our Countries good and our owne confident perswasion that these will much advance the glory of Almighty God the everlasting honour of your Majesty the safety of your Kingdomes and the encouragement of all your good Subjects we doe most humbly beseech your Majesty to vouchsafe a gracious answer This Petition being presented to the King by a Committee of both Houses the King after some deliberation gave this Answer to it That the lawes against Iesuits and popish Recusants should be put inâ—due execution from thenceforth c. Whereupon the Commons soone after sent another Petition to the Lords desiring their concurrence with them in presenting it to his Majesty for removing popish Recusants and those whose Wives were Papists from offices of trust which by law they were disabled to execute which the Lords taking into consideration It was after reported to the Lords and entred in their Journall in this manner Die Iovis viz vicessimo die Maij 1624. The Lord Arch-bishop of Canterbury reported that at the meeting this day with the Commons they presented an humble Petition to the King desiring this House to joyne with them therein as heretofore The which Petition was read in haec verba viz. WE your Majesties loyall and faithfull Subjects the Commons by your royall Authority and commandement called to and Assembled in this present Parliament out of all the parts of your Kingdome of England and Dominion of Wales doe in all humility give your Majesty most humble thanks that you have so religiously and openly published that your lawes and acts of State against popish Recusants shall be put in due execution and now we hold it our bounden duty amongst other important affaires of your Realme to informe your Majesty of the growth of this dangerous sort of people in this your Kingdome and of their insolency and boldnesse in all the parts thereof insomuch as many of them unknowne to your Majesty have crept into offices and places of government and authority under you to the disheartning of you good Subjects and contrary to your Majesties lawes and acts of State whose names in discharge of our allegiance and duty without respect of persons we in all humblenesse present to your Majesty c. Now in consideration of the great countenance hereby given unto popery the greaâ— griefe and offence to all your best affected and true and loving subjects the apparant danger of the whole Kingdom by putting the power of Arms into such mens hands as by former acts of your Majesties counsell are adjudged persons justly to be suspectedâ— and fit themselves to be disarmed your sayd royall and faithfull subjects doe most humbly beseech your Majesty graciously to vouchsafe that the sayd Lords and Gentlemen hereunder named for this important reason and for the greater safety of your Majesty and of this your Realme and dominion may be removed from all your Majesties commissions of great charge and trust commissions of Lieutenancy Oyer and Terminer and of the peace and from all other offices and places of trust The names of all such persons as are certified to have places of charge or trust in their severall Counties and are themselves Popish Recusants or Non-communicants that have given over suspicion of their ill affection in Religion or that are reported or suspected so to be THe right Honourable Francis Earle of Rutland is certified to be Lord Lieutenant in the County of Lincolne and a Commissioneâ— of the peace and Custos Rotulorum in the County of Northampton and a Commissioner of the peace and of Oyer and Terminer in Yorkeshire and in other counties and that he and his wife are suspected to be popish recusants The right honourable the Earle of Castlehaven is certified to be a Commissioner of the peace and of Oyer and Terminer in Wiltshire and to be suspected to be ill affected in religion and that some of his family either are or lately were recusauts Sir Thomas Compton Knight is certified to be a Commissioner of the peace and of Oyer and Terminer in Warwickeshire and he and the Countesse his wife are certified by same to be suspected to be popish recusants The right honourable Henry Lord Herbert is certified to be a Commissioner of the peace in Monmouthshire and to favour the popish religion and to forbeare the Church The right honourable the Lord Viscount Colchester is certified to be a Commissioner of the peace in Essex and by report that he commeth not to the Church nor receiveth the communion The right honourable the Lord Peter is certified to be a commissioner of the peace in Essex and by report that he commeth not to the church nor receiveth the communion and that his wife and family are generally suspected to be popish recusants The right honourable Henry Lord Morlay is certified to be a commissioner of the peace in Lancashire and to be suspected to be a popish recusant The right honourable the Lord Windsor is certified to be a commissioner of the peace in Buckinghamshire and by common fame to be a popish recusant The right honourable William Lord Evre is certified to be a Justice of the peace in the county of Durham and to be a popish recusant convicted The right honourable the Lord Wooten is certified to be in place of authority in Kent and that he and his wife doe forbeare the church and are justly suspected to affect the Roman religion The right honourable the Lord Teynhani is certified to be a commissioner of the peace in Kent and by common report to be a popish recusant The right honourable the Lord Scroope is certified to be a Lord Lieutenant of the Counties of Yorke of the City of Yorke and of Kingston upon Hull and to be a Commissioner of the peace and of Oyer and Terminer in the said Counties and in sundry other Counties and that his Lordship hath not received the Communion once every yeere in the last three or foure yeeres and that his Lordship hath given overt suspicion of his ill affection in Religion by his departure from the Communion on sundry dayes when his Majesties Counsell there resident and others of the Congregation staid behind to receive the same sometimes on Easter-day and sometimes on the fifth day of November and it is testified by witnesse that the Lord Archbishops grace of Yorke and others of his Majesties Counsell there resident were present did receive the Communion once when his Lordship went away and that his Lordship doth rarely repaire to the Church on Sundayes and Holy-dayes in the forenoon and not above twice to the afternoone Sermons whereunto former Lord Presidents with his Majesties Counsell there residing have frequently repaired and whereunto the Counsell now there resident doe ordinarily repaire since he was made Lord President whereof notice is taken by all his Majesties Subjects in those parts to the great griefe of such as are truly affected in Religion Sir VVilliam Courtney Knight is certified to be a Commissioner of the peace and
pain of perpetuall banishment and their Parents to lose their goods and estates As also to enquire and learne who they be that do live now at Doway and St. Omers under them and their Parents be brought in question which may easily be done with small charges sending two or three over into those parts who by degrees may know the speciall of them I omit their jugling with the Emperor King of France and Spain and other Potentates and with the Popes themselves as they have publiquely confest Secondly not to be tedious I come to the second point The reformation of some things in her Majesties Court Note is so necessary for the quietnesse of the State as nothing more and therefore labour to remove all impediments that may happen It is to be observed that a great part of the unquietnesse of this State comes from thence Note and of some persons about Her Majesty not fit to remain there For it is known Her Majesty doth nothing but as she is acquainted with which she after delivers to the King and he to the Councell and when there 's any crossing there arises Iarres and unquietnesse The actors of those are F. Phillips her Confessor the superior of the Capuchins This last in times past was one of the Knights of Saint Iohn of Ierusalem a most turbulent spirit Note and one sent by Cardinall Richlien to be a spye at this Court for the French Faction who labours by all means to breed dissentions For the French as I have read in Cardinall D'Ossats Epistles aime at nothing more then to make a schism betwixt the English and Scots that this state may be weakned not able to do them harm the more easily to conquer these kingdoms This unquiet spirit at all occasions hath accesse to Her Majesty and acquaints Her with all he thinkes fit for the French Faction and when he thinkes it a hard businesse then doth he entice Father Phillips to present it This man being of a quiet and meeke nature yet a great Favourite of Cardinall Richliens Doth acquaint her Majesty with the businesse Note and she the King and obtains by opportunity things which are not fit and convenient for the State Father Phillips is guided altogether by a Scottish Grey Fryar who by degrees hath intruded himselfe to be a Clerke of her Majesties Chappell and he goes by the name of Master Wilson but his true name is William Tompson a Doctor of Divinity and a most furious and unqviet spirit and by a nick-name was called Cackafugo shit fire He rules altogether Father Phillips insomuch as he fears him and dares not disobey him He rules all the busines which concernes the two Kingdoms and the most part of the matters for Rome By his perswasion Father Phillips hath plac'd many unfit persons about her Majesty He was the only Agent in promoting Sir Iohn Winter to be her Majesties Secretary he being most addicted to the Lord William Howards Daughter and so got into that place He was also the cause that Signior Georgio Conne late Agent of the Pope his brother was admitted to be extraordinary Servant to the Queen NOTE A man altogether unworthy of that place and a most scandalous person having at this present three wives alive as after shall be related Sundry Priests by his means to Father Phillips have been admitted to be the Queens extraordinary Servants Some by some supposed office or other as one Master Laborne George Gage brother to Colonell Gage beyond Seas in Flanders both Oratorian Priests the one of the French Faction very feditious the other of the Spanish for his brother is in the King of Spains service Both these under pretence of some service to the Qâ—een the one extraordinary Sewer as I believe and the other under the name of a Cup-bearer There is also one Penricke brother to him who is now left Resident at Rome this Penricke aâ—ias Iott-Signeur NOTE is sworne extraordinary Servant to her Majesty a sworne Spaniard and Intelligencer for Rome In respect his brother is Agent for her Majesty there being many otherwhich I cannot remember at this time One Francis Maitland alias Quasheâ— a Scottish Fryar Mendicant and hath an hundred Crowns yearly as her Majesties Pentioner a very fire-brand Intelligencer at Rome France Flanders and Spaine with Lyddington Colonell Sympis Chambers and Penricke at Paris All these and sundry others have Protections of the Queens Majesty who are all factious and turbulent spirits by Father Phillips means and this Wilsons instigation fit to be removed Father Phillipt his servant called Iohn Belfaur a Scot rules all the rest and guides Father Phillipt at his pleasure and obtains many things not lawfull It is not expedient at this present to remove Father Phillips from her Majesty it will irritate her greatly but remove all those that incense him he is a very good man and of a sweet disposition but easily perswaded by Sir Toby Matthewes Sir Iohn Winter Master Walter Montague who are of the Cabbinet Councell Thirdly NOTE concerning the Bishop of Canterbury It is most notorious hee hath bin the speciall cause of the troubles in Scotland and jarreâ— betwixt them and the English For when he went to the North with His Majesty he being of a high and lofty spirit remarking the government of the Church of Scotland began his Innovation by setting up of Altars Episcopall Robes and Organs which were not seene since the birth of King Iames more than eighty yeares before in that Kingdome with which they were much inâ—ensed Insomuch that when the common people upon a Sunday perceiving His Majesty to go on foot from His Pallace of Holy-Rood House to the Church at Edenborough and so to return and all His Nobles with Him My Lords Grace and the Bishop of Ely were seen to go in their Coach they exclaimed on them and sayd NOTE How dare you presume to go so when our Soveraigne goes on foot You are the Ragges and servants of the Pope That same time he did move his Majesty to make that Church a Cathedrall and appoint a Bishop where was never any before and so the people were more more stirred up At his returne from thence he moved His Majesty to erect a High Commission in all the Bishopricks of that Kingdome by vertue of a Proclamation which he extorted from His Majesty in August If I be not deceived some five years ago wherein was Ordered that here in England the Bishops Courts should have not Subordination to any other Courts no not to His Majesties owne Councell but should proceed without any dependency not so much as to use His Majesties Arms in their Seales but their owne and so deprive His Majesty of His Supremacy which was never done since the Raigne of King Henry the Eighth So soone as he had obtained that of His Majesty he in all haste sends this Proclamation to all the Bishops of Scotland who being blowne
and to be sent by him to begin the correspondency betwixt his Holines and the Queene for in all this businesse the King must not bee mentioned from whom with many Letters this Gentleman goes to the Court of France where after few dayes hee is dispatcht by the said Cardinall with money to make his journey and beare his charges at Rome where gratiously hee is accepted of the Pope his Nephew and others of the Popes Cabinet Councell There hee remained above one yeare and after a good viaticke was dismist and returned to London with a few gifts but small ones to her Majestie Father Philips and others of that Function As some Meddulls Roscerâ—es Agnus Deus and Pictures After this Gentlemans departure from Rome was presently sent hither an Oratorian Priest called Signior Georgio * See the Popes Nuncio Panzano under pretence with a Breve from his Holinesse addrest to the Clergie secular and regular and Lay-Catholikes of the two Kingdomes of England and Scotland The substance of that Breve was That his holinesse was verry sorry for such jarres and divisions * See here p. 100. 106. to 110. between the secular and the Clergy to the great prejudice of the Catholike Church and for that respect having a â—atherly care of Soules in these Kingdomes of England and Scotland he had sent expressely that Reverend Father Georgio Pansano one of his Family to compose and reconcile them if he could This man at Paris quits his Priests Robes and drest himselfe in secular Apparell his shaven Crowne is covered with a monstrous Periewig he writes to Father Philips who is to bee the primum mobile and director of all who sends to him at Paris as to an Italian Gentleman desirous to see the Kingdome A passe was delivered him to Gallie where he hires a baryne and brings with him two Raggamuffian young boys and one Interpreter who was presently sent backe to save charges At his first comming to London he lodged at the Italian Ordinary in the Strand but shortly being disturbed by much resort of peâ—â—ons of great qualitie which repaired to him he tooke Chambers in one Signior Germynes House a Lombard by Nation living then neere to the New exchange as you passe to the Covent Garden this Agent had sundry meetings with the superiours of the Regular Order but to those meetings the Iesuites would not come though called and oft desired by the Popes Agent At last it was concluded they should not meddle with any Court businesse they should speake honourably of the King and Queene and be sparing to discorse of the Oath of Allegiance yet never to undertake that it was altogether unlawfull This Agent returned having negotiated his principall businesse which was to have * See the Popes Nuâ—cio Signior Georgio the Popes best friend to bee sent hither which her Majestie obteyned of the King with great importunitie Pansano having remained here about two yeares and having had his Viaticum and good presents from her Majestie and Catholikes of the better sort went away In whose place succeeded Signior Georgio bringing with him a great Breve declaring him to be Apostolicall Nuntio and in his company the Lord Don Luces brother and his Pedagogue one Connigham Nephew to Sir David Connigham his Majesties receivor in Wales This Nuntio but styled after inter-Nuntio for not incensing the States comes hither in May See the Pops Nuncio and Romes Master-peece and finding her Majestie at Homeby in Northamptonshire repayring thither he was presently admitted and then likewise gained audience of the King To the Queene hee presents rare gifts some reliques of Saints meddalles a few of Gold and Silver with the Popes picture stampt on them and other trifles of small valew In 〈◊〉 whereof shee sends to the Pope a great quantity of scarlett to vest his Holinesse his Nephew and the other Cardinalls of the English Faction Hee receives an hundred for one Here he visits the great Ladyes and Gentlewomen of the Court Hee stayes all the Progresse at Northampton returning to London t is worthy of consideration to observe his carriage day and night courting of Ladyes and Gentlewomen In Terme time all the Gentry of both Sexes yea and poore women of any fashion that had scarse means to bring them to London and were come thither to bee cured of the Kings evill must likewise visit him Such were his compoâ—â—ments here that I am ashamed to relate them His nightlie See Romes Master pecce Conversation abroad and Conventicles with Ladyes Sir John Winter Her Majesties Secretarie Sir Toby Matthew Sir Kenelme Digby and Master Walter Mountague were his Cabinet Councell This last aspyring to bee Cardinall after Signior Georgio's death Yea hee was so impudent and shamelesse as to visit one of the greatest Ladyes of the Kingdome alone who being found by her Husbond and demanded by him what made him so bold he was in feare to have beene precipitated out of the Window This his own Secretary told me Two houres before day In Winter his manner was to visit Ladyes and Gentlewomen and to enquire of them how they slept that night After three yeares and two months impatient to stay any longer aspyring to a Cardinalls Hatt loaden with great store of Iewells and Gold which he got partly of the monyes which Recusants lent to the King Note to assist him in his Northern expedition and partly given him by Ladies and Gentlewomen amounting to above ten thousand pounds he returned to Rome spitting his lungs But the truth is he was soundly payd with the French disease A brave instrument to reduce this Realme to the Roman Religion Hee was very lavish and prodigall in his gifts spending many thousand pounds fitter to have beene bestowed on his poore kindred and beggerly Parents in Scotland who had scarsely to nourish them The Iesuites likewise collected from their Penitents Note and got at least two parts of that money to themselves To returne to the Pope so soone as he had Intelligence that his Ganymede and Creature was received with such honour he thought he had got already the temporall Monarchy of great Britâ—aine making his Eldest * See Romes Master-peece Nephew Francisco protector of England Scotland and Ireland and erecting a particuler Congregation for the matters of these Kingdomes whereof his said Nephew was President and two other Cardinalls joyned with him See Romes Master peece and a new Secretary and other Prelates of that Court his Councellours Hee gratiously entertained Master Walter Mountague keeping him in his Pallace and sending him abroad in his Nephewes Coach And others of any note as my Lord of West-Meath an Irish Baron and others Hee made Signior Georgio Patâ—iarch of Jerusalem an Honour without any Revenew No lesse was his pride puft up when Sir William Hamilton brother to the Earle of Abercorue and Cozen to the Marquesse Hamilton was sent Ambassadour from our Queen to that Court whose carriage was like to
of the accusation and informing his Majesty thereof a legall course afterwards to be directed for the further proceeding and sentencing the fact Of this Commission amongst divers others of the Board I am one and we have met once or twice about it Yesterday my Lord Admirall representing unto his Majesty how derogatory this course of commissioning was to the Jurisdiction of his Court of Admiralty as in truth I think it be his Majesty hath given order that there shall be no further proceeding upon it but the businesse left to a legall tryall in that Court to which it appertaines and I am commanded to speake with the Spanish Ambassadour to that purpose I pray God I may give him satisfaction howsoever I shall doe my best and so kissing your Lordships hands I rest White-hall 14. Ian 1622. The Articles concerning Religion being thus concluded and signed by the King and Prince the Lawes against Jesuits popish Priests and Recusanis by promise suspended for the future all imprisoned Roman Catholiques of all sorts enlarged throughout his Majesties Dominions the free exercise of their Religion without molestation promised in expresse termes and the Marquesse of Buckingham hereupon then writing into Spaine as the a Tom. 9. An. 1624. pag. 29. French Mercury informes us That our Informers Pursevants Prisons should from thenceforth serve no more but for our owne Ministers and other persons zealous of our Religion which hath ever since experimentally proved most true King Iames made no doubt at all NOTE but that the Pope would presently grant the Dispensation and the Spaniard without more delayes consummate the marriage To hasten which King Iames as the same b Tom. 9. p. 485. c. Mercury records and I have credibly heard the same from others assembling his Privy Counsell together Febr. 25. 1622. made a long Oration to them which he recites at large the summe whereof was this That the Roman Catholiques in England had sustained great and intolerable surcharges NOTE imposed upon their goods bodies consciences during Queen Elizabeths reigne of which they hoped to be relieved in his that his Mother suffered martyrdome in this Realme for the profession of the said Catholique Religion a Religion which had been publiquely professed for many ages in this Realme confirmed by many great and excellent Emperours and famous in all Ecclesiasticalâ— Histories by an infinite number of Martyrs who had sealed it with their blood That the Catholiques well knew that there was â—n him a grand affection to the Catholique Religion insomuch that they beleeved at Rome that he did but dissemble his Religion to obtaine the Crowne of England That now he had maturely considered the penury and calamities of the Roman Catholiques who were in the number of his faithfull Subjects and was resolved to relieve them and therefore did from thenceforth take all his Roman Catholike Subjects into his protection permitting them the liberty and intire exercise of their Religion and liberty to celebrate the masse with other divine offices of their Religion without any inquisition processe or molestation from that day forwards and likewise will and ordaine that they shall be restored to all their estates lands fees cignorâ—es and re-established in them commanding all his Magistrates Instices and other Officers whatsoever in this behalfe to hold their hands and for what cause soever it be not to attempt hereafter to grieve or molest the said Catholiques neither in publique nor private in the liberty of the exercise of their Religion upon painâ— of being reputed guilty of high treason and disturbers of the Kingdoms peace and repose this being his will and definitive sentence But notwithstanding all these complianceâ— and favours to the Roman Catholiques those crafty Machiavillians had a further deeper plot both upon King Iames the Prince the old and young Prince Palatine and Protestant Religion which they must effect by delayes namely to betray the Prince into the Spaniards power by engaging him in a private journy into Spaine upon pretence to expedite the Match and there by force or slattery to pervert him in his Religion and induce him publiquely to professe himselfe a Roman Catholique and likewise to put the young Prince Palatine into the Emperours hands under pretext of a match with his Daughter and to traine him up in his Court in the popish Religion and by this hellish policy to scrue up King Iames and the old Prince Palatine to whatever conditions the Pope Spaniard or Emperour should propose unto them for the advancement of Popery or of their owne temporall greatnesse In pursuance of this infernall design the a Mercure â—â—ancius Tom 9. p. 471 472 c. Prince and the Marquesse of Buckingham accompanied with Cottington and Porter on the 17. day of Febr. 1622. departed privately from the Court disguised to Dover and posted through France into Spaine to what desperate purposes and by whose procurement The Bâ—eviate of the Arch. bishops liâ—e pag. 3. these ensuing Articles of the Earle of Bristoll exhibited to the Lords against the Duke of Buckingham whom he accused of high-treason upon them in open Parliament May 1. 1626. with the crosse Articles exhibited against the Earle of Bristoll in Parliament by Sir Robert Heath the Kings Attourney generall by his Majesties speciall command May 6. 1626. both of which you may find recorded in the Lords Parchment Journall of that Parliament will most cleerly discover to all the world to the deserved infamy of these detestable Projectors Articles of the Earle of Bristoll wherewith he chargeth the Duke of Buckingham May 1. 1626. THat the Duke of Bukingham did secretly combine and conspire with Conde Gondomar Ambassadour for the King of Spaine before the said last Ambassadours returne into Spaine in the Summer 1622. NOTE to carry his Majesty the Prince into Spaine to the end that he might be informed and instructed in the Roman Religion and therely have perverted the Prince and subverted the true Religion established in England from which misery this Kingdome next under God's mercy hath by the wise religious and constant carriage of his Majesty been almost miraculously delrvered considering the many bold and subtle attempts of the said Duke in that kind That Master Porter was made acquainted therewith and sent into Spaine and such Message at his returne framed as might serve for a ground to set on foot this conspiracy the wich was done accordingly and thereby the King and Prince highly abused and thereby their consents first gotten to the said journey that is to say after the returne of Master Porter which was about the end of December 1622. whereas the said Duke had plotted it many moneths before That the Duke at his arrivall in Spaine nourished the Spanish Ministers not onely in the beliefe of his owne being popishly affected but did both by absenting himselfe from all exercises of Religion constantly used in the Earle of Bristols house and frequented by all other Protestants English
London one of his Majesties most honoâ—rable privy Counsell My very good Lord SInce I wroâ—e unto your Lordship concerning the businesse of Sir Iohn Wishart and Master Elpheâ—sion all the Bishops Chaâ—cellours is â—he Kingdome were sent for to Dublin by the Lords Justices to answer such things as are objected against the exercise of Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction in a Petition exhibited unto them by the Recusaâ—t Lords of the Country Which being a matter of no small importance I thought it my duty to impart unto your Lordship the true Copiâ—s both of the Petition of the one and of the Answer of the other that you may be the better prepared to speake therein if the matter shall be brought over into England and give us direction here how we are to follow the businesse for I feare all the Bishops are to appeare about the beginning of Easter Tearme to declare their resolutions touching the same propositions I â—end likewise unto your Lordship a short Letter which I received even now from the Bishop oâ— Kilfâ—nora The Bishoprick of Killalow is contigâ—ous unto his and both being conjoyned together by a perpetuall union would make an indifferent good competency for one Bishop for that of Kâ—lfenora is otherwise in it selfe so poore and so farre from any good Benefice that might be annexed unto it that there is little hope it will ever be made fit for any man of worth I humbly thank your Lordship for the tender regard you had of my reputation in stopping the publishing of my book there before the faults committed in the reprinting thereof should be corrected for which and those other high favours which I doe daily receive at your hands I must alwayes professe my selfe to rest Drogheda February 10. 1630. Your Lordships faithfull Servant in all duty ready to be commanded Ja. Armachanus What answer was given to this Petition of the Recusants by the Bishops and their Chancellours will appeare by this ensuing paper thus 〈◊〉 by Bishop Laud The Answer of the Lords Bishops and Chancellours to such Articles of the Recusants Peâ—ition as concerne the Church An Abstract of those things which concerne the Ecclesiasticall Jurisdiction in the Petition exhibited to the Lords Justices 1. THat your Lordships may direct a course that the Clergy doe not proceed with the great burden and charge they doe lay upon the poore people for clandestine Marriages Christnings and Burials c. 2. That the the Bishops Courts should hold no longer then one day at a sitting 3. That the lâ—xâ—uisitors comming to doe service to the â—aid Court shall not pay for their entrance 4. The Subsidy of the Bishops and Clergy if they have paid the same no ease done to the Country therâ—by 5. That School masters shall not be disturbed from teaching so they teach nothing concerning Religion The Answers of the Lords Bishops and Chancellours that are now present to the Articles of grievance lately by your Lordships imparted to them Right honourable our good Lords AS to the imputation cast upon us to burthen and charge the poore people for clandestine Marriages Christnings c. We humbly propose to your Lordships consideration 1. That the cognizance of these causes doth by the Lawes of this Realme belong to the Judicature Ecclesiasticall with a very severe charge in Gods name to see to the due execution thereof as in the Statute of 2. Eliz. cap. 2. may appeare 2. That the resâ—actâ—rines of the people in not resorting to Church and being conformable to divine service and administration of Sacraments and other Rites according to the forme of the book of Common-prayer is no way to be cherished or fomented especially in the apparant endeavours which is now used by the popish faction NOTE to draw them away from the obedience of his Majesty to that of the Pope 3. That if it be permitted to them to marry and baptize without controle all other Sâ—ismaticks as Aâ—abaptists Brownists c. may claime the like 4. That they are in no worse condition then those of our owne and his Majesty in those very graces which their very Agents obtained and to which they have reference in their Petition did referre the Delinquents in these particulars to be proceeded against according to the ordinary course of Law Art 49. 5. That if this proceeding he stopt these inconveniences will arise The Bishops and Ordinaries are not able to answer the Kings writs which are by the common Law to be directed unto them as in cause of Bastardy and Certificate of marriage and the like as also the whole Common-wealth will swarme with Incest Adultery Whoredome c. if it be lawfull for popish Vicars to dispence and divorce at pleasure and voyd new marriages upon pretext they were not solemnized by the parish Priest according to the Trent Reformation and other like frivolous pretexts contrary to the law of God 6. As to the burthen of the poore people we doe humbly desire that the Delinquents may be informed against and upon conviction severely punished 7. And if it seeme to your Lordships that the fees of the Ecclesiasticall Courts be over-burthenous that the Commission for regulating them may be speedily executed 2. Touching the continuance of the Courts longer then one day at a sitting We conceive the same to be for the ease of the people and expediting of causes and the hindring of chamber-justice but if it shall appeare otherwise to your Lordships we desire your Lordships to set downe what order you shall think most fit for the ease of the people and due performance of that service 3. Concerning Inquisitors fees for their entrance We doe deny that ever any such thing was done and if any can be justly charged therewith let him be punished 4. Touching our Subsidy We doe think it is not unknowne to your Lordships how cheerfully we have strained our selves for the safety of the Country some of us having besides contributed to the Souldiers as deeply as they even of our mensall lands which we hold in our owne hands 5. Touching School-Masters We humbly desire your Lordships to consider 1. How much it concerneth the Reformation of the manners of the people that School-Masters be well-affected to Religion and to the present Government 2. That popish School-Masters doe breed up and prepare the youth of this Realme to be Priests and contrary to the Priviledges of his Majesties Progenitors to the University of Dublin doe teach them Logick and Philosophy 3. That under the name of School-Masters divers dangerous and seditious persons may be nourished in private Families to the corrupting and seducing the youth of this Realme and withdrawing them from his Majesties alleagiance 4. That whereaâ— if such be put downe the parents would out of necessity send their Children to the Ministers and Curates or Free-schools in every County and the Colledges at Dublin by the allowing them they will be still nouzeled in Superstition and Barbarisme Lastly whereas your Lordships lately desire us to certifie
may be considered that though they be many in themselves yet are they but few being compared with the rest and that their proffers seem probable to be for their owne ends which will be a meanes to weary the Plantators 8. That those who now make these propositions were the chiefe opposerâ— of the payment of the late contribution into the Exchequer least it should grow to be esteemed a revenue of the Crowne and be required of Posterity whereby it may appeare it is for their owne ends 9. That as in the former contribution his Majesties graces did solely redound unto the Recusants so it is now sought in like manner NOTE that they may have all the ease and thanks though the burden lye as heavy on others as on them All which much tending to the disheartning of good and conformable Subjects we desire your Honours by your mediation to his Majesty to prohibit Doctor Bedle Bishop of Kilmore with two more Bishops among others subscribed this Petition at the request of the Gent of that County and as appears by his Letters to the Lord a Dated Novemb. 5. 1633. Deputy and Arch-bishop of Canterbury did very much qualifie the complaints and grievances therein contained by altering the first draught presented to him from a smart Letter unto an humble Petition yet notwithstanding he was specially complained of to the King for setting his hand to this Petition and opposing his Majesties service in Ireland touching the levy of moneys upon Recusants and others to maintain the Army The like accusation of him came to the now Arch-bishop of Canterbury who thereupon writ a sharp Letter of reproofe to him concerning it dated October 13. 1633. to which this Bishop returned an answer on the 5. of November following relating the truth of the fact and justifying his action and withall he writ another Letter of the same date to the Lord Deputy of Ireland a â—opy whereof he sent the Arch-bishop inclosed in his Letter to him to excuse and justifie what he herein did in which Letter there are these memorable passages touching the extraordinary increase and boldnesse of the popish Bishops Priests Monks Recusants in Ireland at that time the copy of which Letter under this Bishops owne hand and Seale I found in the Arch-bishops Study thus indorsed with Master Dells owne hand Receâ—â— December 24. 1633. The Lord Bishop of Kilmore William Bedle his letter to the Lord Wentworth Lord Deputy of Ireland about the maintainance of the Army and the Cavan Petition Right Honourable my good Lord c. IN the midst of the midst of these thoughts I have been advertised from an honourable friend in England that I am accused to his Majesty to have opposed his service and that my hand with two other Bishops onely was to a writing touching the moneys to be levyed on the Papists here for maintenance of the men of warre c. Indeed if I should have had such an intention this had been not onely to oppose the service of his Majesty but to expose with the publike peace mine owne necke to the scâ—ans of the Romish Cut-throats I that know that in this Kingdome of his Majesty NOTE the Pope hath another Kingdome farre greater in number and as I have heretofore signified to the Lords Iustices and Counsell which is also since justified by themselves in print constantly guided and directed by the order of the new Congregation de propagandâ—â—ide lately â—rected at Rome transmitted by the meanes of the Popes Nuntioes residing at Bruxels or Paris that the Pope hath here a Clergy if I may guesse by mine own Diocesse double in number to us the heads whereof are by corporall Oath bound to him to maintaine him and his Regalities contra omnem hominem and to execute his Mandates to their uttermost forces which accordingly they doe stiling themselves in print Ego N. Dei c. Apostoliâ—ae Sedis gratia Episcopus Fermien Oâ—â—orien c. I that know there is in this Kingdome for the moulding of the people to the Popes obedience a rabble of irregular Regulars commonly younger brothers of good houses who are growne to that insolency as to advance themselves to be Members of the Ecclesiasticall Hierarchy in better ranks then Priests insomuch as the censure of the Sorbon is faine to be implored to curbe them whâ—ch yet is called in againe so tender as the Pope of these his owne creatures I that knâ—w that his Holinesse hath erected a new University at Dublin NOTE to confront his Majesties Colledge there and to breed up the youth of this Kingdome to his devotion of which University one Paul Harris the Author of that infamous libell which was put forth in print against the Lord Primates Waâ—sted Sermon stileth himselfe in print to be Deane I that know and have given advertisement to the State NOTE that these Regulars dare erect new â—râ—erâ—es in the Country since the dissolving of those in the City that they have brought the people to such a sottish senslesnesse as they care not to learne the Commandements as God himselfe spake and writ them but they â—lock in great numbers to the preaching of new superstitious and detestable doctrines such as their owne Priests are ashamed of and as these they levy collections three foure five six pound at a Sermon shortly I that know that this Clergy and these Regulars have at a generall meeting like to a Synod as themselves stile it NOTE holden at Drogheda decreed that it is not lawfull to take the Oath of Alleagiance and if they be constant to their owne doctrine doe account his Majesty in their hearts to be King but at the Popes discretion In this estate of this Kingdome to think the bridle of the Army may be takeâ—away it should be the thought not of a brain-sick but of a brainlesse man But though I think strong for the establishment of the Army perhaps I would have had it maintained onely by the Recusants sines and mistake that they are gratified by the not exacting of them NOTE let my letters of the 23. of March 1629. to the Lords Justices commanding me to give them ample advertisements in any particular that might further the establishment of true Religion in this Kingdome Let those Letters I say of mine be seen it will be found that I use these formall words Forasmuch as the people are generally very poore and therefore discontented very ignorant and strongly perswaded by their Priests in their owne way and the Recusants for their number farre exceeding the better part I leave it to the Lords wisdome to consider how safe it may be to urge them to come to Church at once by exacting the fines for Recusancy unlesse something doe sound there first which they themselves doâ— conceive they doe not well to refuse to heare c. And to an honourable friend of mine in England not long after touching this very poynt that unlesse impediments were
abroad hath been to present my selfe to my Lord of Leâ—â—cester who hath received me with great respects and professions which honour his Lordship having vouchsafed me for her Majesties sake NOTE and in vertue of her gracious letters of recommendation in favour of me you are with all humility to acknowledge it to her Majesty in my name and to present unto her my most humble thanks In my letters of the last weeke to his Majesty I presumed to represent the necessity as I conceived of my attending the ministers here first Monseiur de Chavigâ—y and then the Cardinall as well in acknowledgement of the honour they did to you when you were imployed here NOTE as for the order they gave to the Governour of Calis to treat me with all respect as soone as they had notice of my arrivall there Your very loving Father Francis Windebanke Paris 7. January 1641. TOm If you understand any thing of the disposall of the Secretaries place I wish some considerable summe might be thought upon to be given to me by him that shall succeed which would be of more advantage and give me better satisfaction then any pension that his Majesty shall conferre upon me and will be of lesse charge to his Majesty NOTE you shall doe well to be attentive upon this and immediately after the first notice of to make earnest meanes to the Queen to procure this for me My Lord Ambassadour hâ—th done me the nonour to give me a visit at my lodging Your very loving Father Francis Windebanke Paris 11. January 1641. TOm your letters of the 31. of December that came this week were brought too late and so long after the delivery of all others that I was in great paine and apprehension I should not have been made happy with the knowledge of the estate of my poore Family this weeke which would have added much to my sad thoughts I have now I thanke God received full satisfaction in that which I so much longed for and hope whatsoever my other afflictions may be that I shall receive no other newes of your healths during my absence from you There is little in your letters that requires answer that onely concerning my charge when it shall be made is of consideration which will require little answer if his Majesty shall please to avow me in the businesse of Recusants as I doubt not but in honour and justice he will what else can be objected to me of moment I doe noâ— apprehend neverthelesse NOTE if his Majesty think fit that you shall petition the Lords for permission to me to make my answer you may doe it though I could be contented you should first see the particulars of the charge whether there be any thing in it besides that of the Reâ—â—sants and howsoever you must acquaint his Majesty with your petition before you exhibite it I was upon Sunday last at Service and Sermon at my Lord Ambassadours house where my Lord did me very much honour otherwise I have kept my lodging Your most affectionate Father Francis Windebanke Paris 18. January 1641. TOM I shall be glad that the Trunk of secret papers may fall into so good a hand as that of my Lord Cottington I am very sorry to heare that his Majesties intentions of an anâ—ity or yeerly allowance to me begins already to coole considering the charge I must lye at while I am in these parts or any other and the uncertainties of the benefit of the Post-Office and of the boord-wages for the Secretaries dyet which you shall doe well to take some time to represent at large to the Queene NOTE and to implore her favour for the continuance of that his Majesties gracious purpose to me without which I and mine are in danger to be exposed to want and misery Your very loving Father Francis Windebanke Paris 25. Ian. 1641. Your c. Fran Windebanke Paris 7 Feb. 1641. Your c. Fran Windebank Paris 7 Feb. 1641. TOM c. I have thought fit to let you know the particulars that you way represent them to their M. M. Majesties for whose service meerly I am thus persecuted NOTE and to whose wisdome next after my 〈◊〉 in God I most intirely submit my selfe my fortune and whatsoever else is 〈◊〉 all which is now in extreame perill for my faithfulnesse and obedience to their Commandements The rest of this letter being three folio Pages is writ in Caracters and containes some mysteries locked up in these unknowne Cyphers not yet discovered Your c. Fran Windebank Paris 1 March 1640. TOm c. I have beene this afternoone with the Cardmall by the introduction of 〈…〉 and received very great 〈◊〉 and professions from him he brought me out of his chamber into the next giving 〈◊〉 the upper hand and holding me by the hands There follow three lines of â—â—aracters Your c. Fran Windebanke Paris March 12. 1640. Master Read Secretary to Windebanke march 29. 1611. writ a letter for the most part in Characters to master Thomas Windebanke wherein there are these passages at large SIR Yours of the fourth and eleventh currant have brought me double comfort this weeke which was no more then I needed after such a vaâ—â—ation I perceive my feares of the miscarriage of the first were not altogether vaine since they were so neere a danger their redemption from which I assure you was a great worke and shewes a great deale of goodnesse in those friends which you 〈◊〉 and I am willing to take it for a signe that the Parliament owes us not soâ—ll 〈◊〉 as was feared The Answer of their Majesties is very gracious NOTE and I thanke God has much revived Master Secretary c. I cannot but wonder that the House should be scandalized at the stile you gave my 〈…〉 I am sure it is not in the power of any to take thâ—â— Title from 〈◊〉 but the King and 〈◊〉 Majesty having 〈◊〉 yet done it I know not but why he should enjoy it till his Majestie shall please otherwise to dispose of the place Master 〈◊〉 and Master Withering have sufficiently shewed their malicious 〈◊〉 God reward them for it c. Your c. Robert Reade Paris Goodfriday 29 march 1641. After this followed these ensuing letters from 〈◊〉 and his Secretary Read to his Sonne Thomas 〈◊〉 all writ from Paris My Lord Ambassadour continues still his favoures to me and hath been this weeke with me at my lodging which is a very great honour to me Your c. 〈…〉 Paris 19 Aprill 1641 〈…〉 〈…〉 NOTE the heavier for some expressions delivered him from their Majesties by Master Mountague NOTE who arrived here on Saturday last He comforts himselfe that he shall have all the favour his Maâ—esty and the Queen are able to doe him c. Sir your most affectionate Couzin and obliged Servant Ro. Read Paris 16. Aprill 1641. SIR c. IT is likely now my Lord of Strafford is
