Journal of the House of Commons: December 1597

The Journals of All the Parliaments During the Reign of Queen Elizabeth. Originally published by Irish University Press, Shannon, Ire, 1682.

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Citation:

Simonds d'Ewes, 'Journal of the House of Commons: December 1597', in The Journals of All the Parliaments During the Reign of Queen Elizabeth( Shannon, Ire, 1682), British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/no-series/jrnl-parliament-eliz1/pp566-577 [accessed 13 October 2024].

Simonds d'Ewes, 'Journal of the House of Commons: December 1597', in The Journals of All the Parliaments During the Reign of Queen Elizabeth( Shannon, Ire, 1682), British History Online, accessed October 13, 2024, https://www.british-history.ac.uk/no-series/jrnl-parliament-eliz1/pp566-577.

Simonds d'Ewes. "Journal of the House of Commons: December 1597". The Journals of All the Parliaments During the Reign of Queen Elizabeth. (Shannon, Ire, 1682), , British History Online. Web. 13 October 2024. https://www.british-history.ac.uk/no-series/jrnl-parliament-eliz1/pp566-577.

December 1597

On Thursday the first day of December, Two Bills of no great moment were each of them read the first time; of which the former was the Bill for provision of a Preacher in the Tower of London.

Mr James Harrington nothing. Which is all that is set down by Mr Fulk Onslow Clerk of the House of Commons in the Original Journal-Book it self, although the further intent and meaning of it might very well have been more fully expressed, which seemeth to be this, That the said Mr Harrington being a Member of this House, and having Licence from Mr Speaker to depart, left nothing with him the said Mr Onslow towards the Minister who had read Prayers in the said House during this Parliament, nor for the Poor, which other Members of the same House at other times did, as appeareth plainly by that which immediately followeth, and upon like departure of Sir Henry Knivet set down at the end of this present day also.

Sir Robert Wroth and Mr Sowtherton are nominated to make Collection of the Members of this House, both for the Minister his pains in saying Prayers in this House, and for the Poor.

Two Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for maintenance and reparation of Stains Bridge and Egham-Cawsey, was upon the second reading committed unto Mr. George Moore, Sir Robert Wroth, Mr. Amersham and others; And the Bill was delivered to Mr. George Moore, who with the rest was appointed to meet to Morrow in the Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber at two of the Clock.

Four Bills also had each of them their third reading; of which the last being the Bill against Forestallers, Regrators and Ingrossers, was read the third time, and after sundry Speeches both with the Bill and against it, passed upon the question.

Mr. Serjeant Drew and Mr. Doctor Stanhop do bring from the Lords a Bill Intituled An Act concerning the School at Seavenoake.

Two Bills lastly had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for the better Execution of the Statute made in the twenty third year of the Queens Majesties Reign, for the abolishing of Logwood alias Blockwood in the dying of Cloth, Wooll or Yarn, was read the third time, and passed upon the question.

Sir Henry Knivet, one of the Burgesses for the Borough of Malmesbury in the County of Wilts, is for his necessary businesses licensed by Mr. Speaker to depart into the Country, leaving with Mr. Fulk Onflow Clerk of this House ten shillings for the Poor, and three shillings and four pence towards the recompence of the Minister that said Prayers in the House, which he received accordingly.

On Friday the second day of December, the Bill for the establishing of an Award made between Edmund Cotton Gentleman, and Thomas Harvey Yeoman, was read the first time.

Mr. Edward Moore, one of the Committees for drawing of a Bill concerning Armour and Weapons (whose names see before on Tuesday the 8th day of this instant November) shewed the meeting and travel of the Committees, and delivered in a Bill for that purpose, and another Bill also for the Company of Armorers for the suppressing of false and deceitful Armour and Weapons brought into this Realm from beyond the Seas.

Mr. Wingfield, one of the Committees in the Bill for draining and recovery from the Water of certain over-flown grounds in the County of Norfolk (who were appointed on Friday the 25th day of November foregoing) shewed the meeting and travel of the Committees and their Amendments in some parts of the said Bill, and so delivered in the same Bill to the House.

Four Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill to prevent double payment of Debts upon Shop-Books was upon the second reading committed unto Mr. Jackson, Mr. Maynard, Mr. George Moore, Sir Edward Hobbie, Mr. Wingfield, Mr. Fettiplace, Sir Francis Hastings, Sir Thomas Cecill and others, and the Bill was delivered to Mr. Fettiplace, who with the rest was appointed to meet to Morrow at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber.

Sir Edward Hobbie, one of the Committees for the Hospital of Warwick (who were appointed on Friday the 18th day of November foregoing) shewed the meeting and travel of the said Committees with some Amendments in the Bill, and so delivered in the Bill to the House.

The Bill for the re-edifying of Whitby-Haven had its second reading, and upon the several questions for the committing, or the ingrossing, was rejected.

Mr. Bourchier, one of the Committees in the Bill touching the transporting of Sheep-Skins and Pelts (who were appointed on Saturday the 26th day of November foregoing) shewed the meeting and travel of the Committees, and their Amendments in some parts of the Bill, and so delivered in the Bill to the House.

The Councel Learned on both sides in the Bill concerning the Towns of Lowestost and Yarmouth in the County of Norfolk, were this day heard at large in this House at the Bar till the breaking up of this Court.

On Saturday the third day of December, Four Bills had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill for the speedy punishment of certain Felons, and the manner of their delivery, was read the first time.

Mr. Thomas Balg Recorder of Stamford and one of the Burgesses of the same, is for his necessary business in her Majesties Service, licensed to depart, and left five shillings with the Clerk of this House for the relief of the Poor, and the pains of the Minister.

Mr. George Moore, one of the Committees in the Bill for Staines-Bridge and Egham-Cawsey (who were appointed on Thursday the first day of December foregoing) shewed the meeting and travel of the Committees, and some Amendments in the said Bill, which Amendments being twice read, the Bill was Ordered to be ingrossed.

The Amendments in the Bill for Bristol being twice read, the same was Ordered to be ingrossed.

Mr. Serjeant Yelverton, one of the Committees in the Bill for repairing of the Bridge of Newport (who were appointed on Tuesday the 29th day of November foregoing) shewed the meeting and travel of the Committees, and their adding a Proviso to the Bill, which Proviso being twice read, the Bill was Ordered to be ingrossed.

The Bill for recovery of surrounded Wastes, Marish and Watery grounds in the Isle of Ely and the Counties of Cambridge, Huntington, Northampton, Lincoln and Norfolk, was upon the second reading committed to Sir Thomas Cecill, the Knights of Norfolk, Northampton, Lincoln, Cambridge, Huntington, Suffolk, Essex, Sussex and Bedford, the Burgesses of the Boroughs in the said Shires, Mr. Oxborow and others; And the Bill was delivered to Sir Thomas Cecill, who with the rest was appointed to meet this Afternoon at two of the Clock in the Exchequer Chamber.

