A modest vindication of Titus Oates, the Salamanca-doctor from perjury, or, An essay to demonstrate him only forsworn in several instances by Adam Elliot ...

An Account of TITUS OATES HIS DEPOSITIONS Against ME.

IT is very hard to conceive, that any thing made after the Image of God, and endu'd with a reasonable soul, (howsoever degene∣rate and corrupt) should affect evil only for the love of evil, and covet mischief for its own sake; this is so great a reproach, and casts such a dishonourable reflection up∣on humane nature, that no man can suppose such a Devil incarnate: and therefore e∣ven Titus Oates himself (though we should comply with the Papists and believe all his Depositions to have been only the result of his own wicked and mischievous inven∣tion) had always the hopes of Grandeur and the importunate sol∣licitations of cunning politick heads, together with a gratification to his Revenge, or some natural inclination, to plead as an acquittance from the imputation of so Diabolical a temper. And really the Jesuits and Benedictines were very uncharitable to him, when he poor Rogue seem'd abandon'd by God and Man, and was forc'd to betake him∣self to the Devil and the Jesuites to get bread, and not having the fear of God before his eyes, had no other design to maintain himself in life, but by conspiring the Kings death: for them first to turn him away ignominiously from S. Omers as an indocible Blockhead, that could never be brought to turn three Lines of English into tolerable Latin; and then to disown him here in London, notwithstanding he had a Patent (Risum teneatis!) from the Pope, to be admitted to their pri∣vate Cabals; and in the next place to oblige him without Shooes and Stockings, to go a-begging to the Benedictines in the Savoy for, the

Scraps of a dinner; and then for Corker and the rest to bid the Maid shut the Door upon him, this is enough to make a man so hungry as he was, to be very angry, and to swear too: so that considering the Doctor's temper, the satisfaction of his revenge might be alleadg'd as some kind of excuse to qualify the malignity of his Oathes against these people. And now probably the Readers curiosity is excited to the enquiry upon what occasion, motive or provocation, the wicked Doctor (supposing the falsity of his Depositions) was induc'd to swear so maliciously against me: for satisfaction thereto, he must know that Charles Lord North and Grey, was the sole and only occasion of Oates's swearing against me; it was to oblige this Noble Lord (for whose interest it was thought necessary to have me disesteem'd, and put out of capacity and credit) the cursed Doctor pawn'd his Soul, which will appear plainly to have been his design not only from the express words of his own Depositions, but also from the said Lord's acknowledgment upon his Oath, in Court at our Tryal. But how this noble Lord became so concern'd to appear my Enemy, the Reader will understand from what follows.

William late Lord Grey of Werk, by his last Will and Testament, left to his Daughter Katharine now Lady North two hundred Guin∣neys as a Legacy, and his Son Ralph afterwards Lord Grey, he appoint∣ed sole Executor of his Will; by Deed having settled his Estate upon his Grandson Ford the present Lord Grey of Werk. This was a very great disappointment to the Lord Grey of Rollestone, now Lord North, who had entertain'd great expectations, not only of being Executor to his Father in Law, but also of having a considerable part of the E∣state settled upon him; though upon what foundation he built such mighty hopes unless his own fancy, seems very unaccountable. For the Lord William Grey had bestow'd a plentiful Portion with his Daughter; and he always caress'd his Son and Grand-sons with a paternal affection, as the props and supports of his Name and Family: and why then he should alientate his Estate, and bestow it upon ano∣ther Name, is very unsuitable to that wisdom and prudent conduct by which the said Lord was always observ'd to have manag'd his affairs. Howsoever the Lord North left no means unattempted, no Stone unrolled, to find out a Dish of Deeds, as his Lordship learnedly phras'd it, but all in vain: at length two Sons of Belial, William Warren (who had been for a long time Steward in the Lord Grey of Werk's Family, and then for his infidelity cashier'd) and Isaack his Son (much about the same time and upon the like account, discarded the service of the Lady Dowager Grey) being both turn'd out of Beneficial employ∣ments, and not having any other ways of subsistance, they lay hold of this humour of my Lord North, resolving to incourage him in it, and to improve it to two different purposes; namely, to procure themselves a livelihood thereby, and besides to revenge themselves upon the Lord Grey and the Lady Dowager his Mother. To this purpose, they inform the Lord North that he is much injur'd by the Lady Dowager Grey, Executrix to her Husband Lord Ralph Grey, pretended Executor only to his Father the Lord William Grey, because that the Lady North was appointed sole Executrix, by the

last Will of the said William Lord Grey, and that the Lord Ralph had burnt that Schedule wherein she was nominated, and forg'd another, wherein he nominated himself, and substituted it in the place of the other; this they both attest upon their Oathes, upon which the Lord North commences a sute against the Lady Dowager Grey. The Cause after several removes from Court to Court, at last center'd before the Delegates. To be short, after a tedious examination of Witnesses produc'd on both sides, the Delegates having diligently weigh'd the arguments, came to a final determination, and unani∣mously pronounc'd in favour of the Lady Grey, judging that Rascal Isaack Warren (who confess'd himself to be a Villain, in betraying his Lord William Lord Grey, and in being accessory to the forging his last Will and Testament, before he could be in a capacity to wit∣ness for Thomas Lord North) to be much more a Villain after, and that his Testimony involv'd a manifest contradiction, and consequently that he was forsworn. It was, during the tryal of this Cause in that Court, that I was sent for from Dublin in Ire∣land; about September 1679, I was produc'd as a Witness by the Lady Grey.

After I had delivered what I knew as to that Cause, I prepar'd for my return back to Dublin; and accordingly I had took a place in the Chester-Coach for the Munday following. But the day before, as I was preaching at S. Gyles's Church in the Fields, in the Afternoon, news came to the Lady Grey, that there was a Warrant out to apprehend me as a Jesuit; upon which, I was conveyed home, and commanded to keep my self close, till such time as her Ladyship had made en∣quiry what the matter was.

At length I understood from her Ladyship, that the Lord North and Titus Oates had that morning met at Whitehall, and after some conference, they came where his Majesty was, and told him for news, that they had discovered where one of the most dangerous Jesuits in England was; one that was lately come over from Ireland, sent as a Spy; one who hid himself under a Parsons Gown, and preacht in our Churches sometimes; at other times he would put on a Cloak and hold forth in a Conventicle, and anon, one might hear him saying Mass in Sommerset-Chappel. His Majesty was astonish'd at the impu∣dence of such a fellow, who at such a time of the day, durst appear to affront the severity of the Laws which were then most rigorously put in Execution, and was pleas'd to demand his Name, and enquir'd of Oates if he knew him. Oates told his Majesty, that his name was Elliot, and that he knew him very well, for one of the most mischie∣vous wicked men in the world, and that he believ'd he had more ma∣lice in him, than all the Jesuits had who were hang'd; nay more says he, he is a Circumcis'd Jesuit. God bless us, says his Majesty, What sort of Jesuit is that? A Jesuit who is no Christian but a Turk, reply'd the Salamanca Devil. And thus they went on, the Lord and the Doctor striving to outvy each other in burthening my poor name with all the Infamy imaginable, and that before his Sacred Maje∣sty; as if I were unworthy of his protection, or the benefit of the Laws. At length, his Majesty weary of such an odious description, was

pleas'd to retire, bidding them get a Warrant to apprehend me; which they immediately did from Sir William Waller.

Her Ladyship moreover made me acquainted, that there was an Advertisement in the Gazette for the next day concerning me, and therefore that it would not be my best course to set forward for Chester, for that I was represented under so vile a Character, that the Mobile would certainly tear me in pieces. However her Ladyship bid me chear up and not to despond, for I should find friends enough to stand by me and defend my innocence, so that never a Lord nor Devil-of-a-Doctor of them all should prejudice me: her Ladyship there∣fore that night sent and prevented the Advertisement in the Gazette, and bid me prepare my self to appear before Sir William the next morning.

