Cardinal Francesco Barberini to Queen Henrietta Maria, 26 April 1634

(74r) Sacra real maestà

Io son certo di presentare al Real conspetto della Maestà Vostra, et alla sua somma pietà, e Cristiano zelo, soggetto di molta consolatione, mentre le presento la persona del Signore Francesco Slinsbeo gentil’huomo Inglese, che illuminato da Dio, ha riconosciuto gli errori, ne quali è nato, et allevato et ha abbracciato la nostra vera Cattolica Romana Religione. Questo suo così pio, e Religioso atto merita quella gratia, et protettione della Maestà Vostra ch’ella è solita a compartire alli Cattolici di cotesto Regno, et io che ho havuto l’honore di veder la conversione di questo gentil’huomo, sono in obligo di supplicar con ogni più riverent’affetto la Maestà Vostra a compiacersi d’essere a lui liberale della sua gratia anche in riguardo di queste mie humilissime pregriere per invitar gli altri all’imitatione di lui, Il ch’io aggiungerò all’altre obligationi che devo alla somma benignità di Vostra Maestà, a cui faccio per fine humilissima riverenza.                      Roma 26 Aprile 1634

Di Vostra Maestà                 Humilissimo, e divotissimo servitore

Francesco Cardinale Barberino

(74v) Alla sacra Real Maestà della Regina della gran BretagnaFootnote ⁷⁸

CardinalFootnote ⁷⁹ Barberino 26 April 1634

FS to John Gerard SJ, 25 May 1634

(41r) Reverend deare Father

Wee are now, God be praysed safely arrived at Millan, and have allready taken places in a coach, for Thurin. By the way it came into my minde, how that father rectorFootnote ⁸⁰ was not payed the 4 crownes which hee layed out for the masses, that were sayde for Mr Mayne,Footnote ⁸¹ which summe, though Mr Mayne left mee noe mony, wherewithall to pay it; yet I had rather loose it then that father rector should want it. Wherefore I pray give order, when Mr OrpesFootnote ⁸² mony comes, that it bee deduced out of it. I pray remember mee kindly to father rector of Placentia,Footnote ⁸³ and the English preist that is with you, soe humbly craving your blessing I rest

Your obedient child and faythfull freind

F. Slingisbye

Millan May 25 1634

Father rectorFootnote ⁸⁴ here offered us all kind of courtesy, and would gladly have accompanyed us himselfe, if hee had not been sicke

my little freind, remembers a great deale of service to you

(41v) Al molto reverendo Padre il Padre Giovanni ThomsonoFootnote ⁸⁵

A PiacenzaFootnote ⁸⁶

F. Slingsby 25 May 1634Footnote ⁸⁷

FS to John Gerard SJ, 14 July 1634

(60r) Reverend deare Father

I arrived at Paris on Corpus Christi day, being the 14^th of June, and remayned there, untill the 27^th: longer by much then I would have donne if I could have found commodity to depart sooner. I received your letter from PlacentiaFootnote ⁸⁸ with much ioye and content, and I doe assure you that those lines, comming from a person whome I love better then any in the world, did not a little revive my drooping spiritts. You exhort mee much to union of wills but thats impossible; can a thing be united unto it selfe? All union is betwixt two things or more; whereforeFootnote ⁸⁹ of that and my will there can be none, because there is but one will betwixt us. Father you have left your child to swimme before hee could wade. I now finde the difference betwixt going alone and being lead by the hand: by the troubles which I have found by the way. The occacion was this. Finding my selfe much defective in mansuetude,Footnote ⁹⁰ and subiect to give thwartFootnote ⁹¹ answers, uppon small occasions; I made a purpose one after noone to conforme my selfe in all things without any replyFootnote ⁹² unto the will of my companionFootnote ⁹³ for that after noone, sinne excepted. I observed it for a while, but at length I found soe great difficulty, even in triviall matters, as to aske what a clocke it was, at his entreaty; that through the violence of the conflict I was readdy to burst; I strived to overcome, but all in vaine, soe that I was forced to restore unto my stubborne selfe will its former liberty of replying, and doing what it would. The consideration of this soe great weakness, drew upon mee such an extreme melancholy, that for 24 howres I could not enioy my selfe. In the end, to recover my peace of minde, I was fayne to cast of all such obligations, and to content my selfe with my former devotions.

Here in this towne, me thinkes I beginne to feele the want of that quiet solitaryness, and devout conversation which I enioyed at Rome; for what through the multiplicity of my affayres, and the importunate clamours of all the English that see mee, my thoughts are soe distracted; that allmost every time I goe to prayer I finde such an aversion, and unwillingness to performe it, that I am (60v) forced to studdy for new reasons; to draw mee thereunto, as if I had but now begunne to lead a converted life; having lost that promptness and devotion to pious matters which formerly I enioyed. But this negligence hath not been such, as to make mee ommitt the least point of that rule which I have proposed unto my selfe to observe, but onely in the well doing of it.

I assure my selfe deare Father, that a letter from you, would make mee shake of this tepidity, and goe more resolutely to worke, wherefore I pray bee not sparing in them

I received from Father ThalbotFootnote ⁹⁴ a pass that hee had lying by him, which is yet of a fresh date; and I make use of it, for my passage into England. Hee hath received mee wonderfull kindely, and hath been very sollicitous about my affayres, I pray thanke him for it. Mr OrpesFootnote ⁹⁵ mony is not to bee had before I come into England, and there I thinke there will bee noe difficulty made of the payment.

Paris

I have delivered your booke at St OmersFootnote ⁹⁶ according to your order. I have received all kinds of courtesy from both the rectors of St OmersFootnote ⁹⁷ and Watten.Footnote ⁹⁸ Father StaffordFootnote ⁹⁹ offered to pay me the mony I lent my compagnon, which commeth to 29 li 10s besides the exchange. Deare Father pray for him who is and ever will bee

Yours whilest his owne

F. Slingisbye

St Omers July the 14^th 1634

I have sent my letter to Mrs Ward open, I pray reade it and if you thinke fitt seale and deliver it

(63r) Blank

(63v) All’molto riverendo Padre in Cristo, il P Giovanni Thomsono all Collegio Inglese

Il signore Francesco from WatenFootnote ¹⁰⁰

FS to John Gerard SJ [undated, but July 1634]

(19r) I am now, thankes bee to God safely arrived at London: where, for a welcome into [these]Footnote ¹⁰¹ parts, the searchers comminge aboard, found a little pacquet wherein were my bookes papers and letters, and tooke it away with them; but by good luck ScevolasFootnote ¹⁰² letter unto mee, was sent before unto Mannors,Footnote ¹⁰³ which [he] received. I was glad to swallow upp that misfortune, and say not a word, least that by seeking to recover them, I might have lost my selfe. The lords of the privy counsaill, we[re] informed that NewmanFootnote ¹⁰⁴ was pensioner unto the governour of your towne,Footnote ¹⁰⁵ by reason whereof, hee is fayne to keepe close. Hee is now goinge into the country, to visit Mr Eng[lish]Footnote ¹⁰⁶ and from thence speedely into Ireland. I send you the coppy of a letter that Newman received from his father, whereby you may perceive how the matter stands betwixt [them]. If a saint sayd, quoties inter homines fui, minor homo redii,Footnote ¹⁰⁷ in what danger thinke you then stands hee, whome necessity doth constrayne to bee allmost continually among them. Hee hopes his poverty will plead for pitty, and that you will bestow a spirituall almes upon him. Farewell.

Newman hath now beene with Mr English where, contrary to all expectation [he] was received with such ioy as cannot bee expressed; they will give him all kind of liberty for his minde; make greater shew of love unto him, then ever,Footnote ¹⁰⁸ and to conclude will deny him nothing, soe that hee will stay with them, and not become a iourny-manFootnote ¹⁰⁹ [and] live quietly, without mouving others to bee of his opinion. They urge him [con]tinually to a bargaine, and hee will have much adoe to delude them, especi[ally] for this reason, because they have allready made assurance unto him, after [   ] a legall manner, as that it cannot bee revoked. The thing was donne [      ] since, but I was ignorant of it. But now this drives him into an other difficulty, how to come away, and yet retayne the thing ap[      ] to st[ay] there, you know hee neither can, nor will, and if hee [leav]e it m[ust] bee either secretly, or publiquely with consent of Mr Irish, and a pass from sup[erior] powers;Footnote ¹¹⁰ if secretly, then all will bee confiscated; and for the other way [   ] can never bee hoped for. In this doubt I expect your counsaill.

As yet, by the grace of God, I stand fast, and by his grace obtayned by prayers, I hope to persever.

I send unto the master of the schooleFootnote ¹¹¹ 3[0] sterling for your use. I send you likewise a coppy of a letter that New[man] received from his mother, that you may see as hee told you, that hee shall have a greater conflict with love then feare. I have received Mr [P]ar mony. The 250 crownes allsoe I lent at Rome unto my com[panio]n will be payed but not before Michaelmas. I have had but once [seen?] Mr [Ma]nnors, (because hee went out of towne immediatly after my ar[rival] [     ] could not as then make any resolution for Newmans return [      ] Ireland. I am with Mr HebdenFootnote ¹¹² dayly. God make us both happy far[          ] My letter was written by fitts, and therefore you must not marvayle at soe m[     ] I pray [remember] mee most affectionately to my deare friends whomeFootnote ¹¹³

(19v) To his very loving friend Mr John RobertsFootnote ¹¹⁴ these [seal]

Mr Francis Slingsby calls himself often in letters Lewis NewmanFootnote ¹¹⁵

Sir Francis Slingsby to his son FS [copy; undated, but before 14 July 1634]

(18r) My sonne if ever you thought I loved you, you may well thinke I tooke allways more care for your soule, then your boddy; or if you doe not thinke I have given you sufficient motives for your returne, wherein you may doe your parents soe good service; in the first you iudge uncharitably of mee, in the second you deale uncharitably with mee. I must needs accknowledg I have much offended God, in trusting too much, to an arme of flesh and blood, as though by myne owne endeavour, I could attayne my desire, but now I finde my fault, and feele my punishment. Our harts are in the hands of God to dispose of as hee pleaseth, yet are wee allowed and commanded to use all lawfull meanes, and then referre the success to him. These arguments might bring foorth many good feeling motives, and you know my education hath not been such as to give my penne effectuall perswations, yet these might bee sufficient to give you a sensible compunction, not to disesteeme my loving advice. If the defects I found in my selfe, made mee seeke to redeeme it in you, that may bee a sufficient motive unto you, to thinke how dearely I loved you, and shall I bee thus requited for all my care, travaile, and cost? My time by course of nature cannot continue long, and will you shorten it by an unkinde requitall? Take but this for your theame (18v) and then comment upon it, with such mouving reasons as your selfe can give, and your owne thoughts dictate to you, if the case were myne, and bee not partiall. And lett not this undue stile make it with you either disesteemed or derided, I have sayd enough if it prevayle, if not too much; and till I shall either see you, or heare a good answer to this my letter, you shall neyther heare from mee nor of mee. Sincerity is the best policy, and deale as playnely with mee, as I with you, and if you give mee not great cause to the contrary, I shall ever remayne your unfeyned loving father

ThisFootnote ¹¹⁶ is a coppy of a letter of Mr Francis Slingsby’s father to him, sent by him inclosed in a letter from London July [14]Footnote ¹¹⁷ 1634

Dame Elizabeth Slingsby to her son FS [copy; undated, but before July 1634]

(43r) My dearest sonne, I have seene, read, and considered all your letters with the best of my poore iudgment, written to your father and my selfe both before and since your sickness;Footnote ¹¹⁸ especially that long one of 2 sheetes of paper, signed with your owne hand, but written by an otherr: whereby I perceive the great paynes you tooke to bee resolved; which zeale I trust the Lord will favour, howsoever you may bee mislead. But allthough I cannot iudg of controversy, yet I thinke you ought not forsake your old father and mee, to enioye that liberty of conscience, which (if there bee noe remedy) you may enioy here at home, as many other good subiects doe. But you feare your father will be offended; much better may you beare that, then wee the longer absence, which I assure my selfe would bring us both with sorrow to the grave. My deare sonne consider that our lawes doe not enforce mens consciences, and therefore what cause can there bee, to absent your selfe. If ever you tooke pitty on my sorrowes, add not unto them, but returne to comfort mee, whose eyes have even fayled with expectation of it. Ah my sonne you that ought not to turne away your eares from the prayers of the poore, are much more bound to regarde the teares, and supplications, of your mother. I doe beseech you with heaved upp handes, to returne by the nearest way, and not to thinke of passing through Spayne. The infinite testimonyes I have had of your piety and obedience to both of us, assures mee you will bee greived that I cannot know the hast you will make home, but my deare child, lett not that trouble you, for I am comforted in the confidence of it, and soe are all your sisters. Your sister WilloughbyFootnote ¹¹⁹ is the mother of 3 children, and your sister BettyFootnote ¹²⁰ married; but in all this, I can take noe true content, till I see you. And if it please the Lord of mercy to permitt that; then shall I say, I have had one ioyfull day, before my death. Farewell, and all the good, a mothers blessing can add unto you, bee heapd uppon your head my dearest child.

