HIS majesty's DECLARATION, Directed to all Persons of what degree and quality soever, in the Christian World. With a LETTER from divers Godly Ministers of the CHURCH of ENGLAND, to the Assembly of the KIRK of SCOTLAND; showing the cause of these troubles. And a LIST of the Popish vicker-generalls', Jesuits, Priests, and friars, in England, and their Names and Places to them assigned, in the several Provinces of England, and Wales, to extinguish the PROTESTANT clergy, and Religion, and bring in, and settle Popery instead thereof.  
Published according to Order.  
London, Printed by JANE COE. 1644.   

His majesty's Declaration to all foreign Protestant Churches.  
CHarles by the providence of Almighty God, King of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, &c. To all those who profess the true Reformed Protestant Religion, of what Nation, degree, and condition so ever they be, to whom this present Declaration shall come: Greeting,  
WHereas We are given to understand, that many false Rumours, and scandalous Letters, are spread up and down amongst the Reformed Churches in foreign parts, by the politic, or rather the pernicious industry of some ill-affected persons, that We have an inclination to receded from that Orthodox Religion which We were born, baptised, and bred in, and which We have firmly professed, and professed and practised throughout the whole course of Our Life, to this moment, and that We intend to give way to the introduction, and public exercise of Popery again in Our Dominions: Which conjecture, or rather most detestable calumny, being grounded upon no imaginable foundation, hath raised these horrible Tumults, and more than barbarous Wars throughout this flourishing Island, under pretext of a kind of Reformation, which would not only prove incongruous, but incompatible with the fundamental Laws, and Government of this Kingdom; We desire that the whole Christian World should take notice, and rest assured, that We never entertained in Our imagination, the least thought to attempt such a thing, or to depart a jot from that holy Religion, which when We received the Crown and sceptre of this Kingdom, We took a most solemn sacramental Oath, to profess and protect. Nor doth Our most constant practice and quotidian visible presence, in the exercise of this sole Religion, with so many Asserverations in the head of Our Armies, and the public attestation of our Barons, with the circumspection used in the education of Our royal offspring, besides divers other undeniable arguments, only demonstrate this; But also that happy Alliance of Marriage, We contracted betwixt Our eldest Daughter, and the Illustrious Prince of Orange, most clearly confirms the reality of Our intentions herein; by which nuptial engagement, it appears further, That Our endeavours are not only to make a bare profession thereof, in Our 〈◊〉 Dominions, but to enlarge and corroborate it abroad, as much as liet● in Our Power. This most holy Religion of the Anglican Church, ordained by so many Convocations of learned Divines, confirmed by so many Acts of Parliament, and strengthened by so many royal Proclamations, together with the ecclesiastic Discipline, and liturgy thereunto appertaining; which liturgy, and Discipline, the most eminent of Protestant Authors, as well Germans, as French; as well Danes, as Swedes and Swissers; as well Belgians as Bohemians, do with many eulogies (and not without a kind of Envy) approve and applaud in their public writings, particularly in the transactions of the Synod of Dort, wherein besides others of Our Divines (who afterwards were Prelates) one of Our Bishops assisted, to whose dignity all due respects and precedency was given: This Religion We say, which Our royal Father of blesled memory, doth publicly assert in that His famous Confession, addressed (as We also do this Our Protestation) to all Christian Princes: This most holy Religion, with the Hierarchy and liturgy thereof, We solemnly protest, That by the help of Almighty God, We will endeavour, to Our utmost power, and last period of Our life, to keep entire and invioable, and will be careful, according to Our duty to Heaven, and the tenor of the aforesaid most sacred Oath at Our Coronation, that all Our ecclesiastics in their several degrees and incumbences, shall Preach and practise the same. Wherefore We enjoin and command all Our Ministers of State beyond the Seas, as well ambassadors as Residents, Agents, and Messengers, and We desire all the rest of Our loving Subjects, that sojourn either for curiosity or commerce in any foreign parts, to communicate, uphold, and assert this Our solemn and sincere Protestation, when opportunity of time and place shall be offered.  
