A DECLARATION OF The Lords and Commons in Parliament: DIRECTED TO THE high-sheriff of the County of ESSEX, and all other Sheriffs in general, within the Kingdom of England, and Dominion of Wales: Concerning His majesty's Proclamation about the MILITIA.  
Die Sabbati 18 Junii, 1642.  
WHereas ROBERT SMITH Esquire, now high Sheriff of the County of Essex, hath lately received a Writ, bearing date the 27 of May, in the Eighteenth year of His now majesty's Reign; Thereby commanding him to Publish a Proclamation, whereby all His majesty's Subjects belonging to the Trained Bands, or Militia of this Kingdom are forbidden to Rise, March, Muster or Exercise, by virtue of any Order or Ordinance of one, or both Houses of Parliament, without Consent or Warrant from His Majesty, upon pain of punishment according to the Laws: And whereas the said high-Sheriff hath now addressed himself to both Houses of Parliament, for advice and directions therein; Conceiving the said Proclamation to be contrariant, and repugnant to the Ordinance and judgement of both Houses of Parliament concerning the Militia; It is therefore declared by the Lords and Commons in Parliament, (they intending nothing by the said Ordinance, but the Protection and security of His majesty's Person, the Defence of the Kingdom against foreign Invasion, and the preservation of the public Peace against intestine Rebellions, and Insurrections here at home, the maintenance of the privileges and Authority of Parliament, according to the Protestation:) That the said Writ is illegal; For that by the Constitution and policy of this Kingdom, the King by His Proclamation cannot declare the Law, contrary to the Constitution of any of the inferior Courts of justice, much less against the high Court of Parliament: And likewise, for that this Writ forbids that to be done, which they are obliged unto by their duty to God, their Allegiance to His majesty, and the Trust reposed in them by the Commonwealth, (The Law having entrusted them to provide for the good and safety thereof;) And that the said high-Sheriff hath done nothing in for bearing to publish the said Proclamation, but according to his duty, and in obedience to the Order of both Houses; And he is hereby required, not to publish the said Proclamation, or any other Proclamations or Declarations of the like nature, that concern the Parliament, without first acquainting the said Houses. And it is further declared, That the said high-Sheriff, and other Sherifts of other Counties, within this Kingdom of England, and Dominion of Wales, for their obedience to the Orders and Ordinances of Parliament; Or that have, or hereafter shall do any thing in the Execution thereof, shall be protected by the Power and Authority of both the said Houses.  
Joh. Brown, Cler. Parliamentorum.   

London, Printed for Joseph Hunscott. June 20, 1642.