ease of tender consciences, as his majesty hath often offered) the rights of the crown, the liberty and property of the subject, and the privileges of parliament; and, upon the whole matter, to conclude a happy and blessed Peace. Given at our Court at Oxon, Dec. 13. 1644.” of any opportunity for obtaining such a blessed and happy Peace in all your majesty's dominions, we would not stay your majesty's messengers till we did resolve upon all those particulars; which we will take into our serious consideration, and present our humble desires therein to your majesty, with all convenient speed." The Parliament's Reply to the King's Anwer.] Dec. 19. The lords went upon the matter of the king's last Message, and it was An Ordinance for keeping a Fast on Christordered to send to the house of commons to mas-Day.] The lords and commons having let them know, That upon consideration of long since appointed a day for a Fast and Hu the said Message, the lords thought fit to refer miliation, which was to be on the last Wednesit to the committee of both kingdoms, with day in every month, it happening to fall on the addition of three lords, that they may Christmas day this month, the Assembly of advise what Answer was fit to be given to it, and Divines sent to acquaint the lords with it: and, to report it to the houses: and that they would to avoid any inconveniences that might be by appoint a proportionable number of their some people keeping it as a Feast and others house for that purpose. The additional lords as a Fast, they desired that the parliament were the earls of Pembroke and Salisbury, and would publish a Declaration, the next Lord's the lord Howard: but it was afterwards agreed day, in the churches of London and Westata conference, That 14 lords and 28 common-minster; that that day might be kept as it ers should be a committee, to whom the king's Message was to be referred, and to advise with the Scots commissioners on occasion, for the sake of expedition, that so the messengers sent from the king might speedily re torn. ought to be, that the whole kingdom might have comfort thereby. The houses agreed to this proposal, and directed the following Or dinance to be published; which bore this title: An Ordinance for the better observation of Dec. 19. p. m. The earl of Northumber- the Feast of the Nativity of Christ. land reported, "That the select committees of "Whereas some doubts have been raised, both houses have met, and have advised with whether the next Fast shall be celebrated, the Scots commissioners touching the king's because it falleth on the day which, hereto Message; and they offer to their lordships fore, was usually called the Feast of the Naticonsideration their opinion, viz. To report vity of our Saviour; the lords and cominous do to both houses, that this committee and the order and ordain that public notice be given, commissioners of Scotland are of opinion, that That the Fast appointed to be kept on the last there be a Treaty for a safe and well-grounded Wednesday in every month, ought to be obPeace; with such Instructions and in such served until it be otherwise ordered by both manner as shall be agreed upon by the two houses and that this day particularly is to be houses, and the commissioners for the king- kept with the more solemn humiliation, because dom of Scotland. And because the committee it may call to remembrance our sins and the thinks that, if the two lords sent from the king sins of our forefathers who have turned this should stay here until the two houses have rc- Feast, pretending the memory of Christ, into solved of all particulars concerning the manner an extreme forgetfulness of him, by giving li of the Treaty, it would be too long, and incon-berty to carnal and sensual delights; being veniences would happen thereupon; the committee, with the advice of the commissioners of Scotland, have prepared an Answer to be sent to the king, by the duke of Richmond and the earl of Southampton;" which was offered to the consideration of the houses, and read as follows: contrary to the life which Christ himself led here upon earth, and to the spiritual lite of Christ in our souls; for the sanctifying and saving whereof Christ was pleased both to take a human life, and to lay it down again." The lords ordered, That the lord mayor of London take care that this Ordinance should be dispersed to all churches and chapels, within the line of communication and bills of mortality. Afterwards it was made general through the kingdom; in consequence of which Christmas day was no longer observed as a Festival, by law, till the Restoration. "May it please your excellent majesty; We your majesty's humble and loyal subjects of both kingdoms, have considered of your majesty's Message of the 13th Dec. 1644, sent by the duke of Richmond and the earl of Southampton, directed to the lords and commors assembled in the parl. of England at Westminster, Further Proceedings in relation to the inand to the commissioners of the parliament of tended Treaty of Peace.] Dec. 20. The AnScotland now at London; and do, in all hum-swer to the king's last Message being now bleness, return this Answer, That we do consent there be a Treaty