The Journals of Parliaments, Journal 1 · Letter

The Journals of Parliaments · Journal 1 · Letter

p. 7To the Right Honourable, the Speaker of the House of Peers, pro Tempore. My very good Lord,

I am humbly to request of your Lordship, to communicate this my present Instrument, under my hand and Seal to the House of Peers, that it may be publickly there Read, and remain upon Record in the Office of the Clerk of the same House:

Kenzington. April 1646. I am Your Lordships humble Servant.

TO all Christian People to whom these presents shall come, Edmund Earl of Mulgrave, Greeting. Know Ye, that Whereas I the said Edmund Earl of Mulgrave, have formerly constituted the Right Honourable William Viscount Say and Seal, &c. my lawful Actor, and Procurator for me, and in my name, to give my Voice and Suffrage upon all such emergent Occasions, as the same shall be requisite, by the ancient Orders and Constitutions of the House of Peers, That I do now, by these presents Revoke, and Vacate the Proxie by which I did formerly Constitute the said William Viscount p. 8Say and Seal, my lawful Actor and Procurator as is aforesaid; and do hereby declare the same Proxie to be utterly Annulled, Vacated, and Revoked, to all intents and purposes whatsoever. In witness whereof, I have Signed and Scaled these presents, this day of April in the 22th. year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord Charles, by the Grace of God, of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, King, etc. An. Dom. 1646.

This Instrument was written, and ingrossed in Parchment as a Deed Poll is, and to it in a Libel of Parchment, was the Seal of the said Earl of Mulgrave affixed, and it was read and allowed in the House of Peers.

Soon after the allowance of the aforesaid Instrument the said Earl of Mulgrave sent this ensuing Proxie to the Earl of Essex, who made use of it in the House of Peers, and it was there allowed of, without any the least question, or dispute.

OMnibus Christi Fidelibus ad quos hoc presens Scriptum pervener it Edmundus Comes de Mulgrave Salutem. Noveritis me prefatum Edmundum Comitem de Mulgrave per Licentiam Serenissimi Domini nostri Regis a presenti hoc suo Parliamento inchoat' et tent' apud Westmonasterium etc. sufficientèr excusatum abesse, nominare, ordinare, et constituere, dilectum mihi in Christo et honorandum Virum Robertum Comitem Essex, meum verum, certum, et indubitatum Factorem, Actorem, seu Procuratorem per presentes, eidem que procuratori meo dare, & concedere plenam Authoritatem, & potestatem, pro me & nomine meo, de & super quibuscun que causis & negotiis in Presenti hoc Parliamento exponendis, seu declarandis tractandi, tractatibus que hujusmodi inibi factis seu faciendis consilium & auxilium nomine meo impendendi statutis que etiam & ordination' quae ex maturo & deliberato judicio Domincrum in eodem Parliamento congregat' inactitart seu ordinari contiger int nomine meo consentiendi Caetera que omnia & singula quae in praemissis necessaria fuerint, seu quomodolibet requisita faciendi, & exercendi in tam amplis modo & forma, ut ego ipse facere possem, aut deberem, si presens personalitèr interessem, Ratum & Gratum habiturus totum & quicquid Procuratormeus statuerit aut fecerit in praemissis. In … rei testimonium praesentibus subscripsi Sigillum que apposui.

Neither will it be impertinent to set down here how many Proxies were sent to some special Peers at this Parliament, it having been my usual course to make some short remembrance of them in all their Journals of Queen Eliz's Reign, upon the first day that any extraordinary Proxies were returned: and I have caused not only the Presidents of this kind to be inserted here at large, in respect this was the first Parliament of her Majesties Reign; but also because they are more full and direct, than any other that ensue, to prove what hath been the ancient use and Priviledge of the Peers of the Upper House, in the matter of sending, and receiving of Lords Procuratory.

At first, Nicolas Archbishop of York (for the See of Canterbury remained still void since the Death of Cardinal Pool,) was constituted the sole, or joynt Proctor of David Bishop of Peterborough, Cuthbert Bishop of Durham, Thomas Bishop of Ely, Gilbert Bishop of Bath and Wells, Henry Bishop of St. Davids, and of Thomas Tresham Prior of St. Johns of Jerusalem; all which Proxies are entred at the beginning of the Original Journal Book of the Upper House, to have been returned on Monday the 23th. day of January, on which this present Parliament was Summoned to have begun.

Francis Earl of Bedford was also Constituted the sole, or joynt Proctor of 15 several Peers. viz. of John Lord Mordant, William Lord Paget, George Lord Zouch, and of Henry Lord Aburgaveny, all which Proxies are entred at the beginning of the Original Journal Book of the Upper House, to have been returned this present Monday the 23th. day of January. He was also constituted the joynt Proctor of Edward Lord Clinton, Lord Admiral, Thomas Lord Sands, William Lord Vaux of Heredoun, William Lord Gray of Wilton, and Henry Earl of Cumberland, all whose Proxies are entred in such order, as they be here set down, in the aforesaid Journal Book, to have been returned on Saturday the 4th. day of February. The Proxies also of Edward Earl of Derby, John Earl of Oxford, Henry Lord Strange, Thomas Viscount Howard of Bindon, and Henry Lord Morley, by which the said Earl of Bedford was Constituted their sole, or joynt Proctor, are entred in the same order they are Transcribed, in the before mentioned Original Journal Book, to have been returned on Saturday the 18th. day of March ensuing.

And lastly, the said Earl of Bedford was Constituted the joynt Proctor (with Edward Lord Clinton Lord Admiral) of Oliver Lord St. John of Bletto whose Letters Procuratory are entred to have been returned on Tuesday the 4th. day of April ensuing.

Edward Lord Clinton Lord Admiral, was Constituted the sole Proctor of William Lord Burgh, Edward Lord Windsor, and William Lord Euers, whose Proxies are entred at the beginning of the Original Journal Book of this Parliament, to have been returned on this Monday the 23th. day of this January. He was also Constituted the joynt Proctor of William Lord Grey of Wilton, whose Proxie is entred, as aforesaid, to have been returned on Saturday the 4th. day of February ensuing, the Proxie also of Francis Earl of Huntington is entred, as before, to have been returned on Saturday the 18th. day of March following, by which he Constituted the said Lord Clinton his joynt Proctor with Henry Lord Hastings; And for the Proxie of John Lord Darcie of Darcie entred p. 9there, as before, to have been returned on this day likewise, he is Constituted his sole Proctor. And lastly the said Lord Clinton Lord Admiral was Constituted the sole, or joynt Proctor of William Lord Willoughby of Parham, Edward Lord Hastings of Louthbury, and of Oliver Lord St. John of Blestoe, whose Proxies are entred to have been returned on Tuesday the 4th. day of April ensuing.

By these three foregoing Presidents, it doth plainly appear, as also from all other Presidents of former and latter times, that any Member of the Upper House by the ancient usage and Custom of the same, is capable of as many Proxies as shall be directed unto him, although there were an Order made in the said House to the contrary, upon the day of Anno Regis Caroli An. Dom. 1626. That no Lord cr Member whatsoever, of the Upper House, should for the time to come, be capable of above two Proxies at the most, which said order was occasioned, in respect that George Duke of Bucks, both the favorite of the King deceased, and of King Charles now Reigning, this present year 1630 did, to strengthen himself by voices, not only procure divers persons to be made Members of that House but also ingrossed to himself near upon 20. several Proxies.

And now, if this doubt or conceipt should arise in any mans mind, that therefore the Lords have a greater Priviledge, than the Members of the House of Commons, because they can appoint others to serve in and supply their places in their absence, which the Commons cannot, they are much deceived and mistaken, for it is plain that the chief end of a Proxie is, that the Upper House may have all its Members either in person, or by representation, and therefore the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, who are Summoned thither, in their own right have anciently had, and still do retain, the liberty of Constituting their Procurators, whereas every Member of the House of Commons appeareth, and doth serve in the right of that County, City, Burrough, and Port for which he is Elected and Chosen, which being a Trust and Confidence reposed in them, can be no more transferred from him to a third person, than can the Proxie of the Lords be from him to whom it is directed, if he shall be absent likewise: and therefore if any Knight, Citizen, Burgess, or Baron, after he is Elected and returned, shall before the meeting of the House, be disabled by Sickness, Attainder, or other Cause, from serving in the same, then presently order is given from the House to the Clerk of the Crown, for the sending thither a second Writ for a new Election; so that the said House may not remain without any Member that appertains unto it. And this I conceive Tantamount unto a Proxie, which cannot be granted, but when the absence of the Lord that sends it, is perpetual during that whole Parliament or Session, for which he Constitutes one or more Proctors: for if he repair to the Upper House any time after, and serve in Person, his Proxie is presently void.

On Wednesday the 25th. day of Ian. the Parliament was held, according to the last Prorogation thereof on Monday the 23th. day of this instant Ianuary foregoing, and therefore this day is to be reckoned the first day of the Parliament, and it was the error of — Seimour Esq at this time Clerk of the House of Commons, that in the Original Journal Book of the same House, fol. 186. a. he accounteth, and setteth down the Parliament to have begun on the aforesaid 23th. day of Ianuary, when it was only prorogued, by which he would make that to be the first day thereof.

True it is, that Anciently if the Parliament had been Prorogued on that day, to which the Summons thereof had referred, in the beginning of it, they were so far from accounting that day the first of the ensuing Parliaments, that new Writs of Summons were thereupon sent forth, and a new day appointed for the beginning thereof, as appears in the Parliament Rolls. Anno 23. Edw. 1. die 20. Novemb. An. 60. Edw. 1. die 11. Decembris A. 33. Edw. 1. die 13. Julij & A. 11. Edw. 2. die 3. Martij.

But yet it hath been the constant usage most Anciently, and doth doubtless hold at this day also, that if the King do come in Person to the Parliament, on that day to which the Writs of Summons do refer, and there cause it to be referred to another day in his own presence, then shall that day be accounted the first day of the Parliament; of which there are many Presidents also, in the Parliament Rolls still remaining in the Tower of London, prout in A. 6. Edw. 3. Octobris Sti' Hillarij A. 14. Edw. 3. tempore Quadragessimi & A. 15. Edw. 3. Quindena Paschae; and of divers other Parliaments in his time, and in the time of King R. 2. his Successor.

And thus also the last day of the Parliament, or of any particular Session, is counted to be that on which the Royal assent is given, to one or more Acts of Parliament, yet if that Parliament or Sessions be adjourned to another day, on which the Sovereign doth again come in Person, and cause it to be dissolved or further Prorogued, then that latter day is to be accounted the last day thereof, of which there is one only President during all the Reign of Queen Eliz', viz. in the Original Journal Book A. 18. Dictae Reginae on Thursday the 15th. day of March.

The Presence of her Majesty, the Lord Keeper, and the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, is not at all marked in the Original Journal Book of the Upper House, although this entrance following of the said day be there thus Recorded, viz.

Die Mercurij 25. die Januarij proceres, tain Spirituales quam Temporales, quorum nomina subsequuntur, presentes fuerunt.

But before this Title there is nothing specified, touching the presence of her Majesty, or of any of the Lords, for the Letters which should be set at the beginning of the names of such Peers as this day attended her Majesty in the Upper House, are not at all prefixed to any of them, p. 10which doubtless happened, through the great negligence of Francis Spilman Esq at this time Clerk of the Upper House.

Yet most certain it is that her Majesty, Sir Nicholas Bacon, the Lord Keeper, the Duke of Norfolk, and divers other Peers were present; but the direct manner of the ranking of them, in respect of the negligent omission of setting the Pr. as aforesaid at the beginning of every Lords name that was present, could not be orderly and and directly entred in his place, although this was the first day of this first Parliament of her Majesty, nor on Saturday the 28th. day of this instant January, being the second day of the same, because by like negligence of Francis Spilman Esq at this time Clerk of the Upper House, there is no presence of any Lords there set down in the Original Journal Book of the same House, nor any mention of the Speakers presentment by the Knights, Citizens, and Burgesses of the House of Commons; and therefore of necessity it could not be supplied, until the third day of this foresaid first Parliament of her Majesty, being Monday the 30th. day of this instant January; on which day the names of all the Lords Spiritual and Temporal being entred, the Letters Pr. are prefixed before the name of the Lord Keeper, and of such Peers as were then present: (as see at large on the said Monday next ensuing) and therefore that President there so expresly Transcribed, may serve as a Pattern for all the residue that follow in all the Journals of the Upper House during her Majesties Reign: in which there are no other names inserted, but of such Lords as were marked to be present, unless it be upon Thursday the 21th. day of March following, in the afternoon in this present Journal, and on Fryday the 15th. day of January in the Session of Parliament. A. 5. of her Majesty in the Journal of the Upper House.

And although the names of her Majesty, and the Lords that attended could not be exactly set down, yet it will not be impertinent in the next place, to insert the manner of their sitting in the said House, which being not at all mentioned in the aforesaid Original Journal Book of the same, A. 1. Reg. Eliz. I have therefore partly supplied it, according to 3 other Presidents in these ensuing Journals on which the first was on Thursday the 12th. of Jan. in the Session of Parliament, A. 5. Reg. Eliz. the second, on Wednesday the 2d. day of Octob. pomerid', in the second and last Session of that Parliament, being held in A. 8. Reg. …. and the third, on Monday the 2d. day of Apr. in the Parliament A. 13. Regin. praedict' all which do follow in the several Journals of the Upper House, Annis praesatis, and it is partly supplied also out the Printed Statute, A. 31. H. 8. C. 10. and partly out of that elaborate written Treatise, intituled Modus tenendi Parliament' apud Anglos, first confusedly gathered by Wil. Bowyer Esq as I conceive, and now lately digested into a Methodical Treatise, and enlarged by H. Essing Esq at this time Clerk of the Upper House, viz. in A. 1630. L. 1. C. 3. de loco & modo sedendi. Sect. 3. of the manner of sitting in Parliament at this day.

Her Majesty sate in the Chair of Estate, and when she stood up, her Mantle was assisted, and born up from her Arms by two Noblemen, or others of Eminent Rank thereunto appointed.

The Two Seats, on the right, and left-hand of the Chair of Estate, were void, in respect that the first was Anciently for the King of Scots, when he used to come to our Parliaments: and the other, on the left hand, is for the Prince, the immediate Heir of the Crown.

On the Form on the right side of the Chair of Estate, which stands on the North-side of the Upper House, sate the Spiritual Lords, the Archbishop of York beginning the Form; and the Abbot of Westminster ending it. Who was the last Abbot that ever sate in the said House in England, since this first Parliament of her Majesty. But at this day the two Archbishops sit upon one Form by themselves, and then the other Bishops in order upon two Forms, on the right hand of the State; the Bishop of London sits first, the Bishop of Durham second, and the Bishop of Winchester hath the third place, and then all other Bishops, according to the Antiquity of their Consecrations.

On the left side of the Chair of Estate, which is on the South-side of the Upper House, upon the foremost Form, sate all the Temporal Lords, above the degree of Barons. The Marquess of Winchester Lord Treasurer of England, beginning that Form, and the Viscount Bindon ending it.

The Barons sate on the second Form, on the left hand of the State, and it should seem at this Parliament (as it fell out also in the next Sessions following, in A. 5. Regin. Eliz. on Tuesday the 12th. day of January) that one Form held them all, so as the Lord Clinton, Lord Admiral of England, began the said Form by reason of his Office, and the Lord St. John of Bletsoe ended it. But at this day the number of Peers being much encreased, divers of the Barons do sit upon other Forms, Places, Cross-ways, at the lower end of the House.

Sir Nicholas Bacon, the Lord Keeper, because he was under the degree of a Baron, as also her Majesties chief Secretary, being but a Knight, were to have been placed at the uppermost part of the sack in the midst of the said House, upon one Form, by the fore recited Statute, A. 3. H. 8. Cap. 10. But at this present Parliament as also at this day, during her Majesties being present, the Lord Keeper stood behind the Cloth of Estate, on the right-hand; and when her Majesty was absent, then his Lordship sate on the first Woolsack which is placed athwart the House, the Seal and Mace by him.

On the Woolsack on the North-side of the House, and of the right-hand of the Estate, sate the two Chief Justices, and divers other Judges.

On the Woolsack on the left-hand of the Estate, and on the South-side of the House, sate the Master of the Rolls, the Lord Chief Baron, the Queen's Learned Council, and others. And p. 11note, That all these may properly besaid to sit on the Inner-side of the Woolsacks, and the Queen's Learned Council on the outside of the Woolsacks, next the Earls.

The Masters of the Chancery sate two of the same side, and two on the other side, next the Bishops.

The Clerk of the Parliament, and the Clerk of the Crown, sate on the lower Woolsack, and had a Table before them.

And the Clerk of the Parliament had his Clerks under him, who kneeled behind the Woolsack, and wrote thereon.

All those Peers (as appears by the Journal of the Upper House. A. 8. Regin. Eliz. the 2. day of Feb. being Wednesday, which follows after in its due place) who are before mentioned, had their Mantles, Hoods, and Surcoats, (being of Crimson Velvet, or of Scarlet) furred with Meniver, their Arms put out on the right side, and the Duke of Norfolk had four Bars of Meniver. The Marquess of Winchester, and the Earls three. And the Viscounts, and the Barons, two.

Henry, Earl of Southampton, and the Lord Dacres, of the North, were, as I conceive at this time, both under Age, and in ward to her Majesty, and if they were present, (as many times such were admitted upon such Solemn days as these,) then doubtless they did either stand besides the upper part of the rail, at the higher end of the Parliament House; or else were admitted to kneel at the upper end of the said House, near the Chair of State, for no Peer is called to sit as a Member of that great Council, or to have his free voice, until he have accomplished his full Age, unless by the special grace of the Prince, and that very rarely, unless they be near upon the Age of twenty at the least. The Sons and Heirs apparent of Peers, that sit in the House, stand, on ordinary days, without the upper Rail.

These Animadversions being thus premised, touching the places, and Robes of the Peers; now follows the coming up of the Knights, Citizens, and Burgesses, of the House of Commons, into the Upper House, which, being not found in the Original Journal Book of the same, I have suppli'd with some additions out of the Original Journal Book of the House of Commons, A. primo Regin. Eliz. and with it the Speech of Sir Nicholas Bacon, Lord Keeper, at large, out of a Copy thereof I had by me.

The Knights, Citizens, and Burgesses of the House of Commons remained sitting in their own House till notice was brought them by ..... (according to the Ancient Custom and usage,) that her Majesty, the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and the residue were set in the Upper House, expecting their repair thither, whereupon they went up immediately unto the said House, and being set in, as many as conveniently could, and standing below the Rail or Bar, at the nether end of the said House, Sir Nicolas Bacon, Lord Keeper, after he had first privately, in the presence of them all, conferred with her Majesty, went and stood behind the Cloth of Estate, on the right hand, and there spake as followeth; viz.

MY Lords, and Masters all, The Queen's most excellent Majesty, our Natural and most Gracious Sovereign Lady, having, as you know, Summoned hither her High Court of Parliament, hath commanded me to open and declare the chief Causes and Considerations that moved her Highness thereunto. And here, my Lords, I wish (not without great cause) there were in me ability to do it in such order and sort, as is beseeming for her Majesties honour and the understanding of this presence, and as the great weightiness and worthiness of the Matter doth require it to be done. The remembrance whereof, and the number of my imperfections to the well performing of it, doth indeed (plainly to speak) breed in me such Fear and Dread, that as from a man abashed, and well nigh astonied, you are to hear all that I shall say therein. True it is, that some Comfort and Encouragement I take, through the hope I have conceived, by that I have seen and heard of your gentle sufferance by others, whereof I look upon equal cause, equally with others to be partaker: and the rather, for that I am sure good will shall not want in me to do my uttermost, And also because I mean to occupie as small a time as the greatness of such a cause will suffer, thinking that to be the meetest Medicine to cure your tedious hearing, and mine imperfect and disordered speaking. Summarily to say, the immediate cause of this Summons and Assembly, be Consultations, Advice, and Contentation. For although divers things that are to be done here in Parliament, might by means be reformed without Parliament, yet the Queen's Majesty, seeking in her Consultation of importance, Contentation by assent, and surety by Advice; and therein reposing her self not a little in your Fidelities, Wisdoms and Discretions, meaneth not at this time to make any Resolutions in any matter of weight, before it shall be by you sufficiently and fully debated, examined and considered. Now the Matters and causes whereupon you are to Consult, are chiefly and principally three points. Of those the first is of well making of Laws, for the according, and uniting of these people of the Realm into an uniform order of Religion, to the Honour and Glory of God, the establishing of the Church, and Tranquillity of the Realm: The second, for the Reforming and removing of all Enormities, and Mischiefs, that might hurt or hinder the Civil Orders and Policies of this Realm: the third and last is, advisedly and deeply to weigh and consider the Estate and Condition of this Realm, and the Losses and Decays that have happened of late to the Imperial Crown thereof; and therefore to advise the best remedies to supply and relieve the same. For the first, the Queen's Majesty having God before her Eyes, and being neither unmindful of p. 12Precepts and Divine Councils, meaneth and intendeth in this Conference, first and chiesly there should be sought the advancement of God's honour and Glory, as the sure and infallible foundation, whereupon the Policies of every good Common-Wealth are to be erected, and knit; and as the straight line, whereby it is wholly to be directed and governed; and as the chief Pillar and Buttress, wherewith it is continually to be sustained and maintained. And, like as the well and perfect doing of this, cannot but make good success in all the rest, so the remiss and loose dealing in this, cannot but make the rest full of imperfections and doubtfulness; which must needs bring with them continual Change, and alteration; things much to be eschewed in all good Governances, and most of all in matters of Faith and Religion; which of their natures be, and ought to be, most Stable.

Wherefore her Highness willeth, and most earnestly requireth you all, first and principally, for the Duty you bear unto God, whose cause this is; and then for the Service you owe to her Majesty, and your Country, whose Weal it concerneth universally; and for the Love you ought to bear to your selves, whom it toucheth one by one, particularly, That in this Consultation, you with all humbleness, singleness and pureness of mind, confirm your selves together, using your whole endeavour and diligence, by Laws and Ordinances to Establish that, which by your Learning and Wisdom shall be thought most Meet for the well performing of this godly purpose: and this without respect of Honour, Rule or Soveraignty, Profit, Pleasure or Ease, or of any thing that might touch any Person in estimation or opinion of Wit, Learning or Knowledge; and without all regard of other manner of Affection. And therewith, That you will also in this your Assembly and Conference clearly forbear, and, as a great enemy to good Council, fly from all manner of Contentions, Reasonings and Disputations, and all Sophistical Captious and frivolous Arguments and Quiddities, meeter for ostentation of Wit, than Consultation of weighty Matters, comelier for Scholars than Counsellors; more beseeming for Schools, than for Parliament Houses. Besides that commonly they be great causes of much expence of time, and breed few good Resolutions. And like as in Council all contention should be eschewed, even so by Council provision should be made, that no Contentions, Contumelious, nor opprobrious words, as Heretick, Schismatick, Papist and such like names, being Nurses of such Seditious Factions and Sects, be used, but may be banished out of mens Mouths; as the Causers, continuers and encreasers of Displeasure, Hate and Malice; and as utter Enemies to all Concord and Unity, the very Marks that you are now come to Shoot at.

Again, as in proceedings herein great and wary Consideration is to be had, That nothing be advised or done, which any way in continuance of time were likely to breed, or nourish any kind of Idolatry, or Superstition; so, on the other side, heed is to be taken, that by no Licentious or loose handling, any manner of Occasion be given, whereby any contempt, or irreverent behaviour towards God and Godly things, or any spice of irreligion might creep in, or be conceived; The examples of fearful punishments that have followed these four Extremities, I mean, Idolatry, Superstition, Contempt and Irreligion in all Ages and times, are more in number than I can declare, and better known than I can make recital to you of. And yet are they not so many, or better known than by the continual budding benefits and blessings of God to those that have forsaken those extremities, and embraced their Contraries. And for your better encouraging to run this right and strait course, although that which is said ought to suffice thereto, I think I may affirm, that the good King Hezekiah had no greater desire to amend what was amiss in his time; nor the Noble Queen Hester a better heart to overthrow the Mighty Enemies to God's Elect, than our Sovereign Lady and Mistress hath to do that may be just and acceptable in God's sight: Thus forced to this by our Duties to God, feared thereto by his punishments, provoked by his benefits, drawn by your love to your Country, and your selves, encouraged by so Princely a Patroness, Let us in God's name go about this work, endeavouring our selves with all diligence, (as I have before said) to make such Laws, as may tend to the honour and Glory of God, to the Establishment of his Church, and to the Tranquillity of the Realm.

For the Second, There is to be considered what things by private men devised, be practised, and put in ure in this Realm, contrary or hurtful to the Common-Wealth of the same, for which no Laws be yet provided; and whether the Laws before this time made be sufficient to redress the Enormities they were meant to remove, and whether any Laws made but for a time, be meet to be continued for ever, or for a Season: Besides, whether any Laws be too severe or too sharp, or too soft and too gentle; To be short, you are to consider all other imperfections of Laws made, and all wants of Laws to be made, and thereupon to provide the meetest Remedies, respecting the Nature and Quality of the disorder and offence; the inclination and disposition of the people; and of the manner of the time.

For the Third and last, (a Marvellous matter) I cannot see how a good true Englishman can enter into the consideration of it, but it must breed in his breast two contrary effects; Comfort I mean, and discomfort; joy, and sadness; for on the one part, how can a man (calling to his remembrance, that God of his divine Power and Ordinance, hath brought the Imperial Crown of this Realm to a Princess, that so Nobly, diligently, willingly and carefully doth, p. 13by the advice of all the Estates of the Realm seek all the ways and means that may be, to Reform all disorders and things, that be amiss; to continue and make firm that that is good, to detect and discourage those that be dishonest and evil; to execute Justice in all points to all persons and at all times, without rigour and extremity, and to use Clemency, without Indulgence and fond Pity.

A Princess, I say, that is not, nor ever meaneth to be, so Wedded in her own will and Fantasie, that for the satisfaction thereof, she would do any thing that was likely to bring any servitude or Bondage to her people, or give any just occasion to them of any Inward Grudge, whereby any Tumult or stirs might arise, as hath done of late days, things most pernicious and Pestilent to the Common-Wealth; A Princess, that never meaneth or intendeth, for any private affection, to advance the Cause or Quarrel with any Foreign Prince or Potentate, to the destruction of her Subjects, to the loss of any of her Dominions, or to the impoverishing of her Realm; A Princess, to whom nothing, what Nothing? no, no worldly thing under the Sun is so dear, as the hearty Love and good will of her Nobles and Subjects, and to whom nothing is so Odible, as that they might cause, or by any means procure the contrary.)

How can (I say) a man remember this wonderful benefit, but of necessity he must needs heartily rejoyce, and give God thanks for the same! But, my Lords, the handling of the Princely vertues of this Noble Princess, the cause of our rejoycing, of purpose I pretermit, partly because I ever supposed it not altogether meet for this presence; but chiefly, for that it requireth a perfect, and Excellent Orator, in whom both Art and Nature Concurs, and not to me, a man in whom both fails. Marry, I wish in my heart, an Apt person might oft have meet presence, and just occasion, to handle this matter, as the weightiness of the Cause requireth: But as the Causes of our Rejoycing for such respects be (thanks be to God,) both many and great; so for the causes of our sadness and discomfort, they be neither few nor little.

But here upon great cause, as a man perplexed and amazed, I stay, not knowing what is best to be done; very Ioth I am to utter that which is much unpleasant for me to speak, and as uncomfortable for you to hear: but because sores and wounds be hardly cured, except they be well opened and searched, therefore constrained, of necessity I see I must trouble you with these sad matters. What man, that either Loveth his Sovereign, his Country or himself, that thinketh of and weigheth the great decays and losses of Honour, Strength and Treasure, yea and the peril that hath happen'd to this Imperial Crown of late time, but must needs inwardly and earnestly bewail the same? Could there have happen'd to this Imperial Crown a greater loss in Honour, Strength and Treasure than to lose that piece, I mean Callis? which was in the beginning so Nobly won, and hath so long time, so Honorably and Politickly, in all Ages and times, and against all attempts, both Foreign and near, both of Forces and Treasons, been defended and kept? Did not the keeping of this breed Fear to our greatest Enemies, and made our faint friends the more assured, and lother to break? yea, hath not the winning and keeping of this, bred throughout Europe an honorable opinion and report of our English Nation?

