A DECLARATION Of the Lords and Commons in Parliament, Concerning an illegal Writt sent to the High Sheriff of Essex, by his Majesty for the publishing of his late Proclamation to forbid all his loving Subjects to raise, march, muster, or exercise by virtue of any Order or Ordinance of both houses of Parliament  

Ordered by the Lords and Commons, that this be forth-with Printed  
H. elsing. clear. Par. D. come.   
LONDON, Printed by A. Norton for Edw. Husbands and John frank, June 20, 1642.   

A Declaration of the Lords and Commons in Parliament, concerning the execution of the Militia.  
WHereas Robert Smith Esquire, now high sheriff of the County of Essex, hath lately received a Writ bearing date the twenty seventh day of May, in the eighteen year of his now Majesties reign, thereby commanding him to publish a Proclamation, whereby all his Majesties Subjects belonging to the Trained Bands or Militia of this kingdom, are forbidden to raise, 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 concerning the said Proclamation to bee contrariant and repugnant to the Ordinance and Iudgement 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 Majesties person the defence of the kingdom against foreign invasion, and 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 resolution of any of the inferior Courts of Iustice, much less against the high Court of Parliament. And likewise for that this Writ forbiddeth that to bee done which they are obliged unto by their duty to God, their allegiance to his majesty, and the trust reposed in them by the Common-wealth,( the Law having entrusted them to provide for the good and safety thereof.) And that the said high sheriff hath done nothing in forbearing 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 Sheriffs of other Counties within this kingdom of England, and the 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.  
FINIS.