The Bill for the Hospital called Nevills Hospital in the County of York, had its third reading. Upon the Motion to have Mr. Bird the Master of the said Hospital, heard with his Councel before the Bill be put to the Question for the passing, day was given for him to be heard with his Councel in the House upon Monday next.

Five Bills were sent up to the Lords from the House of Commons by Mr. Comptroller and others; of which the first was the Bill against Forestallers, Retaylers, &c. the second concerning Arthur Hatch, and a third was for the abolishing of Loggwood, alias Blockwood in Dying of Cloths.

Two Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill concerning the Confirmation and establishment of the deprivation of divers Bishops in the beginning of her Majesties Reign, was upon the second reading committed unto Mr. Serjeant Heyle, Mr. Sollicitor, Mr. Doctor James, Mr. Doctor Parkins, Mr. Doctor Crompton, Mr. Stephenson, Sir William Moore and others, and the Attorneyes of the Dutchies and Courts of Wards; and the Bill was delivered to Mr. Sollicitor, who with the rest was appointed to meet on Monday next at the Middle-Temple at two of the Clock in the Afternoon.

Mr. Finch shewing some griefs of Ministers in some Cases by Colour of a Statute, made in the first year of Her Majesties Reign, Intituled An Act for Conformity of Common-Prayer and Service in the Church and of the Administration of Sacraments, and of a Statute made in the thirteenth year of her said Majesties Reign Intituled An Act to reform certain disorders touching Ministers of the Church, and wishing an Explanation in the one and a mitigation in the other, offereth a Bill unto this House for that purpose.

Mr. Serjeant Drew and Mr. Attorney General do bring from the Lords a Bill lately passed this House Intituled An Act for establishing the Town Lands of Wanting in the County of Berks to the relief of the Poor, Amendment of High-ways and maintaining of a School within the said Town, shewing that their Lordships have passed the said Bill in the Upper House, and have added a Proviso in the same Bill.

The Bill that Lessees may enjoy their Leases against Patentees in some certain Cases, was upon the second reading committed unto Sir Francis Hastings, Sir Thomas Hungerford, Mr. Sollicitor, Sir Thomas Hobby and others; and the Bill was delivered with the Committees names to Mr. Comptroller, who with the rest was appointed to meet upon Tuesday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber, and the Parties to bring their Councel to the Committees.

On Monday the 5th day of December, Six Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill for erecting of Houses of Correction and punishment of Rogues and Beggars, was read the third time, and passed upon the Question.

The Proviso in the Bill for draining of certain surrounded grounds in the County of Norfolk was twice read, and the Bill and Proviso were Ordered to be ingrossed.

Mr. Recorder of London, one of the Committees in the Bill for the Lord Mountjoy (who were appointed on Saturday the 24th day of November foregoing) shewed the meeting and travel of the Committees, and so delivered in the Bill to the House.

Six Bills were this Morning sent up to the Lords from the House of Commons; of which the principal were: one concerning the Lands of Sir Henry Unton, and another to give power and liberty to Sir John Spencer, Mary his Wife and Robert their Son, to alienate certain Mannors and Lands in the County of Somerset.

Mr. Henry Hubbard, one of the Committees in the Bill concerning the Lands of the Bishoprick of Norwich (who were appointed on Wednesday the 30th day of November foregoing) shewed the meetings and travel of the Committees, and delivering in the Bill, it was after sundry Speeches committed to the former Committees, and Mr. Brograve the Attorney of the Dutchy, the Attorney of the Court of Wards, and Sir William Cornwallis were added unto them, and appointed to meer this day at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the former place, viz. the Exchequer Chamber, and the Bill and Committees names were delivered to the said Sir William Cornwallis.

Mr. Doctor Parkins, one of the Committees in the Bill to prevent double payments of Debts upon Shop-Books (who were appointed on Friday the second day of this instant November foregoing) shewed the meeting and travel of the Committees and their adding of a Proviso and some Amendments to the Bill, and so delivered in the Bill.

To Morrow Morning is appointed for the Learned Councel of the Lord Mountjoy to be heard in this House.

Mr. Francis Bacon, one of the Committees in the Bill for tillage and building of Houses (who were appointed on Saturday the 26th day of November foregoing) shewed at large the meeting and travel of the Committees and their framing of two new Bills, and delivereth both the old Bill and the new Bill into the House.

The Bill concerning Tellors, Receivors, &c. was upon the second reading committed unto all the Privy-Council being of this House, Sir Oliver Lambert, Mr. Sollicitor, Mr. Tasborough, Mr. Francis Bacon, and others; And the Bill and Committees names were delivered to the said Mr. Comptroller, who with the rest was appointed to meet to Morrow at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber.

Mr. Bird Master of Nevill's Hospital in the County of York (who was appointed to be heard this day with his Councel on Saturday the third day of this instant December foregoing) was called to the Bar, and heard; who shewed that he could get none to be of Councel with him. Whereupon being demanded whom he would retain of his Councel; and Answering that he would have Mr. Godfrey: It was then agreed, that Mr. Godfrey should be assigned of his Councel, and further day given to hear his Councel in this House upon Wednesday next being the 7th day of this instant December following. At which time the said Mr. Bird's Councel being heard, it should seem that the said Bill touching Nevills Hospital which had been read the third time, never passed the House.

Mr. Doctor Muffet, one of the Burgesses for Wilton, being Licensed to depart, left two shillings and six pence with Mr. Fulk Onslow Clerk of this House for the Poor and the Minister, but nothing for the said Clerk himself.

Mr. John Wingfield, one of the Burgesses for Peterborough in the County of Northampton, is for his necessary businesses Licensed to depart, and left with the Clerk five shillings for the Poor and Minister.

Mr. Thomas Hinson, one of the Burgesses for Barnstable in the County of Devon, was this day Licensed for his necessary business to depart, and left with the Clerk five shillings for the Poor, and two shillings and six pence for the Minister.

On Tuesday the 6th day of December, Five Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for establishing an Award made between Edward Cotten Gentleman and Thomas Harvey Yeoman, was upon the second reading committed unto Mr Serjeant Harris, Mr Henry Warner and others; and the Bill was deliver'd to the said Mr Warner, who with the rest was appointed to meet to Morrow at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Temple-Hall.

The Amendments in the Bill for the Lord Mountjoy being twice read, the Lord Marquess of Winchester and the Lord Mountjoy with their Learned Councel were heard at the Bar in this House, before such time as the said Bill and Amendments were put to the Question for ingrossing; and after their departure out of the House, the said Bill with the Amendments was upon the Question Ordered to be ingrossed.

