           
             no
             Bishop
             no
             King
          
           :
           Conclude
           he
           cannot
           be
           a
           
             Friend
             
             to
             the
             King
             ,
          
           who
           is
           an
           enemy
           to
           the
           
             Bishops
             ,
          
           to
           which
           we
           answer
           .
        
         
           Such
           as
           know
           him
           ,
           and
           have
           read
           his
           Writings
           ,
           will
           find
           if
           is
           clamour
           is
           not
           true
           ,
           for
           he
           professeth
           for
           
             Episcopal
             Degree
          
           which
           is
           much
           as
           our
           sober
           Reformers
           ever
           challenged
           ,
           or
           our
           Learned
           
             Vsher
          
           approved
           ;
           He
           is
           indeed
           against
           
             Papal
             Hierarchie
             ,
          
           and
           that
           Episcopacy
           which
           was
           the
           
             step
          
           and
           seemeth
           the
           
             support
             of
             the
             man
             of
             sin
             ,
          
           but
           suppose
           the
           utmost
           ,
           his
           Opposition
           is
           
             purely
             Argumentative
             ,
          
           and
           is
           but
           ill
           resisted
           with
           
             Rage
             and
             Violence
             .
          
        
         
           
             No
             Bishop
             no
             King
          
           may
           be
           a
           maxim
           of
           State
           ,
           but
           we
           have
           not
           known
           it
           to
           be
           a
           Principle
           in
           our
           Law
           ,
           we
           have
           not
           heard
           of
           any
           Statute
           which
           hath
           so
           conjoyned
           the
           
             Mitre
          
           to
           the
           
             Crown
             ,
          
           as
           that
           a
           dis-respect
           to
           that
           ,
           must
           needs
           be
           reputed
           ,
           and
           punished
           as
           a
           
             Treason
          
           against
           this
           ;
           We
           hope
           we
           shall
           not
           offend
           if
           we
           say
           that
           is
           a
           sad
           Government
           which
           pretendeth
           to
           Divine
           Right
           ,
           and
           yet
           hath
           no
           uphold
           or
           guard
           but
           
             Violence
             and
             Oppression
             of
             Reason
             ,
          
           urged
           against
           it
           ,
           and
           cannot
           silence
           a
           Disputing
           Antagonist
           ,
           otherwise
           then
           by
           a
           close
           Prison
           .
        
         
           We
           have
           heard
           a
           third
           cry
           ,
           Mr.
           
             Crofton
          
           Preached
           against
           the
           Bishops
           ,
           and
           provoked
           the
           opposition
           of
           them
           by
           
             fire
             and
             blood
          
           ;
           to
           this
           we
           answer
           ,
        
         
           We
           heard
           the
           last
           Sermons
           this
           math
           did
           Preach
           ,
           and
           can
           give
           the
           true
           account
           thereof
           ,
           wherein
           we
           desire
           it
           may
           be
           noted
           ,
        
         
           1.
           
           He
           went
           not
           out
           of
           his
           way
           to
           fly
           in
           the
           faces
           of
           the
           Bishops
           ;
           He
           had
           purposed
           a
           full
           exposition
           of
           the
           first
           Epistle
           of
           
             Peter
          
           in
           his
           Lectures
           at
           
             Antholins
             London
             ,
          
           in
           pursuit
           whereof
           ,
           he
           proceeded
           so
           far
           as
           to
           the
           last
           words
           of
           the
           second
           Chapter
           ;
           And
           observed
           the
           
             Lord
             Jesus
             was
             the
             Shepherd
             and
             Bishop
             of
             our
             Souls
             :
          
           In
           the
           Explication
           of
           this
           Position
           ,
           he
           enquired
           
             how
             ?
             and
             by
             whom
             the
             Lord
             Jesus
             Christ
             did
             Execute
             this
             his
             Pastorall
             charge
             ,
             and
             Episcopal
             Office
             ,
             in
             and
             towards
             his
             Church
             ?
             And
          
           Resolved
           and
           Asserted
           ,
           
             the
             Lord
             doth
             execute
             this
             Pastoral
             charge
             and
             Episcopal
             Office
             by
             his
             Ministers
             ,
             all
             ,
             equally
             Authorized
             ,
             and
             without
             any
             such
             Order
             or
             standing
             function
             of
             an
             Episcopus
             Episcoporum
          
           ;
           The
           which
           having
           demonstrated
           by
           considerable
           evidence
           ,
           and
           answers
           
           to
           Objections
           ,
           he
           did
           press
           on
           his
           people
           ,
           as
           a
           truth
           considerable
           to
           be
           understood
           ,
           as
           relating
           to
           
             Christs
             Royalty
             ,
          
           as
           
             King
             of
             his
             Church
             ,
          
           and
           closed
           with
           this
           Observations
           in
           these
           express
           Terms
           ,
           
             There
             seemeth
             unto
             me
             an
             Emphasis
             in
             those
             words
             ,
          
           Rev.
           11.7
           .
           
