THat for the taking away of all scruples,NOTA. and the better Justification of the Match, The Dispensation of the Pope is to be procured, but thereof His Majesty need to take no kind of notice, but to be the meere Act of the King of Spaine.

That the Children of this Marriage shall no way be compelled or constrained in poynt of Conscience of Religion, wherefore there is no doubt that their Title shall be prejudiced,NOTA. in case it should please God that they should prove Catholiques.

That the Family which the Infanta shall bring with her (being strangers) may be Catholiques, and that the Nurses which shall give milke unto the Childre • , shall be chosen with her consent, and shall be accounted of her Family.

That the place which shall be appointed for Divine service shall be Decent, Capable, Free and publike for all those of her Family, and that there shall be Administred in it the Sacraments and Divine service, according to the Use and Ceremonies of the Church of Rome.

That in case the Infanta her selfe shall onely have a secret and particular Oratory: There, shall be appointed for her Family a setled Chappell for the Administring of the Sacraments, and for the burying of the dead of the said Family; and that this publike Exercise of Religion begin from her first entrance into England.

That it shall be lawfull for the Ecclesiasticall and Religious persons of her Family, to weare their owne Habit.

That after the Dispensation granted by the Pope, the Marriage shall be celebrated in Spaine, per verba de praesenti, by a Procurator, according to the Instruction of the Councell of Trent.

And that the yeers and ages • e without supplement, waiting the ten dayes; and the Infanta receiving the Nuptiall Benediction: But that within certaine dayes to be Limited after her arrivall in England, there shall be (infacie Ecclesiae) used such a solemnization, as by the Lawes of England shall make the Marriage valid, and takeaway all scruple touching the Legitimation of the Issue.

That shee shall have a competent number of Chaplaines, and a Confessor, being Strangers; and that amongst them shall be one that shall have power and authority for the government of the rest of her said Family, in matters concerning Catholique Religion.

That there be sitting Assurances given for performance of the said Conditions.

JACOBUS Dei gratia Magnae Britanniae, Franciae & Hiberniae Rex, Fidei Defensor, &c. Serenissimo & potentissimo Principi Domino Phillippo eadem gratia Hispaniarum, Siciliae, &c. Regi, Archiduci Austriae, Duci Burgundiae Mediolani &c. Comiti Habspurgi & Tirolis▪ &c. F • atri Consanguineo, & Amico nostro Charissimo salutem, & faelicitatem. Serenissime & potentissime Princeps, Frater, Consanguinee & Amice Charissime literas Serenitatis Vestrae seprimo Augusti data • reddidit tandem Comes de Gondomar, expectatas ille quidem & pergratas mihi cui Ego pro litera • um vestrarum authoritate quae in mandatis acceperat uberius exponen •• , fidem hab •• non invitus. Ad Articulos viginti illos de quibus in Hispania jam ante cum Oratore nostro Barone Digbeio disceptatum suerat, plenius & liquidius respondi▪ quotquot ex ijs Gondomarius clarius & accuratius enucleandos censuit. Ad quinque porro capita quae postmodum sunt adjecta, sen • um animi mei sie exprompsi ut Serenitati vestrae cumula • e satisfactum iri non dubitem. Quod autem de re Religionis alia quaedam ad subditos meos spectantia, Comes ille Vestro mihi nomine proposuit ac commendavit equidem Candorem illum vere Regium optime (uti par est) interpretari de • eo, quod subditis nostris gratiam & indulgentiam hanc omnem qualis ea cunque futura sit, alteri nemini cuiquam Principi nisi nobis metipsis debendam existimet; Ut quicquid eorum quieti atque commodo tributum fuerit, Nostraeid benignitati ac clementiae f • rant acceptum, meritoque id adeo ac benignitate Nostra non minus quam fide & officio astr • ng • se nobis agnoscant & devinciri. Quo certe exploratius Serenitati hoc vestrae constare pervelim quum Ego cum vestro hoc rogatu ac desiderio, tum meo imprimis Assinitatis istius persiciendae studio (quam utrinque mutuo exoptatam non diffido) totus afficiar atque commovear. Sane Romanorum apud nos Catholicorum incolumitati & vot is quantum etiam nunc indulserimus significabit Comes Gondomarius & vero quantum pro temporis ratione commode ac decenter hactenus facere potuimus, factum haud dubie significabit: Ubi vero Nuptiae (favente numine) inter liberosnostros ex animi nostri sententia coalverint, prorsus aequum censeo atque statuo, propter istam quae intercedit illis Religionis discrepantiam, lirum ut Infantae suaeque toli familiae immune suae Religionis exercitium seorsim in • ra parietes domesticos in Principis aula permittatur. Nec vero aliunde, quantum hoc quidem provideri p • terit, quicquam ipsi Religionis nomine gravius ailt molestius 〈◊〉 oboriri, Sancti insuper & verbo Regio pollicemur Catholicum aut Sacerdotem Romanum neminem Religious aut Sacerdotij causa dehinc capitis damnatum; Neminem Iuramentis ad rem Religionis attin • ntibus (quibus in capitis discrimen vocari poterint) dehinc in posterum adactum aut irretitum iri. Quamvis enim abunde jam pridem orbi i • notuerit graviter nos hominum male conciliatorum inauditis machinationibus Religionis praetextu susceptis & obtectis non semel ad ea remedia provocatos, quae facilitati & insit •• Clementiae Nostrae minu • erant cordi, procul tamen ab ingenio ac motibus Nostris abfuisse semper illam animi duritiem & severitatem presertim in causa Religionis, cum reliqua vitae consuetudo, tum seripta nostra publice typis divulgata satis testatum reddiderunt. Alias vero leges nostrates quae mulctam Catholici • Romanis, non mortemirrogant, aboleri aut rescindi a nobis seorsim non posse, leniri it a posse cum erit us •• , exploratum habebit Serenitas Vestra, omnibus ut dictorum Catholicorum Romanorum animis mansuetudine ac lenitate Nestra conciliatis, non solum in officio jam illi ac fide permanere, quin omni in Nos studio, amore ac pietate cum caeter • s subditis dece •• are tenebuntur. Extremum illud addam & in me recipiam; sicubi Deo optimo maximo visum erit filiolam hanc Vestram mihi Nuram, Filio meo Conjugem dicare, Socerum experturam non difficilem, qui quod abs ipsa utique suorum in gratiam, quibus consultum velit, ex aequo et bono postulatumfuerit, pronis auribus sit accpeturus, Atque haec ego fusius meapte sponte profiteri volui planius & penitius; ut intelligeretis, neque studium satis Se • enltati Vestrae faciendi, neque in instituto hoc negotio serio & ingenue procedendi animum mihi defuturum, unde & Liberi nostri connubio felicissimo & nos arctissimo amoris fraterni vinculo uniamur & Subditi utriusque Nostri pace & amicitia perpetua perfruantur: quoe ego prae clara scilicet & eximia bona in istiusmodi Principum Christianorum aff • itatibus contrahendis precipue semper spectanda existimavi. Unum hoc superest ut a Vobis petam atque contendam, libere ac liberaliter in re proposita uti agatis Mecum proinde atqu • Ego in rebus Vestris omnibus vicem rependam, & ex amimo sum prestiturus. Ex multiplice Prole mascula superstitem nobis Haeredem unicum dedit Deus, filium nostrum Principem Carolum virili jam aetate, qui vigessimum Annum prope jam compleverit. Nec est in rebus humanis quod tantopere desideremus (Ipsi provectiores jam • acti) quam ut illum in illustri & idoneo Matrimonio quam primum collocemus, Regnaque quae Deus indulsit Nobis, in ipsius Progenie quasi constabilita ad posteros propaganda transmittamus. Rogamus itaque majorem in modum statuat taudem ac dece • nat Serenita • Vestra, ut negotium hoc omne ea celeritate conficiat, quanta res tanta confici potuerit: Erit hoc aequitatis & prudentiae Vestrae cogita • e quanti hoc Nostra intersit (qui filium habeamus hunc unicum) quantum porro conditio in hoc Nostra abs Vestra discrepet, quem Deus sobole tam multa & copiosa locupletavit. Quem & Vos Vestrosque omnes diu incolumes & volentes velit, etiam, atque etiam obtestamur.

TRusty and Welbeloved, We greet you well; whereas we have given you a former warrant and direction for the making of two severall Writs for the inlargement of such Recusants as are in prison at this time, either for matters of Recusancy in generall, or for denying the taking the Oath of Supremacy, according to the Statute, by removing them from the generall Goales of this Kingdome, to be bailed before the Iustices of our Bench; finding by experience, that this course will be very troublesome to the poorer sort of Recu • ants; and very chargeable unto Us, who out of our Princely clemen • y, and by the mediation of forreigne Princes were desired to beare out the same. We will and require you to make and issue forth two other Writs in nature and substance answerable with the former, to be directed to our Justices of Assises; enabling and requiring them and every of them to inlarge such Recusants; as they shall find in their severall Goales, upon such sureties and recognizance, and other conditions as they were inlarged by the Iudges of our Bench. And this shall be your warrant so to doe.

AFter my hearty Commendations to you: His Majestie having resolved (out of deep reasons of State, and in expectation of like correspondence from forreigne Princes to the professors of our Religion) to grant some grace and conveniency to the imprisoned Papists of this Kingdome, hath commanded me to passe some Writs under the broad Seale for that purpose, requiring the Judges of every Circuit, to inlarge the said prisoners according to the tenor and effect of the same.

I am to give you to understand (for His Ma • esty) how His Majesties royall pleasure it, that upon receipt of these Writs, you shall make no nicenesse or difficulty to extend that his Princely favour to all such Papists as you shall find prisoners in the Goales of your Circuits, for any Church recusancy whatsoever, or refusing the Oath of Supremacy, or dispersing Popish books, or hearing saying of Masse, or any other poy • t of recusancy which doth touch or concerne Religion onely, and not matters of State, which shall appeare into you, to be totally civill and politicall: And so I bid you heartily farewell.

RIght trusty, &c. Your dispatch of the ninth of August gave us so much contentment, and so great hopes of satisfaction in all those businesses which you have there to treat with that King, as we could not expect any further difficulties. Notwithstanding by that which hath come unto Our hands immediately after,NOTE. aswell by George Gage from Rome, as from Our Ambassadour Sir Richard Weston at Bruxelles, and our Ministers in the Palatinate; We find that neither the Dispensation is granted for the march, nor the treaty of Cessation so neer a Conclusion as we conceived it would have been, now that the Auxiliaries and all other Obstacles are removed: But on the contrary side, that new delayes and excuses are invented, our Garrisons in the Palatinate in the meane time blocked up, and Heidelberg it selfe actually besieged. Which proceeding though our Ambassadour hath expostulated with the Infanta and the Commissioners as injurious to Vs, and ill-beseeming their professions hitherto, yet is there not that readinesse shewed to give Us such contentment therein as we might justly expect, but answers still protracted and put off for advantage, whilest our Forces there remaine in great distresse, and the Towne and Castle of Heidelberg likely in a few dayes to be lost, for it cannot hold out longer as we are informed. This dealing seems the more strange unto Vs, for that the late dispatch of the King of Spaine was (before the newes of this siege, and that our Embassadour had propounded any thing concerning it) come unto the Infanta: But because you shall be particularly informed of the • hole carriage of the businesse, We have given order that Copies shall be sent you 〈◊〉 all the dispatch, and then you shall see how these proceedings agree with the hopes and promises which are given Us, from thence. Hereupon therefore Our pleasure is▪ that you shall immediatly and with as much speed as you may, crave audience of that King, and represent unto him the merit which We may justly challenge unto Our Selfe for Our sincere proceedings with the Emperour and Him, in all the course of this businesse, notwithstanding the many invitations and temptations which We have had to engage Our Selfe on Our Sonne in lawes part: That We have had both from the Emperour and Him hopes given us from time to time of extraordinary respect, howsoever Our Sonne-in-law had deserved, which We have attended and expected even to the very last with much patience, and in despight as it were of all the opposition that hath beene made to shake Our resolution in that behalfe, If now when all impediments are removed, and that the way is so prepared, as that the Emperour may give an end unto the Warre, and make some present demonstration of his respects towards Us, in leaving Us the honour of holding those poore places which yet remaine quietly and peaceably untill the generall accommodation, the same shall neverthelesse be violently taken from Vs; what can we looke for when the whole shall be in his hands and possession? Who am • sing Vs with a treaty of cessation, and protracting it industriously as We have reason to beleeve, doth in the meane time seize himselfe of the whole Country; which being done Our Ambassadour shall returne with scorne, and we remaine with dishonour. I shall not need to furnish you with Arguments for the unfolding and laying open this unfriendly dealing more plainly unto them, your owne reason and observation will find enough out of the dispatches whereof Copies are sent unto you, as namely, the withdrawing of the Spanish Forces, and leaving the businesse wholly in the hands of the Emperour and the Duke of Bava • ia; the stile of the In • anta in answering Our Ambassadour with recriminations, which was not her manner heretofore; the slight and frivolous answer given by the Marquesse of Bedmar unto Our Ambassadour when he acquainted him with the siege of Heidelberg: The quarrellous occasion taken by the Emperour for calling the diet at Ratisbone contrary to his owne promise, which in his Dispatch to Vs he confesseth to have broken, as you will see by the Copy. All which and many more which your owne judgement in the perusall of the dispatches, will suggest unto you, doe minister unto Vs cause sufficient of jealousie on the Emperours part, as you shall, plainly tell that King, although We will not doe him that wrong as to mistrust that he gives the least consent unto it: In this confidence with must earnestnesse We shall still solicite Him, that for the affection He beares Us, and the desire which We suppose he hath, that there may continue for ever a perfect Amity betwixt Us and the whole House of Austria, he will not cease to doe all good office▪ herein; letting him know directly that in these termes We cannot stand with the Emperour, but that if Heidelberg be wonne, and the siege continue, or the Cessation be longer unnecessarily delayed, We must recall Our Ambassadour from Bruxelles and treat no more, as We have already given order, hoping that whatsoever unkindnesse We shall conceive against the Emperour upon these occasions, it shall not be interpreted to re • lect in any sort upon the entire affection that is at this present, and as VVee hope shall alwaies continue betwixt Us and the Crowne of Spaine, And therefore as We have sundry times heretofore promised, in testimony of the sincerity of Our proceedings, and of Our great desire to preserve the Amity inviolable between Us and the whole house of Austria; NOTE. that in case our Sonne-in-law would not be governed by Vs, that then We would not onely forsake him, but take part and joyne Our Forces with the Emperours against him; so you may fairly represent unto that King, that in like manner We have reason to expect the same measu • e from him that (upon the Emperours aversnesse to a cessation and accommodation) He will likewise actually assist Vs for the recovery of the Palatmate and Electorall dignity unto Our Sonne-in-law, as it hath beene oftentimes intimated from Spaine. To conclude, We shall not need to say any more unto you touching this point, but to let you see, that Our meaning is to carry all things fa • re with that King, and not to give him any cause of distrust or jealousie, if you perceive that they intend to goe really and roundly on with the Match. Wherein neverthelesse We must tell you, that We have no great cause to be well pleased with the diligences used on that part, when We observe that after so long an expectance of the Dispensation, upon which the whole businesse (as they will have it) depends, there is nothing yet returned but Queres and Objections. Yet because We will not give over Our patience a while longer, untill We understand more certainly what the effect thereof is like to be, wherein VVe require you to be very wary and watchfull, considering how Our honour is therein engaged; VVe have thought • it to let you know how farre VVe are pleased to enlarge Our Selfe, concerning those points demanded by the Pope▪ and set downe by way of Postill unto the Articles agreed upon betwixt Spaine and Vs, as you will see by the power which Gage brought Vs from Rome, whereof VVe have sent you a Copy, and Our Resolutions thereupon signed with Our owne hand, for your warrant and instruction. And further then that, since VVe cannot goe without much prejudice, inconvenience and dishonour to Our Selfe and Our Sonne, VVe hope and expect the King of Spaine will bring it instantly to an issue without further delay, which you are to presse with all diligence and earnestnesle, that you may presently know Their finall resolution and what VVe may expect thereupon. But if any respit of time be earnestly demanded, and that you perceive it not possible for them to resolve untill an answer come from Rome, VVe then thinke it fit that you give them two moneths time after your audience, that VVe may understand that King's finall resolution before Christmas next at the furthest.

