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and moreover, that an equal number (to those of the Chapter) of the most learned, pious, and discreet presbyters of the same diocese, annually chosen by the major vote of all the presbyters of that diocese present at such elections, shall be always advising and assisting, together with those of the chapter, in all ordinations, and in every part of jurisdiction which appertains to the censures of the church, and at all other solemn and important actions, in the exercise of the ecclesiastical jurisdiction, wherein any of the ministry are concerned: Provided, That at all such meetings, the number of the ministers so elected, and those present of the Chapter, shall be equal, and not exceed one the other; and that, to make the number equal, the juniors of the exceeding numbers be withdrawn, that the most antient may take place. Nor shall any Suffragan Bishop ordain, or exercise the fore-mentioned offices and acts of spiritual jurisdiction, but with the advice and assistance of a sufficient number of the most judicious and pious presbyters, annually chosen as aforesaid, within his precincts. And our will is, That the great work of Ordination be constantly and solemnly performed by the bishop and his aforesaid presbytery, at the four set times and seasons appointed by the church for that purpose.-5. We will take care that Confirmation be rightly and solemnly performed, by the information, and with the consent, of the minister of the place, who shall admit none to the Lord's Supper, till they have made a credible profession of their faith, and promised obedience to the will of God, according as is expressed in the considerations of the Rubrick before the catechism; and that all possible diligence be used for the instruction and reformation of scandalous offenders, whom the minister shall not suffer to partake of the Lord's Table, until they have openly declared themselves to have truly repented, and amended their former naughty lives, as is partly expressed in the Rubrick, and more fully in the Canons; provided there be place for due appeals to superior powers. But besides the Suffragans and their Presbytery, every Rural Dean, (those deans, as heretofore, to be nominated by the bishop of the diocese) together with three or four ministers of that deanry, chosen by the major part of all the ministers within the same, shall meet once in every month, to receive such complaints as shall be presented to them by the ministers or church wardens of the respective parishes; and also to compose all such differences betwixt party and party, as shall be referred unto them by way of arbitration; and to convince offenders, and reform all such things as they find amiss, by their pastoral reproofs and admonitions, if they may be so reformed. And such matters as they cannot, by this pastoral and persuasive way, compose and reform, are by them to be prepared for, and presented to, the Bishop; at which meeting any other ministers of that deanry may, if they please, be present and

assist. Moreover, the rural dean and his assistants are, in their respective divisions, to see that the children and younger sort be carefully instructed by the respective ministers of every parish, in the grounds of Christian Religion, and be able to give a good account of their faith and knowledge, and also of their Christian conversation conformable thereunto, before they be confirmed by the bishop, or admitted to the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. 6. No Bishop shall exercise any arbitrary power, or do or impose any thing upon the clergy or the people, but what is according to the known law of the land.-7. We are very glad to find, that all with whom we have conferred, do, in their judgments, approve a Liturgy, or set form of public worship, to be lawful; which, in our judgment, for the preservation of unity and uniformity, we conceive to be very necessary. And though we do esteem the Liturgy of the Church of England, contained in the Book of Common Prayer, and by law established, to be the best we have seen, and we believe that we have seen all that are extant and used in this part of the world) and well know what reverence most of the Reformed Churches, or at least the most learned men in those churches, have for it; yet, since we find some exceptions made against several things therein, we will appoint an equal number of learned divines, of both persuasions, to review the same, and to make such alterations as shall be thought most necessary, and some additional forms (in the Scripture phrase as near as may be) suited unto the nature of the several parts of worship; and that it be left to the minister's choice to use one or other at his discretion. In the mean time, and till this be done, although we do heartily wish and desire that the ministers, in their several churches, because they dislike some clauses and expres sions, would not totally lay aside the use of the Book of Common Prayer; but read those parts against which there can be no exception, which would be the best instance of declining those marks of distinction, which we so much labour and desire to remove; yet, in compassion to divers of our good subjects, who scruple the use of it as now it is, our will and pleasure is, that none be punished or troubled for not using it, until it be reviewed and effectually reformed as aforesaid.-8. Lastly, concerning Ceremonies (which have administered so much matter of difference and contention, and which have been introduced by the wisdom and authority of the Church, for edification and the improvement of piety); we shall say no more, but that we have the more esteem of all, and reverence for many of them, by having been present in many of those churches where they are most abolished or discountenanced: and it cannot be doubted but that, as the Universal Church cannot introduce one ceremony in the worship of God, that is contrary to God's word expressed in the Scripture, so every National Church, with the approbation and consent of the sovereign power, may, and hath

