accordingly Ordered That Sir Thomas Exton a Member of this House have leave to repair into the Country A Petition of George Bell in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House was read Ordered That the said George Bell be brought to the Bar and do receive the censure of the House upon his knees from Mr. Speaker and be then discharged paying his Fees which was done accordingly A Bill for supplying the Laws made against Bankrupts was read the first time A Message from His Majesty by Sr. Edward Cartarett Usher of the Black Rod. Mr. Speaker The King commands this Honourable House to attend him immediatly in the House of Peers and accordingly Mr. Speaker with the House went up to attend His Majestie The House being returned Mr. Speaker acquainted the House with the Effect of His Majesties Speech Ordered That Sir Robert Peyton being in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House be brought to the Bar and do receive the Censure of this House upon his knees from Mr. Speaker and that he be then discharged from further Confinement paying his Fees which was accordingly done Resolved That this House will on Saturday morning next take into consideration His Majesties Gracious Speech this day made to both Houses of Parliament The House then according to their Order Resolved into a Committee of the whole House to consider of ways and means to secure this Kingdom against Popery and Arbitrary Power Mr. Speaker left the Chair Mr. Powle took the Chair of the Committee Mr. Speaker resumed the Chair Mr. Powle acquaints the House that the Committee receiving Intimation that there was a Message at the door from the Lords had ordered him to leave the Chair and moved from the said Committee that the House would be pleased as soon as such Message should be received to resolve again into a Committee of the whole House A Message from the Lords by Sr. John Hoskins and Sr. Addam Dateley Mr. Speaker The Lords have commanded us to acquaint this House that they have agreed to the Bill sent from this House entituled An-Act for the repeal of a Statute made in the 35th Tear of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth with some Amendments to which they desire the concurrence of this House The House again resolved Itself into a Committee of the whole House Mr. Speaker left the Chair Mr. Powle took the Chair of the Committee Mr. Speaker resumed the Chair Mr. Powle reports from the Committee of the whole House That the Committee having taken the matters to them referred into consideration had agreed upon certain Resolves which he read in his place and afterwards delivered them in at the Clerks Table where the same being read are as follows viz. Resolved That it is the opinion of this Committee that one means for the suppressing Popery is that the House be moved that a Bill be brought in to banish immediately all the considerable Papists out of the Kings Dominions Resolved That it is the opinion of this Committee that as long as the Papists have any hopes of the Duke of York's succeeding the King in the Kingdoms of England and Ireland and the Dominions thereunto belonging the King's person the Protestant Religion and the lives liberties and properties of all his Majesties Protestant Subjects are in apparent danger òf being destroyed Resolved That it is the opinion of this Committee that the House be moved that a Bill be brought in for an association of all His Majesties Protest an t Subjects for the safety of His Majesties Person the Defence of the Protestant Religion and the preservation of His Majesties Protestant Subjects against all Invasions and Oppositions whatsoever and for the preventing the Duke of York or any Papist from succeeding to the Crown The first of the said Resolves being read a second time And a Motion being made for the adding the words of England aftor the word Papists in the said Resolve which being agreed to by the House and the same being inserted at the Clerks Table Resolved Nemine contradicente That this House doth agree with the Committee that one means for the suppressing Popery is that a Bill be brought in to banish immediatly all the considerable Papists of England out of the Kings Dominions The second of the said Resolves being read a second time Resolved Nemine Contradicente That this House doth agree with the Committee that so long as the Papists have any hopes of the Duke of York's succeeding the King in the Kingdoms of England and Ireland and the Dominions thereunto belonging the King's Person the Protestant Religion and the lives liberties and properties of all His Majesties Protestant Subjects are in apparent danger of being destroyed The Third of the said Resolves being read a second Time Resolved Nemine contradicente That this House doth agree with the Committee that a Bill be brought in for an association of all His Majesties Protestant Subjects for the safety of His Majesties Person the Desence of the Protestant Religion and the preservation of His Majesties Protestant Subjects against all Invasions and Oppositions whatsoever and for preventing the Duke of York or any Papist from succeeding to the Crown Ordered That a Committee be appointed to prepare and bring in a Bill pursuant to the first of the said Resolves Mr. Powle moving the House from the Committee of the whole House that the House would be pleased again to resolve it self into a Committee of the whole House to Morrow morning at Ten of the Clock upon the Matter of this days Debate Resolved That this House will to Morrow morning at Ten of the Clock resolve it self into a Committee of the who'e House further to consider of ways and means to secure the Kingdom against Popery and Arbitrary Power Ordered That Mr. Speaker do issue out his Warrant to the Clerk of the Crown to make out a new Writ for the Election of a Knight to serve in this present Parliament for the County of Middlesex in the room of Sir Robert Peyton expell'd this House Jovis 16. die Decemb. 1680. MArtin May and Cornelius Steler did this day take the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy at the Clerks Table in order to their Naturalization Ordered That Mr. Samuel Sandys the younger and Mr. Stokes have leave to go into the Country A Bill for rectifying several Errors and Mistakes in certain Deeds of settlement made upon the marriage of Sir Charles Hoghton Baronet with Mary the daughter of John Lord Viscount Massareen was read a second time A Petition of divers Inhabitants in the County of Surrey complaining of the proceedings in an Ecclesiasticall Court against them was read Ordered That the consideration of this petition be referred to a Committee The same Committee is impowered to send for Persons Papers and Records and to receive all other Complaints against the proceedings of Ecclesiastical Courts and to bring in a Bill or Bills for regulating the proceedings of such Courts A Petition of Joshua Brook
out of any Warrant for taking into custody Sir Philip Skippon who made default in attending the House at the Call thereof on Tuesday last Colonel Birch reports from the Committee appointed to receive Informations relating to the Popish Plot in Ireland That the Committee having proceeded upon the Matters to them referred had taken several Examinations and received the Answer of Sir John Davis and had also perused several Informations transmitted from the House of Lords relating to the said Plot all which he Read in his place and afterwards delivered the same in at the Clerks Table where the same were again Read The House then taking into consideration the Message sent from the Lords on Tuesday last wherein they desire the concurrence of this House the House resolved That this House doth agree with the Lords in the said Vote with the addition of these words That the Duke of York being a Papist and the expectation of his coming to the Crown hath given the greatest Countenance and Encouragement thereto as well as to the horrid Popish Piot in this Kingdom of England Resolved That that the said Vote be delivered to the Lords at a Conference Ordered That a Committee be appointed to draw up reasons to be offered at the said Conference Ordered That the several Informations of John Macnamara Maurice Fitz-Gerrald and James Nash this day Read to the House relating to the Irish Plot be forthwith Printed Resolved That Richard Poure Earl of Tyrone in the Kingdom of Ireland be Impeached of high Treason Ordered That the Lord Durseley do go up to the Bar of the Lords and Impeach him of high Treason in the name of this House and of all the Commons of England and do pray that he may be committed to safe custody Ordered That the Committee appointed to prepare the Evidence against the Popish Lords in the Tower do prepare the said Impeachment Ordered That the further consideration of the said Report in relation to Arthur Earl of Anglesey and Sir John Davis be adjourned to Saturday morning next ten of the Clock in a full House Veneris 7. Die Januarii 1680. THe Engrossed Articles of Impeachment of Sir William Scroggs Chief Justice of the Court of Kings-Bench of High Treason and other great Crimes and Misdemeanours being Read the same were carried up to the Lords by the Lord Cavendish Ordered That Mr. Lewknor and Collonel Strangewayes have leave to go into the Countrey for Recovery of their Health A Bill to prevent vexatious Actions was read a first time Resolved