TO ſearch ſo high as the Norman Conqueſt, it is neceſſary to lay downe the forme of Government of thoſe times, wherein the State of affaires led in another forme of publique Councels: For the people (wrought under the Sword of the firſt William, William the Conqueror. and his followers, to a ſubjected Vaſſaladge) could not poſſeſſe in ſuch Aſſemblies the Right of their former Liberties, Diviſions and Power having maſtered them, and none of their old nobility and Heads, being left either of credit or fortunes.Domeſday.

What he retained not in providence as the Demeaſnes of the Crowne) or reſerved in Piety (as the maintenance of the Church) he parted to thoſe Strangers that ſayled along with him, in that Barque of his Adventure;Edmerus. leaving the Natives for the moſt part (as it appeares by his Survey) in no better condition, then villany; moulding their Cuſtomes to the manner of his owne Countrey; and forbore to grant the Lawes of Saint Edward, Huntington. ſo often called for.

Ex Libro feodorum in Sccio.To ſupply his occaſions of men, money, and p • o 〈…〉 on; hee ordered that all thoſe, that enjoyed any fruit of his Conqueſt, ſhould hold their Lands proportionable by ſo many Knights fees of the Crowne; admitted them to enſeoffe their followers of ſuch part • (as they pleaſed) of their own portions,Hen. 1. ſtat. Ex Libro rubro Sccij. Chronicon de Durſt • ble. which to eaſe their charge they did in his and his ſonnes time by two Feoffments, the one de novo, the other de veteri. This courſe provided him of the body of his warre; the money and Proviſion was by headage aſſeſted the common people by the co • ſent of their Lords; who held in all their Seigniories ſuch Right of Regalitie, as to their Vaſſalles; ſo as (ſaith Paris) quot Domini, Paris. Benedict. monac. in vita. H • n. 2. Gervaſins Doubo. tot Tyranni: and proved to the King ſo great a curbe and reſtraint of power, that nothing f • ll into the Care of Maieſtie afterward more, then • o retrench the force of this Ariſtocracy, that was in time like to ſtrang • e the Monarchy.

Though others foreſaw the miſchiefe betimes, yet none attempted the remedy,Iohn. untill King Iohn, whoſe overhaſtie undertaking brought in thoſe broyles of t • e Barrons warres.Roger Wendon. There needed not before this any ca • e to adviſe with the Commons in all publique Aſſembly, when every man in England by Tenure, held himſel • e • o his great Lords will, whoſe preſence was ever required in thoſe Councells; and in whoſe aſſent his dependant Tenants conſent was ever included.

Before this Kings time then we ſeeke in vaine for any Commons called, they were called ever for making of Lawes, but not to conſult touching warre or Peace T • e fi • ſt (as may bee gathered) though darkely) by the Records) that uſed their Counſells and Aſſents, was t • is King in the ſixt yeare of his Raigne:Clauſ. 6. Io. in dors. here are the firſt ſummons on record to the Peeres or Barrons, tractaturi de magnis & ardius negotiis. It was about a warre of defence againſt the French. And that the Commons were admitted at this time, may fitly be gathered by the ordinance; Proviſum eſt communi aſſenſu Archiepiſcoporum, Clauſ. 6, Io. pt. 2. in dorſ. Comitam, Baronum, & aliorum fidelium noſtrorum Angliae, quod nomen milites Angliae invenirent decimum, &c. And this was directed to all the Shirefs in England. The auncient uſe in publique lawes.

From this time, there is a breach untill 18. Hen. 3. where the next Summons extant, is in a Plea Rolle of that year,Hen. 3. Plita de Bau co. 18. Hen. 3 but the ordinances are loſt, from thence the Records afford us no light untill the 49 of the ſame King, where then the Summons to the Biſhops, Lords, Knights, and Burgeſſes are much in manner,Clauſ. 49. Hen. 3. iij. An. 11. Dorſ though not in matter alike to the uſe in our times, this Parliament was called to adviſe with the King pro pace aſſecuranda & firmanda, they are the words of the writt; and where advice is required, conſultation muſt be admitted.

