The excellency of monarchical government, especially of the English monarchy wherein is largely treated of the several benefits of kingly government, and the inconvenience of commonwealths : also of the several badges of sovereignty in general, and particularly according to the constitutions of our laws : likewise of the duty of subjects, and mischiefs of faction, sedition and rebellion : in all which the principles and practices of our late commonwealths-men are considered / by Nathaniel Johnston ...

THE King

to the Sheriff, Greeting.

Whereas by the Advice and Consent of our Council,* 1.1 for certain diffi∣cult and urgent business con∣cerning us and the State and defence of our Kingdom of England, and the English Church, we have ordained a certain Parliament of ours to be held at our City, of &c. the day, &c. next ensuing, and there to have conference,* 1.2 and to treat with the Prelates, Great Men, and Peers of our said Kingdom. We command and straitly enjoyn you,* 1.3 that making Proclamation at the next County Court after re∣ceipt of this our Writ, to be holden the day and place a∣foresaid;* 1.4 you cause two Knights girt with Swords, the most fit and discreet of the County aforesaid; and of eve∣ry City of that County two Citizens;* 1.5 and of every Bur∣rough,* 1.6 two Burgesses of the discreeter, and most sufficient,* 1.7 to be freely and indifferently chosen by them who shall be present at such Proclamation according to the tenure of the Statutes in that case made and provided,* 1.8 and the names of the said Knights, Citizens and Burgesses so chosen, to be in∣serted

in certain Indentures, to be then made between you and those that shall be present at such Election, whether the parties so elected be present or absent; and shall make them to come at the said day and place;* 1.9 so that the said Knights for themselves, and for the County aforesaid, and the said Citizens and Burgesses for themselves and the Commonal∣ty of the aforesaid Cities and Burroughs, may have several∣ly for them full and sufficient power to perform and to con∣sent to those things which (by the favour of God) shall there happen to be ordained by the Common Council of our said Kingdom concerning the busi∣nesses aforesaid;* 1.10 so that the business may not by any means remain undone for want of such power,* 1.11 or by reason of the improvident Ele∣ction of the aforesaid Knights, Citizens and Burgesses.* 1.12 But we will not in any case, you or any other Sheriff of our said King∣dom shall be elected.* 1.13 And at the day and the place aforesaid the said Election made in the full County Court,* 1.14 you shall cer∣tify without delay to us in our Chancery, under your Seal, and the Seals of them which shall be present at that Election, sending back unto us the other part of the Indenture afore∣said, affiled to these Presents, together with this Writ. Wit∣ness our self at Westminster—

Notes

• * 1.1

  Advice of Privy Council.
• * 1.2

  Conference with Prelates, &c.
• * 1.3

  Proclamation at County-Court.
• * 1.4

  Two Knights girt with Swords, &c.
• * 1.5

  Two Citizens.
• * 1.6

  Two Burgesses.
• * 1.7

  Indifferently chosen by those present at the Proclamation, according to Sta∣tutes.
• * 1.8

  Their Names in∣serted in Indentures betwixt the Sheriff and the Electors.
• * 1.9

  To cause them to come at the Day and Place. The Knights from the County, the Ci∣tizens and Burgesses from their Cities & Burroughs, to have full power to do and consent.
• * 1.10

  Lest for want of that Power, or improvi∣dent Election, the Business be undon••.
• * 1.11

  No Sheriff to be chosen.
• * 1.12

  Election to be in full County.
• * 1.13

  The Indentures to be sealed by the She∣riff and Electors.
• * 1.14

  A Counterpart tac∣ked to the VVrit, returned into the Chancery.