Mr. Dowdall's Just and Sober VINDICATION, In opposition to several INJUSTICES Practised against him, by some of his Fellow Prisoners IN THE Gatehouse Prison OF WESTMINSTER, Although Reputed Priests, Jesuits, and Sufferers for Christ's sake.  
London, Printed for Gerard Dowdall, in Westminster Gatehouse, 1681.   

THE Epistle Dedicatory.  
To the most Virtuous, most Pious, and most charitable Ladies, the Relievers of poor Prisoners, during the late Troublesome times, for Religion.  
NOthing appears more Splendent in this World, than the Heroic Actions of Men, by which they Conquor Nations, Destroy their Enemies, and consequently, free themselves from Slavery and Thraldom, becoming thereby, not only an everlasting Glory to Posterity, but also to the Countries and Nations from whence they descend.  
All those, most Virtuous, most Pious, and most Charitable Ladies, you have far surpassed by your unparallelled Goodness, Piety, and Liberality. Alexander, the Great Conqueror of the World, has owned the same, saying, That who overcomes himself, is more Praise Worthy, than he who takes by force of Arms the strongest Towns or Cities.  
It is known to those that have Traveled most parts of Europe, that none has practised all the degrees of Virtue more than you these three Years last passed; and this is to overcome one's self. You boar your Crosses cheerfully; you thanked God as well in your Adversities, as in your Prosperities; you succoured your distressed Neighbours; you Comforted the Comfortless; you Visited the Sick; and you did not abhor the noisome Smells of Goals, but afforded your Alms as showers of Gold to poor Prisoners; and the Dead you Buried with Joy: These are the Works of Mercy, recommended by our Saviour Jesus Christ, the which acquired unto you more Honour and Glory, than ever Conquerors deserved; for what doth it avail one, to gain the whole World, with the loss of his Soul? By these good Acts, your Memories ever remain, both in this, and in the World to come. By these you are a Mirror to future Ages, and which is more, you have by these prepared to yourselves an everlasting habitation with God and his Angels in Heaven: For as Water quenches Fire, so your Alms and good Deeds have extirpated the Root of your Sins. Now you will find verified the words of Christ, That what you have done for one of these little ones in Prison, you have done it for Him. All this while 'tis to be believed, that all these forementioned great and ample works of Piety, has been grounded on true Charity, which is understood to be done for God's sake alone; For what is practised on other respects, as for kindred, friendship, or for any other worldly Interest sake, or out of a natural pity, carries its whole reward of good Name or Fame along with it. For my part, I am fully persuaded, your Intentions in bestowing your Charities, are sincere and real, for the Love of God only; as a certain Widow I knew, who had but an hundred pounds per annum Jointure, gave forty thereof to Relieve poor Prisoners. Pray give me leave to tell you, that your will and pleasure in the distribution of your Charities, is much abused; You have one end therein, and some of your Servants or trusties another; You intent doubtless, that your Charities be divided to the Honour and Glory of God, according to the Prisoners necessities and Qualities; But on the contrary, your trusties, resolves to give the same to those they love and fancy most, but whether that be well or ill grounded, God and their own Conscience must be Judge. There are some detained Prisoners for want of Monies to procure their Habeas Corpus, and to pay their Chamber Rent: but you had rather contribute so much a week for the Release of such Prisoners, then allow them a maintenance in Prison; but your trusties wholly reject such proposals, by which they hinder the Prisoners Liberty, and put you to unnecessary charges for their Maintenance: One or two of them gave your Moneys freely to discharge the expenses requisite for the Release of a Stranger they had a kindness for; and another at the same time and place, and on the same account, although well known to most Catholics in Town, could not prevail to have a penny from them. Happy is he in these days, that is young and handsome, which some of your trusties regard more than the fulfilling of your pleasures; yet to justify themselves in their Extravagancies, must needs allege some unjust reasons for what they do, to the great disparagement and damage of the Prisoners, whose grievances (and what else they can say for themselves) cannot be heard, so that they are often censured, even by their best Friends, though without any just Cause, or the least shadow of Truth, contrary to the precepts of true Charity.  
Now, least by sums neglect in a work you undertook so grateful to God, you should lose any part of your expected Reward from him, I thought it worth my labour, and your knowledge, to give you a particular account of some passages concerning certain Prisoners, and the managers of your Charities. Men and Women while they live in this world have their failings, and where you find either of them to transgress, be pleased in your accustomed Bounty, to be impartial in your Judgements, and let right take place: If you Judge charitably, (as I hope you will) and commiserate their weakness, God will deal with you accordingly, and your works will shine on Earth, as it doth in Heaven: In both which places, wishes you and yours from his heart, the greatest Joy and Comfort that can be.  
Most Virtuous and Pious Ladies, Your ever obliged, and most thankful Servant, Gerard Dowdall.   

Mr. Dowdall's JUST and SOBER VINDICATION, etc. For the Satisfaction of all Impartial CATHOLICS.  

CHAP. I.  
Beloved Friends,  
'TIs no Scandal to the Catholic Religion, to have the Vices of some pretended Members thereof discovered. The only way to Refine the Church of God, is to separate the good from the Evil; 'tis by that the destructive Members are distinguished from the sound ones, otherwise the one would corrupt the other, as one scabby Sheep doth the whole Flock. The best Experienced Artists are often deceived in the trial of Gold by Fire and the Touchstone, the same also, if it be very good, must be malleable, and endure Aqua fortis: So it is not a sufficient motive to believe men true Priests or Jesuits, because they wear Priests or Jesuits habits, and say Mass, showing outwardly signs of Devotion (as Hypocrites do) 'Tis therefore necessary that their Lives and Conversations witness what they pretend themselves to be, otherwise they are to be suspected as Seducers, and disturbers of the Peace of honest Men; such were some Companions of mine in the Gatehouse Prison of Westminster, although reputed Sufferers for Jesus Christ's sake, when on the contrary, they have practised the greatest Injustice that could be, more becoming Heathens than Christians, more suitable to Infidels than Catholics, and much less to reputed Priests and Jesuits, as the impartial Reader may judge by this following discourse.  
Now, that every one may know the necessity of this Relation, they must yield, that the Laws of God and Nature, obliges every one to defend himself, yea, to Kill, rather than be Killed: If then it be lawful for every one to defend his Body, much more is it just to vindicate his Reputation from Calumnies and Detraction, which renders a man odious to the Word, and in a worse condition than if he had been quite out of it. I hope then none will be scandalised at this my Defence, although I touch my Adversaries to the quick, and make them Shameful to the world, for their little Charity, and great Injustice, grounded altogether on Lies, Calumny, and Detraction.  
