The Full Discovery of the Manner and Circumstances of Sir Edmund-bury Godfrey's Murther.

1. THe Design of Murthering this Innocent and Never-to be-forgotten Gentlem [...] was laid, and some Attempts made to execute it before it was at all communi­cated unto Mr. Praunce, for he hath since heard by Girald and Kelly (Irish Popish Pri [...] concerned in the Murther) and others, that once, some small time before they acquaint­ed him with it; a Gentleman passing by Somerset-House, that was very like Sir Edmon [...] ­bury in Statute, Physiognomy and Habit; some of them mistook and complement him as Sir Edmond-bury, but the Stranger denying the Name, or that he was any [...]u [...] person, they were so confident, as to think he did it out of Caution to avoid the [...] And therefore peremptorily told him he was Sir Edmond-bury Godfrey, which he as po [...] ­tively denying, they made some attempts to push him into the House, but at last pa [...] ­ceiving their mistake, released him, pretending it was only to have drank a Bottle [...] Wine with him. Likewise they said that once or oftner, they dogged him into [...] Fields, and out parts of the Town, but being in the day time, could meet with no op­portunity to dispatch him.

2. On Sunday, wanting but a day of a fortnight before the Murther committed, con [...] ­ing from the Queens Chappel, the said Girald and Kelly together with Robert Gre [...] Cushion man to the Chappel, Laurence Hill, Doctor Goddin's Man (which Doctor [...] Treasurer of the Chappel) and Mr. Praunce went (as commonly they did every Sunday to the Plough-Alehouse by the Watergate (as they call it, that is the furthermost Gate [...] passage going down out of the Strand to the Waterside) of Sommerset House; whe [...] after some common friendly discourse and talk of the Plot which was then begun to b [...] discovered. Girald the Priest, in a familiar plausible way askt Praunce if he did n [...] know Sir Edmond-bury Godfrey, who told him he had heard of him, and seen him; bu [...] had no particular Acquaintance with him. Then he askt if he did not know wha [...] [...] bitter persecutor he was to Catholicks, and a particular enemy to the Queens S [...] ­vants (which it is supposed he urged because Praunce was one of them:) And now o [...] [...]ate (said he) he has examined people against us, and got Depositions to fix odiou [...] Crimes and Scandals upon us and our Religion; To which Praunce answered that h [...] [...]eard he had lately taken some Examinations concerning the Plot, but did not know [...] [...] particulars, though he understood there was a great deal of Noise abroad about i [...] [...]nd heard that Mr. Ireland and others last night were taken upon it. The other told him [...]hat the said Sir Edmond-bury was so desperate an Enemy, and had done such things that [...]he were not taken off, the Catholicks would be generally ruined, and therefore it was [...]solately necessary for the Glory of God, and the good of the Church that it be done [...]nd if we can find an opportunity to do it, we shall have a very good Reward from [...] worse Man than the Lord Beliasis, and therefore (saith the said Girald to Praunce) [...]oking upon you as a good Catholick and that will not deny so good a Service to [...]e Church; we would have you be aiding and assisting to us in it. This was the ve­ [...] effect, and as near as he can remember the Words of his first Discourse.

To which, being surprised with horror at so unexpected and cruel a Motion, Praunce [...]wered, no, he could not be concerned, nor would be guilty of any mans Blood for a [...] [...]ld. For Marther was a grievous and most mortal sin. The Priest replied, Alas, this [...]o sin, but a work of Charity. There is no murther in this case, it is for the Glory of [Page 7]God and the good of the Church, and therefore you ought to do it. With several o­ [...]er words to that purpose.

[...]n which wicked persuasions, Kelly the other Priest likewise joyned with him, affirming [...] same & highly encouraging Praunce & the rest present (whom it seems they had En­ [...]ged before) thereunto, as a meritorious work. Yet still Praunce told them he could [...] Treacheroufly kill any man, for he was not able to forte his minde to such an [...]tion; Girald said, he desired him to be no further concened than he would be him­self, and that he would make nothing of killing twenty Hereticks in such a Case, and [...]t there was no Danger in it, for it might easily be effected and no body the wiser. [...]veral such words and discourses passed. At last they told him he should not be trou­bled to do the business, but should only stand at a distance, and that they were sure he [...]uld not deny to do, for, by their very declaring the Business, he was already as far [...]ce [...]ned as that came to, unless he would betray them; which if he did, he was cer­tainly Damned, nor should escapelong here without Revenge.

These, to the best of his memory were the substance of all their Arguments to him. [...]r did they Assign any particular reason of their malice, only that Sir. Edmond-bury [...]dfry was a busy man, and was going about to ruine all the Catholicks in England, [...]d that it was necessary to destroy him, else they should be all undone. In fine, so im­ [...]tunate they were, that by these cursed persuasions proceeding from Priests whom [...]had been taught to Reverence, and receive their words as Oracles; Praunce wa [...] [...]vailed with, (with hearty Sorrow, Shame and Contrition, he defires to acknow­ledge it) to keep their bloody Councels, not daring both on a Religions and Tempo­ [...] account to leveal the same, fearing as well Damnation in the next World, if he [...]uld discover it, as Ruine in this, being one of her Majesties Servants, and so great [...]art or rather his who [...]e Livelyhood depending on her and other Catholicks. With [...]om these revengful Priests by their Interest and some salse informations might easily [...]do him, besides the danger he lay under of a private Stab or the like michief from [...]m.

Then they acquainted him that some others were engaged in the Business, besides [...]ose then present, naming Henry Berry Porter to the Queens Majesty at the upper [...]urt Gate, one Lewson a Priest, and Philip Vernatti, who did belong to the Lord [...]asis, her to fore Pay-master at Tangier, and much indebted to the said Lord. Who [...]gether with Gerrard & Kely (as 'tis believed) were the first that were ingaged in the [...]iness, & that the said Vernatti might be induced thereto by some promise, that his [...]bt should be remitted, and further rewards promised.

They I kewise said there should be one more in it, whose Nam (as they then told [...] he doth not remember. And as he since understands, there were several others con­ [...]ned. So desperately were the Original Cont [...]ivers set upon this good Gentlemans [...]ther; That to effect it throughly they laid several distinct Pl [...]ts, and imployed di­ [...]e Seperate Agents unknown to each other. But those above mentioned were all [...]t he then knew of for his part, or that they discovered to him.

[...] In the week following, some of them met with him several [...]ime [...] at the same house, [...]d appointed to meet the next Sunday, which accordingly they did: Wa [...]king imme­ [...]ely from Prayers at the Chappel down to the Water [...]side, where they presently fell [...]o Consultation about the manner of effecting this Horr [...]d m [...]rder. But did n [...]t there [...]e to any Resolation, but went from thence to the said Plough to drink, where they [Page 8]concluded to dogg or watch Sr. Edmondbury the next week, and that whoever of th [...] could first see him in a Convenient place, should give the rest notice.

4. Pursuant to this Resolve, as he since understood, Green and some of the rest were [...] Sr. Edmondbury's House, and endeavoured to watch him, but as appears, could [...] light on a fit Opportunity. They met sometimes in the former part of that Week, [...] Praunce never concerned himself to go to his House, or elsewhere, to look for, or a [...] him; But on Saturday the 12th. of October in the morning Girald, Green and Hill, w [...] forth to observe his motions, and Kelly the other Priest who lodged in Sommerset-H [...] and knew of their going, came about nine a Clook in the Forenoon to Praunce's Hou [...] to acquaint him therewith, and charge him to be at home in a readiness, The first th [...] went near Sr. Edmundbury Godfrey's, and whilst two staid some little way off, Hill w [...] up to his House, and inquired for Sr. Edmundbury, and understanding he was with [...] Spake with him, and pretended some sained Business as 'tis believed, but not certa [...] known what it was, and so he returned to his Companions (This Account He relate [...] he had it from themselves, viz. Girald and Green, afterwards being not present then h [...] self, but at home as aforesaid.)

