Hidden Works of Darkness Brought to Public Light, Floating text 30 – Floating text 34

Hidden Works of Darkness Brought to Public Light · Floating text 30 – Floating text 34

p. 196Reasons that Ship and Conduct-money ought to be had, and also Money, by the City of London.

FIrst, for the setting up of Masse, and maintaining of Idolatry, as it is begun, but not brought yet (as was intended) to perfection, praise be to God, and the Scots, whom he hath made an instrument to prevent the same.

That the Popes Nuncio taketh and hath these five yeers, taken great pains in perverting His Majesties simple Subjects, who herein is weekly at very great charges in sending to Rome for a cart-load of the Wood of the holy-Crosse, and many old horses and dogs teeth and bones, with Indulgences and Pardons, which he selleth dear enough, but that cannot defray him and his great Train, for hee sendeth every weeke a Packet or two of all the affaires here to Rome, he must be well rewarded out of ship and conduct money, and of that which is expected to be lent by the City,

The Fryers of Somersethouse who do labour in distributing those reliques, and for many privat Masses, and for keeping of Bastards foure in Dunhill Alley, …enne in Druty Lane, besides twentie in Saint Giles in the Fields, must have money to keepe them and pay the Nurse, or else all is undone with them.

Sir Iohn Winter (whose kindred were some of the chiefe projectors of the Gunpouder treason (and is now not better then his kindred) and my Lords Grace of Canterbury, now her Majesties Bishop, is and are great instruments, and specially the said Sir Iohn, who with the Popes Nuntio doth keepe divers Bawdes for Fryers; Sir Thobias Math…w doth blow the Coales of dissention with Sir Killam Digby, and Mr. Indimion Porter, all birds of a Feather, therefore we must needs goe against the Scotch for being not Idolatrous, and will have no Masse amongst them, yet Cond…ct and Ship-money must be had to go against them, to reduce them to some obedience.

The Queene Mother wheresoever shee hath beene, there could be no peace or tranquility, yet ship and conduct mony must be had to keepe her and her Sha…agg…, who are now well clothed and must have new suits if the City lendeth money.

But it was not before now permitted talke of a Parliament to redresse these abuses nor to heare the Scotchs greavances, but ship and conduct money with that of the City which is the sinewe wherewith we must go to War against them, and the Papists in the meane time do make a laughing stocke of us, and indeed the Captaines and Leiutenants must be all Papists, for none other will goe but them, and therefore they have the command of all the forces.

Sir Iohn Winter by his letter 30. August last to the Pope, desireth that his HolynesseNote. would be pleased to make hast for Indulgences and pardons, for that God was somewhat favourable to the Catholike Religion which did daily increase in the Kingdome, and without doubt with his Holinesse helpe by prayers, would be planted here to maturity within two yeares.

All her Majesties servants, who doe suck the marrow of our estate, doe buy whole streets of houses in Paris & Lordships in the Country, and when they first came hither they were but poore beggers, & now they keep Coaches: what houses have they built in the Covent-garden, and what faire houses do they built in Lincoln In-fields? And the City must lend money to build them in other mens name.

And to hide all, the Papist will have the Pa…liament to be held at Yorke, and thereby to undoe this poore City.

The second Paper was, as followeth.

Gentlemen and others that are Christians assist us for the truth of the Gospell that is like to be extinguished, viz. The Popes Nuntio doth protest to make us all Roman Catholiques, the Ambassador of the Anti-Christ. Sir Iohn Winter (whose kindred were of the Gunpouder Treason is his associate and doth trust to worke that treachery upon us.

Sir Kellam Dighigh a maintainer of that Society is going to Rome, and the ship-money must defray him, as the Queenes Mother and the froggs of Hell in Somerset House,

Finis Coronet opus▪

For Wednesday next.

p. 197Besides these papers, the Apprentices of London drew up, and presented this ensuing Petition to the Lord Major, and Aldermen of London, which was sent to Secretary Windebanke, and endorsed with his own hand.

To the Right Honourable, the Lord Major, and the Worshipfull Aldermen his Brethren:

The humble Petition of the Apprentices of London, whose Names are under written, in the behalf of themselves and others.

In all submissive manner sheweth:

THat it is well known unto this Honourable Court, that there are many thousand Apprentices in this City, with whom their Parents, and friends have given some two hundred pounds, some more, some lesse sums of Money to Merchants, or other Tradesmen in London, who are bound for severall tearmes of yeares, to be trained up in their severall Callings. That at the end of their Apprentiship, they might exercise their Trades according to the Custome and Charter of the City of London. That by reason of the great number of Monopolies, Patents, and Impositions upon Commodities and Manufactures, the Trade of the City is so burthened, that to the Petitioners knowledge, divers of their Masters are not able to live of their Trades, to maintain themselves and their families. That many Factors and others have been made free by Redemption, together with the liberty that Forraigners use in this City; contrary to the Custome and Lawes in that case Ordained and Provided, whereby your Petitioners evidently perceive, that they are deprived of all hope to live by their calling, and that the freedome of this City will not be a benefit, but a burthen to them, unlesse some speedy course be taken for redresse. Further p. 198sheweth: That by the multitude of Papists, Priest, and Iesuits residing in and about this City, many weak in Learning, and young in understanding, are subject by their subtill delusions to be drawn away to Romish Religion. That many feares are upon us by reason of their audatious and insolent carriages, and demeanor in speeches, and their furnishing themselves with Armes, threatning the ruine of this City, which hath been famous for exercise of Trade and Religion.

May it therefore please this Honourable Court to take the Premisses into due and serious consideration, and to be pleased to the future encouragement and lively-hood of the Petitioners (who are the inferiour members of this City, speedily to move the Kings most excellent Majesty, that the evills and feares afore specified may be removed, and others in your power may be redressed, that so your Petitioners may with cheerfulnesse discharge their duties to Almighty God, his Sacred Majesty; and their respective Masters.

And your Petitioners shall be ever bound to pray.

About the yeer 1635. the Priests and Iesuits by means of Windebanke, Canterbury, Note.and the Lord Treasurer of England, procured Mr. Rooks the searcher of Dover to be extrajudicially removed from his place, and two professed Popish Recusants, Turbervile Morgan and Charls Powell, to be thrust into it, who held it for the use of Father Leander a Benedictine, and Father Price, Generall of that Order, the former once Chamber-fellow to the Archb▪ of Canterbury in St. Iohns in Oxford, and sent over into England, to helpe the reconciliation with Rome, in which he was very active. By meanes whereof the Priests or Jesuits, Papists, and their Agents, had free Passage till this very Parliament, in and out of the Realm without search or molestation, conveyed their Intelligences to and from Rome, and other places with greater security, yea sent over divers Gentlemen and Gentlewomen to forraigne Monasteries, Seminaries, Nunneries without any obstacle, dreaming hereupon of nothing else but an absolute triumph over the Protestants, and a speedy extirpation of their Religion throughout all our three Kingdomes.

Whiles we ingaged in this civil war with Scotland, by the Prelaticall and Popish par…y; these Conspirators prepared a great Spanish Fleet to invade us, and joyn with the Papists in England then in Arms (most of our Captains and Commanders being professed Papists) to cut all the Hereticks and Protestants throats, while embroyled in a civil war, and busied in murdring one another, as I have**The Royall Popish Favourite, p. 58, 59. elswhere manifested: But the admirable Providence of our ever gracious God secured us from their bloudy designs, by stirring up the Hollanders miraculously to encounter and vanquish that puissant Fleet of Spaniards, notwithstanding all the assistance and protection they received from us; (at which the**See the Breviate of his life, p. 22. Archbishop of Canterbury and Spanish Faction were exceeding angry and discontented) and by making a happy Accommodation betweene the King and our Brethren of Scotland, Iune the 17. 1639. before the Spaniards arrivall on our coasts, which was not till about the beginning of October: But this Parliament was no sooner called, but dissolved againe by the Arch-Bishops and Papists solicitations, and a new war resolved on with more vigour and violency then the former.

