said Burrough of Agmondesham And that the said Election is void To which Resolves the House agreed Ordered That Mr. Speaker do Issue out his Warrant to the Clerk of the Crowne to make out a new Writ for the Electing of a Burgess to ferve in this present Parliament for the said Burrough of Agmondesham Ordered That the Chairman of the Committee of Elections and Priviledges do make Report of the Matter touching the Election for the Burrough of Marlow in the County of Bucks on Tuesday Morning next Ordered That the Mr Wilson be taken in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms Attending this House for a breach of Priviledge by him Committed against this House Ordered That Mr. Day being in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms Attending this House be Discharged from his further Confinment Ordered That the Chairman of the Committee Appointed to Examine the Matter of the Information against Sir Robert Peyton do Report the same on Tuesday Morning next Lunae 13 Die Decemb. 1680 DIrck Vander-Stegen and Mathias Cole did this day take the Oaths of Allegianee and Supremacy at the Clerks Table in order to their Naturalization Ordered That the Names of the said Dirck-Vander Stegen and Mathias Cole be inserted in the Bills of Naturalization A Bill for Exportation of Cloth and other Woollen Manufactures into Turky was read a second time and a debate arising thereupon Ordered That this Bill do lie on the Clerks Table Ordered That Mr. Francis Lutterell and Sir Thomas Whitmore Members of this House have leave to go into the Country Ordered That the Committee appointed to look into and prepare Evidence against the Lords in the Tower do examin the evidence against all Persons concerned in the Popish Plot and they are to report the names of such persons together with their opinions therein to the House upon the Debate Resolved Nemine Contradicente That this House will on Wednesday morning next at Ten of the Clock resolve it self into a Committee of the whole House to consider of wayes and means to secure the Kingdom against Popery and Arbitrary Power Ordered That leave be given to bring in a Bill for banishing of all Papists and suspected Papists from the Cities of London and Westminster and 20 Miles of the same with clauses therein for disarming of all Papists and for pains and penalty against all such Papists or suspected Papists as shall either ride go or be armed Ordered That the Knights of the respective Shires Citizens of the respective Cities Burgesses of the several Burroughs and Barons of the Cinque-Ports within this Kingdom do with all convenient speed bring in Lists of all Papists and reputed Papists within the said several Counties Cities Burroughs and Cinque-Ports Ordered That the Lord Annesly a Member of this House have liberty to repair to Mr. Sheridon A Petition of Captain William Castle was read Ordered That the said Captain Castle be brought to the Bar tomorrow morning and do receive the Censure of the House upon his knees from Mr. Speaker Ordered That Mr. Lucy be added to the Committee appointed to examin the proceedings of the Judges in Westminster-Hall And to prepare an Impeachment against Sir Francis North Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas. Martis 14. die Decemb 1680. A Bill for rectifying several Errors and mistakes in certain Deeds of Settlement made upon the Marriage of Sir Charles Hoghton Barronet with Mary the Daughter of John Lord Viscount Massareen was read the first time Resolved c. That the Bill be read a second time on Thursday morning next Mr. England reports from the Commitee appointed to examine the matter of the complaint made by the Inhabitants of the County of Norfolk against Samuel Verdon Undersheriff of the said County That the Committee having taken the same into their Consideration had directed him to make a special Report to the House which he read in his Place and afterwards delivered the same in at the Clerks Table where the same being read Ordered That the said Committee do proceed to examin all Matters of complaint against the said Samuel Verdon without further Summons Ordered That Mr. Baispole be sent for in custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House to answer at the Bar for a Breach of Priviledge by him committed against this House A Petition of Mr Jerimiah Bubb being read Ordered That the said Mr. Bubb be discharged from any further Attendance Ordered That Mr. William Tyler be discharged from any further confinement without paying Fees Information being given to the House that Herbert Herring some weeks since ordered to be taken in custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House to answer for a breach of Priviledge by him committed against Mr. Colt a Member of this Honse hath and still doth abscond himself to avoid the Execution of the said Order Resolved c. That if the said Herbert Herring do not render himself to the said Serjeant at Arms before Saturday next this House will proceed against him by a Bill in Parliament for endeavouring by his Absconding to avoid the Justice of this House Ordered That the Chairman of the Committee to whom the Bill for the better Regulating the Trials of Peers is Committed do make Report thereof on Thursday Morning next A Petition of Roderick Mansell Esq was Read Mr. Mansell being called gave an account to the House of the Matter relating to Sir Robert Peyton Sir William Roberts Reports from the Committee appointed to examin the matter relating to Sir Robert Peyton that the Committee having taken the same into their Consideration had agreed upon a Report which he read in his place and afterwards delivered the same in at the Clerks Table where the same being read Sir Robert Peyton having made his Defence in his Place and being withdrawn And the matter being debated in the House the House made the following Vote It appearing to this House by the Report made at the Bar and by the Confession of Sir Robert Peyton in his Place that Sir Robert Peyton had secret negotiation with the Duke of Tork by the means of the Earl of Peterborow Mrs. Cellier and Mr. Gadbury at such time when they were turning the Popish Plot upon the Protestants Ordered That Sir Robert Peyton be expelled this House And that Sir Robert Peyton be brought to the Bar and do receive the Censure of the House upon his knees from Mr. Speaker The Serjeant at Arms aquainting the House that Sir Robert Peyton had absented himself so that he could not be then found Ordered That the said Sir Robert Peyton be taken into Custody of the said Serjeant at Arms. Mercurii 15 Die Decemb. 1680. ORdered That Samuel Gibbs late Mayor of the Burrough of Westbury in the County of Wilts in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House be brought to the Bar and do receive the Censure of the House upon his knees from Mr. Speaker and be then discharged paying his fees which was done
go into the Countrey for recovery of his health A message from the Lords by Sir Timothy Baldwin and Sir Samuel Clark Mr. Speaker The Lords have sent Us to acquaint this House that they have ordered William Viscount Stafford to be brought again to his Tryal at the Bar in Westminster-Hall tomorrow morning at Ten of the Clock Ordered That the Adjourned Debate relating to the Information Yesterday Communicated to this House from his Majestie be further Adjoured to Monday morning next at Ten of the Clock Die Veneris 3o. Decembris 1680. Ordered by the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in Parliament Assembled that all Persons as well Peers as others that are Papists and now in or about the Cities of London or Westminster be and are hereby Required forthwith to Depart from the same at their Peril of undergoing the utmost Punishment as can be by Law Inflicted upon them for their Disobedience herein And further That this Order be forthwith Printed and Published to the end all Persons concerned may take notice thereof Jo Browne Cleric Parliament Sabati 4. Die Decem. 1680 Ordered THat Mr. Sanderson a Member of this House have leave to go into the Country for recovery of his health Ordered That Mr. Secretary Jenkins be added to the Committee to whom the Bill for taking away the Court holden before the President and Council in the Marches of Wales is committed Ordered That the Matter touching the Election for the Town of Taunton in the County of Somerset which was appointed for this day be heard at the Bar of this House on Tuesday morning next A Bill for the better securing the payment of an annuity or Rent-charge of 130 l. per annum out of the Mannors and Farms of Bexhill and Cowding in the County of Sussex to the Use of the Poor of several Parishes in the County of Surrey was Read the first time Resolved That the said Bill be Read a second time Mr. Speaker left the Chair And the Committee of the Commons Proceeded in the Management of the Impeachment against William Viscount Stafford before the Lords in Parliament Post Meridiem The Committee of the Commons returned to the House Mr. Speaker resumed the Chair The House being Informed That Mr. William Stawell in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms Attending this House is sick and not able to Appear before this House Ordered That Mr. Stawell have a Months time given him for such his appearance A Message from the Lords by Sir Timothy Baldwyn and Sr. Samuel Clarke Mr Speaker The Lords have sent us to acquaint this House That they have Ordered William Viscount Stafford to be brought again to the Bar in Westminster Hall on Monday Morning next at Ten of the Clock Lunae 6. die Decemb. 