ments towards that sect, which through the whole course of the civil wars, had strenuously supported the rights of the sovereign. The rigour too, which the king, during his abode in Scotland, had experienced from the presbyte thoughtless humour of Charles rendered him an easy convert to popery, the same disposition ever prevented the theological tenets of that sect from taking any fast hold of him. During his vigorous state of health, while his blood was warm and his spirits high; a contempt and disregard to all religion held possession of his mind; and he might more properly be denominated a deist than a catholic. But in those king, from the narrow state of his revenue, was no longer able to retain. By the treaty with Portugal it was stipulated that Dunkirk should never be yielded to the Spaniards: France was therefore the only purchaser that remained. D'Estrades was invited over by arians, disposed him to run into the other exletter from the chancellor himself in order to treme, and to bear a kindness to the party conclude the bargain: 900,000l. were de- most opposite in its genius to the severity of manded: 100,000l. were offered. The English those religionists. The solicitations and imby degrees lowered their demand: the French portunities of the queen-mother, the contagion raised their offer: and the bargain was con- of the company which he frequented, the view cluded at 400,000l. The artillery and stores of a more splendid and courtly mode of worwere valued at a fifth of the sum. The im-ship, the hopes of indulgence in pleasure; all portance of this sale was not, at that time, these causes operated powerfully on a young, sufficiently known, either abroad or at home. prince, whose careless and dissolute temper The French monarch himself, so fond of ac- made him incapable of adhering closely to the quisitions, and so good a judge of his own in-principles of his early education. But if the terests, thought that he had made a hard bargain; and this sum, in appearance so small, was the utmost which he would allow his ambassador to offer.-A new incident discovered such a glimpse of the king's character and principles as, at first, the nation was somewhat at a loss how to interpret, but such as subsequent events, by degrees, rendered sufficiently plain and manifest. He issued a Declaration (26th Dec.) on pretence of mitigating the ri-revolutions of temper, when the love of raillery gours contained in the Act of Uniformity. After expressing his firm resolution to observe the general indemnity, and to trust entirely to the affections of his subjects, not to any military power, for the support of his throne, he mentioned the promises of liberty of conscience, contained in his Declaration of Breda. And he subjoined, that, as in the first place he had been zealous to settle the Uniformity of the church of England, in discipline, ceremony, and government, and shall ever constantly maintain it: so as for what concerns the penalties upon those who, living peaceably, do not conform themselves thereunto, through scruple and tenderness of misguided conscience, but modestly and without scandal perform their devotions in their own way, he should make it his special care, so far as in him lay, without invading the freedom of parliament, to incline their wisdom next approaching sessions to concur with him in making some such act for that purpose, as may enable him to exercise, with a more universal satisfaction, that power of dispensing which he conceived to be inherent in him.' Here a most important prerogative was exercised by the king; but under such artful reserves and limitations as might prevent the full discussion of the claim, and obviate a breach between him and his parliament. The foundation of this measure lay much deeper, and was of the utmost consequence. The king, during his exile, had imbibed strong prejudices in favour of the catholic religion; and according to the most probable accounts, had already been secretly reconciled in form to the church of Rome. The great zeal, expressed by the parliamentary party against all papists, had always, from a spirit of opposition, inclined the court, and all the royalists, to adopt more favourable sentiVOL. IV. gave place to reflection, and his penetrating, but negligent, understanding was clouded with fears and apprehensions, he had starts of more sincere conviction; and a sect, which always possessed his inclination, was then master of his judgment and opinion. But though the king thus fluctuated, during his whole reign, between irreligion, which he more openly professed, and popery, to which he retained a secret propensity, his brother, the duke of York, had zealously adopted all the principles of that theological party. His eager temper and narrow understanding made him a thorough convert, without any reserve from interest, or doubts from reasoning and inquiry. By his application to business he had acquired a great ascendant over the king, who, though possessed of more discernment, was glad to throw the burden of affairs on the duke, of whom he entertained little jealousy. On pretence of easing the protestant dissenters, they