[ 88 ]

And because the Body of the Bill was contrary to the
Title, This unusual sentence of the House of Commons,
though excusable by the Crimes of the Bill, yet was not to be
justified by the Rules of entercourse between the two Houses.
But because all men have hence taken occasion to accuse the
Lords Spiritual, as the Authours both of this Bill and the
other, it is necessary to insert here the true Fact in their just
vindication. It was above two years ago that a select Ca-
ball of great Ministers, had been consulting about Church
matters, tho it seldom happens (nor did it in this instance)
that, the Statesmen are more fortunate in meddling with Re-
ligion, then the Churchmen with Government, but each
marrs them with tampering out of their Provinces. This on-
ly difference, that what Ecclesiastical persons may do by
chance or consequence, that harm the others commit on
set purpose. For it was by the these politicians, that these two Coc-
katrice Eggs were layd & by their assiduous incubation hatch-
ed. It is true indeed afterwards they took some few of the
Bishops into Communication, and as it were for advice,
upon what was before resolved. And to make this Bill go
the better down, they flatterd them with the other, as
wholy calculated forsooth to the Churches Interest. And by
this means possibly they prevailed so far, that the Bishops
both there and in the House, lesse vigorously opposed. But
that the Bishopes were either the Contrivers or Promoters of
the Bill, is a scandalous falshood, and devised by the An-
thors to throw the Odium off from themselvs upon the Cler-
gy, and (the Bills that aimed at the ruine of the Church of
England having miscarried) to compasse the same end by
this defamation. A sufficient warning to the Clargy, how
to be intrigued with the Statesmen for the future.

The second Bill follows.

[ 89 ]

An Act for further securing the Protestant Religion, by Edu-
cating the Children of the Royal Family therein; and for the
providing for the continuance of a Protestant Clergy.

TO the Intent that the Protestant Religion, which
through the blessing of God hath been happily Esta-
blished in this Realm, and is at present sufficiently secured by
his Majestys known Piety and Zeal for the preservation
thereof, may remain secure in all future times.

Be it Enacted by the Kings most Excellent Majesty, by
and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spirituall and
Temporall, and Commons in this Parliament Assembled,
and by the Authority of the same, That upon the demise of
his Majesty that now is, to whom God grant a long and pros-
perous Reign, and upon the demise of any other King or
Queen Regnant, that shall hereafter bear the Imperial
Crown of this Realme, the Arch-Bishops, and all and every
the Bishops of England and Wales, for the time being, as
shall not be disabled by Sicknesse or other Infirmity, shall
within fourty dayes next after such Demise, repaire to Lam-
beth House, and being there assembled, to the number of
nine at least, shall cause to be fairely ingrosed in Parchment
the Oath and Declaration following.

I […] King or Queen of England, do declare
and Swear, that I do beleive that there is not any Transubstan-
tiation in the Sacrament of the Lords Supper, or in the Elements
of Bread and Wine, at or after the Consecration, thereof by any
person whatsoever. So help me God.

Which blanck shall be filled up with the Christian Name
of such King or Queen, And thereupon the Prelates so

[ 90 ]

bled, shall without delay repaire to the persons of such suc-
ceeding King or Queen Regnant, and in humble manner
tender the said Oath or Declaraiton, to be taken by such
succeeding King or Queen Regnant, which they are here by
Authorized to Administer, and shall abide in or near the
Court by the space of fourteen dayes, and at convenient
time, as often as conveniently they may, they shall appear in
the presence of such King and Queen ready to receive Com-
mands for Administring the said Oath and Declaration,
which if such succeeding King and Queen shall make and
subscribe in presence of them, or any nine or more of them,
they shall attest the doing thereof, by subscribing their
Names to a Certificate, Indorsed upon the said Indorsment,
and carry the same into the high Court of Chancery there to
be safely deposited amongst the Records of the said Court.
And if such King or Queen Regnant, shall refuse or omit
to make and subscribe the said Oath, and Decalration, for
the space of fourteen dayes after such humble tender made
in manner aforesaid, the said Prelates may depart from the
Court without any further attendance on this occasion. But
if at any time afterward such King or Queen shall be pleased
to take and subscribe the said Oath, and Declaration, and
shall signifie such pleasure to the Arch-Bishops and Bishops
or any nine or more of them, the said Arch-Bishops and
Bishops, or such nine or more of them, are here-
by Authorised and required forthwith to Administer the
same, and to attest and certify the same in manner afore-
said.

And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid,
That if any succeeding King or Queen Regnant, shall re-
fuse or Omit to make such Oath and Declaration, within
the time therefore limitted, the same having been tendered
in manner aforelaid, or there shall be any Let, Obstructi-
on, or hindrance whatsoever, to their making the said tender

( 91 )

in manner aforesaid, they are hereby enjoyned and requi-
red to endorse upon the said Engrosement such refusall or
omission, or any obstruction, let or hinderance, that shall
happen to them, whereby they are not able to make the
said tender, according to the Act, and attest the same by
subscribing their names, thereunto, and carry the same into
the high Court of Chancery, there to be safely deposited in
manner aforesaid. And if any the said persons, hereby ap-
pointed to make the said tender, shall neglect or refuse to do
the same, or in case of any refusal, or omission of making
the said Oath and Declaration, or in case of any Obstruction
or hindrance to the making of the said tender, shall refuse
or neglect to make certificate thereof in manner aforesaid,
that the Arch-Bishoprick or Bishoprick of the Person or
Persons so refusing, shall be Ipso Facto, voide, as if he or
they were naturally Dead, and the said Person or Persons
shall be incapable, during his or their Life or Lifes, of that,
or any other Ecclesiastical perferment.

