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
VOTES OF THE House of Commons Perused and Signed to be Printed According to the Order of the House of Commons BY ME WILLIAM WILLIAMS Speaker Reprinted Anno Dom. 1680. VOTES Of the House of COMMONS Jovis 21 Octobris 1680. THe House being met a Message was delivered from the King by Sir Edward Cartarett Usher of the Black Rod viz Gentlemen of the House of Commons The King Commands this Honourable House to attend Him immediately in the House of Peers And accordingly the House went up to Attend his Majesty who was pleased after having made a Speech to Command the Commons to return to their House and proceed to the Choice of their Speaker And the House being returned and a Motion being made That William Williams Esq be Chosen Speaker for this House It was Resolved in the Affirmative Nemine contradicente And Mr. Williams having in a Speech to this effect disabled himself for this Service Gentlemen I Need not reckon my Infirmities to this House It is enough to mention them they are better known to many of the Members than to my self they have often appeared within these Walls in Two Parliaments Therefore I trust your own Knowledge and Experience of my Failings will easily divert your Inclinations to name me your Speaker And as you have had Experience of my Vnfitness for such Service so have you had sufficient Proof I may say Demonstration of the Aptness of many worthy Members now present for your Service Men of bulk great enough to fill your Chair Men of Art skilful enough to guide and collect your Debates Men of Science in the Laws and Methods of Parliament wise enough to steer and conduct your Counsels Your Choice of a Speaker this day is the Effect of much Tiâ—e and long Consideration It will be no Excuse for the Commons now in Parliament to say They had not time for Deliberation in this great Matter as was usual in other Parliaments when Speakers were Elected upon their first Meeting in Parliament Therefore a more deliberate Election will he expected from you after this time for Contemplation And add the prospect of what is like to be the subject Matter of this Parliament The Security of the Protestant Religion The safety of the King Kingdom The Preservation of the Justice of the Land Matters highly arduous urgent at this time These must prevaile with you to depart from your first Intentions of the Honour you proposed for me this day â—our first step toward it I acknowledge to be sufficient Honour for me therefore I pray let me ask it from you not only for my own sake but for your own Honour for the Interest of the Publick That you please to proceed to the Choice of another Person more proper for the Bulk of your Chair Weight of your Work leave me in this Place where my Country seated me for your Service His Ex use being rejected by the House Mr. Wilâ—iâ—ms was conducted to the Chair by two Members of the House and in the Chair made a speech to this effect to the House Gentlemen I Tremble when I reflect under what Difficulties Learned Experienced and wise Men have laboured in this Chair Yet I am not afraid of their President who impaired their Estates and Health no not of them who lost their Lives in this Service These are a Sacrifice I owe my Country But when I suffer my self to think that some Gentlemen have maimed their Reputation in this Trust these thoughts are dreadful to me they wound me and must yet strike deeper with me Vnless you that called me hither shall please to stand by me cherish and support me in all the Difficulties of this Place I have it by your Courtesie and shall hold it at your Pleasure And I have this to secure me If I fall I fall into the hands of Gentlemen that made me what I am in your Service I doubt not but you will remember I am your own Minister your own onely your own intirely placed in this Service without seeking without recommending I expect no Boon but by your Grace and Favour to depart as I came when you shall please to Command me without repenting The House being informed that his Majesty had appointed to morrow at hree of the clock in the Afternoon for the House to present their Speaker Veneris 22. Octobris 1680. Post Meridiem THe House being met and Mr. Speaker having taken the Chair A Message was delivered from the King by Sir Edward Cartarett Usher of the Black Rod. Gentlemen of the House of Commons The King Commands this Honourable House to Attend him in the House of eers And accordingly Mr. Speaker with the House went up to Attend His Majesty and humbly represented to His Majesty That the House of Commons had chosen him their Speaker And he made Claim by Humble Petition in the Name of the Commons of England in Parliament Assembled of the Ancient Rights of the Commons for them and their servants in their Persons and Estates to be free from