EDWARD LITLETON, Lord Keeper of the Great seal of ENGLAND, And Lord Speaker in the House of peers Escape from the PARLIAMENT.  
And his flight to the KING Now Resident at YORK ALSO, Sir THOMAS GARDINER the Recorder of London's Letter to his majesty.  
WITH, The Parliament's Message to the Lord Savill, the Lord Seymer, and the Lord Rich., &c. who attend his Majesty at York, and their denial to come to the House of peers.  
And Lastly, The Votes of the House of Commons, passing upon the said LORDS.  
I. B. Cler. P.  
London, Printed for T. H. 1642.   

Edward Littleton, Lord Keeper of the great seal of England, his escape from the Parliament, and his flight to the King, now resident at York.  
AMongst all men, those in Authority ought to be most cautious, and aught to carry themselves circumspective in the Function of their Offices, that no occasion of suspicion may be at any time reflected on, for according to that oraculous sentence,  
Omne animi vitium, tanto conspectius in se,  
Crimen habet, quanto major, qui peccat, habetur.  
Every vice of the mind maketh the crime more heinous and conspicuous, by how much the more that person is esteemed greater who offendeth. For he that is placed in Dignity, aught to be a Cynosura, a Guide, and as it were, a propitious star to direct others in the unquestionable path of the truth: but if these directions be contrary, and opposite to truth, it is a most despicable error, Non tam quod ipse peccat, sed quod peccatum in alios diffundit: not so much that he doth offend himself, but that he diffuseth the offence committed to many other, who are taught by his example to offend. I accuse no man, but desire, and do heartily wish, that all Men, who are exalted to such super-eminece, may be so indubitable in their lives, and the real execution of their offices. John, Lord Finch, Lord Keeper of the great seal before, being found very culpable in many things, and being guilty of many impositions and grievous taxes on the Subjects, was voted a Delinquent, but he escaped in a disguised habit, and fled beyond Sea. Then the Parliament giving great approbation to the Lord Littleton of his sufficiency, immediately chose him Lord Keeper, and speaker of the House of peers, who succeeded Finch, and continued (as appeared by public silence) unquestionable in that place. Till of late his Majesty sent some express orders to him, That he should give out Writs for the removing the term to York, and to subscribe the great seal of England to some other strange things: which the Parliament conceiving to be disadvantageous, and prejudicial to the general good of the kingdom; contrarily ordered, That he should neither give out any Writs, or subscribe any seal, not knowing the dangerous consequence that might ensue thereby. Then his Majesty being highly incensed, threatened to turn him out of his place, if he did not obey his commands, which if he had performed, he had not possibly escaped the Parliaments censure. And being thus variously distracted, his fancy guided sometime with the smiling wind of Hope, another time tossed with the impetuous Tempest of fear; he at length intended to establish some resolution in his mind, and taking the broad seal along with him, he escaped from the Parliament the 25 day of this month, and fled for protection to his Majesty now residing at York. But Posts, and the pursuivants of the House being sent after him, he went above twenty miles wide, that so he might not be traced and overtaken. Notwithstanding, some conceive the cause of his flight was of more impendent consequence, That there were some Articles, wherein he was highly impeached to have been delivered against him: other report, That it was for certain words spoken in the King's behalf against the Parliament; but the truth and certainty hereof is somewhat dubious; and without question the sure: ground of his departure will be shortly published by the Parliament.  
St Thomas Gardiner Recorder of the City of London, being greatly attached of Articles of high Consequence, and being conscious of the same, knew not how to purge himself, either from the imputation of that high Impeachment, or avoid the imminent censure, which he supposed would be suddenly granted by the Parliament. Wherefore to secure himself from Imprisonment, or the suspicion of any future danger, he without detraction of time, or procrastination of intention, sent a Letter the same day, that the Lord Keeper fled to York, for the protection of his Majesty.  
The Lord Savill, the Lord Seymer, the Lord Rich, &c. by the command of the King, went to York, without either the assent or consent of the House of peers. Wherefore they were incontinently sent for by special order from the Parliament, to attend the House, whereof they were members, and ought not to absent themselves upon no occasion whatsoever, without the Houses leave, especially at this time, they having such weighty and serious matters of 〈…〉 in hand, and the great affairs of the kingdom, being so dangerous withal. But the Houses received intelligence, and certain Information from York, from the Committee sitting there, that these Noblemen were refrectory to their Message, & denied absolutely to come, saving confidently, That they were bound by the Oath of Allegiance to attend and obey his Majesty; and having received his special command therefore, dare not presume to return without his majesty's leave. But although they refuse, rather to attend the King, than the Parliament, whose members they are, and ought not therefore either to absent themselves without the Houses consent, or stay from them▪ when as they send special Order for their appearance; yet without doubt, the Parliament have authority to command them.  
Wherefore the 23 day of this present month, the House of Commons being completed, took into deliberate and mature consideration, the absolute denial of those several Lords (aforenamed) sent for to attend the House. And after some serious delate thereon, they Voted them delinquents, and therefore worthy to be suspended the House: which Vote they sent and acquainted the Lords with, by Message, and desired their ascents, and concurrence therein: but they being greatly employed, took longer time to consider thereof.  
May all offenders and Delinquents whatsoever, who do meritoriously deserve censure, suffer exemplary and condign punishment according to their demerits, without partiality or connivance. May the King and his Parliament concur and agree, that no occ●sion of danger or difference, that no suspicion of fear or jealousy may be fomented between either of them: May the manifold distractions of this kingdom be suddenly composed: May the bleeding wound● of Ireland be forthwith healed: May the Militia of this kingdom be put into a sudden posture of defence, that so we may be armed either to withstand any unexpected Insurrection of Intestine or domestic Foes, or the Opposition of any foreign Enemy whatsoever. And lastly, May the discerted Church be settled in a true Reformation, correspondent to the Word of God; and that Faction and schism may be rooted out amongst us, to the glory of God, and the secure prosperity of all Britain.  
FINIS.