House of Commons Journal Volume 8: 25 April 1660

Wednesday, 25th April, 1660.

Prayers.

Parliament meet.

THE Parliament being summoned to meet at Westminster this present Day; the Members of the House of Commons repaired, about Ten of the Clock in the Forenoon, to Margarett's, Westminster, to hear a Sermon which was preached by Dr. Reignolds: And that being ended, they repaired to the Parliament House, went in, and sat in their Places; Edward Birkenhead Esquire, formerly Serjeant at Arms, attending at his Place within the Door of the House.

Sir H. Grimston chosen Speaker.

Whereupon Wm. Peirepont Esquire rose up, and put the House in Mind, that their first Work was to choose their Speaker; and that there was a worthy Person of the Long Robe in his Eye, whom he conceived well experienced, and every way qualified for that Trust; and by the Leave of the House proposed Sir Harbottle Grimston Baronet, who was fully approved of by a general Call of him to the Chair.

He standing up in his Place, offered his Excuse in Respect of the Weakness and Indisposition of his Body and Mind; and there being many others amongst them of the Long Robe, more fit and worthy than himself, he desired the House to pitch upon one of them, to serve them as their Speaker.

But being generally called on by the House; he was by the Lord General Monck, Mr. Holles, and Mr. Peirepont, conducted to and placed in the Chair, the usual Place of the Speaker; where being set, the Mace was called for, and brought in by the Serjeant, and placed on the Table.

Clerk and Officers chosen.

Afterwards the House proceeded to the Choice of their Clerk; and after some short time the Serjeant came out of the House, and called in Mr. Jessop, who being come to the usual Seat of the Clerk, Mr. Speaker informed him, that the House had chosen him to be their Clerk: And thereupon a Vote was entered for the same as followeth;

Resolved, on the Question, by the Commons assembled in Parliament, That William Jessop Esquire be Clerk of the Commons House of Parliament, to attend this House.

Resolved, &c. That James Northfolke Esquire be Serjeant at Arms, to attend this House.

Resolved, &c. That Ralph Darnall Esquire be Clerk Assistant of the Commons House of Parliament, to attend this House.

Election Return.

The Clerk of the Crown, attending at the Door, was called in, and delivered a Book, containing a Return of the Members chosen to serve in this Parliament; according to which the House was called; and those Members, which were present, did, upon their Naming, withdraw into the Committee Chambers and Gallery above; and the whole Book being gone through, the Members returned, and took their Places in the House.

Dr. Reignolds thanked.

Ordered, by the Commons assembled in Parliament, That the Thanks of this House be given to Dr. Reignolds, for his great Pains in the Sermon this Day preached at Margarett's, Westminster, before this House; and he is desired to print the same; and is to have the like Privilege in printing as others in like Case have usually had: And Mr. Serjeant Glyn and Mr. Pryn are to give him Thanks accordingly.

Message from Lords for a Fast.

The House being acquainted, That some Messengers attended at the Door with a Message from the Lords; they were called in.

A Message from the Lords by Mr. Rich, and Mr. Eltonhead, two of the Masters of Chancery;

That they were commanded by the Lords, to desire, that this House will concur with them to keep a Fast on Monday next, to seek the Lord for a Blessing on these distracted Nations.

Resolved, upon the Question, by the Commons assembled in Parliament, that this House doth concur with the Lords, that Monday next be set apart for a Day of Fasting and Humiliation, to seek the Lord for a Blessing on these distracted Nations.

Preachers appointed.

Resolved, &c. That Mr. Calamy be desired to preach and assist in carrying on the Work of Fasting and Humiliation before the House, at Margarett's, Westminster, on Monday next; and Alderman Robinson is desired to give him Notice thereof.

Resolved, &c. That Dr. Gauden be desired to preach and assist in carrying on the Work of Fasting and Humiliation before the House, at Margarett's, Westminster, on Monday next; and Mr. Recorder of London is desired to give him Notice thereof.

Resolved, &c. That Mr. Baxter be desired to preach and assist in carrying on the Work of Fasting and Humiliation before the House at Margarett's, Westminster, on Monday next; and Mr. Swinfin is desired to give him Notice thereof.

New Business.

Resolved, &c. That no new Business be brought into or entertained in the House, after Twelve of the Clock.

The House adjourns itself till To-morrow Morning, at Eight of the Clock.