The Journals of Parliaments

and then upon the Conclusion thereof, sent down to the House of Commons.

The Bill also touching John Taylor and M ^r Terril being read primâ vice, was committed. Quod nota, that a Bill was committed upon the first reading, which is seldom used till the second.

Another Bill also touching Fines and Recoveries, was read and committed.

On Saturday the 4 ^th day of February, to which day the Parliament had on Wednesday last past been Adjourned, Billa for the maintenance and strengthening of the Borders against Scotland, and two other Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading.

On Monday the 6 ^th day of February, Two Bills were each of them once read; whereof the latter was for coming to Church, hearing of Divine Service, and receiving of the Communion.

On Tuesday the 7 ^th day of February, Three Bills had each of them one reading; whereof the last was touching Leases made by Corporations.

On Wednesday the 8 ^th day of February, A Bill touching the Hospital of Ledbury in the County of Hereford, was read secundâ vice & commissa ad ingrossandum.

On Thursday the 9 ^th day of February, the former Bill touching the Hospital of Ludbury, &c. was read the third time, and upon the Conclusion thereof was sent down to the House of Commons.

On Saturday the 11 ^th day of February, to which day the Parliament had been last Adjourned, the Lord Chancellor and divers Lord's met in the Forenoon, but nothing was done, saving the continuance of the Parliament unto two of the Clock in the Afternoon the same day; at which hour meeting also, nothing was done but only the Parliament again Adjourned to a further day.

On Monday the 13 ^th day of February, to which day the Parliament had been on Saturday last Adjourned. There were three Bills each of them once read; whereof the last being a Bill for the fortifying of the Frontiers towards Scotland, was read the third time, and after the conclusion thereof sent down to the House of Commons.

On Wednesday the 15 ^th day of February, to which day the Parliament had been last Adjourned, the Lord Chancellor and divers Lord's met in the Upper House, but no Bills were read, only the Lord Chancellor continued the Parliament to nine of the Clock in the Forenoon the day following.

On Thursday the 16 ^th day of February, Billa for increase of Mariners and Navigation of England, was read prima vice; and another Bill also of no great moment had its first reading.

On Saturday the 18 ^th day of February, to which day the Parliament had been last Adjourned, four Bills were sent up to the Lord's from the House of Commons; whereof the last was an Act for Explanation of a Statute against forging of Evidences and Writings, which with the other three Bills, had each of them their first reading.

On Monday the 20 ^th day of February, to which day the Parliament had been last Adjourned, the Bill touching the Lord Compton, &c. was read primâ vice.

Two Bills also were brought up to the Lord's from the House of Commons (which are more particularly expressed in the Journal of that House.)

On Tuesday the 21 ^th day of February, Three Bills also were sent up to the Lord's from the House of Commons; whereof the last was an Act ratifying an award between some private persons, but there is no mention in the Original Journal-Book of any Bill read this Morning, but only of the continuance of the Parliament according to the usual form.

On Wednesday the 22 ^th day of February, Five Bills had each of them one reading; whereof the first was a Bill against Counterfeiting of the hands of any of her Majesty's Privy-Council, and for the avoiding of counterfeit Instruments and Writings under Seal, or counterfeiting of the Seal of any Office or Officer, which said Bill was read prima vice.

On Thursday the 23 ^th day of February, Two Bills had each of them one reading; of which the latter being a Bill against slanderous words and rumors, and other seditious practices against the Queens Majesty, with a new Addition of certain Amendments, was read secundâ vice.

It should rather seem that only the Addition and Amendments which had been inserted de novo into this aforesaid Bill, were now read the second time; for the Bill itself had passed the Upper House upon the third reading on Monday the 30 ^th day of January foregoing, and was the same Forenoon sent down to the Commons House, and there passed; and from them was sent up again to the Lord's on Monday the 20 ^th of this instant February last past, with a new Addition and certain Amendments: So that the Bill itself which hath once passed the House is never read again, but only such new Additions and Amendments as are inserted in it must be passed again de novo, because they are of the same nature as if a new Bill were brought in.

On Saturday the 25 ^th day of February, to which day the Parliament had been last Adjourned; was read a Bill touching Fines and Recoveries secundâ vice; and another Bill of no great moment had also its second reading.

Memorand. that on this foresaid 25 ^th day of February being Saturday, which day was before given to certain Parties then in difference for assignation of some Errors supposed by them to be in a certain Suit Commenced against them: M ^r Cooper came in for the said Plaintiff, and openly before the Lord's in the Parliament House, assigned the Errors; after the hearing whereof the Lord Chancellor with consent of the Lord's, Ordered that the Plaintiff should have a scire facias returnable either the first day of the next Session, or the first day of the next Parliament.

On Monday the 27 ^th day of February, to which day the Parliament had been last continued, the Bill for Explanation of the Statute against forging of Evidences and Writings, was read primâ vice; and another Bill of no great moment was read secundâ vice: Then were there two Bills of no great moment sent up to the Lord's from the House of Commons; whereof the first had its first reading.

Three other Bills finally after this, were each of them once read; whereof the last being a Bill touching my Lord Compton, &c. was after the second reading committed to be engrossed.

On Tuesday the 28 ^th day of February the Bill for ratifying an Award in the Chancery concerning Copyhold and Customary Tenants of the Manors of Moore and Newman, Synderich, Knyhton and Pensokes, in the County of Worcester, was read secundâ vice: after which also seven other Bills had each of them one reading; of which the fourth Bill being as the rest of no great moment, was after the passing of it sent down to the House of Commons. But the first Bill of the said seven which was touching the Inning of Erith and Plumsted-Marsh, being upon the third reading concluded; yet it was Ordered by the Lord's that the same Bill should be staid from the sending of it down to the House of Commons, until the Parties had brought in their several Bonds.

On Wednesday the first day of March, the Bill for the Explanation of the Statute against forging of Evidences was read tertiâ vice: which coming to the Question, and the numbers of the Contents on the one side, and the numbers of the Not-contents on the other side found to be equal and alike with their Proxies, it was Commanded to be laid up in the Desk till the next Parliament.

On Thursday the second day of March a Bill for the increase of Mariners and maintenance of Navigation, was after the second reading, committed to be engrossed. Five Bills also were sent up to the Lord's from the House of Commons; whereof the first was the Subsidy Bill, the other four of no great moment. The Bill also for the Confirmation of a Subsidy granted by the Clergy primâ & secundâ vice lecta, & commissa ad ingrossandum. There were two other Bills each of them read once this Morning; whereof the first being a Bill for the punishment of those who should counterfeit the hands of any of her Majesty's Privy-Council, or the Seals of others, was after the third reading rejected. Quod nota, because it is feldom seen that any Bill after it hath passed the third reading should be rejected.

Then was the Parliament continued by the Lord Chancellor unto two of the Clock in the Afternoon; at which time the Lord's meeting, there were only two Bills read primâ vice; whereof the first was the Subsidy Bill, and then the Lord Chancellor Adjourned the Parliament unto the day following.

On Friday the third day of March, Six Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; whereof the last was a Bill that Gavelkind Lands within the County of the City of Exeter may be Inheritable as Lands at the Common Law, which was read the third time and concluded.

Nota, That this Custom of Gavelkind (by which all the Sons do Inherit the Lands of their Ancestors equally) is not only in Kent, but hath been also in the City of Exeter in the County of Devon. and as is very probable either is, or hath been in other parts of the Kingdom.

The Lord Chancellor continued the Parliament unto two of the Clock in the Afternoon; about which time the Lord's meeting, the Bill for the grant of a Subsidy and two Fifteenths and Tenths by the Temporalty, was read secundâ vice.

On Saturday the 4 ^th day of March, were four Bills of no great moment each of them once read; whereof the first being a Bill for the confirmation of a Subsidy granted by the Clergy, was after the third reading concluded.

M ^r Oughtred that was sent for by Order of the Lord's, made his appearance, and to him day was given for bringing of his Council on Tuesday next, and the same day was also appointed for my Lady Marquess of Winchester.

This Forenoon finally, two Bills of no great moment were sent up to the Lord's from the House of Commons, and one Bill for the assurance of an yearly rent to the Bishop of Coventry and Litchfield in Fee, was tertiâ vice lecta; and then sent down from the Lord's to the said House of Commons.

On Monday the 6 ^th day of March, to which day the Parliament had been last Adjourned, were two Bills of no great moment read; whereof the first was touching Fines and Recoveries.

On Tuesday the 7 ^th day of March, Six Bills were brought up to the Lord's from the House of Commons; whereof the last was for keeping of the Queens Majesty's Subjects in due obedience: there were two Bills also each of them once read; whereof the last touching Fines and common Recoveries, was after the third reading sent down to the House of Commons.

This day appeared before the Lord's, as was appointed, the Lord Marquess with his Council on the one side, and the Council of the Lady Marquess on the other side, and M ^r Oughtred for himself; The Lord Chancellor with consent of the Lord's, after hearing of all the Parties, and upon Conference, thought it best for the better Expedition of the matter, that certain of the Lord's, if the Parties consented thereunto, should have the hearing of all the Controversies betwixt them, and of the several accounts of M ^r Oughtred; to which the Parties being called again, everyone for himself did personally assent, only further Order was taken that the Lady Marquess should deliver her assent the next day by her Council. The Lord's that were named to hear the said Controversies were these, which were chosen by the Parties themselves, the Lord Chancellor, the Lord Treasurer, the Lord Chamberlain, and the Earl of Bedford; and for the Causes between the Lord Marquess and the Lady Marquess, were chosen by the said Parties, the Lord Chancellor, Lord Treasurer, Lord Chamberlain, and the Lord Buckhurst.

Then the Lord Chancellor continued the Parliament unto two of the Clock in the Afternoon, at which hour the Lord's meeting, Three Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; whereof the last being a Bill touching the Lord Zouch, was read secundâ vice, and then committed to be engrossed.

On Wednesday the 8 ^th day of March, Three Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; whereof the last was Billa for keeping the Queens Majesty's Subjects in their due Obedience.

Two Bills also were brought up to the Lord's from the House of Commons; whereof the last being a new Bill for the fortifying of the Borders towards Scotland (which they returned with a former Bill passed by the Lord's before with great deliberation to the same purpose, and sent down to them so passed with the same title) it gave the Lord's much distaste, because they thought this course to be both derogatory to the superiority of the place, and contrary to the ancient course of both Houses; and as they misliked the disorder, so was it their pleasure that this their misliking should be entered in the Records of Parliament, lest so evil an Example might hereafter be abused, as a precedent. Vide plus de ista materia die 10 Martii sequente.

Then the Lord Chancellor continued the Parliament unto two of the Clock in the Afternoon, at which the Lord's meeting, four Bills had each of them one reading; whereof the first being the Bill for the Grant of a Subsidy and two Fifteenths and Tenths by the Temporalty, was read tertiâ vice & communi omnium Procerum assensu conclusa.

On Thursday the 9 ^th day of March, Five Bills had each of them one reading; whereof the first being a Bill for restitution in Blood of Philip Earl of Arundel, was read primâ vice.

On Friday the 10 ^th day of March, were five Bills read; the first three being of no great moment had each of them one reading, the fourth being a Bill for restitution in Blood of two of the Saintlegers, was read secundâ & tertiâ vice, and then was sent down to the House of Commons with another Bill for the Earl of Arundels restitution, which had likewise passed the Lord's this Forenoon. The new Bill lastly for the fortifying of the Borders towards Scotland was read primâ vice.

Nota, That though the Lord's did take great offense at the House of Commons for sending up this new Bill unto them, and rejecting a former Bill by them passed and sent down to the said House of Commons, which had been framed by them to the same purpose, without acquainting their Lordships first upon what grounds or for what reasons they had rejected the former Bill (as may be seen at large on Wednesday the 8 ^th day of March foregoing;) and though their Lordships did then likewise Order that this Act should be Entred in the Records or the Upper House as a thing derogatory to the dignity thereof, yet it pleased their Lordships not only on this Friday this 10 ^th day of March to give the said new Bill its first reading, but on Tuesday the 14 ^th of March following caused it to be read the second time, and on the next day following being Wednesday having added certain amendments unto it, did finally upon the third reading conclude and pass it. Vide Martii 17 postea.

One Act lastly for the repair of Dover Haven, was sent up to the Lord's from the House of Commons, which was read primâ vice.

On Monday the 13 ^th day of March, to which day the Parliament had been last Adjourned, Five Bills were sent up to the Lord's from the House of Commons; of which the first being an Act for the true making, melting and working of Wax, with two others were read primâ vice.

Six other Bills also were read this Morning; of which the fifth being a Bill for restitution in Blood of Anthony Mayney, was read secundâ & tertia vice, and so concluded; but the rest had each of them but one reading and no more.

On Tuesday the 14 ^th day of March, Four Bills had each of them one reading; of which the last being a Bill for the fortifying of the Borders towards Scotland was read secundâ vice.

On Wednesday the 15 ^th day of March, Three Bills had each of them one reading apiece; of which the last being the Bill for the fortifying of the Borders towards Scotland was read tertiâ vice, and so concluded: Six Bills also were sent up to the Lord's from the House of Commons; of which the last being a Bill touching Iron-Mills near unto the City of London, on the River of Thames, was read primâ vice.

On Thursday the 16 ^th day of March, Two Bills had each of them one reading; whereof the last being a Bill touching deceit in dying of Cloths, was read tertia vice, and then sent down to the House of Commons.

On Friday the 17 ^th day of March, Two Bills were brought up to the Lord's from the House of Commons; whereof the first was for the fortifying of the Borders towards Scotland, with request that certain words might be left out for that they were superfluous.

It seemeth the Commons having formerly given the Lord's distaste about this Bill (as may appear on Wednesday the 8 ^th day of March last past) did now send unto them about some amendments, which their Lordships had added to the said Bill, which before they would alter or once read (for the Bill itself had already passed both Houses) they gave them notice thereof on this instant Friday the 17 ^th day of this instant March, desiring as may easily be collected) that some supefluous words might be put out of the said amendments: whereupon it seemeth the Upper House did yield to this respectful and seasonable request of the Commons (although it be not mentioned in the Original Journal-Book;) for the Bill being altered according to their desires, and sent down again to them this Forenoon, they there presently passed the said amendments, and returned the Bill concluded.

Two other Bills were also sent up to the Lord's from the House of Commons; of which the first being a Bill for the repressing of seditious practices against the Queens Majesty, was read primâ & secundâ vice.

On Saturday the 18 ^th day of March, the Bill for the increase of Mariners and maintenance of the Navigation returned from the House of Commons conclusa with certain amendments, and a Proviso added by them which was read primâ, secundâ & tertiâ vice, & communi omnium procerum assensu conclusa est.

Two other Bills also of no great moment; (whereof the last touching Iron-Mills about the City of London, &c. was read tertiâ vice & communi omnium procerum assensu conclusa, with certain amendments, and two Provisoes to be taken out, were sent down to the House of Commons.

Then was Entred the continuance of the Parliament in these words, viz. Dominus Cancellarius continuavit praesens Parliamentum us{que} in horam secundam post meridiem.

At which hour the Lord's meeting, the two former Bills last above-mentioned, which had been sent down to the House of Commons, were returned from them up to the Lord's again concluded.

Not long after the Lord's were set, her Majesty came to the Upper House, and the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses of the House of Commons having notice of her Majesty being there, with John Popham their Speaker repaired unto the said House, and as many as could conveniently being let in, the said Speaker standing at the Rail or Bar at the lower end of the Upper House, after his humble reverence made, and some expressions of his zealous affection towards her Majesty, and humble acknowledgment of her many gracious favors towards him, he then proceeded according to the usual course to desire her Majesty's Assent to such wholesome Laws as in this Session of Parliament had passed either House; and withal did in the name of the House of Commons humbly offer unto her Majesty the Bill of one Subsidy and two Fifteens and Tenths, as a small testimonial of their unfeigned Lovalty, and thankful acknowledgment of the great happiness they enjoyed under her Majesty's most gracious Government.

To which Speech the Lord Chancellor, having received instructions from her Majesty, Answered, that she did graciously accept the said Speakers many dutiful expressions, and did well allow of those wholesome Laws they had made, hoping that all such whose places it might concern, would be careful to put them in Execution: And lastly concluded with her Majesty's thankful acceptance of the aforesaid Subsidy, Fifteenths and Tenths, granted unto her by the House of Commons.

Then were the Titles of all the public and private Acts read in their due Order, and her Majesty's Assent thereunto, and then the Bill of Subsidies, to which the Clerk of the Parliament standing up, did read the Queens Answer in manner and form following:

La Roigne remercie ses loiaulx subjects, & accept leur henevolence & ainsi le veult.

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

Les Prelates Seigneurs & Communes en se present Parlement assembles an nom de touts vous autres Subjects remercient tres humblement vostre Majesty, & prient a dieu que ils vous donne sante bonne, vie & long.

Nota, That here to the Subsidy Bill, because it is the mere gift of the Subject, the Queens Consent is not required for the passing of it, but as it is joined with her thankful acceptance; nor to the Bill of Pardon, because it is Originally her free gift, is other circumstance required than that the thankful acceptance thereof by the Lord's and Commons be likewise expressed, it being but once read in either House, before it come thus at last to be expedited.

Then followed the Prorogation of the Parliament, which is Entred in the Original Journal-Book in manner and form following.

Dominus Cancellarius ex mandato Dominae Reginae tune praesentis, Prorogavit praesens Parliamentum us{que} in vicesimum quartum diem Aprilis proximum futurum.

At which day this said Parliament was again Prorogued, and so was still continued by sixteen other Prorogations, each after other, till it was at last Dissolved upon the 19 ^th day of April in the twenty fifth year of her Majesty's Reign; the substance of all which Prorogations, with the manner of the Dissolution, doth next follow.

Nota, The word or term Adjourned is used for Prorogued throughout.

Vicesimo quarto die Aprilis, in quem diem Prorogatum fuerat hoc praesens Parliamentum, Sir Thomas Bromley Knight Lord Chancellor, the Bishop of London, and the Lord Cromwell, Commissioners, &c. did Adjourn the Parliament ad & in 29 diem Maii.

