VVEE Your Majesties Loyall Subjects Assembled in the Parliaments of both Your Kingdoms, from the sence of that Duty We owe unto Your Majesty, and of the deep Sufferings and many Miseries under which Your People of all Your Kingdoms lye bleeding in this unnaturall War: After long and serious Consultation about the best wayes and means of their Preservation, and for settling Your Majesties Throne, and Your Subjects in Peace and Security; Have with common consent resolved upon these Propositions, which we do humbly tender unto Your Majesty.
The Humble Desires and Propositions for a safe and well-grounded Peace, agreed upon by the mutuall advice and consent of the Parliaments of both Kingdoms, united by Solemn League and Covenant, To be presented to His Majestie.
I. THat by Act of Parliament in each Kingdom respectively, all Oaths, Declarations and Proclamations against both or either of the Houses of the Parliament of England; and the late Convention of Estates in Scotland, or Committees flowing from the Parliament, or Conventions in Scotland, or their Ordinances and proceedings, or against any for adhering unto them; and all Indictments, Outlaries and Attainders against any for the said Causes, be Declared Null, suppressed and forbidden; and that this be publikely intimated in all Parish Churches within His Majesties Dominions, and all other places needfull.
II. That His Majesty according to the Laudable Example of His Royall Father of happy Memory, may be pleased to Swear and Sign the late Solemn League and Covenant; And that an Act of Parliament be passed in both Kingdoms respectively, for injoyning the taking thereof by all the Subjects of the three Kingdoms; And the Ordinances concerning the manner of taking the [Page 3]same in both Kingdoms, be confirmed by Acts of Parliament respectively, with such penalties as by mutuall advice of both Kingdoms shall be agreed upon.
III. That the Bill be passed for the utter abolishing and taking away of all Archbishops, Bishops, their Chancellors and Commissaries, Deans and Subdeans, Deans and Chapters, Archdeacons, Canons and Prebendaries, and all Chanters, Chancellors, Treasurers, Subtreasurers, Succentors and Sacrists, and all Vicars Chorall, and Choristers, Old-Vicars and New Vicars of any Cathedrall or Collegiate Church, and all other their under Officers, out of the Church of England and Dominion of Wales, and out of the Church of Ireland, with such Alterations concerning the Estates of Prelats, as shall agree with the Articles of the late Treaty, of the Date at Edenburgh 29. Novemb. 1643. and joynt Declaration of both Kingdoms.
IV. That the Ordinances concerning the calling and sitting of the Assembly of Divines, be confirmed by Act of Parliament.
V. That Reformation of Religion according to the Covenant, be settled by Act of Parliament, in such manner as both Houses shall agree upon, after Consultation had with the Assembly of Divines: And forasmuch as both Kingdoms are mutually obliged by the same Covenant to indeavour the neerest Conjunction and Vniformity in matters of Religion; that such Vnity and Vniformity in Religion according to the Covenant, as after Consultation had with the Divines of both Kingdoms now Assembled, shall be joyntly agreed upon by both Houses of the Parliament of England, and by the Church and Kingdom of Scotland, be confirmed by Acts of Parliament of both Kingdoms respectively.
VI. That for the more effectuall disabling Jesuits, Priests, Papists, and Popish Recusants from disturbing [Page 4]the State, and deluding the Laws: and for the better discovering and speedy conviction of Recusants; An Oath be established by Act of Parliament to be administred to them, wherein they shall abjure and renounce the Popes Supremacy, the Doctrine of Transubstantiation, Purgatory, Worshipping of the Consecrated Hoast, Crucifixes and Images, and all other Popish Superstitions and Errors: And refusing the said Oath, being tendered in such manner as shall be appointed by the said Act, to be a sufficient Conviction in Law of Recusancy.
VII. An Act of Parliament for Education of the Children of Papists, by Protestants in the Protestant Religion.
VIII. An Act for the true Leavy of the penalties against them, which penalties to be Leavied and disposed in such manner as both Houses shall agree on, wherein to be provided that His Majesty shall have no losse.
