ACcording unto your importuuate desires of being made acquainted with the passages and successe of the late Treaty betwixt His Majestie and His two Houses of Parlia­ment, I did from time to time advertise you, as farre as I was able to discover the proceedings of it, both what was done, and what was like to be the issue. And because I found some strong impressions in you, that if the Treaty came not to a fortunate end, and that some manifest were not published in His Majesties name, to satisfie the Subject in the carriage of it, the blame thereof was likely to be cast upon His Majesty, as if he had no thoughts nor intents of Peace: I sent you the Collection of all the particular papers that passed between His Majesty and the Committee here at Oxford, assoone as it came off the Presse, wherein my care to give you satisfaction was so great & urgent, that I would not stay the comming of the common Foot-post. But contrary to my expectation you write backe, that you are not satisfied with the sight thereof; that you poore Country Gentle­men (as you please to say) are not so nimble-witted as to disco­ver the result of those debates, or the conclusions issuing from those premises, except it be more plainly laid down before you; all that the common sort of people will be little edified with this bare collection, unlesse some application of the point be [Page 2] brought home unto them. In which respects you have expressed a vehement desire to see somewhat published, agreeable to the cap [...]cities of the good people in the Countries, who may be o­therwise [...] with some false opinions of the aversenesse of the Court from all peaceable Counsailes, and by the subtle practices of malicious men, may be seduced to a beliefe, th [...]t His Maj [...]stie on [...]ly is in fault, wh [...] the same Treaty came to no bet­ter end. And thi [...], you say, the ordinary sort of people may be brought to give c [...]dence to, as having a long time been per­swaded by the Emissaries of the adverse faction, that all the o­vertures which have beene made for a Pacification, proceeded originally from the Parliament; that they have often pressed to obtaine this Treaty, before His Majestie could be induced to give eare unto it; and th [...]refore that in probability His Majestie be­ing found so difficult from time to time, in giving way unto the Treaty, the unsuccessfulnesse thereof will be charged on him. The undeceiving of the people in these particulars you say would be good service to His Majestie, and I thinke so too; and there­fore could have wished, and doe wish so still, you had exact [...] [...] accompt thereof from a better hand. But being you are [...] to impose this taske upon me, and that you will not otherwise be satisfied then by my conformity to your commands; I shall here­in apply my selfe unto your desires, as having been trained up by you from my youth in the Schoole of Obedienc [...], and taught be­times, that for a man to dedicate and devote himselfe to his own humours and reservednesse, was but the sacrifice of [...]ooles. In the performance of which undertaking I shal say little of mine own, but onely lay together such materiall Passages, as I have noted in the severall writings which have passed betwixt His Majestie and His two Houses of Parliament, keeping my selfe (as neare as possibly I can) to the very language and expressions of those writings; that my discou [...]se may gaine more credit and autho­rity both with you and others.

2. And first whereas you s [...]y the Emissaries or Messengers of the adverse faction doe per [...]wade the [...], that all the over­tures which have beene made for a Pacification, [...] ori­ginally from the [...]; though nothing [...] more true then [Page 3] that the Subjects of this Kingdome have beene so perswaded, yet nothing is more impudently false, then that which those malici­ous instruments of the publike ruine doe perswade them to. For after the first open breach was made betwixt His Majestie and His two Houses of Parliament, upon occasion of His Majesties comming to the House of Commons on the fourth of Jan. 1641. how studious was His Majesty to make it up? how many plai­sters did He apply to salve that sore? how many [...] did He send to take off the offence which was raised about it? not onely waving His proceedings in that way, out of a desire of giving satisfaction to all men in all matters that might seeme to have re­lation nnto the priviledges of Parliament, His [...], [...]. 12. 1641. and signifying that in His proceedings against the Lord Kimbolton and the five [...], He had never the least intention of violating the least Privi­ledge of Parliament, and that in case any doubt of breach of Pri­viledges did remain, He would be willing to cleere that, and assert those by any reasonable way that his Parliament should advise Him to His Majesties Message, Jan. 14. 1641.: but offering wholly to desert any prosecution of the ac­cused members of either House, and to grant as free and generall a Pardon, for the full contentment of all His loving Subjects, as by the approbation of both Houses of Parliament should bee thought convenient, for the better composing and setling of all Feares and Jealousies of what sort soever His Majesties Answers, Feb 2 1641.. Nay, He descended at the last to acknowledge (upon the in [...]ormation since given Him) an appa­rent breach of Priviledge, and to pro [...]esse withall, His readinesse to repair [...] the same for the future, by any Act that should be desired of His Majestie His Majesties Answer Feb. 28. 1641.; declaring plainly and ingeniously the reasons which induced Him to go in person at that timé to the House of Commons Ibid. and His Majesti [...] Ans. [...]o a [...]ook, &c. May 19 1642.. Insomuch, That if the breach of priviledge had been greater then had ever before been offered to both or [...]ither of the Houses; His [...] acknowledgement and retractation hath bin greater also, (as his Majesty very well observeth) then ever King gave unto His SubjectsHi [...] [...] D [...]claration, Mar. 9. 1641.. Yet all this condescension of His Majesti, in the acknowledging of His mistake, (though in a matter of forme onely) and offering to repaire the same in such a way as the House should prescribe unto Him, was so farre from satisfying, that His proceeding in that bu [...]nesse, hath beene and [Page 4] is still charged upon him for so great a crime, as if he had there­by forfeited all duty, credit, and allegiance, which was due to him from his people His Majesties Ans. to a Book, &c. May. 19. 1641..

3. More then this yet. His Maj [...]sty perceiving that this in­fortunate breach produced many other dangerous inconvenien­ces, besides debates and disputations concerning priviledges; and that whilest so much time was taken up in those debates and disputations, many distractions did arise, which could not but oc­casion a generall mischiefe to the whole governement of this His Realme: resolved, as one most chief [...]ly interessed, so by many rea­sons most obliged, to doe what in him lay for preventing of it His Majesties Mess [...]ge. Jan. 20. 1641.. And he might justly have expected (as most proper for the dutie of Subjects) that propositions for the remedie of those evils ought ra­ther to c [...]me to him, then from him: yet such was bis fatherly care of all his people, that he chose rather to lay by particular respects of his own dignity, then that any time shouldbe lost in a matter of soi Ibid. great importance. In which respect His Majesty thought fit to propound unto them, ‘that they would fall with all speed in­to a serious consideration, of all those particulars which they should hold necessary, as well for the upholding and maintai­ning of His Majysties just and Legall authority, and for the setling of his Revenue, as for the present and future establishing of their Priviledges, the free and quiet enjoying of their estates and fortunes, the liberty of their persons, the security of the true Religion now professed in the Church of England, and the set­ling of Ceremonies in such a manner as may take away al just of­fence: wherein His Majesty professed His Maj [...]sty to equall and exceede the greatest examples of the most indulgent Princes in their Acts of grace and favour unto their people Ibid..’ Nor was this for a fit or a moment onely; but constantly pursued and pressed in severall Messages, Answers, Declarations, as the most certain meanes of setling the distractions of this wretched Kingdome, as viz. in His Majesties Answer to the two Houses concerning the Militia. Feb. 28. 1641. His Majesties Speech to the Committee, March. 9. 1641. His Majesties Message to both Houses sent from Huntingdon, Mar. 15. 1641. His Majesties Answer to the Petition of both Houses. March. 26. 1642. His [Page 5] Answer to the inhabitants of Yorkeshire April 7. 1641 and in His Answer to the Declaration of both Houses May 4. 1642. not to descend to more particulars. And to say truth, we need not looke on more particulars fo [...] this point and purpose; His Ma­jestie pressing it so often (though still in vaine) that at the last it was declared by both Houses (though at the first they did returne most humble thankes unto His Majestie for that gracious message;)l Hum [...]le Peti­tion of the Comm [...]ns, [...]a 28. 1641. that as often as the Message of the 20 of Jan. had beene pressed upon them, so often had their priviledges beene clearely infringed in that away and method of proceeding was proscribed unto them The third R [...]monstrance. pab. III.. Which said, it was high time [...] for His sacred Majestie to desist from pressing those faire overtures for accommodation, which he before had made unto them, for feare lest out of a d [...]sire of gi­ving satisfaction for one breach of priviledges, he might unknow­ingly infringe so many of them, and that in so unpardonable a degree as could admit no satisfaction, how much soever hee did desire to give it. You see then that the Overtures for a Pa­cification came not Originally from the Parliament; nay you see the contrary. Those Overtures proceeded from His Majestie, and from him alone; and were no [...] made to the two Hous [...]s of Paliament, then rejected by them.

