Nibbling at leviathan: Politics and theory in England in the 1650s

Huntington Library Quarterly

Volumn 61, Issue 2, 1999, Pages 241-256

  Peacey, J T ^a  

^a NONE

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EID: 64149113836     PISSN: 00187895     EISSN: 1544399X     Source Type: Journal    
DOI: 10.2307/3817800     Document Type: Article

References (123)

1. Q. Skinner, "The Ideological Context of Hobbes's Political Thought," Historical Journal 9 (1966): 286-317 at 305, 307
2. The problem with studying authors in terms of intellectual context is that personal and political motives are often underestimated; abstract theory and practical politics could combine to alter the effective meaning of a text. C. A. Edie, Reading Popular Political Pamphlets: A Question of Meanings, in G. J. Schochet, ed, Restoration, Ideology, and Revolution Washington, D.C, 1990, 287-306; that personal and political motives are often underestimated; abstract theory and practical politics could combine to alter the effective meaning of a text. See C. A. Edie, "Reading Popular Political Pamphlets: A Question of Meanings," in G. J. Schochet, ed., Restoration, Ideology, and Revolution (Washington, D.C., 1990), 287-306
3. and Q. Skinner and J. Tully, eds., Meaning and Context (Cambridge, 1988)
4. The best introduction to this subject is J. P. Sommerville, Thomas Hobbes: Political Ideas in Historical Context (London, 1992). Hobbes: Political Ideas in Historical Context (London, 1992)
5. The Nicholas Papers, ed. G. F. Warner, Camden Society, 4 vols. (London, and spelling have been modernized in quotations from seventeenth-century sources 1886-1920): 1:284, 286-87. Accidentals and spelling have been modernized in quotations from seventeenth-century sources
6. Thomas Hobbes: The English Works, ed. Sir William Molesworth (London, 1839-45), 7:336
7. The confusion over Hobbes's motives and theory has continued to the present day, and attempts have recendy been made to reveal elements of resistance theory in his works; for example present day, and attempts have recendy been made to reveal elements of resistance theory in his works; see, for example, G. Burgess, "On Hobbesian Resistance Theory," Political Studies 42 (1994): 62-83
8. The subsequent paragraphs are based on my study, "Henry Parker and Parliamentary Propaganda in the English Civil Wars (Ph.D. diss., Cambridge University, 1994), 192-204. Parliamentary Propaganda in the English Civil Wars" (Ph.D. diss., Cambridge University, 1994), 192-204
9. This thesis reexamines the careers and works of many of the leading pamphleteers of the 1640s and 1650s to show the ways in which Parliament actively sought to manipulate the press. Biographical information comes from J. Davies, An Account of the Author, in J. Hall, Hierocles Upon the Golden Verses of Pythagoras London, 1657 pamphleteers of the 1640s and 1650s to show the ways in which Parliament actively sought to manipulate the press. Biographical information comes from J. Davies, "An Account of the Author," in J. Hall, Hierocles Upon the Golden Verses of Pythagoras (London, 1657)
10. See, for example, J. Hall, Horae Vacivae (London, 1646)
11. and idem, Poems (Cambridge, 1646)
12. Sheffield University Library, Hartlib Papers, 36/6/1a-1b, 3a-6a; heffield University Library, Hartlib Papers, 36/6/1a-1b, 3a-6a; 60/14/1-42; 9/10/1-6; 60/14/1-42; 9/10/1-6
13. see also G. H. Turnbull, "John Hall's Letters to Samuel Hartlib," Review of English Studies 4 (1953): 221-33
14. The Work of the Honourable Robert Boyle, ed. T. Birch, 6 vols. (London, 1744): 1:22-25
15. Merairius Britanicus, 13 issues (16 May-16 August 1648)
