House of Commons Journal Volume 3: 14 August 1644

Die Mercurii, Augusti 14, 1644.

PRAYERS.

Preachers thanked.

ORDERED, That Mr. Rous do give the Thanks of this House to Mr. Palmer and Mr. Hill, for the great Pains they took in the Sermons they preached before both Houses, on Tuesday, August 13, 1644, being a special and particular Day of Humiliation appointed by both Houses: And that they be desired to print their Sermons: And have the Privilege of Printing, usual in the like Cases.

Grantham's Petition.

Ordered, That the humble Petition of Tho. Grantham Esquire, be read on Friday Morning.

Forces in Ulster.

Ordered, That Mr. Maynard do make Report of the Business concerning the British Forces in Ulster, on Friday Morning next, peremptorily.

Ordination.

Sir Thomas Widdrington reports from the Committee, the Rules of Ordination, and the Votes and Opinions of the Committee upon the whole Matter.

Exchange of Prisoners.

Upon the Receipt of a Note under my Lord Fairefaxe his Hand, from Yorke, of August the First, importing that he had received Colonel Ashenhurst and his Son, late Prisoners at Stayley: And that, therefore, he did require, that Sir Jo. Ramsden (his Prisoner to be disposed of by him) be delivered out of the Tower; it is Resolved, &c. That this House doth approve of the Exchange of Sir Jo. Ramsden, a Prisoner in the Tower, for Colonel Ash- enhurst, and his Son, late Prisoners to the King's Forces; and do order it accordingly.

Military Affairs.

A Letter from Colonel Jephson, from Wareham, of August 10, 1644, concerning the Rendition of the said Town of Warham, and the Articles and Conditions upon which the said Town was rendered, were read; and likewise a Letter from the Committee of Dorsetshire, of the same Date, were all read: And

It is Resolved, &c. That this House doth approve of the Articles and Conditions upon which the Town of Wareham was surrendered, agreed upon between Lieute- nant Colonel Bryan and Lieutenant General Middleton, and Colonel Jo. Fitz James, High Sheriff of the County of Dorsett, and the Committee appointed for the same, August 10, 1644.

Resolved, &c. That Twelve hundred Pounds shall be forthwith advanced and paid to Walth. Frost Esquire, to be sent to Colonel Wm. Jephson for the Service of the Forces under Colonel Brian, late Governor of Wareham: The which Forces are to be forthwith sent into Ireland.

Resolved, &c. That this Twelve hundred Pounds shall be advanced and borrowed of the Commissioners of Ex- cise: And that Mr. Rigby do bring in an Ordinance to this Purpose, for the securing and Repayment of this Twelve hundred Pounds to the Commissioners of Excise, out of the Legacy of Three thousand One hundred Pounds, informed of by him to be given for the Buying in of Impropriations; and for the employing of the Re- mainder of the said Legacy for Sir Thomas Middleton.

Ordered, That Sir Jo. Clottworthy, and Mr. Reynolds, do prepare a Letter to be sent to Colonel Jephson, in Ac- knowledgment of his good Service done at Wareham; and to inform him, that the Articles are approved of; and that what he has undertaken shall be performed; and to signify, that his Petition has been read and granted.

Ordered, That Sir Wm. Waller do write a Letter to his Lieutenant General, Middleton, to take notice of his Service done at Wareham; and to return him * *.

Dorsettshire Committees.

Resolved, &c. upon the Recommendation of the Com- mittee of Dorsettshire, That this House doth nominate and approve of Sir Anth. Ashley Cowper to be added to the Committees of Dorsettshire.

The Lords Concurrence to be desired herein.

Jephson's Arrears.

The humble Petition of Wm. Jephson Esquire, a Member of this House, was this Day read: And

It is Ordered, That a Thousand Pounds shall be assigned, upon Account, to Wm. Jephson Esquire, to be deducted out of the Arrears of Pay due unto him, and paid out of the Revenue of the Court of Wards, next after that such Orders and Assignations as are already made and set upon that Revenue, shall be first satisfied.

Cowper's Se- questration.

Resolved, &c. That the Consideration of Sir Anth. Ashley Cowper, in relation to the Sequestration of his Estate, and of his coming in, be referred to the Com- mittee at Goldsmiths Hall.

Wareham Garison.

Resolved, &c. That it be referred to the Committee of the West, to consider of the Garison of Wareham, and of the Maintaining of it.

Massy thanked, &c.

The House being informed That Colonel Massy, Governor of Gloucester, was at the Door;

He was called in: And Mr. Speaker, by the Com- mand of the House, took notice of the great faithful Services performed by him, to the Commonwealth; and returned him the hearty Thanks and Acknowledgment of the House.

