Athenæ Oxonienses. The History of Oxford Writers. Vol. 2, p. 311
William Prynne
, a most noted and frequent Writer of his time, was born at Swainswick near Bathe in Somersetshire, an. 1600, at which time his Father (as afterwards this his son whom we now mention) was a Tenant to Oriel Coll. educated in Grammar learning (as I conceive) within the same City of Bathe, became a Commoner of the said Coll. of Oriel under the tuition of Giles Widdowes an. 1616, took one degree in Arts in 1620, went afterwards to Linc. Inn to obtain knowledge in the Common Law, where he was made successively Barrester, utter Barrester, Bencher and Reader. At his first coming to that Inn he became a great follower and admirer of that noted Puritan Dr. John Preston then Lecturer there; who finding him to be of an enterprizing nature, hot-spirited, and eager in pursuit of any thing that was put into him, he was looked upon by Preston and his party as the fittest person to adventure upon such exploits which a more sober and considerate man durst not have appeared in. Whereupon he was put into the road of writing, not without the helps and advice of Preston and the Brethren, and having made or gotten a Common-place-book, published several matters against the loosness and debauchery (so he took it) of the times, as against drinking of healths, long or womanish hair, Stage-plays, wherein the Queen (Henr. Maria) was in a gross manner reflected upon several times, and other matters relating to the Church, Discipline and Members thereof; which were altogether looked upon as aliene from his profession, and pragmatical and impudent for him so to do. About the time of Christmas an. 1632, he published a book intit. Histriomastix, &c. wherein breathing out nothing but disgrace to the Nation, infamy to the Church, reproaches to the Court, dishonour to the Queen, and some things which were thought to be tending to the destruction of his Majesties person, as Dr. Pet. Heylyn an enemy to our Author Prynne tells ((a))((a)) In his Life of William Archb. of Cant. part. 1. lib. 3. an. 1632. us; great complaints therefore were made of that book, notwithstanding it had been licensed by Mr. Tho. Buckner Chaplain to Dr. Abbot Archb. of Canterbury. Before I go forward with this matter, you may be pleased to hear what a certain ((b))((b)) Bulst. Whit [•] ock in his Memorials of English Affairs, under the year 1632. Author saith of it, thus— “About this time (meaning the latter end of 1632) Mr. Prynne published his book called Histrio-mastix, by license of Archb. Abbot’s Chaplain, which being against Plays, and a reference in the table of the book, to this effect, Women actors notorious Whores, relating to some Women actors mentioned in his book as he affirmeth—It hapned, that about six weeks after this, the Queen acted a part in a Pastoral, at Somerset-house, and then the Archbishop Laud, and other Prelates, whom Prynne had angered, by some books of his against Arminianism, and against the jurisdiction of the Bishops, and by some prohibitions which he had moved, and got to the High Commission Court.—These Prelates and their instruments, the next day after the Queen had acted her Pastoral, shewed Prynne’s book against Plays, to the King, and that place of it, Women actors notorious Whores, and they informed the King and Queen, that Prynne had purposely written this book against the Queen and her Pastoral, whereas it was published six weeks before that Pastoral was acted. Yet the King and Queen, though thus exasperated, did direct nothing against him, till Laud set Dr. Heylyn (who bare a great malice to Prynne for confuting some of his doctrines) to peruse Prynne’s books, and to collect the scandalous points out of them; which Heylyn did, though (as Prynne affirms) not at all warranted by the text of his book; but these two Gentlemen were well matched, and alike in other things, though so much different in Divinity, or shew of it, &c. ” Thus our Author here quoted, of whom I shall hereafter make large mention. Upon the said Complaints concerning that book, Heylyn being appointed to collect such passages out of it that were esteemed scandalous to the King, Queen, State, and Government of the Realm, did, after some time, deliver them in writing to Sir John Coke or Cook Secretary of State and to Dr. Laud Bishop of London: the last of which, did soon after, on a Sabbath-day morning go to Will. Noy Attorney Gen. and charged him to prosecute Prynne for the said book, which Noy did rigorously enough. Afterwards Prynne was sent for before the Lords in the Inner Star Chamber, where being examined about the said matters, was committed Prisoner to the Tower of London, on the first day of Febr. 1632, where remaining without permission of Bayle till the month of Feb. 1633, was at last brought to a Trial in the Court of Star Chamber, (having been first pre-condemned by the Gentlemen of his own profession) and afterwards sentenced by that Court on the 17 day of the said month, thro the eager prosecution of the said Noy, to be fined 5000 l. to the King, expelled the University of Oxford, and Lincolns Inn, degraded and disinabled from his profession in the laws, to stand in the Pillory, first in the Pallace-yard in Westminster, and three days after in Cheapside, in each place to loose an ear, (tho this last part of his censure was much moderated in the execution) to have his book called Histriomastix publickly burnt before his face by the hand of the Hangman, and remain prisoner during life. After this sentence was executed (which was in May an. 1634.) he was remitted to his prison: But all this was so far from working any remorse in him, that it rather hardned him in his ways: for on the 11 of June following, as soon as he could provide himself of pen, ink, and paper, he wrot ((c))((c)) In the Life of William, &c. as before part. 1. lib. 4. a most sharp and libellous Letter to Dr. Laud then Archb. of Cant. touching his censure in the said Court, and that which the Archb. in particular had declared against him. With this letter the Archb. acquainted his Majesty, who thereupon commanded him to refer it to Attorney Noy. Noy sent for Prynne from his prison, and demanded of him, whether the letter was of his own hand-writing or not: to which Prynne cunningly replied, that he could make no answer to that demand, unless he could see the letter, and might read the same. No sooner was the letter put into his hands, and Noy’s back turn’d a little towards him, but presently he tore it to pieces, and flung the pieces out of the window, to the end that the said letter might not rise in judgment against him, if the Attorney should proceed to an Ore-tenus, as he meant to do. For this affront, and the principal passages of the letter, the Attorney acquaints their Lordships in open Court, but there was no remedy: for being there was no proof of the misdemeanour but the letter it self, and that the letter could not be brought in evidence as it should have been, the Archb. thought it a more noble act to remit the Crime, than trouble the Court, or any of his Majesties Ministers in the prosecution of it. But herein Prynne sped better than some others, who had before been snarling at him, and laboured to expose him to scorn and danger. In Apr. the same year (which is a step back in this discourse) he was solemnly degraded in the Univ. of Oxon, and his name dashed out of the Matricula. In 1636 he published two books at once, or immediately after each other. One of them was called The Quench Coal, in answer to that called A coal from the Altar, against placing the Communion-table altarwise. The other named The unbishoping of Timothy and Titus, against the Apostolical institution of Diocesan Bishops. But that which was entituled to him by the name of a Libel, was his Pamphlet called News from Ipswich, intended chiefly against Dr. Wrenn then Bishop of Norwych, who had taken up his dwelling in that Town: and fell as scandalously foul on the Archb. himself, and some of the other Bishops also, and such as acted under them in the present Service. For therein he descants very trimly (as he conceived) on the Archb. himself with his Arch-piety, Arch charity, Arch-agent for the devil, &c. With like reproach he fell on the Bishops generally, calling them Luciferian Lord Bishops, execrable Traytors, devouring Wolves, &c. with many other odious names not fit to be used by a Christian, and more particularly on Wrenn, &c. In Midsummer term he was brought to his Trial in the Star Chamber, for what he had done; but his Answer was so libellous and full of scandal, that no Counsellor could be found to put his hand to it, according to the course of that Court. So that instead thereof he exhibited a cross bill against the Archb. and his Confederates, (as he called them) charging them with the greatest part of those Reproaches which had been made the subject matter of his former libels: which being signed by no hands but by his own, and tendred so to the Lord Keeper, was by him rejected, and himself taken pro confesso, his obstinacy in not answering in due form of Law, being generally looked upon by the Court as a self conviction. On the 14 of June an. 1637, he received his sentence, which briefly was to this effect, that he be fined 5000 l. to the King, to loose the remainder of his ears in the Pillory, to be branded on both cheeks with the letters S. L. for a schismatical libeller, and to be perpetually imprison’d in Caernarvan Castle. At the pronouncing of which sentence the Archb. made a long and elaborate speech in vindication of himself and the rest of the Bishops from any design to bring in Popery, or innovating in the Government and forms of Worship, here by Law established. On the 30 of the said month the Lords censure was put in execution in the Pallace-yard at Westminster; at which time suffer’d also by clipping of ears John Bastwick Dr. of Physick, not of this, but of another, University; and Hen. Burton Bac. of Div. Minister of S. Mathews Church in Friday-street in London. On the 27 of July following, our Author Prynne was removed from the Tower to the Fleet, and the same day, being guarded, he began his journey towards Caernarvan Castle in Wales: from which time till the 5 of Aug. when then he arrived at Caernarvan, he was met, saluted, bless’d and exhibited to, by the godly party in all chief Towns that he passed thro. But such a haunt there was to the said Castle when he was there, that for the prevention of all intelligence and correspondence to be held between him and Burton in Lancaster Castle, or with the said Party, the State found it necessary to remove him to Mount Orgueil Castle in the Isle of Jersey. So that by vertue of a warrant dated 27 Aug. Prynne was conveyed thither, not without great