February, the 27th. The Commons Reply to the Kings Answer, as followeth:

Whereunto his Majesty gave this Answer for the present, That indeed this was of consequence, and he would take it into con­sideration.

By this, f nding that the House would not rest Satisfied with his first Answer but expected a Disclaimer of his Assumed power, to dispence with Laws in matter of Religion; he had Repair to those Coun [...]ellors that advised him to Attempt what was so Distastful to that House, who finding such great Opposition from those that must Furnish them with Money to carry on the present War, and know­ing unless they made them some colourable Disclaimer, the Money Bill would not pass: Advised his Majesty as a fit means to put an end to the Controversie, to App [...]y himself to the Lords, thereby seeming not to Recede from his pretended Right, and yet willing to do something plausible, by making that House Part [...]es and Judges of the Difference, and thereupon—

March, 1. 1672. His Majesty made this following Speech to the House of Lords.

By this means, the Lords (that medled not before) became as it were Interessed in the Matter above Recited. And took the Kings Application unto them for their Advice, as such an extraordinary Favour, that the same day they shewed their Gratitude, by present­ing him their humble Thanks, in these words: We the Lords [...]piri­tual amd Tempo [...]al in Parliament Assembled, do unanimously present your Sacred Majesty our most humble Thanks, for having been pleased to Com­municate unto us, what hath passed between your Majesty and the House of Commons; whereby your Majesty hath Graciously offered the Means of shewing our Duty to your Majesty, and of Asserting the Antient Just Rights and Priviledges, of the House of Peers. Whereunto the King returned this Answer:

‘My Lords, I take this Address of yours very kindly, and will always be Affectionate to you, and I expect that you shall Stand by me, as I will always by you.’ Yet notwithstanding these sweet words, it was the next day only Resolved: That the Kings Answer to the House of Commons, in referring the Points now Contro­verted to a Parliamentary Way by Bill, is Good and Gracious, that being a Good and Natural Course for Satisfaction therein. This Vote seemed to them the fittest Means to Reconcile the Matters Con­troverted, [Page 9] it neither determining one way or other, as to the rig of the matter in Debate; And yet for all this, the Commons receded not from their first purpose of setling the power claim­ed by the King on it's old Foundation, as you shall see here­after.

In the mean time, whil'st this was in agitation in the House of Lords, the Commons taking notice of the extraordinary in­crease of Popery and prevalency of that Faction at Court; who had so powerfully managed their Interest as to procure ve­ry many p [...]aces of great trust and p ofit, conferred on men ei­ther professed Papists, or surely obliged to their party, feared, and not without Grounds: The Ruine of the Protestant Interest might perchance take its Birth from hence, especially considering that at that time, the Ʋnited Netherlands were almost (in the eye of the Wor [...]d) Ruined by the Victorious French, and three of the Seaven Provinces totally Conquered the last Summer. And the Most Christian King, coming into the Field with a powerful Army not only to defend what he had gotten the last year, but to Conquer the Residue: And besides this, two Royal Fleets pre­pared (the one by his Majesty, the other by the French King) to Attack them by Sea and Land, as opportunity should serve; made many people imagine the Dutch upon their last Legs, and consequently this Nation in a tottering Condition, both as to Religion and property; so that an absolute necessity oblieged the Commons to shew then (if ever) what they could do, to­wards the removal thereof- And therefore March the 3d. agreed to an Address, to be presented to his Majesty for Suppression of Popery; whereunto the Lords Concurrence was desired, and af­ter a Conference obtained, the Address was presented to his Ma­jesty in the Banquetting House, March the 7th. which is as fol­loweth.

Whereunto his Majesty was pleased to return this Answer:

This proceeding of the Parliament, was thought by all good men of great Consequence; and the Nation began to look upon them as their delivers (under God) from Popery and Slavery.

The Kings Answer pleased too the Major part, though the most In­telligent questioned the performance thereof, knowing there was very little Security in his Majesties Promises and Engagements, so long as that party which perswaded and advised his Majesty to such pernicious Designs, that had set the World in such a Combustion, contrary to the Interest of his Majesty and the Kingdom, were so prevalent and had the Ascendantin all his Councels. And also the time was a considerable Motive to make all men doubt. The Commons being at that time upon the point of giving his Ma­jesty a considerable Supply, which was held back and retarded by the honest party, till they should if they could remove and [Page 12] Redress the Grievances then complained of; and in Truth they were not far out in their Calculations; for no sooner was the Money Bill passed, and the Parliament thereupon Adjourned, but old Councels were reassumed and pursued with as great Ardor and mo [...] A [...]t than before, and few or none of the M [...]tters and Grievances Complained of, Removed or Redressed; as shall in it's proper place be made manifest. But to Return,

