His Majesties declaration, directed to all persons of what degree and qualitie soever, in the Christian world with a letter from divers godly ministers of the Church of England to the assembly of the Kirk of Scotland, shewing the cause of these troubles : and a list of the popish vicker-generalls, Jesuites, priests and fryers in England, and their names and places to them assigned, in the severall provinces of England and Wales, to exstinguish the Protestant clergie and religion and bring in and settle popery instead thereof. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A31851 of text R11738 in the English Short Title Catalog (Wing C2199). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 22 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 5 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2017 A31851 Wing C2199 ESTC R11738 11910638 ocm 11910638 50811 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A31851) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 50811) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 228:E6, no 9) His Majesties declaration, directed to all persons of what degree and qualitie soever, in the Christian world with a letter from divers godly ministers of the Church of England to the assembly of the Kirk of Scotland, shewing the cause of these troubles : and a list of the popish vicker-generalls, Jesuites, priests and fryers in England, and their names and places to them assigned, in the severall provinces of England and Wales, to exstinguish the Protestant clergie and religion and bring in and settle popery instead thereof. Charles I, King of England, 1600-1649. England and Wales. Sovereign (1625-1649 : Charles I) [8] p. Printed by Jane Coe, London : 1644. Reproduction of original in Thomason Collection, British Library. eng Great Britain -- Church history -- 17th century. A31851 R11738 (Wing C2199). civilwar no His Majesties declaration, directed to all persons of what degree and qualitie soever, in the Christian world. VVith a letter from divers go [no entry] 1644 3785 10 0 0 0 0 0 26 C The rate of 26 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the C category of texts with between 10 and 35 defects per 10,000 words. 2005-10 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2005-11 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2005-12 Judith Siefring Sampled and proofread 2005-12 Judith Siefring Text and markup reviewed and edited 2006-01 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion HIS MAJESTIES DECLARATION , Directed to all Persons of what degree and qualitie soever , in the Christian World . VVith a LETTER from divers Godly Ministers of the CHURCH of ENGLAND , to the Assembly of the KIRK of SCOTLAND ; Shewing the cause of these troubles . And a LIST of the Popish Vicker-Generalls , Jesuites , Priests , and Fryers , in England , and their Names and Places to them assigned , in the severall Provinces of England , and Wales , to exstinguish the PROTESTANT Clergie , and Religion , and bring in , and settle Popery instead thereof . Published according to Order . London , Printed by JANE COE . 1644. His Majesties Declaration to all Forraign Protestant Churches . CHarles by the providence of Almighty God , King of England , Scotland , France , and Ireland , Defender of the Faith , &c. To all those who professe the true Reformed Protestant Religion , of what Nation , degree , and condition so ever they be , to whom this present Declaration shall come : Greeting , WHereas We are given to understand , that many false Rumours , and scandalous Letters , are spred up and down amongst the Reformed Churches in forraign parts , by the politique , or rather the pernicious industry of some ill-affected persons , that We have an inclination to receed from that Orthodox Religion which We were born , baptized , and bred in , and which We have firmly professed , and professed and practised throughout the whole course of Our Life , to this moment , and that We intend to give way to the introduction , and publike exercise of Popery again in Our Dominions : Which conjecture , or rather most detestable calumny , being grounded upon no imaginable foundation , hath raised these horrible Tumults , and more then barbarous Wars throughout this flourishing Island , under pretext of a kinde of Reformation , which would not onely prove incongruous , but incompatible with the Fundamentall Laws , and Government of this Kingdom ; We desire that the whole Christian World should take notice , and rest assured , that We never entertained in Our imagination , the least thought to attempt such a thing , or to depart a jot from that holy Religion , which when We received the Crown and Scepter of this Kingdom , We took a most solemn Sacramentall Oath , to professe and protect . Nor doth Our most constant practise and quotidian visible presence , in the exercise of this sole Religion , with so many Asserverations in the head of Our Armies , and the publike attestation of our Barons , with the circumspection used in the education of Our Royall Off-spring , besides divers other undenyable arguments , onely demonstrate this ; But also that happy Alliance of Marriage , We contracted betwixt Our eldest Daughter , and the Illustrious Prince of Orange , most cleerly confirms the reality of Our intentions herein ; by which Nuptiall engagement , it appears further , That Our endeavours are not onely to make a bare profession thereof , in Our 〈◊〉 Dominions , but to inlarge and corroborate it abroad , as much as liet● in Our Power . This most holy Religion of the Anglican Church , ordained by so many Convocations of learned