WEe have with unspeakable griefe of heart long beheld the Distractions of this Our Kingdome , Our very soul is full of anguish untill We may find some remedy to prevent the miseries which are ready to overwhelm this whole nation by a civill war . And though all our endeavours tending to the composing of those unhappy differences betwixt Us and Our two Houses of Parliament ( though pursued by us with all zeal and sincerity ) have been hitherto without that successe We hoped for , yet such is our constant and earnest care to preserve the publike peace , that We shall not be discouraged from using any expedient , which by the blessing of the God of mercy may lay a firme foundation of peace and happinesse to all our good Subjects . To this end , observing that many mistakes have arisen by the Messages , Petitions and answers betwixt us & our two Houses of Parliament , which happily may be prevented by some other way of treaty , wherein the matters in difference may bee more clearly understood , & more freely transacted . We have thought fit to propound to you , that some fit persons may be by you inabled to treat with the like number to be authorized by Vs , in such a manner , and with such freedome of debate , as may best tend to that happy conclusion which all good men desire , The peace of the Kingdome : wherein as We promise in the word of a King all safety and encouragement to such as shall be sent unto Vs , if you shal chuse the place where We are for the treaty , which We wholly leave to you , presuming of the like care of the safety of those we shall imploy , if you shall name another place ; So we assure you and all Our good Subjects , that ( to the best of Our understanding ) nothing shall bee therein wanting on Our parts , which may advance the true Protestant Religion , oppose popery and superstition , secure the Law of the Land ( upon which is built as well Our just Prerogative , as the propriety and liberty of the Subject ) confirme all just power and Priviledges of Parliament , and render Vs and Our people truely happy by a good understanding betwixt Vs and our two Houses of Parliament . Bring with you as firme resolutions to do your duty , and let all Our good people joyne with Vs in Our prayers to Almighty God for his blessing upon this worke .

If this proposition shall be rejected by you , wee have done our duty so amply , that God will absolve Vs from the guilt of any of that blood which must be spilt , and what opinion soever other men may have of Our power , we assure you nothing but our Christian and pious care to prevent the effusion of blood hath begot this motion , our provision of men , Armes , mony , being such as may secure Vs from further violence , till it shall please God to open the eyes of our People .

THE Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled ; having received your Maiesties message of the 25 of August , do with much griefe Recent the dangerous and distracted state of this Kingdome , which wee have by all meanes indeavoured to prevent , both by our severall advises and Petitions to your Majestie ; which have bin not only without successe , but there hath followed that , which no ill Councel in former times hath produced , or any age hath seene : Namely , those several proclamations & declarations against both the houses of parliament , wherby their actions are declared treasonable , and their persons Traitors . And thereupon your Maiesty hath set up your Standard against them , wherby your Maiesty have put the two houses of Parliament , and in them , this whole Kingdome out of your Protection : So that untill your Maiesty shall recall those Proclamations and Declarations , whereby the Earle of Essex , and both Houses of Parliament , and their Adherents , and such as have obeyed and Executed their Commands and Directions , according to their duties , are declared Traytors . And until the Standard set up in pursuance of the sayd Declarations be taken downe : your Maiesty hath put us into such a Condition that whilst wee so remaine , We cannot by the Fundamentall Privileges of Parliament , the publicke Trust reposed in Vs , or the General good or safety of this Kingdome , give your Maiesty an other answere unto this your message .

REsolved upon the Question by the House of Commons at the time of passing the Vote in answere to the Kings message on Saterday the 27 of Aug. 1640.

That the Lords be moved to joyn with the Commons in a direction to the Lord Generall , that hee advance his Forces with all possible speed for the defence and safety of the Kingdome .

Resolued further , &c. THat this the Commons doth not , out of any apprehension of any backewardnesse in the Lord Generall , but to give satisfaction that this message of his Maiesties doth not render them any way slacke .