The first grounds of prejudicing me, was a difficulty propounded to me by a Person of Quality about seven years ago, concerning God and Christian Religion: besides the satisfaction I gave him then, I directed to him one Father Patuillet, an Eminent Preacher then in St. James', belonging to Don Francisco di Melos, the Portugal Ambassador, and I myself argued the whole matter with a Religious man, a stranger then in Town, for to give a greater satisfaction to the said Nobleman next time I saw him; the aforesaid stranger, as I was informed, held a dispute with an Irish Priest to the same purpose, who afterwards acquainted one Melchior Power his Countryman, and a reputed Priest, of what passed; this Melchior envying my Prosperity, a year before those Troublesome-times, assures my friends, underhand, that the said Nobleman's difficulties, to me propounded, were my own Principles and Opinion, although I never conversed with him half a quarter of an hour at once in my life, no, nor ever was under the Roof of an house with him that I know, unless in a Chapel or this Prison, and yet by his undermining me, I lost my employment with the Marquis of Montecuculi, and an expectation of a Preferment by his means, worth one hundred pounds a year, being actually employed therein; and as one Evil commonly followeth another, there was no ways to deprive me of this Preferment, but by getting the Elector of Cullens Resident to persuade me his Master recalled me to my former Employments in his Court; after I went thither, I found no such thing; but the Resident having incurred thereby his Highness' displeasure, was forced, in his own defence, to write the whole circumstance, how he was set on: By which Relation (although the greatest Lie imaginable) the Prince is so incensed against me, that I lost all future expectation in that Court, having formerly had therein two considerable Employments, the Reward of which, was usually a Chanonry of two or three hundred pounds a year during life; I being only at first retired from thence for health sake. I lost by this Journey all the Moneys I had, four Suits of , and fifteen changes of Linen, and all my Friends at home and abroad. Afterwards, for a livelihood, returning to my Native Country, I came to London, where the said Melchior Power was so successful by his calumny, and framed! Lies, in robbing me of all honest Reputation, that among all my former Friends, one only excepted, I could not obtain six pence to bear my charges in the rest of my Journey; and therefore by tarrying long on the Road for want of Moneys to go with conveniency, I lost all good opportunity of Wind and Wether, so that at last these troublesome times suddenly coming on, I was taken Prisoner on suspicion of being one Ireland, a Lancashire Gentleman, and afterwards brought hither to the Gatehouse, where charitable Catholics relieved me bountifully, which the said Melchior Power, there also in custody, suddenly prevented, by relating to other Prisoners, reputed Priests and Jesuits, the former Calumny of my Principles and Opinion in matter of Faith, who living also on Charity, and therefore as jealous as he of my Gains, joined with him in confirming the same to our Benefactors; upon which false Information I lost them all on a sudden, so that afterwards I scarce had a penny from any I ever knew before; insomuch that those who sent me word at first, they had Gold and Silver at my service, would now have no correspondence with me, or so much as accept my Letters. Among others, a certain Lady sent to me, that such a day she would send me three Guinnies, the which my Companions understanding, presently got the Lady to be informed of their Calumny and Lies of me, to which the Lady giving credit, sent them the three Guinnies, who gave me not one penny thereof. Another Lady I served three years, who hath bestowed Eighteen pounds on me since my Departure from her house, understanding the said false Reports by the said Melchior Powers means, would not now in Prison give me one penny to Relieve me.  
Neither was it to be admired, that Strangers flinched of, when two Gentlewomen of my own Country, and of old acquaintance, with another special Friend, coming to see me, being prepossessed of Mr. Powers Calumny, did so suspect I should do them a Prejudice, that they seemed to tremble in my presence, so that one of them was always sure to stand between me and the Door, lest I stepped a side to have them apprehended. Thus my Friends being alienated from me, the report of my bad Principles and Opinion, in matters of Faith, began to die, so that at the Years end, there was not a word heard thereof, until the Countess of A. understanding I was the only Prisoner for Religion that lay on the Board's, offered not only to pay my Chamber Rent while I was to be a Prisoner, but also what Debt I owed until then, which so galled my companions, that fearing I was coming again to favour, they put their heads together how to clip my Wings.  
First, that Evening they sent to me one Mr. O Cullane, (who owned himself publicly to be a Priest) letting me to understand, that he was sent by the other four of my companions, to acquaint me, how by Writing my necessities to Friends abroad, I robbed them of their shares of what I was to have from the aforesaid Countess. I desired him to assure them, that in the Faith of a Christian, to the best of my Memory, I did not write of my necessities to any whatsoever, in a quarter of a year at least: That the said Lady was altogether a stranger to me, that I never sent to her directly or indirectly; that I was then ignorant of her Name and Quality, yet this did not give them any satisfaction, for the Night following, they employed the same Messenger, with other Instructions to the same purpose: At this I was not a little offended, answering, that I would discourse the matter before them all: The next day I told them, I was much concerned at their incredulity, after the Oath I took: That in case I should have acquainted some abroad of my necessities, that would be no unjustice done them, being a whole year before deprived of all Relief from former friends, by their calumnies and Lies: That I was indebted for Lodging, and therefore forced to lay on the Board's Twenty six weeks. That I was credibly informed, that one of them got about an hundred pound gains since his Imprisonment: That I should be glad, if he and the rest had got ten times so much. That they also ought in Charity to wish me well, and not to be so incensed for God's Providence towards me. But all I said availed nothing, for three of them, being chief Leaders, and acquainted with a great many Persons of Quality, easily persuaded the two others to side with them: All five unanimously, without the least ground of truth, informs the said Countess with multitude of Lies of me, and got Mrs. Catherine Sheldon to second them; they prevailed so far with the said Lady, that she would never afterwards pay one penny of what she promised for me. I must confess, the want of a sufficient livelihood was no small trouble to me in a Prison, where every thing is sold at a dear Rate, and where one cannot send for the worth of two pence, but must pay the Messenger, and this out of six shillings a week, my whole allowance for Meat, Drink, Firing, Candlelight, Washing, and the repairing of , the rest I give for my Chamber Rent, or else I must have lain on the Board's in the Common side: In truth, all this was the least of my troubles, knowing well, the more my Body suffered for God's sake, the greater my Reward in Heaven would be hereafter: the consideration thereof, made me rather Glory, then to be any ways troubled at my Imprisonment; but to be backbited by inhuman Tongues, sharper than Raizors, who have no more Mercy than the worst of creatures, perplexes me more, then by any human Art I am able to bear, especially when I consider, that my Reputation, which I ever preferred before all the happiness of this world, is unjustly stained by the calumny and malice of the forementioned reputed Priests and Jesuits, who persecuted me for lucre of Monies, and self Interest sake; as the Impartial Reader may judge, since they never attempted any thing against me, but when they believed I had extraordinary Relief from Friends or was in a likelihood of obtaining some, which happened to me but twice, to wit at my first coming to the Prison, as I said before, and a twelve month after when the said Countess promised to pay my Chamber Rent, the only two times they vented their Malice against me.  
