Of Mr. PARSONS.

The Second of my Companions in the Gatehouse Prison who persecuted me, was one Mr. Parsons a reputed Priest: This Gentleman setting his Passion a side, is a good natur'd man, but is so transported with Natural Pride, or rather a Lofty Mind, that he is impossible to be pleased by some, unless they yeild wholly to his hu­mors; let others be ever so well qual­lified, these dispositions I discovered in him from the very beginning; and therefore judg'd it most necessary to comply with him, as with one Born [Page 17] in this Kingdome, and extremaly well beloved, especially by Ladies Gentle­women, who commonly brought what Charity we received. 'Tis true indeed, he was a proper handsome man, in the prime of his Age, more agreeable to some in his own Person, then in that he was reputed to be, which was no small advantage to him in the said distribution of Charities.

The first distaste he took at me, was discoursing of ordinary matters, as about the Mathematicks, and the Customes, Fashions, Education, Judg­ment, and common Breeding of all sorts of People in most Countries of Europe, in all such occasions, he seem­ed much offended, if contradicted in the least, although I might presume in some difficulties to be his Master, I mean as concerning the Mathema­ticks, in which he was altogether ig­norant; yet he us'd to side with o­thers, as unknowing as himself, against me in such Subjects, although I taught [Page 18] that Science for some years; so that rather then to hear me prove the matter by clear Demonstrations, he was wont to fall into a passion, calling me a wrangling fellow; but what ever the reason was, from that time forward, he boar me an antipathy: he was sure afterwards, on all occasi­ons, to snap and correct me, as if I had been a Boy: I could justly say, I hardly Din'd five times afterwards in his company without some affront: he was not asham'd to tell me to my face, that I seemed never to have fre­quented any Gentlemans company: That I did not know to cut my meat; that he was forc'd to teach me my manners; all that while I never shew­ed any displeasure, but put it off with a Jest, onely once I replyed, that it was strange that one who was seven­teen years Governour to Earls, Lords, and Knights Children, and had two considerable Imployments in the Prince Elector of Cullens Court, did [Page 19] not know how to behave my self in his presence; besides, I had my Edu­cation among the best Gentry in Spain, France, Germany, and Italy, and more in years then any of that com­pany, yet he compacted so with o­thers of my Companions, that a whole years time I was forc'd at Meals to sit at the lower end of their Table; but finding neither there any quiet­ness, I abstained wholly from their Dinners, losing thereby my share of above 40 bestowed on us in common; at last I sent to him, that since I could not eat with him in peace, I should have my share a part, the which he denied for a quarter of a Year, at last he ordered me some of their Rever­sions, which I could not eat.

All this while he had constant visits from the said Women and others, all which he disswaded so much from me, that they would not afford me one civil word, some attacking me with unbeseeming Language for concern­ing [Page 20] my self with their ordinary dis­course. 'Tis hence to be conjectured what prejudice he has done me in the distribution of the Charities, since all were delivered, either by his Favo­rites, or given him to be devided as he thought fit, although the intenti­ons of the Donors were otherwise, and that every one should have ac­cording to his necessities and quality, but things were carried on otherwise.

The holy Scriptures assures us, that as we treat others, in like manner shall we be dealt with also. Behold how God has permitted this Gentle­man, one of the principallest Authors of my misfortunes, to be confounded. To defame and prejudice me, he took hold on every groundless and silly report he heard of me by any sorry creature whatsoever. These he has set forth in the best colours he could invent, in confirmation of what he perswaded folks of me. Afterwards getting out of Prison on Bayle, he [Page 21] went to one Mr. Hyens his house in Hereford-Shire, whose Maid being with Child, declares him to be the Father thereof: And although I re­ally believe him to be wrongfully ac­cused, because I hear both he and his Friends recant their rash Judgments of me heretofore, not doubting, but I was calumniated then, as well as he is now. Yet none can deny, but God afflicts him in the same measure as he did me: But since he ownes his fault, I forgive him, although I shall never be able to rub off what preju­dice I received by his means.

It was my general Remark, that whosoever were his friends (although ever so great mine before) became at last my Foes, no, nor would they afford me a good look: What Cha­racter then has he given of me, but the worst that could be? and often in my own presence, though not hearing, he made his calumny of me a Subject of Laughter to his company. About [Page 22] this time he procur'd licence to con­verse daily with other Gentlemen Prisoners on the same score in another apartment, call'd, High-Park, from some of whom, I had some times re­lief, but by his going thither, they became as a verse to me as he, which I learn'd afterwards by woful expe­rience; for having also liberty to frequent the same place, I renewed my acquaintance with one Mr. Turner a reputed Jesuit, formerly a Schollar in the same Colledge I studied in; I offered him all the kindness I could express as to one belonging to those places I had part of my Learning and Education from; the which he seemed much to sleight, being already cor­rupted by the said Mr. Parsons. The second time he took more notice of me, but the third time I was sent for to his Chamber by the foresaid Coun­tess, who promised (as I said before) to pay my Chamber Rent. She was pleased to perswade me to take my [Page 23] Lodging among the rest, until I gave her Ladiship reasons to the contrary, with which she was so satisfied, that she wish'd me agree for my lodging where I pleased, and she would see it paid.

Of Mr. TƲRNER.

After her departure, I returned to the said Mr. Turners Room, who told me, my discourse with that Lady was not either like that of a Christian, a Gentleman, or a Philosopher, alleadg­ing there was no Truth in what I said, and that all the Prisoners could justifie the same: I answered, that I would forfeit my life, if every word I said was not true, to wit, that tho Cham­ber proposed to me, had a most noy­some smell, when the wind was on a certain side, the which would pre­judice my health. That it would be a great mortification to me, and an hindrance to my Studies, to lay in an open place, the receptacle of all commers and goers. That I naturally delighted to live retiredly. That I [Page 24] was offer'd one of the best Rooms in the house to me alone for the same rate: His answer was, I had Maggots in my head; that I was totter-headed, with other reproachful words: and to be brief, he told me, if I did not remove willingly to the place the Lady mentioned at first, I should be hal'd thither: I desired to know for what, which he said was not expedi­ent to tell me, and therefore I must resolve to concur. I reply'd, that I never made profession in any Religi­ous Order, and consequently was not tied to the Vows of obedience. That by his discourse I conceived there was some evil aspersion cast on me; that it behoved me to clear my self there­of before I removed, least by conde­scending first to their demands, I seemed to the world, I own'd my self guilty of I know not what. That I was the oldest of all the company, excepting himself: That I was come to years to know my own conveniency [Page 25] better than any of them could direct me. I press'd both him then, and the rest afterwards, to let me know what they had to say against me, with pro­testations, that if I did not clear my self of what ever was to be laid to my charge, I would submit to what they pleased, and beg them pardon on my knees for my resistance, they all answered, both generally and par­ticularly, they had nothing to say against me.

