A PROCLAMATION Touching the Election Of fit Persons to serve in PARLIAMENT.  
By the King.  
HAving occasion at this time to deliberate upon divers great and weighty Affairs, highly tending to the continuance and further settling of the peaceable Government and Sasety of this our Kingdom, whereof God hath given us the Charge, We have thought good according to the laudable custom of our Progenitors, to crave the Advice and assistance herein of our well affected Subjects, by calling a Parliament. And though there were no more to be had in consideration but the present face of Christendom so miserably and dangerously distracted at this time, besides a number of other great and weighty Affairs that we are to resolve upon; We have more than sufficient reason to wish and desire (if ever at any time, especially at this) that the Knights and Burgesses that shall serve in Parliament, be, according to the old Institutions, chosen of the gravest, ablest, and best affected minds that maybe found: And therefore out of our care of the Commom Good, whereof themselves are also participant, We do hereby admonish all our loving Subjects that have Votes in the Elections, that choice be made of Persons approved for their sincerity in Religion, and not of any that is noted either of superstitious blindness one way, or of turbulent Humours another way, but of such as shall be found zealous and obedient Children to their Mother-Church.  
And as to the Knights of Shires, That they cast their eyes upon the worthiest men of all sorts of Knights and Gentlemen, that are Guides and Lights of their countries, of good experience, and great Integrity, men that lead an honest and exemplary life in their countries, doing us good service therein; And no bankrupts or discontented persons that cannot fish but in troubled waters. And for the Burgesses, That they make choice of them that best understand the state of their countries, Cities or boroughs: And where such may not be had within their Corporations, then of other grave and discreet men fit to serve in so worthy an Assembly. For we may well foresee, how ill effects the bad choice of unfit men may produce, if the House should be supplied with bankrupts, and necessitous persons, that may desire long Parliaments for their private Protections, or with young and unexperienced men, that are not ripe and mature for so grave a Counsel; or with men of mean Qualities in themselves, who may only serve to applaud the Opinion of others on whom they do depend; or yet with curious and wrangling Lawyers, who may seek reputation by stirring needless Questions. But we wish all our good Subjects so to understand these our Admonitions, as that we no way mean to bar them of their lawful Freedom in Election, according to their Fundamental Laws and laudable customs of this our Kingdom, and especially in the times of good and settled Government.  
Given at our Court the sixth of Novemb.   

LONDON, Printed for M. B. Anno, 1660.