THE form OF government OF THE kingdom OF ENGLAND: Collected out of the fundamental laws and Statutes of this kingdom. Wherein is manifested the customary uses of the Kings of England upon all occasions, either of Marriage, Peace or war, to call their peers and Barons of the realm to be bartners in Treatizes, and to give their judicious advice: the State and security of the whole kingdom depending upon such counsels and determinations. Likewise the names of the Kings, and the times when such Parliaments were called, and the Acts that passed upon those and the like occasions. Henry 1 John Henry 3 Edward 1 Edward 2 Edward 3 Richard 2 Henry 4 Henry 5 Henry 6 Edward 4 Henry 7 Henry 8 Published for the satisfaction of all those, that desire to know the manner and form of the government of the Land, and the fundamental laws of the kingdom. London, Printed for Tho. banks, 1642. That the Kings of England have been pleased usually to consult in their great counsels of Marriage, Peace, and war with their peers and Commons in PARLIAMENT. TO search so high as the Norman Conquest, it is necessary to lay down the form of Government of those times, wherein the State of affairs led in another form of public counsels: For the people (wrought under the Sword of the first William, William the Conqueror. and his followers, to a subjected Vassaladge) could not possess in such Assemblies the Right of their former Liberties, Divisions and Power having mastered them, and none of their old nobility and Heads, being left either of credit or fortunes. doomsday. What he retained not in providence as the demesnes of the crown) or reserved in Piety (as the maintenance of the Church) he parted to those Strangers that sailed along with him, in that bark of his Adventure; Edmerus. leaving the Natives for the most part (as it appears by his Survey) in no better condition, than villainy; moulding their customs to the manner of his own country; and forbore to grant the laws of Saint Edward, Huntington. so often called for. Ex Libro feodorum in Sccio. To supply his occasions of men, money, and p●o 〈…〉 on; he ordered that all those, that enjoyed any fruit of his Conquest, should hold their Lands proportionable by so many knight's fees of the crown; admitted them to enseoffe their followers of such part● (as they pleased) of their own portions, Hen. 1. stat. Ex Libro rubro Sccij. Chronicon de Durst●ble. which to ease their charge they did in his and his son's time by two Feoffments, the one de novo, the other de veteri. This course provided him of the body of his war; the money and Provision was by headage assested the common people by the co●sent of their Lords; who held in all their signories such Right of regality, as to their vassals; so as (saith Paris) quot Domini, Paris. Benedict. monac. in vita. H●n. 2. Gervasins Doubo. tot Tyranni: and proved to the King so great a curb and restraint of power, that nothing f●ll into the Care of majesty afterward more, then ●o retrench the force of this Aristocracy, that was in time like to strang●e the Monarchy. Though others foresaw the mischief betimes, yet none attempted the remedy, John. until King John, whose overhastie undertaking brought in those broils of t●e Barons wars. Roger Wendon. There needed not before this any ca●e to advise with the Commons in all public Assembly, when every man in England by Tenure, held himsel●e ●o his great Lord's will, whose presence was ever required in those counsels; and in whose assent his dependent tenant's consent was ever included. Before this King's time than we seek in vain for any Commons called, they were called ever for making of laws, but not to consult touching war or Peace T●e fi●st (as may be gathered) though darkly) by the Records) that used their counsels and Assents, was t●is King in the sixt year of his reign: Claus. 6. Io. in dors. here are the first summons on record to the peers or Barons, tractaturi de magnis & ardius negotiis. It was about a war of defence against the French. And that the Commons were admitted at this time, may fitly be gathered by the ordinance; Provisum est communi assensu Archiepiscoporum, Claus. 6, Io. pt. 2. in dors. Comitam, Baronum, & aliorum fidelium nostrorum Angliae, quod nomen milites Angliae invenirent decimum, &c. And this was directed to all the sheriffs in England. The ancient use in public laws. From this time, there is a breach until 18. Hen. 3. where the next Summons extant, is in a Plea Rolle of that year, Hen. 3. Plita de Bau co. 18. Hen. 3 but the ordinances are lost, from thence the Records afford us no light until the 49 of the same King, where then the Summons to the Bishops, Lords, Knights, and Burgesses are much in manner, Claus. 