A LETTER To a Gentleman of LEICESTER-SHIRE,  
showing, Out of the public writings which have passed betwixt His majesty, and His two Houses of PARLIAMENT:  
That, All the Overtures, which have been made for Peace and Accommodation have proceeded from His MAJESTY only.  
And, That the unsuccessfulness of the late treaty is not to be imputed to His Majesty, but to them alone.  
Printed in the year M. DC. XLIII.   

A Letter to a Gentleman of Leicestershire, showing that all the overtures which have been made for Peace and Accommodation, proceeded from His majesty only; and that the unsuccessfulness of the late Treaty, is not to be imputed to His majesty, but to the two Houses of Parliament.  
SIR,  
ACcording unto your importwate desires of being made acquainted with the passages and success of the late Treaty betwixt His majesty and His two Houses of Parliament, I did from time to time advertise you, as far as I was able to discover the proceedings of it, both what was done, and what was like to be the issue. And because I found some strong impressions in you, that if the Treaty came not to a fortunate end, and that some manifest were not published in His majesty's name, to satisfy the Subject in the carriage of it, the blame thereof was likely to be cast upon His Majesty, as if he had no thoughts nor intents of Peace: I sent you the Collection of all the particular papers that passed between His Majesty and the Committee here at Oxford, as soon as it came off the press, wherein my care to give you satisfaction was so great & urgent, that I would not stay the coming of the common Foot-post. But contrary to my expectation you write back, that you are not satisfied with the sight thereof; that you poor Country Gentlemen (as you please to say) are not so nimble-witted as to discover the result of those debates, or the conclusions issuing from those premises, except it be more plainly laid down before you; all that the common sort of people will be little edified with this bare collection, unless some application of the point be brought home unto them. In which respects you have expressed a vehement desire to see somewhat published, agreeable to the cap●…cities of the good people in the Countries, who may be otherwise 〈◊〉 with some false opinions of the averseness of the Court from all peaceable counsels, and by the subtle practices of malicious men, may be seduced to a belief, th●…t His majesty on●…ly is in fault, wh●… the same Treaty came to no better end. And thi●…, you say, the ordinary sort of people may be brought to give c●…dence to, as having a long time been persuaded by the Emissaries of the adverse faction, that all the overtures which have been made for a Pacification, proceeded originally from the Parliament; that they have often pressed to obtain this Treaty, before His majesty could be induced to give ear unto it; and th●…refore that in probability His majesty being found so difficult from time to time, in giving way unto the Treaty, the unsuccessfulness thereof will be charged on him. The undeceiving of the people in these particulars you say would be good service to His majesty, and I think so too; and therefore could have wished, and do wish so still, you had exact●… 〈◊〉 account thereof from a better hand. But being you are 〈◊〉 to impose this task upon me, and that you will not otherwise be satisfied then by my conformity to your commands; I shall herein apply myself unto your desires, as having been trained up by you from my youth in the school of Obedienc●…, and taught betimes, that for a man to dedicate and devote himself to his own humours and reservedness, was but the sacrifice of ●…ooles. In the performance of which undertaking I shall say little of mine own, but only lay together such material Passages, as I have noted in the several writings which have passed betwixt His majesty and His two Houses of Parliament, keeping myself (as near as possibly I can) to the very language and expressions of those writings; that my discou●…se may gain more credit and authority both with you and others.  
2. And first whereas you s●…y the Emissaries or Messengers of the adverse faction do per●…wade the 〈◊〉, that all the overtures which have been made for a Pacification, 〈◊〉 originally from the 〈◊〉; though nothing 〈◊〉 more true than that the Subjects of this kingdom have been so persuaded, yet nothing is more impudently false, then that which those malicious instruments of the public ruin do persuade them to. For after the first open breach was made betwixt His majesty and His two Houses of Parliament, upon occasion of His majesty's coming to the House of Commons on the fourth of Jan. 1641. how studious was His Majesty to make it up? how many plasters did He apply to salve that sore? how many 〈◊〉 did He send to take off the offence which was raised about it? not only waving His proceedings in that way, out of a desire of giving satisfaction to all men in all matters that might seem to have relation unto the privileges of Parliament, 
a His 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉. 12. 1641.  and signifying that in His proceedings against the Lord Kimbolton and the five 〈◊〉, He had never the least intention of violating the least privilege of Parliament, and that in case any doubt of breach of privileges did remain, He would be willing to clear that, and assert those by any reasonable way that his Parliament should advise Him to 
b His majesty's Message, Jan. 14. 1641. : but offering wholly to desert any prosecution of the accused members of either House, and to grant as free and general a Pardon, for the full contentment of all His loving Subjects, as by the approbation of both Houses of Parliament should be thought convenient, for the better composing and settling of all fears and Jealousies of what sort soever 
c His majesty's Answers, Feb 2 1641. . Nay, He descended at the last to acknowledge (upon the in●…ormation since given Him) an apparent breach of privilege, and to pro●…esse withal, His readiness to repair●… the same for the future, by any Act that should be desired of His majesty 
d His majesty's Answer Feb. 28. 1641. ; declaring plainly and ingeniously the reasons which induced Him to go in person at that time to the House of Commons 
e Ibid. and His Majesti●… Ans. ●…o a ●…ook, &c. May 19 1642. . Insomuch, That if the breach of privilege had been greater than had ever before been offered to both or ●…ither of the Houses; His 〈◊〉 acknowledgement and retractation hath been greater also, (as his Majesty very well observeth) than ever King gave unto His Subjects 
f Hi●… 〈◊〉 D●…claration, Mar. 9 1641. . Yet all this condescension of His Majesti, in the acknowledging of His mistake, (though in a matter of form only) and offering to repair the same in such a way as the House should prescribe unto Him, was so far from satisfying, that His proceeding in that business, hath been and is still charged upon him for so great a crime, as if he had thereby forfeited all duty, credit, and allegiance, which was due to him from his people 
g His Majesties Ans. to a Book, &c. May. 19 1641. .  
