much affrighted and the most of his friends in the Lords House forsooke him all the Popish Lords did absent themselves the Lord of Holland and Hartford were absent so was Bristol and others Savill and the Duke onely stucke close and faithfully to him and some sew other Lords God knowes the King is much dejected the Lords much affâ—ighted which makes the Citizens and House of Commons shew their heads some have braved little lesse than to unthrone His Majesty who if hee had but an ordinary spirit might easily quash and suppresse these people Our good Queen is much afflicted NOTE and in my conscience the Puritans if they durst would teare her in pieces this cannot be for the honour of France to endure a Daughter of that Nation and her Children should be thus oppressed and affronted The Earle of Holland is made Generall of the Army whither he is gone down the E. of Newport Master of the Ordnance Belfore Lieverenant of the Tower hath proved an arrant Traytor to the King NOTE who commanded him upon his Allegiance to receive a Captain and 1000 men into the Tower which he most traiterously refused to doe One clause is omitted which should have bin placed in the middle of the Letter which was to this effect That there was a Report in London that the Parliament House was on fire whereupon there was more than 1000 people very suddenly gathered together whereby you may easily perceive the heigth and 〈◊〉 of the peoples affections May 6. Anno Dom. 1641. There was another Letter sent from one Robert Phillips one of the Queenes Priests supposed to Master Mountagueâ— to this effect You may expect some company with you ere long Crofts Suckling Piercy Iermaine are gone all things here are in great incertainties Protestation is made and taken by both Houses much like but much worse than the Scottish Covenant I sent you some money by Mr. Iermaine but now that he is gone I make some doubt whether he might be mindfull of you to take it with him I haue spoke to the Queen about your occasions and will do what I can though I am not able to undertake much Your loving friend FRAN PHILIPS HEereupon Father Philips was sent for by a Messenger to appear before a Committee Ibidem p. 〈◊〉 that afternoone to be examined about it The Messenger comming to White-hall and finding him acquainted him therewith who sayd he would go in and eate something and come presently and goe with him But by a backe door he went and acquainted the Queen with his sending for and after some stay came and told the Officer that he had bin with the Queen who had commanded him that he should not go till she had spoke with the King and that he would obey her command before the Parliament Which being related to the House of Commons they were much distasted at it and sent another Warrant to apprehend and bring him forthwith the next day as a delinquent There was also a Warrant sent by the Serjeant at Arms for the Popes Nuncio NOTE and to bring him likewise before the House but he was not to be found The next day the King sent a Message to the Commons promising that the Popes Nuncio should be presently sent away out of this Kingdome Presently hereupon the Officer was again sent with a Warrant to apprehend Father Philips and waiting for him at White-hall complaint had bin made as it seemed to the King about it and the Lord Chamberlain at the Kings Command sent for the Officer to examine him by what Authority he came within the Verge of the Court to Attach any one who shewing his Warrant desired he would trust him with it to shew the King which the Officer did And the Lord Chamberlain soon after returning gave this answer That His Majesty would satisfie the House about it if Philips did not appeare But in the afternoon the sayd Philips appeared before the Committee and was examined and commanded to attend the House of Commons the next day After which Father Philips was committed prisoner to the Tower and these Articles of Impeachment drawn up against him most of them comprised in Brownes Relation The Impeachment and Articles of complaint against Father Philips the Queens Confessor Ibidem p. 400. to 411. lately committed to the Tower by the Honourable and High Court of PARLIAMENT THat the sayd Father Philips hath bin observed to have bin a great cause both in himselfe and his Adherents of a great part of the unquietnesse of this State He with Parsons and other their Assistants were the onely cause that the Pope was stirred up to send Breves to these Kingdoms of Englaud and Scotland and to hinder the oath of Allegiance Note and lawfull obedience of the subjects to our Gracious King that so they may still fish in troubled waters The damnable Doctrine which he and other Iesuits have taught to destroy and depose Kings hath bin the cause of the civill Wars like to be the fall of these Kingdomes if God in his mercy did not prevent it â—hey have bin the cause of the Monopolies projected in this Kingdome especially concerning the Forrest of Deane and marking of butter Caske where all the parties were partners and Confederates with them as Sir Basill Brooke sir Iohn Winter and a brother in Law of the sayd Sir Iohn that lived in Worcestershire and Master Ployden whose servant named Baldwin hath bin seen to deliver to Captain Read a substitute of the Iesuits an hundred pounds at a time to one Iesuite that lived in his house Father Philips hath bin a great Actor with the superiour of the Capuchions who is a most turbulent spirit and was sent hither by Cardinall Richlieu of France to be a Spye at this Court for the French Faction and hath therefore laboured by all means to breed dissentions Note for the French Aime at nothing more than to make a Schisme betwixt the English and the Scots that this State might be so weakned and made unable to withstand them that so they might have an opportunity to Conquor these Kingdoms these unquiet spirits having accesse to her Majesty may importune things not fit for the State The sayd Philips hath bin guided by a Grey-Fryar who by degrees hath intruded himselfe to be a Clerke of her Majesties Chappell and Chaplain Extraordinary in time of Progresse who when he is out of London goeth by the name of Mastor Wilson but his true name is William Tompson Doctor of Divinity as some Iesuites have affirmed but a most furious spirit and unquiet and therefore by a Nicke-name is by some called Cacafugo that is as much as if in English you should say Shit-fire by whom Father Philips hath bin so led that he hath bin very officious to perform whatsoever he would have done These two have ruled all the busines concerning the two Kingdoms on the Popish parts and for the most part of Rome also The
that the limitation of the time for the education of the Children be for six or seven yeers and in other poynts as you will find in this answer Of all which we require you to give speciall notice to that King that he may thereupon take into his Consideration the sincerity of of Our affection who have so roundly and really proceeded in this businesse so as in all reason We may and doe justly expect the like dealing from him which cannot better appeare then in the speedy dispatch thereof These resolutions he sent post into Spaine to the Lord Digby by Gresly inclosing in this Letter the Copy whereof with other ensuing papers were seized on by the sequestrators of the Lord Cottingtons goods and writings RIght trusty c. Your dispatch of the ninth of August gave us so much contentment and so great hopes of satisfaction in all those businesses which you have there to treat with that King as we could not expect any further difficulties Notwithstanding by that which hath come unto Our hands immediately after NOTE aswell by George Gage from Rome as from Our Ambassadour Sir Richard Weston at Bruxelles and our Ministers in the Palatinate We find that neither the Dispensation is granted for the march nor the treaty of Cessation so neer a Conclusion as we conceived it would have been now that the Auxiliaries and all other Obstacles are removed But on the contrary side that new delayes and excuses are invented our Garrisons in the Palatinate in the meane time blocked up and Heidelberg it selfe actually besieged Which proceeding though our Ambassadour hath expostulated with the Infanta and the Commissioners as injurious to Vs and ill-beseeming their professions hitherto yet is there not that readinesse shewed to give Us such contentment therein as we might justly expect but answers still protracted and put off for advantage whilest our Forces there remaine in great distresse and the Towne and Castle of Heidelberg likely in a few dayes to be lost for it cannot hold out longer as we are informed This dealing seems the more strange unto Vs for that the late dispatch of the King of Spaine was before the newes of this siege and that our Embassadour had propounded any thing concerning it come unto the Infanta But because you shall be particularly informed of the â—hole carriage of the businesse We have given order that Copies shall be sent you 〈◊〉 all the dispatch and then you shall see how these proceedings agree with the hopes and promises which are given Us from thence Hereupon therefore Our pleasure is that you shall immediatly and with as much speed as you may crave audience of that King and represent unto him the merit which We may justly challenge unto Our Selfe for Our sincere proceedings with the Emperour and Him in all the course of this businesse notwithstanding the many invitations and temptations which We have had to engage Our Selfe on Our Sonne in lawes part That We have had both from the Emperour and Him hopes given us from time to time of extraordinary respect howsoever Our Sonne-in-law had deserved which We have attended and expected even to the very last with much patience and in despight as it were of all the opposition that hath beene made to shake Our resolution in that behalfe If now when all impediments are removed and that the way is so prepared as that the Emperour may give an end unto the Warre and make some present demonstration of his respects towards Us in leaving Us the honour of holding those poore places which yet remaine quietly and peaceably untill the generall