Sir Hugh Portman Knight, one of the Knights returned into this present Parliament for the County of Somerset, is Licensed by this House to depart; and did leave with Mr. Fulk Onflow Clerk of this House, ten shillings for the Poor, and two shillings for the Minister.

To Morrow in the Afternoon in the MiddleTemple Hall, the Committees in the Conference for reviving and continuance of Statutes are appointed to meet (who had been appointed on Friday the 4th day of November foregoing.)

On Wednesday the 7th day of December, Five Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill against lewd wandring persons pretending themselves to be Souldiers or Mariners, was upon the second reading committed unto Mr. Simnell, Mr. Hext, Sir William Moore and others; and the Bill was delivered to Mr. Hext, who with the rest was appointed to meet this Afternoon at two of the Clock in the Exchequer Chamber.

The Bill also against Stealers of Corn and Fruit was upon the first and second reading committed unto the former Committees in the Bill against lewd persons, &c.

The Bill against the stretching and taintering of Northern Cloth was read the second time, and Ordered to be ingrossed.

Mr. Henry Hubberd, one of the Committees in the Bill concerning the Lands and Possessions of the Bishoprick of Norwich, (who were appointed on Wednesday the 30th day of November foregoing) shewed the meeting and travel of the Committees, and delivered in the Bill with the good allowance of the said Committees as a Bill in good state.

Mr. Attorney General and Mr. Doctor Stanhop do bring from the Lords a Bill which their Lordships Intituled An Act for the better and safer Recording of Fines to be levied in the Court of Common-Pleas.

Mr. Eresbie, one of the Committees in the Bill for recovering of surrounded Waste, Marish and Watery grounds in the Isle of Ely, and the Counties of Cambridge, Huntington, Northampton, Lincoln, &c. (who were appointed on Saturday the third day of this instant December foregoing) shewed some Amendments by the Committees, and delivered in the Bill.

The Bill for suppressing the multitude of Maulsters was read the second time, and committed unto the former Committees (who were appointed on Wednesday the 9th day of November foregoing) and unto the Burgesses of York, Mr. Winch, Mr. Yelverton and others; And the Bill was delivered to Mr. Litton one of the former Committees, who with the rest was appointed to meet to Morrow at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Middle-Temple Hall. Vide Thursday January 12th ensuing.

Mr. Bird, with Mr. Atkinson and Mr. Godfrey being of his Councel, were heard this day at the Bar. Vide concerning this matter on Monday the 5th day of this instant December foregoing.

The Bill for increase of people for the strength and defence of the Realm had its first reading.

Post Meridiem.

The Bill for granting unto her Majesty six Fifteenths and Tenths, and three intire Subsidies was read the first time.

Nota, That whereas in the last Parliament de an. 35 Regin. Eliz. the House of Commons was not drawn without much and long dispute both with the Lords and by themselves to yield unto the grant of three Subsidies and six Fifteenths and Tenths unto her Majesty, and that the same was done also with Protestation or Caution, that it should not be made a Precedent for the time to come: Yet it is evident by this Bill now last read, that the same proportion was again yielded unto by the said House at this present, and that also assented unto with far less difficulty and with some harder Conditions on the Subjects part. For a Committee being appointed to consider of it upon Thursday the 15th day of November last past, they brought in Articles ready drawn and agreed upon between them on the Saturday following, being the 19th day of the same Month; at which time the House being pressed did at length condescend to the said grant of the said three Subsidies and six Fifteenths and Tenths, to be paid in a shorter time than those granted in the last Parliament had been. And thereupon her Majesties Sollicitor on the Wednesday next after, being the 21th day of the same November, had the said Articles delivered unto him to draw up the said Bill for the Subsidy accordingly. Which being afterwards by him brought into the said House, was this day read as is aforesaid primâ vice. And being read again the second time on Saturday the 10th day of the said December also, and thereupon Ordered to be ingrossed, had lastly its third reading upon Wednesday the 14th day of the same Month ensuing; and being then passed the House, was immediately sent up to the Lords by Mr. Comptroller and others. Neither will it be amiss finally to observe in this place, that as the gift of this Parliament exceeded that in the former de an. 35 Regin. Eliz. in respect of the manner of payment, so that gift also in the Parliament following de an. 43 Regin. ejusdem being of four Subsidies and eight Fifteenths and Tenths, was much greater than both these that preceeded. By all which it is evident, that either the publick necessity was exceeding urgent in this present and ensuing Parliament, or that the aforesaid Gift yielded unto by the House of Commons, in the before-mentioned 35th year of her Majesties Raign, was made a leading Precedent in the said Parliament ensuing.

On Thursday the 8th day of December three Bills had each of them one reading; of which the third being the Bill for the better staying of Corn within the Realm was upon the second reading committed unto Mr George Moore, Mr Wiseman, Mr Edmond Bacon, Mr Colefield, Mr. Birkeby and others; And the Bill and Committees names were delivered to the said Mr. Colefield, who with the rest was appointed to met to Morrow at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Middle-Temple Hall.

The Bill for the lawful making of Bayes was upon the second reading committed unto Sir Robert Wroth, Mr. Francis Harvey and others, the Burgesses of Norwich and Gloucester, the Knights for Devonshire and Cornwal; And the Bill and Committees names were delivered to Mr. Wiseman, who with the rest was appointed to meet to Morrow at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber.

The Bill against the bringing in of Foreign Cards for Wooll was upon the second reading committed unto the said former Committees in the Bill next foregoing; And Mr. Serjeant Harries, Mr. Serjeant Hoyle, the Knights and Burgesses for London, and Mr. Hubberd were added unto them, to meet at the former place and time appointed for the said Bayes.

The Bill for Fustians was upon the second reading committed unto the former Committees also

Sir Thomas Cecill made a motion for a Bill of Petition to her Majesty to be drawn and presented unto her, touching Monopolies. Whereupon Mr. Francis Bacon perused it further, and after sundry Motions and Speeches had touching the said Monopolies and the abuses of Patents of priviledge, it was ordered to be further referred to the former Committees and unto all the Serjeants at Law being Members of this House, Mr. Attorneys of the Court of Wards and of the Dutchy, Sir Thomas Cecill and Sir Thomas Cornwallis, who were appointed to meet on Saturday next in the Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber, to set down in Writing what shall be by them thought sit, and delivered unto her Majesty by the Mouth of Mr. Speaker in the behalf of this House.

Mr. Rosse moving for Priviledge was joyned with the former Committees for Priviledge.

Mr. Attorney General and Mr. Doctor Carew do bring from the Lords a Bill intituled An Act for Confirmation of the Joynture of Christian and Mary Sands.

Sir Edward Hobby moved concerning the wanting of some Members of this House not returned into the Book by the Clerk of the Crown.