49. Hen. 3. iij.. An. 11. Dors though not in matter alike to the use in our times, this Parliament was called to advise with the King pro pace assecuranda & firmanda, they are the words of the writ; and where advice is required, consultation must be admitted. To this King succeeded Edward the first, his son, Edw. 1. a wise, just, and fortunate Prince. In his reign we have no light of public council of this kind; And so along to the fourth of his Granchild, Ex Rot. part in Archinis Loud. but what we borrow out of the rolls of Summons, wherein the form stood various according to the occasions, until it grew constant in the form it is, about the entering of Richard the second, the journal rolls being spoiled by the injury of time or private ends. This King in the fift of his reign called a Parliament, Claus 5. Edw. 1. iij.. 12. Dors. and therein advised with his Lords and Commons, for suppressing Llewellin Prince of Wales: And hearing that the French King intended to invade some pieces of his inheritance in France, Claus. 7. E. 1 iij.. 3. Dors. summoned a Parliament ad tractandum, ordinandum, & faciendum cum Prelatis, Proceris & aliis Inco●is Regni, quomodo huiusmodi periculis & excogitatis militiis sit obviandum; inserting in the writ, that it was Lex notissima & provida circumspectione stabilita, that that quod omnes tangit, Claus. 34. E. 1. Dors. abomnibus approbaretur. In the thirty fourth of his reign super ordinatione & stabilimento Regni Scotie, he made the like convention. His son, Edw. 2. the second Edward, pro solempnitate Sponsalium & Coronationis, consulted with his people in his first year, Claus. 1. E. 2. iij.. 19 in his sixth year, super diversis negotiis statuum Regni & expeditione Guerre Scotie specialiter tangentibus, he assembled the States to advise: Claus. 6. E. 2. iij.. 3. the like he did in his eight year. The French King having invaded Gascoigne in the thirteenth year, Claus. 8. E. 2. iij.. 3. the Parliament was called super arduis negotiis Statuum ducatus Vasconie tangentibus; Claus. 13, E. 2. iij.. 13. Dors. And in the sixteenth to consult ad refraenandum Scotorum obstinantiam & malitiam. Claus. 16. E. 2. iij.. 27. Before Edward the third would resolve in his first year, whether Peace or war with the Scotish King; Edw. 3. Claus. 1. E. 3. he summoned the peers and Commons super praemissis tractare & concilium impendere. The chancellor Anno the fifth declareth from the King, Rotl. Parl. 5. Edw. 3. the cause of that Assemby, that it was to consult and resolve, whether the King should proceed with France for recovery of his signories, by alliance of marriage, or by war? And whether to redress the disobedience of the Irish, he should pass in person or no? Parl. 6. E. 3. The year following he resembled his Lords and Commons, and required their advice, whether he should undertake the holy Expedition with the French King, or no? The Bishops and Proctors of the clergy would not be present, as forbidden by their Canons such counsels. The peers and Commons consult, applauding the Religious and Princely forwardness of their sovereign to this holy enterprise, but humbly advise forbearance this year, for urgent reasons. The same year though at another Session, the King demanding the advice of his people, whether he should pass into France to an interview as was desired, Rotl. Parl. 6. Edw. 3. says. 2 ii. 6. for expediting the treaty of Marriage: the Prelates by themselves, the Earls and Barons by themselves, and the Knights of Shires by themselves, consulted apart, for so are the Records, and in the end resolved, that to prevent some dangers likely to arise from the North: it would please the King to forbear his journey, and to draw towards those parts where the perils were feared, his presence being the best prevention; which advise he followed. In the following Parliament at York, the King showeth, Rotl. Parl, 7 Edw. 3. how by their former advice he had drawn himself towards the North parts, and now again he had assembled them to advise further for his proceedings. To which the Lords and Commons having consulted apart, pray further time to resolve, until a full assembly of the States, which the King granting, adjourneth that Session. At their next meeting they are charged upon their Allegiance and Faith, Rotl. Parl. 7. Edw. 3. Sess. 2. ii. 6. to give the King their best advice; the peers and Commons consulting apart, delivered their opinions; And so the Parliament ended. In the thirteenth year, the Grandees and Commons are called to consult, and advise, Parl. 13. Edw. 3. how the domestic quiet may be preserved, the ma●ches of Scotland defended, and the Sea scoured from enemies. The peers and Commons having apart consulted, the Commons after a desire not to be charged to counsel in things de queux ils n'ount pas cognizance, answers that the Guardians of the Shires assisted by the knights may effect the first, if pardons of felons be not granted: The care of the marches they humbly leave to the King and his council, And for the safeguard of His Seas, they wish that