To prevent for the Future the like abuses occasioned by the too much credulity of the Female Sex, especially to Churchmen, or so reputed, let them know, that these are Men as others are, Subject to all human Frailties, as if they were never such, although by their Profession they ought to overcome their passions, but to say they all do so, is too much presumption, therefore we must yield some bad among them, and every of them to have their impefections, to wit, one has one failing, and another other failings. Who then is of so little Sense or Reason, as to believe that all these Frailties are to be approved off, because committed by such Men? If one of them be Naturally self Interested, or Passionate, or Revengful, or inclined to any other particular Vice, ought we then to side with them, and maintain their 〈◊〉 because they have other good qualities, as some graceless Women have done much to my prejudice: No, God and the Catholic Church hates Vice, and the Upholders thereof, for certainly 'tis no small Sin to defame unjustly a man that bears the Characters of honest Principles: I do not doubt but such evil Mouthed Creatures incurs the wrath of God more than Robbers and Murtheres in the high ways; 'Tis certainly better for one to lose his Life, than his good Name. My adversaries by staining my reputation bereived me of my livelihood, and of all future preferments hereafter: All this while I do not deny but I have been to blame in some things; I know being highly provoked, the effect of Passion moved me to say that which I did not myself approve of soon after, for one Mr. O. Bryan, (of whom we shall speak at large hereafter) being in great distress, entreated me to beg some assistance for him from my Companions, who upon motion thereof, willingly condescended, excepting Mr. Melchior Power, who answered, he needed as much as any in Prison; I only said, if it was so, he was much belied, for the common report was, he had Forty Shillings a week settled on him by four Persons whom I named to him, as I was informed, but his answer was, I invented the same myself, and consequently I was a Babbler. I must confess I was so vexed thereat, that I did not know whether I ought rather to Bridle my hands more than my tongue, but I did not indeed touch him, although it had been according to his deserts. I own it was my destiny to be unjustly persecuted by some Churchmen, but that the impartial Reader may be as well a Judge of the occasion thereof, as myself, I will set down some Examples.  

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 natured man, but is so transported with Natural Pride, or rather a Lofty Mind, that he is impossible to be pleased by some, unless they yield wholly to his humours; let others be ever so well qualified, these dispositions I discovered in him from the very beginning; and therefore judged it most necessary to comply with him, as with one Born in this Kingdom, and extremaly well beloved, especially by Lady's 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 Mathematics, and the Customs, Fashions, Education, Judgement, 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 Mathematics, in which he was altogether ignorant; yet he used to side with others, as unknowing as himself, against me in such Subjects, although I taught that Science for some years; so that rather than 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 Dined five times afterwards in his company without some affront: he was not ashamed to tell me to my face, that I seemed never to have frequented any Gentleman's company: That I did not know to cut my meat; that he was forced to teach me my manners; all that while I never shown any displeasure, but put it off with a Jest, only once I replied, that it was strange that one who was seventeen years' Governor to Earls, Lords, and Knights Children, and had two considerable Employments in the Prince Elector of Cullens Court, did not know how to behave myself 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 forced 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 dissuaded so much from me, that they would not afford me one civil word, some attacking me with unbeseeming Language for concerning myself 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 Favourites, or given him to be divided 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 persuaded folks of me. Afterwards getting out of Prison on Bail, he 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 Judgements 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 owns 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 this time he procured licence to converse daily with other Gentlemen Prisoners on the same score in another apartment, called, 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 learned afterwards by woeful experience; for having also liberty to frequent the same place, I renewed my acquaintance with one Mr. Turner a reputed Jesuit, formerly a Scholar in the same College 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 persuade me to take my Lodging among the rest, until I gave her Ladyship reasons to the contrary, with which she was so satisfied, that she wished me agree for my lodging where I pleased, and she would see it paid.   

Of Mr. TURNER.  
After her departure, I returned to the said Mr. Turner's Room, who told me, my discourse with that Lady was not either like that of a Christian, a Gentleman, or a Philosopher, alleging there was no Truth in what I said, and that all the Prisoners could justify the same: I answered, that I would forfeit my life, if every word I said was not true, to wit, that though Chamber proposed to me, had a most noisome 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 comers and goers. That I naturally delighted to live retiredly. That I was offered 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 haled thither: I desired to know for what, which he said was not expedient to tell me, and therefore I must resolve to concur. I replied, 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 myself thereof before I removed, least by condescending first to their demands, I seemed to the world, I owned myself 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 better than any of them could direct me. I pressed 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 myself 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 venomous 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 publicly disowns the same. Where are those Proselytes whom they have employed to aggravate their wickedness all the Kingdom over? Behold the Knavery of those you honoured so highly, and loved so dearly: You 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 Malice 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 declared before, yet they gave such a bad character to the Lady of me, that they caused her to carry back the Moneys again, alleging that it was first necessary I remove my Lodging to the foresaid stinking Room; on this resolution they employed 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 justify myself, 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 Gaoler, assuring him, in the presence of four more, she would pay my Chamber Rend 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 looked for, nor any thing else but a pretence to hinder me of the Lady's favours; so that on a sudden they set Nicknames on me, making me also believe Mr. Turner would speak with me, when at the same time he was 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 resolved 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 Hogs in their  as he and I: That the rest were well versed in Philosophy and Divinity, but he and I were the only moams in the Prison, with an hundred other like sour Jests: But in this we were ill met, for although I forbore with his do for quietness sake, yet I thought often I never met with so undiscreet a man of the Society before; I wondered at the Man's 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 imagine wherein a man I knew to be of no Parts, no Traveller, no Linguist, no Historian; and scarce worth the Name of a Scholar, should ground such confidence, for Latin he durst not speak, the Mathematics 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 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 ask, how's that? I told him ingeniously, without the least sign of Passion, that the second time I entered 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 called first for a Glass of Canary, next a Glass of Rhenish Wine, after that a Glass of Claret, all which overheating his Stomach, he called at last for a Glass of Beer, a Medicine indeed that would Kill me in one months' time; hereat he retired 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 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 desired one Mr. Maccarty, now condemned 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 concerned myself in that same against my inclination, only to divert you from making me the Subject of your Laughter. Then he replied, 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 asked him, if he would have me tell a Lie, or if he thought the world was to be ruled 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 livelihood, but what one Lady sent me weekly, whom he endeavoured to dissuade 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 owned it to her and her Sisters by two or three Letters I writ to them; on suspicion 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 all the prejudice immaginable, as if she was the chief party concerned; although she herself cannot tell what I did to disoblige her, unless she took a pet 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 Catholic Lady of any Quality in London, whom she did not, either by herself 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 bailing 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, went to her, railing at me in such a manner, that the Lady said, she wished 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  I wanted, but she thought so much moneys well spent by one of my Companions; she wished well for a Silk flowered Waistcoat, although he was but a Servingman's Son, and that my Father has had a considerable Estate.  