Vicesimo nono die Maii, in quem diem Prorogatum fuerat praesens Parliamentum, The Parliament was by the Lord Chancellor, the Earl of Darby, and the Bishop of Sarisbury, Commissioners, &c. Adjourned ad & in 12 diem Junii.

Duodecimo die Junii, in quem diem Prorogatum fuerat, &c. The Parliament was by the Lord Chancellor, Lord Treasurer, and five other Commissioners, Adjourned ad & in 28 diem jam instantis Junii.

Vicesimo octavo die Junii, Anno 23 Eliz. Reginae, in quem diem Prorogatum fuerat hoc praesens Parliamentum, The Parliament was by the Lord Chancellor, the Earl of Arundell, and the Lord Dacres, Commissioners, &c. Adjourned ad & in 26 diem Julii prox. futurum.

Vicesimo sexto die Julii, Anno 23 Eliz. Reginae, The Parliament was by Sir Thomas Bromley Lord Chancellor, and three other Commissioners, Adjourned ad & in 12 diem Augusti, Anno 23 Eliz. Reginae, prox. futurum.

Vicesimo primo die Augusti, Anno 23 Eliz. Reginae, in quem diem Prorogatum fuerat, &c. The Parliament was by the Lord Wentworth, and the Bishop of London, Commissioners, &c. Prorogued ad & in quintum diem Octobris prox. futurum.

Quinto die Octobris, Anno 23 Eliz. Reginae, The Parliament was by the Bishop of London, and the Lord Dacres, Prorogued by virtue of the Queens Majesty's Commission, &c. ad & in 23 diem Novembris prox. futurum.

Vicesimo tertio die Novembris, Anno 24 Eliz. Reginae, The Parliament was Adjourned by Sir Thomas Bromley Lord Chancellor, and Edward Lord Stafford, by virtue of the Queens Majesty's Commission, ad & in quintum diem Decembris prox. futurum.

Quinto die Decembris, Anno 24 Eliz. Reginae, The Parliament was by the Lord Chancellor, and Edward Lord Stafford, Adjourned according to the Queens Majesty's Commission in that behalf, &c. ad & in 18 diem Januarii prox. futurum.

Decimo octavo die Januarii, Anno 24 Eliz. Reginae, The Parliament was Adjourned by the Lord Chancellor, the Lord Treasurer, the Bishop of London, and the Lord Howard of Effingham, by virtue of the Queens Majesty's Commission, ad & in duodecimum diem Februarii proxime futurum.

Duodecimo die Februarii, Anno 24 Eliz. Reginae, The Parliament was Adjourned by the Lord Chancellor, the Lord Treasurer, the Bishop of London, and the Lord Buckhurst, by Virtue of a Commission, ad & in 12 diem Martii prox. futurum. Upon which said 12 ^th day of March in the same twenty fourth year of her Majesty's Reign, the Lord Chancellor, and other Lord's met, and Prorogued the Parliament unto a further day, which after five other Prorogations was at last Dissolved, all which follow in their several places, viz.

Duodecimo die Martii, Anno 24 Eliz. Reginae, The Parliament was by the Lord Chancellor, the Bishop of London, and Gregory Lord Dacres, by virtue of a Commission, Adjourned ad & in 26 diem Aprilis prox. futurum.

Vicesimo sexto die Aprilis, Anno 24 Eliz. Reginae, The Parliament was Adjourned by the Lord Chancellor, one Earl, one Bishop, and two Lord's, by virtue of a Commission, ad & in 26 diem Maii prox. futurum.

Vicesimo sexto die Maii, Anno 24 Eliz. Reginae, The Parliament was Adjourned by the Lord Chancellor, and Roger Lord Morley, by virtue of a Commission, &c. ad & in decimum diem Octobris prox. futur.

Decimo die Octobris, Anno 24 Eliz. Reginae, the Parliament was in usual form Adjourned by the Bishop of London, and Gregory Lord Dacres, by virtue of a Commission, &c. ad & in 29 diem Novembris prox. faturum.

Vicesimo nono die Novembris, Anno 25 Eliz. Reginae, The Parliament was in usual manner Adjourned by the Bishop of London, and Gregory Lord Dacres, by virtue of a Commission, &c. ad & in 24 diem Januarii prox. futurum. Nota the word Adjourned is used for Prorogued.

Vicesimo quarto die Januarii, Anno 25 Eliz. Reginae; the Parliament was in usual form Adjourned by the Lord Chancellor, the Lord Treasurer, and the Bishop of London, by virtue of a Commission, &c. ad & in 19 diem Aprilis prox. futurum.

Memorand. quod hodierno die, decimo nono die Aprilis, Anno Regni 25 Elizabethae Reginae, in quem diem Prorogatum fuit hoc praesens Parliamentum, convenere Proceres, tam Spirituales quam Temporales, quorum nomina subseribuntur, Thomas Bromley Miles Cancellarius Angliae, Wilhelmus Dominus Burleigh, Dominus Thesaurarius Angliae, Philippus Comes Arundell, Franciscus Comes Bedford, Johannes Episcopus London, Edwardus Dominus Stafford, Fredericus Dominus Windefor, Henricus Dominus Hunsdon, Henricus Dominus Norris; Qui cum convenissent, Thomas Bromley Miles Dominus Cancellarius Angliae literas Regias Commissarias Anthonio Mason Clerico Parliamenti publice legendas in manus tradidit, virtute quarum Dissolutum est hoc praesens Parliamentum.

THE JOURNAL OF THE House of COMMONS.

THIS Session in Anno 23 Reginae Eliz. Anno Domini 1580. maketh but one and the same Parliament with that in Anno 14 Reginae Eliz. Anno Domini 1572. which was the first Session of it, and with that in Anno 18 Eliz. Reginae Anno Domini 1575. which was the middle and second Session of the same: so that this present Assembly of the Peers and Commons of the Realm in this their great Council, was but the third and last Session of it, being one and the same Parliament as aforesaid, continued still, each after other, without any Dissolution, near upon the space of twelve years by fourscore several Prorogations, or thereabouts, viz. from Thursday the 8 ^th day of May in the sourteenth year of the Queen, on which said Thursday it first began, until the Dissolution thereof on the 19 ^th day of April, Anno 25 Reginae Eliz. Anno Domini 1583. In this said third and last Session finally, besides many good Passages touching the Orders and Privileges of the House, there fell out an unusual dispute in the same concerning the appointment of a public Fast, which in the end occasioned her Majesty's displeasure and inhibition thereof.

The Parliament began upon this present Monday the 16 ^th day of this instant January, to which it had been last Prorogued; both the Lord's and Commons did each of them Assemble and meet in their several Houses, as at any other ordinary time without pomp or solemnity, this being as hath been observed, no new Parliament, but the last Session of that Parliament which had been first begun on Thursday the 8 ^th day of May in Anno 14 Reginae Eliz. Anno Domini 1572. and continued by many several Prorogations and Adjournments unto this present Monday, at which day divers of the Knights of the Shires, Citizens of Cities, Burgesses of Burroughs, and Barons of the Ports did appear and sit down in the House of Commons; but the number of them was not great, partly by reason of sundry former Prorogations of the same Session made so near unto the days thereof appointed; and partly also for that many of the Knights, Citizens, Burgesses and Barons since the last former Sessions were changed, some by Death, and some by other occasions, and new returned in some of their places, and in some others none, which now could not sit in the House till they had first taken the Oath for acknowledging the Queens Highnesses Supremacy over all Estates within her Majesty's Realms and Dominions; which as then was not done, neither could then be done because there was then no Lord Steward at all named or appointed for that purpose, according to the form of the Statute in that case made and provided.

And being so set, Sir Francis Knolles Knight Treasurer of her Majesty's most honorable Household stood up, and putting the House in remembrance as well of the Death of Sir Robert Bell K ^t , late Lord Chief Baron of her Highness Exchcquer, their Speaker since the last Session, by reason whereof the House was then without a Speaker, and could not therefore proceed in anything; as also of some course to be taken for procuring her Majesty's Commandment to choose another Speaker, he declared unto them that as it was well known by often experience and usage, that at the first Summons or beginning of a Parliament, the Order is in that case to sit still till the House be sent for to the Upper House there to receive her Highness Commandment to choose a Speaker; so was it now uncertain what Order should be used when a Speaker dying after a former Session Prorogated, a new is to be chosen in another Session ensuing holden by such Prorogation, in which Case he said there were not many Precedents to his knowledge, albeit yet one within our Memory which was in the eighth year of her Majesty's Reign, when Richard Onslow Esquire the Queens Majesty's Solicitor was chosenSpeaker in that Session de an. 8 Reginae Eliz. which made but one and the same Parliament with the former Session held in Anno 5 Reginae ejusdem, in which Thomas Williams Esq had been Speaker, and died before the said second Session held by Prorogation in the said eighth year of the Queen; he offered a Copy of that precedent, but because M ^r Fulk Onslow the Clerk was present sitting as Clerk, and had there his Original Book of notes, out of which the said Copy was taken, he was Commanded to read it out of his Book which was to this purpose.

But in respect it is omitted both in the foul Copy which Fulk Onslow now Clerk of the House of Commons took concerning the Passages of this Session of Parliament, fol. 1. a. and also in the fair written or perfected Copy of the Journal of this said Session (out of both which this present Journal is collected and enlarged) fol. 106. b. therefore (it being a Precedent useful) I have supplied it out of the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House in the Parliament de Annis 8, & 9 Reginae Eliz. Anno Domini 1565. in manner and form following, viz.

That on Monday the 30 ^th day of December in the eighth year of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth, a new Session of Parliament being holden by Prorogation at Westminster, and the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses according to their usual Order and Custom meeting thereupon in the House of Commons, did there find that Thomas Williams Esq their late Speaker in the first Session of this Parliament holden in the fifth year of the said Queen Eliz. was dead, and that the said Commons falling by that means into Consultation what course was fittest to be taken in respect that until a new Speaker was chosen, no business could be Entred upon or expedited in the said House, did at length all resolve as the best course to send certain of the most eminent Personages, being Members of the said House, up unto the Lord's to desire likewise their advice and assistance in whatsoever their Lordships in that Case should think fittest to be done. And thereupon their Lordships joining four Members of their House with four more of the House of Commons, did advise that with all humbleness and speed they should all jointly repair to her Majesty, and make intimation of their said Estate, and so further desire to know her pleasure therein: And her Majesty did accordingly most graciously on the next day, being Tuesday the first day of October, send her Commission under the Great Seal of England, directed unto the Lord Keeper, by which the said Knights, Citizens and Burgesses of the House of Commons were Authorized to Elect and choose a new Speaker, which accordingly they did, and thereupon presented him being Richard Onslow Esquire the Queens Solicitor, on the very next day following, being Wednesday the second day of October.

But notwithstanding this precedent, some were of opinion (although they did not utter it, because they supposed themselves not warranted to treat of anything, much less of any dealing with the Upper House without a Speaker, or without her Majesty's Commandment) that this was the only precedent that could be shown in such manner of proceeding, and was but an innovation, and not warranted upon good grounds, but rather subject to inconvenience and peril. So first they thought it was a breach of Duty to the Queen, that we should enter into that or any other Consultation before her Majesty's Pleasure known touching a Speaker.

Item there was no warrant to resolve us anything, so that there was no person to take the Voices or moderate the Consultation.

Item those who should go on such Message, could have no good warrant to deliver it in the name of the House, when the House could treat of nothing.

Item it had some inconvenience of drawing a special Prerogative to those of the House that were of her Majesty's Council from the rest of the House.

Item it had greater peril of precedent to draw the Petitions of the House to her Majesty, to be done by mediation of the Upper House; and they thought it to stand much in duty and humility to the Queen, not to presume to make such Petition, or to make difference in proceeding upon a Parliament newly Summoned, and a Session of Parliament held by Prorogation as it is used upon new Summons, so to sit still in all humility, expecting that the House should be sent for to the Upper House, there to receive her Majesty's Pleasure and Commandment to choose a Speaker; which her Pleasure might either be delivered by the Lord Chancellor in her Majesty's Presence, or in her absence by Commission, as in Cases of Prorogations and such like doings is used. And for that it might be doubted how her Majesty should have notice that the Speakers place was void: it was to be Answered, that the House itself judicially hath no notice but by relation of his Death as her Majesty hath. And her Majesty hath the more certain notice, for that herself had made Sir Robert Bell Lord Chief Baron, and so his place of Speaker void as some thought, although some others thought that the Chief Baron may be Speaker, and she had since his Death made a new Chief Baron, viz.

Nota, That this Argument doth very solidly and fully prove, that the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses of the House of Commons ought not at this time to have joined with the Upper House in Petitioning the Queen for liberty to choose a new Speaker, in respect that her Majesty could not but take notice of it as well as themselves, and the rather at this present because she had first made Sir Robert Bell Knight their former Speaker Chief Baron of the Exchequer, by which many supposed his place of Speaker was void in the said Commons House, because he was to be called by Writ as a necessary attendant of the Upper House; and lastly, because her Majesty had now afterwards also upon his Death, made another Chief Baron in his room: by all which it appeared most plainly as is before urged, that her Majesty could not but know as well as themselves that the said place of Speaker was void.

But whether M ^r Fulk Onslow the now Clerk of the House of Commons did conceive these reasons in his own mind, and so by communicating them unto others of the said House, and finding them to concur in the same opinion, did thereupon Enter them in the Journal-Book of this Parliament, or whether others of the House did first conceive it themselves, and utter it to him in private in the said House; yet certainly it having not been openly spoken in the House as appears by his own setting of it down, but privately muttered, it ought to have been Entred as a private opinion, and not as any part of the Journal, and to have been distinguished by being written in some other different hand, from that in which the rest of the Journal was set down or the like.

But yet notwithstanding all those foresaid reasons already set down, it was at last agreed by the greater number of the few Voices that the said Precedent should be followed which had before passed in the eighth year of her Highness Reign: And accordingly were appointed the said M ^r Treasurer and Sir James Crofts Knight Comptroller of her Majesty's most honorable Household, and Thomas Wilson Esquire one of her Highnesses Principal Secretaries with a convenient number of others of the House, to go to the Upper House to make Petition to the Lord's for their Mediation to her Majesty for Licence to choose a Speaker, the place being void first by the making of the said Sir Robert Bell to be Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer, and lastly by his Death: which Message being by the said persons executed accordingly, and they brought Answer again to the House from the Lord's, that their Lordships had appointed all the Lord's of the Privy-Council, with the Marquess of Winchester, the Earl of Arundell, and the Bishop of London, to make that Suit to her Majesty, and required to have four of this House being of her Majesty's Privy-Council to join therein with them, according to the said Precedent: whereupon forasmuch as it appeared to this House that the Lord's in appointing their number, had varied from the said Precedent, it was moved that likewise the number appointed by this House might also be altered, that in precedent it might remain a thing Arbitratory to the House, and that so five of this House being of the Privy-Council, should be added to the Lord's, and the rather because it was then affirmed of some, that the cause why only four of the Council being of this House were appointed in the said eighth year, was for that the Lord's number was then but four, and for that also there were at that time but four of the Council in this House. The now Lord Treasurer then being the one only Principal Secretary to her Majesty; but at last the said Precedent was precisely urged and followed, and the said M ^r Treasurer, M ^r Comptroller, and Sir Francis Walsingham Knight, one of her Majesty's two Principal Secretaries, and Sir Walter Mildmay Knight Chancellor of her Highness Court of Exchequer, were appointed by this House to join with the said Lord's in the said Suit to her Majesty, and Order was then also given, that this House should also daily assemble to continue the Session and attend the Answer of her Highnesses Pleasure therein.

On Tuesday the 17 ^th day of January, some number of this House Assembled this day to attend for the causes aforesaid.

On Wednesday the 18 ^th day of January, the Right Honorable the Earl of Lincoln Lord Steward of the Queens Majesty's most honorable Household came into this House, and before him divers Knights, Citizens and Burgesses returned into this House, did openly receive and pronounce the Oath according to the form of the Statute in that case made and provided; and he did also then and there signify and declare the right Honorable M ^r Treasurer, M ^r Comptroller, M ^r Secretary Wilson and M ^r Chancellor of the Exchequer to be his Deputies during this Session of Parliament, that before them or any of them, all such persons as should, during this Session be returned to be of this House, might openly receive and pronounce the said Oath accordingly, which Deputation they did then execute.

This matter of the Lord Stewards Ministring the Oath of Supremacy unto such Members of the House of Commons, as were newly Elected and returned to this new Session of Parliament, being thus transcribed out of the Original Journal-Book of the House of Commons; now follows the whole manner of the proceeding of her Majesty in giving Authority by her Commission under the Great Seal unto the House of Commons, to Elect a new Speaker, and of their receiving the said Authority, out of the Original Journal-Book of the House of Lord's, in respect that the same is but shortly and imperfectly set down in the Original Journal-Book of the said House of Commons.

This foresaid Wednesday Morning the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses of the House of Commons (being mindful of the great business of the Election of a new Speaker, which they had treated of on Monday foregoing being the 16 ^th day of this instant January ) repaired to the Upper House commonly called the Parliament Chamber, where being Assembled with the Lord's, those noble Personages and others who had been appointed to repair unto the Queen on Monday foregoing, signified her Majesty's Pleasure unto all the Lord's and Commons there present concerning the Choice of a new Speaker by the Members of the House of Commons. And thereupon the Lord Chancellor shown forth a Commission under the Broad Seal of England, which he Commanded the Clerk openly to read; the the tenor whereof was as followeth.

