|

in the name of all the commons of the realm maj. out of the quick sense of your own religi (whom we represent) ascribe as much honour, ous heart cannot but be in the highest measure as a most loyal and affectionate people can do, displeased) those of that religion do find extraunto the best king: for so you are, and so ordinary favours and respect at court, from have been pleased abundantly to express your persons of great quality and power there, self, this present parliament, by your majesty's whom they continually resort unto, and in parclear and satisfactory Answer to our Petition ticular to the countess of Buckingham; who, of Right; for which both ourselves and our herself openly professing that religion, is a posterity shall bless God for you, and ever pre- known favourer and supporter of them that serve a thankful memory of your great good- do the same; which we well hoped, upon your ness and justice therein. And we do also verily majesty's Answer to the aforesaid Petition at believe that all, or most of these things, Oxford, should not have been permitted; nor which we shall now present unto your ma- that any of your majesty's subjects of that rejesty, are either unknown unto you, or else ligion, or justly to be suspected, should be enby some of your majesty's ministers offered tertained in the service of your maj, or your under such specious pretences as may hide royal consort the queen. Some likewise of their own bad intentions, and ill consequences that religion have had honours, offices, and of them, from your majesty. But we as- places of command and authority lately consure ourselves, according to the good example ferred upon them. But that which striketh of your majesty's predecessors, nothing can the greatest terror into the hearts of your loyal make your maj. (being a wise and judicious subjects concerning this, is, that letters of stay prince, and above all things desirous of the of legal proceedings against them have been welfare of your people) more in love with par- procured from your maj, by what indirect liaments than this, which is one of the princi- incans we know not: and commissions under pal ends of calling them: that therein your the great seal, granted and executed for cominaj. may be truly informed of the state of all the position to be made with popish recusants several parts of your kingdom, and how your with inhibitions and restraint both to the ecofficers do behave themselves in discharge of clesiastical and temporal courts and officers, the trust reposed in them by your maj. which to intermeddle with them; which is conceived is scarce possible to be made known to you, to amount to no less than a toleration, odious to but in parliament; as was declared by your God, full of dishonour and extreme disproblessed father, when he was pleased to put fit to your maj. of extreme scandal and grief the commons in parliament assembled in mind, to your good people, and of apparent danger That it would be the greatest unfaithfulness, to the present state of your maj. and of this and breach of duty to his maj. and of the trust kingdom; their numbers, power, and insolency committed to them by the country that could daily increasing in all parts of your kingdom, be, if in setting forth the Grievances of the and especially about London and the suburbs people, and the condition of all the parts of thereof; where exceeding many families do this kingdom from whence they come, they make their abode, publickly frequent mass at did not deal clearly with him, without sparing Denmark-house and other places, and by their any, how near and dear soever they were unto often meetings and conferences have opportu him, if they were hurtful or dangerous to the nities of combining their counsels and strength common-wealth.'-In confidence therefore of together, to the hazard of your majesty's safety your majesty's gracious acceptation in a matter and the state, and most especially in these of so high importance, and in faithful discharge doubtful and calamitous times. And as our of our duties; we do, first of all, most humbly fear, concerning change or subversion of Relibeseech your maj, to take notice that how soc-gion, is grounded upon the daily increase of ver we know your maj. doth, with your soul abhor, that any such thing should be imagined or attempted; yet there is a general fear in your people of some secret working and combination to introduce into your kingdom some innovation and change of our holy Religion, more precious unto us than our lives and what ever this world can afford. And our fears and jealousies herein are not incerly conjectural, but arising out of such certain and visible effects, as may demonstrate a true and real cause; for notwithstanding the many good and wholesome laws, and the provisions made to prevent the increase of Popery within this kingdom; and notwithstanding your majesty's most gracious and satisfactory Answer to the Petition of both houses in that behalf, presented to your majesty at Oxford; (see p. 21); we find there hath followed no good execution nor effect: but on the contrary (at which your

Papists, the open and professed enemies thereof, for the reasons formerly mentioned: so are the hearts of your good subjects no less perplexed, when with sorrow they behold a daily growth and spreading of the faction of the Arminians, that being, as your maj. well knows, but a cunning way to bring in popery; and the professors of those opinions, the common disturbers of the protestant churches, and in cendiaries in those states wherein they have gotten any head, being protestants in shew, but jesuits in opinion and practice; which caused your royal father, with so much pious wisdom, and ardent zeal, to endeavour the suppressing of them, as well at home as in the neighbour countries. And your gracious maj. imitating his most worthy example, hath openly, and by your proclamation, declared your mislike of those persons, and of their opinions; who notwithstanding are much favoured

