[ 34 ]

and Gentile way of Padding upon the Road of Heaven,
and that is only for want of Money and for want of Re-
ligion that men take those desperate Courses.

Nor can it be denied that the Original Law upon which
Christianity at the first was founded, does indeed expresly
provide against all such severity; And it was by the Humility,
Meekness, Love, Forbearance and Patience which were part
of that excellent Doctrine, that it became at last the Univer-
sal Religion, and can no more by any other meanes be pre-
served, than it is possible for another Soul to animate the same
Body.

But, with shame be it spoken, the Spartans obliging them-
selves to Lycurgus his Laws, till he should come back again,
continued under his most rigid Discipline, above twice as
long as the Christians did endure under the gentelest of all
Institutions, though with far more certainty expecting the
return of their Divine Legislator. Insomuch that it is no
great Adventure to say, That the World was better ordered
under the Virtuous men was then greater, and that the Chri-
stians found fairer quarter under those, than among them-
selves, nor hath there any advantage acrued unto mankind
from that most perfect and practical Moddel of Humane So-
ciety, except the Speculation of a better way to future Hap-
piness, concerning which the very Guides disagree, and of
those few that follow, it will sufer no man to pass without
paying at their Turn-pikes. All which had proceeded from
no other reason, but that men in stead of squaring their Go-
vernments by the Rule of Christianity, have shaped Christi-
anity by the Measures of their Government, have reduced
that streight Line by the crooked, and bungling Divine and
Humane things together, have been alwayes hacking and
hewing one another, to frame an irregular Figure of Political
Incongruity.

For wheresoever either the Magistrate, or the Clergy, or

[ 35 ]

the People could gratify their Ambition, their Profit, or their
Phansie by a Text improved or misapplied, that they made
use of though against the consent sense and immutable pre-
cepts of Scipture, and because Obedience for Conscience sake
was there prescribed, the lesse Conscience did men make in
Commanding; so that several Nations have little else to
shew for their Christianity ( which requires Instruction only
and Example ) but a pracell of sever Laws conerning Opi-
nion or about the Modes of Worship, not so much in order
to the Power of Religion as over it. Neverthelesse because
Mankind must be governed some way and be held up to one
Law or other, either of Christs or their own making, the
vigour of such humane Constitutions is to be preserved un-
till the same Authority shall upon better reason revoke them;
and as in the mean time no private man may without the
guilt of Sedition or Rebellion resist, so neither by the Nature
of the English Foundation can any Publick Person suspend
them without committing an Errour which is not the lesse
for wanting a legall name to expresse it. But it was the
Master-peice therefore of boldnesse and contrivance in these
Conspiratours to issue this Declaration, and it is hard to say
wherein they took the greater felicity, whither in suspending
hereby all the Statutes against Popery, that it might thence
forward passe like current money over the Nation, and no
man dare to refuse it, or whether gaining by this a President
to suspend as well all other Laws that respect the Subjects
Propriety, and by the same power to abrogate and at last
inact what they pleased, till there should be no further use for
the Consent of the People in Parliament.

Having been thus true to their great designe and made so
considerable a progresse, they advanced with all expedition.
It was now high time to Declare the War, after they had
begun it; and therefore by a Manifesto of the seventeenth
of March 1672, the pretended Causes were made publich

[ 36 ]

which were, The not having Vailed Bonnet to the English
Yatch: though the Dutch had all along, both at home and hem
as carefully endevoured to give, as the English Minestrs to
avoid the receiving of all satisfaction, or letting them un-
derstand what would do it, and the Council Clock was on
purpose set forward lest, their utmost Compliance in the
Flag at the hour appointed, should prevent the Declaration
of War by some minuts. The detaining of some few
English families (by their own Consent) in Surynam after
the Dominion of it was by Treaty surrendred up to the Hol-
lander, in which they had likewise constantly yielded to the
unreasonable demands that were from one time to another
extended from hence to make the thing impracticable, till
even Banister himself, that had been imployed as the Agent
and Contriver of this misunderstanding, could not at the last
forbear to cry shame of it. And moreover to fill up the
measure of the Dutch inquity, they are accused of Pillars,
Medalls, and Pictures : a Poet indeed, by a dash of his Pen,
having once been the cause of a Warre against Poland; but
this certainely was the first time that ever a Painter could by
a stroke of his Pencill occasion the Breach of a Treaty. But
considering the weaknesse and invalidity of those other al-
legations, these indeed were not unnecessary, the Pillars to
adde strength, the Meddalls Weight, and the Pictures Colour
to their Reasons.

But herein they had however observed Faith with France
though on all other sides broken, having capitulated to be
the first that should do it. Which as it was no small peice of
French Courtesey in so important an action to yeild the Eng-
lish the Precedence, so was it on the English part as great a
Bravery in accepting to be the formost to discompose the
State of all Christendom, and make themselves principal to
all the horrid Destruction, Devastation, Ravage and Slaugh-

[ 37 ]

ter, which from that fatal seventeenth of March, one thous-
sand six hundred seventy two, had to this very day conti-
nued.

But that which was most admirable in the winding up of
this Declaration, was to behold these Words,

And whereas we are engaged by a Treaty to support the
Peace made at Aix la Chapelle; We do finally Declare, that,
notwithstanding the Prosecution of this War, We will main-
tain the true intent and scope of the said Treaty, and that, in all
Alliances, which We have, or shall make in the progress of
this War, we have, and will take care, to preserve the ends
thereof inviolable, unless provoked to the contrary.

And yet it is as clear as the Sun, that the French had by
that Treaty of Aix la Chapelle, agreed to acquiess
in their former Conquests in Flanders, and that the Eng-
lish, Swede and Hollander, were reciprocally bound to be
aiding against whomsoever should disturbe that Regulation,
(besides the League Offensive and Defensive, which his
Majesty had entered into with the States General of the Uni-
ted Provinces) all which was by this Conjunction with
France to be broken in pieces. So that what is here decla-
red, if it were reconcileable to Truth, yet could not con-
sist with Possibility (which two do seldom break company)
unless by one only Expedient, that the English, who by this
new League with France, were to be the Infractors and
Aggressors of the Peace of Aix la Chapelle ( and with
Holland) should to fulfill their Obligations to both Parties,
have sheathed the Sword in our own Bowels.