the Cinque Ports and Maritine towns; discharged for the most part from many burdens of the Inland parts, may have that left to their charge and care: and that such as have Lands near the Courts be commanded to reside on those possessions. Rot. Parl. 13. Edw. 3. Sess. 2. da. The Parliament is the same year reassembled, advisamento Prelatorum, Proceram, nec non Communitatis, to advise de expeditione Guerrae in partibus transmarini●. At this Ordinance are made for provision of Ships, arraying of men for the marches and defence of the I'll of Jersey, naming such in the Records, as they conceived fit for those employments. Parl. 14. E. 3 The next year de la pool accounteth the expenses of the war; a new aid is granted, and by several Committe●s, in which divers were named that were not peers of Parliament, the safeguard of the Seas, and defence of the Seas are consulted of. Parl. 15. E, 3. In the fifteenth year de assensu Praelatorum Procerum. & alioram de Concilio, the King's passage into France is resolved of. Parl. 17. E. 3 Anno. 17. Badlesmore in place of the chancellor declareth unto the peers and Commons; that whereas by their assents the King had undertaken the wars in France, John 21. and that by the mediation of the Pope a Truce was offered: which then their sovereign forbore to entertain without their allowance. The Lords apart consult, and also the Commons, returning by Sir William Trussell in answer their advice, and desiring to compose the quarrel, approve the Truce and the Pope's mediations, The Popes undertaking proving fruitless, and delays to the French advantageous, who in the mean time with Scotland and others practised to root out the English nation in France: The King again assembled his Parliament the year following: Parl. 18. Edw. 3. in which the pears and Commons after many days of deliberation, resolve to end it, either by battle or Peace, and no more to trust upon the mediation or message of his holiness. Parl. 21. E●w. 3. In the 21. year the chief justice Thorpe declaring to the peers and Commons, that the French wars began by their advice: the Truce after by their ass●nts accepted and now ended. The King's pleasure was to have their counsels in the procecution. The Commons being commanded, que ils se devoient fair assembler, & fills essent agree le devoient monetre an Roy & all Grandees de son council, after 4. days' consultation, humbly desire of the King, that he would be advised herein by his Lords and and others of more experience than themselves in such affairs. To advise the King the best for his French employments, Parl. 25. Edw. 3. a Parliament was summoned Anno 25. herein the King by a more public dispatch willeth the Commons to elect 24. or 30. of their House to consult with the Lords, these to relate to their fellows, and the Conclusion general to the King. In the 27. a great council is assembed, many of the Lay peers, few of the Clergy: and of the Shires and boroughs but one a piece. This was for the prosecution of the French wars, when an honourable Peace could not be gotten. But the year following a Truce being offered, the King forbore to entertain it, until he had the consent of his peers and Commons which they in Parliament accorded unto before the Pope's notary by public Instrument. The dallying of the French in the conclusion of Peace; Parl. 27. Edw. 3. and the falling off of the Duke of Britain (having wrought with France by the reputation of the English succours) is the year following declared in Parliament, and their advice and aid required for the King's proceedings. Parl. 36. Edw. 3. In the thirty sixth year he calleth his Parliament to consult whether war or Peace by David the King of Scotts, then offered, should be excepted. Parl. 4●. E●w. 3. In the Fortieth year the Pope demanding the Tribute of King John, the Parliament was assembled; where after consu●tation apart, Urbane 5. the Prelates, Lords, and Commons advised the denial, although it be by dint of sword. Parl. 43. Edw. 3. In the forty third year the King declared to the peers and Commons, that the French, against the Articles of the Truce, refused payment of the moneys, and delivery of the towns, summoning La Brett, and others of the King's subjects in Gascoigne, to make at Paris their appeals, and had foraged his country of Poitiers: requiring in their breach, whether he might not resume the Style and quarrel of France. The Lords and Commons having apart consulted, advise the King to both, which he approving, altered the inscription and figure of his seal. Parl. 45. Edw. 3. Two years after it was declared to the peers and Commons, that by their advice he had resumed the Style and quarrel of France; and therefore desired their advice for the defence of the ream against the French, securing of the Seas, and pursuing of the wars. Of which they consult, Parl. 46. Edw. 3. and resolve to give the King an