Arrests and other Disturbances In all their Debates to have Freedom and Liberty of speech And as occasion shall require to have Access to His Majesties Person Which was allowed by the King The House being returned and Mr. Speaker having taken the Chair and made Report thereof to the House The House Adjourned Lunae 25. die Octobris 1680. A Message from the Lords by the Lord Chief Justice Scroggs and the Lord Chief Justice North to the Commons Mr. Speaker The Lords have Commanded us to acquaint you that they have made an Address to his Majesty and have received his Majesties answer thereunto which they have thought fit to Communicate to this House The Address ORdered by the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in Parliament Assembled That the Lords with white Staves do Attend his Majestie humbly to desire Him from this House That whereas there hath been a Discovery of an horrid Plot and Conspiracy by the Papists against His Majesties Person and Government which still continues His Majestie will be Graciously pleased to issue out his Royal Proclamation thereby Declaring That if any person or persons shall within the space of two months after the date of such Proclamation come in and give Evidence of any Treason or Conspiracy against His Majesties Royal Person and Government That then his Majesty will Graciously Pardon such person or persons all Treasons and Misprision of Treasons and all Offences in concealment of the same to the time limited by the said Proclamation Jo Browne Cleric Parliamentor His Majesties Answer to the Address HIs Majestie hath considered of the Address made by the house and is so willing to encourage all persons who know any thing of any Treasons and Conspiracies against his Person and Government that He will cause his Royal Proclamation to issue Declaring that He will fully pardon and secure all persons who shall make such Discovery not only during the space of Two months as
is desired but at any time after whensoever such Discovery shall be made Martis 26. die Octob. 1680. Ordered THat a Bill or Bills be brought in upon the Debate of the House for Regulating the Election of Members to serve in Parliament A Committee appointed to draw up the same and to take care to bring in a Clause to declare the Law that an Action of the Case may be brought and maintained for any Damages sustained by undue Returns The House taking into Consideration the Message sent from the Lords Ordered That an humble Address be prepared to be presented to his Majesty for the Pardon of such persons who shall within a limited time make satisfactory discovery to this House of the horrid Popish Plot. The House being informed that Mr. Dangerfield was in the Speakers Chamber and desired he might acquaint the House with some matters of importance relating to the Popish Plot. Ordered That Mr. Dangerfield be called to the Bar of this House to give an account to the House what he knows relating to the Popish Plot. And Mr. Dangerfield being accordingly called to the Bar of the House related his evidence and being withdrawn The House taking notice of Mr. Dangerfields having in his information mentioned Sir Robert Peyton a Member of this House Ordered That it be referred to the Consideration of a Committee to Examine the Matters touching Sir Robert Peyton and to report the same to the House Resolved Nemine contradicente That it is the Opinion of this House to proceed effectually to suppress Popery and prevent a Popish Successor Mercurii 27. die Octobris 1680. MR. Treby reports from the Committee appointed to prepare and draw up an Address to be presented to his Majesty May it please your Majestie WE Your Majesties most Dutiful and Loyal Subjects the Commons in Parliament Assembled being highly Zealous for the Preservation of the Protestant Religion Your Majesties Sacred Person and Government and resolving to pursue with a strict and impartial Enquiry the Execrable Popish Plot which was detected in the two last Parliaments and has been supported and carried on by potent and restless practices and machinations especially during the late Recesses of Parliament whereby several persons have been terrified and discouraged from declaring their knowledg thereof most humbly beseech Your Majesty that for the security of such persons who shall be willing to give evidence or make further satisfactory Discovery concerning the same to this House Your Majesty would be pleased to issue Your Royal Proclamation assuring all the said persons of Your Gracious Pardon if they shall give such Evidence or make such Discovery within two months after the Date of such Proclamation Resolved Nemine contradicente That it is and ever hath been the undoubted Right of the Subjects of England to Petition the King for the Calling and Sitting of Parliaments and Redressing of