Again, what one thing so much preserved and guarded our Merchants, their Trasfick and entercourses, or hath been so great a help for the well uttering of our chief Commodities, or what, so much as this, hath kept a great part of our Sea-coasts from spoiling and Robbing? To be short, the loss of this is much greater than I am able to utter, and as yet, as I suppose, is able to be understood by any: and yet, my Lords, if this were the whole loss, then might men have some hope in time to come to recover that, that in time hath been thus suddenly and strangely lost; But when a man looketh further, and considereth the Marvellous decays and wast of the Revenue of the Crown, the inestimable consumption of the Treasure, levied both of the Crown, and of the Subject, the Exceeding loss of Munition and Artillery, the great loss of divers valiant Gentlemen of very good Service, the incredible sum of Moneys owing at this present and in honour due to be paid, and the biting interest that is to be answered for the forbearance of this Debt, therewith remembring the Strength and Mightiness of the Enemy, and his Confederates, and how ready he is upon every Occasion, upon every side, and in every time, to Annoy you; And how the time most Meet for that purpose draweth on at hand again; if a man consider the Huge and most Wonderful charge, newly grown to the Crown, more than ever hath heretofore been Wont, and now of necessity to be continued; as first, the maintenance of Garison in certain places on the Sea-coasts, as Portsmounth, with new Munition and Artillery, besides the new increased Charge for the continual maintenance of the English Navy to be ever in readiness against all evil happs; the strongest Wall and defence that can be against the Enemies of this Island; And further also, the new Augmentation or Charge, for the maintenance of a Garison at Barwick, and the Frontiers Northward. Indeed, I must confess that in those matters mine understanding is but small, and mine experience and time to Learn, less: But in mine opinion, this doth exceed the Ancient yearly Revenue of the Crown. Besides, that double so much is of Necessity to be presently spent, about the fortifying of those places in Buildings. When I say a man remembreth, and considereth these things, it maketh him so far from hope of Recovery of that, that is lost, without some aid or Contribution of the Subject; that he will Judge p. 14all to be little enough, to make and prepare good defence for that that is left.

Here perchance a Question would be asked, (and yet I do Marvel to hear a Question made of so plain a Matter) what should be the cause of this? if it were asked, thus I mean to answer; that I think no man so blind but seeth it, no man so deaf but heareth it, nor no man so ignorant but understandeth it. Marry withal, I think there is no man so hard hearted in thinking of it, but for the restoring of it would adventure Lands, Limbs, yea the Life. But now to the remedies, wherein only this I have to say; That, as the well looking to the whole universally, is the only sure preservation of every one particularly; so seemeth it of all congruence and reason meet, that every one particularly, by all ways and means readily and gladly, according to his power, should concur, and joyn to relieve and assist the whole universally. Neither can I see, things standing as they do, how any that loveth his Country, or hath wit to foresee his own surety, can be withdrawn from this. Is there any, think you so Mad, that having a Range of houses in peril of fire, would not gladly pluck down part, to have the rest preserved and saved? Doth not the wise Merchant, in every adventure of danger, give part to have the rest assured? These causes well compared, small difference shall be found. And for all this (a strange matter and scarce Credible) with how deaf an Ear, and how hardly the Queen's Majesty may endure to hear of any device that may be burthenous to her Subjects, I partly do understand, and divers others partly perceive. Is not the cause Marvellous Pityful, that the Necessity and Need of this Ragged and Torn State by Misgovernance, should by force so bridle and restrain the noble Nature of such a Princess, that she is not able to show such Liberality and Bountifulness to her Servants, and Subjects, as her heart and Inclination disposeth her Highness unto? What a grief and Torment this is to a Noble Mind! What a grief? surely such a grief, as but to a Noble Mind who feels it, it cannot be understood. But for the more plain declaration of her highness's disposition in this matter, her Highness hath commanded me to say unto you, even from her own Mouth, that were it not for the preservation of your selves, and the surety of the State, her Highness would sooner have adventured her Life, (which our Lord long preserve) than she would have adventured to trouble her Loving Subjects with any offensive matter, or that should be burthenous or displeasant unto them; And for the further Notifying of her Highness's mind herein, she hath commanded me to say unto you, That albeit you your selves see, that this is not matter of will, no matter of displeasure, no private Cause of her own, which in times past have been sufficient for Prince's Pretences, (the more Pity!) but a matter for the universal Weal of this Realm, the defence of our Country, the preservation of every man, his house and Family particularly; yet her Majestie's Will and Pleasure is, that nothing shall be demanded or required of her Loving Subjects, but that, which they, of their own free wills and Liberalities, be well contented, readily and gladly, frankly and freely to offer; so great is the trust that she reposeth in them, and the love and affection that her Highness beareth towards them, nothing at all doubting, but that they will so lovingly carefully and prudently consider and weigh this great and weighty Matter, that such provision out of hand be taken therein, as her Highness shall be preserved in all Honour and Royal Dignity, and you, and the rest of her Loving Subjects, in common quiet and surety.

Now, to make an end, The Queen's Majestie's pleasure is, That you, her welbeloved and trusty Knights of her Shires, and Burgesses, according to your laudable Custom, shall repair to your Common House, and there deliberately and advisedly Elect, or rather, amongst so many already Elect persons, select one, both grave and discreet, who after he be by you presented, and that Presentation by her Highness admitted, shall then occupy the Office and Room of your Common Mouth, and Speaker, and of your day of presentation the Queens Majesty giveth you.

As soon as the Lord Keeper had ended his Speech, and the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses retired to the House of Commons, to Elect and choose their Speaker, Francis Spilman Esq Clerk of the Upper House, stood up, and read the Names of Receivers, and Tryers of Petitions in French, according to the Ancient and unusual manner. And because I resolve in all the ensuing Journals of the said House, during the Reign of this most Sacred Queen, only to set down their said names, without tying my self to the express Form or Language; therefore I have in this place, once for all, Transcribed the exact Form thereof, as it is entred in the Original Journal Book of the Upper House, A. isto primo Regin. Eliz. with this difference only, that whereas it is there entred before the beginning of the said Journal, here I have caused it to be referred unto, and placed in that day, to which it more properly belongs. After which also, divers Animadversions touching the Ancient use and nature of the said Receivers and Tryers, are inserted.

p. 15Recepveurs des Petitions d' Angleterre Ir'land Gallee et D'Escoce.

Recepveurs des Petitions de Gascoigne et des autres terres et pais de per de la mer, et des Isles.

Et sout assignes trieurs des Petitions d' Angleterre Ireland Gallee et d' Escoce.

Et sout assignes Trieurs des Petitions de Gascoigne, et de autres terres et pays per de la mer et des Isles.

The Knights, Citizens, Burgesses, and Barons of the House of Commons, having Notice about one of the Clock in the Afternoon, (of this foresaid Saturday being the 28th. day of Jan.) That her Majesty, the Lord Keeper, and divers Lords, Spiritual and Temporal, were set in the Upper House, expecting their attendance, they repaired immediately thither, with Sir Thomas Gargrave Knight, their Speaker Elect, and being let in as many as conveniently could, the said Sir Thomas Gargrave was led up to the Rail, or Bar, at the lower end of the said House, by two of the most honorable Personages of the House of Commons; where, after three Reverences made to her Majesty, he modestly and submissively excused himself, as being unable to undergo the many and great difficulties of that place: to which, by the Grace of the Queen, and the undeserved favour of the House of Commons, he had been chosen; Alledging withal, that there were many Members in that House more worthy of the honour, and more able to undergo the Charge of that service, than himself; And therefore desired, and humbly advised the Queen's Majesty, to free him from that employment, and to commend to her Knights, Citizens, and Burgesses of the House of Commons, the Choice of some other of their more able Members.

But notwithstanding all these reasons and excuses, according to the usual form, by the said Prolocutor alledged, Sir Nicholas Bacon Knight, Lord Keeper of the Seal, by her Majesties Commandment, both encouraged him to the Careful undertaking of that Service, and assured him of the Queen's acceptance, and admission of him, by this Oration following.

SIR Thomas Gargrave, the Queen's Majesty doth right well perceive and understand your Comely and Modest manner, in the disabling of your self for this Office, and room, whereunto her Trusty and Wel-beloved Knights and Burgesses have Elected you, and do now presently present you, and therewith also hath heard your Petition and Suit, made with all humbleness and reverence, for your discharge in this matter; for answer whereunto, her Majesty hath commanded me to say unto you, that She her self right well doth understand, that by the Orders and Rules of good Government and Policy, Power and Authority, to receive or refuse any Office of Service in any Common-Wealth, should not be permitted to be in the Arbitriment of him, who is thereunto Orderly called, or appointed, nor that the Judgment and discerning of Ability and disability in service, pertaineth to the person called, but to her Majesty, asdoth right well appear by a Similitude that is old and Common, but neither unapt nor untrue; that is, like as unto the head of a natural body pertaineth the appointment, and as it were the Marshalling of every Member of the same Body to the particular Service, and Office; So to the Head of every Body p. 16Politick, be it Emperor, King or less State, belongeth, mediately or immediately derived, the assignment and admitting of every Member of the same body, to his Ministry and Duty, and as the contrary doing in the first, were Monstrous in nature, so surely the contrary doing in the second, were Monstrous in reason. Now her Majesty having this Authority in her, as Head of the Politick Body of this Realm, and therewith being credibly informed of your approved Fidelity, wisdom and discretion, and of the long experience that you have had in Parliament matters, thinketh, that if her Highness should assent to your Desire, it would be prejudicial to her Majesty, and the Common-wealth of the Realm. Besides also, for as much as you have been chosen, and enabled to this Office and place, according to an Ancient and Laudable Order, by so many wise, sage and discreet Knights, and Burgesses, to whose Judgment and opinion, her Highness thinketh it meet and convenient for her to have great regard, and to give much credit; and saith, that for that respect also, her Majesty may not conveniently grant your Petition.

Again, your self, seeking in humble and reverent manner your own discharge and disablement, have indeed, by well, comely, modest and orderly doing thereof, given no small cause, whereby you are to be enabled; and therefore her Majesty, upon these respects and divers others, doth now presently admit this Election, and presentation made of you, nothing at all doubting, but that you will, with such diligence, faithfulness and circumspection, use and Exercise your Office, as thereby the good hope and expectation, that her Majesty hath received of you, by that she hath heard of others already, shall be by that her self shall see and hear, not only confirmed, but also increased and augmented; And so, as her Highness's Loving Subjects of her Common's House, shall neither have just cause to repent their Election, her Majesty her admission, nor you your self the assumption, and taking upon you this Charge.

Unto which Speech of the Lord Keepers Sir Thomas Gargrave humbly submitting himself to the undergoing of the Charge and service imposed on him, made a discreet and submissive answer, in which he expressed the great blessedness now accrewed to the Realm, and all conditions therein, by her Majesties attaining the Crown; being a Princess so Richly endued with Piety, Wisdom, Mercy, Justice and tender Care of her people's good and safety, and with all other gifts of mind and body, requisite for the Government of so great a Kingdom.

Then he proceeded to many hearty Prayers, and feeling Expressions of the good success of the Parliament, and for the uniting of their Councils in one Issue, and to the repairing of the many losses, and preventing of many dangers, now imminent over the Realm. And lastly, he came, according to the usual Form, first to desire Liberty of access for the House of Commons to the Queen's Majesties presence, upon all Urgent and Necessary Occasions. Secondly, that if in any thing himself should mistake, or misreport, or over-slip that which should be committed unto him to declare, that it might, without prejudice to the House, be better declared, and that his unwilling Miscarriage therein might be pardoned.

Thirdly, that they might have Liberty and freedom of Speech in whatsoever they Treated of, or had occasion to propound and debate in the House. The fourth, and last, that all the Members of the House, with their Servants and necessary Attendants, might be exempted from all manner of Arrests and Suits, during the continuance of the Parliament, and the usual space, both before the beginning, and after the ending thereof, as in former times hath always been accustomed.

To which Speech of the said Speaker, the Lord Keeper, without any long pausing, repli'd again in manner and form following.

MR. Speaker, the Queen's Majesty hath heard, and doth very well understand your wise and discreet Oration, full of good meaning, good Will and good Matter: the Effect whereof (as I take it) may be divided into three parts; of those the first containeth the commendation of the Queen's Highness, The Second, certain good wishes and desires of yours, very honorable, profitable and Commodious for the Realm to be followed, and put into Execution. The third, divers Petitions concerning the Exercises of your Office, and the Liberties and Priviledges of the Commons House. For the first, the Queen's Majesty giveth you most hearty thanks, as for a good Exhortation made to her Highness, to become such a one as you have commended her for; but not acknowledging those vertues to be in her Highness, Marry, confessing that such as she hath be God's graces. And therewithal, her Highness wisheth, (as she trusteth you all do,) that for England's sake, there were as many vertues in her, as would serve for the good Government of this her Realm, committed to her Royal Charge, and desireth you all, with her, to give God dayly thanks for those which she hath, and to make humble Petition to grant such increase of the rest, as to his divine Providence shall be thought for his honour most Meet.

For the Second, her Maiesty trusteth, and verily believeth, that those good wishes and desires of yours are so deeply graven, and perfectly imprinted in the hearts of the hearers, that the good success and sequel, that should come thereof, will evidently declare, that you have not in vain spoken them, nor they negligently heard them. For the third and last, you have divided into four Petitions; The first, for your access to the Queen's Highness and her Nobles, p. 17for your reports and conference. The Second, that you be born with in any thing, if you should in any of your reports be mistaken, or overslipped, and that without prejudice to the House it be better declared. The Third, Liberty of Speech, for well debating of Matters propounded. The Fourth and last, that all the Members of the House and their Servants may have the same freedom from all manner of Suits, as before time they used to have.

To these Petitions, the Queen's Majesty hath commanded me to say unto you, that her Highness is right well contented to grant them unto you, as largely, as amply and as liberally, as ever they were granted by any her Noble Progenitors; and to confirm the same with as great an Authority. Marry, with these Conditions and cautions; first, that your access be void of importunity, and for matters Needful, and in time Convenient. For the Second, that your Diligence and Carefulness be such, (Mr. Speaker,) that the defaults in that part be as rare as may be; whereof her Majesty doubteth little. For the Third, which is for Liberty of Speech, therewith her Highness is right well contented; but so, as they be neither unmindful, or uncareful of their Duties, Reverence and Obedience to their Sovereign. For the last, great heed would be taken, that no evil disposed person seek of purpose that priviledge, for the only defrauding of his Creditors, and for the maintenance of injuries and wrongs. These Admonitions being well remembred, her Majesty thinketh all the said Liberties and Priviledges well granted. To come to an end, only this I have to put you in mind of, that in the sorting of your things, you observe such Order, that matters of the greatest Moment, and most Material to the State, be chiefly, and first set forth; so as they be not hindred by particular and private Bills to this purpose. That when those great Matters be past, this Assembly may sooner take end, and men be licensed to take their ease; I have said.

The Speaker being thus allowed, he returned to the House of Commons, with the Serjeant of the House bearing the Mace before him; and the Queen's Majesty, and the Lords rose, and departed.

On Monday the 30th. day of January, were divers Lords, Spiritual and Temporal present, as is plainly set down in the entrance of the names in the Original Journal Book of the Upper House.

Francis Spilman Esq Clerk of the Upper House, standing at the Table near the lower Woolsack, did there read a certain Bill, written in Paper, and Intituled, An Act for the restitution of the first Fruits, and Tenths, and Rents reserved, Nomine Decimae, and of Parsonages Impropriate to the Imperial Crown of this Realm; and after he had so read it, (which was accounted the first reading thereof,) then he delivered the same kneeling, unto Sir Nicholas Bacon, Knight, Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, together with a Brief of the Bill.

The Lord Keeper read the Title of the Bill, and then reported the effect of the same unto the House out of the Brief, And then concluded with these words, viz. This is the first time of the reading of this Bill.

And there is no mention made in the Original Journal Book of the Upper House, that this Bill was at all spoken unto upon this reading, neither is it indeed usual, although there have not wanted Presidents thereof, prout A. 1. H. 8. 11. Die Parliamenti Billa de actionibus, brought from the Commons Lecta prima vice, & Domini disputando censuerunt reformandum quod Regia Majestas haberet. 3. vel 4 Annos, pars vero contra partem nisi unum Annum. And a Bill hath been rejected upon the first reading, prout Anno 3. Edw. 6. 14. Nova Billa pro jurisdictione Episcoporum Rejected, and a Committee appointed; to draw a new Bill; of which also there want not divers other Presidents in most of the other Journals during her Majesties Reign: but most true it is, that usually a Bill is seldom rejected till the second reading, for then it is most proper to be spoken unto; and when it hath received either a longer or shorter disputation in the House, then the proceedings eommonly are either to order it to be engrossed, or refer it to Committees, or to reject it; which course holdeth only in Bills that come newly into either House. For if a Bill, having passed one of the two Houses, be sont unto the other, it is never ordered to be ingrossed, because it comes from thence ready ingrossed in Parchment, and seldom referred to Committees, or rejected; there want not also divers Presidents, when a Bill hath been disputed after the third reading, and sometimes recommitted, and sometimes rejected. Of all which, the Examples and Presidents are so frequent in all the insuing Journals of this Queen, as also in those foregoing of H. 8. Ed. 6. and Queen Mary, as there is not need to make any large Citation of them: Neither do there want, in their several places, fit and due references, whereby to refer the several Presidents of this nature, contained in one and the same Journal, from one to another. Which things being thus premised and observed, now follow some Animadversions or Presidents, touching the Commission of Bills, and further proceedings in them upon the first reading.

Bills also have been Committed upon the first reading, prout An. 6. H. 8. 14. Feb. recepta est Billa in papyro concernens apparatum, & lecta est prima vice & deliberata Magistro Pigot reformanda.

Anno Primo Ed. 6. 21. Novembris allata est à Communi domo Billa for benefices, Common Preachers and residence, quae prima vice lecta est, & commissa Archiepis. Cantuarien', Episcopo Elien, Episcopo Dunolmen', Episcopo Roffen', Episcopo Lincoln', Marchioni Northampton, Domino St. John, p. 18Comiti Arundel, Domino Admirallo & Domino Wentworth, and in A. 5. Edw. 6. 16. Feb. Hodie prima vice lecta est Billa to avoid regrating, forestalling, &c. & commissa est Magistro Hales, Magistro Molineux, Magistro Saunders, & Solicitatori Reginae. And there are very many Presidents that Bills have been committed upon the first reading, in the times of Hen. 8. and Ed. 6. as may appear by the Committees of those times.

The like Presidents are to be found in most of the Journals of her Majesty, prout A. 8. Eliz. Oct. 3. The Bill for the better Executing of Statutes, &c. codem An. 5. Octob. touching Fines and Recoveries, An. 13. Eliz. 20. Aprilis, against fraudulent Conveyances, &c. An. 14. Eliz. 12. Maij, for preservation of Woods, eodem An. & die, for the punishment of Vagabonds; and so in many other Parliaments of this Queen's time, of which (because they are so frequently obvious) it would be unnecessary to make further repetition.

And although there be no mention made in the Original Journal Book of the Upper House, that the Lords and Members of the same were this day called, yet there is no great doubt to be made thereof; and therefore I have caused it to be inserted, and applied unto this time, in manner and form following.

Francis Spilman the Clerk, did on this third day of the Parliament call every Lord in the House by his Name, that so it might be seen, who were present; beginning with the lowest Baron, and ascending to the highest Peer, where also the Proxies and other Excuses of the absent Lords, were Registred.

But it may be Collected by the Parliament Rolls Annis 37. 38. 40. 43. 45. 47. & 50. Ed. 3. that the Lords names were called the first day, and the Commons also in the Upper House before the King's coming, which Order, in respect of the time, is held still with the Commons, whose Names are usually called at this day in the Court of Requests, the first day of the Parliament.

Dominus Custos Magni Sigilli continuavit presens Parliamentum us que in diem Crastinum, hora Octava.

On Tuesday, the 31th. day of Jan. the former Bill for the restitution and annexation of the first Fruits and Tenths, to the Imperial Crown of the Queen's Majesty, was read the Second time.

Francis Spilman Esq Clerk of the House, (having read the said Bill for the Restitution and Annexation of the First-fruits, &c.) standing at the Table, near the nether Woolsack, did then deliver the same without any Brief, Kneeling to the Lord Keeper, who thereupon read the Title thereof to the House, and said, This is the second Reading; and so the Bill was Ordered to be Ingrossed, which is no more, than to Transcribe the Bill sairly out of the Paper, in which it was written, into Parchment. More shall be said, touching the referring of a Bill to Committees, on Fryday the third day of March ensuing; where is the first mention of Committing any Bill during this Parliament.

After the second Reading of the aforesaid Bill, there appeareth no other matter in the Original Journal Book of the Upper House, save only the entrance of the continuance of the Parliament by the Lord Keeper.

On Wednesday the first day of February, the Bill for the Recognition of the Queen's Highnesse's Title to the Imperial Crown of this Realm, was read the first time, (in such manner and form, as the Bill for the Restitution of the Firstfruits and Tenths, &c. was read, on Monday the 30th. day of January foregoing;) and was thereupon Committed to the Queen's Attorney, which cannot properly be called a Committing of the Bill, because no Lords are named Committees therein, but only a referring of the Bill to the said Attorney, (who, as is most likely, with the residue of the Queen's Learned Council, did at first draw it) that so upon further perusal thereof, he might again bring it into the House, and Certifie the Lords, if any thing were to be altered or reformed in it.

On Saturday, the 4th. day of February, the Bill, for the Recognition of the Queen's Highnesse's Title to the Imperial Crown of this Realm, was read the second time, in such manner and form as the Bill, for the Restitution and Annexation of the First-fruits, &c. was read, on Tuesday the 31th. day of January foregoing, and was thereupon Ordered to be ingrossed.

The Bill also for the Restitution and Annexation of the First-fruits and Tenths and Rents reserved Nomine Decimae, and of Parsonages impropriate, to the Imperial Crown of this Realm, was read the third time, The whole manner and form of Proceedings wherein, as also of the sending thereof down unto the House of Commons, I have caused to be Transcribed out of that before-mentioned written Discourse, touching the whole Order and Process of passing of Bills in the Upper House, Penn'd by H. Elsing Esq at this time Clerk of the same, this present year 1630. and the form of the said sending down thereof, out of a like Treatise, of passing Bills in the House of Commons, Pen'd by W. Hackwel of Lincolns Inn Esq For I conceive there is no question, but that the Form used at this day, is one and the same with that which was observed this first year, and the rest ensuing of her Majesties Reign; And therefore I have applied all to this time, although there be nothing thereof expressed, in the Original Journal Book it self of the Upper House, save only the very Title of the Bill, the time of the reading, the dissent of the Bishops, and the sending of it down to the House of Commons. Francis Spilman Clerk of the House, standing by the Table at the nether Woolsack, read the same Bill, and then indorsed upon it, being fairly ingrossed in Parchment, these words 3. vice lecta, and then delivered the same, kneeling to the Lord Keeper, without any Brief of the Bill, who thereupon, repeating the Title only of the Bill, said, This is the third Reading of the Bill.

Then his Lordship demanded of the House, p. 19whether he should put it to the question for passing, which being agreed on affirmatively, the question was thus put.

Such of your Lordships as are of opinion, that this Bill is fit to Pass, (or shall Pass,) say, content.

Then the lowest Baron first beginning said, content, without any more words, and so did all the other Barons in their order, ascending to the Highest.

Then the Bishop of Carlile, being the puisne Bishop present, said, not content; and so also, in like manner, said the Bishop of Chester, the Bishop of Exeter, the Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield, the Bishop of Landaffe, the Bishop of Worcester, the Bishop of London, and the Archbishop of York; by which it may be seen, how unwillingly these Popish Bishops did suffer their Dagon to fall down.

And after the Bishops, all the other Temporal Lords present, beginning with the lowest and ending with the highest, did all (Nullo Contradicente) say, content.

After which, all the Barons first stood up, and after them all the Earls and other Lords who had voted the Affirmative. And then stood up the Archbishop of York and all the other Bishops who had voted the Negative, and so upon the great inequality of their Voices at the first view, the Bill. Passed, and its likely, that the Voices for the Passing of the Bill exceeding so much the number of those, who were against it, that the Proxies of the absent Lords were not at all demanded, which might have been, if the House had moved or required it; but, I conceive, that those are most frequently called for, when the difference of the House stands upon some equality of Voices.

The Bill being thus Passed, was delivered to the Queen's Attorney and Solicitor, to be carried to the House of Commons, which was not performed by them, as appears by the Original Journal Book of the said House, until the Monday following, being the 6th. day of this instant Feb. the manner of the delivery thereof was as followeth, viz.

The said Attorney and Solicitor, being admitted into the said House, came up close to the Table, where the Clerk sate, and made three Congies, and then acquainted Sir Thomas Gargrave the Speaker, that the Lords had sent unto the House such a Bill, of which one of them Read the Title, and so again departed the House, having made three other Congies.

There are also divers Proxies entred at the begining of the Original Journal Book of the Upper House, to have been returned, and introducted this day, but whether before or after the continuance of the Parliament, and rising of the House, doth not appear.

On Thursday, the 9th. day of February, the Bill wherein certain offences be declared Treason, was Read the first time.

The Bill also for the Recognition of the Queen's Highnesse's Title to the Imperial Crown of this realm, was by general consent concluded, this being the third Reading, and so the same was delivered to Mr. Solicitor and the Clerk of the Crown, to be carried to the House of Commons: the whole form of which Proceedings, touching the third reading, Passing and sending down of a Bill, see in a like Case on Saturday, the fourth day of this Instant Feb. foregoing.

The Bill against Slanderous and Seditious words, was Read prima vice.

On Fryday, the 10th. day of Feb. The Bill, whereby the Queen's Highness is made inheritable to the late Queen Ann her Majestie's Mother, was read prima vice, and after the reading of two other Bills, was read again the second time, and Ordered to be ingrossed, which speedy course the House took for the Passing of this Bill to express their zeal and affection to her Majesty, whom it so nearly concerned.

The Bill lastly, whereby divers Offences be made Treason, and the Bill against Seditious words and rumours, were each of them read the second time, and Ordered to be ingrossed.

On Saturday, the 11th. day of February, two Bills of no great Moment, had each of them their third reading, and were sent unto the House of Commons, by Mr. Solicitor and Mr. Lewis, of which the first was the Bill for explanation of the Statute of Seditious words and rumours.

Two Bills were brought up to the Lords from the House of Commons, by Mr. Treasurer and others, viz. The Bill of a Subsidy granted to the Queen's Majesty by the Temporalty, and the Bill of a Subsidy of Tonnage and Poundage.

The said Mr. Treasurer, being the Principal …, accompanied with divers other Members of the House of Commons, came in the first rank of them to the Rail, or Bar, at the lower end of the Upper House, and, after three Congies made, declared unto their Lordships, That the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses of the House of Commons had sent unto them two Bills, of which he read the Titles, and then Sir Nicholas Bacon, Lord Keeper, rising srom his seat, came down to the Bar to receive them, to whom the aforesaid Mr. Treasurer did in all humble manner deliver them, and thereupon, with the residue of his Company, having made other three Congies, departed.

On Monday the 13th. of February, the Bill for one Subsidy and two Fifteens and Tenths granted by the Temporalty, was Read prima vice, and Committed, (or rather reserr'd) to the Queen's Attorny and Solicitor, of which see a like improper Commitment on Saturday the 10th. day of this Instant February foregoing, in fine diei.

The Bill also of a Subsidy of Tonnage and Poundage was Read the second time, but no mention is made that it was either referr'd to Committees, or Ordered to be ingrossed; and the Reason thereof was that this Bill had pass'd p. 20the House of Commons, and was sent up unto the Lords on Saturday the 10th. day of this instant February foregoing, fairly ingrossed in Parchment, and therefore can be no more ingrossed: neither do the Lords ordinarily refer such Bills to Committees, unless there be very great Cause, in respect that each House holding Correspondency with other, they do not willingly submit that to the Agitation of a private Committee, which hath been allowed, and approved by the Wisdom of the whole House. A second reason, that sometimes a Bill may neither be reserred to Committees, nor Ordered to be ingrossed upon second reading, although it hath not Passed the House of Commons, may be, because Bills of Grace, viz. for the Restitution of Blood, of Naturalization, and such like, are sent to the House from her Majesty fairly ingrossed in Parchment, and Signed with her hand, which for the most part do pass the House without any Stop or Question. A third and last reason thereof may be, when the Lords defer the Committing, or ingrossing of any Bill, unto some other time, as sell out in the Bill touching the Commission of Sewers, in A. 13. Regin. Eliz. which was Read secunda vice on Fryday the 20th. day of April, and referred to Committees on the day following (although sometimes it may be omitted likewise through the negligence of the Clerk of the Upper House.)

The Bill lastly, whereby the Queen's Majesty was restored in Blood to the Late Queen Ann, her Highnesse's Mother, was read tertia vice & Communi omnium procerum assensu conclus.

Custos magni Sigilli continuavit presens Parliamentum us que in diem Mercurij prox' hora nona.

