you who are the chiefe abettors of the popish titular Clergy your Lordships have them now shewing themselves in their presenting this Petition which we hope you will be sensible of for the publike good the good of his Majesty and the glory of God to whose blessing and protection we humbly leave you The returne upon Command to advise upon some moderate course in the exercise of Ecclesiasticall Iurisdiction Right honourable Our good Lords IN obedience to your Lordships commands We the Bishops and Chancellours present in the City have considered of the wayes for the moderating and easing the pretended burthen whereof the Petitioners complaine in the matter of clandestine Christnings Marriages and Burials And doe find that we that are present cannot resolve of any other course then to referre our selves to our former answer and the lawes now in force and according to our duties to God and the charge laid upon us in the Act 2. Eliz. c. 2. doe humbly desire your Lordships that the said Act for the uniformity of Common-prayer and Service in the Church and the administration of the Sacraments may be duly and truly executed Also the lawes concerning the restoring to the Crowne the ancient Jurisdiction over the State Ecclesiasticall and Spirituall and abolishing all forraigne power repugnant to the same may be effectually and fully put in use And that all School-Masters be bound to teach the Schollers for their first booke the grounds of Christian Religion and to use in their Schooles the prayer appointed in the beginning of the Grammer set forth by his Majesties authority with such other books as shall be appointed by the Bishops of this Kingdome and that idle and unprofitable books such as Gesta Romanoruâ— which is now upon the Presse in this City for the use of their Schools which doe but teach them to attend to Fables and lying legends may be banished from the same And forasmuch as sundry of us having no other occasion of comming to this place but your Lordships commands have been now fourteen dayes in Town and doe lye here at charges and are with-holden from performance of our duties at home we humbly entreat your Lordships to licence us to depart What the issue of this businesse was I cannot certainly learne but I find that this very yeere 1630. among other things there fell out a great difference between the Regulars and Secular Priests and popish Titulary Bishops in Ireland which grew to a very great highth as I have formerly touched in the Bishop of Calcedons businesse How farre these differences between them there proceeded in I shall give you a short account out of the Arch-bishop of Armagh his Letter to Bishop Laud who writ thus to him among other things My very good Lord THere came into my hands certaine propositions of our Irish Regulars against the Seculars censured at Paris 15. January a a After the French account who begun the yeere with January as our Almanacks doe But 1630. after our ordinary computation 1631. by sixty Doctors of the Sorbon one whereof is this Superiores Regularium digmores sunt Episcopis siquidem dignitas pastoris petendâ— est ex conditione sui gregis quemadmodum oplio dignior est subulco Another In partibus haereticorum non tenetur populus Christianus necessariam susâ—entationem suo Paracho sub ministrate quia bona Ecclesiastica ab haereticis possidentur Together with them I received the Arch-bishop of Paris his condemnation of two English Books published Ianuary 30. 1631. the one an Answer to certaine assertions of Doctor Kellison in his Treatise of the Ecclesiasticall Hierarchy written by Nicholas Smith the other an Apology for the Popes manner of proceeding in governing the Catholikes in England during the time of persecution Author Daniel a Iesu It may somewhat concerne us here to be made acquainted with the Argument of these Books and therefore I make bold to entreat your Lordship that you would give order to one of your Chaplaines to communicate the same unto this bearer who will speedily informe me thereof Your Lordships in all service Ia. Armachanus Drogheda March 17. 1631. The yeere following these differences in Ireland between the Priests and Arch-bishop of Dublin Thomas Fleming proceeded to a publike Protestation and contestation even inprint as appears by this notable paper of the Priests against him printed at Rhoan both in Latin and English to make it more notorious I shall only trouble you with the English Copy found in the Arch-bishops Study indorsed with Master Dels hand thus May 3 1632. Protestations of the secular Priests in Ireland against Thomas Fleming Arch-bishop of Dublin To all the most Illustrious Arch-bishops and Bishops of Ireland but more particularly to those of the Province of Dublin their honourable Lords David Bishop of Osory Iohn of Perues Ross of Kildare and Matthew Vicar Apostolicall of Laghlem 1 MOST Illustrious Lords and Reverend Bishops the Priests of Dublin make their complaint before you that the most Illustrious Arch-bishop of Dublin Thomas Flemming of the order of Saint Francis without alleadging any cause against them onely for his will and as his pleasure usâ—th to exile and banish Priests out of his Diocesse And they protest that in so doing he exerciseth a 〈◊〉 over the Clergy contrary to the Canons of Holy Church and the lawes and Statutes of this Kingdome 2. Most Illustrous Lords and reverend Fathers in Christ the aforesaid Priests doe make their complaint that the same most illustrious Arch-bishop of Dublin Thomas Flemming of the order of Saint Francis though humbly sought unto and desired doth refuse to doe them justice in their causes neither yet will â—e permit the Clergy to follow their actions meerly civill before the Magistrate contrary unto the â—eceived custome of this Kingdome from the first conversion of this Nation And they protest that in so doing he exerciseth a tyranny over the Clergy NOTE contrary unto the Canons of the Church and the lawes and statutes of this Kingdome 3. Most Illustrious Lords and Reverend Fathers in Christ the aforesaid Priests doe make their complaint that the most Illustrious Arch-bishop Thomas Flemming of the order of Saint Francis in inflicting his Ecclesiasticall censures observeth no canonicall preceeding at all omitting not onely the solemnities of the law but those things also that are necessary and essentiall in all proceedings thereof namely citations and proofe of causes And they protest that in so doing he exerciseth a tyranny over the Clergy contrary unto the Canons of Holy Church and the lawes and statutes of this Kingdome 4. Most Illustrious Lords and Reverend Fathers in Christ the aforesaid Priests doe complaine that the most Illustrious Arch-bishop Thoms Flemming of the order of Saint Francis refused to heare all proofes against the Regulars in the matter of the eleven propositions condemned at Paris which testimonies or proofs two venerable Priests presented unto him the 15. of November in the yeere of our Lord 1631. in
been at Rome he told me in Iune and Iuly last past I asked him how the affaires â—ent there he told me Their opinion of us was that his sacred Majesty was favourable to the Catholiques that SOME GREAT ONES ABOVT HIM were so to or IN HEART MORE a a The Archbishop himselfe ONE he names concerning whom as at home so abroad as of old of the best of men there was much 〈◊〉 among the people for some said he was a good man others said nay he deceiveth the people c. There is as I am informed by a discreet Gentleman at Florence a Jesuit lately returned from England to Rome who pretendâ— to have made a strict discovery of the state of England as it stands for Religion how King is disposed how Queene what Lords are of the Puritan faction what notâ— but by name his honour oâ— Dorset and Pembroke are strong for Precisians He sayes that the Puritanâ— are shrendfelloweâ— NOTE but those which are counted good Protestants are faire conditioned honest men and think they may be saved in any Religion I am promised the relation written if it come to my hands and there be any thing in it worthy your Graces view I shall hereafter humbly present it to you as now my selfe Your 〈◊〉 most humble and most obedient Servant William 〈◊〉 The letter is thus indorsed with Master Dels hand Recepi Octob. 9. 1635. Soone after this I find a paper of intelligence written to Secretary Windebanke from Rome the 29. of December 1635. wherein there is this passage There is a â—ew Ambassadour from England arrived in this Court Major Bret as I conceive for whom there was a speciall lodging provided and entertainment at the publike cost What his businesse was but to negotiate a reconciliation I know not which proceeded so far that it was generally reported at Rome we should have an English Cardinal and it was conceived by some Roman Catholike that the Arch-bishop had a hand in sending Bret to Rome as is evident by this letter of Master Middleton from Venice to the Arch-bishop himselfe informing him hereof Right honourable and most reverend c. IN Rome there is great talke of an English Cardinall and the man who is already 〈◊〉 Catholicke must be the man NOTE Mr. Mountague Your Lordship I know will 〈◊〉 if not at this yet at that I shall now write A Catholick discoursing with me let a word fall and this it was That within this twelve moneth the Pope did wish that his sacred Majesty of England were at once his trusty sâ—nne for thou he would not be used aâ— he 〈◊〉 by French or Spaniard the same party did not aske the question but only thus I wonder whether my Lord of Canterbury have any hand in the sending of Serjeant Major Bret to Rome I answered because I saw he was fishing surely no because NOTE as you know it is written he comes from the Queen and in her name Rome is very kind to our English Gentlemen I humbly entreat your Graces pardon if in a desire to let nothing I heare scape your knowledge I must lowly offer unto you such things as will make you lose so much time as you shall read the Letter but though your Lordship lose a little time let not me I beseech you loose that good opinion which I hope you have conceived of Your Graces most really devoted and obedient Servant William Middleton December 21. 