4. The second thing suggested to the poore ignorant people is, That when His Majestie was in Armes, His houses often prest for a Treaty before they could obtaine it. When indeed (with­out mentioning how they Leavied forces first, and so made His Majestie onely defensive) either their strength was so great, or their indisposition to peace so prevalent with them, that when His Majesty first offered a Treaty, it produced him onely such an answer as might expose him to scorne and pity; witnesse His Majesties gracious Message sent from Nottingham (where first his standard was advanced) Aug. 25. 1642. in which His Majesty desired, that some fit persons might be by them inabled to treat with the like number authorized by them, in such a manner a [...]d with such freedome of debate, as might best tend to the peace of the kingdome, together with his promise to remove all possible scruples which might hinder the Treaty, so much desired by His Majestie in taking down His Standard, & calling in such Proclamations & Declarations [Page 8] [...] were excepted against by the said two Houses, on the same day which they should nominate and appoint for the revoking of their Declarations, in which His Majesties faithful servants were [...] Traitors for adhering to him [...] Reply to the [...] the [...], Sep. 2. 1642.. And though His Maje­stie expressed in His said Message, As by the sequel is since mani­fested, that nothing but his Christian and pious care to prevent the effusion of bloud had begot that motion, his provision of men, Arms, and money, being such as might secure him from their violence, till it pleased God to open the eies of his people His [...], Aug. 25. 1642.. Yet so averse were they from consenting to it, so inconsiderable did they thinke His Majesty, and themselves so formidable that no Treatie was to be obtained unlesse he would denude himself of all force raised to de­fend his person from a visible strength marching against him in the field, admit those persons to be Traitors to him, who had appeared in his defence His Majesties Message, Sept. 11. 1642., and put himself wholly into their power who by their former practices had declared sufficiently their good af­fections to, and intentions towards him; His Majesties comming back unto His Parliament without his forces, and his presence there in that his great Councell, being avowed to be the onely means of any Treatie betwixt His Majestie and them, with hope of successeq. q Answer to His [...], Sept. 26. Never did Prince descend so low as to desire and presse a Treatie with his owne Subjects; never did Subjects so reject the pious motions, and Christian condescensions of a gracious Prince. At last about the end of Sept. when His Majesty was at Shrewsburie, and the Earle of Essex the Generall of the Forces levied against His Majestie at Worcester, a Counsellour of His Majesty was ad­vertised by Letter from the said Earle there was a Message to be delivered His Majesty from His Parliament: which His Majesty by him answered he was ready to heare, So it were brought by any person that he had not declared a Traitor; His Majesty ha­ving then declared few or none but the Earle of Essex, and such as were in Armes under his Command against him. But after this answer (surely sufficiently gracious) so little true affection had they to peace, that that Message was stifled, and untill His Majesty had given their supposed invincible Army that great defeat at Edgehill, and taken [...] which they went to re­lieve, and advanc'd with his Army towards London as farre as [Page 7] Reading, he never understood his two Houses intended to [...] to him. There he understood his Castle of Wind or, where he meant to lodge, His own Pallace, was [...] against him: yet neither his own good and prosperous successes, nor the Injuries done unto him, made him refuse the intended Message from his two Houses of Parliament. But he gave his safe conduct sor their Committee, who met him at [...], and presented him a Petition.

5. That a Committee from both Houses might attend His Ma­jestie with some Propositions for the removall of those bloudy distem­pers, and distractions, and setling the [...] of the Kingdom Petition [...] the two Hou­ [...], Nov. [...].. What Answer made his Majestie unto this proposall? Did he re­quire them to lay down their [...], raised for destruction of his Person, or to recall their Declarations and Remonstrances so full of bitternesse against his government; or to repeal their many Ordinances so evidently [...] of the Subjects Liber­ties; or to adjourn the Parliament to some such place, which he should [...] for his abode and habitation? None of all these, nor any thing which looked that way, was required of them: His [...] unto their desires without limitati­ons or conditions, as by his [...] Answer unto that Petition, doth at full appear. His [...] had promised at a time, when all his offers and desires were [...] by them, that whensoe­ver they desired a Treaty of him, his Majesty [...] remem­bring bloud was to be spilt in this unnaturall quarrell, would very cheerfully imbrace it His Maje­sties Message, Sept. 11. 1642.: and he resolved that no felicity, no change of fortune, should make him differ from himself, or change his purposes. And though that Proposition for a Treaty came to no effect, and probably was never really intended by them, as to mode­rate men might appear by the Earl of Essex his marching from London with many Ordnance towards his Majestie, the same day the Committee of the Houses were attending him, whereby his Majesty was to have him before him with the bo­dy of their [...], others at Acton on the one hand, and others at [...] on the other hand; and as if this were not enough that they were before him, and of each side, his own Pallace Windsor Castle was kept in the back of him by Captain Ven of [Page 8] London, & thus if his [...] had not advanced to Brainceford, whereby he got [...]: [...], a place to fight on, he had been pinned in at [...]' in a [...] country, where he could have made no use of his Horse, and so [...] probably come to have Treated concerning his owne Liberty or retreat, and not the peace of his [...]; for which he hath all this while as well as for his owne right fought: so then [...] al the progresse of this busi­nesse, fro the first taking up Arms, until the settling of the armies in their [...] quarters; the offers of a treaty have bin alwaies on his [...] side, and the refusall on the Parliaments: save that sent unto him at Colebrook. And when that treaty was renewed, it was not done by them, nor on their [...], but meerly on the motion of his sacred Majesty, after he had long time, and in vain expected, they would apply themselves unto him for an [...]; nor broken off, when it was set on foot againe, either by the [...] of his Majesties demands: or his unwil­lingnesse to yeild unto them in such points as could be reasonably desired for the good of his Subjects, but onely by the practise and perversnesse of some guilty persons of that side, who have no hope to scape the hand of publike justice, but by involving the whole Kingdom in a generall ruine. Which point if it be pro­ved (as I doubt not of it) I hope the people will permit them­selves to be disabused, and not impute the blame of these distem­pers to [...] sacred Maiesty, who hath so graciously vouchsafed to try all fair meanes which might conduce unto the cure of a troubled state.