Hereupon Secretary Windebanke, the great Agent for the Arch-Bishop, Queen and Papists, writing to his Sonne Tom Wind…banke (then at Paris, negotiating p. 199the Palsgraves enlargement) concerning the Scottish affaires, gives this direction to him among others,

TOm,Note. &c. If you see Doctor Smith the Bishop of Cal…edon there, who is a great confident of the Cardinull, he may be a fit instrument to make some discovery of the intelligence the Scots hold there, but this must be with great caution, &c.

Your very loving Father Francis Windebanck. Drury-lane, 12. Decemb. 1639.

It seems both the Secretary and his Son, had some interest in, and acquaintance with this Bishop, else they would not make use of him for their Intelligencer.

These Wars and the Papist forwardnesse to assist his Majesty in them, gave great incouragement (as it seemes) to Cardinall Barbarino to ingratiate himself further with his Majesty, as this Clause of Mr. Iohn Graves his letter to the Archbishop (endorsed with his own hand thus, Recep. March 27. 1640. &c.) intimates.

MAy it please your Grace, &c. I humbly beseech your Grace to pardon these my presumptions, and this other Information which I shall assure your Grace, They have printed at Rome a Book of Fastidius a Britain Bishop, De Vitâ Christianà, which THE CARDINALL FRANCISCO BARBARINO INTENDS TO DEDICATE TO HIS SACRED MAJESTY.Note. A Book of singular Devotion and Piety, and of great Antiquity, the Author being a Bishop in England, about 300. yeers after … Saviour: Lucas Holstenius a very learned man, hath the care of the Edition; but hath not, I thinke, as yet finished his Annorations upon it. For the Text, he and I compared the Manuscript (which is also very ancient) with the printed Copy, and I finde it exactly to agree, &c.

Your Graces most obliged servant, Iohn Greaves. Ligorn, March 3.

Nay this War and the other designes of the Popish party, notwithstanding the second Treaty with the Scots, and the present Parliaments summons and meeting, did so elevate the Papists hopes in England; that Mr. Brudnell and Mr. Somerset, went purposely over into Italy in November 1640.Note. to sue for Cardinalls Caps upon an expectation of a new creation of Cardinals; as the passages of these ensuing Letters writ to Secretary Windebancke from Rome (found among his Papers, and indorsed with his own hand) abundantly evidence.

RIght Honorable Sir, &c. Mr. Thomas Sommerset is safely arrived at Ligorn, upon his journey to Rome, I conceive to prosecute his own intentions.

Your honors most affectionat and humble Servant, Iohn Wilford. The 3. of November, 1640.

SIr, Mr. Thomas Sommerset is at Florence, where Mr. Brudnell is also arrived. There are some hopes of a Creation before Christmas, the Pope being troubled with a Catarre, which argues a multiplicity of humors.

Yours, Iohn W. Novemb. 10. 1640.

Right Honourable Sir,

THe Pope his Catarre arguing a multiplicity of humors dangerous in 74. yeers of age, gave occasion to his Physition to suggest so much to Cardinall Barbarino, and to him, to make serious instance with the Pope for a Creation, lest some sudden sicknesse portended by those Catarres, prevent him. This makes the pretendants expect the complements of their desires about Christmasse; and indeed there would not be much improbability in it, the creation importing the Pope and p. 200Nephew so much; if the dispute about the nominated by the Crownes were ended. But as yet, nor France, nor Spaine, hath had promise of having Abbot Peretti or Mon Seigni…ur Massarini created; Mr. Sommerset is come to Florence; upon his arrivall here, and his Negotiation, we shall see what hopes, either he or any others WHO AYME AT OUR ENGLISH CARDINALS CAP MAY PROMISE THEMSELVES,Note. &c.

Your Honors most affectionate and humble servant Iohn Wilford. Novemb. 10. 1640.

About this very time it seemes Mr. George Fortescue had some speciall Commission and imployment at Rome from hence, (it may be to succeed Sir William Hamilton in his negotiation there, or to sollicite a Cardinalls▪ Cap) as this Letter of his to Secretary Windebanke (found among his papers) imports.

Right Honourable:

Vnderstanding by my Kinsman that your Honour desired light in two points concerning my selfe, I was glad of the occasion to present with these lines my humble service, and to assure your Honour, though unknown, I have ever upon all occasions pro…essed my selfe a passionate servant of yours, and shall be ever most ready to doe your Honour all service. To those points:

I affirmed not, that I had leave of his Majesty to follow that particular businesse, for I my selfe knew it not, Note.till I came to the City, where I met with my Commission and Instructions, not seen before.

Immediatly at my arrivall here I addressed my selfe to Sir William, and carried my selfe with that obedience to his intimation, as in that passage I rather referre my selfe to Sir Williams report then to my owne relation, which so much would tend to my commendation.

Upon his intimation, I moved my Master to imploy some subject of his owne in that businesse, which very graciously upon my letter he hath done.

So that a primo ad ultimum I never medled in that businesse.

For my comming to Rome, I might very well conceive no place forbidden me, his Majesty giving me so faire a leave to serve his Highnesse.

Neither hath the License which his Majesty gave me to travell, any restriction at all.

In these I presume your Honour will discover with what resignation I have carried my selfe all along, and with what obedience to his Majesties pleasures, though so suddenly made knowne unto me, and without any command at all.

As in these, so desire I in all, to give your Honour a true accompt of my actions, which God willing shall be ever most suitable to an obedient Subject to his Majesty, a most zealous Patriot to his Country, and to your Honour a servant most ambitious of your command.

And shall I understand that my Letters shall be agreeable to your Honour, I shall make bold to present them sometimes, with the respect of

Your Honours most humble and most obedient Servant, Geo: Fortescue. Rome this 11. Oct. 1640.

A Postscript.

The Phisitians having given notice to the Cardinall of the increase of the Popes Catarrs,Note. the Cardinall thinkes seriously of the new creation of Cardinalls, in which it is thought the Kings shall have the Caps they desire.

This Letter needs no great Commentary, but clearely shewes that this Gentleman met both with a Commission and Instructions from hence at Rome, and was to doe some speciall service there.

About May 1640. Con the Popes second English Nuncio returning from England to Rome to be Cardinal, the Pope sent a Nephew of his, Count Roset… to succeed p. 201him; who being but yong and unexperienced, the Pope commended him by this speciall Bull, Note.to the old active English lesuit Sir Toby Matthew▪ (very intimate with the Archbishop, Windebank, Wentworth, Lord Deputy of Ireland, the Earl of Arundel, and most great Lords and Ladies about the Court or city) as to his Angle Gardian, the copy whereof I found among Windebanks papers (written with his own hand) which intimates, that the Pope had very great hopes of reducing England to its ancient vassallage to him in a very short space, by the help of those female active Amazons and instruments who laboured day and night to effect this designe of his.

Dilecto filio Tobiae Matheo Societat. Iesu sacerdoti Urbanus Papa 8.