             Relating
             to
             the
             two
             Witnesses
             ,
          
           when
           they
           shal
           have
           finished
           their
           Testimony
           :
           
             These
             words
             seem
             to
             relate
             no
             less
             to
             the
             matter
             ,
             then
             the
             time
             of
             these
             witnesses
             Prophesie
             ,
          
           (
           viz.
           )
           
             That
             they
             must
             bear
             witness
             to
             the
             last
             punctilio
             of
             Christs
             Pastoral
             charge
             ,
             and
             Episcopal
             Office
             ,
             before
             they
             were
             slain
             :
             we
             all
             know
             this
             Shepherd
             and
             Bishop
             of
             our
             Souls
             ,
             to
             work
             out
             our
             Salvation
             by
             his
             threefold
             Office
             of
             Prophet
             ,
             Priest
             and
             King
             :
             And
             I
             cannot
             but
             observe
             each
             of
             those
             (
             besides
             the
             general
             assault
             and
             opposition
             of
             the
             whole
             )
             hath
             had
             a
             particular
             and
             special
             conflict
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             and
             hath
             constrained
             an
             open
             and
             Publique
             Testimony
             ,
             from
             Christs
             Church
             in
             the
             fire
             and
             with
             their
             blood
          
           :
        
         
           
             In
             the
             first
             Age
             of
             Christianity
             the
             great
             and
             special
             Question
             was
             concerning
             Christs
          
           Prophetical
           Office
           ,
           
             whether
             the
             Scriptures
             or
             the
             Oracles
             of
             Apollo
             ,
             Traditions
             of
             the
             Jewes
             ,
             and
             Delusions
             of
             Impostors
             and
             Haeretiques
             should
             be
             received
             obeyed
             ?
             and
             we
             well
             know
             in
             what
             fiery
             Tryals
             and
             with
             what
             fearful
             sufferings
             the
             Sheep
             of
             Christ
             did
             hear
             his
             voyce
             ,
             decline
             strangers
             ,
             and
             witnesse
             against
             them
             :
             this
             Office
             was
             no
             sooner
             rescued
             from
             violence
             ,
             and
             established
             in
             the
             World
             by
             the
             blood
             of
             the
             Primitive
             Martyrs
             ;
             but
             Christs
          
           Priestly
           Office
           
             was
             by
             the
             working
             of
             the
             man
             of
             sin
             denied
             and
             darkened
             ,
             the
             great
             controversie
             in
             the
             Catholick
             Church
             concerned
             the
             one
             Mediator
             ,
             and
             High
             Priest
             ,
             the
             one
             Sacrifice
             once
             onely
             offered
             ;
             or
             others
             made
             coequal
             with
             him
             ,
             if
             not
             preferred
             before
             him
             ,
             and
             how
             long
             and
             bloudy
             conflicts
             were
             under-gone
             in
             the
             same
             the
             Histories
             of
             our
             Progenitors
             and
             Smithfield
             Flames
             do
             plainly
             shew
             :
             this
             Office
             was
             scarcely
             rescued
             from
             violence
             before
             Christs
          
           Kingly
           Office
           
             cometh
             on
             the
             Stage
             ,
             and
             calleth
             for
             the
             Testimony
             of
             the
             Saints
             that
             the
             Government
             is
             on
             his
             shoulders
             administered
             by
             his
             own
             Officers
             ,
             and
             Ordinances
             ;
             and
             this
             must
             be
             attested
             in
             the
             greatest
             Tribulation
             ;
             saddest
             Sufferings
             in
             fire
             and
             bloud
             that
             can
             befall
             us
             .
          
        
         
           In
           this
           whole
           Discourse
           Mr.
           
             Crofton
          
           mentioned
           not
           
             fire
             and
             bloud
             ,
          
           in
           any
           sence
           but
           passive
           ,
           as
           doth
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           
             Ye
             have
             not
             resisted
             unto
             bloud
             ,
             Heb.
          