Thus farre she, and soe my best freind I rest

Yours as you knowe

[in faint ink] But now though there were some way found how wee might [retayne] the estate, and I come away, yet how shall I execute the counsaill and my desire concerning the giving 400 li, for the foundation of a colledg in Ireland; if [     ] of them know my intention. The assurance of the estate is made over unto mee in this manner. I am actually to enioy the one halfe thereof immediately after my fathers death, and the whole, after both their departurs. I pray direct mee how to carry this business of founding a colledg in Ireland, allotting thereunto 400 li, to the colledg at Rome 150 li per annum and the rest for a colledg in England, whereunto may bee added the 150 li per annum of Rome, when England shall be converted. I feare a long stay in these parts, but desire a speedy returne unto my dearest freind Farewell

(43v) To his dearest freind Mr Thomas RobertsFootnote ¹²¹ these

FS to [Thomas Fitzherbert SJ], 14 July 1634

(39r)               Sir

I am now thankes bee to God safely arrived at London; where, for a welcome into those parts, the searchers comming aboard, found my pacquet and tooke it away with them. I was glad to swallow upp that misfortune, and say not a word, least that by seeking to recover yt, I might have lost my selfe. The lords of the counsaillFootnote ¹²² were informed that Mr NewmanFootnote ¹²³ was pensioner unto UrbanFootnote ¹²⁴ by reason whereof, hee was fayne to keepe close. Hee is now going into the country to see Mr English,Footnote ¹²⁵ and from thence speedily into Ireland. I send you the coppy of a letter that Mr Newman received from his father, whereby you may perceive how the matter stands betwixt them, which after you have read it, I desire you to enclose with my letter unto Mr Roberts.Footnote ¹²⁶ If a saint sayd, quoties inter homines fui, minor homo redii,Footnote ¹²⁷ in what danger thinke you then, stands hee, whome necessity doth constraine to bee allmost continually amongst them. Hee hopes his poverty will plead for pitty, and that you will bestow a spirituall almes upon him.

Farwell. sine nomine

Hee recommends himselfe most affectionately to his commilltonesFootnote ¹²⁸ that are under your charge

London July 14^th 1634

By the meanes of Sr Alonzo del Aro,Footnote ¹²⁹ I am come to be acquainted with Mr Mannors, and Mr HebdenFootnote ¹³⁰ whose directions I follow

You shall receive my letter to Mr RobertsFootnote ¹³¹ the next weeke.

(39v) F. Slingsby July 14 1634Footnote ¹³²

Henry FitzSimon SJ to John Gerard SJ, 29 August 1634

(71r) Dearly beloved, and more then can be expressed honouredFootnote ¹³³ sir, as yet I live in aged health, most ardently desirous to serve you, and to deserve your mutuall affection. Our gentleman M. Francis passeth all human exaltation of panegyricks. He is yet confined (although not narrowly) to a noble mans compagine, then whom (presupposing a restraint) he could not wish a beter. His triall in the furnais, hath purified to most bright splendour, his glorie. He hath wonne his brother, mother, and sister. I secondedFootnote ¹³⁴ him as farre as I might. Who weare not converted, weare confounded publickly. His father was his accuser. His first committal was to his lodging. He intended only, to infringe it, by breach during divine service on holye dayes. Thereby he was lodged in the tower of Dublin,Footnote ¹³⁵ wherein he greatly exceeded voluntarily in austeere mortifications. He was twyse assaulted by the prime pretended prelat.Footnote ¹³⁶ In the second tyme he craved to begin on both sydes, in these words of prayer: be he in this instant damned of us both, who varieth by mowth from his conscience. The debat therby was interrupted, the sayd prime man relenting. Nought can be sayd sufficiently in his prayse.

I humbly beseech you to certifye M. James QuayleFootnote ¹³⁷ in the Casa,Footnote ¹³⁸ that any chest of myne in the citie,Footnote ¹³⁹ is wholy, as my selfe, in his power. Jesus Christ preserve and properFootnote ¹⁴⁰ your [reverence], and all your worshipfull retinue.

Dublin 29 Aug 1634

your ever addicted servant in Christo

Henr. Fitz SimonsFootnote ¹⁴¹

(75r) Blank

(75v) To my much honoured and approved kynde friend, M. John Tomson

In the citie of Rom

Father Henrie FitzSimons out of IrelandFootnote ¹⁴²

Iesus

FS to John Gerard SJ [undated; c.November 1634]

(51r) Reverend deare Father

I much desire to know the success of those two new convertites, my esteemed freinds, Mr Jacob, and his companion, for I have neither heard from them, nor of them since my departure from Italy, soe I rest

Yours as you know

Lewis Newman

[in fainter ink]

Whenosever I do gett over, by reason of my great defect in the lattin tongue I doe much desire to spend a yeare at St OmersFootnote ¹⁴³ which I would doe with all diligence, if ScevolaFootnote ¹⁴⁴ shall thinke it fitt. I beseech you to entreate Scevola to wright determinatly what I shall doe as well in this point as in the former for soe I shall bee sure not to doe amiss, and likewise bee freed from much perplexity in my election.Footnote ¹⁴⁵ If your letters bee directed to Father Robert Nugent,Footnote ¹⁴⁶ they will assuredly come to my hands, for hee is the cheif superior I pray certefy mee whither you have received the 30 li sterling I sent for the printing of your booke. I cannot obtayne my liberty unless I give bonds of a 1000 li to observe the good behaviour, and to appeare within 40 dayes, whensoever I shall bee warned to appeare.

I am your faythfull freind and obedient child

Lewis Newman

(51v) Al molto riverendo Padre il Padre Giovanni TomsonoFootnote ¹⁴⁷

Roma [seal]

FS to John Gerard SJ, 11 November 1634

(52v) +

My dearest freind

At my first arrivall in these parts, I found better welcome of my parents then I expected; but after it pleased God to add unto my blessings the conversion of my deare and onely brother;Footnote ¹⁴⁸ my father was soe incensed against mee, that with extreme passion hee would use these words, that I had broken his hart, and that I did allmost murder him. My mother and one of my sistersFootnote ¹⁴⁹ being well inclined to the Chath[olic]Footnote ¹⁵⁰ religion, nay allmost resolved; my father perceiving it, with great anger tooke me away from them, with a resolution that I should neaver see them more, unless I would promise to temper my tongue a little better. I have an other sisterFootnote ¹⁵¹ whome by noe meanes hee will give mee leave to visit; protesting that my infectious breath shall never taint her soule: but his rigourous proceedings end not heare. For being come unto Dublin hee confines us bothFootnote ¹⁵² unto our lodging, where wee were 8 dayes prisoners; During which time hee leades mee to Dr UsherFootnote ¹⁵³ to have conference with him, which by the grace of God tooke noe such effect as hee looked for.

Afterwards hee fills halfe a dozen sheetes of paper with complaints and accusations against mee; and presents it to the lord deputy,Footnote ¹⁵⁴ who presently sends out a warrant for mee, willing all pursevants to make diligent search for my body, and being found to attach mee and bring mee to the Castle of Dublin there to answer, what in the kings behalfe should bee layde against mee.Footnote ¹⁵⁵ And here I am at this present prisoner, intending god willing to morrow to petition for a day of hearing.

The cheife crime layd unto my charge is the seducing as they call it, of a young gentleman comming out of England,Footnote ¹⁵⁶ and of my brother and others. The lands as heretofore I was informed, are not confirmed uppon mee, soe that if my father dye, they fall unto my mother who is 20 yeares yonger then hee. Such then being the stateFootnote ¹⁵⁷ of my affayres I know not what should detayne mee here any longer* Wherefore I humbly beseech you that you would bee pleased to call mee away, yet doe as you shall thinke fitt. My brother intends god willing to come along with mee to Rome, who hath received soe great a measure of grace at his conversion, that hee loves nothing but God. I pray remember my humble service to Mr SwinertonFootnote ¹⁵⁸ Mr Poore Mr CourtFootnote ¹⁵⁹ and Mr Travers, soe beseeching you to bee mindefull of me in your pious devotions I rest

Yours and not myne owne

Lewis Newman

Dublin November 11 1634

[Material inserted in margin] *There being noe hopes of doing any further good: for my father hath protested unto my brother, that unless I make a promise not to visit my sisters without leave, that hee had rather keepe mee in prison all my life time.

(52r) To my dearest freind Mr Thomas Roberts these Rome

Mr Slingsbee from Dublin Castle 11 Nov 1634Footnote ¹⁶⁰

FS to John Gerard SJ, 21 January 1634–1635

(42r) Reverend deare Father

This is the 3[rd] letter that I have written unto you, since my comming into these parts; in my former I gave you accompt of that conference, which passed betwixt my lord deputyFootnote ¹⁶¹ and my selfe, at my landing. After that, I went into the country, to my father,Footnote ¹⁶² who received mee with teares, and much love. But since the conversion of my deare and hopefull brother,Footnote ¹⁶³ hee hath allmost quite withdrawne his affection and procured my imprisonment in the Castle of Dublin. I am breif in these matters, because Mr Morgan the bearer hereof, can more fully informe you by word of mouth, then I can express by writing. I see noe hopes of getting any meanes into my hands, this great while. My mother and one of my sisters,Footnote ¹⁶⁴ are not farr from the kingdome of heaven,Footnote ¹⁶⁵ and there is little probability of gaining my father. I expect with longing desire, to know how you will dispose of mee; for if you say but Veni Footnote ¹⁶⁶ by the grace of God nothing but violence shall hold mee. Deare Father pray for mee, as I doe continually for you, as the greatest benefactor I have in the world. I pray remember my humble duty unto Mr ScevolaFootnote ¹⁶⁷ my dearest love and respect unto Mr Fizherbert,Footnote ¹⁶⁸ Mr Southwell,Footnote ¹⁶⁹ Mr Travis, Mr Courtnay,Footnote ¹⁷⁰ Mr Nilfred, Mr Harvey.Footnote ¹⁷¹ God knowes, that untill I reinioy that blessed company, I shall thinke my selfe to live in banishment. Christ Jesus give mee his grace, to serve him with all my strength, and soe long I shall be sure to my dearest freind, to remayne

Yours all and ever

Lewis Newman

Dublin Castle January 21 1634 [1635]

I have not received any letters from you, since my comming into this kingdome, though I am sure it is not your fault

(42v) To his dearest freind, Mr Thomas RobertsFootnote ¹⁷² at the English College these

Rome

Mr Lewis Newman 3Footnote ¹⁷³ [seal]

FS to John Gerard SJ, 12 May 1635

(40r) My dearest freind

Hoping every day to gett my liberty, I differredFootnote ¹⁷⁴ from time to time, to write unto you, being desirious to make that newes the subiect of my letter but having a long time expected in vayne, I am resolved to deprive my selfe noe longer of the comfort I shall receive by our mutuall correspondence. Having been 4 moneths in the Castle of Dublin, at length I was to bee banished out of Ireland: but a certayne lord, the earle of Castlehaven,Footnote ¹⁷⁵ much affected unto mee, procured the altring of the sentence, and instead thereof that I should bee confined unto his owne house,Footnote ¹⁷⁶ and within 3 miles round about. My intention being knowne, unto Father Fitzsimons,Footnote ¹⁷⁷ by what meanes I know not how, I was fayne to discover unto him the truth of the matter, thereby to oblige him unto silence, and afterwards to the superiourFootnote ¹⁷⁸ of those parts; whose assistance and counsaill have stood mee in good stead. Hee hath written 3 moneths agoe unto Scevola,Footnote ¹⁷⁹ (of which I am confident that you have been advertised) expecting from him an order for the disposing of the business. The superior hereFootnote ¹⁸⁰ laboureth to procure my stay in these parts, but if you would know my owne affection, or inclination of flesh and blood in this point, I must confess that I esteeme Rome a paradise, and this my purgatory. But yet as well in this, as in all other things, obedience shall bee the rule of my actions.

My ever dearest freind, when I thinke upon the greatness of the benefitt, that God hath donne unto mee, in giving mee such a freind, I blesse his most holy name a thousand times, and will neaver cease to bee thankefull unto you, that you would vouchsafe to make choice of a person soe unworthy as my selfe, to bee your freind. Satisfy my burning desire of declaring my love, by administring some occasions: every day you have a part of my poore prayers, and I am sure I need not aske, whither you bee mindefull of mee or noe.