1680. JOhn Loos did this day take the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy in order to his Naturalization Ordered That Mr. Edward Nosworthy the Younger and Mr. Serjeant Rigby Members of this House have leave to go into the Country A Petition of Knyvet Hastyngs Esq in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms Attending this House was Read Ordered That the said Mr. Hastings be discharged from any further Confinement A Petition of Richard Thompson Clerk in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms Attending this House being presented to the House Ordered That the said Petition do lye upon the Clerks Table Mr. Speaker left the Chair And the Committee of the Commons did Proceed in the Management of the Impeachment against William Viscount Stafford before the Lords in Parliament Post Meridiem The Committee of the Commons returned to the House Mr. Speaker resumed the Chair Ordered That the Name of John Loos who this day took the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy be inserted in the Bill of Naturalization A Message from the Lords by Sir Timothy Baldwyn and Sir Samuel Clarke Mr. Speaker The Lords have Commanded us to acquaint this House that they have Appointed William Viscount Stafford to be brought to the Bar in Westminster-Hall tomorrow morning an Ten of the Clock to hear Judgment Resolved Nemine Contradicente That this House will go tomorrow morning with their Speaker to the Bar of the House of Lords and Demand Judgment upon the Impeachment of the Commons of England against William Viscount Stafford Ordered That no Member of this House do go into the Court in Westminster-Hall tomorrow morning before this House shall have demanded Judgment at the Bar of the Lords upon the Impeachment of the Commons of England against William Viscount Stafford and that Mr. Howard have notice hereof Martis 7 die Decemb. 1680. VVilliam Leonardson Robolt did this day take the Oaths of Allegiance and Supre macy in Order to his Naturalization Mr. Speaker left the Chair The Committee of the Commons Appointed for the Mangement of the Impeachment against William Viscount Stafford were present at the Court in Westminster-Hall when the Lords found William Viscount Stafford guilty of the High-Treason whereof he stands Impeached The Committee of the Commons returned to the House Mr. Speaker resumed the Chair The House then with Mr. Speaker went up to the Bar of the Lords House and by Mr. Speaker demanded Judgment of High-Treason against William Viscount Stafford upon the Impeachment of the Commons of England in Parliament in the Name of the Commons in Parliament and of all the Commons of England The House being returned Ordered That Doctor Burnett be desired to Preach before this House at St. Margarets Westminster upon the Fast day Appointed by His Majesties Proclamation and Colonel Titus is desired to acquaint him therewith Ordered That Doctor Spratt be likewise desired to Preach before this House on the same day and Sir John Trevor is desired to Acquaint him therewith A Message from the Lords by Sir Timothy Baldwyn and Sir Samuel Clark Mr. Speaker We are commanded by the Lords to acquaint this House that their Lordships are going presently into Westminster-Hall to give Judgment against William Viscount Stafford Mr. Speaker left the Chair The Committee of the Commons appointed for the management of the Impeachment against William Viscount Stafford were present at the Court in Westminster-Hall when the Lords gave Judgment of High-Treason against William Viscount Stafford upon the Impeachment of the Commons The Committee of the Commons returned to the House Mr. Speaker resumed the Chair Ordered That the Name of William Leonardson Robolt who this day took the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy be inserted in the Bill of Naturalization Mercurii 8 die Decemb. 1680. JOhn Woder and John Oort did this day take the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy at the Clerks Table in order to their Naturalization Ordered That the Names of the said John Woder and John Oort be inserted in the Bill of Naturalization The House being informed that Sir John Cutler who is returned as one of the Burgesses to Serve in this Parliament for the Burtough of Taunton in the County of Somerset is satisfied that he is not duly Elected a Burgess
accordingly Ordered That Sir Thomas Exton a Member of this House have leave to repair into the Country A Petition of George Bell in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House was read Ordered That the said George Bell be brought to the Bar and do receive the censure of the House upon his knees from Mr. Speaker and be then discharged paying his Fees which was done accordingly A Bill for supplying the Laws made against Bankrupts was read the first time A Message from His Majesty by Sr. Edward Cartarett Usher of the Black Rod. Mr. Speaker The King commands this Honourable House to attend him immediatly in the House of Peers and accordingly Mr. Speaker with the House went up to attend His Majestie The House being returned Mr. Speaker acquainted the House with the Effect of His Majesties Speech Ordered That Sir Robert Peyton being in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House be brought to the Bar and do receive the Censure of this House upon his knees from Mr. Speaker and that he be then discharged from further Confinement paying his Fees which was accordingly done Resolved That this House will on Saturday morning next take into consideration His Majesties Gracious Speech this day made to both Houses of Parliament The House then according to their Order Resolved into a Committee of the whole House to consider of ways and means to secure this Kingdom against Popery and Arbitrary Power Mr. Speaker left the Chair Mr. Powle took the Chair of the Committee Mr. Speaker resumed the Chair Mr. Powle acquaints the House that the Committee receiving Intimation that there was a Message at the door from the Lords had ordered him to leave the Chair and moved from the said Committee that the House would be pleased as soon as such Message should be received to resolve again into a Committee of the whole House A Message from the Lords by Sr. John Hoskins and Sr. Addam Dateley Mr. Speaker The Lords have commanded us to acquaint this House that they have agreed to the Bill sent from this House entituled An-Act for the repeal of a Statute made in the 35th Tear of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth with some Amendments to which they desire the concurrence of this House The House again resolved Itself into a Committee of the whole House Mr. Speaker left the Chair Mr. Powle took the Chair of the Committee Mr. Speaker resumed the Chair Mr. Powle reports from the Committee of the whole House That the Committee having taken the matters to them referred into consideration had agreed upon certain Resolves which he read in his place and afterwards delivered them in at the Clerks Table where the same being read are as follows viz. Resolved That it is the opinion of this Committee that one means for the suppressing Popery is that the House be moved that a Bill be brought in to banish immediately all the considerable Papists out of the Kings Dominions Resolved That it is the opinion of this Committee that as long as the Papists have any hopes of the Duke of York's succeeding the King in the Kingdoms of England and Ireland and the Dominions thereunto belonging the King's person the Protestant Religion and the lives liberties and properties of all his Majesties Protestant Subjects are in apparent danger òf being destroyed Resolved That it is the opinion of this Committee that the House be moved that a Bill be brought in for an association of all His Majesties Protest an t Subjects for the safety of His Majesties Person the Defence of the Protestant Religion and the preservation of His Majesties Protestant Subjects against all Invasions and Oppositions whatsoever and for the preventing the Duke of York or any Papist from succeeding to the Crown The first of the said Resolves being read a second time And a Motion being made for the adding the words of England aftor the word Papists in the said Resolve which being agreed to by the House and the same being inserted at the Clerks Table Resolved Nemine contradicente That this House doth agree with the Committee that one means for the suppressing Popery is that a Bill be brought in to banish immediatly all the considerable Papists of England out of the Kings Dominions The second of the said Resolves being read a second time Resolved Nemine Contradicente That this House doth agree with the Committee that so long as the Papists have any hopes of the Duke of York's succeeding the King in the Kingdoms of England and Ireland and the Dominions thereunto belonging the King's Person the Protestant Religion and the lives liberties and properties of all His Majesties Protestant Subjects are in apparent danger of being destroyed The Third of the said Resolves being read a second Time Resolved Nemine contradicente That this House doth agree with the Committee that a Bill be brought in for an association of all His Majesties Protestant Subjects for the safety of His Majesties Person the Desence of the Protestant Religion and the preservation of His Majesties Protestant Subjects against all Invasions and Oppositions whatsoever and for preventing the Duke of York or any Papist from succeeding to the Crown Ordered That a Committee be appointed to prepare and bring in a Bill pursuant to the first of the said Resolves Mr. Powle moving the House from the Committee of the whole House that the House would be pleased again to resolve it self into a Committee of the whole House to Morrow morning at Ten of the Clock upon the Matter of this days Debate Resolved That this House will to Morrow morning at Ten of the Clock resolve it self into a Committee of the who'e House further to consider of ways and means to secure the Kingdom against Popery and Arbitrary Power Ordered That Mr. Speaker do issue out his Warrant to the Clerk of the Crown to make out a new Writ for the Election of a Knight to serve in this present Parliament for the County of Middlesex in the room of Sir Robert Peyton expell'd this House Jovis 16. die Decemb. 1680. MArtin May and Cornelius Steler did this day take the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy at the Clerks Table in order to their Naturalization Ordered That Mr. Samuel Sandys the younger and Mr. Stokes have leave to go into the Country A Bill for rectifying several Errors and Mistakes in certain Deeds of settlement made upon the marriage of Sir Charles Hoghton Baronet with Mary the daughter of John Lord Viscount Massareen was read a second time A Petition of divers Inhabitants in the County of Surrey complaining of the proceedings in an Ecclesiasticall Court against them was read Ordered That the consideration of this petition be referred to a Committee The same Committee is impowered to send for Persons Papers and Records and to receive all other Complaints against the proceedings of Ecclesiastical Courts and to bring in a Bill or Bills for regulating the proceedings of such Courts A Petition of Joshua Brook