This Petition it seems was not presented whereupon Master Read writ thus 〈◊〉 Master Tho. Windebanke SIR SInce this opportunity of setting our businesse on foot is 〈◊〉 there is no more to be done but to hope that it will not be called upon till the Kings returne in the 〈…〉 it is a great comfort to my Uncle to see the continuance of his Majesties 〈…〉 him c NOTE Sir Yours c. Ro Read Paris 23. Aug. 1641 After this Secretary Windebanks Lady and his Sonne arrived in France and lived in Paris but his Sonne returning shortly after 〈…〉 to Court he writ thus to him concerning the English Fugitives not Parliament proofe here and the generall favour there indulged to him TOM c. Since your departure hence the Cardinall hath been moved by Monseiur de â—eneterre at the solicitation of Master Foster that The English now here and fled hither to avoid the storme in England might be freed from that law of confiscation of their Estates in case they come to dys here which we and other strangers are liable unto here and hath left it to those of the Nation to settle by what meâ—â—es themselves shall thinke best NOTE assuring that the King shall grant it in any ample manner aâ—dwithall the advantagious and firme conditions that can be desired This is a very greâ—s priviledge to the Nation and hath been granted with so much cheerfulnesse and expression of resentment of our condition that I wish her Majesty will be pleased in those letters which shee will vouchsafe to honour me to the King her â—rother to take notice of it and to acknowledge it and if her Majesty shall likewise please in a word or two to Monseiur de Seneterre to give him thanks for his readinesse in it and to honour me with the Commission of delivering it I shall hold it a very great favour and it will be a powerfull motive to him to 〈◊〉 his good Offices to the Nation which I assure you are very much to be valued considering his interest in the Cardinall What else her Majesty shall please to adde to him concerning my selfe NOTE I most humbly submâ—t to her wisdome and goodness If you shall have delivered my letters to her Majesty before these come to your hands you may take some occasion to wait upon her Majesty againe and with presentation of my most humble services so acquaint her Majesty herewith YOURS c. Francis VVindâ—banke Paris 8. November 1641. TOM c. Before his departure I made meanes to Mâ—â—seiur de Chavigâ—y for Monseiur Seneterre is not yet returned to be presented to the King and to deliver her Majesties letters NOTE he seemed to entertaine the motion with extraordinary readiness and desire to â—â—rve the Queen and to doe me that honour c. But I doe make account to take some time to wait upon the Queen here at Saint Germanes and deliver the letter into her owne hands This you may make knowne to her Majesty there when occasion shall be presented YOURS c. FRAN. WINDEBANKE Paris 31. January 1642. Many such passages I find in Secretary Windebanks and Reads letters to his Sonne at Court over-tedious to recite conveied hither for the most part under the Earle of Leicesters and Burlamachies cover and some others but by these forementioned you may discerne what favour and respect this Secretary hath found both abroad and at home for his releasing protecting Priests Jesuits Papists and by whose commands he justifies he did it who have bin very indulgent to him for it if those Letters under his owne hand may be credited And thus much for the releasing onely of Priests and Jesuits charged in Parliament on this Secretary whose correspondency with Rome and the Popes Nâ—â—eâ—oes you shall heare of further ere long How many letters of grace were granted to the most noted Recusants to stay all prosecutions and proceedings against them before and after their Inditements you may read in my Royall Popish Favourite where many of them are recorded and in Master Glins report 1 Dec. 1640. in the Commons Journall who reported to the Commons House from the Committee concerning Secretary Windebanke that there were 64 Letters of grace to stay prosecution against Papists directed to severall Officers and Iudges short entries whereof were made in the Signet-Office and that his house was the place of resort for Priests and Iesuits Many of these letters of grace and discharges of Priests were gained upon petitions to the King or Queene presented to them by this Secretary in whose Trunks they have since been found Among others I find a petition of the Lord Viscount Mountgarret now one of the principal Rebels in Ireland and of his Ladies with a draught of a letter of grace inclosed therin for the discharge of all proceedings against them upon an inditement for Recusancy found against them both at Coventry with other petitions of Recusants as namely of Master Richard Foster Master Tankred and others for the abatement of their compositions made with the King for Recusancy in the North where the compositions of the Lord Viscount Dunbarr Master Anthony Metcalfe and William Green had formerly been abated Besides those Recusants who compounded at low rates in the North as you have seen got them abated lower afterwards and obtained speciall protections from the Commissioners against all future prosecutions of which I shall give you but one president at large in the case of Sir Henry Merry â—OM DERBY WHereas Sir Henry Merry of Barton in the Country of Derby Knight being a convicted Recusant hath personally appeared before his Majesties Commissioners authorized to compound for the forfeitures of the lands and goods of Recusants convicted within this and other Counties at the Mannour of Saint Mary neare the wals of Yorke the 15. day of August instant and hath made composition for an annuall rent to be paid unto his Majesty for all his Mannours Lands Tenements and Hereditaments with the appurtenances within the severall Counties of Derby and Leicester and for all arrerages due for the same and therefore by his Majesties instructions is no further to be disquieted or troubled with vexatioâ—s informations upon any lawes made against Recusants for his Recusancy onely so long as he shall duly pay unto his Majesty the rent so compounded for therefore his Majesties said Commissioners by force of the said composition aforesaid doe herby require you to take notice of the composition aforesaid and of his Majesties pleasure in that behalfe Dated at the Mannour aforesaid the said 15. day of August 1634. per Warrant Commissionar Cha. Radcliffe Clericus Commiss To the Sheriffs of the County of Derby and Leicester and to his Majesties Commissioners of inquiry of lands and goods of Recusants convicted within these Countâ—es to all other his Majesties Officers and Ministers whom the premses may concerne and to every of them For staying proceedings upon inditements I shall give you but
Roles 2000. l. Sir Edward Leech 2000. l. The six Clearks 6000. l. The Lady Cambden 5000. l. Baron Westoâ— 500. l. Baron Trevor 4000. l. Baron Hendon 3000. l. Sir Thomas Fanshew 1000. l. Sir Peter Osborne 1000. l. Sir Robert Pye 2000. l. Sir Edward Sawyer 500. l. Sir Charles Herbert 1000. l. Sir Edward Powell 2000. l. Sir Sidney Mountague 2000. l. Sir Ralph Freemaâ— 2000. l Mr. Iohn Packer 1000. l. Morley 2000. l. Massam 4000. l. Surveyor of the Works 1000. l. Sir Richard Wynne 3000. l. Iames Maxwell 2000. l. Patrick Mall 20â—0 l. Iames Leviston 1000. l. George Kirk 2000. l. William Murrey 1000. l. Henry Murrey 2000. l. Eâ—dymion Porter 1000. l. Sir Henry Mildmay 2000. l. Sir William Vdall 1000. l. Sir Edward Varne 1000. l. Sir Richard Younge 1000. l. Mr. Audley 4000. l. Sir Miles Fleetwood 1000. l. Sir Benjamin Rudiard 500. l. The Attorny of the Wards 1000. l. Mr. Chamberlin 1000. l. The Attorny of the Dutchy 500. l. Mr. Cofferor 3000. l. Sir Thomas Merry 2000. l. Mr. Fenner 1000. l. Sir Richard Manley 500. l. Mr. Comptroler of the Works 500. l. Lord Chief Iustice Branstâ—n 500. l. Mr. Iustice Barkley 1000. l. Mr. Iustice Crook 1000. l. Sir Thomas Hatten 1000. l. Sir Iohn Winter 1000. l. Mr. Attorny Ball 500. l. Mr. Sollicitor Winne 500. l. Serjeant Whitfield 500. l. Mr. Iustice Iones 500. l. Mr. Henly 5000. l. Lord Chief Iustice Litleton 1000. l. Sollicitor Lane 500. l. In this Schedule there weâ—â— divers names of Noblemen and others inserted with blanks left for the sums they were to lend And the Officers of Star-chamber Chancery other Courts here omitted were likewise therein ordered to be sent for under which the Archbishop with his own hand writ these directions To cal upon the Lord Keeper for these Names Call for Names Which cleerly manifests this sending for all these to lend the sums here specified to be his project and that he was the chief Actor in these Assessments of them The most of whom were enforced to lend 38000. l. being subscribed before the Lords of the Councell by some of these persons in one day and 10000. l. another day as appears by a Note under Windebanks hand Moreover I found this ensuing List of Names and Sums under Windebanks hand 6. March 1639. Kings Servants to be warned on Friday These in this Paper now absent to be sent for against Wednesday to Mr. Solicitor Herbert gr Sir Gdward Griffin 1000. l. gr Sir Edward Savage 500. respect â—Sir Iohn Trevor 1000. Mr. Iohn Frecheville 500. gr â—Sir Iohn Maynard 500. Sir Henry Herbert 1000. Sir Francis Vincent 500. Sir Iohn Smith 500. Sir Thomas Walsingham 500. Mr. Solicitor 500. Sir Lionel Palmage 2000. gr Mr. Thomas Fotherley 500. refus Sir William Ashton 500. Sir Thomas Richardson 1000. gr Mr. Edmund Windham 500. gr Mr. Pye 3000. Mr. Ioh Mannors of Hadden 2000. Massam 2000. He will give his own Bond the Lords will bring it down to 1000. l. Mr. William Walter 500. Mr. Edmund Dunch 500. gr Capt. Richard Crane 500. Sir Thomas Ashton 500. Mr. William Corytâ—n 500. gr Sir Iames Thynne 3000. gr Sir Henry Newton 1000. resp â—Mr Henry Frederick Thynne 2000. Sir Ralph Hopton 500. Sir William Savile 1000. gr Mr. Iames Maxwell 2000. Mr. Patrick Mawle 2000. He is to do what he can gr Mr. Iames Levingston â—000 gr Mr. George Kirk 2000. gr Mr. William Murray 1000. gr Mr. Henry Murray 1000. gr Mr. Endymion Porter 1000. How much of these sums were lent or contributed I cannot certainly define but on April 13. 1640. the Parliament called about the Scots assembled wherein many Subsidies were demanded to be presently granted and levied before any grievances redressed in conclusion after much debate the Parliament on the 5. of May was suddenly dissolved and no Subsidies given but then the Convocation was continued by the Archbishops means who granted the King a large Benevolence to continue for 3. whole years in nature of 3. intire Subsidies to maintain this war against all Law to be paid in and levied under severest penalties of which more in due place and made 17. Canons exceeding prejudiciall to the Kings Prerogative the Parliaments Subjects Liberties in justifying and establishing divers Popish Innovations in Religion in affront of the Parliament upon whose dissolution divers illegall means were set on foot by Canterbury and his Confederates to raise moneyes to support this war as forced Loans divers Aldermen of London being imprisoned in the Tower for refusing to certifie names of Persons within their severall Wards for to lend by enforcing Shipmoney Coat and Conduct money in the Countries more then ever By Commanding by a speciall Proclamation Aug. 20. 1640. all the Nobility Knights Gentlemen and those who held Lands of the King to attend him at the Army with horses men and arms in this service according to their abilities and estates Hereupon a great Army was raised in the North and a bloody war likely to have ensued but that God by his overruling Providence happily appeased it without bloodshed by a Treaty first and then by an Act of Pacification and Oblivion passed in the Parliaments of both Kingdoms What Tumults and Libels the Archbishops breaking the first Pacification with the Scots and after that the Parliament occasioned to the endangering of his Person you may read out of his own Diary in the Breviate of his life pag. 22 23 which I will not repeat That he had the principall hand in exciting and directing these wars will appear by the Lord Conwayes Letters to him who had then the Command of the Northern forces the extracts of some whereof out of the very Originalls I shall here present you with The first is thus Endorsed with the Archbishops own hand Received Iunij 12. 1640. my Lord Conway his Iudgement concerning popular Tumults now in England May it please Your Grace I Have received two Letters from you Note the one by Mr. Treâ—orers conveyance wherein you were pleased to let me know what the disorder at Lambâ—eth was the mutinies of the base multitude are not to be feard nor to be neglected the chief inciters are to be castigated and that quickly if there were persons fitting to be Heads to a discontented multitude there were some danger if those men could not be secured but he that feares any Head that can be given to any discontented Body here in England will be afraid like boyes and women of a Turnep cut like a deaths head with a candle in it All these accidents must be overcome with patience dexterity and courage If the end whither one would go cannot be attained with that speed is desired learn of Seamen to lye by a wind and gain ground by boarding I do assure my self that if wise thoughts be with courage put in execution all difficulties will be overcome there must not be any fainting by the way if the heart fail the legs will never leap over the dâ—â—ch
manner of doubt by reason of actuall Invasion of the Scotish Rebels with so great an Army and the same so far advanced that the whole Kingdom may soon be over-run unlesse by a great power they be repelled and beaten back And whereas His Majesties Subjects of the North parts of this Kingdom do cheerfully hold together and serve His Majesty in this great occasion at their own charge both with their Bodies and Fortunes without trouble to His Majesty We have therefore thought good hereby to pray and require your Lordships to acquaint the Country with the sence of this Boord in this particular and that We doubt not but His Majesties Subjects of that County will in this occasion shew as much forwardnesse and zeal for the common safety wherein We are all so neerly concerned as is either shewn now in the Northern parts or hath been practised in any other time of danger heretofore in this Kingdom Which We do hereby effectually recommend to your Lordships care and bid your Lordship very heartily farewell From White-Hall the 16. of September 1640. Your Lordships very loving Friends W. Cant. Guil London Arundell and Surrey Dorset Fra. Cottington Fra. Windebank Tho. Roe To our very good Lord the Lo Cottington Lo Lieutenant of the County of Dorset and in his Lordships absence to his Deputy Lieutenants After the Scots entrance into England the Archbishop received this Letter of Intelligence from one Iohn Rocket mentioned in his * See the Breviate of his life p. 23. Diary which lively sets forth their opinion of him To the most Reverend Father in God William Lord Archbishop of Canterbury his Grace Primate and Metropolitan of all England and one of His Majesties most Honorable Privie Counsell At his Pallace this c. Lambeth Right Reverend Father DUty binds me to study your Graces health and to frame my weake endeavours correspondent to your gracious pleasure which is the accomplishment of my desire and joy the only motive of my Intelligence I therefore desire to acquaint your Grace with what is dangerous to your person and adverse to your happinesse which is that I received from the Scots of which I am Sole witnesse and your Grace only made acquainted with viz. After the late Skirmish betwixt the English and the Scots at Newburne my occasions urged me to return to Blaiden a Town betwixt Newburne and Newcastle whether my journey tending the Rebellious Scots tooke me upon Chestenmore the midd-way betwixt Durham and Newcastle either for a Spie or a Iesuit And being had to Durham was detained there for the space of four dayes viz. from the 8. day of September till the 13. when being examined I fashioned my speech for their humours and complyed my self as neer as I could to their dispositions with which at length they were affected supposing me to be one of their beloved Brethren whereon great tokens of love and familiarity were moved and private discourse for the space of five houres relating such news whereof they were knowing wherein they vomited the venome of their malicious minds and revealed the extremity of their wrath against your Grace Calling you Papist Priest Note a new Bonner a Superstitious and proud Bishop on whom if they might not revenge the Lords Quarrell satisfie their minds and cut off Superstition by cutting down your Grace the mighty son of Belial and high Priest of Baal For in such tearms they expressed their mischievous thoughts We hope and know we have some holy and zealous Brethren in England whoâ— will take up our Quarrell against this rageing Tyrant and Bloud-sucking Wolf the Archbishop of Canterbury whom they hoped to heare slaine shortly if not by themselves by some people litle suspected These things or worse right reverend Father I heard and I alone which I could not refraine but signifie to your Grace with all the hast I could whereby you might avoid their rage and crueltie and your person might be preserved in safety in spight of all their envious Plots flourishing in this Kingdome gloriously for which earnâ—stly and truely prayes Your humble Servant in all duties most ready though unknowne John Rocket From Seth Bernard his house in the Minster yard at York September 16. 1640. This Letter is thus Endorsed with the Archbishops own hand Rece Septemb. 21. 1640. From Mr. Iohn Rocket a man whom I never saw The hatred of the Scots against my Person and Life I shall conclude with Mr. Alvyes Letter to him the then Arminian and Superstitious Vicar of Newcastle Thus Endorsed with the Archbishops hand Rece Octob. 19. 1640. Mr. Alvyes Case in and since his flight from Newcastle To the most Reverend Father in God William by Divine Providence Lord Archbishop of Canterbury his Grace Primate and Metropolitan of all England and one of His Majesties most Honorable Privie Counsell Most Reverend and Right Honorable I Make bold to represent unto your Grace the sum of that which I lately represented to His Majâ—sty in an humble Petition that I am for the present Outed of all my Spirituall promotions to the yeerly value of 300. l. and have most of my moveable goods seized upon by the Rebells being forced upon some threatning speeches given out by them that they would deale more rigoroâ—sly with me then others suddenly to desert all and to provide for the safety of my Self Wife and seven Children by a speedy flight in the night time how they would have dealt with me they have since made evident by their harsh dealling with two of my Curaâ—s whom I leâ—t to Officiate for me in my absence who have not only been interrupted in reading Divine Service but threatned to be Pistold if they would not desist from the execution of their Office And whereas I had lately purchased 60. l. per anum in Northumberland and hoped to have been supplyed that way in these calamitous time till I might with safety return they have since I presented my Petition to His Majesty seized upon that also and commanded my Servant to be accomptable to them for it this is my case at this time His Majesties gracious Answer returned to my Petition by Mr. Secretary Vane was That he would recommend me in special manner to your Grace and it pleased His Majesty further to signify Note that he had received good Intelligence from me and that hereafter I should have a remembrance over and above for it There was a Letter found in Newcastle superscribed to the Lords of the Scottish Army which coming first to my hands I presented to His Majesty Another Letter was sent me from a Merchant in Newcastle which discovers the miserable estate of that Town I shewed it to Sir Henry Vane I my self also was commanded by His Majesty to give in to the Lord Bishop of Durham a short relation of some remarkeable passages of the Scots proceedings in or neer about Newcastle which accordingly I did and least any of them have not as yet come to your
and honour your Majesty so much that I would have discovered an intended Plot Note which I doubt this next Summer will be put in execution against the State of our Kingdome of Ireland but that I am sworne the contrary I was requested after many deepe Protestations and injunctions not to make it knowne to be an actor in the designe I refused it and tooke time to consider your Majesty with your learned Councell may finde out and prevent the ensuing perills I have this day poysoned my selfe at the Kings Bench Barre to prevent the malice of Iudge loanes and of your Judges whom as I shall Answer at the dreadfull day would unjustly have deprived me of life had not my selfe prevented him he hath done this not for any benefit to the weale publike but upon particular revenge he only aimed at my blood and life I beseech your Majesty to give him my carcase to eare also a corrupter Judge I suppose the Kingdom hath not any Roberies Murthers and all manner of villany shall passe by himâ— undiscerned let him be but bribed otherwise the Inocents must suffer and so have I. What the party was who writ this Letter I cannot certainly determin but certaine it is he was some Souldier dwelling in Ireland at first who should have been an Actor in the Irish Rebellion was charged under an Oath of Secrecy not to reveal it above a yeare before it brake out this letter being written in 1640. before Windebankes slight and Judge Iones his death The party who writ it was it seemes examined concerning this Plot as appeares by these heades of his examination indorsed in another hand on the backe of the Originall viz. Roch a Priest that lived in Develin a Bishop called Barâ—well wâ—ld commond him to Tyrone in Flanders * This Tyrone was Owen Oneal that had the Regiment and he should be an Actor in the dâ—signe THAT SHOVLD FREE THE PAPISTS IN IRELAND We may TAKE DEVELIN BY AN ANSLAT as easily as kisse a mans hand The Kingdome is so secure and the Souldiers so base AS IT IS AS EASIE TO TAKE THE KINGDOME The Souldiers are but hirelings for 13. pound a yeare and so they serve all their men and scarce pay them but you shall be better used Goe into England get up your debts AND WEE WILL IMPLOY YOV Stanley and others have beene ill used AND GIVING THEIR SERVICE TO VS HAVE RELEASED THEMSELVES OF THOSE ENEMIES SO MIGHâ— HEE Doe The Examination and confession indorsed on the Letter informes us of these particulars 1. That the Plotte mentioned in the Letter was to surprise Dublin and the Kingdome of Ireland too The very plot the Rebels intended endeavoured afterwards to put in execution 2ly that the end of it was to free the Papists in Ireland 3ly That they thought this Plot was as easie feasible as to kisse a mans hand 4ly That one Roch a Priest in Divelin and a Bishop called * This Barnwell was a man very Active in this Conspiracy as appeares by Maguires confession following Barnwell were the parties who acquainted him with the Plot under an Oath of secrecy would have engaged him in it 5ly That Tiroen to wit Owen Oneal the man who raised the Regiment of 3500. men desired a Recrute in the former paper was the person to whom he shold be recommended in Flanders to be a principal actor in this Plot being there enabled to raise men Armes and traine up the conspirators to the use of Armes without suspition or noise better then in any other place 6ly That they had then drawne Standley and other Souldiers to their party Seventhly that all this was confessed and discovered in manner aforesaid above a yeare before this Rebellion brake out That this Plot was thus laid and discovered before hand to Owen O Neale in Flanders will appeare by this examination taken upon Oath in Ireland The Examination of Henry Mac Cart taken before Sir Gerrald Lowther Knight Chiefe Iustice of His Majesties Court of Common Pleas and Sir Robert Meredeth Knight Chancellour of His Majesties Court of Exchequer of His Majesties Privie Councell of the Kingdome of Ireland by direction of the Right Honourable the Lords Iustices and Councell the 12th day of February 1641. VVHo being sworne and examined saith that about nine yeares since he this Examinant left the Kingdome of Ireland and went into Flanders under the command of Iames Fitz-Garret of Ballysonan in the County of Kildare and at his said Captaines landing In Flanders he and his company were put into the Regiment of Owen Roe O Neale Colonell under the Cardinall where this examinant served for about two yeares of the said time under the said Captaine Fitz-Garret and then was transferred under the command of Captaine Conn O Neale in the same Regiment and afterwards was preferred by the said Colonell Owen O Neale to be his Major Domo which Office is of the nature of Steward of his House and after was by the said Owen made Quarter-master of his Regiment in which imployment he this examinant remained untill he was sent into this Kingdom by the said Colonell Owen O Neile And this examinant saith that Sir Phelim Roe O Neale had sent a Table with a Character from this Kingdome of Ireland unto Col. Owen O Neale into Flanders the which Table was lost at the siege of Ayre And for the losse of which Character he this examinant heard the said Colonell lament much saying That all the great Townes Ports Provinces and remarkable places and persons in the Kingdome of Ireland had their particular names deciphered in that Table After which time the said Colonell received from Captaine Conn O Neale Nephew unto him the said Owen one other Table of Characters of the like contents And the said Captaine Conn was sent from Flanders into England about Lent last by the said Colonell to obtaine leave for the raising of men in this Kingdome of Ireland under pretence of carrying the said men so to be raised into Flanders Note The true intention of the raysing of those men being to set on foot the Rebellion in Ireland which hath since accordingly been done and the said Conn having spent about six weekes in England retuâ—ned into Flanders upon pretence of furnishing himselfe with money for the raysing of the said men but before he the said Conn returned backe for England the said Colonell Owen being on a journey unto the siege of Ayre there repaired unto him Hugh Mac Phelim Birne now a Colonell among the Rebells of this Kingdome of Ireland who formerly had been a Captaine in Tirones Regiment in Spaine and the said Hugh remained with the said Colonell Owen about foure and twenty houres most of which time they spent in private conference in which discourse he this Examinant over-heard the said Hugh say We are to adventure our lives for the succouring of a scabbed Towne of the King of Spaines where we may happily
doe and to that end Sir Phelims brother Terlagh O Neale should be sent to them and the Nuâ—ie which should be undertaken by Sir Conne Kenish and his Brothers for whom Sir Phelim in regard they were his Brothers in Law his deceased Lady being their Sister did undertake Moreover it was agreed that Sir Phelim Mr. Relly Mr. Collâ— Mac Mahone and my Brother should with all the speed they could after that day raise all the forces they could and follow us to Dublin but to arme the men and succour us and defend and Garrison the Towne and Castle and likewise Master Moore should appoint Leinster Gentry to send like supply of men Then there was feare of the Scots conceived that they should presently oppose themselves and that that would make the matter more difficult and to avoyd which danger it was resolved on not to meddle with them or any thing belonging to them and to demeane themselves towards them as if they were of themselves which they thought would pacifie them from any opposition Note and if the Scots would not accept of that offer of Amity but would oppose them they were in good hope to cause a stir in Scotland that might divert them from them and I beleeve the ground for that hope was that two yeares before in or about the beginning of the Scoâ—s troubles my Lord of Tirone sent one Torilagh O Neale a Priest out of Spaine and that this I take it was the time that he was in Treaty with Cardinall Richelieu to my Lord of Argile to treat with him for helpe from my Lord for him to come into Ireland as was said for Marriage between the said Earle and my Lord of Argiles Daughter or Sister I know not which and this Messenger was in Ireland with whom Mr. Torilagh O Neale Sir Phelims Brother had conference from whom this relation was had that said Messenger went into Scotland as I did heare from the said Mr. Neale or from Emer Mac Mahone afore named I know not from which of them but what he did there I couâ—d never heare by reason that my Lord of Tyrone was presently after killed They were the more confirmed therein hearing that my Lord of Argile did say neare on the same time as I ghesse and when the Army was raised in Ireland as I thinke to a great Lady in Scotland I know not her name but did heare that she was much imbarked in the troubles of that Kingdome Note then she questioning how they could subsist against the two Kingdomes of England and Ireland that if the King did endeavour to stir Ireland against them he would kindle such a fire in Ireland as would hardly or never be quenched And moreover they knew my Lord to be powerfull with the Ilanders Red-shankes in Scotland whom they thought would be prone and ready to such Actions they for the most parâ— disceâ—ded out of Ireland holding the Irish Language manners still and so we parted The next day being Wednesday from Lough Rosse every man went about his own task and so when I came home I acquainted my Brother with al that was done and what they had appointed him to doe and did like according as they appointed me send to Mr. Relly to let him know as much and the 18. of the same moneth I began my Iourney to Dublin and when I came to Dublin being the day before the appointed day of putting that resolution in execution there I met with Captaine Conn O Neale sent out of the Low Countries by Colonell O Neale who was sent after the Messenger sent by us formerly to the said Colonell was by him dispatched with his Answer to encourage us in our resolution Note and to speedy performance with assurance of succour which he said would not â—aile of the Colonells behalfe and for the more certainty of help from him and to assure us that the Colonell had good hopes to procure ayde from others he said that it was he himselfe that was imployed from him to Cardinall Richelieu twice that some men who gave very faire promises to assure the Colonells expectation Note with which he said that the said Colonell was really with himselâ—e assured of the Cardinalls ayde and that he was likewise commanded by the Colonell upon our Resolution of the day to give notice thereof to him and that he would be within fourteen daies over with them with ayde but he landed nine or ten daies before and meeting with Captaine Brian O Neale who made him acquainted with what was resolved he did write all the matter to Col. O Neale so as he was sure of his speedy comming and so that Evening he and I came to meet the other Gentry and there were met Mr. Moore Col. Burne Col. Pluncket Captaine Fox and other Leinster Gentry a Captaine I thinke of the Burnes but I am not sure whether a Burne or Toole and Captaine Bryan O Neale and taking an accompt of those that should have been there it was found that Sir Phelim O Neale Mr. Col. Mac Mahone did faile of sending their men and Col. Burne did misse Sir Morgan Kennanaugh that had promised him to be there but he said he was sure he would not faile to be that night or the next morning in Town and of the two hundred men that was appointed there was only eighty present yet notwithstanding they were resolved to goe on in their resolution and all the difference was at what time of the day they would set on the Castle and after some debate it was resolved in the after-noone and the rather hoping to meete the Col. there then for they said if they should take the Castle and be enforced by any extreamity for not receiving timely succour out of the Country having them they could not want and so parred that night but to meete in the morning to see further what wrs â—o be done and immediatly thereon I came to my Chamber and about nine of the clocke Mr. Moore and Captaine Fox came to me and told me all was discovered and that the City was in Armes and the Gates were shut up and so departed from me and what became of them or of the rest I know not nor thinke that they escaped but how and at what time I doe not know because I my selfe was taken that morning To this I shall adde his Examinations taken before the Lords Iustices of Ireland and since in England The Examination of Connor Lord Magwire Baron of Eniskillin taken before us Charles Lord Lambart and Sir Robert Meredith Knight Chancellâ—r of his Majesties Court of Exchequer the 26. day of March 1642. by Direction of the Right Honorable the Lords Iustices and Councell VVHo being Examined saith That about the time when Mr. Iohn Bellew came out of England with â—he Commission for the continuance of the present Parliament Koger Moore in the said Moores Chamber in the house of one Peter de Costres of this City acquainted him
I am now in your hands use me as you will Note I am sure I shall be shortly Revenged And being demanded whither the Lord Maguire was one appointed to this businesse he at last said he thought he was William Parsons R. Dillon Ad. Loftus I. Temple Tho Rotherham Robert Meredith Hugh mac Mohone his Examination the 22. of March 1641. HE saith that Sir Phelim ô Nâ—ale the Lord Maguire and Philip mac Hugh ô Relli were the first complotters and contrivers of the late Rebellion in Ireland He further saith that the said Sir Phelim the said Lord Maguire and the said Philip mac Hugh ô Relli Note did tell him this Examinant that all the parties who were * * See the good effects of the Loâ— Straffords ballancing the Irish Pâ—oteâ— stants with Papists in Parliaments here p. 117 118. Parliament men at the Session of Parliament holden about May last that were Papists did know of the intended Rebellion in Ireland and did approve of the said Rebellion He further saith that Philip mac Hugh ô Relly did tell to this Examinant about May last at Dublin that the Committee or Agents who were imployed into England by the Parliament would procure an Order or Commission from the King to Auâ—horize the Papists of Ireland to proceed in their Rebellious courses and that the said Philip mac Hugh ô Relly did also tell him the same again in October last in the County of Monoghan a little before the 23. of October at which time this Examinant came to this Town He also saith that Col Mac Bryan mac Hone upon a Wednesday being the 20. of October last did at his own house tell to this Examinant that the King had given a Commission to the Papists of Ireland to seize upon all the Garrisons and strong holds in Ireland Note and that this Examinant should see the said Commission at his coming to Dublin and that Captain Bryan ô Neale Grandchild to Sir Turloe mac Henry should bring this Examinant to the Agent who was one of the Committees that did bring the Commission out of England but the Agents name the said Col mac Bryan did not or could not tell him He further saith that his Nephew Philip mac Hugh O Relli about six dayes before the 23. of October last being at his own house of Ballanecarrick did tell this Examinant that the Lord Maguire would be at Dublin upon the 23. of October last to take the Castle of Dublin and this Examinant did then promise to be there at the same time to the same end and purpose if he did see the Commission He further saith that Captain Brian O Neale meeting with this Examinant at Finglas neer to Dublin upon the 22. of October did tell this Examinant that there would be twenty persons out of every county in the Kingdom to assist in the taking of the Castle of Dublin He saith further that Art mac Hugh Oge mac Mohone came in the company of this Examinant to this city of Dublin to assist in the taking the Castle of Dublin He further saith that Collo mac Brian mac Mohone did procure Rory Oge mac Patrick mac Mohone to perswade Patrick mac Art mac Mohone and Patrick maâ— Owen mac Mohone Ardell mac Patrick mac Mohone and two other mac Moâ—ones whose names he knoweth not and Donogh ô Finely to come to Dublin to assist in the taking of the Castle of Dublin who were all apprehended in the house in Dublin together with this Examinant Fr. Willoughby Concordat cum originali Exam. Paul Harris The said Hugh mac Mohone having heard this his Examination taken in Ireland the 22. of March last now read unto him he doth acknowledge the same to be true in all parts Note as the same is therein set down save onely that by the Rebellion in Ireland mentioned in the third line thereof he meant and intended the Rebellion in Ulster and the intent and attempt to take the Castle of Dublin And saith that Sir Phelim O Neale and the Lord Maguire did not tell him that the parties who were Parliament men did know of the intended Rebellion in Ireland or did approve thereof but saith that Philip mac Hugh O Rely first in May 1641. covertly and afterwards on Munday next before the 23. of October last did tell this Examinant in expresse words and that the matter of the Rebellion did first begin and proceed amongst the Parliament men in Ireland Note in the last Parliament there And this Examinant saith he is Grandchild to Hugh late Earl of Tyrone and that this Examinant is of the age of 35. yeares or thereabouts and was born at Rusleigh in the County of Monaghan in Ireland And this acknowledgement he made 24. Iunii 1642. before us Iohn Bramstone Tho Malet Hugh Macmahone In the presence of Io. Conyers W. Ayloffe Ralph Whitsell Nath Finch Io. Glanvill William Constantine The Examination of Hugh Macmahone taken before Isaack Pennington Esquire Lieutenant of the Tower of London and Laurence Whitaker Esquire two of His Majesties Iustices of the Peace for the County of Middlesex the first day of October 1644. HE saith that one Philip O Relly told him there was a Commission from the King sent into Ireland Note and that their designe was to assure themselves of the Castle of Dublin till things were setled and that 20. out of every Shiere in Ireland should joyne to seaze upon the Castle and Magazine of Dublin and the other strength of that Kingdome till they might bring their designe to effect which was to be assured of some demands which they were to make to the Parliament there Note and that O Relly told him they had a Commission from the King to seaze as he hath said and told him also he saw a Warrant pretended to be under sir Maurice Eustace Speaker of the Parliaments hand to that purpose and that it was an agreement amongst them that this seazing should be generall throughout the Kingdome as he was told He saith that it was one of his businesses that brought him to Dublin to put this matter in execution if it could be done in a faire way and that O Relly told him all he hath said in the May before and saith that O Relly being then in the County of Cavan directed twenty to come up out of the County of Monoghan to put this designe in effect whereof this Examinant was one and of that County only seven or eight came up to him and saith that the Lord Magwire came up to Dublin about the same time about the same designe and that five nights before he met with the Lord Magwire at Philip O Rellyes house at which time Philip O Relly related all this to this Examinant and the Lord Magwire told him he was to goe to Dublin about that designe He saith that the 18th of August last being Sunday about four of the clocke in the morning he did saw in pieces the
resolvâ—d to be surprised and taken by the Irish Papists and the Protestants in every of those Castles Forts Sea-ports and Holds Note to be then also put all to the sword by the Irish Papists in Ireland in their owne severall parts and limits by men thereunto chiefly and particularly appointed by the contrivers thereof And especially this Castle and Towne of Eniskillin with the rest will also be taken Note and all you that be Protestants in it put to the sword whereof I give you this notice advising you to get your selfe and goods out of this Towne and Castle with all expedition and sell your stocke of Cattle and whatsoever else you have in the Country for any money that you can get for them for I assure you these things that I tell you will come to passe before it be seaven daies next after this day and this Castle and Towne will be no place of refuge or safety for you wherefore I desire and advise you againe to get you hence with all speed Note for the warre against the English and Protestants will be universally raised throughout the Kingdome of Ireland which if you finde not to be true as I say before it be full fourteen daies to an end then I will give you leave to cut off my head Whereupon I presently acquainted Sir William Cole with this and even then also one Flartagh Mac Hugh a Gentleman and Free-holder of that County came to the said Sir William the said one and twentieth of October in Anno 1641. declaring upon Oath that the Plot for the surprising of the Castle and City of Dublin the Castle of Eniskillin and all the Castles and strengths in Ireland which were in the possession of Protestants in that Kingdome Note together with some further mischiefe to be done to the Protestants in generall was to be put in full execution by the Papists upon the 22. and 23. of October 1641 throughout the said Kingdome And that Bryan Mac Coconnaught Mac Gwire Esquire did send him the said Flartagh Mac Hugh to give notice and warning thereof to the said Sir William Cole whom he earnestly desired to be upon his Guard upon Friday the 22. and Saturday the 23. of October 1641. For the Lord Magwire who is gone with Mac Mahon this Prisoner now at the Baâ— and others to Dublin this weeke with purpose to possesse themselves of thâ— Castle and City of Dublin hath written his letters lately to Conn O Rourke Owen O Rourke Murtagh Oge O Flumagon and others to goe on with that Plot in these parts and hath appointed his Brother Rory Mac Gwire in his absence to command the Irish Papists of this County of Fermanagh for the surprising of the Castles and houses of the Protestants and especially this Castle and Towne of Eniskillin And after he had ended this Relation he requested the said sir William Cole and me that his name should not be used as in discovering of the said evills least it should prove his ruine and destruction amongst his Country men and thereupon he departed promising to returne with further Intelligence of the progresse of that matter unto the said Sir William Cole Of all which the said Sir William dispatched letters of notice unto the Lords Iustices and Councell of Ireland the same day and also gave notice by severall other letters and Messengers to his Neighbours the undertakers and other Protestants in the severall parts next adjoyning to him And yet upon the 23. of October 1641. Redmond Mac Rory Mac Mahon cousen German of the prisoner at the Bar with armed multitudes and Collours displayed did enter into the Town of Clownis in the county of Monaghan and possessed themselves of the Castle and all other houses there and did rob and spoyle the Protestants viz. Edward Aldrith Esquire and others of all their money plate houshold-stuffe goods and chattels within and without doores as Robert Aldrith Gentleman Iohn Mac Reavy and others affirmed upon Oath before the said sir William Cole And upon the 23. of October 1641. or there abouts Art Roe Mac Mahon Esquire kinsman of the prisoner at the Bar did surprise and seaze upon the Castle Fort and Towne of Monaghan in the County of Monaghan did rob strip and dispoile hang and kill the Protestants there as namely Richard Blayney Esquire a Parliament man Luke Ward Gentleman and others and did then also imprison the Lady Blayney wife of Henry Lord Blayney and some of her servants and others Protestants as was also affirmed upon Oaths of the persons afore-said before the said sir William Cole And Colonell Mac Bryan Mac Mahon of Fearney being the Earle of Essex his Lands in that County another kinsman of the prisoner at the Bar did break out the same time into open Rebellion in the said County of Monaghan he being a Papist and a Member of the Parliament then in Ireland as was also affirby the persons afore-said upon Oath before the said sir William Cole And Neill Mac Kennay of the Troogh Esquire another kinsman of the prisoner at the Bar did rebell the day aforesaid in manner aforesaid in the said County of Monaghan and did seaze upon the Castle of Glosslogh and imprison Mr. Robert Barkclay a Protestant Minister and his wife after he had robbed them of all their goods he the said Minister and others did upon Oath also affirme before the said Sir William Cole and Redmond Mac Mahon cousen German of the prisoner at the Bar with Colours displayed and armed multitudes did upon the 18. day of December 1641. or there abouts come with Rory Mac Gwire with armed men in all to the number of 1500. or there abouts before the Castle of Lisgoole in the County of Fermanaugh in Ireland where they murthered and burned Thomas Grahum Gentleman Matthew Moore a Protestant Minister Richard Peasant Richard Rainebow and others to the number of one hundred thirty and one protestants or there abouts And also the same Rebells afterward viz. upon the 25. of December 1641. or there abouts after quarter given unto Tho. Trotter Francis Trotter Alexander Bell and other Protestants to the number of 152. persons or there abouts which for safety of their lives fled into the Castle of Tully in the County of Fermanagh belonging to sir Geo Hume Baronet Note did murther them all then burned the said Castle the same day which was done by the coÌ„mand or permission of the said Rory Mac Gwire brother of the said Lord Mac Gwire by the aggravation and councel of one Patrick O Cassedie a papist Fryer who concluded his invective Exhortation in these or the like words Note I will take the sin and guilt of the bloud of these Heretiques upon my Soul and do absolve you all thereof and therefore spare not one of them This proved upon Examination of Edmond Grace Rich Fawcet and divers other English Protestants that were then present upon oath before the said Sir William Cole whose
Examinations I did write and did see and hear the several examinants depose the same And I did see the said Castles on fire about the times aforesaid And further I say that I have heard sundry credible persons in Ireland relate that the Roman Catholiques in that Kingdome Note did brag and report that they did destroy 152000. Protestants in the province of Ulster in the beginning of this late Rebellion and the Examinations of sundry English and Scotch men protestants taken upon Oath at severall times by Sir William Cole a Iustice of Peace in the County of Fermanagh in Ireland doth particularly shew the number of 764 Protestants hanged kild burned and drowned in that County by the Rebells there in that Rebellion besides many that were cut off touching whom no evidence could appeare And it was averred upon the Oaths of Flartagh mac Hugh Iohn Oge mac Hugh and Terlagh Oge Mac Hugh before the said Sir William Cole that 150. men were appointed to surprise the Castle of Eniskillin under the leading of Don Magwire and Bryan Mac Rory Mac Gwire Note who were to murther the said Sir William Cole and his wiâ—e children and servants and throw them over the wall into the River and then to doe the like unto the Protestants in the Town and Corporation of Eniskillin for which service they were not only to have the spoyle and riches of the said Castle and Town but to have also the Barony of Clanawley granted and confirmed in Fee to them and their Heires from the said Lord Mac Gwire and his Heires And the said Don Mac Gwire was for the same taken in February or March last or there abouts by the said Sir William Cole to whom he confessed upon his Examination that he was to have surprised and taken the Castle and Town of Eniskillin the 23. of Octo. 1641. but denyed that he had any intent to kill the said Sir William or his wife or children wherefore the said Sir William did commit him to prison in his Majesties goal at Eniskillin about February or March 1643. where he remained the 18. of May 1644. when the said sir William and my self came on his Iourney hither into England and where I beleeve he yet continueth in safe custody and so will until he be brought to Iustice. Iohn Carmick The like was then attested by Sir William Cole Sir William Hamilton Sir Arthur Loftus Sir Charls Coâ—t and others upon oath at this Triall and that the Irish Rebels did rip up divers Irish womâ—ns bellies great with childe and tosse their Infants upon their pikes and throw them to their dogs to eat ravished some to death buried others alive drowned others after quarter and used unheard of cruelties of sundry kindes without provocation And yet now they must be reputed the Kings good subjects and sent for over into England to commit the like cruelties on us here which should cause all English mens hearts and bloods to rise up for vengeance against such blood-sucking Villains The manner of the discovery of that Conspiracy and apprehension of some of the Conspirators who were to surprise Dublin last is thus expressed by the Lords Iustices of Ireland in a Letter to the Earl of Leicester then Lord Deputy extracted out of the Originall The Lords Iustices of Irelands Letters to the Earl of Leicester c. Octob. 1641. MAy it please your Lordship On Friday the 22. of this Moneth after nine of the clock at night this bearer Owen Connelly servant to Sir Iohn Clotworthy Kt came to me the Lord Iustice Parsons to my house and in great secrecy as indeed the case did require discovered unto me a most wicked damnable Conspiracy plotted and contrived and intended to be also acted by some evill-affected Irish Papists here The Plot was on the next morning Saturday the 23. of Octob. being Ignatius day about nine of the clock to surprise his Majesties Castle of Dublin his Majesties chiefe strength of this Kingdom wherein also is the principall Magazine of his Majesties Armes and Ammunition and it was agreed it seemes amongst them that the same houre all other his Majesties Forts and Magazins of Armes and Ammunition in this Kingdome should be surprised by others of those Conspirators and further Note that all the Protestants and English throughour the whole Kingdom that would not joyn with them should be cut off and so those Papists should then become possessed of the government and Kingdom at thesame instant As soone as I had that Intelligence I then immediatly repaired to the Lord Iustices Palace and thereupon we instantly Assembled the Councell and having sate in Councell all that night as also all the next day the 23. of October in regard of the short time left us for the consultation of so great and waighty a matter although it was not possible for us upon so few houres warning to prevent those other great mischiefes which were to be acted even at that same houre and at so great a distance as in all the other parts of the Kingdome yet such was our industry therein having that night caused the Castle to be that night strengthned with armed men and the City guarded as the united councells of those evill persons by the great mercy of God to us became defeated so as they were not able to Act that part of their Treachery which indeed was principall and which if they could have effected would have ended the rest of their purposes the more easie Having so secured the Castle we forth-with laid about for the apprehension of as many of the offenders as we could many of them having come to this City but that night intending it seemes the next morning to Act their parts in those treacherous and bloudy crimes The first man apprehended was one Hugh Mac Mahone Esquire Grand-soâ—n to the Traytor Tirone a Gentleman of a good fortune in the County of Monoghan who with others was taken that morning in Dublin having at the time of their apprehension offered a little resistance with their swords drawn but finding those we imployed against them more in number and better armed yeilded He upon his Examination before us at first denyed all but in the end when he saw we laid it home to him he confessed enough to destroy himself and impeach some others as by a Copy of his Examination herewith sent may appeare to your Lordship We then committed him untill we might have further time to examine him againe our time being become more needfull to be imployed in Action for securing this place then in examining This Mac Mahon had been abroad and served the King of Spaine as a Lieutenant Colonell Upon conference with him and others and calling to mind a Letter we received the weeke before from sir William Cole a Copy whereof we send your Lordship here inclosed we gathered that the Lord Magwire was to be an Actor in surprising the Castle of Dublin wherefore we held it necessary to