for a safe and wellgrounded Peace; but find that it will require some time to resolve concerning the Instructions and manner of that Treaty and therefore that your majesty might not be held in suspence, touching our readiness to make use : made ready, and signed by the Speakers of both houses, it was ordered to be delivered in the same form the Message was received from those that brought it. Accordingly, the Answer being read to them, the two lords said, They had something to deliver by command from the king, which they delivered in writing, viz. My lords and gentlemen; We shall obey your commands in presenting this to the king, and withal desire we may present you what we have in command from him. We observed, when we waited on you last, your lordships desired to receive all in writing; in conformity to it, if your lordships please to assign how it shall be received to-morrow morning, we shall accordingly prepare the best we can, to give you satisfaction."—And then the two lords withdrew. After some debate in both houses it was agreed, That the same committee should receive what the two lords had to deliver further from the king, that afternoon. may bave something farther in charge from his majesty to deliver to your lordships, after yon shall bave declared your Resolution concering the managing of the Treaty betwist his majesty and your lordships, by persons on either part; but have nothing else, at this time, to offer.”— The earl having ended his Report, and the same having been made to the commons by their cominittee, it was agreed, that the se lect committee should deliver the following Answer: "My lords; The desire expressed in the last Papers given in by your lordships, is a part of his majesty's Message of the 13th of Dec. and concerns the manner of Treaty; which, re-according to the Answer already given, wil require some time to resolve on: it is therefore the desire of both houses of parliament, and of the commissioners from Scotland, That your lordships would be pleased speedily to make your repair unto his majesty, with the Answer already given to his majesty's Message, brought up by your lordships." Dec. 21. The earl of Northumberland ported to the lords, That the joint committee of both houses, and the commissioners of Scotland, had received from the king's messengers the following Paper, which was read; Dec. 23. The Speaker told the house of lords, That the duke of Richmond and the earl of Southampton had sent to desire him to let their lordships know, that they had com mands from the king not to depart from thence, after their Answer, till they should hear from him. But notwithstanding this, it seems, by the Journals, that the two lords did remoré this day; for we find an Order of the lords to the lord-general, to appoint an officer to wai on them through the parliament's guards and forces, to see they had no incivilities offered a them. Some time after it was agreed by both houses, That the manner of the treaty might be referred to the committee of 14 lords and 28 commoners, joined with the Scots commis My lords and gentlemen; We are commanded by his majesty to let you know, that it is his desire, before our going hence, we might receive a resolution to that part of his majesty's desire, expressed in his Message of the 13th Dec. 1644, concerning your treating with him by fit persons to be appointed on either party; that se, according to what hath been agreed upon, we may have opportunity to | offer what else we have in charge from his majesty, in order to the procuring of an happy Peace. But yet his majesty earnestly desires, That the way proposed by him may be agreed unto, as that which he conceives to be the most likely means speedily to draw on an happy and well-grounded Peace; whereas, otherwise, the distance of the place, which bis majesty is most likely to reside in, as also many other respects, will extremely lengthen the Treaty, and defer the attaining that happysioners as before. end, a blessed Peace, which his majesty, above Sir J. Hotham's Petition for a farther Reall other things, so earnestly desires; and prieve.] Dec. 24. The lords received the consequently be a cause of the further effusion following Petition from sir John Hotham, shewof his subjects blood, besides the many othering; "That he being exceedingly sensible that losses to the kingdom; which his majesty is so he lies under their lordships just displeasure, desirous to prevent, that as he will readily do besides many other grievous burdens, which what else shall be requisite on his part, so he hath discomposed his mind from that just will most willingly give such power to the temper in which he is desirous to depart this persons imployed by him, as there shall be life and seeing that his son's Trial is not yet little or no loss of time upon that occasion. perfected, the doubtful issue of which hath The compassionate sense his majesty hath of much hindered the settlement of all his affairs, the misery and calamity the kingdom doth and driven him into great anxiety of mind, suffer by this unnatural war, prevailing so far, whereby their lordships favour of the ten days that he is as earnest in seeking out the re-last reprieve was rendered, in some manner, medy, as if he himself were the only sufferer." Upon receiving this Paper, the committee of both houses, with the concurrence of the commissioners of Scotland, returned this Answer, "We shall presently report this Paper delivered in by your lordships; but we are directed by the houses of parliament to know of your lordships, If you have any thing farther in charge from his majesty to deliver to the houses? If your lordships have, this committee hath power and order now to receive it," The Reply of the duke of Richmond and the earl of Southampton was this; "We conceive that we less fruitful to him; he therefore humbly prays, that their lordships would grant him such fur ther time as, in their wisdoms, shall seem expe dient. JOHN HOTHAM."