Neither was she satisfied to make what use she could of her own tongue, but employed 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 Marquis of Mountecuculi, Resident from the Duke of Modena. All this while I knew no better Remedy, than to take a Hair of the same Dog that bitten me. I therefore applied myself 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. Catherine Sheldon assured 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 Gaoler 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 forced to lay on the Board's, yet Mr. Turner and Mr. Parsons, denied to set their hands to it, without giving me any reason thereof, only 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 judge, if this be a Christian like answer; do not we know that a Sin is never forgiven without restitution of Honour and Goods, if it be in our power. Are those fit to guide other men's Souls that maintain and practise such unjust Principles? They Persecute the Innocent, they rob him of his Reputation and Livelihood, and yet at no times will they do him Justice, lest themselves be found guilty of an Error.  
But why do I wonder at those proceed? when I often said, that in all my Travels, in most Kingdoms of Europe, I never was Eye-witness to more tricks and knavery than I have seen practised by the forenamed Companions of mine in this Prison, although reputed Priests and Jesuits. I often said, if I knew no more of Christianity than I learned from them, I would choose rather to be a Turk than a Catholic. I always compared them to so many Mountebanks in a Market place, where each one makes the best of his Drugs: how jealous then may we justly suppose is each one of the others gains? Even so were my five Companions, or rather Adversaries, concerned 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 another's Credit or Reputation, although they may exclaim at each others Drugs: But my Companions made it their whole business, to Defame, Backbite, Detract, and Calumniate each other, drawing thereby all the profit to themselves. There was one of them so ingenious, that whilst he and I walked in a certain Room, a Gentlewoman called (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 Language, I heard her call for me, he answered, I will tell you another time; but then he played 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 Mountebank 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 divulged of me, he affirms, that when I went to School at Liege, I had my Diet at Citizen's 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 paid for. He also saith, he gave ten shillings to one of the English Society for me. I own I got some moneys from one of them, for coppying two Books in vacant times, which I earned well, without any obligation to him, a man I never spoke a word to, but in this Prison. There was lately in this Kingdom, one of that College that boarded in the same house I did, who can testify, that there were not three of twelve English boarders then in that Town that had better Meat, Drink, and Lodging, than 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 certain matter, I might lawfully Swear, he told a dozen Lies, and the day following, he absolutely denied he ever said any such thing; you may guests his little Conscience by this. A certain Gentlewoman having moneys to bestow among those that were most in want in the Prison, addressing herself 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 incensed 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 informed of him, let them but inquire his manner of life in Derbyshire, 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 only a feigned Compliment; he having a whole quarter of a year before rejected all proposals of a Reconciliation, or any satisfaction of Honour or Damages. If they had but the discretion after hearing one party, to give ear to the other, certainly I could not be so abused as I was. In this a certain Gentleman, that brought me the only allowance I had for my livelihood, behaved 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 scandalised thereat, saying to me afterwards, must we for trifles seek another's destruction, and defraud him of his Livelihood?   

Of Mr. thorn.  
But while I was clearing myself, one Thomas thorn a Catholic, heretofore both Groom and Butler to a Gentleman in the Country, and then a Prisoner for Treasonable words, was extreme insolent in his discourse to me, denying also that he told me what 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 Shoemaker's Widow; all which the said Thorn denying, I confirmed 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 wished him to be quiet, the more impertinent he was: I risen up with an intention to box him, but Mr. Parson's being in the way, held me in his Arms, which the said fellow perceiving, and that one hand could not assist the other, most treacherously gave a snak at my little finger, and turned 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 touched 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 judge it a subject not worth my labour.  
I beseech all good Catholics 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, being instructed a whole year in the like practices, 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 do, 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 Minister's Son, Mr. Parsons' Father was only Servant to a Lord, Mr. Power was a common Soldier in France, and at London, and so silly a one, that a Soldier that went to relieve him, finding him a Sleep at his Sentry, persuaded him that one of the great Guns was stolen, which as is said, Power apprehending a great deal of danger he was in, gave the other Soldier money to be Silent.  
The two others were strangers in the Kingdom, and opposed me, as I suppose, only to comply with the rest, 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 looked 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 versed in his Language: who thereupon suddenly entertained me, which four or five Friars of that Family envying, went thrice against me to have me out of my employment; The Ambassador acquainted me therewith, also ask 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 Companies, nor did I believe they ever saw me but in his house, yet said he, they bear you malice, but you shall not far the worse for that, contrariwise, you shall have Authority over them whilst they depend on me.  
When these could not prevail with the Ambassador, they employed 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 enquired what they had to allege against me, and that they replied, I was a stranger to them, and therefore not fit to be preferred in such considerable Employments as I enjoyed: some years after I happened to be a Governor to a Young Lord, which also galled them 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, upon which the said L. A. went strait ways to my Young Lords Mother, desiring her Ladyship to Banish me out of her house for the reasons aforesaid. The Lady admiring that he should know the concerns of her house better than herself, presently examined 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 desired reparation of honour and good name of my Lord, but he begged my pardon, assuring me he would never any more believe stories of me, being twice before guilty of wronging me, in preferring his own Friends to my Employment, for which he was once checked by the Q. but he came off as ill as he begun, declaring I had dependency of a Lady of ill repute, yet his Lordship preferred 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 myself, which I leave out for Brevity's sake. Let us then conclude with the Scriptures, that whosoever thinks himself no sinner, is a Liar: If therefore all men be breakers of Gods holy Commandments, since the just offends him seven times a day, why then should any justify them in their evils? as many tattling Women publicly maintained what Calumny 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 women's judgement; I know the love some of the said Women boar to my Adversaries, and the hatred they conceived of me for their sakes, made them do me all the prejudice immaginable; and now I am forced 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 preferred before my Life, wishing rather to die, then to be defiled.  