Divines , confirmed by so many Acts of Parliament , and strengthned by so many Royall Proclamations , together with the Ecclesiastick Discipline , and Liturgie thereunto appertaining ; which Liturgie , and Discipline , the most eminent of Protestant Authors , as well Germanes , as French ; as well Danes , as Swedes and Switzers ; as well Belgians as Bohemians , do with many elogies ( and not without a kinde of Envy ) approve and applaud in their publike writings , particularly in the transactions of the Synod of Dort , wherein besides others of Our Divines ( who afterwards were Prelates ) one of Our Bishops assisted , to whose dignitie all due respects and precedency was given : This Religion We say , which Our Royall Father of blesled memory , doth publikely assert in that His famous Confession , addressed ( as We also do this Our Protestation ) to all Christian Princes : This most holy Religion , with the Hierarchy and Liturgie thereof , We solemnly protest , That by the help of Almighty God , We will endeavour , to Our utmost power , and last period of Our life , to keep entire and invioable , and will be carefull , according to Our duty to Heaven , and the tenour of the aforesaid most sacred Oath at Our Coronation , that all Our Ecclesiasticks in their severall degrees and incumbences , shall Preach and practise the same . Wherefore We enjoyn and command all Our Ministers of State beyond the Seas , as well Ambassadours as Residents , Agents , and Messengers , and We desire all the rest of Our loving Subjects , that sojourn either for curiositie or commerce in any forraign parts , to communicate , uphold , and assert this Our solemn and sincere Protestation , when opportunitie of time and place shall be offered . The Contriver of this Declaration , whether it was Digby or who ever it was , doth here in his Maiesties Name , Charge not onely us with sending but other Protestant Churches with receiving groundlesse Calumnies , and there upon came these Warrs to be raised . But if His Maiestie will be pleased to beleeve the Godly Protestant Ministers of this Kingdome they will iustifie for us that it is the Hierarchie , & the Hierarchicall Factions , the Prelates , Papist , Delinquents , and their adherents that have been and are the fomenters , and Incendiaries of these our Confused conflicts . A Letter Subcribed by divers Godly Protestant Ministors in the Church of England , sent to the Generall Assemblie of the Church of Scotland . Right Reverend in our Lord and Saviour , WE received with much joy and satisfaction , the answer of your Generall Assembly , vouchsafed us to our Letters of the last yeer : Some of us in name of our Brethren , thought it then fit by Master Alexander Henderson ( a Brother so justly approved by you , and honoured by us ) to return our desired thanks : And we now further think it equall upon this occasion , to make a more publique acknowledgement of such a publique favour : You w●re then pleased to give us fair grounds to expect that Brotherly advice and endeavours , which the common cause of Christ , and the mutuall interest of the united Nations , command us now again to ask , if not to chalenge . We doubt not but your experience , together with your intelligence , abundantly informs you of our condition , what various administrations of providence we have passed thorow , and we still lie betwixt hopes and fears , a fit temper for working , the God of all grace inable us to improve it . As our hopes are not such as may make us secure ; so neither do our fears prevail to the casting away of our confidence . Your own late condition , together with this Declaration of our present , may acquaint you with the certain , though subtle Authors and Fomenters of these our confused conflicts , which we conceive to be the Hierarchicall faction , who have no way to peace and safety , but through the trouble of others . Our prayers and endeavours according to our measure have been , and shall be for the supplanting and rooting up whatsoever we finde so prejudiciall to the establishment of the Kingdom of Christ , and the peace of our Soveraign . And that this Declaration of our selves may not leave you unsatisfied , we think it requisite further to expresse , That the desire of the most godly and considerable part amongst us , is , That the Presbyterian Government , which hath just and evident foundation , both in the Word of God , and religious reason , may be established amongst us , and that ( according to your intimation ) we may agree in one confession of Faith , one directory for worship , one publique Catechisme and form of Government , which things , if they were accomplished , we should much rejoyce in our happy subjection to Christ our Head , and desired association with you our beloved Brethren : For the better effecting whereof , we thought it necessary , not onely to acquaint you with what our desires are in themselves , but also to You , that is , That what shall seem most fit to the wisdom of that grave and Religious Assembly , may be taken for the furtherance of our endeavours in this kinde . We understand that our Parliament hath been before-hand with us in this intimation , and it cannot be but our duty , who are so much concerned in the businesse , to adde what power the Lord hath given , with you , to the same purpose . This design and desire of ours hath evennesse on the left hand , and dissenting Brethren on the right ; but we doubt not that as our hearts justifie us that our intentions are right , and such as we conceive tend most directly to the glory of God , and peace of the Churches of the Saints : So ( by your brotherly concurrence in the most speedy and effectuall way you can finde ou●● ) the work will in Gods due time receive a prayed for , and hoped for issue . We shall not need by any arguments from mutuall Nationall interest ( thouuh we know ye will not over-looke these ) to inforce this request , the sam● bond wherewith we are all united in the Lord Jesus Christ , we are assured , will alone ingage your faithfull endeavours in this businesse . To him we commit you , with these great and important Affaires you have in hand . Be pleased to accept of these , as the expression of the mindes of our many Godly and faithfull Brethren , whose hearts we doubt not of , neither need you though their hands in regard of the suddennesse of this opportuniy , could not be subscribed , together with ours , who are . London , Iuly 22. 