OR,
A COMPLETE HISTORY
OF
THE GUNPOWDER TREASON,
A.D. 1605;
WITH
A DEVELOPEMENT OF THE PRINCIPLES OFTHE CONSPIRATORS,
AND
SOME NOTICES OF THE REVOLUTION OF 1688.
BY THE
LONDON:
JOHN W. PARKER, WEST STRAND.
M.DCCC.XXXIX.
Though the particulars connected with the GunpowderTreason may be perused in the generalhistories of the period, yet I am not aware, that anymodern narrative of that dark design is to be foundin a separate form. Many brief sketches have, indeed,been published in various modern works: but no fulland complete history of the Treason has ever been setforth. In compiling the present volume, I have collected,from various quarters, all the information whichI could discover on the subject. It will be found tobe the most complete narrative of the Treason everpublished in a detached form: at the same time it issufficiently concise not to weary the patience of thereader.
As to the seasonableness of such a publication,there can be but one opinion among Churchmen.The aspect of the times, the rapid advances ofRomanism, the appointment of certain Roman Catholics[iv]to high and important offices in the State, and thecountenance given to Popery in high places, are circumstanceswhich naturally direct the attention of allreflecting persons to the principles of that Church,which has recently appeared to gain fresh strength inthis country. The question must force itself upon thenotice of every true Protestant. The Church ofEngland is assailed on every side, simply because sheis the strongest bulwark ever erected against theencroachments of Popery: and history proves that,from the period of the Reformation, our own Churchhas been unceasingly attacked, in some way or other,by the advocates of Romanism. It is, therefore, verydesirable that we should consult the past history ofour country, in order that we may discover how theactive emissaries of Rome have always acted. TheGunpowder Treason is one of the darkest tragedies inour domestic history: and the present work contains afaithful narrative of that detestable conspiracy. Ihave endeavoured also to exhibit the principles onwhich the conspirators acted: and I have proved thatthese principles are still retained by the Church ofRome.
In order to furnish the reader with a full view ofthe working of Popish principles, I have given a[v]sketch of all the Papal attempts against QueenElizabeth.
In the last chapter I have inserted the Act ofParliament for the Observance of the Fifth of November.I have printed the Act, because there are manyclergymen who have never seen it, and who are notacquainted with the few works in which it is to befound. The clergy are commanded to read this Actevery year, on the Fifth of November: and as it isnot easily to be procured, or, at all events, is notattainable in a separate form, I ca