To this King ſucceeded Edward the firſt, his Sonne,Edw. 1. a wiſe, juſt, and fortunate Prince. In his Raigne we have no light of publique Councell of this kind; And ſo along to the fourth of his Granchild,Ex Rot. part in Archinis Loud. but what we borrow out of the Rolles of Summons, wherein the forme ſtood various according to the occaſions, untill it grew conſtant in the forme it is, about the entring of Richard the ſecond, the Journall Rolles being ſpoiled by the injury of time or private ends.

This King in the fift of his Raigne called a Parliament,Clauſ 5. Edw. 1. iij. 12. Dorſ. and therein adviſed with his Lords and Commons, for ſuppreſſing Llewellin Prince of Wales: And hearing that the French King intended to invade ſome peeces of his inheritance in France, Clauſ. 7. E. 1 iij. 3. Dorſ. ſummoned a Parliament ad tractandum, ordinandum, & faciendum cum Prelatis, Proceris & aliis Inco • is Regni, quomodo huiuſmodi periculis & excogitatis militiis ſit obviandum; inſerting in the writt, that it was Lex notiſsima & provida circumſpectione ſtabilita, that that quod omnes tangit, Clauſ. 34. E. 1. Dorſ. abomnibus approbaretur. In the thirty fourth of his Raigne ſuper ordinatione & ſtabilimento Regni Scotie, he made the like convention.

His Sonne,Edw. 2. the ſecond Edward, pro ſolempnitate Sponſalium & Coronationis, conſulted with his people in his firſt yeare,Clauſ. 1. E. 2. iij. 19. in his ſixth yeare, ſuper diverſis negotiis ſtatuum Regni & expeditione Guerre Scotie ſpecialiter tangentibus, he aſſembled the States to adviſe:Clauſ. 6. E. 2. iij. 3. the like he did in his eight yeare. The French King having invaded Gaſcoigne in the thirteenth yeare,Clauſ. 8. E. 2. iij. 3. the Parliament was called ſuper arduis negotiis Statuum ducatus Vaſconie tangentibus;Clauſ. 13, E. 2. iij. 13. Dorſ. And in the ſixteenth to conſult ad refraenandum Scotorum obſtinantiam & malitiam. Clauſ. 16. E. 2. iij. 27.

Before Edward the third would reſolve in his firſt year, whether Peace or warre with the Scotiſh King;Edw. 3. Clauſ. 1. E. 3. he ſummoned the Peeres and Commons ſuper praemiſsis tractare & concilium impendere.

The Chancellour Anno the fifth declareth from the King,Rotl. Parl. 5. Edw. 3. the cauſe of that Aſſemby, that it was to conſult and reſolve, whether the King ſhould proceed with France for recoverie of his Seignories, by Allyance of marriage, or by warre? And whether to redreſſe the diſobedience of the Iriſh, he ſhould paſſe in perſon or noe?

Parl. 6. E. 3. The year following he reſembled his Lords and Commons, and required their advice, whether he ſhould undertake the holy Expedition with the French King, or no? The Biſhops and Proctors of the Clergie would not be preſent, as forbidden by their Canons ſuch Councels. The Peeres and Commons conſult, applauding the Religious and Princely forwardneſſe of their Soveraigne to this holy enterpriſe, but humbly adviſe forbearance this year, for urgent reaſons.

The ſame yeare though at another Seſſion, the King demaunding the advice of his people, whether he ſhould paſſe into France to an enterview as was deſired,Rotl. Parl. 6. Edw. 3. Seſ. 2 ij. 6. for expediting the treatie of Marriage: the Prelates by themſelves, the Earles and Barons by themſelves, and the Knights of Shires by themſelves, conſulted apart, for ſo are the Records, and in the end reſolved, that to prevent ſome dangers likely to ariſe from the North: it would pleaſe the King to forbeare his journey, and to draw towards thoſe parts where the perils were feared, his preſence being the beſt prevention; which adviſe he followed.

In the following Parliament at York, the King ſheweth,Rotl. Parl, 7 Edw. 3. how by their former advice he had drawn himſelfe towards the North parts, and now againe he had aſſembled them to adviſe further for his proceedings. To which the Lords and Commons having conſulted apart, pray further time to reſolve, untill a full aſſembly of the States, which the King graunting, adjourneth that Seſſion.