3. More than this yet. His Maj●…sty perceiving that this infortunate breach produced many other dangerous inconveniences, besides debates and disputations concerning privileges; and that whilst so much time was taken up in those debates and disputations, many distractions did arise, which could not but occasion a general mischief to the whole government of this His realm: resolved, as one most chief●…ly interessed, so by many reasons most obliged, to do what in him lay for preventing of it 
h His majesty's Mess●…ge. Jan. 20. 1641. . And he might justly have expected (as most proper for the duty of Subjects) that propositions for the remedy of those evils ought rather to c●…me to him, then from him: yet such was bis fatherly care of all his people, that he chose rather to lay by particular respects of his own dignity, then that any time should be lost in a matter of so 
i Ibid.  great importance. In which respect His Majesty thought fit to propound unto them, that they would fall with all speed into a serious consideration, of all those particulars which they should hold necessary, as well for the upholding and maintaining of His majysties' just and legal authority, and for the settling of his Revenue, as for the present and future establishing of their privileges, the free and quiet enjoying of their estates and fortunes, the liberty of their persons, the security of the true Religion now professed in the Church of England, and the settling of Ceremonies in such a manner as may take away all just offence: wherein His Majesty professed His Maj●…sty to equal and exceed the greatest examples of the most indulgent Princes in their Acts of grace and favour unto their people 
k Ibid. . Nor was this for a fit or a moment only; but constantly pursued and pressed in several Messages, Answers, Declarations, as the most certain means of settling the distractions of this wretched kingdom, as viz. in His majesty's Answer to the two Houses concerning the Militia. Feb. 28. 1641. His majesty's Speech to the Committee, March. 9 1641. His majesty's Message to both Houses sent from Huntingdon, Mar. 15. 1641. His majesty's Answer to the Petition of both Houses. March. 26. 1642. His Answer to the inhabitants of Yorkshire April 7. 1641 and in His Answer to the Declaration of both Houses May 4. 1642. not to descend to more particulars. And to say truth, we need not look on more particulars fo●… this point and purpose; His majesty pressing it so often (though still in vain) that at the last it was declared by both Houses (though at the first they did return most humble thanks unto His majesty for that gracious message;) 
l Hum●…le Petition of the Comm●…ns, ●…a 28. 1641.  that as often as the Message of the 20 of Jan. had been pressed upon them, so often had their privileges been clearly infringed in that away and method of proceeding was proscribed unto them 
m The third R●…monstrance. pab. III. . Which said, it was high time 〈◊〉 for His sacred majesty to desist from pressing those fair overtures for accommodation, which he before had made unto them, for fear lest out of a d●…sire of giving satisfaction for one breach of privileges, he might unknowingly infringe so many of them, and that in so unpardonable a degree as could admit no satisfaction, how much soever he did desire to give it. You see then that the Overtures for a Pacification came not Originally from the Parliament; nay you see the contrary. Those Overtures proceeded from His majesty, and from him alone; and were no 〈◊〉 made to the two Hous●…s of parliament, then rejected by them.  
4. The second thing suggested to the poor ignorant people is, That when His majesty was in arms, His houses often pressed for a Treaty before they could obtain it. When indeed (without mentioning how they levied forces first, and so made His majesty only defensive) either their strength was so great, or their indisposition to peace so prevalent with them, that when His Majesty first offered a Treaty, it produced him only such an answer as might expose him to scorn and pity; witness His majesty's gracious Message sent from Nottingham (where first his standard was advanced) Aug. 25. 1642. in which His Majesty desired, that some fit persons might be by them enabled to treat with the like number authorized by them, in such a manner a●…d with such freedom of debate, as might best tend to the peace of the kingdom, together with his promise to remove all possible scruples which might hinder the Treaty, so much desired by His majesty in taking down His Standard, & calling in such Proclamations & Declarations 〈◊〉 were excepted against by the said two Houses, on the same day which they should nominate and appoint for the revoking of their Declarations, in which His majesty's faithful servants were 〈◊〉 Traitors for adhering to him 
n Reply to the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the , Sep. 2. 1642. . And though His majesty expressed in His said Message, As by the sequel is since manifested, that nothing but his Christian and pious care to prevent the effusion of blood had begot that motion, his provision of men, Arms, and money, being such as might secure him from their violence, till it pleased God to open the eyes of his people 
o His 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Aug. 25. 1642. . Yet so averse were they from consenting to it, so inconsiderable did they think His Majesty, and themselves so formidable that no treaty was to be obtained unless he would denude himself of all force raised to defend his person from a visible strength marching against him in the field, admit those persons to be Traitors to him, who had appeared in his defence 
p His majesty's Message, Sept. 11. 1642. , and put himself wholly into their power who by their former practices had declared sufficiently their good affections to, and intentions towards him; His majesty's coming back unto His Parliament without his forces, and his presence there in that his great council, being avowed to be the only means of any treaty betwixt His majesty and them, with hope of successeq. 
q Answer to His 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Sept. 26.  Never did Prince descend so low as to desire and press a treaty with his own Subjects; never did Subjects so reject the pious motions, and Christian condescensions of a gracious Prince. At last about the end of Sept. when His Majesty was at Shrewsburie, and the Earl of Essex the general of the Forces levied against His majesty at Worcester, a counsellor of His Majesty was advertised by Letter from the said Earl there was a Message to be delivered His Majesty from His Parliament: which His Majesty by him answered he was ready to hear, So it were brought by any person that he had not declared a Traitor; His Majesty having then declared few or none but the Earl of Essex, and such as were in arms under his Command against him. But after this answer (surely sufficiently gracious) so little true affection had they to peace, that that Message was stifled, and until His Majesty had given their supposed invincible Army that great defeat at Edgehill, and taken 〈◊〉 which they went to relieve, and advanced with his Army towards London as far as Reading, he never understood his two Houses intended to 〈◊〉 to him. There he understood his Castle of Wind or, where he meant to lodge, His own palace, was 〈◊〉 against him: yet neither his own good and prosperous successes, nor the Injuries done unto him, made him refuse the intended Message from his two Houses of Parliament. But he gave his safe conduct for their Committee, who met him at 〈◊〉, and presented him a Petition.  
5. That a Committee from both Houses might attend His majesty with some Propositions for the removal of those bloody distempers, and distractions, and settling the 〈◊〉 of the Kingdom 
r Petition 〈◊〉 the two Hou●…, nou.〈 ◊〉 〈◊〉. . What Answer made his majesty unto this proposal? Did he require them to lay down their 〈◊〉, raised for destruction of his Person, or to recall their Declarations and Remonstrances so full of bitterness against his government; or to repeal their many Ordinances so evidently 〈◊〉 of the Subjects Liberties; or to adjourn the Parliament to some such place, which he should 〈◊〉 for his abode and habitation? None of all these, nor any thing which looked that way, was required of them: His 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 unto their desires without limitations or conditions, as by his 〈◊〉 Answer unto that Petition, doth at full appear. His 〈◊〉 had promised at a time, when all his offers and desires were 〈◊〉 by them, that whensoever they desired a Treaty of him, his Majesty 〈◊〉 remembering blood was to be spilled in this unnatural quarrel, would very cheerfully embrace it 
s His majesty's Message, Sept. 11. 1642. : and he resolved that no felicity, no change of fortune, should make him differ from himself, or change his purposes. And though that Proposition for a Treaty came to no effect, and probably was never really intended by them, as to moderate men might appear by the Earl of Essex his marching from London with many Ordnance towards his majesty, the same day the Committee of the Houses were attending him, whereby his Majesty was to have him before him with the body of their 〈◊〉, others at Acton on the one hand, and others at 〈◊〉 on the other hand; and as if this were not enough that they were before him, and of each side, his own palace Windsor Castle was kept in the back of him by Captain Ven of London, & thus if his 〈◊〉 had not advanced to Brainceford, whereby he got 〈◊〉: 〈◊〉, a place to fight on, he had been pinned in at 〈◊〉' in a 〈◊〉 country, where he could have made no use of his Horse, and so 〈◊〉 probably come to have Treated concerning his own Liberty or retreat, and not the peace of his 〈◊〉; for which he hath all this while as well as for his own right fought: so than 〈◊〉 all the progress of this business, fro the first taking up Arms, until the settling of the armies in their 〈◊〉 quarters; the offers of a treaty have been always on his 〈◊〉 side, and the refusal on the Parliaments: save that sent unto him at Colebrook. And when that treaty was renewed, it was not done by them, nor on their 〈◊〉, but merely on the motion of his sacred Majesty, after he had long time, and in vain expected, they would apply themselves unto him for an 〈◊〉; nor broken off, when it was set on foot again, either by the 〈◊〉 of his majesty's demands: or his unwillingness to yield unto them in such points as could be reasonably desired for the good of his Subjects, but only by the practice and perverseness of some guilty persons of that side, who have no hope to scape the hand of public justice, but by involving the whole Kingdom in a general ruin. Which point if it be proved (as I doubt not of it) I hope the people will permit themselves to be disabused, and not impute the blame of these distempers to 〈◊〉 sacred majesty, who hath so graciously vouchsafed to try all fair means which might conduce unto the cure of a troubled state.  