PROVERBS 11. 8. The Righteous is delivered out of Trouble and the wicked commeth in his stead A. The Arch-bishop of Canterbury B. The Gentleman Usher with his Black-Rod C. The Lieutenant of the Tower D. The Bishops Councell E. The Clarke that reads the Evidence F. The Table where the Books and Papers given in evidence lay G. The Members of the House of Commons and Mr. Prynne standing in the midst of them H. Mr. Henry Burton I. I. I. The Witnesses Mistris Bastwick Mr. Baker the Messenger K. K. K. The People and Auditors within and without the Barre L. L. The LORDS M. M. The Judges and Assistants N. The Speaker of the Lords House T. The Hangings of 88. S. Mich. Spark HIDDEN WORKES OF DARKENES Brought to Publike Light OR A NECESSARY INTRODVCTION TO THE HISTORY OF THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBVRIE'S TRIALL Discovering to the WORLD the severall secret dangerous Plots Practises Proceedings of the POPE and his Confederates both at Home and in Forraigne Parts to undermine the Protestant Religion usher the whole Body of Popery into our Church and reduce all our REALMS to their ancient Vassalage to the Sea of Rome by insensible steps and degrees from the first Marriage Treaty with Spaine Anno 1617. till this present Together with the true Originals of the late Scottish Troubles Irish Rebellion and English civill Warres Manifested by sundry Instructions Articles Letters Intelligences Warrants Buls of Popes Petitions of Parliament Proclamations Examinations and other Papers found among Secretary Windebankes Master Thomas Windebankes the Lord Cottingtons and Arch-bishop of Canterburies Writings and some late intercepted Letters from Forraigne Parts By WILLIAM PRYNNE of Lincolnes-Inne Esq. DAN 2. 22 23 28. There is a God in Heaven that revealeth secrets he revealeth the deep and secret things he knoweth what is in the darknesse and the light dwelleth with him I thanke thee and praise thee O thou God of my Fathers who hast given me wisdome and might and hast made knowne unto me what we desired of thee for thou hast made knowne unto us the Kings matter It is Ordered by the Committee of the house of Commons concerning printing that this Booke intituled Hidden works of Darknesse brought to publike light be printed by Michael Sparke senior IOHN WHITE LONDON Printed by Thomas Brudenell for Michael Sparke senior dwelling in Green-Arbour in the Old-bailey at the signe of the blew Bible 1645. TO THE HIGH AND HONORABLE COVRT OF PARLIAMENT HAVING not long since presented your Honourable Assembly with A Breviate of the Arch-bishop of Canterburie's Life extracted out of his owne Diary and Writings I have been since much importuned by divers Members of both Houses to set forth a compleat History of his Crimes and Tryall with all needfull Ingredients thereunto Whereupon I deemed it very expedient by way of Prologue or necessary Introduction to that Work first to compile and publish this following Peece which here I humbly tender to your honourable Patronage the materials whereof could not be conveniently inserted into the Passages of his Tryal though much conducing to the cleering of your Exemplary Iustice in your equitable Proceedings and righteous Judgement against him newly executed on his person Your Honours in these my rude Collections faithfully extracted out of many thousand scattered papers the perusall and digesting whereof into order hath cost me no little pains may behold as in a Mirrour many hidden or forgotten Romish Plots of darknes brought to Publike Light and Memory from the first Marriage Treaty with Spaine in the yeere 1617. till this present to undermine our Protestant Religion reduce both us and all our Dominions back to Rome by insensible degrees together with the severall Policie Aâ—â—ifices Negotiations Conspiracies used and Instruments imployed between the Pope his Confederates and Us to accomplish this long-agitated Designe and hereby cleerly discover the true Originals the Principall Contrivers of all the late unhappy Commotions Warres Massacres Desolations within our three distracted Kingdomes now weltring in their owne blood with those mutuall Negotiations we have held with Rome not onely of late yeers but continued till this very instant even for Cardinals Capâ— and such like Pontifician Wares His Majesty and your Honourable Assembly are blessed be God now at last after three yeeres bloody intestine Warres upon a desirable Treaty of Peace which I shall cordially implore the a Heb. 13. 20. God of Peace effectually to crown with a most happy issue towards the reall atchievement wherof I humbly conceive these seasonable Collections may contribute some assistance One of the neerest wayes to procure a settled lasting Peace on Earth being first by sincere Repentance and Reformation to make our peace with Heaven and then to provide effectuall Remedies against the various Treacheries Conspiracies Policies of the common Enemies of our Peace on Earth and principall Contrivers of all our present Combustions to wit the Pope and his Confederates which I have here apparently detected to the end they may with more facility be prevented by your honourable Vigilancy for the future As we must have b See Bishop Hals No peace with Rome no peace with Rome so we cannot possibly expect any peace from her Yea the more we endeavour Reconciliation with this Babylonish Sâ—rumpet the grand Designe of many late past yeers and now the remoter shall we be from any reall Peace and Unity among our selves as we have seen by dear-bought experience and it must necessarily be so since c 2 Cor. 6. 14 15 16. Light and Darknesse Truth and Errour Christ and Antichrist the Sonnes of God and Children of Belial can never be cordially reconciled by all the Policies or Contrivements of men d Gen. 3. 15. Gal. 4. 29. Prov. 29. 27. God himselfe having put an everlasting irreconcileable Enmity Antipathy between them If therefore your Honours ever hope to enjoy a sincere solid durable Peace in our Churches or Realmes you must now use all extraordinary Care and Vigilancy to provide sufficient remedies against all the Popes and his Confsederates Devices stratagems Engines Instruments who else will perpetually embroile us with fresh Conspiracies Treasons Rebellions Powderplors Warres till they have wrought their owne or our utter ruine as many late Experiments under which our whole three Kingdomes now bleed and languish abundantly demonstrate It therefore much concernes your Honours and our Realms in your intended Treaty as much as in You lyes to provide the surest and most effectuall Remedies against this viperous Generation of Romish Incendiaries without which we can neither expect any substantiall Peace for the present nor enâ—oy any lasting Tranquility for the future and blessed be God who hath long since put it into your zealous pious hearts to endeavour to effect it It may be some Court-Sycophants Object may deem these Discoveries very unseasonable yea perchance dishonourable in some particulars to his Majesty in his fore-past Proceedings and suggest so much to his Highnesse or your Honours To
perceive that they intend to goe really and roundly on with the Match Wherein neverthelesse We must tell you that We have no great cause to be well pleased with the diligences used on that part when We observe that after so long an expectance of the Dispensation upon which the whole businesse as they will have it depends there is nothing yet returned but Queres and Objections Yet because We will not give over Our patience a while longer untill We understand more certainly what the effect thereof is like to be wherein VVe require you to be very wary and watchfull considering how Our honour is therein engaged VVe have thought â—it to let you know how farre VVe are pleased to enlarge Our Selfe concerning those points demanded by the Pope and set downe by way of Postill unto the Articles agreed upon betwixt Spaine and Vs as you will see by the power which Gage brought Vs from Rome whereof VVe have sent you a Copy and Our Resolutions thereupon signed with Our owne hand for your warrant and instruction And further then that since VVe cannot goe without much prejudice inconvenience and dishonour to Our Selfe and Our Sonne VVe hope and expect the King of Spaine will bring it instantly to an issue without further delay which you are to presse with all diligence and earnestnesle that you may presently know Their finall resolution and what VVe may expect thereupon But if any respit of time be earnestly demanded and that you perceive it not possible for them to resolve untill an answer come from Rome VVe then thinke it fit that you give them two moneths time after your audience that VVe may understand that King 's finall resolution before Christmas next at the furthest September 9. 1622. from VVansted By this letter the whole world may discerne how grosly King Iames was abused and how much the Palsgrave and other Protestant Princes suffered in forâ—eigne parts without any assistance from England under pretext of this Nuptiall Treaty Vpon these Letters the Lord Digby presented this ensuing Memoriall to the King of Spaine the 3. of October 1622. truly translated out of the Spanish Copy SIR the Baron Digby Ambassadour Extraordinary of the King of great Brittaine saith that it is neere six moneths since they had treated to make a Marriage between the Prince of Wales and the Infanta Donna Maria sister to your Majesty That it is five moneths since they setled in Spaine the Articles in matter of Religion His Majesty now in glory having first asked the opinions of many learned men which were joyned to consult upon this businesse That the King of great Brittaine dealt clearly in all the Articles and therein hath complyed in all things and hath promised by his word and in a letter written the sixth of Aprill 1620. particularly declared what he would doe in favour of the Catholiques That it appeared the businesse was then well founded to aske the Popes Dispensation and thereupon they dispatched Father Diego de Fuente for to solicit it in Rome but now at the end very neere of two yeeres his Holinesse without reply hither hath sent directly for England NOTE propounding to the King not onely many alterations in the said Capitulations but something new which the King would by no meanes yeeld unto NOTE That this to the King his Master seemed much different from that which he expected First for that having Capitulâ—ted the Dispensation should onely move from this place and the King having not treated at all with the Pope therefore he expected what the Pope would reply should be sent unto your Majesty from whence came the demand of the Dispensation Secondly for that he thought that with the Agreement and the rest perused all things concerning Religion had beene setled and that the learned men did think that upon these conditions they might and that his Holinesse ought to consent to the Dispensation and now they demand new things and impossible which seemes very strange Wherefore the King his Master desiring that in this businesse he make short expedition for that it imports Him and His Kingdom very much that they marry the Prince His onely Sonne presently going upon 23. yeeres having foâ—borne to marry for six yeeres past onely in respect of this Treaty He is commanded to declare plainly to your Majesty how farre he may condiscend in matter of Religion and if with this your Majesty be content to proceed to a conclusion of the Marriage without more delayes and if this be not enough to give satisfaction to your Majesty as he hopes it will seeing he hath yeelded to much more then what was capitulated in the time of the King Father to your Majesty now in glory your Majesty also would be pleased to declare on the part of your Majesty that without losse of more time his Majesty may dispose of the Prince his sonne and your Majesty of the Infanta as you best please The same day Octob. 3. 1622. King Iames discerning the Emperours and Spaniards strange proceedings in the Palatinate to gaine the totall possession of 〈◊〉 under colour of this Teaty dspaâ—ched this ensuing Letter into Spaine to the Lord Digby and the next day after this Minute of second Instructions sent by Master Porter RIght Trusty c. There is none knowes better then your selfe how We have laboured ever since the beginâ—g of these unfortunate troubles of the Empire notwithstanding all opposition to the contrary to merit well of Our good Brother the King of Spaine and the whole house of Austria by a long and lingring patience grounded still upon his friendship and promises that Care should be had of Our Honour and of Our Childrens Patrimony and Inheritance We have acquainted you also from time to time since the beginning of the Treaty at Bruxelles how crosly all things have there proceeded notwithstanding all the faire professions made unto Us both by the King of Spaine and the Infanta and all his Ministers and the Letters written by him unto the Emperour and them effectually at the least as they endeavoured to make Us beleeve But what fruits have We of all these other then dishonour and scorne Whilest We are treating the Towne and Castle of Heidelberg are taken by force Our Garrison put to the sword Manheim besieged and all the hostility used that is within the power of an enemy as you will see by the Relation which VVe have commanded Our Secretary to send you Our pleasure therefore is that you immediately as soone as you can get audience let that King understand how sensible We are of these proceedings of the Emperours towards Vs and withall are not a little troubled to see that the Infanta having an absolute Commission to conclude a Cessation and suspension of Armes should now at last when all Objections were answered and the former solely pretended Obstacles removed not onely delay the conclusion of the Treaty but refuse to lay her command upon the Emperours Generals for abstaining from
directions to tell your Lordship which he will transmit unto you by Letter now he cannot goe himâ— selfe that whereas it is insisted upon by the Pope that the Children of this Marriage should be brought up Catholiques under the Mother untill they be twelve or fourteen yeeres of age His Majesty having limitted their education under the Mother onely to seven yeeres NOTE His Majesty is contented to yeeld thus much farther that howbeit in the publique Articles which in that point he desires not to be altered he mention but seven yeeres he will oblige himselfe privately by a Letter to the King of Spaine that they shall be brought up sub Regimine Mairis for two yeeres longer that is untill the age of nine yeeres if that will give any satisfaction which your Lordship may manage as you see best for His Majesties service And so I rest Saint Martens-lane Octob. 14. 1622. After this about the 25. of October King Iames writ a private Letter with his own hand to the Earl of Bristoll which Secretary Calvert sent away with all speed and secrecy by Master Gage to limit the Spaniard unto two moneths to gaine the Popes Resolution and Dispensation from Rome as is evident by the Copy of this Secretaries Letter to the Earle from St. Martens-lane Octob. 26. 1622. The King of Spaine hereupon deludes King Iames with faire dilatory promises as if he intended the hastening of the Marriage but how farre he was from any such reall intention is evident by this Letter of his to his grand favourite Conde of Olivares dated the fifth of Novemb. 1622. found among the Lord Cottingtons papers THe King my Father declared at his death that his intent never was to marry my Sister the Infanta Donna Maria with the Prince of Wales NOTE which your Uncle Don Baltazar understood and so treated this March ever with intention to delay it notwithstanding it is now so farre advanced that considering all the aversnesse unto it of the Infanta it is time to seeke some meanes to divert the Treaty which I would have you find out and I will make it good whatsoever it be but in all other things procure the satisfaction of the King of Great Brittaine who hath deserved much and it shall content me so that it be not in the Maâ—ch To colour the matter the better he pretended no Dispensation would be granted at Rome unlesse the Pope received further satisfaction in the time of the Childrens education by the Mother and point of Ecclesiasticall persons exemption from all secular jurisdiction to remove with obstructions King Iames was content to comply in these particulars further then he had done before as His ensuing Letter to the Earl of Bristoll clearly demonstrates which Letter was drawne and written for his Majesties signature by Master now Lord Cottington theu Secretary to the Prince To the Earle of Bristoll RIght Trusty c. We have seene your Letters of the 21. Octob. both those directed unto Our Selfe as also to Our Secretary Sir George Calvert and in them doe observe your discreet proceeding both in the businesse concerning the restauration which We expect to be made to the Prince Palatine Our Sonne-in-law as also in the Treaty of the Marriage of Our deare Sonne the Prince of Wales Touching the first We perceive what professions the King and his Ministers have againe made unto you of a resolution to assist Us with his Armes in case by a faire Mediation and Treaty the restitution may not be obtained and how much in that kind he hath ingaged his Honour and his word unto you And howsoever the order given to the Infanta for the reliefe of Manheim arrived so late and after the Towne was yeelded into the hands of Tilly yet must We acknowledge it to be a good effect of your Negotiation and an Argument of that Kings sincere and sound intention By what We have now given in charge unto Our Secretary to advertise you in his Letters you will understand the present estate of this businesse and how constantly VVe doe still expect the performance of that ingagement from the King of Spaine without giving way to any thing that on Our behalfe may any way disturbe it And therefore you shall now doe well in Our name to presse him to a finall and effective resolution representing to him and to hiâ— Ministers how much it concernes Us in honour and in reputation besides the interest of Our Sonne-in-law not to admit any further delay And as touching the two points in the Treaty of the Marriage wherein you desire Our further direction and resolution you have by this time understood by the dispatch which George Gagâ— carried you NOTE how We were contented to permit the breeding and education of the Children under the government of their Mother untill the age of nine yeeres which We doubt not will give good satisfaction seeing their demand is but vntill ten yet seeing it is but one yeere more in case you shall not be able to draw them to be contented with nine We will not sticks at it And for the other point which concernes the exemption of the Ecclesiasticke from secular jurisdiction We shall be contented that the Ecclesiasticall Superior doe first take notice of the offence that shall be coâ—mitted and â—â—â—cording to the merit therenf either deliver him by degradation to the secular Iustice or banish him the Kingdome according to the quality of the delict which VVe conceive to be the same that is practised in Spaine and other parts Your dispatches are in all points so full and in them VVe receive so good satisfaction as in this VVe shall need nor to enlarge any further but onely to tell you that VVe are well pleased with the diligence and discreet imploying of your endeavours in all that concernâ—s Our service and so are VVe likewise with the whole proceedings of Our Ambassadour Sir Walter Aston Thus VVe bid you heartily farewell From New-market 24. Novemb. 1622. The King of Spaine after many delatories and much pressing by King Iames and his Ambassadour for a finall answer to his demands touching the Palaâ—mate and Match on the 12. of Decemb. 1622. returned this Answer in writing The Answer appointed by his Majesty to be given unto the Earle of Bristoll Extraordinary Ambassadour from the King of Great Brittaine touching those things which he hath represented from the said King unto his Majesty concerning the Marriage now in Treaty and the businesse of the Palatinâ—te is this which followeth Touching the Marriage THat his Majesty hath given order that his resolution be delivered unto him in writing and therein as the Earle of Bristoll himselfe hath seene hath endeavoured what he may to conforme himselfe with that which the King of Great Brittaine hath answered unto the Popes propositions so desirous hath his Majesty been from the beginning to overcome all difficulties that might hinder this Vnion that both here and at Rome he hath not slacked
no doubt considering that We have condescended unto approved and ratified all and every the Articles concerning Religion without changeing or altering any one word as they are agreed upon and concluded betweene the King of Spaines Commissioners and Our Ambassadour at Madrid in December last which being transmitted unto Vs both Our Selfe and Our Sonne the Prince have subscribed the same and so have sent them backe againe unto Our said Abassadour for a finall conclusion of all things concerning matter of Religion or conscience although the formality needed not Our Ambassadours having obliged Vs before sufficiently according to the large power given them by their Commission And thus much We have thought sit to let you know that if any further scruple should remaine there touching Our absolute consent you may be able to remove it Dated 5. Ian. 1622. SIR MAster Porter is safely here arrived the second of this Moneth with the conclusion of all those difficult Articles that hitherto have retarded the proceeding of the Match He was long looked for and a welcome man when he came both to his Majesty and the Prince insomuch as I must tell you I have no rest since with our yong Master for being called upon early and late to hasten away the dispatch of all to your selfe and my Lord of Bristoll which I have done with as much diligence as possibly I could His Majesty and the Prince have both of them subscribed all the Articles as they were sent hither from my Lord of Bristoll in this manner Hos supra memoratâ—s Articulos omnes ac singulos approbamus quicquam in its ex nostra parte seu nostrâ— nomine conventum est ratum atque gratum Habeâ—â— Iacobus Rex Carolus Pr. And in the full performance of whatsoever was agreed upon concerning the Bonuâ— Publicum his Majesty and the Prince likewise have written their severall letters unto the King of Spaine faithfully promising in the words of a King and of a Prince to cause the same to be observed inviolably in the very same Termes verbatim as it is set downe in the last Article of all sent hither from my Lord of Bristoll which I am 〈◊〉 you have seene and remembred viz. Quodea omnia prestituri sint quae ministris Regis Hispaniae ante hac verbotenus R. M. Britt pollicitus est NOTE Hoc est quod regnorum suorum Romano-Catholics persecutionem nullam patientur molestiave afficientur Religionis suae causa vel ob exercitium ullorum ejusdem Sacramentorum mode us utantur absque scandale quod intelligi debet intra privatos parietes nec juramentis aâ—t sub alio pretextu qualicunque ordinem religionis spect ante vexabuntur With these dispatches M. S. Digby who is within these foure or five dayes returned out of Germany is to be sent away to morrow for Spaine with all possible speed Don Carlos hath advertized to the Duke of Alberquerque the Padre Maestro and your selfe as much as I doe Now you know all that is done both in Spaine and here concerning this point I must leave you to such directions as you have received from the Earle of Bristoll how much of this to silence and how long to silence and what to discover as his letter and you have there thought fittest for the good of his Majesties service For the token which I send to Aristides I pary you be sure that he deserve it well for I doe not meane to be at that cost with him unlesse you be sure he doe me that curtisie which I expect and as he hath often made me beleeve It is an hundred to one but you shall find him at Alexandria if you misse him elswhere NOTE Aeneas recommends unto you againe secrecy in this businesse above all things and that you be certaine of speeding before you deliver the letter to Padre Maestro POSTSCRIPT From VVhite-hall 5. Ian. 1622 I Need not tell you how graciously his Majesty accepts of the good service you have done since it hath pleased him to acknowledge it under his own hand and I must not forget one charge more that I have received from him which is that I should will you in his name to salute the Padre Maestro affectionately from him and to let him know also how sensible and thankfull his Majesty is for those singular good offices and diligent endeavours which he hath used from the beginning of this businesse untill now and still continues them as his Majesty understands particularly from Don Carlos 〈◊〉 I pray you also commend my service unto him I have order for a Privy Seale of 300. li. more which the Earle of Bristoll delivered you in Madrid to be paid to Master Wake at Antwerpe What Gage did at Rome in pursuance of these two Letters and what opinion the Pope and Cardinals held of King Iames will appeare by this ensuing Lâ—tter of Maâ—teâ— Gage sent to his Majesty from Rome and thence dated the 24. of Aprill 1623. SIR IT may please your Majesty to understand that in a Congregation held the 22. of March stilo novo the Dispensation was finally resolved and order taken that the Cardinall Bandino should draw the Articles in forme the Cardinall la Susanna make the Breve and Monsignor Aquas the Popes Secretary who was present at the two last Sessions draw some Instructions for Monsignor de Massini the Nunâ—io now resident in the Court of Spaine And in the following Congregation held the 29. these things were seene and allowed and the next day presented to the Pope and allowed by him Concerning the particulars of the proceeding here of diffiâ—ulties overcome and of whâ—â— yet remaineth to be done I have given a large account to Master Secretary Calvert by which if your Majesty receive not that entire satisfaction which we who have laboured therein have most earnestly desired I shall most humbly beseech your Majesty to beleeve first that we have left no diligence undone by which we could hope to remove impediments and secondly that such difficulties as are either spent or yet to be admitted have been laid hold by the Cardinals neither to frustrate or prolong this Treaty but out of an opinion that they could not otherwise secure their Conscience proceed upon a just and valuable ground and satisfie the judgement of such discreet persons as may in times ensuing understand the passages of this great businesse And this point I am the â—older to represent to your Majesties gratious consideration because jointly with all their protestations to this effect their actions have concurred also to give good testimony thereof They hold most honourable language of your Majesty NOTE they professe a great desire to have occasions of doing you all humble service they have a â—ume opinion that the former rigours used towards your Catholique Subjects have risen from others but the graces then given from your Selfe and they are confident that your Majesty now that so potent intercessions have been used with you and
and by conforming himselfe to please the Spaniard to divers rites of their Religion even so farre as to kneele and adore their Sacrament from time to time gave the Spaniard hope of the Princes conversion NOTE the which conversion he endeavored to procured by all meanes possible and thereby caused the Spanish Ministers to propound farre worse conditions for Religion then had been formerly by the Earle of Bristoll and Sir Walter Ashton setled and signed under his Majesties hand with a clause in the King of Spaines answer of the 12. of December 1622. that they held the Articles agreed upon sufficient and such as ought to induce the Pope to the granting of the Dispensation That the Duke having severall times in the presence of the Earle of Bristoll moved his late Majesty at the instance of the Conde Gondomar to write a Letter to the Pope and to that purpose having once brought a Letter ready drawne wherewith the Earle of Bristoll being by his Majesty made acquainted did so strongly oppose the writing of any such Letter that during the abode of the said Earle of Bristoll in England the said Duke could not obtaine it Yet not long after the said Earle was gone he procured such a Letter to be written from his late Majesty unto the Pope NOTE and have him stiled therein Sanctissime Pater That the Pope being informed of the Duke of Buckinham his inclination and intention in point of Religion NOTE sent unto the said Duke a particular Bull in Parchment for to perswade and encourage him in the pervertion of his Majesty then Prince c. NOTE That the Earle of Bristoll did reveale unto his Majesty both by word and Letter in what sort the Duke had deceived him and abused his trust and that the King by severall wayes sent him word that he should rest assured that he would heare him but that he shovld leave it to him to take his owne time and thereupon few dayes before his sicknesse the sent the Earle word that he would heare him against the Duke as well as he had heard the Duke against him which the Duke himselfe heard and not long after his blessed Majesty sickned and dyed having in the interim been much vexed and pressed by the said Duke All these Articles with six others of like nature the Earle of Bristoll preferred to make good against the Duke by Letters and Witnesses but the Duke by his overswaying potency and instruments whereof Bishop Laud was chiefe dissolved the Parliament before any answer given to them The Articles exhibited to the House of Peeres against the Earle through the Dukes procurement by way of recrimination were many I shall onely recite the most pertinent to the present businesse of Religion b In the Lords Parchment Journall May 6. 1626. pag. 150 151 152 c. Articles of severall High-treasons other great and enormious Crimes Offences and Contempts committed by Iohn Earle of Bristoll against Our late Sovereigne Lord King Iames of blessed memory decreased and Our Sovereigne Lord the Kings Majesty which now is wherewith the said Earle is charged by his Majesties Attourney generall on his Majesties behalfe in the most high and honourable Court of Parliament before the King and his Lords THat the said Earle from the beginning of his Negotiation and the whole mannaging thereof by him during his ambassage into Spaine he the said Earle contrary to his faith and duty to God the true Religion professed by the Church of England and the peace of this Church and State did intend and resolve that if the said marriage so treated of as aforesaid should by his ministry be effected that thereby the Romish Religion and the professors thereof should be advanced within this Realme NOTE and other his Majesties Realmes and Dominions and the true Religion and the professors thereof discouraged and discountenanced And to that end and purpose the said Earle during the time aforesaid by Letters unto his late Majesty and otherwise often counselled and perswaded the said late Kings Majesty to set at liberty the Jesuits and Priests of the Roman Religion which according to the good religions and politicke Lawes of this Realme were imprisoned or restrained and to grant and allow unto the Papists and professors of the Romish Religion a free toleration and silencing of the lawes made and standing in force against them That at the Princes comming into Spain during the time aforesaid the said Earle of Bristoll cunningly falsly and traiterously moved and perswaded the Prince being then in the power of a forreigne King of the Romish Religion to change his Religion NOTE which was done in this manner At the Princes first comming to the said Earle he asked the Prince for what he came thither The Prince at first not conceiving the Earles meaning answered you know as well as I the Earle replied Sir servants can never serve their Master industriously although they may doe it faithfully unlesse they know their meanings fully give me leave therefore to tell you what they say in the Towne is the cause of your comming THAT YOU MEANE TO CHANGE YOUR RELIGION AND TO DECLARE IT HERE and yet cunningly to disguise it the Earle added further Sir I doe not speake this that I will perswade you to doe it or that I will promise you that I will follow your example though you will doe it but as your faithfull servant if you will trust me with so great a secret I will endeavour to carry it the discreetest way I can The Prince being moved with this unexpected motion againe said unto him I wonder what you have ever found in me that you should conceive I would be so base or unworthy as for a Wife to change my Religion The said Earle replying desired the Prince to pardon him if he had offended him it was but out of his desire to serve him which perswasion of the said Earle was the more dangerous because the more subtill Whereas it had beene the duty of a faithfull servant to God and his Master if he had found the Prince staggering in his Religion to have prevented so great an Error and to have perswaded against it so to have avoyded the dangerous consequences thereof to the true Religion and to this state if such a thing should have happened 8. That afterward during the Princes being in Spaine the said Earle having conference with the said Prince about the Romish Religion he endeavoured falsely and traiterously to perswade the Prince to change his Religion as aforesaid AND BECOME A ROMISH CATHOLIKE NOTE and to Become OBEDIENT TO THE VSVRPED AVTHORITY OF THE POPE OF ROME And to that end and purpose the said Earle traiterously used these words unto the said Prince That the State of England did never any great thing but when they were under the obedience of the Pope of Rome and that it was impossible they could doe any thing of note otherwise 9. That during
observance also the rest of Our Subjects Vassals are not obliged as likewise the general lawes under which all are equally comprehended to wit as to the Roman Catholiques if they be such as is aforesaid which are repugnant to the Roman Catholique Religion and that hereafter We will not consent that the said Parliament should ever at any time enact or write any other new lawes against Roman Catholiquâ—s We accounting all and singular the preceeding Articles ratified and accepted out of Our certaine knowledge as â—â—rre as they concerne Vs Our Heires or Successors approve ratifie applaud and promise bona fide and in the word of a King by these presents inviolably firmly well and faithfully to keep observe and fulfill the same and to cause them to be kept observed and fulfilled without any exception or contradiction and doe confirme the same by Oath upon the holy Evangelists notwithstanding any opinions sentences or lawes whatsoever to the contrary in the presence of the most illustrious Don Iohn de Mendoza Marquesse of Inojosa and Don Charles Coloma Extraordinary Ambassadours of the Catholique King of George Calvert Kt. one of Our chiefe Secretaries of Edward Conway Knight aâ—other of Our chiefe Secretaries of Francis Cottington Baronet of the Privy Counsell to Our Sonne the Prince of Francis de Corondelet Apostolicall or the Popes Prothoâ—â—tory and Arch-deacon of Cambray Dated at Our Pallace at Westminster the â—0 day of July An. Dom. 1623. in the English stile Iacobus Rex A compared and true Copy George Calvert then chiefe Secretary The forme of the Oath which the Lords of the Counsell tooke to the former Articles 〈◊〉 this which followeth found among the Lord Cottingtons papers Formula Juramenti a Consiliarijs Praestandi FGOâ—N jurâ— me debite pleneque observâ—â—â—â—â—m quâ—ntum ad me spectâ—t 〈…〉 Carolum Walliae 〈…〉 et serenissimâ—m Domin un Donnam Mariam Hispaniarum 〈…〉 Iuro etiam quod neque per me nec per Minisâ—â—â— aliquem inferiorem mihi 〈◊〉 lege 〈…〉 contra 〈…〉 These things thus acted in England by the King I shall next informe you what was acted in Spaine by the Prince b Mercuâ—e francois Tom. 9. An. 1624. p. 8. 9. Pope Gregory the 15. before his death and granting of the Dispenâ—ation had obliged and charged the conscience of his Catholique Majesty to see the execution and accomplishment of all the conditions required by his Holinesse in favour of the Catholiques of England Ireland and Scotland c Popes know how to make good â—argaines foâ— the Diâ—pensation to which he had assented His Majesty hereupon called an Assembly of Divines to consult with what he ought to doe fot the discharge of his conscience in this regard Their resolution was First that the Prince of 〈…〉 promise upon his Oath for to performe the conditions 〈…〉 should doe the like Secondly that the promis 〈…〉 should be presently made betweene the Prince of Wales and the most 〈…〉 but that the consummation of the Marriage and delivery of the 〈…〉 â—â—ould not 〈◊〉 all be execuâ—ed untill the month of May in the following yeere 1624. to the end that they might experimentally see during this time if the fore said conditions required by his Holinesse should be faithfully accomplished This last condition seemed very rigorous to the Prince but the King of Spaine promised him to procure that the time should be abridged As to the first the Prince of Wales tooke an Oath to his Majesty to observe the foresaid conditions and signed them with his hand and he likewise swore and signed this by way of overplus NOTE To permit at all times that any should freely propose to him the arguments of the Catholike Religion without giving any impediment and that he would never directly nor indirectly permit any to speake to the Infanta against the same A very strange dishonourable ensnaring Oath exposing the Prince to all seducements and seducers from our Religion without the least impeachment on the one hand and debarring his Highnesse and all others so much as once to open their lips to speake against Popery or to attempt the conversion of tâ—e Infanta to our Religion on the other hand These later strange Articles in favour of the Roman Catholiques originally contrived by the Pope himselfe and his Cardinals being thus sworn signed by the King and Prince gave great distaste to those of the Protestant party in England who had notice of them wherupon King Iames soon after perceiving the Spaniards jugling with him and that this Match notwithstanding all the former Articles sworne and sealed might receive a rupture though at first he was so confident of it that he said openly in Court d The Vâ—calâ— forrest p. 126. 127. That now al the devils in hel could not hinder the Match therupon made this Protestation sent to Salisbury by way of explanation of the latter Articles found among Secretary Windebanks and Cottingtons papers sufficiently maâ—ifesting the verity of the said Articles printed long since Cum Privilegio in the French Mercury one of the truest Histories in this latter age how ever the Author of e Pag. 34. 44 45. A Royall Vindication in answer to the Royall Popish Favourite lights it as most false fabulous and making a kind of Commentary on them Whereas his Majesty obligeth himselfe by oath that no particular Law now in force against the Roman Catholiques King Iames his Protestation to which the rest of his Subjects generally are not liable nor any generall Lawes which may concerne all his Subjects equally and indifferently being such neverthelesse as are repugnant to the Roman religion shall be executed at any time as to the said Roman Catholiques in any â—anner or case whatsoever directly or indirectly And that his Majesty shall cause the Lords of his Pivy Councell to take the same oath in so much as concernes them or the execution of the Lawes afore mentioned so far forth as the same appertaines unto them or any officers or Ministers under them And whereas further his Majesty obligeth himselfe by the oath that no other Lawâ— shall hereafter be enacted against the said Roman Catholiques but that a perpetuall toleration to exercise the Roman Catholique Religion within their private houses shall be allowed unto them throughout all his Majesties Kingdomes and Dominionâ— NOTE that is to say as well within his Kingdomes of Scotland and Ireland as of England in manner and forme as is capiâ—ulated declared and granted in the Articles concerning the Marriage His Majesty intendeth really and effectually to performe what he hath promised touching suspention of Lawes against his Roman Catholique Subjects but with this protestation That if they shall insolently abuse this his Majesties high grace and favour to the danger of imbroyling his State and government the safety of the Common-wealth is in this case suprema Lex and his Majesty must notwithstanding his said oath proceed against the offenders yet so as that before he doe
advertized his Majesty But the estate of affaires ten or fiveteene dayes before when I intended to have passed to the disposotios I confesse I supposed to be such that I wish I had suffered much that they were againe upon the same tearme if his Majesty have a desire to proceed with this Allyance and to settle the businesse of the Palatinate by this Kings helpe and mediation First for the businesse of the Match against which it hath beene the maine objection that it was never really meant but only held in Treaty to abuse and entertaine the King it was now certainly to have taken effect within three dayes viz. on the twentieth of November had not the restraint arryved here on the 26th and all things would have beene most exectly and punctually performed according to the capitulation and here was no thought of any thing but of providing Presents for the King and Prince and settling of the Princesses Family and preparations for the journey the first day of March and the Princesse had begun to draw the letters which she intended to have written the day of the desposories to the Prince her Husband and the King her Father in law For the businesse of the Palatinate as it will appeare by the joynt dispatch which Sir Walter Aston and my selfe wrote of the 23. of November that we were assured not by the Conde of Olivares only in this Kings name but severally by all the Councellors that a settled resolution was taken in Councell on the 16. of November That this King should procure his Majesties entire satisfaction and hereof the Cardinall Capata and divers other Councellors that professed themselves particularly affected to the King and Princes service came to give Sir Walter Ashton and my selfe the Parabien The Conde of Olivares intreated us both in this Kings name to assure his Majesty thereof upon our honours and upon our lives if need were and thus much was to have beene delivered unto us in writing before we would have passed to the Disposorios as will plainly apeare by this above mentioned dispatch of the 23. of November Besides the Princes had now made this businesse her owne and had therein most earnestly moved the King her Brother and written unto the Conde of Olivares and had set her heart upon the making of her selfe gratefull and welcome to the King and Kingdome by overcomming this businesse further I conceive it hath been and is the general opinion of wise men that his Majesty could have no such assurance of this Kings reall intention of giving his Majesty satisfaction in the businesse of the Palatinate as that he proceeded really to the performance of the Match and that this was the opinion of his Majesty and all my Lords and the ground whereupon I was to frame all my Negotiation in this particular I shall procure very authenticall proofe and if I had but halfe so cleare a warrant for the hazarding of the Match by the deferring of the Disposorios as I have for the making of the concluding of the match the rule for my proceeding in the businesse of the Palatinate I should not have replyed for a further explanation of his Majesties pleasure nor have beene questionable for an intention of going against my Order For the point of the Portion it was agreed that I should have had three hundred thousand Crownes paid at Twelfe-tide the other 30000. which were formerly spoken of to have been carryed in Jewells with the Infanta they were content that the Princes should have carried 20000. Crownes in ready money and only 10000. in Jewells for the rest if the maner of payment that was propounded had not liked his Majesty they were resolved to have given his Majesty other satisfaction at reasonable dayes as should be agreed of although I must here crave leave to let his Majesty know that having two Months before advertized this offer I never understood of his Majesties dislike or rejection of it by his letters of the thirteenth of November which likewise commanded the putting off of the disposorios And this was the true estate of his Majesties affaires as it appeared unto me and those with whom I was to communicate his Majesties businesse when I intended to have proceeded to the disposorios if in the interim I should not receive his Majesteis directions to the contrary which I was most assured of in case his Majesty should not like of that intention As for the other point that I should have intended to have passed the disposorios contrary to the order given me certainly I erred not with any malice or intention of having stolne a Mariage upon my Master against his will for if I had supposing I wanted sufficient warrant to have stayed the Disposorios I would have concealed it and so passed on and not have sent with so much diligence to have a cleare uâ—derstanding of his Majesties pleasure neither would I with so great industry and great displeasure have prolonged the twentie foure to thirtie dayes and then so exactly and readily obeyed when I had a cleâ—e understanding of my Masters will for the first thing I did was instantly within few houres to send backe Peter Killigrew to let his Majesty know that his orders should be most punctually obeyed and soe they should have been before if I had not understood that the nomination of a holy day in Christmas whereof I wonder how his Majesty could want due information of the expyring of the the Powers had not overthrowne all his Majesties intentionâ— and desires in his very letter expressed and hereof by due obedience unto the Prince his order formerly upon the scruple of the Infantaes entring into Religion may be a sufficient argument I will not trouble you with any further Apologie only I shall humbly offer unto his Majesty and my Lords consideration First that I understood the Infanta to be my young Masters Wife or spouse at least for such was now her stile and as such was I enjoynd to serve her and as such my Lord Duke and my selfe and all the English kissed her hands as her servants and Vassalls Secondly the Powers were drawne by the intervention of both parties The King of Spaine accepting the substitution and the Prince delivering of them legally to the King of Spaine and his Brothers use These powers were deposited in my hands upon trust as Embassador of the King of great Brittain with publique Declaration how and when I was to deliver them and this drawne into an Instrument by Iuan de Cirica as publique Notarie and this point is here much pressed and I conceive many Pens will be imployed about the case Thirdly I ever understood that my Master infinitly desired the Match and the Prince in his letters at the very same time expresseth that he much desireth it besides the ingagements that have here passed recyprocally are publicke to the world I shall willingly now submit my selfe to any censure which whether were the honester
dutifuller or more prudent way upon inference and collections to have put a disgrace and disrespect upon so great and worthy a Princesse that was to be his Masters wife to have no way insisted for the makeing good of the publicke trust reposed in him by two so great Monarchs when the powers were deposited in his hands but to have put a great scorne upon the King of Spaine by nominating a day for the Mariage when the powers should be expired to have hazzarded the overthrowing of so great and important a businesse for to that issue it was brought and I required to take or leave either to proceed according to their capitulations or that this King would hould himselfe freed of them and the issue now sheweth the truth thereof or on the other side to have represented unto his Mastjesty with truth and syncerity the true estate of all things with his humble opinion the wrong and disgrace that the putting off the Mariage will be esteemed to the person of the Infanta the scorne that would be judged to be put upon the King of Spaine by the nominating of a day when the powers were expired The hard construction that would be made upon the detention of the powers without some new and immergent cause The danger that the Mariage would be in if hereby it should be disordered The likelyhood that the Match would be the greatest security for the restitution of the Palatinate and iâ— case these reasons should not be able to perswade his Majesty to proceed then there was intimated that there wanted sufficient warrant for the detaining of the powers which was desired might be clearly sent unto him In this interim all the aboveâ— said inconveniences were deferred that busines held up upon faire tearmes that his Majesty might have his way and choyce unsoild before him untill his Majesty was pleased clearely and positively to declare his pleasure in the point whereunto there was ready and exact obedience given soe that I shall willingly submit my selfe to the censure of the world whether an inintention so well and honestly grounded seconded with so exact and ready an obedience shall make me blame worthy I must confesse that if with out cleare and sufficient warrant I had so much disordered the affaires of his Majesty as I now conceive them to be I should have had a heavy and sad heart which I thanke God I now have not but confident of mine owne innocency I can be no wayes diffident of my Masters accustomed Grace and favour And so earnestly intreating you to present this my humble Answere to his Majesty and my Lords the Commissioners I remember my service affectionatly unto you and leave you to Gods holy protection Mad. the 28. Octb. 1623. Your affectionat freind to doe you service BRISTOLL To this Letter the King returned this ensuing Answer WEE have read your Letters of the 28. of October and the copie of that power which was left by Our deere Sonne We have examined and approved your reasons and we doe assure youâ— that if we had seene the power left by our son before our last Letters we had not written to you in the forme we did in ours of October the ninth touching the time of Christmas For we are so farre from having affection to deferre the Desposorios or make them fruitlesse as we desire to hasten them to a speedy good conclusion being of the like affection with our deere brother of Spaine with one act to make a match and an entire friendship according to the Count of Olivares his ground formerly delivered to our Sonne and Buckingham and mentioned in your owne letter for the reall effecting of which we have thought good to command our deere Sonne to deferre the present execution of the powers left and to renew the power by another herewith sent that there may bee no fault in us not in our Son if that King cannot give us satisfaction in the just things we desire which will containe the maine ground of our friendship in so short a time in which the first power should become inualid And yet we must tell you we have almost with astonishment observed one action of so great Checque and contradiction of our hope of the restitution of the Palatinate as we know not what construction to make of it The Berkstrot in the Palatinate the prime flower of our sonne in Lawes Revenue which is the maine motive that causeth us thus carefully and speedily to seeke satisfaction and urge so earnestly till wee may receive it and which was taken by the Armes and assistance of Spaine and as wee are informed in the possession of the Spanish Garison or under their command the Country or the revenue thereof which is a fortifying of their ancient claime freshly delivered into the hands of the Bishop of Mentz contrary to the last contract between his Majestie and the Infanta at Bruxelles and that without forme of justice upon an old pretence which must imbroyle it the more especially being to another person then any of these to whom interest or mediation hath beene formerly thought of These being only the Emperor Spaine and the Duke of Bavaria The consideration of which new difficulties done in the presence or without the contradiction either of Verdugo or any other Officer or Minister of the Infanta's or knowledge given to us gives us infinitely to thinke and to finde it requisite to deale clearely and plainely with you and to charge and require you to deale as plainly with our deare Brother that we are so much bound in honour naturall affection and interest to see our Sonne-in-Law have restitution of his estate and honour without which effect wee cannot rest satisfied as you have often heard the Declaration of our minde in that point the rather because it would bee a great discouragement to our Son-in-Law without whom we can doe nothing and a great disproportion to receive one daughter in joy and contentment and leave another in toares and sighes And to the end we may bee assured of the effects we require you before you deliver our deere Sonnes power or move to any contracting of him that you procure from that King by act or answer to you under his hand or by Letters to us that he will helpe us to the restitution of the Palatinate and dignity by meditation or other wise assist us if mediation faile and within what time the mediation shall determine and the assistance of armes begin The honourable conditions of restitution we hope remaine with you And to shew you how we desire to comply with our deere Brother of Spaine We shall bee ready to propound good wayes to satisfie the D. of Bavaria in point of title and honour and to continue our negotiation for the match of Our Grand-Child the eldest sonne of our Sonne-in-Law with the Daughter of the Emperor Our Sonne-in-Laws Letters we send you herewith and because we know his aversenesse to our Grand-Childs breeding
