The king was obliged to sign a commission, empowering the prelates and barons to elect twelve persons, who should, till the term of Michaelmas in the year following, have authority to enact ordinances for the government of the kingdom, and regulation of the king's household; consenting that these ordinances should, thenceforth and forever have the force of laws; allowing the ordainers to form associations among themselves and their friends, for their strict and regular observance; and all this for the greater glory of God, the security of the church, and the honor and advantage of the king and kingdom.[**] * Rymer, vol.iii.p., 167.
** Brady's App.No.50.Heming.

vol.i.p.

247., Walsing.

p.
97.,Ryley, p.

526.
The barons, in return signed a declaration, in which they acknowledged that they owed these concessions merely to the king's free grace; promised that this commission should never be drawn into precedent; and engaged that the power of the ordainers should expire at the time appointed.[*] {1311.} The chosen junto accordingly framed their ordinances, and presented them to the king and parliament, for their confirmation in the ensuing year.