customs for the use thereof in the said places, be there observed as formerly.—And because some men, otherwise pious and learned, say they cannot conform unto the Subscription required by the Canon, nor take the Oath of Canonical Obedience, we are content, and it is our will and pleasure, (so they take the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy) that they shall receive ordination, institution, and induction, and shall be permitted to exercise their function, and to enjoy the profits of their livings, without the said Subscription or Oath of Cano nical Obedience. And moreover, That no persons in the Universities shall, for the want of such Subscription, be hindered in the taking of their degrees. Lastly, That none be judged to forfeit his Presentation or Benefice, or be deprived of it, upon the statute of the 15th Eliz. c. 12. so he read and declare his assent to all the Articles of Religion, which only concern the confession of the true Christian Faith, and the doctrine of the Sacraments, comprised in the Book of Articles, in the said statute mentioned. In a word; we do again renew what we have formerly said in our Declaration from Breda, for the liberty of tender consciences, That no man shall be disquieted or called in question for differences of opinion in matters of religion, which do not disturb the peace of the kingdom; and if any have been disturbed in that kind since our arrival here, it hath not proceeded from any direction of ours.

always introduced such particular Ceremonies, | Provided, That this liberty does not extend as, in that conjuncture of time, are thought to our own chapel, cathedral, or collegiate most proper for edification, and the necessary churches, or to any college in either of our Uniimprovement of piety and devotion in the peo-versities; but that the several statutes and ple, though the necessary practice thereof cannot be deduced from scripture: and that which before was, and in itself is, indifferent, ceases to be indifferent after it is once established by law; and therefore our present consideration and work is, to gratify the private consciences of those who are grieved with the use of some Ceremonies, by indulging to, and dispensing with their omitting those ceremonies, not utterly to abolish any which are established by law, (if any are practised contrary to law, the same shall cease) which would be unjust and of ill example, and to impose upon the consciences of some, for the satisfaction of the consciences of others, which is otherwise provided for. As it could not be reasonable that men should expect that we should ourself decline, or enjoin others to do so, to receive the blessed sacrament upon our knees, which, in our conscience, is the most humble, most devout, and most agreeable posture for that holy duty, because some other men, upon reasons best, if not only, known to themselves, chuse rather to do it sitting or standing. We shall leave all decisions and determinations of that kind, if they shall be thought necessary for a perfect and entire unity and uniformity throughout the nation, to the advice of a national synod, which shall be duly called, after a little time and a mutual conversation between persous of different persuasions hath mollified those distempers, abated those sharpnesses, and extingushed those jealousies which make-To conclude, and in this place to explain men unfit for those consultations. And upon such advice we shall use our best endeavour that such laws may be established, as may best provide for the peace of the church and state. Provided, That none shall be denied the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, though they do not use the gesture of kneeling in the act of receiving.-In the mean time, out of compassion and compliance towards those who would forbear the Cross in Baptism, we are content that no man shall be compelled to use the same, or suffer for not doing it: But if any parent desires to have his child christened according to the form used, and the minister will not use the sign, it shall be lawful for that parent to procure another minister to do it; and if the proper minister shall refuse to omit that ceremony of the Cross, it shall be lawful for the parent, who would not have his child so baptized, to procure another minister to do it, who will do it according to his desire.-No man shall be compelled to bow at the name of Jesus, or suffer in any degree for not doing it; without reproaching those who, out of their devotion, continue that antient ceremony of the church. -For the use of the Surplice; we are contented that all men be left to their liberty to do as they shall think fit, without suffering in the least degree for wearing or not wearing it.