16. [Joh]N [Ha]ll, A True Account and Character of the Times (London, 1647)
17. Mercurius Elencticus 27 (24-31 May 1648), 205-7
18. Merairius Elencticus 28 (31 May-7 June 1648), 213-14
19. Merairius Elencticus 29 (7-14 June 1648), 222, 224
20. Merairius Elencticus 30 (14-21 June 1648), 233
21. Mercurius Elencticus 34 (12-19 July 1648), 262-64
22. J. Shirley, The Cardinall (London, 1652)
23. and idem, Poems (London, 1646), sigs. A4-A4V
24. R. Brome, A Joviall Crew (London, 1652), sig. A3
25. T. Stanley, Aurora Ismenia (London, 1650)
26. and idem, Poems (London, 1651), 76
27. see J. M. Osborn, "Thomas Stanleys Lost 'Register of Friends,' "Yale University Library Gazette 32 (1958): 122-47 at 133-35
28. C[alendar of] S[tate] P[apers] D[omestic] 1649-50 (London, 1875), 139
29. [J. Hall], A Serious Epistle to Mr William Prynne (London, 1649)
30. J. H[all], A Gagg to Love's Advocate (London, 1652)
31. [J. Hall], A Stop to the Mad Multitude (London, 1653)
32. CSPD 1649-50, 345
33. CSPD 1650 (London, 1876), 325
34. Worcester College, Oxford, Chequers MS. 782, fols. 6-13V
35. J. H[all], The Grounds and Reasons of Monarchy Considered (Edinburgh, 1650); 1650)
36. J. Hall, The Nonesuch Charles his Character (London, 1651)
37. [J. Hall], The Honour of the English Soldiery (London, 1651)
38. [Joh]N [Ha]ll, A Letter Written to a Gentleman (London, 1653)
39. J. Hall, Sedition Scourg'd (London, 1653)
40. [J. Hall], Confusion Confounded (London, 1654)
41. See CSPD 1653-54 (London, 1879), 163
42. The Writings and Speeches of Oliver Cromwell ed. W. C. Abbott, 4 vols. (Oxford, 1988), 3:41
43. P[ublic] R[ecord] O[ffice], SP 18/71, fol. 127 P 18/71, fol. 127;
44. and Bodleian Library, Oxford, MS. Rawlinson a. 328, fol. 107. Much of Hall's work was published, like Politicus, in association with Thomas Newcombe, a man who was also patronized by Parliament and the Council of State. Hall's work was published, like Politicus, in association with Thomas Newcombe, a man who was also patronized by Parliament and the Council of State
45. W. B. Bannerman, ed., The Visitations of the County of Surrey (London, 1899), 171-72
46. J. C. C. Smith, ed., The Parish Registers of Richmond, Surrey (Surrey, 1903), 30, 200, 209, 232
47. CSPD 1633-34 (London, 1863), 197
48. PRO, E 101/440/6; E 101/440/7; E 101/440/14
49. CSPD 1639-40 (London, 1877), 170
50. H[istorical] M[anuscripts] C[ommission], Thirteenth Report, Appendix I, Portland I Portland I (London, 1891), 600-601
51. Calendar of the Committee for Compounding, 1643-60 (London, 1891), 2105, 3293
52. Journals of the House of Lords 11:95
53. H.M.C., Seventh Report (Nendeln, England, 1979), 118
54. H.M.C., Pepys (London, 1911), 248
55. New Propositions from His Excellencie (London, 1647)
56. H.M.C., Portland I, 600-601
57. Journals of the House of Lords, 10:353
58. Nicholas Papers, 1:130-31
59. PRO, C 54/3716/26
60. Sir G. Isham, ed., The Correspondence of Bishop Brian Duppa and Sir 1650-1660 Justinian Isham, 1650-1660 (Northamptonshire, England, 1955), 92
61. John Hall of Richmond, Of Government and Obedience (London, 1654)
62. [J. Hall], The True Cavalier (London, 1656)
63. The author of the first was styled "John Hall of Richmond," but were clearly by the same man. They shared the same printer, and the second contained references to the first. M. J. Seymour, in Pro-Government Propaganda in Interregnum England, 1649-1660 (Ph.D. diss., Cambridge University, 1986), assumes that these works were the responsibility of John Hall of Durham (p. 63). both works were clearly by the same man. They shared the same printer, and the second contained references to the first. M. J. Seymour, in "Pro-Government Propaganda in Interregnum England, 1649-1660" (Ph.D. diss., Cambridge University, 1986), assumes that these works were the responsibility of John Hall of Durham (p. 63)
