THE RIGHT HONOVRABLE THE LORD KIMBOLTON HIS SPEECH In Parliament, Ian. 3. 1641:
Concerning the Articles of High Treason exhibited against him, Mr. Pym, Mr. Hambden, Mr. Hollis, Sir Arthur Haslerigge Knight, and Mr. Strowde.
By the Kings Majestie.
London, Printed for Iohn Thomas, 1641.
THE RIGHT HONORABLE the Lord KIMBOLTON HIS SPEECH In Parliament, 3. Jan. 1641. concerning the Articles of High Treason exhibited against his Lordship, Sir Arthur Haslerigge, Mr. Pym, Mr. Hambden, Mr. Hollis, and Mr. Strowde by his Majestie.
THere hath already been so much spoken by the other Gentlemen concerning this Accusation of High Treason, even sufficient as J conceive to cleere us all that are impeached, that J know not what to say more touching the same, [Page 2] onely under favour give me leave to speake what J conceive of the cause of the procuring of this accusation of the authors that procured it, and of the effects which I perceive will follow vpon the same.
Mr. Speaker it is not long since this Honorable House accused of high Treason the Twelve Bishops for their illegall and Trayterous attempt in their Petition and Protestation against the King and Parliament, these Gentlemen with my s [...]lfe and others having the persecution of that businesse and other charges of great Crimes against them committed to our trust, did vnanimously with one conseat follow the same, bringing to a Period our debates and disputes concerning their crimes what wee conceive they were guilty of vpon their severall charges, and what guilty for framing and preferring their Petition and Protestation to his Majesty, that they were guilty of misprision of Treason vpon their former accusations, and guilty of high Treason vpon this their last designes, & these our Votes and conclusions grounded and warranted not onely by the Common lawes of this land, but by divers presidents and Acts of Parliament we present to the whole house for consideration and confirmation of the same, by a generall Vote with whom we againe agreed by our publique Votes, and thereupon they were impeached and committed, this J conceive provoked their malice against us, and was the principall cause of this their plot, in [Page 3] drawing an Accusation against us for the same crime of Treason, thereby to make us seeme as vile as themselves, and to take away our Votes at their tryall. And thus J have joyned together both the cause and the Authors of this Accusation. The effects J conceive will be dangerous and cause great troubles in these Respects.
I. Jn turning the Current of the Parliament proceedings against them upon us, by which devise they may have further time to put in practice their plots, and bring to perfection their purposes against the Parliament.
II. That being busily imployed concerning this businesse in their disputes about breach of Priviledge of Parliament, in illegall accusing the Members thereof, and drawing a Declaration to his Majesty concerning the same in appeasing him by shewing the fincerity and integrity of the Parliament towards his Majesty and other things and pertinent, thereunto. This High Court may lay aside these proceedings, and avert their purposes touching the Jrish affaires, whereby the Rebellion there may increase, and forraine ayd brought to them to the vtter loosing of that Kingdome.
III. Many feares and troubles will arise in the Citizens of LONDON concerning this Accusation of desperate and hellish Stratagems in agitation, as well against them as the Parliament by dissolate and disaffected persons to the safety and security thereof, causing them to stand continually upon their guard of the Trayned Bands which will be to them a great charge and Molestation.
IV. It will incourage ill affected Cavaliers and Commanders about the Court, to attempt any mischiefe against both Houses of Parliament or particular Members thereof, vpon the least opportunity that shall be offered them, thinking thereby they shall doe the King good service, which otherwise perchance they dare not adventure to put in practise.
V. It will provoke and stirre vp a dislike of these designes in the hearts of all his Majesties subjects, and disaffection to his Sacred person, cause great vproares and tumults of the Citizens; yea, and J feare a generall insurrection [Page 5] in this Kingdome, if not suddainely prevented, which God forbid.
And thus Mr. Speaker, having nothing more to say concerning these Articles, I humbly crave of this honorable house, that I may have expodition in my tryall upon the same, and that all things done by this wise Councell may tend to the honour and glory of Almighty God, the peace and safety of his Sacred Majesty and all his Kingdomes,