and manage the same at his Tryal Sir Richard Corbet Reports from the Committee appointed to prepare an Impeachment against Sir William Scroggs Knight Chief Justice of the Court of Kings Bench upon the former Report of the said Committee and the Resolutions of the House thereupon That the Committee having taken the matters to them referred into Consideration had agreed upon several Articles of Impeachment against the said Sir William Scroggs which he read in his place and afterwards delivered them in at the Clerks Table where the same were read The Question being proposed that the said Articles be engrossed Debate arâ—sing in the Housethereupon Resolved That the Debate be adjourned till Wednesday morning next after ten of the Clock in a full House Martis 4. die Januarii 1680. THe Clerk of the Crown being called in amended the Return for the Borough of Stayning in the County of Sussex by taking off the Indenture wherein John Tufton Esq was returned and by rasing out the name of the said John Tufton and inserting the name of Philip Gell Esq in the other Indenture A Petition of Algernoon Sydney Esq touching the Election for the Borough of Agmondesham in the County of Bucks was Read Ordered That the Merits of the said Petitioner be heard at the Bar of this House upon Wednesday the 12th of this Instant January Sir William Temple delivered in a Message from His Majesty to this House which being Read by Mr. Speaker the House Resolved to take the said Message into Consideration upon Friday next after ten of the Clock in a a full House A Message from the Lords by Sir Timothy Baldwin and Sir Miles Cooke Mr. Speaker We are commanded to acquaint this House that the Lords have past a Vote viz. Die Martis 4 Januarii 1680. Resolved by the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in Parliament Assembled That they do declare that they are fully satisfied that there now is and for divers years last past there hath been a Horrid and Treasonable Plot and Conspiracy contrived and carried on by those of the Popish Religion in Ireland for Massacring the English and Subverting the Protestant Religion and the ancient establish'd Government of that Kingdom to which their Lordships desire the concurrence of this House They have further commanded us to acquaint this House That their Lordships have agreed to the Bill sent from this House Entituled An Act for the Rectifying several Errors and Mistakes in the Marriage Settlement of Sir Charles Hoghton Baronet without any Amendments The House according to their Order proceeded to the calling over the Members thereof Ordered That such Members of this House whose default of attendance was entred this day be sent for in custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House and that they be not admitted to sit in the House before they shall have paid their Fees and have the leave of this House Resolved Nemine contradicente That such Members of this House who in this time of Imminent danger do absent themselves without the leave of the House are to be reputed Deserters of their Trust and Neglectors of that Duty they owe to this House and their Country Ordered That the Committee appointed to receive Informations touching the Popish Plot in Ireland do sit at four of the Clock this afternoon in the Speaker's Chamber Mercurii 5. Die Januarii 1680. A Bill to supply a defective Conveyance made by Roger Price of the Mannor of Westbury in the County of Bucks was Read a second time Resolved That the Bill be committed Ordered That such Members who were ordered to be sent for in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms for not attending the service of this House at the Call of the same yesterday made And who were in town last night be admited to sit in the House without paying Fees Ordered That Dr. Burnet be desired to proceed with and compleat that good Work by him begun in writing and Publishing the History of the Reformation of the Church of England A Petition of Thomas Hobby Esq touching the Election for Great Marlow in the County of Bucks was Read Ordered That the Merits of this Cause be heard at the Bar of this House this day seven-night A Petition of Richard Thompson Clerk in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House was Read Ordered The said Serjeant at Arms be impowred to receive sufficient seâ—urity for the forth-coming of the said Richard Thompson to answer to the Impeachment against him A petition of Samuel Nash and others complaining against the African Company was Read Ordered That the Consideration of the said Petition be referred to the Committee to whom a former Petition of divers Merchants against the African Company was referred 'to examine the matter thereof and Report the same with their opinions therein to the House The House then according to their Order Resumed the adjourned Debate touching the Articles of Impeachment delivered in to the House against Sir Willi Scroggs Kt Chief Justice of the Court of King's Bench. Upon the Debate thereof Resolved That the said Sir William Scroggs be impeached upon the said Respective Articles Resolved That the said Articles be engrossed Ordered That the Lord Cavendish do carry up the said Articles to the Lords Ordered That the Committee appointed to examine the Proceedings of the Judges in Westminster-hall and to prepare Impeachments against Sir Francis North Chief Justice-of the Court of Common-Pleas Sir Thomas Jones one of the Justices of the Court of Kings Bench and Sir Richard Weston one of the Barons of the Court of Exchequer do bring in such Impeachments with all convenient speed Ordered That Mr. Macnamara Mr. Maurice Fitz Gerald and Mr. Murtogh Downy do attend this House tomorrow morning 10 of the Clock The House being informed that one Bowyer was upon Intimation given by the Committee appointed to prepare Evidence against the Popish Lords in Tower taken into custody Ordered That the said Bowyer be delivered into the hands of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House and that he be brought to the Bar of this House to Morrow morning at Ten of the Clock in order to his Examination Ordered That Richard Green and Woodhouse do attend to Morrow morning at Ten of the clock Ordered That the Committee appointed to receive Informations touching the Popish Plot in Ireland do sit this Afternoon in the Speakers Chamber and that the said Committee do make Report to the House of the Matters to them referred at Nine of the clock to Morrow morning Jovis 6 die Januarii 1680. A Bill for the more easie collecting the Duty of Hearth-mony was read a second time Resolved That the Bill be committed upon the Debate of the House A Bill for repealing an Act made in the 13th year of his now Majesties Reign Entitled An Act for the well governing of Corporations was Read the second time Resolved That the said Bill be committed upon the debate of the House Ordered That Mr. Speaker do suspend the issuing
VOTES OF THE House of Commons Perused and Signed to be Printed According to the Order of the House of Commons BY ME WILLIAM WILLIAMS Speaker Reprinted Anno Dom. 1680. VOTES Of the House of COMMONS Jovis 21 Octobris 1680. THe House being met a Message was delivered from the King by Sir Edward Cartarett Usher of the Black Rod viz Gentlemen of the House of Commons The King Commands this Honourable House to attend Him immediately in the House of Peers And accordingly the House went up to Attend his Majesty who was pleased after having made a Speech to Command the Commons to return to their House and proceed to the Choice of their Speaker And the House being returned and a Motion being made That William Williams Esq be Chosen Speaker for this House It was Resolved in the Affirmative Nemine contradicente And Mr. Williams having in a Speech to this effect disabled himself for this Service Gentlemen I Need not reckon my Infirmities to this House It is enough to mention them they are better known to many of the Members than to my self they have often appeared within these Walls in Two Parliaments Therefore I trust your own Knowledge and Experience of my Failings will easily divert your Inclinations to name me your Speaker And as you have had Experience of my Vnfitness for such Service so have you had sufficient Proof I may say Demonstration of the Aptness of many worthy Members now present for your Service Men of bulk great enough to fill your Chair Men of Art skilful enough to guide and collect your Debates Men of Science in the Laws and Methods of Parliament wise enough to steer and conduct your Counsels Your Choice of a Speaker this day is the Effect of much Tiâ—e and long Consideration It will be no Excuse for the Commons now in Parliament to say They had not time for Deliberation in this great Matter as was usual in other Parliaments when Speakers were Elected upon their first Meeting in Parliament Therefore a more deliberate Election will he expected from you after this time for Contemplation And add the prospect of what is like to be the subject Matter of this Parliament The Security of the Protestant Religion The safety of the King Kingdom The Preservation of the Justice of the Land Matters highly arduous urgent at this time These must prevaile with you to depart from your first Intentions of the Honour you proposed for me this day â—our first step toward it I acknowledge to be sufficient Honour for me therefore I pray let me ask it from you not only for my own sake but for your own Honour for the Interest of the Publick That you please to proceed to the Choice of another Person more proper for the Bulk of your Chair Weight of your Work leave me in this Place where my Country seated me for your Service His Ex use being rejected by the House Mr. Wilâ—iâ—ms was conducted to the Chair by two Members of the House and in the Chair made a speech to this effect to the House Gentlemen I Tremble when I reflect under what Difficulties Learned Experienced and wise Men have laboured in this Chair Yet I am not afraid of their President who impaired their Estates and Health no not of them who lost their Lives in this Service These are a Sacrifice I owe my Country But when I suffer my self to think that some Gentlemen have maimed their Reputation in this Trust these thoughts are dreadful to me they wound me and must yet strike deeper with me Vnless you that called me hither shall please to stand by me cherish and support me in all the Difficulties of this Place I have it by your Courtesie and shall hold it at your Pleasure And I have this to secure me If I fall I fall into the hands of Gentlemen that made me what I am in your Service I doubt not but you will remember I am your own Minister your own onely your own intirely placed in this Service without seeking without recommending I expect no Boon but by your Grace and Favour to depart as I came when you shall please to Command me without repenting The House being informed that his Majesty had appointed to morrow at hree of the clock in the Afternoon for the House to present their Speaker Veneris 22. Octobris 1680. Post Meridiem THe House being met and Mr. Speaker having taken the Chair A Message was delivered from the King by Sir Edward Cartarett Usher of the Black Rod. Gentlemen of the House of Commons The King Commands this Honourable House to Attend him in the House of eers And accordingly Mr. Speaker with the House went up to Attend His Majesty and humbly represented to His Majesty That the House of Commons had chosen him their Speaker And he made Claim by Humble Petition in the Name of the Commons of England in Parliament Assembled of the Ancient Rights of the Commons for them and their servants in their Persons and Estates to be free from Arrests and other Disturbances In all their Debates to have Freedom and Liberty of speech And as occasion shall require to have Access to His Majesties Person Which was allowed by the King The House being returned and Mr. Speaker having taken the Chair and made Report thereof to the House The House Adjourned Lunae 25. die Octobris 1680. A Message from the Lords by the Lord Chief Justice Scroggs and the Lord Chief Justice North to the Commons Mr. Speaker The Lords have Commanded us to acquaint you that they have made an Address to his Majesty and have received his Majesties answer thereunto which they have thought fit to Communicate to this House The Address ORdered by the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in Parliament Assembled That the Lords with white Staves do Attend his Majestie humbly to desire Him from this House That whereas there hath been a Discovery of an horrid Plot and Conspiracy by the Papists against His Majesties Person and Government which still continues His Majestie will be Graciously pleased to issue out his Royal Proclamation thereby Declaring That if any person or persons shall within the space of two months after the date of such Proclamation come in and give Evidence of any Treason or Conspiracy against His Majesties Royal Person and Government That then his Majesty will Graciously Pardon such person or persons all Treasons and Misprision of Treasons and all Offences in concealment of the same to the time limited by the said Proclamation Jo Browne Cleric Parliamentor His Majesties Answer to the Address HIs Majestie hath considered of the Address made by the house and is so willing to encourage all persons who know any thing of any Treasons and Conspiracies against his Person and Government that He will cause his Royal Proclamation to issue Declaring that He will fully pardon and secure all persons who shall make such Discovery not only during the space of Two months as
