ADVICE TO THE Men of Shaftesbury, OR A LETTER to a FRIEND Concerning The Horrid Popish-Plot.  
SIRS,  
YOUR frequent solicitations to know my thoughts concerning the many talks of Plots, hath at last prevailed with me; and they are these.  
I. I think no man that is not void of Reason and True Protestant Religion, can any way question the reality of the Popish Plot; it being made out so clearly (to the satisfaction of the Law) even by the Plotters themselves; whom God at last wrought so upon, that they durst not go on, but by a Divine Hand were forced to discover their own and others hellish Designs: Had not God wrought this Change upon them, a Discovery had been impossible; for no honest man durst have ventured his Soul to have been the Carrier on of such Diabolical Designs; but I also think, that our King hath, and will take such effectual Care, by putting the Laws in Execution, that we may be free from the like future dangers.  
II. I think no man, that is not void of Reason, Loyalty to his King, and Love to his Country, can any ways question, but the same Plot is still carrying on: Yet by different, men for different ends: (viz.) By men called fanatics or Common-Wealths-men; the Papists contrive secretly, wanting a plausible Pretence to take with the People; the other find secret working would fail them, therefore fly to the Law, endeavour to make that speak their Treasons Legal: and so delude the unwary by covering their Horrid Designs with so fair a Veil: But durst they appear without that, the multitude would soon cry, Tyburn, Tyburn as a just reward for such who would have wheedled them into slavery.  
The Papists would destroy our Church and State; so would the Common-Wealths-men: The Papists would set up Popery and absolute Monarchy; the other an Amsterdam Religion, and Arbitrary Government in the hands of many; but the latter designing Gentlemen say, They only endeavour to secure Protestant Religion and Property; it this were all, Pray, why did they not accept the Security the King offered; such as was never offered by a King, never refused by a People; for in case of the King's Death, (whose life God long continue) the Administrative Power would have been in the hands of Protestants, and that by a Law, and pray, what then could the D. of York have done against Power and Law. But the truth is, these Gentlemen were for Power in Possession, not in Reversion; for the King must either devolve upon them all but the name of King, as Navy, Militia, and whatever is of value; otherwise they will still suggest unto the People, there is great danger of Popery and Arbitrary Government.— Oh foolish Englishmen! Who hath bewitched you to believe such Liars? They say they will make our King a glorious King; Oh! Jesuits, for they do not tell you where they laugh when you believe it here, no, Heaven is the Place, they tell you; They will make you a free People, still Mental Reservations; 'Tis they will make you free to part with your Moneys; free to accept free quarter; free of any Religion so it make for their Interest.  
In the mean time (as tender as their Consciences are) they complain not against the Jews Synagogue here, which is because they cannot hurt them, no more would they against the Papists, would they bring Lands to them, not take from them; had not Papists as much Liberty in the late time as since? But you will say, they were then sequestrated; so were Protestants, and both as they were Delinquents; and were not Papists usually admitted to Composition with Protestants? Were there not then as many Priests and Jesuits as since? And how many then suffered as such? (not one) but these Zelots could then and would still be Friends with Papists, might they but have the sovereign Power, King, and Church-Lands in their Possession, but these men can't endure to hear of 40 and 41. 'Tis great Pity they could not have had their then Actings forgotten, as well as forgiven; then indeed they might hope to accomplish their hellish Designs now, as well as then. O little Politicians! what in one Age to play one Game twice! but how do they acquit themselves of the Parallels of 40 and 41? Only with Billingsgate Language, and the Act of Oblivion, as if they had been forgiven for no other end, but to act the same Villainies over again— But they tell you, 'tis not now, as in 40 and 41, and I think they speak true as to one part (viz) that the People are not so Tumultuous; (no thanks to them) for now they went from house to house with their Petition, and glad to get any; Whereas before the People sought their Petition: But as for their Leaders, they act as if seven Unclean Spirits, more than before, were entered into them; otherwise what Tends their so strenuous endeavouring to get men of their old Principle, that can swallow all Oaths; take Sacraments upon them to be Magistrates, but that they may pack Juries, and so commit Insolences without fear, and make a way to be Legal Traitors.  