But such was the Zeal of the Conspirators, that it
might easily transport them either to say what was untrue,
or undertake what was impossible, for the French Ser-
vice.

[ 38 ]

That King having seen the English thus engaged beyond
a Retreat, comes now into the War according to agreement.
But he was more Generous and Monarchal than to assign
Cause, true or flase, for his Actions. He therefore, on the
27th of March 1672, publishes a Declaration of War with
out any Reasons. Only, The ill satisfaction which his Ma-
jesty hath of the Behaviour of the States General towards him,
being risen to that degree, that he can no longer, without dimi-
nution to his Glory dissemble his Indignation against them, &c.
Therefore he hath resolved to make War against them both by
Sea and Land, &c. And commands all his Subjects, Courir
sus, upon the Hollanders. (a Metaphor which, out of re-
spect to his own Nation, might have been spared) For such
is our pleasure.

Was ever in any Age or Nation of the World, the Sword
drawn upon no better Allegation? A stile so far from be-
ing Most Christian, that nothing but some vain French Ro-
mance can parallel or justify the Expression. How happy
were it could we once arrive at the same pitch, and how
much credit and labour had been saved, had the Compilers
of our Declaration, in stead of the mean English way of gi-
ving Reasons, contented themselves with that of the Dimi-
nution of the English Honour, and the French of his Glory! But
nevertheless, by his Embassador to the Pope, he gave after-
wards a more clear account of his Conjunction with the
English, and that he had not undertaken this War, against
the Hollanders, but for extirpating of Heresie. To the Em-
perour, That the Hollanders were a People who had forsaken
God, were Hereticks, and that all good Christians were in
duty bound to associate for their extiapation, and ought to
pray to God for a blessing upon so pious an enterprise. And
to other Popish Princes, that it was a War of Religion and in
order to the Propagation of the Catholick Faith.

And in the second Article of his Demands afterward from
the Hollanders, it is in express words contained, That from

[ 39 ]

thenceforward there shall be not only an intire Liberty, but a
Publick Exercise of the Catholick Apostolick Romane Religion
throughout all the United Provinces. So that wheresoever
there shall be more than one-Church, another shall be given to
the Catholicks. That where there is none, they shall be permit-
ted to build one : and till that be finished, to exercise their Di-
vine Service publickly in such Houses as they shall buy, or hire
for that purpose. That the States General, or each Province
in particular, shall appoint a reasonable Salary for a Curate or
Priest in each of the said Churches, out of such Revenues as have
formerly appertained to the Church, or otherwise. Which
was conformable to what he published now abroad, that he
had entered into the War only for Gods Glory; and that
he would lay down Armes streightwayes, would the Holland-
ers but restore the True Worship in their Dominions.

But he made indeed twelve Demands more, and notwith-
standing all this devotion, the Article of Commerce, and
for revoking their Placaets against Wine, Brandy, and
French manufactures was the first, and tooke place of the
Catholick Apostolick Romane Religion, Whether all these
were therefore onely words of course, and to be held or let
lose according to his occasions, will better appeare when we
shall have heard that he still insists upon the same at Nimegen,
and that, although deprived of our assistance, he will not yet
agree with the Dutch but upon the termes of restoring the
True Worship. But, whatever he were, it is evident that the
English were sincere and in good earnest in the Design
of Popery ; both by that Declaration above mentioned of
Indulgence to the Recusants, and by the Negotiation of
those of the English Plenipotentiaryes ( whom for their ho-
nour I name not ) that being in that year sent into Holland
pressed that Article among the rest upon them, as without
which they could have no hope of Peace with England. And
the whole processe of affaires will manifest further, that both
here and there it was all of a piece, as to the project of Religi-

[ 40 ]

on the same threed ran throw the Web of the English
and French Counsells, no lesse in relation to that, then unto
Government.

Although the issuing of the French Kings declaration and the
sending of our English Plenipotentiaries into Holland be in-
volved together in this last period, yet the difference of time
was so small that the anticipation is inconsiderable. For
having declared the Warre but on the 27th of March,
1672. He struck so home and followed his blow so close,
that by July following, it seemed that Holland could no long-
er stand him, but that the swiftnesse and force of his motion
was something supernatural. And it was thought necessary
to send over those Plenipotentiaries, if not for Interest yet at
least for Curiosity. But it is earlier to find the Markes than
Reasons of some mens Actions, and he that does only know
what happened before, and what after, might perhaps wrong
them by searching for further Intelligence.

So it was, that the English and French Navies being joyn-
ed, were upon the Twentieighth of May, One thousand six
hundred seventy two, Attaqued in Soule Bay by De Ruyter,
with too great advantage. For while his Royal Highness,
then Admiral, did all that could be expected, but Monsieur
d’ Estree, that commanded the French, did all that he was sent
for, Our English Vice-Admiral, Mountague, was sacrificed;
and the rest of our Fleet so mangled, that there was no occa-
sion to boast of Victory. So that being here still on the lo-
sing hand, ’twas fit some body should look to the Betts on
the other side of the Water; least that Great and Lucky
Gamster, when he had won all there, and stood no longer in
need of the Conspirators, should pay them with a Quarrel
for his Mony, and their ill Fortune. Yet were they not con-
scious to themselves of having given him by any Behavior
of theirs, any cause of Dissatisfaction, but that they had dealt
with him in all things most frankly, That, notwithstanding
all the Expressious in my Lord Keeper Bridgmans Speech

[41]

of the Treaty between France and his Majesty concerning Com-
merce, wherein his Majesty will have a singular regard to the
Honour and also to the Trade of this Nation, and notwithstand-
ing the intollerable oppressions upon the English Traffick in
France ever since the Kings Restauration, they had not in all
that time made one step towards a Treaty of Commerce or
Naviation with him; no not even now when the English
were so necessary to him, that he could not have begun this
War without them, and might probably therefore in this con-
juncture have condescended to some equality. But they
knew how tender that King was on that point, and to pre-
serve and encrease the Trade of his Subjects, and that it was
by the Diminution of that Beam of his Glory, that the Hollan-
ders had raised his Indignation. The Conspirators had
therefore, the more to gratify him, made it their constant
Maxime, to bruden the English Merchant here with one
hand, which the French should load them no less with the
other, in his Teritories ; which was a parity of Trade in-
deed, though something an extravagant one, but the best
that could be hoped from the prudence and integrity of our
States-men; insomuch, that when the Merchants have at
any time come down from London to represent their grie-
vances from the French, to seek redress, or offer their humble
advice, they were Hector’d, Brow-beaten, Ridiculed, and
might have found fairer audience even from Monsieur Col-
bert.

