it, now to dispute it. Shall posterity think we have enjoyed our religion fourscore years almost, and are we now doubtful of the defence? God forbid. It may be, sir, and out of some things lately delivered I have not unnecessarily col lected, that there is a jealousy conceived, as if we meant so to deal with matters of faith, that did not perhaps belong unto us, as to dispute of matters of faith. It is our profession; this is not to be disputed, neither will that truth be receded from this long time held; nor is that truth decayed; it is confirmed by parliament, because it was truth. And this, sir, before I come to deliver myself more particularly, give me leave, that have not yet spoken in this great cause, to give some apprehension I have of fear; for it is not in the parliament to make a new religion, neither, I hope, shall it be in any to alter the body of that truth which we now profess. I must confess, sir, amongst all those fears we have contracted, there ariseth to me not one of the least dangers in the Declaration, which is made and published in his majesty's name; and yet, sir, this conclusion, exclusively let me say, that I may not be mistaken, whatever in this, or other things, shall appear to make mention of his majesty, we have not the least suspicion of jealousy of him. We have that comfort in his picty and goodness, as if there be any misprision or error, I hope it is by those ministers about him: which not only he, but all princes are subject unto. And to clear this, that princes are subject to misinformation, and many actions may be justified in their names, when there is no suspicion of it to be done by themselves; give me leave to look back into precedents of other times, and what I find written in those stories may be useful in this. Antiochus, of Asia, sent his letters missive to his provinces, &c.: that if they received any dispatches in his name not agreeable to justice, Ignoto se literas esse scriptas, ideoque eis non parerent,' as I find by Plutarch of the Great Antiochus of Asia, who saith, That princes are obnoxious to abuses of ministers, and it could not at all times be prevented; and therefore he sent messengers and letters to all his provinces, that if there were any letters or dispatches sent out in his name, that came to them, that were not warrantable by law, and agreeable to justice, it should not be conceived to be done by him; and therefore they should not give way to it. Sir, I find it in another book, and I beseech you let it be rightly apprehended, for I hope I shall be clear from misprisions; Gratian did not only note and confess the same, but added the reasons also; which the masters of the civil law can testify from their books, wherein it is thus expressed, Quid, inverecunda potentium instigatione, principes sæpe trahuntur ut non concedenda concedant.' Because that many times, with the importunity of ministers and those about them, princes are drawn to grant things not fit to be granted by them.' As it was in that, so it may be in this. I speak it to this end, to draw it to this conclusion, That if there be a thing that carrieth the title of his maj. it m be the fault of his ministers; far be it fr me to have suspicion of him. And now to t particular, in that Declaration; wherein confess, with me, is an apprehension of m fear than I have of all the rest; for in the l particulars we heard what is said of Pope and Arminianism. It is true our faith a religion is in danger; but it is by degre Here, sir, like an inundation, it doth break at once, that we are in danger to be ruin and overwhelmed; for, I beseech you ma the ground of our religion is contained in the Articles. If there be any difference of nions, concerning the sense and interpretati of them, the bishops and clergy, in convocatio have a power admitted to them to do a thing which shall concern the continuance a maintenance of the truth professed; whi truth being contained in these Articles, a these Articles being different in the sense, there be any dispute about that, it is in the to order which way they please: and for ong I know, Popery and Arminianism may be sense introduced by them, and then it must received. Is this a slight thing, that the pow of Religion must be drawn to the persons those men? I honour their profession and h nour their persons; but give me leave to sa the truth we profess is not men's, but God and God forbid that men should be made judge of that truth. Look upon the conclusio they have made, and from thence I draw the argument. I remember a character I hav seen in a diary of Edw. 6. that young princ of famous memory, wherein he doth expre the condition of the bishops and clergy in hi time, and saith, under his own hand-writing That some for sloth, some for ignoranc some for luxury, and some for popery, are unfi for discipline and government. Sir, I hope, is not so with us: nay, give me leave to vind cate the honour of those men, that openl shew their hearts to the truth. There ar amongst our bishops such as are fit to be mad examples to all ages, who shine in virtue, lik those two faithful. witnesses in Heaven, whom we may use that eulogy which Senec did of Caius; that to their memories and ine rits, Nec hoc quidem obstet quod nostris tem poribus natisint,' and to whose memory an merit I may use the saying, That the other faults are no prejudice to their virtues; wh are so industrious in their works, that I hop posterity shall know there are men that at firm for the truth. But, sir, that