My brother, to my great comfort remaynes still a constant chath[olic]: my ealdest sister,Footnote ¹⁸¹ who was my fathers cheifest ioy, is lately dead. There is hopes in time, by the grace of God, to gayne my mother and second sister.Footnote ¹⁸² My mother on heir part, is well disposed to bee reconciled unto my father, but hee remaynes obstinate. You knowe the tearmes whereoppon our freindshipp was contracted, that you should teach mee how to love God, I pray then make mee happy with a letter for I have received none since my comming into this kingdome. And remember my truest affection, and humble service unto ScevolaFootnote ¹⁸³ Mr Swhinerton,Footnote ¹⁸⁴ Mr Traveis, Mr Poore, Mr Courtnay,Footnote ¹⁸⁵ and the rest of my freinds soe I rest

Yours whilest myne owne

Lewis Newman

May 12 1635

(40v) To his very loving freind Mr Thomas RobertsFootnote ¹⁸⁶ these [seal]

Rome

Mr Slingsbie the 12 of MayFootnote ¹⁸⁷

FS to Robert Nugent SJ, 5 June 1635

(65r) Reverend deare Father

I am very sory to see that you deale with mee otherwise, then with one of yours by sending mee the enclosed letter with Father Generalls,Footnote ¹⁸⁸ unopened: as if you treated with some stranger, and not with one, whose ambition is to bee subiect to you in all things. The letter came from one Father Gerrard, (well knowne to Father FizsimmonsFootnote ¹⁸⁹ ) who was hee that converted mee at Rome, at our next meeting God willing you shall see it. They have been misinformed, which I am very sorry for, that I am sicke of the gout, and after such a manner, as that the greatest part of his letter is to exhort mee to patience, desiring mee that if I bee not able to write my selfe, that I would make use of the hands of some of yours; God be praysed, I was never better in all my life, for the interior part of my body, as head, stomack, and belly, though indeed I have not recovered that strength in my ioynts, which I lost in Italy and that I never had my minde soe cleare, and fitt for any operation of the understanding, or mentall exercise as now. It causeth an exceeding great ioy in mee, to see him whome I would soe fayne call my father,Footnote ¹⁹⁰ take soe particular care of mee, who am soe unworthy of it, as hee expressed in his letter to your selfe; all that I complayne of, is that I am used with too much courtesy, by you all; which seems to insinuate that you pretend, to have little interest in mee. I thinke it will bee convenient at your returne, that I write unto him, to give him humble thanke[s] for his soe great charity, and to make an entier resignation of my selfe once more into his hands.

Mr TuckettFootnote ¹⁹¹ is now at Ballynekill,Footnote ¹⁹² but at his returne I will not fayle to deale with him according to your directions. I showed that passage of your letter to Mr Smith that concernes him, who would bee very glad to heare, what that comfortable newes should bee. I understand to my great greife, by my cousin Slingsby, that my deare and onely brotherFootnote ¹⁹³ is in danger of falling from the Catholic fayth. I beseech you to use some meanes in England for the preventing of soe great an evill, and here to begg of God his perseverance, by all the prayers you can procure. I have allready written to Father BluntFootnote ¹⁹⁴ concerning this matter, and beseech you to second it. I thanke you for your kindness in leaving your horse for mee, and so I rest

all yours F. Slingisbye

MadinstowneFootnote ¹⁹⁵ June 5^th 1635

I crave your blessing and desire to bee kindly remembred unto Father Dillon Father Cusake Father Fitzsimmons,Footnote ¹⁹⁶ and the rest of those good fathers there

(65v) To his much esteemed freind Mr Richard BlakeFootnote ¹⁹⁷ these

Edward Knott SJ to John Gerard SJ [undated, but 1635, before November]

(15r) [On left margin, folded: ‘Fr Knot his p[arere] about Mr Slingsbie his busines’]Footnote ¹⁹⁸

I have yours of the 14^th of June. Concerning the young mayster of artsFootnote ¹⁹⁹ I wrote to you first in a letter to Mr Nathan:Footnote ²⁰⁰ and afterward in one to yourself. For the present he is in the countrey, and hath still a desire to see youre towne,Footnote ²⁰¹ if he can obtaine his fathers consent; and I have caused his brother your friend to be ma[de] by Mr HebdenFootnote ²⁰² to further the business as much as he can. It is a thousand pities that he should not come to you out of hand. For his viaticum the means your charity hath affoarded would suffice, but for his maintenance in your houseFootnote ²⁰³ wilbe all the difficultie. In his last letter to me out of the countrey, he wrote that in a iourney he intended for Saint Wenefrids wellFootnote ²⁰⁴ he would from Chester write to his father and brother for theire consent, and I am in expectation to heare of the issue.

Nowe as for your worthy friend;Footnote ²⁰⁵ I wi[ll] convey your letter to hym by the best meanes I can. Yf I might give my opinyon concerning his maine affaire, I would plainely saie Quaerat p[rimum] regnum Dei [etc] Footnote ²⁰⁶ The waies proposed, to gett his freedom by meanes of Mr ConFootnote ²⁰⁷ [etc] are I confess plausible, but in effect it wilbe a long business, God knowes what in the end wilbe effected. To study privately or make his bienniumFootnote ²⁰⁸ either where he is at the present, or els heere with Nod.Footnote ²⁰⁹ are meanes whereby he will neither be a perfect scholler, nor well seene in our trade; and as for his temporall meanes, experience tells us that by these delaies we come at length not to gett much, especiallie those wher he lives being to share with us. Wherefor upon the whole matter I should be of opinyon, that your friend were to be presently called to one of the hills,Footnote ²¹⁰ and for other temporal hopes, valeant quantur valere possunt.Footnote ²¹¹ Only it must be so caried that his younger brother be not too soone acquaynted with his course to avoide te[mpta]tion. We heare that Mr Con is sick at Turine.

For E[d]ward Clarke, I can only saie Fiat voluntas Dei.Footnote ²¹² Some good sicknes[s] might perhaps make hym enter into himself. I perceive [he] desires to staie with you till the next spring, but I know …Footnote ²¹³

(15v) To his worthy friend Mr Thomas Roberts these be [delivered] [seal]

FS to John Gerard SJ, 24 November 1635

(48r) +

My ever dearest freind

Your well knowne freind,Footnote ²¹⁴ having long time sued for his liberty in vayne, at length, after the space of a full yeare, obtained it unsought for; it being entirely graunted unto him, hee knows not by what meanes; but hee coniectureth, that it was wrought by some private mediation, of our queene,Footnote ²¹⁵ whome hee thinketh to have been mouved thereunto, by the letters of the Scottishmans masterFootnote ²¹⁶ and therefore desireth you to returne him thanks; untill such time as hee bee certayne thereof, and then hee purposeth to write himselfe unto him. Mr YoungFootnote ²¹⁷ remayning but 6 weekes with mee, in these parts, after his resolution;Footnote ²¹⁸ was sent into England, where hee hath been strongly and dangerously assaulted; but by Gods helpe, and the industry of Mr Mannors,Footnote ²¹⁹ hee remayneth still constant in his resolution; though all meanes have been used by his adversaryes, to divert him from it.

My father and I am now good freinds, hee loveth mee exceedingly, and I am as carefull to please him; I know not to write concerning my mother and sisters, for I have not seene them this yeare past and more, onely this I can certefy, that they retayne still a great affection towards mee, and are not farr from being of the same mynde, with mee, but I know not how to proceede any further, herein, by reason I am soe watched, that the least thing I doe in this kinde is observed.

Your freindFootnote ²²⁰ entreated mee to give you notice, that hee cannot expect to gett his fathers leave to travaile, uppon anye tearmes; besides that there is a proclamationFootnote ²²¹ lately published, that none, though but a gentleman, shall goe into England without licence from the deputy. Hee desires direction from Scevola,Footnote ²²² what to doe in this case, being resolved punctually to follow it. As I [desire]Footnote ²²³ to remayne

Ever your true and faythfull freind

November the 24^th 1635

I pray remember my love and best respects, unto Mr Swinerton,Footnote ²²⁴ Mr Poore Mr Court,Footnote ²²⁵ Mr Traveis, and the rest of my deare freinds. Farewell

Lewis Newman

(48v) To his much esteemed freind Mr Thomas RobertsFootnote ²²⁶ these Rome

[seal]

FS to John Gerard SJ, 4 December 1635

(46r) +

My ever dearest freind Second coppy

I received yours of the 17 and 25 of August,Footnote ²²⁷ this last weeke: but the inward writing soe blotted (which allsoe happened in most of your former letters) that I could but guess at the sense, and that in very few places. I thinke it proceeded from the moistness of your paper, which made the new incke runne and spread it selfe, soe that it ioyned all the letters togeather as it were in one blott. Therefore for securityes sake, least the like mischance should happen to myne allsoe, I chuse rather to write openly. The searcher of all hartsFootnote ²²⁸ knowes, that I desire nothing more, then perfectly to conforme my selfe, to your and Signore ScevolaFootnote ²²⁹ his desire, which I will quickly make appeare, when I shall have an iniunction layd upon mee, Sine replica.Footnote ²³⁰ But I thinke you doe not perfectly understand my case. For I cannot visit youFootnote ²³¹ at this present time, without irreconciliable loss, of my fathers affection (for I am sure I shall never obtaine his leave, or meanes + for my travailFootnote ²³² ) [margin: + yet I know where to have at anytime, from a friend,Footnote ²³³ soe much mony, as will defray the charges of my iourny into your parts.] and evident danger, of the loss of my estate.

The last part whereof, I thinke is unknown to you. The reason is this. My father with many more in this kingdome called undertakers, (because in Queen Elizabeths time they received their land[s] from the crowne, undertaking to plant them according to certaine conditions)Footnote ²³⁴ is now to make a surrendour of his lands unto the king, and to receive them agayne by a new pattent confirmed by an act of parliament, lately held in this kingdome.Footnote ²³⁵ This hee doth, for the better assurance of his title and myne.

Now that I enioy my entire and perfect health; hee employeth mee, in the business, and if I should depart hence before this matter were ended (which I hope will bee within this halfe yeare) hee would doubtless leave the matter undoune, which without him I know not well how to bring to pass; hee being highly in the deputyesFootnote ²³⁶ favour, and I not soe: or else use some meanes to alienate it from mee, and conferr it uppon some body else. For assuredly, hee would shrewdly guess (as hee allready suspecteth) at my intended marriage,Footnote ²³⁷ much contrary to his deseigne; for hee would have mee marry here, for my greater promotion: though indeed hee doe not much presse mee thereunto. But stand you assured, that I would sooner live sole, all my life time, and loose my whole estate, then forsake my deare mistress Signore Scevola his daughter;Footnote ²³⁸ of which I would have you make her assured. Whereby I doubt not but shee will bee well pleased with my absence for a while (being assured of my constant love) that hereafter wee may possess our owne estate, with (46v) the great good, and content of us both, and our posterity. Which, if I should offend my father by going away, without his privity and allowance, (at least untill this new pattent bee obtained) would bee utterly lost; and wee and our posterity constrayned to live like beggars, though I hope contente.

Signore Scevola his chief freind heereFootnote ²³⁹ considering this, and other important circumstances; is alltogeather of opinion, that my stay here is necessary, untill my estate bee secured, and setled; and I out of danger to loose it; either by my parents act, or otherwise. And therefore desires that Signore Scevola will bee pleased, to referr the matter to him, and to his cheif factour in England;Footnote ²⁴⁰ whose advises hee will doubtless follow, in regard they know the circumstances better. A great motive of this my desire allsoe, is because they may better, and more speedely bee informed in the circumstances, and communicate one with an other, then I can express to Signore Scevola, or your selfe by letter: and allsoe because they are very faythfull to Signore Scevola, his child,Footnote ²⁴¹ and mee allsoe.

His freind here did allready communicate the matter, unto his sayd factour in England; who doth concurr with him, in his opinion of the necessity of my stay here. You make mention in your letter, that Signore Scevola wrote unto his sayd freind here, in which letter you sent one of yours enclcosed; but hee received none such hitherto: and if hee had, hee would (as hee tells mee) have made reply; and not sutFootnote ²⁴² for my depart, untill hee had heard further from his friend: assuring himselfe that hee was mistaken. To conclude, I beseech you to possess my deare mistress that I will sooner dye then fayle, or forsake her; soe with my love to you my dearest, and best friend I have in the world. I rest

Yours unfaynedly, all and ever

Lewis Newman

December the 4^th 1635

I pray remember my humble service to Signore Scevola, whose hands I earnestly desire to kiss: with my true love to Mr Swinerton,Footnote ²⁴³ Mr Poore Mr Courtnay,Footnote ²⁴⁴ Mr Traveis, and all other freinds.

I thanke you very kindly, for visiting my ValantineFootnote ²⁴⁵ soe often in my behalfe; I pray continue your love towards mee in that kinde.

Adieu

[Margin] Postscriptum. I am now going downe with my father to visit my mother with whome I will proceede according to your directions.

Robert Nugent SJ to John Gerard SJ, 1 March 1636

(17r) Woorthy and much respected sir

Yours of the 20th of October last I received this last wike, and was very ioyfull to heare from you. As for Mr NewmanFootnote ²⁴⁶ his imployment heere, and causes of his stay, both hee, and I wrote them at large to your selfe this last November, at which tyme I wrote to Mr ScaevolaFootnote ²⁴⁷ , with a relation to my letter to your selfe, and if notwithstanding those reasones, you would have him repaire thither, both hee and I will obey, as I write nowe to Scaevola. But of this bee assured, that if hee doe, as the case nowe stands with him, all his intentions of doeing his frends good are frustrated, the which (beleeve me) I doe not soe much respect, as his owne personall good and perfection, soe much I love him. Yet when wee may save capram et caulam,Footnote ²⁴⁸ I take it to bee soe best.

