done, whereupon a Socrattick Question was put unto him, that
what if a charge should be brought against him for his life, according
to the manner of triall of Subjects by the Lawes of the Kingdome,
what would he then doe: The King made answer, that he
would then returne no answer, And if they would proceede to put
him to Death, that he would then dye patiently like a Martyr. He
much desireth that either Doctor Hammond or some other of his
Chaplaines may bee admitted to him and with much importunity
doth presse for Liberty to the Queene and Prince, but
it is not permitted to him. In the absence of his Chaplains
hee doth officiate that place himselfe, and doth reade and expound
the Scriptures to those Gentlemen that doe attend upon
him. He hath bin heard to use some expressions that in this condition
wherein he was he knew that his two Kingdomes of Scotland,
and Ireland would relieve, and that the Army under the command
of his Excellence would divide amongst themselves and fall to ruine.
Great care and observance is had of those who are admitted
to him,
Thursday December 28.
THe Ordinance was this day reported by the Committee for
that purpose appointed for attainting the King of high Treason,
and by trying him by such Commissioners as are to be named
in the Ordinance.
There was reade an Ordinance for the Explanation of the former
Ordinance of Parliament concerning the electing of Common-Councell
Men, and other Officers of the City of London; It was
also Ordered, That the Lord Mayor and Common-Councell-Men
should be required to proceed in the Electing of a new Common-Councell,
according to the former Ordinance. The Committee
to whom this Ordinance was committed, are to consider of the
Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy, and to provide for the taking
of them away as being illegall, and a burden to the Conscience.
Master Henry Elsing Clarke of the House of Commons being
indisposed to execute his place, It was ordered that Master Phelps,
should execute the said place by way of Deputation from him.
Friday, Decemb. 29.
THe Ordinance for impeaching the King of High Treason was read
againe, and a long debate was had thereon : It was ordered that
the said Ordinance should be committed to a Committee to consider