The Journals of Parliaments

whose principal quarrel and chief cause of all his stir, was, that the King would have punished one of his Mark, a Priest, for an abominable Incest committed by him; which trifling fault (forsooth) this Holy Saint could not endure to be rebuked by a Temporal Judge. Et hinc illae irae. He shown, it could not be termed a Privilege, and encouragement to Learning, since it was no other but a Cloak for their Naughtiness, and for such as might be of the Popes Sect: as well appeared, in that it was allowed to none but to such as might enter their Holy Orders, and not to one that had two Wives. He shown at large the Circumstance of their practiced Order upon the purgation of such Clerks, declaring of truth so disordered and hateful doings, that the whole House resolved to take care for redress.

There was then next after, by the Policy of Sir Humphrey Gilbert, a Motion made by one to have in talk the griefs which before had been uttered in the House, concerning the deceitful dealings of Treasurers and Receivers, the Reformation of the Exchequer for Homage, &c. and for the granting of Licences by the Queen, contrary to the form of sundry Statutes.

Hereupon Sir Humphrey Gilbert standing up, and some Introduction made to crave patience and toleration of the House, he endeavored to prove the Motion of M ^r Bell, made some days before, to be a vain device to be thought of, and perilous to be treated of; since it tended to the derogation of the Prerogative Imperial; which who should attempt in his fancy, could not otherwise be accounted than an open Enemy. For what difference is to say, the Queen is not to use the privilege of the Crown, and to say she is not Queen? since they are so linked together, that the one without the other may not possibly be, or subsist? We are (said he) to give to a common Constable the right and regard of his Office; which if we should deny her, what is it other than to make her meaner than the meanest? And albeit Experience hath shown such and so great Clemency in her Majesty, as might make us perhaps forfeit ourselves; yet it is not good to sport or venture too much with Princes; yea, let be that our meaning be good, yet if it be not so thought of, how then? He remembered the Fable of the Hare, which fled upon the Proclamation, that all Horned Beasts should depart the Court, lest his Ears should be said Horns; this did he further inculcate, with this further signification, that if we should in any sort meddle with those matters, her Majesty might look to her own Power, and thereby finding her validity to suppress the strength of the challenged Liberty, and to challenge and use her Power any way, to do as did Louis of France, who (as he termed it) delivered the Crown there out of Wardship, which the said French King did upon like occasion. He also said, that other Kings had absolute Power, as Denmark and Portugal; where as the Crown became more free, so are all the Subjects thereby the rather made Slaves.

This Speech was disliked, as implying many occasions of mischief, but for the present he was not answered further, than that it seemed he did mistake the meaning of the House, and of the Gentleman that made the Motion; who would it otherwise to be taken, nor otherwise for the House to deal in the matter, than to show their common griefs in due and seemly sort unto her Majesty.

The Parliament was then by the consent of the House, for that it was Easter Eve, Adjourned until Thursday next; and it was agreed, that they should from thenceforth come to the House at seven of the Clock in the Morning; during which said time of Easter, M ^r Strickland so often before-mentioned for the Exhibiting the Bill for Reformation of Ceremonies, and his Speech thereupon, was called before the Lord's of the Privy-Council, and required to attend upon them, and to make stay from coming to the House in the mean season.

Thus far out of the aforesaid Anonymous Journal of the House of Commons. The entrance into the next days Passages ensueth out of the Original Journal-Book itself of the said House, in manner and form following.

On Thursday the 19 ^th day of April, to which day the House of Commons had been on Saturday the 14 ^th day of this instant April foregoing, Adjourned, The Bill for the restraining of Kentish and Sussex Cloths to be sold at the Fairs at Maidston, was read the first time.

The Bill for the validity of Burgesses not resiant, was read the second time; upon which ensued divers Arguments, which being altogether omitted in the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons, are therefore supplied out of that often before-cited Anonymous Journal.

The first man that spoke effectually to this Bill, was M ^r Warnecombe of Hereford; who standing up, said to this effect, That it behooveth all those which were Burgesses, to see to that Bill; for (quoth he) this may touch and over-reach their whole Liberties, as not having whereunto to stay; but that Lord's Letters shall from henceforth bear all the sway: and to this effect was all that he said.

M ^r Norton first made Explanation of the meaning of the Bill, to be (he said) to shame the imperfection of Choice, which is too often seen, by sending of unfit men; and lest happily anything might be objected to the imperfection of the Parliament, which may seem to be scant sufficient by reason of the choice made by Boroughs, for the most part of Strangers (whereas by the positive Law no man ought to be Chosen Burgess for any Borough, but only Resiants and Inhabitants) He said further, that the choice should be of such as were able, and fit for so great a place and employment, without respect of privilege of place or degree; for that, by reason of his being a Burgess, it might not be intended or thought he was anything the wiser; withal he argued, that the whole Body of the Realm, and the good Service of the same, was rather to be respected, than the private regard of Place, Privilege, or Degree of any Person.

Then M ^r Speaker moved the Opinion of the House, whether they could like the Bill should be engrossed; and coming to the Question, some said No; but the greatest number seemed to say Yea.

Whereupon one standing up, whose name is not expressed in the said Anonymous Journal, said thus, I run wholly with the pretence of the Bill, that Boroughs decayed may be eased or relieved, knowing assuredly the same Honorable for the Realm, and in many respects profitable and commodious to those who do inhabit the Countries adjacent to such decayed Towns; That it is so, I will not stand to persuade. How far this Law may help them, I know not; if they be decayed, then it is most fit for them, that of their own Company there may be some, who feeling the smart, can best make relation of their estate; and knowing the Country, may devise and advise of such helps, as without the hurts of other places may restore the old ruins. All things are in change, and nothing so suppressed, but by God's Grace the same may in time by Policy be raised up. But to open my meaning shortly; the question is, What sort of men are to come to this Court, and public Consultation in Parliament? Whether from every Quarter, Country, and Town there should come (as I might say) home-dwellers, or otherwise men chosen by directions, it forceth not whom? I am surely of mind, that neither for the good service of her Majesty, safety of our Country, or standing with the liberty, which of right we may challenge (being born Subjects within the Realm) this scope is to be given, or such looseness in choice to be permitted. That the whole Land of this Realm, we know, is to be for three purposes employed, and thereby three sorts of men are, as it were, created. The one part given in Frank Almoigne, or for Divine Service to be used, to the Glory of God and Ministry of his Word.

The second part to be holden for defense against our Enemies by the Sword.

The third for maintenance of our livelihood at home, and for necessary employments here. Of these three grounds, in the first division there groweth to our knowledge three sorts of men, the Ministers and Teachers of the Gospel, of whom we must have care, and with whom in making of Laws we must confer if we will be Christians. The second are the Nobility, Knights, and Soldiers, the Defenders and Fortresses against our Enemies. The third sort be the Providers, Devisors, and Executors of all things necessary, commodious or seemly for a settled Estate (which hath the happiness to live there where is Pax & Justitia ) for increase of our Wealths, sustenance of our Laws, the governing of bodies, or what else soever is necessary for us: such are the Counselors, such are the Judges and Ministers of the Laws, such be the Tillers of the Earth, such be Merchants, such be Victuallers, and in this degree be those, who do use Manual and Mechanical Arts. Of all these, in like sort, as of the others, regard, care, and respect must be had; they thoroughly consulted with, the general and particular States are by them to be known, if we mean to proceed for the Public Weal, or endeavor in the same a true perfection. These last sort making one kind are most ample, and thereto most effectual to be dealt with, as yielding to the rest supplementum, consilium & auxilium.

The second sort is likewise most necessary to be thought of. The first are best, and first to be followed; but those are all to be in one knot conjoined, and as members of one body in one to be used. We may in regard of Religion lie in the Dike (as the Proverb is) long enough without our own aid, if we do nothing but pray for the help of Hercules. We may not trust only to the Sword, lest the common known Saying of Cicero should turn to our shame: Parva sunt soris arma, nisi Consilium Domi. Neither our Preaching, nor our praying to God are only sufficient, but withal we must do our endeavors, and help each other; since for the driving away of a Dog there is (as the Country-man saith) some virtue in a stone, if it be conjoined with S ^t John's Gospel; I mean, that every part of the body should do his own part to the aid of the other; the hand to help the hand, the foot to help the foot, &c. This hath moved our Forefathers, and on this ground hath it grown, that in this Court where we are to consider of all, and (as occasion may serve) to alter, constitute, or reform all things, as cause shall be, that we do know all sorts of men, so far as may be to help all. How may her Majesty, or how may this Court know the estate of her Frontiers, or who shall make Report of the Ports, or how every Quarter, Shire, or Country is in state? We who never have seen Berwick or S ^t Michael's Mount, can but blindly guess of them, albeit we look on the Maps, that came from thence, or see Letters of Instruction sent; someone whom Observation, Experience, and due Consideration of that Country hath taught, can more perfectly open what shall in question thereof grow, and more effectually reason thereupon, than the skillfullest otherwise whatsoever. And that they should be the very Inhabiters of the several Countries of this Kingdom, who should be here in times certain employed, doubtless it was the true meaning of ancient Kings and our Forefathers, who first began and established this Court. But leaving what I cannot reach unto, the first constitution and freedom of this Court, the old President of Parliament-Writs do teach us, that of every Country their own Burgesses should be Elected, the Writ to the Sheriff and Burrough is directly so; and the Writs to the Cities being Counties, are, Quod ex vobis ipsis eligatis duos Cives, &c. which do prove it to be so; the Statute in the 1 H. 5. for the Confirmation of the old Laws was therefore made, and not to create a new unknown Law; and that other in the .... H. 6. was made to redress the mischief, which by breach of that old Law did grow. These do conclude it without contradiction, that for that time it was thought fit to continue the ancient Use, Liberty, and conveniency of Service. We know that such as have spent their whole time in Service, or have seen only the manner of Government of other Nations, and can tell you how the Crown of France is delivered out of Wardship, or otherwise tell a Tale of the King of Castile and Portugal; how they in making of Laws do use their own discretion, the King of Denmark useth the advice of his Nobles only, and nothing of his Commons; nor can paint you out the monstrous Garments of the common People in some parts of Germany, or the mangled Common-Wealth of the Allies, or shadows of the great Cities, which now are to be seen in Italy; surely all those men, except they know also our own homes, are not to be trusted to conclude for our own Home-Affairs. Doubtless the best learned for matters of Commodity to be raised, or to be wrought in his own Country, may happily give place to his own Neighbors, even as wisely and learnedly a Gentleman said of late, In every Commitment, according to the matter, there must be a Declaration of men, as for Merchandize the Merchant and so forth: Unicui{que} in suâ art perito credendum, we hold for a Maxim. And I mean this wholly to no other end, but since we deal universally for all sorts and all places, that there be here of all sorts, and all Countries, and not (seeing you list so to term it) thus to ease them of Towns and Boroughs, that they may choose at liberty whom they list; yet can I hardly call that a Liberty which is contrary to that which the King and the Queen commonly granteth as a free gift, and by these words, Et de majori gratiâ meâ, &c. dedimus potestatem, &c. quod de se ipsis eligant duos Burgenses, or duos Cives; we take it more for a man to have of his own, than to have (by any man's discretion) of another.

It hath been of late oft and well said, that to nominate another to a Benefice is nothing worth in value, but if it be, that a man may take the benefit himself, that is both valuable and estimable: that cannot hurt, that is ever good for me, if it be ever tied in nearest sort unto me; and for this reason we say in Law, that the Estate Tail, which must continue in our own Blood, is better than the Estate in Fee simple, which may be got further from us, and is to be given to Strangers at pleasure; mischiefs and inconveniences there may grow by this Liberty; but a mischief it may be to me, and inconvenient also to utter the same: I will not speak thereof but dutifully, neither do I see anything that is amiss at this present; what was done a hundred years since, I may safely tell, and thus it was.

A Duke of this Realm wrote his Letters to a City, which I know, to this effect; whereby he did signify, that a Parliament was to be Summoned in short time, and that for great causes he was to crave aid of all his Friends, and reckoning them amongst the rest, he wished them of four under-nominated to choose two; the Letter under the Dukes Seal is still preserved, but hear you the Answer; he was written to with due humbleness, that they were prohibited by Law, they might choose none of them. I will venture a little nearer.

In Queen Mary's time a Council of this Realm (not the Queens Privy-Council) did write to a Town, to choose a Bishops Brother, (and a great Bishops Brother it was indeed) whom they assured to be a good Catholic man; and willed them to choose to the like of him some other fit man. The Council was Answered with Law. And if all Towns in England had done the like in their Choice, the Crown had not been so wronged, and the Realm so robbed with such ease at that Parliament, and truth banished as it was; what hath been, may be, there is no impossibility. It will be said, I mistake, it is not meant, but that Towns shall be at liberty to choose whom they list. I say, that Liberty is the loss of Liberty; for when by Law they may do what they will, they may not well deny what shall be required. It is too truly said, Rogando cogit qui rogat potentior. And I have known one that to avoid a great man's displeasure that dwelt near him, that was desirous (as he knew) to buy his Land, did upon small occasion bind himself not to alienate his Land from his true Heirs: this being known, I mean that he was bound as aforesaid; the great man was contented to let him keep his own quietly, which otherwise he would not have done. Surely Law is the only Fortress of the inferior sort of People, and contrary to the Law, the greater sort will not desire or expect anything. Though now at this present (God be praised) we need not to fear the greatness of any man, Justice is so well administered: Yet hereafter, whatsoever hath been we may fear, either for maintenance of Faction, or maintenance of Mischief. Again, I say, it may be, what heretofore was possibly again may be. We stand and have stood of late upon the notorious manifestation of the Authority of Parliament: except withal you keep the ancient usage of the same, and withal endeavor the freedom thereof, in effect you do nothing, if I guess aright.

It is further said, that in some Towns there are not men of discretion fit; they be not the wiser (said the Gentleman that spoke before,) for being Burgesses. I can never be persuaded, but that either the Lord, whose the Town is, be the Town never so little; or the Steward, if it be the Queens, or some good Gentleman of the Country adjoinant, will either assign them who know the Town and can be content to be free among them, and to serve by their appointment, for their Country, and for them; or else for some reasonable Fee, such as be of their Learned Council, and who know them, and the Country will deal for them. I mean it not so strictly, that those who should be chosen, should of necessity be dwellers in the Town; but to be either of the Town, or towards the Town, Borderers and near Neighbors at the least: and to this effect I would the Bill were framed. I stand too long hereon, and abundance of matter occasioneth confusion; this is all. It was meant at the first, and first Constitution of Parliament, that men of every quarter, and of all sorts, should come to this Court, that they should be freely chosen. This in every Age hitherto hath seemed best; to alter without cause is not convenient; to give every Town liberty may offer in time inconvenience. None so fit for every Country as those who know the same. To choose of their own, it is a Liberty; to lose their Liberty, I think it a bad Commodity, call it as you please; by such kind of release in easing men of their. Wealths, or of some good part of their Living, beshrow our Charity. And in like sort, and in like reason, it seems to me this Law is inferred out of the Preface of the same. For thus it is penned:

Forasmuch as some Towns are decayed, and have not of their own, therefore let every Town do what they list. Of a particular Proposition to make a general conclusion, it is against our Rules, and nothing (as saith the Philosopher) is more absurd than non causam pro causà. Some Towns cannot send fit men, it standeth very strongly, if you seek to help, let the Plaister be fit for the sore; let not the Salve be stretched too far, lest the whole and sound flesh by the broad spreading of the Salve, do either smart, fret or fester. The Medicine which healeth the sick man may be poison for the whole and sound man. All Citizens and Burgesses should not be thought alike, and yet all provided for, as there is due cause; let there be therefore convenient consideration, how to heal, how to hurt. And I could wish, according to the weight of the matter, it might be rather staid on, than thus abruptly overruled; and while we fly Scylla, we fall not into Charybdis; while we say that Boroughs cannot send to this High Court so fit men as be convenient, that by altering the ancient usage, which is the only Warrant and sole stay of freedom in Parliament, it may happily be said we have no Parliament now within this Realm, nor Liberty at all for any such here to be holden.

M ^r Bell in Answer of this, did collect the substance of what had been said, and in a long Discourse shown, that it was necessary all places should be provided for, and not Boroughs only, being but one of the Members of the Common-Wealth, and that some of them have neither Wealth to provide fit men, nor themselves any in any sort convenient. He thought not amiss, if in respect of those manifest wants, convenient supply should be; but without the Warrant of Parliament, such alteration might not be. He then thought it not amiss to be advised. And for the objection of the danger which may ensue by reason of the Letters of Noblemen; he could not (he said) but think it convenient to prevent the same; and therefore wished, that there might be the penalty of forty pound upon every Borough that should make such Election at the Nomination of any Nobleman.

M ^r Alford reasoned to this effect, That above all things, necessary care ought to be for the choosing and having of fit men to supply the place, that there be not imperfection. And therefore noted one great disorder, that many young men, not experienced, for Learning sake, were often Chosen, through whose default he knew not; whether Letters of Noblemen, Love or Affection in the Country, their own Ambition, or the careless accompt of the Electors, or what else was the Cause, he knew not; but it was to be seen: whereupon he would, none should be of that House, not of thirty years of Age at the least. And for the Choice of Townsmen (he said) he was of this mind, that Moses and Aaron should be conjoined together, and that there should be one of their own, or some Gentleman near them, who had knowledge of the State of the Country; and the other a man Learned, and able to utter his mind and opinion, since that knowledge locked up in the breast, not being orderly opened, is to no purpose; and this part (he said) was as requisite for consultation as the other. So that he seemed to conclude the Law should be in force for the one Burgess, and at Liberty for th other.

After which Speeches the aforsaid Bill touching the validity of Burgesses, &c. was Ordered to be committed, but the names of the Committees being not found in the aforesaid Anonymous Journal, are therefore transcribed out of the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons itself; viz. Sir Thomas Hilton Knight, M ^r Bell, M ^r Robert Bows, M ^r Fleetwood, M ^r Warnecomb, M ^r Bedle, M ^r Atkins, M ^r Alford, and M ^r Gynes; and appointed to meet in the Temple-Church upon Saturday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon.

It was Ordered that the Wardens of the Fleet should bring M ^r Sacheveril into this House to Morrow in the Morning, at nine of the Clock, touching M ^r Skeffington's Bill. Vide concerning this Bill on Saturday the 14 ^th day of this instant April foregoing.

The Bill against Usury was read the second time, whereupon ensued divers Arguments and Speeches, which being omitted in the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons, are therefore transcribed out of that often already cited Anonymous Journal of the same House, in manner and form following.

