to carry these Propositions to the king, and receive his Answer to them, which they were to bring back with all convenient speed. The commissioners named for this purpose were, Basil earl of Denbigh, Wm. lord Maynard, members of the house of peers; Thomas lord viscount Wenman, hon. Denzil Hollis, han, Wm. Pierpoint and Bulstrode Whitlocke, esqrs, members of the commons; John ford Maitland, sir Ch. Erskin, knt. and Mr. Robert Barclay, from the Estates of the Parliament of Scotland. The earl of Denbigh, the first of these commissioners, had been questioned by the parliament, on some complaints made against him for his misconduct as an officer in their army; and before the commons world allow him to be a commissioner, they debated all the Articles against him in their house; these Articles were chiefly jealousies agains him for favouring delinquents, &c. but which occasioned no less than four divisions of that house in one day; in one of which the ques tion being put, Whether the earl of Deligh stood clear of any disaffection to the public service, or breach of trust reposed in him by parliament? the numbers were 48 against 53; so that this question passing in the negative, it was first resolved, That the earl of Denbigh should not be sent down to his command in the associated army; but, next, that he was deservedly employed upon the service f going with the Propositions for Peace to lis majesty. in the ordering and government of the lord mayor, aldermen and commons, in commoncouncil assembled, or such as they shall, from time to time, appoint, whereof the lord mayor and sheriffs for the time being to be three. And that the militia of the parishes without London, and the liberties within the weekly bills of mortality, may be under command of the lord mayor, aldermen and commons, in common-council of the said city, to be ordered in such manner as shall be agreed on and appointed by both houses of parliament. That the Tower of London may be in the government of the city of London, and the chief officer and governor thereof, from time to time, be nominated and removeable by the common council. That the citizens or forces of London shall not be drawn out of the city into any other parts of the kingdom, without their own consent; and that the drawing of their forces into other parts of the kingdom in these distracted times, may not be drawn into example for the future. And for prevention of inconveniences, which may happen by the long intermission of common-councils, it is desired that there be an act, that all bye-laws and ordinances already made, or hereafter to be made, by the lord mayor, aldermen and commons, in common-council assembled, touching the calling, continuing, directing, and regulaing of the same, shall be as effectual in law, to all intents and purposes, as if the same were particularly enacted by the authority of parliament: and that the lord mayor, aldermen and Nov. 17. The king having been applied a commons, in common-council, may add to, or for a Safe-Conduct to the parliament's com repeal the said Ordinances from time to time missioners for Peace, this day their lord-general as they shall see cause. That such other Pro-returned it, along with the following Lette positions as shall be made for the city, for their from prince Rupert to the lord-general, which farther safety, welfare, and government, and was read in the house of lords: shall be approved of by both houses, may be granted and confirmed by act of parliament, Now, therefore we humbly beseech your majesty to grant these Propositions, which are presented for the peace and public good of your kingdoms; and as we therein, according to our trust and duty, have regard to the glory of God, and the quiet and welfare of your people; so shall we really endeavour that your majesty may live in the splendour and glory of your royal ancestors, and which besccmeth your royal place and dignity." Commissioners appointed to carry the Propositions for Peace to the King.] Nov. 9. This day a report was made, by the earl of Northumberland, of what the committee of both kingdoms had considered as to the manner of sending the Propositions for Peace to the king; That as both the secretaries of state were persons excepted by the parliament, in the Propositions, they thought it fit that a Letter should be written from the lord-general to the general of the king's army; and a copy of the Letter intended to be sent was read. This was no more than to desire a Safe-Conduct for the members of both houses, appointed Lord Digby and Mr. Nicholas. "My lord; I herewithal send your forth ship two Safe-Conducts from his majesty, a cording as is desired by you. Ilis majesty's affections for Peace being such as, although be could never receive any Answer to those grscious invitations to a Treaty, which have bee made by him of late, yet he would not lose the least time in retarding his to you, upon so we || come a subject as Propositions for Peace. I shall only add, that his majesty would have been very glad that this overture had been made in such a manner, as that it might, forthwith, have been accompanied with a Cessation of Arms; but, since you have not thought fit të do it in such a way, 'I shall declare to your lordship, that this message does not set any stop to the proceedings of his majesty's army and so I rest Your, &c. RUPERT. Marlto rough, Nov. 15. 