IX. That an Act be passed in Parliament, whereby the practises of Papists against the State may be prevented, and the Laws against them duly Executed, and a stricter course taken to prevent the saying or hearing of Masse in the Court, or any other part of this Kingdom.
X. The like for the Kingdom of Scotland, concerning the four last preceding Propositions, in such manner as the Estates of Parliament there shall think fit.
XI. That the King shall give His Royall assent to an Act for the due Observation of the Lords-day.
And to the Bill for the suppression of Innovations in Churches and Chappels, in and about the Worship of God, &c. and for the better advancement of the Preaching of Gods holy Word in all parts of this Kingdom.
And to the Bill against the injoning of Pluralities of Benefices by Spirituall persons, and Non Residency.
And to an Act to be framed and agreed upon by both Houses of Parliament, for the Reforming and Regulating [Page 5]of both Universities, of the Colleges of Westminster, Winchester and AEton.
And to an Act in like manner to be agreed upon for the suppression of Interludes and Stage playes, this Act to be perpetuall.
And to an Act for the taking of the Accompts of the Kingdom.
And to an Act to be made for relief of sick and maimed souldiers, and of poor widows and children of souldiers.
And to such Act, or Acts for raising of Moneys for the payment and satisfying of the publique Debts and Damages of the Kingdom, and other publique uses, as shall hereafter be agreed on by both Houses of Parliament.
And to an Act or Acts of Parliament, for taking away the Court of Wards and Liveries, and all Wardships, Liveries, Primer Seisins, and Oustre le Maines; and all other charges incident or arising for or by reason of Wardship, Livery, Primer, Seisin, or Oustre le Maine; And for the taking away of all Tenures by Homage, and all Fines, Licences, Seizures and Pardons for Alienation, and all other charges incident thereunto, and for turning of all Tenures by Knights service, either of His Majesty or others, or by Knights service or Soccage in capite of His Majesty into free and common Soccage; And that His Majesty will please to accept in Recompence hereof, One hundred thousand pounds per Annum.
And give assurance of His consenting in the Parliament of Scotland, to an Act ratifying the Acts of the Convention of the Estates of Scotland, called by the Councell and Conservators of Peace, and the Commissioners for the common Burthens, and assembled the 22. day of June, 1643. and severall times continued since in such manner, and with such additions and other Acts, as the Estates convened in this present Parliament shal think convenient.
XII. That an Act be passed in the Parliaments of both Kingdoms respectively, for confirmation of the Treaties passed betwixt the two Kingdoms, viz. The large Treaty, the late Treaty for the coming of the Scots Army into England, and the settling of the Garrison of Berwick, of the 29. of Novemb. 1643. and the Treaty concerning Ireland, of the 6. of August, 1642. with all other Ordinances and proceedings passed betwixt the two Kingdoms, in pursuance of the said Treaties.
XIII. That an Act of Parliament be passed to make void the Cessation of Ireland, and all Treaties with the Rebels without consent of both Houses of Parliament; and to settle the prosecution of the Warre of Ireland in both Houses of Parliament, to be managed by the joynt advice of both Kingdoms, and the King to assist, and to do no Act to discountenance or molest them therein.