First one M ^r Clarke spoke to this effect, That the referring of the punishment in the Bill mentioned, being put to the Ecclesiastical Judges, for so much was nothing; for that they are to punish by the Civil Law, by the Canon Law, or by the Temporal Law. The Civil Law would not avoid them, because by that Law there is allowance of Usury. The Canon Law is abolished; and in that respect the Temporal Law saith nothing; so that the pretence may seem to be somewhat, but the effect thereby wrought is nothing; yet that it was ill, neither Christian nor Pagan ever denied. Aristotle being asked what Usury was? he said, it was praeter Naturam, and therefore could not be defined. And Plato being asked the same Question, he said it was idem ac hominem occidere. S ^t Augustine the same; And in the very words of the Psalmist answereth to the Question, Domine quis habitabit in Tabernaculo tuo? He said, Qui curat proximo suo, non decipit eum, & qui pecuniam suam non dabit ad usuram.

M ^r Molley first Learnedly and Artificially making an Introduction to the matter shown, what it might be thought on for any man to endeavor the defense of that which every Preacher at all times, following the Letter of the Book, did speak against; yet saith he, it is convenient, and being in some sort used, it is not repugnant to the word of God. Experience hath proved the great mischief which doth grow by reason of excessive taking, to the destruction of young Gentlemen, and otherwise infinitely; but the mischief is of the excess not otherwise. Since to take reasonably, or so that both parties might do good, was not hurtful; for to have any man lend his money without any Commodity, hardly should you bring that to pass. And since every man is not an Occupier who hath money, and some which have not money may yet have skill to use money, except you should take away or hinder good Trades, bargaining and contracting cannot be; God did not so hate it, that he did utterly forbid it, but to the Jews amongst themselves only, for that he willed they should lend as Brethren together; for unto all others they were at large; and therefore to this day they are the greatest Usurers in the World. But be it, as indeed it is, evil, and that men are men, no Saints, to do all these things perfectly, uprightly and Brotherly; yet ex duobus malis minus malum eligendum; and better may it be born to permit a little, than utterly to take away and prohibit Traffick; which hardly may be maintained generally without this.

But it may be said, it is contrary to the direct word of God, and therefore an ill Law; if it were to appoint men to take Usury, it were to be disliked; but the difference is great between that and permitting or allowing, or suffering a matter to be unpunished. It may be said, that Nudum pactum non parit obligationem, but there must be somewhat given in consideration. Let be that there is nothing given of the Lenders, yet there is somewhat simile, & omne bonum exemplum, & omnis lex in se aliquid habet mali; for that somebody shall suffer thereby. We are not, quoth he, so straitened to the word of God, that every transgression should be surely punished here. Every vain word is here forbidden by God, yet the temporal Law doth not so utterly condemn it. As for the words of the Scripture, he saith, the Hebrew soundeth thus in Answer of this Question; Qui non dat pecuniam suam ad morsum: so it is the biting and over-sharp dealing which is disliked and nothing else. And this, he said, was the opinion and interpretation of the most Famous Learned Man Beza, and in these days, of Bellarmine and divers others; who say, that the true interpretation of the Hebrew word is not Usura, but Morsus.

Doctor Wilson Master of the Requests, said, that in a matter of so great weight he could not shortly speak, and acknowledging that he had thoroughly studied the matter, desired the patience of the House. And first he endeavored to prove, that the common State may be without Usury; then he shown, how even men that have been ignorant of God or his Laws, finding the evils thereof by their Laws, redressed it; and utterly prohibited the use thereof. As the Athenians caused all the Writings taken for interest money to be burnt; and the like did Lycurgus by a Law which he made, and seeing the Fire, he said, he never saw so fair a Flame as those Books yielded. He then made a definition of Usury, showing it was taking of any reward, or price or sum, over and above the due Debt. To make anything of that which is not mine, it is robbery. Forthwith upon the delivery of the Loan money, it is not mine. And the Law is, that Mutuum must ever be free. And here he shown the difference between Location and Mutuum; the one implying a contract, the other none. He remembered out of Ezekiel and other the Prophets, sundry places of Scripture, and vouched S ^t Augustine's saying, that to take but a Cup of Wine, is Usury and Damnable. This he seemed to say in Answer to that which had been before pronounced, that it was not Usury except it were Morsus.

He shown, that loss may grow by Usury; First, to the Queen, then to the Common-Wealth. To the Queen in this, that men not using their own money, but finding great gain in Usury, do employ the same that way; so that her Customs must decrease: To the Common-Wealth, for that, who so shall give hire for money, is to raise the same in the sale of his Commodity. All Trades shall be taken away, all occupations lost; for most men seeking most ease, and greatest gain, without hazard or venture, will forthwith employ their money to such use. He shown it to be so hateful in the Judgment of the Common Law, that an Usurer was not admitted to be a Witness, nor after his Death to the common Sepulcher of Christians. And for that his Discourse had been long, he inserted (as he said) this Tale for recreation of the Hearers.

In Italy, Quoth he, a great known Usurer being Dead, the Curate denied him the common place of Burial; his Friends made Suit, the Priest would not hear; in fine, the Suitors bethought them of a Policy to bring it to pass, that he might be Buried in the Church; which was this. The Parson of the Church did accustomably use to carry his Books daily from his House to the Church on his Ass; and the Ass by often going needed not to be driven, but knowing his Journey, as soon as he was laden, would of himself go to the Church Door; they desired the Parson, his Ass might carry the dead Body, and where it should stay, the Body to be Buried. To so fond a request the Priest agreed, the Body was laid on the Ass, who feeling a greater burden than he was used to bear, did run towards the Town, never staying until he came to the common place of Execution.

This Tale merrily told, he again entered to his matter, and proved the Condemnation of Usury and Usurers, by the Authority of the Nicene and divers other Councils: He shown, that the Divines do call Usury a Spider, a Canker, an Aspis, a Serpent and a Devil; he shown how in nature the offenses of Homicide and Usury are to be compared, and by Examples proved the ruins of divers Common-Wealths, when such practices for gain are suffered as that of the Common-Wealth of Rome, &c. The manner of Exchange now used in London, and how much abuse he shown, a thing in old time not practiced, but by the King, as in Ed. 3. time, when thereby the King obtained such Treasure, and such excessive Wealth, that it was first wondered at, then guessed that it grew by the Science of Alchymy. He here shown the practice of the Low-Countries, of Germany, and namely the doings of Fulchers to the very beggering of great and mighty Princes; he vouched the authority of Sir John Cheek in that place, concerning that matter; and the mind of the ancient English Law-Writers, who say that the offense of Usury in Life the Bishop is to punish; but after his Death his Executors shall not have his goods, but they appertain ad Fiscum. He concluded that the offense in his Conscience should be judged Felony.

M ^r Bell said, This matter being so ample had occasioned much Speech, and was for cunning men a fit Theme to show their Wits and skills upon. Yet, saith he, it standeth doubtful what Usury 〈◊〉 we have no true definition of it. And in our Laws we have little written thereon but this, Usura non currat super Infantem. And not much more but to Answer the Objections, where it is pretended, that the not punishing of it by the temporal Judge, may seem to be an approbation of it, or to leave it to the Church may seem as if we had no care concerning it; for that to put over an offense to another Judge, may not be so said, if to the Church it may appertain, and they may well correct it. He further shown, that the privilege of the Church is by Statute upon this point to be expressed, namely in the Statute de Articulis Cleri. He said, we must not curiously search Cicero's Paradoxes, and pronounce that Peccata sunt aequalia, hoc est, quod omne peccatum est peccatum; and no further: but be every man according to his transgressions, to make a reasonable pain; though he who stealeth two pence, doth as well steal as he who stealeth an hundred pounds; yet there are degrees; we have Petit Larceny, and that which is greater; both faults, both to be punished, both to be hated; but difference there is in punishing, even according to the greatness and smallness of the offense; for the one there is Death, for the other not so.

In the Statute for punishing of Perjury 5 ^o of this Queen, there are sundry degrees of Perjury: not for that there is less Perjury in the one than in the other; but that there is greater hurt occasioned in the one than in the other. In Answer of the Scripture, he said, the Law of God is, If thou be stricken on the one Cheek, to turn the other; or if thy Cloak be taken away, to give also thy Gown. The literal sense is not to be taken, and, as there is cause, a reasonable construction must be. So he concluded, that though it were a sin, yet it was to be punished here on Earth according to the good or bad, or rather according to the greater or lesser hurt which groweth thereby.

After which one (whose name is not expressed in the said Anonymous Journal) endeavor'd the Answer of M ^r Wilson, but with a Protestation of his insufficiency, and then he shown, how the Divines have not agreed what is Usury, but for his own part, he was to incline to the opinion of the Learned of these days, whose interpretation of literal sense and skill of the Tongues do appear; which took that for no Usury which is without grievance. He made a difference of the Law of God concerning the Divine Majesty contained in the first Table, and what is concerning man in the second Table; saying, that nothing is to be said in that degree sin in itself, but by the circumstances; for so it is known whether it be good or bad. To kill is prohibited, yet sometimes not to kill is evil. Phineas killed, and was therefore commended. And Thefts at times have been in Scriptures approved. So likewise Usury is allowed of in the Scriptures; but that it might be used to Strangers only: Albeit the Chosen Children of God amongst themselves might not use it. But let be, whether it be utterly unlawful, or in some sort to be tolerated, it is a question; and until it be determined for the common Commodity and maintenance, let it be as hitherto it hath been used. And for the common sort of Bargains of Corn for Cloth, Silk for Land, &c. what they be, whether Usury or no, we know not. That all should be well, it is to be wished; that all may be done well among men, it is beyond hope, for we are no Saints, we are not of perfection to follow the Letter of the Gospel, Who so striketh the one Cheek, &c. and this Text date nihil inde sperantes; These are no express Commandments. For the first, the Law of nature doth direct, and for the other also the same Law in effect maketh defense; surely there can be no sin where there can be no breach of Charity. To do that therefore to another which we would to ourselves (the state, circumstance and case to ourselves considered) is commendable, or not to be reproved; if we ourselves be to borrow, who is it that would not in extremity give a little to save much money? It is said, the Usurer doth or may grow rich: Who hath disliked in a Common-Wealth, that there should be homines boni srugi? they may be considered, and may be good, more than for one purpose. He further stood on this, that God did not absolutely forbid Usury, which surely if it had been utterly ill, he would have done. And he added, that the Common Laws were Cruel in their censures, and wished that they should be no more remembered than they are followed.

Serjeant Lovelace argued to this effect, that Usury was of money only, protesting that he hated all kind of Usury, but yet the greater the ill was, the more and more greatly did he hate the same. But to prohibit it with so sharp and extreme a Law as to lose all, he thought it would be the ground of greater Covetousness; withal he added, to prohibit the ill of Covetousness in generality, were rash, void and frivolous; since that the Speech and the Act itself is indefinite, comprehending all our actions and doings; and therefore, as utterly vain to prohibit it, in vain words of generality. To prohibit Drunkenness, Pride, Envy, Surfeiting, &c. were somewhat in some particular sort; to do it in generality, albeit that we know that it is every way damnable by the direct and written word of God, it were but folly. Of these great Evils (to the which man of his nature is born and made prone, and too apt) when we may not reach to the best, furthest and uttermost, we must do, as we may say, by degrees. As to say there shall be no deceit, or sleight in making of this or that kind of Wares; that the Husbandman shall till his Arable Land, and that he shall not keep above such a number of Sheep; that there shall be no forestalling, regrating, &c. and this in particularity; whereas otherwise, generally amongst sinful men to prohibit this sin or that sin utterly on a pain, it may not be: but thus rather, he that shall so sin shall suffer or lose so much; whereupon he concluded, that there should be degrees in punishing of Usury; as he that should take so much, to lose, or be punished thus; he that shall take more, more deeply.

M ^r Flectwood shown, that all these Arguments long since, with great skill, and very often have been opened in this place: He said, it was Ingenui pudoris sateri per quem profeceris. M ^r Check, he said, argued, and so far forth explained this matter, as the Learner was thereby sufficiently informed, and the Learned fully satisfied. His Papers of his Speech (he said) he had not lost, and therefore could show as much cunning as the cunningest, which had bent or endeavored himself thereunto. He said he had read the Civil Law, and of the Common Law somewhat; but how well he did understand it, he would not promise ought: What Usury was, he said, he was not to learn; call it if we list, Proxima homicidio, or how else by a description, he forced not much; for if there were not Civil Law, it were not much to be accounted of for any certainty in this Case thereby to be had; and the most ancient Laws of this Realm have taught us thereof somewhat; as the Laws of ..... do make to us mention of Usury. So do the Laws made in Lucius his time, and those of Athelred; whereby it was ordained, that Witches and Usurers should be banished. King Edward the Saint reserreth and appointeth the Offenders herein to suffer ordalium. Then was there a great kind of Usury known, which was called Torus, and a lesser known by the name of ..... Glanvile, in the Book de legibus antiquis, maketh mention of an inquiry of Christian Usurers. In the Tower (he said) he had seen a Commission awarded to the Master of the Courts (he named not what Courts) to inquire of Usurers, and the punishment of them (he said) was whipping; he said further, by Scripture he knew it was damnable; and therefore, whether it was good or not good, it was no good Question. For the matter of Implication, whether by the pretence of the Law it might be intended that it was in any sort allowed; he said it might be construed and compared there with the Statute of Tiths: where it is said, that till for seven years after Heath ground broken up, no Tith shall be paid; the Construction hereupon is clear. He shown also, that Usury was malum in se, for that of some other transgressions, her Majesty may dispence afore with; but for Usury, or to grant that Usury may be used, she possibly cannot. He further said, that the words of an Act of Parliament are not ever to be followed; for that sometimes the construction is more contrary to what is written, as in the Statute of Magna Charta; nisi prius homagium fecerit. And some Statutes are winked at by non-observation or otherwise, so that they seem to be no Laws, even in those things which we practice most, as the Statute of Gloc. for the Oath to be taken in Debt and Damages.

M ^r Dalton endeavored to prove, that M ^r Fleetwood mistook the Bill, but in fancy he mistook his Arguments.

M ^r Norton shown, that all Usury is biting; as in the word Steal is contained all kind of injurious taking away of a man's goods: and as slanderizing is said to be murthering or homicide; so is Usury justly ever to be said biting, they being both so correlated or knit together, that the one may not be without the other. He concluded, that since it is doubtful what is good, we should be mindful of the old saying, Quod dubitas ne feceris, and for that Quod non ex fide est peccatum est, therefore he wished that no allowance should be of it.

After these Arguments (being transcribed out of the often before-cited Anonymous Journal) were ended, there is no other mention of any further proceeding in this Bill, but it doth plainly appear by the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons, that this Bill having had its second reading as aforesaid, was now at the last, after the preceeding Arguments were ended, Committed by M ^r Treasurer and others, whose names are all omitted in the Original Journal-Book.

On Friday the 20 ^th day of April, the Bill for the Assizes to be kept at Worcester, was read the first time.

The Bill also for impannelling of Juries, was read the second time, and rejected upon the Question.

These two Bills being thus transcribed out of the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons, the greatest part of the residue of this days passages, do here next follow, out of that often already cited Anonymous Journal, in which there is one Bill touching Caps, which is not at all mentioned in the Original Journal-Book itself aforesaid, set down in manner and form following, viz.

A Bill for Caps was read the second time, and ruled, that the same should be engrossed.

This Bill (as is aforesaid) is not at all found to be set down in the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons; but that next ensuing is there mentioned, and the Arguments also touching the Liberty of the House, are there generally remembered, which with the said Bill do here at large follow, with some small alteration only, out of the aforesaid Anonymous Journal, in manner and form following.

The Bill for such as be fled beyond the Seas without Licence, or shall not return within a certain number of Days, after their Licences expired, to lose their Lands and Goods, and to avoid Covenous Gifts, was read the second time, and not then effectually spoken unto by any man.

M ^r Wentworth very orderly in many words remembered the Speech of Sir Humphrey Gilbert, delivered some days before: He proved his Speech (without naming him) to be an injury to the House, he noted his disposition to flatter and fawn on the Prince, comparing him to the Cameleon, which can change himself into all colors, saving white; even so (said he) this reporter can change himself to all fashions but honesty; he shown further the great wrong done to one of the House, by a misreport made to the Queen (meaning M ^r Bell; ) he shown his Speech to tend to no other end than to inculcate fear into those which should be sree; he requested care for the credit of the House, and for the maintenance of free Speech (the only means of ordinary proceedings) and to preserve the Liberties of the House, to reprove Liars, inveighing greatly out of the Scriptures and otherwise, against Liers. As this of David, Thou O Lord shalt destroy Liars, &c.

M ^r Treasurer signified his desire to have all things well; saying, he could not enter into Judgment of any; but he said, it was convenient ill Speeches should be avoided, and the good meaning of all men to be taken, without wresting or misreporting; and the meaning of all men to be shown in good sort without unseemly words.

M ^r Speaker endeavored an Agreement and unity in the House, making signification that the Queens Majesty had in plain words declared unto him, that she had good Intelligence of the orderly proceeding among us; whereof she had as good liking as ever she had of any Parliament since she came unto the Crown; and wished we should give her no other cause than to continue the same, and added further her Majesty's pleasure to be, to take Order for Licences; wherein she had been careful, and more careful would be.

M ^r Carleton with a very good Zeal, and orderly show of Obedience, made signification how that a Member of the House was detained from them (meaning M ^r Strickland ) by whose Commandment, or for what cause he knew not. But for as much as he was not now a private man, but to supply the room, person and place of a multitude specially chosen, and therefore sent, he thought that neither in regard of the Country, which was not to be wronged, nor for the Liberty of the House, which was not to be infringed, we should permit him to be detained from us. But, whatsoever the intendment of this offense might be, that he should be sent for to the Bar of that House, there to be heard, and there to Answer.

M ^r Treasurer in some case gave Advertisement to be wary in our proceedings, and neither to venture further than our assured Warrant might stretch, nor to hazard our good opinion with her Majesty on any doubtful cause. Withal he wished us not to think worse than there was cause. For the man (quoth he) that is meant, is neither detained nor misused, but on considerations is required to expect the Queens pleasure, upon certain special points: wherein (he said) he durst to assure that the man should neither have cause to dislike or complain, since so much favor was meant unto him as he reasonably could wish. He further said, that he was in no sort stayed for any word or speech by him in that place offered; but for the exhibiting of a Bill into the House against the Prerogative of the Queen; which was not to be tolerated. Nevertheless the construction of him was rather to have erred in his zeal and Bill offered, than maliciously to have meant anything contrary to the Dignity Royal. And lastly, He concluded that oft it had been seen, that Speeches have been examined and considered of.

Sir Nicholas Arnold with some vehemency moved, that care might be had for the liberty of the House; he was enforced, he said, rather to utter, and so to run into danger of offense of others, than to be offended with himself.

M ^r Comptroller replied to the effect M ^r Treasurer had before spoken.