* Page 34 44. undervalues the French Mercury and other histories who have written any thing of this Match may peruse at his leasure to satisfie his judgement Conscience in the verity of the premises and of this Mercury to The Parliament upon this relaiâ—on adâ—vised the King to breake off the Spanish treaty and to proclaime an open warre with Spaine for recovery of the Palatinate and defence of the protestant Religion Se the Lords Iournall And Archbishops Diary March 23. whereupon the King on the 23 of February declared to a Committee of Parliament appointed for that purpose That he would send a Messenger presently into Spaine to signifie to that King that his Parliament advised him to breake of the Treaties of the Match and the Palatinat and to give his reasons of it and so proceed to recover the Palatinate as he might Hereupon Bonefires were made in the City by the forwardnesse of the people for joy that we should breake with Spaine In this Parliament to maintaine the war in which they had engaged the King * See 21 Iac. c. 32. 33. the Clergy granted him four intire Subsidies of foure shillings the pound and the Temporalty three intire Subsidies and three fifteens and tenthes The end of granting them is expressed in the Prologue of the Temporalities Act of Grant MOST * * 21. lac c. 33 Gratious Soveraigne we your Majesties most humble faithfull and loving Subjects by your Royall Authority now Assembled in your High Court of Parliament having entred into serious and due consideration of the weighty and most important causes which at this time more then at any other time heretofore doe presse your Majesty to a much greater expence and charge then your owne Treasure alone can at this present support and maintaine and likewise of the injuries and indignities which have beene lately offered to your Majesty and your Children under colour and during the time of the Treaties for the Mariage with Spaine and the restitution of the Palatinate which in this Parliament have beene clearely discovered and layde open unto us and withall what humble advice with one consent and voyce we have given unto your Majesty to dissolve those Treaties which your Majesty hath beene gratiously pleased to our exceeding joy and comfort fully to yeeld unto and accordingly have made your publique declaration for the reall and utter dissolution of them by meanes whereof your Majesty may happily be ingaged in a suddain Warre Wee in all humblenesse most ready and willing to give unto your Majesty and the whole world an ample testimony of our dutifull affections and sinceere intentions to assist You therein for the maintenance of that Warre that may hereafter ensue and more particularly for the defence of this your Realme of England the securing of your Kingdome of Ireland the assistance of your Neighbours the States of the united Provinces and other your Majesties Friends and Allies and for the setting forth of your Royall Navy we have resolved to give for the present the greatest ayde which ever was granted in Parliament to be levied in so short a time c. In this Parliament the Commons presented a sharpe Petition to the Lords against Popish NOTE Recusants desiring the Lords to joyne with them in it to the King of which King Iames having notice writ with his owne hand this following letter to Secretary Conway which I have truely extracted out of the very originall I doubt not but you have heard what a stinging Petition against the Papists the lower House have sent to the higher House this day that they might joyntly present it unto me ye know my firme resolution not to make this a Warre of Religion And seeing I would be loath to be Connycatched by my people I pray you stay the Post that is going to Spaine till I meet with my Son who will be here to morrow morning do it upon pretext of some more letters ye are to send by him and if he should be gone hasten after him to stay him upon some such pretext and let none living know of this as ye love me and before two in the afternoone to morrow you shall with out saile heare from me Farwell Iames R. This Petition was sent up to the Lords as appeares by their * 3 Aprâ—â—â— 1624. Iournall Booke upon the 3. of Aprill 1624. the Coppy whereof is therein recorded in forme following Die Lunae quinto Aprilis 1624. The Petion against Popish Recusaurs which the Commons desire to be presented unto his Majesty and that the Lords joyne with them therein May it please your most Excellent Majesty VVE your Majesties most humble and loyall Subjects the Lords Commons in this present Parliament assembled having to our singular comfort received your Princely resolution upon our humble Petition to disolve the two treaties of the Match and of the Pallatinate and having on our parts with all alacrity and readinesse humbly offered our assistance to your Majesty to maintaine the Warre which may insue there upon yet with all sencibly finding what seditious and Traiterous positions those Incendiaries of Rome and professed Engines of Spaine the Priests and Iesuits infuse into your naturall borne Subjects what numbers they have seduced and doe dayly seduce to make their dependance on the Pope of Rome and King of Spaine contrary to their Allegiance to your Majesty their Leige Lord what daily resort of Priests and Jesuites into your Kingdomes what concourse of Popish Recusants much more then usuall is now in and about the City of London NOTE what boldnesse yea what insolency they have discovered out of the opinion conceived of their forraigne patronage what publique resort to Masses and other exercises of the Popish Religion in the Houses of forraigne Ambassadors there is daily to the great griefe and offence of your good Subjects what great preparations are made in Spaine fit for an Invasion the bent whereof is as probable to bee upon some part of Your Majesties Dominions as upon any other place what incouragement that may bee to your Enemies and the Enemies of Your Crown to have a party or but the opinion of a party within Your Kingdomes who do daily increase and combine themselves together for that purpose What dishartning of your good and loving Subjects when they shall see more cause of feare from their false hearted Country-men at home then from their professed adversaries abroad what apparent dangers by Gods providence and Your Majesties wisdome and goodnesse they have very lately escaped which the longer continuance of those treaties upon such unfitting conditions fomented by your owne ill affected Subjects NOTE would surely have drawne upon Your Majesty and Your State doe in all humblenesse offer to your sacred Majestie these their humble petitions following 1. That all Jesuites and Semminary Priests and all others having taken Orders by any authority derived from the Sea of Rome may by Your Majesties Proclamation be commanded
forthwith to depart out of this Realme and all other Your Highnesse Dominions and neither they nor any other to returne or come hither againe upon perrill of the severest penaltie of the Lawes now in force against them And that all your Majesties Subjects may hereby also be admonished not to receive entertaine comfort or conceale any of that viperous brood upon the penalties and forfeitures which by the Lawes may be imposed upon them 2. That your Majesty would be pleased to give streight and speedy charge to the Justices of Peace in all parts of this Kingdome that according to the Lawes in that behalfe made and the orders taken by Your Majesties Privie Councell heretofore for policie of State they doe take from all Popish Recusants legally convicted or justly suspected All such Armor Gunpowder and Munition of any kinde as any of them have either in their owne hands or in the hands of any other for them and to see the same safely kept and disposed according to the Law leaving for the necessary defence of their House and persons so much as by the Law is prescribed 3. That Your Majestie will please to command all popish Recusants and all others who by any Law or Statute are prohibited to come to the Kings Court forthwith under paine of your heavie displeasure and severe execution of your Lawes against them to retire themselves their wives and families from or about London to their severall dwellings or places by your Lawes appointed and there to remaine confined within five myles of their dwelling places according to the Lawes of this your Realme And for that purpose to discharge all by-past Lycences granted unto them for their repaire hither And that they presume not any time hereafter to repaire to London or within tenne myles of London or to the Kings Court or to the Princes Court wheresoever 4. That Your Majesty would forbid and restraine the great resort and concourse of your owne Subjects for the hearing of Masse or other exercise of the Romish Religion to the houses of Forreigne Ambassadors or Agents residing here for the service of their severall Princes or States 5. That where of late in severall Counties in this Realme some have bin trusted in the places of Lord Leiutenants deputies Leiutenants Commissioners of Oyer and Terminer Justices of Peace and Captaines in their Countries which are either popish Recusants or non-Communicants by the space of a yeare now last past or which do not usually resort to the Church to Divine service and can bring no good certificat thereof that your Majesty would be pleased to discharge them from those places of trust by which they have that power in the Country where they live as is not fit to be put into the hands of persons so affected 6. That your Majesty would be pleased generally to put the Lawes in due execution which are made and stand in force against Popish Recusants and that all your Judges Iustices and Miniisters of Iustice to whose care these things are Committed may by your Majestyes Proclamation be Commanded to doe their duty therein 7. That seeing we are thus happily delivered from that danger which those Treaties now dissolved and that use which your ast; ast; NOTE ill affected Subjects made thereof would certainly have drawne upon us and cannot but foresee and feare least the like may heareafter happen which would unevitably bring such perill to your Majesties Kingdomes We are most humble suiters to your Gracious Majesty to secure the hearts of your good Subjects by the engagement of your Royall word unto them that upon no occasion of Marriage or Treaty or other request in that behalfe from any foraign Prince or state whatsoever you will take off or slacken the execution of your Lawes against the Popish Recusants To which our humble Perions proceeding from our most Loyall and dutifull affections towards your Majesty our care of our Countries good and our confident perswation that this will much advance the Glory of Almighty God the everlasting honour of your Majesty the safety of your Kingdome and the encouragment of all your good Subjects We do most humbly beseech your Majesty to vouchsafe a gratious Answer This Petition of the Commons after some debate and Conference between both Houses was reduced to this ensuing forme and so presented to King â— Iames. * See the Lords parchment Iournall on this day Die Sabbathi viz decimo die Aprilis 1624. May it please your most excellent Majesty IT having pleased you upon our humble suit and advise to dissolve both the Treaties to our great joy and comfort We your Majesties most faithfull and Loyall Subjects the Lords and Commons Assembled in Parliament doe in all humblenesse offer unto your sacred Majesty these two Petitions following 1. That for the more safety of your Realmes and better keeping your Subjects in their due obedience and other important reasons of state your Majesty would be pleased by some such course as your Majesty shall thinke fit to give present order that all the Lawes be put in due execution which have beene made and do stand in force against Iesuits Semenary Priests and all others having taken orders by Authority derived from the Sea of Rome and generally against all Popish Recusants And as for disarming that it may be according to the Lawes and according to former Acts and directions of state in that Case and yet that it may appeare to all the world the favour and clemency your Majesty useth towards all your Subjects of what condition whatsoever And to the intent the Jesuits and Priests now in the Realme may not pretend to be surprised That a speedy and certaine day may be perfixed by your Majesties Proclamation before which day they shall depart out of this Realme and all other your highnesse Dominions and neither they nor any other to returne or come hither againe upon perill of the severest penalties of the lawes now in force against them And that all your Majesties Subjects may thereby also be admonished not to receive entertaine comfort conceale any of them upon the penalties and forfeitures which by the lawes may be imposed on them Secondly seeing we are thus happily delivered from that danger which those Treaties now dissolved and that use which your ill affected Subjects made thereof would certainly have drawne upon us and yet cannot but foresee and feare least the like may hereafter happen which would inevitably bring such perill upon your Majesties Kingdomes We are most humble Sutors to your gracious Majesty to secure the hearts of your good Subjects by the engagement of your royall word unto them that upon no occasion of marriage or treaty or other request in that behalfe from any forreigne Prince or State whatsoever you will take away or slacken the execution of your lawes against Jesuits Priests and popish Recusants To which our humble Petitions proceeding from our most loyall and dutifull affections towards your Majesty our care of
and her Family at Somerset-house to say Masse in with a Moâ—astery thereto adjoyning for Capuchin Fryers who were therein placed and walked abroad in their Fryars-habits seducing his Majesties Subjects Hereupon the Papists though formerly much daunted by the dissolution of the Spanish Match began to lift up their heads elevated their hopes and resorted openly to Masse in great multitudes Seminary Priests and Jesuits repaired into the Realme from all forreigne parts without restraint and grew very numerous and bold which the Parliament then sitting taking into their pious and serious consideration in the beginning of August 1625. both Houses presented the King at Oxford whither the Parliament was then adjourned by reason of the plague with this ensuing Petition aginst Recusants Priests and Jesuits whereunto I have annexed his Majesties Answer to each branch thereof which was very plausible to ingratiate himselfe with his people in the beginning of his reigne had it been really performed To the KINGS most excellent Majesty Most gracious Soveraigne IT being infalliby true that nothing can more establish the Throne and assure the peace and prosperity of your people then the unity and sincerity of Religion We your most humble and loyall Subjects the Lords spirituall and temporall and Commons of this present Parliament assembled hold ovr selves bound in conscience and duty to represent the same to your sacred Majesty together with the dangerous consequences and what we conceive to be the principall causes thereof and what may be the remadies The dangers appeare in these Particulars 1. First in their desperate ends being both the subversion of Church and State and the restlesnesse of their spirits to attaine these ends the doctrine of their Teachers and Leaders perswading them that therein they doe God good service 2. Secondly their evident and strict dependency upon such forreigne Princes as no way affect the good of your Majesty and this State 3. Thirdly the opening a way of popularity to the ambition of any who shall adventure to make himselfe head of so great a party The principall cause of the increase of Papists 1. First the want of due execution of lawes against Jesuits Seminary-priests and Papist Recusants occasioned partly by the connivency of the State partly by defects in the lawes themselves and partly by the manifold abuse of Officers 2. Secondly the interposing of forreigne Princes by their Ambassadours and Agents in favour of them 3. Thirdly their great concourse to the City and frequent conferences and Conâ—â—nticles there 4. Fourthly the open and usuall resort to the houses and Chappels of Forreigne Ambassadours 5. Fiftly the education of their children in Seminaries and houses of their Religion in forreigne parts which of late have been greatly multiplied and enlarged for entertaining of the English 6. Sixtly that in some places of your Realme your people be not sufficiently instructed in the knowledge of true Religion 7. Seventhly the licentious printing and dispersin of popish and seditious books 8. Eightly the imployment of men ill affected in Religion in places of government who doe shall or may countenance the popish party The Remedies against this outragious and dangerous disease we conceive to be these ensuing 1â— That the youth of this Realm be carefully educated by able and religious School-masters and they to be enjoyned to catechize and instruct their Schollers in the grounds and principles of true Religion and whereas by many complaints from divers parts of the Kingdome it doth plainly appeare that sundry popish Schollers dissembling their Religion have craftily crept in and obtained the places of teaching in divers Countries and therby infected and perverted their Schollers and so fitted them to be transported to the popish Seminaries beyond the seas that therefore there be great care in choyce and admitting Schoole-masters and that the ordinaries make diligent inquiries of their demeanours and proceed to the removing of such as shall be faulty or justly suspected His Majesties Answer This is well allowed of and for the better performance of what is desired letters shall be written to the two Arch-bishops and from them letters to goe to all the ordinaries of their severall Provinces to see this done the severall ordinaries to give account of their doings herein to the Arch-bishops respectively and they to give account to his Majesty of their proceedings herein 2. That the ancient discipline of the Universities be restored being the famous Nurses of literature and vertue Answ. This is approved by his Majesty and the Chancelour of each University shall be required to cause due execution of it 3. That speciall care be taken to enlarge the word of God through all the parts of your Majesties Dominions as being the most powerfull meanes for planting of true Religion and rooting out of the contrary to which end among other things let it please your Majesty to advise your Bishops by fatherly entreaty and tender usage to reduce to the peaceable and orderly service of the Church such able Ministers as have been formerly silenced that there may be a profitable use of their ministery in these needfull and dangerous times and that Non-residency Pluralities and Commendams may be moderated where we cannot forbeare most humbly to thanke your Majesty for deminishing the number of your owne Chaplaines nothing doubting of the like princely care for the well bestowing of the rest of your Benefices both to the comfort of the people and the encouragement of the Universities being full of grave and able Ministers unfurnisht of livings Answ. This his Majesty likes well so as it be applyed to such Ministers as are peaceable orderly and conformable to the Church-government for pluralities and Non-residencies those are now so moderated that the Arch-bishops affirme there be now no Dispensutions for pluralities granted not no man now hath allowed above two Benefices and those not above thirty miles distant and for avoyding Non-residence the Canon in that case provided shall be duely put in execution for commendams they shall be sparingly granted onely in such case where the exility and smalnesse of the Bishopricke requireth Also his Majesty will cause that the Benefices belonging to him shall be well bestowed and for the better propagating of Religion his Majesty recommendeth to the House of Parliament that care may be taken and provision made that every parish shall alow a competent maintenance for an able Minister and that the owners of personages impropriate would alow to the Vicars Curates and Ministers in Villages and places belonging to their personage sufficient stipend and allowance for preaching Ministers 4. That there may be streight provision against transporting of English children to the Seminaries beyond the seas and for the recalling of them who are already there placed and for the punishment of such your Subjects as are maintainers of those Seminaries or of the Scollers considering that besides the seducing of your people great summes of mony are yeerly expended upon them to the impoverishing of this Kingdome Answ. The
of the present estate the causes and remedies of this encreasing disease of Popery humbly offering the same to your Princely care and wisedome The answer of your Majesties Father our late Soveraigne of famous memory upon the like Petition did give us great comfort of Reformation but your Majesties most gracious promises made in that kind doe give us confidence and assurance of the continuall performance thereof in which comfort and confidence reposing our selves we most humbly pray for your Majesties long continuance in all Princely felicity This Petition as I find by the Commons Iournall was ordered to be drawne up by a speciall Committee upon a complaint made in that House of the liberty of Priests and Iesuits 21. Iunâ—â— 1. Car. On the 7. of Iuly following it was voted in the House answered by the King the 7. of August and the Answer thereunto reported Aug. 8. But this Parliament being unhappily dissolved in discontent the twelfth of that August these plausible answers vanished into smoake and notwithstanding them the execution of Priests and Jesuits apprehended during and after the Parliament and the proceedings against Recusants by well affected Justices and people were stayed in some places by warrants under the privy Signet and other under-hand meanes Yet in December following the King being necessitated to summon a new Parliament to prevent clamours and complaints in not making good his Answers to the foresaid Petition caused a Commission to be awarded under the great Seale for executing the lawes against Recusants which was read in all the Courts of Iustice at Redding and withall sent this Letter to the then Arch-bishop of Canterbury Abbot to be by him conveyed to all the Bishops of his Province to present and excoâ—municate all Recusants within their Duresse as will appear by this Letter of the said Archbishop to Doctor Land then Bishop of Saint Davids and his Letters to his Officials in pursuance of it the Originall whereof is in my custody AFter my hearty commendations c. It will appeare by the severall Copies under written from his royall Majesty to the Lords Grace of Canterbury and from my Lords Grace to me what care his Majesty hath for the preservation of true Religion setled and established in this Kingdome the tenour of these Letters are as followeth Right Reverend Father in God my very good Lord I have received from the Kings Majesty a Letter the Tenour whereof here followeth MOst Reverend Father in God Right trusty and Right Well beloved Counsellour We greet you well Whereas upon sundry weighty considerations Vs especially moving We lately awarded Our Commission under Our great Seale of England for the due and effectuall putting in execution of the severall laweâ— and statuteâ— remaining in force against popish Recusants and did cause Our said Commission to be publikely read in Our severall Courts holden the last terme at Redding That all Our loving Subjects might take notice of Our princely care and speciall charge for the advancement of true Religion and suppression of Suâ—erstition and Popery We have now thought fit out of the same care to adde a further charge to you and all others having Ecclesiasticall jurisdiction under Us that no good meanes be neglected on Our part for discovering finding out and apprehending of Iesuits Seminary-priests and other Seducers of Our people to the Romish Religion or for repressing popish Recusants and Delinquents of that sort against whom you are to proceed by Excommunication and other censures of the Church not omitting any other lawfull meanes to bring them forth to publike justice And as Our pleasure is that due and strict proceeding be used against such as are open and professed Papists of whom Ouâ— temporall lawes will more easily take hold So We doe recommend to the vigilanâ— care of you and the rest of Our Clergy for the repressing of those who being ill affected to the true Religion here established doe keep more close and secret their ill and dongerous affections that way and as well by their example as by secret and underhand slights and meanes doe much encourage and encrease the growth of popery and Superstition in sundry parts of this Kingdome And therefore We doe not onely require that none of them may have any manner of cover protection countenance or connivance from you or any of the rest as you tender Our royall commandement in that behalfe but that all possible diligence be used as well to unâ—â—ske the false shadowes and pretences of those who may possibly be wonne to conformity letting all men know that We cannot think well of any that having place and authority in the Church doe permit such persons to passe with impunity much lesse if they give them any countenance to the imboldning of them or their Adherents and because We understand that the number of Recusants is much more encreased in some Dioâ—esses then in others We shall impute the same to the negligence of those Bishops who have the same meanes and power of restraint unlesse they can shew Us some particular reason by which that contagion is become greater under them then others and not by their defaults and We doe hereby require you to send transcripts of these Our Letters to all the Bishops and Ordinaries within your province for the present execution of thisâ— Our generall direction and also to transmit the same our Letters to the Lord Archbishop of Yorke that he may take the like course within his Charge and Jurisdiction Given under Our Signet at Our Castle of Windsor the fifteenth day of December in the first yeere of Our Reigne By this you see the Royall and Christian care which his Majesty hath for the advancement of true Religion within this Kingdome and the suppressing of the contrary I doubt not but your Lordship will take it into serious consideration and by your Officers and Ministers give execution thereunto so that presentments be duly made and excommunication against the obstinate be issued forth as some few yeers past was accustomed and his Majesty doth expect that to shew your diligence and zeale therein yout Lordship soone after Easter returne unto me the list and number of all Recusant Papists within your Diocesse which without faile I doe expect and so I leave you to the Almighty and remaine Your Lordships loving brother G. Cant. Croydon the 21. of Decemb. 1625. These are therefore to will and require you and every of you through the severall Arch-deaconries within my Diocesses that there be all possible care taken of such as are any way backward in points of Religion and more especially of known and professed Recusants that they may be carefully presented and proceedings had against them to excommunication according to forme and order of Law and that there be a true List and Catalogue after every Easter yeerly sent unto me that according to the order of these Letters I may be able to have it ready and deliver it up to my Lord of Canterbury and for the
this very yeere even when the Parliament was sitting they were upon the point of gaining a publike Toleration of their Religion in Ireland where they plotted first openly to erect the same being furthest out of the Parliaments and peoples view and then to set it up openly by degrees neerer home This Toleration there by their powerfull Court-friends and purses was so farre resolved on and proceeded in that the Protestant Bishops of Ireland knew of no other meants to prevent it but by joyning in a publike Protestation against it the Copy occasion and manner whereof I shall here present you with as I found them in the Arch-bishop of Canterburies Study sent as it seemes to the then Arch-bishop out of Ireland The judgement of the Arch-bishops and Bishops of Ireland concerning a Toleration of the popish Religion by publike Protestation THE Religion of Papists is superstitious and idolarous their faith and doctrine erronious and hereticall their Church in respect of both Apostolicall to give them therefore a Toleration of Religion or to consent that they may freely exercise their Religion and professe their Faith and Doctrine is a grievous sinne and that in two respects First it is to make our selves accessary not only to their superstitious Idolatries Heresies and in a word to all the abominations of Popery but also which is a consequent of the former to the perdition of the seduced people which perish in the deluge of the Catholike Apostacy Secondly to grant them a Toleration in respect of any mony to be given or contribution to be made by them is to set Religion to sale and with it tho soules of the peoples whom Christ our Saviour hath redeemed with his blood And as it is a great sinne so it is a matter of most dangerous consequence the consideracion whereof we leave to the Wife and Judicious beseeching the Zealous God of Truth to make those who are in authority Zealous of God glory and of the advancement of true Religion zealous resolute and conragious against all popery superstition and idolatry There were likely to be granted unto the Papists in Ireland many priviledges and withall a Toleration for their Religion in the consideration of the payment of a great summe of money This Easter◠tearme 1626. there was a great meeting of all the chiefest of the whole Kingdome and the Arch-bishops and Bishops c. and it was likely to be concluded Doctor Dowman Bishop of London-derrey Aprill II. preached at Dublin before the Lord Deputy and the whole State his Text was Luke I. at the 79. In the midst of his Sermon he openly read this Protestation above written subscribed by the Arch-bishops and Bishops of Ireland and at the end he boldly said and let all the people say Amen And suddenly all the whole Church almost shooke with the sound that their Amen made c. the Lord Deputy called from the Bishop of Derry a copy both of his Sermon and Protestation to send to the King the learned and couragious Bishop gave this answer that there was nothing he either spake or read in the Pulpit but he would willingly justifie it before his Majesty and feared not who read or saw it So now by Gods mercy nothing may yet be done or will be till the Lord Deputy heare from the King The Bishop hereupon was sent for into England and after some attendance here returned back into Ireland where he dyed at his Bishoprick How bold the popish Titular Bishops were in Ireland and how they there ordained Masse-Priests by authority from the sea of Rome before this Protestation will appeare by these ensuing Letters of Orders conferred by Thomas Bishop of Meath which I found in the Arch-bishop of Canterburies Study thus indorced with his owne hand May 27. 1637. The forme of an Ordination by the Bishop of Meath in Ireland according to the forme of the Sea of Rome THOMAS Deiet Apostolica gratia Medensis Episcopus Universis singulis praesentes Nostras literas visuris salutem in eo qui est vera salus Notum facimus quod Nos Ordines in Cameris privatis Hereticae persecutionis metu celebrantes Dilectum Nobis Nolanum Feranan Dereusis diaecesios Diaconum ideoneum repertum and Sacrum Presbyteratus ordinem Sabatho sancto die 5. Aprilis Anne 1625. juxta 〈◊〉 Calendarij computum promovendum duximus et promouemus rite in Domino 〈◊〉 Messarum solemnia virtute dinissorialum sui Ordinarij Datum in loco Mansionis Nostrae die Anno praedictis Signed Thomas Medensis and sealed with his Episcopall Seale A Copy of the Certificate for the order of Priesthood This is a true Copy of that Copy of the Certificate which was this 27. of May 1635. sent in unto the Counsell-board Sir E. Nicholas How popery and Papists have since increased in that Kingdome notwithstanding this Protestation and what open Toleration of popish Bishops Priests Masse Monasteries Nunneries and a Colledge of Jesuits c. hath been in that Realme you shall heare anon in the continued seris of this Designe which transports me into France for a time from whence it had its second birth Not long after the Kings Match with France there was a designe in that Realme to extirpate the Protestants and surprize all their fortified Townes in that Kingdome whereof Rochell was the principall which being a maritane Towne furnished with a good Fleet of Ships able to make good their Harbour and furnish themselves with provisions and supplies from all their Protestant friends maugre all the Sea-forces of the French King thereupon the French Cardinall Richelieu and his confederates taking the advantage of their new interest in the King of England by reason of this marriage importuned him to lend his Brother of France the Vaunt-guard one of the Vessels of his royall Navy and seven Merchant-men of Warre to be imployed in his service by sea which the King condescending to sent the said Ships under the command of Captaine Pennington into France to be imployed as the French King and his Counsell should prescribe Who designing them for service against Rochell to surprize their Ships block up their Haven and intercept their trade and reliefe contrary to their expectation the Captaines Masters and Marriners of the Ships were so much discontented that they were designed against the Rochelers who were not onely their friends but the chiefe professors and maintāiners of the Protestant Religion in those parts and that they should be made the instruments of their ruine and draw the guilt of their innocent Protestant blood upon their soules that they all unanimously resolved they would rather dye sinke or be hanged up at the Masts of their Ships then stirre one jot or weigh anchor for such an unchristian detestable imployment Captaine Pennington their Admirall and the French used all the rhetorick and perswasions they could to alter this their heroick and most Christian resolution but they continued inflexible and would neither by allurements rewards nor threats be
drawne to such an unworthy action resolving rather to sinke then stirre therein Whereupon Captaine Pennington acquainted his Majesty and the Duke of Buckingham by Letters with this their peremptory resolution and desires their direction herein the King I know not by whose ill advice returns him this answer both by word of mouth and this ensuing Warrant the copy whereof was found among Windebankes and the Lord Cottingtons Papers CHARLES R. Pennington THese are to charge and require you immediately upon sight hereof that without all difficulty and delay you put Our former commandement in execution for the consigning of the Ship under your charge called the Vaunt-guard into the hands of the Marquesse de Effort with all her Equipage Artillery and Ammunition assuring the Officers of the said Ship whom it may concerne that we will provide for their indemnity and We further charge and command you that you also require the seven Merchants Ships in Our name to put themselves into the service of Our deare Brother the French King according to the promise made unto him and in case of backwardnesse or refusall We command you to use all forcible meanes in your power to compell them thereunto even to their sinking NOTE and in these severall charges see you faile not as you will answer the contrary at your utmost perill and this shall be your sufficient Warrant Given as Our Court at Richmond the 28. of Iuly 1625. To Our Trusty and welbeloved John Pennington Captaine of Our Ship called the Vaunt-guard Upon receit of this Warrant Captaine Pennington as I have been certainly informed from very credible persons of note privy to the transactions of this businesse threatned to shoot and sinke the Ships and hang up the Mariners that refused to yeeld obedience and serve against Rochell but they all unanimously declined the service bidding him doe his pleasure with them for goe against the Rochelers they would never but if they were commanded upon any other service not against the Protestants they would obey Whereupon those who refused to serve in this expedition were commanded to quit the Ships and returne into England which all did but two who soone after came to desperate ends the one being blowne up with Gun-powder the the other drowned or slaine Upon this the English Ships were according to this direction delivered to the French manned with French-men and other Forreigners and joyning with some more Vessels of the French King destroyed the Rochell Fleet blocked up their Haven ruined that famous Protestant City with most of the Protestants in it which after a long and sharp siege by sea and land was through famine surrendred into the Papist hands the losse whereof was generally if not justly imputed to our ill Counsellers who after they had been instruments to destroy their Ships the principall meanes of their safety support and preservation by an unfortunate voyage of the Duke of Buckingham to the Isle of Ree to what end but to ruine Rochell and the Protestant party in France or to revenge the disappointment of his lust as many muttered is yet unknowne to the world exhausted their Ammunition Victuals provisions men to supply our necessities at Ree and after our departure thence left our sick and maiâ—ed souldiers there to help devoure the residue of their emptied stores and then suffered them to be totally blocked up at sea when we had thus engaged them on our behalfe neglecting to send them timely supplies of Victuall Ammunition shipping men which was strangely delaid from time to time contrary to promise and when our ships went at last they gave over the designe of relieving is as desperate before ever they assayed whether it was feasible 〈◊〉 Master Henry now Lord Iermin and some others in that unfortunate expedition informed me and then making onely a Bravado towards the Barracado as if they meant to force it with their fireships and engines made with great stones brought to London to repaire Pauls so unlikely to do any good service for Rochell they discharged their Ordnance very valiantly above a league or two from the Workes they were to force and without adventuring neerer or attempting to force the Barre returned presently with infinite dishonour for England leaving all their fireships and Engines in them to the French in a most unwarlike manner but in their returne homewards many of these Ships were wrecked drowned in a tempest who would not adventure sinking in a fight and the whole Navy shattered Soon after which poor Rochell thus deferred and betraid was surrendred into the French Kings Cardinals possession and all the Protestant Towns in France surprized yeeded pillaged dismantled so as they have since no Town or Fort of strength to retire unto to preserve themselves from the force or massacres of their bloody Adversaries to whose mercilesse cruelties they are now wholly exposed upon all occasions by our means I pray God this 〈◊〉 against them and the blood of those many thousand Protestants then shed in France by our occasion be not one principall cause why God by way of retaliation hath permitted the Papists in Ireland and England to shed so much Protestant blood in these Realmes as they have done of late lot our refusing or neglecting to avenge their blood upon those romanized Conspirators who were the occasion of this their irreperable losse and bloodshed But to returne home againe from this deplorable action the second Parliament in King Charles his Reigne being dissolved sodainly in disgusts as you have heard there was a desperate plot laid to blow up our Religion Liberties Properties all at once by the Jesuiâ—â—call Arminian and Prelatical Faction To effect this they set on foot an enforced Loane or Benevolence to the King to which every man must be summoned and compelled to lend mony according to his ability to which end there were Commissions and Instructions together with speciall Commissioners senc into every County to summon all Free-holders and men of estate to lend what the Commissioners should asseâ—â—e them and to prepare the people the better to contribute Doctor Manwaing preached two Sermons before the King and his Court at White-hall and Doctor Sibthorpe another Sermon at the Assisâ—â—at Northampton by the now Arch-bishop of Canterbury his instigation who perused and caused these Sermons to be printed by the Kings speciall Command with some additions and purgations of his owne to preach the people out of their just rights in point of Conscience and the Judges were likewise enjoyed in their charges and circuits to declare the legallity of them and so inthrall the Subjects to this and all other arbitrary taxes in poynt of Law And that this malevolent enforced Benevolence might passe more currently and plausibly among the people the aiding of our Protestant Allies in Germany Denmarke France and particularly the reliefe of Rochell then besieged against the Papists and their potent enemies was made the principall end thereof and a Parliament was promised to be
passing their grants and other discharges is such that without your Majesty be further pleased to extend your mercy towards them your poore Petitioners although they have used the uttermost of their mean endeavours can reape no benefit of your Majesties gracious favour vouchsafed unto them They therefore most humbly beseech your Majesty to be pleased to referre the settlement and establishing of the said Fees to the Lord Treasurer and the Lord Cottington who calling unto them your Majesties Vice-Presidents of the North may direct such moderate fees and meanes to passe the said grants and other discharges as your Petitioners meane ability may be able to undergoe And your Petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray for your Majesties long and prosperous reigne over us But this Proclamation rather displeasing then satisfying it was thus seconded with the ensuing ogive more content By the KING A Proclamation declaring His Majesties Royall Pleasure and Command for putting the Lawes and Statutes made against Jesuits Priests and Popish Recusants in due execution WHereas We have found by experience that notwithstanding the strict and severe Lawes made and standing in force against Iesuits Priests and others having taken Orders by authority derived or pretended to be derived from the Sea of Rome and notwithstanding Our former restraints and prohibition by Proclamation and otherwise many of them have presumed to resort and remaine within this Our Realme and other parts of Our Dominions and there doe daily endeavour to withdraw and seduce Our Subjects from the true Religion of Almighty God and from there due Allegiance and Obedience towards Us their Liege Lord and that many of Our Subjects missed by them have adventured to receive harbour and maintaine them and thereby have incurred the danger of Our Lawes And therefore not finding that good effect which We did and might justly expect of any former course taken in that behalfe We have thought fit NOTE and doe hereby publish Our royall pleasure and Command that carefull and diligent search be made by all Our Officers and Ministers and by all others to whom it may appertaine for all Iesuits Priests and others having taken Orders by authority derived or pretended to be derived from the Sea of Rome and that wheresoever and whensoever they shall be found they be apprehended and committed to the common Goale of that County where they shall be found there to remaine without Baile or Mainprize untill by due course of Law they be tryed Quâ—re whether it were so doneâ— and proceeded with according to Law which We will shall be done with all convenient expedition And if upon their tryall and Conviction there shall be cause to respire the execution of any of them yet We are resolved not to let them lye in those common Goales much lesse to wander about at large but according to the example of former times to send them to the Cattle of Westbich or some other safe Prison where they shall remaine under strait and close custody and be wholly restrained from exercising their Functions or spreading their superstitious and dangerous Doctrine And We are also resolved whereof We doe hereby give notice to all whom it may concerne at their utmost perils That the Harbourers Receivers and Maintainers of Iesuits Priests and all such others as haue received or shall receive Orders as aforesaid shall be left to the due and ordinary course of Law And We doe further will and command that all Our Judges Justices and Ministers of Justice in their severall places not onely doe observe Our will and pleasure before expressed in all and every the premises but also doe put all other Out Lawes in due execution against Popish Recusants and that Our Judges of Assise at their returne out of their Circuits doe from time to time hereafter give a strict accompt of their proceedings therein unto Our Lord Keeper of the great Seale and Our Lord Keeper doe present the same unto Vs. And whereas We heretofore granted severall Commissions for Leasing and demising of the Lands of Recusants liable to their forfeitures with Instructions for the direction of Our Commissioners in that service NOTE We minding a due reformation of the manifold neglects and abuses of our inferiour officers and others whereby that part of our Revenue hath been extreamly lessened and those who were backward in Religion have been encouraged to persist in their obstinacy and blindnesse have caused those Commissions and Instructions to be revived and many parts altered for our better service and profit And We doe hereby declare the same to the intent that such as shall be willing to contract with Us or to further our service or advance our profit in that behalfe may attend our said Commissioners And whereas We are informed that divers have contracted for Leases of Recusants Lands who doe not sue out their Leases to our great hinderance our will and pleasure is That all such as have already contracted with our Commissioners for Leases of Recusants Lands shall passe them under our Seales before the end of Michaelmâ—â— Terme next and such as shall hereafter contract for any such Leases shall passe therâ— under our Seales before the end of the Terme then next following after such contracts made or else their Contracts to be utterly voyd And We doe straitly charge all our said Commissioners that they be carefull to advance our profit herein according to the true intent of our Commissions and Instructions and that they use all diligence to discover and avoid all abuses which may tend to the diminution of our profit or to the encrease of Popery and back-sliding from the true Religion established in the Church of England Given at Our Court at Southwicke the third day of August in the fourth yeere of Our reigne of Great Britaine France and Ireland A little before the next Session of Parliament and during the Session it selfe the King likewise issued out these successive Proclamations following against Doctor Smith Bishop of Calcedon By the KING A Proclamation for the apprehension of Richard Smith a Popish Priest stiled and calling himselfe the Bishop of Calcedon FOrasmuch as We certainly understand that Richard Smith an English man borne by profession a Popish Priest now is and for some yeeres past hath been in this Realme and here not onely 〈◊〉 our Subjects in their Religion but both also both by his writings in print and otherwise and by his 〈◊〉 practice perswade those our Subjects to whom he hath accesse from their Allegiance to Us their Liege Lord and usurpeth to himselfe Episcopall Jurisdiction from the Sea of Rome and exerciseth the same within this Kingdome and holdeth continuall Intelligence with our Enemies whereby according to the just Lawes of this Realme he hath committed the offence of high treason And yet neverthelesse divers of our Subjects seduced by him doe receive harbour and entertaine him contrary to our Lawes and have thereby incurred and doe incurre the penalty of those
