Basiliká the works of King Charles the martyr : with a collection of declarations, treaties, and other papers concerning the differences betwixt His said Majesty and his two houses of Parliament : with the history of his life : as also of his tryal and martyrdome.

XIV. To the Lords and Commons, in the Banquetting-House at WHITE-HALL, January 24. MDCXXVIII. IX.

MY Lords and Gentlemen, The care I have to remove all Obstacles that may hinder the good correspondencie between Me and this Parliament, is the cause I have cal∣led you hither at this time; the particular occasion being a complaint lately made in the Lower-House. And for you, My Lords, I am glad to take this and all other occasions whereby you may clearly understand both My Words and Actions: for as you are nearest in degree, so are you the fittest Witnesses for Kings.

The Complaint I speak of is, for staying mens Goods that denied Tonnage and Poun∣dage: And this may have an easy and short Conclusion, if My Words and Actions be rightly understood. For by passing the Bill, as Mine Ancestors have had it, My by-past Actions will be included, and My future Actions authorized: Which certainly would not have been stuck upon, if men had not imagined that I had taken this duty as appertaining to My Hereditary Prerogative: In which they are much deceived; for it ever was, and still is My meaning, by the gift of My People to enjoy it; and My intent in My Speech at the end of the last Session was, not to challenge Tonnage and Poundage as of Right, but de bene esse, shewing you the Necessity, not the Right, by which I was to take it, until I had it granted unto Me, assuring My self (according to your general professions) that you wanted time, not will, to grant it unto Me.

Wherefore now having opportunity, I expect that without loss of time you make good your professions, and so by passing the Bill, put an end to all Questions arising from this subject; especially since I have cleared all scruples that may trouble you in this business.

To conclude, Let us not be jealous of one anothers Actions; for if I had been easily moved at every occasion, the Order made on Wednesday last might have made Me startle, there being some shew to suspect that you had given your selves the liberty to be Inquirers after Complaints, the words of your Order being somewhat largely penned: but looking into your Actions, I find you here only Complainers, not seeking Complaints; for I am certain you neither intend nor desire the liberty to be Inquisitors after mens Actions before particular Complaints be made.

This I have spoken, to shew how slow I am to believe harshly of your Proceedings: likewise to assure you, that the Houses Resolution, not particular mens speeches, shall make Me judge well or ill: Not doubting but, according to mine example, you will be deaf to ill reports concerning Me, until My Words and Actions speak for themselves; but, this Session beginning with Confidence one towards the other, it may end with a perfect good understanding between us; which God grant.