A Royall Protestation made by the Kings most Excellent MAJESTIE.
To the Dukes, Marquesses, Earles, Barons, Gentlemen, now assembled at
BEVERLEY in
Yorkeshire.
HIs Majesty taking into his Royall consideration the great distraction of the State, and the generall dissentions in the Church about principles of Religion, and knowing that there are many potent enemies in this Kingdom that daily labour to ruine and confound [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] the true Protestant Religion, and the professors of the same, and that they may the better perfect their designes, they have out of a habit of Love, and seemingly professing themselves Protestants, although their hearts are quite contrary, they being subtile spyes, they onely watch advantage to undermine the Rubrick of the Church and Kingdome, all which His Majesty taking notice of, and fearing that in this great confluence, there might bee some of that faction which might vnder pretence of taking part with his Majesty, gaine power to perfect their owne purposes, he thought it necessary to declare himselfe to unfold his intentions, withall adding a Protestation taken first by himselfe, and afterwards to be taken by all those that have any command or imployment under him.
WEe doe declare, that we will not require any obedience from you, but what shall be warranted by the knowne Lawes of the Land.
And We doe further declare, that we will defend the true Protestant Religion established by the Law of the Land, the lawfull liberties of the subjects of England, and just Priviledges of the estates of Parliament, and shall require no further obedience from you, th [...]n as accordingly we shall performe the same.
And We doe declare, that We will n [...] ing [...]ge you in any Warre against [...] [...]rliament except it be for our [...] defence and safety against [...] doe insol [...]ly invade, or at [...]t against [...], or such as shall adhe [...] [...].
[Page] Likewise the Lords and [...] there assembled do declare that they will defend the true protestant Religion, the Law of the Land, the lawfull liberties of the subiects of England, and just priviledges of your Majesty, and both houses of Parliament.
Likewise the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, have thought it necessary to declare the grounds of their proceedings, that the world especially those that are apt to waver in their Resolutions, may bee fully satisfied, especially concerneing matters of Religon, that it is from their purposes to let loose the Reines of golden discipline and Government in Church, to leave private persons in particuler Congregations to take vp what forme of divine service they please, for they hold it requisite, that there should be throughout the whole Realme conformity [Page] of that order which the Lawes enjoyne, according to the word of God
Likewise they doe declare that all their actions and intentions, counsell and determinations, tend to the advancement of His Majesties Honour, the maintenance of the true Protestant Religion, the preservation of the Lawes, and fundamentall institutions of the Lawes of this Kingdome, the upholding of his Majesties just and Royall Preogative, the Rights and Priviledges of Parliament, and the liberty and propriety of the Subject.
All which things being observed both by his Majesty and all those imployed by him, they doubt not but God will blesse this Parliament with such good successe, as it shall be the beginning and foundation of more [Page] honour and happinesse to His Majesty, then ever yet was enjoyed by any of his Royall Predecessours.
Ordered by the Lords and Commons, that this be Printed and published.