And be it further Enacted, That if any King or Queen
Regnant, at the time when teh Imprial Crown of this
Realme shall devolve, shall he under the age of fourteen
years, and that upon his or her attaining the said age of
fourteen years, the Arch-Bishops and Bishops shall, and are
upon the like penalties hereby enjoyned, within fourteen
dayes next after such attaining to the said Age, to assemble
at the said place, and thereupon to do and perform all things
in preparing and tendring the said Oath and Declaration,
and making certificate of the taking or omission thereof,
that are required by this Act to be done, upon the demise of
any King or Queen Regnant.

And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid,
That untill any succeeding King or Queen Regnant shall
make the said Oath and Declaration, in manner aforesaid,
such respective King or Queen, shall not grant, confer, or
dispose of any Arch-Bishoprick or any Bishoprick, in Eng-

[ 92 ]

England or Wales, otherwise than in manner following, that
is to say, within seven dayes after the Vacancy of any Biship-
prick or See, shall be known to the Arch-Bishop of Canter-
bury for the time being, he shall and is hereby required to
send forth a Summons in Writing to all the Prelates in Eng-
land and Wales, requiring them to meet at a certain conveni-
ent time and place, to be appointed by the summons, to con-
sult concerning the nomination of fit persons for the supply
of that Vacancy. And in case of vacancy of the Arch Bishop-
prick of Canterbury, the Arch Bishop of York, for the time
being. And if that See shall be also vacant, such Prelate of
the Realm, as by the Statute of 31 H. 8. ought to have
place before the rest in Parliament, shall and are hereby re-
quired to issue forth the said Summons, and at the said time
and place, so appointed, in manner aforesaid, the Prelates
then assembled, being seven at the least, or the major part
of them, shall by writing under their Hands and Seals, nomi-
nate three persons, natural born subjects of the King, and in
holy Orders, for the supplying of the said Vacancy, and
to be placed in such Order as the said Prelates so assembled
or the major part of them shall think fit, without regard to
dignity, antiquity, or any other form, which Writing shall
be presented to the King who may thereupon appoint one
of the three persons so to be named, to succeed in the said Va-
cancy. And the person so appointed or chosen, shall by
due form of Law, according to the course now used, be made
Bishop of that See. But if in 30 days after such presentment,
of such Names, the King or Queen Regnant shall not Elect
or appoint, which of the said three persons shall succeed in
the said vacant See; or if after such Election or appointment
there shall be any obstruction in pressing of the usual Instru-
ments and formalities of Law, in order to his Consecration,
then such person, whose Name shall be first written in the
said Instrument of nomination, if there be no Election or
appointment made by the King, within the time aforesaid,
shal be the Bishop of thevacant See. And if there be an Electi-

( 93 )

on or appointment made, then the person so appointed shall
be the Bishop of the vacant See. And the Arch-bishop of
the Province wherein the said vacancy shall be, or such other
person or persons, who ought by his Majesties Ecclesiastical
Laws to Consecrate the said Bishop, shall upon reasonable
demand, and are hereby required to make Consecration ac-
cordingly upon pain of forfeiting trebble damages and costs
to the party grieved, to be recovered in any of his Majesties
Courts at Westminster. And immediately after such Conse-
cration, the person so consecrated, shall be, and is hereby
Enacted to be compleat Bishop of the said vacant See, and
is hereby vested in the Temporalities of the Bishop-prick
and in actual possession thereof, to all intents and purposes,
and shall have a Seat and Place in Parliament, as if he had by
due forms of Law been made Bishop, and had the Tempo-
ralities restored unto him; And in case of the person so first
named in the said Instrument of nomination, or the person
so Elected by the King or Queen Regnant, shall then be a
Bishop, so that no Consecration be requisite, then immedi-
ately after default of Election or appointment by the King,
or immediately after such Election or appointment, if any
shall be made within the said time, and any Obstructions in
pressing the Instruments and Formalities in Law, in such
cases used, the Bishop so first Named or Elected and appoint-
ed, shall thereupon, ipso facto, be translated, and become Bi-
shop of that See, to which he was so nominated and appoint-
ed and shall be, and is hereby vested in the Temporalities and
actual possession thereof to all intents and purposes, and shall
have his Seat and Place in Parliament accordingly, and his
former See shall become vacant, as if he had been by due
Forms of Law chosen and confirmed into the same, and had
the Temporalities restored unto him.

And be it further Euacted, That until the making the
said Oath and Declaration in manner aforesaid, the respe-
ctive succeeding Kings and Queens that shall not have made
and subscribed the same, shall not grant or dispose of any

[ 94 ]

Denary, or Arch-Deconary, Prebendary, Mastership of any
Colledge, Parsonage, Viccarage, or any Ecclesiastical Bene-
fice or Promotion whatsoever, to any other person, but such
person as shall be nominated for the same, unto the said King
or Queen Regnant, by the Arch-bishop of Canterbury, or
Guardians of the Spiritualities of the said Arch bishop-prick,
for the time being, if the same be within the Province of
Canterbury, and by the Arch-bishop-prick of York, or Guar-
dians of the spiritualities of the said Arch-bishop-prick for
the time being, if the same be within the Province of York,
by writing under their respective Hands and Seals, and in
case any such as shall be accordingly nominated, shall not
be able to obtein Presentation or grant thereof within 30
dayes, next after such nomination, then the said person shall
and may, and is hereby enabled, by force of the said nomi-
nation, to require Institution and Induction from such per-
son and persons unto whom it shall belong to grant the
same, who shall accordingly make Institution and Induction,
as if the said person were lawfully presented by the said King
or Queen Regnant, upon pain to forfeit to the party grieved,
trebble damages and costs, to be recovered in any of his Ma-
jesties Courts at Westminster; and in cases where no Insti-
tution or Induction is requisite the said person so nominated,
from and after the end of the said 30 dayes, shall be and is
hereby actually vested in the possession of such Denary,
Arch-Deconary, Prebendary, Mastership, Rectory,
Parsonage or, Vicarage, Donative, or other Ecclesiastical
Benefice or Promotion and shall be full and absolute propri-
etor and Incumbent thereof, to all Intents and Purposes as if
he had obteyned possession therof upon a legall grant by the
said K or Queen Regnant, and proceeding thereupon in
due form of Law.

