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before any other matter whatsoever? 2. Whe- | ther there should be a conference desired with the commons, in order to dispose them thereto?" These were both carried in the affirmative. And a message was sent to the lower. house for the last named purpose; as is before related in their Journals, to which we now re

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except the two last articles of it, which were deferred to another opportunity.

The Lords, at a Conference, recommend Precedency of Supply.] April 25. The commons received a Message from the lords, by two of the judges, "That his majesty having been pleased to be in their house yesterday, and some occasions having risen from thence, on which some debate had happened, their lordships desired a speedy conference with a com

Heads of Grievances prepared by the Commons.] The same day that the king came to the house of lords, the committee of the committee of both houses about the same." A mons, appointed to prepare Heads or Inductions, for a Conference, delivered a series of them to the house, as follow:

“INDUCEMENTS.

"I. Concerning Innovation in Matters of Religion.

1. "The commission that was lately granted to the convocation-house. The rather, because of the innovations brought in and practised, when there was no such commission. 2. The complaints arising from petitions brought in from several counties, by the members of the house, against innovations in religion. 3. The molesting and depriving of godly and conformable ministers, for not yielding to matters enjoined without warrant of law, 4. The publishing of Popish tenets, in licenced books, sermons, and disputations. 5. Restraining conformable ministers from preaching in their own charges."

"II. Concerning Property of Goods.

1. Monopolies, and restraint of trade, 2. Ship-money. 3. Enlarging the bounds of forests beyond what they have been for some hundred years last past, 4. Military charges, viz. Coat and conduct money, wages, arms taken from the owners, forcing the country to buy or provide, at their own charge, horses and carts, by way of tax, 5. Denial of justice in the courts of Westminster, to the subject's prejudice, in point of the property of his goods. 6. Frequent imprisonments and vexations for nonpayment of unwarrantable taxes, and not submitting to unlawful monopolies." “III, Liberties and Privileges of Parlia

ment.

1. "Punishing men out of parliament, for things done in parliament, 2. That which is already voted in the house concerning privilege of parliament. 3. Sudden dissolution of parliaments, without redress of grievances, But this was laid by for the present, and not put to the question. Lastly, As that which relates to all, and is a great cause of all our former grievances, the not holding of parliaments every year, according to the laws and statutes of this realm."-This also was put off

for the present.

Resolved, upon different questions, on each particular Article of the first Charge, relating to Religious Matters, That they should all be made use of in the intended conference with the lords. The same on the second and third,

VOL. II.

committee of the commons were instantly appointed, who were to attend the lords, and make a report of the conference on Monday morning.*

cominous by Mr. Herbert, the queen's solicitor, April 27. The said report was made to the to this effect; repeating the Heads of the king's speech, at the conference, and what the lord keeper subjoined to it. The former has already been given at large, and the latter be ing much better digested in the Lords Journals, we shall add from that authority:

"The lord keeper acquainted the commons with the effect of what his maj, said to the lords the day before, and at the meeting at Whitehall. He also put them in mind of what was said the first and second days of this parliament; and that the king had said he would make it all good. He told them, that his majesty's affairs would admit of no delay; but required a present and speedy supply. He let them know the great distemper that Scotland was now in; that the Scots army had pitched their tents in the fields near Dunce, and had taken four English troops; and threaten the invasion of Northumberland: that the Scots had put themselves uuder the protection of the French king; that his maj.'s honour is con cerned in this business; which he is determined to uphold as his life.-That there is a necessity to trust his majesty at present, yet he must trust them hereafter; that he will not break his word with them; and that delay was as bad as denial; and time lost cannot be recovered. They had the word of a king, and not only so, but of a gentleman,--For the three and Privileges of Parliament, he told them, propositions, viz. Religion, Property of Goods, his maj. would graciously hearken unto them, and relieve them; and give them what, in reason, can be desired.-For Religion: he said, his majesty's heart and conscience would go together; and that he will die in the religion of the Church of England. That Ship-Money was never profit to the king; for he spent that, and more out of his own revenue, to preserve the dominion of the seas; and if they would put the king into any other way to secure the seas, he would hear them,-Lastly, He told the commons, That the lords had voted and declared, as their opinion, that his majesty's

*This day Mr. John Rushworth, the Author of the Historical Collections, was admitted as a clerk-assistant to the house of commons, Journ. Dom. Com.