They knew moreover, that as in the matter of Commerce,
so they had more obliged him in this War. That except the
irresistable bounties of so great a Prince in their own particu-
lar, and a frugal Subsistance-money for the Fleet, they had
put him to no charges, but the English Navy Royal serv’d
him, like so many Privateers, No Purchase, No Pay. That
in all things they had acted with him upon the most abstract-
ed Principles of Generosity. They had tyed him to no

[ 42 ]

terms, had demanded no Partition of Conquests, had made
no humane Condition; but had sold all to him for those two
Pearls of price, the True Worship, and the True Government;
Which disinteressed proceeding of theirs, though suited to
Forraine Magnanimity, yet, should we still lose at Sea, as we
had hitherto, and the French Conquer all at Land, as it was
in prospect, might at one time or other breed some difficul-
ty in answering for it to the King and Kingdom : However
this were, it had so hapned before the arrival of the Plenipo-
tentiaries, that, whereas here in England, all that brought ap-
plycations from Holland were treated as Spies and Enemies,
till the French King should signify his pleasure ; he on the
contrary, without any communication here, had received
Addresses from the Dutch Plenipotentiaries, and given in to
them the sum of his Demands ( not once mentioning his
Majesty or his Interest, which indeed he could not have done
unless for mockery, having demanded all for himself, so that
there was no place left to have made the English any satisfa-
ction ) and the French Ministers therefore did very candidly
acquaint those of Holland, that, upon their accepting those
Articles, there should be a firm Peace, and Amity restored:
But as for England, the States, their Masters, might use their
discretion, for that France was not obliged by any Treaty to
procure their advantage.

This manner of dealing might probably have animated,
as it did warrant the English Plenipotentiaries, had they been
as full of Resolution as of Power, to have closed with the
Dutch, who, out of aversion to the French, and their intolle-
rable demands, were ready to have thrown themselves into
his Majesties Armes, or at his Feet, upon any reasonable con-
ditions ; But it wrought clean otherwise : For, those of the
English Plenipotentiaries, who were, it seems, intrested with
a fuller Authority, and the deeper Secret, gave in also the
English Demands to the Hollanders, consisting in eight Ar-
ticles, but at last the Ninth saith,

[ 43 ]

Although his Majesty contents himself with the foregoing
Conditions, so that they be accepted within ten dayes, after
which his Majesty understands himself to be no further obliged
by them. He declares nevertheless precisely, that albeit they
should all of them be granted by the said States, yet they shall be
of no force, nor will his Majesty make any Treaty of Peace or
Truce, unless the Most Christian King shall have received sa-
tisfaction from the said States in his particular. And by this
means they made it impossible for the Dutch, however de-
sirous, to comply with England, excluded us from more ad-
vantagious terms, than we could at any other time hope for,
and deprived us of an honest, and honourable evasion out of
so pernicious a War, and from a more dangerous Alliance.
So that now it appeared by what was done that the Con-
spirators securing their own fears at the price of the Publick
Interest, and Safety, had bound us up more strait than ever,
by a new Treaty, to the French Project.

The rest of this year passed with great successe to the
French, but none to the English. And therefore the hopes
upon which the War was begun, of the Smyrna and Span-
ish Fleet, and Dutch Prizes, being vanished, the slender Al-
lowance from the French not sufficing to defray it, and the
ordinary Revenue of the King, with all the former Aides be-
ing ( as was fit to be believed ) in lesse then one years time
exhausted, The Parliament by the Conspirators good leave,
was admitted again to sit at the day appointed, the 4th. of
February 1672.

The Warr was then first communicated to them, and the
Causes, the Necessity, the Danger, so well Painted out, that
the Dutch abusive Historical Pictures, and False Medalls
(which were not forgot to be mentioned) could not be better
imitated or revenged, Onely, there was one great omission
of their False Pillars, which upheld the whole Fabrick of the
England Declarations; Upon this signification, the House of
Commons ( who had never failed the Crown hitherto up-

[ 44 ]

on any occosion of mutual gratuity ) did now also,
though in a Warre contrary to former usuage, begun
without their Advice, readily Vote, no less a summe
than 1250000 l. But for better Colour, and least they
should own in words, what they did in effect, they
would not say it was for the Warre, but for the Kings
Extraordinary Occasions.

And because the Nation began now to be aware of
the more true Causes, for which the Warre had been
undertaken, they prepared an Act before the Money-
Bill slipt thorrow their Fingers, by which the Papists
were obliged, to pass thorow a new State Purgatory,
to be capable of any Publick Imployment ; whereby
the House of Commons, who seem to have all the
Great Offices of the Kingdom in Reversion, could not
but expect some Wind-falls.

Upon this Occasion it was, that the Earl of [Shafts-]
bury, though then Lord Chancellour of England, yet,
Engaged so far in Defence of that ACT, and of the
PROTESTANT RELIGION, that in due
time it cost him his Place, and was the first moving Cause
of all those Misadventures, and Obloquy, which since
he lyes (ABOVE, not) Under.

The Declaration also of Indulgence was questioned,
which, though his M A J E S T Y had out of his
Princely, and Gracious Inclination, and the memory of
some former Obligations, granted, yet upon their Re-
presentation of the Inconveniencies, and at their humble
Request, he was pleased to Cancel, and Declare, that
it should be no President for the Future : For other-
wise some succeeding Governour, by his single Power
Suspending Penal Laws, in a favourable matter, as that
is of Religion, might become more dangerous to the
Government, than either Papists or Fanaticks, and

( 45 )

make us Either, when he pleased : So Legal was it
in this Session to Distinguish between the King of Eng-
lands Personal, and his Parliamentary Authority.