XIV. That an Act be passed in the Parliaments of both Kingdoms respectively, for establishing the joynt Declaration of both Kingdoms, bearing Date the 30. of January, 1643. in England, and 1644. in Scotland, with the Qualifications ensuing:
1. THat the persons who shall expect no Pardon, be onely these following: Rupert and Maurice, Count Palatines of the Rhine, James Earl of Derby, John Earl of Bristoll, William Earl of Newcastle, Francis Lord Cottington, John Lord Paulet, George Lord Digby, Edward Lord Littleton, William Laud Archbishop of Canterbury, Matthew Wren Bishop of Ely, Sir Robert Heath Knight, Doctor Bramhall Bishop of Derry, Sir John Byron Knight, Sir William Widdrington, Colonell George Goring, Henry Iermyn Esq Sir Ralph Hopton, Sir Francis Doddington, Mr. Endymion Porter, Sir George Ratcliffe, Sir Marmaduke Langdale, Sir Iohn Hotham, Capt. Iohn Hotham his son, Sir Henry Vaughan, Sir Francis Windebank, Sir Richard Greenvile, Mr. Edward Hide, Sir Iohn Marley, Sir Nicholas Coale, and Sir Thomas Riddell junior, Col: [...] Ware, Sir John Strangewayes, Sir Iohn Colepeper, [Page 7] Sir Richard Floyde, Iohn Bodevile Esq Mr. David Ienkins, Sir George Strode, Sir Alexander Carew, [...] Marquesse of Huntley, Earl of Montrosse, Earl of Niddisdaill, Earl of Traquair, Earl of Carnwath, Vicount of Aboyne, Lord Ogilby, Lord Rae, Lord Harris, Lodowick Lindsey sometime Earl of Crawford, Patrick Ruthven sometime Earl of Forth, Iames King sometims Lord Itham, Irwing yonger of Drunim, Gordon yonger of Gight, Lesley of Auchintoule, Sir Robert Spottiswood of Dunipace, Colonel Iohn Cockran, Mr. Iohn Maxwell sometime pretended Bishop of Rosse, Mr. Walter Balcanquell; And all such others as being processed by the Estates for Treason, shall be condemned before the Act of Oblivion be passed.
2. All Papists and Popish Recusants, who have been, now are, or shall be actually in Arms, or voluntarily assisting against the Parliaments or Estates of either Kingdom.
3. All persons who have had any hand in the plotting, designing or assisting the Rebellion of Ireland.
4. That Humphrey Bennet Esq Sir Edward Ford. Sir Iohn Penruddock, Sir George Vaughan, Sir Iohn Weld, Sir Robert Lee, Sir Iohn Pate, Iohn Ackland, Edmund Windham, Esquires; Sir Iohn Fitzherbert, Sir Edward Laurence, Sir Ralph Dutton, Henry Lingen Esq Sir William Russell of Worcestershire, Tho: Lee of Adlington Esq Sir Iohn Girlington, Sir Paul Neale, Sir William Thorold, Sir Edward Hussey, Sir Thomas Liddell senior, Sir Phillip Musgrave, Sir Iohn Digby of Not: Sir Henry Fletcher, Sir Richard Minshall, Laurence Halsteed, Iohn Denham, Esquires; Sir Edmund Fortescue, Peter Saint Hill Esq Sir Thomas Tildesley, Sir Henry Grisfith, Michael Wharton Esquire, Sir Henry Spiller, Sir George Benyon, Sir Edward Nicholas, Sir Edward Walgrave, Sir Edward Bishop, Sir Robert Owsley, Sir Iohn Many, Lo: Cholmeley, Sir Thomas Aston, Sir Lewis Dives, Sir Peter Osborte, Samuel Thorneton Esquire, Sir Iohn Lucas, Io: Blaney Esq Sir Thomas Chedle, Sir Nicho: Kemishe, and Hugh Lloyde Esquire, And all such of the Scottish Nation, as have concurred in the Votes at Oxford, against the Kingdom of Scotland and their proceedings, or have sworn or subscribed the Declaration against the Convention and Covenant, And all such as have assisted the Rebellion in the North, or the invasion in the South of the said Kingdome of Scotland, or the late invasion made there by the Irish and their Adherents.
[Page 8]And that the Members of either House of Parliament, who have not onely deserted the Parliament, but have also voted both Kingdomes Traytors, may be removed from his Majesties Counsells; and be restrained from comming within the verge of the Court, and that they may not without the advice and consent of both Kingdoms bear any Office or have any Imployment concerning the State or Commonwealth; And also that the Members of either House of Parliament, who have deserted the Parliament and adhered to the Enemies thereof, and have not rendred themselves before the last of October 1644. May be removed from his Majesties Councels, and be restrained from comming within the Verge of the Court, and that they may not without the Advice and consent of both Houses of Parliament bear any Office or have any Imployment concerning the State or Common-wealth: And in case any of them shall offend therein, to be guilty of High Treason, and incapable of any pardon by his Majesty, And their Estates to be disposed as both Houses of Parliament in England, or the Estates of the Parliament in Scotland respectively shall thinke fit.