About nine of the Clock the day following, I saw a Constable with some Red-Coats coming to my Lady Grey's House, and fearing lest they should affront Her Ladyship if I should be out of the way, I went and met them at the Gate; I demanded whom they would speak with? The Constable told me, that he had a Warrant to search for, and apprehend a Priest in that house; I assur'd him, there was no Priest belong'd to that Family except my self: he inquir'd whe∣ther I was one, I answered that I was, but of the Church of England, and that my name was Elliot; and moreover I told him, I thought I was the person he was in quest of. He reply'd that he was of the same opinion, and withall commanded me along with him; I en∣quired whither I must go; he told me to Sir William Waller, whose Warrant he shew'd me. The Honourable Ralph Grey Esquire came to the Constable, and desir'd him to command the Red-Coats to keep off, because the People seeing them attend a Coach, would be apt to affront us, and withall proffer'd me the honour of his Company: which I with all thankful acknowledgments most willingly accep∣ted. And indeed I had reason, for if it had not been for his presence, and the influence of the Right Honourable the Lady his Mother, I had been certainly sent to Newgate, and whither then God knows, for Oates says, he never begins a business but he goes thorough-stitch with it: he might have sworn that he saw a Letter under my hand, which encourag'd Grove and Pickering to proceed to murther the King, as easily as he swore that he saw one under my hand, wherein I ac∣knowledged that I had received Priests Orders and sung High Mass at Rome; I will swear he saw one as much as the other.

But to proceed, we took Coach and went directly to Sir Wil∣liam Wallers house in Westminster: whilst we were going thither, the Constable enquir'd whether ever I had been amongst the Turks, I told him I had; the Constable then shook his head, telling Mr. Grey that it would go hard with me, for that there was strong evi∣dence against me that I was both a Jesuit, and a Turkish-Priest; Mr. Grey could not forbear laughing, whilst I was heartily vex'd to see my self thus abus'd. When we came to Sir Williams, after a little squabling, and some coarse complements I was oblig'd to pass upon his Worship, Mr. Grey and he withdrew, and after having the Case clearly stated to him, Sir William return'd to me, and beg∣ged

my pardon, for he understood I was a Minister of the Church of England, and had the relation of Chaplain to a very Honourable Family, which he was sure, would not entertain within their doors any one represented under the character that I was; and so he profess'd himself sorry that upon a misinformation he gave me this trouble, desi∣ring Mr. Grey to go to Oates's Lodgings in Whitehall with me, and or∣dering the Constable to attend, he said he would presently follow us, and endeavour my dismission, which he did.

Oates in the mean time, being inform'd that Persons of great Quality would appear in my vindication, if any danger threatned me, and that the Lord North's design of Revenge was too too apparent in the business, alters his mind, and hastning down to Sir Williams at that time when we were coming to Whitehall, he met his Coach follow¦ing us; and going into Sir William's Coach, the first thing he said (as a Gentleman then present inform'd me) was, Sir William, you must not meddle with Mr. Elliot for I have nothing to say against him: Nor I neither, answered Sir William, for he is a Minister of the Church of England, and has his Orders about him. A little after our coming to Oates's Chamber, where were abundance of people, the Doctor came in, to whom addressing my self, I ask'd him if he knew me; he told me, that he remembred me very well at Cambridge, about twelve years ago, and that since he never saw me; he heard, he said, and was inform'd, that I had said Mass in Sommerset-Chappel, but he be∣liev'd it was a mistake: pray, Mr. Oates, said I, what is the mean∣ing of the report you have rais'd, as if I were circumcis'd; Truly, says the Doctor, when I was at Rome, the Fathers of the Scotch Col∣ledge enquir'd whether I knew you; knew whom, says I? They ask'd, says he, whether I knew one Adam Elliot, who had been of their Colledge; I told them I knew youvery well, and that I heard you had been taken Captive by the Turks; It may be, reply the Fathers, they have Circumcis'd him. This is all, says he, that I know of the business. This was a piece of such intolerable impudence, that I could hardly refrain giving him the Lye; for he not only contradicted what he had told His Majesty the day before (as persons of the greatest Quality can attest) but he contriv'd a Story, whose every Sillable was false: for I never was in the Scotch Colledge at Rome, I never saw it to my knowledge, nei∣ther did I ever see a Scotch Father, neither was I ever reputed a Scotch-man whilst I was abroad; and moreover my Name was never known to be Elliot: so that knowing these things to be false, I had reason to question whether ever he had been at Rome, which I do still. However, I thought it was not convenient to put him out of humour by my contradiction at that time, but I let him go on with∣out interruption, to tell Lyes as long as he pleas'd; at last seeing him at a pause, I ask'd him if he had any thing to alledge why the Con∣stable might not be discharged farther attendance; his Doctorship was pleas'd to speak the word that he might go about his business, and so I was set at liberty.

This Lenity of the Doctor in causing me to be apprehended, and immediately discharg'd, was not the effect of his Repentance or good Nature, but of his Cowardice and Fear, as the Reader will presently

conclude. As soon as with convenience I could, I made haste for Ireland; yet not with that speed, but that a Pacquet or two had got over before me, and carried the news of my apprehension, and of Oates's Depositions against me: the News was so general, that there was no doubt of the matter of fact; and Oates's testimony was in so great credit then, that it was judg'd a crime equal to Blasphemy or Treason to call it in question: so that even my friends and intimate acquaintance were at a loss what to think of me; the Dissenters and Enemies of our Cathedrals (of which I was a Member) did insult and triumph upon this sham-occasion. At length in the very heat of these prepossessions, I landed at Dublin, upon a Sunday-morn∣ning, and immediately repair'd to the Church, where I officiated ac∣cording to the duty of my place; most people were astonish'd to see me, because I was reported generally to be in Newgate in London. But the Phanaticks were almost distracted, to see their false intelli∣gence confuted by so lively an argument as my appearance; and my not being a Popish Priest, or a Circumeis'd Turk, they thought would baffle the Doctor's Infallibility, damn the Plot, and confound them all. O! what a great scandal it was to them, to see me walk the Streets, but much more to hear me discourse freely, as, God help me! I could not forbear sometimes, when Titus Oates came in the way of my fancy. These were affronts that were intollerable, and therefore they watch'd my conversation, and always to ensnare me. At last, I unhappily fell into the company of a turbulent fa∣ctious Fellow, a City-Captain, who endeavour'd to raise his credit by catching of Popish Priests, and he had got a little fame by that way: but now, if he could but entrap me, he thought he should gain immortal honour. Amongst other discourse, he desired of me to be satisfied of the occasion of these reports spread concerning me when I was in England; I endeavour'd to satisfy him all I could, but all would not do, for says he, I am sure Dr. Oates cannot Lye, and I am pretty well assured, that he said you were a Popish Priest and a Turk besides. This insolent expression provokt me to some passionate resentment; so that I told him, that Oates was a great Lying Rogue, and he was another: this is not to be endur'd by any True Protestant, says the Captain, speak your pleasure of me, says he, but do not blaspheme the venerable Doctor; the Doctor, continued I, if he de∣pos'd with no more truth against the Jesuits than he did against me, they died Martyrs: At this, the Captain rises and runs away to Sir Robert Booth, a True-Protestant L. C. J. of the Kings Bench, and makes affidavit, that I said that Titus Oates was a Rogue, and the five Jesuits Martyrs. To be short, I was sent for by a Tip∣staff, bound over to answer at the Kings-Bench the near approaching term, when I was indicted for these very words, found guilty, and fin'd 200 l. and imprisonment until I paid it. At the same time, comes over from England a pretended character of Adam Elliot, directed to a Gen∣tleman of Quality in Dublin, who was desired to disperse Copies of it; it was subscribed North and Grey, and was a base, malici∣ous Libel, stufft with lies and impudence; it is Scandalum Magna∣tum any person professing Honour and Honesty, as the Author

of it. He asserts upon his honour, that I was expell'd the University of Cambridge, that I was a Jesuit, that I was a Renegado and a Ma∣humetan, that I was a Felon, that I was a Murderer, that I was guilty of Forgery, and particularly that I combin'd with Ralph Lord Grey of Werk, and with him forg'd the last Will of his Father William Lord Grey, to the prejudice of the Lord North of above 30000 l. This infamous character, howsoever most abominably, and from the be∣ginning to the end false, yet coming under the specious recommen∣dation of a Person of Honour, did much prejudice me, especially with the concurrence of my other misfortunes, so that I was rendered very odious and vile, insomuch that my confinement was my best secu∣rity; for if I had walkt the Streets I had been in danger of being ston'd.

