to prosecute the plot but Popery also and to take care of the Protestant Religion Established by Law And if We join and this House go on calmâ—y in their Debates without heats He did not doubt but to beat down popery and all that belongs to it Mr. Harbord Reports from the Committee to whom it was referred to prepare and draw up an Address Declaring the Resolution of this House to preserve and Support the Kings person and Government and the Protestant Religion both at Home and Abroad The Address Agreed unto by the House May it please Your Most Excellent Majestie WE your Majesties most dutiful and obedient Subjects the Commons in this present Parliament assembled do with most thankful hearts acknowledge not onely your Majesties many former Royal Declarations of your adherence to the Protestant Religion in the Preservation and Protection thereof but your further Manifestation of the same in your Gracious Speech to both Houses at the Opening of this present Parliament in which your Majesty is pleased to Command us strictly and impartially to prosecute the Horrid Popish Plot without which we do fully assent to your Majesties great Judgment That neither your Person nor Government can be safe nor your Protestant Subjects it being part of the very Religion of Popery where it can obtain to extirpate all Protestants both Prince and People which hath caused in the times of your Royal Ancestors since the Reformation that great care to oblige the Subjects against their return to the Papal Yoke in the very same Oaths wherein they swear Allegiance to their Prince And as now the Eyes of all the Protestant Kingdoms and States Abroad are upon Vs and looking upon your Majesty as the Royal Head of so many Protestant Countries cannot but hope upon a happy and solid Security in our Religion at home That your Majesty will be the greatest Protection to them from whom we may expect a Mutual Assistance as being involved in the same Common Danger So we do humbly assure your Majesty That We shall be always ready to Preserve your Majesties Person and Government and to Support the Protestant Religion both at Home and Abroad And do humbly beseech your Majesty to Esteem all Persons whatsoever who shall otherwise represent Vs to your Majesty as those who design to divide between the King and his People and to defeat the Meeting and Siting of Parliaments That those Popish Designs may succeed which they well know cannot otherwise prosper And this they have made more undeniably evident in the interval of Parliaments by Contriving with unparallel'd Insolence a most damnable and wicked Design to transfer their own Crimes upon so many of your Majesties Loyal Protestant Nobility and Gentry hoping thereby to destroy those who with the greatest Zeal and Integrity endeavour to Prosecute them The house then proceded to the consideration of the Matter relating to Sir Francis Wythens a Member of this house and several Witnesses being called in and examined at the Bar of this house in that Matter And It appearing to the house upon the Confession of the said Sir Francis Wythens in his place and upon the Evidence given at the Bar of the house against him that he had presented an Address to his Majesty expressing an abhorrency to petition His Majesty for the Calling and sitting of Parliaments Resolved That Sir Francis Wythens by promoting and presenting to his Majesty an Address expressing an Abhorrency to Petition his Majesty for the Calling and sitting of Parliaments hath betrayed the undoubted Rights of the Subjects of England Ordered That Sir Francis Wythens be Expelled this House for this high Crime Ordered That Sir Francis Wythins do receive his Sentence at the Bar of this House upon his Knees from Mr. Speaker Which he received accordingly Sabbati 30. die Octobris 1680. MR. Secretary Jenkins acquaints the House That His Majesty having been Attended by such of the Members of this House as are of the Privy Council to know His Pleasure when this House should Wait upon His Majesty with their Address Declaring their Resolution to preserve His Majesty's Person c. He was pleased to appoint Three of the Clock this afternoon for this House to Attend Him in the Banquetting-house He further acquainted the House That His Majesty being Attended by such Members of this House as are of His Privy Council with the Address relating to Dr. Tongue His Majesty was pleased to return answer That he had already taken some care of Dr. Tongue and that he would take him into further Consideration Resolved That the Votes of this House be Printed being first Perused and Signed by Mr. Speaker and that Mr. Speaker nominate and appoint the persons to Print the same Seignior Francisco Ferria being called in delivered his Evidence at the Bar of this House relating to the Popish Plot. Resolved Nemine Contradicente That this House will forthwith proceed to the full Examination of the Popish Plot in order to bring the Offenders to Justice Resolved That a Committee be appointed to Inspect the Journals of the Two last Parliaments and make a Report to the House of their proceedings relating to the Popish Plot And it is referred to c. or any three of them and they are to meet this afternoon at three of the Clock in the Speakers Chamber and are to Sit de die in diem Ordered That an humble Address be made to His Majesty by such of the Members of this House as are of His Majesty's most Honourable Privy Council That all the Letters Papers and Evidences which have been delivered into the Privy Council relating to the horrid Popish plot may be delivered into this house Lunae 1. die Novembris 1680 MR. Secretary Jenkins acquaints the House that according to the Order of this House made on Saturday last for an humble address to be made to His Majesty by such of the Members of this House as are of His Majesties Privy Council that all such papers Letters and Evidences relating to the horrid Popish plot as have been delivered in to the Privy Council might be transmitted to this House His Majesty had been attended in this matter who was pleased to answer That the House of Lords having at their first fitting appointed a Committee for Examination of the Popish plot His Majesty had been pleased on the 24th day of the last month to Order all Examinations papers and Writings relating to the Popish plot and in the Custody of the Clerks of the Council to be sent to that Committee and that on the 27th day of October last they were all sent accordingly A Bill for the better Encouragement of the Woollen Manufacture of England by the general wearing thereof was Read the first time Resolved c. That the said Bill be Read a Second time Mr. Speaker acquaints this House that the House attended His Majesty on Saturday last in the afternoon at the Banquetting-House with their address declaring the Resolution of this House