6. For proofe of this, I would first have you cast your eye on that space of time, which was between his Maiesties retreat from Brainceford, and the coming of their first Committee to the Court at Oxford; being from the 13. of November to the first of February, no lesse then eleven weeks, and somewhat upwards. In [...] which time they could not spare themselves so much [...], [...] to send a single message to his Majestie by [...] one of their owne members, but entertained themselves in studying new [...] & devises to raise monies, or in undoing those who did not willingly submit to their impositions: and when [...] the City of London to be so generaly disposed to more mo­derate [Page 9] counsells, that unlesse some Propositions were prepared to be presented to [...] Majestie, they were in danger of loosing all that power and [...] which they had amongst them; they were resolved to stand upon such Termes with their Lord and Soveraign, that if they could obtain them, would confirme their power, or if [...], [...] yet preserve the belief of the poor simple people, [...] they endeavoured peace. So that at last, upon these hopes and considerations, some Propositions are presented to his Majestie by the Earl of Northumberland, the Earl of Northumberland, and others appointed by both Houses to attend that service; in number fewer, in substance very little dif­ferent from those nineteen, which they had sent unto his Ma­jestie when he was at York. And what were they presented for? to be considered of between the parties in such a manner, and with such freedom of debate, as might best tend to the establish­ment of a generall peace throughout the Kingdom, according to his Majesties desire and purpose formerly expressed? Not so, they were too stout to descend so low, but that his Majesty would graciously accept and grant those their desires and [...] ­ons; which [...] and performed, [...] would then endeavour that His Majestie and all His people might enjoy the [...] of peace, truth, and justice The hum­ble [...] and P [...]opositions, [...]. 1. 1642.. Here was no motion for a Treaty, nothing at all which looked that way, but onely a commending to him of their own desires, which could not be denyed but with the cer­tain losse of truth, peace, and justice: and those too [...] in with a Preamble, so full of [...] charges, bitter invectives and reproaches against his Majestie, that if His [...] had not given up all the faculties of his soul to an earnest endeavour of peace and reconciliation with his people His Maje­sties Answer to those Pro­positions., it might have utterly discou­raged him frō [...] further. And although [...] Pro­positions presented to him, were very [...] from & [...] to his just power and [...], and no [...] Sub­ [...], or due unto them by the Laws [...], [...] so [...] ­sirous was his [...] to [...] all the miseries which this King­dom [...], by an [...] peace, that he was [...] a [...] time and place should be agreed upon [...] the [...] as his Majestie and both Houses [...] appoint, [...] for the dis­cussing [Page 10] of the Propositions recommended to him, as to debate up­on some others, which his Majestie thought fit, on his part, to propose to them Ibid. p. 12.. Which earnest and affectionate desire of his Sacred Majestie, as it begat the following Treaty, which could [...] shame refused, when so [...] offered: so it had bee [...]e as che [...]rfully entertained, and followed by them with as re [...]ll and religious purposes as it was propo [...]ed, a speedy and a blessed peace had been accomplished Ibid. p. 13. before this time. And it is worth your observation, that howsoever the Propositions sent unto his Maj [...]sty, were such as are before described, to have no being or foundation in the Laws established; and more then so, to be d [...]ro­gatory and destructive of a Regall power: yet of a goodnesse so singular was his Sacred Majesty, as to put his own known Le­gall and undoubted rights into the self same balance with them, to be debated, and discussed and concluded on with their [...]xor­bitant demands.

7. This gracious offer of his Majesties being made known un­to the Houses within three dayes after, could not be honoured with an Answer till the last of February. In all which time they had advanced no further then to yield to this, that there should be a Treaty to begin on the fourth of March, but to continue for no longer time then for 20 dayes: in which treaty so much of his Ma­jesties Proposition as concerneth the Magazines, Forts, and Ships, and the Proposition of both Houses for the disbanding of the Armies, should be first treated of, and concluded on, before they did proce [...]d to treat upon any of the other Propositions The Votes agreed on Feb. [...]8. 1642.. Where you may note, first to how short a time they restrained his Majesty, allowing but 20 dayes in all from the beginning of the Treaty, for the dis­cussing and debate of 20 generall Propositions (that is to sa [...], six of his [...] Majesties, and 14 of their own) many of which were subdivided into many branches and particulars: & second­ly, that though they had seized on all his Majesties revenues, un­der pretence to see it husbanded, and expended for the publick good, yet they had so converted it to their own private uses, that that part of the Proposition must not come in question (though afterwards on further councell and advice, they gave way unto it.) Well then, this being thus resolved on, after some Messages [Page 11] to and fro, touching the qu [...]lity of the Cessation, so much (but [...] in vain) desi [...]ed by his sacred Majestie, at last, though long first, not till the 21. of March, came their Committee to the Court: and then too with a Commission so limited, and circum­scribed by private and particular Instructions, that they had not power so much as to explicate the termes, or agree in the wor­ding of expressions His Maje­ [...] [...] to both Houses April 8. 1643., without dispatching a fresh Post to con­sult the Oracle. And here you might take notice also, that though his Majesty desired that a Cessation might bee granted during the Treaty, and free Trade over all the Kingdom during the Cessation His Maje­ [...] Answer to the Proposi­tions, F [...]b. 1. 1642., & that al matters touching the Cessation might b [...] setled here by their Committee His Maje­sties Answer to the [...] t [...]uching the Cessation., yet none of these could be obtai­ned; the two last being absolutely denied & the first clogged with such conditions, as made it utterly unusefull to his Majesty, and His loyall [...]ubjects. But being this businesse of the Cessation, was onely moved by his Majesty in order to the Propositions, as a preparation expedient to advance the Treaty, and was no part of the [...]ubstance [...]; I shall passe it by, observing only by the way, that thoug [...] His [...] de [...]lared, that he desired the Cessation more for the ease and liberty of his Subjects, then for his owne dig­nity and [...] His Maje­ [...] Answer to the Articl [...]s of Cessation., and was content that the desired freedome of comm [...]rce, should be restrained in matters which concerned him [...]elf, the Officers and Souldiers of His Army; yet it would not be. For after no small time spent in disputes about it, betwixt His Ma­jestje and the Committee, and that his Majesty had so fully an­swered the reasons of th [...] Lords and Commons, which moved them not to agree unto the Articles of Cessation offered by his Majesty [...] a book called, The Reasons of the Lords & Com­mons, &c., that they were able to make no reply at al unto it: im­mediatly, on the receipt thereof, they sent down present order unto their Committee, not to cons [...]me any more of the time allowed for the Treaty, in any further debates upon the Cessation [...] the [...] of the [...], pag. 35..

