_To Mr. Secretary Coke, Dec. 16, 1634._ Knowler, vol. i., p. 351.
It may seem strange that this people should be so obstinately set
against their own good, and yet the reason is plain; for the Friars
and Jesuits fearing that these laws would conform them here to the
manners of England, and in time be a means to lead them on to a
conformity in religion and faith also, they catholicly oppose and
fence up every path leading to so good a purpose. And indeed I see
plainly that so long as this kingdom continues popish, they are not
a people for the crown of England to be confident of. Whereas if
they were not still distempered by the infusion of these Friars and
Jesuits, I am of belief, they would be as good and loyal to their
King as any other subjects.