The Journals of Parliaments

October ensuing; but whether by the Lord Keeper, who (as it seems) at this time fell sick of the Gout, or by the Lord Treasurer, who for a while afterwards was appointed by the Queens Commission to continue it, according to the usual form and course in such case used, doth not appear in the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House, but is omitted through the negligence of Francis Spilman Esq, now Clerk of the same House.

On Saturday the 5 ^th day of October (to which day the Parliament had been last continued) two Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the second, being the Bill for the taking away Clergy in certain Cases, was read secundâ vice, & commissa Archiepiscopo Eboracen., Duci Norf., Comiti Huntingdon, Comiti Leicester, Vice-Comiti Montague, Episcopo London, Episcopo Dunelmen., Episcopo Lincoln., Domino Clinton, Domino Morley, Domino Wentworth, Domino Willoughby, Domino North, Domino Hunsdon, the two Chief Justices, and the Chief Baron.

Nota, That the Judges being mere Assistants, and no Members of the Upper House, were here also made joint Committees with the Lord's, which hath never been admitted of in later times.

These two Bills were read, the Lord Keeper by reason of his being sick of the Gout abstaining this day, and a good while aster, from the Upper House; and therefore William Lord Marquess of Winchester, Lord Treasurer of England, was Authorized by verbal Commission from the Queen, to supply his place; and accordingly continued the Parliament unto Monday next, being the 7 ^th day of October; the form and manner whereof (although the President be very rare, and of great use) is only entered very briefly in the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House, in these words following.

Hodie dictus Thesaurarius, ex Mandato Dominae Reginae, eo quod Dominus Custos Magni Sigilli Podagrae Morbo laboraret, continuavit praesens Parliamentum us{que} in diem Lunae proxim. horâ consuetâ.

Nota, That here the Marquess of Winchester Lord Treasurer of England, did supply the Lord Keepers place in the Upper House, without any Authority given him by Commission under the great Seal; which in like Cases is usual, and therefore it is most probable that her Majesty did by word of Mouth, give him this Commandment or Commission, either in private, or in the presence of some other. Lord's of the Upper House; which although it be not very usual, yet there want not Presidents of the same nature, as I was assured by Henry Elsing Esq, at this time Clerk of the Upper House, upon Friday the 16 ^th day of April 1630.; and that especially in former times, as of King Edward the third, and others, the Lord Keepers place was (during his absence) for the most part supplied by virtue of the Kings verbal Command; and seldom by Commission.

October the 6 ^th Sunday.

On Monday the 7 ^th day of October, An Act to make void fraudulent Gifts, Bargains and Alienations, made for the deceiving of Creditors, was read primâ vice, and committed to Justice Dyer: Quod nota.

The Lord Treasurer continued the Parliament until the next day at nine of the Clock.

On Tuesday the 8 ^th day of October, the Bill that no man killing any person by misfortune, at twelve score or longer mark, shall therefore forfeit his Lands, Tenements, or Goods, was read primâ vice.

Dominus Thesaurarius continuavit praesens Parliament. us{que} in diem Jovis prox. horâ nonâ.

On Thursday the 10 ^th day of October, Three Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill that no man killing any person at twelvescore prick, or longer mark, shall forfeit his Goods or Chattels (in which Bill for that it toucheth the Queens Prerogative, it was thought not convenient to proceed further, without her Highness pleasure first known in the same.)

Dominus Thesaurarius continuavit praesens Parliamentum us{que} in diem Sabbati prox. hora nona; and so every sitting day until Friday the 25 ^th day of October exclusive, the Parliament was continued in this Form by the Lord Treasurer, except Monday the 21 ^th day, and Tuesday the 22 ^th day of October; on both which days the House did sit, and Bills were read; but in the Original Journal-Book is no mention of continuing the Court by any person; which seemeth to have happened by negligence of the Clerk: and after the said 25 ^th day of October (on which Sir Robert Catlin Knight, Lord Chief Justice of the Kings Bench, was appointed by her Majesty's Commission to supply the place of the Lord Keeper, during his Sickness) it was continued until Saturday the 9 ^th day of November ensuing; when Sir Nicholas Bacon, Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, repaired again to the Upper House, and there continued his place, till the Dissolution of this present Session of Parliament.

On Saturday the 12 ^th day of October, Two Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill against fraudulent Gifts of Goods and Chattels, and also a remedy for Creditors against Bankrupts, was Committed to the Lord Chief Justice Dyer, and Justice Southcote, to be by them considered against the next meeting: Quod nota.

October the 13 ^th Sunday.

On Monday the 14 ^th day of October, to which day the Parliament had been last continued by the Lord Treasurer, Two Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for the taking away of Clergy from Pick-Purses, and Cut-Purses, was read secundâ vice, & commissa ad ingrossand.

On Tuesday the 15 ^th day of October, to which day the Parliament had been last continued by the Lord Treasurer, Three Bills had each of them one reading; of which the two first, the one being the Bill to take away the benefit of the Clergy from certain Offenders for some Felonies, for which by the Common Law they could not be denied it, was read tertiâ vice & communi omnium Procerum assensu conclusa. And the other being a Bill for the Confirmation of Fines and Recoveries, notwithstanding the fault of the Original Writ, & majore Procerum numero assentientium conclusa est. And the said two Bills so concluded, were committed unto the Queens Attorney, and M ^r Martin, to be carried down to the House of Commons.

On Wednesday the 16. day of October, the Lord's did meet in the Parliament Chamber, and nothing done, but the Parliament continued by the Lord Treasurer in usual Form, until Thursday the 17. day of October.

On Thursday the 17. day of October, Three Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill to Naturalize John Stafford, born beyond the Seas, was primâ vice lect. and the third being against fraudulent Gifts of Goods and Chattels, and also a remedy against Bankrupts, was by the consent of all the Lord's concluded.

On Saturday the 19. day of October, to which day the Parliament had been last continued, on Thursday foregoing, by the Lord Treasurer, the Bill for the punishment of the negligence and false return of Writs, by under-Sheriffs and Bailiffs; was by common consent of the Lord's concluded, and with two other Bills before concluded, was sent to the House of Commons by Serjeant Carus, and the Attorney General.

On Monday the 21. day of October, the Bill for annexing of Hexhamshire to the County of Northumberland, was read primâ vice.

Two Bills were brought up to the Lord's from the House of Commons, viz. One to take the benefit of Clergy from certain Offendors, returned exped. ; And another to repeal a branch of a Statute made Anno 23 Hen. 8. touching prices of Barrells and Kilderkins.

On Tuesday the 22. day of October, to which day the Parliament had been last continued, two Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the second, being the Bill for the annexing of Hexhamshire to the County of Northumberland, was read secundâ vice; and committed to the Archbishop of York, the Earl of Northumberland, the Earls of Westmorland, and Bedford, the Bishop of Durham, the Bishop of Carlisle, the Lord Evers, the Lord Rich, and the Lord North, and to Justice Welsh and Serjeant Carus.

Nota, That here a Judge, being but an Assistant, and a Serjeant, being but an Attendant upon the Upper House, are made Joint-Committees with the Lord's; Ut vide plus on Thursday the third day of this instant October foregoing.

Nota also, That an Extraordinary Proxy is Entered in the beginning of the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House, to have been introduced this day, being as followeth, viz.

22 die Octobris introductae sunt literae Procuratoriae Cuthberti Domini Ogle, in quibus Procuratores constituit Franciscum Comitem Bedford, & Johannem Dominum Lumley.

This I call an Extraordinary Proxy, in respect that a Temporal Lord did Constitute two Proctors; whereas usually they nominate but one, and the Spiritual Lord's for the most part two; and this Proxy of the Lord Ogle's may the rather seem unusual, in respect that of sixteen Temporal Lord's, who were absent by her Majesty's Licence from this Session of Parliament, there was but one more, viz. Francis Earl of Bedford (ut vide on Saturday the 9. day of November following) who Constituted above one Proxy.

It is also worth the noting, that Robert Earl of Leicester, being at this time a Favorite, was Constituted the sole and joint Proxy of eight several Temporal Lord's, who with six others, as is aforesaid, were absent this Session of Parliament: from which, as also from other Presidents of former and later times, it may easily be gathered, 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 was an Order made in the said House to the contrary A. D. 1626. That no Lord or 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 Buckingham (Favorite of the King Deceased, and of King Charles ) being guilty of many Crimes, did, to strengthen himself by Voices, not only procure divers persons to be made Members of that House, but also engrossed to himself near upon twenty several Proxies.

Vide one other Extraordinary Proxy on Saturday the 9 ^th day of November, and another on Sunday December the first following.

This Forenoon also these twenty Lord's under written, were appointed to repair in the Afternoon to the Queens Majesty; viz.

• The Archbishop of York.
• The Earl of Northumberland.
• The Earl of Westmorland.
• The Earl of Shrewsbury.
• The Earl of Worcester.
• The Earl of Sussex.
• The Earl of Huntingdon.
• The Earl of Warwick.
• Viscount Bindon.
• Viscount Montague.
• The Bishop of London.
• The Bishop of Durham.
• The Bishop of Winchester.
• The Lord Cobham.
• The Lord Rich.
• The Lord Wentworth.
• The Lord Pagett.
• The Lord Sheffeild.
• The Lord Hastings of Loughborough.
• The Lord Hunsdon.

The business about which these Lord's repaired to the Queen, is not in the Original Journal-Book itself of the Upper House, but it may be guested it was concerning those two great businesses of the Queens Marriage, and the Declaration of the next Heir, and Successor after the Queens Decease, to the Crown; which business bred so much distaste afterwards between her Majesty and her Subjects in this Session; so that, as afterwards the Lord's did Petition the Queen about it, so now (it should seem) these Lord's repaired unto her, either to desire leave to prefer that Petition, and that they might confer with the House of Commons about it, or else to know of her Majesty a fitting time, when they might repair unto her, with their said Petition, and so receive Answer unto it. But what the Queen replied at this time, is hard to be conjectured; only it followeth at large, that on Tuesday the 5 ^th day of November, the Members of both Houses, for that end appointed, repaired to her Majesty in the Afternoon; but whether they then offered up their Petitions unto her Majesty, or whether the House of Commons did at this Session of Parliament, prefer any Petition at all concerning those two great matters aforesaid, is hard to be determined.

No mention is made in the Original Journal-Book of continuing the Parliament; which seemeth to have happened by the Clerks negligence.

On Wednesday the 23 ^th day of October, the Bill to repeal a branch of a Statute made Anno 23 Hen. 8. touching the prices of Barrels and Kilderkins, was read primâ vice.

An Act declaring the manner of making and Consecrating of the Archbishops and Bishops of the Realm, to be good, lawful and perfect, was brought from the House of Commons.

Dominus Thesaurarius continuavit praesens Parliamentum us{que} in diem Jovis prox.

On Thursday the 24 ^th day of October, the Archbishop of York, the Lord Treasurer, the Duke of Norfolk, and divers other Lord's both Spiritual and Temporal, did Assemble in the Parliament-Chamber, where nothing was done, but only the continuance of the Parliament, until Friday next at ten of the Clock.

On Friday the 25 ^th day of October, the Lord Treasurer signified to all the Lord's, that the Queens Highness, considering the decay of his Memory and Hearing, being Griefs accompanying Hoary Hairs, and Old Age; and understanding the Lord Keepers slow amendment, intended to supply both their said defects by Sir Robert Catlin Knight, Chief Justice of the Kings Bench, and shown forth her Majesty's Commission under the Great Seal of England, which the Clerk by Commandment openly read, in haec verba.

The Bill to repeal a branch of a Statute made in the 23 ^th Year of Henry 8. touching prices of Barrels and Kilderkins, was read tertiâ vice, and by common consent of all the Lord's concluded.

Dominus Capitalis Justiciarius continuavit praesens Parliamentum usque in diem Sabbati proximum.

On Saturday the 26 ^th day of October, the Bill declaring the manner of making and Consecrating of the Archbishops and Bishops of this Realm, to be good, lawful and perfect, was read primâ vice.

Memorandum, The Lord's after deliberate Consultation and advice taken, how to proceed in the great matters of Succession and Marriage, before moved by the House of Commons, did this present day send Serjeant Carus, and M ^r Attorney down unto them, to signify that they would a chosen number should be sent up unto them, for their knowledge to be had of the same. Vide concerning this business on Wednesday the 30 ^th day of October, now next ensuing; as also on Tuesday the 5 ^th day of November following.

Dominus Capitalis Justiciarius continuavit praesens Parliamentum us{que} in diem Lunae prox.

October the 27 ^th Sunday.

On Monday the 28. day of October, Sir Robert Catlyn Knight, Lord Chief Justice of the Kings Bench (supplying the place of the Lord Keeper, at this time sick of the Gout, as is before-mentioned) with divers other Lord's Spiritual and Temporal, met in the Upper House; but nothing appeareth to have been done in the Original Journal of the same House, only the continuance of the Parliament unto Wednesday next following.

On Wednesday the 30. day of October, Two Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill declaring the manner of making and Consecrating of Archbishops and Bishops of this Realm to be good, lawful, and perfect, was read secundâ vice.

The Lord's whose names are here next after written, were appointed to have Conference with a settled number of the House of Commons, touching Petition to be made to the Queens Highness, as well for the Succession, as for her Marriage, viz.

• The Archbishop of York.
• The Lord Treasurer.
• The Duke of Norfolk.
• The Marquess of Northampton.
• The Earl of Northumberland.
• The Earl of Westmorland.
• The Earl of Shrewsbury.
• The Earl of Worcester.
• The Earl of Sussex.
• The Earl of Huntingdon.
• The Earl of Warwick.
• The Earl of Bedford.
• The Earl of Pembroke.
• The Earl of Leicester.
• Viscount Montague.
• Viscount Bindon.
• The Bishop of London.
• The Bishop of Durham.
• The Bishop of Winchester.
• The Bishop of Worcester.
• The Bishop of Lincoln.
• The Bishop of Rochester.
• The Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield.
• The Lord Admiral.
• The Lord Chamberlain.
• The Lord Morley.
• The Lord Cobham.
• The Lord Grey.
• The Lord Wentworth.
• The Lord Windsor.
• The Lord Rich.
• The Lord Sheffeild.
• The Lord Paget.
• The Lord North.
• The Lord Haistings of Loughborough.
• The Lord Hunsdon.

It should seem that the Lord's had intended at first to have appointed but thirty of themselves, to have joined with the House of Commons, about the foresaid Treaty or Conference, to be had between them, touching the said great matters of Succession and Marriage, however it fell out afterwards, as appeareth by the names above set down, that they appointed more: for it appeareth plainly by the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons, (although there be no mention at all of it in that of the Upper House) that the Lord's did this day send down word unto the House of Commons, by M ^r Serjeant Carus, and M ^r Attorney, that they had Chosen thirty of themselves, to consult and confer with a Select Committee of the said House, touching the foresaid great business: touching which see more on Tuesday the 5 ^th day of November following.

Dominus Capitalis Justiciarius continuavit praesens Parliamentum us{que} in diem Jovis prox.

On Thursday the 31 ^th day of October, the Bill for declaring the manner of making and Consecrating of the Archbishops and Bishops of this Realm, to be good, lawful and perfect, Commissa est to the Chief Justice of the Common-Pleas, Justice Southcote and Attorney General.

The Bill for annexing of Hexamshire to the County of Northumberland, was read secundâ vice.

The House of Commons appointed Sir Edward Rogers Knight, Comptroller of her Highness Household, Sir Francis Knolles her Majesty's Vice-Chamberlian, Sir William Cecil, her Highness Chief Secretary, Sir Ambrose Cave Knight, Chancellor of her Duchy of Lancaster, Sir William Peeter, Sir Ralph Sadler, Sir Walter Mildmay Knights, all of her Highness Privy-Council, and divers other Members of the House of Commons, to have Conference with the Lord's aforenamed (whose names see on yesterday foregoing) touching those two great matters of the Succession and Marriage, to be dealt in by Petition to her Majesty. As see more at large upon to Morrow ensuing in the Afternoon.

Dominus Capitalis Justiciarius continuavit praesens Parliamentum us{que} in diem Martis 5 die Novembris prox.

On Tuesday the 5 ^th day of November, the Bill for the annexing of Hexamshire unto the County of Northumberland, and the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the same unto the See of the Bishopric of Durham, was read tertiâ vice, & communi omnium Procerum assensu conclusa.

The Nobles under-named were appointed to wait on the Queens Highness this Afternoon, with thirty of the House of Commons, by her Highness special Commandment.

• The Archbishop of York.
• The Lord Treasurer.
• The Duke of Norsolk.
• The Marquess of Northampton.
• The Earl of Northumberland.
• The Earl of Westmorland.
• The Earl of Shrewsbury.
• The Earl of Worcester.
• The Earl of Huntingdon.
• The Earl of Sussex.
• The Earl of Warwick.
• The Earl of Bedford.
• The Earl of Pembroke.
• The Earl of Leicester.
• Viscount Montague.
• Viscount Bindon.
• The Bishop of London.
• The Bishop of Duresm.
• The Lord Clinton Lord Admiral.
• The Lord Howard of Effingham, Lord Chamberlain.
• The Lord Morley.
• The Lord Lumley.
• The Lord Rich.
• The Lord Sheffeild.
• The Lord Paget.
• The Lord North.
• The Lord Haistings of Loughborough, and
• The Lord Hunsdon.

Dominus Capitalis Justiciarius continuavit praesens Parliament. us{que} in diem Crastinum hora consueta.