At length, after this violent ferment of the Peoples hatred by a little time, as is usual, had begun to abate, the Privy Council upon my Petition, were pleas'd to consider my condition, as thinking that I had met with very hard measure for speaking a few words, (which were by the severest construction, the result only of passion and inadvertency) and being pretty well satisfied of my good inclinations to the Church of England and Ireland as by Law established, as also to the Government, and my aversion to Popery; and withall consi∣dering how I labour'd under the calumnies and slanders of a scanda∣lous Libel, apparently false, and design'd out of malice to ruin my repu∣tation, and that I had no way to do my self right, so long as I was un∣der confinement, they were pleas'd to order my releasement upon Bail until the next Term, and then I satisfied the Law, and was discharg'd.

After my departure from London for Ireland, the Lord North perceiving how much a propô it would be to invalidate my testi∣mony, viz. that excellent invention of Circumcision, (for though a Papists Oath may be taken, yet no man sure will believe one who has renounc't the Christian Faith) he renews his sollicitations to the Doctor, to swear against me in the Court of Delegates: the Doctor who us'd not to swear lightly and in vain, i. e. for nothing, seem'd shy at first; but having heard that I call'd him a Rogue and the Jesuits Martyrs, he comply'd with the desire of his good Friend, the Lord North, who at that time; the Reader must take notice, was a Petitioning Lord, that is, one of those Lords, who subscrib'd and presented a Petition to his Majesty for the sitting of the Parliament, and therefore was by all obliging offices to be ca∣ress'd and retain'd. (The Reader is likewise desir'd to take notice, that at the Lord Stafford's Tryal, Oates swore, that a certain Lord sent him a 100 l. but he neither tells us who, nor for what, so that whether this remark be to the purpose or not, I cannot as yet tell.)

Oates's Depositions against me upon Oath are as followeth.

4^to Maii, 1680.

Super Allegatione articulata ex parte Domini North and Grey, & ejus Uxoris, quarto Martii 1679, juxta &c. data & 18^o ejusdem mensis admissa.

Titus Oates Sacrae Theologiae Professor & Vicarius Vicariae de Bibbin in Com. Cantii aetatis suae 32^o, aut eo circiter, natus apud Oke∣ham in Com. Rutlandiae, Testis productus, juratus & examinatus, deponit prout sequitur, viz.

AD. 11 & 12, Articulos dictae Allegationis deponit, That he knew Mr. Elliot now a Minister, whose name he thinks Adam, in the year 1667, in the Colledge of Cajus in Cambridge, and as near as he can remember, he was then Pupil to Mr. Simon Bagg or Mr. John Ellis, one of which (as the said Elliot confessed) he the said Elliot did beat; at which time, and during the time of this Deponents knowledge of him in the said Colledge (which was for about the space of a year,) he the said Elliot was a poor Schollar, maintained by some of the Doctors of the Ʋ∣niversity, (as he confest to the Deponent;) but for his rude, riotous, whoreing and debauch'd living, they withdrew his maintenance as he com∣plained to this Deponent. And the said Adam Elliot hath confessed that he went a Deer-stealing; and the said Elliot rob'd a Study in Cajus Colledge, and would have sold this Deponent some of the Books he took from thence. He further saith, that after the said Elliot was gone from the said Ʋniversity, and in the year 1670 or thereabouts, the said Elliot did write to the Rector of St. Omers, and gave him an account that he had received Orders, and was a Priest, and had sung high Mass at the Eng∣lish Colledge at Rome; which Letter this Deponent saw in the year 1677, juxta &c. and afterwards the said Elliot was carried a Slave into Barbary, and there, as it was reported generally and credibly, was Circumcis'd, and as he confessed, did give poyson to his Master or Patron. After which, re∣turning to Rome, he made his Recantation, which this Deponent hath seen under his own hand, as this Deponent believes, having been well ac∣quainted with his Character. He further saith, that in the year 1673, the said Elliot living in Kent did lead a very dissolute debauched life, and was much given to Drinking, Whoreing, Lying, and Swearing that to be true which was not so: And he saith, that he hath seen a Letter sub∣scribed as from the Bishop of Meath in Ireland; the purport of which was, that Elliot was indicted in Dublin before the Lord Chief Justice Booth, for saying that this Deponent was a perjured Rogue, and that the Jesuits that were hanged for high Treason died Martyrs, and that there was no such thing as a Popish Plot, or to that effect; upon which the said Elliot was convicted and fined 200 lb. and was to be imprisoned till the said Fine was paid, or to that purpose: And this Deponent doth verily be∣lieve that the said Elliot was and is so vile and infamous a Person, of such a lewd, wicked and debauched life and conversation, that no faith or credit is or ought to be given to his sayings and Depositions in this Cause: Et aliter nescit deponere, super reliquis non examinatur ex directione partis producentis.

Idem ad Interrogatoria ex adversa parte ministrata. Ad primum & secundum respondet, that about Christmas last, as near as he remem∣bers the time, the Lord North and Grey met this Respondent in White∣hall, and ask'd this Respondent, whether he knew one Elliot that was a Priest or to that purpose; and at first this Respondent could not recollect whether he did or not, but upon further discourse and enquiry, finding that he had been of Cajus Colledge in Cambridge, this Respondent did remem∣ber him, and told his Lordship that he knew the said Elliot to be a very Rogue, and a lewd debauched liver, and that he had been Circumcis'd, and had received Orders from the See of Rome, or to that purpose. Et aliter nescit respondere, saving that just after the former discourse between this Respondent and his said Lordship which he hath predeposed, his Lord∣ship askt this Respondent whether he thought it not fit that the said Elliot should be taken up or apprehended, and asked this Respondent how it might best be done; and (as near as he can remember) this Respondent advised him to get a Warrant from Sir William Waller for him; and saving the said Lord North then asked this Respondent, whether he could justify the said Elliot was a Romish Priest; to which this Respondent replied, that he believed he could, or to that purpose.

Ad tertium Respondet, that the next day after the Sunday whereon the said ••ord North and this Respondent had the discourse predeposed of, the said Elliot was taken and brought before Sir William Waller. Et aliter nescit respondere.

Ad quartum respondet, that he did seo the said Elliot before Sir Wil∣liam Waller, but did not hear him examined.

Ad quintum interrogatorium Respondet, that being advis'd and told by the Lord Chancellor, that since the said Elliot had taken Orders in the Church of England, that his so doing had swallowed up all other Orders, and therefore there could be no proceedings against him for being a Romish Priest, or to that effect, as he remembers; this Respondent did tell the said Sir William Waller that he had nothing to alleadge or say against the said Elliot. Et aliter nescit respondere.