That the Bill be read a second time A Bill to prevent Brewers to be Justices of the Peace in the place where they exercise that Trade was read the first time Resolved That the said Bill be read a Second time A Bill to prevent the Simony of one person from prejudicing another was read the first time Resolved That the said Bill be read a second time A Bill for the Bettter discovery of Settlements of Estates for superstitious uses was read a second time Resolved That the Bill be Committed upon the Debate of the House The House being informed that one John Fancourt had lately spoken certain seditious and dangerous words for which he hath been Secured in the City of Lincoln Ordered That it be Referred to the Committee Appointed to receive Informations touching the Popish Plot to Examine the Matter of this Information and to report the same with their Opinions therein to the House The House then according to their Order entered into the Consideration of His Majesties Message sent to this House on Tuesday last Resolved That it is the opinion of this House that there is no security or safety for the Protestant Religion the Kings Life or the well Constituted and Established Government of this Kingdom without passing a Bill for disabling James Duke of Tork to Inherit the Imperial Crown of England and Ireland and the Dominions and Territories thereunto belonging and to rely upon any other Means or Remedies without such a Bill is not only insufficient but dangerous Resolved That His Majestie in His last message having assured this House of his Readiness to concur in all other means for the preservation of the Protestant Religion this House doth declare that untill a Bill be likewise passed for excluding the Duke of Tork this House cannot give any Supply to His Majestie without danger to his Majesties Person extream hazard of the Protestant Religion and unfeithfulness to those by whom this House is intrusted Resolved That all persons who advised his Majestie in his last Message to this House to insist upon an opinion against the Bill for excluding the Duke of York have given pernicious Counsel to His Majestie and are Promoters of Popery and Enemies to the King and Kingdom Resolved That it is the opinion of this House that George Earl of Hallifax is one of the Persons who advised His Majestie in his last Message to this House to insist upon an opinion against the Bill for excluding the Duke of York and hath therein given pernicious Counsel to his Majesty and is a promoter of Popery and an Enemy to the King and Kingdom Resolved That an humble Address be presented to His Majestie to remove Laurence Hide Esq from his Majesties Council and presence and from his Office in the Treasury for ever Resolved That an humble Address be presented to his Majesty to remove Henry Marquis of Worcester from his Presence and Council and all the Offices and Imployments of Honour and profit for ever Resolved That it is the Opinion of this House that Henry Marquis of Worcester is one of the Persons who advised his Majestie in his last Message to this House to insist upon an opinion against the Bill for excluding the Duke of York and hath therein given pernicious Counsel to his Majestie and is a promoter of Popery and an Enemy to the King and Kingdom Resolved That it is the opinion of this House That Henry Earl of Clarendon is one of the persons who Advised his Majesty in His last Message to this House to insist upon an Opinion against the Bill for excluding the Duke of York hath therein given pernicious Council to his Majestie and is a Promoter of Popery and an Enemy to the King and Kingdom Resolved That it is the Opinion of this House that Lewis Earl of Feversham is a promoter of Popery and of the French Interest a dangerous Enemy to the King and Kingdom Resolved That an humble Address be made to his Majestie to remove Lewis Earl of Feversham from all Military Offices and Commands and from all other Publick Offices and Imployments and from His Majesties presence for ever A Motion being made for an Address to His Majesty to remove Edward Seymour Esq from His Majesties Council and Presence Ordered That the Debate thereof be adjourned to Munday morning next Ordered That the Committee Appointed to prepare an Address to His Majesty in Answer to his Majesties Message relating
to Tangier do prepare an humble Address to His Majestie upon the Resolutions and Debate of the House Resolved That whosoever shall hereafter Lend or cause to be lent by way of Advance any money upon the branches of the King's Revenue arising by Customs Excise or Hearth Money shall be adjudged to hinder the Sitting of Parliaments and shall be responsible for the same in Parliament Resolved That whosoever shall Accept or Bâ—y any Tally of Anticipation upon any part of the Kings Revenue or whosoever shall pay such Tally hereafter to be struck shall be adjudged to hinder the Sittings of Parliaments and shall be responsible therefore in Parliament Sabbati 8. die Januarii 1680. A Petition of several Clothiers and others concerned in the furnishing and quartering of the Forces lately disbanded was Read Ordered That it be referred to the Committee for receiving the Accounts of the Commissioners Appointed to disband the said Army to examine the matter of the said Petition and report the same with their Opinions therein to the House A Message from the Lords by Sir John Coell Sir Timothy Baldwir Mr. Speaker The Lords have sent us to give this House notice that their Lordships have appointed this day seven night for hearing the Cause upon the Impeachment of Mr. Seymour and that this House may reply if they think fit Ordered That Mr. Chaffin have leave to go into the Country Information being given to the House by the Serjeant at Arms that Sir John Lloyd Sir Edward Phillips Herbert Herring Samuel Verdon Miles Baspole _____ Iles and Arthur Yeomans who for divers great Misdemeaners by them committed against the Priviledge of this House were Ordered to be taken in custody of the said Serjeant do so abscond themselves that the said order cannot be put in Execution against them Ordered That an humble application be made to His Majesty from this House by such Members thereof as are of His Majesties most Honourable Privy Council desiring His Majesty to issue out His Royal Proclamation for the apprehending the said several persons in case they shall not render themselves to the Serjeant by a certain day therein to be limited Ordered That a Committee be appointed to inquire and examine what Popish Priests convict are in Newgate and other Gaols in this Kingdom and to enquire into their conditions and circumstances upon the Debate of the House Mr. Treby reports from the Committee of Elections and Priviledges to whom the matter touching the Election for the Borough of Queen-borough in the County of Kent was referred That the Committee having taken the same into their consideration had agreed upon two Resolves which he read in his place and afterwards delivered them in at the Clerks Table where the same being read are as follow viz. Resolved That James Herbert Esq is not duly Elected a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the Borough of Queenborough in the County of Kent Resolved That William Glanvill Esq is duly Elected a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the said Borough of Queenborough To which Resolves the House agreed The Clerk of the Crown being called in amended the Return for the said Borough by rasing out the name of the said James Herbert and inferting the name of the said William Glanvill in the Indenture Ordered That Mr. Dowly a Member of this House have leave to go into the Country for recovery of his health Ordered That the Chairman of the Committee of Grievances to whom the Petition of Mr. Baldwin Leighton was referred do make Report thereof to the House on Monday morning next Ordered That the matter in question relating to Arthur Earl of Anglesey and Sir John Davis which was appointed for this day be adjourned to Monday morning next ten of the clock Ordered That a Committee be appointed to inspect the Journals of this House and of the House of Lords and Presidents to justifie and maintain that the Lords ought to commit Persons to safe custody when Impeach'd for High Treason by the Commons in Parliament and to make Report thereof to the House Lunae 10 Die Januarii 1680. Resolved That whosoever advised His Majestie to Prorogue this Parliament to any other Purpose than in Order to the passing of a Bill for the Exclusion of James Duke of York is a betrayer of the King the Protestant Religion and of the Kingdom of England a promoter of the French Interest and a Pensioner to France Resolved That the thanks of this House be given to the City of London for their manifest Loyalty to the King their Care Charge and Vigilancy for the Preservation of His Majesties Person and of the Protestant Religion Ordered That the members that serve for the City of London do accordingly give them the thanks of this House Resolved That it is the opinion of this House that the City of London was burnt in the year 1666 by the Papists designing thereby to introduce Aribitary Power and Popery into this Kingdom Resolved That the Commissioners of the Customs other Officers of the Custom-House have wilfully broken the Law prohibiting the Importation of French Wines and other Commodities And that if they shall hereafter Wilfully or Negligently break that Law they shall be questioned therefore in Parliament Resolved That it is the opinion of this House That James Duke of Monmouth hath been Removed from his Offices and Commands by the Influence of the Duke of York Ordered That an humble Application be made to His Majesty from this House by such members thereof as are of His Majesties most Honourable Privy Council to desire his Majesty to restore the said James Duke of Monmouth to his said Offices and Commands Resolved That it is the opinion of this House that the prosecution of Protestant Dissenters upon the Penal Laws is at this time Grievous to the Subject a weakning of the Protestant Interest an Encouragement to Popery and Dangerous to the Peace of the Kingdom A Message from the King by Sir Edward Cartaret Usher of the Black Rod. Mr. Speaker The King commands this Honourable House to attend Him immediately in the House of Peers and accordingly Mr. Speaker went up with the House to attend His Majesty who was pleased to Prorogue this present Parliament to next Thursday seven-night being the 20th day of this instant January 1680. His Majesty gave His Royal assent to the Act Prohibiting the Importation of Cattle from Ireland And to the Act For Supplying the late Act for Burying in Woollen And to an Act To Rectifie Errors in Sir Charles Houghton's Settlement