Serjeant at Armes to answer at the Bar for a high Breach of Priviledge by him Committed aganst this House Mr. Secretary Jenkins acquaints the House that His Majesty having been attended by such Members of this House as are of His Majesties most Honourable Privy Council to know His Majesties pleasure When this House should attend Him with an address His Majesty hath appointed three of the Clock this afternoon for the House to attend him in the Banqueting-house at White-hall Ordered That leave be given to bring in a Bill to Supply the Laws against Bankrupcy Ordered That leave be given to bring in a Bill to take away the Court held before the Lord President and Council in the Marches of Wales A Bill for Repeal of an Act made in the 35. Year of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth cap. 1. was Read a Second time And no Exceptions being made to the same Ordered That the said Bill be Engrossed Resolved That an Humble Address be made to His Majesty from this House by such Members thereof as are of His Majesties most Honourable Privy Council to desire His Majesty to give Orders that all Protestant Dissenters who are Prosecuted upon any penal Laws made against Popish Recusants in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth and King James may be admitted to a Composition in the Exchequer without paying any Fees Ordered That leave be given to bring in a Bill declaring that the Acts of Parliament made in the Reigns of Queen Elizabeth and King James against Popish Recusants shall not be extended against Protestant Dissenters Ordered That the Committee appointed to prepare and Bring in a Bill for the better Uniting of all His Majesties Protestant Subjects have 〈…〉 bring in One or more Bill or Bills for that purpose Mr. Attorney General being called in and Examined touching the manner of Issuing forth the Proclamation Stiled A Proclamation against Tumultuous Petitions and giving an account to the House that Sir Fran. North Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas was advising and assisting in the drawing up and passing of the said Proclamation And a Debate arising in the House thereupon Resolved Nemine Contradicente That the Evidence this day given to this House against Sir Fran North Chief Justice of the Court of Common-pleas is a sufficient Ground for this House to proceed upon to an Impeachment against him for high Crimes and misdemeanors Ordered That it be referred to the Committee appointed to examine the proceedings of the Judges in Westminster-Hall to prepare Heads of an Impeachment against the said Sir Francis North and to present the same to the House And the said Committee is to sit de die in diem Ordered That William Rapley Bayliff of Haslemere in the County of Surrey being in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House be brought to the Bar of this House tomorrow Morning at Ten of the Clock to receive the Censure of the House Jovis 25. die Novem. 1680. Ordered THat a Message be sent to the Lords desiring their Lordships to appoint a Committee to joyn with a Committee of this House for the Adjusting the Methods and Circumstances relating to the Tryals of the Lords in the Tower and that Mr. Treby do go up to the Lords with the said Message A Petition of the Inhabitants of the County of Norfolk against Samuel Verdon Under-Sheriff of the said County for several Crimes and Misdemeanours by him Committed was Head Ordered That a Committee be appointed to Examine the Matters contained in the said Petition to Report the same with their Opinion therein to the House it is Referred to a Committee the same Committee is likewise Impowered to Examine the Abuses Miscarragies and Misdemeanors Committed by all Under-Sheriffs throughout the Kingdom Ordered That the said Samuel Verdon be sent for in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House to Answer at the Bar of the House for a Notorious Breach of Privilidge by him Committed against this House A Petition of Mr. Thomas Staples being in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House was Read Ordered That Mr. Staples be called in and do receive the Censure of the House at the Bar upon his Knees from Mr. Speaker and that he be then Discharged paying his Fees which was done accordingly A Message from the Lords by Sir John Coell and Sir Timothy Baldwyn Mr. Speaker The Lords have commanded us to acquaint this House that His Majesty having been Desired to appoint a Time when both Houses should attend Him with an Address for a Fast His Majesty was pleased to return answer That it is His Majesties Pleasure that both Houses do attend Him at Three of the Clock this Afternoon in the Banquetting-House The Articles of Impeachments against Edward Seymour Esq a member of the House being Read Resolved That the Articles be Read One by one and that Mr. Seymour do make his answer to each respective Article in his place which being accordingly done and Mr. Seymour withdrawn The first of the said Articles being Read to the House and a Debate arising in the House thereupon Resolved That the Debate be Adjourned to Ten of the Clock to Morrow Morning The Addresses Humbly presented to His MAJESTY From Both Houses of Parliament for a Day of HUMILIATION with His MAJESTIES Gracious Answer WE Your Majesties most Dutiful and Loyal Subjects the Lords Spiritual and Temporal and Commons in this present Parliament Assembled being deeply sensible of the sad and calamitous condition of this your Majesties Kingdom occasioned chiefly by the impious and horrid Conspiracies of a Popish Party who have not only Plotted and Intended the destruction of Your Majesties Royal Person but the Total Subversion of the Government and true Religion established amongst us and finding the same detestable Machinations still obstinately prosecuted by them as well by somenting divisions amongst your Majesties Loyal Protestant Subjects as all other the most wicked Contrivances notwithstanding the many discoveries thereof by Gods great mercy and wonderful providence lately brought to light all which dreadful Judgments are now impending over us most deservedly for our many and grievous sins and cannot otherwise in humane reason be prevented but by the particular blessing of God upon the Consultations and Endeavours of your great Council now Assembled in Parliament Do in all humility beseech your Majesty that by your Royal Proclamation a Day may be solemnly set apart wherein both our selves and all your Majesties Loyal Subjects may by Fasting and prayers endeavour a Reconciliation with Almighty God and with humble and penitent hearts implore him by his power and goodness to divert those Judgments and defeat the wicked counsels and deivces of our Enemies to Unite the hearts of your loyal Protestant Subjects and to continue his mercy and the light of his Gospel to us and our Posterities and more especially to bestow his abundant blessings on your Sacred Majesty and this present Parliament that our Consultations and