ELizabeth, &c. To our Right Trusty and Right well Beloved Counselor Sir Thomas Bromley Knight, Lord Chancellor of England, Greeting. Whereas in the beginning of this our present Parliament holden at Westminster the eight day of May in the fourteenth year of our Reign, the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses being Assembled in the same Parliament were Commanded by us to go to their accustomed place, and there to choose to themselves one to be their Speaker according to the accustomed manner: Whereupon the same Knights, Citizens and Burgesses did Elect and Choose one Robert Bell Esq afterwards Knight, and Chief Baron of our Exchequer now deceased to be their Speaker, and the same their Election did afterwards certify unto us; which Election we did allow and ratify: since which time this our present Parliament hath been continued by divers Prorogations until the 8 ^th day of February in the eighteenth year of our Reign, at which time the said Parliament was holden and continued from the said 8 ^th day of February until the 15 ^th day of March then next following, from which time also the said Parliament hath continued by divers and sundry Prorogations until the 16 ^th day of January in this present twenty third year of our Reign. At which day the Lord's Spiritual and Temporal, and also the said Knights, Citizens and Burgesses have declared unto us that the said Robert Bell since the last Session of this present Parliament is dead, and thereupon have made their humble Suit and Petition to us, that they might have Licence and Commandment from us to proceed to Elect amongst themselves one other to be their Speaker for the rest of this present Parliament yet to come. Wherefore we having certain and perfect knowledge that the said Robert Bell is dead as they have alleged, and considering their humble Petition and Request is very meet and necessary to be granted, have appointed and Constituted you, and by the these Presents we do Will, Command, Constitute and Appoint you for us and in our Name to Call the said Knights, Citizens and Burgesses before you and other the Lord's Spiritual and Temporal Assembled in this our present Parliament in the Higher House of our Parliament at Westminster, and there present, for us and in our Name to Will and Command the said Knights, Citizens and Burgesses to resort to their accustomed place, and there to Elect and Choose amongst themselves one sufficient and able Person to be their Speaker for the rest of this present Parliament yet to come; and after they have once made their Election, that then three or four of them for and in all their names shall signify the same unto us; and thereupon we will further signify our Pleasure unto them what day and time they shall present the Person Elected before us, as heretofore hath been in like Cases accustomed to be done. Wherefore our Will and Pleasure is, that you do diligently attend about doing of the premises, and execute the same with effect. In Witness whereof we have caused these our Letters Patents to be Sealed with our Great Seal. Witness our Self at Westminster the 16 ^th day of January in the twenty third Year of our Reign.

Thus far out of the Original Journal-Book of the Upper House; now follows the continuance of this days Passages, as also of the residue of the matters handled in the House of Commons during this Session of Parliament, out of the Original Journal-Book of the same House.

At the return of such Members of the House of Commons into their own House as had been present in the Upper House during the time the recited Commission was in reading (for many of the House of Commons conceiving that their sending for to the Upper House aforesaid, being only by their own Serjeant whom they had sent up to the Lord's to see if the Lord Chancellor and the rest of their Lordships were come thither or no, was no orderly giving them notice of their Lordships desires in that behalf according to former usage, in respect that the said Commons are to be sent for by .....) amongst the said Members as aforesaid, who had been so present in the said Upper House, Sir Francis Knolles Knight Treasurer of her Majesty's Household, did at his return declare, that for Answer to the Suit her Majesty's Commission was read to license and Command the Commons to Choose a Speaker, and that four of this House being of the Privy-Council should make report of the Election to her Majesty, that her Highness might thereupon signify her further Pleasure for appointing the day for presenting of him.

M ^r Treasurer further declared unto the House before their proceeding to Election, that he and others had just now seen in the Upper House one that is a Member of this House, to wit M ^r John Popham, her Majesty's Solicitor General, being one of the Citizens for Bristol, and therefore made a Motion that some of this House might be sent to their Lordships with request that the said M ^r Popham being a Member of this House might forthwith be remanded and restored to this House again, which some thought not needful to be done before the Election, and others again denying that he or any other could be Chosen Speaker except he were present himself. The Clerk was Commanded to read the said Precedent again of choosing M ^r Onslow in the said eighth year of her Majesty's Reign (which said Precedent see on Monday the 16 ^th day of this instant foregoing) and thereupon that course being agreed upon to be followed, the said M ^r Treasurer and others were sent up to the Lord's to demand the restitution of the said M ^r Popham, and brought Answer again that their Lordships had resolved he should be sent down, the rather because he was a Member of this House, and this House possessed of him before he was Solicitor, or had any place of Attendance in the Upper House. Upon relation whereof a Motion was presently made, that it was not meet or convenient to choose a Speaker by persons that were not of the House, and withal it was thought of some that divers persons being newly returned in the places of others yet living, were not, or ought not to be accounted Members of this House. Whereupon to avoid length of Argument and the impediment of the Election, the said M ^r Treasurer by the Assent of the House pronounced an Admonition, that all such as were newly returned in the places of others yet living should forbear to repair to the House till their case were further considered. Then immediately M ^r Anderson the Queens Serjeant at Law, and Sir Gilbert Gerard Knight her Highness Attorney General, brought from the Lord's the said M ^r Popham her Majesty's Solicitor General, one of the Citizens for the City of Bristol, and restored him to this House as a Member of the same, and so departed. And then was a Motion made by M ^r Lewkenor for Prayer to be used before the Election, that it might please God both in that and in the residue of the Proceedings of this House, to direct them with his Holy Spirit; and a form of Prayer was then read to the House by the Clerk. And then afterwards the House proceeding to the Election of a Speaker, the said M ^r Treasurer first speaking did for his own part name and commend the said M ^r Popham, alleging many good reasons and causes moving him thereunto, but still leaving nevertheless liberty without prejudice to the residue of the House to name whom they would or thought good. And thereupon the whole House with full consent of Voices agreed upon the choosing of the said M ^r Popham; who standing up and much disabling himself in dutiful and reverend wise, and alleging for himself many reasonable causes and excuses, besought them humbly to proceed to a new Election, whereof the House did not allow; and so then was he forthwith by the said M ^r Treasurer and M ^r Comptroller brought up and placed in the Chair, and order thereupon given that the House should the next day Assemble together, both to understand her Majesty's Pleasure for presenting of the Speaker, and also to determine of the case of the said persons newly returned into this House in the places of others yet living.

On Thursday the 19 ^th day of January the House again Assembled, the Speaker Elect sitting in the Chair.

The matter began to be debated touching the said Burgesses, of whom question was made the day before; and the Case was opened by M ^r Norton a Citizen of London to the effect following, viz.

That there be Members of this House absent in her Majesty's Service, as in Embassage, or in her affairs in Ireland, in whose place new be returned.

Item, some persons be sick of durable Diseases, as Agues, &c. and new be returned in their places.

Item, one M ^r Flowerden was the last Session Burgess for Castle-Rising in Norfolk, and in the Vacation was sick: Upon suggestion of which sickness a Writ went to choose a new. Whereupon Sir William Drewry is Chosen and returned for Castle-Rising, who now appeareth, and M ^r Flowerden also. In the same Vacation one Beamond a Citizen for Norwich is sick of the Gout, upon suggestion whereof a Writ went out to choose a new for Norwich; M ^r Flowerden is chosen, returned and newly sworn for Norwich. Vide March 18 ^th Saturday postea.

The Questions are whether such as be returned in places of persons sick, or of persons absent in the Queens Service, be Burgesses, and the old discharged. M ^r Norton thought the old Burgesses remained, and that the said causes of sickness and service are good excuses for their absence, but no causes to remove them and to choose new. And for this he alleged divers Precedents, as of Doctor Dale Embassador in France, and of Sir Henry Sidney Deputy of Wales, who having been formerly both of them Members of the House of Commons, and absent by reason of both their said Employments, yet when their case was once made known unto the House and there questioned, they were still retained as Members of the said House, and no new chosen, or admitted. But however although such absent Members by reason of sickness or Foreign Employment might be removed, yet that ought not to be done upon a suggestion in the Chancery, but by the Judgment of the House of Commons upon information thereof.

M ^r Serjeant Flowerden, M ^r Robert Snagg, M ^r Seintpoole, and M ^r Serjeant Fleetwood Comptroller argued to the contrary, and said, that in all these cases new are to be chosen, and the old discharged. And that it needeth not to have discharge by the Judgment of the House, but it sufficeth to make suggestion in the Chancery, and to procure a Writ thereupon for a new Election. And to question this was to discredit the Lord Chancellor and to scandalize the Judicial Proceedings of that Court.

And it was further alleged, that not only in these before-recited Cases, but also in all others where any new Elections are to be made, if the Lord Chancellor send out a Writ upon any suggestion to choose a new Burgess in the place of an old, whether the cause be sufficient or non-sufficient to remove the old, or whether the suggestion be true or false, yet if a new be returned the House of Commons is to accept the Burgess and to allow the return, and the old Burgess remaineth discharged until the matter be further cleared upon the Examination and Judgment of the said House.

And according to these opinions the new Burgesses Elected and returned in places of men living, were received and allowed in the said House; M ^r Flowerden keeping his place for Norwich, Sir William Drewry for Castle-Riseing, M ^r Richard Herbert in place of M ^r Pugh for Montgomery, and so the like of the rest that were new Elected. Vide the contrary resolved March the 18 ^th postea.

Nota, That all this was done after the Election of John Popham Esquire the Queens Solicitor for Prolocutor or Speaker, but before his Presentation to the Queen, or her Majesty's allowance of him. The agitation of which question was doubtless either privately muttered in the House, or if it were disputed openly it was suddenly and unwarrantably done, in respect that the House of Commons have no power to determine or resolve of anything after the Election of the Speaker, till he be presented and allowed, as may easily be Collected by all Precedents both of latter and former times. Neither did this opinion of the House thus irregularly given take any great effect, because the contrary was resolved March 18 postea.

In the mean time of those foregoing Arguments and Disputations in the House, it was signified unto the said House that her Majesty's Pleasure was, that the Speaker should be presented unto her Highness on the next day following at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Upper House.

On Friday the 20 ^th day of January the House Assembled together, and about two of the Clock in the Afternoon they had notice that the Queen with the Lord's Spiritual and Temporal were all set in the Upper House. Whereupon the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses hasted thither with M ^r Popham their Speaker, and being let in as many as conveniently could, and the said Speaker brought up to the Bar at the lower end of the said House by two of the most eminent Personages of the House of Commons, he there made his humble excuse, and alleged his insufficience for discharge of his place in such manner and form as in like case is usually accustomed.

But notwithstanding his said excuse her Majesty by the Lord Chancellor signified her Allowance of him, for which the said Speaker rendered his humble thanks, and Petitioning in the name of the House of Commons for Liberty of Speech, for free access to her Majesty, and for freedom from Arrests, according to the usual form, the Lord Chancellor by the Queens Commandment made him a gracious Answer; after which ended the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses with their said Speaker returned unto their own House.

And being come thither and the Speaker set in his Chair, one Bill according to the usual form was read, which was for the assurance of Purchasers against incumbrances.

On Saturday the 21 ^th day of January the Litany being read by the Clerk, and the old Prayer, that was used in former Sessions, read also by the Speaker, M ^r Speaker made a short Oration to the House, partly touching himself and partly touching them. For his own part acknowledging his infirmities and praying both their patience and assistance; and for them he advised them to use reverent and discreet Speeches, to leave curiosity of form, and to speak to the matter: and for that the Parliament was likely to be very short, willed them further to forbear speaking to Bills at the first reading, and not to spend too much time in unnecessary Motions or supersiuous Arguments. And further desired them that they would see their Servants, Pages and Lackies attending on them kept in good order.

Which ended, a Motion was made that M ^r Speaker and the residue of the House of the better sort of Calling, would always at the rising of the House depart and come forth in comely and civil sort, for the reverence of the House in turning about with a low Courtesie, like as they do make at their coming into the House, and not so unseemly and rudely to thrust and throng out as of late time hath been disorderly used; which Motion made by Sir James Croft Knight Comptroller of her Majesty's Household, was very well liked of and allowed of all this House.

The Bill for reformation of disorders of the Clerk of the Market and his Deputies was read the first time.

M ^r Paul Wentworth made a Motion for a public Fast and daily Preaching; the Fast to be appointed upon someone certain day, but the Preaching to be every Morning at seven of the Clock before the House did sit; that so they beginning their proceeding with the Service and Worship of God, he might the better bless them in all their Consultations and Actions.

Sir Francis Knolles Treasurer of the Queens Household spake against this Motion, M ^r Thomas Cromwell spake for it, M ^r Alford against it, M ^r Cook for it, M ^r Secretary Wilson for it, M ^r Serjeant Flowerden for it; and M ^r Norton shown Precedents that there had been Fasts in London by Order only from the Council (by which it seemeth he intended to infer that a Parliament might much rather appoint it.)

Hereupon the House being divided, and many Arguments being spent pro & con, at length the said matter in question was put to Voices, and the better side had the greater number; for there were a hundred and fifteen Voices for it, and but a hundred against it; and so it was Ordered, that as many of the House of Commons as convenient could, should on the Sunday seven-night after, being the 29 ^th day of this instant January, Assemble and meet together in the Temple Church there to hear Preaching and join in Prayer together with Humiliation and Fasting for the assistance of God's Spirit in all their Consultations during this Parliament, and for the Preservation of the Queens Majesty and her Realms; and that the Preachers who should perform the work and service of that day, might be appointed by such of her Majesty's Council as were of the House, to the intent that they may be discreet persons and keep convenient proportion of time, without intermeddling with matter of innovation or unquietness.

This day also it was Ordered that the House should be called on Wednesday next being the 25 ^th day of this instant January in the Afternoon, that so it might appear who did diligently intend the business of the House, and who did negligently absent themselves.

M ^r Broughton also this Forenoon made a Motion to know the mind of the House touching his Companion or Fellow Burgess, who now stood indicted of Felony, whether he ought to remain of the House or to forbear coming, or that a new one should be Elected in his place. Whereupon after the matter had been a while agitated and disputed of in the House, it was adjudged, that he ought to remain of the House till he were Convicted: for it may be any man's case who is guiltless to be accused, and thereupon indicted of Felony or a like Crime.

After which Judgment given by the House, M ^r Norton did further inform them, that the Lord Chancellor willed him to signify unto the House that this matter had been moved to him, and that a new Writ had been desired of him for the Election of another in the place of the said Burgess; but that his Lordship had refused to yield thereunto, and had further alleged that he ought first to be removed by the Judgment of the House; and that thereupon the House signifying so much to his Lordship, he would thereupon grant a new Writ for a second Election to be made.

The Judgment of the Lord Chancellor, who was both Learned in the Laws, and had been an ancient Parliament man, was much commended by the House, and the rather, because it so opportunely concurred at this time with the Judgment of the House. Which resolution seemeth cross to that former opinion before-given in the House on Thursday last past the 19 ^th day of this instant January, viz. that new Burgesses being returned in the place of others living were to be allowed and received in the House.

But yet I conceive that these two opinions may well stand together; for here the Lord Chancellor was pleased not to grant a Writ for a new Election, but to stay the Judgment of the House, which was without all question the most just and safe way of Proceeding; whereas in those other before-recited Cases he had granted out Writs for new Elections upon mere suggestions; and then without all question the Burgesses returned upon those Writs are to be received into the House and must remain as Members thereof until they be again rejected by the Judgment of the House. So also it is if a Sheriff shall return one for a Knight of a Shire who was unduly or not at all Elected, yet he that is so returned remaineth a Member of the House until his said Election be declared void by the Judgment of the House. But why in the said former Case one Elected in a place of a Burgess sick, (upon suggestion doubtless that he could not recover) should be adjudged by the House to be well Elected, and returned notwithstanding that the former Burgess was present in the Parliament and had recovered his health, I cannot possibly guess. Vide March 18 ^th postea.

January 22. Sunday.

On Monday the 23 ^th day of January the House being Assembled did sit till eleven of the Clock without the Speaker, for that he was all that time at the Court; in which mean time the Serjeant of the House apprehended one William Hanney Servant to Anthony Kirle of the Middle-Temple Gent. sitting in this House, who being none of this House, and further Examined, confessed upon his Knees that he had sitten here this present day by the space of half an hour at the least, craving pardon and alleging that he knew not the Orders of this House, and was thereupon committed to the Serjeants Custody till further Order should be taken with him by this House.

M ^r Speaker coming to the House after eleven of the Clock read the usual Prayer, omitting the Litany for the shortness of time, and declared unto the House that the time was then so far spent as leisure could not then well serve them to proceed unto the reading of any Bill, and therefore willed all the House then present to meet there again on the Morrow at eight of the Clock in the Forenoon: And also that everyone of the House which were then present, should give notice thereof unto all such of the residue of this House then absent as they could in the mean time happen to see or meet with, to the end that all they might likewise attend in this House at the time aforesaid accordingly.

On Tuesday the 24 ^th day of January, Three Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill that Actions upon the Case shall be brought in proper Counties was read the first time.

M ^r Speaker declared himself for his own part to be very sorry for the error that happened here in this House upon Saturday last in resolving to have a public Fast, and showeth her Majesty's great misliking of the proceeding of this House therein, declaring it to fall out in such sort as he before did fear it would do; and advising the House to a Submission in that behalf, further moved them to bestow their time and endeavor hereafter during this Session in matters proper and pertinent for this House to deal in, and to omit all superfluous and unnecessary Motions and Arguments, with all due regard and consideration to the Order of the House.

M ^r Vice-Chamberlain declaring a Message from her Majesty to this whole House, by her Highness Commandment shown unto them her great admiration of the rashness of this House in committing such an apparent contempt against her Majesty's express Commandment very lately before delivered unto the whole House by the Lord Chancellor in her Highness name, as to attempt and put in Execution such an innovation as the same Fast without her Majesty's Privity and Pleasure first known; blaming first the whole House and then M ^r Speaker, and declaring her Majesty's Protestation for the allowing of Fasting and Prayer, with the use and exercise thereof in her own Person; but reproving the undutiful proceeding of this House as against the duty of Subjects, did nevertheless very eloquently and amply set forth her Majesty's most honorable and good acceptation of the Zeal, Duty and Fidelity of this whole House towards Religion, the Safety of her Highness Person, and the State of this Common-wealth (in respect whereof her Majesty hath so long continued this Parliament without Dissolution) declared further to the great joy and comfort of this whole House, that her Majesty nevertheless of her inestimable and Princely good Love and Disposition, and of her Highness most gracious Clemency construeth the said offense and contempt to be rash, unadvised and an inconsiderate Error of this House, proceeding of Zeal and not of the willful and malicious intent of this House or of any Member of the same, imputing the cause thereof partly to her own lenity towards a Brother of that man which now made this Motion (M ^r Wentworth ) who in the last Session was by this House for just causes reprehended and committed, but by her Majesty graciously pardoned and restored again. And after many excellent Discourses and Dilatations of her Highness most honorable and loving care for the advancement of Religion, and the State wherein she had before signified her Prohibition to this House by the Lord Chancellor, shown that her Highness hath already deeply consulted upon those matters in all due and needful respects, and prepared sit and apt courses to digest them, meet and ready to be delivered unto this House from her Highness by such direction as her Majesty thinketh most convenient. And so persuading this House to employ the time about the necessary service of the Queens Majesty and of the Common-wealth, with due and grave regard to the ancient Orders of this House, concludeth, that he thinketh it very meet that this whole House or someone of this House, by Warrant of the House, in the name of the said House, do make most humble submission unto her Majesty, acknowledging the said offense and contempt, and in most humble and dutiful wise to pray remission of the same at her Highness hands, with full purpose hereafter to forbear committing of the like offense.