8. Next for the Propositions which were treated on, I would have you know, that when the Committee first came to Oxford, they had no power to enter into any Treaty concerning the other Propositions, before the Articles of the Cessation agreed on by the Lords and Commons were assented to His Maje­sties [...] to the [...].. Which seemes to be a pretty riddle, that first the Articles of the Cessation must be yeil­ded [Page 12] to, before their Propositions were to come in Treaty: yet w [...]en [...]hey found themselves put to it by His [...]ajesties Answer, the [...] the Cessation must be laid aside, that so [...] time might be allowed fo [...] the Propositions. But to go on, His Ma­ [...] being willing to treat however (even without a Cessation) u [...]on the Propositions made of each side, and in that Order which [...] had agreed upon, with much ado, and after severall [...], obtained [...]o much of the two Hou [...]es, that their Com­ [...] here might be inabled to that effect His [...] to the [...] of Cessation.. Which being obtai­ned for the two first Propositions, and no further, although his Maj [...]stie could not without a notable disadvantage disband His Army raised with so much difficulty, on the meer gaining of his Revenue, Forts, Ships, and Magazines, (which with his com­ing to the Parliament, was the substance of the two first Proposi­tion) considering how easie it was for them to repossesse them­selves of the same again, when they saw occasion: yet he re­solved to proceed. And knowing that the sight of those Instru­ctions which had been given to the Committee would much faci­litate the businesse, and bring it to some issue with farre lesse ex­pence of time, then could be otherwise expected; His Majestie desired to have a Copie of them, or at the least a sight thereof, but could be gratified in neither: answer being made, that they were enjoyned not to discover or shew their Instructions, or to give any Copy of them; which they forbore to do till they had gi­ven [...] the whole substance thereof in their severall papers) Collection of [...]ll the pa­pers, pag 1, 2. yet on the other side, when the Committee moved his [...] to give them leave to repair unto him for further satis­faction upon any doubts which should arise amongst them, in any of those Pa [...]rs which they either had, or should receive from his Ma­i [...]stie, b [...]fore such time as th [...]y transmitted them to both Houses of [...]: His [...] most graciously condiscended to it at the first [...] [...]. p. 3.. Which shews in my opinion, a remarkable [...] the [...] of his Majesties purposes, and the [...] of the others in their dealing with him.

9. [...] the branches of the Propositions, as they [...] in [...]; [...] we meet with, doth concern his Maje­sties [...]: Of [...], although they had so totally deprived [Page 13] his [...] (even to the [...] away of money out of his Ex­ch [...]quer, and the [...] Ibid. p. 5. [...] that [...] had not wherewith to subsist in the cond [...]on of a private Gen [...]leman; yet they had confidence enough [...] tell him, that they had received a very small proporti­on of it, which for the most part was imployed in the maintenance of His Majesties children Ibid. p. 4.. But the next thing worthy of yo [...]r observation, is with what readinesse and facility his [...] was content to rest upon the promise of these his Majesti [...]s two Houses of Parliament, to satisfie Him for those summes which re­mained due Ibid. p. 4.: as also for leaving the same unto His Mai [...]stie for the time to come, in the same way wherein it was before the begin­ning of these troubles Ibid. p. 6.; considering the power they claim of making and revoking Ordinances, as they see occasion, and with what specious shadows of [...] they may impose so [...]e new restraints and interruptions on the same, as often as they have a minde to create new Jealousies. And you may please to know withall, that this refunding of such summes as they had received out of his Maj [...]sties [...], came not without a clogge upon it: it being to be done but upon condition (for ought the Commit­tee Ibid. p. 6. had to say unto the contrary) that His Maiestie would restore what had been taken for his own use, upon any of the Bills assigned to other purposes by Act of Parliament, or out of the pro­vision made for the War in Ireland Ibid. p. 4.. It's true, somewhat He received for his own houshold out of the Customes, for the maintenance of this and Robes, above 12. moneths since, and they know a great part of this came out of his own Customes of In­heritance: And that to his Fathets houshold (even by Act of Parliament) much thereof was assigned, so with the knowledge of this Parliament continued to him. But herein (as in other things) they shewed a notable piece of cunning, to abuse the people, in making them beleeve that the many sums of money levied on the Subject, for the necessary service of this Kingdom, or the War in Ireland, had been converted by his Majestie to his proper use. Whereas they knew exceeding well, His Ma­iestie had received very little, or indeed nothing in that way Ibid. p. 5.; (the monies levied on those Acts being paid, and to be paid, to Treasurers of their own appointing): and could not but as well [Page 14] remember, that they had seized upon 100000 l. at once of those publike monies, which had been [...] paid by the Adventurers for the War of Ireland, and by the Act of Parliament was not to be imployed in any other purpose whatsoever, then the reducing of those R [...]bels, to be expended in a most unnaturall Warre against his Maiestie His Maje­sties Message, Aug. 13. and the Answer to it.. And yet such was his Sacred Majesties desire, to give all possible contentment to his said two Houses, that He declared his willingnesse to restore all monies which had been ta­ken by his Maiestie, or by Authority from him, on any Bills as­signed unto other purposes Collection of all the Pa­pers, p. 5.; without requiring or expecting the like from them. So that the first point (that of the Revenue) was soon agreed betwixt his Mai [...]stie and the Committee; his Maj [...]stie being willing to connive at some things, and con­sent to any thing (within the verge of their demands) which might conduce to bring it to speedy issue.

10. Touching the M [...]gazines, Forts, and Ships, there are some things to be observed, wh [...]ch do relate to [...]ll in common; and some which are to be considered with reference to each branch in severall. Offer was made by the Committee, that all the Armes and Ammunition which h [...]d b [...]ene taken our of his Ma­jesties Magazines, and was remaining in the ha [...]ds of both House [...] of Parliament, should be delivered into His Majesti [...]s Stores; that which was wanting of the same, to be supply [...]d in kinde in conve­nient time Ibid. p. 8. To this His Majestie vouchsafed a gracious & free consent, desired not the performance of it, untill the Treaty was concluded and agreed upon Ibid. p. 10.; declared the place of Store to which his Armes and Ammunition sho [...]ld be [...], to be no other then the usuall place, even the Tower of London Ibid. p. 10.; and promised to restore all Armes and Ammunition which had beene taken for His Majesti [...]s use (his own at that time being taken from him) from any of the Counties, Towns, or Cities, in this his Realme, expecting onely (but not conditioning with them, as they did with Him) that they should do the like for all the Armes and Ammunition which had been tak [...]n for the use of their Armies, un­der the command of the Earl of Essex Ibid. p. 9.. Hitherto all things were agreed on, and with much facility. The difference was, that they desired the publike Magazines might be committed to such [Page 15] persons of His Majesties naming, as the two Houses should conside in Ibid. p. 8.: which is no more nor lesse, then to keep them still in their owne power, at their owne disposing; or at the best to shift it out of one hand into another. For we know well enough, that their confiding men are such as are resolved on all occ [...]sions, to serve their turns against His Maj [...]stie, or else to be discharged without [...]urther confidence. And this they did so pertinacio [...]sly adhere unto, that though His Majestie declared that the said Magazines should be committed to, and continued in the cus [...]ody of the sworne Officers (some of the which had beene by them com­mended to His [...]acred Majestie) unto who [...]e pl [...]ce it b [...]long'd Ibid. p. 9., and who had Patents of those places Ibid. p. 10.. which His [...] in Law and Iustice could not take away: and that if any of those Officers had committed, or should commit any misd [...]meanour, to make them unworthy of that trust, His Maj sty would by no means d [...]fend th [...]m from the Iustic [...] of Law Ibid. p. [...]: yet that would not satisfie. They must have all committed to such hands as they might conside in: and were so farre from guiding their aff [...]cti­ons by Law and Iustice, and so much discontented with his [...]a­jesties Answer, that they would neither offer any [...]xceptions a­gainst the persons now in Office, nor render any reasons of their dislike, although His Majesty seemed twice to require it of them Ibid. p. 11, 12..

