Your Majesties promoted to be a Cardinal and in the Courts of other Foreign Princes to use their own form of Speech for the subduing that Pestiâ—ent Heresie which has so long domineered over this Northern World that is to root the Protestant Religion out of England and thereby to make way the more easily to do the same in other Protestant Countries Towards the doing this great Work as Mr. Colman was pleased to called it Jesuits the most dangerous of all Popish Orders to the Lives and Estates of Princes were distributed to their several Precincts within this Kingdom and held joint Councils with those of the same Order in all Neighbour Popish Countries Out of these Councils and correspondencies was hatcht that damnable and hellish Plot by the good Providence of Almighty God brought to light above two Years since but still threatning us wherein the Traytors impatient of longer delay reckoning the prolonging of Your Sacred Majesties Life which God long Preserve as the Great Obstacle in the way to the Consummation of their hopes and having in their prospect a Proselyted Prince immediately to succeed in the Throne of these Kingdoms resolved to begin their Work with the Assassination of Your Majesty to carry it on with Armed Force to destroy Your Protestant Subjects in England to Execute a second Massacre in Ireland and so with ease to arrive at the Suppression of our Religion and the Subversion of the Government When this Accursed Conspiracy began to be discovered they began the smothering it with the Barbarous Murther of a Justice of the Peace within one of Your Majesties own Pallaces who had taken some Examinations concerning it Amidst these distractions and fears Popish Officers for the Command of Forces were allowed upon the Musters by special Orders surreptitiously obtained from Your Majesty but Counter-Signed by a Secretary of State without ever passing under the Tests perscribed by the aforementioned Act of Parliament In like manner above fifty new Commissions were granted about the same time to known Papists besides a great number of desperate Popish Officers though out of Command yet entertained at half pay When in the next Parliament the House of Commons were prepared to bring to a legal Tryal the principal Conspirators in this Plot that Parliament was first Prorogued and then Dissolved The Interval between the Calling and Sitting of this Parliament was so long that now they conceive hopes of Covering all their past Crimes and gained a seasonable time and advantages of practising them more effectually Witnesses are attempted to be corrupted and not only promises of Reward but of the Favour of Your Majesties Brother made the Motives to their Compliance Divers of the most considerable of Your Majesties Protestant Subjects have Crimes of the highest nature forged against them the Charge to be supported by Subornation and Perjury that they may be destroyed by Forms of Law and Justice A Presentment being prepared for a Grand Jury of Middlesex against Your Majesties said Brother the Duke of York under whose Countenance all the rest shelter themselves the Grand Jury were in an unheard of and unpresidented and illegal manner discharged and that with so much haste and fear lest they should finish that Presentment that they were prevented from delivering many other Indictments by them at that time found against other Popish Recusants Because a Pamphlet came forth Weekly called The Weekly Packet of Advice from Rome which exposes Popery as it deserves as ridiculous to the people a new and arbitrary Rule of Court was made in Your Majesties Court of Kings Bench rather like a Star-Chamber than a Court of Law That the same should not for the future be Printed by any person whatsoever We acknowledge Your Majesties Grace and Care in issuing forth divers Proclamations since the Discovery of the Plot for the Banishing Papists from about this Great City and Residence of Your Majesties Court and the Parliament but with trouble of mind We do humbly inform Your Majesty That notwithstanding all these prohibitions great Numbers of them and of the most dangerous sort to the Terrour of Your Majesties Ptotestant Subjects do daily resort hither and abide here Under these and other sad Effects and Evidences of the prevalency of Popery and its Adherents We Your Majesties faithful Commons found this Your Majesties Distressed Kingdom and other parts of Your Dominions labouring when We assembled And therefore from our Allegiance to Your Majesty our Zeal to our Religion our Faithfulness to our Countrey and our Care of Posterity We have lately upon mature deâ—â—â—eration proposed One Remedy of these Great Evils without which in our Judgments aâ—l others will prove vain and fruitless and like all deceitful Securities against certain Dangers will rather expose Your Majesties person to the greatest hazard and the people together with all that 's valuable to them as Men or Christians to utter Ruin and Destruction We have taken this Occasion of an Access to Your Majesties Royal presence humbly to lay before Your Majesties great Judgment and Gracious Consideration this most dreadful Design of Introducing popery and as necessary Consequences of it all other Calamities into Your Majesties Kingdom And if after all this the private Suggestions of the subtle Accomplices of that party and design should yet prevail either to Elude or Totally Obstruct the faithful Endeavours of Us Your Commons for an Happy Settlement of this Kingdom We shall have this Remaining comfort That We have freed our selves from the Guilt of that Blood and Desolation which is like to ensue But our only Hope next under God is in Your Sacred Majesty That by Your Great Wisdom and Goodness We may be effectually secured from Popery and all the Evils that attend it and that none but persons of known Fidelity to Your Majesty and Sincere Affections to the Protestant Religion may be put into any Employment Civil or Military that whilst We shall give a Supply to Tangier We may be assured We do not Augment the Strength of our Popish Adversaries nor encrease our own Dangers Which Desires of Your faithful Commons if Your Majesty shall graciously vouchsafe to grant We shall not only be ready to assist Your Majesty in Defence of Tangier but do whatsoever else shall be in our power to enable Your Majesty to protect the Protestant Religion and Interest at Home and Abroad and to Resist and Repel the Attempts of Your Majesties and the Kingdoms Enemies Martis 30 die Novemb. 