On Wednesday, the 15th. day of February, The Bill of a Subsidy, and two Fifteens, and Tenths, granted by the Temporalty was read the second time, but no mention is made, that it was either referred to Committees, or Ordered to be ingrossed, vid. Consimil. on Monday, the 13th. day of this instant February foregoing.

The Inhabitants of the Shires of Wales, and County Palatine of Chester, who are Charged as well with Mises as divers Subsidies, now immediately due, made Petition to the Lords to be respited, and to have longer day for the payment thereof, whereupon it was thought good by the Lords, that the Queen's Majesty should be moved therein by the Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, who having knowledge of her Will and Pleasure in that behalf, signified the same unto the Lords, according to which, and for more Corroboration thereof, it was in her Highnesse's name commanded that an Entry thereof should be made, as followeth.

It is Ordered and Decreed by the Queen's Highness, and assented unto by the Lords, that in that year, in which our Sovereign Lady the Queen's Highness shall award her Commission for the assessing and payment of any her Majesties Subsidies, now due, or by the Authority of this present Parliament to be due, the Shires of Wales, and Counties Palatine of Chester, chargeable with the payment of the same, and every of them, shall not be charged, or chargeable with the payment of the Mises now due to her Majesty, nor in that year, in which her Highness shall have payment of the said Mises, the said Subsidies, or any of them, shall be paid by any the said Shires or County Palatine aforesaid.

Custos Magni Sigilli continuavit presens Parliamentum us que in diem Jovis prox' bora nona.

On Thursday, the 16th. day of February the Bill of a Subsidy, and two Fifteens, and Tenths, granted by the Temporalty, being read tertia vice, and by common consent concluded, with certain Amendments to be inserted, was delivered to Mr. Attorny and Mr. Vaughan, to be carried to the House of Commons.

In which Bills sending down, because both the manner of writing the said Amendments, and the Subscription of the Lords under them, do differ from all ordinary Proceedings, if the Bill had Passed the Upper House without such Amendments; therefore I have thought good to add the whole manner and form thereof, according to a like President in the Original Journal Book of the House of Commons, An. 39. & 40. Regin. Eliz. Decemb. 20th. Tuesday: although there be not mention there made in the Original Journal Book of the Upper House on this foresaid present Thursday the 16th. day of February.

But because it is difficult to conjecture the Express manner of the Lords proceedings at this time, therefore I can only apply the imitation of that President to this present occasion by probability.

The Lords having added certain Amendments to the Bill of Subsidy, which had formerly Passed the House of Commons, and been sent up from thence to their Lordships, ingrossed in Parchment, and so remained still the Bill of the same House; did cause the said Amendments to be written in Paper, and annexed them to the Bill, shewing the Line, and the place of the Line in the Bill, where such words or Amendments should be put in, and where any other former words in the Bill should be put out. And then their Lordships subscribed or indorsed under the Superscription or indorsment of the House of Commons in the same Bill, à Ceste Bille avecque les amendments à mesme le Bille annexe les Seigneurs sont assentus; and so the Bill was delivered to Mr. Attorny and Mr. Vaughan as aforesaid, to be carried to the House of Commons, together with the Bill whereby the Queen's Majesty is made inheritable to the late Queen Ann her Highnesse's Mother. But if the Lords had added any new Proviso to the foresaid Subsidy-Bill, that ought to have been sent down to the House of Commons written in Parchment. ut vid. March 23. Thursday, postea.

p. 21On Munday the 20th. day of February, The Bill of the Subsidy of Tonnage and Poundage which by common consent was concluded upon the third reading, was delivered to Mr. Solicitor and Mr. Martin Clerk of the Crown to be carried to the House of Commons, with certain Amendments to be put thereunto.

On Tuesday the 21th. day of February, two Bills were sent up to the Lords from the House of Commons, of which the first being the Bill for the Subsidy, and the second to restore the Queen in blood to the late Queen Ann her Highnesse's Mother, were each of them return'd exped'.

The Bill also for the restitution of the Firstfruits and Tenths and Rents reserved Nomine Decimae, and of Parsonages impropriate, to the Imperial Crown of this Realm, was returned from the House of Commons, with five Provisoes added thereunto by the said Commons, and certain Amendments to be reformed therein; which said Provisoes were written in Parchment, and the Amendments in Paper.

Whereas J. Broxham brought an Assize against the Lord Willoughby of Parham, to be Tryed at the Assizes and Sessions now next to be holden at Lincoln, at the Complaint and Petition of the said Lord Willoughby, in respect of his necessary attendance at the Parliament, whereby he cannot attend with his Learned Council at the Assizes, the rather for that some of his Council are also Burgesses, and attend the Parliament, it is Ordered and Decreed by the Lords, that an Injunction presently be awarded out of the Chancery to the said John Broxham, his Counsellors and Solicitors commanding them and every of them, upon pain of 500 l. that none of them in any wise proceed in and to the Tryal of the said Assize, at this Assizes now next to be holden at Lincoln.

On Wednesday the 22th. day of Feb. the Bill for the Restitution in blood of Sir James Crofte was read prima vice.

On Fryday the 24th. day of February, the Bill for the restitution in Blood of Sir Henry Gate was read three times, and the like Bill for Sir James Crofte was read Secunda & tertia vice, and both sent down to the House of Commons by Mr. Solicitor and the Clerk of the Crown. The manner whereof vide on Saturday the 4th. of this instant Feb. foregoing.

On Saturday the 25th. day of February, the Bill for the Restitution in blood of the Lord John Gray was twice read, and after that, the Bill against Conveyance of Horses into Scotland, was read the first time, the said Bill for the Lord Gray was read the third time, and Passed, and sent to the House of Commons by Mr. Attorny, and Mr. Solicitor, which was done in honour of him:

On Munday the 27th. of February, the Bill whereby certain Offences be made Treason, with a Request, that a Proviso therein contained, be put out, and another devised by the House of Commons to be put in the stead thereof; The Bill for the restoring the Supremacy to the Imperial Crown of this Realm, and Repealing divers Acts of Parliament made to the contrary, and the Bill for the restitution of the Lord Cardinal Pool, were sent up to the Lords from the House of Commons, the manner of which see on Saturday the 11th. day of this Instant Feb. foregoing. And the said Bill, touching Cardinal Pool, was read prima vice and committed to the Chief Justice, and the Queen's Attorney, vid. March 3. postea.

The Bill lastly against Conveyance of Horses into Scotland, was read Secunda vice, & Commissa ad ingrossandum.

On Tuesday the 28th. day of February, the Bill for the restoring of the Supremacy to the Imperial Crown of this Realm, and the Bill for the explanation of the attainder of the Lord Cardinal Pool, were each of them read secunda vice, but there is no mention made, that they were either Ordered to be ingrossed, or referred to Committees, because they had been sent from the House of Commons, on the day immediately foregoing.

On the first day of March, the Lord Keeper and divers other Lords met, but nothing was done save only the Parliament continued, the entrance whereof is thus erroneously set down in the Original Journal Book of the Upper House through the Clerks negligence, viz.

Dominus Cancellarius (mistaken for Custos magni Sigilli) continuavit presens Parliamentum us que in diem Crastinum hora nona.

On Thursday the second day of March, the Bill of Recognition of the Queen's Highnesse's Title to the Imperial Crown of this Realm, the Bill of Subsidy for Tonnage and Poundage, the Bill touching Tanners and Sellers of Tann'd Leather, and the Bill touching Shoemakers and Curriers, were sent up to the Lords from the House of Commons.

The Bill lastly touching the Duke of Norfolk, and the Bill for the restitution of Robert Rudston, were each of them read the first time.

On Fryday the third day of March, the Bill for Treasons (which had been Read the second time on Fryday the 10th. day, and the third time on Saturday, the 11th. day of February foregoing, and then sent down to the House of Commons, although it be there omitted, as matter of no great moment; and from them sent back again to their Lordships on Munday, the 27th. day of the same Month, with a request that a Proviso therein contained, might be put out, and another by them inserted) was Committed to the Earl of Sussex, the Bishop of Chichester, the Bishop of Carlile, the Lord Rich, and the Lord Hastings of Loughborrough, to confer therein with certain of the House of Commons, touching a Proviso to be put into the same; by which the Lords did express their great desire to keep Correspondency with the House of Commons, who had commended the inserting of the above-mentioned Proviso unto them.

p. 22Nota also, that whereas the Judges are, in most of the Journals of her Majesties Reign, although they be but Attendants of the Upper House, named joynt Committees with the Lords in ordinary Bills, or else are named as Attendants upon them in matters of greatConsequence, yet in the Original Journal Book of the Upper House, A. isto primo Regin. Eliz. there is no mention made of them as joynt Committees, or as Attendants upon their said Lordships, save only that on Munday, the 27th. day of February foregoing, a Bill upon the first reading is said to have been Committed to the Lord Chief Justice of the King's Bench, and the Queen's Attorny, which may rather be called a Reference, than a Commitment, as see on Saturday the 4th. day of February preceding; and therefore that they are not at all named with the Committees of the Lords (in all the aforesaid Journal Books) may doubtless be conceived to have happened through the Clerk's negligence: For in the very next ensuing Session of Parliament in An. 5. Regin. Eliz. they are seldom omitted, prout on Tuesday the 26th. day of January, on Saturday, the 30th. day of the same Month, as also on Saturday, the 20th. day of March then next following.

The Bill for Restitution of Robert Rudston, was read secunda vice, and again tertia vice, & conclusa.

The Bill also to revive a Statute made A. 23. H. 8. against the Conveyance of Horses, Geldings and Mares into Scotland, was read tertia vice, & conclusa, and the Bill touching the Duke of Norfolk, was read secunda vice & Commiss' ad ingrossandum.

Six Bills were brought up to the Lords from the House of Commons, of which the first being for the restitution in blood of the Lord John Grey; the second for restitution in blood of Sir J. Gates Knight, and the third for restitution in blood of Sir James Croft Knight, were each of them returned conclus', the fourth was touching the changing of Gavelkind Land of the Lands of Thomas Brown, and George Brown, the fifth for the Incorporation of Trinity Colledge n. Cambridge, and the last for assurance of Lands to the Lord Wentworth, the Lord Rich, and the Lord Darcy.

On Saturday the fourth day of March, the Bill to change the nature of Gavelkind Land, of the Lands of Thomas Brown and George Brown, was read the first time.

The Bill touching Tanners and Sellers of Tanned Leather, was read the first time, and the Bill for Shoemakers and Curriers, was read the second time, and both of them Committed to the Duke of Norfolk, the Earl of Shrewsbury, the Bishop of London, the Bishop of Carlile, the Lord Rich, and the Lord Willoughby.

Dominus Thesaurar' continuavit presens Parliamentum us que in diem Lunae prox' hora nona.

Nota, That that there appeareth no Commission, or other Authority, in the Original Journal Book of the Upper House, by which the Lord Treasurer supplied the Lord Keeper's place: but most probable it is, that either the Commission it self is negligently omitted by Francis Spilman Esq at this time Clerk of the said House, or else that the said Lord Treasurer did continue it only upon her Majesties Verbal Authority and Command, as did the Lord Treasurer in the like Case, in the Session of Parliament, A. 18. Regin. Eliz. on Saturday, the third day of March.

On Munday the 6th. of March, the Bill for the Ratification of the Marriage between the Duke of Norfolk, and the Lady Margaret now his Wife, and for the assurance of certain Lands for her Joynture, was read tertia vice & conclusa.

The Bill also for the restitution in blood of Harry Howard, &c. younger Brother to the Duke of Norfolk, was read prima vice.

The Bill also for the Explanation of the restitution of the Lord Cardinal Pool was committed to the Archbishop of York, the Duke of Norfolk, the Earl of Rutland, the Bishop of Carlile, the Lord Rich, the Lord Willoughby, and the Lord Hastings of Loughborough: but no mention is made of the reading thereof, which was doubtless omitted through the great Negligence of Francis Spilman Esq Clerk of the Upper House, for this Bill was read prima vice on Munday the 27th. of February foregoing, and was Committed to the Lord Chief Justice of the King's Bench and the Queen's Attorny, to consider of it, as is probable, and to make report thereof, unto the Lords, which being done this day, and the Bill thereupon, as may likewise be gathered, read the second time, it was Committed to the Lords abovenamed, and on the morrow following it was read tertia vice, and Passed the House, and on Wednesday the 8th. of this instant March following was sent down to the House of Commons by Mr. Lewes, and Mr. Vaughan.

On Tuesday the 7th. day of March, the Bill for the explanation of the Repeal of the Attainder of the late Lord Cardinal Pool, was read tertia vice & conclusa.

The Bill also for the assurance of Lands to the Lord Wentworth, the Lord Rich, and the Lord Darcy, and the Bill for the Incorporation of Trinity-Hall in Cambridge, were each of them read, prima vice.

The Bill lastly for explaining the Statute made against ingrossing of Dead Victuals, and the Bill that Gerson Wroth born in Germany, shall be reputed the Queen's natural born Subject, were sent up to the Lords from the House of Commons.

On Wednesday the 8th. day of March, the Bill for the explanation of the Statute against ingrossing of Dead Victuals, and the Bill for the true Answering of the Queen's Majesties Revenues, were each of them read prima vice.

Four other Bills also of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which one being p. 23the Bill for the changing of the nature of Gavelkind Lands of Thomas Brown and George Brown, and another, for the assurance of Lands to the Lord Wentworth, the Lord Rich, and the Lord Darcy, were each of them read secunda vice; but no mention made, that they were either Ordered to be ingrossed, or referr'd to Committees, because they had been sent from the House of Commons on the day next foregoing.

The Bill touching the Duke of Norfolk, and that concerning Cardinal Pool, were sent to the House of Commons by Mr. Lewis, & Mr. Vaughan.

On Thursday the 9th. of March, the Bill for the assurance of certain Lands to the Lord Wentworth, the Lord Rich, and the Lord Darcy de Chiche, was read tertia vice & conclusa, dissentientibus Episcopo London, Meneven' & Abbat' de Westm', the Bill for Gerson Wroth was read tertia vice & conclusa, and the Bill for exchange of the nature of Gavelkind Lands of the two Browns, was read also tertia vice, & conclusa, dissentient' Duce Norfolciae. Quatuor Comitibus, & tribus Baronibus.

The Bill lastly for the true Answering of the Queen's Majesties Revenues was read secunda vice, & Commissa ad ingrossand.

On Fryday the 10th. day of March, the Bill for the Incorporation of Trinity-Hall in Cambridge, and the Bill for the true Answering of the Queen's Majesties Revenue, were, each of them read, tertia vice, & conclusa, and sent down to the House of Commons.

The Bill lastly for the explanation of the Statute against ingrossing of Dead Victuals, was read secunda vice, but no mention is made, that it was either referr'd to Committees, or Ordered to be ingrossed, because it had been sent from the House of Commons Tuesday the 7th. day of this instant March foregoing. v. a like Commitment on Munday 13th. day of Feb. foregoing.

On Saturday the 11th. day of March a Proviso to be annexed to the Bill of Treason, was read prima & secunda vice, & commissa ad ingrossand.

On Munday the 13th. day of March a Proviso to be annexed to the Bill of Treasons, was read tertia vice & communi omnium procerum assensu conclusa.

A Bill containing certain Provisoes to be annexed to the Bill of First-fruits and Tenths, was read secunda vice & commissa ad ingrossand.

The Bill lastly for the restoring of the Supremacy of the Imperial Crown of this Realm, and repealing divers Statutes made to the contrary, was read the second time, and Committed unto the Marquess of Winchester, the Lord Treasurer of England, the Duke of Norfolk, the Earl of Westmerland, the Earl of Shewsbury, the Earl of Rutland, the Earl of Sussex, the Earl of Pembrook, Viscount Mountague, the Bishop of Exeter, the Bishop of Carlile, the Lord Clinton Admiral, the Lord Morley, the Lord Rich, the Lord Willoughby, and the Lord North.

On Wednesday the 15th. day of March, a Bill containing six Provisoes to be annexed to the Bill of First-fruits and Tenths, was read tertia vice, & conclusa, Dissentientibus Archiepiscopo Eboracen', Episcopo Winton', Episcopo Wigorn', Episcop' Landaven', Episcop' Coven', Episcop' Exon', Episcopo Cestren', Episcopo Carliolen', ac Abbat' de Westm.

Nota, that the Bill having Passed the Upper House before, on the 4th. day of January last past, was then opposed by all the Spiritual Lords there present, as now also upon the passing of those Provisoes and Amendments which had been added unto it, in the House of Commons: amongst which Spiritual Lords, the Abbot of Westminster did yet sit in Parliament, and gave his free voice; by which manner of alteration of the Form of Ecclesiastical Government, we may observe, with what mildness and wisdom, this pious Princess Queen Elizabeth, took it in hand, far differing from those furious and bloody Enterprizes and Confusions, practised in the Reign of her Sister Mary: and it is to be noted, that this Abbot of Westm', with five other Abbots, and Abbesses were all, who were at this time lest in England, and were deprived of their Promotions at the end of the Parliament, with fourteen Popish Bishops, amongst which were all these here named, (except the Bishop of Landaffe in An. Dom. 1559.) and others were Consecrated in the places of the said Bishops, where it is further to be noted, that of 9400 Ecclesiastical persons, settled in their several Promotions, but 177 left their Livings to continue in their Romish Idolatry.

A Bill being agreed upon by the Lords to be annexed to the Bill of Supremacy, was read 1 a. vice.

On Thursday the 16th. day of March, to which day the Parliament had been first continued, nothing was done, save only the continuance of Parliament by the Lord Keeper, us que in diem Crastinum hora nona.

On Fryday the 17th. day of March, the Bill for certain Provisoes and Amendments to be put in the Bill of Supremacy, was read the second time, & commissa ad ingrossand.

On Saturday the 18th. day of March, the Bill for the restoring of the Supremacy to the Imperial Crown of this Realm, and repealing divers Acts of Parliament made to the contrary, with certain Provisoes added thereunto by the Lords, and sundry other Amendments, was read the third time, & conclus' dissentientibus Archiepiscopo Eboracen', Comite Salop, Vicecomite Monutacuto Episcopo London', Episcopo Winton', Episcopo Wigorn', Episcopo Landaven', Episcopo Coven', Episcopo Exon', Episcopo Cestren', Episcopo Carliol', & Abbas de Westm', Et predicta Billa est Commissa Attornato & Solicitatori Reginae in Domum Communem deferend.

Here also we may still note the great Lenity and mercy of this great Queen, who suffered so many Heretical, and obstinately Popish Bishops to hold their Sees, to have free voices in Parliament, besides the Abbot of Westm', who all thus opposed the just power and Authority, p. 24which the Princes of this Realm have, under God himself, within their Dominions; and which our Ancient Kings, under the darkest times of Popery, did easily discern, and not improbably aim at, as we may see frequently specified in the Ancient and most Authentick Records of this Kingdom, viz.

Rotulorum Patentium a. 3. Regis Johannis numero 8. & 28. Rot. Pat. a. 5. Reg. Joh. num. 15. Rot. Pat. a. 10. Reg. Joh. num. 3, ubi continetur salvus conductus pro Simone de Langeton Romanae sedis Cardinale, ad tractand' cum certis Episcopis modo cum applicuerit securitatem faciat quod in hoc adventu suo malum Regi vel regno suo non quaerent.

Rot. Pat. a. 22. H. 3. num. 2. & num. 3. Rot. Pat. a. 25. H. 3. num. 2. & num. 5. Rot. Pat. a. 28. H. 3. num. 6. Rot. Pat. a. 33. H. 3. num. 4. Rot. Pat. a. 34. H. 3. indors. num. 1. Rot. Pat. a. 39. H. 3. indors. num. 14. Rot. Pat. a. 42. H. 3. num. 35. Rot. Pat. a. 45. H. 3. num. 27. Rot. Pat. a. 48. H. 3. num. 31. Rot. Pat. a. 51. H. 3. num. 27.

Rot. Pat. a. 8. E. primi 3 & Rot. Pat. a. 9. E. 1. 2 in quibus continentur inhibitiones & aliae literae Regis missae Joh. Archiepiscopo Cantuariensi, ac clero Angliae in consiliis apud London & Lambeth convocatis, ne quid in eisdem attentarent in praejudicium Regis Coronae aut dignitatis suae Rot. Pat. a. 31. E. 1. 7. Rot. Romae a. 34. & 35. E. 1. 4. 8. & 9, rot. pat. a. 35. E. 1. 3. Rot. Scotiae a. 23. & 24. E. 1. 6.

Rot. Romae a. 1. 2. & 3. E. 2. 5. 20. 22, 24, 25. & 27. Rot. Romae a. 4. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, & 10. E. 2. 14. 15. indors. ejusdem Rotuli 1. Rot. Romae a. 11. 12, 13, & 14. E. 2. 1. & indors' ejusdem Rotuli: 2. Rot. Romae a. 15, 16, 17, & 18. E. 2. 23. 24. & 30. Rot. Pat. a. 3. E. 2. in Scedula & 11. & 17. ibid. Rot. Pat. a. 11. E. 2. parte secunda, Rot. Pat. a. 15. E. 2. parte prima Rot. Pat. a. 16. E. 2. parte prima sub initio Rotuli Rot. Pat. a. 19. E. 2. parte prima.

Rot. Romae a. 1. E. 3. 5. 6. & 8. Rot. Rom. a. 4. E. 3. 2. & 6. Rot. Romae a. 7. & a. 8. E. 3. 6. & 9. Rot. Romae a. 9. & a. 10. E. 3. 3. 4. & 14. Rot. Romae a. 19 E. 3. 3. Rot. Romae a. 17. E. 3. 1. 3. & 6. Rot. Romae a. 20. E. 3. 1. 3.

Rot. Franciae a. 17. E. 3. 6. & a. 28. E. 3. 2. Ubi memorabile hoc continetur, quod Rex E. 3. Misit quam plures Nobiles ad tractandum de pace cum Rege Franciae coram Papa non ut coram Judice, sed ut privata persona, & tractatore & mediatore communi non in forma nec figura Ju dicij sed extrajudicialitèr & amicabilitèr.

Rot. Pat. a. 2. E. 3. parte secunda, Rot. Pat. a. 3. E. 3. parte prima, Rot. Pat. a. 3. E. 3. parte secunda Rot. Pat. a. 4. E. 3. parte prima, Rot. Pat. a. 7. E. 3. parte prima, Rot. Pat. a. 8. E. 3. parte prima, Rot. Pat. a. 11. E. 3. parte tertia, Rot. Pat. a. 12. E. 3. parte prima, Rot. Pat. a. 10. E. 3. parte prima, Rot. Pat. a. 14. E. 3. parte tertia, Rot. Pat. a. 15. E. 3. parte prima & secunda, Rot. Pat. a. 16. E. 3. parte prima, Rot. Pat. a. 15. E. 3. parte tertia bis, Rot. Pat. a. 16. E. 3. parte secunda bis, & parte tertia, Rot. Pat. a. 17. E. 3. parte prima & tertia, Rot. Pat. a. 18. E. 3. parte secunda tertia & indors. Rot. Pat. a. 19. E. 3. parte prima & indors. bis, Rot. Pat. a. 19. E. 3. parte secunda, Rot. Pat. a. 19. E. 3. parte tertia & indors', Rot. Pat. a. 20. E. 3. parte prima sub initio Rotuli & indors', rot. pat. 21. E. 3. parte prima et secunda, rot. pat. a. 23. E. 3. parte prima et indors', rot. pat. a. 24. E. 3. parte prima, secunda et tertia indors', rot. pat. a. 25. E. 3. parte prima, secunda et tertia, et indors', rot. pat. a. 26. E. 3. parte prima indors', parte secunda et tertia indors', rot. pat. a. 27. E. 3. parte tertia indors', rot. pat. a. 28. E. 3. parte secunda indors', rot. pat. a. 29. E. 3. parte tertia indors' saepe, rot. pat. a. 3. E. 3. parte prima ibid. et parte secunda indors', rot. pat. a. 31. E. 3. parte secunda et tertia indors', rot. pat. a. 32. E. 3. parte prima indors. et ibid. parte tertia indors', rot. pat. a. 35. E. 3. parte prima indors', rot. pat. a. 34. E. 3. parte prima indors', rot. pat. a. 36. E. 3. parte prima et secunda indors', rot. pat. a. 37. E. 3. parte prima indors' et parte secunda et tertia indors', rot. pat. a. 38. E. 3. parte prima indors', rot. pat. a. 39. E. 3. parte secunda indors', rot. pat. a. 40. E. 3. parte prima indors', rot. pat. a. 41. E. 3. parte prima et parte secunda indors', rot. pat. a. 42. E. 3. parte secunda, rot. pat. a. 43. E. 3. parte secunda indors', rot. pat. a. 44. E. 3. parte prima et secunda indors', rot. pat. a. 45. E. 3. parte secunda et parte prima tertia, rot. pat. a. 47. E. 3. parte prima et secunda indors' bis, rot. pat. a. 48. E. 3. parte prima et secunda indors', rot. pat. a. 49. E. 3. parte prima et indors', rot. pat. a. 5. E. 3. parte prima indors', et rot. pat. a. 51. E. 3. circa mediam partem Rotuli & indors.

Rot. Pat. a. 1. R. 2. parte prima indors', rot. pat. a. 2. R. 2. parte 1. et 2, rot. pat. a. 3. R. 2. parte prima indors. in quo Rotulo apparet, quod Rex R. 2. in die Coronationis suae juratus fuit ad prosequendum omnes Provisores Curiae Romanae contra leges et Statuta Edita. Rot. Pat. a. 3. R. 2. parte secunda indors', rot. pat. a. 4. R. 2. parte prima indors', rot. pat. a. 6. R. 2. parte prima indors', rot. pat. a. 7. R. 2. parte prima indors', rot. pat. a. 8. R. 2. parte prima indors', rot. pat. a. 9. R. 2. parte prima indors', & parte secunda indors', rot. pat. a. de A. 10. R. 2. parte prima & parte secunda indors', rot. pat. a. 11. R. 2. parte prima indors.

Rot. Pat. A. 12. R. 2. parte prima Indors. Rot. Pat. A. 13. R. 2. parte prima & tertia Indors. Rot. Pat. A. 14. R. 2. parte prima & parte secunda, Indors. Rot. Pat. A. 16. R. 2. parte tertia Indors. Rot. Pat. A 17. R. 2. parte prima.

Ubi apparet, quod collector Calverae Apostolicae in Hibernia Sacramentum suscepit quod totaliter evertebat Primatum Papae infra Regnum Angliae attribuendo prerogativam ac summam potestatem Regi Domino suo. Rot. Pat. A. 18. R. 2. parte secunda continentur haec verba, directa ad Provinciales Ordinis de Monte Carmeli attendentes, quod vos ad executionem Bullarum praedictarum seu aliquarum contentarum in eisdem aliqua vi vel p. 25authoritate earundem infra Regnum nostrum praedictum abs que licentia & authoritate nostra speciali procedere non potestis, nec debetis. Rot. Pat. an. 19 R. 2. part. prima & secunda, in dors. Rot. Pat. an. 20 R. 2. part. 3. In quo continetur, quod Universitas Oxon. non patiatur Bullas Papales ibidem exerceri sub amissione libertatum suarum. Rot. Pat. an. 21 R. 2. part. 1.

There is also in Rot. Pat. an. 3 R. 2. part. 1. this rare President of the Kings denying the Pope certain profits he claimed in England, in quo patet, quod cum Urbanus Papa exigebat primos fructus omnium Francorum Cardinalium habentium dignitates infra Angliam ut ad se pertinentes, eo quod ipsi fuerunt sui adversarii, Rex non cognoscens ca vera esse sed clamans ea ad se pertinere jure regio, ex gratia sua tamen speciali in relevationem indigentiae Papae concessit dicto Papae duas Partes dictorum primorum fructuum it à quod tertia pars corundem per dispositionem Regis sit in reparationem Domorum hujusmodi Cardinalium, &c. There are also three other excellent Presidents to this purpose in the same Kings Reign, viz. Rot. Pat. an. 4 R. 2. part. 2. & Rot. Pat. an. 6 R. 2. part. 2. bis.

These matters being thus faithfully and undeniably vouched out of the Records, or other Authority, touching the antient Rights and Prerogatives of the Crown of England, against the unjust Usurpations and incroachments of the Bishop of Rome, which said Rights, her Majesty did, by this foregoing Act that passed this day, as aforesaid, seek to have restored and reunited to her Royal Authority; Now follows the continuance of the Parliament, erroneously entred through the neglect of the Clerk in these words, viz. Dominus Custos magni Sigilli continuavit praesens Parliamentum us que ad diem crastinum (mistaken for diem Lunae proximum) hora nona.