The Contriver of this Declaration, whether it was Digby or who ever it was, doth here in his majesty's Name, Charge not only us with sending but other Protestant Churches with receiving groundless Calumnies, and there upon came these wars to be raised. But if His majesty will be pleased to believe the Godly Protestant Ministers of this kingdom they will justify for us that it is the hierarchy, & the hierarchical Factions, the Prelates, Papist, Delinquents, and their adherents that have been and are the fomenters, and Incendiaries of these our Confused conflicts.  
A Letter subscribed by divers Godly Protestant ministers in the Church of England, sent to the general assembly of the Church of Scotland.  
Right Reverend in our Lord and Saviour,  
WE received with much joy and satisfaction, the answer of your general Assembly, vouchsafed us to our Letters of the last year: Some of us in name of our Brethren, thought it then fit by Master Alexander Henderson (a Brother so justly approved by you, and honoured by us) to return our desired thanks: And we now further think it equal upon this occasion, to make a more public acknowledgement of such a public favour: You w●re than pleased to give us fair grounds to expect that Brotherly advice and endeavours, which the common cause of Christ, and the mutual interest of the united Nations, command us now again to ask, if not to challenge. We doubt not but your experience, together with your intelligence, abundantly informs you of our condition, what various administrations of providence we have passed thorough, and we still lie betwixt hopes and fears, a fit temper for working, the God of all grace enable us to improve it. As our hopes are not such as may make us secure; so neither do our fears prevail to the casting away of our confidence. Your own late condition, together with this Declaration of our present, may acquaint you with the certain, though subtle Authors and Fomenters of these our confused conflicts, which we conceive to be the hierarchical faction, who have no way to peace and safety, but through the trouble of others. Our prayers and endeavours according to our measure have been, and shall be for the supplanting and rooting up whatsoever we find so prejudicial to the establishment of the Kingdom of Christ, and the peace of our sovereign. And that this Declaration of ourselves may not leave you unsatisfied, we think it requisite further to express, That the desire of the most godly and considerable part amongst us, is, That the Presbyterian Government, which hath just and evident foundation, both in the Word of God, and religious reason, may be established amongst us, and that (according to your intimation) we may agree in one confession of Faith, one directory for worship, one public catechism and form of Government, which things, if they were accomplished, we should much rejoice in our happy subjection to Christ our Head, and desired association with you our beloved Brethren: For the better effecting whereof, we thought it necessary, not only to acquaint you with what our desires are in themselves, but also to You, that is, That what shall seem most fit to the wisdom of that grave and Religious Assembly, may be taken for the furtherance of our endeavours in this kind. We understand that our Parliament hath been beforehand with us in this intimation, and it cannot be but our duty, who are so much concerned in the business, to add what power the Lord hath given, with you, to the same purpose. This design and desire of ours hath evenness on the left hand, and dissenting Brethren on the right; but we doubt not that as our hearts justify us that our intentions are right, and such as we conceive tend most directly to the glory of God, and peace of the Churches of the Saints: So (by your brotherly concurrence in the most speedy and effectual way you can find ou●●) the work will in God's due time receive a prayed for, and hoped for issue.  
We shall not need by any arguments from mutual national interest (Thowh we know ye will not overlook these) to enforce this request, the sam● bond wherewith we are all united in the Lord Jesus Christ, we are assured, will alone engage your faithful endeavours in this business. To him we commit you, with these great and important affairs you have in hand. Be pleased to accept of these, as the expression of the minds of our many Godly and faithful Brethren, whose hearts we doubt not of, neither need you though their hands in regard of the suddenness of this opportuniy, could not be subscribed, together with ours, who are.  
London, July 22. 1644. Your most affectionate Friends, and Brethren in the work of the Lord. Sic subscriber.  
In the next place, the contriver of this Declaration goes about to make the world believe, that our fear of the bringing in of Popery, is grounded upon no imaginable Foundation. But the truth of it is, we had great cause to fear it; For there were Cardinals appointed in Rome to come over, and vickers-general, Archdeacons, Deans, Priests and friars, not only chosen, but planted in all places throughout the Kingdom of England, and Dominion of Wales, and all of them had approbation from Rome, before they could be received by Authority of the Romish Church in England.  