March, 8. The House of Commons attended his Majesty in the House of Lords, where he was Graciously pleased to give them a new Assurance of his performing their desires in all things, and fur­thermore a po [...]tive and Satisfactory Answer to the House of Commons Reply, concerning the Declaration of Indulgence, for want whereof the Money Bill was then at a stand: Whereby at that time it seemed to be done rather upon an absolute Necessity of having the Money, then with an Intention to Satisfie the Nat on in real per­formances. His Majesties Speech is as followeth,

This was full, and to the purpose; but yet fearing that not to be satisfactory to the Commons, Mr. Secretary Coventry by command of his Majesty informed the House that his Majesty had ordered the Declaration of Indulgence to be Vacated, and that he saw the Seal taken off accordingly, and to the same purpose my Lord Chan­cellor acquainted the House of Peers.

These proceedings were so pleasing to the Parliament, that both Houses concurred in returning Thanks to his Majesty for his most Gracious, Full, and Satisfactory Answer to their humble Petitions and Addresses, and the same day attended him therewith at Four of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Banqueting House, whereunto his Majesty was pleased to return this Gracious Answer ensuing:

You see here are more and more assurances, which yet are not enough, as the Sequel will declare.

By this means the Court thought to have had their En's, as to Money, answered with what Celerity the Parliamen [...] could: But yet the Money Bill went not on faster, then that for Suppression of the growth of Popery, which controled the Statesmens greatest De­signs, as appeared by my Lord Treasurers Speech in the House of Lords, whose Expressions were so Bitter and Malicious against the Act last mentioned: That it produced several Speeches against his Lord­ship, in order to Impeach him of High Treason, which had certain­ly at that time been Effected, had not some of the Members betray­ed the design in not giving their Assistance therein, according to their solemn promises and Engagements.

But the House of Commons were not altogether satisfied with his Majesties Gracious Answer to the Two Petitions and Addresses and therefore resolved to proceed further, and to attempt the Redres­sing of all Grievances whatsoever. Amongst which, finding by frequent Complaints that Ireland was likely to be Over-run with Popery, to the Overthrow of the E [...]glish Interest there, and having his Majesties Letter of the 26th. of February, 1671. and the Pro­clamation thereupon produced, whereby general License was given to all Papists to live in Corporations, and exercise their Trades there, and to enjoy the same Priviledges as other his Majesties Sub­jects ought to do, without any distinction; and several other Let­ters and Proclamations to the prejudice of the English, and advan­cing of the Irish Interest; they thought that this was the ready way to bring the English there to utter Ruine, and expose their Throats once more to the Irish mercy: And therefore March 18. the House of Commons resolved,

‘That an Address be presented to his Majesty, representing the State and Condition of the Kingdom of Ireland, and the danger of the English Protestant Interest there; and that Mr. Richard Talbott, be inserted in the Address as a Papist, and not capable of any Command or Imployment either Military or Civil, and that he be not admitted any Access to the Court.’

And at the same time Ordered another Address to be drawn, where­in several Grievances of this Kingdom were to be presented, which shall be hereafter related at large; That the Reader may the better discern the several Matters complained of.

The Cou [...]t at these proceedings was in great Indignation, fearing that if the Parliament should be permitted to Sit long, they might chance fall upon the Advisers and Promoters of these Grievances, and punish them according to their Demerits, to prevent thereby such destructive Councels for the future; and therefore sent Mr. Secretary Coventry March 20. to acquaint the House, That his Majesty intended a Recess on the 27th. then instant. But this not taking such Effect as was desired, March 24. a Writing under his Majesties Hand was sent to the House of Commons by the same Secretary, which here In­sues.

Notwithstanding which, as well the several Addresses, as the Bill for Suppression of Popery kept pace with the Money Bill, which if assed first, the House feared they should be Prorogued the sam [...] [...]y, and all other Matters before them would thereby receive an absolute Dissolution.

March, 26. The House attended his Majesty with the seve­ral Addresses here Ensuing.

Concern­ing Ireland.Wee your Majesties most Loyal Subjects, the Commons in this present Parliament Assembled, taking into Conside­ration the great Calamities, which have formerly befallen to your Majesties Kingdom of Ireland, hy the Popish Recusants there, who for the most part are profest Enemies to the Protestant Religion, and English Interest. And how they making ill use of your Majesties Disposition and Clemency, are at this time grown more Insolent and Presumptious then formerly, to the apparent Danger of that Kingdom, and your Maj [...]sties Prote­stant Subjects there; the Consequence thereof may likewise prove [Page 16] very fatal to this Kingdom of England, if not timely prevent­ed: And having seriously weighed what Remedies may be most properly Applied to these growing Distempers, do in all Humi­lity present your Majesty with these our Petitions.