all now an not so free, sound and orthodox in religion they should be, witness the men complainer of; and you know what power they have witness those men nominated lately, Mr. Mon tague, &c. I reverence the order, I honom not the man: others may be named as had apprehend such fear, that should it be in the power, we may be in danger to have our whole religion overthrown. But I give this for teste mony, and thus far do express myself against I nion of you. Yourselves are witnesses how industrious his maj. was to procure you gracious laws in his father's days; and since that what enlargement he hath made of our liberties; and still we give himn cause to repent him of the good he hath done. Consider how dangerous it is to alien his majesty's heart from par Mr. Coriton. When men speak here of neglect of duty towards his maj, let them know we know no such thing, nor what they_mean. I see not how we neglect the same. I see it is all our hearts desire to expedite the bill of Tunnage and Poundage in due time; our business is still put back by their messages, and the business in hand is God's; and his majesty's things are certainly amiss, and every one sees it; but woe be unto us if we present not the same to his majesty.' all the power and opposition of these men; or | Jan. 28. Mr. Secretary Cooke brought a second Message from the king: viz. "His majesty upon an occasion of dispute in this honourable house, about Tunnage and Poundage, was pleased to make a gracious Declaration, wherein he commended unto us the speedy finishing thereof and to give a precedency thereto. And his maj. expects rather thanks than a remonstrance; yet his maj. doth not interrupt you, so that you trench not on that which belongs not to you. But his maj. still commands me to tell you, that he expects precedency of Tunnage and Poundage; assuring himself, that he hath given no occasion to put it back, and so hopeth you will not put it off." Mr. Long. I cannot but with much sorrow speak, seeing that we are still pressed to this point. I hoped those near the chair would have truly informed his maj. of our good intentions: but we see how unhappy we are, for some about his maj. make him diffident of us.' Sir Tho. Edmunds (treasurer of the household). I am sorry this house hath given Occasion of so many messages about Tunnage and Poundage, after his maj. hath given us so much satisfaction; you may perceive his maj. is sensible of the neglect of his business: we that know this, should not discharge our duties, did we not persuade you to that course which should procure his majesty's good opi SirJohn Elliot spoke to the same effect.Wherefore it was ordered, "That a committee should be appointed to pen an Answer unto his majesty's Messages, and it is their resolution to give him all expedition in his service; and that they held it not only fit to give him thanks, but farther to shew what peril we are in; and that Tunnage is their own gift, and that is to arise from themselves, and that they intend not to enter into any thing that belongs not to them." Jan. 29. The former part of this day was. spent in debating of transporting of Corn and Victuals into Spain; and it was ordered, that a Message should be sent unto his majesty, That it is now evident, that divers ships are bound for Spain, and to desire a stay of them. His maj. answered, "That touching the said Ships he would consider of it, and send them an Answer in due time." After a long debate at the committee for Religion, it was resolved by the whole house, to declare their Resolution in these words following, viz, "We the commons, now in parliament assembled, do claim, profess, and avow for truth the sense of the Articles of Religion, which were established in parliament in the reign of our late queen Elizabeth, which by public act of the church of England, and by the general and concurrent exposition of the writers of our church, have been delivered to us; and we do reject the sense of the Jesuits and Arminians, wherein they differ from us.” Commons Apology about Tonnage and Pound, age.] Feb. 2. The commons presented the following Apology to the king: viz, "The Commons Apology for not passing their Bill of Tonnage and Poundage, and their Desire to proceed with Religion. "Most gracious Sovereign; We have within these three days received from your maj. two Messages, putting us in mind of our present entering upon the consideration of a grant of Tunnage and Poundage; but the manner of possessing the house therewith being disagree, able to our orders and privileges, so that wa The King's Answer.] Feb. 3. Mr. Secretary Cooke reported, That himself, and the rest of the committee, attended his majesty yes terday; and he said, For my part I have used all diligence to do all the commands of my master and of this house, and yet I find some exceptions have been taken at some words by nie used, when I delivered the bill of Tunnage and Poundage. Indeed I used many argu ments in speaking of his maj. : I said it much concerned him, and that his maj. much desires it; but this was mistaken, as if his maj. had commanded it, and I required it in his name, which I did not intend but to avoid dispute; and I said not, this was an ordinary revenue, but that this Tunnage was the means to enable his maj. to set a fleet to sca.