VOTES OF THE House of Commons Perused and Signed to be Printed According to the Order of the House of Commons BY ME WILLIAM WILLIAMS Speaker Reprinted Anno Dom. 1680. VOTES Of the House of COMMONS Jovis 21 Octobris 1680. THe House being met a Message was delivered from the King by Sir Edward Cartarett Usher of the Black Rod viz Gentlemen of the House of Commons The King Commands this Honourable House to attend Him immediately in the House of Peers And accordingly the House went up to Attend his Majesty who was pleased after having made a Speech to Command the Commons to return to their House and proceed to the Choice of their Speaker And the House being returned and a Motion being made That William Williams Esq be Chosen Speaker for this House It was Resolved in the Affirmative Nemine contradicente And Mr. Williams having in a Speech to this effect disabled himself for this Service Gentlemen I Need not reckon my Infirmities to this House It is enough to mention them they are better known to many of the Members than to my self they have often appeared within these Walls in Two Parliaments Therefore I trust your own Knowledge and Experience of my Failings will easily divert your Inclinations to name me your Speaker And as you have had Experience of my Vnfitness for such Service so have you had sufficient Proof I may say Demonstration of the Aptness of many worthy Members now present for your Service Men of bulk great enough to fill your Chair Men of Art skilful enough to guide and collect your Debates Men of Science in the Laws and Methods of Parliament wise enough to steer and conduct your Counsels Your Choice of a Speaker this day is the Effect of much Tiâ—e and long Consideration It will be no Excuse for the Commons now in Parliament to say They had not time for Deliberation in this great Matter as was usual in other Parliaments when Speakers were Elected upon their first Meeting in Parliament Therefore a more deliberate Election will he expected from you after this time for Contemplation And add the prospect of what is like to be the subject Matter of this Parliament The Security of the Protestant Religion The safety of the King Kingdom The Preservation of the Justice of the Land Matters highly arduous urgent at this time These must prevaile with you to depart from your first Intentions of the Honour you proposed for me this day â—our first step toward it I acknowledge to be sufficient Honour for me therefore I pray let me ask it from you not only for my own sake but for your own Honour for the Interest of the Publick That you please to proceed to the Choice of another Person more proper for the Bulk of your Chair Weight of your Work leave me in this Place where my Country seated me for your Service His Ex use being rejected by the House Mr. Wilâ—iâ—ms was conducted to the Chair by two Members of the House and in the Chair made a speech to this effect to the House Gentlemen I Tremble when I reflect under what Difficulties Learned Experienced and wise Men have laboured in this Chair Yet I am not afraid of their President who impaired their Estates and Health no not of them who lost their Lives in this Service These are a Sacrifice I owe my Country But when I suffer my self to think that some Gentlemen have maimed their Reputation in this Trust these thoughts are dreadful to me they wound me and must yet strike deeper with me Vnless you that called me hither shall please to stand by me cherish and support me in all the Difficulties of this Place I have it by your Courtesie and shall hold it at your Pleasure And I have this to secure me If I fall I fall into the hands of Gentlemen that made me what I am in your Service I doubt not but you will remember I am your own Minister your own onely your own intirely placed in this Service without seeking without recommending I expect no Boon but by your Grace and Favour to depart as I came when you shall please to Command me without repenting The House being informed that his Majesty had appointed to morrow at hree of the clock in the Afternoon for the House to present their Speaker Veneris 22. Octobris 1680. Post Meridiem THe House being met and Mr. Speaker having taken the Chair A Message was delivered from the King by Sir Edward Cartarett Usher of the Black Rod. Gentlemen of the House of Commons The King Commands this Honourable House to Attend him in the House of eers And accordingly Mr. Speaker with the House went up to Attend His Majesty and humbly represented to His Majesty That the House of Commons had chosen him their Speaker And he made Claim by Humble Petition in the Name of the Commons of England in Parliament Assembled of the Ancient Rights of the Commons for them and their servants in their Persons and Estates to be free from Arrests and other Disturbances In all their Debates to have Freedom and Liberty of speech And as occasion shall require to have Access to His Majesties Person Which was allowed by the King The House being returned and Mr. Speaker having taken the Chair and made Report thereof to the House The House Adjourned Lunae 25. die Octobris 1680. A Message from the Lords by the Lord Chief Justice Scroggs and the Lord Chief Justice North to the Commons Mr. Speaker The Lords have Commanded us to acquaint you that they have made an Address to his Majesty and have received his Majesties answer thereunto which they have thought fit to Communicate to this House The Address ORdered by the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in Parliament Assembled That the Lords with white Staves do Attend his Majestie humbly to desire Him from this House That whereas there hath been a Discovery of an horrid Plot and Conspiracy by the Papists against His Majesties Person and Government which still continues His Majestie will be Graciously pleased to issue out his Royal Proclamation thereby Declaring That if any person or persons shall within the space of two months after the date of such Proclamation come in and give Evidence of any Treason or Conspiracy against His Majesties Royal Person and Government That then his Majesty will Graciously Pardon such person or persons all Treasons and Misprision of Treasons and all Offences in concealment of the same to the time limited by the said Proclamation Jo Browne Cleric Parliamentor His Majesties Answer to the Address HIs Majestie hath considered of the Address made by the house and is so willing to encourage all persons who know any thing of any Treasons and Conspiracies against his Person and Government that He will cause his Royal Proclamation to issue Declaring that He will fully pardon and secure all persons who shall make such Discovery not only during the space of Two months as
