Romes Masterpiece
The source for this document is https://quod.lib.umich.edu/e/eebo/A56199.0001.001
Project Note
This is licensed under Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND. This license allows reusers to copy and distribute the material in any medium or format in unadapted form only, for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.
The source of this document is the Early English Books Online (EEBO-TCP) website. Those books were transcribed in a character for character manner and can be very cumbersome to read since there was no standard spelling during that time. Many spelling variations such as "unlesse", "vnlesse", and "vnles" regularly appear.
This project was conceived to clean up those books as much as possible and make them more accessible to the interested reader, leading to the creation of a massive list of variant spellings and their corrections. This was used to clean up the text, but is of course only as complete as the list itself. Because of the nature of the original transcription, some words have missing characters or places where the original language (e.g., Greek) was not transcribed. This effort does not change that. Be aware that the original transcription can also be faulty and in some cases entire sentences may be missing.
Although this is no substitute for a properly compared, proofed, and scholarly edition, I believe that the result is a document which is far more accessible, particularly for searching for terms using standard spelling. The document has been cleaned and presented in what I hope is a pleasing and useful format for the vast majority of Christian brothers and sisters who just want access to read these spiritually nourishing works.
However, a word of warning: The Puritans were a very diverse group of people and their age was characterized with godliness, but also much upheaval, disputation and strife. They disagreed on many doctrines and some of these works contain less orthodox or Scriptural views than others. The reader is strongly advised to read with discernment, particularly if it is unknown whether author is trustworthy.
This project took a huge amount of time and skill to bring to fruition. I would particularly like to thank David Jonescue for the initial list of Puritans he found on EEBO and the concept behind this project as well as the continuous, unceasing efforts toward seeing this complete. Without his labor, this would not be available. Alex Sarrouf was invaluable in providing the initial list of over 7,000 spelling variations he had identified and corrected, as well as continuing to review more than 16,000 additions to that list for any typos.
Logan West
(with David Jonescue and Alex Sarrouf)
www.puritansearch.org
ROMES MASTER-PEECE: OR, The Grand Conspiracy of the Pope and his Jesuited Instruments, to extirpate the Protestant Religion, re-establish Popery, subvert Laws, Liberties, Peace, Parliaments, by kindling a Civil War in Scotland, and all his Majesty's Realms, and to poison the King himself in case he comply not with them in these their execrable Designes.
Revealed out of Con • cience to Andreas ab Habernfeld, by an Agent sent from Rome into England, by Cardinal Barbarino, as an Assistant to Con the Popes late Nuncio, to prosecute this most Execrable Plot, (in which he persisted a principal Actor several years) who discovered it to Sir William Boswell his Majesty's Agent at the Hague, 6 Sept. 1640. He, under an Oath of Secresie, to the Arch-bishop of Canterbury (among whose Papers it was casually found by Master Prynne, May, 31. 1643.) who communicated it to the King, As the greatest business that ever was put to him.
Published by Authority of Parliament. By William Prynne, of Lincolns Inn, Esquire.
1 COR. 4. 5. The Lord will bring to light the hidden things of Darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts, and then shall every man have praise of God.
It is Ordered by the Committee of the House of Commons in Parliament concerning Printing, this first day of August, 1643. that this Book, Intituled, Rome's Master-Peece, be forthwith Printed by Michael Spark, Senior. John White.
The second Edition.
Printed at London for Michael Sparke, Senior. 1644.
TO The Right Honorable ROBERT Earl of WARWICK, Baron of LEEZE, AND LORD ADMIRALL of all the Parliaments Sea Forces.
Right Honorable,
Y Our eminent zealous Sincerity, and incomparable Activity both by Sea and Land in defense of our undermined, endangered Protestant Religion, Laws, Liberties, Parliament, Nation, against the many late secret Plots, and open Hostilities of Antichristian Romish Vipers, who for sundry years together, have desperately conspired, and most vigorously prosecuted their utter extirpation, and now almost accomplished this their infernal Design, unless God's infinite mercy (which hath never hitherto been wanting to us in times of greatest extremity) miraculously disappoint it; hath induced me to dedicate this Master-p • ece of the Romanists, and Jesuits Iniquity, to your most Noble Patronage.
Wherein your Lordship may summarily behold the most horrid conspiracy against our Reformed Religion, and the very life of the King our Sovereign in case he comply not with them (as now alas He doth overmuch in all things) that ever was discovered to the world: and clearly descry, who have been the real original Contrivers, Fomenters of all those late bloody civil wars, which have suddenly transformed our peaceable, pleasant delectable Edens of England, Ireland, Scotland, into most desolate rueful Acheldamaes, yea Golgothaes, to the just amazement of ourselves, and astonishme • t of all our Neighbor Nations: who now more lament our present Infelicity, then ever their envied our pristine Tranquility.
It was an admirable act of Divine Providence, that a principal Actor in this Conspiracy, sent from Rome to promote it, should out of remorse of conscience prove the first Revealer of it to Sir William Boswell: But it was a far more wonderful hand of God; that after this Plot had been long concealed from public knowledge by Canterbury, who smothered it; he should unexpectedly raise Me up from my foreign Close Prison of Mount-Orgueil Castle in Jersey, (where Canterbury and his Confederates had intombed me sundry years, as a dead man out of mind, whom they remembered no more, reputing me among the number of those that go down into the pit, and as one quite cut off by their hands, never likely to rise up again till the general Resurrection;) and not only reduce me with Honor and Triumph to my Native Country, restore me to my former liberty, and Profession by the Parliaments impartial Justice; and make my former and my fellow Sufferers unjust Censures, the ruin of the S • archamber, Highcommission, and Prelates, who censured us; but likewise, beyond all expectation, send this Archprelate (though the Kings chief Favorite) a Prisoner to the Tower of London, to which I was first of all committed by his malice; and employ me to search his Papers there, where he had formerly twice searched mine by his Instruments, and therehy make Me both the Discoverer and Publisher of this second Gunpowder Plot to the world, after a long concealment of it, (and that in a time most seasonable;) which otherwise, in all probability, had never come to light. O the depth of the Riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his Judgments, and his ways past finding out!
This adorable strange Providence of the God of Heaven, (who revealeth the deep and secret things, and knoweth what is in the darkness, and makes known unto us the Kings matter,) as it should ascertain us, of his future Protection of our Church and State against these Romish Conspirators, whose traiterous Designes he hath formerly most admirably discovered, and frustrated from time to time; So it should add much dignity and acceptation to this Discovory, and enlarge our gratulations to God for it.
To his Blessing I shall in my Prayers recommend this Master-Piece, together with your Lordships Person, and all your Heroic Endeavors for our Religions, our Republics security, and forever remain
Your Lordships most affectionate Servant William Prynne.
SInce the first Publishing in Print of the ensuing Plot and Letters by Authority and Directions from the House of Commons, which employed me in this service; I have been credibly informed by some Friends, that many inoredulous, over- suspicious Malignants (who think there is as much falsehood, dishonesty in others; as in themselves) have questioned the Truth of the ensuing Plot, Letters, Papers; and confidently, if not impudently, averred them to be mere Fictions, without any shadow, proof, reason, ground at all, but their own malicious misbelief.
But to satisfy all the world in this Particular, and these slanderous Infidels too, if not • rodigiously obstinate: I do here attest upon the faith and honor of a Christian;
First, that I found all these ensuing Letters, Papers in the Archbishop of Canterburies Chamber in the Tower of London under his own custody, when I was unexpectedly employed by the Close Committee, in that undesired service of searching it, which the Archbishop himself, his Servants, the Gentlemen and Soldiers, who then accompanied me, with those who employed me, can witness, and have already oft attested.
Secondly, that they were all Originals, no • Copies, under the several hands and Seals of Sir William Boswell, Knight (the Kings own Leger Embassador at Hague in the N • therlands;) Andreas ab Habernfeld, (a Noble Bohemian, Physician to the Queen of Bohemia; a man of known sincerity and untainted reputation:) The Archbishop of Canterbury (who must be the sole forger of the Plot, and Letters, if feigned;) and of the King himself: As the Letters, Papers themselves (o • t viewed by divers of the Lord's, Commons, and other persons of quality for their satisfaction, all now remaining in the Custody of a Committee of the House of Commons, where any incredulous Thomas, who dares trust his own senses, may view them at his leisure) will evidence to all who know their Hands or Seals.
Thirdly, that the Archbishop himself, and his Servants, have confessed the verity, reality of the Plot and Papers to divers who repaired to them for their own resolution therein; and the Archbishop in his late Petition to the Lord's in Parliament for restitution of these Papers, hath again fully acknowledged their reality.
Fourthly, (which puts all out of question) had these Letters, Papers been Forgeries, or Impostures, not real verities, his Majesty himself, or the Oxford Mercury for him; at least the Archbishop, Sir William Boswell, Andreas ab Habernfeld, or some of their Instruments, being all living, and the Presses open; would long ere this have detected this forgery, and disclaimed these Papers and Letters in Print: which neither of them have done in seven Months space; whereas each of them on the contrary (as I am informed) have avouched these several Letters, Papers to be genuine, and their own.
Finally, it had been a strange over-sight, yea madness in myself, and a great dishonor to, a most impolitique devise in the Parliament, to publish forged Letters in these eminent living Persons names; who want neither will, means, nor power immediately to detect, refute, and manifest such a gross Imposture to all the world, to the eternal infamy of the Publishers. Let Malignants and Papists then, with all others, who have any sparks of Honesty, or Policy, remaining in them, henceforth rest assured of the verity, reality, of this Plot, these Papers, though they have formerly doubted of them; else let them perish in their groundless Infidelity; who will neither believe the King, the Archbishop, Sir William Boswell, nor Hab • rnfeld, under their Hands and Seals; nor yet the Parliament, nor Discoverer of them (by an admirable unexpected Divine Providence) who abhors all fictions, frauds, Impostures whatsoever, and can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
I shall only add this to the Premises; that the multitude of his Majesty's royal Letters of Grace, and Discharges of Popish Recusants, Priests, Jesuits, together with his Marriage-Articles, Oaths, Letter to the Pope, and other evidences lately published in The Popish Royal Favorite, the late horrid Rebellion in Ireland, the Rebels seising of the Goods, Estates, and Persons of all the English Protestans there to the Kings use; and their bloody massacre by blood-thirsty Papists, For the exaltation of the holy Roman Catholic Church, and the advancement of his Majesty's service, &c. And that by virtue of his Majesty's special Commission under the Great Seal of Scotland, and Letters of direction sent therewith, for the effecting of this great Work; which Commission, together with the Arguments evidencing the reality thereof, you may read at large in the Mystery of iniquity newly published, pag. 34. to 42. his Majesty's Articles of Pacification with those Rebels, ratified under the Great Seal of England, wherein he calls these bloody Rebels, his Roman Catholic Subjects, and good Subjects in some copies; and gives them Authority to persecute his Protestant Subjects in Ireland's, with license to send such Agents to his Majesty from time to time as they shall think fit; accepting a grant of thirty thousand eight hundred pound from them, and making their base Irish money currant in England by a special Proclamation; his sending for the Soldiers sent by the Parliament into Ireland to subdue the Rebels, and for Irish Rebels too, into England, and that By his Majesty's special Commission and Authority; (as Mercurius Aulicus informs us twice together) and administering an Oath to every Officer and Soldier that shall be transported, To the utmost of his power, and hazard of his life to fight against the Forces now under the conduct of the Earl of Essex, and against all other Forces whatsoever that are or sha • l be raised under what pretence soever, contrary to his Majesty's Command or Authority▪ in defense of our Protestant Religion, Laws, Liberties. All these particulars laid together, will infallibly demonstrate the reality of this design, and how far it hath prevailed even with the King himself; whose heart and person (now wholly captivated and stolen away from the Parliament and Kingdom by these Conspirators) the good God rescue out of their Traytorly hands, and restore unto us in d • e season: which shall be the prayer of the Publishe • of this Plot,
William Prynne.
Errata.
COurteous Reader, I pray correct these Press-errors, which during my absence at St. Albanes, have, through the Printers oversight escaped the Press in this Edition.
Page 4. l. 1. r. suffer, p. 7. l. 20. na •• ragio, p. 9. l. 29. them, and most, p. 15. l. 6. quam, p. 28. l. 3. not brook, l. 27. his zeal, 1. 29. strong, strang, p. 29. l. 33. Chaplain, p. 31. l. 10. men, these, l. 15. yet come into the Kings p, 34. l. 29. his destiny, l. 40. reasonable, l. 46. dele as, p. 35. l▪ 26. conspired.
In the Margin. p. 22. l. 18. small r. female.
ROMES MASTER-PEECE.
I F there be any professing the Protestant Religion within the Kings Dominions, or elsewhere, who are yet so willfully blinded as not to discern, so so • tishly incredulous as not to believe, any real long-prosecuted conspiracy, by former secret practices, and the present wars to extirpate the Protestant Religion, re-establish Popery, and enthrall the people in all three Kingdoms, notwithstanding all visible effects, and transparent Demonstrations of it, lively set forth in the late Declaration of the Lord's and Commons, concerning the Rise and Progress of the Grand Rebellion, with other Remonstrances of that nature, most visibly appearing in the late Articles of Pacification, made by his Majesty's Authority and approbation with the Irish Rebels, contrary to divers Acts of Parliament passed by the King this present Session: Let them now advisedly fixe their Eyes, Minds, upon the ensuing Letters and Discoveries, (seised on by Master Prynne, in the Archbishops Chamber in the Tower, May 31. 1643. by Warrant from the Close Committee, to search his Papers there, being unexpectedly commanded on that service) and then they must needs acknowledge it an indubitable verity; Since Sir William Boswell, the Archbishop himself, if not his Majesty, and those who revealed this Plot, were persuaded of its reality upon the first Dis • overy, before it brake forth openly in Ireland, and England.
