SIR PHILIP STAPLETON HIS WORTHY SPEECH In the House of COMMONS in PARLIAMENT, jan. 15. 1641.  
Concerning the Accusation of the Lord DIGBY and Colonel LUNSFORD of High Treason.  
London, Printed for JOHN THOMAS, 1641.   

Sir Philip Stapleton his Speech in Parliament the 5. of jan. 1641, Concerning the Accusation of High Treason of Colonel Lunsford and the Lord Digby.  
Mr. Speaker,  
IT is the continual practice of the Devil after any of his works of darkness and maliciousness intended against God and his Christ, is discovered and annihilated by the special power of Divine Providence, to practise new, being always striving to increase his own Kingdom, always winning to himself fresh Instruments to yield to his suggestions and temptations and execute the same.  
I am now to speak concerning this new treachery and Conspiracy endeavoured to be practised by two eminent persons, that have especially the one of them, obtained the favour no tonely of their Prince, but applauded for their better parts by most of his Majesty's Subjects, the Lord Digby and Col. Lunsford; The first had the Honour to fit in this House as a Member thereof, so well approved was he both of his King and Country, none more fervent against evil doers at the first than himself seemed to be both by his Speeches and disputes, but in heart always as it seems favouring the Bishops, and their cause, although it seemed but a little, yet increasing daily more and more, grew to such strength in his opinion concerning his own worth, that he adventured to take part with the Earl of S●raford, trusting too much on the same, so high is pride, that ●t length he presumed to oppose and set himself against the proceed of the whole House, against the said Earl, obstinately r fusing to be admonished concerning the same, and yet keeping his friends, many of the Lords, was by his Majesty as a Baron called to their house, and aspiring yet higher, obtained his Prince's favour not being yet acquainted with his secret intentions, by which means, too confident of his safety, and security in his designs, adventured openly to comply with the public Enemies both of King, and Country, as especially now with this other person of whom ●am to speak, this Colonel, being by his Majesty advanced to that dignity and trust, could not to content himself, but imitating the water Toad, seeing the shadow of a horse seem bigger than itself, swelled, to compare with the same, and so bur● even so this Gentleman having obtained first this place of Command, and afterwards Lieutenant of the 〈◊〉, and being found of such a malignont 〈…〉 was unfit and uncapable for that great 〈…〉 and therefore removed, taking the same a great dishonour to his worth, now endeavours by traitorous and desperate additions, to defend himself, and be revenged of his pretended adversaries, and to that purpose they have between them jointly raised arms against the State, met together in peaceable consultations for the good of Church and Common wealth.  
Mr. Speaker.  
These attempts made by these persons are of dangerous consequence, and this their insurrection by taking up of Arms without warrant both from his Royal Majesty and this High Court of Parliament, only to do mischief in raising sedition and contention thereby to preserve themselves from being called to an account for their desperate actions, and disloyal taking up Arms, will prove harder to appease and suppress then any troubles we have yet suffered.  
Mr. Speaker,  
I conceive quick dispatch in our intentions for the apprehending and suppressing these persons, is the only means to prevent future danger; And to that purpose I desire to present to your considerations these particulars.  
1. That Warrants may issue forth for the speedy and private apprehending of them in what places soever they shall be found, and immediately to bring them before the House.  
2. If this cannot be effected, to Issue forth Proclamations for their calling in within a certain time prefixed, under penalty of being prosecuted and proceeded against as Traitors to their King, and Country.  
3. That warrants be forthwith sent for the gaurding and securing of all the Ports of this Kingdom, and for the intercepting of all Packets, or Letters intended to be coveighd into Farraign Kingdoms or any brought from thence hither.  
4. That Order be sent down into the several Counties of this Kingdom, where it is suspected either of these persons have any Friends, or Favourites wellwishers to their cause, with command to the Sheriffs, and several Officers of such Counties to stand upon their guard, and to raise Force for their own defence and saiety, and to endeavour by all means possible to apprehend and suppress them and such of their Conspiracy as shall be taken, presently to be sent up to this house to be examined and proscecuted according as they shall be found.  
5. That order may be made by the Parliament that no Officer that shall be found to have a hand in this plot, may be employed in any service of public Command, either for Ireland, or any otther of his Majesty's Dominions, or any private affairs of this Kingdom.  
6. That we may with out further delay proceed to sentence against all delinquents by this Honourable house accused for any crime whatsoever, in whose defence, or for whose cause these persons now accused pretend to take up Arms.  
7. That his Majesty may be moved graciously to be pleased to declare himself against these persons and all others that do any ways pretend to his authority or warrant for what they do.  
8. And lastly, his Majesty may be moved to avert his intended Journey for Portsmouth, for the safety and security of his Royal Person, till such time as their dangers be removed, and the Peace and Unity of all his Majesty's Loyal Subjects be procured and settled.  
And thus Mr. Speaker, having presented such things to this House, which I humbly conceive to be necessary to suppress and prevent this new danger threatened by these two disaffected and Malcontented persons, the Lord Digby and Colonel Lunsford, I leave the same to the further consideration of this Honourable House, desiring from my heart, that it would please God to end all the troubles and distempers of this Commonwealth, and that this High Court of PARLIAMENT may prove the firm settlement of all things amiss both in Church and State.  
FINIS.