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.

CHARLES REX. To our trusty and well-beloved the Lords Spiritual and Temporal of the Higher House of PARLIAMENT.

WE being desirous of nothing more then the advancement of the good peace, and prosperity of our people, have given leave to free debates of highest points of our Prerogative Royal, which in times of our Predecessors, Kings and Queens of this Realm were ever restrained as Matters they would not have disputed, and in other things we have been willing fairly to condiscend to the de∣sires of our loving Subjects as might fully satisfie all moderate mindes, and free them from all just fears and jealousies, with those Messages which heretofore we have sent to the Commons House, will well de∣monstrate to the World, and yet we finde it still insisted on, that in no case whatsoever, should it never so nearly concern Matters of State and government, we nor our privy Councel have power to commit any man without the cause shewed, whereas it often happens that should the cause be shewed the service thereby would be destroyed and defeated, and the cause alleadged must be such as may be determined by our Judges of our Courts at Westminster in a Legal and Ordinary way of Justice, whereas the cause may be such whereof the Judges have no capacity of Judicature, or rules of Law to direct, or guide their Judgements in cases of that transcendent nature, which hapning so of∣ten, the very intermitting of the constant rules of government (for many ages within this Kingdom practised) would soon dissolve the very frame and foundation of our Monarchy; wherefore as to our Commons we have made propositions which might equally preserve the just Liberty of the Subject. So my Lords, we have thought good to let you know that without overthrow of our Soveraignty we cannot suffer this power to be impeached. But notwithstanding to clear our conscience, and just intentions this we publish, that it is not in our hearts, nor ever will we extend our royal power lent unto us from God beyond the just rule of moderation in any thing which shall be contrary to our Laws and Customes, where the safety of our people shall be our onely aim. And we do hereby declare our royal pleasure, and resolution to be (which God willing we shall ever constantly continue and maintain) that neither we nor our privy Councel, shall

or will at any time hereafter commit, or command to Prison, or other∣wise restrain the Person of any for not lending money unto us, or for any other cause, which in our conscience doth not concern the State, the publick good and safety of us and of our people, we will not be drawn to pretend any cause which in our Judgements is not, or is not expressed; which base thought we hope no man will imagine can fall into our royal breast, that in all cases of this nature which shall here∣after happen, we shall upon the humble Petition of the party, or ac∣cess of our Judges to us readily and really express the cause of their commitment, or restraint, so soon as with conveniency and safety the same is fit to be disclosed and expressed. That in all causes Criminal of ordinary Jurisdiction our Judges shall proceed to the deliverance and baylment of the Prisoner, according to the known and ordinary rules of the Laws of this Land, and according to the Statutes of Magna Charta, and those other six Statutes insisted upon, which we do take knowledge stand in force, and which we intend not to abro∣gate against the true intention thereof.

Thus we have thought fit to signifie unto you, the rather for short∣ning any long delayes of this question, the season of the year so far advance, and our great occasions of State not lending us many dayes for long continuance of this Session of Parliament.

Given under our Signet at our Pallace of Westmin∣ster, the 12. of May, in the fourth year of our Raign.