RIght Trusty, &c. There is none knowes better then your selfe, how We have laboured ever since the begin • g of these unfortunate troubles of the Empire, notwithstanding all opposition to the contrary, to merit well of Our good Brother the King of Spaine, and the whole house of Austria, by a long and lingring patience, grounded still upon his friendship and promises, that Care should be had of Our Honour, and of Our Childrens Patrimony and Inheritance. We have acquainted you also from time to time since the beginning of the Treaty at Bruxelles how crosly all things have there proceeded, notwithstanding all the faire professions made unto Us, both by the King of Spaine, and the Infanta and all his Ministers, and the Letters written by him unto the Emperour, and them effectually (at the least, as they endeavoured to make Us beleeve.) But what fruits have We of all these, other then dishonour and scorne? Whilest We are treating▪ the Towne and Castle of Heidelberg are taken by force, Our Garrison put to the sword, Manheim besieged, and all the hostility used that is within the power of an enemy, as you will see by the Relation which VVe have commanded Our Secretary to send you. Our pleasure therefore is that you immediately as soone as you can get audience, let that King understand how sensible We are of these proceedings of the Emperours towards Vs, and withall are not a little troubled to see, that the Infanta having an absolute Commission to conclude a Cessation and suspension of Armes, should now at last when all Objections were answered, and the former (solely) pretended Obstacles removed, not onely delay the conclusion of the Treaty, but refuse to lay her command upon the Emperours Generals, for abstaining from the siege of Our Garrisons during the Treaty, upon a pretext of want of authority: So as for avoyding of further dishonour, We have been forced to recall both Our Ambassadours, as well the Chancelour of our Exchequer, who is already returned to Our presence, as also the Lord Chichester, whom We intended to have sent unto the Emperour to the Diet at Ratisbone. Seeing therefore that meerly out of Our extraordinary respect to the King of Spaine, and the firme confidence We ever put in the hopes and promises which he did give Vs (desiring nothing more then for his cause principally to avoyd all occasions that might put Vs into ill understanding with any of the house of Austria) We have hitherto proceeded with a stedfast patience trusting to the Treaties, and neglecting all other Meanes which probably might have secured the remainder of Our Childrens Inheritance (those Garrisons which We maintained in the Palatinate being rather for honours sake to keepe a footing untill the generall accommodation, then that We did rely so much upon their strength as upon his friendship) and by this confidence and security of Our • , are thus exposed to dishonour and reproach: You shall tell that King, that seeing all those endeavours and good Offices which He hath used towards the Emperour in this businesse, on the behalfe of Our Sonne-in-law (upon confidence whereof that security of Ours depended, which he continually by his Letters and Ministers here laboured to beget and confirme in Vs) have not sorted to any other issue, then to a plaine abuse both of His trust and Ours, whereby VVe are both of Vs highly injured in Our Honour, though in a different degree. VVe hope and desire that out of a true sense of this wrong offered unto Vs, he will as Our deere and loving Brother, faithfully promise and undertake upon his Honour, confirming the same also under his hand and seale, either that the Towne and Castle of Heidelberg shall within threescore and ten dayes after your audience and demand made, be rendred into Our hands, with all things therein belonging to Our Sonne-in-law or Our Daughter (as neere as may be in the state they were when they were taken) • nd the like for Manheim and Frankendale, if both or either of them shall be taken by the enemy whilest these things are in treating; As also, that there shall be within the said terme of 70. dayes a Cessation and Suspension of Armes in the Palatinate for the future, upon the severall Articles and Conditions last propounded by Our Ambassadour Sir Richard Weston; and that the generall Treaty shall be set on foot againe upon such honourable termes and conditions as We propounded unto the Emperour in a Letter written unto him in November last, and with which the King of Spaine then (as VVe understood) seemed satisfied. Or else in case all these particulars be not yeelded unto and performed by the Emperour, as is here propounded, but be refused or delayed beyond the time aforementioned, that then the King of Spaine doe joyne his Forces with Ours for the recovery of Our Childrens honours and Patrimony, which upon this trust hath been thus lost: Or if so be his Forces at this present be otherwise so imployed, as that they cannot give Vs that assistance which VVe here desire, and (as VVe thinke) have deserved, yet that at the least he will permit Vs a free and friendly passage thorow his Territories and Dominions, for such Forces as VVe shall send and imploy into Germany for this service. Of all which distinctively if you receive not from the King of Spaine within ten dayes at the furthest after your audience and proposition made, a direct assurance under his hand and seale, without delay or putting Vs off to further Treaties and Conferences; that is to say, of such restitution, Cessation of Armes, and proceeding to a generall Treaty, as is before mentioned; or else of assistance and joyning His Forces with Ours against the Emperours, or at least permission of passage for Our Forces thorow His the said Kings Dominions; that then you take your leave and returne to Our presence without further stay; otherwise, to proceed in the Negotiation for the Marriage of Our Sonne according to the Instructions VVe have given you. Given, &c.

RIght Trusty, &c. We have given you certaine Insturctions signed with Our hand, to direct you how to expresse unto the King of Spaine, the feeling We have of the dishonour put upon Vs by the Emperour, through Our trust and confidence in that Kings promises, wherein you have order to come away without further delay, in case you receive not satisfaction to your demands, in such sort as We have commanded you to propound them. Neverthelesse We are to put you in remembrance of that which We have heretofore told you, in case a Rupture happen between the King of Spaine and Vs, that We would be glad to manage it at Our best advantage. And therefore howsoever you doe not find the satisfaction which We in those Instructions crave from the King of Spaine, and have reason to expect, yet would We not have you instantly come away upon it, but advertise Vs first, letting Vs know privatly (if you find such cause) that there is no good to be done, nor no satisfaction as you judge intended Vs,Note this▪ though publiquely and outwardly you give out the contrary, that VVe may make use thereof with Our People in Parliament, as VVe shall hold best for Our service. And this see you doe notwithstanding any thing in your other Instructio •• to the contrary.

BEcause I would not omit any thing that should conduce to the accomplishment of that worke which your Lordship hath in hand, and which His Majesty desires so much to bring to an issue. Although I conceive Master Porter had directions to tell your Lordship (which he will transmit unto you by Letter, now he cannot goe him • selfe) that whereas it is insisted upon by the Pope, that the Children of this Marriage should be brought up Catholiques under the Mother untill they be twelve or fourteen yeeres of age, His Majesty having limitted their education under the Mother onely to seven yeeres;NOTE. His Majesty is contented to yeeld thus much farther, that howbeit in the publique Articles (which in that point he desires not to be altered) he mention but seven yeeres, he will oblige himselfe privately by a Letter to the King of Spaine, that they shall be brought up sub Regimine Mairis, for two yeeres longer, that is, untill the age of nine yeeres, if that will give any satisfaction: which your Lordship may manage as you see best for His Majesties service: And so I rest▪

RIght Trusty, &c. We have seene your Letters of the 21. Octob. both those directed unto Our Selfe, as also to Our Secretary Sir George Calvert, and in them doe observe your discreet proceeding, both in the businesse concerning the restauration which We expect to be made to the Prince Palatine Our Sonne-in-law, as also in the Treaty of the Marriage of Our deare Sonne the Prince of Wales. Touching the first, We perceive what professions the King and his Ministers have againe made unto you, of a resolution to assist Us with his Armes, in case by a faire Mediation and Treaty the restitution may not be obtained, and how much in that kind he hath ingaged his Honour and his word unto you, And howsoever the order given to the Infanta for the reliefe of Manheim, arrived so late, and after the Towne was yeelded into the hands of Tilly, yet must We acknowledge it to be a good effect of your Negotiation, and an Argument of that Kings sincere and sound intention. By what We have now given in charge unto Our Secretary to advertise you in his Letters, you will understand the present estate of this businesse, and how constantly VVe doe still expect the performance of that ingagement from the King of Spaine, without giving way to any thing that on Our behalfe may any way disturbe it: And therefore you shall now doe well (in Our name) to presse him to a finall and effective resolution, representing to him and to hi • Ministers how much it concernes Us in honour and in reputation (besides the interest of Our Sonne-in-law) not to admit any further delay.

And as touching the two points in the Treaty of the Marriage, wherein you desire Our further direction and resolution, you have by this time understood by the dispatch which George Gag • carried you,NOTE. how We were contented to permit the breeding and education of the Children under the government of their Mother untill the age of nine yeeres, which We doubt not will give good satisfaction, seeing their demand is but vntill ten; yet seeing it is but one yeere more, in case you shall not be able to draw them to be contented with nine, We will not sticks at it. And for the other point which concernes the exemption of the Ecclesiasticke from secular jurisdiction, We shall be contented, that the Ecclesiasticall Superior doe first take notice of the offence that shall be co • mitted, and ••• cording to the merit therenf, either deliver him by degradation to the secular Iustice, or banish him the Kingdome, according to the quality of the delict: which VVe conceive to be the same that is practised in Spaine and other parts. Your dispatches are in all points so full, and in them VVe receive so good satisfaction, as in this VVe shall need nor to enlarge any further, but onely to tell you that VVe are well pleased with the diligence and discreet imploying of your endeavours in all that concern • s Our service, and so are VVe likewise with the whole proceedings of Our Ambassadour Sir Walter Aston: Thus VVe bid you heartily farewell.

TRusty, &c. By Letters which We have lately received from Our right Trusty and right worthy Cousen and Councellour the Earle of Bristoll, VVe understand how dutifully and discreetly you have carried your selfe in the furthering Our service, whilest you remained in the Court of Spaine, for which VVe returne you Our gracious thanks. He hath also acquainted Us with the directions which he gave you, touching the delivery of the Letters you carried from hence; that if you saw a likelihood of present granting the Dispensation upon the Articles now agreed on, you should deliver them, unlesse you received order from Us to the contrary. We would therefore now have you understand, that there is no cause why you should forbeare the delivery of any of them, if you find the Dispensation will certainly be granted: And thereof We hope there shall be now no doubt, considering that We have condescended unto, approved and ratified all and every the Articles concerning Religion, without changeing or altering any one word, as they are agreed upon and concluded betweene the King of Spaines Commissioners and Our Ambassadour at Madrid in December last: which being transmitted unto Vs, both Our Selfe and Our Sonne the Prince have subscribed the same, and so have sent them backe againe unto Our said Abassadour for a finall conclusion of all things concerning matter of Religion or conscience, although the formality needed not, Our Ambassadours having obliged Vs before sufficiently according to the large power given them by their Commission. And thus much We have thought sit to let you know that if any further scruple should remaine there touching Our absolute consent, you may be able to remove it.

MAster Porter is safely here arrived the second of this Moneth, with the conclusion of all those difficult Articles that hitherto have retarded the proceeding of the Match. He was long looked for, and a welcome man when he came both to his Majesty and the Prince; insomuch, as I must tell you, I have no rest since with our yong Master, for being called upon early and late to hasten away the dispatch of all to your selfe and my Lord of Bristoll, which I have done with as much diligence as possibly I could.

His Majesty and the Prince have both of them subscribed all the Articles as they were sent hither from my Lord of Bristoll, in this manner; Hos supra memorat • s Articulos omnes ac singulos approbamus, & quicquam in its ex nostra parte seu nostr • nomine conventum est, ratum atque gratum Habe •• ,

I Need not tell you how graciously his Majesty accepts of the good service you have done since it hath pleased him to acknowledge it under his own hand, and I must not forget one charge more that I have received from him, which is, that I should will you in his name to salute the Padre Maestro affectionately from him, and to let him know also how sensible and thankfull his Majesty is for those singular good offices and diligent endeavours which he hath used from the beginning of this businesse untill now, and still continues them, as his Majesty understands particularly from Don Carlos 〈◊〉 , I pray you also commend my service unto him.

I have order for a Privy Seale of 300. li. more, which the Earle of Bristoll delivered you in Madrid, to be paid to Master Wake at Antwerpe.

What Gage did at Rome in pursuance of these two Letters, and what opinion the Pope and Cardinals held of King Iames, will appeare by this ensuing L • tter of Ma • te • Gage sent to his Majesty from Rome, and thence dated the 24. of Aprill 1623.