The Bill for the increase of People for the strength and service of the Realm, was upon the second reading committed unto all the Privy Council being Members of this House, Mr. Francis Bacon, Mr. Sollicitor, Mr. Mountague, Sir Thomas Cecill, Mr. Pelham and others; and the Bill was delivered to Mr. Francis Bacon, who with the rest was appointed to meet this Afternoon at two of the Clock in the Exchequer Chamber.

Three Bills lastly had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill to alter the nature of Gavelkind Lands was read the third time and past upon the question.

The Proviso in the Bill concerning the TownLands of Wanting was read the third time and passed upon the question.

On Friday the 11th day of December, Four Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill for the retaining, well ordering and governing of Mariners and Seamen, was upon the second reading committed unto all the Burgesses of Port-Towns, the Burgesses for York, the Knights and Citizens for London, Master Doctor Cæsar, Mr. Wally, and others; and the Bill was delivered to Mr. Doctor Cæsar, who with the rest was appointed to meet upon Monday next in the Afternoon in the Middle-Temple Hall.

The Bill for relieving of Clothiers in the Counties of Suffolk and Essex, was upon the second reading committed unto Mr. Doctor Cæsar, Mr. Edward Hubbard, Mr. Ford, the Burgesses of Coventry and others; And the Bill was delivered to the said Mr. Ford, who with the rest was appointed to meet to Morrow in the Afternoon in the Middle-Temple Hall.

The Bill for establishing of good Orders in Grammar Schools was read the second time, and upon the several questions for the committing and the ingrossing was rejected.

Six Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for Confirmation of Statutes Merchants acknowledged in the City of Lincoln and Town Corporate of Nottingham, was upon the second reading Ordered to be ingrossed.

Seven Bills were sent up to the Lords from the House of Commons by Mr Comptroller and others; of which one was the Bill concerning Fustians, and another for the repairing of Stains Bridge and Egham Cawsey.

The Bill also for Tillage and Husbandry was read the first time.

Mr Hext, one of the Committees in the Bill against Stealing of Corn and Fruit, shewed the meeting of the Committees and their Amendments of some parts of the Bill, and so delivered in the said Bill to the House.

Sir Edward Hobby moved, that the Clerk of the Crown Office in the Chancery, and the Clerk also of this House do attend to Morrow in the Afternoon in the Star-Chamber upon the Committees for Returns, with their Books of the Returns of the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses of this present Parliament.

Mr Francis Bacon, one of the Committees in the Bill to preserve the property of stoln Horses in the true owners, brought in the Bill with some Amendments, which being thrice read was Ordered to be ingrossed.

Mr Snagg, one of the Committees in the Bill for increase of People for the defence and service of the Realm (who were appointed Yesterday) shewed some Amendments therein by the Committees, and delivered in the Bill with the Amendments; and the Amendments being twice read, the Bill was upon the question Ordered to be ingrossed.

Mr. Colebrand one of the Committees in the Bill for the better staying of Corn within the Realm (who were appointed on the day next foregoing) brought in the said Bill with some Amendments.

Ognell with his Councel was appointed to be heard in the House upon Monday Morning next, and so in like manner the Councel for the Hospital of Warwick.

The Amendments in the Bill for recovering of certain Waste Marish and Watery Grounds in the Isle of Ely and in the Counties of Cambridge, Huntington, Northampton, Lincoln, Norfolk and Suffolk being twice read, the Bill was upon the question Ordered to be ingrossed.

Mr. Bourchier one of the Committees in the Bill for Lessees against Patentees, &c. (who were appointed on Saturday the third day of this instant December foregoing) delivered in the Bill with certain Amendments and a Proviso added unto it.

Monday next was this day appointed for the hearing of the Councel of Mr. Throgmorton, and of Sir Moyle Finch, and of the Lord Cobham in this House, and that they have each of them but one Councel apiece.

The Bill for the Lord Marquess of Winchester was apon the second reading committed unto Mr. Wingfield, Mr. Doctor Cæsar, Mr Mainard, Mr. Henry Mountague, Mr. Francis Moore and others; and the Bill was delivered to the said Mr. Francis Moore, who with the rest was appointed to meet to Morrow at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber.

Mr. Wiseman, one of the Committees in the Bill for Bays (who were appointed on Thursday the 8th day of this Instant December foregoing) shewed the meeting of the Committees and their Amendments in the same; which Amendments being twice read, the Bill was Ordered to be ingrossed.

The Amendments in the Bill against lewd and wandring persons pretending themselves to be Souldiers or Mariners, being twice read, the Bill was Ordered to be ingrossed.

The Amendments in the Bill concerning the Possessions of the Bishoprick of Norwich being twice read, the Bill was Ordered to be ingrossed.

Mr Serjeant Harries, one of the Committees, in the Bill of establishing of an Award made between Edward Cotten Gent. and Thomas Harvey Yeoman (who were appointed on Tuesday the 6th day of this instant December foregoing) shewed the meeting and travel of the said Committees, and delivered in the same Bill. Whereupon it was Ordered to be ingrossed.

Three Bills also had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for the well Ordering of such as do practise the Science of Chirurgery, was read the second time, and after the doubtfulness of the question three several times put, it was upon the division of the House dashed, with the difference of twenty nine voices, videlicet with the No one hundred and one, and with the Yea seventy two.

Two Bills were sent up to the Lords from the House of Commons by the Chancellor and others, together with a third being for the Explanation of a Statute in Quinto of her Majesty concerning Labourers.

Mr Wiseman one of the Committees in the Bill for bringing in of Foreign Cards for Wooll (who were appointed on Thursday the 8th of this instant December foregoing) shewed the meeting of the Committees, and that eleven only of them did meet, and six of them liked very well of the Bill, and the other five not: And so delivered in the said Bill, referring the same to the further consideration of this House.

Mr Serjeant Drew and Mr Doctor Stanhop do bring from the Lords two Bills lately passed in this House and now also passed with their Lordships, with some Additions and Amendments; the one of them being for electing of Hospitals for abiding and working Houses for the Poor, and the other for the establishing of the Hospital of Queen Elizabeth in Bristol, and for the relief of the Poor and Orphans there.

The Bill for the granting of six Fifteenths and Tenths and three intire Subsidies unto her Majesty had the second reading, and was Ordered to be ingrossed. Vide concerning this Bill of the Subsidy on Wednesday the 7th of this instant December foregoing.

Edward Legg Esquire, one of the Burgesses for the Borough of Wiggon in the County of Lancaster, was licensed for his necessary business to depart, and left with Mr. Fulk Onslow Clerk of the House three shillings six pence for the Poor and the Minister.