DIlecte sili salutem & Apostolicam benedictionem.Note. Ardens animar…m zelus quo ja… a tot annis in vinea Domini laborando strenuum te militem exhibuisti, promeretur ut tuae virtu…i debitam laudem reddamus. Sane magnâ cum exultatione audivimus**See Romes Master-peece, p. 19, 20. 21. labores quos sustines ut sedis Apostolicae amplitudinem augeas, & quo caritatis zelo omnibus omnia fias, ut omnes lucri facias. Decet certè te virum Apostolicum magni Apostoli exemplo doctum, ut Iudeis sias tanquam Iudeus, & iis qui sunt sine lege, tanquam sis sinè lege, dummodo Sedis Apostolicae dignitatem promoveas. Ideo cum in magnam Brittaniam mittere statuerimus dilectum filium Comitem Rosseti, nostrum & sedis Apostolicae cum potestate legati a lat…re Nunt…m, Iuvenem zelo Dei accensum,Note. Apostolicae soli…itudini nostrae satisfactum credidimus, si eum tuae curae committeremus. Iussimus igitur ut tibi communicet Instructiones sibi datas, & a dilecto filio & Nepote nostro, Francisco Sanctae Reverendis. Ecclesiae. Card. Barbarino subscrîptas, te que pro eo quo pro sede Apostolica zelo ardes rogamus, & in quantum opus est, tibi mandamus, ut predictum filium & Nuntium nostrum, in omnibus dirigas, moneas, instruas, lapsus & errones ejus, (qui per juventutem facilè accidere possunt) corrigas (ut sedis Apostolicae decor inviolatus permaneat) & ut deni que in omnibus èi te Angelum custodem prebeas.Note. Magnam certè spem concepimus predictum filium & Nuntium tuis consillis adjutum, non parvos, in Ecclesia Catholica fructus producturum. Labora igitur, dilecte fili, opus fac Euangeliste, Ministerium tuum imple, Catholicos zelo Dei accende, ipsos conforta, sed praecipue Amazones illas quae (ut a dilecto filio Georgio Conneo audivimius) die ac nocte stre…ue decertant pro dignitate sedis Apostolicae. Non dissidimus de Domino, ne que de potentiae ejus, quia sicut occasione**Q. Eliz…b, unius …aeminae, authoritas sedis Apostolicae in Regno Angliae suppressa fuit, sic nunc per tot Heroicas faeminas (illas imitantes quae-à-Galilea sequebantur Dominum) societatem ejus assidue sequentes,Note. BREVI in eodē Regno restituenda sit. Adhortare igitur illas ut opus aggressum viriliter prosequantur, & de sede Apostolica (quae devoti Faeminii sexus peculiarem curam gerit) bene mereri pergant. Rogamus patrem Domini nostri Iesu Christi, ut tibi spiritum sanctum suum mittat, quite in omnibus & per omni… custodiat, Apostolicam nostram que benedictionem, dilecte fili, iterum at que iterum tibi impartimur. Datum Romae apud S. Petrum sub annulo Piscatoris, pridie idus Maii.

About January, 1640. next following this Bull, there was this notable discovery of the Iesuits and Papists Practises made to the House of Commons, by one Brown a Popish Priest, which makes some mention of it, and I cannot pretermit.

The voluntary Confession of Iohn Brown a Romish Priest, of the age of 72. yeer… (a prisoner in the Gate-house) who being twice examined by a Committee of the Honorable House of Commons, did thereupon further explicate himself for the good of the Commonwealth, and ease of the House.

THe Honourable House takes notice of the Partie (who delivered this Petition)Note. to be one of the most eminent in these Dominions of this Age, who hath read Divinity, Mathematicks, and Philosophy in the speciall Universities of Christendome; as Salamanca and Alcala in Spaine; in Tholous and Avignon in France; in Rome, Venice and Genoa in Italy; and hath preacht in speciall Cities in thes… Kingdomes; and in presence of the French King at Paris, and in the Low Countries, at Antwerpe, Brussells, Dunkirke, &c. who desires to enforme p. 202concerning some speciall points for the Weale of this State, as himself hath observed above fifty yeers past, which are reduced to these Heads,

First, concerning the Iesuits, and danger they have done to these Kingdoms, labouring that the Oath of Allegiance might not be taken; And the wayes they use with their Penitents, and projecting of Monopolies, of the Ministers and Substitutes they use, and the way quite to roote them out of these Dominions.

Secondly, the reformation of some things in the Queenes Court,; and of some persons which are fi… to be removed.

Thirdly, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and of the great dammages done, partly by himself; and in his Court of High Commission.

Fourthly,Note. of the manner whereby the Pope means to intrude himselfe into the Temporall Monarchy of these Kingdoms; and to eschewe all future danger in time coming: What persons are to be removed from hence, and that there should not be permitted any Resident to remain at Rome for the Queen, nor none here from the Pope, nor for foraign Princes (to stir sedition in the State) namely France and Spain.

Fiftly, that Roman Catholiques shall be stopt from going over Sea, with their goods and all.

First, concerning the first, the whole Christian world doth acknowledge the prediction which the Vniversity of Paris doth foresee in two severall Decrees they made, Anno. 1565. where the society of Iesuits did labour to be members of the Vniversity:Note. Hoc genus hominum natus est ad interritum Christianae Reipublicae et subvertionem literarum: that is, This society is erected to be the overthrow of Christendome and ruine of Learning, as wofull experience hath taught us.

They were the onelyonly cause of the troubles, which fell out in Muscovia, when under pretence to reduce the Latine Church, and plant themselves and destroy the Greek Church (which is onelyonly profess't in the Empire of Russiae) the poor King Demetrius and his Queen, and those that followed him from Polonia, were all in one night murthered, by the monstruous usurper of the Crown, and the true Progeny rooted out.

They were the onelyonly cause that moved the Swedes, to take Armes against their lawfull King, Sigismund, and chased him to Poland; and neither he nor his successors were ever able to take possession of Sweden; For the Iesuits intention was to bring in the Romish Religion, and root out Protestants. They were the onelyonly cause that moved the Polonians to take Armes against the said Sigismund, because they had perswaded him to marry too Sisters, one after the other: both of the House of Austria.

They have been the sole cause of the Warre entered in Germany, since the year, 1619. as Pope Paulus Quintus did tell the Generall of their Order, called Vicelescus, for their Avarice, pretending to take all the Church-Lands from the Hussits in Bohemia to themselves; which hath caused the death of many thousands, by the Sword, Pestilence, and Famine in Germany.

They have been the cause of civill Warres in France, during all which time moving the French King to take armes against his own Subjects the Protestants, where innumerable people have lost their lives, as the Seige of Rochell (and other places) will give sufficient proof: For the Iesuits intentions were to set their society in all Cities and Townes Conquered by the King; and quite to abolish the Protestants.

They were the cause of the murther of the last King of France.

They were the only Projectors of the Gunpowder-Treason, and their Penitents the Actors thereof.

They were the only cause (namely Father Parsons that incensed the Pope to send so many fulminate Breeves to these Kingdomes, to hinder the Oath of Allegiance, and lawfull obedience to their temporall Prince, that they might still fish in troubled waters.

p. 203Their damnable doctrine to destroy and depose Kings, hath been the cause of the Civil Wars; likely to befall these Kingdoms, if God (in his mercy) do not stop it.

They have been the cause of the Monopolies projected in this Kingdome, especially concerning Soape, the Forrest of Dean, and marking of**Granted to Captain Read, chief Agent for the Iesuits. See Romes Master-piece, pag. 20, 21, 2…. Butter Caske, where all the Parties were Partners, and Confederates of the Iesuits; as Sir Bazill Brookes, sir Iohn Winter, and a brother in Law of the said sir Iohns, that lived in Worcestershire; and Mr. Ployden, whose servant called Baldwyn (in my presence) about a yeare since did deliver to Captaine Read (a substitute of the Iesuits) a hundred pounds, to be given to a Iesuite who lived in his house.

They have their Lay Brethren which collect duely their Annuities and Rents, and play the Merchants, transporting Cloth & other Merchandizes of great value.

I doe know one, Brother in Law to Captaine Read, who continually Trades in Merchandizes, who is a Novice of theirs; and one Cu…bert of Lanca…hire, who collects their Rents; and one Grey of Barwicke: they are protected by the Spanish Embassadour, and live at his house.

They have their Merchants in London, namely one Evans worth fifty thousand pounds, who meanes to make them his Heires, and dis-inherit his Kindred. Doctor Moore also is their Agent, and puts out this money to Interest.

This Evans (who was appointed to be Sheriffe of London last yeare) by their perswasion did goe out of London, and refused to accept of it, and by them was sent into the Country, and lived retired till Michaelmas was past, and escaped to be Sheriffe of Middlesex, and paid no Fine for refusing the said Office, being till the time was past in obscurity.