M ^r Cleere told, how the Prerogative is not disputable, and that the safety of the Queen is the safety of the Subjects. He added, how that for matter of Divinity, every man was for his instruction to repair to his Ordinary, being a private man (where he utterly forgot the place he spake in, and the person who was meant; for that place required and permitted free speech with authority, and the person was not himself a private man but a public; by whom even the Ordinary himself was to be directed) He concluded, that for as much as the cause was not known, he therefore would the House should stay.

M ^r Yelverton said he was to be sent for, arguing in this sort. First, he said, the President was perilous, and though in this happy time of lenity, among so good and honorable Personages, under so gracious a Prince, nothing of extremity or injury was to be feared; yet the times might be altered, and what now is permitted, hereafter might be construed as of Duty, and enforced, even on this ground of the present permission. He further said, that all matters not Treason, or too much to the Derogation of the Imperial Crown, were tolerable there, where all things came to be considered of, and where there was such fullness of Power, as even the right of the Crown was to be determined, and by Warrant whereof we had so resolved. That to say the Parliament had no Power to determine of the Crown, was High-Treason. He remembered how that men are not there for themselves, but for their Countries. He shown, it was fit for Princes to have their Prerogatives; but yet the same to be straitened within reasonable limits. The Prince, he shown, could not of herself make Laws, neither might she by the same reason break Laws. He further said, that the Speech uttered in that place, and the offer made of the Bill, was not to be condemned as evil; for that if there were anything in the Book of Common-Prayer, either Jewish, Turkish or Popish, the same was to be reformed. He also said, that amongst the Papists it was bruted, that by the Judgment of the Council, Strickland was taken for an Heretic; it behooved therefore to think thereof.

M ^r Fleetwood first shown the order of Civil Arguments from the cause to this effect, that time must be known and place observed. He said then, that of Experience he could report of a man that was called to account of his Speech in 5 ^to of this Queen; but he said, he could not meddle with so late matters, but what he had learned in the Parliament Rolls, he thought convenient should be known and considered of. In the time of H. 4. a Bishop of the Parliament was Committed to Prison by Commandment of the King; the Parliament resolved to be Suitors for him. And in King H. 5. the Speaker himself was Committed, &c. with him another of the House; the House thereupon stayed, but remedy they had none, other than to be Suitors to the King for them; whereupon he resolved, that the only and whole help of the House for ease of their grief in this case, was to be humble Suitors to her Majesty, and neither send for him, nor demand him of right.

During which Speech the Council whispered together, and thereupon the Speaker moved, that the House should make stay of any further Consultation thereupon.

Thus far of these Speeches out of the aforesaid Anonymous Journal, unto which for the entire making up of this present days agitations, these passages following are transcribed out of the Original Journal-Book itself of the House of Commons, in manner and form following.

M ^r Comptroller moved touching the Bill for Bristol, that Licence might be granted to amend it in form, not changing the matter; which was assented unto.

The Bill concerning coming to Church, and receiving of the Communion, was read the second time.

A Proviso to the Bill concerning coming to Church, and receiving the Communion, was read the first time.

The Bill for Shrewsbury was read the second time, and ordered to be engrossed.

On Saturday the 21 ^th day of April, an Addition to the Bill for coming to Church, and receiving of the Communion, was read the first time.

A Proviso to the Bill for coming to Church, and receiving of the Communion, was read the first time.

The Bill for coming to Church, and receiving the Communion, with the Additions and Provisoes, were Committed unto M ^r Treasurer, M ^r Chancellor of the Duchy, Sir Thomas Smith, M ^r Moore, M ^r Henry Knolles Sen. M ^r Sampoole, M ^r Mounson, M ^r Bell, M ^r Yelverton, M ^r Agmonderon, M ^r Boyer, M ^r Thomas Snagg, and M ^r Strickland, who were appointed to meet in M ^r Treasurers Chamber at the Court, at two of the Clock in the Afternoon.

Thus far of this days Passages out of the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons. Now follows an Observation upon M ^r Stricklands coming to the House this day; being nominated the last Committee in the Bill foregoing, out of that often before-cited Anonymous Journal; because it doth conduce very much to the Declaration and maintenance of the Liberties of the House: for the said M ^r Strickland having on Saturday the 14 ^th day of this instant April, pressed very earnestly the reformation of the Book of Common-Prayer, and some Ceremonies of the Church, was, after the Adjournment of the House of Commons on that day, being Easter Even, called before her Majesty's Council, about the beginning of the Week following, and was commanded by them to forbear coming to the said House, in the mean season, and to attend their further pleasure; whereupon, on Friday immediately foregoing, being the 20 ^th day of this said instant April, divers Speeches and Motions having passed in the House, touching the breach of the Liberties thereof, by restraint of one of their Members from repairing thither (although he were neither imprisoned nor confined) M ^r Speaker did at last desire them to forbear further Consultation in the said matter. And the House having at his said request, passed over the residue of the said day in the Morning, in the agitation of other business, the above-mentioned M ^r Strickland did this Forenoon (upon an Advertisement (as it should seem) from her Majesty's Council) repair again to the said House, soon after it was set. And coming just upon the time, when the foregoing Bill for coming to Church, and receiving the Communion, was in the referring to Committees; the said House did in witness of their joy for the restitution of one of their said Members, awhile from them restrained, presently nominate him one of the said Committees, as appeareth plainly by their names immediately foregoing, being inserted out of the Original Journal-Book of the said House, out of which these next ensuing passages do follow, in manner and form following.

The Bill for William Skeffington Esq, was read the second time, and Henry Sacheverel being present at the Bar, and in open Court confessing the fraud, offered by way of excuse a Bill of causes moving him thereunto, which was read also, and ordered to be engrossed.

The Proviso to the Bill for coming to Church, and receiving of the Communion, was read the second time; upon which, as it should seem, divers Arguments ensued, although no mention thereof be made in the aforesaid Original Journal Book itself; and are therefore supplied out of that often before-cited Anonymous Journal, in manner and form following; viz.

M ^r Aglionby argued, that there should be no human positive Law to enforce Conscience, which is not discernible in this World. To come to the Church, for that it is public, and tendeth but to prove a man a Christian, is tolerable and convenient; and not to come to Church may make a man seem irreligious, and so no man; for that by Religion only a man is known and discerned from Brute Beasts; and this is to be judged by the outward show. But the Conscience of man is Eternal, invisible, and not in the power of the greatest Monarchy in the World, in any limits to be straitened, in any bounds to be contained, nor with any policy of man, if once decayed, to be again raised. He shown, that neither Jew nor Turk, do require more than the submission to the outward observance, and a convenient silence, as not to dislike what is publicly professed, but to enforce any to do the Act, which may tend to the discovery of his Conscience, it is never found. He shown the difference betwixt coming to Church, and receiving the Communion; the one he allowed to be incomprehensible in Law, the other he could not allow. And in Answer of that which before had been said, that the Conscience was not straitened, but a penalty of the loss of their goods only adjudged; whereof no doubt the Law of God and the Law of Nations had given to the Prince an absolute Power; he said to this out of Cicero de Legibus, that man out of his own nature is to care for the safety of man, as being reasonable Creatures, and not the one to seek to bereave the other of his necessary livelihood, adding out of the same Book, this saying of Tully, Qui Deum non curat hunc Deus ipse judicabit. He shown out of S ^t Paul, that we must not do ill that good may grow thereby; we must not take from him that is his, to the end thereby to make him to do what is not in his power; to be fit for so great a mystery God above of his free gift may make a man.

To come unworthily the penalty is appointed, S ^t Paul hath pronounced it to be Death and Damnation, as guilty of the Blood and Death of Christ. Not to come our Compulsory Law shall now condemn, so that this our favor herein to be extended, is either to beg, or be exiled from our native Country. He said, there was no Example in the Primitive Church to prove a Commandment for coming to the Communion, but an Exhortation; he said, S ^t Ambrose did Excommunicate Theodosius, and forbid him to come to the Communion, because he was an evil man. And for us to will and command men to come, because they are wicked men, it is too strange an enforcement, and without President.

M ^r Agmondesham without regard of anything spoken before, made mention of a Decree in the Star-Chamber made by nine of the Privy-Council, signed with their hands, and the hands of the Chief Justices, concerning the receiving of the Communion by Gentlemen of the Temple. This Decree made by so grave and learned men, he thought for himself, and to his own Conscience, was a stay what to judge, and a direction or president what to follow: the tenor of which Decree, for so much as it did concern the reformation of the Houses of Courts, and principal places to be thought and considered of, he wished might be inserted into the Law. The motion was well liked, and he required to bring the same the next day, which was done.

M ^r Norton shown, that where many men be, there must be many minds, and in consultations convenient it is, to have contrary opinions, contrary reasons and contradictions; thereby the rather to wrest out the best: but this by the rule of reasoning, and reason must be sine jurgiis: he then said, that not only the external and outward show is to be sought, but the very secrets of the heart in God's cause, who is scrutator Cordium, must come to a reckoning. And the good Seed so sifted from the Cockle, that the one may be known from the other. A man Baptized is not to be permitted among us for a Jew. And here somewhat slipping from the matter inSpeech, he moved, that all suspected for Papistry might make this Oath, That they did acknowledge the Queen to be Queen, for anything the Pope in any respect might do, noting some imperfection in the former Oath. To this end, quoth he, are the Bulls now sent to discharge men of their Allegiance, and to give free pardon of sins; so that he, who thus should be pardoned, should from henceforth in no sort Communicate with the Professors of the Gospel; and now (quoth he) the very touchstone of trial, who be those Rebellious Calves, whom the Bull hath begotten, must be the receiving of the Communion; which who so shall refuse, we may justly say, he savoreth, &c. And men are not otherwise to be known but by the external sign. To Answer and satisfy the Dilemma objected before in the first day, made concerning the disorders of certain Ministers, in saying of the Service contrary to the instruction of the Book; he wished, this Proviso might be added, that mistaking of Chapters, misreading, &c. should be recovered as no offense, so that there be no Mass-Song, or Popish Service used in Latin, &c. And thus the Bill rested to be further considered of.

These preceeding Speeches being thus transcribed out of the aforesaid Anonymous imperfect Journal, a great part of the residue of this days passages, do now next ensue, out of the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons, in manner and form following.

The Committees for the Bill of Treasons, were appointed to meet in the Star-Chamber, upon Tuesday next, between two and three of the Clock in the Afternoon.

The Bill for Bristol was brought in by M ^r Comptroller, corrected in form, but not in substance or matter.

M ^r Serjeant Barham and M ^r Attorney General, declared that the Lord's desire that some of this House be sent presently to them for Conference; whereupon it was Ordered, that all the Privy-Council, being of this House, Sir Christopher Heydon, M ^r Wilson, Sir John Thynne, Sir Nicholas Arnold, Sir Henry Gate, Sir Henry Norrice, M ^r Audrian Stocks, M ^r Recorder of London, M ^r Fleetwood, M ^r Serjeant Manwood, M ^r Serjeant Lovelace, M ^r Henry Knolles Sen., M ^r Heneage, M ^r Bell, M ^r Mounson, M ^r Norton, and M ^r Yelverton, shall presently repair unto their Lordships: who so did, and thereupon brought report to this House from the Lord's, that as the Season of the Year waxed very hot, and dangerous for sickness, so they desired, that this House would spend the time in proceeding with necessary Bills for the Common-Wealth, and lay aside all private Bills in the mean time. Vide Apr. 26. Thursday postea.

Which report was made by M ^r Treasurer, and a Note brought from the Lord's by him, of such Bills as they thought meetest to be treated of, was read by the Clark; viz.

The Bill for Treasons.

The Bill for coming to Church and receiving the Communion.

The Bill against untrue demeanors of Tellors, Receivers and Collectors.

Against such as be fled beyond the Seas without Licence.

Against fraudulent gifts and conveyances of Lands and Goods.

For preservation of Wood.

For respite of Homage.

For corrupt returns by Sheriffs.

For the Subsidy.

For Suits by Promoters.

The Bill for Subsidy was read the first time, to which there is nothing mentioned to have been spoken by any Member of the House of Commons, in the Original Journal-Book of the said House; and therefore, although that little that is set down in the often already cited Anonymous Journal do there remain imperfect, yet in respect it is the very last thing which is contained in it, I have thought it worthy the transcribing; it being as followeth,

M ^r John Young (after that the said Bill of Subsidy had been read the first time) offered the House some Speech; and silence being obtained, he spake to this effect; that the burden of the Subsidy and charge by Loans, imposed by the Prince upon us, and the charge of the richest and most noblest Prince being considered, it were not amiss if it ------

But what should here follow is hard to be conjectured, in respect that here the aforesaid Anonymous Journal breaketh off abruptly.

Sir Robert Read, and M ^r Doctor Yale, did bring from the Lord's a Bill against Bulls, &c. procured from the See of Rome, as a Bill amongst the residue of necessary Bills meet to be considered of, and prayed Expedition for the reading and passing thereof.

The Bill for the Erection of seven Banks or Stocks of money, was read the first time.

On Monday the 23 ^th day of April, the Bill for Bristol, which was committed on Thursday the 12 ^th day of this instant April preceeding, and brought in by M ^r Comptroller on Saturday the 21 ^th day of the same Month foregoing, was this day, upon the Question, Ordered to be engrossed.

M ^r Serjeant Manwood, M ^r Serjeant Lovelace, M ^r Bell, M ^r Mounson, M ^r Baber, M ^r Fenner, M ^r Shute, and M ^r Bedell, are added to the former Committees for Vagabonds: but it should rather seem, that those were the first Committees appointed in this Bill, and that this was the second reading thereof; for on Friday the 13 ^th day of this instant April foregoing, it had its first reading, and in the mean time since, between the said day and this present committing of it, there is no mention made in the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons, that the said Bill was at all read the second time, or committed.

The Bill for reformation of Promoters, was read the first time, and after many long Arguments rejected. And M ^r Attorney of the Duchy, M ^r Recorder of London, M ^r Sands, M ^r Sampoole, M ^r Bell, M ^r Popham, and M ^r Alford, were appointed to make a new Bill, and to meet in the Temple Church, upon Wednesday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon.

M ^r Norton, M ^r Fenner and M ^r Fleetwood, were appointed to draw a Bill for the preservation of Wood, and to receive information of all such, as for that purpose shall repair unto them.

The Bill against Bulls, &c. procured from the See of Rome, was read the first time, and M ^r Attorney of the Duchy, M ^r Serjeant Jeffry, M ^r Wilbraham, M ^r Yelverton, M ^r Norton, and M ^r Sands, were appointed to consider of the Bill, and to meet at the Temple Church at three of the Clock this Afternoon.

The Bill against untrue Demeanors of Tellors, Receivers, Treasurers and Collectors, was read the second time, and after many long Arguments was committed unto M ^r Chancellor of the Duchy, M ^r Chancellor of the Exchequer, M ^r Heneage, Mr. Attorney of the Duchy, Mr. Seckford, Master of the Requests, Mr. Bell, Mr. Alford, Mr. Iresby, Mr. Yelverton, Mr. Sampoole, Sir John Thynne, Sir Nicholas Arnold, Mr. Norton, Mr. Knivet, Mr. Mounson, and Mr. Dalton, either to alter, or add unto the Bill; or else to make new Provisoes at their discretions, and to meet at the Savoy upon Thursday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon.

On Tuesday the 24 ^th day of April, Three Bills had each of them one reading; of which the third being the Bill against Fugitives, was read the second time, and after many long Arguments, was upon the Question committed unto Sir Thomas Smith, Mr. Bell, Mr. Mounson, Mr. Thomas Snagg, and Mr. Yelverton, who were appointed to meet in the Star-Chamber at two of the Clock in the Afternoon.

It was Ordered by the House, that a Note be made against to Morrow of the Titles of all the Bills offered unto this House, and to be then read, to the end the House may make their choice, with which of them they will first proceed.

On Wednesday the 25 ^th day of April, Sir Robert Lane, Sir Henry Gate, Mr. Henry Knolles Sen., Mr. Astley Master of the Jewel-House, Mr. Sands, and Mr. Wentworth, were appointed to attend the Lord of Canterbury his Grace for Answer touching matters of Religion. Vide Apr. 6. antea, & May 17. postea at large.

The Bill for respite of Homage was read the second time; and M ^r Recorder of London, Mr. Fleetwood, M ^r Sands, and M ^r Baber, were appointed to mend the Bill presently.

The Bill lastly for the Subsidy was read the second time.

On Thursday the 26 ^th day of April, Two Bills of no great moment, had each of them one reading, and were Ordered to be engrossed; of which the second was the Bill for Conservation of Order and Uniformity in the Church.

The note of the Titles of the Bills being read, it was Ordered, that M ^r Treasurer, Sir Arthur Mildmay, Sir Thomas Smith, Sir Christopher Heydon, Sir Henry Gate, Sir John Thynne, Sir Nicholas Arnold, M ^r Serjeant Manwood, M ^r Serjeant Lovelace, M ^r Stocks, M ^r Alford, M ^r Yelverton, M ^r Fleetwood, M ^r Norton, and M ^r Dalton, shall be Committees for appointing such Bills for the Common-Weal as shall be first proceeded in, and preferred before the residue, but not to reject any; and are appointed to meet at the Star-Chamber to Morrow at two of the Clock in the Afternoon.

Nota, That the appointing of the abovenamed Members of the House for the purposes aforesaid, as it is in itself a very rare President, and may prove worthy of often imitation; so it should seem that the House was induced unto it upon a Message sent unto them from the Lord's by M ^r Treasurer and others on Saturday the 21 ^th day of this instant April foregoing; by which they advised them to expedite the more public and necessary Bills, and pass by those of less moment.

The two Bills concerning certain offenses to be made Treason, were twice read, and upon the division of the House were Ordered to be joined together and made one Bill, with the difference of thirty six Voices upon the said Division; and after long arguing, it was upon the Question Ordered to be engrossed.

M ^r Solicitor and Mr. Doctor Huick, came from the Lord's to demand Bills with speed, if any were ready; and were answered, that within few days their Lordships shall receive some.

The Committees in the Bill against Fugitives, as also in the Bill of Bulls, &c. procured from the See of Rome, which were committed on Monday the 23 ^th day of this instant April foregoing, were this day appointed to meet in the Star-Chamber at three of the Clock to Morrow in the Afternoon.

On Friday the 27 ^th day of April the Bill against Usury was read the second time, and Ordered to be engrossed.

Four Bills also had each of them their third reading, and passed the House; of which the first was the Bill for preservation of Order and Uniformity in the Church, and the second for William Skeffington Esquire.

The Proviso to the Bill of Subsidy, for Rumney-Marsh, was twice read.

The Bill for respite of Homage was read the third time.

The Proviso to the Bill for respite of Homage was twice read.

The Bill for respite of Homage was committed to Mr. Serjeant Manwood, Mr. Serjeant Lovelace, Mr. Wilbraham, and Mr. Popham, who were appointed to meet this Afternoon at three of the Clock, and to make report unto this Court to Morrow next.