But there is no mention at all in the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House, to what end or purpose the Lord's above-mentioned, with those thirty Members of the House of Commons, repaired to her Majesty; which doubtless fell out by the great negligence (in a matter of so great weight) of Francis Spilman Esq, Clerk of the Upper House, and therefore I have thought fitting and necessary to supply it at large, partly out of the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons, and partly out of other several Manuscript Memorials, I had by me; all which in their proper place I have particularly vouched. It is therefore in the first place to be noted, as fit matter of preparation to that which follows, that these two great matters touching her Majesty's Marriage, and the Declaration of a certain Successor, were agitated in the House of Commons in the first Session of this present Parliament, in An. 5 Regin. Eliz. and thereupon the greatest part of the said House, with Thomas Williams their Speaker, did prefer a Petition to her Majesty, upon Thursday the 28 ^th day of January, in the said fifth Year of her Majesty's Reign, by her Allowance; in which having humbly supplicated her Majesty to Marry, or in default of Issue of her own Body, to declare a certain Successor, they received a gracious Answer. But now the same Parliament reassembling again to this second Session thereof in the eighth year of the Reign of the Queen, and finding nothing to have been acted by her Majesty in either kind; but that she remained still a Virgin, without all likelihood of Marriage, and that the Succession of the Crown depended upon great uncertainties; some holding the Queen of Scots to have best Right, others the Countess of Lenox, being the Daughter of Margaret of England, by Archibald Douglass Earl of Anguisse, her Second Husband; and others also argued very strongly for Catherine Countess of Hartford, being the Daughter and Coheir of Henry Grey Marquess Dorset, and Frances his Wife, the Eldest Daughter and Coheir of Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolk, by Mary the French Queen, being the youngest Daughter of Henry the Seventh; and especially seeing that the Queen of Scots, having Married the Lord Darley, (whom she had Created Duke of Albany, and had by him Issue a Son born before the beginning of this Session of Parliament, who afterwards was Monarch of Great Britain ) and duly considering also, that the Scottish Queen had, during the Life of the French King her Husband, by his means pretended a right to the Kingdom of England, before the Queen herself, in respect of the Popes Authority; and that some also did not stick to set a broach the Title of the Lady Elianor, being the younger Sister and Coheir with the Countess of Hartford, Married to the Earl of Cumberland: therefore I say all these said premisses being duly weighed by both the said Houses of Parliament, it made them to be more earnest in Petitioning her Majesty at this time, to the same effect; although it seemeth that the Petition delivered at this time, was chiefly preferred in the name of the Lord's of the Upper House, as that other Petition had formerly been preferred in the Name of the Commons, in the first Session of this Parliament, in An. 5 Regin. Eliz. whence it hath come to pass, that neither of these Petitions being set down in the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House of Commons, in either of these two Sessions of Parliament, the times of their delivery have been exceedingly confounded together, in all such several Copies as I have perused of them; in which, as also in Sir Robert Cotton's first Volume of the Journals of Parliament of the Queens time (which are very imperfect and fragmentary) they are erroneously Entred to have been both delivered in An. 1563. in which Year, as also in part of the Year 1562. the Session in An. 5 Regin. Eliz. was continued.

Post Meridiem.

The Archbishop of York, the Lord Treasurer, and the other Lord's, whose names are mentioned in the former part of this day, with Sir Edward Rogers Knight, Comptroller of her Highness Household, and Sir William Cecil Knight, her Majesty's Principal Secretary, and divers other Members of the House of Commons, repaired to her Majesty this Afternoon, being at her Palace of Whitehall, to receive Answer from her Highness, touching those two great businesses of her Marriage, and the Declaration of her Successor, as appeareth plainly by the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons, fol. 266. a. where the report of her Majesty's Answer is set down, which she gave this Afternoon; although there be no mention at all thereof in the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House. And that this was the cause and ground of their attending upon her Majesty at this time, appeareth also plainly by a certain Manuscript Memorial, or Diary, kept and set down by Sir William Cecil, her Highness Principal Secretary (and afterwards Lord Treasurer of England ) of the passages of the greatest part of her Majesty's Reign: in which the words are as followeth.

Nov. 5. The Queen had before her thirty Lord's and thirty of the Commons of the Parliament, to receive her Answer concerning the Petition for the Succession, and for Marriage.

But whether the Lord's preferred their said Petition this Afternoon, or whether they had supplicated her Majesty any time before, doth not anywhere certainly appear; neither can I possibly gather further than by conjecture: and so it is most probable, that though her Majesty had notice before, what their Petition was, yet it was not preferred till this Afternoon. For but on Saturday Morning foregoing, which was the second day of this instant November, it is plain, that the Committees of the House of Commons (as appeareth by the Original Journal-Book of the same House, on Thursday the 31 ^th day of October, fol. 264. b. on which day the said meeting of the Committees was appointed) did then meet to consider and agree upon such reasons, as they should show to the Committees of the Lord's; whereby they might induce her Majesty, both to incline to Marriage, and to declare a Successor.

And however Sir Nicholas Bacon Knight, Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, be not nominated in either of the Original Journal-Books of the Upper House, and House of Commons, to have been present with the before-mentioned Lord's and others; yet it is plain, that if the said Petition was preferred this Afternoon, or whensoever else, it was delivered from his mouth; as may be gathered from the very Petition itself ensuing; and is so also expressly set down by M ^r Camden in Annal Regin. Eliz. edit. Lugdun. Batav. A. D. 1625. pag. 99. and though he had abstained a while about this time from the Upper House, by reason of his infirmity of the Gout, yet he was now in the way of amendment and recovery, repairing again to the said House on Saturday the 9. day of this instant November ensuing; and therefore might very well meet the before-mentioned Lord's, and other the selected Members of the House of Commons, at the Court this Afternoon.

So then, it being most probable that the Lord's did both prefer their Petition this Afternoon to her Majesty, touching those two great matters of the Marriage and Succession, and also received her Majesty's Answer; Therefore the said Petition doth here first ensue, which the Lord Keeper pronounced in these or the like words following.

MOST humbly beseecheth your Excellent Majesty, your Faithful Loving and Obedient Subjects, all your Lord's both Spiritual and Temporal Assembled in Parliament in your Upper House, to be so much their good Lady and Sovereign, as according to your accustomed benignity, to grant a Gracious and Favourable Hearing to their Petitions and Suits, which with all Humbleness and Obedience, they are come hither to present to your Majesty, by my Mouth, in matters very nearly and dearly touching your most Royal Person, the Imperial Crown of this your Realm, and Universal Weal of the same; which Suits, for that they tend to the surety and preservation of these three things, your Person, Crown and Realm, the Dearest Jewel that my Lord's have in the Earth; therefore they think themselves for divers respects greatly bound to make these Petitions; as first by their Duty to God, then by their Allegiance to your Highness, and lastly, by the Faith they ought to bear to their natural Country.

And like as, most Gracious Sovereign, by these Bonds they should have been bound to make the like Petition upon like occasion to any Prince, that it should have pleased God to have appointed to Reign over them; so they think themselves doubly bound to make the same to your Majesty, considering that besides the Bond before-mentioned, they stand also bound so to do, by the great and manifold benefits they have and do receive daily at your Highness hands; which, shortly to speak, be as great as the Fruits of Peace, common quiet and Justice can give; and this with great care and charge to your Self. And thus, my Lord's diversely bound, as your Majesty hath heard, are now to open to your Highness their humble Petitions and Suits, consisting in two points chiefly; which not sundrily, or the one without the other, but both jointly they desire your Highness to assent to; The Former is, that it would please your Majesty to dispose yourself to Marry, where it shall please you, with whom it shall please you, and as soon as it shall please you. The second, that some such limitation might be made, how the Imperial Crown of this Realm should remain, if God call your Highness without Heirs of your Body (which our Lord defend) so as these Lord's and Nobles, and other your Subjects then living might sufficiently understand, to whom they should owe their Allegiance and Duty due to be done by Subjects, and that they might by your Majesty's Licence, and with your Favor treat and confer together this Parliament time, for the well-doing of this. The former of these two, which is your Marriage, they do in their hearts most earnestly wish, and pray, as a thing that must needs breed and bring great and singular comfort to your Self, and unspeakable joy and gladness to all true English Hearts. But the second carrieth with it such necessity, that without it they cannot see how the safety of your Royal Person, the preservation of your Imperial Crown and Realm, shall be, or can be sufficiently and certainly provided for.

Most Gracious and Sovereign Lady, The Lamentable and pitiful Estate and Condition, wherein all your Nobles and Counselors of late were, when it pleased God to lay his heavy hand upon you, and the amazedness that most men of understanding were by the Fruit of that Sickness brought into, is one cause of this their Petition; The second the aptness and opportunity of the time, by reason of this Parliament, whereby both such advice, consideration and consent, as is requisite in so great and weighty a cause, may be better heard and used, than at any other time, when no Parliament is. The third, for that the assenting and performing of these Petitions, cannot as they think but breed great terror to our Enemies, and therefore must of necessity bring great surety to your Person, and especially by addition of such Laws, as may be joined with this limitation for the certain and sure observing of it, and preserving of your Majesty against all practices and chances. The fourth Cause, for that the like (as it is supposed) hath been done by divers of your Noble Progenitors, both of old time and of late days; and also by other Princes your Neighbors of the greatest Estate in Europe, and for that Experience hath taught, that good hath come of it. The fifth, for that it appeareth by Histories, how that in times past, persons Inheritable to Crowns being Votaries and Religious, to avoid such dangers as might have happened for want of Succession to Kingdoms, have left their Vows and Monasteries, and taken themselves to Marriage, as Constantia a Nun, Heir to the Kingdom of Sicily, Married after fifty Years of Age, to Henry the Sixth Emperor of that name, and had Issue Frederick the Second. And likewise Peter of Aragon, being a Monk, Married, the better to establish and pacify that Kingdom. Again, Antonius Pius is as much commended, for that not two days before his Death, he said to his Council, Laeto animo morior, quoniam filium vobis relinquo. Pyrrhus is of all Godly men detested, for saying he would leave his Realm to him that had the sharpest Sword. What but want of a Successor known, made an end of so great an Empire as Alexander the Great did leave at his Death? The sixth cause is, for that my Lord's do judge the performing of this will breed such an universal gladness in the Hearts of all your true and loving Subjects, that likely and probably you shall find them in all Commandments ready and glad to adventure their Goods, Lands and Lives in your Service, according to their bounden Duties, which of necessity must breed great surety also to your Majesty.

The seventh cause, because the not doing of this (if God should call your Highness without Heir of your Body (which God grant never be seen, if it be his Will) and yet your Majesty right well knoweth, that Princes and their Offspring, be they never so great, never so strong, never so like to live, be yet Mortal, and subject every day, yea every hour to God's Call) my Lord's think, this happening, and no limitation made, cannot, by their Judgments, but be the occasion of every evident and great danger and peril to all Estates and sorts of men of this Realm, by the Factions, Seditions and Intestine War, that will grow through want of understanding to whom they should yield Allegiance and Duty; whereby much innocent blood is like to be shed, and many of those to lose their Lives, that now would gladly bestow them for your sake, in your Majesty's Service. The eighth, for that the not performing of this, the other happening, doth leave the Realm without Government, which is the greatest danger than can happen to any Kingdom. For every Prince is anima Legis, and so reputed in Law; and therefore upon the Death of Princes the Law dieth; all the Offices of Justice, whereby the Laws are to be Executed, do cease; all Writs and Commandments to call parties to the Execution of Justice, do hang in suspense; all Commissions for the Peace and for the punishment of Offendors do determine, and lose their force; whereby it followeth consequently, that Strength and Will must Rule, and neither Law nor Reason, during such a Vacation and inter-Reign; wherein such an incertainty ofSuccession is like to last so long, as it is to be feared (if God's mercy be not the greater) that thereby we may become a prey to Strangers (which our Lord defend) or at least lose the great honor and estimation that long time hath pertained to us.

And like as, most Gracious Sovereign, my Lord's have been moved for the Worldly respect aforesaid, to make these their humble Petitions to your Majesty, so by the Examples, Counsels, yea and Commandments, that they have heard out of the sacred Scriptures, and for Conscience sake they feel themselves constrained, and enforced to do the like. God, your Highness knoweth, by the course of the Scriptures hath declared Succession and having of Children to be one of the principal Benedictions in this Life; and on the contrary he hath pronounced contrary wise; and therefore Abraham prayed to God for Issue, fearing that Eliazar his Steward should have been his Heir; and had promise that Kings should proceed of his Body. Hannah the Mother of Samuel, prayed to God with tears for Issue. And Elizabeth (whose name your Majesty beareth) Mother to John the Baptist, was joyful when God had blessed her with Fruit, accounting herself thereby to be delivered from reproach.

And as this is a blessing in private Houses, so is it much more in Kingdoms, as it plainly appeareth by the two Kingdoms of Israel and Judah. Unto the Kingdom of Judah, containing but two Tribes or thereabouts, God gave Lineal Succession by Descent of Kings; and therefore it continued a long time. The Kingdom of Israel, containing ten Tribes or thereabouts, often destitute of lawful Heirs, the one half of the people following the one, and the other half following the other, by Wars and Seditions being weakened, came soon to ruin, as plainly appeareth by the third and fourth Book of Kings.

And again in the time of the Judges, because there was no ordinary Succession, the people were often-times overcome, and carried into Captivity. Besides, it is plain by the Scriptures, that Godly Governors and Princes (as Fathers of their Countries) have always been careful to avoid the great evil that might ensue, through want of limitation of Succession, therefore Moses did enjoin Joshua to be his Successor, and David his Son Solomon, whereby a Sedition was appeased, begotten by Adonijah; of this there be many Examples.

Further, seeing it may be easily gathered by Experience of all Ages past, that Civil Wars, effusion of Christian Blood, and consequently ruins of Kingdoms, do follow, where Realms be left without a certainty ofSuccession; and your Majesty is also informed of the same, and sued unto for redress; if therefore now no sufficient remedy should be by your Highness provided, that then it should be a dangerous burden before God to your Majesty, and you were to yield a strict account to God for the same; considering you are placed, as the Prophet Ezekiel saith, in Altissimo speculo of this Common-Wealth, and see the Sword coming, and provide no remedy for the defense of it. Lastly, The Spirit of God pronounceth by the Mouth of S ^t Paul to Timothy, that whosoever maketh no due Provision for his Family, is in very great danger to Godward; and also by the Mouth of S ^t John, that whosoever seeth but one Brother in necessity, and doth shut up the Bowels of Pity and Compassion from him, hath not the Love of God remaining in him; whereby it is plain and manifest, how fearful a thing it were, if this whole Realm containing so many Families, were not in a perilous Case upon their Suit provided for; or if the Bowels of Mercy should be shut up from so many thousands, which every way were like to fall into most extreme miseries, if God should call your Highness without certainty of Succession; which we pray to God may never happen.

Most Excellent Princess, the places of Scriptures containing the said threatenings be set forth with more sharp words, than be here expressed. Thus, most Gracious Sovereign, your Lord's and Nobles, both Spiritual and Temporal, have as briefly as they can first shown to your Majesty, how diversely they take themselves bound, to make these their humble Petitions unto you: And then, what their Petitions be; And after that, what reasons for Worldly respects, and what by the Scriptures and for Conscience sake, have moved them thus to do; which here upon their Knees, according to their bounden Duty, they most humbly and earnestly pray your Majesty to have consideration of in time; and to give them such favorable and comfortable Answer to the same, that some good effect and conclusion may grow before the end of the Session of this Parliament, the uttermost day of their greatest hope, whereby this Common-Wealth, which your Highness found to be lateritia as Augustus did his, and by your great Providence is now come to be marmorea, shall not for want of performing this, if God shall call your Highness without Heir of your Body, be in more dangerous Estate and Condition, than ever it was that any man can remember. True it is, that this Suit is made by my Lord's, not without great hope of good success, by reason of the Experience that they have had of your bountiful goodness shown to them, and the rest of your loving Subjects divers and sundry ways since the beginning of your Reign; which they pray to God long to continue, to his Honor, with all Felicity.

The Petition of the Lord's being thus set down, of which it cannot be absolutely and undoubtedly determined, whether it were preferred this day or no; Now in the next place must follow her Majesty's Answer, which was without all doubt given this Afternoon to the before-mentioned Lord's, and those other thirty Members of the House of Commons; yet there is no mention at all thereof, either in the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House, or in that before-cited Memorial or Diary of the greatest part of the passages of her Majesty's Reign, collected and set down by Sir William Cecil, at this time her Majesty's Principal Secretary: and therefore the greatest light of it being gathered out of the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons, containing the agitations of this Session of Parliament, de An. 8 Regin. Eliz. fol. 266. A. (where on the Forenoon of the next day ensuing this Afternoon being Wednesday, and the 6 ^th day of this instant November, report thereof was made to the said House, by Sir Edward Rogers Knight, Comptroller of her Majesty's Household, and Sir William Cecil, her Highness Principal Secretary above-mentioned) it doth plainly appear, that touching her Marriage, her Majesty gave them some hope of it; but excused herself, in not declaring a Successor, in respect of the great danger thereof; and therefore comparing this with that which M ^r Camden hath set down, touching this Answer, in Annal. Regin. Eliz. edit. Lugdun. Batav. A. D. 1625. pag. 101, & 102. it may very well be gathered, and it is most likely, that that Answer of her Majesty, of which I had a Copy by me, being erroneously placed, as that also of Sir Robert Cottons is in the first Volume of his Parliamentary Journals (being very imperfect and fragmentary) amidst the passages of the Parliament of the fifth year of her Majesty's Reign, that that Copy I say contains the Answer, which her Majesty gave at this time, to the before-mentioned Lord's, and others, being as followeth; save only, that through often transcribing, without comparing, it should seem it is somewhat defective.