a popish Clergy more numerous by farre then we NOTE and in the fall exercise of all Iurisdiction Ecclesiasticall by their Vicars-generall and Officials who are so confident as they excommunicate those that come to our Courts even in Matrimoniall causes which affronâ— hath been offered my selfe by the popish Primates Vicar-generall for which I have begun a processe against him The Primate himselfe lives in my Parish within two mile of my house the Bishop in another part of my Diocesse further off every parish hath his Priest and some two or three apeecâ— and so their Masse-houses also in some places Masse is said in the Churches Frieries there are in divers places who goe about though not in their habits NOTE and by their importunate begging impoverish the people Who indeed are generally very poore as from that cause so from their paying doubtâ— Tythes to their owne Clergy and ours from the dearth of Corne and death of therâ— Cattell these late yeers with the contributions to their Souldiers and their Agents and which they forget not to reckon among other causes the oppressions of the Courâ— Ecclesiasticall which in very truth my Lord I cannot excuse and doe seeke to reforme For our own there are some seven or eight Ministers in each Diocesse of ' good sufficiency and which is no small cause of the continuance of the people in Popery still English which have not the tongue of the people nor can performe divine offices or converse with them and which hold many of them two three four or more Vicarages apeece Even the Clerkships themselves are in like manner conferred upon the English NOTE and sometimes two or three or more upon one man and ordinarily bought and sold or let to farme c. His Majesty is now with the greatest part of this Country as to their hearts consciences King but at the Popes discretion c. Your Lordships most obliged servant in Christ Iosâ— Wil. Kilmoren and 〈◊〉 Kilmere this 1. of Aprill 1630. This was the condition and state of the Papists in Ireland then who the very same yeere Novemb. 22. 1630. presented this Petition to the Lords Justices and Counsell thus indorsed with Bishop Laâ—dâ— owne hand The Petition of the Recusants in Ireland to the Lords Iustices and in some things concerning the Church To the right honourable the Lords Justices and Counsell The humble Petition of the Lords Knights and Gentlemen here attending in the behalfe of themselves and the rest of his Majesties Subjects of this Kingdome Novemb. 22 1630. Most humbly making Petition THat whereas the late imployed Agents did humbly offer to his Highnesse three Subsidies to be granted and confirmed by Parliament in this Kingdome and for that the said Parliament was not called accordingly yet the Inhabitants of the Country are compelled to goe on forward with the payment of the same with which if â—thers that have imployments NOTE and are of greatest meanes in this Kingdome had been â—axed or had borne according as they would have been by the authority of Parliament the said three Subsidies and the summes whereat they were estimated would have been long since levyed and whereas his most gracious Majesty in compassion of his Subjects did grant divers Favours Graces and Benefits to them and did manifest his princely care of them that they should have favours and graces in regard of the great burden they did and doe beare in payment of so great summes Your Suppliants humbly beseech your Honours to consider of the humble request of your Suppliants under-written being some of these particulars wherein they conceive the Country and people are over-heavily burthened which doth not onely discourage but also disable them to beare the charges which they doe and that your honours will be pleased to take such order for their ease and reliefe in the same as shall stand with Justice Equity and the intimated favours which your Suppliants well hope and conceive his Highnesse of his owne royall disposition and gracious inclination is willing shall be conferred upon them And your Suppliants shall ever pray c. That in regard his Majesty signified his pleasure in his Instructions that an Act should passe in Parliament that no Tythes should be inquired of above lx yeerâ— past that your Lordships will give order that all Commissioners and Officers shall forbeare inquiring of Tythes for his Majesty before that time and that Plantations grounded upon such Tythes may be forborne and that the holding of the Parliament may be certained That your Lordships may direct a course that the Clergy doe not proceed with the great burden and charge they doe lay upon the poore people for clandestine Matriages Christnings and Burials c. That your Lordships likewise will direct a course to ease the poore Subjects of the unreasonable fines imposed by the Clerks of the Market and also to ease them of the intolerable charges they beare by means of the suing forth Recognizaâ—ces for building of Churches fines for Bridges and High-wayes The Commissions that are issued to examine what payments are made of the Subsidies to be renewed That there may be free liberty for transporting all Commodities of the Kingdome that may be spared without paying any thing for Licences Tha◠〈◊〉 advantage be taken for not inrolling the Surrenders of Connaught according to 〈◊〉 Majesties Instructions and former Graceâ— The Complaints of the Common-wealth to be annexed to the former Petition delivered by the Noble-men and Gentlemen of the Country to the Lords Iustices and Counsell December 6. 1630. That the Bishops Court shall hold no longer then one day at a sitting That the Inquisitors comming to doe service to the same Court shall not pay foâ— their entrance The Subsidy of the Bishops and Clergy if they have paid the same no ease done to the Country thereby That no Eâ—cheator shall bring paroels of Records into the Country to be found by a Jury but that the whole Record or a true Copy thereof be brought and the same to be testified by the Officer of the Court. That your Lordships lay downe a rate for the issues for respit of homage according each terme or yeere for which the said respit of homage shall happen to be in arreare proportionably to the respit of homage it â—elfe That the King at Armes or any of his shall demand no fees or duty belonging to him by colour of his Office of any Noble-man or Gentleman unlesse he be sent for That School-masters shall not be disturbed from teaching so they â—each nothing concerning Religion That the houses may be restored to the Inâ—erâ—tors which were seized on by vertue of a Proclamation to wit that forementioned How this Petition came to the Bishops hands appeares by this Letter thus indorsed by him Feb. 10. 1630. My Lord Primate of Armagh about the Recusants Peâ—â—tion to the Lords Iustices c. To the right Reverend Father in God my singular good Lord the Lord Bishop of
you who are the chiefe abettors of the popish titular Clergy your Lordships have them now shewing themselves in their presenting this Petition which we hope you will be sensible of for the publike good the good of his Majesty and the glory of God to whose blessing and protection we humbly leave you The returne upon Command to advise upon some moderate course in the exercise of Ecclesiasticall Iurisdiction Right honourable Our good Lords IN obedience to your Lordships commands We the Bishops and Chancellours present in the City have considered of the wayes for the moderating and easing the pretended burthen whereof the Petitioners complaine in the matter of clandestine Christnings Marriages and Burials And doe find that we that are present cannot resolve of any other course then to referre our selves to our former answer and the lawes now in force and according to our duties to God and the charge laid upon us in the Act 2. Eliz. c. 2. doe humbly desire your Lordships that the said Act for the uniformity of Common-prayer and Service in the Church and the administration of the Sacraments may be duly and truly executed Also the lawes concerning the restoring to the Crowne the ancient Jurisdiction over the State Ecclesiasticall and Spirituall and abolishing all forraigne power repugnant to the same may be effectually and fully put in use And that all School-Masters be bound to teach the Schollers for their first booke the grounds of Christian Religion and to use in their Schooles the prayer appointed in the beginning of the Grammer set forth by his Majesties authority with such other books as shall be appointed by the Bishops of this Kingdome and that idle and unprofitable books such as Gesta Romanoruâ— which is now upon the Presse in this City for the use of their Schools which doe but teach them to attend to Fables and lying legends may be banished from the same And forasmuch as sundry of us having no other occasion of comming to this place but your Lordships commands have been now fourteen dayes in Town and doe lye here at charges and are with-holden from performance of our duties at home we humbly entreat your Lordships to licence us to depart What the issue of this businesse was I cannot certainly learne but I find that this very yeere 1630. among other things there fell out a great difference between the Regulars and Secular Priests and popish Titulary Bishops in Ireland which grew to a very great highth as I have formerly touched in the Bishop of Calcedons businesse How farre these differences between them there proceeded in I shall give you a short account out of the Arch-bishop of Armagh his Letter to Bishop Laud who writ thus to him among other things My very good Lord THere came into my hands certaine propositions of our Irish Regulars against the Seculars censured at Paris 15. January a a After the French account who begun the yeere with January as our Almanacks doe But 1630. after our ordinary computation 1631. by sixty Doctors of the Sorbon one whereof is this Superiores Regularium digmores sunt Episcopis siquidem dignitas pastoris petendâ— est ex conditione sui gregis quemadmodum oplio dignior est subulco Another In partibus haereticorum non tenetur populus Christianus necessariam susâ—entationem suo Paracho sub ministrate quia bona Ecclesiastica ab haereticis possidentur Together with them I received the Arch-bishop of Paris his condemnation of two English Books published Ianuary 30. 1631. the one an Answer to certaine assertions of Doctor Kellison in his Treatise of the Ecclesiasticall Hierarchy written by Nicholas Smith the other an Apology for the Popes manner of proceeding in governing the Catholikes in England during the time of persecution Author Daniel a Iesu It may somewhat concerne us here to be made acquainted with the Argument of these Books and therefore I make bold to entreat your Lordship that you would give order to one of your Chaplaines to communicate the same unto this bearer who will speedily informe me thereof Your Lordships in all service Ia. Armachanus Drogheda March 17. 1631. The yeere following these differences in Ireland between the Priests and Arch-bishop of Dublin Thomas Fleming proceeded to a publike Protestation and contestation even inprint as appears by this notable paper of the Priests against him printed at Rhoan both in Latin and English to make it more notorious I shall only trouble you with the English Copy found in the Arch-bishops Study indorsed with Master Dels hand thus May 3 1632. Protestations of the secular Priests in Ireland against Thomas Fleming Arch-bishop of Dublin To all the most Illustrious Arch-bishops and Bishops of Ireland but more particularly to those of the Province of Dublin their honourable Lords David Bishop of Osory Iohn of Perues Ross of Kildare and Matthew Vicar Apostolicall of Laghlem 1 MOST Illustrious Lords and Reverend Bishops the Priests of Dublin make their complaint before you that the most Illustrious Arch-bishop of Dublin Thomas Flemming of the order of Saint Francis without alleadging any cause against them onely for his will and as his pleasure usâ—th to exile and banish Priests out of his Diocesse And they protest that in so doing he exerciseth a 〈◊〉 over the Clergy contrary to the Canons of Holy Church and the lawes and Statutes of this Kingdome 2. Most Illustrous Lords and reverend Fathers in Christ the aforesaid Priests doe make their complaint that the same most illustrious Arch-bishop of Dublin Thomas Flemming of the order of Saint Francis though humbly sought unto and desired doth refuse to doe them justice in their causes neither yet will â—e permit the Clergy to follow their actions meerly civill before the Magistrate contrary unto the â—eceived custome of this Kingdome from the first conversion of this Nation And they protest that in so doing he exerciseth a tyranny over the Clergy NOTE contrary unto the Canons of the Church and the lawes and statutes of this Kingdome 3. Most Illustrious Lords and Reverend Fathers in Christ the aforesaid Priests doe make their complaint that the most Illustrious Arch-bishop Thomas Flemming of the order of Saint Francis in inflicting his Ecclesiasticall censures observeth no canonicall preceeding at all omitting not onely the solemnities of the law but those things also that are necessary and essentiall in all proceedings thereof namely citations and proofe of causes And they protest that in so doing he exerciseth a tyranny over the Clergy contrary unto the Canons of Holy Church and the lawes and statutes of this Kingdome 4. Most Illustrious Lords and Reverend Fathers in Christ the aforesaid Priests doe complaine that the most Illustrious Arch-bishop Thoms Flemming of the order of Saint Francis refused to heare all proofes against the Regulars in the matter of the eleven propositions condemned at Paris which testimonies or proofs two venerable Priests presented unto him the 15. of November in the yeere of our Lord 1631. in
first removed and the matter better disposed to impresse the forme presently by the pecâ—niary muâ—cts would but breed a Monster And let the Cavan Petition bâ— but perused to see if there be ever a word for or against the Recusants fines whereby without further ado I and all that joyned therein are justified from the imputation of opposing in that ipartâ—cular touching the monys to be levied upon the Papists Yea but at least I joyned to oppose the applotment of Contributions upon Protestants Nor that neither For it was both applotted and paid But to petition that the Lords Justices and Councell would forbeare any further imposition till they should represent to his Majesty c. herein onely I joyned My Lord as I have never esteemed it to become me or any Subject to take upon and to be the Auditor of the publike Accompts as being a matter to bee left in the wisdome and providence of the Kings Majesty the Father of the publike family so I have yet thought the way ought not to be foreclosed to the subjects to have recourse in humble and dutifull sort to his Majesties goodnesse to declare their grievances this serving to evaporate their discontents a good meane to keep them from fastering inwardly and so to help to cure them How much lesse is this to bee denyed to the dutifull and obedient who had not opposed the applotment made upon them though levyed disorderly by laying on the Souldiers without Commission by an Irish Recusant sub-Sheriffe Note the most odious man to the English in all the County For which cause there was a deliberation of the Assises to have indjcted him of High Treason though as I thinke by the wisdome of the Lord chiefe Justice it was put by The petitioners therefore having before paid the money imposed and harshly imposed this very thing to petition that they might not be charged agaâ—ne till his Majesty were informed seemes not to bee worthy such blame In wish and hearty desire I rest The day of our deliverance from the Popish Powder-plot Your Lordships in all duty JOHN KILMORE By this Bishops Letter you may clearly discerne the potency and boldnesse of the Popish party in Ireland at that time who built a new Colledge in Dublin stored with Iesuites and young Students to bee trained up in that pragmaticall dangerous Order I shall adde to this a Certificate of Boetius Egan the Popish Bishop of Elphin in Ireland in the behalfe of one Philip O Conor a young Popish Student the originall whereof was found among Secretary Windebanks papers which will somewhat illustrate the Premises NOs Fr. Boetius Eganus Dei Apostolicae sedis gratia Elphin Episcopus Omnibus ad quos praesentes literae pervenerint Notum facimus praesentium latorem Philippum O Conor Hybernum nostrae antedictae Dioecesis adolescentem esse virum integrum conversationis laudâ—bilis bonae indolis esse nobilissimis hujus regni Catholicis parentibus legitimâ— oriundum modò ultra marinos partes proficiscentem studendi causa eo quod in hoc nostro afflicto regno nec ei nec aliis similibus orthodoxae fidei cultoribus incumberâ— literis permittiâ—ur ob grassantem apud nos haeresim Quare eundem Philippum omnibus Christi fidelibus potissimum in Ecclesiasticae dignitatis fastigio constitutis nec non Gymnasiorum rectoribus plurimum in visceribus Salvator is commendamus eos obnixe rogantes ut eidem consilio savore auxilio quoties opus â—uerit subvenire non dedignentur mercedem ab eodem recepturi in cujus vinea laborare insudare intendit post suum Deo â—â—nuente reditum in banâ— suam afflictam patriam In quorum omnium fidâ—mbis subscripsimus sigillum parvum quo ad talia utimur apponi curavimus Julii 1633. Fr. Boetius Elphyn Episcopus What good use was made of this increase of the Popish Party in Ireland and how they were connived at out of a meere designe to ballance the Protestants there by the Infernall policy of the then Lord Deputy to the end he might compound a lower house of Parliament there so as that neither the Recusant nor the Protestant should appeare considerably one more then the other holding them as much as might â—ee upon an equall ballance that so they might prove the more easie to governe them if eâ—â—â—er party were absolute and that by this policy the King might by a packed Parliament without charge in a short time make a more absolute Conquest of that Nation and Kingdome by wisdome then all his Royall Progenitors have been able to accomplish by Armes Note and vast expence of Treasure and blood will most evidently appeare by this Duplicate of the Lord Deputies dispatch to his Majesty 22 Jan. 1633. superscribed For my Lords Grace of Canterbury found in Canterburies private Study and this indorsed with his owne hand Rec. Mar. 2. 1633. Com. Ang. Reasons for the present calling of a Parliament in Ireland Which being a pernicious piece against the freedome and power of Parliaments laying downe most desperate Policies how to over-reach Parliaments and make them instruments to erect a meere Arbitrary Government and enslave themselves to what good use was to bee made of the Popish Party in Irish Parliaments I shall here insert out of the Originall May it please your Sacred MAIESTY Considerations tending to the better Government of the Church and Clergy in this Kingdom I offer in a Letter herewith sent to my Lords Grace of Canterbury The present meane condition of this Army and the necessary course to bee held in the speedy reformation thereof I fully now set forth in my dispatch to Mr. Secretary Coke The state of your Majesties Revenue The annuall Issues of your Treasure and the debt charged upon this Crowne upon my comming to the Government The Propositions humbly offered by mee for the bettering your Majesties affaires in this particular Together with a way of raising a constant great Rent â—orth of the Salt I have at this time alsâ— transmitted to my Lord Treasurer of all which I beseech your Majesty at your best leisure bee pleased to take a summary Accompt Now I trust the importance and weight of this inclosed Discourse will recompence for the length thereof and obtaine my pardon Albeit I presume thus to present it immediately to your Sacred Hands For indeed I take it to bee no lesse then the ground-plot whereupon to set and raise safety and quiet to this Kingdome as it stands in relation within it selfe security and profit as it is in dependance to the Crown of England And therefore I doe most humbly beseech your Majesties quickning Spirit may move upon these Waters That wee may from your directions receive life and from your Wisdome borrow light to guide and conduct us along in the way we are to take towards the accomplishment of so happie a Worke. God Almighty assist you in these and all other your Counsels and long preserve
your Majestie in full Power and Greatnesse c. Dublin Castle 22 of Ian. 1633. My humble Opinion concerning a Parliament in this your Majesties Kingdome of IRELAND ALbeit the calling of a Parliament in this Kingdome is at no time of so much hazzard where nothing is propounded as a Law before it first borrow motion from your Majesties immediate allowance under your Great Sealeâ— Note as it is in England where there is a Liberty assumed to offer every thing in their owne time and Order And this Subordination whereunto they have been led by the Wisdome of former times is ever to bee held as a sacred Prerogative not to bee departed from in no piece to bee broken or infringed yet is the Proposition alwayes weighty very necessary to bee considered with great deliberation whether the present conjuncture of Affaires doth now advise a Parliament or no And after a serious discourse with my selfe my reason perswades mee for the Assembling thereof For the contribution from the County towards the Army ending in December next your Majesties Revenue fals short twenty thousand Pounds sterling by yeere of the present charge it is burthened withall besides the vast debt of fourescore thousand pounds Irish upon the Crown which yeerly payments alone are impossible by any other ordinary way to be in time supplied but by the Subject in Parliament And to passe to the extraordinaâ—y before there bee at least an attempt first to effect it with ease were to love difficulties too well rather voluntarily to seek them then unwillingly to meet them And might seeme as well vanity in the first respect so to affect them as faintnesse to bow under them when they are not to be avoided The next inclination thereunto ariseth in mee from the conditions of this Country growne very much more civill and rich since the accesse of your Royall Father of blessed memory and your Majesty to the Crowne That all you have here is issued out againe amongst them for their protection and safety without any considerable reservation for other the great affaires and expences abroad That this great charge is sustained and this great debt contracted thorough imployments for a publike good whereof the benefit hitherto hath been intirely theirs That there hath been but one Subsidie granted in all this time nor any other Supply but this Contribution in exchange whereof your Princely Bounty returned them Graces as beneficiall to this Subject as their Money was to your Majesty so as their substance having been so increased under the guard of your Wisdome and Justice So little issued hence from them The Crowne so pressed only for their good And so modest a calling upon them now for a supply which in all Wisdome good Nature and Conscience they are not to deny should they not conforme themselves to your Gracious will their unthankfulnesse to God and the best of Kings would become inexcusable before all the World and the Regall Power more warrantably to be at after extended for redeeming and recovering your Majesties Revenews thus lost and justly to punish so great a forfeit as this must needs be judged to be in them Next the frightfull apprehensions which at this time makes their hearts beat leâ—t the Quarterly Payments towards the Army continued now almost ten yeeres might in fine turn to an Hereditary Charge upon their Lands inclines them to give any reasonable thing in present to secure themselves of that feare for the future And therefore according to the wholsome Counsell of the Physitian Note Dum dolet accipe And lastly if they should meanly cast from them these mighty obligations which indeed I cannot feare Your Majesties affaires can never suffer lesse by their starting aside when the generall Peace abroad admits more united Power in your Majesty Note and lesse distracted thoughts in your Ministers to chastise such a forgetfulnesse to call to their remembrance and to inforce from them other and better duties then these In the second place the time your Majesty shall in your Wisdome appoint for this meeting imports very much which with all submission I should advise might not be longer put off then Easter or Trinity Term at furthest And I shall crave leave to offer my reasons The improvements mentioned in my dispatch to the Lord Treasurer from which I no wayes recede would not be fore slowed wherein wee lose much by deferring this Meeting A circumstance very considerable in these straits wherein if surprized might be of much disadvantage in case the Parliament answer not expectation And to enter upon that worke before would bee an Argument for them to scant their supply to your Majesty Againe a breach of a Parliament would prejudice lesse thus then in winter having at the worst six moneths to turne our eyes about and many helps to be gained in that space where in the other case the Contribution ending in December next wee should be put upon an instant of time to read our lesson at the first sight Then the calling of a Parliament and determining of the quarterly payments falling out much upon one might make them apprehend there were a necessity inforcing a present agreement if not the good one wee would yet the best wee could get And so imbolden them to make and flatter themselves to gaine their owne Conditions and Conditions are not to bee admitted with any Subjects lesse with this People where your Majesties absolute Soveraignty goes much higher then it is taken perhaps to doe in England And lastly there being some of your Majesties Graces which being passed into Lawes might bee of great prejudice to the Crowne and yet it being to bee feared they will presse for them all and uncertaine what humour the denying any of them might move in their minds I conceive under favour it would bee much better to make two Sessions of it one in Summer the other in Winter In the former to settle your Majesties supply and in the latter to enact so many of those Graces as in Honour and Wisdome should bee Judged equall when the putting aside of the rest might bee of no ill consequence to other your Royall purposes All the Objections I am able to suggest unto my selfe are two That it might render fruitlesse the intended improvement upon the concealments and prejudice the Plantations of Connâ—gh and Ormond The firster may easily be helped by a short Law propounded in my dispatch to my Lord Treasurer And posito that there no other Law passe the first Session the second is likewise sufficiently secured Then it is to bee foreseene what your Majesty will demand how to induce and pursue the same for the happy settlement of the Regall Rights and Powers in this more subordinate Kingdome My humble advice is to declare at the first opening of the meeting that your Majestie intends and promises two Sessions This former for your self that latter in Michaelmas Term next for them This to ascertaine the payments of your Army
and to strike off the Debts of your Crowne that for the enacting of all such profitable and wholsome Laws as a moderate and good people may expect from a Wise and Gracious King That this being the order of Nature Reason and Civility your Majesty expects it should be intirely observed and your selfe wholly intrusted by them which they are not onely to grant to bee fit in the generall case of King and Subjects but ought indeed to acknowledge it with thankfulnesse due to your Majesty in particular when they look back and call to mind how for their ease you were content to take six score thousand pounds which their Agents gave to bee paid in three in six yeeres and not barely so neither but to double your Graces towards them the whil'st which they'have injoyed accordingly much to their advantage and greatly to the losse of the Crown And that considering the Army hath been represented over to your Majesty from this Counsell and in a manner from the body of this whole Kingdome to bee of absolute necessity to give comfort to the quiet minds in their honest labours to containe the licentious Spirits within the modest bounds of sobriety it consists not with your Majesties Wisdome to give unto the World no not the apparence of so much improvidence in your owne Counsels of so much forgetfulnesse in a case of their safety as to leave that Pillar of your Auctority and their Peace unseâ— for continuance at least one six moneths before the wearing forth of their Contribution Therefore your Maiesty was well assured in conformity to the rules of Reason and Judgement they would presently grant three Subsidies to bee paid in three yeeres to disengage the Crowne of fourscore thousand pounds debt and continue their Quarterly payments towards the Army foure yeeres longer in which time it was hopefull suitable to your Gracious intentions some other expedient might bee found out to maintaine the Army without further charge to them at all VVhich Law passed they should have as much leisure to inact for themselves at after as they could desire either now or in winter Nay your Majesty 〈◊〉 be graciously pleased with the assistance of your Counsell to advise seriously with them that nothing might remaine either unthought of or denyed conducing to the publike good of this Kingdome But if they made difficulty to proceed with your Majesty in this manner other Counsels must be thought of and little to bee relyed or expected for from them I am not to flatter your Majesty so farre as to raise any hope on that side that all this should be granted but by pressing both and especially the continuance of the quarterly payments to the Army which they dread above any earthly thing I conceive it probable that to determine lay asleep as they think the contribution and in acknowledgement of your Majesties happy accesse to the Crown they may be drawn to a present Gift of three Subsidies payable in three yeares which alone would keep the Army on foot during that time and if my calculation hold almost discharge the debt of the Crowne besides For thus I make my Estimate the contribution from the Country is now but twenty thousand pounds sterling by the yeere whereas I have good reason to trust each Subsidy will raise thirty thousand pounds sterling And so there will bee ten thousand pounds for three yeeres over and above the establishment which thirty thousand pounds sterling well and profitably issued will I trust with Honour to your Majesty and moderate satisfaction to the parties strike off the whole fourscore thousand pounds Irish which in present presseth so sore upon this Crown And then Sir after that in Michaelmas Terme all beneficiall Acts for the Subject be thought of as many no fewer nor no more inacted then were fit in honour and wisdome to be granted If for a conclusion to this Parliament we could gain from them other two Subsidies to buy in Rents and Pensions to ten thousand pounds yearly value a thing they are inclinable unto as is mentioned in my dispatch to the Lord Treasurer I judge there were a happy issue of this Meeting and that it should through Gods blessing appeare to the world in a few yeeres Note you had without charge made a more absolute Conquest of this Nation by your wisdome then all your Royall Progenitors have been able to accomplish by theiâ— Armies and vast expence of Treasure and Blood These being the ends in my poore Opinion which are to bee desired and attained the best meanes to dispose fit all concurring causes thereunto are not to be forgotten and therefore as preparatives I make bold to offer these insuing particulars It seemes to mee very convenient a Committee bee forthwith appointed of some few of us here to take into consideration all the Bils intended when there was a Parliament to have been called in the time of my Lord Falkland such as shall be judged beneficiall to make them ready such as may be of too much prejudice to the Crown to lay them aside and to draw up others which may chance to have been then omitted this worke may bee by the Committees either quickned or fore-slowen as the Parliament proceeds warmer or cooler in your Majesties Supplies Next that your Majesties Acts of Grace directed to my Lord Falkland the foure and twentyeth of May 1628 may bee considered by such of your Counsell in England as shall please your Majesty to appoint there being many matters therein contained which in a Law would not futurely so well sort with the Power requisite to bee upheld in this Kingdome nor yet with your Majesties present proâ—â—t which hath perswaded me to except against such as I hold best to be silently passed over and to transmit a Paper thereof to my Lord Treasurer It is to be feared the meaneâ— sort of Subjects here live under the pressures of the great 〈◊〉 and there is a generall complaint that Officers exact much larger Fees then oâ— right they ought to doe To help the formeâ— if it bee possible I will find out two or three to make examples of And to remedy the latter grant out a Commission for examining regulating and setting downe Tables of Fees in all your Courts so aâ— they shall find your Majesties goodnesse and justice watching and caring for their protection and ease both in private and publike respects I shall indeavour the lower House may bee so composed Note as that neither the Recusants nor yet the Protestants shall appeare considerably more one then the other holding them as much as may bee upon an equall Ballance for they will prove thus easier to governe Note then if either party were absolute Then would I in private discourse shew the Recusant that the contribution ending in December next if your Majesties Army were not supplyed some other way before the twelve pence a Sunday must of necessity bee exacted upon them Shew the Protestant that
your Majesty must not let goe the twenty thousand pounds contribution nor yet discontent the other in matter of Religion till the Army were some way else certainly provided for and convince them both that the present quarterly payments are not so burthensome as they pretended them to bee And that by the graces they have had already more benefit then their money came to thus poysing one by the other which single might perchance prove more unhappy to deale with I will labour to make as many Captaines and Officers Burgesses Note as possibly I can who having immediate dependance upon the Crowne may almost sway the businesse betwixt the two parties which way they please In the higher House Note your Majesty will have I trust the Bishops wholly for you The titular Lords rather then come over themselves will put their Proxies into such safe hands as may bee thought of on this side and in the rest your Majesty hath such interest what out of duty to the Crown and obnoxiousnesse in themselves as I do not apprehend much any difficulty amongst them To these or to any thing else directed by your Majesty I will with all possible diligence apply my selfe so soon as I shall understand your pleasure therein Most humbly besâ—â—ching you will take it into your gracious Memory how much your Majesties speedy resolution in this great businesse imports the prosperity of your affaires in this place and in that respect vouchsafe to hasten it as much as conveniently may be Upon these Reasons a Parliament was accordingly summoned in Ireland the yeere following the Lord Deputy recommending by his Letters Burgesses of his owne nomination to most Townes who had little or no courage to deny any Burgesses of his recommendation Among others hee recommended one of Secretary Windebancks Sonneâ— then waiting on him in Ireland to bee a Burgesse there as is evident by this Copie of his Letters of recommendation found among Windebancks papers who as appeares by * Secretary Windebancks to his Son from Hampton Couâ—t 27 October 1634. Wherein thus hee writes Now you are become a Parliament men I hope you will in acknowledgement of the great Honour my Lord Deputy hath done you endevour â—o doe his Majesty the best service you can other Letters was accordingly elected AFter our heartie commendations Whereas by order of the Commons House of Parliament that corporation of Iâ—â—ishe by reason of a double election of the person chosen there is now to proceed to a new election of a Burgesse to serve at the next Session of Parliament to commence the fourth of November next And for as much as Francis Windebanke Esquire is one well knowne unto us to bee able to serve you therein as a person well affected to his Majesties service and the welfare of his people wee have thought fit to recommend him to you to bee elected by you for one of the Burgesses upon this occasion wherein as you shall gaine advantage and benefit to your Corporation in such a choyce hee being one that will serve you therein without expecting any recompence towards his charges so wee for our part will take it in good part at your hands as a testimony of the due regard you have to one recommended unto you from us which we shall take an opportunitie in fit time to let you know for your advantage And so expecting your due performance hereof wee bid you farewell From his Majesties Castle of Dublin this 26 of September 1634. Copia vero exâ—m Your loving Friend 〈…〉 That this Parliament was equally ballanced with Protestants and Papists how farre the said Deputie pursued obtained his forementioned designes thereby to inslave that Realm is so well known to most that I shall not insist upon it onely I shall observe that this connivence and underhand fomenting of that faction made them grow so insolent that they raised a strong mutinie even in Dublin it selfe against the Archbishop the Mayor and Justices and rescued two Priests from them which they had taken in a religious house saying open Masse and were like to stone them to death so as they were enforced to retire to the Castle for Sanctuary as appeares by this extract out of Sir Thomas Duttens Letter among Windebanks papers I presume you will heare at large the relation of our battill of stones at Dublin where the Archbishop of that towne and the Major and Captaine Cary and the Sergeant at Armes and the two pursevants escaped narrowly to have beene stoned to death on Saint Stephens day last for the two Justices sent them in a peaceable manner to surprise certaine Priests at Masse in a Religious house in Cock street Note where they tooke away their habits and pictures in peaceable manner and then laid hold of two of the Priests to bring them to the Justices to answer their exercising of Popery in so publique a manner contrary to the Kings Proclamation they were no sooner come out into the street but all the multitude of mechanicks common people fell upon them and tooke away the two Priests from them by force and followed the Mayor and the Archbiship and the rest so fast with stones all along the high street as they were forced to house themselves in Skinners Row till the Justices and wee all came from Church and rescued them and so orderly wee all went through the multitude to the Castle and in our passage there was but one stone call out of a window which lighted betweene the two Justices Wee presently made Proclamation for all people to keepe the Kings peace and their owne Houses and since have committed to prison some of the Aldermen and their Deputies and Constables for not doing their duties and many other ordinary persons whom we found to bee Actors in this Ryot wherein many were hurt but God bee thanked none were slaine But to leave Ireland for a time and returne to England you have seene before in the Articles of the marriage that the Queene was to have a Bishop and 28. Priests in her house as her Chaplaines and that this Bishop should have and exercise all Episâ—â—pall jurisdiction in matters of Religion After those Priests and the Bishop were accordingly come over and setled here Father Philips the Queenes Confessor and others of them grew so insolent that they began to practise and â—each Note That the Pope upon the Treaty of marriage resumed to his owne or his Delegates jurisdiction the Queens whole Family especially the institution and destitution of the Ecclesiasticks That the King of England â—ad no power to intermeddle therein for that hee was an heretick the Pope threatning to declare all Apostates who should seeke their establishment from the King They likewise maintained the lawfulnesse of deposing Kings that were hereticks concluded to excommunicate all such aâ— should oppose this doctrine or take the oath of allegiance in which action one Muskeâ— a Priest and Trollop the Popish Viear
one of our principall Secretaries of state is to make his repaire into forraigne parts We doe hereby licence him to passe and straitly charge and command you and every of you to suffer him to goe quietly by you and to embarque himselfe at any of Our ports most convenient for his passage and to take with him his Nephew Robert Read and two other in his company together with his and their carriages without any manner of search stay or other interruption whatsoever and this shall be as well to the said Sir Francis VVindebanke Robert Read and the rest for passing as to you and every of you for suffering them to passe as aforesaid sufficient warrant and discharge Given at Our Court at White-hall the second day of December 1640. To all Admirals Vice-admirals Captaines of Our Forces Castles and Ships and to all Justices of peace Mayors Sheriffs Bayliffs Constables Customers Comptrollers and Searcheâ—s and to all other Our Officers and Ministers whom it doth or may concerne and to every of them This counterseiâ—ed anti-dated passe was sent to Master Thomas VVindebanke into England out of France to procure his Majesties hand and Signet to it and if any difficulty or scruple were made by the King to signe it the Queens omnipotent mediation must he used to obtainits Signature as this letter of Mr. Reads to Mr. Thomas Windebanke wherein it was inclosed will sufficiently manifest and likewise discover to the world how grosly his Majesty hath been abused by this Secretary the Arch-bishop and others of his Ministers by procuring his hand to such forged anti-dated warrants to excuse themselves and lay all the blame of their Actions upon him which should cause his Majesty to look better to them hereafter in this kind Sir MY Uncle has acquainted me with a letter he has written to my 〈◊〉 of Arundell and with the directions he has given you about it I put him in mind of some addition fit to be made to it which he likes very well and has commanded me to write to you That if her Ladiship or any other with whom shee shall please to advise can think upon any way to prevent any proclamation against him or at least to sweeten any rigorous course that may be intended against him as probably such meanes may be found now that their M. M. Majesties and the Parliament seeme to be upon better termes her Ladiship will be pleased to advance it with all her power And really I am of opinion if the King did know how much dishonour he haâ— abroad by this question of the Secretary and had a true sense of master Secretaries condition both his Majesty and the Queen would be hearty in his businesse which could not but produce good effects Sir I have considered that when they fall upon our businesse they will goe neere to comfort in mine absence for which God will blesse you and move the Kings heart to take you into his princely consideration which I shall be as well contented with as if I had continued in my prosperity The being deprived of the light of my Soveraigne Lord and Masters countenance is the greatest and most bitter of my afflictions to which God will returne me if he finds it fit if otherwise I hope he will arme me with patience You will present my most humble service to my Lord Duke of Lenox the Lord Marquesse Hamilton the Earle of Manchester and his Lady with the Lord Chamberlaine Lord Goring and Lord Cottington the like to the LORD ARCHBISHOP and Lord TREASURER and any other that shall enquire of me God blesse you and send us a happy meeting so I rest YOURS c. FRAN. VVINDEBANKE Calis 6. December 1640. TOM I writ to you this afternoon already immediately upon my arrivall here and gave you account of my passage into these parts and this was by the Master of the boat that brought me hither since understanding that the Pacquet-boat is to part away from hence to morrow I thought fit to take that occasion to communicate some thoughts of mine concerning my unfortunate businesse in Parliament It is not unlikely but that the House of Commons will notwithstanding mine absence or the rather for it as taking my retreat for a confession of the charge proceed to present me to the Upper House for a Delinquent of so high a nature as never came so much as into my thoughts to be guilty of In this case you shall doe well to consider whether it will not be fit for you most humbly to move his Majesty in favour of me to deale with some of the Lords best inclined to me namely the Lord Duke of Lenox the Lord Marquesse Hamilton the Earle Marshall Lord Goring Lord Cottington and others not leaving out the Lord Chamberlaine that my charge may be set downe in writing and that I may be permitted to make my answer to it if this may be granted the next particular that will fall into consideration will be how farre his Majesty will please to advow me in the two great parts of the charge namely the enlarging of Priests and the procuring of bils of grace from his Majesty for stay of the conviction of Recusants and likewise for such letters as my selfe have written upon his Majesties commandement for stay of such indiâ—ements For the first of these there are 27. or 28. Bonds taken of such Priests as I have set at liberty which Bonds you shall doe well to shew his Majesty being all taken by his speciall direction and I doe not remember that any have been delivered out of prison but such as are so bound unlesse perhaps some may have been taken out of the hands of those two Hell-hounds Gray and Newton that were disabled by the Lords from prosecuting Recusants and this at the instance of the Queen to his Majesty NOTE For the second namely the stay of convictions by Bils of grace and otherwise they were all entirely moved and procured by the Queens Majesty and some of her servants and likewise of those neere his Majesty who had no small benefit by them and I had nothing at all to doe with them but in the dispatch of some of those Bils which belonged to me as Secretary and his Majesty may please to remember that before those Bils passed my hands some of them were made during life which upon my motion to his Majesty and the representation I made of that inconveniency was altered and they were granted but during pleasure so became revokable whâ—â—soever his Majesty should command His Majesty may likewise further please to remember that of late I did humbly represent to him the prejudice to his revenue by these bils of grace and besought him there might be a stop of them and I doe not remember that any have been granted these two or three yeers howsoever I doe religiously professe I never moved in them NOTE nor any other businesse of Recusants originally nor without his Majesties