out of any Warrant for taking into custody Sir Philip Skippon who made default in attending the House at the Call thereof on Tuesday last Colonel Birch reports from the Committee appointed to receive Informations relating to the Popish Plot in Ireland That the Committee having proceeded upon the Matters to them referred had taken several Examinations and received the Answer of Sir John Davis and had also perused several Informations transmitted from the House of Lords relating to the said Plot all which he Read in his place and afterwards delivered the same in at the Clerks Table where the same were again Read The House then taking into consideration the Message sent from the Lords on Tuesday last wherein they desire the concurrence of this House the House resolved That this House doth agree with the Lords in the said Vote with the addition of these words That the Duke of York being a Papist and the expectation of his coming to the Crown hath given the greatest Countenance and Encouragement thereto as well as to the horrid Popish Piot in this Kingdom of England Resolved That that the said Vote be delivered to the Lords at a Conference Ordered That a Committee be appointed to draw up reasons to be offered at the said Conference Ordered That the several Informations of John Macnamara Maurice Fitz-Gerrald and James Nash this day Read to the House relating to the Irish Plot be forthwith Printed Resolved That Richard Poure Earl of Tyrone in the Kingdom of Ireland be Impeached of high Treason Ordered That the Lord Durseley do go up to the Bar of the Lords and Impeach him of high Treason in the name of this House and of all the Commons of England and do pray that he may be committed to safe custody Ordered That the Committee appointed to prepare the Evidence against the Popish Lords in the Tower do prepare the said Impeachment Ordered That the further consideration of the said Report in relation to Arthur Earl of Anglesey and Sir John Davis be adjourned to Saturday morning next ten of the Clock in a full House Veneris 7. Die Januarii 1680. THe Engrossed Articles of Impeachment of Sir William Scroggs Chief Justice of the Court of Kings-Bench of High Treason and other great Crimes and Misdemeanours being Read the same were carried up to the Lords by the Lord Cavendish Ordered That Mr. Lewknor and Collonel Strangewayes have leave to go into the Countrey for Recovery of their Health A Bill to prevent vexatious Actions was read a first time Resolved That the Bill be read a second time A Bill to prevent Brewers to be Justices of the Peace in the place where they exercise that Trade was read the first time Resolved That the said Bill be read a Second time A Bill to prevent the Simony of one person from prejudicing another was read the first time Resolved That the said Bill be read a second time A Bill for the Bettter discovery of Settlements of Estates for superstitious uses was read a second time Resolved That the Bill be Committed upon the Debate of the House The House being informed that one John Fancourt had lately spoken certain seditious and dangerous words for which he hath been Secured in the City of Lincoln Ordered That it be Referred to the Committee Appointed to receive Informations touching the Popish Plot to Examine the Matter of this Information and to report the same with their Opinions therein to the House The House then according to their Order entered into the Consideration of His Majesties Message sent to this House on Tuesday last Resolved That it is the opinion of this House that there is no security or safety for the Protestant Religion the Kings Life or the well Constituted and Established Government of this Kingdom without passing a Bill for disabling James Duke of Tork to Inherit the Imperial Crown of England and Ireland and the Dominions and Territories thereunto belonging and to rely upon any other Means or Remedies without such a Bill is not only insufficient but dangerous Resolved That His Majestie in His last message having assured this House of his Readiness to concur in all other means for the preservation of the Protestant Religion this House doth declare that untill a Bill be likewise passed for excluding the Duke of Tork this House cannot give any Supply to His Majestie without danger to his Majesties Person extream hazard of the Protestant Religion and unfeithfulness to those by whom this House is intrusted Resolved That all persons who advised his Majestie in his last Message to this House to insist upon an opinion against the Bill for excluding the Duke of York have given pernicious Counsel to His Majestie and are Promoters of Popery and Enemies to the King and Kingdom Resolved That it is the opinion of this House that George Earl of Hallifax is one of the Persons who advised His Majestie in his last Message to this House to insist upon an opinion against the Bill for excluding the Duke of York and hath therein given pernicious Counsel to his Majesty and is a promoter of Popery and an Enemy to the King and Kingdom Resolved That an humble Address be presented to His Majestie to remove Laurence Hide Esq from his Majesties Council and presence and from his Office in the Treasury for ever Resolved That an humble Address be presented to his Majesty to remove Henry Marquis of Worcester from his Presence and Council and all the Offices and Imployments of Honour and profit for ever Resolved That it is the Opinion of this House that Henry Marquis of Worcester is one of the Persons who advised his Majestie in his last Message to this House to insist upon an opinion against the Bill for excluding the Duke of York and hath therein given pernicious Counsel to his Majestie and is a promoter of Popery and an Enemy to the King and Kingdom Resolved That it is the opinion of this House That Henry Earl of Clarendon is one of the persons who Advised his Majesty in His last Message to this House to insist upon an Opinion against the Bill for excluding the Duke of York hath therein given pernicious Council to his Majestie and is a Promoter of Popery and an Enemy to the King and Kingdom Resolved That it is the Opinion of this House that Lewis Earl of Feversham is a promoter of Popery and of the French Interest a dangerous Enemy to the King and Kingdom Resolved That an humble Address be made to his Majestie to remove Lewis Earl of Feversham from all Military Offices and Commands and from all other Publick Offices and Imployments and from His Majesties presence for ever A Motion being made for an Address to His Majesty to remove Edward Seymour Esq from His Majesties Council and Presence Ordered That the Debate thereof be adjourned to Munday morning next Ordered That the Committee Appointed to prepare an Address to His Majesty in Answer to his Majesties Message relating
by such Members of this House as are of His Majesties most Honourable Privy Council humbly to desire His Majesty That all Papers Letters Examinations Writings and other Evidences relating to the Horrid Popish Plot which have been delivered in to the Clerks of the Council or the Secretaries of State since the Dissolution of the last Parliament may be transmitted to this House Ordered That Mr. Serjeant Maynard Mr. George Pelham and Mr. Paul Foley be added to the Committee appointed to prepare Evidence against the Lords in the Tower Ordered That an humble Address be made to his Majesty by such Members of this House as are of His Majesties most Honourable Privy Council to desire His Majesty to give Orders for the issuing out a Sum of money for defraying the Charges of Summoning the Witnesses and other Expences incident to the Prosecution and Tryals of the Lords in the Tower Ordered That such Moneys as His Majesty shall be pleased to direct to be issued for the Uses aforesaid be deposited in the hands of Mr. Charles Clare Sabbati 13 die Novembris 1680. A Petition of Richard Whitehead Esq touching the Election for the Borough of Linnington in the County of Southampton was Read Ordered That the said Petition be Refered to the Committee of Elections and Priviledges to Examine the Matter thereof and to Report the same with their Opinions therein to the House Richard Janeway in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms being called in acquainted the House That the Pamphlet by him published for which he stands Commited was Printed by _____ Everingham _____ Bradwell and Thomas James Samuel Lee and Thomas Simons Stationers and that the Copy by which the same was Printed was delivered by Mr. Andrew Tarington Ordered That the said Mr. Yarington Mr. James Mr. Everingham Mr. Bradwell Mr. Simons and Mr. Lee be summoned to Attend at the Bar of this House on Munday Morning next at ten of the Clock to Answer the said Charge to the House concerning the Printing and publishing of the said phamphlet Mr. Secretary Jenkins acquaints the House That such Members thereof as are of His Majesties most Honourable Privy Council had attended His Maiesty pursuant to Five several Orders of Address from this House to His Majesty and that His Majesties Answer to the several Addresses was to this effect That as to the First Address whereby the House desired to know His Majesties Pleasure when this House should attend him His Majesty was pleased to Appoint three of the clock this afternoon for the House to attend Him in the Banqueting-House That as to the second Address whereby this House did make humble Application to His Majesty for the pardon of Mr. Jenison His Majesty was pleased to Answer That He will Grant Him a pardon for all Treasons misprisions of Treason Felonies and Outlawries for Felonies That as to the third Address relating to money to defray the Incident charges in the profecution of the Lords in the Tower His Majesty was pleased to Answer That he had Directed 100 l. to be Issued out to such persons as is or shall be Appointed by this House