The Popish Royal Favorite, Part 2 · Letter 1 – Letter 23
Charles R.
WHereas on the 24 of March last, our pleasure was declared to the Lords of our Privy Councell, that AT THE INSTANCE OF OUR DEAREST CONSORT THE QUEENE, and in regard of the peace betweene the two Crownes, we were graciously pleased that THESE PRIESTS and Recusants here undernamed, who were then in severall Prisons, should be released and delivered to the Marquesse De Chasteauneu…, Ambassadour extraordinary to Us from the French King, NOTWITHSTANDING ANY FORMER ORDER AGAINST SUCH RELEASES AND DELIVERIES, with this further Declaration, That if any of them shall remain in, or return into the Kingdome, that our expresse will and pleasure is, That*Which was never executed in any poynt. the Law should passe on every such Person without further favour, all which was ordered accordingly, and all the said persons or divers of them were brought unto you by severall Warrants, these are therefore TO WILL AND COMMAND YOU FORTHWITH TO DELIVER to the said Ambassadour, or to such persons as he shall appoint in that behalf, all such of the said persons, as are already come into Your charge and custody, and ALL SUCH AS SHALL COME TO YOUR CHARGE HEREAFTER by vertue of the aforesaid Order, and this shall be your SUFFICIENT WARRANT: So as you doe not deliver any other but the persons hereafter named, and that you returne a List of such as you shall deliver to the Lords of Our Privie Councell, Given under OUR SIGNE MANUALL at Denmark house the eleventh day of April, in the sixth yeare of our reigne.
Iohn Dally
Corn…lius Crawley
Iohn Southw…rth
Reynault Mac.
Donnell
Palmer
Gilbert Brodin
Roger Clay
Thomas Gant alias
Thornbrough
Middleton
Stevens
Iames Willandson.
Richard Salvin.
Th…. Ridale
Brian Medcalf
Iohn Seargin
William Biddle.
To our keeper of the Clinke, or to his Deputy.
Here we have no lesse then sixteen Priests released out of one prison by one Warrant under his Majesties own hand at one time, at the Queenes own instance, when not altogether so powerfull, nor Popery grown to that head and power as now. I doubt, no such Warrant can be produced to discharge any Puritans (as the most zealous Protestants were nicknamed) our of prison all his reigne.
Not long after there were six more priests taken, and committed to the Clink, all of them this same yeare released at once by this ensuing royall Warrant under his Majesties hand.
Charles R.
WHereas since our last Warrant unto you, bearing date the eleventh day of April last, there have been brought unto Your custody these hereafter mentioned PRIESTS or Recufants, the which according to our pleasure signified on the 24. of March last, AT THE INSTANCE OF OUR DEAREST CONSORT THE QUEENE, are to be transported beyond the Seas, by such persons as the Marquesse of Casteauneu… late Ambassadour extraordinary from our deare brother the French King, hath appointed. These are therefore to will and require you forthwith to deliver to the said persons or person by the said French Ambassadour so appointed, THE SIX PERSONS hereafter named, to be presently transported into the parts beyond the Seas, whereof DOE YOU NOT FAILE, and this shall be your SUFFICIENT WARRANT for the same. Given under our Signe-Manuall at our Palace at Westminster, the 25 day of June, in the sixth yeare of our reigne.
Thomas Holmes
Robert Widdrington
Thomas Readman
Thomas Berry
Thomas Sheephard
Gilbert Shelton.
To our keeper of the Clink or to his Deputy.
After these liberall discharges of so many priests together, it seemes, the Officers of Justice were much dismayed in their bootlesse apprehensions of them, whereupon there were seldome many of them together in prison at once in succeeding yeares; and if any single priest were casually apprehended by any deligent Officers, they soon procured their several discharges, many of them under the Kings own hand, of which there are sundry presidents, almost in all the prisons and Goales of England and Wales, overtedious to ennumerate or transcribe; I shall instance onelyonly in three or foure to the Clinke, whch together with Newgate, the Gatehouse, and Newprison, could furnish us almost with a whole volume of the like examples.
Charles Rex.
VVHereas Richard Salvin was heretofore committed to your charge to be kept prisoner there untill further order; these shall be now to will & require you to enlarge the said Richard Salvin, & to deliver him unto Du. Moulin a French Gentlemam, to be by him transported into the parts beyond the seas, for which this shall be your warrant. Given under our Signe Manuall at our Palace of Westminster the eighteenth of November, in the seventh yeare of our raigne.
To our trusty and welbeloved, the Keeper of the prison of the Clinke.
This Salvin was one of the 16 Priests formerly discharged, and staying here apprehended, & now again discharged, contrary to the purport of the former warrant.
Charles Rex.
WHereas request hath been made unto Us by Mounsieur Biscaret, in the name of our deare Mother in Law, the Queene Dowager of France, in the behalfe of Matthew Wilson, a ROMISH PRIEST, now a prisoner in your custody, that he may be released out of prison, to depart immediately out of the Kingdome in the company of the said Mounsieur Biscaret: We being… willing to give our deare Mother contentment in this particular, doe hereby will and command you forthwith to deliver the person of the said Mathew Wilson unto the bearer hereof Edmund Barker, one of the Messengers of our Chamber, to be by him conveyed unto the Sea side, and there shipped in such sort as We have directed by our warrant unto him in that behalfe: and for so doing, these our Letters shall be your sufficient Warrant and discharge. Given under our signe Manuall at Our Palace of Westminster this foure and twentieth day of January, in the seventh yeare of Our Reigne.
To the keeper of the prison of the Clink within our Borough of Southwark.
This Priest released by this warrant, under pretence of being sent beyond the Seas, continued either still in the Kingdome, or returned hither soon after, being here very lately, as divers credible witnesses have attested; and no doubt most of the other Priests released on this pretext, either remained here still after their enlargement, (as Salvin and Iohn Southworth did, as you will see anon) or returned back in short time after,*See Summa Angelica & Rosella: Til. Obedientia Maffaeus Vegius, & Riba deniera, in vita Ignatii Loyalae, Xavior: & auters bien Heureux Peres de la Compagnie de Iesus. unlesse by the Generalls of their severall orders, others were sent to supply their places; it being contrary to their Oath of Obedience to their Superiors, who give them their missions, to return from any place whither they are sent, without their speciall License, and an unpardonable sinne; the true reason, why so many Priests and Iesuites chuse rather to suffer death then depart the Realme without the License of their Superiours first obtained, which mandates their Discipline and Doctrine, constrein them absolutely to obey, under pain of eternall damnation, & the severest Ecclesiasticall and Temporall Censures they can inflict.