M ^r Comptroller followed him and spake to the same effect, but urged and enforced the fault of the House with much more violence.

M ^r Nicholas S ^t Leger spake next, and with a great deal of discretion and moderation extenuated the said offense of the House; urging first their great affection to her Majesty, the sincerity of their intention in that Motion of the Fast; Then the imperfections and sins to which not only private men but public States are also subject, and therefore needed to be supported by Prayer and Humiliation; And then he urged the great fault and remissness of the Bishops who suffered that most necessary Duty of Fasting and Humiliation to grow even out of use in the Church; And lastly he concluded, that he trusted that both her Majesty and all her Subjects would be ready to express their true repentance to God in humbling themselves in Sack-Cloth and Ashes.

M ^r S ^t Poole followed M ^r S ^t Leger, but spake somewhat differing from him, aggravating the fault of the House, and urging Submission.

M ^r Chancellor of the Exchequer spake next, and admonished the House of their duty which they did owe to so good and gracious a Prince as her Majesty hath expressed herself to be in all this long time of her Government, and therefore urged the House to Submission.

M ^r Sackford one of the Masters of the Requests urged the same Submission, but withal he thought it very sitting and could wish it that M ^r Vice-Chamberlain who had brought the Message from her Majesty of her displeasure, might also carry the Houses Submission back again untoher Highness.

M ^r Flowerden spake next and shown the sincerity of his intention in speaking for the Fast, when it was first moved; but now concluded, that it was most fitting for the House to make their Submission to her Majesty.

M ^r Carleton stood up and offered to have spoken, but was interrupted by M ^r Speaker and the House.

Then M ^r Speaker asked the Question, whether M ^r Vice-Chamberlain should carry the Submission of the House to her Majesty, and it was agreed by the consent of the whole House.

M ^r Carleton offered again to speak, saying with some repetition, that what he had to move was for the liberty of the House; but the Speaker notwithstanding and the House (out of a tender care as it seemeth to give no further distaste to her Majesty) did stay him.

On Wednesday the 25 ^th day of January, the Bill for Children born in England of Fathers that were Aliens, not to be accounted or reputed as English, was read the second time.

M ^r Cromwell now upon the second reading as the Order is, spake against the Bill, M ^r Norton for it, with Motion also that Englishmen taking Oath to the Pope or Foreign Potentates beyond Sea, for Obedience in England, shall have no benefit as Englishmen.

M ^r Broughton spake against the said Bill, Sir Francis Knolles Treasurer of her Majesty's Household spake for it, and M ^r Dalton spake against it. Whereupon the said Bill was after the foresaid second reading (according to the course and order in that case usual and accustomed) committed to M ^r Treasurer aforesaid, M ^r Chancellor of the Exchequer, Doctor Dale one of the Masters of Requests, M ^r Norton, M ^r Aldrich, M ^r Aldersey, M ^r Dalton, M ^r Fleetwood Recorder of London, and M ^r Serjeant Fenner; who were appointed to meet on Friday the 27 ^th day of January now next following at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber.

M ^r Vice-Chamberlain brought Answer from her Majesty of her most gracious acceptation of the Submission, and of her Majesty's Admonition and Confidence of their discreet proceeding; with one special note, that they do not misreport the cause of her misliking, which was not, for that they desired Fasting and Prayer, but for the manner in presuming to indict a form of public Fast without Order and without her Privity, which was to intrude upon her Authority Ecclesiastical.

Sir Walter Mildmay spake next, and delivered a most Honorable, Grave, Wise and Honest Speech; which being not found either in the first Original draught of the Journal of the House of Commons taken by Fulk Onslow Esq Clerk of the same, nor otherwise set down in one other fair transcribed Copy of the said Journal by the same M ^r Onslow's direction then abstractedly and summarily taken; I have therefore caused it to be transcribed at large out of a Copy of the said Speech I had by me in manner and form following.

The principal cause of our Assembly here being to consult of matters that do concern the Realm, I have thought good with your patience to remember you of such things as for the weight and necessity of them I take to be worthy of your considerations. Wherein I mean to note unto you what I have conceived first of the present state we be in, next of the dangers we may justly be in doubt of, and lastly what provision ought to be made in time to prevent or resist them. These shown as briefly as the matters will suffer, I leave them to your Judgments to proceed further as you shall find it expedient.

That our most Gracious Queen did at her first Entry loosen us from the Yoke of Rome, and did restore unto this Realm the most pure and holy Religion of the Gospel, which for a time was over-shadowed with Popery, is known of all the World, and felt of us to our singular Comforts. But from hence as from the Root hath sprung that implacable malice of the Pope and his Confederates against her, whereby they have and do seek not only to trouble, but if they could to bring the Realm again into a Thraldom; the rather for that they hold this as a firm and settled Opinion, that England is the only settled Monarchy that most doth maintain and countenance Religion, being the Chief Sanctuary for the afflicted Members of the Church that fly thither from the Tyranny of Rome, as men being in danger of Shipwrack do from a raging and tempestuous Sea to a calm and quiet Haven. This being so, what hath not the Pope assayed to annoy the Queen and her State, thereby as he thinketh to remove this great obstacle that standeth between him and the over-flowing of the World again with Popery? For the proof whereof these may suffice.

The Northern Rebellion stirred up by the Pope, and the quarrel for Popery.

The maintenance sithence of those Rebels and other Fugitives.

The publishing of a most impudent, blasphemous and malicious Bull against our most Rightful Queen.

The Invasion into Ireland by James Fitz Marrice, with the assistance of some English Rebels.

The raising of a dangerous Rebellion in Ireland by the Earl of Desmond and others, intending thereby to make a general Revolt of all the whole Realm.

The late Invasion of Strangers into Ireland, and their fortifying it.

The Pope turned thus the venom of his Curses and the Pens of his malicious Parasites into men of War and Weapons, to win that by Force, which otherwise he could not do. And though all these are said to be done by the Pope, and in his name, yet who seeth not that they be maintained under-hand by some Princes his Confederates? And if any man be in doubt of that, let him but note from whence the last Invasion into Ireland came, of what Country the Ships, and of what Nation the most part of the Soldiers were, and by direction of whose Ministers they received their Victual and Furniture.

For the Pope of himself at this present is far unable to make War upon any Prince of that Estate which her Majesty is of, having lost as you know many years by the Preaching of the Gospel those infinite Revenues which he was wont to have out of England, Scotland, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark and others, and now out of France and the Low Countries; so as we are to think that his name only is used, and all or the most part of the charge born by others.

The Queen nevertheless by the Almighty Power of God standeth fast, maugre the Pope and all his Friends; having hitherto resisted all attempts against her, to her great honor and their great shame. As

The Rebellion in the North suppressed without effusion of Blood, wherein her Majesty may say as Caesar did, veni, vidi, vici; so expedite and so honorable was the Victory that God did give her by the diligence and valor of those noble men that had the conducting thereof.

The Enterprize of James Fitz Morrice defeated, and himself slain.

The Italians pulled out by the ears at Smirwick in Ireland, and cut in pieces by the notable Service of a noble Captain and Valiant Soldiers.

Neither these nor any other threatenings or fears of danger hath or doth make her to stagger or relent in the Cause of Religion, but like a constant Christian Princess she still holdeth fast the profession of the Gospel that hath so long upholden her, and made us to live in Peace twenty two Years and more under her most Gracious Government, sice from those troubles that our Neighbors have felt; so as this now seemeth to be our present State, a blessed, peaceable and happy time, for the which we are most bound to God and to pray unto him for the continuance thereof.

But yet notwithstanding, seeing our Enemies sleep not, it behooveth us not to be careless, as though all were past; but rather to think, that there is but a piece of the storm over, and that the greater part of the Tempest remaineth behind, and is like to fall upon us by the malice of the Pope, the most Capital Enemy of the Queen and this State, the determinations of the Council of Trent, and the Combination of the Pope with other Monarchies and Princes devoted unto Rome, assuring ourselves that if their Powers be answerable to their Wills, this Realm shall find at their hands all the Miseries and Extremities that they can bring upon it. And though by the late good Success which God hath given in Ireland, these lewd and malicious Enterprizes seem for a time to be as it were at a stand; yet let us be assured that neither their attempts upon Ireland, neither the mischiefs intended against England will cease thus; but if they find us negligent they will be ready with greater Forces than have been yet seen. The certain determination which the Pope and his Combined Friends have to root out the Religion of the Gospel in all places, and to begin here as their greatest impediment, is cause sufficient to make us the more vigilant, and to have a wary eye to their doings and proceedings, how smoothly soever they speak or dissemble their Friendships for the time: for let us think surely, that they have jointed hands together against us, and if they can, they will procure the Sparks of the Flames that have been so terrible in other Countries, to fly over into England, and to kindle as great a Fire here. And as the Pope by open Hostility, as you see, hath shown himself against her Majesty; so the better to Answer in time the purposes that he hath set down in the mean season till they may come to ripeness, he hath and doth by secret practices within this Realm leave nothing unproved, emboldening many undutiful Subjects to stand fast in their disobedience to her Majesty and her Laws. For albeit the pure Religion of the Gospel hath had a free course, and hath been freely Preached now many years within this Realm by the Protection of her Majesty's most Christian Government; yet such have been the practices of the Pope and his secret Ministers, as the obstinate and stiffnecked Papist is so far from being reformed, as he hath gotten Stomach to go backward, and to show his disobedience not only in arrogant words but also in contemptuous Deeds.

To confirm them herein and to increase their number you see how the Pope hath and doth comfort their hollow hearts with Absolutions, Dispensations, Reconciliations, and such other things of Rome. You see how lately he hath sent hither a sort of Hypocrites, naming themselves Jesuits, a rabble of Vagrant Friers newly sprung up and running through the World to trouble the Church of God, whose principal Errand is by creeping into the Houses of men of behavior and reputation, not only to corrupt the Realm with false Doctrine, but also under that pretence to stir up Sedition, to the peril of her Majesty and her good Subjects.

How these practices of the Pope have wrought in the disobedient Subjects of this Land is both evident and lamentable to consider. For such impression hath the estimation of the Pope's Authority made in them, as not only those which from the beginning have refused to obey, but many, yea very many of those which divers years together did yield and conform themselves in their open Actions, sithence the Decrees of that unholy Council of Trent, and sithence the publishing and denouncing of that blasphemous Bull against her Majesty, and sithence those secret Absolutions and Reconciliations, and the swarming hither of a number of Popish Priests and Monkish Jesuits, have and do utterly refuse to be of our Church, or to resort unto our Preaching and Prayers. The sequel whereof must needs prove dangerous to the whole State of the Common-Wealth.

By this you see what cause we have justly to doubt great mischief threatened to this Realm; and therewith you may easily see also how for the preventing and withstanding of the same it behooveth her Majesty not only to provide in time sufficient Laws for the continuing of this peaceable Government, but also to be ready with Forces to repress all attempts that may be enterprized either by Enemies abroad, or by evil Subjects at home.

What difference there is between the Popes persecuting Church and this mild Church of the Gospel, hath been seen in all Ages, and especially in the late Government compared with the merciful time of her Majesty's Reign; the continuance of which Clemency is also to be wished so far as may stand with God's Honor and the Safety of the Realm: but when by long proof we find that this favorable and gentle manner of dealing with the Disobeyers and Contemners of Religion to win them by fair means if it were possible, hath done no good, but hath bred in them a more arrogant and contemptuous Spirit, so as they have not only presumed to disobey the Laws and Orders of the Realm, but also to accept from Rome secret Absolutions, Reconciliations and such like; and that by the hands of lewd Runnagates, Priests and Jesuits, harbouring and entertaining them even in their Houses, thereby showing an Obedience to the Pope, by their direction also nourishing and training up their Children and Kinsfolks, not only at home but also abroad in the Seminaries of Popery; now I say it is time for us to look more narrowly and strictly to them, lest as they be corrupt, so they prove dangerous Members to many born within the entrails of our Common-Wealth.

And seeing that the Lenity of the time and the mildness of the Laws heretofore made, are no small cause of their arrogant disobedience, it is necessary that we make a provision of Laws more strict and more severe to constrain them to yield their open Obedience, at the least, to her Majesty in causes of Religion, and not to live as they list to the perilous Example of others, and to the encouraging of their own evil affected minds: but if they will needs submit themselves to the Benediction of the Pope, they may feel how little his Curses can hurt us, and how little his Blessings can save them from that punishment which we are able to lay upon them; letting them also find how dangerous it shall be for them to deal with the Pope or anything of his, or with those Romish Priests and Jesuits, and therewith also how perilous it shall be for those seditious Runnagates to enter into the Land, to draw away from her Majesty that Obedience which by the Laws of God and Man are due unto her.

This then is one of the Provisions which we ought to take care of in this Council, whereby we may both enjoy still that happy Peace we live in, and the Pope take the less boldness to trouble us by any favor he shall find here.

The next is Provision of Forces sufficient to Answer any violence that may be offered either here or abroad; for the which you know it is requisite that her Majesty do make Preparation both by Sea and by Land.

God hath placed this Kingdom in an Island environed with the Sea as with a natural and strong Wall, whereby we are not subject to those sudden Invasions which other Frontier Countries be. One of our greatest defences standing by Sea, the number of good Ships is of the most importance for us. What the Queens Navy is, how many notable Ships, and how far behind the Navy of any other Prince, is known to all men, and therewith also it may be easily considered how great Charges be incident to the same.

Necessary also it is that her Majesty have Forces by Land sufficient to chastise the Rebels in Ireland, and to repress any Foreign attempts either there or here. For which Services either by Land or by Sea her Majesty needeth not, as other Princes are fain to do, to entertain necessary Soldiers of Foreign Countries hardly gotten, costly and dangerously kept, and in the end little or no service done them; but may bring sufficient Forces of her own natural Subjects, ready and easy to be levied, that carry with them willing, valiant and faithful minds, such as few Nations may easily compare with. But these Forces with their Furniture and Munition, can neither be prepared nor maintained to have continuance without provision of Treasure sufficient to bear the Charge, being as you know termed of old Nervus belli.

This belongeth to us to consider, and that in time there be not lack of the Sinews that must hold together the strength of our Body. And because through the malice of our Enemies her Majesty is driven to keep great Forces in Ireland for the better suppressing of that Rebellion to her exceeding Charge, and for that also it is uncertain how sudden and how great other attempts may be; therefore in reason, our supply of that maintenance ought to be the more, especially the Wars being at this day so costly as every man in his private expense may easily judge. But lest that peradventure some may judge that the Contribution granted by us now five Years past both frankly and dutifully, might suffice for many years without any new; I dare assure you for the acquaintance I have (though I be unworthy) with those her Majesty's Affairs, that the same hath not been sufficient to Answer the extraordinary Charges happened since then, especially those of Ireland, by the one half; but her Majesty hath supplied the rest out of her own Revenues, sparing from herself to serve the necessity of the Realm, and shunning thereby Loans upon interest as a most pestilent Cancer that is able to devour even the States of Princes. Which being so, as it is most true, we are not to think upon the charge that is past, but the good we have received by it, being by that provision well and honourably desended against the malice of our Enemies. And therefore considering the great benefit we have received, by the last payment being easily taxed and easily born, whereby we have kept all the rest in Peace; let us as provident Counselors of this State prepare again in time that which may be able to withstand the mischiefs intended against us. To do this willingly and liberally, our duty to our Queen and Country, and our Safeties move us. The love and duty that we owe to our most Gracious Queen, by whose Ministry God hath done so great things for us, even such as be wonderful in the Eyes of the World, ought to make us more careful for her preservation and security than for our own. A Princess known by long experience to be a principal Patron of the Gospel, virtuous, wise, faithful, just, unspotted in word and deed, merciful, temperate, a maintainer of Peace and Justice amongst her People without respect to Persons; a Queen besides of this noble Realm, our Native Country, renowned of the World, which our Enemies daily gape to over-run, if by force or sleight they could do it; For such a Queen and such a Country, and for the defense of the Honor and Safety of them both, nothing ought to be dear unto us, that with most willing hearts we should not spend and adventure freely.

The same love and duty that we owe to our Gracious Sovereign, and to this our Native Country, ought to make us all to think upon the Realm of Ireland as upon a principal Member of this Crown, having continued so this four hundred Years or more. To lose that Land or any part thereof, which the Enemies seek, would not only bring with it dishonor, but also prove a thing most dangerous to England considering the nearness of that Realm to this, and the goodness of so many notable Havens as be there. Again to reform that Nation by planting there of Religion and Justice, which the Enemies labor to interrupt, is most godly and necessary; the neglecting whereof hath and will continue that People in all Irreligion and Disorder, to the great offense of God, and to the infinite Charge of this Realm.

Finally let us be mindful also of our safety, thereby to avoid so great dangers, not seen afar off, but imminent over our heads.

