House of Lords Journal Volume 6: 19 July 1643

Journal of the House of Lords: Volume 6, 1643. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1767-1830.

This free content was digitised by double rekeying. All rights reserved.

Citation:

'House of Lords Journal Volume 6: 19 July 1643', in Journal of the House of Lords: Volume 6, 1643( London, 1767-1830), British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/lords-jrnl/vol6/pp136-142 [accessed 12 October 2024].

'House of Lords Journal Volume 6: 19 July 1643', in Journal of the House of Lords: Volume 6, 1643( London, 1767-1830), British History Online, accessed October 12, 2024, https://www.british-history.ac.uk/lords-jrnl/vol6/pp136-142.

"House of Lords Journal Volume 6: 19 July 1643". Journal of the House of Lords: Volume 6, 1643. (London, 1767-1830), , British History Online. Web. 12 October 2024. https://www.british-history.ac.uk/lords-jrnl/vol6/pp136-142.

Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image

In this section

DIE Mercurii, 19 die Julii.

PRAYERS.

Earl of Manchester, Speaker.

Answer from the H. C.

The Messengers sent Yesterday to the House of Commons [ (fn. 1) return with this Answer]: That they have delivered their Message to them, concerning the Trial of Justice Berkley this Day.

Mr. Noell's Funeral.

Ordered, That a Pass shall be granted, for carrying down Mr. Henry Noell's Body to Campden.

Sir R. Devereux's Cause.

Ordered, That the Cause of Sir Rob't Devereux shall be heard in this House on Friday come Fortnight.

Mr. Davies, a Pass.

Ordered, That Mr. Davies, a Proctor, shall have a Pass, to go to Oxford, and return back again.

Petition from the Assembly, for a Fast;

A Petition presented to this House, by divers Godly Ministers, in the Name of themselves and other Ministers; which being (fn. 2) read, in hæc verba: videlicet, (Here enter it.)

Ordered, That Friday next is appointed to be a solemn Day of Humiliation, to be kept as is desired in the Petition.

And the other Particulars, their Lordships will take the same into Consideration.

a Fast appointed.

The Ministers were called in, and had Thanks given; and told, "That their Lordships have appointed Friday next for a solemn Day of Humiliation, to be kept as is desired in the Petition; and touching the rest of the Petition, their Lordships will take the same into Consideration."

Message to the H. C. about it.

A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by Sir Rob't Rich and Mr. Page:

To let them know, that their Lordships have received a Petition from divers Ministers, which consists of divers Particulars, but One being of that Nature as fit to be done speedily, which is the keeping of a solemn Day of Humiliation; and their Lordships have appointed Friday next for the keeping of it, wherein their Lordships desire the Concurrence of the House of Commons.

Message from thence, to the same Effect.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Sir Rob't Harley:

To let their Lordships know, that the House of Commons have received a Petition from divers Godly Ministers, consisting of many pious Requests, One being for a Public Day of Humiliation for the Cities of London and Westm. which the House of Commons have taken into Consideration, and think it fit to be on Friday next, at St. Margeretts Church, in Westm. if their Lordships shall approve of the Time and Place; and they have designed Mr. Hill, Mr. Burges, and Mr. Spursto, to preach, wherein they desire their Lordships Concurrence.

The Answer was:

Answer.

That this House agrees to the Time and Place appointed for the keeping of the Fast; and also do agree to the Persons appointed to preach.

Message from the H. C. with Two Ordinances;

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Mr. Knightly and others:

To desire Concurrence in these Ordinances following:

1. An Ordinance for raising of Monies in North'tonshire.

2. An Ordinance for raising of Monies for recovering of Newcastle.

and to communicate some Papers from Scotland.

3. To communicate to their Lordships some Papers, sent from the Council of Scotland.

Ordinance for Northampton.

The Ordinance for raising Monies for North'ton, was read, and Agreed to. (Here enter it.)

Ordinance to raise Money for Recovery of Newcastle.

The Order for raising of Monies, for recovering of Newcastle, was read, and Ordered to be respited.

Ordered, To have a Conference with the House of Commons, that if the voluntary Subscriptions come not in so as to do the Work, to propose unto them, that some Ships may be sent to (fn. 3) Newcastle, to setch Coal; this Conference to be To-morrow Morning.

The Answer returned was:

Answer.

That their Lordships do agree to the Ordinance for raising of Monies in North'tonshire; and touching the Ordinance for raising of Monies for recovering of Newcastle, their Lordships will send an Answer by Messengers of their own.

Commons to be desired to send their Committee to Scotland; and the Lords will send theirs as soon as possible.

Ordered, To send to the House of Commons, to let them know, that their Lordships having agreed to the Instructions to be given to the Committees of both Houses that are to go into Scotland, and finding the ill Disposition of the Earl of Rutland such as will not suffer him to go so speedily as the Business requires, and considering the Lord Grey not fit to be sent in regard of his Contempt to this House, their Lordships will think of another Lord to go in his Stead, with all convenient Speed; but, lest the Business should suffer any further Delay, their Lordships do desire the House of Commons that they will send their Committees away presently, and their Lordships will send their Committees after, as soon as conveniently may be.