Provided always and be it Enacted by the Authority afore-
said, That it shall and may be lawful for the Lord High Chan-
cellor of England, or the Lord Keeper of the great Seal of

[ 95 ]

England, for the time being, to pass presentations or grants,
to any Ecclesiastical Benefice, under value in the Kings Gift,
in such manner as hath been accustomed, any thing in this
present Act to the contary notwithstanding.

And be it further Enacted, That during such time as any
King or Queen Regnant, shall be under the said fourteen
yeares, no person that shall be Lord Protector, or Regent
of this Realme, During such minority, shall in any wise,
either in the name of the King or Queen Regnant, or in
his own name grant, confer or dispose, of any Arch-Bishop-
prick, Bishoprik, Deanary, Prebendary, Master-ship of any
Colledge, Personage, Vicarage, or other Ecclesiastical Bene-
fice or Promotion whatsoever, but the same shall be disposed
of in manner abovementioned, during such miniority, untill
such Lord Protector or Regent, shall make and subscribe
the said Oath and Declaration, (mutatis mutandis) before
such nine or more of the said Prelates, as he shall call to Ad-
minister the same unto him, which Oath and Declaration
they are hereby Authorized and required to Administer, un-
der the penaltyes aforesaid, when they shall be called there-
unto, by such Lord Protector or Regent, for the time be-
ing.

And be it further Enacted, That the Children of such suc-
ceeding King or Queen Regnant, that shall not have made
and subscribed the Oath and Declaration in manner aforsaid,
shall from their respective Ages of seven years, untill the
respective Ages of fourteen yeares, to be under the care and
goverment of the Arch-Bishops of Canterbury and York,
and Bishop of London, Durham and Winchester, for the
time being, who are hereby enjoyned and required to take
care, that they be well instructed and Educated in the true
Protestant Religion, as it is now Established by Law; and to
the Intent that the Arch-Bishops and Bishops, for the time
being, may effectally have the Care and Government of such
Children, according to the true intent of this Law; Be it

[96]

Enacted, That after any such Children shall have attained
their respective Ages of fourteen years, no person shall
have, enjoy, bear and execute any office, service, imployment
or place of attendment relateing to their persons, but such
as shall be approved of in writing under the Hands and Seals
of the said Arch-Bishops and Bishops in being, or the
Major part of such of them as are there in being. And if
any person shall take upon him to Execute any such Office,
Service, Imployment or place of Attendance, contrary to
the true intent and meaning of this Act, he shall forfeit
the sum of 100 l. for every moneth he shall so Execute the
same, to be recovered by any person that will sue for the
same, in any Action of Debt, Bill, Plaint or Information
in any of his Majesties Courts at Westminster, shall also suf-
fer Imprisonment for the space of six months without Bayle
or Manieprize.

And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid,
That no Person born within this Realme or any other of his
Majesties Dominions, being a Popish Preist, Deacon or
Ecclesiiastical Person, made, or deemed, or professed by any
Authority or Jurisdicton derived, challenged, or pretend-
ed from the See of Rome, or any Jesuite whatsoever shall be
allowed to attend the person of the Queens Majesty that
now is, or any Quen Consort, or Queen Dowager, that
shall be hereafter, whilst they are within this Realme, for
by pretence of such service, or any other matter, shall be
Exempted from the penall Laws already made against such
persons coming into being or remaining in this Kingdom,
but shall be, and are hereby lyable to the utmost severity
thereof.

Provided alwayes, That it shall and may be lawfull for
Master John Huddleston, being one of the the Queens Majesties
Domestique servant, to attend her said Majesties service,
any thing in this Act or any other Law to the contrary not-
withstanding.

(97)

And be it further Enacted, That after the Death of the
Queens Majesty, to whom God grant a long and happy life,
all lay persons whatsoever, born within this Realme, or any
other of his Majesties Dominions, that shall be of the Hous-
hold, or in the service or Employment of any succeeding
Queen Consort, or Queen Dowager, shall do and performe
all things, in a late Act of this Parliament, Entituled, An
Act for preventing Dangers which may happen from Popish
Recusants: required to be done and performed by any
person, that shall be admitted into the service or Employ-
ment of his Majesty, or his Royal Highnesse the Duke of
York, which if they shall neglect or refuse to do and per-
form, and neverthelesse, after such Refusall and execute
any Office, Service, or Employment under any succeeding
Queen Consort, or Queen Dowager, every person so offend-
ing, shall be lyable to the same penalties and disabilities, as by
the said Act are or may be inflicted upon the breakers of that
Law Provided alwayes, That all any every person or persons,
that shall by vertue of this Act, have or claym any Arch-
Bishoprick, Bishoprick, Deanry, Prebendary, Parsonage,
Vicarage, or other Ecclesiastical Benefits, with Cure or with-
out Cure, shall be and is hereby, enjoyned, under the like
penalties and disabilitys, to do and perform all things what-
sover, which by Law they ought to have done if they had
obteyned the same, and by the usuall course and form of
Law, without the help and benefit of this Act.