speciall commandement and therefore if I should not be advowed in all my condition must be very hard Neverthelesse rather that his Majesty or his affaires shall suffer I desire the whole burden may be laid upon me and though I have his Majesties hand for most of them and commandement for all yet I will rather perish then produce either to his prejudice without his permission if his Majesty shall please to appeare to the Lords aboveâ— mentioned in my behalfe you are not to leave them unsolicited and you must specially wait upon my brother Secretary and present my humble service to him Since my arrivall here I have presented my selfe to the Governour 〈…〉 who hath offered me great civilities inviting me to sup with him and desiring me to make use of his Coach to Paris but I have thought sit to excuse my selfe as handsomely as I could of both you shall doe well to present my most humble thankes and services to the Queen for these honours NOTE which I have reason to acknowâ—edge are done me in contemplation of her Majesties favour to me so as though in mine owne Country it be accounted a crime to me to be her Majesties servant yet here I shall have reputation and receive much honour by it At my first dis-embarquing here in my red surred cap. I was taken for my Lords Grace of Canterbury and the noyse was generally spread through the Towne that it was he by which it apppeares this people can judge well of colours unlesse they had thought him a Cardinall Comfort your poore afflicted Mother in mine absence who if shee should fall into any distemper of sicknesse for this disaster upon me and my Family there could be nothing added to my misery in this world God blesse you and make you more happy in your owne person then you are in that of Your most distressed but affectionate Father Francis VVindebanke 〈◊〉 â—6 December 1640. A POSTâ—SRIPT Coâ—â—mâ—nd my dearest loue to your Mother and let your brother and sisters know I send them my blessing You shall doe well to acquaint the Queens Majesty with the particulars of my travels NOTE and most humbly to unplore the continuance of her favour to me and my poore â—uined Family and withall â—orget not to represent to her Majesty the singular favour shee vouchâ—aâ—ed me in the company of Monseiur 〈◊〉 who hath been a most 〈◊〉 and tâ—nder friend to me NOTE NOTE 〈…〉 NOTE of those that have the charge of the letters and that they are all sent For mine owne most unfortunate businesse in Parliament I long to heare what effect my comming from England hath produced though I expect little good but to be kept from extremities Concerning mine owne domestique affaires the chiefest that I shall recommend to you is the care of your poore mother upon whose living and comfort depends mine next I wish you to procure me a bill of credit to which purpose Robin hath writ to master Burlamachi for I find my charge here will be very high and if his Majesty shall not relieve me I shall not be able by mine owne revenue to subsist This I have represented to the Lord Treasurer and Lord Cottington and desired them to give order for payment of such monies as are due to me in the Exchequer which are at Michael was last 800. l. you shall doe well likewise to solicit these Lords for the payment of the monies for which I stand engaged to master Richaut for the King and not to forget my boord wages nor the monies in the hands of the Earle of New-castle The lâ—tters that goe herewith you will deliver with the remembrance of my humble services to these Lords to whom I have written to assist you as occasion shall be presented That to my Lord Chamberlaine is more large and particular then the rest and I have left it open purposely NOTE to the end you may shew it to his Majesty and if his Majesty like it to deliver it otherwise not I shall want linnen and apparell at Paris and Aâ—bert tels me I may have a Trunk conveyed by the pacquet-boat hither and from hence to Paris with a small charge and therefore I wish there were two suits put up one of plaine Velvet and I never yet wore and another of the little wrought Vâ—lvet diamond worke and linnâ—n of all sorts but â—ands with three or foure paire of warme wollen stockings and two paâ—re of blacke silke ones The Ship in which we should have passed and was bound for Roven was within 24. houres after we left it pillaged by the Dunkerks but rescued from them after by the French and brought in hither as lawfull prize where shee now is so that it was happy we forsooke her and passed in a Shallop and though our passages were full of hazard yet we avoyded a greater danger by it God blesse you and put a happy end to all our sufferings which I wish might all fall upon my selfe so your mother and you who are most innocent were free in all conditions I shall be Your most affectiâ—oate Father FRAN. VVINDEBANKE Calis 13. December 1640. TOM NOTE Your letter of the 17. of December came fitly to welcome me hither to Paris and gave me infinite comfort in the expressions you make of their Majesties favourâ— to me and mine in our present distressed condition the like I understand by master Treasurer and you are herewith to receive letters to them all in acknowledgement of their goodnesse You writ nothing concerning the 〈◊〉 Bonds which I desired you to shew to his Majesty I desire you to let me know by your next what you have done therein Your most affectionate Father FRAN. WINDEBANKE Paris 4. January 1641. Master Read his Secretary by a letter of the same date to master Thomas Windebank then a Gentleman of the privy Chamber to his Majesty in Ordinary writeâ— thus Sir I Am of opinion with you that our businesse in Parliament will not sleep yet I like it never the worse that it goes on no faster for in all probability if they may have their will of the great ones NOTE as I beleeve they will we may escape the better especially since they cannot chuse but know that the King continues his favour to master Secretary which I hope will somewhat take off from their siercenesse against him Your most affectionate cozen and humble servant RO. READ Paris 4. Jan. 1641. TOm I writ to yoâ—r mother and your selfe the last weeke by the ordinary but this extraordinary occasion of Sir Iohn Fortesâ—ues returne into England presenting it selfe I could not but make use of it that you may understand the state of my health as often as may be which continuing good I am confident will be some comfort to you all in the midst of your afflictions I have not been able to put my selfe in order to goe out of my lodging untill this day but now my first appearing
dispatched that businesses will goe faster on then formerly and that amongst them my Vnckles will have its turne What course will be taken in it I cannot judge but I doubt not if they make a charge such things wil be contained in it as cannot be foreseen and I fear if sombody be not there present to make a defence or disprove them they may be taken por confesso which may be a ruine to us all I know no body is able to answer but my â—nckle and my â—â—â—selfe For 〈◊〉 NOTE there is no thought of his going thither for my selfe I know no reason why I should not be there if his Majesty please to avow my â—nckle I thinke there will be no need of other answer but if he shall please to say he will first see the charge there will be â—nâ—cessity of somebodie 's being there to bring to his Majesties remembrance the grounds and reasons upon which divers things were done which must be needs slipt cut of his Majesties memory and besides there are divers papers and warranâ—s to be searcht out for my Unckles justification if his Majesty please to cause the charge to be sent hither then there will be no need of me till the answer goe backe which will be the best way of all I beseech you consider seriously of it and as soone as the businesse shall be spoken of it would not be amisse to know his Majesties pleasure in all these particulars and in the meane time be pleased to let me know your ownâ— opinion of them c. Sir Your c. R. Read Paris 31. May 1641. TOm c. my letters were sent from hence under my Lord Ambassadours cover directed to master Secretary Vane which I have hitherto sound the surest way c. I remember well I then sent you a letter for the Queen in acknowledgement of the graciâ—us remembrance her Majesty vouchsafed me by Master Mountague NOTE c. The last weeke I sent by the same way a letter to his Majesty with a Duplicate of it to you concerâ—ing the businesse wherein you had signified his Majesties pleasure to me I hope if that have fallen into other lands they will not dare to keep backe that which was directed to his Majesty whatsoever became of the rest and I rather wish you to make your addresse to my Lady of Arundell and humbly desire her Ladiship to mediate for me to my Lord. Your c. Francis Windebanke Paris 3. May 1641. TOM c. You must not faile to attend my Lord of Leicesâ—er as soone as you may and to acknowledge his great honours and favours to me you shall doe well likewise to be an humble suter to the Queen in my name NOTE that she will be pleased to take notice to my Lord of the faire and noble treatment I have received from his Lordship for her Majesties sake and upon her recommendation and this you may doe at some time when my Lord may be present and that you may be sure it may not be forgotten c. Your c. FRAN. WINDEBANKE Paris 6 May 1642. TOM c. You are now to receive a letter from Robert Read concerning a businesse which hath been lately examined in Parliament you shall doe well to acquaint his Maâ—esty with it and most humbly to crave his direction in case it shall come to a stricter inquisition as I have reason to conceive it will considering what I have formerly written to you upon this subject to be represented to his Majesty and under what malice and danger I lye for that businesse None understands mine innocency herein better thâ—â— his Majesty nor can better cleere me to whose Princely wisdome I 〈…〉 it and shall governe my selfe both in this and any thing else concerning his service wholly according to his pleasure Youâ—s c. FRAN. WINDEBANKE 〈…〉 1641. 〈…〉 upon the particular place you writ of you may easily procure upon these grounds or at least know by either of these to whom you are addressed how farre her Majesty stande engaged Sir Yours c. Robert Read Paris 28 Iune 1641. About this time Secretary Windebankes Lady and Family resolved to goe over to him into France whereupon he writ this letter to his Sonne TOM c. You must procure a Passe from his Majesty for them all and if I may know the time of her comming I will meet her at Dâ—epe If his Majesty shall make difficulty at the Passe NOTE you must beseech the Queens interposition to let them know that the little appearance of the end of my businesse hath 〈◊〉 both upon this resolution you will be her guide and I beseech God to blesse you and let and bring us happily together Your c. Francis Windebanke Paris 5. Iuly 1641. To August following Secretary Windebanke had a mind to Petition the House whose royall advice and assistance he craved had in it these ensuing letters manifest TOm c. With them I sent you a Petition to the House of Commons in my name but referred the proceeding in it to his Majesties pleasure NOTE and to such advice as you might take from some trusty friend I wish some care be taken that the Secretariet place being disposed of which if his Majesty be not good to me must be mine utter raine I may not be excluded from the generall pardon which it is likely will be granted at the end of this Session I hope you will put both their Majesties in mind hereof NOTE with some earnestnesse Your c. Francis Windâ—banke Paris 16. Aug. 1641. TOm c. I now send you a Petition which I have framed to be presented to the lower House in my name if his Majesty shall thinke fit to whose wisdome I doe most humbly submit it NOTE either to be suppressed altered or disposed of as his Majesty shall please That which hath moved me to fall upon this way is the apprehension that the House will adjourne without comming to any resolution concerning me which would be a greater punishment then otherwise in reason I can expect considering my sufferings already Howsoever by this I may perhaps make a discovery of the inclinations of the House and what ply my businesse is likely to take I wish you could communicate this to some discreet trusty secret friend before his Majesty be acquaâ—hnted with it and take deliberate advice upon it In Casâ—his Majesty approve this course you shall then beseech him to deliver the Petition to master Treasurer Master Comptroller to give them order to recommend it to the House from him with further intimation that his Majesty will take it will if the House shall grant it You are likewise to beseech the Queen to second his Majesty herein and to recommend it to Master Treasurer and Master Comptroller NOTE and any other in the House in whom her Majesty hath interest I doe not conceive that such a Petition can doe harme
the Archbishops triall Most excellent Sir Patron most honoured I Would have retained my selfe from writing to your most illustrious Lordship for feare of being to you some impediment I knowing your many occupations but I having heard from many persons and in particular by letters of Seignior Francisco sometimes my Secretary the honourable mention that otherwhiles your most illustrious Lordship is wont to make of my person NOTE and having also oftentimes understood from the most famous Seignior Cavaliere Hamilton and from Father John the Benedictin how much your most illustrious Lordship straineth himself in favouring of me I have been forced to commit this rude civility taking in hand my pen to give you trouble NOTE I assure your most famous Lordship that I live so much obliged unto you thâ—â— I shall never be able to pretend to satisfie to one and the least particle of that which I owe seeing that during my abode in London most rare were those dayes in which I did not receive from your most illustrious Lordship some grace in the behalfe and favour of the poore Catholikes .. I must also congratulare my selfe with your most famous Lordship concerning the most noble manners and behaviours of your Lordships Sonnes the which with their singular modesty and other most laudable vertues have gained such an opinion amongst them that have knowne them in this Court that I could never be able to expresse it NOTE and the Lord Cardinall Barberino in particular cannot satiate himselfe in praising them It grieves me not to have had the fortune to meet with them in this City because willingly I would have attested my devotion towards your most famous Lordship to the which and to all your most illustrious family I rest desiring eternall felicity from Heaven In the meane while I humbly entreat you to favour me with some commandement and I kisse your hands Your most illustrious Lordships most devout and most obliged Servant Greg. Panzani From Rome the 31. of May 1637. By this letter you may discerne what intimacy Windebanke had with and what daily favours he bestowed upon this Nuncio during his abode in London what curtisies he did for the papists here what correspondency he kept with Romanists abroad and what entertainment respect his sonnes then received in the Popes Court from his Creatures for his sake of which more in due place Among the Arch-bishop of Canterbury his papers I found the copy of a letter said to be written to the Pope thus indorsed with his owne hand Rece Octob. 15. 1635. A copy of the letter which is reported King Charles did write to Pope Urban the eighth about the restitution of the Duke of Loraigne Rex magnae Britanniae c. Sanctitatisuâ— Vrbano octavo salutem c. Anno 1634. Maxime Pontifex DOmus Lotharingiae Olim modo Principum Regumque mater vinculatrahit dura as in captivitatem ducitur orbe spectante 〈◊〉 Sanguis mihi optime Pontifex in venis salit quem a domo Letharingiae hausi pulsantque mihi violentes motuâ— praecordia dum consanguineos meos Duces paâ—riae sedibus spoljatos 〈◊〉 hostiliâ— graviter passâ—s sanguis cum in Nobis idem sit atiam amor distrahor tamen affectibus hinc cognati Lotharingiae oppressi jacent inde frater meâ—s triumphator sedâ— ut eorum calamitates violenta manu foveam necesse erit ut hunc 〈◊〉 Itaque pressus utrinque amore câ—gor ad mediationes aliorum Principum confugere ut amicitiam inter bos mihi caros concilieâ— bella amore extinguens non aliter sane extinguenda nisi faedâ— sanguinis Christiani effusione Ad te ergo Urbane Pontifex quem omni humanitatis cultu uâ—â— optimum Principem existimavi revertor cum hi Principes potestatem tuam 〈◊〉 agnoscere videantur se oves teque Pastorem suum â—â—pera igitur Sanctitatem suam ita obiestor hisce this Filijs Patris ut suam vocem andientes armis seposâ—â—â—s paceâ— Christianam meant exterisque Principibus authoruateâ— tuam agnoscentibus obedientâ—â— exempla sintâ— Deponatur te sedente quodcunque inter illos violentum sedatique reddâ—ntur hereditate suâ— cegnati Duces caeterique Lotharingiae domus Principes reponantur in avitaâ— sedis Hoc incumbit tuae in illos potentiae Curabit preculdabio paterna manus filiorum suorum vulnera praedicabitque Christianus orbis Urbano â—ontfice Romanâ— domnâ—â— Lotharingiam ex qua fere omnes Christiani Principes â—lori doâ—ari prâ—stinae vitaerestitui Tot vero inter Reges Principes qui hanc Christianissimans domum matrem agnoscunt Ego Vâ—bano principi optimo una 〈◊〉 illis gratias immortales agam quodque huic domus Parentâ— meae a Sanctitate suaâ—prestabitur tanquam mihimet meisque Coronis praestitum grato animo agnoscam Eterim fatendum est nihil mihi Contigisse gravius quam optimae illius domus mihi conjunctissimae contemplarâ— ruinam This letter perchance was but a civill complement for a civill end About this time Secretary Windebanks as I conceive or some other great person desired to be resolved from Rome of the Popes good affection to the King which some here questioned to which be received this answer thence in Italian sound among Windebanke papers and it seemâ— to be written by Cardinall Barberino with whom this Secretary held intelligence Concerning the demand made to your Lordship if the Pope loveth the King I answer That his Holinesse loves his Majesty better thâ—n any thing in this world better then any Nâ—phewes NOTE then all my whole Family and better then any whatsoever thing or Family belonging to his Beatitude or any Potentate that is And this is a love not onely proceeding from a Soveraigne Bishop but proper to his Holinesse A good counter-signâ— or testimony hereof your Lordship may see in those sine verses made by his Holinesse upon the death of the Queen Grand-Mother of this King 〈…〉 I have seen and shall see oftentimes testimonies to wit the teares which his Holinesse many times hath shed for the re-union of 〈◊〉 person to our holy Religion the which our Lord sheddeth every time that I relate unto him what your Lordship writes to me Vpon this forenamed entercourse with Rome by mutuall Agents they began at Rome to have very good opinion of our favourable inelinations towards them as may appeare by these passages written from Venice by Master William Middleton Chaplaine to the Lord Fielding then English Ambassadour there to Doctor Loud Arch-bishop of Canterbury in whose Study the originall was seized Right Honourable and most Reverend c. WHiles I was writing there came a franciscan Fryar to my selfe his businesse was this A mind he told me he had to leave these parts and with them the Religion herein used that I should doe him a great favour would procure him a passage for England either by sea or by land c. NOTE I fell to question him whether and when he had
been at Rome he told me in Iune and Iuly last past I asked him how the affaires â—ent there he told me Their opinion of us was that his sacred Majesty was favourable to the Catholiques that SOME GREAT ONES ABOVT HIM were so to or IN HEART MORE a a The Archbishop himselfe ONE he names concerning whom as at home so abroad as of old of the best of men there was much 〈◊〉 among the people for some said he was a good man others said nay he deceiveth the people c. There is as I am informed by a discreet Gentleman at Florence a Jesuit lately returned from England to Rome who pretendâ— to have made a strict discovery of the state of England as it stands for Religion how King is disposed how Queene what Lords are of the Puritan faction what notâ— but by name his honour oâ— Dorset and Pembroke are strong for Precisians He sayes that the Puritanâ— are shrendfelloweâ— NOTE but those which are counted good Protestants are faire conditioned honest men and think they may be saved in any Religion I am promised the relation written if it come to my hands and there be any thing in it worthy your Graces view I shall hereafter humbly present it to you as now my selfe Your 〈◊〉 most humble and most obedient Servant William 〈◊〉 The letter is thus indorsed with Master Dels hand Recepi Octob. 9. 1635. Soone after this I find a paper of intelligence written to Secretary Windebanke from Rome the 29. of December 1635. wherein there is this passage There is a â—ew Ambassadour from England arrived in this Court Major Bret as I conceive for whom there was a speciall lodging provided and entertainment at the publike cost What his businesse was but to negotiate a reconciliation I know not which proceeded so far that it was generally reported at Rome we should have an English Cardinal and it was conceived by some Roman Catholike that the Arch-bishop had a hand in sending Bret to Rome as is evident by this letter of Master Middleton from Venice to the Arch-bishop himselfe informing him hereof Right honourable and most reverend c. IN Rome there is great talke of an English Cardinall and the man who is already 〈◊〉 Catholicke must be the man NOTE Mr. Mountague Your Lordship I know will 〈◊〉 if not at this yet at that I shall now write A Catholick discoursing with me let a word fall and this it was That within this twelve moneth the Pope did wish that his sacred Majesty of England were at once his trusty sâ—nne for thou he would not be used aâ— he 〈◊〉 by French or Spaniard the same party did not aske the question but only thus I wonder whether my Lord of Canterbury have any hand in the sending of Serjeant Major Bret to Rome I answered because I saw he was fishing surely no because NOTE as you know it is written he comes from the Queen and in her name Rome is very kind to our English Gentlemen I humbly entreat your Graces pardon if in a desire to let nothing I heare scape your knowledge I must lowly offer unto you such things as will make you lose so much time as you shall read the Letter but though your Lordship lose a little time let not me I beseech you loose that good opinion which I hope you have conceived of Your Graces most really devoted and obedient Servant William Middleton December 21. 1635. In these two letters there are some clauses concerning Francisâ—us de Saâ—ta Clara his book intituled Deus Natura Gratia written purposely printed in England to reconcile us to Rome and afterward licensed and printed at Rome it selfe to this end though the Jesuits did some of them dislike it as over-moderate of which more in its due place In the yeer 1636. Signior Gregorio Panzani the Popes Nuncio in England and Major Bret our English Agent at Rome being discharged of their negotiations Signior 〈…〉 a Scot was appointed by the Pope to succeed Panzani at his Nunciogâ—rio and Sir William Hamilton a Scot too sent hence Leger to Rome what letters presentâ— pictures he carried with him from hence and from whom is worthy inquiry That Windebanke 〈…〉 were privy to this succession and negotiation will appeare by this letter of 〈◊〉 Phiâ—lips the Queenâ— Confessor to him the originall whereof found among his 〈◊〉 is ready to be produced thus indorsed with Windebanks owne hand 9 Iune 1636. Father Phillips rec 10. Right honourable YEster night after your honours departing from Hampton Court I received this inclosed the Gentleman who sent it to me from Paris writeth that Sir William Hamilton departed from thence the 3. of Iune NOTE that is our 24. of May so that now he must be heere unto Rome He writeth also that Seignior Georgio Conco whom the Pope doth send to the Queen was to depart from Rome about the â—0 of May if he have heard of Sir Williams hasty going it may be he will stay till his arrivall which I could wish because he both can and would help him better at the beginning then any other I know I rest ever Your Honours most humble and devoted Servant R. Phillips From Haâ—pton-Couâ—t the 9. of June 1636. Sir William Hamilton soone after arrived at Rome as English agent there where he had special lodgings provided for him and a pension of 500. l. per annum granted to him in another Hamiltons name out of the Exchequer here for his service there Before this time the Congregation of propagating the Faith at â—ome having good hopes of the conversion and reduction of England to their obedience constituted Cardinall Barbarino Nephew and Vice Chancellour to the late deceased Pope â—aâ—ron and Protector of the English and Scottish Nation as Cardinall a See p. â—09 â—â—dovisius was of the Irish who to facilitate their designe erected a speciall society of foure orders or Jesuits in England whereof the Popes Legat for the time being residing in England was the chief Patron and Cardinall Barbarinâ— the principall Superintendent as you may read more at large in my b Page â—3 See Romes Master-piece from one who was privy to the plot sent over hither by Cardinall Barbarino to assist Con this Cardinall held intimate correspondence wiâ—h Windebanke as is apparant by the forementioned letter of Panzani and by these ensuing passages in Master Thomas VVindebankes letter to him from Rome wherein he thus expresseth his entertainment at Rome by Sir William Hamilton and this Cardinall to his Father Sir MY most humble duty remembred c. Sir William Hamilton hath been pleased to put so great an obligation upon me as to invite me to his house for the time that I am in Rome I would very willingly have avoyded the putting him to such an inconvenience but he pressed it so farre that I could not refuse the receiving of that favour the Cardinall Barbarino I understand HATH LONG EXPECTED
him thankes for his Resolution about ordering the Kings Chappell and wearing his Whites c. and promising to speake to my Lord Traquair about Edward Helly Another Febr. 28. 1634. Containing Thankes from the King for the solemnitie of the late Communion and expressing his hopes that the other Bishops were in their Whites as well as he that the envy of the uulgar might not fall only on him That he had shewed His Majesty the paper of those of the Session as did not conforme at the Communion That he had done what he could for the Gentlemen of the Chappell but the times required patience c. On the 28. of Septemb. 1634. The Arch-Bishop caused the King to signe a common prayer Booke for the use of the Church of Scotland and gave order to the Bishops of Scotland to compile certaine Canons for the Government of the Church of Scotland which Lyturgie and Canons were to be imposed on that Church by Regall and Episcopall Authority without consent of Parliament or of a generall Assembly the Bishops of Scotland not long after gave him a particular account of their proceedings herein with thanks for his many favours to them and assistance of them in this ensuing Letter thus endorsed with his owne hand Recep Aprill 12. 1635. From my Lord of Saint Andrewes and other Bishops about the Scottish Liturgie and CANONS May it please Your Grace VVE have put our Brother the Bishop of Rosse to the paines of a wet journey for ayding the Lyturgie and Canons of the Church and as we have found Your Graces favour both to our Church in Generall and our selves in divers particulars for which we are Your Graces debters so we are to entreate the continuance thereof in this and our common affaires We all wish a full conformity in the Churches but Your Grace knoweth that this must be the worke of time We have made blessed bee God a further progresse then all have here expected in many yeares by His Majesties favour and Your Graces helpe and hope still to goe further if it shall please God to continue Your Grace in health and life for which we pray continually And so remitting all things to our Brothers relation we take Our leave Your Graces affectionate Brothers and Servants Saint Andrew Glasgow 10 B. of Moray Ad B. of Dublane Tho Brochine Dated 2. Aprill 1635. On May 19. 1635. The Archbishop writ a Letter of thankes to Bishop Balentine for his forwardnesse in this service informing him That the King was well pleased with the conformity at the last reception of the Sacrament That he was glad the Church businesse there was in so faire a way c. That His Majesty had given him the Bishopricke of Aberdeen and expected his Residence there and care of that University August 7. 1635. He writ to him that the King is well pleased with the solemnity of the Sacrament and that the Bishops were in forme That he expects that all that receive there doe it kneeling and in forme and that every one of the Session doe it once a yeare at least and that therefore he and his Successor make a list of the names which performe or not c. After this he writ a Letter into Scotland to the Archbishop of Saint Andrewes dated November 10th 1635. which I find thus indorsed with his owne hand A Copie of my Letters sent by the Kings command into Scotland concerning Church-businesse there to be agitated betweene my Lord of Saint Andrewes and the Earle of TRAQUARE My very good Lord S. in Christo. FOr the particulars entrusted by the Church to the Lord Bishop of Brehen and namely about the Abbacy of Lindores you must expect them from the Lord Bishop himselfe and from such relations as you will receive by my Lord and the Earle of Traquâ—re Note now at this time you shall receive nothing but that which is commanded me by the King and must be my part to act in the present and future businesse for the Church of Scotland My Lord for the present the King is resolved upon some great reasons of State which have prevailed with him not to meddle with the Abbacy of Lindores of any other of that nature as yet but to leave them in that State in which they now are till such time as he may consider the decrees and the Act or Acts of Parliament which concerne them And till he can finde a way to Order them better both for his owne profit and the contentment of his people there Assuring you in the meane time that both in this and all other businesse hee will be very carefull both of the credit and of the maintenance of the Church whereof if your selfe or any other Bishop or Clergie Men shall make doubt I am commanded to tell you that therein you will not onely doe His Majestie wrong but hurt your selves and the Church which you seeke to benefit And in this very particular you are to know and make knowne to others that it is not the dislike of any person or persons or of the thing it selfe that causes this present stay but reason of State only and the care which the King hath all proceedings may goe on according to Law As for the Bishopricks his Majestie will take their wants into as provident care as he can and hath setled Arbroth upon the Bishopricke of Brehen but in what forme I am not able to tell you as not being so well acquainted with the customes and constitutions of that Kingdome and therefore lest I should mistake in any circumstance I leave that wholly to the Bishops owne relation For all the businesse of that Church in future which must come to the Exchequer or any other publique audience or any other businesse that may reflect upon the Church or any thing that belongs to the Kings service in which Churchmen are trusted you are immutably to hould this Rule and that by his Majesties strict and most speciall Command Namely that your selfe or the Lord Rosse or both of you together doe privatly acquaint the Earle of Traquare with it before it be proposed in publike either at the Councell Table Note or the Exchequor or else where and the Earle hath assumed to the King in my presence that he will strictly observe and hold the same corespendency and course with you and further that he will very redily and faithfully doe all good Offices for the Church that come within his power according to all such Commands as he shall receive either immediatly from the King or otherwise by direction of his Majesty from my selfe Note and if at any time your Lordships and my L. Traquare shall upon any of the aforenamed businesse so differ in judgment that you cannot accord it among yourselves you are to let it rest and write up either to his Majesty or to my selfe to move his Majesty for further direction w ch once received you are all to obey That so this little unhapy
difference which lately arosâ— about Lindores may be laid a sleepe and that no other may hereafter rise up in the place of it to disturbe either the Kings or the Churches service or disorder any of your selves who are knowen to be such carâ—ull and direct servants to both And to the end this may go on with the better successe his Majesty precisely Commands that this mutuall relation betweene the Earle of Traquare and you Note be kept very secret and made knowne to no other person either Clergy or Lay for the divulging of these things cannot but breed jealousies amongst men and disservices in regard of the things themselves And therefore the King bids me tell you that he shall take it very ill at his hand who ever he be that shall not strictly observe these his directions This is all which I had in Command to deliver to you and I shall not mingle with it any particulars of my own therefore wishing you all health and happinesse and good speed in your great affaires I leave you to Gods blessed protection and rest Your Graces very loving freind and Brother W. Cant. On December 1. 1635. Canterbury writ this enâ—uing Letter to the Archbishop of Saint Andrewes concerning Fasts on the Lords day their Booke of Canons The Copy whereof I found in his Chamber at the Tower thus indorsed with his Secretaries hand A Copy of my Letters to the Lord Archbishop of Saint Aâ—drewes for the prohibiting of all Fasts on the Lords day throughout the Kingdome My very good Lord S. in Christo. I Have but one thing at this present to trouble you with but that hath much displeased the King and not without very just Cause For now while the King is setling that Church against all things that were defective in it and against the continuance of all unwarrantable customes â—nknowne to or opposed by the ancient Church of Christ the new Bishop of Aberdene hath given wâ—y to and allowed a publick Fast thorow out his Diocesse to be kept upon the Lords Day contrary to the rules of Christianity and all the antient Canons of the Church I was in good hope that Church had quite layed downe that ill Custome but since it appeares the now Bishop of Aberdene hath continued it and perhaps others may follow his example if this passe without a checke Therefore his Majesties expres will and command to your Grace is that you and my Lord of Glascowe take order with all the Bishopps in your severall Provinces respectively that no man presume to command or suffer any Fast to be upon that day or indeed any publicke Fast upon any other day without the speciall leave and command of the King to whose power it belongs and not to them And further his Majesties will and pleasure is that if the Canons be not allready printed as I presume they are not that you make a Canon purposely against this unworthy custome and see it printed with the reâ—t And that you write a short letter to the Bishop of Aberdene to let him understand how he hath over-shot himselfe which letter you may send together with these of mine if you so please This is all which for the present I have to trouble you with therefore leaving you to Gods blessed protection I rest Your Graces very loving freind and Brother W. Cant. And to justifie himselfe if questioned he procured this Warrant writ with his owne Secretaries hand Master Dell without any date at all to be signed by his Majesty I doubt since his late questioning thus endorsed with his owne hand Warrant for the Scotch Canons Charles R. CAnterbury I would have you and the Bishop of London peruse the Canons which are sent from the Bishops of Scotland and to your best skill see that they be wâ—ll sitted for Church-government and as neare as conveniently may be to the Canons of the Châ—rch of England And to that end you or either of you may alter what you shall finde fitting NOTE And this shall be your Warrant Aprill 20. 1636. the Archbishop writ this Letter to the Bishop of Dunblane concerning the Communion in the Chappell royall the Booke of Ordâ—nation and the Litâ—rgy the Copy whereof is indorsed with his owne hand I Have received other Letters from you by which I finde you have written to his Majesty about the Communion in the Chappell Royall concerning which the King holds his former resolution That he would be very glad there should be a full Communion at all solemne times as is appointed But because men doe not alwayes fitte themselves as they ought for that great aâ—d holy worke therefore his Majesty will be satisfied if every one that is required to Communicate there doe solemnly and conformably performe that action once a yeare at least And in conâ—ormity to this you are to signifie once a yeare NOTE unto his sacred Majesty who have communicated within the compasse of that yeare and who not And of this you must not saile By these last Letters of yours I find that you are consecrated God give you joy And whereas you desire a Coppy of our Booke of Ordination I have heere sâ—nt you one And I have acquainted his Majesty with the two great reasons that you give why the Booke which you had in K. Iames his time is short and insufficient As first that the order of Deacons is made but as a Lay Office at least as that Booke may be understood And secondly that in the admission to Priesthood the very essentiall words of conferring Orders are left out At which his Majesty was much troubled as he had great cause and concerning which he hath commanded me to write that either you doe admit of out booke of Ordination or else that you amend your owne in these two grosse over sights or any thing else if in more it be to be corrected and then see the Booke reprinted I pray faile not to acquaint my Lord of Saint Andrewes and my Lord Rosse with this expresse Command of his Majesty I received likewise from you at the same time certaine notes to be considered of that all or at least so many of them as his Majesty should approve might be made use of in your Liturgie which is now in printing And though my businesse hath of late laine very heavy upon me yet I presently acquainted his Majesty with what you had written After this I and Bishop Wren my Lord Treasurer being now otherwise busied by his Majesties appointment sate downe seriously and considered of them all and then I tendred them againe to the King without out animadversioâ—â— upon them and his Majesty had the patience to weigh and consider them all againe This done so many of them as his Majesty approved I have written into a service booke of ours sent you the book with his Majesties-hand to it to warrant all your alterations made therein So in the printing of your Liturgie you are to follow the
Booke which my Lord Rosse brought the additions which are made to the Book I now sent But if you finde the Book of my Lord Rosses and this to differ in any thing that is materiall there you are to follow this later Booke I now send as expressing somethings more fully And now that your Lordship sees all of your animadversions which the Kings approved written into this booke I shall not need to write largely to you what the reasons were why all of yours were not admitted for your judgement and modesty is such that you will easily conceive some reason was apprehended for it Yet because it is necessary that you know some what more distinctly I shall here give you a particular accompt of some things which are of most moment and which otherwise perhaps might breed a doubtfullnesse in you And first I thought you could not have doubted but that the Magnificat c. was to be printed according to the Translation of King Iames for that was named once for all And that translation is to be followed in the Epistles and Gospells as well as in the Psalmes Where I pray observe in the Title-page of the Psalmes in the booke I now send an alteration which I thinke my Lord Rosses booke had not And if you have not printed those Psalmes with a Colon in the middle of every verse NOTE as it is with ours ordinarily in the English it is impossible those Psalmes should ever be well sung to the Organ And if this error be run into it must be mended by a painfull way by a pen for all such Bookes as the Chappell Royall useth and then by one of them the next impression of your Liturgie may be mended wholly Secondly in the Creed of Saint Athanasius We can agree to no more emendations no not according to our best Greeke Copies then you shall finde amended in this Booke Thirdly though the Bishops there were willed to consider of the Holy Dayes yet it was never intended but that the Office appointed for every of them should be kept in the Liturgie and the consideration was onâ—y to be of the observation of them Fourthly for the sentences at the Offettorie We admit of all yours but Wee thinke with all that diverse which are in our Booke would be retained together with yours As namely the 2d 4th 6th 7 8. 9. 10. 13. 14. 15. Fifthly I would have every Prayer or other Action through the whole Communion named in the Rubrick before it NOTE that it may be knowne to the people what it is as I have begun to doe in the Prayer of Consecration and in the memoriall or Prayer of oblation Fac similiter Sixtly We doe fully approve the Collect of Consecration and Oblation should preceed and the Lords Prayer follow next and be said before the Communion in that order which you have exprest but for the Invitation Consâ—ssion Absolution Sentences Preface and Doxologie We thinke they stand best as they are now placed in our Liturgie and as for the Prayer of humble accesse to the holy Communion that will stand very well next before the Participation Seaventhly I have ordered a Rubrick in the Margin of this Booke according as you desire to direct him that celebrates when to take the Sacrament into his hand Namely to take and breake and lay hands on the Chalice as he speakes the words For certaiâ—ly the practise of the Church of England therein is very right And for the objection that we should not doe it till we expresse our Warrant so to doe which you conceive is in these words Do this c. I Answer 1. That those words Do this c are rather our Warrant for the Participation or Communication then the Consecration 2. That our repeating what Christ did is our Warrant to doe the same being there to commanded 3. That the whole Action is Astus continuus and therefore though in our saying Do this followes after yet it doth and must be intended to that which We did before and comes last to seale and confiâ—me our Warrant for doing so And so t is in the other Sacrament of Baptisme where we take the Child first and Baptise it and then afterwards Wee say We receive this Child c. Which in Actu continuâ— must needs relate to the preceeding act for the Child was actually received into the Church by the very act of Baptisme it selfe And this is but our Declaration of that Reception And Whereas you write that much more might have beene done if the times would have borne it I make noe doubt but there might have beene a fuller Addition But God be thanked this will doe very well and I hope breed up a great deale of devout and religious pietie in that Kingdome Yet I pray for my Farther satisfaction at your best leisure â—â—aw up all those particulers which you thinke might make the Liturgy perfâ—ct whether the times will beare them or not And send them safe to me I will not faile to give you my judgment oâ— them Note and perhaps put some of them to further use at least in my owne particular One thing more and then I have done In his Majesties authourising of the notes in this book preâ—ixed at the begining of it though he leave a liberty to my Lords the Archbishops of St. Andrewes Brethreâ— the Bishops who are upon the plâ—ce upon apparent reason to vary some things Yet you must know and inâ—orme them that his Majestie having viewed all these additions hopes there will be no need of change of any thing and wil be best pleased with little or rather no alteration So wishing all prosperity to that Church and a happy finishing of your Liturgie and health to my Brethren the Bishops I leave you to the Grace of God and rest Lambeth Aprill 20. 1636. Your Lordships very loving Freind and Brother W. Cant. This Letter gives us very much light concerning the proceedings of the Archbishop in the Scottish Liturgie the Scottish Bishops sending all their Notes and alteratioâ—s of it doubts concerning it to him from time to time as to their only Oâ—icle all which I have at large but preâ—ermit in silence and receiving his directions which were punctually observed By which it appeares how vaine and false this excuse of his concerning this businesse is which hee drew up with his owne hand since his imprisonment in the Tower where I founde it thus indorsed and superscribed by him The * * But his own Letters the subsequent passages manifest it to beâ— false true Narrative concerning the Scottish Service Book Doctor Iohn Maxwell the late Bishop of Rosse came to me from his Majesty It was during the time of a great sicknesse which I had Anno 1629 which is 11. yeares since The cause of his comming was to speake with me about a Lyturgie for Scotland At this time I was so extreame ill that I saw him not And had death
which I then expected daily seased on me I had not seene this heavy day After this when I was able to sit up he came to me againe and told me It was his Majesties pleasure that I should receive some instructions from some Bishops of Scotland concerning a Lyturgie that he was imployed about it I told him I was cleare of opinion that if His Majestie would have a Lyturgiâ— setled there different from what they had already it was best to take the English Lyturgie without any vaâ—iation that so the same Service book might passe through all His Majesties Dominions To thiâ— hee replyed that he was of a contrary opinâ—on and that not he only but the Bishops there thought their Countriemen would be much better satisfied if a Lyâ—urgie were made by their owne Bishops but withall that it might be according to the forme of our English Booke I added if this were the resolution I would doe nothing till I might by Gods blessing have health and opportunity to waite upon the King And heare give me leave I humbly beseech you to tell your Lordships that this was no new conceit of His Majestie to have a Lyturgie framed and Canons made for the Church of Scotland For he followed the example and care in the businesse of his Royall Father King Iamâ—s of blessed memory who tooke Order for both at the Assembly held at Perth Anno 1618. As appeares in the Acts of that Generall Assembly and the Sermon which the late Reverend Arch-Bishop of Saint Andrewes preached before it pag. 40. 68. When I was able to goe abroad and came to His Majesty I represented all that passed His Majesty avoyded the sending of Doctor Maxwell to me and the busines but then agreed to my opinion to have the English without alteration And in this case I held the businâ—ssâ— foâ— two if not three yeare at least Afterwards the Scottish Bishops still pressing His Majestie that a Lyturgie made by themselves and in some things different from the English service would relish better with their Countrymen they prevailed with His Majestie at last to have it so notwithstanding all I could say or doe to the contrary Then His Majesty commanded me to give the Bishops of Scotland the best assistance I could in this way and worke I delayed as much as I could with my Obedience When nothing would serve but it must goe on I did not only acquaint His Majesty with it but writ downe most of the amendment or alterations in His Masties presence And doe hope there is no one thing in that Book which may not stand with the Conscience of a right good Protestant Note Sure I am his Majestie approved them all and I have his warrant under his Royall hand for all that I did about that Booke As for the way of introducing it I ever advised the Bishops both in his Majesties presence and at other times that they would looke carefully to it and be sure to doe nothing in any kinde but what should be agreeable to the Lawes of that Kingdome And that they should at all times as they saw cause bee sure to take the advice of the Lords of his Majesties Councell in that Kingdome and governe themselves accordingly Which course if they have not followed that can no way as I conceive reflect upon me And I am able to prove by other particulars as well as this that for any thing concerning that Nation I have beene as carefull their Lawes might be observed as any man that is a stranger to them might be The 18. of October 1635 the Archbishop procured this Warrant of Instructions from the Kings Majesty to this Scottish Prelates touching the Service Book and other pâ—â—ticulaâ—s Charles R. Instructions from his Sacred Majesty to the Archbishops and Bishopâ— of Scotland THat you advert that the Proclamation for authorizing the Service Booke â—t derrogate nothing from Our Prerogative Royall That in the Kalender you keep such Catholike Saints as are in the English that you pester it not with too many Note but such as you insert of thâ— peculiar Saints of that 〈◊〉 Kingdome that they be of the most approved and here to have regard to those of the blood Royall and such Holy Bishops in every Sea most renowned But in no case 〈◊〉 Saint George and Patrick That in your Booke of Orders in giving Orders to Presbyters you keepe the words of the English Booke without change Receive the Holy Ghost c. That you insert amongst the Lessons ordinarily to be râ—ad in the Sâ—rvice Note out of the Book of Wisdom the 1 2 3 4 5 and 6 Chapters and out of the Booke of Ecclâ—siasticus the 1 2 5 8 35 and 49 Chapters That every Bishop within his own Family twice a day cause the Service to be done Note And that all Archbishops and Bishops make all Universities and Colledges within their Diocesses to use daily twice a day the Service That the Preface to the Booke of Commâ—â— Prayer signed by Our hand and the Proclamation authorizing the same be printed and inserted in the Booke of Common Prayer Given at New-market the Eighteen day of October 1636 and of Our Raigne the 11. The originall Booke of Common Prayer imposed on the Church of Scotland one principall cause of the late Commotions there I found in the Archbishops Chamber in the Tower when I was enjoyned by Authority to search it May 30. 1642. with all the Additions and Alteratioâ—s wherein it varies from the English written made and inseâ—ted with the Archbishops owne hand as it was afterward printed and published in Scotland Anno 1637. conceâ—ning which I shall give you some briefe materiall observations First That to countenance these Alterations he caused this Warrant in the Kings Name written with his own Secretaries Mr. Dels hand to be inserted into the Booke just after the Table for the Psalmes and Chapters and before the begining of the Common Prayers which Warrant without doubt as appears by the Conâ—ents of it was procured long after the date thereof and I presume counterfeited Charles R. being not the King owne hand though somewhat like it but Master Dels as I conceive who writ the Warrant which runs thus Charles R. I Gave the Archbishop of Canterbury command to make the Alterations expressed in this Booke Note and to sit a Liturgy for the Church of Scotland And wheresoever they shall differ from another Booke signed by â—s at Hampton Court September 28 1634. Our pleasure is to have these followed rather than the former unâ—esse the Archbishop of St. Andrewes and his Brethren who are upon the place shall see apparâ—nt reason to the contrary At Whitehall April 19 1636. This Warrant and that for the Canons were both writ by his Secretary Dell this having a Date or rather Antedate but the other none at all that it might 〈◊〉 with any time if questioned Secondly That these Alterâ—tions are of different natures and may