Some judicious men understanding how many Rivals 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 envied; as if one of little capacity would not be regarded or taken notice of, much less fit to be preferred 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 Latin, and to instruct all the five in the Mathematics, and in three Foreign Languages, yet they were to me as so many Dogs in a Manger, neither minding themselves of any Studies all the year long, nor permitting me to divert myself according to my inclinations therein; having before I was crossed and tormented by them, composed three Books in Prison, one of Heraldry, another of the Mathematics and the third a History Book, notwithstanding it was resolved, unless I forsook all conveniencies of Studies, and was controlled, or rather led by the Nose by them, I should be deprived of the payment of my Chamber-Rent, and lose my share of the Charities gathered for Prisoners; all which was afterwards punctually observed by calumniating and belieying me all the City and Country over.  
The Reason I have so often accused them of Lies, is, because if they told but truth, they could do me no harm. They are also guilty of Calumny, Detraction, and Backbiting, although what they invented of me was true, because none can discover another Man's crimes, unless publicly 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 God's 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 entreated 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 incensed against me. 'Tis true indeed, before this honourable Countess promised to pay my Chamber Rent, I lay on a Quilt on the Board's, 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 engaged in five shillings a week, without any likelihood of payment, or to have the advantage of my said Quilt on the Board's 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 Catholics, whom I have heretofore extolled above all others I knew, both for their Piety, Charity, and good Examples, especially in these times of Troubles, which I really believed were sufficient motives to appease the Divine Wrath, and manifold afflictions they lay under. But now, what construction can I make of these precedent virtues, 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 concerned me to let all Catholics know; therefore I directed her Ladyship's Letter to her Butler and Cookmaid, desiring them to let others, their fellow Companions, know the Contents thereof, and how the Unjustice of my Companions were countenanced by most Catholics in Town.  
How then can they expect that 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 injured by the false accusations of their ill Wishers, and yet make no scruple to justify the Calumny maintained 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 accused. 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 Catholics, who think it lawful to do any thing which Churchmen persuades them. Yet 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 opposed 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 appeared, her countenance changed into divers colours, using Congees 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 confirmed 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; but her friend understanding I was much offended with him for writing underhand to Mrs. Catherine Sheldon, something to my prejudice, as I believe, only to curry favour with her, he and I being intimate friends, declared to the said Widow the displeasure he conceived of me, by which I am sure to lose 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 balance what ever they could justly accuse me of from first to last.  
'Tis with me as with a great many, who far worse by looking over a Hedge, than others do by stealing either Horse or Mare: I have been from a Child as sober as any could be, being never once half fuddled in my life time. All that knows me can witness, I never drink but when I eat. I never was inclined to Swearing, Cursing, or Wrangling; but so far from that, that I naturally delighted in solitariness, insomuch, that very seldom I walked 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 employed 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 myself. I esteemed it cruelty to deny my good word or labour, where I could serve my Neighbour. I could have counted once Forty that lived by my Recommendation, when I instructed gentlemen's Sons in their houses; and now I cannot find one to go in an Errand for me. I had such an abhorrence for Lying, that I never esteemed so much any one's Friendship, as to tell a Lie 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 lose 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 testify. I preferred 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  or nice, for which I got ill will, especially when I lived in Families, where I never eat at any one's second Table, unless in the Prince of Cullens Court, where all Nobleman's Sons were my Companions, and that eight of his Highness' 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 played 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, than I drank Beer or Ale in a whole Week: Either of them might lawfully call two or three of their young Devotees, their Wives, and as many more their Misses, who used to call them Husbands and Gallants in like manner; the rest of the young Women must be their Sisters, and such as were elderly their Mothers. Yes, our holy Patriarch Mr. Power himself took the Liberty to look himself up daily in his Chamber for some hours with a young Woman he pretended to be his Niece, although a condemned Priest in Newgate, his own Countryman has openly assured there is no such Relation between them. A Gentleman of good Credit did assure me that one of the Women this Godly man used to have commonly looked 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 defamed me publicly without quarter such occasions given; one would think that those who took such Liberty themselves, aught to be the more indulgent in censuring others: But what can be 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 resolved to have my share between them, which would be considerable, by reason of my great acquaintance in Town: And because, in my Passion, I threatened to bring them and their Calumny to question, nothing must satisfy them but my Life, or a perpetual Imprisonment; as it will appear in this following Treatise.    

The Second Chapter. How my Companions endeavoured to Bereave me of my life.  
'TIs a general Remark throughout the World, that the worst of Men, are those who formerly practised virtuous Principles, and afterwards decline from the same; the reason is very plain, for some are Naturally so proud, and have so good an opinion of themselves, that they scarce give glory to God for the graces they receive, as if all the good Deeds they did, were properly attributed to themselves; and therefore in place of pitying their Neighbours failings, or giving thanks to God, that they were not so destitute of his graces and favours as they, they scoff at their weakness, censuring them often beyond their Deserts, when in Charity they ought to Pray for their Conversion. By this presumption, and other faults annexed thereunto, they incur God's displeasure; and thus losing part of the superabundant graces they enjoyed before, presently they fall from one sin to another, until at last, God leaves them wholly to themselves, and then being destitute of all grace, they plung into all manner of Vice, not unlike to a Thunderbolt, devouring where ever it comes. Thus by Pride and Presumption, the bad Angels were thrown out of Paradise, and becoming Devils, are made instruments to punish the Offenders of Gods holy Laws.  
I know none more fit to be compared to them, than my forementioned five Companions; their Education doubtless was Virtuous, their Breeding could not be otherwise, they being instructed as Scholars, and received (as is supposed) to Dignity, which did so puff them up with Pride and Presumption, that they forgot not only the former Slavery of their Birthright, but also to render God thanks for their present condition. God then having abandoned them, there is no Evil but they are ready to embrace: Behold then how they aim at my Life, for saying, I would Prosecute some of them to the utmost of the Law, unless they gave me satisfaction for what Injuries they did me.  