miserably distressed: we do humbly appea unto your majesty's princely judgment, whe ther there be not just ground of fear that ther is some secret and strong co-operating her with the enemies of our religion abroad, for th utter extirpation thereof: and whether, if thos courses be not speedily redressed, and the pro fession of true religion more encouraged, w can expect any other but misery and rui speedily to fall upon us; especially if, beside the visible and apparent dangers wherewith w are compassed about, you would be pleased to remember the displeasure of Almighty God, al ways bent against the neglect of his holy religion the strokes of whose divine justice we have a ready felt, and do still feel, with smart an sorrow, in great measure. And besides the fear of innovation in Religion, we do, in like faithful discharge of our duties, most humbl declare to your maj. that the hearts of you people are full of fear of innovation and change of government, and accordingly possessed with extreme grief and sorrow; yet, in this point by your majesty's late Answer to our Petition of Right, touching our liberties, much comforted and raised again out of that sadness and dis content, which they generally had conceived throughout the whole kingdom, for undue courses which were the last year taken to raising of monics by Loans; than which (what ever your maj. hath been informed to the con trary) there were never any monies demanded nor paid with greater grief, and general dislike of all your faithful subjects; though many, party out of fear, and partly out of other respects yet most unwillingly, were drawn to yield to what was required.-The Billeting of Soldiers did much augment both their fears and grief wherein likewise they find much comfort upon your gracious Answer to our Petition of Right. and to what we presented to your maj. comcerning this particular. Yet we most humb beseech your maj. that we may inform you, that the yet continuance, and late re-inforcing of those soldiers; the conditions of their persons, many of them not being natives of this kingdom, nor of the same but of an opposite

and advanced, not wanting friends even of the clergy, near to your maj.; namely, Dr. Neile bp. of Winchester, and Dr. Laud bp. of Bath and Wells, who are justly suspected to be unsound in their opinious that way. And, it being now generally held the way to preferment and promotion in the church, many scholars do bend the course of their studies to maintain those errors; their books and opinions are suffered to be printed and published; and on the other side, the imprinting of such as are written against them, and in defence of the orthodox religion, are hindered and prohibited; and (which is a boldness almost incredible) this restraint of orthodox books, is made under colour of your majesty's formerly mentioned proclamation, the intent and meaning whereof, we know, was quite contrary. And further, to increase our fears concerning innovation of Religion, we find, that there hath been no small labouring to remove that which is the most powerful means to strengthen and increase our own religion, and to oppose the contrary, which is the diligent teaching and instruction of the people in the true knowledge and worship of Almighty God. And therefore means hath been sought out to depress and discountenance pious, painful, and orthodox preachers; and how conformable soever, and peaceable in their disposition and carriage they be, yet the preferiment of such is opposed; and, instead of being encouraged, they are molested with vexatious courses and pursuits, and hardly permitted to lecture, even in those places where are no constant preaching ministers; whereby many of your good people (whose souls in this case we beseech your maj. to commiserate) are kept in ignorance, and are apt to be easily seduced to error and superstition.—It doth not a little also increase our dangers and fears this way, to understand the miserable condition of your kingdom of Ireland; where, without controul, the popish religion is openly professed and practised in every part thereof: popish jurisdictions being there generally exercised and avowed; monasteries, nunneries, and other superstitious houses newly erected, re-edified, and re-religion; the placing them upon the sea-coast, plenished with men and women of several or ders, and in a plentiful manner maintained at Dublin, and most of the great towns and divers other places of the kingdom: which of what ill consequence it may prove, if not seasonably repressed, we leave to your majesty's wisdom to judge: but most humbly beseech you (as we assure ourselves you will) to lay the serious consideration thereof to your royal and pious heart, and that some speedy course may be taken for redress therein.—And if now, to all these, your maj. will be pleased to add the consideration of the circumstances of time, wherein these courses, tending to the destruction of true Religion, within these your kingdoms, have been taken here; even then when the same is, with open force and violence, prosecuted in other countries, and all the reformed

where making head among themselves, they may unite with the popish party at home, if occa sion serve, and join with an invading enemy to do extreme mischief; and that they are not yet dismissed; do both still minister cause of jealousy in your loving subjects; for that the soldiers cannot be continued without exceeding great danger of the peace and safety of your kingdom.-The report of the strange and dangerous purpose of bringing in German horse and riders, would have turned our doubts into despair, and our fears into a certainty of confusion, had not your majesty's gracious Message (for which we humbly give you thanks) comforted us, by the assurance of your royal word, that they neither are, nor were intended by your maj. for any service in England: but that they were designed for some

which of the

house would not give way thereunto. So after the king sends a message by sir H. Ma that he means to end this session on the 20 of June: whereupon the commons resolv to proceed immediately with the bill of To nage and Poundage.-We now return back the lords.

