LETTERS FROM STEPHENS. 271 



justices, and Serjeant Crew, who approve it well; and we 

 are all of opinion, that it is not good to have it more peremp 

 tory, more particular, nor more sharp. 



We are thinking of some commonwealth laws, amongst 

 which I would have one special for the maintenance of the 

 navy, as well to give occasion to publish (to his majesty s 



to intermit (if the occasions give us leave) the treaties of peace and accord, 

 which we have already begun, and whereof the coming on of the winter, and 

 the counterpoise of the actions of war, hitherto may give us as yet some appear 

 ance of hope. 



But, forasmuch as it were great improvidence to depend upon the success of 

 such treaties, and therefore good policy requires that we should be prepared for 

 a war, which we intend for the recovery and assuring of the said palatinate, with 

 the dependencies (a design of no small charge and difficulty, the strength and 

 conjunctures of the adverse party considered), we have thought good to take 

 into our princely and serious consideration (and that with speed) all things that 

 may have relation to such a designment ; amongst which we hold nothing more 

 necessary than to confer and advise with the common council of our kingdom, 

 upon this so important a subject. 



For although the making of war or peace be a secret of empire, and a thing 

 properly belonging to our high prerogative royal and imperial power ; yet never 

 theless, in causes of that nature, which we shall think fit not to reserve, but to 

 communicate, we shall ever think ourselves much assisted and strengthened 

 by the faithful advice and general assent of our loving subjects. 



Moreover, no man is so ignorant as to expect that we should be any ways able 

 (monies being the sinews of war) to enter into the list against so great poten 

 tates, without some large and bountiful help of treasure from our people, as well 

 towards the maintenance r of the war as towards the relief of our crown and 

 estate. And this the rather, for that we have now, by the space of full ten years 

 (a thing unheard of in late times) subsisted by our own means, without being 

 chargeable to our people, otherwise than by some voluntary gifts of some par 

 ticulars ; which, though in total amounting to no great matter, we thankfully 

 acknowledge at their hands : but as, while the affairs abroad were in greater 

 caln&amp;gt;, we did content ourselves to recover our wants by provident retrenchment 

 of charge, and honourable improvement of our own, thinking to wear them out 

 without troubling our people ; so in such a state of Christendom, as seemeth 

 now to hang over our heads, we durst no longer rely upon those slow remedies, 

 but thought necessary (according to the ancient course of our progenitors) to re 

 sort to the good affections and aids of our loving subjects. 



Upon these considerations, and for that also in respect of so long intermission 

 of a parliament, the times may have introduced some things fit to be reformed, 

 either by new laws, or by the moderate desires of our loving subjects, dutifully 

 intimated unto us (wherein we shall ever be no less ready to give them all gra 

 cious satisfaction than their own hearts can desire), we have resolved, by the 

 advice of our privy council, to hold a parliament at our city of Westminster. 



And because, as well this great cause (there to be handled amongst the rest, 

 and to be weighed by the beam of the kingdom) as also the true and ancient in 

 stitution of parliament, do require the lower house (at this time if ever) to be 

 compounded of the gravest, ablest, and worthiest members that may be found : 

 we do hereby, out of the care of the common good, wherein themselves are par 

 ticipant (without all prejudice to the freedom of elections) admonish all our 

 loving subjects (that have votes in the elections of knights and burgesses) of 

 these few points following. 



First, That they cast their eyes upon the worthiest men of all sorts, knights 

 and gentlemen, that are lights and guides in their countries, experienced parlia 

 ment men, wise and discreet statesmen, that have been practised in public 

 affairs, whether at home or abroad ; grave and eminent lawyers, substantial 