agreed upon a plan for introducing a general toleration, and giving the catholics the free exercise of their religion; at least, the exercise of it in private houses. The two brothers saw with pleasure so numerous and popular a body of the clergy refuse conformity; and it was hoped that, under shelter of their name, the small and hated sect of the catholics might meet with favour and protection." SECOND SESSION OF THE SECOND PARLIAMENT. The King's Speech on opening the Session.] Feb. 18, 1662-3. This day parliament met after a recess of nine months; upon which occasion his majesty made the following Speech to both houses: "My Lords and Gentlemen; I am very glad to meet you here again; having thought the time long since we parted, and often wished you S But let me explain myself, lest some mistake me herein, as, I hear they did in my Declaration: I am far from meaning by this, a toleration or qualifying them thereby to held any offices or places of trust in the government; nay, further, I desire some laws may be made, to hinder the growth and progress of their doctrine.-I hope you haye all so good an opinion of my zeal for the Protestant Religion, as I need not tell you, I will not yield to any therein, not to the bishops themselves, nor in my liking the uniformity of it as it is now established; which, being the Standard of our Religion, must be kept pure and uncorrupted, free from all other mixtures: And yet, if the Dissenters will demean themselves peaceably and modest had been together, to help me in some occasions which have fallen out: I need not repeat them unto you; you have all had the noise of them in your several countries, and (God be thanked!) they were but noise, without any worse effects. To cure the distempers and compose the differing minds that are yet among us, I set forth my Declaration* of the 26th of Dec. in which you may see I am willing to set bounds to the hopes of some, and to the fears of others; of which when you shall have examined well the grounds, I doubt not but I shall have your concurrence therein: The truth is, I am in my nature an enemy to all severity for Religion and Conscience, how mistaken soever it be, when it extends to capital and sanguinary punishments, which I am toldly under the government, I could heartily wish were begun in Popish times: Therefore, when I say this, I hope I shall not need to warn any here not to infer from thence, that I mean to favour Popery. I must confess to you there are many of that profession, who having served my father and myself very well, may fairly hope for some part in that indulgence I would willingly afford to others, who dissent from us. I had such a power of indulgence, to use upon occasions, as might not needlessly force them out of the kingdom, or, staying here, give them cause to conspire against the peace of it.-My Lords and Gentlemen, It would look like flattery in me, to tell you to what degree I am confident of your wisdom and affection in all things that relate to the greatness and prospe rity of the kingdom: If you consider well what is best for us all, I dare say, we shall not disagree. I have no more to say to you at present, but once again to bid you heartily welcome."" licitor, for their chairman) to draw up an Address, which, after several amendments and additions, was presented to his majesty, by the Speaker on the 27th: It was as follows: *The said Declaration consisted of the following particulars, viz. That it had been alledged against him, 1. That he intended nothing less than the observation of the Act of Indemnity. 2. That upon the pretence of Address of the Commons to the King, relative Plots, he intended to introduce a Military to the Indulgence to Dissenters from the Act of Way of government. 3. That, notwithstand- Uniformity.] The commons being withdrawn ing his promise from Breda, and Declaration appointed the 25th for taking into considera for Liberty of Conscience, he had fetter'd the tion, both his majesty's Speech and the Decla scrupulous by the Act of Uniformity; and 4. ration mentioned therein: at which time they That he was indulgent to Papists to such a de- unanimously resolved, That the Thanks of the gree, as might endanger the Protestant Reli-house should be returned to the king for all gion. To all these he gave particular and direct that was contained in the Declaration, exanswers; but as to the Act of Uniformity, he cept what related to the Indulgence; with redeclared his own firm adherence to it; only, gard to which, they appointed a Committee for the sake of others he was ready and will-(who chose sir Heneage Finch† the king's soing to dispense with some matters in it. In the conclusion he promised, 1. To punish by severe Laws that Licentiousness and Impiety, which since the dissolution of the government, had overspread the nation. 2, As May it please your most excellent majesty; well by Sumptuary Laws, as his own example We your majesty's most dutiful and loyal subof frugality, to restrain the Excess in men's ex-jects, the knights, citizens, and burgesses of pences, which was grown so general and exorbitant, beyond all bounds, either of their qualities or fortunes. 