There is another Warrant under the Kings signe-Manuall directed to the Keeper of the prison, called The New prison, within the City of London, for the release of Ion Plansford A ROMISH PRIEST, at the request of the same Mounsier Biscaret, in the name of Queene Mother Dowager of France, dated the same 24 day of January the same yeere as the last recited Warrant and agreeing verbatim therewith, therefore needlesse to recite: onelyonly I shall adde this one Warrant more of the Kings, running in a more legall forme.
CHarles by the grace of God, King of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, &c. To the Keeper of the prison of Clinke in the Borough of Southwarke in the County of Surry, and to all Maiors, Sheriffs, and Justices of Peace, and to all others to whom it shall or may appertaine, Greeting.
Whereas intercesion hath been made unto us by the Marshall of Bassampire, Ambassadour extraordinary from the Christian King our deare Brother, that out of our grace and goodnesse we would be pleased to release from imprisonment the body of Ioseph Pater a Romish Catholike, remaining in the said prison of the Clinke: know you, that we being willing to gratifie the said Marshall De Bassam, pire, in granting unto him this his request on the behalfe of the said prisoner have given and granted, and by these presents doe give and grant unto the said Keeper of the prison of the Clinke, and to you the said Maior, Sheriffs, and Iustices of peace foresaid, whom it may concerne, full power, warrant, and authority to enlarge and discharge the body of the said Ioseph Pater of his imprisonment out of the said prison before mentioned, if for Recusancy onelyonly, and for no other cause he stand committed: And this presents, or the inrolment thereof shall be as well unto you the Keeper of the said prison of the Clinke for discharging and enlarging of the said prisoner, as unto you the said Maiors, Sheriffs, and Iustices of Peace, for suffering him to walke abroad at large, a sufficient warrant and discharge in that behalfe.
Given under our Signet at our palace of Westminster the eight day of Ianuary in the second yeare of our Raigne. Exa. per Ro. Heath.
May it please your most Excellent Maiesty:
This conteineth a Warrant for the enlarging of Ioseph Pater, a Romish Catholike, now prisoner in the Clinke, at the intercession of Marshall De Bassampire Ambassadour extraordinary from the French King.
Signified to be your Maiesties Pleasure by the Lord Conway. Rob. Heath.
For releasments of Priests by the Privy Councels Warrants, take these three presidents in stead of many; The very originall Warrants under the Seale of the Privy Councell, being now in the Recorders of Londons hands.
WHereas Iasper Loberi… was formerly committed to your custody, to remain prisoner under your charge till further order: these are to will & require you forthwith to discharge & set at liberty the aforesaid Iasper Loberie, from his imprisonment; for which this, together with a certificate under the clerk of the Councels hand, that the said Loberie hath given security, according to an Order of this Board, shall be your sufficient Warrant. Dated at Whitehall the 15. of Iune, 132.
Thomas Coventry C. S.
Arundell and Surry
Rich. Ebor.
Manchester.
Wentworth. I. Coke.
Wimbleton. Francis Windebank,
To the Keeper of the Clink, or his Deputy.
At Whitehall, the 18 of December, 1633. present
Lord Archbishop of Canterbury,
Archbishop of Yorke.
Lord Privy Seale.
Lord High-chamberlain.
Earle of Salisbury.
Earle of Kelly.
Lord Viscount Wimbleton.
Lord Cottington.
Lord Newburgh.
Mr, Treasurer.
Mr. Secretary Coke.
Mr. Secretary Windebanke.
VVHereas a petition was this day presented to the Board, by Robert Hais, prisoner in the New-prison, shewing, that the petitioner is much impoverished in his Estate, by his long imprisonment, and is now grwne so weake through infirmities that unlesse by their Lordships favour he may enjoy the benefit of fresh ayre for the recovery of his health, his life is in great danger. And therefore made humble suite to be discharged from prison (for preservation of his li…e as aforesaid) upon good security to attend the Board within ten dayes after notice in that behalfe. Forasmuch as his petition was recommended to the Board BY THE QUEENES MAJESTY; their Lordships doe thinke fit, and order that the said Hais (first giving good security to attend the Board within ten daies after notice given as aforesaid) shall be discharged from his imprisonment, and enjoy his liberty without molestation or trouble of any Messengers, or other his Maiesties Officers whatsoever. Where of the Keeper of the said prison and all other whom it may concerne are to take notice.
Ex. Wil. Becher.
THese are to will and command you to set at fulliberty the person of William Waglrave formerly committed to your custody; and for your so doing this shall be your warrant.
Dated at Star-chamber the last of lanuary, 1643.
Wil. Cant.
Thomas Coventry, C.S.
Arundel and Surry
Salisbury.
R. Ebor:
H. Manchester,
Pembrooke and Montgomery.
To the Keeper of the Clinke and Newprison, or his Deputy.
These three persons were committed for Priests, and discharged as such, though not expressed in these Warrants, the better to colour the businesse. Note that the Archbishops hands of Canterbury and Yorke, are first subscribed to the two latter of them; but Yorkes to the first in Canterburies absence; whose hands I dare say, are to no Warrant for such a discharge of any Puritan or Orthodox Protestant
Many more Warrants of this nature from the Privy-Counsell might be produced, which for brevity I omit.
Secretary Windebankes Warrants for releasing of Priests are almost infinite. I shall touch onelyonly upon some few now remaining in the Recorder of Londons hands, who was to draw up his impeachment before he fled into France.
VVHereas William Waller was comitted unto your charge for Recusancy, and for suspi…ion of being a Priest: these are strictly to charge and command you in His Majesties name upon the sight hereof, forthwith to set him at liberty: and I do likewise hereby require you to deliver unto him his apparell and other necessaries left in his Chamber when you gave*Nota… him leave to go abroad, at THE QUEENES MAIESTIES DESIRE, he paying unto you onelyonly the ordinary Fees due by Law for the release of any prisoner from your charge and custody. And this shall be your sufficient discharge in this behalf.
Dated the ninth day of Octob. 1632. Fran. Windebank. To Robert Davison keeper of the Clink in Southwark, or to his Deputy there.
THese are to Will and require you forthwith upon sight hereof to enlarge and set at liberty the body of Henry Moore now prisoner in your custody, for which this shall be your warrant.
Dated at Westminster 1 Decemb. 1633. Fran. Windebank. To Robert Davison keeper of the new prison in Maiden-lane, London.
This Moore was committed for a Priest. The King himself by this Warrant under his own hand committed one Edward Moore a Priest, to the Clink, for a notable misdemeanour done in his Court.
Charles R.