At their next meeting they are charged upon their Allegiance and Faith,Rotl. Parl. 7. Edw. 3. Seſs. 2. ij. 6. to give the King their beſt advice; the Peeres and Commons conſulting apart, delivered their opinions; And ſo the Parliament ended.

In the thirteenth yeare, the Grandees and Commons are called to conſult, and adviſe,Parl. 13. Edw. 3. how the domeſtique quiet may be preſerved, the ma • ches of Scotland defended, and the Sea ſcoured from enemies. The Peeres and Commons having apart conſulted, the Commons after a deſire not to be charged to counſell in things de queux ils n'ount pas cognizance, anſwers that the Guardians of the Shires aſſiſted by the knights may effect the firſt, if pardons of felons bee not granted: The care of the marches they humbly leave to the King and his Councel, And for the ſafeguard of His Seas, they wiſh that the Cinque Ports and Maritine Townes; diſcharged for the moſt part from many Burthens of the Inland parts, may have that left to their charge and care: and that ſuch as have Lands near the Courts be commanded to reſide on thoſe poſſeſſions.

Rot. Parl. 13. Edw. 3. Seſs. 2. da.The Parliament is the ſame yeare reaſſembled, adviſamento Prelatorum, Proceram, nec non Communitatis, to adviſe de expeditione Guerrae in partibus tranſmarini • . At this Ordinance are made for proviſion of Ships, arraying of men for the marches and defence of the Ile of Ierſey, naming ſuch in the Records, as they conceived fit for thoſe imployments.

Parl. 14. E. 3 The next yeare de la poole accompteth the expences of the warre; a new ayde is granted, and by ſeverall Committe • s, in which divers were named that were not Peeres of Parliament, the ſafeguard of the Seas, and defence of the Seas are conſulted of.

Parl. 15. E, 3. In the fifteenth yeare de aſſenſu Praelatorum Procerum. & alioram de Concilio, the Kings paſſage into France is reſolved of.

Parl. 17. E. 3 Anno. 17. Badleſmore in place of the Chancellour declareth unto the Peeres and Commons; that whereas by their aſſents the King had undertaken the warres in France, Iohn 21. and that by the mediation of the Pope a Truce was offred: which then their Soveraign forbore to entertain without their allowance. The Lords apart conſult, and alſo the Commons, returning by Sir William Truſſell in anſwer their adviſe, and deſireing to compoſe the Quarrell, approve the Truce and the Popes mediations, The Popes undertaking proving fruitleſſe, and delayes to the French advantagious, who in the mean time with Scotland and others practiſed to roote out the Engliſh nation in France: The King againe aſſembled his Parliament the yeare following:Parl. 18. Edw. 3. in which the Peares and Commons after many dayes of deliberation, reſolve to end it, either by Battaile or Peace, and no more to truſt upon the mediation or meſſage of his Holineſſe.Parl. 21. E • w. 3.

In the 21. yeare the Chiefe Iuſtice Thorpe declaring to the Peeres and Commons, that the French Warres began by their advice: the Truce after by their aſſ • nts accepted and now ended. The Kings pleaſure was to have their Counſells in the procecution. The Commons beeing commanded, que ils ſe devoient faire aſſembler, & fils eſſent agree le devoient monetre an Roy & al Grandees de ſon Councell, after 4. daies conſultation, humbly deſire of the King, that he would bee adviſed herein by his Lords and and others of more experience then themſelves in ſuch affaires.

To adviſe the King the beſt for his French Imployments,Parl. 25. Edw. 3. a Parliament was ſummoned Anno 25. herein the King by a more publique diſpatch willeth the Commons to elect 24. or 30. of their Houſe to conſult with the Lords, theſe to relate to their fellowes, and the Concluſion generall to the King.

In the 27. a great Councell is aſſembed, many of the Lay Peeres, few of the Clergy: and of the Shires and Burroughs but one a piece. This was for the proſecution of the French warres, when an honourable Peace could not bee gotten. But the yeare following a Truce being offered, the King forbore to entertaine it, untill he had the conſent of his Peeres and Commons which they in Parliament accorded unto before the Popes notary by publique Inſtrument.