1635. In these two letters there are some clauses concerning Francisâ—us de Saâ—ta Clara his book intituled Deus Natura Gratia written purposely printed in England to reconcile us to Rome and afterward licensed and printed at Rome it selfe to this end though the Jesuits did some of them dislike it as over-moderate of which more in its due place In the yeer 1636. Signior Gregorio Panzani the Popes Nuncio in England and Major Bret our English Agent at Rome being discharged of their negotiations Signior 〈…〉 a Scot was appointed by the Pope to succeed Panzani at his Nunciogâ—rio and Sir William Hamilton a Scot too sent hence Leger to Rome what letters presentâ— pictures he carried with him from hence and from whom is worthy inquiry That Windebanke 〈…〉 were privy to this succession and negotiation will appeare by this letter of 〈◊〉 Phiâ—lips the Queenâ— Confessor to him the originall whereof found among his 〈◊〉 is ready to be produced thus indorsed with Windebanks owne hand 9 Iune 1636. Father Phillips rec 10. Right honourable YEster night after your honours departing from Hampton Court I received this inclosed the Gentleman who sent it to me from Paris writeth that Sir William Hamilton departed from thence the 3. of Iune NOTE that is our 24. of May so that now he must be heere unto Rome He writeth also that Seignior Georgio Conco whom the Pope doth send to the Queen was to depart from Rome about the â—0 of May if he have heard of Sir Williams hasty going it may be he will stay till his arrivall which I could wish because he both can and would help him better at the beginning then any other I know I rest ever Your Honours most humble and devoted Servant R. Phillips From Haâ—pton-Couâ—t the 9. of June 1636. Sir William Hamilton soone after arrived at Rome as English agent there where he had special lodgings provided for him and a pension of 500. l. per annum granted to him in another Hamiltons name out of the Exchequer here for his service there Before this time the Congregation of propagating the Faith at â—ome having good hopes of the conversion and reduction of England to their obedience constituted Cardinall Barbarino Nephew and Vice Chancellour to the late deceased Pope â—aâ—ron and Protector of the English and Scottish Nation as Cardinall a See p. â—09 â—â—dovisius was of the Irish who to facilitate their designe erected a speciall society of foure orders or Jesuits in England whereof the Popes Legat for the time being residing in England was the chief Patron and Cardinall Barbarinâ— the principall Superintendent as you may read more at large in my b Page â—3 See Romes Master-piece from one who was privy to the plot sent over hither by Cardinall Barbarino to assist Con this Cardinall held intimate correspondence wiâ—h Windebanke as is apparant by the forementioned letter of Panzani and by these ensuing passages in Master Thomas VVindebankes letter to him from Rome wherein he thus expresseth his entertainment at Rome by Sir William Hamilton and this Cardinall to his Father Sir MY most humble duty remembred c. Sir William Hamilton hath been pleased to put so great an obligation upon me as to invite me to his house for the time that I am in Rome I would very willingly have avoyded the putting him to such an inconvenience but he pressed it so farre that I could not refuse the receiving of that favour the Cardinall Barbarino I understand HATH LONG EXPECTED
him thankes for his Resolution about ordering the Kings Chappell and wearing his Whites c. and promising to speake to my Lord Traquair about Edward Helly Another Febr. 28. 1634. Containing Thankes from the King for the solemnitie of the late Communion and expressing his hopes that the other Bishops were in their Whites as well as he that the envy of the uulgar might not fall only on him That he had shewed His Majesty the paper of those of the Session as did not conforme at the Communion That he had done what he could for the Gentlemen of the Chappell but the times required patience c. On the 28. of Septemb. 1634. The Arch-Bishop caused the King to signe a common prayer Booke for the use of the Church of Scotland and gave order to the Bishops of Scotland to compile certaine Canons for the Government of the Church of Scotland which Lyturgie and Canons were to be imposed on that Church by Regall and Episcopall Authority without consent of Parliament or of a generall Assembly the Bishops of Scotland not long after gave him a particular account of their proceedings herein with thanks for his many favours to them and assistance of them in this ensuing Letter thus endorsed with his owne hand Recep Aprill 12. 1635. From my Lord of Saint Andrewes and other Bishops about the Scottish Liturgie and CANONS May it please Your Grace VVE have put our Brother the Bishop of Rosse to the paines of a wet journey for ayding the Lyturgie and Canons of the Church and as we have found Your Graces favour both to our Church in Generall and our selves in divers particulars for which we are Your Graces debters so we are to entreate the continuance thereof in this and our common affaires We all wish a full conformity in the Churches but Your Grace knoweth that this must be the worke of time We have made blessed bee God a further progresse then all have here expected in many yeares by His Majesties favour and Your Graces helpe and hope still to goe further if it shall please God to continue Your Grace in health and life for which we pray continually And so remitting all things to our Brothers relation we take Our leave Your Graces affectionate Brothers and Servants Saint Andrew Glasgow 10 B. of Moray Ad B. of Dublane Tho Brochine Dated 2. Aprill 1635. On May 19. 1635. The Archbishop writ a Letter of thankes to Bishop Balentine for his forwardnesse in this service informing him That the King was well pleased with the conformity at the last reception of the Sacrament That he was glad the Church businesse there was in so faire a way c. That His Majesty had given him the Bishopricke of Aberdeen and expected his Residence there and care of that University August 7. 1635. He writ to him that the King is well pleased with the solemnity of the Sacrament and that the Bishops were in forme That he expects that all that receive there doe it kneeling and in forme and that every one of the Session doe it once a yeare at least and that therefore he and his Successor make a list of the names which performe or not c. After this he writ a Letter into Scotland to the Archbishop of Saint Andrewes dated November 10th 1635. which I find thus indorsed with his owne hand A Copie of my Letters sent by the Kings command into Scotland concerning Church-businesse there to be agitated betweene my Lord of Saint Andrewes and the Earle of TRAQUARE My very good Lord S. in Christo. FOr the particulars entrusted by the Church to the Lord Bishop of Brehen and namely about the Abbacy of Lindores you must expect them from the Lord Bishop himselfe and from such relations as you will receive by my Lord and the Earle of Traquâ—re Note now at this time you shall receive nothing but that which is commanded me by the King and must be my part to act in the present and future businesse for the Church of Scotland My Lord for the present the King is resolved upon some great reasons of State which have prevailed with him not to meddle with the Abbacy of Lindores of any other of that nature as yet but to leave them in that State in which they now are till such time as he may consider the decrees and the Act or Acts of Parliament which concerne them And till he can finde a way to Order them better both for his owne profit and the contentment of his people there Assuring you in the meane time that both in this and all other businesse hee will be very carefull both of the credit and of the maintenance of the Church whereof if your selfe or any other Bishop or Clergie Men shall make doubt I am commanded to tell you that therein you will not onely doe His Majestie wrong but hurt your selves and the Church which you seeke to benefit And in this very particular you are to know and make knowne to others that it is not the dislike of any person or persons or of the thing it selfe that causes this present stay but reason of State only and the care which the King hath all proceedings may goe on according to Law As for the Bishopricks his Majestie will take their wants into as provident care as he can and hath setled Arbroth upon the Bishopricke of Brehen but in what forme I am not able to tell you as not being so well acquainted with the customes and constitutions of that Kingdome and therefore lest I should mistake in any circumstance I leave that wholly to the Bishops owne relation For all the businesse of that Church in future which must come to the Exchequer or any other publique audience or any other businesse that may reflect upon the Church or any thing that belongs to the Kings service in which Churchmen are trusted you are immutably to hould this Rule and that by his Majesties strict and most speciall Command Namely that your selfe or the Lord Rosse or both of you together doe privatly acquaint the Earle of Traquare with it before it be proposed in publike either at the Councell Table Note or the Exchequor or else where and the Earle hath assumed to the King in my presence that he will strictly observe and hold the same corespendency and course with you and further that he will very redily and faithfully doe all good Offices for the Church that come within his power according to all such Commands as he shall receive either immediatly from the King or otherwise by direction of his Majesty from my selfe Note and if at any time your Lordships and my L. Traquare shall upon any of the aforenamed businesse so differ in judgment that you cannot accord it among yourselves you are to let it rest and write up either to his Majesty or to my selfe to move his Majesty for further direction w ch once received you are all to obey That so this little unhapy