Scaevola his cheefe reasons and yours are, that hee should not leese the tyme of his yong daies from perfecting himselfe in learneing, and all kind of perfection, for which hee is very apt, as indeede hee is, and that hee might come bake after his fathers death to comfort, and traine his mother, and execute his intention. In the first I have given satisfaction to MutiusFootnote ²⁴⁹ at large, and signifyed that hee hath, and will have, as good meanes to better himselfe in that kind, as hee can desire. For as soone as hee recovered of the gouth, hee never was without myne owne assistance,Footnote ²⁵⁰ or the assistance of some other frend of myne, save only for a coople of moneths, that hee went to see his mother, and did profitt in humanioribus,Footnote ²⁵¹ and doth ad stuporem.Footnote ²⁵² And I intend hee shall begin the course this next Michelmas, and togeather will followe his fathers affaires, and his owne in the courtes in tearme tyme (as only hee may) and that with litle distraction. As for the other reason of his returne It would prevaile nothinge for bee (17v)Footnote ²⁵³ assured that if hee returned to you, hee would bee disinherited, and the estate setled uppon his second brother and if the second brother tooke the like course, all would bee estated by his father uppon the sisters, whether the mother would or noe, the state and power being found wholy to bee in his hands, and not in hers, though it bee soe by her gift.

These bee the causes that moves both me, and your ould frend in England (whose advise I tooke) to iudge that his stay heere untill matters bee setled, and hee out of danger, is necessary. Notwithstanding fiet voluntas Scaevolae.Footnote ²⁵⁴

The yongman himself is of our opinion: yet most reddy to doe what hee shall bee directed. True it is, that hee tould me, you were the man that suggested to him the intention to doe good heere, for which god reward you, and though there bee extreame neede thereof, yet I esteeme it nothing in respect of his owne proper good.

I am not the man you did see at London, but bylike some other kinsman of myne. For it is twoe or three, and fortie years agoe, since I past that way. I dealed my self with Mr Newman his mother, and for her part, shee hath noe kind of stopp in her way to the best, but only the feare of her husband, of which god ridd her, for both theire good. You shall heare noe question with this from Mr Newman himself. And soe referring you to Mr Scaevola his letter (whoe I doubt not will shewe it you) for a further discourse of this matter, and alsoe to the relation of Mr Newman himselfe, and of his that goeth from hince (your frend) to governe there the Irish seminarie;Footnote ²⁵⁵ with my love, and humble service to your self, and craveing your good prayers I remaine

Your faithfull frend alwayes at command Richard BlakeFootnote ²⁵⁶

1 Martii 1636

Mr TomsonFootnote ²⁵⁷

(25r) Blank

(25v) Amico suo plurimum colendo Domino Thomae Gerardo Romae

Superior IrlandFootnote ²⁵⁸

FS to John Gerard SJ, 8 May 1636

(44r) +

My best, and dearest freind

I received yours of the 15 December 1635 togeather with one from Scevola.Footnote ²⁵⁹ My former letters of March 28Footnote ²⁶⁰ written unto you, will be a sufficient answer to the first part of this letter how that I have my full liberty, without any bonds, procured by the Scottish mans masterFootnote ²⁶¹ his letters to whome I have allsoe written, giving him thankes, for this benefitt.Footnote ²⁶² I desire to knowe whither you received the letter or noe. As for my comming away, or longer stay here; it must depend uppon the answer to my aforesayd letters, of March 28; wherein I have at large sett downe the state of my affayres. In the meane time I pray rest assured, how that I am still all and onely his that made mee; desiring nothing in this world, but to doe his holy will.

My two kinswomenFootnote ²⁶³ are not as yet entirely perswaded in iudgment of the right; their feare of soe many impediments and difficultyes to flesh and blood, which they must undergoe if they make a change, holding back their will, which hindreth their understanding to apprehende the light of trueth. They were both heretofore, allmost fully resolved; but since have allmostFootnote ²⁶⁴ lost that light, they then received. I am farr distant from them both, employed in my fathers business, and when sometimesFootnote ²⁶⁵ I doe get conveniency to bee with them, I dare not speake unto them but by stealth, least I should bee debarred from comming to them at all. I have not as yet been able to lay any solid ground in them, soe that those good motions which by Gods grace I procure in them, whilest I am present; in my absence they loose agayne, for want of somebody to keepe them alive, and to answer those obiections and temptations which the divell doth suggest. For they being all alone destitute of helpeFootnote ²⁶⁶ without any Chatholic either in the house, or neighbours of acquaintanceFootnote ²⁶⁷ and allsoe separate from each other, must bee very solidly grounded, before they be received, for feare of relapse, in soe eminent danger. Yet truely have I great hopes to winne them both by Gods helpe, but it will require long time. I doe now write unto them, when I have the conveniency of any trusty messenger who may deliver my letters secretly, unknowne to their husbands: I will not by negligence loose any opportunity, to doe them good; and for all the rest will proceede with them, according to your directions.

You desire to know in what manner Mr IrishFootnote ²⁶⁸ and I are become freinds. Truely though I cannot say that hee doth approve my setled mynd in matters of fayth, yet doth hee alltogeather desist, to endeavour to draw me from it. Hee giveth mee good words and though hee allow mee noe certainty, yet doth hee not let mee want. Wee enter divers times into discourse about religion, but when wee come to the conclusion and force of an argument, he commandeth mee to hold my peace, and will in noe wise let mee proceede any further. Now if I should notwithstanding continue to urge him, to the end hee might more willingly part with my company: I thinke I should both misse of my end, and allsoe incense him to anger against mee; yet I will submitt my judgment to yours, if you shall notwithstanding hold it fitt.

The master of artsFootnote ²⁶⁹ is God be praised in good estate both of body and soule. He is to my great content, removed from Oxford, and hath brought all his things with him to London as I am informed 3 severall wayes. Hee intendeth to take a iourny into your parts,Footnote ²⁷⁰ and is desirous to see you. I much desire that hee should love you as well as I doe. And to that end, will lett him see that clause of your letter to mee concerning him, for I must confess that one of the greatest motives I had to love you, was the consideration of your wonderfull undeserved love towards mee. I hope that gratitude will worcke the same effect in him. God knowes I love you better then all the world besides, but I much marvaile why you should love mee soe much; and withall feare that it may not continue, because I cannot finde in my selfe sufficient worth, whereuppon soe great love might bee grounded, unless it bee for the same motive, for the which you would give an almes to a poore man, to wit for Gods sake. Well then for his deareFootnote ²⁷¹ sake I beseech you to love mee allwayes and to pray to God (44v) that I may better love both him and you.

I remember dayly in my prayers as I am much bound thereunto Mr Swinerton,Footnote ²⁷² Mr Poore, Mr Court,Footnote ²⁷³ to whome I desire to be remembred, with a most sinceare affection, begging them to bee mindefull of mee in their sacrifices.Footnote ²⁷⁴ And towards your selfe, I shall allwayes endeavour to deserve the title of

Your true and faythfull freind

Lewis Newman

Dublin May 8 1636

When you have perused the enclosed, to Scevola,Footnote ²⁷⁵ I pray seale and deliver it.

To his dearest freind Mr Thomas Roberts these be delivered

Father General Muzio Vitelleschi SJ to FS, 17 May 1636

(p. 656) In Hiberniam Perillustrissimo Domino Ludovico Newman alias Francisco Slingisbeo

Etsi mi videndi desiderium parvum in me non sit, prout ex nuperis meis intellexit; tanti [tuum] mihi tamen illud non est, quia illi omnia sua commoda, et animi corporisque bona – longe ante[i]snam. quara non velim suis in rebus componendisFootnote ²⁹¹ festinet, aut nostra causa festinandum sibi esse iudicet; sed tantum sibi otii temporisque assumat, quantum ad res bene recteque conficiendas opus esse esistimaverit. Nec est quod hac in re ullius alterius iudicium aut consilium requirat, eius enim prudentia tantum confido, ut quidquid spatii rebus suis ad finem (p.657) perducendis sumpserit, id optime collocatum existimem. Ego interim spem meam in desiderium libenter differo, omniaque illa, ad quae comparanda eius animus anhelat, diligentissime assecu[s],Footnote ²⁹² eius enim materiae res est, quam tantillum temporis spatium non corrumpet modo integra semper stet nostra voluntas. Itaque non properanter sed bene res suas agat, et quod ego exopto, Deique opem imploro, feliciter peragit.

Romae 17 Maii 1636.

[London Jesuit] to John Gerard SJ, 28 May 1636

(49r) My very loving sir

I take this occasion to salute you and withall to send you the letters of a chylde of yours, to heare of whose weldoinge in utroque ho[no]re,Footnote ²⁹³ I know cannot but be a speciall comfort unto you, whose good example hath woone his brother to follow his example, and haply may with less difficulty see you sooner then hym self.

His owne letters will bee a glass to beholde hym a farr of, and therfore I will leave you to reade them and in them to reade what mannor of man iuvenis iste erit,Footnote ²⁹⁴ if it please God to ripen those seeds in hym, which God and nature hath sowed in hym

I often heare from hym, and have occasion to bless and prayse his devyne majestie,Footnote ²⁹⁵ that hath wrought so great an alteracon in hym. Your letters doe much comfort hym, and you shall doe well to wryte often to hym.

I am in hast and must abruptly cease to enlarge my self in his comendacons, but doe earnestly comend both hym and my self to holy devotions and rest

Yours ever most assured

RMS

London 28 Maii 1636

I send you those letters iust I receaved them.

(49v) To my very lovinge frind Mr Thomas RobertsFootnote ²⁹⁶ these at Rome

[seal]

FS to John Gerard SJ, 20 September 1636

(61r) +

My father, and dearest of all my friends

I received lately 3 letters from you, dated the 13 of May, the 31 of May and 14 of June and one from ScevolaFootnote ²⁹⁷ In your first written with your owne hand, I may perceive how exceeding great care, both Scevola and your selfe have of mee; for which I can returne nothing but my love, thankes, and my prayers to God for you. You write that untill my 2 mayne businesses be performed, viz: the setling of my 2 kinswomen in their happy resolution;Footnote ²⁹⁸ and the assurance of my estate, that I should not depart. For the first Mr Nugent,Footnote ²⁹⁹ in his letter to you, hath given you a full accompt in what state my kinswomen are, whereunto I can add nothing, but a confirmation of the same, and that they encrease in strength dayly, having allready indured many brunts and exclamations from their freinds; the older of the two hath begunne allready to make upp her accompts in writing, and by my next, I trust in God you shall heare that they are actually such, as now they desire to bee, that soe wee may glorify his holy name for it. What stormes will fall upon mee for this, from my father, as yet I know not, because I have not seene him since their conversion.

My second business is not yet perfected, but will bee I hope ere long. I meane the getting of the whole estate granted and confirmed by a new patent from this king; but even then it selfe, as I am certainly informed, my father alone, without my mothers consent, hath full power to alienate it from mee, if I should depart without his licence, or uppon any other distast; yet I am confident hee never will doe it, (though hee have been sollicited thereunto by diverse of my adversaryes) soe long as I continue with him; for hee seemes to love mee well. I am now about to beginne my course of philosophy, under as sufficient a maisterFootnote ³⁰⁰ and with as good companions, and other conveniencyes as I could wish, and may hope for a prosperous success therein (61v) if my fathers employments doe not interrupt the course of my studdyes.

As for my brother,Footnote ³⁰¹ I am dayly more assured of his constancy in fayth, and increase in vertue, to my great comfort. My father hath allotted for his portion a 1000 li sterling, but still reserving unto himself the propriety thereof, and the power of disposing it to any other use, if my brother should displease him: soe that I see not how my brother can travayleFootnote ³⁰² without his consent, unless hee will hazard the loss of all. Hee himselfe, in a letter which I received from him within these 10 dayes, doth testify a great desire that hee hath to see your parts,Footnote ³⁰³ and there to studdy; desiring me to procure my fathers consent thereunto, writing allsoe to him selfe, to that effect; and I hope wee shall prevayle. But assure your self that whensoever hee doth come thither, I will bee soe carefull to furnish him with 30 li a yeare, that I will sooner want my selfe, then that hee shall bee unsupplyed. I hope that hee shall have the company of Father MaloneFootnote ³⁰⁴ in his iourny.

You write that you have dealt with Mr George Conne,Footnote ³⁰⁵ to procure the queenes letters unto the deputyFootnote ³⁰⁶ that I may bee sent unto her, to bee her servant. For my part, I am fully resigned unto ScevolaFootnote ³⁰⁷ his will, and am ready to obey such order when it shall come. In the meane time I will apply my selfe diligently to my present affayres; and will follow your advise, to make some recollection, by prayer, and there to examen coram Deo Footnote ³⁰⁸ whither there bee sufficient cause of my longer stay. And though for the present; in simplicitate cordis mei,Footnote ³⁰⁹ I thinke there is. Yet I shall cease this benefitt by my retirement, that if I bee in an error I hope I shall be undeceaved, or if I finde this (62r) course that I now am in, to bee most pleasing unto God, I shall bee the better confirmed therein, to performe my business with greater alacrity and diligence.