3. So to retrench all his own ordinary and extraordinary charges, as to bring them within the compass of his settled Revenue, that thereby his subjects might have little cause to fear his frequent pressing them for new assistances. And lastly, so to improve the good consequences of these three particulars to the advancement of Trade, that all * About this time a very remarkable piece his subjects finding the advantage of them in was published under the whimsical title of that prime foundation of plenty, they might all 'A Speech visibly spoken in the presence of with minds happily compos'd by his indulgence, the Lords and Commons assembled in parapply themselves comfortably to their several liament, by a Ghost in a white sheet of paTocations, in such a manner as the private in-per, &c.' It will be found in the Appendix terest of every one might encourage him to No. IV. contribute to the general prosperity. Echard, + Afterwards attorney-general, lord-chancel lor, and created earl of Nottingham. p..805. the house of commons, in parliament assembled, having, with all fidelity and obedience, considered of the several matters comprised in your majesty's late gracious Declaration of the 26th of Dec. last; and your most gracious Speech at the beginning of this present ses sion; do, in the first place, for ourselves, and in the names of all the commons of England, render to your sacred majesty the tribute of there were laws of Uniformity then in being, our most hearty thanks, for that infinite grace which could not be dispensed with, but by act and goodness, wherewith your majesty hath of parliament.-They, who do pretend a right been pleased to publish your royal intentions to that supposed promise, put their right into of adhering to your Act of Indemnity and Ob- the hands of their representatives, whom they livion, by a constant and religious observance chose to serve for them in this parliament: of it: and our hearts are further inlarged in who have passed, and your majesty consented these returns of thanksgiving, when we con- to the Act of Uniformity.-If any shall presider your majesty's most princely and heroick sume to say, That a right to the benefit of this professions, of relying upon the affections of Declaration doth still remain, after this Act your people, and abhorring all sort of military passed; it tends to dissolve the very bonds of and arbitrary rule. But, above all, we can government; and to suppose a disability in never enough remember, to the honour of your your majesty, and your houses of parliament, majesty's piety, and our own unspeakable com- to make a law contrary to any part of your fort, those solemn and most endearing invita- majesty's Declaration, though both houses tions of us your majesty's subjects, to prepare should advise your majesty to it.-We have laws, to be presented to your majesty, against also considered the nature of the Indulgence the Growth and Increase of Popery; and, proposed, with reference to those consequences withal, to provide more laws against Licen- which must necessarily attend it. It will estiousness and Impiety; at the same time de-tablish schism by a law; and make the whole claring your own resolutions, for maintaining the Act of Uniformity. And it becomes us always to acknowledge and admire your majesty's wisdom, in this your Declaration; whereby your majesty is pleased to resolve, not only by Sumptuary Laws, but by your own royal example of frugality, to restrain that excess in men's expences, which is grown so general, and so exorbitant; and to direct our endeavours to find out fit and proper laws for advancement of Trade and Commerce.-After all this, we most humbly beseech your majesty to believe, that it is with extreme unwillingness and reluctancy of heart, that we are brought to differ from any thing, which your majesty hath thought fit to propose: and, though we do no way doubt, but that the unreasonable distempers of men's spirits, and the many mutinies and conspiracies, which were carried on during the late intervals of parliament, did reasonably incline your majesty to endeavour by your Declaration, to give some allay to those ill humours, till the parliament assembled; and the hopes of an Indulgence, if the parliament should consent to it; especially seeing the pretenders to this Indulgence did seem to make some title to it, by virtue of your majesty's Declaration from Breda; nevertheless, we your majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, who are now returned to serve in parliament from those several parts and places of your kingdom, for which we were chosen, do humbly offer it to your majesty's great wisdom; that it is in no sort adviseable, that there be any Indulgence to such persons, who presume to dissent from the Act of Uniformity, and Religion established; for these reasons:-We have considered the nature of your majesty's Declaration from Breda; and are humbly of opinion, That your majesty ought not to be pressed with it any further; because, it is not a promise in itself, but only a gracious Declaration of your majesty's intentions, to do what in you lay, and what a parliament should advise your majesty to do': and no such advice was ever given, or thought fit to be offered: nor could it be otherwise understood; because government of the Church precarious, and the censures of it of no moment or consideration at all. It will no way become the gravity or wisdom of a parliament, to pass a law at one session for Uniformity; and, at the next session (the reasons for Uniformity continuing still the same), to pass another law, to frustrate or weaken the execution of it.