A
DECLARATION
Of
the
Lords
and
Commons
of
Parliament
Assembled
at
OXFORD
,
of
their
Proceedings
touching
a
Treaty
for
Peace
,
and
the
Refusall
thereof
;
with
the
severall
Letters
and
Answers
that
passed
therein
.
IF
Our
most
earnest
Desires
and
Endeavours
could
have
prevailed
for
a
Treaty
,
Our
Proceedings
therein
,
without
this
Declaration
,
would
have
manifested
to
all
the
world
the
clearnesse
of
Our
intentions
for
the
restoring
the
Peace
of
this
Kingdome
:
but
seeing
all
the
means
used
by
vs
for
that
purpose
,
have
been
rendered
fruitlesse
,
We
hold
Our selves
bound
to
let
Our
Countries
know
,
what
in
discharge
of
Our
Duty
to
God
and
to
them
,
We
on
Our
parts
have
done
since
Our
comming
to
Oxford
,
to
prevent
the
further
effusion
of
Christian
blood
and
the
desolation
of
this
Kingdome
.
His
Majesty
having
by
his
Proclamation
,
upon
occasion
of
the
Invasion
from
Scotland
,
and
other
weighty
reasons
,
Commanded
our
attendance
at
Oxford
upon
the
22d
of
Ianuary
last
,
there
to
advise
Him
for
the
preservation
of
the
Religion
,
Lawes
and
Safety
of
the
Kingdome
,
and
to
restore
it
to
its
former
Peace
and
Security
,
These
Motives
,
with
the
true
sense
of
our
Countries
miseries
,
quickned
our
duty
to
give
ready
obedience
to
those
His
Royall
Commands
,
hoping
(
by
Gods
blessing
)
to
have
become
happy
Instruments
for
such
good
ends
.
And
upon
our
comming
hither
,
We
applied
our selves
with
all
diligence
to
advise
of
such
meanes
as
might
most
probably
settle
the
Peace
of
this
Kingdome
,
(
the
thing
most
desired
by
His
Majesty
and
Our selves
;
)
and
because
We
found
many
gratious
offers
of
Treaty
for
Peace
by
His
Majesty
,
had
been
rejected
by
the
Lords
and
Commons
remaining
at
Westminster
,
We
deemed
it
fit
to
write
in
our
own
names
,
and
thereby
make
triall
,
whether
that
might
produce
any
better
effect
for
the
accomplishing
our
desires
and
our
Countries
happinesse
.
And
they
having
(
under
pain
of
death
)
prohibited
the
addresse
of
any
Letters
or
Message
to
Westminster
,
but
by
their
Generall
,
and
We
conceiving
Him
a
Person
who
(
by
reason
of
their
trust
reposed
in
Him
)
had
a
great
influence
into
,
and
power
over
their
proceedings
,
resolved
to
recommend
it
to
His
care
,
and
to
engage
Him
in
that
pious
Worke
,
with
our
earnest
desire
to
him
to
represent
it
to
those
that
trusted
him
,
(
to
prevent
all
exceptions
and
delay
;
)
and
thereupon
the
27
of
the
same
Ianuary
,
dispatched
a
Letter
away
under
the
hands
of
the
Prince
his
Highnesse
,
the
Duke
of
Yorke
,
and
of
43
Dukes
,
Marquesses
,
Earles
,
Viscounts
,
and
Barons
of
the
House
of
Peeres
&
118
Members
of
the
House
of
Commons
there
present
,
(
many
others
of
vs
,
by
reason
of
distance
of
place
,
sicknesse
,
and
imployments
in
His
Majesties
Service
,
and
for
want
of
timely
notice
of
the
Proclamation
of
Summons
,
not
being
then
come
hither
:
)
which
Letter
We
caused
to
be
inclosed
in
a
Letter
from
the
Earle
of
Forth
the
Kings
Generall
.
A
true
Copy
of
which
Letter
from
us
to
the
Earle
of
Essex
hereafter
followeth
,
viz.
My
Lord
,
HIs
Majesty
having
by
His
Proclamation
of
the
22.
of
Decemb
.
(
upon
the
occasion
of
the
Invasion
threatned
,
and
in
part
begun
by
some
of
His
Subjects
of
Scotland
)
summon'd
all
the
Members
of
both
Houses
of
Parliament
to
attend
Him
here
at
Oxford
:
We
whose
names
are
underwritten
are
here
met
and
Assembled
in
obedience
to
those
His
Majesties
commands
.
His
Majesty
was
pleased
to
invite
us
in
the
said
Proclamation
by
these
gratious
expressions
;
[
That
His
Subjects
should
see
how
willing
He
was
to
receive
advice
for
the
preservation
of
the
Religion
,
Lawes
and
safety
of
the
Kingdom
,
and
as
farre
as
in
Him
lay
,
to
restore
it
to
it
's
former
Peace
and
security
,
(
His
chiefe
and
only
end
,
)
from
those
whom
they
had
trusted
,
though
He
could
not
receive
it
,
in
the
place
where
He
appoynted
.