As for the state of my soule, though since I saw you, and sucked from your sweete instructions that milke by which now I live, I never yet omitted the dayly performance of those devotions prescribed in the little french booke, (which now I have in lattin, and read over in as much as concernes mee every moneth) and have since that time added thereunto the dayly reciting of my office and beades,Footnote ³¹⁰ yet I doe accuse my selfe to have been negligent in the manner of my performance, and that I have used less mortification of my selfe, and been more remisse in the love of the crosse of Christ then I was before. I humbly beseech his divine majestieFootnote ³¹¹ to pardon mee for it, and desire your prayers that I may amend. For it is a very ungratefull part in mee to serve him worse then I did before, since that by the dayly increase of his benefitts, I am more obliged to serve him better.

That rule which you give mee viz: If at any time I perceave my selfe to have donne amiss, and am perswaded that God is displeased therewith, how little soever, I should presently humble my selfe, asking pardon with sorrow and resolution of amendment, laying my hand on my brest, I have indeed practised, but now doe purpose to doe it with greater fervour. I beseech God of his mercy, that I may attayne unto that, whereunto you like a true freind desire to lead mee, that is to love God above all things, and to seeke nothing in this world but the pleasing of him.

My brother is acquainted with my vertuous godfather Mr SwinertonsFootnote ³¹² grandchild, and hath received much loving, and kinde usage from him. I reccommend my selfe in humble manner, and with true affection, unto my deare freinds Mr Swinerton, Mr Poore, Mr Court,Footnote ³¹³ and towards your selfe I will never bee otherwise then

Yours all and ever        Lewis Newman

September 20, 1636

from my sisters houseFootnote ³¹⁴

I pray remember my love to Thomas BartonFootnote ³¹⁵ who in soe freindly manner remembred himselfe to mee.

(62v) To my worthy and dearest freind Mr Thomas RobertsFootnote ³¹⁶ these present

[trace of seal]

(63r) blank

(63v) All molto riverendo Padre in Christo, il P. Giovanni ThomsonoFootnote ³¹⁷ all Collegio Inglese

Il Signore Francesco from WatenFootnote ³¹⁸

FS to John Gerard SJ, 30 November 1636

(59r) +

My dearest freind

I have yours of the 11 September. Wherein I finde 2 mistakes, firstly you conceive that if the land were setled on mee, by way of intayle that then it should not bee in my power to dispose of it to any good use; longer then my owne life: I thought soe too, at the first, but since am informed by a learned counsell, that I may notwithstanding any such intaylement, alienate and dispose of it as I shall thinke best. Secondly you conceive that during my life, they cannot [putt] it from mee; for any displeasure whatsoever, but herein likewise you are mistaken, for as I remember I signifyed unto you by my former letters, that it was in the power of them both togeather, or of my father alone, to disinherit mee, and to give the lands to my brother or sisters; but withall that I thought hee would never doe it, if I remayned with him, or departed not from him without his consent, which I thinke he will not refuse, when I shall bee sent for, to her Majesties service.Footnote ³¹⁹ Coram Deo loquor,Footnote ³²⁰ this is the state of my affayres. And now I am ready to doe, and allsoe to thinke that best, what ScevolaFootnote ³²¹ by you shall command.

My brother hath written severall times unto my father, to obtaine his consent and m[ain]tenance to travell with my Lady FalklandFootnote ³²² (I beleive before your advise to the contrary came) which hath been refused, and hope for his greater good, because hee was in danger of being taken with love of some of her daughters, besides that amongst them who were alltogeather addicted unto secualars hee should have had little acquaintance with regulars, and the[re]fore I have endeavored to gett him away from thence i[n]to Ireland, and when hee is heere, that hee may goe into y[our] parts, in the company of Mr Malone; a very good iournyman.Footnote ³²³

My mother and sister are in good estate though not as yet reconcyled, yet not through any backwardness on their parts, but for good reasons. They still profess themselves chath:Footnote ³²⁴ and both they and my selfe are threatned to be brought into the high Commission Court,Footnote ³²⁵ and I expect noe less, and therefore have written to Mr ConneFootnote ³²⁶ for his assistance. A coppy of one of the petitions proferred against mee, I send you to make you merry.

Though they laughed hartely at the petition yet they promised to take order with mee shortly, if any thing happen you shall have notice thereof, in the meane time I reste yours all and ever

Dublin November 30

1636 Lewis Newman

My sister was reconciled and heard her first Masse on St Xaverius his dayFootnote ³²⁷

god give her grace to persever

(59v) Blank

(64r) Blank

(64v) To my very worthy and approved good freind Mr Thomas RobertsFootnote ³²⁸ in Rome these give

Mr Slingsbie, about the wulfeFootnote ³²⁹

30 Nov. 1636

FS to Cardinal Francesco Barberini, 1636 [before 8 May]

(49r) 1636Footnote ³³⁰

Emin[entissi]mo et River[endissi]mo Signore

Io ho adesso trovato gli effetti, delle sue lettere, alla serenissima Regina d’Inghilterra, perché, per la mediatione di sua Maestà, mi è stata assolutamente concessa la mia libertà; della quale, havevo già perso tutta speranza. Piacesse a Dio che la Sua Eminenza sapesse, quanto ardentamente desidero, di servir la. Veramente non so, se la mia libertà ricuperata, mi dà tanta allegrezza, quanto mi rincresce, il non poter dar qualche testimonio reale, della mia gratitudine. Ma, so bene, che quell che Vostra Eminenza ha fatto per me, l’ha fatto per amore di Dio, et non per altro rispetto: et però, pregarò la Divina Maestà, che gliene dia il guidderdone. Bascio le humilissimamente le mani, et restarò per sempre

Di Vostra Eminenza River[ndissi]ma

Humilissimo servidore

F. SlingisbeoFootnote ³³¹

(56r) [Endorsed]

Inghilterra 1636

F. Slingisbeo

All’emimmo et rivermo Signore Pronc mio collendmo Il Signore Francesco Cardinale BarberiniFootnote ³³²

Robert Nugent SJ to John Gerard SJ, 10 February 1637

(28r) Worthie Sir

I received this last weeke a letter from Scaevola,Footnote ³³³ tuching your frend and myne Mr Newmans,Footnote ³³⁴ signifying that after mature consideration, he iudged fitt, that Mr Newman should repayre thitherFootnote ³³⁵ without delay. To which purpos you wrote yourselfe to Mr Neewmans. Notwithstanding fynding evidently by your severall former letters, that in this direction you are both mistaken; both he and I doe iudge that he should not obey that direrction, untill he have your further answere upon his last letters and myne writen in September last. Yea and upon his letters now, wherin he doth more cleerely express his case. Knowe assuredly that he may not goe from hence either to you or to England without his fathers indignation in regard that he being ould himselfe hath wholie putt into his hands the manadging of a troublesome suite tuching a good parte of his inheritance, and to looke how to better his estate, which if he had neglected, and departe without his fathers leave, without quastion he would be extreamely discontented, and if he did smell his going unto you, he would certainely disinherite him, which lyeth wholie in his owne hands to doe.

Moreover you were mistaken in thinking that if his father did dye, Mr Newman should have but a state for life in his inheritance, soe as he should not be able to dispose of any parte therof, or to leave any pension therupon the contrary whereof is heere moste certain by our lawes: for after his fathers death, he may give, sell, or dispose of all, as he pleaseth. Which power the honnor and glorie of God doth seeme to dictate not to be contemned or neglected: specially when it is noe barr to his perfection or the possessing of his Mrs nel occulte, soone, or manifeste cum tempore.Footnote ³³⁶ Notwithstanding if Scevola knowing truely the state of the matter, and the indignation of the father, would have the contrary both he and I will caece Footnote ³³⁷ obey. You must understandFootnote ³³⁸ (28v) that he doth not in the meane loose his time, for he hath a good maister and good compagnions for studying of his course, in such sorte as he may with as greate profit performe the same, as if he were there with you, as I wrote in my last letter. And together with litle inconvenience or troubble performe his fathers will, and doe his busines; and shunn all occasion of suspicion of his intentions.

I am of opinion therefore that it is much more to Gods honnor and glorie and noe impediment to his perfection he stay heere untill things be soe altered as his going thither may brydeFootnote ³³⁹ noe danger or inconvenience. Salvo semper meliori iudicio cui me libenter submitto.Footnote ³⁴⁰ I shall intreate you to translate this letter to a know[en] language to Scevola, as I promised in my letter to him I would intreate you to doe. When my agent arrives thither, he will evidently shew all the conveniences and inconveniences of this matter, and then let Scevola and yourself determine what you please, and it shallbe donne. In the meane time commending myself to your good sacrificesFootnote ³⁴¹ and holie prayers I remaine

Your servant to be commaunded in Christo

Robert NugentFootnote ³⁴²

10^th February 1637

(35r) Blank

(35v) Amico suo[   ] multum observando Domino Roberto Tomsono Romae

Father Nugents letter shewen in Latin to Father GenerallFootnote ³⁴³

John Gerard SJ to FS, 2 March 1637

(31r) My dearest frend

I receaved this week 2 of yours the one by the waye of England which was of the 30^th of [Novem]ber The other came in ScevolaFootnote ³⁴⁴ his packet which was of the 20^th of September.Footnote ³⁴⁵ I tooke verie much comfort in them both. Chiefly to understand your state of mynd to be such as I could wish, which I doe much impute (as to apotent means for obteyning the speciall assistance and more aboundant grace of God) to your soe constant custodie of those three rules which I can witnes you observed carefully in the iorney before our parting.Footnote ³⁴⁶ Those 3 of them selvs have great force, to mortifie, and to obteine from God all healps; but where they are alsoe done becaus it is arule, that is, Gods declared will, that act of obedience and conformitie, as it is a stricte practice of frendship both to God and man) soe it doth elevate the action to a higher degree of merit, both for the increase of grace presently and of glorie hereafter, and doth practice and plant all vertues in the soule. With great effect St Gregorie did therfore atribute chiefly to obedience saying Sola virtus obedientia est quae caeteras virtutes menti inserit insertasque custodit Footnote ³⁴⁷

I was alsoe much ioyed at the good of your worthie mother and sister, whom I will now more often and more earnestly commend to God ut desideria de ipsius inspiratione concepta nulla possint tentatione mutari. Footnote ³⁴⁸ I was deceaved in your sistersFootnote ³⁴⁹ estate whom Mr NugentFootnote ³⁵⁰ writes to be now a widow, for I thought she had not been married, and that you had but one married sister of whose deceaseFootnote ³⁵¹ you wrote more then a yeare agoe. I have sent by Mr FordFootnote ³⁵² (whoe this daye parted from hence towards you) two small but holie tokens, to those your twoe kinswomen, whom now I must respect and love, as yf they were to me in like degree as they are to you. To your mother a toothe of St Gaudentia Virg. mar.Footnote ³⁵³ and we willing to write of her by that name, which she have now cause to take and take vere gaudens Footnote ³⁵⁴ being now filia Dei et haeres regni caelestis Footnote ³⁵⁵ and going daylie forward to take possession of it. May she not therefore say with the kinglie prophet Laetata sum in his quae dicta sunt mihi in domum Domini ibi[mus] Footnote ³⁵⁶ To your sister I have sent a relicke of St Xaverius,Footnote ³⁵⁷ for I doubt not but she will [be] ever devout unto him, and he readie to protect and healp her, she being born to God uppon his daye. I have sent alsoe a poore token to your self and one to Mr Nugent.Footnote ³⁵⁸

Now considering your busines. I find in the latest dated of these twoe letters now received that your learned councell doth assure you that yf the land be off[er]ed uppon you and your brother and sister for [fau]lt of your issue, that you [may] notwithstanding dispose of the land at your pleasure; first yf it be soe there I thinke it is different from the laws of England, where I have been tould that an intaile [            ] from those whoe are named in the intayle being alive at the [          ] of it. But my greatest difficultie is although you admitt that it m[ay] [be] done by devices of lawiers that it shallbe valid in lawe, yet how it [bec]ome licite I doe not see. For yf it were free to your father to give it [           ] is as good to them in remaindure as to you in present, and they have ius in rem after your time, as you have ius ad rem after your father, which made me alsoe thinke that he could not alienate it from you after the intaile, for it is commonly seen in England that after some intayles (that is yf the Intayle be acknowledged before some judges by fine and recoverie as they call it) then the father hath noe [pow]er to sell nor will any man buy of him, unles the somme …Footnote ³⁵⁹

If the lawes be different with you I doe [      ] But that [      ] the intayle uppon 3 persons, the land (31v) soe intayled may be sould licite as well as valide without the consent of the other twoe. This point I wishe may be well examined by sufficient counsell of both kinds. For we all thinke heer it much to be dowted, or rather that it is cleer not to be lawfull. And yf soe it be; then the disherenting which is feared by your fathers displeasure (uppon your comming without leave) is noe such great losse, seing your fathers and mothers tyme are both before you. And yf they were not, yet your present possession and use of it to the best ends is not thaught heer equivalent to the losse you would sustain by it. Otherwise why had it not been better for Blessed Francis BorgiasFootnote ³⁶⁰ to have stayed some years in his estate and been privately admitted etc.