And be it further Enacted, That all and every Arch-
Bishops, Bishops, appointed by this Act to Assemble upon
the Demise of his Majesty, or any other King or Queen Reg-
nant, in order to repaire and make humble tender of the
Oath and Declaration aforementioned, to any succeeding
King or Queen, be bound by this Act to Administer the
same, shall before such tender and Administration thereof,
and are hereby required to Administer the same Oath and
Declaration, to one another, with such of the Arch-Bishops
and Bishops, at any time assembled as by the statute 31. H. 8.
ought to have precedence of all the rest of them.

[98]

that shall be so assembled, is hereby Authorized and re-
quired, to administer to the rest of them, and the next in
order to such Prelates is hereby Authorized and required
to administer the same to him, and the same Oath and De-
claration being Engrossed in other peice of Parchment,
they and every of them are hereby enjoyned to subscribe
their names to the same, and to return the same into the
high Court of Chancery, hereafter with their Certificate,
which they are before by this Act appointed to make. And
if any of the said Arch-Bishops or Bishops, shall be under
the same penalties, forfeiture, and disabilities, as are hereby
appointed for such Arch-Bishops and Bishops, as neglect or
refuse to make any tender of the said Oath and Declaration,
to any succeeding King or Queen Regnant.

And be it further Enacted, That the Arch-Bishop of Can-
terbury, or Arch-Bishop of York, or such other Bishop to whom
it shall belong to issue forth summons to all the Bishops of
England and Wales, requiring to meet and consult concern-
ing the Nomination of fit persons, for the supply of any
Arch-Bishopprick, or Bishopprick, according to this Act,
shall make the said summons in such manner that the time
therein mentioned for the meeting the said Arch-Bishops
and Bishops, shall not be more then forty days, distinct from
the time of the Date, and Issuing out of the said summons.

And be it further Enacted, That in case any person in-
tituled by this Act, doth demand Consecration, in order to
make him Bishop of any vacant See, in manner aforesaid,
shall demand the same of the Arch-Bishop of the Province,
and such Arch Bishop that shall neglect or refuse to do
the same, either by himself or by others Commissioned by
him, by the space of thirty days, that then such Arch Bishop
shall over and besides the trebble Dammages, to the party
before appointed, forfeit the summe of 1000 l. to any
person that will sue for the same, in any of his Majesties
Courts at Westminster by Action of Debt, Bill, Plaint, or

(99)

Information, wherein no Essoyn, Protection, or Wager
of Law, shall be allowed. And being thereof lawfully
convicted, his Arch-Bishopprick shall thereby become, Ipso
Facto, voyd as if he were naturally Dead, and he shall be
and is hereby made uncapable and disabled to hold, have, re-
ceive the same, or any other Bishopprick, or Ecclestiastical
Benefice whatsoever.

And be it further Enacted That after such neglect or re-
fusall by the space of thirty dayes after Demand, to make
such Consecration, or in case of the vacancy of the Arch-
Bishopprick, such Bishop of the said Province, for time be-
ing, who by the Statute of 31. H. 8. ought to have presidents
of all the rest, calling to his Assistance, a sufficient number
of Bishops, who are likewise required to assist, at such
time and place, as he shall thereunto appoint, shall and is
hereby required, upon reasonable Demands, to make such
Consecration which shall be good and effectual in Law,
as if the said Bishops were thereunto authorized, and em-
powred by Commission from such Arch-Bishop, or any
other person, or persons, having authority to grant Com-
mission for the doing the same.

And be it further Enacted, That the said Bishops and
every of them, are hereby enjoyned and required to perform
the same, upon pain of forfeiting, upon any neglect or refu-
sal, trebble dammages to the party grieved, to be recovered
with Costs, in any of his Majesties Courts of Record, at
Westminster, as also the sum of 1000 l. to any person that
will sue for the same, in any of his Majesties Courts at West-
minster, by any action of Debt, Bill, Plaint or Information,
wherein no Essoyn, Protection, or Wager of Law shall be
allowed; and being lawfully convicted of any such neg-
lect or refusal, his or their Bishopprick that shall be so con-
victed, shall become, ipso facto, void, as if he or they were
naturally dead, and he or they are hereby made incapable,
and disabled to have, hold, or receive the same, or any other

[100]

Bishopprick or any other Ecclesiastical Benefice whatso-
ever.

Yet this Notorious Bill had not the same accident with the
first, but was read a second time, and committed; where-
in their Houses curiosity seemes to have led them, rather
than any satisfaction they had in the matter, or hope of
amending it. For it died away, the Committee disdaining,
or not daring publickly to enter upon it, some indeed ha-
ving, as is said, once attempted it in priviate, and provided
R, S. a fit Lawyer for the Chairman, but were discovered.
And thus let these two Bills perish like unseasonable and
monstrous Births, but the Legitimate issue of the Conspi-
rators, and upon the hopes of whose growth they had built
the succession of their Projects.

Hence-forward another Scene opens : The House of
Commons thorow the whole remainder of this Session,
falling in with some unanimity, and great Vigor against the
French Counsels. Of which their Proceedings it were easy
to assigne the most intimate Causes; but they having there-
in also acted according to the Publick Interest, we will be
glad to suppose it to have been their only Motive. That
business having occasioned many weighty Debates in their
House, and frequent Addresses to his Majesty, deserves a
more particular account, Nor hath it been difficult to re-
cever it, most of them being unwilling to forget any thing
they have said to the purpose, but rather seeking to divulge
what they think was bravely spoken; and that they may be
thought some-body, often arrogating where they cannot be
disproved, another mans Conception to their own ho-
nour.