danger, in January following: where being well used, tho closely shut up, he exercised his pen in writing divine and profitable Meditations. In 1640, Nov. 7. an order issued out from the blessed House of Commons (as by the said godly party it was called) for his releasment from his prison, as also for the releasment of Bastwick, who was then in S. Maries Castle in the Isle of Scilly, and for Burton in Castle Cornet in the Isle of Guernsey. So that our Author Prynne and Burton, who were Prisoners at no great distance, met together at Guernsey, and travelled in each others company to London: In whose passage thither, divers of the godly party met them at Dartmouth, Exeter, Lime, Dorchester, Salisbury, Andover, Basing and elsewhere, visited them, blest them, and accompanied them on horse-back some part of their way. On the 28 of the same month they triumphantly entred London, being then accompanied by thousands on foot, and horse-back, and in coaches, with rosemary and bays in their hats, crying Welcome home, welcome home, God bless you, God be thanked for your return, &c. to the great defiance and contempt of Authority and Justice. On the 30 of the said month, they were both presented by their Keepers, who came with them, to the Commons House, where they had liberty granted to frame new Petitions in their own names, according to their own liking, and to present them to the house as soon as they could prepare them. The 3 of Dec. following Prynne presented a large Petition, fully shewing his sufferings, and the grand tyranny, as he call’d it, of the Archbishop, &c. for which afterwards he had ((d))((d)) See Prynne’s book intit. A new discovery of the Prelates Tyranny, p. 141. and elsewhere. a large requital. Not long after, upon the leaving of the House of Commons by divers Members, purposely to adhere to his Majesty, he was elected a Recruiter for a Borough in Cornwall, to serve in that most unhappy Parliament, So that being setled in the House, he became the most busie and pragmatical person of the Herd, and so inveterate and implacable against the Bishops, but more in an especial manner against Laud in private action and speech with him while he was Prisoner in the Tower, in publick speeches against him in the Parliament-house, and in writing and publishing books and Pamphlets of, and against, him, that he could scarce take quiet rest till he had fetch’d off his head, in requital of his ears, that he (as Prynne pretended) had taken off before. But of these matters when it was too late, and that he had fully seen to what great woe, misery and confusion the godly party had brought the King and the Nation, he did heartily repent, and wished that when they had cut off his ears they had cut off his head. During the sitting of the Long Parliament he shew’d himself a zealous Covenantier in ordering and setling Presbytery, but when the Independents began to overtop the Brethren, he shew’d himself a bitter enemy to them, and advanced much the Kings Cause, especially in his declension. In 1647 he was appointed one of the Visitors for the Univ. of Oxon by the said Parliament, and how busily he behaved himself the [•] e in Apr. 1648, I have told you elsewhere. See in Hist. & Antiq. Univ. Oxon, lib. 1. sub an. 1648. On the 6 of Dec. 1648, he, with other members of the H. of Com. were turn’d out from the House by the Army, and imprison’d for that they were zealous for peace and in bringing the King to his Parliament. Whereupon he became a bitter enemy to the said Army, and Oliver their Leader; doing them also much mischief by publishing divers Pamphlets against them and their tyranny. Soon after he conveyed his Estate away to one or more of his Relations, and thereupon denied the paying of taxes, and stood in open defiance to Oliver; for which he was imprison’d in Dunster Castle in Somersetshire, and brought into trouble. He then stood much upon Magna Charta, the liberty of the Subject (for which he was beloved by several Cavaliers) and I know not what. But all that he did being to little purpose, he bent his mind and pen for some time against the Papists, Jews, Quakers, &c. and in writing books of Divinity; which being not answer’d, or seem’d to be regarded, he grew, as ’twere, weary of himself, began to look up at last, and to settle on more moderate and quiet courses. On the 21 of Feb. 1659, he, as a secluded Member of the Commons house, being restored to sit again, became instrumental for the Kings Restauration, and so forward and bold that he openly spoke in the house, when it was not then seasonable for such expressions, that if the King must come in, it was safest for them that he should come in by the Votes, who had made the War against his father, &c. Which I say being then unseasonably spoken, he was sent for by General Monk and his privy Counsellors, and admonished to be quiet; and then it was the business of Mr. Will. Morice to keep the then expiring Parliament steddy and clear from intermedling in the change of Government; in which case he did excellent service, punctually observing the directions of the General, who passionately longed for their dissolution. In Apr. 1660 he the said Prynne was chose a Burgess for the City of Bathe to sit in the Healing Parliament that began at Westm. 25 of the said month; and after his Maj. Restauration, he, instead of being made one of the Barons of the Exchequer, which, as ’tis said, he sought after, was made chief Keeper of his Maj. Records in the Tower of London, with 500 l. per an. salary, (but afterwards much lessened) purposely to employ his head from scribling against the State and Bishops. But so it was that he extracting thence several books, did in some of them particularly in his two tomes of An exact chronological Vindication, &c. endeavour to bring an odium upon the Bishops and their function by giving an history in them of the Popes Usurpations upon the King and Subjects of England and Ireland. In Aug. the same year he was appointed one of the six Commissioners for appeals and regulating the Excise; and in the month of Apr. 1661 he was again elected a Burgess for Bathe to sit in that Parl. that began at Westm. 8. of May the same year: But in July following being discontented at some proceedings in the House, he published a seditious paper against them intit. Sundry reasons tendred to the most honorable House of Peers, &c. against the new intended bill for governing and reforming Corporations. This Pamphlet coming into the hands of several Members of Parliament, who much complained against it, the House appointed a Committee to examine and enquire after the Author, the Printer and Publisher thereof. The Committee met and soon found that Prynne was the Author of it: And accordingly on the 15 of the said month of July the whole matter was reported to the House: who, thereupon, being highly provok’d, Prynne unable to conceal it any longer (for ’twas proved that he had sent that paper to the Printing-house, and that he had corrected the Proof sheet and revise with his own hand) he flew to the Printing-house and commanded the Compositors to distribute the form, for they would be searched. Which being done, Prynne desired to be heard, and (unable to evade the evidence) confessed himself to be the unhappy Author. Then speaking largely, setting forth what service he had done for the King formerly, how kind and civil the King had been to him, &c. alledging that he had no mischievous intent, but was sorry for what he had done, and humbly craved their pardon; the House then unanimously called upon him to withdraw, and afterwards proceeded to debate it, and resolved upon the question That the said printed paper intit. Sundry reasons, &c. is an illegal, false, scandalous, and seditious Pamphlet. Prynne afterwards was called in again to receive the sense of the House, which was as aforesaid. Then Mr. Speaker (Sir Edw. Turner) worthily told him, how sorry he was that a person of his years and experience should commit so foul an offence, and one that had formerly much, and yet now deserved to suffer all his punishments over again, as imprisonment, pillory, &c. But the House had considered his late services and hazards for his Majesty, and in contemplation of them, and his expressions of his sorrow, (which truly seemed very great) the House shewed mercy unto him. Prynne then did thankfully acknowledge the justice of the H. in their judgment of his great offence, that the said paper was an illegal, false, scandalous and seditious pamphlet, that he did humbly submit thereunto, and did render most humble thanks to the H. and every Member thereof for their mercy and favour to him: which words he spake with great sense of his own offence, and the Houses goodness, not offering to justifie the least line of his paper, which his conscience told him he could not. Whereupon the H. being satisfied with his confession and recantation, they did remit his offence, and Prynne sate down in his place. From which time to the day of his death we heard of no more libels published by him. The books and little pamphlets that he wrot, were theological, historical, political, controversial, &c. but very few of his own profession: all which are in number near 200, as the titles following shew, bound up in about 40 volumes in fol. and qu. in Linc. Inn Library: To which, an eminent ((*))((*)) Will. Noy of Linc. Inn Attorn. Gen. Sage of the Law who had little respect for those published in his time, promised to give the Works of John Taylor the Water-poet to accompany them. ’Twas not only he, but many others afterwards, especially Royalists, that judged his books to be worth little or nothing, his proofs for no arguments, and affirmations for no testimonies, having several forgeries made in them for his and the ends of his brethren. They are all in the English Tongue, and by the generality of Scholars are looked upon to be rather rapsodical and confus’d, than any way polite or concise, yet for Antiquaries, Criticks, and sometimes for Divines, they are useful. In most: of them he shews great industry, but little of judgment, especially in his large folio’s against the Popes Usurpations. He may be well intituled Voluminous Prynne, as Tostatus Abulensis was 200 years before his time called Voluminous Tostatus: for I verily believe, that if it rightly computed, he wrot a sheet for every day of his life, reckoning from the time when he came to the use of reason and the state of Man. His custom when he studied was to put on a long quilted cap which came an inch over his eyes, serving as an Umbrella to defend them from too much light, and seldom eating a dinner, would every 3 hours or more be maunching a roll of bread, and now and then refresh his exhausted Spirits with Ale brought to him by his servant.