And therefore, for more fuller satisfaction, That all the World may know how His Majesty hath been misled by a pernicious and wicked crew of Papists, Priests and friars; and how near this Kingdom was brought to be subjected to Popish Religion. Here followeth a Catalogue of the Jesuits, Popish Priests, and friars, that were appointed to be placed in their several places throughout the several diocese of England, and Dominion of Wales.  
1. The vicker-general for the Cities of London, and Westminster, the Counties of Kent, Barks, Sussex, Surrey, Essex, and Hartfordshire, was chosen and settled, his name, father Gregory Fisher.  
2. For the vicker-general for the Counties of Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Wilts, Gloster, and Hampshire: Master Hammon in Cornwall was chosen, a notorious friar.  
3. For the Counties of Bedford, Huntington, Cambridge, Ely, Lincoln, Norfolk, and Suffolk, was chosen Master Herbert.  
4. For the Counties of Oxford, Buckingham, Northampton, 〈◊〉, Stafford, Warwick, Worcester, and Chester, was chosen Doctor B●svile.  
5. For Wales, one Humphrey Hughes, and under him, Master 〈◊〉 and Master Barrington; the one for North-Wales, the other for South-Wales.  
6. For the Counties of York, Derby, Nottingham, Linc●●●, 〈◊〉 Rutland, were nominated, Master Faulkner and Master 〈…〉 certain who was chosen.  
7. For Lancashire, Westmoreland, Cumberland, Northumberland, and Durham, Master Holden, and Master Lab. Were nominated after, Master Tralloy, who was Vicker before them.  
These are called Vicker Generals, and were none of them placed without the consent of the Pope, all of them being notorious Popish Priests, and friars.  
And besides these, there were also other Priests and friars appointed, for several charges throughout the Kingdom. A Catalogue of some already discovered, here follows.  
1. About London and Westminster, were father Musket, Archdeacon, Master Webstar, Dean, and other Popish Priests; father Curtes, father Howard, Blaeklo, Harrington, Barker, Holden, Filton, Hide, Clifford, Laborn, Drury, and others.  
2. About Cornwall and those parts, Master Manger, Archdeacon, and other Popish Priests, and friars: Father Martin, father Woodward, two Warhams. White, Hames, Brown, Newman.  
3. In Bedfordshire, &c. Father Thomas, Green, week, Everard, Garlton, Henry Blacklo, Ely, Hoh, Marchand.  
4. In Oxfordshire, &c. Master Button, Archdeacon, besides father B●rlo, Breverton, Venables, Laurence, Suttlo, Turbervil, jenning's, Ellis, Falkner, Cheeks, Hughes.  
5. In Wales, father Stephens, Vaughen, Pew, Permaunt, William's, Barrington, Powel, Perkins, Street, Holland, Remble, Lay, Green, Elliot's, Morris, two of the Prices.  
6. In Yorkshire, &c. Father French, Arnold, Fathering, Hughes, Jackeson, Worthington.  
7. In Lancashire, &c. Master Redman, Archdeacon, and other Priests and friars; Father Catreck, walker, Blunderston, Nevel, Neatby, Lassels, Green, Constable, Hodgeson, Strickland, Sands, Tolly, Sale, Worthington, and father Tunstall, besides many more.  
All which, were placed there to extirpate the Protestant Religion, and bring in Popery.  
A Message not much unlike this Declaration, was sent from the King to the Parliament, in September, 1642. At which time, the Lords and Commons sent this Petition following to His majesty.  