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
is desired but at any time after whensoever such Discovery shall be made Martis 26. die Octob. 1680. Ordered THat a Bill or Bills be brought in upon the Debate of the House for Regulating the Election of Members to serve in Parliament A Committee appointed to draw up the same and to take care to bring in a Clause to declare the Law that an Action of the Case may be brought and maintained for any Damages sustained by undue Returns The House taking into Consideration the Message sent from the Lords Ordered That an humble Address be prepared to be presented to his Majesty for the Pardon of such persons who shall within a limited time make satisfactory discovery to this House of the horrid Popish Plot. The House being informed that Mr. Dangerfield was in the Speakers Chamber and desired he might acquaint the House with some matters of importance relating to the Popish Plot. Ordered That Mr. Dangerfield be called to the Bar of this House to give an account to the House what he knows relating to the Popish Plot. And Mr. Dangerfield being accordingly called to the Bar of the House related his evidence and being withdrawn The House taking notice of Mr. Dangerfields having in his information mentioned Sir Robert Peyton a Member of this House Ordered That it be referred to the Consideration of a Committee to Examine the Matters touching Sir Robert Peyton and to report the same to the House Resolved Nemine contradicente That it is the Opinion of this House to proceed effectually to suppress Popery and prevent a Popish Successor Mercurii 27. die Octobris 1680. MR. Treby reports from the Committee appointed to prepare and draw up an Address to be presented to his Majesty May it please your Majestie WE Your Majesties most Dutiful and Loyal Subjects the Commons in Parliament Assembled being highly Zealous for the Preservation of the Protestant Religion Your Majesties Sacred Person and Government and resolving to pursue with a strict and impartial Enquiry the Execrable Popish Plot which was detected in the two last Parliaments and has been supported and carried on by potent and restless practices and machinations especially during the late Recesses of Parliament whereby several persons have been terrified and discouraged from declaring their knowledg thereof most humbly beseech Your Majesty that for the security of such persons who shall be willing to give evidence or make further satisfactory Discovery concerning the same to this House Your Majesty would be pleased to issue Your Royal Proclamation assuring all the said persons of Your Gracious Pardon if they shall give such Evidence or make such Discovery within two months after the Date of such Proclamation Resolved Nemine contradicente That it is and ever hath been the undoubted Right of the Subjects of England to Petition the King for the Calling and Sitting of Parliaments and Redressing of Grievances Resolved Nemine contradicente That to traduce such Petitioning as a violation of Duty and to represent it to his Majestie as Tumultuous and Seditious is to betray the Liberty of the Subject and contributes to the Design of Subverting the ancient legal constitution of this Kingdom and introducing Arbitrary Power Ordered That a Committee be appointed to enquire of all such persons as have offended against these Rights of the Subject The House being informed that Sir Francis Wythens a Member of this House had offended against the said Rights of the Subject Ordered That Sir Francis Wythens a member of this House have notice given him by the Serjeant to attend his place tomorrow morning Resolved That an Address be made to his Majestie declaring the Resolution of this House to Preserve and support the Kings Person Government and the Protestant Religion at home and Abroad Jovis 28. die Octob. 1680. SIR Francis Wythens appearing in his Place according to the Order of the House yesterday made Ordered That the Clerk of the Peace for Westminster do attend this House tomorrow morning at Ten of the Clock with the Roll of the Orders for last Easter Sessions for the City of Westminster An Information being given the House against Sir Robert Yeamans of Bristol and against Sir Robert Cann a Member of this House That they did in October 1679. publickly declare that there was no Popish plot but a Presbyterian plot And Mr. Rowe Sword-bearer of Bristol being called in to the Bar and attesting the same all which being likewise attested by Sir John Knight a Member of this House And Sir Robert Cann being called upon by the House to make his Defence therein who standing up in his Place did in defence utter several reproachfull reflecting words against the said Sir John Knight Ordered That Sir Robert Cann be brought to the Bar of this House and do receive a reprehension from Mr. Speaker upon his knees which was done accordingly And Sir Robert Cann being again withdrawn the House Proceeded in the further Consideration of the Matters charged against him and after long Debate Resolved c. That it doth appear by the Evidence this day given to this Housethat Sir Robert Cann is guilty of publickly declaring in the City of Bristol in October 1679 that there was no Popish plot but a Presbyterian Plot. Ordered That Sir Robert Cann a Member of this house be Committed to the prison of the Tower Ordered That Sir Robert Cann be Expelled this House And then he was brought to the Bar of the House and upon his knees received from Mr. Speaker the Judgment of the House for his Expulsion from this House and Commitment to the Tower Ordered That Mr. Speaker do issue out his Warrant to the Serjeant at Arms for conveying the Body of Sir Robert Cann to the prison of the Tower Ordered That Sir Robert Teamans be sent for in Custody of the Serjeant attending this House to answer for publickly declaring in the City of Bristol in October 1679 That there was no Popish Plot but a Presbyterian Plot. Ordered That Doctor Dove be desired to preach before this House on the Fifth day of Novem. next at St. Margarets Westminster and Mr. Speaker is desired by the House to give him notice thereof Veneris 29. die Octob. 1680. Ordered THat Sir George Downing have leave to bring in a Bill for Wearing of the Woollen Manufactures of England Ordered That Doctor Tongue be humbly recommended by this House to his Majestie for the first considerable Church preferment that shall happen to become void in this Kingdom and that such members of this House as are of his Majesties Privy Council do represent the same to his Majestie Mr. Speaker acquaints the House That having attended his Majestie yesterday in the Afternoon with the Address for a Pardon for such persons as shall make a satisfactory Discovery to this House of the Horrid Popish plot His Majestie was pleased to return his Gracious Answer to this effect viz. THat He did intend to Direct such a Proclamation and was Resolved not onely