-After he had made his own apology, he read his majesty's Answer to the Apology of the commons in these words, viz, could not proceed therein; and finding our-ceedings we desire to give all possible satisselves, in your majesty's name, pressed in that faction." business, and that we should give precedency thereunto; we cannot but express some sense of sorrow, fearing lest the most hearty and forward affections, wherewith we desire to serve your maj. are not clearly represented unto you. Besides, such is the sollicitous care we have of preserving ourselves in your majesty's most gracious and good opinion, that it cannot but breed much trouble in us, whenever we find ourselves (as now we are) inforced to spend that time in making our humble Apolo gies (from whence usually do arise long debates) which we conceive might be very profitably imployed in the greater services of your maj. and the commonwealth, which we did with all diligence apply ourselves unto; and finding the extreme dangers wherewith our Religion is threatened, clearly presenting themselves to our thoughts and considerations, we thought and do think, we cannot without impiety to God, disloyalty to your maj. and unfaithfulness "Gentlemen, This Apology being somewhat to those for whom we are put in trust, retard long, may by reason thereof require soine time our proceedings, until something be done to to reply unto it, since (as most of you cannot secure us in this main point, which we prefer but judge) that this giveth me no satisfaction; even above our lives, and all earthly things therefore I shall give you some short notes upon whatsoever. And here we do with all humble it. I cannot think, that, where as you alledge thankfulness acknowledge your majesty's most that the bill of Tunnage and Poundage was pious care and princely intentions to suppress brought in against the privileges of your house, both Popery and Arminianism; the professors that you will offer to take so much privilege of the one being open enemies, and the main- from every one of your members, not to allow tainers of the other the subtle and more dan- them the liberty to bring in any bill whatso gerous underminers, of the true religion of Al- ever, though it be in your power, when it is mighty God, established within your realms and brought in, to do with it what you think good. dominions; the truth of which our holy Reli- And I cannot imagine your coming together, gion, or any part thereof, as being sufficiently only by my power, and to treat of things that I known, and generally received of all the mem- propound unto you, can deny me that prerobers of our church (except of some schismatical gative to recommend or offer any bill unto you; persons, who have of late years taken the though, in this particular, I must profess, that boldness to broach their contrary and corrupt this bill was not to have been offered unto you opinions) we desire should not be called into in my name, as that member of your house can doubt or question. But howsoever it hath bear me witness.-As for the cause of delay of pleased your maj. (to our exceeding great com- my business, being Religion, there is none of fort) by many testimonies, to declare your own you shall have a greater care for the true preconstant resolution to maintain the said reli- servation of it than myself; which since it is gion; yet how your gracious purposes are confessed by your Answer, you must either therein crossed, and to what a miserable con- think I want power (which cannot be) or that dition your whole kingdom is likely by that I am very ill counselled, if it be in so much means to be reduced, we shall earnestly endea danger as you affirm. Though I may say much vour (as that which doth most nearly concern of this point, I will say no more, that for all this the safety and prosperity of your maj. and peo-I shall not stop my ears to you upon this subple) in such sort to discover, that the ruin ject, so that in form and matter you transgres thereby threatened unto both, may by God's not your limits. As for Tunnage and Poundblessing be prevented, being most heartily age, I do not so much as desire it of greediness sorry, that those occasions are offered which of the thing, being persuaded that you wel do thus hinder our proceedings: and therefore make no great stop in it, when you once take it as well for the dignity and necessity of the in hand, as out of a desire to put an end to matter, as for that we conceive it to be the those questions that do daily arise between me most speedy and effectual way, by uniting of and some of my subjects; thinking it a strange all our hearts and endeavours, to dispatch all thing, if you should give ear to those comother businesses of importance (particularly plaints, and not to take the sure and speedy those which seen more immediately to respect way to decide them. Besides, I must think it your majesty's profit ;) we pray that our Reso- strange, that this business of Religion should be Intions of preferring this business before all only a hindrance of my affairs; whereas I am others may be acceptable to your maj. to whom certainly informed, that all other things go acin both the matter and manner of our pro-cording to their ordinary course. Therefore! must still be instant with you, that you proceed with this business of Tunnage and Poundage with diligence, not looking to be denied in so just a desire; and you must not think it strange that if I find you slack, I give you such further quickening as I shall find cause." Debate on the King's Answer.] the following debate arose. Hereupon Sir John Elliot. Mr. Speaker, I confess, this hath given great satisfaction for present desires and future hopes; and