**See Romes Master-peece, p. 2…. to 25.Captaine Read a Scotish man, now Lieutenant Colonel in Ireland, (under Col. Henry Bruce) is also one of their Agents, and lets their buildings in Long Acre, and other parts of London for their use, especially the faire buildings in Lincolnssnne-fields, inhabited sometimes by George Gage, and at his death left to my Lady Gardner; where the Iesuits ordinarily resorted. It is thought that Mr. Newton who built all those faire houses in Queenes-street is their Agent, for of himselfe he was never so able as to build the hundreth part of them.

It is strange to see the stra…agems which they use with their Penitents concerning to Oath of Allegiance; If they be poor, they tell them flatly (when they are demanded to take the Oath) that it is damnable and no wayes to be allowed by the Church; If they be of the richer sort, they say they may do as their Conscience will inspire them: And there be some of them that make no Conscience at all, to have it taken so oft as they are demanded.

It is no lesse strange to see,Note. what great Treasures they have heaped up, and made four Colledges in Flanders, onelyonly of Annuities of their moneys, and such houses as are now appertaining unto them.

From Mr. Sackvile they got ten thousand pounds, and afterwards most miserably dismist him,Note. so that he was constreined to begge: And after great threatning; they allowed him of all his meanes, only a hundred pound per annum, during life. The like dece…t they did use to the whole Regiment of my Lord Vaux in Flanders, which for the most part were composed of younger Brothers, who at their perswasions, sold their Lands and Annuities, and gave them their moneys; assuring them that they should lose nothing; and get all again: But when they came in their great necessities, and demanded it, they absolutely refused them; and so they saw the most part of those younger Gentlemen perish for want, in Hospitals.

The like they did with above two hundred Gentlewomen of good extraction, whom they seduced, and got from them their portions; the least having a thousand pounds (for lesse they would not take) and when they came to Flanders, Note.they were committed to the charge of Mistresse Mary Ward, who forced them to labour with their hands, and live in great misery with bread and water: And at last (like gallopping Nuns) made thirty of them to take their Iourney to Rome and Naples, and there to teach young Children: When it came to the Popes p. 204knowledge, he made a thundring Bull against them, either to enter into a Monastry, or else within fifteen dayes to depart the Territorirs of Rome, and within forty dayes all Italy; but afterwards this Bull was retracted.

The Colledge of Saint Omers is no lesse memorable, which was erected by Pope Gregory the thirteenth, and partly indowed by the King of Spain with great meanes: The Iesuits neverthelesse (insatiable cormorants) have by their allurements, got great wealth from England under pretence to nourish some Students, which in time might labour in this Vineyard; some by Testament, others by Donation, have left meanes to bring up, some two, some three, and payd twenty five, and thirty pounds per annum. But since, they are not willing to undergo the toil to take it yeerly, but have enticed the Donators to give them, some three, some four, and some five hundred pounds; and in my knowledge they got in this manner for nourishing above two hundred; so that they have extorted and got great sums of money from this Kingdome, to the great prejudice of the State.

The wise State of Venice, foreseeing their ambition to creep into the knowledge of their Government,Note. and to Conquer high Territories by tricks, unlawfull means, and sleights: By Order of their great Councell, they were adjudged to be banished for ever their Dominions, and never to return thither till they had the consent of the whole Senate, which is impossible to be obtained, although the French King and the Pope have laboured sundry times, yet in vain. And also the said State did declare, That whosoever should speake in their favour (for their re-establishing) should be degraded of his Honor, and his Posterity after him, and loose all his goods; and the like should befall to them that send their children to their colledges.

Would to God such Lawes were made in these Dominions, severely to punish the Parents for sending their Children to Iesuits Colledges: And to conclude, they should be expelled from all humane society, as unsit to be dealt with, for their equivocation and mentall reservation; never telling the truth, being mortall enemies to all charity, and the true fore-runners of Antichrist, oppugning all verity, and taking all for themselves without Communication of good to others: And as for those that are beyond Seas in their Colledges, it were more then necessary, to make a Decree, that within a short time prefixed, they should return to their Native soil, under pain of perpetuall banishment; and their Parents to lose their goods and estates. As also to enquire and learne who they be that do live now at Doway, and St. Omers under them, and their Parents be brought in question, which may easily be done with small charges; sending two or three over into those parts, who by degrees may know the speciall of them: I omit their jugling with the Emperor, King of France and Spain, and other Potentates, and with the Popes themselves, as they have publiquely confest,

Secondly, not to be tedious, I come to the second point: The reformation of some things in her Majesties Court,Note. is so necessary for the quietnesse of the State, as nothing more; and therefore labour to remove all impediments that may happen.

It is to be observed, that a great part of the unquietnesse of this State comes from thence;Note. and of some persons about Her Majesty not fit to remain there; For it is known, Her Majesty doth nothing but as she is acquainted with, which she after delivers to the King, and he to the Councell, and when there's any crossing, there arises Iarres and unquietnesse.

The actors of those are F. Phillips, her Confessor, & the superior of the Capuchins.

This last, in times past, was one of the Knights of Saint Iohn of Ierusalem, a most turbulent spirit,Note. and one sent by Cardinall Richlien, to be a spye at this Court for the French Faction, who labours by all means to breed dissentions.

For the French (as I have read in Cardinall D'Ossats Epistles) aime at nothing more then to make a schism betwixt the English and Scots, that this state may be weakned & not able to do them harm, the more easily to conquer these kingdoms.

This unquiet spirit at all occasions, hath accesse to Her Majesty, and acquaints. Her with all he thinkes fit for the French Faction, and when he thinkes it p. 205a hard businesse, then doth he entice Father Phillips to present it. This man being of a quiet and meeke nature (yet a great Favourite of Cardinall Richliens) Doth acquaint her Majesty with the businesse,Note. and she the King, and obtains by opportunity things which are not fit and convenient for the State.

Father Phillips, is guided altogether by a Scottish Grey Fryar, (who by degrees hath intruded himselfe to be a Clerke of her Majesties Chappell) and he goes by the name of Master Wilson, but his true name is William Tompson, a Doctor of Divinity, and a most furious and unqviet spirit, and by a nick-name was called Cackafugo shit fire; He rules altogether Father Phillips, insomuch as he fears him, and dares not disobey him. He rules all the busines which concernes the two Kingdoms, and the most part of the matters for Rome.

By his perswasion, Father Phillips hath plac'd many unfit persons about her Majesty; He was the only Agent in promoting Sir Iohn Winter to be her Majesties Secretary; (he being most addicted to the Lord William Howards Daughter) and so got into that place.

He was also the cause that Signior Georgio Conne (late Agent of the Pope his brother) was admitted to be extraordinary Servant to the Queen;NOTE. A man altogether unworthy of that place, and a most scandalous person, having at this present three wives alive, as after shall be related; Sundry Priests by his means (to Father Phillips) have been admitted to be the Queens extraordinary Servants; Some, by some supposed office or other, as one Master Laborne, & George Gage (brother to Colonell Gage beyond Seas, in Flanders) both Oratorian Priests; the one of the French Faction very feditious; the other of the Spanish; (for his brother is in the King of Spains service.) Both these under pretence of some service to the Q…een, the one extraordinary Sewer (as I believe) and the other under the name of a Cup-bearer.

There is also one Penricke, brother to him who is now left Resident at Rome; this Penricke a…ias Iott-Signeur, NOTE.is sworne extraordinary Servant to her Majesty; a sworne Spaniard, and Intelligencer for Rome: In respect his brother is Agent for her Majesty; there being many otherwhich I cannot remember at this time. One Francis Maitland alias Quashe… a Scottish Fryar Mendicant, and hath an hundred Crowns yearly as her Majesties Pentioner; a very fire-brand Intelligencer at Rome, France, Flanders, and Spaine, with Lyddington, Colonell Sympis, Chambers, and Penricke at Paris. All these, and sundry others, have Protections of the Queens Majesty (who are all factious and turbulent spirits) by Father Phillips means, and this Wilsons instigation, fit to be removed.