Yet these men would have you believe they are the only Patriots of their Country; but did they not in 40; and after, prove Wolves in Sheep's Clothing, and are not some of these now the very men that acted then? are they not of restless, ambitious and covetous natures? or men of broken or breaking Fortunes; and shall True Englishmen be such fools, to believe those who have no better ways to commend themselves to the People, and to countenance all their actings, than by going about to make a breach upon the best Constitution of Government in the World, by asserting that the sovereign Power lieth in the Commons, and would have all men wonder why the King will not wholly cast himself upon them.  
Now I will offer to the common sense of any man, whether he would put himself under the Guardianship of those that had murdered his Father, and turned himself out of all: And I will farther offer whether the King have not reason to be equally jealous of the Protestant Dissenters, as of the Papists, the former in this Age having actually subverted Church and State, the latter only plotted so to do.  
But this I know will be looked upon as an unpardonable Crime, to take notice that Fanatic Protestants should allow themselves in that which they condemn in a Papist, (viz) to overthrow a Protestant Church, and murder a Protestant King. But these zealous Reformers say, they designed nothing but to make our King great; so did they in 40. They complain not against the King, but against his Evil Counsellors; so did they in 40. They would be content with Reformation; so said they in 40. But they will tell you, they mean now as they say; but how shall we know it? I suppose the King will never Trust them so as to try them; for some of these men were in 40, and as yet they never showed any change, but in changing, getting in all to Governments: Yet as noxious humours spewed out of all; these in 40 and 41, were as well esteemed for honest men, as these would have the World believe them to be now, but then they had got sitting Power; and do but see what they offered to their then King about April 42; Eight Propositions declaring their Rights, and their Petition and Advice in May following, Consisting of 19 Propositions, both which I have added to this Paper, that the World may Judge whether if this Government should attempt to put such Conditions, but upon any private man, we had not just reason to cry out Tyranny, Oppression, and all that could be bad; nay, was there ever a free born English man that would leave that to be such an enslaved King? But I would have these that talk so much of God, take notice of his hand formerly against them; for when under pretence of Redressing what was amiss in Church and State, they had by slaughter (to give it the best terms) Pillage, Plunder, Sequestration, Decimation, Free Quarter, unheard of Monthly T●xes and Excises, brought Church and State to ruin. Then they went about to build their Babel to reach to Heaven and Eternity; how then did God confound their Language, and make some speech Presbyterian, Independent, Anabaptist, 5. Monarchy, Quaker, Sweet-Singer, with divers more? How can they think now to carry on their work, since yet they do not, nay, confident I am, never will understand one another? Therefore I would offer an Expedient to put an end to all Plots, and continue our Peace, that we fear God, honour and Obey our King, and Love one another; and all that will not comply with this, let them meet with Korah's Reward; Numb. 16.31, 32, 33, etc. And it came to pass as he had made an end of speaking all these words: That the ground clavae asunder that was under them. And the Earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their Goods. They, and all that appertained to them went down into the Pit, and the Earth closed upon them, and they perished from among the Congregation, etc. That they being removed, our Land may enjoy Peace and Truth.  

The Eight Propositions in April, 1642.  
I. That whatsoever they declare to be Law, ought not to be questioned by the King.  
II. That no precedent can be limits, to bond their proceed.  
III. That a Parliament, for the public good, may dispose of any thing wherein the King or Subject hath a right; and that they, without the King, are this Parliament, and the judge of this public good, and that the King's consent is not necessary.  
iv That no Member of either House ought to be troubled for Treason, Felony, or any other Crime, unless the cause be first brought before the Parliament, that they may judge of the fact, and give leave to proceed, if they see cause.  
V That the Sovereign Power resides in both houses, and that the King ought to have no negative Voice.  
VI That the levying of forces against the Personal Commands of the King, (though accompanied with his presence) is not levying War against the King, but the levying of War against his politic person, viz. his Laws, etc.  
VII. That Treason cannot be committed against his, otherwise than as he is entrusted with the Kingdom, and discharges that trust; and that they have a Power to judge, whether he hath discharged his trust, or not.  
VIII. That they may dispose of the King when they will.   

The Nineteen Propositions in May following.  