[101]

March the 6th 1676, the House being resolved into a Com-
mittee of the whole House to consider of Grievances,
Resolved.

That a Committee be appointed to prepare an Addrsse, to repre-
sent unto his Majesty the danger of the Power of France,
and to desire that his Majesty by such Alliances as he shall
think fit, do secure his Kingdomes, and quiet the feares of
his People, and for preservation of the Spanish Netherlands.

May it please your Majesty.

WE your Majesties most Loyal Subjects, the Knights,
Citizens and Burgesses, in Parliament Assembled,
find our selves Obliged in duty and faithfulnesse to your Majesty,
and in discharge of the Trust reposed in us, by those whom we
represent, Most humbly to Offer to your Majesties consideration,
that the mindes of your People are much disquieted, with the
Manifest dangers arising to your Majesty, by the Growth
and Power of the French King; Especially by the acquisition
already made and the futher progresse like to be made by him,
in the Spanish Nether-lands, in the preservation and security
whereof, we humbly Conceive the Intrest of your Majesty, and
the safety of your People, are highly concerned; and therefore
we most humbly beseech your Majesty, to take the same into your
Royall care, and to strengthen your selfe with such strict Al-
liances, as may secure your Majesties Kingdomes and secure and
preserve the said Spanish Nether-lands and thereby quiet the
Mindes of your Majesties People.

This Addresse was presented to his Majesty the 16. of
March, and his Majesties Answer was Reported to the
House of Commons, by Mr. Speaker, the 17, of March,
which was thus

[102]

That his Majesty was of the Opinion of his two Houses of
Parliament; That the Preservation of Flanders was of great
consequence; And that he would use all meanes in his power
for the Safety of his Kingdoms.

A motion was therefore made for a second Address upon
the same subject, on Monday March, 26th. which here
followeth.

May it please your Majesty,
WE your Majesties most loyal Subjects, the Knights,
Citizens, and Burgesses in Parliament Assembled, do
with unspeakable joy and Comfort, present our humble thanks
to your Majesty, for your Majesties gratious acceptance of our
late Address, and that your Majesty was pleased in your
Princely Wisdom to express your Concurrance and Opinion with
your two Houses in reference to the Preservation of the Spanish
Netherlands.

And we do with most earnest and repeated desires implore
your Majesty, That you would be pleased to take timely care
to prevent those dangers that may arise to these Kingdoms by the
great Power of the French King, and the Progress he daily
makes in those Netherlands and other places.

And therefore that your Majesty would not defer the entring
into such Allyances as may obtain those ends, and in case it
shall happen, that in pursuance of such Alliances, your Ma-
jesty should be engaged in a War with the French King, we do
hold our selves obliged, and do with all humility and chearful-
ness assure your Majesty, That we your most loyal Subjects
shall alwayes be ready upon your signification thereof in Parlia-
ment, fully, and from time to time, to assist your Majesty with
such Aydes and Supplies as, by the Divine assistance, may
enable your Majesty to prosecute the same with Success.

[103]

All which we do most humbly offer to your Majesty as the
unanimous sense and desire of the whole Kingdom.

March 30th 1677.

IT was alledged against this Address, that to press the
King to make further Alliances with the Confederates
against the French King, was in effect to press him to a War,
that being the direct and unavoidable Consequence there-
of.

That the Consideration of War was most proper for the
King, who had the intelligence of Forraine Affaires, and
knew the Arcana Imperii.

That it was a dangerous thing hastily to Incite the King
to a War.

That our Merchant-Ships and Effects would be present-
ly seised by the French King within his Dominions, and
thereby he would acquire the value of it, it may be near, a mil-
lion to enable him to maintain the War against us.

That he would fall upon our Plantations and take Plunder
and annoy them.

That he would send out abundance of Capers, and take
and disturbe all our Trading Ships in these Seas, and the
Mediterranean.

That we had not so many Ships of War as he, and those
thirty which were to be built with the 600000 l. now given,
could not be finished in two years.

That we had not Naval Stores and Ammunition, &c.
sufficient for such a Purpose, and if we had, yet the season of
the Year was too far advanced to set out a considerable
fleet: and we could not now lay in Beef, Pork, &c.

That when we were ingaged in a War, the Dutch would
likely slip Collar, leave us in the War, and so Gain to them-
selves the singular advantage of sole trading in Peace, which

[104]

is the Priviledge we now injoy, and should not be weary
of.

That it was next to Impossible, to make Alliances with
the several parties as might be expected, such and so various
were the severall Interests, and crosse-biasses, of and a-
mongst the Emperour, the Spaniard, the Dane, the Dutch,
the Brandenburgh, and the severall lesser Princes of Germa-
ny, and others.

That we might easily enter into a War, but it would be
hard to find the way out of it, and a long War would be
destructive to us; for though the Emperour, French, Spainard,
&c. use to maintain War for many years, yet a Trading
Nation as England is, could not endure a long-winded War.

On the other side, it was said;

That they did not Addresse for making War but making
Leagues, which might be a means to prevent War.

That the best way to preserve Peace, was to be in a pre-
pration for War.

That admitting a War should ensue thereupon, as was not
unlikely, yet that would tend to our peace, and safety in con-
clusion; for it must be agreeded, that if the Power of France
were not reduced, and brought to a more equal Ballance
with its neighbours, we must fight or submit, first or last.

That it was Commonly the Fate of those that kept them-
selves Neutral, when their Neighbours were at War, to
become a prey to the Conquerour.