House do Sit together without mingling with other persons in the place prepared for them at the Tryal of the Lord Viscount Stafford and Mr. Howard Captain of the Yeomen of the Guards is desired to take care thereof HIS MAJESTIES Message to the COMMONS in PARLIAMENT CHARLES REX HIS Majestie did in His Speech at the opening of this Session desire the Advice and Assistance of His Parliament in relation to Tangier The Condition and Importance of the Place obliges His Majestie to put this House in mind again That He relies upon them for the Support of it without which it cannot be much longer Preserved His Majesty does therfore very earnestly Recommend Tangier again to the due and speedy Consideration and Care of this House The Humble ADDRESS of the COMMONS In Parliament Assembled Presented to His Majesty Munday the 29th day of November 1680. May it please your Most Excellent Majestie WE Your Majesties most obedient and Loyal Subjects The Commons in Parliament Assembled having with all Duty and Regard taken into our Serious Consideration Your Majesties late Message relating to Tangier cannot but account the present Condition of it as Your Majestie is pleased to Represent it in Your said Message after so vast a Treasure expended to make it Useful not only as one infelicity more added to the afflicted Estate of your Majesties faithful and Loyal Subjects But as one result also of the same Counsels and Designs which have brought Your Majesties Person Crown and Kingdoms into those great and imminent Dangers with which at this day they are surrounded And we are the less surprized to hear of the Exigencies of Tangier when we remember that since it became part of Your Majesties Dominions it hath several times been under the Command of popish Governours particularly under Command of a Lord Impeached and now Prisoner in the Tower for the Execrable and Horrid Popiâ—h Plot That the Supplies sent thither have been in great part made up of Popish Officers and Soldiers and that the Irish Papists among the Soâ—diers of that Garrison have been the Persons most Countenanced and Encouraged To that part of your Majesties Message which expresses a reliance upon this House for the support of Tangier and a recommendation of â—t to our speedy care We do with all humility and reverence give this Answer That although in due Time and Order We shall omit nothing incumbent on Us for the preservation of every part of your Majesties Dominions and advancing the prosperity and slourishing Estate of this your Kingdom yet at this time when a Cloâ—d which has long threatned this Land â—s â—eady to break upon our heads in a storm of Ruine and Confusion to enter into any further consideration of this matter especially to come to any Resolutions in it before We are effectually secured from the imminent and apparent Dangers arising from the Power of Popish Persons and Councils We humbly conceive will not consist either with Our Duty to Your Majesty or the Trust reposed in Us by those We represent It is not unknown to your Majesty how restless the Endeavours and how bold the Attempts of the Popish Party for many years last past have been not only within this but other your Majesties Kingdoms to introduce the Romish and utterâ—y to extirpate the true Protestant Religion The several Approaches they have made towards the compassing this their Design assisted by the Treachery of perfidâ—ous Protestants have been so strangely successful that t is matter of Admiration to Us and which we can only ascribe to an Over-ruling Providence that your Majesties Reign is still continued over Us and that We are yet assembled to consult the means of our preservation This bloody and restless Party not content with the great Liberty they had a long time enjoyed to exercise their own Religion privately amongst themselves to pertake of an equal Freedom of their persons and Estates with your Majesties Protestant Subjects and of an Advantage above them in being excused from chargeable Offices and Employments hath so far prevailed as to find countenance for an open and avowed practice of their Superstition and Idolatry without controul in several parts of this Kingdom Great swarms of Priests and Jesuits have resorted hither and have here exercised their Jurisdiction and been daily tampering to pervert the Consciences of your Majesties Subjects Their Opposers they have found means to disgrace and if they were Judges Justices of the Peace or other Magistrates to have them turned out of Commission and in contempt of the known Laws of the Land they have practised upon people of all â—anks and qualities and gained over divers to their Religion some openly to profess it others secretly to espouse it as most conduced to the service thereof After sometime they became able to influence matters of State and Government and thereby to destroy those they cannot corrupt The continuance or Prorogation of Parliaments has been accommodated to serve the purposes of that Party Money raised upon the People to supply your Majesties extraordinary Occasions was by the prevaâ—ence of Popish Councils imployed to make War upon a Protestant State and to advance and augment the dreadfull Power of the French King though to the apparent hazard of this and all other Protestant Countries Great numbers of your Majesties Subjects were sent into and continued in the service of that King notwithstanding the apparent Interest of your Majesties Kingdoms the Addresses of the Parliament and your Majesties gracious Proclamations to the contrary Nor can We forbear to mention how that at the beginning of the same War even the Ministers of England were made Instruments to press upon that State the acceptance of one demand among others from the French King for procuring their peace with him that they should admit the publick exercise of the Roman Catholick Religion in the United Provinces the Churches there to be divided and the Romish Priests maintained out of the publick Revenue At home if Your Majesty did at any time by the Advice of Your Privy-Council or of Your two Houses of Parliament Command the Laws to be put in Execution against Papists even from thence they gained advantage to their Party while the edge of those Laws was turned against Protestant Dissenters and the Papists escaped in a manner untoucht The Act of Parliament enjoining a Test to be taken by all Persons admitted into any Publick Office and intended for a security against Papists comeing into Employment had so little effect that either by Dispensation obtained from Rome they submitted to those Tests and held their Offices themselves or those put in their places were so favourable to the same Interests that Popery it self has rather gained than lost ground since that Act. But that their business in hand might yet more speedily and strongly proceed at length a Popish Secretary since Executed for his Treasons takes upon him to set a foot and maintain correspondereies at Rome particularly with a Native Subject of
Your Majesties promoted to be a Cardinal and in the Courts of other Foreign Princes to use their own form of Speech for the subduing that Pestiâ—ent Heresie which has so long domineered over this Northern World that is to root the Protestant Religion out of England and thereby to make way the more easily to do the same in other Protestant Countries Towards the doing this great Work as Mr. Colman was pleased to called it Jesuits the most dangerous of all Popish Orders to the Lives and Estates of Princes were distributed to their several Precincts within this Kingdom and held joint Councils with those of the same Order in all Neighbour Popish Countries Out of these Councils and correspondencies was hatcht that damnable and hellish Plot by the good Providence of Almighty God brought to light above two Years since but still threatning us wherein the Traytors impatient of longer delay reckoning the prolonging of Your Sacred Majesties Life which God long Preserve as the Great Obstacle in the way to the Consummation of their hopes and having in their prospect a Proselyted Prince immediately to succeed in the Throne of these Kingdoms resolved to begin their Work with the Assassination of Your Majesty to carry it on with Armed Force to destroy Your Protestant Subjects in England to Execute a second Massacre in Ireland and so with ease to arrive at the Suppression of our Religion and the Subversion of the Government When this Accursed Conspiracy began to be discovered they began the smothering it with the Barbarous Murther of a Justice of the Peace within one of Your Majesties own Pallaces who had taken some Examinations concerning it Amidst these distractions and fears Popish Officers for the Command of Forces were allowed upon the Musters by special Orders surreptitiously obtained from Your Majesty but Counter-Signed by a Secretary of State without ever passing under the Tests perscribed by the aforementioned Act of Parliament In like manner above fifty new Commissions were granted about the same time to known Papists besides a great number of desperate Popish Officers though out of Command yet entertained at half pay When in the next Parliament the House of Commons were prepared to bring to a legal Tryal the principal Conspirators in this Plot that Parliament was first Prorogued and then Dissolved The Interval between the Calling and Sitting of this Parliament was so long that now they conceive hopes of Covering all their past Crimes and gained a seasonable time and advantages of practising them more effectually Witnesses are attempted to be corrupted and not only promises of Reward but of the Favour of Your Majesties Brother made the Motives to their Compliance Divers of the most considerable of Your Majesties Protestant Subjects have Crimes of the highest nature forged against them the Charge to be supported by Subornation and Perjury that they may be destroyed by Forms of Law and Justice A Presentment being prepared for a Grand Jury of Middlesex against Your Majesties said Brother the Duke of York under whose Countenance all the rest shelter themselves the Grand Jury were in an unheard of and unpresidented and illegal manner discharged and that with so much haste and fear lest they should finish that Presentment that they were prevented from delivering many other Indictments by them at that time found against other Popish Recusants Because a Pamphlet came forth Weekly called The Weekly Packet of Advice from Rome which exposes Popery as it deserves as ridiculous to the people a new and arbitrary Rule of Court was made in Your Majesties Court of Kings Bench rather like a Star-Chamber than a Court of Law That the same should not for the