difference which lately arosâ— about Lindores may be laid a sleepe and that no other may hereafter rise up in the place of it to disturbe either the Kings or the Churches service or disorder any of your selves who are knowen to be such carâ—ull and direct servants to both And to the end this may go on with the better successe his Majesty precisely Commands that this mutuall relation betweene the Earle of Traquare and you Note be kept very secret and made knowne to no other person either Clergy or Lay for the divulging of these things cannot but breed jealousies amongst men and disservices in regard of the things themselves And therefore the King bids me tell you that he shall take it very ill at his hand who ever he be that shall not strictly observe these his directions This is all which I had in Command to deliver to you and I shall not mingle with it any particulars of my own therefore wishing you all health and happinesse and good speed in your great affaires I leave you to Gods blessed protection and rest Your Graces very loving freind and Brother W. Cant. On December 1. 1635. Canterbury writ this enâ—uing Letter to the Archbishop of Saint Andrewes concerning Fasts on the Lords day their Booke of Canons The Copy whereof I found in his Chamber at the Tower thus indorsed with his Secretaries hand A Copy of my Letters to the Lord Archbishop of Saint Aâ—drewes for the prohibiting of all Fasts on the Lords day throughout the Kingdome My very good Lord S. in Christo. I Have but one thing at this present to trouble you with but that hath much displeased the King and not without very just Cause For now while the King is setling that Church against all things that were defective in it and against the continuance of all unwarrantable customes â—nknowne to or opposed by the ancient Church of Christ the new Bishop of Aberdene hath given wâ—y to and allowed a publick Fast thorow out his Diocesse to be kept upon the Lords Day contrary to the rules of Christianity and all the antient Canons of the Church I was in good hope that Church had quite layed downe that ill Custome but since it appeares the now Bishop of Aberdene hath continued it and perhaps others may follow his example if this passe without a checke Therefore his Majesties expres will and command to your Grace is that you and my Lord of Glascowe take order with all the Bishopps in your severall Provinces respectively that no man presume to command or suffer any Fast to be upon that day or indeed any publicke Fast upon any other day without the speciall leave and command of the King to whose power it belongs and not to them And further his Majesties will and pleasure is that if the Canons be not allready printed as I presume they are not that you make a Canon purposely against this unworthy custome and see it printed with the reâ—t And that you write a short letter to the Bishop of Aberdene to let him understand how he hath over-shot himselfe which letter you may send together with these of mine if you so please This is all which for the present I have to trouble you with therefore leaving you to Gods blessed protection I rest Your Graces very loving freind and Brother W. Cant. And to justifie himselfe if questioned he procured this Warrant writ with his owne Secretaries hand Master Dell without any date at all to be signed by his Majesty I doubt since his late questioning thus endorsed with his owne hand Warrant for the Scotch Canons Charles R. CAnterbury I would have you and the Bishop of London peruse the Canons which are sent from the Bishops of Scotland and to your best skill see that they be wâ—ll sitted for Church-government and as neare as conveniently may be to the Canons of the Châ—rch of England And to that end you or either of you may alter what you shall finde fitting NOTE And this shall be your Warrant Aprill 20. 1636. the Archbishop writ this Letter to the Bishop of Dunblane concerning the Communion in the Chappell royall the Booke of Ordâ—nation and the Litâ—rgy the Copy whereof is indorsed with his owne hand I Have received other Letters from you by which I finde you have written to his Majesty about the Communion in the Chappell Royall concerning which the King holds his former resolution That he would be very glad there should be a full Communion at all solemne times as is appointed But because men doe not alwayes fitte themselves as they ought for that great aâ—d holy worke therefore his Majesty will be satisfied if every one that is required to Communicate there doe solemnly and conformably performe that action once a yeare at least And in conâ—ormity to this you are to signifie once a yeare NOTE unto his sacred Majesty who have communicated within the compasse of that yeare and who not And of this you must not saile By these last Letters of yours I find that you are consecrated God give you joy And whereas you desire a Coppy of our Booke of Ordination I have heere sâ—nt you one And I have acquainted his Majesty with the two great reasons that you give why the Booke which you had in K. Iames his time is short and insufficient As first that the order of Deacons is made but as a Lay Office at least as that Booke may be understood And secondly that in the admission to Priesthood the very essentiall words of conferring Orders are left out At which his Majesty was much troubled as he had great cause and concerning which he hath commanded me to write that either you doe admit of out booke of Ordination or else that you amend your owne in these two grosse over sights or any thing else if in more it be to be corrected and then see the Booke reprinted I pray faile not to acquaint my Lord of Saint Andrewes and my Lord Rosse with this expresse Command of his Majesty I received likewise from you at the same time certaine notes to be considered of that all or at least so many of them as his Majesty should approve might be made use of in your Liturgie which is now in printing And though my businesse hath of late laine very heavy upon me yet I presently acquainted his Majesty with what you had written After this I and Bishop Wren my Lord Treasurer being now otherwise busied by his Majesties appointment sate downe seriously and considered of them all and then I tendred them againe to the King without out animadversioâ—â— upon them and his Majesty had the patience to weigh and consider them all againe This done so many of them as his Majesty approved I have written into a service booke of ours sent you the book with his Majesties-hand to it to warrant all your alterations made therein So in the printing of your Liturgie you are to follow the
Booke which my Lord Rosse brought the additions which are made to the Book I now sent But if you finde the Book of my Lord Rosses and this to differ in any thing that is materiall there you are to follow this later Booke I now send as expressing somethings more fully And now that your Lordship sees all of your animadversions which the Kings approved written into this booke I shall not need to write largely to you what the reasons were why all of yours were not admitted for your judgement and modesty is such that you will easily conceive some reason was apprehended for it Yet because it is necessary that you know some what more distinctly I shall here give you a particular accompt of some things which are of most moment and which otherwise perhaps might breed a doubtfullnesse in you And first I thought you could not have doubted but that the Magnificat c. was to be printed according to the Translation of King Iames for that was named once for all And that translation is to be followed in the Epistles and Gospells as well as in the Psalmes Where I pray observe in the Title-page of the Psalmes in the booke I now send an alteration which I thinke my Lord Rosses booke had not And if you have not printed those Psalmes with a Colon in the middle of every verse NOTE as it is with ours ordinarily in the English it is impossible those Psalmes should ever be well sung to the Organ And if this error be run into it must be mended by a painfull way by a pen for all such Bookes as the Chappell Royall useth and then by one of them the next impression of your Liturgie may be mended wholly Secondly in the Creed of Saint Athanasius We can agree to no more emendations no not according to our best Greeke Copies then you shall finde amended in this Booke Thirdly though the Bishops there were willed to consider of the Holy Dayes yet it was never intended but that the Office appointed for every of them should be kept in the Liturgie and the consideration was onâ—y to be of the observation of them Fourthly for the sentences at the Offettorie We admit of all yours but Wee thinke with all that diverse which are in our Booke would be retained together with yours As namely the 2d 4th 6th 7 8. 9. 10. 13. 14. 15. Fifthly I would have every Prayer or other Action through the whole Communion named in the Rubrick before it NOTE that it may be knowne to the people what it is as I have begun to doe in the Prayer of Consecration and in the memoriall or Prayer of oblation Fac similiter Sixtly We doe fully approve the Collect of Consecration and Oblation should preceed and the Lords Prayer follow next and be said before the Communion in that order which you have exprest but for the Invitation Consâ—ssion Absolution Sentences Preface and Doxologie We thinke they stand best as they are now placed in our Liturgie and as for the Prayer of humble accesse to the holy Communion that will stand very well next before the Participation Seaventhly I have ordered a Rubrick in the Margin of this Booke according as you desire to direct him that celebrates when to take the Sacrament into his hand Namely to take and breake and lay hands on the Chalice as he speakes the words For certaiâ—ly the practise of the Church of England therein is very right And for the objection that we should not doe it till we expresse our Warrant so to doe which you conceive is in these words Do this c. I Answer 1. That those words Do this c are rather our Warrant for the Participation or Communication then the Consecration 2. That our repeating what Christ did is our Warrant to doe the same being there to commanded 3. That the whole Action is Astus continuus and therefore though in our saying Do this followes after yet it doth and must be intended to that which We did before and comes last to seale and confiâ—me our Warrant for doing so And so t is in the other Sacrament of Baptisme where we take the Child first and Baptise it and then afterwards Wee say We receive this Child c. Which in Actu continuâ— must needs relate to the preceeding act for the Child was actually received into the Church by the very act of Baptisme it selfe And this is but our Declaration of that Reception And Whereas you write that much more might have beene done if the times would have borne it I make noe doubt but there might have beene a fuller Addition But God be thanked this will doe very well and I hope breed up a great deale of devout and religious pietie in that Kingdome Yet I pray for my Farther satisfaction at your best leisure â—â—aw up all those particulers which you thinke might make the Liturgy perfâ—ct whether the times will beare them or not And send them safe to me I will not faile to give you my judgment oâ— them Note and perhaps put some of them to further use at least in my owne particular One thing more and then I have done In his Majesties authourising of the notes in this book preâ—ixed at the begining of it though he leave a liberty to my Lords the Archbishops of St. Andrewes Brethreâ— the Bishops who are upon the plâ—ce upon apparent reason to vary some things Yet you must know and inâ—orme them that his Majestie having viewed all these additions hopes there will be no need of change of any thing and wil be best pleased with little or rather no alteration So wishing all prosperity to that Church and a happy finishing of your Liturgie and health to my Brethren the Bishops I leave you to the Grace of God and rest Lambeth Aprill 20. 1636. Your Lordships very loving Freind and Brother W. Cant. This Letter gives us very much light concerning the proceedings of the Archbishop in the Scottish Liturgie the Scottish Bishops sending all their Notes and alteratioâ—s of it doubts concerning it to him from time to time as to their only Oâ—icle all which I have at large but preâ—ermit in silence and receiving his directions which were punctually observed By which it appeares how vaine and false this excuse of his concerning this businesse is which hee drew up with his owne hand since his imprisonment in the Tower where I founde it thus indorsed and superscribed by him The * * But his own Letters the subsequent passages manifest it to beâ— false true Narrative concerning the Scottish Service Book Doctor Iohn Maxwell the late Bishop of Rosse came to me from his Majesty It was during the time of a great sicknesse which I had Anno 1629 which is 11. yeares since The cause of his comming was to speake with me about a Lyturgie for Scotland At this time I was so extreame ill that I saw him not And had death