Message to them, for that Purpose;

A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by Mr. Serjeant Whitfeild and Mr. Serjeant Fynch:

To acquaint the House of Commons with the aforesaid Desire, for sending the Committees of the House of Commons presently away.

to consider of an Answer to the Letter from the L. Chancellor of Scotland;

2. To desire that they would take the Letter sent down to them from this House, which was sent from the Lord Chancellor of Scotland, into their Consideration, and think of some Answer to be given to it.

and that the Lords are ready for Justice Berkley's Trial.

3. To let them know, that their Lordships are ready to proceed in the Trial against Mr. Justice Berckley.

Message from thence, with an Answer to the L. Chancellor of Scotland;

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Sir Henry Mildmay:

To desire their Lordships Concurrence in a Letter to be sent to the Lord Chancellor of Scotland, in Answer to his Letter.

with a Preacher's Name at the Fast;

And whereas Mr. Burges, who is appointed to be One of the Preachers on Friday, is out of Town, they desire their Lordships Concurrence, that Mr. Vines may be appointed to preach in his Place.

and to sit a while.

3ly, To desire their Lordships to sit a while.

The Letter was read, and Agreed to. (Here enter it.)

The Answer returned was:

Answer.

That their Lordships do agree to the Letter now brought up; and, if the Message be not of very great Importance, their Lordships desire the Business may be deferred until To-morrow Morning.

The Messengers sent to the House of Commons return with this Answer:

Answer from the H. C.

That they are Resolved, To send their Committees away for Scotland To-morrow Morning; and concerning the Lord Chancellor's Letter, they will send an Answer, by Messengers of their own; and touching the Trial of Mr. Justice Berkeley, they will send up some Members to manage the Evidence against him.

Justice Berkley's Trial.

Ordered, In regard it is late now, That the Trial of Mr. Justice Berckley shall be deferred until Tomorrow Morning, at Nine of the Clock, and to be the First Business.

Message to the H. C. about it.

A Message to this Purpose was sent to the House of Commons, to acquaint them therewith; and to desire that their Members will be then (fn. 4) ready to manage the Evidence.

Message from thence, about the Instructions for the Committees going to Scotland.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Sir Henry Mildmay:

To desire a present Conference, touching some Additions to be added to the Instructions to the Committees that go into Scotland.

The Answer returned was:

Answer.

That their Lordships will give a present Conference, in the Painted Chamber, as is desired.

Message from thence, with an Order.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Sir Rob't Harley:

To desire their Lordships Concurrence in an Order for keeping Friday next a Day of Humiliation.

Which Order was read, and Agreed to. (Here enter it.)

The Answer returned was:

Answer.

That this House hath agreed to the Order now brought up.

The House was adjourned during Pleasure, and the Lords went to the Conference; which being ended, the House was resumed.

Report of the Conference about the Instructions for the Committee going to Scotland.

And the Speaker reported the Effect of the Conference, which was, "To desire that an additional Clause may be added to the Declaration to be sent to the Kingdom and States of Scotland."

Which, being read, was Agreed to.

Also the House of Commons desire their Lordships Concurrence in a Vote concerning the Six Lords that writ the Letter to the Queen, wherein they desire their Lordships Concurrence.

The said Vote being read, was Agreed to. (Here enter it.)

Vote, That the Six Scotch Lords, who wrote to the Queen from Lancaster, are Incendiaries.

"Resolved, by the House of Commons, That they do Declare, That the Six Lords of the Kingdom of Scotland, videlicet, the Earl of Roxborough, the Earl of Morton, the Earl of Annandale, the Earl of Kynnoule, the Earl of Carnewarth, and the Earl of Lannerick, that writ a Letter to the Queen out of Lanchashire, are Incendiaries, within the Act of Pacification; and that the States assembled for the Kingdom of Scotland be desired to proceed against them, as Incendiaries."

Ordered, That this House agrees with the House of Commons, in this Vote.

Ordinance for raising Money, for Defence of Northamptonshire.