1680. Ordered THat the Serjeant at Arms attending this House do go with his Mace and Summon all the Members of this House that are in or about Westminster-Hall immediatly to attend the Service of the House Ordered That the Committee to whom the Consideration of Mr. Dangerfields Pardon and Allowances from His Majestie is Referred be Revived and have Power to send for Persons Papers and Records Then Mr. Speaker left the Chair And a Committee of the Commons managed the Impeachment against William Viscount
accordingly Ordered That Sir Thomas Exton a Member of this House have leave to repair into the Country A Petition of George Bell in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House was read Ordered That the said George Bell be brought to the Bar and do receive the censure of the House upon his knees from Mr. Speaker and be then discharged paying his Fees which was done accordingly A Bill for supplying the Laws made against Bankrupts was read the first time A Message from His Majesty by Sr. Edward Cartarett Usher of the Black Rod. Mr. Speaker The King commands this Honourable House to attend him immediatly in the House of Peers and accordingly Mr. Speaker with the House went up to attend His Majestie The House being returned Mr. Speaker acquainted the House with the Effect of His Majesties Speech Ordered That Sir Robert Peyton being in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House be brought to the Bar and do receive the Censure of this House upon his knees from Mr. Speaker and that he be then discharged from further Confinement paying his Fees which was accordingly done Resolved That this House will on Saturday morning next take into consideration His Majesties Gracious Speech this day made to both Houses of Parliament The House then according to their Order Resolved into a Committee of the whole House to consider of ways and means to secure this Kingdom against Popery and Arbitrary Power Mr. Speaker left the Chair Mr. Powle took the Chair of the Committee Mr. Speaker resumed the Chair Mr. Powle acquaints the House that the Committee receiving Intimation that there was a Message at the door from the Lords had ordered him to leave the Chair and moved from the said Committee that the House would be pleased as soon as such Message should be received to resolve again into a Committee of the whole House A Message from the Lords by Sr. John Hoskins and Sr. Addam Dateley Mr. Speaker The Lords have commanded us to acquaint this House that they have agreed to the Bill sent from this House entituled An-Act for the repeal of a Statute made in the 35th Tear of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth with some Amendments to which they desire the concurrence of this House The House again resolved Itself into a Committee of the whole House Mr. Speaker left the Chair Mr. Powle took the Chair of the Committee Mr. Speaker resumed the Chair Mr. Powle reports from the Committee of the whole House That the Committee having taken the matters to them referred into consideration had agreed upon certain Resolves which he read in his place and afterwards delivered them in at the Clerks Table where the same being read are as follows viz. Resolved That it is the opinion of this Committee that one means for the suppressing Popery is that the House be moved that a Bill be brought in to banish immediately all the considerable Papists out of the Kings Dominions Resolved That it is the opinion of this Committee that as long as the Papists have any hopes of the Duke of York's succeeding the King in the Kingdoms of England and Ireland and the Dominions thereunto belonging the King's person the Protestant Religion and the lives liberties and properties of all his Majesties Protestant Subjects are in apparent danger òf being destroyed Resolved That it is the opinion of this Committee that the House be moved that a Bill be brought in for an association of all His Majesties Protest an t Subjects for the safety of His Majesties Person the Defence of the Protestant Religion and the preservation of His Majesties Protestant Subjects against all Invasions and Oppositions whatsoever and for the preventing the Duke of York or any Papist from succeeding to the Crown The first of the said Resolves being read a second time And a Motion being made for the adding the words of England aftor the word Papists in the said Resolve which being agreed to by the House and the same being inserted at the Clerks Table Resolved Nemine contradicente That this House doth agree with the Committee that one means for the suppressing Popery is that a Bill be brought in to banish immediatly all the considerable Papists of England out of the Kings Dominions The second of the said Resolves being read a second time Resolved Nemine Contradicente That this House doth agree with the Committee that so long as the Papists have any hopes of the Duke of York's succeeding the King in the Kingdoms of England and Ireland and the Dominions thereunto belonging the King's Person the Protestant Religion and the lives liberties and properties of all His Majesties Protestant Subjects are in apparent danger of being destroyed The Third of the said Resolves being read a second Time Resolved Nemine contradicente That this House doth agree with the Committee that a Bill be brought in for an association of all His Majesties Protestant Subjects for the safety of His Majesties