Father Phillipt his servant, called Iohn Belfaur a Scot, rules all the rest, and guides Father Phillipt at his pleasure, and obtains many things not lawfull.

It is not expedient at this present, to remove Father Phillips from her Majesty, it will irritate her greatly, but remove all those that incense him: he is a very good man, and of a sweet disposition, but easily perswaded, by Sir Toby Matthewes, Sir Iohn Winter, Master Walter Montague, who are of the Cabbinet Councell.

Thirdly,NOTE. concerning the Bishop of Canterbury; It is most notorious, hee hath bin the speciall cause of the troubles in Scotland, and jarre… betwixt them and the English. For when he went to the North with His Majesty, he being of a high and lofty spirit, remarking the government of the Church of Scotland, began his Innovation by setting up of Altars, Episcopall Robes, and Organs, which were not seene since the birth of King Iames, more than eighty yeares before in that Kingdome; with which they were much in…ensed. Insomuch that when the common people, upon a Sunday perceiving His Majesty to go on foot, from His Pallace of Holy-Rood House, to the Church at Edenborough, and so to return, and all His Nobles with Him; My Lords Grace and the Bishop of Ely were seen to go in their Coach; they exclaimed on them and sayd,NOTE. How dare you presume to go so, when our Soveraigne goes on foot; You are the Ragges and servants of the Pope.

That same time he did move his Majesty to make that Church a Cathedrall, and appoint a Bishop where was never any before; and so the people were more & more stirred up.

p. 206At his returne from thence, he moved His Majesty to erect a High Commission in all the Bishopricks of that Kingdome, by vertue of a Proclamation which he extorted from His Majesty in August (If I be not deceived) some five years ago; wherein was Ordered, that here in England the Bishops Courts should have not Subordination to any other Courts, no not to His Majesties owne Councell, but should proceed without any dependency, not so much as to use His Majesties Arms in their Seales, but their owne, and so deprive His Majesty of His Supremacy, which was never done since the Raigne of King Henry the Eighth.

So soone as he had obtained that of His Majesty, he in all haste sends this Proclamation to all the Bishops of Scotland, who being blowne up with pride (following the Archbishops footsteps) began to erect a High-Commission Court in their Diocesses, and called to it the Gentry and Nobles, punishing them for trifling things; and sining and confining them to the farthest part of the Kingdom, from Galloway to Cathnes, neare three hundred myles. A cruelty never practised in Scotland before in any Age.

Nay, the became so insolent, being made Privy Councellours (by the Archbishops sollicitation of His Majesty,) Note.And the Archbishop of Saint Andrews, being made great Chancellor of that Kingdom (never practised this three hundred years) that in open Councell Table they gave the lye to the Peers of the Land; Namely, to the Earle of Argile; which affront was done by one Sedeserfe now Bishop of Galloway, and resident at this present in London, where began the fire to appeare, which before this was but smoake.

The Nobles, Gentry, and Commons made a league, which they called a Covenant, and combined together for the rooting out of Bishops, and Conservation of their ancient Liberties, upon which is ensued a million of miseries, putting both the Kingdomes to excessive charges, exhausting the Kings Coffers, and oppressing the people.

I believe, If my Lord Archbishop were meerly questioned, it would be found, he stirred up His Majesty to make up his Army two severall times,Note. which hath bin the occasion of the utter ruine of two Shires, Northumberland and the Bishopricke of Duresme, which losse will not be repaired in an hundred years.

These firebrands Bishops of Galloway and Rosse, who are Clyents to Canterbury, and altogether guided by him; it is more than expedient that they and other Incendiaties were given to the Scotts Commissioners to betryed by their Parliament. But I believe Rosse will flye to Ireland, where His Majesty hath given him a Bishopricke: And Galloway will be forced to hide himself in some Island and shake off his Robes, or become a Pedler in Poland, as his Father was before him.

One Sandall, a Clerke of the Rolls told me, he saw my Lord Sterling, Secretary of Scotland, (Agent at Court for the Bishops) viewing very narrowly the Rolls, to see the originall Institutions of the High Commission; which he would not have done, had he not bin informed by my Lords Grace.

I may not omit to let you know, how of his large liberality, he hath given to those fire-brand ministers (refuges in this Kingdome) at sundry times, large and prosuse charity, which he would never have bestowed on the poore Clergy of his Diocesse.

I come to his Government, wherein he hath bin like to a Cam…lion of divers colours; now punishing of Roman Priests, but poore ones, for the fattest he protected and cherished without all measure; As Father**His ancient chamberfellow in St. Iohns in Oxford. Leander Superior of the Benedictines Master Flanders, and Master Price, after Leanders death; and Master Gascoyne, and the whole Order of the Iesuits, as hereafter shall be related.

The poore Recusants for going to heate Masse, or only upon suspition, were cruelly used by him; but the chiefe he tenderly loved and feasted, as Sir K…nelme Digbie, and others, to what end you may conjecture.

Afterwards▪ he tooke a fit to punish severely, Anabaptists, Familists, and Brownists, sometimes one, sometimes another; He followed the steps of Cardinall Wolsey, p. 211and intended, (because he could not be Po…e at Rome) to be a Patriarcke in these Kingdoms; To which end ('tis well known) he did so credit and grace Father Leander (aforesaid) cherishing him above the rest, giving him his eare at all times, remaining here at London publikely till his death; and after him Price,NOTE. and Gascoyne aforementioned.

At the comming of Father**His old Chamberfellow in Oxford. Leander, he began to looke chearfully upon Recusant…; then began he to erect Altars, to take away the Communion Table, to make all kneel when they tooke the Sacrament, to be all uncovered at Divine service, to stand up at the reading of the Gospell, bow at the name of Iesus, and to consecrate an ould Church a new, as that of Saint Gylses, with many other Arch-trike…, that he might be in the Popes and the Queenes favour, and so continue in his Majesties good liking. Then began he to use rigout against Puritan Ministers, calling them into his high Commission some for Symony, as Mr. Iohn Ward [and others] of Suffolk; some for contradicting the Bishop of Norwich; others for Heresy, as one Doctor Everd, Chaplin to the Earle of Holland.

Then began he to practise his Excommunications and aggravations against Sir Robert Willoughby (Sonne in Law to the Bishop of Worcester) and Mr. Hope a Scottish man, Cup-bearer to his Majesty, for contemning his Citations. In the end, such were his Actions, that he is an Admiration to the whole world for Inconstancy. At the last he became soe outragious, as were never any of his Predecessors, conventing before him the Bishop of Lincolne; whose heavy hand and Dragon-like wrath hee felt many yeeres, being in Prison in the Tower of London.

Soe was Bishop Goodman soundly whipt, for refusing to subscribe to his Canons, being laid in the Gate-house; so that he became the wonder of this Age.

Noe lesse wonderfull hath he beene in his Vatican at Lambith, sitting in his Gracefull Throne, compassed with Bishops, Deanes, Archdeacons, Doctors, Proctors, Notaries and Registers, guarded with a multitude of Tipstaves, from all Prisons in and about London, besides a hellish Guard of Promoters, In his Tribunall sitting in his Corner-Cap, Lawnè sleeves and R…tchet; No Pope is so glorious on most festivall dayes, as his Grace is on Thursdayes in tearme time.

Tis a petious thing worthy of consideration to see, what Injustice is don in that Court by his owne knowledge; and what extortion and exaction is used by his Officers. There is not a more corrupt Court in the world, wherein Innocency is punished, & publique sinnes countenanced; the greatnes of the extortions of that Court cannot be expressed; some are a whole yeare before they can be heard, & at the last for a fatherly. Benediction, are remitted to Sir Iohn Lambe and Doctor Ducke, I will instance in two parties.