Grievances Resolved Nemine contradicente That to traduce such Petitioning as a violation of Duty and to represent it to his Majestie as Tumultuous and Seditious is to betray the Liberty of the Subject and contributes to the Design of Subverting the ancient legal constitution of this Kingdom and introducing Arbitrary Power Ordered That a Committee be appointed to enquire of all such persons as have offended against these Rights of the Subject The House being informed that Sir Francis Wythens a Member of this House had offended against the said Rights of the Subject Ordered That Sir Francis Wythens a member of this House have notice given him by the Serjeant to attend his place tomorrow morning Resolved That an Address be made to his Majestie declaring the Resolution of this House to Preserve and support the Kings Person Government and the Protestant Religion at home and Abroad Jovis 28. die Octob. 1680. SIR Francis Wythens appearing in his Place according to the Order of the House yesterday made Ordered That the Clerk of the Peace for Westminster do attend this House tomorrow morning at Ten of the Clock with the Roll of the Orders for last Easter Sessions for the City of Westminster An Information being given the House against Sir Robert Yeamans of Bristol and against Sir Robert Cann a Member of this House That they did in October 1679. publickly declare that there was no Popish plot but a Presbyterian plot And Mr. Rowe Sword-bearer of Bristol being called in to the Bar and attesting the same all which being likewise attested by Sir John Knight a Member of this House And Sir Robert Cann being called upon by the House to make his Defence therein who standing up in his Place did in defence utter several reproachfull reflecting words against the said Sir John Knight Ordered That Sir Robert Cann be brought to the Bar of this House and do receive a reprehension from Mr. Speaker upon his knees which was done accordingly And Sir Robert Cann being again withdrawn the House Proceeded in the further Consideration of the Matters charged against him and after long Debate Resolved c. That it doth appear by the Evidence this day given to this Housethat Sir Robert Cann is guilty of publickly declaring in the City of Bristol in October 1679 that there was no Popish plot but a Presbyterian Plot. Ordered That Sir Robert Cann a Member of this house be Committed to the prison of the Tower Ordered That Sir Robert Cann be Expelled this House And then he was brought to the Bar of the House and upon his knees received from Mr. Speaker the Judgment of the House for his Expulsion from this House and Commitment to the Tower Ordered That Mr. Speaker do issue out his Warrant to the Serjeant at Arms for conveying the Body of Sir Robert Cann to the prison of the Tower Ordered That Sir Robert Teamans be sent for in Custody of the Serjeant attending this House to answer for publickly declaring in the City of Bristol in October 1679 That there was no Popish Plot but a Presbyterian Plot. Ordered That Doctor Dove be desired to preach before this House on the Fifth day of Novem. next at St. Margarets Westminster and Mr. Speaker is desired by the House to give him notice thereof Veneris 29. die Octob. 1680. Ordered THat Sir George Downing have leave to bring in a Bill for Wearing of the Woollen Manufactures of England Ordered That Doctor Tongue be humbly recommended by this House to his Majestie for the first considerable Church preferment that shall happen to become void in this Kingdom and that such members of this House as are of his Majesties Privy Council do represent the same to his Majestie Mr. Speaker acquaints the House That having attended his Majestie yesterday in the Afternoon with the Address for a Pardon for such persons as shall make a satisfactory Discovery to this House of the Horrid Popish plot His Majestie was pleased to return his Gracious Answer to this effect viz. THat He did intend to Direct such a Proclamation and was Resolved not onely
House do Sit together without mingling with other persons in the place prepared for them at the Tryal of the Lord Viscount Stafford and Mr. Howard Captain of the Yeomen of the Guards is desired to take care thereof HIS MAJESTIES Message to the COMMONS in PARLIAMENT CHARLES REX HIS Majestie 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 Majestie to put this House in mind again That He relies upon them for the Support of it without which it cannot be much longer Preserved His Majesty does therfore very earnestly Recommend Tangier again to the due and speedy Consideration and Care of this House The Humble ADDRESS of the COMMONS In Parliament Assembled Presented to His Majesty Munday the 29th day of November 1680. May it please your Most Excellent Majestie WE Your Majesties most obedient and Loyal Subjects The