64. Smith, ed., Parish Registers of Richmond: 30, 200, 209, 232
65. Isham, ed., Correspondence, 92, 117-18
66. T. Hobbes, Of Libertie and Necessity (London, 1654)
67. see D. Hook, "John Davies of Kidwelly. A Neglected Literary Figure Century in the Seventeenth Century," Carmarthenshire Antiquary 11 (1975): 104-24
68. Hall, Grounds and Reasons, 1, 13-14, 19, 31, 45, 48-50
69. Hall, A Stop, 16
70. Hall, Sedition, 4
71. Hall, A Stop, 6, 17, 18
72. Hall, A Stop, 16,19
73. Isham, ed., Correspondence, 92
74. Hall, Of Government, 188-89, 192
75. Hall was not the only Royalist to adopt, or at least approve of, some elements from Hobbes; on Filmer, for example, 3, 18, 80 elements from Hobbes; on Filmer, for example, see Sommerville, Thomas Hobbes, 3, 18, 77-79, 80
76. Hall, Of Government, sig. a v, b v, 10, 14, 29, 120, 168-69
77. Hall, Of Government, 418, 478-79
78. T. White, The Grounds of Obedience and Government (London, 1655)
79. idem, DeMundo (Paris, 1642)
80. and T. Hobbes, Thomas White's De Mundo Examined, ed. H. W. Jones (London, 1976)
81. See also H. W. Jones, Thomas Hobbes vs. Thomas White (Chester, England, 1986)
82. B. C. Southgate, "Thomas White's Grounds of Obedience: A Note on the Edition Dating of the First Edition," Notes and Queries 226 (1981): 208-9
83. H. W. Jones, "Thomas White (or Blacklo), 1593-1676: New Data," Notes and Queries 218 (1973): 381-88
84. and B. C. Southgate, "Thomas White, 1593-1676: A Reputation and Its Decline," Essex Recusant 23 (1981): 29-39
85. White, Grounds of Obedience, 6, 9, 37-38, 46, 47-48, 89, 93, 94, 98, 110, 113, 114, 118-19, 127, 130, 149-52. 113, 114, 118-19, 127, 130, 149-52
86. W. Ball, State Maxims (London, 1655), 1, 3, 5, 9-11
87. See B. C. Southgate, "That Damned Booke: The Grounds of Obedience and Government (1655)
88. and the Downfall of Thomas White," Recusant History 17 (1985): 245-51; 238-53 at 245-51
89. and P. Bayle, The Dictionary Historical and Critical, ed. P. de Maizeaux (London, 1734), 1:340
90. Sheffield University Library, Hartlib Papers, 50H/31/20/12a (Hartlibs 50H/62/30/1a-4b (William Rand to Samuel Hartlib account for book purchases); 50H/62/30/1a-4b (William Rand to Samuel Hartlib, 18 July 1651)
91. M. Nedham, The Case of the Commonwealth of England Stated, ed. P. A. Knachel (Charlottesville, Va., 1969), 129-30, 135-39
92. see A Transcript of the Registers of the Worshipful Company of vols. (London, 1913-14), 1:340, 354, 358. Stationers, 3 vols. (London, 1913-14), 1:340, 354, 358
93. The extent of Ascham's reliance upon Hobbes remains in dispute, but that he did use him cannot be questioned; London he did use him cannot be questioned; see A. Ascham, Of the Confusions and Revolutions of Goverments (London, 1649), 121
94. See also Q. Skinner, "Conquest and Consent: Thomas Hobbes and the Controversy, in G. E. Aylmer, ed., The Interregnum (London, 1972), 79-98 at 94-95; Engagement Controversy," in G. E. Aylmer, ed., The Interregnum (London, 1972), 79-98 at 94-95
95. idem, "Thomas Hobbes and the Proper Signification of Liberty," Transactions of the Royal Historical Society 40 (1990): 121-51 at 145-46
96. and S. A. State, "Text and Context: Skinner, Hobbes, and Theistic Law, Historical Journal 28 (1985): 27-50. Natural Law," Historical Journal 28 (1985): 27-50
97. Mercurius Politicus 29 (19-26 December 1650), 486
98. Mercurius Politicus 84 (8-15 January 1652), 1344
99. See B. Worden, "Marchamont Nedham and the Beginnings of English Republicanism, 1649-1656," in D. Wootton, ed., Republicanism, Liberty, and Commercial Society, 1649-1776 (Stanford, Calif., 1994), 45-81