Ad sextum nescit, saving the Interrogatory, Sir William Waller did at this Respondents instance clear or dismiss the said Elliot.

Ad septimum respondet, that the time when the Lord North and Crey had discourse with this Respondent about the said Elliot, as he hath pre∣deposed, he told this Deponent, that the said Elliot had bely'd him and his Lady, and had injured him; and as he thinks told this Respondent, that the said Elliot had been a Witness against him concerning a Will, in a suit depending at Doctors Commons between his Lordship and the Lady Dowager Grey. Aliter non meminit.

Ad octavum respondet, that he is well acquainted with the Character of Sir William Waller, and believes the Schedule or Certificate now shewn unto him, is totally wrote and subscribed by the proper hand-writing of Sir William Waller.

Ad nonum, refert se ad praedeposita quae dicit esse vera. Ad decimum dat causas sciend. ut supra.

These are the Depositions of Titus Oates against me, which did not flow from a precipitate rashness, or inconsiderate passion, but were the advised result of six months deliberation, subscribed by his own hand, and grounded upon the same motives of Credibility with his discovery of the Popish Plot; even his Oath and most solemn Invoca∣tion of the dreadful God, to avenge himself upon him, who beareth false witness against his Neighbour. The charge against me in these his Depositions is intollerably grievous, even abstracting from the sa∣credness of my Function, and considering me barely, as I am a mem∣ber of a Christian and Protestant community: and truly the conclu∣sion of his Depositions in these words, that I am so vile and infamous a person, of such a wicked, lewd and debauch'd life and conversation, that no faith is, or ought to be given to my sayings and Depositions in that Cause; as it plainly shews the design of Oates's appearing against me, viz. to oblige the Lord North, and to invalidate my testimony in behalf of the Lady Dowager Grey; so it is a very rational consequence which the Doctor is seldom guilty of: for indeed if I am truly and justly charged by him, I confess my self not only unworthy of credit in that cause, but in all others; but if he has sworn falsly against me, then I hope the conclusion will be equally applicable to himself, and that the Doctor ought not to be believ'd, either in his Depositions against me, or any other person. Now I do in the presence of the almighty and all-seing God declare, that what Titus Oates has sworn against me, is meer calumny, and malicious wilful detraction and slander, and absolutely false; and that whosoever might excite or encourage the Villain to this base and unworthy undertaking, yet certainly the Enemy of Mankind must have been mainly concern'd in the wicked contrivance, and the Doctor by his shameless impudent lying and false swearing, has plainly evidenc'd himself to be the Son of a Devil, by manifest characters and features lineally extracted from the Father of Lies and accuser of the Brethren.

But here I expect some Readers may probably cut me short, and tell me, that by asserting Doctor Oates to be forsworn, I insinuate as if the Popish Plot were but a feignment, and a meer whim of the Doctor's invention; at least I reflect most severely upon his Discoveries, for if he can be found but once to have sworn falsly, the credit of his De∣positions immediately sinks, and every man for the future, will think himself oblig'd to disbelieve his Narrative.

To this I answer, that his Maje••…••… and Council have declar'd that there is a Popish Plot, and therefore I have reason to believe one; for the King is as an Angel of God, and has means of Intelligence that far transcend my little sphere, or any Subjects; so that in despight of these objections Oates has laid in the way, I do really believe the ex∣istence of a Popish Plot; but withall I do declare, I do not believe one syllable thereof from beginning to ending, upon account of the Do∣ctors Depositions: and if it be criminal to deny it, or call it in que∣stion, the truth and being of which is ascertain'd by his Majesties De∣claration in Council, and by the Votes of the House of Lords and Commons in Parliament, then certainly there is abundant matter of Information against one Titus Oates a Salamanea-Doctor, who for

these three years past, has industriously endeavour'd to discredit it, and by contradicting Oaths, and forswearing himself in several in∣stances, has ruin'd his own reputation, and labour'd as much as in him lay, to perswade the Nation that his Narrative is a Lye, and the Plot a sham; for which if he be not return'd into the Crown-Office, and answer for his misdemeanour at the Kings-Bench-Bar, (as it shall be none of my fault if he do not,) yet I hope there will come a Parlia∣ment; and really I believe it will be a pleasant sight, to see Doctor Oates brought up by Topham, to answer at the Commons Bar, the contempt of God knows how many Votes.

When the first discovery of the Popish Plot had alarum'd these Nations with a general consternation and horrour, as reasonably it must, I confess I bore a part; for being in a Country, viz. in Ireland, where the Papists were very numerous, and where forty years inter∣val had scarce worn out the footsteps and bloody marks of their bar∣barous and inhumane Cruelty, and execrable Rebellion; methought the Protestauts there had all the reason in the world to be sensible of their Danger, and to stand upon their guard, seeing such a dreadful Plot was sworn to be upon the very brink of breaking out here in England. But when after all, Oates's Narrative, and his Evidences against the Jesuits, and others who suffer'd, produc'd nothing but bare down-right confident Swearing, (a certain and infallible argument of nothing so much as his own traiterous disposition formerly) I must confess my fears began to vanish, and strong surmises to come in their place, lest the Doctors Ears might be in greater jeopardy than our Throats. To speak the truth, the 40000 Black-Bills, and the Army of Spanish Pilgrims, and Military Commissions from General D'Oliva, appear'd always to me so monstrously ridiculous, that they offer an intolerable affront to the understanding of any man, who has but a very indifferent account of the affairs of Europe. I desire the Rea∣der to reconcile if he can, Oates's Depositions in Coleman's Tryal, pag. 29th, where upon Oath he delivers to us, yea, and repeats it for sure∣ness sake, That he never saw Langhorn after he had shewed him the Commissions; which there he tells us, was two days after the April Consult; and yet in Langhorn's Tryal pag. 18th, he swears, he saw him twice or thrice after, in July and August: this last he thought himself oblig'd to swear, that he might charge Langhorn with a new Treason contriv'd at a Benedictine Consult, which the Doctor made to be in these months at the Sav•…•…▪ These two evidences upon Oath are plainly contradictory, I am sure, they can never both be recon∣cil'd to truth. It never abated my honour and dutiful respects to His Royal Highness, that Oates swore first for him, and afterwards a∣gainst him; and notwithstanding his Doctorship's swearing through a double Door, yet I have ten times more reason to believe the Doctor to be a Son of a—, than His R. H. to be a Son of the Church of Rome. I have heard much talk, and a great deal of Swearing there has been, about the Commissions, and a world of Letters brimfull of Treason, sent by the Post too, whose Date the Doctor remembers pre∣cisely; and yet wisemen, if they do not think he Lyes, they cannot but admire that he should have never a scrip nor scroul to shew; they

wonder he should forget to bring at least a Copy along with him: I would have been more generous my self than Sir John Gage was to him, I would give twenty Shillings for the sight of that Commission, for which Sir John gave but ten.