And truly for you to stay there until it please Almighty God to call your father (which I see is the design of good Mr Nugent) that I assuredly thinke would be greatly to your losse, yea although it should be then in your power both valide and licite to sell and give to good works a much greater estate, yet we all heer your frends doe thinke that it is not tanti,Footnote ³⁶¹ and we esteeme more your greater advancement in the meane tyme then that temporall commoditie: God hath enough for his servants and though such healps are to be accepted with due gratitude both to God and man when they come without greater inconvenience, yet our true love to your present and eternall [   ] and to the greater good which you may doe to others by speedie comming doth preponderate much. And doth make - - to advance God’s service [   ] and by your person and to confide in God’s providence [sure of] supplie of what is without y S de divinis fine primum quaeramus regnum Dei et caetera [                                     ] – entur vobis.Footnote ³⁶² And this is the absolute opinion of Mr Swinerton,Footnote ³⁶³ Mr Court,Footnote ³⁶⁴ Mr Parr, Mr RisdonFootnote ³⁶⁵ and of your frend.

And [  ] soe much, the opinion and desire of Scaevola,Footnote ³⁶⁶ that thereuppon he wrote you in [October] those for your speedie [comm]ing, thinking withal that (as you then wrote it would not be in your power to dispose of the estate - - - -) your self did see much lesse need of your staye being [   ] until the [  ] uppon you. But as for your staye for the [   ] tyme of your fathers life, I can [assure you that] is much against both his iudgement and-, … you deliberate about this matter.

But … .. wrote you ….., he now uppon these your [letters] [   ] unto you … the speed he mentioned he levells [unto] your own proper iudgment, as you yourself thinke [      ] after prayers and indifferentie [                                                                                    ] as I wrote in my former unto you. [     ] you iudge it in Domino Footnote ³⁶⁷ best to staye untill the land be setled (wch Mr Nugent wrote in [September] would be yet some 5 mor moneths) or yf in the meane tyme you see any assured hope that Mr IrisheFootnote ³⁶⁸ allsoe will be settled in the right waye (of which you will dis[cerne] much by that which he sayth and doth at the [    ] of the twoe gentlewomens firm resolution) then yf for these 2 things, or for either of them, you iu[stly] … [in] Domino to staye some few months he thinks it be your own election … would have you heer in the end of summer.

And whereas Mr Nugent wr[ote] … there be some reasons wch [are] not well [  ] for which there [can] be - nation of your business until Mr MalonFootnote ³⁶⁹ come hither. This you are [not] to stay uppon, nor to suspend the resolution of your comming (with such speed as [Scevola] signified in his of [Octo]ber last uppon any such [dependencie] for your cause [be] sufficiently knowen heer, and considered with all circumstances. And supposing your own willingness to doe Scevola his will (wch you have [ev]er soe playnelie [        ] that he doth rest assured of it) there is no other thing wch concerns your [su]ite which can alter his desire of your speedie comming. Only he … to you … considerations (of settling the land or of M. Irish himself … be merely certaine to be ended in few months. But yf he live … upon hopes and seeing likelihood, (32r) all here doe think it is not tanti,Footnote ³⁷⁰ that you should stay there uppon such uncertayntie of the good expected, and certayntie of a greater losse, and soe did alsoe iudge a chief iourneymanFootnote ³⁷¹ whom I thinke you saw in England companion to the lordFootnote ³⁷² master of the worke[hous] there, whoe was sent hither for Procurator,Footnote ³⁷³ and was with us at the receipt of your letters.

Now let me tell you alsoe what Mr Court (whoe commends him to you verie kindly) tould me this day coming from the Scottish man his patron.Footnote ³⁷⁴ That the Scottishe man hath answered his sayd patron. That there is noe hope of getting you sent for into England, for the service we proposed. Uppon this Mr Court answered that you were [threatened] new troubles there, and that it was likely you would be layed up againe, and tould him of the wise supplication against the wulf. He laughed at it, and answeared Let him come hither and he shall live in my house.Footnote ³⁷⁵ And withall let me tell you what he answered about your brother 2 months agoe, being informed by Mr Court that your brother had a desire to come hither, but could not obteine his father assent, and soe could not have wherewith to mayntain him in his studies. He answered, Let him come, I will mayntaine him in his studies, I would doe more then that for his brothers sake.Footnote ³⁷⁶ Soe that yf you coming awaye shall not be able to provide him that 30 li a yeare, which in these letters you promise, yet you see God will not let him want.. I am of your mynd that it was inconvenient many wayes, and might be verie hurtfull for him, to come up with that ladie.Footnote ³⁷⁷ And the other companion you mention for him, were the best, next your self. And he is I think by this tyme at London yf not neerer, for Scevola tould me he expecteth in Maye to have him here.

I would gladly know how it coms to be in your fathers power to alienate the estate (especially being tied uppon you) without your mothers consent, considering that most of the lands came by her.Footnote ³⁷⁸ In England the father in such a case hath it only for his life, unless the wife be soe unadvisedly kind as to give it her husband freely, and then he may sell it or give it, from her alsoe, as well as from hir children. But yf it must needs come to her after his decease, I hope she wold be far from disherediting her most loving and most beloved sonne, and that for noe true fault, as she in this estate would truly know.

Besids yf we admit the worst, and that it may and will be soe alienated from you that you shall never have the possession or disposing of it, yet it may iustly be hoped that your mother being as she is, will both be liberall to you of it, and be a mother alsoe to many other of Gods servants, and to needie Catholicks. Soe that your case therein is not worse, but better then was that of your best valentins, for Blessed AlloisiusFootnote ³⁷⁹ dishenerited him self, and left his greater estate not to such as would imploy it uppon the best works they could find, but uppon the mayntenance of wife and children [etc] in a worldly, though lawful estate. Soe that you have the benefitt of leaving all as he had, and others that shall heare how the matter passed, wilbe edified by the example, as they were by his according to the proportion. And finally the thing soe left, is more likely by much to be imployed to Gods best service and to your most comfort.

And this yf the hardest which is feared should fall owt. The preventing whereof is not worth one years life from your greatest profitt, and much lesse can all that you expect or desire (yf the whole should certaynly come to be at your free disposition) be aquivalent to your staye there for the uncertayne tyme of your fathers life. Wherein I am confident you will not let any perswation prevayle with you, which I assure you would be much contrarie to the dictamen Footnote ³⁸⁰ both of Scevola and all your frends here.

I am glad you have begunne philosophie and with some chosen companions, not that I would wishe that should be esteemed sufficient for you (to whom I wish the best) but for that it will much facilitate those studies when you come hither, and will make you profitt soe much the more with those greater healps. For that Mr Nugent writes, you will gaine as much there, as you could doe heer, we esteeme to be morally impossible, because of the greater exercise both private and publicke; besids the business in which your father will allwayes imploy you in some kind or other; and besids your necessarie conversation.Footnote ³⁸¹

That wise supplication which was wurthely laughed at there, as it is heere; is not withstanding likely to worke one of these twoe effects. Either to put the wulfeFootnote ³⁸² in a pinfould where he can not leap out, or els to banishe him the contrey, this last is rather to be wished then feared, for then his father must be willing with his absence, and would give him competent mayntenance: yf the first be more likely, it may be a good oportunitie for him to lye secret for some tyme, and to write to his father tan[quam] ex nutibus Footnote ³⁸³ as though he ment to continue soe until that storme were [     ] over But after a while he may come away leaving letters for his father (to be delivered after his departure) that he sees there is noe other remedie but to absent himself for a tyme, and therfor presumeth of his approbation, but did forbear to tell him before hand, that he might the better answer he knew [not] of it and would not trouble [him].

(32v) Now I will trouble you noe more in these, but I will write againe briefly this weeke or the next and to the same effect in Scevola his packet to Mr Nugent, and then to him alsoe. All those frends you named in your letters doe resalute you most cordially, and Mr SwinertonFootnote ³⁸⁴ is verie glad that your godfather had the means to shew any kindness to your brother. Mr Swinnerton desireth much your prayers, he hath been in great weaknes ever since Christmas and not withowt danger, and yet remayns in toto a[ff]inus,Footnote ³⁸⁵ though somwhat better, our Lord be thanked for it. We all doe pray for you, and your poorest frend will not fayle to doe it in that manner and measure as yf all his frends were united in one. I beseech you tell your twoe kinswomen that I will offer for themFootnote ³⁸⁶ at these holie places, that being the best service I can doe them. All happiness rest with you This 2^nd of March 1637

Yours all and ever Tho. Roberts

To my deerest frend Mr Lowis Newman these with speed [deliver]

Recomended to Mon[signio]r MalonFootnote ³⁸⁷ Dublin [seal]

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(33v) To my deerest frend Mr Lewis Neuman these dd [deliver] with speed at Dublin

John Gerard SJ to FS, 16 May 1637

(30r) +

My deerest frend

Yours of the 10^th of Feb found me in the spirituall exercise, in which I had received from the goodness of God more comforts then I deserved: But indeed the reading of yours was a great increase unto them, to see the efficacitie of his grace, and his bounteous hand soe opened to a person soe deer unto me, and to whom I much desired noe lesse then all the best.

I receaved much comfort to see your soe constant persesverance in perfect indifferencie,Footnote ³⁸⁸ and your entire resignation to the will of God, to be declared unto you by his substitute; And the like contentment it gave to ScavolaFootnote ³⁸⁹ himself, when he red the same twice repeated in your letter, which I delivered unto him translated, that he might iudg the better of the case by you proposed. He red both yours and Mr NugentsFootnote ³⁹⁰ with great attention; and having well considered both the parts of your cause, and pondered alsoe the weight of all the reasons alledged by Mr Nugent for that part which he desired might take place; yet Scevola persevered in his former opinen, and made choice of your spedie comminge hither, as the certaine means of your much greater good which (as he saith and ever sayed when we have talked of that matter) is most to be respected, and much to be preferred before the temporal means, which by your staye there and losse unto your self (which would certainly follow of it) you might gaine unto us. But Scevla is and wilbe much better pleased with my frendFootnote ³⁹¹ alone, and with the internall riches which he will bring with him, and which can not be taken from him and which will be much the greater by this act of renunciation etc. then yf with lesse measure of interiour goods, he brought with him a much greater proportion of exteriour riches.

Therefore it is his absolute desire (omnibus auditis et mature consideratis Footnote ³⁹² ) that his JosephFootnote ³⁹³ doe breake away from the world though he leave his cloke behind him. God hath clothes enow for his servants, and he that giveth feathers to the birds of the ayer, and furrs to the beasts that live upon the earth,Footnote ³⁹⁴ will not be wanting to those his chosen servants, whoe he loveth soe deerly, and whoe labour for him, and to further theire provision is to set forward his own work.

Besids (my deerest in Christ Jesus) you loose not what you leave behind you, but first your self shall ever enioy the comfort of that apostolicall testimonie of your love to Christ, and by which you may say with St Peter Ecce nos reliquimus omnia;Footnote ³⁹⁵ and although the chief part of this reliction doe consist in the will to leave the desire [of having] (which St Peter had and therefore he truly left all things, whoe otherwise had but litle to leave) yet the greater the quantitie is which one doth actually leave for the love of God the greater is his perpetuall comfort of the treasure he hath layd up in heaven, and I dare bouldly saye that alone wilbe far greater and more perseverant [con]tenment to you, then ever you could have received of your fathers estate if you [had] enioyed it in the world.

Your companions alsoe and those whom you [would] pleasure with it, doe not loose it, sith they have your self much the more enriched by the leaving of it, and that example of your perfect renuncia[tion] [will] doe much greater good to many amongst them, then your estate could doe yf it were sufficient to be devided amongst them all. Lastly the bodie of which you are to be a member,Footnote ³⁹⁶ shall not loose by your losse of what you leave behind you, because you bring with you the credit of a hundreth tymes soe much, and that assured alsoe to be payed you in this world, and whilst you are theirs. And for this they have better assurance than any marchants bandFootnote ³⁹⁷ or statute, yea more assured then the standing of heaven and earth caelum enim et terra tr[ansibunt] verbum autem eius non [praet]eribit. Footnote ³⁹⁸ (30v) You may therefore come with much comfort and alacritie bringing with you such bills of exchang and credit as will soe much enrich both your self and your dearest frends.

I have written at larg to Mr Nugent in answer of all the reasons he set down for your stay. To those thereore I refer you, as both too long to repeat with my shaking hand, and nothing needfull for you to whom a [Veni]Footnote ³⁹⁹ is sufficient as St IgnatiusFootnote ⁴⁰⁰ iustly presumed of the knowen entirely resigned mynd of the apostle of IndiaFootnote ⁴⁰¹ whose imitator I dowbt not but you desire to be.

If your brotherFootnote ⁴⁰² in the exercise which you saye he intended, did make the electionFootnote ⁴⁰³ which you desired, his best commodotieFootnote ⁴⁰⁴ will be your best compaineFootnote ⁴⁰⁵ in his iourney. Your own prudence will dictate whether it be best for him, to know your resolutionFootnote ⁴⁰⁶ before his arrivall heer with you, yf he have not great measure of grace it would be a strong temptation unto him, our blessed Lord direct you in that and all things. You will find some good pretance of your traveile,Footnote ⁴⁰⁷ to alledge unto your dear mother and sister in the letters which you leave for them, for I suppose it can not be convenient to acquaint them with it, before you be gone. And you will imitate our Lord in leaving them (as our Saviour did his blessed mother to St Ihon)Footnote ⁴⁰⁸ that they be to Father Nugent in your absence, as they were to you in presence:Footnote ⁴⁰⁹ by him you will expe[ct] their letters, and by him they shall often heere from you. You will alsoe consider, and carefull[y], what kind of letters it is best to leave for your father, and when to be delivered. For perhaps it were better it were some good tyme before he knew of your departure, least he make London too hott for you and your passage from thence dangerous.