]
This
most
gratious
invitation
hath
not
only
been
made
good
unto
us
,
but
seconded
and
heightned
by
such
unquestionable
Demonstrations
of
the
deep
and
Princely
sense
which
possesses
His
Royall
heart
of
the
miseries
and
calamities
of
His
poor
Subjects
in
this
unnaturall
Warre
,
and
of
his
most
entire
and
passionate
affections
,
to
redeem
them
from
that
sad
and
deplorable
condition
,
by
all
waies
possible
,
consistent
either
with
His
Honour
,
or
with
the
future
safety
of
the
Kingdom
,
that
,
as
it
were
impiety
to
question
the
sincerity
of
them
,
so
were
it
great
want
of
duty
and
faithfulnesse
in
us
,
(
His
Majesty
having
vouchsafed
to
Declare
,
That
he
did
call
us
to
be
witnesses
of
His
actions
,
and
privy
to
His
intentions
,
)
should
we
not
testify
and
witnesse
to
all
the
World
,
the
assurance
we
have
of
the
piety
and
sincerity
of
Both
;
We
being
most
entirely
satisfied
of
this
truth
,
We
cannot
but
confesse
,
that
,
amidst
our
highest
afflictions
,
in
the
deep
and
piercing
sense
of
the
present
miseries
and
desolations
of
our
Country
,
and
those
farther
dangers
threatned
from
Scotland
,
We
are
at
length
erected
to
some
chearfull
and
comfortable
thoughts
,
that
possibly
we
may
yet
(
by
Go'ds
mercy
,
if
his
Iustice
have
not
determined
this
Nation
for
its
sinnes
,
to
totall
ruine
and
desolation
)
hope
to
be
happy
Instruments
of
our
Countries
redemption
,
from
the
miseries
of
Warre
,
and
restitution
to
the
blessing
of
Peace
.
And
We
being
desirous
to
believe
your
Lordship
(
howsoever
ingaged
)
a
person
likely
to
be
sensibly
touched
with
these
considerations
,
have
thought
fit
to
invite
you
to
that
part
in
this
blessed
work
,
which
is
only
capable
to
repaire
all
our
misfortunes
,
and
to
boy
up
the
Kingdome
from
ruine
;
That
is
,
by
conjuring
you
,
by
all
the
obligations
that
have
power
upon
Honour
,
Conscience
,
or
publique
Piety
,
that
laying
to
heart
,
as
we
do
,
the
inwardly
bleeding
condition
of
your
Country
,
and
the
outward
more
menacing
destruction
by
a
forraigne
Nation
,
upon
the
very
poynt
of
invading
it
,
you
will
cooperate
with
us
to
its
preservation
,
by
truly
representing
to
,
and
faithfully
and
industriously
promoving
with
those
by
whom
you
are
trusted
,
this
following
most
sincere
and
most
earnest
desire
of
ours
;
That
they
joyning
with
us
in
a
right
sense
of
the
past
,
present
,
and
more
threatning
calamities
of
this
deplorable
Kingdome
,
some
Persons
be
appoynted
on
either
part
,
and
a
place
agreed
on
,
to
treat
of
such
a
Peace
,
as
may
yet
redeem
it
from
the
brink
of
desolation
.
This
addresse
we
should
not
have
made
,
but
that
His
Majesties
Summons
by
which
we
are
met
,
most
gratiously
proclaiming
pardon
to
all
without
exception
,
is
evidence
enough
,
that
his
mercy
and
clemency
can
transcend
all
former
provocations
,
and
that
He
hath
not
only
made
us
witnesses
of
His
Princely
Jntentions
,
but
honoured
us
also
with
the
name
of
being
security
for
them
.
God
Almighty
direct
your
Lordship
,
and
those
to
whom
you
shall
present
these
our
most
reall
desires
,
in
such
a
course
as
may
produce
that
happy
Peace
and
settlement
of
the
present
Distactions
,
which
is
so
heartily
desired
and
prayed
for
by
us
,
and
which
may
make
us
,
Your
&c.
From
OXFORD
the
29.
Ianuary
,
1643.
We
are
not
ashamed
of
that
earnest
,
meek
,
and
Christian
request
We
made
in
this
Letter
,
(
though
it
was
cryed
through
London
Streets
in
scorn
,
as
the
Petition
of
the
Prince
,
and
Duke
of
York
,
for
Peace
)
and
We
thought
it
would
have
prevailed
to
have
procured
a
Treaty
for
so
blessed
a
thing
as
Peace
,
and
for
such
an
end
as
redeeming
the
Kingdome
from
desolation
(
the
only
desire
of
that
Our
Letter
:
)
but
instead
of
a
compliance
with
Us
in
this
Christian
work
of
Treaty
and
Accommodation
,
We
received
a
meer
frivolous
answer
,
or
rather
a
paper
of
scorne
,
in
forme
of
a
Letter
,
directed
to
the
Earle
of
Forth
,
wherein
was
inclosed
a
Printed
paper
,
called
,
A
Nationall
Covenant
of
the
Kingdomes
of
England
and
Scotland
,
and
two
other
Papers
in
writing
,
one
called
,
A
Declaration
of
both
those
Kingdomes
;
and
the
other
,
A
Declaration
of
the
Kingdome
of
Scotland
;
Pamphlets
full
of
Treason
,
Sedition
,
and
disloyalty
,
which
being
publique
are
needlesse
here
to
be
inserted
,
the
Copy
of
the
Letter
hereafter
followeth
.