5. About ten or eleven a Clock Sr. Edmundbury came forth all alone (as his man [...] was, for, being a plain Stout Gentleman, he never or very seldom went abroad attend [...] with any servant, which they very well knew.) They waiting for him privately, dogg [...] him to several places, up and down all the rest of the day, as his business led him, till [...] bout six or seven a Clock at Night he came to St. Clements, and went into a great ho [...] there, where it is thought he supped. Then Green left the other two, and came [...] Prance's shop, but he not beeing at home, but at a publique House hard by, he sent [...] him, and informed him that they had now set Sr. Edmundbury in St. Clements (but [...] particular House he did not name or declare to him, so as he might know whose it wa [...] but only told him that he must make all the hast he could down to Sommerset-House [...] the Water-Gate, where he should find Kelly the Priest and Berry the Porter, according [...] Praunce left his Company, went thither, and found them walking in the Yard, wh [...] they three sometimes walking, and sometimes sitting on the Bench, continued till ab [...] nine of the Clock; And then Sr. Edmundbury as it appears came fourth of the said pl [...] by St. Clements, and presently Hill came running away before, up Street to give not [...] that he was coming. And ordered that for to wheadle him in, two should pretend [...] be a Quarrelling, and having thus said, the said Hill goes up again to the Wat [...] Gate, and stood there to expect his coming by, and intice him in. In the mean [...] Kelly the Priest and Berry began a seeming Quarrel, but made no great Noise; and [...] Edmondbury coming along the Strand, just as he was passing by the Water-Gate, [...] (who well knew Sr. Edmunbury, and Sr. Edmundbury him, as having traded with [...] for C [...]a's) steps up to him as in a great deal of hast, and says, for God sake. Sr. Edmond­bury Godfry be pleased to come in, for here are two men a Quarrelling, and I am afr [...] there will be Blood shed between them. Pough, Pough, said Sr. Edmondbury, refu [...] at first to trouble himself, but Hill still crying out he feared there might be a great d [...] of Harm dore, and how glad he was to light on his Worship, who being a M [...]strate, his presence would presently quiet them and therefore intreated him again [...] [...]o s [...]ep in; The Gallant Gentlemans good Nature, was such, not suspecting any H [...] [...]ut d [...]signing to do an Act of Charity, and to endeavour that the Peace might be ke [...] [...]ccor [...]ing to his Office, that he was prevailed with by the Treacherous perswasion [...] [...] Assassinate, to turn into the Trap they had laid for him. [Page 9] Hill entred the Gate first: Sr. Edmundbury follows him and immediately behind him [...]ald and Green; they coming down as soon as they had past [...]raunce (who stood close [...]to the wall unseen) went forwards towards the water-gate, to observe any that [...]uld come that way, and Bury then went to secure the Stairs and passage by the [...]appel. But first he and Kelly were the pretended Quarrellers, and stood just at the [...] of the Raile by the Queens Stables, and as Sr. Edmundbury went down, Green who [...]kt just behind him, having in readiness a large twisted Handkerchief, on a sudden [...]ew the same about his Neck, and immediately they all fower, viz. Girald, Kelly, [...]een and the said Hill fell upon him, secured his Sword, pull'd him down, throtled [...]m, so that he he could neither Cry out, nor Speak, drew him behind the Rail and [...]ve him many violent punches on the Brest with their Knees, and having as they sup­ [...]ed dispatcht him, and that he had lain still for a while, fearing he was not yet quite [...]ad, Girald the Priest would have run his Sword through him, but the rest would [...]t yield to that, for they said then it should be discovered by the Blood, so that at their [...]swasion he put up his Sword again, and did not do it; however to make sure [...]orke, Green got upon him and punching him with all his Force on the Brest with [...]s Knee, wrung his Neck round; The first Attaque, viz. Green's flinging the twist­ [...] Handkerchief about his Neck, and their falling upon him, Praunce saw, but then immediately went to the water-Gate, and as for the rest of the Transactions, he had [...] from all their mouths afterwards, and particularly as to the wringing of his Neck, Green told of it himself, for he boasted of it; and the bloody minded Priest Gi­ [...]ald, seeing him Dead, said these Words: Well if we could not have inticed him in here, [...] resolted I would have followed him down Harts-horn Lane that leads to his own House, [...]nd there would have run him through with my own Hand.

But it was otherwise ordered by the Hand of God, who though he sometimes suf­fers wicked men to perpetrate their barbarous designs, yet he often over-rules them [...]o far as that they themselves against their intentions, contribute to the discovery, or [...]prings by infinite wisdom and power, Good out of Evil, and serves the interests of his Church and people even by the Cruelties of their implacable enemies. For had they [...]killed him in another place, or disposed of his Body in another manner, 'tis possible it had never been found out, and in that Case, or if they had not been suffered to be so fa [...] infatuated by the Devil as to murther him; 'tis probable their Hellish Plot had ne­ver been s [...]fficiently taken notice of, till se [...] in the direfull Effects, so that Sr. Edmond­bury must justly be stiled, the King and Kingdoms Martyr, since his Death (though i [...] it self most horrid and deplorable was yet through the infinite mercy of God, a mean to preserve the Lives of many thousands.

7. Having staid at the Gate about a quarter of an hour, in all which time no bod [...] offered to come in that way, Prance went down to them, and likewise Berry came from his post at the Stairs, and then they all set upon removing the Body, which they carrie [...] in at a Door right against the place where he was Murdered, and so up a pair [...] Stairs that goes into a long Entry leading into the upper Court by the Coach House and then into Doctor Geddin's Lodgings, who was Treasurer of t [...]e Chappel to th [...] Queen, where the said Hill lived, & did all the Doctors Bussiness, being he first Doc [...] on the left Ha [...]d in the said Entry, Hill going before and opening the Door; Then th [...] carryed him up Five or six Stept, in to a little Room on the Right Hand, where th [...] set the Body with his Back leaning against a Bed and so leaving Hill there as being [...] [Page 10]home the rest departed, and dispersed themselves, every Man to his own Dwelli [...] getting home about ten of the Clock, or between ten and eleven.

8. The Body lay in that Room, Saturday Night, Sunday all Day and Night, a [...] untill Munday at Night, and then Praunce coming from Home about ten of the Clo [...] down to Hill's, to know if they had disposed thereof, or how they would do it, b [...] cause he had heard nothing from them; Hill told him, that he and the rest had th [...] Evening a little before, carried him out to a Room cross the upper Court of Some [...] set-House, for fear Notice should be taken of their keeping the other Room so lo [...] private, or that some body should have occasion to go into it, and discover him; [...]he Mr. Prance went to the Plough Ale-House, where he found Green, Girald and Kelly, an [...] presently Hill came thither also, and Hill with a dark Lanthorn went with the oth [...] three, &c. To shew Mr. Prance where the Body lay, which was in the said Room [...] the upper Court upon the Ground, covered with a Cloth over the Head, but h [...] Sword was not there, but still kept hidden in Hill's House; So having seen the Bod [...] every Man went home.

9. There the Corps continued Munday-Night, and all Tuesday till about ni [...] of the Clock at Night, and then all the said five persons, viz Girald, Kelly, Green, H [...] and Berry tooke him out of the said Room, and brought him back cross the Cour [...] Ward to the aforesaid long Entry by Doctor Goddin's Door, but Hill going in befor [...] [...]o his own Lodging, found (as they declared after.) some body there, so that the [...]ould not with safety lay him in the same Room where he was first before, and there [...]ore they carried him into another Room on the left Hand going from the uppe [...] Court just opposite to Doctor Goddin's Door, which as is supposed was Sr. John A [...] [...]undel's Lodgings who is Master of the Horse to the Queen.

10. There the Body lay Tuesday-Night, and till Wednesday about nine a Cloc [...] [...]t Night; and then all the said five persons undertook to convey it ba [...]k again to th [...] [...]oom in Doctor Goddin's Lodgings where Hill Lived, and where it was laid at first, [...]ey imagining as Mr. Prance supposes that they might have more freedom, and bet [...] [...]er opportunity to carry it from thence unperceived, than from the other place; Bu [...] [...]uring the time they were so removing him, and just as they had the Body in the En [...] ­ [...]y, Mr. Prance accidentally came that way, and they not knowing who it might be [...] [...]t the Body there, and began to fly, Berry running away quite to his Lodge, but Mr. Prance calling to them they knowing his Voice, came back and then they al [...] [...] but Berry who was so gone) set to their Hands & got it up again into the said little [...]oom in Doctor Goddin's Lodgings, where it was at first.

11. There they entred into a serious Consutation, and the Two Priests Girald & [...]elly (whether by Order of Superiors or not, cannot here be set forth because they [...]med no body that had so ordered, but delivered it as their own Sense) advised [...]at the safest and best way was to carry him out into the Fields and lay him in some [...]scure place, in such a manner as that whenever he should be found it might be sup­ [...]sed that he Murthered himself, which would much serve the interest of the Church, [...]en it should be publickly known, that he who was so busy in charging Catholick [...] [...]th a Plor, was so troubled afterwards for so abusing them in the same, that he made [...] [...]ay himself; & therefore it was agreed that none of his Mony or other things should [...]medled with, the better to colour that Report; and indeed if they did take away [Page 11] [...]y Note Book or other Writing form him, it was in Praunce's absence, for he never [...]w them search his Pockets, nor doth know what became of his Band, but supposes [...]e same might be lost in some of their removes, and being found by some Papist, [...]en the Body was after discovered, and enquiry made after the Band, the same might [...] kept concealed, becaused it should not be any Evidence that he was murthered [...]ere.