accommodation the same shall neverthelesse be violently taken from Vs what can we looke for when the whole shall be in his hands and possession Who amâ—sing Vs with a treaty of cessation and protracting it industriously as We have reason to beleeve doth in the meane time seize himselfe of the whole Country which being done Our Ambassadour shall returne with scorne and we remaine with dishonour I shall not need to furnish you with Arguments for the unfolding and laying open this unfriendly dealing more plainly unto them your owne reason and observation will find enough out of the dispatches whereof Copies are sent unto you as namely the withdrawing of the Spanish Forces and leaving the businesse wholly in the hands of the Emperour and the Duke of Bavaâ—ia the stile of the Inâ—anta in answering Our Ambassadour with recriminations which was not her manner heretofore the slight and frivolous answer given by the Marquesse of Bedmar unto Our Ambassadour when he acquainted him with the siege of Heidelberg The quarrellous occasion taken by the Emperour for calling the diet at Ratisbone contrary to his owne promise which in his Dispatch to Vs he confesseth to have broken as you will see by the Copy All which and many more which your owne judgement in the perusall of the dispatches will suggest unto you doe minister unto Vs cause sufficient of jealousie on the Emperours part as you shall plainly tell that King although We will not doe him that wrong as to mistrust that he gives the least consent unto it In this confidence with must earnestnesse We shall still solicite Him that for the affection He beares Us and the desire which We suppose he hath that there may continue for ever a perfect Amity betwixt Us and the whole House of Austria he will not cease to doe all good office herein letting him know directly that in these termes We cannot stand with the Emperour but that if Heidelberg be wonne and the siege continue or the Cessation be longer unnecessarily delayed We must recall Our Ambassadour from Bruxelles and treat no more as We have already given order hoping that whatsoever unkindnesse We shall conceive against the Emperour upon these occasions it shall not be interpreted to reâ—lect in any sort upon the entire affection that is at this present and as VVee hope shall alwaies continue betwixt Us and the Crowne of Spaine And therefore as We have sundry times heretofore promised in testimony of the sincerity of Our proceedings and of Our great desire to preserve the Amity inviolable between Us and the whole house of Austria NOTE that in case our Sonne-in-law would not be governed by Vs that then We would not onely forsake him but take part and joyne Our Forces with the Emperours against him so you may fairly represent unto that King that in like manner We have reason to expect the same measuâ—e from him that upon the Emperours aversnesse to a cessation and accommodation He will likewise actually assist Vs for the recovery of the Palatmate and Electorall dignity unto Our Sonne-in-law as it hath beene oftentimes intimated from Spaine To conclude We shall not need to say any more unto you touching this point but to let you see that Our meaning is to carry all things faâ—re with that King and not to give him any cause of distrust or jealousie if you
all grounds of civill jealousies removed will not onely command a reall performance of what you are pleased to promise in their favour but sutably to your owne royall heart enlarge the benefit of your Princely goodnesse I have therefore Sir â—inding them thus affected thought it sutable to your service to let them understand that since they expect these things from a Prince who yeeldeth to no man either in esteeming or returning a Benefit they may safely promise themselves all good successe and give way to their owne good dispositions of respect and affection towards your Majesty and the rather I have done so because I perswaded my selfe that your Majesty is of the same opinion with him who speaking of the Romans to King Bocchus said Licet Pâ—â—entes abundè habeamus Amicorum neque Nobis neque cuiquam mortaâ—um satis fuit I send your Majesty Letters from the Cardinals Bandino and Lodevisio NOTE which they writ in answer of your Majesties to to them who above all others sought to oblige your Majesty as by Letter to Master Secretary you will perceive After the Easter-Holydayes I shall begin my journey towards Florence and Parma to performe your Majesties commands there whereof I will give your Majesty account in due time It will be the end of May before I shall get out of Italy during which time I shall with deâ—otion expect your Majesties orders if in any thing further you shall be pleased to command my service So I humbly pray the divine goodnesse to give your Majesty many faire yeeres of life thereby to enjoy the fruits of this noble alliance and to make happy your Subjects by your gracious government Your Majesties most humbble and loyall Subject George Gage After which on the 7. of Ianuary these two Letters from King Iames and Secretary Calvert were sent into Spaine by Master Digby to the Earle of Bristoll RIght Trusty c. The dispatches which We have received from you by Endimion Porter doe give Us sufficient assurance that there hath not wanted in you nor in Our ordinary Ambassadour Sir Walter Aston that faithfull endeavour and diligence to expedite those great businesses you have in charge which We could expect or require at your hands for which We are pleased to returne you both Our gracious acceptation and thanks You will see by that which We have subscribed unto the Articleâ— you sent Vs and by the Letters which We and Our Sonne have both written unto Our Brother the King of Spaine how well We approve of what hitherto hath been done and what you have promised and undertaken in your name which being as We hope the period of all their demands in that kind We wish you to proceed unto the temporall Articles and to conclude and consummate the whole businesse now according to the Commissions you have as soone as possibly you may that there may be no further delay Concerning that other unfortunate knotty affaire of the Palatâ—â—ate to say the truth as things stand We cannot tell what you could have done more then you have already And whereas you write that the King of Spaine and his principall Ministers there did find Our last Propositions somewhat strange you shall understand that the cause why We sent you such strict and peremptory Instructions was for that the Chancelour of Our Exchequer found nothing but palpable and grosse delayes at Brâ—â—â—llet whilest in the meane time Heidelberg was besieged and afterwards taken Manheim beleaguerâ—d and all hostility used that might be Besides Gage comming from Rome about the same time instead of bringing the newes which was expected of the Dispensation granted NOTE presents Vs certaine exceptions taken against the Articles by the Pope with an intention as it seemes to ingage Vs in a Treaty or dispute with him about the said Articles which was never the meaning but that the King of Spain should have undertaken that businesse himselfe This was the reason that moved Vs at the earnest instance and perswasion of Our Councell to urge the matter so as to bring it to a speedy point not but that the very precisest of them were alwaies of opinion that if the March were once concluded the other businesse would be accommodated to Our satisfaction Neverthelesse these doubts and causes of jealousie occurring they did all una voce represent unto Vs how highly and importunately it concerned Our estate and service to be at some certainty and to know what to trust to neither is the usage and respect We yet find from the Infanta at Bruxelles and that Kings Ministers any thing at all amended notwithstanding all the great demonstrations We have made of Our confidence and good correspondency with them and the meanes We have alwayes sought to oblige them as no doubt you have understood by sundry late dispatches from Our Secretary And now lastly when We out of Our especiall trust in the Infanta had made an offer of late to â—equester the Towne of Franâ—endale into her hands upon no other assurance then shee her selfe had offered Vs before Manheim was lost by Don Carlos Coloma which was to restore it and those other places againe which were at that time also required either upon the conclusion of the peace with the Emperour or upon a rupturâ— in case that proceeded not the same propositiâ—â— being now againe revived by Vs shee is fallen away from the conditions first propounded by Our Selfe offering onely to accept it upon trust if We will put it into her her hands without obliging her selfe to restore it againe which VVe take to be a great disrespect if not a scorne And therefore being resolved not to treat with her any more about it it is Our pleasure that you shall presently deale with the King of Spaine to the same purpose and to make him an offer of Frankendale from Vs by way of sequestration upon the condition aforesaid of restitution in the State as it now stands whether the peace with the Emperour succeed or not and if he accept it that he will signifie so much to Vs under his hand and give order for the present receiving it accordingly for the case will not admit any long time of treaty In your last dispatch you advertise Vs that the King of Spaine hath written againe very effectually unto the Emperour about these affaires of the Palatinate VVe doe much desire to know what the particulars of that Letter were and to what effect and what other endeavours that King intends to use for procuring Vs satisfaction therein whereof VVe require you to informe Vs as particularly as you may because you know it concernes Vs much to have that businesse at a point There are some other matters concerning Our service which VVe have commanded Our Secretary to impart unto you and therefore will hold you no longer now but wish you health and a good successe in your affaires White-hall 7. Ian. 1622. My very good Lord BEcause I know you will with much longing