aid. The like counsel and supply was the very next year following. Parl. 50. Edw. 3. In the Fiftieth year, a Parliament to the purpose of the former two, was summoned; Parl. 51. and the year following, Edw. 3. the King in Parliament declaring how the French had combined underhand against him with Spain and Scotland, required their advice, how peace at home, the territories abroad, security of the Seas, and charge of the war might be maintained. I have the longer insisted in observing the carriage of these times so good and glorious, Rich. 2. after ages having not left the journal entries of Parliament so full, which therefore with a lighter hand I will pass through. Richard the second, Parl. 1. the Grandchild succeeded to the crown and troubles, having nothing worth his great fortunes, but his great Birth. The first of his reign, Ric. 2.▪ anno 5. stat. 6. he pursued the steps of his wise Grandfather, advising with his peers and Commons, how best to resist his enemies that had lately wronged divers of his subjects on the Sea coasts. In the second year he again consulted with his people, how to withstand the Scots, Parl. 2. Ric. 2. anno 2. who then had combined with the French to break the Truce. In the third year he called the advice of his Parliament, how to maintain his Regality, Parl. 3. Ric. 2. anno 7. impaired by the Pope's Provisions, who to resist Spain, France, and Scotland, that had raised wars against him, Vrban, 6. how to suppress his rebels in Guyon and Ireland, and to defend the Seas. In the fourth year of his reign, he called the like at Windsor. The year following in a great council, Parl. 4. Ric. 2. anno 2.3. the King having purposed a Voyage royal into France, now called his Parliament to determine further of it. Parl. 5. Ric. 2. Sess. 1. And it is worthy your observation, that for the most pa●t before any propositions of war or Peace w●re vented to the Commons, a debate thereof precedeth in the great Council to shape in fitter for popular advice. Parl. 5. Ric. 2. Sess. 2. The quarrel with Spain continuing the Duke of Lancaster offereth a voyage against them, so as the State will lend him money: after consultation they grant an aid, but not to bind them to any continuance of war with Spain. Parl. 6. Ric. 2. Sess. 1. In the sixth the Parliament was called to consult about the defence of the Borders, the King's possions beyond the Seas, Ireland and Gascoigne, his subjects in Portugal. The Lords approve the Duke's intentions for Portugal, and the Commons that the Bishop of Norwich having the Pope's crosier should invade France. Parl. 6. Ric. 2. Sess. 2. The same year the State was called again to consult, whether the King should go in person to rescue Gaunt or send his Army. The Commonsafter two days' debate, craved a conference with the Lords. The effect is not entered in the Rolle only they by Sir Thomas Puckering their Speaker, protest that counsels for war did aptly belong to the King and his Lords, yet since the Commons were commanded to give their advice, they humbly wished a voyage by the King, if not, that the Bishop of Norwich might with the advantage of the Pope's Crosier be used in that Service, who accepted, the charge with ill success, he further for the Commons prayeth, that the King's uncles should not be spared out of the realm before some Peace was settled with the Scots; And that the Lord de Lars-par sent with Propositions of Peace from Spain might first be heard. Parl. 7. Ric. 2. Sess. 1. The Chancellors in the seventh year in name of the King willeth the Lords apart, and so the Commons to consult, whether Peace or war with Scotland, and whether to resist or assault the King's Adversaries of Spain, France, and Flanders: Their opinions are not entered in the rolls, an omission usual to the clerks neglect, only their Petitions are recorded, that the Bishop of Norwich may account in Parliament the expense of the money, and be punished for his faults in the service, which he undertook, both which are granted. Sess. 2. And at the next Session in the same year, the Commons are willed to advise upon view of the Articles of peace with the French whether war or such amity should be accepted? They modestly excuse themselves as to weak to counsel in so weighty causes; But charged again as they did tender their honour, and the right of the King, they make their Answer, giving their opinions rather for Peace then war. Peace with France not succeeding, in the eighth year, Parl. 8. the body of the State was called to advise, Rich. 2. whether the King in his own person; or by sending forces against the French, Spain, Flaunders and Scotland, should proceed. The King having this year assembled at Oxon his great council to advise, Claus. 