"Whereas divers Gentlemen, Inhabitants of the County of Northampton, and others, well affected to the Public, have subscribed to the Sum of Three Thousand Pounds, towards the raising of a considerable Force, for the Preservation of that County from Ruin; for the further Maintenance of the said Force, and better Encouragement of the speedy paying in of the said Money so subscribed, it is Ordained, by the Lords and Commons in Parliament, That Edward Mountague, William Fitzwilliams, Esquires, Sir John Dreyden, Sir Christopher Yelverton, Sir Gilbert Pickering, Baronets, Zouch Tate, John Crewes, Richard Knightly, Esquires, Members of the House of Commons, Sir Rowland St. John Knight of the Bath, Sir Edward Nicholls, Sir John Norwich, Baronets, Sir Humphrey Orme, Sir Richard Samuell, Sir Samuell Danvers, Knights, Richard Knightly, of Fawseley, Robert Mildmay, John Barnard, Edward Harby, Edward Onely, Edward Bagshawe, John Cartwright, Phillip Hollman, Richard Samuell, Edward Farmer, John Wirley, Edward Shugborough, Edward Hanbury, William Lisle, John Blincoe, Thomas Elmes, John Claypoole, Francis Quarles, and John Norton, Esquires and the Mayor of the Town of North'ton, for the Time being, or any Three or more of them, residing in the Town of North'ton, for the furnishing of Arms and Ammunition, making of Fortifications, Payment of the Garrisons, Officers, and Soldiers; and other Public necessary Charges, for the Defence and Preservation of the said County from Plunder and Ruin, shall or may, from Time to Time, during this unnatural War, raise in the said County such Sums of Money as shall be by them, or any Three or more of them, thought necessary for the Uses aforesaid; the same to be rated and assessed in like Sort as was the Four Hundred Thousand Pounds granted by Act this present Parliament, not exceeding the Sum of Four Thousand Pounds; and, for the better levying of the said Sums of Money, the said Committee, or any Three or more of them, then residing in the Town of North'ton, shall or may nominate and appoint Treasurers, Collectors, and Assessors, in the said County, for assessing, receiving, and collecting, the said Sums of Money, and shall and may grant Warrants, under their Hands in Writing, to any Constable, or other Person or Persons, as well Soldiers when Need shall require as others, to raise and levy the said Sums so to be assessed and taxed as aforesaid, upon all such Persons, upon whom any such Sums shall be so assessed and set, that do refuse or neglect to pay the same, by Way of Distress and Sale of the Goods of the Persons so assessed and refusing; and, in Case any Opposition be made, the said Committee, or any Three or more of them, residing in North'ton as aforesaid, shall or may commit such Person and Persons, refusing to pay as aforesaid, to some common Gaol within the same County, there to remain until Payment be made of such Sum and Sums of Money as aforesaid; for which Sums, so to be raised, the said Committee shall be accountable to both Houses of Parliament, and to none else; and, if any shall refuse or neglect the Execution of such Warrants as shall be directed to them by virtue of this Ordinance, it shall be lawful for the said Committee residing as aforesaid, or any Three of them, to punish such Person refusing or neglecting, by Fine, not exceeding Five Pounds, to be levied as aforesaid; provided that where it shall appear to the said Committee, or any Two of them, residing as aforesaid, that any Person hath been over-rated to the Tax upon the Bill of Four Hundred Thousand Pounds, an Abatement may be made in the Tax of such Person, by the said Committee, or any Two of them, residing as aforesaid, according to their Discretions; provided also, that this present Ordinance shall be no Hindrance to Taxes made by any former Ordinance: And it is hereby further Ordained, That all Sums of Money for which either the said Committee, or any of them, or any other Person at their Request, are, is, or standeth engaged, or shall hereafter be engaged, for the Purposes aforesaid, shall or may be levied, re-paid, or retained, out of the Real and Personal Estates of Delinquents and Papists, seized, and to be seized, by Force of the Ordinance for Sequestrations, or otherwise, out of the Monies to be raised by Force of this Ordinance."

Petition of the Assembly of Divines, for a Fast.

"To the Right Honourable the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament.

"The humble Petition of divers Ministers of Christ, in the Name of themselves and sundry others,

Humbly sheweth,

That your Petitioners, upon serious Consideration and deep Sense of God's heavy Wrath lying on us, and hanging over our Heads, and the whole Nation, and manifested particularly by the too late sad and unexpected Defeats of our Forces in the North and in the West, do apprehend it to be our Duty, as Watchmen for the Good of the Church and Kingdom, to present to your religious and prudent Consideration these ensuing Requests, in the Name of Jesus Christ, your Lord and ours:

"First, That you would be pleased to command a Public and Extraordinary Day of Humiliation this Week, throughout the Cities of London, Westm. the Suburbs of both, and Places adjacent, within the Weekly Bills of Mortality, that every One may bitterly bewail his own Sins, and cry mightily unto God, for Christ His Sake, to remove His Wrath, and to heal the Land; with professed and renewed Resolutions of more full Performance of the late Covenant, for the Amendment of our Ways.

"Secondly, That you would vouchsafe instantly to take it into your more serious Considerations, how you may most speedily set up Christ more gloriously in all His Ordinances, within this Kingdom, and reform all Things amiss throughout the Land, wherein God is more especially and more immediately dishonoured, among which we humbly lay before you these Particulars:

1. That the brutish, ignorant, and palpable Darkness, possessing the greatest Part of the People in all Places of the Kingdom, whereby they are utterly unfit to wait upon God in any holy Duty (to the great Dishonour of the Gospel, and the everlasting Endangering of their poor Souls), may be remedied, by a speedy and strict Charge to all Ministers, constantly to catechise all the Youth and ignorant People (they being commanded to be subject unto it); and all Sorts to be present at it, and Information to be given of all Persons who shall withstand or neglect it.

That the grievous and heinous Pollution of the Lord's Supper, by those that are grossly ignorant and notoriously prophane, may be henceforth with all Christian Care and due Circumspection prevented.

"That the bold venting of corrupt Doctrines, directly contrary to the Sacred Law of God, and Religious Humiliation for Sin, which open a wide Door to all Libertinism and Disobedience to God and Man, may be speedily suppressed every where; and that in such Manner as may give Hope that the Church may be no more infested with them.

"4. That the Prophanation of any Part of the Lords-day, and the Days of Solemn Fasting, by Buying, Selling, Working, Sporting, Travelling, or Neglecting of God's Ordinances, may be remedied, by appointing special Officers in every Place, for the due Execution of all good Laws and Ordinances against the same.

"5. That there may be a thorough and speedy Proceeding against blind Guides and scandalous Ministers, by whose Wickedness People either lack or loath the Ordinances of the Lord, and Thousands of Souls perish, and the Removal of the Ark from among us is (to the Trembling of our Hearts) evidently threatened; and that your Wisdoms would find out some Way to admit into the Ministry such Godly and hopeful Men, as have prepared themselves, and are willing thereunto; without which, there will suddenly be such a Scarcity of able and faithful Ministers, that it will be to little Purpose to cast out such as are unable, idle, or scandalous.