end there may be little left he that Officiates is required to consecrate with the least and then if there be want the words of Consecration may be repeated againe over more either Bread or Wine the Presbyter beginning at these words in the prayer of Consecration Our Saviour in the same night that he was betrayed tooke c. Finally in the commination against sinners he hath made these insertions Prayers to be used diverse times of the yeare AND ESPECIALLY ON THE FIRST DAY OF LENT COMMONLY CALLED AS HWEDNESDAY is added Brethren in the Primitive Church there was a godly Discipline that at the begining of Lentsuch persons as were notorious sinners were put to open penance and punished in this world which he thus alters were put to open penance did humbly submit themselves TO UNDER GOE PUNISHMENT IN THIS WORLD Note Which alteration makes way and gives good coulor for the introduction of Popish Confession and Penances imposed by Priests the end no doubt for which it was made To conclude Whereas there were diverse godly-prayers printed at the end of the common Prayer Book after the Psalms to be used for sundry purposes some whereof were made use of in private families Morning and Evening the Arch-Bishop gives this direction in the Margin concerning the expunging of them with his own hand His Mâ—â—â—sty commands That these prayers following or any other for they are different in severall editions BE ALL LEFT OUT and not printed in your Lyturgie Which command was accordingly observed Now I beseech you judge by all these particulars what the Archbishops designe was in making all these alterations additions and indeavouring to obtrude this Common-Pâ—ayer Book and new Lyturgy upon the Church of Scotland without consent of their Parliament or Generall Assembly and what just cause our Brethren of Scotland had to oppose and resist them as they did This Service Book being printed in Scotland Note with these and sundry other alterations and additions wherein it differed from the English in the Yeare 1637. the Arch-Bishop having first caused Mr. Prynne Doctor Bastwicke and Master Burton to be severly censured pillered stigmatized cropped off all their Eares and sent them close priâ—oners to sundry remote Castles for opposing his popish Innovations here in England which strook an extraordinary terror into many here as he conceived would have terrified all from any future opposition of his Popish designes elsewhere tooke occasion immediately after their censures to endeavour to set this Service Book on â—oote in Scotland by a meare Arbitrary power For which purpose he gave order that this Book should be publikly read in all Churches within the City of Edenborough in Iuly 1637. about which time he writ this Letter to the Lord Treasurer of Scotland concerning the Priory and other Lands which the Bishops of Scotland laboured to get in possession to augment their revenues and the affaires of that Church My good Lord S. In Christo. YOur Lordships of Iune 26. came to my hands on Sunday Iuly 2. And they were the first I received out of Scotland since your returne thither save onely that I had one from the Kings Advocate in answer to mine and one from my Lord of Breâ—â—en And I confesse I did and doe a little wonder at it considering how many Letters I writ and what their contents were So I was glad to see one come from Your Lordship till I read it but then I confesse I was much troubled to see things goe on there in such a way For I thought we had beene happily come to an end of those troubles My Lord I have much a doe to read some words in your hand-wrigâ—ting and some things concerning that Kingdome I understand not Betweene these two if I mistake any thing I heartily pray you it may goe pro non scripto And now for Instance I confesse I doe not well understand what that particular is at which my Lord of St. Andrewes checks but what ever it be I am sorry his Grace will not privately debate it before it come in publike Or since he cannot gaine his Commission in Exchequer hee will take a course before the Commission of surrenders that may bee prejudiciall to the Archbishoprick For I hope hee will not thinke of any advantagious way to particular persons with disadvantage to the publike His Majesties intention certainly is that all mortifications to Bishopricks or other pious uses should have all immunities for the advantage of the Church that may bee had And if my Lord of Saint Andrewes either by the Commission to which His Majesties hand was gotten or by valuation before the Commission of surrenders depart from the good of the Church in the particular of the Prioâ—y I must be sorry for it but certainly the Kings bounty must not be abused Only I beseech your Lordship looke carefully to it that my Lord Arch-Bishop have no prejudice for it seemes exceeding strange to me that any thing should be attempted by him in this that is not pregnantly for the Churches good For the Commission of surrenders you know my opinion of it and of whom I learn'd it And I hope before these Letters come to you you will understand His Majesties pleasure concerning that Commission from the Earle of Sterling To your Lordships demands and desires I give you briefly this answer First I heartily thanke you that you are minded once more in a private way to move my Lord Chancellour to alter his intended course by debate there or from hence if there bee any use of me and I heartily pray you so to doe And if you think fit you may tell him t is my desire as well as yours For I have not at this time written any one word of this businesse Secondly If the Kings intentions for the laying the foundation of the Cathedrall Church of Saint Andrewes will in this way my Lord Chancellour now takes bee wholly eluded you must by all good and faire meanes prevent it And if you cannot so doe it you must acquaint His Majestie with it before it be too late Thirdly I doe hereby heartily pray you to stop all things which come to your knowledge NOTE if you finde the Church prejudged or any thing intended contrary to the generall course introduced in favour of the Church And I assure my selfe that His Majestie will thank you for the service Lastly Your Lordship did understand me right and I am still of opinion that more care is to bee taken in the settling of all these Church businesses for the dignitie and advantage of the places themselves And that course I beseech you hold for those things which come within your power And yet I shall still desire the present incumbent may be considered also where it may be without prejudice to the place it selfe in perpetuity This hath been one of the heavyest Termes that ever I indured NOTE and it seemes you have had troubls enough The best is the
remembrances which I last put into your hands may stay for times of more leisure The sicknes increases sorely yet I cannot get out of London God blesse you with health in those parts in which prayers I â—est Your Lordships loving poore Friend to serve You Will. Cant. Lamb. Iuly 4. 1637. After this on the 23. of Iuly the Service Book was to bee read in all Churches of Edenborough the chiefe City of that Kingdom as a president for all the rest where it found such publike generall opposition by the people that the designe of reading it was prevented and the Bishops and others who were to put it in execution were inforced to give the people good words promises nor to bring in the book among them NOTE till further order for feare of being torn in peeces The particulars whereof being at large related by otherâ— I shal pretermit Vpon tydings of this tumultuous opposition the Arch-bishop writ this letter to the Earl of Traquarer Lord Treasurer of Scotland August 7. 1637. concerning Tithes and it August 7th 1637. FOr the Commission of Tithes I was ever against it in my own Judgment and there in I agreed with my Lords of St. Andrews and Rosse since neither of them hath given me sufficient reason why J should change my minde yeâ— if the Commission â—ye a sleepe a while to see what may be said further for it J thinke t is not amisse And then if nothing can be said that shall make it appeare more beneficiall to that Church then yet it doth to me it may be with the better deliberation quite extinguished The truth is at least as it appeares to me in the present use of it it is made a publicke pretence to privat ends My Lord J thinke you know my opinion how J would have Church-businesse caried were I as great a Master of Men as I thanke God I am of things T is true the Church as well there as else where hath beene overborne by violence both in matter of maintenance and jurisdiction Note But if the Church will recover in either of these she her Governours must proceed not as shee was proceeded against but by a constant temper shâ— must make the world see she had the wrong but offer none And since Law hath followed in that King dome perhaps to make good that which was ill done yet since a Law it is such a reformation or restitution would be sought for as might stand with the Law and some expedient be found out how the Law may be by some just Exposition helped till the state shall see Cause to abolish it His Majesty takes it very ill that the businesse concerning the stablishment of the Service booke hath beene so weakly caried and hath great reason to thinke himselfe and his Government dishonoured by the late tumult in Edenborow Iuly 23. and therefore expects that your Lordship and the rest of the honourable Councell set your selves to it that the Liturgy may be established orderly and with Peace to repaire what hath beene done amisse Note For his Majesty well knowes the Clergy alone have not power enough to goe through with a businesse of this nature and therefore is not very well satisfied with them either for the Omission in that kind to advise for assistance of his Lords Councell or for the preparation or way they tooke For certainly the publication a weeke before that on the next Sunday the prayers according to the Liturgy should be read in all the Churches of Edenborow was upon the matter to give those that were ill affected to the service time to communicate their thoughts and to premeditate and provide against it as it is most apparent they did Nor is his Majesty well satisfied wâ—th the Clergy that they which are in authority were not advertised that they might attend the countenancing of such a service so much tending to the honour of God and the King And I am verily perswaded if that accident of the marriage of your Kinsman had not carryed your Lordship out of the City that day some things would not have beene altogether so bad and my Lord privy seale would have had the better assistance Neither was this the best Act that ever they did to send away their letters apart without acquainting the Councell that their advertisements might have come by the same Messenger together with their joynt advise which way was best to punish the Offendors at least the prime and chiefe of them and which to prevent the like disorders And after so long time of preparation to be to seeke who should read the service is more then strange to me unlesse they think such a businesse can do it selfe but his Majesty out of his piety and wisedome gave by the Messenger which the Bishops sent such full directions both to the Lords of the Councell and the Lords of the Clergy as I hope will settle the businesse from further trouble But the Proclamation which you have now sent up to the King I have not yet seene Of all the rest the weakest part was the interdicting of all Divine service till his Majestyes pleasure was further known And this as also the giving warning of the publishing his Majesty at the first reading of the letters and report of the Fact checked at Note and commanded me to write so much to my Lord of Saint Andrews which I did And your Lordship at the Councell Iuly 24. spake very worthily against the inâ—eâ—dicting of the service For that were in effect as much as to disclaime the work or to give way to the insolency of the baser multitude and his Majesty hath commanded me to thankyou for it in his name But the disclayming the Book as any act of theirs but as it was his Majestes command was most unworthy T is most true the King commanded a Liturgy it was time they had one They did not like to admit of outs but thought it more reputation for them as indeed it was to compile one of their own yet as neere as might be and they have done it well will they now cast downe the milke they have given because a few Milke-maids have scolded at them I hope they will be better advised Note certainly they were very ill advised when they spake thus at the Councell boord But my Lord of this there was not one word in the letter So I hope they have done with that W. Cant. Vpon this Letter the designe of imposing the Service-Booke was more strenuously prosecuted then before and divers Ministers were enjoyned to read it by a certain day in their Churches under paine of Horning and the Bayliffes of Edinborow were so terrified and wroâ—e upon by the Lord Treasurer and Councell that they writ this submissive Letter to the Archbishop thus superscribed To the most Reverend Father in God and our very honourable good Lord the Archbishop of Canterbury his Grace Primate and Metropolitan of all England these
Worship if they understand thereby the formes of Confession Prayers celebration of Baptisme and the Lords Supper c. were committed in the time to some few Ministers not exceeding the number of Seven as is cleare by the Psalme Booke that beares the number of the approvers Whereas this Booke of Common Prayer committed in the Assembly of Aberdene Anno 1616. to some three or foure that since are deceased hath been revived and approved by the Bishops Note The second reason is untrue that which they call the forme of Worship was never established by Act of Parliament The confession of Faith was in Anno 1567. ratiâ—â—ed and the same often repeated since But not tâ—e Booke of Prayeâ—s and Psalmes Thirdly Note That the Church of Scotland is a free and Independent Church none doth question And it is her own Pastors for that title 〈◊〉 antiquity was given to Bishops only that have judged this forme to be most for the good of the people As to the measure of Reformation they speake of it is weâ—l that they grant it to bee a measure for other whiles they thinke it absolute and perfect The fourth reason reflects upon themselves that have stood out so rebelliously against the Ceremonies concluded by the Church and ratified in Parliament And for the rest contained in this Book not received as yet in this Church that which is set downe in the preface might have sufficed to convict them They wiâ—l never bee able do what they can to prove the same or any thing in it to be either Supersâ—itious or Idolatrous yea we dare to say it is one of the most Orthodox and perfect Litturgies in the Christian Church Note For the fifth If they have taught the people that the forme contained in the old Psalme Bookes is the only forme of Worship they have taught falsly And it may be justly asked if this was the onely true forme why did not they themselves keep to it but did use other Prayers and other formes then are prescribed in the Booke both in Marriage Baptisme Celebration of the Lords Supper Visitation of the Sick c. As to the unwillingnesse of people so many as are led by them and carried by their Seditious and turbulent Sermons will perhaps run their wayes to their owne destruction But good and well-disposed people will still obey God the King and other powers subordinate to him By this Answer you may discerne what power the Scottish Bishops arrogated to themselves through Canterburies encouragement even more then to a generall Assembly September 4. 1637. The Archbishop writ this branch of a Letter to the Archbishop of Saint Andrews concerning the tumult in Edinburgâ— and new pressing of the Service Booke in answer of his Letter received from thence August 11 1637. as appeares by the Endorcement under his owne hand TOuching the tumult I can say no more than I have already And for the casting of any fault upon your Grace and the rest of your Brethren as if the thing were done precipitatly I think few men will believe that But that which is thought here is that though you took advice among your selves yet the whole body of the Councell was not acquainted with all your Determinations nor their advice taken nor their Power called in for assistance till it was too late And that after the thing was done you consulted apart and sent up to the King without calling a Councell or joyning the Lay-Lords with you whereas all was little enough in a businesse of this nature and so much opposed by some factious men gathered it seems purposâ—ly together at Edinburgh to disturbe this businesse And indeed my Lord you could not in this particular have ingag'd the Lay-Lords too far And if any Lord here spake too much when he thougâ—t the service might have bin received throughout all that Kingdome in one day I hope your Grace falls as much too short on the other side For I hope it will be setled in far lâ—sse time than 7. years And whereas you write that the fault is mâ—st in your Ministers I easily believe that to be true But then they should have bin dealt withall before hand and made plyable especially in Edenborow or els some others appointed in the roome of such as disliked And since your Grace is of opinion that a sharper course would do more good and that you would have taken such with Master Ramsey if my Lords had not alter'd your opinion His Majesty leaves you to take that course both with him and others as you shall finde fittest for his service and the Churches And for the Postscript I am sorry as well as you for Master Rollock and that is all I have to say of him So desiring God to blesse you through these troubles I leave you c. Will. Cant. Septemb. 4. 1637. On the 11. of September 1637 the Archbishop writ another Letter to the Lord of Trâ—quâ—â—re Part whereof câ—ncerning the Scottish Liturgy I have hâ—re inserted discovering how zeaâ—ous and active his little Grace was in it My very good Lord I Have received your Letters of Aug. 20. And am very glad to read in them that mine came safe to you by your servant For the businesse I had some little inkling given me by my â— Sterling about the stay of the service But till I read your Letter I did not believe it possible that way should be given to an Interdiction especially considering how strongly you had ever opposed it and withall how weak Note and uncounsellable at least in my judgement the thing it selfe was For they could not but fore-see that that course would adde a great deale of heartning and encouragement to the Puritan Party And therefore t is no wonder if such Lords and others as were ill-affected to the Lyturgy were easie in giving way to that Counsell which they could not but see would advance to their own ends But that my Lord of Rosse should give the advice and my L. of St Andrews follow it with such stifnesse may be a wonder to any man that knowes them and the businesse My Lord of St Andrews hath lately writtten to me that my Lord of Rosse was gone into his Diocesse But for my part I did not think that all the rest would have gone away and left the businesse For they cannot but think that the adverse part would make use of the present time to put further difficulties upon the work And therefore they should have been as carefull to uphold it my Lord of Rosse especially whose hand hath been as much in it as the most But since they are gone His Majesty takes it extremely well from my Lords of Edenborow Galloway and Dunblane that they stay and attend the businesse as well as they can But he hath expresly commanded me to give your Lordship thanks for staying with them Note and keeping them so well in heart For as the businesse is now foyled if you doe not
Marshall made a Roll and entred the appearance of all such as came and tendred their service If any failed to come or to make Fine their Lands Tenements Goods and Chattels were distrayned by the Sheriffe upon summons out of the Exchequer If any pleaded that he had attended he was discharged upon certificate out of the Marshals Roll testifying that he had done his service If any being come did depart before the warre ended their Lands Tenements Goods and Chattles were seized untill they had made Fine or the King had pardoned their offence Commissions went out for levying of men in every County and bringing them to the Kings Army Like Commissions were made for mustering and arraying the Clergy throughout England Commissions were likewise issued to enquire and punish all Bayliffs and other Officers that for reward had suffered Souldiers to depart before they came to the Kings Army The King appointed certaine Captaines in such Counties as bordered upon Scotland to levie able men in those Counties and to bring them with their Horse and Armes to the Kings Army Those of the bordering shires were commanded to be ready at eight dayes warning to come unto the Kings Army well armed and Commissions were made for punishing such as refused Writs were sent into severall Counties for certifying the King what number of Horse and Foot every County could afford him in his warres of Scotland The Clergy of England furnished the King with a proportion of armed men The Ports were summoned to attend with their service of shipping The Constable of Dover Castle was commanded to guard the Ports lest any by comming in or going out there should bring danger to the Kingdome The Sheriffs of Counties were commanded by writ to make provisions of corne and victuals for the Kings Army and to cause them to be carried to the place appointed Writs also were sent to divers Townes of England and Ireland commanding all Merchants to bring provisions to the Kings Army Ships of the Subject were taken up for transporting those provisions to a place assigned Inhibitions were made that no victuals or other munition should be transported beyond the Seas during the warre Divers Subsidies and Fifteens granted to the King by the Subject towards the war Merchants strangers gave the King ayde of money towards the warres of Scotland and lent him divers summes Those of Wales furnished the King with a proportion of money toward the war The Lords and Clergy of Ireland were required to contribute toward the war The King suspended the paiment of his debts for a certaine time in regard of the great occasions he had to use money in the warres of Scotland Note that no particular Records were cited or produced to warrant the Premises In Ianuary he received another Paper from him which he thus indorseth with his owne hand Rece Ian. 29. what was fit to be done in point of danger from the Scots Sir Io. Burrowes When Warre was intended against Scotland three things were heretofore taken into speciall care First how to raise Horse and Foot Victuals Ammunition Money and other necessaries for that service Secondly how to secure the Seas and Sea coasts of the Kingdome from danger of forraigne attempts while the Kings forces were employed in those Northern parts Thirdly how to provide for the preservation of the peace of the kingdome within it selfe against riots mutinies and rebellions whereunto ill conditioned and desperate persons at such times are easily moved The first of these hath already in some speciall points been expressed For the second touching the guard of the Seas sufficient provision is made by the late course taken And for securing the Sea coasts 1. The Forts neare the Sea were fortified and furnished with men and munition 2. All persons that had possessions and estates in mariâ—ine Counties were commanded by Proclamation to reside there with their families and retinues 3. Beacons were erected in all fitting places 4. Certaine light Horse were appointed by the Country to watch along the Sea coasts to give advertisement if danger appeared 5. All able men of those Counties were commanded to be sufficiently armed and trained and put into Companies and Bands under certaine Leaders who were to be commanded by some one Generall appointed by the King Concerning the peace of the Kingdome 1. All conventicles and secret meetings were straightly forbidden by Proclamation and parties offending severely punished 2. All spreaders of Rumours and tale-bearers were by Proclamation commanded to be taken and imprisoned 3. All able men between 16 and 60 yeares of age in every shire were commanded to be sufficiently armed and trained and to obey such Generals as the King appointed 4. Such as were not able in body to beare Arms but had Estates were to maintaine at their charges such able men as were appointed in their roomes The very same day the Archbishop procures this ensuing warrant from the Councell Table to himselfe and the Archbishop of York to write letters to all the Bishops within their severall Diocesse to summon their Clergy before them to excite them to a liberall contribution against the Scots At White Hall the 29. of Ianuary 1638. IT was this day ordered by his Majesty sitting in Councell That the Lords Archbishops of Canterbury and York their Graces should be hereby required and commanded to write their letters to all the Lords Bishops in their severall Provinces respectively forthwith to convene before them all the Clergy of ability in their Diocesses and to incite them by such wayes and meanes as shall be thought best by their Lordships to ayd and assist his Majesty with their speedy and liberall contributions or otherwise for the defence of his Royall Person and of this Kingdome against the seditious attempts of some in Scotland And that the same bee sent to the Lord Treasurer of England with all diligence Tho. Coventry C. S. Guilliel London H. Manchester I. Lenox Lindâ—ey Arundel Surrey Dorset Pembroke Mongomery Holland Fra. Cottington H. Vane I. Coke Fran. Windebanke But doubting of the validity of this warrant for such a contribution he of late procured this warrant written with his owne hand antedated two dayes before the Councell Table Order to be signed by his Majesty to help him at a pinch Charles Rex CAnterbury I require you to write your Letters to your Brethren the Bishops 〈◊〉 for a contribution of the Clergie towards my affaires with my Scottish Subjects as was done in my Fathers time for the Palatinate And for your so doing this shall be your warrant Jan. 27. 1638. That this Warrant was since forged by him to which he procured the Kings hand is apparant not only by the freshnesse of the inke but by the very Letter he writ to the Bishops of his Province to set on this Contribution dated the last of Ianuary which mentions only the Lords Order but not one syllable of this Warrant of the King which if reall he would have recited in the
first place His Letters were all of this forme two whereof I have signed with his own hand and thus endorsed A Copy of those Letters which by Warrant from the Lords I wrote to the severall Bishops within my Province c. in the businesse of Scotland My very good Lord. I Have received an Order from the Lords of his Majesties most Honorable Privie-Councell giving me notice of the great preparations made by some in Scotland both of Armes and all other necessaries for Warre And that this can have no other end then to invade or annoy this his Majesties Kingdome of England For his Majesty having a good while since most graciously yeelded to their demands for securing the Religion by Law established amongst them hath made it appeare to the World That it is not Religion Note but Sedition that stirres in them and fills them with this most irreligious disobedience which at last breaks forth into a high degree of Treason against their Lawfull Soveraign In this case of so great danger both to the State and Church of England your Lordship I doubt not and your Clergy under you will not only be vigilant against the close workings of any Pretenders in that kinde but very free also to your power and proportion of meanes left to the Church to contribute towards the raising of such an Army as Note by Gods blessing and his Majesties care may secure this Church and Kingdome from all intended violence And according to the Order sent unto me by the Lords a Copy whereof you shall herewith receive these are to pray your Lordship to give a good example in your own person And withall convenient speed to call your Clergy and the abler Schoole-Masters as well those which are in peculiars as others and excite them by your self or such Commissioners as you will answer for to contribute to this great and necessary service in which if they give not a good example they will be much to blame But you are to call no poore Curats nor Stipendaries but such as in other legall wayes of payment have been and are by Order of Law bound to pay The proportion I know not well how to prescribe to you but I hope they of your Clergy whom God hath blessed with better Estates then ordinary will give freely and thereby help the want of meanes in others And I hope also your Lordship will so order it as that every man will at the least give after the proportion of three shillings tenne pence in the pound of the valuation of his living Note or other preferment in the Kings Books And this I thought fit to let you further know That if any men have double Benefices or a Benefice and a Prebende or the like in divers Diocesses yet your Lordship must call upon them onely for such preferments as they have within your Diocesse and leave them to pay for any other which they hold to that Bishop in whose Diocesse their other preferments are As for the time your Lordship must use all the diligence you can and send up the moneys if it be possible by the first of May next And for your Indemnity the Lord Treasurer is commanded to give you such discharge by striking a Talley or Talleys upon your severall payments into the Exchequer as shall be fit to secure you without your charge And of this service you must not faile So to Gods blessed protection I leave you and rest Your Lordships very loving Friend and Brother W. Cant. Lambeth Ianuar. ult 1638. Your Lordships must further be pleased to send up a List of the names of Note such as refuse this service within your Diocesse but I hope none will put you to that trouble It is expected that your Lordship and every other Bishop expresse by it selfe and not in the generall sum of his Clergy that which himselfe gives On the eleventh of February 1638. he wrot this Letter to Sir Iohn Lamb his creture Deane of the Arches for a Contribution among the Doctors of the Law at Doctors Commons and elsewhere without Warrant the Originall whereof I found among Sir Iohn Lambes sequestred writings together with the first draught of it with the Archbishops owne hand-writing After my hearty Commendations c. I Have received a Warrant from the Lords of His Majesties most honourable Privie-Councell which requires me to write to all the Bishops in my Province to call their Clergy together and put them in minde of the great danger which this Kingdome is in by the Trayterous Conspiracies of some ill-affected in Scotland These seditious persons have begun and continued hitherto their foule Disloyalty under the pretence of Religion which by factious spirits in all times is made the cloak to cover and hide if it might be their designes But now it appeares clearely to the State that they daily strengthen themselves by Armes and Munition and other preparations for Warre And though his Majesty hath graciously condescended to more then they could justly aske in all things concerning their Religion and their Lawes yet they goe on still and are satisfied with nothing but their Rebellious Disobedience and have no lesse ayme then to invade or annoy England The Letters to the severall Bishops I have sent as I was commanded and I doubt not but they and the Clergy in generall will give very freely towards this great and necessary defence of the Kingdome And because this great and common danger cannot be kept off but by a common defence and for that the Reverend Judges and others of the Common-Law have bountifully expressed themselves already I am required to write to you also that you calling to you the rest of the Doctors of the Commons propose to them now while most of them are together this great and waighty businesse belonging as much to their defence as to other mens and let every man set downe what hee will give to this service When this is done I will acquaint his Majestie with it and yours and their forwardnesse herein And it is expected that you hasten this with all convenient speed So to Gods blessed protection I leave you and rest Your very loving friend W. Cant. Lambeth Feb. 11. 1638. You must send to such Chancellours and Officialls as are not at the Commons but at their severall Residencies And if you give them a good example here I doubt not but they will follow it You shall not need to call Sir H. Martin for his Majesty will send to him himselfe and looks for a greater summe then in an ordinary way Upon these Letters of the Archbishop the Bishops in each Diocesse summoned their Clergie before them exhorted them by publique speeches to a liberall contribution against the Scotish Rebels as they stiled them and Dr. Pierce Bishop of Bath and Wells among other Motives used this as a very effectuall one to excite his Clergy to an extraordinary liberality towards the maintenance of this War because it was
s. 10. d. in the pound without deduction of Tenths The most gave after 4. s. some after 5. s. some after 6. s. in the pound Much of the money is paid in and I suppose it will be all in Mr. Commissaryes hands by the 26. of this moneth the day appointed for the payment I doubt not but the Clergy of England will teach the Ministers of Scotland Duty and Obedience And if their Laity will be taught the like by ours His Majesty I hope will have a royall and joyfull Progresse into Scotland which God grant At this meeting I understood that Doctor Mickle-thwait is the man in nomination for Sandy He is my old acquaintance and very good friend whom I love with all my heart for I take him to be a right man for the Church and if it might please God that he might be better accommodated neerer his own meanes I thinke we should mutually rejoyce No parsonage of England could sit me better then Sandy Note It is of good value it would draw me out of that corner where my stirring for the Church-rights makes me lesse acceptable with some great hands It brings me into the neighbour-hood of my best friends Doctor More and Doctor Martin and sets me within a small distance of Bedford where I shall be ready at hand to assist any service for the Church and King though I am not ignorant that my devotion that way hath done me no great good amongst some no meane ones and paradventure Mr. Thorne may suffer a litle for such imployments To Mr. Thorne I shewed your Letter and he shewed me Wallingers Petition to the Lords To him I spake nothing at all about it but I beseech you give me leave to vent my thoughts of it to you The hands that delivered it may be a Commoners of Bedford but the head that devised it hath the countenance of a Commissary rather then a Commoner of that Town the inditer maketh familiar use of divers words that come not within the Cognisance nor liberty of the Town of Bedford Their Charter surely reacheth not to take up errors and strayes of youth that are laid hold on at Oxford I am afraid that some retainers to the Commissaryes Court cast an evill eye upon him because it is like enough he may cast an eye upon some evill that may be done there I shall not easily beleeve that either Smith late vicar of St. Pauls or Collyer have trayned up their Auditors to be so zealous to have the King prayed for according to Canon I would to God they and all the Churches of England might be tryed with a Prayer for the Kings happy journey and joyfull return out of Scotland to see how zealously they would pray for the conversion or confusion of their own Faction and how they would make the Pulpits ring with invectives against Puritan Rebellion and Traytors which as yet are silent enough When Treason and Rebels is with like zeale detested and declaimed against in Puritans as in Papists I shall beleeve there is some Religion and Piety in that Generation Sir you will pardon me if I am thus profuse and loose with you where I have not a window to the heart I am reserved and close enough Thus with remembrance of my due respects and best wishes I rest At your service ever to be commanded John Pocklington Yevelden March 4. 1638. The King asisted with these Contributions raised an Army and marched into the * See the Breviate of the Archbishops life page 22 North against the Scots departing from London North-ward March 27. 1639 and through Gods blessing on the 17 of Iune following a happy Pacification and Agreement was concluded and ratified between His Majesty and His Subjects of Scotland and thereupon the Armies disbanding and all parties returned home with much joy and contentment But Canterbury upon his Majesties return disliking the Articles of Accomodation as prejudiciall to the Lordly Prelacie and giving overmuch Ecclesiasticall Iurisdiction to the generall Assembly of Scotland was very much discontented and offended at this happy Pacification stiling it a very dishonourable Peace to His Majesty and exceeding prejudiciall to the Church telling His Majesty that it was made by a company of hunting Lords who regarded their own sports and pleasures more then His Majesties honor or the honor and safety of the Church and Realm and by his violent importunity caused His Majesty to dissolve and Nullifie the Pacification as dishonorable And by Proclamation dated August 11. 1639. to call in some papers dispersed concerning the Pacification as scandalous ordering them to be publikely burnt by the hand of the common Hangman ingaging His Majesty in a new resolution to subdue the Scots and establish both a Lordly Prelacy and Liturgy amongst them by force of Armes Which being resolved on by the perswasion of this Arch-Incendiary he thereupon projects and resolves upon new wayes of raysing moneys without a Parliament by way of Loane and thereupon combines with Windebank to send for severall Officers Iudges Servants of the King and Queen and others before the Lords of the Councell to lend such fums of money towards the raysing of a new Army and maintaining of a new War against the Scots as he was pleased to prescribe Hereupon in November 1639. by the Arch-bishops directions and procurement divers Persons were sent for before the Councell Table to lend and contribute towards the maintenance of this civill Warre on whom they imposed severall sums before hand which they must be inforced to contribute as appears by these severall Lists under Windebanks hand 14. Novemb. 1639. A List of those that are to Lend Mr. Iustice Crawley 500. l. Mr. Iustice Rives 500. l. Mr. Solicitor Herbert 500. l. Mr. Surveyor 1000. l. Mr. Comptroller 500. l. Sir Robert Banaster 1000. l. Sir Paul Pinder 50000. l. Mr. Henly 6000. l. Strangers 20000. l. Danby 10000. l. Gib 10000. l. December 5. 1639. as the Arch-bishops Diary informes us The King Declared His resolution for a Parliament in case of the Sottish Rebellion * See The Breviat of his life page 22 The fiâ—sst movers of it were the Lord Deputy of Ireland the Archbishop and a resolution voted at the Board to assist the King in extraordinary wayes if the Parliament should prove peevish and refuse to grant Subsidies to maintain this Warre the calling of this Parliament being made but a Stale to serve this Archprelates papall ends and designes against the Scots And to testify this he most illegally in February 1639. after Writs for calling this Parliament issued caused this list of names and sums to be given in to the councell Table of Parties that must lend the sums assessed by him for support of these Wars who were sent for accordingly before the Lords and many of them there enforced to lend Sir Henry Martin 3000. l. Sir Iohn Lamb 2000. l. Dr. Duck 1500. l. Dr. Eden 1500. l. Sir Nathaniel Brent 500. l. Mr. of the
give good Characters of our dâ—votion to the King and State of vvhose benignity we have all reason to give testimonies and to endeavour to produce Arguments for the prosecution and increase of it Now for 〈◊〉 best expedition of this businesse which is the chiefe circumstance that importeth in it we have thought fit to recommend it to your nominations of such persons as shall in your opinions be agreed for the ablest and best disposed in every severall County not only to solicite but to collect such voluntary Contributions as every bodies consciences and duty shall proffer And we shall desire you to give us an account of what acceptation it finds with his friends wch we cannot but expect very succesfull and answerable to the forwardnesse we meete with here about London for which we shall offer up our prayers to God Walter Mountague Ken. Digby The Copy of the Letter sent by those assembled in London to every shire THe inclosed advices and Motives being so ample as you will perceive by perusing them it will not be needfull that we enlarge our selves upon any particulars concerning the conduct of the businesse which they direct the way in This therefore serveth only to convey them to you as we are intreated by those that have met here and we have undertaken to do and desire you to repaire Immediatly unto those persons to whom they be directed and to deliver the same unto them Note in the name of all the Noblemen and Gentry together with our selves assembled here in London by the Queenes commandement to set forward the worke And we pray you assure them in the most effications manner you can ingageing all our credits for the truth thereof that it is the sence of us all both Ecclesiasticall and Lay Persons Note that besides the discharging of their and our duties to God and the King it mainely importeth the good of Catholiques to have their businesse take good successe Therefore intreat them to deale actively and efficatioâ—sly and speedily according to their advices and motives We are so well perswaded of their devotion to put forward so pious a worke that we doubt not but they will be as well satisfied in the needfulnesse of the thing and be as ready to imploy themselves in it receiving the assurance thereof and perswasions thereunto onely from our hands as if they came by all the most formall waies that can be imagined which in a businesse of this nature cannot be expected And although the advices and motives be directed only â—o Lay-Gentlemen yet we desire you and have answered for you that you will imploy your selves and all those that depend on you sincerely to solicite and dispose all their mindes that you have relation unto as powerfull as you can to contribute cheerfully and bountifully upon this occasion which is the first that ever we laboured in of this kind so we hope in God it will be the last there being no probability of so pressing and urgent a necessity to occur any more Yours c. London April 1639. The names of the Collectors for gathering the Recusants money Bedfordshire Master Church Sir Robert Charnock Mr. Robert Hewet Barkshire Mr. Anthony Inglefield Mr. Tirrill Buckinghamshire Mr. Robert Dormer Sir Edward Manfield Mr. Throgmorton Mr. Bringâ—urst Cambridgshire Mr. Henry Huddleston Mr. Charles Paryed Mr. Barker Cheshire Mr. Bidulph of Bidulph Sir William Massey Mr. William Stanley Mr. Iames Poole Cornwall Mr. Victor Mr. Burlacy Mr. Trevelion Cumberland Sir Fran. Howard Mr. Ioseph Porter Darbyshire Sir Fran. Willoughby Mr. Avery of Hastop Mr. Poole of Spinckill Devonshire Sir Edward Carey Mr. Berry Mr. Anth. Gifford Doctor Chichester Dorsetshire Mr. Geo. Penny the elder Mr. Geo. Arundell Mr. Webbe of Lanford Mr. Wells of Purbeck â—urham Sir Ralph Coniers Master George Collingweed Mr. Edward Smith Essex Mr. Willam Peters Mr. Thomas Wright Mr. Rich. White Glocestershire Hertfordshire Sir Iohn VVinter Mr. VVakeman Mr. Benidict Hall Mr. Atkinson Huntingtonshire Mr. Price of Washingley Sir Thomas Shellâ—y Mr. Thomas Cotton Herefordshire Master William Bodenham Sir Iohn Wigmore Mr. William Moore of Burrop Master Iohn Harpe Hampshire Master Iohn Arundell Mr. George Penny the yonger Mr. William Owen Kent Master Benjamin Wyborne Master Clement Finch Master Pettite Lancashire Master Bradshawe Sir Cicill Crayford Sir William Gerrard Mr. Molineaux of the Wood Master Townly of Townley Anderton of Lostock Leceistershire Sir Fran. Englefield Mr. Golding Lincolnshire Master Anthony Mounson Sir Iohn Thimbleby Mr. Robert Constable London and Middlesex Master Cape Master Thomas Râ—x Master Becket Master Richard Betham Mr. Edw. Harp Mr. Morgan Master Io. Chapperly Doctor Kirton Norfolke Master Everard Mr. Charles Walgrave Sir Henry Bedingfield Mr. William Paston Northamtonshire Sir William Saunders Mr. Io. Poulton Nottinghamshire Master Thomas Smith the elder Master Thomas Smith the younger Northumberland Sir William Fenwicke Master Haggerston Mr. Withrington Sir Edward Ratleif Oxfordshire Sir Richard Farmer of Kiddington Mr. William Stone Mr. Ralph Sheldon Rutlandshire Master Nicholas Crippâ— Mr. William Andrewes Mr. Alcock Mr. Iames Digby Shropshire Sir Basill Brooke Master Plowden Master Iohn Harrington Somersetshire Master Râ—ino Mr Iohn Ewnis the elder Staffordshire Master Brooke of Lapley Mr. Stanford of Perry-hall Mr. Phillip Draycot Surrey Master Edward Cotton Sir Richard Weston Suffex Sir Iohn Shelly Sir Iohn Carroll Suffolke Sir Francis Monnocke Sir Roger Martin Sir Edward Sylyard Mr. Thomas Beddingfield of Beddingfield Warwickshire Master Antho. Dormer Master Thomas Morgan Mr. VVilliam Sheldon Mr. Richard Middlemoore Wiltshire Master VVilliam Arundell the Lord Baltimore Mr. Edw. Stilling Worceâ—tershire Master VVilliam Abingdon Master VVilliam Sheldon Westmerland Master Anthony Ducket Master Iohn Leyborne Master Fleming East Riding The Lord Dunbarre Master Brigham Master Longdaill Yorkshire West Riding Baronet Vavesar Baronet Gascoigne Mr. Thomas VVaterton Mr. Philip Hiuegate North Riding Master Craythorne the younger the Lord Fairfax Master Anthony Mennâ—ll Master Lawrence Sarâ— Brecknock Master Winter Master Bevan Master Maddocke Carnarvon Master Lewis Carmarden Master Towley Cardigan Master Lewis Glamorgan Master Turbervile the younger Denbigh Master Richard Floyd Master Crew Flintshire Sir Iohn Connoway Master Pennat Monmouth Sir Charles Somerset Master Morgan of Lantarnam Master Morgan of Itton Mountgomery Meâ—ioneth Sir Piercie Harbert Pembrookshire Master Towley of Arnostill Radnorshire Master Thomas Crowther The Reallity of is Collection will yet more clearly appeare to all the VVorld by the Queens owne Confession in a Message sent by her to the House of Commons to excuse her activity therein together with her entertainment of a Nuncio from the Pope Seignior Rossett being then Nuncio whom she promised to dispatch out of the Kingdom with all convenient speed In which Message Recorded in the Commons Iournall we have a clearer acknowledgement likewise of many premised particulars prefaced with a specious Court-Complement and many faire promises since not very punctually performed to Court the Commons into a good opinion of her Majesties reall affections and