SInce there can be no duer Debt than a Princes word, to keep that unspotted, for my part, as one that would be loath that the self same thing that keepeth Merchants Credit from craze, should be the cause that a Prince's Speech should merit blame, and so their honor quail; Therefore I will an Answer give, and this it is: The two Petitions that you presented me (which must doubtless relate to the two several parts of one and the same Petition, viz. the Marriage and the Succession, and might not improperly be so called, though couched in one Body, and as the words also following do in manner explain it) expressed many words, which contained in sum these two things, as of your cares the greatest; My Marriage, and my Succession. Of which two I think the last best to be touched, and of the other a silent thought may serve. For I thought it had been so desired, as none other Tree's blossom should have been minded, or ever any hope of any Fruit had been denied you. And yet by the way, if any here doubt that I am by Vow or determination bent never to trade in that kind of Life, put out that kind of Heresy; for your belief is there in a wry. For though I can think it best for a private Woman, yet I do strive with myself to think it not meet for a Prince; and if I can bend my liking to your need, I will not resist such a mind.

But to the last, think not that you had needed this desire, if I had seen a time so fit, and it so ripe to be denounced. The greatness of the cause therefore, and need of your returns, doth make me say that which I think the wise may easily guess, that as a short time for so long continuance ought not to pass by roat, as many tell their Tales, even so, as cause by Conference with the Learned shall show me matter worth the utterance for your behoof, so shall I more gladly persue your good after my days, than with all my Prayers whilst I live be means to linger my living thread. And thus much more than I thought will I add, for your Comfort, I have good Record in this place, that other means than you mention, have been thought of, perchance for your good as much as for my surety no less; which if presently and conveniently could have been Executed, it had not been now deferred or over-slipped. But I hope I shall die in quiet with Nunc dimittis; which cannot be, without I see some glimpse of your following surety after my graved bones.

Nota, That neither the foregoing Petition, nor this latter Answer of her Majesty, are found in the Original Journal-Book of the Upper-House; but now the residue of the passages of the said Journal do for the most part follow out of the same.

On Wednesday the 6 ^th day of November, the Bill for declaring of the manner of making and Consecrating of the Archbishops and Bishops of this Realm, to be good, lawful and perfect, was read tertiâ vice, quae cum quadam provisione annex. in loco alterius provisionis adempt. absciss. & disannex. communi Procerum assensu conclusa est, dissentientibus Comite Northumberland, Comite Westmorland, Comite Worcester, & Comite Sussex, Vice-Comite Montague, Domino Morley, Domino Dudley, Domino Dacre, Domino Mounteagle, Domino Cromwell, & Domino Mordant, & postea, cum Billâ for the annexing of Hexhamshire unto the County of Northumberland, and the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the same, unto the See or Bishopric of Duresm, deliberata fuit Magistro Vaugham & Doctori Yale, in Domum Communem deferend.

Dominus Capitalis Justiciarius continuavit praesens Parliamentum us{que} in diem Jovis prox.

On Thursday the 7 ^th day of November, Three Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for Confirmation of Leases to be made by Morris Ridney and Joan his Wife, was read primâ vice.

Dominus Capitalis Justiciarius continuavit praesens Parliamentum us{que} in diem Sabbathi prox. ix. Novembris.

On Saturday the 9 ^th day of November, the Bill for the graving of Alneagers Seals, to be within the Tower of London, was read secundâ vice, & commissa est Domino Marchioni Winton, Thesaurar. Angliae, & Domino Capitali Baroni, ad supervidend. considerand. & amendand.

Nota, That here the Lord Chief Baron, being but an Assistant of the Upper House, and no Member thereof, is made a joint-Committee with the Lord Marquess of Winchester, of which see more on Thursday the third day of October fore-going.

The Bill also to restrain the Carriage of Woolls of the growth of Pembroke, Carmarthen and Cardiganshires, out of the Counties where they grew, was read secundâ vice, & commissa ad ingrossand. And the Bill lastly for the repealing of a branch of a Statute made An. 32 H. 8. for the Stature of Horses was read secundâ vice & commissa Episcopo Elien. Domino Clinton, Admiral. Domino Willoughby, DominoSheffeild, Domino North, Domino S ^t John de Bletsoe, & Servienti Carus.

Nota, That a Serjeant being but an Attendant upon the Upper House, and no Member thereof, is made a joint-Committee with the Lord's. Vide touching this matter, on Thursday the 3 ^d day of October foregoing.

Then the Clerk read openly the Commission following.

ELizabeth, by the Grace of God, Queen of England, France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, &c. To our Trusty and well Beloved Counselor, Sir Nicholas Bacon K ^t , Lord Keeper of our Great Seal of England, and to our Right Trusty and right well Beloved, Sir Robert Catlin Knight, Chief Justice of the Pleas before us to be holden, Greeting. Whereas We, upon consideration that you the said Lord Keeper of our Great Seal, were lately sore visited with Sickness, that you were not able to travel to the Upper House of this our present Parliament, holden at Westminster, nor there to supply the room and place in the said Upper House, amongst the Lord, Spiritual and Temporal there Assembled, as to your Office appertaineth; did therefore by our Letters Patents of Commission, bearing date the 25 ^th day of October, in this present eighth Year of our Reign, nominate, appoint and authorize you the said Sir Robert Catlin, from day today, and time to time, from thenceforth, during our pleasure, to use and occupy the place and room of the said Lord Keeper, in our said Upper House of Parliament, amongst the said Lord's Spiritual and Temporal there Assembled; and there to do and execute in all things from day today, and time to time, as the said Lord Keeper of our Great Seal should, or might do, if he were there present, using and supplying the same place; as in our said Letters Patents it doth and may at large appear. And forasmuch as we understand, that you the said Lord Keeper of our Great Seal, are at this present in such state of health, as ye are well able to travel to the said Upper House of our Parliament, and there to supply the said room and place yourself, as heretofore ye have done, We do therefore by these presents fully and absolutely determine our pleasure, touching any further Execution by you the said Sir Robert Catlin, of the said Commission before-mentioned; And therefore we do signify to you the said Sir Robert Catlin, that our pleasure is, that ye do from the date of these presents, surcease from the Execution of the said Commission, and every part thereof. And we do also by these presents Command and authorize you, the said Lord Keeper of our Great Seal, from henceforth, and from time to time hereafter to resort to your accustomed room and place, in our said Higher House of Parliament, and there to do and Execute from time to time, all things that appertaineth to your office there to do, in such manner and form, as though no such Commission had been directed and made, any clause, Sentence or matter in our said Letters Patents of commission, or any other thing to the contrary in any wise notwithstanding, and these presents shall be your Warrant and discharge for the same. In Witness whereof we have caused these our Letters to be made Patents. Witness our Self at Westminster the 8 ^th day of November, in the Eighth Year of Our Reign.

There are no other passages of this day set down in the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House, after the public reading of the foregoing Commission, by which the Lord Keeper was resetled in his former place in the said House, saving the Entrance of the Continuation of the Parliament in manner and form following, viz.

Dominus Custos magni Sigilli continuavit praesens Parliamentum us{que} diem Lunae prox. xi. die Novembris.

November the 10 ^th Sunday.

On Monday the 11 ^th day of November, Three Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill to restrain the Carriage of the Woolls of the growth of Pembroke, Carmarthen and Cardigan-shires, out of the Counties where they grow, was read tertiâ vice, & communi omnium Procerum assensu conclusa.

Nota, That the daily continuance of the Parliament entered in these words, Dominus Custos magni Sigilli continuavit praesens Parliamentum, &c. being now hereafter performed in the residue of this Journal according to the ordinary use by the Lord Keeper only, is for the most part omitted.

On Tuesday the 12 ^th day of November, the Bill for the Lady Cobham's Jointure, was read secundâ vice.

On Wednesday the 13 ^th day of November, the Bill for the Lady Cobham's Jointure, was read tertiâ vice, quae communi omnium Procerum consensu conclusa est, & postea cum Billà to restrain the Carriage of Woolls of the growth of Pembroke, &c. was delivered to Serjeant Carus and Doctor Huick, to be carried to the House of Commons.

Three Bills were brought up to the Lord's from the House of Commons, of which the last being the Bill for Confirmation of Letters Patents made for the Hospital of S ^t Bartholomew in Gloucester, was read primâ vice.

On Thursday the 14 ^th day of November, Three Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for the avoiding of penal Laws, was read primâ vice.

On Saturday the 16 ^th day of November, to which day the Parliament had been last continued on Thursday foregoing, Four Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the third being the Bill for the better Execution of penal Laws, was read secundâ vice, and committed unto the Bishop of Worcester, Viscount Montague, the Bishop of London, the Bishop of Winchester, the Lord Willoughby, the Lord Loughborough, the Lord Hunsdon; and to the Lord Chief Baron, Justice Welch, and the Attorney General.

Two Bills lastly, were brought up to the Lord's from the House of Commons; of which the second being the Bill that in divers Counties there shall be but one Sheriss in one County, was read primâ vice.

On Monday the 18 ^th day of November, to which day the Parliament had been last continued on Saturday foregoing, the Bill to avoid excess in Apparel, was read primâ vice.

On Tuesday the 19 ^th day of November, Three Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill to avoid excess in Apparel, was read secundà vice, and committed unto the Marquess of Northampton, the Earl of Sussex, the Earl of Huntingdon, the Earl of Leicester, Viscount Montague, the Bishop of London, the Bishop of Winton, the Bishop of Hereford, the Bishop of Worcester, the Bishop of Lincoln, the Lord Lumley, the Lord Sheffeild, the Lord Pagett, the Lord Hunsdon, Justice Welch and Justice Southcot.

And the third being the Bill to enable the Town of Woollmarsh in the County of Surrey, to use Cloth-making, was read tertiâ vice, & communi omnium Procerum assensu conclusa.

On Wednesday the 20 ^th day of November, Three Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill for the avoiding of worngful vexation upon the Writ of Latitat, was read secundâ vice, & commissa ad ingrossand.

Dominus Custos magni Sigilli continuavit praesens Parliamentum us{que} in diem Jovis prox. horâ nonâ. At which time the Lord's Spiritual and Temporal did meet and nothing done, but the Parliament continued by the Lord Keeper of the Great Seal of England, until Saturday the 23 ^th day of November.

On Saturday the 23 ^th day of November, Three Bills had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for confirmation of Letters Patents made for the Hospital of S ^t Bartholomew in Gloucester, was read tertiâ vice, and by common consent of the Lord's concluded.

The Bill also for avoiding of worngful vexation upon the Writ of Latitat, was read tertiâ vice, which by common consent of the Lord's was concluded, and by Serjeant Carus and R. R. sent down to the House of Commons.

On Monday the 25 ^th day of November, to which day the Parliament had been last continued on Saturday foregoing, three Bills had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for the more expedition of the Administration of Justice in the Counties Palatine of Lancaster and Durham, communi omnium Procerum assensu conclusa est.

On Tuesday the 26 ^th day of November, the Bill for the Assurance of a Jointure to the Lady Mary, Wife to Edward Lord Stafford, was read tertiâ vice, & communi omnium Procerum consensa conclusa.

The said Bill for the Lady Staffords Jointure, and the Bill for the more speedy expedition of the Administration of Justice in the Counties Palatine of Lancaster and Durham, were delivered to Serjeant Carus, and M ^r Vaughan, in Domum Communem deferend.

On Wednesday the 27 ^th day of November, and likewise on Thursday the 28 ^th day of the same Month, the Lord's did meet and nothing done, save only the continuance of the Parliament by the Lord Keeper in Ordinary Form, unto Monday the second day of December following.

On Monday the 2 ^d day of December, Two Bills had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for the erection of a Free School at Denbigh in Wales, was read primâ vice.

Six Bills were sent up to the Lord's from the House of Commons; of which the first being the Bill for the repeal of a Statute, made Anno 7 Edw. 6. for the prices of Wines sold by retail, was read primâ vice; And the third being the Bill declaring the manner of making and Consecrating of the Archbishops and Bishops of this Realm, to be good, lawful and perfect, returned cum provisione annex. was read primâ, secundâ & tertiâ vice, & communi assensu conclusa.

On Tuesday the 3 ^d day of December, Three Bills had each of them their second reading; of which the two last were, one for avoiding tedious Suits in civil and marine Causes, and another to alter the nature of Gavelkind in the Lands of Thomas Brown Esq.

On Wednesday the 4 ^th day of December, Two Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for Confirmation of certain privileges granted by the Queens Majesty, for converting of Copper into Latten, and for the viewing and searching all other kinds of Metals and Treasures, was read primâ vice.

The Bill that in divers Counties there shall be but one Sheriff of one County, was committed to the Earl of Huntingdon, Viscount Montague, the Bishop of Hereford, the Lord Mountjoy, the Lord Darcie, the Lord Willoughby, the Lord North, Justice Brown, and the Attorney General.

On Thursday the 5 ^th day of December, Two Bills had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for Confirmation of certain Privileges granted by the Queens Majesty for the converting of Copper into Latten, and for the mining and searching of all kind of Treasures and Metals, was read secundâ vice, & commissa.

The Bill also for the repeal of the Statute made Anno 7 Edw. 6. for the prices of Wines sold by retail, was read tertiâ vice, & communi omnium Dominorum Spiritualium & majore parte Dominorum Tempor. consensu quassata est.

Four Bills were brought up to the Lord's from the House of Commons, of which the two last were, one for the Town-Clark of York, and another touching the Patents made for making of Allom and Copperas, within the Realms or Dominions of the Queens Majesty.

On Friday the 6 ^th day of December, Three Bills had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill touching Letters Patents made for the making of Allom and Copperas, within the Realms or Dominions of the Queens Majesty, was read primâ vice.

On Saturday the 7 ^th day of December, Six Bills had each of them one reading; of which the fourth being the Bill to alter the nature of Gavelkind in the Lands of Thomas Brown Esq, was read tertiâ vice, & communi omnium Procerum consensu conclusa, dissentiente Vicecomite Montague.

The Bill also for Execution of penal Laws, was read secundâ vice, & communi omnium Procerum assensu conclusa est, cum quadam Schedulâ annex. & deliberate. Servienti Carus, & Attornato General., in Domum Communem deferend.

On Monday the 9 ^th of December, Three Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first being for repeal of the Act made Anno 22 Hen. 8. for the Stature of Horses, was read tertiâ vice & communi Procerum assensu conclusa.

On Tuesday the 10 ^th day of December, Six Bills had each of them one reading; of which the third being the Bill for the Bowyers of Westm., &c. And the fourth for the confirmation of Letters Patents made for the making of Allom and Copperas, were each of them read tertiâ vice, & communi omnium Procerum consensu conclusae.

After the reading of the three first Bills this day, three Bills were sent to the House of Commons, by Serjeant Carus, and the Attorney General; viz. the first for the Stature of Horses; The second for the Bowyers of Westm., And the third for Allom and Copperas.

Dominus Custos magni Sigilli continuavit praesens Parliamentum us{que} in diem Mercurii, viz. undecim. Decembr.

On which eleventh day of December the Lord's met, but nothing done, but the Parliament continued in usual Form by the Lord Keeper, until Thursday the next day following.

On Thursday the 12 ^th day of December, Two Bills had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for the Office of Town-Clark of the City of York, was read tertiâ vice, & communi omnium Procerum assensu conclusa, quae deliberate. fuit Servienti Carus & Generali Attornato, in Domum Communem deferend. pro certis causis emendand., and to them was delivered the Bill of Subsidy.

Four Bills had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for Confirmation of the late new Erected Deaneries and Prebends, was read secundâ vice, and committed to the Archbishop of York, the Earl of Huntingdon, Viscount Montague, the Bishop of Durham, the Bishop of Chester, the Bishop of Lincoln, the Bishop of Bath, the Lord Paget, the Lord Hastings of Loughborough, the Lord S ^t John of Bletsoe, Justice Welch, Serjeant Carus, D ^r Huick, and D ^r Yale.

Four Bills were sent up to the Lord's from the House of Commons, and delivered after the reading of the Bill last before-mentioned; of which the two last were, one touching Foreign Wares and Apparel, sold by Merchants in gross, which had its first reading; And another to explain a branch of a Statute made Anno 27 Henr. 8. touching Colleges and Free-Chapels.

On Friday the 13 ^th day of December, a Proviso added to the Bill that in divers Counties there shall be but one Sheriff in one County, was read primâ vice & commissa ad ingrossand.

The Proviso added to the Bill for the Assurance of the Jointure of the Lady Mary, Wife to Edward Lord Stafford, was read secundâ vice.

Three Bills had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill touching Explanation of a branch of a Statute made 37 Henr. 8. concerning Colleges and Free-Chapels, was read primâ vice.

On Saturday the 14. day of December, Five Bills had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for the punishment of Riots and Routs, and unlawful Assemblies, was read secundâ vice, & commissa Archiepiscopo Ebor., Duci Norfolciae, Comiti Salop, Comiti Huntingdon, Comiti Leicester, Vice-Comiti Montague, Episcopis London, Dunelmen. & Winton, & Domino Morley, Domino Cobham, Domino Paget, Domino North, Domino Hunsdon, & duobus Capital. Justiciar. & Attornato General., ad considerand. & emendand.

After the reading of the first Bill, two Bills were brought from the House of Commons, of which the second being the Bill for Uniformity in Doctrine, was read primâ vice.

On Monday the 16. day of December, to which day the Parliament had been last continued on Saturday foregoing, Four Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill, that in divers Counties there shall be but one Sheriff, cum quadam Provisione conclusa est; And with the Bill for Alneagers Seals, and the Bill for Trials in Merionethshire, was sent by Serjeant Carus, and M ^r Attorney General, to the House of Commons.