"6. That the Laws may be quickened against Swearing and Drunkenness, with which the Land is filled and defiled, and under which it mourneth.

"7. That some severe Course be taken against Fornication, Adultery, and Incest, which do greatly abound, especially of late, by reason of Impunity.

"8. That all Monuments of Idolatry and Superstition, but more especially the whole Body and Practice of Popery, may be totally abolished.

"9. That Justice may be executed on all Delinquents, according to our Solemn and Religious Vow and Protestation to that Purpose.

10. That all possible Means may be used, for the speedy Relief and Release of our miserable and extremely distressed Brethren, who are Prisoners, in Oxford, Yorke, and elsewhere, whose heavy Sufferings cry aloud in the Ears of our God; and it would lie very heavy upon the Kingdom should they miscarry, suffering as they do for the Cause of God.

"That so God, who is now by the Sword avenging the Quarrel of His Covenant, beholding your Integrity and Zeal, may turn from the Fierceness of His Wrath, hear our Prayers, go forth with our Armies, perfect the Work of Reformation, forgive our Sins, and settle Truth and Peace throughout the Kingdom.

"And the Petitioners shall ever pray, &c.

Wm. Twiss.
Cor. Burges.
Peter Smith.
Josua Hoyle.
Wm. Gouge.
Edmund Staunton.
Tho. Thorogood.
Wm. Bridge.
Charles Herle.
Fra. Cheynell.
Edmond Calamy.
Stephen Marshall.
William Spurstowe.
Theodore Bathurst.
De La March.
Herbert Palmer.
Geo. Walker.
Tho. Bayley.
Obadiah Sedgwick.
Hen. Hall.
Tho. Young.
Ric. Heyricke.
Anth. Tuckney.
Arth. Salwey.
Jo. Arrowsmith.
Tho. Hill.
Symeon Ash.
Sa. Gibson.
Jo. White.
Hum. Chambers.
Andr. Perne.
Tho. Valentine.
Wm. Price.
Hen. Wilkinson.
Ed. Corbett.
Joh. Greene.
Tho. Case.
Joseph Caryl.
John Conant.
Jer. Whittaker.
Ben. Pickering.
Chris. Tisdale.
Jo. Langley.
Math. Newcomen.
Rich. Vines.
Fra. Tayler.
John Guibon."

Order for keeping a solemn Fast and Humiliation.

"The Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, out of the deep Sense of God's heavy Wrath now upon this Kingdom, and more particularly manifested by the late Discomfiture of the Forces both in the North and in the West, have for themselves Resolved to set apart and keep, and do Ordain and Command, That Friday, the 21st of this present July, 1643, be set apart and kept as a Day of Public and extraordinary Humiliation, by Prayer and Fasting, throughout the Cities of London and Westm. and the Suburbs and the Places adjacent, within the Bills of Mortality; that every Soul may bitterly bewail his own Sins, and the Sins of the whole Nation, and cry mightily to God, for Christ His Sake, that He will be pleased to turn from the Fierceness of His Wrath, and heal the Land: And the Lord Mayor of the City of London, and the Justices of Peace of the City of Westm. are hereby required to give present Order for the due Performance of this Order."

Letter of Credence to the States of Scotland, for the Committees going there.

"May it please your Lordships,

"We are commanded, by the Lords and Commons in Parliament, to certify your Lordships, that they have nominated and appointed John Earl of Rutland, Sir William Armin Baronet, Sir Henry Vane the Younger, Knight, Thomas Hatcher and Henry Darley, Esquires, Committees and Commissioners of both Houses, to the States and Kingdom of Scotland, touching divers Matters of great Importance for the Good and Safety of both Kingdoms, with ample Power to negociate, treat, and conclude the same; and therefore, in the Name of the Two Houses of Parliament, we are to desire your Lordships, with your Favour and Assistance, to further them, as there shall be Occasion; and to give them full Credit in those Things which, shall be propounded by them, wherein they doubt not but your Lordships will always be ready to express your good Affections to this State, and more especially your Public Care of Religion, Peace, Safety, and other the common Interests of both Kingdoms, wherein they are more nearly united together than any other Two Nations in the World; and, that God's Blessings may crown your Counsels and Endeavours therein, shall be the Prayers of

"Your Lordships very affectionate
Friends and Servants."

Westm. the 19th of July, 1643.

Another to the Lords of the Council.

"Right Honourable,

"The Lords and Commons in Parliament have directed us to make known to your Lordships, that, for preserving the Peace of both Kingdoms, and preventing the mischievous Practices of those who are Enemies to both, they have made Choice of John Earl of Rutland, Sir William Armin Baronet, Sir Henry Vane the Younger, Knight, Thomas Hatcher, and Henry Darley, Esquires, Committees and Commissioners into the Kingdom of Scotland, to treat and conclude divers great Affairs, tending to the Good of both Kingdoms; and therefore, in the Name of the Two Houses of Parliament, we desire your Lordships to receive them with Favour and Respect, so often as they shall have Occasion to resort to you, and to give them full Credit in those Matters which they shall propound; in doing whereof, your Lordships shall not only express your good Affection to this State, but much further the common Good of both Kingdoms, in those Things which are of highest Value, Religion, Liberty, and Justice, with all Men of Honour; and, that the Success may be answerable to so noble Intentions and Endeavours, shall be the Prayer of,

"Your Lordships very assured Friends,
and humble Servants."

