Looking at the current of Parliamentary debates for the last twelve months, the Remonstrance may be regarded as presenting to us the sentiments of the patriotic party. Sir Edward Dering, in May, had gone beyond this remonstrance, far beyond it; but Sir Edward Dering, in November, though the same character that he ever was, had become another kind of politician. The same remarks will apply to others. He now disputed some of the statements in this famous political instrument, vindicated several of the accused bishops and clergy, protested against the spoliation of ecclesiastical estates, and intimated his apprehension of the perilous consequences which would follow the changes now set on foot. Other members pronounced the measure to be unnecessary and unreasonable, because several of the grievances now complained of were already redressed; and they declared that the King, after his concessions, ought not on his return from Scotland to be received by his loyal subjects with ungrateful reproaches.
1641, November.
More was lying underneath the Remonstrance than appeared upon the surface. Looking at the character of the King, his obvious want of sincerity, and his manifest intention to recover what he had lost of arbitrary power whenever he should have the opportunity; considering also the reinvigorated spirit of the party opposed to constitutional reforms; further, taking into account the reaction going on, which had withdrawn from the remonstrants certain active confederates; and pondering, too, the unsettled and disturbed condition of the country at large—the authors of this important measure foresaw that matters could not rest where they were, and that more must be done, or everything would be lost. Breaches made in the Constitution by its enemies, rendered extraordinary efforts necessary for the preservation of popular freedom. Calculating, therefore, on further and more serious struggles, the advanced party determined to make their instrument in question a manifesto, to which they might afterwards appeal in self-justification when that day of battle should come, which appeared to them then, both so likely and so near. This must be remembered, or the Remonstrance will not be understood.
Debates by the Commons.
Regarded by its supporters as their palladium, it was strenuously opposed by courtiers and reactionists. The debate upon the measure, which took place on Monday, November the 22nd, lasted beyond midnight. After lights had been brought in, the members—amidst the gloom of St. Stephen's chapel and the glimmer of a few candles—continued hotly to dispute respecting this great question, with looks of sternest resolution; very distinct to us even now, although upon the darkness made visible, there also rest the shadows of two centuries and a half. Puritans and High Churchmen that night uttered sharp words against each other, as they stood face to face and foot to foot in conflict. A division arose on the clause for reducing the power of Bishops, when 161 voted for it and 147 against it. On the grand division soon afterwards, respecting the Remonstrance itself, 159 voted that it should pass, 148 took the opposite side. This gave but a scant majority. Immediately on the announcement of the result, there arose a discussion as to the printing of the document—a discussion which became more violent than the former ones.[227] The printing of the Remonstrance at once, prior to its being adopted by the Upper House, and prior to its being presented to the Sovereign, could not but be regarded as a step indicative of the elements of the English Constitution being thrown into a state of lamentable derangement. Hyde declared that he was sure the printing of it would be mischievous, and also unlawful: and then proceeded to assert for himself the right of protest, which, in a member of the Lower House, was an act as irregular as even the printing of the Remonstrance could be. Up started Jeffrey Palmer, "a man of great reputation," and likewise claimed that he might protest "Protest, protest," rung in wrathful tones from other lips; and some members, in the storm of their excitement, were on the point of bringing dishonour upon themselves and upon the House. "We had catched at each other's locks," says Sir Philip Warwick, "and sheathed our swords in each other's bowels, had not the sagacity and calmness of Mr. Hampden, by a short speech, prevented it, and led us to defer our angry debate until next morning."[228]
1641, November.
In corroboration of this general statement, and for the filling up of this graphic outline, happily we can turn to the journal of D'Ewes, the Puritan, who, like Warwick, was present, but who took the other side in the controversy. In answer to a question, as to who claimed the right of protest, there were loud cries of "All! All!!" This reporter, who took part with the patriots, goes on to say: "And some waved their hats over their heads, and others took their swords in their scabbards out of their belts, and held them by the pummels in their hands, setting the lower part on the ground, so as if God had not prevented it, there was very great danger that mischief might have been done. All those who cried, 'All! all!' and did the other particulars, were of the number of those that were against the Remonstrance."[229] Whether or not D'Ewes was right in attributing these acts of warlike defiance exclusively to his opponents—in the faint rays of the candle-light he could not have seen very distinctly all which was going on—he certainly substantiates the account given by Warwick of extensive violent confusion, a Parliamentary tempest in short, calmed by the wisdom and moderation of John Hampden. Before the Commons broke up, on that memorable night, it was resolved by 124 against 101, that the declaration should "not be printed without the particular order of the House," a conclusion which left the publication of the Remonstrance open for the present.
Debates by the Commons.
"The chimes of St. Margaret's were striking two in the morning," as Oliver Cromwell came down stairs, and, according to rumour, recorded by Clarendon, met Lord Falkland, and whispered in his ear, "that if the Remonstrance had been rejected, he would have sold all he had the next morning, and never have seen England more; and he knew there were many other honest men of the same resolution."[230]