WE will and command you to receive into your custody the body of Edward Moore, and him to keep and detaine in safe and sure custody, untill you receive our further pleasure concerning him; for which this shall be your Warrant; Given at our Honour at Hampton-Court, this 19th day of Decemb. 1629. in the 15 yeare of Our reigne.
To the keeper of Our prison of the Clink.
Secretary Windebank by his own ensuing Warrant, without any expressed directions from the King, undertakes to release this Priest, committed by the K. himself.
THese are to will and require you, forthwith to enlarge and set at liberty the body of Edward moore, now prisoner in your charge upon suspition of being a Priest, and hereof you are not to fail.
Dated at Whitehall, 14. Mar. 1634. Fran. Windebank. To the keeper of the Clink, and to his Deputy.
The like Warrants of release and discharge are under the said Secretary Windebanks hand to the keeper of the Clink, for William Drury, a popish Priest 24 mar. 16: 4. for Thomas Holmes a Priest 9 May 1634. for Humfrey Turbervill, a Priest, 1 Decemb. 1634. for Iohn Fisher alis Percy a popish priest, committed by warrant from the Lords of the Councell to the Gate-house 12 Decemb. 1634. and released by the said Secretaries warrant to the keeper of the Gate-house 12 August 1635. for Thomas Rainolds a Priest, (to the keeper of the Gate-house) 17 April 1635. for Iohn Goodman, a noted priest (to the keeper of the Gate-house) 17 Sept. 1639. with infinite others, whom I now omi….
It was the usuall practice of this*See Romes Master-piece. p. 23. 24, 29. Iesuited Secretary) who had a pension from the Papists, and was a Lay-Iesuite brought up by the Archbishop of Canterbury, whose scholar he was, and made Secretary of State at his suite, as the memorialls of his life attest) First, if any Priests were brought before him by the Officers, if he could not discharge them without commitment, to commit them to prison for 4 or 5 dayes, for a shew, and then to discharge them. I shall give you one late instance in stead of many, out of his own Warrants in the case of Arnold Gerard.
THese are to will and require you forthwith to receive into your custody the body of Arnold Gerard A ROMISH PRIEST herewith sent you, and him to keep till you shall have further order. And hereof you may not fail.
Dated at my house in Drury-lane, 25 may, 1640. Fran. Windebank. To the keeper of the Gate-house in Westminster or, his Deputy.
within five dayes after he discharged him again by this warrant, under the Secretaries Seale.
THese are to will and require you forthwith to set at Liberty the body of Arnold Gerard, whom I LATELY COMMITTED to your custody. And hereof you may not fail.
Dated at my house the 30th of May 1640. Fran. Windebank. To the keeper of the Gate-house in Westminster, or his Deputy.
So Thomas Reinolds a Priest committed by this Secretary to the Gate-house the tenth of April 1635. was absolutely discharged by him thence, on the seventeenth day of the s…me monethmonth, as appeares by the Warrants.
Iohn Southworth, one of the 16 Priests released by the Kings forecited Warrant of April 11 sexto Car. to be sent beyond the Seas as was pretended; continuing a dangerous seducer after his release, was afterwards committed again to the Clink prison by the Lords of the Privy-Councels warrant; but yet for all that had free liberty to walk abroad at his pleasure (as most Priests during their imprisonment, had, the more safely to seduce His Majesties good subiects, and open masses in their prisons to boote; whereupon being apprehended and brought before some of the High-Commissioners, and refusing to give bond to appear before them (though the good men never did such Romish-vermin any harm in their terrible Court, a Spanish inquisition onelyonly to torture Puritanes, and no other persons, (he was sent to the Clink by their warrant under the Seale of the Court, dated the 24 of June, An. Dom. 1640 (to which they found him to be formerly committed by the Lords, and to be then a vagrant prisoner) to be there detained under the Keepers custody untill other order should be given for his inlargement all, which is expressed in the warrant for his commitment. But within few dayes after this Priest was absolutely released by this warrant.
THese are to will and require you forthwith upon the sight here of, to enlarge & set at liberty the body of Iohn Southworth lately committed to your custody. For which this shall be your Warrant.
Dated at my house in Drury-lane, 16 Iuly 1640. Fran. Windebank. To the keeper of the Clink, or to his Deputy, or Deputies.
How dangerous a seducer this Southworth, alias Southwell was, appeares by this Petition of Robert VVhite, Sub-Curate of St. Margarets Parish in VVestminster to the Archbishop of Canterbury, the last great sicknesse, 1636.
MOst humbly sheweth, That the Petitioner ever since the beginning of this grievous visitation in Westminster, hath used all the pains & diligence that possibly he could, to serve the Cure in the absence of Dr. VVimberley; and bein gimployd by divers charitably disposed people to distribute their alms among the most indigent and distressed sort of people, he hath observed TWO POPISH PRIESTS to frequent VVestminster, one of which is called Southwell, who is, and long hath been a prisoner in the Gatehouse, but*These Priests had liberty to goe & live abroad even whiles they were prisoners, the more safely to seduce the people. lies about Clerkenwel, This Southwell, under a pretence of distributing Almes, sent FROM SOME OF THE PRIESTS IN SOMERSET-HOUSE, or OTHER PAPISTS, doth take occasion to go into divers visited Houses in VVestminster, and namely to the house of one VVilliam Baldwin, and VVilliam Stiles in the Kemp-yard in VVestminster, and there finding Baldwin neer the point of death, did set upon him by all meanes to make him change his religion, whereunto by his subtile perswasions Baldwin easily consented, and received the Sacrament from him according to the Church of Rome, and so died a Romish-catholique. And in the same maner he perverted William Stiles, who also died a Romish-catholique. And South-well to colour and hide these wicked practices, doth see the Watchmen and other poor people thereabouts, that they should affirm he comes onelyonly to give Almes. And thus under a pretence of relieving the bodies of poor people, he comes onelyonly to poysons their souls.
Now may it please your Grace, the Petitioner having no means to apprehend these Priests, or to stop this danger and dishonour to our Religion, doth humbly implore your Graces favour and zeal, that some speedy course may be taken to hinder the progresse thereof; and that not onelyonly for the confirming and setling of poor people in our Religion, but also to prevent a great danger which may ensue to the Queenes Maiestie at her coming to Denmarke-house, for that divers poor people newly turned Romish-Catholiques, do commonly frequent the Masse at Denmarke-house; And three of those poor people watched all night with VVilliam Stiles immediately before he died, and the next day went thither to Masse. A most wicked course if it should not be remedied.