IT may please your Majesty to understand that in a Congregation held the 22. of March, stilo novo, the Dispensation was finally resolved, and order taken, that the Cardinall Bandino should draw the Articles in forme, the Cardinall la Susanna make the Breve, and Monsignor Aquas the Popes Secretary (who was present at the two last Sessions) draw some Instructions for Monsignor de Massini the Nun • io▪ now resident in the Court of Spaine. And in the following Congregation held the 29. these things were seene and allowed▪ and the next day presented to the Pope, and allowed by him. Concerning the particulars of the proceeding here, of diffi • ulties overcome and of wh •• yet remaineth to be done. I have given a large account to Master Secretary Calvert; by which if your Majesty receive not that entire satisfaction which we, who have laboured therein, have most earnestly desired. I shall most humbly beseech your Majesty to beleeve; first, that we have left no diligence undone by which we could hope to remove impediments; and secondly, that such difficulties as are either spent or yet to be admitted have been laid hold by the Cardinals, neither to frustrate or prolong this Treaty, but out of an opinion that they could not otherwise secure their Conscience, proceed upon a just and valuable ground, and satisfie the judgement of such discreet persons as may in times ensuing understand the passages of this great businesse. And this point I am the • older to represent to your Majesties gratious consideration, because jointly with all their protestations to this effect, their actions have concurred also to give good testimony thereof. They hold most honourable language of your Majesty,NOTE. they professe a great desire to have occasions of doing you all humble service; they have a • ume opinion that the former rigours used towards your Catholique Subjects have risen from others but the graces then given from your Selfe; and they are confident that your Majesty, now that so potent intercessions have been used with you and all grounds of civill jealousies removed, will not onely command a reall performance of what you are pleased to promise in their favour, but sutably to your owne royall heart enlarge the benefit of your Princely goodnesse. I have therefore (Sir) • inding them thus affected thought it sutable to your service to let them understand, that since they expect these things from a Prince who yeeldeth to no man, either in esteeming or returning a Benefit▪ they may safely promise themselves all good successe and give way to their owne good dispositions of respect and affection towards your Majesty; and the rather I have done so, because I perswaded my selfe that your Majesty is of the same opinion with him, who speaking of the Romans to King Bocchus, said Licet P •• entes abundè habeamus, Amicorum neque Nobis, neque cuiquam morta • um satis fuit.

I send your Majesty Letters from the Cardinals Bandino and Lodevisio, NOTE. which they writ in answer of your Majesties to to them, who above all others sought to oblige your Majesty, as by Letter to Master Secretary you will perceive. After the Easter-Holydayes I shall begin my journey towards Florence and Parma to performe your Majesties commands there whereof I will give your Majesty account in due time. It will be the end of May before I shall get out of Italy during which time I shall with de • otion expect your Majesties orders if in any thing further you shall be pleased to command my service. So I humbly pray the divine goodnesse to give your Majesty many faire yeeres of life thereby, to enjoy the fruits of this noble alliance, and to make happy your Subjects by your gracious government.

RIght Trusty, &c. The dispatches which We have received from you by Endimion Porter, doe give Us sufficient assurance that there hath not wanted in you nor in Our ordinary Ambassadour Sir Walter Aston, that faithfull endeavour and diligence, to expedite those great businesses you have in charge, which We could expect or require at your hands, for which We are pleased to returne you both Our gracious acceptation and thanks. You will see by that which We have subscribed unto the Article • you sent Vs, and by the Letters which We and Our Sonne have both written unto Our Brother the King of Spaine, how well We approve of what hitherto hath been done, and what you have promised and undertaken in your name; which being, as We hope the period of all their demands in that kind, We wish you to proceed unto the temporall Articles, and to conclude and consummate the whole businesse now, according to the Commissions you have, as soone as possibly you may, that there may be no further delay. Concerning that other unfortunate knotty affaire of the Palat •• ate, to say the truth, as things stand, We cannot tell what you could have done more then you have already. And whereas you write that the King of Spaine and his principall Ministers there, did find Our last Propositions somewhat strange, you shall understand that the cause why We sent you such strict and peremptory Instructions was, for that the Chancelour of Our Exchequer found nothing but palpable and grosse delayes at Br •• • llet, whilest in the meane time Heidelberg was besieged, and afterwards taken Manheim beleaguer • d▪ and all hostility used that might be. Besides, Gage comming from Rome about the same time, instead of bringing the newes which was expected of the Dispensation granted,NOTE▪ presents Vs certaine exceptions taken against the Articles by the Pope, with an intention as it seemes, to ingage Vs in a Treaty, or dispute with him about the said Articles, which was never the meaning, but that the King of Spain should have undertaken that businesse himselfe. This was the reason that moved Vs at the earnest instance and perswasion of Our Councell to urge the matter, so as to bring it to a speedy point; not but that the very precisest of them, were alwaies of opinion, that if the March were once concluded, the other businesse would be accommodated to Our satisfaction. Neverthelesse these doubts and causes of jealousie, occurring, they did all una voce represent unto Vs, how highly and importunately it concerned Our estate and service to be at some certainty, and to know what to trust to; neither is the usage and respect We yet find from the Infanta at Bruxelles and that Kings Ministers any thing at all amended, notwithstanding all the great demonstrations We have made of Our confidence and good correspondency with them, and the meanes We have alwayes sought to oblige them, as no doubt you have understood by sundry late dispatches from Our Secretary. And now lastly, when We out of Our especiall trust in the Infanta, had made an offer of late to • equester the Towne of Fran • endale into her hands, upon no other assurance then shee her selfe had offered Vs before Manheim was lost, by Don Carlos Coloma, which was to restore it, and those other places againe which were at that time also required, either upon the conclusion of the peace with the Emperour, or upon a ruptur • in case that proceeded not; the same propositi •• being now againe revived by Vs, shee is fallen away from the conditions first propounded by Our Selfe, offering onely to accept it upon trust if We will put it into her her hands, without obliging her selfe to restore it againe; which VVe take to be a great disrespect, if not a scorne. And therefore being resolved not to treat with her any more about it, it is Our pleasure that you shall presently deale with the King of Spaine to the same purpose, and to make him an offer of Frankendale from Vs by way of sequestration, upon the condition aforesaid, of restitution in the State as it now stands, whether the peace with the Emperour succeed or not; and if he accept it, that he will signifie so much to Vs under his hand, and give order for the present receiving it accordingly, for the case will not admit any long time of treaty.

In your last dispatch you advertise Vs, that the King of Spaine hath written againe very effectually unto the Emperour about these affaires of the Palatinate. VVe doe much desire to know what the particulars of that Letter were, and to what effect, and what other endeavours that King intends to use for procuring Vs satisfaction therein, whereof VVe require you to informe Vs as particularly as you may, because you know it concernes Vs much to have that businesse at a point. There are some other matters concerning Our service which VVe have commanded Our Secretary to impart unto you, and therefore will hold you no longer now, but wish you health and a good successe in your affaires.

BEcause I know you will with much longing expect an answer to the dispatch • rought by Master Porter, and his Majesties service requires it; this Bearer Master Digby is sent to you with all speed that may be, being specially chosen by his Majesty, both out of the former experience he hath had of his diligence, and for that he is best able to informe you how all things have passed in Germany; for Frankendale your Lordship will understand by • is Majesties owne Letter in what state it now remaines, and this morning I have received a Letter from Cap • aine Burgh who is the Governour, that they have not above foure moneths Bread and VVine, beginning to reckon from the 24. of November, which was the time that T • lly departed from thence: since that time Colonell Papenheim blocks us the Towne with twelve Companies of Horse and some few of Foot, to whom are since joyned two Regiments more of the Dukes of Saxen and Holsten, which makes 2000. Horse come out of Brabant, which have girt them up so close as there is no further meanes left to relieve them. He writes to me further, that they have it from many places, how the Imperiali •• s doe laugh to think, that we had any hope out of that Letter from the King of Spaine to the Infanta, saying, that they know that those of Frankendale must seeke to them before Summer, and entreat them to take the Towne. It will therefore much import his Majesties service that your Lordship doe procure some answer and resolution from the King of Spaine concerning that Towne, and that with all speed.

To leave those businesses of the Palatmate of which I have no more to say, sa • ing onely this, which his Majesty commanded me the other day to write unto you, that your Lordship should use all the meanes possible to stirre up that King for diverting the Translation of the Electorate at this Diet.

Your Lordship shall understand, that there hath been no want of care here to make all things sure, which you have promised there on his Majesties behalfe; and therefore as your Lordship shall receive a confirmation of all under his Majesties and the Princes hands, subscribed to the paper it selfe, which you sent hither, so you may please also to know, that least it should be discovered, that the assent you gave there unto the Propositions was but conditionall, and to re • ard the proceedings at Rome; his Majesty hath likewise dispatched an Extraordinary▪ who is this day already gone with much diligence to find our Master Gage at Rome or elswhere,NOTE. to whom his Majesty hath been pleased to write himselfe, taking notice of the report your Lordship made of his good service at Madrid, and requiring him now, if he saw that the Dispensation would certainly be granted, to deliver his Letters, thereof to be first sure and secret. I have written unto him also, and told him all that is done here, how his Majesty and the Prince have confirmed the Articles, and to that purpose they have both written unto the King of Spaine, promising favour to the Catholiques;NOTE. and Don Carlos Coloma hath written the like unto the Duke of Alberquerque, and to Padre Maestro, so as there needs be no scruple now, nor colour of deferring the Dispensation.

For the 300. li. which your Lordship hath laid out to Master Gage, I shall take order for a privy Seale here to repay it unto Master Lyonell Wake of Antwerpe upon whom it is to be charged, as I understand from Master Secretury Cottington; I shall not need to remember your Lordship, were it not that his Majesty hath commanded me, because I perceive by your Letters you are carefull enough of it your selfe, no • to deliver those private Letters of his and the Princes, concerning the favour intended to the Catholiques untill the Dispensation • e granted and the Match fully concluded.NOTE. His Majesty hath further commanded me to put your Lordship in mind of that which must necessarily be thought on before the solemnization of the Marriage, and that is, what person of that Court is fittest to be deputed by his Highnesse for that office, and to send him word of it betimes, that he may dispatch away his Commission to him for that purpose: and if your Lordship please to cause the forme thereof to be drawne there, such a one as will give them contentme • t and is fitting for his Highnesse to signe, I should thinke it were not amisse.

Your Lordship will not forget also to send Vs word when it is time for his Highnesse to send Love Letters and tokens to his Mistresse. I hope your next dispatch will in • orme Vs of all these things, in the meane time, &c.

YOu will understand before these come to your hands by Master Secretary Digby who was dispatched away from hence with much Diligence, that Master Porter was safely arrived here, and to the dispatch which he brought with him, your Lordship by Master Digby receives full and particular answer to all points that required it; neverthelesse upon the hazard of one mans person, I have sent your Lordship herewithall by the Ordinary, Duplicats of that dispatch.

Yours of the 20. of the last moneth old stile, came safely into my hands, and for the matter of Orm •• , his Majesty hath commanded me to tell you, that he had heard of it before by a flying report, but never the certainty thereof till now, wherefore his Majesty would have your Lordship to let the King of Spaine understand, that he is very sensible of the accident, desiring him to rest assured, that he will doe his utmost endeavour to discover the verity of the fact, and upon the discovery thereof will afterwards proceed as a just Prince ought to doe, and as a faithfull friend to that King.

Within these few dayes here hath happened an accident that hath put Vs into some disorder: The Prince taking notice of two of his Musicians Angelo, an Italian, and Drew an English man, that were at the Spanish Ambassadours on Christmas-Eve assisting with their voices and musick at the midnight Masse; (at which his Majesty and his Highnesse were much displeased) turned them both out of his service: The Spanish Ambassadour mediated for them by an earnest Letter which he writ unto his Highnesse, but could not at first prevaile, though since, as I understand, he hath obtained remission for them; it was not well done of them to goe, and an ill fortune I doubt that so much notice is taken of it.

Upon a complaint of the said Ambassadour in his Majesties name of certaine spoyles and depredations, as he termes them committed by his Majesties Subjects trading into the East Indies, upon the Portuguesses there, and thereupon demanding justice; he obtained a Commission directed to some seven or eight of the Counsell under the great Seale of England, to examine upon oath the verity of the accusation, and informing his Majesty thereof, a legall course afterwards to be directed for the further proceeding and sentencing the fact. Of this Commission amongst divers others of the Board I am one, and we have met once or twice about it: Yesterday my Lord Admirall representing unto his Majesty how derogatory this course of commissioning was to the Jurisdiction of his Court of Admiralty, as in truth I think it be, his Majesty hath given order, that there shall be no further proceeding upon it, but the businesse left to a legall tryall in that Court to which it appertaines, and I am commanded to speake with the Spanish Ambassadour to that purpose; I pray God I may give him satisfaction, howsoever I shall doe my best; and so kissing your Lordships hands I rest.

VEnerabile Frater, salutem et Apostolicam benedictionem, Orthodoxae Religionis, tutelam fae • citer existimamus in amplissimis Hispaniae Reg •• s commendatam esse Fraternitati tuae: scimus enim quàm vigilanter excubant in illustri ista statione, Caveas ne ulla impiorum D • gmatum monstra in ecclesiasticae vineae sepes irrepant. Verum occasio tibi hoc tempore divinitus oblata est, per quam pictatis tuae beneficia è regnorum istorum sinibus educere, et ad exteras Nationes proferre possi • . Accepimus istuc nuper appulisse Walliae principem, Brittaniae R • gis silium spe ductum Catholici Matrimonij. Cupimus eum non frustra commorari in illorum Regum aedibus, quibus illustre Catholici Cognomentum, Ponti • icae Authoritatis defensio, et Religionis proferendae studium, peperit. Quare,NOTE. Apostolicis litteris horramur Catholicam Majst • tem, ut eum Principem redigere suaviter cone • ur sub Romanae Ecclesiae ditionem, cui veteres magnae Brittaniae Domini, Coronatum Caput, et Imperij fasces (Caelo plaudente) submi • erunt. Ad hanc autem victoriam comparandam, quae victis aeternos caelestis beatitudinis pollicetur triumphos atque principatus, non Regalis Ae • arij vis • era exhauriend • , non saevientium militum legiones conscribendae sunt, sed Arma lucis è Caelo petenda, quae divini luminis splendore ejus Principis oculos alliciant, atque ex illius animo errores omnes mansuetudine prostigent. In ijs vero tractandis quae sit vis, et ars Fraternitatis tuae, jampridem accepimus.NOTE. Quare • e monemus, ut ad Catholicum Regem Religiosus consiliarius accedas, easque rationes dispicias, quibus insigne aliquod beneficium Brittaniae Regnis, et Romanae Ecclesiae, in presenti rerum opportunitate comparetur. Re • ipsa magna, atque gravissima est, quare eam verbis amplificate non debemus, Regnum Caelorum Britaniae Principi patefacere, Regnum Brittaniae sedi Apostolicae restituere incipiet, qui Regijistius Adolescentis animum, Catholicae Religionis studio instamaver • t, a • que haereticae impietatis odio impleverit. In tantae Gl • riae possessionem nomen dubitamus, ut gladio Charitatis armata pervenire cupiet fraternitas tua, cum qua uberius hac de re disseret, venerabilis frater, Innocentius Episcopus Britonorirensis, Nuncius Apostolicus, cui fidem habere poteris, Nos autem accuratisimis precibut divina auxilia parere conabimur fraternitati tuae, cui Apostolicam benedictionem peramantèr impertimur. Dat. Romae apud S. Petrum sub Annulo Piscatoris. Die 19. Ap • ilis. 1633. Pontificatus Nostri Anno tertio.