Westm. the 19th of July, 1643.

Letter from both Houses to the Earl of Leven, requesting that, if the Scots should send an Army to their Assistance, he would take the Command of it.

"Our very good Lord,

"The Miseries and Dangers of this Kingdom being such, as that the Two Houses of Parliament have thought fit to press the Aid and Assistance of their Brethren of the Kingdom and States of Scotland; we are commanded, by the Lords and Commons in Parliament, to present unto your Excellency their thankful Acknowledgement of your Merit, in conducting the Scottish Army against the Rebels of Ireland; and withall to express their Desires and Wishes that, if the Kingdom of Scotland shall think good to assist them against the Faction of Papists, Prelates, and other Malignants, who have raised a very dangerous War in this Kingdom, for Subversion of the Protestant Religion, and fundamental Government of this Land, they would likewise be pleased to appoint you to command those Forces to be sent in their Aid; and that your Excellency will so far express your Affection to this Cause, and to the Good of this State and Realm, as to accept the same; which, we are to assure you in their Name, will be taken as an Act of great Love and Advantage to this State, and lay upon them such an Obligation as they shall study to answer in a Manner proportionably to the high Esteem they have of the Worth and Abilities of your Excellency, whose Honour and Happiness is particularly desired, and shall be always furthered by the Endeavours of

"Your Excellency's
Friends and Servants.

Westm. the 19th of July, 1643.

Letter to the Lord Chancellor of Scotland, that Ships are ordered, to guard the North Coasts.

"Our very good Lord,

The House of Commons having received several Letters from your Lordship, of the Want of Two Ships of Strength, to lie between Scotland and Ireland, for Convoys of such Ships as shall at any Time be sent with Provisions of Victual and Arms, for the Scottish Army in Ireland, have commanded me to signify to your Lordship, That, according to the Articles of Treaty, they appointed Two Ships all the last Year for that Purpose, whose coming-in they understood not until of late; and therefore have given special Order unto Captain Batten, Admiral of the Fleet for the Northern Squadron, to send other Ships to attend that Service, and to give your Lordship Notice thereof, and how they order their Course; to the End your Lordship and that State may make such Use of them as shall seem in your Wisdoms most advantageous for the mutual Interest of both these States, in the Preservation of that Kingdom, which is likewise the Desires of

"Your Lordship's very assured Friends
and humble Servants."

Westm. the 19th of July, 1643.

"An Ordinance of the Lords and Commons in Parliament, for the nominating, appointing, and authorizing, John Earl of Rutland, Sir William Armin Baronet, Sir Henry Vane Junior, Knight, Thomas Hatcher, and Henry Darley, Esquires, to be Committees and Commissioners of both Houses, to be sent to the Kingdom of Scotland, to treat and conclude divers Matters concerning the Safety and Peace of both Kingdoms.

Ordinance for Committees to go to Scotland.

It is Ordained, by the Lords and Commons in Parliament, That John Earl of Rutland, Sir William Armin Baronet, Sir Henry Vane Junior, Knight, Thomas Hatcher and Henry Darley, Esquires, be authorized and appointed Committees and Commissioners, of and from both Houses of Parliament, to repair into the Kingdom of Scotland; and there to treat, negociate, contract, conclude, and agree, with the States of that Kingdom, and all others thereunto authorized, of all such Matters, concerning the Good of both Kingdoms, as shall be committed and referred to them by the said Lords and Commons, according to such Instructions as are herewithall delivered to them, and such other Instructions as they shall from Time to Time receive from both Houses of Parliament: The said Committee or Commissioners, without the special Leave of both Houses, are required to be attendant in the Execution hereof; and, for their so doing, they shall be warranted, justified, secured, and saved harmless, by the Authority and Power of both Houses of Parliament."

"A Declaration of the Lords and Commons in the Parliament of England, to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

Declaration of both Houses to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