-It will expose your majesty to the restless importunity of every sect or opinion; and of every single person also, that shall presume to dissent from the Church of England. It will be a cause of increasing sects and sectaries: whose numbers will weaken the true Protestant profession so far, that it will, at least, become dithicult for it to defend itself against them: and, which is yet further considerable, those numbers, which, by being troublesome to the government, find they can arrive to an Indulgence, will, as their numbers increase, be yet more troublesome, that so, at length, they may arrive to a general Toleration, which your majesty hath declared against; and, in time, some prevalent sect will, at last, contend for an establishment; which, for aught can be foreseen, may end in Popery. It is a thing altogether without precedent; and will take away all means of convicting recusants, and be inconsistent with the methods and proceedings of the laws of England.-Lastly, it is humbly conceived, that the Indulgence proposed will be so far from tending to the peace of the kingdom, that it is likely rather to occasion great disturbance: and, on the contrary, that the asserting of the laws, and the religion established, according to the Act of Uniformity, is the most probable means to produce a settled peace and obedience through the kingdom; because the variety of professions in religion, when openly indulged, both directly distinguish men into parties, and withal, gives them opportunity to count their numbers; which considering the animosities that, out of a religious pride, will be kept on foot by the several factions, doth tend, directly and inevitably, to open disturbance: nor can your majesty have any security, that the doctrine or worship of the seve ral factions, which are all governed by a several rule, shall be consistent with the peace of your kingdom.-And, if any person shall presume to disturb the peace of the kingdom, we do, in all humility, declare, That we will for ever, and upon all occasions, be ready, with our uttermost endeavours and assistance, to adhere to, and serve your majesty, according to our boundea duty and allegiance." all such other Priests as have taken orders from the see of Rome, or by authority thereof, (except such Foreign Jesuits or Priests, as by contract of marriage are to attend the persons of either of the Queens, or by the law of nations to attend Foreign ambassadors) to depart this kingdom by a day, under pain of having the penalties of the law inflicted upon them.' The King's Answer.] This Petition having been read to his majesty, he immediately made the following Speech: "My Lords, and Gentlemen; You do not expect that I should give you an Answer, presently to your Petition, yet I tell you, that I will speedily send you an Answer, which I am confident will be to your satisfaction. It may be the general jealousy of the nation hath made this address necessary; and indeed I believe nothing hath more contributed to that jealousy than my own confidence, That it was impossible there should be any such jealousy, and the effects of that confidence; but I shall give you satisfaction, and then I am sure you will easily satisfy and compose the minds of the nation. I confess, my lords and gentlemen, I have heard of one jealousy, which I will never forgive the authors of, That I had a jealousy of your affections; that I was offended with the parliament to that degree that I intended to dissolve it. They say men are naturally most angry with those reports which reflect upon their understanding, which make them thought weak men: truly, I should ap The King's Answer.] To this Address, his majesty gave this gracious Answer: "That he gave them hearty thanks for their many thanks; that never any king was so happy in a house of commons, as he in this; that the Paper and Reasons were long, and therefore he would take time to consider of them, and send them a Message; that they could never differ but in judgment, and that must be when he did not rightly express himself, or they did not rightly understand him; but their interest was so far linked together, that they could never disagree." According to this promise, on the 16th of March, he sent this Message to the house of cominons: "That be was unwilling to enlarge upon the Address lately made to him by his house of commons, or to reply to the Reasons, though he found what he said not much understood; but he renewed his hearty thanks to them, for their expressions of so great duty and affection, and for their free declaration, That if any person shall presume to disturb the peace of the kingdom, they will for ever, and upon all occasions, be ready with their utmost endeavours and assistance, to ad-pear a very weak man, if I should have any here to, and serve his majesty; and did very heartily desire them so to enable him, and to put the kingdom into such a posture of defence, as that if any disturbance or seditious designs arose, they might be easily suppressed."