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Supply should have the precedency, and be resolved on before any other matter whatsoever; therefore he desired the house of commons to go on with that first, as that which, in the opinion of the house of lords, is held most necessary. That their lordships in this did not move subsidies, but rather declined it, and only gave their advice therein. That this being done, their lordships would be ready to Join in any thing for carrying on the other great business."

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the commons had entered into consideration and debate of the aforesaid matters of religion, &c. and that they were to have precedency before Supply, which might occasion your lordships voting as they had done; they humbly desire to present the same to your lordships, in words to this effect:-That, in case your lordships have taken notice of any orders or proceedings of the commons, concerning Religion, Property, and Privileges, and that they were to proceed to the Supply; which they have sonic cause to conceive by these words, That this being done, your lordships would freely join with the cominons in those three things: for the avoiding all misunder

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mons, for time to come, they desire your lord. ships, bereafter, to take no notice of any thing which shall be debated by the commons, unti they shall, themselves, declare the same unto your lordships; which the commons shall alway observe towards your proceedings, conceiving the contrary not to consist with the privileges of either house."

This Report of the lord keeper's speech being made in the house of commons, a long debate ensued upon it; and, at last, they came to the following resolutions: 1. Resolved, upon the question, That by the late matter pro-standings between your lordships and the compoanded, in the late conference with the lords, the privileges of this house are violated.' 2. That the words now read by the Solicitor, were a faithful and true report of part of that conference had with the lords; and that the said words shall be entered in the Journal' 3. That their lordships voting, propounding, and declaring concerning matter of Supply, in such sort as is contained in this Report, before it was moved from this house, is a Breach of Privilege of this house.'-And, after ordering the last section of the Report to be read once moro, it was further resolved, That a select committee should be appointed to consider of this day's debate and resolutions; and to prepare, in writing, an Address unto the lords, for righting the privileges of this house."

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The next day, the commons agreed and approyed on an address to the lords, and that Mr. Pym should go up to that house with it; which he delivered to their lordships in manner following:

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The committee being returned, Mr Pym informed the house of what he had done and delivered; and that their lordships Answer, at present, was, They would send one in convenient time.' It was ordered, That the thanks of the house should be given to Mr. Pym, for the good service he did them, in his exact and faithful delivery of their Address.

We are told, in the Lords Journals, That when the lord keeper had made a report to the house of what was delivered by the commons, at the conference the day before, their lord ships entered into a long and serious debate That at the last conference, by a committee upon it, and afterwards came to the following of both houses, it was admitted by your lord-Resolution, "That by their lordships first votships, that matters of Subsidy naturally belonging, they were of opinion the matter of his to the commons; and that your lordships would maj.'s Supply should have precedency, and be not meddle therein, nor give advice in it, but resolved on before any other matter whatsoever, had declined it. That, notwithstanding this there was no breach of the privilege of the house declaration, your lordships have meddled with, of commons. and advised concerning both the matter of supply, and the time when the same should be made: and this before such time as the same was moved to them by the commons, as appears by your lordships declaration, viz. That you had voted you held most necessary and fit, that the matter of Supply should have precedency before any other matter or consideration whatsoever and therefore desired that conference with the commons, to let them know your lordships reasons for it; which being taken into consideration, and done by the commons, your lordships would freely join with them in all that concerns religion, property of estate, and privilege of parliament. That the course this committee did offer for repair of this breach of privilege, was, That your lord ships would, in your wisdoms, find out, your selves, some sort of reparation, and of prevention of the like infringement for the future. And whereas the committee was induced to conceive, that your lordships had been informed

April 30. The lords passed another vote, to the same purpose," That it was no breach of privilege of the house of commons, for their lordships to hear what his maj. declared to them, and thereupon to report the same to the house of commons." And, in order to be more able to support these two Resolutions, the lords ordered, That notice should be given to the keeper of the records in the Tower to at tend the house the next morning, with the original record of the 9th of Hen. 4. concerning the indemnity of the peers and commons, Likewise a committee of lords was appointed to meet that afternoon in the council-chamber at Whitehall, to prepare and draw up heads for another conference with the commons about this great affair.But to return to that body.