12. This being well approved of, it was further resolved to carry the body away that [...]ght about twelve of the Clock, to which purpose Hill and another underook to get [...] Sedan, and appointed all to meet there at eleven a Clock, in the mean time they [...]ent home. Mr. Praunce calling as he passed, upon Berry to let him know that he must [...] ready on such a sign to open the Gate.

13. Near eleven a Clock that Night Mr. Praunce returned and found all the four; [...]t. Hill, Green, Girald and Kelly there, and a Sedan provided, standing ready at Do­ [...]or Goddin's Door Now by that time they had contrived which way to carry him, & [...]t him into the Sedan, it was near Twelve a Clock, then Girald & Praunce going to car­ [...] him found there wanted leathers & were not able to carry him well with their Arme, [...] Hill provided Cords, which they tyed in the nature of Leathers, and then Girald and [...]aunce took him up and carried him over the Court-Yard up to the Lodge and there [...]ve an Hum (which was the Token agreed on) and thereupon Bury came forth and [...]ened the Gate and let them out, having on purpose to avoid any Notice being ta­ [...]n, invited the Souldiers into his House with Drink and Tobacco, for they saw no [...]entinel at all, and at the Tryal, the Souldiers which that Night stood Centinel ac­knowledged that they saw a Sedan come in, but none go out, and indeed it was impos­ [...]le they should, they not being there, but in Bury's House, where were Lights seen [...]d company heard talking.

Being thus got out of Somerset House, Hill run before to get ready an Horse. But [...]ose the Horse was, or where provided, Mr. Prance doth not know. Then Girald [...]d Prance carried him into Covent-Garden to the end of James-street, and there set [...]n down; and then Kelly and Green, who walkt by, took him up and carried him a­ [...]g Kings-street to Newstreet-end, and so up Rose-street to Longacre-end. Then the [...]t two took him up again, and carried him by the Gray hound Tavern to the Greeian [...]urch, there Hill met them with an Horse, and taking out the Body, set it on the [...]se before Hill, and clapt the Sedan into an House that was Building, but un­ [...]nisht, leaving it there till they came back. The Body being so set on Horse­ [...]k, Girald the Priest said, I wish we had an hundred such Rogues as secure as we have [...]. Then those four, viz.Hill, Girald, Kelly and Green, went away with him, [...] Leading the Horse, and the other walking by on each side, whilst Hill held him [...] before him, But Mr. Prance returned home, because being an House-keeper his Fa­ [...]y might take no notice of his being out all Night, nor any body observe his co­ [...]ng home in the morning, for it was between One and Two before he got back.

14. Next day they met together, and then Girald told him that they had laid the [...]dy in a Ditch belonging to a Field about Primrose-Hill; and to make people think [...]enever he shall be found, That he killed himself, I, said he, run his own Sword [...]ough him, and left it in his Body, and laid his Scabbard and Gloves at a small [...]ance on the Bank.

[Page 12] 15. On the Thursday in the Afternoon the Body was found: That night [...] Praunce was at the Horsesh [...]e-Tavern in Drury-Lane, with Philip Vernatti, that sho [...] have been actually concerned in the Murther, but failed to be there; and also a [...] ­ther friend that accidentally was with them, knowing nothing in the least of this h [...] ­rid business. There some people came in and said, That Sir Edmund-bury Godfrey [...] sound murthered, whereupon the said Vernatti calling Mr. Praunce aside to the Fi [...] said, Lord! is this mans body found already that was carried away but yesternig [...] Thanks be to God that he was conveyed away without any notice, for now I hope [...] will never be discovered. He said further, That he should have been concerned [...] was sent to, but was not at home, but was sorry he was not there, to have been [...] stant to them. Then he askt the manner how the Murther was contrived; of wh [...] Mr. Praunce gave him some short account, but not all, because his Friend being in [...] Room, they were afraid of talking long so privately, left he should suspect som [...] thing to their prejudice.

16. In little time after, the said Vernatti met with Girald, who gave him an ex [...] account in writing of the whole proceedings and manner of the Murther, That he [...] he said) might communicate and shew the same to the Lord Bellasis, and other o [...] ­nal Designers or promoters of the business, for their satisfaction; which Mr. Pra [...] came to the knowledge of in manner following, viz. About a fortnight afterwards [...] met with the said Vernatti again, who invited him to Bow to take a Dinner, and s [...] Friend of his: To which he consented, and the day was appointed. But in the mo [...] ­ing they were first to meet in London at the George, an Alehouse right over against [...] Stocks Market; where going accordingly, he found Mr. Vernatti and the before m [...] ­tioned Lewson, a Priest that was privy to the Murther, and should likewise have be [...] at it, but happened to be absent; these were got thither before, but Mr. Praun [...] had but a little time been come to them, before the said Vernatti pluckt out of [...] p [...]cket a paper in which was written down an account of the whole Murther, readi [...] the same to Lewson. Upon which Mr. Praunce askt him who gave him all that ex [...] Account? He answered, Girald gave it him to shew it to the Lord [...]ellafis, and [...] rest concerned.

17. Then away they went together all three to Bow to a Tavern; being the Qee [...] Head, one Mr. Cashes House, where they went up one pair of Stairs, and there Mr. Ver­natti wrote a Note to one Mr. Dethwick who lived about a mile and an half o [...] [...] (as Mr. Praunce thinks, about Poplar) to come to him, and causes a messenger [...] be provided to carry it, who was a Cobler, whom he strictly charged not to deliv [...] the same to any but Dethwicks own hand, and if he were not at home, to bring [...] back again; whilst he was gone, looking out at the Window, and hearing Fish cried [...] Mr. Praunce bought some, and ordered the people of the House to dress them. B [...] after some time, both Vernatti and Lewson went down to desire the Woman not to f [...] them with Suet but with Butter, saying they would allow her so much the mo [...] for dressing, pretending fat would rise in their Stomacks; but the true reason whic [...] they declared above, was because it was Friday (being as he remembers the Frid [...] next after the Proclamation came forth, commanding Papists to depart the City. Thus nice and scrupulous were they in that paltry Observation who could ab [...] counsel, and without the least remorse, carry on a most Hellish Plot, and premedi [...] [Page 13] [...]ed Murther. Yet was not this Caution so neatly delivered but that the people be­ [...]an to have a suspicion that they were Papists; for having a Barrel of Colchester Oy­ [...]ters brought, the Cobler returned with word, That Mr. Detbwick, would presently [...]e there; who came accordingly, and was entertained by Vernatti with abundance of Complaisance and Caresses; so fell to their Oysters, and preparing for Dinner: Mr. Ver­natti was so eager to communicate the business, that he had got the before-mentioned Narrative of Sir Edmundbury's Death in his hand, and was reading the same to Deth­wick, who said the same was very well; but a boy of the House observing a paper [...]n his hand, and having some suspicion, because he heard the name of Sir Edmund­bury Godfry mentioned (as he hath since made Oath) did listen at the door, till Mr. Praunce percieving something stir behind the door, and being (as the Guilty always [...]re) full of suspicions and jealousies, ran to the door, and opening it, found him there, and threatned to kick him down stairs; and from that time they would not suffer the door any more to be shut, because no body should listen. However there they continued all that day, and at night went every one to his home.

18. Soon after this, Vernatti was very importunate with Mr. Praunce to go out o [...] Town with him; whether it were to have done him a mischief, as fearing to put confidence in him, and suspecting he should discover them, he knows not, but absolutely refused to go with him. This Vernatti is a person that has been a great Traveller, and lived a long time at Rome, maintaining a Correspondence both in France and Italy with Jesuits and other the most dangerous Popish Firebrands; he fre­quently made it his business to carry away young Gentlemen to Rhemes, Doway, and other foreign Seminaries, and sometimes young Ladies to Nunneries. In a word, he was amighty stickler in the Catholick cause; and a person so dangerous, that 'tis pit [...] he has escaped the hand of Justice.