The Duke of Buckingham complains of Aspersion cast upon him.] June 16. The dui of Buckingham signified to the lords, that 1 was informed a member of the commons ha affirmed his grace did speak these words at own table, viz. Tush, it makes no matter wh the commons or parliament doth; for, with out my leave and authority, they shall no be able to touch the hair of a dog.'-TE duke desired leave of the lords, That he migh make his protestation in the house of com mons concerning that Speech, and to move the he who spoke it of him might be commanded t justify it, and his grace heard to clear himsel The lords, considering of this complaint, order ed, That the duke should be left to himsel to do therein as he thought proper.' His grac gave them thanks; and protested, upon his ho nour, That he never had these words so much a in his thoughts: which Protestation the lord ordered to be entered in their Journal, tha the duke might make use of them as need should be.

ners, is, The not guarding of the narrow seas; the regality whereof your maj. hath now in a manner wholly lost, being that wherein a principal part of the honour and safety of this kingdom heretofore consisted, and now having absolutely neglected it, the town of Dunkirk doth so continually rob and spoil your subjects, that we can assure your maj. if some present and effectual remedy be not forthwith provided, the whole trade of this kingdom, the shipping, mariners, and all belonging thereunto, will be utterly lost and consumed. The prin cipal cause of which evils and dangers we conceive to be the excessive power of the duke of Buckingham, and the abuse of that power: and we humbly submit unto your majesty's excellent wisdom, whether it be safe for yourself or your kingdoms, that so great power as rests in him by sea and land, should be in the hands of any one subject whatsoever.—And as it is not safe, so sure we are, it cannot be for your service; it being impossible for one man to manage so many and weighty affairs of the kingdom as he hath undertaken, besides the ordinary duties of those offices which he holds; some of which, well performed, would require the time and industry of the ablest men bothin counsel and action, that your whole kingdom will afford, especially in these times of common danger. And our humble desire is further, That your most excellent maj. will be pleased The Lords beseech the King to cancel the Com to take into your most princely consideration, mission of Ercise, &c.] June 16, p. m. The com Whether, in respect the said duke hath so abus-mittee of lords, appointed to consider of the ed his power, it be safe for your maj. and your Commission of Excise, brought in a draught of kingdom, to continue hin either in his great a Message to be sent to the king about vacating offices, or in his place of nearness and counsel it; which was read as follows: about your sacred person.-And thus, in all humility, aiming at nothing but the honour of Almighty God, and the maintenance of his true religion, the safety and happiness of your most excellent maj, and the preservation and prosperity of this church and commonwealth, we have endeavoured, with faithful hearts and intentions, and in discharge of the duty we owe to your maj. and our country, to give your maj. a true representation of our present danger and pressing calamities; which we humbly beseech your maj. graciously to accept, and to take the saine to heart; accounting the safety and prosperity of your people, your greatest happiness, and their love your richest treasure. A rueful and lamentable spectacle, we confess, it must needs be, to behold those ruins in so fair an house; so many diseases, and almost every one of them deadly, in so strong and well-tempered a body as this kingdom lately was: but yet we will not doubt, but that God hath reserved this honour for your maj. to restore the safety and happiness thereof, as a work worthy so excellent a prince; for whose long life and true felicity we daily pray, and that your fame and never-dying glory may be continued to all succeeding generations."

Then a Message was sent to his maj. desiring access to his person with this Remonstrance, and the Speaker was appointed to deliver it;

who much dacired to he ovenced bue tha

"May it please your most excellent maj. Whereas there was transmitted unto us, from the house of commons, a certain patent, under the great seal, bearing date the last of February, authorizing 33 of your majesty's counsellors, to consult and advise your maj. of some ways to raise money, by imposition, or otherwise. And although we have receised satisfaction, from some of your majesty's council, that this was no more than a commission or warrant to advise only; yet, to free your subjects of all jealousies, and because this way of requiring advice, under the great seal, does seem unusual, we do humbly beseech your maj. to cancel the said commission; and, if it be enrolled, to vacate the same also, with the warrant; and to give the lordkeeper orders to effect this with all convenient speed."

The same committee delivered in another Message, drawn by them, to the king, against Dr. Manwaring's Books; desiring his maj. to put out his Proclamation to call in the said books, that they might be all burnt in London and Westminster, and at both the universities. Also to inhibit the reprinting of them under severe penalties, &c. Both these Messages were approved of by the lords, and ordered to be delivered to his maj. by the lord keeper, in the name of the whole house.