The Commons proceed with Grievances.] April 29. Sir Walter Erle reported from the committee, appointed to prepare and give di rections for the managing of a conference, to

of Grievances before the Supply but he does not acquaintus, That soon after the conference was agreed to, and the treasurer of the household sent up to inform the lords of it: though he has given us the lord keeper's Speech made at this meeting. The speech before mentioned for which this conference was desired, had been reported and agreed upon by the lords; and was delivered to the committee of the commons, by the lord keeper, to the effect following:

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be desired with the lords, about the matters | voted against the conference, were for Redress contained under the heads or inducements, before-mentioned; that they had thought fit to assign three men, for the charge of the three heads: Mr. Pym for the first, and to make an introduction to the whole business: Mr. St. John for the second; who desired, that, in regard of the large extent of this head, another might be joined with him to undertake the charge: and Mr. Holborn for the third. Upon delivery of this report the following particulars were by question resolved upon. 1. That in this conference with the lords, there shall be My lords have commanded me to let you a protestation and a saving made, to preserve know, that the desire and care on your part at and keep entire the right of the commons, not the last conference, represented unto them for to be bound by any canons, that are or shall be preserving a good union and correspondence bemade, upon any commission granted, or to be tween their lordships and you, is by them engranted, to the convocation, without the con- tertained with all respect, and requited with all sent of parliament. 2. That, in the said con- good affection; as that which is the best way ference, one head shall be, touching the re- to bring our consultations and resolutions to moving of the communion table, in parish an happy issue, to give his maj. a dutiful acchurches, and chapels in the universities, and count of our zeal and forwardness in those placing them altar-wise, at the east end of the great and weighty affairs, for which we were said churches and chapels, close to the wall. assembled; and to further those united pro3. That another head of this conference shall ceedings that may tend to the happiness of this be the setting up of crosses, images, and cru- kingdom, and the contentment of both houses. cifixes, in cathedral and parochial churches Their lordships well know the great privileges and chapels, both in the universities, and di- belonging to both houses of parliament, of vers other places of this kingdom. 4. Another which they and you alike participate and they head shall be, the refusing to administer the are not ignorant of those that are distinctly prosacrament to such as will not come up to the per to each house: what belongs to you of the rail before the communion table, set altar- house of commons, they never had thought to and excommunicating some for not do- impeach or diminish in the least kind; and ing of it. 5. The making and enjoining of what they may justly challenge to themselves, articles at visitations, without any other au- they presume you will not attempt upon; since thority than that of the bishops of the diocess. you cannot doubt but they will be as tender of 6. That, in this conference, another head shall their honour in the preservation and upholding be, touching the molesting, suspending, or de- of their own, as they are and shall be careful priving of many godly and conformable mini- not to invade or violate any of yours.-This sters, for not yielding to matters enjoined with- their lordships commanded me to tell you, will out warrant of law; instancing such as have best and most clearly appear, by the course been deprived for not reading the book for re- that hath been held in their own house, and creations on Sundays. 7. That, in this confe- by their proceedings with you.Their lordrence, one head shall be, touching the preach- ships, as in duty and affection to his majesty's ing, printing, and determining of and for crown and government they are bound, took Popish tenets, contrary to the doctrine of the into serious consideration the great and weighty church of England. 8. Another head to be, motive of his maj.'s calling us together at this touching the enjoining and preaching of bow-time; the great evils and calamities that hang ing to the altar, and the enquiry for the doing, or not doing of it. 9. That, in this conference, another shall be, concerning the restraining of conformable ministers from preaching in their own charges. Lastly, It was resolved, "That in this conference with the lords, there shal! be a reservation to the parties, appointed to carry it on, of further liberty to add more particulars as there shall be occasion."

wise;

The Lords, at a Conference, give their Reasons for preferring the Supply.] May 1. A Message was brought from the lords to desire a present conference, concerning somewhat that fell out in the last. The house was divided on this message, and the question being put, Whether to agree to this conference, or not? it passed in the negative, 257 against 148. Rushworth tells us, That this division of the house discovered the temper of it; for the majority, that

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over our heads, and the apparent danger this kingdom is like to run into, if, by speedy and fitting supply, his maj. be not enabled to prevent it?-These, with other reasons inforcing how unsupportable delay and protraction was, and how impossible it is for both houses to recover the loss of time, in a matter of so urging and pressing consequence, were, by his maj.'s cominand, delivered to their lordships and you, both in the lords house and in the Banquetinghouse at Whitehall; his maj. being present.His maj. I say, at both those times, expressed his gracious and princely desire to do all that from a just and a gracious king might be expected; whereby this parliament might have an happy and blessed conclusion, to bring joy and consolation to his majesty and all his subjects. Ile told you, that all your just grievances should be graciously heard and relieved; that