Why then have I been mangled and torn alive in a thousand pieces a whole years time, by the venemous Tongues of so shameless a Generation of men? who by the same mouths uttered hundreds of calumnies against me in private, now to my face pub­lickly disowns the same. Where are those Proselites whom they have im­ployed to aggravate their wicked­ness all the Kingdom over? Behold the Knavery of those you honoured so highly, and lov'd so dearly: You [Page 26] have sided with their Iniquity, and also justified their Calumnies with flourishes of hundred lies, which God will never forgive you without resti­tution to me first of my Reputation.

To proceed further in the Mallice of my Companions, the aforesaid Countess, according to her promise, came with the Moneys I was to have for discharging my debt in Prison, but the Gentlemen, notwithstanding they assured me they had nothing to say of me, as I declar'd before, yet they gave such a bad character to the Lady of me, that they caused her to carry back the Moneys again, alleadging that it was first necessary I remove my Lodging to the foresaid stinking Room; on this resolution they im­ployed Mrs. Catherine Sheldon thrice to me in an hours time, to let me know what was concluded; I told her, if the occasion of my removal was the flying reports spread of me by my Companions, it behoved me to [Page 27] justifie my self, least by complying to their humours, I might give occasion to the world to think me guilty of their false aspersions. That if it was to the end we might live all together, I would condescend to remove in an hours warning. The third time I said I would yield to what she pleased; with this she brought the foresaid Countess with Moneys for me, which she gave Mr. Church our head Goaler, assuring him, in the presence of four more, she would pay my Chamber Rent for the future while I was to be a Prisoner. The same day I removed my things to the place appointed, thinking to lodge there that Night: No sooner did I get among them, but I found it was not my company they look'd for, nor any thing else but a pretence to hinder me of the Ladies favours; so that on a sudden they set Nic-names on me, making me also believe Mr. Turner would speak with me, when at the same time he was [Page 28] asleep, and had not asked for me. Forthwith I concluded it was impos­sible for me to enjoy peace among those that designed to cross and abuse me, therefore I resolv'd to tarry where I was: Yet conversing with them daily in the common Room, when there was no offensive smell, I was no small Pastime to Mr. Turner for some days; who finding no other object of his Jests but me, made use of my Name above forty times in each hour; adding, that Women in England that never left their Chimny-corner, spoke better than I do after all my Travels. That none in the house were such great Hoggs in their Cloaths as he and I: That the rest were well vers'd in Philosophy and Divinity, but he and I were the onely moams in the Prison, with an hundred other like sour Jests: But in this we were ill met, for altho I forbore with his doings for quietness sake, yet I thought often I never met with so undiscreet a man of the So­ciety [Page 29] before; I wonder'd at the Mans little prudence, or rather great impu­dence, to press familiarity on one that never spent an hour in Recreation with him in my life time. I could not imagin wherein a man I knew to be of no Parts, no Traveller, no Linguist, no Historian; and scarce worth the Name of a Schollar, should ground such confidence, for Lattin he durst not speak, the Mathematicks he knew not, and for any other knowledge, I am sure he has but little. I com­posed on a Pious matter some Latin Verses, wherein I left on purpose some notable faults, to see his cor­rection; but his opinion was, they were all very good, much admiring I could make them without the assi­stance of Books.

To be brief, when I found at last no end of his insolent Jests, I spoke to him one day in a very moderate manner, telling him, I admired at his little wisdom, in breaking his Jests [Page 30] on one of my Age and calling, as if I were not compos Mentis. That if he did but reflect on himself, he would find Beams in his own Eyes, for the Mors he perceived in mine: at which he started, suddenly asking, how's that? I told him ingeniously, without the least sign of Passion, that the se­cond time I enter'd his Chamber, I took notice, that it was his disorderly drinking occasioned his tedious Sick­ness, which was enough to kill a Hogg; for in the Morning fasting, he call'd first for a Glass of Canary, next a Glass of Rhenish Wine, after that a Glass of Claret, all which overheat­ing his Stomach, he call'd at last for a Glass of Beer, a Medicine indeed that would Kill me in one Months time; hereat he retir'd to his Cham­ber, two days after he sent to me the forementioned Mr. Cullane, advising me to ask him pardon on my knees, and to tell the standers by, what I said to him were Lies, or else he would [Page 31] write to all my Benefactors, not to send me a penny Relief. I answered, sure Mr. Turner is in his Jesting hu­mours again, and so took no further notice of it. The next day he desir'd one Mr. Maccarty, now condemn'd for a Priest in Newgate, to bring me the same Message: I answered, since he is in earnest, I will speak to him, so going to his room, I said, Mr. Turner, why would you send me such Messa­ges for a thing I did not offend God venially, and although I said nothing but the Truth, yet I concern'd my self in that same against my inclina­tion, only to divert you from making me the Subject of your Laughter. Then he replyed, Mr. Dowdall, you stand to what you said, I advise you to ask me Pardon on your knees, and to declare openly, what you said of my Drinking was false, or else I will write to all your friends not to send you a penny maintenance. I ask'd him, if he would have me tell a Lye, [Page 32] or if he thought the world was to be rul'd by one Jesuit, and so departed; but my Gentleman was as good as his word, for ever after I scarce re­ceived any assistance towards my livelyhood, but what one Lady sent me weekly, whom he endeavoured to disswade also from Relieving me.

Now to accomplish his design the better, he made use (among others) of the said Mrs. Catherine Sheldon, one of the best Friends I had before, as I own'd it to her and her Sisters by two or three Letters I writ to them; on suspition had of their displeasure with me, but the instructions of Mr. Turner, and my other companions, wrought so much on the former, that my Letters (although the most oblig­ing I could Pen) were not accepted as good enough for waste papers; so that she did not only retract from me the usual Charities given her by others as well for me, as any else; but thence forth made it her business to do me [Page 33] all the prejudice immaginable, as if she was the chief party concerned; altho she her self cannot tell what I did to disoblige her, unless she took a pett I did not remove my Lodging when my Companions would have me. Yet she caused the foresaid Countess, that promised to pay so solemnly my Chamber Rent, not to give me one penny ever after. I may dare lay there is no Catholick Lady of any Quality in London, whom she did not, either by her self or by others, incense against me.