On Tuesday the 17. day of December, Three Bills had each of them one reading, of which the first being the Bill for the repairing the Piere of Hartland in Devon. was read secundâ vice, but no mention is made either of the committing of it to be engrossed, or referring of it to Committees. Vide de istâ materiâ in die sequente.

After the reading of which said Bill, Four other Bills were brought up to the Lord's from the House of Commons, of which the two last were, one touching Goal-Delivery in the twelve Shires in Wales, &c. And another for the Grant of Fifteenths and Tenths, and of one Subsidy by the Temporalty.

Dominus Custos magni Sigilli continuavit praesens Parliamentum us{que} ad hor'am secundam ejusdem diei in Pomeridiano.

About which hour the Lord Keeper, and divers other Lord's, both Spiritual and Temporal, met, and the Bill of the Grant of one Fifteenth or Tenth, and one Subsidy of the Temporalty, was read primâ vice; Although there is no entrance at all made (in the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House, through the great negligence of Francis Spilman, at this time Clerk of the same) of the names of any of those Lord's that were present this Afternoon.

On Wednesday the 18 ^th day of December, Three Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for the Grant of one Fifteenth or Tenth, and of one Subsidy by the Temporalty, was read secundâ vice.

Nota, That there is no mention made in the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House, of the referring of this Bill upon the second reading to Committees, or of ordering it to be engrossed; of which there was a like President on the day foregoing. And thus also in the Parliament in Anno 39 Reginae Elizabethae, upon Saturday the 28 ^th day of January, the Bill for Confirmation of Statutes Merchants, acknowledged in the Town-Corporate of New-Castle upon Tine, was neither committed nor Ordered to be engrossed upon the second reading; To which purpose finally there were many Presidents in the Parliament following, in An. 45 Regin. Eliz. viz. on Wednesday the 2 ^d , on Friday the 4 ^th day, on Monday the 7. day, and on Wednesday the 9. day of December. Vide Febr. 13. in An. 1 Eliz.

Dominus Custos magni Sigilli continuavit praesens Parliamentum us{que} ad. horam primam ejusdem diei in Pomeridiano.

About which hour, the Lord Keeper, and divers other Lord's, both Spiritual and Temporal, met, and their names are accordingly marked in the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House, the manner of which is thus; viz. The Clerk, or some by his appointment, having written the names of the Lord's Spiritual and Temporal, in such Form as they are set down upon Friday the 15. day of January, in the first Session of this Parliament, in Anno 5 Regin. Eliz. (Quod vide) he signeth the name of every Lord that is present, with these Letters Pr. (on the dexter Margent of the said name) and if the House sit again in the Afternoon, and any of the same Lord's be present, then also before those names that had been marked in the first part of the day, are the same Letters added again to the first mark; and then the signing and marking is thus, Pr. Pr. in the Margent aforesaid, which showeth he was present twice the said day; Vide plus concerning this matter upon Tuesday the 21. day of March, in the first Parliament of her Majesty's Reign, holden in Anno 1 Eliz.

The Lord's Spiritual and Temporal being met in the Afternoon, as aforesaid, Two Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first was the Bill for the Grant of one Fifteenth, one Tenth, and of one Subsidy by the Temporalty; quae communi omnium Procerum assensu conclus. And the second being the Bill for the Alneagers Fees in Lancaster, and for length, breadth and weight of Cottons, Frizes and Rugs, was read secundâ vice.

Seven Bills were brought up to the Lord's from the House of Commons, of which the two first were, that two several Sheriffs may be in the Counties of Buckingham and Bedford, and for uttering of Caps, and true making of Hats and Caps.

On Thursday the 19. day of December, Six Bills had each of them one reading, of which the third being the Bill for reformation of excess of Apparel, was read tertiâ vice & conclusa, & missa ad Domum Communem, per Servientem Carus, & Attornatum General.

The Parliament was continued by the Lord Keeper in accustomed Form, unto one of the Clock in the Afternoon, about which time he and divers other Lord's, both Spiritual and Temporal, meeting, Three Bills had each of them several readings, of which the first being the Bill for the keeping the Records within the twelve Shires of Wales, and divers other Ordinances, was read primâ vice. And the third for the paving of Kentish-street, had its second and third reading; and was thereupon concluded.

On Friday the 20. day of December, Five Bills had each of them several readings, of which the second being the Bill for the Assurance of a Jointure for the Lady Anne, Countess of Warwick, was read primâ, secundâ & tertiâ vice, & conclus. & missa in Domum Communem per Servientem Carus, & Attornat. General.; And the last touching Goal-Deliveries in the twelve Shires of Wales, and for measures to be there, was read tertiâ vice & conclusa.

Before the reading of the fifth Bill beforementioned, Two Bills were brought up to the Lord's from the House of Commons; of which the first touching Cloth-Workers, and Cloths ready wrought, to be Shipped over the Sea, was primâ vice lecta, & iterum aliis Billis mediantibus sive lect. in intermedio, iterum secunda vice lect.

The Bill that two several Sheriffs may be in Bedford and Buckingham, was read secundâ vice, & quatuor aliis Billis mediantibus sive lect. in intermedio, iterum tertiâ vice lect. & conclus.

Three Bills also had each of them one reading, of which the third being the Bill for the Incorporation of Merchant-Adventurers, for discovery of new Trades, was read tertiâ vice; And thereupon concluded.

The Bill for Keeping of Records in the twelve Shires of Wales, and divers other Ordinances there, was read secundâ vice, & commissa Episcopis Herefordens., Meneven. Cicestren., & Asaphen.

This Afternoon finally before the reading of the last Bill, for keeping Records in Wales, &c. A Bill was brought from the House of Commons, for Tonnage of Wares brought from beyond the Seas, which was primâ vice lect., as soon as it came; and now read secundâ vice, & commissa Domino Norfolciae, Comitibus Sussex & Leicester, Vice-Comiti Montague, Domino Clinton, Domino Camerario & Domino Cobham.

On Saturday the 21. day of December, Nine Bills were brought up to the Lord's from the House of Commons; of which the two first were, one for the Bowyers of Westminster returned expedit. And another for Assurance of the Lady Warwick's Jointure.

Four Bills also had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for uttering of Caps and Hats, and for the true making of Caps and Hats, was read tertiâ vice & expedit.

The Bill concerning Tonnage of Wares brought from beyond the Seas; And the Bill for Confirmation of Letters Patents, were each of them read secundâ vice.

The Bill lastly touching Cloth-Workers, and Cloths ready wrought to be Shipped over the Seas, was read tertiâ vice, & communi omnium Procerum assensu conclusa.

In the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House is no entrance or mention made of the continuance of the Parliament. But it appeareth, that the House did sit in the Afternoon, for without entrance of the presence of any Lord in particular, it appeareth, that in the Afternoon two Bills were read; viz.

The Bill for the Almshouse at Plymouth, And the Bill for the Provision of Grain, were each of them read primâ vice.

On Monday the 23 ^th day of December, the Bill for the Confirmation of Fines and Recoveries, notwithstanding the default of the Original Writs, was read primâ vice, cum additione & provisione annex. & cum quâdam reformatione eidem annex.

Two Bills were brought up to the Lord's from the House of Commons, of which one being the Bill for Sea-Marks, and Mariners; And another against carrying over the Sea, Rams, Lambs, or Sheep, being alive, were read each of them primâ vice.

The Bill lastly concerning Tonnage of Wares brought from beyond the Seas, was read tertiâ vice, & communi omnium Procerum assensu conclusa.

Dominus Custos magni Sigilli continuavit praesens Parliamentum us{que} ad horam secundam in Pomeridiano.

About which hour the Lord Keeper, and divers other Lord's, both Spiritual and Temporal, meeting, the Bill concerning Sea-Marks, and Mariners; And the Bill against the carrying over the Sea, Rams, Lambs, or Sheep alive, were each of them read secundâ & tertiâ vice, and thereupon concluded.

Two Bills also were sent from the Lord's to the House of Commons; of which the first was the Bill of her Majesty's Free and General Pardon.

The Bill for making of Salt within her Majesty's Dominions; and the Bill for keeping a Market in the Manor of Battle in Sussex upon Thursday, were each of them read primâ & secundâ vice.

Two Bills lastly had each of them their first reading; of which the second was the Bill for the Inning of Plumstead-Marsh.

On Tuesday the 24 ^th day of December, the Bill touching the transporting of Tann'd Leather made of Sheep-Skins, and the Bill for Inning of Plumstead-Marsh, being surrounded, were each of them read secundâ & tertiâ vice, and thereupon concluded.

Three Bills also had each of them one reading, of which the first being the Bill for keeping the Market in the Manor of Battle in Sussex upon Thursday, was read tertiâ vice, & conclusa.

The Bill finally for continuance of certain Statutes, was read primâ, secundâ & tertiâ vice. Quod nota, that it had three readings together.

Dominus Custos magni Sigilli continuavit praesens Parliamentum us{que} ad diem Lunae tricesimum diem Decembris.

On Monday the 30 ^th day of December, the Lord Keeper and divers other Lord's, both Spiritual and Temporal, met, but nothing was done, save only the continuance of the Parliament by the Lord Keeper unto Thursday the 2 ^d day of January following; upon which day in the Afternoon the Parliament was Dissolved.

On Thursday the 2 ^d day of January, the Lord Keeper and divers other Lord's, both Spiritual and Temporal, were present (although through the negligence of Francis Spilman Esq, at this time Clerk of the Upper House, it doth not certainly appear who they were in the Original Journal-Book of the same House) but no Bill (as it seemeth) was read, or anything else done; but only the Parliament continued by the Lord Keeper, which is there Entred in manner and form following, viz.

Dominus Custos magni Sigilli continuavit praesens Parliamentum us{que} ad horam primam in Pomeridiano.

Nota, That it appears in the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons, that after the Parliament had been continued, as aforesaid, Doctor Huick was sent down to the said House, from the Lord Keeper, to give them notice thereof.

Nota also, That in the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House, there is no mention made of anything that was done, or of any Speech used, nor touching the Dissolution of this present Session of Parliament, but only that her Majesty was there present, with divers Lord's both Spiritual and Temporal; and therefore I have supplied the whole Proceedings of this Afternoon at large, out of a very Copious and Elaborate Anonymous Memorial thereof, I had by me; which also I have in some places supplied out of the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons, although it be so little and short, as it may rather be called matter of Confirmation than Enlargement; in which also it shall lastly suffice to touch briefly, that I have always observed, contrary to the ordinary course, to insert all such Speeches and other passages (as largely as by any good Authority I might) into the Journal of the Upper House, in which House they were agitated and uttered, and to the Journal of which House they do most properly belong, and do only for Order sake add some short expressions thereof in the Journals of the House of Commons. The said Passages of this Afternoon do now next ensue out of the above-mentioned Manuscript Memorial.

The Queens Majesty between two or three of the Clock in the Afternoon (of this present Thursday being the second day of January, in the ninth year of her Reign) came by Water from Whitehall, and Landed on the backside of the Parliament-Chamber. And so the Earl of Westmorland bearing the Sword afore her, the Lady Strange the Train, with the Lord's in their daily Apparel, and Heralds attending on her, she proceeded up into the Privy-Chamber, to prepare herself in her Parliament-Robes, during which time the Lord's and Justices put on their Parliament-Robes, and took their places.

And upon the upper Woollsack sat the Lord Keeper, till the Queen came, and then went to his place, at the Rail on the right hand of the Cloth of State.

On the Woollsack on the Northside, sat Sir Robert Catlin, and Sir James Dyer, the two Chief Justices, and Richard Read under, and M ^r Gerrard the Queens Attorney.

On the Sack on the Southside, sat Sir William Cordall Master of the Rolls, Justice Brown, Justice Welsh, and Serjeant Carus.

On the Westside sat Vaughan and Talc, Masters of the Chancery, M ^r Spilman Clerk of the Parliament, M ^r Powle Deputy and Joint-Patentec with M ^r Martin, Clerk of the Crown; afore which Sack stood a little Table.

Then the Queens Majesty being Apparelled in her Parliament-Robes, with a Caul on her Head, came forth, and proceeded up and took her Seat; the Marquess of Northampton carrying the Cap of Maintenance, and stood on her right hand, and the Earl of Westmorland the Sword at her left hand, with the Heralds and Serjeants at Arms before her; the Queens Mantle born up on either side from her Arms, by the Earl of Leicester, and the Lord of Hunsdon, who always stood still by her for the assisting thereof, when she stood up; her Train born by the Lady Strange, assisted by the Lord Chamberlain, and Vice-Chamberlain. At the left hand of the Queen, and Southside, kneeled the Ladies; and behind the Queen, at the Rail, stood the Lord Keeper on the right hand, the Lord Treasurer on the left hand, with divers young Lord's, and Peers Eldest Sons.

Then all being placed, M ^r Onslow the Speaker was brought in, between Sir Francis Knolles Vice-Chamberlain, and Sir Ambrose Cave Chancellor of the Duchy; and after Reverence done, proceeded down to the Wall, and from thence came up to the Rail, in the way making three Reverences; and standing there, made other three like Reverences, and then began his Oration, as followeth.

MOST Excellent and Virtuous Princess, &c. Where I have been Elected by the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses of this your nether House to be their Mouth, or Speaker, and thereunto appointed and allowed by your Majesty, to supply the same room, to the bewraying of my wants, specially, that thereby I shall be forced utterly to discover the barrenness of my learning before this Noble Assembly, which not a little grieveth me, and would gladly be excused, considering the true saying, How there is no difference between a wise Man and a Fool, if they may keep silence; which I require. But again, considering your Majesty's Clemency, taking in good part the good will of the party, for want of ability, which putteth me in remembrance, and good hope persuading me, that you will not take your said Clemency from me, contrary to your Nature.

Again, when I consider my Office, as Speaker, it is no great matter, being but a Mouth, to utter things appointed me to speak unto you, and not otherwise; which consisteth only in Speaking, and not in any other Knowledge; whereby I gather how it is necessary, I speak simply, and plainly, according to the truth and trust reposed in me. And thus, considering whose Mouth I am, which chose me to speak for them, being the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses, who were not also by the Commons chosen for their Eloquence, but for their Wisdom and discretion, by this means being fit men to whom the Commons have committed the care and charge of themselves, Wives and Children, Lands and Goods, and so in their behalf to foresee, and take order for all things necessary. Thus they being Chosen by the plain Commons, it is necessary they Elect a plain Speaker, fit for the plain matter, and therefore well provided at first to have such a one as should use plain words, and not either so fine that they cannot be understood, or else so Eloquent, that now and then they miss the Cushion.

But now upon occasion of beholding your Grace and this Noble Assembly, I consider the manifold and great benefits, which God suddenly hath sent unto this Country; for although God hath granted the benefit of Creation and Conservation, with many other Commodities, to other Nations of the World, yet this our Native Country he hath blessed, not only with the like, but also with much more fruitfulness than any other; of which great and inestimable benefit of God's preferment, which appeareth better by the want that others have of the same, I am occasioned now to speak, the rather to move and stir up our hearts, to give most hearty thanks to God for the same.

Now to speak of Government by Succession, Election, Religion, or Policy; First, if the Body should want a Head, it were a great Monster; so it is likewise, if it have many Heads, as if upon every several Member were a Head. And to speak of one Head; although in the Body be divers Members, which be made of Flesh, Bones, Sinews and Joints, yet the one Head thereof governeth wisely the same; which if it should want, we should be worse than wild Beasts, without a Shepherd, and so worthily be called a Monstrous Beast.

Again, If the Body should be Governed by many Heads, then the same would soon come to destruction, by reason of the Controversy amongst them, who would never agree, but be destroyed without any Foreign Invasion; therefore God seeth it is needful, that the people have a King, and therefore a King is granted them; and so therefore the best Government is to be ruled by one King, and not many, who may maintain and cherish the good and Godly, and punish the Ungodly and Offenders.

As for Government by Election, in that is great variance, partiality, strifes and part-takings. As for Examples, amongst the rest take out one, which is called the most Holy, as that of the Pope; and weigh how holily and quietly it is done, called indeed holy and quiet, but utterly unholy and unquiet, with great part-takings and strifes.

Now touching Religion. To see the Divine Providence of God, how that many Nations be Governed by one Prince, which were impossible, but that God Ordereth it so, by whom the Order of Regiment is appointed, and that in his Scriptures; wherefore the Subjects ought to obey the same, yea although they were evil, and much more those that be good. So God hath here appointed us, not a Heathen, or unbelieving Prince, as he might, but a Faithful, and one of his own Children, to govern us his Children: in which Government the Prince serveth God two ways; as a Man, and as a King. In that he is a Man, he ought to live and serve God, as one of his good Creatures; And in that he is a King, and so God's special Creature, he ought to make Laws whereby God may be truly worshipped, and that his Subjects might do no injury one to another, and specially to make quietness amongst the Ministers of the Church; to extinguish and put away all hurtful and unprofitable Ceremonies in any Case contrary to God's word; in which point we have in your Majesty's behalf great thanks to give unto God, in setting forth unto us the Liberty of God's word, whereof before we were bereaved, and that you have reformed the State of the corrupt Church, now drawing Souls out of dangerous errors, which afore by that Corruption they were led and brought unto.

And concerning Policy, God hath Committed to your Highness two Swords; the one of which may be called the Sword of War, to punish outward Enemies withal, and the other the Sword of Justice, to Correct offending Subjects: in which point of Policy your Majesty is not behind your Progenitors; for although at your Entrance you found this Realm in War, and ungarnished with Munition, and that with such store as never was before; yet you have dislodged our ancient Enemies which were planted and placed even upon the Walls of this Realm. And concerning Policy in Laws, as Bones, Sinews and Joints be the force of a Natural Body, so are good Laws the strength of a Common-Wealth: And your Laws be consisting of two points, the Common Laws, and the Statutes.