The dallying of the French in the concluſion of Peace;Parl. 27. Edw. 3. and the falling off of the Duke of Brittaine (having wrought with France by the reputation of the Engliſh ſuccours) is the yeare following declared in Parliament, and their advice and ayde required for the Kings proceedings.

Parl. 36. Edw. 3. In the thirty ſixth yeare he calleth his Parliament to conſult whether Warre or Peace by David the King of Scotts, then offered, ſhould be excepted.

Parl. 4 • . E • w. 3. In the Fortieth yeare the Pope demanding the Tribute of King Iohn, the Parliament was aſſembled; where after conſu • tation apart,Vrbane 5. the Prelates, Lords, and Commons adviſed the deniall, although it bee by dint of ſword.

Parl. 43. Edw. 3. In the forty third yeare the King declared to the Peeres and Commons, that the French, againſt the Articles of the Truce, refuſed payment of the monies, and delivery of the Townes, ſummoning La Brett, and others of the Kings Subiects in Gaſcoigne, to make at Paris their appeales, and had forraged his Countrie of Poitiers: requiring in their breach, whether hee might not reſume the Style and quarrell of France. The Lords and Commons having apart conſulted, adviſe the King to both, which he approving, altered the inſcription and figure of his Seale.

Parl. 45. Edw. 3. Two yeares after it was declared to the Peeres and Commons, that by their adviſe he had reſumed the Style and Quarrell of France; and therefore deſired their adviſe for the defence of the Reame againſt the French, ſecuring of the Seas, and purſuing of the Warres. Of which they conſult,Parl. 46. Edw. 3. and reſolve to give the King an ayde. The like Counſell and ſupply was the very next yeare following.Parl. 50. Edw. 3.

In the Fiftieth yeare, a Parliament to the purpoſe of the former two, was ſommoned;Parl. 51. and the yeare following,Edw. 3. the King in Parliament declaring how the French had combined underhand againſt him with Spaine and Scotland, required their advice, how peace at home, the Teritories abroad, ſecuritie of the Seas, and charge of the Warre might be maintayned.

I have the longer inſiſted in obſerving the carriage of theſe times ſo good and glorious,Rich. 2. after ages having not left the Iournall entries of Parliament ſo full, which therefore with a lighter hand I will paſſe through.

Richard the ſecond,Parl. 1. the Grandchild ſucceeded to the Crowne and troubles, having nothing worth his great fortunes, but his great Birth. The firſt of his Raigne,Ric. 2.▪ anno 5. ſtat. 6. hee purſued the ſteps of his wiſe Grandfather, adviſing with his Peeres and Commons, how beſt to reſiſt his enemies that had lately wronged divers of his Subiects on the Sea coaſts.

In the ſecond yeare hee againe conſulted with his people, how to withſtand the Scotts, Parl. 2. Ric. 2. anno 2. who then had combined with the French to breake the Truce.

In the third yeare hee called the adviſe of his Parliament, how to maintaine his Regality,Parl. 3. Ric. 2. anno 7. impared by the Popes Proviſions, who to reſiſt Spayne, France, and Scotland, that had raiſed Warres againſt him, Ʋrban, 6. how to ſuppreſſe his Rebells in Guyon and Ireland, and to defend the Seas.

In the fourth yeare of his Raigne, he called the like at Windſor. The yeare following in a great Councell,Parl. 4. Ric. 2. anno 2.3. the King having purpoſed a Voyage Royall into France, now called his Parliament to determine further of it.Parl. 5. Ric. 2. Seſſ. 1. And it is worthey your obſervation, that for the moſt pa • t before any propoſitions of warre or Peace w • re vented to the Commons, a debate thereof precedeth in the great 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 Councell to ſhape in fitter for popular adviſe.Parl. 5. Ric. 2. Seſſ. 2. The quarrell with Spaine continuing the Duke of Lancaster offereth a voyage againſt them, ſo as the State will lend him money: after conſultation they grant an aide, but not to binde them to any continuance of warre with Spaine.