On Saturday the 28 ^th day of April, a Supplication for the Merchants of Dantzick touching Cony-Skins, was this day read unto the House, and delivered unto Mr. Treasurer.

The Proviso to the Bill for Fugitives was twice read, and upon the question it was Ordered that the Bill shall stand as it is, touching the relief of Wives and Children. And the Bill was also Ordered to be engrossed; with the Proviso for the Dutchess of Feria, and the Lady Jane Dormer Widow.

The Bill against Usury was read the third time.

Five Bills were sent up to the Lord's from the House of Commons, of which the first was the Bill for Conservation of Orders and Uniformity in the Church, and another against Popish Priests disguising themselves in Serving-men's Apparel.

The Bill for keeping Residence in Cathedral Churches was read the first time.

Mr. Henry Knolles Sen., Mr. Strickland, Mr. Mounson, and Mr. Yelverton, were appointed to sort the Bills for Religion, in such order and course for proceeding, one before another, as they shall think meetest. Vide May 17. postea.

The Bill for Shrewsbury was read the third time.

The Committees in the Bill for coming to Church and receiving the Communion (whose names see on Saturday the 21 ^th day of this instant April preceeding) and the Committees in the Bill for respite of Homage (who were nominated on Friday the 27 ^th day of the same Month foregoing) were appointed to meet this Afternoon at two of the Clock in the Temple Church.

The second Bill for Religion was read the second time, and committed unto the Lord President of the Marches of Wales, Sir Thomas Smith, Sir Thomas Scott, Mr. Attorney of the Wards, Mr. Norton, Mr. Greenfeild, Mr. Grimston, Mr. Smith, Mr. Fenner, and Mr. Agmordsam, who were appointed to meet this Afternoon at three of the Clock in the Star-Chamber. Vide May 17. postea, what this Bill was.

The Bill for Bristol was read the third time, and after long Arguing passed upon the Question.

Mr. Serjeant Barham and Mr. Solicitor, brought two Bills from the Lord's, the one for the Confirmation of the Attainder of the late Earls of Northumberland, and Westmorland, and others, and the other for reviving and continuance of certain Statutes.

April the 29 ^th Sunday.

On Monday the 30 ^th day of April, Two Bills had each of them their second reading, and were Ordered to be engrossed; of which the first was the Bill for allowance to be made unto Sheriffs for the Justices Diets.

Two Bills also had each of them their third reading, and were likewise Ordered to be engrossed; of which the first was the Bill for coming to Church and receiving of the Communion.

On Tuesday the first day of May, Two Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill against Fugitives was read the third time, and after many Arguments, passed upon the Question.

Mr. Attorney General and Mr. Doctor Huick, did desire from the Lord's, that some of this House may attend upon six of the Lord's to Morrow Morning for Conference touching the Bill against Priests disguising themselves in Serving-men's Apparel, which was granted; and thereupon were appointed for that purpose Mr. Treasurer, Sir Thomas Scott, Sir Owen Hopton, Sir Thomas Lucy, Sir Henry Jones, Mr. Serjeant Manwood, Mr. Cleere, Mr. Thomas Brown, Mr. Norton, Mr. Yelverton, Mr. Strickland, Mr. Mounson, and Mr. Thomas Hussy.

Mr. Serjeant Barham and Mr. Attorney General did desire from the Lord's, that a convenient number be sent presently unto their Lordships from this House for Answer touching Articles for Religion. Whereupon my Lord Deputy of Ireland, Mr. Treasurer and divers others were sent for that purpose, and had with them the four Bills last passed, viz. The Bill against Fugitives, The Bill for Bristol, The Bill for William Skeffington, and the Bill for Shrewsbury: And afterwards returned Answer from the Lord's, that the Queens Majesty having been made privy to the said Articles, liketh very well of them, and mindeth to publish them, and have them Executed by the Bishops, by direction of her Highness Regal Authority of Supremacy of the Church of England, and not to have the same dealt in by Parliament.

Nota, That there was in this Parliament much and long agitation touching the reforming of several enormities and Ceremonies in matters of Religion, which now at last the Queen took out of the hands of the House, and promised other Amendment, as appeareth by the above-mentioned Message sent from the Lord's to the said House; although the said matters and agitations were not thereupon deserted, but continued in part, as is more at large observed upon Thursday the 17 ^th day of this instant May ensuing, where the whole beginning, Progress and Issue of this business is at large collected and digested into an orderly relation.

The Bill for allowance to be made unto Sheriffs for the Justices Diets, was read the third time.

M ^r Solicitor and M ^r Doctor Louis brought from the Lord's two Bills, the one against fraudulent Gifts and Conveyances, and the other for Constats and Exemplifications of Letters Patents to be as good and available as Letters Patents themselves.

The Bill of Attainder was read the first time.

Sir Henry Peircy Knight was appointed to be heard in this House, with his Learned Council, upon Saturday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon.

The Bill for Constats and Exemplifications of Letters Patents was read the first time.

On Wednesday the second day of May, Five Bills of no great moment had each of them their first reading.

The Bill for Leases of Benefices (being the fifth Bill of those seven Bills preferred this Parliament, touching the reformation of matters of Religion, and therefore called in the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons the Bill E) was read the second time and Ordered to be engrossed. Touching which said Bill and matters of Religion, see a more full and ample Animadversion or Declaration on Thursday the 7 ^th day of this instant May ensuing.

M ^r Treasurer with the residue of the Commissioners having been with the Lord's about the Bill against Priests disguising themselves in Serving-men's Apparel, shown, that upon Conference therein had with the Lord's, their request is, that some of the said Committees might confer with the Queens Majesty's Learned Council touching the enlargement and better Explanation of some parts of the same Bill. Whereupon the House liking well of that course of proceeding, it is agreed that the Committees for the Bill against the untrue demeanors of Tellors, Receivers, Treasurers and Collectors, and for the Bill against Bulls, &c. procured from the See of Rome, and such like Bills as shall hereafter come from their Lordships, needful to be considered or added unto or altered, shall make request unto the Lord's for Conference and privity in that behalf to be had and made with them, as they in the said former Bill have used and done towards this House.

The Bill for respite of Homage was committed unto Sir Walter Mildmay, M ^r Serjeant Lovelace, M ^r Mounson, M ^r Sampoole, Mr. Wilbraham, Mr. Popham, and Mr. Fenner, to consider of this Afternoon at three of the Clock at the Rolls, and to deliver it again to the House to Morrow Morning in such sort as now it is, if in the mean time they shall not alter the same, or some part thereof.

On Thursday the third day of May, Three Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for increase of Tillage and maintenance of Navigation, was read the first time.

The Bill for the Order of Ministers (being the second of those seven Bills preferred this Parliament touching the matters of Religion, and therefore called in the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons the Bill B) was read the fourth time and passed. Touching all which said Bills of matters of Religion see a more ample and full Animadversion or Declaration on Thursday the 17 ^th day of this instant May ensuing.

The Bill for allowance to be made unto Sheriffs for the Justices Diets, was sent up to the Lord's by Mr. Comptroller and others.

The Bill for making Peregrine Barty free Denizen was read three times and passed the House; as also the Bill against Usury; after they had been brought from the Lord's by Mr. Solicitor and Mr. Doctor Vaughan.

It was Ordered that Sir Nicholas Points Knight, one of the Knights from the County of Gloucester, shall have a Writ of Privilege for his Servant Thomas Wickham, being attached in the City of London upon two Actions of Trespass, the one at the Suit of Christopher Temple Goldsmith, and the other at the Suit of Fr. Acton Grocer.

On Friday the 4 ^th day of May, Two Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill against Licences and Dispensations granted by the Archbishop of Canterbury was read the second time, and committed unto Mr. Treasurer, Sir Thomas Smith, Mr. Recorder of London, Mr. Norton, Mr. Greenfeild, Mr. Eglenby, Mr. Strickland, and Mr. Yelverton.

The Bill for Fines and Recoveries was read the second time, and Ordered to be engrossed.

The Bill for coming to Church, and receiving of the Communion, was read the third time, and passed the House.

It was Ordered that the Officer which made the Arrest upon Sir Henry Clinton's Servants, and also the party that procured the same, do appear here to Morrow at ten of the Clock in the Forenoon.

Three Bills lastly had each of them their second reading, and were thereupon Ordered to be engrossed; of which the first was the Bill for respite of Homage, and the last was for Southhampton.

On Saturday the 5 ^th day of May, Three Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for the River of Welland, was read the second time, and Ordered to be engrossed.

The Bill for Confirmation of Attainders was read the second time; at which time Sir Henry Peircy Knight, with Mr. Fetiplace, being of his Learned Council, were present. And Wednesday next was given them to be further heard again.

The Bill for respite of Homage was read the third time and sent up to the Lord's, with the Bill for the coming to Church and receiving of the Communion, by Mr. Treasurer, Mr. Comptroller, Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir Thomas Scott, Sir Francis Hastings, Sir William Pawlet, Sir John Thinne, Sir Owen Hopton, Sir Henry Gate, Sir William Buts, Sir Nicholas Arnold, Sir Thomas Lucy, Sir Robert Lane, Mr. Austley, Mr. Stokes, Mr. Serjeant Lovelace, Mr. Recorder of London, Mr. Sampoole, Mr. Mounson, Mr. Norton, Mr. Yelverton, Mr. More, Mr. Henry Knolles, Mr. Carleton, Mr. Strickland, Mr. John Hastings, and Mr. Halliard.

On Monday the 7 ^th day of May, Three Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill against Licences and Dispensations granted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, was read the second time, and Ordered to be engrossed.

The Bill for Leases of Benefices, (being the fifth of those seven Bills preferred this Parliament touching the Reformation of matters of Religion, and therefore called in the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons the Bill E) was read the third time and passed the House. Touching all which said Bills and matters of Religion, see at large on Thursday the 17 ^th day of this instant May ensuing.

The Provisoes to the Bill against Vagabonds were twice read.

Three Bills lastly of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the first, being for the increase of Tillage, and maintenance of the Navy, was read the third time, and passed upon the Question.

On Tuesday the 8 ^th day of May, the Bill for the maintenance of Navigation, was read the second time and committed unto Mr. Treasurer, Sir John S ^t Leger, Sir Owen Hopton, Sir Richard Buckley, Mr. Holstock, Mr. Grimston, Mr. Mohun, Mr. John Hastings, Mr. Grice, Mr. Crownier, Mr. Wilford, Mr. Humberston, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Lieff, Mr. Gerby, Mr. Gaire, Mr. Downing, Mr. Norton, Mr. Popham, Mr. Strickland, and Mr. Thornton, who were appointed to meet at the Star-Chamber to Morrow at two of the Clock in the Afternoon.

Three Bills lastly had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill for Southhampton, was read the third time, and passed upon the Question.

On Wednesday the 9 ^th day of May, the Bill for Maurice Radney Esq was read the second time, and Ordered to be engrossed.

It was Ordered upon a Motion made by Mr. Norton, that upon Friday next coming the House do begin to sit at three of the Clock in the Afternoon, and to continue till five; and so every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, until the end of this Session of Parliament; which time to be employed only in the first reading of private Bills.

The Bill against Promoters was read the second time, and Ordered to be engrossed.

The Bill to avoid corrupt Presentations (being the fourth Bill of those seven preferred this Parliament, touching the reformation of the matters of Religion, and therefore called in the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons the Bill D) was read the second time, and Ordered to be engrossed. Touching which Bills and matters of Religion, see a more full Animadversion or Declaration on Thursday the 17 ^th day of this instant May following.

The Bill against Bulls, &c. procured from the See of Rome, was read the second and third time, and passed upon the Question, with a note containing some Additions and Alterations, referring to the Lines.

Mr. Attorney General and Mr. Solicitor, did bring from the Lord's the former Bill of Treasons, with a new Proviso, and certain other Alterations, contained in a Paper affiled to the same Bill.

The new Bill against Licences and Dispensations granted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, was read the third time, and passed upon the Question.

Two Bills lastly of no great moment, had each of them one reading; of which the second, being the Bill for Fines and Recoveries, with three Provisoes, passed upon the Question.

On Thursday the 10 ^th day of May, the Bill against Collusions and delays in Vouchers was read the first time.

The Bill touching the Commutation of Penance by the Ecclesiastical Judge (being the last Bill of those seven preferred this Parliament touching the reformation of matters of Religion, and therefore called in the Original Journal Book of the House of Commons the Bill G) was read the first time. Touching which Bill see a more full Animadversion or Declaration on Thursday the 17 ^th day of this instant May following.

The Bill for the River of Welland, was read the third time, and passed upon the Question.

The Bill for preservation of Woods was read the first time, and committed unto Sir Nicholas Arnold, Sir George Bows, Sir Thomas Scot, Mr. Humberson, Mr. Moore, Mr. Gayer, Mr. Wightman, Mr. Sampoole, Mr. Winchcomb, Mr. Robert Snagg, Mr. Roper, Mr. Cowper and Mr. Fenner, who were appointed to meet at the Temple Church at two of the Clock this Afternoon. Vide May 14. postea.

Nine Bills were sent up to the Lord's from the House of Commons by Mr. Treasurer and others; of which one was the Bill for Fines and Recoveries, and another for the River of Welland.

The Provisoes to the Bill against Vagabonds were twice read and committed to Mr. Atkins and others.

Two Bills also of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for Lestwithiell, was read the second time and Ordered to be engrossed.

Forasmuch as Thomas Long Gent., returned one of the Burgesses for the Borough of Westbury in the County of Wilts for this present Parliament, being a very simple man and of small capacity to serve in that place, did this day in open Court confess, that he did give to Anthony Garland Mayor of the said Town of Westbury, and unto one ..... Wats of the same Town, the sum of four pound, for that place and room of Burgesship; It was Ordered by this House, that the said Anthony Garland and the said Wats shall forthwith repay unto the said Thomas Long the same sum of four pound, and also that a fine of twenty pound be assessed upon the said Corporation or Inhabitants of the said Town of Westbury for the Queens Majesty's use, for their said lewd and slanderous attempt. And that the said Thomas Long, his Executors and Administrators shall be discharged against the said Anthony Garland and ..... Wats, their Heirs, Executors and Administrators, of and from all Bonds made by the said Thomas Long to any person or persons touching the discharge of the exercise of the said room or place of Burgesship in any wise.

Mr. Solicitor and Mr. Doctor Vaughan pray from the Lord's, that some Members of this House may be presently sent to confer with their Lordships, touching the Bill of Attainders, and the Bill against Bulls, &c. Whereupon were sent unto them Mr. Heneage, Sir Thomas Smith, Sir John Thynne, Sir Nicholas Arnold, Sir Christopher Haydon, Mr. Recorder of London, Mr. Sampoole, Mr. Popham, and Mr. Alford.

On Friday the 11 ^th day of May, it was Ordered that a Pursuivant be sent with Letters from this House unto Anthony Garland Mayor of the Town of Westbury in the County of Wilts, and ..... Wats of the same Town, for their personal appearance forthwith to be made in this House; and also to bring with them all such Bonds, as Thomas Long Gentleman, lately returned one of the Burgesses for the same Town, standeth bound in unto them, or either of them, or unto any other to their use. And also to Answer unto such matters as at their coming shall be objected against them by this House.

The Bill against Exactions of Collectors of the Tenths of the Clergy was read the first time.

The Bill against Perjury in Clerks Convict, and the Bill for the continuance of the severance of Sheriffs in sundry Shires, were each of them twice read, and Ordered to be engrossed.

Two Bills also of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the first, being the Bill for severance of the Sheriffs in the Counties of Norfolk and Suffolk, was read the second time, and Ordered to be engrossed.

All the Privy-Council being Members of this House. Sir Henry Morrice, Sir Thomas Scot, Sir John Thynne, Mr. Attorney of the Duchy, Mr. Attorney of the Wards, Mr. Serjeant Manwood, Mr. Stokes, Mr. Bell, Mr. Mounson, Mr. Thomas Snagg, Mr. Telverton, Mr. Norton, Mr. Dalton, and Mr. Rugby, were appointed to consider amongst themselves this Afternoon, at the Star-Chamber, touching the Bill of Treasons, and then afterwards with the Lord's upon further appointment. Vide plus de ista materia on Thursday the 12 ^th day of April foregoing.

Two Bills lastly had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for Morrice Rodney Esq was read the first time and passed upon the Question.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon ten Bills had each of them one reading; of which the fourth, being the Bill for the maintenance of the Havens of Plymouth and Dartmouth, &c. and the fifth against the Usurpation of Tinners in the County of Devon, were each of them read the first time, and thereupon committed to Sir John St. Leger, and others.

Nota, That these two Bills were committed upon the first reading, which is not usual until the second. Vide May 14.

On Saturday the 12 ^th day of May, the Bill for the Haberdashers was read the second time, and rejected upon the Question.

The Bill for residence of Pastors (being the third Bill of those seven preferred this Parliament touching the Reformation of matters of Religion, and therefore called in the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons the Bill C) was read the first time. Touching all which said Bills and matters of Religion, see on Thursday the 17 ^th day of this instant May following.

The Bill for maintenance of Navigation, was read the third time, and passed the House.

Seven Bills were sent up to the Lord's from the House of Commons; of which one was the Bill against Usury, and another touching Morrice Rodney Esq.

The Bill of Jeofails was read the second time, and committed unto Mr. Serjeant Manwood, Mr. Thomas Snagg, Mr. Sampoole, and Mr. Cromwell.

The Bill against Exactions of Collectors of the Tenths of the Clergy was read the second time, and Ordered to be engrossed.

The Bill for the payment of Tithes, was read the first time and rejected upon the Question.

May the 13 ^th Sunday.

On Monday the 14 ^th day of May, the Bill for not returning in Juries persons of the Queens Majesty's Household, was read the second time, and committed unto Mr. Treasurer, Sir John Thinne, Mr. Cofferer, Mr. Brown, Mr. More, and Mr. Ferrers.

The Bill for Residence of Pastors (being the third of those seven Bills preferred this Parliament touching the reformation of matters in Religion, and therefore called in the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons the Bill C) was read the second time and Ordered to be engrossed. Touching which Bill and matters of Religion see a more full Animadversion or Declaration on Thursday the 17 ^th day of this instant May following.

The Bill against Vagabonds, and the first Bill for preservation of Wood, were Ordered to be engrossed.

The Bill for Conveyances and Assurances of Lands to be made without Covin, was read the second time, and committed unto Mr. Recorder of London, Mr. Marsh, Mr. Stanhop, Mr. Grice, Mr. Sampoole, Mr. Norton, Mr. Alford, and Mr. Dalton, who were appointed to meet in the Temple Church at two of the Clock this Afternoon.