Commons in Parliament Assembled having with all Duty and Regard taken into our Serious Consideration Your Majesties late Message relating to Tangier cannot but account the present Condition of it as Your Majestie is pleased to Represent it in Your said Message after so vast a Treasure expended to make it Useful not only as one infelicity more added to the afflicted Estate of your Majesties faithful and Loyal Subjects But as one result also of the same Counsels and Designs which have brought Your Majesties Person Crown and Kingdoms into those great and imminent Dangers with which at this day they are surrounded And we are the less surprized to hear of the Exigencies of Tangier when we remember that since it became part of Your Majesties Dominions it hath several times been under the Command of popish Governours particularly under Command of a Lord Impeached and now Prisoner in the Tower for the Execrable and Horrid Popiâ—h Plot That the Supplies sent thither have been in great part made up of Popish Officers and Soldiers and that the Irish Papists among the Soâ—diers of that Garrison have been the Persons most Countenanced and Encouraged To that part of your Majesties Message which expresses a reliance upon this House for the support of Tangier and a recommendation of â—t to our speedy care We do with all humility and reverence give this Answer That although in due Time and Order We shall omit nothing incumbent on Us for the preservation of every part of your Majesties Dominions and advancing the prosperity and slourishing Estate of this your Kingdom yet at this time when a Cloâ—d which has long threatned this Land â—s â—eady to break upon our heads in a storm of Ruine and Confusion to enter into any further consideration of this matter especially to come to any Resolutions in it before We are effectually secured from the imminent and apparent Dangers arising from the Power of Popish Persons and Councils We humbly conceive will not consist either with Our Duty to Your Majesty or the Trust reposed in Us by those We represent It is not unknown to your Majesty how restless the Endeavours and how bold the Attempts of the Popish Party for many years last past have been not only within this but other your Majesties Kingdoms to introduce the Romish and utterâ—y to extirpate the true Protestant Religion The several Approaches they have made towards the compassing this their Design assisted by the Treachery of perfidâ—ous Protestants have been so strangely successful that t is matter of Admiration to Us and which we can only ascribe to an Over-ruling Providence that your Majesties Reign is still continued over Us and that We are yet assembled to consult the means of our preservation This bloody and restless Party not content with the great Liberty they had a long time enjoyed to exercise their own Religion privately amongst themselves to pertake of an equal Freedom of their persons and Estates with your Majesties Protestant Subjects and of an Advantage above them in being excused from chargeable Offices and Employments hath so far prevailed as to find countenance for an open and avowed practice of their Superstition and Idolatry without controul in several parts of this Kingdom Great swarms of Priests and Jesuits have resorted hither and have here exercised their Jurisdiction and been daily tampering to pervert the Consciences of your Majesties Subjects Their Opposers they have found means to disgrace and if they were Judges Justices of the Peace or other Magistrates to have them turned out of Commission and in contempt of the known Laws of the Land they have practised upon people of all â—anks and qualities and gained over divers to their Religion some openly to profess it others secretly to espouse it as most conduced to the service thereof After sometime they became able to influence matters of State and Government and thereby to destroy those they cannot corrupt The continuance or Prorogation of Parliaments has been accommodated to serve the purposes of that Party Money raised upon the People to supply your Majesties extraordinary Occasions was by the prevaâ—ence of Popish Councils imployed to make War upon a Protestant State and to advance and augment the dreadfull Power of the French King though to the apparent hazard of this and all other Protestant Countries Great numbers of your Majesties Subjects were sent into and continued in the service of that King notwithstanding the apparent Interest of your Majesties Kingdoms the Addresses of the Parliament and your Majesties gracious Proclamations to the contrary Nor can We forbear to mention how that at the beginning of the same War even the Ministers of England were made Instruments to press upon that State the acceptance of one demand among others from the French King for procuring their