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The Constitution’s Deep Roots
such commissions as aforesaid; which commissioners, and all other of
like nature, are wholly and directly contrary to the said laws and statutes
of this your realm.
X. They do therefore humbly pray your most excellent Majesty, that no
man hereafter be compelled to make or yield any gift, loan, benevolence,
tax, or such like charge, without common consent by act of Parliament;
and that none be called to make, answer, or take such oath, or to give attendance, or be confined, or otherwise molested or disquieted concerning the same or for refusal thereof; and that no freeman, in any such manner as is before mentioned, be imprisoned or detained; and that your
Majesty would be pleased to remove the said soldiers and mariners, and
that your people may not be so burdened in time to come; and that the
foresaid commissions, for proceeding by martial law, may be revoked
and annulled; and that hereafter no commissions of like nature may issue
forth to any person or persons whatsoever to be executed as aforesaid,
lest by colour of them any of your Majesty’s subjects be destroyed or put
to death contrary to the laws and franchise of the land.
XI. All which they most humbly pray of your most excellent Majesty as
their rights and liberties, according to the laws and statutes of this realm;
and that your Majesty would also vouchsafe to declare, that the awards,
doings, and proceedings, to the prejudice of your people in any of the
premises, shall not be drawn hereafter into consequence or example; and
that your Majesty would be also graciously pleased, for the further comfort and safety of your people, to declare your royal will and pleasure,
that in the things aforesaid all your officers and ministers shall serve you
according to the laws and statutes of this realm, as they tender the honour of your Majesty, and the prosperity of this king