5. That by Act of Parliament all Judges and Officers towards the Law (Common and Civill) who have deserted the Parliament, and adhered to the enemies thereof, be made incapable of any place of Iudicature or Office towards the Law (Common or Civill) And that all Sergeants, Councellors, and Attornies (Doctors, Advocates and Proctors) of the Law (Common or Civill) who have deserted the Parliament and adhered to the Enemies thereof, be made incapable of any practise in the Law (Common or Civill) either in publike or in private, And that they, and likewise all Bishops, Clergy-men, and other Ecclesiasticall persons, who have deserted the Parliament and adhered to the Enemies thereof, shall not be capable of any preferment or Imployment in Church or Common wealth, without the advice and consent of both Houses of Parliament.
6. The Persons of all others to be free of all personall Censure, notwithstanding any Actor thing done in or concerning this War, they taking the Covenant.
7. The Estates of those persons excepted in the first three preceding qualifications, to pay publike debts and dammages.
8. A third part on full value of the Estates of the persons made incapable of any Imployment as afore-said, to be imployed for the payment of the publike debts and damages, according to the Declaration.
9. And likewise a tenth part of the Estates of all other Delinquents [Page 9]within the joynt Declaration, And in Case the Estates and proportions aforementioned, shall not suffice for the payment of the publike Ingagements, whereunto they are onely to be imployed, that then a new proportion may be appointed by the joynt advice of both Kingdomes, providing it exceed not the one moyety of the Estates of the persons made incapable as aforesaid, and that it exceed not a sixth part of the Estates of the other Delinquents.
10. That the persons and Estates of all Common Souldiers and others of the Kingdom of England, who in Land or Goods be not worth 200 l. sterling, And the persons and Estates of all Common Souldiers and other of the Kingdome of Scotland who in Land or Goods be not worth 100 l. sterling be at liberty and discharged.
11. That an Act be passed whereby the debts of the Kingdom, and the persons of Delinquents, and the value of their Estates may be known: And which Act shall appoint in what manner the confiscations and proportions before mentioned may be leavied and applyed to the discharge of the said Ingagements.
XV. That by Act of Parliament the Subjects of the Kingdom of England may be appointed to be Armed, Trayned and Disciplined in such manner as both Houses shall think fit.
The like for the Kingdom of Scotland, in such manner as the Estates of Parliament there shall think fit.
XVI. That an Act of Parliament be passed for the setling of the Admiralty and Forces at Sea, and for the raising of such moneys for the maintenance of the said Forces, and of the Navy, as both Houses of Parliament shall think fit.
The like for the Kingdom of Scotland, in such manner as the Estates of Parliament there shall think fit.
XVII. An Act for the setling of all Forces by Sea and Land, in Commissioners, to be nominated by both Houses of Parliament, of persons of known integrity, and such as both Kingdoms may Confide in for their faithfulnesse to Religion and Peace of the Kingdoms; [Page 10]and [...] of the House of Commons, who shall be removed or altered from time to time as both Houses shall think fit: And when any shall die, others to be nominated in their places by the said Houses, which Commissioners shall have power,
1. First, to suppresse any forces raised without Authority of both Houses of Parliament, or in the Intervals of Parliament, without consent of the said Commissioners, to the disturbance of the Publike Peace of the Kingdomes, And to suppresse any Forraign Forces, that shall invade this Kingdome, And that it shall be High Treason in any who shall leavie any Force without such Authority or consent, to the disturbance of the publike Peace of the Kingdomes. Any Commission under the great Seal or other Warrant to the contrary notwithstanding; and they to be incapable of any pardon from his Majesty, and their Estates to be disposed of as both Houses of Parliament shall thinke fit.