11. So also for the other branch touching the Forts, Port­Townes, and Garrisons, it was agreed on ea [...]ly on both sides, that all the Fortifications which had been raised since the beginning of these troubles should be sleighted, and all the [...]arrisons which had been newly placed in any of his Maj [...]sties Townes, F [...]rts, and Castles, should be removed, and the said Castl [...]s, Townes, and Forts, reduced into such condition, as the [...] were in An. 1636. But in this point the difference was wider then in that before: For here the Houses did not onely require of His [...]acred Maj [...]stie to put the [...], Forts, and Towns, into such hands as they might [...] in, and that the keeping of the Cinque-Ports, and all the members of the same, should be disposed of also in the same manner: but that the [...] of the Cinque-Ports, and all Gov [...]rnours and Command [...]rs of Towns. Castles, and Forts should [Page 16] so k [...]p t [...] sa [...], as not to admit into any of them any forreigne Forc [...]s, or any oth [...]r Forces raised without his Maiesties autho­rity, and consent of the two Hou [...]es of Parliament, but to use their utmost endeavours to suppr [...]sse all Forces whatsoever, raised with­out such authority and consent, and to seize all Arms and Ammu­nition w [...]ich are provided for such Forces Ibid. p. 13, 14.. And they have yet a further demand, wherein they crave, that none of the new Garri­sons shall be renewed, nor their Fortifications repaired, without con­sent of his Maiestie, and both Houses of Parliament Ibid. p. 14..

12. Such being their demands, we must next see the reaso­nablenesse and Justice of his Majesties Answers, that all good people may perceive how little reason the two Houses had to re­main unsatisfied, had they intended nothing but the good of the Subiects, and the preservation of the Laws, to which they seeme in all their actions and proceedings to be so zealously affected. Onely I shall desire you to take notice, first, with what a royall cleernesse his Majestie proceeded in all this businesse, in that (considering the great and manifold extremities he had beene brought unto by this Rebellion) he was so readily content to re­move all Garrisons, to sleight all Works and Fortifications rai­sed for his defence Ibid p. 15, 16., and totally to cast himself into the armes of his Subjects, many of which have sh [...]wn themselves so easie to be wrought upon by treasonable and seditious Councells, This said, you may observe his Majesties Answer to the point of confidence, to be like that before in the other branch, viz. That He would put his Towns, Forts, and Castles, both now and for the time to come, into the hands of such persons, against whom no just exception can be made, and would remove them also at what time soever any iust cause or reason should be given for it Ibid. p. 15.. And for the Cinque-ports and the members of it; that they were already in the custody of a noble person, who had so legall an interest there­in, that his Maiestie in iustice could not put him out from it; till some suffici [...]nt cause be made to appear unto him; which when­soever it appeared, His Maiestie was willing they should proceed against him according to the rules of Justice Ibid. p. 15.. Now as his Maje­stie builds this part of his Answer upon the common principles of Justice, which would have no man punished but for some of­fence, [Page 17] nor dispossessed of his estate but for some d [...]liquency; and the fi [...]st part thereof, the nominating of Commanders to His Townes and Forts on that legall right which was inherent in His Majesty, and had beene formerly enioyed by all His Royall Proge­nitors Ibid p. 17.: so doth He build His Answer to their other demands, on the Lawes and Statutes of the Kingdom. For He declar [...]th His consent, that the Governours and Commanders of His Townes, Forts, and Castles, should not admit into any of them any forreigne Forces, or other Forces, which were either raised within the Realme, or brought into it contrary to the Lawes established, but should use their utmost endeavour to suppresse all such Forces, and seize all Armes and Ammunition, which by the Lawes & Statutes of the Kingdom they ought to seize Ibid. p. 15.. And to the last demand, that [...]o new Garison shall be renewed, nor their Fortifications repaired, otherwise then by the Lawes and Statutes of the Kingdome they ought to be Ibid. p. 1 [...].

13. Before I passe to any observations upon this Answer, or rather on the Exceptions of the two Houses of Parliament a­gainst the same, I shall proc [...]ed on to the other branch, that a­bout the Ships; the Answer and exceptions being much the same. It was propounded or resolved rather by the Houses, that the ships should be delivered into the hands of such a noble person, as His Maiestie should nominate to be Lord high Admirall of Eng­land, and the two Houses of Parliament confide in, who was to have his Office by letters Patents, quam diu se bene gesserit; and to have power to nominate and appoint all inferiour Officers, which Ships he shall employ for the defence of the Kingdome, against all forreigne forces whatsoever, and for the safe guard of Merchants, the securing of Trade, the guarding of Ireland, and the inter­cepting of supplies to be carried to the Rebells, and shall use his ut­most endeavours to suppresse all forces which shall be raised by any person without your Maiesties authority, and consent of the Lords and Commons in Parliament, and shall seize all Armes and Am­munition provided for supply of any such forces Ibid. p. 22, 25.. Where note, as in the branch before, how cunningly they change the term [...]s of the Proposition. His Majestie expounded that His Revenue, Magazines, Townes, Forts, and Ships, which have beene taken [Page 18] on kept from him by force, might bee forthwith restored unto Him His Maje­jesties Answ. to the Prop [...]s. Febr. 1.. They return answer, that the said [...], Towns, and Forts, shall be d [...]livered up into the hands of such persons of q [...]lity and trust, to be nominat [...]d by His Majestie Collection of ill the pa­p [...]s, p. 13., and the [...] Cinque­ports into the hands of such a noble person, as his Majesti should appoint to be Warden of them; and the said Ships into the charge of such a nobl [...] person as his Maiestie shall no [...]inate, to be Lord high AdmirallIbid. p. 22.: all of [...] to be such, and [...] well-affected [...] the cause, as the two Houses of Parliament may confide in them Ibid. p. 13. 22.. It seems the Right and Property of the said Towns, Forts Ca­stles, and Ships, belongeth legally to the two Houses of Parli­ament, and that who ever doth receive the charge, or keeping of them, must take them from their hands immediately, as the pro­per owners; His Maj [...]sty having no more Right or Interesse in any of them, then a power to nominate the party to be trusted with them, and that neither as they [...]logge and contrive the matter, whereof more anon. And this his [...] observed when he made his answer to this part of the demand fore-going: requiring, that his own Ships be forthwith d [...]livered to him, as by the Law they ought to be: delivered to him, as his proper goods; by him to be disposed of as his own, to such men of quality, as he conceived most worthy of so great a trust.