Parl. 6. Ric. 2. Seſſ. 1. In the ſixth the Parliament was called to conſult about the defence of the Borders, the Kings poſſions beyond the Seas, Ireland and Gaſcoyne, his Subiects in Portugall. The Lords approve the Dukes intentions for Portugall, and the Commons that the Biſhop of Norwich having the Popes Croſyer ſhould invade France. Parl. 6. Ric. 2. Seſſ. 2. The ſame yeare the State was called againe to conſult, whether the King ſhould goe in perſon to reſcue Gaunt or ſend his Army. The Commonsafter two dayes debate, craved a conference with the Lords. The effect is not entred in the Rolle onely they by Sir Thomas Puckering their Speaker, proteſt that Councells for war did aptly belong to the King and his Lords, yet ſince the Commons were commanded to give their advice, they humbly wiſhed a voyage by the King, if not, that the Biſhop of Norwich might with the advantage of the Popes Croſier be uſed in that Service, who accepted, the charge with ill ſucceſſe, he further for the Commons prayeth, that the Kings Vncles ſhould not be ſpared out of the Realme before ſome Peace was ſetled with the Scotts; And that the Lord de Larſ-par ſent with Propoſitions of Peace from Spaine might firſt bee heard.Parl. 7. Ric. 2. Seſſ. 1.

The Chancellors in the ſeventh yeare in name of the King willeth the Lords apart, and ſo the Commons to conſult, whether Peace or Warre with Scotland, and whether to reſiſt or aſſault the Kings Adverſaries of Spaine, France, and Flanders: Their opinions are not entred in the Rolles, an omiſſion uſuall to the Clarkes neglect, onely their Petitions are recorded, that the Biſhop of Norwich may accompt in Parliament the expence of the money, and be puniſhed for his faults in the ſervice, which hee undertooke, both which are granted.Seſs. 2. And at the next Seſſion in the ſame yeare, the Commons are willed to adviſe upon view of the Articles of peace with the French whether Warre or ſuch Amitie ſhould bee accepted? They modeſtly excuſe themſelves as to weake to Counſell in ſo weighty cauſes; But charged againe as they did tender their honour, and the right of the King, they make their Anſwer, giving their opinions rather for Peace then Warre.

Peace with France not ſucceeding, in the eighth year,Parl. 8. the body of the State was called to adviſe,Rich. 2. whether the King in his owne perſon; or by ſending forces againſt the French, Spaine, Flaunders and Scotland, ſhould proceed.

The King haveing this yeare aſſembled at Oxon his great Councell to adviſe,Clauſ. 9. whether he should paſſe the Seas or no, with an Army Royall;Rich. 2. and they not daring to aſſent without a greater Councell:Parl. 10. A Parliament the tenth yeare was called to have the advice of the Commons, aſwell as of the Lords,Rich. 2. how the Realme ſhould be governed in their Soveraignes abſence.

The Truce with France now neare expired,Parl. 13. the Parliament was called in the thirteenth yeare to adviſe upon what condition it ſhould be renewed:Rich. 2. otherwiſe how the charge of warre ſhould be ſuſtained. At this Aſſembly and by conſent of all,Clauſ. 13. Rich. 2. the Duke of Lancaſter is created Duke of Aquitaine, the Statutes of proviſion were now paſ • ed, and the Commons are named a party,Boniface 9. in the letter to the Pope.Parl. 14.

The yeare ſucceeding a Parliament is called,Rich. 2. for that the King would have the advice of his Lords and Commons for the warre with Scotland, and would not without their Counſell conclude a finall peace with France.

Parl. 15. The like Aſſembly for the ſame cauſes was the yeare enſuing,Rich. 2. wherein the Commons deſire the King to uſe a moderation in the Law of proviſion, to pleaſe at this time their Holy Father, So as the Statute upon their diſlike might again be executed, And that to negotiate the peace with France, the Duke of Aquitaine might rather then any other, be imployed.

Parl. 17. To conſult of the Treaty with France for the King in the ſeventeenth calleth a Parliament,Rich. 2. the anſwer of the Lords is left unentred in the Rolle, but the Commons upon their faith and allegiance charged, adviſe that with good moderation, homage may be made for Guyen, an appenage of the French Crowne, ſo as it intrench not to involve the other peeces of the Engliſh conqueſt, their anſwer is modeſt, large, and worthy of marke.