MOst noble PRINCE, health and light of the divine grace: Forasmuch as great Britaine hath alwayes beene fruitfull in Vertues, and in men of great worth, having filled the one and the other world with the glory of her renowne; Shee doth also very often draw the thoughts of the holy Apostolicall Chaire▪ to the consideration of her praises. And indeed the Church was but then in her infancy, when the King of Kings did chuse her for his inheritance, and so affectionately, that we beleeve the Romane Eagles have hardly out-pa ••• d the Banner of the Crosse. Besides that many of her Kings, instructed in the knowledge of the true salvation, have preferred the Crosse before the royall Scepter, and the discipline of Religion before covetousnesse, leaving examples of piety to other Nations, and to the ages yet to come. So that having merited the Principalities and first places of blessednesse in heaven, they have obtained on earth the triumphant ornaments of holinesse. And although now the s • ate of the English Church is altered, we see neverthelesse the Court of great Britaine, adorned and furnished with morall Virtues, which might serve to support the charity that we beate unto her, and be an or •• ment to the name of Christianity, if withall she could have for her defence and protection the orthodox and catholike truth; Therefore by how much the more the Glory of your most noble Father, and the apprehension of your Royall inclination delights us, with so much more zeale we desire that the gates of the kingdome of Heaven might be opened unto you, and that you might purchase to your selfe the love of the universall Church. Moreover, it being certain that Gregory the great, of most blessed memory, hath introduced to the English people, and taught to their Kings the Law of the Gospel, and the respect of Apostolicall authority, We, as inferiour to him in holinesse and virtue, but equall in name and degree of dignity, it is very reasonable that we, following his blessed foot-steps, should endeavour the salvation of those Provinces,Note. especially at this time, when your designe (most noble Prince) elevates us to the hope of an extraordinary advantage: Therefore as you have directed your journey to Spain, towards the catholike King, with desire to ally your selfe to the house of Austria, we doe commend your designe, and indeed doe testifie openly in this present businesse, that you are he that takes principall care of our Prelacy. For seeing that you desire to take in marriage the daughter of Spaine, from thence we may easily conjecture that the ancient seeds of Christian piety, which have so happily flourished in the hearts of the Kings▪ of great Britaine, may (God prospering them) revive againe in your soule. And indeed it is not to be beleeved, that the same man should love such an alliance, that hates the Catholike Religion,Note. and should take delight to oppresse the holy Chaire. To that purpose we have commanded to make continually most humble prayers to the Father of lights, that he would be pleased to put you as a faire flower of Christendome, and the onely hope of great Britaine, in possession of that most noble heritage, that your Ancestors have purchased for you, to defend the authority of the Soveraigne High-Priest, and to fight against the monsters of heresie. Remember the dayes of old, enquire of your Fathers, and they will tell you the way that leads to heaven, and what way the temporall Princes have taken to attaine to the everlasting Kingdom. Behold the gates of heaven opened, the most holy Kings of England, who came from England to Rome accompanied with Angels, did come to honour and doe homage to the Lord of Lords, and to the Prince of the Apostles in the Apostolicall chaire; their actions and their examples being as so many voices of God, speaking and exhorting you to follow the course of the lives of those to whose Empire you shall one day attaine.

It is possible that you can suffer that the Heretickes should hold them for impious, and condemne those whom the Faith of the Church testifies to raign in the heavens with Iesus Christ, and have command and authority over all Principalities and Empires of the Earth? Behold how they tender you the hand of this truely happy inheritance, to conduct you safe and sound to the Court of the Catholique King,Note. and who desire to bring you back again into the lap of the Roman Church: Beseeching with unpeakable sighs & groanes the God of all mercy for your Salvation, and do stretèh out to you the Armes of the Apostolicall Charity, to imbrace you with all Christian affection; Even you that are her desired Sonne, in shewing you the happie hope of the Kingdome of Heaven.Note. And indeed you cannot give a greater consolation to all the people of the Christian Estates, then to put the Prince of the Apostles in possession of your most Noble Island, whose authority hath beene held so long in the Kingdome of Britain, for the defence of Kingdomes, and for a devine Oracle; the which will easiely arrive, and that without difficulty, if you open your heart to the Lord that knocks, upon which depends all th • happines of that Kingdome. It is from this our great Charity that we cherish the praises of the Royall Name;NOTE. and that which makes us desire that you and your Royall Father might be stiled with the names of Deliverers and Restorers of the ancient & paternall Religion of Great Britain. This is it we hope for trusting in the goodnesse of God, in whose hands are the hearts of Kings, and who causeth the people of the Earth to receive healing, to whom we will alwayes labout with all our power to render you gracious and favourable; In the interim take notice by these Letters of the care of our Charity, which is none other then to procure your happinesse; and it will never grieve us to have written them, if the reading of them stirre but the least sparke of the Catholique Faith in the heart of so great a Prince, whom we wish to be • illed with long countinuance of joy▪ and flourishing in the glory of all vertues▪

MOst Holy Father, I received the dispatch from your Holinesse with great content, and with that respect which the pietie and care wherewith your Holinesse writes, doth require: It was an unspeakeable pleasure to me to read the generous exploits of the Kings my Predecessours▪ to whose memory, posterity hath not given those p • aises and Elogies of honour, as were due to them: I do 〈◊〉 that your Holines hath set their examples before my eyes, to the end that I might imitate them in all my actions, for in truth they have often exposed their estates and lives for the exaltation of the holy Chaire; And the courage with which they have assaulted the enemies of the Crosse of Jesus Christ, hath not beene lesse than the care and thought which I have, to the end that the peace and Intelligence which hath hitherto been wanting in Christendome, might be bound with the bond of a true concord: for like as the common Enemy of peace, watcheth alwayes to put hatred and dissention betweene the Christian Princes • , so I believe that the glory of God requires that we should indeavour to unite them;NOTE. And I doe not esteeme it a greater honour to be discended from so great Princes, than to imitate them in the zeale of their piety. In which it helps me very much to have knowne the mind and will of our thrice honoured Lord and Father, & the holy intentions of his Catholike Majestie to give a happie corcurrence to so laudabl • a designe: For it grieves him extreamely to see the great evill that grows from the division of Christian Princes, which the wisdome of Your Holinesse foresaw, when it judged the Marriage which you pleased to designe, betweene the Infanta of Spain • and my selfe, to be necessary to procure so great a good; for 'tis very certaine, that I shall never be so extreamely affectionate to any thi • g in the world as to endeavour allyance with a Prince that hath the same apprehension of the true Religion with my selfe: Therefore I intreate Your • olinesse to beleeve, that I have been alwayes very far*NOTE. from incouraging Novelties▪ or to be a partisan of any Faction against the Catholick, Apostolike Roman Religion: But on the contrary, I hav • • ought all occasio • s to take away the suspition that might rest upon me, and that I will imploy my selfe for the time to come▪ to have but one* Religion and one Faith, seeing that we all beleeve in one Iesus Christ. Having resolved in my selfe▪ to spare not • ing that I have in the world, and to suffer all manner of discommodities, even to the hazarding of my estate and life, for a thing so pleasing unto God: It rests only that I thank Your Holinesse, for the permission which you have been pleased to afford me, & that I pray God to give you a blessed health, and his glory, after so much travell which Your Holinesse takes within his Church.

I Have beene too long silent, and am afraid by my silence, I have neglected the dutie of the place, it hath pleased God to call me unto, and your Majestie to place me • n. And now I humbly crave leave, I may discharge my Conscience toward God, and my duty toward Your Majestie. And therefore I beseech you (Sir) to give me leave freely to deliver my selfe, and then let Your Majesty doe what you please with me. Your Majestie hath propounded a toleration of Religion: I beseech you (Sir) take it into your con • ideration, what your Act is, what the consequence may be. By Your Act you labour to set up that most damnable and hereticall doctrine of the Church of Rome, the Whore of Babylon▪ How hatefull will it be to God, and grievous unto your good Subjects, the true pro • essors of the Gospell, that your Majesty who hath often disputed and learnedly written against those wicked heresies, shou • d now shew your selfe▪ a Patron of those doctrines which your penne hath told the world, and your Conscience tells your selfe are superstitious, idolatrous, and detestable. Adde hereunto, what you have done in sending the Prince into Spaine without the consent of your Counsell, the privitie and approbation of your people. And though you have a larger interest in the Prince, as the Sonne of your flesh, ye • have the people a greater, as the Sonne of the Kingdome, upon whom next a • ter Your Majestie, their eyes are fixed, and welfare depends. And so tenderly is this going apprehended, as believe it (Sir) howsoever his returne may besafe, yet the drawe • s of him to that action so dangerous to himselfe; so desperate to the Kingdome, will not passe away unquestioned, unpunished, Besides, this toleration which you endeavour to set up by your Proclamation, it cannot be done without a Parliament, unlesse Your Majestie will let your subjects see, that you will take unto your selfe a liberty to throw downe the Lawes of the Land at your pleasure. What dreadf • ll consequence (Sir) these things may draw after, I beseech Your MAJESTIE to consider, and above all, least by this tolleration & discontinuance of the true profession of the Gospell, wherewith God hath blessed us, and under which this Kingdome hath these many yeares • lourished, Your Majestie doe not draw upon the Kingdome in Generall, and your sel • e in particular, Gods heavie wrath and indignation. Thus in discharge of my duty toward God, to Your Majestie, and rhe place of my calling▪ I have taken humble boldnesse, to deliver my Conscience. And now (Sir) doe with me what you please.

GOOD Mr: Secretary, yesterday Master Clerke went from he • ce, but I wrote not by him, neither have I now much to tell you: Especially • or that I am in doubt whether these letters will finde you in England or not▪ Yesterday we had the •• wes of the Popes death, but this King out of his ow • e mouth, and the Co • de de Olivares, and the Nuntio do assure the Prince, that this accident will neither mak • alteration, • or delay in his • usines, they being all of Opinion that it will be dispatched by the Dean of the Cardinalls & the Conclave. The Insanta is now by all the Court▪ and by this Kings approbation called la Princessa d • Inglaterra, and she m • kes not nice to take it upon he • . She now commeth Pu • liquely to th • Commody, and ••• teth by the Queene▪ and I am told, that as soone as two papers, which are already drawne, are signed by the King and Prince, they will giue her the right hand of the Queene, com a knefreda, which I conceive the Prince will not be displeased withall, for by that meanes it will • all out that the Prince and his Mistresse will ever sit together. This day Don Fernando de Giron invited my Lord Duke, my selfe and Sir Walter Ashton to di • ner, where we were accompanied by Don Augustin • exa, the Marquesse of Montes Cla • os, and the Conde de Gund • mar, and conceive we shall againe fall to good • ell • wship. You have heard that the Marquesse of Montesclaros, is made President 〈◊〉 Hasi • nda, the other in the • unta began to speake invectively, and against the match, thereupon the King the same night discharged him of that place, and bestowed it upon Montesclaros

For • ine owne particular, I protest unto you the rate that I am forced to live at is such, and the necessity of those preparations, that I must make at the disposorios, for that our Nationbeginneth to loose much reputation for the • anner they l • ve in without Liveries or Coaches, or • orses, so that I am • orced to bolner por la honra, de la nation, and will make the best Lyvery in Spaine, and if his Majesty take not consideration of me I am undone. I l • ave all to the negociation, and if you settle not somewhat for me, I will dispaire of any good.

I hope we shall shortly see you, for I never longed more for any thing. God blesse yo • and send you as much happinesse as I wish unto you, and so I rest.