19. Thus far this Execrable Murther was carried on in secret, and the parties con­cerned began to be out of all pain concerning it, not dreading any discovery; but a [...] last the righteous God by an unexpected means was pleased to lay open the same, and in infinite mercy to bring Mr. Praunce (whom the vile Priests perswasions as aforesaid had drawn in to be an Accomplice, and hardened so far as not to have any due sen [...] of the Guilt he had contracted) to be deeply affected with the horror of that crime heartily penitent for the same, and instrumental towards a full discovery. The bringing this to pass was most assuredly the overruling hand of a special Providence, [...] appears by the strangeness of the circumstances which contributed to his being fir [...] questioned for the same.

For the better understanding whereof, we must acquaint the world with an Accident that happened before the Murther committed, which yet casually occasioned i [...] discovery so long after.

Upon the first notice of the Plot and Commitment of Fenwick, Ireland, and th [...] rest of the Traitors that were first apprehended, Mr. Praunce being then blindly ze [...] ­lous for Popery, happening to be in a Coffee-house where some people were ta [...] ­ing of the said Prisoners, for the credit of the Catholick cause, did there speak wor [...] in their favour, which some of the Company thought ill, and gave (as he was tol [...] some information against him; whereof having notice, to avoid trouble and charg [...] [Page 14]he did absent himself from his house the three nights next, and immediately [...] Michaelmas day, viz. on the Munday and Tuesday nights he lay at a Friends He [...] right over against his Dwelling; and on Wednesday-night at an House by the Mews [...] But then understanding that the business was over, and no prosecution like to [...] made on it, he afterwards lay at home as before, and this was very near a Fort [...] before Sir Edmund-bury was murthered. Yet by occasion of this, twelve weeks [...] Mr. Praunce was called in question; for there hapning some misunderstanding between a Neighbour and him, who having got some intelligence that he once lay three Nig [...] out of his House, he will not say out of ill will, because he acknowledges the hand of G [...] in it, but upon a mistake it was, that he did imagine that these might be the Nig [...] whereon Sir Edmund. bury Godfry was murthered, and those that succeeded it and u [...] this naked surmise, bottom'd upon nothing that he or any that he could produce (tho [...] Mr. Praunces Servants were scrutinized) knew of the matter, a Warrant was obtai [...] from the most Honourable Council-Board to apprehend and examine Mr. Praunce touch­ing that matter. Being taken upon that Warrant on the 21. of December last, being St. Thomas his day, he was first carried into the Lobby by the House of Common where Mr. Bedlow, whom he did not know, having but once been seen by him before viz. between the Murther and carrying out of the Body of Sir Edmundbury Godson and at a time when Mr. Praunce did not observe him, yet knew his face again, a [...] charged him positively with being concerned in that murther; and thereupon after Examination he was committed to Newgate on Saturday the one and twentieth of De­cember.

Upon the Munday following he made a discovery upon Oath, and then did impeach the said Fitz. Girald, Dominick Kelly, Robert Green, Henry Berry, and Laurence Hill; [...] these the two subtil Priests made shift to escape; Girald having not since been hear [...] of, but Kelly was got into the Prison of the Marshalseys by the name of Daniel Edmond being taken up somewhere in the County of Surrey where he retired to hide himself and sent thither for being a Recusant; and hearing of Praunces being apprehended made all the Interest he could to be gone, and so procured unknown Bail hired to [...] shillings a piece, and got away in December, before he was known to be Kelly [...]hough since there hath been a full discovery thereof made publick; as for Hill and Berry they were forthwith taken at their own houses, but Green was before clapt up [...] Prisoner in the Gatehouse for refusing to take the Oath, (for his Conscience was wond­erful tender in that, but able to digest a murther.) And when his Keeper came t [...] [...]quaint him that there was another Business come against him, and that he was charg­ed with the Murther of Sir Edmund-bury Godfrey, he hastily askt, Who accused him [...]nd the Keeper telling him, It was one Praunce: he presently clapt his hand on his reast, and said these words, Then am I a dead man.

20. On the 24th. of December, Praunce was carried before the King and Council, here he gave a particular account of the Circumstances of the Murther, as herein be [...] [...]re is set forth; and for more full satisfaction touching the several places he had had occasion to mention, his Majesty thought fit to appoint his Grace the Duke of Mon­mouth, the right Honourable the Earl of Ossory, the Earl of Clarendon, and Sir Robert [...]uthwell Clerk of the Council, to go with him and take his Examination on the place, [...]d see if he could shew all the particular places be had mentioned to the Board; being [Page 15]come there he shew'd his Grace and those Noble Lords, first the fatal spot, or place [...]re Sir Edmundbury Godfrey was murthered, the place where Berry was assigned to [...], and where himself stood; then the door he was carried in at by the end of the [...]es, the stairs, the long dark Entry, the door leading to Doctor Goddins Lodgings, little Chamber there were the Body was first laid; going to them all as readily as a [...] could do to any room in his own House, which all appeared to be exactly situate [...] had desc. ibed them that morning before to the Board. But as to that Room where [...]aw the body lie on the Monday-night, being cross the upper Court, (though he [...]ed them directly towards the place cross the Court, & told his Grace so far he was sure [...]as right, yet there being several Rooms, and he having never been there but once, that in the night, and only with a dark Lanthorn,) he was not able certainly to in the very Room. But as to all the other places he was positive, and so his Grace their Honours return'd very well saisfied in the reality of his Information.

21. Here is to be noted, That whilst they were viewing Doctor Goddins Lodgings, Broadstreet the Doctor's House-keeper, coming to understand what it was for, and Hill their Servant was charged with the Murther of Sir Edmundbury Godfrey, she [...] a right Papist, to keep up the reputation of the party) voluntarily offered her Oath, did swear before the Duke of Monmouth, That the said Hill had taken an House in [...]hope-street, and went thither to live and lodge at Michaelmas; whereas in truth, and [...]e Trial of the said Hill, &c it was plainly made appear before her face, That the Hill did not go to reside at such his new house so soon, but continued his Lodging [...] till about three Weeks after Michaelmas, in which time all these Transactions con­ing the murther, happened. She then further swore, that there was but one Key be­ing to the outward doore of their Lodgings, and so it was impossible that Hill [...]d go out and in, and all these things be done, and they within not see him, or take [...]e of them; and yet before they went away from thence, Mr. Praunce made it appear, she was forc'd to confess, That there were four or five Keys amongst them thereun­ [...]e of which Hill did always use to carry about him, that he might at any time [...] in, & go out at his pleasure without troubling or disturbing the rest of the Family; Mr. Praunce himself hath been several times let in by him there with, they in the [...] rooms taking no notice, as he could perceive.

22. But now because Mr, Prance would conceale nothing, but impartially set forth all happened in this matter, he must not omit the Relation of that Imbecillity (or what [...]ber and unbiast Judges shall please to call it) which has been so much talkt of, variously reported.

[...]ost true it is, though the sense of the bloody crime that he had been concerne'd in, in spight of all the Popish Doctrines he had imbib'd) work such Convictions [...]on Mr. Prance his awakned Conscience, as to make this real Confession; yet by the or thereof, the danger his life was in, the apparent hazard of being utterly undone, [...]her with a certain respect which he still bore towards that Religion he had been [...]in, and other selfish Considerations he was once, for avoiding (as he then concei­t these dangers, betray'd by humane frailty so far to retract by word of, mouth, what he before most truly consessed upon oath, as to say before the King and Council, That he innocent, and they all (meaning the rest accused) were innocent; and that was the [...]nce of all he then and there declared in that kind: For which he humbly begs par­ [...] of God, his Majesty, that Honourable Board, and the world. And though he dare [Page 16]not go a bout to excuse the same wholly, yet there are several Circumstances that my alleviated it, and render it insignificant to invalidate what he had before truly forth. For,

• 1. What he before declared concerning the murther in manner before herein set fo [...] was solemnly upon Oath; this supposed Retractation was suddenly done under consig­nation and fear, and not upon Oath.
• 2. He was at that time under certain danger of his life if he persisted in that Con­fession, for he had no pardon granted, nor any certainty of obtaining the same.
• 3. If he should obtain his pardon, he considered, That yet his Life would be sti [...] danger from the revengeful and bloody Priests and Jesuits.
• 4. His mind was sorely troubled, as with all these dangers, so with this further appre­hension, That if he should escape with his life, yet by this discovery he should lose [...] livelihood, and in all humane probabillity both he and all his Family be utterly under for as he was the Queens Servant, and that his Trade and subsistence chiefly, or ind [...] wholly depended on Her Majesties Custom, (which was certain and considerable) [...] that of other Reman Catholicks; so it was not to be doubted but the most crafty and [...] placible Priests would soon use means by false Representations and scandal, to dep [...] him thereof if he proceeded in this detection.
• 5. He retained still a certain respect to the Popish Religion in which he had so [...] been educated; for he had not yet intirely got his soul out of that snare, and therein he did then conceive, being swayed by such powerful Inducements, That he might law­fully say, He was innocent, and so they were All; which in Popish construction is no [...] deny that they killed Sir Edmundbury Godsry, for that according to their Divinity, [...] what the said Priests had solemnly declared, was no sin or crime, and consequently [...] might all in such their Catholick sense still be innocent; yet this he must acknowledge somewhat doubted, because he had never been at Confession, and received Absolute since the Fact committed, which all the rest (as some of themselves had declar'd) had d [...] and so might more peremptorily persist (as they did) in averring themselves to be [...] nocent; and he does ingenuously declare, That had he received Absolution, 'tis his he should never, or not without extream difficulty have been brought to any acknow­ledgment.