is desired but at any time after whensoever such Discovery shall be made Martis 26. die Octob. 1680. Ordered THat a Bill or Bills be brought in upon the Debate of the House for Regulating the Election of Members to serve in Parliament A Committee appointed to draw up the same and to take care to bring in a Clause to declare the Law that an Action of the Case may be brought and maintained for any Damages sustained by undue Returns The House taking into Consideration the Message sent from the Lords Ordered That an humble Address be prepared to be presented to his Majesty for the Pardon of such persons who shall within a limited time make satisfactory discovery to this House of the horrid Popish Plot. The House being informed that Mr. Dangerfield was in the Speakers Chamber and desired he might acquaint the House with some matters of importance relating to the Popish Plot. Ordered That Mr. Dangerfield be called to the Bar of this House to give an account to the House what he knows relating to the Popish Plot. And Mr. Dangerfield being accordingly called to the Bar of the House related his evidence and being withdrawn The House taking notice of Mr. Dangerfields having in his information mentioned Sir Robert Peyton a Member of this House Ordered That it be referred to the Consideration of a Committee to Examine the Matters touching Sir Robert Peyton and to report the same to the House Resolved Nemine contradicente That it is the Opinion of this House to proceed effectually to suppress Popery and prevent a Popish Successor Mercurii 27. die Octobris 1680. MR. Treby reports from the Committee appointed to prepare and draw up an Address to be presented to his Majesty May it please your Majestie WE Your Majesties most Dutiful and Loyal Subjects the Commons in Parliament Assembled being highly Zealous for the Preservation of the Protestant Religion Your Majesties Sacred Person and Government and resolving to pursue with a strict and impartial Enquiry the Execrable Popish Plot which was detected in the two last Parliaments and has been supported and carried on by potent and restless practices and machinations especially during the late Recesses of Parliament whereby several persons have been terrified and discouraged from declaring their knowledg thereof most humbly beseech Your Majesty that for the security of such persons who shall be willing to give evidence or make further satisfactory Discovery concerning the same to this House Your Majesty would be pleased to issue Your Royal Proclamation assuring all the said persons of Your Gracious Pardon if they shall give such Evidence or make such Discovery within two months after the Date of such Proclamation Resolved Nemine contradicente That it is and ever hath been the undoubted Right of the Subjects of England to Petition the King for the Calling and Sitting of Parliaments and Redressing of Grievances Resolved Nemine contradicente That to traduce such Petitioning as a violation of Duty and to represent it to his Majestie as Tumultuous and Seditious is to betray the Liberty of the Subject and contributes to the Design of Subverting the ancient legal constitution of this Kingdom and introducing Arbitrary Power Ordered That a Committee be appointed to enquire of all such persons as have offended against these Rights of the Subject The House being informed that Sir Francis Wythens a Member of this House had offended against the said Rights of the Subject Ordered That Sir Francis Wythens a member of this House have notice given him by the Serjeant to attend his place tomorrow morning Resolved That an Address be made to his Majestie declaring the Resolution of this House to Preserve and support the Kings Person Government and the Protestant Religion at home and Abroad Jovis 28. die Octob. 1680. SIR Francis Wythens appearing in his Place according to the Order of the House yesterday made Ordered That the Clerk of the Peace for Westminster do attend this House tomorrow morning at Ten of the Clock with the Roll of the Orders for last Easter Sessions for the City of Westminster An Information being given the House against Sir Robert Yeamans of Bristol and against Sir Robert Cann a Member of this House That they did in October 1679. publickly declare that there was no Popish plot but a Presbyterian plot And Mr. Rowe Sword-bearer of Bristol being called in to the Bar and attesting the same all which being likewise attested by Sir John Knight a Member of this House And Sir Robert Cann being called upon by the House to make his Defence therein who standing up in his Place did in defence utter several reproachfull reflecting words against the said Sir John Knight Ordered That Sir Robert Cann be brought to the Bar of this House and do receive a reprehension from Mr. Speaker upon his knees which was done accordingly And Sir Robert Cann being again withdrawn the House Proceeded in the further Consideration of the Matters charged against him and after long Debate Resolved c. That it doth appear by the Evidence this day given to this Housethat Sir Robert Cann is guilty of publickly declaring in the City of Bristol in October 1679 that there was no Popish plot but a Presbyterian Plot. Ordered That Sir Robert Cann a Member of this house be Committed to the prison of the Tower Ordered That Sir Robert Cann be Expelled this House And then he was brought to the Bar of the House and upon his knees received from Mr. Speaker the Judgment of the House for his Expulsion from this House and Commitment to the Tower Ordered That Mr. Speaker do issue out his Warrant to the Serjeant at Arms for conveying the Body of Sir Robert Cann to the prison of the Tower Ordered That Sir Robert Teamans be sent for in Custody of the Serjeant attending this House to answer for publickly declaring in the City of Bristol in October 1679 That there was no Popish Plot but a Presbyterian Plot. Ordered That Doctor Dove be desired to preach before this House on the Fifth day of Novem. next at St. Margarets Westminster and Mr. Speaker is desired by the House to give him notice thereof Veneris 29. die Octob. 1680. Ordered THat Sir George Downing have leave to bring in a Bill for Wearing of the Woollen Manufactures of England Ordered That Doctor Tongue be humbly recommended by this House to his Majestie for the first considerable Church preferment that shall happen to become void in this Kingdom and that such members of this House as are of his Majesties Privy Council do represent the same to his Majestie Mr. Speaker acquaints the House That having attended his Majestie yesterday in the Afternoon with the Address for a Pardon for such persons as shall make a satisfactory Discovery to this House of the Horrid Popish plot His Majestie was pleased to return his Gracious Answer to this effect viz. THat He did intend to Direct such a Proclamation and was Resolved not onely
to prosecute the plot but Popery also and to take care of the Protestant Religion Established by Law And if We join and this House go on calmâ—y in their Debates without heats He did not doubt but to beat down popery and all that belongs to it Mr. Harbord Reports from the Committee to whom it was referred to prepare and draw up an Address Declaring the Resolution of this House to preserve and Support the Kings person and Government and the Protestant Religion both at Home and Abroad The Address Agreed unto by the House May it please Your Most Excellent Majestie WE your Majesties most dutiful and obedient Subjects the Commons in this present Parliament assembled do with most thankful hearts acknowledge not onely your Majesties many former Royal Declarations of your adherence to the Protestant Religion in the Preservation and Protection thereof but your further Manifestation of the same in your Gracious Speech to both Houses at the Opening of this present Parliament in which your Majesty is pleased to Command us strictly and impartially to prosecute the Horrid Popish Plot without which we do fully assent to your Majesties great Judgment That neither your Person nor Government can be safe nor your Protestant Subjects it being part of the very Religion of Popery where it can obtain to extirpate all Protestants both Prince and People which hath caused in the times of your Royal Ancestors since the Reformation that great care to oblige the Subjects against their return to the Papal Yoke in the very same Oaths wherein they swear Allegiance to their Prince And as now the Eyes of all the Protestant Kingdoms and States Abroad are upon Vs and looking upon your Majesty as the Royal Head of so many Protestant Countries cannot but hope upon a happy and solid Security in our Religion at home That your Majesty will be the greatest Protection to them from whom we may expect a Mutual Assistance as being involved in the same Common Danger So we do humbly assure your Majesty That We shall be always ready to Preserve your Majesties Person and Government and to Support the Protestant Religion both at Home and Abroad And do humbly beseech your Majesty to Esteem all Persons whatsoever who shall otherwise represent Vs to your Majesty as those who design to divide between the King and his People and to defeat the Meeting and Siting of Parliaments That those Popish Designs may succeed which they well know cannot otherwise prosper And this they have made more undeniably evident in the interval of Parliaments by Contriving with unparallel'd Insolence a most damnable and wicked Design to transfer their own Crimes upon so many of your Majesties Loyal Protestant Nobility and Gentry hoping thereby to destroy those who with the greatest Zeal and Integrity endeavour to Prosecute them The house then proceded to the consideration of the Matter relating to Sir Francis Wythens a Member of this house and several Witnesses being called in and examined at the Bar of this house in that Matter And It appearing to the house upon the Confession of the said Sir Francis Wythens in his place and upon the Evidence given at the Bar of the house against him that he had presented an Address to his Majesty expressing an abhorrency to petition His Majesty for the Calling and sitting of Parliaments Resolved That Sir Francis Wythens by promoting and presenting to his Majesty an Address expressing an Abhorrency to Petition his Majesty for the Calling and sitting of Parliaments hath betrayed the undoubted Rights of the Subjects of England Ordered That Sir Francis Wythens be Expelled this House for this high Crime Ordered That Sir Francis Wythins do receive his Sentence at the Bar of this House upon his Knees from Mr. Speaker Which he received accordingly Sabbati 30. die Octobris 1680. MR. Secretary Jenkins acquaints the House That His Majesty having been Attended by such of the Members of this House as are of the Privy Council to know His Pleasure when this House should Wait upon His Majesty with their Address Declaring their Resolution to preserve His Majesty's Person c. He was pleased to appoint Three of the Clock this afternoon for this House to Attend Him in the Banquetting-house He further acquainted the House That His Majesty being Attended by such Members of this House as are of His Privy Council with the Address relating to Dr. Tongue His Majesty was pleased to return answer That he had already taken some care of Dr. Tongue and that he would take him into further Consideration Resolved That the Votes of this House be Printed being first Perused and Signed by Mr. Speaker and that Mr. Speaker nominate and appoint the persons to Print the same Seignior Francisco Ferria being called in delivered his Evidence at the Bar of this House relating to the Popish Plot. Resolved Nemine Contradicente That this House will forthwith proceed to the full Examination of the Popish Plot in order to bring the Offenders to Justice Resolved That a Committee be appointed to Inspect the Journals of the Two last Parliaments and make a Report to the House of their proceedings relating to the Popish Plot And it is referred to c. or any three of them and they are to meet this afternoon at three of the Clock in the Speakers Chamber and are to Sit de die in diem Ordered That an humble Address be made to His Majesty by such of the Members of this House as are of His Majesty's most Honourable Privy Council That all the Letters Papers and Evidences which have been delivered into the Privy Council relating to the horrid Popish plot may be delivered into this house Lunae 1. die Novembris 1680 MR. Secretary Jenkins acquaints the House that according to the Order of this House made on Saturday last for an humble address to be made to His Majesty by such of the Members of this House as are of His Majesties Privy Council that all such papers Letters and Evidences relating to the horrid Popish plot as have been delivered in to the Privy Council might be transmitted to this House His Majesty had been attended in this matter who was pleased to answer That the House of Lords having at their first fitting appointed a Committee for Examination of the Popish plot His Majesty had been pleased on the 24th day of the last month to Order all Examinations papers and Writings relating to the Popish plot and in the Custody of the Clerks of the Council to be sent to that Committee and that on the 27th day of October last they were all sent accordingly A Bill for the better Encouragement of the Woollen Manufacture of England by the general wearing thereof was Read the first time Resolved c. That the said Bill be Read a Second time Mr. Speaker acquaints this House that the House attended His Majesty on Saturday last in the afternoon at the Banquetting-House with their address declaring the Resolution of this House