Who and what the Author of this Discovery was; who the chief active instruments in the Plot; when, and where they assembled; in what vigorous manner they daily prosecuted it; how effectually they proceeded in it; how difficult it is to dissolve or counter-work it, without special diligence, the Relation it self will best discover. Whose verity if any question, these Reasons will enforce belief:
First, That the Discoverer was a chief Actor in this Plot, sent hither from Rome by Cardinal Barbarino; to assist Con the Popes Legate in the pursuit of it, and privy to all the particulars therein discovered.
Secondly, That the horror and reality of the conspiracy so troubled his conscience, as it engaged him to disclose it, yea to renounce that bloody Church and Religion, which contrived it; though bred up in, preferred by it, and promised greater advancements for his deligence in this design.
Thirdly, That he discovered it under an Oath of Secrecy, and offered to confirm every particular by solemn Oath.
Fourthly, That he discovers the persons principally employed in this Plot, the places and times of their secret conventions; their manner and diligence in the purs • ite of it, with all other circumstance • so punctually, as leaves no place for doubt.
Fifthly, The principal Conspirators nominated by him are notoriously known to be fit instruments for such a wicked design.
Sixthly, Many particulars therein have immediate relation to the King and Archbishop, to whom he imparted this Discovery, and it had been an impudent boldness and irrational, frentick act, to reveal anything for truth to the King and Bishop, which they could disprove on their own knowledge.
Seventhly, Sir William Boswell, and the Archbishop, if not the King himself, were fully satisfied, that it was real and most important.
Eighthly, Some particulars are ratified by the Arch-bishops testimony, in the Memorials of his own life, written with his own hand some years before; and others so apparent, that most intelligent men in Court and City, were acquainted with them whiles they were acting, though ignorant of the plot.
Finally, The late sad effects of this Conspiracy in all three Kingdoms, in prosecution of this design, compared with it, are such a convincing evidence of its reality; and God's admirable hand of Providence in bringing this concealed plot so seasonably to light, (by an instrument unexpectedly raised from the grave of Exile and imprisonment, to search the Arch-bishops papers, in the Tower, who had there seised his in former times, and shut him up close prisoner in a Forraine Dungeon) such a testimony from Heaven super-added to the premises, that he who deemes it an imposture, may well be reputed an Infidel, if not a Monster of incredulity.
The first overture and larger Relation of the plot it self were both writ in Latin, as they are here Printed, and faithfully translated word for word, as near as the Dialect will permit. All which premised, the Letters and plot here follow in order.
Sir Williams Boswels first Letter to the Arch-bishop concerning the Plot.
May it please your Grace,
THe offers (whereof your Grace will find a Copy) here enclosed towards a further and more particular discovery, were first made unto me at the second hand, and in speech, by a friend of good quality and worth in this place; But soon after (as soon as they could be put into Order) were avowed by the principal party; and delivered me in writing by both together: Upon promise, and Oath, which I was required to give, and gave accordingly, not to reveal the same to any other man living but your Grace; and by your Graces hand, unto his Majesty.
In like manner they have tied themselves not to declare these things unto any other, but myself; until they should know, how his Majesty and your Grace would dispose thereof. The Principal giving me withal to know, That he puts himself, and this secret into your Graces power, as well because it concerns your Grace so nearly after his Majesty: As that he knows your wisdom to guide the same aright: And is assured of your Graces fidelity to his Majesty's Person, to our State, and to our Church.
First, Your Grace is humbly, and earnestly prayed, To signify his Majesty's pleasure (with all possible speed) together with your Graces disposition herein, and purpose to carry all with silence, from all, but his Majesty until due time.
Secondly, When your Grace shall think fit to show these things unto his Majesty▪ To do it immediately; not trusting to Letters; nor permitting any other person to be by, or in hearing: And to entreat and counsel his Majesty as in a case of Conscience to keep the same wholly, and solely in his own bosom, from the knowledge of all other creatures living but your Grace; until the business shall be clear, and sufficiently in his Majesty's and your Graces hands to effect.
Thirdly, Not to enqure or demand the names of the parties from whom these overtures do come, or any further discoveries and advertisements in pursuit of them which shall come hereafter, until due satisfaction shall be given in every part of them. Nor to bewray unto any person but his Majesty, in any measure or kind, that any thing of this nature, or of any great importance is come from me.
For as I may believe these overtures are verifiable in the way they will be laid; and that the parties will not shrink: So I may accompt, That if never so little a glimpse, or shadow of these informations shall appear by his Majesty's, or your Graces speech or carriage, unto others, the means whereby the business may be brought best unto trial, will be utterly disappointed: And the parties who have in Conscience towards God, and devotion to his Majesty; affection to your Grace, and compassion of our Country, disclosed these things, will run a present and extreme hazard of their persons, and lives, So easily it will be conjectured (upon the least occasion given upon his Majesty's or your Graces parts) who is the discoverer? By what means, and how he knows so much of these things; And where he is? These are the points, which together with the offers, they have pressed me especially to represent most seriously unto your Grace.
For my own particular, having most humbly craved pardon of any error or omissions, that have befallen me in the mesnaging of this business, I do beseech your Grace to let me know;
First, Whether, and in what order I shall proceed hereafter with the parties?
Secondly, What points of these offers I shall chiefly, and first put them to enlarge and clear?
Thirdly, What other points and enquiries I shall propose unto them? And in what manner?
Fourthly, How far further I shall suffer myself to hear and know these things▪
Fifthly, Whether I shall not rather take the parties answers, and discoveries sealed up by themselves, and having likewise put my own seal upon them, without questioning or seeing what they contain, so to transmit them to his Majesty or your Grace?
Sixthly, Whether I may not insinuate upon some fair occasion, That there will be a due Regard held of them, and their service, by his Majesty and your Grace: When all particulars undertaken in these general offers, and necessary for perfecting the discovery and work intended, shall be effectually delivered to his Majesty on your Grace?
Upon these heads, and such others as his Majesty or your Grace shall think proper in the business, I must with all humility beseech your Grace to furnish me with instructions, and warrant for my proceedings, under his Majesty's hand with your Graces attestation, as by his Majesty's goodness, and Royal disposition is usual in like cases.
May it please your Grace to entertain a Cypher with me upon this occasion, I have sent the Counterpart of one here enclosed: In the vacant spaces whereof your Grace may insert such names more, with numbers to them, as you think requisite.
If these overtures happily sort with his Majesty's and your Graces mind, and shall accordingly prove effectual in their operation, I shall think myself a most happy man, to have had my oblation in so pious a work for my most gracious Sovereign and Master: More particularly, in that your Grace under his Majesty shall be, Opifex rerum & mundi melioris origo. Which I shall incessantly beg in my prayers at his hands, who is the giver of all good things, And will never forsake, or • aile them, who do not first fail, and fall from him: The God of mercy and Peace. With which I remain evermore.
I have not dared to trust this business (without a Cypher) but by a sure hand, for which▪ I have sent this bearer, my Secretary, Express, but he knoweth nothing of the contents hereof.
Your Graces Most dutiful and obliged servant. William Boswell.
Hagh in Holland, 9. Sept. 1640. Sti. loci.
Sir William Boswels indorsement.For your Grace. The Arch-bishops indorsement with his own hand.
Rece. Sept. 10. 1640. Sir William Boswell about the Plot against the King, &c.
Andreas ab Habernfeld his Letter to the Archbishop concerning the Plot revealed to him.
Illustrissime ac reverendissime Domine,
COncutiuntur omnes sensus mei, quoties p • aesens negotium mecum revolvo, nec intellectus sufficit, quaenam aura tam horrenda attulerit, ut per me apricum videant. Praeter spem enim bonus i • te vir mihi innotuit, qui cum me discurrentem de turbis istis Scoticis audisset; ignorare me, inquit, nervum Rei, superficialia esse ista quae vulgo sparguntur: Ab ista hora indies mihi fiebat familiarior; qui dexteritate mea agnita, pleno pectore cordis sui onera, in sinum meum effudit; deposuisse se gravamen conscientiae, quo premebatur, ratus▪ Hinc Factiones Jesuitarum, quibus totus terrenus intentatur orbis, mihi enarravit; depastasque ipsorum per virus, Bohemiam & Germaniam ut adspicerem, ostendit, sauciam utramque partem vulnere irreparabili; Eandem Pestem per Angliae Scotiaeque repere Regna, cujus materiam, scripto adjacenti revelatam, me edocuit: quibus auditis, viscera mea convellebantur, tremebant horrore artus; Tot animarum millibus infestam paratam esse voraginem: verbis conscientiam moventibus, animum hominis accendi; vix horam unam, monita coxerat, abdita omnia aperuit, liberumque dedit, agerem, ut iis, quorum interest, inno • tescerent. Non tardanum cum rebus censui: Ea ipsa hora Dominum Bosuelium Residentem Regium Hagae Comitum, adii, juramento silenti • mihi obstricto, Rem communicavi▪ ponderaret ista ad trutinam, monui▪ neque differret ei quin ageret, ut periclitantibus succurratur propere. Is u • virum honestum condecet, officii memor, propiusque introspecto negotio, monita recusare non quievit, quinimo egit e vestigio ut expressus expediretur. Retulitque iterum quam acceptissimum Regi, Tuaeque Reverentiae fuisse oblatum; de quo ex cord gavisi sumus, judicavimusque ac tutum, favorabile sese interposuisse in hoc Negotio NUMEN, quo servaremini.
Ut vero rerum enarratarum confirmetur veritas, studio primaria nonnulla conjurationis capita sunt praeterita, ut nortitia • orum ab circumventa conjurationis societate extorqueatur.
Promovebitur res cito tutoque i • actum si caute procedetur Bruxellis; Meo consilio, observandum esse eam die • qua fasciculi literarum expediuntur, qu • sub titulo, Al Monsignor Strario Archidiacono di Cambray, una operta ligati Praefecto Tabellionum traduntur, ab ipso talis fasciculus tacit poterit repeti, inutilis tamen erit, quia omnes inc • usae Characteristice scriptae sunt; Alter quo • que fasciculus hebdomadatim Roma veniens, qui sub inscriptione, Al illustrissimo Signor Conte Rossetti, pro tempore Legato, adportatur, non negligendu •••• similiter Charactere eodem conscriptae includuntur literae; ut intelligantur, Reda consulendus erit: supra nominata dies expeditionis Aedibus Redae adcumulata congreg • tio, circumvenietur, quo succedent • , Tuae Reverentiae erit Negotium disponere. Detecto tandem per Dei gratiam, intestino host, omnis amaritudo animorum qua ab utraque parte causata est, aboleatur, oblivioni tradatur, deleatur & consopiatur, utrique parti Infidiare hostis, ita Rex, amicusque Regis, & Regnum utrumque Discrimini vicinum servabitur, eripietur imminenti periculo.
Haec penes etiam Reverentia 〈◊〉 i • junctum sibi habeat, si alias consultum sibi optime volet, ne Pursivantibus suis nimium fidat, vivunt enim eorum nonnulli sub stipendio partis Pontificiae. Quot scopuli, quot • cillae quotque infensae obsultant T • . R • . Charibdes, quàm periculoso mari agitatur vita T. R. Cymbula naufragio proxima, ipse judicet, p • llenda ad portum prora propere.
Haec omnia tuae Reverentiae in aurem; scio enim juramento filenti •• obligatam, ideo aperto nomine, praesentibus Reverentiae tuae innotescere volui, mansu ••• .
Hagae Comitum Sept. 14. S. N. 1640.
Observantissimus & officiosissimus Andreas ab Habernfeld.
Most Illustrious and most Reverend Lord,
AL my senses are shaken together as often as I revolve the present business, neither doth my understanding suffice (to conceive) what wind hath brought such horrid things, that they should see the Sunshine by me: for besides expectation this good man became known unto me, who whē he had heard me discoursing of these Scottish stirs, said that I knew not the nerve of the business, that those things which are commonly scattered abroad are superficial: From that hour he every day became more familiar to me; who acknowledging my dexterity herein, with a full breast poured forth the burdens of his heart into my besom, supposing that he had discharged a burden of conscience wherewith he was pressed. Hence he related to me the Factions of the Jesuits, with which the whole earthly world was assaulted; and shown, that I might behold how through their poison, Bohemia & Germany were devoured, & both of them maimed with an irreparable wound; that the same Plague did creep through the Realms of England and Scotland, the matter whereof revealed in the adjacent writing, he discovered to me: which things having heard my bowels were contracted together, my loins trembled with horror, that a pernicious gulf should be prepared for so many thousands of souls: with words moving the conscience, I inflamed the mind of the man: he had scarce one hour concocted my admonitions, but he disclosed all the secrets and he gave free liberty that I should treat with those whom it concerned, that they might be informed hereof. I thought no delay was to be made about the things: The same hour I went to Master Boswell the Kings Leger at the Hage, who being tied with an oath of secrecy to me, I communicated the business to him, I admonished him to weigh these things by the balance, neither to defer, but act, that those who were in danger might be speedily succoured: He, as becomes an honest man, mindful of his duty, and having nearer looked into the business, refused not to obey the monitions: moreover, he forthwith caused that an express should be dispatched; and sent word back again what a most acceptable oblation this had been to the King and your Grace; for which we rejoiced from the heart, and we judged, that a safe and favorable Deity had interposed it self in this business, whereby you might be preserved.