Thou that with Ale, or viler liquors,
Did’st inspire Wythers, Prynne, and Vicars,
And teach, though it were in despight
Of nature, and the stars to write, &c.
Thus Hudibras, part 1.—He was a right sturdy and doughty Champion for the Cause, a Puritan Beutifew, an inveterate enemy against the hierarchy of Bishops, especially upon his imprisonment and sufferings for his H [•] strio mastix, a busie, pragmatical and medling man without end, and one that had brought his body into an ill habit, and so consequently had shortned his days, by too much action and concernment day and night. M. Nedham the Weather-cock tells ((a))((a)) In Merc. Pol. nu. 7. us, that he was one of the greatest paper worms that ever crept into a closet or library, &c. and others that he never intended an end in writing books, and that his study or reading was not only a wearisomness to the flesh, but to the ears: Nay a printed Petition, whereby some Wags, under the name of the peaceable and well affected people of the three Nations, did shew that whereas Will, Prynne Bencher of Linc. Inn had for many years last past (reckoning backward from 1659, in which year the said Petition was published,) been an indefatigable and impertinent Scribler, and had almost nauseated the sober part of the said Nations with the stench of his carion pasquills and pamphlets, for some whereof he had suffered under the hierarchy in the time of the late King, &c. that he might have an act of amnesty and pardon for all his Treasons, Seditions, Jesuitismes, Contempts of Government, misunderstanding of the Scripture, Law and Reason, Misquotations and misapplications of Authorities to his pasquills, &c. Which Petition I say being published, and cried in Westm. Hall and about London streets, did so extreamly perplex Prynne for a time, that he became in a manner craz’d. To conclude: I must now let the Reader know, that there was no Writer of his time, nor ever before, except Bale, that was given more to calumny and railing in his Writings than he, especially against the Bishops, true Churchmen of England, Episcoparians and Papists, while in the mean time his Brethren that deserved justly to be chastised by his pen, were omitted. As for his railing at the Episcoparians, all readers of his books pen’d against Dr. Laud and the Bishops may in a plentiful manner behold; and what he says against the Papists, let it be truth or not truth, may also in them be easily discern’d. But for these last, the Papists, let one of their ((b))((b)) Ser. Cressy in his Church Hist. of Britanny, book 14. chap. 4. p. 321. number, who is a grave Writer, characterize our Author Prynne for an egregious lye that he hath committed against a red-letter’d-man and against the English Papists, when he would have them all massacred in 1666.— “Yet of late this poysonous humour of calumniating Gods Saints is become the principal character of the new reformed Gospel. I will add one example more of a Calumniator, at least parallel to these; viz. Mr. Will. Prynne a late stigmatized Presbyterian, who in his not long since published censure of Archb. Whitgift, charges S. Anselme ((c))((c)) See also in Prynne’s Antipathy of the English Lordly Prelacy, &c. part 1. p. 10. that he induced Sir Walt. Tyrrell to murder K. Will. Rufus. Now by the consent of all Historians, Tyrrell himself was no murderer, for it was by the unhappy casual glancing of an arrow that the King was slain. However it hapned, yet certain it is that at that time S. Anselme was an exil’d person in France: and whereas at the Kings burial many noble men met, but few mourn’d for his death, yet saith a late Protestant ((d))((d)) Th [•] m. Fuller in his Ch. Hist. lib. 3. sect. 40. Historian, of all mourners Anselme expressed most cordial sorrow at the news . That blasphemous tongue therefore must expect that such envenomed darts as these, shot against heaven it self, will, if he repent not, one day descend upon his own head, and the wounds made by them never be cured. But alas, what repentance can be expected in such a person who is inveteratus dierum malorum, when we see in his decrepit age his rancorous tongue against innocent Catholicks yet more violently set on fire of hell, so far as to sollicite a general Massacre of them by publishing himself, and tempting others to damn their souls also, by publishing through the whole Kingdom that in the last fatal calamity by fire, hapning to London (1666) they were the only Incendiaries. This he did, tho himself at the same time confessed that not the least proof could be produced against them: But, said he, it concerns us that this report should be believed. Complaints of this most execrable Attentate were made, and several Oaths to confirm this were offer’d; but in vain. However surely there is a reward for the innocent oppressed. And whatsoever Mr. Prynne may think, doubtless there is a God who judges the World. Let him therefore remember what the spirit of God says, Quid detur, What must be given to thee, and what must be assigned to thee for thy portion, O deceitful Tongue? Sharp darts cast by an almighty arm with devouring coals (of Juniper) &c.” The books and pamphlets that this unwearied Writer hath published are these.
The perpetuity of a regenerate mans estate, against the Saints total and final Apostacy. Lond. 1627. qu.
Healths sickness. Or a compendious and brief discourse, proving the drinking, and pledging of healths, to be sinful and utterly unlawful unto Christians &c. Lond. 1628. qu.
The un-loveliness of Love-locks, and long (womanish) hair. Ibid. 1628. qu.
Brief survey and censure of Mr. Cozens his couzening devotions. Ibid. 1628. qu. This was written against the Private devotions that were published by John Cosin, afterwards Bishop of Durham, as containing Arminianisme in them, as Prynne says; who adds that it was one of the ((e))((e)) In A new discovery of the Prelates Tyranny. p. 1. reasons why Laud Archb. of Cant. did malign him and caused his Histrio-mastix to be called into question.
Anti-Arminianisme: or the Church of Englands old antithesis to new Arminianisme, &c. Lond. 1630. It was twice pr. that year in qu.
Appendix concerning bowing at the name of Jesus.—See more in Giles Widdowes, under the year 1645, who by the strangeness of his parts, was fitted as ’twere on purpose to duell with Prynne (as Don Quixot with the Windmill, which no man else was Knight errant enough to encounter) about the said matter.