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he would therein let you be at no loss of time; but for the present, before you parted, you should have, without abridging, as much time as the season and great affairs in hand would possibly permit; and, what you could not now prefer, you should have time towards winter to go through with. Their lordships were wit nesses, that his maj. gave his royal word herein; and, for their parts, lodge it in their hearts with as much trust and confidence of his majesty's royal performance, as ever subjects did. Not long after, his majesty was pleased to honour the lords house with his presence again; to renew their remembrance of all that before had been delivered to both houses, both for the necessity of the Supply desired, with an impossibility of admitting delay; and the clearness of his majesty's intention and resolutions to give all just satisfaction to what with reason could be desired of him.His maj. then took notice to their lordships of somewhat that had been voted in your house concerning Religion, Property of Goods, and Liberty of Parliament; whereby his maj. conceived the matter of his Supplies set aside, which he had so often, and with such weight of reason, desired might have precedence; af ter very gracious assurances to their lordships of his maj.'s constant affection and zeal for the true Religion, for preventing all innovation therein, of his so often iterated promise to give a gracious ear and just relief to all your just Grievances; expressing his royal intentions in that of Ship-Money, which found so much stood upon.-He was further pleased to desire their lord-ships, (as persons in their ranks and degrees nearest to him in honour, as much and more concerned than others; and, in the safety and prosperity of his kingdom, at least equally in terested with the rest of his subjects, in a case of this great and important weight) that they would, by their counsel and persuasion, incline you of the house of commons to give his maj. a speedy answer and resolution, in the natter of Supply.Their lordships took this his maj's desire into serious and dutiful consideration; and, after a great and solemn debate, they resolved, that their opinion was, That the matter of his maj.'s Supply should have precedency, and be resolved of before any other matter whatsoever; and did think fit, there should be a conference desired with you of the house of commons to dispose you thereunto. And this was all they then voted or concluded, with which other conference their lordships acquainted you: this as it was just and honourable for them to do, so it neither extended the bounds and limits of their own privilege, nor narrowed or straitned any And yet at the last conference (which their lordships are apt and willing to believe, proceeded rather from some mistaking than any intention to lessen their or enlarge your own privileges) it was urged in your name, That the voting of this was a breach of your privilege, and that therein their

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lordships had been transported beyond those bounds, which they had set to themselves; be cause, in their former conference, their lordships had admitted, that matter of Supply ought to be given in the house of commons, as naturally belonging to that house, and wherein their lordships would not meddle, no not so much as to give advice and yet by voting what they did, had not only ineddled in matter of Supply, but as far as in their lordships lay, had concluded both of matter and order of proceedings, for which you demanded repara tion from their lordships. Herein, I'm conf manded by their lordships to let you know, that they have neither varied nor been transported from their own bounds; nor voted any thing contrary to your rights and privileges, or to the adinitting of them at that conference, which is pretended. For their lordships did and do admit, That the bill of Subsidies ought to have its inception and beginning in your house; and, that when it comes up to their lordships, and is by them agreed unto, it must be returned back to you; and be, by your Speaker, presented.-And therefore, as they do disclaim any thought or intention of such beginning in their house; so they did, at their debate and conference with you, disclaim to ineddle with the matter of Subsidies or Supplies; that is by naming the time or number, or any such circumstances incident to the bill, which ought to begin with you; or therein to give you any the least advice, but only to confer and talk with you about Supplies in general. For, to give you their advice therein, they do not, nor ever did, hold derogatory to yours, or exceeding the privileges of their own house; since as you frequently impart your Grievancies to them, so it is all the reason in the world they should communicate their fears and foresights of dangers to you: their lordships being a body, that moreth in an orb nearer unto the royal throne than you do; and thereby the likelier to communicate in the counsels and secrets of state; and, for their persons and fortunes, at least as considerable in point of danger. Their lordships are not unacquainted with that establishment in parliament, which was by you, at the conference, styled The Indempnity of the Commons; but it is indeed the Indempnity of the Lords and Commons; and so styled in the record itself. By that record, made at Glocester, 9 Hen. IV. it appears there was a conference between the lords and commons, about the state of the realm and defence of it; after which the king demanded of the lords, what aid was fit to be granted? They said a tenth and an half in cities and boroughs, and one fifth and an half of others, and a Subsidy of Tonnage and Poundage for two years. Upon which the king sent to the commons, to send up to him and the lords, twelve of their company; when they came, it was by the kings command declared, what had been by the king demanded of the lords, and what the lords answer thereto was which the king willed to report to their com

