House of Commons Journal Volume 2: 03 November 1640

Die Martis, 3 Novembris, 1640.

Parliament meets.

ABOUT Nine of Clock this Forenoon, the Earl Marshal of England, Lord High Steward of his Majesty's most Honourable Household, came into the outward Room of the Commons House, accompanied with Mr. Treasurer of the King's Houshold, Sir Thomas Roe, Knight, One of his Majesty's most Honourable Privy Council, and others: Where, when the Cryer of the Chancery had first made Proclamation, and the Clerk of the Crown in Chancery had called over the Names of all such Knights, Citizens, Burgesses, and Barons of the Cinque Ports, as were then returned, his Lordship first swore about threescore, and then made his Deputation under his Hand and Seal; which was openly read by the Clerk of the Parliament attending upon the Commons; and by the which he did constitute those of the Privy Council, and other Members of this House, authorizing them, or any Six, Five, Four, or more of them, in his Place and Stead, to minister the Oaths of Supremacy and Allegiance to all such Members of this House, as had not yet received them, during this present Parliament: Who then departed to wait upon the King; who, about One of Clock, came in his Barge from Whitehall to Westminster Bridge, where the Lords met him; And from thence, in great Solemnity, he came, accompanied with many of his Nobles, through Westminster Hall, and the Court of Requests, to the Abbey, where he heard a Sermon preached by the Bishop of Bristol; and then came to the Lords House: Where his Majesty briefly, and the Lord Keeper more at large, delivered the Causes of summoning this Parliament; such Members of the House of Commons as pleased, being there present.

Mr. Lentall chosen Speaker.

The House of Commons being returned from the Lords and set; after a little Pause, Mr. Treasurer broke the Silence, putting them in mind of the Custom of choosing a Speaker, nominating Mr. Lentall; and with one [Consent], was cried to the Chair. He rose and desired to be excused, for the Weightiness of the Affairs, for his own sake, knowing his own Weaknesses, or at least, for their own sakes. His Excuse did more raise the Cry of all Men to have him to the Chair; and was at length led to the Chair by Mr. Treasurer and Mr. Secretary Windebanke:

Before he took the Chair, he once again desired the House to excuse him.

The House adjourns itself till Thursday at Two of Clock post Meridiem, then to meet to present Mr. Speaker.