6. For proof of this, I would first have you cast your eye on that space of time, which was between his majesty's retreat from Brainceford, and the coming of their first Committee to the Court at Oxford; being from the 13. of November to the first of February, no less than eleven weeks, and somewhat upwards. In 〈◊〉 which time they could not spare themselves so much 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 to send a single message to his majesty by 〈◊〉 one of their own members, but entertained themselves in studying new 〈◊〉 & devices to raise moneys, or in undoing those who did not willingly submit to their impositions: and when 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the City of London to be so generaly disposed to more moderate counsels, that unless some Propositions were prepared to be presented to 〈◊〉 majesty, they were in danger of losing all that power and 〈◊〉 which they had amongst them; they were resolved to stand upon such terms with their Lord and sovereign, that if they could obtain them, would confirm their power, or if 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 yet preserve the belief of the poor simple people, 〈◊〉 they endeavoured peace. So that at last, upon these hopes and considerations, some Propositions are presented to his majesty by the Earl of Northumberland, the Earl of Northumberland, and others appointed by both Houses to attend that service; in number fewer, in substance very little different from those nineteen, which they had sent unto his majesty when he was at York. And what were they presented for? to be considered of between the parties in such a manner, and with such freedom of debate, as might best tend to the establishment of a general peace throughout the Kingdom, according to his majesty's desire and purpose formerly expressed? Not so, they were too stout to descend so low, but that his Majesty would graciously accept and grant those their desires and ●…ons; which 〈◊〉 and performed, 〈◊〉 would then endeavour that His majesty and all His people might enjoy the 〈◊〉 of peace, truth, and justice 
a The humble 〈◊〉 and P●…opositions, 〈◊〉. 1. 1642. . Here was no motion for a Treaty, nothing at all which looked that way, but only a commending to him of their own desires, which could not be denied but with the certain loss of truth, peace, and justice: and those too 〈◊〉 in with a Preamble, so full of 〈◊〉 charges, bitter invectives and reproaches against his majesty, that if His 〈◊〉 had not given up all the faculties of his soul to an earnest endeavour of peace and reconciliation with his people 
b His majesty's Answer to those Propositions. , it might have utterly discouraged him from 〈◊〉 further. And although 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Propositions presented to him, were very 〈◊〉 from & 〈◊〉 to his just power and 〈◊〉, and no 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Sub●…, or due unto them by the Laws 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 so ●…sirous was his 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 all the miseries which this Kingdom 〈◊〉, by an 〈◊〉 peace, that he was 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 time and place should be agreed upon 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as his majesty and both Houses 〈◊〉 appoint, 〈◊〉 for the discussing of the Propositions recommended to him, as to debate upon some others, which his majesty thought fit, on his part, to propose to them 
c Ibid. p. 12. . Which earnest and affectionate desire of his Sacred majesty, as it begat the following Treaty, which could 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 shame refused, when so 〈◊〉 offered: so it had bee●…e as che●…rfully entertained, and followed by them with as re●…ll and religious purposes as it was propo●…ed, a speedy and a blessed peace had been accomplished 
d Ibid. p. 13.  before this time. And it is worth your observation, that howsoever the Propositions sent unto his Maj●…sty, were such as are before described, to have no being or foundation in the Laws established; and more than so, to be d●…rogatory and destructive of a regal power: yet of a goodness so singular was his Sacred Majesty, as to put his own known legal and undoubted rights into the self same balance with them, to be debated, and discussed and concluded on with their ●…xorbitant demands.  
7. This gracious offer of his majesty's being made known unto the Houses within three days after, could not be honoured with an Answer till the last of February. In all which time they had advanced no further than to yield to this, that there should be a Treaty to begin on the fourth of March, but to continue for no longer time then for 20 days: in which treaty so much of his majesty's Proposition as concerneth the Magazines, Forts, and Ships, and the Proposition of both Houses for the disbanding of the Armies, should be first treated of, and concluded on, before they did proce●…d to treat upon any of the other Propositions 
e The Votes agreed on Feb. ●…8. 1642. . Where you may note, first to how short a time they restrained his Majesty, allowing but 20 days in all from the beginning of the Treaty, for the discussing and debate of 20 general Propositions (that is to sa●…, six of his 〈◊〉 Majesties, and 14 of their own) many of which were subdivided into many branches and particulars: & secondly, that though they had seized on all his majesty's revenues, under pretence to see it husbanded, and expended for the public good, yet they had so converted it to their own private uses, that that part of the Proposition must not come in question (though afterwards on further council and advice, they gave way unto it.) Well then, this being thus resolved on, after some Messages to and fro, touching the qu●…lity of the Cessation, so much (but 〈◊〉 in vain) desi●…ed by his sacred majesty, at last, though long first, not till the 21. of March, came their Committee to the Court: and then too with a Commission so limited, and circumscribed by private and particular Instructions, that they had not power so much as to explicate the terms, or agree in the wording of expressions 
f His Maje●… 〈◊〉 to both Houses April 8. 1643. , without dispatching a fresh Post to consult the Oracle. And here you might take notice also, that though his Majesty desired that a Cessation might be granted during the Treaty, and free Trade over all the Kingdom during the Cessation 
g His Maje●… Answer to the Propositions, F●…b. 1. 1642. , & that all matters touching the Cessation might b●… settled here by their Committee 
h His majesty's Answer to the 〈◊〉 t●…uching the Cessation. , yet none of these could be obtained; the two last being absolutely denied & the first clogged with such conditions, as made it utterly unuseful to his Majesty, and His loyal ●…ubjects. But being this business of the Cessation, was only moved by his Majesty in order to the Propositions, as a preparation expedient to advance the Treaty, and was no part of the ●…ubstance 〈◊〉 〈◊〉; I shall pass it by, observing only by the way, that thoug●… His 〈◊〉 de●…lared, that he desired the Cessation more for the ease and liberty of his Subjects, then for his own dignity and 〈◊〉 
i His Maje●… Answer to the Articl●…s of Cessation. , and was content that the desired freedom of comm●…rce, should be restrained in matters which concerned him●…elf, the Officers and soldiers of His Army; yet it would not be. For after no small time spent in disputes about it, betwixt His Majestje and the Committee, and that his Majesty had so fully answered the reasons of th●… Lords and Commons, which moved them not to agree unto the Articles of Cessation offered by his Majesty 
l 〈◊〉 a book called, The Reasons of the Lords & Commons, &c. , that they were able to make no reply at all unto it: immediately, on the receipt thereof, they sent down present order unto their Committee, not to cons●…me any more of the time allowed for the Treaty, in any further debates upon the Cessation 
m 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉, pag. 35. .  
