The sovereigns prerogative and the subjects priviledge discussed betwixt courtiers and patriots in Parliament, the third and fourth yeares of the reign of King Charles : together with the grand mysteries of state then in agitation.

Sir John Elliot in answer to M^r Secretary Cokes Message of Thanks from the King and the Duke of Buckingham delivered in the Commons House of Parliament 5. April, 1628.

M^r. Speaker,

I Presume we have all received great satisfaction from his Majestie as at other times, so now in his gracious answer and resolution for the businesse of this House, his answer to our Petition for Religi∣on so particularly made, his resolution in that other consideration con∣cerning the point already settled here in Declaration of our Liberties; and for the Parliament in generall, that he hath taken so good a liking to our manner of proceeding, as it hath gained his promise therein to meet often: where I am made confident as of his grace to us, so of our Loyalties, that to thus good a Beginning we should adde so happy a Conclusion, as shall increase that liking and good opinion in his Maje∣stie, and from henceforth make him more and more in love with Par∣liaments.

As thus in generall, so in my particular I receive excellent satisfacti∣on herein, so as I have not words enough sufficiently to utter it. And yet I confesse that extremity of joy is not without trouble, which must likewise be declared, to disburden this affection which cannot o∣therwise so lively and so faithfully expresse me in the service of the House as I have resolved.

I know not what fatality or infortunity crept in, but I observe in the close of that Relation no mention of any other in addition to his Majesty, and that which formerly hath been a matter of complaint, here I find it still, the mixture with his Majestie not only in his busi∣nesse but in name. Is it that any man conceives the mention of others (of what quality soever) can adde encouragement or affection to us in our Duties and Loialties towards his Majestie, or give them greater latitude or extent then naturally they have? Or is it supposed that the power or interest of any man can adde more readinesse to his Majesty in his gracious inclination to us, then his own goodnesse gives him? I cannot believe it. And as the Sweetnesse and Pietie of his Majesty, which we have in admiration, makes me confident in this; so the ex∣pression of our Dutie so perspicuous and cleer as already hath been gi∣ven, is my assurance for the other.

But Sir, I am sorry there is this occasion that these things should be argued, or this mixture, which was so meerlie condemned, should ap∣pear again. I beseech you, Sir, let it not be hereafter, let no man take this boldnesse within these walls, to introduce it: though (I confesse)

for my particular I shall readily commend, nay, thank that man whose endeavours are applyed to such offices as may be advantageable for the publick, yet in this manner, so contrarie to the customes of our Fa∣thers, and the honour of our Times, as I cannot without Scandall ap∣prehend it, I cannot without some Character or exception passe it. And therefore I desire that such interposition may be left, and that all other **** respects and goodnesses of his Majesty, in the confidence of our own loyaltie and affections.

Now let us proceed to those services that concern him, which I doubt not in the end will render us so reall unto him, that we shall not need more help to endear us to his favour.