WHereas Robert Smith Esquire , now high Sheriffe of the County of Essex , hath lately received a Writ bearing date the twenty seventh day of May , in the eighteenth yeere of his now Majesties reigne , thereby commanding him to publish a Proclamation , whereby all his Majesties Subjects belonging to the Trained Bands or Militia of this Kingdome , are forbidden to raise , March , Muster , or exercise by vertue of any Order or Ordinance , of one or both Houses of Parliament , without consent or warrant from his Majestie upon paine of punishment according to the Lawes . And whereas the said high Sheriffe hath now addressed himselfe to both Houses of Parliament , for advice and directions therein concerning the said Proclamation to be contrariant and repugnant to the Oedinance and Judgement 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 Kingdome against Forraigne invasion , and preservation of the publike peace against intestine Rebellions and Insurrections here at home , the maintenance of the Priviledges and Authority of Parliament according to the Protestation .

That the said Writ is illegall for that the constitution and policy of this Kingdome , and the King by his Proclamation cannot declare the Law contrary to the resolution of any of the inferiour Courts of Justice , much lesse against the high Court of Parliament . And likewise for that this Writ forbiddeth that to be done which they are obliged unto by their duty to God , their alleagiance to his Majesty , and the trust reposed in them by the Common-wealth , ( the Law having intrusted them to provide for the good and safety thereof . ) And that the said high Sheriffe 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 concerne the Parliament , without first acquainting the said Houses .

And it is further declared that the said high Sheriffe and other Sheriffes of other Counties within this Kingdome of England , and the Dominion of Wales , for their obedience to the Orders and Ordinances of Parliament ; Or that have , or hereafter shall doe any thing in the execution thereof , shall be protected by the power and authority of both the said Houses .