Once a certain Lady of my ac­quaintance sent her five Guinnies to be given me, and having soon after writ again to the said Lady for some assistance, towards my Bayling forth, she sent to me her Woman, to know whether I did not receive the said five Guinnies from Mrs. Catherine Sheldon, I answered, not a penny, and while the said Lady sent me some more Relief, the said Mrs. C. S. or her Sister, [Page 34] went to her, rayling at me in such a manner, that the Lady said, she wish'd she had thrown her moneys in the Thames, before she sent it me. One of her objections was, that I fiddle faddle my moneys away, because I gave 50 shillings for a Morning Gown I wore instead of Cloaths I wanted, but she thought so much monys well spent by one of my Companions; she wish'd well for a Silk flower'd Wast­coat, although he was but a Serving­mans Son, and that my Father has had a considerable Estate.

Neither was she satisfyed to make what use she could of her own tongue, but imployed her Sister Francis, Maid of Honour, who was altogether a stranger to me, to incense the Q and her R. H. against me, to the one I was recommended by a special Letter from the Prince Elector of Cullen, my former Master, and to the other by the Marquess of Mountecuculi, Resi­dent from the Duke of Modena. All [Page 35] this while I knew no better Remedy, than to take a Hair of the same Dog that bit me. I therefore applied my self again to Mr. Turner, declaring, that if he did not Reconcile such Friends as he alienated from me, to me again, I would complain of his Injustice, to others of the Society.

Before I sent away either of the two Letters I writ to that purpose, I ac­quainted him therewith, desiring we might be Friends, which he rejected, saying, Do your worst; but imagining him to be in a passion, I kept one of the said Letters in my Chamber about three weeks, and the other near six, pressing him also by others to a Re­conciliation: Then indeed he seemed to be so well satisfied with the Infor­mation given him by one Mr. Parsons an Inferior Officer in Prison, of the Injuries done me by the Lies of En­vious persons, that he said, He would never give credit to any evil said of me any more; yet afterwards, when Mrs. [Page 36] Catherine Sheldon assur'd me, that if my Companions would give it under their hands, that they were satisfied, I should Lodge where ever I pleased; she would procure the said Countess to pay my Chamber Rent, according to promise. Whereupon I writ this present Certificate in their Names.

We whose Names hereunder Written, do think it most just and reasonable, that Mr. Dowdall layeth in what Room so­ever Mr. Church our Goaler affords him for his better convenience. And although I added underneath, that by subscribing to this, all our diffe­rences would be at an end, and with­out this, I should be again forc'd to lay on the Boards, yet Mr. Turner and Mr. Parsons, denied to set their hands to it, without giving me any reason thereof, onely Mr. Parsons said to his Namesake the Turn-key, that by thus subscribing, all the blame of our dif­ferences would be laid on them.

Let then any indifferent Person be [Page 37] judge, if this be a Christian like answer; do not we know that a Sin is never forgiven without restitution of Honor and Goods, if it be in our power. Are those fit to guide other Mens Souls that maintain and practise such un­just Principles? They Persecute the Innocent, they rob him of his Repu­tation and Livelyhood, and yet at no times will they do him Justice, least themselves be found guilty of an Errour.

But why do I wonder at those pro­ceedings? when I often said, that in all my Travels, in most Kingdoms of Europe, I never was Eye-witness to more tricks and knavery then I have seen practised by the forenamed Com­panions of mine in this Prison, altho reputed Priests and Jesuits. I often said, if I knew no more of Christia­nity then I learned from them, I would choose rather to be a Turk than a Catholick. I alwayes compared them to so many Mountebanks in a Market [Page 38] place, where each one makes the best of his Druggs: how jealous then may we justly suppose is each one of the others gains? Even so were my five Companions, or rather Adversa­ries, concern'd at the distribution of Charities, when Ladies, or their Wo­men, frequented more one than ano­ther; but with this distinction, that the Mountebancks have more Grace than to defame one anothers Credit or Reputation, although they may exclaim at each others Druggs: But my Companions made it their whole business, to Defame, Back-bite, De­tract, and Calumniate each other, drawing thereby all the profit to themselves. There was one of them so ingenious, that whilst he and I walk'd in a certain Room, a Gentle­woman call'd (to my hearing) for my Name, but he being next the door, said to her, Madam, I am also on the same score, will you please sit down, and although I told him in another [Page 39] Language, I heard her call for me, he answered, I will tell you another time; but then he plaid his part so well, that in my own presence, he got the Moneys brought for me. He was indeed a pretty young man, but let me tell you, no Mountebanck could deal more cunningly. I could have easily forgiven him and the rest such small faults as this, or any Money business, if they did not prejudice my Reputation and good Name: They knew well there was but little to be done, unless I was quite out of favour, which could only be, by giving very bad Characters of me. In this Mr. Turner was a very great Instrument: Among other Lies divulg'd of me, he affirms, that when I went to School at Liege, I had my Diet at Citizens houses for Charity, when I take God to witness, I never eat or drunk with any of them, no, not upon any occa­sion whatsoever, to the best of my memory, but what I or my Compa­nions [Page 40] paid for. He also saith, he gave ten shillings to one of the English So­ciety for me. I own I got some monys from one of them, for coppying two Books in vacant times, which I earn'd well, without any obligation to him, a man I never spoke a word to, but in this Prison. There was lately in this Kingdome, one of that Colledge that boarded in the same house I did, who can testifie, that there were not three of twelve English boarders then in that Town that had better Meat, Drink, and Lodging, then I have had, and yet I must be calumniated to my face by the said Mr. Turner. It seems he makes no scruple in such things, for one day discoursing of a certaine matter, I might lawfully Swear, he told a dozen Lies, and the day fol­lowing, he absolutely deny'd he ever said any such thing; you may guess his little Conscience by this. A certain Gentlewoman having moneys to be­stow among those that were most in [Page 41] want in the Prison, addressing her self to the before named Melchior Power, who it seems told her, that Mr. Tur­ner had what moneys he wanted from his own friends, at which he was so incens'd against the said Power, that he said to one Mr. B. a Prisoner, that he would never have any Charity or kindness for him: Whosoever desires to be further inform'd of him, let them but enquire his manner of life in Derby-Shire, and they will be fur­ther satisfied, although some certain Women here in Town now honours him as an Oracle; who much con­demn me, that when he removed from this Prison, to the Masters own house, I refused to approach him, never considering, that his pretence of taking leave with me then, was onely a fained Complement; he hav­ing a whole quarter of a year before rejected all proposalls of a Reconci­liation, or any satisfaction of Honour or Damages. If they had but the [Page 42] discretion after hearing one party, to give ear to the other, certainly I could not be so abus'd as I was. In this a certaine Gentleman, that brought me the only allowance I had for my livelihood, behav'd himself wisely, for after Mr. Turner made use of all the arguments he could invent, to have this same Charity taken from me, the said Gentleman desired to hear what I could say in my own be­half, which so confounded all the former Calumny, that he seemed to be much scandaliz'd thereat, saying to me afterwards, must we for trifles seek anothers destruction, and defraud him of his Livelyhood?