Hen. 4th.Now ſucceeded a man that firſt ſtudied all popularity, as needing all to ſupport his Titles,Parl. 5. H. 4. He in the fifth year called a Parliament, to ſuppreſſe the malice of the Duke of Orleance, and to adviſe for the warres in Ireland and Scotland, neither counſels or ſupplies are entred in the Rolle,Parl. 6. H. 4. and to reſiſt an Inovation intended by France and Brittaine, he aſſembleth the State againe.

Clauſ. 7. The like was in the two yeares following for Fraunce. In this the Commons conferr with the Lords for Guard of the Sea,Hen. 4. iii 33 and make many Ordinances to which the King aſſented: the Peace with the merchants of Pruce, and the Hanſtowns is debated, and a Proclamation publiſhed,iii. 57 as they reſolve, by the Speaker the Commons complain of 96. peeces of Ordinance loſt in Guyen the yeare before, the need of defence for the Borders, and Guard of the Sea coaſts. To ſuppreſſe the Rebellion in Wales, and the diſloyalty of the Earle of Northumberland, they humbly deſire,iii. 59. that the Prince may be diſpatched into thoſe parts with ſpeed: and to have a vigilent eye of the Scottiſh Priſoners.

In the tenth the Parliament is commanded to give their advice about the truce of Scotland,Parl. 10. Hen. 4. and preparation againſt the malice of the French.

His Sonne, the wiſe and happy undert • ker,Hen. 5. Parl. 1. conſulteth with the Parliament in his firſt yeare,Hen. 5. how to cheriſh his Allies, and reſtrain his Enemies, for this there wa • a ſelect Committee of the Commons, appointed to confer with the Lords, the matter being entered into a Schedu • e. Touching Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Calice,Anno 9. Guyen, Shipping, Guard of the Seas, and wary proviſion to repulſe the Enemy.

In the Second he openeth to the Parliament his title to France, a quarrell he would proſecute to death:Parl. 2. Hen. 5. if they allowed and ayded, death is in this Aſſembly, enacted to all, that either break the Truce, or the Kings ſafe conduct.

The year following peace being offred by the French King,Rot. Parl. An. 3. Hen. 5 and the King of the Romanes arrived to effect the worke, the King refuſeth any concluſion, untill he had thereunto the advice and aſſent of his Lords and Commons, which occaſion the Chancellour declareth to that Aſſembly.

In the fourth and fifth,Parl. 4. & 5. Hen. 5. no peace concluded with France, the King calleth the State together to conſult about the Warre, concluding a Treaty of Amitie with Sigiſmund King of the Romanes, by the allowance of the three States, and entreth the Articles in the Iournall Rolle. In the ſame yeare by the Duke of Bedford,Parl. 5. H. 5. in the 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 Kings abſence a Parliament was called to the former purpoſes, as it appeareth by the Summons, though in the Rolle omitted.

Parl. 7. H. 5. The like in the ſeaventh year. And the Treaty with France is by the Prelates, Nobles and Commons of the Kingdome peruſed and ratified in the tenth yeare of this King.Parl. 10. Hen. 5.

His Sonne more holy then happy ſucceeded,Hen. 6th. and adviſeth in the ſecond year with the Lords and Commons for the well keeping of the peace with France,Rot. Parl. 2. Hen. 6. conſulteth with them about the delivery of the Scottiſh King, and the concluſion is confirmed by common aſſent.Rot. Parl. 3. Hen. 6. In the third yeare they are called to adviſe and conſent to a new Article in the league with Scotland, for charge of Hoſtage, and in the ninth yeare conclude of certain perſons by name, to treate a peace with the Dolphin of France. 9. Hen. 6.

The Treaty of Arras,Eugenius 4.14. Hen. 6. whether the Pope had ſent as mediators two Cardinals, not ſucceeding the King in Parliament, Anno 14. ſheweth that he muſt either looſe his Title, Style, and Kingdome of France, or elſe defend it by force: the beſt meanes for proviſion whereof he willeth them to adviſe him.

He ſummoneth again the next year the ſame Councel to adviſe how the Realme might be beſt defended,Parl. 15. Hen. 6. and the Sea kept ſafe againſt the Enemies.