14. In other matters of his Answer, you may observe how cheerfully his Maj [...]stie doth comply with his two Houses of Parliament, in all particulars which they thought fitting and convenient to propose unto him, touching the place, the power, and duty of a Lord high Admirall. Onely his [...]jesty desired, that that which was his own by Law, and contrary to the Law had been taken from him, should be fully restored unto him, with­out conditioning to impose any new Limitations on His Maiestie, or his Ministers, which were not formerly required from them by Law; thinking it most unreasonable (as indeed it was) to be pressed to diminish his own Rights himself, because others had violated and usurp [...]d them Ibid. p. 24, 25.. And when this Declaration of is Majesty was quarrelled by the Houses, as a c [...]nsure vp [...]n their proc [...]edings Ibid. p. 25.; his Majestie required, that since they did esteem those words of his [that they had taken his Ships from him contrary to Law] [Page 19] to be a censure on their actions, they would either produce that Law by which they tooke them, or free themselves from so iust and unconfutable a censure, by a [...]peedy and unlimited restoration Ibid. p. 26. Neither of which being done, or intended by them, his Maie­stie had reason to ad [...]ere unto the Answer made unto that parti­cular, which was, that for the present h [...] would governe the Ad­miralty by Commission, as in all times had been accustom [...]d; that when he pleased to nominate a Lord high Ad [...]irall, it should be such a noble person against whom no iust exception should be made; or if there wer [...], his Maiest [...]e would leave him to his due triall and ex [...]mination: an, that he should imploy the Ships to all intents and purposes; by them desired; and use his utmost [...]ndeavours to suppresse all forces which shall be raised by any person what [...]oever, against the Lawes and Statutes of the Kingdome, and to [...]eize all Arms and Ammunition provided for the supply of any such forces Ibidem. p. [...].. The difference in which last particulars stands thus be­tween them; The Houses craved, that the Lord Admirall should use his utmost endeavour to suppresse all forces, which should bee raised without His Mai [...]sties Authority, and the cons [...]nt of the Lords and Commons in Parliament: his Maiest [...]e [...] that the Lawes and Stat [...]tes of the Kingdome, might [...] what is, and what is not to be don [...] Ibid [...] p. [...]8., refers the ex [...] sing of [...] Admirals power, to the suppr [...]ssing of all forces which [...] raised by any person whatso [...]ver, against the Lawes and Statutes of the Kingdom.

15. And now I would faine know what is to be d [...]ked in his [...]jesties Answers, to these two last branche [...]; either his Majesties insisting on his Legall and undoubted Rig [...]s, in nomi­nating men of ranke and qualiti [...], to those publi [...]ke trust [...]; or his desire of making the Lawes and Statut of this Realme, the rule & measure, by which inferiour Officers must discharge their duties. I hope they will not say the first, and the last they dare [...]ot: and other points then these, I see none in difference, or if there be, they are reducible to these, and of [...] moment. I hope they will not say the first, [...]or they are bound by their Oaths of Allegiance, Obedience, and Supremacy, and have bound themselves by their Protestation (a Covenant of their own [Page 20] devising) solemnly taken in the presence of Almighty [...]od, that to the utmost of their powers, and with the haz [...]rd of their lives and fortunes, they will defend His Maiesties Person, Honour, and Estate. And sure whatever zeale and duty they may pretend unto His Per [...]on, they shew but small rega [...]d unto His Honour, and not much more unto His Estate, in seeking by force to de­vest hi [...] Majesty of those legall Rights, which are inherent in His Person, and have unquestionably been injoyed by all his Royall Predecessors in the times before. Either they break their Oaths, and Prot [...]station, and so are periured by it in the sight of God, in seeking to extort from his Sacred Majestie those native Rights, and legall Priviledges, which are invested in his Per­son: or if they mean to keep the Protestation, they must needs leave his Majestie in as good condition, as they found him in. So that his Maj [...]stie doth in [...]st on nothing in this particular of his Answer, but his native Rights, which they have bound themselves by their Protestation to preserve and keepe. And it belong [...]d to them in all right and reason, either to shew that he had no such right by Law, as he did pretend to, or that themselves had by some fundamentall Law, a right superiour unto that which was then in question Ibid. p. 20.; (neither of which they can, or pretend to do) or else to have been satisfied, and contented with his Maj [...]sties Answer, against that, which they had no other reason to produce, but their f [...]ars and iealousies Ibid. p. 20., which being with­out cause, are without care also. Now as they will not say the first, so I dare presume they dare not say the last, and be offended with his Mai [...]sties Answer, for no other reason, then that hee doth refer the duties of his principall Officers, and such as are in authority under him, to be squared and regulated according to the Laws and Statutes of the Kingdom. Should they wave that, and plainly mani [...]est their intents, and purposes of bringing in an Arbitrary Government, and make the Votes of the two Hou­ses, the [...] and measure by which the Lo: high Admirall of Eng­l [...]nd, the [...] of the Cinque-ports, the Governours and Com­manders of his M [...]sties Castles, Forts, and Towns, must dis­charge their Offices, how easie were it for them to subvert all Law, and bring this wretched people unto such a thraldom, as greater was not suffered by the poor Ath [...]ians, under all their [Page 21] Tyrants? This I p [...]esume they dare not say, though they may in­tend it, (as all their Proj [...]ct, and proceedings seeme to looke that way) for fear the people should fall off, and desert them utterly, and so deprive them of those hopes of [...], which they have nourished in themselves.

16. There is another part of Soveraignty to be looked on yet, which is the binding of the Subject by a solemn oath: and this for the establishment of their power and party, they labour to impose on the Lord Admirall of England, the Warden of the Cinque-ports, all Commanders of ships, all Governours of Towns­Forts, and Castles Collection of all the pa­pers, p 27.. The ordinary Oaths which all those Offi­cers were already by the Laws obliged to take, were not held suffi­cient, to binde them fast enough unto the side; and therfore they must have a new one of their own devising: and all the Officers must be sworn, not onely to preserve the true Reformed Protestant Religion, and the peace of the Kingdom against forreign Forces; bu [...] also against all other Forces raised without the consent of the two Houses of Parliament, though by his Majesties authori [...]y Ibid. p. [...]. His Majesties authority it seems is of little value, when all the Offi­cers and Commanders of his Realm must be sworn against it: the Officers and Commanders in as ill condition, when by their places they are bound either to rebell against his Majesty, if he make use of his Authority, or to be perjured if they do not. And so in­tent they were upon this designe, that when his [...] Decla­red, that if it were made to appear unto him, that any thing was ne­cessary to be added to the former Oathes, he would most readily consent unto it in a full and peaceable convention of Parliament Ibid. p. 27.; they took it for a great affront, as if His Maiestie had ta [...]ed them of some deficiencies, or reckoned them uncapable of making a pre­visionall law Ibid. p. [...], for the present turn. Nor were they better satis­fied with his Majesties Reply, then they had been with his An­swer, though he declared his willingnesse to apply any proper r [...]me­dy unto the extraordinary causes of their fears and jealousies, if he could see there were such causes; and further promised, that when [...]oth Houses should prepare and present such an Oath, as they should make appear unto his Maiestie, to be necessary to the ends propo­sed, his Maiesty would readily consent unto it Pag. 28, [...]9. His Maje [...] [Page 22] must either captivate His unde [...]standing to their votes and ordi­nances, and follow their appointments with a blinde obedience, or [...]eild to all things at first sight which are offered to him: or else his Answers are interpreted to be denials (Ibid. p. 18, 25.); and the poor peo­ple shall be told in the next new Pamphlets, or the n [...]xt eloquent oration at the Common-c [...]uncell, how little hopes there is of peace in the way of treaty; and therefore that his Majesty must bee forced by Arms, and not gained by Parley.