-To all which the commons returned their particular thanks and promises. Petition of both Houses to the King, against Jesuits and Priests.] March 31. The house having thus manifested their zeal against Dissenters, proceeded next, in conjunction with the lords, to draw up an humble Representation to the king, concerning Romish Priests and Jesuits; which was as follows: "The humble Representation and Petition of the Lords and Commons sheweth; "That notwithstanding your majesty's unquestionable affection and zeal for the true Protestant Religion, manifested in your constant profession and practice, against all temptations whatsoever: yet, by the great resort of Jesuits and Romish Priests into this kingdom, your good subjects are generally much affected with jealousy and apprehension, That the Popish Religion may much increase in this kingdom, which your majesty hath most piously desired may be prevented; and so the peace both in church and state may be insensibly disturbed, to the great danger of both. Your two houses of parliament are therefore humble suitors to your majesty, to issue out your Proclamation to command all Jesuits, and all English, Irish, and Scottish Popish Priests, and such passion, any such purpose. No, my lords and gentlemen, I will not part with you upon those terms. Never king was so much beholden to a parliament as I am to you, and if my kindness to you and my confidence in you be not proportionable, I am behind-hand with you; which, God-willing, I will not be.-Mr. Speaker, and you Gentlemen of the House of Commons, I am willing to take this occasion to give you my particular thanks for your great kindness in taking hold upon an easy intimation, rather than an invitation from me, to enter upon the consideration of my Revenue : It was kindly done, and I shall never forget it. I have given order, that you may be fully informed of the true State of it, and then I know you will do that which is good for me and you: and I pray pursue your good resolution, in putting the kingdom into such a posture, that we may prevent, at least not fear, any desperate insurrection." The King's Second Answer.] The king, according to his promise, the very next day sent an Answer to the Petition in writing to the house of lords, which, in a conference between both houses, was likewise delivered to the commons, and was as follows: "His majesty having seriously considered and weighed the humble Representation and Petition of his lords and commens assembled in parliament, and the great affection and duty with which the same was presented to him; and after having made some reflections on First Fruits and Tenths Issues of Juros ISSUES. Navy with Stores and Ordnance himself and his own actions, is not a little State of the King's Revenue.] The commous proceeded next to take the State of the King's Revenue into consideration; and found | upon enquiry, that the whole did not amount to quite 1,100,000l. That is to say, according to the following Estimate, which was made the preceding year, and is called, as high and true an Estimate as can be made of the King's Re venues: Customs, RECEIPTS. Crown Lands Home Garrisons Tangier, Jamaica, and East Indies Embassadors and their Intelligence 18,811 8,000 1,000 3,000 4,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 500 300 600 12,000 1,038,711 162,882 1,201,593 £. 113,000 100,000 150,000 30,000 6,000 6,000 10,000 30,000 10,000 40,000 10,000 12,000 4,000 5,000 20,000 35,000 40,000 12,000 4,000 1,437,000 The King's Speech to the Commons at the Banquetting House, concerning his Revenue.] June 12. But while they were thus employed, his majesty, by a Message, demanded their attendance at Whitehall, where he received them with the following Speech: "Mr. Speaker, and you Gentlemen of the House of Commons; I have sent for you £. this day to communicate with you, as good 450,000 friends ought to do, when they discover the 400,000 least jealousy growing, which may lessen 100,000 their confidence in each other. It is a free21,500 dom very necessary to be used between me 15,000 and you: and you may all remember, that when there was lately a little jealousy amongst This Estimate is taken from the noble you, upon somewhat I had said or done, I made collection of MSS. in 22 volumes in folio, re- all the haste I could to give you satisfaction; lating to the Revenue and Exchequer, compiled for which you all returned me your hearty by Charles Montagu, lord Hallifax, first lord of thanks, and were, I think, satisfied. Gentle the treasury, and chancellor of the Exche-men, it is in no man's power, no, not in your quer, in the reign of William III. See Ralph, vol. i. p. 88. own power, to make me suspect, or in the least degree imagine it possible, that your af |