for that purpose That as to the Fourth Address Desirng that all such papers Letters Examinations Writings and other Evidences relating to the Popish plot as were delivered in to the Clerks of the Council since the Dissolution of the last Parliament might be Transmitted to this House his Majesty was pleased to return this answer That upon the first sitting of the Committee of Examinations of the House of Lords upon the Plot his Majesty had Directed That all such papers Letters Examinations Writings and other Evidences relating to the Plot as were delivered in to the Clerks of the Council since the Dissolution of the last Parliament to be Transmited to the said Committee of Lords where they now still remain That as to the last Address desiring a pardon for Edmond Murphy Thomas Sampson John Macnamarra Hobart Bourke John Fiz-Gearld and Eustace Coning his Majesty was pleased to Answer That he would Grant a pardon to all the said several persons for all Treasons misprisions of Treason Felonies and Outlawries for Felonies Ordered That a Committee be appointed to Inspect the Laws concerning paving and Repairing of the Streets and Regulating of Hackney Coaches and to inquire into the proceedings of the Two last Parliaments relating to Hackney Coaches and to report the same with their Opinions therein to the House to prepare and bring in a Bill for Regulating of hackney coaches repairing paving and cleansing of streets and opening of passages in and about the Cities of London and Westminster Sir Robert Yeamans being according to the Order Yesterday made brought to the Bar of this House did acknowledge the Offence by him committed and humbly begg'd the pardon of the House And being withdrawn Ordered That Sir Robert Yeamans be again brought to the Bar of this House and do receive the Censure of this House upon his knees from Mr. Speaker and be then discharged from the Custody of the Serjeant at Arms paying his Fees And Sir Robert Yeamans being accordingly brought to the Bar and there kneeling Mr. Speaker after having given him the Censure of the House acquainted him that he was discharg'd paying his Fees Mr. Norris being called in gave an Information in Writing relating to the Popish plot which was Read at the Clerks Table Ordered That a Committee be appointed to receive Informations concerning the Popish plot and to inquire into the same and to Report the same to the House as often as they shall see occasion And the Committee is Impowered to send for persons papers and Records And that the Information this day given at the Bar by Mr. Norris be referred to the consideration of the said Committee who are to Examine the matter thereof and to report the same with their Opinions there in to the House A Message from the Lords by Sir Timothy Baldwyn Sir John Hoskins Mr. Speaker THe Lords have commanded us to acquaint you that they have agreed to the Bill sent from this House Intituled An Act Prohibiting the Importation of Cattel from Ireland without any Amendment Ordered That the report made and delivered Yesterday by Sir Francis Winnington be read to the house on Munday morning next at Nine of the clock Mr. Trenchard Reports from the Committee to whom the Petition of divers Citizens of London against Sir George Jeffereys Recorder of the said City was referred That the said Committee had taken the same into consideration and had heard the Evidence of the petitioners and of the said Sir George Jeffereys and had agreed upon a Vote to be reported to the House which he read in his place and afterwards delivered the same in at the Clerks Table and is as followeth Resolved That this Committee is of Opinion That by the Evidence given to this Committee it does appear that Sir George Jeffereys Recorder of the City of London by traducing and obstructing Petitioning
Serjeant at Armes to answer at the Bar for a high Breach of Priviledge by him Committed aganst this House Mr. Secretary Jenkins acquaints the House that His Majesty having been attended by such Members of this House as are of His Majesties most Honourable Privy Council to know His Majesties pleasure When this House should attend Him with an address His Majesty hath appointed three of the Clock this afternoon for the House to attend him in the Banqueting-house at White-hall Ordered That leave be given to bring in a Bill to Supply the Laws against Bankrupcy Ordered That leave be given to bring in a Bill to take away the Court held before the Lord President and Council in the Marches of Wales A Bill for Repeal of an Act made in the 35. Year of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth cap. 1. was Read a Second time And no Exceptions being made to the same Ordered That the said Bill be Engrossed Resolved That an Humble Address be made to His Majesty from this House by such Members thereof as are of His Majesties most Honourable Privy Council to desire His Majesty to give Orders that all Protestant Dissenters who are Prosecuted upon any penal Laws made against Popish Recusants in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth and King James may be admitted to a Composition in the Exchequer without paying any Fees Ordered That leave be given to bring in a Bill declaring that the Acts of Parliament made in the Reigns of Queen Elizabeth and King James against Popish Recusants shall not be extended against Protestant Dissenters Ordered That the Committee appointed to prepare and Bring in a Bill for the better Uniting of all His Majesties Protestant Subjects have 〈…〉 bring in One or more Bill or Bills for that purpose Mr. Attorney General being called in and Examined touching the manner of Issuing forth the Proclamation Stiled A Proclamation against Tumultuous Petitions and giving an account to the House that Sir Fran. North Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas was advising and assisting in the drawing up and passing of the said Proclamation And a Debate arising in the House thereupon Resolved Nemine Contradicente That the Evidence this day given to this House against Sir Fran North Chief Justice of the Court of Common-pleas is a sufficient Ground for this House to proceed upon to an Impeachment against him for high Crimes and misdemeanors Ordered That it be referred to the Committee appointed to examine the proceedings of the Judges in Westminster-Hall to prepare Heads of an Impeachment against the said Sir Francis North and to present the same to the House And the said Committee is to sit de die in diem Ordered That William Rapley Bayliff of Haslemere in the County of Surrey being in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House be brought to the Bar of this House tomorrow Morning at Ten of the Clock to receive the Censure of the House Jovis 25. die Novem. 1680. Ordered THat a Message be sent to the Lords desiring their Lordships to appoint a Committee to joyn with a Committee of this House for the Adjusting the Methods and Circumstances relating to the Tryals of the Lords in the Tower and that Mr. Treby do go up to the Lords with the said Message A Petition of the Inhabitants of the County of Norfolk against Samuel Verdon Under-Sheriff of the said County for several Crimes and Misdemeanours by him Committed was Head Ordered That a Committee be appointed to Examine the Matters contained in the said Petition to Report the same with their Opinion therein to the House it is Referred to a Committee the same Committee is likewise Impowered to Examine the Abuses Miscarragies and Misdemeanors Committed by all Under-Sheriffs throughout the Kingdom Ordered That the said Samuel Verdon be sent for in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House to Answer at the Bar of the House for a Notorious Breach of Privilidge by him Committed against this House A Petition of Mr. Thomas Staples being in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House was Read Ordered That Mr. Staples be called in and do receive the Censure of the House at the Bar upon his Knees from Mr. Speaker and that he be then Discharged paying his Fees which was done accordingly A Message from the Lords by Sir John Coell and Sir Timothy Baldwyn Mr. Speaker The Lords have commanded us to acquaint this House that His Majesty having been Desired to appoint a Time when both Houses should attend Him with an Address for a Fast His Majesty was pleased to return answer That it is His Majesties Pleasure that both Houses do attend Him at Three of the Clock this Afternoon in the Banquetting-House The Articles of Impeachments against Edward Seymour Esq a member of the House being Read Resolved That the Articles be Read One by one and that Mr. Seymour do make his answer to each respective Article in his place which being accordingly done and Mr. Seymour withdrawn The first of the said Articles being Read to the House and a Debate arising in the House thereupon Resolved That the Debate be Adjourned to Ten of the Clock to Morrow Morning The Addresses Humbly presented to His MAJESTY From Both Houses of Parliament for a Day of HUMILIATION with His MAJESTIES Gracious Answer WE Your Majesties most Dutiful and Loyal Subjects the Lords Spiritual and Temporal and Commons in this present Parliament Assembled being deeply sensible of the sad and calamitous condition of this your Majesties Kingdom occasioned chiefly by the impious and horrid Conspiracies of a Popish Party who have not only Plotted and Intended the destruction of Your Majesties Royal Person but the Total Subversion of the Government and true Religion established amongst us and finding the same detestable Machinations still obstinately prosecuted by them as well by somenting divisions amongst your Majesties Loyal Protestant Subjects as all other the most wicked Contrivances notwithstanding the many discoveries thereof by Gods great mercy and wonderful providence lately brought to light all which dreadful Judgments are now impending over us most deservedly for our many and grievous sins and cannot otherwise in humane reason be prevented but by the particular blessing of God upon the Consultations and Endeavours of your great Council now Assembled in Parliament Do in all humility beseech your Majesty that by your Royal Proclamation a Day may be solemnly set apart wherein both our selves and all your Majesties Loyal Subjects may by Fasting and prayers endeavour a Reconciliation with Almighty God and with humble and penitent hearts implore him by his power and goodness to divert those Judgments and defeat the wicked counsels and deivces of our Enemies to Unite the hearts of your loyal Protestant Subjects and to continue his mercy and the light of his Gospel to us and our Posterities and more especially to bestow his abundant blessings on your Sacred Majesty and this present Parliament that our Consultations and