The quietness that we have by the Peaceable Government of her Majesty, doth make us to enjoy all that is ours in more freedom than any Nation under the Sun at this day: but let not that breed in us a careless Security, as though this clear Sun-light could never be darkened; but let us think certainly that the Pope and his Favourers do both envy our Felicity, and leave no practice unsought to over-throw the same. And if any man be so dull (as I trust there be none here) that he cannot conceive the blessedness of this our golden Peace, except he felt the lack of it; let him but cast his Eyes over the Seas, into our Neighbors Countries, and there behold what trouble the Pope and his Ministers have stirred against such as profess the same Religion of Jesus Christ as we do: there he may find Depopulations and Devastations of whole Provinces and Countries, over-throwing, spoiling and sacking of Cities and Towns, Imprisoning, ransoming and murthering of all kind of People; besides other infinite Calamities which the insolency of War doth usually bring with it.

From these God in his Mercy hath delivered us; but this nevertheless is the State and condition that our Enemies would see us in, if by any device they could bring it to pass; and to that end be then assured they will spare for no cost, nor leave any means unassayed.

Therefore to conclude, seeing the malice of the Pope and his Confederates are so notorious unto us, and seeing the dangers be so great, so evident and so imminent, and seeing that Preparations to withstand them cannot be made without support of the Realm; and seeing that our Duties to God, our Queen and Country, and the necessity that hangeth upon our own Safeguards, be reasons sufficient to persuade us, let us think upon these matters as the weight of them deserveth, and so provide in time both by Laws to restrain and correct the evil affected Subjects, and by provision of that which shall be requisite for the maintenance of Forces, as our Enemies finding our minds so willing, and our hands so ready to keep in Order-our Country, and to furnish her Majesty with all that shall be necessary, may either be discouraged to attempt anything against us, or if they do, they may find such resistance, as shall bring confusion to themselves, honor to our most Gracious Queen, and Safety to all of us.

M ^r Norton pursued the same Admonition, and required the House to proceed to a manner of executing it, which in his opinion was to appoint all the Privy-Council of this House and certain other fit Persons to consult of Bills convenient to be framed according to the said Motion to be presented to the House; which Motion also was well allowed, and Committees appointed to meet in the Exchequer-Chamber that Afternoon at two of the Clock, viz. All the Privy Council of this House, Sir Thomas Heneage Treasurer of the Chamber, the Masters of Requests, Sir George Carie Knight Marshal, M ^r Fortescue Master of the Wardrobe, M ^r Recorder of London, M ^r Serjeant Fenner, M ^r Serjeant Fleetwood, Sir James Harrington, Sir William More, Sir Thomas Scott, Sir John Brockett, Sir Henry Radclyffe, M ^r Yelverton, M ^r Henry Gates, M ^r Hutton, M ^r Philip Sidney, Sir Henry Leigh, M ^r Woolley, Sir Thomas Shirley, Sir Henry Knivett, M ^r Norton, M ^r Aldersey, Sir Rowland Hayward, M ^r Matthew, Sir Robert Wingfeild, Sir Thomas Porter, Sir Thomas Parrot, M ^r John Price, M ^r Aylmer, Sir George Speak, M ^r Lieutenant of the Tower, Sir Thomas Cecil; Sir Arthur Bassett, M ^r Crooke, M ^r Robert Wroth, M ^r Edward Lewkenor, M ^r Thompson, M ^r Layton, M ^r Edward Stanhope, M ^r Charles Morrison, M ^r Gilbert Talbot, Mr. Edward Cary, Mr. Peter Wentworth, Mr. Sandes, Sir Robert Stapleton, Sir Nicholas S ^t Leger, Sir James Mervin, Sir William Winter, Sir Edward Unton, Mr. Fabian Philipps, Mr. Edgecombe, Sir Henry Woodhouse, Mr. Payton and Mr. Digby.

It was Ordered that the House should be called upon Saturday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon.

William Hanney Servant to Mr. Anthony Kirle, having on Monday the 23 ^th day of January last past been present in the House of Commons about the space of half an hour, being no Member of it, and having been thereupon committed to the Serjeant of the House, was this Forenoon brought to the Bar by the Serjeant, who humbly upon his Knees submitted himself to the grace and favor of this House, acknowledging his fault to proceed only upon simplicity and ignorance; whereupon after some Examinations when he had willingly taken the Oath against the Popes Supremacy, he was remitted by the House paying his Fees.

In the Afternoon about two of the Clock the said Committees did meet in the Exchequer Chamber, where M ^r Norton spake very well to those matters which had been propounded by Sir Walter Mildmay in the Forenoon, and did thereupon exhibit certain Articles to the like purpose, which were by the Committees considered and some others added unto them. And it was Ordered that M ^r Serjeant Flectwood, M ^r Serjeant Fenner, M ^r Serjeant Flowerden, and M ^r Yelverton and Mr. Norton should set down the matters upon which they had there agreed, and having digested them into Articles should exhibit them at the next meeting of the Committees, which was appointed to be on Friday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon.

On Thursday the 26 ^th day of January, the Bill for avoiding of Counterfeit Instruments under Counterfeit Seals of any Office or Offices, was read the second time, and committed unto Mr. Vice-Chamberlain, Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Treasurer of the Chamber, Sir Thomas Brown, Mr. Sands, Mr. Cromwell and Mr. Atkins; who were appointed to meet on Saturday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber.

The Bill for avoiding of Incumbrances against Purchasers was read the second time and Ordered to be engrossed.

The Bill that Actions upon the Case shall be brought in proper Counties was read the second time, and after sundry Arguments was upon the question committed to Sir George Cary, Sir George Speak, Mr. Serjeant Fenner, Mr. Wroth and others, who were appointed to meet this Afternoon at two of the Clock in the Temple-Church.

On Friday the 27 ^th day of January, Seven Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for the speedy recovery of Debts was read the first time.

The Bill for the Reformation of the Clerk of the Market, and the Proviso added unto it was read the second time, and committed unto Mr. Treasurer, Mr. Comptroller, Mr. Lieutenant of the Tower, Sir Thomas S ^t Poole, Mr. Grimsditch and others, who were appointed to meet on Monday next in the Afternoon at two of the Clock, and the Clerk of the Market to be Licensed to attend them, and to be heard before them if he will.

The House being moved did grant that the Serjeant who was to go before the Speaker being weak and somewhat pained in his Limbs, might ride upon a Foot-Cloth Nag.

This day lastly in the Afternoon was a Motion made by Mr. Norton to have a Committee appointed to draw two Bills, the one against secret and stolen Contracts of Children without the consent of Parents, &c. The other against exacting upon the Clergy by Ordinaries and by under-Collectors of Tenths, and it was committed to Sir Walter Mildmay and himself.

Post Meridiem.

The Committees appointed on Wednesday last the 23 ^th day of this instant January to meet this Afternoon at two of the Clock in the Exchequer Chamber, about the framing and drawing up the two Bills of Religion and the Subsidy, met accordingly, where the Articles and heads that concerned them were appointed to Mr. Norton to Pen and bring to the House the next day.

On Saturday the 28 ^th day of January, Three Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill for the preservation of Woods, was read the second time and committed unto Mr. Lieutenant of the Tower, Sir Thomas Scott and others, who were appointed to meet at the Temple-Church upon Monday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon.

Two Bills also had each of them their second reading; of which the first being a Bill against the erecting of Iron-Mills near the City of London and the River of Thames, was read the second time and committed to the former Committees in the Bill for preservation of Woods.

It was Ordered that the House should be called on Wednesday next in the Afternoon.

The Bill touching the Defeasances of Statutes of the Staple was read the second time, and committed unto Mr. Vice-Chamberlain, Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Humfrey Gilbert, Mr. Sands and others, who were appointed to meet on Monday next at three of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber.

The Bill for the Assize of fuel was read the second time, and committed unto the same former Committees in the Bill for Woods, and at the same time and place.

A Motion was made by Mr. Alsord, and pursued by Mr. S ^t Poole and Mr. Snagg, touching composition for Purveyances, and assented to have Conference by Mr. Treasurer and Mr. Comptroller on Thursday next.

Post Meridiem.

In the Afternoon the Committees met again in the Exchequer Chamber about the two Bills for Religion and Subsidy.

The Articles which were exhibited by Mr. Norton concerning the Bill of Subsidy were allowed by the Committees, and he appointed to draw the said Bill accordingly; and the Articles agreed for the rates and times of Taxations Certificates and payment of a Subsidy and two Fifteenths.

On Monday the 30 ^th day of January, the Bill touching 〈◊〉 of the Sea was read the second time, and committed unto the Master of the Jewel-House, Sir Thomas Scott, Sir William Winter, Sir William Moore, Sir Arthur Bassett, Mr. Grimsditch, Mr. Layton, Mr. Aldersee, Mr. Rogers, Mr. Shirley, Mr. Boys, Mr. Knight and Mr. Borrey, who were appointed to meet to Morrow at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber.

Three Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill for the speedy recovery of Debts was read the third time and passed upon the question.

Mr. Attorney General and Mr. Doctor Clerk did bring from the Lord's two Bills, viz. An Act against slanderous words and rumors, and other seditious practices against the Queens Majesty, and an Act for avoiding of slanderous Libelling.

The Bill for avoiding of certain Incumbrances against Purchasers was read the third time.

And a Proviso to this Bill was once read and dashed upon the question, and likewise the Bill passed upon the question.

On Tuesday the 31 ^th day of January, the Bill for the speedy recovery of Debts which passed this House yesterday, was upon Motion made to this House by Mr. Speaker upon the mistaking of this House of some part of the said Bill, amended upon the question, with interlining of these words, viz. [such and of Debts] the whole sentence wherein these interlined words are contained being thrice read, and the Bill again passed upon the question accordingly.

The two Bills sent yesterday to this House from the Lord's being against seditious practicing and slanderous Libelling, had each of them its first reading.

The two Bills that passed this House yesterday being for the speedy recovery of Debts, and for the avoiding of certain Incumbrances against Purchasers, were sent up to the Lord's by Mr. Vice-Chamberlain, Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, and others.

The Bill for furniture of Armor and Weapons had its first reading.

Upon Motions made yesterday to this House by Mr. Diggs for maintenance of the Navy and Mariners, and also for a supply of Soldiers, and setting idle persons on work, and by Fishing to procure increase of Gain and Wealth to the whole State of this Realm, it is Ordered, that the consideration hereof be committed unto all the Privy-Council being of this House, and that as many of this House as are acquainted with that matter of Plot and device may attend them at their pleasure, and to meet upon Friday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber.

The Bill for punishing of unlawful having two Wives at once, was read the second time, and committed to Mr. Doctor Dale Master of the Requests, Sir Thomas Brown, Mr. Recorder of London, M ^r Layton, Mr. Alford, Mr. Grimsditch, Mr. Newdigate, Mr. Snagg, Mr. Thomas Bowyer and M ^r Greenfeild, who were appointed to meet at two of the Clock in the Afternoon upon Saturday next in the Exchequer Chamber.

On Wednesday the first day of February, Two Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill touching Partition of Lands between the Coheirs of John sometime Earl of Oxford, was read the first time.

Upon a Motion made unto this House by Mr. Norton, that two Porters of Serjeants-Inn in Fleetstreet have much misused him in his attending the service of this House, it is Ordered by this House that the Serjeant at Arms do forthwith fetch the same two Porters unto this House.

Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer in the name of the residue of the Committees for the Bill against counterfeit Instruments and Seals of Offices, and of himself declared unto the House, that they have upon consideration had amongst them thought good to make a new Bill for those purposes to be offered to this House; and so delivered in both the old Bill and the new.

Three Bills also had each of them one reading; of which the third being the Bill against slanderous words and rumors, and other seditious practices against the Queens Majesty was read the second time, and an Addition offered to this Bill by Mr. Norton was once read, and with the Bill committed unto all the Privy-Council being of this House, M ^r Treasurer of the Chamber, all the Serjeants at Law of this House, and others. And the Bill was delivered to Mr. Treasurer who with the rest was appointed to meet upon Friday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon; and the Committee for Mr. Diggs his Motions are deferred till Saturday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the said Exchequer Chamber. Vide Febr. 14. following.

Nota, That here a new Addition (inserted into a Bill which had been twice read) was committed with the said Bill, although it had been read but once.

Mr. Serjeant Anderson and Mr. Dr. Barkley did bring from the Lord's a Bill for avoiding of disorders and abuses in Sheriffs and Under-Sheriffs, and other like Ministers.

John Owld Porter of Serjeants-Inn in Fleetstreet and William Kenn his Servant being present here at the Bar and charged with their misbehaviour, rather excusing than submitting themselves, it is, upon good proof of their said misbehaviour testified by three Gentlemen of this House besides Mr. Norton, Ordered that both the Master and Servant be committed to the Serjeants Ward till further Order shall be taken; And that Mr. Speaker may in the mean time set the said William Kenn the Servant at Liberty, upon his Submission, if he shall so think good.

Two Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill against the multitude of common Inns and Ale-Houses, was read the first time and rejected.

It is Ordered, that M ^r Speaker in the name of this House do require the Warden of the Fleet, being a Member of this House, that he do cause from henceforth two of his Servants to attend at the Stair-head near unto the outer Door of this House, and to lay hands upon two or three of such disordered Serving-men or Pages as shall happen to use such lewd disorder and outrage as hath been accustomed to be exercised there this Parliament time, to the end they may thereupon be brought into this House and receive such punishment as to this House shall seem meet.

On Thursday the second day of February it seemeth that neither House sat, for in the Journal of the House of Commons there is no mention at all of the day or of any passages in it; And that the Upper House sat not it is most certain, for on the Wednesday foregoing, being the first day of this instant February, Sir Thomas Bromley the now Lord Chancellor Adjourned the Parliament unto Saturday following, being the 4 ^th day of this instant Month.

On Friday the third day of February, Eight Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the seventh being the Bill against slanderous Libelling, was upon the second reading committed to M ^r Vice-Chamberlain, M ^r Chancellor of the Exchequer, M ^r Chancellor of the Duchy, Sir Henry Knivett, M ^r Attorney of the Duchy, M ^r Serjeant Fenner and others, to meet in the Exchequer Chamber at two of the Clock in the Afternoon.

M ^r Treasurer brought in a Bill touching Children of Strangers born in England, and a new Bill devised by the Committees for that purpose, which Bill had its first reading.

John Owld Porter of Serjeants-Inn in Fleetstreet, who on Wednesday last past being the first day of this instant February, had been by Order of this House committed to the Serjeants Ward for his miscarriage towards M ^r Norton a Member of this House, being this day brought to the Bar, upon his humble submission and acknowledgment of his fault was set at liberty paying his Fees.

On Saturday the 4 ^th day of February, Six Bills had each of them one reading; of which the third being the Bill for Cloths called Tauntons, Bridgewaters and Charde, was upon the second reading committed unto M ^r Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir George Speak, Sir William Moore, M ^r Norton and others, who were appointed to meet on Wednesday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber.

Sir Thomas Scott one of the Committees in the Bill for preservation of Woods, offered a new Bill for that purpose to this House, drawn by the privity and assent of himself and of the residue of the said Committees.

M ^r Serjeant Anderson and M ^r Doctor Clark did bring word from the Lord's, that their Lordships do require a Conference with some of this House in the Council Chamber at the Court on Tuesday next in the Afternoon, touching the Bill passed this House for avoiding of certain Incumbrances against Purchasers. Whereupon are appointed all the Privy-Council being of this House, Sir Thomas Sampoole, M ^r Attorney of the Duchy, M ^r Recorder of London, M ^r Serjeant Flowerdewe, M ^r Serjeant Fenner, M ^r Colbie, M ^r Yelverton, M ^r Sands and M ^r Dalton.

The Bill for reformation of disorders in Sheriffs, &c. was read and committed to M ^r Vice-Chamberlain, M ^r Comptroller, M ^r Chancellor of the Exchequer, M ^r Osborne and others, who were appointed to meet at the Exchequer Chamber upon Thursday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon, and withal to consider of the former Bills of like effect offered to this House now or heretofore.

Upon a Motion made to this House by M ^r Norton, in which he declared that some person of late had caused a Book to be set forth in print, not only greatly reproachful against some particular good Members of this House of great Credit, but also very much slanderous and derogatory to the general Authority, Power and State of this House, and prejudicial to the validity of the Proceedings of the same, in making and establishing of Laws, charging this House with Drunkenness as Accompanied in their Councils with Bacchus, and then also with Choler, as those which had never sailed to Anticyra, and the Proceedings of this House to be opera tenebrarum; and further that by the circumstance of the residue of the Discourse of the said Book he conjectured the same to be done and procured by Mr. Arthur Hall one of this House, and so prayed thereupon the said Mr. Hall might be called by this House to Answer, and the matter further to be duly examined as the weight thereof, in due consideration of the gravity and wisdom of this House and of the Authority, State and Liberty of the same requireth. It is resolved that the said Mr. Hall be forthwith sent for by the Serjeant at Arms attending upon this House, to make his appearance here in that behalf accordingly.

And then immediately Mr. Secretary Wilson did thereupon signify unto this House, that the said Mr. Hall had upon his Examination therein, before the Lord's of the Council, heretofore confessed in the hearing of the said Mr. Secretary, that he did cause the said Book to be printed indeed; Upon relation whereof and after some Speech then also uttered unto this House by Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, of the dangerous and lewd contents of the Book, the Serjeant was forthwith by Order of this House sent to apprehend the said Arthur Hall, and presently assisted for that purpose with Sir Thomos Scott and Sir Thomas Brown, by the appointment of this House.

A Commission was also given by this whole House unto Mr. Vice-Chamberlain, Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Secretary Wilson, Mr. Treasurer of the Chamber, Sir Henry Lea, Sir Thomas Cecil, Sir William fitz Williams, and Sir Henry Gate, to send for the Printer of the said Book, and to examine him touching the said matter, and afterwards to make report thereof to this House accordingly. And also to take Order and advice further for the sending for and apprehending of the said Arthur Hall, if it should so fall out that he did withdraw himself or depart out of Town before such time as the said Serjeant could find him; with this further Resolution also, that any such Member of this House as should happen first to see him or meet him, might and should in the name of this whole House stay him and bring him forth to Answer the said matter forthwith before the whole House with all possible speed. Vide concerning this matter on Wednesday the 14 ^th of this instant February following, and also on Saturday the 18 ^th day of March next following.