2. To preserve the Peace now to be setled, and to prevent all disturbances of the publique peace, that may arise by occasion of the late troubles.
So for the Kingdome of Scotland.
3. To have power to send part of themselves, so as they exceed not a third part, or be not under the number of [...] to reside in the Kingdome of Scotland, to assist and vote as single persons, with the Commissioners of Scotland, in those matters wherein the Kingdom of Scotland is onely concerned.
So for the Kingdome of Scotland.
4. That the Commissioners of both Kingdomes may meet as a joynt Committe as they shall see cause, or send part of themselves, as aforesaid, to do as followeth:
- 1. To preserve the Peace betwixt the Kingdoms and the King, and every one of them.
- 2. To prevent the violation of the Articles of Peace, as aforesaid, or any troubles arising in the Kingdomes, by breach of the said Articles, and to hear and determine all differences that may occasion the same according to the Treaty, And to doe further according as they shall respectively receive instructions from both Houses of Parliament in England, or the Estates of Parliament in Scotland, And in the Intervalls of Parliament from the Commissioners for the preservati-of the publique Peace.
- [Page 11]3. To raise and joyne the Forces of both Kingdoms to resist all Forraign Invasion, And to suppresse any Forces raised within any of the Kingdoms, to the disturbance of the publike Peace of the Kingdoms, by any Authority under the great Seal or other Warrant whatsoever without consent of both Houses of Parliament in England, And the Estates of the Parliament in Scotland, or the said Commissioners of that Kingdome whereof they are Subjects, And that in those cases of joynt concernment to both Kingdoms, the Commissioners to be directed, to be there all, or such part as aforesaid, to act and direct as joynt Commissioners of both Kingdomes.
- 4. To order the War of Ireland, according to the Ordinance of the 11. of Aprill, and to Order the Militia, and conserve the Peace of the Kingdome of Ireland.
XVIII. That His Majesty give his Assent to what the two Kingdoms shall agree upon, in prosecution of the Articles of the large Treaty, which are not yet finished.
XIX. That by Act of Parliament all Peers made since the day that Edward Lord Littleton, then Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, deserted the Parliament, and that the said Great Seal was surreptitiously conveyed away from the Parliament, being the 21. day of May, 1642. and who shall be hereafter made, shall not sit or vote in the Parliament of England▪ without consent of both Houses of Parliament. And that all Honour and Title conferred on any, without consent of both Houses of Parliament, since the 20. day of May, 1642. being the day that both Houses declared, That the King, seduced by evil Counsel, intended to raise War against the Parliament, be declared null and void.
The like for the Kingdom of Scotland; those being excepted, whose Patents were passed the Great Seal before the fourth of June, 1644.
XX. That by Act of Parliament, the Deputy, or chief Governor, or other Governors of Ireland, be nominated by both Houses of Parliament; or, in the Intervals of Parliament, by the Commissioners; to continue during [Page 12]the pleasure of the said Houses; or, in the Intervals of Parliament, during the pleasure of the aforementioned Commissioners, to be approved or disallowed by both Houses at their next Sitting. And that the Chancellor or Lord Keeper, Lord Treasurer, Commissioners of the Great Seal or Treasury, Lord Warden of the Cinque-Ports, Chancellor of the Exchequer and Dutchy, Secretary of State, Judges of both Benches, and of the Exchequer of the Kingdoms of England and Ireland, be nominated by both Houses of Parliament, to continue Quam diu bene se gesserint; and, in the Intervals of Parliament, by the aforementioned Commissioners; to be approved or disallowed by both Houses, at their next Sitting.
The like for the Kingdom of Scotland, adding the Iustice Generall, and in such manner as the Estates in Parliament there shall think fit.