"The Lords and Commons in Parliament, acknowledging, with humble Thankfulness to Almighty God, the Disposer of Hearts, the Christian Zeal and Love which the General Assembly of the Churches of Scotland have manifested, in their pious Endeavours for the Preservation of the true, Reformed Protestant Religion from subtile Practices and Attempts of the Popish and Prelatical Party; for the necessary Reformation of Church Discipline and Government in this Kingdom, and the more near Union of both Churches, do earnestly desire that Reverend Assembly to take Notice that the Two Houses of Parliament, fully concurring with them in those pious Intentions, for the better Accomplishment thereof, have called an Assembly of divers Godly and Learned Divines, and others, of this Kingdom, unto the City of Westm. who are now sitting and consulting about those Matters; and likewise have nominated and appointed John Earl of Rutland, Sir William Armin Baronet, Sir Henry Vane the Younger, Knight, Thomas Hatcher and Henry Darley, Esquires, Committees of both Houses, to the Kingdom and States of Scotland, who, besides their Instructions in Matters concerning the Peace and Common Weal of both Kingdoms, have received Directions to resort to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, and propound and consult with them, or any Commissioners deputed by them, in all Occasions which may further the so-much-desired Reformation in Ecclesiastical Matters in this Church and Kingdom, and a nearer Conjunction betwixt both Churches; in Performance whereof, Mr. Stephen Marshall and Mr. Phillip Nye, Ministers of God's Word, and Men of approved Faithfulness and Abilities in their Function, both Members of this Assembly of Divines here congregated and sitting, are appointed to assist and advise the same Committee, in such Things as shall concern this Church; and the Two Houses do hereby commend the Committees and Divines aforementioned to the Reverend Assembly of the Church of Scotland, to be by them received with Favour, and credited in those Things which they, or any Three or more of them, shall propound to them: It is likewise Desired, That that Reverend Assembly will, according to their former Promise and Resolution, send to the Assembly here such Number of Godly and Learned Divines as in their Wisdom they think most expedient for the Furtherance of this Work, which so much concerns the Honour of God, the Prosperity and Peace of the Two Churches of England and Scotland, and which must needs have a great Influence in procuring a more safe and prosperous Condition to other Reformed Churches abroad; and, that their Endeavours may be more effectual, the Two Houses do make this Request unto them, with their Authority, Advice, and Exhortation, so far as belongs to them, to stir up that Nation to send some competent Forces, in Aid of this Parliament and Kingdom, against the many Armies of the Popish and Prelatical Party and their Adherents, now in Arms, for the Ruin and Destruction of the Reformed Religion, and all the Professors thereof: In all which, they shall do that which will be pleasing to God, whose Cause it is, and likewise safe and advantageous to their own Church and Kingdom, who cannot surely enjoy the great Blessings of Religion, Peace, and Liberty, in that Kingdom, if this Church and Kingdom, by the prevailing Violence of that Party, shall be brought to Ruin and Destruction."

"Instructions, agreed upon the 13th July, 1643, by the Lords and Commons in Parliament, for John Earl of Rutland, Sir William Armin Baronet, Sir Henry Vane Junior, Knight, Thomas Hatcher and Henry Darley, Esquires, appointed Committees or Commissioners to the Kingdom and States of Scotland.

Instructions for the Committees or Commissioners going to Scotland.

"1. You shall forthwith repair into the Kingdom of Scotland, either to Edenborough or to other Parts, as you see Cause; and you shall make your Addresses to the Parliament, or any deputed by them, to the Assembly of the States, or any Commissioners appointed by them, the General Assembly of the Church, or the Commissioners of the General Assembly, the Lords of the Secret Council, Commissioners for Conservation of the Peace, the Commissioners of Common Burthens, and such others as shall have Power and Authority to treat with you upon such Matters as you have received, or shall receive, in Charge, and to negociate in that Kingdom as Committees or Commissioners of and from the Parliament of England.

"2. You shall take all fit Ways and Opportunities to make known to the State and Nation of Scotland the great Miseries, Calamities, and Dangers, brought upon this Church and Kingdom, by the Faction of Papists, and Prelates, and their Adherents, whereby they are disabled for the present to make Payment of those great Debts which are owing to them, for the Remainder of the Brotherly Assistance, (fn. 5) and the Arrear of their Army in Ireland.

"3. You shall take Care of stating and settling all Debts, Accompts, and Demands, betwixt the Two Nations of England and Scotland; and, the same being reduced to Certainty, you shall treat and compound for the Time and Manner of Satisfaction for the said Debts, in such Manner as shall stand with Justice, and the Conveniency of both Kingdoms.

"4. As touching the Remainder of the Brotherly Assistance, it is conceived most just and reasonable that, because the War upon the Subjects and People of Scotland, begun and prosecuted in the Year 1640 and 1641, was procured by the Faction of Papists, Prelates, and their Adherents, which was the Cause of the coming of the Scotts into this Kingdom, and of the Engagements thereupon made for their Satisfaction, that sufficient Lands of Papists, Prelates, and other Malignants as have adhered unto them, shall, by the Direction and Appointment of both Houses of Parliament, be set forth; out of which, Recompence shall be made for the Forbearance of that Money, until such Time as Satisfaction be given for the Discharge of all the said Debt, with the Interest, and Consideration for the Forbearance thereof.

"5. As for the Arrear due to the Scottish Army in Ireland; it being impossible for this State, by reason of the manifold Troubles and Burthens which lie upon it, to make present Payment, it is desired that our Brethren of Scotland think upon some other Way how we may (fn. 5) make Satisfaction, either in the Confiscate Lands in Ireland, by Way of Adventure, according to the Rates and Proportions at which they are to be delivered to the English Adventurers, or else by Estalment, at Four equal Payments, within Two Years after the Peace of this Kingdom shall be settled, or else in Provision of Victual and Apparel, to be delivered at reasonable Rates in Scotland, or any other Place, or any other Way within the Power of the Two Houses; it being our earnest Desire to give our Brethren full Contentment herein, so far as God shall enable us thereunto.

"6. You shall, according to the precedent Articles, treat and conclude for the Discharge both of the Debts aforementioned, that is, for the Remainder of the Brotherly Assistance, and the Arrear of the Army in Ireland, and such further Payments as shall grow due, until they shall be dismissed in any of these Ways; and (fn. 6) if none of these Ways shall be agreeable to our Brethren, you shall receive any further or other Propositions from them concerning the same; and such Propositions to certify to the Lords and Commons in Parliament, that so you may receive further Direction therein.