On Monday the 12th day of December the Bill for redress of Abuses and Deceits used in Painting, was upon the second reading committed unto Mr. George Moore, Mr. Fettiplace, Sir William Cornwallis, Mr. Recorder of London and others; and the Bill was delivered to the said Sir William Cornwallis, who with the rest was appointed to meet to Morrow at two of the Clock in the Afternoon, in the Exchequer Chamber.

The Bill for confirmation of Letters Patents granted to the Merchant Adventurers of the City of Exeter, was upon the second reading committed unto the Knights and Citizens for London, the Burgesses of York, Lynn and Newcastle, Mr Serjeant Heyle and others; and the Bill and Committees names were delivered to the said Mr Heyle, who with the rest was appointed to meet this Afternoon at two of the Clock in the Middle-Temple Hall.

The Bill against the buying of Armour brought from beyond the Seas was read the second time, and rejected upon the several questions for the Committing and Ingrossing.

The Bill for provision of a Preacher in the Tower of London was upon the second reading committed unto all the Privy Council being Members of this House, Mr Henry Hubbard, Mr Lieutenant of the Tower, Mr Recorder of London and others; and the Bill was delivered to Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, who with the rest was appointed to meet to Morrow at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Middle-Temple Hall.

The Bill also for the building of a Bridge over the River of Wye, was upon the second reading committed unto Sir Robert Wroth, Mr Herbert Crosse, Mr Serjeant Williams and others; and the Bill was delivered to Sir John Scudamore, who with the rest was appointed to meet to Morrow at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Middle-Temple Hall.

Sir Edward Hobbie, one of the Committees for Priviledge and Returns (who were appointed on Saturday the 5th day of November foregoing) shewed the meeting and travel of the Committees in sundry Cases both of priviledge and Returns. Whereupon it was Ordered, that the Clerk of this House should make search for Precedents against Wednesday next for further consideration then to be thereupon had by this House in the Cases opened by the said Sir Edward Hobby unto this House by Order of the residue of the said Committees.

The Bill for the Lord Thomas Howard was upon the second reading committed unto Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Francis Bacon, Mr. Francis Moore, Mr. Winch, Mr. Sollicitor and others, who were appointed to meet upon Wednesday next in the Afternoon in the Treasury Chamber between the hours of four and five of the Clock.

Mr. Secretary one of the Committees in the Bill concerning Tellors and Receivers (who had been appointed on Wednesday the 5th day of November foregoing) shewed the meeting and travel of the Committees, and their agreement in writing concerning certain Objections against some part of the said Bill to the Number of fifteen; which being read to the House by the Clerk, it was Ordered, that Conference should be had with the Lords for a Committee of both Houses to be had touching the said Objections. Whereupon the said Mr. Secretary with some others of this House were then presently sent to the Lords to move for the said Conference; Who returning afterwards again to this House, brought word that their Lordships did very honorably and kindly accept the said Message and advice of the said Conference, and had appointed twenty four of themselves to confer with a convenient Number of this House to meet to Morrow in the Afternoon, between one and two of the Clock, in the Great Council Chamber at the Court. Whereupon it was agreed, that all the said former Committees, together with Mr. Hext, Mr. George Cooke, Mr. Finch, Mr. Winch, Mr. Henry Hubbard, Mr. Edward Mountague and others added unto them, should attend their Lordships at the said time and place, and that the five Serjeants at Law being Members of this House should each of them jointly endeavour to defend and maintain the reasons of the said fifteen Objections equally to be proportioned to their several charges. And it was further agreed by this House and so signified unto them by Mr. Speaker, that any other the Members of this House might in the mean time gather any other Objections against any parts of the said Bill, besides the said fifteen Objections or of any of them, and signifie the same unto this House to Morrow, sitting the Court.

The Bill lastly for the relief of the Poor was read the third time, and passed upon the question.

On Tuesday the 13th day of December six Bills had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill for the true making of Daggers, Swords and Rapiers, and of the Blades of every of them, was read the second time and rejected upon the several questions for the committing and engrossing.

The Amendments in the Bill for Bristol were thrice read, and passed upon the question.

The Bill for the recovery of certain Waste Marish and Watery Grounds in the Isle of Ely and the Counties of Cambridge and Huntington, Northampton, Lincoln, Norfolk and Suffolk was read the third time, and passed upon the question.

The Bill for the relief of the Poor which passed this House yesterday, and the Bill for the recovering of certain Waste Marish and Watry Grounds in the Isle of Ely and Counties of Cambridge and Huntington, Northampton, &c. were sent up to the Lords by Mr. Comptroller and others.

The Bill for Husbandry and Tillage was read the second time, and after some amendments therein by some of the Committees in the Committee Chamber of this House, and the said Amendments being twice read, the Bill was Ordered to be ingrossed.

The Committees names for Conference with the Lords this Afternoon were this day delivered to Mr. Comptroller.

Mr. Serjeant Drew and Mr. Doctor Stanhop do bring from the Lords the Bill against Forestallers, Regraters and Ingrossers with some Amendments, which Bill lately passed this House, and was sent up to their Lordships.

Mr. Crooke, Mr. Mountague, Mr. Sollicitor, Mr. Oldsworth, Mr. Robert Wroth, Mr. Badger, Mr. George Moore and Mr. Miles Sands went up presently into the Committee Chamber to consider further of the Bill of Tillage.

Mr. Shirley, one of the Committees for continuance of Statutes (who were appointed on Friday the 11th day of this November foregoing) shewed the meeting and travel of the said Committees, together with their framing of a Bill for the reviving, continuance and explanation of sundry Statutes, and so delivered in the Bill.

Mr. Snagg, one of the Committees for confirmation of Letters Patents granted to the Merchant Adventurers in the City of Exeter (who were appointed on Monday the 12th day of this instant December foregoing) shewed the meeting of the Committees and their utter disliking of the said Bill, shewing the reasons thereof; and so delivered in the said Bill as not fit to pass in this House.

On Wednesday the 14th day of December, Five Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill for the granting of three Subsidies and six Fifteenths and Tenths was read the third time and passed upon the question. Vide concerning this Bill on Wednesday the 7th day of this instant December foregoing.

Mr. Attorney General and Mr. Doctor Stanhop do bring from the Lords a Bill lately passed in this House intituled An Act for the explanation of the Statute made in the first year of her Majesties Raign concerning Labourers; shewing that their Lordships have likewise passed the same, with some Amendments.

Mr. Secretary, one of the Committees appointed to have Conference with the Committee of the Lords yesterday in the Afternoon at the Court, shewed at large some particulars of the said Conference; and concluded, that their Lordships did desire, that the Copy of the Objections read unto them by the Committees of this House, might be delivered unto their Lordships in Writing, to the end after due consideration had by them upon the same Objections, their Lordships might in the like manner answer this House in the same in writing. Whereupon after sundry Speeches of other the Committees of this House, It was agreed, their Lordships should have such Copy in writing both of the said Objections, and also of such other Objections as the Members of this House should set down or collect, to be further added to the former Objections; and so delivered in the Bill and Objections.