MY
LORD
,
I
Received
this
day
a
Letter
of
the
nine
and
Twentieth
of
this
instant
from
your
Lordship
,
and
a
Parchment
subscribed
by
the
Prince
,
Duke
of
York
,
and
divers
other
Lords
and
Gentlemen
;
but
it
neither
having
addresse
to
the
two
Howses
of
Parliament
,
nor
therein
there
being
any
acknowledgement
of
them
,
I
could
not
communicate
it
to
them
.
My
Lord
,
the
maintenance
of
the
Parliament
of
England
,
and
of
the
Priviledges
thereof
,
is
that
for
which
weare
all
resolved
to
spend
our
blood
,
as
being
the
foundation
whereupon
all
our
Lawes
and
Liberties
are
built
.
I
send
your
Lordship
herewith
,
A
Nationall
Covenant
,
solemnely
entred
into
by
both
the
Kingdomes
of
England
and
Scotland
,
and
a
Declaration
passed
by
them
both
together
,
with
another
Declaration
of
the
Kingdome
of
Scotland
.
I
rest
Your
Lordships
humble
servant
,
ESSEX
.
ESSEX-house
,
Ian
.
30.
1643.
Whosoever
considers
this
Letter
,
will
easily
finde
it
was
fully
understood
to
whom
Ours
was
desired
to
be
communicated
,
under
the
expression
of
(
those
by
whom
their
Generall
was
trusted
;
)
and
although
it
be
pretended
,
because
there
was
no
addresse
to
the
two
Houses
of
Parliament
,
nor
acknowledgement
of
them
,
it
could
not
be
communicated
to
them
,
it
is
notoriously
knowne
,
he
did
so
farre
impart
it
,
that
a
Committee
of
theirs
advised
the
answer
,
and
it
appeares
by
the
penning
,
they
all
concurred
in
the
resolution
therein
mentioned
;
whereby
it
is
evident
,
that
this
was
but
an
excuse
framed
to
avoyd
a
Treaty
;
and
what
could
that
Printed
Covenant
,
and
two
Declarations
enclosed
signifie
,
but
to
let
vs
know
,
that
before
We
come
to
any
Treaty
,
We
must
also
joyne
in
that
Covenant
with
them
for
the
absolute
extirpation
of
Church-Government
here
,
(
without
,
nay
though
against
the
Kings
Consent
,
)
submit
the
Lives
,
Liberties
,
and
Estates
of
vs
,
and
all
those
,
who
according
to
their
Allegiance
have
assisted
His
Majesty
,
to
their
mercy
,
and
admit
and
justifie
the
Invasion
from
Scotland
,
according
to
the
plaine
sense
of
their
Declaration
?
which
all
indifferent
men
will
think
strange
preparatives
to
a
Treaty
for
Peace
,
and
after
such
a
yeelding
and
submission
,
We
know
not
what
is
left
to
Treat
upon
.
These
things
are
too
apparent
to
every
ordinary
understanding
;
and
yet
We
were
not
forward
to
apprehend
the
scorne
of
that
Letter
,
or
take
it
for
a
deniall
of
a
Treaty
,
but
being
still
solicitous
for
that
happy
Peace
,
which
alone
could
redeem
this
Kingdome
from
ruine
,
We
resolved
to
try
another
way
;
and
for
avoyding
delay
,
or
Cavill
about
names
,
or
titles
or
descants
upon
words
,
to
forbear
writing
,
&
humbly
besought
His
Majesty
to
send
Messengers
with
Instructions
,
to
desire
a
Treaty
for
Peace
;
who
was
pleased
to
name
M.
Richard
Fanshawe
,
and
M.
Thomas
Offly
,
(
Gentlemen
of
cleare
repute
and
integrity
;
)
and
to
avoyd
their
danger
in
repairing
to
Westminster
,
at
Our
desire
,
commanded
the
Earle
of
Forth
,
his
Generall
,
to
write
to
theirs
for
a
safe
Conduct
for
those
two
Messengers
,
(
for
such
is
Our
condition
at
present
,
that
afree-born
Subject
,
sent
upon
the
Kings
Message
,
cannot
but
with
such
leave
repaire
to
London
or
Westminster
,
without
danger
of
his
Life
.
)
The
Letter
for
the
safe
Conduct
was
as
followeth
.
