be more sparingly used. That Licenses for Marriage, without Banns asked, be more cautiously granted. These, with such other abuses, yet remaining, and practised in the Church of England, we are able to shew, not to be agree-pended, silenced, disgraced, imprisoned for able to the scriptures, if it shall please your highness farther to hear us, or more at large by writing to be informed, or by conference among the learned to be resolved. And yet we doubt not, but that, without any farther process, your majesty (of whose Christian judgment we have received so good a taste already) is able of yourself, to judge of the equity of this cause. God, we trust, hath appointed your highness our physician to heal these diseases. And we say with Mordecai to Hester, "who knoweth, whether you are come to the kingdom for such a time?" Thus your majesty shall do that, which, we are persuaded, shall be acceptable to God, honourable to pour majesty in all succeeding ages, profitable to his Church, which shall be thereby increased, comfortable to your ministers, which shal! be no more sus men's traditions; and prejudicial to none, but to those that seek their own quiet, credit, and profit in the world. Thus, with all dutiful submission, referring ourselves to your majesty's pleasure, for your gracious answer, as God shall direct you: we most humbly recommend your highness to the Divine Majesty: whom we beseech for Christ his sake to dispose your royal heart to do herein, what shall be to his glory, the good of his Church, and your endless counfort.-Your majesty's most humble subjects, the Ministers of the Gospel, that desire not a disorderly Innovation but a due and godly Re formation. 77. The CASE between Sir FRANCIS GOODWIN and Sir JOHN FORTESCUE, relative to a Return for the County of Buckingham; as it stands upon the Journals of the House of Commons: 1 JAC. I. A. D. 1604. INTRODUCTION. From 1 Cobb. Parl. Hist. 997. ON the 26th of March 1604, upon a motion of the lord Cecil, a Conference was agreed upon to be had with a certain number of the Lower House, concerning the public State of the Nation; and on two things, in particular, Purveyors and Respite of Homage. To which the Commons desired might be added another article concerning the matter of Wards: answer was returned back, by the Lords, "That they liked well the motion for a Conference, touching the last mentioned matter. But, with all, because there were several other things that did concern the public state; of winch it was likewise proper to have conference, before hand, for the better furtherance of the public service; and, ip regard, the said matters were of importance, their lordships desire them to increase the number of their committee as they intended to do theirs." A large Committee of lords were accordingly appointed, consisting of nine earls, one viscount, six bishops, and 13 barons; who were to be attended by the two lord chief justices, four judges, Mr. Serjeant Crook, and Mr. Attorney-General. The commons deputed about 60 knights and burgesses of their house; and this is all that the Journals of the Lords mention of this matter. But the Journals of the Commons are not so silent; for it was, indeed, a business of importance to the Liberties and Privileges of that House. Rapin, (from Coke) represents this affair as another instance of this king's aiming at absolute power. In order to introduce this matter, we shall give a paragraph from this author's History of England, (v. ii, p. 168) and then subjoin the whole Account, as it stands in the Journals of the Commons at this a debate in the house about the return of sir Mean termined in the Case of the contested election. Certainly, the king had engaged in a very nice affair, and probably would not have come off with honour, had he not been disengaged by Goodwin's moderation. Sir Francis, chusing to forfeit his right rather than occasion a quarrel between the King and the Commons, desired the house to order the County of Bucks to elect another knight in his stead. The King and Commos equally accepted of this expedient, which prevented them from coming to extremities; but the king found from hence, that no great account was made of the proclamation upon calling the parliament whereby he meant to be master of the elections." Thus far Mr. Rapin. This Case of sir Francis Goodwin was printed, by order of the House of Commons, in 1704, under the direction of Robert Harley, eq. (afterwards earl of Oxford) then Speaker, on occasion of the famous Debate, at that time, upon the Aylesbury Election. THE CASE. House, and then the Clerk of the Crown commanded to retire to the door: And after, sir Francis Goodwin himself (whom it specially concerned) attending to know the pleasure of the house, was called in, to deliver the state of his own cause, ore tenus; wherein he was heard at large, and commanded again to retire until the house had determined what to do. In this mean time the whole case was at large opened, and argued pro et contra by sundry learned and grave Members of the house, and after much dispute the question was agreed upon, and made. Quest. Whether sir Francis Goodwin were lawfully elected and returned