Perfect Occurrences of Parliament.
From Friday the 3. of February, to Friday the 3. of March, 1640.
FRiday 3. of February, 1640. Coventry Petition referred by the Commons in Parliament.
Elias Beck took the oath of Allegiance. Severall orders passed about
Members elections. Mr. Nevels businesse debated. Sir Wil. Savil was sent for as a
Delinquent. A message from the Queen was read; and thanks returned. Orders
passed for joyning of severall Committees of Parliament. A message sent to the
Lords about the Treaty between the two Kingdomes. Much time spent upon
petitions about grievances. Two Acts for naturalization. And one Act for abolishing
Superstition and Idolatry,read. All Clergy men ordered to be lest out,
also the Commissioners for peace. Some transactions about two Bills to prevent
inconveniences through long intermission of Parliaments; and for reliefe of the
Army.
Saturday 4. The Commons sent Sir Thomas Roe to the King to desire him to
remember his promise concerning the Books of Sir Edward Cook. The Bill for
Subsedies was returned from the Lords. This day the Scots Commissioners returned
their thankfulness to the Parliament, for the three hundred thousand pound;
and for the stile of Brethren given them by the Parliament. There was also a debate
in the House concerning the Judges; and it was found that some were more
saulty then the rest; as namely, Judge Berkly, who declared in his Circuits, that
Ship-money was as inherent to the Crowne, as any thing in the Kingdome; and
wished his right hand might not off, if it do not go along with his heart in
that opinion.
Munday 6. There was a great debate in the House of Commons, concerning
Episcopall government; the further debate there of was referred to a Committee,
with the London Petition, and the Remonstrance of the 700 Ministers. It was
agreed by all, or the most part, to take from them their Lordly Prelacy, and
from medling with temporall affairs, and to take from them their Jurisdictions,
and Courts and a great part of their means. This day the Bil for the Confirmation
of the Parish of Covent-Garden, passed the House.
Tuesday 7. There was a Report made to the House of Commmons, that the
Souldiers in Yorke-sbire were entied into bloud for want of their pay;the English
Army being 50000 pound, and the Scots Army 30000 pound. This day Master
Nevill, who was formerly committed to the Tower, for discovering of secrefies to
the Lords,the last Parliament, upon his submission was discharged. There was also
a debate in the House of Commons, for furnishing the Kings Navy, upon intellignece
of two great Armies preparing in France and Spaine.
Wednesday 8. The King made a Speech to the Lords concerning the Match
with the Prince of Orenge, with the great propositions of the Ambassadors to
that purpose; this day was wholly spent in the debate of this businesse.
Thursday 9. There were four Gentlemen of the House of Commons, went
up to the Lords to discovers great design on foot among the Papists in England,
Ireland,and Wales, In Lancashire 1500. In Ireland 80000 Papists in Arms, and many
thousands in South-Wales, and North-Wales, Well paid and provided for by the
Earle of Strafford, Earle of Wrochshor,and others; and did use frequently to go to