My
Lord
,
I
Cannot
so
willingly
write
to
you
in
any
businesse
as
in
that
of
Peace
,
the
indeavour
thereof
being
the
principall
duty
of
those
who
are
trusted
in
places
of
Our
Commands
,
especially
when
the
Blood
that
is
spilt
is
of
persons
under
the
same
Allegiance
,
of
the
same
Country
&
Religion
.
His
Majesty
Continuing
constant
in
His
pious
and
fervent
desires
of
a
happy
end
to
these
bloody
distractions
,
I
doe
hereby
desire
your
Lordship
to
send
me
a
safe
Conduct
to
and
from
Westminster
,
for
M.
Richard
Fanshaw
,
and
M.
Tho
:
Offly
,
to
be
sent
by
His
Majesty
concerning
a
Treaty
for
Peace
.
J
rest
,
Your
Lordships
humble
servant
FORTH
.
To
this
was
returned
a
Letter
,
directed
to
the
Earle
of
Forth
,
in
these
words
,
viz.
MY
LORD
,
YOu
shew
your
Noblenesse
in
declaring
your
willingnesse
to
write
to
me
in
any
businesse
,
as
of
that
of
Peace
;
and
J
joyne
with
you
in
the
same
opinion
,
that
it
ought
to
be
a
principall
duty
of
those
who
are
trusted
in
places
of
our
Command
;
and
therefore
whensoever
J
shall
receive
any
directions
to
those
who
have
intrusted
me
,
J
shall
use
my
best
indeavours
;
and
when
you
shall
send
for
a
safe
Conduct
for
those
Gentlemen
,
mentioned
in
your
Letter
,
from
His
Majesty
to
the
Houses
of
Parliament
,
J
shall
with
all
cheerfulnesse
shew
my
willingnesse
to
further
any
way
that
may
produce
that
happinesse
that
all
honest
men
pray
for
,
which
is
a
true
understanding
between
His
Maiesty
and
his
faithfull
and
onely
Councell
,
the
Parliament
.
Your
Lordships
humble
servant
,
ESSEX
.
Essex-house
,
19.
February
,
1643.
That
this
doth
neither
grant
a
safe
Conduct
,
or
give
any
direct
answer
to
the
Earle
of
Forths
request
,
every
ordinary
eye
may
see
,
(
and
yet
such
requests
amongst
Generalls
are
rarely
denied
;
)
and
We
may
easily
thereby
discerne
how
fearefull
they
at
Westminster
are
,
least
the
poor
distressed
people
of
this
Kingdome
,
should
,
by
the
advantage
of
a
Treaty
and
free
debate
of
the
present
difference
,
see
how
grosly
they
had
been
deceived
and
missed
,
and
so
obtaine
anend
of
their
miseries
:
for
otherwise
who
could
have
beleeved
,
that
when
these
differences
a
rose
and
were
continued
for
want
of
a
free
Convention
in
Parliament
,
and
that
a
maine
end
of
the
Treaty
was
to
resolve
how
We
,
according
to
Our
duty
and
the
Trust
reposed
in
vs
by
Our
Countries
,
might
with
them
freely
debate
,
and
advise
His
Majesty
in
those
things
that
concerned
the
maintenance
of
Our
Religion
,
Parliament
Priviledges
,
the
Kings
Rights
,
and
the
Subjects
Liberty
,
and
Property
,
that
this
Letter
should
tell
Us
,
that
the
Party
We
are
to
Treat
withall
,
is
the
Kings
onely
Councell
,
excluding
all
others
,
not
onely
our selves
called
by
the
same
Authority
to
Councell
as
they
were
,
but
His
Privy
Councell
also
,
and
Councell
at
Law
;
so
that
We
could
have
no
hopes
of
a
Treaty
,
unlesse
We
should
first
agree
that
they
are
the
Parliament
and
the
Kings
onely
Councell
,
whereby
they
that
are
Parties
would
become
the
onely
Iudges
of
all
things
in
question
;
which
would
be
a
submission
and
not
a
Treaty
.
Having
received
these
frivolous
delayes
,
which
we
might
have
interpreted
absolute
denials
of
any
Treaty
of
Peace
,
We
yet
resolving
not
to
give
over
our
endeavours
for
that
which
so
much
concerned
the
good
of
our
Countrey
,
and
the
welfare
of
all
Professours
of
the
true
Protestant
Religion
,
by
our
humble
and
earnest
desires
to
His
Majesty
,
prevailed
with
Him
to
write
His
Royall
Letters
,
and
once
more
desire
a
Treaty
for
Peace
,
(
though
it
had
been
so
often
formerly
rejected
)
and
to
avoid
all
colour
of
Exception
,
to
direct
it
to
the
Lords
and
Commons
of
Parliament
assembled
at
Westminster
;
which
was
done
and
enclosed
in
a
Letter
from
the
Earle
of
Forth
to
their
Generall
.
A
Copy
of
both
which
Letters
hereafter
followes
.