one of the Knights for Bucks; and ought to be admitted and received as a Member of this House? Upon this question it was, Resolved in the affirmative, "That he was lawfully elected and returned, and, de jure, ought to be received." Hereupon the Clerk of the Crown was commanded to file the first Indenture of Return and order was given, that sir Francis should presently take the Oath of Supremacy did accordingly. usual, and his place in the House; which he : Die Martis 27 Martii 1604. Die Jovis 22 Martii, 1603-4. THE first motion was made by sir William Fleetwood, one of the knights returned for the County of Bucks, on the behalf of sir Francis Goodwin, knight; who, upon the first Writ of Sir Francis Bacon, in reporting a conference Summons directed to the Sheriff of Bucks, with the lords, touching Wardship and other was elected the first Knight for that shire: but things, reported that a lord touched the Case of the Return of his Election being made, it was sir Francis Goodwin as a thing he had heard at refused by the Clerk of the Crown (quia utla-large, but did not understand it; and therefore gatus) and because sir John Fortescue, upon desired to know it more particularly from this a second Writ, was elected, and entered in that place, his desire was, that this Return might be examined, and sir Francis Goodwin received as a member of the house. The House gave way to the motion; and for a more deliberate and judicial proceeding in a case of privilege so important to the house, of house. Answer was made, That they had no Warrant from the house to speak of it. Sir Edward Coke, his majesty's attorneygeneral, and Mr. Dr. Hone, bring a Message from the lords, expressing with what acceptaOrdered, That the Serjeant (the proper tion their lordships entertained their motion ⚫ficer of the house) should give warning to the yesterday, not only for the matter being of Clerk of the Crown to appear at the bar at cially for the manner; namely, That, touching very great weight and consequence, but espeeight o'clock the next morning, and to bring Wardship, they would not petition for ease in with him all the Writs of Summous, Inden- it as a matter of wrong, but of grief; and pray ⚫tures, and Returns of Election for the county to be relieved by grace, and not by justice: ⚫ of Bucks, made and returned for this Parlia-And their lordships for answer were desirous, 'ment; and to give warning also to sir Francis Goodwin to attend in person, whom their pleasure was to hear, ore tenus, to deliver the state of his own cause, and the manner and reasons of the proceeding in the Election ' of the Knights of the Shire for that County.' This being a motion tending to Matter of Privilege, was seconded with another by Mr. Serjeant Shirley, touching an arrest of sir Tho. Riley, &c. Die Veneris 23 Martü, 1603-4. Sir George Copping, knight, Clerk of the Crown in the Chancery, this day, (according to former order) being attended by the Serjeant of the House with his mace, appeared at the bar, and produced all the Writs of Summons, Indentures, and Returns made of the Knights for Buckinghamshire for this Parliament; which were severally read by the Clerk of the and moved at that time to couple in the same petition the matter of grievance, of Respite of Homage, which his majesty, out of his gracious favour and love to his people, had himself taken knowledge of, And as they conceive it to be likely, that the conference may continue between the two houses, touching the 'said matters: as they are very zealous of the furtherance of their purpose, so are they jealous of any impediment that may breed lett, or hindrance therein: therefore they desire, for a more clear proceeding and removing of all stumbling-blocks, that the former committees may, in a second conference to be had, have authority to treat touching the Case of sir Francis Goodwin, the Knight for Buckinghamshire, first of all, before any other ⚫ matter were farther proceeded in.' A. The answer to this Message, (as in such own.' cases is for the more part usual) That they | Mr. Wentworth, Mr. Martin, Mr. Serj. Sing, would return answer by messengers of their sir Rob. Wroth, Mr. Fr. Moore, sir Henry Mountague, sir Wm. Fleetwood, Mr. Fuiler, Mr. Serj. Tanfield, Mr. Serj. Hobbard, sir Robert Wingfield, Mr. Hide, Mr. Diet, Mr. Winch, sir Edwin Sandis, sir Fr. Hastings, Mr. Wiseman, sir Geo. Moore, sir Edw. Hobby, sir Rob. Cotton, sir Tho. Lake, sir Oliver St. John, sir Edw. Stafford, Mr. Anthrobus, Mr. Serj. Dodridge, sir Roger Wilbraham, Mr. Solicitor, sir Edw. Tyrrel, to meet at 4 o'clock this afternoon at the ParliamentChamber in the Middle-Temple. Upon this Message it was argued by some, That in no sort they should give account to ⚫ the lords of their proceedings in the house; ⚫ but that Mr. Speaker should from the house be a suitor to his majesty, to have access, and as their common mouth give his bighness satisfaction by direction from the house: That now the Judgment of sir Francis Goodwin's case having passed the house, it could not, nor ought not, to be reversed by them. • A Precedent, 27 Eliz. cited; where a Bill ⚫ brought down from the lords, upon the first reading was rejected; the