And for the Common Law, it is so grounded on God's Laws and Natures, that three several Nations governing here have all allowed the same; which is not inferior, but rather superior, and more indifferent than any other Law. For by our Common Law, although there be for the Prince provided many Princely Prerogatives and Royalties; yet it is not such, as the Prince can take money, or other things, or do as he will at his own pleasure without order: but quietly to suffer his Subjects to enjoy their own, without wrongful oppression, wherein other Princes by their Liberty do take as pleaseth them.

Aristotle saith, That the Life of the Prince is the Maintenance of the Laws, and that it is better to be governed by a good Prince, than by good Laws; and so your Majesty, as a good Prince, is not given to Tyranny, contrary to your Laws; but have and do pardon divers of your Subjects offending against the Laws. As now for Example, of your special Grace you have granted a general Pardon, either without our seeking, or looking for; whereby it is the better welcome. Again your Majesty hath not attempted to make Laws contrary to Order, but orderly have called this Parliament, who perceived certain wants, and thereunto have put their helping hand, and for help of evil manners, good Laws are brought forth; of the which we beseech your Excellent Majesty, so many as you shall allow, to inspire with the breath of your Majesty's Power; whereby they may be quickened, which now want Life, and so be made Laws.

Furthermore concerning Payments to be made to the Prince, it is as to deliver the same to God's Ministers, who are appointed always for our defense; wherefore your humble Subjects do offer a Subsidy, to be put into your Majesty's Treasure; which although it be but as a Mite, or a Farthing, yet is the good will of them to be reputed as the poor Widows was in the Gospel; wherein I must not omit to do that which never Speaker did before; viz. to desire your Majesty not to regard this simple offer of ours, but therein to accept our good will, wherein your Highness hath prevented me in taking in the best part our good will; and required us to retain in our hands part of our gift, and accounting it to be in our Purses as in your own; and so is our Duty, besides the Policy thereof, it being for our own Defense: and also honesty, for that we have received many benefits by your Majesty; for he that doth a good turn, deserveth the praise, and not he which afterwards goeth about to reward, or doth reward the same. Also giving most hearty thanks to God, for that your Highness hath signified your pleasure of your inclination to Marriage; which afore you were not given unto, which is done for our safeguard; that when God shall call you, you shall leave of your own Body to succeed you, which was the greatest promise that God made to David, and the greatest request that Abraham desired of God, when God promised him exceeding great reward: Who said, Lord, what wilt thou give me, when I go Childless, and he that is the Steward of mine House, is mine Heir? Therefore God grant us, that, as your Majesty hath defended the Faith of Abraham, you may have the like desire of Issue with you. And for that purpose, that you would shortly embrace the holy State of Matrimony, to have one, when and with whom God shall appoint, and best like your Majesty; and so the Issue of your own Body, by your Example, Rule over our Posterity; and that we may obtain this, let us give our most humble thanks to God for his manifold benefits bestowed upon us, and pray for the Reign of your Majesty's Issue, after your long desired Government; and so ended and did his Obeysance.

Then the Lord Keeper (after the Queen had called him, and told him her mind) Answered to M ^r Speaker, and said.

M ^r Speaker, The Queen hath heard and understood your Wise and Eloquent Oration, whereby principally I gather four things; First, Disabling yourself. Secondly, Concerning Governance. The third, touching the Subsidy. And lastly, In giving thanks; which also was intermingled very wisely in all parts of your Oration.

And for the first, In disabling yourself, you have therein contrarily bewrayed your own ableness.

For the second, Concerning Governance, as well by Succession as Election, of Religion and Policy, in which Discourse you have dealt well, I therefore leave it, and mean to speak only a few words, as to your last word Policy.

Politick Orders be Rules of all good Acts, and touching those that you have made to the over-throwing of good Laws, they deserve reproof as well as the others deserve praise; in which like case you err, in bringing her Majesty's Prerogative in Question, and for that thing, wherein she meant not to hurt any of your Liberties. And again, the grant of her Letters Patents in Question is not a little marvel, for that therein you find fault; which is now no new devised thing, but such as afore this time hath been used and put in practice, howbeit her Majesty's nature is mild and full of Clemency; so that she is loath herein to be austere; and therefore, though at this time she suffer you all to depart quietly unto your Countries for your Amendment, yet as it is needful, so she hopeth that the Offenders will hereafter use themselves well.

Again, touching the good Laws, which you have taken great pains in making; if they be not Executed, they be not only as Rods without Hands to execute them, or as Torches without Light, but also breed great contempt: therefore look well to the Execution; for if it be not done, the fault is in some of us, which she putteth orderly in trust to see it done.

For the third point, concerning the presentment of the Subsidy, her Majesty biddeth me say, that when the Lord's Spiritual and Temporal granted it unto her, so she trusteth you will be as careful in gathering of it; which I, and others be witness, how very unwilling and loath she was to take, but to avoid further inconvenience.

And lastly, Concerning knowledge of benefits, and giving of thanks, which you have well declared be many, yet one in comparison above all, yea a fruit above all other, and whereby you may enjoy all the other, which is her Marriage; whereof she hath put you in good hope.

Further, I have to put you in remembrance of three things; the first is, that where now you acknowledge benefits, and as you have cause to give thanks, so secondly, that you be not unmindful hereafter to do the like; And thirdly, that in all your doings hereafter, you show yourselves, that all these benefits be had in remembrance, and not forgotten; for that it should be a thing against reason in human Creatures; specially therefore now it behooveth you all, as you have acknowledged benefits, and for them given thanks in the first point, so that you see the other two observed. And then her Majesty will not fail likewise thankfully to accept the same; and so ended.

Thus far out of the before-mentioned Memorial, touching the Passages and Speeches of this present Afternoon. Now solloweth the manner of her Majesty's giving her Royal Assent to such Acts as passed, out of one of the Original Journal-Books of the Upper House, durante Regno Regin. Eliz. viz. in an. 30. although it be not so expressly set down in that of this present Session of Parliament.

Then were the Titles of all the Acts read in their due Order, and the Bill of Subsidy; to which the Clerk of the Parliament standing up did read the Queens Answer in manner and form following.

La Roigne remercie ses loyaulx subjects, accept leur henevolence, & auxi le veult.

The Clerk of the Parliament, having read the Queens acceptance and thanks for the Subsidy given, as aforesaid, did then upon the reading of the Pardon, pronounce in these French words following, the thanks of the Lord's and Commons for the same.

Les Prelates, Seigneurs & Communes, en ce present Parliament assembles, au nom de touts vous autres subjects, remercient tres-humblement vostre Majesty, & prient à Dieu, que il vous done en sante bonne vie & long.

Nota, That here to the Subsidy Bill, because it is the mere gift of the Subject, the Queens Consent is not required for the passing of it; but as it is joined with her thankful acceptance.

Nor to the Bill of Pardon, because it is originally her free gift, is any other circumstance required, than that the thankful acceptance thereof by the Lord's and Commons be likewise expressed; it being but once read in either House, before it come thus at last to be expedited. Now to all other Bills, either private or public, the Queens express consent, though in different words, is always requisite, as followeth, viz.

The Bills of Subsidy and Pardon being passed in manner and form as aforesaid, then were the public Acts read; to everyone of which allowed by the Queen, the Clerk of the Parliament read in French these words following, viz.

La Roigne le veult.

To every private Act that passed, the said Clerk of the Parliament read the Queens Answer in these French words following, viz.

Soit fait come il est desire.

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

To such Acts as her Majesty doth forbear to allow, the Clerk of the Parliament reads in these French words following; viz.

La Roigne s' advisera.

THen the Queen standing up, said (after she had given her Royal Assent unto nineteen public Acts, and thirteen private) My Lord's, and others the Commons of this Assembly, although the Lord Keeper hath, according to Order, very well Answered in my Name, yet as a Periphrasis I have a few words further, to speak unto you: Notwithstanding I have not been used, nor love to do it, in such open Assemblies; yet now (not to the end to amend his talk) but remembering, that commonly Princes own words be better printed in the hearers memory, than those spoken by her Command, I mean to say thus much unto you. I have in this Assembly found so much dissimulation, where I always professed plainness, that I marvel thereat, yea two Faces under one Hood, and the Body rotten, being covered with two Vizors, Succession and Liberty, which they determined must be either presently granted, denied or deferred. In granting whereof, they had their desires, and denying or deferring thereof (those things being so plaudable, as indeed to all men they are) they thought to work me that mischief, which never Foreign Enemy could bring to pass, which is the hatred of my Commons. But alas they began to pierce the Vessel before the Wine was fined, and began a thing not foreseeing the end, how by this means I have seen my wellwillers from mine Enemies, and can, as me seemeth, very well divide the House into four.

First the Broachers and workers thereof, who are in the greatest fault. Secondly, The Speakers, who by Eloquent Tales persuaded others, are in the next degree. Thirdly, The agreers, who being so light of Credit, that the Eloquence of the Tales so overcame them, that they gave more Credit thereunto, than unto their own Wits. And lastly, those that sat still Mute, and meddled not therewith, but rather wondered disallowing the matter; who in my Opinion, are most to be Excused.

But do you think, that either I am unmindful of your Surety by Succession, wherein is all my Care, considering I know myself to be mortal? No, I warrant you: Or that I went about to break your Liberberties? No, it was never in my meaning, but to stay you before you sell into the Ditch. For all things have their time. And although perhaps you may have after me one better Learned, or Wiser; yet I assure you, none more careful over you: And therefore henceforth, whether I live to see the like Assembly or no, or whoever it be, yet beware however you prove your Princes Patience, as you have now done mine. And now to conclude, all this nonwithstanding (not meaning to make a Lent of Christmas) the most part of you may assure yourselves, that you depart in your Princes Grace.

Then she spake openly to the Lord Keeper, saying, My Lord, You will do as I bad. Who then said aloud, The Queens Majesty hath agreed to Dissolve this Parliament. Therefore every man may take his ease, and depart at his pleasure. And the Queen rose, and went and shifted her, and took her Barge, and returned to the Court, being past six of the Clock; and then after her rising, she made Anthony Brown, one of the Justices of the Common-Pleas, a Knight.

THE JOURNAL OF THE House of COMMONS.

THIS Journal of the House of Commons in this present Session of Parliament de An. 8 Regin. Eliz. is not only replenished with excellent matter, touching the usual Orders and Liberties of the House, but also enriched with the unusual Election of a new Speaker, and with the extraordinary agitation of those two great businesses, touching her Majesty's Marriage, and Declaration of her next Successor, in default of the Issue of her own Body. Which having been moved in the first Session of this Parliament, in An. 5 Regin. Eliz. and been then well accepted by her Majesty, gave her now much distaste, being again too earnestly and plainly pressed by them, as her Highness did fully intimate upon the last day of this present Session, before the Dissolution thereof; in which also it is to be noted, that Seymour E{que}, being still Clerk of the House of Commons, although this were the last Parliament in which he served, the passages thereof are recorded in the Original Journal-Book of the said House, far more imperfectly and briefly, than in the ensuing Parliaments of her Majesty's Reign, when Fulk On slow Esq succeeded him in the said place.

There were finally between that Session in An. 5 Regin. Eliz. and this now following in An. 8 Regin. ejusdem, six several Prorogations; of which the first was had on Saturday the 10 ^th day of April in the Afternoon (when the said first Session in the fifth Year of her Majesty ended) and by it the said Parliament was Prorogued unto the second day of October next ensuing, and on the said second day of October, in respect that the Plague and Pestilence was very rife in London and Westminster, it was further Prorogued unto the fifth day of October, which should happen to be in the Year of our Lord 1564. (which fell out to be in An. 6 Regin. Eliz. ) and on the said fifth day of October, in Anno praedicto, it was further Prorogued unto the 30 ^th day of April next ensuing, which fell out to be in Anno 7 Regin. Eliz. An. Dom. 1565. And on the 30 ^th day of April in Anno praedicto, it was further Prorogued unto the 4 ^th day of October then next ensuing, which fell out to be in the same Year. And on the said 4 ^th day of October, in Anno praedicto, it was again Prorogued unto the 7 ^th day of Feb. next ensuing (which fell out to be in the eighth Year of her Majesty's Reign.) And on the 7 ^th day of February in Anno praedicto, it was lastly Prorogued unto the 30 ^th day of September being Monday in Anno supra memorato Regin. Eliz. Anno{que} Dom. 1566. in which it is to be noted, that Thomas Williams Esq the Speaker of the said House of Commons, in the first Session of this Parliament, in Anno 5 Regin. Eliz. was not present at any of the said five Prorogations (except at the first only, as is specially set down in the Original Journal-Book of that House, de An. isto 5 Eliz. praesato ) although, it should seem, he were then living, and died not until after the said fifth Prorogation, and before the said sixth and last; after which this present Session in An. 8 Regin. Eliz. began on the foresaid 30 ^th day of September, in manner and form following.

On Monday the 30 ^th and last day of September, this Session of Parliament in An. 8 Reginae Eliz. held, according to the sixth Prorogation thereof on the 7 ^th day of February foregoing; whereupon both the Lord's and Commons did each of them assemble and meet in their several Houses, as at any other ordinary time, without Pomp or Solemnity; this being, as hath been observed, no new Parliament, but only the last Session of that Parliament, which had been first begun at Westminster, on Tuesday the 12 ^th day of January, in An. 5 Regin. Eliz. Anno Dom. 1563. and continued by many several Prorogations, unto this present Monday, being the last day of September as aforesaid.

But as soon as the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses had Assembled themselves in the House of Commons, and neither unmindful of the weighty Charge committed unto them, nor letting slip the opportunity of the time offered, had begun to make entry (as it were) to treat of that they had in hand, they immediately found their defect, and want of their Mouth and Speaker, Thomas William Esq, lately from them by Death bereft, which was there openly and manifestly made known unto them, by Sir Edward Rogers Knight, Comptroller of her Majesty's Household. For remedy of which defect, they fell to Consultation, what was most meet to be done, in that so needful, unexpected, and unexperimented Cause. In which Deliberation, it was thought good, and wholly agreed upon, that the said Sir Edward Rogers Knight, a chief Member of that Assembly and Fellowship, accompanied with Sir Francis Knolles Knight, her Highness Vice-Chamberlain, Sir William Cecil Knight, her Majesty's Chief Secretary, Sir Ambrose Cave K ^t , Chancellor of her Highness Duchy of Lancaster, four chief Members of that Assembly and Fellowship, and divers others, to the number of twelve persons, should (as sent from and with the mind of the whole House) make their relation of this so happened, unto the Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, and unto all the foresaid Lord's, at that time likewise being in their Court, in mindful attendance to their Charge; And therewith also in humble wise should request them, to have their Aid and Conjunction, both for the intimation of the matter unto the Queens Highness, and also for knowledge of her Gracious good Pleasure and Will therein; all which matter and Petition, the said M ^r Comptroller, assisted with the Personages and Company as aforesaid appointed, did in comely order, and discreet modesty, make manifest and known unto the said Lord's. After which the Lord Keeper, first requiring the said Personages a while to withdraw themselves, then commended the Order of the matter unto the said Lord's, sitting in Consultation for the same; by whom, upon considered advice therein had, it was by them all thought seeming, to signify unto the said Commons, by the Personages aforesaid sent, that they thought it expedient and good, the said Lord Keeper, the Lord Treasurer of England, the Duke his Grace of Norsolk, and the Lord Marquess of Northampton, Accompanied with the four before-recited Personages of the said Commons House, being all of her Highness most Honorable Privy-Council, should in the name of both the Assemblies, with all humbleness and due celerity, make intimation of their said Estate, and the Petition thereupon depending, unto her said Highness. To which advice the said Commons, upon knowledge had of the same, wholly assented. And then it was agreed, that the House should meet again on the Morrow following at nine of the Clock.

On Tuesday the first day of October, the Knights, Citizens, Burgesses and Barons of the House of Commons, being Assembled together in their own House, about nine of the Clock in the Forenoon, report was made unto them (by Sir Edward Rogers Knight, Comptroller of her Majesty's Household, as is most probable, in respect that he was the Chief Privy-Counselor of the House) that her Majesty had been moved according to the former Order, for her Licence to choose a Speaker, and that they should receive Answer thereof this day in the Upper House; and thereupon, as soon as they had notice, that divers of the Lord's, Spiritual and Temporal, with Sir Nicholas Bacon Knight, Lord Keeper of the Great Seal of England, were Assembled in the Upper House, and expected their repair thither, they presently went up unto the Lord's, where the Lord Keeper shown forth a Commission from her Majesty under the Great Seal of England, directed unto him, which he Commanded the Clerk openly to read.

Which said Commission, as also the greatest part of the foregoing days passages, are transcribed out of the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House, and inserted here, as into the due and proper place. Which very things were in part also mentioned in the Original Book of the House of Commons, with the passages of this present Tuesday, although in both I have not omitted to supply some things myself, which might easily be gathered by the comparing of several things together. The Tenor of the said Commission ensueth verbatim.