peace with him that they should admit the publick exercise of the Roman Catholick Religion in the United Provinces the Churches there to be divided and the Romish Priests maintained out of the publick Revenue At home if Your Majesty did at any time by the Advice of Your Privy-Council or of Your two Houses of Parliament Command the Laws to be put in Execution against Papists even from thence they gained advantage to their Party while the edge of those Laws was turned against Protestant Dissenters and the Papists escaped in a manner untoucht The Act of Parliament enjoining a Test to be taken by all Persons admitted into any Publick Office and intended for a security against Papists comeing into Employment had so little effect that either by Dispensation obtained from Rome they submitted to those Tests and held their Offices themselves or those put in their places were so favourable to the same Interests that Popery it self has rather gained than lost ground since that Act. But that their business in hand might yet more speedily and strongly proceed at length a Popish Secretary since Executed for his Treasons takes upon him to set a foot and maintain correspondereies at Rome particularly with a Native Subject of
receive security for the forth coming of the said Mr. Seymour to answer to the Impeachment of this House Sir William Poultney reports from the Committee appointed to put the Articles against Mr. Seymour into the form of an Impeachment that the said Committee had agreed upon a form which he read in his place and afterwards delivered the same in at the Clerks Table A Bill for restraining Papists from coming or residing within the Cities of London and Westminster or within Twenty Miles distant from the same And from wearing and having Arms was read a second Time Resolved That the Bill be committed upon the Debate of the House The House then according to the Order for the day resolved 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 several Resolves which he read in his place and afterwards delivered them in at the Clerks Table where the same being read are as followeth viz. Resolved That it is the Opinion of this Committee that the House be moved that a Bill be brought in for the more effectual securing of the Meeting and Sitting of frequent Parliaments Resolved That it is the Opinion of this Committee that the House be moved that a Bill be brought in that the Judges may hold their Places and Salaries quamdiu se bene gesserint Resolved That it is the Opinion of this Committee as one means to prevent Arbitrary power that the House be moved that a Bill be brought in against illegal exaction of Money upon the people and to make it High Treason The first of the said Resolves being Read Resolved That this House doth agree with the Committee that a Bill be brought in for the more effectual securing of the Meeting and Sitting of the frequent Parliaments as one means to prevent Arbitrary power The second of the said Resolves being Read Resolved That this House doth agree with the Committee that a Bill be brought in that the Judges hereafter to be made and appointed may hold their Places and Salaries quamdiu se bene gesserint and also to prevent the Arbitrary proceedings of the Judges The last of the said Resolves being Read Resolved That this House doth agree with the Committee that a Bill be brought in against illegal exaction of Money upon the People and to make it high Treason Ordered That a Committee be appointed to prepare and bring in a Bill or Bills pursuant to the said several Resolves and it is referred to a Committee Sabbati 18. die Decemb. 1680. Ordered THat Sir Ralph Carr a Member of this House who serves for the County of Montgomery and Mr. Edward Vaughan in this House have leave to go into the Country A Bill to supply a Defective conveyance made by Mr. Roger Price of the Mannor of Westbury in the County of Bucks was read the first time Resolved That this Bill be read a second time An Ingrossed Bill for taking away the Court holden before the President and Council in the Marches of Wales was read a third time Resolved That the Bill do pass and that the Title be An Act for taking away of the Court holden before the President and Council in the Marches of Wales Ordered That Sir Trevor Williams do carry up the said Bill to the Lords for their Concurrence the same was carried up accordingly Mr. Hyde acquaints the House That His Majesty had directed him to communicate to the House a Letter from one Robards to Mr. Dugdale touching William Pickering which Letter he delivered in at the Clerks Table and the same being there read Ordered That the said Letter together with the Letter lately sent from Doctor Lamphire to Mr. Secretary Jenkins be delivered by the Clerk of this House to Mr. Attorney General in order to the prosecution of the said Pickering at Law The House then according to their Order entred into the Consideration of His Majesties Gracious Speech made to both Houses of Parliament on Wednesday last Resolved That a Committee be appointed to prepare an humble Address to His Majesty upon the Debate of the House in answer to His Majesties Speech and a Committee was named to draw up and prepare the same accordingly and they are to meet at three of the Clock this Afternoon in the Speaker's Chamber Lunae 20th die Decemb. 