end there may be little left he that Officiates is required to consecrate with the least and then if there be want the words of Consecration may be repeated againe over more either Bread or Wine the Presbyter beginning at these words in the prayer of Consecration Our Saviour in the same night that he was betrayed tooke c. Finally in the commination against sinners he hath made these insertions Prayers to be used diverse times of the yeare AND ESPECIALLY ON THE FIRST DAY OF LENT COMMONLY CALLED AS HWEDNESDAY is added Brethren in the Primitive Church there was a godly Discipline that at the begining of Lentsuch persons as were notorious sinners were put to open penance and punished in this world which he thus alters were put to open penance did humbly submit themselves TO UNDER GOE PUNISHMENT IN THIS WORLD Note Which alteration makes way and gives good coulor for the introduction of Popish Confession and Penances imposed by Priests the end no doubt for which it was made To conclude Whereas there were diverse godly-prayers printed at the end of the common Prayer Book after the Psalms to be used for sundry purposes some whereof were made use of in private families Morning and Evening the Arch-Bishop gives this direction in the Margin concerning the expunging of them with his own hand His Mâ—â—â—sty commands That these prayers following or any other for they are different in severall editions BE ALL LEFT OUT and not printed in your Lyturgie Which command was accordingly observed Now I beseech you judge by all these particulars what the Archbishops designe was in making all these alterations additions and indeavouring to obtrude this Common-Pâ—ayer Book and new Lyturgy upon the Church of Scotland without consent of their Parliament or Generall Assembly and what just cause our Brethren of Scotland had to oppose and resist them as they did This Service Book being printed in Scotland Note with these and sundry other alterations and additions wherein it differed from the English in the Yeare 1637. the Arch-Bishop having first caused Mr. Prynne Doctor Bastwicke and Master Burton to be severly censured pillered stigmatized cropped off all their Eares and sent them close priâ—oners to sundry remote Castles for opposing his popish Innovations here in England which strook an extraordinary terror into many here as he conceived would have terrified all from any future opposition of his Popish designes elsewhere tooke occasion immediately after their censures to endeavour to set this Service Book on â—oote in Scotland by a meare Arbitrary power For which purpose he gave order that this Book should be publikly read in all Churches within the City of Edenborough in Iuly 1637. about which time he writ this Letter to the Lord Treasurer of Scotland concerning the Priory and other Lands which the Bishops of Scotland laboured to get in possession to augment their revenues and the affaires of that Church My good Lord S. In Christo. YOur Lordships of Iune 26. came to my hands on Sunday Iuly 2. And they were the first I received out of Scotland since your returne thither save onely that I had one from the Kings Advocate in answer to mine and one from my Lord of Breâ—â—en And I confesse I did and doe a little wonder at it considering how many Letters I writ and what their contents were So I was glad to see one come from Your Lordship till I read it but then I confesse I was much troubled to see things goe on there in such a way For I thought we had beene happily come to an end of those troubles My Lord I have much a doe to read some words in your hand-wrigâ—ting and some things concerning that Kingdome I understand not Betweene these two if I mistake any thing I heartily pray you it may goe pro non scripto And now for Instance I confesse I doe not well understand what that particular is at which my Lord of St. Andrewes checks but what ever it be I am sorry his Grace will not privately debate it before it come in publike Or since he cannot gaine his Commission in Exchequer hee will take a course before the Commission of surrenders that may bee prejudiciall to the Archbishoprick For I hope hee will not thinke of any advantagious way to particular persons with disadvantage to the publike His Majesties intention certainly is that all mortifications to Bishopricks or other pious uses should have all immunities for the advantage of the Church that may bee had And if my Lord of Saint Andrewes either by the Commission to which His Majesties hand was gotten or by valuation before the Commission of surrenders depart from the good of the Church in the particular of the Prioâ—y I must be sorry for it but certainly the Kings bounty must not be abused Only I beseech your Lordship looke carefully to it that my Lord Arch-Bishop have no prejudice for it seemes exceeding strange to me that any thing should be attempted by him in this that is not pregnantly for the Churches good For the Commission of surrenders you know my opinion of it and of whom I learn'd it And I hope before these Letters come to you you will understand His Majesties pleasure concerning that Commission from the Earle of Sterling To your Lordships demands and desires I give you briefly this answer First I heartily thanke you that you are minded once more in a private way to move my Lord Chancellour to alter his intended course by debate there or from hence if there bee any use of me and I heartily pray you so to doe And if you think fit you may tell him t is my desire as well as yours For I have not at this time written any one word of this businesse Secondly If the Kings intentions for the laying the foundation of the Cathedrall Church of Saint Andrewes will in this way my Lord Chancellour now takes bee wholly eluded you must by all good and faire meanes prevent it And if you cannot so doe it you must acquaint His Majestie with it before it be too late Thirdly I doe hereby heartily pray you to stop all things which come to your knowledge NOTE if you finde the Church prejudged or any thing intended contrary to the generall course introduced in favour of the Church And I assure my selfe that His Majestie will thank you for the service Lastly Your Lordship did understand me right and I am still of opinion that more care is to bee taken in the settling of all these Church businesses for the dignitie and advantage of the places themselves And that course I beseech you hold for those things which come within your power And yet I shall still desire the present incumbent may be considered also where it may be without prejudice to the place it selfe in perpetuity This hath been one of the heavyest Termes that ever I indured NOTE and it seemes you have had troubls enough The best is the
Worship if they understand thereby the formes of Confession Prayers celebration of Baptisme and the Lords Supper c. were committed in the time to some few Ministers not exceeding the number of Seven as is cleare by the Psalme Booke that beares the number of the approvers Whereas this Booke of Common Prayer committed in the Assembly of Aberdene Anno 1616. to some three or foure that since are deceased hath been revived and approved by the Bishops Note The second reason is untrue that which they call the forme of Worship was never established by Act of Parliament The confession of Faith was in Anno 1567. ratiâ—â—ed and the same often repeated since But not tâ—e Booke of Prayeâ—s and Psalmes Thirdly Note That the Church of Scotland is a free and Independent Church none doth question And it is her own Pastors for that title 〈◊〉 antiquity was given to Bishops only that have judged this forme to be most for the good of the people As to the measure of Reformation they speake of it is weâ—l that they grant it to bee a measure for other whiles they thinke it absolute and perfect The fourth reason reflects upon themselves that have stood out so rebelliously against the Ceremonies concluded by the Church and ratified in Parliament And for the rest contained in this Book not received as yet in this Church that which is set downe in the preface might have sufficed to convict them They wiâ—l never bee able do what they can to prove the same or any thing in it to be either Supersâ—itious or Idolatrous yea we dare to say it is one of the most Orthodox and perfect Litturgies in the Christian Church Note For the fifth If they have taught the people that the forme contained in the old Psalme Bookes is the only forme of Worship they have taught falsly And it may be justly asked if this was the onely true forme why did not they themselves keep to it but did use other Prayers and other formes then are prescribed in the Booke both in Marriage Baptisme Celebration of the Lords Supper Visitation of the Sick c. As to the unwillingnesse of people so many as are led by them and carried by their Seditious and turbulent Sermons will perhaps run their wayes to their owne destruction But good and well-disposed people will still obey God the King and other powers subordinate to him By this Answer you may discerne what power the Scottish Bishops arrogated to themselves through Canterburies encouragement even more then to a generall Assembly September 4. 