Of Mr. THORNE.

But while I was clearing my self, one Thomas Thorne a Catholick, here­tofore both Groom and Butler to a Gentleman in the Country, and then a Prisoner for Treasonable words, was extream insolent in his discourse to me, denying also that he told me what [Page 43] moneys Mr. Parsons got in Prison, al­though I took God to witness several times, he assured me that great Cha­rities were brought to Prison, and detained by some particulars, that he himself saw with Mr. Parsons in one paper Twenty five Guinnies, and in another Thirty four or Thirty five Broad pieces, besides several heaps of Silver, carried away by his Sister the Shoomakers Widdow; all which the said Thorne denying, I con­firm'd by an Oath on the Bible, that he told me so, but whether he said true, I did not know: This fellow likewise took his Oath on the same Bible, he told me no such thing, treat­ing me besides with very uncivil Lan­guage; and the more I wish'd him to be quiet, the more impertinent he was: I rose up with an intention to box him, but Mr. Parsons being in the way, held me in his Armes, which the said fellow perceiving, and that one hand could not assist the other, [Page 44] most treacherously gave a snak at my little finger, and turn'd it quite back­wards, the use of which, I am like never to enjoy: I would not have blamed him to use me worse in his own defence, had I but once touch'd him. This fellow at his first coming to Prison, was counted an harmless Fool, but before his departure, be­came a cunning Knave, and as greedy of gathering moneys, as a Hawk is at his Prey. I could declare some other notorious and unheard of misdemean­ours he committed in Prison, but I judg it a subject not worth my labour.

I beseech all good Catholicks to take notice, that this Fellow hath ever since boar me so great a spleen, that he makes it his business, being now at Liberty, to invent most hor­rid Lies of me, without any cause, or the least shadow of truth, as God of Heaven is my witness; yet I do not at all think strange, if such an igno­rant fellow as he is, should do worse, [Page 45] being instructed a whole year in the like practises, by such as by their pro­fession ought to do well. Happy then are they that are born of Honourable Parents, whose Sons would scorn to be Authors of such shameful doings, as my companions practised against me, for the sake of such inconsider­able gains; contrariwise, the best of these, I believe, never saw better days then in Prison; Mr. Turner is known to be a Ministers Son, Mr. Parsons's Father was onely Servant to a Lord, Mr. Power was a common Souldier in France, and at London, and so silly a one, that a Souldier that went to re­lieve him, finding him a Sleep at his Sentry, perswaded him that one of the great Guns was stoln, which as is said, Power apprehending a great deal of danger he was in, gave the other Souldier mony to be Silent.

The two others were strangers in the Kingdom, and oppos'd me, as I suppose, only to comply with the rest, [Page 46] both of them of a most obscure gene­ration, which one comprehending, and believing himself more obliged to Nature then to his Birth, borrowed so much credit of his Neighbours, as to make himself not a little look'd on.

Now that the Reader may be sa­tisfied, that others (as well as those already mentioned) have the like fail­ings, I will add some few Examples. At my first coming to London from his Electoral Highness of Cullens Court, I undertook a preferment at the Venetian Ambassadors, I being well vers'd in his Language: who there­upon suddenly entertained me, which four or five Fryars of that Family envying, went thrice against me to have me out of my imployment; The Ambassador acquainted me therewith, also asking what particu­lar knowledge I had with them, and how long, I told him, I was not a­bove three weeks in Town, all which time I never was in either of their [Page 47] Companys, nor did I believe they e­ver saw me but in his house, yet said he, they bear you mallice, but you shall not fare the worse for that, contrarywise, you shall have Autho­rity over them whilst they depend on me.

When these could not prevail with the Ambassador, they imployed o­thers of their own profession to one Doctor Warren a very honest Gentle­man, who alone was to give Testi­mony of my good behaviour while I was in Town, being a stranger to all the rest; desiring him not to counte­nance me, but rather to have me out of Town, as he told me afterwards; Adding also, how he enquir'd what they had to alleadge against me, and that they replyed, I was a stranger to them, and therefore not fit to be prefer'd in such considerable Imploy­ments as I enjoyed: some years after I hapned to be a Governour to a Young Lord, which also gal'd them [Page 48] much, for one of them acquainted my Lord Almonor of an Arch-Lie, to wit, I left the Maid of the house I lived in with Child, uppon which the said L. A. went straight ways to my Young Lords Mother, desiring her Ladiship to Banish me out of her house for the reasons aforesaid. The Lady admiring that he should know the concerns of her house better then her self, presently examin'd the mat­ter, and found that his Lordship was as guilty as I was of what he said, and that the Maids she then had, were never suspected before of any dishonesty: I desir'd reparation of honour and good name of my Lord, but he beg'd my pardon, assuring me he would never any more be­lieve stories of me, being twice be­fore guilty of wronging me, in pre­fering his own Friends to my Im­ployment, for which he was once check'd by the Q. but he came off as ill as he begun, declaring I had [Page 49] dependancy of a Lady of ill repute, yet his Lordship prefer'd one of his best Friends to such an other prefer­ment with a Lady of a far worse report.

I could mention many other like Examples, touching my self, which I leave out for Brevities sake. Let us then conclude with the Scriptures, that whosoever thinks himself no sin­ner, is a Lyar: If therefore all men be breakers of Gods holy Command­ments, since the just offends him seven times a day, why then should any justifie them in their evils? as many tatling Women publickly main­tain'd what Calumnie soever my Companions reported of me, out of some Natural kindness, or some good opinion they conceived of them. I know love and hatred perverts most Men and Womens judgment; I know the love some of the said Women boar to my Adversaries, and the ha­tred they conceived of me for their [Page 50] sakes, made them do me all the pre­judice immaginable; and now I am forc'd to stoop under the weight of so great a burden, languishing for the wounds their Lies and Ca­lumnies gave to my Reputation; the which I ever prefer'd before my Life, wishing rather to dye, then to be defil'd.