But therefore the further sitting being grown very un-
easie to those, who had undertaken for the Change of
Religion, and Government, they procured the Recess so
much sooner, and a Bill sent up by the Commons in fa-
vour of Dissenting Protestants, not having passed thorow
the Lords preparation, the Bill concerning Papists, was en-
acted in Exchange for the Money, by which the Conspira-
iors, when it came into their management, hoped to fru-
strate, yet, the effect of the former. So the Parliament was
dismissed till the Twenty seventh of October, One thousand
six hundred seventy three.

In the mean time therefore they strove with all their
might to regain by the War, that part of their Design,
which they had lost by Parliament; and though several ho-
nourably forsook their Places rather than their Consciences,
yet there was never wanting some double-dyed Son of our
Church, some Protestant in grain, to succeed upon the same
Conditions. And the difference was no more, but that
their Offices, or however their Counsels, were now to be ad-
ministred by their Deputies, such as they could confide in.

The business of the Land Army was vigourously carried
on, in appearance to have made some descent in Holland,
but though the Regiments were Compleated and kept Im-
bodyed, it wanted effect, and therefore gave cause of sus-
pition: The rather, because no Englishman, among so ma-
ny well-disposed, and qualified for the work, had been
thought capable, or fit to be trusted with Chief Command
of those Forces, but that Monsieur Schomberg a French
Protestant, had been made General, and Collonel Fitsge-
rald, an Irish Papist, Major General, as more proper for the
Secret ; the first of advancing the French Government, the
second of promoting the Irish Religion.

[ 46 ]

And therefore the dark hovering of that Army so long at
Black-Hearth, might not improbably seem the gatherings of
a Storm to fall upon London; But the ill successes which our
Fleet met withall this Year, also, at Sea, were sufficient, had
there been any such design at home to have quasht it: for
such Gallantries are not to be attempted, but in the highest
raptures of Fortune.

There were three several Engagements of ours against
the Dutch Navy in this one Summer, but while nothing was
Tenable at Land, against the French, it seem’d that to us at
Sea every thing was impregnable; which is not to be attribu-
ted to the want of Courage or Conduct, either the former
Year under the Command of his Royal Highness, so Great
a Souldier, or this Year under the Prince, Robert; But is ra-
ther to be imputed to our unlucky Conjunction with the
French, like the disasters that happen to men by being in
ill Company.

But besides it was manifest that in all these Wars, the French
ment nothing less than really to assist us : He had first pra-
ctised the same Art at Sea, when he was in League with the
Hollander against us, his Navy never having done them any
service, for his business was only to see us Batter one another.
And now he was on the English side, he only studied to
sound our Seas, to spy our Ports, to learn our Building, to
contemplate our way of Fight, to consume ours, and pre-
serve his own Navy, to encrease his Commerce, and to order
all so, that the two great Naval Powers of Europe, being
crushed together, he might remain sole Arbitrator of the
Ocean, and by consequence Master of all the Isles and
Continent. To which purposes the Conspirators furnished
him all possible opportunities. Therefore it was that Mon-
sieur d’ Estree, though a Person otherwise of tryed Courage
and Prudence, yet never did worse than in the third and last
Engagement; and because brave Monsieur d` Martel did
better, and could not endure a thing that looked like Cowar-

( 47 )

dise or Treachery, though for the Service of his Monarch,
commanded him in, rated him, and at his return home he
was, as then was reported, discountenanced and dismissed
from his Command, for no other crime, but his breaking of
the French measures, by adventuring one of those sacred
Shipps in the English, or, rather his own Masters Quarrel.

His Royal Highnesse ( by whose having quitted the
Admiralty, the Sea service thrived not the better ) was now
intent upon his Marrige, at the same time the Parliament was
to reassemble the 27th of October 1673. the Princesse of
Modena, his Consort, being upon the way for England, and
that businesse seemed to have passed all impediment. Nor
were the Conspirators who ( to use the French phrase ) made
a considerable Figure in the Government, wholly averse to
the Parliaments meeting: For if the House of Commons
had after one years unfortunate War, made so vast a Present
to his Majesty of 1250000l. But the last February, it seemed
the argument would now be more pressing upon them, that
by how much the ill sucesses, of this year had been greater,
they ought therefore to give a yet more liberal Donative.
And the Conspirators as to their own particular reckoned,
that while the Nation was under the more distresse and hurry
they were themselves safer from Parliament, by the Publick
Calamity.

A supply therefore was demanded with much more im-
portunity, and assurance then ever before, and that it should
be a large one and a speedy: They were told that it was now
Pro Aris & Focis, all was at stake, And yet besides all this,
the Payment of the Debt to the Banckers upon shutting the
Exchequer was very civilly recommended to them. And
they were assured that his Majesty would be constantly rea-
dy to give them all proofes of his Zeal for the true Religion
and the Laws of the Realm, upon all occasions : But the
House of Commons not having been sufficiently prepared
so such demands, nor well satisfied in several matters of

[ 48 ]

Fact, which appeared contrary to what was represented,
took check ; and first interposed in that tender point of his
Royall Highnesse’s Match, although she was of his own Re-
ligion, which is a redoubled sort of Marriage, or the more
spiritual part of its Happynesse. Besides, that she had
been already solemnly married by the Dukes Proxcy, so that
unlesse the Parliament had been Pope and calmed a power of
Dispensation, it was now too late to avoide it. His Majesty
by a short Prorogation of six days, when he understood their
intention, gave them opportunity to have disisted : But it
seems they judged the National Interest of Religion so farre
concerned in this matter, that they no sooner meet again, but
they drew up a second request by way of Addresse to his
Majesty with their Reasons against it. That for his Royal
Highnesse to marry the Princesse of Modena, or any other
of that Religion, had very dangerous consequences: THat
the mindes of his Majesties Protestant subjects will be much
disquieted, thereby filled with infinite discontents, and Jea-
lousies. That his Majesty would thereby be linked into
such a foraine Alliance, which will be of great disadvantage
and possibly to the Ruine of the Protestant Religion. That
they have found by sad experience how such mariages have
always increased Popery, and incorraged Priests and Jesuits to
prevert his Majesties subjects: That the Popish party already
lift up their heads in hopes of his marraige : That they fear
it may diminish the affection of the people toward his Royal
Highnesse, who is by blood so near related to the Crown:
That it is now more then one Age, that the subjects have
lived in continual apprehensions of the increase of Popery,
and the decay of the Protestant Religion: Finally that she
having many Kindred and Relations in the Court of Rome,
by this means their enterprises here might be facilitated, they
might pierce into the most secret Counsells of his Magesty,
and discover the state of the Realm. That the most learned
men are of opinion, that Marriages no further Proceeded in,