Now that the verity of the things related might be confirmed, some principal heads of the conspiracy were purposely pret • rmitted, that the knowledge of them might be ext • rted from the circumvented society of the conspirators.
Now the things will be speedily and safely promoted into act, if they be warily proceeded in at Brussels. By my advise, that day should be observed wherein the Packet of Letters are dispatched, which under the title of, To Monsieur Strario Archdeacon of Cambray, tied with one cover are delivered to the postmaster, such a packet may be secretly brought back from him, yet it will be unprofitable, because all the enclosed Letters are written Characteristically. Likewise another Packet coming weekly frō Rome, which is brought under this subscription, To the most illustrious Lord Count Rossetti, Legat for the time; these are not to be neglected: to whom likewise Letters writ in the same Character are included. That they may be understood, Read is to be consulted with. The forenamed day of dispatch shall be expected: In Reades house an accumulated congregation may be circumvented; which succeeding, it will be your Graces part to order the business. The intestine enemy being at length detected by God's grace, all bitterness of mind which is caused on either side may be abolished, delivered to oblivion, deleted and quieted, the enemy be invaded on both parts: thus the King and the Kings friend, and both Kingdoms near to danger, shall be preserved, delivered from imminent danger.
Your Grace likewise may have this injunction by you, if you desire to have the best advise given you by others, that you trust not overmuch to your Pursuivant • , for some of them live under the stipend of the popish party. How many Rocks, how many Scillaes, how many displeased Charibdes appear before your Grace, in what a dangerous sea the Cockbote of your Graces life, next to shipwreck, is t • ssed, your self may judge, the fore deck • of the Ship is speedily to be driven to the harbor.
All these things (I whisper) into your Graces ear, for I know it bound with an oath of secrecy, therefore by open name, I would by these presents become known to your Grace,
Hage 14. Sept. S. N. 1640.
Your Graces most observant and most officious Andrew Habernfeld.
Andreas ab Habernfeld, a Noble Bohemian, Dr. of Physic to the Queen of Bohemia, his indorsement hereon.
Illusstrisimo ac Reverendissimo Dom. Domino G • lielmo Archiepiscopo Cantuariensi, Primati & Metropolitano totius Regni Angliae Dom. meo.
The Archbishops indorsment with his own hand.
Rece. Octob. 14. 1640. Andreas ab Harbenfed.
His Letters sent by Sir W. Boswell about the discovery of the treason. I conceive by the English Latin herein, that he m • st needs be an Englishman with a concealed and changed name. And yet it may be this kind of Latin may relate to the Italian. Or else he lived some good time in England. The declaration of this treason I have by His Majesty's special command sent to Sir W. Boswell, that he may there see what proof can be made of any particulars.
The general Overture and Discovery of the Plot, sent with Sir William Boswels first Letter.
The Kings Majesty, and Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, are to be secretly informed by Letters.
1. THat the Kings Majesty and the Lord Archbishop are both of them in great danof their live • .
2. That the whole Commonwealth i • by this means endangered, unless the mischief be speedily prevented.
3. That these Scottish troubles are raised to the end, that under this pretext, the King and Archbishop might be destroyed.
4. That there is a means to be prescribed, whereby both of them in this case may be preserved, and this tumult speedily composed.
5. That although these Scottish tumults be speedily cōposed, yet that the King is endangered, and that there are many ways, by which destruction is plotted to the King & L. Archbishop.
6. That a certain society hath conspired, which attempts the death of the King, and L. Archbishop, and Convulssion of the whole Realm.
7. That the same society every week deposits with the President of the society, what intelligence every of them hath purchased in eight days search, and then confer all into one packet, which is weekly sent to the Director of the business.
8. That all the confederates in the said conspiracy may verily be named by the poll. But because they may be made known by other means, it is thought meet to defer it till hereafter.
9. That there is a ready means, whereby the villainy may be discovered in one moment, the chief conspirators circumvented, and the primary members of the conju • ation, apprehended in the very act.
10. That very many about the King, who are accounted most faithful and intimate, to whom likewise the more secret things are instrusted, ARE TRAYTORS TO THE KING, corrupted with a foreign Pension, who communicate all secrets of greater or lesser moment to a foreign power.
These and other most secret things, which shall be necessary to be known for the security of the King, may be revealed, if these things shall be acceptable to the Lord Archbishop.
In the mean time, if his Royal Majesty and the L. Archbishop desire to consult well to themselvas, they shall keep these things, only superficially communicated unto them, most secretly▪ under deep silence, not communicating them so much as to those whom they judge most faithful to them, before they shall receive by name, in whom they may confide; for else they are safe on no side.
Likewise they may be assured, that whatsoever things, are here proposed, are no figments, nor fables, nor vain dreams, but such real verities, which may be demonstrated in every small tittle. For those who thrust themselves into this business are such men, who mind no gain, but the very zeal of Christian charity suffers them not to conceal these things: yet both from his Majesty and the Lord Archbishop some small examplar of gratitude will be expected.
All these Premises have been communicated under good faith, and the Sacrament of an oath to Mr. Leger Ambassador of the King of Great Britain, at the Hague; that he should not immediately trust, or communicate these things to any mortal, besides the King and the L. Archbishop of Canterbury.
Subscribed, &c. Present, &c.
Hague, Com. 6 Sept. 1640. in the style of the place.
Regiae Majestati, & Dom. Archiepiscopo Cantuariensi in • inuandum per litteras.
1. REgiam Majestatem & Dom. Archiepiscopium, u • rumque in magno discimi • e vitae constitutum.
2. Totam Rempublicam hoc nomine periclitari, nisi propere occurratur malo.
3. Turbas istas Scoticas in • um finem esse concitatas; ut sub isto praetextu Rex, & Dominus Archiepiscopus perimeretur.
4. Dari medium, quo utrique hac in parte been consuli, & tumultus iste cito componi, possit.
5. Compositis etiam turbis istis Scoticis, nihilo • minus periclitari Regem: esse plurima media quibus Regi, & Domino Archiepiscopo machinatur exitium.
6. Conspirasse certam societatem quae Regi & Dom. Archiepiscopo molitur necem, totuisque Regni convulsionem.
7. Eandem societatem singulis septimanis, explorationis octiduae suum quemque quod nundinatus est, ad Presidem Societatis deponere, & in unum fasciculum confer: qui Hebdomadatim ad directorem negotii expeditur.
8. Nominari quiden posse omnes per capita dictae conspirationis conjuratos: At quia alio medio inno • escent, differ in posterum pl • cuit.
9. Medium esse in promptu, quo uno momento detegi poterit scelus: Conspiratores praecipui circumveniri, membraque primaria conjurationis in ipso actu apprehendi.
10. Astantes Regi plurimos, qui pro fidelissimis & intimis censentur, quibus etiam secretiora fiduntur, proditores Regis esse, peregri • â pensione corruptos, qui secreta quaeque majoris, vel exigui momenti ad ext • ram Potestatem deferunt.
11. Haec & alia secretissima, quae scitu ad securitatem Regis erunt necessaria: quod si haec accepta Dom. Archiepiscopo fuerint, revelari poterunt.
12. Interim si Regia Majestas sua & Dominus Archiepiscopus been sibi consultum volunt, haec superficialiter quidem tantum ipsis communicata, sub profundo silentio, & secretissime servabunt, ne quidem iis, quos sibi fidelissimos judicant, communicaturi, antequam de nomine acceperint, quibus fidendum sit: Ab nullo enim latere ali • s tuti sunt.
Sint etiam certi quicquid hic proponitur; nulla figmenta, nec fabulas, aut inania somnia esse; sed in rei veritate ita constituta, quae o • nibus momentis demonstrari poterunt: Qui enim se immiscent huic negotio, viri honesti sunt: quibus nullus quaestus in animo; sed ipse Christianae charitatis fervor ista facere non sinit: Ab utroque tamen, suae Majestati tum Domino Archiepiscopo, gratitudinis exemplar tale quale expectabitur.
Haec omnia antecedentia sub bona fide & juramenti Sacramento, Dom. Residenti Regis magnae Britanniae, Hagae Comitum communicata esse ne ulli mortalium, praeter Regem, & Dom. Archiepiscopum Cantuariensem immediate ista fideret, vel communi caret.
Subscripta, &c. Presentes, &c.
Hagae Com tum . 6 Sept. 1640. St. loci.
Detectio &c. offerenda Ser •• . Regiae Majestati Brittaniae & Dom.
Archiepiscopo Cantuariensi, &c. 6. Sept. 1640.
The Archbishops own indorsment. Rece. Sept. 10. 1640.
The Plot against the King.
The Archbishop of Canterburies Letter to the King concerning the Plot: with the Kings directions in the Margin, written with His own hand.
May it please your Majesty,
A S great as the Secret is which comes herewith, yet I choose rather to send it in this silent covert way, and I hope safe, then to come thither, and bring it myself. First, because I am no way able to make haste enough with it. Secondly, because should I come at this time, and antedate the meeting September. 24. there would be more jealousy of the business, and more enquiry after it: especially, if I being once there, should return again before that day, as I must if this be followed, as is most fit.
The danger it seems is imminent, and laid by God knows whom, but to be executed by them which are very near about you. (For the great honor which I have to be in danger with you, or for you, I pass not, so your sacred Person and the State may be safe.) Now, may it please your Majesty, This information is either true, or there is some mistake in it: If it be true, the persons which make the discovery will deserve thanks and reward; If there should be any mistake in it, your Majesty can lose nothing but a little silence.
The business (if it be) is exteam foul. The discovery thus by God's providence offered, seems fair. I do hereby humbly beg it upon my knees of your Majesty, that you will conceal this business from every creature, and his name that sends this to me. And I send his Letters to me to your Majesty, that you may see his sense both of the business and the secrecy. And such Instructions as you think fit to give him, I beseech you let them be in your own hand for his warrant, without imparting them to any. And if your Majesty leave it to his discretion to follow it there in the best way he can, that in your own hand will be instruction and warrant enough for him. And if you please to return it herewith presently to me, I will send an express away with it presently.
In the mean time I have by this express returned him this answer, That I think he shall do well to hold on the Treatie with these men with all care and secrecy, and drive on to the discovery so soon as the business is ripe for it, that he may assure himself and them, they shall not want reward, if they do the service. That for my part he shall be sure of secrecy, and that I am most confident that your Majesty will not impart it to any. That he have a special eye to the eighth and ninth Proposition.
Sir, for God's sake, and your own safety, secrecy in this business: And I beseech you send me back this Letter, and all that comes with it, speedily and secretly, and trust not your own pockets with them. I shall not eat nor sleep in quiet till I receive them. And so soon as I have them again, and your Majesty's warrant to proceed, no diligence shall be wanting in me to help on the discovery.
This is the greatest business that ever was put to me. And if I have herein proposed or done anything amiss, I most humbly crave your Majesty's pardon. But I am willing to hope I have not herein erred in judgment, and in fidelity I never will.
These letters came to me on Thursday, September. 10. at night, and I sent these away according to the date hereof, being extremely wearied with writing this Letter, copying out these other which come with this, and dispaching my Letters back to him that sent these, all in my own hand. Once again secrecy for God's sake, and your own. To his most blessed protection I commend your Majesty and all your Affairs: and am
These Letters came late to me, the express being beaten back by the wind.
The Archbishops indorcement with his own hand. Received from the King Sept. 16. 1640, For your sacred Majesty. Yours Apostyled. The Kings Answer to the Plot against him, &c.
Sir William Boswels second Letter to the Archbishop.
May it please your Grace,
THis evening late I have received your Graces dispatch, with the enclosed from his Majesty, by my Secretary Oueart, and shall give due account with all possible speed of the same, according to his Majesty's and your Graces commands, praying heartily that my endeavors, which shall be most faithful, may also prove effectual, to his Majesty's and your Graces content, with which I do most humbly take leave, being always
Hagh. 24. Sept. 1640. S. Angel•.
Your Graces most dutiful and humblest servant, William Boswell.
The Archbishops indorcement. Received Sept. 30. 1640▪ Sir William Boswell his acknowledgement that he hath received the Kings directions and my Letters.
Sir William Boswels third Letter to the Archbishop, sent with the larger discovery of the Plot.
May it please your Grace,
VPon receipt of his Majesty's Commands, with your Graces Letters of 9. and 18. Sept▪ last. I dealt with the party to make good his offers formerly put in my hand, and transmitted to your Grace: This he hopes to have done, by the enclosed, so far as will be needful for his Majesty's satisfaction; yet if anymore particular explanation or discovery shall be required by his Majesty or your Grace, He hath promised to add thereunto, whatsoever he can remember and knows of truth. And for better assurance and verification of his integrity, he professeth himself ready (if required) to make oath of what he hath already declared, or shall hereafter declare in the business.
His name he conjures me still to conceal: though he thinks his Majesty and your Grace, by the Character he gives of himself, will easily imagine who he is, having been known so generally through Court and City, as he was for three or four years, in the quality and employment he acknowledgeth (by his Declaration enclosed) himself to have held.
Hereupon he doth also redouble his most humble and earnest suit unto his Majesty and your Grace, to be most secret and circumspect in the business, that he may not be suspected to have discovered, or had a hand in the same.
I shall here humbly beseech your Grace to let me know what I may further do for his Majesty's service, or for your Graces particular behoof; that I may accordingly endeavor to approve myself, as I am
Hagh. 15. Octob. 1460.
Your Graces most dutiful and obliged servant, William Boswell.
The Archbishops indorcement. Received Octob. 14. 1640. Sir William Boswell in prosecution of the great business. If anything come to him in Cyphers, to send it to him.
The large particular Discovery of the Plot and Treason against the King, Kingdom, and Protestant Religion; and to raise the Scottish Wars.
