LETTER CCCCXXVII.

THE ARCHBISHOP OF ARMAGH TO THE IRISH BISHOPS.

MY VERY GOOD LORD,

I am commanded to declare unto you, that it is the pleasure of the state, that the suspending of the proceedings against recusants for their clandestines, for which you received directions before the beginning of the parliament, shall be still continued; until you do receive more special instructions to the contrary. And that in the mean time, in a quiet and silent manner, you withdraw all such proceedings; and be careful to place able and worthy ministers in all parishes, who may endeavour to win and reduce the adverse party, by instruction and good example.

I am further also required, by letters directed unto me, from his Majesty, dated at Hampton Court, the 24th December last, to admonish all my brethren, the lords bishops, that they concur in the great work of plantation now in hand, by planting Protestants upon their own lands". I commit you to God's blessed protection, and rest

Your Lordship's most assured loving brother,

So

JA. ARMACHANUS.

Dublin, March, 17. 1636.

a Here a line is drawn through the following lines: "And that in this, and all other things, they be advised and directed by the lord deputy, that both Church and commonwealth may be regulated, that there be no disproportion, but harmony in all parts.'

But for the particular of marriages, you are to take order, that the banns also be thrice denounced in our parish churches, and a note preserved of their names who are to be married; or that otherwise they take out their license for marriage, paying those accustomed fees, that they of our own profession used to do upon the like occasions. These things I thought good to acquaint your Lordship as so I rest.

MY LORD,

LETTER CCCCXXVIII.

J. G. TO THE ARCHBISHOP OF ARMAGH,

BEFORE I sealed my letters up, I went to see Sir William Boswell, at his lodging, who told me, that this morning he had sent his letter to your Grace, by him that was to bring the lord deputy's packet; and, upon discourse, he asked me, what news I had writ, I told him, little; but heard since, that there was on the sudden to be a parliament here, to which he replied, it was certain. Things passing in this wise; yesterday his Majesty called the whole body of the council together, and between one and two in the afternoon came himself in person, where the stout Earl of Traquier, being come to court, some weeks since, and lodged in Whitehall, was called to make his report about the Scotch affairs, which being all diligently hearkened unto, the lord deputy propounded to his Majesty and the board, a parliament to be called presently, and he made no question but all matters would be presently settled in a peaceful manner, for the quiet of his Majesty, and content of all his subjects. To this speech the lord grace of Canterbury became a second, and desired that it might be so, in regard for his own particular; he was said, amongst the vulgar, to be the cause of all these broils of Scotland, and that he much desired, if not cleared by his Majesty, to sacrifice himself in the cause, if any would challenge him truly.

Once, again, I pray your Grace's answer to my former letters, concerning my MS., for since I wrote them outwards, both Sir Thomas and the lady Barington desired

me to put you in mind, and withal to remember their own and theirs service to you. Things falling out thus forces me to beg of your Grace again to write to Mr. Downes, for to furnish me with a suit of clothes, in regard of saving something by me here, if I should go on the score.

Mr. Gattane was this day with me to enquire of your Grace's health, and wished me to certify your Grace, that he thinks, by this time, Dr. Travers' MSS. are at Chester. Dr. Featly could wish that your lordship had writ to Mr. Gattaker ere this, as I mentioned formerly about the Jesuit's reply.

Dec. 6th at night fall, 1637.

J. G.

LETTER CCCCXXIX.

FROM THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY TO THE ARCHBISHOP OF ARMAGH.

MY VERY GOOD LORD,

As I was coming from the Starre Chamber this day sennight at night, there came to me a gentlemanlike man, who, it seems, some way belongs to your Grace. He came to inform me, that he had received some denial of the keys of the D. of Westminster lodgings. I told him that I had moved his Majesty that you might have the use of those lodgings this winter time, and that his Majesty was graciously pleased you should have them, and that I had acquainted Dr. Newill, the sub-dean of the college, with so much, and did not find him otherwise than willing thereunto. But my lord, if I mistake not, the error is this the gentleman, or somebody else to your use, demanded the keys of the lodging, if I misunderstood him not. Now the keys cannot be delivered, for the king's scholars must come thither daily to dinner and supper in the hall; and the butlers and other officers must come in to attend them. And to this end there is a porter by office and oath that keeps the keys. Besides, the prebends must come into their chapter house, and (as I think), during chapter time have their diet in the hall. But there is room plentiful enough for your Grace besides this. I advised this gentleman to speak again with the sub-dean according to this direction, and more I could not possibly do. And by that time these letters come to you I presume the subdean will be in town again. And if he be, I will speak with him, and do all that lies in me to accommodate your Grace.