FOUR MATTERS OF HIGH CONCERNMENT. Viz. I. Divers Questions upon his Majesty's last Answer concerning the Militia, Resolved upon by both Houses of Parliament. II. The humble Petition of both Houses of Parliament, to the Kings most Excellent Majesty. III. His Majesties Answer to the last Message and Resolution of both Houses of Parliament, Concerning the Militia and the Prince. FOUR The resolution of both Houses of Parliament, March 2. With an Order for the speedy Rigging of the Navy, for the defence of the Kingdom. AC: OX. seal depicting 3 crowns and an open book LONDON, Printed by R. Oulton & G. Dexter, for F. Coules, & T. Banks, 1641. THE HUMBLE PETITION OF Both Houses of Parliament, to the Kings most excellent Majesty. Most gracious Sovereign, YOur Majesty's most loyal and obedient subjects, the Lords and Commons in Parliament do find their just apprehensions of sorrow and fear in respect of the public dangers and miseries like to fall upon your Majesty and the Kingdom, to be much increased upon the receipt of your unexpected denial of their most humble and necessary Petition, concerning the Militia of the Kingdom, especially grieving that wicked and mischievous Counsellors, should still have that power with your Majesty, as in this time of eminent and approaching ruin, rather to incline your resolutions to that which is apt to further the accomplishment of the desi●es of the malignant enemies of Gods true Religion, and of the peace and safety of yourself and your Kingdom, then to the dutiful and faithful counsel of your Parliament. Wherefore they are enforced in all humility to protest, that if your Majesty shall perfist in that denial, the dangers and distempers of the Kingdom are such, as will endure no longer delay but unless you shall be graciously pleased to assure to them by their M●ssengers, that you will speedily apply your Royal Assent to the satisfaction of their former desires, they shall be enforced for the safety of your Majesty and your Kingdoms, to dispose of the Militia, by the authority of both Houses, in such manner as hath been propounded to your Majesty, and they resolve to do it accordingly. They likewise most humbly beseech your Majesty, to believe that the dangerous & desperate design upon the House of Common● mentioned in their Preamble, was no● in●e●ted with any intion to cast the least aspersion upon your Majesty, but therein they reflected upon that malignant party, of ●hose bloody and malicious practices, they have had so often experience, and from which they can never be secured, unless your Majesty will be pleased to put from you those wicked and unfaithful Counsellors, who interpose their own corrupt and malicious designs betwixt your Majesty's goodness and wisdom, and the prosperity and contentment of yourself, and of your people. And that for the dispatch of the great affairs of the Kingdom, the safety of your Person, the protection and comfort of your Subjects, you will be pleased to continue your abode near to London and the Parliament; & not to withdraw yourself to any the remoter parts, which if your Majesty should do must needs be a cause of great danger and distraction. That your Majesty will likewise be graciously pleased to continue the Prince's H●ghnesse in these parts at St. james, or any other of your Houses, near London, whereby the designs which the enemies of the Religion and peace of this Kingdom may have upon his Person, and the jealousies and fears of the people may be prevented. And they beseech your Majesty to be informed by them, that by the Laws of the Kingdom, the Power of raising, ordering, and disposing the Militia within any City, Town, or other place cannot be granted to any Corporation by Charter, of otherwise, without the authority and consent of Parliament, And that those parts of the Kingdom which have put themselves in a posture of defence, against the common danger, have therein done nothing out according to the declaration & direction of both Houses, and what is justifiable by the Laws of this Kingdom, All which; their most humble counsel and desires, they pray your Majesty to accept as the effect of that duty, and allegiance, which they own unto you, and which will not suffer them to admit of any thoughts, intentions, or endeavours, but such as are necessary and advantageous for your Majesty's greatness and honour, and the safety and prosperity of the Kingdom, according to that trust, and power which the laws have reposed in them. Divers Questions upon his Majesty's last Answer, Concerning the Militia, Resolved upon by both Houses of Pa●liament. Resolved upon the Question by both Houses of Parliament. THat this answer of His Majesty is a denial to the desires of both Houses of Parliament, concerning the Militia. Resolved, etc. That those that advised His Majesty to give this answer, are Enemies to the State and mischievous Projectors against the defence of the Kingdoms. Resolved, etc. That this denial is of that dangerous consequence, that if his Majesty shall persist in it; It will hazard the peace and safety of all