           11.4
           .
           and
           disowned
           all
           actions
           unto
           
             fire
             and
             bloud
             ,
          
           which
           at
           any
           time
           were
           or
           should
           be
           attempted
           on
           the
           pretence
           of
           
             Christs
             Kingly
             
             Office
             ,
          
           declaring
           his
           detestation
           of
           that
           Mad
           ,
           Treasonable
           Rebellion
           of
           
             Fenner
          
           and
           his
           Fellow
           real
           Phanatiques
           ,
           which
           had
           lately
           passed
           to
           the
           scandal
           of
           the
           true
           Religion
           :
           these
           things
           our
           ears
           heard
           ,
           and
           therefore
           do
           we
           testifie
           the
           same
           ,
           yea
           and
           some
           of
           us
           wrote
           the
           same
           from
           his
           mouth
           (
           in
           characters
           )
           as
           they
           were
           by
           him
           spoken
           .
           Had
           Pagan
           or
           Popish
           Priests
           heard
           this
           Doctrine
           ,
           and
           cryed
           out
           
             Treason
          
           or
           
             Heresie
             ,
          
           it
           had
           not
           been
           strange
           ;
           but
           the
           out-cry
           of
           Christian
           ,
           and
           Protestant
           Bishops
           doth
           make
           us
           admire
           ,
           and
           stand
           amazed
           .
        
         
           These
           things
           considered
           ,
           we
           humbly
           offer
           it
           to
           the
           consideration
           of
           
             Just
             and
             Prudent
             men
          
           sincerely
           affected
           to
           his
           Majesties
           Government
           ,
           whether
           Mr.
           
             Crofton
          
           (
           what
           ever
           hath
           been
           suggested
           or
           clamored
           against
           him
           )
           hath
           done
           any
           thing
           worthy
           of
           death
           ,
           or
           of
           bonds
           ?
           and
           whether
           his
           enlargement
           ,
           and
           restitution
           will
           not
           much
           more
           conduce
           unto
           the
           honour
           of
           his
           Majesties
           Government
           ,
           then
           the
           continuance
           of
           him
           in
           bonds
           ,
           to
           the
           undoing
           of
           himself
           ,
           wife
           ,
           and
           seven
           small
           children
           ,
           by
           the
           expence
           of
           his
           poor
           Estate
           already
           wasted
           ;
           and
           the
           real
           prejudice
           of
           his
           health
           ,
           and
           ruine
           of
           many
           souls
           which
           might
           be
           saved
           by
           his
           Ministery
           ?
           the
           liberty
           of
           the
           Subiect
           being
           fully
           secured
           by
           many
           Ancient
           and
           later
           Laws
           .
        
         
           FINIS
           .
        
         
      
    
     
       
         Notes, typically marginal, from the original text
         
           Notes for div A51017-e540
           
             
               Isaiah
               ,
            
             59.16
             .
          
           
             1649
             :
          
           
             
               1659.
               
            
             Vid.
             
               Prospring
               profaness
               ,
            
             and
             his
             letter
             to
             a
             Member
             of
             the
             Rump-Parliament
             .
          
           
             As
             doth
             Mr.
             
               Tomkins
            
             in
             his
             Strictures
             .
          
           
             Speech
             in
             Parliament
             ,
             
               1621.
            
             the
             
               19
            
             of
             his
             Reign
             .
          
           
             See
             the
             conclusion
             of
             his
             fetters
             .
          
           
             See
             his
             Analepsis
             ,
             
               p.
               8.15
               ,
               16.
               
            
             Analepsis
             ,
             Analepthe
             .
             
               p.
               105.
               
            
             Berith
             Anti-Baal
             ,
             
               page
               52
               ,
               53.
               
            
          
           
             
               Analeps
               ,
               Analepthe
               .
            
             p.
             98
             99.103.142.144
             .
          
           
             
               Analeps
               .
               pa.
            
             35.
             
             
               Analeps
               .
               Analep
               pag.
            
             36
             66
             ,
             67
             ,
             68
             ,
             69
             ,
             100
             
          
           
             Analeps
             .
             Analepthe
             ▪
             pag.
             
               10
               ,
               11.
               
            
          
           
             Analeps
             .
             pag.
             
               35.
               
            
          
           
             Analepsis
             Analep
             .
             p.
             
               2.
               
            
          
           
             Analeps
             .
             Analepth
             .
             Pag.
             
               113.
               
            
          
           
             Analeps
             .
             Analepth
             .
             Pag.
             
               116.
               
            
          
           
             His
             Answer
             to
             the
             
               19.
               
            
             Propositions
             .