howsoever I find the misinterpretation of some, and the danger of religion; yet I find his majesty's ears open, and if these things be thus as we see, that then he is not rightly counselled. I am confident we shall render his maj. an account of what he expecteth: but, sir, I apprehended a difference between his majesty's expression, and those of his ministers. First, sir, that bill was here tendered in his majesty's name, and now we find his maj. disavows it, that he did it not. What wrong is this done to his maj. and to this house, to press things in his sovereign's name, to the prejudice and distraction of us all? I think him not worthy to sit in this house. Mr. Speaker. This honourable person did explain himself, that he did not press it in his majesty's name, but only did commend it to your considerations." Secretary Cooke. "I said, that in regard of the difference between his maj, and his subjects, my desire was to accommodate it.' Sir H. May. If ye be too quick to except against the ministers of his maj. that serve his maj. and this house, it will discourage and stop our mouths, whose service ye daily commend.' Mr. Kirton. The too great bishops named [Mountague and Laud,] are the main and great roots of all those evils, which are come upon us and our religion; let us inquire what en they have preferred of the clergy, and how.' Mr. Coriton. The declaration now read came from his majesty, but it is by the advice of the clergy; and sure they have not advised him the right way, that there must be no dispute of preaching, one way or other; this is to suppress the truth: and yet the contrary professors are preferred in the church, to the grief of all good men.' Sir Walter Earle. Mountague is a principal disturber of the church: he was a batchelor of divinity, I desire to know how he came to be a bishop. Two men are named in the last Remonstrance that are privy counsellors, and it is very probable, that those ecclesiastical officers did give that advice to the king. Sir H. May. I will tell you what I am privy unto in this point: truc it is, these two men were named in the said Remonstrance, and this point was before the king and his council, and the king did utterly dislike such novelties; and then these two bishops being present, with tears in their eyes, protested they hated the opinions and questions, and upon their confession, on their knees, they renounced them.' Sir James Perrott. It is said that these two bishops were before the council on their knees, and, with tears did disclaim the opinions: but we see their facts, Dr. Laud, bishop of London, entertained for his houshold chaplain one that did dispute the Arminian points, who said, What the Arminians hold and write, he would maintain and believe.' And this sir James offered to justify upon oath. It was ordered, that the Complaint against Mountague should be taken into consideration, and that a committee should make search after Pardons granted to the clergy. A Sub-Committee about Pardons appointed.] Feb. 4. A petition was, at the first sitting, preferred against Dr. Cosins. Mr. Sherland made report from the committee about the search for Pardons, that they had found 4 pardons sealed: 1st to Montague, the 2nd to Dr. Cosins, the 3rd to Dr. Sibthorpe, and the 4th to Dr. Manwaring. Sir R. Phillips. If ever there came here a business of the like consequence, I have lost my memory: if ever king of England was abused in his mercy, it is our king. What persons are pardoned? even the greatest enemies to the church and state, that were standing under the judgment of the parliament, and they are pardoned between parliaments: If every man be not warned to search this into the bottom, I would they were; if we neglect this, we regard nothing. You see offenders complained of, and instead of punishment, grace; the goodness of our king is thus abused. Let a select committee consider of it, and let the attorney certify what is done herein, and by whom, and I hope we shall find those original instruments which have misled his majesty. It was ordered that a sub-committee shall have power to send for the records and privy seal, and other incidents belonging to the Pardons, and to send to the Parties and to Mr. Attorney about his knowledge herein, and by whose instigation the Pardons were obtained; which was done accordingly.-Sir R. Philips made report, That he went to Mr. Attorney, and found him in the Starchamber, and acquainted him with the Message. Who answered, That he received a command from his maj. in the last long vacation, presently after the end of the last sessions, to draw a Pardon; which he delaying till Michaelmas term following, he met with the bishop of Chichester, who intimated unto him his majesty's pleasure, and required him to draw up the pardou. And Mr. Attorney desired him to advise, whether it would be any advantage to him or no. And afterwards Mr. Attorney told him, he met with a great lord, a privy counsellor (the earl of Dorset) who asked him if the Pardon for the bishop of Chichester were drawn, and desired him to dispatch it. After this Mr. Attorney said, The lord Charlton sent unto him a warrant, under the king's hand, to command him to draw the Pardon, which he did; and after it was drawn, the bishop of Winchester sent to see it, and interlined it: and whereas Mr. Attorney had drawn the Pardon but for one, Montague put four in it, viz. himself, Cosins, Sibthorpe, and Manwaring. Feb. 5. Mr. Secretary Cooke reported; That it was his majesty's pleasure, that the Fast be kept by both houses of parliament on the 18th of this instant February, and for the whole kingdom the 20th of March next. Information against Witherington, for aspersing the Protestant Religion.] Feb. 6. The house being informed by petition against one Witherington, who had formerly been examined before the lords of the council for depraving of our religion, and had since called the protestants, hereticks, wishing a hundred of their throats cut; and to one that had been a papist, and was lately turned to our religion, he said, he would be hanged, and otherwise disgraced him.