House of Commons Journal Volume 4: 23 January 1645

Die Jovis, Januarii 23, 1644.

Prayers.

THE humble Petition of the Ministers and Preachers of the Word, in the County of Suffolk, desiring a settled Government in the Church, for Repressing of Sects and Schisms, was this Day read; and, upon the Question, approved of. And

Ordered, That Sir Roger North and Sir Rob. Harley do return the Thanks of this House to the Petitioners.

Resolved, &c. That a Conference be desired with the Lords, concerning the Tryal and Proceedings against the Lord Macguire, an Irish Rebel.

Sir Hen. Mildmay went up to the Lords, to desire this Conference.

He likewise carried up to the Lords, for their Concurrence, the Order for furnishing Sir Jo. Price with Pistols, &c.

Mr. Maynard, Mr. Selden, Mr. Nichlas, Mr. Hill, Mr. Corbett, Mr. Reynolds, are appointed to manage this Conference.

Ordered, That Sir Hen. Vane junior's Report concerning the bringing the Scotts Army Southwards, and providing Monies for the Army, be taken into Consideration Tomorrow Morning, the first Business, peremptorily: And that Mr. Speaker put the House in mind hereof.

Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee of both Kingdoms, to take into Consideration, What is fit to be done upon the Papers, which were received from the King; and to present their Opinions to the Houses To-morrow Morning.

The Lords Concurrence to be desired herein.

Sir Hen. Vane junior went to the Lords, to desire their Concurrence herein.

Ordered, That, on Saturday next, peremptorily, the Grand Committee shall sit upon the Affairs of the Navy, according to the former Order: And that Mr. Speaker put the House in mind hereof.

Sir Hen. Vane junior reports, That the Lords do agree in referring the Papers received from the King, to the Committee of both Kingdoms, in such Manner as is desired.

Sir Hen. Mildmay brings Answer, That the Lords do agree to a present Conference, as is desired, concerning the Tryal of the Lord Macguire: Do agree to the Order for Arms for Sir Jo. Price; and that the Committee appointed to treat with the States Ambassadors do meet this Afternoon.

A Message from the Lords, by Sir Edw. Leech and Mr. Page;

The Lords have sent down an Order; wherein they desire the Concurrence of this House: It is for referring the Papers concerning the Treaty to the Committee of both Kingdoms; and that the Fast, to be kept on Wednesday next, may be kept on Tuesday next, by both Houses, and within the Lines of Communication; and that the Ministers be desired, in especial Manner, to beg God's Blessing upon the Treaty.

Answer returned by the same Messengers; That this House has considered their Lordships Message; and will send Answer by Messengers of their own.

The House went, according to former Order, to the Consideration of the Matter of Church-Government.

Resolved, &c. That there shall be fixed Congregations; that is, a certain Company of Christians, to meet in one Assembly, ordinarily, for Publick Worship: When Believers multiply to such a Number, that they cannot conveniently meet in one Place, they shall be divided into distinct and fixed Congregations, for the better Administration of such Ordinances as belong unto them, and the Discharge of mutual Duties.

Resolved, &c. That the ordinary Way of dividing Christians into distinct Congregations, and most expedient for Edification, is by the respective Bounds of their Dwellings.

Resolved, &c. That there shall be one at least in every particular Congregation to labour in the Word and Doctrine.

Resolved, &c. That the Minister, and other ChurchOfficers, in each particular Congregation, shall join in the Government of the Church, in such Manner as shall be established by Parliament.

Resolved, &c. That these Officers shall meet together, at convenient and set Times, for the well Ordering of the Affairs of that Congregation, each according to his Office.

Resolved, &c. That the Ordinances in a particular Congregation are, Prayer; Thanksgiving; and Singing of Psalms; the Word read, although there follow no immediate Explication of what is read; the Word expounded and applied; Catechizing; the Sacraments administred; Collection made for the Poor; Dismissing of the People with a Blessing.

Resolved, &c. That many particular Congregations shall be under one Presbyterial Government.

Resolved, &c. That the Church be governed by Congregational, Classical, and Synodical Assemblies, in such Manner as shall be established by Parliament.

Resolved, &c. That Synodical Assemblies shall consist both of Provincial and National Assemblies.

Ordered, That the Committee formerly appointed do meet this Afternoon; and collect the several Votes passed concerning the Government of the Church; and present them to the House To-morrow Morning.

Resolved, &c. That the Committee of the whole House do meet this Afternoon at Three of Clock, to take into Consideration the new Model of the Army.

Ordered, That the humble Petition of John Davies, Merchant, be referred to the Consideration of the Committee for the Navy, for the Petitioner's Accommodation.