That for the quieting and establishing the possessions of your Ma­jesties Subjects in that Kingdom, your Majesty would be pleased to maintain the Act of Settlement, and Explanatory Act thereupon; and to recall the Commission of Inquiry into Irish affairs, bearing Date the 17th. of January last, as ontaining many new and extraordinary powers not o [...]ely to the pr [...]judice of particular persons, whose Estates and Titles, are thereby made liable to be questioned. But in a manner to the overthrow of the said Acts of Settlement. And if pursued may be of gre [...]t Charge and Attendance to many of your good Subjects in Ire­land, and shake the Peace of the whole Kingdome.

That your Majesty would give Order, That no Papist be either continued or admitted to be a Commander or a Souldier in that Kingdome: And that because the Irish Papists have fur­nished themselves with great quantities of Arms: That your Majesty would please to give Directions so to Dis-arm them, that they may not be dangerous to the Government there; and that their Arms may be brought into the publick Magazeens.

That the like Order may be given, That no Papist be continued, or hereafter admitted to be Judges, Justices of the Peace, Sheriffs, Governours, Mayors, Soveraigns, or Port-reeves in that Kingdome.

That the Titular Arch Bishops, Bishops, Vicars General Abbots, and all others exercising Ecclesiastical Iurisdiction by the Popes Authority: and in particular Peter Talbot, pre­tended Arch Bishop of Dublin, for his notorious Disloyalty to your Majesty, and Disobed [...]ence and Contempt of your Laws, may be commanded by Proclamation, forthwith to de­part out of Ireland, and all other your Majesties Dominions; or otherwise to be prosecuted according to Law. And that all Convents, Seminaries, and publick Schools, may be dissolved and supprest; and the Regular Priests be commanded to de­part under the like Penalty.

That no Irish Papist be admitted to inhabit in any Corporation of that Kingdome, unless duly Licensed according to the afore­said [Page 17] Act of Settlement. And th [...] your Maj [...]sty would be pleased to recall your Letter of the 26th of February, 1671. and the Proclamation thereupon; whereby General Licence is given to such Papists to inhabit in Corporations there.

That your Majesties Letter of the 28th. of September, 1672. And the Order of Councel thereupon; whereby your Ma­jesties Subjects are required not to prosecute any Actions a­gainst the Irish, for any wrongs or injuries committed, during the late Rebellion, may likewise be recalled.

That Colonel Richard Talbot, who hath notoriously assumed to himself, the Title of Agent to the Roman Catholicks of Ire­land, be dismist immediately out of all Commands, either Mi­litary or Civil, and forbidden all access to your Majesties Court.

That your Majesty would be pleased from time to time out of your Princely Wisdome to give such further Orders and Directions to your Lord Leiuetenant, or other cheif Governor for the time being as may most conduce to the incouragement of the English Planters, and the Protestant Intrest there, and the supression of the Insolencies and Disorders of the Irish Papists.

These our humble desires we present to your Majesty, as the best means to preserve the peace and safety of that your King­dome; which hath been so much of late endangered by the practices of the Irish Papists, and particularly of the said Richard and Peter Talbot. And we doubt not but that your Majesty will find the happy effects thereof, to the great satis­faction and security of your Majesties Person and Govern­ment; which of all earthly things is most dear to us, your Majesties most Loyal and Obedient Subjects.

The Address concerning Grievances.

We your Masesties most Loyal Subjects, the Commons in this pre­sent Parliament assembled; conceiving our selves bound in ne­cessary Duty to your Majesty, in Discharge of the Trust reposed in us; truly to inform your Majesty of the Estate of this your Kingdome; and though we are abundantly satisfyed that it hath always been your Royal Will and pleasure, that [Page 18] your Subjects should be Governed according to the Laws and Customes of this your Realme; yet finding that contrary to your Majesties intentions, some Grievances and Abuses are crept in, and crave leave humbly to represent them to your Majesties knowledge, and to desire.

That the Imposition of 12d. a Chaldron upon Coals, for the providing of Convoyes; by Vertue of an Order of Councel, Dated 15th. of May, 1672. may be recalled and all Bonds ta­ken by Virtue thereof cancelled.

That your Proclamation of the 4th. of December, for preven­tion of Disorders, which may be committed by Souldiers; and whereby the Souldiers now in your Majesties Service, are in a manner exempted from the ordinary course of Justice, may likewise be recalled.