On Monday the 6 ^th day of February the Bill for ratifying of an award for certain Copyholders in the County of Worcester, and the Bill for Partition of Lands amongst the Coheirs of the late Lord Latimer, were each of them read the second time and committed unto M ^r Recorder of London, Mr. Serjeant Fenner, Mr. Sands, Mr. Grevill, Mr. Christmas, Mr. Boys, Mr. Cromwell, and Mr: Newdigate.

Mr. Henry Knolles the younger and Mr. Townesend were appointed to be with Mr. Speaker at this House at two of the Clock this Afternoon to examine the matter of Outlawry pretended against Walter Vaughan Esquire, Knight for the County of Caermarthen; And that the said Mr. Vaughan be then there present to Answer therein for himself as well as he can, and the said Committees to make report unto this House of the state of the Case, to the end this House may thereupon proceed to order accordingly. Vide concerning this matter on the 18 ^th day of this instant February following.

Mr. Secretary Wilson declaring the travel of the Committees in Examining of the Printer that did Print Mr. Halls Book, signified unto this House, that the said Printer, whose name is Henry Bynnyman, upon his Examination before the Committees said, that one John Wells a Scrivener in Fleetstreet did deliver the written Copy to him; and when the Book was Printed he delivered one Book to Henry Shirland in Fridaystreet Linnen-Draper, to be sent to Mr. Hall, and that afterwards about a year past he delivered to Mr. Hall six of the said Books, and at Michaelmas Term last six other of the said Books, and one more to Mr. Halls man shortly after; and said, that Mr. Hall promised to get him a Privilege, whereupon he adventured (he saith) to Print the Book, and saith that the Copy was written by Wells the Scrivener, and that he received of the said Shirland Linnen-Cloth to the value of 6 ^l 13 ^s 4 ^d . for Printing the said Book. And that he staid of his own accord the publishing of the said Books till he were paid, where Mr. Hall was contented that they should have been put to sale presently. Which report so made by Mr. Secretary, and withal that Mr. Hall and the Printer were both then at the Door, the said Mr. Hall thereupon was brought to the Bar, and being charged by Mr. Speaker in the behalf of the whole House, with the setting forth the said Book containing very lewd and slanderous reproach, not only against some particular Members of this House, but also against the general State and Authority of this whole House, denied not the setting forth of the said Book, protesting the same to be done by him without any malicious intent or meaning, either against the State of this House, or against any Member of the same; praying this whole House (if he had offended in so doing) they would remit and pardon him; affirming withal very earnestly that he never had anymore than one of the said Books: and upon due consideration of his own rashness and folly therein, willed that all the said Books should be suppressed, and then was Mr. Hall sequestered.

Henry Bynnyman the Printer was brought to the Bar, who affirmed in all things as Mr. Secretary Wilson before reported; and further, that he had Printed fourscore or an hundred of the said Books, and was thereupon sequestered.

Henry Shirland was brought to the Bar, who there confessed that Mr. Hall did write a Letter unto him and sent the said Book unto him, willing him to get it Printed. And that thereupon he delivered the Book to the said Bynnyman to have it Printed, Wells the Scrivener being present with him; and said further that Mr. Hall had paid him again the twenty Nobles which he before had paid the Printer; and so he was then sequestered.

And the said Wells brought to the Bar upon his Examination saith, that when he was Apprentice with one Mr. Dalton a Scrivener in Fleetstreet, the said Mr. Hall lying then about Paul's-Wharf, sent unto his said Master to send one of his Men unto him, and that thereupon his said Master sent him unto the said Mr. Hall, who when he came delivered to him a Book in written hand, willing him to carry it home with him and Copy it out, and said, that when he had shown it to his Master, his Master Commanded him to write part of it, and his Fellows some other part of it; and his said Master as he remembereth did write the rest of it. What his Master had for the writing of it, he knoweth not. And being further Examined saith, that yesterday last past he delivered one of the said Books to Sir Randal Brierton from the said Mr. Hall, and then the said John Wells was sequestered. And afterwards all the Privy-Council being of this House, Mr. Knight Marshal, Mr. Recorder of London, Mr. Serjeant Flowerdewe, Mr. S ^t Leiger, Mr. Cromwell, Mr. Atkins the Master of the Jewel-House, Sir Thomas Brown, Sir Thomas Scott, Mr. Nathanael Bacon, Mr. Beale, Mr. Norton and Mr. Alford, were added to the former Committees for the further proceeding to the Examination of the matter touching Mr. Hall the Printer, the Scrivener and all other persons, Parties or privy to the publishing of the said Book, set forth in Print by the means and procurement of the said Mr. Hall, and to meet upon Wednesday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber.

Which done Mr. Hall being brought to the Bar again, Mr. Speaker declared unto him that this House mindeth further to examine the particularities of the matter wherewith they have charged him, and do therefore commit him to the Serjeants Ward with this Liberty, that upon Wednesday next in the Afternoon being accompanied with the Serjeant he may attend at the Exchequer Chamber upon the Committees in the Cause, and was thereupon had out of the House.

Henry Bynnyman the Printer, John Wells the Scrivener, and Henry Shirland Linnen-Draper being brought all three to the Bar, were by Mr. Speaker enjoined in the name of the whole House to give their attendance upon the said Committees at the time and place aforesaid, and also at all times in the mean season thereof if they shall happen to be called by them or any of them, and so were had out of the House.

And further it is Ordered by this House, that Mr. Speaker do send the Serjeant for John Dalton late Master of the said John Wells, and to charge him also to attend upon the said Committees at the said time and place in like manner. Vide concerning this matter on Tuesday the 14 ^th day of this instant February following.

On Tuesday the 7 ^th day of February, the Bill for the Cloth-Workers of London was read the second time and committed to the former Committees in the Bill for Cloths called Tauntons and Bridgwaters (who were appointed on Saturday the 4 ^th day of this instant February foregoing.)

Mr. Treasurer one of the Committees for the great causes, brought in a Bill for restraint of disobedient Subjects, and also Articles for the granting of the Subsidy, which Articles were then read by the Clerk, and agreed by the whole House to be delivered by Mr. Speaker to Mr. Attorney General, to draw a Bill according to the same Articles, to be read and passed in this House accordingly.

Upon a Motion made by Mr. Norton it is Ordered, that such persons as shall be appointed by this House at any time to have Conference with the Lord's, shall and may use any reasons or persuasions they shall think good in their discretions, so as it tend to the maintenance of anything done or passed this House before such Conference had and not otherwise. But that any such persons shall not in such wise yield or assent to any such Conference to any new thing there propounded, until this House be first made privy thereof, and give such Order.

The Bill that Children of Aliens not being Denizens and born in England shall not be reputed English, was read the third time, and after many Arguments committed unto Mr. Vice-Chamberlain, Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Serjeant Flowerdewe, Mr. Sands, Mr. Cromwell, Mr. Dalton, Mr. Cowper and Mr. Norton, to set down in Paper such words for amendment unto the said Bill against to Morrow Morning, to be offered unto this House for their better satisfaction of passing of the same Bill as may Answer the meaning and intent of this House gathered upon the said Arguments accordingly.

On Wednesday the 8 ^th day of February, Three Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the third being the Bill touching Kersies, defaults of Weavers and the abuses of Searchers and Alneagers, was read the second time and committed to the former Committees, and Sir John S ^t Leger, and Sir Arthur Bassett, were added to the same former Committees.

The Bill for Obedience to the Queens Majesty against the See of Rome was read the first time, and then ----

Upon a Motion made by Mr. Vice-Chamberlain that the Lord's have a Bill once read amongst them in the Upper House, much tending to many of the things contained in this Bill, and that therefore he thought good (if the House should so like of it) that a Committee of this House were appointed to have Conference with the Lord's in those matters, which course he thought would much expedite and further the good proceedings and meanings both of their Lordships and also of this House in that behalf; It is agreed upon the Question by the whole House, that all the former Committees which travelled in the drawing of the said Bill last read in this House, should likewise be appointed for the said Conference, and that all the Privy-Council being of this House, with a convenient number of others, should now presently repair unto the Lord's to pray the said Conference in the name of this whole House. Whereupon M ^r Treasurer, M ^r Vice-Chamberlain, Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer and Mr. Secretary Wilson, with divers others of this House went up to the Lord's, and brought Answer again, that they had delivered unto their Lordships the Message of this House which they had in Charge, and that their Lordships Answered they would consider of the request of this House therein, and then make further Answer.

Mr. Comptroller declared that he and divers others of the Committees appointed to have Conference with the Lord's yesterday in the Afternoon at the Court, touching the Bill before-passed in this House for avoiding of certain Incumbrances against Purchasers, were there present with their Lordships, and that their Lordships upon the Conference liked well of the intent and meaning of this House in the said Bill; but that their Lordships were of opinion that it were meet to have some other words added to the said Bill, the better to explain and carry the effect of the intent of the said Bill, as (said he) those of the said Committees towards the Law could better declare. Whereupon after some further Speeches thereof used by Mr. Serjeant Flowerdewe and Mr. Serjeant Fenner, the said Serjeants were further advised and required, that as of themselves and not by appointment of the House they should offer some such course of amendment thereof to their Lordships as might give good furtherance to the passing of the said Bill.

Three Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill for Examination of Witnesses in Towns Corporate was read the first time.

M ^r Serjeant Anderson and Mr. Doctor Clark did bring word from the Lord's that their Lordships upon the request made unto them by this House, have appointed eighteen of themselves to meet at the Court this Afternoon in the Council Chamber immediately after Dinner, to have Conference with such of this House as it shall please this House to appoint for that purpose to meet there with them touching matters of Religion. Whereupon all the said former Committees of this House were Commanded to give their attendance this Afternoon at the Court for that purpose accordingly.

And it is Ordered, that M ^r Halls matter be Examined by the Committees to Morrow in the Afternoon, for that the same cannot be dealt in this day by reason of the Conference to be had with the Lord's this Afternoon at the Court touching matters of Religion. Vide February 14. being Tuesday following.

The Bill for ratifying an Award for certain Copyholders in the County of Worcester, and the Bill for Partition of Lands between the Coheirs of the late Lord Latimer, are appointed to be considered of by the Committees upon Friday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber.

It is Ordered that three Bills touching Cloths which are before committed all to one Committee be deferred until to Morrow next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber.

Further day is given to the Committees in the Bill against Libelling till Friday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber.

Upon Declaration this day made by Mr. Speaker unto this House touching the Case of M ^r Walter Vaughan Knight for the County of Caermarthen supposed to be out-lawed, that upon Examination had by the Order and appointment of this House of the Actions brought against him in the same Suits it appeareth that they were all grown by Suretyship for other persons and not for his own debts or causes, and withal that yet nevertheless he had to his own great charge and hindrance very honestly compounded and taken order for all or the most part of them already; It was then agreed by the whole House that he should stand and continue as in his former Estate of the good opinion of this whole House sufficiently purged and discharged of the said suspicions before in Question. Vide concerning this matter on Monday this 6 ^th day of this instant February foregoing.

On Thursday the 9 ^th day of February, the Bill against unlawful Hunting of Conies was read the second time and committed unto M ^r Lieutenant of the Tower, Sir Thomas Scott, Sir Thomas Brown, Sir William Moore, M ^r Crooke, M ^r Tilney, M ^r Newdigate and M ^r Cowper, to consider presently of the Bill in the Committee Chamber of this House.

Three other Bills also of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill for addition for paving the street without Aldgate was read the second time and committed to M ^r Secretary Wilson, M ^r Lieutenant of the Tower, Sir William Winter, Sir Rowland Hayward, Mr. Robert Wroth and Mr. Aldersey, who were appointed to meet on Saturday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon at the Court in Mr. Secretaries Chamber.

Mr. Doctor Louis and Mr. Doctor Gibbon did bring from the Lord's a Bill touching the Hospital of Ledbury in the County of Hereford.

Two Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for Explanation of the Statute against the forging of Deeds and Evidences, &c. was read the second time and Ordered to be engrossed.

Mr. Treasurer moved that the Committees of this House, which were yesterday with the Lord's, might meet together at two of the Clock this Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber.

The Bill against counterfeit Instruments and counterfeit Seals of Offices was read the third time; and after many Arguments both against the Bill and with the Bill was referred to further Argument till to Morrow next.

On Friday the 10 ^th day of February, Six Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the first touching Gavelkind Land within the City of Exeter, and the last being the Bill for granting of one Subsidy, two Fifteenths and Tenths, had each of them their first reading.

On Saturday the 11 ^th day of February, Three Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for the true making of Woollen-Cloths, and the Bill for the abolishing of certain deceitful stuffs used in dying of Cloths were each of them read the second time and committed to the former Committees for Cloths, who were appointed on Saturday the 4 ^th day of this instant February foregoing.

After sundry further Arguments upon the Bill touching counterfeit Seals, it was upon the Question Ordered that Committees be appointed to consider of the Bill as it standeth only in the matter of the Seals of Corporations to be holpen with a Proviso. And thereupon also Authority was given unto the former Committees, and unto Mr. Thomas Sampoole, Sir Thomas Scott, Mr. Recorder, Mr. Carleton, Mr. Norton, Mr. S ^t Leiger, Mr. Lewkenor, Mr. Cromwell and Mr. Atkins, who were appointed to meet upon Monday next in the Morning at seven of the Clock in the Committee Chamber of this House.

The Bill for Explanation of the Statute for forging of Evidences and Writings was read the third time and passed upon the Question, after the amendment of certain words likewise three times read.

Four Bills also of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill against inordinate selling of Wooll and Yarn, was read the second time and committed unto Sir Thomas Bointon, Sir William Moore, M ^r George Speak, M ^r Layton, M ^r Keale and others, who were appointed to meet at two of the Clock this Afternoon at the Guild-Hall.

Mr. Cromwell one of the Committees in the Bill for ratification of an award for certain Copyholders in the County of Worcester (who were appointed on Monday the 6 ^th day of this instant February foregoing) brought in the Bill with the amendment of one Letter in a man's name, viz. Dallowe for Ballowe, and also with an Addition of a general saving. Which being twice read, the Bill upon the Question was Ordered to be engrossed.

M ^r Secretary Wilson one of the Committees for the paving of a Street without Aldgate (who were appointed on Thursday the 9 ^th day of this instant February foregoing) brought in the Bill; which being amended in these words put out, viz. [the same] and these words put in, viz. [the lately paved] which words being twice read, the Bill was upon the Question Ordered to be engrossed.

The new Bill against the Erecting of Iron Mills near the City of London and River of Thames was read the first time.

Mr. Serjeant Anderson and Mr. Doctor Barkley did bring word from the Lord's, that their Lordships do desire that the Committees of this House appointed to meet with their Lordships in the Bill for Religion, do meet with them to Morrow at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Star-Chamber. Whereupon the House being moved, it was resolved they should so do, and so it was Answered unto the said Mr. Serjeant Anderson and Mr. Doctor Barkley accordingly.

Mr. Serjeant Anderson and Mr. Doctor Clark did bring from the Lord's a Bill touching the fortifying of the Borders towards Scotland.

After sundry Arguments made to the Bill last read, it is upon the doubtfulness in the Answer to the Question resolved upon the Division of the House, that the Bill to be drawn by the Committees shall contain the number of eighteen Miles distant from the City of London by the difference of forty three persons.

And upon another Question clearly resolved that the same Bill so to be drawn shall contain but eight Miles from the River of Thames.

And upon another Question it is Ordered, that the House be called upon Thursday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon.

Nota, That there is no mention made of Monday the 13 ^th day of this instant February or of any Passages thereof in the House of Commons in the Original Journal-Book of the same House; and it may thereupon be very probably concluded, that the said House sat not upon the said day, which may seem the more strange also because the Lord's of the Upper House did sit.

On Tuesday the 14 ^th day of February, the Bill for ratification of an award made between William Hide Esq and William Darrell Esquire, was read the second time, and committed unto Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Serjeant Flowerdewe, Mr. Cromwell, Mr. Boys and Mr. Norton, and the Bill was delivered to Mr. Norton.

Two Bills also of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for Explanation of the Statute of 32 H. 8. for limitation of prescription, was read the second time, and committed unto Mr. Serjeant Fenner, Mr. Serjeant Flowerdewe and Mr. Cromwell, and the Bill was delivered to the said Mr. Cromwell.

M ^r Vice-Chamberlain for himself and the residue of the Committees appointed to Examine M ^r Hall, the Printer, the Scrivener, and all other persons privy to the setting forth and publishing of the Book, declared that they had charged the said M ^r Hall with contempt against this House the last Session, in that being enjoined by this House to appear, he departed out of Town in contempt of the Court; and afterwards testified the same his willful contempt by an unseemly Letter addressed by him to this House; and charged him further with divers Articles of great importance selected by the said Committees out of the said Book; as first, with publishing the Conferences of this House abroad in Print, and that in a Libel with a counterfeit name of the Author, and no name of the Printer, and containing matter of infamy of sundry good particular Members of the House, and of the whole State of the House in general, and also of the Power and Authority of this House, affirming that he knew of his own knowledge that this House had de facio judged and proceeded untruly.

And was further charged, that he had injuriously impeached the memory of the late Speaker deceased, and had impugned the Authority of this House in appointing Committees without his assent; and that in defacing the credit of the Body and Members of this House, he practiced to deface the Authority of the Laws and Proceeding in the Parliament, and so to impair the Ancient Orders touching the Government of the Realm and Rights of this House and the form of making Laws, whereby the Subjects of the Realm are governed. And further was charged, that since his being before the Lord's of the Council for his said offense, and after that he had received rebuke of them for the same, and had offered some form of a submission, he had eftsoon again published the said Book, and that whereas upon his Examination in the House he had denied the having anymore than one of the said Books, it was yet proved he had twelve or thirteen, and six of them since the time he was called before the said Lord's of the Council.