to preserve and Support the Kings person and Government and the Protestant Religion both at home and abroad and that His Majesty returned His Gracious answer to this effect viz. Gentlemen I thank you very heartily for your Zeal for the Protestant Religion and I assure you there shall be nothing wanting on my part at home or abroad to preserve it Sir Francis Winnington Chairman to the Committee appointed to inspect the Journals of the Two last Parliaments relating to the horrid Popish plot made a Report from the said Committee of a general abstract of those proceedings taken out of the said Journals and he referring in the said Report to several Entrys in the said Journals which could not yet be Transcribed Ordered That the said Report be perfected by the said Committee and afterwards presented to the House to be Entred in the Journals of this House Ordered That the same Committee do inspect the Journals of the Lords House of the Two last Parliaments and make a Report of their Lordships proceedings relating to the horrid Popish plot and that the said Committee do Sit de Die in Diem Ordered That Mr. Treby do give this House Information to morrow morning of all the matters by him Reported in the last Parliament relating to the horrid Popish plot The House being Informed that one _____ Hardwich a Linen Draper at the Naked Boy in Henrietta-street Covent-garden did in breach of the Priviledges of this House commit certain misdemeanors against the said Seignior Francisco being a witness produced and examined at the Bar of this House touching the horrid Popish plot Ordered That the said Mr. Hardwich be sent for in Custody of the Serjeant attending this House to answer to this House for the same Ordered That Mr. Dugdale do attend this House on Thursday morning next at Ten of the Clock to make his further Discovery of the horrid Popish plot Martis 2. Novemb. 1680. A Bill for prohibiting the Importation of Irish Cattle c. was read the first time Resolved That this Bill be read a second time Ordered That Mr. Harnage be brought to the Bar of this House tomorrow morning at Ten of the clock to answer to the Misdemeanors by him committed against Seignior Francisco Ferria in breach of the Priviledges of this House and that the said Seignior Francisco do then likewise attend this House Ordered That an humble address be made to His Majesty by such Members of this House as are of His Majesties Privy Council to desire His Majesty that he would be pleased to grant His Gracious Pardon to Mr. Dangerfield and that he would take Mr. Dangerfield Mr. Dugdale Mr. Praunce and Seignior Francisco Ferria into his Royal Care and protection Sir Francis Winnington Chairman to the Committee appointed to inspect the Journals of the House of Lords of the Two last Parliaments and to make a Report of their Lordships proceedings entred in the said Journals relating to the horrid Popish plot acquaints the House that the Committee had perused the said Journals and taken an abstract thereout which he reported to the House Ordered That the said Committee do perfect their Report of the abstract taken out of the Journals of the Lords House and do present the same in Writing to this House together with a perfect abstract of the Journals of the House of Commons of the Two last Parliaments relating to the said Popish plot Mr. Treby having according to the Order of the House made yesterday given an information to the House of all the matters by him Reported in the last Parliament relating to the Horrid Popish plot Resolved Nemine Contradicente That the Duke of York's being a Papist and the hopes of his coming such to the Crown hath given the greatest Countenance and Encouragement to the present Designs and Conspiracies against the King and Protestant Religion Resolved Nemine Contradicente That in Defence of the Kings Person and Government and of the Protestant Religion this House doth Declare That they will stand by His Majesty with their Lives and Fortunes and that if His Majesty shall come by any violent death which God forbid they will Revenge it to the utmost upon the Papists Resolved That a Bill be brought in to disable the Duke of York to Inherit the Imperial Crown of this Realm Ordered That a Committee be appointed to prepare the Bill Mercurij 3. die Novembris 1680. A Message from the Lords by Mr. Justice Wyndham and Mr. Baron Atkins Mr. Speaker The Lords have commanded us to acquaint you that they have passed a Bill Entituled An Act for the better Regulating the Tryals of the Peers of England to which they desire the Concurrence of this House An Engrossed Bill sent from the Lords Entituled an Act for the better Regulating of the Tryals of the Peers of England was Read the first time Resolved That the Bill be Read a second time on Munday morning next after Ten of the clock Ordered That the Committee appointed to prepare a Bill for Regulating Elections of Members to Serve in Parliament do present the said Bill to the House tomorrow morning Mr. Harnage being brought to the Bar and Seignor Francisco Ferria appearing and justifying his charge against him Ordered That Mr. Harnage be continued in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House during the pleasure of the House for his misdemeanor in Breach of the priviledges of this House Ordered That the Committee appointed to Inspect the Journals of the Two last Parliaments relating to the horrid Popish plot do look into and make Report of the Impeachments Exhibited in the Two last Parliaments against the Lords in the Tower and of the proceedings thereupon And the said Committee is to enquire into and prepare Evidence against the said Lords Resolved Nemine Contradicente That a bill be brought in for the better Uniting of all His Majesties Protestant Subjects Ordered That Sir Tho. Whitegrave Mr. Birch of Stafford Apothecary and Lieutenant Ells be sent for in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House to answer to the Charge given against them at the Bar of this House by Mr. Dugdale Ordered That Herbert Herring be sent for in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House for his Notorious Breach of priviledge by him committed against M. Colt a member of this House Ordered That Jeremiah Bubb be Summoned to appear at the Bar of this House tomorrow morning at Ten of the clock to answer for the Breach of priviledge by him committed against Mr. Colt a Member of this House A Bill for prohibiting the Importation of Irish Cattle was Read a Second time Resolved That the said Bill be committed with Instructions to the Committee to bring in a Clause to be added to the said Bill declaring That where any Irish Cattel shall be found amongst English Cattel all the said Cattel as well English as Irish shall be forfeited Ordered That leave be given to bring in a Bill for
Read to the house by Mr. Speaker and is as followeth CHARLES R. HIs Majesty desires this House as well for the satisfaction of his people as of himselfe to Expedite such matters as are depending before them relating to Popery and the Plot and would have them rest assured That all Remedies they can tender to his Majesty conducing to those Ends shall be very acceptable to him Provided they be such as may consist with Preserving the Succession of the Crown in its due and legal Course of Descent Mr. Hambden acquaints the house That in the Entry made in the Journal of this house of the Report by him yesterday made from the conference had with the Lords it appears that in part of his Report which relates to the delivery of such papers relating to the Plot to the clerk of this house there is an omission of these words Received from the Clerks of the Council Ordered That the said words be added in the Entry of the said Report in the Journal Ordered That Mr. Richard Janeway be sent for in custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this house to Answer at the Bar of this house for the Breach of priviledge by him committed against Sir Edward Deering a member of this house Mr. Turbervill being called in gave Information at the Bar of this house of the Horrid Popish plot and delivered the same in writing Mr. Jennison being called in delivered his Information formerly given at the Bar of this house in writing Mr. Dangerfield being called in acquainted the House that he was advised That the Pardon now granted to him by His Majesty is in some particulars defective And humbly desired this House to represent the same to His Majesty Ordered That an humble application be made to His Majesty from this House by such of the members of this House as are of His Majesties most Honourable Privy Council desiring His Majesty to grant to Mr. Dangerfield a full and general pardon of all Treasons misprisions of Treason Felonies and other crimes and misdemeanours and particular crimes to be specified by him committed to the time of his last Discovery made to this house of the Popish plot And that His Majesty would in like manner be Graciously pleased to grant to Mr. Edw Turbervill who hath this day given in Evidence at the Bar of this house relating to the horrid Popish plot a full and General pardon And that His Majesty would be pleased to take him into His Royal protection and care and grant him some allowanee for his subsistance Ordered That all the Informations already given in at the Bar of this House in writing relating to the Popish plot be Entred upon the Journal of this House And that all the said Informations be printed being first perused and Signed by Mr. Speaker and that Mr. Speaker Nominate and appoint the persons to Print the same And that Mr. Dangerfield have the Benefit of the Printing of his said Information Ordered That a Committee be appointed to consider of means to preserve the Evidence of Mr. Bedlow and others that have or shall give Evidence relating to the Popish plot Ordered That the Committee appointed to Inspect the Journals of the two last Parliaments and to make a Report of their proceedings as well relating to the Popish plot as of the Impeachment against the Lords in the Tower do present their reports to the House on Thursday morning next in writing Ordered That Mr. Treby do on Thursday morning next present to the House in writing the Information by him lately given to this House of the matters by him reported in the last Parliament relating to the horrid Popish plot Ordered That Joseph Thompson Clerk be sent for in custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House to answer at the Bar of this House for his high Misdemeanour against the priviledge of this House The Information of Mr. Murphy relating to the Popish plot in Ireland being Read Ordered That Mr. Hethrington do attend his House tomorrow morning at ten of the Clock to give his Evidence relating to the said plot Ordered That the rest of the Papers relating to the Popish plot in Ireland now in the hands of the clerk of this House be Read to morrow morning Mercurij 10. die Novembris 1680. A Bill for Regulating the Elections of members to serve in the Commons House of Parliament was Read the first time Resolved That the said Bill be Read a second time An Engrossed Bill for Prohibiting the Importation of Cattle from Ireland was Read a third time Resolved That the said Bill do pass and that the Title be An Act Prohibiting the Importation of Cattel from Ireland Ordered That Sir John Trevor do carry up the said Bill to the Lords for their concurrence And the same Bill was carried up to the Lords accordingly A message from the Lords by the Lord Chief Baron Mountague and Mr. Baron Atkins M. Speaker THe Lords have commanded us to acquaint you That they have passed an Act for Freeing the City of London and His Majesties Court and parts adjacent from Popish Inhabitants and providing against othèr Dangers which may arise from Papists To which their Lordships desire the concurrence of this House The House taking into consideration His Majesties Gracious Message now Read to the House and a Debate arising thereupon Resolved Nemine contradicente That a Committee be appointed to Draw up an Humble address to His Majesty upon the Debate of the House in answer to His Majesties Gracious Message Resolved Nemine contradicente That this House will proceed in the prosecution of the Lords in the Tower and will forthwith begin with William Viscount Stafford Ordered That Sir William Jones be added to the Committee appointed to Inspect the Journals to the two last Parliaments relating to the Popish plot and the Impeachments of the Lords in the Tower And the said Committee is to sit de die in diem Mr. Secretary Jenkins acquaints the House That according to the Order of the House Yesterday made His Majesty had been attended in Council with the address of this House And that His Majesty was pleased to return this answer That as to the Pardon for Mr. Dangerfield it should be not only for all Treasons and misprisions of Treason but also for all Felonies Outlawries and misdemeanours whatsoever And that He would grant the like Pardon to Mr. Turbervill and would consider of an allowance for his maintenance Jovis 11. die Novemberis 1680. Ordered THat Mr. Speaker do Issue out his 〈…〉 the Clerk of the Crown for a new Writ for the Electiâ—◠〈…〉 to serve in this present Parliament for the Borough of Cricklade in the County of Wilts in the room of Hungerford Dunch Esq deceased A Petition of Mr. Richard Harnage was Read Ordered That Mr. Harnage be Discharged from the Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House paying his fees A Bill to prevent the Offences of Bribery and Debauchery in the Election