Nor was Satan wanting to their endeavours; for a certain Woman I kept in Prison from Starving, together with her Sucking-Child, she being at Liberty, begged me for God's sake, to continue my Charity, until she and her Sick Husband recruited themselves of their losses and damages; I told her, when she or her children wanted Bread at home, they should, as formerly, have a share of my Dinner: her eldest Daughter, about Eight years old, I sent with my Arrants, until at last, I took notice of her growing too confident among the Prisoners, throwing one's Hat, and another's Periwig off, and that I could not get her away when I desired it, always pretending, she durst not go home, without bringing something to her Mother: upon which, I warned her said Mother, in presence of Neighbours, to keep her Daughter at home, which being some hindrance to her, doubtless provoked her to do me what prejudice she could, unless I presented her with some Moneys. There passed seven or eight weeks without any disturbance, until at last she heard I was to be Bailed out, so that very day I was to give Bail at a Judge's house, she sent her said Daughter a purpose to Trapan me, whom I met as I was going forth, I said only to her, I am going abroad, I cannot speak to you now. From this day forth, until about three weeks after, she never came to my Chamber alone: That day being Monday, she told me they wanted Bread at home, and that her Mother wished her to come to me, that she might not also go fasting to School in the Afternoon: I gave her the remainder of my Dinner and a penny, wishing her to call me a Neighbour she knew, without expecting to see her any more, but within an hour after, I met her in the passage to my Chamber, letting me know, that the Woman I sent for, went away by Night, leaving the Key under the door, enquiring besides (laughing) what I thought became of the penny I gave her, than she told, how her Mother eating nothing all the day before, took it from her, and bought therewith Sheep's Trotters for her dinner; I pitied her so much, that I borrowed a Groat of a Woman that cleansed my Room, and sent the Child immediately therewith to her Mother, without entering my Chamber all the while. The Thursday following, being the last day she ever came to me, both she and her Sister came to Dine with me, alleading they had nothing to eat at home: After Dinner they were so unruly in the Prison, that some wondered I would countenance such Brats, but having relieved them so long, I would not desist now I was to departed; but the wicked Mother intended to stop my design, for the Saturday following, she came to my Chamber, declaring I intended to Ravish her Child, being not a little astonished at her Impudence, and dissembling countenance, I wished her be gone like a wicked creature as she was. I presently concluded, that this Woman, having once said such a thing, might perhaps have the Impudence to design the proof thereof, and might on purpose do her Child an Injury to put it on me. To prevent which, I entreated the Master of the Prison to get a Justices Warrant for the Mother and the Child, that the latter might be searched by a Midwife; all which was performed in an hours time: The Midwife, after a full view of the Child, declared to the Justice, that there was nothing on her, but what was usual to hundreds, even from their Birth: That it was no more than any Child might have by running up a pair of Stairs, or at Play, of which the Justice made so little account, that he openly said, it would come to nothing. To be sure, I made preparations for the worst, the which Mr. Church our Keeper understanding, often said to me, that for a Groat he would stand Trial for me, wishing me not to trouble myself about any thoughts of that nature. Yet I imagined that in a matter of such importance, I could not be too sure, I therefore employed one Mrs. Carpenter a Catholic, (by chance then in Prison) to procure another discreet Midwife, of long Practice, and good knowledge, to view the Child for more Evidence, who instead thereof, got a Young Woman, called Mrs, Ascu, and only a Deputy Midwife, to behold the Child, without letting me speak to her before hand, contrary to my directions; both these began to persuade me to give my Adversary a piece of Moneys to quiet her, in hopes to get a share to themselves, being both extreme needy. I told them, it was not the opinion of such a young Midwife I looked for, and as for my Adversary, I would expect satisfaction from her for the Injury she had done, and knowing myself Innocent, would rather Die than give her one penny to be Silent.  
I desired also another Catholic Woman, by name Mrs. Tent, to find me out another experienced Midwife to inspect the Child, and to witness what she ailed; this told me she knew one Mrs. James also a Catholic (a very ingenious Woman) who took the Oaths, only to dissemble with the Times, and therefore might be very serviceable to me: My answer was, that if ever she, or any belonging to her, expected any kindness from me, it would be on condition, that that cunning creature should not have any thing to do in my affairs, which she promised very often she would not: yet as if Mrs. Carpenter and she were agreed upon it to do me a prejudice, so that Mrs. Tent also, contrary to her promise and my will, brought the said Mrs. James to my Adversary, being also but a Deputy Midwife, and afterward had the confidence to bring her to my Chamber, and to wish me give her half a Crown for her pains, although she was not suffered to behold the Child, I asked them by whose direction they were employed, and so dismissed them.  
Now I began to believe for certain these Women were hired a purpose to ruin me; they intruded themselves in my concerns what ever I did to hinder them: Yea; the said Mrs. Carpenter, after all the warnings I gave her not to meddle any more in any thing belonging to me, brought me, notwithstanding about the same time one Mrs. Ogle a Catholic, who by all means would have me compound with my Adversary; I prayed her to take no care thereof, for that I was advised to the contrary by an able Counsel; but seeing she would not desist encouraging my Adversary with promises of procuring her a Reward to be silent, I writ to Mr. Aston her Brother in Law, entreating him to pray her forbore meddling in my concerns, but all in vain; for some days after, this Mrs. Ogle, and Mrs. Carpenter, came to my Chamber, acquainting me that they sent the two forementioned Deputy Midwives, Mrs. James and Mrs. Ascu to my Adversary, to bring her to composition, I much admired their confidence, enquiring by whose Authority they did encroach so much on me, letting them know, that what they did, was enough to find me Guilty, though the most Innocent in the World: whereupon I desired a certain Woman I met in Prison, to recall the said Midwives, and to declare to my Adversary, that I renounced any composition offered her in my Name; the two Deputy Midwives than came to my Chamber to meet the other two that employed them, where I railed at their impudence, in meddling with my affairs without my own consent; Mrs. Ogle (after all) wished them return back again, and compound the matter without me, since I was not to contribute a penny to what was to be given, adding besides, I was fit for Bedlam for refusing such offers; little, as I suppose, immagining that my Adversary was engaged to Prosecute me, and would have brought their moneys as a Testimony, to condemn me, and thereby to have my Life.  
I thought it to no purpose to oppose any longer these obstinate women's Resolutions; I than began to reason the case with them, and how it behoved me rather to bring my Adversary to just Punishment for scandalising me, since God, my own Conscience, and many Men and Women were Witnesses of my Innocency. And for their further satisfaction, I desired God to show no Mercy to my Soul, if ever I entered that Child's Body a hair's breadth, as was reported, or ever intended any such thing. The two Midwives being pitiful poor, as also Mrs. Carpenter, who liveth on Charity, knowing, that if they came to composition, themselves would go snacks with my Adversary. They were going by Mrs. Ogles directions to know the least she would accept of: I followed them untiI they came to the Common side, where I desired all the Prisoners to take notice, that those two Women were going to compound with my Adversary without my consent; upon this they returned in a fury to my Chamber among the rest, where I did not go until they departed.  
Mrs. Ogle after all, being persuaded with these three Indigents, lost no time to encourage my Adversary with hopes of some moneys, the only thing she aimed at; who thereupon made it her business daily to get part thereof in hand. How they agreed I do not know, only I was told, that my Adversary in presence of Mrs. Ogle desired the Justice that issued out his Warrant against me, to withdraw her Action, and that some body in Malice persuaded the Child to accuse me, but it seems the Justice engaged her to a Trial.  