These Circumstances, together with a great distemper of body contracted by the incom­modities of Confinement, want of Air, &c. occasion'd that sudden revolt of his rea [...] and duty under that perplexity of spirit; but as soon as he had done it, Conscience [...] in his face, and would no longer be laid asleep with any delusive Popish charms; [...] he began to recollect himself, the power of Truth dispersed all these temptations of [...] terest, fear and superstition. If it were true, that he might hazard his Life and lose [...] Trade, if he did persist in the confession of the Murther; it was as true, and he fou [...] by experience, that he should never have peace of Conscience if he denied it.

And therefore he was no sooner returned from the King and council to Newgate ( [...] coming in a Coach 'tis certain was not half an hour) but he most earnestly request Capt. Richardsou (who had been with him, and heard what he had said that morning for Gods sake to go back and assure the King and that Honourable Board from him, [...] the first Confession which he had made on Oath was true in all circumstances; [...] that whatsoever he had said before them that morning to the contrary, was occasi­only by the consternation, fear, and perplexity of mind he was under, which the Capt. [Page 17] [...]mediatly did, and had since declared the same upon Oath.

23. The next day he grew more sich, in so much that his life was despaired of, co [...] ­ [...]uing so for about a week; during this sickness, the Reverend Dr, Loyd Dean of Ba [...], was charitably pleased to give him a Visit, and bestowed much pains with him at se­veral times, instructing him in the grounds and reasons of the Protestant Religion; from whose pious admonitions and labours, by the Divine blessing, he reaped much benefit fo [...] [...]e comfort and setling of his perplexed Soul, and thinks it his duty, for the sa [...] publickly to return him his hearty Thanks, Being wholly taken off from the Apostatize, [...]oody Roman Church, which he utterly renounces, and doth freely, cordially, and im­purely embrace the Protestant Religion, and therein particularly submits himself to th [...] [...]hurch of England, resolving (by Gods Grace) therein to live and die.

24. After God had been pleased to restore in some measure his health, having give [...] several Instances of stedfastness to his first Confession, by making some further Discover­es in the mean time, he was again carried before the Kings most Excellent Majesty and [...] Right Honouable the Lords of the Council, and there being largely re-examined speated his former Discoveries, agreeing in all circumstances; and then his Majesty wa [...] [...]raciously pleased with his own Royal Lips to give him assurance of his Gracious [...]rdon, and soon after the same was perfected in due Form of Law, under th [...] [...]reat Seal of England. For which with deepest sense of humility and gratitude, he de [...] ­ [...]red himself ever ready to pay most hearty thanks in all observance and duty, desiring [...] longer to enjoy that life which he holds by his Royal Favour, than he shall upon al [...] [...]casions imploy it to the utmost of his Capacity in his Majesties service, for the safety [...]his sacred life, the welfare of his Kingdoms, and the interest of the true Protestant religion.

But whereas by Popish Adversaries there have been several false and scandalous Re­ports invented and spread abroad, that he was rackt or tortured in Newgate, and with [...]ish usages forced to confess what he did touching the Treasons and Murther afore­ [...]d, he does declare the same are wholly false, and that on the contrary he did the same [...]eely within two days after he was brought in there, and that he received several Ci­vlities from Captain Richardson during his Confinment under his Custody.

And he does protest in the presence of God, the searcher of hearts, before whose just [...] dreadful Tribunal we must all appear, that as to the whole Discovery and Evidence [...] hath given, he hath not therein been byass'd with any malice or sinister ends, no [...] [...]ne any wrong to any of the persons accused; but shall conclude this impartial Ac­count of Sir Edmundbury Godfreys Murther, with his most hearty prayers, That as be [...]th obtained the Kings Majesty's Gracious pardon here on Earth, for his heinous Crime in [...]ing so Accessary to the Death of that innocent worthy Gentleman, so on sincere Repentance, [...]d through the only Merits of Jesus Christ, he may for the same receive forgiveness from the [...]ing of Kings in the World to come.

The Popish Conspiracy to Murther the Right Honourable the Earl of Shaftsbury, and some other Contrivances after Sir Edmondbury Godfrey's Death

AFter the Murther of Sir Edmundbury Godfrey, and some farther discovery of [...] Plot, there was no person (next to his Sacred Majesty) against whom the ma [...] of these Popish Conspirators was more directly levelled, than at the Right Honoural the Earl of Shaftsbury, as knowing that till so able a Statesman, and vigilant and acti [...] Patriot, firm to the true Interest of his King and Country, and zealous for the pre­servation of the Protestant Religion, was taken out of the way, their cursed Machine [...]ions would be frustrated, and their wicked designs be rendred ineffectual. And there­fore they not only by their Emissaries and Abettors, both formerly and of late, h [...] endeavoured to asperse his Honour, but also entred into a formal Conspiracy and R [...] ­olution to murther him, and engaged several barbarous Villains to do it; tho a [...] ­ [...]y the Providence of Heaven over his Noble Person, and a timely discovery happily prevented.

1. About five weeks before William Staley. (lately executed for Treason) was app­rehended, Mr. Praunce was with one Mr. Messinger (Gentleman of the Horse to th [...] [...]ord Arundel of Warder, and formerly named in this Narrative for a Design to mur [...] ­ [...]er his Sacred Majesty) one Prosser a Silver-smith, and one Matteson a Barber then li [...] [...]g in Holbourn, all rank desperate Papists, at Mr. Bradleys an Alehouse in Holbourn, [...]here the said Mr. Messinger grievously complained of the severity of the Laws that [...]ere against the Roman Catholicks, expressing his apprehensions that they would no [...] [...]e rigorously put in Execution against them, by some that were not lovers of their party, and particularly he named the Earl of Shaftsbury as one of their most dangerous nemies, and who did most concern himself about them, and in discovering the Plot, [...]d therefore he said, There must be some effectual means used to rid him out of the [...]orld, and declared that it was already resolved on.

2. That about a Fortnight, or near theresbouts, before the said Staleys Apprehension, [...] was in Company with the said Staley, and the said Matteson, at the Cross-Keys Tavern [...]er against Mr. Staleys Fathers House, where in discourse they were complaining of [...]e great Afflictions the Catholicks lay under, and what severe Usage; they must fur­ther expect, if once this, Plot should come to be believed, and be made out against [...]em; and thereupon the said Matteson said, That if they did not take some speedy [...]orse to destroy some particular persons that were their most active Enemies, they [...]eaning the Roman Catholicks in general) should be mined; and therefore in the [...] place (said he) we resolve to kill my Lord Shaftsbury, (whom he then called, The [...]ng-leader of the mischief which they feared would fall upon them:) And further, the [...] Matteson said, That he would engage three more to assist in that work of killing [...] said Earl, whose Names he then and there declared; that is to say, one Adamson a [...]tch maker, and the said Prosser, and one Bradshaw an Upholsterer.

3. That some short time after the said Matteson came to Mr. Prannees Shop, and [...]ded a Pistol out of his pocket, saying, This shall do Shaftsburys business; declaring had provided the same on purpose for killing the said Earl.

4. That afterwards Mr. Praunce met with the before-named Adamson at Mr. Ped. at the White Posts in Vere-street; where discoursing of News, Adamson said, [Page 19]That the Catholicks would be all undone, if they did not look about them, and therefore [...]y were resolved to kill the Lord Shaftsbury: Against whom, upon all occasions o [...] [...]ntion, both he and the other Persons before nominated, expressed the utmost malic [...] [...] hatred imaginable, as being, they said, most likely to obstruct and frustrate their resigns: Likewise the said Adamson another time, not long after, did again expres [...] [...]h Design to murther the said Lord, and then owned that he himself in particular was [...]aged therein, and would kill him as soon as he could get an opportunity: which [...]ords were by him uttered at the Sign of the Gridiron an Alchouse in Holbourn.