1637. The Archbishop writ this branch of a Letter to the Archbishop of Saint Andrews concerning the tumult in Edinburgâ— and new pressing of the Service Booke in answer of his Letter received from thence August 11 1637. as appeares by the Endorcement under his owne hand TOuching the tumult I can say no more than I have already And for the casting of any fault upon your Grace and the rest of your Brethren as if the thing were done precipitatly I think few men will believe that But that which is thought here is that though you took advice among your selves yet the whole body of the Councell was not acquainted with all your Determinations nor their advice taken nor their Power called in for assistance till it was too late And that after the thing was done you consulted apart and sent up to the King without calling a Councell or joyning the Lay-Lords with you whereas all was little enough in a businesse of this nature and so much opposed by some factious men gathered it seems purposâ—ly together at Edinburgh to disturbe this businesse And indeed my Lord you could not in this particular have ingag'd the Lay-Lords too far And if any Lord here spake too much when he thougâ—t the service might have bin received throughout all that Kingdome in one day I hope your Grace falls as much too short on the other side For I hope it will be setled in far lâ—sse time than 7. years And whereas you write that the fault is mâ—st in your Ministers I easily believe that to be true But then they should have bin dealt withall before hand and made plyable especially in Edenborow or els some others appointed in the roome of such as disliked And since your Grace is of opinion that a sharper course would do more good and that you would have taken such with Master Ramsey if my Lords had not alter'd your opinion His Majesty leaves you to take that course both with him and others as you shall finde fittest for his service and the Churches And for the Postscript I am sorry as well as you for Master Rollock and that is all I have to say of him So desiring God to blesse you through these troubles I leave you c. Will. Cant. Septemb. 4. 1637. On the 11. of September 1637 the Archbishop writ another Letter to the Lord of Trâ—quâ—â—re Part whereof câ—ncerning the Scottish Liturgy I have hâ—re inserted discovering how zeaâ—ous and active his little Grace was in it My very good Lord I Have received your Letters of Aug. 20. And am very glad to read in them that mine came safe to you by your servant For the businesse I had some little inkling given me by my â— Sterling about the stay of the service But till I read your Letter I did not believe it possible that way should be given to an Interdiction especially considering how strongly you had ever opposed it and withall how weak Note and uncounsellable at least in my judgement the thing it selfe was For they could not but fore-see that that course would adde a great deale of heartning and encouragement to the Puritan Party And therefore t is no wonder if such Lords and others as were ill-affected to the Lyturgy were easie in giving way to that Counsell which they could not but see would advance to their own ends But that my Lord of Rosse should give the advice and my L. of St Andrews follow it with such stifnesse may be a wonder to any man that knowes them and the businesse My Lord of St Andrews hath lately writtten to me that my Lord of Rosse was gone into his Diocesse But for my part I did not think that all the rest would have gone away and left the businesse For they cannot but think that the adverse part would make use of the present time to put further difficulties upon the work And therefore they should have been as carefull to uphold it my Lord of Rosse especially whose hand hath been as much in it as the most But since they are gone His Majesty takes it extremely well from my Lords of Edenborow Galloway and Dunblane that they stay and attend the businesse as well as they can But he hath expresly commanded me to give your Lordship thanks for staying with them Note and keeping them so well in heart For as the businesse is now foyled if you doe not
stick close to Gods and the Kings service in it it will certainly suffer more then is fit it should His Majesty likewise takes it exceeding well from your Lordship that you have dealt with the City of Edenborow for maintenance for such as shall take upon them to read the Lyturgy And takes it as well from the City it selfe from whom I have received a very faire and discreet Letter which I have shewed his Majesty and writ the City an Answer by this Returne and given them His Majesties thanks which indeed hee commanded mee to doe very heartily And in truth they deserve it especially as the times stand As for the Ministers of Edenborow I know the refusall of Mr Ramsay and Mr Rollock But that any other of them stuck at it or that any Bishops seeme not to be forward is more then I heard till now But for that of Mr Ramsey or any of the Bishops that would have somewhat amended if that should be yeelded unto now unlesse they should be able to give such reason against it Note as I know they cannot it would mightily dishonour the King who to my knowledge hath carefully lookt over and approved every word in this Lyturgy And I doubt it would utterly destroy the service it selfe For whilâ— one man out of a humour dislikes one thing and another another by that time every mans dislike were satisfied I doubt there would be but little left to serve God with Besides it is not improbable but that some men would bee as earnest to have the selfe same thing kept in which others would so fâ—ine thrust out what ere it bee And that may make it grow up into a formall contestation upon some particulars and quite distemper the service But whereas you write that some Bishops speake plainely that if their Opinions had been craved they would have advised the amending of some thing Truly for that and in that way I would withall my heart they had seene it And why my Lord of St Andrews and they which were trusted by the King did not discreetly acquaint every Bishop with it considering that every Bishop must be used in their severall Diocesses I know no reason and sure I am there was no prohibition upon them And since I heare from others that some exception is taken because there is more in that Lyturgy insome few particulars then is in the Lyturgy in England why did they not then admit the Lyturgy of England without more adoe But by their refusall of that and the dislike of this 't is more then manifest they would have neither perhaps none at all were they left to themselves But my Lord to your selfe only and in your eare a great favour you should doe mee if you will get my Lord of Galloway to set me down in briefe Propositions without any further discourse all the exceptions that are taken against the Lyturgy by Ramsey Rollock or any other and I could be content to know which the Bishops are which would have amended something had they been advised with and what that is which they would have so amended c. Will. Cant. Sept. 11. 1637. After this divers Treatises written against the Service-Book in Scotland were sent thence to the Arch-bishop foure whereof he received thence October 12. 1637. as appeares by their Indorsements with his own hand with which I shall not trouble the Reader the substance of all of them being long since printed From this time till about Iune 1638. the businesse of the service-Service-Book was carried on and pressed by the Arch-bishops meanes with sundry rigid and terrifying Proclamations which not prevailing what desperate counsels and resolutions were thereupon taken up and by whose advise these ensuing passages in some Iesuites Letters written from hence in French to their Superior and other Iesuits at Paris which Iesuits were more privie to our Counsels and designes then most of the Privie-Councell themselves as their Letters intimate will best informe us These Letters by some meanes or other came to Secretary Windebanks hands among whose papers I found the Originals themselves out of which I have translated these ensuing clauses One of the Letters was thus superscribed in French Au R. Pere P. Gasper Segnisâ—n SVPERIOR de la Maison professe de la COM. DE IESVS A PARIS it beares date the 28. of Iune 1638. wherein he writes thus in French out of which I have faithfully translated it My Reverend Father I have not been at London five dayes in all since I came from France else I had not failed to salute your Reverence c. I have treated with Father Provinciall touching a succession but he saith there is some body who hinders the Father Generall that he cannot at all resolve himselfe as yet to send one but as soon as he shall have resolved he hath one which he will design for this place but he speakes not one syllable who it is and I have not at all demanded it For my selfe I continue the design for Italy as soon as the time and season shall be proper but I know not whether I shall passe by Paris as I go c. I know not what to say of Mortimer the Superior of Scotland as knowing not whether he hath leave to goe or not nor yet their Procurer who resides in this Court for the Generall hath given no answer to the reply which Mortimer hath made The Country there is in a very ill posture and in evident danger to sever it selfe from this Crown Your most humble and obliged servant G. T. Iune 28. This Iesuite sent another Letter with this form writ in French without any superscription containing a full relation of the Scottish troubles and proceedings to another Iesuite as I suppose in which there is this memorable clause containing a resolution here taken to subdue the Scots by force the Counsellors names who gave this advice and the instruments to be used in this service to wit the Irish because they durst not trust the English Sir c. BY all these proceedings the King evidently seeth that they the Scots wil not submit themselvs to reason by fairnes or sweetnes and therefore he hath taken a resolution to tame them by force and to this purpose goeth about to raise an Army in Ireland not daring to trust himselfe with the English Note who already are much irritated against him by reason of the monies which he pretends to raise to maintain his Fleet the which they refuse down right to pay This Councell of raising an Army hath been suggested unto him by the Bishop of Canterb. and the President of Ireland Nota. the which are they alone that govern him for he hath never yet opened his mouth or spoken one soleword of it to his Councell of State but seeks very much to keep * * 〈◊〉 this Iesuite knowes all the plot and secrets of it though the Coâ—nsell 〈◊〉 not all close from them The which highly displeaseth all