"7. You shall, with the like Plainness and Truth, make known to our Brethren of Scotland, that we are, by these Troubles, made altogether unable to continue the Charge of the Army in Ireland; therefore, lest it should become too great a Burden to them in our Disability of Payment, we desire the said Army may be dismissed in some short Time; only such Garrisons to be kept on Foot as our Brethren shall think fit to retain for the Guard of Carrickfergus and Colraine, according to the Treaty in that Behalf.

"8. You shall mediate and conclude an Establishment of the same Garrisons, both for Number of Men and Allowances, which the Two Houses will undertake to discharge accordingly (the Number of Men not exceeding Two Thousand), in Money, or Provision at reasonable Rates, to be agreed upon.

"9. You shall put our Brethren in Mind, that the Popish and Prelatical Faction, which began with them in the Year 1640-1641, and intended to make Way to our Ruin by theirs, and so to have corrupted and altered Religion in the whole Island, have not diminished in any Part of their Malice towards them, or at all departed from their Design, but only varied in the Manner of their Proceeding; conceiving that they have an easy Way to destroy them if they may first prevail over us; and thereupon you shall use your uttermost Endeavour to persuade and excite our Brethren to join with us in the common Cause, not only of the Two Kingdoms, but of all the Professors of the Protestant Religion; for the total and universal Suppression whereof, they may discern that the Pope and his Faction in several Countries are strongly combined.

"10. You shall desire, therefore, that both Nations may be streightly united and tied, for our mutual Defence, against the Papists and Prelatical Faction, and their Adherents, in both Kingdoms, and not to lay down Arms till they shall be disarmed, and subjected to the Authority and Justice of Parliament, in both Kingdoms respectively; for the effecting whereof, we desire our Brethren of Scotland to raise an Army of Ten Thousand Foot, and One Thousand Horse, or more, to be forthwith sent against the Papists, Prelatical Faction, and Malignants; the same to be commanded by the Earl of Leven, or such other General as shall be appointed by the State of Scotland, according to the Order and Direction of both Houses of Parliament; and to be paid, according to such an Establishment as shall be agreed on, out of such Revenues of Papists, Malignants, and other Delinquents, as shall be assigned for that Purpose by the Two Houses of Parliament.

"11. You shall take Care, that the City of Carlisle, the Towns of Newcastle and Barwicke, whensoever they shall be secured from the Papists and Malignants, shall be delivered over into the Hands of such Persons and Garrisons as shall be appointed to receive and defend the same by the Two Houses of Parliament.

"12. For the Charge in raising and arming these Men, we shall give our Brethren Satisfaction as speedily as we may; and, if the Reason of War require that those Forces, or any Part thereof, be employed on this Side Teas, or that it shall be so desired and directed by the Lords and Commons in Parliament, they are in such Case to be subject to the Order and Command of his Excellency the Earl of Essex, or such other as shall be appointed Lord General by the Two Houses of Parliament.

"13. You shall assure our Brethren of Scotland, that, if they shall be annoyed or endangered by any Force or Army, either from England or any other Place, the Lords and Commons of England will assist them, with a proportionate Number of Ten Thousand Foot and a Thousand Horse, or more, to be sent into Scotland, for their Defence, under such Order and Direction as shall be thought fit by the Parliament or State of Scotland: And, for the better securing of the Coast of the Kingdom of Scotland from the Invasion of the Irish Rebels, or other Enemies, during such Time as their Army shall be employed for the Defence of this Kingdom, you shall agree with them for a Guard of Ships, to be maintained by us, upon that Coast.

"14. And, that the mutual Interest and Dangers of both Kingdoms may be defended and preserved by both, you shall, on the Behalf of the Lords and Commons of England, contract and agree with the Kingdom and States of Scotland, that no Pacification, or Agreement for Peace, shall be concluded by the Two Houses of Parliament, without sufficient Caution and Provision for the Security, Peace, and Safety of that Kingdom, the Indemnity of all Persons and States for and concerning the Aid and Assistance which shall be given to this Parliament and Kingdom, the Suppression of the Popish and ill-affected Party among them, the safe and peaceable Return of their Forces sent hither, and the real Performance of all Articles agreed upon with them.

"15. You shall receive the Public Faith of that Kingdom, that neither their Entrance into nor Continuance in this Kingdom, in Arms, shall be made Use of to the Prejudice of the Rights and Prerogatives of the Crown of England, nor of the Liberties and Privileges of the Subjects; but that all Matters concerning the same be determined by the Two Houses of Parliament; and that, as our Brethren shall be pleased to come in to help us at our Request, so their Forces shall be always ready to depart this Kingdom whensoever they shall by both Houses of Parliament be thereunto desired.

"16. You shall further consider, with our Brethren of Scotland, what other Articles or Propositions may be fit to be added and concluded, whereby the Assistance and Union betwixt the Two Nations may be made more beneficial and effectual, for the Security and Defence of Religion and Liberty in both Kingdoms; you shall certify all such Propositions to the Two Houses of Parliament, and thereupon proceed to a Conclusion, as you receive further Direction from them.

"You are, together with the Ten Thousand Foot and One Thousand Horse, or more, desired of our Brethren of Scotland for our Assistance, to consider, agree, and conclude with them, concerning a fitting Train of Artillery to accompany the same.

"You are to represent to our Brethren of Scotland the Desire of both Houses, that the Earl of Antrim may be re-examined, with Reference to the Affairs of this Kingdom, upon such Interrogatories as shall be by you framed and propounded in that Behalf, or such as shall be hereafter appointed by both Houses; which Examinations you are to return unto the Houses with all convenient Speed.