Ordered, That Colonel Massy be referred to the Com- mittee of both Kingdoms, to inform them, of what he hath to say, that concerns the Good of the Service he is intrusted with: And that he attend that Committee this Afternoon, to the end he may repair to his Charge with what Conveniency may be.

Associated Counties, &c.

Resolved, &c. That all the Forces to be raised in the associated Counties, under the Earl of Manchester, by virtue of the late Ordinance, shall be put under the Command of the Earl of Manchester.

Resolved, &c. That the Forces to be raised in Hert- fordshire, by virtue of the late Ordinance, shall be dis- charged of that Clause in the Ordinance, that requires the Regiments to consist of a Thousand, or of annexing of them to any other Forces to make them such a Regi- ment: And that they shall be disposed of as my Lord of Manchester shall appoint.

The Lords Concurrence to be desired in these two Votes.

Message from Lords.

A Message from the Lords, by Sir Edw. Leech and Mr. Page;

The Lords desire a present Conference, if it may stand with the Conveniency of this House, to communicate some Letters they have received from my Lord General, and my Lord Admiral; and something that concerns the Earl of Denbigh, and his Association. They have appointed to receive the French Resiant, on Friday next, at Ten of Clock.

French Resiant.

Resolved, &c. That this House doth appoint to receive the French Resiant, on Friday Morning next.

Message to Lords.

Sir Rob. Harley is appointed to carry up to the Lords the Ordinance concerning the Twelve hundred Pounds to be forthwith paid out of the Excise, to Mr. Frost, to be sent to Colonel Wm. Jephson, for the Service of the Commanders and Forces that lately come out of Ware- ham; The Order for Sir Anth. Ashley Cowper to be added to the Committees of Dorsettshire: He is to desire a free Conference concerning Martial Law; To desire, that the Sheriff of the County of Northampton may have Leave to come out of his Country for Twenty Days: And carried up the Names of some to be added to the Com- mittees, and some to be left out, in Pembrokeshire: And was to put the Lords in mind of the Instructions for Gloucestershire.

Answer to Lords.

Answer returned by the same Messengers; That this House has considered their Lordships Message; and do agree to a present Conference, as is desired, upon the Matters desired; and do agree and appoint to receive the French Resident, on Friday next, at Ten of Clock.

Assembly of Divines, &c.

The House being informed, That divers Divines of the Assembly were at the Door, who desired to present something to the Consideration of the House;

They were called in: And Doctor Burges presented Two Letters, which they had received; The one from the General Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland, from Edin- burgh, of June 4, 1644; The other from the Earl of Manchester, from Lincolne, of August 6, 1644: The which were read; and Ordered to be taken into further Consideration on Friday next: And that then likewise the Ordinance concerning Mr. Vines be brought in.

Answer from Lords.

Sir Rob. Harley brings Answer, That the Lords do agree to the Ordinance concerning the Twelve hundred Pounds for the Irish Forces lately come out of Wareham; To the Addition of Sir Anth. Ashley Cowper to be a Committee of Dorsettshire. Do agree, that the Sheriff of the County of Northampton shall have Leave to come out of the County as is desired: Do agree to a present free Conference concerning Martial Law: And do agree to the Names to be added, and left out, in the County of Pembrooke: And, as to the Instructions concerning Gloucestershire, &c. they will send Answer by Messengers of their own.

The same Members that are appointed Managers of the free Conference, are appointed Reporters of the Conference desired by the Lords.

Affairs of Pembroke.

Ordered, That Mr. Theloall and Mr. White do confer with the Committee of the Navy this Afternoon, to whom it is referred to consider of furnishing the Gentlemen of Pembrokeshire with the Particulars mentioned in the Propositions presented in the Behalf of Pembrokeshire.

Trade with Holland.

Ordered, That the Letter of August 9, from Rotter- dam, from Wm. Cranmer Deputy, and the Assistance and Fellowship of Merchants Adventurers of England reside- ing in Rotterdam, be referred to the Committee of Lords and Commons appointed to receive the Complaints of the States Ambassadors.

Letters from the King, &c.

Mr. Reynolds reports the First part of the Conference with the Lords:

First, The Letter from his Excellency, August 8, concerning a Letter from the King to him, which he received 6 August: All written with his Majesty's own Hand.

2. The King's Letter itself.

3. A Letter from Prince Maurice and the Earl of Brainford; and another from Prince Maurice, and the principal Commanders.

Resolved, upon the Question, That this House doth concur with the Lords, in referring it to a Committee of both Houses, to prepare a Letter of Thanks to be written to my Lord General from both Houses, and to signify in that Letter the Resolution of both Houses to send Propositions.