Graces hands I have here inclosed them all Thus with my prayers for the long continuance of your Graces health and happy government of this Church I humbly take my leave Your Graces in all due observance Eldard Alvey York Octob. 16. 1640. What else concerns the Archbishops activity and proceedings in the Scottish Troubles and Wars you may read in the Articles exhibited against him to the Lords in Parliament by the Scotch Commissioners and the House of Commons But before I leave this subject I shall onely give you a little more light how active the Papists were to concur with the Archbishop aâ—d Prelates in setting on these Scottish Wars Troubles and what advantages they made of them Not long before the Scottish troubles one Francis Smith a great Iesuit discoursing with Mr. * See the Popish Royall Favourite p. 31. Iames Waddâ—sworth and one Mr. Yaxley in Norfolk touching some points of Religion used these speeches It is not now a time nor way for us to bring in our Religion by Disputes or Bookes of Controversy But IT MUST BE DONE BY AN ARMY and BY FIRE AND SWORD This Smith usually frequented Lambeth house and Windebanks Lodgings with whom he was very familiar and was no doubt a great stickler in raising the Scottish Tumults and fomenting that war as well as other Iesuits to further which and advance the Catholick cause the Queen-Mother of France unexpectedly came over into England and landed at Harwich about the 19. of October 1638. This war was no sooner resolved on by the King by the Archbishop and his confederations instigations but the Popes Nuncio with the Priests Iesuits and Roman Catholicks of England and Wales all privy to the plot assembled together in a kind of Parliament or generall Counsell of State at London in Aprill 1639. In which Councell convened by the Queens command Con the Popes Nuncio sate President where in imitation of the Bishops and Clergies forementioned Contributions to maintain this war they all resolved upon a liberall Contribution towards it To which end the Queen her self Sir Keâ—elm Digby and Mr. Walter Mountague together with the Noblemen Gentlemen Priests and Recusants assembled at London writ severall Letters to all Recusants in the severall Counties of England and Wales to excite them to a most liberall and free Benevolence towards the maintenance of this warre appointing speciall Collectors publikely to gather in the same in regard whereof all Processe against Recusants were stayed by His Majesties speciall direction who was privy to this assembly and contribution as is evident by his * See the Royall Popish favourite p. 16. answer to Mr. Pulfords Petition The verity of this contribution of the Papists is most apparent by these ensuing Copies of their severall Letters produced and read in the Commons House * See the Diurnall Occurrences c. p. 22. to 23. Ianuary 28. 1640. on which day Sir Kenelm Digby and Mr. Mountague were brought upon their knees at the Commons Barre for furthering this Collection with their Letters which they there professed they did write and disperse onely in duty to the King to relieve him he being at that time in great distresse for moneys The Queens Letter for the Levying of money Henretta Maria R. VVE have so good a beleefe of the loyalty and affection of his Majesties Catholike Subjects as we doubt not but upon this occasion that hath called his Majesty into the Northern parts for the defence of his Honour and Dominions they will expresse themselves so affected as we have alwaies represented them to his Majâ—sty so in this common consent which hath appeared in the Nobility Iudges â—entry and others to forward His Majesties service by their persons and states Note We have made no difficulty to answer for the same correspondency in his Catholike Subjects as Catholikes notwithstanding they all have already concurred to this his Majesties service according to the qualities whereof they are when others of the same quality were called upon for we beleeve that it becâ—me us Note who have been so often interested in the sâ—licitation of their benefits to shew our selves now in the perswasion of their gratitude Therefore having already by his Majesty by other meanes recommended to them this earnest desire of ours to assist and serve his Majesty by some considerable summe of money freely and cheerfully presented We have thought fit to the end thâ—t this our desires may be the more publikâ— and the more authorized hereby to give you Commission and direction to distribute Copies under your hand of this testification thereof unto those that have met in London by our direction Note about this businesse and unto the severall Collectors of every County And as we presume the 〈◊〉 they will raise will not be unworthy our presenting to the King so shâ—ll we be very sensible of it as a particular respect to our selves and will endeavour in the most efficatious manner we can to improve the merit of it and to remove any apprehension of prejudice that any who shall imploy themselves towards the successe of this businesse may conceive by this they may be assured that we will secure them from all such objected inconveniences And we are very confident that this our first recommendation will be so complyed with all Note as may not onely afford us particular satisfaction but also faciliation towards their 〈◊〉 advantages Given under our signet at White Hall this 17. of April 1639. Sir Kenelme Digbies and Master Mountagues Letter concerning the Contribution IT is sufficient already knowne to every one the extraordinary Graces and Protectionsâ— Note we owe the Queenes Majesty to whose favourable intercession we must ascribe the happy moderation we live under so as we doubt not but an occasion of the expression of our gratitudes will joyfully be embraced by every body which the present estate of his Majesties affaires doth now offer us We have already by our former Letters endeavoured to prepare you to a cheerefull assistance of his Majesty in his declared journey to the Northerne parts for the securing of his Kingdome and such other purposes as his Royall wisedome shall resolve of That so you may really demonstrate your selves as good Subjects as God and nature requires of you Now Her Majesty hath been graciously pleased to recommend unto us the expressions of our duties and zeale to his Majesties service by some considerable gift from the Catholiques and to remove all scruples that even well-affâ—icted persons may meete with she undertakes to secure us and all that shall employ themselves in this businesse from any inconvenience that may be suspected by their or our forwardnesse and declaration in this kind It will easily appeare to every body how much it imports us Note in our sence of her Majesties desires to prâ—sse everybody to straine himselfe even to his best abilities in his Proposition since by it we shall certainly preserve her graciousnesse to us and
c. intimates MAy it please your Grace c. I humbly beseech your Grace to pardon these my presumptions and this other Information which I shall assure your Grace They have printed at Rome a Book of Fastidius a Britain Bishop De Vitâ Christianà which THE CARDINALL FRANCISCO BARBARINO INTENDS TO DEDICATE TO HIS SACRED MAJESTY Note A Book of singular Devotion and Piety and of great Antiquity the Author being a Bishop in England about 300. yeers after 〈◊〉 Saviour Lucas Holstenius a very learned man hath the care of the Edition but hath not I thinke as yet finished his Annorations upon it For the Text he and I compared the Manuscript which is also very ancient with the printed Copy and I finde it exactly to agree c. Your Graces most obliged servant Iohn Greaves Ligorn March 3. Nay this War and the other designes of the Popish party notwithstanding the second Treaty with the Scots and the present Parliaments summons and meeting did so elevate the Papists hopes in England that Mr. Brudnell and Mr. Somerset went purposely over into Italy in November 1640. Note to sue for Cardinalls Caps upon an expectation of a new creation of Cardinals as the passages of these ensuing Letters writ to Secretary Windebancke from Rome found among his Papers and indorsed with his own hand abundantly evidence RIght Honorable Sir c. Mr. Thomas Sommerset is safely arrived at Ligorn upon his journey to Rome I conceive to prosecute his own intentions Your honors most affectionat and humble Servant Iohn Wilford The 3. of November 1640. SIr Mr. Thomas Sommerset is at Florence where Mr. Brudnell is also arrived There are some hopes of a Creation before Christmas the Pope being troubled with a Catarre which argues a multiplicity of humors Yours Iohn W. Novemb. 10. 1640. Right Honourable Sir THe Pope his Catarre arguing a multiplicity of humors dangerous in 74. yeers of age gave occasion to his Physition to suggest so much to Cardinall Barbarino and to him to make serious instance with the Pope for a Creation lest some sudden sicknesse portended by those Catarres prevent him This makes the pretendants expect the complements of their desires about Christmasse and indeed there would not be much improbability in it the creation importing the Pope and Nephew so much if the dispute about the nominated by the Crownes were ended But as yet nor France nor Spaine hath had promise of having Abbot Peretti or Mon Seigniâ—ur Massarini created Mr. Sommerset is come to Florence upon his arrivall here and his Negotiation we shall see what hopes either he or any others WHO AYME AT OUR ENGLISH CARDINALS CAP MAY PROMISE THEMSELVES Note c. Your Honors most affectionate and humble servant Iohn Wilford Novemb. 10. 1640. About this very time it seemes Mr. George Fortescue had some speciall Commission and imployment at Rome from hence it may be to succeed Sir William Hamilton in his negotiation there or to sollicite a Cardinalls Cap as this Letter of his to Secretary Windebanke found among his papers imports Right Honourable Vnderstanding by my Kinsman that your Honour desired light in two points concerning my selfe I was glad of the occasion to present with these lines my humble service and to assure your Honour though unknown I have ever upon all occasions proâ—essed my selfe a passionate servant of yours and shall be ever most ready to doe your Honour all service To those points I affirmed not that I had leave of his Majesty to follow that particular businesse for I my selfe knew it not Note till I came to the City where I met with my Commission and Instructions not seen before Immediatly at my arrivall here I addressed my selfe to Sir William and carried my selfe with that obedience to his intimation as in that passage I rather referre my selfe to Sir Williams report then to my owne relation which so much would tend to my commendation Upon his intimation I moved my Master to imploy some subject of his owne in that businesse which very graciously upon my letter he hath done So that a primo ad ultimum I never medled in that businesse For my comming to Rome I might very well conceive no place forbidden me his Majesty giving me so faire a leave to serve his Highnesse Neither hath the License which his Majesty gave me to travell any restriction at all In these I presume your Honour will discover with what resignation I have carried my selfe all along and with what obedience to his Majesties pleasures though so suddenly made knowne unto me and without any command at all As in these so desire I in all to give your Honour a true accompt of my actions which God willing shall be ever most suitable to an obedient Subject to his Majesty a most zealous Patriot to his Country and to your Honour a servant most ambitious of your command And shall I understand that my Letters shall be agreeable to your Honour I shall make bold to present them sometimes with the respect of Your Honours most humble and most obedient Servant Geo Fortescue Rome this 11. Oct. 1640. A Postscript The Phisitians having given notice to the Cardinall of the increase of the Popes Catarrs Note the Cardinall thinkes seriously of the new creation of Cardinalls in which it is thought the Kings shall have the Caps they desire This Letter needs no great Commentary but clearely shewes that this Gentleman met both with a Commission and Instructions from hence at Rome and was to doe some speciall service there About May 1640. Con the Popes second English Nuncio returning from England to Rome to be Cardinal the Pope sent a Nephew of his Count Rosetâ— to succeed him who being but yong and unexperienced the Pope commended him by this speciall Bull Note to the old active English lesuit Sir Toby Matthew very intimate with the Archbishop Windebank Wentworth Lord Deputy of Ireland the Earl of Arundel and most great Lords and Ladies about the Court or city as to his Angle Gardian the copy whereof I found among Windebanks papers written with his own hand which intimates that the Pope had very great hopes of reducing England to its ancient vassallage to him in a very short space by the help of those female active Amazons and instruments who laboured day and night to effect this designe of his Dilecto filio Tobiae Matheo Societat Iesu sacerdoti Urbanus Papa 8. DIlecte sili salutem Apostolicam benedictionem Note Ardens animarâ—m zelus quo jaâ— a tot annis in vinea Domini laborando strenuum te militem exhibuisti promeretur ut tuae virtuâ—i debitam laudem reddamus Sane magnâ cum exultatione audivimus * * See Romes Master-peece p. 19 20. 21. labores quos sustines ut sedis Apostolicae amplitudinem augeas quo caritatis zelo omnibus omnia fias ut omnes lucri facias Decet certè te virum Apostolicum