ELizabeth, by the Grace of God, Queen of England, France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, &c. To our right Trusty and right well Beloved Chancellor, Sir Nicholas Bacon Knight, Lord Keeper of our Great Seal of England, Greeting. Where in the beginning of this present Parliament holden at Westminster the 12 ^th day of January, in the fifth Year of our Reign, the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses being Assembled in the same Year, in the same Parliament, were Commanded by us, to go to their accustomed place, and there to choose among themselves one, to be their Speaker, according to their accustomed manner; whereupon the same Knights, Citizens and Burgesses, did Elect and choose one Thomas Williams Esq to be their Speaker, and the same their Election did afterwards certify unto us, which we did allow and ratify; since which time this our present Parliament hath been continued by divers Prorogations, until the 30. of September, in this present eighth Year of our Reign, at which day the Lord's Spiritual and Temporal, and also the said Knights, Citizens and Burgesses being Assembled, for this present Parliament at Westminster, in their accustomed places, the said Knights, Citizens and Burgesses have declared unto us, that the said Thomas Williams since the last Session of this present Parliament, is dead. And thereupon have made their humble Suit and Petition unto us, that they might have Licence and Commandment from us, to proceed to elect among themselves, one other to be their Speaker for the rest of this present Parliament yet to come. Wherefore We, having certain and perfect knowledge, that the said Thomas Williams is dead, as they have alleged, and considering their humble Petition and Request, very meet and necessary to be granted, have appointed and Constituted you, and by these Presents, We do Will, Command, Constitute and Appoint you, for us and in our Name, to call the said Knights, Citizens and Burgesses before you, and other the Lord's Spiritual and Temporal, Assembled in this our present Parliament, in the Higher House of our Parliament at Westminster, and there for us, and in our Name, to Will and Command the said Knights, Citizens and Burgesses, to resort to their accustomed place, and there to Elect and choose amongst themselves, one sufficient and able person, to be their Speaker for the rest of this present Parliament to come; And after they have so made their Election, that then three or four of them, for and in all their names, shall signify the same unto us. And thereupon we will further signify our pleasure unto them, what day and time they shall present the person Elected before us, as heretofore hath been in like cases accustomed to be done; wherefore our Will and Pleasure is, that you do diligently attend about the doing of the premises, and execute the same with effect. In Witness whereof we have caused these our Letters of Commission to be Sealed with our Great Seal of England. Witness our Self at Westminster, the first day of October, in the Eighth Year of our Reign. The residue of this Days Passages follows out of the Journal of the House of Commons.

As soon as the said Commission had been read, the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses, and Barons of the House of Commons, departed into their own House; where Sir Edward Rogers Knight, Comptroller of her Majesty's Household, declared unto them, that for as much as Richard Onslow Esq, her Majesty's Solicitor General, was a Member of their said House, being Elected a Burgess for the Borough of ..... in the County of Sussex, they would use some means to have him restored unto them (who as yet attended in the Upper House) to join with them in their Election of a Speaker. And thereupon, notice thereof being given to the Lord's of the Upper House, upon Consultation had amongst them, the said M ^r Onslow was sent down with the Queens Serjeant at Law, M ^r Carus, and M ^r Attorney General, to show for himself, why he should not be a Member of this House, who alleging many weighty reasons, as well for his Office of Solicitor, as for his Writ of Attendance in the Upper House, was nevertheless adjudged to be a Member of this House. And thereupon proceeding to the Election, M ^r Comptroller nominated M ^r Onslow to be Speaker, who humbly disabled himself, as well for non-ability of substance meet for that place, as also for his Oath made to the Queens Majesty, and required them to proceed to a new Election; upon whose Arguments the House was divided, and the number to have him Speaker was eighty two, and the contrary was sixty. And immediately M ^r Comptroller, and M ^r Vice-Chamberlain, brought him from his place, to the Chair, and there set him down.

On Wednesday the second day of October, between three and four of the Clock in the Afternoon, the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses of the House of Commons, repaired to the Upper House (having notice that her Majesty with the Lord's and divers others were already set in the said House, expecting their coming) where Richard Onslow Esq, their Speaker Elect, was led up to the Rail or Bar at the lower end of the said House, between Sir Edward Rogers Knight, Comptroller of her Majesty's Household, and Sir Francis Knolles Knight, her Highness Vice-Chamberlain, and so presented unto her Majesty; where having disabled himself in many respects, he was notwithstanding allowed by her Majesty, by the Mouth of the Lord Keeper. After which having desired free access to her Highness, and pardon for himself, if he should in anything unwittingly fail or mistake; the Lord Keeper, by her Majesty's Commandment, declared her full Assent to the said particulars. And thereupon the said Speaker, being now completely and perfectly invested in his place, departed back with the residue of the House of Commons, unto their own House; where according to the usual Form, one Bill had its first reading; viz. The Bill how Sanctuary-persons shall be compellable for payment of their Debts.

Nota, That the Passages of this Afternoon, containing in them the manner of the Presentment and Allowance of the Speaker, were in part transcribed out of the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons, and in part out of a certain Anonymous Memorial I had by me, containing the foresaid matters at large; in both which, it doth appear directly, that the said Richard Onslow Esq, her Majesty's Solicitor General, now Speaker of the said House, did contrary to all former and latter Presidents, only Petition her Majesty in behalf of the House, for free access; and did very ignorantly omit, or carelessly forget to mention those two other ancient and undoubted Privileges of the same House; viz. Liberty of Speech, and Freedom from Arrests for themselves and Followers; or else perhaps he thought and conceived, that those said rights of the House were so evident and unquestionable, as they needed no further Confirmation. And doubtless, whatsoever the said M ^r Onslow conceived, yet the Event at this Session of Parliament, notwithstanding his omission, made it most clear, for those two great businesses of her Majesty's Marriage, and declaring a Succeslor, coming into agitation at this time, M ^r Mounson, M ^r Bell, M ^r Paul Wentworth, and others used so great Liberty of Speech, as (I conceive) was never used in any Parliament, or Session of Parliament before, or since. Nor were they any less zealous to maintain and preserve that their other privilege of freedom from Arrests (omitted likewise by the said M ^r Onslow ) when occasion was offered, than at any other time.

A motion sinally was made this day by Sir William Cecil, her Majesty's Principal Secretary, that one Hen. Green, Burgess for Hereford, was come up to attend; and that the Plague was in the said Town at his coming away: and thereupon it was Ordered by the House, that he should not come thither but have Licence to depart.

It was Ordered, that the House should be called upon Friday next.

This day M ^r Speaker took the Oath, which I conceive was the Oath of Supremacy, in such form and manner, as other Members of the House have it administered unto them; saving only that he takes it in the presence of the House.

On Thursday the third day of October, were divers Arguments made touching the Oath, which the new Burgesses (Elected in such places as were void since the last Session, in An. 5 Regin. Eliz. ) should take; being, as I conceive, the same Oath of Supremacy, which the other Burgesses had taken at the beginning of the foresaid Session, in the fifth year of her Majesty. And at last it was fully resolved by the said House, that they should take the said Oath accordingly. And M ^r Comptroller of her Majesty's Household, was appointed to Minister the said Oath unto them; Ut vide in die Veneris jam proxime sequente: vide Oct ob. 8. Tuesday postea.

This day the Clerk of the House, and Serjeant at Arms, took the Oath, which was doubtless that of Supremacy; but how this should happen, that the Clerk of the House should take the same, I cannot guess. For he, being an Officer for Life, taketh the same only at his first coming into the said place, and never after. And at this Session of Parliament ..... Seymor Esq continued in that place, which he had held many years before; and the first Parliament in which Fulk Onslow Esq his Successor did serve, was in the next following in Anno 13 Regin. Eliz.

M ^r Thomas Broomly, being Elected both a Burgess for the Borough of Guildford in the County of Surrey, and one of the Knights for London, upon his Election to stand for Guildford, it was resolved by the House, that a new Writ should go out for the Choice of another Knight, to be returned for London.

The long Bill touching Informations with costs for the Defendant, was read the first time; and the Bill touching Sanctuaries, was read the second time, and committed (as it seemeth) to M ^r Recorder and others.

On Friday the 4 ^th day of October, the Bill for Answering the Queens Majesty's Revenues in the hands of Receivers, was read the first time.

Sir Francis Knolles, her Majesty's Vice-Chamberlain, declared unto the House, that the Deputy to the Lord Steward, by the Constitution of the Queens Majesty's Household, is taken to be M ^r Treasurer, or M ^r Comptroller, and the Oath to be taken before one of them, and that the Queens Majesty hath appointed Sir Edward Rogers Knight, her said Comptroller, to take the Oath (at this time usually accustomed to be administered) of the Knights and Burgesses, as Lord Steward for that purpose.

Nota, That there being at this time no Lord Steward of her Majesty's Household, it is here said (which is worthy much observation) that by the constitutions of the Queens Household, when there is no Lord Steward, the Treasurer or Comptroller of her said Household are taken to be of common usage and course his Deputy, to all intents and purposes.

Nota also, That none of the Knights, or Burgesses, which had been present, at the first Session of this Parliament, in an. 5 Regin. Eliz. and had then taken the Oath of Supremacy, did now take it again; but only such of them, who had been newly Elected, and returned for places void since the ending of the said first Session, as see more at large on Tuesday the 8 ^th day of this instant October following.

The House was appointed to be called on Monday next at eight of the Clock.

The Bill touching informations upon penal Statutes, with costs for the Defendants, was read the second time, and committed (as it seemeth) to Sir Nicholas Throgmorton, and others.

On Saturday the 5 ^th day of October, the Bill for Answering the Queens Majesty's Revenues, in the hands of Receivers, was read the second time, and committed (as it seemeth) to M ^r Vice-Chamberlain, and others. The new Bill also to avoid Sanctuaries for Debt, was read the first time. And lastly, The long Bill of Apparel, as well for temporal men as spiritual, and also for Women, was read the first time, and was thereupon (as it should seem) committed unto M ^r Comptroller and others, to consider of it.

On Monday the 7 ^th day of October, the new Bill to avoid Sanctuaries for Debt, was read the second time, and Ordered to be engrossed. After which, upon Allegations made for the exemption of the Sanctuary of Westminster, by the Dean thereof, a day was given unto him, on Friday next at nine of the Clock, to attend in the House, with his Learned Council, to show cause, why the said Sanctuary should be exempted. Vide also touching this matter on Wednesday the 16 ^th day of this instant October.

Christopher Haies a Merchant of London, made suit to come into the House, to put them in remembrance of some matters of weight, and being heard, thanks were given him for his Motion; but what the said Motion was, through the Clerks great negligence is wholly omitted, neither is it possible to gather by the Journal-Book itself to what end it tended, although it may not improbably be conjectured, that it was touching matters of Merchandize, or Shipping.

The business (which had been disputed of in the House on Thursday foregoing) was this day again debated, and (as it should seem) some moved to know, whether the Antient Knights and Burgesses still remaining, since the last Session, in Anno 5 Regin. Eliz. ought not to take again the Oath of Supremacy, as well as those that were newly Elected, and returned. Although it were the general Opinion, and Vote of the House (as may be gathered) that the new Knights and Burgesses only, should be sworn; yet it was committed to M ^r Secretary Cecil, M ^r Vice-Chamberlain, M ^r Kingsmill and others (not named) to consider thereof, and to certify the House, which they did accordingly, on the Morrow following.

On Tuesday the 8 ^th day of October, the Bill touching the ingrossing of Tallow, and Kitchinstuff, was read the first time.

M ^r Kingsmill one of the Committee appointed yesterday to consider whether the Antient Members of the House, which had taken the Oath the last Session in An. 5 Regin. Eliz. should now have it administered unto them again, or whether those only who were newly Elected, and returned at the beginning of this present Session, (and to certify thereof accordingly) made Declaration this Forenoon, by the Assent of the said Committee, that the former Knights and Burgesses should not be sworn, but those only who were newly returned.

A Motion was made that ..... Gardener, one of the Burgesses of the House, remained now Prisoner in the Flect, and desired to be restored to the said House; whereupon the Master of the Rolls, and the Master of the Requests, were appointed by the House to repair unto the Lord Keeper (in the name of the same House) to know the cause of his said Imprisonment, and to demand his Restitution. To which Question and Request, the said Lord Keeper did send his Answer by them, on the Morrow following.

On Wednesday the 9 ^th day of October, Two Bills had each of them their first reading; of which the second was the Bill for buying of course Woolls in the North parts.

The Master of the Rolls (who had been sent yesterday with the Master of Requests, unto the Lord Keeper, touching ..... Gardener, a Member of this House) declared from his Lordship, that he might be restored to this House again, with condition that upon Prorogation, or Dissolution of this present session of Parliament, he might be Prisoner again.

Two Bills had each of them one reading, of which the second being the Bill touching ingrossing of Tallow, and Kitchen stuff, was upon the second reading rejected.

On Thursday the 10 ^th day of October, Two Bills had each of them their first reading; of which the second being the Bill for continuance of divers Acts of Parliament, to the end of the next Parliament, was read the first time.

The new Bill also touching Apparel of the Laity and Clergy, was this day brought into the House; but whether it was read or no, cannot certainly be set down.

The Dean of Westminster (who had been appointed on Monday the 7 ^th day of this instant October foregoing, to show the Privileges of the Sanctuary of the said Church) had further day given him this instant Thursday, upon the Motion of M ^r Speaker, until Wednesday next, being the 16 ^th day of this instant October following.

On Friday the 11 ^th day of October, the Bill that Sussex and Surrey, and other Counties, never having but one Sheriff, may have several Sheriffs, was read the first time, and under the Title of the said Bill, at the bottom of it, is written M ^r Vice-Chamberlain, which is all that is usually done also under the Title of any Bill, which is committed upon the second reading, whether M ^r Vice-Chamberlain or any other be one of the Committees named; such is the imperfect setting down of things in these former times: and therefore to what end M ^r Vice-Chamberlains name should be added in this place, I cannot guess, unless this Bill were committed upon the first reading (as many others have been) or else that he brought in the Bill, and commended it to the House.

The new Bill against Informers upon penal Statutes, was this day brought into the House, and read the first time.

On Saturday the 12 ^th day of October, the Bill touching prices of Barrells by Coopers, as in the Statute Anno 24 Hen. 8. was read the first time.

Two Bills lastly against Informers upon penal Statutes, were each of them read the second time; and (as it should seem) were thereupon committed to M ^r Vice-Chamberlain and others.

On Monday the 14 ^th day of October, Three Bills had each of them one reading; of which the third being the Bill touching prices of Barrels and Kilderkins, sold by Coopers, was upon the second reading Ordered to be engrossed.

Upon Complaint made by M ^r Graston against one Philpot, a Pursuivant in the Court of Wards, touching two Promoters for Extortion, the said Pursuivant was sent for.

On Tuesday the 15 ^th day of October, the new Bill touching Apparel to be worn by the Laity, and Clergy, was read the second time; and, as it should seem, was thereupon committed to M ^r Vice-Chamberlain and others.

Two Bills were brought from the Lord's to the House of Commons, by M ^r Serjeant Carus, and M ^r Attorney; of which the first was the Bill touching Fines and Recoveries; and the second was the Bill to take away Clergy from Offenders in certain Cases.

On Wednesday the 16 ^th day of October, Two Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for Assurance of Fines and Recoveries to be good, from the beginning of the Reign of Queen Eliz. although the Original be imbezelled, was read the first time.

This Morning finally the Dean of Westminster (according to the appointment of the House on Thursday last, the 10 ^th day of this instant October foregoing) was present at the Bar, with his Council; viz. Mr. Edmond Plowden of the Middle-Temple, and Mr. Ford a Civilian. The Dean himself made an Oration in defense of the Sanctuary, and alleged divers Grants by King Lucius and other Christian Kings, and Mr. Plowden alleged the Grant for Sanctuary there by King Edward five hundred years ago; viz. Dat. in An. 1066. with great reasons in Law and Chronicle; and Mr. Ford alleged divers Stories and Laws for the same; and thereupon the Bill was committed to the Master of the Rolls, and others (not named) to peruse the Grants, and to certify the force of the Law now for Sanctuaries.

On Thursday the 17 ^th day of October, the Bill affirming the Consecration of Archbishops and Bishops within this Realm, was read the second time, and Ordered to be engrossed.

Sir Edward Rogers Knight, Comptroller of her Majesty's Household, moved the House to have consideration of the Queens Majesty's late great and extraordinary expenses, to proportion out some supply accordingly. And thereupon Sir William Cecil Knight, her Highness Principal Secretary, made an Excellent Declaration of the Queens great Charges in defending New-Haven in France, in repairing and increasing the Navy and Munition, her Charges also against John Oneyle in Ireland; and immediately thereupon, all the Privy-Council being Members of this House, the Master of the Rolls, and forty others of the House, whose names are omitted through the negligence of the Clerk, were nominated and appointed to consider of the rate and payment of some supply and aid to be given to her Majesty, and Ordered to meet to Morrow in the Afternoon, in the Star-Chamber.

On Friday the 18 ^th day of October, Four Bills had each of them one reading, of which the last being the Bill touching prices of Barrels and Kilderkins, was read the third time.

A Motion was made by Mr. Molineux, for the reviving of the Suit touching the Declaration of a Successor, in case her Majesty should die without Issue of her own Body; which Suit had been first moved by the House, and their Petition preferred therein, in the first Session of this Parliament, in Anno 5 Regin. Eliz. and that the said business touching the Declaration of a Successor, and the Subsidy Bill might proceed together, which Motion was very well approved by the greater part of the said House.

And thereupon divers Propositions and Reasonings ensued, this great business being once moved, although it should seem in the conclusion thereof, that the greater part of the House were resolved to recontinue the said Suit, and to know her Highness Answer: Although Sir Ralph Sadler Knight Banneret, one of her Privy-Council, had declared and affirmed unto the House, that he had heard the Queen say, in the presence of divers of the Nobility, that for the Wealth of the Realm, her Highness was minded to Marry. Vide plus concerning this matter on Monday the 25 ^th day of November following, whither all the days are referred, on which this business was agitated.

On Saturday the 19 ^th day of October, the Bill touching Fines and Recoveries to be good from the beginning of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth, although the Originals be lost, was read the second time, and, as it should seem, was committed to M ^r Seckford and others.

