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

134.

Divers papers presented to the Honourable Houses of Parliament by the Commissioners of the Kingdome of Scotland. London, printed by M. B. for Robert Bostock, at the Kings Head in Pauls Church Yard. 1645.

On November 14th, 1645, the House of Commons ordered that the Committee of Examinations should send for the printer of this book, and examine him by what direction or authority the same was printed. On the 18th November the Committee reported that Robert Bostock, stationer, being examined, said that he caused the first impression of these papers to be made; that they were licensed by Mr. Crauford, minister; and were brought to him by Mr. Buchanan without any knowledge or consent of the Scotts Commissioners that he knew of.[106] A copy exists in the British Museum Library.

135.

A word to the wise. Displaying great augmented grievances, and heavie pressures of dangerous consequence. Appearing by certain materiall weighty passages of speciall concernment. Remonstrating the great dangers which the Counties of Cumberland and Westmoreland are in (though now in the hands of the Parliament) but like to be possessed by the enemy, who aimeth at it, above all other landing places, from foraign parts; the said Countries being most hazardable, sith that Mr. Richard Barwis (a member of the House of Commons) hath (as is set forth by the Commissioners for the well affected, in their charge) betrayed his trust, and placed traytors, and disaffected officers in the said Counties, tending to the ruine of the well affected, and to the incouragement and upholding of the malignant party. All which being certified by Mr. John Musgrave, Commissioner, for and in the behalfe of those Countries aforesaid, who gave in the charge against Mr. Richard Barwis. And the House having referred the same to a Committee, instead of prosecuting the charge brought against the said Mr. Barwis, Mr. Musgrave aforesaid was illegally committed to Fleet Prison (although he still offereth, and is still able to prove his charge by a cloud of sufficient competent witnesses) and although the same day (in which he was committed by the House) certain and true intelligence came to the Parliament that the enemy had entered the said County, yet notwithstanding is this worthy gentleman, still most unjustly and ungratefully retained in prison against all Law, and Justice; and though he (the said Mr. John Musgrave) hath petitioned the House in behalf of his Country, for redresse of the said grievances, yet are not the grievances redressed, but the Traytors and disaffected are still there retained in their offices. All which is apparent by these following producements.

A pamphlet of 20 pages, of which there is a copy in the British Museum Library. On January 27th, 1645/6, the House of Commons referred to the Committee of Examinations to make a strict enquiry after the author, printer, and divulger of this pamphlet, and to give a speedy account thereof to the House.[107]

136.

A Confession of Faith of seven Congregations or Churches of Christ in London which are commonly but unjustly called Anabaptists. Published for the vindication of the truth, and information of the ignorant; likewise for the taking off of those aspersions which are frequently both in Pulpit and Print unjustly cast upon them. The second impression corrected and enlarged. Published according to order. London, printed by Matthew Simmons, and are to be sold by John Hancock in Pope's Head Alley. 1646.

On January 29th, 1645/6 the House Of Commons resolved that the Serjeant should apprehend Benjamin Cox and Samuel Richardson, the parties who delivered this pamphlet at the door to the members of the House, and to take bail of them to appear from time to time at the Committee for plundered ministers; and that it be referred to that Committee to examine the book, and the parties whose names are subscribed; to send for the licenser and printer, and state the business to the House with all speed, and that the Committee of plundered ministers should have power to advise with such of the Assembly of Divines as they should think fit to send for upon this business. It was also ordered that the Stationers' Company should take diligent care to suppress the pamphlet, and the Serjeant at Arms was to send some of his servants immediately to seize and suppress the said books. The parties who delivered the pamphlet at the door were also ordered to be called in, and asked by what order and authority the pamphlet was published, and who licensed it. Whereupon Samuel Richardson and Benjamin Cox were called in, and being demanded who printed the said pamphlet, said, One Simonds; and that he got it licensed: and Richardson said, that the printer told him that Mr. Downeham licensed it: that this was a second edition: that they had meetings every first day of the week: that there were seven congregations of them English and one French: and that the subscribers were two of every congregation.[108] A copy of this book exists in the British Museum Library.