Mr Serjeant Lewkener, one of the Committes in the Bill for confirmation and establishment of the deprivation of divers Bishops in the beginning of her Majesties Raign (who were appointed on Saturday the third day of this instant December foregoing) shewed the meeting and travel of the said Committees, with some Amendments to the Bill; And so did deliver in the said Bill to the House.

Two Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading, of which the second being the Bill for establishing of the Possessions of the Bishoprick of Norwich, was read the third time, and stayed from being put to the question for passing till to Morrow that the Council of Mistress Leicester have been heard in this House.

Mr Francis Moore, one of the Committees for consideration to be had touching the method and substance of the humble thanks to be yielded unto her Majesty by Mr Speaker, in the name and on the behalf of this whole House, for her Highness most gracious care and favour, in the repressing of sundry inconveniencies and abuses practised by Monopolies and Patents of priviledge to be set down in writing, shewed the meeting, and travel of the said Committees therein, and delivered a Note thereof in writing, which being then read by the Clerk, was well liked of. Whereupon Mr Speaker moved the House, that albeit he was ready to perform their Commandment according to the substance and effect of the said Note in Writing; yet they would not tye him to the strict and precise form of the words and terms set down in the same Note, so as he should prosecute the substance and reasons thereof, which was then yielded unto accordingly. Vide concerning this matter on Tuesday the 8th day of November foregoing.

Friday next is appointed to hear the learned Council in the Cause of Lessees and Patentees.

On Thursday the 15th day of December, Two Bills had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for the lawful making of Bayes was read the third time, and past upon the question.

The Amendments in the Bill for relieving of Cloathiers concerning the weight of short broad and coloured Cloaths to be made in the Counties of Suffolk and Essex, were read twice and ordered to be ingrossed.

The Bill for the better staying of Corn within the Realm passed upon the question, upon the division of the House, upon many Arguments, with the difference and advantage of twenty nine voices, viz. with the Yea one hundred twenty four, with the No eighty five. Whereupon after a motion, that according to the ancient Orders of this House all the Members of the same which did sit against the passing of the said Bill, should go forth of the House to bring in the Bill into the House again, together with the residue of the Members of this House which went out before that were for the passing of the said Bill; (wherein as sundry Speeches were used both pro & contra, so) at last it was resolved it should be so done and observed for Orders sake accordingly. And then all the Members of this House being gone forth saving only Mr Speaker and the Clerk, Mr Comptroller brought in the Bill in his hand accompanied with all the said Members of this House, and delivered in the same Bill to Mr Speaker according to the ancient former usage of this House in that behalf observed. Vide a like Precedent on Friday March the 21. in Parliament de an° 31° Eliz.

The old Objections and the new to the number in all of nineteen, collected against sundry parts of the Bill concerning Tellors and Receivers, &c. and prepared to be delivered to the Lords, were read by the Clerk, and presently thereupon were sent up to the Lords together with the Bill lately passed this House to preserve the property of stoln Horses, and for the true making of Bays. One other Bill likewise passed in this House this present day, Intituled An Act for the better staying of Corn within the Realm, &c. And also the Bill concerning the City of Bristol, and the Bill for erecting of Hospitals and Houses of Correction and abiding Houses for the Poor, perfected according to their Lordships Amendments in both the same Bills; albeit their Lordships direction in some Amendments were repugnant to the former accustomed ancient Orders of Parliament in such Cases used, as in annexing those Amendments to the said Bill ingrossed in Parchment, and indorsed with Soit baille aux Communes, where the same Amendments so annexed ought to have been set down in Paper, and without any indorsement in the same Paper at all. And one other Bill lately passed this House for the Explanation of the Statute made in the 5th year of her Majesties Reign concerning Labourers, which Bill being lately passed in this House, and sent up unto their Lordships, was afterwards passed by their Lordships with the Amendment of one only word, and so sent down unto this House from their Lordships: which Amendment being affiled to the said Bill and ingrossed in Parchment, and so ingrossed with Soit baille aux Communes, was sent also to their Lordships, to pray that the said Amendments may be returned unto this House in Paper affiled to the said Bill, without any indorsement in the said Paper, according to the ancient form of Parliament in such Case used, to the end this House may thereupon proceed to the due and orderly perfecting of the same Amendments accordingly. Vide concerning this matter at large upon Thursday the 20th day of this instant December ensuing, where this matter is fully handled.

The Bill for increase of people for the service and strength of the Realm, was read the third time, and after many Arguments and speeches to the said Bill for the passing thereof, and sundry contradictory speeches, but only to some parts or branches of the same Bill, till such time as the day was far spent, and the matter then in hand being of very great wight and moment, Mr Speaker moved to know the pleasure of the House whether they would in that regard be pleased to defer the said matter to be further argued till to Morrow. Whereof as many of the Members of this House seemed to like well, so many others urging the contrary, it grew in the end to a question, whether the said matter should be deferred for further Argument till to Morrow, or else be presently continued; It was upon the doubtfulness of the voices upon the putting of the question, ordered by the division of the House, with the difference and advantage of nine Voices or Poles, (viz. with the Yea one hundred and eight, and with the No one hundred and seventeen) that the said Argument should not be any longer continued this day, and thereupon the Court did immediately rise.

On Friday the 16th day of December, Five Bills had each of them the third reading, and passed upon the question; of which one was against the stretching and tentering of Northern Cloth, and another against the transporting of Sheep-Skins and Pelts; and a little after all the said five Bills so passed in the House were sent up to the Lords by Mr Comptroller and others.

The Bill for Confirmation of the Joynture of Christian Lady Sands was upon the second reading committed unto Mr Comptroller, Mr Secretary, Mr Brograve, Attorney of the Dutchy, Sir William Moore, Mr Edward Lewkenor, Sir Francis Hastings and others: And the Bill was delivered to the said Sir William Moore, who with the rest was appointed to meet to Morrow in the Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber.

Mr Snagg, one of the Committees in the Bill for Provision of a Preacher in the Tower of London (who were appointed on Monday the 12th day of this instant November foregoing) shewed the meeting and travel of the said Committees, and by their appointment delivered in the Bill, as not fit to have any Course or passing in this House.

After many arguments in the Bill for increase of People for the service and strength of the Realm both with the Bill and also against it, a Motion was made, that a Proviso ingrossed in Parchment might be added to the same Bill, which was three times read; And the Bill and Proviso being put to the question, the same did pass accordingly upon the question; And it was then Ordered that the said Proviso should be inserted and written in the end of the said Bill, as a parcel of the same.

