The Kings Maiesties speeches in this great and happy Parliament Novemb. 3, 1640.

His Majesties Speech to both the Houses, January 25. 1640.

My Lords,

THe Knights, Citizens, Burgesses; The principall cause of my coming here at this time, is by rea∣son of the flow proceedings in Parliament, touch∣ing which is a great deal of inconvenience.

Therefore I think it very necessary to lay before you the state of my affairs as now they stand, thereby to hasten (not interrupt) your proceedings.

First, I must remember you that there are two Armies, in the Kingdom, in a manner maintained by you, the very naming of which, doth more cleerly shew the incon∣venience thereof, then a better tongue then mine can expresse.

Therefore in the first place, I shall recommend unto you the quick dispatch of that businesse, assuring you that it cannot rest upon me.

In the next place I must recommend unto you the State of my Navy and Forts; the condition of both which is so well known unto you, that I need not tell you the particulars, onely thus much; they are the Walls and de∣fence of this Kingdom, which if out of order, all men may easily judge what incouragement it will be to Our

enemies, and what dishearing to our friends.

Last of all, (and not of the least to be considered) I must lay before you the distractions that are at this pre∣sent occasioned through the cause of Parliament; for there are some men that more maliciously then ignorantly, will put no difference between Reformation, and alteration of government.

Hence it cometh that divine Service is irreverently interrupted, and Petitions in an ill way given in, neither disputed nor denied. But I will enter into no more parti∣culars, but shew you a way of remedy, by shewing you my cleer intentions, and some mark that may hinder this good work.

I shall willingly and cheerfully concur with you for the Reformation of all Innovations both in Church, and Common-wealth, and consequently that all Courts of Justice may be reformed according to Law. For my in∣tentions is cleerly to reduce all things to the best and pu∣rest times as they were in the time of Queen Elizabeth.

Moreover, whatsoever part of my Revenew shall be found illegall or heavy to my Subjects, I shall be willing to lay down, trusting in their affections. Having thus cleerly and shortly set down my intentions, I will shew you some rubs, and must needs take notice of some very strange (I know not what tearm to give them) Petitions given in the name of divers Counties, against the establi∣shed government of the Church, and of the great threat∣nings against the Bishops, that they will make them to be but a Cipher, or at least taken away.

If some of them have incroached too much upon the Temporalty (if it be so) I shall not be unwilling these things should be redressed and reformed, as all other a∣buses according to the wisdome of former times; so farre I shall go with you, no farther.

If upon serious debate you shall shew that Bishops have some Temporall Authority, not so necessary for the go∣vernment

of the Church, and upholding Episcopall Ju∣risdiction; I shall not be unwilling to desire them to lay it down, but this must not be understood, that I shall any way conse••t that their voyce in Parliament should be ta∣ken away; for in all the times of my Predecessors since the Conquest; and before, they have enjoyed it; I am bound to maintain them in it, as one of the fundamentall Institutions of this Kingdom.

There is one other Rock you are on, not in substance, but in service; and the form is so essentiall, that unlesse it be reformed, will split you on that R••ck.

There is a Bill lately put in concerning Parliaments. The thing I like well to have frequent Parliaments, but for Sheriffes and Constables to use my Authority, I can no wayes consent unto.

But to shew that I desire to give you content in sub∣stance as well as in shew, that you shall have a Bill for doing thereof, so that it do not trench neither against my Honor, neither against the ancient Prerogatives of the Crownes concerning Parliaments, Ingeniously confesse, often Parliaments is the sittest means to keep correspon∣dency between Me and my People, that I do so much desire.

To conclude, now all that I have shewn you, the state of my Affairs, My own cleer intentions, and the Rooks I would have you shun.

To give you all contentment, you shall likewise finde by these Ministers, I have, or shall have, about me for the effecting of these my good intentions; which shall re∣double the peace of the Kingdome, and content you all. Concerning the conference, you shall have a direct answer on Mun∣day, which shall give you satisfaction.