of Members to serve in the Commons House of Parliament was Read the first time Resolved That this Bill be read a second time on Munday morning next And that the Bill for Regulating Elections of members to serve in the Commons House of Parliament be read at the same time Mr. Treby Reports from the Committee of Elections and priviledges That the said Committee having taken into consideration the matter of Election and return for the Borough of Haslemere in the County of Surrey that the Committee had agreed upon three Resolves to be reported to the House which he read in his place and are as followeth viz. Resolved That Sir William Moore Baronet is not duly chosen a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the Borough of Haslemere in the County of Surrey Resolved That Denzil Onslow Esq is duly chosen for the same Resolved That Francis Dorrington Esq is duly chosen for the same Which report being delivered in at the Clerks Table the House did agree with the Committee in the said several and respective Resolves Ordered That the Clerk of the Crown and the Bailiff of the said Borough of Haslemere do attend the House tomorrow Morning at Ten of the Clock to amend the said return Ordered That William Rapley Bailiff of the said Borough of Haslemere be sent for in custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House to answer at the Bar of this House for the misdemeanours by him committed in the Election and return of Members to serve in this present Parliament for the Borough of Haslemere Ordered That Mr. Turbervill and Mr. Jennison have the leave of this House to Print their several Informations relating to the horrid Popish Plot. Ordered That an humble address be made to his Majestie by such Members of this House as are of His Majesties most honourable Privy-Council for a full Pardon to Mr. Jennison of all Treasons Misprisions of Treasons and other Misdemeanours by him committed to the time of the Discovery made by him to this House of the horrid Popish Plot. Mr. Hethrington Mr. Murphey M. John Fitz-Gerald and Mr. Daniel Fitz-Gerald being called in made a discovery at the Bar of the Popish plot in Ireland Ordered That all the Witnesses touching the Popish plot in Ireland do attend this House tomorrow morning at ten of the clock Sir William Jones Reports from the Committee appointed to draw up an address to his Majestie upon the Debate of the House in Answer to his Majesties Gracious Message 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 by the House Ordered That such members of this House as are of His Majesties most Honourable Privy Council be desired to know His Majesties pleasure when this house-shall attend him with the said Address An Engrossed Bill to disable James Duke of York to inherit the Imperial Crown of England and Ireland with the Dominions and Territories therunto belonging was Read a third time Resolved That this Bill do pass And that the Title be An Act for Securing of the Protestant Religion by Disabling James Duke of York to Inherit the Imperial Crown of England and Ireland the Dominions and Territories thereunto belonging Ordered That the Lord Russel do carry up this Bill to the Lords for their Concurrence Veneris 12. die Novembris 1680. A Petition of Sir Robert Yeamans in custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House was read Ordered That the said Sir Robert Yeamans be brought to the Bar of this House tomorrow morning at ten of the clock A Petition of Richard Janeway in custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House was read Ordered That the said Richard Janeway be brought to the Bar of this House tomorrow morning at ten of the clock An ingrossed Bill sent from the Lords intituled An Act for Freeing the City of London and His Majesties Courts and parts adjacent from Popish Inhabitants and Providing against other Dangers which may arise from Papists was read the first time Resolved That the said Bill be read a second time after ten of the clock in a full House The Clerk of the Crown and the Bailiff of the Borough of Haslemere in the County of Surrey being called in amended the Return of the said Borough by taking off the Indenture whereby Sir William Moore Baronet and James Gresham Esq were Returned and by razing out the Name of Sir William Moore and inserting the Name of Francis Dorington Esq in the other Indenture Mr. Hobart Bourk Mr. Thomas Sampson Mr. John Macnamarra and Eustace Coning being severally called in gave an Account of some Proceedings relating to the Popish Plot in Ireland 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 grant a full and effectual Pardon to Edmond Murphy Hobart Bourke Thomas Sampson John Macnamarra John Fitz-Gerald and Eustace Coning who have made a considerable Discovery to this House of the Popish Plot in Ireland for all Treasons Misprisions of Treason Crimes and Offences by them committed to the time of their making their respective Discoveries to this House And that His Majesty would likewise be pleased to take them into His Royal Protection and Care Mr. David Fitz-Gerald being called in gave in a further Information to the House relating to the Popish Plot in Ireland Resolved That a Message be sent to the Lords to acquaint them with the Resolution of this House to proceed to the Trial of the Lords in the Tower and forthwith to begin with William Viscount Stafford and to desire their Lordships to appoint a convenient Day for the Tryal of the said William Viscount Stafford And likewise to desire their Lordships That the Lords in the Tower may be confined and kept from holding Correspondence with one another as persons impeached and committed for High Treason by Law ought to be And That Sir William Jones do go up with this Message to the Lords Sir Francis Winnington reported and delivered in at the Table the Abstracts of the Proceedings of the Two last Parliaments as well relating to the Popish Plot as to the Impeachments against the Lords in the Tower Sir William Jones acquaints the House That he had according to the Order of the House attended the Lords with the Message and that their Lordships were pleased to return Answer by him to this effect viz. That as to that part of the Message relating to the Confinement of the Lords and their Correspondence they had already given Order therein as desired by this House That as to the other part of the Message relating to the appointing of a Day for the Tryal of William Viscount Stafford their Lordships have appointed Tuesday come fortnight for the said Tryal Ordered That a further Address be made to His Majesty
for the Sitting of this Parliament hath betrayed the Rights of the Subject Resolved That this House doth agree with the Committee that Sir George Jeffereys by traducing and obstructing Petitioning for the Sitting of this Parliament hath betrayed the Rights of the Subject Ordered That an humble Address be made to his Majesty to remove Sir George Jeffereys out of all publick Offices And a Committee is appointed to draw up the same Ordered That the Members of this House that Serve for the City of London do communicate this Vote and Resolution of this House relating to Sir George Jeffereys to the Court of Aldermen for the City of London Ordered That the Committee last mentioned do enquire into all such persons as have been advising or promoting of the late Proclamation stiled A Proclamation against Tumultuous Petitioning and they are Impowered to send for Persons Papers and Records Lunae 15 die Novembris 1680. A Bill against the Importation of Cattel from Scotland was Read the First time Resolved That the Bill be Read asecond time on Saturday morning next at ten of the Clock Mr. Treby Reports from the Committee of Elections and Priviledges That the Committee had taken the matter touching the Election and Return of Members to Serve in this present Parliament for the City of Westminster and had agreed upon Four Resolves which he Read in his place and afterwards delivered them in at the Clerks Table and are as followeth Resolved That the King 's menial Servants not having proper Houses of their own within the City of Westminster have not Right to give Voices in the Elction of Citizens to serve in Parliament for the said City Resolved That Sir William Pulteney is duly chosen a Citizen to serve in this present Parliament for the City of Westminster Resolved That Sir Francis Withins was not duly chosen a Citizen to serve in this Parliament for the City of Westminister Resolved That Sir William Waller is duly chosen a Citizen to servein this Parliament for the City of Westminster The House agreed upon several Questions with the Committee in the said several and respective resolves Ordered That the Clerke of the Crown and the Bailiff of Westminster do attend this House tomorrow morning at Ten of the clock to amend the Return according to the Resolution of the House Mr. Secretary Jenkins acquaints the House That His Majesty had sent a Message to the House in writting which he delivered at the Clerks Tabie and being Read by Mr. Speaker is as follows CHARLES REX HIs Majesty did in His Speech at the opening of this Session desire the Advice and Assistance of His Parliament in relation to Tangier the condition and Importance of the place obliges His Majesty to put this House in mind again That He relies upon them for the suport of it without which it cannot be much longer preserved His Majesty does therefore very earnestly recommend Tangier again to the due and speedy consideration and care of this House Resolved That this House will proceed in the consideration of His Majesties Message on Wednesday morning next at Ten of the clock An Engrossed Bill sent down from the Lords Entituled An Act for the better Regulating the Tryals of the Peers of England was read a second time Resolved That this Bill be committed upon the Debate of the House A Petition of William Rapley late Bailiff of Haslemere in the County of Surrey now in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House was Read Ordered That the said William Rapley be brought to the Bar of this House tomorrow morning at Ten of the clock Ordered That the two last Bills concerning the Regulating of Elections of Members to Serve in the Commons House of Parliment be Read a second time tomorrow morning Mr. Dugdale being called in gave his further Information at the Bar Relating to the Popish Plot in writing A Petition of Sir Tho Whitegrave Francis Eld and Sampson Birch was Read Ordered That the consideration of this Petition be Referred to the Committee appointed to receive Informations concerning the Popish Plot and to Enquire into the same And they are to Report the same with their Opinions therein to this House Ordered That Mr. Dudgale have Liberty to Print his own Narative given to this House relating to the Popish Plot. Mr. Bourke Mr. Macnamarre and Eustace Coning being called in presented their several Informations formerly given at the Bar of this House relating to the Popish Hot in Ireland in Writing Mr. Yarrington Mr. Simonds Mr. Lee Mr. Janeway Mr. Everingham Mr. James and Mr. Bradwell being called in and severally Examined touching a Pamphlet lately printed wherein are several reflections upon Sir Edward Deering a Member of this House And thesaid Mr. Yarrington acquainting the House That all the Animadversions contained in the said Pamphlet were Penned by Dr. Tongue that he received the Abstract of the several Lettets therein mentioned from a Scrivener in Essex Court in the Temple And a Debate arising in the House upon the whole matter Resolved Nemine contradicente That all the reflective parts of the said Pamphlet upon Sir Edward Deering a Member of this House are False Scandalous and Libellous Ordered That Dr. Tongue Have notice to attend this House tomorrow Morning at Ten of the Clock Ordered That Mr. Yarrington Mr. Simonds Mr. Lee Mr. Everingham Mr. James Mr. Bradwell and Robert Groom Scriverner be Committed to the Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House for their Breach of Priviledge by them committed against Sir Edward Deering a Member of this House Ordered That Richard Janeway be discharged from the Custody of the Serjeant at Arms Paying his Fees and that he receive the Censure of the House upon his knees from Mr. Speaker which was done accordingly Martis 16. die Novembris 1680. THe Clerk of the Crown and the Bailiff of Westminster being called in Amended the Return of members to serve in this present Parlialiament for the said City of Westminster by razing out the name of Sir Francis Withins and inserting the name of Sir William Waller And then the house Adjourned to 8 of the clock tomorrow morning Mercurij 17. die Novembris 1680. THe House according to the Order of Munday last taking into consideration his Majesties message relating to Tangier Resolved Nemine contradicente That a Committee be appointed to draw up an address to be presented to his Majesty upon the Debate of the house humbly representing to his Majesty the dangerous State and condition of the Kingdom in anser to his Majesties said message Ordered That Mr. Treby do make his report in Writing on saturday morning next A Debate arising in the house That an address be made to his Majesty humbly to desire his Majesty to remove George Earl of Hallifax from his Majesties presence and Councils for ever Resolved That an address be made to his Majesty humbly to desire his Majesty to remove George Earl of Hallifax from his Majesties
the Address concerning Sir George Jeffreys 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 Mr. Zeile being called in delivered his Information in Writing relating to the Popish Plot. Ordered That Edward Seymour Esq a Member of this House attend the Service of this House in his Place tomorrow morning at Ten of the clock Ordered That an humble Application be made from this House to His Maiesty by such Members thereof as are of His Majesties most Honourable Privy Council to desire His Majesty to grant to Mr. Zeile a full and General Pardon to this time and Grant him some Allowance for his Subsistence Ordered That an humble Application be made from this House te His Majesty by such Members thereof as are of His Majesties most Honourable Privy Council Representing the Condition and Circumstances of Mr. Hethrington and other the Witnesses touching the Popish Plot in Ireland And to desire His Majesty to grant them some Allowance for their Support Ordered That an humble Application be made to His Majesty from this House by such of the Members thereof as are of His Majesties most Honourable Privy Council to desire His Majesty to confer upon Mr. Smith who hath made a considerable Discovery of the Popish Plot some Ecclesiastical Preferment Sabbati die 20. Novembris 1680. INformation being given to the House That Mr. William Stawell was Foreman of the Grand Jury for the County of Devon the last Summer Assizes and that by a mistake Mr. Colman was ordered to be sent for in Custody in stead of the said Mr. Stawell Ordered That Mr. Colman's Name be struck out of the Warrant directed to the Serjeant at Arms attending this House And that Mr. Stawell's Name be inserted instead thereof A Complaint being made of a Breach of priviledge committed against Mr. Ayloffe a Member of this House by John Dandridge in arresting and Detaining in Custody James Newman Menial servant of the said Mr. Ayloffe at the Suit of Richard Rawlins Ordered That the said John Dandridge and Richard Rawlins be sent for in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House to answer at the Bar of this House for the said Breach of Priviledge The Question being put That the Bill against the Importation of Cattel from Scotland be now Read a Second time It was Resolved in the Affirmative The Bill being Read Resolved That the Bill be Committed Information being given to the House That George Eylles had committed a Breach of priviledge against Sir Patience Ward a Member of this House Ordered That the said George Eyles be sent for in Custody of the Serjeanr at Arms attending this House to answer at the Bar of this House for the said Breach of Priviledge Mr. Secretary Jenkins acquaints the House That in pursuance of the Orders of this House His Majesty had been attended by such Members thereof as are of His Majesties Privy Council with several addrsses from this House That as to the address relating to Sir George Jeffreys after the same together with the Orders and Resolves of the House were Read to His Majesty His Majesty