[ 49 ]

may lawfully be Dissolved : And therefore they be-
seech his Majesty to Annul the Consummation of it,
and the Rather, because they have not yet the Hap-
piness to see any of his Majestyes own Lineage to Suc-
ceed in his Kingdomes.

These Reasons , which were extended more amply
against his Royal Highnesses Marriage, obtained more
weight, because most men are apt to Judge of things
by Circumstances, and to attribute what happens by
the Conjuncture of Times, to the Effect of Contrivance.
So that it was not difficult to Interpret what was in his
Royal Highness, an ingagement only of Honour, and
Affection, as proceeding from the Conspirators Counsels,
seeing it made so much to their purpose.

But the business was too far advanced to retreat, as his
Majesty with great reason had replyed, to their former
Address, the Marriage having been celebrated already,
and confirmed by his Royal Authority, and the House of
Commons though sitting when the Duke was in a Trea-
ty for the Arch Dutchess of Inspruck, one of the same
Religion, yet having taken no notice of it.

Therefore while they pursued the matter thus, by
a second Address, it seemed an easier thing, and more de-
cent, to Prorogue the Parliament, than to Dissolve the
Marriage. And, which might more incline his Ma-
jesty to this Resolution, the House of Commons had
now bound themselves up by a Vote that having considered
the present State of the Nation, they would not take into

[ 50 ]

Deliberation , nor have any further Debate upon
any other Proposals of Aide, or any Surcharge up-
on the Subject, before the payment of the Twelve hun-
dred and fifty thousand pounds, in eighteen Months, which
was last granted, were expired, or at least till they should
evidently see that the Obstinacy of the Hollanders should
oblige them to the contrary, nor till after the kingdom should
be effectually secured against the dangers of Popery, and
Popish Counsellours, and that Order be taken against other
present Misdemeanours.

There was yet another thing, the Land-Army, which
appearing to them expensive, needless, and terrible to the
People, they addressed to his Majesty also, that they might
be disbanded. All which things put together, his Majesty
was induced to Prorogue the Parliament again for a short
time, till the seventh of January, One thousand six hundred
seventy three : That in the mean while the Princess of Mo-
dena arriving, the Marriage might be consummated with-
out further interruption.

That Session was opened with a large deduction also, by
the new Lord Keeper, this being his first Experiment, in the
Lords House of his Eloquence and Veracity, of the Hol-
landers averseness to Peace or Reason, and their uncivil and
indirect dealing in all Overtures of Treaty with his Majesty,
and a Demand was made therefore and re-inforced as for-
merly, of a proportionable and speedy Supply. But the
Hollanders that had found themselves obstructed alwayes
hitherto, and in a manner excluded from all Applications,
and that whatever means they had used was still mis-interpre-
ted, and ill represented, were so industrious, as by this time
(which was perhaps the greatest part of their Crime) to
have undeceived the generallity of the Nation in those parti-
culars.

( 51 )

The House of Commons therefore not doubting, but
that if they held their hands in matter of money, a Peace
would in due time follow, grew troublesome rather to several
of the great Ministers of State, whom they suspected to have
been principal in the late pernicious Counsels. But instead of
the way of Impeachment, whereby the Crimes might have
been brought to Examination, Proof and Judgment, they pro-
ceeded Summarily within themselves, noting them only with
an ill Character, and requesting his Majesty to remove them
from his Counsels, his Presence, and their Publick Imploy-
ments. Neither in that way of handling were they Im-
partial.

Of the three which were questioued, the Duke of Buck-
ingham seemed to have much the more favourable Cause,
but had the severest Fortune. And this whole matter not
having been mannaged in the solemn Methods of National
Justice, but transmitted to his Majesty, it was easily changed
into a Court Intrigue, where though it be a Modern Max-
ime,

That no State Minister ought to be punished, but, esp-
cially not upon Parliamentary Applications.

Yet other Offenders thought it of security to themselves,
in a time of Publick Discontent, to have one Man sacrifi-
ced, and so the Duke of Buckingham having worse Ene-
mies, and as it chanced worse Friends, than the rest,
was after all his Services abandoned, they having only
heard the sound, while he felt the smart of that Lash from
the House of Commons.

But he was so far a Gainer, that with the loss of his Offi-
ces, and dependance, he was restored to the Freedom of
his own Spirit, to give thence-forward those admirable

[ 52 ]

Proofs of the Vigour, and Vivacity of his better Judgment,
in Asserting, though to his own Imprisonment, the due Li-
berties of the English Nation.

This manner of proceeding in the House of Commons,
was a new way of negotiating the Peace with Holland, but the
most effectual; the Conspirators living all the while under
continual apprensions of being called to further account
for their Actions, and no mony appearing, which would
either have prepetuated the War, or might, in case of a
Peace, be misapplied, to other uses, then the building of
Ships, insinuated by the Lord Keeper.