100. In June 1659 Nedham would advertise Hobbes's Philosophical Rudiments; see Mercurius Politicus 570 2-9 June 1659, 493 Mercurius Politicus 570 (2-9 June 1659), 493
101. See B. Worden, The Rump Parliament (Cambridge, 1974)
102. D. Hirst, "The English Republic and the Meaning of Britain," Journal of Modern History 66 (1994): 451-86
103. and D. Armitage, "The Cromwellian Protectorate and the Languages of Empire," Historical Journal 35 (1992): 531-55
104. Mercurius Politicus 76 (13-20 November 1651), 1205
105. Merctirius Politicus 94 (18-25 March 1652), 1473-74
106. See A. Woolrych, Commonwealth to Protectorate (Oxford, 1982), 35
107. and B. Worden, "Andrew Marvell, Oliver Cromwell, and the Horatian England Ode," in K. Sharpe and S. N. Zwicker, eds., Politics of Discourse. The Literature and History of Seventeenth-Century England (London, 1987), 147-80
108. S. M. Ffarington, ed., The Farington Papers, Chetham Society, no. 39 (Manchester, 1856), 167-68. (Manchester, 1856), 167-68
109. Quoted in L. Miller, John Milton and the Oldenburg Safeguard (New York, 1985), 49
110. See C. H. Firth, "Cromwell and the Crown," English Historical Review 17 (1902): 429-42
111. and idem, "Cromwell and the Crown," English Historical Review 18 (1903): 52-80
112. M. J. Tibbetts, "Parliamentary Parties under Oliver Cromwell" (Ph.D. diss., Bryn Mawr University, 1944). 79
113. A Copy of a Letter Concerning the Election of a Lord Protector (London, 1654)
114. Mercurius Politicus 208 (1-8 June 1654), 3540. It is possible, of course, that the two men knew each other, since they shared the same publisher in Thomas Newcombe, another former Royalist. that the two men knew each other, since they shared the same publisher in Thomas Newcombe, another former Royalist
115. J. Moore, Protection Proclaimed. . . Wherein the Government Established Protector and his Council is Proved to be of Divine Institution in the Lord Protector and his Council is Proved to be of Divine Institution (London, 1656)
116. and The Unparalleld Monarch (London, 1656)
117. [Hall], The True Cavalier, 101, 102, 104, 108, 109, 126
118. A Copy of a Letter Written to an Officer of the Army by a True Commonwealthsman and No Courtier Commonwealthsman and No Courtier (London, 1656)
119. British Library, Egerton MS. 2618, fol. 51, John Thurloe to General George Monck, 24 February 1657. Thurloe made it clear that he wanted Monck to satisfy any others who may have scruples about this business, and assured him that it ariseth from the Parliament only; his Highness knew nothing of the particulars until they were brought into the House, and no man knows whether if they be passed but that his Highness will reject them. George Monck, 24 February 1657. Thurloe made it clear that he wanted Monck to "satisfy any others who may have scruples about this business," and assured him that "it ariseth from the Parliament only; his Highness knew nothing of the particulars until they were brought into the House, and no man knows whether if they be passed but that his Highness will reject them."
120. Mercurius Politicus 354 (19-26 March 1657), 7673-75
121. Mercurius Politicus 355 (26 March-2 April 1657), 7689-92
122. Abbott concluded that the "Utopia" letters were "obviously prepare the public mind for the restoration of kingship; Cromwell, ed. Abbott, 4:431. Nedham dropped such talk as soon as Cromwell rejected the offer of the crown. intended to prepare the public mind for the restoration of kingship"; see Cromwell, ed. Abbott, 4:431. Nedham dropped such talk as soon as Cromwell rejected the offer of the crown
123. Mercurius Politicus 352 (5-12 March 1657), 7641-44