And whereas great Complaints have been made out of several parts of this Kingdome, of divers abuses committed in Quar­tering of Souldiers: That your Majesty would please to give Order, to redress these Abuses, and in particular, That no Souldier hereafter be Quartered upon any private Houses, and that due satisfaction may be given to the Innkeepers, and Victualers▪ where they lye before they Remove. And since the continuance of Souldiers in this Nation, will necessarily pro­duce many inconveniences to your Majesties Subjects; we hum­bly present it as our Petition and Advice, that when this War is ended; All the Souldiers that have been raised since the last Session of Parliament, may be disbanded.

That your Majesty would likewise be pleased to consider of the ir­regularities and Abuses in pressing Souldiers. And to give Order for the prevention thereof for the future.

And although it hath been the course of former Parliaments, to desire redress in their Grievances, before they proceed to give a Supply; yet we have so full assurance of your Majesties tenderness and Compassion towards your People that we hum­bly prostrate our selves at your Majesties Feet, with these our Petitions; desiring your Majesty to take them into your Princely Consideration; and to give such Order for Relief of your Subjects, and the removing these Pressures, as shall seem best to your Royal Wisdome.

With which the House thought themselves and the Nation so well secured, that the next day they Voted their humble Thanks to be presented unto his Majesty, for his Gracious Answers to their several Addresses, and in particular, for his last Gracious Message; and for the care he hath declared he would take of the Protestant Religion: And so the Money Bill, and the Bill for the Suppressi­on of the Growth of popery, were willingly passed, and obtained the Royal Assent at the same time; and thereupon the parliament was Adjourned, till the 20th. of October, following.

This last Act, with his Majesties Gracious assurances before related; were esteemed by some a sufficient defence to the pro­testant Religion, and the Liberties and properties of the Subject.

But notwithstanding all these seeming probabilities of assurance, the Clifforaian and French Designs, were carried on in the Inter­ceal of this Session, in as pernicious though different manner from their first De [...]ign, whose Method they were forced to change, by reason that the Act of parliament for the Suppression of the Growth of popery, was so made that it executed it self; and the means of introducing that Religion seeming then at a stand, they thought of a new project, that in probability might not receive so great opposition nor attract that envy as the preferment of the papists in several great Offices and places of Trust had done, yet the same ends might be more certainly and easily though possi­bly not so soon obtained. And to this end, a Marriage between his Royal Highness, and the princess of Modena, Sister to the present Duke thereof, was proposed; and the better to advance the same, and make the Match appear more considerable; his Most Christian Majesty had declared her an Adopted Daughter of [Page 20] France, and would give her a potion suitable thereunto; which Match was concluded without any great difficulty, by the Earle of Peterborough; and afterward Consumated by the same person, by his Majesties Royal Consent and Authority; according to the Form used among princes (as his Majesty was pleased to express it.)

Hereupon the popish and French party were grown extreamly insolent, having in most mens Judgments received a less check from the late Act of Parliament, then incouragement from the Marriage.

But before her Highness could arrive in England, the Advisers of this Marriage perceived that the twentieth of October would come, and that it might probably receive some Obstructions from the Parliament, and that some other things contrived at their meeting in March before, to their prejudice; might chance in a short time to be perfected: and therefore ordered it so that the parliament should be prorogued till the 27th of the same Octo­ber, whereby an end should be put to that Session, and all the business then unperfected fall to the Ground, contrary to his Ma­jesties Gracious Assurances, and promises, in March last, propo­sing these Consequences as certain First, Thereby to prevent and remove from his Majesty all Temptations to break the intended Marriage, and the French Alliance, knowing that the Parliament would use their utmost endeavours, to prevent the Consumation of that marriage; which was likely to render both the popish Religion and the French Alliance Impregnable.

Secondly, Considering that a Bill of Ease for protestant Dissen­ters (whereby 'twas intended that the major part of them should have Liberty of Conscience, and be capable of Church prefer­ment) had passed the House of Commons, and had been sent up to the Lords in M [...]ch before, where it then remained; and would not long stick there (as they feared) before it should ob­tain the Royal Assent; which if once effected, They did ima­gine and foresee that this uniting of Interests, would tend great­ly to the Suppression of popery; and consequently, no hopes of replanting thereof in this Nation. But if they could by any means whatsoever prevent the passing of that Bill, they doubt­ed not, notwithstanding all the Parliament could do, to be safe [Page 15] amongst so many Dissenters, and drive on their Designs under­hand, for the Ruine and Destruction of all parties [...] their own.