"You are to prosecute the Instructions formerly given by the Two Houses unto Michaell Welden and John Corbett Esquires, concerning the Six Earls of Scotland, voted Incendiaries by both Houses.

"Whereas, by Act of Parliament in both Kingdoms, concerning the Treaty of Peace betwixt the Two Nations, Two Commissions, the one for conserving Peace, and the other for Trade, are directed and appointed, which Commissions are passed and consented to by the Two Houses of Parliament; you are therefore, according to the said Commissions, and in the Capacity of Commissioners in that Behalf, to treat and advise of all such Matters as by the said Act of Parliament is appointed; and to carry with you authentic Copies of the same, and them to deliver to the Commissioners for conserving of Peace, as you shall see Cause.

"You are to represent to the General Assembly of Scotland, or to the Commissioners appointed by them, the Care and Endeavours of both Houses, for a perfect Reformation in this Church, and the happy Progress made by them therein; for the better accomplishing whereof, they have called an Assembly of Godly and Learned Divines, which are now sitting; and that, by reason of the Prevalency of the Papists, Prelatical Faction, and other malignant Enemies to this so-much-desired Reformation, now in Arms against the Parliament, these good Beginnings are like to receive Interruption, if not be utterly disappointed; and therefore you are not only to desire Assistance of that Reverend and Godly Assembly, for the carrying on this Work with their Prayers; but also, by such seasonable and effectual Means as to them shall seem meet, to co-operate with the States of the Kingdom of Scotland, for the effecting the Desires of both Houses, in the necessary Supplies and Aid now desired of our Brethren.

"You are also, according to the Desires of both Houses, formerly expressed in their Instructions to John Corbett Esquire, and now in their Declaration to the General Assembly, to solicit the speedying away of such and so many Reverend and Godly Divines, as they shall make Choice of, to be Assistants in the Assembly called by the Two Houses."

"A Declaration of the Lords and Commons of the Parliament in England, to the Kingdom and States of Scotland.

Declaration of both Houses to the States of Scotland.

"We, the Lords and Commons in Parliament, being very sensible of the miserable State and Condition whereunto this Kingdom and all the other Dominions belonging to this Crown are fallen by this present War, which the King hath raised against the Parliament, by the Instigation of the Popish, Prelatical, and malignant Party, do hereby Declare (fn. 7) to our Brethren the States and other Subjects of the Kingdom of Scotland, That, not only according to our Resolution and Promise signified in our former Declarations, we have nominated and appointed John Earl of Rutland, Sir William Armin Baronet, Sir Henry Vane Junior, Knight, John Hatcher, and Henry Darley, Esquires, to be Committees and Commissioners of both Houses of Parliament, or any Three or more of them, for settling all Matters concerning Debts and Accompts, in which this Kingdom stands engaged to them; but more especially to desire their present and speedy Aid and Assistance, for Security of Religion and Liberty in both Kingdoms, for restoring and preserving the Peace of this Kingdom, and bringing to condign Punishment the Subjects of either Kingdom, and all others who have been or are the Authors, Incendiaries, or Actors, in this unnatural War, raised for the Alteration of Religion, introducing of Popery, subverting the fundamental Government of this Land, and for the Hindrance of Reformation in Matters of Religion, being a most effectual Means of preserving the Peace of both Kingdoms, according to the late Act of Pacification, by which both States stand obliged to help one another; whereof we assure ourselves our Brethren will make no Doubt, if they please to consider that divers Subjects of the Kingdom of Scotland, Noblemen and others, have risen in Arms, and are joined with the Papists and Prelatical Party here, and are now in actual War against the Parliament and Kingdom of England; which being done without the Consent of the Parliament of Scotland, all such Parties of that Nation are become Traitors to the Realm of Scotland by the Act of Pacification, and both Kingdoms are bound to concur in repressing those Forces, by the Public Faith of each Kingdom declared in that Act: And we desire our Brethren should take Notice, that the said Committees or Commissioners have received ample Instructions concerning the Proportion of the Aid desired, and the Satisfaction to be made for the same, with Power and Authority to agree and conclude therein, according to such Instructions as they have or shall receive from both Houses of Parliament; and therefore we desire that full Credit may be given to them in that Behalf: And, because our Enemies have already great Forces in divers Parts of the Kingdom, and do intend to draw great Numbers of Rebels out of Ireland, and have solicited for other Supplies from Foreign Parts, we do earnestly request our Brethren of Scotland to hasten the Aid desired, and to consider that, although, in the Streights and Perplexities of Want and Danger, they shall not receive such plentiful Entertainment as might at other Times be expected, yet they cannot fail of great Honour and Advantage by this Undertaking, both in respect of the Service which shall be therein done to God, whose Cause it is, and the Dangers and Miseries which hereby shall be kept from themselves; and they may rest assured that, in all Opportunities, the Two Houses of Parliament and this Nation will be ready to express their Thankfulness for the Help which they shall receive from them, and their Forwardness and Affection to the Peace and Prosperity of that Church and Kingdom."

Footnotes

  • 1. Origin. was.
  • 2. Deest in Originali.
  • 3. Origin. Newcaste.
  • 4. Deest in Originali.
  • 5. Deest in Originali.
  • 6. Origin. of.
  • 7. Deest in Originali.