what we mentioned before, and said in our Letter to the house of commons from Breda, That we hoped, in due time, ourself to propose somewhat for the propagation of the Protestant Religion, that will satisfy the world that we have always made it both our care and our study, and have enough observed what is most like to bring disadvantage to it: we do conjure all our loving subjects to acquiesce in, and submit to, this our Declaration, concerning those differences which have so much disquieted the nation at home, and given such offence to the Protestant Churches abroad, and brought such reproach upon the Protestant Religion in general, from the enemies thereof, as if, upon obscure notions of faith and fancy, it did admit the practice of Christian duties and obedience to be discountenanced and suspended, and introduce a licence in opinions and manners, to the prejudice of the Christian Faith. And let us all endeavour, and emulate each other in those endeavours, to countenance and advance the Protestant Religion abroad, which will be best done by supporting the dignity and reverence due to the best Reformed Protestant Church at home; and which, being once freed from the calumnies and reproaches it hath undergone from these late ill times, will be the best shelter for those abroad, which will, by that countenance, both be the better protected

against their enemies, and be the more easily induced to compose the differences amongst themselves, which give their enemies more advantage against them. And we hope and expect, that all men will henceforward forbear to vent any such doctrine in the pulpit, or to endeavour to work in such manner upon the affections of the people, as may dispose them to an ill opinion of us and the government, and to disturb the peace of the kingdom; which if all men will, in their several vocations, endeavour to preserve with the same affection and zeal we ourself will do, all our good sub-read by the Speaker. The lord Bruce moved jects will, by God's blessing upon us, enjoy as great a measure of felicity, as this nation hath ever done, and which we shall constantly labour to procure for them, as the greatest bless-proved his lordship for speaking so incanly of ing God can bestow upon us in this world. Given at our Court at Whitehall, this 25th of October, 1660."

making any Act at all, but to leave it to a Synod. Sir John Masham, against taking it now into consideration. Mr. Bodurda was for it. However, Mr. Prynne and Mr. Jo. Stevens moving for a reference to a committee, it was voted accordingly.-Mr. Tomkins resumed the other argument about the Common Prayer, and was for having it read in the house, in which he was seconded by Mr. Finch. The Speaker said, He never heard it read in the house; but added, There was a form of Prayer in the Journal-Book, which was used to be

Nov. 6. This day both houses met pursuant to adjournment. The house of lords being informed that, since their recess, the king had been pleased to confer the honour of peerage on the lord-chancellor Hyde, their lordships ordered his introductionin the usual manner; and, being created baron of Hindon, he was placed on the barons seat as the youngest baron, where he sat a-while, and afterwards resumed his place again, on the woolsack, as Speaker.

The first thing the commons did, after their meeting, was to vote the sum of 10,000l. to be presented to the princess Henrietta, the king's sister; who, since their recess, bad come over with the queen-mother from France; the latter after an absence of 19 years. It was also moved, by Mr. Stroud, to congratulate the Queen's safe arrival. Both which were agreed to by the lords.

The King thanked for his Declaration concerning Ecclesiastical Affairs.] Sir Anth. Irby moved to return the King most hearty Thanks for his great care of the Church-Government, in his late gracious Declaration concerning Ecclesiastical Affairs, and to make an Act for confirming it. This motion was seconded by Mr. Bamfield and Mr. Stevens; which last said, They might see by this, that when the king was separated from his people in body, yet he was not so in heart. Mr. Lowther moved, That the whole house might go to the king to give him thanks; which was voted, nem. con. to be done that afternoon. Mr. Barton was not for making a law, as yet, upon the King's Declaration, because it referred to the calling of a Synod. Seconded by Mr. Chafe and Mr. Harris; and that the Book of Common Prayer should be read in the house. Sir Tho. Clarges said, That he was not against the last motion, but that the Common Prayer was never read in the house, and moved to have a law to confirm the Declaration. Annesley was for referring it to a committee to consider of it, and present it to the house. Mr. Allen, for appointing a day purposely to take this matter into consideration, and not to do it too suddenly. Sir Tho. Meres was against

for having the Common Prayer read in the house, or some other set form, and not to leave it to the spirit of men. Sir Walter Erle re

those who prayed by the Spirit. Mr. Bamfield said, He found nothing amiss in the minister's prayers. Mr. Clayton, for a set form; and Mr. Prynne moving for the old form, it was voted to refer it to a committee to inquire out the old Form, and present it to the house.