Now, the two Midwives, mad I did not yield to a Composition, assured my Adversary, if she Prosecuted me, they would be both Witnesses for her at my Trial, where none besides them two and the Child, with her Mother, appeared against me, that ever saw my face before; yet I was cast upon the sole Oath of the said Mrs. James, a Catholic Deputy Midwife, brought to be my Witness by some pretended friends of my own Religion; all the rest only said, They saw the Child in such a manner; which less reflected on me, then on any else, she being abroad among all sorts of people. Mrs. James took her Oath, I owned the Fact to her, in presence of four more, and that I offered Ten pounds to smother it, although the said four, to wit, Mrs. Pennay, Mrs. Ogle, Mrs. Carpenter, three Catholics, and Mrs. Ascu a Protestant, could witness her to be Perjured; as also five or six Prisoners, having never spoken to her but twice, once when Mrs. Tent brought her to my Chamber, wishing me to give her half a Crown, and the second time in the presence of the said Gentlewomen and Prisoners, yet none appeared at Court to justify the Truth. The Prisoners could not, without so many Habeas Corpus', which the Justices of the Peace had no Authority to grant, nor was it in my power to be at the expenses thereof: The Gentlewomen pretended they durst not be seen, lest they should be put to trouble for their Religion, although I took my Oath I would not call for their Names before I had obtained a Promise from the Court not to molest them, so that I was brought in guilty of a Trespass.  
And thus I had lost my life by mrs. James, if the Grand Jury had found the Bill to be Felony, of all which, I conceive the said Catholic Gentlewomen to be as guilty as the said Mrs. James, since they engaged her in my concerns against my will, and that they refused to justify the truth of what I said.  
On my side there were above twenty Protestant Witnesses besides Catholics. One Mistress Watson the most reputed Midwife in Westminster, and who viewed the Child, the very first day by order of a Justice of Peace, with two Women more of very good credit and repute, and very Skilful in Midwifery, took their Oaths before the Bench, that the Child as far as could appear to the best experienced Midwives was never touched by man, that what was seen on her was incident to hundreds of Children by Playing or running up stairs.  
I had in Court four Certificates under the hands of four different Parties, who examined the Child in the beginning a part, quite different one from the other: At my Trial she learned another Lesson contrary to all the rest; She added, that Striving with me, she tored my Ruffles, altho' there was in Court the Seamster from whom I bought them, and my Wash-woman; the one was ready to Swore that she made me but the Ten payers then produced in Court; and the other, that the said Ten payers, which she washed often, were all the Ruffles I had, which never wanted the mending of one stitch with a Needle.  
The said Child was taught to say, that a certain Woman heard her cry, when I offered violence to her, which the same Woman not only denied, being not in my Chamber in six or seven months before this Report, but also told in Court, that my Adversary, with her Husband, offered her moneys to say so.  
The Child being demanded by the Court, how often did I attempt to abuse her, she said only twice, to wit, the Monday before her Mother accused me, and about three weeks before that. Now every one may see the wickedness of this Child's Mother, who, contrary to my orders, sent her Daughter to me, as I have reason to believe, purposely to Trapan me: 'Tis true, the Child came twice to my Chamber alone in Eleven week's time, that is since I warned the Mother to keep her at home. The first time was the day I went to give Bail before a Judge, but then she did not enter my Room, as seven Men and Women were ready to Witness, whom I left in my Chamber going out when I met the Child by the way, but had not leisure to ask what she came for.  
The second time was the Monday before mentioned, when I gave her the penny, for which her Mother bought Sheep's Trotters, and afterwards a Goat, as I said before, out of pity, and this in another Room, in presence of a Prisoner, at which time this Child went away as waggish as ever. Her coming with her Sister the Thursday following to Dine with me, being the last time I spoke to her, and their unruliness before many Prisoners, justifieth she was not offered any violence the Monday before, yet the Saturday following her Mother vented her malicious designs of prejudicing me, unless she got the moneys demanded.  
Behold the ungratefulness of this generation of Vipers: I relieved with part of my Dinner about ten weeks this Child's Mother, whom I saw was starving in Prison, and sucking of Bones I set aside for a Dog, during which time, I allowed to buy food for her Sucking Child, a penny, two pence, or three pence daily; after her being at Liberty, I assisted her whole Family, every other day, for near a years time; I bestowed on her Husband an old Suit of , Hat, Shoes, Stockings, and Gloves; and on both her Daughters, moneys for the  they wore; and for their Schooling half a year; they having not a Shift to their backs, nor Shoes to their feet, but what I bought for them. And because moneys grew scarce with me, that I could not continue my Charity, I must be rewarded with Iniquity; I must be accused to offer violence to her Child the only two times she came alone to me, and against my will in eleven week's space, having never offered any such the whole year before, as the Child owned it in open Court, although she came to me every other day. Besides, what likelihood there is, that I had the least thought thereof, when I could have had her every day in my Chamber at a words speaking, and that on the contrary, I forbidden her coming at all; but the matter was, the Mother was set on by my companions friends, and was promised moneys, which she was willing to accept at any score; believing, if I were once at liberty, she should never see me any more, as she often said.  
This wicked Woman being asked by several, why she pretended her Child was abused, when she ran and played all day long, and looked as well as ever she did; to which she answered divers times, as was justified in Court by her nearest Neighbours, that her Child ailed nothing, but that she would have moneys from the Papist Rogue. Yet although she had scarce one witness for her, but was known in the Parish, to be either a Whore, a Thief, or Perjured Creature; as I was creedibly informed; and that none of them ever saw my face but in Court, excepting the two Midwives, that were brought by Catholics to be for me, notwithstanding upon the false Oath of one of them, a Woman of a very bad Repute, I was cast, as I said before.  
All being considered, 'tis not to be doubted, but this evil befell me by the instigation and malice of the five Reputed Priests and Jesuits, my forementioned companions; for first, my Adversary being pitiful poor, and wanting Bread, could not Fee a Counsel, and Prosecute me without having assistance from others: Who then would encourage her, but those who saught all occasions to prejudice me, whose Pensioners in Prison, gave my Adversary every day a full account of what preparations I made for my own defence.  

Of Mr. O BRYAN.  