Unto all which things as the said M ^r Hall could make no reasonable Answer or denial, so the said M ^r Vice-Chamberlain very excellently setting forth the natures and qualities of the said offenses in their several degrees, moved in the end, that M ^r Hall being without at the Door might be called in to Answer unto those points before the whole House, and so thereupon to proceed to some end; and therewithal persuading a due consideration of spending the time, as much as might be, in matters of greatest moment, wherein much less hath been done this Session than in any other these many years in like quantity of time. And thereupon after divers other Motions and Speeches had in the said matter, the Printer was brought to the Bar, and being Examined, avowed, that M ^r Hall after that he had been before the Lord's of the Council, came to him and told him that he had Answered the matter for the Books before the Council, and that therefore the Printer might deliver the said Books abroad; and also where the said Printer wished unto the said M ^r Hall since his last committing, that all the said Books had been burned before he meddled with them, M ^r Hall should say to him again, he would not for a hundred pound. And then being sequestered,

M ^r Hall was brought to the Bar, where after some reverence done by him, though not yet in such humble and lowly wise as the state of one in that place to be charged and accused requireth whereof being admonished by M ^r Speaker, and further by him charged with sundry of the said parts collected out of the said Book, he submitted himself to the House, refusing to make any Answer or defense at all in the matter, but acknowledging his error prayed pardon of the whole House with all his heart; and that done, was sequestered.

After which upon sundry Motions and Arguments had touching the quality and nature of his faults, and of some proportionable forms of punishment for the same, as Imprisonment, Fine, banishment from the Fellowship of this House, and an utter Condemnation and retractation of the said Book; it was upon the Question resolved by the whole House without any one negative voice, that he should be committed to Prison.

And upon another Question likewise resolved, that he should be committed to the Prison of the Tower, as the Prison proper to this House.

And upon another Question it was in like manner resolved, that he should remain in the said Prison of the Tower by the space of six Months, and so much longer as until himself should willingly make a Retractation of the said Book to the satisfaction of this House, or of such Order as this House shall take for the same during the continuance of this present Parliament.

And upon another Question it was also in like manner resolved, that a Fine should be assessed by this House to the Queens Majesty's use, upon the said M ^r Hall, for his said offense.

And upon another question it was also resolved in like manner, that the said Fine should be five hundred Marks.

And upon another Question also it was likewise resolved, that the said M ^r Hall should presently be severed and cut off from being a Member of this House anymore during the continuance of this present Parliament, and that M ^r Speaker by Authority of this House should direct a Warrant from this House to the Clerk of the Crown-Office in the Chancery, for awarding of the Queens Majesty's Writ to the Sheriff of the said County of Lincoln, for a new Burgess to be returned into this present Parliament for the said Borough of Grantham, in lieu and stead of the said Arthur Hall, so as before disabled any longer to be a Member of this House.

And upon another Question it was also in like manner resolved, that the said Book and slanderous Libel should and shall be holden, deemed, taken and adjudged to be utterly false and erroneous, and that the same shall be publicly testified, affirmed and set forth to be false, seditious and erroneous in such sort, order and degree as by this House shall be during this Session of Parliament further determined in that behalf.

Which done the said M ^r Hall was brought in again to the Bar, unto whom M ^r Speaker in the name of the whole House pronounced the said Judgment in form aforesaid, and so the Serjeant Commanded to take charge of him and convey him to the said Prison of the Tower, and to deliver him to M ^r Lieutenant of the Tower by Warrant from this House to be directed and signed by M ^r Speaker for that purpose. Which done and the said M ^r Hall being had away by the Serjeant, it was agreed (upon a Motion made by M ^r Speaker) that the whole course and form of the said Proceedings and Judgment of this House against the said M ^r Hall should be afterwards orderly digested and set down in due form to be first read in this House, and then so Entred by the Clerk as the residue of the Orders and Proceedings of this House in other Cases are used to be done, and so it was afterwards drawn into form, read unto the House and Entred by the Clerk accordingly in haec verba, viz.

Where it was informed unto this House upon Saturday being the fourth day of this present February, that Arthur Hall of Grantham in the County of Lincoln Esq had sithence the last Session of this Parliament made, set forth in Print, and published a Book Dedicated unto Sir Henry Knivett Knight a good Member of this House, without his Privity, liking or allowance in part, tending greatly to the slander and reproach not only of Sir Robert Bell Knight deceased, late Speaker of this Parliament, and of sundry particular Members of this House, but also of the Proceedings of this House in the same last Session of Parliament in a Cause that concerned the said Arthur Hall and one Smalley his Man. And that there was also contained a long Discourse tending to the diminishment of the ancient Authority of this House. And that thereupon by Order of this House the said Arthur Hall was sent for by the Serjeant of this House to appear upon Monday following, which he did accordingly. Whereupon being called to the Bar and charged by the Speaker with the information given against him, he confessed the making and setting forth thereof. Whereupon the said Arthur Hall being sequestered, the House did presently appoint divers Committees to take a more particular Examination of the said Cause, and of all such as had been doers therein. Which Examination being finished by the said Committees, they informed this House that they had charged the said Arthur Hall with contempt against this House the said last Session, In that being enjoined by this House to appear there at a time by this House prefixed, he departed out of the Town in contempt of the Court, and afterwards testified and enforced the same his willful contempt by an unseemly Letter addressed by him to this House, and charged him also with publishing the Conferences of this House abroad out of the House, and that also in Print in manner of a Libel, with a counterfeit name of the Author, and without any name of the Printer, in which Book or Libel was contained matter of reproach and infamy to sundry good Members of this House in particular, and of the whole State of the House in general, reproaching and imbasing what in him lay, the Power and Authority of this House, and untruly reporting the Orders of this House, affirming amongst other great teproaches that he knew of his own knowledge that this House had proceeded and judged untruly. And further charged him that he had therein also injuriously impeached the memory of the late Speaker deceased, affirming that the Orders of this House were not by him truly delivered or set down, but altered and changed.

And not herewith satisfied hath in some part thereof contained a false and slanderous Discourse against the Antiquity and Authority of the Commons House, or third Estate of the Parliament, wherein he hath falsely sought as much as in him is to impugn, deface, blemish and diminish the Power, Antiquity and Authority of this House, and the interest that it hath always, and in all Age had, to the great impeachment of the ancient Order and Government of this Realm, the Rights of this House and the form of making Laws; And that since his being before the Lord's of the Council for his said offense, and after he had received rebuke of them for the same, and had offered some form of submission in that behalf, he had eftsoons again published the said Book; and that upon his Examination in this House he had denied the having of anymore than one of the said Books, yet it was proved that he had twelve or thirteen of them, and six of them since the time he was called before the Lord's of the Council, and that he had by his Letters given Order to have of those Books Printed, which was done accordingly with more, and that he had caused one of the same Books sithence this Session of Parliament, to be sent to Sir Randal Brierton Knight.

Unto all which as the said Arthur Hall could make no denial or sufficient Answer, so the said Committees setting forth the nature and quality of the said offenses in their several degrees, moved in the end that the said Arthur Hall might be called into the House to Answer unto those points before the whole House, and so thereupon to proceed to some speedy end, persuading therewithal a due consideration to be had of spending the time, as much as might be, in such matters of the Realm for which this Parliament was chiefly called. Whereupon after divers other Motions and Speeches had in the said matter the said Printer was brought to the Bar, and being Examined, avowed, that Arthur Hall after that he had been before the Lord's of the Council came to him and told him, that he had Answered the matter for the said Books before the Council, and that therefore the said Printer might deliver the said Books abroad; affirming also that where the said Henry Bynnyman the Printer sithence this Session of Parliament, and since his last committing, wished unto the said Arthur Hall that all the said Books had been burned before he meddled with them; That Arthur Hall should say to him again, he would not so for one hundred pounds. And then he being sequestered, Arthur Hall was brought to the Bar, where some mean reverence was by him done, though not in such humble and lowly wise as the state of one in that place to be charged and accused required. Whereof being admonished by the Speaker, and further by him charged, as well with the said parts collected out of the said Book, as with other his misdemeanors and contempts aforesaid, he in some sort submitted himself to the House, acknowledging in part the matters wherewith he was charged, and in some other parts denied the same; but not making any defense in the matter, but acknowledging in part his errors, imputing it for the most part to his misprision, and that in other parts the matters were gathered otherwise than he meant, he thereupon prayed pardon of the House, and that done was sequestered. After which upon sundry Motions and Arguments had touching the quality and nature of his fault, and of some proportionable forms of such punishment for such grievous offenses, it was upon the Question resolved and Ordered by the whole House without any one negative Voice, that he should be committed to Prison.

And upon another Question likewise resolved and Ordered, that he should be committed to the Prison of the Tower, as the Prison usual for Offenders to be committed unto by this House.

And upon another Question it was in like manner resolved and Ordered, that he should remain in the said Prison of the Tower by the space of six Months, and so much longer as until himself should willingly make a particular Revocation or Retractation under his hand in writing of the said errors and slanders contained in the said Book, to the satisfaction of this House, or of such Order as this House shall take for the same, during the continuance of this present Session of Parliament.

And upon another Question it was also in like manner resolved and Ordered, that a Fine should be assessed by this House to the Queens Majesty's use upon the said Arthur Hall for his said offense.

And upon another Question it was resolved and Ordered in like manner, that the same Fine should be five hundred Marks.

And upon another like question it was likewise resolved and Ordered, that the said Arthur Hall should presently be removed, severed and cut off from being any longer a Member of this House during the continuance of this present Parliament, and that the Speaker by Authority from this House should direct a Warrant from this House to the Clerk of the Crown-Office in the Chancery for awarding of the Queens Majesty's Writ to the Sheriff of the said County of Lincoln for a new Burgess to be returned into this present Parliament for the said Borough of Grantham, in the lieu and stead of the said Arthur Hall so as before disabled any longer to be a Member of this House.

And upon another question it was also in like manner resolved and Ordered, that the said Book and Libel was and should be holden, deemed, taken and adjudged to be for so much as doth concern the errors aforesaid condemned.

Which done, the said Arthur Hall was brought in again to the Bar, unto whom the Speaker in the name of the whole House pronounced the said Judgment in form aforesaid, and so the Serjeant Commanded to take Charge of him and convey him to the said Prison of the Tower, and to deliver him to the Lieutenant of the Tower by Warrant from this House to be directed and signed by the said Speaker for that purpose. Vide concerning this matter on Saturday the 4 ^th day, Monday the 6 ^th day, and Wednesday the 8 ^th day of this instant February foregoing.

On Wednesday the 15 ^th day of February, Four Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the third being the Bill for granting of one Subsidy, two Fifteenths and Tenths was read the second time and Ordered to be engrossed.

On Thursday the 16 ^th day of February, the Bill against the Family of Love, was read the second time, and committed unto Sir Thomas Scott, Sir William Moore, Sir John Brockett, M ^r Beale and others, who were appointed to meet this Afternoon at two of the Clock in the Exchequer Chamber.

M ^r Vice-Chamberlain one of the Committees in the Bill for counterfeit Seals (who were appointed on Thursday the 26 ^th day of January foregoing) brought in the old Bill amended by the Committees, and a new Bill drawn by the said Committees according to the same amendments, whereupon the same new Bill was twice read and Ordered to be engrossed.

The Bill for punishment of unlawful Marriages which was delivered to M ^r Doctor Dale and other Committees, was this day brought in by M ^r Grimsditch one other of the Committees, and a new Bill for that purpose made by the consent of the same Committees.

After sundry Speeches used against Sir Rowland Hayward one of the Committees in the Bill against Iron-Mills for an error by him done in preferring a new Bill for that purpose to the House, not agreed upon by the more part of the residue of the Committees, urging some infliction to be laid upon him, or at least his Submission with an acknowledgment of his said error therein to the House, it was upon a Motion made by M ^r Speaker, and his Declaration of the Proceeding of the said Sir Rowland Hayward with him in the bringing in of the said latter Bill, Ordered by the House, that the matter of the said Prosecution should be no further dealt in or meddled with, as a thing of too small moment for this House to be troubled with or spend time in.

Three Bills also of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill for ratification of an award for certain Copyholders in the County of Worcester, was read the third time and passed upon the Question.

The Calling of this House appointed to have been this Afternoon is for greater causes deferred till another time.

On Friday the 17 ^th day of February, Five Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the fourth being the Bill for limitation of Formedon in the Descender, and the fifth being the Bill against the excessive multitude of Attorneys in the Court of Common-Pleas, was read the second time, and with the former committed unto both Masters of the Requests, M ^r Lieutenant of the Tower, Sir Thomas Sampoole, M ^r Attorney of the Duchy, M ^r Sands, M ^r Carleton, M ^r Layton, M ^r Grimpston, M ^r Vaughan, M ^r Dalton, M ^r Boys, and M ^r Grimsditch, and both the Bills were delivered to M ^r Doctor Dale Master of the Requests, who with the rest was appointed to meet in the new Hall in the Temple, at two of the Clock this Afternoon.

The Bill touching the Children of Aliens and Strangers was once more read with the former amendments, and other amendments now presently inserted three times first read, was passed upon the Question, after many Arguments first had and made.

Francis Drake Esquire was Licensed this day by M ^r Speaker to depart for certain his necessary business in the service of her Majesty.

Francis Vaughan Esquire one of the Burgesses for the Borough of Wilton in the County of Wiltshire, was this day Licensed by M ^r Speaker to be absent for his necessary business at the Assizes.

On Saturday the 14 ^th day of February, Two Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for the naturalizing of certain English men's Children born beyond the Seas, was read the first time.

The Bill for the repealing of certain branches of certain Statutes touching the making of Woollen-Cloths, and another Bill touching the Shipping of Cloths, were each of them committed upon the first reading unto the former Committees for Cloths (who were appointed on Saturday the 4 ^th day of this instant February foregoing.)

The Bill for preservation of Pheasants and Partridges was read the second time, and committed unto M ^r Chancellor of the Duchy, M ^r Knight Marshal, Sir Thomas Cecil, Sir Thomas Scott, M ^r Beamond and others, who were appointed to meet at M ^r Chancellors of the Duchy at two of the Clock in the Afternoon upon Monday next.

The Bill for Gavelkind Land within the City of Chester was read the third time.

The four Bills last past before this present day were sent up to the Lord's by M ^r Treasurer and others.

The Bill against unlawful Hunting of Conies was read the second time, and after many Arguments rejected upon the question of ingrossing.

M ^r Chancellor of the Exchequer declared that the Committees appointed by this House to have Conference with the Lord's touching the Bill for Religion, have sundry times met together with their Lordships about the same Bill, and that the same Bill is by the said Committees in some parts altered, changed and amended, and in some other parts abridged, and some others added unto, and so delivered in the same Bill so amended, requiring that the same should now be presently read as for the first reading thereof. Whereupon the said Bill was read accordingly for the first reading.

The Committees in M ^r Hydes Bill are appointed to meet on Monday Morning next in the Treasury Chamber.

It is Ordered that the House be called upon Monday next in the Afternoon.

On Monday the 20 ^th day of February, Five Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the fourth being the Bill for the paving a Street without Aldgate was read the third time and passed upon the Question.

The Bill for Explanation of the Statute of Limitation made in the 37 ^th year of H. 〈◊〉 . was brought in by M ^r Cromwell one of the Committees with some amendments

The Bill for ratification of a Decree between Mr. Hyde and Mr. Darrell was brought in by the Committees, and the amendments being twice read, the Bill was Ordered to be engrossed.

Sir Thomas Scott one of the Committees in the Bill against the Family of Love (who were appointed on Thursday the 16 ^th day of this instant February foregoing) brought in the old Bill with a new Bill also for that purpose drawn by the said Committees, but (he protested) not assented unto only by himself, and that for one only Article in the same new Bill contained.

Mr. Serjeant Flowerdewe, Mr. Beale, Mr. Topcliffe, Mr. Cromwell, Mr. Newdigate, Mr. Alford and Mr. Layton were added to the former Committees in the Bill touching the Attorneys, and appointed to meet in the Inner-Temple Hall at two of the Clock in the Afternoon.

The Bill for the relief of the Creditors of Sir Thomas Gresham Knight Deceased, was read the second time.

The Bill against slanderous Speeches and rumors, and other seditious practices against the Queens Majesty, was brought in by the Committees, with certain Amendments and Additions, all three times read and so now the Bill was read the third time and passed upon the Question, and was sent up to the Lord's by Mr. Vice-Chamberlain and others, together with the other Bill passed this day, viz. the Bill for paving of the Street without Aldgate.

Mr. Treasurer, Mr. Vice-Chamberlain, Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir William Moore, Mr. Recorder, Mr. Serjeant Flowerdewe, Mr. Wroth, Mr. Cromwell and others, were appointed to meet in the Exchequer-Chamber on Tuesday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon for the Bill touching the Creditors of Sir Thomas Gresham, and Licence given to all persons and parties whom it may concern, to bring their Learned Council as well before the said Committees as also before this House, if it shall be so thought requisite.

The Bill touching coloured Cloths made in the Counties of Suff. and Essex was read the second time, and committed to the former Committees for Cloths, and the Bill was delivered to M ^r Grimston.

On Tuesday the 21 ^th day of February, Six Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the third being the Bill for Explanation of the Statute of Limitation of prescription of 32 H. 8. with the Amendments, was twice read, and with the Bill Ordered to be engrossed.

The Bill for Partition of the Lands late of the Lord Latimer Deceased, was brought in by the Committees, with a Proviso for the Earl of Oxford and Sir Thomas Tindale; the same Proviso being twice read, the Bill and Proviso were Ordered to be engrossed by assent of both parties.

The Bill for Assize of Fuel and touching Iron-Mills were brought in by M ^r Comptroller, with a new Bill for the Assize of Fuel, another touching Glass-Houses, and another for the Assize of Fuel within the City of Worcester.

The Bill last read was upon the Question and Division of the House passed with the advantage of the number of twelve Voices.

The three Bills last passed were sent up to the Lord's by M ^r Vice-Chamberlain and others.

Two Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the first being the new Bill for the punishing of the Family of Love, was read the first time.