Nov. 7. The last affair was renewed. After the minister had officiated, Mr. Bamfield moved, That a Form of Prayer might not be enjoined him till the committee had made their report; and said, That the Mass might be introduced as well as a good Form, if it was done without order. Upon this, the Speaker excused the minister from any more service till the Form was ordered.

Sir Heneage Finch brought in a Bill for an Anniversary Fast on the 30th of Jan, unless of a Sunday,for ever, Also, to attaint Oliver Cromwell, and divers others, actors in the horrid Murder of the late King, who had already suffered, or were dead. This bill was read a first time; and Mr. Prynne saying, That since the traitors heretofore read their Act for the Trial of the King twice together, he desired this might be read again, which was done and committed. Mr. Prynne also moved, That it should be referred to this committee, Whether the rest that are condemned should be executed. Sir Anth. Irby moved, That all their just debts should be considered and satisfied; but that their estates might remain to the crown for ever.

Debate on the Lord's Day Bill.] Nov. 10. Sir Wm. Wheeler reported some amendments in the Bill for the better Observation of the Lord's Day. Sir John Masham moved not to engross the bill, because it was taken care of in the King's Declaration. Sir Walter Erle spoke for it; and said, That in a former parliament, he knew a gentleman who, denying such a bill, fell down dead in the house, he giving his voice first for it, and afterwards against it. Upon which, the bill was ordered to be engrossed without any more debate Mr. about it.

Mr. Bamfield moved to have the bill read against profane Cursing and Swearing; which was done. Mr. Stevens approved it, and desired there might be a course taken against drinking of Healths.

Debate on the Alimony of Wives_living | advancement, to pay off the officers and apart from their Husbands.] Mr. Ferrers mariners, and totally disband the Army, is brought in a Bill for preventing the voluntary 670,8681. 8s. Separation, and living apart, of Women from their Husbands: that they should not be allowed Alimony, or have their debts paid, if they went away without consent; which was read a first time, and on which a debate ensued, as given in the MS. Diary.-Sir John Northcot said, It was not improper for an old man to speak in behalf of the women; that perhaps a young man, marrying a rich old woman, might also take it into his head to part from her, and so the woman might be ruined; therefore he moved to throw out the bill. Sir John Potts was not for falling too hastily on this matter. Mr. Knight moved for casting out the bill, because there were laws already against it; and said they ought not to be so severe to the female kind. Mr. Stevens, That the Bishops Court would take care of such things; and moved to do nothing in this matter. Mr. Hoskins, to read it again; saying, He knew a gentleman who paid 5001, for his wife's debts in 6 months time. Mr. Bamfield said, That it was fit women should have a livelihood; and yet not to have power to ruin their husbands by their own debts. Mr. Knightley moved to lay the bill aside; but Mr. Prynne humorously saying, That if they did, those that had ill wives would call for it again within a day or two, the question was put, Whether this bill should be read a 2nd time on the 15th inst. the house divided, Yeas 116, Noes 96.