Upon this, Southwell soon after was apprehended, indicted, arraigned, and the premises fully proved against him by sundry witnesses; and yet by the Queens and VVindebanks powerfull meanes, his finall triall was put off, to the great discontent of the people, & he not long after released, even neer the verie time that D. Bastwicke, Mr. Burton, and Mr. Prynne, were most grievously censured in the Star-chamber, and most barbarously pillored, deprived of their eares, stigmatized, yea sent away Close-prisoners and exiles into forraign Islands, and there shut up so strait, that not so much as their Wives of Friends might have accesse by person or letter to them, nor set footing in the Islands where they were cloistered up, under pain of imprisonment and the severest censures; and all for opposing the Popish Doctrines and Innovations brought into our Church by the Prelaticall and Popish Confederates, who conspired to undermine our Religion, and boldly discovering this their conspiracy spiracie in printed bookes, to the incredulous secure world, who never dreamed of such an imminent danger to our religion, which is since more palpably and experimentally discovered. To such an exorbitant power and prevalency had the Priests and Popish faction then attained.
Secondly, if any Priests or Jesuits were committed in the Countrey, then it was this Secretaries ordinary practice to send for them up to London, by his own Warrant and Messengers, under pretence of proceeding against them here, and so to release them: to give you one late instance (most Counties having made experiences of this practice.)
Patricke Clerye, a dangerous Priest, was committed by the Earle of Salisbury to Hortford-Gaole by this Warrant.
YOu shall receive herewith the body of Patricke Clerye, who BY HIS OWN CONFESSION made before me IS A SEMINARY PRIEST. Wherefore these are to will and require you to take into your custodie the body of the said Patricke Clerye, and him to keepe in durance, till he shall be delivered by sufficient Warrant for that behalf. And herein you may not faile, at your perill.
Dated at Hertford this 26. of June, 1643. Salisbury. To the Keeper of his Majesties Gaole of Hertford, or his Deputies there.
Within few dayes after this Priest was removed and released by Windebanke, by colour of this juggling Warrant.
BY vertue of HIS MAJESTIES COMMAND to me given, These are to wil and require you forth with upon sight hereof, to deliver the body of Patricke Clerye, now prisoner in your custody, into the hands of this bearer, one of the Messengers of His Majesties Chamber, sent purposely for him, who is to bring him hither, to be*That is to be released. proceeded with, as his Majesty shal please further to direct; and hereof you may not faile at your perill.
Dated at Whitehall, 21. July, 1640. Fran: Windebanke. To the Keeper of His Majesties Gaole of Hertford, and to all others whom it doth or may concerne.
By such a Warrant as this, Captaine Read, that active Lay-Iesuite, mentioned in *Pag. 20, 21, 22.Romes-Master-piece, the common Host and Agent of the Jesuits Society in England, and chiefe Agent in the late Irish rebellion, was freed from the Gaole in Devonshire where he was imprisoned, and then inlarged, and especially protected by the King, in manner following; by the King himself, and this Letter of Grace.
By the King.
VVHereas we have received good testimonie of the loyaltie and dutie of Our *O that the King should trust and stile such a Traytor wel-beloved, and grant him such speciall grace, and protection.trusty and wel-beloved Captaine Iohn Read, and because the may be subject to the penalties of the Lawes against RECVSANCY, These are to signifie, That We are GRACIOVSLY PLEASED to extend OVER SPECIALL GRACE towards him; and doe hereby will and command, that no Indictment, Presentment, Information, or Suit in our Name, or in the name OF ANY OTHER BEE HENCEFORTH commenced, prosecuted, or accepted against him by ANY OF OVER OFFICERS AND SVBJECTS WHATSOEVER for or concerning RECVSANCIE. And if any such shall happen, then Our will and pleasure is, that upon sight hereof the same shall be discharged and made void, or otherwise not prejudiciall unto him. Given under Our Signet, the 13. day of July, in the tenth yeere of Our Reigne.
To all and singular Our Iudges of Assize, Iustices of Peace, Majors, Sheriffs, Clerks of Assize, Basiliffs, Constables, Informers, and all other Our Officers and Ministers, whom it doth or may concern, and to every of them.
This Letter of extraordinary grace and protection to this Arch-Traitor, Conspirator and Rebell, is entred of Record in the Sessions-booke of the Clerke of the Peace of Middlesex at the Sessions held 6. Oct. 13. Caroli, pag. 261. and in the Crown Office too, where those who please, or doubt of it, may peruse it at their pleasure.
3. This Secretary committed some, and much blamed other Officers only for apprehending & molesting Popish Priests; and released Iames a Priest taken in Execution for a debt, by commanding an Officer to bring him out of prison to his chamber to examine him, and there by collusion permitted him to escape; for which escape thus fraudulently procured, the Jailor and Officer were inforced to pay the debt.
The Warrants to free Priests and Jesuits out of prison before and without Indictments, to prohibit them from Indictments, to reprieve and release them after they have been arraigned and condemned, are almost numberlesse.
The Jesuits apprehended by Justice Long in their new erected Colledge of Clerkenwell, in the third yeere of the Kings Reigne, were all bailed and released before they were Indicted and tried, by speciall directions from the King; which abuse was much complained of, and examined in the Parliament held that yeer: and how many scores of Priests have been since released without any prosecution and Indictment, when apprehended, the premised Warrants and the Goal-books thorowout England will at test; Windebanke releasing above 80. as was proved in*Novemb. 11 12. 1640. See the Iournall Book. Parliament.
4. Iunii 1633. A privie Seale reciting that one Iohn Broughton was indicted for a Priest, was directed by the King to the Judges of the Kings Bench to stay proceedings against him, which is recorded in the Crowne Office; whereupon this Warrant was made under the Lord chiefe Justice Richardsons hand.
WHereas there is an Indictment remaining upon Record in the Kings Majesties Court of his Bench at Westminster, against Iohn Broughton of London Clerke, otherwise Iohn Crowder of London Clerk. And whereas His Majestie hath directed his privie Seal to me, and to the rest of the Judges of the said Court, for staying of prosecution of the said Indictment against the said Iohn Broughton, by the name of Iohn Broughton of Ruerdeane in the County of Gloucester, the said Iohn Broughton being one and the self-same person, though diversly stiled in the Privie Seale, and in the Indictment. Therefore let the Clerke of the Crown keep the said Privie Seale and stay Processe upon the said Indictment untill Further order be taken, and this shall be your Warrant.
4 Iunii 1633. Thomas Richardson Ch. J.
This Broughton, at the Sessions of Oyer and Terminer for the City of London, 22. Febr. 7. Car. R. was indicted for a Priest, which Indictment was afterwards removed into the Kings Bench returnable immediately, and there stayed by this former Order.