it the King of Spainâ— and all the world shall see he hath just cause And whereas also his Majesty obligeth himselfe by the like oath that he will use his power and authority and procure as much as in him lyes that the Parliament shall approve confirme and ratifie all and singular the Articles agreed upon betwixt the two Kings in favour of the Roman Catholiques by reason of this Match and that the said Parliament shall revoke and abrogate all particular lawes made against the said Catholiques whereunto the rest of his Majesties Subjects are not liable As also all other generall lawes as to the said Roman Catholiques which concerne them together with the rest of his Majesties Subjects and be repugnant to the Roman Catholique Religion and that hereafter his Majesty shall not give his royall assent at any time unto any new lawes that shall be made against the said Roman Catholiques His Majesty hath ever protested and doth protest that it is an impossibity which is required at his hands NOTE and that he may safely and well sweare it for he is sure that he is never able to doe it And last of all his Majesty protesteth that this which he now undertakes to doe and is sworne is meerly in respect and favour of the Marriage intended betwixt his Sonne and the Infanta and unlesse the same doe proceed he doth hold himselfe and so declareth by this Protestation acquitted and discharged in conscience of every part of his Oath now taken and that he is at full liberty to deale with his Roman Catholique Subjects according to his owne naturall lenity and clemency and as their dutifull loyalty and behaviour towards his Majesty shall deserve These Articles being thus sealed and sworne e Mercure Francois An. 1624. pag. 29 30. Don Carlos Coloma the Spanish Ambassadour laid the first stone for a Chappell which was to be built for the Infanta at the Princes Pallace at Saint James which building was advanced with all expedition to the great regreet of many Protestants and to the contentment of most Roman Catholiques to see a Catholique Church built in the Metropoliticall City of the Realme by publike authority after one hundred yeeres space during which they did nothing else but destroy such Churches All Catholiques that were Prisoners throughout England Ireland and Scotland were released all Pursevants and Informers established to search for apprehend and prosecute the Catholiques were prohibited to attempt any thing against them They had all free ingresse into and egresse out of the Realme without taking the Oath of Supremacy having onely a passe-port They resorted freely to heare Masse at the Spanish Ambassadours Chappell in so great number and so publikely that they were sometimes two or three thousand persons so the French Mercury truly records Besides the Papists grew so insolent that they had open Masses and Sermons in divers private houses about London and elswhere Among others their f See M. Gee his foot out of the Snare meeting at Black-fryers in a large chamber at a Sermon on the fifth of their November is most remarkable where Drury the Priest that preached and neeere an hundred Roman Catholiques were slaine and smothered with the fall of the floore of the chamber which they over-burthened with the multitude of people and many sore hurt and bruised to their great astonishment g Mercure Francois ibid. p. 30 31. The Marriage was now thought to be compleated the greatest enemies of this alliance submitted themselves to the Kings will you could see nothing but the picture of the Infanta within mens houses and in the streets A Fleet was prepared to goe to attend the Prince and Infanta at the Port of Saint Andrew in Biscay His Majesty had also assigned the Dower of his faire future Daughter and had sent to the Marquesse of Buckingham the title of Duke of Buckingham and to the Duke of Lenox the title of the Duke of Richmont In fine all seemed to be done in England but things went as slow as Leâ—d at Rome and in Spaine But here comes in the new h Pag. 43 44 anti-dated Loyall Vindication of the King and demands this silly question by way of objection If King James and the Prince had really condescended ane sworne both to the generall Articles of the Marriage being such as the Pope with his Cardinals of the Conclave had approved and likewise to those private Articles being so infinitely advantagious and for the weale of the Roman Catholike Religion how could the match being fully concluded on all parts be broken off Had this Objector well remembred that of the Poet Multa cadunt inter calicem Supremaque labra he would never have demanded so frivolous a question to evade such a palpable matter of fact as the sealing and swearing of these Articles so publikely knowne in the Courts of England and Spaâ—ne But to give him a full answer as the Spaniard never really intended this match but to worke his owne mischievous designes by confirming â—nd protracting the treaty about it â—o â—e tooke this occaâ—ion to interrupt it * Mercure Francois p. 539. Pope Gregory the 15. soone after the dispensation granted departed this life which the Spaniards promised should be no remora to the match as is evident by this letter of the Earle of Bristoll to Mr. Francis Cottington then Secretary to the Prince GOOD Mr Secretary yesterday Master Clerke went from heâ—ce but I wrote not by him neither have I now much to tell you Especially â—or that I am in doubt whether these letters will finde you in England or not Yesterday we had the â—â—wes of the Popes death but this King out of his owâ—e mouth and the Coâ—de de Olivares and the Nuntio do assure the Prince that this accident will neither makâ— alteration â—or delay in his â—usines they being all of Opinion that it will be dispatched by the Dean of the Cardinalls the Conclave The Insanta is now by all the Court and by this Kings approbation called la Princessa dâ— Inglaterra and she mâ—kes not nice to take it upon heâ— She now commeth Puâ—liquely to thâ— Commody and â—â—â—teth by the Queene and I am told that as soone as two papers which are already drawne are signed by the King and Prince they will giue her the right hand of the Queene com a knefreda which I conceive the Prince will not be displeased withall for by that meanes it will â—all out that the Prince and his Mistresse will ever sit together This day Don Fernando de Giron invited my Lord Duke my selfe and Sir Walter Ashton to diâ—ner where we were accompanied by Don Augustin â—exa the Marquesse of Montes Claâ—os and the Conde de Gundâ—mar and conceive we shall againe fall to good â—ellâ—wship You have heard that the Marquesse of Montesclaros is made President 〈◊〉 Hasiâ—nda the other in the â—unta began to speake invectively and against the match thereupon the King the same
* Page 34 44. undervalues the French Mercury and other histories who have written any thing of this Match may peruse at his leasure to satisfie his judgement Conscience in the verity of the premises and of this Mercury to The Parliament upon this relaiâ—on adâ—vised the King to breake off the Spanish treaty and to proclaime an open warre with Spaine for recovery of the Palatinate and defence of the protestant Religion Se the Lords Iournall And Archbishops Diary March 23. whereupon the King on the 23 of February declared to a Committee of Parliament appointed for that purpose That he would send a Messenger presently into Spaine to signifie to that King that his Parliament advised him to breake of the Treaties of the Match and the Palatinat and to give his reasons of it and so proceed to recover the Palatinate as he might Hereupon Bonefires were made in the City by the forwardnesse of the people for joy that we should breake with Spaine In this Parliament to maintaine the war in which they had engaged the King * See 21 Iac. c. 32. 33. the Clergy granted him four intire Subsidies of foure shillings the pound and the Temporalty three intire Subsidies and three fifteens and tenthes The end of granting them is expressed in the Prologue of the Temporalities Act of Grant MOST * * 21. lac c. 33 Gratious Soveraigne we your Majesties most humble faithfull and loving Subjects by your Royall Authority now Assembled in your High Court of Parliament having entred into serious and due consideration of the weighty and most important causes which at this time more then at any other time heretofore doe presse your Majesty to a much greater expence and charge then your owne Treasure alone can at this present support and maintaine and likewise of the injuries and indignities which have beene lately offered to your Majesty and your Children under colour and during the time of the Treaties for the Mariage with Spaine and the restitution of the Palatinate which in this Parliament have beene clearely discovered and layde open unto us and withall what humble advice with one consent and voyce we have given unto your Majesty to dissolve those Treaties which your Majesty hath beene gratiously pleased to our exceeding joy and comfort fully to yeeld unto and accordingly have made your publique declaration for the reall and utter dissolution of them by meanes whereof your Majesty may happily be ingaged in a suddain Warre Wee in all humblenesse most ready and willing to give unto your Majesty and the whole world an ample testimony of our dutifull affections and sinceere intentions to assist You therein for the maintenance of that Warre that may hereafter ensue and more particularly for the defence of this your Realme of England the securing of your Kingdome of Ireland the assistance of your Neighbours the States of the united Provinces and other your Majesties Friends and Allies and for the setting forth of your Royall Navy we have resolved to give for the present the greatest ayde which ever was granted in Parliament to be levied in so short a time c. In this Parliament the Commons presented a sharpe Petition to the Lords against Popish NOTE Recusants desiring the Lords to joyne with them in it to the King of which King Iames having notice writ with his owne hand this following letter to Secretary Conway which I have truely extracted out of the very originall I doubt not but you have heard what a stinging Petition against the Papists the lower House have sent to the higher House this day that they might