Three Bills finally were brought down to the House from the Lord's, of which one was the Bill for the Indenization of John Stafford, born beyond the Seas; and another for prevention of fraudulent gifts in Bankrupts.

Mr. Secretary Cecil, and Sir Francis Knolles, her Majesty's Vice-Chamberlain, declared unto the House, that the Queens Majesty was, by God's special Providence, moved to Marriage, and that she mindeth for the Wealth of her Commons, to prosecute the same.

Sir Ambrose Cave Chancellor of the Duchy, and Sir Edward Rogers Comptroller of her Majesty's Household, affirmed the same, and thereupon persuaded and advised the House to see the sequel of that, before they made further Suit touching the Declaration of a Successor.

But against this Opinion divers Lawyers of the House (although their names are negligently omitted, the chief of them being Mounson, Bell, and Kingsmill ) did argue very boldly and judiciously. And so prevailed with the greatest part of the House, as that it was resolved, contrary to the foregoing Motion of those of her Majesty's Privy-Council, to recontinue their Suit touching the Declaration of a Successor, and to get the Queens Answer. And to that end it was Ordered, that all the Privy-Council being Members of this House, with forty four others (whose names are omitted in the Original Journal-Book of the said House) should meet to Morrow, to consult and advise in what manner they might move the Lord's of the Upper-House, to join with them in this matter.

This is the second day in which this great business was agitated in the House of Commons, upon which doubtless those four Privy-Counselors, who first moved to have a stop made of it, did it not without her Majesty's special Direction (who, as it is very probable, foresaw even then the great inconveniencies, which the further prosecution thereof would produce) as see more at large, that it did indeed so fall out, upon Monday the 25 ^th day of November ensuing.

M ^r Secretary Cecil (seeing his former Motion could not prevail to stop the foregoing resolution of the House, partly, as may be conjectured, to divert it, and partly that the matter of supply might precede it) made a Declaration of the Rates of one Subsidy, and one fifteenth and tenth, according to the proportion of that Subsidy which had been given in the first Session of this Parliament (in an. 5 Regin. Eliz. ) but withal proposed further days of payment.

October the 20 ^th Sunday.

On Monday the 21 ^th day of October, some Addition, which had been annexed to the Bill touching Coopers (as it should seem) after the third reading thereof (which was on Friday the 18. day of this instant October foregoing) was read the first, second and third time, and so passed with the Bill.

Three other Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill to take Clergy from Cut-Purses and Pick-Purses, was read the third time, and passed upon the Question.

These two foregoing Bills, which passed this House this Morning, were sent up to the Lord's by Mr. Comptroller, with all the Committees (who were appointed on Saturday the 19. day of this instant October foregoing, in the great business touching her Majesty's Declaration of a Successor) with Order also from the House to move the Lord's to join with this House, in the said Suit to her Majesty ( Vide plus concerning this business, on Monday the 25. day of November ensuing.)

Three Bills had each of them one reading, of which the first being the Bill for Sealing of Cloaths by the Alneager of Lancaster, was read the second time, and (as it should seem) committed to Mr. Southerly and others.

The Committees brought word from the Lord's, upon their request, that they coming again to the Lord's on the Morrow following, should have Answer.

On Tuesday the 22. day of October, the Bill Confirming the Consecration of Archbishops, and Bishops within this Realm, was read the third time, and passed upon the Question.

Doctor Vaughan and Mr. Martin brought word from the Lord's, that their Lordships desired the Committees of this House, to defer their coming unto them until to Morrow. But about what business the said meeting should then be, is through the great negligence of Mr. Seymour, at this time Clerk of the House of Commons, wholly omitted: although it were doubtless touching those two great businesses; of her Majesty's Marriage, and the Declaration of her next Successor. For the consideration of which, the House had appointed a select Committee (being the same here mentioned) on Saturday the 19. day of this instant October foregoing, and had yesterday sent them up to the Lord's, to 〈◊〉 their Lordships to join with them in Petitioning her Majesty, touching the same. And it should seem the reason why their Lordships defer'd their Answer this day, contrary to their appointment yesterday, was because the Archbishop of York, the Earl of Northumberland, and eighteen other Lord's Spiritual and Temporal, were first appointed to repair in the Afternoon of this present Tuesday, unto her Majesty, to know her pleasure therein, as may directly be gathered out of the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House. Vide Novemb. 25. postea.

On Wednesday the 23. day of October, Mr. Comptroller and the other Committees (appointed on Saturday the 19. day of this instant October foregoing) were sent up to the Lord's, with the Bill for declaring the manner of making and Consecrating of Archbishops and Bishops within this Realm to be good, lawful and perfect; and, as it should seem, had Order likewise to desire of the Lord's their resolution touching those two great businesses of her Majesty's Marriage, and Declaration of a Successor; and that Mr. Bell, Mr. Mounson, and Mr. Kingsmill, three others of the said Committee, should make Declaration of the said matters unto their Lordships. For upon the return of the same Committees from the Lord's, towards the end of this Forenoon, they made report to this purpose, accordingly.

Ten Bills had each of them their first reading, of which the first was the Bill to confirm by Parliament the Queens Letters Patents for an Hospital at Gloucester; and the second touching Demurrers after Verdict, how exceptions should be entered.

Mr. Comptroller with the rest of the Committees (which had been sent up to the Lord's this Morning) returning from them, shown that their Lordships having heard the several Declarations of Mr. Bell, Mr. Mounson, and Mr. Kingsmill, and others of the said Committee, touching those two great businesses of her Majesty's Marriage, and Declaration of her next Successor, who had spoken very amply and fully unto their Lordships, were resolved to deliberate further (as the great weight of the matters in hand required) and to send word thereof to this House accordingly. Vide at large concerning this business, on Monday the 25. day of November ensuing.

On Thursday the 24. day of October, the Bill for Corporation of Merchant Adventurers, for discovery of new Trades, was read the first time.

It was Ordered, that a Warrant should be granted to require a Writ for the Election of a new Burgess for Abingdon, in the County of Berks, in the place of Oliver Hide Deceased.

Two Bills also had each of them one reading, of which the first being the Bill touching Demurrers, how they shall be entered, was upon the second reading Ordered to be engrossed.

On Friday the 25. day of October, Two Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first was entitled, The Bill amended for Apparel of all States under the Prince.

Mr. Serjeant Carus, and Mr. Attorney, brought word from the Lord's, that the Committees of this House (appointed on Saturday the 19. day of this instant October foregoing) might be sent up to: their Lordships to receive their Answer. Whereupon as many of the Committees as were then present, without others in the places of those that were absent, went up to the Lord's, and soon after returned, and brought word down to the House, that their Lordships would join with this said House in the Suit to her Majesty, touching her Majesty's Marriage, and the Declaration of a Successor. Vide plus concerning this matter, on Monday the 25. day of November ensuing.

The Bill touching Cutlers of London to have search of that Art in divers places in and about London, was read the first time.

On Saturday the 26. day of October, Two Bills had each of them their first reading; of which the first was the Bill for the Inning of the residue of Plumsted-Marsh; and the second the Bill touching Informers for Execution of penal Statutes, and under it was written thus.

Wray.

A like President to which see on Friday the 11. of this instant October foregoing, where the reason of it is conjecturally discussed.

On Monday the 28. day of October, Two Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill touching the making of Steel, and Iron-Wyer within this Realm; and the second being the Bill for one Fifteenth and Tenth, and also a Subsidy, as well of English Persons as Strangers, were each of them read the first time.

On Tuesday the 29. day of October, Three Bills had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill Confirming the Letters Patents for the Hospital at Gloucester, was read the second time; and (as it should seem) committed to Mr. Arnold, and others.

A Warrant was granted for a Writ to be made, and sent out for the Election of a new Burgess for the Borough of Graunpound, in the County of Cornwall, in the place of Christopher Perne, reported to be Lunatick.

A Warrant also was granted to William Jones, Servant to Sir Thomas Gerrard Knight, one of the Knights for the County of Lancaster, to attain privilege (that is to have his privilege allowed) who was Summoned to Answer at London in a Plea of Debt of ten pound, at the Suit of John Allen and Emme his Wife.

On Wednesday the 30. day of October, the Bill touching Informers for Execution of penal Laws, was read the second time, and Ordered to be engrossed.

The Lord's sent word by Mr. Serjeant Carus, and Mr. Attorney, that they have chosen of themselves thirty, and require a number of this House to be joined with them, to consult of the Suit to the Queens Majesty (touching those two great businesses of her Majesty's Marriage, and Declaration of a Successor) and to send up word to Morrow of the number chosen. Vide concerning this matter on Monday the 25. day of November following.

On Thursday the 31. day of October, upon the report of the Bill for Sanctuaries, it was agreed to be engrossed: but what the effect of the said report was, or by whom it was made, appeareth not in the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons; but may easily be collected by comparing this foregoing matter, with the former agitation of this business on Wednesday the 16. day of this present October foregoing. For this Bill of Sanctuaries having had its first and second reading on Monday the 7. day of the same Month, was then staid from ingrossing, upon the motion of the Dean of Westminster, upon his pretending that it was prejudicial to the Liberties and Privileges of the said Church; and thereupon having been heard himself at large, and his Council also on the foresaid 16. day of October, the whole business was referred to the Master of the Rolls, to consider of further, and thereupon to make report unto the House; which, as it seemeth, having done accordingly, this present Thursday Morning, the House thereupon proceeded with the said Bill, and Ordered it to be engrossed.

Two Bills of no great moment, had each of them their first reading; of which the second was the Bill for Explanation of the Act for Chantry Lands.

The House this day (according to the request of the Lord's sent down yesterday by Mr. Serjeant Carus, and Mr. Attorney) appointed all the Privy-Council, being Members of this House, and divers others, to repair unto the Lord's this Forenoon; which they performed immediately: But their names being very negligently omitted, by Mr. Seymour, at this time Clerk of the House of Commons, in this Original Journal-Book of the said House; are therefore supplied out of that of the Upper House, being as followeth.

Sir Edward Rogers Knight, Comptroller of her Highness Household, Sir Francis Knolles, her Highness Vice-Chamberlain, Sir William Cecil, her Majesty's Chief Secretary, Sir Ambrose Cave Knight, Chancellor of her Highness Duchy of Lancaster, Sir William Peeter, Sir Ralph Sadler, Sir Walter Mildmay, Knights, all of her Highness Privy-Council, Sir Thomas Wroth the Master of the Rolls, Sir Nicholas Throckmorton, Sir Morrice Berkely, Sir Peter Carew, Sir John Chichester, Sir Thomas Gargrave, Sir Henry Nevill, Sir Nicholas Arnold, Sir Henry Ashelie, Sir John Pollard, Sir John Perrott, Sir Gabriel Carew, Sir Thomas Gerrard, Sir William Chester, Sir John White, Sir John Sellinger, Sir John Constable, Sir ..... Haistings, Sir John Moor, Sir John Southwrote, Sir John Thinn, Sir G. Turpin, Sir Henry Gates, Sir Robert Wingfeild, Sir Henry Cheyney, and Sir Arthur Champernown Knights, Mr. Seckford, Mr. Bell, Mr. Mounson, Mr. Dalton, Mr. Colbie, Mr. Kingsmill, Mr. Mollineux, Mr. Mersh, Mr. Prat, Mr. Norton, Mr. Robert Newdigate, Mr. Strickland, Mr. Wray, Mr. Sands, Mr. Recorder, Mr. William Fleetwood, Mr. Mountgomery, Mr. Thomas Fleetwood, Mr. Heneage, Mr. Bartue, Mr. Alford, Mr. Henry Knolles Sen., Mr. Hasset, Mr. Hawtry, Mr. John Haistings, Mr. Ashbie of the Jewel-House, Mr. Colly, Mr. William Moor, Mr. Hilliar, Mr. Knight Marshall, Mr. Robert Manners, Mr. Barkham, Mr. Francis Newdigate, Mr. Warncomb, Mr. Francis Brown, Mr. Dunch, Mr. Withers, Mr. Robert Bows, Mr. Awberry, Mr. Haddon, Mr. Edward Leighton, Mr. Young, Mr. Charles Howard, and Mr. Wilson Esquires.

The Names of these Committees being thus transcribed out of the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House, now follows the Issue of their said meeting and Conference with the Lord's, out of the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons; which was, that after they had returned thanks unto their Lordships for their readiness to join with them in their Suit unto her Majesty touching those two great businesses of her Marriage, and the Declaration of a Successor; their said Lordships Answer was, that on Saturday next in the Afternoon they would confer with them the said Committees of the House of Commons, in the Utter (or Outward) Parliament Chamber.

The House Adjourned itself until Monday next ensuing, being the 4 ^th day of November, and the Committees before-named were appointed to meet in the mean time, on Saturday Morning, to agree upon such reasons, as they might offer to the Lord's in the Afternoon of that day, to be presented unto her Majesty, to persuade and induce her to Marriage, or at least to the Declaration of a Successor.

But what the Issue of the Conference was. between the Committees of the Lord's and Commons, doth nowhere appear in the Original Journal-Books of the Upper and Commons House; but it may bevery probably conjectured, that upon their meeting it was agreed, that the Commons should not at all at this time prefer any Petition unto her Majesty, touching the said great businesses, because they had already performed it in the first Session of this Parliament, in An. 5 Regin. Eliz. on Thursday. the 28 ^th day of January in anno praedicto, and that thereupon now the Lord's only should sue unto her Majesty, in the foresaid great matters, if the said Upper House should allow thereof. Which resolution (as it should seem) was accordingly approved, and put in Execution, as is very probable, upon Tuesday the 5 ^th day of November following. Ut vide ibidem.

On Monday the 4 ^th day of November (to which day the House of Commons had Adjourned itself on Thursday the 31 ^th day of October foregoing) Three Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first being the new Bill for the Alneagers Fees of Lancashire, and for the length, breadth and weight of Cottons, Frizes and Rugs, was read the first time.

On Tuesday the 5 ^th day of November, Five Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for the having of one Sheriff of one County in divers Counties, was read the second time, and thereupon Ordered to be engrossed.

The Lord's sent down M ^r Serjeant Carus, and M ^r Attorney, to signisie unto the House, that the Committees (touching those two great matters of her Majesty's Marriage, and Declaration of a Successor, whose names see on Thursday the 31 ^th day of October foregoing) should come up unto their Lordships; who immediately thereupon did so. And shortly after, returning from the Lord's, they made Declaration, that their Lordships required, that thirty of this House should be before the Queen in the Afternoon, at the Palace (with thirty of the Lord's) which were thereupon appointed, and chosen accordingly by M ^r Speaker, out of the foresaid Committees (nominated on the 31 ^th day of October foregoing) to attend her Majesty, and to understand what her pleasure was.

Post Meridiem.

The Committees of the Lord's and House of Commons attended her Majesty this Afternoon touching those two great businesses of her Marriage, and Declaration of a Successor; which I have supplied as a thing necessary for the understanding, both of the former and future agitation (of which see more largely on Monday the 25 ^th day of this instant November following) and what her Majesty's Answer was, shall be needless to insert here, in respect that it was openly published by M ^r Comptroller, and M ^r Secretary Cecil, on this ensuing Morning.

On Wednesday the 6 ^th day of November, Two Bills had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for the Cloth-Workers of London to have search, was read the second time, and (as it should seem) committed to M ^r Chancellor, and others.

The Bill touching Informers for better Execution of penal Laws, was read the third time, and passed upon the Question.

M ^r D ^r Vaughan, and M ^r Yale, brought from the Lord's, the Bill for Hexamshire, and a Proviso in the Bill for Bishops.

Sir Edward Rogers Knight, Comptroller of her Highness Household, and Sir William Cecil Knight, her Majesty's Principal Secretary, read in writing notes of the Queens Majesty's saying, before the Lord's and Committees of this House; tending that her Grace had signified to both Houses, by words of a Prince, that she by God's Grace would Marry, and would have it therefore believed; and touching limitation for Succession, the perils be so great to her Person, and whereof she hath felt part in her Sisters time, that time will not yet suffer to treat of it. Whereupon all the House was silent. Vide plus concerning this matter on Monday the 25 ^th day of this instant November following.

The Proviso added to the Bill for Archbishops and Bishops, was read the first time.

On Thursday the 7 ^th day of November, Three Bills had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill for Confirmation of the Hospital of S ^t Bartholomews in Gloucester, was read the third time, and passed upon the Question.

On Friday the 8 ^th day of November, Two Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for wearing of Caps on Holy-days, and not Hats, was read the first time.

M ^r Lambert began a Learned Oration, for iteration of the Suit to the Queens Majesty for limitation of Succession; and thereupon strongly reasoned for both parts: whence it appeareth plainly, that though her Majesty satisfied the Lord's by her former Answer on Tuesday the 5 ^th of this instant November preceding (the effect of which was, that she was desirous to incline her mind to Marriage; but could not declare a Successor, in respect of the great danger thereof) yet those of the House of Commons rested not contented therewith, but only resting upon her Majesty's promise touching her Marriage, they still discoursed of, and resolved to press further, that other part of their former Suit touching the Declaration of a Successor; as appeareth by this foregoing Motion of M ^r Lambert, and by the sequel afterwards; touching all which, see more fully on Monday the 25 ^th day of this instant November ensuing.

On Saturday the 9 ^th day of November, Two Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the first being the new Bill for carrying of Rams, or Sheep, over Sea, to be Felony, was read the first time; And the second being the Bill to avoid delays upon Verdicts and Demurrers in Law, was read the third time, and passed upon the Question.