The same day were entred divers Proxies.

On Monday the 20^th day of March, 14. Bills were brought up to the Lords from the House of Commons; viz. The Bill for the restitution in blood of Rudston Esq. The Bill for repeal of the Attainder of the late Cardinal Poole. The Bill for the Incorporation of Trinity-Hall in Cambridge. A Bill for seditious words and rumors. The Bill whereby certain offences be made Treason. The Bill to take away all pains and penalties made for Religion in Queen Maries time. The Bill for the assurance of Lands, late parcel of the Bishoprick of Winchester, to divers Patentees of King Ed. 6. The Bill to revive a Fair at Lynn Regis in Norfolk; which three last mentioned Bills were each of them read prima voce. The Bill to make a Chappel in Caermarthenshire to be a Parish Church. The Bill to restore in Blood the Sons and Daughters of Ed. Lewkenor Esq. The Bill touching the Marriage of the Duke of Norfolk. The Bill for making Ecclesiastical Laws by 32. persons. The Bill for the Assizes and Sessions to be kept at Stafford. And the Bill for the allowance of Sheriffs upon their Accounts.

On Tuesday the 21^th day of March, A Proviso and certain amendments annexe I by the Commons to the Duke of Norfolks Bill were read.

Four Bills also of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the sirst, being the Bill to revive a Fair at Lynn Regis, was read the second time, but no mention is made that it was either Ordered to be ingrossed, or referr'd to Committees, because it had been sent from the Commons Yesterday.

Dominus Custos magni Sigilli continuavit praesens Parliamentum us que in horam secundam post meridiem.

About which hour, the Lord Keeper and divers other Lords being set, the Bill for ratification of the marriage between the Duke of Norfolk and the Lady Margaret now his Wise, and for the assurance of certain Lands for her Jointure, with a new Proviso added by the Commons, conclusa est, being read tertia vice, dissentientibus Archiepiscopo Eboracen. Episcopis Londin. Winton. Landaven, Cestren. Carleol. & Abbate de Westm.

The Bill for restitution in blood of the Sons and Daughters of Ed. Lewkenor Esq was read prima, secunda & tertia vice, & conclus. ☞ Quod nota, That this Bill was read thrice at one time.

The Bill for the making of a Chappel in Caermarthenshire to be a Parish Church; The Bill that the Queens Highness may make Ordinances and Rules in Collegiate Churches, Corporations, and Schools; The Bill for Assizes and Sessions to be kept in the Town of Stafford, And the Bill for the assurance of Lands, parcel of the Bishoprick of Winchester, to divers Patentees of King Edm. the Sixth, were each of them read the second time, but no mention is made that they were either ordered to be ingrossed, or referr'd to Committees; because they had been sent from the House of Commons on the two days foregoing. Vide consimilit. on Wednesday the 15^th day of February foregoing.

On Wednesday the 22^th day of March, six Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading, and the Bill for the Assurance of Lands, late parcel of the Bishoprick of Winchester, to divers Patentees of King Ed. VI. being the 6^th, was read tertia vice, & conclusa, dissentientibus Archiepiscopo Eboracen. Marchion. Winton. Episcopis Londin. Winton. Wigorn. Landaven. Coven. Exon. Cestren. Carleol. & Dominis Stafford, Dadley, & North, & Abbate de Westm.

The Bill for restitution of the sirst-Fruits, and Tenths, and Rents reserved, Nomine Decimae, and of Parsonages Impropriate to the Imperial Crown of this Realm, was returned from the House of Commons conclus.

The Bill for restoring the Supremacy to the Imperial Crown of this Realm, and for repeal of divers Acts of Parliament made to the contrary, with a new Proviso annexed by the Commons, was read prima, secunda & tertia vice, & conclusa, dissentientibus Archiepiscopo Eboracen. Episcopis Londin. Winton. Landaven. Coven. Exon. p. 26Cestren. Carleol. & Abbate de Westmonast.

Here also we may note the perverse obstinacy of these Popish Clergy-men, who having before opposed in vain the passing of the Bill on Saturday the 18^th day of this Instant March foregoing, do here likewise do their uttermost to stop even the Proviso which was added unto it by the House of Commons: And yet how just and equal this Bill was, see my Animadversion upon the said 18^th day of March, when the said Bill passed

The Bill to continue the Act last made against Rebellious Assemblies, was committed to the Earl of Sussex, the Earl of Bedford, the Lord Rich, and the Lord North.

The Bill lastly, for Admitting and Consecrating of Archbishops and Bishops, and concerning Tanners and selling of Tann'd Leather, were each of them read prima vice.

Four Bills were brought up to the Lords from the House of Commons, of which the first was the Bill for the reviving of a Statute made an. 23 Hen. 8. touching the conveying of Horses, Geldings, and Mares, into Scotland. The second, that carrying of Leather, Tallow, or Raw Hides, out of the Realm for Merchandize, should be Felony, was read, prima & secunda vice. The third touching Leases to be made by spiritual persons, was read prima vice. And the last for revoking divers Licenses granted for divers things, prohibited by the Law of the Realm.

The Bill for Admitting and Consecrating of Archbishops, was read secunda vice; but no mention is made, that it was either Ordered to be ingrossed or referr'd to Committees, because it had been sent from the House of Commons.

The Bill lastly for the Assizes to be holden in the Town of Stafford, was delivered to the Queen's Attorney, and Sollicitor, to be carried into the House of Commons.

On Thursday the Bill for the Assizes to be holden in the Town of Stafford, was returned from the House of Commons, & concluja.

The Bill touching Tanners, and selling of Tann'd Leather, was read tertia vice, & conclusa, with certain amendments to be put to it; after which it was deliverd to the Queen's Attorney and Sollicitor, in Domum Communem deferenda. Et postea introduct. à Domo Communi conclus.

The Bill for the Admitting and Consecrating of Archbishops and Bishops, was read tertia vice, & conclus. And the Bill, that carrying Leather, Tallow, or Raw Hides, out of the Realm shall be Felony, was read tertia vice, & conclus. dissentiente Domino Lumley.

The Bill touching Leases to be made by Spiritual persons, was read secunda vice.

The Bill lastly, for the Explanation of the Statute against the Ingrossing of dead Victuals, with a Proviso added thereunto by the Lords, was read tertia vice, & conclusa, and sent by the Queen's Attorney and Sollicitor to the House of Commons.

In which Bills sending down, because both the manner of writing the said Proviso, and the subscription of the Lords under it, do differ from all ordinary proceedings if the Bill had passed the Upper House without a Proviso, therefore I have caused the whole manner and form thereof to be added to a like president in the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons, an. 39 & 40 Regin. Eliz. Decemb. the 20^th Tuesday, although there be no mention thereof made in the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House on this aforesaid present Thursday, the 23^th day of March; but because it is difficult to conjecture the express manner of the Lord's Proceedings at this time, therefore I can only apply the imitation of that president to this present occasion by probability.

The Lords having added a Proviso to the Bill for Explanation of the Statute against the ingrossing of Dead Victuals, which had formerly passed the House of Commons, and been sent up from thence to their Lordships, engrossed in Parchment, on Tuesday the 7^th day of this Instant March foregoing, and so remained still the Bill of the same House, did cause the said Proviso to be written in Parchment, and annexed it to the Bill shewing the line and the place of the line where the Proviso should be put in, and then their Lordships subscribed, or endorsed under the superscription or indorsement of the House of Commons in the same Bill, à ceste Bille avec que une provision annexe les Seigneurs sont assentus. And so the Bill was delivered to the Queens Attorney and Sollicitor as aforesaid, to be carried to the House of Commons. But if the Lords had added any amendments to the foresaid Bill, those ought to have been sent down to the House of Commons written in Paper. Ut vide, on Thursday the 16. day of February foregoing.

The Parliament continued and nothing done, till Tuesday the 4. day of April, and then the Bill (that the Queens Majesty, upon the avoidance of any Arch-Bishoprick, or Bishoprick, may exchange the temporal possessions thereof with Parsonages impropriate, &c.) was read the first time.

And then the Parliament continued till the next day at nine of the Clock, on which day were several Proxies, both ordinary and extraordinary, entred.

On Wednesday the 5. day of April, the Bill for Leases to be made by spiritual persons was committed to the Duke of Norfolk, the Earl of Rutland, the Bishop of Carlisse, the Lord Rich, the Lord North, the Lord Hastings de Loughborrow, and the Abbot of Westminster.

☞ Nota, that this Bill had its second reading on Thursday, the 23. of March foregoing, and was not committed until this day, of which there want not other Presidents during her Majesties Reign; as on Monday the 13. day of February foregoing, and on Thursday the 6. day of this Instant April ensuing.

The Bill whereby the Queens Majesty, upon avoidance of any Arch-Bishoprick or Bishoprick, p. 27may resume the temporal possessions thereof into her hands, recompensing the value thereof with Parsonages impropriate, &c. was read the second time.

And then the Parliament continued till Thursday the 6. day of April, on which day the Bill, whereby the Queens Majesty, upon the avoidance of any Archbishoprick, may resume the Temporalties thereof, recompencing the just value thereof with Parsonages impropriate, &c. was Order'd to be ingrossed.

☞ Nota, This Bill was read the second time yesterday, and was not Ordered to be ingrossed until this day; of which nature there want not other Presidents during her Majesties Reign, where a Bill being read, secunda vice, on one day, was referr'd to Committees on another ensuing; Prout vide, on April the 5. immediately foregoing: But at this day, it is the constant rule and observation of the Upper House, that no Bill be either Ordered to be ingrossed, or referr'd to Committees, but upon that very day on which it is read.

And then the Parliament continued till next day at nine of the Clock. The Bill giving Authority to the Queens Highness, upon the avoidance of any Arch-Bishoprick or Bishoprick, to take into her hands the temporal possessions thereof, recompensing the same with Parsonages impropriate, was read tertia vice, & conclusa, dissentientibus Archiepiscopo Ehoracen. Episcopis Londin. Wigorn. Coven. Exon. Cestren. Carleol. & Abbat. de Westm. And it was delivered to the Queens Sollicitor and Mr. Vaughan, to be carried to the House of Commons.

And then the Parliament by several continuances continued, and nothing done till Friday the 14. day of April, on which day four Bills were brought up to the Lords from the House of Commons; of which the first, being the Bill against the deceitful using of Linnen; the second that Craftsmen in Kent and Sussex shall inhabit in Towns near the Sea-Coasts; and the third, being to revive the Act of Parliament made Anno 5 Ed. 6. for keeping of Holydays and Fasting-days, were each of them read prima vice. And the fourth and last, was the Bill for restoring to the Crown the Ancient Jurisdiction over the State Ecclesiastical and Spiritual, and abolishing all Foreign Power repugnant to the same; vid. touching this Bill on Saturday the 29 day of this Instant April ensuing.

And then the Parliament continued till next day at nine of the Clock. And the Bill against deceitful using of Linnen-Cloth, The Bill that Craftsmen in Kent and Sussex shall inhabit near the Sea Coasts, And the Bill to revive the Act of Parliament made An. 5 Ed. 6. for keeping of Holydays and Fasting-days, were each of them read secunda vice: but no mention is made that they were Ordered to be ingrossed, or referr'd to Committees, because they had been sent from the House of Commons on yesterday foregoing.

The Bill lastly restoring the Ancient Jurisdiction over the State Ecclesiastical and Spiritual, to the Crown, and abolishing all Foreign Power repugnant to the same, was read prima vice; vide touching this Bill on Saturday the 29. day of this Instant April ensuing.

The Parliament continued till Monday the 17. of April: And then the Bill against the deceitful using of Linnen-Cloth, was read tertia vice, & conclusa, dissentiente Com. Arundel. And the Bill for the restitution in blood of Henry Howard and Katherine Wise unto the Lord Berkeley, & communi omnium Procerum assensu suit conclusa.

The Bill that Craftsmen in Kent and Sussex shall inhabit in Towns near the Sea-Coasts, was read tertia vice, & rejecta.

The Bill lastly, for restoring to the Crown the Ancient Jurisdiction over the State Ecclesiastical and Spiritual, and abolishing of Foreign Power repugnant to the same, was read secunda vice; & commissa Duci Norfolc. Comiti Arundel, Comiti Salop, Comiti Wigorn. Comiti Rutland, Comiti Sussex, Comiti Bedford, Vicecomiti Mountacute, Episcopo Londin. Episcopo Elien. Episcopo Carleol. & Domino Admirallo & Camerario, ac Domino Rich, Domino Hastings de Loughborrow, ac Domino St. John de Blestoe; vide concerning this Bill on Saturday, the 29. day of this Instant April ensuing.

The Parliament by several continuances continued till Tuesday the 25. day of April at nine of the Clock in the Morning; and then nine Bills were brought up to the Lords from the House of Commons; of which the second was the Bill for Shipping in English Bottoms, and the third and fourth, touching Frizes, called Pagaments, and concerning the buying and selling of Horses within a certain time, were each of them read prima vice. The fifth was touching the Uniformity of Common-Prayer, and Service in the Church, and Administration of the Sacraments: The sixth was, touching Hexam and Hexamshire in the County of Northumberland. The seventh, to revive an Act made for killing of Rookes and Crowes. The eighth was to make good Leases, Grants of Offices, and Copyholds, made by Nicholas Ridley, late Bishop of London. And the ninth and last being for preservation of Spawn and Fry of Fish, was read the first time.

A Proviso to be annexed to the Bill for the Supremacy, was read prima & secunda vice, & commissa ad ingrossandum; vide touching the said Bill, and Proviso, on Saturday the 29. day of this Instant April ensuing.

The Bill for the restitution of Gregory Fynes, was read prima, secunda & tertia vice, & communi omnium Procerum assensu conclusa; and it was then presently delivered to Sir Richard Read and the Clerk of the Crown, to be carried down to the House of Commons. ☞ Quod nota.

The Parliament continued till Wednesday the 26^th Day of April. And then the Bill for Shipping in English Bottoms, and the Bill to make good Leases, Grants of Offices, and Copyhold p. 28Lands, made by Nicholas Ridley, late Bishop of London, were each of them read Prima vice.

The Bill restoring to the Crown the Ancient Jurisdiction over the State Ecclesiastical and Spiritual, and abolishing all Foreign Power repugnant to the same, with a Proviso added thereunto by the Lords, were read tertia vice, & conclus. dissentientibus Archiepiscopo Eboracen. Vicecomite Mountague, Episcopo Londin. Episcopo Elien Episcopo Wigorn. Episcopo Landaven. Episcopo Coven. Episcopo Oxon. Episcopo Cestren. Episcopo Carlcolen. ac Abbate de Westminster, & commissae Magistro Weston servienti ad Legem, & Attornato Dominae Reginae ad Communes deferend.

☞ Nota, That all these Bishops, except the Bishop of Ely, did oppose the passing of a former Bill, much to this effect and purpose, on Saturday the 18. day of March foregoing; although with as little success to hinder the passing of the Bill then, as now; and yet how little reason these Popish Bishops had, thus stifly and obstinately to resist the passing of this Bill, doth fully appear by my Animadversion, which I have caused to be entred at large, Quam vide in dicto 18. die Martii; vide also, how these two Bills hapned to pass both the Houses, to one and the same purpose, in another of my Animadversions, which I have caused to be inserted on Saturday the 29. day of this Instant April ensuing.

The Bill lastly for the Uniformity of Common Prayer, and Service in the Church, and Administration of the Sacraments, was read prima vice.

And then the Parliament continued till two of the Clock in the Afternoon of the same day; about which hour in the Afternoon, the Lord Keeper, and divers other Lords meeting, six Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading, of which the second being the Bill for Shipping in English Bottoms, The third touching buying and selling of Horses, within a certain time, The fourth touching Frizes called Pagaments, And the last, to make Good Leases, Grants of Offices, and Copyhold Lands by Nicholas Ridley, late Bishop of London, were each of them read secunda vice; but no mention is made that they were either to be referr'd to Committees, or Ordered to be ingrossed, because they had been sent from the House of Commons on Tuesday, the 25. day of this instant April foregoing.

And then the Parliament continued till next day at nine of the Clock in the Morning, at which time the Bill for buying and selling of Horses within a certain time, and the Bill for Shipping in English Bottoms, were read tertia vice, & conclusae.

The Bill touching Frizes called Pagaments, was read tertia vice, & reject a.

The Bill lastly, touching the reviving of the Act for killing of Rooks and Crows, and the Bill for the Uniformity of Common-Prayer, and Service in the Church, and the Administration of Sacraments, were each of them read the second time.

Three Bills were brought up to the Lords from the House of Commons, of which the first was, For the searching of Woollen-Cloth; The second, whereby the use and practice of Enchantments, Witchcraft and Sorcery is made Felony; And the last, being the Bill to continue the Act made against Rebellious Assemblies, was read the first time.

The Parliament continued till Friday the 28. day of April, at nine of the Clock. And then three Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading, of which the third being the Bill to continue an Act against Rebellious Assemblies, was read the second time.

The Bill for the Uniformity of Common-Prayer, and Service in the Church, and the Administration of Sacraments was read tertia vice & conclusa, dissentientibus Archiepiscopo Eborac. Marchione Winton. Comite Salop. Vicecomite Mountagne, Episcopis Londin. Elien. Wigorn. Landaven. Coven. Exon. Cestren. Carleol. ac Dominis Morley, Stafford, Dudley, Wharton, Rich and North, vide Apr. 29.

Two Bills were brought up to the Lords from the House of Commons, of which the first was the Bill for restoring to the Crown the Ancient Jurisdiction over the State Ecclesiastical and Spiritual, and abolishing all Foreign Power repugnant to the same, with a new Proviso added thereunto by the Commons; which see in principio diei sequentis. And the second of the said Bills was, limiting time for laying on Land Merchandizes from beyond the Seas, and touching Customs for sweet Wines.

The Parliament continued till Saturday the 29. day of April at nine of the Clock in the Forenoon; on which day a Proviso annexed by the Commons to the Bill, for restoring to the Crown the Ancient Jurisdiction over the State Ecclesiastical and Spiritual, and abolishing all Foreign Power repugnant to the same, was read tertia vice & conclusa; but it rather seemeth, that this Proviso had at this time three readings, and so passed; and 'tis very probable, that either the Bishops, having had so ill success in opposing this Bill on Wednesday the 26. of this Instant April foregoing, did now forbear to oppose the passing of the new Proviso added unto it, or else that the Clerk was mistaken in the entrance of it; for it seems here, by the Original Journal Book, that this Proviso passed nullo dissentiente.

☞ Nota, That this Proviso here named, to have passed the House this day, was part of that Bill for the Supremacy, to which her Majesty gave her Royal Assent; And is the first Statute Printed inter Statuta an. 1. Regin. Eliz. And it is as true, that there was a former Bill touching the Supremacy, which the two Houses laboured long about, although it seemeth it came afterwards to nothing. And the Bill (to which this foregoing Proviso was annexed) was received in its stead: Yet because the mature deliberation and long debatement of the two Houses therein may appear, it will not be amiss to make some p. 29observation upon it; for the said former Bill having first past the House of Commons (as appears by the Original Journal Book thereof, fol. 193. b.) on Saturday the 25. day, was sent up to the Lords on Monday the 27. day of February foregoing; and had with them its first reading on Tuesday the 28. day of the same Month; And on Monday the 13. day of March, the said Lords having given it a second reading, did, notwithstanding that it had passed the House of Commons, refer it to divers Committees there named; who did, it seems, add divers Provisoes thereunto, containing the substance of a new Bill to be annexed to the old Bill, and which with it made but one Act or Statute, and had its first reading on Wednesday the 15. day, and its second reading on Thursday the 16. day of the same Month, and on Saturday the 18. day thereof. Also both the old Bill sent up from the House of Commons, and the Provisoes and Amendments annexed unto it, in nature of a new Bill, were tertia vice lect. and passed the Lords, notwithstanding the malitious opposition of divers Popish Bishops, although this Bill did, upon the matter, declare no more than the Antient Kings of this Realm had always aimed at; which said new Provisoes and Amendments, being in the nature of a new Bill, were the same day sent down to the House of Commons, with their old Bill; where the said Provisoes and Alterations, added by the Lords, had their first reading on Monday the 20. day, their second on Tuesday the 21. day, and their third on Wednesday the 22. day of the aforesaid March preceding; and the said old Bill, touching the Supremacy, with those new provisions and alterations annexed to it, and now passed also by the House of Commons, were the same Forenoon returned up again unto their Lordships, with a new Proviso added by the said Commons thereunto; which said new Proviso was then read also, prima, secunda, & tertia vice, and passed in the Upper House.

But whether the many new Additions and Alterations in this foregoing Bill, had made some confusion in it, or that the House of Commons disliked that their Bill formerly passed with them, had received so much reformation in the Upper House, or for what other cause I know not; most certain it is, that they had no desire the said former Bill should be made a perpetual Law by her Majesties Royal Assent; and thereupon, they framed a new Bill to the like purpose, (in which I suppose they included also the substance of all the Additions, Provisoes, and Amendments, which the Lords had annexed to their former Bill) which had its first reading in the House of Commons, (as appears by the Original Journal Book of the same House fol. 207. a.) on Monday the 19. day of this Instant April, being thus intituled (much differing from the title thereof here annexed, or after added, before the Printed Statute,) viz. The Bill to avoid the usurped power claimed by any Foreign Potentate in this Realm, and for the Oath to be taken by spiritual and temporal Officers. After which, it had its second reading on Wednesday the 12. day, and its third reading on Thursday the 13. day of the same Month, where also it is entred with this new title, viz. The Bill for restoring the spiritual Jurisdiction to the Imperial Crown of the Realm, and abolishing Foreign Power: And in the inner Margent of the said Journal Book, fol. 203. a. over against the beginning of the said title, is written Judicium Assent. which sheweth, that upon the said third reading, it passed the House; after which, on the next day following, being Friday, it was, with three other Bills, sent up to the Lords; And on Saturday the 15. day of the said April, it was read prima vice in the Upper House. And on Monday the 17. day thereof next ensuing, it was read there secunda vice, and thereupon committed to divers Peers, (as the former Bill in this great and important cause had been before referr'd to Committees on Monday the 13^th day of March preceding) although it had been sent up from the Commons, and had passed their House in such manner and form as the present Bill had been passed by them. And as to that said former Bill, so to this also, (as it is easie to be gathered) did the Lords Committees make some addition, although but of one new Proviso, which was read prima & secunda vice, on Tuesday the 25^th day of this Instant April; after which, both the Bill it self, and that new Proviso, had their third reading, and passed the Upper House on Wednesday the 26^th day of the same Month; and the said Bill, with the said new Proviso, written in Parchment, were at the same time sent down to the House of Commons by Serjeant Weston, and the Queens Attorney, where the said new Proviso, added by the Lords, was passed, and the Bill returned again from them unto their Lordships on Friday the 28^th day of this Instant April, with another new Proviso added by them, although, through the great negligence of ..... Scymour Esq, now Clerk of the same House, there be no mention at all of the sending down of the said Proviso, passing it, or adding of the new Proviso, but only of the returning the same to the Lords Apr. 27. in the Original Journal Book of the same House. To … new Proviso also, it should seem, the … gave three readings this present day, and so passed it. And it is probable, that it happened only through the error of Francis Spilman Esq, Clerk of the Upper House, that the said Proviso is set down to have been read only tertia vice, this Instant Saturday, the 29^th day of April.

The Bill also limiting the times for laying on Land Merchandizes from beyond the Sea, and touching the Custom of Sweet Wines, and the Bill for the continuance of certain Statutes, were each of them read prima vice.

The Bill touching Hexham and Hexhamshire in the County of Northumberland; and the Bill, whereby the use or practice of Inchantments, p. 30Witchcrafts and Sorceries is made Felony, were each of them read secunda vice.

Three Bills were brought up to the Lords from the House of Commons, of which the first Bill set down in the Original Journal Book to have been brought up as aforesaid, is thus intituled, viz. An Act for Uniformity of Common-Prayer and Service in the Church, and the Administration of the Sacraments, conclus. which doubtless was so entred, through the negligence of Francis Spilman Esq at this time Clerk of the Upper House. For it is plain, that no such Bill was remaining at this time in the House of Commons, and that only two other Bills, the one to annex to the Crown certain Religious Houses, &c. and the other touching the Garbling of Feathers, &c. were sent up by Mr. Vicechamberlain, as is there set down, fol. 213. a. which two Bills are also set down in the Original Journal Book of the Upper House.

For this Bill touching the Unity of Service in the Church, &c. was passed in the House of Commons upon the third reading, on Thursday the 20^th of this Instant April foregoing, as appears by the Original Journal Book of the same, fol. 210. a. and was from thence sent up to the Lords on Tuesday the 25^th day, and was read prima vice on Wednesday the 26^th, and secunda vice on Thursday the 27^th of this foresaid April preceding, and lastly it had its third reading, and passed the House on Friday the 28^th day of the same Month, although it were opposed by the Archbishop of York, the Marquess of Winchester, the Earl of Shrewsbury, Viscount Mountague, the Bishop of London, the Bishop of Ely, the Bishop of Worcester, the Bishop of Landaff, the Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield, the Bishop of Exeter, the Bishop of Chester, the Bishop of Carlile; the Lord Morley, the Lord Stafford, the Lord Dudly, the Lord Wharton, the Lord Rich, and the Lord North.

In which may there still be observed the obstinacy and boldness of the Popish Bishops, who opposed all things that tended but to the least reformation of Idolatry and Superstition, or abolishing the usurped authority of the Bishop of Rome (it seemeth that the Abbot of Westminster was now absent, because his negative voice, which was never wanting, is not here mentioned.) Of the temporal Lords, the most setled to Popery seem to have been the Viscount Mountague and Earl of Shrewsbury; but as for the Marquess of Winchester, and these other six Barons, they are seldom mentioned to have opposed, either the Act for restoring the Supremacy, or any other touching Ecclesiastical matters, except this only, concerning the Book of Common-Prayer; the reformation of which, being so little differing from the old form (as that it hath given, and yet doth give occasion of offence and stumbling to many weak ones amongst us) it is the more to be marvelled at, that so many should oppose it: and the rather also, because most of the Papists of England did come to our Church, and heard Divine Service ordinarily, till the eleventh Year of the Queen, when the Bull of Pope Pius Quintus enforced not only their wilful and obstinate separation, but drew on and necessitated many of those Laws which were afterwards made against them, an. 13. an. 23. & an. 27 Reg. Eliz.

The Bill lastly, to continue the Act last made against Rebellious Assemblies, was read tertia vice & conclusa, and delivered to M^r Vaughan, and the Clerk of the Crown, to be carried to the House of Commons.

The Parliament continued until Monday, the first of May at nine of the Clock in the Forenoon. Then the Bill for the preservation of Spawn and Fry of Fish, The Bill limiting the times of laying on Land Merchandizes from beyond the Seas, and touching Custom for Sweet Wines, And the Bill for the continuation of certain Statutes, were each of them read the second time.

The Bill lastly to make good Leases, Grants of Offices, and Copyhold Lands, made by Nicholas Ridley, late Bishop of London, was read tertia vice, & rejecta.

Then the Parliament continued till two of the Clock in the Afternoon of the same day, about which hour, the Lord Keeper, with divers other Lords Assembling, one Bill of no great moment was read primavice, which was, for the Garbling of Feathers and Flocks to be sold in Beds and Cushions.

Then the Parliament continued till next day at nine of the Clock in the Forenoon, at which time the Bill for Garbling of Feathers was read the second time.

Two Bills also had each of them their third reading, and passed the House, of which one being the Bill for laying on Land Merchandize from beyond the Seas, and touching Custom for Sweet Wines, was sent down to the House of Commons, by Weston, Serjeant at Law, and the Clerk of the Crown.

The Bill lastly, to annex to the Crown certain Religious Houses, &c. was read prima vice.

Six Bills were brought up to the Lords from the House of Commons, of which the third being the Bill that the Queens Majesty by Commission may examine the Causes of deprivation of spiritual persons, and restore them again, And the fifth for continuing the making of Woollen Cloaths in divers Towns in the County of Essex, were each of them read prima vice; And the sixth and last was, the Bill that Timber shall not be felled to make Coals for burning of Iron.

Then the Parliament continued till Wednesday the 3^d of May at nine of the Clock in the Forenoon, at which time, five Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading, of which the first was the Bill that Timber shall not be felled to make Coals for burning of Iron; The second for continuing the making of Woollen Cloths, in divers Towns in the County of Essex; The third, that the Queens Majesty by Commission p. 31may examine the deprivation of spiritual persons, and restore them again; And the last, being the Bill to annex to the Crown certain Religious Houses, and to reform certain abuses in Chantries, were each of them read secunda vice.

