SEVENTEENTH CENTURY.
M7
Vm. The sum of £4,000 was raised by the unirersity of Oxford for the purpose ofpnrchas- ing types in France, Holland, and Grermany, there being at this time no type foundry in England.
1672, Aug. 13. The biographers of Milton speak highly of the lenity of Charles II. to the immortal biird, but mention an order which was issued to seize two of bis political works. It was not, however, until 1797, that a copy of the royal proclamation for that purpose was disco- vered, when it was found to be much more severe than was generally believed. The fol- lowing is a copy of this royal order for seizing and burning the works of a man whose talents have been the admiration of ages.
" By the king,
" A proclamation for calling in and suppres- sing two books written by John Milton, the one intituled, Johannit Miltoni Angli pro Populo Anglicano Defauio contra Claudii Anonym*, aliat Stdnuui* De- femionem Begiam ; and the other, in answer to a book intituled, The Por- traiture of hit Sacred Majettie in Am Solitude* and Sufferings; and also a third book, intituled, 7%« Obtlructori of Juttice, written by John Goodwin.*
- Charles R.
" Whereas John Milton, late of Westminster, in the oonnty of Middlesex, hath published in print two several books, the one intituled, " Jo- ktmnit Miltoni Angli pro Populo Anglicano De- fintio contra Claudii Anonymi, alias Stdmaiii Defensionm Regiam ; and the other, in answer to a book intituled, 77ie Portraiture of hit Sacred Majettie tn hit Solittuiet and Sufferings, in both which are contained sundry treasonable passages against us and our government, and impious endeavours to justifT the horrid and unmatch- able murder of our late dear father of glorious memory.
" And whereas John Goodwin, late of Cole- man-street, London, Clerk, hath also published in print a book, intituled, T%e Obstructor* of Juttiee, written in defence of the traitorous sen- tence against his late majesty. And whereas the said John Milton and John Goodwin are both fled, or so obscure themselves, that no en- deavours used for their apprehension can take effect, whereby they might be brought to legal trial, and deservedly receive condign punishment for their treasons and offences. Now to the end that our good subjects may not be corrupted in their judgments with such wicked and traitorous
- John Goodwin was rhipUIn to Oliver Cromwell, tnd
k nonconfonnist ; bat of a ditrerent stwnp to the geoerality of them. He was excepted ont of the act of indemnity, for having written a defence of Charles's morder j which book, with that of Milton's, was burnt by the common hangman. " He had a clear head, a flnent tongue, a pene- txatlng spirit, and a marrelloas facnlty in descanting on scripture, and most be owned to have been a very con. siderable man." — Batter.
principles as are dispersed and scattered through- out the before-mentioned books, we, upon the motion of the commons in parliament now assembled, do hereby strictly charge and com- mand all and every person and persons what- soever, who live in any city, borough, or town incorporate, within this our kingdom of England, the dominion of Wales, and the town of Berwick- upon-Tweed, in whose hands any of those books are or hereafter shall be, that they, upon pain of our high displeasure, and the consequence thereof, do forthwith, upon publication of this our command, or within ten days immediately fallowing, deliver, or cause the same to be de- livered, to the mayor, baili^, or other chief officer or magistrate in any of the said cities, boroughs, or towns incorporate, where such per- son or persons so live ; or, if living out of any city, borough, or town incorporate, then to the next justice of peace adjoinmg to his or their dwelling or place of abode : or if living in either of our universities, then to the vice-chancellor of that university where he or they do reside.
" And in default of such voluntary delivery, which we expect in observance of our said com- mand, that then and afler the time before limited is expired, the said chief magistrates, of all the said cities, boroughs, or towns incor- porate, and the justices of the peace in their several counties, and the vice-chancellors of our said universities respectively, are hereby com- manded to seize and take all and every the books aforesaid, in whose hands or possession soever they shall be found, and certify the names of the offenders unto our privy council.
" And we do hereby also give special charge and command to the said chief magistrates, justices of the peace, and vice-chancellors, re- spectively, that they cause the said books which snail be so brought unto any of their hands, or seized, or taken as aforesaid, by virtue of this our proclamation, to be delivered to the re- spective sheriffs of those counties where they respectively live, the first and next assizes that shul after happen. And the said sheriffs are hereby also required, in time of holding such assizes, to cause the same to be publicly burnt by the hands of the common hangman.
" And we do further strictiy charge and com- mand, that no man hereafter presume to print, vend, sell, or disperse any of the aforesaid books, upon pain of our heavy displeasure, and of such further punishment as for their presumption in that behalf may any way be inflicted upon them by the laws of this realm.
" Given at our court at Whitehall, the I3th of August, in the twelfth year of our reign, 1672."
1673. The first Almanack in England, in the present shape, was compiled by Maurice Wheeler, cdnon of Christ Church, Oxford, and printed in that city in this year. " There were," says An- thony Wood, " near thirty thousand of them printed, besides a bheet almanack for twopence, that was printed for this year ; and because of
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