God no impostor or deluder: or, an answer to a Popish and Arminian cavil in defence of free will and universal Grace, wherein Gods tender of Grace, &c. Lond. 1629. 30. qu.
Lame Giles his haultings, together with an appendix concerning the popish original and progress of bowing at the name of Jesus. Ibid. 1631. qu. Written against Giles Widdowes before mention’d.
Histrio-mastix: The playes scourge, &c. against the intollerable mischief and abuses of common playes and playhouses. Ibid. 1633. qu.
“Books written during his imprisonment in the Tower of Lond. ”Appendix, supplementum, & Epilogus, ad Flagellum Pontificis; touching the parity of Bishops and Presbyters jure divino—An. 1635. This Flagellum was written by Joh. Bastwick Dr. of Phys. of Padua, sometimes of Emanuel Coll. in Cambridge, afterwards a Practitioner at Colchester in Essex, in which County he was born.
A breviate of the Bishops intollerable usurpations and encroachments upon the Kings prerogative, and Subjects liberties; with an appendix to it—An. 1635.
Certain Queries propounded to the bowers at the name of Jesus, and the Patrons thereof—An. 1636.
The unbishoping of Timothy and Titus; proving them no diocesan Bishops of Ephesus and Crete, and that Presbyters have a divine right to ordain Ministers, as well as Bishops, with a Postscript—Print. 1636, reprinted with additions at Lond. 1660. qu. the Bishops then being about to be restored by K. Ch. 2.
Looking [•] glass for all Lordly Prelates—An. 1636.
Certain Queries propounded to Bishops, &c.—An. 1636.
Instructions for Church Wardens concerning visitatation—articles, fees, oathes, &c.—An. 1636.
News from Ipswich, discovering certain late detestable practices of some domineering Lordly Prelates, to undermine the established doctrine and discipline of our Church, &c.—Printed, as ’tis said, at Ipswich (but false) an. 1636 in one sh. in qu. Published under the name of Matthew White, three times in that year, and another time in 1641. He the said Prynne had also a special hand in the writing of a book intit. A divine Tragedy lately acted: or, a collection of sundry memorable examples of Gods judgment upon Sabbath breakers, &c Printed by stealth an. 1636. qu. At the end of which is an Appendix, pr. in another character, containing the sufferings of Prynne for his Histrio-mastix, and the miserable end (as ’tis there said) that befel Will. Noy the chief instrument of his sufferings.
Catalogue of such testimonies in all ages, as plainly evidence Bishops and Presbyters to be both one, equal and the same in jurisdiction office, &c. by divine law and institution, &c.—An. 1637. reprinted in qu. in double columes, an. 1641.
A quench coal, with an appendix to it, in answer to A coal from the altar, and other Pamphlets. touching altars, and bowing to, or towards, them—An. 1637.
An humble remonstrance against the tax of ship [•] money lately imposed, laying open the illegality, injustice, abuses and inconveniences thereof—Written 1636. corruptly printed without the authors privity at Lond. 1641. qu. Since which time ’twas reprinted by a perfect copy at Lond. 1643 in 4. sh. in qu.
Additions to the first part of a dialogue between A. and B. concerning the Sabbaths morality, and the unlawfulness of pastimes on the Lords day—Twice printed in 1636.
The antipathy of the English Lordly Prelacy, both to legal monarchy and civil unity. Or an historical collection of the several execrable treasons, conspiracies, rebellions, state-schismes, contumacies of antimonarchical English, British, French, Scottish, and Irish Lordly Prelates, against our King, Kingdoms, &c.—Enlarged and published by authority, since the authors enlargement and return from exile—Lond. 1641. qu. in two parts. All the bad things concerning Bishops which Prynne could pick and rake out of Histories, he hath at large set down, but the good things he hath omitted, such was, and is the charity, of him and the Brethren. Those matters also which Dr. Godwin B. of Hereford did out of a puritanical peak collect against the antient Cath. Bishops, he also very readily hath collected together to bring an odium on their function.
“Books compiled by Prynne during his close imprisonment in Mount-Orgueil Castle in Jersey. ”Mount-Orgueil: or divine and profitable meditations raised from the contemplations of these three leaves of natures volume, 1. Rocks. 2. Seas. 3. Gardens. Lond. 1641. qu.
A poetical description of Mount-Orgueil Castle to the Isle of Jersey.
The Souls complaint against the bodies encroachment on her: and comfortable co [•] dials against the discomforts of imprisonment.—This is a poem.
Pleasant purge for a Rom. Catholick to evacuate his evil humours, consisting of a century of polemical epigrams—These three last things are printed and bound up with Mount-Orgueil: or divine, &c.
The reader is to observe that during the time of Prynn’s imprisonment was published a book intit. Woodstreet-Compters plea for its prisoner. Or, the sixteen reasons which induce Nathan. Wickins, late servant to Mr. Will. Prynne, but now prisoner in the said Compter, to refuse to take the Oath ex officio, wherein, &c.—Printed 1638 in 10. sh. in qu. Which book, tho put out under the name of Nath. Wickins, yet it was generally supposed that Prynne was the chief composer, because of the many quotations therein.
“Books written by W. Prynne since his enlargement and return from exile; not to mention his Petition to be recalled from exile, &c. which was printed.”New discovery of the Prelates Tyranny, in their late prosecutions of Mr. Will. Prynne, Dr. John Bastwick and Mr. Hen. Burton. Wherein the joint proceedings against them in the High commission and Star-chamber, &c. Lond. 1641. qu. In which book he does Archbishop Laud a great deal of injustice, especially in this respect, that all the things that make against him, or sounds ill to his name, he with great zeal scrapes together, whilst any thing that sounds to his honour, or the least good that he hath done, he doth omit.
A soveraign antidote to prevent, appease and determine our unnatural destructive Civil Wars and dissentions, wherein, &c. Lond. 1642 in three sh in qu. It was twice printed.
Vindication of Psal. 105. ver. 15. (Touch not my anointed and do my Prophets no harm) from some false glosses lately obtruded on by Priests and Royalists. Ibid. 1642 and 44. in 1. sh. in qu.
The treachery and disloyalty of Papists to their Soveraigns, with the soveraign power of Parliaments and Kingdoms, in 4. parts. Ibid. 1643 in a large qu.
Appendix manifesting by sundry Histories that in the antient Roman Kingdom and Empire, &c. the supreme Soveraignty of power resided not in Emperors and Kings themselves, but in their Kingdoms, &c.—This is printed at the end of The treachery and &c.
Romes Master-piece. Or, the grand conspiracy of the Pope and his Jesuitical instruments, to extirpate the Protestant rel [•] gion, re-establish popery, subvert laws, liberties, peace, parliaments, by kindling a Civil War in Scotland, &c. Lond. 1643 and 44 in 5. sh. in qu. see more in Dr. Will. Laud under the year 1644. who made notes in the margin of the said book, so far, and so much, as to vindicate himself from certain aspersions laid upon him in the said book.
The opening of the great seal of England: containing certain brief historical and legal observations, touching the original, antiquity, progress, use, necessity of the great zeal of the Kings and Kingdom of England hi respect of charters, &c. Ibid. 1643 in 5. sh. in qu. or thereabouts.
The doom of cowardise and treachery. Or a looking glass for cowardly and corrupt Governors and Soldiers, who through pusillaminity or bribery, betray their trusts to publick prejudice, &c. Lond 1643 in 10. sh. in qu. or thereabouts. Written in relation to Nath. Fiennes his surrendring up Bristow for the Kings use. See more in Nath. Fiennes and Clem. Walker.
Popish Royal favourite. Or, a full discovery of his Maj. extraordinary favour to, and protection of notorious Papists, Priests, Jesuits, &c. manifested by sundry letters of Grace, Warrants, &c. Ibid. 1 [•] 43 in about 10. sh. in qu. Answer’d by N. D. in a book intit.—Vindiciae Caroli Regis. Or, a loyal vindication of the King, &c. Pr. 1645. qu.