Person the Desence of the Protestant Religion and the preservation of His Majesties Protestant Subjects against all Invasions and Oppositions whatsoever and for preventing the Duke of York or any Papist from succeeding to the Crown Ordered That a Committee be appointed to prepare and bring in a Bill pursuant to the first of the said Resolves Mr. Powle moving the House from the Committee of the whole House that the House would be pleased again to resolve it self into a Committee of the whole House to Morrow morning at Ten of the Clock upon the Matter of this days Debate Resolved That this House will to Morrow morning at Ten of the Clock resolve it self into a Committee of the who'e House further to consider of ways and means to secure the Kingdom against Popery and Arbitrary Power Ordered That Mr. Speaker do issue out his Warrant to the Clerk of the Crown to make out a new Writ for the Election of a Knight to serve in this present Parliament for the County of Middlesex in the room of Sir Robert Peyton expell'd this House Jovis 16. die Decemb. 1680. MArtin May and Cornelius Steler did this day take the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy at the Clerks Table in order to their Naturalization Ordered That Mr. Samuel Sandys the younger and Mr. Stokes have leave to go into the Country A Bill for rectifying several Errors and Mistakes in certain Deeds of settlement made upon the marriage of Sir Charles Hoghton Baronet with Mary the daughter of John Lord Viscount Massareen was read a second time A Petition of divers Inhabitants in the County of Surrey complaining of the proceedings in an Ecclesiasticall Court against them was read Ordered That the consideration of this petition be referred to a Committee The same Committee is impowered to send for Persons Papers and Records and to receive all other Complaints against the proceedings of Ecclesiastical Courts and to bring in a Bill or Bills for regulating the proceedings of such Courts A Petition of Joshua Brook
out of any Warrant for taking into custody Sir Philip Skippon who made default in attending the House at the Call thereof on Tuesday last Colonel Birch reports from the Committee appointed to receive Informations relating to the Popish Plot in Ireland That the Committee having proceeded upon the Matters to them referred had taken several Examinations and received the Answer of Sir John Davis and had also perused several Informations transmitted from the House of Lords relating to the said Plot all which he Read in his place and afterwards delivered the same in at the Clerks Table where the same were again Read The House then taking into consideration the Message sent from the Lords on Tuesday last wherein they desire the concurrence of this House the House resolved That this House doth agree with the Lords in the said Vote with the addition of these words That the Duke of York being a Papist and the expectation of his coming to the Crown hath given the greatest Countenance and Encouragement thereto as well as to the horrid Popish Piot in this Kingdom of England Resolved That that the said Vote be delivered to the Lords at a Conference Ordered That a Committee be appointed to draw up reasons to be offered at the said Conference Ordered That the several Informations of John Macnamara Maurice Fitz-Gerrald and James Nash this day Read to the House relating to the Irish Plot be forthwith Printed Resolved That Richard Poure Earl of Tyrone in the Kingdom of Ireland be Impeached of high Treason Ordered That the Lord Durseley do go up to the Bar of the Lords and Impeach him of high Treason in the name of this House and of all the Commons of England and do pray that he may be committed to safe custody Ordered That the Committee appointed to prepare the Evidence against the Popish Lords in the Tower do prepare the said Impeachment Ordered That the further consideration of the said Report in relation to Arthur Earl of Anglesey and Sir John Davis be adjourned to Saturday morning next ten of the Clock in a full House Veneris 7. Die Januarii 1680. THe Engrossed Articles of Impeachment of Sir William Scroggs Chief Justice of the Court of Kings-Bench of High Treason and other great Crimes and Misdemeanours being Read the same were carried up to the Lords by the Lord Cavendish Ordered That Mr. Lewknor and Collonel Strangewayes have leave to go into the Countrey for Recovery of their Health A Bill to prevent vexatious Actions was read a first time Resolved That the Bill be read a second time A Bill to prevent Brewers to be Justices of the Peace in the place where they exercise that Trade was read the first time Resolved That the said Bill be read a Second time A Bill to prevent the Simony of one person from prejudicing another was read the first time Resolved That the said Bill be read a second time A Bill for the Bettter discovery of Settlements of Estates for superstitious uses was read a second time Resolved That the Bill be Committed upon the Debate of the House The House being informed that one John Fancourt had lately spoken certain seditious and dangerous words for which he hath been Secured in the City of Lincoln Ordered That it be Referred to the Committee Appointed to receive Informations touching the Popish Plot to Examine the Matter of this Information and to report the same with their Opinions therein to the House The House then according to their Order entered into the Consideration of His Majesties Message sent to this House on Tuesday last Resolved That it is the opinion of this House that there is no security or safety for the Protestant Religion the Kings Life or the well Constituted and Established Government of this Kingdom without passing a Bill for disabling James Duke of Tork to Inherit the Imperial Crown of England and Ireland and the Dominions and Territories thereunto belonging and to rely upon any other Means or Remedies without such a Bill is not only insufficient but