Some judicious men understand­ing how many Rivalls I have had at all times, (began as they told me) af­terwards to conclude among them­selves, that surely I must be a man of great parts that was so much en­vyed; as if one of little capacity would not be regarded or taken no­tice of, much less fit to be prefer'd before them; I only told them in my own behalf, that I would undertake to teach Mr. Power and another of my Adversaries, as yet two years their Lattin, and to instruct all the five in the Mathematicks, and in three Forreign Languages, yet they were [Page 51] to me as so many Doggs in a Manger, neither minding themselves of any Studies all the year long, nor per­mitting me to divert my self according to my inclinations therein; having before I was cross'd and tormented by them, compos'd three Books in Prison, one of Heraldry, another of the Mathematicks and the third a History Book, notwithstanding it was resolved, unless I forsook all conve­niencies of Studies, and was con­troul'd, or rather led by the Nose by them, I should be depriv'd of the payment of my Chamber-Rent, and loose my share of the Charities ga­thered for Prisoners; all which was afterwards punctually observ'd by calumniating and belieying me all the City and Country over.

The Reason I have so often accus'd them of Lies, is, because if they told but truth, they could do me no harm. They are also guilty of Calumny, De­traction, and Back-biting, although [Page 52] what they invented of me was true, because none can discover another Mans crimes, unless publickly known without a Mortal sin; for the holy Scripture saith, If your Brother or Neighbour offend you, admonish him of his faults between him and you pri­vately; if he amends not, correct him before Witnesses; if he rejects also this, complain of him to the Church, or his Superiors; if then he is not Penitent, let him be to you as a Reprobate.

Not one of my Companions follow­ed this Precept, although I put them in mind thereof, begging for Gods sake they would tell me what it was they heard or believed of me; each of them answered, as I said before, Nothing; upon this I intreated a cer­tain Lady of Quality to reconcile me to the foresaid Countess, but she sent to me, that nothing could be done; for the five reputed Priests and Jesuits (my companions) had given so bad a Character of me, that she was wholly [Page 53] incens'd against me. 'Tis true indeed, before this honourable Countess pro­mised to pay my Chamber Rent, I lay on a Quilt on the Boards, but with this satisfaction, that the Master of the Prison knowing my little ability, said he would be satisfied with eigh­teen pence a week; but the said Countess having promised him the payment of my Chamber Rent, in what Room soever I lay, I am ever since ingaged in five shillings a week, without any likelihood of payment, or to have the advantage of my said Quilt on the Boards without three and six pence a week; so that the promise of the said Lady, is no small prejudice to me: All which is contrary to the good opinion I had of English Catho­licks, whom I have heretofore extol'd above all others I knew, both for their Piety, Charity, and good Ex­amples, especially in these times of Troubles, which I really believ'd were sufficient motives to appease the Di­vine [Page 54] Wrath, and manyfold afflictions they lay under. But now, what con­struction can I make of these prece­dent vertues, when on a sudden I see them decline their good Principles, as if not well grounded therein.

I sent to some Ladies of Quality, a brief account of the former trans­actions against me, the which they did reject with a great deal of indig­nation and unbecoming Language, not believing one word I writ. One was so offended with my defence, that she sent my Letter open to me back again, but seeing there was no­thing therein but what concern'd me to let all Catholicks know; therefore I directed her Ladiships Letter to her Butler and Cook-Maid, desiring them to let others, their fellow Compani­ons, know the Contents thereof, and how the Unjustice of my Compani­ons were countenanced by most Ca­tholicks in Town.

How then can they expect that [Page 55] God will hear their complaints and grievances in the times of Sorrow, since they are Upholders of Injustice and Wickedness themselves. They pretend to be much injur'd by the false accusations of their ill Wishers, and yet make no scruple to justifie the Calumny maintain'd against their Brother. They blame their Neigh­bours for giving credit to the false Reports of their Enemies, and them­selves are as willing to believe for Truth, any Lies invented against him, whom God and the World knows to be Innocent in what he is accus'd. They seem to have Faith, that God will confound the first Authors of their Sufferings, but do not think it Damnation to themselves to Rob an other of his good Name and Repu­tation.

For my part, I commiserate the weakness of these Catholicks, who think it lawful to do any thing which Church-men perswades them. Yet [Page 56] I am rather of opinion, that they are led by some natural kindness, or some other Interest, or else they would ne­ver be so blinded, as to prejudice him that never did them the least diskindness, either in thought, word, or deed. Now I begin to consider, that one of the Gentlewomen that oppos'd me so highly in a thing which did not concern her at all, was so passionately in Love with one of my Adversaries, that whensoever he ap­pear'd, her countenance chang'd into divers colours, using Congies more becoming a Court then a Prison, and much less to a reputed Priest. I wish they were both where they listed, an hundred Miles off, and that I had ne­ver seen either of their faces. I am the more confirm'd in this opinion, by a late example of a certain Widow who contracted extraordinary friend­ship with one of our fellow Prisoners for Religion, and who bestowed on me also part of the Charities she ga­thered; [Page 57] but her friend understanding I was much offended with him for writing underhand to Mrs. Catherine Sheldon, something to my prejudice, as I believe, onely to curry favour with her, he and I being intimate friends, declared to the said Widdow the displeasure he conceived of me, by which I am sure to loose her friend­ship for the future, having thereby already lost twice or thrice my share of the Charities she collected. I know from an Eye-witness how their inti­macy is grounded, but I will omit that, and such like causes of my suf­ferings, as not becoming Cage or Goal-Birds (as we are) to foul their own Nests. This I assert for Truth, there was not one Saint among them, and that each of their failings did ballance what ever they could justly accuse me of from first to last.