State of the Public Debt.] Nov. 12. Sir Tho. Clarges reported the State of the Public Debt; of which he gave in an Estimate as follows:

The Estimate of the Debts of the Navy, in Charge before his majesty's coming in. For Discharge of the Officers and Mariners Wages, Provision of Victuals and Stores, and to the Office of the Ordnance, and the extraordinary and extraordinary Expences of the several yards, the Account is estimated to 678,000l. Whereof the Officers and Mariners Wages, to the 10th Nov. is exactly stated (over and above the 25 ships now under consideration, and besides that number of ships his majesty receives into his pay) to amount to 248,049/. 8s. The Commissioners for disbanding the Army have estimated what money they conceive will be brought in upon the bill for Poll Money, and the Assessments; and compute that there will be wanting, to disband the remaining part of the Army, and such of the 25 ships which are not yet discharged, the sum of 422,8191.-His majesty's commissioners for managing the Affairs of the Navy do also offer, to be humbly represented to the consideration of the house, that all his majesty's stores are now empty, both of victual and all other necessaries for the fleet; and that the charge of renewing them will amount to 200,000l. Which raises the whole sum to 1,300,819l. 8s. Of which sum that which will require a present supply and

Debate thereon.] A debate arose on the stating this Account, which the MS. Diary gives in this manner: Mr. Knight first moved to raise money to pay these debts by a six-mouths Assessment. Mr. Prynne said, The Poll Bill had not yet raised 210,000l. and moved to nominate a committee to find out some other way to raise Money to pay the Public Debts. Sir John Northcot moved to borrow money of the Hollanders, and give the excise for security at 6 per cent. Mr. Stevens was for having every member examined, whether he had paid to the Poll Bill, according to his degree and estate, Sir Wm. Morrice, in a set speech, said, The Debts of the Public would be like that serpent in America, which would eat a cow at a meal; and, falling asleep, the birds of prey devour him; but if they break not the bones of him, he grows as big as before: so would the debts of the nation, he said, if not fully satisfied and paid off together: or like the woman's hen, which she roasted with a faggot, stick by stick, till the faggot was spent, and the hen still raw. But said it was fitter to do as one did in Spain to the inquisitor, who, sending to him for a dish of his pears, the man sent him the whole tree, because he would not be troubled with the inquisitor again. He concluded with moving for a year's Assessment, at 70,000l. a month, to do it all with credit: for the city, he said, was too backward in lending money, though they had got more since the king came in, than in some years before. This motion was seconded by Mr. Pierpoint and Mr. Aunesley; the latter urging, That it should be set forth that no more such tax should be laid

upon the people. Mr. Young argued against borrowing the money from the Hollanders, to the dishonour of the nation. Several members beside speaking for a Grand Committee, the same was ordered to be the next morning.

Nov. 13. The house resolved into a Grand Committee for consideration of the Public Debts. Mr. Knight moved to raise money by a Land-Tax. Sir John Northcot was for not paying any of Cromwell's debts; and to leave the raising money by a land-tax to the last way of all. Serj. Maynard moved for a landrate; Mr. Trevor, for a monthly tax; and Mr. Annesley, for a year's tax. Mr. Eyre moved to raise 800,000l. half by the excise, and the other half by a land-rate; and all that would advance money to be allowed 8 per cent. Mr. Palmer urged the stating the Debts; which Mr. Prynne did, but could not state them all; on which the further consideration of this business was again referred to the next morning.

A Book, then printed, intituled, “The Long Parliament revived, by Thomas Phillips, Gent." was offered to the consideration of the house, as a matter wherein their privileges were much concerned. Ordered, That the said

Phillips be sent for into custody, and the matter referred to the committee for privileges.

Nov. 14. The Bill against Women, for refusing to cohabit with their Husbands, if desired, was read a 2nd time. -Mr. Ferrers spoke in behalf of it, and offered a proviso to it. Sir Wm. Lewis was for casting it out. Mr. Prynne said he was for the bill, though he never had a good or bad wife in his life. Mr. Walpole, That this was so severe a bill upon the Women, that, if a bridge was made from Dover to Calais, the women would all leave this kingdom that it therefore inverted the proverb; and England, that was formerly the heaven, would be now the hell for women. However, the bill was committed.