8. Next for the Propositions which were treated on, I would have you know, that when the Committee first came to Oxford, they had no power to enter into any Treaty concerning the other Propositions, before the Articles of the Cessation agreed on by the Lords and Commons were assented to 
n His majesty's 〈◊〉 to the 〈◊〉. . Which seems to be a pretty riddle, that first the Articles of the Cessation must be yielded to, before their Propositions were to come in Treaty: yet w●…en ●…hey found themselves put to it by His ●…ajesties Answer, the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Cessation must be laid aside, that so 〈◊〉 time might be allowed fo●… the Propositions. But to go on, His Ma●… being willing to treat however (even without a Cessation) u●…on the Propositions made of each side, and in that Order which 〈◊〉 had agreed upon, with much ado, and after several 〈◊〉, obtained ●…o much of the two Hou●…es, that their Com●… here might be enabled to that effect 
o His 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to the 〈◊〉 of Cessation. . Which being obtained for the two first Propositions, and no further, although his majesty could not without a notable disadvantage disband His Army raised with so much difficulty, on the mere gaining of his Revenue, Forts, Ships, and Magazines, (which with his coming to the Parliament, was the substance of the two first Proposition) considering how easy it was for them to repossess themselves of the same again, when they saw occasion: yet he resolved to proceed. And knowing that the sight of those Instructions which had been given to the Committee would much facilitate the business, and bring it to some issue with far less expense of time, then could be otherwise expected; His majesty desired to have a copy of them, or at the least a sight thereof, but could be gratified in neither: answer being made, that they were enjoined not to discover or show their Instructions, or to give any Copy of them; which they forbore to do till they had given 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the whole substance thereof in their several papers) 
p Collection of ●…ll the papers, pag. 1, 2.  yet on the other side, when the Committee moved his 〈◊〉 to give them leave to repair unto him for further satisfaction upon any doubts which should arise amongst them, in any of those Pa●…rs which they either had, or should receive from his majesty, b●…fore such time as th●…y transmitted them to both Houses of 〈◊〉: His 〈◊〉 most graciously condescended to it at the first 〈◊〉 
q 〈◊〉. p. 3. . Which shows in my opinion, a remarkable 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 of his majesty's purposes, and the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the others in their dealing with him.  
9 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the branches of the Propositions, as they 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉; 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 we meet with, doth concern his majesty's 〈◊〉: Of 〈◊〉, although they had so totally deprived his 〈◊〉 (even to the 〈◊〉 away of money out of his Exch●…quer, and the 〈◊〉 
r Ibid. p. 5.  〈◊〉 that 〈◊〉 had not wherewith to subsist in the cond●…on of a private Gen●…leman; yet they had confidence enough 〈◊〉 tell him, that they had received a very small proportion of it, which for the most part was employed in the maintenance of His majesty's children 
s Ibid. p. 4. . But the next thing worthy of yo●…r observation, is with what readiness and facility his 〈◊〉 was content to rest upon the promise of these his Majesti●…s two Houses of Parliament, to satisfy Him for those sums which remained due 
t Ibid. p. 4. : as also for leaving the same unto His majesty for the time to come, in the same way wherein it was before the beginning of these troubles 
u Ibid. p. 6. ; considering the power they claim of making and revoking Ordinances, as they see occasion, and with what specious shadows of 〈◊〉 they may impose so●…e new restraints and interruptions on the same, as often as they have a mind to create new Jealousies. And you may please to know withal, that this refunding of such sums as they had received out of his Maj●…sties 〈◊〉, came not without a clog upon it: it being to be done but upon condition (for aught the Committee 
a Ibid. p. 6.  had to say unto the contrary) that His majesty would restore what had been taken for his own use, upon any of the Bills assigned to other purposes by Act of Parliament, or out of the provision made for the War in Ireland 
b Ibid. p. 4. . It's true, somewhat He received for his own household out of the customs, for the maintenance of this and Robes, above 12. months' since, and they know a great part of this came out of his own customs of Inheritance: And that to his father's household (even by Act of Parliament) much thereof was assigned, so with the knowledge of this Parliament continued to him. But herein (as in other things) they showed a notable piece of cunning, to abuse the people, in making them believe that the many sums of money levied on the Subject, for the necessary service of this Kingdom, or the War in Ireland, had been converted by his majesty to his proper use. Whereas they knew exceeding well, His majesty had received very little, or indeed nothing in that way 
c Ibid. p. 5. ; (the moneys levied on those Acts being paid, and to be paid, to Treasurers of their own appointing): and could not but as well remember, that they had seized upon 100000 l. at once of those public moneys, which had been●… paid by the Adventurers for the War of Ireland, and by the Act of Parliament was not to be employed in any other purpose whatsoever, than the reducing of those R●…bels, to be expended in a most unnatural war against his majesty 
d His majesty's Message, Aug. 13. and the Answer to it. . And yet such was his Sacred majesty's desire, to give all possible contentment to his said two Houses, that He declared his willingness to restore all moneys which had been taken by his majesty, or by Authority from him, on any Bills assigned unto other purposes 
e Collection of all the Papers, p. 5. ; without requiring or expecting the like from them. So that the first point (that of the Revenue) was soon agreed betwixt his majesty and the Committee; his majesty being willing to connive at some things, and consent to any thing (within the verge of their demands) which might conduce to bring it to speedy issue.  
10. Touching the M●…gazines, Forts, and Ships, there are some things to be observed, wh●…ch do relate to ●…ll in common; and some which are to be considered with reference to each branch in several. Offer was made by the Committee, that all the arms and Ammunition which h●…d b●…ene taken our of his majesty's Magazines, and was remaining in the ha●…ds of both House●… of Parliament, should be delivered into His Majesti●…s Stores; that which was wanting of the same, to be supply●…d in kind in convenient time 
f Ibid. p. 8.  To this His majesty vouchsafed a gracious & free consent, desired not the performance of it, until the Treaty was concluded and agreed upon 
g Ibid. p. 10. ; declared the place of Store to which his arms and Ammunition sho●…ld be 〈◊〉, to be no other than the usual place, even the Tower of London 
h Ibid. p. 10. ; and promised to restore all arms and Ammunition which had been taken for His Majesti●…s use (his own at that time being taken from him) from any of the Counties, Towns, or Cities, in this his realm, expecting only (but not conditioning with them, as they did with Him) that they should do the like for all the arms and Ammunition which had been tak●…n for the use of their Armies, under the command of the Earl of Essex 
i Ibid. p. 9 . Hitherto all things were agreed on, and with much facility. The difference was, that they desired the public Magazines might be committed to such persons of His majesty's naming, as the two Houses should confide in 
k Ibid. p. 8. : which is no more nor less, then to keep them still in their own power, at their own disposing; or at the best to shift it out of one hand into another. For we know well enough, that their confiding men are such as are resolved on all occ●…sions, to serve their turns against His majesty, or else to be discharged without ●…urther confidence. And this they did so pertinacio●…sly adhere unto, that though His majesty declared that the said Magazines should be committed to, and continued in the cus●…ody of the sworn Officers (some of the which had been by them commended to His ●…acred majesty) unto who●…e pl●…ce it b●…long'd 
l Ibid. p. 9 , and who had Patents of those places 
m Ibid. p. 10. . which His 〈◊〉 in Law and justice could not take away: and that if any of those Officers had committed, or should commit any misd●…meanour, to make them unworthy of that trust, His Majesty would by no means d●…fend th●…m from the Iustic●… of Law 
n Ibid. p. 〈◊〉 : yet that would not satisfy. They must have all committed to such hands as they might confide in: and were so far from guiding their aff●…ctions by Law and justice, and so much discontented with his ●…ajesties Answer, that they would neither offer any ●…xceptions against the persons now in Office, nor render any reasons of their dislike, although His Majesty seemed twice to require it of them 
o Ibid. p. 11, 12. .  
