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 Benjamin Ruddier's Speech upon the receipt of his Majestie's Answer to the Petition against Recu∣sants.

M^r Speaker,

THe best thanks we can return his Majesty for his gracious and religious answer he hath given to our Petition, is to move to∣wards that which will both please him and secure our selves. The dangers and necessities of the present state, M^r Speaker, are so obvious to every mans eye and understanding, and therefore so well known, as to make a large and particular rehearsall of them would ra∣ther astonish our iudgements, then refresh our memorie. Wherefore in short and in grosse, I will but only reflect upon the desperate condi∣tion of the Kings Vncle, the King of Denmarke, engaged from hence, even to the hazzard of his own Kingdome, in the quarrell of that roy∣all and victorious Lady his Majesties Sister, for the recovery of her and her childrens patrimony, the preservation and reestablishment of the Religion in those Countreys: so that the King is bound in nature, in policie, and in religion to relieve and assist both the persons and the cause to the utmost of his power.

Believe it, M^r Speaker, the hindge of the many businesses mov'd in Germany doth not a little presse us to look about us at this time; for if that great bodie were once united under one head, it would crush all the rest with the weight of it.

Next let us a little look over into France: there shall we find the poor men of our Religion exposed to the furie of an enraged King, with a juster pretence against them then hath been at any time hereto∣fore: besides, which is worse, the Kings of Spain and France are united against them and us, and made better friends then ever they meant to have been. So that not to succour and support the Professours of our Religion, will not only be infidelity and cruelty, but improvidence and folly; for their ill is ours.

If Rochel should be lost, which is now in loosing, and his Majesty not able to set out one ship to help it, if it should be lost, it would hazzard the totall extirpation of the Religion, besides it would be an extraor∣dinarie advantage to the King of France for shipping, and as great a disadvantage to us in respect of the neighbourhood: and if the Sound should be lost too, whereby should we escape from being swallowed up by a Spanish invasion? this Island would be more like to a prison then a Kingdome, for we were not able to walke abroad.

These are dangers too many; yet have I willingly abridged them, for I had rather come to the remedy, so should we all: which con∣sists only in money plentifully and speedily brought in, wisely and ju∣diciously

laid out. I doubt not but wee are all resolved to give: where∣fore, Mr Speaker, let us prepare our selves to give plentifully, to satisfie the publick occasions, to heave his Majesty out of necessity; for necessity is the worst Counseller, and I shall be verie sorry that we of all others should be guilty of placing ill Counsell about the King: and now to think of sparing when all lies at the stake, were the most undo∣ing kind of prodigality.

Let us give speedily, for delaie is the greatest danger of all dangers, it will not only loose that which we give, but that also which we would give. And this I propound not as the Kings businesse, but our way wherein every man in this house hath particular interest, if his for∣tune, his life, his religion be any thing unto him. Neither speak I this to divert the great businesse in hand, but to hasten it; for I love as well, Mr Speaker, to tread upon English ground, as any man here doth.