17. You may perceive by this discourse, that his Maj [...]stie demanded nothing in his first Proposition, but what was legally his own, and denied nothing to his two Houses of Parliament, but a divesting of himselfe of that Regall power, by which he is inabled to protect his Subjects. So that the breach was theirs, not his, in that they craved such things (and would not other­wise be satisfied) as were neither fit for them to ask, if they de­sired to continue in the ranke of Subjects, nor possible for him to grant, if he resolved to live a Soveraign. Let us next [...]ee what, & how much was done, in the first Propositions of the Lords and Commons for the disbanding of the Armies, and his Majesties returne unto his Parliament. In which you may observe, that though there are two severall branches, neither of them depen­ding on the other; yet the Committee had no power to Treat upon the latter branch (Ibid. p. 30.), (that of his Majesties coming to the Parliament) but were confined by their Instructions to the for­mer onely. So that His Majesty in all manner of Iustice, might have delayed or denied to begin to treat upon one part, untill they had been inabled to treat on the other (Ibid. p. 38.). For what could His most Sacred Majesty have effected in the way to peace, by the disbanding of Armies, in case his coming to the Parliament had still continued unsecure; and that promiscuous rabble of unruly people, which then awed the Houses, and formerly had com­pelled His Majesty, tog [...]ther with the greatest, and most moderate part of the Lords, and Commons to withdraw them­selves to places of most a [...]d safety, had been as able to af­front and terrifie them, as before they were. Assuredly by such improvident a disbanding his Majesty had beene more exposed to contempt and scorne, reduced himselfe to the condition hee [Page] [Page] [Page 23] was in at Windsor, Jan. 1641. and the distractions of the King­dome had been more uncurable, then they are at present. Yet his desire of peace, and consequently his proceeding in the Treaty as in order to it, was so prevalent with him Ibid. p. 38.; that he resolved to over­come all difficulties whatsoever; which were laid before him of set purpose, either to make him stumble in the way, or discourage him fro [...] going forwards.

18. Being thus resolved. His Majesty returned this Answer to the first part of their Proposition, that he was as ready, and as wil­ling that all Armies should be disbanded as any person whatsoever Ibid. p. 29.; and that he would so doe for his part, as soon as the present Trea­ty came to such a Conclusion, as there might be a cleare evidence to himselfe and His good Subjects of a future peace, and no ground left for the continuance or growth of these bloody dissentions, for the time to come Ibid. p. 31.. And though this Answer could not but be satisfa­ctory to indifferent men, yet being required by the Committee to signify what His Majesty intended to be a cleare evidence to him­selfe and his Subjects of a future peace Ibid. p. 32., he explained it thus, that he intended onely such a Conclusion of that pr [...]sent Treaty on His Majesties first Proposition, and the Proposition of both Houses, that the Law of the Land might have a full, free, and uninterrupted course, for the defence and preservation of the Rights both of His Majesty, His good Subjects, and the two Houses of Parliament Ibid. p. 34.. Which Answer being so farre from satisfying, that it was con­ceived by both Houses to be in effect a deniall Ibid. p. 39., and His most sacred Majesty perceiving with how much losse of time he treated at so great a distance; he thought it best, and did accordingly vouch­safe to send a gracious Message to them by one of his owne ser­vants, April 12. 1643. The substance of which Mass [...]ge (for so much as concernes this point) was this which followeth, viz. ‘that as soone as His Majesty was satis [...]d in his first Proposition, concerning his owne Revenue, Mag [...]nes, Ships, and Forts; in which he desired nothing, but that the just, legall, and knowne rights of His Majesty and of the persons trusted by him be re­stored unto them; as soone as the Members of both Houses should be restored unto the same capacity of sitting and Voting in Parliament, as they had upon the first of Jan. 1641. (exclu­sively [Page 24] of such whose votes had beene taken away by Bilt, or by new elections on new writs) and that as soone as His Majesty and both Houses may be secured from such tumultuous Assem­blies, as to the high dishonour of the Parliament had awed the Members of the same (which he conceived could not other­wise be done, but by adjourning the Parliament, to some place 20 miles from London, such as the Houses should agree on) His Majesty most cheereful [...]y and readily would consent to the [...] of the Armies, and would returne speedily to His two Houses of Parliament, according to the time and place which they should agree onHis Majesties Message April 12. 1643..’ To which His Majesties most gra­cious Message the Houses were not pleased to send any other An­swer, then the calling backe of their [...], the next day af­ter, and the dissolving of the Treaty, which ended April 15. be­ing the day by them determined.

19. I hope you see by this time who must beare the blame of all the miseries, which are expected to ensue in this wretched Kingdome: And yet I have some other evidences to evince it surther. Two onely meanes were left (as wise men conceived) to put an end unto our troubles; a longer continuance of the Treaty, and His Majesties returne to His two Houses of Parlia­ment: both which His Majesty most earnestly desired, but could speed in neither. First, for the Treaty, His Majesty proposed it at the first, without any limitation of the time at all; desiring to a­void both that, and all other limitations whatsoever, as being like to give great interruptions to the businesseIbid p. 36. 37. But on the contrary, the Houses first restrained the whole Treaty unto 20 dayes, as be­fore was shewne; & afterwards so minced the matter, being resol­ved to treat upon no more then the two first Propositions of either part, and that of the Cessation, that they would hardly allow more time then what would serve for the transcribing of the Pa­pers. It seemes the time appointed for the Treaty, was a [...] the first restrained as to the point of the Cessation, unto two da [...]es one­lyHis [...] Ans [...]er to the R [...]asons. Ap [...] 4., (a time too strictly limmited for so great a businesse) the whole to be determined on the fourth of April Colection of the Papers, p. 30.. After a further time was given to treat upon the two first Propositions viz. the first Pro­position of His Majesty, and the first of both Houses, til the Friday [Page 25] following Ibid. p. 30., being the seventh of the same moneth. Upon the eight of April we find seven dayes more, and that affirmed to be the full remainder of the time for the whole Treaty Ibid. p. 35.. And when His Majesty desired, that the Treaty might proceed without further in­terruption or limitation of d [...]yes Ibid. p. 33.; Answer was made Ap [...]il 10. that the two [...] of Parliament did not think fit to inlarge the time of the Treaty beyond the 20 dayes formerly limited, to be reckoned from the 25 of March then past, which could admit of no alteration or inlargement without manifold prejudice and danger to the whole Kingdome Ibid. p. 11.; to the great sorrow of His Majesty, as he expres­sed himselfe to their Committee, the day before they went away, being April 14Ibid. p. 12.. Nay in such hast the Houses were to dis [...]olve the Treaty that without conside [...]ing of his Answers to their de­mands and Proposition, or shewing any reason of their dislike, or giving His Majestie more time to bethinke himselfe of what was fitting to be done in such weighty businesses, they called backe their Committee by a speciall order; that part thereo [...] which came from the House of Commons being commanded to hasten their returne in most strict and unusuall termesIbid. p. 48..