1644." The Commons resolve to lay a Tar WAS Places of Profit.] Nov. 18. At this time it was, that the commons seemed to be so strak ened for money, that they came to a Res lution to tax all Places of Profit, especially those that were enjoyed by the members of either house. A large committee was pointed for this purpose; who were to enquire into the value and nature of all the offices and places, and other advantages, bestowed by parlament, who were the persons that enjoyed hem; and to consider what allowance was o be made out of them to the persons that xecute them, and what to the public, The King's first Answer to the Commissioners, fter their presenting the Propositions for Peace.] Nov. 30. The earl of Denhigh, one of the commissioners for Peace, reported to be lords, "That, according to their com nands, he, with the rest, delivered the Propoitions to his majesty, for a safe and wellrounded Peace: that, on the 27th instant, hey received from the king the following Paper, with these words, 'This is my Answer, and you must take it and carry it to those that sent you;' which Paper was read in these words: vernor there to that purpose. Ourselves followed some two hours after; and, when we came near the town, we sent another trumpeter, who sounding near the guards, a file of musketeers came to us, desiring us to tarry there till our lodgings were ready. We staid there some two hours; and then Mr. Killigrew came riding to us, and said, 'His majesty knew not that we were there until he came into the garden, and saw us where we stood upon the hill, and was very angry we staid so long; but that he had taken order we should be admitted and provided for immediately; and that he was come to tell us so. Just at that time came likewise the lieutenant-governor of Oxford, who brought us into the town, carricd us to an Inn, at the sign of the CatherineWheel, and told us he had provided some "C. R. The Propositions, newly presented chambers at another Inn, the Star, for the o his majesty, being very long; and containing Scots commissioners.-That night we sent to natters in them of very great moment and im- the duke of Richmond, desiring him to acquaint ortance, as being, in great part, an alteration his majesty, that we were a committee sent of the frame of government, both in church from the parliament of both kingdoms, with nd state; and the messengers, who presented Propositions of Peace; and to know when his hem, declaring that they had no power to majesty would be pleased we should attend reat or to consent to any alteration, it cannot him with them: he sent as word, The king had e expected that his majesty should return a appointed the next day, at 2 o'clock in the resent, particular, and positive Answer: but afternoon, for us to attend him at Christs he hath, from his soul, always desired the Church, which we did, in the garden there. ettling a happy Peace in this distracted king- And, after we had kissed his hand, we prelom; and to that purpose hath, from time to seuted the Propositions to him, which were ime, made all possible overtures; so he hopes read by the earl of Denbigh, and were heard hat God will so work upon the hearts of all by his majesty with a great deal of patience; persons concerned, that even this application, so as there being some noise and disorder uch as it is, upon further thought and consi- among the standers-by, upon mentioning the leration, may produce some good effects to- names of the two princes, Rupert and Mauwards it; to the which his majesty calls God to rice, amongst the persons excepted out of the witness, there shall be nothing wanting on his general Pardon, his majesty was angry at it; part, which is agreeable to honour, justice, reproved them for it, and commanded them to and conscience. There shall all possible expe- be silent. The Propositions being read, he fition be used in preparing his majesty's An- asked us, If we had power to treat? We answer, which he intends speedily to send by swered, We had not: that our commission messengers of his own; and, to that purpose, was to prescut the Propositions, and to desire that there may be no loss of time, he desires a his Answer in writing. His majesty replied, Safe-Conduct may be presently sent for theWe should have it as soon he could.'-On duke of Richmond and the earl of South- Wednesday in the evening the earl of Dorset ampton, with their attendants, to bring up his sent a gentleman to us to let us know, • That majesty's said Answer. And his majesty doth his majesty had resolved on his Answer, which heartily wish that God may so deal with him, we might receive that night, or in the morning, and his, as he endeavours all just and lawful as we would. Unto which we answered, ways to restore this poor kingdom to a lasting, That we were ready to atteud his majesty at happy, and blessed Peace. Given at our Court what time he pleased to command us. The at Oxford, Nov. 24, 1644." messenger speedily returned, and brought us word, His majesty was ready to give us his Answer speedily. We forthwith attended bina at Christ-Church; where his majesty delivered a Paper to one that stood by, and commanded him to read it to us: after the reading whereof, his majesty used these words, as near as we can recollect, That he had ever expressed his 'desire of Peace, which did never more appear "Upon Saturday the 23rd of Nov. being at than by giving this Answer; and if he had Reading, and having notice from the governor not a great desire to Peace he would not have of Wallingford, that the king would be that given it.'