was pleased to Return answer That He would consider of it That His Majesty upon presenting the address for some allowance to Mr. Lewis and for a general Pardon to him and all the rest of the Persons that have given Information relating to the Popish plot for all Crimes and Misdemeanours whatsoever His Majesty was pleased to answer That His Majesties Pardon should extend to all Crimes and Misdemeanors whatsoever by them committed to this time Perjury only excepted That His Majesty was further pleased to answer That Consideration should be had of Mr. Lewis for some reasenable allowance to him That as to the address relating to Mr. Smith for some Ecclesiastical Preferment His Majsty would have him in Consideration That as to the address concerning Mr. Hethrington and the rest of the Witnesses touching the Popish plot in Ireland His Majesty in regard that the Number and Circumstances of those Persons are not yet well known had referred the Consideration thereof to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury Resolved That a further 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 That the Pardon 's granted to the several persons for whom application hath been already made to His Majesty by this House may extend to all Crimes and Misdemeanors whatsoever by them committed to the last time of their respective Discoveries respectively Mr. Trenchard Reports from the Committee to whom is referred to Enquire after such persons as have offended against the Rights of the Subjects to Petition His Majesty for the Sitting the Parliament That the Committee had ordered him to make the following Report viz. That Information being given to the said Committee That Examinations were taken upon Oath in the County of Monmouth by five Justices of the Peace of the said County viz. James Herbert Henry Baker William Herbert William Jones and Robert Gunter Esquires against John Arnold Esquire for procuring Subscriptions to a certain Petition to be presented to His Majesty for the Sitting of the Parliament Which said Examination was sent up to the Council Table by the said Justices and there Exhibited in Charge as an Article against the said Mr. Arnold and was Subscribed by one Thomas Herbert Esquire who undertook to prosecute the same And that the Committee desired the Directions of the House therein And further Reported That the Committee had agreed upon two Resolves which are as so lows Resolved That this Committee is of Opinion That Mr. Thomas Staples by obstructing Petitoning to His Majesty for the siting of this Parliament and declaring his dislike and abhorence of such Petitioning hath betrayed the Rights of the Subject Resolved That this Committee is of Opinion That Sir Thomas Holt Serjeant at Law by obstructing Petitioning to His Majesty for the Sitting of this Parliament and declaring his dislike and obhorrence of such Petitioning hath betrayed the Rights of the Subject Which Report he Read in his place and afterwards delivered the same in at the Clerks Table where the same being Read The House taking into Consideration the Matters specially Reported Ordered That Mr. Thomas Herbert 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 him committed against the priviledge of this House The First of the said Resolves being Read a Second time to the House Resolved That this House doth agree with the said Committee That the said Mr. Thomas Staples by obstructing Petitioning to His Majesty for the Sitting of this Parliament and declaring his dislike ad abhorrence of such Petitioning hath betrayed the Rights of the Subject The Second of the said Resolves being read
a second time to the House Resolved That this House doth agree with the said Committee That Sir Thomas Holt by obstructing Petitioning to His Majesty for the Sitting of this Parliament and declaring his dislike and abhorrence of such Petitioning hath betrayed the Rights of the Subject Ordered That Mr. Thomas Staples and Sir Thomas Holt 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 against the Priviledge of this House Mr. Treby acquaints the House that pursuant to the Order of the House he had prepared an Abstract in Writing of the several Letters and Papers in his custody relating to the Popish Plot. Ordered That the said Letters and Papers be Printed and it is recommended to Mr. Treby to take care therein Sir Gilbert Gerard acquaints the House that he had Articles of Impeachment of high Crimes Misdemeanors and Offences against Edward Seymour Esq a Member of this House which he delivered in at the Clerks Table Ordered That Mr. Seymour have a Copy of the said Articles and that he do make his Answer thereunto on Thursday morning next Colonel Birch Reports from the Committee to whom the Petition of Sir Thomas Whitgrave Francis Eld and Sampson Birch was referred That the Committee 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 is as follows That the Committee upon the Examination of the Information against Francis Eld Lieutenant of some of the Trained Bands in Stafjordshire touching his neglecting to make a full Search in Taxal House upon the Discovery of the late Plot and upon hearing of the said Elds Defence to the said Information the said Eld did confess the Information given by Mr. Dugdale to be true but saith that his Warrant given him under the Deputy Lieutenants hands was only to Search for Offensive Arms of War And that he was to take to his Assistance a Constable or other Civil Officer which Warrant he produced And accordingly he taking a Constable with him when he brought his Men into the Lord Astons Hall at Taxall the Constable slipped away and he could by no means meet with him again So that the said Eld conceived himself incapacitated to make such a Search as he desired Which the Committee considering of and sinding him the said Eld to be a Sober Protestant and that this neglect was not done purposely with favour to the Papists but that the said Eld is an Enemy to the Popish Faction Are humbly of Opinion that the said Francis Eld be Discharged from his Restraint Resolved That the said Francis Eld be Discharged from the custody of the Serjeant at Arms. Lunae 22. Novemb. 1680. A Bill for Regulating Elections of Members to serve in the Commons House of Parliament was read a second time Resolved That the Bill be committed upon the Debate of the House A Bill to prevent the Offences of Bribery and Debauchery in the Election of Members to serve in the Commons House of Parliament was read a second time Resolved That this Bill be referred upon the Debate of the House to the same Committee And the said Committee is to reduce the said Bills into one Bill or to put the same into more Bills as they shall see occasion Mr. Treby reports from the Committee of Elections and Priviledges that the Committee having taken into their Consideration the Matter of the Election and Return of Members to serve in this present Parliament for the Burrough of Stockbridge in the County of Southampton had agreed upon the following Resolves viz. Resolved That Henry Whitehead Esq is duly Elected a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the Burrough of Stockbridge in the County of Southampton to which the House Ordered That the Chairman of the Committee of Elections and Priviledges do make Report to this House touching the Election of Members to serve in this present Parliament for Agmondishham in the County of Bucks tomorrow morning at ten of the clock Resolved That leave be given to bring in a Bill for the Repairing of the High-ways The Clerk of the Crown and Bayliff of Stockbridge being called in amended the Return for Stockbridge by taking off the Indenture whereby William Strode Esq was returned to serve for the said Burrough and Razing out the Name of Oliver St. Johns Esq and incerting the Name of the said Hen. Whitehead in the other Indenture Mr. Secretary Jenkins acquaints the House That His Majesty having been attended by such Members of this House as are of the Privy Council according to two several Orders of address from this House to His Majesty the one for a General Pardon and some allowance to Mr. Zeiâ—e the other for a full and further General Pardon of all Crimes and Misdemeanors to the several Persons in whose behalf the House had formerly addressed His Majesty was pleased to answer That he would grant a Pardon and some allowance to Mr. Zeile That Pardons shall be passed to the several Persons addressed for by the House of Commons for all Treasons Misprisions of Treason Felonies and Outlawries after Treason or Felony and His Majesty will give Order that a Noli prosequi be Entred to stop all prosecutions against the said persons for all Crimes or Misdemeanours whatsoever That His Majesty apprehends there may be some Inconveniency in granting a Pardon so general as is now desired but if any Instances shall be given wherein the Tryals may be hindered or prejudiced His Majesty will give such further Order as shall be agreeable to Justice Mr. Trenchard reports from the Committee to whom it was referred to prepare an address to His Majesty to remove George Earl of Hallifax from His Majesties presence and Councils for ever 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 Resolved That the House doth agree to the said Address with some Amendments Ordered That such Members of this House as are of his Majesties Most Honourable Privy Council do know his Majesties pleasure when this House may attend him with this Address Ordered That all Committees that were discontinued be revived and do sit in the places formerly appointed Martis 23. die Nouemb. 1680. A Petition of Sir Thomas Holt Serjeant at Law in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms Attending this House was Read Ordered That Sir Thomas Holt be called in and do receive the Censure of the House upon his knees at the Bar from Mr. Speaker and be then discharged paying his Fees which was done accordingly Ordered That William Rapley Bayliff of Haslemere in the County of Surrey now in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House be brought to the Bar to Morrow Morning at Ten of the Clock to receive the Censure of the House Ordered That leave be given to
bring in a Bill for continuing of two Acts One to prevent the Planting of Tobacco in England and Regulating the Plantation Trade The Other for Exporting of Beer Ale and Mum. A Bill to the same purpose being presented to the House was Read the First time Resolved That the Bill be Read a Second time Resolved That a Committee be appointed to prepare a further Address to His Majesty upon the Debate of the House humbly to desire His Majesty to Pardon and Remit the Fine set upon Benjamin Harris for which he continues in Prison Mr. Sachaverel Reports from the Committee to whom it was referred to prepare and bring in a Bill for the Repeal of One Act made in the 35th Year of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth ch 1. A Bill agreed upon by the Committee which he delivered in at the Clerks Table The Bill being Read the First time Resolved That the Bill be Read a Second time to Morrow morning Sir Francis Russel Reports from the Committee Appointed to draw up an humble Address to his Majesty to desire his Majesty to appoint a day for a Solemn Fast and Humiliation to be kept throughout the Kingdom An Address agreed on 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 Resolved That the Lords Concurrence be desired to the said Address And that Sir Francis Russed do attend the Lords with the same and desire their concurrence A Petition of Ann Bedlow Widdow and Relict of Captain William Bedlow Deceased was Read Resolved 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 take into His consideration the condition of the said Mrs. Bedlow and to grant her some Allowance for her Subsistence Sir Francis Russel acquaints the House That in pursuance of the Order of the House he had attend the Lords with the Address and that their Lordships returned Answer That they had taken the said Address into their Consideration and had agreed to it according to the desire of this House Ordered That Mr. Attorney General be desired to attend this House to Morrow Morning to give the House an Account touching the Proclamation Stiled A Proclamation against Tumultuous Petitioning Several Persons that served upon the Grand Jury for the County of Middlesex in Trinity Term last being called in gave an Account to the House of the manner of the Proceedings of the Court of Kings-Bench in Discharging the said Grand Jury Several Persons being called in gave an Account at the Bar of the House touching the charge given by Mr. Baron Weston at the last Summer Asslizes held at Kingston upon Thames for the County of Surrey and a Debate arising in the House upon the whole matter Resolved Nemine Contradicente That the Discharging of a Grand Jury by any Judge before the end of the Term Assizes or Sessions whilst matters are under their consideration and not presented is Arbitrary Illegal Destructive to Publick Justice a manifest Violation of his Oath and is a means to Subvert the Fundamental Laws of this Kingdom Resolved Nemine Contradicente That a Committee be appointed to Examine the Proceedings of the Judges in Westminster-Hall and Report the same with their Opinions therein to this House Sir Edward Deering Acquaints the House That His Majesty having referred the Condition and Circumstances of the several Witnesses relating to the Popish Plot in Ireland to the consideration of the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury and that the Commissioners were not as yet informed of the Names Number and Conditions of the said several Persons desired the Direction of the House therein Ordered That Mr. Hethrington do Attend Mr. Speaker and do communicate to him the Names and Condition of the said Witnesses The Address of the Commons in Parliament to His Majesty to Remove Sir George Geffreys Out of all Publick Offices WE your Majesties most Dutiful and Loyal Subjects the Commons in Parliament Assembled having received a Complaint against Sir George Jeflreys Knight your Majesties Chief Justice of Chester and heard the Evidence concerning the same and also what he did alledge and prove in his Defence And being thereupon fully satisfied that the said Sir George Jeffreys well knowing that many of your Loyal Protestant Subjects and particularly those of your Great and Famous City of London out of Zeal for the Preservation of the Protestant Religion your Majesties Royal Person and Government and in hopes to bring the Popish Conspirators to speedy Justice were about to Petition to your Majesty in an Humble Dutiful and Legal way for the sitting of this Parliament the said Sir George Jeffreys not regarding his Duty to your Majesty or the welfare of your People did on purpose to serve his own private Ends and to create a Misunderstanding between your Majesty and your Good Subjects though disguised with pretence of service to your Majesty maliciously declared such petitioning sometimes to be Tumultuous Seditious and Illegal and at other times did presume publickly to insinuate and assert as if your Majesty would deprive your Citizens of London of their Charters and divers other Priviledges Immunities and Advantages and also of your Royal Favour in case they should so petition and also did publickly declare that in case they should so petition there should not be any Meeting or Sitting of Parliament thereby traducing your Majesty as if you would not pursue your Gracious Intentions the rather because they were grateful to your good Subjects do in most humble manner beseech your Majesty to remove the said Sir George Jeffreys out of the said Place of Chief Justice of Chester and out of all other Publick Offices and Employments under your Majesty His Majesty by Mr. Secretary Jenkins was pleased to return Answer to this Address That he would consider of it Mercurii 24. die Novemb. 