Mr. Solicitor and Mr. Attorney brought from the Lord's four Bills; of which the two last were, one for the Restitution in Blood of the Children of Sir Thomas Wyat, and the other for the Assurance of the Jointure of the Lady Barkley.

Three Bills had each of them their third reading, and passed upon the question; of which the last was the Bill against the Exaction of Collectors of the Tenths of the Clergy.

The Bill lastly, for severance of the Sheriffs in the Counties of Bedford and Buckingham, were read the second time, and thereupon Ordered to be engrossed.

Post Meridiem.

Four Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill concerning Hospitals, and the third for Planting of Hops, were each of them read the first time; and the second, being the Bill against great Hosen, was read the first time, and committed unto Sir Christopher Heydon, Sir William Buts, Mr. Stokes, Mr. Moore, Mr. Warncomb, Mr. St. John, Mr. Gare, Mr. Humberston, Mr. Layton, and Mr. Sackerston. Which is the rather to be observed, in respect, that this Bill was committed upon the first reading, which is not usual until the second; of which there were three like Presidents, viz. one on Thursday the 10 ^th day, and two on Friday the 11 ^th day of this instant May foregoing.

The Bill for making of William Watson a free Denizen was twice read; and the Bill lastly for Leverpool was read the first time.

On Tuesday the 15 ^th day of May, the Bill against Wednesdays was read the first time.

The Bill touching the Commutation of Penance by the Ecclesiastical Judge (being the last of those seven Bills preferred this Parliament touching the Reformation of matters of Religion, and therefore called in the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons the Bill G) was read the second time, and Ordered to be engrossed. Touching which Bill and matters of Religion see more at large on Thursday the 17 ^th day of this instant May following.

Three Bills also of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill for Confirmation of Attainders was read the third time, and passed the House.

The Proviso for the Countess of Cumberland and others to the Bill for Confirmation of Attainders, was thrice read: And further Ordered by the House, that the Saving for Sir Henry Peircy Knight, shall be placed in the Book before the general saving, without any alteration or change of any word or words at all.

The Bill for Confirmation of Attainders, with the other last passed, were sent up to the Lord's from the House of Commons by M ^r Treasurer and others.

The Bill for the Restitution in Blood of the Children of Sir Thomas Wyat Knight, was read the third time.

The Bill lastly for the continuance of the severance of Sheriffs in sundry Shires, was read the third time, and passed upon the Question.

On Wednesday the 16 ^th day of May, the Bill against Wednesdays, was read the second time and Ordered to be engrossed.

The new Bill against great Hosen, and a new Bill of Jeofails, were each of them read the first time.

M ^r Attorney General and M ^r Doctor Vaughan brought from the Lord's the Bill for Confirmation of Attainders, for mending of an Indorsement.

Three Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the third being the Bill against Collusions and Delays in Vouchers, was read the second time, and Ordered to be engrossed.

M ^r Attorney General and M ^r Doctor Huick did require from the Lord's to have the Committees in the Bill for Treasons presently sent to them for Conference.

The Bill for Residence of Pastors (being the third of those seven Bills preferred this Parliament touching matters of Religion, and therefore called in the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons the Bill C) was read the third time, and upon the Division of the House dashed.

M ^r Doctor Huick and Mr. Doctor Yale, did bring from the Lord's a Bill against Bankrupts, with Commendations for the expediting thereof.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon the Bill for search of Fairs of Maidston in Kent, was read the first time.

Mr. Solicitor and Mr. Doctor Huick brought from the Lord's the Bill against Bulls, &c. and the Bill for Treasons, both reformed, as appeareth in several Papers annexed, containing the places and words of Amendments.

Seven Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the fourth being a new Bill for the maintenance of the Havens of Plymouth and Dartmouth, &c. was read the second time.

On Thursday the 17 ^th day of May, Two Bills of no great moment had each of them their second reading, and Ordered to be engrossed; of which the second was the Bill against Clothworkers.

The Bill against Cloth-workers was read the second time, and Ordered to be stayed.

Sir Walter Mildmay, Sir Thomas Smith, Mr. Serjeant Lovelace, Mr. Bell, Mr. Mounson, Mr. Popham, Mr. Sampool, Mr. Sands, and Mr. Yelverton, were appointed to have Conference with the Lord's touching the Bill for respite of Homage, in the outer Chamber of the Upper House at two of the Clock this Afternoon.

The Bill for Sewers was read the first time.

The Bill against Bulls, and the Bill for Treasons were upon the Question absolutely passed with all the Additions and Amendments.

The Bill also against Wednesdays, and the Bill against Collusion and delays in Vouchers, were each of them read the third time, and passed the House.

The Bill touching the Commutation of Penance by the Ecclesiastical Judge (being last of those seven Bills preferred this Parliament touching Reformation of matters of Religion, and therefore called in the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons the Bill G) was read the third time and passed.

Because the great matter touching Religion and Church Government (of which the passing of the aforesaid Bill is the last passage mentioned in the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons) was so Religiously begun by the said House in the former Sessions of Parliament, in An. 8 Regin. Eliz. and so zealously prosecuted in this present Parliament de an. 13 Regin. Eliz. therefore it shall not be amiss here to set down at large, once for all, the whole proceeding of the same, although all in the Issue was dashed by her Majesty, persuaded unto it (as it should seem) by some sinister Counsel. The first step therefore unto this business, was upon Thursday the 5 ^th day of December in the said former Session of Parliament in the said eighth year of her Majesty, when the Bill with the Articles Printed 1562. for sound Christian Religion had its first reading; which in the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons in this present Parliament is always called the Bill A, and in the margent of the said Journal in an. 8. the said Letter A is expressed over against the title of the said Bill. A second step then followed in this their intended Reformation upon Friday the 6 ^th day of December in the said Session de an. 8 Regin. Eliz. when all these Bills following had each of them their first reading, being there inserted in manner and form following, the words only [the first reading] being added instead of the Figure or Number [1.] set down in the margent.

B. The Bill for the Order of Ministers, the first reading.

C. The Bill for residence of Pastors, the first reading.

D. The Bill to avoid corrupt Presentations, the first reading.

E. The Bill for Leases of Benefices, the first reading.

F. The Bill for Pensions out of Benefices and Leases of Benefices, the first reading.

All which several Bills are no otherwise styled in the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons in this present Parliament, than the Bill B, the Bill C, &c. and therefore without recourse to the aforesaid Journal of the same House in an. isto praedicto 8 Regin. Eliz. it could not have been possibly herein understood what had been intended thereby. Which last mentioned five Bills had no further progress in the said Session of Parliament, by reason that it was Dissolved soon after on Thursday the second day of January, but only the first before-cited Bill, called the Bill A, had its second reading on Thursday the 10 ^th day, and its third and last reading on Friday the 13 ^th day of December in the same Session. After which the said Bills so rested until the beginning of this present Parliament in an. 13 Regin. Eliz. when upon Friday the 6 ^th day of April foregoing these six Bills foregoing were again presented to the House; and a seventh Bill also, as is very probable, which was not at all read in the aforesaid last Session in An. 8 Regin. Eliz. which was the Bill read the third time this present day, touching the Commutations of Penance by the Ecclesiastical Judge, and is always styled in the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons the Bill G. And thereupon all the said seven Bills touching Religion were referred to Committees to consider of them. And on the day following, being Saturday, and the seventh day of the same Month, the said Bills were read. The first Bill of them styled the Bill A, was delivered to the foresaid Committees, or Commissioners, and the residue appointed to remain in the House, and that to stand for no reading of any of them. Which great Caution doubtless the House of Commons did the rather observe in their proceeding with these Bills touching the Reformation of matters of Religion and Church Government, because they desired her Majesty might the more graciously interpret their endeavors, and give way to the passing of the said Bills. To which purpose also the House appointed two of their Members before their rising that very day, to have their furtherance also for the same; who returned their Answer on Thursday the 10 ^th day of the same Month, and advised the House of Commons to pray a Conference with the Lord's for that purpose; which was accordingly had in the Afternoon of the same day. And that day also the second of the said seven Bills, styled the Bill B, had its first reading, and was read the second time on Saturday the 28 ^th day of April, and the third time on Monday the 30 ^th day of the same Month. On the Morrow after the foresaid 10 ^th day of April, being the 11 ^th day of the same Month, and Wednesday, the Bill D had its first reading, being the fourth of the aforesaid seven Bills touching Religion: And on Wednesday the 9 ^th day of May its second reading. And on Saturday the 12 ^th day of May the Bill C, being the third of the said seven Bills, had its first reading, and its second reading on Monday the 14 ^th day, and its third reading on Wednesday the 16 ^th day of the same Month. The Bill E also, being the 5 ^th of the said seven Bills, had its first reading on Friday the 13 ^th day of April, its second on Wednesday the second day, and its third on Monday the 7 ^th day of May. For the Bill F it appeareth not by the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons, that it was at all read, although it concerned Pensions out of Benefices, and Leases of Benefices. For the Bill G lastly, which was the seventh of the aforesaid Bills touching Religion, it had its first reading on Thursday the 10 ^th day of May; its second on Tuesday the 15 ^th , and the third on this instant Thursday, being the 17 ^th day of the same Month, as is before set down. Although it is to be observed, that some of the readings of the aforesaid Bills are omitted upon some of the said days as matters of no great moment. Of which Bills also there was some treating on Wednesday the 25 ^th day, and on Saturday the 28 ^th day of April foregoing. But her Majesty on Thursday the first day of May, by the Lord's of the Upper House, declared unto the Committees of the House of Commons, who afterwards declared it to the House itself, that she approved their good endeavors, but would not suffer these things to be Ordered by Parliament. Notwithstanding which Message, as appeareth by the reading of some of the said seven Bills afterwards, the House of Commons still proceeded, and having passed two of the said Bills, viz. the Bills B and C, on Wednesday the 16 ^th day of May foregoing, and the Bill G this present Thursday, as is aforesaid, they sent them up to the Lord's by M ^r Comptroller and others, as soon as the said Bill G had passed the House.

All the Bills last passed except that for severance of Sheriffs of sundry Shires, were sent to the Lord's by M ^r Comptroller and others.

Three Bills lastly of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill against great Hosen, was read the second time and committed.

On Friday the 18 ^th day of May, Two Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for the Free Grammar-School in Southwark, was read the second time, and Ordered to be engrossed.

The Bill against great Hosen was read the third time, and upon the division of the House, with the advantage of one man, it was Ordered that the Clause for disabling the wearer to prosecute or commence any Suit, shall be allowed to be in the Bill in manner and form as in the Bill is contained.

The Bill for the preservation of Woods, &c. was read the third time, and upon the division of the House passed.

Post Meridiem.

This day in the Afternoon eleven Bills of no great moment had each of them their first reading; of which the first was the Bill for the Free-School of Bletchingly, and the second for John Tirrell.

On Saturday the 19 ^th day of May, the Bill against the bringing into this Realm of Foreign Wares forbidden, was twice read, and Ordered to be engrossed.

Two Bills also of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the first, being the Bill for the twelve Shires of Wales, was read the second time; but no mention is made that it was either referred to Committees or Ordered to be engrossed, which is usual upon the second reading.

M ^r Doctor Louis and M ^r Doctor Yale, did bring from the Lord's seven Bills, whereof one was to License the Earl of Leicester to found an Hospital; another for the Restitution in Blood of Henry Brereton Esq; another against fraudulent gifts to defeat Dilapidations; another against corrupt Presentations to Benefices; another against Simony; another for the River of Welland, and another for the coming to Church, and receiving the Communion. All which Bills are particularly transcribed, in respect that the sending down of them to the House of Commons is wholly omitted in the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House.

The Bill for preservation of Wood, and the Bill against Vagabonds were sent up to the Lord's by M ^r Treasurer, and others.

Mr. Doctor Louis and Mr. Doctor Yale brought from the Lord's three Bills; one against Fugitives, another for Southampton, and another for Confirmation of a Subsidy of the Clergy.

All the Privy-Council being of this House, my Lord President, Sir Nicholas Arnold, Sir Owen Hopton, Mr. Stokes, Mr. Mounson, Mr. Bell, Mr. Yelverton, Sir Francis Hastings, Sir Henry Knolles Sen., Mr. Edward Hastings, Mr. Strickland, Mr. Carleton, Mr. More, Mr. Norton, and Mr. Dalton, were appointed to confer with the Lord's touching the Lord's Bill, for coming to Church and receiving of the Communion.

May the 20 ^th Sunday.

On Monday the 21 ^th day of May the Bill for Confirmation of the Subsidy granted by the Clergy was read three times.

The Bill also for reviving and continuance of certain Statutes, was read the second time; but no mention is made that it was either Ordered to be engrossed or referred to Committees, as was only this day a Bill against Bankrupts.

It was this day Ordered, that the Court do from henceforth every day during this Sessions sit in the Afternoon, and proceed as well to the second reading of Bills as to the first.

The Proviso to the Bill for reviving and continuance of Statutes, and the Proviso to the Bill against buying of the Wares for Apparel without ready money, were each of them twice read.

The Bill for the twelve Shires of Wales, was Ordered to be engrossed.

The Bill for limitation of the Subsidy of the Clergy was sent to the Lord's by Mr. Comptroller and others.

The Bill against Bankrupts was read the second time.

Nota, That this Bill having formerly passed the Upper House, was sent down from them to the House of Commons on Wednesday the 16 ^th day of this instant May foregoing; And therefore now upon the second reading, is neither Ordered to be engrossed, nor referred to the Committees: for it being sent down fairly engrossed in Parchment from the said House after it is passed, unless the Bill be wholly dashed, or much altered, it shall need no other ingrossing. And for referring a Bill to Committees, it is chiefly for amendment or alteration thereof, after it hath been penned, and put into the House by someone or more private men. But when a Bill hath once passed the Upper House, in which besides the Lord's the greater part of the Judges of the Realm are commonly Assistants, there shall need no consideration thereof either for Addition or mutation; for either House doth ever, for the most part, show itself so careful to keep firm correspondency with the other, as that when a Bill hath passed either of the said Houses and is sent to the other, it doth for the most part pass, and is neither dashed, nor altered, without very great cause upon mature deliberation, and usually also not without Conference desired, and had thereupon; that so, full satisfaction may be given to that House from which the Bill so rejected, or altered was sent. Of which the Presidents are so frequent in every Journal of her Majesty's Reign, as there shall need no further reference or Citation.

Mr. Doctor Louis and Mr. Doctor Vaughan, brought from the Lord's three Bills; one for Pastors to be of sound Religion; another that no Hoyes or Plate shall cross the Seas, and another that no Purveyor shall take any Victuals within five Miles compass of the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge.

Mr. Treasurer, Sir Christopher Heydon, Sir Henry Gate, Sir Valentine Brown, Mr. Hawkins, Mr. Grice, Mr. Holstock, Mr. Langley, Mr. Humberston, Mr. Holliard, Mr. Sampoole, Mr. Boynton, Mr. Palmer, Mr. Grimston, Mr. Hassett, and Mr. Vaughan, were appointed to confer this Afternoon with the Lord's touching the Bill for increase of Tillage and maintenance of the Navy.

Three Bills of no great moment had each of them their third reading, and passed the House; of which the first was the Bill for the Free Grammar-School of Southwark.

The Bill that no Hoy or Plate shall cross the Seas, was read the first time.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon five Bills of no great moment had each of them their second reading, and were Ordered to be engrossed; of which the first was the Bill for the removing of the Grammar-School from Laughton to Gainsborough.

The Bill to License the Earl of Leicester to found an Hospital; and the Bill for Restitution in Blood of Henry Brereton Esq, were each of them read twice, being the first and second time.

The Bill against fraudulent gifts to defeat Dilapidations, was read the first time.

The Bill lastly, for the Restitution in Blood of the Children of Sir Thomas Wyat Knight, and the Bill for the severance of the Counties of Huntingdon and Cambridge, were each of them read the second time: But neither Ordered to be engrossed, nor referred to Committees, because they had been sent from the Lord's.

On Tuesday the 22 ^th day of May, Two Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the first, being the Bill for John Tirrell Esq, was read the second time, and Ordered to be engrossed.

Mr. Doctor Louis and Mr. Doctor Yale brought from the Lord's two Bills; one against the untrue Demeanours of Tellors, Receivers, Treasurers, and Collectors; and another for Treasons newly written, and truly examined by the former Book thereof lately passed this House, to the end the same may likewise be Examined by this House, and so then pass accordingly.

M ^r Doctor Vaughan and M ^r Doctor Yale, did pray from the Lord's that this House would send unto them such Bills as are already passed this House, for that their Lordships do tarry for them: and thereupon five Bills were sent unto them, by M ^r Chancellor of the Duchy and others; of which one was the Bill for the River of Welland.

The Bill for coming to Church and receiving the Communion, was Ordered upon the Question to be general as to the body thereof.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon the Bill against taking of any Grain or Victual within five Miles compass of the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, was read the first time.

M ^r Attorney General and M ^r Doctor Haick, brought from the Lord's a Bill against the Oppression of common Promoters.

Four Bills lastly of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the first, being the Bill against fraudulent gifts and Conveyances for defeating of Dilapidations, and the third for Sewers, were each of them read the second time: but no mention is made that they were either Ordered to be engrossed or referred to Committees, because they had been sent from the Lord's.

On Wednesday the 23 ^th day of May, Five Bills of no great moment had each of them their third reading, and passed the House; of which the first was the Bill for the paving of the street without Aldgate.

The Bill that no Hoy or Plate shall cross the Seas, was read the second time, but neither engrossed nor committed, because it had been sent from the Lord's.

Two Bills also had each of them their third reading; of which the second was the Bill for the removing of the Grammar-School from Laughton to Gainsborough.

All these Bills which passed this Day, were sent up to the Lord's by M ^r Treasurer and others.

M ^r Attorney General and M ^r Richard Read, did bring word from the Lord's, that their Lordships prayed Conference with some of this House, touching the Bill for preservation of Timber and Woods, the Bill against Vagabonds, and the Bill for continuance of Statutes: Whereupon were sent unto them the former Committees in the Bill for coming to the Church, and receiving the Communion, whose names see on Saturday the 21 ^th day of April foregoing.

Three Bills lastly had each of them their third reading, and passed the House; of which the second was the Bill for Restitution in Blood of the Children of Sir Thomas Wyat Knight.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon six Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for the Jointure of the Lady Berkley, and the fifth against taking of any Grain or Victual within five Miles compass of the Universities of Oxford or Cambridge, were each of them read the second time; but neither Ordered to be engrossed, nor referred to Committees, because they had been formerly sent from the Lord's.

On Thursday the 24 ^th day of May, the Bill against the untrue Demeanors of Tellors, Receivers, Treasurers and Collectors, was read the second time; but neither Ordered to be engrossed nor referred to Committees. Vide consimile May the 22 ^th Tuesday foregoing.

The Bill for Sewers was read the third time, and a Proviso added to the said Bill was thrice read; whereupon the Bill passed the House.