Resolved, &c. That the Letters from the King and the Officers of the King's Army, and my Lord General's Answer, shall be all printed, together with an Introduction and Declaration upon it, of the Resolution of the Houses to prepare Propositions: And that it be referred to the Committee that shall be appointed to prepare this Letter of Thanks to my Lord General, to prepare this Intro- duction too, and Declaration, upon these Letters.

Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee for the Sale of Delinquents Estates, to consider how my Lord General may be satisfied and paid the Arrears of the Ten thousand Pounds per Ann. formerly granted; and like- wise the Five thousand Pounds formerly granted upon the Business of Edgehill: And it is, in particular, referred to Mr. Recorder, and Mr. Solicitor, to take care of this Business.

Earl of Denbigh.

Ordered, That the Report concerning the Earl of Den- bigh be taken into Consideration, on Saturday next.

Irish Affairs.

Ordered, That Mr. Maynard do report, on Friday next, the Business of Ireland, the first Business.

Money for Army.

Ordered, That Mr. Strode, Mr. Nicoll, Mr. Holland, Mr. Prideauxe, Sir Arthur Hasilrig, and Mr. Trenchard, do go to the Commissioners of Excise; and acquaint them with the Necessities of the Armies, both of my Lord General's and Sir Wm. Waller's, for want of Monies; and to press them to advance, with all Speed, Ten thousand Pounds for the Service of Sir Wm. Waller's Army, to enable them presently to march, and to give an Account on Friday next.

Ordered, That the Propositions from the Commis- sioners of Excise be taken into Consideration, on Saturday next.

Payment to Pindar.

Ordered, That the Ordinance for Payment of Five thousand Pounds out of the Old Excise, to Sir Paul Pinder, shall be void as to the Non Obstante: And that the same be paid in Course.

Resolved, &c. That the Lords Concurrence be desired herein.

Ordination of Ministers.

Whereas the Word Presbyter, that is to say, Elder, and the Word Bishop, do in the Scripture intend and signify one and the same Function, though the Title of Bishop have been by corrupt Custom appropriated to One; and more unto him ascribed, and by him assumed, in the Matter of Ordination, than was meet; which Ordi- nation, notwithstanding, being performed by him, a Pres- byter, joined with other Presbyters, we hold for Substance to be valid; and that Presbyters so ordained, being law- fully thereunto appointed and authorized, may ordain other Presbyters: And whereas it is also manifest, by the Word of God, that no Man ought to take upon him the Office of a Minister of the Gospel, until he be lawfully called and ordained thereunto; and that the Work of Ordination is to be performed with all due Care, Wis- dom, Gravity, and Solemnity: It is Ordained, by the and Commons in Parliament assembled, and by the Authority of the same, That these Persons in the City of London, viz.

or any Seven of them, being the whole Number present, or any Seven or more of them, being the major Part of them, that shall be present, may examine, approve, and ordain, according to the Directory for Ordination, and Rules for Examination hereafter expressed. The Ministers appointed to ordain, are to proceed to inquire touching the Grace of God in him; and whether he be of such Holiness of Life as is requisite in a Minister of the Gospel; and to examine him touching his Learning and Sufficiency, and touch- ing the Evidences of his Calling to the Holy Ministry, and if he be designed to any Place, then, in particular, his fair and direct Calling thereunto.

Rules for Examination are these:

That the Party examined be dealt with in a brotherly Way, with Mildness of Spirit, and with special Respect to the Gravity, Modesty, and Quality of every one.

Resolved, upon the Question. He shall be examined touching his Skill in the original Tongues: and that Trial may be made, by reading of the Hebrew and Greek Testa- ments, and rendering some Portions of them in Latin; and Inquiry also shall be made after his other Learning; and whether he hath Skill in Logick and Philosophy; what Authors in Divinity he hath read, and is best ac- quainted with: And Trial shall be made of his Know- ledge in these Grounds of Religion, and of his Ability to defend the orthodox Doctrine contained in them, against all unsound and erroneous Opinions, especially those of the present Age; of his Skill in the Sense and Meaning of such Places of Scripture as shall be proposed unto him in Cases of Conscience, and in the Chronology of Scripture, and in the Ecclesiastical History.

Resolved, &c. If he hath not before preached in pub- lick with Approbation of such as are able to judge, he shall, at a competent Time assigned him, and before the Ministers appointed to ordain, expound such Place of Scripture as shall be given.

Resolved, &c. He shall, within a competent Time, also frame a Discourse in Latin, upon such a common Place, or Controversy in Divinity, as shall be assigned him; and exhibit, to the Ministers appointed to ordain, such Theses as express the Sum thereof; and maintain a Dispute upon them.