lords sent messengers to demand a reason of their Judgment. It was denied to yield any reason.' This Argument brought forth this Question, which Mr. Speaker was ordered by the house presently to make, viz. Quest. Whether they should confer with the lords, touching the Case of sir Francis Goodwin the Knight for Buckinghamshire?' * And Resolved, That they should not.' It was then considered as fit to return some Answer of the Message from the lords; and Mr. Secretary Herbert, with some other of the Committees, were appointed to deliver to their lordships, from the house; That they did conceive it did not stand with the Honour and Order of the house, to give account of any their proceedings or doings: but if their lordships have any purpose to confer for the residue, that then they will be ready at such time and place, and with such number as their lordships shall think meet.' Upon the last Message to the lords, the messengers return, That their lordships would ⚫ presently send answer by messengers of their • own.' Sir Edward Coke, his majesty's Attorney General, Mr. Dr. Carew, Mr. Dr. Hone, and Mr. Tyndall, delivered from the lords, That their lordships taking notice in particular of the Return of the Sheriff of Bucks; and acquainting his majesty with it, his highness • conceived himself engaged and touched in honour that there might be some conference of it between the two houses: and to that end, signified his pleasure unto them, and by them to this house.' Upon this Message, so extraordinary and unexpected, the house entered in some consideration what were fit to be done; and Resolved, That his majesty might be moved for access the next day.' And afterwards they understood his pleasure to be, That they should attend at Whitehall at eight the next morning.' But because the time was then somewhat far spent, they Ordered, That the House with Mr. Speaker, should meet at six the next morning in the house.' Yet afore their rising, they thought fit to name a Committee, to set down the effect of that which Mr. Speaker was to deliver from the house to the king, viz. sir Francis Bacon, Die Mercurii, viz. 28 die Martii. Mr. Speaker, with a great number of the house, assembled at 6 a-clock this morning, with a purpose to treat and resolve what should be delivered to his majesty, (being appointed to attend him the same morning at 8 a-clock) touching the Reasons of their Proceedings in sir Francis Goodwin's Case; but because the house was not then thought full enough for a matter of that consequence, they proceeded to the reading of Bills. Upon motion touching Mr. Speaker's attendance on the king, a Committee was named to accompany him, viz. All the Privy-Council, being members of the house: Sir George Carew, Vice-Chamberlain to the queen, sir Francis Bacon, Mr. Serj. Dodridge, sir Henry Moun tague, Mr. Serj. Hobbard, Mr. Serj. Lee, Mr. Fuller, Mr. Hide, Mr. Francis Moore, Mr. Winch, Mr. Tate, Mr. Rd. Martin, Mr. Serj. Shirley, Mr. Serj. Tanfield, sir John Heigham, sir Rob. Oxenbridge, sir Wm. Fleetwood, sir Edwyn Sandis, sir Rob. Wroth, sir George Fleetwood, sir John Scott, sir Herbert Crofts, sir James Scudamore, sir Jerome Horsey, sir Edw. Radcliffe, sir Tho. Holcroft, sir Anthony Rowse, sir Henry Nevill, sir Edw. Mountague, sir Tho. Hobby, sir Michael Sandis, Mr. Tho. Benson, sir Fr. Fane, sir Fr. Hastings, sir Gen. Moore, sir Edw. Hobby, sir Robert Wingfield, sir Maurice Berkley, sir Edw. Tyrrell, sir Wm. Killegrew, sir Fr. Popham, Mr. Fr. Clifford, sir John Savill, sir Tho. Waller, sir Wm Lower, Mr. Nath. Bacon, sir Rd. Verney, sir George Fane, Mr. Toby Alatthew, sir Tho. Ridgway, Mr. Edw. Seymour, sir Wm. Bourlacy, sir Rob. Moore, sir Jona. Trelawney, sir Edw. Denny, sir Tho. Walsingham, sir Fr. Barrington, sir Robert Nappier, sir Valentine Knightley, sir George Carew, Master of the Chancery, sir Nich. Halswell, sir John Thynne, sir Tho. Freake, sir Jerome Bowes, sir Edw. Herbert, sir John Leveson, Mr. Dudley Carleton. tees, were this day, at 8 in the morning, ap Mr. Speaker, together with these Commit pointed to attend his majesty, and to relate the Reasons of the Proceeding of the house in sir Francis Goodwin's Case; where, upon Answer or Reply, such lawyers as be of the Committee are to give their assistance. Die Jovis, viz. 29 die Martii, 1604. Mr. Speaker relateth what he had delivered to the king by warrant from the house the day grief to any purpose in the house to offend him; before, touching their Proceeding in sir Francis His Majesty answered, “He was loth he should be forced to alter his tune; and that he should now change it into matter of grief, by way of contestation. He did sample it to the murmur and contradiction of the people of Israel. He did not attribute the cause of his * Here the accurate Editor of the printed Journals makes this remark," The words (39 H. 6.) seem to be improperly inserted here, and are, in the Book of Notes, placed before the citation of Smyth's Case, 1 Eliz. and in the margin of the Journal itself against these words is written Quære." * VOL. II. This Relation being made, the House did not enter into any further consideration of the matter at that time; but Resolved and Ordered, "That it should be the first matter moved the next morning." Another, for a law to be made, "That never any man outlawed, should show his face here again. The difference, he observed, was some unrespective carriage towards his majesty in this matter; and therefore let our proceeding be dutiful and careful towards him, in advising of some speedy course to give his majesty H to the king, and consider, and resolve of the material Questions that will fall out in the debate of it. 1. Whether this Court hath power to take notice of Returns made before we sit here? 2. Whether men utlawed may be of the house? 