5. About the same time the beforenamed Prosser coming to Mr. Praunces Shop, did [...]ewise tell him, That he did resolve to kill the Lord Shaftsbury, and assigned this rea­ [...]n or provocation which incited him thereunto, viz. For that he the said Earl of Shaftsbu­ry and some other Protestant Lords, did intend to ruine the Lord Arundel of Warder, on the ac­ [...] of the Plot, which Lord Arundel (as he said) was his the said Prosser's very good Cu­mmer and Benefactor. And also the said Prosser did, at Mr. Bradley's House in Holbourn, de­ [...]ate, that he was to be an Ensign under the said Lord Arundel in the Forces which were [...] have been raised by the Conspirators, for the subversion of the Government and Ex­tirpation of the Protestant Religion.

6. That the before-named Bradshaw, about the same time, viz. the first or second week of November, came to Mr. Praunce's Shop one day, and in discourse did say That he would make no more to kill a Protestant than to Kill a Dog or a Cat, which [...] pronounced with a great deal of vehemency & earnestness, & said moreover, That [...] was resolved to dispatch some of those busie heretical Lords, but the first should be th [...] Lord Shaftsbury: and likewise the said Bradshaw pulled out a Pistol and shewed the same [...] the said Shop, declaring that he had prepared the same to do the said Execution there [...]th.

7. That the said Bradshaw is a violent cruel Papist, of most dangerous principles, an [...] [...] to be employed in such assassinating bloody Attempts, appears by this Instance. That about three years ago being with some Company in a Shop in Dukes-street, discoursing [...]nd seeing a little Child passing by, he voluntarily said, that he would make no mor [...] [...]o kill that heretical Child than to kill a Dog.

8. That another time the before-named Prosser, at Mr. Bradley's House in Holbourn did declare, That the before-mentioned Mr. Messinger (Gentleman of the Horse to th [...] Lord Arundel of Warder) was the person that principally promoted the killing of th [...] Lord Shaftsbury, and that he himself was engaged therein, and did not doubt but [...] short time to get an opportunity to effect the same.

9. That Mr. Henry Nevil is very intimate with the before mentioned Prosser, and hat [...] for a long time been aiding and assisting to him, and doth hold a Correspondence with the Lords in the Tower, and with some persons at Rome, sending Letters duly thither [...] and receiving great Pack quets back again from thence very frequently; and that one [...] his Servants having several of the said Letters in his Trunk, the said Mr. Nevil about last caused the said Trunk to be broak open (the Fellow being the in the Country) and took a way the said Papers, to prevent any Discovery that might [...] made thereby.

10. That Mr. Richard Nevil, Nephew to the said Henry Nevil, did maintain a Corr [...] [...]spendence with the Lords in the Tower in a very suspicious manner, viz. Dressing him­self in a Coach-mans Habit, he drove his own Coach, wherein rode his Coach man [...] [Page 20]the Equipage of a Gentleman, and taking upon him the Name of Squire Duck; wh [...] [...]eing come to the Tower, this pretended Squire Duck commanded the disguise Coach-man (who was his real master) to go into the Lords, and present his m [...] [...]umble Service to them, and to tell them that he came as nigh them as he could, an [...] [...]ould be most glad to hear of their good healths; in which disguise the said No [...] [...]ent up to their Lordships Lodging, and stayed with them a considerable time, which [...]e true Coach-man remained in the Coach. But soon afterwards the said Duck was removed from that imploy of Coach-man and sent away into the Country; for fea [...] [...] is most probable, that he should discover this and other the like Actions of the sa [...] two Gentlemen; this Relation came from the said Coach-mans own mouth.

11. That in the month of October last Mr. Praunce met with one Mr. Cozeen a French papist, and by Trade a Taylor, who walking together in Covent-Garden, and discou [...] [...]ng of News; The said Cozeen said, that the King and Parliament designed to und­ers, (meaning the Romanists) but, said he, if I were to kill a man, I would kill th [...] [...]ing as soon as any man, and if we had him in France we would have killed him be­fore now; intending thereby, as he understood him, and as the Natural sense of that expression imports, to magnifie the Courage and Zeal of their French Papists, and now ready they would be to kill their King, if he were of another Religion, which [...] proposed as an Example that he would have English Roman Catholicks to imitate [...] another time, not long after, the said Cozeen spake the same words, or to the very [...]e effect in Praunces Shop.

A brief Detection of the Immoral Behaviour, Cruel Expressions, and Vile Practices of several other Popish Priests with whom M.P. hath been acquainted.

HAving thus faithfully and impartially made a candid Discovery of the several Traiterous and Bloody Intrigues carried on by the Papists, herein before set [...]th, we shall thereunto add a short Account of the Manners of divers Romish Priests, [...]th whom Mr Praunce hath had Conversation; which he does protest to do, not out [...] any malice to their Persons, but out of detestation to their dangerous Principles [...]d lewd Practises, and more especially that others whom Education or crafty Infinu­ [...]ons have brought up in, or inveigled to the Romish Communion, may reflect and insider what kind of people they are whom they blindly follow, and thereby be [...]akened to forsake such wicked and beastly Guides and no longer be led astray by [...]em, to the dishonour of God, feandal of Christian Religion which they [...]etend to profess, disturbance of Government, danger of their Neighbours, and [...]ard of their own Souls.

1. Amongst many other Priests he had a particular acquaintance with one Mr. [...]tthews, that was Priest to the Lord Peters, who was a very bitter Enemy to all Protestants, and hath several times said, That they (meaning the Protestants) were all [...]ainly and infallibly damned, and that it was impossible for a Soul of them to be saved; [...]ther adding, that to kill any of them was no sin, especially if is were for the interest the Church; and the like wicked and cruel Expressions: He also in or about [Page 21]the Month of August last, said, That his Lord and the Lord Bellasis, with some other Catholick Lords, would ere long have a good Army on [...], and that all the Devils i [...] [...]ll could not prevent it, but the Catholick Religion would quickly be settled in Eng­land. We may believe him, that the Devils would not prevent or hinder i [...], since it was [...] much their Interest to have it establish [...], especially by such bloody and hellish mean [...] [...] the conspirators were resolved to make use of for that purpose; but God has hither [...] [...], and we hope will still, be grac [...]o sly pleased to prevent their Designs. This Gentle­man was a great Dealer in Reliques and Agnus D [...] and hath cheated divers ignorant [...]vout people (as hath been credibly reported) of considerable sums of Money for such trumpery. He hath ofte times, with much reverence and ceremoney, as kissing them [...] shewed Mr. Prance several pieces of Bones, which he said were the Bones of such & [...]h He-and-She Saints whose names her had at his Tongues end, had attributed most [...]onderful Vertues to them; for he hath affirmed, That they being worn about one; could keep the Devil from one, so that not only he should have no power to hurt ones [...]rson, but not so much as to tempt those to sin that carryed them about them: That in Tempest they would preserve one from drowning, and if at House were on fire if you [...] in one of them the same would presently stop the fire &c. But as to the last it is appa­rent, that he and his brethren, the Popish Priests and Jesuits, are far more dexterous Artist, [...] contriving devices to burn down Houses than to quench them when on Fire.

2. there was occasion before to mention one Singleton a Priest, that declared, He would [...] no more to stab 40 Parliament men, than to eat his Dinner, besides his Quality of Priest [...] was also a kind of Sollicitor or Broker amongst the Pacists, making it his business to [...] other Peoples money into his hands, and put it out to Use; in which trade he plaid [...] Extortioner most egregiously, for all that he could get above the due Interest of 6 [...] Cent. being to be put in his own Pocket, he would not let 40 or 50 l. out for six months, but he would have 40. s. for procuration, which must be deducted on the first i [...] ­ [...]ing of the Money, and yet the full legal interest to run on; and besides he always would [...] up the Bond himself, and for that business, (for which no Scrivener ever asked above [...].) he would make the poor people pay five Shillings: These Practices of his Mr. Prance can affirm on his own knowledg; and there are divers who have de. It with him [...] these terms who can testifie the same; and yet this Ghostly Father was a great preach­ [...] against Covetousness and Usury, but it seems he meant only in others, not himself: Fo [...] [...] other Cases likewise he allowed himself the like Priviledges, for he would frequently Drunk, and stay out till one or two of the Clock in the Morning, or after, and yet go [...] [...] same Forenoon to say Mass, and consequently received the Sacrament, which they [...]ch the People must in no wise be done, unless the party be strictly fasting.