his Kingdoms, unless some speedy remedy be applied by the Wisdom and authority of both Houses of Parliament. Resolved etc. That such parts of this Kingdom as have put themselves into a posture of defence against the common danger, hath done nothing but what is justifiable, and is approved by the House. Resolved etc. That if his Majesty shall remove into any remote Parts from his Parliament, it will be a great hazared to the Kingdom; and a great prejudice to the proceed of the Parliament. Resolved etc. That these Houses holds it necessary, that his Majesty may be desired, That the Prince may come unto Saint james, or to some other convenient place near about London, and there to continue. Rosolved etc. That the Lords be desired to join with this House in an humble request unto his Majesty; That he will be pleased to reside near his Parliament, That both Houses may have a convenience of Access, unto him upon all occasions. Kesolved etc. That the Lords be moved to join with this House in some fit course of examination, to find who were the persons that gave his Majesty this advice, that they may be removed from his Majesty: and brought to condign punishment. Resolved etc. That no Charter can be granted by the King, to create a power in any Corporation, over the Militia of that place without consent of Parliament. Resolved etc. That the Lords shall be moved to join with this House in these Votes. Kesolved etc. That the Lords shall be desired to appoint a select Committee, that may join with a Committee of a proportionable number of this House; to consider, and prepare what is fit to be done upon these Votes, or upon any thing that may arise upon this answer of his Majesty concerning the Mil●ita, and concerning the Prince. March, 2. Questions resolved upon by both Houses of Parliament: With an Order for the speedy Rigging of the Navy, for the defence of the Kingdom Resolved upon the Question by both Houses of Parliament. THat the Kingdom be forthwith put into a posture of defence, by Authority of both Houses, in such a way as is already agreed upon by both Houses of Parliament. Resolved etc. That the Lords be desired to join with the House of Commons in this Vote. Resolved etc. That a Commit shall be ●pointed to prepare a Declaration upon these two Heads, viz. 1 To say down the just causes of the fears and Jealousies given to these Houses; and to clear these Houses from any jealousies conceived against them. 2. And to consider of all matters that may arise upon this Message of his Majesty and to declare their opinions what is fit to be done thereupon. Die Mercuriij, 2. Martij. 1641. THe Lords and Commons in this present Parliament assembled, having received advertisement of extraordinary preparations made by the neighbouring Princes, both by Land and Sea, the intentions whereof have been so represented, as to raise an apprehension in both Houses, that the public honour, peace, and safety of his Majesty and his Kingdom cannot be secured unless a timely course be taken for the putting of this Kingdom into a condition of defence, as well as Land. It is therefore Ordered, by the Lords and Commons aforesaid, that the Earl of Norththumberland, Lord high Admiral of England, do forth with give effectual direction and order, that all and every the Ships belonging to his Majesty's Navy, which are fit for service, and not already abroad, nor designed for this Summer's Fleet, be with all speed Rigged, and put in such a readiness, as that they may soon be fitted for the Sea; And that his Lordship do also make known unto all the Masters and owners of such Ships as now are in, or about any the Harbours of this Kingdom, & may be of use for the public defence thereof, That it will be an acceptable service to the King and Parliament, if they likewise will cause their ships to be Rigged, and so fare put in a readiness, as they may beat a short warning set forth to Sea, upon any immergent occasion, which will be a means of great security to his Majesty and his Dominions. His Majesty's answer. I Am so much amazed at this Message, that I know not what to answer. You speak of jealousies and fears, lay your hands to your Hearts, and ask yourselves whether I may not likewise be disturbed with Fears and jealousies; and if so, I assure you this Message hath nothing lessened them. For the Militia, I thought so much of it before I sent that answer, and am so much assured that the Answer is agreeable to what in justice or Reason you can ask, or I in Honour Grant, that I shall not alter it in any point. For my residence near you I wish it might be safe and Honourable, that I had no cause to absent myself from White-Hall, ask yourselves whether I have not. For my Son I shall take care of him, which shall justify me to God as a Father and to my Dominions as a King. To conclude, I assure you upon my Honour, that I have no thought but of Peace and justice to my people, which I shall by all fair means seek to preserve and maintain, relying upon the goodness and providence of GOD, for the preservative of myself and Rights. FINIS.