Moderate apology against a pretended calumny: in answer to some passages in The preheminence of Parliaments, published by James Howell, &c. Ibid. 1644 in one sh in qu.
Check to Britannicus for his palpable flattery, &c. Lond. 1644. Written against M. Nedham concerning some passages in one or two of his Merc. Britan. in Vindication of Nath. Fiennes. Whereupon came out soon after a pamphl. intit. A check to the checker, &c.
The falsities and forgeries of the Anonymous author of a Pamphlet intit. The fallacies of Mr. Will. Prynne discovered, in a short view of his book intit. The Soveraignty of Parliaments—The opening of the Great Seal, &c. Ibid. 1644 in 1. sh. in qu.
Four serious questions touching excommunication and suspension from the Sacrament. Lond. 1644. qu.
Twelve considerable serious questions touching Church-government. Ibid. 1644. in 1. sh. in qu.
Independency examined, unmasked, refuted by 12 new particular interrogatories, &c. Lond. 1644 in two sh in qu. This was answer’d by a brother-sufferer of Prynne (Hen. Burton) and his late companion in tribulation. Lond. 1644. It was twice pr. in that year.
A fuller reply to certain brief observations and anti-queries on Mr. Prynns 12 questions about Church government, &c. Ibid. 1644. in tw. sh. in qu.
Brief animadversions on Mr. John Goodwins Theomachia, &c. Lond. 1644 in one sh. in qu.
True and full relation of the prosecution, arraignment, tryal and condemnation of Nath. Fiennes, late Colonel and Governour of the City of Bristol, &c. Ibid. 1644. qu. Clem. Walker was half author of this pamphlet.
Just defence of John Bastwick Dr. of Physick against the calumnies of John Lilbourne Lieut. Col. and his false accusations: written in way of reply to a letter of Mr. Vicars, &c. Lond. 1645. in 5. sh. in qu.
The lyer confounded: or, a brief refutation of John Lilbourne, &c. Ibid. 1645.
Truth triumphing over falshood, antiquity over novelty: or, a seasonable vindication of the undoubted ecclesiastical jurisdiction, right, legislative, and coercive power of Christian Emperors, Kings, Magistrates Parliaments, in matter of Religion, Church government, &c. in summoning of, and presiding in Councils, &c. in refutation of John Goodwins Innocencies triumph, and his dear brother B [•] rtons Vindication of Churches commonly called Independent, &c. Lond. 1645. qu.
Hidden works of darkness brought to publick light. or, a necessary introduction to the history of the Archbish. of Cant. Tryal, &c. Ibid. 1645. fol.
Suspension suspended: or, the Divines of Sion Coll. late claim of the power of suspending scandalous persons, from the Lords Supper, &c. is briefly examined, discussed, refuted, &c. Lond. 1646 in 6. sh. in qu.
Vindication of four serious questions of grand importance, concerning excommunication, and suspension from the Lords Supper, &c. against a rev. brother ((*))((*)) George Gillespie, as it seems. of Scotland in a Sermon at S. Margarets Westminster 5. Sept. 1645. Ibid. 1645. 6. in 9. sh. in qu. Answer’d by Joh. Saltmarsh in his pamph. intit. The opening of Mr. Prynns new book called a Vindication: or, light breaking out from a cloud of differences, or late controversies, wherein are inferences upon the Vindication, &c. Lond. 1645 in 6 sh. in qu.
Fresh discovery of some prodigious new wandring blazing stars and firebrands, stiling themselves New lights, firing our Church and State into new combustions. Divided into 10 sections, comprising, &c. Lond. 1646. qu. 2d. edit. To which are added of Prynn’s collection Letters, papers, and a petition, lately sent from the summer Islands touching the schismatical, illegal, tyrannical proceedings of some Independents there, &c.
Diatrophes catechised: or, 16 important questions touching the ecclesiastical jurisdiction and censures, &c. Ibid. 1646. in two sh. in qu. 3d edit.
Twelve questions of publick concernment, touching the regulation of some abuses in the law and legal proceedings. Lond. 1646. qu.
Scotlands antient obligation to England and publick acknowledgment thereof for their brotherly assistance and deliverance of them. Ibid. 1646. qu.
Scotlands publick acknowledgment of Gods just judgments upon their nation for their frequent breach of faiths, leagues, oathes, &c. Lond. 1646. qu.
Canterburies Doom. or, the first part of a compleat history of the commitment, charge, tryal, condemnation, execution of William Laud late Archb. of Cant. &c Ibid. 1646. fol.
Minors no Senators, Lond. 1646. in 2. sh. in qu. Written against young men (under age) sitting in the House of Commons.
A Gag for Longhaird Rattle heads. Lond. 1646. qu.
Plain and short expedient to settle the distractions of the Kingdom. Ibid. 1647.
Counter-plea to the cowards apologie. Ibid. 1647.
Account of the Kings Majesties revenues and debts. Ibid. 1647.
Declaration of the Officers and Armies illegal injurious proceedings and practices against the XI impeached members Lond. 1647.
Eight queries upon the declaration, and late letter of the Army. Ibid. 1647.
Nine queries upon the printed charge of the Army against the XI members. Ibid. 1647.
The Hypocrites unmask’d. Lond. 1647.
New Presbyterian light, springing out of Independent darkness. Ibid. 1647.
The total and final demands of the Army. Ibid. 1647.
Brief justification of the XI accused members from a scandalous Libel. Ibid. 1647.
A plea for the Lords. Ibid. 1647.
The levellers levell’d, &c. Lond. 1647. A pamphlet with such a title March. Nedham published the same year.
The sword of Christian Magistracy supported: or, a full vindication of Christian Kings and Magistrates authority under the Gospel, to punish Idolatry, Apostacy, Heresie, Blasphemy and obstinate Schisme with pecuniary, corporal, and, in some cases, with capital punishments. Lond. 1647 qu. Translated into latine by Wolfgangus Meyerus, and printed in Germany, an. 1650.
Vindication of Sir Will. Lewes from his charge. Ibid. 1647. The said Sir William was one of the XI. accused members.
Full vindication and answer of the XI. accused members, viz. Denz Hollis, &c. to a late printed pamphlet entit. A particular charge or impeachment in the name of Sir Tho Fairfax and the Army against the XI members. Ibid. 1647. in 6. sh. in qu.
The Lords and Commons first love to, zeal for, and earnest vindication of their injuriously accused and impeached members, and violated priviledges. &c. Ibid, 1647. in 3. sh. in qu.
The University of Oxfords plea refuted. Or, a full answer to a late printed paper, intit. The priviledges of the Univ. of Oxf. in point of Visitation, &c. Lond. 1647. in 8 sh. in qu. Soon after came out a Pamphlet of one sh. intit. An account of Mr. Prynne’s refutation of the Univ. of Oxf. plea, &c. Pen’d by Rob. Waring as I have told you before; and another in two sh. intit. A short censure of the book of Mr. Will. Prynne intit. The Univ. of Oxf. &c. Written by Edw. Bagshaw. The said Refutation of Oxf. plea, published by Prynne, was all taken from the papers of Dr. Laud Archb. which he had seized upon at Lambeth some years before; I mean the very same papers, which he the said Archb. had collected and framed in 1635, when he endeavoured to visit the Univers. of Oxon. as Archbishop of Canterbury.
Nine proposals by way of interrogation, to the General, Officers, and Soldiers of the Army, concerning the justice of their proceedings in law or conscience against the Parliament. Lond. 1647. qu.
Twelve Queries of publick concernment. Ibid. 1647 in half a sh. in qu.
Publick declaration and solemn protestation of the Freemen of England, against the illegal, intollerable, undoing grievance of Free-quarter. Ibid. 1648. in 8. sh. in qu.
The Machevillian Cromwellist. Ibid. 1648.
Irenarches redivivus. Or, a brief collection of sundry useful statutes and petitions in Parliament (not hitherto printed) concerning the necessity, institution, office, oathes, &c. or Justices of peace. Lond. 1648. in 8 sh. in qu.
