A speech delivered at a conference with the Lords, January 25, MDCXLII by occasion of the petitions from the citie of London, and the counties of Middlesex, Essex, and Hertford / by John Pym, Esquire.

JANUARY 25. 1642.

At a Conference betwixt both Houses, concer∣ning divers Petitions presented &c.

My LORDS,

I Am commanded by the Knights, Citizens, and Bur∣gesses, assembled in Parliament, to present to your Lordships divers Petitions, which they have received from severall parts concerning the State of the Kingdom: whereunto they are chiefly moved by that constant Affe∣ction, which they have alwayes exprest, of maintaining a firme Union and good correspondence with your Lord∣ships, wherein they have ever found much advantage, and contentment; but never held it more important and neces∣sary, then at this time, wherein the Wisedome and Reso∣lution of Parliament, have as many great Dangers and dif∣ficulties to passe through, as ever heretofore.

We are united in the publique trust, which is derived from the Common-wealth in the common dutie and ob∣ligation whereby God doth binde us to the discharge of that trust: and the Commons desire to impart to your Lordships whatsoever Information or Intelligence, what∣soever encouragement or assistance they have received from those several Countries, which they represent, that so likewise we may be united in the same intentions and endeavours of improving all to the service of his Majesty, and the common good of the Kingdome.

The Petitions which I am directed to communicate to your Lordships, are four: from London, Middlesex, Essex, and Hertfordshire. We have received many more, but it would take up too much time, & be too great a trouble to peruse all; & in these foure, you may perceive the effect & sense of all: First, I am to desire your Lordships to heare them read, and then I shall pursue my Instructions in pro∣pounding some Observations out of them.