My
Lord
,
I
Have
received
your
Letter
of
the
nineteenth
of
this
Moneth
,
which
,
according
to
my
duty
,
I
shewed
to
his
Majestie
,
who
observing
in
it
your
Expressions
concerning
Peace
,
(
that
whensoever
you
shall
receive
any
directions
to
those
that
have
entrusted
you
,
you
shall
use
your
best
endeavours
,
)
is
gratiously
pleased
to
send
this
inclosed
,
which
is
desired
may
be
delivered
according
to
the
directions
.
Directed
to
the
Earle
of
ESSEX
,
subscribed
by
the
Earle
of
FORTH
.
C.
R.
OUt
of
Our
most
tender
and
pious
sense
of
the
sad
and
bleeding
condition
of
this
Our
Kingdome
,
and
Our
unwearied
desires
to
apply
all
remedies
,
which
,
by
the
blessing
of
Almighty
God
,
may
recover
it
from
an
utter
ruine
;
By
the
advice
of
the
Lords
and
Commons
of
Parliament
Assembled
at
Oxford
,
We
do
propound
and
desire
,
That
a
convenient
number
of
fit
Persons
,
may
be
appointed
and
authorized
by
you
to
meet
with
all
convenient
speed
,
at
such
Place
as
you
shall
nominate
,
with
an
equall
number
of
fit
Persons
,
whom
We
shall
appoint
and
authorize
to
Treat
of
the
wayes
and
meanes
to
settle
the
present
distractions
of
this
our
Kingdome
,
and
to
procure
a
happy
Peace
.
And
particularly
,
how
all
the
Members
of
both
Houses
,
may
seourely
meet
in
a
full
and
free
Convention
of
Parliament
,
there
to
Treat
,
Consult
and
Agree
upon
such
things
,
as
may
conduce
to
the
maintenance
and
defence
of
the
true
Reformed
Protestant
Religion
,
with
due
consideration
to
all
just
and
reasonable
ease
of
tender
Consciences
;
to
the
setling
and
maintaining
of
our
just
Rights
and
Priviledges
;
of
the
Rights
and
Priviledges
of
Parliament
,
the
Lawes
of
the
Land
,
the
Liberty
and
Property
of
the
Subject
;
and
all
other
expedients
that
may
conduce
to
that
blessed
end
of
a
firme
and
lasting
Peace
,
both
in
Church
and
State
,
and
a
perfect
understanding
betwixt
vs
and
Our
People
;
wherein
no
endeavours
or
concurrency
of
Ours
shall
be
wanting
.
And
God
direct
your
bearts
in
the
wayes
of
Peace
.
Given
at
Our
Court
at
Oxford
,
the
third
day
of
March
.
1643.
Superscribed
,
To
the
Lords
and
Commons
of
Parliament
Assembled
at
Westminster
.
We
now
appeale
to
all
the
World
,
what
could
more
have
been
done
by
His
Majesty
,
or
vs
,
in
order
to
Peace
,
here
being
so
great
a
condescending
from
a
King
to
Subjects
,
all
indifferent
advantages
left
to
them
,
both
for
time
and
place
of
Treaty
,
and
choice
of
Persons
to
Treat
:
But
what
their
Intentions
to
Peace
are
,
will
appeare
by
their
Letter
inclosed
in
one
from
their
Generall
,
to
the
Earle
of
Forth
,
both
which
are
as
followeth
.
MY
LORD
,
I
Am
Commanded
by
both
Houses
of
Parliament
,
to
send
a
Trumpetter
with
the
inclosed
Letter
to
His
Majesty
,
which
I
desire
your
Lordship
,
may
be
most
humbly
presented
to
His
Majestie
.
I
rest
,
Your
Lordships
humble
servant
,
ESSEX
.
Essex-house
,
March
,
9th
.
1643.
May
it
please
Your
MAJESTY
,
WEE
the
Lords
and
Commons
Assembled
in
the
Parliament
of
England
,
taking
into
our
Consideration
a
Letter
sent
from
Your
Majesty
,
dated
the
third
of
March
Instant
,
and
directed
to
the
Lords
and
Commons
of
Parliament
Assembled
at
Westminster
,
(
which
by
the
Contents
of
a
Letter
from
the
Earle
of
Forth
,
unto
the
Lord
Generall
,
the
Earle
of
Essex
,
we
conceive
was
intended
to
our selves
)
Have
resolved
with
the
concurrent
advice
,
and
consent
of
the
Commissioners
of
the
Kingdome
of
Scotland
,
to
represent
to
Your
Majesty
,
in
all
humility
and
plainnesse
,
as
followeth
.