If you goe by London let our frend Mr KnotFootnote ⁴¹⁰ be your hoste, for your tyme of stay, of whome you shall have the best counsell and healp for providing you [? sure meanes]. Your brother knoweth his lodging having been his guest. Whether you goe that way, or by long sees; knowe, that divers gentlemen have come hither this spring, whoe had as quick passage from Paris to MarcellesFootnote ⁴¹¹ and from thence by boat to Genua yea also to y[           ] [a heretofore cam back]: and all quarrels are well ended between the Spaniards and the [Fren]ch in O[landa?]Footnote ⁴¹² and those countreys quiet. I suppose Mr MalonFootnote ⁴¹³ will be [come] out before. [Since] you have such experience of travaile that you neede not his companie unles it … be … healp him in the waye.

[And] lastly, my dearest frend, let me give you many thankes for your [fl]erated care and frendly [   ] touching my booke of friendship. But you must doe me a greater pleasure then that. For you must bring me a lively [accou]nte in which both I and others may read, the [true]… of that perfect spirituall frendship between men which was the contents of that which you caried do[wn] and alsoe of the perfect love and friendship between God and man, which is the [sub]iect of that which I am now writing, the [subiect and] practice of both are written … letters in the booke which you will bring me. For the other booke in Flanders, … [if] God will be served by it he will [    ] meanes for it. I doe now leave [you] to his protection and direction in all things, to whom I be … you and all yours.

This 16^th of Maye 1637

Yours all and ever in Christ Jesus

Thomas Roberts

vere Johannes GerardFootnote ⁴¹⁴

Father General Muzio Vitelleschi SJ to FS, 23 May 1637

(27r) Perillustrissime Domine,

Etsi non dubito Perillustrem D[ominationem] Vestram ex iis, quae tam anno praeterito, mense Octobri, quam etiam praesenti mense Martio ad P. Nugentium scripsi, satis percepisse, quid ego de longiore mora, et dilatione itineris sui sentiam, et quam nihil aliud cupiam, quam ut primo quoque tempore se in Urbem conferat; quia tamen persuadere sibi forte posset, me iis rebus, et causis, quas Perillustris D. Vestra et P. Nugentius ad me, et P. Tomsonum scripserunt, permotum fuisse, ac consilium meum, sententiamque mutasse; hisce perpaucis significo, exactius enim, et fusius omnia scribet P. Tomsonus, et quidem ex nostro sensu, et voluntate mihi ea omnia, quae de differenda, et, quantum colligo, omnino intermittenda profectione sua scribuntur, non probari, neque existimare ea tanti momenti esse, quin potius omnibus illis impedimentis posthabitis, liber ad Christi crucem huc evolet, ac de domo Patris sui, et cognatione sua exeundo, totum se Creatori suo mancipet. Hoc ego, re in Domino considerata, ad maiorem Dei gloriam, et animae suae salutem futuram omnino confido.

PerillustrisFootnote ⁴¹⁵ D.V.

Humilis in [Christo] Servus

+

Mutius Vitellesius

Perillustri D. Ludovico Newman. Hibern.

(27v) Dulcissimus Iesus, qui Perilllustri D. Vestrae vincula amoris sui iniecit, hucusque pertrahat, et opus, quod ex infinita misericordia sua in ea coepit, clementer consummet. Romae 23 Maii 1637

(36r) Blank

(36v) Perillri Domino Domino Ludovico Newman, in [Christo] Osser[vatissi]mo

In HiberniamFootnote ⁴¹⁶

Seu Fr SlinghisbyeFootnote ⁴¹⁷

Father General Muzio Vitelleschi SJ to FS, 12 December 1637

(26r) Ihs

Perillustrissime Domine

Quae fuerit, atque etiamnum sit sententia et desiderium meum de reditu Dominationis vestrae ad nos, facile iam ex plurimis litteris intellexit. Ubi enim vel salus vel perfectio animae, hoc est regnum coelorum quaeritur, cetera omnia magnifica licet et speciosa postponenda sunt. Et certe habeo abunde, cur hac in re Dominationi vestrae gratuler, quae constanter usque pergit secernere pretiosum a vili, nec alias opes expetendas esse ducit quam coelestes. Illud solum optassem ut tot iam ipse difficultatum victor, cum pene esset in portu non fuisset inopinato in novos fluctus atque tempestates reiectus. Scio equidem quod non aliam ob causam, quam ob Patris et Parentum salutem ex medio fere itinere remeaverit. Atque Deum Opt[imum] Max[imum] precor, ut eventus tam pia vota fortunet. Illud tamen diligenter considerandum iudico, ne ob incertam spem alienae salutis, certissimas perdat opportunitates acquirendae suae. Sed quia ea pietate ac prudentia pollet, ut aequa lance aestimare noverit, quid parentibus quid Deo, atque animae suae debeat. Ideo nihil aliud adiungendum censeo, omnino persuasus, id imprimis ei cordi futurum, ut impedimentis omnibus superatis (26v) quam citissime avolare possit ad dilecta tabernacula Domini virtutum ac parentis omnium cuius singulari tutela Dominationem vestram ex animo commendo. Romae 12 Decembris 1637

Perillris. D.V.

Inutilis in [Christo] Servus

+

Mutius Vitellesius

(37r) Blank

(37v) Perillustri Domino D. Ludovico Neuman In Hiberniam

i.e. Francis SlinghisbyeFootnote ⁴²¹

William Chillingworth’s reasons why he became a Catholic [undated, post 1638]

(38r) Ihs

Mr ChillingworthsFootnote ⁴²² reasons why he became a Catholique

1. 1. Because perpetuall visible profession which could never be wanting to the true religion of Christ nor any part of it, is apparently wanting to protestant religion as farr as concernes the poynts in contestation

2. 2. Because Luther and his followers separating from the church of Rome, separated also from all churches pure, or impure, true or false, then being in the world: upon [which] ground I conclude, that ether gods promises did fayle of performance if there [be] then no church in the world which hold all things necessary, and nothing repugnant to salvation; or else that Luther and his sectaryes, separating from all churches then in the world (and so from the true, if there were any true) were damnable schismaticks

3. 3. Because, if any creditt may be given, to as creditable records, as any are extant, the doctrine of Catholiques hath beene frequently confirmed, and the opposite doctrine of Protestants confounded with supernaturall and divine miracles.

4. 4. Because many poynts of Protestant doctrine are the damnd opinions of ancient heretiques, and that by the primative church

5. 5. Because the prophesyes of the Old Testament toutching the conversions of king[s] nations to the true religion of Christ, have bin fulfilled, in and by the chatholique Roman religion, and its successors of it, and not by Protestant religion [and] the professours of it.

6. 6. Because the doctrine of the church of Rome is conformable, and the doctrine of Prote[stants] contrary to the doctrine of the fathers of the primative church; even [to] the confession of Protestants themselves, I meane those fathers who lived within the compasse of the first 600 yeares; to whom Protestants themselves doe verye frequently and very confidently appeale.

7. 7. Because the first pretended reformers had nether extraordinary commission from God, nor ordinary mission from the church to preach Protestant doctrine.

8. 8. Because Luther to preach against the masse (which containes the most materiall poy[nt] in controversy) was perswaded by reason suggested by the divell himselfe disputing with him: so he himselfe professeth in his book De missa privata,Footnote ⁴²³ that all men might take heed of following him who professeth himselfe to follow the divell

9. 9. Because the Protestant cause is now and hath beene from the beginning maintayned with grosse falsifications and calumnyes, whereof theire prime controversy writters are notoriously, and in a high degree guilty

10. 10. Because by denying of all humane authority ether of pope, or councells, or chu[rch] to determine controversyes of faith, they have abolished all possible meanes of suppressing heresy, or restoring unity to the Church.

(38v) Mr Chillingworths motivesFootnote ⁴²⁴

[Entrants to English College, Rome, in 1639]

(16r) Blank

(16v) Franciscus Perceus 14 februarii 1639Footnote ⁴³⁶

Franciscus Perceus, alias Slingisbeus

Edwardus Poolus, alias Rogerus AndertonusFootnote ⁴³⁷

Henricus Sahiagius vere Simon BarktaileFootnote ⁴³⁸

Carolus Ashtonus alias CantfieldFootnote ⁴³⁹

Thomas Cliftonus, alias NormantonusFootnote ⁴⁴⁰

Francis Slingsby: act of renunciation, 24 April 1639

(74r) Rome Aprill 24 1639

I Francis Slingisby, doe by this my deed renounce myne inheritance, and doe resigne unto my most deare brother Mr Henry Slingisbye, my birthright, for ever disinabling my selfe of pretending any title or interest in my father and mothers estate. Provided that my sayd brother+ doe make over a portion of land, to the valew of one hundred pounds sterling per annum, to some one that I shall appoint, for my use in perpetuum, and likewise pay unto mee yearely, the summe of 25 li sterling during my owne life onely, In witness whereof I sett my hand and seale

F. Slingisbye manupropria Footnote ⁴⁵²

+ soe soone as hee shall bee in possession thereof

(74v) My act of reunutiation

October 13 1640 I wrote to my brother about the conditions oppon which I resigned my birthright, and gave order that the 200 li, or the rent of it should be payd my father. And that if my father would not pay my debt to my lord of Castlehaven,Footnote ⁴⁵³ it should bee payed out of the remayning 100 li. I sent him likewise a coppy of the cardinalls letter to Count RossettiFootnote ⁴⁵⁴ and all was sent open to Father NugentFootnote ⁴⁵⁵

Henry Slingsby to his brother FS, 19 March 1641

(72r) Ihs

My dearest friend

I receivd your tart letters of the 16^th of October the 15 of March I call it tart because it was a mixture of sweet and sower which was so farr from making me disgust your pious lines that it rendred all more savoury unto me. I may almost presume you hadFootnote ⁴⁶⁸ an answere to the most materiall parts of these before I received them, for I had in more then one or two letters as I thinke claerd my intentions, in that wherein you were so pusledFootnote ⁴⁶⁹ not to suspect your freinde. I know suspitio est venenum amicitiae, Footnote ⁴⁷⁰ yet where misfortune renders the causes of suspition too cleere and convincing, I cannot blame him that is left doubtfull what to thinke, for though we may prudently suspend yet we can captivate our iudgment to nothing but to the Church in the obedience of faith. But if these come to your hands I hope they will disperse whatsoever mists has interposed themselves between the cleere reflection of our loves, for I doe sincerely intend what you so piously desire that when I become master of my fathers estate I will bestow 100 li per annum of it to the erecting of an Irish seminary, nay more if god shall call you away before it shall come to my hands I bind my selfe to make it good to the SocietyFootnote ⁴⁷¹ for that intent: only I would thinke fitting to annexe this limitation, that ether I might discharge my debts, before I should be liable to it, or 3 yeares time after my entring into it should be given me for that and other necessaryesFootnote ⁴⁷² whereof I above all others am left most unprovided of. I doe with like willingnesse bind my selfe to give you 25Footnote ⁴⁷³ per annum for your selfe to be payd you when so ever you shall demande it. If there be any thinge defective heere let me know how I may give your greater assurance, for I would give you as much ioy in the discovery of my sincerity towards you as your doubts and feares have caused you sorrow.

Let me entreate you write againe to my father your desire that he should have the 200 li or the use of it which he so much seekes after, and it shall be performed; but let your letters henceforth to me be such as he may see, and you understand sufficiently with what caution both must be written, knowing how subtile he is nodum in scirpo invenire.Footnote ⁴⁷⁴ You must make your demands more then 70 li for you know your use has raised it since much above that (though I persuade myself it will be all (72v) one in effect, for I doe not believe he will discharge one farthing of your debts. If you would write to me any secret inclose it in a little paper within your letters, that that being removed he may see the rest.

I am bound always to pray for that noble and charitable cardinall,Footnote ⁴⁷⁵ who for your sake has conceived so tender a feeling of my miseryes[.] Signor Resett[o] is I beleive by this time parted from London for the parlament in England has taken disgustFootnote ⁴⁷⁶ at his being there; and our queeneFootnote ⁴⁷⁷ told them if that offended them should be removed.

I am in expectation shortly to be in prison for my debts nor doe I sarseFootnote ⁴⁷⁸ hope for any assistance from my father but my deare sisterFootnote ⁴⁷⁹ tells me shee will rather lye in prison with me then I shall suffer by it, and that as long as shee has credditt or mony I shall never be brought to such extremityes.

I received very lately letters from Mr Patricke CaryFootnote ⁴⁸⁰ I pray present my thanks and service unto him, and let him knowe that at my next writinge (I being now as it were from home) I will not be unmindfull to salute him more peculiarly by himselfe, yet that he might conceive some good opinion of my respects to him in the meane time I would have him assuredFootnote ⁴⁸¹ that there wanted not 18 dayes of a yeare betweene the date of his lastFootnote ⁴⁸² and my receiving of it, so many stopps it found in the way. I pray doe you in your next letters to me, take notice of the miscarriage of your letters, and be industrious in writting things wherby he may receive some satisfaction.