That now or never was the Criticall season to make War
upon the French, whilst we may haveso great auxiliary conjun-
ction; and if it were a dangerous and formidable thing to
Encounter him now, how much more would it be so when
this Opportunity was lost, the Confederacy disbanded, a
Peace made on the otherside the water, and we left alone
to withstand him single.

(106)

That if now we should neglect to make Alliances, we had
no cause to expect to have one Friend, when the French
should make Peace beyond Sea, and single us out for Con-
quest; for all that are conjoyned against the French, are
provoked and disobliged, by reason of the Great Number
of English, Scotch and Irish, which have served, and do still
serve the French, and that it was proved at the Bar of this House
within this fortnight, That 1000 men were levyed in Scot-
land, and sent to the French service in January last, and some
of them by force and pressing.

Also that it was understood and resented, that we had
mainely contributed to this over grown Greatnesse of the
French, by selling Dunkirk, that speciall Key and Inlet of
Flanders, by making War on the Dutch, in 1665. Where-
upon the French Joyned with the Dutch, under which shel-
ter, and opportunity, the French King layd the foundation
of this Great Fleet he now hath, buying then many Great
Ships of the Dutch, and building many others: as to which,
but for that occasion, the Dutch would denyed and
hindred him, by not observing the Tripple League, and by
our making a Joynt War with the French against the Dutch,
in which, the French yet proceeds and Tryumphs. So that
in this respect we have much to redeem and retrieve.

That enmnity against the French, was the thing where-
in this divided Nation did unite, and this occasion was to
be laid hold on, as an opportunity of moment amongst our
selves.

That the bent and weight of the Nation, did lean this
way, and that was a strong Inducement and Argument to
Incline their Representatives.

That it had been made appear, and that in Parliament,
that upon the Ballance of the French Trade, this Nation
was detrimented yearly, 900000 l. Or a Million, the value
of the Goods Imported from France, annually so much
exceeding that of the Goods Exported hence thither, where-

[107]

by it is evident, that such a sum of the Treasure and money
of the Nation was yearly Exhausted and carryed into France,
and all this by unnecessary Wines, Silks, Ribbons, Feathers,
&c. The saving and retrenching of which Expence, and
Exhaustion, will in a Great Degree serve to maintaine the
Charg of a War.

That the present, was the best time for the purpose, and
that this would give Reputation to the Confederates, and
Comfort and Courradge to our bestfriends Imediately, and
safety to our selves in futurity, against the Old perpetuall Ene-
my of England.

The second Addresse was presented to his Majesty, March
the 30. and till the 11 of Aprill, they received no Answer.
Insomuch that it became doubtfull, whether the mony Bill,
would be accepted or no, and if the Commons made any
difficulty in passing them, unlesse they were first secured
against the Frenuh Intrest, it seemed that the supply would
be rejected, by the Conspirators good will; And that even
the building of Ships, how necessary soever, might rather
have been respited again, as it had in former Sessions, and
for the whole long Prorogation. But their House was farr
from such Obstinancy. And the news being come of the
taking both of Valenciennes and St. Omar, with the defeate
of the Prince of Orange at Mont-Cassel, so that now there
was no further danger of preventing or Interrupting the
successes of the French-King, this Campaign, at last therefore
upon the 11, of Aprill, this following answer was offerred
to their House, from his Majesty by Master Secretary
Coventry.

[108]

C.R.

HIS Majesty having considered your last Addresse, and
finding some late alteration in affaries abroad, thinks it
necessary to put you in mind, That the only way to prevent the
dangers which may arise to these Kingdoms, must be by putting
his Majesty timely in a Condition to make such fitting prepara-
tion, as may enable him to do what may be most for the security
of them – And if for this reason you shall desire to sit any
longer time, his Majesty is content you may. Adjourn now be-
fore Easter, and meet again suddenly after; to ripen this matter,
and to perfect some of the most necessary Bills now depending.

Given at our Court at White-Hall, the 11. of
April. 1677

Somewhat was said on both these matters, but the Great-
er debate of them, was Adjourned till next day, and then
reassumed.

Then it was moved that the House should Adjorn till after
Easter, and meet again, with a Resolution to enable the
King to make such preparations as should be thought neces-
sary, and also passe some necessary Bills for the Kingdome,
which if they did not, the blame of the neglect, must rest
upon themselves, and it would be observed, they had not sat
to any effect this four yeares; and that now they had a
session, and had given a Millon, they did take little care to
redresse Greviances, or passe Good Laws, for the People,
and that they should not be able to give any account of them-

[109]

selves to their Neighbours in the Country, unlesse they
should face them down, that there was no Greviance or
Mischeife in the Nation to be Redressed, and that the King
had stopped their mouths, and laid it to them by offering
to them to sit longer.

Others said, they should perfect the two money Bills,
and give the King Ease, and take another time to consider
further of Religion, Liberty, and Property, especially see-
ing all Bills now depending, would be kept on foot, the
Intended Recesse, being to be but an Adjournment, that
they had very good Laws already, and would give their
shares in any new ones, they were making, to be in the
Country at the present time, that it was necessary for them
to be there the 10th. of May, to Execute the Act for 600000 l.
&c. And some time was to be allowed for their Journyes,
and rest after it, that the passing some necessary Bills, came
in the end of the Kings Message, and by the by; For his Ma-
jesty saith, That if for this Reason, that is, for making of pre-
parations, &c, they should desire to sit longer, and if so, then
also take the opportunity of passing such Bills. So the sence
and inclination of the House was to rise before Easter, as had
been before intimated and expected.