The Hollanders Proposalls, by this means, therefore,
began to be thought more reasonable, and the Marquis del
Fresno, the Spanish Minister in this Court, labourd so well,
that his Majesty thought fit to Communicate the overture
to both Houses, and though their advice had not been asked
to the War, yet not to make the Peace without it. There
was not much difficulty in their resolutions. For the gene-
rall bent of the Nation was against the War, the French now
had by their ill behaviour at Sea, in all the Engagements,
raised also the English Indignation, their pernicious Counsels
were visible in their book of the Politique Francoise, tending
by frequent levyes of men, and mony, to exhast, and
weaken our Kingdome, and by their conjunction with us,
on set purpose, to raise, betwixt the King and his People, a
rationall Jealousy of Popery, and French Government, till
we should insensibly devolve into them by Inclination or
Necessity : As men of ill conversation, pin themselves
maliciously on persons more sober, that if they can no other-
wise debauch them, they may blast their Reputation by their
society, and so oblige them to theirs ; being suspected by bet-
ter Company

[ 53 ]

Besides all which the very reason of Traffick which hath
been so long neglected by our greater Statesmen was now of
some consideration, for as much as by a Peace with the
Hollander the greatest part of the Trade and Navigation of
Europe as long as the French King disturbed it, would of
course fall into the English management. The Houses there-
fore gave their humble advice to his Majesty for a just and
honorable Peacc with the States Generall, which when it
could be no longer resisted, was concluded.

In the seventh Article of this Treaty it is said.

That the Treaty which was made at Breda in the yeare
1667, as also all the others which are by this present Treaty con-
firmed, shall by the present be renewed, and shall continue in
their full force and vigour, as far as they shall not be contrary
unto this said present Treaty.

Which words are the more to be taken notice of, that
they may be compared afterwards with the effects that fol-
low, to see how well on the English part that Agreement
hath been observed.

The businesse of the Peace thus being once over, and this
Parliament still lowring upon the Ministers of State, or bog-
ling at the Land Forces ( whereof the eight new raised Re-
giments were upon the request of the Commons at last dis-
banded ) or imployed in further Bills against Popery, and
for the Education, and Protestant Marriage henceforward of
those of the Royal Family; the necessity of their further sit-
ting seemed not so urgent, but thatthey might have repose
till the tenth of November 1674. following.

The Conspirators had hitherto failed of the accomplish-
ing their design, by prepetual disappointments, and which

[ 54 ]

was most grievous to them, foresaw, that the want of mony
would still necessitate the frequent sitting of Parliament,
which danger they had hop’d long ere this to have conquer’d
In this state of their affaires the French King therefore was
by no meanes to be further disobliged, he being the Master
of their secret, and the only person which if they helped him
at this plunge, might yet carry them thorow. They were
therefore very diligent to profit themselves of all the advan-
tages to this purpose that their present posture could afford
them. They knew that his Majesty being now disengaged
from War, would of his Royall Prudence interpose for
Peace by his Mediation, it being the most glorious Char-
acter that any Prince can assume; and for which he was the
more proper, as being the most Potent, thereby to give the
sway, and the most disintressed whereby to give the Equity
requisite to such a Negotiation; and the most obliged in
Honour, as having been the occasion by an unforeseen con-
sequence of drawing the sword of all this part of Europe.
But if they feared any propension in his Majesty to one party
it was toward Spaine, as knowing how that Crowne ( as it is
at large recited and acknowledged, in the preamble of the
last Treaty between England and Holland had been the only
instrument of the happy Peace which after that pernicious
War we now injoyed.

Therefore they were resolved by all their influence, and
industry (though the profit of the War did now wholly, re-
down to the English Nation, and however in case of peace
it was our interest that if any, France should be depressed to
any equality, to labour that by this mediation France might
be the onely gainer, and having all quiet about him, might
be at perfect leisure to attend their project upon England.
And one of these our Statesmen being pressed, solved all
Argument to the contrary with an oraculous French
question

[ 55 ]

Faut il que tour se sasse par Politique, rien par Amitie?

Must all things be done by Maxims or Reasons of State;
nothing for Affection?

Therefore that such an absurdity as the ordering of Affairs
abroad, according to the Interest of our Nation might be
avoided, the English, Sbotch and Irish Regiments, that were
already in the French Service, were not only to be kept in
their full Complement, but new number of Souldiers dai-
ly transported thither, making up in all, as is related, at least a
constant Body of Ten thousand Men, of his Majesties Subjects,
and which oftentimes turned the Fortune of Battle on the
French side by their Valour.

How far this either consisted with the Office of a Media-
tour, or how consonant it was to the seventh Article above
mentioned, of the last Treaty with Holland; It is for them to
demonstrate who were the Authors. But it was indeed a good
way to train up an Army, and under the French Discipline and
Principles, who might be ready seasoned upon occasion in
England, to be called back and execute the same Coun-
sels.

In the mean time, they would be trying yet what they
could do at home. For the late proceedings of Parliament,
in quashing the Indulgence, in questioning the Ministers of
State, in Bills against Popery, in not granting Money when-
soever asked, were Crimes not to be forgiven, nor ( how-
ever the Conspirators had provided for themselves ) named
in the Act of General Pardon.

They began therefore after fifteen Years to remember
that there were such a sort of men in England as the Old Ca-
valier Party; and reckoned, that by how much the more
generous, they were more credulous than others, and
so more fit to be a gain abused. These were told, that all

[ 65 ]

was at Stake, Church and State ( How truly said ! But
meant, how falsly! ) That the Nation was running again in-
to Fourty One, That this was the time to refresh their antient
merit, and receive the Recompence double of all their Loy-
alty, and that hence-forward the Cavaliers should have the
Lottery af all the Great or Small Offices in the Kingdom,
and not so much as Sir Joseph Williamson to have a share
in it.

By this meanes they indeed designed to have raised a Ci-
vil War, for which they had all along provided, by new
Forts, and standing Forces, and to which they had on pur-
pose both in England and Scotland given all provocation if
it would have been taken, that so they might have a Rase
Campagne of Religion, Government, and Propriety: or they
hoped at least by this means to fright the one party, and in-
courage the other, to give henceforward Money at pleasure,
and that money on what title soever granted, with what
stamp coyned, might be melted down for any other service
or uses. But there could not have been a greater affront and
indignity offerred to those Gentlemen ( and the best did so
resent it ) then whether these hopes were reall, to think them
men that might be hired to any base action, or whether as
hitherto but imaginary, that by erecting the late Kings Statue
that whole Party might be rewarded in Effigie.