That
,
as
we
have
used
all
meanes
for
a
just
,
and
a
safe
Peace
;
so
will
we
never
be
wanting
to
do
our
utmost
for
the
procuring
thereof
:
But
when
we
consider
the
expressions
in
that
Letter
of
Your
Majesties
,
We
have
more
sad
,
and
despairing
thoughts
of
attaining
the
same
,
then
ever
;
because
thereby
,
those
Persons
now
Assembled
at
Oxford
,
who
contrary
to
their
duty
have
deserted
Your
Parliament
,
are
put
into
an
equall
Condition
with
it
:
and
this
parliament
Conveened
,
according
to
the
known
and
Fundamentall
Lawes
of
the
Kingdome
,
(
the
continuance
whereof
is
established
by
a
Law
consented
unto
by
your
Majesty
,
)
is
in
effect
denyed
to
be
a
Parliament
;
The
Scope
,
and
Intention
of
that
Letter
being
to
make
provision
how
all
the
Members
(
as
is
pretended
)
of
both
Houses
,
may
securely
meet
in
a
full
,
and
free
Convention
of
Parliament
;
whereof
no
other
conclusion
can
be
made
,
but
that
this
present
Parliament
is
not
a
full
nor
free
convention
;
And
that
to
make
it
a
full
,
and
free
Convention
of
Parliament
,
the
presence
of
those
is
Necessary
,
who
,
notwithstanding
that
they
have
deserted
that
great
Trust
,
and
do
Levy
Warre
against
the
Parliament
,
are
pretended
to
be
Members
of
the
two
Houses
of
Parliament
.
And
hereupon
,
we
think
our selves
bound
to
let
Your
Majesty
know
,
That
seeing
the
continuance
of
this
Parliament
is
setled
by
a
Law
(
which
as
all
other
Lawes
of
Your
Kingdoms
,
Your
Majesty
hath
sworne
to
maintain
,
as
we
are
sworne
to
our
Allegiance
to
Your
Majesty
,
(
these
obligations
being
reciprocall
,
)
we
must
in
duty
,
and
accordingly
are
resolved
with
our
Lives
and
Fortunes
,
to
defend
and
preserve
the
Iust
Rights
,
and
full
Power
of
this
Parliament
:
And
do
beseech
Your
Majesty
to
be
assured
,
That
Your
Majesties
Royall
,
and
hearty
Concurrence
with
us
herein
,
will
be
the
most
effectuall
,
and
ready
meanes
of
procuring
a
firme
and
lasting
Peace
,
in
all
Your
Majesties
Dominions
,
and
of
begetting
a
perfect
understanding
between
Your
Majesty
,
and
Your
People
;
without
which
Your
Majesties
most
earnest
Professions
,
and
our
most
reall
Intentions
concerning
the
same
,
must
necessarily
be
frustrated
.
And
in
case
Your
Majesties
three
Kingdomes
should
by
reason
thereof
,
remain
in
this
sad
and
bleeding
Condition
,
tending
,
by
the
continuance
of
this
unnaturall
War
,
to
their
Ruine
,
Your
Majesty
cannot
be
the
least
,
nor
the
last
sufferer
.
God
in
his
goodnesse
incline
Your
Royall
breast
,
out
of
Pitty
and
compassion
to
those
deep
sufferings
of
Your
Innocent
People
,
to
put
a
speedy
,
and
happy
Issue
to
these
desperate
Evills
,
by
the
joynt
advice
of
both
Your
Kingdomes
,
now
happily
united
in
this
Cause
,
by
their
late
solemne
League
and
Covenant
.
Which
as
it
will
prove
the
surest
remedy
;
so
is
it
the
earnest
prayer
of
your
Majesties
loyall
Subiects
,
the
Lords
and
Commons
Assembled
in
the
Parliament
of
England
.
Westminster
the
9th
of
March
,
1643.
-
Grey
of
Warke
,
Speaker
of
the
House
of
Peeres
in
Parliament
,
pro
tempore
.
-
William
Lenthall
Speaker
of
the
Commons-House
in
Parliament
.
Whosoever
considers
that
this
should
be
a
Letter
from
Subjects
,
might
well
thinke
it
very
unbeseeming
language
in
them
,
to
call
His
Majesties
earnest
endeavours
for
Peace
but
Professions
,
and
their
own
feigned
pretences
most
reall
intentions
,
but
much
more
wonder
at
that
menacing
language
,
that
His
Majesty
cannot
be
the
least
or
last
Sufferer
;
which
expressions
from
Subjects
in
Armes
to
their
Soveraigne
,
what
dangerous
construction
they
may
admit
,
We
are
unwilling
to
mention
.
But
we
need
not
wonder
at
the
manner
of
their
expressions
when
we
see
in
this
Letter
the
Parliament
it selfe
,
as
farre
as
in
them
lies
,
destroyed
,
&
those
who
here
stile
themselves
,
The
Lords
and
Commons
assembled
in
the
Parliament
of
England
,
not
to
resolve
upon
their
Answer
to
their
King
,
without
the
concurrent
advice
and
consent
of
the
Commissioners
,
as
they
call
them
,
of
the
Kingdome
of
Scotland
.