The Lady Willoughby spent in suit in lesse then two yeares (as shee related to me) five hundred pound… and above, and all tended, that her Husband should weare a white sheete at the Church doore. When [God knowes] her selfe deserved no lesse; For Doctor Ryves assured me, she was declared innocent by Bribery.

The other was Mr. Stapleton, Nephew to the Earle of King stone, who claimed a certaine Lady to be his Wife, having married her before two witnesses, and used the formall words of Matrimony; And seene by the said witnesses lye together in naked bed; yet by force of money he was divorced from her, having spent in the suit, in Charges only, three hundred pounds.

In like sort Francis Conne [brother to Signiour Georgio Conne] now Cup-bearer extraordinary to her. Majesty, was convented at the high Commission, for having maried one Mistresse Steward, his Country Woman in Scotland, and had maried another, (one Mistresse Wiseman) in England, with whom he cohabited here in London.

The Scottish Woman claymed him, but she being poore and none to protect her, after two yeares suite he was declared to be Wisemans husband, money was his Cause for himselfe assured me, it cost him in gifts, feasting his Advocates and Clerks, above 150. pounds. What intollerable Injustice was this, it being notoriously knowne that the Scottish Woman was his wife?

p. 212The chiefe Extortioners are, the Registers of the Court, Stephen Knight, and his companion (Brother in law to Sir Iohn Limbe.

When his Grace foresawe, the Parliament would call them in question, he presently deposed them, and made the said Knight principall Proctor in his Court, who fearing to be questioned for the same misdemeanours fled with his whole Family to Norwitch, and there bought of that Bishop the Registers office, and so is like to continue his accustomed trade of extortion, except this Honourable Court call him coram to answer his innumerable oppressions which are to be seene in the Registers booke of the high Commission.

He hath two bonds of mine, and two letters of Atturney made by me to him; His ordinary course was this, to take for every one twenty shillings, for that he should have had but two shillings sixpence, which extended to a great summe in the yeare; And out of Terme he had Fees for six Clerkes, and so many Promoters, which went throughout England, plaging the poore, and inriching themselves and their Master Knight.

Likewise, the other extortioner was Bonnyragge, the greatest Knave in the Country; For money he would doe any thing; He carried in his Pouch a number of Citations, and when he pleased for money dismissed any one; A Master Quashet, Mr. Smith the Iesuite, and Mr. Fisher of the same Order; And one Cutbert, a lay brother of theirs, of whom I spoke before; A great number of lay persons Recusants, whom I know have beene dismist by him some for forty shillings some for twentie shillings, but the least was ten shillings: Of a great part of Anabaptists, and Brownists, some that were poore he imprisoned; But the rich for money escaped, as themselves will depose. It is fit this Bonnyragge, and also the Bishop of Londons Pursivants be called in question with many other of his Promoters, and under Officers; As Arthur Huffe living in Saint Peters street in Westminster.

4I come now to the fourth point concerning the Popes aspiring to the temporall government of these Kingdomes, NOTE.and the manner how he proceedes, which I will clearely set downe.

You shall be informed what his Ambition was, seeing himselfe exalted to Saint Peters Chaire, being before Cardinall protector of the Scottish Nation. And which is ominous; the two former Popes Clement the eight, and Paul the fifth, his Predecessors, having been: in minoribus protectors of Scotland. He thought to do something more to reduce both (under one King) to the Romish Church.NOTE. And as Clement the seaventh had by his miscarriage beene the Cause of this di…coriation, from the obedience of the sea of Rome, he might be the meanes of their reconciliation. Wherefore he was no sooner made Pope but the same day with his owne hand (a thing not accustomed) he writ a letter to King Iames, of good memory, shewing his election & promotion to saint Peters Chaire and offering his correspondency with his Majesty; at the same instant he nominated Signiour Georgio Conne a Scottish youth (who was Schoole fellow with his Nephew Signior Francisco, afterwards Cardinall) who should informe him of all important businesse of England and Scotland.

This Signior George, was a very faire youth of some fifteene yeares of age, and of a faire disposition, having also accesse to his Holinesse, (you may understand my meaning for in minority being Legat in P…lonia, hee was much suspected of incontinency.) And assoone as any English, Scottish or Irish Runagates came to Rome, he went to their lodgings in the Popes behalfe, and brought them of his Holinesse Bread, and Wine, and other rarities, as Boligman, Sauseges and other dainties; letting them see all the Antiquities of Rome, and their Churches, though they were not of their Religion, and feasting them on the Popes charge when they visited the seaven Churches, as the Lord Craven and others; And now the Pope with his politique braine, began to excogitate the meanes, to have correspondency with the King: by fortune there was at Rome a Hollender expert in drayning of Lands to make the Marish grounds pasturable and arrable; who having got accesse to his Holynesse, Informed him that all the Marish grounds in the champaigne of Rome (which was above six miles) might be drained and made profitable.

p. 213The Pope [for his profit] gave a great eare, and understanding by this man the meanes to effect if in a short time, that he needed great store of men to worke, and that of all Nations the English were most expert, The Pope presently takes hould thereof, apprehending it, as a fit occasion to treat with our K. wherefore he sends hither the Hollander in post hast, by whom Signior Georgio writ to sundry of his frinds, viz. to some of the Queenes Court,Note. by whose meanes [at last] he got accesse to his Majesty signifying from whence he came, and the great profit which would redouud to this Kingdome, if he would permit some two thousand Familyes of his People, with their Wives and Children to goe and inhabit there, and after, successively more, For he had gotten promise of the Pope, that they should not be troubled, but use their consciences without any vexation at all: More, this Hollander signified to his Majesty, the great Commodity it would be to the trade in those parts, for transporting from hence, Cloth, pewter, lead and other Commodities, and from thence Wines, Raysins, Oyles, Capers and other fruits, with a great quantity of Allome.

The businesse is remited to the Councell to consider, if his Majesty might have correspondency with the Pope, Note.as a temporall Prince, as he hath with other Princes and States, (who are not so potent) as Holland Venice Florence, &c? After mature deliberation it was concluded, he might, for the causes prementioned.

The Hollander returnes with speed to Rome, shewing how well he had dispatched, together with His Majesties Declaration, and Order of the Councell, with Letters and answers of sundry persons to Signior Georgio, whom hee had feasted at Rome, and knew of the Queenes Court, being his Countrymen.

Then was it thought fit by those about Her Majestie, to begin the Treaty, and to breake that holy Ice for the Popes honours sake; then was nominated Sir Robert Douglas (Couzin Germain to the Marquesse Douglas) an ancient friend to Father Philips, and Signior Georgio; a disc…eet Gentleman, who had much travailed, and was expert in the Italian, French, Spanish, and Germain languages, A Courtier, yet modest and discreet.

But the Cardinall Richleau must be the man,Note. who should have the honour to direct him, and to be sent by him to begin the correspondency betwixt his Holines and the Queene, (for in all this businesse the King must not bee mentioned) from whom with many Letters, this Gentleman goes to the Court of France; where after few dayes hee is dispatcht by the said Cardinall, with money to make his journey and beare his charges at Rome, where gratiously hee is accepted of the Pope, his Nephew, and others of the Popes Cabinet Councell.

There hee remained above one yeare, and after a good viaticke was dismist, and returned to London, with a few gifts (but small ones) to her Majestie, Father Philips, and others of that Function; As some Meddulls Roscer…es, Agnus Deus and Pictures.

After this Gentlemans departure from Rome, was presently sent hither an Oratorian Priest called Signior Georgio **See the Popes Nuncio.Panzano, under pretence with a Breve from his Holinesse, addrest to the Clergie, secular and regular, and Lay-Catholikes of the two Kingdomes of England and Scotland; The substance of that Breve was, That his holinesse was verry sorry, for such jarres and divisions **See here p. 100. 106. to 110.between the secular and the Clergy, to the great prejudice of the Catholike Church, and for that respect (having a …atherly care of Soules, in these Kingdomes of England and Scotland) he had sent expressely, that Reverend Father, Georgio Pansano one of his Family to compose and reconcile them if he could.

