(John), the compiler of some useful collections respecting the affairs of state, was born in Northumberland about the year 1607, and was descended of honourable ancestors. After attending the university of Oxford for some time, he removed to Lincoln's Inn; but the study of law not suiting his genius, he soon deserted it, in order to seek a situation where he might more easily gratify his love for political information. He frequented the meetings of parliament, and wrote down the speeches both of the king and members. During the space of 11 years, from 1630 to 1640, when no parliament was held, he was an attentive observer of the great transactions of state in the star-chamber, the court of honour, and exchequer chamber, when all the judges of England assembled there on cases of great emergency. Nor did he neglect to observe with a watchful eye those events which happened at a distance from the capital. He visited the camp at Berwick, was present at the battle of Newburn, at the treaty of Rippon, and at the great council of York.

In 1640 he was appointed assistant to Henry Elsynge clerk to the house of commons, and thus had the best opportunities of being acquainted with their debates and proceedings. The commons considered him as a person worthy of confidence. In particular, they trusted him with carrying their messages to the king while he remained at York. And when the parliament created Sir Thomas Fairfax their general, Ruthworth was appointed his secretary, and discharged the office much to the advantage of his master. When Fairfax resigned his commission, his secretary returned to Lincoln's Inn, and was soon after (in 1651-2) chosen one of the committee that was appointed to deliberate concerning the propriety and means of altering or new-modelling the common law. He was elected one of the representatives for Berwick upon Tweed to the parliament which Richard Cromwell assembled in 1658, and was re-elected by the same town to the parliament which restored Charles II. to the crown.

After the Restoration, he delivered to the king seve...