May it please Your majesty;  
WE the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled, do present this our houble Answer to your majesty's Message of the eleventh of this instant month of September. When we consider the oppression rapine, firing of houses, murders (even at this time whilst Your majesty propounds a treaty) committed upon Your good Subjects by your soldiers in the presence, and by the authority of their Commanders, being of the number of those whom Your majesty holds yourself bound in honour and conscience to protect, as persons doing their duties, We cannot think your majesty hath done all that in you lies, to prevent or remove the present distractions, nor so long as your majesty will admit no peace, without securing the afithors and instruments of these mischiefs from the justice of Parliament, which yet shall be ever dispensed, with all requisite moderation, and distinction of offences, although some of those persons be such, in whose preservation your Kingdom cannot be safe, nor the unquestionable Rights and privileges of Parliament be maintained: without which, the power and dignity thereof will fall into contempt: We beseech Your Majesty therefore to consider your expressions, That God shall deal with you and your posterity as your majesty desires the preservation of the just rights of Parliament, which being undeniable in the trying of such as we have declared to be Delinquents, we shall believe your majesty, both towards yourself and Parliament, will not in this privilege we are most sensible of, denyus that which belongs unto the meanest Court of justice in this Kingdom: neither hath Your majesty cause to complain that you are denied a Treaty, when we offer all that a Treaty can produce, or Your majesty expect, Security, Honour, Service, Obedience, Support, and all other effects of an humble, loyal, and faithful subjection, and seek nothing but that our Religion, liberty, Peace of the Kigdome, safety of the Parliament, may be secured from the open violence and cunning practices of a wicked party, who have long plotted our ruin and destruction: And if there were any cause of treaty, we know no competent persons to treat between the King and the Parliament; And if both cause and persons were such as to invite a Trteay, the season is altogether unfit, while Your majesty's Standard is up, and your Proclamations and Declarations unrecalled, whereby your Parliament is charged with Treason.  
If Your majesty shall persist to make yourself a shield and defence to those instruments, and shall continue to reject our faithful and necessary advice for securing and maintaining Religion, and Liberty with peace of the kingdom, and safety of the Parliament, we doubt not but to indifferent judgements, it will easily appear who is most tender of that innocent blood which is like to be spilled in this cause; Your majesty who by such persisting doth endenger yourself and your kingdoms, or we who are willing to hazard ourselves to preserve both.  
We humbly beseech Your majesty to consider how impossible it is, That any Protestation, though published in your majesty's Name, of your tenderness of the miseries of your Protestant Subjects in Ireland, of your resolution to maintain the Protestant Religion, and laws of this kingdom, can give satisfaction to reasonable and indifferent men, 〈…〉 time divers of the Irish Traitors and rebels, the known favourers of them and the Agents for them, are admitted to Your majesty's presence with grace and favour, and some of them employed in your service; when the clothes, Munition, Horses, and other necessaries bought by your Parliament, and sent for the supply of the Army against the rebels there, are violently taken away, some by Your majesty's command, others by your Ministers, and applied to the maintenance of an unnatural War against your people here.  
All this notwithstanding, as we never gave Your majesty any just cause of withdrawing yourself from Your great counsel, so it hath ever been, and shall ever be far from us to give any impediment to Your return, or to neglect any proper means of curing the distempers of the kingdom, and closing the dangerous breaches between Your majesty and Your Parliament, according to the great Trust which lieth upon us. And if Your majesty shall now be pleased to come back to Your Parliament, without Your forces, we shall be ready to secure Your royal Person, Your Crown and dignity, with our lives and Fortunes; Your presence in this Your great counsel being the only means of any Treaty betwixt Your majesty and them, with hope of success.  
And in none of our desires to Your majesty shall we be swayed by any particular man's advantage, but shall give a clear testimony to Your majesty and the whole world, That in all thing done by us, we faithfully intend the good of Your Majstie ●ct of Your Kingdoms; And that we will not be diverted from this end by any private or self-respect whatsoever.  
One thing more is much to be taken notice of, which relisheth rather of Digby's spirit, then of His majesty's Penning, which is this; The Declaration which is published in English, saith thus, This most holy Religion, with the Hierarchy and liturgy thereof, we solemnly protest, &c. But in the Latin (with the Plierarchy and liturgy) is left out: so that indeed it speaks one thing to us, and another thing to foreign Nations: And whereas those of His majesty's subjects are desired to uphold this Protestation when opportunity and time shall be offered. I could wish that His majesty would be pleased to remember those many Covenants, by which He is bound to return to His Parliament, and seek the peace and safety of His people, and not by protecting a few Popish, prelatical, Jesuitical, Incendiaries, and Delinquents; bring Himself, His Posterity, and Kingdom to ruin. God Almighty be pleased to put it into the King's heart, to consider the bleeding condition of His poor people, and cause Him to return to comply with His Parliament, to the stopping of this great effusion of blood, and the settling of the Church, and Kingdom in peace and tranquillity; which God grant.  
FINIS.