Illustrissime ac Reverendissime Domine.
ACcepta suae Regiae Majestati simulac Reverentiae Tuae, suisse offerta nostra lubentes, & ex animo percepimus. Adesse vobis benignitat • m Numinis, hoc unicum nobis Index est, quo stimulus datu • , ut tanto alacrius, liberaliusque, illa quibus vitae discrimen utriusque, statusque Regni Angliae, tum Scotiae, eximiae Majestatis seed de • urbatio intendatur, effundamus, detegamus. Ne autem ambagibus superfluis, dilatetur Oratio, nonnulla, quae tantum ad rem necessaria praemittemus.
Sciant primo, bonum istum virum per quem sequentia deteguntur, in pulvere isto Pontificio esse natum & educatum, qui in dignitatibus Ecclesiasticis aetates consump • it; Tandem praesentis Negotii expeditioni, par invent •• , Consilio & mandato D • mini Card • nalis Barbarini, ad auxilium Domino Cuneo adjunctus est: penes quem in officio ita diligens ac sedulus inventus, ut spes magnae promotionis ipsi data fuerit: ipse vero, boni Spiritus ductus instinctu▪ ut • t dulcia promissa contempsit; agnitisque Religions Pontificiae vanitatibus; (quarum alias defensor fuerat severissimus) malitia etiam sub vexillo Papali militantium notata, gravari Conscientiam suam senserat; quod onus ut deponeret; ad Orthodoxam Religionem animum convertit: Mox ut Conscientiam • uam exoneraret, machinatum in tot innocents Animas scelus, revelandum censuit, levamen se percepturum, si in sinum amici talia effundat. Quo facto ab eodem amico serio conmonitus, verae conversionis, Charitisque exemplar ostenderet; libera • et ab imminenti discrimine, innocents tot Animas; In cujus monita lubens consenserat, calamoque sequentia excipiendum dederat, ex quibus Articuli non ita pridem tuae Reverentiae oblati, luculenter explicari & demonstrari poterunt.
1 Ante omnia, ut Cardo rei recipiatur, sci • ndum est, omnes istas, quibus tota Christianitas hodie concutitur, factiones, exoriri, ab Jesuitica ista Chamea Sobole, cujus quatuor per orb • m luxuriant ordines.
Primi Ordinis sunt Ecclesiastici, quorum Religions promotoria, est c • rar • .
Secundi Ordi • is sunt Politici, quorum officium est, statum Regnorum, Rerumque publicarum, quo quomodo intentare, turbare, reformare.
Tertii Ordinis sunt S •• ulares, quorum proprium est, Regibus, Principibusque, ad officia sese obtrudere, insinuare, immiscere se rebus forensibus; emptionibus, venditionibusque, & quae civilia sunt occupari.
Quarti Ordinis Exploratores sunt, sortis inferioris homines, qui servitiis Magnatum, Principum, Baronum, Nobilium, Civium, sese sub nittunt, animis dominorum imposituri.
II. Tot ordinum societatem, Regnum Anglicanum alit: Vix enim tota Hispania, Gaul, & Italia tantam multitudinem, Jesuitarum, quantam unicum Londinum, exhibere posset: Ubi plus • uam 50 Scoti Jesuitae reperiuntur. Ibi sedem iniquitatis, dicta societas sibi elegit, Conspiravitque in Regem, Regique fidelissimos, inprimis vero Dominum Archiepiscopum Cantuariensem, etiam in regnum utrumque.
III. Certo certius enim est; Determi • asse societatem nominatam, reforma • ione universali Regnum Angliae tum Scotiae adficere; Determinatio ergo finis, in • ert necessario determinationem mediorum ad finem.
IIII. Ad promovendum ergo susceptum scelus, Titulo, Congregationis Fidei propagandae, dicta societas sese insignivit: quae Caput Collegii Pontificem Romanum, substitutum & executorem, Cardi • alem Barbarinum, agnoscit.
V. Patronus Societatis primarius Londi • i, est Legatus Pontificius, qui curam negotii gerit; in cujus sinum, saex illa proditorum omnia explorata, hebdomadatim deponit: Impetrata autem est • es • da Legationis istius Londini, Pontifici • Romani nomine, qua mediante, Cardinali Barbarino, agere in Regem Reg • umque tanto tutius faciliusque liceret, Nullus enim alias, tam libere ambire Regem posset, quam ill qui Pontificia Auctoritate palliatus sit.
VI. Fungebatur tùm temporis, Officio Legati Pontificii, Dominus Cuneus Conjura • ae societatis instrumentum • niversale, & serius negotii promotor; • ujus secreta, ut & aliorum exploratorum om • ium, prae • eus vir bonus, communicator horum, excipiebat, expedie • batque quo res postulabat,
Adoriebatur Cuneus, primaria Regni Capita, nihilque intentatum sivi • , quomodo singula corrumperet & ad partem Pontificiam inclinaret; var •• incitamentis plurimos alliciebat, Etiam Regem ipsum donationibus picturarum, A • tiquitatum, Idolorum, aliarumque vantitatum Româ allatarum, deludendum quaer • bat, quae tamen apud Regem nihil prof •• erant.
Familiaritate inita cum Rege, rogatur saepius Hantocurti, etiam Londini, Palatini causam ageret, interponeretque autoritatem suam, intercession • Lega • o Coloniensi persu • deret, ut palatinus in conditions, proximis Comitii • de pace acturis, insereretur, quod quidem pollicitus est; contrarium vero praestitit; scripsit quidem. Regatum se de talibus • b Rege fuisse, non consulere tamen, ut consentiatur, ne ab Hispani • fortasse dicatur, Pontificem Romanum Principi Haeretico patrocinatum fuisse.
Subolfecit interim Cun • us, ab domino A • chiepiscopo Regi fidelissimo, totum animu •• Regium esse pendulum • Omnem se motu • um lapidem, nervosque adplicaturum statuerat, ut ad partem suam lucrari p • ssit: Paratum •• habere medium certo confisu • ; Mandatum enim hab▪ bat, Pileum Cardinalem, nomine Pontificis Romani, domino Archiepiscopo offerret, lactaretque pollicitis etiam sublimioribus, ut animum si • cerum corrumperet: Commoda tamen occasio nunquam dabatur, qua domino Archiepiscopo sele in • inuare posse • (quaerebat enim Scorpius ovum) Per Comitem & Comitissam Arondelianā, etiam per Secretarium Windibankum; liber accessus impetrari debeat. Quorum omnium intercessionibus neglectis, societatem vel familiaritatem Cunei, peste pejus fugiebat; Persuadebatur etiam ab aliis non infimis, ipsi been notis, nec tamen conmovebatur.
VII. Quaerebatur & alius qui ad facinus detestandum accessum impediebat, Secretarius Cook; erat is o • or Jesuitarum infensissimus, quibus aditum ad Regem intercipiebat, excipebat plurimos pro meritis, in illorum factiones sedulo i • quirebat; quo nomine incitamentum omne, vi • magneticam ad partem Pontificiam spirans, erat apud ipsum inefficax, nihil enim tam carum erat, quod ipsum ad pravum inclinasset: Hinc, Conjurationis Patronis exosus factus; pe • iclitabatur de officio ut exueretur, laborabatur per triennium, quod ultimo impetratum.
Mansit nihilominus ab parte Regis, nodus solutu difficilis; Dominus Archiepiscopus enim constantia sua, sicuti durissimum sese interposuit saxum.
Laborasse se incassum, ab parte domini Archiepiscopi Cuneus cum intellexisset, efferbuit m • litia ipsius, totiusque Societatis; mox 〈◊〉 parari caeperunt, quibus dominus Archiepiscopus una cum Rega caperetur.
In regem quoque (cujus gratia totum istud disponitur Negotium) à quo quia nihil quod promovendae Religioni Papisticae inserviret speratur, (imprimis vero, Cum animum suum aperuerit, se ejus opinionis esse, quemvis in Religion sua dummodo vir probus & pius sit, Salvari p • sse) sententia lata est.
VIII. Ad perpetrandum susceptum facinus, executio criminalis Westmonaste • i, per scripta nonualla Puritanorum causata, primi incendii ansam dedit, quae res ab Papistis apud Puritanos in tantum ex • cerbabatur, exaggerabaturque, ut si inulta maneret, Religioni ipsis duceretur; cujus incendii, subsequens tandem liber precum, flammas auxit.
IX. In isto fervore expeditus furit ad Scotos ab parte pontificia Comes quidam Scotus Maxfi • ld, ni fallor nomine, cum quo, duo alii Comites Scoti Papistae, correspondebant. Is commovere debebat plebem, injuriamque refricare ut animos accenderet, ad arma precipitaret, quibus noxius libertatis Scoticae perimeretur Turbator.
X. Ibi una opera paratus in Casses Regi, eo enim directum esse praesens negotium ut Anglorum complurimi sese adglutinarent Scotis; Rex armis maneret inferior, qui ab Papistis auxilia petere cogeretur, quae tamen non impetraret, nisi in conditions descenderet, quibus libertatem Vniversalem exercitii Religions Pontifi • iae, permitteret; it a enim res Papistarum ad nutum succederent, Quo consensu si difficiliorem sese exhibuerit, remedium erit in promptu: Adolescente enim cum primum Regio filio, (qui à teneris, ut parti Pontificiae adsuescat educatur) de Rege actum est: Nux quippe Indica acutissimo veneno referta in societate servatur (quam Cuneus tum temporis gloriabundus mihi oftentabat) quo Regi exemplo Patris, parabatur Pharmacum.
XI. In ista Commotione Scotica Marquess d' Hamelton saepius Regis nomine ad Scotos ablegatur, regiam auctoritatem interponere • , quâ aestus animorum mitigaretur, sine fructu tamen, reque infecta toties reversu • . Ipsius Concionator tum temporis nos adiit, qui cum Cuneo secrete nonnulla Communicavit; Interrogatus a me, joco; Num etiam Iudaei, cum Samaritanis convenirent? Ad quae Cuneus respondit, Vtinam omnes ministri tales, ut ipse, essent; conjiciatur hinc quidcunque.
XII. Rebus sic stantibus, ab Cardinali Richelieu, Dominus Thomas Cam • rarius, Sacellanus & Eleemosinarius ipsius, natione Scotus, Londinum adpulit; Qui College • o Societatis conjuratae adsidere debebat, rem{que} serio agere, • ihil intentatum relinquere, quo primus exasperaretur servor. Quo officio honorarium Episcopatus, erat ipsi pollicitum. Cohabitabat & Societati per quatuor Menses, nec prius discedendum licebat, donec rebus ex voto cedentibus, cum bonis novis redux fieri possit.
XIII. Cavalliero To • ias Mathei Sacerdos Jesuita, ordinis politicorum, e capitibus primariis homo vigilantissimus, cui nunquam tam charum cubile, quo caput reclinet; ad sellam tantum, hor • una, at que altera, somno corpus reficit; nec diei nec nocti, machinamētis parcit, vir sum noxius & ipsa Regis, Regnique Angliae Pestis, homo impudentissimus, qui per omnia convivia, epulasque, vocatus vel non vocatus, volitat; • unquam quietus, • emper in action, mo • uq • e perpetuo; singulis Conversationibus Superiorum immiscuit, urget familiare colloquis, ut animos hominum expiscaretur; Quic quid inde ad partes Conjuratorum commodi vel incommodi concernere advertit, Legato Pontificio communicate, Secretioria, ipse ad Pontificem vel Cardinalem Ba • ba • inum perscribit. In summa, cuivis societati sese adglutinat, nullum ve • bum effari potest, quod ipse non arripiat & ad partes suas accommodet. Quicquid interea temporis expiscatus, in catalogum redigit, & quavis Aestate ad Consistorium generale Jesuitarum Politico • ū quod in Provincia Wallensi secreto concurrit, hospes acceptus de • ert. Ibi tacit consilia cuduntu • quae ad convulsionem status Ecclesiastici, turn Politici, Regni utriusque sunt aptissima.
XIIII. Capitaneus Reda Scotus, habitans in platea Longaker, prope tabernam Angeli, Jesuita saecularis, quiob detestandum officium praestitum (quo ministrum quendam Ecclesiae, incitamentis dulcibus ad religionem Papisticam, tota cum familia ipsius perverterat, filia ipsius in uxorem ducta) pro repensa obtinuit reditus vel vectigal Butiraceum, quod rustici sibi praestare tenentur, adquisitum ipsi ab rege, per nonnullos Societatis praecipuos; cui stimulus nunquam deficit, quo in officio constans de • ineatur. In ipsius ae • ibus Rei totius peragitur Negotium, ubi Societas quae in Regem & dominum Archiepiscopum, regnumque utrumque conjuravit, plerumque diebus singulis concurrit; Die vero expeditionis tabellarii, quae ordinary est dies veneris, tanto frequentiores, tum enim omnes exploratores convenient, quae quisque ea hebdomada expiscatus est, in commune conferunt; qui ut extra suspitionem sint, secreta sua per Tobiam Mathei vel ipsum Redam, ad Legatum Pontificium, amandant; ipse, fasciculum compactum quem ab exploratoribus nundinatus est, Romam transmittit.
Apud eundem Redam deponuntur literae Roma illatae, sub titulis & nominibus fictis, quae per ipsum singulis ad quos spectant traduntur, illorum enim omnium & singulorum nomina ipsi sunt cognita.
Eadem ipsa occasion adferuntur etiam literae, sub coperta Patris Philippi (ipso tamen rerum nescio) a quo conjuratis dstribuuntur.