future be Printed by any person whatsoever We acknowledge Your Majesties Grace and Care in issuing forth divers Proclamations since the Discovery of the Plot for the Banishing Papists from about this Great City and Residence of Your Majesties Court and the Parliament but with trouble of mind We do humbly inform Your Majesty That notwithstanding all these prohibitions great Numbers of them and of the most dangerous sort to the Terrour of Your Majesties Ptotestant Subjects do daily resort hither and abide here Under these and other sad Effects and Evidences of the prevalency of Popery and its Adherents We Your Majesties faithful Commons found this Your Majesties Distressed Kingdom and other parts of Your Dominions labouring when We assembled And therefore from our Allegiance to Your Majesty our Zeal to our Religion our Faithfulness to our Countrey and our Care of Posterity We have lately upon mature deâ—â—â—eration proposed One Remedy of these Great Evils without which in our Judgments aâ—l others will prove vain and fruitless and like all deceitful Securities against certain Dangers will rather expose Your Majesties person to the greatest hazard and the people together with all that 's valuable to them as Men or Christians to utter Ruin and Destruction We have taken this Occasion of an Access to Your Majesties Royal presence humbly to lay before Your Majesties great Judgment and Gracious Consideration this most dreadful Design of Introducing popery and as necessary Consequences of it all other Calamities into Your Majesties Kingdom And if after all this the private Suggestions of the subtle Accomplices of that party and design should yet prevail either to Elude or Totally Obstruct the faithful Endeavours of Us Your Commons for an Happy Settlement of this Kingdom We shall have this Remaining comfort That We have freed our selves from the Guilt of that Blood and Desolation which is like to ensue But our only Hope next under God is in Your Sacred Majesty That by Your Great Wisdom and Goodness We may be effectually secured from Popery and all the Evils that attend it and that none but persons of known Fidelity to Your Majesty and Sincere Affections to the Protestant Religion may be put into any Employment Civil or Military that whilst We shall give a Supply to Tangier We may be assured We do not Augment the Strength of our Popish Adversaries nor encrease our own Dangers Which Desires of Your faithful Commons if Your Majesty shall graciously vouchsafe to grant We shall not only be ready to assist Your Majesty in Defence of Tangier but do whatsoever else shall be in our power to enable Your Majesty to protect the Protestant Religion and Interest at Home and Abroad and to Resist and Repel the Attempts of Your Majesties and the Kingdoms Enemies Martis 30 die Novemb. 1680. Ordered THat the Serjeant at Arms attending this House do go with his Mace and Summon all the Members of this House that are in or about Westminster-Hall immediatly to attend the Service of the House Ordered That the Committee to whom the Consideration of Mr. Dangerfields Pardon and Allowances from His Majestie is Referred be Revived and have Power to send for Persons Papers and Records Then Mr. Speaker left the Chair And a Committee of the Commons managed the Impeachment against William Viscount
Stafford in the Name of all the Commons of England before the Lords in Parliament And the Managers this day insisted upon the general Evidence to prove the Popish Plot against the King's person the Protestant Religion and Government Post Meridiem The Committee of the Commons returning to the House Mr. Speaker resumed the Chair Then the House Adjourned to Eight of the Clock to Morrow Morning Mercurii 1 die Decemb. 1680. A Message from the Lords by Sir Timothy Baldwin and Sir Samuel Clark Mr. Speaker The Lords have sent Us to acquaint this House that they intend to proceed to the Tryal of William Viscount Stafford at Ten of the Clock this morning in Weflminster-Hall A Petition of Samuel Gibbs Mayor of Westbury in the County of Wilts being in custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House being presented to the House Ordered That the said Petition do lye upon the Clerks Table in order to the Reading thereof in a full House Ordered That the matter touching the election for Taunton in the County of Somerset be heard at the Bar of this House on Saturday morning next Ordered That the Bill for taking away the Court holden before the President and Council in the Marches of Wales be read a Second time on Friday morning next Ordered That the Bill for the better securing the payment of an Annuity or Rent Charge of 130 l. per annum out of the Mannors and Farms of Bex-hill and Cowding in the County of Sussex to the use of the poor of several Parishes in the County of Surry be Read on Friday morning next Ordered That Mr. John Farington a member of this House have leave to go into the Country for Recover ie of his Health Then Mr. Speaker left the Chair The managers appointed by the Commors proceeded to the particular evidence against the Lord Viscount Stafford before the Lords in Parliament and having produced and Examined several Witnesses to prove the Impeachment against him At the desire of the Lord Stafford he had time to make his further defence tomorrow Morning Post Meridiem The Committee of the Commons return to the House Mr. Speaker resumed the Chair A Message from the Lords by Sir Timothy Baldwin and Sir Samuel Clark Mr. Speaker The Lords have sent Us to acquaint this House that they have ordered the Prisoner William Viscount Stafford to be brought to the Bar in Westminster-Hall tomorrow morning at Ten of the Clock Ordered That all Committees be adjourned And then the House Adjourned to eight of the clock tomorrow morning Jovis 2. die Decemb. 1680. I Ohn van Hattem and William Henry Cornelissen this day took the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy in order to their Naturalization A Bill for the Naturalization of Peter Elers and others was Read the First time Resolved That the Bill be Read a Second time Ordered That Edward Kynaston Esq a Member of this House have leave to go into the Country for Recovery of his Health A Petition of John Dandridge being in Custody of the Searjeant at Arms attending this House was Read Ordered That the said John Damdridge be discharged from his Confinment Complaint being made to the House of a Breach of Priviledge committed by Mr. Kne vet Hastings in Striking and Wounding the Servant of Hender Roberts Esq a member of this House Ordered That the said Knevet Hastings be sent for in custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House to answer for the said Breach of Priviledge by him Committed Ordered That nothing that hath been or shall be said by any Member of this House or by any Person that shall be produced as a witness in behalf of the Commons of England in the Tryal of William Viscount Stafford be Printed or Published without the leave of this House A Petition of Griffith Jones Esq touching the Election for the Town of New Radnor in the County of Radnor was Read Ordered That the said Petition be Referred to the Consideration of the Committee of Elections and Priviledges who are to Examine the Matter thereof and to report the same with their Opinions therein to the House Mr. Speaker left the Chair And the Committee of the Commons Proceeded in the management of the Evidence upon the Impeachment of William Viscount Stafford Post Meridiem The Committee of the Commons return to the House Mr. Speaker resumed the Chair A Message from the Lords by Sir Timothy Baldwin and Sir Samuel Clark Mr. Speaker The Lords have sent Us to acquaint this house That they have Ordered the Prisoner William Viscount Stafford to be brought again to his Tryal at the Bar in Westminster-Hall to Morrow morning at Ten of the Clock Mr. Secretary Jenkins acquaints the House That his Majesty had Commanded him to Communicate to the House a Letter written by Dr. Lamphire Principal of Hart-Hall in Oxford directed to Mr. Secretary giving an account That one William Pickering a Taylor at Wheatly in the County of Oxon and Brother to Pickering that was Executed for the Horrid Popish Plot had spoken these Words viz. That if the King should Try the Lords he should not live half a year after and that the said Pickering was Committed to Oxford Goal by the said Doctor Lamphire Which Letter was Read to the House Ordered That the Thanks of this House be humbly presented to his Majestie by such members thereof as are of His Majesties Most Honourable Privy Council for this His Majesties Gracious Communication Ordered That the said William Pickering be forthwith brought up to the Bar of this House to Answer this high Charge Ordered That the further Consideration of this Matter be Adjeurned to tomorrow morning Veneris 3 die Decemb. 1680. A Petition of Richard Rawlins in custody of the Serjeant at Arms attended this House Ordered That the said Rich Rawlins be discharged from his Imprisonment A Bill for takeing away the Court holden before the President and Council in the Marches of Wales was read a Second time Ordered That the adjourned debate touching the information yesterday communicated to this House from his Majestie be resumed this afternoon when the Committee of this House returns from the Tryal of William Viscount Stafford and that the Serjeant at Armes attending this House do give the Members of this House notice thereof in the mean time A Petition of John Hutchinson Esq in custody of the Serjeant at Armes was read Ordered That the said Mr. Hutchinson be brought to the Bar of this House tomorrow morning at Ten of the Clock Ordered That Edward Vaughan Esq be added to the Committee appointed to prepare Evidence against the Lords in the Tower Mr. Speaker left the Chair And the Committee of the Commons did proceed in the Management of the Impeachment against William Viscount Stafford before the Lords in Parliament Post Meridiem The Committee of the Commons returned to the House Mr. Speaker resumed the Chair Ordered That Collonel Stawell a member of this House have leave to
