Some persons, acting for the Clerk of the Commonwealth in Chancery, stood there, with tickets certifying that such and such members had been duly returned and also "_approved by his Highness's Council";_ the doors of the House were guarded by soldiers; and none but those for whom the tickets had been made out were allowed to enter.

About ninety-three found themselves thus excluded; among whom, were Hasilrig, Scott, Irby, Sir Harbottle Grimston, the Earl of Salisbury, Maynard, four of the six members for the city of London, and Sir Anthony Ashley Cooper.

The residue, who had received tickets, proceeded to constitute the House, and unanimously elected Sir Thomas Widdrington, Sergeant at Law and one of the Commissioners of the Treasury, for their Speaker.

Almost the only other business that day was to thank Dr.Owen for his sermon, and order it to be printed.[1] [Footnote 1: Commons Journals, Sept.

17, 1656; and Parl.Hist.