Habetur in illis ipsis aedibus Sacellum publicum; cui Jesuita ordinarius consecrate, ibidemque habitat. In dicto Sacello missae celebrantur quotidie à Jesuitis▪ Baptism • que liberis domesticis & nonnullorum conjuratorum inservitur.
Qui in nominatis aedibus concurrunt, Rhodis vel Equis, frequenter habitu Politico, magnoque Comitatu, quo palliantur ne innotescant, Jesuitae tamen sunt, & membra societatis conjurata.
XV. Hoc caetu contribuitur ab omnibu • Papistis Angliae, ne quidquam ad promovendum susceptum negotium de •• ciat. In quem fiscum, unica vidua proprietaria olim aedium quas modo Secretarius Windebanck inhabitat, ante triennium defuncta 40000 librarum Anglicarum, contulit; sic & alii etiam citravires faciunt, modo ad optatum finem▪ promoveatur negotium.
XVI. Praeternominatas Eedes, etiam pe • alia loca secretiora fiunt conventicula, de quibus ne inter se quidem fidunt, met • ne dispatentur. Convocantur primo ad certa diversoria singuli (alter alterius inscius) hinc per exploratores ad locum ubi convenire debent, singuli deducuntur, ignari alias ubi conventuri sint, ne forte insperato obruantur.
XVII. Comitissa'd Arondel, strenua Pontificiae Religions propugnatrix, ad Reformationem universalem omnes nervos intendit, quicquid ad aulam regis▪ secrete vel aperte verbis vel factis geritur, Legato Pontificio infinuat, cum quo ad minimum ter de die, modo in Aedibus Arondelianis, jàm ad aulam vel Tarthalae cum ipso congreditur; Ex ungue talia vix exugit.
Ipse C • mes vocatus jam à triennio hoc anno ire debebat Romam, acturu • ibi dubio procul de seriis Negotium concernentibus.
Donis dictionibusque suis, Jesuitae missis invigilant.
Grinwici, impensis Comitis, Schola foeminea sustentatur; quaealias Monasterium Monialium est; Adultae enim inibi Juvenculae, hic inde per extera transmarina monasteria, emittuntur.
18. Dominus Porter, Cubicularius Regius, Pontificiae Religioni addictissimus; Regis infensus hostis, Is ipsius secretissima quaeque, Legato Pontificio aperit, quamvis rarissi • e cum ipso conveniat; Uxor taunt • saepiùs, quae ab marito informata, Legato secreta confidit: In omnibus suis actionibus Tobiae Mathei nihil •• dit; effari non potest qualiter negotio invigilet.
Filii ipsius in Religion Pontificia o • culte informantur, aperte Reformatam profitentur. Major natu offic • um Patris suscepturus, sub Rege suturo; Alteri, si negotium been successerit, pileus Cardinalis paratus est.
Ante triennium ablegari debebat dictus Dominus Portera Rege Marochum; prohibitus fuit ab societate, ne moram pateretur Negotium.
Patronus est Jesuitarum, quibus ad exercitium Religions, Sacella, domi, forisque subministrat.
19. Secretarius Windebank, Papista acerrimus, Regi omnium infidelissimus qui non solum secretissima etiam quaeque Regia prodit & revelat, sed etiam consilia quibus optime Negotio consuleretur, communicate. Ipse ad minimum ter in hebdomada, per nocturna conventicula cum legato conversatur; injungitque quae scitu digna cogitat: cujus causa, aedes vicinas Legati Domo conduxit, quem saepius per portam horti adit, hac enim vicinitate, facilitatur congressus.
Dictus Secretari •• ad partem societatis conjuratae, muneribus emptus est, quibus sustentatur, ut magis serio officium peragat.
Filium suum express Romam misit, qui Romano Pontisici sese insinuare debebat.
20 Cavalliero Digbi, Cavalliero Winter, Dominus Montague Junior, qui Romae fuit, Mi-lord Sterling; Congnatus Comitis d'Arundel, Eques: Comitissa de Neuport, Duciffa Buckingham, & plerique alii qui in Conditionem, hanc jurarunt, omnes in opere sunt vigilantissi •• i. Horum alii, Aulicorum; alii Politicorum officiorum spe inescantur: Alii ad sexdecim pileos Cardinales vacantes attendunt, qui ideo ab aliquot annia otiosi detinent u • , ut spem vanam expectantibu • imponant.
21 Praeses nominatae societatis erat Mi lord Gage, Sacerdos Jesuita, ante triennium defunctus: Habebat is palatium, lascivis picturis exornatum, quae prophanitatem in aedibus mentiebantur, palliabatur vero illis Monasterium, quo quadraginta Moniales sustentabantur, tanto Palatio occultatae; Situm est in Platea Reginae; quam statua Regina aurea decorat. Istam plateam totam Jesuitae secul • res emerunt, redegeruntque in quadratum, ubi tacit Collegium Jesuiticum extruit •• , eâ spe, ut quamprimum reformatione universali Incepta, aperte elaborar • possit.
Legatus Pontificius triplici Charactere five cifra utitur: Uno, quo, cum omnibus Nunciis communicae: Altero cum solo Cardinale Barbarino: Tertio, quo secretioria nonnulla communicanda ucculta • .
Quaecunqu • per hebdomadam ab societate aut aliis exploratoribus excepit, illa uno fasciculo consarcinat, sub inscriptione, Al Monsignior Stravio Archidiacono de Cambray, dedicat, a quo tandem promoventur Romam.
His ita constitutis, • i singula ad trutinam ponantur, sati • fiet in specie, omnibus articulis propositis.
QUIBUS.
1. COnjuratio in Regem & Dominum Archiepiscopum detegitur; Media quibus exitium utrique minatur, demonstra • tur.
2. Pericula Regno utrique imminentia recensentur.
3. Exortus incendii illius Scotici & progressus ennarratur.
4. Media quibus tu • bae istae Scoticae sedari possint, suggeruntur; postquam enim resciverint Scoti, à quibus & in quem finemanimi ipsorum accendantur, consulent sibi propere; neque utriusque partis vires succumbere sinent; ne medius sese interp •• at qui utramque quaerit.
5. Quo ense Regis petatur jugulum, etiam turbis istis sopitis, Cun • i Confessio, oculataque demonstratio, do • et.
6. Locus Congr • gationis in aedibus Capitanei Redae nominatur.
7. Dies expeditionis octiduae per Redam & Legatum injungitur.
8. Q • o modo nomina conjuratorum innotescere possint.
9. Ubi tota ista Congregatio possit circumveniri.
10. Infideles nonnulli ab parte Regis praecipuorum de nomine notificantu • , plures, quorum nomina non occurrunt, habitationes tamen notae sunt; de nomine facile ab Reda extorqueri poterunt.
Si cau • e in his procedetur, nervus totius negotii in apricum prodibit, ita Sagitta piaevisa, effugietur periculum, quod ut succedat prosper, Creator omnipotence faxit,
Most illustrious and Reverend Lord.
WE have willingly and cordially perceived, that our offers have been acceptable both to his Royal Majesty, and likewise to your Grace. This is the only Index to us, That the blessing of God is present with you, whereby a spur is given, that we should so much the more cheerfully and freely utter and detect those things whereby the hazard of both your lives, the subversion of the Realm and State both of England and Scotland, the tumbling down of his Excellent Majesty from his Throne, is intended. Now least the Discourse should be enlarged with superfluous circumstances, we will only premise some things which are merely necessary to the business.
They may first of all know, that this good man, by whom the ensuing things are detected, was borne and bred in the Popish Religion, who spent many years in Ecclesiastical dignities, At length being found fit for the expedition of the present Design, by the counsel and mandate of the Lord Cardinal Barbarino, he was adjoined to the assistance of Master Cuneus ( Cun ) by whom he was found so diligent and sedulous in his Office, that hope of great promotion was given to him. Yet he, led by the instinct of the good Spirit, hath, howsoever it be, contemned sweet promises, & having known the vanities of the Pontifician Religiō (of which he had sometime been a most severe defender) having likewise noted the malice of those who fight under the Popish banner, felt his Conscience to be burdned; which burden that he might ease himself of, he converted his mind to the Orthodox Religion. Soon after, that he might exonerate his Conscience, he thought • it, that a desperate Treason, machinated against so many souls, was to be revealed, and that he should receive ease if he vented such things into the bosom of a friend: which done, he was seriously admonished by the said friend, that he should show an example of his conversion and charity, and free so many innocent souls from imminent danger. To whose monitions he willingly consented, and delivered the following things to be put in writing, out of which the Articles not long since tendered to your Grace, may be clearly explicated and demonstrated.
1 First of all, that the hinge of the business may be rightly discerned, it is to be known, that all those factions with which all Christendom is at this day shaken, do arise from the Jesuitical offspring of Cham, of which four orders abound throughout the world.
Of the first Order are Ecclesiastics, whose office it is to take care of things promoting Religion.
Of the second Order are Politicians, whose office it is by any means to shake, trouble, reform the state of Kingdoms and Republics.
Of the third Order are Seculars, whose property it is to obtr • de themselves into Offices with Kings and Princes, to insinuate and immix themselves in Court businesses, bargains and sales, and to be busied in civil affairs.
Of the fourth Order are Intelligencers ( or spies ) men of inferior condition, who submit themselves to the services of great men, Princes, Barons, Noblemen, Citizens, to deceive ( or corrupt ) the minds of their masters.
2. A Society of so many Orders, the Kingdom of England nourisheth: for scarce all Spain, France, and Italy, can yield so great a multitude of Jesuits, as London alone; where are found more then 50 Scottish Jesuits. There the said society hath elected to it self a seat of iniquity, and hath c • nspired against the King, and the most faithful to the King, especially the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, and likewise against both kingdoms.
3. For it is more certain then certainty itself, that the forenamed society hath determined to effect an universal reformation of the Kingdom of England and Scotland. Therefore the determination of the end, necessarily infers a determination of means to the end.
4. Therefore to promote the undertaken Villany, the said society dubbed it self with the Title of, The Congregation of propagating the Faith; which acknowledgeth the Pope of Rome the Head of the College, and Cardinal Barbarino his substitute and Executor.
5. The chief Patron of the society at London, is the Popes Legat, who takes care of the business; into whose bosom, these dregs of Traitors weekly deposit all their Intelligences. Now the residence of this Legation, was obtained at London, in the name of the Roman Ponti • e, by whose mediation it might be lawful for Cardinal Barbarino, to work so much the more easily & safely upon the King and kingdom. For none else could so freely circumvent the King, as he who should be palliated with the Popes Authority.
6. Master Cuneus did at that time enjoy the Office of the Popes Legat, an Universal Instrument of the conjured society, and a serious Promoter of the business, whose secrets, as likewise those of all the other Intelligencers, the present goodman, the Communicator of all these things, did receive and expedite whither the business required.
Cuneus set upon the chief men of the Kingdom, and left nothing unattempted, by what means he might corrupt them all, and in • line them to the pontifician party: he enticed many with various incitements, yea, he sought to delude the King himself with gifts of Pictures, antiquities, Idols, and of other vanities brought from Rome, which yet would preva • le nothing with the King.
Having entered familiarity with the King, he is often requested at Hampton Court, likewise at London, to undertake the cause of the Palatine, and that he would interpose his Authority, and by his intercession persuade the Legat of Colen, that the Palatine in the next Diet to treat of peace, might be inserted into the Conditions; which verily he promised, but performed the contrary. He writ indeed, that he had been so desired by the King concerning such things, yet he advised not that they should be consented to, lest peradventure it might be said by the Spaniard, that the Pope of ROME had patronized an heretical Prince.
In the mean time, Cuneus smelling from the Archbish. most trusty to the King, that the Kings mind was wholly pen • ulous (or doubtful.) Resolved, That he would move every stone, and apply his forces, that he might gain him to his party: Certainly confiding, that he had a means prepared. For he had a command to offer a Cardinals Cap to the Lord Archbishop in the name of the Pope of ROME, and that he should allure him also with higher promises, that he might corrupt his sincere mind. Yet a fitting occasion was never given, whereby he might insinuate himself into the Lord Archbishop ( for the Scorpion sought an Egg: Free access was to be impetrated by the Earl and Countess of Arundel, likewise by Secretary Windebanke: The intercession of all which being neglected, he did fly the company or familiarity of Cuneus, worse then the plague: He was likewise persuaded by others of no mean rank, well known to him, neither yet was he moved.
7. Another also was assayed, who hindered access to the detestable wickedness, Secretary Cook, he was a most bitter hater of the Jesuits, from whom he intercepted access to the King, he entertained many (of them) according to their deserts, he diligently inquired into their factions; by which means every incitement, breaththing a magneticall (attractive) power to the Popish party, was ineffectual with him; for nothing was so dear unto him, that might incline him to wickedness. Hereupon being made odi • us to the Patrons of the Conspiracy▪ he was endangered to be discharged from his Office; it was labored for three years space, and at last obtained.
Yet notwithstanding there remained on the Kings part a knot hard to be untied, for the Lord Archbishop by his constancy, interposed himself as a most hard rock.
When Cuneus had understood from the Lord Archbishops part, that he had labored in vain, his malice and the whole Societies waxed boiling hot: soon after ambushes began to be prepared, wherewith the Lord Archbishop together with the King should be taken.
Likewise a sentence is passed against the King (for whose sake all this business is disposed) because nothing is hoped from him, which might seem to promote the Popish religion (but especially when he had opened his mind, that he was of this opinion, that everyone might be saved in his own religion, so as he be an honest and pious man.)