bring in a Bill for continuing of two Acts One to prevent the Planting of Tobacco in England and Regulating the Plantation Trade The Other for Exporting of Beer Ale and Mum. A Bill to the same purpose being presented to the House was Read the First time Resolved That the Bill be Read a Second time Resolved That a Committee be appointed to prepare a further Address to His Majesty upon the Debate of the House humbly to desire His Majesty to Pardon and Remit the Fine set upon Benjamin Harris for which he continues in Prison Mr. Sachaverel Reports from the Committee to whom it was referred to prepare and bring in a Bill for the Repeal of One Act made in the 35th Year of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth ch 1. A Bill agreed upon by the Committee which he delivered in at the Clerks Table The Bill being Read the First time Resolved That the Bill be Read a Second time to Morrow morning Sir Francis Russel Reports from the Committee Appointed to draw up an humble Address to his Majesty to desire his Majesty to appoint a day for a Solemn Fast and Humiliation to be kept throughout the Kingdom An Address agreed on by the Committee which he read in his place And afterwards delivered the same in at the Clerks Table where the same being Read was upon the Question agreed to Resolved That the Lords Concurrence be desired to the said Address And that Sir Francis Russed do attend the Lords with the same and desire their concurrence A Petition of Ann Bedlow Widdow and Relict of Captain William Bedlow Deceased was Read Resolved That an Humble Application be made to His Majesty from this House by such Members thereof as are of His Majesties most Honourable Privy Council to desire His Majesty to take into His consideration the condition of the said Mrs. Bedlow and to grant her some Allowance for her Subsistence Sir Francis Russel acquaints the House That in pursuance of the Order of the House he had attend the Lords with the Address and that their Lordships returned Answer That they had taken the said Address into their Consideration and had agreed to it according to the desire of this House Ordered That Mr. Attorney General be desired to attend this House to Morrow Morning to give the House an Account touching the Proclamation Stiled A Proclamation against Tumultuous Petitioning Several Persons that served upon the Grand Jury for the County of Middlesex in Trinity Term last being called in gave an Account to the House of the manner of the Proceedings of the Court of Kings-Bench in Discharging the said Grand Jury Several Persons being called in gave an Account at the Bar of the House touching the charge given by Mr. Baron Weston at the last Summer Asslizes held at Kingston upon Thames for the County of Surrey and a Debate arising in the House upon the whole matter Resolved Nemine Contradicente That the Discharging of a Grand Jury by any Judge before the end of the Term Assizes or Sessions whilst matters are under their consideration and not presented is Arbitrary Illegal Destructive to Publick Justice a manifest Violation of his Oath and is a means to Subvert the Fundamental Laws of this Kingdom Resolved Nemine Contradicente That a Committee be appointed to Examine the Proceedings of the Judges in Westminster-Hall and Report the same with their Opinions therein to this House Sir Edward Deering Acquaints the House That His Majesty having referred the Condition and Circumstances of the several Witnesses relating to the Popish Plot in Ireland to the consideration of the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury and that the Commissioners were not as yet informed of the Names Number and Conditions of the said several Persons desired the Direction of the House therein Ordered That Mr. Hethrington do Attend Mr. Speaker and do communicate to him the Names and Condition of the said Witnesses The Address of the Commons in Parliament to His Majesty to Remove Sir George Geffreys Out of all Publick Offices WE your Majesties most Dutiful and Loyal Subjects the Commons in Parliament Assembled having received a Complaint against Sir George Jeflreys Knight your Majesties Chief Justice of Chester and heard the Evidence concerning the same and also what he did alledge and prove in his Defence And being thereupon fully satisfied that the said Sir George Jeffreys well knowing that many of your Loyal Protestant Subjects and particularly those of your Great and Famous City of London out of Zeal for the Preservation of the Protestant Religion your Majesties Royal Person and Government and in hopes to bring the Popish Conspirators to speedy Justice were about to Petition to your Majesty in an Humble Dutiful and Legal way for the sitting of this Parliament the said Sir George Jeffreys not regarding his Duty to your Majesty or the welfare of your People did on purpose to serve his own private Ends and to create a Misunderstanding between your Majesty and your Good Subjects though disguised with pretence of service to your Majesty maliciously declared such petitioning sometimes to be Tumultuous Seditious and Illegal and at other times did presume publickly to insinuate and assert as if your Majesty would deprive your Citizens of London of their Charters and divers other Priviledges Immunities and Advantages and also of your Royal Favour in case they should so petition and also did publickly declare that in case they should so petition there should not be any Meeting or Sitting of Parliament thereby traducing your Majesty as if you would not pursue your Gracious Intentions the rather because they were grateful to your good Subjects do in most humble manner beseech your Majesty to remove the said Sir George Jeffreys out of the said Place of Chief Justice of Chester and out of all other Publick Offices and Employments under your Majesty His Majesty by Mr. Secretary Jenkins was pleased to return Answer to this Address That he would consider of it Mercurii 24. die Novemb. 1680. Ordered THat George Bell of Carlisle in the County of Cumberland Attorney at Law be sent for in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House to answer at the Bar of the House for a breach of Priviledge by him committed against Sir Richard Grahme a Member of this House Ordered That Arthur Yeomans of Cardisse in the County of Glamorgan be sent for in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House to answer at the Bar of this House for a Notorious Breach of Priviledge by him committed against this House Ordered That William Jordan of Gloucester be sent for in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms to answer at the Bar of this House for a Notorious Breach of Priviledge by him Committed against this House Ordered That John Laws be sent for in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms to answer at the Bar for a Breach of Priviledge by him Committed against this House Ordered That Mr. Henry Alnett be sent for in Custody of the