If
they
had
only
taken
the
advice
of
the
Scottish
Commissioners
,
they
had
broken
the
Fundamentall
Constitution
of
Parliament
;
the
very
Writs
of
Summons
,
the
Foundation
of
all
power
in
Parliament
,
being
directed
to
the
Lords
(
in
expresse
termes
)
to
treat
and
advise
with
the
King
and
the
rest
of
the
Peeres
of
the
Kingdom
of
England
,
and
for
the
Commons
to
do
and
consent
to
those
things
,
which
by
that
Common-Councell
of
England
should
be
ordained
,
thereby
excluding
all
others
.
But
their
League
,
it
seemes
,
it
gone
further
;
the
Scots
must
consent
as
well
as
advise
,
so
that
they
have
gotten
a
negative
voice
,
and
they
,
who
in
the
former
Letter
would
be
the
Kings
onely
Councell
,
are
now
become
no
Councell
without
the
Scottish
Commissioners
.
The
truth
is
,
they
have
(
besides
the
solemne
League
and
Covenant
with
the
Scots
,
(
which
their
Letter
mentions
)
a
strange
and
traiterous
presumption
for
Subjects
to
make
a
Covenant
and
League
with
Subjects
of
another
Kingdome
without
their
Prince
,
)
made
private
bargaines
with
the
Scots
touching
our
Estates
,
and
a
private
agreement
,
not
to
treat
without
their
consent
,
as
some
of
themselves
,
being
afraid
of
a
Treaty
,
openly
declared
to
the
Common-Councell
of
London
;
and
therefore
't
is
no
wonder
,
that
being
touched
to
the
quicke
,
with
the
apprehension
that
they
are
not
,
nor
can
be
in
this
condition
,
a
full
and
free
Convention
of
Parliament
,
They
charge
vs
with
deserting
our
trust
,
and
would
have
vs
to
be
no
Members
of
the
Parliament
.
They
may
remember
it
was
our
want
of
freedome
within
,
and
the
seditious
Tumults
without
,
their
many
multiplied
Treasons
there
,
and
imposing
traiterous
Oathes
,
which
inforced
our
absence
:
but
concerning
that
and
the
want
of
freedome
in
Parliament
,
We
shall
say
no
more
here
,
(
that
being
the
subject
of
another
Declaration
,
)
onely
We
wish
them
to
consider
by
what
fundamentall
Lawes
of
the
Kingdome
(
which
they
have
lately
wrested
to
serve
all
turnes
)
They
can
exclude
Us
from
our
Votes
in
Parliament
,
who
were
duely
Summoned
,
chosen
and
returned
Members
of
Parliament
,
and
take
in
those
of
another
Kingdome
to
their
Resolutions
,
who
are
not
bound
by
our
Lawes
.
But
what
violation
soever
they
make
of
the
Lawes
,
they
are
forward
to
put
the
King
in
minde
of
His
Duty
;
and
therefore
tell
Him
,
That
He
is
sworne
to
maintain
the
Lawes
,
as
they
are
sworne
to
their
Allegiance
to
Him
,
these
obligations
being
reciprocall
:
it
is
true
in
some
sense
,
that
the
Oath
of
the
King
and
Subjects
is
reciprocall
,
that
is
,
each
is
bound
to
performe
what
they
sweare
,
the
King
as
well
as
the
Subjects
;
but
he
that
will
well
weigh
their
Letter
,
and
make
one
part
have
connexion
with
the
other
,
and
examine
that
part
of
their
Covenant
,
whereby
they
sweare
they
will
defend
the
Kings
Person
and
Authority
(
no
further
or
otherwise
then
in
that
which
they
call
the
preservation
of
their
Religion
and
Liberties
,
)
may
easily
finde
another
construction
,
viz.
That
the
Subjects
Allegiance
is
no
longer
due
than
the
King
performes
His
Duty
,
nay
,
no
longer
than
He
in
their
opinion
observes
His
Duty
,
whereof
they
themselves
must
be
Iudges
;
and
if
He
faile
in
His
Duty
,
they
may
take
up
Armes
against
Him
;
a
principle
which
as
it
is
utterly
destructive
to
all
Government
,
so
We
believe
,
they
themselves
dare
not
plainly
avow
it
,
least
as
they
now
make
use
of
it
against
the
King
,
so
the
People
finding
their
failer
of
Duty
,
and
breach
of
Trust
,
should
hereafter
practise
it
by
taking
up
Armes
against
them
,
and
so
shake
off
that
yoake
of
tyranny
imposed
by
their
Fellow-Subjects
,
which
lies
so
heavy
upon
them
.