3. Mr. Byfleet and Doctor Guilding, two Priests, have severally declared in Mr. Ha [...] [...] Cookes House, and divers other places, That they respectively had turned several people from the Protestant Religion, and reconciled them to the Church of Rome in the [...]ty of London, and that they hoped they should turn many more. They were both per­ [...]s of a very vitious Conversation, but stily carried it. Byfleet was a mighty magnifier o [...] [...] Vortues and Necessity of Fasting to other People in Lent Ember-days, &c. but as f [...] himself, could frequently, as is well known, dispense with six penny-worth of Victuals [...]d a quart or two of Ale, all alone for a Breakfast or Supper on the same days in his [Page 22]Chamber. As for Doctor Guilding, he was his cousir, and (they said) had read Phil­osophy many years at Doway, but very much forgot his Ethicks in England, being so only addicted to lewd Women, that one could not but conclude he received his Ordin­ation from Pope Joan, or some of her fulsome Successors.

These two la [...] amed, and Singleten, were most frequently at Mr. Hall the Coo [...] house in [...]y Lane, and there they dined, and Mr. Prance does verily believe, that th [...] [...]any Popish Books being above a Cart-load and an half, with the Priests Vestment [...]eads, Images, and other superstitious Trumpery, which were lately found there it Sear [...] [...] of his House, did belong to them; And the said Hall (as he likewise believes) d [...] now where they are, or were since they absconded themselves, for which suspicion the [...]e these two grounds. First, Because whenever about November or December last, [...]ame to speak with Singleton or either of the others, he the said Hell undertook to [...] [...]is business, and must needs deliver it to Singleton; because when he called again he fa [...] [...]ot to give M.P. an Account of it from him; Secondly, Because Mr. Hadden Servant Doctor Parrot, the Superior of Seoular Priests told him, that alwayes when he came w [...] [...]oney to be distributed for Masses for the Dead, Hall took the money that was design [...] [...] Singleton, and convey'd it to him. The meaning of which is thus, when any Rom [...] Catholick dies, 'tis probable there is a Priest (sometimes two or three) by him, who a [...] [...]er fail to put him in mind, and frighten him with the pains of Purgatory, and of [...] [...]irtues of Masses said to ease and deliver them from the same so much the sooner, so [...] [...]eing therewith terrified, If he be a person of any considerable Quality or Estate, it [...] [...]ome happens but he leaves so much money to pray his Soul out of Purgatory, then th [...] [...]oney is paid in to the Superior, who thereupon according to the Sum, sends to so m [...] [...] Priests so many shillings a piece, for which they are each to say so many Masses for th [...] [...]ceased; the common price of Mumbling over a Mass being accounted 12 d. And as [...] [...]is Doctor Parrot, who is, or lately was the Head of all this sort of Priests in England, ' [...] credibly informed, That he hath been seen in Bed with a Whore, by the said Mr. Ladden his Servant who told the same to Mr. Praunce.

4. But as whoring is counted but a Venial Sin by Papists in general; so amongst th [...] [...]arce any are more devoted thereunto than their Ghostly Fathers, who rail so loud at th [...] Protestant Clergie for having honest Wives of their own. About 3 years ago one Kelly [...] [...]ish Priest, (a Kinsman to the before named Dominick Kelly, concern'd in the murther [...] Edmund-bury-Godfrey) being just Arrived from France or Flanders, was brought [...] [...]dge at Mr. Praunces house, & the very first night, the maid going up with him to war [...] [...] Bed, he began to use some Incivilities, which the modestly opposing, he proceeded [...] violence, and would have Ravisht her, insomuch that she cryed out, and Mr. Prance [...]ife hastning up Stairs, and perceiving his rudeness, being affrighted run down against [...]aring he would have done her some mischief, and called in some Neighbours, wh [...] [...]mediately coming in, caused him to desist: for which M.P. Wife would present [...] ­ [...]y: turned him out of doors, but it being late in the Night, and he wholly a Strarg [...] the Town; He would not (though he were a Rogue) be so inhospitable to him; bu [...] [...]ffered him to stay till morning; However they were obliged to burn Candle all night [...] fear in Revenge he should do them a Mischief.

5. One Dowdal being Colonel Talbot's Priest at Twitnam. some few years ago, and un­der [Page 23]that Quality much Entrusted, stole and run a way with the Chalice, Crewet, Bason, [...]h Copes, Vestiments, Surplices and other Sacred Gear, provided for him to officiate Mass with, and being wholly a Stranger, exposed the Bason and Crewet to Sale at [...] Prance's Shop, who fairly and at a valuable price bought the sam, The Priest ha­ving received his mony, invited him into a Tavern, and afterwards agreed, That he [...] come next day to his Lodging in White-Fryers, and see the Vestments, Linnen [...] other things; which he did and offered him 8 l. but he would not take under 12 or [...] However he would go again to drink, and at last walkt with Mr. P. home, who lea­ [...]g him in a parlour, where there was a little Girl of about 6 years of Age, whilest he [...] to attend some customers in the shop, this Goalish Priest began to play the Villian [...] the Child, and would have spoil'd her, (had she not cry'd out) with his impu­ [...] Rudeness, which made him run into see what was the matter and occasioned the [...] to hasten away, and presently shifted his Lodging, for going next day to look [...] him he was gone, out of fear (as is supposed) of being apprehended for the Rob­ber, of which yet there was no great danger; For though within a day or two Mr. Prance heard of the Robbery, by one that was a servant to the Colonel, yet such was the Colonel's extreme Zeal, and so prevalent above the Resentment of his loss, that (as was by that servant assured) as soon as he discovered what their Priest had done, he [...] all his people together, and did solemnly charge them not to speak thereof to [...] person, because if known, it would be a soul scandal to their Religion; Adding if he found any of them should utter a word of it he would run them through, A [...] of secresy, (when ones life lies at Stake) almost as firm as that of confession.

[...]bout 4 years ago there was one Mr. Thomas Shepherd a person related to Mr. Prance, [...] being sick, sent to him to procure a Romish Priest to come to him, Mr. Praunce [...] wondered at his desire, as having always accounted him a Protestant, however it [...] his Request, and understanding he was very ill, and not likely to live, he did en­ [...]our to get one. And thereupon repaired to Dr. Hanson a Carmelite, at Wild-House of their Superiours, who directed him to Dr. Clement Mutus, a Benedictin Monk [...]nging to the Spanish Ambassador; but lodging then at one Irelands a Tobacconist in street, having told him the story, and what a work of Charity it would be to save a [...], he readily condescended to go, and did give the man what advice he thought fit But the sick party being very poor did not give him any money, which as appears he [...]cted; for next day the man growing still weaker, sent to desire the same Priest again, which purpose Mr. Prance went to request his company. But here truly found the old [...]erb verified. No penny no Pater-Nister for this charitable Father told him no, he would for he gave him nothing yesterday. Mr. Prance urged that so good a work as to re­ [...] a dying Heretick to the Church would reward it self, and be meritorius. H [...]repl'd [...]oved a Reward in hand, for all that of the other world; For (said he) they get Hea­ [...]y us, and why should not we get money by them: The other insisted, that the man was [...] poor, and had it not, and that he hoped he would not suffer his Soul to be lest; his Soul, quoth he, do as it will, I am resolved not to go to any twice that do not me; And so by no intreaties could be induced to stir; but the poor man soon after

[...] So sordidly covetous are these people, and not withstanding all their pretences, [...]ng really so little Regard to the Salvation of men, that they would suffer a Soul [Page 24]to perish Eternally) as they say all do that die out of their Church's Communion less they can get money, by saying it, if indeed (as they impudently pretend) [...] in their power:

There is another Priest that did likewise pretend to belong to the Spanish [...] bassadour, his name is Collins, who 'its said is now in Custody, when His Maje [...] Proclamation came out some years ago, commanding away all Priests (but as were allowed) And that none of His Subjects should go to hear Mass, this lous Father got up on the Leads of Somerset-House, and there held Conventicle, and said Mass, having a great Concourse of People that followed yet this pretious Saint, when a young Wench has come to him to Confe [...] hath been seen to get her between his Leggs, and so closely hugg, and kiss her [...] times over, as if it had been part of her Penance to be most filthily smuggled, was a common frequenter of Bawdy-Houses, and has been observed many times to [...] drunk out of such lewd places, in such filthy postures as 'tis a shame here to re [...]