Your Majesties promoted to be a Cardinal and in the Courts of other Foreign Princes to use their own form of Speech for the subduing that Pestiâ—ent Heresie which has so long domineered over this Northern World that is to root the Protestant Religion out of England and thereby to make way the more easily to do the same in other Protestant Countries Towards the doing this great Work as Mr. Colman was pleased to called it Jesuits the most dangerous of all Popish Orders to the Lives and Estates of Princes were distributed to their several Precincts within this Kingdom and held joint Councils with those of the same Order in all Neighbour Popish Countries Out of these Councils and correspondencies was hatcht that damnable and hellish Plot by the good Providence of Almighty God brought to light above two Years since but still threatning us wherein the Traytors impatient of longer delay reckoning the prolonging of Your Sacred Majesties Life which God long Preserve as the Great Obstacle in the way to the Consummation of their hopes and having in their prospect a Proselyted Prince immediately to succeed in the Throne of these Kingdoms resolved to begin their Work with the Assassination of Your Majesty to carry it on with Armed Force to destroy Your Protestant Subjects in England to Execute a second Massacre in Ireland and so with ease to arrive at the Suppression of our Religion and the Subversion of the Government When this Accursed Conspiracy began to be discovered they began the smothering it with the Barbarous Murther of a Justice of the Peace within one of Your Majesties own Pallaces who had taken some Examinations concerning it Amidst these distractions and fears Popish Officers for the Command of Forces were allowed upon the Musters by special Orders surreptitiously obtained from Your Majesty but Counter-Signed by a Secretary of State without ever passing under the Tests perscribed by the aforementioned Act of Parliament In like manner above fifty new Commissions were granted about the same time to known Papists besides a great number of desperate Popish Officers though out of Command yet entertained at half pay When in the next Parliament the House of Commons were prepared to bring to a legal Tryal the principal Conspirators in this Plot that Parliament was first Prorogued and then Dissolved The Interval between the Calling and Sitting of this Parliament was so long that now they conceive hopes of Covering all their past Crimes and gained a seasonable time and advantages of practising them more effectually Witnesses are attempted to be corrupted and not only promises of Reward but of the Favour of Your Majesties Brother made the Motives to their Compliance Divers of the most considerable of Your Majesties Protestant Subjects have Crimes of the highest nature forged against them the Charge to be supported by Subornation and Perjury that they may be destroyed by Forms of Law and Justice A Presentment being prepared for a Grand Jury of Middlesex against Your Majesties said Brother the Duke of York under whose Countenance all the rest shelter themselves the Grand Jury were in an unheard of and unpresidented and illegal manner discharged and that with so much haste and fear lest they should finish that Presentment that they were prevented from delivering many other Indictments by them at that time found against other Popish Recusants Because a Pamphlet came forth Weekly called The Weekly Packet of Advice from Rome which exposes Popery as it deserves as ridiculous to the people a new and arbitrary Rule of Court was made in Your Majesties Court of Kings Bench rather like a Star-Chamber than a Court of Law That the same should not for the future be Printed by any person whatsoever We acknowledge Your Majesties Grace and Care in issuing forth divers Proclamations since the Discovery of the Plot for the Banishing Papists from about this Great City and Residence of Your Majesties Court and the Parliament but with trouble of mind We do humbly inform Your Majesty That notwithstanding all these prohibitions great Numbers of them and of the most dangerous sort to the Terrour of Your Majesties Ptotestant Subjects do daily resort hither and abide here Under these and other sad Effects and Evidences of the prevalency of Popery and its Adherents We Your Majesties faithful Commons found this Your Majesties Distressed Kingdom and other parts of Your Dominions labouring when We assembled And therefore from our Allegiance to Your Majesty our Zeal to our Religion our Faithfulness to our Countrey and our Care of Posterity We have lately upon mature deâ—â—â—eration proposed One Remedy of these Great Evils without which in our Judgments aâ—l others will prove vain and fruitless and like all deceitful Securities against certain Dangers will rather expose Your Majesties person to the greatest hazard and the people together with all that 's valuable to them as Men or Christians to utter Ruin and Destruction We have taken this Occasion of an Access to Your Majesties Royal presence humbly to lay before Your Majesties great Judgment and Gracious Consideration this most dreadful Design of Introducing popery and as necessary Consequences of it all other Calamities into Your Majesties Kingdom And if after all this the private Suggestions of the subtle Accomplices of that party and design should yet prevail either to Elude or Totally Obstruct the faithful Endeavours of Us Your Commons for an Happy Settlement of this Kingdom We shall have this Remaining comfort That We have freed our selves from the Guilt of that Blood and Desolation which is like to ensue But our only Hope next under God is in Your Sacred Majesty That by Your Great Wisdom and Goodness We may be effectually secured from Popery and all the Evils that attend it and that none but persons of known Fidelity to Your Majesty and Sincere Affections to the Protestant Religion may be put into any Employment Civil or Military that whilst We shall give a Supply to Tangier We may be assured We do not Augment the Strength of our Popish Adversaries nor encrease our own Dangers Which Desires of Your faithful Commons if Your Majesty shall graciously vouchsafe to grant We shall not only be ready to assist Your Majesty in Defence of Tangier but do whatsoever else shall be in our power to enable Your Majesty to protect the Protestant Religion and Interest at Home and Abroad and to Resist and Repel the Attempts of Your Majesties and the Kingdoms Enemies Martis 30 die Novemb. 1680. Ordered THat the Serjeant at Arms attending this House do go with his Mace and Summon all the Members of this House that are in or about Westminster-Hall immediatly to attend the Service of the House Ordered That the Committee to whom the Consideration of Mr. Dangerfields Pardon and Allowances from His Majestie is Referred be Revived and have Power to send for Persons Papers and Records Then Mr. Speaker left the Chair And a Committee of the Commons managed the Impeachment against William Viscount