IN nomine Patris, & Filii, & Spiritus Sancti &c. Relatione & notitia hujus Instrumenti, omnibus cujuscunque gradus, et dignitaris Personis notum sit et manifestum, quod Regali Caenobio, Dino Laurentio sacrato, sito apud Escurialem, Serinissimus Dominus Carolus Walliae Princeps, Majestatis Iacobi hujus nominis primi Mag: Britanniae Regis, Serinissi • i silius unicus notum fecit. Q • od cum ad gloriam et honorem Dei quo mgnis, consanguinitatis et a •• ini • atis vi • cula, quae illum et Iacobum M: Brit: Regem, Patrem suum colendissimum, cum S • rm • : Prin •• pe Philippo 4. Hispanie Rege Catholico conjungunt, co • stringantur arctius et confirmentur, in ipsisque successioribus suis amoris pignora, & m • t • a inter u • ramque coronam benevolentia ad commune, majusque vtriusque bonum & felicitatem, concilientur, stabiliantur, & permaneant; Actum, conventum, & conclusum est inter praefatos Sereniss. Philippum Regem Catho. & Carolum Walliae Principem, accedentibus consensu & voluntate expressis Maj: Iacobi Mag: Brit: Regis, pro • t latius constat ex Scripturis acceptationis, ratificationis, & confirmationis ej • sdem in • am causam habitis (quae paenes me infra scriptum Notarium extant) (quod attestor) de celebrando jucundoque Matrimonio, inter memoratum Seren: Carolum Walliae Principem, & Sereniss: D • minam Mariam, Hispa • iarum Infantem, Regis Catholici Sororem, juxta id quod in praedicto Tractatu Matrimoni •• praescriptum & capitu • atum est, & in ejus executionem, & effectum; quoniamque aliqu • magni ponderis & momenti se obtulerunt Negotia Regiam Majestatem Britanniae P • trem suum spectanti • , & in ejus commodum & Subditorum suorum utilitatem cessura, quae si praesentia sua non foveret, magnum posset prejudicium irrogari, nec amplius ob id immorari permittant. Quamobrem per semetipsum praedictas Nuptias & Matrimonium c • lebrare non p • terit; Sed legitimo Commissario & Procuratore interveniente; propria personal • ex post facto ratihabit • one subsecuta approbans, laudans, & ratum babens, prout se laudare, approbare, ratum, gratumque habere professus est omnia & singula in praedicto Tractatu Matrimoniali inter Ipsum & Majestatem Catholicam 4. die Augusti habito & celebrato, • ontenta illumque denu • in omnibus ex certa scientia, grata & spo • tanea voluntate acceptans & confirm • ns, satis superque certior & securus utilitatis inde provenient • is & rationum hujus Matrimonii convenientia & commoda cer • ò su ident & ostendunt, item vim ac substantia • Matrimonii ag • oscens, perpetuamque ejus naturam, & indissolubile vinculum, Personam nominaturus magnitudine rei, ita praeexcelsae, parem, & quae nomine suo, seque ipsum repr • sentando, qua par est dignitate & authoritate actui adeo solenni, honorifico & summo possit satisfacere, & praedictum Matrimonium celebrare & ad exitum perducere; Serenissimi Regis Catholici Philippi 4. Majestatem eligit, item & Carolum Hispaniarum Infantem ejus f • a • rem, unicuique corum in solidum vices • suas committendo prout de facto & cum effect • , & melioribus via & forma commisit & dedit, & utrumquem q • e eorum facit & constituit suum verum & legitimum & indubitabilem Procuratorem, concedens unicuique plenam, tenore praesentium, potestatem, authoritatem & mandatum, cum plenissima generali & speciali facultate, & • aom • quae jure necessaria esse possit & debeat, ut pro dicto Serenissimo Carolo • alliae Principe, & ejusnomine, propriamque illius Personam referendo, representando, Nuptias & Matrimonium contrahat, per verba formalia & expressa quae verum & legitimum Matrimonium de praesenti faciant & constituant cum praedicta Serenissima Domina Maria Hispaniorum Infante & praedictorum verborum virtue ac potestate eam in propriam & legitimam praedicti Serenissimi Caroli Walliae Principis uxorem accipiet, & eum Serenissimae Infantis Mariae verum & legitimum Sponsum & Maritum constituat prout ex nunc pro tune Serenissimus Prin-ceps talem se dat & constituit, & ut illum possit obligare & obliget; Quod Dominam Seremssimam Infantem uti suam talem Sponsam & uxorem legitimam accipiet, & quod ratum habebit, & denuo per semet-ipsum approbabit & confirmabit praedictas Nuptias & Matrimonium hu • us Mandati & facultatis vigore, nomine suo per dictos Seremssimum Philippum 4. Regem Catholicum vel per Serenissimum Carolum, Hispaniarum Infan-tem fratrem suum, celebratum & contractum; & quod in eo perpetuo & individue dural it & permanebit, & si necessarium fuerit, illud denuo per semetipsum contrahet, & celebrare, iuxta forma • u in praedicto Tractatu Matrimoniali inter ipsum, & Majestatem Catholicam habito praescriptam, verboque & side principalibus promisit se approbaturum, confirmaturum & ratificaturum, gratum ratumque habiturum, & inviolabiliter, firmiterque bene & sideliter observaturum cum effectu & bona side, omni exceptione & contradictione & causa cessante, quicquid hujus facult • tis virtute modo & forma expressis, factum fuerit, non obstantibus quibuscunque rationibus, causis, legibus, & opinionibus in contrarium; & quod hujusmodi mandatum nec in toto aut in parte nusquam revocabit, neque in aliquo detrahet aut derogabit, sed in omnibus sirmiter & inviolabiliter observabit, & tandem declarabit suae esse voluntatis, ut praedictus • erenissimus Rex Catholicus, vel Carolus ejus frater hoc mandato uti possint, usque in diem Nativitatis Dominieae proximè venturum, nec in longius tempus protrahi, aut extendi permittet. Quod totum actum fuit praesentibus Testibus ad id vocatis Georgio Viller sio Buckingamiae Duce, Maris Anglicani Praefecte, Garterii Ordinis Equite, Magnae Britanniae Regi a Consiliis Secretioribus & Equitis sui Praeposito; juncto Iohanne Digbeio Bristolensi Comite, & de Secretioribus Regis Magnae Britanniae Consiliis, & in Aula Catholicae Majestatis Legato extraordinario; Gualtero Aston Equite Baronetto Balnii, Regis Magnae Britanniae Cubiculario intimo, & ejusdem in Aula Majestatis Catholicae Oratore ordinario, Emmanuele de Fonseca y Azuedo, Comite de Monterey & de Fuentes, Supremi Italiae Senatus Praeside, & Majestati Catholicae a consiliis; Didaco Sarmento de Acunia Comite de Gondomar, a secretioribus ejusdem Majestatis Consiliis, & Aulae Praefecto; Didaco Capato Comite de Barajas, Commendatariae de Montealegre, Ordinis Divi Iacobi Praefecturae insignito, & Aulae Praefecto; Et manu propria subscripsit praedictus Serenis simus Princeps, & suo sigillo munivit.

PHILIPPUS DEI GRATIA Hispaniarum, utriusque Siciliae, Hierusalem, Indiarum Orientalium & Occidentalium, Insularum & continentis Maris Oceani, &c. Rex Catholicus, Archi-Dux Austriae, Dux Burgundiae, Mediolani, &c. Comes Abspurgi, Flandriae, Tirolis, &c.

Postquam Instrumento nuper transacto & concordato super futuro Matrimonio inter Serenissimum Carolum eadem Divina Providentia Magnae Britanniae, Franciae, Scotiae, & Hiber • ia Principem, & Serenissimam Mariam Infantem Hispaniarum Sororem meam charissimam conventum & stipulatum fuisset, ut ea • dem Sororem meam praefato Principi, vel ejus Procuratori seu Procuratoribus ad id delegandis in manus tradere tene •• tempore pri • veris Anni proximé sequentis Millesimi Sexcentesimi Vigesimi qua •• . Idem Serenissimus Carolus Walliae Princeps a me instanter petiit, ut propter quasdam rationes & considerationes, Termini seu Temporis praememorati compendium facerem: Itaque desiderio Ipsius quantum in me est satisfacere exoptans, indulsi & consensi, ut si Ipse proximis Festis Natalitiis hic Madriti fuerit, tum Ma • imonium per verba de praesenti pri • s contractum, consummare & ad desideratum sinem possit perducere. Quae autem de traeditione Serenissimae Sororis meae praefato Instrumento capitulata sunt, immutata & firma, uti concordata sunt, remanent, quemadmodum extera omnia. In quorum fidem, hoc praesens Scriptum manu mea subsignavi, & Sigillo meo communiri feci. Datum Ma • riti Anno Domini Mille si • o Sexcentessi • o Vigesimo tertio, Mensis Augusti, die 8.

GOOD Mr. Secretary Calvert, I have not presumed in my present letter unto his Majesty, to write any thing in answer to his letters of the thirtieth of December, but only in that point which toucheth my obedience to his Commandement for my present returne, for the rest I intreat you to present unto his Majesty this my humble Answer; Whereas his Majesty is pleased to say, that having seene the Answer to our third Memoriall, he doth not a little wonder, that I then tooke his affaires to have been in so good a condition that I would have proceeded to the disposories of the Prince contrary to his order given; It is true his Majesty hath just cause to wonder, if he looke upon that Memoriall without the letter that accompanied it, or if he consider the estate of the affaires as they stood when the letter bore Date, which was the sixt of December; for then they stood by the infringing of the capitulation, as they heere do understand it, all disordered and imbroyled, in such sort as I had foreseene and advertized his Majesty. But the estate of affaires ten or fiveteene dayes before, when I intended to have passed to the disposotios, I confesse I supposed to be such, that I wish I had suffered much that they were againe upon the same tearme, if his Majesty have a desire to proceed with this Allyance and to settle the businesse of the Palatinate, by this Kings helpe and mediation.

First for the businesse of the Match, against which it hath beene the maine objection that it was never really meant, but only held in Treaty to abuse and entertaine the King, it was now certainly to have taken effect within three dayes, viz. on the twentieth of November, had not the restraint arryved here on the 26th: and all things would have beene most exectly and punctually performed according to the capitulation, and here was no thought of any thing but of providing Presents for the King and Prince, and settling of the Princesses Family, and preparations for the journey the first day of March, and the Princesse had begun to draw the letters which she intended to have written the day of the desposories to the Prince her Husband, and the King her Father in law.

For the businesse of the Palatinate, as it will appeare by the joynt dispatch which: Sir Walter Aston, and my selfe wrote of the 23. of November, that we were assured not by the Conde of Olivares only in this Kings name, but severally by all the Councellors, that a settled resolution was taken in Councell on the 16. of November That this King should procure his Majesties entire satisfaction, and hereof the Cardinall Capata and divers other Councellors that professed themselves particularly affected to the King and Princes service, came to give Sir Walter Ashton and my selfe the Parabien.

The Conde of Olivares intreated us both in this Kings name, to assure his Majesty thereof upon our honours, and upon our lives if need were and thus much was to have beene delivered unto us in writing before we would have passed to the Disposorios as will plainly apeare by this above mentioned dispatch of the 23. of November.

Besides the Princes had now made this businesse her owne, and had therein most earnestly moved the King her Brother, and written unto the Conde of Olivares, and had set her heart upon the making of her selfe gratefull and welcome to the King and Kingdome by overcomming this businesse: further, I conceive it hath been and is the general opinion of wise men, that his Majesty could have no such assurance of this Kings reall intention of giving his Majesty satisfaction, in the businesse of the Palatinate as that he proceeded really to the performance of the Match, and that this was the opinion of his Majesty, and all my Lords, and the ground whereupon I was to frame all my Negotiation in this particular; I shall procure very authenticall proofe, and if I had but halfe so cleare a warrant for the hazarding of the Match by the deferring of the Disposorios as I have for the making of the concluding of the match, the rule for my proceeding in the businesse of the Palatinate, I should not have replyed for a further explanation of his Majesties pleasure, nor have beene questionable for an intention of going against my Order.

For the point of the Portion, it was agreed that I should have had three hundred thousand Crownes paid at Twelfe-tide the other 30000. which were formerly spoken of to have been carryed in Jewells with the Infanta, they were content that the Princes should have carried 20000. Crownes in ready money, and only 10000. in Jewells: for the rest, if the maner of payment that was propounded had not liked his Majesty, they were resolved to have given his Majesty other satisfaction at reasonable dayes, as should be agreed of, although I must here crave leave to let his Majesty know, that having two Months before advertized this offer, I never understood of his Majesties dislike or rejection of it by his letters of the thirteenth of November, which likewise commanded the putting off of the disposorios.

And this was the true estate of his Majesties affaires, as it appeared unto me and those with whom I was to communicate his Majesties businesse, when I intended to have proceeded to the disposorios if in the interim I should not receive his Majesteis directions to the contrary, which I was most assured of in case his Majesty should not like of that intention.

As for the other point, that I should have intended to have passed the disposorios contrary to the order given me, certainly I erred not with any malice or intention of having stolne a Mariage upon my Master against his will, for if I had, supposing I wanted sufficient warrant to have stayed the Disposorios, I would have concealed it, and so passed on, and not have, sent with so much diligence to have a cleare u • derstanding of his Majesties pleasure, neither would I with so great industry and great displeasure have prolonged the twentie foure to thirtie dayes, and then so exactly and readily obeyed, when I had a cle • e understanding of my Masters will: for the first thing I did, was instantly within few houres to send backe Peter Killigrew to let his Majesty know, that his orders should be most punctually obeyed, and soe they should have been before, if I had not understood that the nomination of a holy day in Christmas (whereof I wonder how his Majesty could want due information of the expyring of the the Powers) had not overthrowne all his Majesties intention • and desires in his very letter expressed, and hereof by due obedience unto the Prince his order formerly, upon the scruple of the Infantaes entring into Religion, may be a sufficient argument.

I will not trouble you with any further Apologie, only I shall humbly offer unto his Majesty and my Lords consideration: First, that I understood the Infanta to be my young Masters Wife, or spouse at least, for such was now her stile, and as such was I enjoynd to serve her, and as such my Lord Duke and my selfe, and all the English kissed her hands, as her servants and Vassalls.

Secondly the Powers were drawne by the intervention of both parties, The King of Spaine accepting the substitution, and the Prince delivering of them legally to the King of Spaine and his Brothers use.

These powers were deposited in my hands upon trust as Embassador of the King of great Brittain, with publique Declaration, how and when I was to deliver them, and this drawne into an Instrument by Iuan de Cirica as publique Notarie; and this point is here much pressed, and I conceive many Pens will be imployed about the case.

Thirdly I ever understood, that my Master infinitly desired the Match, and the Prince in his letters at the very same time expresseth, that he much desireth it: besides the ingagements that have here passed recyprocally, are publicke to the world.

I shall willingly now submit my selfe to any censure, which, whether were the honester, dutifuller, or more prudent way upon inference and collections to have put a disgrace and disrespect upon so great and worthy a Princesse that was to be his Masters wife, to have no way insisted for the makeing good of the publicke trust reposed in him, by two so great Monarchs, when the powers were deposited in his hands, but to have put a great scorne upon the King of Spaine by nominating a day for the Mariage when the powers should be expired, to have hazzarded the overthrowing of so great and important a businesse (for to that issue it was brought, and I required to take or leave, either to proceed according to their capitulations, or that this King would hould himselfe freed of them, and the issue now sheweth the truth thereof (or on the other side) to have represented unto his Mastjesty with truth and syncerity the true estate of all things, with his humble opinion the wrong and disgrace that the putting off the Mariage will be esteemed to the person of the Infanta, the scorne that would be judged to be put upon the King of Spaine, by the nominating of a day when the powers were expired. The hard construction that would be made upon the detention of the powers without some new and immergent cause. The danger that the Mariage would be in if hereby it should be disordered; The likelyhood that the Match would be the greatest security for the restitution of the Palatinate, and i • case these reasons should not be able to perswade his Majesty to proceed, then there was intimated, that there wanted sufficient warrant for the detaining of the powers, which was desired might be clearly sent unto him. In this interim all the above • said inconveniences were deferred, & that busines held up upon faire tearmes, that his Majesty might have his way and choyce unsoild before him, untill his Majesty was pleased clearely and positively to declare his pleasure in the point, whereunto there was ready and exact obedience given: soe that I shall willingly submit my selfe to the censure of the world, whether an inintention so well and honestly grounded, seconded with so exact and ready an obedience shall make me blame worthy, I must confesse that if with out cleare and sufficient warrant, I had so much disordered the affaires of his Majesty as I now conceive them to be, I should have had a heavy and sad heart, which I thanke God I now have not; but confident of mine owne innocency, I can be no wayes diffident of my Masters accustomed Grace and favour. And so earnestly intreating you to present this my humble Answere to his Majesty and my Lords the Commissioners, I remember my service affectionatly unto you, and leave you to Gods holy protection.

WEE have read your Letters of the 28. of October and the copie of that power which was left by Our deere Sonne, We have examined and approved your reasons, and we doe assure you • that if we had seene the power left by our son before our last Letters, we had not written to you in the forme we did in ours of October the ninth, touching the time of Christmas. For we are so farre from having affection to deferre the Desposorios, or make them fruitlesse, as we desire to hasten them to a speedy good conclusion, being of the like affection with our deere brother of Spaine, with one act to make a match, and an entire friendship according to the Count, of Olivares his ground formerly delivered to our Sonne and Buckingham, and mentioned in your owne letter, for the reall effecting of which we have thought good to command our deere Sonne to deferre the present execution of the powers left, and to renew the power by another herewith sent, that there may bee no fault in us not in our Son, if that King cannot give us satisfaction in the just things we desire, (which will containe the maine ground of our friendship) in so short a time in which the first power should become inualid.