1680. A Bill for Sale of the Estate of Joseph Cowden deceased for the payment of his Debts and raising of Portions for his Daughters was read the first time Resolved That the Bill be Read a second time Ordered That Samuel Cheaffin be Summoned to answer at the Bar of this House for a Breach of priviledge by him committed against Sir John Guise a member of this House Sir George Downing Reports from the Committee to whom the Bill for Prohibiting the Importation of Cattle from Scotland was committed that the Committee haveing taken the same into their consideration had Agreed to some Amendments to the same to which Amendments the House Agreed Ordered That the Bill with these Amendments be Ingrossed Ordered That leave be given to bring in a Bill to prevent Scotch Pedlars from coming in to this Kingdom A Bill to Prohibit the Importation of foreign Guns c. was Read the first time Resolved c. That the Bill be Read a second time A Bill for the Sale of the Mannor of Billingford and Lands in the County of Norfolk for payment of the Debts of Sir Edward Chisenhale was Read a second time and Committed Mr. Lionell Playter is to have notice and time given him to attend the Committee and the Committee is to inspect the several settlements and Mortages mentioned in the Bill and they are impowred to send for persons papers and Records Ordered That a Committee be appointed to receive and examine the accounts of the commissioners appointed by a late Act of Parliament to pay off and Disband the Forces Raised since the 29th of September 1677. And make Report thereof to the House A Bill for the better payment of an Annuity or Rent-Charge of 130 l per Annum out of the Mannor of Bexhill in the County of Sussex to the use of the poor of several Parishes in the County of Surrey was Read a second time and was Committed A Petition of Henry Aulnutt Esq was Read Ordered That the said Mr. Aulnutt 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 accordingly done A Petition of Thomas Herbert Esq was Read Ordered That the said Mr. Herbert be brought to the Bar and do receive the censure of this House upon his Knees from Mr. Speaker and be then discharged paying his Fees which was done accordingly Mr. Treby Reports from the Committee of Elections and
at home But if these hopes remain what Alliances can be made for the advantage of the Protestant Religion and Interest which shall give confidence to your Majesty's Allies to join so vigorously with Your Majesty as the State of that Interest in the world now requires while they see this Protestant Kingdom in so much danger of a Popish Successor by whom at the present all their Councils and Actions may be eluded as hitherto they have been and by whom if he should succeed they are sure to be destroyed We have this humbly laid before yout Majesty some of those great Dangers and mischiefs which evidently accompany the expectation of a Popish Successor The certain and unspeakable Evils which will come upon your Majesty's Protestant Subjects and their Posterity if such a Prince should inherit are more alsothan we can well â—nâ—merate Our Religion which is now so dangerously shaken will then be totally overthrown Nothing will beleft or can be found to protect or defend it The execution of old Laws must cease and it will be vain to expect new ones The most sacred Obligations of Contracts and promises if any should be given that shall be judged to be against the Interest of the Romish Religion will be violated as is undeniable not only from Argument and experience elsewhere but from the sad Experience this Nation once had on the like occasion In the Reign of such a Prince the Pope will be acknowledged Supream though the Subjects of this Kingdom have sworn the contrary and all Causes either as Spiritual or in order to Spiritual Things will be brought under his Jurisdiction The Lives Liberties and Estates of all such Protestants as value their Souls and their Religion more than their secular Concernments will be adjudged forfeited Tâ—â—o this we might add That it appears in the discovery of the Plot that Forreign Princes were invited to assist in securing the Crown to the Duke of York with arguments from his great Zeal to establish Popery and to extirpate Protestants whom they call Hereticks out of his Dominions and such will expect