accordingly Ordered That Sir Thomas Exton a Member of this House have leave to repair into the Country A Petition of George Bell in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House was read Ordered That the said George Bell be brought to the Bar and do receive the censure of the House upon his knees from Mr. Speaker and be then discharged paying his Fees which was done accordingly A Bill for supplying the Laws made against Bankrupts was read the first time A Message from His Majesty by Sr. Edward Cartarett Usher of the Black Rod. Mr. Speaker The King commands this Honourable House to attend him immediatly in the House of Peers and accordingly Mr. Speaker with the House went up to attend His Majestie The House being returned Mr. Speaker acquainted the House with the Effect of His Majesties Speech Ordered That Sir Robert Peyton being in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House be brought to the Bar and do receive the Censure of this House upon his knees from Mr. Speaker and that he be then discharged from further Confinement paying his Fees which was accordingly done Resolved That this House will on Saturday morning next take into consideration His Majesties Gracious Speech this day made to both Houses of Parliament The House then according to their Order Resolved into a Committee of the whole House to consider of ways and means to secure this Kingdom against Popery and Arbitrary Power Mr. Speaker left the Chair Mr. Powle took the Chair of the Committee Mr. Speaker resumed the Chair Mr. Powle acquaints the House that the Committee receiving Intimation that there was a Message at the door from the Lords had ordered him to leave the Chair and moved from the said Committee that the House would be pleased as soon as such Message should be received to resolve again into a Committee of the whole House A Message from the Lords by Sr. John Hoskins and Sr. Addam Dateley Mr. Speaker The Lords have commanded us to acquaint this House that they have agreed to the Bill sent from this House entituled An-Act for the repeal of a Statute made in the 35th Tear of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth with some Amendments to which they desire the concurrence of this House The House again resolved Itself into a Committee of the whole House Mr. Speaker left the Chair Mr. Powle took the Chair of the Committee Mr. Speaker resumed the Chair Mr. Powle reports from the Committee of the whole House That the Committee having taken the matters to them referred into consideration had agreed upon certain Resolves which he read in his place and afterwards delivered them in at the Clerks Table where the same being read are as follows viz. Resolved That it is the opinion of this Committee that one means for the suppressing Popery is that the House be moved that a Bill be brought in to banish immediately all the considerable Papists out of the Kings Dominions Resolved That it is the opinion of this Committee that as long as the Papists have any hopes of the Duke of York's succeeding the King in the Kingdoms of England and Ireland and the Dominions thereunto belonging the King's person the Protestant Religion and the lives liberties and properties of all his Majesties Protestant Subjects are in apparent danger òf being destroyed Resolved That it is the opinion of this Committee that the House be moved that a Bill be brought in for an association of all His Majesties Protest an t Subjects for the safety of His Majesties Person the Defence of the Protestant Religion and the preservation of His Majesties Protestant Subjects against all Invasions and Oppositions whatsoever and for the preventing the Duke of York or any Papist from succeeding to the Crown The first of the said Resolves being read a second time And a Motion being made for the adding the words of England aftor the word Papists in the said Resolve which being agreed to by the House and the same being inserted at the Clerks Table Resolved Nemine contradicente That this House doth agree with the Committee that one means for the suppressing Popery is that a Bill be brought in to banish immediatly all the considerable Papists of England out of the Kings Dominions The second of the said Resolves being read a second time Resolved Nemine Contradicente That this House doth agree with the Committee that so long as the Papists have any hopes of the Duke of York's succeeding the King in the Kingdoms of England and Ireland and the Dominions thereunto belonging the King's Person the Protestant Religion and the lives liberties and properties of all His Majesties Protestant Subjects are in apparent danger of being destroyed The Third of the said Resolves being read a second Time Resolved Nemine contradicente That this House doth agree with the Committee that a Bill be brought in for an association of all His Majesties Protestant Subjects for the safety of His Majesties Person the Desence of the Protestant Religion and the preservation of His Majesties Protestant Subjects against all Invasions and Oppositions whatsoever and for preventing the Duke of York or any Papist from succeeding to the Crown Ordered That a Committee be appointed to prepare and bring in a Bill pursuant to the first of the said Resolves Mr. Powle moving the House from the Committee of the whole House that the House would be pleased again to resolve it self into a Committee of the whole House to Morrow morning at Ten of the Clock upon the Matter of this days Debate Resolved That this House will to Morrow morning at Ten of the Clock resolve it self into a Committee of the who'e House further to consider of ways and means to secure the Kingdom against Popery and Arbitrary Power Ordered That Mr. Speaker do issue out his Warrant to the Clerk of the Crown to make out a new Writ for the Election of a Knight to serve in this present Parliament for the County of Middlesex in the room of Sir Robert Peyton expell'd this House Jovis 16. die Decemb. 1680. MArtin May and Cornelius Steler did this day take the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy at the Clerks Table in order to their Naturalization Ordered That Mr. Samuel Sandys the younger and Mr. Stokes have leave to go into the Country A Bill for rectifying several Errors and Mistakes in certain Deeds of settlement made upon the marriage of Sir Charles Hoghton Baronet with Mary the daughter of John Lord Viscount Massareen was read a second time A Petition of divers Inhabitants in the County of Surrey complaining of the proceedings in an Ecclesiasticall Court against them was read Ordered That the consideration of this petition be referred to a Committee The same Committee is impowered to send for Persons Papers and Records and to receive all other Complaints against the proceedings of Ecclesiastical Courts and to bring in a Bill or Bills for regulating the proceedings of such Courts A Petition of Joshua Brook