The Parliament continued till Friday May the 5^th at eight of the Clock in the Morning. And then the Bill that Timber shall not be felled to make Coals for the burning of Iron, The Bill for continuing the making of Woollen Cloth in divers Towns in the County of Essex, And the Bill that the Queens Majesty by Commission may examine the Causes of deprivation of. spiritual persons, and restore them again, were each of them read tertia vice & conclusae.

The Bill lastly to annex to the Crown certain Religious Houses, and to reform certain abuses in Chantries, was read tertia vice una cum tribus provisionibus eidem Billae annexis per Dominos, quae prima, secunda & tertia vice lectae erant & conclus. dissentientibus Archiepiscopo Eboracen. Episcopis Londin. Elien. Wigorn. Landaven. Coven. Exon. Cestren. Carleol. Abbate de Westm. ac Vicecomite Mountagne, & commiss. Magistro Weston Servienti ad Legem & Attornato Reginae in Domum Communent deferend.

Two Bills were brought up to the Lords from the House of Commons, of which the first was the Bill for the continuance of certain Statutes, with a Proviso added thereunto by the Commons, to which the Lords would not agree, but sent it down again to be passed by them, leaving out the Proviso. And the second being the Bill for limiting the times for the laying on Land Merchandize from beyond the Seas, and touching Customs for Sweet Wines, was returned conclus.

Then the Parliament continued till the next day at nine of the Clock, at which time the Bill for the preservation of the Spawn and Fry of Fish, was read tertiâ vice, & conclus. communi omnium Procerum assensu, dissentiente Episcopo Elien.; and it was delivered to Sir Richard Read and the Clerk of the Crown in Domum Communem deferend.

The Bill also, that Timber shall not be felled to make Coals for burning of Iron, The Bill for the continuance of certain Statutes, And the Bill to annex to the Crown certain Religious Houses, and to reform certain abuses in Chantries, were returned from the House of Commons conclus.

On Monday the 8^th day of May, the Lord Keeper and divers other Lords, both Spiritual and Temporal, met in the Upper House, but nothing was done, save only the Parliament continued by the Lord Keeper, which is entred in the Original Journal-Book of the same House, in manner and form following.

Dominus Custos magni Sigilli continuavit praesens Parliamentum us que in horam secundam post Meridiem.

About which hour in the Afternoon, the Queens Majesty came in person into the Upper House of Parliament, where were then present to attend her, Sir Nicholas Bacon Knight, Lord Keeper of the Great Seal of England, and divers other Lords both Spiritual and Temporal, who being all set in their Parliament Robes, according to their several Ranks, in their due places, the House of Commons had notice thereof, and repaired thither with Sir Thomas Gargrave Knight their Speaker; whose Speech to her Majesty, and his very coming up, being wholly omitted in the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House, I have partly before supplyed it, according to the usual course, and added also the residue in like manner touching the substance of what he spake, being also partly furthered in the setting down of it out of the Answer of Sir Nicholas Bacon Knight, Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, unto him, whose said Answer I have also caused to be inserted at large, out of a Copy thereof I had by me.

Sir Thomas Gargrave Knight, (before mentioned) with as many of the Knights, Citizens, and Burgesses of the House of Commons as conveniently could, being let into the Upper House, and he placed at the Rail, or Bar, at the nether end of the same, made a Learned Speech to her Majesty (which is termed, in the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons, fol. 214. b. A Learned Oration) the effect whereof may very probably be gathered to have been as followeth, viz.

He declared unto the Queens Majesty, and that present Assembly, with what care and speed the House of Commons had this present Parliament enacted and passed many good Laws, which remaining yet as a dead Letter and without force, he did humbly desire that her Majesty would be pleased, by adding her Royal Assent unto them, to make them living and active Laws. Then he desir'd in the name of the House, that her Majesty would be pleased to accept of the good endeavours and desires of the said House of Commons expressed this Parliament in all their proceedings, and more especially, that her Majesty would be pleased to take in good part the free gift of her said Subjects, who in token of their Love and Zeal to her Majesty, did with one assent offer unto her, not only the Subsidy of Tonnage and Poundage, but likewise one Subsidy, and two Fifteens and Tenths, as an undoubted effect and Testimony of their Duty and thankfulness towards her Majesty, for those many blessings and benefits which had accrued to the Church and State by her Highnesses most lawful and just Succession.

Lastly, He concluded with an humble desire that her Majesty would be pleased to accept of his hearty and zealous thanks, in allowing and admitting him, though unworthy, to that place of trust and importance; and to pardon all those weaknesses and imperfections, which he had unwillingly or casually discovered in the Execution of it.

To which said Speech of the Prolocutors, Sir p. 32Nicholis Bacon, Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, having first repaired to the Queen, to her Chair of Estate, to know her Majesties pleasure, as in her name and by her Command returned him this wise and large Answer.

M^r Speaker, The Queens Majesty hath heard how discreetly and wisely you have declar'd the proceedings of this Session in the House of Commons, for Answer whereunto, and for the better signification to be made to my Lords of the Upper House, of the Judgment of the Parliament men, and these Parliament matters, her Majesties pleasure and Commandment is, that I should open and utter unto you three things; The one is, what her Highness understandeth, by your doings this Parliament, of your wisdom and diligence. The second, what of your liberality and benevolence; and therewith, how comfortable the former is, and how thankful the second. The third, what her Highness would you should do for the good Execution of the Laws devised by you, and of the rest heretofore devised by others. And here, my Lords and Masters all, albeit in labouring to bear this burthen I am much more like to fall, than but to faint under it, because neither am I able to perform it as the Queens Majesty hath commanded it, nor as your deserts justly crave it, nor as my will wisheth, and desireth it. Nevertheless my trust is, that you will pardon my weakness and want, so as no note of arrogancy or folly be ascribed to me for it; seeing as you know by duty driven I do it. I had rather, and I know it much better for me to be silent, and so to have no need of your pardon, than by Speech to all your pains in hearing, and to mine also in speaking, to deserve to pray it; if mine Office would suffer.

But now to the matter, For the first part wherein her Majesty considereth, how in the debating of the great and weighty Causes of this Parliament, we have banished all suddain, rash, and swift proceedings (dangerous Enemies to all good Counsel) and in place thereof have taken such convenient leisure, as the weightiness of the matters of their better consideration hath requir'd. And again, what freedom of Speech hath been used and permitted, for the plain Declaration of every mans knowledge and Conscience; yea, and how men in some Cases and some places, have been rather by gentle perswasions provoked, than by any sharp manner of Speech, by men of Council, disswaded therefrom; and therewith also, how learnedly and cunningly, the disputable matters, being of moment, have been agreed and reasoned; how gravely and deeply weighed and considered; how advisedly and considerately resolved and concluded; and lastly, with what nigh and universal consent, they have been by you enacted and established. Besides also, remembring your great Studies, and endeavours, and diligences, for the opening and declaring what may be said Pro & contra, in all causes of doubts, to the end (as it seemeth to her Highness) that when all was said, and heard on both parts, that by any of your could be inferr'd, or produc'd, That that which should thereupon for all respects appear to stand most with the Honour and Glory of God, and the common Wealth of the Realm, might be the better and more safely agreed upon and determined; When her Majesty, I say, remembreth and considereth these things, she saith, she cannot but much commend, and allow your wisdom and diligence therein, greatly to her comfort and consolation, and much to all your praises and commendations. For now her Majesty verily trusteth, that like as no manner of determination in Parliament, neither can nor ought by any private Man, to be infringed or undone; so these determinations of yours, in this form begun, proceeded and concluded, cannot hereafter justly, no not by words, be impugned or gainsaid; for seeing all men have thus at leisure, and with liberty upon the making of these Laws frankly declared their opinions and knowledges likewise, as learned men; so the Laws being made and past, her Majesty doubteth nothing but that they will, like good, humble, and obedient Subjects, willingly, and humbly submit themselves to the Law as to Life. And the rather also, because that no Man in the obeying of Laws made at this Sessions, being of the greatest moment, should thereby be forced any otherways to do, than either himself hath by Law already done, or else others have before this time done, whom both for wisdom, vertue, and learning, it shall not be unseeming to any man here (be it spoken without offence) to follow and take Example of: And thus much for the first part.

For the second part, which concerneth your liberality and benevolence, her Majesty hath commanded me to say unto you, that your wise and grave Consideration, had and used in the granting of a present aid and relief, towards the relieving and discharging of the present charge wherewith the Realm, at the time of her coming to the Crown, was and yet is charged, is by her Highness taken in thankful part, and so is the restitution of the continual Revenue, as some Supplement towards the maintenance of the continual charge of late time grown to the Crown, as you have heard, and of necessity to be continued, as well for the surety of you all, as for the Confirmation of the whole Estate. And here, my Lords and Masters all, I take it to be my duty, to do you to understand, of certain noble and princely observations, and considerations had by her Highness of these your doings, much surely to all your Comforts; whereof one is, in that she forgetteth not that these grants be made, not by Subjects that have been a long time free from all manner of Taxes, Loans and Subsidies, and so well able to bear this burthen; but by Subjects, (much to her grief when she thinketh of it,) that have been well nigh continually charged with these things, to the universal impoverishing of the whole Realm, and no wayes to the strengthning, amending or honouring of the same; but p. 33rather to the weakning, decaying, and dishonouring of the same; whereby it is evident, yea too evident (if it pleased God otherwise) that these supplies are to be born, not of your superfluities, but rather of your necessities; Marry of necessity also to withstand a greater necessity, which otherwise might touch you and yours in surety.

The second Observation is, your readiness and willingness in granting, whereof her Majesty maketh a very great account, perceiving thereby, that neither warm words, nor yet earnest nor long perswasions used amongst you, have drawn you to this, but that the same hath rather been by you willingly, readily, and frankly offered, than by any of the means above remembred; and that these your grants have altogether proceeded from the benevolent minds, and hearty affections, that you bear to your Soveraign Lady and Country: which benevolence and affection her Majesty accepteth, and taketh for the greatest benefit, and most precious Jewel, that a Subject can present to his Soveraign; and, to be short in this matter, if Bis dat qui citò dat be a true saying, you deserve great Commendation for your small staying hereunto. Also her Highness addeth a third, that is, a generality and consent of their Grant, knowing with what difficulty and diversity of Opinions in some times past, these things have been brought to pass. It is a certain and infallible ground, that every good thing, the greater it is, the better it is. Now this unanimity in consenting, being (as undoubtedly it is) a good thing, hath not her Majesty (trow you) good cause to rejoice in the universality thereof? yes surely, and thanks you therefore accordingly. To make an end of this part, her Highness hath specially commanded me to say unto you, that when she calleth to remembrance what you have granted, who hath granted, and the form of granting; she finds her self earnestly disposed, if your Sureties and the State would so suffer, as freely to remit these Grants, as you did gladly grant them. And where in times past, long and vehement Orations and perswasions have been in these Cases used, to such as occupied your places, for the great diligence, and careful circumspection to be had for the true levying of that which hath been granted, for that the common numbers respect altogether themselves as private men, and not themselves as members of the whole body, whereby against all reason and right, the Realm hath been often defrauded of the greatest part of the benevolence granted: This notwithstanding, her Highness hath willed me herein to use few words, and only for t his respect, lest else those which have shewed such liberality and benevolence in granting, might seem to be suspected by her, either of fidelity or diligence in levying; whereof she thinketh her self assured, and thereupon reposing her trust, she doubteth nothing, but by your good service, these things shall be as truly answered as they have been freely granted; and that this faithful trust, thus reposed by her Highness in your true service, shall serve her to better purpose, than any words that could be spoken by me on her Majesties behalf. And besides, she thinketh, (which is much to be noted surely,) that it were better to adventure the loss of a great part of that she taketh her self assured of, than your benevolent minds, I mean, by speaking one word too much.

Now to the third and last, which containeth the Queen's Majesties pleasure for the well Executing of Laws. Here, my Lords and Masters all, remembring your Wisdoms and Fidelities, albeit that it be not much needful to put you in mind, to how small purpose good Laws serve, being not daily and diligently executed; yet, because the ancient Order hath been, that somewhat at this time should be said for your remembrance in these matters; therefore it is thought meet, that I should trouble you with a few words. I am sure you all judge, if a man would be very diligent to provide Torches to guide him in his going by night, and yet would be negligent in lighting any of them when he goeth in the dark, he should show a notable piece of folly, much like to a man that seeketh to cleanse his Garden and grounds from Weeds and Briers, he carefully provideth many sharp Tools and Instruments for that purpose, and when he hath so done, layeth them fair up in a House without occupying of them; and is it not great fondness (trow you,) for men to use their endeavours to make good Laws, to govern mens doings, and to weed out those that be evil in the Common-Wealth, and thereupon to bind them fair in Books, and to lay them up without seeing to the Execution of those Laws? Yes, surely. Wherefore ye see, that as there hath been used by you great wisdom and discretion, in devising of some, so it is very necessary that like diligence and pains be taken by you and others, to see the good Execution of all; the effect of which charge consisteth principally in three points; The first is, Conservation of the Queens Peace. The second, in Administration of Justice between Subject and Subject. And the Third, in the observation of one uniform Order in Religion, according to the Laws now Established.

For the first, ye are to foresee all manner of Frays, Forces, Riots and Routs, and the discovering and repealing in time of all manner of Conspiracies, Confederacies and Conventicles; and in this part also you are to provide for the swift and speedy appeasing of all manner of Tumults, stirs and uproars, (if any happen) and for the diligent searching out, and severe punishment of all manner of Felonies, Burglaries, and all other like Enormities; Matters (as you know) against the Queen's Majesties Peace, Crown and Dignity; for the well doing whereof, two things are chiefly to be eschewed; The one is, sloathfulness, the other is uncarefulness: for how can Justice banish these Enormities, where her Ministers be so sloathful, that they will p. 34never creep out of their Doors to any Courts, Sessions, or Assizes, for the due Administration thereof, except they be drawn thereunto with some matters of their own; nor cannot endure to have their Ears troubled with the hearing of Controversies of their Neighbours, for the good appeasing of the same; or how can the uncareful man, that maketh no account of any of the common causes of his Country, but respecteth only his private matters and Commodities, become a just and diligent searcher out, follower and Corrector of Felonies, Murders, and such like common Enemies to the Common-Wealth? And yet true it is, that such careless and sloathful men do daily colour and cloak these their faults with the title of Quietness; Coveting to be counted good and quiet men, where indeed they seek only ease, profit, and pleasure to themselves, and that to be sustained and born by other mens cares and labours, as Drones do amongst Bees; But if every man should do so, who seeth not but things would shortly come to ruine in default of Order? for they may easily judge, that it is madness to seek the conservation of any particular Member, and to suffer the whole body to decay; but being well served by some mens opinions, as they care for none, so should none care for them; or else that better were in mine opinion, they should be used by men, as Drones be used by Bees. And thus much for the first part.

For the second, you are to provide, that all Embracers, Maintainers and Champerties, which be utter Enemies to the due Execution of Justice between Subject and Subject, be neither committed by any of you, nor (as near as you can) be suffered to be committed by any other. A very behoveful matter to be both carefully and earnestly looked unto, as the root and seed of all Justice, and especially if any of these faults light upon any person that hath Authority or Rule in the Country, or hath any office of Justice to execute among the people. Is it not (trow you) a monstrous disguising to have a Justicer a maintainer, to have him that should by his Oath and Duty set forth Justice and right, against his Oath and Duty to offer injury and wrong; to have him that is specially chosen amongst a number by the Prince, to appease all Brablings and Controversies, to be a sower and maintainer of strife and Sedition, amongst them seeking his reputation and opinion, by leading and swaying of Juries according to his Will, acquitting some for Gain, Enditing others for Malice; bearing with him as his Servant, over-throwing the other as his Enemy; procuring all Questmongers to be of his Livery, or otherwise in his danger, that his winks, frowning and countenance may direct all Inquests. Surely, surely, it is true, that these be they, that be subverters and perverters of all Laws and Orders; yea, that make daily the Laws, that of their own nature be good, to become Instruments of mischief. These indeed be they, of whom such Examples would be made, and the founders and maintainers of all enormities; and these be those, whom if you cannot reform for their greatness, yet ought you to complain of their villanies; and thus much for the due Administration of Justice.

And as to the third, which is the Observation of the uniform Order in Religion; you are to endeavour your selves, to the best of your powers and understandings, drawing together in one line all points, to further, set forth and maintain the same, which by great and deliberate advice here in Parliament hath been established. And here great Observations and watch should be had of the withdrawers and hinderers thereof; and especially of those, that subtilly, by indirect means, seek to procure the contrary. Amongst these I mean to comprehend, as well those that be too swift, as those that be too slow; those I say, that go before the Laws, or beyond the Laws, as those that will not follow; for good Government cannot be where Obedience faileth, and both these alike break the Rule of Obedience; And these be those, who in likelyhood should be beginners, and maintainers, and upholders of all Factions and Sects, the very Mothers and Nurses to all Seditions and Tumults, which necessarily bring forth destruction and depopulation; of these therefore great heed would be taken, and upon these being found, sharp and severe Correction (according to the Order of Laws) should be imposed; and that in the beginning, without respect of persons, as upon the greatest adversaries that can be to Unity and Concord, without which no Common-Wealth can long endure and stand; whereupon (you know) all our standing and falling wholly consisteth, and the surety of our Sovereign. Also a matter most marvellous, that Laws whereby men possess all that they have, and their lives also, should not be able to direct mens actions so, as thereby all Factions and Sects, founded for the most part either upon Will, or upon the Glory of mens Wits and Inventions, should not sufficiently be repressed.

Now, for the handsome bridling of the factions of men, I see not that a better way can be taken, than is used by the Horse-Master, who provideth for the good Government of his Horse, Bit, or Brakes, according to the tenderness or hardness of his Mouth, whereunto he addeth a certain and well-taught hand. And like as it is very well to be allowed, that none other Bit or Brake should be provided for these Factious Folks, than by the Laws be forced; so were it meet that any of that kind, be it never so sharp, should not be omitted, if the cause so requireth; and this would be executed by a certain and well-taught hand; for it cannot be, but the winking or withdrawing from medling in this matter, or the remiss or loose handling thereof, must of necessity over-throw in time the whole fruits of all your Labours, and put your selves, your Country, and the Queens Majesty also, in peril, (whom O Lord preserve!) which being p. 35warned, you may easily foresee and provide for. And this is all that at this time I have to say. And therefore, here to make an end, her Majesty is contented, according to your Petition, to grant her Royal Assent to such Ordinances and Laws, as have been devised and agreed upon by you, in such order and form, as by the Clerk of the Parliament, according to the antient Order, shall be read and declared. I have said.

After the Lord Keepers Speech was ended, the Queen's Majesty did doubtless give her Royal Assent to such Acts as passed at this Session; but neither the foresaid Speech, nor the passing of the said Acts, are at all mentioned in the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House, and therefore, as the said Speech was transcribed out of a Copy thereof I had by me, so is the manner of her Majesties giving her Royal Assent to such Acts as now passed, supplied here, according to a pattern or Platform thereof set down in the Original Journal-Book of the same House, in an. 39 Regin. Eliz. which may very well serve in this place, in respect that matters of form and course do seldom or never differ.

The Clerk of the Crown standing up, did first read the Titles of all the publick Acts, to every one of which, allowed by the Queen, the Clerk of the Upper House read these French words following, viz.

La Roigne le veult, i. e. The Queen wills it.

Then were read the Titles of all the private Acts, to each of which that passed, the said Clerk of the Upper House read the Queens Answer in these French words following, viz.

Soit faite come il est desire, i. e. Be it done as it is desired.

These two last Answers to the publick and private Acts that pass, are to be written by the said Clerk, at the end of every Act.

To such Acts as her Majesty did forbear to allow, the Clerk of the Upper House read in these French words following, viz.

La Roigne s'advisera, i. e. The Queen will advise upon it.

Then in the third place, after the Titles of all the publick and private Acts were read, and the Answers to them as aforesaid, then the said Clerk of the Crown standing up, did read the title of the Bill of Subsidy, and then the Clerk of the Upper House standing up likewise, did read the Queens Majesties Answer in manner and form following, viz.

La Roigne remercye ses loyaulx subjects, accept leur benevolence, & aussi le veult, i. e. The Queen thanks her loyal Subjects, accepts their benevolence, and also wills it.

The said Clerk having read the Queens acceptance, and thanks for the Subsidy given, as aforesaid, did then upon the reading of the Title of her Majesties Pardon, by the Clerk of the Crown as aforesaid, pronounce in these words following, the Thanks of the Lords and Commons for the same.

Les Prelats, Seigneurs, & Communes, en ce present Parliament assembles, an nom de touts vous autres subjects, remercient tres humblement vostre Majestie, & prient à Dieu, vous donner en santè bonne vie & longue, i. e. The Prelates, Lords and Commons in this present Parliament Assembled, in the name of all your other Subjects, most humbly thank your Majesty, and pray to God to give you, in health, a long and happy Life.

The manner of her Majesties Royal Assent being thus transcribed, according to the Pattern of the said President, in the end of the Original Journal-Book, an. 39 Regin. Eliz. now followeth the Dissolution of this present Parliament, by Sir Nicholas Bacon Knight, Lord Keeper, upon her Majesties Commandment, which is entred in the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House in manner and form following.

Nicolaus Bacon miles, Dominus Custos magni Sigilli ex Mandato Dominae Reginae tune praesent is praesens hoc Parliamentum dissolvit.

The Acts being thus passed, her Majesty retir'd, and put off her Parliament Robes, and so returned to her Court at Whitehall.

☞ Nota: That Francis Spilman Esq at this time Clerk of the Upper House, did after the Parliament ended, transcribe out all such Acts as passed, and certified them into the Rolls, and did, at the end of every publick Act, transcribe the French words ensuing:

La Roigne le veult. Being the same words which the Clerk of the Upper House doth usually, and now did pronounce, in the same House upon her Majesties allowance of each publick Act, as aforesaid.

But as for the private Acts, there was some more and greater Ceremony observed in the transcribing and Certifying of them into the Rolls, by the said Clerk of the Upper House, which (although it be omitted in the end of the Original Journal-Book of this present Parliament, an. 1 Regin. Eliz. yet) I have caused to be supplied, according to the form of a draught thereof set down in the end of the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House, an. 39 Reginae ejusdem, which may very well serve to be supplyed, and added unto the end of this present Journal; in respect that matters of form do seldome or never differ, in which I have only caused the direct times and persons to be sitted to this said foregoing Journal. At the head therefore of every such private Act, so certified into the Rolls as aforesaid, was doubtless written in Latin as followeth.

In Parliamento inchoat. & tent. apud Westm. die Jan. An. Regni serenissimae at que excellentissimae Dominae nostrae Elizabethae, Dei grat. Angl-Franc. & Hib. Regin. fidei defensor. &c. Primo, & ibidem continuat. us que ad & in Octavam diem Maii tunc prox. sequent. communi omnium Dominorum tam spiritualium quam temporalium & communitatis consensu & Regiae Majestatis tunc praesentis assensu, inter alia sancitum, inactitatum, ordinat. p. 36& stabilitum suit sequens hoc statutum ad verbum ut sequitur, viz.

And at the foot, or end of every such private Act, were these ensuing words in Latin likewise added, as the said foregoing president doth very certainly infer.

Ego Franciscus Spilman (who was Clerk of the Upper House in the first Year of Queen Elizabeth) Armiger, Clericus Parliamenti, virtute brevis supradict. dominae nostrae Reginae de Certiorand. ntihi direct. & hiis annex. certifico superius hoc scriptum verum esse tenorem Actûs Parliamenti supradicti in eo breve express. In cujus rei Testimonium Sigillum nomen que meum apposui at que subscripsi. Dat. die Anno Regni supradict. dominae nostrae Reginae, &c.

p. 37THE JOURNAL OF THE House of COMMONS.

A Journal of the Proceedings of the House of Commons in the Parliament holden at Westminster, An. 1 Regin. Eliz. An. Dom. 1558. beginning there after one Prorogation of the same, on Wednesday the 25^th day of January, and then and there continued until the Dissolution thereof, on Monday the 8^th day of May An. Dom. 1559.

THIS Journal of the first Parliament of her Majesty. is not only stored with many good passages touching the ordinary reading, committing and expediting of Bills, but also with much extraordinary matter concerning the private priviledge of the House, and publick state of the Church, and Common-Wealth; which in this great Council of the Kingdom received much alteration and change, to the yet lasting honour and welfare of them both. In which also (as in the preceeding Journal of the Upper House) I have enlarged and supplied many things in matter of form, which are not found in the Original Journal-Book of the same House, touching the Writ of Summons, the preferring, reading, and passing of Bills, with the committing and sending of them up to the Lords, and such like. Neither doth there want much enlargement out of Record, or otherwise, concerning the Election, Presentments, and Petitions of the Speaker, with all other things that are materially worthy of any Animadversion, or Annotation; which matters of Form or Explanation, I did the rather cause to be inserted in this first Journal of the Parliament, during her Majesties Reign, that so I might the better omit it in the following Journal, and have ready recourse hither unto it, being all fram'd into one structure or body in this present Journal, prout sequitur.

Sir Nicholas Bacon Knight, Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, having received her Majesties Warrant for the making and Issuing forth of the Writs of Summons, did speedily cause them to be directed to such Peers and others, as were to attend in the Upper House, and to the several Sheriffs of England, for the Election and Chusing of the Knights, Citizens, Burgesses and Barons, that were to be present in the House of Commons. And although, neither any thing of this which hath preceeded, nor any Copy of the Writ sent to each Sheriff, be at all inserted into the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons; yet as I have supplied that matter, which preceedeth, according to the form therof, which was at this time used, and hath been since continued, so I have thought it not amiss, once for all, to add here also the Copy of the Writ at this time sent forth, which hath since received no alteration, and was as followeth.

Elizabetha Dei gratiâ Angl. Franc. & Hib. Regina fidei defensor, Ambrosio Jermyn Militi, Vicecomiti Norff. & Suff. salutem; Quia de avisamento & assensu Concilii nostri pro quibusdam arduis & urgentibus negotiis Nos, statum & defensionem regni nostri Angl. & Ecclesiae Anglicanae concernen. quoddam Parliamentum nostrum apud Civitatem nostram Westm. Vicesimo tertio die Januarii prox. futur. teneri ordinavimus, & ibidem cum Praelatis, Magnatibus, & Proceribus dicti Regni nostri Colloquium habere & tract. Tibi praecipimus firmiter injungentes quod fact â Proclamat. in prox. Comitat. tuo post receptionem hujus brevis nostri tenend. die & loco praedict. duos Milites gladiis cinct. magis idoneos & discretos Comit. praedict. & de qualibet Civitate Com. illius duos Cives, & de quolibet Burgo duos Burgenses de discretior. & magis sufficientibus libere & indifferenter per illos qui Proclam. hujusmodi interfuer. juxta formam statutarum inde edit. & provis. legi, nomina corundum Milit. Civium, & Burgensium sic electorum in quibusdam p. 38indentur. inter te & illos qui hujusmodi electioni interfuer. inde conficiend. sive hujusmodi elect. praesentes fuerint vel absentes, inseri, eos que ad dict. diem & locum venire fac. ita quod iidem Milites plenam, & sufficientem potestatem pro se & Communitate Comit. praedicti, ac dict. Cives & Burgenses, pro se & Communitat. Civitatum & Burgorum praedictorum divisim ab ipsis habeant, ad faciendum & consentiendum his quae tunc ibidem de Communi Concilio dicti regni nostri (favente Deo) contigerint ordinari super Negotiis antedictis, it a quod pro defectu potestatis hujusmodi seu propter improvidam electionem Milit. Civium, aut Burgensium praedictorum, dicta Negotia infecta non remaneant quovismodo. Nolumus autem quod tu nec aliquis alius Vic. dicti regni nostri aliqualiter sit electus, Et Electionem illam in pleno Comitatu factam, distincte & aperte sub sigillo tuo & sigillis corum qui electioni illi interfuerint, Nobis in Cancellar. nostram ad dict. diem & locum certifices indilate, remittens nobis alteram partem Indenturarum praedictarum praesentibus consut una cum hoc breve. Teste meipsa apud Westmonasterium, Quinto die Decembris, Anno Regni nostri Primo.

Nota, That this is not the direct Copy of any Writ, that I saw sent at this very time, but only applied to this time, according to the usual form of a like Writ, which also doth serve to discover all the Writs sent to the several Sheriffs of England, differing only from this in the name of the Sheriff and County.

And in the said Writ foregoing it is to be noted, that the words Supremum Caput Ecclesiae Anglicanae, were wanting, which had been omitted also in the foregoing Parliament of her Sister Mary, which notwithstanding it was afterwards agreed in the House, on Friday the third day of Feb. following, that the Writs of Summons were well sent forth and returned, and that the Parliament ought to hold accordingly.