And yet we must tell you, we have almost with astonishment observed one action of so great Checque and contradiction of our hope of the restitution of the Palatinate, as we know not what construction to make of it. The Berkstrot in the Palatinate (the prime flower of our sonne in Lawes Revenue which is the maine motive that causeth us thus carefully and speedily to seeke satisfaction, and urge so earnestly till wee may receive it) and which was taken by the Armes and assistance of Spaine, and as wee are informed in the possession of the Spanish Garison, or under their command, the Country or the revenue thereof (which is a fortifying of their ancient claime) freshly delivered into the hands of the Bishop of Mentz, contrary to the last contract between his Majestie and the Infanta at Bruxelles, and that without forme of justice, upon an old pretence which must imbroyle it the more, especially being to another person then any of these to whom interest or mediation hath beene formerly thought of; These being only the Emperor, Spaine, and the Duke of Bavaria. The consideration of which new difficulties done in the presence, or without the contradiction either of Verdugo, or any other Officer or Minister of the Infanta's, or knowledge given to us, gives us infinitely to thinke, and to finde it requisite to deale clearely and plainely with you, and to charge and require you to deale as plainly with our deare Brother, that we are so much bound in honour, naturall affection, and interest to see our Sonne-in-Law have restitution of his estate and honour; without which effect, wee cannot rest satisfied, as you have often heard the Declaration of our minde in that point: the rather, because it would bee a great discouragement to our Son-in-Law (without whom we can doe nothing) and a great disproportion to receive one daughter in joy and contentment, and leave another in toares and sighes. And to the end we may bee assured of the effects, we require you (before you deliver our deere Sonnes power, or move to any contracting of him) that you procure from that King by act, or answer to you under his hand, or by Letters to us, that he will helpe us to the restitution of the Palatinate and dignity by meditation, or other wise assist us, if mediation faile, and within what time the mediation shall determine, and the assistance of armes begin.

The honourable conditions of restitution (we hope) remaine with you. And to shew you how we desire to comply with our deere Brother of Spaine: We shall bee ready to propound good wayes to satisfie the D. of Bavaria, in point of title and honour, and to continue our negotiation for the match of Our Grand-Child (the eldest sonne of our Sonne-in-Law) with the Daughter of the Emperor.

Our Sonne-in-Laws Letters we send you herewith, and because we know his aversenesse to our Grand-Childs breeding with the Emperor, as we doe the other parts disaffection to have him bred at the Hagh, (which we cannot wonder at) our own care considered for his breeding in Religion, which cannot well bee provided for there,NOTE. we shall be ready to proceed to the conclusion of that Treaty: And so soone as the Infanta shall be arrived in our Court, to bring our Grand-child to be bred with our Sonne and her, and in her presence.

And for the temporall articles which are so meanely presented in those heads you sent us, we forheare to tell you what we thinke of the offers.

And concerning the portion, we absolutely reject both Jewells or yearely revenue (as contrary to the first agreement) and expect the totall summe in Specie, according to such reasonable times as shall be agreed upon. So as we likewise require you punctually to conclude the Temporall Articles before you deliver the power.

MOST21. lac c. 33 Gratious Soveraigne, we your Majesties most humble, faithfull and loving Subjects, by your Royall Authority now Assembled in your High Court of Parliament, having entred into serious and due consideration of the weighty and most important causes, which at this time more then at any other time heretofore, doe presse your Majesty to a much greater expence and charge then your owne Treasure alone can at this present support and maintaine, and likewise of the injuries and indignities, which have beene lately offered to your Majesty and your Children, under colour, and during the time of the Treaties for the Mariage with Spaine, and the restitution of the Palatinate, which in this Parliament have beene clearely discovered and layde open unto us; and withall what humble advice with one consent and voyce, we have given unto your Majesty to dissolve those Treaties, which your Majesty hath beene gratiously pleased (to our exceeding joy and comfort) fully to yeeld unto, and accordingly have made your publique declaration for the reall and utter dissolution of them, by meanes whereof your Majesty may happily be ingaged in a suddain Warre. Wee in all humblenesse most ready and willing to give unto your Majesty and the whole world an ample testimony of our dutifull affections, and sinceere intentions to assist You therein, for the maintenance of that Warre that may hereafter ensue, and more particularly for the defence of this your Realme of England, the securing of your Kingdome of Ireland, the assistance of your Neighbours, the States of the united Provinces, and other your Majesties Friends, and Allies, and for the setting forth of your Royall Navy, we have resolved to give for the present the greatest ayde which ever was granted in Parliament, to be levied in so short a time, &c.

In this Parliament the Commons presented a sharpe Petition to the Lords against Popish,NOTE. Recusants, desiring the Lords to joyne with them in it to the King; of which King Iames having notice, writ with his owne hand this following letter to Secretary Conway, which I have truely extracted out of the very originall.

I doubt not but you have heard what a stinging Petition against the Papists, the lower House have sent to the higher House this day, that they might joyntly present it unto me: ye know my firme resolution, not to make this a Warre of Religion. And seeing I would be loath to be Connycatched by my people, I pray you stay the Post that is going to Spaine, till I meet with my Son, who will be here to morrow morning, do it upon pretext of some more letters ye are to send by him and if he should be gone, hasten after him to stay him upon some such pretext, and let none living know of this, as ye love me: and before two in the afternoone to morrow you shall with out saile heare from me: Farwell.

IT having pleased you, upon our humble suit and advise, to dissolve both the Treaties to our great joy and comfort.

We your Majesties most faithfull and Loyall Subjects the Lords and Commons Assembled in Parliament, doe in all humblenesse offer unto your sacred Majesty these two Petitions following.

1. That for the more safety of your Realmes, and better keeping your Subjects in their due obedience, and other important reasons of state, your Majesty would be pleased by some such course as your Majesty shall thinke fit, to give present order, that all the Lawes be put in due execution, which have beene made, and do stand in force against Iesuits, Semenary Priests, and all others having taken orders by Authority derived from the Sea of Rome, and generally against all Popish Recusants. And as for disarming, that it may be according to the Lawes, and according to former Acts and directions of state in that Case, and yet that it may appeare to all the world, the favour and clemency your Majesty useth towards all your Subjects of what condition whatsoever. And to the intent the Jesuits and Priests now in the Realme may not pretend to be surprised; That a speedy and certaine day may be perfixed by your Majesties Proclamation, before which day they shall depart out of this Realme, and all other your highnesse Dominions, and neither they nor any other to returne or come hither againe, upon perill of the severest penalties of the lawes now in force against them. And that all your Majesties Subjects may thereby also be admonished, not to receive, entertaine, comfort, conceale any of them, upon the penalties and forfeitures which by the lawes may be imposed on them.

Secondly, seeing we are thus happily delivered from that danger which those Treaties now dissolved, and that use which your ill affected Subjects made thereof, would certainly have drawne upon us; and yet cannot but foresee and feare, least the like may hereafter happen, which would inevitably bring such perill upon your Majesties Kingdomes: We are most humble Sutors to your gracious Majesty, to secure the hearts of your good Subjects by the engagement of your royall word unto them, that upon no occasion of marriage or treaty, or other request in that behalfe from any forreigne Prince or State whatsoever, you will take away or slacken the execution of your lawes against Jesuits, Priests and popish Recusants.

To which our humble Petitions, proceeding from our most loyall and dutifull affections towards your Majesty, our care of our Countries good, and our owne confident perswasion, that these will much advance the glory of Almighty God, the everlasting honour of your Majesty, the safety of your Kingdomes, and the encouragement of all your good Subjects; we doe most humbly beseech your Majesty to vouchsafe a gracious answer.

REX omnibus ad quos,NOTE. &c. Salutem. Sciatis quod Nos pietate moti, de Gracia Nostra speciali ac ex certa scientia & mero motu Nostris, pardonavinimus, remissimus & Relaxavimus, ac per praesentes pro Nobis, haeredibus & Successoribus Nostris pardonamus, remittimus & Relaxamus Joanni Piercy Clerico. Henrico Hopkins Rico. Bapthorpe Clerico. Benjam. Medcalfe Clerico. Thomae Mushe, Thomae Cudworth, Christophero Ibotson, Willielmo Brooksby Clerico. Christophero Clough, Tobie Clay, Rico, Robinson Clerico. Edwardo Ditchfield Clerico. Joanni Melling, Willielmo Nayler, Jacobo Eckersall, Richardo Whaley, Laurencio Lanshaw, Rico, Sharrocke, Rico. Gill & Willielmo Berrey, quocunque nomine vel cognomine aut additione nominis vel cognominis, dignitatis, Artis professions, misterij, Loci vel Locorum idem Joannes Piercy, Henricus Hopkins Ricus, Bapthorpe, Brianus, Medcalse, Thomas Mush, Thomas Cudworth, Christopherus Ibotson, Willielmus Brooksby, Christopherus Clough, Tobias Clay, Richardus Robinson, Edwardus Ditchfield, Joannes Melling, Willielmus Nayler, Jacobus Eckersall, Richardus Whaley, Laurencius Lanshaw, Richardus Sharrocke, Richardus Gill & Willielmus Berry sciantur, cenceantur aut huncupantur, aut nuper sciebantur, censebantur aut nuncupabantur, aut eorum aliquis, Sciatur, censeatur aut nuncupatur, aut nuper sciebatur, censebatur aut nuncupabitur, ac eorum cuilibet omnes & singulas proditiones, proditorias offensiones misprisiones proditionum, felonias & offensiones & Malefacta Felonica quaecunque per ipsos aut eorum aliquem sive aliquos per se solum, sive cum aliqua alia persona, sive aliquibus alijs personis quibuscunque, contra forman Statuti in Parliamento Dominae Elizabethae nuper Reginae Angliae anno Regni sui vicessimo rertio fact. & edit; intitulat, An act to retaine the Queenes Majesties Subjects in their due obedience: Seu contra formam Statuti Parliamenti Dominae nuper Reginae Anno regui sui vicessimo septimo fact. & edit, intitulat. An Act against Jesuits, Seminary-priests and such otherlike disobedient persons; seu contra formam Statuti in Parliamento praecharissimi nuper patris Nostri Iacobi nuper. Regis Angliae anno regni sui tertio fact. & edit. intitulati: An Act for the better discovering and repressing of popish Recusants, seu contra formam alicuus alterius legis sive Statuti ante hac fact. concernen. Iesuitas, Sacerdotes Presbiter, Seminar. seu allos Presbiteros, Sacerdotes Diaconos, aut personas religiosas seu ecclesiastic. sact. & ordinat. seu provis: per aliquam authoritatem sive jurisdictionem derivat, calumniat. aut pretens. a sede Romana, aut concernen. reconcilitionem alicujus subditi sive aliquorum subditorum hujus regni Angliae, Episcopo, Sedi auc Eccleliae Romanae adhuc fact. Commiss. sive perpeirat. ac omnia & singula ostens. & Malefacta de Premuniresen cog • lt. per nomen de Premunire contra formam Statuti predicti anno regni prefat. nuper Patris Nostri precharissimi tertio edit; aut alicuus alteri act. sive Statuti Comiss. in recusando vel non recipiendo Sacrament, devisat & provis. in Statuto predicto anno Regni Domini nuper Patris Nostri precharissimi Angliae tertio edit. ac omnia & singula alia offenss. & delict. quaecunque in recusando vel non recipiendo Sacrament. praedict. ac omnia imprisonamenta ratione praemissorum seu eorum alicujus, aut ratione recusanciae in non accedendo ad aliquam Ecclesiam, Capellam seu usual. loc, com. Precationis juxta leges et Statuta in ea parte •• abilita, aut ratione alicujus offens. contra formam alicujus Statuti sive aliquorum Statutorum contra papales Recusantes stabilit, ac fugam & fugas superinde fact. li • t idem Ioannes Piercy, Henricus Hopkins, Richardus Babthorpe, Brian Medcalfe, Thomas Mush, Thomas Cudworth, Christopherus Iborson, Gulielmus Brooksby, Christopherus Clough, Tobias Clay, Richardus Robinson, Edwardus Ditchfield, Ioannes Melling, Willielmus Nayler, Iacobus Eckersall, Richardus Whaley, Laurentius Lanshaw, Richardus Sharrock, Richerdus Gill et Willielmus Berry, de eisdem proditione, misprisione proditionum, feloniorum offenss, et malefact. sive de eorum aliquibus vel aliquo indictat. imperit. appellat. rectat. ut lagat. condemnat. convinct. attinst. sive adjudicar, existunt vel non existunt, vel • orum aliquis existit, vel non existit, aut inde indictari, impetiri, appellati, rectari utlagari condempnari, convinciri attingi sive adjudicari contigerint vel eorum aliquis vel aliqui contiger. in sutur. Ac omnes & singulos si quae utlagar. versus ipsos vel eorum aliquem vel aliquos ratione premissorrum, seu eorum alicujus promulgat. fuerunt sive imposterum erint promulgand. ac etiam judicium et iudicia pro premiss, seu aliquo premissorum versus ipsos seu eorum aliquem vel aliquos habit. fact. reddit sive adjudicat, aut imposterum habend. siend. reddend. sive adiudicand. ac executionem et executiones hujusmodi iudicii et judicionum versus ipsos vel eorum aliquem vel aliquos pro premiss. vel aliquo premissorum habend. fiend. vel exequend, nec non omnes • et singulas paenas mortis, paenas corporales, forisfacturas, • ines et executiones quascunque quae Nos versus prefat, Jo • net • Piercy, Henricum Hopkins, Richardum Bapthorpe, Btianum Medcalfe, Thomam Mush, Thomam Cudworth, Christopherum Ibotson, Willielmum Brooksby, Christopherum Clough Tobiam Clay, Richardum Robinson, Edwardum Ditchfield, Joannem Melling, Willielmum Naylor. Jacobum Eckersall, Richardum Whaley, Laurencium Langshaw, Richardum Sharrocke, Richardum Gill & Willielmum Berry, seu versus eorum aliquem vel aliquos ratione vel occasione premissorum, aut eorum alicujus habuimus, habeamus seu in futur, habere poteritrius, aut haered. vel successor Nostri habere poteri •• in futur. sectamque pacis Nostrae quae ad Nos haered. & successores nostros versus ipsos vel eorum aliquem vel aliquos pertinere poterit. Et s • mam pacem Nostram & hanc perdonacionem Nostram ejs & eorum Cuilibet inde damus & concedimus per praesentes. Mandamus etiam ac pro Nobis, haeredibus & successoribus Nostris sumiter injuugendo precipimus omnibus & singulis Commissionarijs pro causis ecclesiasticis, Justiciarijs, Vice-comitibus, Escaetoribus Ballivis, Custod. prison. & alijs officiarijs et Ministris Nostris haeredum et Successorum Nostrore quibuscunque. Quod si praefat. Joannes Piercy, Henticus Hopkins, Richardus Bapthorpe, Brianus Medcalse, Thomas Mush, Thomas Cudworth, Christopherus Ibotson, Willielmus Brooksby, Christopherus Clough, Tobias Clay, Richardus Robinson, Edwardus Di • chfield, Joannes Melling, Willielmus Naylor, Jacobus Eckersall, Richardus Whaley, Laurencius Lanshaw, Richardus Sharrocke, Richardus Gill et Willielmus Berry, vel eorum aliquis vel aliqui ratione premissorum per praesentes pardonari seu mentionati fore perdonari, incarcerati vel imprisonati existunt vel existit; Quod ipse, et eorum quilibet super solam demonstrationem praesentium inde deliberentur, et eorum aliquis deliberetur absque ulteriori warranto, proinde a Nobis, haeredibus et successoribus Nostris obtinendo seu prosequendo. Nolentes quod ipsi per Justiciar. Vice-com. Escaetores, Ballivas seu aliquos alios Ministros Nostros haeredum vel successorum Nostrorum occationibus praedict. sen eorum aliquis molestentur, perturbentur, seu in aliquo graventur, licet ipse bonam et sufficientem securitatem non inveniat, aut eorum aliquis inveniat secundum formam & effectum Statuti Domini Edwardi nuper Regis Angliae tertii, progenitoris Nostri, Anno regni sui decimo apud Westnionasterium, tent. edit, de Se bene-gerend, extunc. erga Nos, haered. et Successor. nostros et cunctum populum nostrum. Et ulterius de uberiori gratia Nostra, certa scientia et mero motu nostris concessimus, ac per praesentes pro Nobis Haeredibus et Successoribus Nostris concedimus prefat. Joanni Piercy, Henrico Hopkins, Richardo Bapthorpe Briano Medcalfe, Tho •• ae Mush, Thomae Cudworth, Christophero Ibotson, Willielmo Brooksby, Christophero Clough, Tobiae Clay, Richardo Robinson, Edwardo Ditchfield, Joanne Melling, Willielmo Naylor, Jacobo Eckersall, Richardo Whaley, Laurentio Lanshaw, Richardo Sharrocke, Richardo Gill et Willielmo Berry, quod hae literae Nostrae Patentes favourabiliter, et in maximum ipsorum et eorum eujus • bet, commodum et beneficium, construentur, capientur et acceptabuntue, et stabunt et existent • irmae, validae et effectuales lege, erga, versus et contra Nos, Haeredes et Successores Nostros secundum veram intentionem earundem; statutis praedictis aut eorum aliquo, aut aliquo alio statuto, Actu, Proclamatione, provisione, vel restrictione • aut aliqua alia re, causa vel materia quacunque in contrarium, inde in aliquo non obstante. In cujus rei testimonium, &c. teste Rege apud Westmonasterium, quarto die Maii anno primo Caroliregis.