'Tis with me as with a great many, who fare worse by looking over a Hedge, then others do by stealing [Page 58] either Horse or Mare: I have been from a Child as sober as any could be, being never once half fudled in my life time. All that knows me can witness, I never drink but when I eat. I never was enclin'd to Swearing, Cursing, or Wrangling; but so far from that, that I naturally delighted in so­litariness, insomuch, that very seldom I walk'd with a companion, or was seen in an Ale house, Tavern, nor at a Club above thrice as yet; having never taken either Snuff or Tobacco; when I am in my Chamber, I must be imploy'd in something. It was always natural to me, to do as I would be done unto; yea, to serve others be­yond the bounds of true Charity, hav­ing an hundred times, out of a natural pity, given to the needy what I wan­ted for my self. I esteemed it cruelty to deny my good word or labour, where I could serve my Neighbour. I could have counted once Forty that liv'd by my Recommendation, when [Page 59] I instructed Gentlemens Sons in their houses; and now I cannot find one to go in an Arrand for me. I had such an abhorrence for Lying, that I never esteemed so much any ones Friend­ship, as to tell a Lye to gain his favour, or to shun his displeasure; esteeming those that are subject thereunto, not fit for Human conversation. Honest and Just dealing, was a natural Prin­ciple in me, never desiring in buying the Seller should loose his gains. I ever fancied to pay my Creditors be­fore I went to Bed, when I had it, as every one that knows me can testifie. I prefer'd a good Repute before any worldly happiness, in order thereunto, I kept no company but those who were fit for the best sort of Gentry. Perhaps in this I was somewhat too shie or nice, for which I got ill will, especially when I lived in Families, where I never eat at any ones second Table, unless in the Prince of Cullens Court, where all Noblemens Sons [Page 60] were my Companions, and that eight of his Highnesses Livery men were to wait daily on us at Meals. As for my inward Conscience, I leave that to be decided by God alone. This I know, if I dissembled and play'd the Hypo­crite, as some of my companions did, I should have a hundred times more Moneys and Credit than I have; most of my Companions being famous in both, could act what they listed with­out exceptions.

Each of them could with Autho­rity Nobly Treat one Young Wo­man or other, of very ill repute, all day long in their Rooms: It was not worth taking Notice of, if one of them sent for more Bottles of Wine and Brandy in one day, then I drank Beer or Ale in a whole Week: Ei­ther of them might lawfully call two or three of their young Devotes, their Wives, and as many more their Misses, who used to call them Hus­bands and Gallants in like manner; [Page 61] the rest of the young Women must be their Sisters, and such as were elderly their Mothers. Yes, our holy Patriarck Mr. Power himself took the Liberty to look himself up dayly in his Chamber for some hours with a young Woman he pretended to be his Neece, although a condemn'd Priest in Newgate, his own Country­man has openly assur'd there is no such Relation between them. A Gentleman of good Credit did assure me that one of the Women this God­ly man us'd to have commonly look'd up in his Chamber, boar a Bastard to one of his acquaintance, who kept her for his Miss some years. Not­withstanding all this while I do not accuse either him or the rest of any evil, although they defam'd me pub­lickly without quarter such occasions given; one would think that those who took such Liberty themselves, ought to be the more indulgent in censuring others: But what can be [Page 62] expected from People of no consci­ence, but cruelty: they made a God of their pleasures, the which they knew they could not enjoy without Moneys, and therefore they resolv'd to have my share between them, which would be considerable, by rea­son of my great acquaintance in Town: And because, in my Passion, I threatned to bring them and their Calumny to question, nothing must satisfie them but my Life, or a per­petual Imprisonment; as it will ap­pear in this following Treatise.

Of Mr. O BRYAN.

They imploy'd one Mr. O Bryan, a Pri­soner, whilst I relieved him with Mony and half my Dinner, as often as he told me he wanted Bread, to corrupt my Witnesses, and keep correspondence with my Adversary, who thereupon got into favour among Catholicks, being before in bad repute with them; this man being well vers'd in such Subtilties, as appeared in his conspi­racy against the Duke of B. for which he stands charg'd in ten Thou­sand Pounds dammage, and to stand [Page 85] in the Pillory, as also while he wrote under Doctor Tongue as a pretended Protestant, making now profession to be a Roman Catholick, getting the opportunity in my Chamber to Steal from me some old Letters, by which he Learn'd so well to counterfeit my hand, that he writ a Letter in my Name to the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, rayling at the Catholick Religion, by shewing which to Catholicks, he got to himself great esteem for discovering a thing I ne­ver did, either by Letter or Petition, or any other means: Afterwards understanding I confirm'd the same by a Solemne Oath to Friends, then he adds, I writ for certain such a Letter, but I did not send it. To which I answer, that I take God to Witness, I never writ any such Let­ter to the said Arch Bishop of Can­terbury, nor ever intended as yet to write. But this is but part of his Mallice and Subtilties. Now un­derstanding [Page 86] I am Writing a Book in my own Vindication which reflects on him, and on the rest of my Ad­versaries, he is taken up in new in­ventions against me, for which he is rewarded by my Adversaries, and the upholders of their Calumny; e­specially by Mrs. Catharine Sheldon and other mannagers of the Chari­ties: among other Lies, he Publi­shes that there are several Points in this Book (which he never saw as yet) against the Catholick Religion. That I lost my Imployment with an Ambassador, for being found by him and his men, making use of a Woman at Night in the open Streets. I leave the examination of the Truth there­of to the Earl of Fingale, and an hundred others that can testifie the contrary, as also the unprobability of the thing.

'Tis not to be questioned, but that this man was the first Inventer of the Childs Mother Stratagem, thereby [Page 87] to ingratiate himself with my Com­panions, and consequently with other Catholicks, otherwise, who can be­lieve that one I never once offended in the least, and whom I endeavour­ed to oblige to the utmost of my power, by offering him half my Din­ner while we continued Prisoners; by recommending him to every one I knew, having procur'd him above Twenty shillings at once, besides what moneys I bestowed on him of my own, should take an opportunity, while I sent for some things for his Eating, to Steal old papers from me to learn to counterfeit my hand; and this before the Childs Mother accu­sed me, unless he designed this evil to me. This appears clearly by the following circumstances; for the third day after this Stratagem was divulg'd, a certain Catholick Woman being some days before Released out of Prison, knowing every thing that pass'd in my Room, which she kept [Page 88] clean daily, offer'd of her own ac­cord, to justifie several things about the Child to my advantage, which the foresaid Mr. Bryan understanding, got the opportunity to call her pri­vately to another Room, and to dis­swade her from being my Witness, as she self told me afterwards, declaring to her, I was to forsake my Religion, and that she would incur the Catholicks displeasure; so that when I desir'd her to give me in writing, before Witnesses, what she could say; I could not get a word out of her mouth; at last, she said, I know what you write down is true, yet I do not desire to be concern'd. All this while I thought this Mr. Bryan to be my special friend, therefore I had chosen him for one of my Witnesses of what she could say; but whilst twelve lines were a reading, he in­terrupted me five times, alleadging he was then busie, he could not stay, he must go to Dinner, and so depar­ted, [Page 89] altho I invited him to Dine with me, and that I told him that what I was about concern'd my Life. Be­ing afterwards told by the Prisoners (to my great amazement) how I was betray'd by him, and how he diswaded the Woman from being my Witness, as she her self told me afterwards, be­lieving no Gentleman would do as he did, or betray his Friends with­out any occasion of displeasure, I enquir'd of his old acquaintance what he was.