They employed one Mr. O Bryan, a Prisoner, whilst I relieved him with Money 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 Catholics, being before in bad repute with them; this man being well versed in such Subtleties, as appeared in his conspiracy against the Duke of B. for which he stands charged in ten Thousand pounds' damage, and to stand in the Pillory, as also while he wrote under Doctor Tongue as a pretended Protestant, making now profession to be a Roman Catholic, getting the opportunity in my Chamber to Steal from me some old Letters, by which he Learned so well to counterfeit my hand, that he writ a Letter in my Name to the Archbishop of Canterbury, railing at the Catholic Religion, by showing which to Catholics, 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 confirmed the same by a Solemn Oath to Friends, than 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 Malice and Subtleties. Now understanding 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 managers of the Charities: among other Lies, he Publishes that there are several Points in this Book (which he never saw as yet) against the Catholic Religion. That I lost my Employment 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 testify the contrary, as also the unprobability of the thing.  
'Tis not to be questioned, but that this man was the first Inventor of the Child's Mother Stratagem, thereby to ingratiate himself with my Companions, and consequently with other Catholics, 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 procured 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 Child's 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 divulged, a certain Catholic Woman being some days before Released out of Prison, knowing every thing that passed in my Room, which she kept clean daily, offered of her own accord, to justify 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 dissuade 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 Catholics displeasure; so that when I desired 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 writ down is true, yet I do not desire to be concerned. 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, alleging he was then busy, he could not stay, he must go to Dinner, and so departed, although I invited him to Dine with me, and that I told him that what I was about concerned my Life. Being afterwards told by the Prisoners (to my great amazement) how I was betrayed by him, and how he dissuaded the Woman from being my Witness, as she herself told me afterwards, believing no Gentleman would do as he did, or betray his Friends without any occasion of displeasure, I enquired of his old acquaintance what he was.  
One Mrs. Tent a Tailor's 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 used frequently thither playing at Cards, and getting his livelihood 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 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 divulged, did belong heretofore to his Predecessors, were to his knowledge the Lands of other Gentlemen, who had the Inheritance thereof from their Forefathers. 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 countenanced him in Holland as his name sake, being there informed he was not the man he pretended himself to be, gave orders to forbid him his house, yet he said he justified himself afterwards in England.  
The said Bryan being asked 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 real 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 countenaced by those who regard his Person more than his Honesty, he being a proper well Limned 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 persuaded me that he was Heir to 4000 Acres of Land, I relieved him as aforesaid: he assured me, that his Grandfather and Uncle were both Knighted by the particular favours of this Duke of B. father; a cunning device to persuade 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 Kingdom to contradict him. A brave man to be employed to persecute honest men!  
'Tis no wonder he was so extraordinary skilful in his own pedigree, since he made it his Trade to justify (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 Practice, being at Liberty 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 destroyed and burnt by Tories, etc. 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 mechanic 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 used that Trade so often in them parts, that the name of an Irishman among them is most odious; admiring that pretended Gentlemen, and persons of Quality, did not know common Breeding, and were all Beggars. English men can testify part of these Cheats, if they will but call to mind their old acquaintance Claucy, most notorious in such subtleties: If Catholics 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 satisfy 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 forced on me two Midwives, with design to take away my Life, for otherwise, would any ordinary creatures, as they were, deny to justify the Truth to save one's life, and especially of a Catholic 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 dissuade 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 justify 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 Catholic, being familiarly acquainted with my Adversary, and one of those that first took the Child's Examination, would not justify the same at Court, because I told, it contradicted what the said Child said to others, lest she should do me any service therein; but contrariwise, both she and her Companion Mrs. Cottee a Catholic, did aggravate the matter to excess in all Companies, and this only out of malice, because this Greys' Brother was Married to one of my Adversaries Sisters.  
Item, one Mrs. Martha a Catholic, and an old Servant to the Lady St. understanding from one of my Protestant Witnesses, what she could justify in my behalf, said, without considering what I had to say for myself, I deserved to be Punished, which discouraged so this Witness, that she did not declare a word of what she promised, and this only because one of my Adversaries Father was her fellow Servant.  
You may see what Roman Catholics 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 only Fined me to the Head Bailiff of Westminster, who understanding my Poverty, was willing to forgive me his Fine, but my Adversaries to detain me a Prisoner, lest I brought them to an account (as was Reported) of their misdemeanours, employed one Nicholas Crouch a Catholic 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 on me. This Scholar of theirs a Solicitor 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 borrowed of me about three pounds, and never paid me as yet: such are the grievances Prisoners are liable 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 Incensed woman. Malice 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 Justice is an horror 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 Weathercock. Vanity is the fruits of her labours, and to be flattered 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 malice 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 ensnared by one I never offended in the least, and yet to comply with her Friend, she has done me all the prejudice imaginable: I must confess Mrs: Catharine Sheldon in the beginning of her rage against me has compelled certain thoughts in my Head, the like I never harboured before, nor since; for all my Adversaries together could never do me the hundreth part of the prejudice I received, had she not backed 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, although she was not concerned 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 yet there is no evil but She has practised against my Reputation, my Body, and my Livelihood.  
'Tis evident there is nothing She wished more than my Death, and since God I hope has given her no power thereon, she is resolved to hinder my Liberty by dissuading Catholics from bestowing me any Relief towards my Release out of Prison; assuring them, I intent as soon as I am at Liberty, to impeach as well other Catholics, 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 Catholic Prisoners was, that since I could be at Liberty any time this half year by paying an inconsiderable Sum of Moneys I own, They would be pleased to allow my share of the said Charities to my Creditors in the same manner it is paid 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 sheldon's bad Character of me has sent such a terror in the Hearts 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 hindered to be given me, by Publicly divulging that this Book is full of Invectives against the Catholic 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 Scourge She is to me among my other afflictions! If she was asked 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 Hypocrite, or from some others of my Adversaries; which shows a great deal of Malice in her to me, and very little Discretion or Wisdom, 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 justify one truth among hundred of Lies She divulged of me these thirteen months past, I being now a Prisoner two years and a half, all which time I never saw her face. I am confident she will never find out one Lawful 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 Published of me was as true as the Gospel. I do not know to whom better to compare this Gentlewoman's 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 dissuade from so inhuman an Act, no more than 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, that the Mrs. Catharine Sheldon was the Principal Instrument for procuring those Catholic Women that brought the two Midwives to be my Witnesses, and afterwards persuaded them to Swear against me at my Trial.  
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 contained in this Book, but what I might leave on my Death to be true.  
I was forced, for want of Moneys to bestow the whole sale of the Copies to the Printer; And whosoever blames me for Printing the same, would undoubtedly do worse themselves in the like occasion. If any one of them was Robbed of his whole Store or Patrimony, or was falsely accused of any Felonious 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 Robbed of my Reputation, of my Livelihood, and of all future expectations of considerable Employments 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?  Fiat Justitia, vel ruat Caelum   
FINIS.   

London Printed, and are to be Sold by W. Downing in Bartholomew-Close Printer, 1681