11. So also for the other branch touching the Forts, Port-Townes, and Garrisons, it was agreed on ea●…ly on both sides, that all the Fortifications which had been raised since the beginning of these troubles should be slighted, and all the ●…arrisons which had been newly placed in any of his Maj●…sties towns, F●…rts, and Castles, should be removed, and the said Castl●…s, towns, and Forts, reduced into such condition, as the●… were in An. 1636. But in this point the difference was wider than in that before: For here the Houses did not only require of His ●…acred majesty to put the 〈◊〉, Forts, and Towns, into such hands as they might 〈◊〉 in, and that the keeping of the Cinque-Ports, and all the members of the same, should be disposed of also in the same manner: but that the 〈◊〉 of the Cinque-Ports, and all governors and commanders of Towns. Castles, and Forts should so k●…p t●… sa●…, as not to admit into any of them any foreign Forc●…s, or any oth●…r Forces raised without his majesty's authority, and consent of the two Hou●…es of Parliament, but to use their utmost endeavours to suppr●…sse all Forces whatsoever, raised without such authority and consent, and to seize all Arms and Ammunition w●…ich are provided for such Forces 
p Ibid. p. 13, 14. . And they have yet a further demand, wherein they crave, that none of the new Garrisons shall be renewed, nor their Fortifications repaired, without consent of his majesty, and both Houses of Parliament 
q Ibid. p. 14. .  
12. Such being their demands, we must next see the reasonableness and Justice of his majesty's Answers, that all good people may perceive how little reason the two Houses had to remain unsatisfied, had they intended nothing but the good of the subjects, and the preservation of the Laws, to which they seem in all their actions and proceedings to be so zealously affected. Only I shall desire you to take notice, first, with what a royal clearness his majesty proceeded in all this business, in that (considering the great and manifold extremities he had been brought unto by this Rebellion) he was so readily content to remove all Garrisons, to slight all Works and Fortifications raised for his defence 
r ibid. p. 15, 16. , and totally to cast himself into the arms of his Subjects, many of which have sh●…wn themselves so easy to be wrought upon by treasonable and seditious counsels, This said, you may observe his majesty's Answer to the point of confidence, to be like that before in the other branch, viz. That He would put his Towns, Forts, and Castles, both now and for the time to come, into the hands of such persons, against whom no just exception can be made, and would remove them also at what time soever any just cause or reason should be given for it 
s Ibid. p. 15. . And for the Cinque-ports and the members of it; that they were already in the custody of a noble person, who had so legal an interest therein, that his majesty in justice could not put him out from it; till some suffici●…nt cause be made to appear unto him; which whensoever it appeared, His majesty was willing they should proceed against him according to the rules of Justice 
t Ibid. p. 15. . Now as his majesty builds this part of his Answer upon the common principles of Justice, which would have no man punished but for some offence, nor dispossessed of his estate but for some d●…liquency; and the fi●…st part thereof, the nominating of Commanders to His towns and Forts on that legal right which was inherent in His Majesty, and had been formerly enjoyed by all His royal Progenitors 
u ibid. p. 17. : so doth He build His Answer to their other demands, on the laws and Statutes of the Kingdom. For He declar●…th His consent, that the governors and Commanders of His towns, Forts, and Castles, should not admit into any of them any foreign Forces, or other Forces, which were either raised within the realm, or brought into it contrary to the laws established, but should use their utmost endeavour to suppress all such Forces, and seize all arms and Ammunition, which by the laws & Statutes of the Kingdom they ought to seize 
a Ibid. p. 15. . And to the last demand, that ●…o new garrison shall be renewed, nor their Fortifications repaired, otherwise then by the laws and Statutes of the kingdom they ought to be 
b Ibid. p. 1●… .  
13. Before I pass to any observations upon this Answer, or rather on the Exceptions of the two Houses of Parliament against the same, I shall proc●…ed on to the other branch, that about the Ships; the Answer and exceptions being much the same. It was propounded or resolved rather by the Houses, that the ships should be delivered into the hands of such a noble person, as His majesty should nominate to be Lord high admiral of England, and the two Houses of Parliament confide in, who was to have his Office by letters Patents, quam diu se bene gesserit; and to have power to nominate and appoint all inferior Officers, which Ships he shall employ for the defence of the kingdom, against all foreign forces whatsoever, and for the safe guard of Merchants, the securing of Trade, the guarding of Ireland, and the intercepting of supplies to be carried to the rebels, and shall use his utmost endeavours to suppress all forces which shall be raised by any person without your majesty's authority, and consent of the Lords and Commons in Parliament, and shall seize all arms and Ammunition provided for supply of any such forces 
c Ibid. p. 22, 25. . Where note, as in the branch before, how cunningly they change the term●…s of the Proposition. His majesty expounded that His Revenue, Magazines, towns, Forts, and Ships, which have been taken on kept from him by force, might be forthwith restored unto Him 
d His Majejesties Answ. to the Prop●…s. Febr. 1. . They return answer, that the said 〈◊〉, Towns, and Forts, shall be d●…livered up into the hands of such persons of q●…lity and trust, to be nominat●…d by His majesty 
e Collection of ill the pap●…s, p. 13. , and the 〈◊〉 Cinque-ports into the hands of such a noble person, as his Majesti should appoint to be Warden of them; and the said Ships into the charge of such a nobl●… person as his majesty shall no●…inate, to be Lord high admiral 
f Ibid. p. 22. : all of 〈◊〉 to be such, and 〈◊〉 well-affected 〈◊〉 the cause, as the two Houses of Parliament may confide in them 
g Ibid. p. 13. 22. . It seems the Right and Property of the said Towns, Forts Castles, and Ships, belongeth legally to the two Houses of Parliament, and that who ever doth receive the charge, or keeping of them, must take them from their hands immediately, as the proper owners; His Maj●…sty having no more Right or interest in any of them, than a power to nominate the party to be trusted with them, and that neither as they ●…logge and contrive the matter, whereof more anon. And this his 〈◊〉 observed when he made his answer to this part of the demand foregoing: requiring, that his own Ships be forthwith d●…livered to him, as by the Law they ought to be: delivered to him, as his proper goods; by him to be disposed of as his own, to such men of quality, as he conceived most worthy of so great a trust.  