-The lords sent this Petition down to the commons with a Message, That they were willing to condescend to it; and the rather, because some Divines had certified that sir John was not in any settled state or condition of mind, for his soul's safety, so as yet to die; and that they had thought fit to reprieve him till the 6th Jan. next, to which they desired the concurrence of that house." The commons fell into a debate of this maste the question being put, Whether to agree th the lords? It passed in the negative. But other question being put, Whether to respite execution of sir John Hotham for any fur-, time? The house divided, and it was carin the affirmative, 85 against 65, Oliver omwell being one of the tellers for the Noes. this vote sir John got a reprieve for one ck longer. executed on the 2nd of Jan., his son capt. John Hotham, having suffered the same fate the day before. The question for sir Jolan's life, or death, was carried for the latter, in the commons, by 94 against 46; general Cromwell was again a teller for it. Ordinance passed for taking away the Conmon Prayer.] Jan. 3. An Ordinance for the taking away the Book of Common-Prayer, and establishing and putting in execution the Directory for the public Worship of God, passed' the house of lords, having before been sent up to them from the commons; and was ordered to be printed and published. pared a Draught concerning the Manner of the Treaty of Peace, and think fit that the Treaty be held at Uxbridge; and that 4 lords and a proportionable number of the commons le appointed to treat. The said Draught was read accordingly, as follows: 66 Another Petition from Sir J. Hotham, for ring either his own, or his Son's Life. But thare crecuted.] Dec. 23. Another Petition m sir John Hotham, was read in the lords, Humbly shewing; That this honourable use's clemency, already experienced, embold- A Draught of the Manner of Proceeding at eth the petioner to present to their conside- the Treaty to be held at Uxbridge.] This day tions the sad condition of his dejected family; the ford Say and Sele reported from the commself and his son being under the heavy sen-mittee of both kingdoms, That they have prence of death, and so much the sadder as that ey once enjoyed a plentiful measure of their vours; from which, by too many of their own fects, they are now unfortunately fallen. be weight of their lordships just displeasure, ider which he now lies, cuts him off from all pes and claims of former merit, further than hat their own free goodness shall intitle him He therefore humbly casts himself at their rdships feet, in full submission to their just athority; desiring that, in judgment they will Tember mercy; and if such ample measure ( their favour, as the petitioner's natural af- | ction, equally prepense to himself and his an bowels, might desire, may not in justice | e affordeth to both; yet that his whole family, at was the first that drew their swords in this ause, may not be cut off root and branch; at that a remnant (according as to their just asdom shall seem most meet) may be left as monument of this house's clemency to all msterity and the petitioner, which way sover their lordships favour and wisdom shall inine, shall rest fully satisfied; and shall, in ife or death, acknowledge himself ever bound pray, &c. Jong HotM." : The house taking this Petition into consideation, and weighing the former merits and ood services of sir J. Hothain, it was resolved; That this Petition shall be sent down to the ommons, and that they be desired to concur with this house, that sir John's life may be ared. Accordingly, Dec. 30. The lords renewed their address o the commons, concerning the sparing of sir 1 Hotham's life, and desired their Answer peedily, because the next day was assigned or his execution. But no Answer coming, he first thing we find in the Lords Journals of he 31st of this month, is a reprieve entered | or sir John Hotham until Saturday, the 4th f January, following. The warrant was diected to the lieutenant of the Tower, the heriffs of London and Middlesex, to the Tovost-marshal, &c. Though, on the close this day, we find that the commons did send message up to let the lords know, That they aw no cause but that the execution of sir J. Jutham should go on; and accordingly he was VOL. III. May it please your most excellent majesty; We your majesty's most loyal subjects the lords and commons assembled in the