endeavours to remove all mis-understandings between the King and his people and to do all good offices between them * * See the Commons Iornall Feb. 3. 1640. Diuinall Occurrences of both Houses p. 31 32. A Message sent from the Queenes Majesty to the House of Commons by Master Comptroller Feb. 3. 1640. THat her Majesty hath been ready to use her best endeavours for the removing of all mis-understanding between the King and Kingdome That at the request of the Lords who Petitioned the King for a Parliament her Majesty at that time writ effectually to the King and sent a Gentleman expresly to perswade the King to the holding of a Parliament That She hath since bin most willing to do all good offices between the King and his people which is not unknowne to divers of the Lords and so * * Quere how well this Clause hath ever since bin performed shall ever continue to do as judging it the onely way of happinesse to the King her Selfe and Kingdome That all things be justly setled between the King and his people and all cause of mis-understanding taken away and removed That her Majesty having taken knowledge Note that having one sent to her from the Pope is distastefull to the Kingdom She is desirous to give satisfaction to the Parliament within convenient time she will remove him out of the Kingdome That understanding likewise that exception hath bin Note taken at the great resort to her Chappell at Denmarke House she will be carefull not to exceed that which is convenient and necessary forthe exercise of her Religion She further taketh notice That the Parliament is not satisfied with the manner of raising money for the assistance of the King in his journey to the North in the yeare 1639. at her entreaty from the Catholikes She was moved thereunto meerly out of her deare and tender affection to the King and the example of other His Majesties Subjects she seeing the like forwardnesse could not but expresse her forwardnes to the assistance of the King If any thing be illegall she was ignorant of the Law and was carried therein onely out of a great desire to be assisting to the King in so pressing an occasion but promiseth to be more cautious her after * * Her raising men monyes horse Armes Ammunâ—tion in forraine Parts to maintain a bloudy civill War in Ireland and England is a very reall performance of this promise not to do any thing but what may stand with the established Lawes of the Kingdome Her Majesty being desirous to employ her owne power to unite the King and people desireth the Parliament to looke forwards and passe by such mistakes and errours of her Servants as may be formerly and this your respect she promiseth shall be repayed with all the good offices she can do to the House which * They have done sowith a witnesse ever since you shall find with reall effects aâ— often as there shall be occasion How sincerely and cordially her Majesty hath performed all these her Princely promises to the Parliament Kingdome King and his people her Actions both at home and in Forraigne parts with our bloudy Warres and Massacâ—es since both in Ireland England and Scotland proclaime to all the World God deliver us all from such Court-holy-water such Popish Dissimulation which may seeme commendable in Romish Catholikes who hold * See Master Hen Mason of Equivocation Surins Concil Tom. 3. p. 860. Equivocation lawfull and that no faith is to be kept with Heretickes as they esteeme all Protestants But to returne to our Papists activity in the Scottish Watres to which this Message relates it is very well known that many if not most of the Captains Officers imployed in the last expedition were either professed Papists or persons Popishly affected how the Earle of Arundell the General of the Army against the Scotâ—â— together with his Lady family stand affected in Religion and what active 〈◊〉 they were to promote this Warre you may read at large in †Page 17 22 23 24-32 Romes Master-peece Their Contributions towards this Warre were so large and their assistance so chearefull that some of our Episcopall Preachers and * Mr. Whites First Cenâ—â—â—y of Randalous Malig. Priests p. 25. 29. Mr. Squire of Shoreditch London by name preached openly in his Pulpit That the Papists were the Kings best Subjects and better then Protestants for three reasons First their Loyalty Secondly THEIR LIBERALITY having like Arauna contributed like Kings to the King in his necessity Thirdly For their Patience adding that they were the good Samaritan who poured Oyle into the wounds of that man the King that was fallen among Theeves who wounded him Especially the Irish Papists And Audomarus Ioannes Abbot of Wurtzburge in Germany in a letter of his to Secretary Windebancke Dated 13. August 1639. endorsed with Windebanks owne hand writes that his Majesty had a sufficient tryall of the fidelity of his Catholike Subjects in this accident I shall insert the whole letter because it discovers Windebanks intimacy with this Abbot and other Papists whose letters inclosed under his own packet to prevent intercepting he usually dispersed to their Agents here Right Honourable THree Months agoe and more I wrot signifying to your Honour that after I came from London it being moâ—e then a quarter of a yeare before I could reach the wished place I did aime at to see the desolation of which and generally of all the parts I did passe through I was so disconsolated that all be it I oft thought to discharge my respective salutes to your honour yet present cares and occasions did ever prevent my intention Notwithstanding at last I did take the boldnesse to intreat that your Honour would let me know your commands in discharge of which your Honour God willing shall finde me most solicitous and carefull But least such my former letters hath miscaried as severall to Sir William Howard and other honourable friends has done I resumed the boldnesse to make a Briefe repetition of the same letting your honor know that I have found King Iames letter of happy memory which my Lord Hay then Embassador after his return to London moved his Majesty to write to Prince Godefrid then Bishop of Wurtzburge wherein his Majesty was pleased to give thanks to the Bishop for the favours done NOTEâ— as to himselfe Moreover his Majesty was pleased to take * notice of us his poore Subjects commending us to the Bishops noble charity I finde also Prince Godefrids answer to his Majesty wâ—it by occasion of Abbot Ogilby whom the Bishop did commend to his Majesty intreating that at his request the said Abbot Ogleby might have free passage to see his native Country out of the which he had beene 40. yeares and more The Prince who is now does truely honour his Majesty and respect his Subjects of the which my Lord Arundell about two yeare agoe being here
received a worthy token and likewise of this Bishops and Princes curteous respects Mr. Taylor who about three months agoe on his way to England in transitu comming hither can give evident testimony both to his Majesty and to your Honour which according to your promise made to me I doubt not but he has already done Last of all my Lord Craven has reason to renound this Princes singular favours toward him by whose meanes he has not only obtained freedome but likewise being heere at Wurtzburg has received particular curtisies and favours of his highnesse which I doubt not but at occasion his Lordship will declare at length to your Honour At divets occasions being called to the company and Counsell of the principalls heere as the best meanes to obtaine to peace I use severall inductions arguments and reasons for to advance and promoove the restitution of our Prince Palatihat against the which albeit there be strong adversaries yet further considerations may hapily move their hearts to condiscend thereunto The Catholique Bishops and Princes thirst mightily for Peace but higher powers and some Generalls and Commanders of Warrs on both sides for their privat ends by practicall inventions and factious collâ—tions labour to the contrary in the which they are like to continue so long Germanie can afford them maintinance of the which in most parts here there be greater scarsity and that at an extraordinary rate Of the particular miseries and desolation of the most parts in Germanie as likewise of other occurrences if I did not perswade with my selfe that your Honour had every fortnight certaine â—nformation I would write at length but unwilling to impesh your Honours more serious businesse I abstaine from superfluous discourse My Lord Craven desired me in this my letter to salute your Honour with all respect as his singular good friend and Patrons Patron he went â—tom hence much of eight dayes agoe after expedition of some busines in Holland soon thereafter Godwilling he thinkes to see his wished Country and honourable friends amongst the which he esteemes your Honour most trusty of which before mentioned curtesies done to his subjects if your Honour thinke that his Majesty will be pleased to take notice by writing a kind letter to the Bishop after advertisement I shall send the aforesaid letters to your Honour I heare for certaine that matters betwixt our Kings Majesty and Scotland are God be glorified composed and agreed whereupon for conclusion of some Articles there is a Parliament Convocat at Edinborough where the Kings Majesty is said to be for the present In this accident I hope his Majesty has had a sufficient tryall of the fidelity of his Catholike Subjects who in this or any other occasion NOTE I am confident by their true service will endeavour to deserve his Majesties love and affection towards them For my owne part while as I live I will professe my fidelity to his Majesty as my dread Soveraigne obeying and honouring him above all Kings and temporall Princes on the earth Praying God to multiply upon his Majesty heavenly and temporall blessings NOTE with my best wishes for your Honours good health and prosperity I rest In the Scots Abbacie at Wortzburg Your honours most humble servant and beadsman Audomarus Ioannes Abbas This 13. of August 1639. A Postscript P. S. I humbly beseech your Honour to give order that these inclosed safely be delivered in the like or any occasion I shall be alwaies most ready to serve your Hnour These contributions and this Assembly of the Papists 1639 with the Popes Nuncioes residence among us were so publikely known the Papists grew so insolently bold thereupon that the Apprentices and common people tooke notice of it whereupon they scattered these two insuingpapers in the streets of London and pasted up some of them in publike places from whence they were taken and carried to Secretary Windebanke among whose papers they remained The first was this Reasons that Ship and Conduct-money ought to be had and also Money by the City of London FIrst for the setting up of Masse and maintaining of Idolatry as it is begun but not brought yet as was intended to perfection praise be to God and the Scots whom he hath made an instrument to prevent the same That the Popes Nuncio taketh and hath these five yeers taken great pains in perverting His Majesties simple Subjects who herein is weekly at very great charges in sending to Rome for a cart-load of the Wood of the holy-Crosse and many old horses and dogs teeth and bones with Indulgences and Pardons which he selleth dear enough but that cannot defray him and his great Train for hee sendeth every weeke a Packet or two of all the affaires here to Rome he must be well rewarded out of ship and conduct money and of that which is expected to be lent by the City The Fryers of Somersethouse who do labour in distributing those reliques and for many privat Masses and for keeping of Bastards foure in Dunhill Alley â—enne in Druty Lane besides twentie in Saint Giles in the Fields must have money to keepe them and pay the Nurse or else all is undone with them Sir Iohn Winter whose kindred were some of the chiefe projectors of the Gunpouder treason and is now not better then his kindred and my Lords Grace of Canterbury now her Majesties Bishop is and are great instruments and specially the said Sir Iohn who with the Popes Nuntio doth keepe divers Bawdes for Fryers Sir Thobias Mathâ—w doth blow the Coales of dissention with Sir Killam Digby and Mr. Indimion Porter all birds of a Feather therefore we must needs goe against the Scotch for being not Idolatrous and will have no Masse amongst them yet Condâ—ct and Ship-money must be had to go against them to reduce them to some obedience The Queene Mother wheresoever shee hath beene there could be no peace or tranquility yet ship and conduct mony must be had to keepe her and her Shaâ—â—aggâ— who are now well clothed and must have new suits if the City lendeth money But it was not before now permitted talke of a Parliament to redresse these abuses nor to heare the Scotchs greavances but ship and conduct money with that of the City which is the sinewe wherewith we must go to War against them and the Papists in the meane time do make a laughing stocke of us and indeed the Captaines and Leiutenants must be all Papists for none other will goe but them and therefore they have the command of all the forces Sir Iohn Winter by his letter 30. August last to the Pope desireth that his Holynesse Note would be pleased to make hast for Indulgences and pardons for that God was somewhat favourable to the Catholike Religion which did daily increase in the Kingdome and without doubt with his Holinesse helpe by prayers would be planted here to maturity within two yeares All her Majesties servants who doe suck the marrow of our estate
doe buy whole streets of houses in Paris Lordships in the Country and when they first came hither they were but poore beggers now they keep Coaches what houses have they built in the Covent-garden and what faire houses do they built in Lincoln In-fields And the City must lend money to build them in other mens name And to hide all the Papist will have the Paâ—liament to be held at Yorke and thereby to undoe this poore City The second Paper was as followeth Gentlemen and others that are Christians assist us for the truth of the Gospell that is like to be extinguished viz. The Popes Nuntio doth protest to make us all Roman Catholiques the Ambassador of the Anti-Christ Sir Iohn Winter whose kindred were of the Gunpouder Treason is his associate and doth trust to worke that treachery upon us Sir Kellam Dighigh a maintainer of that Society is going to Rome and the ship-money must defray him as the Queenes Mother and the froggs of Hell in Somerset House Finis Coronet opus For Wednesday next Besides these papers the Apprentices of London drew up and presented this ensuing Petition to the Lord Major and Aldermen of London which was sent to Secretary Windebanke and endorsed with his own hand To the Right Honourable the Lord Major and the Worshipfull Aldermen his Brethren The humble Petition of the Apprentices of London whose Names are under written in the behalf of themselves and others In all submissive manner sheweth THat it is well known unto this Honourable Court that there are many thousand Apprentices in this City with whom their Parents and friends have given some two hundred pounds some more some lesse sums of Money to Merchants or other Tradesmen in London who are bound for severall tearmes of yeares to be trained up in their severall Callings That at the end of their Apprentiship they might exercise their Trades according to the Custome and Charter of the City of London That by reason of the great number of Monopolies Patents and Impositions upon Commodities and Manufactures the Trade of the City is so burthened that to the Petitioners knowledge divers of their Masters are not able to live of their Trades to maintain themselves and their families That many Factors and others have been made free by Redemption together with the liberty that Forraigners use in this City contrary to the Custome and Lawes in that case Ordained and Provided whereby your Petitioners evidently perceive that they are deprived of all hope to live by their calling and that the freedome of this City will not be a benefit but a burthen to them unlesse some speedy course be taken for redresse Further sheweth That by the multitude of Papists Priest and Iesuits residing in and about this City many weak in Learning and young in understanding are subject by their subtill delusions to be drawn away to Romish Religion That many feares are upon us by reason of their audatious and insolent carriages and demeanor in speeches and their furnishing themselves with Armes threatning the ruine of this City which hath been famous for exercise of Trade and Religion May it therefore please this Honourable Court to take the Premisses into due and serious consideration and to be pleased to the future encouragement and lively-hood of the Petitioners who are the inferiour members of this City speedily to move the Kings most excellent Majesty that the evills and feares afore specified may be removed and others in your power may be redressed that so your Petitioners may with cheerfulnesse discharge their duties to Almighty God his Sacred Majesty and their respective Masters And your Petitioners shall be ever bound to pray About the yeer 1635. the Priests and Iesuits by means of Windebanke Canterbury Note and the Lord Treasurer of England procured Mr. Rooks the searcher of Dover to be extrajudicially removed from his place and two professed Popish Recusants Turbervile Morgan and Charls Powell to be thrust into it who held it for the use of Father Leander a Benedictine and Father Price Generall of that Order the former once Chamber-fellow to the Archb of Canterbury in St. Iohns in Oxford and sent over into England to helpe the reconciliation with Rome in which he was very active By meanes whereof the Priests or Jesuits Papists and their Agents had free Passage till this very Parliament in and out of the Realm without search or molestation conveyed their Intelligences to and from Rome and other places with greater security yea sent over divers Gentlemen and Gentlewomen to forraigne Monasteries Seminaries Nunneries without any obstacle dreaming hereupon of nothing else but an absolute triumph over the Protestants and a speedy extirpation of their Religion throughout all our three Kingdomes Whiles we ingaged in this civil war with Scotland by the Prelaticall and Popish parâ—y these Conspirators prepared a great Spanish Fleet to invade us and joyn with the Papists in England then in Arms most of our Captains and Commanders being professed Papists to cut all the Hereticks and Protestants throats while embroyled in a civil war and busied in murdring one another as I have * The Royall Popish Favourite p. 58 59. elswhere manifested But the admirable Providence of our ever gracious God secured us from their bloudy designs by stirring up the Hollanders miraculously to encounter and vanquish that puissant Fleet of Spaniards notwithstanding all the assistance and protection they received from us at which the * See the Breviate of his life p. 22. Archbishop of Canterbury and Spanish Faction were exceeding angry and discontented and by making a happy Accommodation betweene the King and our Brethren of Scotland Iune the 17. 1639. before the Spaniards arrivall on our coasts which was not till about the beginning of October But this Parliament was no sooner called but dissolved againe by the Arch-Bishops and Papists solicitations and a new war resolved on with more vigour and violency then the former Hereupon Secretary Windebanke the great Agent for the Arch-Bishop Queen and Papists writing to his Sonne Tom Windâ—banke then at Paris negotiating the Palsgraves enlargement concerning the Scottish affaires gives this direction to him among others TOm Note c. If you see Doctor Smith the Bishop of Calâ—edon there who is a great confident of the Cardinull he may be a fit instrument to make some discovery of the intelligence the Scots hold there but this must be with great caution c. Your very loving Father Francis Windebanck Drury-lane 12. Decemb. 1639. It seems both the Secretary and his Son had some interest in and acquaintance with this Bishop else they would not make use of him for their Intelligencer These Wars and the Papist forwardnesse to assist his Majesty in them gave great incouragement as it seemes to Cardinall Barbarino to ingratiate himself further with his Majesty as this Clause of Mr. Iohn Graves his letter to the Archbishop endorsed with his own hand thus Recep March 27. 1640.
up with pride following the Archbishops footsteps began to erect a High-Commission Court in their Diocesses and called to it the Gentry and Nobles punishing them for trifling things and sining and confining them to the farthest part of the Kingdom from Galloway to Cathnes neare three hundred myles A cruelty never practised in Scotland before in any Age. Nay the became so insolent being made Privy Councellours by the Archbishops sollicitation of His Majesty Note And the Archbishop of Saint Andrews being made great Chancellor of that Kingdom never practised this three hundred years that in open Councell Table they gave the lye to the Peers of the Land Namely to the Earle of Argile which affront was done by one Sedeserfe now Bishop of Galloway and resident at this present in London where began the fire to appeare which before this was but smoake The Nobles Gentry and Commons made a league which they called a Covenant and combined together for the rooting out of Bishops and Conservation of their ancient Liberties upon which is ensued a million of miseries putting both the Kingdomes to excessive charges exhausting the Kings Coffers and oppressing the people I believe If my Lord Archbishop were meerly questioned it would be found he stirred up His Majesty to make up his Army two severall times Note which hath bin the occasion of the utter ruine of two Shires Northumberland and the Bishopricke of Duresme which losse will not be repaired in an hundred years These firebrands Bishops of Galloway and Rosse who are Clyents to Canterbury and altogether guided by him it is more than expedient that they and other Incendiaties were given to the Scotts Commissioners to betryed by their Parliament But I believe Rosse will flye to Ireland where His Majesty hath given him a Bishopricke And Galloway will be forced to hide himself in some Island and shake off his Robes or become a Pedler in Poland as his Father was before him One Sandall a Clerke of the Rolls told me he saw my Lord Sterling Secretary of Scotland Agent at Court for the Bishops viewing very narrowly the Rolls to see the originall Institutions of the High Commission which he would not have done had he not bin informed by my Lords Grace I may not omit to let you know how of his large liberality he hath given to those fire-brand ministers refuges in this Kingdome at sundry times large and prosuse charity which he would never have bestowed on the poore Clergy of his Diocesse I come to his Government wherein he hath bin like to a Camâ—lion of divers colours now punishing of Roman Priests but poore ones for the fattest he protected and cherished without all measure As Father * His ancient chamberfellow in St. Iohns in Oxford Leander Superior of the Benedictines Master Flanders and Master Price after Leanders death and Master Gascoyne and the whole Order of the Iesuits as hereafter shall be related The poore Recusants for going to heate Masse or only upon suspition were cruelly used by him but the chiefe he tenderly loved and feasted as Sir Kâ—nelme Digbie and others to what end you may conjecture Afterwards he tooke a fit to punish severely Anabaptists Familists and Brownists sometimes one sometimes another He followed the steps of Cardinall Wolsey and intended because he could not be Poâ—e at Rome to be a Patriarcke in these Kingdoms To which end 't is well known he did so credit and grace Father Leander aforesaid cherishing him above the rest giving him his eare at all times remaining here at London publikely till his death and after him Price NOTE and Gascoyne aforementioned At the comming of Father * His old Chamber-fellow in Oxford Leander he began to looke chearfully upon Recusantâ— then began he to erect Altars to take away the Communion Table to make all kneel when they tooke the Sacrament to be all uncovered at Divine service to stand up at the reading of the Gospell bow at the name of Iesus and to consecrate an ould Church a new as that of Saint Gylses with many other Arch-trikeâ— that he might be in the Popes and the Queenes favour and so continue in his Majesties good liking Then began he to use rigout against Puritan Ministers calling them into his high Commission some for Symony as Mr. Iohn Ward and others of Suffolk some for contradicting the Bishop of Norwich others for Heresy as one Doctor Everd Chaplin to the Earle of Holland Then began he to practise his Excommunications and aggravations against Sir Robert Willoughby Sonne in Law to the Bishop of Worcester and Mr. Hope a Scottish man Cup-bearer to his Majesty for contemning his Citations In the end such were his Actions that he is an Admiration to the whole world for Inconstancy At the last he became soe outragious as were never any of his Predecessors conventing before him the Bishop of Lincolne whose heavy hand and Dragon-like wrath hee felt many yeeres being in Prison in the Tower of London Soe was Bishop Goodman soundly whipt for refusing to subscribe to his Canons being laid in the Gate-house so that he became the wonder of this Age. Noe lesse wonderfull hath he beene in his Vatican at Lambith sitting in his Gracefull Throne compassed with Bishops Deanes Archdeacons Doctors Proctors Notaries and Registers guarded with a multitude of Tipstaves from all Prisons in and about London besides a hellish Guard of Promoters In his Tribunall sitting in his Corner-Cap Lawnè sleeves and Râ—tchet No Pope is so glorious on most festivall dayes as his Grace is on Thursdayes in tearme time T is a petious thing worthy of consideration to see what Injustice is don in that Court by his owne knowledge and what extortion and exaction is used by his Officers There is not a more corrupt Court in the world wherein Innocency is punished publique sinnes countenanced the greatnes of the extortions of that Court cannot be expressed some are a whole yeare before they can be heard at the last for a fatherly Benediction are remitted to Sir Iohn Lambe and Doctor Ducke I will instance in two parties The Lady Willoughby spent in suit in lesse then two yeares as shee related to me five hundred poundâ— and above and all tended that her Husband should weare a white sheete at the Church doore When God knowes her selfe deserved no lesse For Doctor Ryves assured me she was declared innocent by Bribery The other was Mr. Stapleton Nephew to the Earle of King stone who claimed a certaine Lady to be his Wife having married her before two witnesses and used the formall words of Matrimony And seene by the said witnesses lye together in naked bed yet by force of money he was divorced from her having spent in the suit in Charges only three hundred pounds In like sort Francis Conne brother to Signiour Georgio Conne now Cup-bearer extraordinary to her Majesty was convented at the high Commission for having maried one Mistresse Steward his Country
all just occasions of Her Majesties trâ—uble in such manner as may further Her content and therein Her health which will be a very great comfort and joy to our selves and the rest of His Majesties loving Subjects But notwithstanding all these Reasons the Queen though she seemed satisfied for the present continued in Her resolution * See the Breviate of the Archbishops life p. 25. and on Febr. 11th following went from Greenwich towards Dover and from thence into Holland with Her Daughter the Princesse Mary What ill offices she did there against the Parliament Kingdome by furnishing the King with Monyes Ammunition Armes Horse Men and Commanders to raise and carry on a civill War against the Parliament and His Protestant Subjects Selling and Pawning the Iewels of the Crown c is so well knowne I shall not relate it and what ill offices of like nature she is now like to do against them in France upon Her late Voyage thither time will ere long more fully discover Before the Queens first departure hence * Diurnall Occurrences p. 310. 339. in Iuly 21. 1641. There was a Petition read in the Commons House in behalfe of the Lay-Papists of England wherein they made Protestation of their fidelity to the Crowne and Kingdome and desired a mittigation of the severity of the Lawes against them but nothing was done therein August 12. 1641. The Queen Mother who had formerly desired a Gard to secure her against the feared tumults of the people and that being denyed supplies of money to transport her hence departed from White-hall towards Italy her Native Countrey attended by the Earle of Arundell and his Lady who never returned since * Ibid. p. 351. 〈◊〉 364. After this upon the 28. 30. and 31 of August and in September following upon the disbanding of the Irish Army the Spanish Ambassadour moved the King for foure thousand of the Irish to serve his Master which the King condiscended too and engaged himselfe by promise to grant But the Lords and Commons upon serious debate considering the evill consequences of it and fearing some dangerous design against the State and our Religion to be couched under it denyed to condiscend thereunto for these two principle reasons which they gave to the King and Spanish Embassadour First for that thâ— Spaniard was an Assistant to the Emperour against the Palsgrave and in keeping the Lady Elizabeth from being setled in her inhâ—ritance so that to assist him would bee to turne the points of our owne swords against our selves Secondly That they are contrary in Religion to us and that to assist them is not only matter of Conscience but it would bee of evill president if it should bee granted Whereupon it was moved that no Officers should serve the Spaniard withoâ—â— leave and that no Marchant nor Master of ship should transport any Ammunition of War to them under penaltie and confiscation of the same and displeasure of the Parliament You have heard before what a labouring and plotting there was to keep the Irish Army from disbanding and to give a new occasion of assembling them to some parts of Ireland under pretence of transporting them into the Low Countries or Spain to serve the Spaniard but no doubt the true reason was to execute that horrid bloudy Massacre and designe of surprising Dubline Castle and all other Forts of Irealnd by the popish party in one day which was formerly plotted and intended to be put in execution the 23. of Octob. 1641 but that it was in part prevented by a timely discovery of it the very night before Dublin Castle should have beene surprised by those Popish conspirators How by whom this horrid execrable conspiracy was plotted contrived and executed you may read at large in The Rise and progresse of the Irish Rebellion in Doctor Iones his booke of Examinations and sundry other Treatises of this subject set forth by Authority of Parliament whereunto I shall only annex such supplymentall evidences concerning the Rebellion which have come unto my hands omitted for the most part by them Among Secretary Windebankes papers I found this ensuing subscribed by Daniel Oneale about the yeare 1640. which hath some relation to this Irish Rebellion Oweâ— O Neall by his Majesties permission about five yeares agoe raised a Regiment of 30. Companies NOTE wherein there were 3500. men by reason of the stop of supplies since the Regiment is become so weak that it is scarce 1000. strong His humble request is that being his Regiment was raised by his Majesties leave and that he intends it for his Majesties service when he has occasion for him to performe which I le ingage my life and reputation to his Majesty his Majesty would be graciously pleased to grant him a recrute NOTE of 50. men to every Company which he thinkes will purge the Kingdome rather then impoverish it and will enable him to come strong upon any summons to his Majesties service Daniell O Neille This Owen Neale as this writing Manifests about the yeare 1635. raised a Regiment of 3000. men for the service of the Kings Majesty when he had occasion for them which he transported into Flanders to serve the King of Spain for the present which Daniel Oneale petitions 1640. might be recruted to enable him to come strong upon any sommons to his Majesties service This Owen Oneal was made acquainted with the Jrish Rebellion and particularly sent to by the Lord Maguire and other the Conspirators to ayde assist them with Armes and men which he promised to send them before the Rebellion was fully concluded as the Lord Maguire himselfâ—â— conâ—esseth as you shall see anon which compared with the Examinations following those published by Doctor Iones and Daniel Oneiles activity to keepe on foot the Irish Army and bring the Northren Army against the Parliament will sufficiently evidence that Oneyle had some Rebellious designes both in the raising recrute of his Popish Regiment to be acted within Ireland and his Majesties Dominions upon occasion That this conspiracy was ploted and agreed on in the generall and discovered if not to his Majesty yet at least to Secretary Windebanke above a yeare before it brake forth is manifest by this letter found among Windebankes Papers thus directed To the Kings most Excellent Maiesty The King is abused The Law is wrested It slayes the Innocent It acquites the guilty T is like a spiders Webbe It catches the smalle The great ones breake through It is as it is Justly tearmed concessum Latrocinium I wonder the world is â—o ecclipst in understanding as not to certifie and prevent that that must of necessity ruine ere long the Common-wealth but your Majesty may let them rest they bring in profit to your Exchequer or Coffers but at last they will shake the foundation of your Monarchie and their owne weight will make them shrinke under their owne burthen their supporters being not able to beare up their bodyes I love
the principall contrivers and abbetters of this conspiracy in which all the Irish Popish Bishops Priests Friars Iesuits and scattered like Frogs in severall Popish Kingdoms and Seminaries were very active I shall onely adde to this That William O Conner an Irish Priest servant to the Queen-Mother who lodged at one Mistris Scarlets house in Coven-Garden and shifted his habit very often to disguise himself coming to one Anne Hussey an Irish Gentlewoman a little after Easter 1640. with another Irish man in his company having a long gray coat a sword girt close to his side to her lodging and going with her thence to Mistris Prinocks house in the Strand she demanded of O Conner who his companion was who answered he was one of the number of 7000. that were in privat pay AND IN READINES TO AYD THE CATHOLICKS Note AND TO OUT THE PROTESTANTS THROATS THAT SHOULD RESIST THEM and that he was one who played on the Flute to the Drum After which about the end of July 1640. he came to her foresaid lodging and said He came upon great occasion and in great haste and he must immediatly return back for he had three Letters from the Queen-Mother to deliver to three Ambassadors the Spanish the Venetian the French Note TO SEND TO THE POPE FROM WHOM OR FROM HIS LEGATE WE MUST KNOW WHEN TO BEGIN THE SUBDUING OF THE PROTESTANTS That they must first BEGIN TO CONQUER ENGLAND BEFORE IRELAND Being demanded by him How or in what manner will they begin with England And when will it be He replyed When the King goes to Scotland To which she answering There was no hopes of the Kings going to Scotland He replyed He warrant you he doth He further added That he had long been imployed by the Queen-Mother in her businesse with all the Princes of Christendom That they had some designe to cut off and kill the King adding That they would kill an Heretick at any time for the advancement of the Mother-Church of Rome and swore by Saint Francis and Saint Dominick that he would do it He further said He was bound to keep the Queen-Mothers secrets and that he would be burnt in fire before he would reveal them All this she discovered soon after to the Lords of the Councell by whom and by severall Iustices of Peace she was examined upon Oath and produced Letters of this Priest written to her with his own hand whereupon he was Committed close Prisoner to the Gate-house where he yet remaines unprocâ—eded against After this she attested it in the Parliament House upon Oath before the Rebellion brake forth and witnessed it since upon Oath at the Archbishops Tryall who said she was mad when she attested it at the Councell Table demanding of her how she durst speak any thing of this Nature of the Queen-Mother and telling her she was set on and hired by the City of London to do this Note and Commanded her to be Committed But she producing the Priests own Letter and he confessing it to be his own hand before the Lords she was sent only to one of the Sheriffs of Londons house and there secured till released by the Parliament About the time of this discourse the Earl of Worcester a great Papist and very powerfull in Southwales bordering next to Ireland procured a Commission from His Majesty for to be Lord Lieutenant and Commander in chief of all Southwales as the Lord Herbert his Son an Arch-Papist hath been since the Rebellion brake forth as appears by this Minute an Originall draught of a Letter under Secretary Windebanks own hand to the then Lord Chamberlain signifying as much HIS Majesty being well inclined to employ the Earl of Worcester in some particular service best known to himself in South-Wales Note being most confident of his Loyalty Duty and good affection to His Person and Service hath thought fit to acquaint Your Lordship therewith considering the great Power and Interest Your Lordship hath in those parts and hath commanded me in his Name to signifie his pleasure to Your Lordship that you give speedy and effectuall order to all Your Principall Officers Note Tenants and Dependents and such others as have relation to you that as soon as the said Earl shall produce any Commission or Authority from His Majesty for the performance of any service in those parts they fail not to obey His Lordship in all such thinges as by vertue of such Power given by him and His Majesty he shall require and Command This His Majesty expects Your Lordship shall do with expedition to the end Your Officers there may be the better prepared whensoever the said Earl shall exercise any such Commission from His Majesty that so His Majesties service may not suffer His Majesty hath already signified His pleasure to the Lord President of the Marches to this effect who hath yielded all obedience and conformity thereunto and His Majesty is confident that in that Your Lordship and those who have Relation to you will give place to none This coÌ„mission was ordred to be brought into the Commons house as dangerous But the happy unexpected Treaty and assembling of this Parliament frustrating the intended Massacre and Designe of subduing the Protestants in England for the present the Plot in Ireland still proceeding and was to be put in execution on the 23. of October 1641. on which day all the Forts and Towns in Ireland should have been surprised at an instant by the Popish Rebells and most of the Protestants destroyed and accordingly that very night Charlemont Fort was on the 23. of October at night surprised by Sir Phelim O Neale a principall actor and conspirator in the Rebellion who there took the Lady Calfield prisoner and murthered the young Lord Calfield her Son And at that time Sir Phelim ô Neale himself and other of his companions told her That Dublin castle and city Note and most other Forts of Ireland were surprised by their confederates the Papists that the Tower of London was taken by their party and the Archbishop of Canterbury released thence a good signe he was their friend that ENGLAND and the Protestants there were then or would be very shortly in the same or as bad a condition as Ireland and Protestants there were and some of them said that their party had taken Edenbrough castle All which was attested upon Oath by the Lady Calfield and her Gentlewoman Mistris Mary Woodrose at the Triall of Mac Mohon in the Kings * Attested on Oath at Mac â—Mohones triall by Sir William Steuart Sir William Colc Sir Williâ—m Hamilton Sir Charles Coot Sir Arthur Lofiâ—s and others Bench in Michaelmas Term last where this was likewise attested upon Oath That ALL THE PAPISTS IN ENGLAND WERE PRIVY TO THE PLOT IN IRELAND and intended the like in England which we have since experimentally found to be true Divers other Forts were the same day and soon after surprised by the Irish Rebels and
Doore of his Lodging in the Tower and with a bed-cord let himselfe downe and having gotten over two walles waded through the ditch and so escaped Lawr Whitaker Isaaâ—k Pennington The Examination of Hugh Mac Mahone taken the 20. day of Octob. 1644. I. HE saith that the Warrant which Philip O Neale told him of was for the seazing of some strong Holds in his Country Note which was the County of Cavan remembreth not whose hand or hands were subscribed to it besides Sir Maur Eustaces and that the intention of that Warrant was that the strong Holds of that County should be seized upon untill they of that County had satisfaction unto their demands and grievances which were to be presented to the Parliament He remembreth not the date of that Warrant nor how long it did beare date before the discovery of the Plot remembreth not who wâ—re acquainted with the Warrant besides Orelly and himselfe saving only one Hugh Orelâ—y who was then present when Philip Orelly shewed it to this Examinant and Philip Orelly told him that the like Warrant was to goe into all Shieres of that Kingdom and that it was to be accompanied with a Commission from the King or with other Copies of it which he saith he hath * * That is by some Oxford cavalliers sinâ—e his escape out of the Tower Sâ— he twice confessed it herâ—tâ—fore p. 238 239. since heard to be false II. He confesseth he was at Philip Orellyes house five nights before the discovery of the Rebellion and that he told him this except that the designe thereof was resolved upon in the May before and that the matter touching the seazing of the Castles of the Kingdome was referred to a Committee of Parliament to be considered of and saith that the Lord Magwire met him that night at Orellyes house with his wife and children but denyeth that the Lord Magwire heard any of the conference which this Examinant had with Philip Orelly but only at this Examinants departure from thence in the morning he said he should meere this Examinant in Dublin but upon better advertisement this Examinant saith that at his taking leave of the Lord Magwire this Examinant said to him What if the matter be as Orelly said and that we seaze upon the Castle at Dublin how if the City stir The L. Magwire answered What should they stir for when we * * This he feined since his appâ—ehension after his escape the carriage of the Rebels in all other parts and the Testimonies p. 241 242 24â— contradicting it wil do no body no hurt perhaps we may shoot off a warning-piece when we have taken the Castle in some voyd place or some Chimnies to make a noise III. He knoweth not any thing IV. V. He saith he did discourse about that Plot with one Rory Mac Mahone and Kedman Mac Mahone but did not consult with them about it otherwise then by telling them what Philip Orelly had told him and that he was the first and last that ever told him of it and he thinketh Rory Mac Mahone and Redman are still living but where he knoweth not VI. He saith that one Art Mac Mahone and two Boyes did accompany him to Dublin the 22. of October of which boyes one was 24. or 25. yeares old and the other 16. or 17. which Art was also taken there and put in prison and for the two boyes he knoweth not what became of them and saith that 8. persons came up after him out of the County of Monaghan which were part of the twenty that were to be sent up out of that County but remembreth not the names of any of those eight persons and he spake not with any of them VII He saith that Ockonelly as he remembreth told him of the taking of Charlemonâ— or of some stir about it but by whom it was taken or seazed upon he knoweth not if it were taken nor knowes who was at the taking of it VIII He knoweth the L. Blanyes house in the County of Monaghan but knoweth nothing of the Fort of Mont-Ioy nor whether there be such a place or no. IX He knoweth not what Forts or places were taken in this rebellion X. He knoweth most of the parties named in this Inter but denyeth that ever he had any discourse with any of them about the rebellion more then that he told two or three of them what Philip Orelly had told him XI He had speech with Con Mac Bryan Mac Mahone so far as to tell him what Orelly had told him but with the other man no speech at all XII No speech with any of them XIII He knoweth of no other encouragement given to him but that Orelly told him that the King did say to Pluncket sticke you to me and I will sticke to you and the Commission formerly mentioned which the Lord * * Since his escape here but confesseth it here before p. 231. Magwire said was not true XIV Knoweth no more then he hath said but that Mackennay should come up from the County of Monaghan with twenty men to be of the number of those that should seaze the Castle Isaack Penington Lawrence Whitaker To these Examinations I shall adde this ensuing Testimony which will more fully discover the bloody intentions of those Conspirators against the Protestants and English in Ireland Iohn Carmicks Testimony upon Oath to the Iury in Court at the Kings Bench in Westminster Hall upon the triall of Hugh Oge Mac Mahon Esquire the 18. of November 1644. THat upon the 21. of October 1641. Fergus O Howen one of the followers or servants of Bryan Mac Gwire Esquire came to my Chamber in the Castle of Eniskillin in the County of Fermanagh in Ireland and after he indeavoured to bind me to keepe secret a matter of great concernment which he said he had to disclose unto me and particularly to conceale it from Sir William Cole and all other English-men He discovered unto me that the Lord Magwire and the above named Hugh Oge Mac Mahon accompanied with sundry Irish-men of the Counties of Fermanagh and Monaghan did take their Iournies out of the said Counties upon the nineteenth and twentieth daies of October 164â— to the City of Dublin with resolution and intent to surprise and seaze upon his Majesties Castle of Dublin and to murther * * Note and kill his Highnesse Lords Justices and Councell of the Kingdome of Ireland and the rest of the Protestants there and also to possesse themselves of the City of Dublin and to put all the Protestants there likewise to the Sword and that to that effect there were other great men and others of the Papists of that Kingdom to repaire unto and meet them in Dublin on Saturday 23. Octob. 1641. or there abouts And that all the Castles Forts Seaâ—ports and Holds that were in the possession of the Protestants in the severall Counties and Provinces in the Kingdome of Ireland were then also designed and
two or three instances here omitted in my Popish Royall Favourite to wit the Lord chiefe Iustice Richardsons Warrant to the Clerk of the Crown in the Kings-Bench for stay of an Inditement against the Lady Parkins and Iohn Gibbons for sending her Daughter beyond sea to be a Nunne the Copy whereof was sent to Windebanke who procured it Mr. Fanshaw and Mr. Keeling ACcording to his Majesties gracious command to me NOTE signified by Master Secretary Windebanke that no further proceedings shall be had upon an inditement against Dame Mary Parkins and Iohn Gibbons in Michaelmas Terme last for sending or carrying Mistresse Penelope Parkins the said Dame Mary Parkins Daughter beyond seas to be a Nunne contrary to the Statute These are to will and require you to make the Roll of the Record thereof and to enter a Cesset processus thereupon that no further proceedings be had upon the said Inditement accordingly for which this shall be your warrant and so I rest Your loving friend Thomas 〈◊〉 From 〈◊〉 Inne this 13. of May To this I shall adde the same chiefe Iustice his letter to Secretary Windebanke concerning his staying of Processe against one Lovet May it please your Honour IT is most true that the businesse concerning Lovet was recommended to my care NOTE I have done therin whatsoever was in my power to performe and there hath not been wanting in me the lest duty to either of their Majesties commands but he being indited of felony for receiving and harbouring of a Priest and the Priest himselfe of treason in the same inditement I cannot discharge him thereof but in a legall way which is either by exception to the inditement for insufficiency or by a legall tryall or by his Majesties gracious pardon that which was in my power being onely to stay Processe and proceedings I have done and all his goods which were seized and taken from him I have long since caused to be restored unto him againe but nothing will please him unlesâ—e he may be actually freed and discharged of the inditement which is not in my power to doe I have directed him the best course I can but he will take no way but his owne and that is to overthrow his inditement by exception to the sufficiency of it in poynt of law to which end he hath moved me to have a copy of it which I have been willing and ready with all my heart to grant him but I could not do it without the consent of master Atturney Generall it being in a cause neerly concerning the King for felony and treason I mooved master Atturney Generall for him in his owne presence who vvished him to attend him at his Chamber but whether he hath done so or no I knovv not for he never comes at me but as it seems deales maliciously vvith me under hand I being as desirous to doe him all the good I honestly and justly may as ever I vvas to doe any man in my life for besides my humble duty and service to both their Majestyes he is a man for some reasons I doe particularly love and affect This is all that I can write and therefore vvith most humble thanks to your Honour for your favour NOTE vvhich I shall never cease to acknowledge and vvith remembrance of my most humble duty and service I humbly take my leave and rest Your Honours most humble and faithfull Servant to becommanded Thomas Richardâ—â—â— Baâ—king 30. May 1634. Mich. xiij Caroli Regis Brownlow Ordinat â—st per Cur. Farrington querens c. versus Ant. Ingleâ—ield Ar. quatuordecem die Octobris quod cesset omnis prosecutio inter dictas partes super omnibus Informationibus actionibus debiti quibuscunque concernentibus Recusantiam â—psius Ant. per Cur. This yeere we began to have more intimate publike correspondency and trading with Rome then formerly and on Aug. 7. Bishop Laud being nominated Archbishop of Canterbury by the King upon the death of Dr. George Abbot had a serious offer made to him by one who avowed ability to performe it and therefore doubtlesse a speciall Agent from the Pope to be A CARDINALL and a second serious offer of this dignity August 17. as appeares by his own a See the Breviate of life p. 1â— Diary About which time Master Walter Mountague under pretence of some disgust taken at Court departed hence privately into France and from thence towards Rome by the way he professed himselfe a Papist and let fall some words that his designe was for Rome to reconcile us to it upon the best and fairest termes As soone as he entred Italy he was most honourably entertained presented feasted and brought on his way towards Rome in very great state and solemnity by all the Italian Princes States neer whom he passed and arriving at Rome was there magnificently received by the Pope and his Cardinals with whom he had private conferences sundry houres together taking place of all the English then in Rome as a kind of extraordinary Ambassadour sent from hence he was daily courted visited feasted with much respect by the Pope and Cardinals and having dispatched his negotiation there he was sent for thence to the Court under pretence of being Vicechamberlin to the Queen which place was then voyd by death but soon after he went into France and there entred into a Monastery for a time as did then Sir Kenelm Digby to make himself more capable of a Cardinals Cap of which it was then voyced he had a promise The Pope upon his Negotiation at Rome Oct. 10. 1634. sent over a special Nuncio into England called Signior Gregorio Panzani to labour a reduction of us to the vassalage of the Church of Rome who b As the Book entituled The Popes Nuntio wriâ— by the Veâ—tian Embâ—ssadouâ— relâ—tes p. 7. arrived here at London Dec. 25. 1634. He saluted first the Queen after that the King who received and treated him with much kindnesse telling him that he was very welcome his Majesty remaining uncovered during all the discourse and entertainment he was entertained treated with under the Notion of a Nuncio residing in and about London he had frequent accesse to the Court and great persons to seduce and worke them to his ends how farre he preceeded in this designe you may read in the late printed Books intituled The Popes Nuncio and The English Pope what recourse he had to Secretary Windebanke and what favours he obtained from him in behalfe of the Roman Catholikes will best appeare by his owne gratulatory letter sent to this Secretary from Rome after his departure hence the originall whereof written by the Nuncio himselfe in Italian thus indorsed with Windebanke owne hand â—1 May 1637. Seignior Gregorio Panzani from Rome rec 22 Iune our stile I found among his papers and have here faithfully exhibited to publike view in English as worthy to be known as it was afterwards englished and given in evidence upon Oath at