Sir Francis Knolles Knight, her Majesty's Vice-Chamberlain, declared the Queens Majesty's Express Commands to this House, that they should no further proceed in their Suit, but to satisfy themselves with her Highness Promise of Marriage. After whom M ^r Secretary Cecil, and M ^r Comptroller, severally rehearsed the like matter. So that by this it may be gathered, that her Majesty understanding of M ^r Lambert's Motion made Yesterday, and fearing that the House should fall a fresh upon the discussion of this business, did now send her Express Inhibition to prevent it, by these forenamed honorable Personages; of which matter see more at large on Monday the 25 ^th day of this instant November following.

The Bill for two Sheriffs to be several of Oxford and Berks, was read the first time.

It is Ordered, That if after the reading of the first Bill, any of the House depart before the rising of M ^r Speaker, without Licence of M ^r Speaker, that then he shall pay to the poor Mans Box four pence.

Sunday November the 10 ^th day.

On Monday the 11 ^th day of November, Two Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for Confirmation of Letters Patents, made to the Cordwayners of London, was read the first time.

Paul Wentworth a Burgess of the House, by way of Motion, desired to know whether the Queens Command and Inhibition, that they should no longer dispute of the matter of Succession (sent Yesterday to the House) were not against the Liberties and Privileges of the said House? And thereupon arose divers Arguments, which continued from nine of the Clock in the Morning till two of the Clock in the Afternoon. But then, because the time was far spent, all further debate and reasoning was deferred until the next Morning. And, as it should seem, no certain resolution of the House given therein; neither doth it appear in the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons, either what the effect of these Arguments were, or by whom uttered, which with many other defects and imperfections, happened therein, through the great negligence of M ^r Seymour, at this time Clerk of the same House.

On Tuesday the 12 ^th day of November, M ^r Speaker being sent for to attend upon the Queens Majesty, at the Court, about nine of the Clock, sent word to the House, where he was, requiring the House to have Patience; and at his coming, after ten of the Clock, began to show, that he had received a special Command from her Highness to this House, notwithstanding her first Commandment, that there should not be further talk of that matter in the House (touching the Declaration of a Successor, in Case that her Majesty should die without Issue) and if any person thought himself not satisfied, but had further reasons, let him come before the Privy-Council, and there show them. Vide plus concerning this business, on Monday the 25 ^th day of this instant November following.

On Wednesday the 13 ^th day of November, Six Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the fourth being the Bill for Thomas Browns Lands to be altered from Gavelkind, was read the second time, and Ordered to be engrossed.

Three Bills were sent up to the Lord's, from the House of Commons; of which one was the Bill for the better Execution of penal Laws; And another to avoid delays upon Verdicts and Demurrers in Law.

The Bill touching two Branches in the Statute made for Chauntry-Lands, was read the second time, and committed to M ^r Marsh.

M ^r Serjeant Carus, and M ^r D ^r Huick, brought from the Lord's two Bills; one for the Jointure of the Lady Cobham, and the other for Carriage of Wooll growing in divers Shires in Wales.

On Thursday the 14 ^th day of November, Three Bills had each of them one reading; of which the third being the Bill to avoid long delays in Civil and Marine Causes, was read the second time, and Ordered to be engrossed.

The Bill for several Sheriffs to be in Surrey and Sussex, Essex and Hertford, Oxford and Berks, Somerset and Dorset, Warwick and Leicester, Nottingham and Darby from 1567. was read the third time, and passed upon the Question.

On Friday the 15 ^th day of November, the Bill for buying of Ostrich Woolls, by Hat-makers and Felt-makers, was read the first time.

Edward Jones Complained of John Grey Esq, Knight for Stafford, that he had misused and threatened him in Paul's, casting away his Cap, whereby he was in great fear of his Life, and prayed Remedy of this House. To the which M ^r Grey Answered at the Bar, that he had divers times claimed a Debt due by his Father, to the which he had reasonably Answered. Whereupon the hearing of the matter, for the Surety of Jones, was committed unto Sir Thomas Wroth, and four others of this House. Vide plus touching this matter on Tuesday the 3 ^d day of December following.

The Bill to avoid excess in Apparel in divers Degrees, was read the third time, and passed upon the Question.

Leonard Darnet, Burgess for Marlborough in the County of Wilts, is for his great Affairs Licensed by the House to be absent.

On Saturday the 16 ^th day of November, Three Bills had each of them one reading; of which the third and last, being the Bill touching Cutters of Tann'd Leather, was read the second time; but no mention is made, either of committing, or ingrossing of it.

The Bill for several Sherifss to be in several Counties; And the Bill to avoid excess in Apparel in divers degrees, were sent up to the Lord's by M ^r Vice-Chamberlain.

Robert Ireland, Burgess for the Borough of Salop, Edward Leighton Esq, one of the Knights for the County of Salop, were each of them Licensed by the House for their special Affairs to be absent, until ..... and so this matter, without expressing the certain time, breaks off abruptly in the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons, through the great negligence of M ^r Seymour, Clerk of the said House; although it may very probably be conjectured, that this Licence was not granted unto them absolutely, but upon condition to return again and attend the service of the House, at some certain day prefixed. Vide consimile December 7 ^th postea.

Upon divers Arguments made, that Edward Jones might be sent to the Tower for so using Grey, in attaching his Goods, tending to the breach of the Privilege of this House, the matter was eftsoons committed to M ^r Wroth and others, as well to provide Surety of Jones against the said Grey, until Saturday next, and then further to report, as also touching an Informer sent to Ward by M ^r Grafton, and removed by Habeas Corpus into the Kings-Bench. Vide on Tuesday the 3 ^d day of December following.

November the 17 ^th Sunday.

On Monday the 18 ^th day of November, William Epse, Burgess for Rumney, was Licensed to be absent for eight days. Vide consimile in die praecedente.

Five Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the third being the Bill for making of Allom, and Copperas, by the Lord Mountjoy; And the fourth being the Bill to repeal the Act made for prices, were each of them read the second time, and Ordered to be engrossed.

On Tuesday the 19 ^th day of November, Three Bills had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill for the Alneagers Fees of Lancaster, and the length, breadth and weight of Cottons, Frizes and Rugs, was read the second time, and Ordered to be engrossed.

On Wednesday the 20 ^th day of November, Two Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for places for the keeping of Records in the twelve Shires of Wales, was read the first time.

The Bill for Wollnersh in the County of Surrey, was brought from the Lord's by M ^r Attorney.

Two Bills lastly had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for the Jointure of the Lady Frances Cobham in Cooling, was read the second time.

On Thursday the 21 ^th day of November, Five Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill to repeal a Branch in the Act for Watermen upon the Thames; And the second touching the Act made for sale of stuff for Apparel, not paid for, were each of them read the first time.

On Friday the 22 ^th day of November, Six Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the third being the Bill for the Felt-makers and Hat-makers, was upon the second reading rejected; and the fourth and sixth being for wearing of Caps, upon the Sabbath, or Holy-Days, and also that Trials of Felonies done in Wales, shall be at the great Sessions there, were each of them read the second time, and (as it should seem) committed to M ^r Crofts and others.

Richard Wheatley Clerk, Attendant upon Sir Henry Cromwell Knight, one of the Knights for the County of Huntingdon, being Attached by several Bills of Middlesex, in several Pleas of Trespass, at the Suit of William Marlyn, and Michael Welch, required the Privilege of the House.

On Saturday the 23 ^th day of November, A Proviso added to the Bill for Bishops, in lieu of the Lord's Proviso, was read the first time.

The Bill touching Latitats was brought from the Lord's, by M ^r Serjeant Carus, and M ^r Read.

M ^r Thomas Wroth declared John Grey, and Edward Jones by Mediation to be agreed, and that attachment to be void, upon condition, that M ^r Grey should openly in the House promise, that he, nor any by him should hurt the said Jones, when he should come next to the House, being now sick of the small Pox, and the Recognizance taken not to be certified: Vide concerning this matter on Tuesday the 3 ^d day of December following.

On Monday the 25 ^th day of November, Two Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for the Jointure of the Lady Cobham, was read the second time.

The Proviso to the Bill for Bishops in lieu of the Lord's Proviso, was read the second time, and Ordered to be engrossed.

M ^r Speaker coming from the Queens Majesty, declared her Highness Pleasure to be, that for her good will to the House, she did revoke her two former Commandments, requiring the House no further to proceed at this time in the matter. Which Revocation was taken of all the House most joyfully, with most hearty Prayer and thanks for the same.

HER Majesty having found by Experience, that the desire of the House of Commons in that great business touching the Declaration of a Successor, in Case she should die without Issue, was like other Passions, more easily calmed and quieted by following than resisting, did now at length remit unto them (as appeareth by this Message brought by the Speaker) that freedom of Speech, and liberty of discussion, which they had formerly made use of, without any such allowance, and by that means did sooner satisfy their discontent, and procure their silence, than by any former secret diversions, or open inhibitions. And though that business only touching the Declaration of a Successor, be mentioned here, yet both in the first Session of this Parliament, in an. 5 Regin. Eliz. and in the greatest part of this present Session, de an. 8, & 9 Reginae ejusdem, it was joined with the other great matter of her Majesty's Marriage. For the House of Commons, having in the said fifth Year of her Majesty, Petitioned her in their own name only, on Thursday the 28 ^th day of January in the Afternoon, both to incline her Royal Person to Marriage, and to make Declaration of her next and rightful Successor, in default of her own Issue, they received from her a Gracious Answer; but finding now in this second Session of that Parliament begun and continued above three Years after, that there followed no Issue, or effect thereupon, in respect that her Majesty remained still as far from any likelihood of Marriage, as then; and that the State of the Kingdom, in Case she should die, grew every day more dangerous than other, in respect of the several pretended Rights to the Crown, which now began openly to be disputed and maintained, according to the several inclinations and opinions of men; Therefore (I say) on Friday the 18 ^th day of October, in this present Session, de An. 8, & 9 Regin. Eliz. M ^r Mollineux first moved it in the House, that they might again revive their former Suit to her Majesty, to declare a Successor, but mentioned not her Marriage; whereupon Sir Ralph Sadler Knight Banneret, one of her Majesty's Privy-Council, stayed the House from further proceeding at that time, by making Declaration of her Majesty's own Speeches, tending to the expression of her good Inclination unto Marriage; and that therefore the House should expect the timely Issue of that a while, and not intermeddle with the matter of Succession. Which report and advice of Sir Ralph Sadlers, being seconded again the next day being Saturday the 19 ^th day of the same Month, by others of her Majesty's Council, was then opposed by divers of the House. And it was at last concluded, that they should renew their said Suit to her Majesty, touching the Declaration of a Successor; according to which resolution, they not only debated it themselves, on Monday the 21 ^th day, and on Tuesday the 22 ^th day of October foregoing, but also afterwards with the Lord's on Wednesday the 23 ^th day, on Thursday the 24 ^th day, and on Wednesday the 30 ^th day, and on Thursday the 31 ^th day of the same Month; joining also unto it that other great business of her Majesty's Marriage (which I conceive was only colourably added, that the other Motion touching Succession, might be the less distasteful to her Majesty) who having appointed thirty of either House to attend her on Tuesday the 5 ^th day of this instant November foregoing, in the Afternoon, did there Answer the Lord's Petition (who doubtless preferred it by themselves in this Session, de An. 8, & 9 Regin. Eliz. as the Commons had Petitioned her in the same matters by themselves, in the first Session of this Parliament in an. 5 Reginae ejusdem ) but the Commons resting not satisfied with the said Answer (wherein her Majesty did only in general intimate her inclination to Marriage, but absolutely denied to make any Declaration of her Successor, which they chiefly aimed at, in respect of the danger) did notwithstanding several inhibitions and restrictions, further prosecute the same matter, plainly and singly, without the least mention anymore of her Marriage, on Wednesday the 6 ^th day, Friday the 8 ^th day, Saturday the 9 ^th day, Monday the 11 ^th day, and on Tuesday the 12 ^th day of this instant November foregoing, until this present Monday the 25 ^th day of the same Month, when upon her Majesty's Gracious Permission of freedom of Speech, they ceased further to treat thereof, as appeareth by the following silence of the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons therein, until the last day of this Session, being Thursday the second day of January following, when her said Majesty did mildly reprove the violent prosecution of the same, by the said House.

On Tuesday the 26 ^th day of November, Three Bills had each of them one reading; of which the third being the Bill for the Corporation of Merchants, for discovery of new Trades in Russia, was read the third time, and Ordered to be engrossed.

M ^r Serjeant Carus and M ^r Vaughan, brought from the Lord's two Bills, one for the Expedition of Justice in Lancaster, and another for the Jointure of the Lady Stafford.

It was Ordered this day, that the House should be called upon Tuesday next.

On Wednesday the 27 ^th day of November, Three Bills had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for the Almshouse at Plymouth in the County of Devon, And the third to avoid vexations upon the Writ of Latitat, &c. were each of them read the first time.

M ^r Secretary declared from her Majesty, that for the good will she beareth to her Subjects, her Highness doth remit the third payment of the said Subsidy, before rated; for which her great Clemency, most hearty thanks was given by the House; and immediately was read

The Bill for the grant of one Fifteenth, and a Subsidy at two payments the second time, and committed (as it should seem) to M ^r Seckford and others.

Nota, That here her Majesty (as is very probable) did remit this third and extraordinary payment of the Subsidy, the more yet to withdraw them from the further prosecution of that great business touching the Declaration of a Successor, (mentioned at large on Monday the 25 ^th day of this instant November foregoing) in which those of the House of Commons had proceeded with great violence: and that her Majesty had this intent in remitting the said third payment, is the more apparent, because it had been formerly given by the said Commons, thereby the rather to induce her Majesty to the said Declaration of a Successor, as is plainly set down by M ^r Cambden, in Annal. Regin. Eliz. Edit. Lugdun. Batav. A. D. 1625. page 102.

On Thursday the 28 ^th day of November, Four Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill for preservation of Corn by destruction of Crows, and other Vermin, was read the first time.

Five other Bills were each of them read the first time, and passed upon the Question; of which one was the Bill for the Jointure of the Lady Cobham, and another to avoid long Suits in Civil and Marine Causes.

The Bill lastly for Confirmation of Letters Patents, was read the second time, and (as it seemeth) was committed to M ^r Gargrave, and others, whose name I conceive should have been written, Sir Thomas Gargrave; for it is usual in this Journal of the House of Commons, in this present Session de An. 8, & 9 Regin. Eliz. according to the use of former times, to style Knights by the term of M ^r prefixed only to their Surnames.

On Friday the 29 ^th day of November, Four Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for John Stafford born beyond the Sea, to be a free Denizen; and the third for the Watermen upon the Thames, were each of them read the second time: but no mention made either of referring them to Committees, or Ordering to be engrossed.

Divers Arguments were had in the House, touching a Preamble to be made and set down, before the Bill of Subsidy, whereupon the said Bill was Ordered to be engrossed.

On Saturday the 30 ^th day of November, Five Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for the Frizers and Cottoners of Shrewsbury; the third touching a Lease made by the Masters of the Colleges in 37 Hen. 8. and the fourth to have several Sheriffs in Oxford and Berks, were each of them read the second time, and Ordered to be engrossed.

The Bill to repeal the Statute made An. 7 Edw. 6. for prices of Wines, was read the third time, and upon the Question and Division of the House, passed; viz. with the Bill ninety five, and against it sixty five.

The Bill lastly requiring the Impost to be taken away, was read the first time.

On Monday the 2 ^d day of December, Two Bills had each of them their second reading; of which the first being the Bill for Confirmation of Letters Patents of Merchant Adventurers at Bristol, was Ordered to be engrossed: And the second for the pulling up of Weares and Piles, was (as it should seem) committed to M ^r Vice-Chamberlain, and others.

Six Bills were sent up to the Lord's by M ^r Vice-Chamberlain and others; of which one was the Bill for the Free-School of Southwark, and another for the Jointure of the Lady Cobham.

The Bill touching Fines and Recoveries was read the second time, and (as it should seem) was committed to the Master of the Rolls, and others.

The Bill for making of Allom and Copperas, by Letters Patents by Cornelius de Vos, and by him assigned to the Lord Mountjoy, was read the third time, and a Proviso thereunto annexed, was read the first, second and third time.

On Tuesday the 3 ^d day of December, Three Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the third being the Bill for the Office of Town-Clerk of the City of York, was read the second time, and Ordered to be engrossed.

Three Bills also had each of them their second reading; of which the first being the Bill touching the Statute made for Apparel, was (as it should seem) committed to M ^r Vice-Chamberlain, and others; And the second for buying of Woolls in the North parts, was committed unto M ^r Gargrave; the like reference see on Thursday the 28 ^th day of November foregoing. And the third being the Bill for carrying over Sea of Rams, Sheep or Lambs, to be Felony, was (as it seemeth) committed to M ^r Wilson, and others.

John Grey Esq did this day promise before the whole House, that he and his should keep the Peace against Edward Jones, and the said Jones promised immediately to withdraw his Action. Vide concerning this matter on Friday the 15 ^th day, Saturday the 16 ^th day, and on Saturday the 23 ^th day of November foregoing.

Two Bills also had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for making of Steel and Plates for Armor, within the Realm, was read the second time, and Ordered to be engrossed.

It was sinally this day Ordered, that the House should be called on Monday next.

On Wednesday the 4 ^th of December, Two Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for punishment of Vagabonds and Loyterers, was read the first time.

Three Bills also had each of them their third reading, and passed upon the Question; of which the second was the Bill for Merchant Adventurers of Bristol; and the third for the Drapers, Cottoners and Frizers of Shrewsbury.

The Bill lastly to take away Sanctuary for Debt, was read the third time; and upon the Question and division of the House, dashed with the difference of seventeen Voices; viz. with the Bill sixty, and against it seventy seven.

On Thursday