joyntly present it unto me ye know my firme resolution not to make this a Warre of Religion And seeing I would be loath to be Connycatched by my people I pray you stay the Post that is going to Spaine till I meet with my Son who will be here to morrow morning do it upon pretext of some more letters ye are to send by him and if he should be gone hasten after him to stay him upon some such pretext and let none living know of this as ye love me and before two in the afternoone to morrow you shall with out saile heare from me Farwell Iames R. This Petition was sent up to the Lords as appeares by their * 3 Aprâ—â—â— 1624. Iournall Booke upon the 3. of Aprill 1624. the Coppy whereof is therein recorded in forme following Die Lunae quinto Aprilis 1624. The Petion against Popish Recusaurs which the Commons desire to be presented unto his Majesty and that the Lords joyne with them therein May it please your most Excellent Majesty VVE your Majesties most humble and loyall Subjects the Lords Commons in this present Parliament assembled having to our singular comfort received your Princely resolution upon our humble Petition to disolve the two treaties of the Match and of the Pallatinate and having on our parts with all alacrity and readinesse humbly offered our assistance to your Majesty to maintaine the Warre which may insue there upon yet with all sencibly finding what seditious and Traiterous positions those Incendiaries of Rome and professed Engines of Spaine the Priests and Iesuits infuse into your naturall borne Subjects what numbers they have seduced and doe dayly seduce to make their dependance on the Pope of Rome and King of Spaine contrary to their Allegiance to your Majesty their Leige Lord what daily resort of Priests and Jesuites into your Kingdomes what concourse of Popish Recusants much more then usuall is now in and about the City of London NOTE what boldnesse yea what insolency they have discovered out of the opinion conceived of their forraigne patronage what publique resort to Masses and other exercises of the Popish Religion in the Houses of forraigne Ambassadors there is daily to the great griefe and offence of your good Subjects what great preparations are made in Spaine fit for an Invasion the bent whereof is as probable to bee upon some part of Your Majesties Dominions as upon any other place what incouragement that may bee to your Enemies and the Enemies of Your Crown to have a party or but the opinion of a party within Your Kingdomes who do daily increase and combine themselves together for that purpose What dishartning of your good and loving Subjects when they shall see more cause of feare from their false hearted Country-men at home then from their professed adversaries abroad what apparent dangers by Gods providence and Your Majesties wisdome and goodnesse they have very lately escaped which the longer continuance of those treaties upon such unfitting conditions fomented by your owne ill affected Subjects NOTE would surely have drawne upon Your Majesty and Your State doe in all humblenesse offer to your sacred Majestie these their humble petitions following 1. That all Jesuites and Semminary Priests and all others having taken Orders by any authority derived from the Sea of Rome may by Your Majesties Proclamation be commanded
a popish Clergy more numerous by farre then we NOTE and in the fall exercise of all Iurisdiction Ecclesiasticall by their Vicars-generall and Officials who are so confident as they excommunicate those that come to our Courts even in Matrimoniall causes which affronâ— hath been offered my selfe by the popish Primates Vicar-generall for which I have begun a processe against him The Primate himselfe lives in my Parish within two mile of my house the Bishop in another part of my Diocesse further off every parish hath his Priest and some two or three apeecâ— and so their Masse-houses also in some places Masse is said in the Churches Frieries there are in divers places who goe about though not in their habits NOTE and by their importunate begging impoverish the people Who indeed are generally very poore as from that cause so from their paying doubtâ— Tythes to their owne Clergy and ours from the dearth of Corne and death of therâ— Cattell these late yeers with the contributions to their Souldiers and their Agents and which they forget not to reckon among other causes the oppressions of the Courâ— Ecclesiasticall which in very truth my Lord I cannot excuse and doe seeke to reforme For our own there are some seven or eight Ministers in each Diocesse of ' good sufficiency and which is no small cause of the continuance of the people in Popery still English which have not the tongue of the people nor can performe divine offices or converse with them and which hold many of them two three four or more Vicarages apeece Even the Clerkships themselves are in like manner conferred upon the English NOTE and sometimes two or three or more upon one man and ordinarily bought and sold or let to farme c. His Majesty is now with the greatest part of this Country as to their hearts consciences King but at the Popes discretion c. Your Lordships most obliged servant in Christ Iosâ— Wil. Kilmoren and 〈◊〉 Kilmere this 1. of Aprill 1630. This was the condition and state of the Papists in Ireland then who the very same yeere Novemb. 22. 1630. presented this Petition to the Lords Justices and Counsell thus indorsed with Bishop Laâ—dâ— owne hand The Petition of the Recusants in Ireland to the Lords Iustices and in some things concerning the Church To the right honourable the Lords Justices and Counsell The humble Petition of the Lords Knights and Gentlemen here attending in the behalfe of themselves and the rest of his Majesties Subjects of this Kingdome Novemb. 22 1630. Most humbly making Petition THat whereas the late imployed Agents did humbly offer to his Highnesse three Subsidies to be granted and confirmed by Parliament in this Kingdome and for that the said Parliament was not called accordingly yet the Inhabitants of the Country are compelled to goe on forward with the payment of the same with which if â—thers that have imployments NOTE and are of greatest meanes in this Kingdome had been â—axed or had borne according as they would have been by the authority of Parliament the said three Subsidies and the summes whereat they were estimated would have been long since levyed and whereas his most gracious Majesty in compassion of his Subjects did grant divers Favours Graces and Benefits to them and did manifest his princely care of them that they should have favours and graces in regard of the great burden they did and doe beare in payment of so great summes Your Suppliants humbly beseech your Honours to consider of the humble request of your Suppliants under-written being some of these particulars wherein they conceive the Country and people are over-heavily burthened which doth not onely discourage but also disable them to beare the charges which they doe and that your honours will be pleased to take such order for their ease and reliefe in the same as shall stand with Justice Equity and the intimated favours which your Suppliants well hope and conceive his Highnesse of his owne royall disposition and gracious inclination is willing shall be conferred upon them And your Suppliants shall ever pray c. That in regard his Majesty signified his pleasure in his Instructions that an Act should passe in Parliament that no Tythes should be inquired of above lx yeerâ— past that your Lordships will give order that all Commissioners and Officers shall forbeare inquiring of Tythes for his Majesty before that time and that Plantations grounded upon such Tythes may be forborne and that the holding of the Parliament may be certained That your Lordships may direct a course that the Clergy doe not proceed with the great burden and charge they doe lay upon the poore people for clandestine Matriages Christnings and Burials c. That your Lordships likewise will direct a course to ease the poore Subjects of the unreasonable fines imposed by the Clerks of the Market and also to ease them of the intolerable charges they beare by means of the suing forth Recognizaâ—ces for building of Churches fines for Bridges and High-wayes The Commissions that are issued to examine what payments are made of the Subsidies to be renewed That there may be free liberty for transporting all Commodities of the Kingdome that may be spared without paying any thing for Licences Tha◠〈◊〉 advantage be taken for not inrolling the Surrenders of Connaught according to 〈◊〉 Majesties Instructions and former Graceâ— The Complaints of the Common-wealth to be annexed to the former Petition delivered by the Noble-men and Gentlemen of the Country to the Lords Iustices and Counsell December 6. 1630. That the Bishops Court shall hold no longer then one day at a sitting That the Inquisitors comming to doe service to the same Court shall not pay foâ— their entrance The Subsidy of the Bishops and Clergy if they have paid the same no ease done to the Country thereby That no Eâ—cheator shall bring paroels of Records into the Country to be found by a Jury but that the whole Record or a true Copy thereof be brought and the same to be testified by the Officer of the Court. That your Lordships lay downe a rate for the issues for respit of homage according each terme or yeere for which the said respit of homage shall happen to be in arreare proportionably to the respit of homage it â—elfe That the King at Armes or any of his shall demand no fees or duty belonging to him by colour of his Office of any Noble-man or Gentleman unlesse he be sent for That School-masters shall not be disturbed from teaching so they â—each nothing concerning Religion That the houses may be restored to the Inâ—erâ—tors which were seized on by vertue of a Proclamation to wit that forementioned How this Petition came to the Bishops hands appeares by this Letter thus indorsed by him Feb. 10. 1630. My Lord Primate of Armagh about the Recusants Peâ—â—tion to the Lords Iustices c. To the right Reverend Father in God my singular good Lord the Lord Bishop of
