e time being
passed, the house broke up, and neither the petition nor book read. This
done, her majesty sent to Mr. Speaker, as well for this petition and
book, as for that other petition and book for the like effect, that was
delivered the last session of parliament, which Mr. Speaker sent to
her majesty. On Tuesday, the 28th of February, her majesty sent for Mr.
Speaker, by occasion whereof the house did not sit. On Wednesday, the
first of March, Mr. Wentworth delivered to Mr. Speaker certain articles,
which contained questions touching the liberties of the house, and to
some of which he was to answer, and desired they might be read. Mr.
Speaker desired him to spare his motion until her majesty's pleasure was
further known touching the petition and book lately delivered into the
house; but Mr. Wentworth would not be so satisfied, but required
his articles might be read. Mr. Wentworth introduced his queries by
lamenting that he, as well as many others, were deterred from speaking
by their want of knowledge and experience in the liberties of the house;
and the queries were as follows: Whether this council were not a
place for any member of the same here assembled, freely and without
controlment of any person or danger of laws, by bill or speech to utter
any of the griefs of this commonwealth whatsoever, touching the service
of God, the safety of the prince, and this noble realm? Whether that
great honor may be done unto God, and benefit and service unto the
prince and state, without free speech in this council that may be done
with it? Whether there be any council which can make, add, or diminish
from the laws of the realm, but only this council of parliament? Whether
it be not against the orders of this council to make any secret or
matter of weight, which is here in hand, known to the prince or any
other, concerning the high service of God, prince, or state without the
consent of the house? Whether the speaker or any other may interrupt any
member of this council in his speech used in this house tending to any
of the forenamed services? Whether the speaker may rise when he will,
any matter being propounded, without consent of the house or not?
Whether the speaker may overrule the house in any matter or cause there
in question, or whether he is to be ruled or overruled in any matter
or not? Whether the prince and state can continue, and stand, and
be maintained, without this council of parliament, not altering the
gover