1680. Ordered THat George Bell of Carlisle in the County of Cumberland Attorney at Law be sent for in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House to answer at the Bar of the House for a breach of Priviledge by him committed against Sir Richard Grahme a Member of this House Ordered That Arthur Yeomans of Cardisse in the County of Glamorgan be sent for in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House to answer at the Bar of this House for a Notorious Breach of Priviledge by him committed against this House Ordered That William Jordan of Gloucester be sent for in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms to answer at the Bar of this House for a Notorious Breach of Priviledge by him Committed against this House Ordered That John Laws be sent for in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms to answer at the Bar for a Breach of Priviledge by him Committed against this House Ordered That Mr. Henry Alnett be sent for in Custody of the
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
without the presence of any Store-keeper and did afterwards sell the same pretending the same to be only Muscarado Sugars and did account with His Majesty for the same as such Whereas in Truth the said Ship was Laden with Cochineal and Indico Rich Merchandises of a very great Value Veneris 26 Nov. 1680. Resolved THat there is sufficient Matter in these Articles for Impeachment of Edward Seymour Esq a Member of this House And that he be Impeached upon these Articles Sabbati 27 die Novemb. 1680. PEter Elers and John Bode did this day take the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy at the Clerks Table in order to their Naturalization A Bill for the taking away of the Court holden before the President and Council in the Marches of Wales was read the first time Resolved That the Bill be read a Second time on Wednesday Morning next at Ten of the Clock The Clerk of the Crown being called in amended the Return for Westbury in the County of Wilts by Razing out the Names of Richard Lewis and Henry Bertie Esquires and inserting the Names of Edward Norton and William Trenchard Esquires instead thereof Mr. Treby Reports from the Committee of Elections and Priviledges That the Committee having taken into their Consideration the Matter touching the Election for the Burrough of Wells had agreed upon two Resolves to be Reported to the House which he read in his Place afterwards delivered the same in at the Clerks Table where the same being read are as follows Resolved That Edward Berkley Esq is not duly Elected a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the Burrough of Wells in the County of Somerset Resolved That John Hall Esq is duly Elected a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the said Burrough of Wells The First Resolve being Read a second time Resolved That this House doth agree with the Committee that Edward Berkley Esq is not duly Elected a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the Burrough of Wells in the County of Somerset The second Resolve being Read a second time Resolved That this House doth agree with the Committee That John Hall Esq is duly Elected a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the said Burrough of Wells The Clerk of the Crown being called in amended the Return for the said Burrough of Wells by razing out the Name of Edward Berkley Esq and inserting the Name of John Hall Esq instead thereof Ordered That Sir William Waller be added to the Committee appointed to prepare Evidence against the Lords in the Tower Ordered That an Humble Application be made to his Majestie from this House by such Members thereof as are of His Majesties most â—onourable Privy Council to desire his Majesty to grant a full and general Pardon to Mr. Bernard Davis Colonel Birch reports from the Committee to whom the considerations of the Petition of Sir Thomas Whitegrave Francis Eld and Sampson Birch was referred That the Committee having Examined the matter relating to Sampson Birch had Ordered him to make the sollowing Report Resolved That Mr. Sampson Birch is Guilty of the Information charged against him That the said Birch Keeper of the Prison at Stafford his suffering Bromage a Popish Priest committed to his Custody and Condemned to walk abroad is contrary to Law To which Resolves the House agreed Mr. Hampden Reports from the Committee appointed to prepare an Address to his Majesty upon the debate of the House Humbly Representing the Dangerous State and Condition of this Kingdom in Answer to His Majesties Message relating to Tangier 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 by the House A Message from the Lords by Sir Tymothy Baldwyn Sir Samuel Clark Mr. Speaker The Lords have appointed a Committee of five Lords to meet with a Committee of this House to adjust the methods and circumstances in the Tryal of the Lord Viscount Stafford and have Appointed the Five Lords to meet this Afternoon at three of the Clock in the Inner Court of Wards Resolved That a Committee be appointed of Ten Members of this House to meet the Committee of Lords to adjust the Methods and Circumstances in the Tryal of the Lord Viscount Stafford Ordered That such Members of this House as are of His Majesties Most Honourable Privy-Council be desired to know his Majesties pleasure when this House may attend His Majestie with the last mentioned Address Ordered That the Matter touching the Election for Taunton in the County of Somerset be heard at the Bar of the House on Wednesday Morning next Lunae 29. die Novemb. 1680. A Bill for ascertaining Fines upon Convictions for Misdeameanors was Read the first time Resolved That the Bill be read a second time Ordered That a Committee be appointed to prepare and bring in a Bill for the Repeal of part of the Law already made for regulating the Fishing in the River Severne Ordered That the Executors of Sir Matthew Hale late Chief Justice of the Court of Kings Bench be desired to print his Manuscripts relating to the Crown Law And a Committee is appointed to take care of the true Printing thereof Ordered That the said Edward Brett of Staffordshire be discharged from his further Imprisonment by Order of this House Mr. Secretary Jenkins acquaints the House That he having according to the Orders of the House attended His Majestie to know his Majesties Pleasure when this House should attend him with the Address His Majestie was pleased to appoint this House to attend him at three of the Clock this afternoon in the Banquetting House And further acquaints the House that His Majestie being humbly moved according to the Order of the House for a Pardon for Bernard Dennis was graciously pleased to grant the same and though neither the said Bernard Dennis nor any other by his appointment did carry on the said Pardon to the Seal yet the same together with the Pardon granted to Mr. Turbervil were now ready under the Great Seal And the directions of the House were desired into what hands to put the same Ordered That the said Pardon be lodged in Mr. Treyby's hands for the service of the House and benefit of the said Persons Ordered That the Clerk of this House do de die in diem attend the Committee appointed to examine Precedents touching the Committing of Members of this House to the Custody of the Serjeant at Arms when Impeached in Parliament A Petition of Mr. Thomas Dangerfield was read Ordered That a Committee be appointed forthwith to insect Mr. Dangerfield's Pardon as to the Validity thereof and likewise to examine what Allowances now are or formerly have been made to Mr. Dangerfield from His Majesty and to consider the Alterations and other Circumstances of his Allowances and to report the same to the House Ordered That the Members of this
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
the Affirmative A Bill for Exporting Leather was Read a Second time and committed The Clerk of the Crown being called in Amended the Return for the Burrough of Eye in the County of Suffolk by taking off the Indenture whereby Sir Charles Gaudy and Sir Robert Reeve were Returned Ordered That the Clerk of the Crown do Attend tomorrow morning to Amend the Return for Rygate in the County of Surrey Colonel Birch Reports from the Committee Appointed to Examine the matter of the Information given to this House by Mr. Peter Norris That the Committee having taken the same into their Consideration had not thought fit to come to any Resolution therein but had Ordered him to Report the matter specialy which was Reported accordingly Ordered That Mr. Sherridon and Mr. Day be forthwith brought in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms to the Bar of this House Ordered That a Committee be Appointed forthwith to search the Papers of the said Mr. Sherridon and Mr. Day and to Report the same to the House A Motion being made to the House That the Matter touching the Election for the City of Glocester be appointed to be heard before the Committee of Elections and Priviledges on the Third day of January next Ordered That the Consideration of this Motion be referred to the Committee of Elections and Priviledges Ordered That the Matter of the Complaint made against Mr. Tyler be referred to the Committee of Priviledges to Examine the same And they are to proceed therein in the first place and make Report thereof to the House Ordered That the further Consideration of the whole Matter upon the said Special Report be Adjourned to Ten of the Clock tomorrow morning Ordered That Mr Sherridon and Mr. Day do severally continue in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms during the pleasure of this House and that no Person be Admitted to câ—me to them but such as shall have occasion to bring them necessaries Veneris 10. die Decemb. 1680. A Bill for Naturalization of Peter Elers and others was Read a Second time Resolved That the said Bill be Committed Ordered That Mr. Heming and Sir William Yorke Members of this House have leave to go into the Country Ordered That the Order of this House made on Wednesday last for Summoning such Members as have absented themselves without the leave of the House to attend within Ten Days That the time be extended to Ten Days from Saturday next The Clerk of the Crown being called in Amended the Return for the Burrough of Rygate in the County of Surry by razing out the Name of Ralph Freeman Esq and inserting the Name of Dean Godwin Esq in the Indenture Mr. Trenchard Reports from the Committee appointed to enquire after all such Persons as have offended against the Right of the Subject to Petition His Majesty for the Sitting of Parliaments That the Committee had agreed upon the following Resolve which he Read in his Place and afterwards delivered it in at the Clerks Table where the same being Read is as followeth viz. Resolved c. That Captain Castle by Obstructing Petitioning to his Majesty for the Sitting of this Parliament hath offended against the Rights of the Subject Resolved c. That this House doth agree with the Committee That Captain Castle by Obstructing Petitioning to His Majesty for the Sitting of this Parliament hath offended against the Rights of the Subjects Ordered That the Committee Appointed to Examine 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 for High Crimes and Misdemeanors do make Report to the House of the Matters to them Referred on Monday Morning next Ordered That the Chairman of the Committee appointed to examin the Matter of the Information against Sir Robert Peyton a Member of this House do make Report thereof to Morrow Morning and that Sir Robert Peyton do Attend in his Place at the same time Ordered That the Chairman of the Committee of Elections and Priviledges do make Report of the Matter touching the Election for the Borrough of Agmondesham in the County of Bucks to Morrow morning at Nine of the Clock and the same is to be the first business to be entered upon The House then resumed the Adjourned Debate concerning the Matter of the Information formerly given to the House by Mr. Peter Norris The Matter being Debated in the House and Mr. Secretary Jenkins having given an Account to the House of his proceedings therein And being withdrawn Resolved That the late Imprisonment of Peter Norris at Dover was illegal and that the Proceedings of Sir Leoline Jenkins Knight one of the Principle Secrataries of State by discribing the Person of the said Peter Norris and directing such his Imprisonment was Illegal and Arbitrary and an Obstruction to the Evidence for the Discovery of the Horrid Popish Plot. Ordered That the further Consideration of this Debate be Adjourned to Monday Morning next Sabbati 11 die Decemb. JAmes Raillard did this day take the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy at the Clerks Table in Order to his Naturalization Ordered That the Name of the said James Raillard be inserted in the Bill of Naturalization A Bill for Sale of the Mannor of Billingford and other Lands in the County of Norfolk for Payment of the Debts of Sir Edward Chisenhale was Read the First time Resolved c. That the said Bill be Read a Second time in a Full House after Ten of the Clock Ordered That Mr. Austin a Member of this House have leave to go into the Country for Recovery of his Health Ordered That the Bill for Supplying the Laws made against Bankrupts be Read on Tuesday Morning next after Ten of the Clock in a Full House Ordered That Sir Bryan Stapleton a Member of this House have leave to go into the Country A Petition of Captain William Castle being presented to the House Orderd That the said Petition do lie upon the Clerks Table Ordered That Michael Ball in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms be Discharged without paying any Fees Mr. Treby Reports from the Committee of Elections and Priviledges to whom the Matter touching the Election for Agmondesham 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 uiz Resolved c. That in the Burrough of Agmondesham alias Amersham in the County of Bucks those Inhabitants who onely pay Scott and Lott have right to give Voices in the Election of Burgesses to serve in Parliament for the said Burrough Resolled c. That Algernoon Sidney Esq is not duly Elected a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the said Burrough of Agmondesham Resolved c. That Sir William Drake Baronet is not duly Elected a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the