Then they fell upon the main consideration of the Mes-
sage, and to make a present Answer.

The Secretary and other Ministers of State, said, that the
Alteration of Affaires which his Majesty took notice of,
was the successe of the French against the Prince of Orange,
in the Battel, and their proceeding to take Cambray, and St.
Omars.

Thus by Inches or rather great measures they were taking in

[110]

Flanders, which was reckoned the Out-work of England, as
well as Holland) and they said plainely, nothing could put
his Majesty in a condition to make fitting preparations to
preserve the Kingdom, but ready money.

To this it was answered, that it was not proper nor usuall
to aske money at the end of Session, and it was fit that
Alliances should be first made, and that they should Adjourn
rather till that were done, for they ought not to give money
till they knew for what, and it was clearely spoken and made
out to them, that if there were no Summers War, there was
money enough given already.

It was replyed, That they had not direction from his Ma-
jesty as to what he had resolved, and it might be not conve-
nient to discover and publish such things, but they would
offer their Guesse and Ayme at some things, if there were
any Approaches towards War, though they ought to consi-
der and compute like him in the Gospel, whether with such a
force they could encounter a King that came against them
with such a force, they should think of providing a Guard
for the Isle of Wight, Jersey, Garnsey and Ireland, and secure
our Coasts, and be in a defensive posture on the Land, we
might be Attaqued in a night.

Also there would be a necessity of an extraordinary Sum-
mer Guard at Sea, his Majesty did use to apply 400000 l.
yearly out of the Customes upon his Fleets, (the very har-
bour Expence) which in Anchorage, Mooring, Docks, and
Repaires, &c. was 110000 l. per annum, and he was now set-
ting forth 40 Ships for the Summer Gard, but if there were
a disposition towards War, there must be more Shipps or
at least those must be more fully manned, and more strong-
ly appoynted, and furnished the more, especially if the
Breach were sudden, for otherwise, our Trading Ships at
Sea, as well as those Ships and Goods in the French Ports,
would be exposed. Now it is reasonable that the remander
which was above and beyond the Kings ordinary Allowance,

[111]

should be supplyed by the Parliament, and the Extraordi-
nary preparations of this kind for the present, could not a-
mount to lesse than 200000 l.

It was answered, that it was a Mealancholy thing to think
Jersey, &c. Were not well-enough secured, at least as well
as in the year 1665, when we alone had War with the
French and Dutch too, and yet the Kings Revenue was lesse
then than now: That the Revenue of Ireland was 50000 l.
per annum, beyond the Establishment (that is, the Civill,
Military, and all payments of the Government) which if not
sent over hither, but disposed there, would suffice to defend
that Kingdom, and they remember that about a moneth
ago, they were told by some of these Gentlemen, that the
French King would not take more Townes in Flanders if
he might have them, but was drawing off to meet the Ger-
mans, who would be in the field in May, and therefore it
was strang, he should be represented now as ready to Invade
us, and that we must have an Army raised and kept on our
Islands and Land. No they would not have that, it would
be a Great matter in the Ballance, if the Kings Subjects were
withdrawn from the French service, and applyed on the
other side, and tell that were done, that we did continue to
be Contributary to the Greatnesse of France. But a Fleet
would protect our whole. Ships are the defence of an Island
and thereby we may hope to keep at a distance, and not ap-
prehend, or prepare to meet him at our Dores, he Learns by
Sicily what it is to Invade an Island, he is not like to attempt
an Invasion of us, till he hath some Masterie at Sea, which is
Impossible for him to have so long as he is diverted and im-
ployed at Land in the Mediterranean, and in the West Indies,
as he is.

And as to our Merchants Ships and Goods, they are
in no more danger now then they were in any War when-
soever. Nay, there were more expectation of this, then there
was of the last War, for the first notice we or the Dutch

[112]

had of that Breach, was the Attempt upon their Smyrna
Fleet.

Also it is observed, that what was said a fortnight ago (that
the season was too far advanced to lay in Beef, and it would
stink) was admitted to be a mistake, for that now it was ur-
ged, that a greater and better appointed Fleet must be fur-
nished out, but still it was insisted on, that they were in
the dark, his Majesty did not speak out, that he would
make the desired Alliances against the growth of France, and
resolve with his Parliament to maintain them, and so long as
there was any coldness or reservedness of this kind, they had
no clear grounds to grant money for preparations. His
Majesty was a Prince of that Goodness and Care, towards
his People, that none did distrust him, but there was a distrust
of some of his Ministers, and a Jealousie that they were un-
der French Influences; and Complaints and Addresses had
been made against them; and upon the discourse of pro-
viding for the safety of the Nation, it being said we might be
secured by the Guarranty of the General Peace, it was re-
flected on as a thing most pernitious to us, and that our mo-
ney and endeavours could not be worse applied, than to pro-
cure that Peace. Articles are not to be relied on. All
that they desired was, that his Majesty and his People Una-
nimously, Truly, Sincerely and Throughly declare and en-
gage in this business, with a mutual confidence speaking out
on both sides, and this, and nothing but this, would discharge
and extinguish all jealousies.

But it was Objected, It was not convenient to discover
his Majesties secret purposes in a Publick Assembly, it might
be too soon known abroad, and there was no reason to dis-
trust his Majesty, but that being enabled, he would prepare
and do all things expedient for the Kingdom.

It was answered, That it was usual for Forraine Ministers
to get notice of the Councils of Princes, as the Earl of Bristol
Ambassador in Spain, in the last part of King James‘s Reign,

[114]

suffer him to pay, Cent per cent. more than the things are
worth, that are taken up and used, and if the work be entred
upon in this manner, we hope England will have English suc-
cess with France, as it is in Bowling, if your Bowl be well set
out, you may think, and it will go to the Mark.