dangerous Resolved That His Majestie in His last message having assured this House of his Readiness to concur in all other means for the preservation of the Protestant Religion this House doth declare that untill a Bill be likewise passed for excluding the Duke of Tork this House cannot give any Supply to His Majestie without danger to his Majesties Person extream hazard of the Protestant Religion and unfeithfulness to those by whom this House is intrusted Resolved That all persons who advised his Majestie in his last Message to this House to insist upon an opinion against the Bill for excluding the Duke of York have given pernicious Counsel to His Majestie and are Promoters of Popery and Enemies to the King and Kingdom Resolved That it is the opinion of this House that George Earl of Hallifax is one of the Persons who advised His Majestie in his last Message to this House to insist upon an opinion against the Bill for excluding the Duke of York and hath therein given pernicious Counsel to his Majesty and is a promoter of Popery and an Enemy to the King and Kingdom Resolved That an humble Address be presented to His Majestie to remove Laurence Hide Esq from his Majesties Council and presence and from his Office in the Treasury for ever Resolved That an humble Address be presented to his Majesty to remove Henry Marquis of Worcester from his Presence and Council and all the Offices and Imployments of Honour and profit for ever Resolved That it is the Opinion of this House that Henry Marquis of Worcester is one of the Persons who advised his Majestie in his last Message to this House to insist upon an opinion against the Bill for excluding the Duke of York and hath therein given pernicious Counsel to his Majestie and is a promoter of Popery and an Enemy to the King and Kingdom Resolved That it is the opinion of this House That Henry Earl of Clarendon is one of the persons who Advised his Majesty in His last Message to this House to insist upon an Opinion against the Bill for excluding the Duke of York hath therein given pernicious Council to his Majestie and is a Promoter of Popery and an Enemy to the King and Kingdom Resolved That it is the Opinion of this House that Lewis Earl of Feversham is a promoter of Popery and of the French Interest a dangerous Enemy to the King and Kingdom Resolved That an humble Address be made to his Majestie to remove Lewis Earl of Feversham from all Military Offices and Commands and from all other Publick Offices and Imployments and from His Majesties presence for ever A Motion being made for an Address to His Majesty to remove Edward Seymour Esq from His Majesties Council and Presence Ordered That the Debate thereof be adjourned to Munday morning next Ordered That the Committee Appointed to prepare an Address to His Majesty in Answer to his Majesties Message relating
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
the Exportation of Leather Jovis 4. die Novembris 1680. A Bill for Exportation of Leather was Read the first time Resolved That this Bill be Read a second time after Ten of the Clock in a full House Mr. Secretary Jenkins acquaints the House That His Majesty having been attended with the Address of this House relating to Mr. Dangerfield Mr. Dugdale Mr. Praunce and Seignior Francisco de Ferria His Majesty was pleased to return this Answer That for Mr. Dangerfields Pardon He had given Order in Council to His Attourney-general to Draw up and cause to pass a Pardon to Mr. Dangerfield for all Treasons Misprisions of Treason in Concealing the same till he discovered the same to this House according to the intent of His Majesties Royal Proclamation That as for an Allowance to mr Dangerfield His Majesty will at the Request of this House consider of a Reasonable allowance for him for some time That as to an allowance to Mr. Dugdale he hath already some allowance made him which His Majesty will continue That as to Mr. Praunce His Majesty will have some consideration of him And as to Seignior Francisco he hath an allowance already granted to him at the request of the House of Lords Ordered That a Committee be appointed to inspect the Act Entituled Trade Encouraged made in the Fiftenth year of His Majesties Reign and to bring in a Bill for prohibiting of Scotch Cattel at certain Seasons A Bill for the further Enco uragement of the Woollen manufacture of England by the general wearing thereof was Read a second time and Committed Mr. Treby Reports from the Committee of Elections and priviledges That the said Committee having taken into Consideration the matter to them referred touching the Election and Return of members to Serve in this present Parliament for the Borough of New-Windsor in the County of Berks had agreed upon Three Resolves to be Reported to the House which he Read in his place and afterwards delivered the same at the Clerks Table and are as follows viz. Resolved That in the Borough of New Windsor those Inhabitants only 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 Richard Winwood Esq is duly chosen a Burgess to Serve in this present Parliament for the Borough of New Windsor Resolved That Samuel Starkey Esq is duly chosen a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the Borough of New Windsor The said Resolves being Read to the House and the Question being severally put whether this House should agree with the said Committee in the said several and respective Resolves It was Resolved in the affirmative Ordered That the Clerk of the Crown do attend this House on Saturday morning next at Ten of the clock with the Return for the Borough of New Windsor and that the Mayor for the same Borough do then likewise attend and amend the said return according to the Resolves of this House The House taking notice that a petition in the behalf of the City of Rochester touching the Election of a Citizen to Serve in this present Parliament for the said City was yesterday Read and referred to the Committee of