Endeavours may produce Honour Safety and prosperity to your Majesty and your People His Majesties Gracious Answer to this Address That His Majesty will give Order for a Day of Humiliation as is desired Veneris 26 die Novemb. 1680. MR. Speaker acquaints the House that both Houses having attended his Majesty in the Banquetting house yesterday in the afternoon with the Address for a day of Humiliation His Majesty was pleased graciously to answer That his Majesty will give order for a day of Humiliation as is desired Ordered That the Cause concerning the Election of Members to serve in this present Parliament for the Burrough of Taunton be heard at the Bar of this House tomorrow morning at Ten of the Clock A Petition of the Master Wardens Assistance and Company of Felt-makers was Read Ordered That the Consideration of the said Petition be referred to the Committee to whom the Bill for encouragement of the Woolen manufacture by the general wearing thereof is committed A Petition of Thomas Dare of Taunton a prisoner in execution for a Fine of 500 l. set upon him was Read Ordered That an humble Application be made to His Majesty from this House by such Members thereof as are of His Majesties most Honourable Privy Council to desire His Majesty to Pardon and remit the said Fine A Message from the Lords Mr. Speaker The Lords have commanded us to acquaint you That the Lords out of their great care to expedite the Tryal of the Lord Viscount Stafford on Tuesday next having agreed upon some Rules and directions to be observed at the said Tryal which they thought fit to communicate to this House and delivered in a Paper containing the said Rules Mr. Secretary Jenkins acquaints the House That His Majesty had been attended by such Members of this House as are of His Majesties most Honourable Privy Council with an address concerning the Protestant Dissenters and that His Majesties answer is That they shall be discharged and without Fees as far as may be done according to Law and that they shall be recommended to the Judges Mr. Treby acquaints the House That he had attended the Lords with a Message desiring their Lordships to appoint a Committee to joyn with a Committee of this House for adjusting the matters and circumstances relating to the Tryals of the Lords in the Tower That they would send an answer to this House by Messengers of their own Sir William Poultney reports from the Committee of Elections Priviledges that the said Committee having taken into consideration the matter touching the election and return of Members to serve in this present Parliament for the Burrough of Monmouth in the County of Monmouth had agreed upon Four several Resolves which he read in his place afterwards delivered the same in at the Clerks Table where the same being read are as followeth Resolved That the Election of a Burgess to serve in Parliament for the Burrough of Monmouth doth not belong to the Burgesses Inhabitants of the Borrough of Monmouth only Resolved That the Burgesses Inhabitants of the Burrough of Newport and Vske in the County of Monmouth have a Right by Vote in the Election of a Burgess to serve in Parliament for the said Burrough of Monmouth Resolved That Charles Lord Herbert is not duly Elected Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the said Burrough of Monmouth Resolved That John Arnold Esq is duly Elected Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the said Burrough of Monmouth To all which Resolves the House agreed Sir John Trevor Reports from the Committee of Elections and Priviledges that the Committee having taken into Consideration the matter touching the Election and Return for Westbury in the County of Wilts had agreed upon Four several Resolves which he read in his place and afterwards delivered the same in at the Clerks Table where the same being read are as followeth Resolved That Henry Bertie Esq is not duly elected Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the Burrough of Westbury in the County of Wilts Resolved That Richard Lewis Esq is not duly elected Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the Burrough of Westbury in the County of Wilts Resolved That Richard Lewis Esq is not duly elected Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the Burrough of Westbury in the County of Wilts Resolved That Will Trenchard Esq is duly elected Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the Burrough of Westbury in the County of Wilts Resolved That Edward Norton Esq is duly elected Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the Burrough of Westbury in the County of Wilts To all which Resolves the House agreed Ordered That the Clerk of the Crown do attend tomorrow morning at Ten of the Clock to amend the Return for the said Burrough of Westbury The House being informed from the Chairman of the said Committee of several Miscariages Misdemeanors committed by Samuel Gibbs late Mayor of the said Burrough of Westbury in the said election Ordered That the said Samuel Gibbs be sent for in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House to answer at the Bar of this House for the great Misdemeanors by him Committed in the said Election Ordered That Mr. Treby do make his Reports touching the Elections for the Burrough of Agmondesham in the County of Bucks and for the Burrough of Malborough in the County of Wilts on Munday morning next The Clerk of the Crown being called in Amended the Return for the Burrough of Monmouth by razing out the Name of Charles Lord Herbert and inserting the Name of John Arnold Esq instead thereof An Ingrossed Bill for the Repeal of an Act made in the 35th year of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth was Read the third time Resolved That the Bill do pass and that the Title be an Act for the Repeal of a Statute made in the 35th year of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth and that Sir Eliab Harvey do carry up the Bill to the Lords for their Concurrence William Rapley late Bayliff of the Burrough of Haslemere in the County of Surrey being brought to the Bar and there kneeling received the Censure of this House from Mr. Speaker and was discharged from the Custody of the Serjeant at Arms paying his Fees Ordered That Leave be given to bring in a Bill for the better discovery of Settlements of Estates for Superstitious uses The House then resumed the adjourned debate relating to the Impeachment against Edward Seymour Esq a member of this House The Question being put That the Consideration of the Articles of Impeachment against Mr. Seymour be referred to a Committee It passed in the Negative Resolved Upon several Questions That there is matter sufficient in the four Articles to Impeach Mr. Seymour Resolved That Mr. Seymour be Impeached upon these Articles Ordered That a Committee be appointed to prepare the said Impeachments Ordered That it be referred to the same Committee to consider of Precedents
Priviledges to whom the matter of Election for the City of Bristol was referred that the Committee haveing taken the same into their consideration had Agreed upon two Resolves which he read in his place and afterwards delivered the same in at the Clerkes Table where the same being Read are as followes viz. Resolved c. That Sir Robert Cann was not duly Elected a Citizen to serve in this present Parliament for the City of Bristol Resolved c. That Robert Henley Merchant is duely Elected a Citizen to serve in this present Parliament for the City of Bristol The first of the said Resolves being Read a second time Resolved c. Thath this House doth agree with the Committee that Sir Robert Cann was not duely Elected a Citizen to serve in this present Parliament for the City of Bristol The second of the said Resolves being Read a Second time and the Question being put that the House do Agree with the Committee in this Resolve It passed in the Negative Resolved c. That the Election for the City of Bristol as to Sir Robert Cann and Mr. Robert Henley is void Mr. Treby further Reports to the House that Sir John Lloyd late Mayor William Jackson and William Clutterbucke late Sheriffs of the said City of Bristol did at the time of the said Election commit several Misdemeanors relating to the said Election Ordered That the said Sir John Lloyd William Jackson and William Clutterbucke be sent for in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House to answer at the Bar of this House for the Misdemeanors by them committed at the said Election Ordered That Mr. Speaker do issue out his warrant to the Clerk of the Crown to make out a new writ for the Electing of a Citizen to serve in this present Parliament for the City of Bristol The Ingrost Articles of Impeachment against Mr. Seymour a Member of this House being Read Resolved That the said Articles be sent up to the Lords Ordered That Sir Gilbert Gerrard do carry up the same to the Lords Mr. Hamden Reports from the Committee appointed to prepare an Humble Address to His Majestie upon the Debate of the House in answer to his Majesties Speech an Address agreed upon by the Committee to which the House agreed Ordered That such Members of this House as are of his His Majesties most Honourable Privy Council be desired to know His Majesties Pleasure when this House may attend his Majesty with the same Address Ordered That the Chairman of the Committee appointed to examine the proceedings of the Judges in Westminster-Hall do make report of the matters to them referred tomorrow morning Ordered That the two Bills for the ease of Protestant Dissenters be Read tomorrow Morning Ordered That Sir Francis Winnington do on Thursday morning next bring in a Bill for Banishing all the Considerable Papists of England out of His Majesties Dominions Ordered That the Knights of the respective Shires Citizens of Cities Burgesses of Burroughs and Barons of the Cinque-ports do in the mean time bring in Lists of all the considerable Papists within the said several Counties Cities Burroughs and Cinque-ports A Petition of Algernon Sidney Esq being presented to the House Ordered That the said Petition be read tomorrow Morning Martis 21 die Decemb. 