Were the thing clear and throughly undertaken, there
would be less reason to dispute of time; there never was a
Council but would sit on Sunday. or any day for such Pub-
lick Work.

In fine, they said, the business must lye at one door or
another, and they would not for any thing, that it should flat
in their hands.

And although they should hope in an Exigence his Ma-
jesty would lend to his People, who had given so much to
him, yet they said they could not leave him without pro-
viding him a sum of money, as much as he could use between
this and some convenient time after Easter, when he might,
if he please command their full attendance, by some publick
Notification, and this was the mentioned sum of 200000 l.
The Expedient they provided for doing this, was adding a
Borrowing Clause to the Bill for almost 600000 l. (such an
one as was in the Poll Bill) the Effect of which is to enable
his Majesty presently to take up, on the Credit of this Bill
200000 l. ready money at 7 l. per Cent per. annum In-
terest.

And this they said might now be done, though the Bill
were passed by them, and also (save that they had made the
above mentioned amendment) by the Lords, for that Poll
Bill was explained by another Act passed a few days after, in
the same session. But in Hackwells Modisu tenendi Parli.
pag. 173, was a more remarkable President, and exact in the
Point.

But after some Discourse of setting loose part of this
600000 l. &c. they reflected that this 600000 l. &c. was
appropriate for the building of Ships, and they would not

(115)

have this appropriation unhinged by any means, and there-
upon resolved to annex the borrowing Clause to the Bill
for continuing the additional duty of Excise, for three years,
which was not yet passed; against which it was Objected,
That it was given for other purposes, viz. to give the King
ease to pay Interest for his Debts, &c. But on the contrary
it was answered, that the Preamble speakes not of his Debts,
but His extraordinary Occasions; But besides, they did not
intend to withdraw so much of their Gift, but did resolve to
re-emburse his Majesty the 200000 l. so much of it as he
should lay out in extraordinary Preparations.

But then it was Objected, that this would be a kind of de-
nouncing of War, and that 200000 l. was a miserable, mean
and incompetent sum to defend us against those whom we
should provoke.

But it was Answered, That it was but an Earnest of what
they intended, and that they were willing to meet again and
give further Supplies; Besides the French King was not For-
midable for any great hurt that he could do us during the
Confederacy, there were several Princes of Germany, as the
Arch-Bishop of Metz and Triers, the Palsgrave, the Duke of
Newburgh, &c. which are at War with him and are safe;
and yet they are much more weak and inconsiderable than
we; but they are defended not by their own strength, but
by the whole Confederacy.

The Debate concluded in Voting the following Answer,
which was presented to his Majesty by the Speaker of the
whole House, Friday April the 13th.

[116]

May it Please your Majesty.

WE your Majesties most dutifull and Loyall subjects the Com-
mons in this present Parliament Assembled, do with,
Great satisfaction of mind, Observe the regard your Majestie
is pleased to Expresse to our former Addresses, by Intimating to
us the late alterations of Affaires abroad, and do return our most
humble thanks, for your Majesties most Gratious Offer made to
us thereupon in your late message; and having taken a serious
deliberation of the same, and of the preparation your Majesty
hath therein Intimated to us were fitting to be made, in order
to those publick ends, we have for the present provided a security
in a Bill for the Additional duty of Excise, upon which your Ma-
jesty may raise the sum of 200000 l. And if your Majesty shall
think fit to call us together again for this purpose, in some
short time after Easter, by any publick signification of your
pleasure, commanding our Attendance; we shall at our next
meetting not only be ready to re-imburse your Majesty what
Sums of money shall be expended upon such Extraordinary
preparations as shall be made in pursuance of our former Ad-
dresses; but shall likewise with thankfull hearts proceed then,
and at all other times, to furnish your Majesty with so large
proportion of assistance and supplyes upon this Occasion, as
may give your Majesty and the whole world, an ample Testi-
mony of our Loyalty and affection to your Majesties service and
as may enable your Majesty by the help of Almighty God, to
maintain such stricter Alliances as you shall have entred into
against all Opposition whatsoever.

[118]

he was convinced and satisfied, so as he would speak and
act according to what they had desired, and they resolved
to give him the utmost assurance, that they would stand by
him, and said no man could be unwilling to give a fourth
or third part to save the residue. But they said they ought to
consider that now they were a very thine House, many of
their Members being gone home, and that upon such a
Ground as they could not well blame them; for it was upon
a presumption that the Parliament should rise before Easter,
as had been intimated from his Majesty within this fortnight,
and universally expected since, and it would be un-Parlia-
mentary, and very ill taken by their Fellow-members, if in
this their absence they should steal the Priviledge of granting
money, and the Thanks which are given for it; That this
was a National business if ever any were, and therefore fit
to be handled in a full National Representative, and if it had
hitherto seemed to go up-hill, there was a greater cause to
put the whole shoulder to it, and this would be assuring,
animating, and satisfactory to the whole Nation. But they
said it was not their mind to give or suffer any delay, they
would desire a Recess but for three weeks or a moneth at
most.

And the 200000 l. which they had provided for present
use, was as much as could be laid out in the mean time, tho
his Majesty had 600000 l. more ready told upon the
Table.

And therefore they thought it most reasonable and ad-
visable that his Majesty should suffer them to Adjorn for such
a time; in the Interim of which his Majesty might if he
pleased, make use of the 200000 l. and might also com-
pleat the desired Alliances, and give notice by Proclamation
to all Members to attend at the time appointed.

The Answer is as followeth.