14. In other matters of his Answer, you may observe how cheerfully his majesty doth comply with his two Houses of Parliament, in all particulars which they thought fitting and convenient to propose unto him, touching the place, the power, and duty of a Lord high admiral. only his ●…jesty desired, that that which was his own by Law, and contrary to the Law had been taken from him, should be fully restored unto him, without conditioning to impose any new Limitations on His majesty, or his Ministers, which were not formerly required from them by Law; thinking it most unreasonable (as indeed it was) to be pressed to diminish his own Rights himself, because others had violated and usurp●…d them 
h Ibid. p. 24, 25. . And when this Declaration of is Majesty was quarrelled by the Houses, as a c●…nsure vp●…n their proc●…edings 
i Ibid. p. 25. ; his majesty required, that since they did esteem those words of his [that they had taken his Ships from him contrary to Law] to be a censure on their actions, they would either produce that Law by which they took them, or free themselves from so just and unconfutable a censure, by a ●…peedy and unlimited restoration 
k Ibid. p. 26 . Neither of which being done, or intended by them, his majesty had reason to ad●…ere unto the Answer made unto that particular, which was, that for the present h●… would govern the Admiralty by Commission, as in all times had been accustom●…d; that when he pleased to nominate a Lord high Ad●…irall, it should be such a noble person against whom no just exception should be made; or if there wer●…, his Maiest●…e would leave him to his due trial and ex●…mination: an, that he should employ the Ships to all intents and purposes; by them desired; and use his utmost endeavours to suppress all forces which shall be raised by any person what●…oever, against the laws and Statutes of the kingdom, and to ●…eize all Arms and Ammunition provided for the supply of any such forces 
l Ibidem. p. 〈◊〉. . The difference in which last particulars stands thus between them; The Houses craved, that the Lord admiral should use his utmost endeavour to suppress all forces, which should be raised without His Mai●…sties Authority, and the cons●…nt of the Lords and Commons in Parliament: his Maiest●…e 〈◊〉 that the laws and Stat●…tes of the kingdom, might 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 what is, and what is not to be don●… 
m Ibid●… p. ●…8. , refers the ex●… sing of 〈◊〉 admiral's power, to the suppr●…ssing of all forces which 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 raised by any person whatso●…ver, against the laws and Statutes of the Kingdom.  
15. And now I would fain know what is to be d●…ked in his ●…jesties Answers, to these two last branche●…; either his majesty's insisting on his legal and undoubted Rig●…s, in nominating men of rank and qualiti●…, to those publi●…ke trust●…; or his desire of making the laws and Statut of this realm, the rule & measure, by which inferior Officers must discharge their duties. I hope they will not say the first, and the last they dare ●…ot: and other points then these, I see none in difference, or if there be, they are reducible to these, and of 〈◊〉 moment. I hope they will not say the first, ●…or they are bound by their Oaths of Allegiance, Obedience, and Supremacy, and have bound themselves by their Protestation (a Covenant of their own devising) solemnly taken in the presence of Almighty ●…od, that to the utmost of their powers, and with the haz●…rd of their lives and fortunes, they will defend His majesty's Person, Honour, and Estate. And sure whatever zeal and duty they may pretend unto His Per●…on, they show but small rega●…d unto His Honour, and not much more unto His Estate, in seeking by force to divest hi●… Majesty of those legal Rights, which are inherent in His Person, and have unquestionably been enjoyed by all his royal Predecessors in the times before. Either they break their Oaths, and Prot●…station, and so are perjured by it in the sight of God, in seeking to extort from his Sacred majesty those native Rights, and legal privileges, which are invested in his Person: or if they mean to keep the Protestation, they must needs leave his majesty in as good condition, as they found him in. So that his majesty doth in●…st on nothing in this particular of his Answer, but his native Rights, which they have bound themselves by their Protestation to preserve and keep. And it belong●…d to them in all right and reason, either to show that he had no such right by Law, as he did pretend to, or that themselves had by some fundamental Law, a right superior unto that which was then in question 
n Ibid. p. 20. ; (neither of which they can, or pretend to do) or else to have been satisfied, and contented with his Maj●…sties Answer, against that, which they had no other reason to produce, but their fears and jealousies 
o Ibid. p. 20. , which being without cause, are without care also. Now as they will not say the first, so I dare presume they dare not say the last, and be offended with his Mai●…sties Answer, for no other reason, then that he doth refer the duties of his principal Officers, and such as are in authority under him, to be squared and regulated according to the Laws and Statutes of the Kingdom. Should they wave that, and plainly mani●…est their intents, and purposes of bringing in an Arbitrary Government, and make the Votes of the two Houses, the 〈◊〉 and measure by which the Lo: high admiral of Engl●…nd, the 〈◊〉 of the Cinque-ports, the governors and Commanders of his M●…sties Castles, Forts, and Towns, must discharge their Offices, how easy were it for them to subvert all Law, and bring this wretched people unto such a thraldom, as greater was not suffered by the poor Ath●…ians, under all their Tyrants? This I p●…esume they dare not say, though they may intend it, (as all their Proj●…ct, and proceedings seem to look that way) for fear the people should fall off, and desert them utterly, and so deprive them of those hopes of 〈◊〉, which they have nourished in themselves.  
16. There is another part of sovereignty to be looked on yet, which is the binding of the Subject by a solemn oath: and this for the establishment of their power and party, they labour to impose on the Lord admiral of England, the Warden of the Cinque-ports, all Commanders of ships, all governors of TownsForts, and Castles 
u Collection of all the papers, p 27. . The ordinary Oaths which all those Officers were already by the Laws obliged to take, were not held sufficient, to bind them fast enough unto the side; and therefore they must have a new one of their own devising: and all the Officers must be sworn, not only to preserve the true Reformed Protestant Religion, and the peace of the Kingdom against foreign Forces; bu●… also against all other Forces raised without the consent of the two Houses of Parliament, though by his majesty's authori●…y 
a Ibid. p. 〈◊〉 . His majesty's authority it seems is of little value, when all the Officers and Commanders of his Realm must be sworn against it: the Officers and Commanders in as ill condition, when by their places they are bound either to rebel against his Majesty, if he make use of his Authority, or to be perjured if they do not. And so intent they were upon this design, that when his 〈◊〉 Declared, that if it were made to appear unto him, that any thing was necessary to be added to the former oaths, he would most readily consent unto it in a full and peaceable convention of Parliament 
b Ibid. p. 27. ; they took it for a great affront, as if His majesty had ta●…ed them of some deficiencies, or reckoned them uncapable of making a previsionall law 
c Ibid. p. 〈◊〉 , for the present turn. Nor were they better satisfied with his majesty's Reply, than they had been with his Answer, though he declared his willingness to apply any proper r●…medy unto the extraordinary causes of their fears and jealousies, if he could see there were such causes; and further promised, that when ●…oth Houses should prepare and present such an Oath, as they should make appear unto his majesty, to be necessary to the ends proposed, his majesty would readily consent unto it 
d Pag. 28, ●…9 . His Maje●… must either captivate His unde●…standing to their votes and ordinances, and follow their appointments with a blind obedience, or ●…eild to all things at first sight which are offered to him: or else his Answers are interpreted to be denials (
e Ibid. p. 18, 25. ); and the poor people shall be told in the next new Pamphlets, or the n●…xt eloquent oration at the Common-c●…uncell, how little hopes there is of peace in the way of treaty; and therefore that his Majesty must be forced by Arms, and not gained by Parley.  