Resolved, &c. He shall preach before the People and the Ministers appointed to ordain, or some of them.

If he be designed to any Place, the Proportion of his Gifts, in relation to the Place into which he is called, shall be considered.

Besides the Trial of his Gifts in Preaching, he shall undergo an Examination in the Premises, Two several Days or more, if the Ministers appointed to ordain, shall judge it necessary.

After which, he, being approved, is to be sent to the Church where he is to serve (if he be designed to a spe- cial Church); and, if it may be done with Safety and Conveniency, there to preach three several Days; and to converse with the People, that they may have Trial of his Gifts for their Edification; and may have Time and Leisure to inquire into, and the better to know, his Life and Conversation.

In the Day appointed for Ordination, which is to be performed in that Church where he that is to be ordained is to serve, if he be designed to a particular Church, and if it may be done with Safety and Conveniency, a solemn Fast shall be kept by the Congregation, that they may the more earnestly join in Prayer to God for a Bles- sing upon the Person and Labours of this his Servant, solemnly set apart to the Office of the Ministry for their Good.

The Ministers appointed to ordain, or Seven of them, shall come to the Place whereof one shall preach to the People concerning the Office and Duty of the Ministers of Christ; and how the People ought to receive and esteem him for the Work-sake.

Resolved, &c. After the Sermon, the Minister who hath preached shall, in the Face of the Congregation, demand of him who is now to be ordained, concerning his Faith in Christ Jesus, and his Persuasion of the Truth of the Reformed Religion, according to the Scripture; his sincere Intentions and Ends in desiring to enter into this Calling; his Resolution to be diligent in Prayer, Reading, Meditation, Preaching, ministring the Sacra- ments, and doing all Ministerial Duties towards his Charge; his Zeal and Faithfulness in maintaining the Truth of the Gospel, and Unity of the Church, against Error and Schism; his Care that himself and his Family may be unblameable, and Example to the Flock; and his Resolution to continue in his Duty against all Trouble and Persecution.

Resolved, &c. In all which having declared himself, professed his Willingness, and promised his Endeavours, by the Help of God, the Ministers appointed to ordain, shall solemnly set him apart to the Office and Work of the Ministry, laying their Hands on him, which is to be accompanied with a short Prayer or Blessing, to this Effect; Thankfully acknowledging the great Mercy of God, in sending Jesus Christ for the Redemption of his People, and for his Ascension to the Right-hand of God the Father, and there pouring out his Spirit, and giving Gifts to Men, Apostles, Evangelists, Prophets, Pastors, and Teachers, for the Gathering and Building up of his Church, and for fitting and inclining this Man to this great Work; to beseech him to fit him with his Holy Spirit; to give him, whom, in his Name, we set apart to this Holy Service, to fulfil the Work of his Ministry in all Things, that he may both save himself and the People committed to his Charge.

Resolved, &c. This or the like Form of Prayer or Blessing being ended, let the Minister who preached, brotherly exhort him to consider the Greatness of his Office and Work; the Danger of Negligence, both to himself and his People; the Blessing which will accom- pany his Faithfulness in this Life, and that to come; and, withal, to exhort the People to carry themselves to him as their Minister in the Lord: And so, by Prayer com- mending both him and his Flock (if he shall be ordained to a particular Flock) to the Grace of God. After the Singing of a Psalm, let the Assembly be dismissed with a Blessing.

Resolved, &c. That the Records be carefully kept by the Register, to be nominated by the Ministers appointed to ordain, of the Names of the Persons ordained, with their Testimonial, the Time and Place of their Ordina- tion, and the Ministers who did ordain them; and of the Charge to which they are appointed.

Resolved, &c. That no Money or Gift of what Kind soever, shall be required from the Person to be ordained, or from any on his Behalf for Ordination, or ought else belonging to it, by any of the Ministers appointed to ordain, or any appertaining to any of them, upon what Pretence soever, except to the Register for the Entry of Instruments, and Testimonials of his Ordination; which shall not exceed the Sum of Ten Shillings for each Per- son ordained.

Resolved, &c. Let such as are chosen or appointed for the Service of the Army, or Navy, or other Charge, be ordained as above-said, in such Church as the Ministers appointed to ordain shall think fit.

Resolved, &c. The Number of the Persons to be named to ordain shall be Twenty-three.

Resolved, &c. That a Copy of the whole Business con- cerning Ordination shall be sent to the Assembly of Di- vines; and they desired to present to the House Names of the Twenty-three appointed to ordain.

Mr. Rous is appointed to deliver a Copy of this whole Business to the Assembly of Divines.