-Whereupon it was ordered he should be sent for. Sir R. Philips reports Mr. Attorney's Answer concerning Cosins.] The house was likewise informed, that Dr. Cosins, (a little before he had obtained his pardon) was accused to Mr. Attorney by two witnesses for speaking words against the king: whereupon it was ordered, that Mr. Attorney should be sent to about it; which was done accordingly. Sir John Elliot. It is our honour and duty not to pass over these things too slightly. I find the king's honour and right too is in ques tion, that right which we are sworn to maintain: if I mistake not it is high-treason, and this was given upon oath, presented by the attorney to his maj. who gave him command to examine it, and then to certify his maj. of it. In ordinary felonies the law doth not allow an oath contrary to the proceedings of the king; but here against two affidavits a letter must dash ther all. The attorney acquaints the bishop of Winchester with it, who takes it to be but a matter of malice. I desire the persons that made the affidavits may be sent for, and examined, and that Mr. Attorney may answer the matter why he passed it over so slightly, cons dering the person of the man in question, who was not only suspected, but charged as crim nous, and one that is so obnoxious.' Whereupon it was ordered, that the witnesses should be sent for. But for Mr. Attorney was made questionable, whether they could send for him or no, because he did attend by writ in the upper house. Whereupon it was ordered, that intimation should be given to Mr. Attorney to be there on Monday next, to give satisfaction to the house for his not proceeding against Cosins, having so good a ground for it. Whereupon the doctor answered, if occasion served, he would not spare to do the like st To which the bishop replied, that the times were not the same, and therefore you must not do sʊ now, reflects upon his maj. as if his maj. should d like that ministers, in their preaching, should refel and repel popery.' Sir R. Philips returned Mr. Attorney's An- Feb. 7. Sir D. Norton informed the house, swer, as followeth: My part is to give you an that one Dr. Moore attending the bishop of account about the affidavits against Cosins. Winchester upon an occasion, the bishop told Mr. Attorney saith, that one Mr. Heath of him, that he had oftentimes preached before Grays-Inn came to him about Michaelmas term king James against popery, which was well last, and affirmed, that Cosins in a public meet-liked of then, but now you must not do so. ing said, That the king had nothing to do to be head of the church, and that he had no more power for to excommunicate any, than his servants that rubbed his horses heels.' The Attorney acquainted his maj. herewith, which his maj. was very unwilling to believe, that he Sir R. Philips said, 'By this you may guess or any man durst say so much; but conceived that this bishop had a hand in setting up those that the said complaint did arise from malice: ceremonies in Durham, and that he still bears yet he charged the Attorney to make a careful good will towards them, labouring to make inquisition thereof, and if it were strongly pro-Durham and Winchester synonymous. 1 bable, then he should repair to his majesty. After this Mr. Attorney did diligently enquire about the same, and told Mr. Heath, that the matter was found very improbable, and there was certainly some inistake in it. Whereupon there were two affidavits made, which did swear it point blank. Nevertheless Mr. Attorney sent his letters to Mr. Deane and others that were present when the words were spoken, to require them to certify, whether such words were spoken or no. Upon their certificate he found variance about these words, and thereby the business was lessened. And being demanded, if he had any directions to desist from the suit intended in the Starchamber against Cosins; he answered, no: but said, that he casually meeting with the bishop of Winchester, told him of the said business. To which the bishop answered, it will be nothing; for King, one of them that made the affidavit, is a baggage-fellow." Sir J. Elliot replied, In this Laud is cotracted all the danger we fear; for he that procured those pardons may be the author of those new opinions: and I doubt not but that his maj. being informed hereof, will leave a to the justice of this house; and I hope these exhalations will not raise any jealousy betw his maj. and us. Let the doctor be sent for ta justify it; which was done accordingly. Report from the Committee relating to the Sheriff of London.] Feb. 9. Sir J. Elliot reported from the committee for examination of the Merchants Business, how they had found sheriff Acton in variation and contradiction bis examination; which being conceived a contempt to the house he desired he should be sent for, to answer the same at the bar.-M Goodwin said, The sheriff acknowledgeth La |