-Upon hearing the Paper read, the night at Oxford, we sent thence a trumpeter, earl of Denbigh, at our desire, did move his and some servants with him, to provide our majesty that we might withdraw and attend lodgings at Oxford, and a Letter to the go-him again presently; upon which his majesty The Report of what passed upon that Occation, at Oxford. Dec. 3. The earl of Denbigh further reported, "That he having advised with the rest of the commissioners about the several particulars concerning their delivery of the Propositions to the king, they had drawn up a Narrative thereof, which he presented to the house as follows: 6 6 demanded, if we had power to treat, and said, 'He knew we had none; for we had told him ♦so; that we had received no power from London since; and he bid us answer, as persons of honour, if we had received any: I know," says he, you have had no post since.' The earl of Denbigh moved again, that we might withdraw for a little time, or have the liberty to attend his majesty again before our return, as conceiving our Instructious would engage as to some reply to the Paper delivered to us. Then his majesty said, I will hear any thing 'you have to deliver from London, but none of the fancies and chimeras taken up at Oxford, by your favour;' and added, You shall put no 'tricks upon me.' The earl of Deuhigh answered, We were not persons to put tricks upou any, much less upon his majesty.' The king replied, I ulean it not to you.' Then, by our advice, the earl of Denbigh desired of his majesty to know, to whom that Paper was directed. The king said, It is my Auswer; I "give it to you; it is your duty to take it; you may deliver it to them that sent you. The earl of Denbigh pressing it a second time, the king replied, You must take it, if it were a Ballad, or a Song of Robin Hood:' and said further, You told me twice you had no power to treat, my memory is as good as yours, you were only to deliver the Propositions; a postilion might have done as much as you.' The earl of Denbigh replied, "That was not our condition, though we would be glad, in these distracted times, to do his majesty and the Lingdom service in any condition. His majesty replied, I mean it not to your persons.' Then Mr. Hollis said to the king, Sic, we had in charge to bring the Propositions to you, • and to desire your Answer in writing, which we have, with all humility, done: the reason why the earl of Denbigh desired we might withdraw, was, that we might consult withour Instructions; because the Paper delivered • unto us hath no direction, and therefore we 'beseech your majesty, to let us know to whom it must be delivered;' to which the king said, I am not bound to answer that question. Mr. Hollis replied, If we can have no other Answer, we must carry this. Then Mr. Pierpoint said, Our Instructions are only to deliver the Propositions unto your majesty, to desire your Answer in writing, and to return with it; but in this Paper, de♦livered by your majesty there is a Message.' His majesty to this said,That is all one, this is my Answer; if it were a Song of Robin • Hood you must carry it :' and, after a pause he added, 'I desire you to further the procuring of the Safe-Conduct, than which you cannot do better service to the kingdom. I, and these 'honest men about me, are most desirous of 'Peace: there are three things I will not part with, the church, my crown, and my friends, and you will have much ado to get any of these from me. I will not press you to go presently, you may, if you will, stay some time; but the sooner you send me a Safe-Conduct < the better.' So we kissed his majesty's hand, and came away to our lodgings. The vert morning, Mr. Ashburnham came to the menbers of both houses, and said, he was sent from the king to every one of them severally, to deliver a Message, which was to this effect, That his majesty was sensible some word might have fallen from him in his passion, that might give discontent; that it was not so intended by him: and he desired that th 'best construction might be made of it.' To this they answered, severally, and, afterwards, all together, That they took this Message für a very great honour, and desired him to er press their humble thanks to his majesty in the best language he could. Afterwards, being ready to take coach, another Message was brought us from his majesty, That would tarry a little till a trumpeter might be ready to go along with us, who was sent by him to bring the Safe-Conduct;' which #4 did, and accordingly he is some with us for that purpose." After reading this Narrative, the lords sp pointed the lord-general Essex, the lord admiral Warwick, the earls of Northumberland, Denbigh, Manchester, and Sarum, the viscount Say and Sele, and the lord North, as a cuer mittee to withdraw presently, and consider what was fit to be done upon it, and report their opinion to the house. The result of which was, That after a conference had with the other house about this matter, it was resolved to grant a Safe-conduct to the duke of Rich mond and the earl of Southampton and ther attendants, to bring from his majesty, to the two houses of parliament, his further Answer to their Propositious; and the rest was referred to the consideration of the committee for t safety of the two kingdoms, who were to de liver their advice about it to the house.-The same day that the earl of Denbigh made the foregoing report to the lords, Mr. Hollis pre sented a Narrative thereof to the commons, which is entered in their Journals: but all the particulars therein being much more amply related above, we pass this over with observ ing, That though that house resolved, The they did approve of the proceedings and ca riage of their committee, acknowledged the good service performed by them, and returned them all thanks for their faithful management of this business: yet Mr. Hollis and M Whitlocket were both questioned afterwards for some private conversation which passed, this time, between the king and them at Os ford. Blas Proceedings on Matters of Religion-Co plaint against a Preacher for uttering phemy.] The Assembly of Divines had sat a this while, in die ad diem, in Westminster Abby, about a thorough Reformation in Re ligious Matters; amongst which they had been busy, for some time, in compiling a Directory for the Service