At Stafford's Tryal, pag. he swore he never was really a Papist, but a Counterfeit; then in the first place, I desire the Reader to consider what Religion he could be of, during his residence amongst the Pa∣pists; which of the Whiggish Tribes could he be oblig'd to for Com∣munion, or whether the Protestant Religion of the Church of Eng∣land would own such a wicked Dissembler with God and Man, who took all sorts of Tests of Oaths and Sacraments, yea, and committed abominable Idolatry, in despight of his conscience; who equivocated beyond Garnet, and out-ly'd the Devil. In the next place, suppo∣sing, but not granting him to have been then a Protestant; pray Rea∣der, ask him the next time you see him, why he did not carry the Re∣solves of the April-Consult concerning the assasinating his Majesty, to one of the Secretaries of State, or to some Magistrate? He swears that he carried these Resolves from one Club to another, subscribed by the several hands of the Persons, who were at the Clubs; could there a fitter opportunity offer it self to discover the Plot, than at a time when he might have seiz'd all the Conspirators coop'd up toge∣ther? when he might so manifestly have convinc'd them, by their names and manual subscriptions to the highest and express most Treason i∣maginable? Nay moreover, when a small delay threaten'd His Ma∣jesties sacred Person with an imminent, if not certain destruction. By his swearing himself to have been at that time no Papist, I appeal to any man, whether he doth not in effect make Oath, that there was no such traiterous Consult: for it seems not probable, that there should be such a horrid palpable Conspiracy, and such an excellent convenience for Discovery, and yet a Protestant should conceal it. But above all, I can hardly find in my heart to forgive him, (not∣withstanding His Majesties pardon) the not preventing the Destru∣ction of His Majesties sacred Person, by Sir George Wakeman's Poy∣son, or some other way, by the four Ruffians at Windsor. In almost all the Trials, he sticks to this, viz. that he saw 80 lb. told down to be carried to them, and he saw a Guinney given for expedition; and yet this bloody Villain never made, nor attempted any discovery, when it might have been seasonable: every minute he expected to hear the blow was given, and yet, which is monstrous, he never of∣fered the least prevention. Certainly Ravilliac and Jaques Clement were better Christians than this Rogue; he Lyes, if he says he was then a Pro∣testant, or else he Lyes in devising this Plot, let him take his Choice.

At the first discovery of the Plot, he was pleas'd to allow His Grace the Duke of Ormond, a Guard of four such Ruffians as at∣tend his Doctorship, and he made his Grace at that time so consi∣derable in the Protestant cause, that he appointed him Fogarthy for a Physitian: but this was in the dawning of the Discovery: the Do∣ctor is observ'd to make very considerable mistakes by Candle-light, and so probably he might then mistake his Grace for a certain Noble Peer; for afterwards, when the Plot was arriv'd to the Noon of its

discovery, that People could see clearly who it was convenient to swear for, or against: His Grace was brought in as a favourer of that Religion, which before the Doctor swore would have murdered him; and God knows how many more were brought in upon the like ac∣count. All the Clergy of the Church of England, were then seen tantivying it to Rome, and the Dissenters and Conventicles were the only strong Holds and Bulwarks of the Protestant Religion; whereas at the beginning, the Doctor swears in his Narrative, the Papists endea∣vour'd by all means to encourage these seditious Separatists, and that the Meeting-houses were the lurking holes of the Jesuits, where un∣der the umbrage of the Toleration allow'd them, they absconded themselves from the view of the Law. Nay, if the Doctor's friend Stephen Colledge had been permitted to finish his Discovery of the Plot and his Raree show, I do not doubt, but his Majesty had been drawn into the Plot against his own Life. The Learned Doctor may have read or heard at least, that Charles Stuart has been before now, charg'd with Treason against the Soveraign; they had got pretty near the King, when they made bold with the Queen, and however the Doctor has not been positive as yet to this point, yet he knows there is a time for all things. All which arguments, with abundance more too large to be here inserted, drawn from the intrinsick matter of the Doctor's Depositions, were sufficient to restrain my assent to the Do∣ctor's Oathes, how confident soever; especially when I considered that he was a person no ways eminent for probity or honesty, quali∣fications essentially requisite to all who aim at credit by Swearing: but this villanous Doctor is notorious for all flagitious crimes and im∣pieties imaginable. Sir Dennis Ashbourn witnessed, that he had one property of the Devil, viz. that he was a Liar from the beginning; he has serv'd an apprentiship to the trade of Leesing from his Cradle, and Hastings his some time abode in Sussex, and Bobbing in Kent, will verify the old saying, Quo semel est imbuta, &c. He has been observ'd, wherever he has fortun'd to make his residence, to sow dissention amongst Neighbours, even where he pretended to be a Minister of peace, a perpetual Make-bate; upon which account and several others, Sir George Moor turn'd him out of his Family at Bobbing,: and how he behav'd himself at Hastings, the Records of that place are a de∣monstration, and are so generally known, that I shall not trouble the Reader with a recital; only I have heard it wisht by an Inhabi∣tant there, for an experiment, that he would bestow a visit upon his Quondam Parishioners, he verily believ'd, he said that all his Ruffian∣like Mirmidon would hardly defend him from the resentments of the good House-wifes there, who remember what a scarcity of Poultry was in that Town, when he was their Minister. Nay, on my con∣science, I never heard any Person who pretended to know him, who did not describe him by an evil character: But these are Peccadilloes, in respect of his monstrous lusts, which would make a Satyre blush, upon which account, he is notoriously infamous both by Sea and by Land. I have heard those who were aboard with him report, that he has committed such crimes a-ship-board, as have oblig'd the Captain, a Gentleman of very fair conditions, to wave all Civility usually be∣stow'd

upon his Quality, and to order him to be drubb'd, and ty'd neck and heels, and afterwards to be set a-shore. And there are those living now, who will witness that Knox and Lane were not the first or only Persons that could charge him with a Sodomitical at∣tempt. As for his Religion, no man can tell what Creed he pro∣fesseth. The Reader may have heard of a blasphemous Villain, who pronounc'd St. Athanasius a Creed-making Coxcomb: I am morally certain, the Salamanca Doctor has not as yet made publick satisfaction to the Church of England for his scandalous apostacy, and that he has made no publick abjuration of the errours of the Church of Rome, which sometimes he profess'd; and I am sure that for a while he associated with the Socinians, and was even by them disliked, being scandaliz'd with his contemptuous and blasphemous talk of the bles∣sed Trinity, and he is very well known both by his Non-fensical ha∣rangue at the Weavers Feast (upon these words, Heb. 1. 2. By whom also he made the worlds) as also by his prating in publick company, to be obstinate in the Socinian perswasions, though God knows, he is very little capable to understand their arguments: nay, I have heard it cre∣dibly reported, that this profane Wretch, made it his business to go about fidler-wise, amongst places of publick resort, and ridicule preaching, by a Presbyterian Cant, and as the Fidlers us'd to press into companies, and say, Gentlemen, will ye please to have a Lesson of Musick, this Mountebank us'd to say, Gentlemen, will ye have a Sermon; and when the reckoning came to be paid, there was usually twelve pence left for the Fidlers, and six pence for the Doctor. This they say was one way he had of Living, after he was turn'd from St. Omers, be∣fore he laid hold of the Plot. And now I appeal to any unprejudic'd Reader, whether credit ought to be given to his Depositions; or whether the Life, fortune, or reputation of a man, ought to be of so inconsiderable a value, as to depend upon the breath a Miscreant, destitute of Religion and Morality, an utter Stranger both to faith and good manners.

But yet supposing the truth of these allegations should not appear so clearly to prejudic'd minds; yea, suppose they all should be false, yet I am so fully perswaded of his malicious villany, and false swearing against me, that should the whole world oppose me, I am resolv'd to be Athanasius against the whole world: the glory of God, the in∣terest of Truth, and the vindication of my own reputation, oblige me to expose this Enemy of mankind and all that is good, and to pro∣claim to all the world, that Titus Oates is one of the wickedest and most malicious Villains in it, who shews no dread of a God, nor makes conscience of an Oath. And this I shall demonstrate and offer a clear proof of, to all unbiassed understanding persons, who desire to be satisfied of the truth, in the examination of his Depositions a∣gainst me: which though this cunning swearing-master, has couch'd with all artifice, that the truth might not be discovered, swearing things by such circumstances, which as they admit of no manner of probation but his own Oath, so he thought his falshood would never be detected, by reason of the difficulty of bringing arguments to prove Negatives; yet the Devil who is indebted shame and confusion

to all his Proselytes, has taken occasion to pay a little in hand at present to his own child Titus, by leaving him in some places of these his Depositions, unguarded of that fence he had provided him with in most of his other Lies; so that now he lies shamefully naked, a foresworn wretch, exposed plainly to the view of all who do not wil∣fully shut their eyes against the light of the truth.