9 whether he should pass the Seas or no, with an Army royal; Rich. 2. and they not daring to assent without a greater council: Parl. 10. A Parliament the tenth year was called to have the advice of the Commons, as well as of the Lords, Rich. 2. how the realm should be governed in their sovereign's absence. The Truce with France now near expired, Parl. 13. the Parliament was called in the thirteenth year to advise upon what condition it should be renewed: Rich. 2. otherwise how the charge of war should be sustained. At this Assembly and by consent of all, Claus. 13. Rich. 2. the Duke of Lancaster is created Duke of Aquitaine, the Statutes of provision were now pas●ed, and the Commons are named a party, Boniface 9 in the letter to the Pope. Parl. 14. The year succeeding a Parliament is called, Rich. 2. for that the King would have the advice of his Lords and Commons for the war with Scotland, and would not without their counsel conclude a final peace with France. Parl. 15. The like Assembly for the same causes was the year ensuing, Rich. 2. wherein the Commons desire the King to use a moderation in the Law of provision, to please at this time their Holy Father, So as the Statute upon their dislike might again be executed, And that to negotiate the peace with France, the Duke of Aquitaine might rather than any other, be employed. Parl. 17. To consult of the Treaty with France for the King in the seventeenth calleth a Parliament, Rich. 2. the answer of the Lords is left unentred in the Rolle, but the Commons upon their faith and allegiance charged, advise that with good moderation, homage may be made for Guyen, an appenage of the French crown, so as it entrench not to involve the other pieces of the English conquest, their answer is modest, large, and worthy of mark. Hen. 4th. Now succeeded a man that first studied all popularity, as needing all to support his Titles, Parl. 5. H. 4. He in the fifth year called a Parliament, to suppress the malice of the Duke of Orleans, and to advise for the wars in Ireland and Scotland, neither counsels or supplies are entered in the Rolle, Parl. 6. H. 4. and to resist an Inovation intended by France and Britain, he assembleth the State again. Claus. 7. The like was in the two years following for France. In this the Commons confer with the Lords for Guard of the Sea, Hen. 4. iii 33 and make many Ordinances to which the King assented: the Peace with the merchants of Pruce, and the Hanstowns is debated, and a Proclamation published, iii. 57 as they resolve, by the Speaker the Commons complain of 96. pieces of Ordinance lost in Guyen the year before, the need of defence for the Borders, and Guard of the Sea coasts. To suppress the Rebellion in Wales, and the disloyalty of the Earl of Northumberland, they humbly desire, iii. 59 that the Prince may be dispatched into those parts with speed: and to have a vigilant eye of the Scottish Prisoners. In the tenth the Parliament is commanded to give their advice about the truce of Scotland, Parl. 10. Hen. 4. and preparation against the malice of the French. His son, the wise and happy undert●ker, Hen. 5. Parl. 1. consulteth with the Parliament in his first year, Hen. 5. how to cherish his Allies, and restrain his Enemies, for this there wa● a select Committee of the Commons, appointed to confer with the Lords, the matter being entered into a Schedu●e. Touching Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Calais, Anno 9 Guyen, Shipping, Guard of the Seas, and wary provision to repulse the Enemy. In the Second he openeth to the Parliament his title to France, a quarrel he would prosecute to death: Parl. 2. Hen. 5. if they allowed and aided, death is in this Assembly, enacted to all, that either break the Truce, or the King's safe conduct. The year following peace being offered by the French King, Rot. Parl. An. 3. Hen. 5 and the King of the Romans arrived to effect the work, the King refuseth any conclusion, until he had thereunto the advice and assent of his Lords and Commons, which occasion the chancellor declareth to that Assembly. In the fourth and fifth, Parl. 4. & 5. Hen. 5. no peace concluded with France, the King calleth the State together to consult about the war, concluding a Treaty of amity with Sigismond King of the Romans, by the allowance of the three States, and entreth the Articles in the journal Rolle. In the same year by the Duke of Bedford, Parl. 5. H. 5. in the King's absence a Parliament was called to the former purposes, as it appeareth by the Summons, though in the Rolle omitted. Parl. 7. H. 5. The like in the seventh year. And the Treaty with France is by the Prelates, Nobles and Commons of the kingdom perused and ratified in the tenth year of this King. Parl. 10. Hen. 5. His son more holy than happy succeeded, Hen. 6th. and adviseth in the second year with the Lords and Commons for the well keeping of the peace with France, Rot. Parl. 2. Hen. 6. consulteth with them about the delivery of the Scottish King, and the conclusion is confirmed by common assent. Rot. Parl. 3. Hen. 6. In the third year they are called to advise and consent to a new Article in the league with Scotland, for charge of Hostage, and in the ninth year conclude of certain persons by name, to treat a peace with the Dolphin of France. 