London one of his Majesties most honoâ—rable privy Counsell My very good Lord SInce I wroâ—e unto your Lordship concerning the businesse of Sir Iohn Wishart and Master Elpheâ—sion all the Bishops Chaâ—cellours is â—he Kingdome were sent for to Dublin by the Lords Justices to answer such things as are objected against the exercise of Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction in a Petition exhibited unto them by the Recusaâ—t Lords of the Country Which being a matter of no small importance I thought it my duty to impart unto your Lordship the true Copiâ—s both of the Petition of the one and of the Answer of the other that you may be the better prepared to speake therein if the matter shall be brought over into England and give us direction here how we are to follow the businesse for I feare all the Bishops are to appeare about the beginning of Easter Tearme to declare their resolutions touching the same propositions I â—end likewise unto your Lordship a short Letter which I received even now from the Bishop oâ— Kilfâ—nora The Bishoprick of Killalow is contigâ—ous unto his and both being conjoyned together by a perpetuall union would make an indifferent good competency for one Bishop for that of Kâ—lfenora is otherwise in it selfe so poore and so farre from any good Benefice that might be annexed unto it that there is little hope it will ever be made fit for any man of worth I humbly thank your Lordship for the tender regard you had of my reputation in stopping the publishing of my book there before the faults committed in the reprinting thereof should be corrected for which and those other high favours which I doe daily receive at your hands I must alwayes professe my selfe to rest Drogheda February 10. 1630. Your Lordships faithfull Servant in all duty ready to be commanded Ja. Armachanus What answer was given to this Petition of the Recusants by the Bishops and their Chancellours will appeare by this ensuing paper thus 〈◊〉 by Bishop Laud The Answer of the Lords Bishops and Chancellours to such Articles of the Recusants Peâ—ition as concerne the Church An Abstract of those things which concerne the Ecclesiasticall Jurisdiction in the Petition exhibited to the Lords Justices 1. THat your Lordships may direct a course that the Clergy doe not proceed with the great burden and charge they doe lay upon the poore people for clandestine Marriages Christnings and Burials c. 2. That the the Bishops Courts should hold no longer then one day at a sitting 3. That the lâ—xâ—uisitors comming to doe service to the â—aid Court shall not pay for their entrance 4. The Subsidy of the Bishops and Clergy if they have paid the same no ease done to the Country therâ—by 5. That School masters shall not be disturbed from teaching so they teach nothing concerning Religion The Answers of the Lords Bishops and Chancellours that are now present to the Articles of grievance lately by your Lordships imparted to them Right honourable our good Lords AS to the imputation cast upon us to burthen and charge the poore people for clandestine Marriages Christnings c. We humbly propose to your Lordships consideration 1. That the cognizance of these causes doth by the Lawes of this Realme belong to the Judicature Ecclesiasticall with a very severe charge in Gods name to see to the due execution thereof as in the Statute of 2. Eliz. cap. 2. may appeare 2. That the resâ—actâ—rines of the people in not resorting to Church and being conformable to divine service and administration of Sacraments and other Rites according to the forme of the book of Common-prayer is no way to be cherished or fomented especially in the apparant endeavours which is now used by the popish faction NOTE to draw them away from the obedience of his Majesty to that of the Pope 3. That if it be permitted to them to marry and baptize without controle all other Sâ—ismaticks as Aâ—abaptists Brownists c. may claime the like 4. That they are in no worse condition then those of our owne and his Majesty in those very graces which their very Agents obtained and to which they have reference in their Petition did referre the Delinquents in these particulars to be proceeded against according to the ordinary course of Law Art 49. 5. That if this proceeding he stopt these inconveniences will arise The Bishops and Ordinaries are not able to answer the Kings writs which are by the common Law to be directed unto them as in cause of Bastardy and Certificate of marriage and the like as also the whole Common-wealth will swarme with Incest Adultery Whoredome c. if it be lawfull for popish Vicars to dispence and divorce at pleasure and voyd new marriages upon pretext they were not solemnized by the parish Priest according to the Trent Reformation and other like frivolous pretexts contrary to the law of God 6. As to the burthen of the poore people we doe humbly desire that the Delinquents may be informed against and upon conviction severely punished 7. And if it seeme to your Lordships that the fees of the Ecclesiasticall Courts be over-burthenous that the Commission for regulating them may be speedily executed 2. Touching the continuance of the Courts longer then one day at a sitting We conceive the same to be for the ease of the people and expediting of causes and the hindring of chamber-justice but if it shall appeare otherwise to your Lordships we desire your Lordships to set downe what order you shall think most fit for the ease of the people and due performance of that service 3. Concerning Inquisitors fees for their entrance We doe deny that ever any such thing was done and if any can be justly charged therewith let him be punished 4. Touching our Subsidy We doe think it is not unknowne to your Lordships how cheerfully we have strained our selves for the safety of the Country some of us having besides contributed to the Souldiers as deeply as they even of our mensall lands which we hold in our owne hands 5. Touching School-Masters We humbly desire your Lordships to consider 1. How much it concerneth the Reformation of the manners of the people that School-Masters be well-affected to Religion and to the present Government 2. That popish School-Masters doe breed up and prepare the youth of this Realme to be Priests and contrary to the Priviledges of his Majesties Progenitors to the University of Dublin doe teach them Logick and Philosophy 3. That under the name of School-Masters divers dangerous and seditious persons may be nourished in private Families to the corrupting and seducing the youth of this Realme and withdrawing them from his Majesties alleagiance 4. That whereaâ— if such be put downe the parents would out of necessity send their Children to the Ministers and Curates or Free-schools in every County and the Colledges at Dublin by the allowing them they will be still nouzeled in Superstition and Barbarisme Lastly whereas your Lordships lately desire us to certifie
in the North were very active which caused some combustions in the Court even among the Roman Catholicks and the businesse grew so high that some private advises were given to his Majestie concerning these particulars expressed in these three insuing Papers seised among Windebankes writings who was privie to all their counselsâ— as you shall heare anon Advises upon the present state of English Catholicks as well of the Queenes House as of his Majesties Dominions THe constant report approved by Father Philips the Queenes Confessor is Note That the Pope upon the Treaty of Marriage reserved to his owne or Delegates Iurisdiction the Queen of Englands whole family principally the institution and destitution of her Ecelesiastiques Testifie the confession of the Bishop of Menda who contrary to his opinion and certaine knowledge was forced to advance and defend joynt with the pretended Bishop of England the pernitious Paradox for the deposition of Princes saying to A. B. for his justification that although upon that subject hee had written against Baronius and Bellarmine for the contrary neverthelesse for the present his hands were bound Tesâ—ifie the unitie of maxims councels and daily practices which he held with the foresaid pretended Bishop Testifie the negotiations held at this present in Rome and England for the procuring of Excommunications and suspension against all those Catholiques Note Priests or others which shall stand for the Kings authoritie against that damnable doctrine brought already into his Majesties Kingdomes as their favourites boast and to bee executed by the Bishops agents particularly by Mr. Musket a Priest living in London Testifie the Popes Letters to the King of France now in the Catholiques hands wherein hee complaines to have beene abused Note in that contrary to the King of France his promise neither Toleration was granted in England nor the oath of Allegiance suspended All which duly considered directly tends to a manifest sedition and division of the Kings authoritie and state and that not in qualitie or proprietie of Religion but in particular manner and condition of dutie obedience and naturall Allegiance withdrawne from their true Prince and Soveraigne In remedy of which pernitious opinions and practises pleaseth his Majestie in imitation of his predecessors as well to continue the reall defence of his owne right and authority as the Pope doth his pretended and usurped which two wayes may easily bee done The first by lively pressing his naturall subjects to take the oath of Allegiance in as much as it concernes the abjuration of the Popes authoritie for the deposition of Princes as of late the State of France hath proceeded against the Jesuites without any respect to matter of Religion or Priesthood for the obligation of a Subject to his lawfull Prince being founded in the Law of Nations Nature and God the deniall thereof is crimen laesae Majestatis and so may bee ordained by act of Parliament or otherwise and so those who shall bee punished by death for refusing thereof cannot pretend cause of Religion the oath being propounded in forme as it is now stiled or the forme altered in substance onely reserved as prudent men shall define The second by constrayning all French servants to King or Queene to disavow or