This man at Paris, quits his Priests Robes, and drest himselfe in secular Apparell; his shaven Crowne is covered with a monstrous Periewig: he writes to Father Philips, who is to bee the primum mobile and director of all, who sends to him at Paris, as to an Italian Gentleman desirous to see the Kingdome; A passe was delivered him to Gallie, where he hires a baryne and brings with him two Raggamuffian young boys, and one Interpreter, who was presently sent backe to save charges.

At his first comming to London he lodged at the Italian Ordinary in the Strand; p. 214but shortly (being disturbed by much resort of pe…ons of great qualitie which repaired to him) he tooke Chambers, in one Signior Germynes House (a Lombard by Nation) living then neere to the New exchange, as you passe to the Covent Garden: this Agent had sundry meetings with the superiours of the Regular Order, but to those meetings the Iesuites would not come, though called and oft desired by the Popes Agent; At last it was concluded, they should not meddle with any Court businesse, they should speake honourably of the King and Queene, and be sparing to discorse of the Oath of Allegiance; yet never to undertake that it was altogether unlawfull.

This Agent returned having negotiated his principall businesse, which was to have **See the Popes Nu… cio.Signior Georgio (the Popes best friend) to bee sent hither, which her Majestie obteyned of the King, with great importunitie. Pansano having remained here, about two yeares, and having had his Viaticum and good presents from her Majestie, and Catholikes of the better sort, went away; In whose place succeeded Signior Georgio, bringing with him a great Breve, declaring him to be Apostolicall Nuntio; and in his company, the Lord Don Luces brother, and his Pedagogue, one Connigham, Nephew to Sir David Connigham, his Majesties receivor in Wales.

This Nuntio, (but styled after inter-Nuntio, for not incensing the States) comes hither in May, See the Pops Nuncio, and Romes Master-peece.and finding her Majestie at Homeby in Northamptonshire, repayring thither, he was presently admitted, and then likewise gained audience of the King.

To the Queene, hee presents rare gifts, some reliques of Saints, meddalles, a few of Gold and Silver, with the Popes picture stampt on them, and other trifles of small valew; In … whereof, shee sends to the Pope, a great quantity of scarlett to vest his Holinesse, his Nephew, and the other Cardinalls of the English Faction; Hee receives an hundred for one.

Here, he visits the great Ladyes and Gentlewomen of the Court; Hee stayes all the Progresse at Northampton; returning to London, tis worthy of consideration to observe his carriage day and night, courting of Ladyes and Gentlewomen.

In Terme time, all the Gentry of both Sexes, yea and poore women of any fashion that had scarse means to bring them to London; and were come thither to bee cured of the Kings evill, must likewise visit him.

Such were his compo…ments here, that I am ashamed to relate them. His nightlieSee Romes Master pecce. Conversation abroad, and Conventicles with Ladyes; Sir John Winter, Her Majesties Secretarie, Sir Toby Matthew, Sir Kenelme Digby, and Master Walter Mountague, were his Cabinet Councell; This last aspyring to bee Cardinall after Signior Georgio's death.

Yea, hee was so impudent and shamelesse, as to visit one of the greatest Ladyes of the Kingdome alone, who being found by her Husbond, and demanded by him, what made him so bold, he was in feare to have beene precipitated out of the Window; This his own Secretary told me: Two houres before day (In Winter) his manner was to visit Ladyes and Gentlewomen, and to enquire of them how they slept that night. After three yeares and two months, impatient to stay any longer (aspyring to a Cardinalls Hatt) loaden with great store of Iewells and Gold (which he got, partly of the monyes which Recusants lent to the King, Note.to assist him in his Northern expedition; and partly given him by Ladies and Gentlewomen, amounting to above ten thousand pounds) he returned to Rome, spitting his lungs; But the truth is, he was soundly payd with the French disease: A brave instrument to reduce this Realme to the Roman Religion!

Hee was very lavish and prodigall in his gifts, spending many thousand pounds, fitter to have beene bestowed on his poore kindred, and beggerly Parents in Scotland who had scarsely to nourish them.

The Iesuites likewise collected from their Penitents, Note.and got (at least) two parts of that money to themselves.

To returne to the Pope, so soone as he had Intelligence, that his Ganymede and Creature was received with such honour, he thought he had got already, the temporall Monarchy of great Brit…aine, making his Eldest**See Romes Master-peece. Nephew Francisco protector p. 211of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and erecting a particuler Congregation for the matters of these Kingdomes; whereof his said Nephew was President, and two other Cardinalls joyned with him, See Romes Master peece.and a new Secretary, and other Prelates of that Court, his Councellours.

Hee gratiously entertained Master Walter Mountague keeping him in his Pallace, and sending him abroad in his Nephewes Coach; And others of any note, as my Lord of West-Meath an Irish Baron, and others.

Hee made Signior Georgio Pat…iarch of Jerusalem, an Honour without any Revenew.

No lesse was his pride puft up, when Sir William Hamilton (brother to the Earle of Abercorue, and Cozen to the Marquesse Hamilton, was sent Ambassadour from our Queen to that Court; whose carriage was like to Signior Georgio's here, carrying clothed in mans apparell thorough England, Scotland, France, and Italy, his sweet heart Engenius Bonny, a daughter of the Yeoman of His Majesties Wine Celler.

After Signior Georgio, he sent hither a new Nuntio, Count Rossetti, Note.a Noble man of Ferrara, but of better carriage, then his other deceased, whom hee intended to make Cardinall, in leiu of the other defunct.

As soone as Walter Mountague heard of Signior Georgio's death, he sent his Chaplaine Post to Rome, Note.with Letters from Her Majesty, intreating his Holynesse to make him Cardinall; The Popes answer was, he would gladly condiscend to that motion, If she would oblige her selfe to make an estate to him for his maintenance conformable to a Cardinall; So was it dasht; And so will all correspondency bee hereafter with that Court, by the wise and grave Councell of the Parliament. So that Master Penricke, Agent in that Court for the Queene be called backe; And a certaine Knight, of the Order of Saint Iohn of Ierusalem, (whom Count Rosetti intends to send hither, to keepe correspondency) be likewise dismist from hence; which done, all that Project will end in smoake; Alwayes provided, that Master Mountague, Sir Toby Matthew, Sir Kenelme Digby, Sir Iohn Winter, be removed and barr'd from going to Rome, or to any of his Holinesse Territories; Not yet to Italy, for feare of sedition, and keeping correspondency with their associates.

I heard a French Gentleman of good worth say, that hee had seene a Breve from Rome, with this Inscription, Tobiae Mattheo Sacerdoti soci…tatis Iesu, which is, To Toby Matthew Priest of the Order of Iesus; wherein (inter alia) was, Confirma Amazonas illas quae strenue laborant in vinea pro Christo.Note. First, Confirme those Amazonian Court Ladyes (that is) those brave Catholike Catamountaines of the Popish faction, that labour …ustily for the advancement of Popery.

Touching the fifth point, in my Iudgement, Roman Catholikes, especially those 5that have lands and goods, should bee stopt from going over Sea; In respect by the selling and Mortgazing of their Lands the money is transported to forreigne parts, and there spent, whereby the Kingdome is depauperated, His Majestie looses his yearely pay for their Recusancy; the Shites where they remained are disabled to pay so much subsedies as formerly in time of their Residence; And finally the poore looseth much by their absence.

This voluntary Relation of this ancient Intelligent. Popish-Priest (which I finde to bee generally true and reall, by orher Letters, and Intelligence, and concurring with the Plot discovered to the Archbishop and King Himselfe in my Romes Master-peece, in most particulars touching the Jesuites, Scottish troubles, Popes Nuncioes, and other Instruments of his here nominated) gives much luster and confirmation to many of the premises and some ensuing passages; therefore I could not well omit it, though it be somewhat tedious.