While these things were upon the Anvill the tenth of
November was come for the Parliaments sitting, but that was
put of till the 13th. of April 1675. And in the mean time,
which fell out most opportune for the Conspirators, these
Counsells were matured, and something further to be con-
trived, that was yet wanting : The Parliament accordingly
meeting, and the House of Lords, as well as that of the
Commons, being in deliberation of severall wholesome Bills,
such as the present state of the Nation required the great
Design came out in a Bill unexpectedly offered one morn-
ing in the House of Lords, whereby all such as injoyed any

[ 57 ]

beneficiall Office, or Imployment, Ecclesiastical, Civill, or
Military, to which was added, Privy Counsellours, Justices
of the Peace, and Members of Parliament, were under a
Penalty to take the Oath, and make the Declaration, and
Abhorrence, insuing,

I A. B. Do declare, That it is not Lawful upon any
pretence whatsoever to take up Armes against the King,
and that I do abhorre that Traiterous position, of taking Armes
by his Authority against his Person, or against those that are
Commissioned by him in Pursuance of such Commission. And I
do swear, that I will not at any time Indeavour the Altera-
tion of the Governmnt either in Church or State. So help
me God.

This same Oath had been brought into the House of
Commons in the Plague year at Oxford, to have been im-
posed upon the Nation, but there, by the assistance of those
very same persons, that now introduce it, twas thrown out,
for fear of a General Infection of the Vitales of this King-
dome: And though it passed then in a particular Bill, Known
by the name of the Five-mile Act, because it only con-
cerned the Non-conformist Preachers, yet even in that, it
was throughly opposed by the late Earle of Southampton,
whose Judgement might well have been reckoned for the
Standard of Prudence and Loyalty. It was indeed happily
said, by the Lord Keeper, in the opening of this Session, No
Influences of the Starrs, no Configuration of the Heavens, are
to be feared, so long as these two Houses stand in a Good Dispo-
sition to each other, and both of them in a happy Conjunction,
with their Lord and Soveraign. But if he had so early this Act
in his prospect, the same Astrology might have taught him,
that there is nothing more portentous, and of worse Omen,
then when such an Oath hangs over a Nation, like a New
Comet forboding the Alteration of Religion, or Govern-

[ 58 ]

ment: Such was the Holy League in France in the Reigne of
Henry the third. Such in the time of Philip the second, the
Oath in the Netherlands. And so the Oaths in our late Kings
time taught the Fanaticks, because they could not swear,
yet to Covenant. Such things therefore are, if ever, not need-
lessely thought for good fortune sake only to be attempted,
and when was there any thing lesse necessary ? No King of
England had ever so great a Treasure of this Peoples Af-
fections except what those ill men have, as they have, done,
all the rest, consumed ; whom but out of an excesse of Love
to his Person, the Kingdome would never (for it never did
formerly ) so long have suffered : The Old Acts of Allegi-
ance, and Supremacy, were still in their full Vigour, unlesse
against the Papists, and even against them too of late, when-
soever the way was to be smoothed for a liberall Session of
Parliament. And moreover to put the Crown in full securi-
ty, this Parliament had by an Act of theirs determined a
Quesiton which the wisdome of their Ancestors had never
decided, that the King hath the sole power of the Militia.
And therefore my Lord Keeper did by his patronizing this
Oath, too grossely prevaricate, against two very good State
Maximes, in his Harangue to the Parliament, for which he
had consulted not the Astrologer, but the Historian, advising
them first, That they should not Quieta movere, that is, said
he, when men stirre those things or Questions which are, and
ought to be in peace. And secondly, That they should not
Res parvas magnis motibus agere: That is, saith he againe,
when as much weight is laid upon a new and not always nece-
ssary Proposition as if the whole summe of affaires depended
upon it.

And this Oath, it seems, was the little thing he meant of,
being forsooth but a Moderate Security to the Church and
Crown, as he called it, but which he and his party layd so
much weight on, as if the whole sum of Affaires did depend
upon it.

[ 59 ]

But as to the Quieta movere, or stirring of those things or
Questions which are and ought to be in Peace, was not this
so, of taking Armes against the King upon any pretence
whatsoever? And was not that also in Peace, of the Trayte-
rous Position of taking Armes by his Authority against his
Person? Had not the three Acts of Corporations, of Militia,
and the Five Miles, sufficiently quieted it? Why was it fur-
ther stirred? But being stirred, it raises in mens thoughts
many things more; some less, others more to the purpose.

Sir Walter Tirrels Arrow grazed upon the Deer it was
shot at, but by that chance kill’d King William Rufus; Yet
so far was it that Sir Walter should for that chance shot be
adjudged of Treason, that we do not perceive he underwent
any other Tryal like that of Manslaughter: But which is more
to the point, it were difficult to instance a Law either in this
or other Country, but that a private Man, if any king in
Christendom assault him, may, having retreated to the Wall,
stand upon his Guard; and therefore, if this matter as to a
particular man be dubious, it was not so prudent to stirre it in
the General, being so well setled. And as to all other things,
though since Lord Chancellour, he havein his Speech of the
15 of Feb. One thousand six hundred seventy six, said (to testify
his own abhorrency ) Away with that ill meant distinsti-
on between the Natural and the Politique Capacity. He is too
well read to be ignorant that without that Distinction there
would be no Law nor Reason of Law left in England; To
which end it was, and to put all out of doubt, that it is also
required in this Test, to declare mens abhorrency as of a
Traitorous Position, to take Armes against those that are Com-
missioned by him, in pursuance of such Commission ; and
yet neither is the Tenour, or Rule, of any such Commission
specified, nor the Qualification of those that shall be armed
with such Commissions, expressed or limited. Never was
so much sence contained in so few words. No Conveyan-
cer could ever in more Compendious or binding terms have

( 60 )

drawn a Dissettlement of the whole Birth-right of Eng-
land.

For as to the Commission, if it be to take away any mans
Estate, or his Life by force. Yet it is the Kings Commissi-
on : Or if the Person Commissionate, be under never so
many Dissabilities by Acts of Parliament, yet his taking this
Oath, removes all those Incapacities, or his Commission
makes it not Disputable. But if a man stand upon his
Defence, a good Judge for the purpose, finding that the
Position is Traitorous, will declare that by this Law, he is to
be Executed for Treason.