of God; and so much of it a Memoirs, p. 40. + Memorials, p. 108. to the Dutch Ambassadors. [314 him forthwith before the lords in parliament, to answer this charge; and then they will proceed against him. Was done, they presented to the lords. The commons also discussed all these points in their house, in such a manner as they must then have appeared more like a Synod of the Clergy, The Parliament's Answer to the Dutch Amthan the lay representatives of the people: for bassadors Offer of Mediation.] Doc. 5. The not a single article, either for ordination of Ambassadors from the States General having priests, administration of the sacraments, &c. now waited, a long time, for an Answer ba but what was first debated, and then received their Paper formerly delivered to parliament, the sanction of that house. This had conti- applied to the lord general for a pass to go ta tinued, by intervals, for several months toge- the king at Oxford; with a purpose, as they ther. But we shall not meddle with these re-intimated, not to return again. The lords beligious disputes any further than as the parlia-ing told of this, sent a message to the cominong meat was concerned in them, and we find them to expedite the Answer, which had laid all this in their Journals. Those authorities inform us, time before them; and accordingly it was sent That the Directory being at last settled by both | up the next day, read and agreed to as fol the Assembly of Divines and the house of com-lows: mons, it was presented to the lords by the first of these only, for their approbation. On the presentment thereof, Nov. 30, Dr. Burgess, one of the Assembly, delivered in another Paper; which, he said, they all trembled to think on; but, to discharge their duty to God, they could not but reveal it to their lordships. The Paper was read as follows: Certain BLASPHEMIES delivered in a private “The parliament of England do, with all respectful gratitude, acknowledge the great and good affection of the high and mighty lords the States General of the United Provinces, expressed by their Ambassadors, towards, the good, peace, and happiness, of these his ma jesty's dominions and the parliament; as also their friendly offer to interpose, and use their best endeavours for the effecting thereof, ia case it be so desired: nor had there been sø much time intermitted therein, the maintaining and seeking of Peace having ever been our "1. That place in Genesis, vi. 6. where it chief aim, had we not, before this offer of my is said, God repented that he made man,' was lords ambassadors, put ourselves in a way of untrue; and so other places of Scripture. 2. humbly seeking to his majesty to re-obtain a That a man is to believe according to his rea-well-grounded Peace, by preparing certain Proson; for he that believeth contrary to his reason, it is a lye to himself. 3. That the Prince of the Air, that rules in the children of disobedience, is God; and that there was no other spirit but one, which spirit is God. 4. That we did look for great matters from one crucified at Jerusalem 1600 years ago; but that would do us no good; it must be a Christ formed in us, in the deity united to our humanity. 5. Que of his company, before the exercise, endeavoured to prove that Christ doubted when he cried, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? One asked him, What he believed Christ came into the world for? He answered, To live 32 years, and to die; and nothing else that he knew of. And Mr. Webb, when he spake of Christ, seemed to speak with derision. 6. He thought once a righteousness without him should have saved him; but his exhortation was, Let your rejoicings be in yourselves and not in another. 7. That we should think of ourselves no better than was meet, for God loved the creature that crept upon the ground as well as the best saint; and he knew no difference between his flesh and the flesh of a toad. 8. He said that a drunkard did the will of God. 9. That the soul died with the body; and that all things should have an end, but that God should remain for ever." Dr. Burgess further declared, "That Mr. Grange, a man of credit, can prove these particulars, and produce others to make them good." Hereupon the lords ordered, That the gentleman usher attending that house, or his deputy, shall attach Thomas Webb, and bring positions tending thereunto; which, upon the common interest of both kingdoms, have, until of late, remained in the hands of the States of Scotland; aud being returned from thence, are lately sent and presented, by a committee of both kingdoms, to his majesty, from whom we hope to receive a gracious Answer; they tend ing both to his own, as also his people's good: however, we cannot but express our due sense of the good respect from the high and mighty lords the States General of the United Provinces to this kingdom, in their desires to advance this happy Peace; which will have so great an influence upon the future good or evit of all professing the Protestant religion, and in particular the high and mighty states of the United Provinces; whose prosperity, as our own, we shall, with all true affection, promote." This Answer was delivered to the Ambassadors, by the house of lords, under the same ceremonies with which their Propositions were received. The Dutch Ambassadors Remonstrance against the Parliament's last Answer.] Dec. 13. When the States Ambassadors were introduced the last time, they were not suffered to speak, but were told, If they had any thing to say in Answer, the lords would receive it in writing. Accordingly, the following Paper was delivered this day to the house and read; but no further notice was then taken of it: "The Ambassadors of the United Provinces of the Netherlands, having