To shew the Reader what truth he is to expect from Oates's De∣positions, he begins with a notorious untruth, and prefaceth his false Oathes with a suitable Lye; he stiles himself, Titus Oates, Sacra Theo∣logiae Professor, which rendred into true English is, Titus Oates a damn'd Liar, for Titus Oates Doctor in Divinity is a contradiction to truth. He has impos'd upon the nation, asserting upon the word of a Priest, that he commenc'd Doctor at Salamanca, whereas he has made it high∣ly probable that he never was there; and besides, by declaring that he never received Clerical Orders from the Church of Rome, he has given all understanding men a better proof than his Oath, that he could never be a Doctor, no person being qualified for that degree in that University, who is not a Romish Priest. It is very unlikely that he should obtain the highest honour of Academical preferment in a forreign University, who never deserv'd the Grace of the lowest de∣gree in the University of Cambridge, amongst his own Countreymen. The Doctors of Salamanca are much fam'd for their acuteness and exact knowledg in Scholastick Divinity, which this blockhead un∣derstands as much as he does Greek or the Chinese Languages, which his Mother never taught him, and therefore he is a stranger to. I have heard of Angelicus Doctor, and Seraphicus Doctor, but I never heard of Doctor Diabolicus, until Titus Oates and the hellish Popish Plot appear'd together; a Damnable Doctor created at the Amsterdam-Coffee-house, or B—l's Club in the Devils name, and so let him pass.

Having by this prefatory address of a palpable Lye, bespoke the Readers belief to what follows, he begins and swears four abomina∣ble rappers in a breath: he swears I beat my Tutor, that I robb'd a study of Books, and offer'd to sell the Books to him; that during his knowledg of me, (which, by his own acknowledgment was only for the space of a year) I was maintain'd by some Doctors of the Univer∣sity, and yet during that time, I was not maintain'd by them, for they withdrew the maintenance, by reason of my whoring, drinking, &c. and lastly he swears that I went a Deer-stealing. These are four scan∣dalous crimes, by which he begins and assaults my Reputation; but because he knew the charge lay obnoxious to be disprov'd, and the falsity thereof might easily be made appear by the testimony of the whole Colledge: therefore he has recourse to the usual shelter of his lies, viz. I confess'd these things to him. And now he thinks he has entrench'd himself secure against the most powerful attacks of the plainest truth. It was to this refuge, that this impudent forger of falshoods betook himself, when at my Lord Castlemain's Trial, he was charg'd by that noble Person with a manifest Lye, in asserting that he was divorc'd: he brought himself off with a retreat to the old sconce, I am sure, says he, My Lord told me he was divorc'd. But I hope the Reader will be so just, as to qualify this sort of argument,

which if admitted without consideration, is as apt to destroy the inno∣cent as condemn the guilty: the quality both of the Oath and the Swearer ought to be examined, otherwise▪ the most innocent person is expos'd to the malice of every confident Villain. Now the Doctor has sworn against me crimes committed in Cajus Colledge in Cam∣bridge, which the Colledge never so much as heard me suspected of; and moreover some persons of known integrity and veracity who were well acquainted with me, and during all the time of my resi∣dence in Cambridge, knew me intimately, have thought themselves oblig'd to do me justice, and have upon Oath in the Court of Dele∣gates declar'd that they had all reason to believe me abus'd by mali∣cious slander, seeing, if there had been any ground for such asper∣sions, they must of necessity have been made acquainted with it, as who were my fellow-Collegiates, and had the opportunity of a con∣verse four times as long as Oates can pretend to. My Tutor did like∣wise declare and offer'd to make Oath, that he never knew me in the least guilty of any such undutiful carriage, as to beat him or any fellow in the Colledge; he moreover did attest, and offer'd to pro∣cure the Testimony of the whole Colledge, that I never was charg'd nor suspected of Robbing a study, and (whereas this impudent false∣witness did aver to a person of Honour, that I robb'd my Tutor's study) that he himself never had his study robb'd either by me or any other. As for Oates's other charge, that during his knowledge of me, I was maintain'd by some Doctors, and that for my whore∣ing, drinking, and riotous living, they withdrew the maintenance. The whole Colledge can attest, that I resided in the Colledge till af∣ter I was Batchelour of Arts, and I desy the Doctor, to produce one Cambridge Dun who could charge me with the least Debt when I left the University; and how then I should be addicted to such ex∣pensive vices, (especially, seeing the Doctor has been pleased to allow me but a very small competency to maintain them) is matter of en∣quiry. But his last charge is the most wild and extravagant of all, viz. Deer-stealing; I solemnly profess I never saw a Deer, during my being a member of Cajus Colledge, I never saw any Park, neither knew I where there was any, neither did I know or hear of any who were addicted to that sport in the University: and for the truth of what I assert here, I refer my self to the arbitration of that Society of which I had the honour to be a Member, and to all persons in the University acquainted with me or my conversation, who can be sup∣pos'd to be the only competent Judges or Witnesses in this af∣fair.

And now how shall I ferret him out of his last hole, namely his plea, that I confessed my self guilty of these crimes to him? there is no way of demonstrating the falsity of this; but however I have as great probabilities thereof to offer, as the matter will allow, and I hope the Reader will not expect more. As 1st. it is highly improba∣ble that Titus Oates should contract a greater acquaintance with me in one year, than any of the Colledge could do in four. 2ly. That I should defame my self, or unbosome my self to him, who was of the meanest repute in the Colledge, who was inferior to me both in

years and in standing in the University, and who besides was as to his quality, only a poor Sizer, the Son of a Weaver; and as to his parts, the most ignorant illiterate Dunce, uncapable of improvement, from whose converse there was not the least prospect of advantage. And then in the third place, notwithstanding his precise memory, which has registred more Letters than ever Langhorn writ, notwithstand∣ing he can remember the particular hand-writings of a thousand men, only by seeing them put Pen to Paper; yea, notwithstanding he swears he is very well acquainted with my character fifteen years ago, (which is more then I am my self) and that we were such in∣timate Comerades; that I trusted him with all my secrets: yet he un∣happily cannot call to mind who was my Tutor, yea, he cannot tell whether I was his Fellow-Pupil, for Mr. John Ellis was his Tu∣tor, which is a pretty fair indication that his memory is not so ex∣cellent as his Lying: for if it was defective, where he had such con∣venient helps, it affords reason to suspect it too bad to remember where he could have but mean and imperfect assistances.