1644. Your most affectionate Friends , and Brethren in the work of the Lord . Sic subscriber . In the next place , the contriver of this Declaration goes about to make the world beleeve , that our fear of the bringing in of Popery , is grounded upon no imaginable Foundation . But the truth of it is , we had great cause to fear it ; For there were Cardinals appointed in Rome to come over , and Vicker-generals , Archdeacons , Deans , Priests and Fryers , not onely chosen , but planted in all places throughout the Kingdom of England , and Dominion of Wales , and all of them had approbation from Rome , before they could be received by Authority of the Romish Church in England . And therefore , for more fuller satisfaction , That all the World may know how His Majesty hath been misled by a pernicious and wicked crue of Papists , Priests and Fryers ; and how neer this Kingdom was brought to be subjected to Popish Religion . Here followeth a Catalogue of the Jesuites , Popish Priests , and Fryers , that were appointed to be placed in their severall places throughout the severall Diocesse of England , and Dominion of Wales . 1. The Vicker-Generall for the Cities of London , and Westminster , the Counties of Kent , Barks , Sussex , Surrey , Essex , and Hartfordshire , was chosen and settled , his name , father Gregory Fisher . 2. For the Vicker-Generall for the Counties of Cornwall , Devon , Sommerset , Wilts , Gloster , and Hampshire : Master Hammon in Cornwall was chosen , a notorious Fryer . 3. For the Counties of Bedford , Huntington , Cambridge , Ely , Lincoln , Norfolk , and Suffolk , was chosen Master Herbert . 4. For the Counties of Oxford , Buckingham , Northampton , 〈◊〉 , Stafford , Warwick , Worcester , and Chester , was chosen Doctor B●svile . 5. For Wales , one Humphrey Hughes , and under him , Master 〈◊〉 and Master Barrington ; the one for North-Wales , the other for South-Wales . 6. For the Counties of York , Derby , Nottingham , Linc●●● , 〈◊〉 Rutland , were nominated , Master Faulkner and Master 〈…〉 certain who was chosen . 7. For Lancashire , Westmerland , Cumberland , Northumberland , and Durham , Master Holden , and Master Lab. Were nominated after , Master Tralloy , who was Vicker before them . These are called Vicker Generals , and were none of them placed without the consent of the Pope , all of them being notorious Popish Priests , and Fryers . And besides these , there were also other Priests and Fryers appointed , for severall charges throughout the Kingdom . A Catalogue of some already discovered , here follows . 1. About London and Westminster , were father Musket , Archdeacon , Master Webstar , Dean , and other Popish Priests ; father Curtes , father Howard , Blaeklo , Harrington , Barker , Holden , Filton , Hide , Clifford , Laborn , Drury , and others . 2. About Cornwall and those parts , Master Manger , Archdeacon , and other Popish Priests , and Fryers : Father Martin , father Woodward , two Warhams . VVhite , Hames , Brown , Newman . 3. In Bedfordshire , &c. Father Thomas , Green , VVeeke , Everard , Garlton , Henry Blacklo , Ely , Hoh , Marchand . 4. In Oxfordshire , &c. Master Button , Archdeacon , besides father B●rlo , Breuerton , Venables , Laurence , Suttlo , Turbervil , Iennings , Ellis , Falkner , Cheeks , Hughes . 5. In Wales , father Stephens , Vaughen , Pew , Permaunt , VVilliams , Barrington , Powel , Perkins , Street , Holland , Remble , Lay , Green , Elliots , Morris , two of the Prices . 6. In Yorkeshire , &c. Father French , Arnold , Fathering , Hughes , Iackeson , VVorthington . 7. In Lancashire , &c. Master Redman , Archdeacon , and other Priests and Fryers ; Father Catreck , VValker , Blunderston , Nevel , Neatby , Lassels , Green , Constable , Hodgeson , Strickland , Sands , Tolly , Sale , VVorthington , and father Tunstall , besides many more . All which , were placed there to extirpate the Protestant Religion , and bring in Popery . A Message not much unlike this Declaration , was sent from the King to the Parliament , in September , 1642. At which time , the Lords and Commons sent this Petition following to His Majestie . May it please Your Majestie ; WE the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled , do present this our houble Answer to your Majesties Message of the eleventh of this instant Moneth of September . When we consider the oppression rapine , firing of houses , Murthers ( even at this time whilest Your Maiestie propounds a Treatie ) committed upon Your good Subjects by your Souldiers in the presence , and by the authority of their Commanders , being of the number of those whom Your Majestie holds your self bound in honour and conscience to protect , as persons doing their duties , We cannot thinke your Majestie hath done all that in you lies , to prevent or remove