But to proceed: the 2d. intended Civill War against the Scots ceasing contrary to the Prelates expectations, through the overruling providence of God, both in the rude Common Souldiers, who refused to serve under their Popish Commanders (some of whom they murthered) declayming against the Bishops, breakiwg down p. 212their New-Rayles, Altars, Crucifixes, in diverse places, and in sundry of our Nobles who Petitioned His Majestie for a Parliament, and New Treaty with the Scotts together with the Generall opposition of Ministers and people against the new Canons and, &c. Oath, which put a period to this Warre without bloud-shed: hereupon there were sundry New desperate Plots, Conspiracies, Councells entred into by the Popish and Prelaticall party to undermine this Parliament soone after it was first Assembled, and imbroyle all our Kingdomes in New Civill Warres and distractions more dangerous then the former; of which I shall give you a short hi…, out of the Commons Journall, and some other papers, letters, examinations which have come unto my hands.

February 10. 1640. There were foure Gen…lemen of the House of Commons, went up to the Lords**Diurnall Occurrences p. 36. to discover a great designe on foote among the Papists in England, Ireland, and Wales. That there were in Lancashire one thousand five hundred,NOTE in Ireland, eight thousand Papists in Armes, and many thousands in South-Wales, and North-Wales, well payd and provided for by the Earle of Strafford, Earle of Worcester, and others; and did use frequently to goe to Masse at the sound of the drum.

There was also a great Nobleman in Wales that bought up all the Provisions hee could, kept Corne enough for three yeares, and got all the Arms he could, and had a strong Commission to furnish whom hee would: And there was also a Letter brought to the house, as from Secretary Windebanke in the Queenes name, to have all the Papists fast every Saturday for the good successe of that designe. Whereupon there was also this day an order made, that all Iudges in the next Circuits at the Assizes, should put the Law in execution against Iesuites and Priests, and make returne of the proceedings herein to the Parliament.

Upon this occasion,**The Diurnall Occurrences p. 42. February 22. There was a Message from the Lords for a Conference with both Houses, for the disbanding of the Irish Army, and the removing of Papists from the Court and the English Papists in the Queenes house-hold.

**The Diurnal Occurrences. pag. 93. 94.May 5. 1641. There was discovered to the House of Commons a strange conspiration in agitation, against the whole body of the Kingdom, for the landing and bringing in of a French Army, to which our English Army should be joyned, which were all to meete by the 22. of this MonethMonth. whereupon the House sent out diverse warrants for Master Henry Perry, Colonell Goring, Sir Iohn Suckling, Master Henry Jermyn, and others as conspirators therein, to appeare before the House of Commons the next day.

There was also intelligence given to the House of Commons of 1400. barrells of Powder that were prepared in readinesse, and loaden by stealth, to bee carried away by the appointment of the Conspirators, upon which the Commons appointed some of the House to make further enquiry thereof.

Hereupon most of the parties upon this discovery fled into France, and had passes to transport them without search from the King.

May 14.**The Diurnal Occurrences pag. 102▪ There was a Report in the Commons House of a Iesuite, That should say (it being noised the Parliament House was on fire) the time was not yet come, but it would bee so ere long; and of another that should say, there would bee many fatherlesse Children in London very shortly: upon which there were more warrants sent out for the attaching of those Iesuites.

May 19.Ibid. pag. 106 There was one Newton a Priest an English man, which belonged to the Spanish Ambassadour, committed to the Gate-House, also a Message was sent to the Lords, desiring that the French Letters might bee stopt this weeke, as they were the last, and viewed by a Committee, which was accordingly done, the Committee reporting they had both weekes received intelligence of diverse dangerous plotts in agitation against the State, but they have not as yet made a full report in disclosing of the same.

VponUpon this danger from Recusants,Ibid. pag. 113 114. the Committee appointed to provide carefully against their future attempts, May 29. presented their resolutions to the House p. 213That if any man entertained a Popish servant knowing him to bee so, and lodged him but one night, he should be imprisoned without Baile, or mainprize, during the Kings pleasure; But if hee knew it not, for the present, if upon after knowledge of it, if he keepe him in his House a moneths time, he should not only bee imprisoned, but be fined according to the contempt. Likewise if any man married a Recusant, and had issue by Her, his Children should not onelyonly bee Christened after the manner of the Church of England, but they should be also brought up in the Protestant Religion. In the willing neglect of which, they were not onelyonly to bee imprisoned, but fined for their contempt.

Also if any man knew where any Armor Powder or other Ammunition which belonged to any Recusant was kept and gave not notice to the next Justices of Peace thereof, but concealed it, they likewise to bee imprisoned, without Bayle or mainprize, and fined for their contempt.

After this May 2.Ibid. pag. 117. one Sanford was committed to prison by the House, for inticing a young Gentlewoman to goe beyond Sea to bee a Nun: And Master Preston and Master Allen committed, for refusing both the Oath of Allegiance and Supremacie.

Iune 10. 13. 16, &c. Ibid. p. 12…; 137. 140. 151 153, 154.The Conspiracy of Master Iermyn and the rest out of diverse Letters and examinations was reported to the House to consist of these particulars. 1. To bring in a French Army, and to surrender Portsmouth into their hands. 2. To seise upon the Tower of London: 3. To bring in the Northern Army to London to over-awe the Parliament, to support Episcopacy (the Bishops and Episcopall Clergy being to maintaine 2000. Horses for this purpose) and uphold the Kings Prerogative and Revenew to the full as it was formerly. 4. To keepe the Irish Army on foote from being disbanded, till the Scotts were first disbanded.

Iune 24. 1641. There was a Conference at a Committee of both Houses managed by Master Pym, consisting of diverse heads, whereof the fourth head was touching the Queenes most Excellent Majesti… which contained diverse particulars.

1. THat His Majestie,Diurnall Occurrences neare the end. may be pleased by advise of his Parliament, to perswade the Queene to accept some of the Nobility, and others of trust into her Majesties service, into such places as are now in her disposall.

2. That no Iesuite nor none of other Orders, what Country men soever, whether French or Italian, be received into Her Majesties service, nor any Priest of His Majesties Dominions, English, Scottish, or Irish, and that they be restrained from comming to Court.

3. That the Colledge of Capuchines at Somerset House may be dissolved, and sent out of the Kingdom: these two last mentioned concerning the Queene, Priests, Iesuites and Capuchines, for these particular reasons.

1. Publike danger, and scandall of this Kingdome, and peace of the Kingdome.

2. Dis-affection of some of those wicked conspirators is expressed in two Letters, which Letters were here read openly.

3. A particular Letter of Father Philips there also read.

4. Because of the Priests, Iesuites, and the Colledge, there are diverse great quantities of gold transported frequently.

4. The fourth particular that concerneth the Queen, is upon speciall occasion of his Majesties absence: That their Lordships will bee pleased to joyne with us to advise the King, that some of the Nobility, and others of qualitie, with competent …uardes, may be appointed to attend the Queens person against all designes of Papists, and of ill affected persons, and of restraining resort thither in his absence.

5. The fifth Head concerneth the Kings Children; that some persons of publike trust and well affected in Religion, might be placed about the Prince, who may take care of his p. 214education, and the rest of his Children; especially in matters of Religion and liberty.

6. The sixth Head concerned such as come into the Kingdom with Titles OF BEING THE POPES NUNCIO, that it may bee declared, that if any man come with instructions into this Kingdome, from the Pope of Rome, he shall be in case of high Treason,NOTE. out of the Kings Protection, and out of the protection of the Law. And there is notice upon very good grounds, that Count ROSSETI (The Popes Nuncio) doth yet continue in the Kingdome, AND YET RESORTS UNTO THE COURT: (notwithstanding the Kings former Promise to the Houses, to send him hence.)