House of Lords Journal Volume 4: 4 February 1641

Die Jovis, videlicet, 4 die Februarii.

PRAYERS.

Order concerning the Countess of Exeter's Petition.

It being signified to the House, That divers of the Delinquents, sent for to appear before this House upon the Petition of the Right Honourable Eliz. Countess Dowager of Exeter, have acknowledged their Misdemeanours to the said Countess, and are sorry for the same, which she is willing to accept of upon some exemplary Submission done at the Place where the said Fact (fn. 1) was committed; it was thereupon Ordered, That the said Delinquents that have made their Submission to the said Countess, being very poor Men, shall be referred to her further Pleasure and Remission; and that Jeremie Cole and Thomas Palmer, Two principal and ablest Delinquents, shall be sent for, to appear before this House, to answer the Misdemeanours charged against them.

The King's Answer concerning Goodman and the Jesuits.

The Lord Keeper reported the King's Answer to the Remonstrance concerning John Goodman, the Priest, etc. delivered by His Majesty Yesterday at Whitehall, to both Houses of Parliament, as followeth:

His Majesty having taken into His serious Consideration the late Remonstrance made unto Him by both Houses of Parliament, He gives this Answer.

That He taketh in good Part their Care for the Preservation of the True Religion established in this Kingdom, from which He will never depart, as also for their Tenderness of His Safety and Security of this State and Government.

It is against His Mind that Popery or Superstition should any way increase within the Kingdom; and will restrain the same; by causing the Laws to be put in due Execution.

He is resolved to provide against the Dangers of Jesuits and Priests by setting forth a Proclamation with all Speed, commanding them to depart the Kingdom within One Month; whereof if they fail, or shall return, then they shall be proceeded withall according to the Laws.

Concerning Rosettie, he gave them to understand that the Queen hath always assured Him that (to Her Knowledge) he hath no Commission, but only to entertain a Personal Correspondency between Her and the Pope in Things requisite for the Exercise of Her Religion, which is warranted to Her by the Articles of Marriage, which give Her a full Liberty of Conscience; yet He hath persuaded Her that (since the Misunderstanding of this Person's Condition gives Offence) She will, within a convenient Time, remove him. Moreover He will take a special Care to restrain His Subjects from resorting to Mass at Denmarke House, St. James, and the Chapels of Ambassadors.

Lastly, concerning John Goodman, the Priest, He let them know the Reason why He reprieved him is, that, as He is informed, neither Queen Elizabeth nor His Father did ever avow that any Priest in Their Times was executed merely for Religion, which to Him seems to be this particular Case; yet, seeing that He is pressed by both Houses to give Way to his Execution, because He will avoid the Inconvenience of giving so great a Discontentment to His People as He perceives this Mercy may produce, therefore He doth remit this particular Case to both Houses; but He desires them to take into their serious Consideration the Inconveniences, which (as He conceives) may upon this Occasion fall upon His Subjects, and other Protestants Abroad, especially since it may seem to other Estates to be a Severity with Surprize; which having thus represented, He thinks Himself discharged from all ill Consequences that may ensue upon the Execution of this Person." (fn. 2)

After this, the House proceeded to consider of Mr. Longevile's Petition; which being read, their Lordships did conceive it to be defective. Therefore it was Ordered he should have Leave to mend his said Petition, by inserting the Title of Lord Grey, and present it again to this House To-morrow Morning.

Message from the H. C. for a Conference concerning the Treaty of both Kingdoms.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Sir Tho. Barrington, Baronet: To desire a Conference, with a Committee of both Houses, presently, if it stand with their Lordships Conveniency, concerning the Treaty between both Kingdoms.

Answer.

The Answer to the said Message was: That their Lordships will give a Meeting presently, and have appointed the Painted Chamber for the Place.

Cessation of Arms with the Scots renewed.

This being done, the Earl of Bristoll signified to the House, by Command of the Lords Commissioners, That the Cessation of Arms with the Scotts will expire within Twelve Days; therefore moved (if the House thought fit), That it might now be propounded to the House of Commons at the Conference, whether they will give Way for renewing the Cessation of Arms for a Month longer upon the same Terms; which Motion the House consented to.

The Lord Privy Seal, E. Marshal, E. Bath, E. Dorsett, and E. of Bristoll, were appointed to report the Conference.

Witnesses in Crosbie's Cause versus E. of Strafford.

Witnesses sworn in the Cause of Sir Pierce Crosebies against E. of Strafford:

Hawes versus Hawes.

Witnesses sworn in Causa Nic. Hawes versus Ann Hawes:

Hill versus Buxton.

Witnesses sworn in Causa inter Hill et Buxton:

Godfrey versus Batson.

Witnesses sworn in Causa inter Godfrey et Batson:

Bloxham versus Sandeland.

Witnesses sworn in Causa Bloxam contra Sandeland:

Witnesses in L. Finch's Case.

Witnesses sworn to be examined by the Lords deputed in the Case concerning the Lord Fynch:

Mr. Justice Barkly.
Mr. Justice Crooke.
Lord Chief Justice Brampston.

Report of the last Conference concerning Assistance to the Scots.

The House was adjourned during Pleasure, and the Lords went to the Conference; which being ended, the House was resumed, and the Lord Privy Seal reported the Conference, to this Effect:

"That the House of Commons doth conceive that the Sum of Three Hundred Thousand Pounds is a fit Proportion for that friendly Assistance and Relief formerly thought fit to be given towards Supply of the Losses and Necessities of our Brethren of Scotland; and that they will, in due Time, take into Consideration the Manner how, and the Time when, the same shall be raised."

E. of Down's Petition committed.

After this, the Petition of the Earl of Downe was read, and committed to these Lords following: videlicet,

Their Lordships, or any Seven of them, are to meet on Saturday the 6th of this Instant February, at Two post Meridiem, in the Painted Chamber.

Commission to the Masters of the Chancery, to swear Witnesses.

Ordered, That a Commission be granted to One or more of the Masters of Chancery, to swear Witnesses in Causes which are not Capital.

Sir Pierce Crosby's Cause to be heard.

Ordered, That Sir Pierce Crosebie's Cause be heard Monday in the Afternoon, at Two a Clock.

Jurisdiction of the Admiralty.

Ordered, That the Lord Admiral's Cause be peremptorily heard the first Cause upon Saturday Morning next; and the Judges, or the most Part of them, as their Occasions may permit, are required to be then present.

Witnesses sworn in the Cause between the Town of Rowel and Sir John Lamb.

Witnesses sworn in the Cause between the Town of Rowell and Sir John Lambe:

Adjourn.

Dominus Custos Magni Sigilli declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque in diem Veneris, videlicet, 5^m diem instantis Februarii, hora nona, Dominis sic decernentibus.