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confessed to him he wrote the said Book, which struck at the root of their proceedings; and that he was in custody at the door. Captain Titus said, That he knew the man to be a loyalist, and a great sufferer for the king, but did not believe he wrote the Book, though he had the vanity to own it. This was seconded by Mr. Hollis. And Mr. Bamfield moved for slighting the business, as the best way to get rid of it. However, the prisoner was ordered to be called in, and being at the bar, the Speaker asked him, Whether he wrote that Book which was then shewn him? He confessed he did write it, but said, It was out of his depth of loyalty and integrity to the king, and for the benefit of the kingdom: that Debate on the Militia Bill.] Nov. 16. Mr. he had been a great sufferer already for the Knightley brought in a bill for settling the royal cause, and it would be hard indeed to Militia of this kingdom; which was read a make him now suffer again for doing what, he first time, and on which a debate ensued, which thought, was right for his sovereign. The we give from the Diary. Mr. Pierepoint moved Speaker again asked him, Whether he had the for casting out this bill, because there was help of any one else in it? He answered, No, martial law provided in it; which, he said, he had no help but only of the lord Coke's would be a strange grievance laid upon the Books; and that he had put the name of people, and desired another bill might be Phillips to the Book, because he himself, being drawn without it.-Sir Heneage Finch said, a merchant, could not be thought to write That whoever brought in martial law. de- such a book. Mr. Drake being withdrawn, served to be made the first example of it. sir John Frederick and sir Edw. Massey both Neither could he ever consent to bring them-spoke in his favour. Mr. Prynne moved to selves to be wards to an army, when they were endeavouring to free themselves from being so to the king: but was for a 2nd reading, for the better understanding of this bill.-Sir Walter Erle said, He never knew any bill that ever intrenched so far upon the subject's privilege as this did, and moved for another bill. Mr. Knight spoke for this bill.-Mr. Goodrick said, It was one of the best and worst bills that could be made, and moved for an alteration. Sir Edw. Turner said, That it was fitting there should be great care taken for the settlement of the Militia; but could not agree to set up such a martial law as Mr. Pierepoint spoke of. Lord Falkland said, That the settling of the Militia heretofore occasioned all their last mischief, and therefore advised a 2nd reading.-Sir Wm. Lewis moved that the bill might be read again on that day se'nnight, since many objectious might arise, the bill being of so great importance as to require much consideration about it. Serj. Charlton said, There was reason for compulsory justice for those who refuse to obey orders; and therefore moved to amend the bill speedily, and read it the next morning.

Mr. Drake questioned for writing a Book called, "THE LONG PARLIAMENT REVIVED."] Nov. 17. Mr. Secretary Morrice acquainted the house, That he had found out and examined the Author of the dangerous Book, called The Long Parliament revived. That his name was William Drake; that he had

As this Pamphlet is purely parliamentary, and is not to be met with but in some old Collections, a copy thereof is given in the APPENDIX to the present Volume, No. I, VOL. IV.

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refer it to a committee. Sir Heneage Finch said, That he could not think any thing more dangerous than the writing this Book at such a time; that it blew up this parliament totally, and damned the Act of Oblivion; and the author had shewed himself the greatest incendiary that could be, and all his former merits could not countervail this action. Therefore he moved to proceed to justice with him, and that he should stand committed, and the business be referred to the committee of privileges. All which was ordered; and that they should read over the said Book, examine and state the material points that are offensive there, and report them to the house.

Debate on the Court of Wards.] Nov. 19. This day, the commons fell into a debate on the business of the Court of Wards, and the Settlement on the King in lieu thereof. Sir Henry Cholmley said, That if the king's present Revenue was made up 1,200,000l. a year, the Court of Wards might be spared, without any further trouble. Sir Samuel Jones and sir Tho. Widdrington moved to raise it by the Excise. Mr. Knight was for laying 2d. in the pound on all the Lands in England. Mr. Pierepoint against a Land Rate; but to lay it on the Excise of Ale and Beer. Sir Tho. Bludworth against the Excise, and for a Land Rate. Mr. Annesley was for placing the tax upon Land; which, he said, ought to pay, and not to charge it upon the poor people, by way of Excise. Sir Heneage Finch moved for referring it to a committee, to propose a method for raising the sum required. Mr. Knightley and sir Walter Erle spoke for a Land Rate; which was objected to by serj. Charlton, who said, He never knew a land L

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