The Bill also against Bankrupts, and the Bill that no Hoyes nor Plate shall cross the Seas, were each of them read the third time, and passed the House.

All the Bills which last passed the House were sent to the Lord's by M ^r Treasurer and others.

The Bill for the reviving and continuance of Statutes was read the third time.

M ^r Serjeam Barham and M ^r Doctor Huick, did bring from the Lord's a Bill for bringing the River of Lee to the North-side of the City of London.

M ^r Doctor Louis and M ^r Doctor Yale, did bring word that the Lord's pray present Conference with three or four of this House, touching the amendments of the Bill for coming to Church and receiving the Communion; and thereupon were sent M ^r Treasurer and others.

The Bill for not paying for Wares sold for Apparel without ready money, was upon the Question Ordered to be rejected, and not to be revived or any longer continued.

The Bill for carrying out of Leather beyond the Seas, was likewise upon the Question Ordered to be rejected or discontinued.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon two Bills of no great moment had each of them their third reading, and passed the House; of which the first was the Bill for Restitution in Blood of Henry Brereton Esq.

The Bill for maintenance of Tillage was upon the Question Ordered to be revived and continued in such sort as in the Bill for the reviving and continuance of Statutes is contained.

The Proviso to the Bill against Regrators, Forestallers and Engrossers mentioned in the said Bill of Reviver, was read the third time, and passed the House.

An Addition to the old former Statute for preservation of Woods, was read the second time.

Mr. Doctor Yale and Mr. Doctor Vaughan, brought from the Lord's two Bills; the one for coming to Church and receiving the Communion, and the other for the severance of the Sheriffs in the Counties of Bedford and Buckingham, with some amendments: and did also require, that six of this House may presently confer with the Lord's touching the Bill against Bankrupts.

The Bill for reviving and continuance of certain Statutes was passed upon the Question with some Additions and some Substractions.

On Friday the 25 ^th day of May, Mr. Treasurer, Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir Thomas Scott, Sir Henry Morrice, Mr. Serjeant Manwood, Mr. Mounson, Mr. Norton, Mr. Alford, Mr. Cromwell, Mr. Thomas Snagg, Mr. Bedle, Mr. Nicholas S ^t Leger, and Mr. Sands, were appointed to have Conference with the Lord's touching the Bill against Fugitives.

The Bill against taking of any Grain or Victuals within five Miles of the City of London, was read the third time and passed the House.

Mr. Attorney General and Mr. Doctor Vaughan brought from the Lord's three Bills; one for the Incorporation of both the Universities; another for the Incorporation of Weymouth and Melcomb Regis in the County of Dorset; and another for the increase of Tillage, and maintenance of the Navy; with recommendations from the Lord's of the Bill against taking of any Grain or Victual within five Miles compass of the Universities of Oxford or Cambridge, like as their Lordships had done on their parts upon like request of this House in the said Bill concerning Tillage and the Navy.

Mr. Attorney General and Mr. Doctor Huick brought word, that the Lord's pray Conference with some of this House at two of the Clock this Afternoon, touching the Bill for the twelve Shires of Wales, and also present report of the Committees of this House, touching the Bill against Bankrupts.

My Lord Deputy of Ireland, Mr. Comptroller, Sir Nicholas Arnold, Mr. Attorney of the Duchy, Sir Henry Jones, Sir George Blunt, Mr. William Gerrard, and Mr. Bassett, were appointed to attend upon the Lord's touching the Bill of the twelve Shires of Wales.

The Bill against the taking of any Grain or Victual within five Miles compass of the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, being a Bill sent from the Lord's, and specially recommended from them, having at the third reading thereof an Addition or amendment in paper upon the Question affiled unto it, the said Addition or amendment then having been but once read, the Bill was put to the Question, and the House thereupon divided; and afterwards the error aforesaid being found, it was after sundry motions Ordered upon another Question, that the said Addition or amendment being three times read, the Bill should go to the Question again; which being so done, the Bill afterwards passed upon the division of the House accordingly.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon the Bill for the maintenance of the Havens of Plymouth and Dartmouth, &c. was read the third time, and passed the House.

Sir Thomas Smith, Sir William Pawlet, Sir Francis Hastings, Mr. Heneage, Mr. Recorder of London, Mr. Stokes, Mr. Thomas Brown, Mr. Hussy, Mr. John Hastings, Mr. Thomas Snagg, Mr. Strickland, and Mr. S ^t John, were appointed to have Conference with the Lord's touching the Bill against corrupt Presentations.

The Bill for the Incorporation of the Towns of Weymouth and Melcomb-Regis, and the Bill for the increase of Tillage and maintenance of the Navy were each of them twice read.

Mr. Comptroller, Sir Christopher Haydon, Sir Thomas Russell, Sir William Pawlet, Sir Nicholas Arnold, Sir Henry Gate, Mr. Baynton, Mr. Grice, Mr. Strickland, Mr. Seckerson, Mr. Cleere, Mr. John Horsey, Mr. Stanhop, Mr. Hasset, Mr. Edgcomb, and Mr. Laton, were appointed to ..... And here the whole matter breaks off abruptly in the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons, through the negligence of Fulk Onslow Esq Clerk of the same: but it is most probable, that these Committees were nominated in the Bill last before-mentioned, upon the first and second reading thereof.

On Saturday the 26 ^th day of May, the Bill for the River of Lee was read the first time and referred to be considered of by M ^r Comptroller of the Duchy, M ^r Wilson, the Master of Requests, Sir Henry Gate, Sir John White, M ^r Moore, M ^r Holstock, M ^r Grimston, M ^r Baghe, M ^r Robert North, M ^r Henry Cock, M ^r Dacre, M ^r Norton, M ^r Humberston, and M ^r Bowyer.

The Bill against the untrue Demeanors of Tellors, Receivers, Treasurers and Collectors, was read the third time and referred to be considered of by M ^r Treasurer, M ^r Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir Nicholas Arnold, Sir Humphrey Gilbert, M ^r Heneage, M ^r Recorder of London, Mr. Sampoole, Mr. Humberston, Mr. Bedle, Mr. Norton, Mr. Ireby and Mr. Thomas Brown.

The Bill for Incorporating of both the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, was twice read.

Mr. Doctor Louis and Mr. Doctor Huick, brought from the Lord's one Bill touching the limitation, reviving and continuing of Statutes.

The Bills which lastly passed in this House, were sent to the Lord's by Mr. Comptroller and others.

The Bill for the Incorporating of the Towns of Weymouth and Melcomb-Regis, was read the third time and passed the House.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon Mr. Doctor Louis and Mr. Doctor Vaughan, brought from the Lord's one Bill touching the limitation of Fees for Counselors and others towards the Law, which was specially recommended from the Queens Majesty.

Mr. Doctor Yale and Mr. Doctor Vaughan, brought from the Lord's the said former Bill Indorsed, for that the same was delivered without Indorsement.

Mr. Solicitor and Mr. Doctor Yale did desire from the Lord's, that six of this House be presently sent unto them of those which did yesterday confer with their Lordships touching the Bill against Fugitives.

Four Bills lastly of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for increase of Tillage, and maintenance of the Navy, was read the third time and passed upon the Question.

May the 27 ^th Sunday.

On Monday the 28 ^th day of May, the Bill for the Jointure of the Lady Berkley, was read the third time, and passed the House.

The Provisoes to the Bill for the River of Lee, were thrice read and passed with the Bill upon the Question, and sent up to the Lord's by Mr. Chancellor of the Duchy and others.

The Proviso to the Bill for the Jointure of the Lady Berkley was thrice read and passed with the Bill upon the Question, and sent up to the Lord's by Mr. Treasurer and others.

Sir Richard Read and Mr. Doctor Vaughan, brought from the Lord's the Bill for John Tirrell Esquire, with certain amendments.

Mr. Doctor Louis and Mr. Doctor Huick brought word, that the Lord's desire to have six of this House to confer with them presently touching the severance of the Sheriffs in the Counties of Surrey and Sussex. Whereupon Mr. Thomas Brown, M ^r Moor, M ^r Palmer, M ^r Comper, M ^r Morley, and M ^r Bowyer, were appointed and sent to them accordingly.

M ^r Doctor Louis and M ^r Doctor Yale, did desire from the Lord's to know the mind of this House, whether this House can be contented to leave Surrey and Sussex out of the Bill for severance of Sheriffs, if there Lordships shall so think meet: which being opened to the House, it was upon the Question Ordered, that they shall be left out, if the Lord's so will.

All the Privy-Council being Members of this House, Sir Nicholas Arnold, Sir Thomas Scott, Sir Thomas Lucy, Sir Humphrey Gilbert, M ^r Recorder of London, M ^r Mounson, M ^r Yelverton, and M ^r Robert North were, upon some Speeches uttered to this House, that some of the Members of this House should take money for their Voices, appointed to meet this Afternoon in the Star-Chamber, and to Examine what persons, being Members of this House, have taken any Fees or Rewards for their Voices, in the furtherance or hindrance of any Bills offered in this House, and then afterwards to make report of the particularities thereof unto this House accordingly. Vide the residue of this business on the next day following.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon the Bill for shooting in Hand-Guns and Harquebuses, was read the second time and Ordered to be engrossed.

M ^r Doctor Louis and M ^r Doctor Huick, brought from the Lord's the Bill against untrue Demeanors of Tellors, Receivers, Treasurers and Collectors, with a new Proviso; and the Bill for severance of Sheriffs in sundry Counties, Surrey and Sussex being left out.

The Bill for Counselors Fees was read the third time.

M ^r Doctor Huick and M ^r Doctor Vaughan, brought from the Lord's the Bill for the River of Lee, with some Additions and Amendments.

Sir Walter Mildmay, Sir Thomas Smith, Sir John Thynne, M ^r Wilson, Master of the Requests, M ^r Heneage, M ^r Recorder, M ^r Mounson, M ^r Yelverton, and M ^r Bembrick, were appointed to meet here in the Chamber to Morrow in the Morning at seven of the Clock, to consider of the Bill for Counselors Fees.

On Tuesday the 29 ^th day of May, M ^r Serjeant Barham and M ^r Doctor Huick, brought from the Lord's the Bill of the Queens Majesty's General and free Pardon.

The Committees for Examination of Fees or Rewards taken for Voices in the House reported, That they cannot learn of any that hath sold his Voice in this House, or any way dealt unlawfully or indirectly in that behalf, and thereupon M ^r Norton declaring, that he heard that some had him in suspicion, justified himself, and was upon the question purged by the Voice of the whole House, and their good opinion of him, and of his honest and dutiful dealing and great pains taking in the service of this House, were in very good and acceptable part declared and affirmed by the like Voice of the whole House.

The Bill for shooting in Hand-Guns and Harquebuses, was read the third time and passed the House. And the Bill also for the Queens Majesty's most gracious and free Pardon was read.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon the Bill for Counselors Fees (the third reading being yesterday accomplished) was now passed upon the Question.

All the Bills passed were sent up to the Lord's by M ^r Treasurer and others. After which the manner of the Conclusion of the Parliament is Entred in the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons Verbatim as followeth:

About four of the Clock this Afternoon the Queens Majesty being set in her Royal Seat in the Upper House, M ^r Speaker made his Oration, presented unto her Highness the Book of the Subsidy, and in the name of the whole House gave her Majesty most humble thanks for her Highness General and free Pardon; And prayed her Majesty's Royal Assent unto such Acts and Laws as had passed both the Houses in this Sessions. Whereupon her Highness gave her Royal Assent unto forty one Acts, and so Dissolved this present Parliament.

THE JOURNAL OF THE House of LORD'S.

THIS Session of Parliament held in An. 14 Reginae Eliz. although it lasted no long time, yet it containeth in it a great deal of extraordinary matter touching the Proceeding of the House in the business of the Scottish Queen; and towards the Conclusion thereof touching the Privilege of the Members of the same: and that which doth yet somewhat the more enlarge and beautify it, is the Addition of Sir Nicholas Bacon's Speech, being the Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, on the first day of this Session. But howsoever this said Session were in itself short in Continuance, yet considering the two other following Sessions, which with it made but one and the same Parliament, and that the longest of any in this Queens time, it will not prove unworthy (although the aforesaid extraordinary passages wanted) of a careful and methodical setting down. For the second Session being held in An. 18 Regin. Eliz. and the third and last Session in An. 23 Regin. ejusdem, it was continued by many Adjournments and Prorogations (although the House sat but a part of the time) until the final Dissolution thereof upon the 19 ^th day of April in An. 25 Reginae praedictae, after it had lasted about the space of eleven years.

On Thursday the 8 ^th day of May, according to the Writ of Summons that had been sent forth dated at Greenwich the 5 ^th day of May, in the fourteenth year of the Queen, the Parliament held.

Nota, That the Writ of Summons is set down in the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House to have born date the 5 ^th day of May in this fourteenth year, and the Parliament to have begun on the 8 ^th day of May in the same year of the Queen, but three days after the Writ of Summons itself, which is impossible; and it is plain, that the day of the beginning of the Parliament cannot be mistaken, because according to that all the other days through the whole Journal-Book do follow in due form and order: and therefore it is very probable, that the date of the Writ is set down contrary to the Originals themselves, which were dated the 5 ^th day of March, and that the Clerk might mistake. This is likewise very conjecturable in respect that the name of the Month being set down and perhaps abbreviated, it was easily written May for March, and so this incongruity is only the slip and error of the Clerk.

The Queens Majesty was doubtless present herself this day in the Upper House, and was attended by Sir Nicholas Bacon Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, and divers Lord's Spiritual and Temporal; but in the Journal-Book of the Upper House there is no mention made who were present this day, only it may be guessed by the names of such as the said Original Journal-Book setteth down to have been present on Monday the 12 ^th day of this instant May following, which is the first day on which the presence of any Lord's is marked, according to the usual form by the Clerk of the Parliament.

Neither can it possibly be collected or gathered by the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House, or House of Commons, whether her Majesty was present or no. For as concerning the Journal of the House of Commons it appeareth only, that divers of the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses of the said House of Commons did this day take the Oath in that Case accustomed. And therefore the chief ground I had to conclude that her Majesty was this day personally in the Upper House, was a Copy I had by me of the Lord Keepers Speech made there this day in the public Assembly of both Houses, in the end of which he gives direction to the House of Commons to Elect their Speaker; which shows also that the said Speech in divers Copies thereof is falsely attributed to the eighteenth Year of her Majesty, which was but the second Session of this Parliament, and no Speaker Elected in it; and therefore this Error seemeth only to have grown through the fault of Transcribers and the ignorance of such as suffered so groundless an Error to stand.

The said Speech therefore of the Lord Keeper, pronounced by her Majesty's Commandment, was as followeth, viz.

THE Queens Majesty, our most Dread and Gracious Sovereign Lady, hath given me Commandment to declare unto you the Causes of the Summons of this Assembly for a Parliament to be holden here at this time; wherein albeit I mean to employ my whole endeavor to the uttermost of my power and understanding, yet I must needs confess, that neither shall you have it done as the Majesty of this presence, neither as the gravity of the Cause requireth it to be done. And yet the often Experience that I have divers and sundry times had of the Queens Majesty's great benignity and gentleness in bearing with and well accepting the doings of those that to her Service put their good wills and diligences; And besides all, the proof of your Patience in the like matter hath so much encouraged me, that (as I trust) it shall be done although not cunningly nor eloquently, yet plainly and truly, so as it may be well understood and easily born away, and therewith also as briefly as the greatness of such a matter will suffer. True it is, the original and principal cause is, that things there propounded may be orderly and diligently debated, deeply considered, and thereupon wisely concluded. And to the end also that those Conclusions so made, the rather for such an universal Consent as in Parliament is used, remain firm and stable.

Now the matters that are in this Parliament to be proved, do consist altogether in two parts. The former is in matters of Religion, for the better maintenance of God's Honor and Glory. The second in matters of Policy, for the more perfect upholding and establishing of the Queens Majesty's Royal Estate, and the preservation of the Common-Weal committed to her Charge. The Causes of Religion are again to be divided into two, that is into matters of Doctrine and Discipline. The thing of Policy I mean also to part into other two, that is, into matter concerning the good Government of the Subjects at home, and into causes of defense against the Enemy abroad.

And thus by this Process you see you are, as indeed you ought,

First, To consider in this your Assembly of God's cause, which faithfully, sincerely and diligently done, like as it cannot but bring success to all the rest, so likewise lukewarm, deceitful and double-dealing therein cannot but breed, nourish and bring forth Factions, Divisions, Seditions, &c. to the great peril and danger of all the rest. And the greater that the personages be in Authority and Dignity that thus deal, the greater of necessity must be the danger of the Common-Weal. And because God's Law and Doctrine being the first Law and branch must light upon ourselves that ought to take the benefit of it, as first and chiefly upon Ministers of this Doctrine, either for not preaching and teaching by word and example of life so purely and reverently as they might, or else not so diligently as they were bound.

And secondly upon us for not hearing it so desirously, or else hearing it and forgetting it, or not following it so effectually as we should.

Thirdly, For that many of us of the Laity do not yield and give that estimation, countenance and credit to the Ministers of his Doctrine which of right they ought to have, and that many greatly hurt the setting forth of it: For this one thing may be holden firm by the Rules of good Government, that all Officers both Spiritual and Temporal that have Governance, during the time of their Offices, ought to be preserved in Credit and Estimation. For how can anything be well set forth by them that want Credit? Marry for my part let the time of their Offices last as their doings do deserve.

Fourthly, Because the want of the number of Ministers that ought to be and be not, and for the insufficiency of those that be for diverse respects. But therein the Queens Highness doubteth nothing but all that which the difficulty of time in so great a scarcity of men meet to be Ministers will suffer to be done, shall by my Lord's the Bishops be done in this behalf, and that as speedily, diligently and carefully as can be. And if any person admitted or to be admitted to this Ministry shall hereafter either of Arrogancy or Ignorance, show any strange Doctrine contrary, or varying from that which by common consent of the Realm is published, to the breach of Unity, that he by those to whom it appertaineth, sharply and speedily be reformed, all favor and fear set apart.

Thus much for Doctrine. You are most earnestly also to think and consider of the Discipline of the Church as one of the strong Pillars of Religion, which doubtless at this time hath two great lacks. The first the imperfection of Laws for the countenance of it; which hath grown either by reason that sundry of the Ordinances made for that purpose, be disused or otherwise have not their force; or else for that most of the Laws that remain be such as for their softness few men make account of.

The second imperfection is the slothfulness, corruption and fearfulness of the Ecclesiastical Ministers and Officers in the due Execution of those Laws that be good and yet continue. True and too true it is, that hereby at this present two great Enormities daily grow: The former that men of wealth and power given to be evil may in their Countries live what dissolute and licentious life they list, and both Temporally and Spiritually offend daily in all the branches of Simony, the very Canker of the Church without feeling of this Discipline.