Thirdly, and Lastly, Their chief D [...]sign was to [...] a Differ­ence and Jealousie between the King and Parliament, whereby (if all other Devices fail) they hope by the help of French Forces to Introduce Popery into this Nation, and with it Arbitrary Govern­ment, which last they have by all Arts imaginable cried up as the best Government; but at the same time deny it to be practicable here, unless Popery precedes, or comes in with it. But to pro­ceed.

This was not so closely carried but the Parliament had notice thereof, and the House of Commons hoping to prevent the Mis­chiefs that might arise from this Match, Voted October the 20th. (before they were Prorogued) That the privy Councellors of the House should present an Address to his Majesty, whereby he should be desired to put an Effectual stop to the Consummation thereof; which was done accordingly, though not to that pur­pose as it was hoped, as I shall presently shew.

According to the time of Adjournment, October the 27th. the Parliament Assembled, where his Majesty made this following Speech.

This Speech being ended, and the House of Commons Assembled in their own House, the consideration thereof (such vast Sums of Money being thereby demanded, as the Nation was unable, and the House thought not safe to give) was Adjourned till Friday, and the House Adjourned till Thursday following; at which time the House being met, Mr. Secretary Coventry brought the Answer ensuing, to the Address against the Match.

With this Answer the House were not satisfied, and were resolved not to give over the Defence of our Religion and Liberty at such an easie Rate, esteeming this Frenchified Match of far greater danger then the proposed Marriage with the Dutchess of In pruck, hinted in the Answer, was at that time of the Treaty thereof, if it should have taken effect; for then the Religion of his Royal Highness was unknown to most of the Nation, he having since that time refused the Tests provided in the late Act of Parliament for surpressing of Popery: And besides the House of Austria (whereof she was) did not then appear to be in a capacity to assist so powerfully the propa­gation of that Religion, as the French at this time did: And therefore the House Voted another Address with Reasons against the Marriage, and the same day Voted, That a Bill should be prepared for a General Test betwixt Protestants and Papists, and that those that Refused to take it should be uncapable of bearing any Office Millitary or Civil, or to Sit in Parliament, or come within five Miles of the Court. By this Vote the chief Designs of the Popish and French party were intended to be disappointed; but they ordered their Affairs so that they soon Evaded it.

Friday▪ October 31. the House in a Grand Committee, upon as serious Debate as ever was known there before, took into conside­ration his Majesties Speech, and resolved, ‘That the House considering the present condition of the Nation, will not take into any further Debate, or Consideration, any Aid, or Supply, or Charge upon the Subject, before the time of payment of the 18 Months Assessment granted by a late Act of Parlia­ment, Intituled, An Act for Raising the Sum of 1238750 l. for Supply of his Majesties present Ocasions be expired, unless it shall appear that the Obstinacy of the Dutch shall render it ne­cessary: Nor before this Kingdom be effectually Secured from the Danger of Popery and Popish Counsels, and Counsellors, and the other present Grievances be Redressed.’

This last Vote nettled the Court not a little (which only stands in need of Parliaments to raise Money) and therefore were resol­ved to give them one Remove more, but that it might not seem al­together upon the Account of denying Money, they let the Parlia­ment proceed: Who on Monday then following, attended his Ma­jesty with the second Address, with Reasons against the Marriage (they being at that time assured that it was not so far concluded, but that for Reason of State it might have been Rejected, as it hath been practised in several Nations, and even by the French them­selves in several Examples, (as do manifestly appear in the French Lustories) And to the end the Reader may take notice thereof, I have here inserted it.

Whereunto his Majesty returned this Answer, That he would con­sider thereof, and give a speedy Answer thereunto: But in stead of an Answer, he the next day Prorogued the Parliament to the 7th. of January fo [...]lowing: But first Spake to them in this manner.

You see here his Majesties unwillingness to part without Money, and a so to leave the French, his trusty Friends, all your Grievances must be for this Post pon'd; those are but Trifles, if diff [...]rence arise 'tis your faults that do Insist on things of small Importance; There­fore [Page 27] Recollect your selves, that is resolve, That Delenda est Carthago, and to Advance the French Interest, that there be no need of Parlia­ments; Religion is concerned it seems (but which we know not) and Reformation promised, such as will make us all his Debtors, let's therefore state the Account, that you may pay what is owing.

For the prudent disposing of the Nations Money given the last Session of Parliament, according to the following Account, Since May, 17^th. 1673.

And now Gentl [...]men you are d [...]si [...]ed in His Majesties last Speech, to give a p [...] y, cheerful and [...] [...]able Supply,