Index Expurgatorius Anglicanus / Or, a descriptive catalogue of the principal books printed or published in England, which have been suppressed, or burnt by the common hangman, or censured, or for which the authors, printers, or publishers have been prosecuted

by W. H. Hart

A true impartiall Narration, concerning the Armies preservation of the King; by which it doth appear, that the Army doth intend the Good, Life, Propertie, and Libertie of all the Commons of England.

A pamphlet of 12 pages, but without title. On June 26th, 1647, the House of Commons referred this pamphlet to the Committee of Complaints, to send for the printer and to enquire into and examine the business.[129]

162.

Twelve arguments drawn out of the Scripture, Wherein the commonly received Opinion touching the Deity of the Holy Spirit is clearly and fully refuted. To which is prefixed a Letter tending to the same purpose, written to a Member of the Honourable House of Commons. And to which is subjoyned an exposition of five principall Passages of the Scripture, alleadged by the Adversaries to prove the Deity of the Holy Spirit; together with an Answer to their grand Objection touching the supposed Omnipresence of the Holy Spirit. By John Bidle, Master of Arts. Printed in the yeare 1647.

For writing this book John Biddle was summoned to appear at the bar of the House of Commons, and being asked whether he owned that book and the opinions therein, he answered yea, and that they were his; whereupon being remitted to his prison, they ordered on September 6th, 1647, that the said book, blasphemous against the Deity of Christ, be called in and burnt by the Common Hangman in Cheapside and the New Palace Yard at Westminster. It was also referred to the Committee of Plundered Ministers to examine Biddle concerning this pamphlet, and to commit him if they saw cause, and they were to appoint divines to confer with him and to endeavour to remove him from his blasphemous and dangerous opinions. The Assembly of Divines sitting at Westminster made their endeavours to Parliament that he might suffer death in May, 1648; this however did not take place, and he was kept in close confinement. In February, 1651, a general act of oblivion was passed, by means of which Biddle was restored to liberty.[130] A copy is preserved in the British Museum Library.

163.

The Parliament's agreement for a personall treaty with the King, the Conditions thereof, and his Majesties Reasons, that the said Treaty may be at London to settle a firme peace in the three kingdomes. Also a message to be sent, and 4. new Propositions to be first signed by his Majestie. London. Printed by B. Alsop, and are to be sold at the Royall Exchange. 1647.

On November 27th, 1647, the House of Commons ordered that the debate concerning the printing of this pamphlet should be taken up.[131] A copy is preserved in the British Museum Library.

164.