In the Antient Writ also of Summons the cause of the Assembling of the Parliament was expressed, which at this day is not. Neither was there then any such clause in the Writ, as in this foregoing doth appear; viz. Nolumus autem, quod tu nec aliquis alius Vicecomes dicti regni nostri aliqualiter sit Electus: By reason of which words, some have conceived that the Sheriff of any County ought not to be Elected, or admitted a Member of the House of Commons.

But to this it may first be truly answered, that these words were primarily inserted into the said Writ, by virtue of an Ordinance only made to that end upon some special Occasion in the Parliament held in an. 46 Regis Ed. 3. as appears in the Parliament Roll of that Year, numero 13. remaining with divers others in the Tower of London; By which said Ordinance also Lawyers were as well excluded as Sheriffs.

Secondly, the constant practice in most times since doth sufficiently prove, of how little validity the said Ordinance of Parliament was conceived to have been, for the debarring of the said Sheriffs from being Members of the House of Commons. For the proof whereof I have only vouched such as fell out during her Majesties Reign, viz. in an. 27 Regin. Eliz. Decemb. 21. Tuesday, Ed. Leigh Esq being returned and admitted into the House of Commons, as one of the Knights for the County of Stafford, was afterwards Elected to be Sheriff of the same Shire. In like manner Feb. the 23. Tuesday, Sir Edward Dimock Knight, was both Sheriff of the County of Lincoln, and a Member of the House of Commons, as appears in the Journal ensuing, in an. eodem 27 Regin. Eliz. So also in the Parliament, de an. 31 Regin. Eliz. Feb. 21. Friday, M^r Saint Pole served as one of the Knights for the County of Lincoln, being also Sheriff of the same Shire. And lastly in the Parliament, de an. 43 & 44 Regin. Eliz. Decemb. 2. Wednesday, Peter Frechevile Esq was returned one of the Knights for the County of Darby, being afterwards appointed Sheriff of the same County, as was also Robert Lhuyde Esq constituted Sheriff of the County of Merioneth in Wales, having been formerly returned Knight for the said Shire, as appeareth in the Journal of the same Parliament, on Tuesday the 8^th of Decemb. In and by all which Presidents it doth appear, and may probably be gathered, that neither her Majesty, nor the House of Commons did conceive these two places to be incompetible, but that they might well stand and be in one and the same man, at one and the same time. For her Majesty did first make these foregoing persons Sheriffs of the several Counties aforesaid, not only after they were chosen, but returned also Members of the House of Commons, by which it is very plain she could not be ignorant of it; and therefore her self, and the said House, did both allow of their being made Sheriffs, as a thing well agreeing with the Priviledge of their former places, and the service of that House, and did not therefore give them a final discharge, but only Liberty of recess about their necessary affairs, into the several Counties before-mentioned, as in the Case of Sickness, or some other temporary cause of their absenting themselves from the House, which being expedited, they might return again to that service; for doubtless if the said House had conceived that they had been disabled from their serving there by their new Offices, it would have been ordered, that a Warrant should have been sent to the Clerk of the Crown, to have sent down a new Writ into the foresaid Counties, for a new Election to have been made; as in the Case of double Returns, Death, or the like, is used. And whereas in the Parliament de an. 43 & 44 Regin. Eliz. on Wednesday the 4^th day of November, Sir Andrew Nowell being both Sheriff and Knight for the County of Rutland, was wholly discharged, and a Writ sent out, de novo, for a new Election; That Case differed from all the foregoing Presidents, and might well upon another reason, be ordered by the House; For the said Sir Andrew, being Sheriff of the foresaid County of Rutland, was afterwards p. 39Elected one of the Knights for the same, and so compelled to return himself, which could not be good in Law. But if the said Sir Andrew had been chosen a Knight of some other Shire, during his Sheriffalty, or had been constituted Sheriff by her Majesty of the said County, after he had been Elected and returned a Member of the House of Commons, the Case had doubtless differed, and the House would never have given Order for a new Writ to have been sent forth; which course they observed in the two before-cited Presidents of M^r Frechevile, and Mr Lhuyde in the same Parliament.

Thirdly, if these two places should not be competible, then had it now lain in the Power of her Majesty (or may lie in the power of any Soveraign of this Kingdom) to have disabled as many Members from serving in the House of Commons, as she should or could have constituted Sheriff. She might have disfurnished (or any Soveraign for the time being may disfurnish) the said. House at any time, of all or the greater part of the ablest Members thereof.

Nota also, That those words, viz. Duos Milites Gladiis cinctos, were inserted into the Writ of Summons after the Parliament, an. 13 E. 3. as may be gathered by the Parliament Roll of the same Year.

And whereas some have objected in the foregoing Case, to prove that a Sheriff ought always to be attendant upon the affairs of the County, and cannot therefore be a Member of the House of Commons: the Objection is idle, for till the tenth year of Queen Eliz. the Counties of Nottingham and Derby, and of Warwick and Leicester, had but two several Sheriffs, as were also the Counties of Norfolk and Suffolk, served with one Sheriff until the eighteenth Year of her Majesties Reign, and so are the Counties of Sussex and Surrey, served this present Year 1630.

And antiently also (as is plain by that MS. Catalogue of all the Sheriffs of England, or the most part, since the time of King H. 2. (which is in many mens hands) divers Counties were committed to one man, as in an. 1 H. 2. Richard Bassett, and Awbrey de Vere, were jointly constituted for Sheriffs of the several Counties of Norfolk, Suffolk, Northampton, Essex, Huntington, Cambridge, and Hartford; and Robert Caran joined unto them for the Counties of Bedford and Buckingham. From the Female Coheirs of the foresaid Richard Bassett, being the Ancestor of the House of Weldon in Northamptonshire, are lineally and undoubtedly descended the Families of Chaworth, Stafford, Knyvet, Clinton Earl of Lincoln, the Howards of the House of Suffolk, and Clopton late of Kentwell in the County aforesaid; and from the before-mentioned Awbrey de Vere is lineally descended (as I take it) Robert de Vere the nineteenth Earl of Oxford, now living An. Dom. 1630.

Upon the receit of the before-mentioned Writ and Election made accordingly, the Sheriffs of every Shire made their several Returns, of which the Form being set down in the old Book of Entries, it shall be needless here to insert them. But now, having supply'd these matters of Form, according to the usual Presidents, the next passages follow out of the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons.

On Wednesday the 23^th of Jan. Anno Regni Regin. Eliz. Primo, The Parliament should have begun according to the Writs of Summons, but by the Queens Commission, directed to Sir Nicholas Bacon Knight, Lord Keeper of the Great Seal of England, the Lord Treasurer and others, to Prorogue the same, until Wednesday the 25^th day of the same Month; it was so done accordingly.

On Wednesday the 25^th day of Jan. The Parliament held and began, according to the last Prorogation thereof; but there is no mention made in the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons, where or by whom, the Names of the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses of the said House, were called; that so it might be seen who were present: But most certain it is, that at this day they took no Oath, before the beginning of this present Parliament, because that of Supremacy, which was afterwards taken, was not enjoyned by Statute till this first year of her Majesty. But most likely it is, that Hen. Fitz-Alan, Earl of Arundell, at this time Lord Steward of her Majesties Houshold, did both cause their names to be called in some place near the Upper House, and their Appearance to be Recorded, before her Majesties coming to the Upper House.

The manner of calling the Names of the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses in former times, did much differ from that which is used at this day, as appears by the Parliament Rolls in the Tower: for in an. 7 R. 2. the Knights and Burgesses were called by name, in presence of the King, which shews they staid without till then; And in an. 2 H. 4. & an. 4 H. 4. they were called by name, in the Chancery at Westminster-Hall, before the Chancellor and the Steward of the Kings House. And in an. 13 H. 4. the said Knights and Burgesses were called at the Door of the Painted Chamber, in presence of the Steward of the Kings House, as the manner is. Only one President differs from all the latter, which is found in the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House, de Anno 33 H. 8. where the Duke of Suffolk, Lord Steward, commanded the Clerk of the Parliament, to read the Names of the Commons, unto which every one answered, they being all in the Upper House below the Bar; and then the King came.

But at this day they are called by their names by the Clerk of the Crown, in presence of the Lord Steward, in the Court of Requests: and now since the first Year of Queen Eliz. and from the fifth, the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses of the House of Commons (as hath been before observed) do take the Oath of Supremacy, and since the seventh of King James they take the p. 40Oath of Allegiance also, which the Lord Steward administers to some, and appoints certain of them his Deputies, to give the same unto the rest. 7 Jac. cap. 6.

These passages touching the Antient and Modern calling of the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses of the House of Commons, being not at all touched in the Original Journal-Book of the same House, but supplied from other Authority; now follows the residue of this days passages out of the foresaid Journal-Book, with some Additions.

Upon the already named 25^th day of January, her Majesty came to the Parliament Chamber, commonly called the Upper House, and being there set, and attended by Sir Nicholas Bacon, Lord Keeper, and divers Lords Spiritual and Temporal, in their Parliament Robes, the House of Commons had notice thereof, and repaired thither. And being (as many as conveniently could) let in, and silence made, the Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, after an Excellent Oration by him made, containing the urgent causes for the Calling of this Parliament, declared the Queens pleasure to be, that the Commons should repair to their accustomed place, and there to chuse their Speaker.

Whereupon, the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses departing to their own House, did there take their several places, and most remaining silent, or speaking very submissively, M^r Treasurer of the Queens House, standing up uncovered, did first put the House in remembrance of the Lord Keepers late Speech, and of his Declaration of her Majesties pleasure, that they should chuse a Speaker, and therefore in humble Obedience to her Majesties said pleasure, seeing others remain silent, he thought it his Duty to take that occasion to commend to their Choice, Sir Thomas Gargrave Knight, one of the Honourable Council in the North Parts, a worthy Member of the House, and Learned in the Laws of this Realm: By which Commendations of his, of the aforesaid worthy Member of the House to their Consideration, he said he did not intend to debar any other there present, from uttering their free opinions, and nominating any other whom they thought to be more fitting, and therefore desired them to make known their opinions, who thereupon did with one consent and voice, allow and approve of M^r Treasurers nomination, and Elected the said Sir Thomas Gargrave, to be the Prolocutor, or Speaker of the said House.

The said Sir Thomas Gargrave being thus Elected Speaker, after a good pause made, stood up uncovered, and having in all humility disabled himself, as being unfurnisht with that Experience, and other qualities, which were required for the undertaking and undergoing of so great a Charge, did conclude with an humble Request to the House, to proceed to the New Election of some other more able and worthy Member amongst them.

But the House still calling upon him to take his place of M^r Speaker, the before-mentioned M^r Treasurer, and M^r Comptroller of her Majesties Houshold (as may very well be gathered) did rise from their places, and going unto the said Sir Thomas Gargrave, unto the place where he sate, did each of them take him, one by the right Arm and the other by the left, and led him to the Chair at the upper end of the House of Commons, and there placed him, where having sate a while covered, he arose, and so standing bare-headed, he returned his humble Thanks unto the whole House, for their good opinion of him, promising his best and uttermost endeavour, for the faithful discharge of that weighty place, to which they had Elected him. And soon after M^r Treasurer, and M^r Comptroller repaired to the Queen, to know her Highnesses pleasure, when M^r Speaker should be presented to her Majesty, for Confirmation of this Election; and soon after they returned, shewing her pleasure was that to be done on Saturday next, at one of the Clock in the Afternoon.

Here it shall not be amiss to add somewhat touching the Election of the Speaker, which, because I find it ready penn'd to my hand, in that elaborate MS. Intituled, Modus tenendi Parliamentum apud Anglos, Written by my kind Friend Henry Elsinge Esq Clerk of the Upper House this present Year 1630. Libr. 1. cap. 7. §. 1. & 2. Therefore I shall without any great alteration here, add it in the next place; and first touching the Antiquity of the Speaker, it is most likely that he began to be when the House of Commons first sate.

For it may clearly be gathered ex Lib. Sancti Albani fol. 207. in Bibliotheca Cottoniana, that in the Parliament de an. 44 H. 3. The House of Commons had then a Speaker. For there Pope Alexander labouring to have Adomar, the Elect Bishop of Winchester, recalled from banishment; the Answer of the Parliament was as followeth: viz. Si Dominus Rex, & Regni majores hoc vellent, communitas tamen, ipsius ingressum in Angliam, jam nullatenus sustineret. Which is Signed and Sealed by all the Lords, and by Petrus de Mountefortivice communitatis, which shews plainly that he was thire Speaker, for the very same words did Sir John Tiptofte their Speaker Sign and Seal to the Entaile of the Crown, Parl. an. 7 & 8 H. 4.

But it is true, that the first Speaker who is directly named in Record, was in the Parliament Rolls in the Tower de an. 51 E. 3. N. 87. The last day of the Parliament (saith the Records) Sir Thomas Hungerford Knight, Speaker, declared to the Lords, that he had moved the King to Pardon all such as were unjustly Convicted in the Last Parliament. And that the King willed him to make special Bills for them, which he had done for seven, &c. And therefore it can be no Argument, that the House of Commons had no Speaker, before the 51^th year of E. 3. because no former Records mention him. For this is to p. 41be noted, that the Antient Parliament Rolls did record only what Acts passed between both Houses, and what Laws were made, and omitted matters of Form and Ceremony.

There are also divers Parliament Rolls tempore R. 2. that do mention the Presentment of the Speaker, prout in an. 1 Rich. 2. n. an. 2 R. 2. n. 18. 20, 22, & 23 an. 4 R. 2. n. 10, 12, & 13. an. 5 R. 2. n. 10, & 16. & an. 21 R. 2. n. 8, 9, 14, & 15. So also the Speaker is mentioned in the Parliament Rolls, de annis 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, & 11 H. 4. and in the Parliament Rolls of H. 5. H. 6. and E. 4. remaining in the Tower, and in the Parliament Rolls of R. 3. H. 7. remaining in the Chappel of the Rolls in Chancery-lane; and since H. 8. time, the Original Journal-Books of the Upper House of divers of his Years, remain in the Parliament Office, scituate and being in the Palace-Yard at Westminster, at the South Corner thereof; as also the Original Journal-Books downwards to this time; and from the first Year of Ed. 6. to this day, the Original Journal-Books of the House of Commons, are in the Custody, or at the disposing of my kind Friend John Wright Esq Clerk of the same House this present Year 1630.

And now here do, … the next place, follow certain Observations upon the Election of the said Speaker, transcribed also, with very little alteration, out of the before-mentioned Treatise of M^r Elsinge, Lib. & Cap. eodem, & §. 2. in which two Questions are moved.

First, Whether the Commons might chuse their Speaker if the King Commands them not?

Secondly, Whether the Election be in their own absolute choice?

For to clear these two we must view the Antient Records; those of R. 2. are the first, that frequently mention the Speaker.

It doth not appear by any of them, that the Commons had ever any such Commandment to chuse their Speaker. Neither is there a word of it in any Record of E. 3. which have the Speeches at large, touching the Cause of Summons; most of them concluding with a Charge to the Commons, to consider and advise thereof amongst themselves; but nothing touching the Election of their Speaker: yet out of doubt they did first chuse their Speaker, before they entred into any Debate of their Charge.

The first Charge to chuse their Speaker is in an. 2 H. 4. and yet it is omitted again in the Parliament 7 & 8 H. 4. but (that only excepted) it is continued from the 2 H. 4. until this day: and the long use hath made it so material, that, without the Kings Commandment or leave, they cannot chuse their Speaker, which appears by this, that in an. 31 H. 6. the Parliament being Prorogued, and the Speaker arrested in Execution, in the interim, before the access, the Commons prayed his Enlargement, which, after long Debates of the Priviledges of Parliament, was denied. And then certain of the Lords were sent to the House of Commons, and Commanded them, in the Kings name, to chuse a new Speaker; and thereupon they did so. Vid. An Account of this President at the end of this Session, out of Rot. Parl. 31 & 32 H. 6.

And of late Years, in the time of Queen Eliz. the Parliament being Prorogued at two several times, and the several Speakers dead in the interim, before their second access (as shall be more largely declared hereafter in these Journals) the Commons, before they proceeded to any business, acquainted the Lords therewith, and desired them to intimate the same to the Queen: and so were commanded by her Majesty to chuse new Speakers. Ut vide in an. 8 Regin. Eliz. die 1 Oct. & in an. 23 Reginae ejusdem die 18 Jan.

But as touching the second Question, surely the Election of the Speaker was antiently free to the Commons, to chuse who they would of their own House, which appears in this, that the King never rejected any, whom they made choice of.

Vide 5 R. 2. The Parliament began 4 Novemb. and the 18^th of Novemb. the Commons came, and presented Sir Richard Walgrave, whom they had chosen for their Speaker, who excused himself, desiring to be discharged. But the King, Lui chargeast del faire sur sa ligeaunce, in as much as his Companions had chosen him; whereby it appears plainly, that the choice was absolutely in their own power.

These Animadversions touching the Antiquity and Election of the Speaker of the House of Commons, being thus inserted from several Authorities; Now follows the Presentment of the Speaker, and her Majesties allowance of him, out of the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons, in which many things of Form are also added by my self, and divers Animadversions out of that before-mentioned elaborate MS. Treatise of M^r Elsinge's penning, Lib. 1. cap. 7. with some small Additions, or Alterations.

On Saturday, the 28^th day of Jan. about one of the Clock in the Afternoon (to which day and hour the Parliament had been last Adjourned, or continued on Wednesday the 25^th day of this instant Jan. foregoing) her Majesty, Sir Nicholas Bacon, and divers Lords Spiritual and Temporal were present in the Upper House; which said Lords, as also her Majesty, had on their several Parliament Robes, of which the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses and Barons of the House of Commons having notice, they repaired thither. Sir Thomas Gargrave was led up to the Rail or Bar, at the lower end of the said Upper House, who submissively excusing himself, he humbly desired the Queens Majesty to free him from that Imployment, and to Command her Knights, Citizens and Burgesses of the House of Commons, to Elect amongst themselves some other more able Member, for the discharge of the said place; But notwithstanding these reasons her Majesty signified his allowance by the Mouth of the Lord Keeper.

Nota, That the exeuse of the Speaker is at p. 42this day meerly formal, and out of modesty. For he first excuseth himself unto the Commons when they Elect him, and afterwards to the Soveraign when he is presented: But antiently, it seemeth they were both hearty and real, or else no excuse at all was made. And the first President of this nature, that is found in Record, is in the Parliament Rolls de an. 5 R. 2. n. 9. die 4 Novembris, where Sir Richard de Waldgrave Knight (the Lineal Ancestor in the Male Line of the several Families of Waldegrave in Suffolk) being chosen Speaker of the House of Commons, did excuse himself unto the said King, but was charged upon his Allegiance to undertake it, sith he was Chosen by the Commons.

The next is in an. 1 H. 4. of Sir John Cheny, who made no excuse at his Presentment. But the next day after, he and they came before the King, and declared his disability to serve, by reason of a sudden sickness, and that the Commons had chosen Sir John Dorewood in his place, beseeching his Majesty to allow thereof; which the King did, and Commanded Sir John Dorewood to be their Speaker. And then the said Sir John Dorewood made the common Protestation for himself and the Commons, but no excuse, N. 63.

The next excuse is in an. 5 H. 4. n. 8. of Sir Arnold Savage, which the King would not allow of. An. 6 H. 4. n. 8. Sir William Sturing made no excuse, and an. 7, & 8 H. 4. n. 9. Sir John Tibtot desired to be excused by reason of his Youth, but the King affirmed the Election; and all other Speakers in H. 4. his time desired to be excused.

Some Speakers also under H. 5. desired to be excused, and some others did not, for it was not constantly observed: but from the sixth year of H. 6. since which time they have all (except two) desired to be excused; yet none were excused, save only Sir John Popham Knight, an 28 H. 6. whom the King discharged, and thereupon the Commons chose and presented William Tresham Esq who made no excuse, neither did Sir William Oldham an. 29 H. 6. desire to be excused.

These Animadversions upon the Speakers Speech, which he first makes unto her Majesty, containing his excuse, being thus inserted as aforesaid; now follows the second Speech of the said Speaker, upon his allowance by her Majesty. The substance of which, being not found in the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons, I have supplied; according to the usual Form.

The said Sir Thomas Gargrave being allowed and confirmed Speaker of the House of Commons by her Majesty, having tendred his humble thanks for her Highness gracious Opinion of him, and added some Expressions in honour of her Majesty, in the end of his Speech; He came according to the usual Form, to make certain Petitions in the behalf of the House of Commons, and of himself: in which he did first desire Liberty of access, for the Members of the said House to her Majesties presence, upon all urgent and necessary occasions. Secondly, that if in any thing he should mistake, or misreport any thing, which should be committed unto him to declare, that his unwilling miscarriage therein might be pardoned. Thirdly, That they might have Liberty and Freedom of Speech, in whatsoever they had occasion to propound, and debate in the House. And lastly, that all the Members of the House, with their Servants, and necessary Attendants, might be exempted from all manner of Arrests, and Suits, during the continuance of the Parliament, and the usual space, both before the beginning, and after the ending thereof, as in former times hath always been accustomed.

To which Speech of the said Speaker the Lord Keeper, by her Majesties Commandment, made a large Answer (which is verbatim, set down in the Journal-Book of the Upper House upon this instant Saturday the 28^th day of Jan.) in which he intimated at large, among other things, that her Majesty did graciously allow of those Liberties and Priviledges, for which the said Speaker had Petitioned, so as they were discreetly and modestly used.

In which Speech of the Speaker's in general, it may first be observed, that at this day it is in the Speakers Power, to deliver in his Speech what shall best please himself; whereas antiently he delivered nothing, but what the House gave him in Charge to speak, as may be gathered by the Parliament Rolls de an. 1 R. 2. an. 2 R. 2. an. 3 R. 2. an. 6 R. 2. & an. 17 R. 2. in an. 4, & in an. 10 H. 4. and in divers other Parliaments in the times of H. 5. H. 6. and Ed. 4.

And for those three Priviledges before mentioned, which Sir Tho. Gargrave the Speaker, did in his foregoing Speech desire of her Majesty, in the name and on the behalf of the House of Commons, they were no other, than the said House did doubtless enjoy in antient time; although they were never desired by the then Speakers of the same House, nor were any of them ever Petitioned by any Speaker, until in the Parliament de an. 28 H. 8. as may very probably be gathered by the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House de an. eodem.

And as to the first Petition, which he made in the name of the House of Commons, for free access to her Majesty, it is plain, that the said House enjoyed it during the Reign of K. E. 3. prout patet ex Rot. Parl. de an. 51 Ed. 3. n. 87. when Sir Thomas Hungerford was Speaker, and in the time since under R. 2. H. 4. and their Successors, the Presidents are so frequent, as they need no vouching.

And as touching this foregoing Petition, it is first Recorded in the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House, to have been made de an. 28 H. 8. by Richard Rich, the then Speaker; and in a like Journal-Book de an. 31 H. 8. by Thomas Moyle the Speaker in that Parliament, and p. 43the same course hath been constantly observed by all the Speakers since, of whose Speeches there is any good memorial remaining.

And as touching the second Petition, which the said Sir Thomas Gargrave made unto her Majesty in the name of the House of Commons for freedom of Speech; there is no Record that it was ever Petitioned for, until in the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House, de an. 33 H. 8. it is entred to have been made by Thomas Moyle the then Speaker, yet was it never denied them before; for the said Commons would never suffer any uncomely Speeches to pass of private men in their House, much less of the King, or any of the Lords; and in Ed. 3. his time, who was an absolute Prince; and beloved of his People, the Commons themselves did oftentimes discuss, and debate many things concerning the Kings Prerogative, and agreed upon Petitions, for Laws to be made, directly against his Prerogative; as may appear by divers of the said Petitions: yet they were never interrupted in their consultations, nor received any check for the same; as may appear by the very Answers to their Petitions. The Presidents in the two succeeding Kings times, are not of so good a stamp, as those of Ed. 3. because R. 2. was much over-ruled in his young Years, and H. 4. was an Usurper, and so was compelled to seek for the love of his Subjects: yet was there one passage in his Reign, which proved him a most wise and just King, after he had attained the Crown. For in Rot. Parl. de an. 2 H. 4. n. 11. the Commons Petitioned the King, that he would not suffer any report to be made unto him, of any matters, either moved, or debated amongst them, until they be concluded, nor give them any credit; whereunto the King assented: and for the freedom of Speech, which the Commons enjoyed in succeeding times, the Presidents are so frequent, as they need no further vouching. And it is very well worthy the Observation, that whereas in the Session of Parliament de an. 8 Regin. Eliz. when Richard Onslow Esq her Majesties Sollicitor, was Elected and allowed Speaker, by reason of the Death of Thomas Williams Esq:, who had been Speaker in the Session de an. 5. Regin. Eliz. and did Decease in the interim of the several Prorogations between the said two Sessions, the said Richard Onslow did, upon his Presentment to her Majesty, and allowance by her, only desire in the name of the House of Commons, free access to her Majesty; and did, either ignorantly, or wittingly, omit to make those two other Petitions on their behalf, for freedom of Speech, and freedom from Arrests and Suits; yet in the said Session, de an. 8 Regin. Eliz. the House of Commons, falling upon that great business of her Majesties Declaration of a Successor, did use greater liberty of Speech, than they had done, or did before or after in any other Parliament, during her Majesties Reign, when the said Speakers did most precisely desire the allowance of the said priviledge of freedom of Speech from her Majesty.

And now, thirdly and lastly, touching that Petition, which Sir Thomas Gargrave the Speaker made unto her Majesty, for freedom from Arrests; It is plain, that the Commons, and the Lords of the Upper House, have not only always enjoyed the same for themselves and their necessary attendants, but also have been exempted from Suits at Law, during the continuance of the Parliament; not only in legal Courts, but in the very Court of Chancery, Star-Chamber, and such like, unless some Criminal matter be laid unto their Charge, which draws into question the life it self; which I have caused to be inserted into the preceeding abstract of Sir Thomas Gargraves Speech, because he either did Petition for freedom from Suits, as well as for freedom from Arrests, or he ought to have done it. For it is plain, by the close Rolls of Ed. 2. remaining in the Tower, that the Barons, and such others as were Summoned to Parliament in the seventh and eigth Years of his Reign, were exempted from Answering to any Suits before tho Justices of Assize, during the Parliaments continuance; where the Proclamations sent to the said Justices, for that purpose, contain these words, viz. Quod supersedeant ubi Barones & alii summoniti ad Parliamentum Regis sunt partes, & vide Rot. Claus. de an. 7 Ed. 2. Membrana 24. & de an. 8 Ed. 2. m. 22, & 23.

And for the several Presidents, how frequently the Members of the House of Commons were exempted, both from Arrests and Suits, during all the Parliaments of her Majesties Reign, they are so many, and fell out so often, as may be seen by every ensuing Journal almost of the House of Commons, that they need no vouching.

These Animadversions being thus added, touching the Speakers Speech, and the Petitions on the behalf of the House of Commons contained therein, now follows the departure of the said Speaker, being fully invested in his place by her Majesties allowance, down unto the House of Commons, out of the Original Journal-Book of the same, with some Additions in matter of Form.

Sir Thomas Gargrave aforesaid, being now setled in the place of Speaker, after his humble reverence made unto her Majesty, departed with the other Members of the House of Commons, unto their own House, the Serjeant of the same carrying the Mace all the way before the said Speaker, which was in like sort born before him, during this Parliament, both when he repaired unto, and when he departed from the said House.

The Speaker being placed in the Chair, ..... Seymore Esq Clerk of the foresaid House of Commons, who sate uncovered at a Table at the upper end of the House, just before the Speaker, stood up and read a Bill, which had been treated of in the last Parliament, being intituled, p. 44The Bill touching felling of Wood and Timber Trees in Forrests and Chases, which done, kissing his hand, he delivered the said Bill to the Speaker, who standing up uncovered (whereas otherwise he sitteth covered) and holding the Bill in his hand, said, The Bill is thus Intituled; and then having read the Title of the Bill, as is before set down, he opened to the House the substance thereof, which it is most probable he did out of the Breviate which was filed to the Bill, and had been delivered unto him, together with the Bill, by the Clerk of the House aforesaid; which being done, he then said, This is the first reading of the Bill, and so delivered it unto the Clerk again, which ended, the House arose; which hath been the constant use and custom ever since, as also divers years before, that after the presentment, and allowance of the Speaker, one Bill be once read after his return from the Upper House unto the House of Commons.

On Monday the 30^th day of January, the Bill for the avoiding of French Wares and Wines, and the Bill touching any variance of Grants made by Corporations, were each of them read the first time.

