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.

His MAJESTIES Message to both Houses, from Southwell, May 18. 1646.

For the Speaker of the House of Peers pro tempore, to be communicated to the two Houses of Parliament at Westminster, and the Commissioners of the Parliament of Scotland.

CHARLES R.

HIS Majesty having understood from both his Houses of Parliament, that it was not safe for him to come to London (whither he had purposed to repair, if so he might, by their Advice to do whatsoever may be best for the good and Peace of these Kingdoms) until he shall first give his Consent to such Propositions as were to be presented to him from them; and being certainly informed that the Armies were marching so fast up to Oxford, as made that no fit place for Treating; did resolve to withdraw him∣self hither, only to secure his own Person, and with no intention to continue this VVar any longer, or to make any Division between his two Kingdoms, but to give such contentment to both, as, by the blessing of God, he might see a happy and well-grounded

Peace, thereby to bring Prosperity to these Kingdoms answerable to the best times of his Progenitors.

And since the settling of Religion ought to be the chiefest care of all Councils, his Ma∣jesty most earnestly and heartily recommends to his two Houses of Parliament all the ways and means possible for speedy finishing this pious and necessary VVork; and particular∣ly, that they take the Advice of the Divines of both Kingdoms assembled at VVest∣minster.

Likewise concerning the Militia of England, for securing his People against all pretensi∣ons of Danger, his Majesty is pleased to have it settled as was offered at the Treaty at Vx∣bridge, all the Persons being to be named for the Trust by the two Houses of the Parlia∣ment of England, for the space of seven years; and after the expiring of that term, that it be regulated as shall be agreed upon by his Majesty and his two Houses of Parlia∣ment.

And the like for the Kingdom of Scotland.

Concerning the VVars in Ireland, his Majesty will do whatsoever is possible for him to give full satisfaction therein.

And if these be not satisfactory, his Majesty then desires, that all such of the Propositi∣ons as are already agreed upon by both Kingdoms may be speedily sent unto him; his Ma∣jesty being resolved to comply with his Parliament in every thing that shall be for the hap∣piness of his Subjects, and for the removing of all unhappy Differences which have produced so many sad effects.

His Majesty having made these Offers, he will neither question the thankful acceptation of them, nor doth he doubt but that his two Kingdoms will be careful to maintain him in his Honour and in his just and lawful Rights, which is the only way to make a happy Com∣posure of these unnatural Divisions: and likewise will think upon a solid way of conser∣ving the Peace between the two Kingdoms for time to come; and will take a speedy course for easing and quieting his afflicted People, by satisfying the Publick Debts, by disband∣ing of all Armies, and whatsoever shall be judged conducible to that end: that so, all hinderances being removed, he may return to his Parliament with mutual Com∣fort.

Southwell, May 18. 1646.

POST-SCIPT.

His Majesty being desirous to shun the further effusion of Blood, and to evidence his re∣al Intentions to Peace, is willing that his Forces in and about Oxford be disbanded, and the Fortifications of the City dismantled, they receiving honourable Conditions. VVhich being granted to the Town and Forces there, his Majesty will give the like order to the rest of the Garrisons.