I have been thus prolix in vindicating the reputation of my youn∣ger years from this Calumniator's aspersions, not that I arrogate any supererogating observation of the Statutes of our Colledg (for I am sufficiently sensible of the loss of these opportunities which I might have improv'd to very happy advantages, under the excellent disci∣pline of that learned Society, which I ought never to mention, but with all resentments of Gratitude and Honour) but that I might shew unto the world, how consistent with his principles this for∣sworn Villain has been in every particular against me, charging me only with those things which are false, and of which the severest Censor of manners in Cajus Colledge must pronounce me innocent; and that Titus Oates must have been a perfect Stranger both to my converse and humour. The Bloud-thirsty Murderer makes his next attempt to take away my life, he swears he saw a Letter subscribed by my hand in the year 1670, directed to the Rector of S. Omers, wherein I gave him an account, that I had receiv'd Priests Orders, and had sung high Mass in the English Colledge at Rome; this Letter he swears he saw in the year 1677. If the Valiant Captain were alive now, to second the Learned Doctor, and swear that he saw Lang∣horn register this Letter, there needs no more to hang me. Good God! how unsearchable are thy judgments, and thy ways past finding out! who thus permittest the blood-thirsty and deceitful man to go on still in his wickedness, and to prosper in his Villanies; in respect of which, Cain the Murderer was innocent, and a Saint! If the Schoolmen and Doctors of Salamanca have given a true notion of the Sin against the holy Ghost, then I do affirm that there is no hopes of par∣don for that damn'd Reprobate, a sham-brother of theirs, Doctor Ti∣tus Oates, who sins wilfully in despite of his conscience, and swears and lyes against his knowledg, outbraving Hell-fire, and daring the vengeance of God: for I desire the Reader to take notice, that I in∣voke this vengeance of the Almighty to seize me immediately, if ever I received any Orders from the See or Church of Rome, or if, ever I received any Ecclesiastical Ordination, except of Deacon; An. 1671,

from the hands of Bishop Laney of Ely, and of Priest, An. 1672, from Bishop Henchman of London, according to the rites of the Church of England now by Law established. Moreover, if ever I wrote any such Letter as Oates swears I did, to the Rector of St. Omers or any other person, or if ever Oates saw any such Letter writ by me. And that I may satisfy the Reader as far as I can, in the proof of a Negative, I declare my name was never known to be Elliot beyond Sea, as hun∣dreds can attest; and besides to shew that that Rogue's wickedness is more my concern than the danger of my life, I will put it to the venture, and gage my life against his (if the law will permit,) that he knows not my hand-writing from any other which he never saw. If I had received Orders from the See of Rome, I needed not to be Reordained, our Church holding the Romish Ordination to be va∣lid.

But because his chief aim in his Depositions, was to invalidate my Testimony, he is not content to have made me a Priest, but he boldly calls God to witness that I am a Renegado and a Mahumetan; swearing, I, that I was carried a Slave into Barbary: 2ly, that there, as it was generally and credibly reported, I was circumcis'd: 3ly, that I con∣fess'd I gave poyson to my Patron: 4ly, that after that, I returned to Rome: 5ly, that I made a Recantation there: 6ly, that he saw this Re∣cantation under my own hand, being well acquainted with my character. In every of which particulars, I do affirm, and engage my self to prove Titus Oates to have sworn falsely, and I challenge all his friends to undertake his defence from the imputation of having sworn in some of these instances, maliciously and contrary to his knowledge, and in some others (to put the best construction,) rashly, and in all falsely.

As to the first, Oates never saw me in Barbary, therefore he swore beyond the sphere of his knowledge, and howsoever it be materially true, yet it is formally false in him, who swears at random, and calls God to witness his certainty of the truth in a matter which he cannot know whether it be true or false; yea, which he has more reason to believe to be false than true, according to his own Oath, as afterwards it follows in the Depositions, that after I came to England, and when I lived in Kent, An. 1673, I was much given to swearing that to be true, which was not so: then thus I argue ad hominem, all the in∣telligence that Oates had of my having been in Barbary, and a Slave there, proceeded from my own information to several persons, be∣fore it came to his hands, and therefore seeing I was the sole author of the Narrative of my Captivity, Oates had more reason to believe it false than otherwise. And besides, the account of my escape ap∣pear'd so Romantick, that a great many persons who heard it, thought themselves oblig'd upon good prudential considerations to suspend their judgments, and to doubt whether ever I was in Barbary or not; so that Oates by swearing positively that I was carried a Slave into Barbary, has sworn to the truth of that which he could not be certain of, and which he had much more reason to believe to be false.

2. As to the second particular, that there (viz. in Barbary) it was generally and credibly reported that I was circumcis'd; this Oath is also

rash, and therefore false, and is liable to be prov'd so, by the same means as the former, because Oates never was at Salle, the place of my Captivity, and consequently could not certainly know what was generally and credibly reported there. Moreover, whereas he swears it was generally and credibly reported, it seems very probable that (if he swears true, and does not contradict his conscience) he could pro∣duce some of those persons, whom he knows to be credible; but I challenge him, and all mankind to produce one person who ever at∣tested or reported that I was circumcis'd until about three years a∣goe, Titus Oates brought this Lye and a great many others into the world. Seeing then he cannot produce one of those many witnesses whose credit he much relies upon, its probable he swears maliciously as well as falsely, but however it is certain he swears at least rashly to a thing which he did not know, and therefore falsely.

3. He swears I confess'd I gave Poyson to my Patron; this I deny, and Oates is forsworn in saying so, for I could not confess to Oates, because I never saw him since I was at Cambridge, which was before I rtavail'd; And if he only heard so from others therefore Oates has sworn rashly to the truth of a matter which is false, and of whose truth he had no means of being certain.

4. He swears, that after I had been in Barbary I return'd to Rome: this is false, and the Doctor in this is also forsworn, for I have never been in Italy, nor within two hundred Leagues of any part of Italy, since I was in Barbary, and the truth of this and the moral impossibi∣lity of the contrary will be attested by persons of worth and unex∣ceptionable credit and veracity: for in the year 1670, Doctor Zachary Cradock now Provost of Eaten, who was then Minister to the English Merchants at Lisbon, and Mr. Bulteel a worthy Merchant who then resided at Lisbon, with others, do remember me, and saw me at Lis∣bon, in the month of June, before I embarkt in that Vessel in which I was taken; and they can attest, that I return'd back to Lisbon in Septem∣ber after I had made an escape. Sir Martin Westcomb Consul of Ca∣diz is able to attest, that in the beginning of September 1670, I arriv'd at Cadis from Mamora, the place whither I escapt from Salle in a Spa∣nish Barca-longa, and that I brought a Letter from the Governour of Mamora to the Duke of Vergauas Governour of Cadis, and that after a fortnights stay there, he procur'd me passage in a Dutch man of war for Lisbon: from Lisbon I return'd home in another Dutch man of war, in which I embarkt about the middle of October, and was car∣ried to the Texel, and so to Amsterdam, in November about the beginning. I refer my self to the testimony of Dr. Marshal Ma∣ster of Lincoln Colledge in Oxford, then Minister to the English at Dort, who was pleas'd to assist my necessitous condition, and Sir John Chichely then Envoy to the Governour of the Spanish Netherlands, who remembers me, and his servants with whom Sir John was pleas'd to grant me passage from Brussels to Ostend; whence having been stopt there a fortnight by bad weather, I return'd home, and landed at London about the latter end of November 1670. There are several persons of Quality and worth who remember me, and upon Oath can attest my residence ever since November 1670, so that it is moral∣ly

impossible that ever I should have been at Rome since I was in Barbary: and besides the business in which he engages me at Rome, which he swears in the next place, requires a time for its performance, which it is impossible for any considering Reader to allow.