parliament of England at Westminster, and the commissioners of the parliament of Scotland, do make our further Auswer to your majesty's Message of the 13th Dec. last, 1611, concerning the Treaty for Peace, as followeth: We do consent tere be a Treaty for a safe and wellgrounded Peace between your majesty and the parliaments of both kingdoms; and for the present have appointed Algernon earl of Northumberland, Philip e. of Pembroke and Montgomery, Wm. e. of Salisbury, Basil'e, of Denbigh, Tho. lord visc. Wenman, Denzil Hollis, Win. Pierpoint, sir H. Vane, jun. Oliver St. John, Bulstrode Whitlocke, John Crew, Edm. Prideaux, for the lords and commons asscmbled in the parliament of England at Westminster; and John earl of Loudon, lord chancellor of Scotland, Archibald Marquis of Argyle, John lord Maitland, Jolin lord Bahrerino, sir Archibald Johnston, sir Ch. Erskine, George Dundas, sir John Smith, Mr. Hugh Kennedy, and Mr. Robert Barclay, for the Estates of the Parliament of Scotland, together with Mr. Alex. Henderson, upon the Propositions concerning Religion; who stall be authorized to. ineet at Uxbridge on the day of with such persons as your majesty shall, under your majesty's sign manual; appoint for that purpose, (not exceeding 16) tliere to treat of the matters contained in the Propositions we lately sent your inajesty, according to such Instructions as shall be given them; and the Pro positions for Religion, the Militia, and for freland to be first treated upon and agreed; and the time for the Treaty upon the said Propo sitions for Religion, the Militia, and for Ireland, not to exceed 20 days; and for the things mentioned in your Message to be proposed by your majesty, when the persous sent by your majesty shall communicate the same to the committees appointed by us as aforesaid, we have directed them to send the same to us, that they may receive our Instructions what to do therein. And to the end that the persons that are to be sent from your majesty and from us with their retinue, not exceeding the number of 108 on either part, may repair to Uxbridge, stay there, and return at their pleasure without interruption, we desire that mutual Safe-Conducts be granted to the said persons, according to the several lists of their names." Resolved, That this house doth approve of the Draught now read; that the 4 lords, mentioned therein, be sent to treat; and that this paper be communicated to the commons to desire their concurrence therein. Ordinance for the Attainder of Abp. Laud.]. Jan. 4. The Ordinance for archbishop Laud's Attainder was read a third time in the house of lords, and agreed to as follows: par any of them, bad before the first day of the present parliament, any thing herein contained to the contrary notwithstanding." Jan. 6. The commous being informed, by a message from the lords, that the Ordinance of Attainder was passed, returned an anster to desire their lordships concurrence, that Exe cution might be done on the body of the art! bishop, on the 10th instant; and the proper warrants made out for that purpose, which was agreed to, and orders given accordingly. The Archbishop tenders the King's PardonBut is executed.] Jan. 7. The Speaker of the bouse of lords acquainted them, that he ind received a Letter and a box ftom the archbishop of Canterbury: viz. his gracious Pardon, by your lordship, to that honourable house; humbly conceiving, that neither this his majesty's gracious pardon t me, or for any person, is any way secluded by an Ordinance of either or both houses of pa liament: so, laying myself at their feet, I Ers humbly desire your lordship this pardon 52 be presented to their honourable consider tion, and I shall ever rest, Your Lordship's hem ble Servant, WILL. CANT. Jan. 6. 1644." The Pardon, dated April 12, 19 Car. #n afterwards read, but no further notice was taken a of it at that time. Though, the same day, a conference with the commons, the lords quainted that house with the Pardon; but if the same time told them, That this Pardon da no way alter their lordships judgment, but tar the archbishop ought to sulfer according to 1; which he being informed of, sent the following Petition to the lords, setting forth, For the Right Lion, my very good lord, the lord GREY of Warke, Speaker of the right hon. the House of Peers, "My lord; In the sad condition in which! "Whereas the knights, citizens, and bur- now am, as I have understood by warrant the gesses of the house of commons, in the present day, I could not think to be so wanting to myparliament assembled, have, in the name of self as a Christian, or so ungrateful to his ca themselves, and of all the commons of Eng-jesty's unexpected favour, as not to tender a land, impeached William Laud, archbishop of Canterbury, for endeavouring to subvert the fundamental laws and government of the kingdom of England; and, instead thereof, to introduce an arbitrary and tyrannical government against law, and to alter and subvert God's true religion by law established in this realm; and, instead thereof, to set up Popish superstition and idolatry, and to subvert the rights of parliament, and the ancient course of Jiamentary proceedings; and, by false and malicious