MOst Reverend Father in God, Right trusty, and Right Well beloved Counsellour, We greet you well. Whereas upon sundry weighty considerations, Vs especially moving, We lately awarded Our Commission under Our great Seale of England, for the due and effectuall putting in execution of the severall lawe • , and statute • remaining in force against popish Recusants, and did cause Our said Commission to be publikely read in Our severall Courts, holden the last terme at Redding. That all Our loving Subjects might take notice of Our princely care and speciall charge for the advancement of true Religion, and suppression of Su • erstition and Popery. We have now thought fit out of the same care, to adde a further charge to you, and all others having Ecclesiasticall jurisdiction under Us; that no good meanes be neglected on Our part, for discovering, finding out, and apprehending of Iesuits, Seminary-priests, and other Seducers of Our people to the Romish Religion; or for repressing popish Recusants and Delinquents of that sort: against whom you are to proceed by Excommunication and other censures of the Church, not omitting any other lawfull meanes to bring them forth to publike justice. And as Our pleasure is, that due and strict proceeding be used against such as are open and professed Papists, of whom Ou • temporall lawes will more easily take hold: So We doe recommend to the vigilan • care of you, and the rest of Our Clergy, for the repressing of those, who being ill affected to the true Religion here established, doe keep more close and secret, their ill and dongerous affections that way, and as well by their example, as by secret and underhand slights and meanes, doe much encourage and encrease the growth of popery and Superstition in sundry parts of this Kingdome. And therefore We doe not onely require, that none of them may have any manner of cover protection, countenance or connivance from you, or any of the rest, as you tender Our royall commandement in that behalfe; but that all possible diligence be used, as well to un •• ske the false shadowes and pretences of those, who may possibly be wonne to conformity; letting all men know that We cannot think well of any that having place and authority in the Church, doe permit such persons to passe with impunity, much lesse if they give them any countenance to the imboldning of them or their Adherents: and because We understand that the number of Recusants is much more encreased in some Dio • esses then in others, We shall impute the same to the negligence of those Bishops, who have the same meanes and power of restraint, unlesse they can shew Us some particular reason by which that contagion is become greater under them then others, and not by their defaults: and We doe hereby require you to send transcripts of these Our Letters to all the Bishops and Ordinaries within your province, for the present execution of this • Our generall direction: and also to transmit the same our Letters to the Lord Archbishop of Yorke, that he may take the like course within his Charge and Jurisdiction.

By this you see the Royall and Christian care which his Majesty hath, for the advancement of true Religion within this Kingdome and the suppressing of the contrary; I doubt not but your Lordship will take it into serious consideration, and by your Officers and Ministers, give execution thereunto; so that presentments be duly made and excommunication against the obstinate be issued forth, as: some few yeers past was accustomed: and his Majesty doth expect, that to shew your diligence and zeale therein, yout Lordship soone after Easter returne unto me the list and number of all Recusant Papists within your Diocesse, which without faile I doe expect: and so I leave you to the Almighty, and remaine

These are therefore to will and require you and every of you, through the severall Arch-deaconries within my Diocesses, that there be all possible care taken of such as are any way backward in points of Religion, and more especially of known and professed Recusants: that they may be carefully presented, and proceedings had against them to excommunication, according to forme and order of Law; and that there be a true List and Catalogue after every Easter yeerly sent unto me, that according to the order of these Letters I may be able to have it ready, and deliver it up to my Lord of Canterbury; and for the better effecting of this, I must and doe further require, that the Register doe write out severall Copies of these Letters, and issue them into the severall Arch-deaconries, that none may plead ignorance of their duty in this behalfe, as you must look to answer it further if fault be found to rest upon you: Thus not doubting of your religious care and duty to the Church and State, I leave you all to the grace of God, and rest

THese Sub-committees are appointed to search at the Signet-Office what warrants have passed for the stay of the execution of Priests and Jesuits, or of any other legall proceedings against popish Recusants, since his Majesties gracious Answer to both Houses of Parliament, delivered at Oxford in August, and they are to bring Copies of all such Warrants, or of the Dockets to that Commitee at their sitting upon Thursday next.

This is a true Copy of the Order delivered at the Signet-Office by Master Mo • re, Master Lau. Whitaker and Master Newbery, examined with the Order it selfe the tenth of this instant March, 1625.

THOMAS, Deiet Apostolica gratia Medensis Episcopus, Universis singulis praesentes Nostras literas visuris salutem, in eo qui est vera salus. Notum facimus quod Nos Ordines in Cameris privatis Hereticae persecutionis metu celebrantes. Dilectum Nobis Nolanum Feranan, Dereusis diaecesios Diaconum, ideoneum repertum and Sacrum Presbyteratus ordinem, Sabatho sancto die 5. Aprilis, Anne 1625. juxta 〈◊〉 Calendarij computum, promovendum duximus, et promouemus, rite in Domino 〈◊〉 Messarum solemnia, virtute dinissorialum sui Ordinarij. Datum in loco Mansionis Nostrae die & Anno praedictis.

THese are to charge and require you, immediately upon sight hereof; that without all difficulty and delay, you put Our former commandement in execution, for the consigning of the Ship under your charge, called the Vaunt-guard, into the hands of the Marquesse de Effort, with all her Equipage, Artillery and Ammunition, assuring the Officers of the said Ship whom it may concerne, that we will provide for their indemnity: and We further charge and command you, that you also require the seven Merchants Ships in Our name, to put themselves into the service of Our deare Brother the French King, according to the promise made unto him: and in case of backwardnesse or refusall, We command you to use all forcible meanes in your power, to compell them thereunto, even to their sinking:NOTE. and in these severall charges, see you faile not, as you will answer the contrary at your utmost perill; and this shall be your sufficient Warrant.

IT is now knowne to all men, that Our deare Uncle the King of Denmarke, is brought into great distresse, that without present succour the Sound will be lost, Our Garrison in Stoad broken by the Emperours Foroes, which now streightly besiege it, Our Eastland Trade (which maintaines Our Shipping) and the Staple of Hamborough (which vents Our Cloath) both gotten from Vs: Besides, it is knowne likewise,NOTE. that two great Kings of Spaine and France, and the Pope with them are joyned to root out Our Religion; that their Admirals the Duke of Guise and Don Frederick de Toledo, are at this present before Rochell and endeavouring to block it up: that they have store of Land-men ready upon the coast of Britaine, with them and other forces ready to invade us.

Of these imminent dangers to true Religion, to Our Allies, Our Countries, and the Trade of Our people, We assure Our selves every well-affected Subject will be very sensible, as We are; and certainly there is a necessity come upon Vs, not so much of debating as acting Our defence; and unlesse there be a present meanes found to set a Fleet to Sea to disband them that lye before Rochell, that Towne and Our Religion in those parts are sure to be ruined.

We have (beyond the custome of Our royall Progenitors) spared neither Our Jewels nor Plate, nor Our Lands, to supply publike occasions; We now expect speedy and proportionable supply for this service from the love and duty of Our People, whence that charge for their owne preservation should ever come.

We find further in the debate of this businesse with Our privy Counsell, that it is not possible this I lect of Ours now to be set forth, can stay safely till a Parliament be assembled; and We think it neither wise nor safe for Our Selve or you to be taken sitting, in a Parliament, and so proclaime to the world that We consult too late; therefore though We are issuing out Our Writs for a present Parliament, yet because We find the businesse cannot stay so long (since that must have the ordinary course of Summons) VVe expect your present performance of this service, not doubting but that the Parliament when it comes will consider the urgency of the thing, and the hast of the time • and give Us thanks for this timely provision.NOTE.

Now this VVe must let you know, that if you make this present supply, We will then goe on with Our Parliament, if not, then We must thinke of a more speedy way: and yet it is not VVe that put this condition upon you but the moere necessity of the time and the service; which if you neglect, then it is not Our fault but your owne that ye have not a Parliament; for VVe must put you in mind, that it is not possible the affaires of Christendome should receive a turne to Our advantage, but onely by Gods blessing and Our speed; and we assure you that your making us and your selves by this present ayd to sit safe in Parliament, nothing shall then divert us from meeting you at our day prefixed.

And since all men see that it is not safe to set downe now without this Fleet to back us, it will be lesse sit then when the yeere is further advanced, and though this may seem to you a great charge, yet we have been so carefull in ordering and proportioning the businesse, that we have laid a greater summe upon Our Selfe then upon You.

And we further recommend upto you, that Our former distractions (the onely causes of Our disadvantage abroad) may be laid downe, that so God's blessing may come in to Our successe: that as Our last devisions did us more harme then the common enemy, so our present union testified in this foregoing signe of preparing this Fleet (which is of greater consequence and will adde more credit then the money it selfe) may be the happy forerunner of a future happinesse.

And last of all, since this great businesse of setting out Ships used to be chaged upon the port Townes and neighbouring Ships, is too heavy for them to beare alone in this great proportion; therefore we have thought sit, with the advice of Our privy Counsell, and agreeable to the presidents of former times, to cause the whole charge of this Fleet to be cast up and distributed among all the Counties at a proportionable rate, according to which proportion the summe to be raised in.

And because we are confident of your forwardnesse and zeale to the service so deeply concerning the interest and safety of you all; we give you the power, but commit the trust for the manner of levying thereof to your care; yet in such sort, that you will not make the uneven rate of Subsidy your onely rule of proportion, but proceed according to the true worth of mens-lands and estates within the County, that so the poorer may be eased, and yet the businesse be done.

The time assigned for Our said Fleet to beat sea, is the first of March next; and 〈◊〉 fore you are presently upon receit of these Our Letters to assemble your selves, and to apportion the severall summes to each devision or hundred, and within three dayes after to repaire to the said several places, and to take order for the setling of Collectors, which you are with all speed to 〈◊〉 to Our Counsell, and to take order or the returne of the montes before the said first of March.

What further instructions shall be thought necessary, you shall receive from Our Counsell; but thus much We are pleased to signifie under Our owne hand that you and all men may know, that the necessary preservation of the Church and Commonwealth presieh Vs to this hast, and that We for Our part will not be wanting to Our duty of protection; and We are confident our Subjects will not desert either Vs or themselves, the Church or Common wealth; neither doubt We but that Gods blessing will be upon our mutuall accord and endeavours, which We hope the present ensuing Parliament will (to our great comfort) manifest to the World.

AS with all humble thankfulnesse we (your dutifull Commons now in Parliament assembled) doe acknowledge the great comfort which we have in the assurance of your Majesties pious disposition • so we think it a most necessary duty (being called by your Majesty to consult and advise of the great and urgent affaires of this Church and Common-wealth, finding them at this time in apparant dauger of destruction) faithfully and dutifully to informe your Majesty thereof, (and with bleeding heart and bonded knee) to crave such speedy redresse therein, as to your owne wisdome (unto which we humbly submit our selves and our desires) shall seeme most 〈◊〉 and convenient.

What a multitude and potency of your Majesties enemies are abroad; what be their ambitious and malicious ends, and how vigilant and constantly industrous they are in pursuing the same, it is well knowne to your Majesty, together with the dangers threatned thereby to your sacred person and your Kingdomes, and the calamities which have already fallen, and hath daily increased upon your Friends and Allies; of all which we are well assured your Majesty is most sensible, and will accordingly (in your great wisdome, and with the gravest and most mature Counsels according to the exegency of the times and occasions) provide (by all good meanes) to prevent and help the same. To which end, we most humbly entreat your Majesty first especially to cast your eyes upon the miserable condition of this your owne Kingdome, of late so strangely weakned, impoverished, dishonoured and dejected, that unlesse (through your Majesties most gracious wisdome, goodnesse and justice) it be speedily raised to a better condition, it is in no little danger to become a sodaine pray to the enemies thereof; and of the most happy and flourishing,NOTE. to be the most miserable and contemptible Nation in the world.

