The Resolving of Conscience, upon this question, whether upon such a supposition or case, as is now usually made (the King will not discharge his trust, but is bent or seduced to subvert Religion, Laws and Liberties) Subjects may take Arms and resist? and whether that case be now? Resolved, I.—That no Conscience upon such a Supposition or Case can finde a safe and cleare ground for such resistance. II.—That no man in conscience can be truly perswaded, that the resistance now made is such, as they themselves pretend to, that plead for it in such a case. III.—That no man in Conscience can be truly perswaded that such a case is now, that is, that the King will not discharge his trust, but is bent to subvert, &c. Whence it followeth, That the resistance now made against the Higher Power is unwarrantable, and according to the Apostle, Damnable, Rom. 13. Also that the shedding of bloud in the pursuit of this resistance is Murder. By H. Fern, D.D., &c. Cambridge. 1642.
On December 24th, 1642, the House of Commons resolved that Dr. Fearne should be forthwith sent for as a Delinquent for composing and publishing this "seditious book," and on the 2nd February, 1642/3, there was produced to the House the warrant under Dr. Holdsworth's hand for printing this book, whereupon it was resolved that Dr. Holdsworth should be forthwith sent for in safe custody. It appears that this book was printed by Roger Daniel, printer to the University of Cambridge.[93]
121.
A complaint to the House of Commons. 1642.
On January 2nd, 1642/3, the House of Commons ordered that John Wright should be committed to the Compter in Wood Street, for publishing this "scandalous book against the Parliament;" and the book itself was ordered to be burnt by the Common Hangman in the new Palace at Westminster and in Smithfield. The Serjeant's man was also to search the shops in and about Westminster for the books, and to take into custody any persons having the same in their possession. On February the 3rd following it was also ordered that Luke Norton, printer, and Mr. Sheres, stationer, should be forthwith committed prisoners to Newgate for printing this book; and it was also referred to the Committee for informations to consider of some effectual course for the speedy suppressing the printing of scandalous pamphlets, and the inordinate licentiousness of printing.[94]
122.
Two Speeches made in the House of Peeres on Munday the 19 of December, for and against accommodation. The one by the Earl of Pembroke, the other by the Lord Brooke. The latter printed by order of the House of Commons. Lond. 1642.
A pamphlet of eight pages, of which a copy exists in the British Museum Library. On January 13th, 1642/3, the House of Commons ordered that the Committee for printing should enquire after the printer and publisher of this pamphlet.[95]
123.