1680. THomas Verigny did this day take the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy at the Clerks Table in Order to his Naturalization A Bill to enable John Jenner Gent. to make leases of some part of his Estate for the payment of his Debts and for the making provision for his younger Children was read the first time Resolved That the Bill be read a second time Mr. Papillon reports from the Committee to whom the Bill for Naturalization of Peter Elers and others was committed that the Committee having taken the same into their consideration had agreed to some amendments to be made to the same which he read in his place and afterwards delivered the same in at the Clerks Table where the same being read were upon the question agreed to Ordered That the name of Thomas Verigny who this day took the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy in order to his Naturalization and whose Certificate of his having received the Sacrament was delivered in be inserted in the said Bill Ordered That the Bill with these amendments be engrossed Ordered That Mr. George Savage a Member of this House have leave to go into the Country for recovery of his health Sir John Otway reports from the Committee to whom the Bill for rectifying several errors and mistakes in certain Deeds and Settlements made upon the Marriage of Sir Charles Hoghton Baronet with Mary the Daughter of John Lord Viscount Massareen was committed That the Committee having taken the same into their consideration had agreed upon some amendments to be made to the same which he read in his place and afterwards delivered them in at the Clerks Table where the same being read were upon the Question agreed to Ordered That the Bill with these Amendments be ingrossed Mr. Duboys reports from the Committee appointed to prepare an humble Address to His Majesty for the remitting a Fine of 500 l. set upon Benjamin Harris An Address agreed upon by the Committee which he read in his place and afterwards delivered the same in at the Clerks Table where the same being read was upon the Question agreed to Ordered That this Address be presented to His Majesty by such Members of this House as are of His Majesties most Honourable Privy Council Information being given to the House that Henry Carew a Fryar of the Order of St. Malo's in France hath for several years last past executed the Office of Surveyor of the Customs in the Port of Bristol Ordered That it be referred to the consideration of the Committee appointed to receive Informations touching the Popish Plot to examine the Matter of this Information and to report the same with their Opinions therein to the House Sir William Poultney reports from the Committee of Elections and Priviledges to whom the Matter touching the Election for Great Marlow in the County of Bucks was referred that the Committee having taken the same into their consideration had agreed upon several Resolves which he read in his place and afterwards delivered them in at the Clerks Table where the same being read are as follows viz. Resolved That it is the Opinion of this Committee that in the Borough of Great Marlow in the County of Bucks those Inhabitants onely who pay Scot and Lot have right to give Voices in the Election of Burgesses to serve in Parliament for the said Borough Resolved That it is the Opinion of this Committee that Sir Humphrey Winch Baronet is not duly Elected a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the said Borough of Great Marlow Resolved That it is the opinion of this Committee that Thomas Hobby Esq is not duly Elected a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for
produce the said Day and with him to attend Dr. Day and Mr. Sheridon both appearing were examined severally And first the said Day who confest himself a Papist and pretended very little knowledg of Mr. Sheridon but that coming to give him a visit which he had not done of six weeks before Mr. Sheridon began to discourse of News and particularly of the Plot to which the said Doctor replyed that now the whole Plot would be discovered laid open for he heard there was one gone beyond Sea to fetch overa Priest that knew of the whole Plot and doth not remember any thing more at that time but common discourse But some few days after meeting with Mr. Sheridon the said Mr. Sheridon desired him to describe the person that was so sent over the said Dr. Day replyed that he knew not the person that was gone nor the Priest he was to fetch But that John Butler keeper of a Brandy-shop near the French Embassadours upon discourse had told him so to whom Mr. Sheridon desired him to go and get the discription which he did accordingly And the description being shewed him confessed he writ it from his mouth save the last line But saith that person is now dead who gave him the said Description but his wife is living Mr. Sheridon being then called in and examined said He had no great acquaintance with the said Doctor and seldom saw him but upon a visit which happily might be once a week or the like Confesseth That the said Doctor told him as News the Plot would now be laid open for there was one sent over into France to fetch a Priest that knew of the whole Plot and further saith That he that went over knew as much of the Plot as any man in England Whereupon the said Sheridon Confesseth That he went shortly after but remembers not how long to Secretary Jenkins and told him that there was one gone over into France that knew as much of the Plot as any man and that he went over to fetch a Priest that also knew the whole Plot which he the said Sheridon supposed was to be a witness Upon which the said Secretary commanded him the said Sheridon to give him a description of the person so sent over But remembers no other discourse at that time but that some short time after but remembers not how long he met with Mr. Day who gave him the description in the presence of Mr. John Wilson of the Middle Temple which he shortly after delivered to the Secretary and used as he remembers only these words Sir here is the discription of the person I mentioned to you After this Description so delivered to the Secretary a Letter was written by Mr. Cooke which Mr. Secretary declared at the Committee he would take upon himself in these words following Whitehall May 31. 1680. SIR THE Right Honourable Sir Leoline Jenkins one of his Majesties Principal Secretaries of State being hastily called this day to wait upon his Majesty at Windsor hath commanded me to send you the enclosed description of a person Who if he shall happen to come from France and land at your Port Mr. Secretary saith you will do the King and Kingdom a great service if you will keep a strict Eye upon him and the company that shall arrive with him till they be all brought before Mr. Mayor or other chief Magistrate of your Town whom Mr. Secretary desires to offer the said persons the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy and in case of their or any of their refusal of the same to secure them and deal with them according to Law giving Mr. Secretary an account with what speed may be of all the proceedings in this affair If such a person as is here described should come and make no bones of taking the aforesaid Oaths yet in Case Mr. Mayor or other chief Magistrate before whom they are brought shall have reasonable ground to suspect that he is the man so described and that he hath one or more in his company who may be reasonably suspected to be Priests some handsome course is to be taken to detain them till Mr. Secretary can be acquainted with what is done and send such further directions as shall be thought necessary Mr. Mayors Authority with your Prudence and Zeal in this matter will I hope produce a good effect upon this Command I am Sir Your very humble Servant John Cooke Pray favour me with a Line that this comes safe to your hands Vera Copia John Pepper Upon which Norris was committed to the Common Prison as is mentioned in his Complaint All which being of more than an ordinary nature this Committe thought not fit to give any opinion but humbly referred it to the Wisdom of this House Jovis die 23. Decemb. 1680. Ordered THat leave be given to Mr. Henry Goreing a Member of the House to go into the Country Ordered That Mr. Speaker do issue out his Warrant to the Clerk of the Crown to make out a new Writ for the Electing of a Citizen to serve in this present Parliament for the City of Chichester in the room of Mr. Farrington deceased A Bill to enable John Jenner Gent. to make Leases of some part of his Estate for the payment of his Debts and for making provision for his younger children was read a second time and committed A Bill for the more easie collecting the Duty of Hearth-money was read the first time and ordered a second reading An Engrossed Bill for rectifying several errors and mistakes in certain Deeds and Settlements made upon the Marriage of Sir Charles Hoghton Baronet was read the third time and passed Ordered That Sir John Otway do carry up the said Bill to the Lords Ordered That the Thanks of this House be given to Dr. Burnett for his Sermon yesterday preached before this House and likewise for his Book relating to the History of the Reformation of the Church of England and that he be desired to print his said Sermon and that Colonel Titus do acquaint him therewith Ordered That leave be given to bring in a Bill or Bills to correct and punish Atheism Blasphemy Swearing and Debauchery and for the better observation of the Lord's Day A Message from the Lords by Sir Miles Cook and Sir John Francklin Mr. Speaker The Lords have commanded us to acquaint this House that they have agreed to a Bill sent from this House entituled An Additional Act for burying in Woollen without any Amendment A Message from the Lords by Mr. Baron Weston and Mr. Justice Charleton Mr. Speaker The Lords have commanded us to acquaint this House that at their rising this day they do intend to adjourn till the next Monday Sevenight A Bill for banishing Papists out of the King's Dominions was read the first time and Ordered a second reading to Morrow morning Resolved c. That this House is content that the Sheriffs of London and Middlesex do execute William late Viscount Stafford by