In the discovery of which dangerous, mischiefs and inconveniences lying upon us we doe freely protest, that it is farre from out thoughts to lay the least imputation upon your Majesties sacred person, or the least scandall on your government: For we doe in all sincerity, and with joyfulnesse of our hearts (not onely for our selves, but in the name of all the Commons in your Realme, whom we represent) ascribe as much honour to your Majesty and acknowledgement of duty, as a most loyall and affectionate people can give unto the best King, for so you are, and so you have been pleased abundantly to expresse your selfe this present Parliament, by your Majesties cleere and satisfactory answer to our Petition of Right; for which both our selves and our Posterities shall blesse God, and ever preserve a thankfull memory of your great goodnesse and justice therein; and we doe verily beleeve, that all, or most of all those things, which we shall now present unto your Majesty, are either altogether unknowne to you, or else by some of your Majesties Ministers offered under such specious pretences, as may hide their owne bad intentions and ill consequence of them from your Majesty: But we assure our selves that according to the good example of your noble Predecessors, nothing can make your Majesty (being a wise and Judicious Prince, and above all things desirous of the welfare of your people) more in love, with Parliaments then this (which is one of the principall ends of calling them) that therein you may be truly informed of the State of all the severall parts of your Kingdome, and how your Officers and Ministers doe behave themselves in the charge and trust reposed in them by your Majesty, which is scarce possible to be made knowne to you but in Parliament, as was declared by your blessed Father, when he was pleased to put the Commons in mind, that it would be the greatest unfaithfulnesse and breach of duty to his Majesty, and of the trust committed to them by their Country that could be; if in setting forth the grievances of the people, and the condition of all the parts of this Kingdome from whence they came, they did not dealt cleerly with him (without sparing any how deare or neere soever they were unto him) if they were hurtfull unto all the Common-wealth.

In confidence therefore of your Majesties most ready and gracious acceptation in a matter of so high importance; in faithfull discharge of our duties, we doe (first of all) most humbly beseech your Majesty to take notice, that howsoever we know your Majesty doth from your soul abhor that any such should be imagined or attempted yet there is a generall feare conceived in your people of some secret working and combination to introduce into this Kingdome Innovation and change of holy Religion (more precious to us then our lives and whatever the world can afford.) Our feares and jealousies herein are not merely conjecturall, but arising out of such certaine and visible effects, as may demonstrate a true and reall cause, for notwithstanding the many good & wholsome lawes made to prevent the encrease of Popery within this Kingdome, and notwithstanding your Majesties most gracious and satisfactory answer to the Petition of both Houses on that behalfe,NOTE. presented to your Majesty at Oxford, we find there hath followed no good execution or effect; but on the contrary (at which your Majesty out of the quick sense of your owne Religious heart, cannot but be in the highest measure displeased) those of that Religion doe find extraordinary favours and respects in Court from persons of great quality and power there, unto whom they continually tesort; and in particular to the Countesse of Buckingham's, who her selfe openly professing that Religion, is a knowne favourer and supporter of them that doe the same; which we well hoped (upon your Majesties Answer to the aforesaid Petitition of Oxford) should not have been permitted,NOTE. nor that any of your Majesties Subjects of that Religion, or justly to be suspected, should be entertained in the service of your Majesty, or of your Royall Consort the Queen: Some likewise of that Religion have had Honours, Offices, and places of command and authority lately conferred upon them.

But that which striketh the greatest terrour into the hearts of your loyall Subjects concerning this point is,NOTE. that letters for stay of legall proceedings against them have been procured from your Majesty (by what indirect meanes we know not) and Commission under the great Seale granted and executed for composition to be made with popish Reculants: inhibitions also and restraints both to the Ecclesiasticall and Temporall Courts, and Officers to intermeddle with them; which is conceived to amount to no lesse then a Toleration, odions to God, full of dishonour and extreame disprofit to your Majesty, of great scandall and griefe to your good people, and of apparant dangers of the present estate of your Majesty and this Kingdome; and in speciall about London and the Suburbs thereof, where exceeding many Families of them doe make their abode, frequent Masse at Denmark-house and other places; and by their often meetings and conferences, have unhappy opportunities of combining their councels and strengths together, to the hazard of your Majesties safety, and the State; and most especially in these doubtfull and calamitous times. As our feare concerning change or subversion of Religion is grounded upon the daily encrease of Papists, the onely and professed enemies thereof, for the reasons formerly mentioned; so are th • hearts of your Subjects no lesse perplexed when with sorrow they behold a daily growth and spreading of the Faction of the Arminians; that being (as your Majesty well knowes) but a cunning way to bring in Popery, and the professors of those opinions the common disturbers of the Protestant Churches and incendiaries of those States, wherein they have gotten any head being Protestants in shew, but J • sutes in opinion and practice; which caused your royall Father (with so much pi • us wisdome and ardent zeale) to endeavour the suppressing of them, as well at 〈◊〉 as in the neighbour Countries: and your gracious Majesty imitating his most worthy example, have openly and by your Proclamations declared your mislike of those persons and of their opinions; who (notwithstanding) are much favoured and advanced, not wanting friends even of the Clergy, neere to your Majesty; namely, Doctor Neale Bishop of Winchester, NOTE. and Doctor Land Bishop of Bath and Wels, who are justly suspected to be unsound in their opinions that way; And it being now generally the way to preferment and promotion in the Church, many Schollers doe bend their S • ndias to maintaine those Errours: their Books and opinions are suffered to be printed and published; and on the other side, the impressions of such as are written against the • , and in defence of the Orthodox Religion, are hindered and prohibited; and (which is a boldnesse most incredible) this restraint of Orthodox Books, is made under colour of your Majesties (formerly mentioned) Proclamation: The intent and meaning whereof, we know was quite contrary. And further to encrease our feares (concerning innovation in Religion) we find that there hath been no small labouring to remove that, which is the most powerfull meanes to strengthen and increase our own Religion, and to oppose the contrary, which is the diligent teaching and instructing the people in the true knowledge and worship of Almighty God; and therefore meanes hath been sought out to disparage and discountenance pious, painfull, and Orthodox Preachers, and how conformable soever, and peaceable in their dispositions and carriage they be; yet the preferment of such is opposed, and instead of being encouraged, they are molested by 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 soules in this case we desire your Majesty to commiserate) are kept in ignorance, and are apt to be easily seduced into errours and superstition. It doth not a little also encrease our dangers and feares this way, to understand the miserable condition of your Kingdome of Ireland, where without controle the popish Religion is openly professed and practised in every part thereof,NOTE. Popish jurisdiction being generally exercised and avowed; Monasteries, Nunneries and other superstitions houses newly erected, re-edified, replenished with men and women of severall orders, and in a plentifull manner maintained in Dublin, and most of the great Townes and divers other places of that Kingdome, which ofNote this. what ill consequence it may prove, if not seasonably repressed, we leave to your Majesties wisdome to judge: But most humbly beseech you (as we assure our selves you doe) to lay the serious consideration thereof to your Royall and pious heart, and that some timely course may be taken for redresse therein.

And now if to all these your Majesty will be pleased to adde, the consideration of the circumstance of time, wherein these courses tending to the destruction of true Religion, within these your Kingdomes have been taken; even at such times, when the same is with open force and violence persecuted in other Countries,NOTE. and all the reformed Churches of Christendome either depressed or miserably distressed; we doe humbly appeale to your Majesties Princely judgement, whether there be not a just ground of feare, that there is some secret and strange cooperating here with the enemies of our Religion abroad, for the utter extirpation thereof; and whither if these courses be not speedily redrest, and the profession of true Religion encouraged we can expect any other but misery and ruine speedily to fall upon us; especially, if besides the visible and apparant dangers, whereby we are encompassed round about, you would be pleased piously to remember the displeasure of Almighty God alwayes bent against the neglect of his holy Religion; the stroaks of whole divine justice we have already felt, and doe still feele (with smart and sorrow) in great measure, &c.

THat whereas your sacred Majesty hath been pleased to accept such of your Petitioners into Grace, as should submit themselves by way of Composition to your Majesty, which your Petitioners most willingly imbraced, and with all thankfulnesse have submitted themselves thereunto.

But so it is, may it please your most excellent Majesty, that the great and excessive rate and charge of passing their grants and other discharges, is such, that without your Majesty be further pleased to extend your mercy towards them, your poore Petitioners (although they have used the uttermost of their mean endeavours) can reape no benefit of your Majesties gracious favour vouchsafed unto them.

They therefore most humbly beseech your Majesty to be pleased to referre the settlement and establishing of the said Fees to the Lord Treasurer and the Lord Cottington, who calling unto them your Majesties Vice-Presidents of the North, may direct such moderate fees and meanes to passe the said grants and other discharges, as your Petitioners meane ability may be able to undergoe.

FOrasmuch as We cannot but take notice that the late intermission of legall proceedings against popish pretended or Titulary Arch-bishops, Bishops, Abbo Deanes, Vicars • generall Jesuits, Fryars, and others of that sort, that derive their pretended authority and orders from the Sea of Rome, hath bred such an extraordinary insolence and presumption in them, as that they have dared here of late not onely to assemble themselves in publike places to celebrate their superstitious Services in all parts of this Kingdome, but also have erected houses and buildings called publike Oratories, Colledges Masse houses, and Convents of Fryers,NOTE. Munks and Nunnes in the eye and open view of the State and elswhere, and doe frequently exercise jurisdiction against his Majesties Subjects by authority derived from the Sea of Rome, and (by colour of teaching and keeping Schools in their pretended Monasteries and Colledges) doe traine up the youth of this Kingdome in their superstitious Religion, to the great derogation and contempt of his Majesties regall power and authority, and great offence of many of his Majesties good Subjects, contrary to the Lawes and Ecclesiasticall government of this Kingdome, and the impoverishment of his Majesties Subjects in the same.

These are therefore to will and require, and in his Majesties name, straitly to charge and command all, and all manner such pretended or Titulary Archbishops, Bishops, Deanes Vicars-generall, Arch-deacons and others, deriving any pretended authority, power or jurisdiction from the Sea of Rome, that they and every of them, forbeare from henceforth to exercise any such power, jurisdiction or authority within th •• Kingdome, and that all such Abbots, Pryors, Jesuits, Fryars, Munks, Nunnes and others of that sort as aforesaid, doe forthwith breake up their Convents and Assemblies in all houses of Fryars Colledges, Monasteries and other places wheresoever they are or shall be Conventually or Collegiatly assembled together within this Kingdome, and to relinquish the same and to disperse and seperate themselves.

And that all and every of the orders before named and other Priests whatsoever do from henceforth forbeare to preach, teach or celebrate their Service in any Church Chappell or other publike Oratory, or place, or to teach any Schoole in any place or places whatsoever within this Kingdome.

And We doe further charge and command all and sigular the owners of such houses of Fryars, Colledges, Monasteries, Schools, Oratories, Masse-houses and Numeries, that they and every of them respectively in default of the persons before named their voluntary relinquishing of the said houses of Fryars, Colledges, monasteries Schooles, oratories masse-houses and Numeries doe forthwith expell, and thrust forth all and singular such Fryars • Jesuits, and other Monasticall persons out of the same, and to convert the same to other more lawfull uses, upon paine to have their said houses seized to his Majesties use, and both the one and the other to be proceeded against for their unlawfull assemblies, and maintainance of such unlawfull Conventieles and corrupt nurture of Children in the severest manner that by the Lawes and Statutes of this Kingdome and Ecclesiasticall Government of the same may be had or extended, whereof they and every of them are to take notice, and to yeeld due obedience thereunto, as they and every of them will avoid his Majesties high indignation, and the consequence thereof.

SInce my comming to this place, which was a little before Michaelmas (till which time the setling the State of the Colledge, and my Lord Primates visitation deferred my Consecration) I have not been unmingfull of your • ordships commands, to advertise you, as my experience should informe, of the estate of this Church; which I shall now the better doe, because I have been about my Diocesses, and can set down out of my knowledge and view, what I shall relate; and shortly, to speake much ill matter in a few words, it is very miserable every way: The Cathedrall Church of Ardagh one of the most ancient in Ireland, and said to be built by Saint Patrick; together with the Bishops house there, downe to the ground; the Church here built, but without Bell or Steeple, Font or Chalice: The parish Churches all in a manner ruined or unroofed and unrepaired; the people, saving a few British Planters here and there (which are not the tenth part of the remnant) obstinate Recusants; a popish Clergy more numerous by farre then we, NOTE. and in the fall exercise of all Iurisdiction Ecclesiasticall, by their Vicars-generall and Officials, who are so confident, as they excommunicate those that come to our Courts, even in Matrimoniall causes, which affron • hath been offered my selfe by the popish Primates Vicar-generall, for which I have begun a processe against him: The Primate himselfe lives in my Parish within two mile of my house, the Bishop in another part of my Diocesse further off: every parish hath his Priest, and some two or three apeec • , and so their Masse-houses also; in some places Masse is said in the Churches. Frieries there are in divers places, who goe about, though not in their habits, NOTE. and by their importunate begging impoverish the people: Who indeed are generally very poore, as from that cause, so from their paying doubt • Tythes to their owne Clergy and ours from the dearth of Corne, and death of ther • Cattell these late yeers, with the contributions to their Souldiers and their Agents and which they forget not to reckon among other causes, the oppressions of the Cour • Ecclesiasticall, which in very truth my Lord I cannot excuse, and doe seeke to reforme.

For our own, there are some seven or eight Ministers in each Diocesse of 'good sufficiency, and (which is no small cause of the continuance of the people in Popery still) English which have not the tongue of the people, nor can performe divine offices, or converse with them, and which hold many of them two, three, four, or more Vicarages apeece; Even the Clerkships themselves are in like manner conferred upon the English,NOTE. and sometimes two or three or more upon one man, and ordinarily bought and sold, or let to farme &c. His Majesty is now with the greatest part of this Country, as to their hearts, consciences, King, but at the Popes discretion, &c.

THat whereas the late imployed Agents did humbly offer to his Highnesse three Subsidies to be granted and confirmed by Parliament in this Kingdome, and for that the said Parliament was not called accordingly, yet the Inhabitants of the Country are compelled to goe on forward with the payment of the same, with which if • thers that have imployments,NOTE. and are of greatest meanes in this Kingdome had been • axed, or had borne according as they would have been by the authority of Parliament, the said three Subsidies, and the summes whereat they were estimated, would have been long since levyed: and whereas his most gracious Majesty in compassion of his Subjects did grant divers Favours, Graces and Benefits to them, and did manifest his princely care of them, that they should have favours and graces, in regard of the great burden they did and doe beare in payment of so great summes. Your Suppliants humbly beseech your Honours, to consider of the humble request of your Suppliants under-written, being some of these particulars: wherein they conceive the Country and people are over-heavily burthened: which doth not onely discourage, but also disable them to beare the charges which they doe; and that your honours will be pleased to take such order for their ease and reliefe in the same, as shall stand with Justice, Equity, and the intimated favours, which your Suppliants well hope and conceive his Highnesse of his owne royall disposition and gracious inclination, is willing shall be conferred upon them.