The second, That many of the laudable Rites and Ceremonies of the Church, or pertaining to the Ministers of the same agreed upon by common consent, the very Ornaments of our Religion are very ill kept, or at least have lost a great part of their Estimation. And here (through the many faults for want of Discipline) to remember you of one particular matter of great moment. How cometh it to pass that the common people in the Country universally come so seldom to Common-Prayer and Divine Service, and when they do come, be many times so vainly occupied there, or at least do not there as they should do, but for want of this Discipline?

And yet to the help of this there was at the last Parliament a Law made, but hitherto no man, no, no man or very few hath seen it Executed; as plainly to speak, Laws for the furtherance of this Discipline unexecuted be Rods for Correction without Hands. It cannot be denied but as Superstition is every way to be abhorred for fear of Idolatry; so certainly the loss of this Discipline is always to be avoided, lest else contempt (that necessarily must follow) may cause Irreligion to creep faster in than a man would think. For of all other it is the most pestilent and pernicious thing, never suffered nor allowed in anyCommon-Weal, nay not amongst the Heathens that were most barbarous. But here it may be said the mischief appeareth, where is the remedy? and that it were better not opened in such a presence, than opened without the remedy both devised and declared.

In mine opinion the remedies may easily be devised: all the difficulty is in the well Executing of them. As first, if the chief Parsonages of this Realm, both in Town and Country, would give good Example, it cannot be but it would be much to the remedying of a great part of this mischief.

Secondly, The dividing everyone of the Dioceses according to their greatness into Deaneries, as I know commonly they be; and the committing of the Deaneries to men well chosen, as I think commonly they be not: and then the keeping of certain ordinary Courts at their prescript times for the well Executing of those Laws of Discipline, as they ought to be, with a sure controulment of those inferior Ministers by the Bishop or his Chancellor, not biennially or triennially, but every year twice or thrice: which use of necessity without very great difficulty may do much in very short time to the reformation of this, the chief Officers Ecclesiastical all being very well, and the Laws themselves being first made sufficient and perfect, which in this Parliament may very well be brought to pass.

And because the proceedings of matters in Discipline and Doctrine do chiefly concern my Lord's the Bishops, both for their understanding and Ecclesiastical Function, therefore the Queens Highness looketh that they being called together here in Parliament, should take the chiefest care to confer and consult of these matters. And if in their Conference they found it behooful to have any Temporal Acts made for the amending and reforming of any of these lacks, that then they will exhibit it here in Parliament to be considered upon, and so Gladius Gladium, juvabit, as before time hath been used; foreseeing always that all Laws and Ordinances for this matter of Doctrine and Discipline be uniform, and so one sort throughout the whole Realm. And thus much concerning Religion, being the first part.

Now to the second, that is, matters of Policy. And herein first for the good Government of the Subjects at home, the lacks and defaults whereof as in Discipline so in this stand altogether in the imperfection of Laws, or else the fearfulness, slothfulness and corruption of Temporal Officers, that ought to see the due Execution of them. For the help of the former, you are to Examine whether any Laws already made are too sharp or too sore, and so over-burdensome for the Subject, or whether any of them are too loose or too soft, and so over-dangerous to the State; for like as the former may put in danger many an Innocent particularly, so the second may put in danger both the nocent and innocent, and the whole State universally. You are also further to Examine the want and superfluity of Laws, and whether crafty Covetousness and Malice have devised any means to defraud Laws already made, or how to do any injuries for which there is no Law that hath his being to reform it: or whether the Common-Weal and State of this Realm, by reason of any imperfection or cause, is like to fall to any danger or peril; for the greater the danger is, the greater would the care and consideration be for the remedy of it. You are also to Examine whether there are too many Laws for any one thing, which breedeth so many doubts, that the Subject is sometimes to seek how to observe them, and the Chancellor how to give advice concerning them.

As to the second imperfection, which is the want of the due Execution of Laws; because I cannot perceive but all the rest and all Laws made and to be made is but a vain matter, therefore I have thought oft with myself what might be the best remedy, if not to make all Laws perfectly Executed (for that I can hardly hope of) yet to make them in much better Case than now they be. And when I had considered all things, I could find no help but this: The first by having great care in the choice of those Officers that have the Execution of Laws. The second, to do as much as may be for the banishing of sloth, corruption and fears from them. A third way there is which I leave to your judgments, this it is: there should be a triennial or biennial Visitation in this nature, made of all the Temporal Officers and Ministers that by virtue of their Office have in charge to see the Execution of Laws. By this I mean that the Queens Majesty should make choice every second or third year of certain expert and approved persons, to whom Commission should be granted to try out and examine by all ways and means the offenses of all such as have not seen to the due Execution of the Laws according to the offices and charges committed to them by the Prince. And the offenses so found and certified to be sharply punished without remission or redemption. Of effect much like this, and to the like end was the Visitation of the Church first devised; whereof, in the beginning of it, came great good doubtless; and reason I see none but the like good ought to follow upon like Visitation made amongst Temporal Officers. And the old Commission of Oyer tended somewhat to this end. I doubt certainly if the Laws and Statutes of this Realm should not indifferently, uprightly and diligently be put in Execution (as my trust is they shall) especially in the great and open Courts of this Realm, then my burden, I confess, is equal with the greatest, and yet for my part, I would gladly every year hear of, and yield to such a Comptroller.

Now to the last and greatest, which is the defense against the Foreign Enemy abroad and his Confederates brought up and bred amongst us ourselves, because these matters be by reason now chiefly in hand, and that the dealings of the outward Enemy be matters that go to the whole, and that this presence you know representeth the whole; Therefore in all congruity it seemeth reason that all we for and in the name of the whole consider carefully of this cause, and give present assistance for the help of it. And to the end you may be more able to give good Counsel and advice therein, it hath been thought meet I should summarily and shortly make you privy of these proceedings, which shall be the better understood if I begin at the root as I intend:

This it is: The Queens Majesty at her coming to the Crown finding this her Realm in a ragged and torn State, and yet in Wars with a mighty Enemy, the Chief Fortress of the same lost, to the Realms great dishonor and weakening; her Frontier Towns not sufficiently fortified, the Revenue of the Crown greatly spoiled, the Treasure of the Realm not only wasted, but the Realm also greatly indebted; The Land of Ireland much out of order; The Staple and Store of all kind of Munition for the Realms defense marvelously consumed; The Navy and Sea matters nothing in the State they now be, was forced to give Ear to a Peace with some other Conditions than else it is like her Highness would have come to, to the end that these dangerous defaults might be in the time of Peace sufficiently for the security of the Realm provided for. Whereupon indeed her Highness (Peace being concluded) entered into the reforming and supplying of most of all those great lacks, and for the well-doing of them hath not forborne to take any care or pains, neither hath she sticked for the compassing of this both to spend her own Treasure, to sell her own Lands, to prove her own Credit at home and abroad to the uttermost, and all this for our Sureties and quiet. (Here want the Causes why the Queens Highness sent her Forces to lie in assisting the Admiral and others against the Guises, and a Declaration of the great charges that grew thereby.)

Thus have you heard the sum of those Proceedings; whereby it is plain and evident, that as our most Dear and Gracious Sovereign Lady, hath for the preservation of common quiet, and for our own Surety against the common Enemy, for born no care or travel in the devising, no more hath she charge or expense in the performing. I may safely affirm it, because I am well able to prove it, that the Charges of the managing of these Affairs, and that that hath been done since the Queens Majesty came to the Crown in supplying the dangers aforementioned, amount to as much as two of the greatest Subsidies that I can remember; a matter not possibly to be born for that which is past, nor to be continued for that which is to come by the ordinary Revenue of the Crown, and yet of necessity to be done, except all (which God forbid) should run to ruin: If when any part of the natural body happeneth to be in danger, the head and every part hasteth to the relief; what would then be done trow ye, when peril is offered, that the Head should take the whole care and bear the whole burden, and all the Members remain uncareful and uncharged therewith? How light a burden it is when it is born of many, is understood of us all. But hereof I make a stay, because there is no doubt your good wills and towardness upon these Considerations be such, as this last Speech of mine needeth not, and so doubtless the Queens Highness taketh it. And yet your Wisdoms well know, that the Office of this place which I occupy, craveth thus much to be said at my hands, and for that purpose chiefly could I trust you take it, and not for any necessity to draw them by persuasion that otherwise of their own disposition be forward enough. The Declarations of the Proceedings being uttered, I do assure myself to suffice to men of your understanding and inclination. For how can a man think that any is so void of reason, that he would not gladly offer any aid against a Foreign Enemy, that he were able to make for the safety of his own Country, his Sovereign, himself, his Wife and Children; especially when by reason it is plain, that the Queens Majesty hath already, and daily doth employ her own Treasure, yea, and her Lands and Credit, not in any Glorious Triumphs, superfluous and sumptuous Buildings of delight, vain and chargable Embassages, neither in any other matters of will and pleasure; I mean, no Expence to be noted in a Prince of thirteen Years Reign, but as far as man can judge in the Service of her Realm and necessary defense for her people, and for the annoyance of the Enemy. Yet hath it been seen ere this, that Princes Wills, Pleasures and Delights, have been followed in Expences as necessities. And now God be thanked the doings have been such since the Queens Highness Reign, that to the indifferent man it will be probable and plain, that the relieving of the Realms necessity is become the Princes Delight; a good Change, God continue it, a marvelous good Example for us to follow, and yet it is scant credible how long it was, and in the end with what difficulty the Queens Majesty came to agree that this Example should be followed by us, in being content that this Parliament should be Summoned, that it might be moved that the Realm might contribute to the Realms defense, with such difficulty indeed, that if any other way could have been devised (her Honor and Realms Surety saved) this had never been attempted: So loath she is to any offensive matter by burden or charge, that if any other way could have been devised, this had not been: and so from her own Mouth she Commanded me to say unto you.

Oh what a grief it is to a Prince (trow you) when he findeth such want that he is not able so to consider of the Service of his Servants and Subjects; this dangerous and necessary Service, as their deserts do crave! knowing that most commonly the very life and heart of the Servant, and Soldier which so often offereth himself to the Cannon, the Pike, the Fire, is either over-thrown or set up as regard is had of his perils. Except there be some odd men (as they call them) of that perfection, that virtue and well-doing is their mark, and not reward, who hold for firm, that Recti facti merces est fecisse tantum, but Rara avis in terris, &c. Yea, those are so rare as counsel cannot be given that Princes Service should hang on the help of such hope, and yet these be the perfectest and best, but the World is not served by such. To give good words is a good thing, but often used, albeit never so cunningly, without Deeds or Service, is reputed but as Wind, and is indeed dare verba. Marry, power serving not, then it deserveth great Commendations; for it is as much as can be done: for ultra posse non est esse. But hereof thinketh little the greatest number. But to a Prince who thinketh thus much, and daily thinketh and feeleth of it, what a tormenting trouble is such a want think ye? These wants when they happen, would be, ought to be most holpen. But here I have troubled you further than I meant, or perchance needed. If I have so done, I pray you apply it to the best as I meant it, and so there must needs come good of it.

And thus no further to trouble you but to make an end. You have heard First, the causes of this Assembly. Secondly, What I think meet to be remembered. Thirdly, What for the Governance of the Subject at home, and what hath been done for the defense of the Enemy abroad; your Offices and Duties, to be careful to consider of these matters, which I have the rather summarily remembered than effectually discoursed upon. The former pertaineth to my Office as a Remembrancer. The second to you as Executors of these remembrances. And because you of the Nether House cannot without a Head thus do, therefore it resteth, that you according to your ancient Order, of yourselves choose some wise and discreet man, who after he hath been by you chosen and presented, and that presentation by the Queens Majesty allowed, shall then be your Speaker, and Day is given, &c.

This Speech being thus transcribed out of the Copy I had of it, as is aforesaid; now follow the names of the Receivers and Tryors of Petitions out of the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House, which the Clerk of the same readeth in French as soon as the Lord Keepers Speech is ended, and which were as followeth.

Receivers of Petitions for England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland.

Sir Robert Catlin Knight, Chief Justice of the Kings-Bench, Sir William Cordell Knight, Master of the Rolls, Sir John Widdon Knight, one of the Justices of the ----- Sir Richard Read K ^t , one of the Justices of the ----- and D ^r Huick; and they that will deliver Petitions, are to deliver the same within six days next ensuing.

Receivers of Petitions for Gascoigne and other Lands beyond the Seas and the Isles.

Sir James Dyer Knight, Chief Justice of the Common-Pleas, Sir Edward Sanders Knight, Lord Chief Baron, Richard Weston, one of the Justices of the ----- John Southcott, one of the Justices of the ----- Doctor Lewis, Doctor Yale and Doctor Vaughan: and they that will deliver Petitions, are to deliver the same within six days next ensuing.

Triors of Petitions for England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Earl of Oxford, the Earl of Sussex, the Earl of Huntingdon, the Earl of Bedford, the Bishop of London, the Bishop of Winchester, the Bishop of Eli, the Lord Howard of Effingham, Lord Chamberlain of the Queens House, the Lord Windsor, and the Lord North. All these or four of them calling unto them the Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, and the Treasurer, and the Queens Serjeants when need shall require, shall hold their place in the Chamberlains Chamber.

Triors of Petitions for Gascoigne and other Islands beyond the Seas.

The Archbishop of York, the Earl of Lincoln, Lord Admiral of England, the Earl of Leicester, the Earl of Essex, the Bishop of Worcester, the Bishop of Lincoln, the Bishop of Rochester, the Lord Burleigh Principal Secretary, the Lord Wentworth, the Lord Buckhurst. All they or four of them calling to them the Queens Serjeants, Attorney and Solicitor when need shall require, shall hold their place in the Treasurer's Chamber.

Hodie retornatum est breve Dom. Reginae quo Henricus Compton de Compton Chevalier praesenti Parliamento interesse summonitus est, qui praesens admissus est ad suum praeheminentiae sedendi in Parliamento locum, salvo cui{que} jure suo.

And two other Writs were returned in like manner, by which Henry Cheyney of Toddington, and Henry Lord Norris of Ricott, were Summoned to be present this Parliament, who were accordingly admitted to their due places, saving to all others their right.

Nota, That there is no entrance in the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House, of any Continuance or Adjournment of the Parliament by the Lord Keeper, which doubtless happened through the great negligence of Anthony Mason Esq at this time Clerk of the said House.

There were also divers Proxies returned on this present Thursday, being the 8 ^th day of May, but whether before or after the Continuance of the Parliament appeareth not; in which two Spiritual Lord's Constituted each of them two Proctors apiece, according to the usual and frequent manner, and are therefore omitted; but four other Bishops nominating either three Proctors apiece or but one, which is somewhat extraordinary, therefore they are here inserted.

Die 8 ^o Maij, introductae sunt literae Procuratoriae Hugonis Episcopy Landaven. in quibus Procuratores suos constituit Nicolaum Wigorn., Richardum Meneven, & Nicolaum Bangoren. Episcopos.

Eodem die introductae sunt literae Procuratoriae Jacobi Dunelmensis Episcopy, in quibus Procuratorem suum constituit Edmundum Archiepiscopum Ebor.

Eodem die introductae sunt literae Procuratoriae Johannes Herefordensis Episcopy, in quibus Procuratores suos constituit Matthaeum Cantuariensem Archiepiscopum & Edwin. London. & Nicolaum Wigorn. Episcopos.

Eodem die introductae sunt literae Procuratoriae Thomae Assavensis Episcopy, in quibus Procuratores suos constituit Robertum Wintonien, Nicolaum Wigorn., ac Nicolaum Bangoren. Episcopos.

Now although it be most usual for the Spiritual Lord's to name two Proctors, yet here four of six varied from it, three of them exceeding that number, and the other nominating but one. It is likewise as usual for the Temporal Lord's to Constitute but one Proctor, and it is an Action worthy observation where they nominate more; for in this very Parliament of fifteen Temporal Lord's that sent Proxies, but one nominated two Proctors: which see afterwards, on Monday the 12 ^th day of this instant May following, and all the rest Constituted but one Proctor apiece, which being trivial and ordinary are omitted.

Nota, Also that the Earl of Leicester had this Parliament eight Proxies sent unto him, viz. from George Earl of Shrewsbury, Edward Earl of Darby, Henry Lord Scroop, Edward Lord Dudley, Anthony Viscount Mountacute, Gregory Lord Dacres, William Lord Sands, and Edward Earl of Lincoln; all which seem to have been returned on Monday the 12 ^th day of this instant May, in such order as they are here set down.

Nota, That the Lord Burleigh also Principal Secretary to her Majesty, had six Proxies sent unto him this Parliament, viz. from John Marquess of Winchester, Henry Lord Hunsdon, Thomas Lord Buckhurst, John Lord Latimer, Edward Earl of Lincoln (who made also the Earl of Leicester his joint Proctor with him) and Robert Lord Rich. These also are set down in the Journal-Book to have been returned the 12 ^th day of May in such order as they are here set down; but now by a late Order made in the Upper House an. 2 ^do Caroli Regis, no Lord is capable of above two Proxies.

Nota, That in the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House it doth not appear at all whether her Majesty or any of the Lord's were present on Saturday following being the tenth day of this instant May, (it appearing plainly, that neither House sat on Friday the 9 ^th day of the same) nor what was done thereon, and therefore the Passages of the same are supplied out of the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons.

On Saturday the 10 ^th day of May (in the Afternoon) her Majesty being come to the Upper House, with divers of the Lord's Spiritual and Temporal, being there also set, and the Knights, Citizens, Burgesses and Barons of the House of Commons having notice repaired thither with Robert Bell of the Middle-Temple London Esq their Speaker Elect, who was led up unto the Rail or Bar, at the lower end of the said Upper House, by two of the most Eminent Personages of the Commons, and presented to her Majesty, whom she allowed and Confirmed in the said place of Prolocutor or Speaker, notwithstanding his Excuse made, and disabling himself according to the usual form.

After which the said Speaker being now fully and absolutely invested in his said place, did after his humble thanks rendered to her Majesty, in the Conclusion of his Speech make certain Petitions of course in the behalf of himself and the House of Commons, viz. for the free access to her Majesty, freedom of Speech, and freedom from Arrests and Suits during the Continuance of the Parliament, and for Pardon for himself if he should in anything unwittingly mistake or offend. All which being graciously allowed by her Majesty, she arose and departed.

Nota, That there is no entrance in the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House of the Continuance or Adjournment of the Parliament, which doubtless happened through the great negligence of Anthony Mason Esq, now Clerk of the same. For it is plain, the Lord's did sit again on Monday following in the Forenoon, to some hour of which it is most likely it was continued, and the passages whereof, as also of all the other days on which the said House sat, do now in order follow out of the aforesaid Original Journal-Book of the same.

May the 11 ^th Sunday.