Woman in Scotland and had maried another one Mistresse Wiseman in England with whom he cohabited here in London The Scottish Woman claymed him but she being poore and none to protect her after two yeares suite he was declared to be Wisemans husband money was his Cause for himselfe assured me it cost him in gifts feasting his Advocates and Clerks above 150. pounds What intollerable Injustice was this it being notoriously knowne that the Scottish Woman was his wife The chiefe Extortioners are the Registers of the Court Stephen Knight and his companion Brother in law to Sir Iohn Limbe When his Grace foresawe the Parliament would call them in question he presently deposed them and made the said Knight principall Proctor in his Court who fearing to be questioned for the same misdemeanours fled with his whole Family to Norwitch and there bought of that Bishop the Registers office and so is like to continue his accustomed trade of extortion except this Honourable Court call him coram to answer his innumerable oppressions which are to be seene in the Registers booke of the high Commission He hath two bonds of mine and two letters of Atturney made by me to him His ordinary course was this to take for every one twenty shillings for that he should have had but two shillings sixpence which extended to a great summe in the yeare And out of Terme he had Fees for six Clerkes and so many Promoters which went throughout England plaging the poore and inriching themselves and their Master Knight Likewise the other extortioner was Bonnyragge the greatest Knave in the Country For money he would doe any thing He carried in his Pouch a number of Citations and when he pleased for money dismissed any one A Master Quashet Mr. Smith the Iesuite and Mr. Fisher of the same Order And one Cutbert a lay brother of theirs of whom I spoke before A great number of lay persons Recusants whom I know have beene dismist by him some for forty shillings some for twentie shillings but the least was ten shillings Of a great part of Anabaptists and Brownists some that were poore he imprisoned But the rich for money escaped as themselves will depose It is fit this Bonnyragge and also the Bishop of Londons Pursivants be called in question with many other of his Promoters and under Officers As Arthur Huffe living in Saint Peters street in Westminster I come now to the fourth point concerning the Popes aspiring to the temporall government of these Kingdomes NOTE and the manner how he proceedes which I will clearely set downe You shall be informed what his Ambition was seeing himselfe exalted to Saint Peters Chaire being before Cardinall protector of the Scottish Nation And which is ominous the two former Popes Clement the eight and Paul the fifth his Predecessors having been in minoribus protectors of Scotland He thought to do something more to reduce both under one King to the Romish Church NOTE And as Clement the seaventh had by his miscarriage beene the Cause of this diâ—coriation from the obedience of the sea of Rome he might be the meanes of their reconciliation Wherefore he was no sooner made Pope but the same day with his owne hand a thing not accustomed he writ a letter to King Iames of good memory shewing his election promotion to saint Peters Chaire and offering his correspondency with his Majesty at the same instant he nominated Signiour Georgio Conne a Scottish youth who was Schoole fellow with his Nephew Signior Francisco afterwards Cardinall who should informe him of all important businesse of England and Scotland This Signior George was a very faire youth of some fifteene yeares of age and of a faire disposition having also accesse to his Holinesse you may understand my meaning for in minority being Legat in Pâ—lonia hee was much suspected of incontinency And assoone as any English Scottish or Irish Runagates came to Rome he went to their lodgings in the Popes behalfe and brought them of his Holinesse Bread and Wine and other rarities as Boligman Sauseges and other dainties letting them see all the Antiquities of Rome and their Churches though they were not of their Religion and feasting them on the Popes charge when they visited the seaven Churches as the Lord Craven and others And now the Pope with his politique braine began to excogitate the meanes to have correspondency with the King by fortune there was at Rome a Hollender expert in drayning of Lands to make the Marish grounds pasturable and arrable who having got accesse to his Holynesse Informed him that all the Marish grounds in the champaigne of Rome which was above six miles might be drained and made profitable The Pope for his profit gave a great eare and understanding by this man the meanes to effect if in a short time that he needed great store of men to worke and that of all Nations the English were most expert The Pope presently takes hould thereof apprehending it as a fit occasion to treat with our K. wherefore he sends hither the Hollander in post hast by whom Signior Georgio writ to sundry of his frinds viz. to some of the Queenes Court Note by whose meanes at last he got accesse to his Majesty signifying from whence he came and the great profit which would redouud to this Kingdome if he would permit some two thousand Familyes of his People with their Wives and Children to goe and inhabit there and after successively more For he had gotten promise of the Pope that they should not be troubled but use their consciences without any vexation at all More this Hollander signified to his Majesty the great Commodity it would be to the trade in those parts for transporting from hence Cloth pewter lead and other Commodities and from thence Wines Raysins Oyles Capers and other fruits with a great quantity of Allome The businesse is remited to the Councell to consider if his Majesty might have correspondency with the Pope Note as a temporall Prince as he hath with other Princes and States who are not so potent as Holland Venice Florence c After mature deliberation it was concluded he might for the causes prementioned The Hollander returnes with speed to Rome shewing how well he had dispatched together with His Majesties Declaration and Order of the Councell with Letters and answers of sundry persons to Signior Georgio whom hee had feasted at Rome and knew of the Queenes Court being his Countrymen Then was it thought fit by those about Her Majestie to begin the Treaty and to breake that holy Ice for the Popes honours sake then was nominated Sir Robert Douglas Couzin Germain to the Marquesse Douglas an ancient friend to Father Philips and Signior Georgio a discâ—eet Gentleman who had much travailed and was expert in the Italian French Spanish and Germain languages A Courtier yet modest and discreet But the Cardinall Richleau must be the man Note who should have the honour to direct him
which I then expected daily seased on me I had not seene this heavy day After this when I was able to sit up he came to me againe and told me It was his Majesties pleasure that I should receive some instructions from some Bishops of Scotland concerning a Lyturgie that he was imployed about it I told him I was cleare of opinion that if His Majestie would have a Lyturgiâ— setled there different from what they had already it was best to take the English Lyturgie without any vaâ—iation that so the same Service book might passe through all His Majesties Dominions To thiâ— hee replyed that he was of a contrary opinâ—on and that not he only but the Bishops there thought their Countriemen would be much better satisfied if a Lyâ—urgie were made by their owne Bishops but withall that it might be according to the forme of our English Booke I added if this were the resolution I would doe nothing till I might by Gods blessing have health and opportunity to waite upon the King And heare give me leave I humbly beseech you to tell your Lordships that this was no new conceit of His Majestie to have a Lyturgie framed and Canons made for the Church of Scotland For he followed the example and care in the businesse of his Royall Father King Iamâ—s of blessed memory who tooke Order for both at the Assembly held at Perth Anno 1618. As appeares in the Acts of that Generall Assembly and the Sermon which the late Reverend Arch-Bishop of Saint Andrewes preached before it pag. 40. 