Anno 1643. Henry Rivers, Francis Foster, William Atkins, Francis Cotes, and George Parret, Priests & Jesuits, were all indicted in the Kings Bench of high Treason for being Priests. Upon this, George Parret presented this ensuing Petition to the King in the behalfe of himself and his fellowes (recorded in the Crown Office, with the proceedings on it) being the boldest piece, and most presumptuous sawcie affront to the proceedings of Justice against Priests and Papists, that I have met with; and yet receiving such a gracious answer from his Majesty which most would have thought he would have rejected with highest indignation) as may well amaze his Protestant Subjects.
To the Kings most Excellent Majesty.
The humble Petition of George Parret Gentleman.
IN all humility sheweth, That whereas your Petitioner, with other foure ROMAN CATHOLIKES, by EVILL EVIDENCE was in his and their absence indicted the 25. of Iune last, in your Majesties Court of Kings Bench for high Treason, for having taken Orders OF PRIESTHOOD beyond Seas, and returning to England, contrary to the Statutes of this your Highnesse Realme in this case provided.
Now for as much as your Petitioner, together with the rest, are*See how holdly they asperse the prosecutors and witnesses that dare appeare against them. PROSECUTED UNJUSTLY by SOME MALICIOUS ADVERSARY, in hope to ruine him, or them upon no ground or occasion, but meerly upon surmises, venturing even to sweare, WHATSOEVER THEIR MALICE CAN INVENT, or what they can finde to be for their owne gaine or advantage, being persons easily to be gained with any small summe of money from prosecuting whatsoever they pretend BOLDLY to concerne the State and good service to the Crown, as a particular information is readie to be given of such persons ordinarie practices, AND DAYLY VEXATIONS OF ROMAN CATHOLIKES, ALTHOVGH*Nota. CERTAINLY KNOWN AND DESERVED TO BE OF THE NVMBER OF YOVR MAJESTIES MOST LOYALL AND OBEDIENT SVBJCTS, if it may please your Majestie to appoint either that the Secretaries of State, or any of your Justices of Peace to hear the same.
Further sheweth, That the Petitioner and the rest, untill sixe daies after the said Indictment, had *Many who obscure themselves, are and may be lawfully indicted without notice, in cases of Treason or Felony, and thereupon outlawed to being them inno notice of the said proceedings, nor to his knowledge ever saw him that gave such evidence against him: which course as it is*Most ordinary, he should have said. most extraordinary, having neither been nor practised neither in the time of Queene Elizabeth, nor of your Majesties Royall Father of blessed memorie in a case of this nature, without speciall order of their Majesties, or of the Lords of their Majesties privie Councell, and the parties so to be indicted, to be actually held, and present; so may it this way happen to any of your Majesties subjects whatsoever, to be in danger of conviction of a Priest by outlary, by means of any malicious adversary, without any notice at all, to their utter ruine, and without all due consideration and respect OF THE WORTHY ESTEEM WHICH YOUR HIGHNESSE MOST GRACIOUS CLEMENCY TOWARDS YOUR*He means Romane Priests and Catholikes, now abundantly varified in England and Ireland. LOYALL SUBJECTS HATH JUSTLY GAINED EVERY WHERE.
The premises considered, and the present danger whereunto your Petitioner, together with your Majest es LOYAL AND OBEDIENT SUBJECTS, are lyable by such indirect and unaccustomed means: They most humbly beseech your Highnesse would be graciously pleased to give present order, That the proceedings upon the said Indictment may be stopped or superseded. AND NO SUCH COURSE HEREAFTER TAKEN AGAINST THEM OR OTHERS, Without expresse Order from your Majesty, or the Lords of your Majesties most honourable privie Councel, as the custome hath formerly been:
And your Petitioner, together with the rest, as in duty bound, will daily pray for your Majesties long and happy Raigne.
To this insolent Petition, extending to all Roman Priests and Catholiques, and prescribing what proceedings shall be hereafter used against them, this Answer was returned to my Lord Richardson, then chief Iustice, by Windebanck.
My Lord,
I Send your Lordship herewith a Petition presented to His Majesty by George Parret Gentleman, which His Majesties pleasure is, That your Lordship shall take into consideration: and if you finde undue practice against the Petitioner and the rest, as is suggested in the Petition, then your Lordship is to certifie His Majesty thereof; and howsoever, in the mean time, to stay the Indictment, and any proceedings against the Petitioner and the rest; which is all I have to your Lordship at this time.
To my honoured friend, Sir Thomas Richardson, Knight, Chief Iustice of His Majesties Court of King-Bench, Westm. 20. Iuly 1634. Your Lordships loving friend, Fran. Windebank.
Hereupon those Indictments were stayed, contrary to Law, Iustice, and the Iudges Oaths.
Henry Morse, a Romish Priest, was committed prisoner to Newgate, by a Warrant from the Lords of the privie Councel, dated March 26. 1637. Iune 20. following he was released by vertue of this Royall Warrant, after two Indictments preferred against him, he being a most dangerous seducer, who perverted no lesse then 560. persons in and about Saint Giles parish, as appeared by a Certificat read in Court.
Charles R.
WHereas at the instance of Our dearest Consort the Queen, We have been pleased to grant, that Henry Morse, lately indicted upon suspition of being a Priest, and still prisoner in our Goale of Newgate, shall be inlarged, upon sufficient security given to appeare before the Lords of Our privie Councell when he shall be thereto called. And for as much as We understand that he hath given sufficient security for that purpose, Wee do therefore will and command forthwith to inlarge and set at liberty the body of the said Henry Morse, for which this shall be your sufficient Warrant.
Greenwitch the 20, day of Iune, in the thirteenth yeer of Our raigne. To the Keeper of the Goale of Newgate, and to his Deputy.
Before which, Secretary Windebanke granted this Warrant for him to put in his security.
WHereas His Majesty hath been pleased to command, that Henry Morse, prisoner in Newgate, shall be discharged from his imprisonment, giving sufficient security to appear before the Lords of His Majesties most Honourable privie Councel, upon 20. dayes warning given him to that purpose. These are therefore to will and require you, to bring the body of the said Henry Morse to my house in Westminster to morrow, being Saturday at eight of the clock in the morning, to enter security accordingly. And so for doing this shall be your warrant.
Dated at Westminster, 16. June 1637. Fr. Windebancke. To the keeper of the prison of Newgate, and his Deputy.
What favour and protection the Priests and Jesuits found from Secretary Windebanke, and the Archbishop of Canterbury, who brought him into this place; and what discouragement, injuries the prosecutors of them sustained, onelyonly to take off all prosecutions of them, will appeare by this subsequent attestation of Mr. Newton and others, both before the whole*See the Iournal Book Nov. 11, 12. 1640. house of Commons, and a Committee; and now put in writing under their owne hands, who are and will be ready to avow it in all particulars.