M^r Treasurer with 23. others of this House (whose names are wholly omitted in the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons, through the negligence of ..... Seymour Esq at this time Clerk of the same) were appointed to meet together, and to treat for a convenient Subsidy, and also to consider touching the validity of the Writ of Summons, both of the last Parliament and also of this present Parliament; in which said Writ, the words Supremum caput Ecclesiae Anglicanae were wanting, vide February 3. postea.

On Tuesday the 31^th day of January, it was agreed in the House, that a Book for the Subsidy be drawn by several of the Committees.

On Wednesday the first day of February, the Bill touching levying of Fines in the County Palatine of Durham; and the Bill touching thicking of Hats or Caps in Mills, were each of them read the first time. The Bill also touching the grant of Tonnage and Poundage, was read the first time.

On Friday the 3^d of Feb. the title of a Bill, which had this day its second reading, is thus entred in the Original Journal-Book of the foresaid House: The Bill for felling of Wood and Timber in Forrests or Chases. And under the entrance of the title of it, in the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons, was written M^r Sackvill, by which it should seem, that this Bill was committed upon the first reading to him, and (as it is probable) to others also. By which manner of entring the title of the said Bill, it may plainly be collected, that the Bill it self had at this time its second reading, and was thereupon committed to M^r Sackvill (to whom it seemeth the Bill was delivered) and others whose names are omitted; the manner of which, being there also left unmentioned, I thought good to supply, according to the usual Form, both then doubtless used, and at this day also.

The Clerk of the said House, having read the title, and the Bill aforesaid, standing, kissing his hand, delivered the same with a Breviate (containing the substance of the Bill) annexed unto it, unto the Speaker; who thereupon, standing up uncovered, and reading both the Title, and the Breviate said, This is the second reading; and the, having paused a while, and (as it is likely) none speaking against the Bill, he put the question for the committing thereof, as followeth; viz. As many as do think fit this Bill should be committed, say, Yea. And after the affirmative voice given, as many as shall think the contrary, say, No; and then (as it should seem) the Speaker judging that the affirmative voice was the greatest, did put the House in mind to name Committees. And thereupon every one of the House that listed, did name such other Members of the same, to be of the Committee, as they thought fit; and the Clerk either did, or ought to have written down as many of them, as he conveniently could; and when a convenient number of the Committees named, were set down by the Clerk, then did the Speaker move the House to name the time and place, when and where they should meet, which the Clerk did also doubtless then take a note of, and did also (Silence being made in the House) read out of that Book or Paper (in which he entred them) the Committees names, with the time and place of their meeting.

And it is most probable, that the Clerk of the House of Commons himself, or his servant, in the. transcribing out of the foresaid notes into that Book, which now remaineth the Original Journal of the said House, for this present Parliament, did there wittingly and knowingly forbear to insert the names of the other Committees, appointed in the foregoing Bill, with the time and place of their meeting, as matters of Form and not essential to the said Journal.

The Bill for a Subsidy, and two Fifteens and Tenths, granted by the Temporalty, was read the first time.

M^r Carrell, on the behalf of the Committees (who were appointed on Monday the 30^th day of January foregoing) to consider of the validity of the Writs of Summons of the Parliament foregoing, and this present now Assembled, (in respect that these words Supremum caput were wanting in them) did make report, that it was agreed by the said Committee, that the want of the said words did not at all hinder, or impeach the validity of the said Writs of Summons, and so consequently of those preceding Parliaments, or this present now Assembled.

On Saturday the 4^th day of Feb. the Bill for Tonnage and Poundage to be granted to the Queens Majesty, was read the second time, and Ordered to be Ingrossed.

There passed divers Arguments in the House, touching a Request to be made to the Queens p. 45Highness, for her Marriage; but by whom the said Arguments were made, or what the substance of them was, or what was resolved by the House upon them, is through the negligence of the Clerk of the House of Commons, omitted in the Original Journal-Book of the same; yet it may easily be gathered by that which followeth, on Monday the 6^th day, and on Friday the 10^th day of this Instant February ensuing; that the House did this day Resolve that such a Petition should speedily be drawn.

February the 5^th Sunday.

On Monday the 6^th day of Feb. the Bill for the Subsidy granted by the Temporalty, was read the second time, and thereupon Ordered to be Ingrossed.

The Bill for the restitution of Tenths, and First-Fruits, was brought from the Lords by M^r Attorney and M^r Sollicitor, the manner of whose delivery thereof, being not found in the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons, I have caused to be supplied, according to the usual course thereof.

The said M^r Attorney and Sollicitor, being admitted into the said House, came up close to the Table, where the Clerk sate, and made three Congies, and then acquainted Sir Thomas Gargrave the Speaker, that the Lords had sent unto the House such a Bill; of which one of them read the Title, and so again departed the House, having made three other Congies.

It was Ordered by the House, that M^r Speaker with all the Privy-Council, and thirty other Members of the same, should attend upon the Queen this Afternoon, to petition her Majesty, touching her Marriage, in such manner and Form, as had been on Saturday last agreed upon; but whether they were admitted to her Majesties presence, doth not appear, nor can possibly be gathered out of the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons; neither in what manner their Petition was framed, although it is plain by her Majesties Answer, inserted at large, on Friday the 10^th day of this instant February ensuing, that it was only general, to perswade her Majesty, for the welfare of her State and Kingdom, to be pleased to marry, without limiting the time, Person or place. And howsoever, whether this aforesaid Petition were delivered this Afternoon or no, most likely it is, that her Majesty deferred, and took time to give an Answer in so weighty a business, until the said 10^th day of February aforesaid, which I do the rather gather, not only from the above-mentioned Original Journal-Book it self, in which there is no report or mention of her Majesties Speech, made unto the House by the Speaker, until in the Forenoon of the said day; but also from an antient written Copy of her Majesties said Answer, which I had by me, in which it is referred unto the said 10^th day of February, as then uttered by her, which will also more fully appear in the passages of the said day, where it is at large set down.

On Tuesday the 7^th day of February, the Bill that the Citizens of York may take Apprentices notwithstanding the Statute to the contrary, was read the first time.

The Bill also for the Subsidy of Tonnage and Poundage, was read the third time, and passed; which may be gathered by these words, viz. Judicium assent. placed in the inner margent before the beginning of the entrance of the title of the said Bill in the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons; by which words I suppose the Clark intended, as much as if he had recorded it at large, that upon the said third reading of the Bill, it passed the House by the judgment and assent of the same. The manner and form of which third reading I have thought good to cause to be applied to the present occasion, according to the usual course therein accustomed.

The Clerk of the House standing up read the Title and the Bill aforesaid, and kissing his hand, delivered the same unto the Speaker, who standing up uncovered, read again the Title of the said Bill, and opened shortly the effects thereof; and then said, This is the third reading of this Bill; and told them further, that with their favour he would now put it to the Question, for the passing; but paused a while to see, if any Member of the House would speak unto it (which at this day is commonly most used upon the third reading of a Bill) and whether any of the said House spake unto the said Bill or no, doth not appear. But the Speaker holding the Bill in his hand, made the Question for the passing of it in this sort, viz. As many as are of the mind, that the Bill shall pass, say Yea; which being Answered accordingly by the House, or the greatest part of them, the Bill passed; and so he delivered it again unto the Clerk, who because the Bill was Originally begun, and first passed in the House of Commons, wrote within the said Bill, on the top of it towards the right hand, these words, viz. Soit baille aux Seigneurs.

The House was Adjourned until Thursday next, because the Morrow following, being Ash-Wednesday, there was a Sermon to be Preached at the Court, before the Queen, at which (as it should seem) the greatest part of the House desired to be present.

On Thursday February the 9^th. the Bill for Melcomb Regis in the County of Dorset, to be fortified, was read the first time; And the Bill also to restore the Supremacy of the Church of England, to the Crown of the Realm, was read the first time, and committed to M^r Cooke, as he is there termed, and elsewhere Sir Anthony Cooke, and as is very probable, also to some others not named. For it may be here noted, that in the first Journals of her Majesties time, the title of M^r only, is ordinarily given to Knights.

M^r Sollicitor and M^r Martin, brought from the Lords the Bill for the Queens Title to the Crown, which was delivered in such order and manner, as was the Bill for the Restitution of Tenths and First-Fruits, on Monday the sixth p. 46day of this Instant February foregoing.

Friday 10 Feb. the Bill for one Subsidy, and two Fifteens and Tenths, was read the third time and past.

M^r Speaker declared the Queens Majesties Answer to the Message, which was read to the House by M^r Mason, to the great honour of the Queen, and the contentation of this House; which is all that is contained in the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons, touching this great business of their Petition, preferred to her Majesty, to induce her to marry; and therefore it shall not be amiss to leave some larger memorial thereof; for this business, having been first propounded and resolved on in the said House, on Saturday the 4^th day of this instant February foregoing, and preferred to her Majesty (as it should seem) on the Monday following in the Afternoon, was not answered by her Majesty until this Morning, and was then also read in the said House; as appeareth by the foregoing imperfect mentioning thereof. And I am the rather induced to conceive, that her Majesty gave not her Answer until this Morning, to the said Petition of the Commons, from a Copy of the said Answer, which I have by me, written by Alexander Evesham, which said Answer out of the said Copy (in which it is referred to this instant 10^th day of February) with the title and subscription thereof, do now in the next place follow, verbatim.

Friday 10^th of Feb. 1558. &c. The Answer of the Queens Highness, to the Petition propounded unto her, by the Lower House, concerning her Marriage.

AS I have good cause, so do I give you all my hearty thanks, for the good Zeal and loving Care you seem to have, as well towards me, as to the whole Estate of your Country. Your Petition I perceive consisteth of three parts, and my Answer to the same shall depend of two.

And to the first part, I may say unto you, that from my Years of Understanding, sith I first had consideration of my self to be born a Servant of Almighty God, I happily chose this kind of life, in the which I yet live: which, I assure you, for mine own part, hath hitherto best contented my self, and I trust hath been most acceptable unto God: from the which, if either Ambition of high Estate, offered to me in Marriage, by the pleasure and appointment of my Prince (whereof I have some Record in this presence (as you our Treasurer well know) or if eschewing the danger of mine Enemies, or the avoiding of the peril of Death, whose Messenger, or rather a continual Watchman, the Princes indignation, was no little time daily before mine Eyes (by whose means (although I know, or justly may suspect) yet I will not now utter, or if the whole cause were in my Sister her self, I will not now burthen her therewith, because I will not charge the Dead) if any of these, I say, could have drawn, or disswaded me from this kind of life, I had not now remained in this Estate, wherein you see me. But so constant have I always continued in this determination, although my Youth and words may seem to some hardly to agree together, yet is it most true, that at this day I stand free from any other meaning, that either I have had in times past, or have at this present; with which Trade of Life I am so throughly acquainted, that I trust, God, who hath hitherto therein preserved and led me by the hand, will not of his goodness suffer me to go alone.

For the other part, the manner of your Petition I do well like, and take it in good part, because it is simple, and containeth no limitation of place or person; if it had been otherwise, I must needs have misliked it very much, and thought it in you a very great presumption, being unfitting and altogether unmeet for you to require them, that may command; or those to appoint whose parts are to desire, or such to bind and limit, whose Duties are to obey, or to take upon you to draw my Love to your liking, or to frame my will to your fantasie: For a Guerdon constrained, and gift freely given, can never agree together. Nevertheless, if any of you be in suspect, whensoever it may please God to incline my heart to another kind of Life, you may very well assure your selves, my meaning is not to determine any thing, wherewith the Realm may or shall have just cause to be discontented. And therefore put that clean out of your heads. For I assure you (what Credit my assurance may have with you, I cannot tell, but what Credit it shall deserve to have, the sequel shall declare) I will never in that matter conclude any thing that shall be prejudicial to the Realm. For the well, good and safety whereof, I will never shun to spend my Life, and whomsoever my chance shall be to light upon, I trust he shall be such, as shall be as careful for the Realm, as you; I will not say as my self, because I cannot so certainly determine of any other, but by my desire he shall be such as shall be as careful for the preservation of the Realm, and you, as my self. And albeit it might please Almighty God to continue me still in this mind, to live out of the State of Marriage, yet is it not to be feared but he will so work in my Heart, and in your Wisdom, as good Provision by his help may be made, whereby the Realm shall not remain destitute of an Heir that may be a fit Governour, and peradventure more beneficial to the Realm than such Off-spring as may come of me. For though I be never so careful of your well doing, and mind ever so to be, yet may my Issue grow out of kind, and become perhaps ungracious, and in the end, this shall be for me sufficient, that a marble stone shall declare, that a Queen having Reigned such a time, lived and died a Virgin. And here I end, and take your coming to me in good part, and give unto you all my hearty thanks, more yet for your Zeal and good meaning, p. 47than for your Petition. And under her Majesties Answer aforesaid, was subscribed in the same hand, as followeth;

This was Copied out of a Printed Copy, garnisht with gilt Letters, given to the Honourable the Lady Stafford, of her Majesties Privy-Chamber, and written out by Alex. Evesham, 1590. By which subscription the authentickness of this Copy doth sufficiently appear.

On Saturday the 11^th of Feb. the Letany was said by the Clerk kneeling, and answered by the whole House on their Knees with divers Prayers.

The Bill touching Tanners, Curriers, and Shoemakers for Tann'd Leather, And the Bill for selling of Tann'd Leather in Markets, were each of them read the first time. As also the Bill for the Recognition of the Queens Majesties title to the Crown, was read the first time and committed.

The Bill also touching Liberties of Hexham and Hexamshire, and the Bill for the Confirmation of divers Grants and Leases, made by Bishops deprived, were each of them read the first time.

M^r Sollicitor and M^r D^r Lewis, brought from the Lords two Bills, one concerning Treasons, and another for Explanation of the Statute of seditious words and rumors.

The Bills for Tonnage and Poundage, and for the Subsidy of the Temporalty, were sent up to the Lords, by M^r Treasurer and others not named in the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons.

On Monday the 13^th day of February, the Bill for Garbling of Feathers was read the first time.

The Bill for thicking of Caps by mens Feet and Hands, And the Bill for annexing the Supremacy to the Crown, were each of them read the second time; both which Bills as it should seem were now dashed upon the second reading aforesaid; the first of them (as probably may be gathered) without any great dispute, but the latter being of great weight was long argued (as appears plainly by the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons) before it was dashed; and the new Bill framed to the same effect, was read the first time on Tuesday the 21^th day, the second time on the 22. day, and the third time on Saturday the 25. day of this Instant February ensuing; when it passed the House. Vide plus concerning this matter on Tuesday the 27. day of April ensuing.

On Tuesday the 14. day of February, the Bill to bring Artificers to dwell in Market Towns, was read the first time.

Divers Arguments passed in the House, touching the framing of a new Bill, for annexing of the Supremacy to the Crown.

On Wednesday the 15^th day of February, Committees were appointed, for the drawing of a new Bill, for annexing of the Supremacy to the Crown.

The Bill to restore the Earl of Pembrook, Sir John Mason, M^r H. Nevill, M^r Fitz Williams, Sir P. Foly, Sir Hen. Seymour, Sir Richard Sackvill, Patentees by King Edw. the Sixth, of the late Bishop of Winchesters Lands; and the Bill for Order of Service and Ministers in the Church, were each of them read the first time.

Upon a Request made to the Lords, that thirty of this House might attend their Lordships, for the Authority of his place, whom it shall please the Queen to take to Husband; M^r Attorney declared from the Lords, that twelve of their Lordships will be to morrow in the Afternoon, in the Star-Chamber, to meet with the thirty Members of this House.

The Bill for punishment of divers Treasons, and the Bill for punishment of false rumors or tales, were each of them read the first time.

On Thursday the 16. of Febr. the Bill for Common-Prayer and Administring of Sacraments, was read the first time.

Two Bills also had each of them one reading, the first being the Bill for the payment of an imposition by French Men in Somerset and Dorset, to Melcombe Regis, was read the second time, and as it should seem, committed to M^r South and others not named.

The Bill for Recognition of the Queens Highness Title to the Crown, was read the second time, but no mention is made, that it was either referred to Committees, or Ordered to be ingrossed; and the reason thereof was, that this Bill had passed the Upper House, and was sent down to the House of Commons, on Thursday the 9. day of this instant Feb. foregoing, fairly ingrossed in Parchment, and therefore can be no more ingrossed, neither do the Lords ordinarily refer such Bills to Committees, unless there be very great cause, in respect that each House holding correspondency with others, they do not willingly submit that to the Agitation of a private Committee, which hath been allowed and approved by the wisdom of the whole House.

The Bill for the deceitful using of Linnen Cloth, was read the first time.

The Bill for the Recognition of the Queens Title to the Crown, was read the second time; but no mention is made, that it was either Ordered to be engrossed, or referr'd to Committees, because it had been formerly sent from the Lords.

The Bill for punishment of divers Treasons was read also the second time: which Bill being of great moment, was, as it should seem, committed to M^r Vice-Chamberlain (erroneously written Fitz Chamberlain, as may plainly be gathered) and others; although it had been sent down from the Lords on Saturday the 11^th day of this instant Feb. foregoing: in which Case Bills usually pass of course in the House of Commons, when they come ready expedited in Parchment from the Lords.

The Bill for restitution in Blood of the Queens Highness, for the Attainder of Queen Anne her p. 48Highness Mother, being brought from the Lords by M^r Attorney, was read the first time.

On Friday the 17^th day of February, two Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading, of which the second, being the Bill to restore the First-Fruits and Tenths, with a new Proviso, was read the second time, and, as it should seem, committed to M^r Sackvill and others, although it had been formerly sent down from the Lords.

On Saturday the 18^th day of February, four Bills of no great moment had each of them their first reading, of which the last was the Bill to reverse Judgments, in praecip. quod red. for lack of Summons.

The Bill for Leases and Offices made by the deprived Bishops, was read the second time, and as it should seem committed to M^r Gates and others.

The Bill also for the Patentees of the Bishop of Winchesters Lands, was read the second time.

The Bill lastly, for restitution in Blood of the Queens Highness after Queen Anne was read the second time, but no mention is made, that it was either Ordered to be ingrossed, or referred to Committees, because it had been sent from the Lords on Thursday the 16^th of this instant February foregoing.

On Monday the 20^th day of February, the new Bill for Tanning and selling of Tann'd Leather, and the new Bill for regrating of Tann'd Leather, were each of them read the first time.

The Proviso from what time the Repeal of the Attainder of Cardinal Poole shall have commencement, was read the first time.

The Bill touching common Recoveries, was read the first time.

The Bill for the Sessions to be holden in Pembrook Town, was read the second time, and Ordered to be ingrossed; and the Bill explaining the Act of Regrators, Forestallers, &c. was read the second time.

The Proviso in the Bill for First-fruits, was read the first and second time.

The Bill lastly, of Tonnage and Poundage, was brought from the Lords by M^r Sollicitor.

On Tuesday the 21^th day of February, three Bills of no great moment, had each of them their first reading: of which the last was the new Bill for the payment of an imposition by Frenchmen to Melcomb Regis in Dorsetshire.

The Bill for the First-Fruits and Tenths, annexed to the Crown; and the Bill for the restitution in Blood of the Queen, after her Highnesses Mother, did each of them pass upon their third reading, and were sent up to the Lords by M^r Comptroller and others, with the Bill of the Subsidy.

The new Bill for the Supremacy of the Church, &c. annexed to the Crown, was read the first time.

On Wednesday the 22^th day of February, two Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading, of which the second being the Bill for Supremacy of the Church annexed to the Crown, was read the second time, and ordered to be engrossed.

The Bill for restitution of Gerson Wroth to be naturally English Born, was read the first time.

The Bill against regrating of Tann'd Leather, and Carriers of Leather, The Bill for Tanners and selling of Leather in open Market, And the Bill touching the Repeal of the Attainder of Cardinal Poole, were each of them read the second time, and Ordered to be ingrossed.

Two Bills lastly, of no great moment, had each of them one reading, of which the last, being the Bill for punishment of Treasons, with a Proviso from the House of Commons, was read the third time, and passed the House.

On Friday the 24^th day of February, the Bill touching carrying of Woollen-Cloths over the Sea, The Bill for searching and sealing of Woollen-Cloths, And the Bill for Heneden and Holdenshire, parcel of the Bishoprick of Durham, to be to Sir Francis Jobson Knight, were each of them read the first time.

The Bill for the restitution of the Blood of Sir James Croft, and the like Bill for Sir Hen. Gates, were brought from the Lords by M^r Comptroller and others.

John Smith returned a Burgess for Cammelford in Cornub. upon a Declaration by M^r Marsh, that he had come to this House being Out-lawed, and also had deceived divers Merchants in London, taking Wares of them to the summ of three hundred pounds, minding to defraud them of the same, under the colour of the Priviledge of this House, the Examination whereof being committed to Sir John Mason and others of this House, it was found and reported to be true, and a Writ of Capias utlagatum against him, was directed to the Sheriff of London, return. Quindena Paschae next, at the Suit of Will. Pinchbeck and Johan his Wife, in a Plea of Detinue.

Upon which matters consultation being had in the House, the Question was asked by M^r Speaker, if he should have priviledge of this House or not. But by the more number of Voices it seemed, that he should not have priviledge. And upon the division of the House, the number that would not have him to be priviledged, was a hundred and seven persons, and the number that would he should be priviledged, was a hundred and twelve, and therefore it was Ordered that he should still continue a Member of the House. Vide concerning this matter in a like President in an. 35 Regin. Eliz. in the Journal of the House of Commons, on Thursday the first day, Friday the 2^d day, on Saturday the 17^th day and on Monday the 19^th day of March.

On Saturday the 25^th day of February, the Bill for the Incorporation of Trinity-Colledge in Cambridge, and the Bill for the preservation of the Fry of Eels and Salmons, were each of them read the first time.

p. 49The Bill for the Supremacy of the Churches of England and Ireland, and abolishing of the Bishop of Rome, with a Proviso for Richard Chettwood and Agnes Woodhall, was read the third time, and passed upon the Question. And one other Proviso touching Robert Harecourt Merchant of the Staple, was read the first, second, and third time.

On Monday the 27^th day of February, five Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading, of which the three last, being for the restitution in blood of John Lord Grey, Sir James Croftes, and Sir Henry Gates, were each of them read the first time.

The Bill touching the Declaration of the Repeal of the Attainder of Cardinal Poole, was read the third time, and passed the House, and was sent up to the Lords by M^r Treasurer, together with the Bill touching the Queens Supremacy, and also the Bill of Treasons.

The new Bill for preservation of Woods was read the first time.

The Bill lastly, for repealing and reviving an Act for Shoomakers and Curriers, And the Bill for Tanners and selling of Tann'd Leather in Markets or Fairs, were each of them read the third time, and passed upon the Question.

On Tuesday the 28^th day of February, three Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading, of which the last being the Bill for assurance of certain Lands, late parcel of the Bishoprick of Winchester, granted to King Edward the Sixth, and by his Letters Patents granted to the Earl of Pembroke, Sir William Fitz-Williams, Sir Philip Hobbie, Sir John Mason, Sir Henry Seymour, Sir Henry Nevil, and Sir Richard Sackvill, was read the first time, and as it should seem committed to M^r Kingsmell to be considered of.

John Owersall one of the Burgesses for Hull, Edmund Gascoigne Burgess for Thetford in the County of Norfolk, and William Carvell one of the Burgesses for Northampton, were each of them, in respect of their several occasions, Licensed to depart.

On Wednesday the first day of March, the Bill for false using of Linnen-Cloth, and the Bill for Gavelkind for Thomas Browne, and George Browne, were each of them read the second time, and Ordered to be ingrossed.

The Bill against Cancellations of Recoveries was read the first time. And the Bill for allowances to be made to Sheriffs, being read the second time, was, as it should seem, committed to M^r Comptroller and others.

The Bill also for Ecclesiastical Laws to be made by thirty two persons, And the Bill for the assurance of certain Lands, late parcel of the Bishoprick of London, to the Lord Wentworth, the Lord Rich, and the Lord Darcy, were each of them read the second time, and thereupon Ordered to be ingrossed.

The Bill also for recognition of the Queens Highnesses Title to the Crown of this Realm, was read the third time, and passed the House.

The Bill lastly, for restitution in Blood of the Lord Grey, and the Bill also for restitution in Blood of Sir James Crofts, were each of them read the second time.

The Bishop of Winchester in proper person, required the Copy of the Bill exhibited here, touching his Lands, which was granted; And further, to bring in his Answer and Counsel, on Saturday next at nine of the Clock.

On Thursday the 2^d Day of March, the Bill for restitution in Blood of Sir Henry Gates, was read the second time.

The Bill to revive a Fair at Linn-Regis, at Candlemas, was read the first time, And the Bill for changing the Parish Church of Avernant in Wales, And the Bill for Incorporation of Trinity-Hall in Cambridge, were each of them read the second time, and Ordered to be ingrossed.

The Bill touching Ingrossers and Forestallers of divers Victuals, was read the first time.

The Bill for searching and sealing Woollen Cloths, was read the second time.

Three Bills were sent up to the Lords by M^r Comptroller and others, of which one was the Bill for recognition of the Queens Highnesses Title to the Crown of this Realm.

The three Bills for restitution in Blood of John Lord Grey, Sir James Crofts, and Sir Henry Gates, had each of them their third reading, and passed the House.

The Bill lastly, concerning the Confirmation of the Bishoprick of London, to the now Bishop of London, was read the first time.

On Friday March the 3^d, the Bill for the restitution in Blood of Edward Lewkenor, and three of his Brethren, and six of his Sisters; And the Bill against often buying and selling of Horses and Mares, had each of them one reading.

The Bill for the true Garbling of Feathers, The Bill that Leases of Benefices shall not be charged with payment of Tenths, And the Bill against ingrossing of dead Victuals, called Monopoly, were each of them read the second time, and Ordered to be ingrossed.

The Bill for Assurance of Lands, late parcel of the Bishoprick of London, to the Lord Wentworth, the Lord Rich, and the Lord Darcy, The Bill for the Gavelkind Lands of Thomas Browne and George Browne, And the Bill for the Incorporation of Trinity-Hall in Cambridge.....

M^r Mason required that the Counsel of the Patentees for the Bishop of Winchesters Lands, may be here to morrow, to hear what the Bishop and his Counsel will say, which Request was granted by the House.

M^r Sollicitor coming from the Lords, declared, that ten of this House shall attend certain of the Lords to morrow, for the Proviso in the Bill of Treasons.

Six Bills were sent up to the Lords from the House of Commons, of which one was the Bill for the Incorporation of Trinity-Hall in Cambridge, p. 50and another for Gavelkind Lands.

On Saturday the 4^th day of March, four Bills of no great moment, had each of them their first reading, of which the last was the Bill for the Assurance of Hartlebury and Wychenford, to Sir Francis Jobson, and Walter Blount severally.

The Bill for the reviving of the Act for the carrying of Horses into Scotland, And that for the Restitution of Robert Rudston, were brought from the Lords by D^r Vaughan. John Cheeseman, one of the Burgesses of Rumney in the five Ports, for his business was Licensed to be absent.

The Bishop of Winchester, in proper person, opened his Title to the Mannors, saying, they had been parcel of the Bishoprick by a thousand three hundred Years, and required this House of Justice.

The Queens Atturney hearing the talk of the Bishop, required for the Queen, that he might be heard for the Queen, touching certain Lands late parcel of the said Bishoprick; and Day was given as well to M^r Atturney, as to the Bishop, to be here on Monday next, at half an hour before nine of the Clock.

M^r Chancellor of the Dutchy complained, that M^r White had called him a Witness not to like the Book of Service. M^r White answered that M^r Chancellor said, he wished the Book to be well considered of. But for that the House doth take that Mr. White did mistake him, therefore Mr. White standing asked him forgiveness, which Mr. Chancellor did take thankfully.

On Monday the 6^th day of March, the new Bill for Artificers in the County of Kent, to dwell in Towns, was read the first time.

Divers Arguments were had touching Cancellation of the Records in the Chancery, for the late Bishop of Winchesters Lands, and the Examination thereof was committed to Mr. Comptroller, and others.

The Queens Attorney, for that the Bishop of Winchester had brought Learned Counsel with him, desired they might say their minds, whereby Mr. Attorney might fully Answer; and the Bishop said, that his Counsel was not yet instructed; wherefore Mr. Attorney Answered, the effect whereof was that the Appeal made by Gardiner was not of effect. For that in the Commission, at his Deputation, was contained cum appellatione remota. And so the Grant made to King Edward the Sixth, by the Bishop, ne point d'effect.

Mr. Noell and Mr. Bell of Counsel with the Patentees, declared in effect for the Patentees, as Mr. Attorney had shewed for the Queen.

On Tuesday the 7^th day of March, three Bills of no great moment, had each of them their first reading; of which the last being the Bill that Executors shall make the Supervisors privy to the performance of a Will, was committed to Mr. Chamberlain, as it should seem, to be considered of.

