POpery is the nurse of rebellion, and the mother of disastrous discords; yea the very handmaid to distru­cton for where Popish superstitions, and Romish in­novations are imbraced, there rebellion is commonly fo­mented: and where rebellion findes nutriment, there is a necessary dependance of discords; and in a Kingdome where discords flourish, destruction cannot be farre off. The treacheries which the Papists have oftentimes moulded against this Realme, are numerous, and the plots circumvented daily against the purity of our reli­gion, are so various, that it had been confounded and sup­planted long since in an absolute eradication of all san­ctity, if so be divers strong Pillars thereof had not sup­ported the ponderous stratagems intended against the same, by prodigious conspiracies.

The resolution of the Papists have bin grounded often­times, and withall fully resolved to subvert this king­dome: And the Iesuites have alwayes diligently labou­red with sedulity, to ruinate the Realme. But both have been plotting alwayes the subversion of the Parliament, if so be they could perfect their minds in any wise. But [Page] (alas!) the sage iudgements of the Parliament are so pregnant, and the eye of their apprehentise intellect is to acute, that it can easily dive into the hiddenest vault of their secretest plot and conspiracie. For their hea­ven-guided mindes are taught by the supreame Dire­ctor of all wisedome: therefore whatsoever is pretended against them, is like mists and fogges, that when they arise, seeme to obscure and oppose the Sunne: but at its first appearance it dissipate them all; Even so the plots which the Papists pretend against our Parliament, are nullified as easily at the splendent and glorious appea­rance of the irillustrious Councels.

But lest I should deviate from my purpose, I will in some manner relate the intended treacherie which the Papists had in tended against the Parliament.

Many of the Iesuites, and other Recusants, knowing that the Parliament was tranferred into London, first at Guild Hall, and afterwards at Grocers Hall, did convo­cate their hell-nourished Councels together, striving to nurse and foment some plot against them at their next returne unto Westminster. Thus having so opportune a time, they moulded a conspiracie; but they could not get the possession againe of the Cellar: so that by this meanes they could not equalize the Gun-powder Trea­son plot. But they were resolved to provide a sudden Army, and great munition of Military affaires, that when as the Parliament should returne to Westmin­ster Hal againe, they would violently rush in upon them.

This nefarious conspiracie of theirs was discovered by a Letter sent from L. M. a Iesuite, to R. C. a Po­pish Lord, and was found by a Gentleman neere White­hall. [Page] This Letter did containe many prodigious things included in it, obscurely mentioning of some private treachery, which was intended against the Parliament and Citie of London, and did give the Lord notice to bee absent at such a time; when the plot was to bee delivered. But report hereof being immediatly sent to the Committee, great watch was appointed to attend on both sides of the Parliament House, and carefull search about the house, and the Cellar thereof.

But (alas!) how all their determinated Councels were disanulled, and how all their inventions were frustrated: for the Parliament themselves did sus­pect some private treachery amongst the Papists, fo­mented against them: therefore they desired the trai­ned Bands to guard them to the House. The Water­men proffred ten thousand of them in Arms to guard them downe by water. And hereupon having presen­ted a Petition to both, it was accordingly granted. Thus the Parliament was conducted with irresistable forces; and maugre all the intents of the Romish Recusants resolutions, they returned to Westmin­ster in great pompe, sufety, peace and tranquility to both houses, with the plausible acclamations of the people.

But the Papists had not onely intended their plot against the Parliament, but also, against London: Whereupon the Citizens, having great suspition thereof, doe watch day and night in defence of them­selves.

They must have strong forces that are resolved to subvert a Citie so great, and, so strong, and so well [Page] fortified as London is: for otherwise they will seeme but as a Boy to a Giant, or a Pigmy to Heroides. They may proceed in their Conspiracies, but I be­lieve to little effect: for there is a divine providence that sees their wicked and nafarious machinations, who will never permit his people that trust in him, to bee subverted by such trayterous designes. The Kings Maiesty perceiving the City in such tumultu­ous discords, and dissentions, went last Munday to Hampton Court, with the Queen, Prince, and all his royall Off-spring. Divers causes did induce him thereunto: first being opposed in his Maiesties plea­sure by the House of Commons, concerning Master Pym, and other Parliament men, who were impeach­ed of High Treason: but it was denyed by the House, who delivered themselves as Responsall for those Members, who were accused. The Kings Maiesty having in his owne royall Person once or twice de­manded them of the House, and being still frustra­ted, afterwards proclaimed them Traytors: but the House of Commons set out a Declaration to the contrary. Thus His Maiesty being crossed in his Princely intent, was somewhat perplexed hereupon in his vexarious thoughts, which caused his iust indig­nation: and partly for this cause, and partly for the dayly tumults, and confusive nprores in the City, His Maiestie departed from Westminster to Hamp­ton Court, with the Queen, Prince, and his Royall Progenie: having at the least two or three hundred men guarding them, everie man with a brace of Pi­stolls. God grant that His Maiestie may returne a­gaine, to the preservation of peace, and tranquillitie in the Kingdome. Amen.