In the twentith the Commons exhibite a Bill for Guard of the Se • ,Anno. 20. Hen. 6. the number of ſhips, aſſeſſe wages, and diſpoſe of Prizes if any fortune, To which the King accordeth. And that the Genowaies might be declared Enemies, for • ſſiſting the Turk in ſpoyle of the Knights of Rhodes, And that the priviledge of the Pruce and Hanſtownes might be ſuſpended, untill compoſition be made to the Engliſh for wrongs they had done them. To the which in part the King accordeth.Anno. 23.

The King by the Chancellour declareth in Parliament,Hen. 6. that the Marriage with Margaret the King of Sicily his daughter was contracted. For induceing the peace made with France. Againſt the which the Lords not by their adviſe effected, make a proteſtation, and enter it on the Rolle.Parl. 25.

The King intending to paſſe in perſon into France, there to treat of Peace with the King,Hen. 6. adviſeth with His Lords and Commons in Parliament,Anno 3. and letters of Mart are granted againſt the Brittaines for ſpoyles done to the Engliſh Marchants.

The Lord Haſtings and the Abbot of Glou • , Anno. 27. declare in Parliament the preparation of the French,Hen. 6. the Breach by them of the Peace, the weake defence of Normandy, and the expiration ſhortly of the Truce: requiring ſpeedy advice and remedie.

It injoyned the Parliament to provide for the Defence of the Sea and Land,Anno 29. Hen. 6. againſt the French.

It was commanded by the King to the States aſſembled,Anno. 33. Hen. 6. to adviſe for the well ordering of his Houſe, payment of his Souldiers at Calice, Guard of the Seas, rayſing of the Seige at Berwike made by the Scots againſt the Truce: Diſpoſing of 1300. Souldiers arrayed the laſt Parliament: According of differences amongſt the Lords, reſtraining the tranſportation of Gold and Silver, and quieting the diſorders in Wales, of all which Committees are appointed to frame Bills.

Edw. 4. Edward the fourth by the Chancellour declareth to the Lords and Commons,Anno 7. that having made peace with Scotland; entred league with France and Denmark, contracted with Burgundy and Brittaine for their aide for the recovery of his right in France, he had now aſſembled them to give their Couſell in proceeding, which charge in a ſecond Seſſion was again preſſed unto them.Anno 11. The like was at another Parliament held in the eleventh yeare.Edw. 4.

Hen. 7. After this time the Journals of Parliament have bin either not well preſerved,Parl. 1. or not carefully entred,Hen. 7. for I can find of this nature no Records, untill the firſt of Henry the ſeaventh, wherein the Commons by Thomas Lov • ll their ſpeaker, petition the King to take to wife Elizabeth the daughter of Edward the fourth, to which the King at their requeſt doth agree.

The next is the third of Henry the eighth in which from the King,Hen. 8, Rot. Parl. 3. the Chancellour declareth to the States the cauſe of that Aſſembly to be firſt,Hen. 8. to adviſe a courſe for reſiſting the innovation of the Scots:Iulius 2. the next, how to quiet the quarrell between the King of Caſtile, and the Duke of Gelders, laſtly for aſsiſting the Pope againſt Lewes of France, whoſe Bull expreſsing the injuries done the Sea Apoſtolique, was read by the Maſter of the Rolles in open Parliament, after which the Chancellour, There and other Lords were ſent downe unto the Commons to confer thereof.

Rot Parl. 32. Hen 8. The laſt is in the two and thirtieth yeare wherein the Chancellour remembring the many troubles the State had undergone in doubtful Titles of Succeſsion, declareth, that although the convocation had judged void the marriage with Anne of Cleve, yet the King would not proceed without the Counſell of the States,Ex inſtrument. Original. whereupon the two Arch-biſhops are ſent downe to the Commons with the ſentence ſealed, which being there diſcuſſed, they paſſe a Bill againſt the Marriage.

In all theſe paſſages of publique Counſels, I ſtill obſerve, that the Soveraigne Lord either in beſt adviſe, or moſt neceſsitie would entertaine the Commons with the weightieſt cauſes, either forreine or domeſtique, thereby to apt them and bind them to a readines of Charge And they as warily avoiding it to ſhine expence.