8. To perpetrate the Treason undertaken, the criminal Execution at Westminster, caused by some writings of Puritans, gave occasion of the first fire: which thing was so much exasperated & exaggerated by the Papists to the Puritans, that if it remained unrevenged, it would be thought a blemish to their Religion; The flames of which fire, the subsequent Book of Prayers increases.
9. In this heat, a certain Scottish Earl, called Maxfield, if I mistake not, was expedited to the Scots by the Popish party; with whom two other Scottish Earls, Papists, held correspondency: he ought to stir up the people to Commotion, and rub over the injury afresh, that he might enflame their minds, precipitate them to Arms, by which the hurtful disturber of the Scottish Liberty might be slain.
10. There, by one labor, snares are prepared for the King; for this purpose the present business was so ordered, that very many of the English should adhere to the Scots; That the King should remain inferior in Arms, who ( thereupon ) should be compelled to crave assistance from the Papists; which yet he should not obtain, unless he would descend unto conditions, by which he should permit Universal liberty of the exercise of the Popish Religion; for so the affairs of the Papists would succeed according to their desire. To which consent, if he should show himself more difficult, there should be a present remedy at hand: For the Kings Son growing now very fast to his youthful age (who is educated from his tender age, that he might accustom himself to the Popish party) the King is to be dispatched: For an Indian Nut stuffed with most sharp poison, is kept in the Society (which Cuneus at that time shown often to me in a boasting manner) wherein a poison was prepared for the King; after the example of his Father.
11. In this Scottish Commotion, the Marquess of Hamelton, often dispatched to the Scots in the Names of the King, to interpose the royal Authority, whereby the heat of minds might be mitigated, returned notwithstanding as often without fruit, and without ending the business: His Chaplain at that time repaired to us, who communicated some things secretly with Cuneus. Being demanded of me injest, Whether also the Jews agreed with the Samaritans? Cuneus thereunto answered; would to God all Ministers were such as he: what you will, may be hence conjectured.
12. Things standing thus, there arrived at London from Cardinal Richelieu, Mr. Thomas Chamberlain, his Chaplain and Almoner, a Scot by Nation, who ought to assist the College of the confederate Society, and seriously to set forward the business, to leave nothing unattempted, whereby the first heat might be exasperated. For which service he was promised the reward of a Bishopric, He cohabited with the Society, four months space; neither was it lawful for him first to depart, until things succeeding according to his wish, he might be able to return back again with good news.
13. Sir Toby Matthew a Jesuited Priest, of the order of politicians, a most vigilant man of the chief heads, to whom a bed was never so dear, that he would rest his head theron, refreshing his body with sleep in a chair for an hour or two, neither day nor night spared his machinations; a man principally noxious, and himself the Plague of the King and Kingdom of England; a most impudent man, who flies to all banquets, and feasts, called or not called; never quiet, always in action & perpetual motion; thrusting himself into all conversations of Superiors; he urgeth conferences familiarly, that he may fish out the minds of men; what ever he observeth thence, which may bring any commodity or discommodity to the part of the conspirators, he communicates to the Popes Legat; the more secret things he himself writes to the Pope, or to Cardinal Barbarino. In sum, he adjoines himself to any man's company, no word can be spoken, that he will not lay hold on, and accommodate to his party. In the mean time, whatever he hath fished out, he reduceth into a Catalogue, and every summer carrieth it to the general Consistory of the Jesuits politics, which secretly meets together in the Province of Wales, where he is an acceptable guest. There Councils are secretly hammered which are most meet for the convulsion of the Ecclesiastic, and politick estate of both Kingdoms.
14. Capiaine Read a Scot, dwelling in Longacre-street, ne • r the Angel Tavern, a secular Jesuit, who for his detestable office performed (whereby he had perverted a certain Minister of the Church, with secret incitements to the Popish religion, with all his family, taking his Daughter to Wife) for a recompense obtained a rent or impost upon butter, which the Country people are bound to render to him, procured for him from the King, by some chief men of the Society, who never want a spur, whereby he may be constantly detained in his Office: In his house the business of the whole Plot is concluded, where the Society which hath conspired against the King, the Lord Archbishop & both Kingdoms meet together, for the most part every day: but on the day of the Carrier • (or Posts ) dispatch, which is ordinarily Friday, they meet in greater numbers; for then all the Intelligencers assemble, and confer in common, what things every of them hath fished out that Week; who that they may be without suspi • ion, send their secrets by Toby Matthew, or Read himself, to the Popes Legat; he transmits the compacted pacquet, which he hath purchased from the Intelligencers, to Rome.
With the same Read, the Letters brought from Rome are deposited, under faired Titles and Names, who by him are delivered to all, to whom they appertain: For all and every of their Names are known to him.
Upon the very same occasion, Letters also are brought hither under the covert of Father Philip; (he notwithstanding being ignorant of things) from whom they are distributed to the Conspirators.
There is in that very • use a public Chapel, wherein an ordinary Jesuit con • ecrates, and dwells there. In the said Chapel Masses are daily celebrated by the Jesuits, and it serves for the baptizing of the Children of the House, and of some of the Conspirators.
Those who assemble in the forenamed house, come frequently in Coaches or on Horse back in Lay-men's habit, and with a great Train, wherewith they are diguised, that they may not be known, yet they are Jesuits, and conjured members of the Society.
. All the Papists of ENGLAND contribute to this Assembly, lest any thing should be wanting to promote the undertaken Design. Upon whose treasury, one Widow, owner of the Houses, wherein Secretary Windebanke now dwelleth, dead above three Yeares since, bestowed forty thousand English pounds, so likewise others contribute above their abilities, so as the business may be promoted unto its desired end.
16. Besides the foresaid Houses, there are Conventicles also kept in other more secret places, of which verily they confide not even among themselves, for fear lest they should be discovered. First, every of them are called to certain Inns, (one not knowing of the other;) hence they are severally led by Spies to the place where they ought to meet, otherwise ignorant where they ought to assemble, lest peradventure they should be surprised at unawares.
17. The Countess of Arundel, a strenuous She-Champion of the Popish Religion, bends all her Nerves to the Universal Reformation; whatsoever she hears at the Kings Court, that is done secretly or openly, in words or deeds, she presently imparts to the Popes Legat, with whom she meets thrice a day▪ sometimes in Arundel • House, now at the Court, or at Tarthal▪ He scarce sucks such things by the Claw.
The Earl himself called now about three years since, this year ought to go to Rome, without doubt to consult there of serious things, concerning the Design. with gifts and speeches, the Jesuits watch diligently to their Masses.
At Greenwich at the Earls costs, a feminine School is maintained, which otherwise is a Monastery of Nuns; for the young Girls therein, are sent forth hither and thither into foreign Mon • steries beyond the Seas.
Master Porter of the Kings Bed-chamber, most addicted to the Popish religion, is a bitter enemy of the King, he reveals all his greatest secrets to the Popes Legat; although he very rarely meets with him, yes his wife meets him so much the oftener, who being informed by her husband, conveys secrets to the Lega • . In all his actions he is nothing inferior to Toby Matthew; it cannot be uttered▪ how diligently he watcheth on the business.
His sons are secretly instructed in the Popish Religion; openly, they profess the Reformed. The eldest is now to receive his Fathers Office, under the King which shall be. A Cardinals hat is provided for the other, if the Design shall succeed well.
Above three years past the said Master Porter, was to be sent away by the King to Maroco: but he was prohibited by the Society, lest the business should suffer delay thereby.
He is a Patron of the Jesuits, for whom, for the exercise of Religion, he provides Chapels both at home and abroad.
Secretary Windebanke, a most fierce Papist, is the most unfaithful to the King of all men, who not only betrays and reveals even the Kings greatest secrets, but likewise communicates Counsels by which the design may be best advanced. He at least thrice every week converseth with the Legat in Nocturnal conventicles, and reveals those things which he thinks fit to be known; for which end, he hired a house near to the Legates house, whom he often resorts to through the Garden door, for by this vicinity, the meeting is facilitated.
The said Secretary is bribed with gifts to the party of that conjured Society, by whom he is sustained, that he may the more seriously execute his Office.
He sent his Son expressly to Rome, who ought to insinuate himself into the Roman Pontif.
Sir Digby, Sir Winter, Master Montague the younger, who hath been at Rome; my Lord Sterling, a Cosen of the Earl of Arundels, a Knight, the Countess of Newport, the Duchess of Buckingham; and many others who have sworn into this conspiracy, are all most vigilant in the design. Some of those are enticed with the hope of Court, others of Political Offices; Others attend to the sixteen Cardinals Caps that are vacant; which are therefore detained idle for some years, that they may impose a vain hope on th • se who expect them.
The President of the aforesaid Society was my Lord Gage, a Jesuit Priest, dead above three years since. He had a Palace adorned with lascivious pictures, which counterfeited profaneness in the house, but with them was palliated a Monastery, wherein forty Nuns were maintained, hid in so great a Palace, It is situated in Queens-street, which the statue of a Golden Queen adorns. The secular Jesuits have bought all this street, and have reduced it into a guadrangle, where a Jesuitical College is tacitly built, with this hope, that it might be openly finished, as soon as the universal reformation was begun.
The Popes Legat useth a threefold Character or Cipher; One wherewith he communicates with all Nuncioes; Another, with Cardinal Barbaraino only: A third, wherewith he covers some greater secrets to be communicated.
What soever things he either receiveth from the Society or other spies, those he packes up together in one bundle, dedicated under this Inscription: To Monsieur Stravio Archdeacon of Cambray: from whom at last they are promoted to Rome.
These things being thus ordered, if every thing be laid to the bullance, it will satisfy 〈◊〉 special, all the Articles pr • pounded.
WHEREIN.
1. THE Conspiracy against the King and Lord Arch-bishop is detected, and the means whereby ruin is threatened to both, demonstrated.
2. The imminent dangers to both Kingdoms are rehearsed.
3. The rise and progress of that Scottish •• re is related.
4. Means whereby these Scottish troubles may be appeased, are suggested: for after the Scots shall know by whom and to what end their minds are incensed, they will speedily look to themselves, neither will they suffer the forces of both parts to be subdued, lest a middle party interpose, which seeks (the ruin) of both.
5. With what sword the Kings throat is assaulted, even when these stirs shall be ended, Cunens his confession; and a visible demonstration, showeth.
6. The place of the Assembly in the house of Captain Read is nominated.
7. The day of the eight days dispatch by Read and the Legate is prescribed.
8. How the names of the Conspirators may be known.
9. Where this whole Congregation may be circumvented.
10. Some of the Principal unfaithful ones of the Kings party are notified by name; many of whose names occur not, yet their h • bitations are known; their names may be easily extorted from Read.
If these things be warily proceeded in, the strength of the whole business will be brought to light; so the arrow being foreseen, the danger shall be avoided; which that it may prosperously succeed, the Omnipotent Creator grant.
The Arch-Bishops indorsement with his ow • e hand.
Rece. Octob. 14. 1640.
The Narration of the great Treason, concerning which he promised to Sir William Boswell, to discover against the King and State.
A further evidence and confirmation of some things in the Relation concerning the Archbishop of Canterbury.
THe Relation of this horrid plot by a chief Actor in it, (with which the Arch-Prelate acquainted the King, not many days before this Parliament began) lay concealed among the Arch-bishops papers, without any prosecution of the conspirators (for ought appears) who are since dispersed in part by the Parliament, but neither dissolved nor taken off this plot, but become more active in its prosecution, putting forth their last and utmost endeavors in all places, to accomplish this their design, which they have almost brought to maturity to our shame and grief, by new raised civil wars both in Ireland and England.
Two things in this plot, which concern the Arch-bishop, may perchance seem strange to different sorts of men.
First; That the Popes Legat should presume to tempt the Archbishop with the offer of a Cardinals cap; and some friends of his will perchance affirm, that certainly no such proffer was ever made unto him: but to put this out of question, the Bishop himself under his own hand, among other memorials, in the Iourn • ll of his life (then found by Mr. Prynne in his pocket) hath these two remarkable memorandums, Anno 1633. August 4. Sunday, news came to Court of the Lord Arch-bishop of Canterburys death, and the King resolved presently to give it me. That very morning at Greenenwich there came one to me SERIOUSLY, and THAT AVOWED ABILITY TO PERFORME IT, and OFFERED ME TO BE A CARDINALL. I went presently TO THE KING and ACQUAINTED HIM BOTH WITH THE THING AND PERSON. Aug. 17. (the same month) Saturday I had A SERIOUS OFFER MADE ME AGAINE TO BE A CARDINALL; I was th •• fr • m Court, but so soon as I came thither (which was Wednesday August 21.) I ACQUAINTED HIS MAJESTY WITH IT. But my answer again was, that somewhat dwelt within me that would not suffer that TILL ROME were other then it is: so that by his own Notes it appears, a Cardinals Cap was twice proffered him very seriously, and that he acquainted the King with it; not by way of complaint to crave justice against the party who durst presume to tempt him with such a foreign dignity, to be the Popes sworn instrument; but, by way of advice, and to sound His Majesty's opinion hereof▪ as his answer imports. Neither did he absolutely di • claim the dignity it self, as if he might in no case accept it, but conditionally, Till Rome should be other then it is now, and then he would not refuse it. Indeed the Arch-bishop in his Reply to Fisher, challengeth this title ( Putriarch of another world ) as his due, being given to his predecessor Anselm, and therefore could brook • any other Pope (in point of Sovereignty ) to Lord it over him here; and this made him refuse the Cardinals Gap • But had he resisted the Legates landing or conti • nance here, which he never did for ought appears, but entertained some familiarity with him at first, though they afterwards grew more strange; or peremptorily refused the first offer with indignation, thrust out the Legate or offerer of it by head and shoulders, prosecuted him (as he did poor innocent Puritans ) upon the Statute of 23 • Eliz. c. 1. as a Traitor, for attempting to seduce him from his Alegiancy, and subject him to the See of Rome; or brought him publicly into the Star-Chamber or High-Commission, as he did some others for lesser pretended crimes and scandals, he had discharged the part of a good zealous Prelate and Protestant; but here was no such proceeding in this case: the very parties that tendered this Cap, presuming some good inclination in him to accept it, and good affection to the Romish Church, which he maintains to be a true Church, wherein men are and may be saved; and the second proffer of the Cap following so soon at the heels of the first, intimates; that the first was in such sort entertained by him, as rather encouraged then discouraged the party to make the second; and his second consultation with the King concerning it, insinuates, that the King rather inclined to, then against it, or at leastwise left it arbitrary to him to accept or reject it as he best liked. As for his lukewarm severity in prosecuting Papists, it appears most lively by his Epistle to the King before his Conference with the Jesuit Fisher, where he useth these speeches of his • arriage towards them; God forbid that I should persuade a persecution in any kind, or practice it in the least (against Priests and Jesuits.) For to my remembrance I have not given him or his so much as cross language. Therefore he is no great enemy to them: the edge of • eale being wholly bent against Puritans whom he prosecuted even to strong Cities, Countries withal manner of Tortures.