On Saturday the 17th day of December the Bill for the relieving of Cloathiers concerning the weight of short broad coloured Cloths to be made within the Counties of Suffolk and Essex, was read the third time and passed upon the question; and also upon the division of the House, with the difference and advantage of twenty six Voices, (viz. with the Yea one hundred and five, and with the No seventy nine) which being done and a Motion thereupon made by some, that those which did sit against the Bill might rise and go forth to fetch and bring in the Bill into this House, accompanied with the residue of the Members of this House according to the ancient orders of the House in such Case used; Mr Speaker did thereupon move that in regard of the preciousness of this present time, the Parliament being so near an end, it might please this House in yielding and assenting to the due allowance of the right of the said Order in the said Course thereof in the Ceremony of bringing in this Bill, the Execution of the same may for this time be omitted and forborn in regard of the shortness of the time, and was thereupon so assented unto and Ordered accordingly upon the question.

Nota, That there is an excellent Precedent of the full performance of this Ceremony on Thursday the 15th day of this instant December foregoing (with which also agrees another like Precedent which fell out in the Parliament in an. 31 Regin Eliz. upon Friday the 21. day of March) and yet this present passage is somewhat more rare than either of those, in respect that the said Ceremony contrary to the antient usage of the House of Commons was omitted upon the Motion of the Speaker, after it had been put to the question, and overruled by the major part of voices.

The Bill for Husbandry and Tillage was read the third time and passed upon the question, and after many Arguments was sent up to the Lords by Mr Secretary and others.

The Council on both sides in the Bill concerning the Possessions of the Bishop of Norwich were heard at the Barr, and the Bill after the Council sequestred was put to the question, and so passed accordingly.

On Monday the 19th day of December the Amendments in the Bill concerning the confirmation and establishment of the Deprivation of divers Bishops in the beginning of her Majesties Reign being thrice read, the Bill with the Amendments passed upon the question.

Two Bills had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill against lewd and wandring persons pretending themselves to be Souldiers or Mariners, was read the third time and referred after sundry speeches unto Sir Robert Wroth and others, to go up unto the Committees Chamber of this House and to amend some parts of the said Bill according to some of the said motions.

Mr Attorney General and Mr Doctor Stanhop do bring from the Lords a Bill passed with their Lordships intituled An Act for confirmation of the Subsidy granted by the Clergy; and do shew that their Lordships do recommend the same to this House for the speedy expedition of the same Bill in this House.

The Bill for confirmation of the Subsidy granted by the Clergy had its first reading.

Mr Attorney General and Mr Doctor Stanhop do bring from the Lords a Bill lately passed from their Lordships by the good assent and agreement of the said parties, Intituled An Act of Parliament for Arthur Hatch her Majesties Ward, for the injoying of the Rectory and Parsonage of South Molton in the County of Devon for certain years, reserving the usual Rent.

The Amendments of the Committees of this House, that Lessees may enjoy their Leases against Patentees in several Cases, being twice read, and also one Proviso for her Majesty in the same Bill likewise twice read, were ordered to be joyned and inserted into the said Bill; And one special Proviso also for Mr Throgmorton being twice read, It was Ordered after many Arguments upon the said Bill and last Proviso pro & contra, That Mr Throgmorton and Mr Moyle Finch being at the Door of this House should be severally called in and demanded by Mr Speaker, whether they would assent to have the matter in controversy between them referred to be ended by such Arbitrators as had been before nominated for that purpose unto them in the Committee, viz. the Lord Keeper and the Lord Treasurer, and the two Chief Justices, and in what sum they would be bound each to other for their standing to and performing of such Award therein so to be made: It was at last after sundry such demands made, resolved by both their assents at the Bar in this House, that each of them should enter into Bond unto the other in the sum of five thousand pound to stand to the Order and Arbitrament of the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, the Lord Keeper of the Great Seal of England, and the two Chief Justices, or any three of them, for and concerning the two Leases in question; So as the same Order or Arbitrament be made before the first sitting of this Court which shall happen to be held next after the Feast of the Nativity of our Lord now next ensuing, and the Condition of the Bond to be drawn by the Learned Councel of the Parties, and to be perused and considered of further by Mr Speaker.

On Tuesday the 20th day of December, the Bill for Confirmation of the Subsidy granted by the Clergy was read the second time, and passed upon the Question.

Mr Recorder of London, one of the Committees in the Bill against lewd and wandring persons pretending themselves to be Souldiers or Mariners (who were appointed on Wednesday the 7th day of this instant December foregoing) shewed, that they had amended the said Bill in some parts; which Amendments being twice read to the House, before any allowance for the third reading of them, several Members of this House did argue to the parts of the said Bill and Amendments, both with it and against it; after which, Committees were appointed in the said Bill against wandring Souldiers and Mariners, and also in the Bill concerning Lessees and Patentees against the next sitting of this Court, and to meet to Morrow in the Afternoon in the Middle-Temple Hall, who were as followeth, viz. Mr Sollicitor, Sir Thomas Egerton, Sir Gilley Merick, Mr Rosse, Mr Recorder of London, Mr Brograve Attorney of the Dutchy, Sir George Carey, Mr Crew, Mr John Hunt, Mr Philips, Mr Finch, Mr Hext, Mr Serjeants Harries, Heyle and Warberton, Sir Walter Raleigh, Sir Robert Wroth, Sir Oliver Lambert, Mr Francis Moore, Sir Henry Norris, Mr Bourchier, Mr Mountague, Mr George Crooke, together with all the Committees in all other Bills formerly committed by this House, and not as yet expedited, who are likewise to meet at the aforesaid time and place concerning such Bills as are committed unto them.