I. That the Lords and other of His Majesty's Privy Council, and all great Officers of State, both at home and abroad, be put from their Employments, and from his Council, save only such as should be approved of by both Houses of Parliament, and none put into their places but by approbation of the said Houses: And that all Privy Councillors take an Oath for the due Execution of their places in such form as shall be agreed upon by the said Houses.  
II. That the great Affairs of the Kingdom be debated, Resolved and Transacted only in Parliament; and such as shall presume to do any thing to the contracy to be reserved to the censure of the Parliament; and such other matters of State as are proper for his Majesty's Privy Council, shall be debated and concluded by such as shall from time to time be chosen for that place by both Houses of Parliament. And that no public Act concerning the Affairs of the Kingdom which are proper for His Privy Council, be esteemed valid, as proceeding from the Royal Authority, unless it be done by the Major part of the Council, attested under their hands; and that the Council be not more than 25, nor less than 15; and that when a Councellor's place falls, it shall not be supplied without the Assent of the major part of the Council; that such and Choice also shall be void, if the next Parliament after confirm it not.  
III. That the Lord High Steward of England, Lord High Constable, Lord Chancellor, or Lord Keeper of the great Seal, Lord Treasurer, Lord privy Seal, Earl Marshal, Lord Admiral, Warden of the Cinque-Ports, Chief Governor of Ireland, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Master of the Wards, Secretaries of State, Two chief Justices and Chief Baron, be always chosen with the approbation of both Houses of Parliament; and in the Intervals of Parliament, by the Major part of the Privy Council.  
iv That the Government of the King's Children shall be committed to such as both Houses shall approve of; and in the Intervals of Parliament, such as the Privy Council shall approve of: That the Servants then about them, against whom the Houses have just Exception, should be removed.  
V That no Marriage be concluded, or treated of, for any of the King's Children, without consent of Parliament.  
VI That the Laws in force against Jesuits, Priests, and Popish Recusants be strictly put in Execution.  
VII. That the Votes of Popish Lords in the House of Peers be taken away; and that a Bill be passed for the Education of Children of Papists in the Protestant Religion.  
VIII. That the King will be pleased to reform the Church Government and Liturgy in such manner as both Houses of Parliament shall advise.  
IX. That he would be pleased to rest satisfied with that Course the Lords and Commons have appointed for ordering the Militia, and recall his Declarations and Proclamations against it.  
X. That such Members as have been put out of any Place or Office since this Parliament began, may be restored, or have satisfaction.  
XI. That all Privy Councillors and Judges take an Oath, the form whereof shall be agreed on, and settled by Act of Parliament, for the maintaining the Petition of Right, and of certain Statutes made by the Parliament.  
XII. That all Judges and Officers placed by approbation of both Houses of Parliallament, may hold their Places quamdiu bene se gesserint.  
XIII. That the Justice of Parliament may pass upon all Delinquents, whether they be within the Kingdom, or fled out of it; And that all Persons cited by either House of Parliament, may appear and abide the Censure of Parliament.  
XIV. That the general Pardon offered by His Majesty, be granted with such Exceptions as shall be advised by both Houses of Parliament.  
XV. That the Forts and Castles be put under the Command of such Persons, as with the Approbation of the Parliament the King shall Appoint.  
XVI. That the Extraordinary Guards about the King be discharged, and for the future none Raised, but according to the Law, in case of Actual Rebellion or Invasions.  
XVII. That His Majesty enter into a more strict Alliance with the United Provinces, and other Neighbour Protestant Princes and States.  
XVIII. That His Majesty be pleased, by Act of Parliament, to clear the Lord Kimbolton, and the Five Members of the House of Commons, in such manner, as that future Parliaments may be secured from the consequence of Evil Precedent.  
XIX. That His Majesty be pleased to pass a Bill for restraining Peers, made hereafter from Sitting or Voting in Parliament, unless they be admitted with consent of Both Houses of Parliament These Propositions granted, they promise to apply themselves to regulate His Majesty's Revenue to His best Advantage, and to settle it to the support of His Royal Dignity, in Honour and Plenty; and also to put the Town of Hull into such hands as His Majesty shall appoint, with consent of Parliament.   
Thus Sir you have my thoughts, viz the Plot is the same carried on by different Parties and how far others in this King's days have trod in these steps, to subvert Church and State, I leave the whole World to judge.   

London, Printed for John Smith in Great Queen Street, 1681.