Ardua regni Or, 12 arduous doubts of great concernment to the Kingdom. Ibid. 1648.
The case of the impeached Lords, Commons and Citizens truly stated. Ibid. 1648. in 3. sh. in qu.
Practical law controuling, countermanding the common law, and the sword of war, the sword of Justice.—Printed, as ’tis said, in the title at Exeter 1648.
Plea for the Lords. Or, a short yet full and necessary vindication of the judiciary and legislative power of the House of Peers. Lond. 1648. and 58. qu.
The petition of right of the Free-holders and Freemen of the Kingdom of England. Lond. 1648.
A new magna charta. Lond. 1648.
The County of Somerset divided into several Classes. Ibid. 1648.
Mercurius Rusticus, containing news from several Counties of England, and their joynt addresses to the Parliament. Ibid. 1648.
Just and solemn protestation and remonstrance of the Lord Mayor, Common-council-men, and Free-men of Lond. Ibid. 1648.
The substance of a speech made in the H. of Com. on Munday 4. Dec. 1648 touching the satisfactoriness of the Kings answer to the propositions of both houses for settlement of a firm lasting peace, &c. Lond. 1648 in 18. sh. in qu. Three editions of which came out in less than within the compass of one year. This Speech, as those of Prynnes opinion say, did so admirably well state the said Kings answer with such solid reasons, arguments and precedents out of Divinity, Law and History, that no man took up the bucklers against him.
Appendix for the Kingdoms better satisfaction of some occurrences since the said speech—This was printed with, and added to, one of the editions of the said Speech.
True and perfect narrative of the Officers and Armies forcible seizing divers members of the Commons house, Dec. 6. and 7. Lond. 1648.
Second part of the narrative concerning the Armies force upon the Commons house, and members. Ibid. 1648.
Protestation of the secured and secluded members. Ibid. 1648.
Vindication of the imprison’d and secluded members of the H. of Com. from the aspersions cast upon them in the majority of the House, in a paper lately printed and published intit. An humble answer of the general counsel of Officers of the Army under Thom. Lord Fairfax, &c. Lond. 1649. in 5 sh. in qu.
Demand of his (Prynnes) liberty to the General. 26. Dec. 1648, with his answer thereto, and his answer and declaration thereupon.
Remonstrance and declaration of several Counties, Cities, and Boroughes against the unfaithfulness of some of their Knights, Citizens and Burgesses. Lond. 1648.
Brief memento to the present un parliamentary Juncto, touching their present intentions and proceedings to depose and execute K. Charles, Jan. 1. an. 1648. Ibid. 1649. in tw. sh. in qu. Reprinted at Lond. 1660. qu.
Impeachment of high treason against Lieutenant Gen. Cromwell, and other Army-Officers... Jan. 1648.
Four considerable positions for the sitting members, Judges and others to ruminate upon,... Jan. 1648.
Six propositions of undoubted verity, fit to be considered of in our present exigency, by all loyal Subjects and conscientious Christians.
Six serious Queries concerning the Kings trial by the new high Court of Justice. Lond. 1648.
“Books written by the said W. Prynne after the murder of K. Ch. 1.”Proclamation proclaiming Charles Pr. of Wales, King of Gr. Britaine, France and Ireland, 1. Feb. in the first year of his raign—An. 1648.
Declaration and protestation of the Peers, Lords and Barons against the Usurpations of some members of the Common House, 8. Feb. 1648.
Publick declaration and protestation of the secured and secluded members of the H. of Com. against the treasonable and illegal late acts and proceedings of some few confederate members of that House, since their forcible exclusion, 13. Feb. 1648.
New Babele’s confusion: or, several votes of the Commons assembled in Parliament, against certain papers, intit. The agreement of the People, &c. Lond. 1649. in one sh. in qu. See in Hen. Ireton under the year 1651.
Prynne the member reconcil’d to Prynne the Barrester. Or, an answer to a scandalous pamphlet intit. Prynne against Prynne: Wherein is demonstrated that Will. Prynne Utter Barrester of Linc. Inn in his Soveraign power in Parliaments and Kingdoms, is of the same judgment with, and no ways contradictory to, Will. Prynne Esq. a member of the H. of Commons in his Memento, &c. Lond. 1649 in 4 sh. in qu.
First part of an historical collection of the antient Councils and Parliaments of England, from the year 673 till an. 1216 &c. Ibid. 1649 in 4. sh. in qu.
Legal vindication of the liberties of England against illegal taxes, and pretended Acts of Parliament lately enforced on the people: or, reasons assigned why he (Prynne) can neither in conscience, law, or prudence submit to the new illegal tax and contribution of 90 thousand pounds the month, lately imposed on the Kingdom. Lond. 1649 in 8. sh. in qu. Reprinted with additions in 1660.
Arraignment, conviction and condemnation of the Westmonasterian Junctoes engagement. Ibid. 1650.
Brief apologie for all Non-subscribers, and looking-glass for all apostate Prescribers and Subscribers of the new engagement, &c. Ibid. 1650 in 2 sh. qu.
The time serving Proteus and Ambidexter Divine, uncased to the world. Lond. 1650. qu. This was written against one John Durie, as I have told you in the Fasti, in the first vol. an. 1624.
Sad and serious considerations touching the invasive war against our Presbyterian Brethren of Scotland—Written in Dunster Castle during his close imprisonment there, in Sept. 1650.
A Gospel plea (interwoven with a rational and legal) for the antient setled maintenance and tenths of the Ministers of the Gospel. Lond. 1653. Reprinted with the second part thereof, an. 1659.
Jus Patronatus: or, a brief legal and rational plea for Advowsons and Patrons antient, lawful, just, and equitable rights and titles to present Incumbents to Parish Churches or Vicaridges upon vacancies, &c. Ibid. 1654. in 7. sh. in qu.
Declaration and protestation against the illegal, detestable and oft condemned tax and extorsion of Excise in general, and for hope in particular. Ibid. 1654. qu.
First part of a seasonable, legal and historical vindication and chronological collection of the good old fundamental liberties, rights, laws, government of all English Free-men. Lond. 1654. 55. qu. The second part of this was printed at Lond. 1655. qu.
New discovery of free-state tyranny, containing four letters in his own vindication, sent to John Bradshaw and his Associates. Ibid. 1655. qu.
Brief polemical dissertation, concerning the true time of the inchoation and determination of the Lords day sabbath, from evening to evening. Lond. 1655. qu.
The Quakers unmasked, and clearly detected to be but the spawn of Romish frogs, Jesuits and Franciscan Fryers, sent from Rome to seduce the intoxicated giddy-headed English nation, &c. Ibid. 1655 in 5. sh. in qu. printed there again in 1664.
An old Parliamentary prognostication made at Westminster for the present new year, and puny members there assembled. Lond. 1655.
Seasonable vindication of free admission to, and frequent administration of, the holy Communion, to all visible Church members, regenerate, or unregenerate, &c. Ibid. 1656 qu.
New discovery of some Romish Emissaries, Quakers, as likewise of some popish errours, unadvisedly embraced, persued by our anti-communion Ministers. Discovering the dangerous effects of their discontinuing the frequent administration of the Lords Supper. Lond. 1656. qu.
Legal vindication of two important Queries of present general concernment, clearly discovering from our statute, common, and cannon laws, the bounden duty of Ministers and Vicars of parish Churches, to administer the Sacraments, as well as preach to their parishioners, and the legal remedies against them, in case of obstinate refusal. Ibid. 1656. in qu. It was twice pr. in that year.
Short demurrer to the Jews long discontinued barred Remitter into England; comprising an exact chronological relation of their first admission into England, their ill deportment, misdemeanours, condition, sufferings, &c. Lond. 1656. sec. edit. in qu. The second part of the said Short demurrer, &c. was printed at the same place also in 1656. qu.
A summary collection of the principal fundamental rights, liberties, properties of all English Free men. Ibid. 1656. qu. Two editions, the second of which was much enlarged.