It
were
well
,
as
they
still
presse
upon
the
King
maintenance
of
the
Lawes
,
they
would
also
know
that
their
obligation
to
observe
the
same
is
reciprocall
,
and
while
they
here
resolve
to
defend
and
preserve
the
full
power
of
this
Parliament
,
(
which
intheir
sense
can
be
no
other
than
the
power
they
have
exercised
this
Parliament
)
they
would
take
notice
,
that
they
are
therein
so
farre
from
observation
of
the
Lawes
,
that
they
desperately
resolve
an
utter
subversion
of
them
;
for
what
can
more
tend
to
the
destruction
of
the
Lawes
,
than
to
usurpe
a
power
to
themselves
without
the
King
,
and
against
His
will
to
raise
Armes
,
to
attribute
to
their
Orders
or
pretended
Ordinances
,
the
power
of
Lawes
and
Statutes
,
to
inforce
Contributions
,
Loanes
,
and
Taxes
of
all
sorts
from
the
Subject
,
to
imprison
without
cause
shewed
,
and
then
prohibit
Writs
of
Habeas
Corpus
for
their
enlargement
,
to
lay
Excises
upon
all
Commodities
,
to
command
and
dispose
of
the
Lives
and
Estates
of
the
freeborne
Subjects
of
this
Kingdome
at
their
pleasure
,
to
impose
Tonnage
and
Poundage
,
contrary
to
the
Law
declared
in
the
late
Act
for
Tonnage
and
Poundage
,
and
all
this
done
and
justified
,
as
by
a
legall
civill
power
founded
and
inherent
in
them
?
All
which
are
manifest
breaches
of
the
Petition
of
Right
and
Magna
Charta
,
the
great
Evidence
of
the
Liberties
of
England
;
which
Charter
by
expresse
words
bindes
them
and
us
,
though
assembled
in
Parliament
,
as
well
as
the
King
,
and
though
it
be
not
now
,
as
heretofore
it
hath
been
,
taken
by
solemne
Oath
on
the
Peoples
part
as
well
as
on
the
Kings
,
nor
a
curse
as
he
retofore
pronounced
on
the
violaters
,
yet
they
having
taken
a
Protestation
to
maintain
the
Lawes
,
and
the
Liberties
,
and
Properties
of
the
Subject
,
and
inclusively
that
Charter
,
let
them
take
heed
whilest
they
make
use
of
this
their
pretended
power
to
the
destruction
of
the
Law
,
least
a
curse
fall
upon
them
and
upon
their
posterity
.
God
knoweth
,
and
it
is
too
certain
a
truth
,
that
our selves
and
many
other
good
Subjects
in
this
Kingdome
,
even
under
the
power
of
the
Kings
Army
,
have
suffered
exceedingly
in
Liberty
and
Estates
,
during
this
present
Rebellion
,
by
many
heavy
charges
;
the
sad
consideration
whereof
makes
our
hearts
bleed
,
because
We
can
see
no
way
for
reliefe
,
so
long
as
this
unnaturall
Rebellion
continues
:
but
as
these
things
were
first
practised
by
them
,
and
thereby
necessitated
upon
the
Kings
Army
;
so
it
was
never
yet
pretended
that
they
were
done
by
vertue
of
a
Law
,
but
either
by
consent
,
or
by
the
unhappy
and
unavoidable
exigences
of
Warre
,
and
to
expire
with
the
present
Rebellion
,
which
God
in
mercy
hasten
.
For
our
parts
We
have
the
inward
comfort
of
our
own
consciences
,
witnessing
with
vs
,
that
We
have
improved
all
opportunities
and
advantages
for
the
restoring
of
this
Kingdome
to
its
former
Peace
,
and
We
must
witnesse
for
His
Majesty
,
His
most
hearty
desires
thereof
:
and
though
both
His
Majesty
and
our
endeavours
therein
have
been
made
frustrate
,
yet
God
in
his
great
goodnesse
hath
raised
up
our
spirits
,
not
to
desert
our
Religion
,
our
King
,
our
Lawes
,
our
Lives
,
the
Liberties
of
us
English
freeborne
Subjects
;
and
by
Gods
assistance
,
and
His
Majesties
concurrence
,
We
do
resolve
to
unite
our selves
as
one
man
,
and
chearfully
adventure
our
Lives
and
Estates
for
the
maintenance
and
defence
of
the
true
Reformed
Protestant
Religion
of
the
Church
of
England
,
(
of
which
We
professe
our selves
to
be
,
)
for
the
defence
of
the
Kings
Person
and
Rights
of
His
Crown
,
for
the
regaining
and
maintaining
the
Rights
and
Priviledges
of
Parliament
,
and
the
Liberty
of
the
Subjects
Person
,
and
Property
of
his
Estate
,
according
to
the
known
Lawes
of
the
Land
,
to
repell
those
of
the
Scottish
Nation
,
that
have
in
a
warlike
manner
entred
this
Realme
,
and
to
reduce
the
Subjects
thereof
,
now
in
Rebellion
,
to
the
Kings
obedience
:
and
We
doubt
not
but
the
same
God
will
enlighten
the
eyes
of
the
poore
deceived
People
of
this
Land
,
like
true
hearted
honest
English-men
,
to
joyne
unanimously
with
vs
in
so
just
and
pious
a
Worke
.
And
the
God
of
Heaven
prosper
vs
,
according
to
the
goodnesse
of
the
Cause
We
have
in
hand
.