Mr Attorney General and Mr Doctor Stanhop did bring three Bills from the Lords, which had passed before in this House, and had been sent up to their Lordships; whereof one was the Bill for erecting of Houses of Correction and punishment of Rogues, Vagabonds and Sturdy Beggars; which Bill their Lordships had passed with some Amendments and Additions. Another Bill was for relief of the Poor, which Bill their Lordships had in like manner passed with some Amendments and Additions. And the third was for Explanation of a Statute made in the first year of the Queens Majesties Reign, concerning Labourers, which Bill their Lordships had also before passed with some Amendments, and sent it down into this House, and had received the same again afterwards; with Message from this House, that this House had no Warrant to take notice of that Amendment, because it was in Parchment and not in Paper: And shewed, that their Lordships did not expect any exception of such Levity from the Gravity of this House; and the rather because this House had before in this present Sessions of Parliament admitted of such like Amendments in Parchment from their Lordships in two other Bills, and not in Paper, without any such exception; their Lordships taking it not to be much material whether such Amendments be written in Parchment or in Paper, either white Paper, black Paper or brown Paper. Which Message being so delivered, and the said Mr Attorney and Mr Doctor Stanhop departed, Mr Speaker reported unto the House the substance of the same Message, putting them in remembrance, that the said Amendment not only was not in Paper, but was also subscribed or indorsed with Soit baille aux Communes. And further shewed, that the Cause of the said returning of the said last recited Bill unto their Lordships, to the end the said Amendments thereof might be sent down by their Lordships unto this House in Paper, without any such subscription or indorsement, and not in Parchment, did proceed upon the Advertisement of the Clerk of this House unto Mr Speaker, that the Ancient and usual Order of the Parliament in both Houses was and is, that Amendments in Bills are to be set down only in Paper and not in Parchment, and that also without any manner of Endorsement in the same Amendments at all, because the Indorsement thereof is subscribed in the Ingrossed Bill it self under the Indorsement of this House, in the same Bill. Whereupon some of the Members of this House charging the said Clerk, that by his default and Error this House was charged by the Lords with the said imputation of Levity, the said Clerk then humbly prayed, that some of the Ancient Parliament men of this House might have the Examination of the said Cause, how it had been proceeded in, and to report such the default and errour of the Clerk, if any such were. The House thereupon resolved to hear the said Clerk speak himself. Which done, the said Clerk of this House shewed, that the Clerk of the Upper House coming into the Exercise of his Office but in this present Sessions of Parliament, the two Bills mentioned by Mr Attorney to have been sent to this House from the Lords with Amendments in Parchment (and unto which no Exceptions had been taken by this House) he the said Clerk of this House did in some friendly and courteous intention towards the said Clerk of the said Upper House, seek to salve up those mistakings for the time only in some part of them, but not in the whole, and so to make the said Clerk of the said Upper House afterwards acquainted with the due Order and Form of the Reformation therein against other times afterwards in like Cases, and had so made one of the Clerks of the said Clerk of the Upper House privy of the right course and manner of the sending down such Amendments in Paper and not in Parchment, and that also without any Indorsement: yet nevertheless the said Amendment in the said Bill so returned as afore said, was eftsoons both sent down in Parchment and also subscribed or Indorsed with [Soit baille aux Communes] contrary to the said advice and instruction of the said Clerk of this House, so as aforesaid given to one of the Clerks of the said Clerk of the Upper House. And did further aver unto this House, that the said three Bills being passed in this House Ingrossed in Parchment, are the Bills of this House and not the Bills of the Lords, though sent up by this House to their Lordships, and do still remain the Bills of this House: And that if their Lordships would have any words of Amendment either taken out of the same Bill, or put into it, or else otherwise altered or changed in it, then must such words be set down in Paper by their Lordships and annexed to the Bill, shewing the line and place of the line in the Bill where such words should be either taken out or put in, and then their Lordships to subscribe or Indorse under the superscription or Indorsement of this House in the same Bill, A ceste Bille avecque les amendments à mesme le Bille annexe, les Seigneurs sent assentus. But if their Lordships do add any new matter or Proviso to the said Bill which was not before in the same Bill, then must all that be ingrossed in Parchment and affiled to the said Bill, and the said Bill must be subscribed or Indorsed under the subscription or Indorsement of this House in the same Bill, A ceste Bille avecq; le schedule à mesme le Bille annexe, les Seigneurs sont assentus: or, A ceste Bille avecq; une provision annexe, les Seigneurs sont assentus, if it be a Proviso and not a Schedule to the body of the Bill: Then also must the said Schedule or Proviso so Ingrossed in Parchment be annexed to the said Bill, and be subscribed and Indorsed by their Lordships under such Schedule or Proviso, Soit baille aux Communes, and so be sent down to this House passed by their Lordships; which done, the said words in Paper must be taken out of the same Bill, or else put into the same Bill only by this House in the said Lines and places of Lines according to the direction of the Lords said Amendments in Paper; And the said Schedule or Proviso, being three times read and passed in this House upon the question, the same Schedule or Proviso must be subscribed and Indorsed by this House under their Lordships said Indorsement thereof, A ceste Schedule les Communes sont assentus, if it be a Schedule; or, A ceste provision les Communes sont assentus, if it be a Proviso. Which Course being so then also approved by some of the Ancientest now Parliament Members of this House, It was thought meet that all the Members of this House being of her Majesties Privy Council, together which the best sort of the rest of the Members of this House, accompanied with the Serjeants at Law which are of this House, should be presently sent to their Lordships from this House, without carrying up any Bill at all, and to signify unto their Lordships in the name of this whole House, That as this House had not in any manner of sort erred in their said returning unto their Lordships the said Bill and Amendments in Parchment to have had the same done in Paper and without any Subscription or Indorsement at all, to the end this House might by Warrant thereof have inserted the same Amendments into that their own ingrossed Bill according to the ancient Order of Parliament in such Cases formerly used by this House: So this House doth take it self to be very hardly dealt with, to be taxed by their Lordships with imputation of Levity, and reproached by other unusual and unnecessary terms delivered unto them this day in the said Message from their Lordships. And then upon some further Motion it was resolved, that Mr Secretary, accompanied with Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer and others, should be thereupon sent to their said Lordships presently for that purpose. Which done, the said Mr Secretary putting the House in mind that the Lords had sent down to this House three Bills, at their time of sending down their said Message to this House, Moved, that this House would be pleased to accompany this their Message unto their Lordships imposed upon him, with the Bill which this day passed in this House, for Confirmation of the Subsidy of the Clergy. Which being yielded unto, the Amendments of the Lords in Paper annexed to the said ingrossed Bill of this House, Intituled An Act for the Explanation of the Statute made in the first year of her Majesties Reign concerning Labourers, were three times read by the Clerk and agreed upon the Question, and presently inserted into the said ingrossed Bill accordingly; and both Bills were thereupon sent up to their Lordships by the said Mr Secretary and others, together with the said Message of this House; and at their returning back again, the said Mr Secretary signified unto this House that he had delivered their said Message unto the Lords according to their charge laid upon him therein. But what was their Lordships Answer is most negligently and inconsiderately omitted by Fulk Onslow Esq; Clerk of the House of Commons; though it may be not improbably gathered, that their Lordships did rest very well satisfied with this Message of the said House of Commons, and did impute the said mistakes to be the inexperience of the said Thomas Smith Esquire their new Clerk, who had this Parliament succeeded unto Anthony Mason Esq;, formerly Clerk of the Upper House. Which may the rather be conjectured, because there was another Precedent this very Parliament upon Thursday the 24th day of November foregoing, in which the Lords upon a like mistake of the said Clerk did very honourably acknowledge the said error and caused it to be amended.

The next thing finally that ensueth upon relation of the aforesaid great business, is the Adjournment of the Parliament, which is entred in these very words following.