Lords Supper briefly vindicated, and clearly demonstrated to be a Grace-begetting, Soul-converting (not a meer confirming) ordinance. Lond. 1657. Answer’d by S. S. Minister of the Gospel in a book intit. Holy things for holy men: or, the Lawyers plea non-suited, &c. Lond. 1657. 8. qu.
The subjection of all Traytors, Rebels, as well Peers as Commons, in Ireland, to the laws, statutes and tryals by Juries of good and lawful men of England, in the Kings bench at Westm. for treasons perpetrated by them in Ireland &c. Being an argument at law made in the court of the Kings bench, term. Hillar. 20. Car. Reg. in the case of Connor Magwire an Irish Baron, &c. Lond. 1658. and 81. qu.
Probable expedient for future peace and settlement. Ibid. 1658.
Twelve serious Queries proposed to all conscientious electors of Knights, Citizens and Burgesses, for the Assembly Ibid. 1658.
Twelve several heads of publick grievances, and useful necessary proposals of the western Counties, Cities and Boroughs, to their Knights, Citizens and Burgesses, an. 1658.
Eight military Aphorismes, demonstrating the usefulness, unprofitableness, hurtfulness and prodigal expensiveness of all standing English Forts and Garrisons, to the people of England, &c. Lond. 1658 in 5. sh. in qu.
The first part of a brief register, kalendar and survey of several kinds, forms of all Parliamentary writs, &c. Ibid. 1659.
Beheaded Dr. John Hewyts Ghost, pleading, yea crying for exemplary justice against the misnamed high Court of Justice. Lond. 1659. qu.
The true good old cause rightly stated, and the false uncased. Ibid. 1659 two edit. in one sh. in qu. Answer’d by Anon. in 3. sh. in qu. intit. Mr. Prynns Good old cause stated and stunted 10 years ago, &c. and by Hen. Stubbe in his Commonwealth of Israel, &c.
The Reipublicans and others spurious good old cause, briefly and truly anatomized, to preserve our native Country, Kingdom, legal Government, &c. Ibid. 1659. three edit. in 3 sh. in qu. In answer partly to this came out soon after A Christian concertation with Mr. Prynne, Mr. Baxter, and Mr. Ja. Harrington, for the true cause of the Commonwealth, being an answer to Mr. Prynns . Anatomy of the Republick and his True and perfect narrative. To part of Mr. Baxters Holy Commonwealth with some reflections on his Catholick key.—Written by John Rogers.
New cheaters forgeries detected, disclaimed, &c. Lond. 1659.
True and perfect narrative of what was done, spoken by and between Mr. Prynne, the old and newly forcibly late secluded members, the Army officers, and those now sitting, both in the common Lobby, house and elsewhere, on the 7. and 9. of May, &c. Lond. 1659 in 14. sh. in qu. Whereupon came out a pamphlet of one sh. in qu. intit. The character or Ear-mark of Mr. Will. Prynne, author of a great many scandalous pasquills, &c.
Ten considerable Queries concerning Tithes, &c. against the Petitioners and petitions for their total abolition, as Antichristian, Jewish, burdensome, &c. Ibid. 1659. in 1. sh in qu.
Answer to a proposition in order to the proposing of a Commonwealth or Democracy. Ibid. 1659.
Concordia discors: or, the dissonant harmony of sacred publick oathes, protestations, leagues, covenants, ingagements, lately taken by many time-serving Saints, Officers, without scruple of conscience, making a very unpleasant consort in the ears of our most faithful, &c: Lond. 1659 in 6. sh. in qu.
The remainder of A Gospel plea for the tithes and setled maintenance of the Ministers of the Gospel. Ibid. 1659.
A brief necessary vindication of the old and new secluded members, from the false malicious calumnies; and of the fundamental rights, liberties, privileges, &c. from the late avowed subversions. 1. of Joh. Rogers in his Christian concertion with Mr. Will. Prynne and others. 2. of March. Nedham in his Interest will not lie, &c. Ibid. 1659. in 8. sh. in qu.
Short, legal, medicinal, useful, safe, easie prescription to recover our Kingdom, Church, Nation from their present dangerous distractive, destructive confusion, and worse than Bedlam madness, &c. Lond. 1659 in one sh. and half in qu.
Conscientious, serious, Theological and Legal Queries propounded to the twice dissipated, self-created Anti-parliamentary Westminster Juncto, and its members. To convince them of, humble them for, &c. Ibid. 1660 in 6. sh. and half in qu. It was printed in Nov. 1659.
Seven additional Queries in behalf of the secluded members, propounded to the twice broken Rump now sitting, the Cities of Westm. London &c. Ibid. 1660 in one sh. in qu. It was published in Dec. 1659.
Case of the old secured, secluded, and twice excluded members, briefly and truly stated, for their own vindication, &c. Lond. 1660 in 1. sh. in qu. published in Decemb. 1659.
Full declaration of the true state of the secluded members case, in vindication of themselves and their privileges, and of the respective Counties, &c. Ibid. 1660. published 5. Jan. 1659 in 7. sh. and half in qu.
Remonstrance of the Noblemen, Knights, Gentlemen, Clergy-men, Free [•] holders, Citizens, Burgesses, and Commons, of the late Eastern, Southern, Western association, who desire to shew themselves faithful and constant to the good old cause, &c. Ibid. 1659.
Ten Queries upon the ten new commandments of the general Council of the Officers of the Army, 22. Dec. 1659. Printed in 1. sh. in qu.
Brief narrative of the manner how divers members of the H. of Commons, that were illegally and unjustly imprisoned or secluded by the Armies force in Dec. 1648 and May 7. an. 1659, coming on the 27 Dec. 1659 to discharge their trust, were again shut out by the pretended order of the members sitting &c. Lond. 1660 in 1. sh. and an half in qu. This was published in the latter end of Dec. 1659.
Six important Queries proposed to the re-sitting Rump of the Long Parliament, fit to be satisfactorily resolved, &c.—Printed in Dec. 1659 in one sh. on one side.
The privileges of Parliament, which the members, Army, and this Kingdom have taken the protestation and covenant to maintain—Reprinted in 1. sh. in qu. 5. Jan. 1659 the day appointed to remember them.
Copy of the presentment and indictment found and exhibited by the Gr. Jury of Middlesex on the last day of Hilary term, 1659 against Coll. Matthew Alured, Coll. John Okey, and others for assaulting and keeping Sir Gilb. Gerard (and other members) by force of Arms out of the Commons house of Parl. on 27. Dec. 1659. Lond. 1660.
Three seasonable Queries proposed to all those Cities, Counties and Burroughs, whose respective Citizens, &c. have been forcibly excluded, unjustly ejected and disabled to sit in the Commons H. by those now acting at Westm. Ibid. 1660. It was published about the latter end of Dec. 1659, on one side of a sh. of paper.
Humble petition and address of the Sea-men and Water-men in and about the City of Lond. to the L. Mayor, Aldermen and Commons of the City of Lond. in Com. Council assembled, for a free and legal Parliament, &c. Ibid. 1660.
Seasonable and healing instructions, humbly tendered to the Free-holders, Citizens and Burgesses of England and Wales, to be seriously commended by them to their respective Knights, Citizens, Burgesses, elected and to be elected for the next Parliament, 25 Apr. 1660.
“Books and Pamphlets written after the restauration of his Maj. K. Ch. 2.”Second part of a brief Register, Kalendar, and Survey of the several kinds of Parliamentary Writs (relating to the H. of Commons) &c. Lond. 1660. qu.
Bathonia rediviva. The humble address of the Mayor, Aldermen and Citizens of the City of Bathe to the Kings most excellent Maj. presented by Mr. Prynne, 16 June 1660. Lond. 1660.
The first part of the signal loyalty of Gods true Saints and pious Christians (as likewise of Pagans) towards their King, both before and under the Law and Gospel, expressed in and by their constant public prayers, supplications, intercessions, thanksgiving for them. Lond. 1660. quart.