The second thing which may seem strange to others, disaffected to him▪ is this; that the Popes Legat and Jesuits should ever • ate, or conspire his death, unless he were an utter Enemy to all Popery, Papists and the Church of Rome; which admits an easy answer: The truth is, the Bishop being very pragmatical and willful in his courses, could not well brook pragmatical, peremptory Jesuits, who in Popish Kingdoms are in perpetual enmity with all other orders, and they with them; they having been oft banished out of France and other Realms by the Sorbonists, Dominicans and other orders, no Protestants writing so bitterly against this Popish Order as themselves, as some of their Priests, Dominicans, and other Friers have done: yea the Priests and Jesuits in England were lately at great variance, and persecuted, and writ against one another with much violence; This same then is no good argument that the Arch-bi. held no correspondence with Priests and other Orders, can bear no good affection to the Church of Rome, in whose superstitious Ceremonies he outstripped most Priests themselves. What correspondency he held with Franciscus de Sancta Clara, with other Priests, and Doctor Smith Bishop of Calcedon, whom the Jesuits likewise have persecuted, and got excommunicated, (though of their own Church and religion) is at large discovered in a Books in •••• led, The English Pope: and how well he approved of some Romish doctrines, Alt •• s and Massing rites, is evident by the Scottish Common-prayer-book, then found in the Archbishops chamber, with all those alterations, wherein it differs from the English, written with his own hand in the margin, some of which smell very strongly of Popery; as namely, his blotting out of these words at the delivery of the Bread and Wine in the Sacrament, Take and eat this in remembrance that Christ died for thee, and feed on him in thy heart by faith with thanksgiving: Take and drink • this in remembrance that Christ's blood was shed for thee, &c. and leaving only this former clause (the better to justify and imply a corporal presence of Christ in the Sacrament) The body of our Lord Jesus Christ which was given for thee; The blood of our Lord Jesus Christ which was shed for thee, preserve thy body and soul unto everlasting life. And this popish Rubric therein written with his own hand. The Presbyter during the time of consecration shall stand AT THE MIDDLE OF THE ALTAR, where he may with more ease and decency USE BOTH HIS HANDS, then he can do if he stand at the North end: with other particulars of this kind. Moreover, in his book of Private devotions, written with his own hand, he hath (after the Romish form) reduced all his prayers to Ca •• nicall hours, (many of them for his late good Lord and Master the Duke and Dutches of Buckingham, and their family; and some against the Scotch Rebels, as he stiles them.) And in the fore-mentioned Memorials of his life, written with his own hand, there are these suspicious passages, among others, besides the offer of the Cardinals-cap, An. 1631. I • n. 21. and 26. My nearer acquaintance began to settle with Do. S. God bless us in it. I • nii 25. D. S. with me at Fulham cum M • . &c. (meant of Dr. Smith, the Popish Bishop of Calcedon, as is conceived) Iun. 25. Mr. Fr. Windebanke my old friend was 〈◊〉 Secretary of State, which place I OBTAINED FOR HIM of my gracious Master King Charles: What an Arch-Papist and conspiratour he was, the Plot relates, and his flight into France for releasing Papists and Jesuits out of prison from executions for debts by his own Warrants, and imprisoning those Officers who apprehended them ) confirms. About this time Dr. Theodor Price, Subdean of Westminster, a man very intimate with the Archbishop, and recommended specially to the King by him to be a Welsh Bishop (in opposition to the Earl of Pembroke, and his Chaptain Griffith Williams, now an Irish Prelate; ) soon after died a reconciled Papist, and received extreme • Unction from a Priest: Noscitur ex comite. August 30. 1634. He hath this memorial. Saturday at Oatelands the Queen sent for me, and gave 〈◊〉 thanks for a business with which she trusted me; her promise then, that she would be my friend, and that I should have immediate address to her, when I had • ccasion. All which considered, together with his Chaplains licencing divers popish Books, with their • xpunging most passages against Popery out of Books brought to the Press, and other particulars commonly known, will give a true Character of his temper, that 〈◊〉 is another Ca •• ander, or middle man between an absolute Papist, and a real Protestant, who will far sooner hug a popish Priest in his bosom, then take • Puritan by the little finger; an absolute Papist in all matters of ceremony, pomp, and external worship, (in which he was over • zealous, even to an open bitter persecution of all consci •• tious Ministers, who made scruple of them) if not half an one at least, in Doctrinal 〈◊〉 . How far he was guilty of a conditional voting the breaking up the last Parliament before this was called, and for what end it was summoned; this other memorial under his own hand will attest, Dec. 5 1639. Thursday, the King declared his resolution for a Parliament, in case of the Scottish rebellion: the first movers to it were my L. Deputy of Ireland▪ my Lord Marquess Hamilton, and myself: And a Resolution voted at the Board to assist the King in extraordinary ways, if the Parliament should prove peevish and Refuse, &c. But of him sufficient, till his charge (now in preparation, and since transmitted to the Lord's) shall come in.
Observations on, and from the relation of this plot.
FFom the relation of the former Plot by so good a hand, our own three Realms, and a •• foreign Protestant States may receive full satisfaction.
First, that there hath been a most cunning, strong, execrable conspiracy long since contrived at Rome, and for divers years together most vigorously pursued in England with all industry, policy, subtlety, engines, by many active, potent confederates of all sorts, all sexes, to undermine the Protestant Religion, re-establish Popery, and alter the very frame of civil government in all the Kings Dominions; wherein a most dangerous visible progress hath been lately made.
Secondly, That to effect this traitorous design, they have not only secretly erected some Monasteries of Monks, Nuns, in and about London; but sent over hither whole Regiments of most active subtle Jesuits, incorporated into a particular new society, whereof the Pope himself is head, and Cardinal Barbarino his Vicar: which Society was first discovered, and some of them apprehended in th • ir private College at Clerken-well (together with their books of account Relics, and Massing Trinket • ) about the beginning of the second Parliament of this King; yet such power, favor, friends, they had then acquired, that their persons were speedily and most indirectly released out of Newgate without any prosecution, to prevent that Parliaments proceedings against them, which examined this abuse, and illegal release. Since which, this conjured society increasing in strength and number, secretly replanted themselves in Queens-street and Long-acre, and their purses are now so strong, their hopes so elevated, their designs so ripened, as they have there purchased, founded a new magnificent College of their own for their habitation, near the fairest buildings of Nobles, Knights, and Gentlemen, the more commodiously to seduce them.
Thirdly, that these Jesuits and conspirators hold weekly, constant, uninterrupted intelligence with the Pope and Romish Cardinals; and have many spies or intelligence • of all sorts about the King, Court, City, Noblemen, Ladies, Gentlemen of quality, and in all quarters of the Kingdom, to promote this their damnable Plot.
Fourthly, that the Pope for divers late years hath had a known avowed Legat, C •• by name, openly residing even in London, near the Court, of purpose to reduce the King and his Kingdoms to the obedience of the Church of Rome; and the Queen at least, another Legor at Rome trading with the Pope, to facilitate the design, to wit, one Hamilton a Scot, who receives a pension out of the Exchequer, granted to another Protestant of that name, who payeth it over unto him, to palliate the business from the people's knowledge; by which means there hath been a constant allowed Neg • tiation held between Rome and England, without any open interruption.
5. That the Popes Legate came over into England to effect this project, and kept • is residence here in London, for the better prosecution thereof by the Kings own • privity and consent. And whereas by the ancient Law and Custom of the Real • e • et in force, even in times of Popery, no Legat whatsoever coming from Rome. ought to • rosse the Seas, or land in England, or any the Kings Dominions, without the Kings own Petition, calling and request to the Pope, and before he had taken a • olemne Oath or Pr • te • station, to bring and attempt nothing in word or deed, to the prejudice of the Rights, Privileges, Laws and Customs of the King and Realm. This Legat, for ought appears, was here admitted without any such cautionary Oath, which would have crossed the chief end of his legation, which was, to prejudice all men, and our Religion too.
Yea, whereas by the Statutes of the Realm, it is made no less then high Treason for any Priests, Jesuits, or others, receiving orders or Authority from the Pope of Rome, to set footing in England, or any the Kings Dominions, to seduce any of his Subjects to Popery: and Popish Recusants (much less then Priests, Jesuits, & Legates) ought not to remain within ten miles of the City of London, nor come yet into the King or Princes Courts, the better to avoid such traiterous and most dangerous Conspirators, Treasons, and attempts as are daily divised and practiced by them against the King and Common-weal. Yet notwithstanding, this Popes Legate, and his confederates, have not only kept redence for divers years, in or near London and the Court, and enjoyed free liberty (without disturbance, or any prosecution of the Laws against them) to seduce his Majesty's Nobles, Courtiers, Servants, Subjects everywhere, to their grief and prejudice; but likewise had familiar access to, and conference with, the King himself, (under the name, notion, authority of the Popes Legat ) by all Arts, Policies, Argument to pervert and draw him, with his three Kingdoms, into a new subjection to the Sea of Rome, as Cardinal Pool, the last Popes Legat extant in England before this, in Queen Mary's reign, reconciled her and the Realm to Rome, to their intolerable prejudice. An act so inconsistent with the Laws of the Realm, with his Majesty's many ancient and late Remonstrances, Oaths, Protestations, to maintain the Protestant Religion, without giving way to any backsliding to Popery, in such sort as it was maintained and professed in the purest times of Q. Elizabeth, &c. as may well amaze the world, which ever looks more at real Actions, then verbal Protestations.
6. That the Popish party & Conspirators, have lately usurped a sovereign power, not only about the Laws and Magistrates of the Realm (which take no hold of Papists, but by the Parliaments late care against them here) but even over the King himself; who either cannot, or dares not (for fear, perchance, of poisoning, or other assassination ) oppose or banish these horrid Conspirators from his Dominions & Court, but hath a long time permitted them (by virtue of his marriage articles, ) to prosecute this plot without any public opposition or dislike, by whose powerful authority and mediation, all persons may easily divine. Alas! what shall become of the poor sheep, when the Shepherd himself, not only neglects to chase and keep out these Romish wolves, but permits them free access into, and harbor in the sheepfold, to assault, if not devour, not only his flock, but Person too? Either Saint John was much mistaken in the Character of a good Shepherd, and prescribing this injunction against such seducers, If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: for he that biddeth him God speed, is partaker of his evil de • ds▪ And the Fathers, the Canonists deceived in this Maxim, Qui non prohibit malum quod potest, jubet: or else the premises cannot be tolerated or defended by any who profess themselves enemies or opposites to the Pope, Priests, or Church of Rome; or true Defend • rs of the Protestant reformed Religion.
7. That these conspirators are so potent, as to remove from Court and publiqu • Offices, all such as dare strenuously oppose their plots, (as the example of Secretary Cook, with other Officers lately removed in Ireland, the Articles of Pacificatio • there lately made with the Rebels, evidence) and plant others of their own party and confederacy, both in his Majesty's Court, Privy Council, Closet, Bedchamber if not Bed, and about the Prince, to corrupt them: And how those that are th • environed with so many industrious potent seducers of all sorts, who have so many snares to entrap, so many enticements to withdraw them, both in their Beds, Bedchambers, Closets, Councils, Courts, where ever they go or come, should possibl • continue long untainted, unseduced, without an omnipotent protection (of which none can be assured, who permits or connives at such dangerous temptations) is • thing scarce credible in divine or human reason, if Adams, Solomon's, and other Apostacies by such means, be duly pondered. He who sails in the midst of dangerous rocks, may justly fear, and expect a wrack.