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
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
the said Borough Resolved That it is the opinion of this Committee that the Election for Great Marlow as to the said Sir Humphry Winch and Thomas Hobby is void The first of the said Resolves being Read a second time Resolved That this House doth agree with the 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 saiâ— Borouâ—â— The second of the said Resolves being Read a second time Resolved That this House doth agree with the Committee that Sir Humphry Winch Baronet is not duly Elected a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the Borough of Great Marlow The Third of the said Resolves being Read a second time Resolved That this House doth agree with the Committee That Thomas Hobby Esq is not duly Elected a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the said Borough The Fourth and last of the said Resolves being Read a second time Resolved That this House doth agree with the Committee That the Election for Great Marlow as to the said Sir Humphry Winch and Thomas Hobby is voyd Mr. Hyde acquaints the House that his Majesty according to the order of the House having been waited on by such Members of the House as are of his Majesties most Honourable Privy Council to know his Majesties pleasure when this House might attend him with an Address His Majesty was pleased to appoint 3 of the Clock this afternoon for the House to attend him in the Banqueting-house Ordered That Mr. Speaker do issue out his warrant to the Clerk of the Crown to make out a new writ for the Electing a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the Borough of Great Marlow in the County of Bucks A Petition of Mr. Baldwin Leighton was Read Ordered That the Consideration of the said Petition be referred to the Committee of Grievances to examine the matter thereof report the same with their opinions therein to the House and that the Committee do sit on Thursday next in the afternoon A Bill for uniting His Majesties Protestant Subjects to the Church of England was read a second time Resolved That the said Bill be Committed upon the Debate of the House Ordered That the Bill for exempting His Majesties Protestant Subjects dissenting from the Church of England from the penalties of certain Laws be read on Thursday morning next Ordered That the Report from the Committee of Elections and Priviledges touching the Election for St. Edmundsbury in the County of Suffolk be made on Thursday morning next Ordered That leave be given to bring in one or more Bill or Bills for inspecting and Correcting Pluralities and Non-residences relating to Ecclesiastical Benefices Ordered That Mr. Sidney's Petition be Read on Thursday morning next Ordered That Mr. Lucy a member of this House have leave to go into the Country The Report of the Committee for Receiving INFORMATIONS Concerning the POPISH PLOT upon the Complaint of Mr. Peter Norris presented to the House of COMMONS upon Thursday December the 9th 1680. UPON consideration of the information given at the Bar by Mr. Peter Norris and Referred to this Committee Resolved By this Committee that the Examination of this matter be Reported Specially This Committee in the first place after hearing of the said Norris his Complaint that several Papers were taken from him sent for the said Papers which were informed then to be in a Chest in the Council Chamber which Papers were brought to this Committee by an Inventory which the said Norris then acknowledged to be all and they still remain with this Committee In the next place they proceeded to examine upon what occasion the said Norris was sent beyond Sea which not only by the said Papers but also by a Certificate delivered to the Chairman of this Committee from the Earl of Essex and divers other Informations as well as the said Norris his Instructions given by Dr. Tonge was to fetch over one Dowdall an Irish Priest who had been conversant with the Priests in France and Flanders who managed the Plot both in England and Ireland and mixing himself among them was privy to the whole Plot which the said Dowdall by several Letters had made known to Dr. Tonge which Letters were perused by the Earl of Essex and also satisfaction was given by a known Merchant in London that the said Dowdall was an honest man of good understanding and might be credited Then the Committee proceeded to inquire who at any time had knowledge of the sending over for the said Dowdall and found by an Order of Council bearing date the eighteenth day of July 1679. that the said Dowdall by the name of Edward Dowdall was permitted to come from Dover and stay for a Month but in that Order there is no mention of Dowdall's being a Priest And it likewise appears to this Committee that not long after the said Order for his coming over Dowdall dyed and not without suspicion that it was a violent Death But it doth not appear to this Committee that the Death of Dowdall was known in England till after the return of Norris who was sent to fetch the said Dowdall over which was about Ten months after the Date of the said Order of Council Upon which this Committee proceeded to Examine how it came to pass that the said Norris was in such danger beyond Sea and particularly at his coming aboard the Pacquett-Boat at Calais and likewise his Imprisonment at Dover in the common Prison and his being brought from Dover by a Messenger and they found the Cause of it to be a Discription given of Peter Norris to Secretary Jenkins the Twenty Ninth of May 1680. in these words Peter Norris some call him Morris a Scotch-man handsome neat Face sanguine Complexion short Nose bald-pated white Wigg slender Body little Stature Civil and Smooth in Discourse speaking French aged Thirty four Years more or less Taylor by Trade and under this Description written with another Hand and Ink these words viz. Went into France on Wednesday was three weeks to bring with him a Priest Thereupon this Committee proceeded to Examine who brought this Description to the said Secretary and were and by whom it was drawn with all the Circumstances that they could find about it And first they found that Thomas Sheridon a Gentleman who affirmed himself a Protestant born in Ireland heretofore employed in Collecting the Revenues there and lately with the Duke at his Court at Brussells and came over with him in the same Yacht confessed upon his Examination that he carryed the said Description to the said Secretary but it being shewed him he denyed the writing any part of it save the last Line but confessed that it was written and brought to him by one Anthony Day Doctor of Physick to the late Army in Flanders Whereupon the said Sheridon was commanded to
Chief Justice Scroggs which were In hac verba WHereas There are divers ill disposed persons who do daily Print and Publish many Seditious and Treasonable Books and Pamphlets Angl. ss endeavouring thereby to dispose the minds of his Majesties Subjects to Sedition and Rebellion And also infamous Libels reflecting upon particular persons to the great scandal of his Majesties Gevernment For suppressing whereof his Majestie hath lately issued out his Royal Proclamation And for the more speedy suppressing the said Seditious Books Libels and Pamphlets and to the end that the Authors and Publishers thereof may be brought to their punishment These are to will and require you and in His Majesties Name to charge and command you and every of you upon sight hereof to be Aiding and Assisting unto Robert Stephens Messenger of the Press in the seizing on all such Books Pamphlets as aforesaid as he shall be informed of in any Book-sellers or Printers Shops or VVarehouses or elsewhere whatsoever to the end they may be disposed as to Law shall appertain Also if you shall be informed of the Authors Printers or Publishers of such Books or Pamphlets as are abovementioned you are to apprehend them and have them before one of His Majesties Justices of the Peace to be proceeded against according to Law Dated this 29th day of November 1679. To Robert Stephens Messenger of the Press To all Mayors Sheriffs Bayliffs Constables and all other Officers and Ministers whom these may concern WILLIAM SCROGGS WHereas The Kings Majestie hath lately Issued out His Proclamation for suppressing the Printing and Publishing Vnlicensed News-Books Angl. ss and Pamphlets of News Notwithstanding which there are divers Persons who do daily Print and Publish such unlicensed Books and Phamphlets These are therefore to Will and Require You and in his Majesties Name to Charge and Command You and every of you from time to time and at all times so often as you shall be thereunto required to be Aiding and Assisting to Robert Stephens Messenger of the Press in the Seizing all such Books and Pamphlets as aforesaid as he shall be informed of in any Book-sellers Shop or Printers Shop or Ware-houses or elsewhere whatsoever to the end they may be disposed of as to Law shall appertain Likewise if you shall be informed of the Authors Printers or Publishers of such Books and Pamphlets you are to apprehend them and have them before Me or one of His Majesties Justices of the Peace to be Proceeded against as to law shall appertain Dated this 28th Day of May Anno Dom. 1680. To all Mayors Sheriffs Bayliffs Constables and all other Officers and Ministers whom these may concern To Robert Stephens Messenger of the Press WILLIAM SROGGS Upon View whereof this Committee came to this Resolution Resolved That it the Opinion of this Committee That the said Warrants are Arbitrary and Illegal And this Committee being informed of certain Scandalous Discourses said to be uttered in publick places by the Lord Chief Justice Scroggs proceeded to Examine Sir Robert Atkins late one of the Justices of the Common-pleas concerning the same by whom it appears That at a Sessions dinner at the Old Bayly in the Majorality of Sir Robert Clayton who was then present The said Chief Justice took Occasion to speak very much against Petitioning Condemning it as Resembling 41 as Factious and tending to Rebellion or to that Effect to which the said Sir Robert Atkins made no reply suspecting he waited for some Advantage over him But the Chief Justice continuing and pressing him with the said Discourse he began to Justifie Petitioning as the Right of the People especially for the Sitting of a Parliament which the Law Requires if it be done with Modesty and Respect Upon which the Chief Justice fell into a great Passion and there is some reason to believe that soon after he made an ill Representation of what the said Sir Robert had then spoke unto his Majestie And this Committee was further Informed that the said Sir Robert Atkins being in Cercuit with the said Chief Justice at Summer Assizes was I welve-month at Monmouth Mr. Arnold Mr. Price and Mr. Bedlow being then in company the Chief Justice fell severely in publick upon Mr. Bedlow taking off the credit of his Evidence aâ—ledging he had overshot himself in it or to that Effect very much to the disparagement of his Testimony And the said Sir Robert defending Mr. Bedlow's Evidence and credit he grew extream angry and loud saying to this effect That he verily believed Langhorn dyed innocently To which the said Sir Robert replied he wondred how he could think so who had condemned him himself and had not moved the King for a Reprieve for him All which Matters of discourse this Committee humbly submit to the wisdom and consideration of this House without taking upon them to give any Opinion therein And this Committee proceeded further to inquire into some Passages that happened at Lent Assizes last for the County of Somerset at the Tryal of Thomas Dare Gent. there upon an Indictment for saying falsly and seditiously That the Subjects had but two means to Redress their Grievances One by Petitioning the Other by Rebellion And found that though by his other discourse when he said so that it appeared plainly he had no rebellious intent in that he said Then God forbid there should be a Rebellion he would be the first man to draw his Sword against a Rebel yet he was profecuted with great violence And having pleaded Not Guilty he moved Mr. Justice Jones who then sat Judge there that he might try it at the next Assises for that Mr. Searle who was by at the speaking of the words and a material Witness for his defence was not then to be had and an Affidavit to that purpose was made and recieved But the said Justice Jones told him That was a favour of the Court onely and he had not deserved any Favour and so forc'd him to try it presently But the Jury appearing to be an extraordinary one provided on purpose being all of Persons that had highly opposed Petitioning for the sitting of this Parliament he was advised to withdraw his Plea and the said Justice Jones encouraging him so to do he confest the words denying any evil intention and gave the said Justice an account in writing of the Truth of the whole Matter and made a submission in Court as he was directed by the said Justice who promised to recommend him to His Majesty but imposed a Fine of 500 l. on him and to be bound to the good behaviour for three years Declaring also That he was turned out from being a Common Councellor of the Corporation of Taunton in the said County on pretence of a clause in their Charter giving such a power to a Judge of Assize And the said Thomas Dare remains yet in prison for the said Fine in which matter of the Tryal aforesaid this Committee desireth to refer it self