at home But if these hopes remain what Alliances can be made for the advantage of the Protestant Religion and Interest which shall give confidence to your Majesty's Allies to join so vigorously with Your Majesty as the State of that Interest in the world now requires while they see this Protestant Kingdom in so much danger of a Popish Successor by whom at the present all their Councils and Actions may be eluded as hitherto they have been and by whom if he should succeed they are sure to be destroyed We have this humbly laid before yout Majesty some of those great Dangers and mischiefs which evidently accompany the expectation of a Popish Successor The certain and unspeakable Evils which will come upon your Majesty's Protestant Subjects and their Posterity if such a Prince should inherit are more alsothan we can well â—nâ—merate Our Religion which is now so dangerously shaken will then be totally overthrown Nothing will beleft or can be found to protect or defend it The execution of old Laws must cease and it will be vain to expect new ones The most sacred Obligations of Contracts and promises if any should be given that shall be judged to be against the Interest of the Romish Religion will be violated as is undeniable not only from Argument and experience elsewhere but from the sad Experience this Nation once had on the like occasion In the Reign of such a Prince the Pope will be acknowledged Supream though the Subjects of this Kingdom have sworn the contrary and all Causes either as Spiritual or in order to Spiritual Things will be brought under his Jurisdiction The Lives Liberties and Estates of all such Protestants as value their Souls and their Religion more than their secular Concernments will be adjudged forfeited Tâ—â—o this we might add That it appears in the discovery of the Plot that Forreign Princes were invited to assist in securing the Crown to the Duke of York with arguments from his great Zeal to establish Popery and to extirpate Protestants whom they call Hereticks out of his Dominions and such will expect performance accordingly We further humbly beseech your Majesty in your great wisdom to consider whether in case the Imperial Crown of this Protestant Kingdom should descend to the Duke of York the opposition which may possibly be made to his possessing it may not only endanger the farther descent in the Royal Line but even Monarchy it self For these Reasons we are most humble Petitioners to your most Sacred Majesty That in tender commiseration of your poor Protestant people your Majesty will be graciously pleased to depart from the reservation in your said Speech and when a Bill shall be tendred to your Majesty in a Parliamentary way to disable the Duke of York from inheriting the Crown your Majesty will give your Royal Assent thereto and as necessary to fortify and defend the same that your Majesty will likewise be graciously pleased to Assent to an Act whereby your Majesty's Protestant Subjects may be enabled to Associate themselves for the defence of your Majesty's Person the Protestant Religion and the Security of your Kingdoms These Requests we are Constrained Humbly to make to your Majesty as of Absolute Necessity for the safe and peaceable enjoyment of our Religion Without these things the Allyances of England will not be valuable nor the People encouraged to Contribute to your Majesties service As some farther means for the preservation both of our Religion and Propriety We are humble suiters to your Majesty that from henceforth such persons onely may be Judges within the Kingdom of England and Dominion of Wales as are men of ability Integrity and known affection to the Protestant Religion And that they may hold both their Offices and Sallaries quam diu se bene gesserint That several Deputy-Lieutenants and Justices of the Peace fitly qualified for those Imployments having been of late displaced and others put in their room who are men of Arbitrary Principles and Counterencers of Papists and Popery such only may bear the Office of a Lord-Lieutenant as are persons of Integrity and known Affection to the Protestant Religion That Deputy-Lieutenants and Justices of the Peace may be also so qualified and may be moreover Men of ability of Estates and Interest in their Countrey That none may be Imployed as Military Officers or Officers in your Majesties Fleet but men of known Experience Courage Affection to the Protestant Religion These our Humble Requests being obtained we shall on our part be ready to Assist your Majesty for the preservation of Tangier and for putting your Majesties Fleet into such a Condition as it may preserve your Majesties Soveraignty of the Seas and be for the Defence of the Nation If Your Majesty hath or shall make any necessary Allyances for defence of the Protestant Religion and Interest and Security of this Kingdom this House will be ready to Assist and Stand by Your Majesty in the support of the same After this our Humble Answer to Your Majesties Gracious Speech we hope no evil Instruments whatsoever shall be able to lessen Your Majesties Esteem of that Fidelity and Affection we bear to Your Majesties Service but that Your Majesty will always retain in Your Royal Breast that Favourable Opinion of us Your Loyal Commons that those other Good Bills which we have now under Consideration Conducing to the Great Ends we have before mentioned as also all Laws for the Benefit and Comfort of Your People which shall from time to time be tendred for Your Majesties Royal Assent shall find acceptance with Your Majesty Veneris 24 die Decemb. 1680. A Bill for Sale of the Estate of Jos Cowden deceased for the payment of his Debts and raising of Portions for his Daughters was read a second time and committed Ordered That leave be given to bring in a Bill to repeal the Law made for regulating of Corporations Sir Rich Corbet reports from the Committee of Elections and Priviledges to whom the Matter touching the Election for the Borough of St. Edmundsbury in the County of Suffolk was referred that the Committee having taken the same into their consideration had agreed upon two Resolves which he read in his place and afterwards delivered them in at the Clerks Table where the same being read are as follow viz. Resolved c. That it is the Opinion of this Committee that Sir Tho Harvey Kt is duly Elected a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the Borough of St. Edmundsbury in the County of Suffolk Resolved c. That it is the Opinion of this Committee that Tho Germin Esq is duly Elected a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the Borough of St. Edmundsbury in the County of Suffolk To which Resolves the House agreed Mr. Treby reports to the House from the Committee of Elections and Priviledges to whom the Matter of the Election for the Borough of Barnstaple in the County of Devon was referred that the Committee
of Members to serve in the Commons House of Parliament was Read the first time Resolved That this Bill be read a second time on Munday morning next And that the Bill for Regulating Elections of members to serve in the Commons House of Parliament be read at the same time Mr. Treby Reports from the Committee of Elections and priviledges That the said Committee having taken into consideration the matter of Election and return for the Borough of Haslemere in the County of Surrey that the Committee had agreed upon three Resolves to be reported to the House which he read in his place and are as followeth viz. Resolved That Sir William Moore Baronet is not duly chosen a Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the Borough of Haslemere in the County of Surrey Resolved That Denzil Onslow Esq is duly chosen for the same Resolved That Francis Dorrington Esq is duly chosen for the same Which report being delivered in at the Clerks Table the House did agree with the Committee in the said several and respective Resolves Ordered That the Clerk of the Crown and the Bailiff of the said Borough of Haslemere do attend the House tomorrow Morning at Ten of the Clock to amend the said return Ordered That William Rapley Bailiff of the said Borough of Haslemere be sent for in custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House to answer at the Bar of this House for the misdemeanours by him committed in the Election and return of Members to serve in this present Parliament for the Borough of Haslemere Ordered That Mr. Turbervill and Mr. Jennison have the leave of this House to Print their several Informations relating to the horrid Popish Plot. Ordered That an humble address be made to his Majestie by such Members of this House as are of His