One Mrs. Tent a Taylors Wife did truly assure me, she knew him four­teen or fifteen years ago in Dublin, where she kept an house of entertain­ment, and when he us'd frequently thither playing at Cards, and getting his livelyhood by false Dice, his name then being not O Bryan.

Item one Turner from the County of Wexford in Ireland, wherein he had Thirty Pounds a year of his own inheritance formerly, being known in [Page 90] London to all those that knew him about St. James in the quality of a Porter, to be a most honest and harm­less man, did declare unto me, that the said O Bryan was Born in the same County of Wexford with him: That he knew his Father and his Mother, but of another Name, and a Farmer. That their Sons Chri­stian Name is indeed Bryan: That all the considerable Towns and Villages, this Bryan divulg'd, did belong here­tofore to his Predecessors, were to his knowledg the Lands of other Gentle­men, who had the Inheritance there­of from their Fore-Fathers. Others that knew his Sister in Town here a­bove ten years, can Witness she never went by the Name of O Bryan. 'Tis certain himself told me, how my Lord O Bryan, who countenanc'd him in Holland as his name sake, being there inform'd he was not the man he pre­tended himself to be, gave orders to forbid him his house, yet he said he [Page 91] justified himself afterwards in Eng­land.

The said Bryan being ask'd by me, before we fell out, what he did up so excessive late every night, his answer was, he Studied designs. Well may I now be discredited, since all his In­ventions against me are rewarded with Moneys, and asserted for reall truth to every one by Mrs. Catharine Sheldon, and the rest of the Upholders of my Adversaries Calumnies. My comfort is, that he is only countenac'd by those who regard his Person more then his Honesty, he being a proper well Lim'd man. Others, as he on the like account, having occasioned be­fore the rest of my Troubles.

All being considered, I was not only deceived in him, but also the Duke of B. and several others: Having per­swaded me that he was Heir to 4000 Acres of Land, I reliev'd him as afore­said: he assur'd me, that his Grand-father and Uncle were both Knighted [Page 92] by the particular favours of this Duke of B. father; a cunning device to per­swade this Noble Duke not to Pro­secute him for his foresaid late Con­spiracy against his Grace. Item, un­derstanding from me the name of the Lady that sent him the Guinney on my request, he presently told me, he was near related to her Husband, al­though an Englishman, and doubtless he had since considerable Relief on that account, the Gentleman himself being not in the Kingdome to contra­dict him. A brave man to be em­ployed to persecute honest men!

'Tis no wonder he was so extra­ordinary skilful in his own Petegree, since he made it his Trade to justifie (by his ingenuity) those he never knew but by chance. One Mr. King heretofore Servant to the Duke of Gl. and very well known to all the Irish in London, did assure me in this Pri­son, that the forenamed O Bryan, made it his Practise, being at Liberty [Page 93] to counterfeit Attestations for several Women, who make it their business to go a Begging all England over, some as pretended Ministers Wives, and others of other concerns, whose houses were destroy'd and burnt by Tories, &c. I know by experience in my Travels abroad, that the Kingdom of Ireland has sufficient occasion to bemoan the Injustice done to it, by the Practitioners of such false Atte­stations and Commendations. I know that pitiful mechanick people, whose Predecessors never had one six pence Revenue, betook the names of the greatest Noblemen in that Kingdom in their Letters of Recommendations, gathering under that Notion, great sums of Moneys in France, Spain, Ger­many, and Italy, having their own Commorades, their Pages, Footmen, and Vale du Chambers. I know they us'd that Trade so often in them parts, that the name of an Irishman among them is most odious; admiring that [Page 94] pretended Gentlemen, and persons of Quality, did not know common Breeding, and were all Beggars. Eng­lish men can testifie part of these Cheats, if they will but call to mind their old acquaintance Claucy, most notorious in such subtilties: If Catho­licks did but consider any of his de­vices, they would not so fluently re­ward the foresaid O Bryan for every lying Letter sent to some of them against me, unless they designedly countenance him in what he doth, as certainly the upholders of my Adver­saries Calumny have often done, who understanding I intended to bring some of their Friends to question for what they machinated against me; nothing then must satisfie them but my Life, of which they might have easily deprived me, by the assistance of certain Women they made use of to that purpose, had the Grand Jury no more Conscience than they; for the said Women forc'd on me two [Page 95] Midwives, with design to take away my Life, for otherwise, would any ordinary creatures, as they were, de­ny to justifie the Truth to save ones life, and especially of a Catholick as they were, if they did not purposely design my Death: Also, can any one believe, if they did not resolve to have my Life, but they had so much command on these two Midwives they choose to be my Witnesses, as to disswade them at least from Pro­secuting me, which they might have done by once speaking to them. Fur­thermore, can any believe that the said Mrs. James would dare justifie by a false Oath in open Court, what the said four Gentlewomen besides seven or eight Prisoners, could witness to be a Lie, unless it was concluded upon before hand, that none of them would appear against her, and that the Prisoners could not.

One Mrs. Grey a Catholick, being familiarly acquainted with my Ad­versary, [Page 96] and one of those that first took the Childs Examination, would not justifie the same at Court, because I told, it contradicted what the said Child said to others, least she should do me any service therein; but con­trariwise, both she and her Compa­nion Mrs. Cottee a Catholick, did ag­gravate the matter to excess in all Companies, and this only out of mal­lice, because this Greys Brother was Married to one of my Adversaries Sisters.

Item, one Mrs. Martha a Catho­lick, and an old Servant to the Lady St. understanding from one of my Protestant Witnesses, what she could justifie in my behalf, said, without considering what I had to say for my self, I deserv'd to be Punish'd, which discourag'd so this Witness, that she did not declare a word of what she promiss'd, and this only because one of my Adversaries Father was her fellow Servant.

You may see what Roman Catho­licks we have in these days; and how can we expect them to be otherwise, when those who ought by their pro­fession to instruct them in Virtue and Truth, are themselves the chief In­struments of Evil, and the promoters of Calumny and Lies, as I have justi­fied in the above five reputed priests and Jesuits, besides others already mentioned.

It pleased God, after all their ma­lice, that the Court onely Fin'd me to the Head Bayliff of Westminster, who understanding my Poverty, was willing to forgive me his Fine, but my Adversaries to detain me a Prisoner, least I brought them to an account (as was Reported) of their misde­meanours, imploy'd one Nicholas Crouch a Catholick to divulge of me that I was a Wealthy man, although they knew in their Conscience (if they had any) that I could not pay one penny in an hundred of the sum set [Page 98] on me. This Schollar of theirs a Solliciter by calling, writ me a dozen Letters that he would do me a pre­judice, unless I satisfied him in a most unjust demand, although he borrow'd of me about three pounds, and never paid me as yet: such are the griev­ances Prisoners are lyable to.