FRancis Newton Gentleman, about thirteene yeares last past, obtained a generall Warrant from the Lords of his Majesties Privy Councell, for the apprehending of Jesuits, Seminary-Priests, transporters of children &c.
By vertue of which Warrant he the said Newton, together with his servant Iohn Cooke, did apprehend at severall times divers Jesuits and Priests, to the number of 36. at his great charge and hazard of life; who were brought before Secretary Cooke, and others, and by them committed to severall prisons: Whereupon the late Secretary Windebanke discharged the said Jesuits and Priests, and committed Newton and Cooke severall times to prison for performing their service, to their great charges and hazard of life.
The said Windebanke sending for Newton, tooke from him at severall times eight Watches (formerly taken from Priests, and given to him by the Lords,) to the value of 70. pound.
Moreover, the said Windebanke took from Newton two rich units of popish Vestments, formerly given him by the Lords of the Privy Counceil; The said Windebanke engaging his Honour to Newton, that he should receive from the Queene 200. pounds or the Vestments againe; Newton often demanded the same of Windebanke, yet could never get them, nor the value of them, but onelyonly threatning words.
Divers Jesuits and Priests constantly frequently the said Windebankes house; and amongst the rest one Henry Lloyd, alias Francis Smith, alias Francis Ryvers, alias Francis Simons, a grand Jesuite, a great seducer, and chiefe agent in the great and damnable plot of the Gun-powder-treason, who by the counsell of Windebanke and some of his adherents, gave a judgement of 300. pound to be a prisoner to the Fleet, that the State nor Messengers should take no notice of his Iesuiticall Plot.
The said Newton, together with one Thomas Mayo, about August in the tenth yeare of the King, searching the house of one Bartholmen Frumman Esquire, of Cheame, in the County of Surrey, found the said Lloyd, alias Ryvers the Jesuite there; who going to carry him away, the said Jesuit shewed him and two high Constables the said Windebankes Warrant, that no Messenger or any other person should molest him, whereupon they left him there.
Moreover the said Jesuite then said to Newton and Mayo and the high Constables, these words: Are you angry with me for being here? if you will stay till to morrow being Monday, you shall see seven more Priests of us here; this he spake in a vaunting way, having a protection from Windebanke.
The said Newton and Mayo the Michaelmas-Terme following indicted the said Jesuite and Frumman the harbourer in the Kings-Bench, and proceeded to the Vtlary: whereupon Windebanke sent a Warrant and apprehended Newton and Mayo, and threatned them, that if they did not forthwith forbeare prosecuting the said Jesuit and harbourer, he would immediately lay them by the heels; but the said Newton and Mayo proceeded to the Vtlary against them both, notwithstanding: which Windebanke perceiving, caused Justice, Bartlet to stay the proceedings thereupon.
This Francis Smith the Jesuit said to M. Waddesworth and M. Taxley these words (in Norfolke) some yeers since, That it is not now a time nor way to bring in their Religion by disputing or books of Controversie, BVT IT MVST BE DONE BY AN ARMY, AND BY FIRE AND SWORD.Nota.
The said Jesuit usually frequented the now Archbishop of Canterbury, and was very seldome from him: which Jesuit perswading Cooke, Newtons servant, to goe with Sir Kenelm Digby into France, that so Cooke might give no more information against Priests; and promising him great preferments there, he did about Christmas was foure yeers, cary Cooke one morning to Sir Kenelms bed-side at M. Burgesses in S. Martins in the Fields, where after some discourse, Smith taking his leave of Sir Kenelm, prayed him in Cookes hearing, to excuse him to my Lord of Canterbury, that he could not dine that day with his Lordship; and prayed him to desire my Lord of Canterbury, to remember the businesse that he last spake with him about. To which Sir Kenelm replied, that he would not faile him to doe it, for he was to dine with my Lord of Canterbury that day.
Iohn Gray, a Messenger, took one Fisher a grand Jesuit, who having been severall times examined before the Lords of the Councell, the said Canterbury came from the King, and delivered this sentence against him: viz. Mr. Fisher, fall downe upon your knees, and pray for the King, that he is so mercifull unto you to save your life. It is the Kings pleasure that you must be banished the Kingdome; and be committed to the Gate-house, there to remain, untill you put in good security never to return again.
Yet suddenly after the said Fisher his imprisonment, Windebanke released him, and gave him a protection, That no Messenger, nor any other person should molest him, upon paine of his displeasure.
The said Gray and Cooke afterwards (not knowing of his Protection) apprehended Fisher; whereupon he shewed him his Protection from Windebanke, and was thereupon discharged. VponUpon which Gray and Cook went to Secretary Cook and told him that Fisher was discharged by Windebanke. Whereupon Master Secretary commanded Gray to go to my L. of Canterbury, and tell him of Fishers discharge. VponUpon this Gray and Cook went accordingly to speak with Canterbury, yet could not have any admittance to him; but spake with M. Dell his Secretary, and demanded a Warrant of him under Canterburies hand to apprehend Fisher the Jesuite: who replied and said to Gray, that he was an idle fellow to come for a Warrant from my Lord, for he would meddle with no such matter as that was; but bid Gray, if he would have a Warrant, he should repaire to the Councell-board; VponUpon which Gray answered and said, I see how the game goes now; is not my Lord Metropolitane of England, and ought not he to grant me a Warrant? but I hope eye it be long to see better dayes. VponUpon this the next day following Canterbury complained of Gray, and brought him before the Councell, and committed him to the Fleet, where he remained 14. weeks. After which Canterbury seeing the Lords would discharge Gray, who oft petitioned them by his wife, caused Windebank to lay his Warrant upon him; wherupon he there remained prisoner 7. weeks more. And upon often petitioning by Grayes wife, Windebanke was at last contented to discharge Gray, so that Gray would put in good security unto him THAT HE WOULD NOT HEREAFTER APPREHEND ANY MORE PRIESTS.
The said Newton apprehended Henry Gifford, a dangerous Iesuit, and brought him before Iustice Griffith, where he was tendred the Oath of Supremacy and Allegiance; whereupon the said Iesuite replyed and said these words: I wish to God, that all those who made the Oathes of Allegiance and Supremacie, that their tongues were seered in their mouthes, and all those that gave consent thereto. Whereupon the said Iustice told him, that the King, the Lords, and Commons had made these Oathes, and committed him to prison. The next day following, the Iustice and Newton were intreated to come to Secretary Windebank to speak with him concerning the Iesuit; Which they doing, Windebank said to Newton, Is this a Priest or a Iesuit? Newton answered and said, If he be not a Priest, he is worse than a Priest; and told him the aforesaid dangerous words. Then said Windebanke to the Iesuit (be being brought before him by Windebankes direction) I will not baile you for a world; and sent him to prison. But notwithstanding, that night or the next day, he set him at liberty, without giving Newton his Fees.