detest according to the late ordinances of State Parliaments Universities of France namely of Sorbon that damnable and erronious doctrine for the deposition of Princes against the Iesuites And that it may please his Majestie not to admit any Catholique servant which shall refuse either of the foresaid manners of oathes or detestations Besides that diligent search and punishment bee used against all Agents and Negotiators which in these Realmes advance the contrary errour to the prejudice of his Majesties authoritie and peace of his State For the reservation of the Queenes house to the Pope it is evident in all antiquity and now practised in all Christian Nations that the institution and destitution of Ecclesiastiques in regard of their persons and as members of the State depends of the Prince or of his Subjects by his consent although their spirituall faculties or internall jurisdiction may bee derived from a superiour Prelate Patriarck or Pope but all by equitie justice and Canon whereby the King of England propounding such his Subjects Ecclesiastiques as hee thinkes fit for the Queenes service cannot bee refused by the Pope or other untill they have shewed and proved sufficient cause of refuse Finally how dangerous prejudiciall and dishonorable such reservation is to the Kings authoritie Note State and posteritie upon what end or colour soever every man of smaller judgement cannot but see An Answer to the Principles pretended against his Majesties establishment of Ecclesiasticks in the Queenes house TWO be the Principles upon which the F. C. pretends the establishment of the Ecclesiasticks in the Queens home to belong unto the King of France The first is That the King of great Brittaine hath not power because as he saith He is an Heretike Which ground is false NOTE because the King of great Brittaine neither by Councell nationall not generall nor by any Act authentick or legall of Prelates having authority to doe the same hath been defined or declared such besides heresie deprives no man of his temporall right such as is the collation of temporall Beneâ—tees giving of domesticall charges and offices yea no Prelate of the Greeke Church living under the Turke can exercise his function but with civill dependance and approbation of that Prince The second Principle it That all established by the King of great Brittaine's authority are by him threatned to be forthwith by the Pope declared Apostates NOTE In answer whereof it is evident that such royall establishment is neither Heresie nor Apostacy and when the Pope should undertake such a matter he should grosly abuse his authority against the Commons and Common law of the Church yea Ecclesiasticks by the King will and may by Catholike lawes and right defend their establishment to be good as the contrary to be erroneous to wit to seek to deprive our King of his right and aâ—thority therein SUpposed that the King of great Brittaine for avoiding for greater inconvenienceâ— condescendeth to the reception of some French in the Queens house at the instance of the King of France or choyce of the Queen of England some conditions are necessarily to be observed First that albeit salvo jure proprâ—o Regis magnae Britanniae the choice be in the Queen of England yet the confirmation and approbation of all and every one be in the King of great Brittaine according to the last clause of the eleventh Article of the Treaty Secondly that concerning the French Bishops and Priests sent into England by the Popes authority two things are to be considered the first is the spirituals power Catholike Religion and Jurisdiction as well in the head as members the second is the exaltation of the Popes temporall power in prejudice of the Kings sovereigue authority
two or three instances here omitted in my Popish Royall Favourite to wit the Lord chiefe Iustice Richardsons Warrant to the Clerk of the Crown in the Kings-Bench for stay of an Inditement against the Lady Parkins and Iohn Gibbons for sending her Daughter beyond sea to be a Nunne the Copy whereof was sent to Windebanke who procured it Mr. Fanshaw and Mr. Keeling ACcording to his Majesties gracious command to me NOTE signified by Master Secretary Windebanke that no further proceedings shall be had upon an inditement against Dame Mary Parkins and Iohn Gibbons in Michaelmas Terme last for sending or carrying Mistresse Penelope Parkins the said Dame Mary Parkins Daughter beyond seas to be a Nunne contrary to the Statute These are to will and require you to make the Roll of the Record thereof and to enter a Cesset processus thereupon that no further proceedings be had upon the said Inditement accordingly for which this shall be your warrant and so I rest Your loving friend Thomas 〈◊〉 From 〈◊〉 Inne this 13. of May To this I shall adde the same chiefe Iustice his letter to Secretary Windebanke concerning his staying of Processe against one Lovet May it please your Honour IT is most true that the businesse concerning Lovet was recommended to my care NOTE I have done therin whatsoever was in my power to performe and there hath not been wanting in me the lest duty to either of their Majesties commands but he being indited of felony for receiving and harbouring of a Priest and the Priest himselfe of treason in the same inditement I cannot discharge him thereof but in a legall way which is either by exception to the inditement for insufficiency or by a legall tryall or by his Majesties gracious pardon that which was in my power being onely to stay Processe and proceedings I have done and all his goods which were seized and taken from him I have long since caused to be restored unto him againe but nothing will please him unlesâ—e he may be actually freed and discharged of the inditement which is not in my power to doe I have directed him the best course I can but he will take no way but his owne and that is to overthrow his inditement by exception to the sufficiency of it in poynt of law to which end he hath moved me to have a copy of it which I have been willing and ready with all my heart to grant him but I could not do it without the consent of master Atturney Generall it being in a cause neerly concerning the King for felony and treason I mooved master Atturney Generall for him in his owne presence who vvished him to attend him at his Chamber but whether he hath done so or no I knovv not for he never comes at me but as it seems deales maliciously vvith me under hand I being as desirous to doe him all the good I honestly and justly may as ever I vvas to doe any man in my life for besides my humble duty and service to both their Majestyes he is a man for some reasons I doe particularly love and affect This is all that I can write and therefore vvith most humble thanks to your Honour for your favour NOTE vvhich I shall never cease to acknowledge and vvith remembrance of my most humble duty and service I humbly take my leave and rest Your Honours most humble and faithfull Servant to becommanded Thomas Richardâ—â—â— Baâ—king 30. May 1634. Mich. xiij Caroli Regis Brownlow Ordinat â—st per Cur. Farrington querens c. versus Ant. Ingleâ—ield Ar. quatuordecem die Octobris quod cesset omnis prosecutio inter dictas partes super omnibus Informationibus actionibus debiti quibuscunque concernentibus Recusantiam â—psius Ant. per Cur. This yeere we began to have more intimate publike correspondency and trading with Rome then formerly and on Aug. 7. Bishop Laud being nominated Archbishop of Canterbury by the King upon the death of Dr. George Abbot had a serious offer made to him by one who avowed ability to performe it and therefore doubtlesse a speciall Agent from the Pope to be A CARDINALL and a second serious offer of this dignity August 17. as appeares by his own a See the Breviate of life p. 1â— Diary About which time Master Walter Mountague under pretence of some disgust taken at Court departed hence privately into France and from thence towards Rome by the way he professed himselfe a Papist and let fall some words that his designe was for Rome to reconcile us to it upon the best and fairest termes As soone as he entred Italy he was most honourably entertained presented feasted and brought on his way towards Rome in very great state and solemnity by all the Italian Princes States neer whom he passed and arriving at Rome was there magnificently received by the Pope and his Cardinals with whom he had private conferences sundry houres together taking place of all the English then in Rome as a kind of extraordinary Ambassadour sent from hence he was daily courted visited feasted with much respect by the Pope and Cardinals and having dispatched his negotiation there he was sent for thence to the Court under pretence of being Vicechamberlin to the Queen which place was then voyd by death but soon after he went into France and there entred into a Monastery for a time as did then Sir Kenelm Digby to make himself more capable of a Cardinals Cap of which it was then voyced he had a promise The Pope upon his Negotiation at Rome Oct. 10. 1634. sent over a special Nuncio into England called Signior Gregorio Panzani to labour a reduction of us to the vassalage of the Church of Rome who b As the Book entituled The Popes Nuntio wriâ— by the Veâ—tian Embâ—ssadouâ— relâ—tes p. 7. arrived here at London Dec. 25. 1634. He saluted first the Queen after that the King who received and treated him with much kindnesse telling him that he was very welcome his Majesty remaining uncovered during all the discourse and entertainment he was entertained treated with under the Notion of a Nuncio residing in and about London he had frequent accesse to the Court and great persons to seduce and worke them to his ends how farre he preceeded in this designe you may read in the late printed Books intituled The Popes Nuncio and The English Pope what recourse he had to Secretary Windebanke and what favours he obtained from him in behalfe of the Roman Catholikes will best appeare by his owne gratulatory letter sent to this Secretary from Rome after his departure hence the originall whereof written by the Nuncio himselfe in Italian thus indorsed with Windebanke owne hand â—1 May 1637. Seignior Gregorio Panzani from Rome rec 22 Iune our stile I found among his papers and have here faithfully exhibited to publike view in English as worthy to be known as it was afterwards englished and given in evidence upon Oath at