The true description of Wicked Women.

Two against one is hard measure, but half a dozen to one is insupport­able; yet I believe it is easier to re­sist the fury of twenty Rational men, then of one Incens'd woman. Mallice and Envy is the last gasp of her de­parting Life, and if she Sounds or falls into a trance, her first thoughts are after her recovery. Obstinacy is the ground of her Fury, and Reason the least of her thoughts. Self will is the best of her understanding, and [Page 99] Justice is an horrour to her Interest. The desire of her friend is her Law, and whom he hates is her mortal Enemy, although her constancy is guided by the Weather-cock. Vanity is the fruits of her labours, and to be flatter'd is her great delight. Recon­ciliation is so beneath her, that the very motion thereof incenses her the more; so that woe to him that is entangled in her Hooks. 'Tis certain all the Devils in Hell can never pre­judice man more than a wicked Wo­man. Saint Peter after denying Christ, by the mallice of such a Creature, is said to have given this description of her: A Woman is more Pitiful than Man, more Envious than a Tyrant, more Malicious than a Serpent, and more deceitful than the Devil. But this doth not in the least reflect on Virtuous and good Women.

It was my misfortune to be en­snar'd by one I never offended in the least, and yet to comply with her [Page 100] Friend, she has done me all the preju­dice imaginable: I must confess Mrs: Catharine Sheldon in the begining of her rage against me has compel'd certain thoughts in my Head, the like I never harbour'd before, nor since; for all my Adversaries together could never do me the hundreth part of the prejudice I received, had she not back'd them She never saw but in Prison, which cannot but reflect much on her reputation, in forsaking one she knew for twelve years before, and in countenancing the greatest Injustice that can be for strangers sakes, altho she was not concern'd therein in the least; and that I ne­ver gave her, or any belonging to her, except these my just complaints, as yet any occasion of displeasure: She can only say I would not yield to some extravagant propositions of my Adversaries, her Friends; and that I said I would bring some of them to account for their Injustice to me, and [Page 101] yet there is no evil but She has pra­ctis'd against my Reputation, my Bo­dy, and my Livelyhood.

'Tis evident there is nothing She wish'd more then my Death, and since God I hope has given her no power thereon, she is resolv'd to hin­der my Liberty by diswading Catho­licks from bestowing me any Relief towards my Release out of Prison; assuring them, I intend as soon as I am at Liberty, to impeach as well other Catholicks, as my Adversaries, so that she has done what lay in her Power to detain me always in Prison, or to Starve me therein.

My only request to the managers of the Charities given weekly for the maintenance of Catholick Prisoners was, that since I could be at Liberty any time this half year by paying an inconsiderable Sum of Moneys I owe, They would be pleased to allow my share of the said Charities to my Cre­ditors in the same manner it is paid [Page 102] me, until my Debts was satisfied. Who doubts but the Doners or Be­stowers of such Charities would rather Grant their Moneys to release Pri­soners, then to maintain them in Goal, as one of our best Benefactors has intimated to me already? yet Mrs. Catharine Sheldons bad Character of me has sent such a terror in the Harts of the Distributors of the said Chari­ties, that they have rejected all such Overtures.

After this, a certain Lady of Quality was pleased to Collect among her acquaintance near the Sum deman­ded for my Release, the which Mrs. Catharine Sheldon also hindred to be given me, by Publickly divulging that this Book is full of Invectives against the Catholick Religion, and that I am a deserter thereof: Who­soever Peruseth the same, will find no such thing, and therefore may justly conclude how false the rest of her Accusations be. Behold what a [Page 103] Scourge She is to me among my other afflictions! If she was ask'd from whence she had this Informa­tion, she cannot deny but she got it from the foresaid Bryan, a most Treacherous Man; or from Mr. Power a most notorious Hipocrite, or from some others of my Adversaries; which shews a great deal of Mallice in her to me, and very little Discre­tion or Wisdome, for giving credit to the Calumnies of my Adversaries, since the World knows there is no belief in the words of an Enemy.

I wonder she is so Subject to cre­dit Flying reports, unless She knows her own Reverend Brother to be guilty of what was said of him, to which I never gave as yet any Faith. It would be expedient for her Re­putation to be able to justifie one truth among hundred of Lyes She divulg'd of me these thirteen months past, I being now a Prisoner two years and a half, all which time I [Page 104] never saw her face. I am confident she will never find out one Lawfull and just Proof in confirmation of any one of her Scandalous reports of me; altho' I can find five hundred to confute her and her consorts, not­withstanding I suffer as if what she Publish'd of me was as true as the Gospell. I do not know to whom better to compare this Gentlewo­mans cruelty to me (that never gave her any just distaste in my Life) then to those Women who Munder their own Flesh and Blood, the Fruits of their Womb, their dear and harmless Children, whom neither the fear of God, nor of the Laws of the Land could disswade from so inhuman an Act, no more then my most civil Let­ters, my present condition and qua­lity, could prevail with the said Mrs. Catharine Sheldon not to prosecute me, one of her best Wishers in the Land.

Hence is clearly to be understood, [Page 105] that the Mrs. Catharine Sheldon was the Principal Instrument for procuring those Catholick Women that brought the two Midwives to be my Witnesses, and afterwards perswaded them to Swear against me at my Tryal.

But since God and my own Con­science are Witness of the wrongs done me, I thought it most necessary for the satisfaction of the World, to commit the whole Circumstance of every particular to the Press; not doubting but the Impartial Reader will comprehend as well the Injustice done me, as if he had been an Eye Witness to all my Actions, nothing being contain'd in this Book, but what I might leave on my Death to be true.

I was forc'd, for want of Moneys to bestow the whole sale of the Cop­pies to the Printer; And whosoever blames me for Printing the same, would undoubtedly do worse them­selves [Page 106] in the like occasion. If any one of them was Robb'd of his whole Store or Patrimony, or was falsly accused of any Fellonious Action, by a pre­tended Priest or Jesuit, and was de­nied Restitution of Goods and Re­putation, would he not Prosecute him, without any regard to the Scan­dal of his Religion? I have been Robb'd of my Reputation, of my Livelyhood, and of all future expe­ctations of considerable Imployments by the Calumny of my Adversaries, and their supporters; and who can justly find fault with me for putting the Saddle on the right Horse?