=Source.=--Rushworth, _Historical Collections_. Vol. i., p. 53.
The Commons now assembled in Parliament, being justly occasioned
thereunto, concerning sundry Liberties, Franchises, and Privileges of
Parliament, amongst others here mentioned, do make this Protestation
following: That the Liberties, Franchises, Privileges, and
Jurisdictions of Parliament are the ancient and undoubted Birthright
and Inheritance of the subjects of England; and that the arduous
and urgent affairs concerning the King, State and Defence of the
Realm, and of the Church of England, and the maintenance and making
of Laws, and redress of mischiefs and grievances which daily happen
within this Realm, are proper subjects and matter of Counsel and
Debate in Parliament; and that in the handling and proceeding of
those businesses, every Member of the House of Parliament hath, and
of right ought to have, freedom of speech to propound, treat, reason,
and bring to conclusion the same. And that the Commons in Parliament
have like liberty and freedom to treat of these matters in such order
as in their judgments shall seem fittest. And that every member of
the said House hath like freedom from all Impeachment, Imprisonment,
and Molestation (otherwise than by Censure of the House itself)
for or concerning any speaking, reasoning, or declaring of matters
touching the Parliament, or Parliament-business. And that if any of
the said members be complained of and questioned for anything done
or said in Parliament, the same is to be showed to the King by the
advice and assent of all the commons assembled in Parliament, before
the King give credence to any private information.
_His Majesty did this present day in full assembly of his Council
and in the presence of the Judges, declare the said Protestation to
be invalid, annulled, void, and of no effect. And did further manu
sua propria take the said Protestation out of the Journal Book of the
Clerk of the Commons House of Parliament._