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A Message from the King to the Commons, to hasten a Supply.] May 2. Whilst the house was preparing to hear the report made of yesterday's conference with the lords, the treasurer of the houshold, sir Henry Vane, delivered a Message from the king to them, which was read in hæc verba ;

panions, that they might with better speed | affections to you, and desire of correspondence conform themselves to the intention of the with you, than any other misconstruction lords. This indeed the commons were trou- whatsoever.-As to that which you called the bled at, as being a great derogation to their Indempnity of the Commons, it hath no word liberties; whereupon, to prevent, for the fu- in it that can be construed to make any breach ture, any thing that might turn to the preju- of your privilege. Therefore, their lordships, dice of their liberty, or against the liberty of having thus cleared and justified their own the lords, it was established, That it should proceedings, and freed themselves from any always be lawful for the lords to commune imputation of invading your liberties, cannot among themselves, in the king's absence, of but return to their first grounds and resolu the state of the realm, and the remedies tion; which were, in all fair and affectionate needful; and so for the commons among them- manner, to stir up in you the just consideration selves. Provided always, that neither the of those great and imminent dangers that lords, or commons, report to the king any threaten this kingdom at this time, and how things granted by the commons and assented dangerous and irrecoverable delay is and to by the lords; nor the communication of it, withal to dispose you to take, into your first before the lords and commons be agreed, and and best thoughts, the matter of his maj.'s then be represented by the Speaker of the Supply, and give him a speedy answer therein. house of coinmons.-This is the substance of This, their lordships are confident, will be the that establishment, which only hath relation means to preserve and continue a good union to the manner of presenting subsidies and and understanding between their lordships and aids to the king, and giving him knowledge of you: to make this a happy parliament; and to them. And, as it hath not one word that avert the publick calamities, that menace the barrs the lords and commons from conferring ruin and overthrow of this famous and renownabout them; so it plainly declares, that bothed monarchy.” lords and commons, in their several houses, may equally treat amongst themselves of the dangers the kingdom is in, and of the way to remedy them. This my lords have well weigh ed, and are satisfied, verifies their proceedings to have been according to ancient usage and custom, as they are grounded upon just and weighty reasons.--Many other reasons their lordships have, to justify their proceedings in this particular; but they conceive this record, alone, mentioned by yourselves, will give you herein abundant satisfaction; and plainly shew that the house of commons had no cause to demand reparation herein from their lordships. A second thing objected, wherein their lordships have been said to have broke another great privilege of the house of commons established by that ordinance, which I have mentioned before, is, that their lordships have taken notice of some proceedings in the house of commons concerning three particuars, viz. Religion, Property of Goods, and Privilege of Parliament. To which their Drdships have commanded me to give you this just and honourable answer. His maj. told their lordships, you had resolved something concerning these three heads; and, by that way of proceeding, preferred Grievances before matter of Supply. How his maj. knew that you had so resolved, belongs not to their lordships to enquire into; their lordships not meddling with any thing that others say to the king. But as to what his maj. said to their lordships, and what their lordships heard his maj. declare to them: certainly for them, thereupon, to report the same to the house of commons, their lordships are so far from holding it any diminution, or violation of your privileges; that, on the contrary, in duty to his maj. they could do no other: and the communicating it to you, in that manner, they think rather merits your opinion and belief of their

"That his majesty hath by divers and sundry ways, acquainted this house with the urgent necessity of Supply, and with the great danger, inevitably, to fall upon the whole state, upon his own honour, and the honour of this nation, if more time shall be lost therein. That, nevertheless, his majesty hath, hitherto, received no Answer at all; though, heretofore, his majesty had told the house, That a delay in this case is as destructive as a denial; and doth again desire them to give him a present Answer concerning his Supply; his majesty being still resolved, on his part, to make good whatsoever he hath promised by himself or the lord keeper."

On the receiving this Message, the house presently resolved itself into a committee, William Lenthall, esq. in the chair. But though a debate ensued on the message, which lasted till six o'clock at night, they came only to the following Resolution. "That because of the difficulty of the matter debated, there should be further time granted to the committee, to begin it again on Monday the 4th instant, at eight in the morning. And that the Treasurer, Comptroller, and Mr. Secretary Windebank, be intreated, from this house, to acquaint his majesty with this order."

A second Message to the same Purport.] May 4. Mr. Treasurer acquainted the house, That they had made known to his majesty their order of Saturday; in Answer to which, the king had sent another Message, which was also read in these words:

"Whereas, upon Saturday last, his majesty

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