M ^r Serjeant Anderson and M ^r Doctor Clark did bring word from the Lord's, that their Lordships having considered of the Amendments and Additions of this House in a Bill touching slanderous Speeches and Rumors, and other seditious practices against the Queens Majesty, and minding to understand the meaning and intent of this House in some part of the same Amendments and Additions, have appointed twelve of themselves to have Conference with some of this House to Morrow at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Council Chamber at the Court, and did pray that a convenient number of this House might be appointed to meet with them at the said time and place for Conference with the Lord's in that behalf accordingly. Whereupon were appointed for that purpose all those of this House which were in the former Committee of the same Bill before (whose names see on Wednesday the first day of this instant February foregoing.)

On Wednesday the 22 ^th day of February, Three Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the third being the Bill for the true making of Hats and Caps was read the second time, and committed unto M ^r Lieutenant of the Tower, Sir Rowland Haywood, M ^r Recorder, M ^r Askwith, M ^r Perry and others, and the Bill was delivered to M ^r Lieutenant of the Tower, who with the rest was appointed to meet at Guildhall upon Friday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon.

On Thursday the 23 ^th day of February, the Bill against sowing of Lineseed or Hempseed within the County of Hertford by force of any penal Laws, was read the second time and committed unto Sir Henry Cock, Sir Henry Knivett, Sir Thomas Brown, Sir Thomas Scott, Sir James Harrington, Sir William More and others; and the Bill was delivered to Sir William More aforesaid, who with the rest was appointed to meet this Afternoon at two of the Clock in the Temple.

Two Bills also of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for the true folding and winding of Woolls was read the second time and committed unto Sir Rowland Hayward, Sir George Turpin, Sir James Barrington, M ^r Keale, M ^r Benbridge and others; and the Bill was delivered to M ^r Benbridge, who with the rest was appointed to meet this Afternoon in the Middle-Temple Church at two of the Clock.

On Friday the 24 ^th day of February, Two Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for re-edifying of the Borough of New-Woodstock, was read the second time and Ordered to be engrossed.

The Bill touching the Mayor, Bailiffs and Commonalty of the City of Coventry was brought in by M ^r Grimsditch with Amendments agreed upon by all the Parties to the same Bill.

Two Bills also had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for the true melting and working of Wax, was read the second time, and committed unto M ^r Comptroller, M ^r Edgecombe, M ^r Lieutenant, M ^r Recorder and Mr. Cromwell, to consider presently in the Committee Chamber.

Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer brought in the Bill for Sheriffs with some Amendments and Additions, and also a new Bill touching the return of Jurors, which all were read.

Post Meridiem.

The House being called and some returned into the places of others Deceased since the last Session of this present Parliament, and yet some of them supposed to be living, some in place of others sick and diseased, and some in place of others employed in the Queens Majesty's Service, it is Ordered, that all the said returns of this Session be Examined, and the Orders and Precedents of this House in like Cases formerly used be also considered by some of this House, and thereupon report to be made to this whole House of the state of the said Returns and Precedents, to the end further order may be taken therein accordingly. Whereupon were appointed for that purpose M ^r Treasurer, M ^r Chancellor of the Duchy, M ^r Treasurer of the Chamber, Sir Thomas Shirley, Sir Edward Horsey, Sir William Moore, Sir Henry Gate, Sir John Hibbott, M ^r Attorney of the Duchy, M ^r Diggs, M ^r Cromwell and M ^r Poole.

William Boreman Esq one of the Burgess for the Town of Wells was Licensed by Mr. Speaker to be absent for his necessary Affairs at the next Assizes in the County of Somerset.

On Saturday the 25 ^th day of February, Two Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for the Explanation of the Statute of 32 H. 8. for Limitation of prescription, was read the third time and passed upon the Question.

Tuesday next in the Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber is appointed for the Committees to meet together to examine the returns and defaults appearing upon the calling of the House.

The Bill for the better fortifying of the Borders and Frontiers towards Scotland was read the second time, and after many Arguments committed unto all the Privy-Council being Members of this House, M ^r Treasurer of the Chamber, M ^r Knight Marshal, Sir Thomas Cecil, Sir Henry Lea, Sir Henry Knivett and others, who were appointed to meet upon Monday next in the Exchequer Chamber at two of the Clock in the Afternoon.

On Monday the 27 ^th day of February, Four Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill touching the Examination of Witnesses in Towns Corporate, was read the second time and Ordered to be engrossed.

The two Bills which passed yesterday were now sent up to the Lord's by M ^r Comptroller and others.

The Bill touching Leases of Tenants in Tail was read the second time and committed unto Sir Thomas Sampoole, M ^r Sandes, M ^r Amerdeth, M ^r Cromwell, M ^r Edward Stanhope and M ^r Shirley, who were appointed to meet this Afternoon at two of the Clock in the Exchequer Chamber.

The Bill for the City of Carliol was read the second time and committed unto Mr. Comptroller, Mr. Knight Marshal, Sir Henry Knivett, Sir John Dawney, Sir Edward Horsey, Sir Robert Stapleton, Sir Henry Gate and others; who were appointed to meet on Wednesday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber.

Mr. Serjeant Anderson and Mr. Dr. Barkeley did bring from the Lord's word that their Lordships have appointed to meet with the Committees of this House at the Court in the Council Chamber at two of the Clock in the Afternoon touching the Bill of disobedient Subjects.

It is Ordered thereupon for this time that the former Committees with some others now added and no more, shall attend the Lord's to Morrow in the Afternoon according to the Message brought from their Lordships in the Bill for Religion.

The Bill for the punishment of Heretics called the Family of Love, was read the second time and committed unto Mr. Comptroller, Mr. Vice-Chamberlain, Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Secretary Wilson and others, who were appointed to meet upon Wednesday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon.

It was Ordered that the House should be called again upon Saturday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon.

On Tuesday the 28 ^th day of February, Five Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the third being the Bill touching Clothes called Tauntons and Bridgewaters, was read the third time, and Ordered to be engrossed.

Mr. Doctor Barkley and Mr. Doctor Ford did bring from the Lord's a Bill touching the assurance of certain Lands to the Lord Compton.

The Bill against Moor-burning was read the second time.

The Bill touching Examination of Witnesses in Corporate Towns, and these words, viz. [without Commission or Warrant from some of her Majesty's Courts or Councils] and these words [or nisi prius ] are upon the Question Ordered to be put into the Bill, and the word [heretofore] already in the Bill was upon the division of the House after the doubtfulness of the Question, Ordered to remain in the Bill by the advantage of the number of nine persons, and the Bill so amended was passed upon the Question.

On Wednesday the first day of March, Three Bills had each of them one reading; of which the third being the Bill for granting one Subsidy, two Fifteenths and Tenths was read the third time and passed upon the Question.

On Thursday the second day of March, Six Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill for the Mayor, Bailiffs and Commonalty of the City of Coventry, was read the third time and passed upon the Question.

Five Bills were sent up to the Lord's by all the Privy-Council being of this House and others; of which one was the Bill touching Limitation of prescription in a Formedon in the Descender, and another against the false packing of Hops.

Three Bills also had each of them one reading; of which the third being the Bill against the Corporation of the Merchant Adventurers being Freemen of the City of London was read the second time, and committed unto Mr. Treasurer, Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Comptroller, Mr. Chancellor of the Duchy, Mr. Vice-Chamberlain, Mr. Secretary Wilson, Mr. Lieutenant of the Tower, the Master of the Jewel-House, M ^r Dale Master of the Requests and others, who were appointed to meet in the Exchequer Chamber to Morrow at two of the Clock in the Afternoon; And further that the said Committees shall have Authority to hear such proofs on both parts as shall make request to come before them touching the contents of the said Bill.

On Friday the third day of March, the Additions and Amendments in the Bill touching Tinners and Spaliers were twice read, and the Bill 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 preservation of Woods was read the second time.

After sundry Motions and Arguments touching some Reformations in matters of Religion, contained in the Petitions exhibited unto this House the last Session of this present Parliament, it was at last resolved by the whole House, that Mr. Vice-Chamberlain, both Mr. Secretaries, and Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer shall by Order of this House, and in the name of this whole House, move the Lord's of the Clergy to continue unto her Majesty the prosecution of the purposes of reformation, which they the said Mr. Vice-Chamberlain, Mr. Secretaries, and Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer had before of themselves, and not as from this House moved unto their Lordships, and also shall further impart unto their Lordships the earnest desire of this House for redress of such other griefs contained likewise in the said Petitions, as have been touched this day in the said Motions and Arguments, as to their good wisdoms shall seem meet. And then upon a Motion made by M ^r Speaker, it was further agreed, that all the said Speeches, Motions and Arguments should by the whole House be deemed in every man to proceed of good and godly zeal, without any evil intent or meaning at all, and so and for such to be construed and reported accordingly, and not otherwise, or in any other manner. Vide March the 7 ^th .

On Saturday the 4 ^th day of March, Two Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for naturalizing of certain English men's Children born beyond the Seas was read the third time, and passed upon the Question.

The Bill touching Wrecks of the Seas was read the second time, and the Amendments were twice read and Ordered to be engrossed.

The Bill against disobedience to her Majesty in respect of the usurped See of Rome, &c. was brought in by M ^r Treasurer one of the Committees, and then read the first time, and was also upon the Question Ordered by this House to be now presently read again, and so was read the second time, and after many Speeches was Ordered to be engrossed.

M ^r Attorney General and M ^r Doctor Louis did bring from the Lord's three Bills, viz. One for Consirmation of a Subsidy of the Clergy, Another for increase of Mariners and for the maintenance of the Navy, And the third for the Inning of Erith and Plumsted Marsh.

The Bill for Leases for Tenant in Tail was read the third time, and passed upon the Question.

The Bill for re-edifying of Cardiffe-Bridge, and the Bill for Leases of Tenant in Tail were sent up to the Lord's by M ^r Secretary Wilson and others.

Three Bills had each of them their third reading and passed upon the Question; of which the last was the Bill touching Cloths called Tauntons and Bridgewaters.

Post Meridiem.

The Bill for repair of Dover-Haven was read the second time, and committed unto Sir William Winter, Sir Edward Horsey, Mr. Recorder of London, Mr. Sands, Mr. Dalton and others; and the Bill was delivered to the said Sir Edward Horsey, who with the rest was appointed to meet upon Monday next at seven of the Clock in the Forenoon in the Exchequer Chamber.

The Bill for the Hospital of Ledbury in the County of Hereford was read the second time, and committed unto Mr. Skidmore, Mr. Cromwell, Mr. Philipps, Mr. Powley and Mr. Edward Stanhope; and the Bill was delivered to Mr. Cromwell, who with the rest was appointed to meet in the Committee Chamber of this House upon Monday next at seven of the Clock in the Forenoon.

Four Bills also of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for the maintenance of Mariners and of Navigation, was read the first time.

The Bill touching Iron-Mills near the City of London, and the River of Thames, was read the second time, and this reading to stand for no reading. Quod nota.

On Monday the 6 ^th day of March, Three Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the third being the Bill to retain the Queens Subjects in their due obedience, was read the third time and passed upon the Question.

Mr. Doctor Gibbon and Mr. Doctor Clark did bring from the Lord's a Bill touching a certain Rent-Charge unto the Bishop of Coventry and Litchfield and his Successors, out of the Lands of Edward Fisher Esquire.

Six Bills were sent up to the Lord's from the House of Commons by all the Privy-Council being Members of this House; of which one was the Bill for Confirmation of the Subsidy granted by the Clergy, and another to retain the Queens Majesty's Subjects in their due obedience, with special recommendation from this House unto their Lordships touching the latter of the said Bills.

The Bill for the repairing of Dover-Haven was twice read, and committed unto the former Committees and all the Privy-Council being Members of this House; M ^r Dale Master of the Requests, and Mr. Recorder of London were added unto them, and appointed to meet at the Exchequer Chamber upon Wednesday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon.

On Tuesday the 7 ^th day of March, the Bill against secret Conveyances and deceitful sale os Lands was read the first time.

Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer declared, that Mr. Vice-Chamberlain, both Mr. Secretaries and himself, have according to their Commission from this House conferred with some of my Lord's the Bishops touching the griefs of this House for some things very requisite to be reformed in the Church, as the great number of unlearned and unable Ministers, the great abuse of Excommunication for every matter of small moment, the Commutation of Penance, and the great multitude of Dispensations and Pluralities, and other things very hurtful to the Church; and in the name of this House desired their Lordships to join with them in Petition to her Majesty for reformation of the said abuses: declaring further, that they found some of the said Lord's the Bishops not only ready to confess and grant the said defects and abuses, wishing due redress thereof; but also very willing to join with the said Committees in moving of her Majesty in that behalf. Whereupon they afterwards joined in humble suit together unto her Highness, and received her Majesty's most Gracious Answer, That as her Highness had the last Session of Parliament of her own good consideration (and before any Petition or Suit thereof made by this House) committed the charge and consideration thereof unto some of her Highness Clergy, who had not performed the same according to her Highness Commandment; so her Majesty would eftsoons commit the same unto such others of them, as with all convenient speed without remissness and slackness should see the same accomplished accordingly, in such sort as the same shall neither be delayed nor undone. For the which as they did all render unto her Majesty most humble and dutiful thanks, so did Mr. Chancellor further declare, that the only cause why no due reformation hath been already had, was only by the negligence and slackness of some others, and not of her Majesty nor of this House; alleging withal that some of the said Bishops had yet done something in those matters delivered by her Majesty to their Charge, as in a more advised care of following and making of Ministers, but yet in effect little or nothing to the purpose. And so concluding moved this House to rest satisfied with her Majesty's said most Gracious Answer, and to resolve upon some form of yielding thanks unto her Highness for her most Gracious Acceptation of the humble Petition of this House unto her Highness in that behalf, and also in putting her Majesty in remembrance for Execution thereof at her Highness good pleasure. Vide concerning this business on Friday the third day of this instant March foregoing.

Two Bills also of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for maintenance of the Borders and Frontiers against Scotland, was twice read and Ordered to be engrossed.

Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer after sundry Motions and Arguments for the manner and form of proceeding in giving most humble thanks unto her Majesty for her Highness said most Gracious Acceptation of the most humble Petition of this House unto her Highness for redress of sundry Enormities in the Church, and for the further putting of her Majesty in remembrance for Execution of the same, moved, that not this whole House nor any chosen or selected number of the same, but rather M ^r Speaker in his Oration upon the last day of this Session do in the name of this whole House then yield unto her Highness their most humble and dutiful thanks, with their like remembrance and continuation of their most humble and lowly Petition and Suit unto her Majesty for the speedy Execution and accomplishment thereof at her Highness good pleasure. Vide concerning this business on Friday the third day of this instant March foregoing.

M ^r Serjeant Anderson and M ^r Doctor Clark did bring from the Lord's an Act for reformation of errors in Fines and common Recoveries.

It is resolved by the House upon the Question, that M ^r Speaker in the name of this whole House do in his Oration to her Majesty upon the last day of this present Session of Parliament give unto her Highness most humble and dutiful thanks in the name of this whole House for her Majesty's said most Gracious Acceptation and Consideration of the said humble Petition and Suit of this House unto her Highness, and do also put her Majesty in remembrance for the Execution and accomplishment thereof at her Highness good pleasure in such sort as to M ^r Speaker (without receiving instruction or direction of any of this House) shall seem most meet and convenient. Vide concerning this matter on Friday the third day of this instant March foregoing.

On Wednesday the 8 ^th day of March, the Bill for Inning of Erith and Plumsted-Marsh was read the first time, and committed unto Sir Thomas Scott, Sir William Moore, Sir Thomas Brown, Sir Rowland Hayward, Mr. Grimsditch and others; and the Bill was delivered to the said Mr. Grimsditch, who with the rest was appointed to meet this Afternoon in the Temple-Hall at two of the Clock.

The Bill for the assurance of Rent-Charge of eighty two pounds ten shillings to the Bishop of Coventry and Litchfield and his Successors, was read the first time, and thereupon committed to the last former Committees ( Quod nota ) and was delivered to Sir Rowland Hayward one of the said Committees to meet at the said time and place before-mentioned.

Three Bills also of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill against erecting of Iron-Mills near unto the City of London or River of Thames, was read the second time and Ordered to be engrossed.

The two Bills last passed were sent up to the Lord's by Mr. Chancellor of the Duchy, Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer and others.

Mr. Attorney General and Mr. Serjeant Anderson did bring from the Lord's the Bill against slanderous rumors and other seditious practices against the Queens Majesty, which first passed the Upper House, and being brought down into this House was afterwards sent from hence thither again with a certain Schedule of Amendments, and also with an Addition thereunto of this House engrossed in Parchment, but not indorsed with soit baille aux Seigneurs, for want whereof their Lordships had no Warrant to deal therewith any further, and therefore willed that this House would either withdraw the said Addition engrossed and so to pass the Bill, or else cause the same to be indorsed, that their Lordships might further proceed accordingly. Whereupon immediately after the departing of the said Mr. Attorney and Mr. Serjeant Anderson the said Addition was indorsed, and sent up by Mr. Treasurer and others.

The Bill for the relief of the Creditors of Sir Thomas Gresham K ^t deceased, was read the first time.

Mr. Lieutenant of the Tower, Sir Thomas Scott, Mr. Cromwell, Mr. Atkins and Mr. Norton were appointed to confer together touching the answering and satisfying of the Contents of a Letter written by M ^r Hill to M ^r Speaker, which was here read in the House by the Clerk, and delivered to M ^r Cromwell one of the Committees to be considered by him and the residue of the said Committees accordingly. Vide de ista materia on Tuesday the 14 ^th day of February foregoing, as also on Saturday the 18 ^th day of this instant March following.

On Thursday the 9 ^th day of March, Two Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for colouring of strangers goods was read the first time.

Sir Rowland Hayward, one of the Committees in the Bill for confirmation of an assurance of a Rent-Charge of eighty two pounds ten shillings to the Bishop of Coventry and Litchfield and his Successors, and for the Bill touching the Inning of Erith and Plumsled Marsh (who were appointed immediately on the day foregoing) declared that such saving as they think meet to be had in both the said Bills, is conceived by the Committees already.

The Bill for Confirmation of an assurance of a Rent-Charge of eighty two pounds ten shillings to the Bishop of Coventry and Litchfield and his Successors, was read the second time; and thereupon M