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
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
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
to preserve and Support the Kings person and Government and the Protestant Religion both at home and abroad and that His Majesty returned His Gracious answer to this effect viz. Gentlemen I thank you very heartily for your Zeal for the Protestant Religion and I assure you there shall be nothing wanting on my part at home or abroad to preserve it Sir Francis Winnington Chairman to the Committee appointed to inspect the Journals of the Two last Parliaments relating to the horrid Popish plot made a Report from the said Committee of a general abstract of those proceedings taken out of the said Journals and he referring in the said Report to several Entrys in the said Journals which could not yet be Transcribed Ordered That the said Report be perfected by the said Committee and afterwards presented to the House to be Entred in the Journals of this House Ordered That the same Committee do inspect the Journals of the Lords House of the Two last Parliaments and make a Report of their Lordships proceedings relating to the horrid Popish plot and that the said Committee do Sit de Die in Diem Ordered That Mr. Treby do give this House Information to morrow morning of all the matters by him Reported in the last Parliament relating to the horrid Popish plot The House being Informed that one _____ Hardwich a Linen Draper at the Naked Boy in Henrietta-street Covent-garden did in breach of the Priviledges of this House commit certain misdemeanors against the said Seignior Francisco being a witness produced and examined at the Bar of this House touching the horrid Popish plot Ordered That the said Mr. Hardwich be sent for in Custody of the Serjeant attending this House to answer to this House for the same Ordered That Mr. Dugdale do attend this House on Thursday morning next at Ten of the Clock to make his further Discovery of the horrid Popish plot Martis 2. Novemb. 1680. A Bill for prohibiting the Importation of Irish Cattle c. was read the first time Resolved That this Bill be read a second time Ordered That Mr. Harnage be brought to the Bar of this House tomorrow morning at Ten of the clock to answer to the Misdemeanors by him committed against Seignior Francisco Ferria in breach of the Priviledges of this House and that the said Seignior Francisco do then likewise attend this House Ordered That an humble address be made to His Majesty by such Members of this House as are of His Majesties Privy Council to desire His Majesty that he would be pleased to grant His Gracious Pardon to Mr. Dangerfield and that he would take Mr. Dangerfield Mr. Dugdale Mr. Praunce and Seignior Francisco Ferria into his Royal Care and protection Sir Francis Winnington Chairman to the Committee appointed to inspect the Journals of the House of Lords of the Two last Parliaments and to make a Report of their Lordships proceedings entred in the said Journals relating to the horrid Popish plot acquaints the House that the Committee had perused the said Journals and taken an abstract thereout which he reported to the House Ordered That the said Committee do perfect their Report of the abstract taken out of the Journals of the Lords House and do present the same in Writing to this House together with a perfect abstract of the Journals of the House of Commons of the Two last Parliaments relating to the said Popish plot Mr. Treby having according to the Order of the House made yesterday given an information to the House of all the matters by him Reported in the last Parliament relating to the Horrid Popish plot Resolved Nemine Contradicente That the Duke of York's being a Papist and the hopes of his coming such to the Crown hath given the greatest Countenance and Encouragement to the present Designs and Conspiracies against the King and Protestant Religion Resolved Nemine Contradicente That in Defence of the Kings Person and Government and of the Protestant Religion this House doth Declare That they will stand by His Majesty with their Lives and Fortunes and that if His Majesty shall come by any violent death which God forbid they will Revenge it to the utmost upon the Papists Resolved That a Bill be brought in to disable the Duke of York to Inherit the Imperial Crown of this Realm Ordered That a Committee be appointed to prepare the Bill Mercurij 3. die Novembris 1680. A Message from the Lords by Mr. Justice Wyndham and Mr. Baron Atkins Mr. Speaker The Lords have commanded us to acquaint you that they have passed a Bill Entituled An Act for the better Regulating the Tryals of the Peers of England to which they desire the Concurrence of this House An Engrossed Bill sent from the Lords Entituled an Act for the better Regulating of the Tryals of the Peers of England was Read the first time Resolved That the Bill be Read a second time on Munday morning next after Ten of the clock Ordered That the Committee appointed to prepare a Bill for Regulating Elections of Members to Serve in Parliament do present the said Bill to the House tomorrow morning Mr. Harnage being brought to the Bar and Seignor Francisco Ferria appearing and justifying his charge against him Ordered That Mr. Harnage be continued in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House during the pleasure of the House for his misdemeanor in Breach of the priviledges of this House Ordered That the Committee appointed to Inspect the Journals of the Two last Parliaments relating to the horrid Popish plot do look into and make Report of the Impeachments Exhibited in the Two last Parliaments against the Lords in the Tower and of the proceedings thereupon And the said Committee is to enquire into and prepare Evidence against the said Lords Resolved Nemine Contradicente That a bill be brought in for the better Uniting of all His Majesties Protestant Subjects Ordered That Sir Tho. Whitegrave Mr. Birch of Stafford Apothecary and Lieutenant Ells be sent for in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House to answer to the Charge given against them at the Bar of this House by Mr. Dugdale Ordered That Herbert Herring be sent for in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House for his Notorious Breach of priviledge by him committed against M. Colt a member of this House Ordered That Jeremiah Bubb be Summoned to appear at the Bar of this House tomorrow morning at Ten of the clock to answer for the Breach of priviledge by him committed against Mr. Colt a Member of this House A Bill for prohibiting the Importation of Irish Cattle was Read a Second time Resolved That the said Bill be committed with Instructions to the Committee to bring in a Clause to be added to the said Bill declaring That where any Irish Cattel shall be found amongst English Cattel all the said Cattel as well English as Irish shall be forfeited Ordered That leave be given to bring in a Bill for