Newton and Cook apprehended one Fit-Iames, an Arch-spie for Rome, and brought him before Windebank; yet Drew Lovet an Arch-Papist wrought so with him, that he took Lovets word for his appearance before him, and discharged Newton of him. About foure dayes after Windebank told Newton that Iames had given him good satisfaction concerning him. Afterwards Iames being arrested upon a Bill of Middlesex, at the suit of one Lincoln, upon a debt of 200. l. and put into the Gatehouse, Windebanke thereupon hearing of his arrest (and solicited by Lloyd alias Smith, the forenamed grand Iesuit, and Lovet the Papist) sent for Newton, and gave him a warrant to take the plaintife Lincoln and the Bailiffe, for arresting Iames; who did apprehend and bring them before Windebanke. He thereupon sent for the prisoner Iames to be brought before him, who being brought, he delivered him to Newton, and said, This is your prisoner, for the King shall be served before you, Meaning the plaintife. Newton answered, May it please your Honour, you have discharged him from me these 6. daies agone, and I have nothing to do with him. Windebanke replyed and said, That is all one, you shall take him. And if the plaintif be not contented therewith, I will lay him by the heeles. Whereupon he was delivered to Newton. But immediately upon the plaintifs going away, Windebanke caused Newton to deliver him the prisoner, and then Windebanke delivered the prisoner to Lovet, and bid him shift for himselfe. Upon which the plaintif lost his debt, and lay in prison for the monies.
Moreover, the said Windebanke at sundry times threatned Cooke, that if ever he did go with Newton or any other to shew them any Priests, he would lay Cook in prison; and that he would take a course that he should never come out. And also said, that he would have Cook whipt about the streets; and caused Cook to fall downe upon his knees to ask forgivenesse for what he had done formerly against Iesuits and Priests, having made a Mittinius to send him to the Gate-house, which he would not revoke, unlesse he would make such submission.
Witnessed by VsUs
Fran. Newton.
Thomas Mayo.
James Wadsworth.
John Cooke.
To this I shall adde two relations more. During my imprisonment in the Tower of London, Captaine Francis Conesby Surveyer of the Ordnance, went one morning about the yeare 1633. to the New prison to visit one William Drury a Priest (who had formerly brought him a letter from a speciall friend in the Low Countries being then a prisoner there; comming into the prison and inquiring for his Chamber, he was brought into a large Hall, with sundry partitions on one side (like drinking roomes in an Alchouse or Tavern) and a curtain drawn before each of them; where he saw some walking, others sitting in the Hall; who informed him that Drury in one of those Roomes: and going in order from one of them to the other, he found a Priest and a woman privately together at confession in every one of them, and Drury with a very handsome Chambermaide well clad in the uppermost of them. With whom having some conference about halfe an houre in his Chamber, as he was returning backe through the Hall, hee found a Priest there saying Masse, and the Iaylor himselfe with a Censor persuming the roome, and censing the same, (at they use in Popish Masses) and so many people, men and women, kneeling downe in the Hall, that hee could hardly passe by. At which strange sight he was much amazed, and not long after being in my company, upon a discourse concerning the increase of Popery, and favour shewed to Priests, hee related this story to me with much regrect, avouching the truth thereof upon his credit.
Since the sitting of this Parliament, by the houses speciall direction there were severall Priests arraigned and condemned at Newgate much against his Majesties will, who notwithstanding both Houses earnest request to the contrary reprieved them from execution; and after many messages was hardly drawne to condescend to revoke this reprive, and yeeld them up to publike justice: which being granted, the Parliament out of their lenity spared the lives of some of them, who remaine still prisoners in Newgate; where they have gained so much favour and so far corrupted the Keepers, that even since the Covenant and Protestation taken, they have had Masses publikely in their chambers, of which information being given, and a warrant made to Master Newton to search their chambers, during the very last Sessions but one at Newgate, who searching Peter Milfords chamber (being the most active dangerous seducer of all the rest) found about Masse time an Altar ready furnished in his Chamber, foure severall suites of Massing Vestments, with sundry Crucifixes, Agnus Deies, Reliques, Masse-bookes, and other such Romish trinkets, (all delivered to the late Lord Mayors custodie) with no lesse then eleven persons at Masse, five of them Prisoners in the House, and the other sixe strangers; of which grosse abuse and intollerable connivance at condemned Traytors (under the very Parliaments and Courts of Sessions Noses, in these dangerous times, even since the Covenant and Protestation taken) information was given, and complaint made in open Court, at the Sessions in the Old Bayly, by Master Newton in my hearing, and thereupon order given (if observed) to prevent such licentious abuses for the future, deserving the severast censures for the present.
I shall adde one most remarkeable occurrent more, done in one of the highest Courts of publike Iustice, in the Kings owne Name, by his speciall Command, in favour of a great convicted Popish Recusant (now in Armes against the Parliament) in derogation of his owne royall Iustice and interest.