Elections and Priviledges and that the House had before that time ordered Mr. Speaker to Issue out his Warrant for a new Writ for the Electing of a member to serve for the said City in the room of Serjeant Barrell deceased who was returned one of the Citizens to Serve for the same City in this present Parliament And Mr. Speaker acquainting the House that he had not as yet Issued out his Warrant for the said Writ Ordered That Mr. Speaker do forbear to Issue out his warrant for such writs until the matters contained in the said petition be determined A Bill to Disable James Duke of York to Inherit the Imperial Crown of England and Ireland and the Dominions thereunto belonging was Read the first time Resolved That the said Bill be Read a second time on Saturday morning next at Ten of the clock Ordered That a Committee be appointed to Inspect the Laws that are in being touching the maintenance of the poor and to bring in a Bill or Bills for Regulating prevetning the increase of the poor in this Kingdom Sabbati 6. die Novembris 1680. THe Clerk of the Crown and the Mayor of New Windsor being called in did Amend the Return for the said Borough by taking off the Indenture whereby John Cary and John Powney Esquires were Returned Ordered That the Thanks of this House be given Dr. Dove for his Sermon yesterday Preached before this House at St. Margarets and that he be desired to Print the same And Mr. Speaker is desired to acquaint him with the Desire of the House to Print his Sermon Ordered That a Committee be appointed to Inspect the Law concerning the Anniversary Reading of the Narrative of the Gunpowder Plot in Churches on every Fifth day of November and to Report the same to this House Resolved Nemine contradicente That it is the Opinion of this House That the Acts of Parliament made in the Reigns of Queen Elisabeth and King James against Popish Recusants ought not to be extended against Protestant Dissenters Ordered That a Committee be appointed to prepare and bring in a Bill for Repeal of all or any part of the Act of Parliament made in the Thirty fifth Year of the Reign of Queen Elisabeth chapter the first Printed in the Statute Book of Pulton A Bill for Exporting of Cloth and other Woollen Manufactures into Turkey was Read the first time Resolved That this Bill be Read a second time Ordered That the Report of the Bill for Prohibiting the Importation of Irish Cattle be made on Munday morning next Mr. Jennison being called in gave his Information at the Bar relating to the horrid Popish plot Ordered That Mr. Jennison do put his Information in Writing and present the same to the House on Munday morning next A Bill to disable James Duke of York to Inherit the Imperial Crown of England and Ireland and the Dominions thereunto belonging was Read the Second time Resolved That the Bill be committed to a Committee of the whole House Resolved Nemine contradicente That it be an Instruction to the said Committee That the Exclusion in the said Bill do extend to the person of the Duke of York onely Resolved That this House do resolve into a Committee of the whole House on Munday morning next at Ten of the Clock to proceed to the Consideration of the said Bill Lunae 8. die Novembris 1680. A Petition of the Turkey Company was Read Ordered That the Petition be referred upon the Debate of the House to the Committee to whom the Bill for the better Encouragement of the Woollen manufacture by the general Wearing thereof is referred to Examine the matter of the said petition and to Report the same with their Opinions therein to this House
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
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
and other Merchants against the African Company was read Ordered That the Consideration of this petition be referred to a Committee to examine the matter thereof and to report the same with their opinions therein to the House Mr. Booth reports from the Committee to whom the Bill for the. better regulating the Trials of the Peers of England was Committed That the Committee having taken the same into consideration had agreed to an Amendment to be made and a clause to be added to the same which he read in his Place and afterwards delivered them in at the Clerks Table where the same wereread And a Motion being made to the House that a Clause be added for repeal of the Laws De Scandalis Magnatum Ordered That a Committee be appointed immediately to withdraw and prepare such a Clause A Bill for Uniting his Majesties Protestant Subjects to the Church of England was read the first time Resolved That the said Bill be read a second time on Monday morning next after ten of the clock in a full House A Bill for the Exempting his Majesties Protestant Subjects discenting from the Church of England from the penalties of Certain Laws was read the first time Resolved That the said Bill be read a second time on monday morning next after ten of the clock in a full House Ordered That the Chairman of the Committee appointed to consider of presidents concerning the Imprisoning of Members of this House upon an impeachment in Parliament do make report thereof tomorrow morning after ten a clock in a full House The Amendments sent from the Lords to the Bill for Repeal of the Statute made in the five and thirtieth year of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth were twice read and upon the Question severally put were agreed to Ordered That the Reports from the Committee of Elections and Priviledges touching the Elections for the Boroughs of Marlborough in the County of Wilts St Edmonds-bury in the County of Suffolk and great Marlow in the County of Bucks be made on Tuesday morning next Refolved That this House will tomorrow morning resolve it self into a Committee of the whole House further to consider of wayes and means to secure the Kingdom against Popery and Arbitrary Power Mr. Trenchard reports from the Committee appointed to prepare a Clause