IT is the continuall practice of the Divell after any of his workes of darknesse and maliciousnesse intended a­gainst God and his Christ, is discovered and annihilated by the speciall power of Divine Providence, to pra­ctice new, being alwaies stri­ving to encrease his owne Kingdome, alwaies win­ning to himselfe fresh Instruments to yeeld to his suggestions and temptations and execute the same.

I am now to speake concerning this new treche­ry and Conspiracy endeavoured to be practised by two eminent persons, that have especially the one of them, obtained the favour no tonely of their Prince, but applauded for their better parts by most of his Majesties Subjects, the Lord Digby and Col. Lunsford; The first had the Honour to fit in this House as a Member thereof, so well approved was he both of his King and Country, none more fervent [Page]against evill doers at the first then himselfe seemed to be both by his Speeches and disputes, but in heart alwayes as it seemes favouring the Bishops, and their cause, although it seemed but a litle, yet increa­sing dayly more and more, grew to such strength in his opinion concerning his own worth, that he adven­tured to take part with the Earle of S [...]raford, trusting too much on the same, so high is pride, that [...]t length he presumed to oppose and set himself against the proceedings of the whole House, against the said Earle, obstinately r fusing to be admonished concerning the same, and yet keeping his friends, many of the Lords, was by his Majesty as a Baron called to their house, and aspiring yet higher, obtai­ned his Princes favour not being yet acquainted with his secret intentions, by which meanes, too confi­dent of his safety, and security in his designs, adven­tured openly to comply with the publique Enemies both of King, and Country, as especially now with this other person of whom [...]am to speake, this Colo­nell, being by his Majesty advanced to that dignity and trust, could not to content himselfe, but immi­tating the water Toade, seeing the shaddow of a horse seeme bigger then it selfe, sweld, to compare with the same, and so bur [...] even so this Gentleman having obtained first this place of Command, and afterwards Lievtenant of the [...], and being found of such a malignont [...] was unfit and uncapable for that great [...] and therefore removed, taking the same a great dishonor to his worth, now [Page]endeavours by trayterous and desperate a [...]tions, to defend himselfe, and be revenged of his pre­tended adversaries, and to that purpose they have be­tweene them joyntly raysed armes against the State, met together in peaceable consultations for the good of Church and Common wealth.

Mr. Speaker.

These attempts made by these persons are of dan­gerous consequence, and this their insurrection by taking up of Armes without warrant both from his Royall Majesty and this High Court of Parliament, onely to doe mischiefe in raising sedition and contention thereby to preserve themselves from be­ing called to an account for their desperate actions, and disloyall taking up Armes, will prove harder to appease and suppresse then any troubles we have yet suffered.

I conceive quick dispatch in our intentions for the apprehending and suppressing these persons, is the onely meanes to prevent future danger; And to that purpose I desire to present to your conside­rations these particulars.

1. That Warrants may issue forth for the speedy and private apprehending of them in what places soever they shall be found, and immediately to bring them before the House.

2. If this cannot be effected, to Issue forth Pro­clamations for their calling in within a certaine time prefixed, under penalty of being prosecuted and pro­ceeded against as Traytors to their King, and Coun­try.

3. That warrants be forthwith sent for the gaur­ding and securing of all the Ports of this Kingdome, and for the intercepting of all Packets, or Letters intended to be coveighd into Farraign Kingdomes or any brought from thence hither.

4. That Order be sent downe into the severall Counties of this Kingdome, where it is suspected either of these persons have any Freinds, or Favorites well-wishers to their cause, with command to the Sheriffes, and severall Officers of such Counties to stand upon their guard, and to rayse Force for their owne defence and saiety, and to endeavour by all meanes possible to apprehend and suppresse them and such of their Conspiracy as shall be taken, pre­sently to be sent up to this house to be examined and proscecuted according as they shall be found.

5. That order may be made by the Parliament that no Officer that shall be found to have a hand in this plot, may be imployed in any service of publique Command, either for Ireland, or any otther of his Majesties Dominions, or any private affaires of this Kingdome.

6. That we may with out further delay proceed to sentence against all delinquents by this Honorable house accused for any crime whatsoever, in whose d [...] ­fence, or for whose cause these persons now accused pretend to take up Armes.

7. That his Majesty may be moved graciously to be pleased to declare himselfe against these per­sons and all others that doe any wayes pretend to his authority or warrant for what they doe.

8. And lastly, his Majesty may be moved to a­vert his intended Journey for Portsmouth, for the safety and security of his Royall Person, till such time as their dangers be removed, and the Peace and Vnity of all his Majesties Loyall Subjects be pro­cured and setled.

And thus Mr. Speaker, having presented such things to this House, which I humbly conceive to be necessary to suppresse and prevent this new danger threatned by these two disaffected and Male­contented persons, the Lord Digby and Colonell Lunsford, I leave the same to the further considera­tion of this Honourable House, desiring from my heart, that it would please God to end all the trou­bles and distempers of this Common-wealth, and that this High Court of PARLIAMENT may prove the firme settlement of all things amisse both in Church and State.