slanders, to incense his majesty against parliaments; for which the said archbishop deserves to undergo the pains and forfeitures of high treason; which said offences have been sufficiently proved against the said archbishop upon his Impeachment: be it therefore ordered and ordained, by the lords and commons in this present parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, That the said archbishop, for the offences aforesaid, shall stand and be adjudged attainted of high treason, and shall suffer the pains of death; and shall incur all forfeitures, both of lands and goods, as a person attainted of high treason should or ought to do. Provided, That no judge or judges, justice or justices whatsoever, shall judge or interpret any act or thing to be treason, or hear or determine any treason, in any other manner than he or they should or ought to have done before the making of this Ordinance; and as if this Ordinance had never been had or made; saving always unto all and singular persons and bodies politic and corporate, their heirs and successors, (other than the said archbishop and his heirs, and such as claim by, from, or under him) all such right, title, and interest of, in, and to all and singular such of the lands, tenements, and hereditaments, as he, or * Lord Clarendon informs us, that there were only twelve lords present at the passing his bill of Attainder. "That their lordships poor petitioner is in much affliction for the censure which is passed against him by both the bonourable houses of parliament; and much more for it, that he's to leave the world in such a penal way. Yet since his grey head must needs go with this s row to its grave, unless the same power shall honourably pleased, for his age and callig sake, to alter the punishment, be most humbly prayeth that their lordships will be pleased to give order, that Dr. Marten, Dr. Sterne, Dr. Heywood, or some of them, having been ta chaplains, might, by their lordships favou, though they be now prisoners in Ely-Hou, have liberty to come to comfort and assist tra in this time of his affliction; he being desires not to have any strangers about him at th time, and no other of his acquaintance being at present in London. W. CANT." The lords, upon this, gave leave that the per sons named should attend the archbishop as be desired, provided their keeper should go with them and see them returned to their prisons. nd considering the great posts the archbishop | informs us, "That his corpse was decently in- PROCEEDINGS RELATIVE TO THE SELF-DENY- We now proceed to the famous Self-denying Ordinance, which quite altered the scene of public affairs, threw the management of the sword into new hands, and was the main foundation of Cromwell's greatness. We shall therefore collect together, in one view, the accounts given us of this extraordinary revolution in politics by the several cotemporary writers. The Commons take into Consideration the sad Condition of the Kingdom-Speeches of Cromwell, &c. on that Occasion.] Mr. Rushworth tells us, "That on the 9th of Dec. the house of commons having resolved themselves into a grand committee, to consider of the sad Con- ́ dition of the Kingdom by the Continuance of the War, there was a general silence for a good space of time; many looking one upon another, to see who would break the ice, and speak first in so tender and sharp a point: Amongst whom, "WILL. CANT." The lords ordered that this Petition should be sent to the commons, with a desire that they would join with them in referring it to the coramittee for sequestrations, to give such an allowance for that business as they should think needful. But we do not find that this request of the lords was complied with; for Rushworth Mr. Oliver Cromwell stood up, and spake briefly to this effect: That it was now a dime to speak, or for ever to hold the tongue; the important occasion being no less than to save a nation out of a bleeding, nay, almost dying, condition, which the long continuance of the war had already brought it into; so that, without a more speedy, vigorous, ad effectual prosecution of the war, casting off all lingering proceedings, like soldiers of fortune beyond sea, to spin out a war, we shall make the kingdom weary of us, and hate the name of a parliament: for what do the enemy say? Nay, what do many say that were friends at the beginning of the parliament? Even this, That the members of both houses have got great places and commands, and the sword into their hands; and what by interest in parliament, and what' by power in the army, will perpetually continue themselves in grandeur, and not permit the war speedily to end, lest their own power should determine with it. This I speak here to our own faces, it is but what others do utter abroad behind our backs. I am far from reflecting on any; I know the worth of those commanders, members of both houses, who are yet in power; but, if I may speak my conscience, without reflection upon any, I do conceive, if the army be not put into another method, and the war more vigorously prosecuted, the people can bear the war no longer, and will enforce you to a dishonourable peace. But this I would recommend to your prudence, |