the present distractions , nor so long as your Majestie will admit no peace , without securing the afithors and instruments of these mischiefs from the justice of Parliament , which yet shall be ever dispensed , with all requisite moderation , and distinction of offences , although some of those persons be such , in whose preservation your Kingdom cannot be safe , nor the unquestionable Rights and Priviledges of Parliament be maintained : without which , the power and dignitie thereof will fall into contempt : We beseech Your Majesty therefore to consider your expressions , That God shall deal with you and your posterity as your Majestie desires the preservation of the just rights of Parliament , which being undeniable in the trying of such as we have declared to be Delinquents , we shall beleeve your Maiestie , both towards your self and Parliament , will not in this priviledge we are most sensible of , denyus that which belongs unto the meanest Court of Iustice in this Kingdom : neither hath Your Majestie cause to complaine that you are denyed a Treaty , when we offer all that a Treaty can produce , or Your Majestie expect , Security , Honour , Service , Obedience , Support , and all other effects of an humble , loyall , and faithfull subjection , and seek nothing but that our Religion , Libertie , Peace of the Kigdome , safety of the Parliament , may be secured from the open violence and cunning practises of a wicked partee , who have long ploted our ruine and destruction : And if there were any cause of Treatie , we know no competent persons to Treate between the King and the Parliament ; And if both cause and persons were such as to invite a Trteay , the season is altogether unfit , while Your Majesties Standard is up , and your Proclamations and Declarations unrecalled , whereby your Parliament is charged with Treason . If Your Majestie shall persist to make your selfe a shield and defence to those instruments , and shall continue to reject our faithfull and necessary advice for securing and maintaining Religion , and Liberty with peace of the Kingdome , and safety of the Parliament , we doubt not but to indifferent judgements , it will easily appear who is most tender of that innocent blood which is like to be spilt in this cause ; Your Majestie who by such persisting doth endenger Your selfe and your Kingdomes , or we who are willing to hazard our selves to preserve both . We humbly beseech Your Majestie to consider how impossible it is , That any Protestation , though published in your Majesties Name , of your tendernesse of the miseries of your Protestant Subjects in Ireland , of your resolution to maintain the Protestant Religion , and Lawes of this Kingdome , can give satisfaction to reasonable and indifferent men , 〈…〉 time divers of the Irish Traitors and Rebells , the known favourers of them and the Agents for them , are admitted to Your Majesties presence with grace and favour , and some of them imployed in your service ; when the Cloaths , Munition , Horses , and other necessaries bought by your Parliament , and sent for the supply of the Army against the Rebells there , are violently taken away , some by Your Majesties command , others by your Ministers , and applyed to the maintenance of an unnaturall War against your people here . All this notwithstanding , as we never gave Your Majestie any iust cause of withdrawing Your self from Your great Counsell , so it hath ever been , and shall ever be far from us to give any impediment to Your returne , or to neglect any proper meanes of curing the distempers of the Kingdome , and closing the dangerous breaches betweene Your Majestie and Your Parliament , according to the great Trust which lyeth upon us . And if Your Majestie shall now be pleased to come backe to Your Parliament , without Your forces , we shall be ready to secure Your Royall Person , Your Crown and Dignitie , with our lives and Fortunes ; Your presence in this Your great Counsell being the onely meanes of any Treaty betwixt Your Majestie and them , with hope of successe . And in none of our desires to Your Majestie shall we be swayed by any particular mans advantage , but shall give a cleer Testimonie to Your Maistie and the whole world , That in all thing done by us , we faithfully intend the good of Your Majstie ●ct of Your Kingdoms ; And that we will not be diverted from this end by any private or selfe-respect whatsoever . One thing more is much to be taken notice of , which relisheth rather of Digbies spirit , then of His Majesties Penning , which is this ; The Declaration which is published in English , saith thus , This most holy Religion , with the Hierarchy and Liturgie thereof , we solemnly protest , &c. But in the Latin ( with the Plierarchy and Liturgie ) is left out : so that indeed it speaks one thing to us , and another thing to forraign Nations : And whereas those of His Maiesties subiects are desired to uphold this Protestation when opportunity and time shall be offered . I could wish that His Maiestie would be pleased to remember those many Covenants , by which He is bound to return to His Parliament , and seek the peace and safety of His people , and not by protecting a few Popish , Prelaticall , Jesuiticall , Incendiaries , and Delinquents ; bring Himself , His Posterity , and Kingdom to ruine . God Almighty be pleased to put it into the Kings heart , to consider the bleeding condition of His poor people , and cause Him to return to comply with His Parliament , to the stopping of this great effusion of blood , and the setling of the Church , and Kingdom in peace and tranquilitie ; which God grant . FINIS .