for repeal of the Laws made De Scandalis Magnatum that the Committee had agreed upon a Clause which he Read in his Place and afterwards Delivered the same in at the Clerks Table The House resuming the consideration of the Amendments this day reported to be made to the Bill sent down from the Lords for the better regulating the Tryals of Peers and the Amendments being read a second time were upon the Question agreed to The Clause last reported being twice read and upon the Question agreed to Resolved That the said Clause be added to the said Bill And the Bill with the Amendments and Clauses being read a third time Resolved That the Bill thus amended do pass A Bill for restraining Papists from coming or residing within the Cities of London and Westminster or within twenty Miles distance from the same and from wearing and having Arms was read the first time Resolved That the Bill be read a second time to Morrow morning and that it be the first business Veneris Die 17 December 1680. ORdered That the Names of Martin May and Cornelius Steler who Yesterday took the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy at the Clerks Table in Order to their Naturalization be inserted in the Bill of Naturalization A Petition of John Gold and Henry Palmer was Read Ordered That the Consideration of the said Petition be referred to the Commitee appointed to examine the proceedings of the Judges in Westminster-Hall who are to examine the matter thereof and to report the same with their Opinions therein to the House A Petition of Mr. J. Emarton was Read Ordered That the Consideration of this Petition be referred to the Committee appointed to receive Complaints against the Proceedings of the Ecclesiastical Courts to examine the Matter thereof and Report the same with their Opinions therein to the House A Petition of Charles Cottington Esq was Read Ordered That the Consideration of this Petition be referred to the Committee last mentioned to examine the Matter thereof and to Report the same with their opinions therein to the House A Petition of the Grand Jury of the County of Middlesex referred to a Committee which Committee is impowred to Bring in a Bill or Bills for Erecting a Court of Conicience to be held within the Jurisdiction of the said Country of Middlesex upon the Debate of the House Ordered That Major Bremen have leave to go into the Country Ordered That Captain Castle being in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House be brought to the Bar and do receive the Censures of the House upon his knees from Mr. Speaker and be discharged paying his Fees which was done accordingly A Petition of Richard Hains desiring leave that a Bill be brought in for restraining Vagrants and promoting woollen Manufacture was Read Ordered That leave be given to bring in a Bill for that purpose and it is referred to a Committee to prepare the same Ordered That leave be given to bring in a Bill for the more easie collecting His Majesties Revenue arising by Hearth money Ordered That Sr. Nicholast Pelham and Sr. Thomas Milbraham have leave to go into the Country An Engrossed Bill touching persons buryed in Woollen was Read Resolved That the Bill do pass and that the Title be An additional Act for burying in Woollen Ordered That Sr. Goorge Downing do carry the said Bill to the Lords and desire their Lordships Concurrence therein A Bill for continuance of Two Acts the one entituled An Act for preventing the planting of Tobacco in England and regulating the Plantation Trade The other An Act for exporting Beer Ale and Mum was read the second time committed Mr. Serjeant Seyes reports from the Committee to whom the Bill for taking away the Court holden before the President and Council in the Marches of Wales was committed Ordered That the said Bill be ingrossed Sir William Poultney reports from the Committee to whom it was referred to prepare the Impeachment against Edward Seymour Esq a Member of this House and to search Presidents touching Imprisoning Members of this House when impeached in Parliament That the Committee had directed him to make a special Report thereof which he read in his place and afterwards delivered the same in at the Clerks Table Ordered That the Articles of Impeachment against Mr. Seymor agreed upon be ingrossed And that Mr. Seymour be taken in custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House for securing of his forth-coming to answer to the Impeachment of this House against him until he shall have given sufficient security to this Housc to answer to the said Impeachment Ordered That the Serjeant at Arms attending this House be impowred to
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
severing his Head from his Body only A Message from the Lords by Sir Miles Cook and Sir John Francklin Mr. Speaker The Lords have commanded us to present this House with a Coppy of Mr. Seymour's Answer to the Articles of Impeachment exhibited against him Resolved c. That it is the Opinion of this House that Mr. Joseph Broom ought to be restored to 〈◊〉 the Offices and Places which were taken from him by occasion of a Judgment given against him in the Court of King's Bench in Trinity Term 29. Caroli Secundi upon an Information for publishing an unlicensed Book called The Long Parliament dissolved Ordered That the Bill for exempting His Majesties Protestant Subjects dissenting from the Church of England from the Penalties of certain Laws be read a second time to Morrow morning The first business Colonel Birch reports from the Committee to whom the Examination of the Complaint against Richard Thompson Clerk was referred That the Committee having taken the same into their consideration had directed him to make a special Report thereof to the House which he read in his place and afterwards delivered the same in at the Clerks Table Ordered That the said Report be read at the Table to Morrow morning Ordered That the Reports from the Committee of Elections