8. That the late Scottish troubles, wars, were both plotted and raised by thes • Jesuitical Conspirators, of purpose to force the King to resort to them and thei • Popish party for aid of Men and Money against the Scots; and by color thereof to raise an Army of their own, to gain the King into their power, and then to wi • or force him to what conditions they pleased; who must at leastwise promise the • an universal toleration of their Religion throughout his Dominions, ere they woul • yield to assist him. And in case they conquer or prevail, he must then come full • lie over to their party, or else be sent packing by them with a poisoned Fig to another world, as his Father (they say) was; (its likely by their instruments or procurement, they are so conusant of it, though it might not be examined when complain • of in open Parliament by the Commons, but the Assembly rather dissolved, then 〈◊〉 death discussed) and then the Prince, yet young, and well inclined to them already b • his education, will soon be made an obedient son of the Church of Rome. Thus th • Relator, a chief actor in this pre-plotted Treason, discovers. And if his single test • money (though out of an wounded conscience) will not be believed alone, the ensuing circumstances will abundantly manifest, the Scottish wars to be plotted and directed by them; For Con the Popes Legate, Hamilton the Queens Agent, mo •• of the Jesuits then about London, Captain Read their Host, the Lord Sterling Chamberlain, Cardinal Richelleiu his Agent, with other chief actors in the plot • being all Scots, and employing of Maxfield, and he two other active Popish Sco • Lards, in raising these tumults; the Earl of Arundel (another principal member of this conspiracy, being by their procurement made General of the firs • Army against the Scots, and most of his Commanders Papists; the Papists in a • counties of England (upon the Queens Letters directed to them) contributin • large sums of Money, besides Men, Arms and Horses to maintain this wa • (for which Master Squire of Shoreditch highly commended them in the Pulpi • as the Kings best Subjects: See Master Whites first Century of scandalous Priest • P. 25) Sir Toby Matthew (the most industrious conspirator, in the pack) makin • a voyage with the Lord Deputy into Ireland, to stir up the Papists there to contr • bute Men, Arms, Money, to subdue the Scottish Covenanters; yea, Marquess Hamiltons own Chaplain (employed as the Kings Comissioner to appease these Scots ) holding correspondency with Con, and resorting to him in private, to impart the secrets of that business to him, the general discontent of the Papists and conspirators upon the first pacification of those troubles, which they soon after infringed, and by new large contributions raised a second Army against the Scots, when the English Parliament refused to grant Subsidies to maintain the war. All these concurring circumstances compared with the relation, will ratify it without dispute, that this war first sprung from these conspirators.
9. That the subsequent present Rebellion in Ireland, and wars in England, originally issued from, and were plotted by the same conspirators. For the Scottish war producing this settled Parliament beyond the conspirators expectation, which they foresaw would prove fatal to this their long agitated conspiracy, if it continued undissolved; thereupon some Popish Irish Commissioners coming over into England, and confederating with the Duchess of Buckingham, Captain Read (now a prisoner in the Tower, and taken in the field in actual rebellion in Ireland ) and other of these conspirators, who afterwards departed secretly into Ireland, they plotted an universal Rebellion, surprisal and Massacre of all the Protestants in that Kingdom: which, though in part prevented by a timely discovery, which secured Dublin, and some few places else; yet it took general effect in all other parts, to the loss of above an hundred and forty thousand Protestants lives, there massacred by them. And finding themselves likely to be overcome there by the Parliaments Forces sent hence, and from Scotland, to relieve the Protestant party; thereupon to work a diversion, they raised a civil bloody war against the Parliament here in England, procuring the King (after Endymion Porter, a principal conspirator in the Plot, had gained the custody of the great Seal of England ) to issue out divers Proclamations under the great Seal, proclaiming the Parliament themselves Traitors and Rebells, yea to grant Commissions to Irish and English Papists (contrary to his former proclamations) to raise Popish forces both at home and in foreign parts for his defense, as his trustiest and most loyal Subjects; to send Letters and Commissions of favor to the Irist Rebels, and hinder all supplies from hence to the Protestant party. And withal, they procured the Queen, by the Earl of Antrim • and Duchess of Buckinghams mediation, to send Ammunition to the Irist Rebels, and to attempt to raise an insurrection in Scotland too, as the Declaration of the rise and progress of the Rebellion in Ireland, more largely discovers: since which, his Majesty hath condescended to Articles of Pacification with these Rebels contrary to an act of Parliament, and both Houses consents (wherein they are declared His Majesty's GOOD Catholic Subjects of Ireland, and no Rebels at all) and hath sent for many thousands of them into England to massacre the Protestant English here, and fight against the Parliament, as they did in Ireland heretofore. Seeing then all may clearly discern the exact prosecution of this plot carried on in all these wars by the conspirators therein particularly nominated; by the Queen and Popish party in all three Kingdoms, and by Papists in foreign parts (who have largely contributed Men, Money, Arms, Ammunition, to accomplish this grand design, through the instigation of those conspirators in this plot, who are gone beyond the Seas) and have lately caused public Proclamations to be made in Bridges, and other parts of Flaunders, in • uly last, (as appears by the Examination of Henry Maye, since seconded by others, That all people who will now give ANY MONEY TO MAINTAIN THE ROMAN CATHOLIKES IN ENGLAND, should have it re-paid them again in a years time, with many thanks; ) the whole world must of necessity, both see and acknowledge (unless they will renounce their ownn eyes and reason) that this conspiracy and plot, is no feigned imposture, but a most real perspicuous agitated treachery, now driven on almost to its perfection, the full accomplishment whereof (unless Heaven prevent it) the Catholics of England expect within the circuit of one year, as the forenamed Proclamations intimate.
10. That no settled peace was ever formerly intended, nor can now be futurely expected in England or Ireland, without an universal public toleration (at the least) of Popery, and a repeal and suspension of all Laws against it; this being the very condition in the plot which the King must condescend to, ere the Papists would engage themselves to assist him in these wars thus raised by them, for this end: and that none may doubt this verity; the late most insolent bold demands of the Irish Rebels in the Treaty with them, the most favorable Articles of Pacification granted to them, the present suspension of all laws against Priests and Recusants in all Counties under his Majesty's power; the uncontrolled multitudes▪ of Masses in his Armies, Quarters, Wales, the North, and elsewhere; the open boasts of Papists everywhere, the introducing of thousands of Irish Rebels, and other Fugitives, to extirpate the Protestant Religion, most really proclaim it: And if the King, after all their many years restless labor, plots, costs, pains, and pretended fidelity to his cause against the Parliament, should deny these Merit-mongers, such a diminutive reward as this is, (the very least they will expect▪) now they have him, the Prince and Duke, within their custody, Bristol, Chester, Ireland, Wales, most of the Western parts, and all his Forces in their power, this Discoverer (an eye and • are-witness of destiny from the Legates own vaunt, will inform his Majesty and all his Protestant Subjects (who will tremble at the very apprehension of it) that they have an Indian poisoned Nut reserved for him amongst this Jesuitical society; or if it be lost, a poisoned Knife perchance, or some other Instrument, to dispatch him out of the World, and so to get the possession, protection of the Prince, whom they will educate in their Antichristian Religion; which how possible, how probable it is for them (considering their present power and endeavors to effect it, their poisoning of the Emperor, Henry the seventh, in the sacred host; of King John in the Chalice; their stabbing of Henry the third of France with a K • ife in the belly; of Henry the fourth his successor, first in the mouth, next in the heart-strings; though all of their own Religion, because they would not humor the Pope in every unreasonable demand, (though Henry the fourth turned an Apostate from the Protestant Religion wherein he was bred, restored the Jesuits formerly banished out of France, rased the Pillar erected in Paris, as a • standing Monument of their Treasons against their Sovereigns, and built them a stately College, to secure his life from their Ass • ssination, which yet would not save him from their butchery: ) Together with their pistolling of the Prince of Orange, and poisoning of King James himself (as the Legate boasted) may inform his Majesty, and all his faithful Protestant Subjects, (especially such as by their confederating with them in these their wars, have done naught, but executed, advanced their fore-named designs, whom it concerns now very nearly to prevent, if possible, such a sad Catastrophe of that bloody Tragedie, which hath been acted overlong in Ireland & England by these Conspirators fore-plotted treasons. The execrable horridnesse and reality whereof, made the very Discoverer of the Plot, out of remorse of conscience, to desert the Conspirators, conspiracy, and that bloody Religion which begot it; and therefore should much more incite all such in his Majesty's Army, who are cordially faithful to their Sovereign, Religion, Country, Posterity, and have hitherto ignorantly acted these conspirators treasonable designs, under color of serving the King; to consider with remorse of conscience, whose Instruments they have thus long been, whose treasons they have ripened, what Protestant blood they have shed, how much they have weakened, impoverished, betrayed their own Protestant party, who have really stood for God, Religion, King, Country, Parliament, against these Romish conspirators; and what hopes, what advantages they have given these confederates, both in England and Ireland, to overtop, suppress, and ere long, utterly to extirpate the Protestant Religion, themselves, and all other cordially pro • essing it, as they have done many thousands of them already. And then upon all these sad, most serious considerations (the very thoughts whereof should cause their souls to bleed and tremble) speedily to desert these traiterous Papists, ere they get all into their power, and unite all their heads, hearts, hands, forces to the Parliaments party, who had so good cause to take up defensive arms, to prevent the imminent ruin, which otherwise is like to befall both King, Kingdom, Religion, Parliament, Liberty, Property, Posterity, ere we be aware; especially, since the most cowardly unworthy yielding up of Bristol, a fit Inlet for the maligant Welch Papists, Irish Rebels, (who have conspire to come over hither with all expedition, and are lately landed here in great multitudes since the pacification made with them) to cut all our throats.
11. That those Protestants who now side with Popish conspirators, when they have accomplished their designs, whatsoever they may now fancy to themselves, shall find no more mercy or favor from them, then the greatest Roundheads, if they comply not with them in all things, and even in Popery it self; for if they will not spare the Kings own person and life, after so many favors, graces extended to them, (as they will not, if we believe this Relation, or the late story of King Henry the fourth of France, yet fresh in memory) what inferior person can think to be secure, to fare better then the King himself? And if Con the Legate, to insinuate himself into the Kings and Palatines favors at the fi • st, when he had no interest in them, would not so much as advi • e the Legat of Colen, to mediate for the Palsgrave, lest peradventure the King of Spain should report, that the Pope had patronized an here ••• all Prince, as the Rela • ion attests, though he promised the King effectually to do it; How can Prince Rupert, Maurice, (or any other Commanders) in the Kings Army, when they have fully accomplished the Popes, and these his Instruments designs (under whose banner they ignorantly, yet really militate and promote his cause, in steed of the Kings and Kingdoms, to whom they and theirs have been so much engaged) hope to receive the least dram of favor, pity, much less any recompense from the Pope and Popish party, if they continue heretics still, notwithstanding all their present goodly promises? Will they (think • you) part with any other inheritances to them, then, who will not so much as now mediate for them to regain their own? Will these who have butchered so many thousands of innocent Protestants in Ireland, in England, even before they were sure of the day, without any provocation given; spare any mothers son of them alive, if they once erect their Trophies over them? Certainly the experience of all former ages compared with the present, may fully resolve all, that the very tender mercies of these wicked ones, will be naught but extreme cruelty; and if they prevail, we all must perish without distinction sooner or later, unless we will turn Apostates, and lose our Religion, God, Heaven, souls, to save our transitory lives.
Finally, therefore, let the serious consideration of all the premises instruct us, to learn wisdom from these our adversaries; let their indefatigable industry, subtle policy, sincere fidelity, cheerful constancy, bountiful liberality, fraternal unanimity, undaunted magnanimity, indissolvable confederacy, and uninterrupted pertinancy in prosecuting, establishing, propagating their Antichristian Religion, Treasons, designs, excite all Protestants (according to their several late Covenants and Protestations much forgotten) to equalize, if not transcend them in all these, in defending, securing, propagating our true Christian Religion, protecting our King, Kingdoms, Parliament, Laws, Liberties, Posterity, all we yet have, or hereafter hope for, from that imminent ruin, which these Popish conspirators threaten to them. Fore-warned fore-armed; if now we perish through our own private dissensions, folly, cowardice, covetousness, treachery, security, or monstrous credulity, that these conspirators and Papists now in Arms, fight only for the King, and establishment of the Protestant Religion, as it was in Queen Elizabeth's days, (against whom they plotted so many Treasons, even for her very Religion, and also the powder-plot since, against King James, and the whole Parliament,) our blood shall rest upon our own heads, who would not take timely notice of our incumbent dangers, nor suddenly prevent them whiles we might.
YO have read before in the plot it self, what an active instrument Captain Read was, in promoting this conspiracy of the Jesuits; and how he was entrusted with the dispatch and delivery of all their Letters and Packets of intelligence, and his house the ordinary randevouze where they weekly met; yet see what a Protection this desperate Traitor obtained from his Majesty, to secure him against all apprehensions and prosecutions to advance this design, recorded in the Clerke of the Peace hi • Book for Middlesex in open sessions, for his greater immunity, and in the Crown Office.
By the King.
WHereas We have received good testimony of the Loyalty and Duty of Our trusty and well-beloved Captain, John Read; and because he may be subject to the penalty of the laws for Recusancy. These are to signify, that We are graciously pl • ased to extend Our special Grace towards him: and do hereby will command, that no Inditement, Presentment, Information, or Suit in Our name, or in the name of any other, be henceforth commenced, prosecuted, or accepted against him, by any of Our Officers or Subjects whatsoever, for or concerning Recusancy: 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 prejudicial to him.
Given under Our Signet at Our Court at Theobals the 13. day of July, in the 10th. year of Our Rain.
To all and singular Our Judges of Assize, Justices of Peace, Mayors, Sheriffs, Clerks of Assize and Peace, Bailiffs, Constables, Informers, and all other Our Officers and Ministers, whom it doth, or may concern, and to every of them.
The Examination of Henry Mayo.
WHo saith, That on Thursday last, being the twentieth of July, one thousand six hundred forty three, he being at Bridges in Flanders, heard Proclamation made in Dutch, (who understands it very well) that all people within that City, that would go to the Governors house, and give any Money to maintain the Roman Catholics in England, they should have their Money re-paid them again in a years time, with many thanks.
HENRY MAYO.
This Examination was taken before us,
- EDWARD BOYCE.
- JOHN BOYCE.
- GEORGE TROTTER.