17. You may perceive by this discourse, that his majesty demanded nothing in his first Proposition, but what was legally his own, and denied nothing to his two Houses of Parliament, but a divesting of himself of that regal power, by which he is enabled to protect his Subjects. So that the breach was theirs, not his, in that they craved such things (and would not otherwise be satisfied) as were neither fit for them to ask, if they desired to continue in the rank of Subjects, nor possible for him to grant, if he resolved to live a sovereign. Let us next ●…ee what, & how much was done, in the first Propositions of the Lords and Commons for the disbanding of the Armies, and his majesty's return unto his Parliament. In which you may observe, that though there are two several branches, neither of them depending on the other; yet the Committee had no power to Treat upon the latter branch (
f Ibid. p. 30. ), (that of his majesty's coming to the Parliament) but were confined by their Instructions to the former only. So that His Majesty in all manner of justice, might have delayed or denied to begin to treat upon one part, until they had been enabled to treat on the other (
g Ibid. p. 38. ). For what could His most Sacred Majesty have effected in the way to peace, by the disbanding of Armies, in case his coming to the Parliament had still continued unsecure; and that promiscuous rabble of unruly people, which then awed the Houses, and formerly had compelled His Majesty, tog●…ther with the greatest, and most moderate part of the Lords, and Commons to withdraw themselves to places of most a●…d safety, had been as able to affront and terrify them, as before they were. Assuredly by such improvident a disbanding his Majesty had been more exposed to contempt and scorn, reduced himself to the condition he was in at Windsor, Jan. 1641. and the distractions of the kingdom had been more uncurable, than they are at present. Yet his desire of peace, and consequently his proceeding in the Treaty as in order to it, was so prevalent with him 
h Ibid. p. 38. ; that he resolved to overcome all difficulties whatsoever; which were laid before him of set purpose, either to make him stumble in the way, or discourage him fro●… going forwards.  
18. Being thus resolved. His Majesty returned this Answer to the first part of their Proposition, that he was as ready, and as willing that all Armies should be disbanded as any person whatsoever 
i Ibid. p. 29. ; and that he would so do for his part, as soon as the present Treaty came to such a Conclusion, as there might be a clear evidence to himself and His good Subjects of a future peace, and no ground left for the continuance or growth of these bloody dissensions, for the time to come 
k Ibid. p. 31. . And though this Answer could not but be satisfactory to indifferent men, yet being required by the Committee to signify what His Majesty intended to be a clear evidence to himself and his Subjects of a future peace 
l Ibid. p. 32. , he explained it thus, that he intended only such a Conclusion of that pr●…sent Treaty on His majesty's first Proposition, and the Proposition of both Houses, that the Law of the Land might have a full, free, and uninterrupted course, for the defence and preservation of the Rights both of His Majesty, His good Subjects, and the two Houses of Parliament 
m Ibid. p. 34. . Which Answer being so far from satisfying, that it was conceived by both Houses to be in effect a denial 
n Ibid. p. 39 , and His most sacred Majesty perceiving with how much loss of time he treated at so great a distance; he thought it best, and did accordingly vouchsafe to send a gracious Message to them by one of his own servants, April 12. 1643. The substance of which Mass●…ge (for so much as concerns this point) was this which followeth, viz. that as soon as His Majesty was satis●…d in his first Proposition, concerning his own Revenue, Mag●…nes, Ships, and Forts; in which he desired nothing, but that the just, legal, and known rights of His Majesty and of the persons trusted by him be restored unto them; as soon as the Members of both Houses should be restored unto the same capacity of sitting and Voting in Parliament, as they had upon the first of Jan. 1641. (exclusively of such whose votes had been taken away by Bilt, or by new elections on new writs) and that as soon as His Majesty and both Houses may be secured from such tumultuous Assemblies, as to the high dishonour of the Parliament had awed the Members of the same (which he conceived could not otherwise be done, but by adjourning the Parliament, to some place 20 miles from London, such as the Houses should agree on) His Majesty most cheereful●…y and readily would consent to the 〈◊〉 of the Armies, and would return speedily to His two Houses of Parliament, according to the time and place which they should agree on 
o His majesty's Message April 12. 1643. . To which His majesty's most gracious Message the Houses were not pleased to send any other Answer, than the calling back of their 〈◊〉, the next day after, and the dissolving of the Treaty, which ended April 15. being the day by them determined.  
19 I hope you see by this time who must bear the blame of all the miseries, which are expected to ensue in this wretched kingdom: And yet I have some other evidences to evince it further. Two only means were left (as wise men conceived) to put an end unto our troubles; a longer continuance of the Treaty, and His majesty's return to His two Houses of Parliament: both which His Majesty most earnestly desired, but could speed in neither. First, for the Treaty, His Majesty proposed it at the first, without any limitation of the time at all; desiring to avoid both that, and all other limitations whatsoever, as being like to give great interruptions to the business 
p ibid. p. 36. 37 . But on the contrary, the Houses first restrained the whole Treaty unto 20 days, as before was shown; & afterwards so minced the matter, being resolved to treat upon no more than the two first Propositions of either part, and that of the Cessation, that they would hardly allow more time than what would serve for the transcribing of the Papers. It seems the time appointed for the Treaty, was a●… the first restrained as to the point of the Cessation, unto two da●…es only 
q His 〈◊〉 Ans●…er to the R●…asons. Ap●… 4. , (a time too strictly limited for so great a business) the whole to be determined on the fourth of April 
r collection of the Papers, p. 30. . After a further time was given to treat upon the two first Propositions viz. the first Proposition of His Majesty, and the first of both Houses, till the Friday following 
s Ibid. p. 30. , being the seventh of the same month. Upon the eight of April we find seven days more, and that affirmed to be the full remainder of the time for the whole Treaty 
t Ibid. p. 35. . And when His Majesty desired, that the Treaty might proceed without further interruption or limitation of d●…yes 
u Ibid. p. 33. ; Answer was made Ap●…il 10. that the two 〈◊〉 of Parliament did not think fit to enlarge the time of the Treaty beyond the 20 days formerly limited, to be reckoned from the 25 of March then past, which could admit of no alteration or enlargement without manifold prejudice and danger to the whole kingdom 
a Ibid. p. 11. ; to the great sorrow of His Majesty, as he expressed himself to their Committee, the day before they went away, being April 14. 
b Ibid. p. 12.  Nay in such haste the Houses were to dis●…olve the Treaty that without conside●…ing of his Answers to their demands and Proposition, or showing any reason of their dislike, or giving His majesty more time to bethink himself of what was fitting to be done in such weighty businesses, they called back their Committee by a special order; that part thereo●… which came from the House of Commons being commanded to hasten their return in most strict and unusual terms 
c Ibid. p. 48. .  