and Priviledges touching the Election of St. Edmnndsbury in the County of Suffolk and Marleborough in the County of Wilts be made to Morrow morning Ordered That Mr. Sydney's Petition be read to Morrow morning Number 16. HIS MAJESTIES Most GRACIOUS Speech to both HOUSES of PARLIAMENT On Wednesday the 15th of December 1680. My Lords and Gentlemen AT the opening of this Parliament I did acquaint You with the Alliances I had made with Spain and Holland as the best measures that could be taken for the safety of England and the Repose of Christendom But I told you withall That if Our Friendship became unsafe to trust to it would not be wondred at if Our Neighbours should begin to take new Resolutions and perhaps such as might be fatal to Vs I must now tell you That Our Allies cannot but see how little has been done sine this Meeting to incourage their dependance upon Vs And I find by them that unless We can be so united at home as to make Our Alliance valuable to them it will not be possible to hinder them from seeking some other Refuge and making such new Friendships as will not be consistent with Our safety Consider that a neglect of this opertunity is never to be repaired I did likewise lay the matter plainly before you touching the Estate condition of Tangier I must now tell you again That if that place be thought worth the keeping you must take such consideration of it that it may be speedily suppli'd it being impossible for Me to preserve it at an Expence so far above My power I did promise you to the fullest satisfaction your hearts could wish for the Security of the Protestant Religion and to concur with you in any Remedies which might consist with preserving the Succession of the Crown in its Due and Legal course of Descent I do again with the same Reservations renew the same Promise to you And being thus ready on my part to do all that can reasonably be expected from Me I should be glad to know from you as soon as may be how far I shall be assisted by you and what it is you desire from Me. The Humble Address of the House of Commons Presented to his Majesty upon Tuesday the 21 day of December 1680. in Answer to his Majesties Gracious SPEECH to both Houses of Parliament Upon the 15th day of the same December May it please Your most Excellent Majesty WE Your Majesties most Dutiful and Loyal Subjects the Commons in this present Parliament Assembled have taken into our serious Consideration Your Majesties Gracious Speech to both Your Houses of Parliament on the 15th of this instant December and do with all the grateful Sense of Faithful Subjects and sincere Protestants acknowledge Your Majesties great Goodness to us in renewing the Assurances You have been pleased to give us of Your readiness to concur with us in any means for the Security of the Protestant Religion and Your Gracious Invitation of us to make our desires known to Your Majesty But with grief of Heart we cannot but observe that to these Princely Offers Your Majesty has been Advised by what secret Enemies to Your Majesty and Your People we know not to annex a Reservation which if insisted on in the instance to which alone it is applicable will render all Your Majesties other Gracious Inclinations of no effect or advantage to us Your Majesty is pleased thus to limit Your promise of concurrence in the Remedies which shall be proposed that they may consist with preserving the Succession of the Crown in its due and legal course of Descent And we do Humbly inform Your Majesty that no Interruption of that Descent has been endeavoured by us except onely the Descent upon the Person of the Duke of York who by the wicked Instruments of the Church of Rome has been manifestly perverted to their Religion And we do Humbly represent to Your Majesty as the Issue of our most deliberate Thoughts and Consultations that for the Papists to have their hopes continued that a Prince of that Religion shall succeed in the Throne of these Kingdoms is utterly inconsistent with the Safety of Your Majesties Person the Preservation of the Protestant Religion and the Prosperity Peace and Welfare of Your Protestant Subjects That Your Majesties Sacred Life is in continual danger under the prospect of a Popish Successor is evident not onely from the pinciples of those devoted to the Church of Rome which allow that an Heretical Prince and such they term all Protestant Princes Excommunicated and Deposed by the Pope may be destroyed and murther'd but also from the Testimonies given in the prosecution of the Horrid Popish Plot against divers Traitors Attainted for designing to put those accursed principles into practice against Your Majesty From the expectation of this Succession has the number of Papists in Your Majesties Dominions so much encreased within these few years and so many been prevailed with to desert the true Protestant Religion that they might be prepared for the Favours of a Popist-Prince assoon as he should come to the possession of the Crown And while the same Expectation lasts many more will be in the same danger of being perverted This it is that has hardened the Papists of this Kingdom animated and confederated by their Priests and Jesuits to make a Common purse provide Arms make application to Forreign Princes and sollicite their Aid for imposing Popery upon us And all this even during your Majesty's Reign and while your Majesty's Government and the Laws were our protection It is Your Majestie 's Glory and true Interest to be the Head and Protector of all Protestants as well abroad as