Commend me kindly to my deare freind Mr Sprewle I will not trouble him with my tatling whilst he is in his heavenly contemplations:Footnote ⁴⁸³ yet I doe earnestly desire in your next to understand where he is, how much of his time is passed, whither your studdyes be done, what you doe next, and where Mr Patricke Cary lives, and how. You can invent no better newes then this for your letters. If Lattine,Footnote ⁴⁸⁴ or Italian be not more difficult to you I would rather you would exercise your selfe, and me in any of those languages then in English. If Mr Cary has Italian I would be glad he would use it too. The affection to the language would beget in me stronger desires and hasten my resolution of seing Italy. (73r) I have heard nothing lately from Mr Guthry, and therefor cannot resolve you how that 20 li which he sayd Mr Sprewle borrowed of him; was mistaken: I pray forget not to feede my father with letters, if you cannot with newes. For my selfe it is one of the greatest contents I have in this world to receive your most deerly welcome lines. And my dearest freind take heed that nothing of doubt or jealousy make you beleive other then that I am, and ever shall be

My deare brother

Your most sincerly affectionate freind and servant

Kilkenny this S. Josephs DayFootnote ⁴⁸⁵ 1640[–1] J.H. Slingisbye

My mother sends you her blessing and my deare sister remembers her most cordiall affection unto you

Mra [Maria]

(73v) answered July 24 1641Footnote ⁴⁸⁶

For his dearest freinde Mr Francis Percy at theFootnote ⁴⁸⁷

To be sent … Mriss … at the signe of the Cocke [     ]bridge in London Hilton

March 19

Cardinal Francesco Barberini, exemption from heretical birth for FS, 19 May 1641

(66r) Franciscus Sti Laurentii in Damaso Cardinalis BarberinusFootnote ⁴⁸⁸ S.R.C. Vicecancellarius, et Regni Angliae Protector

Francisco Perseo Collegii Anglorum de Urbe Convictori salutem

Exponi nobis fecisti, quod tu olim ex parentibus haereticis ortus, et in patria haereti diu educatus, eadem haeresi postmodum abiurata ad Ecclesiae Catholicae Castra transivisti, nunc autem Deo in Ecclesiastica vita te mancipare, et ordines Ecclesiasticos etiam Praesbyteratus recipere cupias. Quapropter nobis humiliter supplicari fecisti, ut super irregularitate desuper contracta dispensare dignaremur. Nos piis votis tuis favere volentes supplicationibus nobis tuo nomine porrectis inclinati tecum ut non obstante irregularitate praefata ad ecclesiasticos ordines etiam praesbyteratus servatis servandis promoveri te facere postis et valeas nostra regni Angliae Protectoris authoritate dispensamus.

Datum Romae 19 Maii 1641 [signed] F Cardinalis Barberinus Protector.

[Summary: In response to a petition from Francis Slingsby, who has abjured heresy and wishes to be ordained priest, Cardinal Francesco Barberini, Protector of the kingdom of England, grants to Slingsby a dispensation from the irregularity of his birth and upbringing as a heretic].

(66v) blank

FS: interview on entering Jesuit novitiate, Rome, 30 September 1641

(247r) 30 Sett. 1641 Franco. Slingsbeo

1. 1. Quo nomine vocetur. Franciscus Slingbeus

2. 2. Quotum agat annum. Trigesimum primum.

3. 3. Quae sit eius Patria, et cuiusnam pagi vel civitatis sit. Ex Corcagia in Hybernia.

4. 4. An vivant eius parentes. Puto illos vivere.

5. 5. An rerum temporalium comoditate potiuntur, vel illarum penuria premantur, seu mediocris sint facultatis? Habent in reditibus annuis 4800 scuta, circiter

6. 6. An fratres vel sorores habeat, et quis eorum status, num matrimonii, an alius, et cuius facultatis sint.

7. Habeo unicum fratrem catholicum, adhuc uxori non coniunctum, cui Ego ius primogeniturae cessi, et duas sorores, alteram viduam catholicam, quae dotem habet in reditibus annuis 500 s[c]utorum, alteram viro nuptam haereticam, cuius vir nunc habet annuatim 800 scuta et post mortem patris sui habebit 2000 scuta per annum.

8. 7. An habeat, vel habuerit aes alienum aut civiles obligationes, et quales.

9. Item an satisfecerit, vel quibus facultatibus.

10. Habeo debitum 280 scutorum, cui frater satisfaciet.

11. 8. Num verba obligatoria ad matrimonium ediderit, et qualia; an uxorem habuerit, et ex ea filios susceperit.

12. Nec uxorem habui, nec ad hoc me obligavi.

13. 9. Qui fuerit eius status ante ingressum in religionem quod ad res scilicet exteriores et publicas attinet; an littteris operam dederit, vel quibus in rebus se exercuerit.

14. Antequam essem catholicus, (quod Dei gratia contigit anno 1633) peractis studiis humanioribus et phylosophi[a]e, in Academia Oxoniensi, 19 nonum annum agens, iussu Patris in Galliam migravi, postea in Italiam et Belgiam, ut ex conversatione cum hominibus diversarum gentium, eorumque morum et legum cognitione, experientiam aliquam politicam acquirerem, ut postea in patriam reversus, ad res publicas gerendas aptior essem. Dum in his locis morarer, eorum linguas diligenter discebam, et artibus saltandi equitandi aliisque militaribus exercitiis et musicae operam dabam. Post conversionem statim a Deo vocatus ad religionem, me ipsum obtuli ad ingrediendum, sed visum est Patribus ut prius redirem in Patriam ad Parentes ad fidem lucrandos, quibus Ego obedivi nec sine felici successu, nam mater, frater, soror, cum sexdecim aliis per Dei misercordiam ad fidem conversi sunt; postea Romam petens, ibidem cursum Philosophiae absolvi, et in Mathematica progressum feci non contemnendum.

15. 10. Num habuerit vel habeat morbum aliquem, et speciatim num vexationem aliquem stomachi vel capitis, vel quodvis alium impedimentum naturale seu defectum in aliquam sui parte [particularis], sed tum de manifestis intelligit[ur].

16. Habui bis Romae morbum articularem per tres menses, habui hoc anno praeterito defluxionem ex capite super oculos, quae adhuc non omnino recessit; et nunc molestiam aliquam mihi inferunt flatus in stomacho praeterea nihil.

17. 11. Quam animi propensionem habeat ad spiritualia et qualiter in iis se exercuerit dum adhuc degebat in seculo.

18. Cum adhuc essem haereticus, fui tum in timore Dei educatus, ita ut a peccatis manifestis abhorrebam. Verum tandem malorum conversatione corruptus, in omne genus vitiorum me praecipitassem, si misericors Dominus in illo puncto temporis, me ad fidem catholicam non convertisset.

19. Post conversionem ad religionem vocatus, regulas Societatis per octo annos in hunc modum observavi, singulis diebus meditationem unius horae nunquam omisi (nisi post ingressum in Coll. Anglicanum, ubi ½ hora dumtaxat mihi fuit concessa) conscientiam bis quotidie examinabam, cum lectione spirituali quotidiana, missam quotidie audiebam quando fieri poterat, quod etiam in itineribus observabam, sacramenta confessionis et Eucharistiae diebus Dominicis et festis sollennioribus recipiebam, disciplinam semel vel bis omni septimana faciebam, quandoque cilicium gestabam, feriis sextis jeiuvabam, et rationem conscientiae saepe reddebam; quae omnia sine rubore et lachrimis scribere non valeo, quod post tot adhibita media et auxilia concessa tam par[v]um in Dei amore et virtutibus me profecisse video. Nunc per Dei gratiam desidero, nihil omittere quod Deo placeat, nihil committere quod ip[si] displiceat.

20. (247v)

21. 12. An aliquo voto, ante vel post ingressum in Societatem se astrinxerit, ab eoque sit dein absolutus.

22. Sex menses post vocationem feci votum ingrediendi Societatem, quam primum essem a superioribus vocatus, in eaquam ex mea parte usque ad mortem perseverandi.

23. Cum autem haberem ad Mathematicam affectum adeo vehementem, ut vix credi possit, nedum verbis explicari; et plurimum contristarer me ab hoc inordinato affectu servum et captivum detineri; et nollet tum P. Rector ut illud studium relinquerem, quamvis saepius ad illud abiiciendum me obtulerim; feci votum S. Ignatio, ut eius intercessione ab hac servitute liberarer, per totam vitam singulis diebus recitare trigesies (S Ignate ora pro me) cum bis Ave Maria, et semel Pater noster, et diebus profestis ipsius, faciendi disciplinam et ieiunandi cum pane et aqua in ipsius honorem, cum hac conditione ut esset in potestate superiorum me ab hoc voto absolvere.

24. 13. Quibus inspirationibus Societatem sit ingressus et a quo, ubi, et quorsum in loco fuerit admissus.

25. Quindecim diebus post conversionem, in exercitiis spiritualibus, in ipsa meditatione fundamentali, Deus me vocavit ad statum religiosum; quoniam existimavi me non debere ad quidquam aliud attendere, nisi ad illud negotium propter quod Deus me creavit. Pro cuius finis consecutione cum statum religiosum caeteris aptiorem viderem, illum elegi. Postea vero me plurimum movit ista consideratio, Quod Deus propter nos homines et propter nostram salutem descendit de caelis, et incarnatus est de Spiritu Sancto de Maria V. et homo factus est, et crucifixus.

26. Societatem vero prae caeteris religiosis familiis elegi, quod ipsius institutum ad vitam Christi quam proxime accedit, et quod in ea, disciplina nequaquam est relaxata, sed in primo fervore permanet, et plurima habet media ad perfectionem animae efficacissima

27. fui admissus Romae, a N[ostro] P[atre] Generale tunc temporis Tusculi commorante.

28. 14. An spiritualia Exercitia peregerit, quoties et quantum temporis in iis insumpserit.

29. Quater, feci Exercitia spiritualia; tribus primis vicibus per octo dies, 4 horas singulis diebus orationi impendendo, ultima vice in prima probatione 21 diebus.

30. 15. Num aliquos Ecclesiasticos ordines susceperit. Sacerdotium.

31. 16. Num aliquas habeat facultates, et an eas distribuerit, et quomodo?

32. Habeo in Hybernia scuta 1200, nondum distributa et frater mihi debet 800 scuta circiter.

33. 17. An inurias et contumelias pati exoptet, ut veste ac insignibus Christi Domini nostri induatur.

34. Multoties habui talia desideria, sed non sunt habitualia; sed aliqua praevia meditatione indigeo ad huiusmodi desideria excitanda.

35. 18. An in rebus dubiis, tam circa spiritualia, quam circa quaelibet alia, proprio sensu deposito, Societatis iudicio ac voluntati superioris acquiescere contentus sit.

36. Omnino.

37. 19. Declaret voluntatem suam perseverandi, et perfecte obediendi cum totali indifferentia in rebus omnibus Deo favente, et observandi Regulas.

38. Superius declaravi me votum fecisse usque ad mortem perseverandi; Quoniam per Dei gratiam divinae voluntati in omnibus me subiicere ex animo cupiam, et mihi omnino persuasum sit, eandem divinam voluntatem per superiorem me mihi declarari, non illubenter me submitto huic voluntatis iudiciique proprii regulae quam ipsemet elegi.

39. 20. Num aliorum defectus manifestare sit paratus, bonique consulat res quascunque quae notatae in eo fuerint, superioribus per quemvis qui extra confessionem eas acceperit manifestari.

40. Libentissime.

41. (248r)

42. 21. Exprimat quale in specie desiderium praesentiat mortificationum et experimentorum; num omnes animi sui affectus imperfectionesque mortificare exoptet, et in hoc a superioribus adiuvari, paenitentiasque laeto animo suscipere paratus sit.

43. Desidero humiliari per mortificationes ignominiosas, et per meum contemptum Deum meum honorare. Cupio etiam ut nihil in me remaneat quod oculis divinae maiestatis displiceat, vel profectum spiritualem impediat; poenitentiae vero hactenus iniunctae, et experimentum Nosocomii, mihi non fuerunt poenitentiae sed solatia. Aliquando tum cum ex improviso poenitentia mihi imponitur, timore et rubore suffundor, et repugnantiam sentio, sed rem mecum interius agitando, paulatim me induco, ut tandem eam libenter amplectar.

44. 22. Num magis propensus sit, supposita tamen indifferentia, ad Indias vel ad Germaniam, seu alias quasvis missiones ministeriumve difficile ad maius Dei obsequium, suum proximorumque auxilium.

45. Non sentio magnam inclinationem ad unum potius quam ad alium locum. Habeo tum desiderium debile ea loca adeundi ubi spes foret martirii.

46. Timeo vero et abhorreo (secundum partem animae inferiorem) ab iteneribus longis per mare, propter continuam stomachi subversionem et nauseam.

47. Franciscus Slingsbeus alias Perseus                       manu propria

48. (248v) Vocatio P. Francisci Slingsbei, qui admissus est in Novitiatum Sti Andreae Romae die 30 Septembris anni 1641