XXI. That by Act of Parliament the Education of Your Majesties Children, and the Children of Your Heirs and Successours, be in the true Protestant Religion; and that their Tutors and Governours be of known Integrity, and be chosen by the Parliaments of both Kingdoms, or, in the Intervals of Parliament, by the aforenamed Commissioners; to be approved or disallowed by both Parliaments, at their next Sitting: And that, if they be Male, they be married to such onely as are of the true Protestant Religion; if they be Female, they may not be married but with the Advice and Consent of both Parliaments, or, in the Intervals of Parliaments, by their Commissioners.
XXII. That Your Majesty will give Your Royall Assent to such wayes and means as the Parliaments of both Kingdoms shall think fitting, for the uniting of the Protestants Princes, and for the entire Restitution and Reestablishment of Charles Lodowick Prince Elector Palatine, his Heirs and Successors, to his Electorall Dignity, [Page 13]Rights and Dominions. Provided, that this extend not to Prince Rupert, or Prince Maurice, or the Children of either of them, who have been the Instruments of so much Bloodshed and Mischief against both Kingdoms.
XXIII. That by Act of Parliament the concluding of Peace or War with Forreign Princes and States, be with Advice and Consent of both Parliaments, or in the Intervals of Parliaments, by their Commissioners.
XXIV. That an Act of Oblivion be passed in the Parliaments of both Kingdoms respectively, relative to the Qualifications in the Proposition aforesaid, concerning the joynt Declaration of both Kingdoms, with the exception of all Murderers, Thieves, and other Offenders, not having relation to the War.
XXV. That the Members of both Houses of Parliament, or others, who have, during this Parliament, been put out of any place or Office, Pension or Benefit, for adhering to the Parliament, may either be restored thereunto, or otherwise have recompence for the same, upon the humble desire of both Houses of Parliament.
The like for the Kingdom of Scotland.
XXVI. That the Armies may be disbanded at such time, and in such manner, as shall be agreed upon by the Parliaments of both Kingdoms, or such as shall be authorized by them to that effect.
That an Act be passed for the granting & confirming of the charters, customs, liberties & Franchises of the city of London, notwithstanding any Nonuser, Misuser, or Abuser.
That the Militia of the city of London may be in the Ordering and Government of the Lord Mayor, Aldermen and Commons in Common-Councell assembled, or such as they shall from time to time appoint; whereof the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs for the time being to be three. And that the Militia of the Parishes without London and the Liberties, within the weekly Bills of [Page 14]Mortality, may be under the command of the Lord Mayor, Aldermen and Commons in Common Councel of the said city, to be ordered in such manner as shall be agreed on and appointed by both Houses of Parliament.
That the Tower of London may be in the Government of the city of London and the chief Officer and Governour thereof from time to time be nominated and removable by the Common-Councell.
That the citizens or forces of London; shall not be drawn out of the city into any other parts of the Kingdom, without their own consent; and that the drawing of their forces into other parts of the Kingdom in these distracted times, may not be drawn into example for the future.
And for prevention of Inconveniencies which may happen by the long intermission of Common-Councels, It is desired that there may be an Act, That all Bylaws and Ordinances already made, or hereafter to be made, by the Lord Mayor, Aldermen and Commons in Common-Councel assembled, touching the Calling, Continuing, Directing and Regulating the same, shall be as effectuall in Law, to all intents and purposes, as if the same were particularly enacted by the Authority of Parliament; and that the Lord Mayor, Aldermen and Commons in Common-Councel, may adde to, or repeal the said Ordinances from time to time, as they shall see cause.
That such other Propositions as shall be made for the city, for their further safety, welfare and Government, and shall be approved of by both Houses of Parliament, may be Granted and Confirmed by Act of Parliament.
Now therefore we humbly beseech your Majesty to grant these Propositions which are presented for the Peace and Publike good of Your Kingdoms. And as we therein, according to our Trust and Duty, have regard to The Glory of GOD, The quiet and Wellfare of Your people, So shall we really endeavour, That Your Majesty may live in the Splendor and Glory of Your Royall Progenitors, and which beseemeth Your Royall Place and Dignity.