9 Hen. 6. The Treaty of Arras, Eugenius 4.14. Hen. 6. whether the Pope had sent as mediators two Cardinals, not succeeding the King in Parliament, Anno 14. showeth that he must either lose his Title, Style, and kingdom of France, or else defend it by force: the best means for provision whereof he willeth them to advise him. He summoneth again the next year the same council to advise how the realm might be best defended, Parl. 15. Hen. 6. and the Sea kept safe against the Enemies. In the twentith the Commons exhibit a Bill for Guard of the Se●, Anno. 20. Hen. 6. the number of ships, assess wages, and dispose of Prizes if any fortune, To which the King accordeth. And that the Genoese might be declared Enemies, for ●ssisting the Turk in spoil of the Knights of Rhodes, And that the privilege of the Pruce and Hanstownes might be suspended, until composition be made to the English for wrongs they had done them. To the which in part the King accordeth. Anno. 23. The King by the chancellor declareth in Parliament, Hen. 6. that the Marriage with Margaret the King of Sicily his daughter was contracted. For inducing the peace made with France. Against the which the Lords not by their advice effected, make a protestation, and enter it on the Rolle. Parl. 25. The King intending to pass in person into France, there to treat of Peace with the King, Hen. 6. adviseth with His Lords and Commons in Parliament, Anno 3. and letters of Mart are granted against the Britons for spoils done to the English merchants. The Lord Hastings and the Abbot of Glou●, Anno. 27. declare in Parliament the preparation of the French, Hen. 6. the Breach by them of the Peace, the weak defence of Normandy, and the expiration shortly of the Truce: requiring speedy advice and remedy. It enjoined the Parliament to provide for the Defence of the Sea and Land, Anno 29. Hen. 6. against the French. It was commanded by the King to the States assembled, Anno. 33. Hen. 6. to advise for the well ordering of his House, payment of his soldiers at Calais, Guard of the Seas, raising of the siege at Berwick made by the Scots against the Truce: Disposing of 1300. Soldiers arrayed the last Parliament: According of differences amongst the Lords, restraining the transportation of Gold and Silver, and quieting the disorders in Wales, of all which Committees are appointed to frame Bills. Edw. 4. Edward the fourth by the chancellor declareth to the Lords and Commons, Anno 7. that having made peace with Scotland; entered league with France and Denmark, contracted with Burgundy and Britain for their aid for the recovery of his right in France, he had now assembled them to give their Cousell in proceeding, which charge in a second Session was again pressed unto them. Anno 11. The like was at another Parliament held in the eleventh year. Edw. 4. Hen. 7. After this time the Journals of Parliament have been either not well preserved, Parl. 1. or not carefully entered, Hen. 7. for I can find of this nature no Records, until the first of Henry the seventh, wherein the Commons by Thomas Lov●ll their speaker, petition the King to take to wife Elizabeth the daughter of Edward the fourth, to which the King at their request doth agree. The next is the third of Henry the eighth in which from the King, Hen. 8, Rot. Parl. 3. the chancellor declareth to the States the cause of that Assembly to be first, Hen. 8. to advise a course for resisting the innovation of the Scots: Julius 2. the next, how to quiet the quarrel between the King of Castille, and the Duke of Gelders, lastly for assisting the Pope against jews of France, whose Bull expressing the injuries done the Sea Apostolic, was read by the Master of the rolls in open Parliament, after which the chancellor, There and other Lords were sent down unto the Commons to confer thereof. Rot Parl. 32. Hen 8. The last is in the two and thirtieth year wherein the chancellor remembering the many troubles the State had undergone in doubtful Titles of Succession, declareth, that although the convocation had judged void the marriage with Anne of Cleve, yet the King would not proceed without the counsel of the States, Ex instrument. Original. whereupon the two Archbishops are sent down to the Commons with the sentence sealed, which being there discussed, they pass a Bill against the Marriage. In all these passages of public Counsels, I still observe, that the sovereign Lord either in best advice, or most necessity would entertain the Commons with the weightiest causes, either foreign or domestic, thereby to apt them and bind them to a readiness of Charge And they as warily avoiding it to shine expense. FJNJS.