A declaration of the engagements, remonstrances, representations, proposals, desires and resolutions from His Excellency Sir Tho: Fairfax, and the generall councel of the Army. For setling of His Majesty in His just rights, the Parliament in their just priviledges, and the subjects in their liberties and freedomes. With papers of overtures, of the army with the Kings Majesty, the Parliament, the citie, and with the souldiery amongst themselves. Also representations of the grievances of the Kingdome, and remedies propounded, for removing the present pressures whereby the subjects are burthened. And the resolution of the army; for the establishment of a firme and lasting peace in Church and Kingdome. Die Lunæ, 27. Septembris, 1647. Whereas Math: Simmons hath beene at great charges in printing the Declarations and Papers from the Army in one volume. It is ordered by the Lords in Parliament assembled, that the said Math: Simmons shall have the printing and publishing thereof for the space of one whole yeare from the date hereof. And that none other shall re-print the same during that time. John Brown, Cler. Parliamentorum.

The Explanation or Declarations of the sence of His Excellency and the ge∣nerall Councell of the Army upon severall particulars in the Proposalls afore-going, in answer to certain Queries thereupon made by the Commissioners of Parliament re∣siding with the Army, agreed upon at the generall Councel held at Putney, on Thurs∣day Septem. 16. 1647.

1. Ʋpon the first generall Head.

TO the Quere concerning the time of commencement of the yeare with∣in which a period to this Parliament is desired.

The explanation was thought fit to be suspended, untill it should appear what expedition will be made in the settlement of the things proposed.

2. Ʋpon the first particular under the first generall Head:

To the Quere [Whether not rather Trienniall Parliaments and the act for that purpose to be continued with supplementall additions according to the effect of the particulars contained under this generall Head.]

Resolved, That as to the circumstance of time we are satisfied with either Bienniall or Trienniall Parliaments, provided, that (in case Triennialls be prefer'd) there be a proportionable addition to the time for the certainety of their sitting to, viz. to be (at least) for six or eight monthes.

3. Ʋpon the second particular under the first generall Head.

To the Quere concerning the prejudice of laying a limitation upon Par∣liaments not to sit past 240. dayes.

Resolved, That that limitation is to be understood with this exceptions,

viz. unlesse any Parliament shall find it necessary for the safety of the King∣dome to sit longer, but still with this proviso, That each Parliament shall dissolve of course at least 80. dayes before the next Bienniall or Trien∣niall if not otherwise dissolved sooner, so as that course of new Elections may never be interrupted.

4. Vpon the eighth particular under the first generall Head.

To the Quere concerning the prejudice to Parliament freedom, which this particular might induce.

Resolved, That the liberty of entring dissents is not desired, but in case where the major vote may bee to the destruction or prejudice of the Com∣mon Right or liberty of the Subject.

5. Ʋpon the first particular under the second generall head, viz. concer∣ning the Militia.

To the Quere concerning whats ment by the power of the Militia.

Resolved, That by these words [the power of the Militia] is meant the po∣wer of raising, arming, &c. according to the expressions used in the Propo∣sition of both Kingdoms concerning the Militia.

6. Ʋpon the third particular under the same Head.

To the Quere concerning the expressing of that power of raising & dis∣posing moneys by both Houses.

Resolved, That we are well satisfied in the expressions thereof used in the Propositions of both Kingdoms concerning that matter.

7. Ʋpon the fourth generall Head.

To the Quere, what great Officers are meant.

Resolved, The same that are named in the Proposition of both Kingdoms together with the office of High Admiral, or Commissioners for the Admi∣all.

8. Ʋpon the fourteenth Head concerning the King.

To the first Quere concerning the extent of these words [without dimi∣nution to their personall rights.

Resolved, That those words were not intended to extend to any part of the Revenues that have come, or shall become due before the settlement, so as to invalid or question any disposure thereof made by the Houses of Par∣liament, or by authority derived from them.

To the second Quere upon the same head concerning the extent of these word [without further limimitation to the exercise of the Royall power.]

Res. That these words are intended only as exclusive to any farther new limitations, not to any that have been made heretofore by the Laws of the Land. Putney, 16. Septemb. 1647.

By the appointment of His Excellency Sir Tho: Fairfax, and the generall Councell of the Army.