severing his Head from his Body only A Message from the Lords by Sir Miles Cook and Sir John Francklin Mr. Speaker The Lords have commanded us to present this House with a Coppy of Mr. Seymour's Answer to the Articles of Impeachment exhibited against him Resolved c. That it is the Opinion of this House that Mr. Joseph Broom ought to be restored to 〈◊〉 the Offices and Places which were taken from him by occasion of a Judgment given against him in the Court of King's Bench in Trinity Term 29. Caroli Secundi upon an Information for publishing an unlicensed Book called The Long Parliament dissolved Ordered That the Bill for exempting His Majesties Protestant Subjects dissenting from the Church of England from the Penalties of certain Laws be read a second time to Morrow morning The first business Colonel Birch reports from the Committee to whom the Examination of the Complaint against Richard Thompson Clerk was referred That the Committee having taken the same into their consideration had directed him to make a special Report thereof to the House which he read in his place and afterwards delivered the same in at the Clerks Table Ordered That the said Report be read at the Table to Morrow morning Ordered That the Reports from the Committee of Elections and Priviledges touching the Election of St. Edmnndsbury in the County of Suffolk and Marleborough in the County of Wilts be made to Morrow morning Ordered That Mr. Sydney's Petition be read to Morrow morning Number 16. HIS MAJESTIES Most GRACIOUS Speech to both HOUSES of PARLIAMENT On Wednesday the 15th of December 1680. My Lords and Gentlemen AT the opening of this Parliament I did acquaint You with the Alliances I had made with Spain and Holland as the best measures that could be taken for the safety of England and the Repose of Christendom But I told you withall That if Our Friendship became unsafe to trust to it would not be wondred at if Our Neighbours should begin to take new Resolutions and perhaps such as might be fatal to Vs I must now tell you That Our Allies cannot but see how little has been done sine this Meeting to incourage their dependance upon Vs And I find by them that unless We can be so united at home as to make Our Alliance valuable to them it will not be possible to hinder them from seeking some other Refuge and making such new Friendships as will not be consistent with Our safety Consider that a neglect of this opertunity is never to be repaired I did likewise lay the matter plainly before you touching the Estate condition of Tangier I must now tell you again That if that place be thought worth the keeping you must take such consideration of it that it may be speedily suppli'd it being impossible for Me to preserve it at an Expence so far above My power I did promise you to the fullest satisfaction your hearts could wish for the Security of the Protestant Religion and to concur with you in any Remedies which might consist with preserving the Succession of the Crown in its Due and Legal course of Descent I do again with the same Reservations renew the same Promise to you And being thus ready on my part to do all that can reasonably be expected from Me I should be glad to know from you as soon as may be how far I shall be assisted by you and what it is you desire from Me. The Humble Address of the House of Commons Presented to his Majesty upon Tuesday the 21 day of December 1680. in Answer to his Majesties Gracious SPEECH to both Houses of Parliament Upon the 15th day of the same December May it please Your most Excellent Majesty WE Your Majesties most Dutiful and Loyal Subjects the Commons in this present Parliament Assembled have taken into our serious Consideration Your Majesties Gracious Speech to both Your Houses of Parliament on the 15th of this instant December and do with all the grateful Sense of Faithful Subjects and sincere Protestants acknowledge Your Majesties great Goodness to us in renewing the Assurances You have been pleased to give us of Your readiness to concur with us in any means for the Security of the Protestant Religion and Your Gracious Invitation of us to make our desires known to Your Majesty But with grief of Heart we cannot but observe that to these Princely Offers Your Majesty has been Advised by what secret Enemies to Your Majesty and Your People we know not to annex a Reservation which if insisted on in the instance to which alone it is applicable will render all Your Majesties other Gracious Inclinations of no effect or advantage to us Your Majesty is pleased thus to limit Your promise of concurrence in the Remedies which shall be proposed that they may consist with preserving the Succession of the Crown in its due and legal course of Descent And we do Humbly inform Your Majesty that no Interruption of that Descent has been endeavoured by us except onely the Descent upon the Person of the Duke of York who by the wicked Instruments of the Church of Rome has been manifestly perverted to their Religion And we do Humbly represent to Your Majesty as the Issue of our most deliberate Thoughts and Consultations that for the Papists to have their hopes continued that a Prince of that Religion shall succeed in the Throne of these Kingdoms is utterly inconsistent with the Safety of Your Majesties Person the Preservation of the Protestant Religion and the Prosperity Peace and Welfare of Your Protestant Subjects That Your Majesties Sacred Life is in continual danger under the prospect of a Popish Successor is evident not onely from the pinciples of those devoted to the Church of Rome which allow that an Heretical Prince and such they term all Protestant Princes Excommunicated and Deposed by the Pope may be destroyed and murther'd but also from the Testimonies given in the prosecution of the Horrid Popish Plot against divers Traitors Attainted for designing to put those accursed principles into practice against Your Majesty From the expectation of this Succession has the number of Papists in Your Majesties Dominions so much encreased within these few years and so many been prevailed with to desert the true Protestant Religion that they might be prepared for the Favours of a Popist-Prince assoon as he should come to the possession of the Crown And while the same Expectation lasts many more will be in the same danger of being perverted This it is that has hardened the Papists of this Kingdom animated and confederated by their Priests and Jesuits to make a Common purse provide Arms make application to Forreign Princes and sollicite their Aid for imposing Popery upon us And all this even during your Majesty's Reign and while your Majesty's Government and the Laws were our protection It is Your Majestie 's Glory and true Interest to be the Head and Protector of all Protestants as well abroad as
fly into France where he imbraced that Religion About the same time he the said Thompson said the Church would be Militant but greatly commended the decency of Solemnizing the Mass in France and that it was performed with much more Reverence and Devotion then any other Religion doth use He further heard him say in a Sermon about the time of Petitioning he would rather cut off his hand then Sign it and had many bad expressions of it that it was the Seed of Rebellion and like 40 and 41. And further the said Mr. Thompson at one Sanford's Shop door in Bristol speaking of Bedlow said That he was not to be believ'd because Bedlow had said he meaning Mr. Thompson was at St. Omers where Mr. Thompson said he was not and that Bedlow was of a bad Life and in many Plots and not to be credited in any thing he said And that in another Discourse he commended the Romish Clergy for their single Life and is himself so and did at the same time Vilify Rail at the English Clergy for Marrying saying it was better for a Clergy Man to be Guelt then to Marry that the Calvinists in France were Lecherous Fellows and could scarce be two years a Priest without a Wife About the time and after the Election of Sir John Knight to this Parliament Mr. Thompson said he was not fit to be believ'd and as bad as any Fanatick He further said in the Pulpit at St. Thomas's that after Excommunication by the Bishop without Absolution from the Spiritual Court such a one was surely Damned and he would Pawn his Soul for the Truth of it Evidence ended Mr. Thompson after the Evidence given by every particular person Face to Face was asked to every one If he had any Questions to ask before they called another Who answer'd he should not say any thing at present When the Witnesses before-mentioned were all Examined Mr. Thompson being desir'd to make his Defence and declare whether he were Guilty of the Matters laid to his charge did for the greatest part confess words spoken to that effect and in other things endeavoured to turn the words with more favour towards himself but the Witnesses being of great Credit and many more being ready to have made good the same things the Committee lookt upon the business to be of a high Nature therefore ordered the matter to be reported specially leaving it to the Wisdom of the House The Resolution of the House of Commons upon the said Report Resolved Nemine contradicente THat Richard Thompson Clerke Hath publickly defamed his Sacred Majesty Preached Sedition vilified the Reformation Promoted Popery by asserting Popish Principles decrying the Popish Plot and turning the same upon the Protestants and endeavoured to subvert the Liberty and property of the Subject and the Rights and Priviledges of Parliament and that he is a Scandal and Reproach to his Function And that the said Richard Thompson be Impeached upon the said Report and Resolution of the House And a Committee is appointed to prepare the said Impeachment and to receive further