3. Whether a man pardoned, having not sued forth a writ of Scire facias, may be called in question? 4. Whether the Writ were returned the 17th of Feb. or no, upon oath of the sheriff?" satisfaction; that is (as he conceived) accord- A Third, "That we ought not to contest with the king; that it is fit to have a Conference: that by it we shall lose no Privilege, but rather gain; for the matters of the Conference will be two, satisfaction of the king, and putting in certainty our Privilege. All is not yet said that may be said; we are not to dispute with one that is governor of thirty legions. Confitendum est ne frustra interrogusset. Let us deal plainly and freely with the Lords, and let them know all the reasons. They are jealous of the Honour of a Privy-Counsellor, we of the Freedom of Election. It is fit great men maintain the Prerogative; so is it fit that we maintain our Privileges. This is a Court of Record, therefore ought we by all means seek to preserve the honour and dignity of it. If a burgess be chosen for two places, the burgess makes his choice for which he will serve, and a warrant shall be directed from Mr. Speaker, in the name of the house, to the Clerk of the Crown to send forth a Writ for a new Election for the other place left; which is a direct proof that it is a Court of Power and Record. We have a Clerk and a Register; all matters that pass here are entered of Record, and preserved. As they stand for the honour of a Counsellor, so we for our Privileges. It is to be wished, that we bad a law to declare our Privileges, that we have a Court of Record and a Register." Obj. We (they say) are but half of the body, and the Lords are the parts nearest the head. Some others were strong in opinion, That we ought not to confer nor to commit, saying, That majesty had conferred with Justice; yet majesty had left the stopping of the wound to us. We should taint ourselves with three great blemishes, if we should alter our Judgment, levity, cruelty and cowardice. There be three degrees of upright Judgment, motion, examination, judgment: all these have passed us. No Court can reform their own judgment. Every day a Term here. Every act that passeth this house is an Act of Parliament. Shall justice float up and down? Shail he be a member to-day, and shall we tear him off tomorrow? If the member be sound, it is violence: if the hand tear the rest, it is cruelty. No part torn, but it may bleed to the ruin of the whole. Let sir Francis Goodwin stand as he is : duty and courage may stand together; let not the house be inveigled by suggestions. This may be called a Quo Warranto to seize our Liberties. There hath been three main Objections. 1. The King's Exception. We could shew no precedent in this kind.' Answ. The King could show no such Writ 'before. Our hands were never sought to be closed before, nor we prevented. It opens a gap to thrust us all into the Petty-Bag. A Chancellor may call a Parliament of what persons he will by this course. Any suggestion by any person, may be cause of sending a new Writ.' By the 2 Obj. by the Lord-Chief-Justice. Answ. Judges cannot take notice of private Customs or Privileges: but we have a Privilege which stands with the law.' The Judges informed the king of the law, but not of a case of privilege. It is true, 35 Hen. 6. ali the Judges resolved, That no outlawed man ought to be admitted; but that was controlled by parliament. It is the same Opinion now; let us control it as then: we have done no offence to the state; let us therefore be constant in our own Judgment. 3 Obj. Another, The king's pleasure, that we should deliver the Reasons of that we have done to be just.' Ans. Nothing ascends to the Head but by the Breasts, &c.-Concl. That we may pray it may be explained by a law what our Privileges are; and that no man outlawed may hereafter be admitted.-There must be a Judge of the Return before we sit; and this is now judged according to the positive laws of the realm by the king, which infringeth not our If we clear our contempt, we have discharged liberty, since we judge after the court is set, ourselves. The king's Bench cannot reverse according to discretion.-No precedent, that their Judgment the same Term; therefore not any man was put out of the house for utlawry; the Parliament. Let us send a message to the therefore it had been fit we should have de-lords, that we are ready so to do, as we do not sired to inform the king that he was misin- undo this house. formed. Let us now leave this particular Case Others, Non coronabitur qui non legitime |