Hill. 130 Caroli B. R. A Writ of Error was brought by the Kings Attorney, in the Kings owne name, to quashan Indictment of Recufancie against the Marquesse of Winchester, (whiles Lord Seint Iohn in the life of his Father) upon the Statute of 3. Iacobi. cap. 4. For not repairing to Church, &c. which Indictment was found before the Iustices of Assise, almost 20. yeeres before this Writ was brought. Now because this Statu…e expressely enacts; That the Indictment shall not be reversed, avoyded or discharged by reason of any default, informe, or for lacke of forme, or other defect whatsoever, other then by direct Traverse to the point of not comming to Church, or not receiving the Sacrament of the Lords Supper, but shall stand in force and be proceeded upon, any such default informe, or other …efect what soeuer notwithstanding; unlesse the party indicted first conform; himselfe: Hereupon (to evade this wholesome Law, and doe this grand Recusant an extraordinary Royall favour, transcending all Parallels whatsoever) the King himselfe (the Recusant Marquesse being thus disabled by this Law) brought a Writ of Error in the Kings Bench to reverse this ancient Indictment (upon which the Marquesse was outlawed) and his Attorney Generall (Sir Iohn Bankes) assigned severall Errors to reverse the Kings owne suite and proceedings against this Grand Papist, who had no meanes to avoyd it. And because that learned, stout, upright Iudge; Sir George Crooke, did often declare his opinion in Court; That the King could not bring a Writ of Errour to reverse his owne Iudgement given for him; that it was both a dammage and dishonour to the King, and a meere deluding of this Statute to admit of such an unheard of Writ as this: The Attorney Generall, averred in open Court; THAT THE WRIT WAS BROVGHT BY SPECIALL WARRANT AND COMMAND OF THE KING. Whereupon afterwards in Trin…ty Terme 14 Carol…; the Indictment was quashed by Iudge Bramston, Iones and Berkely upon this Writ, much against the good will and opinion of Iudge Crooke: and that upon these two …rivolous Errours. First, because the Iudgement was that the Marquesse, forisfiat 20…. where it ought to be forisfaciat. Secondly, because that in the entry of the Iudgement this word, Capiatur, was omitted. And Iudge Ioanes said; that for want of Addition or other errour in sait the King shall not reverse an Indictment on this Act, but otherwise it was of an Error in Law. But I feare the greatest Error in this Case, was in the King and these Iudges in opening such an illegall gap for Popish Recusants wholy to evade this Law, penned with as much care and judgement as possible upon the horrid Popish plot of the Gunpowder Treason, which would have blowne up this Parliament. The record of this notorious case, and the Iudgement given upon it, is extant in the Crowne Office.
In few words: the Papists have lately gained such an high opinion in his Majesties judgement and affections; that he not onelyonly …tiles them, his Loyall, dutifull, trusty and wel-beloved Subjects, in all his forementioned letters of Grace; but even now principally relies upon their forces & contributions;*… Master Iohn Whites first Century of scandalous malignant Priests, p. 29. 25. as his best and faithfullest Subjects and Guard; insomuch that divers of our Prelaticall Clergy have cryed them up in their Pulpits (as well at the King and others in Court) for his Majesties best and most bountifull Leiges, witnesse the speech of Iohn Wells Parson or Shimplin in Suffolke, sequestred by the Parliament, who affirmed, THAT THE PAPISTS WERE THE KINGS BEST SVBIECTS. And of Iohn Squire Vicar of Shorditch; (who in his last Printed Sermons stiles himself Iohn Squire Priest) sequestred, for that he hath publikely Preached in his Sermons That the Papists are the kings best Subiects, for their lo…alty and for their liberality, many of them like Arauna, having given like Kings to the King: and for their patience, that enduring very many grievances under his Majestie; they had buried them all in oblivion: exhorting that none should come to the Sacrament, unlesse they were so affected to his Maiestie as the Papists were. And comparing his Majestie to the man that went from Hierusalem to Ieriche, who fell among theeves, that wounded him in his Honour, robbed him of his Castles, and hearts of his people: he said, that the Priest passing by was the Protestant: the forward Professor, the Levite; but, the Papist was the good Samaritan: Especially the Irish Papist: and that the Subjects and all they have are at the Kings Command.
From all these Premises; compared with the Plot and conspiracy of the Pop…. Jesuites, Papists of all sorts against our Religion, discovered in Romes Masterpeece: the Rise and Progresse of the Irish Rebellion: The Articles of Pacification made with the Irish Rebels there, stiled neither Rebels nor Traytors, but his Majesties*In the Coppie printed at Shrewsbury. Good Roman Catholicke Subiects; authorised by Commissions from his Majesty under the great Seale, now at last (if not at first) to take up Armes against all Protestants who shall not submit to this strange Pacification there, after the bloody slaughter, and butchery of above an hundred and forty thousand Innocent Protestant (whose blood must passe altogether unrevenged by the hands of Royall publick justice;) and by speciall Commissions (as we are most certainely informed, a very probable argument they had not onelyonly pretended but reall Commissions from the King at first for what they acted against the Protestants in Ireland) are now sent for over into England (where thousands of them are lately arrived and more daily expected) to sight against the Parliament, and Massacre English Protestants in their owne Countrey, as freely as they did in Ireland: his Majestie making base Irish monies currant in England by speciall Proclamation, in favour of the Irish rebels, to be transported and made current good Subjects here, to murther us: the late intercepted Bull, with other Papers and Commissions newly intercepted, and ordered to be forthwith published in Print. By all these our whole 3. Kingdomes if not the very blindest, and most incredulous Malignants (unlesse given over to a reprobate sence) must of necessity now see and acknowledge that there is and hath bin all his Majesties Reigne till this instant, a most strong cunning desperate confederacie prosecuted, (wherin the Queens Majestie hath bin cheife) to set up Popery in perfection and extirpate the Protestant party & Religion in all his Majesties Dominions, which plot now visibly appeares above ground, and is almost ripened to perfection, unlesse Gods owne Almighty Power, and our unanimous, vigilant, strenu…us opposition, prevent its finall accomplishment.
For my owne particular, I many yeeres since through Gods goodnesse to me) by many infallible Symptomes clearely discovered, and to my power publikely detected, oppugned this prevalent growing confederacie in sundry Printed Bookes; especially in my Perpetuity of a Regenerate Mans estate, Anti-Arminianisme, Dr. Cosens his Cozening Devotions; Lame Giles his …altings; The Vubishoping of Timothy and Titus; The Antipathy of the English Prelacy to unity and Minarchy; A Looking-glasse for Lordly Prelates; but especially in my Quench Coale, written in the Tower of London; for which good publicke service what a strange ingrate requitall I received, from the pretended Fathers of our Church, and defendors of our faith, is too well knowne to the world. During my Imprisonment in the Tower, I met with some more speciall passages in Popish writers, which much confirmed me in the reality of this Conspiracie against our Religion, and to re-establish Popery; which because then unobvious and unknown to most, I had an intention to have published, as I could gaine oportunity; but my close Imprisonment there, and Exile into Wales and Iersie, prevented this designe. Wherefore I shall for a close of this Narration; present you now, with what I then intended. The first was these ensuing letters of the Pope to the King (when Prince of Wales and in Spaine) and of the King to the Pope, in answer thereof, recorded by Andrew de Chesue, Chronographer to the King of France, in his History of England, Scotland, and Ireland, l. 22. f. 1162. Printed at Paris Cum Privilegio, the last Edition, p. 509. 510, &c. And in the French Mercury, Tom. 9: Which Letters and Articles of the Spanish Match, layd the foundation stone of all his Majesties ensuing favours to Romish Recusants, Priests, Iesuites, and most punctually discover his good affection and inclination to the Roman Party, if not to that Religion, ever since manifested towards them, and abundantly detected by the premises, I shall here insert the same as I finde them lately printed in French and English, by others.