concerning the Committing of a Member to Custody when Impeached in Parliament and to Report the same to the House The Humble ADDRESS of the COMMONS in Parliament presented to His MAJESTY to Remove George Earl of Hallifax From His presence and Counsels With His MAJESTIES Answer VVE Your Majesties most Dutiful and Loyal Subjects the Commons in this present Parliament Assembled being deeply sensible of the manifold dangers and mischiefs which have been occasioned to this Your Kingdom by the Dissolution of the last Parliament and by the frequent Prorogations of this present Parliament whereby the Papists have been greatly encouraged to carry on their hellish and damnable Conspiracies against Your Royal Person and Government and the Protestant Religion now established amongst us and have had many opportunities to contrive false and malicious Plots against the Lives and Honours of several of Your loyal Protestant Subjects And having just reason to believe that the said Dissolution was Promoted by the evil and pernicious counsels of George Earl of Hallifax Do therefore most humbly pray Your Majesty for the taking away of occasions of distrust and jealousie between Your Majesty and Your Loyal Commons and that we may with greater chearfulness proceed to perfect those matters now before us which tend to the safety and honour of Your Sacred Person and Government and to the preservation of the true Protestant Religion both to our Selves our Posterity That You would be graciously pleased to remove the said George Earl of Hallifax from your Presence and Counsels for ever His Majesties Answer to the Address CHARLES R. HIs Majesty having received the Address of this House relating to the Earl of Hallifax hath thought fit to return this Answer That He conceives the said Address to be lyable to several Exceptions but having a great desire to preserve all possible good understanding with this House He chooses to decline to enter into particulars to avoid all occasions of dispute He therefore thinks fit to tell them that He doth not find the grounds in the Address of this House to be sufficient to induce Him to remove the Earl of Hallifax But He assures them at the same time that whenever this House shall in a due and regular course prove any Crime either against the said Earl of Hallifax or any other Person who either now is or shall hereafter be in his Councels He will leave him or them to their own legal defence without interposing to protect them ARTICLES of Impeachment against Edward Seymour Esq With the Vote of the COMMONS in Parliament Upon the said Articles Articles of Impeachment of High Crimes Misdemeanours and Offences against Edward Seymour Esq one of His Majesties most Honourable Privy Council Treasurer of His Majesties Navy and one of the Members of the House of COMNONS now in Parliament Assembled Imprimis THat Whereas the Sum of Five hundred eighty four thousand nine hundred seventy Eight Pounds Two shillings Two Pence was raised by an Act of Parliament for the speedy Building of Thirty Ships of War and thereby appropriated to the said Use By which Act it was particularly directed That the Treasurer of the Navy should keep all moneys payed to him by vertue of the said Act distinct and appart from all other moneys and should Issue and pay the same by Warrant of the Principal Officers and Commissioners of the Navy or any three or more of them and mentioning and expressing that it is for the Building for the Guns Rigging and other Furnishing of the said Thirty Ships of War and to no other Use intent or purpose whatsoever He the said Edward Seymour on or about the year One thousand six hundred seventy seven being then Treasurer of the Navy did contrary to the said Act and contrary to the Duty of his said Office lend the Sum of Ninty thousand Pound at Eight pound per Cent. parcel of the said Sum raised by the said Act being then in his hands for and towards the support and continuance of the Army then Raised after such time as by an Act of Parliament the said Army ought to have been Disbanded whereby the said two several Acts were Eluded and the said Army was continued and kept on foot to the great Disturbance Hazard and Danger of the Peace and Safety of the Kingdom And the Nation was afterwards put to a new Charge of raising and paying the sum of Two hundred thousand pound for the Disbanding of the said Army Secondly That whereas an Act of Parliament had passed for Raising of money by a Poll for Enabling His Majesty to enter into an actual War against the French King and the Money raised by Vertue of the said Act was thereby appropriated to the said Use and to the Re-payment of such Persons as should furnish His Majesty with any Sums of mony or any Stores necessary for the said Service And whereas certain East-land Merchants were desired by His Majesties Officers to furnish and supply great quantities of Stores for the Navy and as an Incouragement thereunto were assured that the Sum of Fourty thousand pound parcel of the moneys raised by the said Act was at that time actually in the hands of the said Edward Seymour which he did acknowledge so to be and did promise the said Sum should be payed to the said Merchants in part of Satisfaction for the said Stores which they did furnish upon the credit of the said Affirmation and undertaking He the said Edward Seymour did on or about the year One thousand six hundred seventy eight issue out and pay the said Sum to the Victuallers of the Navy by way of advance and for provisions not then brought in contrary to the true intent and meaning of the said Act Whereas the same by the provision of the said Act ought to have been payed to the East-land Merchants who had furnished His Majesty with Flax Hemp and other Necessaries for the said Service Of which said Deceit and Injustice the said Merchants did complain in the last Parliament Thirdly That the said Edward Seymour being Treasurer of the Navy and then and still having a Salary of 3000 l. per Annum clear for the same did during the time that he was Speaker of the late long Parliament receive out of the monies appointed for secret Service the Yearly Sum of 3000 l. over and above his said Salary which was constantly payed to him as well during the Intervals as the Sessions of Parliament and particularly during the Prorogation of Fifteen months Fourthly That on or about the Eighteenth year of His Majesties Reign and during a War with the States General of the United Netherlands He the said Edward Seymour being then one of the Commissioners for Prize Goods did Fradulently Unlawfully and in Deceipt of His Majesty Unlade a certain Prize Ship taken from the Subjects of the said States without any Order or Authority for the same and did House the Lading and Goods of the said Ship and Lock up the same