Instructions against him and to send for Persons Papers and Records Lunoe 3. Die Januarii 1680. AN Engrossed Bill for the Naturalization of Peter Elers and others was read a third time Resolved That the Bill do pass and that the Title be An Act for the Naturalization of Peter Elers and others Aliens born Ordered That Mr. Papillon do carry up the said Bill to the Lords for their Concurrence An Engrossed Bill for the prohibiting the importation of Cattle from Scotland was Read a third time Resolved That the Bill do pass and that the Title be An Act limiting the times of Importation of Cattle from Scotland Ordered That Sir George Downing do carry up the Bill to the Lords for their Concurrence A Bill for repealing an Act made in the 13th year of His now Majesties Reign Entituled An Act for the well Governing and Regulating of Corporations was read the first time Resolved That the Bill be read a second time on Thursday morning next A Bill for the better Discovery of Settlements of Estates for superstitious Uses was read the first time Resolved That the Bill be read a second time on Fryday morning next after Ten of the Clock in a full House Mr. Treby Reports from the Committee of Elections and Priviledges to whom the matter touching the Election for the Borough of Steyning in the County of Sussex was referred That the Committee having taken the same into their Consideration had agreed upon two Resolves viz. 1. That John Tufton Esq was not duly elected a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the Burrough of Steyning in the County of Sussex 2. That Philip Gell Esq is duly Elected a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the Burrough of Steyning To both which Resolves the House agreed with the Committee Ordered That the Clerk of the Crown do attend tomorrow morning to amend the Return for Steyning A Petition of John Fairchild in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House was read Ordered That the said John Fairchild be brought to the Bar of this House tomorrow morning A Message from the Lords by Sir John Coell and Sir Timothy Baldwin Mr. Speaker The Lords have sent this House a Bill entituled An Act for distinguishing Protestant Dissenters from Popish Recusants to which they desire the Concurrence of this House Sir Edward Harley Reports from the Committee to whom the bill to regulate Elections of Members to serve in the Commons House of Parliament and the Bill to prevent the Offences of Bribery and Debauchery in such Elections were committed That the Committee having taken the said Bills into their Consideration had reduced the same into one Bill and had agreed upon several amendments to be made and Clauses to be added to the same which he read in his place and afterwards delivered the same in at the Clerks Table which with some amendments made at the Table upon the question were severally agreed to by the House the Clause to be inserted being Read Ordered That the said Clause be recommitted to the said Committee upon the Debate of the House A Message from the Lords by Sir John Coell and Sir Timothy Baldwin Mr. Speaker The Lords have sent us to put this House in mind of the Bill for the better regulating the Tryals of the Peers of England A Message from the Lords by Sir Miles Cook and Sir Adam Oteley Mr. Speaker We are commanded to acquaint this house That the Lords have received a Petition from Mr. Seymour wherein he desires a day may be appointed for his speedy Tryal that their Lordships finding no Issue by replication of the Commons think fit to give this House notice thereof The Answer of Edward Seymour Esq to the Articles of Impeachment exhibited against him by the Commons assembled in Parliament was read Ordered That a Committee be appointed to prepare Evidence against Mr. Seymour
to Tangier do prepare an humble Address to His Majestie upon the Resolutions and Debate of the House Resolved That whosoever shall hereafter Lend or cause to be lent by way of Advance any money upon the branches of the King's Revenue arising by Customs Excise or Hearth Money shall be adjudged to hinder the Sitting of Parliaments and shall be responsible for the same in Parliament Resolved That whosoever shall Accept or Bâ—y any Tally of Anticipation upon any part of the Kings Revenue or whosoever shall pay such Tally hereafter to be struck shall be adjudged to hinder the Sittings of Parliaments and shall be responsible therefore in Parliament Sabbati 8. die Januarii 1680. A Petition of several Clothiers and others concerned in the furnishing and quartering of the Forces lately disbanded was Read Ordered That it be referred to the Committee for receiving the Accounts of the Commissioners Appointed to disband the said Army to examine the matter of the said Petition and report the same with their Opinions therein to the House A Message from the Lords by Sir John Coell Sir Timothy Baldwir Mr. Speaker The Lords have sent us to give this House notice that their Lordships have appointed this day seven night for hearing the Cause upon the Impeachment of Mr. Seymour and that this House may reply if they think fit Ordered That Mr. Chaffin have leave to go into the Country Information being given to the House by the Serjeant at Arms that Sir John Lloyd Sir Edward Phillips Herbert Herring Samuel Verdon Miles Baspole _____ Iles and Arthur Yeomans who for divers great Misdemeaners by them committed against the Priviledge of this House were Ordered to be taken in custody of the said Serjeant do so abscond themselves that the said order cannot be put in Execution against them Ordered That an humble application be made to His Majesty from this House by such Members thereof as are of His Majesties most Honourable Privy Council desiring His Majesty to issue out His Royal Proclamation for the apprehending the said several persons in case they shall not render themselves to the Serjeant by a certain day therein to be limited Ordered That a Committee be appointed to inquire and examine what Popish Priests convict are in Newgate and other Gaols in this Kingdom and to enquire into their conditions and circumstances upon the Debate of the House Mr. Treby reports from the Committee of Elections and Priviledges to whom the matter touching the Election for the Borough of Queen-borough in the County of Kent was referred That the Committee having taken the same into their consideration had agreed upon two Resolves which he read in his place and afterwards delivered them in at the Clerks Table where the same being read are as follow viz. Resolved That James Herbert Esq is not duly Elected a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the Borough of Queenborough in the County of Kent Resolved That William Glanvill Esq is duly Elected a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the said Borough of Queenborough To which Resolves the House agreed The Clerk of the Crown being called in amended the Return for the said Borough by rasing out the name of the said James Herbert and inferting the name of the said William Glanvill in the Indenture Ordered That Mr. Dowly a Member of this House have leave to go into the Country for recovery of his health Ordered That the Chairman of the Committee of Grievances to whom the Petition of Mr. Baldwin Leighton was referred do make Report thereof to the House on Monday morning next Ordered That the matter in question relating to Arthur Earl of Anglesey and Sir John Davis which was appointed for this day be adjourned to Monday morning next ten of the clock Ordered That a Committee be appointed to inspect the Journals of this House and of the House of Lords and Presidents to justifie and maintain that the Lords ought to commit Persons to safe custody when Impeach'd for High Treason by the Commons in Parliament and to make Report thereof to the House Lunae 10 Die Januarii 1680. Resolved That whosoever advised His Majestie to Prorogue this Parliament to any other Purpose than in Order to the passing of a Bill for the Exclusion of James Duke of York is a betrayer of the King the Protestant Religion and of the Kingdom of England a promoter of the French Interest and a Pensioner to France Resolved That the thanks of this House be given to the City of London for their manifest Loyalty to the King their Care Charge and Vigilancy for the Preservation of His Majesties Person and of the Protestant Religion Ordered That the members that serve for the City of London do accordingly give them the thanks of this House Resolved That it is the opinion of this House that the City of London was burnt in the year 1666 by the Papists designing thereby to introduce Aribitary Power and Popery into this Kingdom Resolved That the Commissioners of the Customs other Officers of the Custom-House have wilfully broken the Law prohibiting the Importation of French Wines and other Commodities And that if they shall hereafter Wilfully or Negligently break that Law they shall be questioned therefore in Parliament Resolved That it is the opinion of this House That James Duke of Monmouth hath been Removed from his Offices and Commands by the Influence of the Duke of York Ordered That an humble Application be made to His Majesty from this House by such members thereof as are of His Majesties most Honourable Privy Council to desire his Majesty to restore the said James Duke of Monmouth to his said Offices and Commands Resolved That it is the opinion of this House that the prosecution of Protestant Dissenters upon the Penal Laws is at this time Grievous to the Subject a weakning of the Protestant Interest an Encouragement to Popery and Dangerous to the Peace of the Kingdom A Message from the King by Sir Edward Cartaret Usher of the Black Rod. Mr. Speaker The King commands this Honourable House to attend Him immediately in the House of Peers and accordingly Mr. Speaker went up with the House to attend His Majesty who was pleased to Prorogue this present Parliament to next Thursday seven-night being the 20th day of this instant January 1680. His Majesty gave His Royal assent to the Act Prohibiting the Importation of Cattle from Ireland And to the Act For Supplying the late Act for Burying in Woollen And to an Act To Rectifie Errors in Sir Charles Houghton's Settlement