20. Next for His Majesties returne unto His Parliament, you cannot choose but know, that when His Majesty was forced to withdraw himselfe, and bent his journey towards the North, with what a vehement importunity he was Petitioned Petition of the Lords and Commons, [...] 26. 1642. June 17. &c. to re­turne: and that when their Petitions could not bring him back to so unsafe a place, with what strange votes they Declared that withdrawing of His Majesty from His two Houses of Parlia­ment, for a breach of Priviledge Declaration March 9. 1641.; a cause of great danger a [...]d di­staction Petition at Theobalds [...]. 1. 1641., and of great hazzard to the Kingdom [...] re­solved March 2. 1641.; & that it would not only be an obstruction, but might be a destruction to the [...] of Ireland T [...]e votes of [...], [...] [...]6.. You cannot choose but call to mind also the Artifices which they used to make the people of those s [...]verall Counties, through which he was to passe as he went towards Yorke. to clamour after him with P [...]titions, for his re [...]urue towards His Parliament: and how their party in and about that Country in which His Majesty made choyce to fix His [...], did labour and sollicit him to that pupose also. The copies of the said Pe­ [...], with His Majesties gracious Answers to them being put [...] [Page 26] print, and obvious to the eies of every Reader I am sure you have seene, being so curious an observer o [...] [...] publicke pas­sages. Thus when His Majesty desired a Treaty, by His graci­ous Message sent from [...], they answered him with an advice of leaving his forces and coming againe unto His Parlia­mentAnsw. by His Majesties last [...]; and that of Sept. 16 1642.; as the onely expedient to [...]ake His Majesty happy, and his Kingdome safe: and when the Aldermen and other Citizens of London were sent to Oxford to His Majesty in behalfe of that City, the selfe same errand, (His Majesties returne unto His Parliament) is made the substance of the businessePetition of the Major and Aldermen, Jan. 3. 1642. A man would thinke a point so eagetly pretended, and made in the addresse of both the Houses to His Majesty, Feb. 1. 1642. to be of equall consideration to the peace of the Kingdome, with that of the disbanding of both Armies; should not be so coldly followed when it came to the point and was most like to be [...], that if they would but have found meanes to have secured His Majesties orderly and safe going thither, His Majesty was ready to make His journey speedy; desiring nothing more then to be with His two Houses. His Majesties most gracious Message of the 12. of April, for His Return to His two Houses of Parliam [...]nt and the disbanding of the Armies, you have seene before; together with their entertainment of it, and their Answer to it.

All this while according to my method and promise, I have I hope, by laying downe the way of their addresses, the language even of their Propositions. and His Majesties Answers, satisfied, and if need were convinc'd you, or any moderate or reasonable man; that the indisposition to the Peace, the occasion why it hath not beene all this while procured, hath beene the subtilty of those who are so prevalent in both Houses, as first to cast this Kingdome into a War to raise their [...] Common-wealth, and make themselves the supreame Governours therein. And now when they finde the foundations of this well-tempered Monarchy cannot by force be battered downe, by cunning it must be undermined; for without any invective or asperity, give me leave (to my former Quotations) to say but two or three words of my owne, and I have done.

[Page 27]The two Houses in the [...] Propositions Propositions surely demanded of the King in so plaine language His Soveraignty, nay the [...] and power of His Office, as all the world saw they left Him but the name King. This was written in so great Letters, that the mea­nest man that had a Family to governe, could conclude. I would not be u [...]ed thus: Therefore this was too grosse to [...] on. But the Character must be made lesse, it must now upon the Treaty o [...] Peace (which they know all people wish and under­stand the beloved name of, though not the fit way to procure it, especially such a one as may be firme and [...]) be so ordered, that some of the principle heads therein (such as like corner stones, being pulled out, pull downe the present power in the Kinghood) should be insisted on, but apparelled with the lan­guage of Peace; therefore towards Peace in this Treaty these things are insisted on.

First the Ships, Townes, Forts, [...], &c. must be onely in such persons hands as His Majesty nominating they approve.

What is this but to keepe all still in their owne hands? for surely if you were to name a man for any place, and I approve him, I could weary and necessitate you to name such a one that depended on me, not you.

Then in these Ships, Townes, and Forts, no Forces to be ad­mitted without His Majesties authority, and consent of the two Houses.

What is this but to gaine the power of the [...] of this Kingdome out of the King into the two Houses? for both which you cannot but know, (and His Majesty often cals upon them for it) they have not the least pretence of Law. If this be said that it is desired but for three yeers; that is sufficient argument: to shew it is a new thing they pretend to. 'Pray, who thinkes that they who can doe all this without any right or president, af­ter such a title to it, will not find Jealousies enoug [...] to continue their possession for ever? for I thinke some intend to make this Parliament perpetuall; yet surely the Subject generally can ne­ver be so sotted to wish it so: they gave themselves not up to this race of men for a perpetuall government, nor those them for their lives, or with a power to settle themselves for their lives: [Page 28] Nor did they thinke so themselves when they askt a Parliament every three yeeres, they should have pretended to one alwayes. But as the best reason to ans [...]er this, Why should the King (to whom all making Warre and Peace belongs; and if others had not invaded this right, we had beene still in peace) divest him­selfe of this power, since this power in this Kingdome vvas ne­ver in any person single, or representative body of all the Sub­jects, saving himselfe and Predecessors? What will this effect, but the continuance of the misery we now groan under? for if the Houses can now vvithout the Kings authroty make this unnatu­rall Warre betwixt Subject and Subject, and put those heavy loads on all fellow Subjects that will not comply, as that their persons may be imprisoned, nay slaine; their goods plundered, thei [...] estates sequestred, nay, given away; (if more could be) vvhat might vve not expect, when they had a pretence of interest and power in disposing the Armes of this Kingdome? And doe they not use us as the King, say, they fight for Him, when they [...]hoot to slay Him; say, it is for the good of the Kingdome, when authority is given to plunder all mens estates they will call ma­lignant? and when neither Country nor person that would be a neutrall, (which I know not how they can answer in Law to the King) can be admitted by them by Law, to shew why he is not bound to contribute to their Assessements.

I promised you, I would not say much of my owne: and you see that few Articles are treated, therefore I vvill not exceed them: this onely I'le tell you, that if these tvvo Articles vvere granted as desired, I knovv not vvhy they might not; nay, I feare they vvou'd presently force the King to the other 17. So little they had left in him to defend himselfe: for how could I that by Law am now bound to attend him in his Warres, stay with him when a new Law said he could [...]eavy no force but with such a consent? Consider therefore his Answer to the 19 Propositi­ons: his Answers to these particulars in this Treaty; and see, whether he make not the rule of all his Actions, Law, and Right; they feares and jelousies? by the one you may measure any thing, (indeed the Law is but the rule of our publike actions) by the other no man can measure any thing; for to measures feares and [Page 29] jealousies, is as hard a taske, as to take measure of the Moon for a garment: which is ever waxing or declining, never in a cer­taine condition.

I conclude therefore with this advice, Remember the obedi­ence to Princes: God requires the strict Allegiance our Lawes enjoyne; The Oathes we have taken, or by nature are bound to observe to him. Feare then God, and honour the King, and have not to doe with those that love change; lest, as you may contri­bute to continue our miseries for a time, you make your owne everlasting.