20. Next for His majesty's return unto His Parliament, you cannot choose but know, that when His Majesty was forced to withdraw himself, and bent his journey towards the North, with what a vehement importunity he was Petitioned 
d Petition of the Lords and Commons, 〈◊〉 26. 1642. June 17. &c.  to return: and that when their Petitions could not bring him back to so unsafe a place, with what strange votes they Declared that withdrawing of His Majesty from His two Houses of Parliament, for a breach of privilege 
e Declaration March 9 1641. ; a cause of great danger a●…d distaction 
f Petition at Theobald's 〈◊〉. 1. 1641. , and of great hazard to the Kingdom 
g 〈◊〉 resolved March 2. 1641. ; & that it would not only be an obstruction, but might be a destruction to the 〈◊〉 of Ireland 
h T●…e votes of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 ●…6. . You cannot choose but call to mind also the Artifices which they used to make the people of those s●…verall Counties, through which he was to pass as he went towards York. to clamour after him with P●…titions, for his re●…urue towards His Parliament: and how their party in and about that Country in which His Majesty made choice to fix His 〈◊〉, did labour and solicit him to that purpose also. The copies of the said Pe●…, with His majesty's gracious Answers to them being put 〈◊〉 print, and obvious to the eyes of every Reader I am sure you have seen, being so curious an observer o●… 〈◊〉 public passages. Thus when His Majesty desired a Treaty, by His gracious Message sent from 〈◊〉, they answered him with an advice of leaving his forces and coming again unto His Parliament 
i Answ. by His majesty's last 〈◊〉; and that of Sept. 16 1642. ; as the only expedient to ●…ake His Majesty happy, and his kingdom safe: and when the Aldermen and other Citizens of London were sent to Oxford to His Majesty in behalf of that City, the self same errand, (His majesty's return unto His Parliament) is made the substance of the business 
k Petition of the Major and Aldermen, Jan. 3. 1642.  A man would think a point so eagetly pretended, and made in the address of both the Houses to His Majesty, Feb. 1. 1642. to be of equal consideration to the peace of the kingdom, with that of the disbanding of both Armies; should not be so coldly followed when it came to the point and was most like to be 〈◊〉, that if they would but have found means to have secured His majesty's orderly and safe going thither, His Majesty was ready to make His journey speedy; desiring nothing more than to be with His two Houses. His majesty's most gracious Message of the 12. of April, for His Return to His two Houses of Parliam●…nt and the disbanding of the Armies, you have seen before; together with their entertainment of it, and their Answer to it.  
All this while according to my method and promise, I have I hope, by laying down the way of their addresses, the language even of their Propositions. and His majesty's Answers, satisfied, and if need were convinced you, or any moderate or reasonable man; that the indisposition to the Peace, the occasion why it hath not been all this while procured, hath been the subtlety of those who are so prevalent in both Houses, as first to cast this kingdom into a War to raise their 〈◊〉 commonwealth, and make themselves the supreme governors therein. And now when they find the foundations of this well-tempered Monarchy cannot by force be battered down, by cunning it must be undermined; for without any invective or asperity, give me leave (to my former Quotations) to say but two or three words of my own, and I have done.  
The two Houses in the 〈◊〉 Propositions Propositions surely demanded of the King in so plain language His sovereignty, nay the 〈◊〉 and power of His Office, as all the world saw they left Him but the name King. This was written in so great Letters, that the meanest man that had a Family to govern, could conclude. I would not be u●…ed thus: Therefore this was too gross to 〈◊〉 on. But the Character must be made less, it must now upon the Treaty o●…Peace (which they know all people wish and understand the beloved name of, though not the fit way to procure it, especially such a one as may be firm and 〈◊〉) be so ordered, that some of the principle heads therein (such as like corner stones, being pulled out, pull down the present power in the Kinghood) should be insisted on, but apparelled with the language of Peace; therefore towards Peace in this Treaty these things are insisted on.  
First the Ships, towns, Forts, 〈◊〉, &c. must be only in such persons hands as His Majesty nominating they approve.  
What is this but to keep all still in their own hands? for surely if you were to name a man for any place, and I approve him, I could weary and necessitate you to name such a one that depended on me, not you.  
Then in these Ships, towns, and Forts, no Forces to be admitted without His majesty's authority, and consent of the two Houses.  
What is this but to gain the power of the 〈◊〉 of this kingdom out of the King into the two Houses? for both which you cannot but know, (and His Majesty often calls upon them for it) they have not the least pretence of Law. If this be said that it is desired but for three years; that is sufficient argument: to show it is a new thing they pretend to. Pray, who thinks that they who can do all this without any right or precedent, after such a title to it, will not find Jealousies enoug●… to continue their possession for ever? for I think some intend to make this Parliament perpetual; yet surely the Subject generally can never be so sotted to wish it so: they gave themselves not up to this race of men for a perpetual government, nor those them for their lives, or with a power to settle themselves for their lives: Nor did they think so themselves when they asked a Parliament every three years, they should have pretended to one always. But as the best reason to ans●…er this, Why should the King (to whom all making war and Peace belongs; and if others had not invaded this right, we had been still in peace) divest himself of this power, since this power in this kingdom was never in any person single, or representative body of all the Subjects, saving himself and Predecessors? What will this effect, but the continuance of the misery we now groan under? for if the Houses can now without the King's authroty make this unnatural war betwixt Subject and Subject, and put those heavy loads on all fellow Subjects that will not comply, as that their persons may be imprisoned, nay slain; their goods plundered, thei●… estates sequestered, nay, given away; (if more could be) what might we not expect, when they had a pretence of interest and power in disposing the arms of this kingdom? And do they not use us as the King, say, they fight for Him, when they ●…hoot to slay Him; say, it is for the good of the kingdom, when authority is given to plunder all men's estates they will call malignant? and when neither Country nor person that would be a neutral, (which I know not how they can answer in Law to the King) can be admitted by them by Law, to show why he is not bound to contribute to their assessments.  
I promised you, I would not say much of my own: and you see that few Articles are treated, therefore I will not exceed them: this only I'll tell you, that if these two Articles were granted as desired, I know not why they might not; nay, I fear they woved presently force the King to the other 17. So little they had left in him to defend himself: for how could I that by Law am now bound to attend him in his wars, stay with him when a new Law said he could ●…eavy no force but with such a consent? Consider therefore his Answer to the 19 Propositions: his Answers to these particulars in this Treaty; and see, whether he make not the rule of all his Actions, Law, and Right; they fears and jealousies? by the one you may measure any thing, (indeed the Law is but the rule of our public actions) by the other no man can measure any thing; for to measures fears and jealousies, is as hard a task, as to take measure of the Moon for a garment: which is ever waxing or declining, never in a certain condition.  
I conclude therefore with this advice, Remember the obedience to Princes: God requires the strict Allegiance our laws enjoin; The oaths we have taken, or by nature are bound to observe to him. Fear then God, and honour the King, and have not to do with those that love change; lest, as you may contribute to continue our miseries for a time, you make your own everlasting.  
FINIS.