5. He swears I made a Recantation at Rome; this he swears posi∣tively, and I swear he lyes abominably: and this the Intelligent Rea∣der may be easily convinc'd of, by this short demonstration. Every one who renounces the Christian and embraces the Mahumetan faith, is immediately circumcis'd, that being the essential form of i∣niitation into that Religion, and an infallible character of all its Proselytes: if therefore I am not circumcis'd, then it is impossible that I could have been a Professor of Mahomets Law, and consequently, it is as impossible that I should have recanted it at Rome. But I am not circumcis'd, neither as a Proselyte nor otherwise, which this Rogue's unparallell'd impudence and villany has oblig'd me to prove by a de∣monstration not altogether so consistent, I confess, with the gravity of my Profession, yet such as I have no great reason to be asham'd of, since providence has made it instrumental for discovery of the truth, and preservation of my own life, and rescuing my fame from the im∣putation of a far greater moral turpitude, than any natural I thank God I am guilty of. Titus Oates is therefore palpably forsworn, and to the shame and confusion of himself and all who dare stand up for him, I can demonstrate it. But further yet, there are collateral ar∣guments to convince the Reader of the falshood of this his Oath; If I recanted my Apostacy from the Christian Religion, how came I to escape the Inquisition at Rome, which is a harder escape than from Salle? and this the Doctor would be sure of, if he were there. There are none, whether the Doctor know it or no, who turn from the Ro∣mish Religion, to the Protestant, or as they term it Heretical, who are received into the bosome of the Church of Rome upon a bare Recan∣tation, they are besides to endure a purgatory in the Inquisition; much more, if they revolt and apostatize totally from Christianity, and most especially if they were Priests, as the Doctor swore I was. The Doctor therefore by being silent as to this particular, how I got clear of the Inquisition, which must have been very remarkable, has gi∣ven one main argument, that I never deserv'd it, and therefore that I never recanted, and therefore that he is a malicious lying Rogue.

6. He swears he saw this Recantation subscribed with my own hand, and that he is well acquainted with my character; every syllable whereof is false, and he maliciously contradicts the truth▪ swearing contra∣ry to his conscience, for he must certainly know, that he never saw that which never was. And besides, if I had made such a Recanta∣tion, it would have been very notorious, and the News of the Prints at that time: and for a further conviction, I desire the Reader once more to take notice, that hundreds can attest that my name was ne∣ver known to be Elliot beyond Sea, and Oates is ignorant by what name I went; and how then he should know my hand, or what I was is next to an impossibility.

In these six foregoing particulars, the Doctor is manifestly forsworn, and has shewn only the pregnancy of a wicked invention, without any judgment, by improving an innocent if not commendable passage of my life, to a crime that is Capital, and making me to deserve im∣prisonment and Death amongst Christians, because I made a laudable attempt to escape from a Moorish Bondage and Captivity. It is lamen∣table, that amongst Christians in England, I should meet with a faith worse than Punick, and that Haggi Hamet Lucas a barbarous Moor should outvye a Doctor of Salamanca in Christianity. But blessed be my good God, who hath delivered me from the paw of the Lion and the Bear, and I trust will likewise deliver me from this Ʋncircum∣cised Philistine; he whose eminent providence has appear'd, in my deliverance from the Monsters of Africa, from the house of Bondage and slavery to cruel Masters, will likewise vindicate my Innocence from the false swearing of this Monster of men, who by wicked blasphemies defies the Armies of the Living God.

He proceeds on in his wicked lying and false sweating, as if it were religion with him never to speak truth, swearing positively that An 1673, when I liv'd in Kent, I was given to all debaucheries, viz. Whoreing, Drinking, and particularly to Swearing that to be true which was not so; in which Depositions, he is like himself con∣stantly false, for he cannot so much as pretend that ever he saw me in Kent, and consequently the Reader cannot but be satissied that he swears rashly and falsely. As for the matter of his Depositions, which indeed he knows nothing of, I refer my self to a worthy Gentleman, Collonel Charles Wheeler and his Family, with whom I liv'd a year and a half, and to Sir Thomas Scot and his Lady, with whom and in the Neighbourhood, I liv'd the rest of the time during my residence in Kent, whether ever they heard me so much as suspected of these crimes: I know these worthy persons are such friends to justice, as that they will not scruple to give his Doctorship the Lye. At our Trial, he subpena'd some people out of Kent, who were so far from seconding this Villain, that they depos'd much to my advantage; and I am certain, that he cannot produce any who can justly charge me with these vices, or that ever I wrong'd or defrauded any person, or by false swearing invaded any mans right or good name, crimes pe∣culiar to this publick Enemy, and who like the Devil, endeavours to have all others esteem'd at least, if not to be, like himself.

The last Subject of his Depositions against me, is a Narration of what befel me in Ireland, and in this, as in all the rest, it's highly pro∣bable that he lies and swears falsly: he swears he saw a Letter from the Bishop of Meath, which said that I was endited, and fin'd 200 lb. for saying that Oates was a perjur'd Rogue, and the Jesuites who suf∣fered justly dyed Martyrs, and that there was no Popish Plot: for the only words of my enditement were, Titus Oates was a Rogue, and the five Jesuits Martyrs, and not one syllable more was alleadged a∣gainst me; so that considering that Reverend Prelate, who was a person of great integrity and justice, I have much more reason to believe that Titus Oates would conclude as he begun, a calumniating, lying, forsworn wretch, than that any thing should be alledged, that en∣trenches

upon the veracity and clear reputation of that pious Bi∣shop.

I have now done with the Doctor's Depositions, in examination of which, I have I hope with all plainness confuted the calumnies of Oates's Friends, who gave out that the Doctor swore only that he was inform'd of those things he depos'd against me; whereas it is clear to any man,. (except an Ignoramus, who shuts his eyes and will not see) that what he has deliver'd under his own hand and oath is in the most material parts positive, and to his own knowledge; and I hope I have also, with perspicuity enough, expos'd him forsworn in most of his Depositions, whom in my conscience I believe and know to be so, in all and every particular. And now at the foot of the ac∣count, I cannot but prosess my hearty regret, that such a mon∣strous Serpent, and venemous Viper, whose mouth is as an open Se∣pulchre, and under whose lips is the poyson of Asps, should be brought forth and foster'd in this our otherwise happy Island, who with bloody Oaths, and execrable blasphemies rends the bowels of his mother, and labours as much as in him lyes her Destruction. It is matter of real grief to me, that he should find entertainment in this Nation, who has expos'd it to the scorn and derision of them who are round about us. The stealing away of the Grand Lowys in the French Farce, was but an imperfect representation of the silly senseless credulity, with which this swearing, lying Rascal has stain'd the English reputation; he has sixt a blot upon this gene∣ration not to be washt off, by all the blood in his veins. He has dishonoured the Christian Religion, and particularly he has affected the Protestant with ignominy and shame; he has blasphem'd God and injur'd man, a detestable enemy to both.

The Reader I suppose considering how I have been damnified and exasperated by the malice of this wicked Fellow, will not think it strange, if I endeavour'd to do my self right, and apply'd my self for satisfaction to the Law; which for a while I respited, in consideration that Oates at that time was the King's Evidence, and had his resi∣dence in his Majesties Palace, (which under the Rose has frequently call'd to my mind one of the Plagues of Egypt, which brought forth Frogs even in the King's Chambers, and Lice in all their quarters.) But afterwards, when I perceived that he forsook his Majesty and became Witness for the Traitor Colledge, and that afterwards he was turn'd out of that Royal Entertainment, for his ungrateful deme∣rits, and that thence, he betook himself to the seditious and disloyal part of the City, associating chiefly with those who are suspected of High Treason, and Capital Misdemeanours, and that he was by them encourag'd for some swearing job no question, when time should serve; I thought it them seasonable to expose him, to which my re∣solution, a strange accident did seem providentially to concur. Af∣ter the arival of the Morocco Ambassadour, I had the curiosity with others to go to see these people, amongst whom once I had been Captive; the Secretary Hamet Lucas, upon the first view, immedi∣ately knew me, and seiz'd me, crying out, That I was his Christian, and that he had bought me with his Money, and that I had made an

escape from him at Salle; which unexpected encounter, together with his confirmation of my formerly reputed Romantick Escape, and that he was not poison'd, nor knock'd in the head by me, as Oates by malicious swearing insinuated, seem'd an occasion which provi∣dence offer'd into my hands to vindicate my own reputation, and to prosecute this false Swearer; which I did by arresting him.