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 c. That Arthur Acland Esq is not duly Elected a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the Borough of Barnstaple in the County of Devon Resolved c. That Rich Lee Esq is duly Elected a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the Borough of Barnstaple To which Resolves the House agreed Mr. Treby farther acquaints the House with several Misdemeanours committed by John Fairchild late Mayor of the said Borough at the said Election Ordered That the said John Fairchild 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 at the said Election Mr. Treby reports from the Committee of Elections and Priviledges to whom the Matter of the Election for the Borough of Marlborough in the County of Wilts 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 fame being read are as follow viz. Resolved c. That Tho Lord Bruce is duly Elected a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the Borough of Marlborough in the County of Wilts Resolved c. That Tho Bennett Esq is duly Elected a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the said Borough of Marlborough To which Resolves the House agreed The Report from the Committee appointed to examine the Matters of complaint against Rich Thompson Clerk being read at the Clerks Table and the Matters being debated in the House Resolved Nemine contradicente That Richard Thompson Clerk has publickly defamed His Sacred Majesty preached Sedition villified the Reformation promoted Popery by asserting Popish Principles decrying the Popish Plot and turning the same upon the Protestants and endeavoured to subvert the Liberty and Property of the Subject and the Rights and Priviledges of Parliament and that he is a scandal and reproach to his Function Resolved c. That the said Rich Thompson be impeached upon the said Report and Resolution Ordered That a Committee be appointed to prepare the said Impeachment Ordered That the said Report and Resolution of this House thereupon be forthwith printed A Bill for exempting his Majesties Protestant Subjects dissenting from the Church of England from the Penalties of certain Laws was read a second time Resolved c. That the said Bill be committed upon the Debate of the House to the Committee to whom the Bill for Uniting of His Majesties Protestant Subjects is committed upon the Debate of the House A Bill for Banishing Papists out of the King's Dominions was read a second time Resolved c. That the Bill be committed upon the Debate of the House Then the House adjourned to Thursday the 30 of this instant December Jovis 30 die Decemb 1680. THE Clerk of the Crown being called in amended the Return for Barnstaple in the County of Devon by razing out the Name of Arthur Ackland and inferting the Name of Rich Lee Esq in the Indenture Ordered That Mr. Thistlethwayte a Member of this House have leave to go into the Countrey A Petition of William Townsend was read Ordered That it be referred to the Committee appointed to receive complaints against the Proceedings of Ecclesiastical Courts to Examine the Matter of the said Petition and to report the same with their Opinions therein to the House Sir George Downing reports from the Committee to whom the Bill for the better Encouragement of the Woollen Manufacture of England by the general wearing thereof was committed That they had agreed to several Amendments to be made to the Bill which he read in his place and afterwards delivered them in at the Clerks Table where the same being read were upon the Question severally agreed to by the House The Question being proposed that the said Bill and Amendments be Engrossed And a Debate arising in the House thereupon Resolved c. That the Debate be Adjourned to this Day Fortnight Ordered That the Grand Committee of Trade do sit on next Saturday seven-night Ordered That the Committee appointed to prepare Evidence against the Lords in the Tower do look into the Evidence against the Four Popish Lords in the Tower and do report their Opinions to the House in order to the further directions and proceedings of the House 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 to desire His Majesty to give Orders That the Information and Evidence given by Mr. Serjeant and others before His Majesty in Council in the Case of John Gavan Executed for High Treason And also all other Evidences Informations Writings Letters and Papers delivered in to the Council relating to the Popish Plot may be communicated to this House Resolved That the several Writings Papers and Proceedings relating to such Members of the late Long Parliament who received allowances out of the Monies appointed for secret Service be produced to this House Resolved Nemine contradicente That no Member of this House shall accept of any Office or place of Profit from the Crown without the Leave of this House or any promise of any such Office or place of Profit during such time as he shall continue Member of this House Resolved That all Offenders herein shall be Expelled this House Ordered That the Bill for the better Discovery of Settlements of Estates for superstitious Uses be read to Morrow morning the first Business The Resolutions of the House of Commons for the Impeachment of Sir William Scroggs Knt. Chief Justice of the Court of King's-Bench Sir Thomas Jones Knight one of the Justices of the same Court Sir Richard Weston Knight one of the Barons of the Court of Exchequer Vpon the report of the Committee of the Commons Appointed to Examine the Proceedings of the Judges in Westminster-Hall and to Report the same with their opinions therein to the House and also upon the RESOLVES and VOTES of the Commons in Parliament upon that Report relating to the Arbitrary and Illegal proceedings of the said Judges Thursday 23d of December 1680. THis Committee being informed that in Trinity-Term last the Court of Kings-Bench discharg'd the Grand Jury that served for the Hundred of Ossulston in the County of Middlesex in a very unusual manner proceeded to enquire into the same and found by the Information of Charles Vmfrevill Esq Foreman of the said Jury Edward Proby Henry Gerard and John Smith Gentlemen also of the said Jury That on the 21th of June last the Constables attending the said Jury were found defective in not presenting the Papists as they ought and thereupon were Ordered by the said Jury to make