to the Judgment of this House The Resolutions of the House of Commons upon the said Report 1. THat it is the Opinion of this House That the Discharging of the Grand Jury of the Hundred of Oswaldston in the County of Middelsex by the Court of Kings Bench in Trinity Term last before the last day of the Term before they had finished their Presentments was Arbitrary and Illegal destructive to publick Justice a manifest violation of the Oaths of the Judges of that Court a means to subvert the Fundamental Laws of this Kingdom and to Introduce Popery 2. THat it is the Opinion of this House That the Rule made by the Court of Kings Bench in Trinity Term last against Printing of a Book called The Weekly Pacquet of Advice from Rome is Illegal and Arbitrary thereby usurping to themselves Legislative Power to the great discouragement of the Protestants and for the countenancing of Popery 3. THat it is the Opinion of this House That the Court of Kings Bench in the Imposition of Fines on Offenders of late years have acted Arbitrarily Illegally and Partially favouring Papists and persons Popishly affected and excessively oppressing His Majesties Protestant Subjects 4. THat it is the Opinion of this House That the resusing sufficient Bail in these Cases wherein the persons committed were Bailable by Law was Illegal and a high breach of the Liberties of the Subject 5. THat it is the Opinion of this House That the said expressions in the Charge given by the said Baron Weston were a Scandal to the Reformation and tending to raise discord between His Majesty and His Subjects and to the Subversion of the Ancient Constitution of Parliaments and of the Government of this Kingdom 6. THat it is the Opinion of this House That the said Warrants are Arbitrary and Illegal The Resolutions of the Commons for the Impeachment of the said Judges Resolved THat Sir William Scroggs Knight Chief Justice of the Court of Kings Bench be Impeached upon the said Report and the Refolutions of the House thereupon Resolved That Sir Thomas Jones one of the Justices of the said Court of Kings-Bench be Impeached upon the said Report and Resolutions of the House thereupon Resolved That Sir Richard Weston one of the Barons of the Court of Exchequer be Impeached upon the said Report and Resolutions of the House thereupon Ordered That the Committee appointed to prepare an Impeachment against Sir Francis North Chief Justice of the Court of Common-Pleas do prepare Impeachments against the said Sir William Scroggs Sir Thomas Jones and Sir Richard Weston upon the said Report and Resolutions Ordered That the said Report and several Resolutions of this House thereupon be Printed and that Mr. Speaker take care in the Printing thereof apart from this days other Votes Veneris 31 die Decemb. 1680. A Bill prohibiting the Importation of forein Guns was read a second time The Question being put that the Bill be committed It passed in the Negative Resolved That the Bill be rejected Ordered That leave be given to bring in a Bill for regulating the Abuses in making of Casks Barrels and other Vessels Ordered That a Committee be appoinied to peruse the Laws relating to Weights and Measures and to report their opinions therein to the House and to bring in a Bill or Bills for the better regulating and ascertaining the same Ordered That leave be given to bring in a Bill for a general Naturalization of Alien Protestants and allowing them liberty to exercise their Trades in all Corporations A Bill for the Relief of the Subject against Arbitrary Fines was read a second time Resolved The the Bill be committed Mr. Hyde acquaints the House that His Majestie according to the order of the House having been attended by such Members of this House as are of His Majesties most Honourable Privy Council desiring His Majestie to give Orders that such Evidence and Informations as were given in to the Council by Mr. Serjeant and others in the Case of John Gavan executed for High Treason and for all other Evidences Papers Writings Letters and Informations delivered into the Council relating to the Popish Plot might be communicated to this House His Majestie was pleased to declare his Commands that the same should be delivered accordingly And further acquainted the House That Sir John Nicholas one of the Clerks of the Council had assured him that all the said Papers were already transmitted to the House of Lords And then the House Adjourned to Munday Morning eight of the Clock The REPORT from the Committee of the Commons in Parliament appointed by the Honourable House of Commons to consider the Petition of Richard Thompson of Bristol Clerk and to Examine Complaints against him And the RESOLUTION of the Commons in Parliament upon this REPORT for his Impeachment of HIGH Crimes and Misdemeanors At the Committee appointed to take into Consideration the Petition of Rich. Thompson Clerk and to examine the complaints against him Friday Decemb. 24. 1680. In the first place THE Committee read unto the said Thomson the Heads of Complaint against him Which for the most part he denying desired to have his Accusers brought Face to Face Whereupon the Committee proceeded to the Examination of Witnesses to prove the said Complaint The first Witness Examined saith That there being a great noise and rumor that Mr. Thompson had prepared a Sermon to be Preached on the Thirtieth of January 1679. the said Witness went to the said Sermon and did hear Mr. Thompson publikly declare That the Presbyterians were such Persons as the very Devil Blush't at them and that the Villain Hamden grudged and made it more Scruple of Conscience to give Twenty Shillings to the King for supplying his Necessities by Ship-Money and Loan which was His Right by Law than to raise Rebellion against Him And that the Presbyterians are worse and far more Intolerable than either Priests or Jesuits The second saith That hearing a great Talk Noise spread of a Sermon to be Preached by Mr. Thompson on the 30th of January 1679. was minded to hear the same and accordingly did at which he writ some Notes amongst which he saith That Mr. Thompson openly Preached that the Devil Blush't at the Presbyterians and that the Villain Hamden grudged more to give the King 20 Shillings which was His just due by Law Ship-Money and Loan than to raise Rebellion against Him and that a Presbyterian-Brother qua talis was as great a Traytor by the Statute as any Priest or Jesuite whatsoever That he heard that Mr. Thompson said that he hoped the Presbyterians would be pulled out of their Houses and the Jayles fiâ—led with them and wish't their Houses burnt The Third saith That he was Cited to the Bishops Court to receive the Sacrament last Easter but being out of Town at that time did Receive it at a place called Purl in Wilt-shire and that a month after he came Home was again Cited to the said Court and
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
Presence and Councils for ever Ordered That Mr. Dugdale do attend this house tomorrow morning at ten of the clock Jovis 18. die Novembris 1680. SIr Franeis Winnington's report consisting of several Abstracts taken out of the Journa's of this House and of the Lords House of the proceedings of the two last Parliaments relating to the Popish plot and Impeachments of the Lords in the Tower was read Ordered That a message be sent to the Lords to desire their Lordships to communicate to this house all such papers Writings and Evidences relating to the Popish plot as have been received from the Clerks of the Privy Council as also all such Examinations and Informations touching the said Plot as have been taken by their Lordships at their secret or any other Committee in this or the two last Parliaments and that Mr Treby do go up with this message to the Lords The Lord Russel being Elected and returned to serve both for the Counties of Bedford and Southampton in this present Parliament Declared his choice to serve for the County of Bedford 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 Knight to serve in this present Parliament for the County of Southampton Ordered That Edward Brett of Dimsdon near Newcastle in the County of Stafford be sent for in custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this house to answer at the Bar fot a notorious Breach of Priviledge by him committed against this house Mr. Lewis being called in gave an Information at the Bar of this house relating to the Popish plot 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 grant to Mr. Lewis a Full and General pardon and to take him into his Royal protection and care and to grant him some allowance And that in the several pardons already granted upon the addresses of this house to all such persons as have given Evidence to this House relating to the Popish plot his Majesties Grace and pardon may be extended to all crimes and misdemeanors whatsoever by them committed and that to this time Ordered That Mr. Lewis have the leave of this house to print his Information this day given in at the Bar of this house Mr. Treby acquaints the house That he had attended the Lords with the message of this house and that their Lordships had returned answer That they will cause to be delivered to this House the several Papers Writings Evidences Examinations and Informations desired by this House A Petition of Mr. Lee Mr. Simonds Mr. Everingham Mr. James and Mr. Bradwell in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House being Read Ordered That all the said persons be called in and do receive the Censure of this House at the Bar upon their knees from Mr. Speaker and be then discharged paying their Fees which was done accordingly Ordered That a Committee be appointed to Search into and Examine the papers of Mr. Gilbert Crough of Staple-Inn and do Report the same to this House Ordered That Mr. Crouch and his Son attend at the Bar of this House tomorrow Morning at Ten of the Clock Veneris 19. Novembris 1680. SIr George Downing Reports from the Committee to whom the additional Bill touching persons buried in Woollen was referred some amendments agreed on by the said Committee 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 twice read were upon the Question Agreed Ordered That the Bill with the Amendments agreed to be engrossed Ordered That Seignior Francisco de Ferria have leave to Print the Information by him given at the Bar of this House A Petition of Benjamin Harris a Prisoner in Execution at the Kings Suit for a Fine of 500 l. upon a Misdemeanor by him committed was read Resolved That an humble Application be made to His Majesty from this House by such Members of the House as are of His Majesties most Honourable Privy Council to desire His Majesty to pardon and remit the said Fine Ordered That a Committee be appointed to prepare and draw up a Bill for Ascertaining of Fines upon Misdemeanors Robert Groom being called in and having given an Account at the Bar concerning the late Pamphlet Entituled A Damnable Popish Plot c. Ordered That the said Robert Groom be discharged from the Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House without paying any Fees Resolved That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty to desire His Majesty to appoint a Day for a Solemn Fast and Humiliation to be kept throughout the Kingdom upon the Debate of the House Mr. Serjeant Rigby Reports from the Committee appointed to enquire after all such Persons as have offended against the Right of the Subject to Petition His Majesty for the Siting of the Parliament That the Committee had directed him to make a Special Report of the Presentments of the Grand Jury for the County of Somerset for the last Lent Assizes and of the Grand Jury for the County of Devon for the last Summer Assizes which Presentments he delivered in at the Clerks Table And further Reported That Captain William Castle being Summoned to attend the said Committee did in contempt of the said Order neglect to attend the Committee And that the Committee desired the Directions of the House therein Ordered That Sir Giles Philips and William Coleman being the Foremen of the said Grand Juries be sent for in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House to answer at the Bar of this House for the Breach of Priviledge by them committed against this House Ordered That the said Captain William Castle be sent for in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House to answer at the Bar of this House for the breach of Priviledge by him committed against this House Ordered That Mr. John Hutchinson and Mr. Henry Walrond being of the said Grand Juries be sent for in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House to answer at the Bar of this House for the breach of Priviledge by them committed against this House Ordered That the Clerk of the Assizes for the Western Circuit and the respective Clerks of the Peace and Under-Sheriffs of the said Counties of Devon and Somerset be Summoned by the Serjeant at Arms attending this House to attend at the Bar of the House Ordered That Mr. Thomas Warre and Mr. Edward Strode be summoned by the Serjeant at Arms attending this House to Attend at the Bar of the House on Monday morning next at Ten of the Clock Resolved That the Committee appointed to receive Informations relating to the Popish Plot have Power likewise to receive Informations relating to the Popish Plot in Ireland Sir Robert Clayton Reports from the Committee appointed to prepare and draw up
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