Majesties most honourable Privy-Council for a full Pardon to Mr. Jennison of all Treasons Misprisions of Treasons and other Misdemeanours by him committed to the time of the Discovery made by him to this House of the horrid Popish Plot. Mr. Hethrington Mr. Murphey M. John Fitz-Gerald and Mr. Daniel Fitz-Gerald being called in made a discovery at the Bar of the Popish plot in Ireland Ordered That all the Witnesses touching the Popish plot in Ireland do attend this House tomorrow morning at ten of the clock Sir William Jones Reports from the Committee appointed to draw up an address to his Majestie upon the Debate of the House in Answer to his Majesties Gracious Message An Address agreed upon by the Committee which he Read in his place and afterwards delivered the same in at the Clerks Table where the same being read was upon the Question Agreed to by the House Ordered That such members of this House as are of His Majesties most Honourable Privy Council be desired to know His Majesties pleasure when this house-shall attend him with the said Address An Engrossed Bill to disable James Duke of York to inherit the Imperial Crown of England and Ireland with the Dominions and Territories therunto belonging was Read a third time Resolved That this Bill do pass And that the Title be An Act for Securing of the Protestant Religion by Disabling James Duke of York to Inherit the Imperial Crown of England and Ireland the Dominions and Territories thereunto belonging Ordered That the Lord Russel do carry up this Bill to the Lords for their Concurrence Veneris 12. die Novembris 1680. A Petition of Sir Robert Yeamans in custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House was read Ordered That the said Sir Robert Yeamans be brought to the Bar of this House tomorrow morning at ten of the clock A Petition of Richard Janeway in custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House was read Ordered That the said Richard Janeway be brought to the Bar of this House tomorrow morning at ten of the clock An ingrossed Bill sent from the Lords intituled An Act for Freeing the City of London and His Majesties Courts and parts adjacent from Popish Inhabitants and Providing against other Dangers which may arise from Papists was read the first time Resolved That the said Bill be read a second time after ten of the clock in a full House The Clerk of the Crown and the Bailiff of the Borough of Haslemere in the County of Surrey being called in amended the Return of the said Borough by taking off the Indenture whereby Sir William Moore Baronet and James Gresham Esq were Returned and by razing out the Name of Sir William Moore and inserting the Name of Francis Dorington Esq in the other Indenture Mr. Hobart Bourk Mr. Thomas Sampson Mr. John Macnamarra and Eustace Coning being severally called in gave an Account of some Proceedings relating to the Popish Plot in Ireland Ordered That an humble Address be made to His Majesty by such Members of this House as are of His Majesties most Honourable Privy Council to desire His Majesty to grant a full and effectual Pardon to Edmond Murphy Hobart Bourke Thomas Sampson John Macnamarra John Fitz-Gerald and Eustace Coning who have made a considerable Discovery to this House of the Popish Plot in Ireland for all Treasons Misprisions of Treason Crimes and Offences by them committed to the time of their making their respective Discoveries to this House And that His Majesty would likewise be pleased to take them into His Royal Protection and Care Mr. David Fitz-Gerald being called in gave in a further Information to the House relating to the Popish Plot in Ireland Resolved That a Message be sent to the Lords to acquaint them with the Resolution of this House to proceed to the Trial of the Lords in the Tower and forthwith to begin with William Viscount Stafford and to desire their Lordships to appoint a convenient Day for the Tryal of the said William Viscount Stafford And likewise to desire their Lordships That the Lords in the Tower may be confined and kept from holding Correspondence with one another as persons impeached and committed for High Treason by Law ought to be And That Sir William Jones do go up with this Message to the Lords Sir Francis Winnington reported and delivered in at the Table the Abstracts of the Proceedings of the Two last Parliaments as well relating to the Popish Plot as to the Impeachments against the Lords in the Tower Sir William Jones acquaints the House That he had according to the Order of the House attended the Lords with the Message and that their Lordships were pleased to return Answer by him to this effect viz. That as to that part of the Message relating to the Confinement of the Lords and their Correspondence they had already given Order therein as desired by this House That as to the other part of the Message relating to the appointing of a Day for the Tryal of William Viscount Stafford their Lordships have appointed Tuesday come fortnight for the said Tryal Ordered That a further Address be made to His Majesty
severing his Head from his Body only A Message from the Lords by Sir Miles Cook and Sir John Francklin Mr. Speaker The Lords have commanded us to present this House with a Coppy of Mr. Seymour's Answer to the Articles of Impeachment exhibited against him Resolved c. That it is the Opinion of this House that Mr. Joseph Broom ought to be restored to 〈◊〉 the Offices and Places which were taken from him by occasion of a Judgment given against him in the Court of King's Bench in Trinity Term 29. Caroli Secundi upon an Information for publishing an unlicensed Book called The Long Parliament dissolved Ordered That the Bill for exempting His Majesties Protestant Subjects dissenting from the Church of England from the Penalties of certain Laws be read a second time to Morrow morning The first business Colonel Birch reports from the Committee to whom the Examination of the Complaint against Richard Thompson Clerk was referred That the Committee having taken the same into their consideration had directed him to make a special Report thereof to the House which he read in his place and afterwards delivered the same in at the Clerks Table Ordered That the said Report be read at the Table to Morrow morning Ordered That the Reports from the Committee of Elections and Priviledges touching the Election of St. Edmnndsbury in the County of Suffolk and Marleborough in the County of Wilts be made to Morrow morning Ordered That Mr. Sydney's Petition be read to Morrow morning Number 16. HIS MAJESTIES Most GRACIOUS Speech to both HOUSES of PARLIAMENT On Wednesday the 15th of December 1680. My Lords and Gentlemen AT the opening of this Parliament I did acquaint You with the Alliances I had made with Spain and Holland as the best measures that could be taken for the safety of England and the Repose of Christendom But I told you withall That if Our Friendship became unsafe to trust to it would not be wondred at if Our Neighbours should begin to take new Resolutions and perhaps such as might be fatal to Vs I must now tell you That Our Allies cannot but see how little has been done sine this Meeting to incourage their dependance upon Vs And I find by them that unless We can be so united at home as to make Our Alliance valuable to them it will not be possible to hinder them from seeking some other Refuge and making such new Friendships as will not be consistent with Our safety Consider that a neglect of this opertunity is never to be repaired I did likewise lay the matter plainly before you touching the Estate condition of Tangier I must now tell you again That if that place be thought worth the keeping you must take such consideration of it that it may be speedily suppli'd it being impossible for Me to preserve it at an Expence so far above My power I did promise you to the fullest satisfaction your hearts could wish for the Security of the Protestant Religion and to concur with you in any Remedies which might consist with preserving the Succession of the Crown in its Due and Legal course of Descent I do again with the same Reservations renew the same Promise to you And being thus ready on my part to do all that can reasonably be expected from Me I should be glad to know from you as soon as may be how far I shall be assisted by you and what it is you desire from Me. The Humble Address of the House of Commons Presented to his Majesty upon Tuesday the 21 day of December 1680. in Answer to his Majesties Gracious SPEECH to both Houses of Parliament Upon the 15th day of the same December May it please Your most Excellent Majesty WE Your Majesties most Dutiful and Loyal Subjects the Commons in this present Parliament Assembled have taken into our serious Consideration Your Majesties Gracious Speech to both Your Houses of Parliament on the 15th of this instant December and do with all the grateful Sense of Faithful Subjects and sincere Protestants acknowledge Your Majesties great Goodness to us in renewing the Assurances You have been pleased to give us of Your readiness to concur with us in any means for the Security of the Protestant Religion and Your Gracious Invitation of us to make our desires known to Your Majesty But with grief of Heart we cannot but observe that to these Princely Offers Your Majesty has been Advised by what secret Enemies to Your Majesty and Your People we know not to