These things are no Nicetyes, or remote Considerations
( though in making of Laws, and which must come after-
wards under Construction of Judges, Durante Bene-placito,
all Cases are to be put and imagined ) but there being an
Act in Scotland for Twenty thousand Men to March into
England upon Call, and so great a Body of English Soulde-
ry in France, within Summons, besides what Forainers may
be obliged by Treaty to furnish, and it being so fresh in me-
mory, what sort of persons had lately been in Commission
among us, to which add the many Bookes, then Printed
by Licence, Writ, some by Men of the Black, one of the
Green-Cloath, wherein the Absoluteness of the English Mo-
narchy is against all Law asserted.

All these Considerations put together, were sufficient to
make any honest and well-advised man, to conceive indeed,
that upon the passing of this Oath and Declaration, the whole
sum of Affaires depended.

It grew therefore to the greatest contest, that has perhaps
ever been in Parliament, wherein those Lords, that were a-
gainst this Oath, being assured of their own Loyalty and
Merit, stood up now for the English Liberties with the same
Genius, Virtue and Courage, that their Noble Ancestors had
formerly defended to Great Charter of England, but with so
much greater Commendation, in that they here a fairer

( 61 )

Field, and the more Civil way of Decision : They fought it
out under all the disadvantages imaginable : They were
overlaid by Numbers, the noise of the House, like the Wind
was against them, and if not the Sun, the Fire-side was all-
wayes in their Faces ; nor being so few, could they, as their
Adversaries, withdraw to refresh themselves in a whole days
Ingagement: Yet never was there a clearer Demonstration
how dull a thing is humane Eloquence, and Greatness, how
Little, when the bright Truth discovers all things in their
proper Colours and Dimensions, and shining shoots its
Beams thorow all their Fallacies, It might be injurious
where all of them did so excellently well, to attribute more
to any one of those Lords than another, unless because the
Duke of Buckingham, and the Earl of Shaftsbury, have been
the more reproached for this brave Action, it be requisite by
a double proportion of Praise to set them two on equal terms
with the rest of their Companions in Honour. The particu-
lar Relation of this Debate, which lasted many dayes with
great eagerness on both sides, and the Reasons but on one,
was in the next Session burnt by Order of the Lords, but the
Sparkes of it will eternally fly in their Adversaries faces.

Now before this Test could in so vigorous an opposition
passe the House of Peers, there arose unexpectedly a great
Controversy betwixt the two Houses, concerning their Pri-
viledges on this occasion, The Lords according to their un-
doubted Right, being the Supream Court of Judicature in
the Nation, had upon Petition of Doctor Shirley, taken
a cognizance of a Cause between him and Sir John Fagg,
a Member of the House of Commons, and of other Ap-
peales from the Court of Chancery, which the Commons,
whether in good earnest, which I can hardly believe, or rather
some crafty Parliament men among them, having an eye
upon the Test, and to prevent the hazard of its coming a-
mong them, presently took hold of, and blew the Coales to
such a degree, that there was no quenching them.

[ 62 ]

In the House of Peers both Partyes, as in a point of their
own Privilege, easily united, and were no lesse inflamed a-
gainst the Commons, and to uphold their own ancient Ju-
risdiction ; wherein neverthelesse both the Lords for the
Test, and those against it, had their own particular reasons,
and might have accused each-other perhaps of some arti-
fice, The matter in conclusion was so husbanded on all sides,
that any longer converse betwixt the two Houses grew im-
practicable, and his Majesty Prorogued them therefore till
the 13th of October 1675, following: And in this manner
that fatall Test which had given so great disturbance to the
mindes of our Nation, dyed the second Death which in the
language of the Divines, is as much as to say, it was Dam-
ned.

The House of Commons had not in that Session been
wanting to Vote 300000 l. towards the building of Ships,
and to draw a Bill appropriating the Ancient Tunnage and
Poundage, amounting to 400000 l. yearly to the use of the
Navy, as it ought in Law already, and had been granted
formerly upon that special Trust and Confidence, but nei-
ther did that 300000 l. although Competent at present,
and but an earnest for future meeting, seem consider-
able, and had it been more, yet that Bill of appropriating
any thing to its true use, was a sufficient cause to make them
both miscarry, but upon pretense of the quarrel between
the Lords and Commons in which the Session thus ended.

The Conspirators had this interval to reflect upon their
own affaires. They saw the King of France (as they
called him) was so busy abroad, that he could not be of far-
ther use, yet, to them here, then by his directions, while his
Armyes were by assistance of the English Forces, severall
times saved from ruines. They considered that the Test was
defeated, by which the Papists hoped to have had Repri-
salls for that of Transubstantiation, and the Conspirators

( 63 )

to have gained Commission, as extensive and arbitrary, as
the malice of their own hearts could dictate : That herewith
they had missed of a Legality to have raised mony without
Consent of Parliament, or to imprison or execute whosoever
should oppose them in pursuance of such their Commission.
They knew it was in vaine to expect that his Majesty in that
want, or rather opinion of want, which they had reduced
him to, should be diverted from holding this Session of Par-
liament: nor were they themselves for this once wholy a-
verse to it, For they presumed either way to find their own
account, that if mony were granted it should be attributed
to their influence, and remaine much within their disposal,
but if not granted, that by joyning this with other accidents
of Parliament, they might so represent things to his Majesty
as to incense him against them, and distrusting all Parliamen-
tary Advice to take Counsel from themselves, from France,
and from Necessity.

And in the meane time they fomented all the Jealousies
which they caused. They continued to inculcate Forty and
One in Court, and Country.

Those that refused all the mony they demanded, were to
be the onely Recusants, and all that asserted the Libertyes
of the Nation, were to be reckoned in the Classis of Presby-
terians.

The 13th. of October came, and his Majesty now asked
not only a Supply for his building of Ships, as formerly, but
further, to take off the Anticipation upon his Reve-
nue.

The House of Commons took up again such Publick Bills
as they had on foot in their former sitting, and others that
might either Remedy Present, or Prevent Future Mis-
chiefs.

The Bill for Habeas Corpus.

That against sending men Prisoners beyond Sea.