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
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
magni Apostoli exemplo doctum ut Iudeis sias tanquam Iudeus iis qui sunt sine lege tanquam sis sinè lege dummodo Sedis Apostolicae dignitatem promoveas Ideo cum in magnam Brittaniam mittere statuerimus dilectum filium Comitem Rosseti nostrum sedis Apostolicae cum potestate legati a latâ—re Nuntâ—â—m Iuvenem zelo Dei accensum Note Apostolicae soliâ—itudini nostrae satisfactum credidimus si eum tuae curae committeremus Iussimus igitur ut tibi communicet Instructiones sibi datas a dilecto filio Nepote nostro Francisco Sanctae Reverendis Ecclesiae Card. Barbarino subscrîptas teque pro eo quo pro sede Apostolica zelo ardes rogamus in quantum opus est tibi mandamus ut predictum filium Nuntium nostrum in omnibus dirigas moneas instruas lapsus errones ejus qui per juventutem facilè accidere possunt corrigas ut sedis Apostolicae decor inviolatus permaneat ut denique in omnibus èi te Angelum custodem prebeas Note Magnam certè spem concepimus predictum filium Nuntium tuis consillis adjutum non parvos in Ecclesia Catholica fructus producturum Labora igitur dilecte fili opus fac Euangeliste Ministerium tuum imple Catholicos zelo Dei accende ipsos conforta sed praecipue Amazones illas quae ut a dilecto filio Georgio Conneo audivimius die ac nocte streâ—ue decertant pro dignitate sedis Apostolicae Non dissidimus de Domino neque de potentiae ejus quia sicut occasione * * Q. Elizâ—b unius â—aeminae authoritas sedis Apostolicae in Regno Angliae suppressa fuit sic nunc per tot Heroicas faeminas illas imitantes quae-à -Galilea sequebantur Dominum societatem ejus assidue sequentes Note BREVI in eodeÌ„ Regno restituenda sit Adhortare igitur illas ut opus aggressum viriliter prosequantur de sede Apostolica quae devoti Faeminii sexus peculiarem curam gerit bene mereri pergant Rogamus patrem Domini nostri Iesu Christi ut tibi spiritum sanctum suum mittat quite in omnibus per omniâ— custodiat Apostolicam nostramque benedictionem dilecte fili iterum atque iterum tibi impartimur Datum Romae apud S. Petrum sub annulo Piscatoris pridie idus Maii. About January 1640. next following this Bull there was this notable discovery of the Iesuits and Papists Practises made to the House of Commons by one Brown a Popish Priest which makes some mention of it and I cannot pretermit The voluntary Confession of Iohn Brown a Romish Priest of the age of 72. yeerâ— a prisoner in the Gate-house who being twice examined by a Committee of the Honorable House of Commons did thereupon further explicate himself for the good of the Commonwealth and ease of the House THe Honourable House takes notice of the Partie who delivered this Petition Note to be one of the most eminent in these Dominions of this Age who hath read Divinity Mathematicks and Philosophy in the speciall Universities of Christendome as Salamanca and Alcala in Spaine in Tholous and Avignon in France in Rome Venice and Genoa in Italy and hath preacht in speciall Cities in thesâ— Kingdomes and in presence of the French King at Paris and in the Low Countries at Antwerpe Brussells Dunkirke c. who desires to enforme concerning some speciall points for the Weale of this State as himself hath observed above fifty yeers past which are reduced to these Heads First concerning the Iesuits and danger they have done to these Kingdoms labouring that the Oath of Allegiance might not be taken And the wayes they use with their Penitents and projecting of Monopolies of the Ministers and Substitutes they use and the way quite to roote them out of these Dominions Secondly the reformation of some things in the Queenes Court and of some persons which are fiâ— to be removed Thirdly the Archbishop of Canterbury and of the great dammages done partly by himself and in his Court of High Commission Fourthly Note of the manner whereby the Pope means to intrude himselfe into the Temporall Monarchy of these Kingdoms and to eschewe all future danger in time coming What persons are to be removed from hence and that there should not be permitted any Resident to remain at Rome for the Queen nor none here from the Pope nor for foraign Princes to stir sedition in the State namely France and Spain Fiftly that Roman Catholiques shall be stopt from going over Sea with their goods and all First concerning the first the whole Christian world doth acknowledge the prediction which the Vniversity of Paris doth foresee in two severall Decrees they made Anno. 1565. where the society of Iesuits did labour to be members of the Vniversity Note Hoc genus hominum natus est ad interritum Christianae Reipublicae et subvertionem literarum that is This society is erected to be the overthrow of Christendome and ruine of Learning as wofull experience hath taught us They were the onely cause of the troubles which fell out in Muscovia when under pretence to reduce the Latine Church and plant themselves and destroy the Greek Church which is onely profess't in the Empire of Russiae the poor King Demetrius and his Queen and those that followed him from Polonia were all in one night murthered by the monstruous usurper of the Crown and the true Progeny rooted out They were the onely cause that moved the Swedes to take Armes against their lawfull King Sigismund and chased him to Poland and neither he nor his successors were ever able to take possession of Sweden For the Iesuits intention was to bring in the Romish Religion and root out Protestants They were the onely cause that moved the Polonians to take Armes against the said Sigismund because they had perswaded him to marry too Sisters one after the other both of the House of Austria They have been the sole cause of the Warre entered in Germany since the year 1619. as Pope Paulus Quintus did tell the Generall of their Order called Vicelescus for their Avarice pretending to take all the Church-Lands from the Hussits in Bohemia to themselves which hath caused the death of many thousands by the Sword Pestilence and Famine in Germany They have been the cause of civill Warres in France during all which time moving the French King to take armes against his own Subjects the Protestants where innumerable people have lost their lives as the Seige of Rochell and other places will give sufficient proof For the Iesuits intentions were to set their society in all Cities and Townes Conquered by the King and quite to abolish the Protestants They were the cause of the murther of the last King of France They were the only Projectors of the Gunpowder-Treason and their Penitents the Actors thereof They were the only cause namely Father Parsons that incensed
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
secure him immediatly thereby also to startle and deter the rest when they found him laid fast his Lordship observing what we had done and the City in Armes fled from his Lodging early before day it seemes disguised for we had laid a watch about his Lodging so as we thinke he could not passe without disguising himselfe yet he could not get forth of the City so surely guarded were all the gates There were found at his Lodging hidden some Hatchets with the Helves newly cut off close to the Hatchets Note and many Skeines and some Hammers In the end the Sheriffes of the City whom we imployed in strict search of his Lordship found him hidden in a Cockloft in an obscure house farre from his Lodging where they apprehended him and brought him before us He denyed all yet so as he could not deny but he had heard of it in the Country though he would not tell us when or from whom and confessed that he had not advertised us thereof as in duty he ought to have done But we were so well satisfied of his guilt by all circumstances as we doubted not upon further Examination when we could be able to spare time for it finde it apparent wherefore we hold it of absolute necessity to commit him close prisoner as we had formerly done Mac Mahone and others where we left them on the 23. of this moneth in the morning about the same houre they intended to have been Masters of that place and this City That morning also we laid wait for all those Strangers that came the night before to Town and so many were apprehended whom we finde reason to belive to have hands in this Conspiricy as we were forced to disperse them into severall Goales and wee since found that there came many Horsemen into the Suburbs that night who finding the Plot discovered disperst themselves immediately When the houre approached which was designed for surprizing the Castle great numbers of Strangers were observed to come to Town in great parties severall wayes who not finding admittance at the Gates staid in the Suburbs and there grew numerous to the terrour of the Inhabitantss we therefore to help that drew up and instantly signed a Proclamation commanding all men not dwellers in the City or Suburbs to depart within an houre upon paine of death and made it alike penall to those that should harbour them which Proclamation the Sheriffe Immediatly proclaimed in all the Suburbs by our commandement which being accompanied with the example and terrour of the committall of those two eminent men and other occasioned the departure of those multitudes And in this case all our lives and fortunes and above all his Majesties Power and regall Authority being still at the stake Note we must vary from ordinary proceedings not onely in executing Martiall Law as we see cause but also in putting some to the Rack to finde out the bottome of this Treason and all the Contrivers thereof which wee foresee will not otherwise be done On that 23 day of this Moneth we conceiving that as soone as it should be known that the Plot for sâ—izing Dublin Castle was disappointed all the Conspiratos in the remote parts might be somewhat disheartned as on the other side the good Subjects would be comforted and would then with the more confidence stand on their guard did prepare