There is also one Davenport a Fryer, but of what Order, Mr. Prance does not member, who calls himself, and is usually styled, Captain Davenport. He is a kind strowling, wandering Priest, that rides up and down the Countrys, but [...] ­cially, Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridg-shire, Isle of Ely, &c. where he does abunda [...] of michief in seducing people both from the Protestant Religion, and their A [...] ­giance to their Soveraign: For he makes it his whole business to infinuate, [...] News, unsettle weak heads, abuse the Church of England, and its Ministers, and serters, magnifying the Holiness, Piety, Charity, &c. of Rome, and by such his [...] perverting the minds of many; For he has long followed this michievous practic never constant in any place, but always in motion from one Gentleman's house to [...] ­ther, and some times amongst people of mean condition, to spread his poyson the [...] ­ther; As if he design'd to infect the whole Country. He is no doubt a very danger [...] fellow, and no longer ago then the last Summer was Twelve-month, there being Chapter (as they call it, that is, a General Convention) of Fryars held in Som [...] set-House, whither many resorted both from beyond the Sear, and all parts of [...] Realm; On what Design (whether to carry on the Great Work) Mr. Prance [...] not, But hath some reason to suspect it was for no good purpose: For seeing ab [...] Twenty of them together, amongst the rest there was this Captain Davenport, whom then heard say, That he hoped to be a Captain once again in the Catholick Cause, fore he dyed.

There is one Bully, a Secular Priest, who formerly did belong to a French Embas [...]dour, but of late his Trade has been to run about Hackneying forth of Masses for tw [...] pence a piece at private Houses, where ever he can get Customers. He was might strict in his teaching (as they all do) That people must by no means eat or drink a drop the morning on which they intend to Receive the Eucharist, before they come to Mass, [...] cause they must receive strickly Fasting; Yet hath not only been frequently seen in [...] Road to Mr. Paston's in Duke-street, call in at an Ale house, and take his pot [...] more of Ale, and so away to Mass; (Now a Priest cannot say Mass, but he himself must needs receive.) But also he ha [...] been known at play at Cards, Tippling in Comp­any, and Drunk after One a Clock in the morning at Pedley's at the White Posts, and [...] [...]he same day Trudge to Mass and earn a Shiling to furnish a fresh debauch. But the [Page 25]are not all the rare Qualities he has, For he is a notable Whore-monger too; Nay if the General Report be true that is currant amongst Catholicks) keeps another [...]n's Wife; which Mr. Prance is the rather inclined to believe, because he hath [...] met them hand in hand in Cheapside, and other places.

There is one Holt a Secular Priest, that used to officiate at the Lady Somersets [...] [...]incolns-Iun-Fields, who is a virulent Enemy to all Protestants, and hath often be [...] [...]ard by Mr. Praunce to declare, That it is impossible any of them should ever [...] [...]ved. Now how ready a way is this to inflame Papists against them, and how apt w [...] [...]ey be to cut their throats, and any way destroy those whom they are already made to believe are Enemies of God, and nothing but fit fewel for Hell. And th [...] his was his Design, is most probable both by the violent eagerness of such his Expres­sions, As also because Mr. Prance hath often heard him say. That he did not doubt [...] to see Heresse rooted out, and the Catholick Religion e're long estal lished in Eng­land.

Father James an eminent Friar at Somerset-House lately deceased, was for several yea [...] [...]onsessor to Mr. Praunce, so that he had with him an intimate Familiarity; About year and an half ago discoursing with him, He told him, That there would short [...] be on foot a considerable Force to settle the Roman Gatholick Religion in Eng­land; And that he did not question but to see it established very shortly. Upon which Mr. Praunce said to him, That he was confident that could never be do [...] without opposing his Majesties Authority; and it would be a great shame and scand to Roman Catholicks, who had valued themselves so much upon their Loyalty in th [...] [...]ate Times, if they now should be Guilty of Rebellion against their King. Whereupon [...] replied, That in the Cause of God there was no Consideration to be had of Pri­nces; That it was no sin to be active to suppress Heresie, and establish the Cath­olick Doctrine: For though Obedience was a duty in other Circumstances, yet in th [...] Case the Obedience to the Church was to be preferred; For the Civil Magistrates [...] submit to the Spiritual, and might lawfully be resisted, and That it was the Duty very Priest to give any man Absolution that should be concerned therein, with sev­eral other Seditious and Traiterous Expressions. And further Mr. Praunce having several times fallen into discourse upon some occasions concerning the nature of [...] Absolution given by him and other Priests, he the said Father James did declare That such Absolution was a full and perfect Remission of Sin, and such an Acquit [...] is rendred any man as innocent and free from Guilt as the first day he was born, fr [...] any actual Transgression. Then he askt him, for Example. If a person should com­mit a Sin, and confess it to him, or any other Priest, and receive an Absolution, a were afterwards taxed or questioned for that Fact, Whether he might with a safe Co­nscience, and without Sin say be was innocent. To which the said Father James repli [...] That if such person had received such Absolution, and performed the Penance impo [...] upon him, he may lawfully say, He was innocent: for, says he, When God by [...] mouth of his Priest, has absolved any person, he becomes innocent in the sight of G [...] and being so, has no reason to impeach himself by owning of the Crime before m [...] nor cast a scandal on the Church, which to do would be a greater sin, than to de [...] matter which he is no ways obliged to confess.

[Page 26] These and several other like Discourses to the same purport and effect hath the [...] [...]ather James declared to Mr. Praunce, inquiring his Instructions for the Direction is Conscience; whereby may appear, by what measures such men steer the Soul hose that ignorantly commit themselves to their Conduct; and no wonder it [...], that some persons gasp out their last Breath with pronouncing a Lie, and per [...] [...] the utmost in denial of those Crimes, which both their own Consciences and [...] world know them to be guilty of, since they are before hand hardened into a person [...], That it is not evil, but rather their Duty in respect to the Churches Interest so [...] [...]o.

Jeremy Jennings, a Secular Priest, lately living at Mr. Ramseys near Norwich in No [...] ­ [...]lk; a little after Midsummer last, both at Mrs. Hells in Eagle-Court in the Strand, an [...] [...] Mr. Praunces own Shop, told him, That we should shortly see better times, an [...] [...]at he did not doubt, but such Roman Catholick Priests as he was, should e're lo [...] [...]alk publickly in Parsons habits. He also hath reconciled several (as he hath acknowl­edged) to the Church of Rome, and amongst his Acquaintance was very free of h [...] [...]eads, and Prayer books, and hath been heard to say Mass at Sir Henry Benifields, [...] Oxford. Hall in Norfolk; So that by such his aforesaid Words, there is good reason [...] [...]dge that the said Jennings was acquainted with the Plot, nay it is reasonable to be [...] [...]e that there was not a Priest in England, nay scarce any Gentleman of Note, or [...] [...]te person of any Condition of the Roman Catholick Perswasion, but was privy [...] the said Plot and Conspiracy, if not as to the particular Intrigues, yet at least as [...] General Substance and Designs thereof.

There was one Monsieur L' Hay (to the best of Mr. Praunces remembrance, that was [...]s right name) who not much above a year ago retaining to a Foreigner, a Person [...] condition (whose name and Quality is not convenient here to mention) did debauch young Woman, and to avoid Charge that he suspected might ensue, by her proving [...]ith Child, procured a certain person of his acquaintance to be married unto her [...] [...]d after this, privately bargained to commit Adultery with her for so much a time [...] which he practised so long without payment, that at last at the rate agreed on, he was [...] l. in her debt, which refusing or avoiding to pay, the Woman impatient to be so [...]ved, did repair unto his Lords House, and getting access to him complained of his Priests owing her Twenty pounds; who demanding for what? She, after some tri­ [...]ings of pretended modesty, confessed it was for the ill use of her Body; the Gentle­man surprized, and scarce believing her, askt her when the last time was that he had do with her? She answered on Friday last about Nine of the Clock in the Fore­ [...]on; the Gentleman remembring that his Priest was that day at Mass; told her, She [...]s certainly mistaken; but she persevering in her story, he called in the Priest, de­sanding if he owed her any money; which he not being able to deny, nor yet to clare on what good account he became so indebted to her, his Master could not but include him Guilty, and began to upbraid him, saying, Are not you a most profane [...]llain to lye with this Woman at Nine a clock and approach to the Altar, and offer to [...]ceive Gods Body before Ten, and that without any Absolution too? The Priest [...]uld not deny but that he was Rogue enough, but as to the last particular, assured [...]m he had Absolution. And being inquired how or from whom, after some Evasion [...] confessed that are her French Priest and he both lay with her successively at that [Page]time [...]nd that they mutually [...] each other Absolution; which is a notable Reli­ [...] method of Whoring, and as 'tis likely often practised by these Ghostly Fathers. [...]elation Mr. Praunce doth not aver upon his own knowledge, but knew the said Hay very well, and was most credibly informed and assured of the Truth there.