68. When I was able to goe abroad and came to His Majesty I represented all that passed His Majesty avoyded the sending of Doctor Maxwell to me and the busines but then agreed to my opinion to have the English without alteration And in this case I held the businâ—ssâ— foâ— two if not three yeare at least Afterwards the Scottish Bishops still pressing His Majestie that a Lyturgie made by themselves and in some things different from the English service would relish better with their Countrymen they prevailed with His Majestie at last to have it so notwithstanding all I could say or doe to the contrary Then His Majesty commanded me to give the Bishops of Scotland the best assistance I could in this way and worke I delayed as much as I could with my Obedience When nothing would serve but it must goe on I did not only acquaint His Majesty with it but writ downe most of the amendment or alterations in His Masties presence And doe hope there is no one thing in that Book which may not stand with the Conscience of a right good Protestant Note Sure I am his Majestie approved them all and I have his warrant under his Royall hand for all that I did about that Booke As for the way of introducing it I ever advised the Bishops both in his Majesties presence and at other times that they would looke carefully to it and be sure to doe nothing in any kinde but what should be agreeable to the Lawes of that Kingdome And that they should at all times as they saw cause bee sure to take the advice of the Lords of his Majesties Councell in that Kingdome and governe themselves accordingly Which course if they have not followed that can no way as I conceive reflect upon me And I am able to prove by other particulars as well as this that for any thing concerning that Nation I have beene as carefull their Lawes might be observed as any man that is a stranger to them might be The 18. of October 1635 the Archbishop procured this Warrant of Instructions from the Kings Majesty to this Scottish Prelates touching the Service Book and other pâ—â—ticulaâ—s Charles R. Instructions from his Sacred Majesty to the Archbishops and Bishopâ— of Scotland THat you advert that the Proclamation for authorizing the Service Booke â—t derrogate nothing from Our Prerogative Royall That in the Kalender you keep such Catholike Saints as are in the English that you pester it not with too many Note but such as you insert of thâ— peculiar Saints of that 〈◊〉 Kingdome that they be of the most approved and here to have regard to those of the blood Royall and such Holy Bishops in every Sea most renowned But in no case 〈◊〉 Saint George and Patrick That in your Booke of Orders in giving Orders to Presbyters you keepe the words of the English Booke without change Receive the Holy Ghost c. That you insert amongst the Lessons ordinarily to be râ—ad in the Sâ—rvice Note out of the Book of Wisdom the 1 2 3 4 5 and 6 Chapters and out of the Booke of Ecclâ—siasticus the 1 2 5 8 35 and 49 Chapters That every Bishop within his own Family twice a day cause the Service to be done Note And that all Archbishops and Bishops make all Universities and Colledges within their Diocesses to use daily twice a day the Service That the Preface to the Booke of Commâ—â— Prayer signed by Our hand and the Proclamation authorizing the same be printed and inserted in the Booke of Common Prayer Given at New-market the Eighteen day of October 1636 and of Our Raigne the 11. The originall Booke of Common Prayer imposed on the Church of Scotland one principall cause of the late Commotions there I found in the Archbishops Chamber in the Tower when I was enjoyned by Authority to search it May 30. 1642. with all the Additions and Alteratioâ—s wherein it varies from the English written made and inseâ—ted with the Archbishops owne hand as it was afterward printed and published in Scotland Anno 1637. conceâ—ning which I shall give you some briefe materiall observations First That to countenance these Alterations he caused this Warrant in the Kings Name written with his own Secretaries Mr. Dels hand to be inserted into the Booke just after the Table for the Psalmes and Chapters and before the begining of the Common Prayers which Warrant without doubt as appears by the Conâ—ents of it was procured long after the date thereof and I presume counterfeited Charles R. being not the King owne hand though somewhat like it but Master Dels as I conceive who writ the Warrant which runs thus Charles R. I Gave the Archbishop of Canterbury command to make the Alterations expressed in this Booke Note and to sit a Liturgy for the Church of Scotland And wheresoever they shall differ from another Booke signed by â—s at Hampton Court September 28 1634. Our pleasure is to have these followed rather than the former unâ—esse the Archbishop of St. Andrewes and his Brethren who are upon the place shall see apparâ—nt reason to the contrary At Whitehall April 19 1636. This Warrant and that for the Canons were both writ by his Secretary Dell this having a Date or rather Antedate but the other none at all that it might 〈◊〉 with any time if questioned Secondly That these Alterâ—tions are of different natures and may
be reduced to these Heads First such as tend to advance the power of the Prelates Such is that in the Preface of the Book which in the English Common Prayer Book runâ— thus All Priests and Dâ—acons shall be bound to say dayly the Morning and Evening Prayer either privately or openly except they be let by Preaching studying of Divinity or some other urgent cause which latter clauses by Preaching studying of Divinity are obliterated and this added or hindred by some urgent cause Of which cause if 〈◊〉 be frequeâ—tly pretended they are to make the Bishop of the Dioâ—esse or the Archbishop of thâ— Province the IVDGE and ALOWER Secondly Such as savour of Popery of tend towards it or are directly Popish taken â—â—t of the very Roman Masse-Book Ceremoâ—ial Pontifical or made conformable thâ—â—eunto As first his adding of two new Saintâ—â—ayes namely the Feasts of the Conversion of St. Paul and of St. Barnabas nor in the English Boâ—ke or Statute which 〈◊〉 thus These to be observed for Holy-dayes AND NO OTHER c. of which these two new Holy-days are none but now addâ—d to the Catalogue of Holy-days with the Archbishops owne hand Secondly his Introduction and Addition of New Ceremonies with Rubricks to command their use not in the English as First standing up when ever Gloria Patri is sayd * See Georgii Cassandri Ordo Romaâ—â—s p. 91 borrowed from Ordo Romanus de Officio Mâ—ssae for which there are many Rubricks in the Order for Morning and also for Evening Prayer as Then all of them standing up the Presbyter shall say or â—ing Glory be to the Father c. As at the end of the Venite so also at the end of every Psalm throughout the year and likewise in the end of Benedictus Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis shall be repâ—aâ—ed Glory be to the Father c. And the people shall answer As it was in thâ— begining c. STANDING VP AT THE SAME As it was in the begining c. ALL OF THEM STANDING VP AS OFT AS IT IS REPEATED c. 2ly The Standing up at Athanasius or the Nicenâ— Creed not formerly enjoyned in the English by this new Addition of his to the Rubrick before it shall be sayd c. this Confession of the Christian faith * This is added The Presbyter and ALL THE PEOPLE STANDING 3ly Singing or Chanting the Lords Prayer Creed Te Deum Laudamus Benodictus and other parts of publike service after the * See Orâ—â— Romanus apud Georgij-Cassaâ—dri Opera p. 100. Popish maner by adding this new clause sayd OR SUNG to their Rubricks which were said not sung before 4ly Standing up at the reading of the Gospel For which he added this new Rubricke And the Epistle ended the Gospel shall be read by the Presbyter saying The holy Gospel is written in the c. And then the people ALL STANDING UP shall say Glory be to thee O Lord At the 〈◊〉 of the Gospel the Presbyter shall say so endeth the holy Gospel And the people shall answer Thanks be thee O Lord. Dâ—rectly taken out of Missale Roâ—anâ—m ex Decreto Sancti Concilii Tridentini restitutum Piâ— 5. Pontif. Maximi jussâ— Editum Salmantieae 1588. which the Archbishop hath diligently noted with his own hand and used the Kalender in it for his Diary Memoriall common-Place-Book Rubricae Generales Missales and other places of it 5ly His order to omit the Doxology in the Lords Prayer in the repetition of it as it is omitted in the Roman Missall p. 311 312. 913. 314. and else where for which he inserts this speciall Directory The Lords Pâ—ayer in this and all other places of the Lyturgie where the last words For thine is the Kingdom c. shall be expressed shall read them But in ALL Places where they are not expressed HE SHALL END AT THESE WORDS But deliveâ— is from evill Ameâ— As the Papists do in all their Missalls and Houres belike Glory be to the Father c. will supply this Omission 6ly His inserting a new Prayer into the Collects pâ—efaced with this Title and Directory A prayer to be sayd in 〈◊〉 Ember-weeks for those who are then to be ordained into holy Orders And is to be read every day of the weeke begining on the Sunday before the day of Ordination Almighty God c. and this new Rubrick before the old Prayer Almighty and everlasting God who only worketh great marvells c. A prayer for the HOLY CLERGIE 7ly His obliterating the word Congregation in most Collects Prayers and inserting the word Church and Holy Church in its place 8ly In the order of the Administration of the Lords Supper he prevaricates most of all to usher in the Masse Transubstantiation and reconcâ—le us to the Church of Rome in this maine point of difference To instance in some particulars of moment First in the situation and furniture of the Lords Table for which purpose he alteâ—ed the last clauâ—e of the first Rubrick of the Communion in this manner The old Rubrick The new altered thus The Table having at the Communion time a faire linnen cloth upon it shall stand in the body of the Church or in the Chancell where Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer be appointed to be sayd And the Priest standing at the Northside of the Table shall say the Lords Prayer The Holy Table having at the Communion time a faiâ—e white linnen cloth upon it WITH OTHER DECENT FVRNITVRE meet for the high mysteries there to be celebrated shall stand AT THE VPPERMOST PART OF THE CHANCEL or Church where the Presbyter standing at the North side OR END thereof shall say the Lords Prayer c. By this Alteration the Bishop made way for the Introduction First of the solemne Consecration of the Lords Table and Altar after the Popish manner to make it an HOLY Table which he holds it could not be without a speciall Consecration Secondly For Cruciâ—ixes Candlesticks Tapers Basons consecrated Flagons Chalices and all other manner of Altar furniture used in his owne Chappell at Lambeth Thirdly For Rayling in and impounding the Lords Table Altar-wise at the East-end of the Church to which all the Communicants must make their approaches to receive the Sacrament kneeling at the new Rayles A very advantagious alteration to introduce Authorize and enjoyn all these Innovations by colour of it Secondly In the second Rubricke in the Order of the Communion thus metamorphized The old Rubricke The New Then shall the Priest reheaâ—se distinctly all the Ten Commandements and the people kneeling shall after every Commandement aske God mercy for their transgressions of the same after this sort Then shall the Presbyter TVRNING TO THE PEOPLE rehearse distinctly all the Ten Commandements The people ALL THE WHILE kneeling and asking God mercy for their transgression of every duty therein either according to the Letter or to the MYSTICALL IMPORTANCE of the sayd Commandements By which Alteration First Intimation and way is given that the