On Monday the 12 ^th of May, to which day the Parliament had been last continued (as is most likely) the presence of the Lord's is first noted in the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House, which were as followeth (their Names only being altered into English.)

• The Archbishop of Canterbury.
• The Archbishop of York.
• Sir Nicholas Bacon Knight, Lord Keeper of the Great Seal of England.
• The Marquess of Winchester.

Comites.
• The Earl of Oxford Great Chamberlain of England.
• The Earl of Kent.
• The Earl of Worcester.
• The Earl of Rutland.
• The Earl of Sussex.
• The Earl of Warwick.
• The Earl of Pembroke.
• The Earl of Hartford.
• The Earl of Leicester.
• The Earl of Essex.
• Viscount Bindon.

Episcopy.
• The Bishop of London.
• The Bishop of Winchester.
• The Bishop of Eli.
• The Bishop of Worcester.
• The Bishop of S ^t David's.
• The Bishop of Salisbury.
• The Bishop of Bath and Wells.
• The Bishop of Coventry and Litchfield.
• The Bishop of Peterborough.
• The Bishop of Norwich.
• The Bishop of Chester.
• The Bishop of Bangor.
• The Bishop of Lincoln.
• The Bishop of Exeter.
• The Bishop of Rochester.

Barones.
• The Lord Howard of Effingham, Chamberlain to the Queen.
• The Lord Burleigh, Secretary to the Queen.
• The Lord Abergaveny.
• The Lord Strange.
• The Lord Dacres.
• The Lord Stafford.
• The Lord Grey of Wilton.
• The Lord Mountjoy.
• The Lord Darcy.
• The Lord Mounteagle.
• The Lord Sands.
• The Lord Windsor.
• The Lord Wentworth.
• The Lord Burrough.
• The Lord S ^t John of Basing.
• The Lord Cromwell.
• The Lord Evers.
• The Lord Wharton.
• The Lord Willoughby of Parham.
• The Lord Pagett.
• The Lord Darcy of Chich.
• The Lord North.
• The Lord Chandois.
• The Lord S ^t John of Bletsoe.
• The Lord Buckhurst.
• The Lord De la Ware.
• The Lord Compton.
• The Lord Cheyney.
• The Lord Norris.

This day also by Order and Consent of the whole House, were appointed to confer with such number of the House of Commons as should please the said House to appoint, for the more speedy and better direction of them in the great matter touching the Queen of Scots, these Lord's undernamed, viz.

• The Archbishop of Canterbury.
• The Archbishop of York.
• The Earl of Oxford.
• The Earl of Kent.
• The Earl of Worcester.
• The Earl of Sussex.
• The Earl of Warwick.
• The Earl of Bedford.
• The Earl of Leicester.
• The Earl of Essex.
• The Bishop of London.
• The Bishop of Winchester.
• The Bishop of Eli.
• The Bishop of Lincoln.
• The Bishop of Rochester.
• The Lord Chamberlain.
• The Lord Burleigh.
• The Lord Grey.
• The Lord Windsor.
• The Lord Wentworth.

The Lord North, and the Lord Chandois. Who were appointed to meet in the Star-Chamber, at eight of the Clock in the Morning the next day. Vide on Wednesday May the 28 ^th ensuing.

The Bill for preservation of Wood and Timber was read prima vice & Commissa Archiepiscopo Cantuar., Comiti Lincoln., Comiti Sussex, Comiti Leicester, Episcopo Elien., Episcopo Wigorn., Episcopo Meneven., Domino Howard, Domino Camerario, Domino Burleigh, Domino Windsor, Domino 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 Wentworth, Domino Pagett, Domino Chandois, Domino Buckhurst, & Justiciario Southcott & Justic. Weston.

The Bill for punishment of Vagabonds, and for relief of the poor was read prima vice & Commissa Archiepiscopo Cantuar., Comiti Huntingdon, Comiti Rutland, Comiti Pembroke, Comiti Hertford. Episcopo London. Episcopo Wigorn., Episcopo Meneven, Episcopo Bangor., Domino Grey, Domino S ^t John, Domino Evers, & Domino S ^t John de Bletsoe, & Justiciario Harper, & Christophero Wray Servienti ad Legem.

Nota, That here a Bill is not only committed upon the first reading, but a Judge who is but a mere Assistant unto the Upper House, and a Serjeant who is but a meen Attendant thereon, are made joint Committees with the Lord's as in the Bill foregoing.

Dominus Custos magni Sigilli continuavit praesens Parliamentum us{que} in diem Crastinum hurâ Octavâ.

This day also was brought in the Proxy of Edward Earl of Lincoln into the Upper House, and as it seemeth the Proxies of fourteen other Temporal Lord's, viz.

One Marquess, two Earls, one Viscount, and ten Barons.

But there is no mention made in the Original Journal-Book whether they were returned before or after the Continuance of the Parliament, according to the usual form as aforesaid, which was in the Afternoon of this present Monday, where each Temporal Lord nominateth one Proctor, and therefore were admitted; but the Earl of Lincoln nominating two Proctors, which is somewhat extraordinary, is transcribed out of the Original Journal-Book as followeth.

12 ^th Maij introductae sunt literae Procuratoriae Edwardi Comitis Lincoln. in quibus Procuratores suos constituit Robertum Comitem Leicester, & Willielmum Dominum Burleigh.

On Tuesday the 13 ^th day of May, to which day the Parliament had been last continued, the Bill against corrupt Presentations was read Primâ vice.

Nota, Because the daily continuing of the Parliament in these words, Dominus Custos magni Sigilli, &c. is but matter of course, it is afterwards through the whole Journal-Book omitted, unless something extraordinary fall out either in respect of the person, time, or manner of continuing of it.

On Wednesday the 14 ^th day of May, to which day the Parliament had been last continued on the day next foregoing, divers Lord's Spiritual and Temporal Assembled, but nothing was done save only the Continuance of the Parliament by the Lord Keeper to the day next following, at eight of the Clock.

On Thursday the 15 ^th day of May, to which day the Parliament had been yesterday continued, the Bill for the punishment of Vagabonds and relief of the Poor was read secunda vice: but there is no mention made that it was either Ordered to be engrossed or referred to Committees, of which doubtless there can be no other reason, (seeing it was not sent up from the House of Commons) than the negligence of the Clerk of the Upper House, in respect that it is easy to be conjectured, that this foregoing Bill was either Ordered to be engrossed or recommitted to the former Committees, whose names see on Monday the 12 ^th day of this instant May foregoing.

On Friday the 16 ^th day of May, the Bill against Forging and Counterfeiting of Foreign Coin being not currant within the Realm, was read prima vice.

On Saturday the 17 ^th day of May, the Bill against Forging and Counterfeiting of Foreign Coin being not currant within the Realm, was read secunda vice, & commissa ad ingrossand.

The Bill against corrupt Presentations was read secunda vice & commissa Comiti Huntingdon, Com. Bedford, Episcopo Wigorn. Episcopo Wintonien. Domino Grey, & Domino S ^t John de Bletsoe. Vide concerning this Bill on Saturday the 31 ^th of this instant May following.

The Bill also for the annexing of the Jurisdiction of Dorset to the See of Sarum, was read prima vice & commissa Archiepiscopo Cantuar. Archiepiscopo Ebor. Comiti Bedford, Comiti Pembroke, Vice-Com. Bindon, Episcopo Wigorn. Episcopo Exon. Episcopo Lincoln. Episcopo Roffen. Domino Mountjoy, Domino S ^t John, Domino Chandois.

The Bill lastly for punishment of Vagabonds and relief of the Poor, was read tertia vice & conclusa.

May the 18 ^th Sunday.

On Monday the 19 ^th day of May, to which day the Parliament had been last continued. The Bill for the punishment of Vagabonds and relief of the Poor, was delivered to Doctor Louis and Doctor Vaughan, to be carried to the House of Commons.

The Bill also against Forging and Counterfeiting of Foreign Coin being not currant within the Realm, was read tertia vice, and sent to the House of Commons by Doctor Yale and Doctor Huick.

The Bill lastly for punishment of such as shall rebelliously take or detain from the Queens Majesty any Castle, Tower, Fortress, Ship or other Munition of War, was read prima vice.

On Wednesday the 21 ^th day of May, to which day the Parliament had been on Monday last continued, three Bills were brought up to the Lord's from the House of Commons, of which the first being the Bill that the Tenant and Defendant may have a Tales de circumstantibus, and the second against the deceit of Under-Collectors of the Tenths and Subsidies of the Clergy, were each of them read prima vice.

On Thursday the 22 ^th day of May, introducta fuit Billa nova touching corrupt Presentations, & prima vice lecta.

Six other Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the third being the Bill touching corrupt Presentations; another that the Tenant and Defendant may have a Tales de Circumstantibus, as well as the Demandant or Plaintiff; and the last being the Bill against deceits of Under-Collectors of the Tenths and Subsidies of the Clergy, were each of them read secunda vice: but no mention is made that they were either Ordered to be engrossed or referred to Committees, because they had been sent to their Lordships from the House of Commons the day foregoing.

On Friday the 23 ^th day of May, Two Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill against deceits of Under-Collectors of the Tenths and Subsidies of the Clergy, was read tertia vice & conclusa.

Three other Bills also were each of them read secunda vice & commissae ad ingrossand.; of which the third was the Bill against such as shall conspire or practice the enlargement of any Prisoner committed for High-Treason, &c.

On Saturday the 24 ^th day of May, Two Bills of no great moment had each of them their third reading and passed the House; of which the second was the Bill against such as shall conspire or practice the enlargement of any Prisoner committed for High-Treason.

The Bill that the Tenant or Defendant may have a Tales de Circumstantibus, as well as the Demandant or Plaintiff, was sent to the House of Commons by Serjeant Barham and Doctor Huick.

Five Bills also were brought up to the Lord's from the House of Commons; of which the last was the Bill for the inserting of the Manor of Havering at Bowre in a blank and void place in certain Letters Patents of the late King Edward the Sixth, made unto certain persons of certain Lands and Tenements in the County of Essex.

On Wednesday the 28 ^th day of May, Six Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the fourth being the Bill touching Fine and Recoveries, was read secunda vice & commissa Comiti Rutland, Comiti Suff., Comiti Huntingdon, Domino Wentworth, Domino North, Domino primario Justiciario Com. Placitorum, primario Baroni Scaccarii, & Justiciario Wray.

Nota, That here the Judges who are but Assistants unto the Upper House, are made joint Committees with the Lord's.

The Bill of Wood (which had been read prima vice on Monday the 12 ^th day of this instant May foregoing, and then committed to those whose names are there set down, was now recommitted to the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Earl of Sussex, the Earl of Huntingdon, the Earl of Bedford, the Earl of Leicester, the Bishop of Worcester, the Bishop of Chichester, the Lord Chamberlain, the Lord Burleigh, the Lord Wentworth, the Lord Chandois, the Lord Norris, the Master of the Rolls, Justice Weston, Justice Southcott, and M ^r Serjeant Barham.

But whether this Bill had its second reading at this present or upon some other day foregoing, doth not certainly appear, but seemeth to have been omitted through the negligence of Anthony Mason Esq at this time Clerk of the Upper House: Neither do there want Presidents that Bills after the first reading have been referred to Committees, when there hath been no mention made of any second reading; nay sometimes when the Bill hath had its second reading on a former day, as it was in the Bill for the Commission of Sewers referred to Committees on Saturday the 21 ^th day of April in the Parliament de an. 13 Regin. Eliz. in the Journal of the Upper House, it is afterwards committed: and sometimes it is committed when it hath its second reading at an after-day, as it was at this present Journal in the Bill touching Tunbridge-School, on Monday the 9 ^th day of June ensuing.

For the great matters touching the Scottish Queen (which had been referred to Committees on Monday the 12 ^th day of this instant May foregoing) were appointed these Lord's; viz.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Earl of Sussex, the Earl of Leicester, the Bishop of Lincoln, the Lord Burleigh, and the Lord Grey; Vide touching this matter on Tuesday the 10 ^th day of June next ensuing.

On Thursday the 29 ^th day of May, the Bill for the annexing of Hexham and Hexamshire, &c. was sent up to the Lord's from the House of Commons.

The Bill for the inserting of the name of the Manor of Havcring at Bowre in a blank or void place, was read the second time; but no mention is made that it was either Ordered to be engrossed or referred to Committees, because it had been sent from the Lord's on Saturday the 14 ^th day of this instant May foregoing.

The Bill for the preservation of Timber and Fuel within twelve Miles of London and Subburbs of the same, was read secunda vice and committed to the Earl of Worcester, the Earl of Rutland, the Earl of Essex, the Lord Abergavenny, the Lord S ^t John of Bletsoe, and the Lord Compton.

The Bill for the assurance of certain Lands, according to the meaning of Sir Thomas Woodhouse for the benefit of certain Infants, was read secunda vice.

The Bill for repeal of a Statute made for the Town of Shrewsbury an. 8 Reginae Eliz. was read secunda vice, and committed to the Earl of Bedford, the Earl of Essex and others.

The Bill also touching Presentations to Benefices by lapse was read the second time and committed unto the Archbishop of York, the Earl of Rutland, the Earl of Hartford, the Bishop of Worcester, the Lord Cromwell, the Lord Ewers, Justice Southcott, and Justice Wray.

The Bill for keeping of the Assizes and Sessions in the Town of Stafford, and the Bill for annexing the Sheriffwicks of Huntingtonshire and Cambridgshire, were each of them read secunda vice & Commisse ad ingrossand.

The Bill lastly touching Sea-Marks, and that no Hoy or Plate shall cross the Seas, was read prima vice and committed to the Earl of Suffolk, the Earl of Leicester, the Lord Burlcigh, the Lord Darey de Chich. the Lord Cheyney, the Lord Norris, Serjeant Barham, and Doctor Louis.

Nota, That this is not committed only upon the first reading, but also a Serjeant and a Doctor who are but Attendants upon the Upper House, are here made joint Committees with the Lord's.

On Friday the 30 ^th day of May, Two Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for inserting of the name of the Manor of Havering at Bowre in a blank and void place of certain Letters Patents of the late King Edward the Sixth, made unto certain persons of certain Lands and Tenements in West-ham in the County of Essex, was read the third time and passed the House.

On Saturday the 31 ^th of May, Four Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the third being the Bill for renewing of a Statute made for the keeping of the Assizes and Sessions within the Town of Stafford, was read tertia vice & conclusa. And the fourth and last being the Bill against corrupt Presentations was read secunda vice & commissa to the Earl of Rutland, the Earl of Sussex, the Lord Chandois, and the former Lord's nominated on Saturday the 17 ^th day of this instant May foregoing, where this Bill was then read the second time, and then committed.

On Monday the second day of June, Two Bills had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for the assurance of certain Lands and Tenements according to the meaning of Sir Thomas Woodhouse, for the benefit of certain Infants, was read tertia vice & conclusa.

On Tuesday the third day of June, Two Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill to renew a Statute made an. 1 ^o of the Queens Reign, inhibiting the transporting of Leather, or Raw-Hides out of the Realm, was read secunda vice & commissa ad ingrossand.

On Wednesday the 4 ^th day of June, the Bill touching a Statute made an. 1 ^mo of the Queens Reign, inhibiting the transporting of Leather or Raw-Hides, was read tertia vice & conclusa, and sent down to the House of Commons by Serjeant Barham and Doctor Huick.

Four Provisoes annexed by the Commons to the Bill for Vagabonds, with certain other Amendments in the said Bill, were read secunda & tertia vice & conclusa communi Procerum assensu.

Three Bills were brought up to the Lord's from the House of Commons; of which the first being the Bill for avoiding of Recoveries suffered by Collusion of Tenants for term of life and such others, was read prima vice.

The Bill touching Mary the late Scottish Queen, was Ordered to be engrossed.

The Bill for avoiding of Recoveries suffered by Collusion of Tenants was committed to the Earl of Rutland, the Earl of Sussex, and others; but there is no mention made whether this Bill was at all read: of which see a like President on Wednesday the 28 ^th day of May foregoing.

On Thursday the 5 ^th day of June, the Bill touching Mary the Daughter and Heir of James the Fifth late King of Scots, was read tertia vice & conclusa, and sent to the House of Commons by Serjeant Barham and the Queens Attorney.

Five Bills were brought up to the Lord's from the House of Commons, of which the second being the Bill against such as shall conspire or practice the enlargement of any Prisoner committed for High-Treason, and the third for annexing of Hexham and Hexhamshire to the County of Northumberland, were each of them returned conclusae.

The Bill for the better and further assurance of certain Lands and Tenements to the maintenance of the Free Grammar-School at Tunbridge in the County of Kent, was read prima vice, and committed to the Archbishop of York, the Earl of Bedford, the Earl of Hartford, the Bishop of Chichester, the Bishop of Rochester, the Lord de la Ware, the Lord Norris, the Master of the Rolls and Justice Southcott. Vide concerning this Bill on Monday the 9 ^th day, Tuesday the 10 ^th day, and on Wednesday the 11 ^th day of this instant June following.

The Bill that no Hoy or Plate shall cross the Seas, and touching Sea-Marks, was read secunda vice & commissa ad ingrossandum.

Dominus primarius Justiciarius Banci Regis continuavit praesens Parliamentum us{que} in horam secundam post meridiem.

Nota, That this continuance of the Parliament, with some others that follow by the Lord Chief Justice of the Kings Bench, was not without some express Authority given him by her Majesty; but through the great negligence of Anthony Mason Esq at this time Clerk of the Upper House, it doth not appear in the Original Journal-Book of the same, whether the said Authority were given by Commission or otherwise.

About which hour in the Afternoon four Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the third being the Bill for the true making of Hand-Guns, Callivers, &c. and the last for Partition of certain Lands between the Lord Latimer and Sir Robert Wingfeild K ^t , and their Heirs, were each of them read prima vice.

Dominus Primarius Justiciarius Banci Regis continuavit praesens Parliamentum us{que} in diem Crastinum hora nona.

On Friday the 6 ^th day of June, Four Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill against flying with long-winged Hawks under certain degrees, was read prima vice.

Dominus Primarius Justiciarius Banci Regii continuavit praesens Parliamentum us{que} in diem Crast. hora nona.

On Saturday the 7 ^th day of June, Four Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the third being the Bill for the true making, proving and marking of Callivers, Muskets, Hand-Guns, Dags and other small Ordnance, was read secunda vice, and committed to the Earl of Bedford, the Earl of Hartford, the Earl of Leicester, the Earl of Essex, the Lord Grey, the Lord Evers, the Lord North, the Lord Chandois, and the Lord Norris, and to Justice Harper.

And the fourth and last being the Bill touching Hawks and preservation of Game, was read secunda vice, and committed to the Earl of Bedford, the Earl of Hartford, the Lord Darcy, the Lord Chandois, the Lord S ^t John de Bletsoe, the Lord