A parliamentary document running to more than 200 clauses and narrowly passed by the House of Commons in late November 1641, it listed perceived grievances and misgovernment, most occurring since 1625, some of them already resolved by legislation passed in the opening year of the Long Parliament, many others still outstanding. Although both the contents of the document and its subsequent wider circulation outraged some moderates, the king’s formal response in December was measured, urging parliament to draw up bills dealing with further desired reforms and to present clear evidence and specific charges against any of his councillors and advisers suspected of crimes, suggesting some sort of synod to consider religious reforms, but rebuffing suggestions for more extensive reductions in his royal power and prerogative.