to send abroad to all parts of the Kingdom this Proclamation which we send you herein inclosed and so having provided that the City and Castle should bee so well guarded as upon the sudden wee could provide wee concluded that long continued consultation On Saturday at twelve of the clock at night the Lord Blaney came to Town and brought us the ill newes of the Rebels seizing with 200 men his House at Castle Blainey in the Countey of Monoghan and his wife children and servants as also a House of the Earle of Essexs called Carrickmacrosse with 200 men and a house of Sir Henry Spotwords in the same County with 200 men where there being a little Plantation of Brittish Note they plundered the Town and divers houses and it since appeares that they burnt divers other Villages and robbed and spoyled many English and none but Protestants leaving the English Papists untouched as well as the Irish. On Sunday morning at three of the clock we had intelligence from Sir Arthur Tirâ—ingham that the Irish in the Town had that day also broken up the Kings store of Arms and Munition at Newry where the store for Arms hath been ever since the Peace and where they found threescore and ten barrels of Powder and armed themselves and put them under command of Sir Con-Magenis Knight and one Cerly a Monke and plundered the English there and disarmed the Garrison And this though to much is all that we yet heare is done by them However wee shall stand on our guard the best we may to defend the Castle and City principally those being the peeces of most importance But if the Conspiracie be so universall as Mac Mahoun saith in his Examination it is namely that all the Counties of the Kingdome have conspired in it Note which wee admire should so fall out in this time of universall peace and carried with that secresie that none of the English could have any friend amongst them to disclose it then indeed we shall be in high extremity and the Kingdom in the greatest danger that ever it underwent considering our want of men money and armes to enable us to encounter so great multitudes as they can make if all should so joyne against us the rather because we have pregnant cause to doubt that the Combination hath taken force by the incitement of Iesuits Nâ—tâ— Preists and Fryars All the hope we have here is that the old English of the Pale and some other Parts will continue constant to the King in their fidelity as they did in former Rebellions And now in these streights we much under God depend on aide forth of England for our present supply with all speed especially money we having none and Armes which we shall exceedingly want without which we are very doubtfull what account wee shall give to the King of his Kingdome But if the Conspiracy be only of Mac Guire and some other Irish of the kindred and friends of the Rebell Tyrone and other Irish in the Counties of Down Monaghan Cavan Termanagh and Armagh and no generall revolt following thereupon we hope then to make head againstâ—them in a reasonable measure if we be enabled with money from thence without which we can raise no forces so great is our want of moneys as we have formerly written and our debt so great to the Army nor is money to be borrowed here and if it were we could engage all our estates for it neither have we any hope to get in his Majesties Rents and Subsidies in these disturbances which addes extreamely to our necessities On Sunday morning
the Pope to send so many fulminate Breeves to these Kingdomes to hinder the Oath of Allegiance and lawfull obedience to their temporall Prince that they might still fish in troubled waters Their damnable doctrine to destroy and depose Kings hath been the cause of the Civil Wars likely to befall these Kingdoms if God in his mercy do not stop it They have been the cause of the Monopolies projected in this Kingdome especially concerning Soape the Forrest of Dean and marking of * Granted to Captain Read chief Agent for the Iesuits See Romes Master-piece pag. 20 21 2â— Butter Caske where all the Parties were Partners and Confederates of the Iesuits as Sir Bazill Brookes sir Iohn Winter and a brother in Law of the said sir Iohns that lived in Worcestershire and Mr. Ployden whose servant called Baldwyn in my presence about a yeare since did deliver to Captaine Read a substitute of the Iesuits a hundred pounds to be given to a Iesuite who lived in his house They have their Lay Brethren which collect duely their Annuities and Rents and play the Merchants transporting Cloth other Merchandizes of great value I doe know one Brother in Law to Captaine Read who continually Trades in Merchandizes who is a Novice of theirs and one Cuâ—bert of Lancaâ—hire who collects their Rents and one Grey of Barwicke they are protected by the Spanish Embassadour and live at his house They have their Merchants in London namely one Evans worth fifty thousand pounds who meanes to make them his Heires and dis-inherit his Kindred Doctor Moore also is their Agent and puts out this money to Interest This Evans who was appointed to be Sheriffe of London last yeare by their perswasion did goe out of London and refused to accept of it and by them was sent into the Country and lived retired till Michaelmas was past and escaped to be Sheriffe of Middlesex and paid no Fine for refusing the said Office being till the time was past in obscurity * See Romes Master-peece p. 2â— to 25. Captaine Read a Scotish man now Lieutenant Colonel in Ireland under Col. Henry Bruce is also one of their Agents and lets their buildings in Long Acre and other parts of London for their use especially the faire buildings in Lincolnssnne-fields inhabited sometimes by George Gage and at his death left to my Lady Gardner where the Iesuits ordinarily resorted It is thought that Mr. Newton who built all those faire houses in Queenes-street is their Agent for of himselfe he was never so able as to build the hundreth part of them It is strange to see the straâ—agems which they use with their Penitents concerning to Oath of Allegiance If they be poor they tell them flatly when they are demanded to take the Oath that it is damnable and no wayes to be allowed by the Church If they be of the richer sort they say they may do as their Conscience will inspire them And there be some of them that make no Conscience at all to have it taken so oft as they are demanded It is no lesse strange to see Note what great Treasures they have heaped up and made four Colledges in Flanders onely of Annuities of their moneys and such houses as are now appertaining unto them From Mr. Sackvile they got ten thousand pounds and afterwards most miserably dismist him Note so that he was constreined to begge And after great threatning they allowed him of all his meanes only a hundred pound per annum during life The like deceâ—t they did use to the whole Regiment of my Lord Vaux in Flanders which for the most part were composed of younger Brothers who at their perswasions sold their Lands and Annuities and gave them their moneys assuring them that they should lose nothing and get all again But when they came in their great necessities and demanded it they absolutely refused them and so they saw the most part of those younger Gentlemen perish for want in Hospitals The like they did with above two hundred Gentlewomen of good extraction whom they seduced and got from them their portions the least having a thousand pounds for lesse they would not take and when they came to Flanders Note they were committed to the charge of Mistresse Mary Ward who forced them to labour with their hands and live in great misery with bread and water And at last like gallopping Nuns made thirty of them to take their Iourney to Rome and Naples and there to teach young Children When it came to the Popes knowledge he made a thundring Bull against them either to enter into a Monastry or else within fifteen dayes to depart the Territorirs of Rome and within forty dayes all Italy but afterwards this Bull was retracted The Colledge of Saint Omers is no lesse memorable which was erected by Pope Gregory the thirteenth and partly indowed by the King of Spain with great meanes The Iesuits neverthelesse insatiable cormorants have by their allurements got great wealth from England under pretence to nourish some Students which in time might labour in this Vineyard some by Testament others by Donation have left meanes to bring up some two some three and payd twenty five and thirty pounds per annum But since they are not willing to undergo the toil to take it yeerly but have enticed the Donators to give them some three some four and some five hundred pounds and in my knowledge they got in this manner for nourishing above two hundred so that they have extorted and got great sums of money from this Kingdome to the great prejudice of the State The wise State of Venice foreseeing their ambition to creep into the knowledge of their Government Note and to Conquer high Territories by tricks unlawfull means and sleights By Order of their great Councell they were adjudged to be banished for ever their Dominions and never to return thither till they had the consent of the whole Senate which is impossible to be obtained although the French King and the Pope have laboured sundry times yet in vain And also the said State did declare That whosoever should speake in their favour for their re-establishing should be degraded of his Honor and his Posterity after him and loose all his goods and the like should befall to them that send their children to their colledges Would to God such Lawes were made in these Dominions severely to punish the Parents for sending their Children to Iesuits Colledges And to conclude they should be expelled from all humane society as unsit to be dealt with for their equivocation and mentall reservation never telling the truth being mortall enemies to all charity and the true fore-runners of Antichrist oppugning all verity and taking all for themselves without Communication of good to others And as for those that are beyond Seas in their Colledges it were more then necessary to make a Decree that within a short time prefixed they should return to their Native soil under