The 2 part of [•] ig. Loyalty; together with various forms of prayers, supplications, votes, acclamations, ceremonies and solemnities used at the Coronations of Emperors and Kings, especially of the Kings of England. Ibid. 1660. quart.
Vindication of Christian Kings, transcribed out of Joh. Hus. Ibid. 1660. qu.
Sundry reasons humbly tendered to the most honorable H. of Peers, by some Citizens and Members of Lond. and other Cities, Burroughs, Corporations and Ports against the new intended bill for governing and reforming Corporations.—Some few of these reasons were published, and the rest suppressed.
A short sober pacific examination of some exuberances in, and ceremonial appurtenances to, the Common Prayer, &c. Lond. 1661. qu.
Brevia parliamentaria rediviva: in 13 sections, containing several catalogues of the numbers, dates of all bundles of original Writs of summons and elections, newly found, or formerly extant, in the Tower of London, &c. Ibid. 1662. qu.
Apology for tender consciences, touching not bowing at the name of Jesus. Ibid. 1662. qu.
The fourth part of a register and survey of the several kinds and forms of Parliamentary Writs, &c. Lond. 1664. qu.
The first Tome: or, an exact chronological vindication and historical demonstration of our British, Roman, Saxon, Danish, Norman, English Kings supreme ecclesiastical jurisdiction, in, over all spiritual, or religious affairs, causes, persons, &c. within their Realms of England, Scotland, Ireland, and other dominions, from the original planting of Christian Religion, &c. to the death of K. Rich. 1. an. 1199. Lond. 1666, in a large fol.
The second Tome of an exact chronological vindication, &c. from the first year of K. John 1199 to the death of K. Hen. 3. dom. 1273, &c. Ibid. 1665. in a large fol. This second Tome came out before the first.
Aurum Reginae: or concerning Queen-gold, &c. Lond. 1668. qu.
Animadversions on the fourth part of Sir Edw. Cokes Institutes of the Laws of England, &c. Lond. 1669. fol.
The History of K. John, K. Hen. 3. and K. Edw. 1. wherein the antient Soveraign dominion of the Kings of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, &c. is asserted and vindicated against all incroachments and innovations whatsoever, &c. Lond. 1670. in a thick fol. He also did revise, rectifie in sundry mistakes, and supplied with a preface, marginal notes, several omissions and exact tables, a book intit. An exact abridgment of the Records of the Tower of London, from the Reign of K. Ed. 2. unto K. Rich. 3. of all the Parliaments holden in each Kings reign and the several Acts in every Parliament, &c. Collected by Sir Rob. Cotton Kt. and Bar.—Lond. 1657. fol. &c.
Besides these, and others which I have not yet seen, our Author Prynne hath published the works of other persons, as (1) Truth gloriously appearing from under the sad cloud of Obloquy: or, a vindication of the practice of the Church of Christ in the Summer Islands, &c. Lond. about 1650. Written by Nath. White Bac. of Div. and Pastor of the Church of Christ at Summer Islands. (2) A discourse of the Spanish Monarchy. Written by Tho. Campanella: which having been translated into English by Edm. Chilmead, and published 1654, had a new Preface put to it by Prynne, with a Title bearing the date of 1659. (3) A breviat of the life of Will. Laud Archb. of Cant. published purposely to make him odious to the vulgar sort of people, yet the rational part, I mean those persons that were not guided by Presbyterian clamours, entertained other kind of thoughts of the Archb. than they had before. The original of this Diary was found after his death by Mr. Will. Dugdale and others, who were commanded by Authority to search for that and other matters, which he the said Prynne unwarrantably got into his custody. Several Pamphlets also are fathered upon him, of which he was not in the least Author: among which are (1) Mola Asinaria: or, the unreasonableness and insupportable burden now pressed upon the shoulders of this groaning Nation, by the headless head, and unruly rulers, &c. held forth in a remonstrance, &c. Lond. 1659. in 1 sh. in qu. (2) Two letters; one from Joh. Audland a Quaker to Will. Prynne, the other, Will. Prynne’s Answer. Lond. 1672. in 3 sh. in fol. written by Samuel Butler, Author of the much celebrated Poem called Hudibras; of whom by the way, I desire the Reader to know, that he was born in the Parish of Strensham in Worcestershire, and baptized there 13 Feb. 1612. His father named Sam. Butler was a person of a fair estate, near 300 l. per an. but most of it lease-lands held of Sir Tho. Russell Grandfather to Sir Franc. Russell Bt, Lord of the Mannour of Strensham before mention’d. The son Sam. Butler, whom we are farther to mention, was educated in Grammar learning in the Coll. School at Worcester under Mr. Hen. Bright, and from thence went, as his brother now living affirms, to the University of Cambridge, yet others of the neighbourhood say to Oxon, but whether true I cannot tell. Sure I am that one Sam. Butler was elected from Westm. school a Student of Ch. Ch. an. 1623, but making little stay there, he was not matriculated, and so consequently the place of his nativity and age are not remaining on record; otherwise had he been made a member of the University, we should have known whether he was the same, who was afterwards the famed Author of Hudibras. After Sam. Butler had continued in Cambridge about 6 or 7 years, but in what Coll. or Hall his brother knows not, he was taken into the service of Elizabeth Countess of Kent: in whose family living several years, he did, for a diversion, exercise his parts in Painting and Musick, and at length became so noted for the first, that he was entirely beloved of Sam. Cooper the Prince of Limners of his age. Great Selden who was much conversant in the family of that Countess, had an esteem for, and would often employ, him to write letters beyond sea, and translate for him. At riper years he studied the Common Law, but did not practise it, only lived on the jounture of a widow that he had married. After the restauration of K. Ch. 2, he became Secretary to Richard Earl of Carbury L. President of the Principality of Wales and of the Marches thereof, who, as ’tis said, made S. Butler Steward of Ludlow Castle when the Court there was revived. Afterwards he became Secretary to George Duke of Buckingham when he was made Chancellour of the University of Cambridge, and had promises of places and employments of greater value and credit from Edward Earl of Clarendon when he was L. Chanc. of England, especially for this cause, that his Majesty had a respect for him, and the more, for his poem called Hudibras; the first part of which came out in 8o. an. 1663, and was not only taken into his Majesties hands, and read by him with great delight, but also by all Courtiers, loyal Scholars and Gentlemen, to the great profit of the Author and Bookseller. Afterwards came out a second part, and both printed together with several additions and annotations: And at length a third and last part, but without annotations, as by the copy printed 1678 appears. In 1682 was published in 8o. Butlers Ghost: or, Hudibras. The fourth part: with reflections on these times. But whether he was the Author of, I know not, for I have not yet seen, it. This Sam. Butler who was a boon and witty companion, especially among the company he knew well, died of a Consumption, 25 of Sept. 1680, and was, according to his desire, buried six foot deep in the yard belonging to the Church of S. Paul in Covent Garden within the Liberty of Westminster, viz. at the west end of the said yard, on the north side, and under the wall, of the Church; and under that wall which parts the yard from the common high way. As for our voluminous Author Will. Prynne, he died in his lodgings in Lincolns Inn on the 24 of Oct. in sixteen hundred sixty and nine,1669. and was buried in the Walk under the Chappel there, which stands upon Pillars. Over whose grave, tho there is no Epitaph, only his name and Obit, which are now worn out, yet I shall venture to give you this Epitaph that was then made upon him.
Here lies the corps of William Prynne,
A Bencher late of Lincolns Inn,
Who restless ran through thick and thin.
This grand scripturient paper-spiller,
This endless, needless margin-filler,
Was strangly tost from post to pillar.
His brains career were never stopping,
But pen with rheume of gall still dropping,
Till hand o’re head brought ears to cropping.
Nor would he yet surcease such theams,
But prostitute new virgin-reams
To types of his fanatick dreams.
But whilst he this hot humour hugs,
And for more length of tedder tugs,
Death fang’d the remnant of his lugs.