The Lorde Freentions to the Form of the

June 19. The lord president of the council acquainted the lords, That his majesty had caused the Commission so much complained of by the commons, with the warrant for putting the seal to the same, to be cancelled in his presence.' His lordship openly shewed them so cancelled to the house; on which a Message was sent to the commons, along with those instruments; but with orders to bring them back again, when shewn to that house.

Subsidy Bill.] June 17. The commons had and rightly told them by the lords of the counhow sent up their bill of Subsidies to the lords, cil, that this commission was no more than a who had read it twice; but finding some ex- warrant of advice, which his maj. knew would ception, for naming the commons only in the be agreeable to that time, and to the manifold rant, they agreed to have a conference with occasions then in hand: but now, having a hem about it. Accordingly a message was supply from the love of his people, he esteems ent to the lower house, to desire a conference that commission useless; and therefore, though n certain matters, tending to the preservation he knows no cause why any jealousies should f the good correspondency between both have risen thereby, yet, at their desires, he is ouses. Answered, They would attend pre- content that it be cancelled; and hath.comently. It was then agreed, That the lord-manded to bring both the commission and wareeper should signify to the commons, at this rant to him, to be cancelled in his presence." onference, the great care the lords have had, As to Dr. Manwaring, his maj. said, "That he this parliament, to continue a right under- was well pleased with their request, and would anding between both houses; which was best order the attorney-general to prepare a proclaone when nothing is intrenched upon by mation accordingly." ither house. To shew them that, in the front f the bill of Subsidies, which they lately sent P, only the commons are named; whereas in any precedents, even in the last parliament, 15, We your maj.'s most humble and loyal bjects, in your high court of parliament, &c.' cither naming the lords nor yet the commons. That the lords conceive this might happen, ther by some slip, than done of set purpose. o move them, that the word 'commons' may e struck out; for as the commons give their June 20. The Title to the Petition of Right ubsidies for themselves, and for the represen- was agreed on by the lords and commons, and tive body of the kingdom, so likewise the approved by the king: it run in these words, rds have the disposition of their own.'-This The Petition exhibited to his majesty, by the eing delivered to the commons, at the confer- lords spiritual and temporal, and commons, in nce, their committee said, They must make this present parliament assembled, concerning nown this proposition of the lords to their divers Rights and Liberties of the Subjects; hole house; and hoped speedily to return to with the king's inost royal Answer thereunto, ve them an Answer. But, on their com- in full parliament.' Agreed also, That the g back, they only said, 'That there was no-king's Answer, in French, should be printed ing more desired than good correspondency in English, for the better satisfaction of the etween the lords and them; which they es- vulgar.' emed an earthly paradise: that they had aken their lordships proposition, for altering e bill, into consideration, and they find it a atter of more moment than to be suddenly solved on: but the next morning they would onsider farther of it, and return an Answer with all convenient speed.'

June 18. A Message was brought by sir dw. Coke and others, That the commons ad considered of their lordships proposal, bout the Subsidy Bill; and as they had alays endeavoured to keep up a good corresponency between the two houses; knowing well hat it is the very heartstring of the commonealth; so they should be ever as zealous of eir lordships privileges as of their own rights.' his ambiguous answer was all the commons ent; but yet the lords were content with it, nd expressed great joy and comfort, as it is ermed in the message. There was also another conference held the same day, concerning a proper title to be given to their Petition of tight, and the enrolling and printing of the

ame.

This day the lord keeper reported the king's Answer to the two Messages, concerning the Cancelling the commission of Excise, and about Dr. Manwaring's Book, "That their lordships ad reason to be satisfied with what was truly

Dr. Manwaring's Submission.] June 21. Dr. Manwaring was brought to the bar, in order to read and subscribe the following Submission, which a committee of lords had drawn up for that purpose: viz.

"May it please this honourable house, I do here, in all sorrow of heart and true repentance, acknowledge the many errors and indiscretions which I have committed; in preaching and publishing those two Sermons of mine, which I called Religion and Allegiance, and my great fault in falling upon this theme again, and handling the same rashly and unadvisedly, in my own parish church of St. Giles in the Fields, the 4th of May last past. I do fully acknowledge those 3 Sermons of mine, to have been full of many dangerous passages, inferences, and scandalous aspersions in most parts of the same: and I do humbly acknowledge the justice of this honourable house, in that Judgment and Sentence passed upon me for my great offence: and I do, from the bottom of my heart, crave pardon of God, the king, and this honourable house, the church, and this commonwealth in general, and those worthy persons adjudged to be reflected upon by me in particular, for these great errors and

offences. ROGER MANWARING."

After this, the doctor was led into the house