performance accordingly We further humbly beseech your Majesty in your great wisdom to consider whether in case the Imperial Crown of this Protestant Kingdom should descend to the Duke of York the opposition which may possibly be made to his possessing it may not only endanger the farther descent in the Royal Line but even Monarchy it self For these Reasons we are most humble Petitioners to your most Sacred Majesty That in tender commiseration of your poor Protestant people your Majesty will be graciously pleased to depart from the reservation in your said Speech and when a Bill shall be tendred to your Majesty in a Parliamentary way to disable the Duke of York from inheriting the Crown your Majesty will give your Royal Assent thereto and as necessary to fortify and defend the same that your Majesty will likewise be graciously pleased to Assent to an Act whereby your Majesty's Protestant Subjects may be enabled to Associate themselves for the defence of your Majesty's Person the Protestant Religion and the Security of your Kingdoms These Requests we are Constrained Humbly to make to your Majesty as of Absolute Necessity for the safe and peaceable enjoyment of our Religion Without these things the Allyances of England will not be valuable nor the People encouraged to Contribute to your Majesties service As some farther means for the preservation both of our Religion and Propriety We are humble suiters to your Majesty that from henceforth such persons onely may be Judges within the Kingdom of England and Dominion of Wales as are men of ability Integrity and known affection to the Protestant Religion And that they may hold both their Offices and Sallaries quam diu se bene gesserint That several Deputy-Lieutenants and Justices of the Peace fitly qualified for those Imployments having been of late displaced and others put in their room who are men of Arbitrary Principles and Counterencers of Papists and Popery such only may bear the Office of a Lord-Lieutenant as are persons of Integrity and known Affection to the Protestant Religion That Deputy-Lieutenants and Justices of the Peace may be also so qualified and may be moreover Men of ability of Estates and Interest in their Countrey That none may be Imployed as Military Officers or Officers in your Majesties Fleet but men of known Experience Courage Affection to the Protestant Religion These our Humble Requests being obtained we shall on our part be ready to Assist your Majesty for the preservation of Tangier and for putting your Majesties Fleet into such a Condition as it may preserve your Majesties Soveraignty of the Seas and be for the Defence of the Nation If Your Majesty hath or shall make any necessary Allyances for defence of the Protestant Religion and Interest and Security of this Kingdom this House will be ready to Assist and Stand by Your Majesty in the support of the same After this our Humble Answer to Your Majesties Gracious Speech we hope no evil Instruments whatsoever shall be able to lessen Your Majesties Esteem of that Fidelity and Affection we bear to Your Majesties Service but that Your Majesty will always retain in Your Royal Breast that Favourable Opinion of us Your Loyal Commons that those other Good Bills which we have now under Consideration Conducing to the Great Ends we have before mentioned as also all Laws for the Benefit and Comfort of Your People which shall from time to time be tendred for Your Majesties Royal Assent shall find acceptance with Your Majesty Veneris 24 die Decemb. 1680. A Bill for Sale of the Estate of Jos Cowden deceased for the payment of his Debts and raising of Portions for his Daughters was read a second time and committed Ordered That leave be given to bring in a Bill to repeal the Law made for regulating of Corporations Sir Rich Corbet reports from the Committee of Elections and Priviledges to whom the Matter touching the Election for the Borough of St. Edmundsbury in the County of Suffolk was referred that the Committee having taken the same into their consideration had agreed upon two Resolves which he read in his place and afterwards delivered them in at the Clerks Table where the same being read are as follow viz. Resolved c. That it is the Opinion of this Committee that Sir Tho Harvey Kt is duly Elected a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the Borough of St. Edmundsbury in the County of Suffolk Resolved c. That it is the Opinion of this Committee that Tho Germin Esq is duly Elected a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the Borough of St. Edmundsbury in the County of Suffolk To which Resolves the House agreed Mr. Treby reports to the House from the Committee of Elections and Priviledges to whom the Matter of the Election for the Borough of Barnstaple in the County of Devon was referred that the Committee