audience from both. the honourable houses of parliament of Edg ment's Propositions for Peace.] Dec. 16. It was notified to the lords that the duke of Richmond and the earl of Southampton were come to town, with an Answer from the king to the Propositions of both houses; and they desired to know in what manner they should address themselves. On which a committee of 6 lords was appointed to meet with a propo tionable number of the commons, to consider of the manner of their reception. This affair being pressing, it was agreed to hear the re port in the afternoon. Accordingly, the earl of Northumberland, from the committee, acquainted the lords, That it was their opinion a select committee of both houses should be appointed to receive the two lords in the Painted Chamber, the Scots commissioners to land, to receive an Answer to their Proposi- | ampton bring the King's Answer to the Parks tions of the 12th of July last, have received a certain writing from their honours, to which they remonstrate, as follows: 1. That they have sent the said writing to their lords and superiors the States General, &c. who may consider if they find there any Answer to their so amiable and cordial Presentation; but, in the opinion of the said Ambassadors, (for they presented the interposition of the States in order to help forward a good accommodation of the differences between the king and his parliament) it was not expressed clearly and categorically in the said writing, whether the said interposition presented to their honours be convenient and acceptable to them or not. 2. That the Proposition of the said Ambassadors (besides the interposition presented) contained also a demand of restitution and pay-be there also present at 4 o'clock in the afte ment of damages of the goods and ships be- noon the next day; sir Peter Killigrew to be longing to the subjects of the United Provinces, sent to wait upon them to the place where and taken by the ships and people of the par- they were to repose themselves. The manner liament, for which they could not hitherto ob- of sitting in the Painted Chamber, to be thus; tain justice nor a perfect restitution. 3. And the lords commissioners to sit on one side of lastly, The said Ambassadors, by their said the table, and the Scots commissioners on the Propositions, have demanded a regulation for other side; the two lords who came from the future; whicl; is, That the liberty of navi- the king to sit on a short form at the upgation and of commerce, be permitted in all per end of the table, the committee of the the havens, ports, and places of England, Scot-house of commous upon a form behind the laud, and Ireland, indifferently and without exception of places: and there being exhibited to the said Ambassadors a certain draught of an Ordinance, they were promised the same should be taken into trore mature consideration; and they expected an Answer from the parliament thereupon,before the said Ordinance be put in execution; which the said Ambassadors, yet to this day, expect from the equity of both the honourable houses of parliament. Dec. 12, 1644." Sir J. Hotham petitions for a Respite of his Execution.] Dec. 14. About this time it was that sir John Hotham and his son, so often mentioned for their fidelity and services to the parliament's cause, were tried by their newly made martial law, for betraying it, and sentenced to death. And this day we find a Petition from the former was presented to the Lords, signifying, That he being condemned to die by a court martial, and Monday the 16th ordered for his execution, he was much straitened in time for the settlement of those things which concern both himself and his estate; and therefore prayed to have more time allowed him.' This Petition was referred to the other house for their concurrence in allowing sir John time for ten days longer; but the messengers finding the commons busy about private affairs, were not admitted; the lords therefore recommend it to the court martial to reprieve him for that time, if they saw no cause to the contrary. lords. Dec. 17. The report of this reception was made in the house of lords by the lord-general, who said, That the two lords from the king had delivered to the committee two Papers, after an introduction from the duke of Richmond to this effect: "My lord and gentlemen; We are commanded by his majesty, together with his Answer which we bring, to present to you the ass rance of his real and earnest desires of Peace; which, he conceives, cannot so well appear by any expressions in words, as by those proos his actions shall make, whensoever it shall be put into a way of trial; which he very much desires may be with all speed." Then the King's Answer was read in hac verba: "C. R. His majesty has seriously consider ed your Propositions; and finds it very diff cult, in respect they import so great an al teration in government, both in the church and state, to return a particular and positive Answer before a full debate, wherein these Propositions, and all the necessary explana tions and reasons for assenting, dissenting, qualifying, and all inconveniences and mir chiefs which may ensue, and cannot otherwis be so well foreseen, may be discussed and weighed. His majesty therefore propose and desireth, as the best expedient for Peace, That you will appoint such a number of per sons as you shall think fit, to treat with the The D. of Richmond and the E. of South-like number of persons to be appointed by his • The proceedings against sir John Hotham and his son are at large in Rushworth and Whitlocke. majesty, upon the said Propositions, and such other things as shall be proposed by his majes ty, for the preservation and defence of the protestant religion, (with due regard to the |