annex a Reservation which if insisted on in the instance to which alone it is applicable will render all Your Majesties other Gracious Inclinations of no effect or advantage to us Your Majesty is pleased thus to limit Your promise of concurrence in the Remedies which shall be proposed that they may consist with preserving the Succession of the Crown in its due and legal course of Descent And we do Humbly inform Your Majesty that no Interruption of that Descent has been endeavoured by us except onely the Descent upon the Person of the Duke of York who by the wicked Instruments of the Church of Rome has been manifestly perverted to their Religion And we do Humbly represent to Your Majesty as the Issue of our most deliberate Thoughts and Consultations that for the Papists to have their hopes continued that a Prince of that Religion shall succeed in the Throne of these Kingdoms is utterly inconsistent with the Safety of Your Majesties Person the Preservation of the Protestant Religion and the Prosperity Peace and Welfare of Your Protestant Subjects That Your Majesties Sacred Life is in continual danger under the prospect of a Popish Successor is evident not onely from the pinciples of those devoted to the Church of Rome which allow that an Heretical Prince and such they term all Protestant Princes Excommunicated and Deposed by the Pope may be destroyed and murther'd but also from the Testimonies given in the prosecution of the Horrid Popish Plot against divers Traitors Attainted for designing to put those accursed principles into practice against Your Majesty From the expectation of this Succession has the number of Papists in Your Majesties Dominions so much encreased within these few years and so many been prevailed with to desert the true Protestant Religion that they might be prepared for the Favours of a Popist-Prince assoon as he should come to the possession of the Crown And while the same Expectation lasts many more will be in the same danger of being perverted This it is that has hardened the Papists of this Kingdom animated and confederated by their Priests and Jesuits to make a Common purse provide Arms make application to Forreign Princes and sollicite their Aid for imposing Popery upon us And all this even during your Majesty's Reign and while your Majesty's Government and the Laws were our protection It is Your Majestie 's Glory and true Interest to be the Head and Protector of all Protestants as well abroad as
and manage the same at his Tryal Sir Richard Corbet Reports from the Committee appointed to prepare an Impeachment against Sir William Scroggs Knight Chief Justice of the Court of Kings Bench upon the former Report of the said Committee and the Resolutions of the House thereupon That the Committee having taken the matters to them referred into Consideration had agreed upon several Articles of Impeachment against the said Sir William Scroggs which he read in his place and afterwards delivered them in at the Clerks Table where the same were read The Question being proposed that the said Articles be engrossed Debate arâ—sing in the Housethereupon Resolved That the Debate be adjourned till Wednesday morning next after ten of the Clock in a full House Martis 4. die Januarii 1680. THe Clerk of the Crown being called in amended the Return for the Borough of Stayning in the County of Sussex by taking off the Indenture wherein John Tufton Esq was returned and by rasing out the name of the said John Tufton and inserting the name of Philip Gell Esq in the other Indenture A Petition of Algernoon Sydney Esq touching the Election for the Borough of Agmondesham in the County of Bucks was Read Ordered That the Merits of the said Petitioner be heard at the Bar of this House upon Wednesday the 12th of this Instant January Sir William Temple delivered in a Message from His Majesty to this House which being Read by Mr. Speaker the House Resolved to take the said Message into Consideration upon Friday next after ten of the Clock in a a full House A Message from the Lords by Sir Timothy Baldwin and Sir Miles Cooke Mr. Speaker We are commanded to acquaint this House that the Lords have past a Vote viz. Die Martis 4 Januarii 1680. Resolved by the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in Parliament Assembled That they do declare that they are fully satisfied that there now is and for divers years last past there hath been a Horrid and Treasonable Plot and Conspiracy contrived and carried on by those of the Popish Religion in Ireland for Massacring the English and Subverting the Protestant Religion and the ancient establish'd Government of that Kingdom to which their Lordships desire the concurrence of this House They have further commanded us to acquaint this House That their Lordships have agreed to the Bill sent from this House Entituled An Act for the Rectifying several Errors and Mistakes in the Marriage Settlement of Sir Charles Hoghton Baronet without any Amendments The House according to their Order proceeded to the calling over the Members thereof Ordered That such Members of this House whose default of attendance was entred this day be sent for in custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House and that they be not admitted to sit in the House before they shall have paid their Fees and have the leave of this House Resolved Nemine contradicente That such Members of this House who in this time of Imminent danger do absent themselves without the leave of the House are to be reputed Deserters of their Trust and Neglectors of that Duty they owe to this House and their Country Ordered That the Committee appointed to receive Informations touching the Popish Plot in Ireland do sit at four of the Clock this afternoon in the Speaker's Chamber Mercurii 5. Die Januarii 1680. A Bill to supply a defective Conveyance made by Roger Price of the Mannor of Westbury in the County of Bucks was Read a second time Resolved That the Bill be committed Ordered That such Members who were ordered to be sent for in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms for not attending the service of this House at the Call of the same yesterday made And who were in town last night be admited to sit in the House without paying Fees Ordered That Dr. Burnet be desired to proceed with and compleat that good Work by him begun in writing and Publishing the History of the Reformation of the Church of England A Petition of Thomas Hobby Esq touching the Election for Great Marlow in the County of Bucks was Read Ordered That the Merits of this Cause be heard at the Bar of this House this day seven-night A Petition of Richard Thompson Clerk in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House was Read Ordered The said Serjeant at Arms be impowred to receive sufficient seâ—urity for the forth-coming of the said Richard Thompson to answer to the Impeachment against him A petition of Samuel Nash and others complaining against the African Company was Read Ordered That the Consideration of the said Petition be referred to the Committee to whom a former Petition of divers Merchants against the African Company was referred 'to examine the matter thereof and Report the same with their opinions therein to the House The House then according to their Order Resumed the adjourned Debate touching the Articles of Impeachment delivered in to the House against Sir Willi Scroggs Kt Chief Justice of the Court of King's Bench. Upon the Debate thereof Resolved That the said Sir William Scroggs be impeached upon the said Respective Articles Resolved That the said Articles be engrossed Ordered That the Lord Cavendish do carry up the said Articles to the Lords Ordered That the Committee appointed to examine the Proceedings of the Judges in Westminster-hall and to prepare Impeachments against Sir Francis North Chief Justice-of the Court of Common-Pleas Sir Thomas Jones one of the Justices of the Court of Kings Bench and Sir Richard Weston one of the Barons of the Court of Exchequer do bring in such Impeachments with all convenient speed Ordered That Mr. Macnamara Mr. Maurice Fitz Gerald and Mr. Murtogh Downy do attend this House tomorrow morning 10 of the Clock The House being informed that one Bowyer was upon Intimation given by the Committee appointed to prepare Evidence against the Popish Lords in Tower taken into custody Ordered That the said Bowyer be delivered into the hands of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House and that he be brought to the Bar of this House to Morrow morning at Ten of the Clock in order to his Examination Ordered That Richard Green and Woodhouse do attend to Morrow morning at Ten of the clock Ordered That the Committee appointed to receive Informations touching the Popish Plot in Ireland do sit this Afternoon in the Speakers Chamber and that the said Committee do make Report to the House of the Matters to them referred at Nine of the clock to Morrow morning Jovis 6 die Januarii 1680. A Bill for the more easie collecting the Duty of Hearth-mony was read a second time Resolved That the Bill be committed upon the Debate of the House A Bill for repealing an Act made in the 13th year of his now Majesties Reign Entitled An Act for the well governing of Corporations was Read the second time Resolved That the said Bill be committed upon the debate of the House Ordered That Mr. Speaker do suspend the issuing