XVI. To the House of Commons, in Answer to their Declaration concerning Tonnage and Poundage, Feb. 3. MDCXXVIII. IX.
YOur Declaration being somewhat long, may by reason require some time to reply unto it, since (as most of you cannot but judge) that this giveth Me no satisfaction. Therefore I shall give you some short Notes upon it.
I cannot think that, whereas you alledge that the Bill of Tonnage and Poundage was brought in against the Priviledge of your House, that you will offer to take so much Pri∣viledge from any one of your Members, as not to allow them the liberty to bring in any Bill whatsoever; though it be in your power when it is brought in, to do with it what you think good. And I cannot imagine how, coming hither only by My Power, and to treat of things I propound unto you, you can deny Me that Prerogative to recommend or offer any Bill unto you. Though in this particular I must profess, that this Bill was not to have been offered you in My Name, as that Member of your House can bear Me witness.
As for the cause of delay of My business being Religion, there is none of you shall have a greater care for the true preservation of it than My self; which since it is confessed by your Answer, ye must either think I want Power, (which cannot be) or that I am very ill-counselled, if it be in such danger as you affirm. Though I may say much of this point, I will say no more, but that for all this I shall not stop My Ears unto you upon this sub∣ject, so that in form and matter you transgress not your limits.
As for Tonnage and Poundage, I do not desire it out of greediness (being perswaded you will make no stop in it when you take it in hand) as out of a desire to put an end to all Questions that daily arise between Me and some of My Subjects; thinking it a strange thing, if you should give ear unto those Complaints, and not take the sure and speedy way to decide them.
Besides, I must think it strange, that this business of Religion should be only a hinde∣rer of My Affairs, whereas I am certainly informed, that all other things go on according to their ordinary course. Therefore I must still be instant with you, that you proceed with this business of Tonnage and Poundage with diligence; not looking to be denied in so just a desire. And you must not think it much, if finding you slack, I shall give you such further quickening as I find cause.