The Bill touching the late Bishop of Worcesters Lands, to Sir Francis Jobson, and M^r Blount, was read the second time, and Ordered to be engrossed.

The Bill for carrying of unwrought Cloths of 6^l over the Seas, was read the second time.

The Bill to revive a Fair at Linn Regis, the day after the Purification of our Lady, was read the second time, and Ordered to be ingrossed; And the Bill for preservation of Woods being read also the second time, was committed.

The Bill touching the ingrossing of dead Victuals for a Monopoly; And the Bill for Gerson Wroth born in Stratsburgh, to be as being born in England, were each of them read the third time, and passed the House; and were sent up to the Lords by Mr. Vice-Chamberlain.

On Wednesday the 8^th day of March, two Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading, of which the second, being the Bill against Leases to be made by Spiritual persons, was read the second time, and Ordered to be ingrossed.

The Bishop of Worcester in proper person, required the Copy of a Bill, exhibited against his Bishoprick, and a day to make Answer in writing or otherwise.

The Bishop of Coventry and Litchfield, made the like Petition.

The Bishop of Winchester at this time, was Richard Pate, and the Bishop of Coventry and Litchfield, was Ralph Banes, whose stiff opposition against the Reformation of Religion perfected this Parliament; as also the free Liberty they had to defend their own Causes, either in person, or by their Counsel, do argue as in them, and divers other Bishops, at this time, much boldness and perverseness, so in her Majesty incomparable Lenity and Moderation, who so impartially and patiently suffered their opposition, and gave way to their Allegations, that so they might be fully convicted upon indifferent hearing.

It was Ordered, that the Bishop of Worcester shall have the Copy, and make his Answer upon Saturday next, and the Bishop of Coventry and Litchfield on Monday next after. And it is likewise granted, that the other parties shall then and there have their Counsel, to hear the Bishops.

On Thursday the 9^th day of March, four Bills of no great moment, had each of them their first reading; of which the first was the Bill for the Assurance of the Jointure of the Dutchess of Norfolk.

The Bill to assure certain Lands, late of the Bishoprick of Winchester, to the Queen, and certain Patentees of King Edward the VI. was read the second time; but no mention is made that it was either Ordered to be ingrossed or referr'd to Committees, because they had been formerly sent down from the Lords.

On Friday the 10^th day of March, the Bill touching Colledges and Chantries, surrendred to King Henry VIII. was read the first time.

The Bill for Restitution in Blood of Robert p. 51Rudston, And the Bill for the Restitution in Blood of Edward Lewkenors Sons and Daughter, were each of them read the second time, but no mention is made that they were either Ordered to be ingrossed, or referr'd to Committees, because they had been formerly sent down from the Lords.

The Bill against destruction of Fry of Salmons, Eels and other Fish, And the Bill for dwelling of Cloathiers in Barford, Dedding, Coxal, and Bocking in Essex, were each of them read the first time. And the Proviso devised by the Lords, in the Bill of Treasons, had its second reading.

The Bill for the Answering of the Revenues to the Queen, with the Incorporation of Trinity-Hall, were brought from the Lords by M^r Sollicitor.

Rowland Lakin Burgess for Wenlock, was Licensed to be absent for his business at the Assizes.

On Saturday the 11^th day of March, the Bill to confirm Leases and Grants, made by D^r Ridley late Bishop of London, was read the second time, and Ordered to be ingrossed.

The Bishop of Worcester with his Counsel declared, that Hooper was not lawful Bishop, by reason of the Appeal of Bishop Heath, And so the Grant not good, and prayed the House to consider of it. Vide concerning this matter on Wednesday the 8. day of this instant March foregoing.

On Monday the 13^th day of March, three Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the last, being the Bill for the punishment of seditious words and rumours, was read the second time; but no mention is made that it was either Ordered to be ingrossed or referr'd to Committees, because it had been formerly sent from the Lords.

The Bishop of London in proper person, required a Copy of a Bill, put in for Confirmation of Leases granted by Doctor Ridley, Usurper of the Bishoprick, as he saith, which Copy was granted unto him, with addition, that the House doth intend to take his Title in the Bishoprick as it is, And to make his Answer by words, on Wednesday next peremptory, at nine of the Clock.

The Bishop of London at this time was Edmund Bonner, whose stiff opposition against the Reformation of Religion, perfected this Parliament; as also the free Liberty he had here to defend his own Cause, either in Person, or by his Counsel, doth argue as in him and divers others Popish Bishops at this time much boldness and perverseness, so in her Majesty incomparable lenity and moderation, who so impartially and patiently suffered their oppositions, and gave way to their Allegations; that so they might be fully convicted upon indifferent hearing.

The Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield, with his Counsel, declared, that for the Fine Levied, M^r Fisher hath no cause to complain. To the which, M^r Fisher's Counsel alledged, that the Fine was made by compulsion. Vide concerning this matter on Wednesday the 8^th day of this instant March foregoing.

Thomas Church, one of the Citizens for Hereford, for his Affairs was Licensed to be absent.

On Tuesday the 14^th day of March, the Bill for Liberties of Hexham and Hexhamshire, and the Bill for Craftsmen to dwell near the Sea in Kent, were each of them read the second time.

The Bill also for carrying of Leather and Tallow over the Sea to be made Felony, was read the second time.

Articles being devised for the punishment of the Bishop of Winchester and others, for Cancelling of Records: It was Ordered, that a Bill should be thereof drawn by M^r Keilway.

On Wednesday the 15^th day of March, three Bills of no great moment, had each of them their first reading; of which the first was the Bill to restore deprived Bishops.

The Bill for Cloathiers to dwell in Bocking, Coxal, &c. was read the second time, and Ordered to be ingrossed. Two other Bills also had each of them their second reading; of which was one Bill for the Jointure and Marriage of the Dutchess of Norfolk.

The Bishop of London in his proper person shewing the untruth of the Bill, as he takes it, did conclude, that the Commissioners for his Deprivation, did not according to their Commission. And yet by his Appeal, as also by his Letters Patents from Queen Mary, he standeth still Bishop, and the Grants made by Doctor Ridley void. Vide touching this matter on Monday the 13^th day of this instant March foregoing.

The Bill lastly for Restitution in Blood of the Sons and Daughter of Edward Lewkenor, was read the third time, and passed the House.

On Thursday the 16^th day of March, two Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading: of which the second being the Bill to make lawful the Deprivations of Bishops and Spiritual persons, was read the first time.

The Bill for the Assurance of the Lands, late parcel of the Bishoprick of Winchester, to the Patentees of King Edw. VI. was read the second time, and thereupon Ordered to be ingrossed.

The new Provisoes from the Lords, in the Bill for the First-fruits, were read the first time, and the Proviso from the Lords in the Bill of Treasons, was read the third time, and passed the House.

The Bill for allowance of Sheriffs for the Justices Diets, and the Bill for the Restitution in Blood of Robert Rudston, were each of them read the third time, and passed the House.

The Bill for thicking of Caps in Mills, was read the third time, and upon the question was dashed.

The Bill lastly, for renewing one of the Fairs at Linn Regis, and the Bill for the new Parish Church of Abernant in Wales, were each of them read the third time, and passed the House.

Robert Buxton Burgess of Brembre in Sussex, was Licensed to be absent, for the Duke of Norfolks Affairs.

On Friday the 17^th day of March, the Bill p. 52for the Shipping of Woollen Cloaths of 5^l 10^s over the Sea; The Bill for Artificers in Kent and Sussex, And the Bill against carrying over Sea of Leather, Hides or Tallow to be Felony, were each of them read the second time, and Ordered to be ingrossed.

The Bill, that no persons shall be punished for using the Religion used in King Edwards last Year, was read the first and second time, and Ordered to be ingrossed. And the Bill that Licenses shall be good but during the Princes Reign, was read the second time, and Ordered likewise to be ingrossed.

The Bill for true Answering of Customs, and unlading of Goods in the day time, was read the first time, and as it should seem, referr'd to M^r Chancellor to be considered.

Three Bills lastly of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which one being the Bill for the Jointure of the Dutchess of Norfolk, and another against seditious words and rumours against the Queen, had each of them their third reading, and passed the House.

On Saturday the 18^th day of March, the Bill against buying of Horses to sell shortly again, And the Bill for the Assizes to be kept in the Town of Stafford, were each of them read the second time, and thereupon Ordered to be ingrossed.

Two Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading, of which one being the Bill against unlawful Assemblies, was read the first time, and (as it should seem) committed to M^r Smith to consider of it.

Three Bills lastly, had each of them their third reading, of which one being the Bill for Assurance of divers Mannors, late parcel of the Bishoprick of Winchester, to King Edward the Sixths Patentees, was upon the Question passed the House.

The Bill for the Supremacy was brought from the Lords, by M^r Attorney, to be reformed. Vid. concerning this Bill on Thursday the 27^th of April ensuing.

John Malock Burgess for Linne, and Robert Moone Burgess for Britport, for their several Affairs have Licence to be absent.

On Monday the 20^th day of March, two Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading, of which the second being the Bill touching the Assizes and Gaol-Delivery, was read the third time, and passed the House: and was presently sent up to the Lords, with divers others, by M^r Vice-Chamberlain.

The Bill that the Queen shall make Rules for Colledges and Schools, was read the second time and ordered to be ingrossed. And the Bill for continuance of the last Act for Rebellions, was read the first time.

The Proviso sent from the Lords, with the Bill of First-Fruits, was read the second time. And the Proviso and Reformation in the Bill of Supremacy, was read the first time; de qua vide on Thursday the 27^th of April ensuing.

On Tuesday the 21^th day of March, two Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for Tanning and selling of Tann'd Leather, was read the first time.

The Bill against unlawful Assemblies, was read the second time, and ordered to be ingrossed. And the Proviso and Reformation in the Bill touching Supremacy, was read the second time.

Two Bills also had each of them one reading, of which one being the Bill that the Queens Majesty shall make Orders in Collegiate Churches, was read the third time, and passed the House, and was sent up to the Lords by M^r Vice-Chamberlain and others.

The new Bill against Cancelling of Records by Warrant or otherwise, was read the first time.

Two Bills also had each of them their second reading, of which one was the Bill to make lawful the Deprivations of the Bishops of London, Winchester, Worcester, and Chichester, in the time of King Edward the VI.

The Bill that the Queens Highness shall Collate or appoint Bishops in Bishopricks being Vacant, was read the first and second time, and thereupon Ordered to be ingrossed.

On Wednesday the 22^th day of March, the Bill to continue the Act for Rebellious Assemblies, The Bill for Collating of Bishops by the Queens Highness, and without Rites and Ceremonies, And the Bill for Tanners and selling of Tann'd Leather, were each of them read the third time, and passed the House, and were sent up to the Lords by M^r Comptroller.

The Provisoes and Additions by the Lords in the Bill of Supremacy, and the Provisoes from the Lords in the Bill of First-Fruits, were read the third time, and passed the House.

Four other Bills lastly, of no great moment, had each of them one reading, of which the last was the Bill to revive the Act against Carriage of Horses into Scotland, and was read the third time, and passed; and was with three others, sent up to the Lords by M^r Chancellor of the Dutchy.

On Thursday the 23^th day of March, it was reported to this House by ..... one of the Burgesses, that Mr. Story had not well used himself, being a Member of this House, to go before the Lords, and be of Counsel with the Bishop of Winchester against the Patentees, which by the House was taken to be a fault. Whereupon M^r Story excused himself by ignorance of any such Order. And nevertheless had since considered of it, and doth acknowledge it not to be well done, and therefore required the House to remit it, which willingly by the House was remitted. Vide touching this business on Wednesday the first day, Friday the third, Saturday the fourth, and on Monday the Sixth day of this instant March foregoing.

On Friday the 24 day of March, for weighty Affairs to be done in this Parliament, according p. 53to the Example of the Upper House, this Court of the House of Commons is according to former Presidents Adjourned until Monday the third day of April next coming. But upon what occasion the House of Commons was this day Adjourned, doth not at all appear in the Original Journal-Book of the same House, but most probable it is, that it was by reason of a disputation had and agitated this Forenoon in Westminster Church, between the Popish Bishops, and some Learned men of the Protestant Religion, which is at large set down, Acts and Monuments, à pag. 1919. us que ad pag. 1922. at which the Lords of the Upper House, and the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses of the House of Commons, desired (as it should seem) to be present. Vide also on Monday the third day of April next ensuing.

On Monday the third day of April, Mr. Speaker with a few of this House was present, and part of the Bill for sealing of Cloths was read; but for that this day was appointed to have disputation before the Council and Lords in Westminster Quire, between the Bishops and Mr. Horne, Mr. Cocks, and other English Men that came from Geneva; And for that it was meet, that they of this House should be there present, to hear; this Court was continued until the Morrow following.

Her Majesties godly desire to abolish superstition, and to preserve Unity and Truth in the Church, doth fully appear by the appointment and permission of this disputation, which began in Westminster Church, on Friday the last day of March immediately foregoing, not here mentioned, as is at large set down in that Laborious and Voluminous Work of Mr. Fox his Acts and Monuments.

On Tuesday the 4. day of April, the Bill to revive the Act for Holy-days and Fasting-dayes; and the Bill against Sorceries, Witchcrafts, and Prophecies, of Badges and Arms, were each of them read the second time, and Ordered to be ingrossed.

On Wednesday the 5. day of April, the Bill for the true Answering of the Queens Majesties Revenues, was read the second time, but no mention is made that it was Ordered to be engrossed, or referr'd to Committees, because it had been formerly sent from the Lords.

On Thursday the 6. day of April, the Bill to restore spiritual persons deprived in the time of Queen Mary, was read the second time, and as it should seem, was committed to Mr. Goldsmith and others not named.

The Bill that all such Colledges and Chantries granted to King Edward the Sixth, shall be also in the Queens Majesty, was read the first time. And lastly, the Bill against buying and selling of Horses, was upon the third reading Ordered to be ingrossed. Quod nota.

On Friday April the 7. the Bill touching the Orders for Men-servants, was read the first time. And (as it should seem) committed unto Sir Anthony Coke, to consider of it.

The Bill touching Shipping of Wares, and the Bill for the true Answering of the Customs for Merchandizes, were each of them read the first time.

The Bill for Bishops Temporalties, was brought from the Lords by Mr. Weston and Doctor Vaughan; and the Bill lastly, that the Queen shall have the Bishops Temporalties during the Vacation, for recompence of Tythes and Parsonages impropriate, was read the first time.

On Saturday the 8. day of April, the Bill to revive the Act for sowing of Flax and Hemp, and the Bill for encrease of Woods, had each of them their first reading.

The Bill touching Colledges and Chantries granted to King Edward the Sixth, to be in the Queen by Explanation of this Bill, was read the second time, and (as it should seem) committed to Mr. Mersh and others not named.

The Bill lastly, that the Queen and her Heirs shall have the Temporalties of Bishops for recompence of Tenths and Parsonages impropriate, was also read the second time; but no mention is made that it was either referr'd to Committees, or Ordered to be ingrossed, because it had been formerly sent from the Lords.

On Monday the 10. day of April, the Bill for sealing of Woollen Cloaths, was read the first time. It was this day Ordered that the names shall be called on Wednesday next in the Afternoon.

Two Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading, of which one being the Bill, that the Inhabitants, being Craftsmen, in Kent, shall dwell near the Sea-Coasts, was read the third time and pass'd the House.

The new Bill lastly, to avoid the usurped power claimed by any Foreigner in this Realm, and for the Oath to be taken by spiritual and temporal Officers, was read the first time.

On Tuesday the 11. day of April, the Bill to preserve the Spawn and Fry of Fish, And the Bill to continue the Act made for sowing of Hemp and Flax; were each of them read the second time, and Ordered to be ingrossed.

On Wednesday the 12. day of April, the Bill to avoid all Foreign Power, used by any Foreign Potentate in the Realm, and for the Oath to be taken, was upon the second reading Ordered to be ingrossed.

Two Bills lastly had each of them one reading, of which the last being the Bill for punishment of such persons as misuse Linnen-Cloth with Chalk, was read the third time and passed the House.

On Thursday the 13. day of April, the Bill for restoring the spiritual Jurisdiction to the Imperial Crown of the Realm, and abolishing Foreign Power, was read the third time; and upon the question pass'd the House.

The Bill to revive the Act for punishment of Rebellions, was read the first time, and the Bill for entring the goods of Merchants, and unlading, and for Customs of Sweet Wines, was read the second time.

p. 54Robert Whitney one of the Knights for Hereford, was Licensed to go home, because his Wife was lately departed.

On Friday the 14^th day of April, four Bills were sent up to the Lords by M^r Vice-Chamberlain, of which one was the Bill for punishment of such persons as misuse Linnen-Cloth with Chalk, and another for the abolishing of Foreign Power.

The Bill for searching and sealing of Woollen-Cloths, The Bill for making of Frizes in Cardigan, Carmarthen, and Pembroke, And the Bill to explain the Statute made against Ingrossers of Dead Victuals, were each of them read the first time.

On Saturday the 15^th day of April, the new Bill for the Assurance of Lands, parcel of the Bishoprick of Worcester, to Sir Francis Jobson, and Walter Blunt, was read the first time.

It was Ordered that the Serjeant shall shew unto the Master of the Rolls, that his Servant ..... Thrower shall be here, on Monday next, to Answer to certain evil words spoken by him, against the House, opened by M^r Skinner, and M^r Carnefewe. Vide plus concerning this business on Monday the 17^th day of this instant April ensuing.

Seven Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading, of which one being the Bill that Hexham and Hexhamshire shall be of the County of Northumberland, and another for Confirmation of Leases, Grants of Offices, and Copyholds by Nicholas Ridley late Bishop of London, and a third to avoid the often buying and selling of Horses and Mares, had each of them their third reading, and passed the House.

On Monday the 17^th day of April, the Bill touching Knights and Burgesses, for Attendance in the Parliament, was read the first time.

The Bill to revive the Act for destruction of Choughs and Crows, And the Bill to revive the Act against Rebellions, were each of them read the second time, and thereupon Ordered to be ingrossed.

The Bill that the Queens Majesty shall have divers temporal Lands of the Archbishops and Bishops, in recompence of Tenths and Parsonages Impropriate, was read the third time, and passed upon the Question and Division of the House, viz. With the Bill a hundred thirty four, and against the Bill ninety.

The Bill for Restitution in Blood of Henry Howard, Jane Howard, and Katherine Wife to the Lord Barkley, was brought from the Lords by Doctor Lewes and others.

M^r Carnefewe declared to the House, that ..... Thrower Servant to the Master of the Rolls, did say against the State of the House, that if a Bill were brought in for Womens Wyers in their Pastes, they would dispute it and go to the Question; and that he heard the Lords say as much at his Masters Table; and that these words were spoken on Wednesday last before Easter, at Lincolns-Inn.

Whereupon the said Thrower, being brought to the Bar by the Serjeant, denied these words to be spoken by him, and Carnefewe affirmed them; whereupon Thrower was Committed to the Serjeants keeping: Vide concerning this matter on Saturday the 15^th day of this instant April foregoing.

On Tuesday the 18. day of April, the Bill for taking and having of Apprentices and Journeymen, was read the first time, and (as it should seem) committed to M^r Arnold to consider of.

The Bill for making of Frizes in length and breadth in Wales, was read the second time, and Ordered to be ingrossed.

Two Bills had each of them one reading. Of which one being the Bill for the Unity of the Service of the Church, and Ministration of the Sacraments, was read the first time.

John Griffith Esq Knight for Flintshire in Wales, hath License to go home, for the delivery of Records at the next County.

On Wednesday the 19. day of April, the Bill for Lading in long Bottoms, and for Uniformity of Common-Prayer, and Service in the Church, were read the second time, and Ordered to be ingrossed.

On Thursday the 20. day of April, the Bill for the Restitution in Blood of Henry Howard, younger Son to the late Earl of Surrey, Lady Jane Howard, Lady Katherine Howard, Wife to Sir Henry Lord Barkley, and Lady Margaret Howard, was read the first time. And the Bill to revive the Act for killing of Rooks and Crows, was read the third time and passed.

Two Bills had each of them one reading, of which the latter being the Bill for the Unity of Service in the Church, and Administration of the Sacraments, was read the third time, and passed the House.

The Bill lastly, for the Watermen of the Thames to have Harque-Buts, Shots, &c. was read the second time, and as it should seem was committed to M^r Cambden and others not named.

On Friday the 21. day of April, the Bill to carry Corn out of the Realm; The Bill that Timber shall not be made for Cole to make Iron; The Bill that Hides of four years old shall be made for sole Leather; And a Bill for the good Order of Servants of Husbandry, and Artificers, and their Wages, were each of them read the first time.

On Saturday the 22. day of April (for that this day M^r Speaker, with most of the House, were all the Forenoon to hear the Arraignment in Westminster-Hall of the Lord Wentworth, for the loss of Calis) they sate not till the Afternoon; at which time, the Bill that Tanners shall convert Hides of Beasts of four years old and a half into soal Leather, was read the second time.

April the 23. Sunday.

On Monday the 24. day of April, the Bill for Restitution in Blood of Henry Howard, &c. was read the second time, but no mention is made that it was either Ordered to be ingrossed, or p. 55referred to Committees, because it had been formerly sent from the Lords.

Three Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for the dissolution of Houses of Monasteries, Abbies, Priories, &c. erected since the Death of King Edward the VI. was read the first time.

The Bill lastly, for preservation of Spawn and Fry of Fish, was read the third time, and passed the House; And the Bill to take Goods and Merchandize, was read also the third time, and passed the House upon the Division thereof, viz. with the Bill eighty four, and against the Bill sixty six.

Robert ap Hugh Knight of Carnarvonshire, had Licence to be absent for his great business at the Assizes at Denbigh, on Monday next.

On Tuesday the 25^th day of April, the Bill against burning of Timber into Cole, to make Iron in certain places, was read the second time.

Nine Bills were sent up to the Lords by Sir Anthony Coke, and others, of which one was the Bill for the preservation of Spawn of Fish, &c. And another was for the Uniformity of Common Prayer, for Service in the Church, and Administration of the Sacraments.

The Bill for Wages of Servants and Labourers; And the Bill for Dissolution of certain Abbies, Priories, Hospitals, &c. were each of them read the second time.

The Bill for the Restitution in Blood of the Lord Dacres of the South, was sent from the Lords by M^r Read and others.

Two Bills lastly, of no great moment, had each of them one reading (being the third) and passed the House; Of which one was the Bill to revive an Act against unlawful Assemblies, and the other for punishment of Sorcery, and Witchcraft, and Buggery to be Felony.

On Wednesday the 26^th day of April, Two Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; Of which the first being the Bill for Restitution in Blood of the Lord Dacres of the South, was read the first time.

Two Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading, of which the first being the Bill for making, searching, and sealing of Woollen Cloths, was read the second time, and thereupon Ordered to be ingrossed.

The Bill restoring to the Crown the Antient Jurisdiction over the State Ecclesiastical and Spiritual, and abolishing of Foreign Power repugnant to the same; with a Proviso added thereunto by the Lords, was sent down from their Lordships by Serjeant Weston and the Queens Attorney, which being omitted in the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons, is therefore supplied out of that of the Upper House.

On Thursday the 27^th day of April, the Bill for searching and sealing of Woollen-Cloths, was read the third time, and passed the House, and was sent up unto the Lords by M^r Secretary.

The Bill for Answering of Customs, and laying Goods and Merchandizes on Land, was read the third time, and passed the House, and was sent up to the Lords by M^r Secretary, with the Bill of Supremacy reformed; concerning which Bill of Supremacy, Vide on Tuesday the 21^th day, on Wednesday the 22^th day, and on Saturday the 25^th day of February last past; as also on Saturday the 18^th day, Monday the 20^th day, on Tuesday the 21^th day, and on Wednesday the 22^th day of March preceeding. Et vide etiam a Note touching this business in the Original Journal Book of the Upper House, on Saturday the 29^th day of April foregoing.

The Bill for Garbling of Feathers, Forsings and Flocks, was read the third time, and passed the House; And lastly, the Bill that the Queen by Commission, may restore spiritual persons deprived, was read the first time.

On Friday the 28^th day of April, the Bill for the Restitution in Blood of the Lord Dacres of the South, was read the second time.

Henry Clifford Gent. Burgess for Bedwyn, was Licensed for his Affairs to be absent.

The Provisoes in the Bill for Suppression of Abbies, Priories, &c. was read the first and second time.

On Saturday the 29. day of April, the Bill for Watermen on the Thames to have Harque-buts, &c. was read the second time, and Ordered to be ingrossed.

The Bill for Uniting of Abbies, Priories, Nunneries, Hospitals and Chauntries, founded since the Reign of Queen Mary, to be annexed to the Crown, was read the third time, and passed the House upon the Question, and was sent up to the Lords by M^r Vice-Chamberlain.

The Bill lastly, to restore such persons to their Benefices, as were unlawfully deprived, was read the second time, and was thereupon Ordered to be ingrossed.

April the 30. Sunday.

On Munday the first day of May, the Bill for the Restitution of the Brothers and Sister of the Duke of Norfolks; The Bill for the Restitution in Blood of the Lord Dacres of the South; The Bill that Timber Trees in divers places shall not be felled for Cole to make Iron; And the Bill that the Inhabitants of Dorking, Coxall, and Dedham Westbarford, &c. may make Woollen Cloths there; were each of them read the third time, and passed the House.

The Bill lastly, that Watermen of the Thames shall have and shoot in Harque-buts, &c. was read, and upon the Question and Division of the House, dashed by the difference of ten Voices, viz. with the Bill fifty two, and against the Bill sixty two.

On Tuesday the second day of May, the Bill that the Queen by Commission may restore such spiritual persons, as have been unlawfully deprived, was read the third time, and passed the House, and was sent up to the Lords by M^r Sadler and others, with the four other Bills which last passed.

p. 56The Bill lastly, for the continuance of divers Acts, was brought from the Lords.

On Wednesday the third day of May, three Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for carriage of Corn over Sea, when Wheat is 10^s, Barley 3^s 8^d, Beans and Rye at 6^s, and Oats at 3^s 4^d, the Quarter, was read the third time, and passed the House.

On Friday the 5^th day of May, the Bill for continuance of certain Acts, was read the third time, and passed the House, and was sent up to the Lords by Mr. Secretary.

On Saturday the 6^th day of May, the Bill touching Abbies, &c. was brought from the Lords, to be reformed with three Provisoes of their Lordships; And the Bill for preservation of Fry of Fish, was likewise brought down from the Lords to be amended.

May the 7^th Sunday.

On Monday the 8^th of May, the Provisoes in the Bill for preservation of the Fry and Spawn of Fish, were read the second and third time, and passed the House.

In the Afternoon the Queens Majesty sitting in her Royal Seat, the Lords and Commons attending, M^r Speaker made a Learned Oration, Exhibiting the Bill for the Subsidy, and the Bill of Tonnage and Poundage, and required the Queens Assent might be given to such Bills as had passed both the Houses; which Oration being praised and Answered by the Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, the Royal Assent was given to forty two Acts, and by the Queens Pleasure this Parliament was Dissolved.

§ **Rot. Parl. 31, & 32 H. 6. n. 1, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 20, 22, 23, 24.Henry the VI. 6 Martii An. 31. called a Parliament at Reading; 8 Martii, Thorpe was Chosen Speaker; from thence the Parliament was Adjourned to Westminster till 25. Apr. where it continued till 2. July, and then Prorogued till 12. Nov. to Reading, again Adjourned till 12. February, after till 14. at Westm. During these Adjournments and Prorogations, Richard Duke of York, having got the Ascendant of the King, prepared Habiliments of War at the Palace of the Bishop of Durham; ||||Rot. Parl. 1 H. 7. n. 26. An Act for Roger Thorpe.Thorpe being Speaker, by Command of the King took the Arms; whereupon in Michaelmas Term the Duke brought his Action of Trespass in the Exchequer, against Thorpe, and upon Tryal that Term, recovered a thousand pound Damages, and ten pound for Costs of Suit, and thereupon Thorpe was Committed to the Prison of the Fleet, in Execution.

After all this the Parliament met 14. Feb. and the Duke of York having got a Commission to hold and dissolve the Parliament, laboured to keep Thorpe in Prison, whom he mortally hated, as being faithful to King Henry; and having gained his point in the Lords House, afterwards the Commons gave up their Speaker; which was no sooner done, and another Chosen, but the Duke, by the Assent of the Lords and Commons, and after Confirmed by Commission from the King, was made Protector of the Realm; Thorpe having paid the Debt, fled to the Kings Party, and after was taken at Nottingham Field, from thence sent to Newgate, then to the Marshalsey, and at last Beheaded at Haryingay Park in Middlesex.